Welcome to Gospel-Spotlight.com!! GS NEWS ROOM, #1 FIRST WITH REAL NEWS November 20, 2024 UPDATE!!... Swizz Beatz and Timbaland are catching heat.... Kendrick and Drake.... Tubi’s viewership soared to its highest level.... November 20, 2024 UPDATE!!...Surgeon General Vivek Murthy urged Congress to mandate mental health warnings..... News News News News News News News News News ----------------------------------------------------- Jade Anouka and Chloe Lea shared insight into their captivating roles in the debut season of HBO’s “Dune: Prophecy.” “From the expansive universe of Dune, created by acclaimed author Frank Herbert, and 10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides, DUNE: PROPHECY follows two Harkonnen sisters as they combat forces that threaten the future of humankind and establish the fabled sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit,” per the official logline. Chloe takes on the role of Sister Lila, a young acolyte whose profound empathy and upbringing within the Sisterhood set her apart. Meanwhile, Jade portrays Sister Theodosia, a fiercely loyal and ambitious acolyte who found refuge in the Sisterhood during a pivotal moment in her life. In this exclusive, the actors discuss the complex dynamics of their characters who bring new layers to the epic saga. “She has a very daunting, big decision to make, which means that she questions everything that she’s ever known and everything she’s ever trusted,” said Chloe of Sister Lila’s journey. “I feel like she has a lot of conflicting opinions about this big choice that she’s being forced to make. It’s a journey of self-discovery and also of fulfillment and finding your purpose in the world. That’s what I feel Leila is trying to figure out,” she added. https://youtu.be/CzVHWNosS2o The legendary DJ Mars, shared insights into his remarkable journey from his first vinyl purchase to becoming one of music’s most versatile DJs, spinning for artists like Usher, Monica, and OutKast. Born in 1973, the same year as hip-hop’s documented birth, Mars’s connection to music started early. His first vinyl purchases in the early ’80s – Africa Bambaataa‘s “Planet Rock,” Herbie Hancock‘s “Rockit,” and Run-DMC‘s “Sucker M.C.s” – set the foundation for his future in music. During this period, he immersed himself in hip-hop culture, attending concerts like the Fresh Festival, Run DMC’s Raising Hell tour, and the Def Jam tour. “It’s the way the sounds and the lyrics talk to you, whether it’s sounds from a jazz musician or the way the James Brown rhythm hits you in a funk song,” Mars explained about his attraction to music. “Hip-hop’s usage of sampling and placing this sound with that sound, and then making a fresh new sound is what’s so exciting about it to me.” Netflix has released the trailer and first look images for its new thriller “The Madness” starring Colman Domingo as a media pundit caught in a deadly conspiracy. “You can just turn on the news right now, and you’re like, ‘What is being said? And how is that being done? And why is that normal?’ None of it is normal,” Domingo told Netflix’s Tudum. “This [series] is really letting you know that you’re right. It’s not normal. Let’s get to the bottom of it.” Executive producer and director Clement Virgo added, “The Madness is a metaphor for the world we are in now: the social media world.” Per Netflix, “The Madness stars Domingo as media pundit Muncie Daniels, who must fight for his innocence and his life after he stumbles upon a murder deep in the woods of the Poconos mountains. As the walls close in, Muncie strives to reconnect with his estranged family — and his lost ideals — in order to survive.” https://youtu.be/m8rpXHCa8kE The new Prime Video series “Cross” takes audiences back into the thrilling world of the iconic detective, Alex Cross. Based on the beloved books by James Patterson, the series brings together an incredible cast and dynamic character depth under the guidance of showrunner Ben Watkins and starring Aldis Hodge in the lead role. With a fresh narrative, *Cross* promises a blend of heart-stopping crime-solving with complex character dynamics. Co-stars Samantha Walkes and Alona Tai, who bring new female energy and dimension to Alex’s world, share insights on portraying two significant yet contrasting relationships in Alex’s life. Samantha Walkes, who plays Elle, Alex’s childhood friend, reveals how her character serves as a grounding force. “We have a lot of love for Ben Watkins and his writing room,” Walkes explains. “Elle’s character is beautifully multi-dimensional. She’s not just a love interest—she’s part of the healing process for Alex.” Walkes described Elle as “the heart” of the series, a character who calls Alex to a higher standard and continually challenges him to be his best self, often reminding him of his potential. https://youtu.be/GOupIB773tI A judge on Tuesday said that prosecutors can’t use the personal notes and materials obtained from the jail cell of Sean “Diddy” Combs at an upcoming bail hearing. Lawyers for Combs previously accused federal prosecutors of “outrageous” conduct for obtaining the former music mogul’s personal notes from his jail cell. Prosecutors had claimed in a court filing last week that, based in part on the notes seized, Combs was attempting to influence witnesses ahead of his trial. The notes, which prosecutors have said were seized during a pre-planned sweep of Bureau of Prison facilities, included privileged material about defense witnesses and strategy, according to attorneys for Combs. “I cannot think of anything more in the heartland of attorney-client privileged material than a lawyer telling his incarcerated, waiting-for-trial client, ‘Here’s the name of a potential witness,’” defense attorney Marc Agnifilo said in court Tuesday. https://youtu.be/WZR4BpAv8SI His lawyers said they first learned that prosecutors possessed his notes from a court filing last week. “The strong inference to be drawn from the defendant’s communications with Witness-2 and his personal notes is that the defendant paid Witness-2 after she posted her statement,” prosecutors wrote in the filing. In court on Tuesday, prosecutor Christy Slavik said the notes were reviewed by a filter team of individuals for any privileged materials before they were turned over. She said many of the notes were not related to the case at all and included things like inspirational quotes and family members’ birthdays. Combs lawyers said they want to know who authorized a search of Combs’ area, who gave the paperwork to the US Attorney’s Office, and what material was taken. Combs is due in court on Friday as his lawyers try for the third time to get him released on bond. https://youtu.be/_KW1fg8Qpsc Waynorth Music celebrates a decade of chart-topping hits and life-changing moments by GRAMMY-nominated triple-threat, Jekalyn Carr. Jekalyn Carr marks a momentous milestone as she celebrates 10 years in the music industry, all this coming on the heels of a brand-new Billboard and Mediabase Gospel number one single, “You Carried Me.” Carr’s entire decade of chart-topping success has been backed by her independent family-owned label, WayNorth Music. Since her debut at just 15 years old, Carr has captivated audiences worldwide with her powerful voice, heartfelt lyrics, and unwavering message of faith and hope. Now, a decade later, she continues to reach new heights as an artist and an inspiration, celebrating a career that has broken records and touched lives across the globe. Carr is the youngest artist in the gospel music industry to have stayed at the top of the charts for an entire decade, including accomplishing nine #1 Billboard hit radio singles for an entire decade: “You Will Win,” “You’re Bigger,” “It’s Yours,” “Changing Your Story,” “Jehovah Jireh,” “My Portion,” “I Believe God,” “Live Again,” and “You Carried Me.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVvUxS9avF8 Jim Vierra is the songwriter and storyteller who creates lyrics that inspire hope, ignite joy, and deliver God's healing promises. GRAMMY® nominated singer Ron Poindexter has one of Gospel and Christian music's most versatile and life-inspiring voices. Vierra and Poindexter's collaborative effort has yielded an inspiring anthem, "Jesus Lift Me Up." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tHHwtUawEI Denzel Washington says Americans are being “manipulated” by politicians “on both sides.” Speaking with The Sunday Times about “Gladiator 2,” Washington noted how the film mirrors aspects of contemporary American politics, exploring themes like power struggles and populism. “It’s all politics. All promises unkept. And now with the information age the way it is – if anything – left, right, whatever had better learn how to use those tools to manipulate the people,” the Oscar-winning actor said. “We’re all slaves to information now. We really are. We’re all slaves,” Washington added. “So whatever you feel about the leaders, like this guy’s crazy or the other one is sane, you’d better realize you’re being manipulated by both sides. Period. So go to the movies.” Washington recently caused a fan frenzy after claiming that he intends to retire after making “Black Panther 3.” https://youtu.be/TQwSz88ITAE Al B. Sure addressed comments from his son Quincy Brown, who appeared to take a jab at the iconic R&B singer while marking the sixth anniversary of his mother Kim Porter’s passing on November 15. Quincy took to social media to share a photo of himself as a young boy and Porter along with the caption, “Here’s a rare photo of me with my Mom and Dad. ❤️ I miss you every day.” In the original post, Al is not in the picture, which prompted fans to speculate that Brown, who was raised by Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, was dissing his dad. Kimora Lee Simmons hit up the comment section writing, “Now quincy….. 🫢”When Al B. posted a tribute for Porter, fans pressed him in the comments about his relationship with his son and asked if Quincy unblocked him. Al responded: “The real question is he still following a man that abused his mother and he knows it very clearly. Think about that when you’re sitting at your desk at work on Monday trying to unravel this mystery in your mind 🦋.” When another person asked if he saw Quincy’s shady comment in his tribute post, Al B. referenced 50 Cent’s upcoming Netflix documentary about Diddy, writing: “It wasn’t shade, his father ws the one taking the picture of him and Kimberly 🕊️ That’s just everyone being thirsty for more perceived drama. It’s all for the internet. Wait for it @Netflix @50cent”. https://www.instagram.com/p/DCaS_p5SYTN/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=7e731856-defe-4263-9aea-80688f6c5926 In a follow up response, he added, “What my son @Quincy knows very clearly is that I actually took that photo of he and his mother Kimberly in the parking lot of Toys-R-Us. He liked the red car so much that he decided he was going to ride it right out of the store,” Al explained. “I found that photo and gave it to Kim because she called me and told me all of our family photos miraculously burned up in a house fire (it was actually a flood). One of the many facts that the whole has no clue about. Wait for the new film on Netflix. You’ll go into culture shock when y’all find out the truth.🕊️ #Justice4KimPorter.” Porter was close friends with Kimora and the former model responded to Al in the comments on a Shade Room post, writing: “Al w all respect you were def not taking that picture. That is NOT true. Let’s keep it really real. No need to conflate lies for the public. Please 🙏🏽❤️” Al B. clapped back at Kimora in a separate tribute post for Kim on Instagram. “Mrs. Kimora Lee Buckley, Simmons, Perkins, Leissner, and Hounsou should choose her words carefully when addressing Mr. Al B. Sure! It would be wise for her to express kindness, gratitude, or refrain from comment altogether,” he wrote. “Please refer to the screen shots of Kimberly’s DM exchanges (which have now been deleted from her account and disconnected from Al B!’s.).” https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCaw9rWxoL5/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=f4431e5b-f8b0-41bb-bbcf-64f1caae8bef “It might be more beneficial for you to address Author Chris Todd directly, who has published edited works given to him by one or more of Kim’s”Close Friends,” post Kim’s M**der that present stories about you, also including the nonexistent “Calculated Fiction” about Sean and I who’ve only ever had contact with each other in the past 30 years in a lobby of the Netflix building in LA to support Quincy, right before Kim’s untimely death,” he added before noting that the intends to pursue “ a full investigation into her death and all who have been working together to cover up the alleged crimes.” https://www.instagram.com/reel/DChhq0gNYhb/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=07a26f5c-c02b-4f9f-9cee-c63dcd3c284f Attorney Tony Buzbee, known for filing a series of civil lawsuits against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, is now facing a lawsuit himself. An anonymous plaintiff referred to as John Doe and reportedly connected to Combs, has accused Buzbee and his law firm of an extortion plot, TMZ reports. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles, alleges that Buzbee attempted to coerce the plaintiff into paying large sums of money under the threat of making “wildly false horrific allegations” public. The lawsuit claims Buzbee’s firm “threatened to unleash entirely fabricated and malicious allegations of sexual assault — including multiple instances of rape of a minor, both male and female — against Plaintiff if he refuses to comply with their demands” the legal filing states, per ABC News. “These baseless accusations are nothing more than a weapon in a calculated plot to destroy Plaintiff’s high-profile reputation for profit, despite the complete absence of any factual basis for such claims,” the lawsuit continues. Last month it was reported that Buzbee is one of the lead attorneys who intend to file 120 sexual assault lawsuits against Combs in New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. https://youtu.be/_Vcb2PfaBAc Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Media production company is backing a new reality dating show for baby boomers titled “The Later Daters.” Executive produced by the former first lady, the docuseries “follows singles in their 50s, 60s, and 70s as they try for their second (or third, or fourth) chance at love,” per Netflix. “Throughout the eight episodes, six baby boomers — many of whom haven’t been in a relationship in over a decade — go on a series of blind dates with potential partners of a similar age,” the streamer’s description states. “Helping them navigate the modern dating landscape are their children, close friends, and a certified expert: dating coach Logan Ury, whose mission is to help people (especially those who are out of practice) find love. She offers the singles realistic dating goals and expectations while also encouraging them to relish the unexpected, joyous moments that come with meeting new people.” All eight episodes of “The Later Daters” drop on Nov. 29. https://youtu.be/PutwAZwHIk8 Rachel Lindsay has officially closed the chapter on seeking love through reality television. The former star of “The Bachelorette” recently reflected on her experience and made it clear she has no interest in returning to the world of televised dating. After her marriage to Bryan Abasolo, whom she met and got engaged to during the 13th season of the ABC show in 2017, ended in divorce, Rachel is determined to pursue romantic connections “organically” moving forward. Speaking to TMZ outside Erewhon in Los Angeles, Rachel shared an update on her post-divorce life and emphasized her focus on having fun while single. She also rejected the idea of participating in a dating show again, saying she has “learned [her] lesson.” Over the summer, Lindsay was ordered to pay her ex-husband $13,000 a month in alimony. As we reported, she previously offered Abasolo $10,000 a month, but he turned it down and requested $16,000 instead, according to InTouch. https://youtu.be/G5c6A_BNsAM In a heated city council meeting in Fort Worth, Texas, social commentator/provocateur Charleston White found himself forcibly removed after delivering a provocative speech that drew immediate backlash. Known for his polarizing views, White ignited controversy as he warned council members of Black individuals “invading” predominantly white neighborhoods and allegedly spreading sexually transmitted diseases. The incident, which has since surfaced online in a viral clip, began as White addressed the council from the podium. Tension escalated when a female council member interrupted him, cautioning that he would be asked to leave if he continued with offensive language. Undeterred, White expressed his belief that Black people have historically experienced disparities and have been subjected to systemic injustices. “This country once sold my ancestors, so civility is something that Black people don’t typically get exposed to in this country. But I do understand the constitution, so I do come in uncivil behavior,” White proclaimed, invoking a historical context to support his viewpoint. Comparing the council members to the biblical Pharaoh, he emphatically criticized their apparent lack of empathy for the very community they serve, citing, “There’s somewhere in the Bible that [says] it was God that hardened the heart of Pharaoh. And you guys kind of represent Pharaoh in modern-day times.” https://youtu.be/QVb1SoqUj0c One of our favorites, Katt Williams, the renowned comedian and actor, recently opened up about his complex relationship with the long-running sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live (SNL). During an engaging discussion at New York Magazine’s Vulture Festival, Williams expressed his beliefs that the show’s writers and cast view him as a “b**ch,” resulting from a parody featuring him performed by female cast member Ego Nwodim. Williams, now 53, has been a frequent target of parody on SNL, with nine impressions of him aired over the years. Despite this continued spotlight, he pointed out the irony that he has never been invited as a host on the show. “I, at this point, take it as a badge of honor that they don’t f**k with me,” he stated, highlighting what he perceives as a lack of respect from the show’s lineup. https://youtu.be/p5174L4TZu4 Reflecting on the SNL parody stemming from his viral interview with Shannon Sharpe on Club Shay Shay, Williams elaborated, “A lot of times when people are doing an impression of you, they’re really showing you how they feel about you.” He interprets the decision to have a woman impersonate him as a statement of disrespect, leading him to conclude that the SNL team likely views him in a derogatory light. In the same interview, Williams also took a moment to delve deeper into his intentions during his infamous conversation with Sharpe. He confessed that he initially aimed to “kill the careers” of several well-known comedians, including Cedric The Entertainer and Kevin Hart, through harsh critiques. “I thought that I had figured out the algorithm mathematically,” he shared of his approach, admitting he ultimately toned down the heat of his commentary. “I erased all of the knockout blows and just left the jabs,” he explained, emphasizing that the jabs served as a reminder of the deeper knowledge he carries about his peers’ careers. Williams’ reflections bring to light the interplay of tension and respect in the world of comedy, where even parody can reflect more profound emotions and rivalries. As the conversation continues to circulate, it raises questions about how artists view each other within their industry and how public perceptions influence professional relationships. With Williams unapologetically asserting his status amidst controversy, his words keep the conversation about respect, parody, and the evolution of comedic talent at the forefront of public discourse. https://youtu.be/Htvb7RdcaMI Christmas tree farmers across the Northeast are looking decidedly less merry as they struggle to keep their trees alive amid a weeks-long drought that has left vegetation brown, shriveled, and crisp. Nearly 60% of the Northeast was in drought last week, according to the US Drought Monitor, and more than a quarter of it was in severe to extreme drought conditions, having received little to no rain for weeks. It’s the young trees at Christmas tree farms that are getting hit hardest, threatening to impact many farms’ tree sales in the future, since it takes about seven to eight years to grow a mature Christmas tree. At Vandervalk Farm in Mendon, Massachusetts, the trees that are thriving right now were planted 10 to 15 years ago. https://youtu.be/sua13afz40g Meanwhile, about 500 of the 2,700 Christmas trees the farm planted earlier this spring have already died from drought conditions. “This year’s been too dry. They’re all yellow on the inside, the needles are falling off,” farm manager Chris Moran told CNN affiliate WBZ-TV. Moran added: “No farm needs no water. Without water, we can’t grow anything.” “We lost 20 to 25 percent of the trees that we planted this year,” he added, which means that “in ten years, I have 25 or 20 percent less of my product to sell.” https://youtu.be/r_8aVcPJeOs Jami Warner, executive director of the American Christmas Tree Association, agrees with the grim outlook. “Christmas tree farms in the Northeast have, unfortunately, been hit with drought conditions that will impact the crop for several years to come,” Warner told CNN. “While consumers will be able to find their Christmas trees this season, some growers in the Northeast will not be able to harvest as many trees as they have in past non-drought years.” Moran is not alone. Further south in Virginia, Darryl Schwartz, the owner of Whispering Pines Nursery, also said the farm has not received rain in five weeks. He’s had to water some trees by hand. “It’s the first time in 40 years I’ve ever had to do that,” Schwartz told CNN affiliate WWBT-TV. “It was quite a worry this year going so long without rain just before harvest time.” https://youtu.be/N8FtGmj-_1w 2024 is on track to be the hottest year on record, according to the World Meteorological Organization, and follows an ongoing streak of record-shattering warm years. The growing concentration of planet-heating pollution in the atmosphere is drastically changing the weather and reshaping many things humans value the most, including one of Christmas’s most beloved centerpieces. Moran said he blames the changing climate. His farm already saw a shortage after the area was hit with too much rain last year. This year, he’s had to deal with the opposite. https://youtu.be/Vkxa-oww9VA By now you’ve probably heard about Donald Trump’s prospective cabinet picks and other appointments that have caught some people off guard. I’m not sure why they’re surprised since nearly everybody from his first administration said ‘Hell no’ to working with Trump ever again in life. To hear some of them tell it, working with him the first time was like working at an adult daycare center where they had to prevent the big babies from killing themselves and us. So, it’s expected that the biggest baby of them all now wants to surround himself with complicit puppets that he can control instead of them trying to keep him under control. Cabinet appointees are supposed to pass background checks and Senate confirmation, but Trump is trying to find ways to get around these roadblocks. Either way, Americans knew what they were getting when they cast their ballot for him. They f**k’d around. Now we’re about to find out what Trump’s version of MAGA looks like. Maybe then, some people will admit this really is who Americans are. Click the video above for my take on it. https://youtu.be/2Ou5rERlVYU Disney has set a release date for “Eyes of Wakanda,” the animated “Black Panther” spinoff created by Todd Harris for the streaming service Disney+. We reported earlier that the upcoming miniseries will span various time zones, following a diverse range of characters searching for dangerous vibranium artifacts, according to ScreenRant. Here’s the logline: “Throughout Wakandan history, brave warriors have been tasked to travel the world retrieving dangerous vibranium artifacts. This is their story.” “Eyes of Wakanda is an MCU show,” Brad Winderbaum, Marvel Studios’ Head of Streaming, Television and Animation, told ComicBook. “This is the history of Wakanda as told through the War Dogs, and it is some of the best animation we’ve ever done. Todd Harris is the creator of that one. That’s just such a cool show.” The four-episode series features the voices of Winnie Harlow, Cress Williams, Patricia Belcher, Larry Herron, Adam Gold, Lynn Whitfield, Jacques Colimon, Jona Xiao, Isaac Robinson-Smith, Gary Anthony Williams, Zeke Alton, Steve Toussaint, and Anika Noni Rose. “Eyes of Wakanda” is the first series of Phase Six of the MCU. It is scheduled to premiere on Disney+ on August 6, 2025. https://youtu.be/gnwpxgR3STE Harriet Walter and Clare Perkins unpack the hotly anticipated second season of “Silo” on Apple TV. Based on Hugh Howey’s bestselling “Wool” trilogy, the series follows the lives of the last 10,000 humans on Earth, confined to a massive underground silo that shields them from a toxic, uninhabitable surface. With secrets about the silo’s origins shrouded in danger and death, the show’s gripping narrative centers on Rebecca Ferguson’s Juliette, an engineer whose quest for truth uncovers far more than she bargained for. Here’s the synopsis: “Silo is the story of the last ten thousand people on earth, their mile-deep home protecting them from the toxic and deadly world outside. However, no one knows when or why the silo was built and those who try to find out face fatal consequences. Ferguson stars as Juliette, an engineer who seeks answers about a loved one’s murder and tumbles onto a mystery that goes far deeper than she could have ever imagined, leading her to discover that if the lies don’t kill you, the truth will.” We asked Walter how her character Martha’s role as a trusted ally to Juliette evolves in Season 2, and what new aspects of her character we’ll see through her relationship with her old flame Carla (Perkins). “I think there’s two things that happen,” Walter stated. “She overcomes her own fear because the need to help Juliet is greater. And her fear, she sees as an almost self-indulgence, but we can see also that it’s a sort of self-imposed prison that she’s reached the end of it.” https://youtu.be/CLJDR-vFUdY TikToks of customers stuffing their faces with a $20 endless shrimp. More than 100 restaurant closures and thousands of layoffs. A revolving door of CEOs. Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Damola Adamolekun, the new chief executive of Red Lobster, is taking over a chain in turmoil. And he’s only 35. “There’s a hole to climb out of, for sure, and that will be the hardest part,” Adamolekun told CNN last Friday in his first on-camera interview as CEO over lobster tail, snow crab legs, garlic shrimp scampi, crispy dragon shrimp and cheddar bay biscuits. “It’s been a painful period in bankruptcy, and the closures have affected a lot of people,” he said as couples and families began trickling into the remodeled — but largely nondescript — Red Lobster in a Long Island, New York, outlet mall, complete with a tank of lobsters at the entrance, a bar and friendly waitstaff. https://youtu.be/gol-vdLscKg An Indiana man was discovered dead in a tanning bed at a Planet Fitness, three days after entering the gym. The family of Derek Sink, 39, reported him missing after he failed to return home. On Monday, authorities found him in the tanning bed along with a needle, with relatives noting he had struggled with drug addiction, NBC affiliate WTHR of Indianapolis reports. Sink’s aunt said he was wearing an ankle monitor, which led investigators to determine he never left the gym. Inquiring minds want to know how he went unnoticed for so long. The coroner’s office has not yet determined the cause or manner of death, and Indianapolis police stated that the investigation remains ongoing, NBC News reports. “We were deeply saddened by the passing of one of our members, and the franchise owner is working with the local authorities in their investigation,” Planet Fitness’ Chief Corporate Affairs Officer McCall Gosselin said in a statement. https://youtu.be/amq7rz0uaMU Fob Sushi Bar has temporarily closed its Seattle-area locations following food safety concerns. This decision comes after fans of popular TikTok food critic Keith Lee spotted a worm moving in a piece of sushi in a video he shared from his visit to the Bellevue location. Lee posted the content on November 10 and said Fob Sushi Bar was one of the most recommended places in town. “[This is] sushi done in the most unique way I’ve ever seen in my life,” he said in the video before explaining that Fob sells sushi by the pound. About halfway through his review, many claim they saw a worm sticking out of sashimi that Lee held up with his chopsticks before eating it. “Your favorite one had a worm on it,” one viewer commented, The Blast reports. Another said, “At 1:50, the end of your sushi was moving.” A third person added, “The piece that moved, who else saw the piece with the worm out the tail end?” another viewer chimed in to say. One other viewer wrote, “Keith please tell us you’re okay this is my biggest fear.” Lee later responded to concerns about his health, posting, “I’m healthy, thank you,” he wrote in an Instagram Story. “God bless y’all.” https://www.tiktok.com/share/video/7432105048282303774?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fpopular-sushi-bar-temporarily-closes-after-keith-lee-review%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121468991%2C121439635%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121477481%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_card_play&referer_video_id=7435535531976461598 The Manhattan district attorney’s office said Tuesday it would agree to postpone Donald Trump’s sentencing in his hush-money case to give prosecutors time to litigate the president-elect’s expected motion to dismiss the case. In a letter to Judge Juan Merchan, the district attorney’s office also acknowledged that Trump is not likely to be sentenced “until after the end of Defendant’s upcoming presidential term.” But the DA says Trump’s felony conviction should stand. A source close to the district attorney’s office said it is open to a four-year pause of the case. The developments capped a historic and unprecedented turnaround for Trump’s legal and political fate. One year ago, Trump was facing four separate indictments. Now, as he prepares to retake the White House, the strategy of Trump’s lawyers to try to push all of his cases beyond the 2024 election has proved wildly successful, with the two federal cases about to be wound down, the Georgia state case long dormant and the New York case poised to end indefinitely without a sentence. https://youtu.be/-BMM7r2hTJI We spoke to Graham Yost, the creator and showrunner of “Silo,” to discuss the highly anticipated second season of the hit Apple TV+ series starring Rebecca Ferguson, Tim Robbins and Common. Based on Hugh Howey’s New York Times bestselling “Wool” trilogy, “Silo” tells the gripping story of humanity’s last ten thousand survivors living in a massive, mile-deep underground structure, built to shield them from the toxic world above. As the mystery deepens in season two, newcomer Steve Zahn promises to deliver even more twists and revelations. Yost shared insights about expanding the world of “Silo” working with an all-star cast, and what fans can expect from this thrilling new chapter. Here’s the official synopsis: Based on Howey’s New York Times bestselling trilogy “Wool,” “Silo” is the story of the last ten thousand people on Earth, their mile-deep home protecting them from the toxic and deadly world outside. However, no one knows when or why the silo was built and any who try to find out face fatal consequences. Rebecca Ferguson stars as Juliette, an engineer, who seeks answers about a loved one’s murder and tumbles onto a mystery that goes far deeper than she could have ever imagined, leading her to discover that if the lies don’t kill you, the truth will. Yost said the goal for season 2 was to go “deeper in story and in character.” “I felt like the reason I was attracted to adapting the books is that Hugh Howey did a masterful job at setting up this big mystery of what the heck is going on? Why are people living in a silo?” Yost explained, adding, “…as the books went along, he parceled out the truth…so that gave us an incredible framework to follow.” https://youtu.be/CLJDR-vFUdY The conversation around representation continues to evolve, yet the British media faces significant challenges regarding the visibility of Black artists and actors. While the United States is often spotlighted for its own issues with racism and representation, similar concerns resonate across the pond, where the lack of equitable representation remains a pervasive issue. One of the most prominent recent instances highlighting this disparity is the media coverage surrounding the musical “Wicked.” Despite Cynthia Erivo‘s leading role as Elphaba, the media’s focus was Ariana Grande and largely ignored Erivo’s contributions, igniting backlash and prompting discussions about persistent bias within the industry. Critics have underscored that such oversights are sadly not isolated incidents; rather, they reflect a consistent trend where Black talent is marginalized, even in prominent roles. https://www.instagram.com/theshadeborough/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=ea7e034d-ab9b-4f0e-b1c8-fd2f627baebb There is a palpable sense of urgency within the community for change. Comments like “I_dn” lament the media’s failure to prioritize local talent: “And Cynthia is from the UK no?! She should’ve had the main page!” Such sentiments echo a communal longing for equitable treatment in media representation. Meanwhile, others have humorously pointed out the irony of how blame might be directed at Black artists if their work does not resonate as expected: “Now if the movie does bad we know who’s face gonna be on front page,” remarked user Sassalinaa. Despite the progress made toward inclusivity within the British media landscape, the journey is far from complete. The fight for equitable representation remains a priority for the industry and society at large. It is crucial for media outlets to critically examine their biases and actively strive for a more inclusive representation that accurately reflects the diverse talents within the community. Until true equity is achieved, the conversations surrounding the representation of Black artists in British media will undoubtedly continue to echo throughout society. https://youtu.be/Qk01oxI8B7A A biopic about the legendary 90s R&B group Boyz II Men is in the works. Current members Wanya Morris, Nathan Morris, and Shawn Stockman are collaborating with Compelling Pictures and Primary Wave to bring their story to life, Variety reports. The film, which is being fast-tracked, will feature the group’s full discography, ensuring an authentic portrayal. Producers Denis O’Sullivan (“Bohemian Rhapsody”) and Jeff Khalligheri (“I Just Wanna Dance With Somebody”) are spearheading the project. Boyz II Men has sold 64 million albums worldwide and won four Grammy Awards. “Having grown up as huge fans of Boyz II Men, and having spent the past couple of years getting to know the guys and become friends with them, it’s a tremendous honor to help bring their unique and untold story to the big screen,” the producers expressed in a statement. “We’re excited to show the brotherhood and comradery, as well as the challenges and strife, humor and heartbreak, that has accompanied the unparalleled success that Nate, Shawn, Wanya, and Mike have worked so hard to achieve.” https://youtu.be/zDKO6XYXioc TNT’s “Inside the NBA” will continue despite the network losing NBA broadcast rights next season. ESPN, under its upcoming NBA deal, is reportedly set to license the show and incorporate it into its coverage in 2025, according to unnamed sources, the Los Angeles Times reports. In August, the league secured a new 11-year, $77 billion deal, shifting its games to ESPN, NBC, and Amazon, ending TNT’s run as a broadcast partner since 1989. The Emmy Award-winning show features Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson. As we reported earlier, Barkley announced during the NBA Finals that he plans to retire from broadcasting after next season, which marks the end of the current media deal. The four co-hosts will appear on ESPN and ABC starting with the 2025-26 season via a partnership with TNT Sports and the NBA, per ESPN. According to the outlet, starting in the 2025-26 season, “Inside the NBA” will air on ESPN and ABC as part of a partnership with TNT Sports and the NBA. Despite the move, TNT Sports will continue producing the show from its Atlanta studio, except during on-location broadcasts. Johnson, Barkley, Smith, and O’Neal will reportedly stay with the program. https://youtu.be/jfvTAxMGRAk Friday night’s fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul drew massive global attention. According to ESPN, Netflix reported that 60 million households watched the event live, with peak viewership hitting 65 million concurrent streams. The match, held at AT&T Stadium in Texas, saw 27-year-old Paul defeat 58-year-old Tyson by unanimous decision. The co-main event also garnered significant interest, with 50 million households tuning in to see Katie Taylor retain her women’s lightweight championship against Amanda Serrano. Netflix said additional viewership data is expected soon, as the streamer serves 280 million subscribers worldwide. The boxing mega-event dominated social media, shattered records and even had our buffering systems on the ropes,” Netflix said Saturday. “This is one of those situations when you lost but still won,” Tyson wrote on social media after the fight. “I’m grateful for last night. No regrets to get in ring one last time. I almost died in June. Had 8 blood transfusions. Lost half my blood and 25lbs in hospital and had to fight to get healthy to fight so I won.” https://youtu.be/Aja2KfuoqGA Jonathan Majors announced during the EBONY Power 100 Gala at NYA Studios West in Los Angeles, on Sunday, Nov. 17 that they are engaged! The milestone comes two months after pals of the actress claimed Good is reportedly covering Majors’ expenses following his headline-making legal issues. According to The Jasmine Brand, Good has been financially supporting Majors after his career suffered due to allegations of abusing his ex-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari. Majors, who was arrested in March 2023 for strangulation, assault, and harassment, was later convicted of third-degree reckless assault and harassment. Following the allegations, Majors was dropped by his management company and lost a slew of acting work. A source said, “Meagan pays for everything. They really wanted this dog, and she got stuck paying the $75,000 training bill. Like, that’s crazy!” Good, who finalized her divorce from pastor DeVon Franklin in June 2022, also allegedly pays child support for Majors’s young daughter from a previous relationship, according to the tea spiller. “No one knows what Meagan sees in this guy. If things keep up this way, she may not be able to pay her mortgage,” the source said. https://youtu.be/GPgDtzFqHzI Former NFL cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones has recently taken to social media to share his perspective on his latest arrest, which has once again thrust him into the public eye. In a video clip posted to Instagram, Jones claims the footage was filmed moments before police arrived at the Loews Arlington Hotel, where a confrontation ensued involving a racial slur directed at him. The video, which surfaced through TMZ Sports, captures a chaotic scene inside the hotel just after the high-profile Jake Paul-Mike Tyson boxing match at nearby AT&T Stadium. In the clip, Jones is seen locked in a heated exchange with a woman who reportedly yelled the n-word as he and his companions exited the hotel. While it remains ambiguous whether the remark was aimed directly at Jones, the tension in the video is palpable. https://youtu.be/E64KlVCDG00 Dressed in a #8 jersey and cowboy hat, Jones approaches the woman and a male counterpart, leading to a confrontation that escalates when the man allegedly touches Jones. According to Jones, this is when he reacts, prompting hotel security to step in and separate the parties involved. The video, however, does not provide clear dialogue, leaving some aspects of the exchange open to interpretation. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-11-17-111724-pacman-jones-v2-1930567-353/ The incoming Trump administration’s plans to implement strict border measures, strike down Biden-era policies, and kick off the detention and deportation of migrants at large scale are underway and starting to come into focus, according to four sources familiar with the plans. President-elect Donald Trump made immigration a central element of his 2024 presidential campaign – but unlike his first run, which was spent largely focused on building a border wall, he’s turned his attention to interior enforcement and the removal of undocumented immigrants already in the United States. People close to the president and his aides are laying the groundwork for expanding detention facilities to fulfill his mass deportation campaign promise, including reviewing metropolitan areas where capabilities exist. But they are also preparing executive actions that are a call back to his first term in office and could be rolled out as soon as Trump takes office, sources say. Taken together, it amounts to the return of hardline immigration policies that garnered fierce criticism from Democrats and immigrant advocates during Trump’s first term – and a dramatic change for migrants and immigrants in the United States. https://youtu.be/_7Itp-IsP94 The executive actions and reviews underway include the return of the program informally known as “remain in Mexico,” which requires migrants to stay in Mexico during their immigration proceedings in the US, revising asylum restrictions, revoking protections for migrants covered by Biden’s humanitarian parole programs and undoing ICE’s enforcement priorities, according to two sources briefed on transition policy discussions. Another executive order that is being considered would make detention mandatory and call for an end to releasing migrants, which often happens across administrations because of limited federal resources. It’s that type of executive order, sources say, that would pave the way for detaining and eventually, deporting people at a large scale. Trump’s team is also reviewing regional capability for housing migrants – a process likely to lead to consideration of the construction of new detention facilities in larger metropolitan areas, according to two sources. Homeland Security officials have previously identified multiple cities in which to build up detention capability in preparation for border surges. https://youtu.be/a8aUMWmF8kk The people shaping operational plans are well-versed on the immigration system, particularly Homan, who was also the architect of family separation. He’s repeatedly stressed that operations will be targeted and focused on public safety and national security threats. Current and former Homeland Security officials have privately argued that the selection of Homan indicates a level of seriousness by the incoming administration because of his familiarity with immigration enforcement. He also held a senior role at Immigration and Customs Enforcement during the record level of deportations under the Obama administration. “(In the) first few days you’ll see those executive orders come out to stem the flow (of migrants) and impact that flow that’s coming during that time. The immediate focus is about who’s already here,” according to a source familiar with the plans. “Those are the first two things prioritized in the first few days.” During his first term, Trump deported more than 1.5 million people, according to Kathleen Bush-Joseph, a policy analyst at the Migration Policy Institute. But that’s about half the 2.9 million deportations undertaken during Barack Obama’s first term and fewer than the 1.9 million deportations during Obama’s second term. The launch of the Uplifting Minds II Foundation (ULMIIF), to empower the underserved, is 30 years in the making for Dr. Eunice Moseley, a community activist since her days as Promotions Director at The Baltimore Times hosting health, housing, women, and men conference and expos. In 1999 Dr. Moseley launched the “Uplifting Minds II” Entertainment Conference, a free event, to educate aspiring artists about the business of entertainment and showcase their talents before a panel of experts that may provide opportunities for goal-reaching. Obtaining the 501 (c)(3) status was a hard and long road that involved finding the right board members and the initial funding to file for tax-exempt status with the IRS. After 25 years of offering the “Uplifting Minds II” entertainment conference in the communities of Baltimore and Los Angeles, Dr. Eunice finally has the nonprofit IRS status sought after, and the qualified board members needed to take those give-back-to-the-community activities to another level. Held twice a year the One Stop Business Shop program will instruct and provide funding for participants to launch their own businesses – based on their talent and/or skills (starting in 2025). Usher belongs to the generation of entertainers inspired by the late Michael Jackson — the world’s biggest and most iconic pop star to tread the globe. Usher used Jackson’s blueprint to chart his own success. Watching Usher’s stage performances, one never fails to see hints of Michael Jackson’s dance moves. But can it be said that Usher has surpassed his mentor? The jury is still out. For years, a debate has raged about who, between Usher and Chris Brown, has carried Jackson’s prowess to the next level. The answer depends on who you ask. Just recently, singer-songwriter Tank chipped in, declaring that Chris Brown is the ultimate evolution of Jackson. Speaking when he appeared on “The Stephen A. Smith Show” in August, Tank insisted Chris Brown is fact better than Michael Jackson. “If there was Magic Johnson, now there is LeBron James,” Tank argued. “That is the ultimate evolution of a man who can play all five positions. If we talk about Chris Brown, we’re talking about the evolution of Michael Jackson, the evolution of Usher, the evolution of me, the evolution of Ginuwine. That is what this kid is.” https://youtu.be/BKDdi4M07qQ However, for Usher, the debate should not even be going on. He thinks no other pop-R&B act, including him, comes even second to Jackson. Speaking to The AP, Usher said everyone has their space in history. “The same as in history, there’s been inspiration that defines who and inspired who I am,” said the eight-time Grammy Award-winner. “There will only be one Little Richard. There will only be one James Brown. There will only be one Michael Jackson. There will only be one Prince. There will only be one Usher. So with that, everybody has their space in history. I’m just trying to make certain that we remember it.” https://youtu.be/vc3jruVhoxY As President-elect Donald Trump selects his nominees to serve in his presidential cabinet, there has thus far been a glaring void when it comes to racial diversity in a trend that all but mirrors the history of the group of the president’s closest and most trusted advisers. To give a little more perspective to that unfortunate fact, even though there are 26 traditional cabinet positions, there have only been 25 Black people to serve in presidents’ cabinets in the 235 years since 1789 George Washington first chose his presidential advisers. There have also been an additional 10 Black people who served in cabinet-adjacent positions, though they are not officially recognized as being in a presidential cabinet. The NBA fined one of the professional basketball league’s brightest young stars for using “offensive and derogatory” language that’s also a popular slang phrase rooted in homophobia. But it was Ball’s behavior off the court after the game that made headlines more than his play between the lines during those consequential 48 minutes in Charlotte. When Ball was pulled aside by a sideline reporter and asked about a late-game play involving Bucks star Giannis Antetekoumpo, the Hornets’ star point guard explained as only he could. “We loaded up,” Ball began before adding, “no homo.” https://youtu.be/yFSk8XtZrRQ President-elect Donald Trump has rewarded the historic percentage of Black men who voted for him by not including any of them among his choices of top presidential advisers. After making a flurry of nominations over the past week, punctuated by the candidates’ concerning collision of white supremacy and inexperience for their chosen positions, the Black people – particularly the Black men – who were open and proud in their support of Trump’s candidacy, sharing rhetoric about how Trump’s election would be better for the Black U.S. population, are apparently excluded from the top levels of Trump’s “concepts of a plan” to purportedly make America great again. Lest we forget how Scott has repeatedly and falsely insisted that America is not a racist nation while Donalds made headlines at an event for Black men called “Congress, Cognac and Cigars” where he openly lamented how the Jim Crow era was better for Black families in the U.S. Considering that impressive display of tapdancing for Trump’s approval, and what with Trump’s consistent and unbelievable denial of being racist, it seemed almost obligatory that there would be at least one Black person nominated to serve in Trump’s cabinet and/or senior presidential administration capacities. But more than a week into Trump’s selections of at least 24 people, the only person on that list with any hint of brown skin is Vivek Ramaswamy, the billionaire MAGA loyalist who once lied on live TV about an exchange he had with a Black man in Springfield, Ohio, who told him very clearly and unmistakably that he had been called the N-word “twice this week,” which he attributed to Trump’s and JD Vance’s thoroughly debunked racist nonsense regarding Haitian immigrants abducting and eating the pets of Springfield residents. https://www.reddit.com/r/PoliticalHumor/comments/1050txy/bruh_they_did_not_just_pat_byron_donalds_on_the/?utm_source=embedv2&utm_medium=post_embed&utm_content=post_body&embed_host_url=https://newsone.com/5708657/trump-cabinet-administration-black-men/ As the ex-NYC Mayor’s seemingly endless journey of L’s continues, it seems Giuliani isn’t just losing his money, assets, dignity and what’s left of his reputation — he’s also losing all of his friends, namely, his attorneys. According to the Associated Press, on Wednesday, attorney Kenneth Caruso and co-counsel David Labkowski, who represent Giuliani in the defamation case former Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and her daughter, Wandrea Arshaye “Shaye” Moss, successfully launched against him petitioned the court to allow them to exit stage left as members of Giuliani’s legal team. AP noted that “several paragraphs of the publicly posted filing are blacked out,” so details about why exactly the pair of attorneys are motioning to call it quits on Giuliani are unavailable, but Caruso wrote in his filing to the judge that “lawyers may withdraw from representing clients when there is a ‘fundamental disagreement,’ or when a client insists on presenting a claim that is not warranted under the law and cannot be supported by a good-faith argument, or when the client fails to cooperate.” In other words: Giuliani be lying and his lawyers are sick of his sh*t! Mind you, last year, Giuliani was sued by his former attorneys, who allege that he had only paid a small fraction of the legal fees he owes, which amounts to nearly $1.6 million. Even then, he was so broke and broken that he was basically begging Donald Trump to help him pay his bills, and Trump was basically like: Nah, but I’ll throw a fundraiser or something maybe. https://twitter.com/i/status/1857442831113089163 Howard University’s highly regarded Bison Swimming and Diving Team was recently featured in the latest episode of We Are Here, a compelling six-part PBS and WHUT TV docuseries that highlights Black excellence in underrepresented sports and activities. The episode focused on Howard’s head swimming coach, Nicholas Askew, and his unwavering commitment to fostering community and promoting swimming across racial lines. Under Askew’s leadership, the team has been at the forefront of efforts to make swimming more inclusive, with programs like swim camps designed to educate both athletes and their families. Askew emphasizes the life-saving importance of swimming and the power of representation in encouraging more people to learn this essential skill, Swim Swam noted. https://youtu.be/ktdnCOJA30U In today’s episode of Wait, Trump Supporters Aren’t Racist, Are They? a white man from Detroit who was testifying at the Michigan Senate proved in just a few sentences that he’s a MAGA loyalist, an illogical gun nut and such a loud and proud white supremacist that even Republican legislators were like: “Wooooah! Who let the Klan in the building?” There’s nothing particularly special about Rachlin. He’s just another aggrieved white man with a MAGA-sized persecution complex who thinks systemic racism is happening to white people because — *check notes* — laws are being proposed that would ban guns from the state Capitol. For some reason — well, we know the reason — Rachlin couldn’t make his point about why he thinks weapons designed to kill should be brought into the government building where legislation happens without bringing Black people who were somewhere minding their own business into it. Furthermore, he couldn’t bring Black people into it without calling us the N-word — on the SENATE FLOOR! A report from the nonprofit Toxic-Free Future highlights that many retailers in the U.S. and Canada are not prioritizing the use of safe chemicals and materials in their products. Out of 50 brands evaluated in their Retailer Report Card, only four received top marks, while 17 failed. Many of the retailers on the list sell products with harmful manmade chemicals known as PFAS (known as forever chemicals). Once these toxins enter the bloodstream, they can damage the immune system, liver, kidneys, and other organs. “With PFAS in our drinking water and toxics found in black plastic spatulas, it is shocking how little retailers are doing to help solve this health crisis linked to hazardous chemicals and plastics in consumer products,” Cheri Peele, senior project manager for Toxic-Free Future, said in a press release, New York Post reports. Mike Schade, director of Toxic-Free Future’s Mind the Store program, added, “Simply banning toxic chemicals isn’t enough–retailers must go further to ensure that replacements are truly safer for consumers, communities and workers.” We reported earlier that, according to a separate study, the presence of cancer-causing substances is found in band-aids, toilet paper, food packaging, kitchen utensils, and furniture. https://youtu.be/8QuvTjLZaXs The political landscape is heating up, and MSNBC‘s “Morning Joe” co-hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski have found themselves at the center of controversy after announcing their recent meeting with President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago. The meeting, over the weekend, has raised eyebrows among both viewers and colleagues alike and has triggered outrage from MSNBC staffers who claim the hosts are betraying their audience and the network’s liberal values. Staff reactions have ranged from disappointment to outright disdain, with one MSNBC employee criticizing Scarborough and Brzezinski for displaying “cowardice” by engaging with Trump. This sentiment reflects a growing discontent among some MSNBC insiders, who feel that their morning stars are acting opportunistically rather than adhering to journalistic integrity. “Cowardice,” one MSNBC employee reacted to Fox News Digital. “Doing exactly what [anti-Trump historian] Tim Snyder warns on our air not to do: obey in advance. It’s disgusting but frankly unsurprising.” https://youtu.be/3sPBd1HyZbE As the backlash intensified, prominent MSNBC contributors voiced their objections on social media. For instance, Jennifer Rubin called the situation “disgusting” on Bluesky, while host Katie Phang warned that “normalizing Trump is a bad idea. Period.” This discontent from within the network raises questions about the future of MSNBC, with some employees suggesting that the fallout from the meeting could lead to calls for a boycott from liberal viewers who feel betrayed. “F— Joe & Mika. F— Morning Joe. And f— MSNBC if they keep them on the f—ing air,” popular liberal X user “JoJofromJerz” posted. Scarborough and Brzezinski defended their decision to meet with Trump, explaining their goal was to express their concerns about his rhetoric and actions while seeking to restart communication. “We have been as clear as we know how in expressing our deep concerns about President Trump’s actions,” Brzezinski stated, emphasizing that it’s time for a different approach amidst political fragmentation. https://youtu.be/INYSrOjuH3s While some insiders defended the meeting, arguing that it was an opportunity to challenge Trump directly on pressing issues, others remained skeptical. “This feels serious,” expressed one source, indicating that the backlash isn’t something to be taken lightly. Trump characterized the meeting as “extremely cordial,” claiming discussions covered a broad range of topics and praised the hosts for wanting open communication, a point that Scarborough echoed on air. “We’re not here to defend or normalize Donald Trump,” Scarborough asserted, attempting to clarify the intent behind the meeting. As the dust settles on this high-profile clash between personal beliefs and professional duties, it remains to be seen how this will affect MSNBC’s viewership and the overall credibility of its programming moving forward. https://twitter.com/i/status/1858578363645878761 Beyoncé is coming home for Christmas. The singer will perform during the halftime show of the Houston Texans-Baltimore Ravens NFL game on Christmas Day in her hometown of Houston, Netflix announced on Sunday. “Your early Christmas wish has been granted as Beyoncé will perform during Netflix’s first-ever NFL Christmas Gameday,” the streaming giant said in a press release. Netflix said details about her performance are “under wraps” but teased that Beyoncé is “expected to feature some special guests” who are featured on her recent “COWBOY CARTER” album. This will be the third NFL halftime show for Beyoncé, who previously performed at Super Bowls in 2013 and 2016. https://youtu.be/XJAU_-o4eFA Marianne Jean-Baptiste appears to be on track to join a group of iconic Black actresses with multiple Oscar nominations through her new film “Hard Truths.” Directed by Mike Leigh, the film stars Jean-Baptiste as a woman battling depression while managing personal relationships. She was the first Black British actress nominated for an Oscar for Leigh’s 1996 film “Secrets & Lies.” If nominated again, she would join Whoopi Goldberg, Angela Bassett, Octavia Spencer, and Viola Davis as part of an elite group of Black women who have been nominated multiple times, Gold Derby reports. Speaking to Deadline about reuniting with Leigh on “Hard Truths,” Marianne said, “We established such a tight history, like Sunday dinner with families when you ask, ‘Who’s bringing the coleslaw?’ Well, we knew Chantelle [Austin’s character] was probably going to do that. Pansy probably wouldn’t turn up with anything except for maybe some fruit that she likes but that no one else likes.” Leigh added, “For me, this was a continuation of what I’ve been doing for a while. I did a play in Australia about Greek Australians. I did a play in London about Jews. I did a film in Northern Ireland about Catholics and Protestants. I’ve made films about posh, upper-class people and different kinds of working-class people. For me, it’s about looking at people and society and life and the way we are – all of us.” When it comes to nabbing an Oscar nomination for her performance in the movie, Gold Derby writes, “Now as of this writing, Jean-Baptiste has risen to the top five in our combined Gold Derby odds with 21/2, surpassing Saoirse Ronan for “The Outrun,” with the backup of 16 experts, five editors, and 12 top 24 users. She trails behind Mikey Madison (“Anora”) at 37/10, Karla Sofía Gascón (“Emilia Perez”) at 9/2, Angelina Jolie (“Maria”) at 5/1, and Nicole Kidman (“Babygirl”) at 17/2 odds.” The outlet adds, “With the right momentum, Baptiste can make Oscar history this year by joining a select group of Black actresses,” with multiple nominations. https://youtu.be/gFuEZfZUKIk In a new interview with The Guardian, the Stylistics fondly recall how they made their hit “You Make Me Feel Brand New,” and their early days touring with the legendary James Brown. As the group’s popularity grew with each performance, they noticed a surprising shift — the Godfather of Soul himself began cutting their stage time. With his commanding presence, Brown likely felt the group was beginning to overshadow him, yet he couldn’t deny their undeniable talent. “Everything happened so fast for us. We did a tour opening for James Brown, and in the US South we saw the remnants of segregation – they’d painted over the separate signs on bathrooms for black and white people, but you could see them beneath,” said singer Airrion Love. “I think James liked us. When we first opened for him, we got 20 minutes. Then when he heard the crowd respond to us, he cut it down to 15. By the end of the tour, he’d cut us to five. He knew we were good.” Songwriter and producer Thom Bell created “You Make Me Feel Brand” with lyricist Linda Creed. Stylistics singer Herb Murrell said, “Thom and Linda were a songwriting partnership made in heaven. Linda was in her late 20s, not that much older than us. But she could take a simple phrase like “I love you” and turn it into a story. I don’t know whether it’s true that she wrote You Make Me Feel Brand New just after getting engaged, but she sang it to us with Thom playing piano and suggested the two separate lead vocals,” he explained. “By the time a song reached us, Thom had everything in his mind and would play the piano, creating the recordings with the musicians called MFSB – Mother Father Sister Brother. While he was recording the rhythm section, he’d already know what the horns or violin were going to do. The moment we walked in the studio, it was down to business,” Murrell continued. https://youtu.be/z00Y5gCzhvc Denzel Washington recently reflected on his film career while promoting “Gladiator II,” Ridley Scott’s follow-up to the 2000 epic. The actor revealed mixed feelings about his 1990s work, admitting he appeared in “some real clunkers” after starring in “Malcolm X,” which earned him an Oscar nomination. In a new interview with The Times, he said: “Look them up – I won’t say their names. They are all in the 1990s. But I was earning. I had responsibilities.” After “Malcolm X,” Washington starred in a slate of films that decade including Kenneth Branagh’s Shakespeare adaptation “Much Ado About Nothing,” and he co-starred alongside Tom Hanks in “Philadelphia.” He also appeared in “The Pelican Brief,” “Virtuosity,” “Devil in a Blue Dress,” “The Preacher’s Wife,” “Courage Under Fire,” “The Siege,” the supernatural thriller “Fallen,” “He Got Game,” the crime film “The Bone Collector,” “The Hurricane” and “Crimson Tide.” After appearing in more than 50 movies, the Oscar winner recently said he’s not interested in taking on new projects if he’s not inspired by the filmmaker. In an interview with Empire magazine, Washington opened up about his reason for joining Ridley Scott’s upcoming “Gladiator 2.” “There are very few films left for me to make that I’m interested in, and I have to be inspired by the filmmaker, and I was tremendously inspired by Ridley,” Washington said. “We had a great go-round the first go-round [on American Gangster], and here we are.” https://youtu.be/TQwSz88ITAE Tina Davis, Chris Brown’s former manager, shared in a new interview how her team managed his career following his guilty plea for assaulting Rihanna. She detailed their efforts to rebuild his image and get his music back on the radio. In an interview with NandoLeaks, Davis discussed how public opinion of Brown shifted after the assault. She noted that he was initially adored by everyone and seen as the nation’s “sweetheart.” “Parents were dropping their kids off at hotels like, ‘Go get Chris Brown! Go get him!’ and I’m like, ‘If you don’t put your daughter back in your car. Stop!’ Parents were sending their kids to the hotel. It was that bad. Because he was a sweetheart to the world, right? So they were like, ‘He’s a good kid. I want you to marry this kid. Go get him,’” Davis said, Vibe reports. But after the assault, “… it was hard to try and get him over that hump or get people to change their minds because before it happened, everyone loved him,” Davis explained. “We decided we need to figure out a way to get him back on the radio,” she continued. https://youtu.be/_IUXBued8JU Today, one of the leading recording homes of Christian and Gospel Music, Motown Gospel, announces a brand-new partnership with International rising star, Annatoria. Under the brand new partnership, Annatoria, releases her first-ever Christmas EP, Present Jesu. Annatoria’s brand-new Christmas EP, is available today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KM2K2kmMVY NEW MUSIC from Dexter Walker & Zion Movement I'm Saved https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btD-jatTYh4 Add Wanda Sykes among the folk playing the blame game regarding Vice President Kamala Harris’ Election Day loss to Donald Trump. During a recent appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” “The Upshaws” entertainer weighed in on what went wrong for the Harris campaign in her bid to become the next commander-in-chief. Pointing out the obvious, HuffPost noted that Sykes was not shy with her feelings over No. 45 becoming No. 47 and his fellow Republicans coming out victorious in the election. “Jimmy, I’m a Black woman and a lesbian,” she told host Jimmy Kimmel. “How the hell you think I’m doing?” As for why the election ended up the way it did, Sykes put it all on one thing, something many voters enjoy when starting their day. Breakfast cereal. Yep, breakfast cereal, the most important meal of the day. https://youtu.be/SmETvmUFxxk For many people, “Family Matters” holds a special place in their hearts. For Jaleel White, the classic sitcom, particularly his role as Steve Urkel, was a moment in time best left without a reboot. Citing a promotional video for White’s memoir “ Growing Up Urkel,” Vibe reports that plans for “Family Matters” reboot in the works by Netflix. According to White, the reboot of his ’90s show, which the streamer pitched to him in 2013 or 2014, would be in the same vein as its hit “Full House” reboot “Fuller House. “ “It didn’t make any sense to me,” he said in the video, explaining that a “Family Matters” reboot modeled after “Fuller House” felt forced. “I didn’t feel that it was right for us to copy what Full House had done to fit inside someone’s business model to capture the magic that made our show make sense.” Instead of rebooting, White mentioned another choice for him and fans to revisit “Family Matters”: a real story “inspired by what really happened,” behind the scenes of his time of his time on the series. “How Family Matters came to pass is actually a greater story than what was made up inside the show,” he voiced. “Family Matters was never intended for me to be the star, and growing up on a studio lot while attending public school—that’s a story that would resonate today.” https://youtu.be/bewInKmF6Ik When it comes to losing weight, Al Roker is the last person to give anyone insight into reaching the finish line. The 70-year-old “Today” show weatherman will tell you himself that he’s not putting any stock in his opinion on what particular way or drug to shed pounds. Especially when that path involves Ozempic. “I’m not gonna judge anybody. Listen, it’s unlike any other addiction or dependence,” Roker told the Daily Mail while voicing his understanding of why people resort to the popular weight loss drug. “You can live without alcohol, you can live without cigarettes, whatever that drug of choice is, but you’ve got to eat, and so for some people, it’s just difficult.” “If this is what works for them, I mean, who are we to say, ‘Oh, don’t do that.’ As long as it’s safe and effective, good for you,” he added. “I think everybody’s journey is their journey.” While Ozempic is seen as a current solution, gastric bypass surgery was the Ozempic of Roker’s day more than two decades ago when he was struggling to be slim. At his heaviest, the Macy Thanksgiving Day Parade host weighed 340 pounds and wore size 54 jeans, according to the New York Post. New York State has stepped into the music industry spotlight by securing a one-third ownership stake in Roc-A-Fella Records, the legendary hip-hop label co-founded by Jay-Z and Damon Dash. You’re probably scratching your head wondering WHY would the state of NY do that. The $1 million winning bid at a federal auction in Manhattan was aimed at recouping the staggering $8.7 million that Dash owes in back taxes—a bold move reflecting the intersection of finance and culture in the Empire State. The state government made a creditors bid, meaning they did not need to pay the $1 million upfront, thus minimizing their financial risk. This high-stakes auction featured fierce competition from two other anonymous bidders, who offered $250,000 and $223,000 for the label’s stake, which has produced timeless hits including “Hard Knock Life” and “99 Problems.” While the purchase marks a notable acquisition for New York, the timeline and method for reselling the label rights to settle Dash’s debts remain unclear. In addition to taxes, New York City is also pursuing more than $193,000 in unpaid child support from the Roc-A-Fella co-founder, further complicating the legal and financial proceedings surrounding the sale, Billboard reports. “The auction is over but the work is not complete,” stated Chris Brown, an attorney representing two plaintiffs to whom Dash allegedly owes money. “Mr. Dash’s legacy is now New York State property. I will work with New York State and New York City as the next phase of ownership of the shares.” https://youtu.be/KaUxUiBDE0o The statement highlights the unusual circumstance of a government entity holding a stake in a major cultural institution. Damon Dash’s financial troubles have put him in the public eye for years, and he was previously listed as the 27th most tax-delinquent resident of New York State. Added pressure came earlier this year when Jay-Z attempted to assert his claim to the copyrights of his first album, “Reasonable Doubt,” saying ownership would revert to him in 2031. However, New York City countered this claim, stating such assertions could hinder the auction’s effectiveness in generating funds to satisfy Dash’s outstanding debts. Natraj Bhushan, Dash’s lawyer, expressed surprise at Jay-Z’s absence from the auction, especially given the stakes involved. “I think it’s surprising not to see Mr. Carter here bidding on a one-third interest. Now he has the government involved in his affairs,” Bhushan commented, highlighting the unexpected twists in this ongoing saga. https://youtu.be/9f7M7_gBzPQ It’s no secret that LeBron James is not hurting for fans. As one of the most talented and popular players in the NBA, he commands the spotlight. The question is…does the King know about a mystery women who may be his biggest fan? According to Sandra Rose, James’ supporter, is making a strong case for the title, stating the athlete and married father of three notices her at every game. The site further states the mystery lady is loaded with money and has video footage proving James has his eye on her. “She travels to all of his games and pays top dollar for the best seats in the house,” Sandra Rose noted while detailing a clip, captioned, “Lebron recognizes you at a game, AGAIN.” In the video, the woman is captured in prep mode laying out “her designer clothing on a bed in her luxury hotel suite. https://twitter.com/i/status/1855349904681709705 The hotel was directly across the street from the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee,” the site reports, adding that “James notices the fan because she sits near him at every game. “He knows how much those seats are worth.” As with any male and female interaction, speculation on social media shifts to rumors about James having intimate relations with his mystery supporter. Whether the rumors are true or not is up in the air. One thing is certain, though. The woman’s got folk talking. https://twitter.com/i/status/1855349904681709705 As you know, Friday night Jake Paul faced off against boxing legend Mike Tyson, and the young social media star/boxer is now revealing he displayed a certain level of mercy during their fight. Following his unanimous decision victory at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Paul a/k/a “El Gallo,” shared that he noticed Tyson’s struggles in the ring and chose to ease up on his aggression to avoid a knockout. Acknowledging the changes in his approach during the fight, the 27-year-old star explained: “Yeah, definitely,” when asked if he had intentionally dialed it back in Round 3. “I wanted to give the fans a show, but I didn’t want to hurt someone that didn’t need to be hurt.” https://youtu.be/DNODJr7WNvE As this fight continues to spark discussions about sportsmanship and the evolving nature of celebrity boxing, viewers are left to consider the balance between entertainment and the risks involved in stepping into the ring—especially when legendary figures like Tyson are involved. https://youtu.be/a_dpHeYgtvg Leave it to a scheduling conflict to put Keke Palmer in the crosshairs of Ryan Murphy. The ‘Nope’ entertainer shed light on the conflict during a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times. According to Palmer, being “ripped” by Murphy for missing a day of filming her show “Scream Queens” was not a pleasant experience. “It was kind of like I was in the dean’s office,” she said about the alleged exchange, adding that was like, ‘I’ve never seen you behave like this. I can’t believe that you, out of all people, would do something like this.’ ” Detailing what happened, Palmer said she was originally off on the day she missed, but production later changed the schedule. As a result, Palmer opted toward honoring a prior commitment instead of moving things around for the new shoot date. Although she thought things were good with her and Murphy, the “True Jackson, VP” alum discovered days later from an unnamed cast member that their issue was still a hot-button one. “I said, ‘Ryan talked to me and I guess he’s cool, it’s fine,’ and she was like, ‘It’s bad,’ ” Palmer continued, feeling as though her costar may have been “trying to make” her “scared, which was a little irritating.” https://youtu.be/L6tB-fHtPpI Reminiscing in her upcoming memoir “Master of Me: The Secret to Controlling Your Narrative,” Palmer wrote that she hoped speaking up for herself and honoring her prior commitment made Murphy see her “as a business,” knowing that the “American Horror Story” co-creator was a busy man and likely just concerned with his business dealings running smoothly. Premiering in 2015, “Scream Queens” was a horror comedy series that centered on the sorority Kappa Kappa Tau (KKT), which became the target of a serial killer who used the Red Devil mascot of the fictional Wallace University as a disguise. In addition to Palmer, the show, which ran for two seasons, starred Jamie Lee Curtis, Emma Roberts, Billie Lourd, Lea Michele, Abigail Breslin and Niecy Nash. Pop stars Nick Jonas and Ariana Grande were also featured on “Scream Queens” in guest roles. Writing about her experience on the series, Palmer described a set where things were far from stellar. One situation in particular stood out as a white costar known as “Brenda” allegedly made a racist remark to her while “Scream Queens” was filming. https://youtu.be/TtyImEhlXio Sean “Diddy” Combs has continued to attempt to obstruct the federal government’s investigation into his sex trafficking case and is trying to taint the jury pool even while he is in federal jail, prosecutors allege in a new court filing. A review of recorded calls from the Metropolitan Detention Center revealed Combs used the telephone accounts of at least eight inmates to allegedly evade monitoring, prosecutors said. They also alleged he paid the inmates through intermediaries in violation of the rules. Combs had also used three-way calls to reach certain individuals not on an approved contact list and had used a non-authorized third-party system to send “hundreds of text messages” to dozens of individuals, including those not on the list, prosecutors said. The new allegations were revealed in a court filing late Friday as federal prosecutors argue Combs should not be entitled to another bail hearing. Combs’ defense team declined to comment. He is due back in court on Friday. https://youtu.be/rOjeo84zUGg Wisconsin rapper Lil Hyste, Baltimore’s Julian Gross, and New York’s AngelicVoices featuring rapper Asim win big at the 25th annual Los Angeles “Uplifting Minds II” Entertainment Conference held virtually this past weekend. The ULMII conference was hosted by seasoned women’s basketball commentator Vera Jones (ESPN, Fox) and moderated by ULMII founder Dr. Eunice Moseley (www.UpliftingMinds2.com). Performers Lil Hyste, Julian Gross, and AngelicVoices featuring Asim performed during the ULMII International Talent Competition, where aside from the ULMII Award the acts will receive over $20,000 in products, services, and cash. The ”Uplifting Minds II” Entertainment Conference provided a panel of industry experts who offered exceptional advice, a professional showcase of artists signed to independent labels, management companies, or agencies, and an international talent competition, where the panelists provided constructive feedback. Rapper Lil Hyste, currently residing in Arizona, won 1st Place with his single “Ghetto Children,” Julian Gross, also a guitarist and songwriter. won 2nd Place with his original song “Water,” and AngelicVoices featuring Asim, also a former ULMII winner head of the record label AngelicVoicesMinistry/Artcore, won 3rd Place with their latest single “Spiritual Warfare.” Celebrating 25 years, the Los Angeles “ULMII” Entertainment Conference also offered a performance by ULMII panelist Michele Vreeland, a Pop singer/songwriter on Xyla Records who performed her hit single “Wild Horse.” In the professional showcase, ULMII offered another performance by rapper Lil Hyste of his ULMII-winning single “Up” released on Empire Records and Global Music Award-winning World Music singer/songwriter Natalie Jean performed her new single “My Body” (www.Natalie-Jean.com). Aside from Lil Hyste, Julian Gross, and AngelicVoices featuring Asim, the ULMII International Talent Competition offered a passionate performance from Texas singer/songwriter Millie Praise (Devine Jamz Gospel Music). “I buy and sell films,” said entertainment executive Robert Stitt (Stitt Entertainment) when I asked how he acquired “Eddie Murphy: Comedy Legend” documentary film. “How I got ‘Eddie Murphy…’…I work with a lot of independent filmmakers…,” he responded. Stitt goes on to tell me how he met David Brown at Impact Films, LLC on social media and in a round-about-way ended up with exclusive worldwide rights to “Eddie Murphy: Comedy Legend” which is streaming now on the Stitt Entertainment Network (www.StittEntertainmentNetwork,com), along with some other programming. Robert’s Stitt Entertainment Network is dedicated to delivering exceptional content that blends entertainment, information, and education. Stitt, among other roles, is head of acquisition at Stitt Entertainment Network. “God gave me the talent of selling and marketing…since I was 10 years old,” Robert pointed out as we talked about his life that led up to this point. “I was finished with the corporate world…so I started my own company.” https://youtu.be/t5xSigkWmsM Adrianne Michelle Spain, a pastor and television personality best known for her appearance on “Love & Hip Hop Atlanta,” and being the mother of gay rapper Saucy Santana, has released her highly anticipated memoir, “Girl, Breathe Again!” The book, available on Amazon, dives deep into Spain’s personal journey, recounting her experiences with child sexual abuse, family trauma, emotional pain, and betrayal. In “Girl, Breathe Again!,” Spain presents a raw and unfiltered narrative that showcases her resilience and unwavering faith amidst life’s most challenging trials. Throughout her book, she shares her deeply personal encounters with heartbreak and loss while highlighting the profound impact of her faith in God. The memoir serves as a beacon of hope, offering readers guidance on overcoming emotional pain, confronting trauma, and discovering renewed strength through spiritual healing. https://www.instagram.com/adriannespain/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=cf533f7f-67c5-4d65-9bfa-cecec5f2be2d In a move that has sparked intense debate, nonprofit organizations in Los Angeles, including Homeless Healthcare Los Angeles, are distributing free glass pipes, needles, and other drug paraphernalia to individuals struggling with addiction on Skid Row. Advocates tout this program as a crucial aspect of harm reduction—the belief that by providing safer means of drug use, public health can be protected. Critics, however, question the logic behind such initiatives, contending they enable rather than alleviate addiction, according to a NY Post article. On any given day, a line of individuals can be found outside Homeless Healthcare, eagerly awaiting their turn to receive supplies. Many residents, like Danion Corral, express gratitude for finding refuge at the organization, highlighting how it offers more than just drug accessories. “This is the only place I can go to and get treated like a human being,” Corral remarked, but he also noted that the free pipes help him conserve funds for purchasing more drugs. This highlights the paradox at the center of this initiative: while it seeks to provide a semblance of care, it may also unintentionally perpetuate a cycle of addiction. https://youtu.be/l79Awx1dKp0 PBS, Sony Music Vision, and Legacy Recordings, in partnership with The Estate of Whitney E. Houston and Primary Wave Music, today announced the broadcast of a special edition of The Concert for a New South Africa (Durban), celebrating the 30th anniversary of Whitney Houston’s historic South Africa concert with a fully remastered release on PBS stations beginning December 1, 2024 (check local listings). The never-before-televised concert from Durban, South Africa, has been beautifully remastered in 4K with remastered audio. The entire original concert film — recently released worldwide in nearly 1,000 theaters in more than 30 countries in October — will also be available for streaming on December 1, 2024. In 1994, Whitney Houston took the stage for a series of three concerts in South Africa, including Durban at Kings Park Stadium on November 8, Johannesburg (November 12), and Cape Town (November 19), making her the first major Western recording artist to perform in the newly unified, post-apartheid nation following President Nelson Mandela’s historic election win. The three performances included a combined 200,000 plus attendees and were more than concerts: they were a celebration of freedom, hope, and unity. Whitney’s powerhouse voice and emotional delivery brought joy and inspiration to a newly liberated country. Additionally, portions of the proceeds from her concerts benefited numerous local South African children’s charities through her foundation. THE CONCERT FOR A NEW SOUTH AFRICA (DURBAN) captures every note, every cheer, and every tear, immortalizing a night that transcended music and became a beacon of change and celebration. After months of hype and extravagant promotion, the matchup between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson left many fans disappointed, to put it lightly. The highly anticipated bout, which was streamed live on Netflix (to 60 million+) accounts in an unprecedented event for the platform, fell short of expectations and prompted backlash from notable figures in the boxing community, according to SecondsOut. At 58 years old, Tyson stepped back into the ring against the 30-years-younger Paul, raising concerns about the potential for serious injury. Fortunately, Tyson managed to go the distance in the eight-round fight. However, those hoping to evaluate Paul’s boxing skills were left unsatisfied, as he seemingly held back during the match. The fight concluded with Paul improving his record to 11-1, but did little to shed light on his abilities as a boxer. The entire contest drew the ire of many in the boxing world, who had predicted its disappointing outcome months prior, and the event’s overall appeal hinged on one highlight: the fiery rematch between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano. Taylor narrowly edged out Serrano, delivering an exhilarating performance that saved the night from being a total loss. https://youtu.be/oSj4-w6IFiU Following the fight, reactions from the boxing elite flooded social media. Undefeated three-weight world champion Gervonta Davis took to Instagram to blast Paul, calling him a “whole bozo” for his lackluster performance. Davis’s comments underscored the frustration felt by fans and professionals alike, highlighting a shift in the boxing narrative where sensationalism has overshadowed genuine talent. In a surprising twist, Paul was quick to accept Davis’s challenge for a future bout. “I’d be down,” Paul said of Davis in a press conference Friday night. “Let’s run it. Like, I’d be super, super down,” before taking a jab at Davis’ height. https://youtu.be/4oDiGSSEeiA Given Paul’s history of calling out established boxers, including Conor McGregor and the ever-dangerous ‘Tank’ Davis, the potential for big showdowns looms on the horizon. As Jake Paul contemplates his next move, the future remains shrouded in uncertainty. https://twitter.com/SaycheeseDGTL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1857662423672446997%7Ctwgr%5E398ad33bd1123eadd557e09cad8553a70d3d63c1%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fgervonta-davis-calls-out-jake-paul-after-tyson-fight-fail%2F While he claims that he’s eyeing a fight with boxing superstar Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, many consider that a long shot. Possible opponents also include fighters from the UFC or a highly anticipated rematch with Tommy Fury, the only man to have defeated him in the ring. https://youtu.be/THUZMQksOzY In a significant shift within the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York (SDNY), President-elect Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he is replacing U.S. Attorney Damian Williams with Jay Clayton, the former chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The incoming president’s move revealed through a post on Truth Social, raises questions amid ongoing high-profile cases that Williams is currently overseeing. Trump’s announcement comes at a crucial time as Williams continues to navigate several major prosecutions, including a public corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams and a sex trafficking case involving Sean “Diddy” Combs. In his endorsement of Clayton, Trump described him as a “highly respected business leader, counsel, and public servant,” citing his impressive academic credentials from the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Cambridge, where he earned degrees in engineering, law, and economics. However, the decision to appoint Clayton—a political independent known for his negotiation skills at the SEC—has been met with skepticism, given his lack of experience in criminal law. Traditionally, the SDNY has employed attorneys with significant prosecutorial backgrounds, particularly in financial crimes and public corruption, given its critical role in high-stakes investigations. In one of the most talked-about boxing matches in recent history, social media star Jake Paul emerged victorious against the legendary Mike Tyson in a highly anticipated super fight at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Friday night. The bout not only captivated fans but also made headlines around the world, marking a moment where digital fame collided with boxing tradition. The fight commenced with Iron Mike, despite his age of 58, showing fierce determination as he came out swinging, initially winning the first round according to the judges’ scorecards. However, as the match progressed, the years of wear began to show in Tyson’s performance. He struggled to maintain the pace and agility required to keep up with the young challenger, Paul, who is just 27 years old. Paul’s strategy became apparent as he began to dominate the later rounds, showcasing his stamina and boxing skills. By the end of the eighth round, all three judges unanimously scored the match in favor of Paul, with scores registering at 80-72, 79-73, and 79-73. This win improved Paul’s professional record to 11-1 while Tyson’s illustrious record now stands at 50-7. After the fight, Paul expressed his admiration for Tyson, stating, “He’s exactly what I thought, one of the greatest to ever do it.” https://youtu.be/nJXz39RLx_I Despite the loss, Tyson’s legacy as one of the sport’s greats remains intact. However, this match has added another layer to Paul’s rising career, continuing his evolution from a YouTube star to a legitimate contender in the boxing arena. The fight was not just a sporting event; as TMZ noted, it was a spectacle that drew an A-list crowd, including renowned celebrities such as Jerry Jones, Shaquille O’Neal, Michael Irvin, and Charlize Theron, highlighting the interest this unusual matchup generated. Paul arrived in style, dressed in a diamond-studded silver outfit and accompanied by his brother Logan, while Tyson opted for a more low-key all-black ensemble. As the final round unfolded, Paul took a moment to bow in respect to Tyson, showcasing sportsmanship that is often lost in flashy promotions and rivalries. This fight may not only mark a chapter in both fighters’ careers but could reshape perceptions of crossover fighters in professional boxing. Overall, Jake Paul’s decisive victory over Mike Tyson serves as a notable moment in sports history, illustrating the unpredictability of boxing and how the sport continues to evolve. With Paul continuing to rise and Tyson’s legacy firmly established, fans eagerly await what’s next in this unpredictable narrative. https://youtu.be/Rmq4WY0grUw Lil Wayne may not be performing at the Super Bowl LIX halftime show, but he’s channeling his love for sports into a new role as a weekly guest on “NFL GameDay Morning” on the NFL Network. Starting November 17, the New Orleans rapper will join a lineup of hosts, including Kurt Warner, Steve Mariucci, Gerald McCoy, Ian Rapoport, Cynthia Frelund, Colleen Wolfe, and Kyle Brandt, Cassius Life reports. The announcement was made during the Giants vs. Panthers game in Munich, with the coverage including a throwback video of the hip-hop star running out with the Green Bay Packers. Wayne’s new gig follows disappointment from fans who felt he was snubbed for the Super Bowl halftime show in his hometown, with Kendrick Lamar chosen instead. The Super Bowl LIX halftime show in New Orleans will go down on February 9, 2025. Rapper Master P has openly expressed that a local artist should have been the headliner for the show. n a statement shared on social media, he wrote, “Salute to @kendricklamar for performing at the halftime show at Super Bowl LIX… well deserved, he’s one of the hottest music artists in the world and has one of the biggest songs right now,” he wrote on Instagram, All Hip Hop reported. “As Ambassador of Entertainment in the City of New Orleans, I have to agree with the fans that @liltunechi #LilWayne should be a part of this celebration as well. He’s one of the greatest Hip Hop artists alive, still relevant, and he’s a New Orleans native,” he added. Comedian Conan O’Brien will host the 97th Oscars on March 2, 2025, marking his debut as the show’s emcee. O’Brien is best known for hosting the late-night talk shows “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” “The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien” and “Conan.” He currently hosts the podcast “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend” and recently starred in the 2024 travel show “Conan O’Brien Must Go.” “America demanded it and now it’s happening: Taco Bell’s new Cheesy Chalupa Supreme. In other news, I’m hosting the Oscars,” said O’Brien in a statement. “We are thrilled and honored to have the incomparable Conan O’Brien host the Oscars this year,” said Kramer and Yang. “He is the perfect person to help lead our global celebration of film with his brilliant humor, his love of movies, and his live TV expertise. His remarkable ability to connect with audiences will bring viewers together to do what the Oscars do best–honor the spectacular films and filmmakers of this year.” Craig Erwich, President, Disney Television Group, added, “Conan is a preeminent comedic voice, whose decades-long success is marked by his distinctive humor and perspective. He joins an iconic roster of comedy greats who have served in this role, and we are so lucky to have him center stage for the Oscars.” 50 Cent’s plans to expand his film empire in Shreveport, Louisiana, face a major setback after the state’s House of Representatives voted to eliminate a $150 million tax incentive crucial to his operation. As TMZ reports, Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux described the situation as bleak, with no immediate solutions for the project. Despite the uncertainty, 50 Cent encouraged locals to remain patient and highlighted the success of his Humor & Harmony Weekend, which coincided with a 16-day stretch of zero violent crimes in the city. The tax incentive’s future now depends on the State Senate and Governor’s decision. Reacting to the news on Instagram, 50 Cent wrote, “This doesn’t feel good, but it could be great for Louisiana. Patience—let’s see how it plays out.” In a follow-up post, he acknowledged the challenges. “I know people in Shreveport are sick right now. Stay positive; everything happens for a reason. I want to thank you all for supporting me. Humor Harmony recorded zero violent crimes for 16 days, which turned it into one of my biggest accomplishments.” We reported earlier that 50 Cent’s G-Unit is taking over the Millennium Movie Studio in Shreveport, with the rapper previously announcing his commitment to further developing his film and TV ventures in the city. https://youtu.be/-qtqH5JOFAEhttps://youtu.be/-qtqH5JOFAE Prime Video has announced the premiere date for the highly anticipated third season of “Harlem,” along with an exciting first look at the upcoming season. Fans of the hit series can now catch a glimpse of what’s in store through newly released photos featuring the beloved cast. The fresh visuals promise more drama, laughs, and heart as the characters continue navigating love, career, and friendship in vibrant Harlem. The news release states: After a shocking Season Two finale cliffhanger that left audiences on the edge of their seats, the news is finally out that Harlem will return for Season Three at the top of next year on January 23, exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. Per the series synopsis: From creator and writer Tracy Oliver (Girls Trip), Harlem will follow the core four women on the precipice of change like never before. Whether it be motherhood, singlehood, sisterhood, complicated career journeys, or even more complicated families, our stylish and ambitious best girlfriends strive to finally choose themselves above all else. Fans of Denzel Washington expressed disappointment across social media after he revealed in a new video interview with Gayety that he kissed a man on the lips while filming “Gladiator II.” The Oscar winner star explained that the scene was cut out from the theatrical cut of director Ridley Scott’s film because the studio, allegedly wasn’t “ready for that yet,” he said. Washington, who plays Macrinus—a wealthy Roman powerbroker who owns a stable of gladiators—addressed a question about the character’s backstory during his conversation with Gaytey. According to Variety, the “Gladiator II” script reveals that Macrinus had past relationships with men. This led Gaytey to ask Washington, “How gay is the Roman Empire?” “I actually kissed a man in the film but they took it out, they cut it, I think they got chicken,” Washington revealed. “I kissed a guy full on the lips and I guess they weren’t ready for that yet. I killed him about five minutes later. It’s ‘Gladiator.’ It’s the kiss of death.” Many fans of the veteran actor had mixed reactions to his onscreen gay kiss, with one X user commenting, “Such a disappointment and I heard he was a Christian. Well that explains why he went to a Diddy party.” https://youtu.be/2LRLe9bpGTQ Anita Baker fans are concerned about her absence following the cancellation of her Mother’s Day show due to “unforeseen circumstances.” According to SandraRose.com, rumors suggest the singer may be recovering from a mild stroke. Fans are closely monitoring her social media, but Baker hasn’t posted on X/Twitter since September. We reported in May that fans turned to social media at the time to slam the singer after her concert in Atlanta on Mother’s Day weekend was canceled. Concertgoers were left angry and critical of Baker’s repeatedly “unprofessional” behavior after the 7 pm show at State Farm Arena was canceled at 6:54 p.m. “Due to late, unforeseen circumstances, tonight’s ‘An Evening with Anita Baker’ event featuring eight-time Grammy Award–winning superstar Anita Baker set to take place at State Farm Arena has been cancelled,” the email sent by the organizers read, The Hindustan Times reports. https://twitter.com/CandelinaBianca?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1854204121269588081%7Ctwgr%5E90d840be59b0e0a4ab897d10219c41676bf9cf3c%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Ffans-concerned-for-anita-baker-amid-rumors-of-health-issues%2F uthor/acticist and EURweb contributor Earl Ofari Hutchinson, who – until recently – was also host and moderator of “The Earl Ofari Hutchinson Show,” has leveled serious accusations against the Pacifica Network and KPFK-Los Angeles Hutchinson alleges that the actions leading to his show’s permanent removal from the airwaves are rooted in racist tactics, policies, and practices. A well-known political analyst and social justice advocate, Hutchinson has dedicated over two decades to his weekly show, which had been a staple for listeners. His ousting has raised critical questions about the network’s commitment to its stated mission of providing an equal voice for all. On Thursday, November 14, Hutchinson sent a formal request to the incoming Trump administration as well as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), calling for the revocation of Pacifica Network’s license. “I’m totally stunned that KPFK, a station whose alleged mission is to give an equal voice to all, is in violation of its own philosophy and principles,” the show’s Executive Producer, Pedro Báez said, highlighting the contradiction of the station’s actions against its foundational values. https://youtu.be/GxXYwtEmWfc The reason Americans refrigerate eggs and milk, unlike many other countries, lies in the way these products are processed. As Fox 59 reports, in the U.S., eggs are washed and pasteurized to kill bacteria like salmonella, but this process removes their natural protective coating, making them more susceptible to contamination. To prevent spoilage, refrigeration is necessary. Conversely, many other countries leave the protective coating intact, rely on vaccinating hens, and shorten the supply chain to ensure fresher eggs. Therefore, refrigeration is not necessary. “The egg is a marvel in terms of protecting itself, and one of the protections is this coating, which prevents them from being porous,” said food writer Michael Ruhlman, author of Egg: A Culinary Exploration of the World’s Most Versatile Ingredient, per NPR. “Once you start refrigeration, you have to have it through the whole value chain, from farm to store. Because if you stop — if the eggs are cold and you put them in a warm environment — they’re going to start sweating,” said says Vincent Guyonnet, a poultry veterinarian and scientific adviser to the International Egg Commission. For milk, the difference comes down to pasteurization methods. In the U.S., milk is typically pasteurized at lower temperatures, which kills harmful bacteria but doesn’t eliminate all microorganisms, requiring refrigeration to keep it fresh. In Europe and other regions, milk undergoes ultra-high temperature (UHT) pasteurization, which completely sterilizes it, allowing it to be stored safely at room temperature. https://youtu.be/neJGE3Fy3PE Disgraced music mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has responded to Shyne’s claims that he was the “fall guy” in their 1999 nightclub shooting involving Jenifer Lopez. We reported earlier that one of the shooting victims, Natania Reuben, has for years asserted that it was Diddy, not Shyne, who shot her during an altercation between the rap mogul and Club New York patron Matthew Allen, resulting in injuries to three individuals, including herself. Lopez was arrested and released, while Diddy was acquitted of all charges. Shyne, however, served an eight-year prison sentence. In 2011, Combs settled civil suits with the victims, paying over $2.3 million. Shyne unpacks the controversial case that put him behind bars for nearly a decade in a new Hulu documentary, “The Honorable Shyne.” The synopsis for the project reads: “His journey is one of redemption, resilience, and transformation. This documentary provides an intimate look at Shyne’s personal evolution as he navigates fame, incarceration and a return home to Belize, where he finds new purpose and strives to lead his country to a brighter future.” In the trailer, the rapper-turned-politician says, “I was absolutely set up to be the fall guy” for the crime. “I spent 10 years in prison, but I was able to move on,” Shyne (born Jamal Barrow) explains in the clip. “There’s a time to pivot, there’s a time to transition.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1856907801789935804 “When somebody tries to say they the scapegoat or they was used… it’s been bothering me,” said Flex during a recent on-air rant. “And I’m gonna keep it a buck. Shyne, I love you bro, and I know what you’ve been though—no I don’t—but you’re a liar. You’re a stone-cold faced liar, Shyne.” According to Flex, Shyne pulled the trigger during the nightclub shooting. “Let me tell you about that night in that club. I don’t know what people are talking about Shyne was the streets. He was a punk. So all of that street talk. You don’t ever come my way with that. Puff had to keep people off of you from beating you to death. Had to keep D Rock from strangling you, Shyne,” Flex recounted. “Let me tell you something, New York, about Shyne that night in that club. He knew exactly who those guys were that he got into a situation. It was his situation, not anybody else’s,” he continued. “This ain’t about Puff, It’s about the Notorious B.I.G. and you sounding like him and you trying to act like you were in demand and you was somebody. You a punk, and you shot that gun off that night because you was scared.” As Flex explained, Shyne owed the group money for studio time and was so afraid of them that he pulled out his gun and started shooting. https://youtu.be/qxsR-e09OFE Shareef O’Neal, the son of NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, played for the G League Ignite team during the 2022-23 season. In the offseason, he signed with the Sacramento Kings but was later waived to join their G League affiliate, the Stockton Kings. According to SI, the reason for him getting released is unclear. Sports reporter Sean Cunningham of FOX40 News posted on X on October 18: “Kings have announced they have waived Skal Labissiere in addition to Boogie Ellis, Terry Taylor and Brodric Thomas. Additionally, the team announced the signing of Shareef O’Neal, Drew Timme and Antoine Davis, who are all expected to join G League Stockton.” Cunningham posted a short video of Shareef with the team, along with the caption: “Today’s glimpse into Kings practice in Sacramento shows Doug McDermott getting acclimated to his new team, Shareef O’Neal participating in practice and Skal Labissiere in practice before he was waived shortly after.” Watch via the X/Twitter clip. At 18, Shareef was diagnosed with a congenital heart condition, a right anomalous coronary artery, which required life-saving open-heart surgery in December 2018. Although he made a full recovery, the surgery altered his basketball career. “When I was going through the surgery, I never thought I’d make it to this moment,” the young athlete said about playing professionally, per The Observer. “But being a little older, I wake up thankful every day and appreciative for opportunities like this. I’m blessed to be able to wake up and have the chance to put on this jersey.” In a groundbreaking venture more than two and a half years in the making, Netflix is set to host the first live-streamed, professionally sanctioned boxing match featuring YouTube star-turned-professional boxer Jake Paul facing off against former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson. This high-profile event, taking place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, will air on November 15, marking a pivotal moment in Netflix’s push into the realm of live sports programming. https://youtu.be/tVkjypUKT7k The upcoming Paul vs. Tyson bout symbolizes a juxtaposition of generations and cultures within the sport. While Paul, now 27, has cultivated a persona that captivates younger demographics, Tyson, at 58, represents nostalgic appeal for long-time boxing fans. The pairing taps into a multi-generational audience that transcends traditional boxing conventions, as emphasized by Riegg’s acknowledgment of the wide audience appeal. Paul’s metamorphosis from a YouTube sensation to a professional boxer exemplifies the evolving nature of the sport, making it more accessible and entertaining to a broader fan base. Tyson’s legendary career, marked by record-breaking victories and iconic status, adds credibility to this event, drawing in viewers who remember his dominance in the ring. https://twitter.com/i/status/1857136180996763742 ”The View” hosts debated whether politics should impact family gatherings over the holidays, specifically if relatives voted for Trump. Ana Navarro, Sara Haines, and Alyssa Farah Griffin argued against letting political views divide families, while Whoopi Goldberg and Sunny Hostin viewed the issue as a moral one, suggesting that distancing from Trump-supporting relatives might be justified, TooFab reports. “I think everybody needs to do what’s right for them. I think you need to look into yourself and if going to a family gathering or with friends where it’s going to stress you out, then don’t go,” Navarro stated. She then explained that her husband has 13 grandchildren that he “refuses not to see” simply because their parents support Trump. “He has told them, ‘I will not let politics split up our family,'” Navarro added. https://twitter.com/i/status/1856392766697156796 Farah Griffin chimed in, saying, “You don’t want to spend Thanksgiving by yourself because you can’t put politics aside,” she explained. “I find that every day and every job I’ve worked in and social circles I’ve run in, I’ve been around people with different politics than me and it’s never gotten in the way of having friendships with them,” Griffin continued. “I wouldn’t have had any friends,” she jokingly added, prompting Haines to say, “I wouldn’t have had any holidays if I had to only pick the ones where everyone agreed with me.” According to Hostin, it is not a matter of politics, but a matter of morals. https://twitter.com/i/status/1855066395916067150 20-year-old Dynus Saxon, a New York City-based male model has been charged with murder, manslaughter, and weapon possession following the tragic death of 35-year-old Kadeem Grant in the Bronx. The incident, reported to have occurred over the weekend, has left a family and community in mourning. Kadeem Grant, a father to a three-year-old daughter, was found lifeless in an apartment complex on Sunday afternoon. Disturbingly, he was discovered with a knife lodged in his chest and multiple cuts across his hands and feet. This violent scene has led to numerous unanswered questions regarding the events leading up to his death. According to the Daily News, Grant had been visiting a friend in the Bronx, having lived in Brooklyn. His father, Christopher Grant, expressed his devastation over the loss. “He was just a loving kid who was there for his family and his daughter. It’s just so sad that she has to grow up without a father,” he told reporters. This loss’s gravity resonates deeply with his family and the many who knew him. As the highly anticipated fight card featuring Jake Paul and Mike Tyson unfolds, viewers are met with an unexpected source of frustration: significant streaming issues on Netflix. Fans eagerly tuning in for the main event are finding their excitement dampened by lag, delays, and outright stoppages plaguing the streaming service. Social media platforms, particularly X, have become a forum for countless complaints as viewers voice their grievances about the shaky streaming experience. Thousands reported problems with the fight night’s feed just moments before the Paul/Tyson showdown, documenting their struggles with videos showcasing spinning loading icons and frozen screens, TMZ is reporting. Viewers like Barstool Sports’ Dave Portnoy took to social media to share their distress, posting a clip revealing that his Netflix app had entirely crashed. “Things are going from bad to worse,” he lamented in the caption alongside the footage. Hip-hop star T.I. sits down with fellow rapper Fat Joe on the November 15th episode of the STARZ interview series “Fat Joe Talks,” at his new club “Trap City Cafe” in Atlanta, to discuss the history and impact of trap music, his lasting legacy on the industry, his new comedy venture, the news release states. T.I. also revealed what’s next in his acting career, including filming the sequel to “Da ‘Partments,” a film which he directed, wrote, and starred in, as well as a new project called “Situationships.” Additionally, T.I. opens up about his venture into the comedy and stand-up set at his new Atlanta club, “Trap City Cafe.” Per the news release: “Fat Joe Talks” is hosted and executive produced by the multi-hyphenate Grammy award-nominated artist and cultural icon Fat Joe. In each weekly 30-minute episode, Fat Joe will bring the audience along for intimate conversations and never-told-before stories with some of America’s favorite celebrities and newsmakers who drive the cultural zeitgeist. Fat Joe will engage with his guests in ways that allow them to open up like never before. Below are excerpts from Fat Joe’s conversation with T.I. https://youtu.be/JSs_VQ6NFeA Creative 7 co-founders Carmelo Anthony and Asani Swann are set to executive produce “Rabid Fans,” an animated sports satire series from Victory Road Studios. The news release states that the show, co-created by Mike Basone and Zac Greenbaum, offers a humorous critique of sports media and fan culture through animated panelists—four wild creatures hosting a podcast from a secret New York City studio. Since its soft launch in August, “Rabid Fans” has gained over 5 million views and 30,000 followers. Anthony, a 10-time NBA All-Star, will be the first celebrity guest. “Rabid Fans is an entertaining take on sports culture that doesn’t hold back,” Anthony said. “It captures the passion, energy and real talk of fans, and we’re excited to help bring this original and creative series to an even bigger audience.” “It’s the first of its kind and addresses the viewing habits of today’s sports fans,” added Swann. “Mike and Zac have created something truly original with Rabid Fans, and Carmelo and I immediately saw its limitless potential. We’re thrilled to be a part of it and excited to get to work.” https://youtu.be/_VxxD9AQhSY In the wake of the controversy, Holtermann’s Bakery has received an outpouring of support from both local and distant customers, raising morale for the beloved family business. “I really am overwhelmed,” Holtermann told the NY Post. “I’m so happy to have the support. Just to have people come out and talk and build up my business.” Orders have poured in from as far away as Alabama and Tennessee, often accompanied by donations meant for local schools and first responders. The recent appreciation for the bakery has been palpable, with customers forming lines around the block to show solidarity. “Judging by the line today, I think the one simple message is: You don’t mess with Staten Island,” proclaimed Fossella. https://youtu.be/4t9KU6JKbKs If you missed it, the uproar began when Goldberg, during her broadcast, insinuated that politics played a role in the bakery’s decision-making. “Now, I should tell you, Charlotte Russe has no political leanings, and the place that made these refused to make them for me,” she claimed, without naming the establishment. The tension in the air stems not only from her remarks but also from her long-standing vocal opposition to figures like former President Donald Trump since his election. Now, as Holtermann’s Bakery continues to draw in crowds and support from across the nation, the local leaders are standing strong against the accusations made by a public figure, calling for accountability and respect for a business that has become a cornerstone of the Staten Island community. https://youtu.be/aRlD75DUOpE President-elect Donald Trump vows to “close” the U.S. Department of Education and has said education policy needs to be transferred “back to the states.” “We want federal education dollars to follow the student, rather than propping up a bloated and radical bureaucracy in Washington, D.C.,” Trump said in October. “We want to close the federal Department of Education.” In a recent video, Trump outlined his 10 “key ideas” aimed at reforming America’s education system. His agenda includes initiatives such as reintroducing prayer in public schools and eliminating curricula that encourage students to “hate their country,” The Grio reports. Trump also noted that “very early” in his second administration, he would send “all education and education work and needs back to the States.” “We want them to run the education of our children because they’ll do a much better job of it,” Trump added. https://twitter.com/i/status/1856324921082728873 The 45th president said of the federal Department of Education, “You can’t do worse. We spend more money per pupil by three times than any other nation, and yet we’re absolutely at the bottom.” In another video, Trump stated he would instruct the Department of Justice to take action against diversity, equity, and inclusion programs (DEI) and “pursue federal civil rights cases against schools that continue to engage in racial discrimination and schools that persist in explicit unlawful discrimination under the guise of equity.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1855758872029331941 Apple is set to release a new interactive wall-mounted tablet, expected to debut in March 2025. The device, which will function as a smart home command center, will feature a 6-inch touchscreen, a camera, a rechargeable battery, and internal speakers, BGR reports. It will integrate Apple Intelligence and voice commands via Siri. The display will be available in black and silver and will run an interface combining elements of watchOS and iOS 17’s StandBy mode. The device will compete with Amazon’s Echo Show and Google Nest Hub, and offer accessories like wall mounts and bases with built-in speakers. Like the HomePod, Apple’s “command center for the home” can also be controlled via a new system called “App Intents” that allows AI to manage applications. The device features sensors to detect proximity, while still supporting traditional Apple apps such as Safari, Apple Music, Notes, and Calendar. It has an expected price range of $100 to $250. Apple is also developing a smart home companion robotic arm that follows you around the room, potentially priced around $1000. Minda Harts, author of the best-selling book “The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table,” left corporate America to build her own media presence. Her debut book inspired a short film and an upcoming psychological thriller featuring Kyla Pratt, for which Harts served as executive producer. As Business Insider reports, through her production company, Queen of Arts Productions, she directed a short film this summer and is now adapting her third book, “You Are More Than Magic,” into a coming-of-age story. Drawing from her experiences in Hollywood and corporate life, Harts shares tips for achieving success in both industries. “One of the things that I was really heavy on in ‘The Memo’ is talking about preparing for your next best thing and making sure that you’re upskilling and investing in yourself,” Harts said, per Business Insider. “I knew at some point I wanted to create content outside books, and I wanted to be ready when that opportunity presented itself,” she said. Ray J issued a warning to Pastor Jamal Bryant not to release a video of their recent interview, threatening that he’ll “snatch somebody off the pulpit” if it’s made public. Ray J didn’t disclose when or where the interview took place or what topics were covered but noted that there would be repercussions if the pastor of New Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta shared the footage. “Yo, I got nothing but love for Pastor Bryant. Shoutout to Jamal Bryant… but if y’all play that interview, somebody getting snatched off the pulpit,” he said in a video post, per Vibe. “Don’t play the interview, it’s not cleared, it’s out of bounds. Me and Pastor Bryant need to talk because the way I was treated was dirty and illegal.” He added, “And I don’t like it and I don’t want nobody to play that f**king interview—I don’t care if you from the church or not. Be respectful and do people right. Don’t call people out they name, don’t make people feel like they not safe in a place that they thought they were safe. I’m telling you right now, we need to work it out because if we don’t, it’s gon’ be a problem.“ https://www.instagram.com/thejasminebrand/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=372105c0-9bdf-41aa-82f0-8864ccd1b502 Meanwhile, we reported earlier that Ray previously claimed that he had a wild confrontation erupted involving (Diddy‘s kids) Justin and Christian Combs, as well as their brother Quincy Brown following Tara Electra’s Halloween bash on October 27. The charged encounter took place as all four individuals were leaving the event, drawing significant attention from fans and media alike. Thankfully, the incident was defused before it escalated further, as singer Chris Brown, of all people, stepped in to break up the altercation. The Combs brothers’ decision to approach Ray J was fueled by the latter’s recent criticism of their father, Sean “Diddy” Combs, as part of his commentary on the challenges Diddy has faced in recent months. Diddy is currently being held in federal custody in Brooklyn after being indicted in September on three criminal charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty and denied the allegations. If convicted, the music mogul faces up to life in prison. The trial begins in May 2025. https://www.instagram.com/theshaderoom/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=a423c4d8-a52d-42e1-a6d4-434395a7ba52 Kamala Harris’ niece, Meena Harris, shared a photo of the VP playing Connect 4 with her two great-nieces while enjoying a glass of wine. Meena shared new photographs of Harris’ post-election life on Instagram, along with the caption: “Back to where it all began only a few months ago. My eternal gratitude to everyone who showed up. We love her so much.” In the post’s comments, one person wrote, “Hold her for us, hug her for us, THANK HER FOR US. We are all so proud.” Another Harris fan added, “i hope she feels how much we love her 🩷 can’t even put all of the feelings into words, but thank you for sharing these moments with us.” A third IG user commented, “The first time I met her, we shared an emotional moment about what it meant for her to carry this weight. Seeing her smiling at home heals a little something inside me just knowing she’s okay .”https://www.instagram.com/meena/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=4e085322-f07f-4584-acd7-3ca1b382e089 LeBron James is setting the stage for business elevation amid talks between his SpringHill Company and Fulwell 73, a British film, TV, and music company, to merge. Referencing “an individual familiar with the discussions,” The Wrap reports that although ongoing talks have been in effect for months, they could fall apart. At this time, no financial terms have been discussed, nor have either company commented on the situation. If the talks prove successful, the merge would allow SpringHill and Fulwell to expand their roster of unscripted and live programming, as well as combine resources across Europe and the U.S. Founded in 2020 by James and Maverick Carter, the SpringHill Company is an entertainment development and production company comprised of SpringHill Entertainment, a production company founded in 2007; marketing agency and consulting firm Robot Company; and digital media brand Uninterrupted. Investors include RedBird Capital, Fenway Sports Group, and Epic Games. Ventures under its banner include Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Space Jam: A New Legacy” and “House Party” and Netflix’s “Hustle” and “Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker” as well as Peacock’s “Shooting Stars,” Paramount+’s “Fantasy Football,” HBO’s “The Shop” and the CNN documentary “Dreamland: The Burning of Black Wall Street.” People have a habit of bringing their phones to the bathroom. I’ve been guilty of it myself, and chances are that someone is on the toilet reading this article right now. A three-minute trip to the loo can easily turn into 15 minutes of reading, scrolling and posting. It might seem a harmless way to pass the time when you’re doing number two. However, experts warn that what they call prolonged sitting on the toilet can harm your health. It’s even been connected to an increased risk of hemorrhoids and weakened pelvic muscles, said Dr. Lai Xue, a colorectal surgeon at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. “When patients present to me with complaints, one of the main areas we have to delve deeply into is spending a lot of time on the toilet,” Xue said. https://youtu.be/IjwBI-6S4LY People should spend an average of five to 10 minutes on the john, according to Dr. Farah Monzur, an assistant professor of medicine and director of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center at Stony Brook Medicine on Long Island, New York. Why is it a problem if you stay longer? First, here’s a short physics lesson. Gravity keeps us grounded on Earth, but that same gravity also forces the body to work harder to pump blood back up to the heart, Xue said. The open oval-shaped toilet seat compresses the buttocks, keeping the rectum in a lower position than if you were sitting on the couch. With gravity pulling the lower half of the body down, the increased pressure affects your blood circulation. “It becomes a one-way value where blood enters, but blood really can’t go back,” Xue said. As a result, the veins and blood vessels surrounding the anus and lower rectum become enlarged and engorged with blood, increasing the risk of hemorrhoids. https://youtu.be/b03xRGcQLPo Worsening constipation or a need to sit on the toilet for a long time may also be a sign of cancer. “If a growth inside the colon grows big enough, it can block the flow of your stool, which can cause constipation and bleeding,” Uradomo said. The American Cancer Society recently reported an increase in colorectal cancer rates among people under age 55 since the mid-1990s, and the nonprofit estimated there would be 106,590 new cases of colon cancer and 46,220 new cases of rectal cancer this year. In Uradomo’s career, he’s recalled more young people talking to him about hemorrhoids and constipation and later being diagnosed with rectal cancer. If you’ve had these symptoms of constipation or sitting on the toilet for a long time for more than three weeks, Monzur said it might be time to bring your concerns to your doctor. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, your primary care doctor can refer you to a gastroenterologist or a colorectal surgeon for a closer look. https://youtu.be/IvmyyaF3aDo “Don’t give up,” said Billboard Chart-topping Marcus Jordan about the message from his new single “I Can” (Marcus Jordan Music Group) “I wrote it to encourage people to never, never give up on your dreams. But I didn’t know it was for me!” It is Marcus Jordan’s testimony based on several journeys he has taken that involved seeing your dream come true and then having to leave it for some reason. His role as keyboardist for Mathew Knowles’ Music World Entertainment House Band was the pentacle of success for him – being signed to the label home of Solange Knowles, Trinitee 5:7, and Angie Stone. “We got dropped… at Music World,” Jordan said about his experience at the label that birthed Destiny’s Child. “Out of all the artists, I knew it wouldn’t be me. So, I was in a bad place….and I wrote this song.” Regardless of the drop from the label, Marcus Jordan – a prodigy at seven – went outside his feelings and focused on his career in music. It was a hard long journey, but in 2021 he released the single “Call on The Name” and in 2023 it reached #1 on Billboard’s Gospel Chart. He is following that success with the release of the current single “I Can.” “God did it. I’m able to travel the country and do what I love,” the three-time Voices of Gospel Music Award winner pointed out to me when discussing his career after the ousting at Music World Entertainment. https://youtu.be/4igXivqWPpY Marcus has a very fresh sound that, to me, sounds like a mixture of traditional Gospel and Jazz. He accomplished several dreams, to be a police officer was his dream which he served for a long time until recently when he decided to focus 100% on his music ministry. Jordan is also a preacher’s child, who is a pastor himself at the St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. He also serves as Minister of Music at the Outreach Missionary Baptist Church in Mineola, Texas. “She actually said, ‘Why y’all didn’t tell me this fool could sing,’” Marcus said with a laugh when I asked about the legendary compliment that Solange Knowles gave him about his voice. “I’m a quartet baby. My mom had me singing with a group of ladies…three-part harmony.” Those inspiring words from Solange gave Marcus Jordan the self-confidence to pick himself up and start again. He made such a musical impression that he served as a presenter at the 34th Stellar Gospel Music Awards. In 2017 he debuted with the single “You Are Here.” In 2021 his sophomore album “I Will Bless You” debuted at #3 on the Billboard Gospel Chart, and its single “Call on The Name” reached #1 on the Billboard Gospel Chart. “My sophomore album was right when Covid hit,” he explained when I asked about his other music projects. “God saved my life….I couldn’t breathe. We have to build a strong relationship with Christ because we never know. In life…a great part is trials…we have to call on the Lord, He is faithful.” https://youtu.be/aTn88M2r-nU President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida to serve as his attorney general. “Few issues in America are more important than ending the partisan Weaponization of our Justice System,” Trump wrote Wednesday in a post on his Truth Social platform. “Matt will end Weaponized Government, protect our Borders, dismantle Criminal Organizations, and restore Americans’ badly shattered Faith and Confidence in the Justice Department.” Gaetz said in a post on X that it would “be an honor to serve” in the role. The congressman remains under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for sexual misconduct, with the bipartisan committee saying in a rare statement in June that some of the allegations against Gaetz “merit continued review.” https://youtu.be/EmF3jnMzv74 Here is an exclusive clip of the season finale episode of aspireTV’s original lifestyle series, “Style Kings,” airing TONIGHT, November 13th at 8 pm ET. In the episode, Celebrity custom suit designer Dedrick Thomas helps actress Terri J. Vaughn find the right look. The news release states that the show brings together the incredible talents of Thomas and interior designer Justin Q. Williams, blending high-end interior design and fashion to create a unique viewing experience. With Williams’ flair for transforming spaces and Thomas’ expertise in couture, “Style Kings” delivers innovative, stylish makeovers while offering insight into the world of luxury living and design. Here’s the official synopsis: “In Style Kings, audiences will enter the world of high fashion and interior design with two successful entrepreneurs who specialize in luxurious style. Style Kings will have open and honest conversations, sharing how their artistic minds shape their approach to fashion and design. Catering to a roster of celebrity clients and high-profile projects, these two experts will elevate the discourse on Black men’s contribution to art and culture, while inspiring viewers to define their own style and swagger in this 10-episode series.” In our exclusive interview with Dedrick and Justin, we asked about the unique challenges and rewards of working with celebrity clients and high-profile projects. https://youtu.be/7mX3aqHmbPE Dame Dash commented on Donald Trump’s victory over Kamala Harris, suggesting her campaign may have used Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs‘ indictment to secure high-profile celebrity endorsements. Dash noted that Harris initially relied on B- and C-list celebrities, and top artists like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift became available to support her after Combs’ sudden arrest, which he found suspiciously timed just before the election. Diddy is currently being held in federal custody in Brooklyn after being indicted in September on three criminal charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty and denied the allegations. If convicted, Combs faces up to life in prison. His trial begins in May 2025. “Like, I believe they leveraged the Puff thing so well, like, I’m looking and I’m like, well they didn’t have any celebrities. The celebrities they had were like C minus — no disrespect to anybody,” said Dame during a recent podcast, SandraRose.com reports. “I thought Kamala – she really invested a lot in the people that may have been at the Puff parties,” he added. “It’s a grey area there, so what they did there was … they made sure everybody – not just Black and Hip-Hop – the whole world knew who Puff was and what he was accused of.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1856036169739341961 Luther ‘Uncle Luke’ Campbell recently criticized Latino voters for their support of Donald Trump in the 2024 election, asserting that this signals the end of the Black and brown coalition. According to Reuters, 46% of Hispanic-identifying voters chose Trump—up about 12% from 2020, when he lost to Joe Biden. Campbell, a strong Kamala Harris supporter, expressed surprise at this shift and warned that Trump’s hardline immigration policies could ultimately harm those who backed him. “All of y’all who didn’t support Kamala are about to face consequences. We’re not marching for you. Black people aren’t hitting the streets to fight this fight,” the Miami rapper said, Hot97 reports. He believes Latinos for Trump have deepened the divide between Black and Hispanic communities. “There’s no more Black and brown alliance,” Uncle Luke continued. “It’s Black, and we’re not marching beside you.” https://youtu.be/fZjvkr-bu1s The 2 Live Crew rapper added, “Now you got to worry about the little Black ladies who sitting there looking out the window calling the people on you. Hey ICE. They going to be singing the song. ‘Ice Ice Baby.’” Meanwhile, Ana Navarro also slammed Hispanics who voted for Trump during Monday’s (November 11) edition of “The View.” Navarro and fellow panelists Whoopi Goldberg, Sara Haines, and Sunny Hostin discussed the appointment of Tom Homan as Trump‘s incoming “border czar,” who said “families can be deported together.” “It’s chilling what he just said,” said Navarro, who immigrated from Nicaragua as a child and is now a naturalized citizen. “You realize that when he says, ‘Yes, families can be deported together,’ what he is saying is that if the parent is undocumented and they have U.S. citizen children or a U.S. citizen spouse, and you don’t want to separate them, then let’s deport the U.S. citizens,” she explained. https://twitter.com/i/status/1856115329690198209 “I saw a statistic during the election, and I think it was in The New York Times, that said that when Trump said things, people didn’t think it applied to them. So in the last few days, I got a call from a couple of people, friends of mine, people very close to me in Miami, big Trumpers, who are worried about what’s going to happen to their undocumented nannies that help them raise their children. So I suggested that they learn how to clean their kid’s a**,” Navarro continued. She concluded by saying, “You know what? Those who voted because the price of eggs was too high, wait ’til there’s a raid at the poultry farms in Georgia and Arkansas. Then we’re going to talk about the price of eggs.” “This is going to be an ongoing conversation because he’s not even in yet, and it’s hitting the fans,” Goldberg added. https://twitter.com/i/status/1856018645710975220 A judge expressed a desire to dismiss a copyright lawsuit filed against Mariah Carey over her holiday classic “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” During a recent hearing in Downtown Los Angeles, U.S. District Court Judge Mónica Ramírez Almadani chose not to make an immediate decision, Rolling Stone reports. The lawsuit, seeking $20 million, was filed last November by country musician Stone, also known as Vince Vance, and his co-writer Troy Powers. We reported previously that Stone claims the songstress was inspired by his 1989 song and used the same title. The lawsuit states that Stone recorded his song in Nashville, Tennessee, and it even appeared on the Billboard chart in 1993 during the Christmas season, according to TMZ. Stone and Vance’s lawsuit states that Carey’s 1994 holiday hit is a “derivative” work of their work, citing similarities in lyrics, melody, harmonic structure, and rhythm. “It’s not required that we show everything is identical, or that it’s virtual plagiarism. Only a certain arrangement of notes has to be unique, or the melody, or any aspect of the composition that’s copied or similar,” Gerard P. Fox, the lawyer for Stone and Powers, said Thursday, per Rolling Stone. When he noted that two musicologists hired by plaintiffs found “substantial similarity” between the two songs, the judge said, “But it’s not just similarities, right? It’s protectable similarity.” https://youtu.be/uimgSQE1Vnc Reverend Dr. Alyn E. Waller is the Senior Pastor of the Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A highly sought-after revivalist, vocalist, and lecturer, Dr. Waller is a true visionary of the church and the community who serves humanity far beyond the restraints of traditionalism. The heart of Dr. Waller’s ministry can be felt through his musical gifts. In 2004, Dr. Waller released his album, WITH HIS PERMISSION. In 2015, Enon and Pastor Waller founded the Enon Music Group (EMG) record label and released DR. ALYN E. WALLER PRESENTS ENON TABERNACLE - THE EXPERIENCE. The album garnered three Stellar Award nominations and the single “Making A Way,” which ranked #1 on Billboard Hot Singles Chart for four weeks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ukBVhK-eec Culture Kitchen returns Wednesday, November 13, at 9 PM ET/8C. BRUNCH WITH BREN In this episode, Bren brings brunch vibes from Atlanta to D.C. in style. She kicks things off with a lavender egg white martini, followed by her unique take on chicken and waffles drizzled with maple bourbon syrup. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtM9m50WKaA New Soul Kitchen returns Wednesday, November 13, at 9:30 PM ET/8:30C. CHEF JERNARD'S COMFY KITCHEN In this episode, we're serving up comforting, flavor-packed dishes. The menu features BBQ oxtails smothered in homemade BBQ sauce, accompanied by classic Southern potato salad and sautéed asparagus with a zesty lemon pepper twist. #NewSoulKitchen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qSEKvuHLuo Two-time Stellar Award nominee, Eddie Ruth Bradford, affectionately referred to as, “The Modern-Day Mahalia Jackson” has returned with the release of her a new single, “He Knows How Much We Can Bear.” On first listen, “He Knows How Much We Can Bear” calms the mind and soothes the soul with the signature smoky contralto voice of Eddie Ruth Bradford. In these unprecedented turbulent and uncertain times, this song is a reminder to us all that, “God will not put more on you than you can bear.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NqOMO4bc8c Tyrese Gibson arrives at the Los Angeles Premiere Of Amazon Prime Video’s ‘Shotgun Wedding’ held at the TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX on January 18, 2023 in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States. — Photo by imagepressagency *Tyrese Gibson admits he attended Diddy’s “freak off” parties but denies appearing in any compromising videos. “There is no such thing as a Diddy tape, literally,” the singer/actor said on Instagram, Vibe reports. “I wanna tell y’all that I’ve been to some of the most legendary parties, I got no regrets. If you’re from L.A. and you’ve been to these parties, you would know that Diddy always had the most legendary parties that were always star-studded,” Gibson added. “The biggest and most legendary stars—white, Black, Latino, Asian, billionaires, fashion, you name it,” he continued. “Diddy, hands down […] I got plenty of photos, proudly, like every other celebrity and star that went to his party.” Further on, he posited that other partygoers who aren’t mentioning attending a Diddy party may be concealing something. https://youtu.be/tJPrSLIJLnc Denzel Washington says he has a few more projects underway, including Marvel’s next “Black Panther” film before he retires. “I’ve played Othello at 22. I’m about to play Othello at 70,” Washington told Australia’s Today Show while promoting “Gladiator II,” Complex reports. “After that, I’m playing Hannibal. After that, I’ve been talking with Steve McQueen about a film. After that, Ryan Coogler’s writing a part for me in the next Black Panther. After that, I’m gonna do the film Othello. After that, I’m gonna do King Lear. After that, I’m gonna retire.” After appearing in more than 50 movies, the Oscar winner previously said he’s not interested in taking on new projects if he’s not inspired by the filmmaker. In an interview with Empire magazine, Washington opened up about his reason for joining Ridley Scott‘s upcoming “Gladiator 2.” “There are very few films left for me to make that I’m interested in, and I have to be inspired by the filmmaker, and I was tremendously inspired by Ridley,” Washington said. “We had a great go-round the first go-round [on American Gangster], and here we are.” Washington described Scott as “engaged” and “excited about life and his next film.” https://youtu.be/lM4wXMDBX68 Somebody’s lying! Let’s just start there. Well, Marn’i Washington, a former Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) employee says it ain’t her. Washington has come forward to express concerns regarding the agency’s approach to disaster response in politically charged environments. Speaking on Roland Martin Unfiltered, Washington disclosed that the agency had implemented an “avoidance” policy not only in Florida but also extended these practices to the Carolinas in the wake of recent hurricanes. Washington’s dismissal from FEMA followed her instruction to her team to steer clear of homes belonging to supporters of then-President-elect Donald Trump. She emphasized that this practice of avoidance was systematic during deployments in politically hostile areas. FEMA always preaches avoidance first and then de-escalation. So, this is not isolated,” Washington told host Roland Martin. “This is a colossal event of avoidance. Not just in the state of Florida, but you will find avoidance in the Carolinas.” https://youtu.be/Gu0o04TyLMA This developing story will likely have significant ramifications for FEMA’s reputation and operations, as the agency navigates the complexities of providing equitable disaster assistance in a politically divided landscape. https://youtu.be/HEmpvwYMs5Y The highly anticipated trailer for “What If…?” Season 3 has just dropped, teasing more multiversal adventures and alternate realities in the hit Marvel animated series. Fans can expect a fresh wave of mind-bending scenarios as the show explores even more “What If” moments from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The new season will start streaming on Disney+ on December 22, with a new episode released daily over eight days. Per the studio’s news release: Watch as classic characters make unexpected choices that will mutate their worlds into spectacular alternate versions of the MCU. The Watcher (voice of Jeffrey Wright) will guide viewers as the series traverses new genres, bigger spectacles, and incredible new characters. The series features an incredible voice cast that includes a host of stars who reprise their iconic roles. Season 3 features fan-favorite characters like Captain America/Sam Wilson, The Winter Soldier/Bucky Barnes, Hulk/Bruce Banner, The Red Guardian, Captain Peggy Carter, Agatha Harkness, Shang-Chi, Storm the Goddess of Thunder, and numerous others. https://youtu.be/umiKiW4En9g Prime Video’s latest series, “Cross,” is a fresh, thrilling adaptation of James Patterson’s beloved Alex Cross series. Aldis Hodge (‘Black Adam,’ ‘Leverage’) is both the series lead and executive producer; with creator Ben Watkins (‘Burn Notice’) at the helm. “Cross” is already generating buzz for its intense storytelling, complex character dynamics, and deeply layered portrayal of Alex Cross, the iconic detective and forensic psychologist. This series has already been picked up for season two before the first has even aired and expands on Patterson’s original books, weaving in contemporary themes and unexplored aspects of Cross’s world. In an exclusive interview, Hodge and Watkins share their approach to portraying the celebrated detective, tapping into both Alex’s intellectual prowess and personal warmth. “From the producer’s standpoint, it’s about overseeing the show’s entirety, making sure everyone shines. When I came to this role, I knew it would be a learning experience that would make me a stronger performer and a better producer,” Hodge said, reflecting on his role both on and off the screen. He emphasizes the collaborative spirit on set, particularly with Isaiah Mustafa, who plays Alex’s childhood best friend and partner, John Sampson. “The relationship you see on screen isn’t fabricated; it reflects our respect for each other as men and as artists. We push each other to go further, which makes the on-screen bond even more real.” https://youtu.be/GOupIB773tI TUNE IN ALERT! Watch the BET Network Premiere Of MAJOR.'s "I Prayed For You (said a prayer)" Official Music Video On Wednesday, November 13 at 6AM EST And Worldwide On November 15! Thalie Paris, the French eco-luxury handbag brand pioneer in material innovation and upcycled materials, is thrilled to announce its partnership with Gatsby Randolph, a visionary in shoppable content experiences, with the launch of an unforgettable iconic affair to be held at the grand Carrousel du Louvre on Saturday, November 16, 2024. Oscar nominated independent filmmaker, Gatsby Randolph (“Queens Court”) continues to parlay the success of his mockumentary feature film, Who Is Gatsby Randolph, by partnering with luxury handbag designer Thalie Paris to extend his brand internationally. This inaugural Gatsby Randolph x Thalie Paris collaboration spotlights a luxurious, limited-edition evening clutch, “RIVIÈRE DE DIAMANTS,” which symbolizes the dawn of a new era in high, eco-conscious, fashion. Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 28), to drive the campaign stateside, Who Is Gatsby Randolph is set for a pay-per-view premiere on a Black-owned streamer, UIN TV. Airing on its IPTV affiliate network, in 26 US cities and five African countries, the release of the film will also feature stylized commercials and original content to promote the partnership In a deeply unsettling incident that has shaken the View Park community of Los Angeles, a family has fallen victim to a possible hate crime targeting their home. The disturbing discovery of racist graffiti on the Garbutt family’s property on the morning following Halloween has left both the victims and their neighbors in shock. Elizabeth Garbutt, the homeowner, recounted her disbelief and sadness upon learning of the vandalism that marred her family’s space. The Vicious Assault: A Family’s Painful Experience. The morning of November 1st began with a routine wake-up call for the Garbutt family; it soon transformed into an awakening that would leave a lasting mark on their lives. A concerned employee from a nearby school reached out to inform them that their property had been defaced with hateful messages. “Somebody has graffitied your cars, your house, your sidewalk… the gate on the side and they have the N-word,” recalled Garbutt in a heart-wrenching account. The visceral impact of the offensive graffiti left Elizabeth in tears, while her daughter Elyse struggled to process the magnitude of the hate that had implicated their family. “I had to call my boss and tell them I couldn’t handle school pickup on Friday because I had a racial slur scrawled on my car, and I didn’t think it would be appropriate for the school pickup line,” Elyse shared with NBC4LA, emphasizing the far-reaching effects of the incident on their everyday lives. The situation serves as a painful reminder that, despite the progress made towards equality, racial hatred still surfaces in brutal forms, disturbing the peace of communities. https://youtu.be/0C8o3fwgLdM Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige shared an update about the future of “Blade,” after Disney pulled the planned reboot, starring Mahershala Ali, from its 2025 release calendar. Originally scheduled for November 7, 2025, theatrical debut, the movie faced multiple delays and setbacks, including changes in directors, disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic, and the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike, Variety reports. In its place, Disney will release “Predator: Badlands,” the latest installment in the sci-fi horror series, slated for early November 2025. The removal of “Blade” aligns with Disney CEO Bob Iger’s recent announcement that Marvel will limit its film releases to three per year. “We’re committed to Blade,” Feige told the Brazilian entertainment website Omelete, as translated by IGN. “We love the character. We love Mahershala’s take on him. And rest assured: whenever we change direction with a project, or are still figuring out how it fits into our schedule, we let the audience know. You’re all up to date on what’s happening. But I can tell you that the character will indeed make it to the MCU.” Feige announced Ali would take over the Blade role at San Diego Comic-Con in 2019. Shortly after, original “Blade” star Wesley Snipes defended the Oscar winner from criticism on X (formally Twitter) when a user wrote that the “Moonlight” actor would “have a hard time outdoing” Snipes. “He will do great,” Snipes wrote in response. MSNBC’s viewership dropped on Thursday and Friday, following Donald Trump’s historic election night win. As Mediaite reports, on Thursday, Fox News averaged 2.6 million total viewers, with 375,000 in the key 25-54 demographic. In comparison, MSNBC attracted 596,000 viewers and 71,000 in the demo, while CNN had 419,000 total viewers and 91,000 in the demo. Fox News saw a 60% year-over-year increase, while MSNBC’s viewership dropped by 23% and CNN’S40%. On Friday, seven of MSNBC’s shows recorded the lowest ratings of the year. Between Wednesday and Friday, Fox News averaged 4.4 million total viewers and 701,000 in the demo, while MSNBC pulled in 808,000 total viewers and 90,000 in the demo. CNN garnered 611,000 total prime-time viewers and 159,000 in the demo, Mediaite reports. As TV Insider reports, leftists criticized the media for “normalizing” Trump’s candidacy and attacking Democrats after his election win. “Now 6 straight days without listening to any Cable news network. Refreshing. It’s amazing how all they do is sensationalize everything for ratings without much regard for the actual truth or their viewers,” one Twitter user wrote. As the holiday season approaches, many individuals find themselves grappling with complex emotions stemming from the recent presidential election results, particularly among communities disproportionately affected by the current political climate. With President-elect Donald Trump securing reelection, a prominent mental health expert has made headlines for advocating that individuals feel justified in severing ties with relatives who voted in opposition to their rights and well-being. In a recent appearance on MSNBC, Dr. Amanda Calhoun, chief psychiatry resident at Yale University, discussed the emotional turmoil that many liberals, particularly within the LGBTQ and minority communities, may experience during the festive season. These groups often feel vulnerable and unsafe following the election outcome, prompting an essential conversation about the importance of mental health and emotional self-care in such trying times. “We know that there’s been a vast increase since the election – a 700 percent increase in calls from LGBTQ youth to The Trevor Project,” noted MSNBC host Joy Reid, highlighting the significant distress within vulnerable demographics. This staggering statistic reflects the very real impact that political decisions can have on people’s lives, especially those whose rights may be perceived as under threat. https://youtu.be/wnzFvPRSRUE Back in mid-October, President-elect Donald Trump headlined an annual white-tie event dripping with smugness and a sinister, jowly wink. He took to the stage and delivered a punchline with an insidious truth about white women. “There’s a group called ‘White Dudes for Harris,’ but I’m not worried about them at all. Because their wives and their wives’ lovers are all voting for me,” Trump said. The room erupted in laughter. But Trump’s confidence wasn’t built on bluster. It was rooted in a damning reality. His quip revealed that he was cynically aware, as he always has been, of the historical and cultural forces that bind white women to white male power structures. Regardless of their public personas, secret affairs, flirtations with rebellion, social justice pretending and grand statements about anti-racism, white women will still ultimately choose the safety, protection, and status afforded to them by aligning with Trump’s brand of authoritarian and white patriarchal politics. He was betting on even the most outwardly progressive or conflicted white women to embrace the patriarchal bargain. Trump understood that white women’s loyalty to white supremacy and patriarchal power would hold steady through the 2024 election, no matter how many scandals, criminal indictments, credible accusations of rape he faced, or threats to implement a national ban on abortion—potentially forcing women to carry unwanted pregnancies, including those resulting from rape, or to risk bleeding out from pregnancy complications. And he was right. Donald Trump hasn’t even been announced as the president-elect for a full week yet and already his administration is shaping up to be the white nationalist legion of bootlicking and gaslighting that non-MAGA voters expect it to be. On Sunday, Trump announced the man he has appointed as his “border czar.” (That’s the title he completely made up and then spent his campaign assigning to Vice President Kamala Harris despite the fact that she was never placed in charge of the border.) According to the New York Times, Homan is a former police officer and former border patrol agent who, in 2017, was named acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Last Month, Homan made an appearance on CBS’s 60 Minutes where he boasted that, under Trump, large-scale worksite raids that began under Trump’s last administration but were suspended under President Joe Biden would resume — because what better way to say, “Trump is back, baby” than to immediately start charging into blue-collar worksites and resume racially profiling all of the non-white employees. https://youtu.be/oz-s7sL-HEc In a not-so-stunning reminder that liberal Democratic states aren’t immune from white supremacist tendencies, California voters have essentially decided slavery is OK as long as the enslaved person has been convicted of a crime. Some might consider that a hyperbolic statement at best, but, on Nov. 5, voters in The Golden State had an opportunity to vote in favor of Proposition 6, a measure that would have amended the state’s Constitution to remove a provision in the law that prohibits slavery and involuntary servitude — except as a punishment for a crime. Instead, they voted “no.” But should it really be necessary to “get the word out” that forced labor is a bad thing even if it’s happening to someone who is in prison for a crime they may have committed? Esteban Nuñez, a spokesman for the Prop. 6 campaign, appears to agree that the messaging was the issue, not the voters, and that they weren’t able to afford the cost of launching an effective campaign in support of the bill. Bryson Bryant, the son of “Real Housewives of Atlanta” alum NeNe Leakes, has reportedly been out of contact with his probation officer for several months. Court documents reveal that Bryson missed required check-ins on August 14 and September 30. Despite attempts to reach him by phone, his probation officer was unable to make contact and confirmed Bryson was not in custody after checking local jail records, InTouch reports. In May, Bryson accepted a plea deal in his case involving fentanyl possession and giving police a false name. Under the agreement, prosecutors dropped the controlled substance charge, and Bryson pleaded guilty to giving false information to law enforcement. He received a 12-month probation sentence, a $500 fine, and must complete 40 hours of community service. Additionally, he is required to undergo random drug testing, substance abuse evaluation, or treatment, and must avoid alcohol and drugs. Bryson had initially been arrested in Georgia on July 3, 2023. We reported earlier that at the time of his arrest, Bryson gave officers the name of his younger brother, Brentt Leakes. After police discovered his real identity, Bryson was hit with an additional charge of “giving a false name, address or birthdate to a law enforcement officer.” Walmart is testing a new approach to address customer frustration over locked-up products. Shoppers often find it inconvenient to wait for staff to unlock these items, especially in understaffed stores. While retailers secure certain products to reduce theft, this practice can lead to lost sales due to customer impatience. According to a recent Bloomberg report, Walmart is considering letting shoppers unlock secured items themselves with their cell phones digitally. Bloomberg writes, “Walmart is currently testing this out at hundreds of its stores, and it has discussed possibly expanding the technology to allow Walmart+ members to have a mobile key to access locked-up products.” “If you walk into pharmacies in cities today, it’s a pretty tough experience with how much is locked behind cabinets, where you have to press a button to get somebody to come out and open the cabinets for you and a lot of shoplifting going on in the stores,” said Amazon CEO Andy Jassy. https://youtu.be/C70Gl3e5epo Oprah Winfrey blasted reports that Kamala Harris‘ presidential campaign paid her $1 million to support her failed bid for the White House. “I was paid nothing — ever,” Winfrey told a TMZ reporter as she walked to her car.She also refused to discuss the 2024 election before shutting down the Washington Examineer’s report that Harris paid Winfrey’s Harpo Productions $1 million on October 15. The payment came after the media mogul hosted a town hall event for the vice president in September. Oprah also appeared at Harris’ final rally before Election Day where she called on people to vote “for healing over hate.” Meanwhile, the New York Post reports that Harpo Productions denied that Winfrey was “paid a personal fee.” “The campaign paid for the production costs of ‘Unite for America,’ a livestreaming event that took place Sept. 19 outside Detroit, Mich.,” a Harpo spokesperson said in a statement to Variety. “Oprah Winfrey was at no point during the campaign paid a personal fee, nor did she receive a fee from Harpo.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1856127609392054697 Two jets from US-based airlines were struck by bullets on Monday while flying over Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince as Haitian authorities suspended all flights in and out of the capital amid escalating gang violence. A Spirit Airlines plane was hit by gunfire while attempting to land in Port-au-Prince, resulting in what the airline described as “minor injuries” to one crew member. Spirit said Monday that its Flight 951 from Fort Lauderdale in Florida to Port-au-Prince was diverted and landed in Santiago in the Dominican Republic, where “an inspection revealed evidence of damage to the aircraft consistent with gunfire.” The aircraft has been taken out of service, and Spirit services to Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haitien have been suspended, the airline said. Later Monday, the Haitian civil aviation authority shared a warning to flight personnel, saying “air traffic operations are temporarily suspended” at the airport. The notice, known as a notice to airmen (NOTAM), went into effect at 2:00 p.m. local time Monday and is expected to end next Monday, November 18. https://youtu.be/T9BJc5oDIZw In response to the Spirit incident, US-based carriers JetBlue and American Airlines temporarily canceled flights to and from Haiti. In a later statement, JetBlue extended its flight suspension through December 2, saying damage from a bullet had been identified in one of its planes returning from Haiti. JetBlue Flight 935 landed at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport without any issues originally reported, but a post-flight inspection later identified that the aircraft’s exterior had been struck by a bullet, the airline said. “We are actively investigating this incident in collaboration with relevant authorities,” JetBlue said, citing “the going civil unrest” for its decision to suspend flights. https://youtu.be/MHV0KMMwXcM One African American woman is currently serving in the California State Senate, Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Ladera Heights). It’s the same in the U.S. Senate. In October of 2023, Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.) to complete the term of Sen. Dianne Feinstein after she passed away in September 2023. Butler will likely be replaced in January by Adam Schiff, who is projected to win the seat after the Nov. 5 general election. Now, two more Black women are ready to become California State Senators. Two Black women have already won seats in the United States Senate. Lisa Blunt-Rochester of Delaware and Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland will go to Capitol Hill in January after winning their respective Senate races. It will be the first time in U.S., history that two Black women have served in the Senate at the same time. “It is remarkable to think that in two years, America will celebrate its 250th birthday, and in all those years, there have been more than 2000 people who have served in the United States Senate and only three have looked like me,” said Alsobrooks in her victory speech on Nov. 5. “So, I want to salute all of those who came before me, who made it possible for me to stand on this stage tonight, whose sacrifice and stories I will continue to carry with me,” added Alsobrooks. Reality star Chrisean Rock was baptized at Transformation Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma over the weekend. The rapper shared a video of her baptismal on social media and captioned the clip with a heartfelt message that read: “Gracious God, today I rejoice in the promise of new life that baptism symbolizes. Thank You for cleansing my heart and welcoming me into Your family. As I rise from these waters, may I walk in the light of Your Spirit and grow in the love of Christ each day. Guide my steps, uphold me in faith, and help me to live out Your truth in all I do. Amen.” Several fans are questioning the authenticity of her seemingly newfound spiritual journey, given Rock’s well-known ‘IDGAF’ attitude and party-girl persona. They point out that this is the same person who reportedly drank and used drugs during her pregnancy, leading to allegations that her son was born with birth defects that she allegedly did not seek medical attention for. Rock’s Instagram followers had mixed reactions to her baptism video, with one person writing, “Are yall serious for real … she keep playing in gods face all day and it’s sickening…” Another added, “Until you take Junior to a specialist we don’t care.” “The one thing I don’t get, is why do folks get baptized over and over again “givin’ themselves ” to God but keeps doing the same thing over and over again?? Isn’t that being a WILLFULL SINNER? Just saying,’” another critic wrote in the comments of Rock’s post. https://www.instagram.com/chrisean/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=3e6ea52d-c15a-4a90-8512-b90a6f87eb98 “U fake u lied and u tried to end ur sister’s career and was laughed like a villain,” someone else added, referring to the latest episode of Zeus Network’s “Baddies: Midwest,” where Rock had viewers clutching their pearls when she asked her older sister Tesehki if she remembers forcing her to perform oral sex on her when they were minors. According to Chrisean, she was age seven and Tesehki 12 when the alleged incident occurred. “You said what?!,” Tesehki responded to Rock’s accusation before adding, “I’m done talking…B***h, you’re going to jail — defamation!” After the incident gained attention online, Tesehki provided additional context on Instagram by sharing footage from a #throwback Instagram Live session with Chrisean and another woman. In the video, Rock empathizes with them over the abuse they experienced as children and clarifies that she did not go through the same experience. “Y’all went through some sh*t,” she told Tesehki and the other woman. “I never personally went through something that took my childhood away.” https://youtu.be/EIX-WgxXvtM Comedian Lil Rel Howery, known for “Get Out,” is stepping into the director’s chair for the first time with the comedy-horror film “Haunted Heist.” He’ll also star in the film with Tiffany Haddish. Per Deadline, here’s the synopsis for the upcoming movie: “Four estranged friends reunite at what appears to be a typical house. But one friend has ulterior motives; he plans to rob the place and needs their help to find an antique worth a fortune. But the house is straight up haunted, and the group must squash their differences to survive the night and an insane pack of ghosts”. “I’m so excited to be working on this project in front and behind the camera,” said Howery. “It’s going to be so much fun.” Howery will direct from a script by Carl Reid (“Mr. Crocket”). Female-owned and operated The Coven, (“Terrifier 3”) will handle the project. “We are always looking for something fun and fresh. The best Saturday night movie that an audience could hope for,” said The Coven’s Priscilla Smith. “Haddish and Howery will knock this out of the park.” https://youtu.be/FK8jW-pGWaY With the release of her latest single, the soulful and sensual romance “You Know What It’s Like,” Brenda Russell not only continues to pave the way for her highly anticipated upcoming album Songpainter – her first collection in 20 years – but also makes a triumphant return to the refined classic blend of adult contemporary R&B and urban jazz that launched and defined the trailblazing four and a half decade career of the multi-Grammy nominated singer/songwriter, Tony-nominated and Grammy-winning Broadway composer for The Color Purple. Produced by Brenda Russell with her longtime collaborator Stephan Oberhoff (Burt Bacharach, Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, Al Jarreau), “You Know What It’s Like” is a co-write by the singer and the legendary Roberta Flack, who originally recorded the song on her Oasis album. When Russell and Oberhoff were going through songs she had written but never recorded herself as potential singles and tracks for Songpainter, she immediately gravitated to this supremely sultry tune to both honor her longtime friend and give her some love. Featuring a dreamy Brazilian-flavored vibe, “You Know What It’s Like” is the follow-up single to Brenda’s R&B/gospel flavored “What Will It Take,” an uplifting and unifying globally conscious anthem for our time. Its 2023 release was one of those serendipitous cases of a song truly meeting the perfect moment at a time when there is a collective anxiety about America’s future as a democracy and our news feeds are dominated by the details of two horrifying wars. https://youtu.be/jcAkU8lzm0U Did you know more than 73 million American adults have criminal records? It turns out that having a president with a criminal background is no big deal to a lot of people. I read a headline the day before the election that said: ‘America Is Ready For Kamala Harris.’ Obviously, they got it wrong. When it comes to politics and the justice system in America, nothing has changed but the date on the calendar. White men have the privilege to have the worst character, the worst reputation, and be the worst example of civility, but still be seen as the best option. As we gather around the table during the holiday season to break bread with people we thought we knew best, some people should admit many of our friends and family have starkly different views on what leadership looks like and what accountability looks like. Apparently, for the majority of Americans who voted in this election, leadership always will look like a white man no matter his age or obvious declining health, his lack of character, or his criminal background. For the millions of people who voted for Donald Trump, he is their avatar. He says and does what they wish they could say and do. Regardless of who you voted for, here’s what we can learn from the results of the election and apply to our own lives. Click the video for more details. https://youtu.be/afEeDF3sKns As humans, we have something to offer our communities, families, and the world. But, not understanding what we have to offer makes it very difficult to make moves for progress toward making a difference. Knowing your “why” or your purpose is essential. This provides the opportunity with the understanding of making a difference in your life as well as others. It has been pointed out that when you know your why, your what becomes more impactful because you’re walking towards or in your purpose. Again, it’s imperative to understand your “why.” Knowing or understanding what you do is one thing but knowing your “why” is epic! So, you might be asking the question, “So what is your why JT?” The aspect that I find most pertinent is the understanding of the rationale behind one’s actions; this comprehension significantly enhances the impact of one’s endeavors. For me, these words symbolize a form of self-identification or a means through which I recognize my character. It was my passion for the creation and documentation of music that led me to realize that music-making and performance are my primary pursuits. I am driven by a profound desire to sow seeds of inspiration and encouragement into the hearts and minds of the next generation. It is not merely about imparting knowledge; it is about fostering a spirit of curiosity and resilience that empowers young individuals to reach for their dreams. I aim to uplift the standard of gratitude, teaching them to appreciate the beauty in life’s simple moments and the contributions of those around them. By instilling a sense of self-efficacy, I want them to understand that their efforts matter and that their voices can create waves of change. Moreover, I strive to elevate the standard of self-awareness, guiding them to discover their passions and strengths and allowing them to navigate their paths with confidence. Music, a universal language that transcends boundaries, plays a pivotal role in this journey. I see it as a powerful tool to connect, communicate, and express emotions—a way to keep alive the rich tapestry of human experience. Hip-hop icon and OutKast member Big Boi opened up about his latest show,”‘Big RV Remix,” giving fans an inside look at his and his business partner Janice Faison’s creative process, the inspiration behind bringing luxury and personality to mobile living spaces through their company, Celebrity Trailers. Together with their skilled contractor David Vasquez, they take on the challenge of transforming ordinary RVs and trailers into custom masterpieces. The synopsis states: “Whether it be a landing pad-themed camper for a future astronaut, a cutting-edge barber shop van for a new dad, or a man cave big rig for a basketball legend—if it has wheels—the team at Celebrity Trailers has it covered.” “A lot of people are going into the mobile home, tiny homes. There are a lot of tiny homes in Atlanta. People are downsizing and trying to make it. I do see that,” the rapper said in a new interview with TV Insider. “To me, when we get with people and collaborate, just to see the vision start from notes on a notepad to the actual build. It’s gratifying,” he explained. “When they get the final product, they are super pleased with it. That means a lot. The girl who was going to school to be an astronaut and had a newborn. The trailer she had was super old. We decked it out and reinforced everything and made it livable for her and her family while she was at school. That was nice,” Big Boi shared. https://youtu.be/UdRZRf1_i90 A married couple in Longview, Washington, died after stabbing and shooting each other during a violent confrontation, while their 11-year-old son was in another room playing video games with earbuds on. The bloody incident occurred on Halloween when the child discovered his parents’ bodies and called 911, The New York Post reports. Authorities identified the deceased as Juan Antonio Alvarado Saenz, 38, and Cecilia Robles Ochoa, 39, and confirmed that the couple, who planned to separate, had both been stabbed, with Ochoa also shot. Investigators found a knife and a gun at the scene but have not determined the primary aggressor. Alvarado Saenz died from multiple stab wounds to the chest, while Ochoa was stabbed and shot, the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office said. The boy was the only other person in the home at the time and didn’t realize what happened until he found his parents’ bodies. The sheriff’s office said Alvarado Saenz and Robles Ochoa “had relationship issues and intended to separate.” https://x.com/TrueCrimeUpdat/status/1855716322023555224/photo/1 Despite Vice President Kamala Harris’s 2024 election loss, lucrative opportunities await her on the speaking circuit. According to Darren Prince of Prince Marketing Group, Harris could earn between $200,000 and $250,000 per event, sharing her experiences from the campaign and her political career, TMZ reports. Her husband, Doug Emhoff, could also command $50,000 to $75,000 per appearance, and together, the couple could earn nearly half a million dollars for joint engagements. When Harris conceded the election last week, she said: “We must accept the results of this election.” Meanwhile, following Harris’ loss in the 2024 presidential race to Donald Trump, there are claims of mismanagement within her campaign, despite raising over $1 billion. By mid-October, the campaign had spent more than $900 million, according to the Federal Election Commission, Newsweek reports. Critics within the Democratic Party, including Lindy Li from the DNC finance committee, have called the campaign a “disaster” and suggested it ended with around $20 million in debt, though this figure has not been independently confirmed. Mariah Carey is set to be questioned by attorneys regarding statements in her memoir that her brother, Morgan, allegedly sold drugs. Court documents reveal that the singer’s in-person deposition is scheduled for January 17, 2025, at her brother’s legal team’s New York office, The Sun reports. This deposition follows a lawsuit Morgan, 64, filed in March 2021, accusing his superstar sibling of defamation in her memoir, “The Meaning of Mariah Carey.” In the book, Mariah, 55, describes her estranged relationship with her brother. She alleges that Morgan was violent towards her, sold drugs while working at a New York nightclub in the 1980s, and suggests he served prison time—all claims that Morgan has denied. In one passage in the book, she wrote “I was a little girl with very few memories of a big brother who protected me.” “More often, I felt I had to protect myself from him, and sometimes I would find myself protecting my mother from him too,” Mariah revealed. Early in the 2024-25 season, the NBA is reportedly experiencing a dip in viewership, and Shaquille O’Neal attributes this to the prevalence of a uniform playing style centered around 3-point shots—a trend sparked by Stephen Curry’s influence on the game. “It’s down because we’re looking at the same thing. Everybody is running the same plays,” Shaq said on his podcast, Fox News reports. “Steph Curry and those guys messed it up. I don’t mind Golden State back in the day shooting threes, but every team isn’t a 3-point shooter. So, why everybody has the same strategy? I think it makes the game boring,” the former Los Angeles star continued. “The game has already been perfect ever since Naismith created it,” Shaq added. “This new era of humans f—-d it up. … Golden State came in and changed it. “Everybody wants to be Steph Curry, but everybody’s not Steph Curry. And that’s why viewership is down. But these dudes, they need to wake up because if viewership is down, the money is gonna come down.” https://youtu.be/csMgsPbzs5o The first 50 plaques honoring notable New Orleans figures, from music legends like Fats Domino, Percy “Master P” Miller, Bryan “Birdman” Williams, and Ronald “Slim” Wiliam to cultural icons like Tyler Perry, Big Freeda, and Ellen DeGeneres, are scheduled for installation by February 6, 2025. This new Walk of Fame plagues were created by local artist Brandan “BMIKE” Odums, and will highlight a diverse array of New Orleanians, celebrating musicians, restauranteurs, and other influential locals. The project is spearheaded by Master P, who was appointed by Mayor LaToya Cantrell as New Orleans’ official Entertainment Ambassador in August. The Completion of the Walk of Fame will come just in time for Super Bowl LIX, which will take place Sept. 9 at the Caesars Superdome. “As we continue preparations to host Super Bowl LIX, it is of huge importance that we honor and recognize the diverse group of notable individuals who make up the beautiful fabric of our city,” said Cantrell in a statement, per the news release. “Their global influence is a source of pride for our community and a testament to the city’s reach on the world stage. Thank you to the city’s entertainment ambassador, Percy ‘Master P’ Miller, the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, Operation Restoration and all other partners for helping embrace our culture and ensuring a bright future for our city and its cultural heritage,” she added. Music fans looking forward to seeing Michael Jackson’s life story on the big screen will have to wait a little longer. Media sources at Vibe reveal it will be the Fall of 2025 before Antoine Fuqua’s highly anticipated biopic “Michael” arrives in theaters, months after its initial April 2025 release. The new premiere date in theaters for the film, Lionsgate announced Nov. 5, will be Oct. 3, 2025. Starring Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson in the titular role, “Michael” features Nia Long as the late singer’s mother Katherine Jackson and Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, along with Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe, Miles Teller as John Branca, Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy, Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones and Kat Graham as Diana Ross. https://www.instagram.com/jaafarjackson/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=4d5d4ee2-6c62-4f33-bfed-13174c0d9df6 More than 30 actors are expected to be included in the film as well as a slew of performances to match its lengthy run time, according to Vibe. “With Jaafar, every look, every note, every dance move is Michael,” “Michael” producer Graham King told Variety. “He embodies Michael in a way that no other actor could.” “There are elements of drama, intrigue, and emotional states [in the film],” he continued while labeling the feature as “an inside look at the most prolific artist who ever lived.” “We’ll get into all of it,” King added. “Behind the unrelenting scrutiny and the accusations and the spotlight, he was simply a man — a man with a very complicated life.” https://www.instagram.com/jaafarjackson/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=78b78b9e-1398-4b5b-a933-9e3b3ab4ecb8 A Federal Emergency Management Agency employee has been fired after they advised their disaster relief team to avoid homes with signs supporting former President Donald Trump while canvassing in Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, the agency’s administrator said Saturday. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell called the actions of the employee “reprehensible” and said they have been terminated from their role. “More than 22,000 FEMA employees every day adhere to FEMA’s core values and are dedicated to helping people before, during, and after disasters, often sacrificing time with their own families to help disaster survivors,” Criswell wrote in a post on X before describing the employee’s actions. “This is a clear violation of FEMA’s core values & principles to help people regardless of their political affiliation.” “This was reprehensible. I want to be clear to all of my employees and the American people, this type of behavior and action will not be tolerated at FEMA and we will hold people accountable if they violate these standards of conduct,” she added. https://youtu.be/RViKAOv7yg0 The agency is investigating how many houses were passed over by the canvassing team as part of the incident on October 27, the spokesperson told CNN. The agency on Friday deployed a new team to knock on doors in the affected area to contact those who may not have been previously reached. The spokesperson declined to provide additional information on the incident or detail how agency officials were notified of it, citing the investigation, but said in the statement that FEMA officials are “horrified that this took place and therefore have taken extreme actions to correct this situation and have ensured that the matter was addressed at all levels.” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said following reports of the incident Friday that he had directed state officials to investigate the matter. “The blatant weaponization of government by partisan activists in the federal bureaucracy is yet another reason why the Biden-Harris administration is in its final days,” DeSantis, a Republican, wrote on X. “At my direction, the Division of Emergency Management is launching an investigation into the federal government’s targeted discrimination of Floridians who support Donald Trump.” FEMA, the spokesperson said in their statement, “helps all survivors regardless of their political preference or affiliation.” https://youtu.be/7N9Pb9xeg2Q Authorities are conducting an ongoing investigation into a tragic shooting that occurred early Sunday morning during the homecoming celebrations on the campus of Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Alabama. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) reports that the incident left one person dead and 16 others injured, raising concerns and alarm within the community and the university. At approximately 1:40 a.m. on Sunday, law enforcement was alerted to the shooting. Witnesses indicated that crowds were gathered to celebrate the university’s centennial homecoming when chaos ensued. An 18-year-old victim was tragically pronounced dead at the scene, while twelve additional victims sustained gunshot wounds and have since been transported to nearby hospitals in Montgomery and Lee Counties. Four others incurred injuries not related to gunfire, further complicating the aftermath of the alarming incident. https://youtu.be/nxztP5WTM8Y Snoop Dogg’s daughter Cori Broadus is documenting her wedding planning for a new E! docuseries, “Snoop’s Fatherhood: Cori and Wayne’s Story.” Cori, 25, and her fiancé Wayne Duece got engaged in November 2022 and now they’re taking fans behind the scenes of their upcoming nuptials in a three-part special set to debut in December. In the preview above, Wayne says, “Now that me and Cori’s engaged, it’s time to get this wedding on the road.” “I’m a princess so the prince has got to do it big,” Cori says during discussions about Wayne’s entrance at the wedding. “What if I came in on this helicopter?” he responds. The bride-to-be said Justin Bieber would be the ideal performer for the milestone event. “My dream would be to have Justin Bieber,” she says in the clip. https://youtu.be/OZ_45hBmL8k Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, the action star and Hollywood heavyweight, recently addressed a flurry of chatter surrounding his behavior on set, particularly rumors claiming his late arrivals and unconventional bathroom habits have been costing productions millions. In a pretty candid interview with GQ, Johnson acknowledged some truths about his methods while firmly denying that his actions have financially jeopardized his latest film, “Red One.” The whispers began earlier in the year when an article emerged alleging that Johnson’s tardiness during filming for “Red One,” an upcoming Christmas movie in which he portrays Santa Claus’ bodyguard, had resulted in significant production delays and inflated costs by as much as $250 million. The idea of Johnson resorting to urinating in bottles to save time only added fuel to the fire. “Yeah. That happens,” he candidly admitted, acknowledging his occasional need to relieve himself while on set. He continued, “That happens too,” about the claims of being late. However, he quickly refutes the reported financial repercussions, asserting, “That was a banana amount.” https://youtu.be/3Ji7vN5aUvs Johnson is not facing these rumors alone. Crew members from “Red One,” including director Jake Kasdan, have come to Johnson’s defense. Kasdan pointed out that everyone in Hollywood runs late occasionally, and affirmed that Johnson was consistently present, never missing a single day of filming. He praised the superstar’s treatment of the crew, emphasizing the positive atmosphere Johnson created on set. https://www.instagram.com/therock/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=cabc7cd3-feb2-4349-b87f-59641e3b57ab Co-star Chris Evans chimed in with an anecdote of Johnson’s generosity, recounting a day when a crew raffle’s payout grew significantly, thanks to the action star adding more to the pot—amounting to a staggering six figures by the day’s end. Fans of Johnson are likely not surprised by this revelation, given his lighthearted admission earlier in 2017 during a gym session, when he jokingly showcased a bottle filled with yellow liquid, stating: “I don’t have time to go to the bathroom, I find a bottle, I pee in it, and I keep training like a beast.” https://youtu.be/BWCeXycS7L8 Yale professor Daphne Brooks will launch a new course next semester titled “Beyoncé Makes History: Black Radical Tradition History, Culture, Theory & Politics through Music.” According to Yale News Daily, the class will explore Beyoncé’s work from 2013 to 2024 to study themes in Black history, intellectualism, and performance. This course builds on Brooks’ previous Princeton class on Black women in popular music, which also included a focus on Beyoncé. Brooks aims to highlight the superstar’s impact on social and political events in America and globally. Per Yale Daily News: Students will participate in discussions surrounding readings from scholars such as Hortense Spillers, the Combahee River Collective, Cedric Robinson and Karl Hagstrom Miller. In terms of projects, students will participate in screenings of her visual albums, work with archives in the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library and engage with public humanities projects designed to study Beyoncé’s physical impact on the Black community. Students will also be encouraged to create playlists connecting Beyoncé’s music to those of her influences. “[This class] seemed good to teach because [Beyoncé] is just so ripe for teaching at this moment in time,” Brooks said. Sean “Diddy” Combs is struggling to sell his Beverly Hills mansion, reportedly due to its high price tag and negative associations with recent controversies. The home, listed at $61.5 million, has seen limited interest since going on the market two months ago, with few potential buyers and some reportedly put off by its history, The Blast reports. Earlier this year, the mansion was raided by Homeland Security as part of Diddy’s ongoing legal issues and recent sexual assault allegations against him. Realtors believe the asking price is far above the property’s market value. Diddy is currently being held in federal custody in Brooklyn after being indicted in September on three criminal charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty and denied the allegations. If convicted, Combs faces up to life in prison. His trial begins in May 2025. In March, federal agents raided his homes in Los Angeles and his residence in Miami as part of an ongoing sex trafficking investigation, U.S. officials said. “Earlier today, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York executed law enforcement actions as part of an ongoing investigation, with assistance from HSI Los Angeles, HSI Miami, and our local law enforcement partners,” HSI said in a statement at the time, CBS News reports. “We will provide further information as it becomes available.” https://youtu.be/2vI1uyGZPCI In a recent letter to the editor, shared by the LA Times, San Diego resident Laura Norris expressed a sentiment shared by many Californians who admire Vice President Kamala Harris‘ leadership and tenacity. Norris articulated her desire for Harris to consider a gubernatorial run in California, emphasizing the need for strong and experienced leadership in the state. Harris has long been a prominent figure in California politics, serving as both Attorney General and U.S. Senator before her current role as Vice President. Her extensive experience working on issues affecting the state and nation makes her a formidable candidate for any position. While many were disappointed by her lost bid for the presidency, there remains a significant cohort of supporters who still believe in her potential to lead at the state level. Norris also highlighted an interesting angle in her letter—the idea that Harris’s candidacy could provoke the ire of President-elect Trump. The relationship between Harris and Trump has been marked by sharp exchanges, particularly during the presidential debates, and a Harris governorship may serve to further entwine national politics with California’s progressive agenda. Harris’s familiarity with Trump’s tactics and policies could enable her to effectively navigate the political landscape, addressing the needs of her constituents while holding the federal government accountable. https://youtu.be/kSGuffVLnlY Storing bananas correctly can significantly extend their freshness, but common mistakes—like keeping them in a fruit bowl with other produce—might be causing them to spoil faster than necessary. To keep bananas fresh longer, avoid storing them in a fruit bowl with other fruits, as bananas release ethylene gas, which speeds up ripening in nearby produce. Store bananas separately, especially away from ethylene-sensitive fruits like apples and pears, unless you want them to ripen faster. For extra freshness, wrap the banana stems in plastic or foil to slow down gas release. Per Express UK, the experts at Zest Food Service said: “The ethene which bananas release can affect many other fruits, such as apples and pears, which is why you should keep the bananas separate from these fruits unless you intentionally want to ripen them quicker.” They added: “If you block this crown with cling-film or silver foil, you can prevent the gas from escaping and severely slow down the ripening process. This could give you another three to five days on the natural ripening timescale.” Once bananas are yellow with light spots, refrigerate them to maintain firmness and flavor, although the peel may darken. Avoid refrigerating green bananas, as the cold will prevent them from ripening fully. This method can extend their freshness by up to two weeks. https://youtu.be/vDFxWBVzAK8 Writer and director John Campbell talk about his award-winning docuseries “Who’s Behind Black Art,” which premiered on Comcast’s Black Experience on Xfinity. The four-part series spotlights five rising Black contemporary artists—Adrian Armstrong, Jewel Ham, Laurena Finéus, Mario Joyce, and Tae Ham—chronicling their journeys as they navigate the art world and prepare for a major exhibition at New York City’s World Trade Center. Campbell’s series not only brings viewers into the minds and processes of these artists but also features insights from prominent voices across the art industry. Recently recognized with the “Best Series – Web” award at the 2024 Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival, Campbell said “Who’s Behind Black Art?” aims to inspire people to hit up their local art gallery. “…we go to amusement parks, we go to concerts and so many other places, maybe go to a gallery, maybe go to a museum and see what some of these Black artists are doing,” Campbell told us. “It’s phenomenal when you get to be in front of a piece by someone who looks like you.I love the idea of people creating their own ideas. I want people to remain inspired so that we can achieve and do more and also be supportive and part of the community.” In a statement, Loren Hudson, SVP and Chief Diversity Officer, Connectivity and Platforms, Comcast, said: “We are committed to creating spaces where representation truly matters, and featuring Who’s Behind Black Art exclusively on the Black Experience on Xfinity channel is just one of many ways we bring that vision to life,” said Loren Hudson, SVP and Chief Diversity Officer, Connectivity and Platforms, Comcast, said in a statement. “We are thrilled to partner with writer and director John Campbell in sharing the stories of the five incredible artists featured in the film, on our platform, which highlights the diverse talents of creators and celebrates the richness of Black culture,” Hudson continued. https://youtu.be/B64KO0zUkis Quincy Jones, the renowned music giant synonymous with innovation and artistry, was laid to rest in a heartfelt private ceremony in Los Angeles this past Sunday. This intimate farewell took place a week after the musical icon passed away at the age of 91, surrounded by the warmth and love of his family. In a statement provided to the Associated Press, Jones’ family shared that the ceremony included his seven children, brother, two sisters, and other immediate family members. While the specific location of the ceremony remains undisclosed, the family expressed immense gratitude for the profound support and tributes they have received from friends and fans worldwide. They announced their intentions to host a larger, public memorial celebration to honor Jones’ extraordinary life and legacy, with details to be revealed at a later date, the LA Times reported. https://youtu.be/VC7I38jWkS0 Quincy Jones departed this world on November 3, in his beloved home located in the prestigious Bel-Air neighborhood of Los Angeles. His illustrious career spanned over seven decades, during which he made indelible marks on the music industry. Renowned for producing Michael Jackson’s iconic “Thriller” album, Jones held a unique talent for creating mesmerizing film scores and collaborating with music legends such as Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles. The impact of Jones’ artistry reverberated far beyond the music scene, with tributes pouring in from major figures in media and politics after his passing. Notably, “Saturday Night Live” honored him with a poignant memorial photo one day before his funeral, symbolizing his lasting influence within the entertainment sphere. In a continued spirit of support for music and its community, Jones’ family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Jazz Foundation of America, reflecting the values and endeavors that Jones held close to his heart. As the world mourns the loss of a legend, the memory of Quincy Jones will undoubtedly resonate through his monumental contributions to music and the arts for generations to come. https://youtu.be/XnfRKr4tpoo Comedian/Host Chris Spencer attends the 2018 BET Awards – Debra Lee Pre-BET Awards Dinner at Vibiana on June 20, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for BET) We spoke with the multitalented comedian, writer, and producer Chris Spencer about his role as host of “Black Comedy in America,” a new 10-part docuseries on Vice TV, and what he hopes viewers will take away from this empowering series. https://vimeo.com/1028607557 Spencer has been a staple in the comedy world for decades, with a career spanning roles in “Blackish,” “Def Comedy Jam,” and his late-night talk show “VIBE.” He also co-created “Real Husbands of Hollywood” with Kevin Hart and produced Jamie Foxx’s recent Netflix special. In “Black Comedy in America,” Spencer and co-hosts Tiffany Haddish and Ryan Davis take audiences on a journey through the influential history of Black comedy, with special features including the iconic “Original Kings of Comedy” reunion and conversations with a range of comedians. This series offers a deep dive into the comedic legends and cultural milestones that have shaped Black comedy and American culture. The next episode airs on Tuesday, November 12 at 10 PM ET/PT, where the hosts will unpack the romantic comedy “The Best” with Angela Rye, Malcolm D. Lee, and Taye Diggs. We have an exclusive clip from the episode featuring Taye discussing the lasting magic of the 1999 film — watch it below. Upcoming episodes will also include profiles on Richard Pryor, and Eddie Murphy, as well as an exploration of the origin of Black comedy. https://vimeo.com/1028631169 Michael Strahan, former NFL star and beloved sports analyst, has found himself at the center of a heated controversy following his stance during the national anthem at a Veterans Day broadcast on Sunday. The incident occurred as Strahan and his “NFL on Fox” crew held a special tribute at Naval Base San Diego, aiming to honor military service members ahead of a full slate of NFL games. https://youtu.be/rIVqj7sQaoY As Strahan stood alongside fellow analysts Howie Long, Jay Glazer, Curt Menefee, Terry Bradshaw, Jimmie Johnson, and Rob Gronkowski for a rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” a notable distinction arose. While his colleagues placed their right hands over their hearts, Strahan kept his hands crossed by his waist. This departure from the expected posture triggered a swift backlash, with many taking to social media platform X to voice their displeasure, labeling his stance as “disrespectful.” Comments flooded in, with demands for Strahan’s removal from his role on “NFL on Fox.” One outraged commenter emphasized the need for respect, stating, “If you can’t respect our military, you need to be removed from the NFL ON FOX!! GOODBYE STRAHAN!!” https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-11-11-111124-michael-strahan-1926253-245/ Earlier today, Marvel Studios premiered a brand-new trailer and poster for the much-anticipated film “Captain America: Brave New World” during the inaugural Brazil D23 fan event. Scheduled for release on February 14, 2025, this film promises to delve deeper into the legacy of Captain America as portrayed by Anthony Mackie. The event saw Anthony Mackie, reprising his role as Sam Wilson/Captain America, and Danny Ramirez, who plays Joaquin Torres/Falcon, captivating the audience with their enthusiasm. The two actors engaged with fans before the trailer reveal, generating palpable excitement throughout the crowd. Their interactions highlighted the strong bond between the cast and the loyal Marvel fanbase, setting a festive tone for the day. “Captain America: Brave New World” takes audiences on a thrilling journey as Sam Wilson meets with newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross, only to find himself embroiled in a perilous international incident. As the plot unfolds, Sam must uncover the underlying motives behind a sinister global scheme threatening to plunge the world into chaos. Fans can expect a blend of action, suspense, and moral dilemmas that resonate with contemporary issues. https://youtu.be/1pHDWnXmK7Y President-elect Donald Trump is likely to pick Florida Sen. Marco Rubio as his secretary of state, two people familiar with his thinking told CNN, as he rounds out his national security team in a second term. It was not clear as of Monday night whether Trump had formally offered Rubio the role. As of the morning, one of the sources said, the belief was that Trump was leaning toward Ric Grenell, but over the day, he shifted his preference to Rubio after several calls and conversations with allies of the Florida senator. Grenell served as Trump’s ambassador to Germany and later as acting director of national intelligence during his first administration. Until an offer is formally made, another source advised, Trump could change his mind. https://youtu.be/RiIgQ60BVR8 The New York Times first reported on Trump’s expected offer. Rubio, who was in the running to be vice president, had made it clear that he was interested in potentially joining Trump’s Cabinet if it was for the right role, several sources familiar with the process told CNN. Given his deep foreign policy experience and that he sits on both the Senate Intelligence Committee and the Foreign Relations Committee, the State Department seemed like a good fit for Rubio. The senator also hails from Florida and has a close relationship with the incoming chief of staff, Susie Wiles. A Rubio spokesperson declined to comment on the matter. The Florida senator, a China hawk and finalist for Trump’s VP, was a constant on the campaign trail during Trump’s third presidential run. https://youtu.be/ZKbS59KifBc The holidays are here! The Los Philharmonic announces an addition to the Walt Disney Concert Hall 24/25 season: Deck the Hall Holiday Concerts -- Jennifer Hudson on Wednesday, December 18 at 8PM. The youngest female EGOT winner in history comes to Walt Disney Concert Hall to perform selections off her new album, The Gift of Love. Hudson is a two-time GRAMMY® Award-winning recording artist, Academy Award-winning actress, and Tony and Emmy Award-winning producer. Hudson began singing in a small Chicago church where, week after week, she brought the congregation to its feet. From there, she’s gone on to worldwide acclaim. Globally-acclaimed TRIBL Records and Maverick City Music Publishing celebrate five 67th GRAMMY Awards nominations across multiple Christian and Gospel categories. TRIBL’s nominations mark the most for an inspirational independent label this year, including JWLKRS Worship - TRIBL’s first external partner to receive a GRAMMY nomination. MAVERICK CITY MUSIC CEO, Jonathan Jay, and Insignia Co-Founder and CEO Norman Gyamfi share: “With today’s multiple GRAMMY nominations, we continue to be blown away by the global impact of our recorded music and publishing divisions. This year, our nominations expand beyond the brand of Maverick City to JWLRKS Worship and collaborative releases like ‘One Hallelujah’, demonstrating the strength of our creative partners and expansion of our music group.” Currently, TRIBL collective Maverick City Music is in the middle of its 33-city ‘Good News’ tour through November 26th, with appearances from Naomi Raine, Chandler Moore, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, JWLKRS, Nick Day, Todd Galberth, Mara Justine, Brunes Charles, and Genavieve. Special guest performers include Tim Godfrey, Stephen McWhirter, and Sam Rivera. He may be old school, but Charles Barkley is very much in the here and now with his view on load management in the NBA. To hear him tell it, players making millions without fans getting the most bang for their buck is unacceptable. “When we have guys making 80, 90, a hundred million dollars, not playing back-to-back games, that to me (is the biggest problem),” Barkley expressed recently on “The Dan Patrick Show.” “When the new TV deal kicks in next year, and you got a guy making 85 million dollars and he says, you know what, I’m not gonna lay back-to-back games, it’s ridiculous to think fans are gonna pay as much as it costs to go to games now.” “We can’t have a guy making 95 million dollars saying, ‘I can’t play basketball four days a week,'” he added. Barkley’s comments come as the league catches flack related to Joel Embiid view that he would not play back-to-back games for the rest of his career. The topic is not new to Barkley, who BasketballNetwork noted, weighed in on with his “Inside the NBA co-host Shaquille O’Neal. Crazy ticket prices should not be paid by fans, Barkley stated while also putting the prices for the NBA’s official subscription service, the NBA League Pass, in the “unfair” category. “In fairness, most teams play three games a week but let’s say hypothetically you play four games. You can’t ask fans to pay that money for a guy making $95 million and won’t play back-to-back games. If anybody thinks that’s a good idea, they’re crazy,” the original Dream Team member said. Nominations for the 67th GRAMMY Awards have been announced. Nominations went to Christian and Gospel artists Bethel Music, Brandon Lake, CeCe Winans, Chandler Moore, DOE, Erica Campbell, Forest Frank, Jenn Johnson, Maverick City Music, Melvin Crispell III, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, and many more.CATEGORY 52Best Gospel Performance/Song This award is given to the artist(s) and songwriter(s) (for new compositions) for the best traditional Christian, roots gospel, or contemporary gospel single or track. "Church Doors" — Yolanda Adams; Sir William James Baptist & Donald Lawrence, songwriters"Yesterday" — Melvin Crispell III"Hold On (Live)" — Ricky Dillard"Holy Hands" — DOE; Jesse Paul Barrera, Jeffrey Castro Bernat, Dominique Jones, Timothy Ferguson, Kelby Shavon Johnson, Jr., Jonathan McReynolds, Rickey Slikk Muzik Offord & Juan Winans, songwriters"One Hallelujah" — Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Erica Campbell & Israel Houghton Featuring Jonathan McReynolds & Jekalyn Carr; G. Morris Coleman, Israel Houghton, Kenneth Leonard, Jr., Tasha Cobbs Leonard & Naomi Raine, songwriters Jazz saxophonist Marion Meadows released ‘Just Doing Me’ on Shanachie Entertainment. “It was two years in the making. Well, not quite two,” said Grammy-winning Jazz saxophonist Marion Meadows about his new album “Just Doing Me” (Shanachie Entertainment). “It’s just a continuation of what I do.” What he does on “Just Doing Me” is so fresh. He has his own sound like all the iconic sax players before him. The “Just Doing Me” project is Marion’s 17th album. This album is supported by some heavy hitters in the Jazz genre, which include Grammy Award-winning Paul Brown (guitar), pianist Rahni Song (Nelly, Melba Moore, Stevie Wonder), Grammy Award-winning bass and keyboardist Wirlie Morris (SOS Band, Keith Sweat) and Grammy-nominated keyboardist Chris “Big Dog” Davis (Brian McKnight, Maysa) – to name a few. “He (Big Dog) has been on my last three albums,” Meadows said when I asked about having such a well-sought-after keyboardist and producer as Chris Davis on his new project. “There’s also Paul Brown and Wirlie Morris from the SOS Band.” Marion Meadows is Dr. Marion Meadows and every time I interview him, I throw “Dr. Marion Meadows” out there for him, because it is such a huge honor. He earned degrees from Berklee College of Music in arrangement and composition, SUNY Purchase School for the Arts in music, and a doctorate from Wilberforce University in music. “At some point, you come up with a formula for what you do,” Marion said when talking about his sax-playing style. “Sometimes you throw the formula out because you see a vision. There are no rules anymore…in art.” https://youtu.be/5N4Vqt-HUNE?list=PL_JKo8NKhBYvLhw5ZxBqasegf3STb3s9W In an unprecedented move employees at financial technology firm Block have been instructed by management to cease discussions about one of its board members, rapper/businessman Jay-Z, whose legal name is Shawn Carter. The directive to not discuss Jay-Z, which has reportedly caused discontent among staff, raises questions about transparency and morale within the company, notes Fortune. Sources within Block, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, revealed that employees received “stern warnings” against mentioning Jay-Z in internal communications, particularly through email and the company’s Slack messaging system. The rationale for this directive was not made clear to employees, leaving many puzzled and speculating on the implications of such a ban.Jay-Z’s Role inhttps://youtu.be/XnSFt9UJZ9s Block. https://youtu.be/XnSFt9UJZ9s Jay-Z has been a member of Block’s board since the company acquired a majority stake in the music streaming platform Tidal in 2021 under the then-CEO Jack Dorsey. Dorsey is known to have a personal friendship with Carter, further intertwining the worlds of technology and music. However, the recent upheaval at Block has been marked by significant layoffs, particularly within Tidal’s relatively small staff. Reports indicate that more cuts are anticipated across other divisions of Block, which also encompasses financial products like Square and CashApp. The layoffs come during an intense period of restructuring as Dorsey looks to streamline the company amid shifting market dynamics. https://youtu.be/bwbN2fi3kcU Rihanna is once again at the center of retirement speculation, igniting discussions amongst fans after her recent appearance in Barbados. “Music opened doors for me, but the Good Lord has more elaborate plans for me,” the multi-talented singer-songwriter hinted during a heartfelt speech at a Fenty Beauty event. This statement has left fans pondering whether the Barbadian icon may be moving away from music to focus on her other passions. While addressing attendees, Rihanna emphasized the impact her platform has had on her ability to explore various avenues outside of traditional music. https://youtu.be/QC9gaaIYo4w A recent statement by CNN legal/political analyst Bakari Sellers has ignited speculation regarding the possibility of Vice President Kamala Harris being nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court. During a discussion with host John Berman, Sellers suggested that if liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who is 70 and has faced health concerns, were to retire, it could pave the way for President Joe Biden to nominate Harris, Newsweek reports. Sellers, a former Democratic member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, emphasized that while it’s unusual to nominate someone without judicial experience, it is not without precedent. Justice Elena Kagan was nominated by President Barack Obama without having previously served as a judge, while Chief Justice John Roberts had only two years of experience on the appeals court before his appointment. Currently, the Democrats hold a narrow 51-49 majority in the Senate, which could facilitate a swift nomination process if Biden acts before the newly elected Republican senators take their seats in January. Sellers voiced the urgency of the situation, suggesting that now is the time to ensure a liberal voice fills any potential vacancy left by Sotomayor. Alfonso Ribeiro, host of “Dancing with the Stars,” is temporarily sidelined after injuring his ankle while filming a dance number at Disney World. The accident occurred during the shoot for an ABC holiday special, and eyewitnesses reported that Ribeiro stepped on a trolley rail, causing him to roll his ankle in a painful misstep. Video footage captured the aftermath of his injury, showing Ribeiro leaning heavily on his cohost, Julianne Hough, as he struggled to put weight on his injured ankle. Shortly after, a member of the production team rushed over with a chair, allowing Ribeiro to sit down in the street. Despite his attempts to roll out the ankle, it was evident that he was in considerable pain, TMZ reports. https://youtu.be/GAT4tjOanXA Eventually, the situation worsened, leading him to be transported in a wheelchair. In a moment of compassion, audience members applauded him, demonstrating their support for the popular TV personality. However, the applause was muted by the unfortunate reality of his condition, as Ribeiro was seen throwing up in a nearby trashcan due to the pain and distress. Fortunately, sources close to the situation reported that Ribeiro is dealing with a minor ankle injury and is expected to recover quickly. The holiday special, which will air on ABC on Christmas Day, is still on track, and Ribeiro was reportedly performing well before the incident. https://www.instagram.com/dancingwiththestars/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=70cd67b2-9f15-4295-b491-3abea2c96a25 Prime Video’s latest thriller series, “Cross,” is based on James Patterson’s iconic character Alex Cross, and is already making waves as fans eagerly anticipate its November 14 premiere. In this adaptation, we see Aldis Hodge as Alex Cross, alongside Isaiah Mustafa, who brings to life the character of “John Sampson,” Cross’s childhood friend and steadfast partner on the force. In a recent interview, Mustafa shared insights into John’s role in Alex’s life, their deep-rooted bond, and what creating an authentic friendship on screen was like. Mustafa revealed that John Sampson and Alex Cross aren’t just partners but family. “They grew up together. John’s from the foster system, and Alex lost his parents. Nana Mama [Alex’s grandmother] raised both of them, so they’re more like brothers,” he said, emphasizing the significance of their unique relationship. “They grew up in the same household…just like brothers do. They had their arguments, they had their fun times, but what they learned was how to have each other’s back,” he explained. https://youtu.be/GOupIB773tI In a recent Bible study, the question came up “Will Judas be in heaven?” Going around the room for comments, it became clear that the general consensus was “no.” It was apparent that most people do not believe that Judas who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, could enter into God’s kingdom because he did not repent. However, the King James version of Matthew 27:3 reads: “Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders…” Some preachers explain the word repent as “turning around,” “changing directions,” “changing your mind,” and even “making a U-turn.” The Hebrew word “teshuvah” is translated as repentance, and literally means return, as if turning back to something one has strayed or looked away from. Other definitions of repent include: feel remorse for; regret; be sorry for; be ashamed of; see the error of one’s ways – all of which describe the agony Judas felt after all the wondrous experiences he’d had with Jesus, because of his actions, to a large degree, Jesus had been condemned to death. How can someone be so remorseful over something they were not already familiar with? Judas the betrayer – knowingly selected by Jesus after a fervent prayer with God – was imbued with the same spirit as the other eleven disciples to perform miracles, yet God allowed Satan to cause him to lose his way. Judas’ anguish and regret were so unbearable, Matthew 27:3-5 records: [When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.” “What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.” So, Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.] In a recent interview with the New York Times, former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi shared her perspective on the recent election and the Democrats’ performance, suggesting that the outcome may have been different had President Joe Biden exited the race earlier. As one of the most influential figures in American politics, Pelosi’s opinions carry weight in discussions surrounding party leadership and electoral strategy. Pelosi noted that with Biden’s late departure from the race, the opportunity for a more competitive Democratic primary was significantly curtailed. “Had the president gotten out sooner, there may have been other candidates in the race,” she remarked, sparking renewed debate among Democrats about their electoral strategy. https://youtu.be/UgUAzuoyHV0 Sean “Diddy” Combs is once again at the center of legal proceedings as he renews his attempts to be released from Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) ahead of his upcoming criminal trial set for May 2025. On Friday, Combs’ legal team filed another request for bail, this time proposing what they describe as “an extremely substantial, comprehensive bail package.” Despite previous attempts to secure his release being denied multiple times by various judges, the mogul remains persistent in his bid for freedom. Combs’ attorneys bolstered their argument by introducing additional conditions to their bail proposal, asserting that the hip-hop icon is not a flight risk. They countered claims that he poses a danger to society by stating that the evidence the government plans to present concerning racketeering, sex trafficking, and illegal transportation for prostitution does not hold the weight they suggest, USA Today reports. Key to this latest bail request is the assertion that Combs’ ongoing incarceration is severely compromising his ability to prepare for trial. His legal team pointed to inconsistencies in access to counsel and the materials necessary for his defense. They argue that the conditions within the MDC impede their efforts, highlighting ongoing challenges such as lack of access to the necessary equipment to review the substantial amount of evidence against him. As part of the new bail proposal, Combs is offering a $50 million bond backed by the equity in his homes in Florida. The proposal also includes measures such as 24/7 monitoring by approved security personnel, restriction of internet and phone access except for legal consultations, and a monitored visitor list limited to select family members. Notably, Combs expressed willingness to comply with “full home detention” at either his opulent Miami home or a secure location in New York. https://youtu.be/qBZcdBj_Gto Authorities across the United States are investigating after racist text messages – some with references to “slave catchers” and “picking cotton” reminiscent of the country’s painful and bigoted past – have been received by children, college students, and working professionals from unrecognized phone numbers in the wake of the presidential election. The NAACP president warned Thursday of possible broader implications of the hate-filled rhetoric reported in more than 20 states from New York to California, and the District of Columbia. Attorneys general of both parties are condemning the messages and vowing to root out their senders. “The unfortunate reality of electing a president who, historically, has embraced and at times encouraged hate, is unfolding before our eyes,” NAACP CEO Derrick Johnson said. “These messages represent an alarming increase in vile and abhorrent rhetoric from racist groups across the country, who now feel emboldened to spread hate and stoke the flames of fear that many of us are feeling after Tuesday’s election results.” Donald Trump’s presidential “campaign has absolutely nothing to do with these text messages,” its spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. https://youtu.be/FdpPmmDrrb0?list=RDNSFdpPmmDrrb0 Students from at least two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) – Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia, and Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee – have reported receiving the text messages, according to statements from the universities. It was not immediately clear who sent the messages, and there is no complete list of whom they were delivered to. At least some appear to have been sent through TextNow in what the company “believe(s) … is a widespread, coordinated attack,” it told CNN on Friday. “As soon as we became aware, our Trust & Safety team acted quickly, rapidly disabling the related accounts in less than an hour,” said the company, whose service lets people sign up anonymously using an email address and send texts that appear to come from a randomly-generated phone number. The “texts appear to be targeting Black and brown individuals, including students,” New York’s attorney general said. https://youtu.be/H4-aCC0kD3o In recent weeks, the music community has been abuzz with discussions surrounding the plea deal of celebrated artist Young Thug, Jeffrey Williams. While much of the media coverage has focused on the charges he faced and the length of his sentence, a deeper examination reveals a critical issue at the heart of this case: the uniquely stringent conditions outlined in his probation. These conditions have raised concerns about their potential to undermine not only Williams’ career but also the very structure of our criminal justice system. Erin Haney, Chief Policy Officer at REFORM Alliance, has voiced crucial insights into Williams’ plea deal. Haney highlights a troubling trend in the criminal justice system where overbearing and impractical probation conditions often relegate individuals back to incarceration. “The prosecution’s offer contained conditions that could have derailed Mr. Williams’ career,” Haney stated. “These conditions serve as a trapdoor back to incarceration and fail to make communities any safer.” The stark reality that these probation terms can disproportionately affect individuals, especially those in creative industries like music, points to a systemic issue that demands attention. https://youtu.be/oVfrd2QyW8I Williams’s case is not an isolated incident, but rather a reflection of a broader issue within the probation system in Georgia, known for its particularly stringent conditions. With the highest number of individuals on felony probation in the country and the longest average probation sentence, many find themselves trapped in a cycle that frequently leads to reincarceration due to “technical violations.” Haney asserts that this situation is not just a failing of a single case, but a larger systemic issue that reflects how probation can often function as a “pipeline back to prison” rather than a supportive mechanism for rehabilitation. The national statistics echo this concern, as nearly one in four state prison admissions result from probation violations rather than new crimes. https://youtu.be/D_S-2KD2b-o The life and legacy of Luther Vandross will be honored by The Grammy Museum with a new exhibit for the late R&B crooner’s fans and music lovers. According to Vibe, the exhibit, titled “Luther Vandross: Artistry and Elegance,” will open Nov. 20 and will run through June 15, 2025. Describing the exhibit, Vandross’ estate labeled the display as “a special window into all of Luther Vandross’ talents” such as him being a “singer, of course; but also music producer, live performer, stagecraft master, wardrobe designer, and songwriter.” The estate noted, “Showcasing all of these amazing elements of Luther the artist via the long-cherished possessions of his archives is a treat for die-hard fans and new ones,” the estate stated. Highlights awaiting Vandross’ fans include a look into the “A House Is Not a Home ” vocalist’s creative process as well as his notorious stage wardrobe — including original sketches. Archival footage of Vandross’ studio recordings and handwritten lyrics and sheet music for his classic hit “Never Too Much” will be featured, among others. A federal judge rejected Sean “Diddy” Combs’ attempt to silence all potential witnesses in his criminal sex trafficking case on Friday, saying his concerns do not outweigh an alleged victim’s right to free speech. Combs’ team moved for a gag order to stop potential witnesses and their attorneys from speaking publicly after more than a dozen civil lawsuits were filed alleging sexual assault and following media interviews one witness gave after he appeared before the grand jury. Judge Arun Subramanian said he is balancing Combs’ right to a fair trial with the First Amendment rights of his alleged victims. “Not all alleged victims will be participants in this case, and a blanket restriction on their speech will silence individuals who may never have anything to do with the proceedings here. And in any event, less restrictive alternatives must be considered and rejected before imposing a restraint on speech,” Judge Subramanian wrote. https://youtu.be/gwf7oqQMIC4 Combs’ team proposed a bail package similar to those previously rejected by the judges. In addition to the $50 million bond, co-signed by Combs, his mother, the adult sons, and others, they propose home detention with GPS monitoring and 24/7 monitoring by private security. Visitors would be limited to Combs’ lawyers and family members under the latest proposal. In his prior bail proposal, Combs did not seek to exclude employees, friends, or others from visiting. Combs’ lawyers compared his proposed package to a deal prosecutors with the Eastern District of New York agreed to in the sex trafficking case against the former chief executive of Abercrombie & Fitch, who was released on $10 million bond. https://youtu.be/S3NLwj9mzD0 Bronny James journey to greatness in the NBA is taking a slight detour with a ‘planned’ shift to its G League. According to Deadspin, more playing time is on the horizon for James as he put in time with the Los Angeles Lakers in their games against the Detroit Pistons and Memphis Grizzlies. Starting Saturday, the young sports star will begin a new chapter in his pro ball career when he suits up with the Lakers’ G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. Although it may look like an overload for James, the frequent switch up is part of a bigger plan the Lakers have the athlete to step out of the large legendary shadow of his father, LeBron James. “The plan for Bronny to move between the Lakers and South Bay has always been the plan since Day 1,” Los Angeles coach JJ Redick confessed to Deadspin, revealing that LeBron is in on the whole thing. “(General manager) Rob (Pelinka) and I have talked about that. LeBron’s talked about that.” The Lakers’ Bronny strategy follows a history making moment involving the rookie and LeBron when they kicked off LA’s season Oct. 22 with a 110-103 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Prior to the moment, no father and son ever played together in an NBA game. After 70 years in entertainment, 54 of which were spent building a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame-worthy legacy, The Spinners will premiere the first-ever music video in the group’s history for “After Hours,”the second single off their latest album, on Friday, November 8. Full Circle, the group’s 21st studio album — the final album on which Henry Fambrough, the group’s last surviving founding member, appeared — represents Fambrough’s passing of the baton to the four singers he entrusted with the group’s legacy. Full Circle is The Spinners’ first release distributed by Reservoir Recordings, an imprint of Reservoir (NASDAQ: RSVR). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFHKK_hGqUk He is a GRAMMY® nominated, 2x Soul Train, and 8x NAACP Image Award nominated entertainer and platinum-selling artist. His name is MAJOR. He is an American Soul singer who fiercely struck at the debut of his platinum hit single, "Why I Love You," which the world dubbed the soundtrack for their love stories. As an actor and singer, MAJOR. is a masterful storyteller who leans into Faith and authenticity as his superpower. His personality exudes a Godly joy that spreads infectiously through his music. His current EP, HOPE OF MY SOUL, guides listeners to the intersection of Gospel, Soul, and Americana. The EP is a 12-track sonic experience that immerses one's spirit in hope and emanates a soulful vibe that uplifts. From the HOPE OF MY SOUL, MAJOR. releases a kairotic single for the world to embrace. “I Prayed For You (said a prayer)” is MAJOR.'s love letter of encouragement and timely intercessory prayer for the world. Additionally, MAJOR. is preparing for the television world premiere of his "I Prayed For You (said a prayer)" official music video, which will premiere on BET on Wednesday, November 13. The video will be available on his YouTube channel on Friday, November 15. "Shining Bright" in The Gospel Spotlight is Major!!! Fall Back with Major who appeared inside The Gospel Spotlight with HJ Ellison. Kamala Harris was a candidate of many firsts, including the first Black and South Asian woman to run for president as the Democratic nominee. Amy Lieberman, a politics and society editor at The Conversation U.S., spoke with Farida Jalalzai, a scholar of women political leaders and gender in politics, to better understand the significance of Harris’ defeat – and how the U.S. stands apart from other countries that have had female leaders. Her resounding, swift loss in the presidential race to Republican Donald Trump on Nov. 5, 2024, means many things to different people, including the fact that American voters are unable to break the glass ceiling and elect a woman as president. I can’t say it was a main reason she lost. But what I can say is it was a factor that contributed to her lack of support, especially when you compare her performance with Joe Biden’s in the same places and with almost all of the same voting groups he won in 2020. Gender was part of the campaign landscape in many different ways this election. Trump and his supporters used insulting tropes about what a woman leader would look like on the world stage. He used a lot of misogynistic and racist appeals in his campaign and tried to mobilize voters in ways that aimed to reinforce patriarchy. What does Harris’ loss say about where gender equality stands in the country? I am not surprised that the glass ceiling for women in politics is still super durable in the U.S. This is an example of the country’s limits of making true progress on women’s empowerment and equality. Of course, the fact that Harris was a woman of color vying to be the first woman president of the U.S. is pertinent. In September of last year, just under a year before we found out to much of our dismay that Donald Trump would, once again, be getting his crust-orange tan shavings all over the Oval Office furniture, Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk proudly declared that the only reason Trump was ever a thing in the first place is that Republicans “want a white Obama.” “The Obama movement was larger than life,” Kirk explained. “They rode this idea of candidate enthusiasm and this idea of hope and change and all of that. But you live by the sword, you die by the sword. And Obama got reelected in 2012, but then Republican voters said, ‘Our turn. We want a white Obama.’” To be sure, Kirk was speaking from the same place of not-so-thinly veiled racism and deep Caucasian resentment that he spoke from when he said he would be nervous if he saw a Black pilot because he would assume they were a DEI hire, or when he complained about Black women in politics and law being DEI hires despite their extensive resumes and educational credentials, or when he disparaged Martin Luther King Jr. and the Exonerated Five, or when he suggested that “Black America” prefers “gangbanging” to supporting Trump — but that doesn’t mean he didn’t have a point. The unifying term “people of color” is coming under heavy scrutiny after a historic number of Latino voters surprisingly joined the expected majority of white voters in supporting Donald Trump’s presidential candidacy over Kamala Harris. While “people of color” has typically referred in the U.S. to the collective Black and Brown racial minorities of African Americans and Latin Americans, the two groups voted in polar opposite directions on Tuesday, with the latter being readily credited for helping secure Trump’s victory. Exit polling broken down granularly and reported by NBC News showed that a whopping 85% of all Black voters cast their ballots for Vice President Kamala Harris, whose racial identity was notably and disingenuously questioned by Trump. That number pales in comparison to 52% of Latinos, who Trump and his surrogates have repeatedly villainized and described in stereotypically racist terms. https://www.instagram.com/realdlhughley/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=887b4ab2-3261-401b-a534-390fc2fba131 On Dec. 22, 2020, 47-year-old Andre Hill was shot to death by a Columbus, Ohio, police officer who walked into a home garage Hill was standing in and, within seconds, killed him while he was trying to comply with the officer’s orders. Hill was armed with nothing but a cell phone. On Monday, the ex-officer, Adam Coy, a 20-year veteran of the Columbus police force, was found guilty of murder, reckless homicide and felonious assault. According to NBC News, Coy faces up to life in prison. On Tuesday, the day after Coy’s conviction, the United States elected as president, for the second time, Donald Trump, who has promised America’s police officers “immunity from prosecution” and has even mused that officers should have “one real rough, nasty day,” of unfettered police brutality in order to get crime under control. (Trump spent the entirety of his campaign suggesting that violent crime had risen to an all-time high under the Biden administration while all available violent crime data indicates that it’s actually near an all-time low.) WNBA star Jonquel Jones recently opened up about her choice to play overseas, where she earns significantly more than in the WNBA. Speaking on The Pivot Podcast, the Finals MVP noted that the league’s salary structure motivates her decision to pursue international contracts. “Financially, it’s good, but it could be better,” Jones said about her $208,075 annual salary with the Liberty, per Essentially Sports. She explained that her earnings overseas with teams in South Korea, Russia, and Turkey far exceed what she makes in the U.S. “Obviously I still play overseas um and I still make way more money overseas than I do um in the WNBA or with my marketing if that was combined I still make way more money.” Jones also stated, “For me but like when I leave the league I want I want players to be able to not have to go overseas and be able to make that type of money here you know in the US with their families and loved ones so yeah I think that’s the growing point.” https://www.instagram.com/thepivot/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=a80f460b-2732-4633-b463-eff88d4e7bbe Jones’ comments follow similar remarks made by Chicago Sky player Angel Reese who said in a viral video that her earnings from the WNBA barely cover her rent. As we reported earlier, during a recent Instagram Live, Reese said the league doesn’t cover her major expenses. “Hating pays them bills, baby. I just hope you know the WNBA don’t pay my bills at all,” she said. “I don’t even think that pays one of my bills. Literally, I’m trying to think of my rent for where I stay at. Let me do the math real quick. I don’t even know my [WNBA] salary. $74,000?” After a friend calculated that Reese’s salary doesn’t cover her $8,000 rent, the LSU alum said: “I’m living above my means!” https://www.instagram.com/channingcrowder/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=3510e72c-a21b-4c27-85d4-7d7eaa975011 Kodak Black defended his erratic, drug-fueled behavior during a stream on Kai Cenat’s Twitch channel. The rapper appeared incoherent and agitated, even tossing a pill into the air and catching it with his mouth. He later confirmed on Instagram Live that he had taken a Percocet after fans expressed concern over his appearance, but insisted that he had done nothing wrong. https://youtu.be/9PfTOtjlFEo “Y’all be on all type of sh*t. Y’all be on shrooms, acid, all types of stupid ass sh*t, you know?” said Kodak on Instagram Live. “But I take me one perc and y’all be so f*cking butt hurt. Y’all don’t wanna like a n***a anyway.” He continued, “If a motherf*cker needed help, y’all wouldn’t think I knew that? I don’t need you to tell me. What telling me doing for you? I don’t need you to tell me. What telling me doing for you? … Ain’t nobody in this world perfect. Everybody got some kind of vice, even if it ain’t drugs.” After Kodak Black popped the perk pill during Cenat’s Twitch on Monday, clips went viral showing his embarrassing interaction with Kai, who seemed nervous and uncomfortable. https://twitter.com/i/status/1853705764910580095 “Y’all don’t like a n**** anyway,” Kodak reportedly said on Instagram Live, adding, “When I’m not high, when I ain’t higher than a b***h, I’m vibing.” Kodak Black also made headlines recently after explaining his views on marriage. “I don’t think I could ever get married, bro,” he said in a video, adding, “I don’t think I love p***y that much.” His comments come after his baby mama, Daijanae Ward, alleged in an Instagram Live that the hip-hop star is an absent father to their two-year-old daughter and suggested that the child fears him. https://twitter.com/i/status/1853691452305350927 Kodak Black has been open about his struggles with drug addiction. In July, he announced that he would no longer perform his hit song “Super Gremlin” as it contains a reference to Percocets. “I’m about to stop performing ‘Super Gremlin,’ period,” he said on Instagram. “I hate that li’l shit. I’m sober for the most part … I could talk about it now. You feel me? For the most part bro, I be sober, brother.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1853700540409991230 During his livestream with Kai Cenat, Kodak Black revealed he has a crush on rapper GloRilla and started blushing after Kai said he was going to FaceTime her. https://twitter.com/i/status/1853705764910580095 Actress Rashida Jones posted a heartfelt tribute to her father Quincy Jones on Instagram. As we reported earlier that the legendary music producer passed away in his Bel Air, California, home on Sunday. He was 91.“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing,” a statement from the family reads. “And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.” Quincy was known for his groundbreaking work with artists like Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Miles Davis, Frank Sinatra, and Ray Charles. Rashida called him an “icon” and “genius,” and reflected on his legacy. “My dad was nocturnal his whole adult life. He kept ‘jazz hours’ starting in high school and never looked back,” she wrote. “When I was little, I would wake up in the middle of the night to search for him. Undoubtedly, he would be somewhere in the house, composing (old school, with a pen and sheet music). He would never send me back to bed. He would smile and bring me into his arms while he continued to work…there was no safer place in the world for me.” https://www.instagram.com/rashidajones/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=0b2cbd38-4945-49da-9f60-242fb5294c9e Idris Elba is set to drive on a road full of action by starring in Marvel Studios and DC producer Simon Hatt’s directorial debut “Hammer Down.” The film’s origin stems from a “Hammer Down” short film Hatt shot starring “This Is Us” fixture Chris Sullivan as a widowed truck driver who goes by the handle Hammer Down. The Hollywood Reporter notes the “Hammer Down” short feature also starred Abigail Dylan Harrison as Hammer Down’s young daughter, who rode with her father as he attempted to deliver a mysterious package. For Hatt, the film was personal, as he grew up in the United Kingdom with his truck driver father. Elba’s film version will find him playing a character named Mac, who is described in the synopsis for “Hammer Down” as “the best at what he does, driving a big rig truck across the country with a “no questions asked” policy about the goods he transports. “When he takes his tenacious teenage daughter along for a job, they are tracked and attacked by a relentless group of criminals that will stop at nothing to secure the consignment he has been entrusted to deliver,” the summary added. “Pursued by both criminals and the police, Mac and his daughter must work together to prevent the cargo from falling into dangerous hands and survive to live another day.” Former Donald Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani has until the end of next week to give the lawyers of the women he defamed the keys and title of his classic car, and ship them two dozen watches, furniture, and sports memorabilia, or else face contempt sanctions, a federal judge said Thursday. At a lengthy court hearing in Manhattan, Giuliani grumbled frequently from the defense table and was given firm new orders by the district Judge Lewis Liman on how he must respond to the Georgia election workers to whom he owes nearly $150 million. Giuliani previously was told by the judge he was to provide Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, the two Georgians he defamed after the 2020 election, with many of his most valuable and sentimental possessions by last Tuesday. His lawyer has tried to argue he was ready to provide the items and just didn’t know how. In court, Liman warned that Giuliani could be held in contempt and sanctioned “if he hasn’t delivered and there’s a way in which he could have delivered. The law is the law. I don’t apply it differently to your client,” Liman said to Giuliani’s attorney, Kenneth Caruso. https://youtu.be/kr3eb3aktes Black Writers On Tour (BWOT) founder Dr. Rosie Milligan, respected leader and self-appointed “Mayor of South-Central Los Angeles,” has partnered with The Gailen and Cathy Reevers Center for Community Development (GCRC). The reason for hook-up is to address an urgent need for clothing donations for individuals who have recently transitioned from homelessness into housing. During a recent episode of Dr. Milligan’s talk show, GCRC highlighted the critical need for men’s clothing, as many residents arrive in their new homes with only the clothes on their backs. “We’re calling on our neighbors, local businesses, and organizations to help fill this immediate gap by donating new or gently used men’s clothing,” Dr. Milligan stated.. “Our goal, in collaboration with GCRC, is to ensure that these individuals have the essentials they need to transition comfortably and with dignity.” Alethea Crimmins, the globally acclaimed "positivity queen" and self-proclaimed "international hype girl," has become a beacon of inspiration with a colossal online following exceeding 1.6 million followers on TikTok and 1.1 million followers on Instagram. And, today Crimmins makes her 3rd appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show to discuss “manifestation.” Renowned for her daily motivational mantras, including empowering phrases like "Be Great In Their Face" and "Have A Good Day On Purpose," each punctuated with her signature "Ya' Welcome," Crimmins has established the influential brand and podcast "Pimpin’ Positivity," dedicated to uplifting millions across the globe. Recognized and reposted by influential figures such as Madonna, Viola Davis, and Rihanna, Crimmins is not just a motivational speaker but a global influencer shaping a movement of empowerment, self-love, and positivity. Featured for her activism by The Advocate, News 15 KLAF, The Daily Advertiser LGBTQ Nation, The Jennifer Hudson Show, and 97.7 The Dawg Radio, among others, the Louisiana-based creator is consistently doing work to level up her viral brand. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4a0DXskgnNw Federal authorities are investigating a Texas cheating scandal in which more than 200 uncertified teachers allegedly paid for someone to take their certification exams. Vincent Grayson, a former Houston teacher, is accused of leading the scheme with Nicholas Newton, an assistant principal who reportedly impersonated test-takers, SandraRose.com reports via CNN. According to prosecutors, the scheme netted over $300,000, resulting in the placement of uncertified teachers in classrooms across the state. State and local education officials are now working to identify these teachers. Grayson was the basketball coach at Booker T. Washington High School where Newon was the assistant principal. LaShonda Roberts, another school administrator at Jack Yates Senior High School, allegedly acted as a recruiter for the scheme. “The most important thing to me is the ringleaders have been identified and are being rooted out of our home school district … and the fact that they held positions of power there, where they were held in esteem by the children, is the very worst part of this crime,” Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg told reporters Monday. “They didn’t deserve those kids’ respect and I think it leaves children feeling betrayed, not knowing who to trust.” https://youtu.be/6LZkz-LmRq8 Samuel L. Jackson, Grammy winner Andra Day, and Edgar Ramirez are set to star in the action-comedy, “The Honest Liar,” which is being presented to buyers at the American Film Market by Altitude, with CAA Media Finance managing domestic rights. Per Deadline, the film is written and directed by Wayne Kramer, and follows Jackson’s character, an acclaimed actor who trains rookie undercover officers to convincingly portray criminals in order to protect themselves during dangerous assignments. The official synopsis reads: “Nick DeFranco is an award-winning actor facing jail time when he falls for an undercover sting. Nick criticizes the undercover police for their terrible “acting’ that he can’t believe he fell for. He knew something was wrong and went for it anyway. Impressed by Nick’s acting ability, the Police Captain offers Nick probation instead of hard time, in return for teaching his team how to act like real dealers. Nick has no choice but to agree. When Nick gets involved with a female rookie, he finds himself playing amateur undercover cop and getting more involved than intended, putting them both in danger of blowing her cover with some dangerous criminals.” Speaking about the project, Grodnik said: “Wayne Kramer’s forte is creating original stories around people we care about. The Honest Liar grabbed me from the first page, drew me in emotionally, never took its foot off the gas, and ended on a satisfying high note. Samuel L. Jackson as Nick will make this a must see movie.” According to Deadline, “The Honest Liar” will be produced Dan Grodnik and Jeffrey Reisner, and executive-produced by Gail Thackray and Tracy Beam. Production begins early next year. https://youtu.be/cZwjt0pjt8w Whoopi Goldberg appeared on Wednesday’s episode of “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and announced the launch of “the first global women’s sports channel.” “I’m launching the first global women’s sports channel called AWSN (All Women’s Sports Network),” Whoopi said. “It’ll be the home for live women’s sports from around the world.” https://youtu.be/oUJqqL2XQXI “The View” co-host noted that AWSN “will be the home for live women’s sports from around the world,” she explained. “Everything from soccer, basketball, tennis, cricket…if a woman is playing it, we are showing it.” The star added, “I wanted to do this because ever since I was a little kid I always wanted to play sports. And my brother could play…but they would say, ‘Oh hi little girl’ and it always p—ed me off.” https://www.instagram.com/fallontonight/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c508f43d-e1b3-4a7c-9cdc-57e214a8c7c6 Tyler Perry’s new series “Beauty in Black” became a hit on Netflix, reaching #1 in the platform’s top 10 TV shows just days after its October 24 premiere. Perry shared his excitement on Instagram, expressing gratitude for the positive reception and how viewers connected with the show. In a post shared to his 7.6 million followers, the filmmaker wrote, “Every number one makes me more and more humbled! I don’t need a number one to be grateful, but we are glad to have it. THANK YOU EVERYONE, I’m so very proud of this cast! Congrats team Beauty in Black! Keep dreaming bigger!” We reported earlier that Perry recently responded to fans’ requests for a new installment of “Why Did I Get Married?” by sharing an image hinting at a script for the next installment in the franchise. As Revolt reports, Perry’s “Why Did I Get Married Again?” potentially continues the storylines of the couples introduced in the 2007 film. A sequel, “Why Did I Get Married Too?” was released in 2010. The cast includes Janet Jackson, Jill Scott, Tasha Smith, Sharon Leal, Perry himself, Richard T. Jones, Malik Yoba, and Michael Jai White. Meanwhile,“Tyler Perry’s Zatima” returns on December 26 on BET+ with the second half of season 3, bringing new twists and challenges for fan-favorite characters Zac (Devale Ellis) and Fatima (Crystal Renee Hayslett). . Per the news release, the continuation kicks off with a two-episode premiere, followed by two new episodes released each week until the season finale on January 23, 2025. https://youtu.be/0dclNQV71-k Next month, Netflix will debut Perry’s wartime drama “The Six Triple Eight,” starring Kerry Washington. The story follows the war’s only Women’s Army Corps unit of color. Per Tudum: “The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion contributed to the war effort in a unique way: by sorting through a three-year backlog of mail (17 million pieces of it!) that hadn’t been delivered to American soldiers far from home. In the face of discrimination and a vast, unfamiliar country divided by global conflict, these 855 women brought hope to the front lines. Given six months to complete the task, the 6888th accomplished their mission in less than 90 days, providing morale when the United States needed it most.” https://www.instagram.com/tylerperry/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=3548cb8b-4f68-4ceb-9fc2-6580ef419a98 In a statement on X/Twitter, Perry wrote, “You have no idea what it means to me to have been given the grace and the blessing to be able to tell THIS story! Every detail is dedicated to the memory of the 855 black women and women of color of the Six Triple Eight. When America needed hope, they delivered! ” “The Six Triple Eight” will debut exclusively on Netflix on Dec. 20. https://youtu.be/bFt-wiZt8VE Erykah Badu received the Fashion Icon Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America, joining past honorees like Zendaya, Beyoncé, and Rihanna. At the ceremony in Manhattan, Badu, known for her bold style, wore a black-and-white dress, a beaded headpiece, and her signature face jewelry. The award, which was presented to her by her ex André 3000 (the father of her son Seven Sirius), celebrates the neo soul singer’s influence alongside other notable fashion icons. Wach Badu’s acceptance speech in the clip. “This honor is amazing, and I do not take it for granted. I’ve always had a love for taking bits and pieces of the things I am attracted to and creating something far more grand than the sum of those parts. From the music I make, to the looks I put on, to the technology I’m developing, I’m always looking for innovative, exciting ways to be more expressive and connect with people, to be closer to nature,” Badu shared in a statement. “Erykah Badu and fashion are synonymous in many ways. Erykah effortlessly exudes herself, her unique point of view, through the clothing she chooses to wear and each look she dreams up is so individual and true to herself,’ said fashion designer Thom Browne, who’s also a CFDA chairman. https://youtu.be/hto1AXiWxjk Cynthia Erivo hosted the 2024 CFDA Fashion Awards, presented by Amazon Fashion at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. In a statement, the actress said, “As a born and bred Londoner, I can safely say that the UK has its own sense of style, but when I moved to New York almost 10 years ago, I was welcomed into the open arms of the New York fashion industry,” she shared to the CFDA website. https://www.instagram.com/erykahbadu/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=e3b34f64-8b5f-4709-99db-b13749641963 “When I was asked to serve as the host of the 2024 CFDA Fashion Awards presented by Amazon Fashion, I naturally did not hesitate to say yes. I cannot wait to celebrate the nominees and honorees in a room full of people I am inspired by,” Erivo continued. In a 2023 interview with Vogue, Badu took a look back at some of her iconic fashion moments. https://youtu.be/-TTD6XjuNeM The anticipation is building as the 67th annual Grammy Awards prepare to showcase the best in music. Announced on Friday morning, the nominations reveal a thrilling lineup of talent set to take center stage on February 2, 2025, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. This year’s nods indicate a familiar yet fierce competition among music’s biggest names, with Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Billie Eilish each poised to make history once again. Leading the pack with an impressive 11 nominations is Beyoncé, who has already etched her name into Grammy history as the all-time winner with 32 trophies. Her latest album, “Cowboy Carter,” has earned her a spot in multiple prestigious categories, including Album of the Year. This year, she will face fierce competition from fellow superstars Swift and Eilish, with Swift’s nominated album being “The Tortured Poets Department” and Eilish’s entry titled “Hit Me Hard and Soft.” https://youtu.be/9saVJP4LHJs Young Thug, a prominent figure in the Atlanta rap scene, has become a persona non grata in his own city. Following a surprise guilty plea in a gang conspiracy and racketeering case that effectively spanned three years, the musician, born Jeffery Williams, faces a ten-year ban from the Atlanta metro area, drastically altering his already tumultuous career trajectory. The implications of this ban are profound, given that Williams is now allowed to return to Atlanta only under extraordinarily specific circumstances. He can only visit for certain family events as well as attend anti-gun and anti-gang presentations aimed at local youth four times a year. Needless to say, this imposition adds an alarming complexity to his career, raising questions about the next steps for an artist who once sat at the pinnacle of the hip-hop genre, the NY Times reported. With a plea deal encompassing 12 special conditions, Young Thug accepted 15 years of probation, alongside possible imprisonment for up to 20 additional years should he violate any of the stipulations. Such conditions include random drug tests, searches without reasonable suspicion, and a strict prohibition against associating with known gang members — a challenge considering his professional network may still include individuals with such affiliations. Legal experts express concern that the vagueness of some probation conditions could lead to unintended consequences, as Williams navigates the expectations of his profession under intense scrutiny. Fiona Doherty, a Yale Law School professor, emphasizes the vulnerability that results from such stringent conditions, pointing out the profound implications on his Fourth Amendment rights as Williams submits to significant policing powers during this probationary period. https://youtu.be/bFhoScrholg Though Young Thug’s lawyers reportedly had preferred a jury trial to confront the charges against him directly, the extended duration of the legal proceedings led him to agree to the plea deal. The ruling from Judge Paige Reese Whitaker sparked criticism, particularly as it seems to impose restrictions that could limit his creative expression. Given that some of his previous works have been implicated in the very case that led to his conviction, navigating his artistic expression while adhering to probationary terms will undoubtedly be fraught with complexity. Furthermore, questions remain regarding his ability to collaborate with fellow artists and whether references to gang life in his songs would be deemed a probation violation. Scholarly opinions suggest that while he may describe his past experiences, distinguishing between description and promotion could become increasingly convoluted. Despite the challenges ahead, Young Thug expressed his hopefulness in court, asserting that he now harbors greater wisdom and intends to explore new themes in his music. However, his father, Jeffery Williams Sr., voiced frustration over the punitive measure of a decade-long ban from Atlanta, suggesting it severely infringes upon his son’s connection to home. As the Atlanta rap community absorbs this seismic change, the fate of Young Thug serves as a potent reminder of the complexities surrounding the intersection of art, law, and identity. His future, both creatively and personally, now stands poised on a precipice as he navigates a path fraught with legal obligations and newfound constraints. https://www.instagram.com/young.thug.world/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=4c2d1dac-bd5b-4647-89d1-0a7050d9cdc5 YouTube star Jake Paul will battle Mike Tyson next week when they headline a must-see boxing mega-event streaming live on Netflix in five languages from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Per Netflix’s Tudum: “Tyson’s last official match took place in 2005. After a 15-year hiatus, Tyson returned to the ring for an exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr. in 2020. The fight went the full eight rounds and ended in a draw.” “I feel great and training is going very well,” Tyson tells Tudum. “I’m well prepared and will knock out Jake Paul in glorious fashion.” Ultimately, the battle will demonstrate Tyson’s enduring skills and power. https://youtu.be/eyymxGQuv3o Legendary music producer Quincy Jones left behind a substantial fortune when he passed away at 91 in his Bel Air, California, home on Sunday. Known for his groundbreaking work with artists like Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Miles Davis, Frank Sinatra, and Ray Charles, Jones built a lasting legacy in both music and business, amassing an estimated $500 million net worth, according to Celebrity Net Worth, Newsweek reports. Jones, who was married three times, had seven children with five different women: Jolie (69), Rachel (59), Martina (58), Quincy III (55), Kidada (50), Rashida (48), and Kenya (31). As we reported earlier, Jones’ family confirmed that he died at his home on Nov. 3, per a report from the Associated Press. He was 81. “Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing,” a statement from the family reads. “And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.” https://x.com/WillSmith2real/status/1853480188610216076/photo/1 Rapper Plies has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Megan Thee Stallion, GloRilla, and Cardi B, claiming they used a beat from his 2008 song “Me & My Goons” without permission. TMZ reports that Plies alleges that Soulja Boy first copied the beat in his 2010 hit “Pretty Boy Swag,” and now Megan and GloRilla have reused it in their track “Wanna Be,” with Cardi joining on a remix. The lawsuit also targets “Meg’s Hot Girl Productions, Soulja’s former imprint Collipark Productions, and record labels Universal Music Group, Collective Music Group and Interscope as defendants,” the outlet writes. If successful, the case could result in substantial damages for the defendants. https://youtu.be/gUfCO0qF0TQ In related news, we reported earlier that Megan Thee Stallion has filed a lawsuit against blogger Milagro Gramz, accusing her of spreading lies regarding the controversial shooting incident involving Tory Lanez in 2020. On October 30, Megan’s attorneys submitted the lawsuit in Florida, claiming that Gramz (real name Milagro Elizabeth Cooper), serves as a “paid surrogate” for Lanez (born Daystar Peterson) and uses her platform to propagate untruths on his behalf, PEOPLE reports. In the lawsuit, Megan, 29, claims Milagro shared a “deepfake pornographic video” of her to social media and “falsely claimed that the firearm Mr. Peterson used to shoot Ms. Pete was not produced during the Trial because it was missing.” https://youtu.be/KTJVlJ25S8c “I’ve endured countless attacks on my character based on false narratives from social media bloggers misrepresenting themselves as journalists,” she added. “It’s unacceptable behavior and these individuals need to understand there will be repercussions for recklessly posting lies and defamatory falsehoods,” Megan said. Cooper reacted to Megan’s lawsuit on X, writing, “I’ve been informed that I’m being sued by Alex Spiro on behalf of his client Megan Thee Stallion.” “Countersuit gone go crazy,” she wrote in a follow-up post. https://youtu.be/i1_wJJh2GWA Lanez is currently serving 10 years in prison for the shooting incident with Megan. The attorney for the Grammy-winning rapper noted that “the firearm remains in the custody of the Los Angeles Police Department.” Megan is seeking a jury trial and “monetary damages” as well as her “attorneys’ fees and costs.” Additionally, she wants “a permanent injunction barring Defendant Cooper from any future use or publication of intimate visual depictions of her.” “It’s time to hold bloggers accountable for years of harassment, cyberbullying and the publication of misinformation about my personal and professional life,” the “WAP” rapper said in a statement about the filing. https://youtu.be/KTJVlJ25S8c “I’ve endured countless attacks on my character based on false narratives from social media bloggers misrepresenting themselves as journalists,” she added. “It’s unacceptable behavior and these individuals need to understand there will be repercussions for recklessly posting lies and defamatory falsehoods,” Megan said. Cooper reacted to Megan’s lawsuit on X, writing, “I’ve been informed that I’m being sued by Alex Spiro on behalf of his client Megan Thee Stallion.” “Countersuit gone go crazy,” she wrote in a follow-up post. https://youtu.be/i1_wJJh2GWA “I’m not in the Illuminati!” Jackson said. “The industry is a challenge for everyone, and I had to find my way to be true to myself in it.” Additionally, he spoke about fatherhood and creating a lasting legacy, explaining, “It’s about knowing what kind of legacy I want to leave for my kids. Everything I’m doing now, all the writing and film projects, it’s all so I can leave a positive impact.” Meanwhile, we reported earlier that Jackson will star in Carl Weber’s “The Family Business: New Orleans” series and serve as an associate producer. The cast lineup includes Lela Rochon, Ben Stephens, Pooch Hall, Quincy Brown, David Banner, Yvette Nicole Brown, Orlando Jones, Nicole Galicia, Erica Hubbard, Sarah Carter, Stan Shaw, Bern Nadette Stanis, Nayirah Teshali, Sacaiah Shaw, Jenson Atwood, AzMarie Livingston, Deric Augustine. Kayla Nicole, and Nicholas Turturro, according to the press release. Some of the cast, including Stephens, Stanis, Stan Shaw, Teshali, and Sacaiha Shaw, made guest appearances in the original series’ fourth season, which concluded in October 2022. “The Family Business” series is based on Weber’s New York Times best-selling crime drama series and follows the Duncans, an upstanding tight-knit family that, by day, owns and operates an exotic car dealership in New York. By night, their business activities are more illicit. https://youtu.be/L17h5PaaUpE The life of rapper/music producer French Montana will take center stage for an upcoming Paramount+ documentary. Produced by Live Nation Productions for MTV Entertainment Studios, “The French Montana Story: For Khadija,” chronicles the “Unforgettable” hitmaker’s journey to international stardom, from being raised in the Bronx by his mother to founding Coke Boys Records to being a part of Bad Boy Records as one its most successful artists. As the product of a single-parent environment, Montana’s mother made many sacrifices to ensure her three sons would have a better life after their father left them. In its description of “The French Montana Story: For Khadija,” Ice Cream Convos, labeled the Mandon Lovett-directed feature as a tale of “resilience, determination, and that unbreakable bond with his family” that is “nothing short of a modern-day hero’s journey, all with a hip-hop twist” “This is the best project I’ve ever worked on in my life,” said an excited Montana about bringing his life story to the masses as an executive producer, alongside Michael Rapino and Ryan Kroft. “It’s the first blueprint of an immigrant’s music dream, proving that anything is possible. It’s not about the awards; it’s about what we learn from the losses and sacrifices.” “The French Montana Story: For Khadija,” will premiere in the U.S. and Canada on Nov. 19 on Paramount+, with it coming to the U.K. and Australia on Nov. 20. More international releases are set to follow for the documentary. https://youtu.be/cQ5AEimfjGQ Elon Musk is doing his part to make sure his family is taken care of. Citing the New York Times. The 53-year-old Tesla co-founder spent $35 million to purchase two real estate properties in Austin, TX, theJasmineBrand reports. The properties consist of a 14,400-square-foot mansion and a six-bedroom home directly behind it as well as another home he allegedly bought that’s within short walking distance of the other properties. Despite Musk’s hopes of having his 11 children and at least two of their mothers move onto the property, the Times notes that Shivon Zilis, the Neuralink executive who welcomed three of his children via in vitro fertilization, is the only mother to have moved to the compound at this time. In addition to Zillis, the billionaire X CEO shares 5 sons with his first wife Justine Musk, and three children with his ex-girlfriend, Canadian pop star Grimes. As stands now, things are shaky between Grimes and Musk The pair are currently locked in a custody battle over their kids. In northwest Houston, a mother is speaking out in desperation as she seeks justice for her daughter, who was violently attacked on the night of September 29. Javoni Fortner, a 31-year-old mother of five and dedicated worker juggling two jobs, was targeted in a shocking incident that has left her fighting for her life in the hospital. On that fateful evening, Javoni returned home from a “paint and sip” event, where she aimed to unwind and practice a little self-care. Little did she know that a terrifying confrontation awaited her outside her apartment complex, KHOU-11 reports. After being dropped off by a rideshare, police reports state that a man in a dark sedan followed her into the complex. Upon her exit from the vehicle, he violently assaulted her using a bat or a club, leaving her with severe injuries. “She went to do something for herself and ended up in a fight for her life,” said Shameka Fortner, Javoni’s mother. In an emotional interview, Fortner recalled the horrifying moment she received a frantic phone call from her daughter, who was hysterical and crying out for help. “I heard her being hysterical in her voice and she just was calling out ‘Mom, mom, someone tried to beat me to death with a bat.’” Though Javoni did not see her attacker, there are fears that the suspect is someone familiar to her. “He has been making threats towards my daughter; this wasn’t some random attack,” Fortner revealed. “This man was someone she rejected, not even a boyfriend.” https://youtu.be/5ByLaGMHjio Lisa Blunt Rochester from Delaware and Angela Alsobrooks from Maryland made history this week when voters elected them as the first Black women to serve simultaneously in the U.S. Senate. Their victories increase the number of Black women who have ever served in the Senate from two to four and raise the total number of Black senators to a record five. Blunt Rochester is also the first woman and first Black person to represent Delaware in the Senate. Alsobrooks is the first Black woman senator from Maryland. “The people have spoken, and we’re bringing bright hope to the United States Senate,” Blunt Rochester declared to her supporters,Revolt reports. “I stand before you tonight extremely humbled, and with a heart filled with gratitude to God and to the people of Delaware who put their trust in me.” In her victory speech, Alsobrooks stated: “It is remarkable to me that in two years, America will celebrate its 250th birthday, and in all those years there have been more than two thousand people who have served in the United States Senate, and only three have looked like me. I want to salute all of those who came before me. Who made it possible for me to stand on this stage tonight.” Democratic Sen. Carol Moseley Braun of Illinois made history in 1992 as the first Black woman elected to the Senate, serving one term. Kamala Harris followed as the second, while Sen. Laphonza Butler was appointed to complete the term of the late Dianne Feinstein who passed away in 2023. https://youtu.be/_KPLv67arzA “I am incredibly honored to officially be Delaware’s Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate,” Blunt Rochester said during her campaigning. “From the start, our focus has been ensuring that every Delawarean has a fair shot at a better future — from access to good-paying jobs and affordable health care to safe, thriving communities,” she added. “The Senate is an opportunity to work on these issues on a deeper level, plus work on the most pressing issues of our lifetimes — restoring our reproductive freedoms and advancing voting rights for every American. https://youtu.be/MtYbzbAykP8 As Election Day comes to an end, so does the service of one woman who said she’s been working as a poll worker for more than 60 years. “There’s something about the Election Day that brings us all together,” said 90-year-old Dorothy Safo. Safo told News 5 she’s been working as a poll worker at different Northeast Ohio polling locations like Canterbury Elementary School in Cleveland Heights. When we asked Safo to tell us the best part of her job, she said it was the people. https://youtu.be/5ByLaGMHjio The Critics Choice Association (CCA) has revealed its complete list of honorees for the 7th Annual Celebration of Black Cinema & Television, an event dedicated to recognizing outstanding achievements in Black film and television. The news release states that this year’s celebration, set to take place on Monday, December 9, 2024, at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, will spotlight both emerging and established Black talent in the entertainment industry. STARZ is returning as the official media partner for the event and will broadcast the awards show in January 2025.The annual gala has become a key platform for honoring Black creatives and their contributions to the screen, underscoring the impact of Black narratives in Hollywood. Actor and comedian Jay Pharoah, known for his work on Saturday Night Live and his recent comedy special Jared, will host this year’s event, which highlights standout performances and work from the black entertainment community. This year’s honorees include the following (per the release): Tyler Perry will be honored with the Icon Award for his incredible body of work and achievements throughout the years. Filmmaker Malcolm D. Lee will be recognized with the Career Achievement Award. Actress Regina King will receive the Trailblazer Award. Actress Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor will be honored with the Social Impact Award. The Director Award will be given to Steve McQueen for his work on Apple Original Films’ Blitz, which opened the BFI London Film Festival. The Producer Award will be bestowed upon Emmy-nominated actress and producer Natasha Rothwell for her work on Hulu’s How to Die Alone. STARZ will honor Rothwell with a special STARZ #TakeTheLead designation as part of its ongoing commitment to amplifying narratives by, about, and for women and underrepresented audiences. Jackson, Mississippi Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, along with Ward 6 Councilman Aaron Banks and Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens, were indicted by a federal grand jury as part of a broad corruption investigation. The recently unsealed indictment reveals that Owens helped Lumumba and another official, Ward 2 Councilwoman Angelique Lee, secure over $80,000 in bribe payments in exchange for their support of a hotel development project near the Jackson Convention Complex, USA Today reports. Owens, in turn, received at least $115,000 in cash and promises of future financial benefits from two undercover FBI agents posing as Nashville developers. The agents used Owens’ connection with the city officials to facilitate the payments. “Owens, Banks, Lumumba, Lee and Smith were not aware that, in reality, the Developers were working for the Federal Bureau of Investigation,” the indictment states. “My legal team has informed me that federal prosecutors have, in fact, indicted me on bribery and related charges,” Lumumba said in a video statement shared with reporters on Tuesday, Mississippi Today reports. “To be clear, I have never accepted a bribe of any type. As mayor, I have always acted in the best interests of the citizens of Jackson.” https://youtu.be/xdiPxlVqlmg “Owens was ready, willing, and predisposed to engage in bribery at least as early as October 16, 2023. On that date, Owens told the Developers about his influence in the City of Jackson and the ability to purchase the support of public officials in the City of Jackson,” per the indictment. In August, Lee admitted to conspiracy to commit bribery, accepting nearly $20,000 in cash, deposits, and gifts. Two months later, Sherik Marve’ Smith also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery, and his plea revealed the involvement of two additional elected officials from Jackson in the bribery scandal. https://youtu.be/XrJ4xhwrH0o Music producer Wack 100 revealed in a new interview that Michael Jackson beat the breaks off late-rapper Tupac Shakur in defense of Quincy Jones’s daughter Kidada Jones. Wack shared the story to highlight that Tupac’s tough persona in his music and on-screen roles didn’t match his real-life behavior. Although the industry veteran wasn’t present for the incident, he says the person who shared the story is a credible eyewitness. The King of Pop allegedly “whooped [Pac’s] a**” after he disrespectful comments about Kidada while in Jackson’s presence. Kidada and Pac famously dated in 1996 for four months before he was fatally shot. “The man spoke on it, he witnessed it,” Wack said in a recent interview on the “Geddy Radio Show, referencing a recent clip posted on the WiLD 94.1 YouTube channel, per Vibe. “Google it, it’s the whole interview. He said that that ni**a [Tupac] was disrespecting Quincy Jones’ daughter. Mike said, ‘I watched that girl grow up’ and flighted him. Whooped him. You think I’m capping?”” Wack’s comments followed new information from the WiLD 94.1 radio host about an alleged altercation between Jackson and Shakur. After Jackson reportedly confronted Shakur over his comments about Kidada, the situation escalated with Shakur verbally reacting, leading to a physical fight in which Jackson ultimately came out on top. https://youtu.be/OMPZw8H8JVc “Michael got the best of Pac,” the WiLD 94.1 host said. “They say it’s because, I mean ‘a,’ Michael’s from Gary [Indiana]. Which Gary has been known to raise some folks who could throw hands. But also he was raised in a family with a lot of abuse.” He continued, “He was the youngest brother so he had to learn how to fight with his brothers but also had to learn how to take a punch ‘cause he was Joe Jackson’s baby. So, you know…apparently he won the fight.” https://youtu.be/YhvNk2TYRQc Charlamagne Tha God shared his views about Donald Trump’s 2024 election win over Kamala Harris, suggesting Joe Biden’s presidency set the stage for this outcome. During Wednesday’s broadcast of “The Breakfast Club,” Charlamagne argued that Biden’s term was intended as a transitional period, Complex reports. He also noted that health concerns about the president grew after his poor debate performance against Trump in June. When Harris took over the campaign over the summer, she had little time to shift momentum before Election Day on November 5. “Biden is one of the problems here because he should’ve let everyone know he was just a transitional president,” Charlamagne argued. “Biden should’ve dropped out a year ago or two years ago. And they should’ve made him drop out a year or two years ago. Or not drop out, but say he was not going to run again.” Charlamagne Tha God continued, “They could’ve done a proper primary, picked a candidate. I still think [Harris] probably would’ve been the best choice. I think Biden is one of the bigger issues here that people aren’t going to want to talk about, but they should.” Harris vowed to help Trump and his team with their transition in 2025 and “engage in a peaceful transfer of power,” she said in her first speech after her presidential election loss. Brian Steel, Young Thug’s attorney, arranged for the rapper to speak with law students, and he urged them to pursue careers as defense attorneys. In a video shared online, the 33-year-old artist joined a FaceTime call with students at Emory Law School in Atlanta on Wednesday and he described defense law as a form of “God’s work.” “We had a situation that was daunting towards my life and I think that the justice system could be bad. You know, sometimes it could be bad, and you gotta always look at it, like, they’re there to put us in prison and you guys are here to keep us from prison,” the hip-hop star said on the call, Complex reports. Young Thug added, “I think you guys should become lawyers. I think it’s very important to help people out of the situations they’re in the best best you can. I mean, what side do you wanna be on? You wanna put people in prison for mistakes? Because everybody makes mistakes, we’re human. And everybody in this classroom, you always need to know that you want one mistake away.” https://www.tiktok.com/@rmckz_/video/7434225281532972319?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fyoung-thug-urges-law-students-to-become-defense-attorneys%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121468991%2C121439635%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121477481%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=743422528153297231 As Trump strides into a potential second term, several prominent figures appear to be in his line of fire: President Joe Biden: Trump has long branded Biden as corrupt, intensifying his rhetoric by suggesting Biden should be arrested for treason. By vowing to appoint a special prosecutor dedicated to investigating Biden and his administration, Trump has signaled a clear intention to dismantle the current administration through punitive measures. Vice President Kamala Harris: At rallies, Trump has painted Harris as incompetent in managing immigration, even attributing deaths to her purported failures. His campaign escalated to calls for her impeachment, portraying her as directly responsible for what he has labeled an invasion of the U.S. by undocumented migrants. Former President Barack Obama: Trump continues to pursue his narrative against Obama, frequently accusing him of treason and calling for public military trials. This obsession extends beyond political rivalry and into personal vendetta, marking a concerning trend of weaponizing past grievances. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton: The chant “Lock her up” may find new life as Trump suggests Clinton could face prosecution similar to what he has endured. This evokes a potent blend of past campaign promises and current threats, reigniting old battles in the name of retribution.As Trump strides into a potential second term, several prominent figures appear to be in his line of fire: President Joe Biden: Trump has long branded Biden as corrupt, intensifying his rhetoric by suggesting Biden should be arrested for treason. By vowing to appoint a special prosecutor dedicated to investigating Biden and his administration, Trump has signaled a clear intention to dismantle the current administration through punitive measures. Vice President Kamala Harris: At rallies, Trump has painted Harris as incompetent in managing immigration, even attributing deaths to her purported failures. His campaign escalated to calls for her impeachment, portraying her as directly responsible for what he has labeled an invasion of the U.S. by undocumented migrants. Former President Barack Obama: Trump continues to pursue his narrative against Obama, frequently accusing him of treason and calling for public military trials. This obsession extends beyond political rivalry and into personal vendetta, marking a concerning trend of weaponizing past grievances. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton: The chant “Lock her up” may find new life as Trump suggests Clinton could face prosecution similar to what he has endured. This evokes a potent blend of past campaign promises and current threats, reigniting old battles in the name of retribution. Russell Simmons faces renewed legal scrutiny from a former Def Jam employee who claims he raped her in his New York apartment in the mid-1990s. Rolling Stone reports in the new legal documents, the woman, known as Jane Doe, is urging a judge to dismiss Simmons’ argument that he is beyond New York’s jurisdiction after he was granted a retirement visa by Indonesian authorities. Russell reportedly cited his “stateless” status to avoid a deposition in the U.S. Tthe 66-year-old Def Jam Recordings co-founder faces accusations of avoiding answering questions under oath as part of a sexual harassment lawsuit. Doe sued Simmons in February under New York’s Adult Survivors Act. According to The Blast, she accuses Simmons of raping her at his apartment during her stint as a staff member at Def Jam. Jane Doe wants Simmons to attend a deposition via Zoom and answer questions under oath about the lawsuit. Simmons has not answered any questions that could help move the case forward. The accuser believes a deposition would “obviate the need for his answering the interrogatories.” “This lawsuit chronicles the account of how a woman who, while pursuing her career passion as a music executive, was sexually harassed, assaulted, sexually battered, and raped by her boss, Russell Simmons,” Jane Doe explained in the lawsuit. Former Washington, D.C. mayor Marion Barry is generating headlines posthumously, with a popular local pizza chain (&pizza) seemingly capitalizing off his infamous arrest. TheGrio reports the situation centers on “Marion Berry Knotts,” a new powdered, berry-filled dessert launched by &pizza. The chain has received backlash among city leaders and the community, who have called for a boycott. As a result, Marion Barry Knotts have been pulled from the &Pizza menu, by the eatery. Marketing for the dessert started before the launch, with the Knotts being teased as a “new, secret menu item inspired by none other than the city’s vibrant political scene,” A press release referenced by Eater Washington DC further hyped the pastry, stating “The Marion Berry Knots have enough powdered sugar that will have customers bumping elbows to order and even force the DEA to look twice.” DC News Now further mentioned the promotion of the Knotts, voicing how the dessert “may not be the perfect dessert, but they’re the perfect dessert for D.C.” The controversial marketing of the Knotts has become a hot topic as it goes back to then-Mayor Barry’s arrest in 1990 for using crack cocaine. The arre st led to a possession conviction for the politician as well as six months in prison. In 2014, Barry passed away. He was 78. https://youtu.be/SGwWSwnws18 Donald Trump has become the 47th president of the United States, marking one of the most remarkable comebacks in American political history. Early Wednesday, as the Electoral College results poured in, Trump, 78, won a significant victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, reversing his 2020 losses in crucial states such as Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Trump’s resurgence was driven by robust support from his traditional white, rural, and working-class base and unexpected gains among ethnic minority voters. These demographic shifts signaled a transformation in electoral dynamics that many political analysts had not predicted. As the former president celebrated, Republicans were also set to reclaim control of the Senate, enhancing their power after four years in the political wilderness. Tragically for the Harris campaign, thousands of supporters gathered at Howard University—Harris’s alma mater—were left in shock and despair as it became increasingly evident that their candidate could not secure a victory. Cedric Richmond, the campaign’s co-chair, was tasked with the difficult announcement to the crowd, assuring them they would hear from Harris the following day amidst lingering uncertainty about the vote count. As the election night unfolded, Trump exuded confidence in the race’s closing days, actively courting male voters and undertaking a grueling schedule of rallies across key states, including an eye-catching stop at a local McDonald’s in Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, Harris, who aimed to make history as the first female president, focused her campaign message on being a pro-small business advocate, downplaying her racial identity and prior left-leaning positions from her time as a prosecutor and senator. https://youtu.be/WI9fbbQ-aTo This electoral outcome is particularly significant as Trump becomes the second president in American history to be elected in non-consecutive terms, a feat previously achieved only by Grover Cleveland in the late 19th century. As Election Day approached, the race was marked by a series of notable blunders and controversies. Rhetoric from both candidates escalated, with Biden making critical remarks about Trump supporters that were quickly retracted, adding confusion to the Democratic message. Trump faced an onslaught of criminal indictments, with legal challenges looming over his campaign, yet he managed to maintain a firm grip on his base, which rallied around him through both celebration and adversity. The atmosphere surrounding the campaign was fraught with tension and bizarre occurrences. Trump survived assassination attempts during rallies, with potential threats coming from various fronts, including foreign espionage. These challenges only intensified the narrative surrounding his candidacy, framing him as a polarizing figure in American politics. Harris’s nomination came through what could be described as a palace coup, wherein influential figures within the Democratic Party exerted pressure to elevate her as the lead candidate following President Biden’s announcement of his withdrawal from the race. Despite the obstacles she faced, Harris’s campaign remained focused on connecting with middle-class families, although it became evident that this message did not resonate strongly enough to translate into electoral success. As the dust settles on this historic election cycle, Trump’s comeback serves as a reminder of the volatile nature of American politics, where allegiances shift, and the unexpected becomes the norm. The implications of this election will reverberate across the political landscape as both parties reassess their strategies and the evolving demographics of their support bases. The promise of “Trump Time” echoes once more through the halls of power as the Republican Party prepares for a new era under its once and future leader. https://youtu.be/A3AXszRgX7I A tragic accident occurred in Mississippi when 41-year-old contractor Darrell Sheriff died after being buried by a load of hot asphalt. The incident happened at AJ Materials on McDowell Road, where Sheriff was picking up asphalt. Daily Mail reports that his truck malfunctioned as he attempted to repair the hydraulic line underneath, and the back gate unexpectedly opened, releasing the hot material on top of him. Despite efforts from witnesses to rescue him, Sheriff’s injuries were too severe and he died at the scene. “There was some individuals on scene that tried to help him,” Police Chief Joseph Wade said in a press conference. “They said he tried to fight to make it through those injuries, but they were just too enormous for him to survive,” he added. “It’s something that you do not want to see,” Wade said. https://twitter.com/MC_IBTimesSG?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1854034654409708004%7Ctwgr%5E32463d8788d3265b323ba67e38f0bf28c1fa946f%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fmississippi-man-dies-after-being-buried-by-hot-asphalt%2F Smokey Robinson and Halle Bailey will host NBC’s holiday special “A Motown Christmas” which is set to air just in time for Christmas. The concert event will feature Motown legends performing a selection of the iconic label’s hits. Billboard reports that the lineup includes Gladys Knight, Martha Reeves & the Vandellas and the Temptations. Several contemporary artists will also share the stage and serve up some holiday favorites, including Ashanti, Andra Day, BeBe Winans, Jamie Foxx, JoJo, Jordin Sparks, mgk, October London, and Pentatonix. The special will pay tribute to Motown founder Berry Gordy and feature a world-exclusive performance from the Broadway company of “MJ the Musical.” Motown hits include “Tears of a Clown,” “Stop (In the Name of Love),” “Superstition,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” — all of which (and more) will be performed during the televised special. In a statement, NBCUniversal Entertainment’s executive vp of live events & specials Jen Neal said, “Motown’s timeless hits have played as a soundtrack for American families for the last six decades. NBC is honored to spotlight the iconic legacy of Motown with a festive celebration for the holiday season.” “A Motown Christmas” is executive produced by Debbie Allen and former Motown Productions president Suzanne de Passe. It will air Dec. 11 (9 p.m. ET/PT) on NBC and the next day on Peacock. NLE Choppa ventured into directing by releasing his version of “The Wash,” inspired by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg’s original comedy. Choppa’s project titled “NLE Choppa Presents: The Wash” featured Lil Wayne and several social media influencers. According to TMZ, the unscripted film premiered on YouTube, with Choppa co-directing with Ben Marc. The cast also includes raunchy rapper Sukihana and others who improvised their roles. Warner Records held a premiere event in Los Angeles, attended by stars like Amber Rose and Dreezy. The movie garnered over 1 million views in four days. You can watch “NLE Choppa Presents: The Wash” in its entirety. Dre and Snoop’s “The Wash” was written, produced, and directed by DJ Pooh and featured appearances by Eminem, Ludacris, Kurupt, Shaquille O’Neal, Xzibit, and Pauly Shore. The film follows two mismatched roommates (Dogg and Dr. Dre) working at a car wash who must work together to save their boss when he is kidnapped. The movie earned $10 million at the box office on a $7 million budget. https://youtu.be/8KuCEXiV5Jg Devon Franklin has publicly confirmed his relationship with personal trainer Maria Castillo. The Jasmine Brand was first to report on their romance in September and the couple confirmed the rumors while appearing together on the red carpet at The Merge Awards, where they spoke with Baller Alert about their relationship. Sometimes, you know, you say ‘date,’ and it’s like, oh, yeah, cool. But that implies a moment. When I’m saying, ‘Hey, this is my girl,’ I’m saying that’s a commitment,” Franklin told the outlet. “So I think it’s very important when we make a commitment to be okay with verbalizing that, vocalizing that.” In the clip above, Castillo also shared what she loves about the movie producer and bestselling author. https://youtu.be/enXuk9-pq44 Six-year-old Miya Hayes from Tennessee went viral after opening up about being bullied by a schoolmate named Jessica. In a candid Instagram video, she shared her experience of being fat-shamed. In the clip, Miya expressed her thoughts about bullying and how the incident with Jessica affected her. The child didn’t hold back in the post that resonated with viewers, drawing widespread support. Miya even spoke to TODAY.com about Jessica and her newfound online fame. “Let me all tell ya’ll something — don’t talk about people,” Miya says in the viral video. “People is perfect the way they are.” “And I’m talking about you, Jessica!” the first grader adds. In a phone interview with TODAY.com, Miya described Jessica as “mean.” https://www.instagram.com/chrisshaysofunny/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c9850bde-b9f7-40b2-b57c-f96b38083b1a “Miya speaks her mind. She knows who she is and doesn’t care what anyone else thinks about her,” Miya’s mom, Chrisshay Clack, told the outlet. In the comments of Miya’s IG post, one person wrote, “This little girl handles her situation with facts 😂😂😂 I’m on her side.” Another added, “…this baby reminds me of “Dee” on What’s Happening !!” A third wrote, “It’s okay Miya boo stay out of trouble with ur mama! Trust…. You got a bunch of aunties over here willing to be in trouble for you 😂 babygirl we all ridin at dawn for you.” Other reactions included, “At this point where is Jessica?? We ride at dawn.” and “Somebody tag JESSICA so we can settle this once and for all.” https://www.instagram.com/chrisshaysofunny/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=72eced06-af44-41fd-8685-3ccea5f70f62 “He was an amazing guy,” said Zev Feldman, co-president of Resonance Records, when talking about the November 29, 2024 release of the “Wow” album that consisted of five live performances by Al Jarreau at the Childe Harold in Washington, DC in 1976. “J’ai (his publicist) and I worked with him…it was the most special experience in my career. He was the kindest, humblest human being.” The live performances from the seven-time Grammy Award-winning Al Jarreau were recorded by WHFS radio in Washington, DC in 1976, He was 36 and had been in the music business since 1968. He released his debut album “We Got By” in 1975 for Warner Bros Records. They scouted Al while he was working with pianist Tom Canning. In 1978 he won his first Grammy Award for his album “Look to the Rainbow.” “I found this tape…WHFS in Washington, DC recorded of this concert in 1976,” Feldman said when I asked about the “Wow” (Resonance Records) live performances project. “Al told me about this concert when we were having dinner one time with Black Entertainment Television. He said it was ‘the first time I performed in DC was at the Childe Harold.’” Aside from the five live performances offered on the “Wow” (Resonance Records) album, it has interviews with longtime collaborators with Al Jarreau such as Nile Rogers, Dionne Warwick, Will Downing, and Dee Dee Bridgewater discussing their time with Jarreau. It also has music writer A. Scott Galloway and Grammy-nominated Tom Canning (keyboardist/producer) reminiscing about Al. The Al Jarreau performances in “Wow” are of James Taylor’s “Fire and Rain,” Count Basie’s “Shiny Stockings”, and the covers of “Take Five” and “You Don’t See Me”. “The release (of the tape) came later,” the Maryland native said. “We had to make sure the sound was of quality…get legal permission… It (the performances) was early in his career…making a name. His artistry was remarkable (at that time).” Culture Kitchen returns Wednesday, November 6 at 9 PM ET/8C. CAKES AND STEAKS In this episode, it’s all about bold flavors and indulgent bites! Bren fires up the grill to create a perfectly seasoned, juicy, and tender tomahawk steak that’s nothing short of epic. And for dessert, she bakes a towering 4-layer carrot cake, generously topped with homemade buttercream icing. Get ready for a mouthwatering mix of savory and sweet that’s guaranteed to impress! #CultureKitche https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUEPNH1Eji0 New Soul Kitchen returns Wednesday, November 6, at 9:30 PM ET/8:30C. In this episode, Chef brings the richness of Southern comfort to the table, smothering his dishes in a signature, savory gravy known as "étouffée." On the menu: a deliciously layered Chicken & Sausage Étouffée served over linguine, followed by Smothered Pork Chops with rice and okra – a true étouffée feast! #NewSoulKitchen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83AWUZdKiP0 Cynthia Bailey recently shared a story about a possible missed romantic opportunity with Lenny Kravitz. During her appearance on “Two Ts in a Pod” podcast with Teddi Mellencamp and Tamra Judge, the “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star revealed that Kravitz never called her after getting her number. The two met through Mick Jagger at his 80th birthday celebration in London last July, but despite the introduction, a follow-up never happened. “I didn’t really feel any sparks,” Bailey said of the encounter, PEOPLE reports. Bailey noted that she played it “really cool” around Kravitz after talking about him for “the last five years.” “He was really nice. He didn’t seem overly interested or anything,” she added. “He asked Mick’s fiancée for my number,” Bailey said. https://youtu.be/El9G_a-0a2o Some people are very critical of the fashion awards. They say that popular competitions and award shows are mostly a conduit for top-tier designers’ egos. During these events, organizers emphasized famous brands and models, often neglecting minor creators. While the emphasis will always be on the bigger names, we can’t neglect the fact fashion awards helped so many up-and-coming designers. Unlike trophies, which we use for best performers, just about anyone can win a fashion award. This is because the ranking system is based on first impressions and other intangibles. In other words, these events put everyone on the same playing field. Even if your dresses didn’t dazzle the audience, they might’ve ranked high among judges. So, there’s always an incentive to participate! Biggest Benefits for Designers. Most designers we know love fashion awards. These events allow you to measure your work against the biggest names in the industry. They’re incredibly fantastic for competitive creators who want to receive acknowledgment from the wider public. That said, below are the biggest fashion show benefits for designers. A recent study shows that reduced sugar intake during the first 1,000 days after conception lowers a child’s risk of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure later in life. The study published in Science on Oct. 31 found that people who consumed less sugar in early childhood were 20% less likely to develop high blood pressure and had a 35% reduced chance of being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes as adults. “We examined the impact of sugar exposure within 1,000 days since conception on diabetes and hypertension,” the researchers wrote. “…We found that early-life [sugar] rationing reduced diabetes and hypertension risk.” “In-utero sugar rationing alone accounted for about one-third of the risk reduction,” the study authors wrote, per PEOPLE. Researchers from the University of Southern California, McGill University, and UC Berkeley analyzed health data from around 60,000 individuals in the UK. They compared those born during WWII-era sugar rationing (when sugar intake was restricted to about 40-80 grams per day) with those born in the postwar period after rationing ended. The results showed that limited sugar intake in early life had lasting health benefits. The recent spate of food poisoning incidents in South Africa has culminated in a violent backlash against migrant shopkeepers, particularly targeting those of Somali descent. This troubling escalation of violence has resulted from the tragic deaths of six children in Soweto and a series of illnesses among others, igniting xenophobic sentiments that threaten to spiral out of control. The outbreak of food poisoning can be traced to October 6, 2024, when the six children fell gravely ill after consuming food allegedly sourced from a migrant-run spaza shop in the Naledi district of Soweto. Subsequent autopsies revealed that their deaths were linked to Terbufos, a pesticide chemical found in some food products. Following this incident, panic and anger swept through local communities, leading to violent reprisals against shopkeepers, many of whom have been looted or forced to close their businesses, according to Semafor Africa. Just weeks later, another wave of illness struck, this time in KwaZulu-Natal province, approximately 600 kilometers away, where seven children were hospitalized after consuming food from another migrant-owned spaza shop. Reports from Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi indicate a clear connection between these incidents and perceived negligence within the migrant retail community. https://youtu.be/g4L79owvUIY Adding to the anguish of these violent episodes is the heartbreak experienced by families like that of Thabo Msimang, who lost his child in the outbreak. As he condemned the acts of violence against shopkeepers, he expressed the profound sorrow felt by families mourning the loss of their loved ones due to food safety issues. In this context, Piers Pigou from the Institute for Security Studies emphasizes the urgent need for the South African government to foster social cohesion amidst rising fears of xenophobia. Past incidents of violence against African migrants, including notable outbreaks in 2008 and 2015, expose a long-standing issue where migrants frequently become scapegoats for South African economic frustrations. Politicians, seeking to exploit such sentiments, can often exacerbate the divide, casting a shadow over the nation’s fragile racial and social relations. Amid hopeful signs for South Africa’s economy, following the establishment of a coalition government blending pro-business policies, the rising security concerns brought on by xenophobia present a contradiction. Recent grim growth forecasts may stymie expectations for an economic recovery and revive tensions reminiscent of the dark days of violence against foreign nationals.Research professor Loren Landau highlights the precarious social climate in South Africa. He notes that profound societal anxieties are often misdirected towards foreign nationals, leading to violence that serves as a misguided outlet for broader discontent (sound familiar?). This growing hostility not only endangers the immigrant population but also undermines the fabric of South African society, pushing communities toward chaos rather than reconciliation. https://youtu.be/q28XYTXqAt0 Many people seeking mental health care struggle to find a specialist covered by their insurance. Even with the large directories that some insurance plans provide, the process can be frustrating. As The Guardian reports, common issues include providers not accepting new patients, inaccurate or disconnected phone numbers, doctors who have not accepted the insurance for some time, or even non-existent practitioners. This is referred to as a “ghost network.” A new class action lawsuit claims that Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of New York has a ghost network that patient attorneys described it as “staggering.” “A lot of people have encountered that kind of issue and they’re not talking about it, because mental health care is not something people are willing to talk about,” said Jacob Gardener, an attorney with Walden Macht Haran & Williams LLP, the law firm that filed the suit. Attorneys representing anonymous plaintiffs conducted a simulation of a patient seeking a mental health provider through Anthem’s directory. They called the first 100 listed providers but could only secure appointments with seven. The others either no longer accepted the insurance, had incorrect specialties or phone numbers, or were not available for appointments in the next six months. Grammy Award-winning journalist and KCAL News anchor Chauncy Glover has passed away at the age of 39. ABC 7 reports that he joined KCAL News in October 2023 after an eight-year career in Houston, where he became the first Black male main anchor at KTRK. “We, Sherry and Robert Glover, along with Chauncy’s beloved family, are devastated by the unimaginable loss of our beloved Chauncy,” the Glover family wrote in a statement. “He was more than a son and brother—he was a beacon of light in our lives and a true hero to his community.” A native of Athens, Alabama, Glover founded The Chauncy Glover Project to mentor and empower teenage boys. Glover hosted bi-monthly sessions for middle and high school boys, offering guidance and enrichment activities. After moving to Houston, he continued the program, which has helped over 350 boys of color attend college and mentored more than 1,000 young men. https://youtu.be/fj07mg2bOlE “Chauncy’s compassion and dedication to helping others, especially through the Chauncy Glover Project, changed countless lives and inspired so many young men to pursue their dreams,” his family wrote. “His talent, warmth, and vision left an imprint on everyone who knew him, and the world is dimmer without him.” ABC13 Houston wrote in an X post, “We’re heartbroken to share that former ABC13 anchor Chauncy Glover has passed away at the age of 39. Chauncy was part of our team for nearly nine years before moving to LA last year.” Glover’s career included roles at WDIV in Detroit, WTVM in Columbus, Georgia, and CBS 47 and Fox 30 in Jacksonville, Florida. He earned three Emmy Awards and several other professional accolades throughout his career. His cause of death has not been revealed. “While we grieve this profound loss, we are comforted by the outpouring of love and memories shared by those who knew Chauncy as the passionate, gifted soul he was,” the family wrote. “We kindly ask for privacy as we mourn and honor his incredible legacy. He was taken from us far too soon, but his impact will be felt forever.” https://twitter.com/nypost?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1854107376191783359%7Ctwgr%5E13604abbed0780681348f99ba25e240422b6eb72%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fkcal-news-anchor-chauncy-glover-passes-away-at-39%2F This afternoon, in about an hour, Vice President Kamala Harris is set to deliver a speech conceding defeat in the presidential election to Donald Trump. Scheduled for 4 PM ET, the speech will take place at Howard University, a significant venue for Harris as it is her alma mater. The university has previously served as a starting point for her journey in politics, including the launch of her 2020 presidential campaign, reports The Guardian. In the lead-up to this moment, supporters gathered at Howard’s historic campus during election night, initially brimming with hope. However, as the election results began to tilt away from the Democrats, enthusiasm faded into a somber atmosphere. Earlier in the evening, Harris had been expected to address her supporters, but she did not make an appearance. Instead, Cedric Richmond, co-chair of her campaign, took the stage to reassure the crowd about the ongoing count of ballots and the importance of every vote. The New York Times has reported that Harris is also planning to make a concession call to Trump today. Although not legally required, this act of concession is a long-standing tradition in U.S. elections, recognizing the role of democratic processes and promoting a peaceful transfer of power. https://youtu.be/iaTrMNRVycg Entertainment blogger Jason Lee has been elected to the Stockton, California City Council. Lee, founder of the popular gossip site Hollywood Unlocked and a Stockton native, secured his council seat with 56 percent of the vote, per Hot New Hip Hop. He celebrated the victory in a post to supporters on the same night Donald Trump clinched the win for the presidency. “Now I begin the work of creating safer and stronger communities, improving our quality of life and charting our next chapter,” Lee wrote on Instagram Wednesday (Nov. 5). “Heck, forget the next chapter. We will write a whole new book!” he added. “Deeply honored to have earned the support and trust of my neighbors, the voters of my hometown, and you,” Lee stated. https://youtu.be/Wv9xCdHcOgc Lee continued, “My commitment to what is a part-time position will be full-time because you have to have a full-time heart and put a full-time effort into everything you do. So, I hope to be an example for the people. I want to say, ‘I know it is a sacrifice, but if not you, then who, and if you can do it, do it.’ And I think if more people did it, we would see a different world.” https://www.instagram.com/theonlyjasonlee/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=5425d9e7-3145-4511-a63f-ec362ec7736c Ashanti called rapper Nelly her “soulmate” while celebrating his 50th birthday at Tao in Las Vegas. “It’s priceless, honestly, just to have my soulmate, like my person, like my best friend, like my protector. The universe doesn’t make mistakes,” she told Entertainment Tonight, BET.com reports. “I don’t tell him all the time, but I’ve learned a lot about… just being grateful, graceful, and giving people grace. Being open minded and level headed and not too emotional.” Nelly was joined by family and friends, including Kevin Hart, Jermaine Dupri, and Anderson .Paak., for his b-day festivities. During the event, he spoke to ET about the relaunch of his women’s apparel line Apple Bottoms. Ashanti also teased new music and her upcoming film, “No Address,” set for release on Feb. 28. “She’s a great person, she’s a great mother,” Nelly said about his superstar wife. “Even when it comes to doing this—having birthday parties and things like that. So to have that person with you, it’s like, ‘yeah, that’s it.’” https://youtu.be/d7ajixGU7BA Michelle Perkins, executive director of the Turning Point Alcohol & Drug Education Program (AOD) in Los Angeles, will tell you without any reservation, that she had a hard way to go in her early life. She endured abuse, grew up with a “horrible” mother who did drugs, fell victim to drugs herself, became homeless, lost custody of her children, and was a revolving-door inmate of the county jail system going in and out at least ‘20 times,’ as well as in and out of prison three times – sometimes doing 20 months. She’s proud to say she hasn’t been incarcerated since 2000. Perkins admits that she could have just ‘quit’ on herself, but instead, she pulled herself together and decided to help others who have a shared life experience. That’s why she founded Turning Point AOD, an organization dedicated to helping adolescents, adults, the homeless population, formerly incarcerated men, women, and transitional-aged youth who have been marginalized by addiction, trauma, homelessness, and incarceration, and communities to break the cycle of poverty and negative behaviors by providing the resources and tools needed to live productive lives. “If anyone knows how to help that segment of society, I do,” said Perkins. “I’ve been through all of it.” I recently spoke to Michelle Perkins (MP), 54, about her life, her children, and Turning Point AOD. I also spoke to her daughters, Tanisha Merriweather (TM) and Deondra Merriweather (DM). On a somber Monday, Tito Jackson, the cherished singer from the iconic Jackson 5, was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Glendale, California. The funeral, attended by family and friends, served as a poignant tribute to a man whose life and legacy resonated far beyond the music he created. Siblings Marlon Jackson and La Toya Jackson were among the family members present to bid farewell to their brother. Their presence highlighted the unity of the Jackson family during this difficult time, alongside Tito’s nieces and nephews, including Michael Jackson’s children, Paris and Bigi “Blanket” Jackson. Paris, dressed in an elegant black dress paired with pantyhose and boots, and Bigi, in a formal black suit and tie, added a heartfelt touch to the memorial service, honoring their beloved uncle. The gathering was not solely about mourning, as many cherished the memories and stories built around Tito Jackson’s life. Among the notable attendees were fashion mogul Kimora Lee Simmons and Tito’s ex-wife, Delores Jackson. The atmosphere was one of love and remembrance for Tito’s undeniable impact as a father, brother, and friend. Tito’s burial location holds special significance; he now rests next to his iconic brother Michael, who passed away in 2009. This proximity underscores the lasting bonds within the Jackson family and their shared musical legacy that captivated fans over decades. Fat Joe condemned recent racist remarks made at a Donald Trump rally, where comedian Tony Hinchcliffe referred to Puerto Rico as “garbage.” At Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Oct. 27, Hinchcliffe, 40, said, “I don’t know if you guys know this, but there’s literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now. I think it’s called Puerto Rico.” The rapper responded to the joke at an event focused on motivating Black and Brown men to vote, Hot 97 reports. Fat Joe expressed his view that Latino Trump supporters (especially Puerto Ricans) are “house n*ggas.” “It breaks my heart,” the hip-hop star stated. “How the hell are they gonna call Puerto Rico, ‘An island of garbage,’ and when I post on my Instagram, ‘These the guys you voting for?’ and I see Puerto Ricans, ‘No, we’re still for Trump 2024, that’s that house n*gga mentality.” Fat Joe added, “That’s a Latino that wishes he was white. Those [are] the guys in the comments…change their voice up [and] try to sound white…Those guys I been fighting my whole life.” https://www.instagram.com/breakbeatmedia/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=dbd140b5-8cf6-4948-b6e9-0e24ccb7dc98 Kevin Durant and ESPN host Stephen A. Smith are at odds after Smith criticized Durant’s leadership. Following the Phoenix Suns’ season opener, Smith praised Durant’s talent but suggested he lacks the impact to inspire his team, according to Basketball Network. Durant clapped back in a statement to The Athletic, noting that Smith speaks confidently about players and teams without actually knowing them. “I don’t understand how people even listen to Stephen A.,” the Phoenix Suns superstar said. “I’ve been in the league for 18 years. I’ve never seen Stephen A. at a practice, or a film session, or a shoot-around. I’ve never seen him anywhere but on TV talking s**t about players. He’s a clown to me. He’s always been a clown. You can write that, too.” Smith’s critique came after the Suns’ recent game against the L.A. Clippers. Durant scored 25 points but recorded no assists, while teammate Devin Booker scored 15 points. Smith’s post-game reaction is echoed by others who have questioned Durant’s leadership style. “I would disagree, Stephen,” Durant wrote on X in response to Smith’s comments. “I would argue, passionately, that my intangibles have always been on par with my talent.” https://twitter.com/sportingnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1853116125782888553%7Ctwgr%5Ee8a6764eed00f01d6f9db1cad6b50d4bd482b491%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fkevin-durant-slams-stephen-a-smiths-critique-of-leadership%2F Smith reacted to Kevin’s remarks on “First Take” and clarified that his critique was focused on Durant’s leadership track record. Durant pushed back, asserting that he’s always had a vocal presence. “I’ve always been on this trajectory, of diving deep into the game, not just for myself but for the whole team,” KD said. “To say that I’m just sitting here, you paint this picture of me coming into the locker room, not talking to my teammates, quiet, not talking to my coaches. Like, come on, man. It’s just ridiculous,” he added. Hear more of Stephen A.’s response to Kevin in the X/Twitter clip https://twitter.com/i/status/1853482058749755829 The popular BET+ series “Tyler Perry’s Zatima” returns in December with the second half of season 3, bringing new twists and challenges for fan-favorite characters Zac (Devale Ellis) and Fatima (Crystal Renee Hayslett). As they navigate the complexities of their relationship, Zac and Fatima must contend with outside pressures that threaten their love, leading to emotional highs and lows. Per the news release, the continuation of season 3 kicks off with a two-episode premiere, followed by two new episodes released each week until the season finale on January 23, 2025. Fans can catch all the drama as the ten-episode run dives deeper into the ups and downs that define Zac and Fatima’s journey. Here’s the official synopsis: Tyler Perry’s “Zatima” follows popular “Sistas” characters Zac (Devale Ellis) and Fatima (Crystal Renee Hayslett) as they navigate the ups and downs of their relationship. Season three is full of peaks and valleys as Zac and Fatima struggle to protect their relationship from undue damage from outside influences. But when family is involved, it makes things a little more intense. We learn just how deep family trauma can go and the consequences of one’s actions when they don’t think before they act. Will Zac and Fatima survive this dark time? Will Zac and Jeremiah mend their relationship? Or will everyone give up and walk away? Tyler Perry is the writer, executive producer, and director of the series that also stars Nzinga Imani, Danielle LaRoach, Guyviaud Joseph, Remington Hoffman, Jasmin Brown, Cameron Fuller, and Ameer Barack. The continuation of season 3 starts on December 26 on BET+. https://youtu.be/l1wIiNeWLvI Cynthia Bailey recently shared a story about a possible missed romantic opportunity with Lenny Kravitz. During her appearance on “Two Ts in a Pod” podcast with Teddi Mellencamp and Tamra Judge, the “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star revealed that Kravitz never called her after getting her number. The two met through Mick Jagger at his 80th birthday celebration in London last July, but despite the introduction, a follow-up never happened. “I didn’t really feel any sparks,” Bailey said of the encounter, PEOPLE reports. Bailey noted that she played it “really cool” around Kravitz after talking about him for “the last five years.” “He was really nice. He didn’t seem overly interested or anything,” she added. “He asked Mick’s fiancée for my number,” Bailey said. https://youtu.be/El9G_a-0a2o As the election approaches, NBC has found itself in the crosshairs of political drama, agreeing to a request from former President Donald Trump’s campaign for equal airtime after Vice President Kamala Harris appeared on “Saturday Night Live.” The network’s decision reveals the intricate relationship between entertainment and political broadcasting, especially as heated elections draw near. Harris’s surprise appearance on “SNL,” which took place just days before the election, was announced just hours before the show aired. The Vice President performed in the opening sketch alongside Maya Rudolph, known for her impersonation of Harris. Harris’s flight, initially destined for a campaign stop in Detroit, was diverted to New York, providing her with the unexpected opportunity to participate in the show. In compliance with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), NBC promptly filed an equal time notice, indicating that Harris had been featured for one minute and thirty seconds. Following her appearance which lasted 1 minute and a half (90 seconds), Trump’s campaign officials contacted NBC, requesting equal airtime. The network complied, allowing Trump to deliver two 60-second messages that aired during the late broadcast of a NASCAR playoff race and again during the post-game coverage of a “Sunday Night Football” matchup in which the Minnesota Vikings triumphed over the Indianapolis Colts. https://youtu.be/e6Funs6yyEw The equal time provision is crucial in maintaining fairness in media coverage of political candidates, ensuring that no legally qualified candidate is unfairly disadvantaged in accessing public airwaves. This rule is primarily applicable to broadcasters utilizing public airwaves, exempting news programs, and not extending to cable or streaming services. NBC has previously navigated equal time challenges with its entertainment programming. Notably, in 2007, the network refrained from airing episodes of “Law & Order: SVU” featuring former U.S. Senator Fred Thompson, following his announcement of a presidential campaign for the 2008 election. Moreover, when Trump declared his candidacy in 2015, he had to withdraw from his position as the host of “The Celebrity Apprentice” due to the regulations of the equal time rule. In 2011, when speculation surrounding Trump’s potential candidacy against then-President Barack Obama was rife, he took to the stage at NBC’s advertiser presentation in New York City, confirming that he would not be running and that his reality show would be returning for another season. As November’s election looms closer, NBC’s recent actions highlight the ongoing tension between entertainment and political campaigning. This incident will likely serve as a pivotal reference point in discussions about media accountability and the balance of access as candidates vie for public support in an increasingly polarized environment. https://youtu.be/3SQtLwyb-wg Lyft and Uber are offering discounted rides on Election Day, November 5, to help people get to the polls. Lyft is offering 50% off rides (up to $10) to polling locations using the code VOTE24. The deal applies to bikes and scooters. According to PEOPLE, the popular ride-sharing app aims to target young voters this election season and has partnered with NAACP and When We All Vote to promote voter education. “Lyft believes transportation access should never be a barrier for any citizen seeking to vote,” Lyft Chief Policy Officer Jerry Golden said in a news release. “Our Voting Access Program reflects our commitment to being a force for good, and we’re proud to encourage riders and drivers to exercise their fundamental right to vote, regardless of income, zip code, or political affiliation.” Uber riders can use a “Go Vote” button in the app to arrange their ride to their polling place. The discount is available from 4 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on Election Day. Uber is also offering 25% off UberEats orders on election night. The U.S. Dream Academy is proud to announce that during the 23rd Annual Power of a Dream Celebration, over $1.67 million was raised to support the organization’s national positive youth development programs, thanks in large part to a surprise matching donation from media mogul and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey. The event, hosted by NBC4 News anchor Shawn Yancy, was held at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC and the evening’s message focused on the importance of investing in our children as the most powerful way to build stronger communities and foster the next generation of values-driven leaders. The U.S. Dream Academy honored Demond Martin, CEO & Co-Founder of WellWithAll, with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Award for his groundbreaking work in advancing health equity. An investor and philanthropist, Demond Martin is the co-founder and CEO of Wellwithall, an innovative health and wellness company that pours a significant portion of its profits into health equity for Black, Brown, and underserved communities. Winfrey was also honored, accepting the Legacy Award for her lifelong commitment to protecting and nurturing children, and her decades-long support of the U.S. Dream Academy. During her inspirational remarks that closed out the evening, she committed to matching the evening’s donations. “Maya Angelou once told me that your legacy is not one thing, your legacy resides in every life you touch,” said Oprah Winfrey during her acceptance remarks at the U.S. Dream Academy’s Power of a Dream Celebration. “Together, we have the opportunity to support an organization that is making positive changes in the community and lives of each of the young people they serve.” https://youtu.be/I2v_whTwkns Despite spending his 55th birthday incarcerated, rapper and music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs maintains a positive outlook as he awaits his criminal trial next year. On Monday, in a post shared by his son, Justin Combs, Diddy spoke publicly for what seemed to be the first time following his arrest on serious federal charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering. The ongoing legal battle has resulted in numerous negative headlines, with members of the Combs family expressing their concerns about Diddy’s treatment during this difficult time. His mother, in particular, described the current situation as a “public lynching” of her son, highlighting the family’s distress over the allegations. While Diddy’s children enjoy birthday cake in his absence, he makes do with his prison fare, which includes “breakfast cake” alongside scrambled eggs, baked sweet potatoes, and chicken wraps. Though not a celebratory spread, Diddy seemed upbeat in his conversation, reassuring his kids that he would soon return home.https://youtu.be/7F4fEAthm0k Attorney Antonio Moore looks closer at the Cardi B endorsing of Kamala Harris in 2024. And Donald Trump used Lil Wayne‘s endorsement for outreach in 2020. Moore makes a larger argument politicians disrespect BLACK VOTERS by targeting these Black celebrities. Moore argues Black celebrity serves as a decadent veil covering up Black politics and the Black community. In other news from the campaign trail … On the last day of the presidential campaign, Vice President Harris sought to motivate voters in Pennsylvania. “We need everyone in Pennsylvania to vote,” she stressed, highlighting the essential role they would play in the election. Harris kicked off her day in Scranton, participating in the Harris-Walz campaign canvass with eager volunteers. She then moved to Allentown, urging attendees to “remind people the power they have” to encourage voting among friends and family. “We are all in this together,” she proclaimed. Reflecting on Allentown’s transformation from a steel industry stronghold to a majority-minority city, she addressed an insult from a Trump rally, declaring: “I stand here proud of my commitment to Puerto Rico and her people. I will be a president for all Americans.” In Reading, she stopped by a Puerto Rican restaurant with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez before concluding her day with a late-night rally at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. https://youtu.be/VCXJyFEGRUU New research about the Electoral College found that a disproportionate number of Americans are in favor of moving away from electing presidents by way of electors and toward counting the popular vote instead. Doing so would have a range of consequences that data suggest would bode well not only for Black voters but also for Democrats. “Nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults (65%) say the way the president is elected should be changed so that the winner of the popular vote nationwide wins the presidency,” according to data shared on Monday by the Pew Research Center. “A third favor keeping the current Electoral College system.” To put it simply, Black voters have plenty to gain from replacing the electoral college — a system built originally to protect the interest of white, male slave owners — with selecting presidents through a popular vote. Notably, Democrats — the political party for which Black voters have for years overwhelmingly cast their ballots — have won the popular vote in seven of the last eight elections, even if those elections didn’t result in them actually being elected. https://twitter.com/keithboykin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1706701080451854651%7Ctwgr%5E5308c999a54c6110f81aa1f55711df60c6ed0748%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewsone.com%2F3848928%2Felectoral-college-black-voters%2F A new witness in the Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs criminal case claims to possess a manuscript written by Diddy’s late girlfriend, Kim Porter. According to TMZ, Courtney Burgess says he obtained a copy of the book but Porter’s longtime best friend, Lawanda Lane, insists Kim never wrote a tell-all about her life with the disgraced music mogul. Lane cared for Kim and Diddy’s twin daughters and was with the model daily until her passing in 2018. TMZ reports that Lane sorted through Porter’s belongings after her death and that a manuscript does not exist. She also maintains that Porter’s family doesn’t know Burgess. His lawyer stated that Burgess had a copy of the book stored on a flash drive and handed it over to federal investigators. Authorities will determine the authenticity of his claims. TMZ reports that Courtney recently testified before a New York grand, claiming he has sex tapes showing celebrities participating in Diddy’s “freak offs.” Combs made his celebrity guests sign a standard Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to ensure the privacy of his social gatherings. As we reported earlier, the NDA is a typical legal document that prevents signees from disclosing any information related to Diddy and those associated with him. It explicitly prohibits attendees from photographing, filming, or recording Diddy or any of his guests without prior written consent. Tyka Nelson, the talented Minneapolis singer, and sister of iconic musician Prince, passed away early Monday morning at the age of 64. The news of her death was confirmed by her son, President Nelson, who chose not to share further details about her passing. Born to John L. Nelson and Mattie Shaw Nelson, Tyka was Prince’s only full sibling and shared his passion for music. Throughout her career, she released four albums between 1988 and 2011. Earlier this year, she was expected to host her retirement and farewell concert at Minneapolis area venue, The Dakota, but illness forced her to miss the event. “I really wasn’t a singer. I’m a writer. I just happen to be able to sing. I enjoy singing,” she explained in an interview with the Minnesota Star Tribune prior to the concert. Tyka was also working on a memoir at the time. Her last performance in the Twin Cities took place in 2008 at Bunkers, and she last sang publicly in Australia in 2018. Her sister, Sharon Nelson, shared heartfelt sentiments Monday evening, stating, “She had her own mind. She’s in a better place. https://youtu.be/LG1LDUJZSDU One of the artists behind Dwyane Wade’s new bronze Miami Heat statue in front of Kaseya Center responded to the criticism of the monument. Oscar León of Rotblatt Amrany Studio collaborated with Omri Amrany on the newly unveiled sculpture commemorating Wade’s legacy. Per ABC News, the statue depicts Dwyane’s “This is my house” moment following a game-winning double-overtime shot against the Chicago Bulls in 2019. The sculpture received mixed reactions from fans who believe it doesn’t look like him. Oscar addressed negative reactions in a statement to NBC News. “To the critics, there’s a lot that needs to be understood,” he said. “We have to seal everything to keep the integrity of the sculpture. However, that does create a funny little side effect of being glossy in areas that we are not used to seeing when we look at somebody in the flesh,” he continued. The sealer definitely creates a little bit of, um, a misunderstanding to the eye. So, I would definitely encourage everyone to come to Miami and view it in person,” he added. Wade previously stated he he played a role in the statue’s creation and selected a significant moment from his career. Nina Simone will be honored in a three-day event at London’s Southbank Centre next year. The Independent reports that this event is part of an initiative with the Montreux Jazz Festival and a creative partnership aimed at exploring the question, “What is jazz today?” The festivities will feature performances by Black female artists such as Laura Mvula and Corinne Bailey Rae. Mvula and Rae will launch the residency at the Royal Festival Hall on January 31, 2025, with a performance titled “Mississippi Goddam: A Celebration of Nina Simone,” featuring the Tomorrow’s Warriors’ Nu Civilisation Orchestra and arrangements by Jules Buckley. The concert will also include performances by China Moses, Ni Maxine, and Tony Njoku. The following day, February 1, musician and commentator Soweto Kinch will debut music from his new album,“ Soundtrack to the Apocalypse,” at the Queen Elizabeth Hall. Additionally, that evening, the Southbank Centre’s house band, Peng Femme Jamm will host a jam session in the foyer of the Queen Elizabeth Hall. In a statement, Mathieu Jaton, CEO of Montreux Jazz Festival, said: “What better way to showcase the incredible diversity of the modern jazz scene than through the lens of Nina Simone.” “Power Book II: Ghost” star Gianni Paolo recently posted a playful video on Instagram that suggested his co-star Woody McClain would star in a new biopic about former NFL player Michael Vick. In the post, McClain and Vick are seen together in a video with Paolo stating that McClain will portray the former NFL player in a movie. He teased, “Coming soon, @woody_thegreat will play Mike Vick (and I will appear as a small recurring guest star).” Paolo’s suggestion that McClain could be Vick generated excitement on social media. In the post’s comments, one person wrote, “This movie NEEDS to be made!!” Another IG user added, “Gianni you can play Brian Finneran.” A third commented, “That would be fire tho! I think you just gave writers a million dollar play!!” https://www.instagram.com/giannivpaolo/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=3121bfcb-6fd7-41fe-9ada-fb6f5fa178af Legendary hitmaker Akon’s latest single, “Akon’s Beautiful Day,” has quickly become a powerhouse on the airwaves since its October 4, 2024 release via Konvict Kulture Records. This inspiring anthem has already achieved unprecedented success, securing the title of #1 most-added song at U.S. rhythmic radio with 45 stations in its debut week—making it the only independent record in the U.S. to achieve this feat in 2024! In addition, it's currently #7 most-added on rhythmic radio this week, with 63 of the 78 reporting stations embracing it, and has debuted at #38 on Billboard’s Pop Airplay chart—marking Akon’s 26th career entry and his first in over a decade.The excitement surrounding “Akon’s Beautiful Day” extends beyond traditional platforms, with the song making massive waves on TikTok, amassing over 1M UGC creations and achieving #1 on the TikTok Top 50 Music Chart as well as #2 on the Viral 50. https://www.youtube.com/user/AkonVEVO Today, JamesTown Music, founded by GRAMMY-nominated and multiple Stellar Award winner, JJ Hairston, have announced the signing of a deal finalizing a partnership between Motown Gospel and JamesTown Music. This announcement, comes just a few weeks ahead of the 25th anniversary reunion musical live recording of JJ Hairston and Youthful Praise. The 25th anniversary live recording, will mark the first project under the newly formed partnership between Motown Gospel and JamesTown Music. The 25th anniversary reunion live recording of JJ Hairston and Youthful Praise will feature reimagined versions of their Billboard chart-topping #1 hits, iconic and classic songs, along with new music that showcases the choir’s continued relevance and Hairston’s powerful, spirit-filled leadership. Special guest artists set to take the stage include: Tamela Mann, Jonathan McReynolds, Melvin Crispell III, Tim Bowman Jr, Wendy Wyatt, Anthem Nights Music, Janae Jones and Jumbo (Nigerian artist). The anniversary recording is set to take place Saturday, November 23rd at The Gathering Place (4703 Marlboro Pike, Capitol Heights, MD) at 6PM. Sacramento rapper Anerae “X-Raided” Brown was sentenced to 31 years to life in prison at age 17, following a conviction for first-degree murder. Despite maintaining his innocence, prosecutors used lyrics from his debut album, “Psycho Active,” as evidence against him. His co-defendant was acquitted, but Brown was ultimately sentenced, spending over 26 years in prison before being granted parole in 2018. While incarcerated, Brown crossed paths with Lyle and Erik Phenomenal, infamous for their highly publicized trial for the murders of their parents. Brown said after bonding with the brother in prison, his perception of them changed, Newsweek reports. He first met Lyle in 2001 at Mule Creek State Prison in California and developed a personal understanding of the siblings beyond what the media had portrayed. “Meeting Lyle, he struck me as sturdy. He was a strong man; he wasn’t a weakling or someone who couldn’t hold his own,” he told Newsweek. “I respected that about him. I also admired his confidence and intellect, which allowed us to bond,” Brown added. https://youtu.be/SVem257jgjA Wendell Pierce had to leave Game 5 of the World Series on Wednesday night in the Bronx after fans harassed him for talking to a Dodgers fan. As reported by PEOPLE, the “Suits” actor is a supporter of both the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, he revealed on X that he missed the chance to witness Los Angeles secure the championship on October 30 due to fans throwing trash at him during the game. “Unfortunately I just left the Yankees game because I was talking to a Dodgers fan and people were throwing things at me,” Pierce wrote, caling it the “The worst experience ever.” “Unruly, obnoxious people can ruin everything,” he added. “The game and experience is of no significance now. The spirit of sports ends with the ugliness of humanity.” In a follow-up post, Pierce added, “The fact that some suburban who ha’s come to Yankee stadium to act an a–, completely ruins the artistry of Cole pitching a no hitter into the 5th, or Freeman with a 4 game consecutive home run streak: both in the World Series. It will mean nothing to me because all I remember will be the obnoxious fans I had to avoid.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1851784822126969036 At a recent Detroit union rally, Michigan Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, the first Palestinian American woman in Congress, chose not to endorse Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential election. According to The Guardian, Tlaib’s fellow “Squad” members, Ayanna Pressley, Ilhan Omar, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, endorsed the Democratic candidate in July. “Don’t underestimate the power you all have,” Tlaib said at a get-out-the-vote rally for United Auto Workers. “More than those ads, those lawn signs, those billboards, you all have more power to turn out people that understand we’ve got to fight back against corporate greed in our country,” she added. Meanwhile, a recent voter survey indicated that 43% of Muslim American voters currently support Green Party candidate Jill Stein. Tlaib has been critical of the Democratic Party’s stance on the ongoing Isreal-Hama war. She previously said it was “hard not to feel invisible” after the party excluded a Palestinian American speaker from the DNC in Chicago in August. In an interview with Zeteo, the controversial congresswoman said the move “made it clear with their speakers that they value Israeli children more than Palestinian children”. ‘https://youtu.be/8ElHPxGUu9A Music icon Quincy Jones has passed away at age 91. His family confirmed that Jones died at his Bel Air home on Sunday while surrounded by family, per a report from the Associated Press. “Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing,” a statement from the family reads. “And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.” Jones was a versatile powerhouse in the music world, whose impressive legacy spans producing Michael Jackson’s legendary Thriller album, composing award-winning scores for movies and TV, and working alongside icons like Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, and countless other artists. In March, Jones reflected on turning 91, writing, “This life that I’ve been blessed to live is not one that I take for granted,” he shared on Instagram. “As a little Black boy growing up in the South Side of Chicago, making it to 91 wasn’t even a dream because it never seemed possible. But as I stand before you today, I am grateful for every person who lent me a shoulder to stand on…From Count Basie to Nadia Boulanger to Joseph Powe to all of the individuals who told me I was worth another day. In the latest episode of Zeus Network’s “Baddies: Midwest,” rapper Chrisean Rock had viewers clutching their pearls when she asked her older sister Tesehki if she remembers forcing her to perform oral sex on her when they were minors. According to Chrisean, she was age seven and Tesehki 12 when the alleged incident occurred. “You said what?!,” Tesehki responded to Rock’s accusation before adding, “I’m done talking…B***h, you’re going to jail — defamation!” After the incident gained attention online, Tesehki provided additional context on Instagram by sharing footage from a #throwback Instagram Live session with Chrisean and another woman. In the video, Rock empathizes with them over the abuse they experienced as children and clarifies that she did not go through the same experience. “Y’all went through some sh*t,” she told Tesehki and the other woman. “I never personally went through something that took my childhood away.” https://youtu.be/EIX-WgxXvtM Tesehki noted in her IG post that she was deeply hurt by Rock’s accusation. “This shhh hurt on a whole diff level,” she wrote. “How you trying [to] take me an Chas trauma and say it’s yours…” In the post’s comments, Tesehki accused Chrisean of fabricating these allegations to attract attention and boost viewership as part of a publicity stunt. Social media users slammed Chrisean’s wild accusation, with one person writing on X, “I really think Chrisean has a mental illness, manipulative af and jealous of Tesehki.. They both went through trauma as children but to blame her and try to tarnish her character is fucking crazy #BaddiesMidwest.” Another commented, “I love Tesekhi so much and Chrisean is a pathological PROVEN liar,” added another. “She’s clearly jealous bcuz she’s not loved. Brung the baby for a shield on god smh. The egotistical girl who said fck zeus they’re using me for my platform begging nat for a look smh.” https://www.instagram.com/unwinewithtashak/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=dd3671af-6bdc-4f59-8bd5-6d3513e7d869 In Minneapolis, the White man (John Sawchak) accused of shooting his Black neighbor (Davis Moturi) in the neck last week has an “extensive history of threats, harassment and property damage against numerous neighbors” over two years and evaded arrest by holing up in his home, court records show. Sawchak, 54, had two outstanding warrants against him for an alleged yearlong campaign of harassment targeting the shooting victim as well as a third warrant charging him with assaulting another neighbor in 2022, according to court documents. Now, the Minneapolis Police Department once again finds itself at the center of controversy over race and policing, after failing to arrest Sawchak on active warrants before he allegedly shotMoturi on October 23, and then waiting several days before taking the alleged shooter into custody. Sawchak’s defense attorneys said their client denies the allegations, and he did not enter a plea at arraignment. https://youtu.be/C5zYLxnVMRI John Miller, CNN’s chief law enforcement and intelligence analyst, said many factors are complicating how police responded to the ongoing neighborhood dispute, including that the city’s police force has significantly been reduced since 2020. The department “went from 900 to 500 officers,” which would “make any department less efficient in any response that requires follow-up,” Miller said. “On the face of it, given the results, this is clearly a failure on the part of police,” he said. “A more nuanced look at the big picture may reveal the symptoms of a city that has been through a trauma in the time after the George Floyd killing, where the city and its police are struggling to find the proper balance.” In a video captured on a home surveillance camera, Moturi can be seen pruning a tree when he is shot and immediately crumples to the ground. The bullet went through his neck fractured his spine, broke ribs, and left him with a concussion. https://youtu.be/V74BVIvv9m4 The Second Annual HBCU First LOOK Film Festival is gearing up to celebrate the achievements of HBCU-educated filmmakers, executives, and content creators, promising an engaging event that intertwines film appreciation with activism. Scheduled for November 8-10, 2024, this festival will take place at Howard University’s Blackburn Center in Washington, D.C., and is committed to building a pipeline that connects HBCU students to opportunities in Hollywood. With a theme of “A Celebration of Black Cinema x Activism,” the festival aims to highlight the importance of representation and storytelling in the Black community. Attendees can look forward to immersive career development opportunities featuring sessions with renowned experts from the film, broadcast, and entertainment fields. This initiative not only enhances the visibility of HBCU talents but also empowers them to thrive in a competitive environment. One of the festival’s focal points is the HBCU First LOOK Film Challenge, which received over 200 film submissions this year. From these, seven finalists have been selected, each vying for financial prizes and coveted internships within the industry. Winners will be honored during the festival’s “Salute THEM, My HBCU Joy Awards Luncheon,” presented by AARP. This special ceremony will recognize notable HBCU alumni, including actress and producer Keshia Knight-Pulliam, Stacy Milner of HBCU Los Angeles, and TeeJ Mercer https://youtu.be/L6z4NpINs1c In 2017, the American Heart Association and other health organizations revised the definition of high blood pressure, lowering the threshold to 130/80 mm Hg for all adults. Harvard Health reports that hypertension was previosuly defined as 140/90 mm Hg for those under 65 and 150/80 mm Hg for those 65 and older. This change aims to encourage earlier intervention to prevent related issues like heart attacks and strokes. The update was informed by the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT), which revealed that targeting a systolic pressure of 120 mm Hg or lower significantly reduced cardiovascular risks over three years among adults aged 50 and above with high blood pressure and at least one cardiovascular risk factor. The updated guidelines eliminated the “prehypertension” category, which previously included people with a systolic reading of 120–139 mm Hg or a diastolic reading of 80–89 mm Hg. Now, individuals with a systolic reading of 120–129 mm Hg are classified as having elevated blood pressure, while those with readings of 130–139/80–89 mm Hg are categorized as Stage 1 hypertension. Stage 2 hypertension starts at 140/90 mm Hg, and anything above 180/120 mm Hg is considered a hypertensive crisis. For those previously diagnosed with high blood pressure, the changes won’t impact management significantly, though doctors may now recommend a lower blood pressure target. Individuals aged 65 and older may now fall under the high blood pressure category. Medication isn’t always the first line of action. Instead, lifestyle adjustments—like adopting the DASH or Mediterranean diet, increasing physical activity, and weight management—are recommended initially. Medication is suggested only if the individual has a history of heart attack or stroke, or if they face a high 10-year cardiovascular risk. Overall, the guideline adjustments aim to promote more proactive monitoring and management of blood pressure. An attempt to get a photo-perfect tan turned tragic for two social media influencers. According to the Toronto Sun, 37-year-old Aline Tamara Moreira de Amorim and 27-year-old Beatriz Tavares da Silva Faria were on an overcrowded speedboat off the coast of Sao Paulo in Brazil on Sept. 29 at the time of their passing. Although the women were urged to wear personal flotation devices by the captain, police stated the pleas fell on deaf ears with them refusing to wear them. Their reason? The safety vest would ruin their tans in photos, authorities added. Recounting what led to the drowning, the New York Post referenced local media reports that mentioned the boat the women were on was taking them and others back to shore from a yacht party. Four other influencers were with the victims, local media sources said, Although the boat had the maximum number of passengers at five, the captain was instructed to transport all six influencers. As a result, the boat proved difficult to navigate treacherous waves, and the passengers were ultimately tossed into the rough waters of Devil’s Throat along the Iguazu River. “Some didn’t want to put them on because they were taking selfies,” Sao Vincente Police Commissioner Marcos Alexandra Alfino said, citing testimony by the boat’s captain. https://youtu.be/yB4xTJ9QshI Just days after Donald Trump erroneously accused Kamala Harris of running a “campaign of hate” without a hint of irony, self-awareness or shame, Trump supporters in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, have reminded us which presidential candidate has truly raised the bar in promoting bigotry and seething white hatred by participating in a Halloween parade with a float that appeared to depict Harris being led to a lynching by Trump. This is not an exaggeration. https://youtu.be/lXBbkMNkFNg After spending weeks complaining that Kamala Harris’ 60 Minutes interview was edited to “make her look better” — which he had started whining about before the episode even aired after he saw two promotions for the interview that showed what appeared to be Harris giving two different answers to the same question — Trump has made good on his delusional threat to sue CBS News because he has found a judge who just might take him seriously. According to the Washington Post, Trump filed his complaint in the Northern District of Texas courthouse accusing CBS of editing Harris’ interview in a way that was “deceitful” and “amounts to a brazen attempt to interfere in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election.” It’s no secret. You and I both know what’s at stake in this election. We’ve seen Vice President Kamala Harris plan to move us forward as a nation and as a people. We have also heard the warnings from Trump’s own advisors that he’s dangerous, unhinged and a megalomaniac whose MAGA movement empowers white supremacists and calls the January 6 insurrectionists patriots and promises them pardons. It’s no secret because he says it himself when he calls us vermin and threatens our safety while he and his MAGA personalities gut the Voting Rights Act and affirmative action while calling 21st-century Black leaders the “New KKK.” We know all about Trump’s Project 2025, we know all about his misinformation and Black voter suppression and we know that, for Black voters, this election isn’t like any other we’ve seen for at least a generation. We’re not casting swing votes anymore. This is a survival vote. Every four years, national media turn their attention to the Rust Belt, a term that describes Midwestern industrial and manufacturing states whose economies were decimated by the decline of those industries in the 1970s. This region contains the coveted states of Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. Many rural parts of these states have a majority of white residents. The broader Rust Belt, however, also has long and important Black and Indigenous histories and contains some of the nation’s fastest-growing minority populations – in particular Latino, Arab and Asian communities. Yet when reporters descend on the rural Rust Belt to understand voters, the people they talk to are almost exclusively white. I am a geographer who studies the experiences of communities of color in the rural Rust Belt. Rural is a relative term, but when it comes to policy research, it usually refers to nonmetropolitan areas. From 2021 to 2023, I interviewed 35 people who live or lived in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Indiana and identified as Black, Indigenous or people of color. I found that these Rust Belt residents have pressing concerns of political importance. Some of these issues are shared by white residents – and, as such, are well documented. But Rust Belt residents of color have additional problems that politicians and the media have long overlooked. If South Carolina executes 59-year-old Richard Moore, he will become the 45th individual to die by lethal injection since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. Moore, who is Black, is scheduled to be executed at 6 p.m. on Nov. 1 for the fatal shooting of James Mahoney in 1999. However, he still has one final opportunity to avoid execution if his clemency request is approved by Republican Governor Henry McMaster. According to the Associated Press, Moore’s legal team has submitted a clemency petition, supported by three jurors who sentenced him to death in 2001. These jurors have written letters urging McMaster to reduce his sentence to life without the possibility of parole. They are joined by a former state prison director, Moore’s trial judge, his children, a group of childhood friends, and several pastors. Supporters describe Moore as “a faithful Christian” and a loving family man who has worked to foster peace and order in his current prison environment. They highlight his role as a mentor to fellow inmates, where he educates them about how his struggles with addiction clouded his judgment, leading to the tragic shootout that claimed Mahoney’s life. https://youtu.be/ao4JT-rpvdM Since 1972, students at Seaholm High School in Birmingham have done research on candidates and issues, going through the process to cast their ballots. While it technically doesn’t count, how they vote is worth paying attention to. “Today we’re running our mock election which we love for every single presidential election we have,” said AP Government and AP Economics teacher Kellie Howe.It’s their 13th mock Presidential election. “We have our students checking in and they are required to show photo ID,” Howe said. https://youtu.be/w_8DGQv5AjM Actress KJ Smith, known for her role in BET‘s “Sistas,” is stepping up as a social media ambassador for PepsiCo‘s new “Taste of Tomorrow” initiative. The program aims to increase diverse representation in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields by supporting Black students through scholarships, mentorships, and direct engagement, especially those attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). A proud graduate of Florida A&M University (FAMU), Smith brings her unique perspective on the significance of STEM education for Black communities and the empowering role of HBCUs. Smith, whose Hollywood journey began after working in corporate America and studying journalism, sees this initiative as essential to showcasing the breadth of career options in the STEM field. “Everyone wants to be in front of the camera or be a content creator, which is amazing. But I love that PepsiCo also emphasizes that you can be an engineer, a scientist, or even work in tech while embracing your passions,” she shared. https://vimeo.com/1026169994 Will Smith shared a heartfelt tribute to late music producer Quincy Jones in a series of social media posts on Monday. As we reported earlier, Jones’ family confirmed that he died at his Bel Air home on Sunday (Nov. 3), per a report from the Associated Press. He was 91.“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing,” a statement from the family reads. “And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.” Smith reflected on his relationship with Jones in a post Monday (November 4) on X. “Quincy Jones is the definition of a Mentor, a Father and a Friend. He pointed me toward the greatest parts of myself,” Smith captioned a photo of him and Jones on the set of the NBC sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” which aired from 1990 to 1996. “He defended me. He nurtured me. He encouraged me. He inspired me. He checked me when he needed to. He let me use his wings until mine were strong enough to fly.” https://twitter.com/WillSmith2real?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1853480188610216076%7Ctwgr%5E2bc692b0019ab4d9181a219f67e0728a9b723297%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fcelebs-including-will-smith-pay-tribute-to-quincy-jones%2F https://twitter.com/WillSmith2real?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1853480188610216076%7Ctwgr%5E2bc692b0019ab4d9181a219f67e0728a9b723297%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fcelebs-including-will-smith-pay-tribute-to-quincy-jones%2F John Legend was also among the celebrities who took to social media to mourn Jones and celebrate his career. “The first time I ever spoke to Q, he was gently reprimanding me because one of my team members wasn’t representing me well during my first year in the public eye. What a way to meet one of your heroes,” Legend wrote in his tribute post. “Well after that, we became good friends: we collaborated, we celebrated together all over the world, from Como to Montreux, California to New York. He always called me his little brother because I look like his younger brother Richard. He gave me great advice and always had the best stories. And Lord did he have stories.” He added, “This man has lived one of the most consequential lives in the history of humanity,” he continued. “He was behind some of the most important music and culture we will ever know. And beyond all his accomplishments, anyone who knows Q will talk about the JOY he brought to every room. He was the life of the party, so charming and full of light.” Legend continued, “I feel so fortunate to have witnessed it in person. But we’re all so fortunate to live in a world made more beautiful by the music he created. It will be eternally in our hearts.” https://www.instagram.com/johnlegend/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=ff72dc6b-9956-49f5-a2e8-e2bef0a447c8 Angela White, famously known as Blac Chyna, is joining the new season of “Love & Hip Hop: Miami.” The former stripper plans to take cameras behind the scenes of her evolving spiritual journey. According to Pop Culture, the mother of two relocated to Miami to support her musician boyfriend Derrick Milano. We reported earlier that he opposed while the reality star was on stage at an event and the crowd erupted in cheers when he got on one knee. The couple celebrated their one-year courtship in May with a video montage highlighting their favorite moments. Blac Chyna captioned the post: “Happy 1 year anniversary @derrickmilano. Reflecting on a year of pure magic and joy with you, my dearest Derrick. Your love, support, and friendship have filled my life with light and warmth. Thank you for showing me the true meaning of love. Here’s to countless more years of love and togetherness. I cherish you always.” Blac Chyna began her mental and spiritual journey in 2023 and has undergone a metamorphosis after having several procedures to reduce her breasts and butt and dissolve her facial fillers. The former OnlyFans model also got right with God and removed her satanic tattoo. “I just want all the ladies out there to know, do not get silicone shots because you can get sick, you can die, have complications and all this other crazy stuff,” Chyna said in a video posted to IG in March 2023. https://youtu.be/7SIymF_CSMg In a recent interview on The Pivot Podcast, former President Barack Obama discussed the “inappropriate” attention he often received from female admirers during his time in office. Obama told podcast hosts, ex-NFL players Channing Crowder, Ryan Clark, and Fred Taylor, that he didn’t let the attention go to his head. “When I got drafted in the NFL, I got a little cuter,” Crowder, a former Miami Dolphins linebacker, said while sharing his own experience with groupies. “Do women be hollering at you and stuff, like on the fact that, because you’re a good-looking dude, but now you’re ‘President Good Looking Dude,’” he asked. “The truth is, you guys as NFL players and athletes generally … y’all get famous young, at a time when the attention that you’re talking about may be flattering, fun, what have you,” Obama said. “By the time people really knew who I was, I was 43 years old. I was married, had two kids, had gone grocery shopping, had washed my car. I was a regular guy in that sense.” He added, “That kind of attention, by the time I got it, I was not tripping on it. There are times where women have acted in somewhat inappropriate ways. There are pictures on the internet of women grabbing my butt, and I was president at the time,” he said. https://youtu.be/TFkDYPc_dY8 “My wife is such an extraordinary woman, such an amazing partner, that you just try to stay focused, stay on the straight and narrow,” Obama continued. “And also, look, kids change your life. The idea of disappointing your kids is something that, I ain’t going there.” Obama married Michelle in 1992, and they share two daughters, Malia, 25, and 23-year-old Sasha. During the podcast interview, Barack revealed that his daughters are working to establish their careers independently of their famous last name. He commented on Malia crediting herself as “Malia Ann” in her 2023 directorial debut “The Heart,” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. “Her first film went to Sundance and all these fancy film festivals and she didn’t use ‘Obama’ as a director on the credits,” Barack said. “I was all like, ‘You do know they’ll know who you are.’ And she’s all like, ‘You know what? I want them to watch it that first time and not in any way have that association,’” he explained. “I think our daughters go out of their way to not try to leverage that,” he added. https://youtu.be/ce8Viq12Wxg 7x Stellar Award-winner and 2x Grammy-nominated Billboard-topping Chicago-native artist, VaShawn Mitchell, will be hosting a star-studded birthday celebration concert celebrating 25 years in the music industry! This “25 Years of Music” celebration will take place on Saturday, November 16 at Greenwood Oasis starting at 6pm. Special performances of the night include the viral sensation Lisa Page Brooks (“Yeah yeah yeah yeah”), Beverly Crawford (“He’s Done Enough”), Tasha Page Lockhart (BET Sunday Best Season 6 Winner / WEtv’s Grown and Gospel), Meachum Clarke, Randy Weston (“For My Good”), famed R&B crooner Dave Hollister (“One Woman Man”), and 3x Grammy Award-winning icon, Donnie McClurkin (“Stand”/“We Fall Down”). There will also be an exciting reunion of two choirs that have played an integral role to his career: Bishop Larry Trotter and Sweet Holy Spirit Choir and New Image Chorale. Aside from Mitchell’s own award-winning catalog including “Nobody Greater”, “Turning Around for Me”, and “Joy”, this night is sure to be a night filled with great memories and music. It's Miami Art Week! Fashion Show + Art Activations + Creative Marketplace + Visual Arts Join us for Art of Black Miami: Love of Urban Design Week during Miami Art Week! It's Art Basel Season! December 7, 2024 at 2:00 PM. Netflix has unveiled the first extended teaser at the hotly anticipated second season of “Squid Game,” set to debut on the streamer later this year. Variety reports that the upcoming season picks up right after Season 1’s finale when Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) abandons his plans to go to the U.S. and instead returns to the deadly game with new contestants. The official synopsis states: “Three years after winning Squid Game, Player 456 remains determined to find the people behind the game and put an end to their vicious sport. Using this fortune to fund his search, Gi-hun starts with the most obvious of places: look for the man in a sharp suit playing ddakji in the subway.” The description continues, “But when his efforts finally yield results, the path toward taking down the organization proves to be deadlier than he imagined: to end the game, he needs to re-enter it.” https://youtu.be/lQBmZBJCYcY As an accomplished actor with classic roles to his name, it’s hard to imagine Lorenz Tate earning less than a great payday. Yet that’s what happened to the “Love Jones” star when he first joined the cast for the popular show “Power.” Although his agents felt he should be on a primetime show or guest star on another show, Tate stuck to his guns and opted for the smaller paycheck in working for “peanuts” upon signing on for “Power.: “I got paid literally peanuts compared to what I got to,” he recently told the crowd during the Building Wealth Today for Tomorrow (BWTT) Financial Empowerment Summit in Chicago as dished on the back and forth between him and his agents. “My agents went crazy. ‘Why are you doing this? You didn’t tell us.’ I said, ‘Because I don’t need your permission to do the thing that I wanna do with the community that makes sense to me.’” Tate’s interest in “Power” proved winning, with him playing an intellectual figure in the form of Councilman Rashad Tate, Afrotech noted. The actor’s guest appearance on “Power” resulted in him being asked to return to the series. Tate’s agents were still wary of the hit series, but he pressed on with help from a lawyer who he viewed as a “brother that understands.” When it was all said and done, Tate’s final earnings from playing Councilman Tate made up for the initial pay cut he took to get a foot in the “Power” universe. The holiday film trailers have dropped for the BET+ original films, “Style Me For Christmas” and “Brewster’s Millions: Christmas.” Mario, Raven Goodwin, and Pretty Vee star in “Style Me For Christmas” about a boutique owner facing eviction at Christmas gets the fashion assignment of a lifetime when she’s chosen to style a handsome celebrity who’s a playboy. Here’s the full synopsis: Mario plays Tedee Maxwell, a charming and handsome R&B singer whose known for his playboy lifestyle and lustful love songs, but his cold-hearted ways have hurt both his career and personal life. With pressure mounting from his audience to mature, his manager, Sarah, devises a plan to fix his image by faking a relationship with Raven Goodwin’s character Tiffany Ford, an unsuspecting stylist. Tiffany, a plus-sized fashion designer struggling to save her late mother’s boutique, has sacrificed everything to keep the business afloat while dreaming of launching her own line. Her outspoken best friend Ray’ah Jenkins played by Pretty Vee, supports her fashion dreams and pushes Tiffany to step out of her mother’s shadow and create her own designs. When Tedee and Tiffany’s fake relationship begins to blur the lines between business and love, things get complicated. A boutique owner facing eviction at Christmas gets the fashion assignment of a lifetime when she’s chosen to style a handsome celebrity who’s a playboy. Directed by LazRael Lison (Christmas Angel, Never and Again), actress Naturi Naughton Lewis serves as an executive producer on the movie along with Tressa Azarel Smallwood and Donte Lee with Ty Johnston- Chavis and Melissa Llewellyn producing. https://youtu.be/90d6RMpWCk4 Vice President Kamala Harris holds 47% to former President Donald Trump’s 44% among likely voters in the final Iowa Poll before Election Day from the Des Moines Register and Mediacom. That margin falls within the poll’s 3.4-point margin of sampling error and suggests no clear leader in the state, which has widely been rated as solidly in the GOP column during this year’s campaign. The findings suggest a shift toward Harris compared with the previous Iowa Poll, in September, which found a narrow edge for Trump. In that poll, 47% of likely voters backed Trump to 43% for Harris. There has been little other high-quality polling in Iowa thus far this cycle with which to compare these findings. Iowa has a mixed record in the last four presidential elections, breaking for Barack Obama in both 2008 and 2012, while Trump won it in 2016 and again in 2020. https://youtu.be/JnjDqwIAIEI In a surprise cameo on “Saturday Night Live,” Vice President Kamala Harris found herself at the center of a media storm after the episode aired just three days before the presidential election. While her brief appearance was meant to showcase a lighthearted moment, it quickly drew criticism, particularly for her signature laugh and the comedic undertones of the sketch, which featured Maya Rudolph portraying her in a satirical light. The skit opened with Rudolph, dressed as Harris, preparing in her dressing room alongside her husband, Doug Emhoff, as she voiced the need for advice from someone who has “been in her shoes.” This prompted Harris to appear as a reflection in the mirror, delivering a spirited “You and me both, sister.” The exchange aimed to connect the two women, with Harris offering encouragement ahead of the elections. The humor soon shifted as the sketch poked fun at Harris’ “Momala” nickname by indulging in wordplay that included adding “-ala” to various phrases. The comedic momentum took a whacky turn as, amidst laughter, Harris questioned, “I really don’t laugh like that, do I?” to which Rudolph simply nodded in a scene reminiscent of how Hillary Clinton was ribbed before the 2016 election. https://youtu.be/e6Funs6yyEw In her jovial demeanor, Harris advised Rudolph’s character, saying, “You’ve got this. Because you can do something your opponent cannot do. You can open doors.” This particular quip elicited chuckles, especially when Rudolph referenced a recent video of Donald Trump awkwardly opening a garbage truck door before a rally, effectively juxtaposing the two figures. As the segment progressed, the comedic tone blended with a plea for stability. Harris and Rudolph exchanged exaggerated lines about the American people wanting to “stop the chaos” and “end the drama.” The scene culminated in playful banter about enjoying cozy nights watching rom-coms, ending with the phrase, “Keep calm-ala and carry-on-ala,” with laughter resonating throughout the studio audience. https://youtu.be/kCxyj2XDxwA In the wake of Harris’s SNL appearance, reactions poured in from various quarters, including the Trump campaign, which criticized the vice president’s comedic timing and authenticity. The MAGA War Room took to Twitter to express their discontent, accusing Harris of using a “fake accent” and labeling her performance as “uninspiring” — similar to perceptions some hold regarding her candidacy. Despite the backlash, Harris’s appearance serves as a reminder of the current political climate, where even lighthearted efforts to reach voters can evoke strong reactions. As the election draws near, the interplay of humor, politics, and public perception will undoubtedly remain at the forefront of national discussions. The intersection of entertainment and politics continues to be a powerful medium for engagement, as leaders seek to connect with younger demographics. Harris’s choice to appear on such a platform showcases her awareness of the importance of relatability during a high-stakes election cycle, even if the execution draws mixed reviews. As the (11-05-24) election approaches, Kamala Harris, like many politicians, will undoubtedly continue to navigate the complexities of public scrutiny, aiming to resonate with constituents through a myriad of strategies—both serious and comedic. https://youtu.be/Iot8sp50UtI The National Basketball Association is investigating reports that Philadelphia 76ers star center Joel Embiid “shoved” a columnist following the team’s loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night. A visibly angry Embiid confronted Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes as reporters entered the Sixers locker room, according to the Associated Press. Hayes had published a column on October 23 criticizing Embiid for not being prepared for the season. In the column, Hayes referenced Embiid’s late brother Arthur and his 4-year-old son. “The next time you bring up my dead brother and my son again, you are going to see what I’m going to do to you and I’m going to have to … live with the consequences,” Embiid told Hayes, according to the AP. https://youtu.be/wv9qo-xThkU Pastor Shirley Caesar, heralded as the “Queen of Gospel,” is set to share her remarkable life story in a new film series titled “BLESSINGS: My Life—His Glory.” In collaboration with 5-0 Studios London and Executive Producer Melanie Greene, this limited series aims to celebrate the theme of divine blessings, chronicling the early life and career of the iconic gospel artist whose influence has spanned over eight decades. Beginning in October 1938, the series will focus on Shirley’s upbringing as the tenth child in the Caesar family, born to proud parents Jim and Hallie Caesar, who had a total of thirteen children. The narrative will explore the family’s journey filled with both challenges and triumphs, showcasing the values of perseverance, sharing, and faith instilled in the Caesar household. Pastor Caesar’s career has been nothing short of groundbreaking. With hits like “No Charge,” “I Remember Mama,” and the chart-topping “Hold My Mule,” she has firmly established herself as a household name in gospel music. One of her famous lines, “You name it! I got beans, greens, potatoes, tomatoes,” gained viral fame, introducing her to a younger audience and solidifying her status as a cultural icon. https://youtu.be/WWaBZEmY4jI Born in Durham, North Carolina, Shirley’s talent was evident from a young age. By the time she was just ten years old, she had begun performing with great acclaim throughout the Carolinas and Virginia under the moniker “Baby Shirley.” Her foot-stomping performances quickly gained popularity, establishing her as a beloved figure in gospel music and the church community. The film series promises to address significant aspects of her early life, including the tragic loss of her father when she was just seven years old and the trials the family faced during the 1940s and 1950s. Through these challenges, the series aims to illustrate the strength of the Caesar family, emphasizing their unwavering faith and the power of resilience in the face of adversity. “I’m going all the way, Lord. I’m determined to go with Him all the way,” sums up Pastor Caesar’s commitment to her journey. This series not only serves to recount her own story but also represents a powerful message of hope and determination for all families. Beyond the film series, the Shirley Caesar brand is expanding into children’s animation with “Baby Shirley,” storybooks, and new instrument endorsements with Grover Pro Percussion/RBI Music. These initiatives reflect her continuous effort to inspire future generations, advocating for a rich understanding of faith through storytelling and music. https://youtu.be/cCeiAnyho0Q Melanie Greene, the executive producer, expressed excitement about the project: “’BLESSINGS: My Life—His Glory’ stands out as a monumental project that combines the strengths of our all-star cast and a powerful narrative of our story.” This collaboration aims to bridge visual storytelling with musical excellence, promising a captivating and heartfelt viewing experience. As the project unfolds, it serves as a testament to Pastor Shirley Caesar‘s enduring legacy and her unwavering commitment to her faith, making this series a must-watch for fans of gospel music and those inspired by powerful stories of perseverance and faith. https://youtu.be/fwjtJngskgA “Did you want to talk about The Miracles Rebirth?,” said Claudette Annette Rogers Robinson (The Miracles) during our interview about her attendance at a “Motown 65” celebratory event held recently at the Pendry West Hollywood hosted by Frankie Ross and attended by Smokey Robinson. “The Miracle Rebirth is a group of young babies, well they are babies to me even though they are all over 25 – Lyric (Ontiveros) is my grandchild – I have three grandchildren; Alia (Rose) is Tina Marie’s daughter; Imani (Archer) is D’Angelo’s daughter, and Trace (Austin) is Otis Williams of the Temptation’s grandson. They are a group in the making, they have lots of energy.” https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8clEXCPUQo/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=e95147e3-d7f8-40bb-91d7-c17e9b57b7d5 I told Claudette that I really wanted to talk about her being an honoree at the event celebrating 65 years of Motown Records and about her title The First Lady of Motown. “Berry gave me that title,” Claudette Robinson said with a slight laugh. “I was the first. There were no other females, and the group (The Miracles) was the first group…first million-selling group.” “Motown was formed in 1959. We were out on the road,” Robinson recalled. “That was the year Smokey, and I were married. My brother (Bobby Rogers, founding member) sang in The Miracles, but he joined the Army…and he asked me to join because there was an audition and sometimes, I sang for them.” https://www.instagram.com/reel/C74fb_7PuAj/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=31b5721a-5986-4746-b6d0-763ca3bf6ab2 Years after she starred in Nickelodeon’s hit show “True Jackson, VP,” Keke Palmer is sharing her thoughts on the “inappropriate” relationship she had with an older man as a teenager filming the series. Referencing an interview Palmer did with People, The Independent reports the entertainer touched on the relationship while speaking about toxic relationships she experienced. Although she professionally thrived with “True Jackson,” it was another story personally for Palmer, who felt dating an older guy was the way to go with her success. “I had a great time doing True Jackson VP, but it was also a very stressful, difficult, depressive time,” the 31-year-old actor recalled while highlighting the controversial situation. “I was 15, he was 20. I was trying to balance between being really young, but also feeling quite mature. If I thought it was inappropriate, then I wouldn’t have done it.” “Obviously, I shouldn’t have been 15 dating no 20-year-old,” Palmer continued. “But in my mind, it was like ‘I got a full-time job… Can’t nobody understand me but a grown man.’ But he knew there was a lot of stuff that there’s no d*** way for me to understand at d*** 15.” https://youtu.be/cwipFypywZU As the interview continued, Palmer opened up more, admitting that she hid her relationship from her loved ones until she was 20. Looking back on its five-year stent, the “Nope” star stated it had a lasting impact on her in a negative way. “I wasn’t mentally able to process and understand things that would’ve made that relationship appropriate,” Palmer told People. “The power dynamic put me in a place that harmed me in ways I couldn’t have known. I didn’t have the language or the strength to accept that who he met was a child, not the woman I wanted to become.” With any life situation, lessons are learned. Palmer is no exception as her relationship with the older guy ultimately brought her understanding as far as what a real, healthy relationship looked like. “It wasn’t until I was a real grown woman, and even then we know we’ve still got more time to grow. But by 26, 27, 28, I had finally experienced, I think, genuine love,” she said, crediting her ex-husband Darius Jackson with the change in her view. “Not that I didn’t love that [other] person, but it wasn’t until I’d felt what it was like for someone to love me back and to give me respect, that I realized that relationship was wrong.” https://youtu.be/Psm8DG8Yldg?list=PLdcezJ2sNeAsmBTdorccSanHejdXRLGC2 In one of her latest Instagram posts, Beyoncé showcased both a sultry Apollonia look and a regal Prince ensemble. She first stepped out as Apollonia, rocking a plunging black lace bustier beneath an open tuxedo jacket, later removing it to sport nothing but metallic purple gloves. Completing this sizzling ensemble, the songstress donned thigh-high purple boots and an eye-catching diamond necklace, with her raven curly hair cascading down her shoulders. Beyoncé’s homage to Prince was equally impressive, featuring a purple coat layered over a frilly white shirt and black lace underwear, while holding a matching purple guitar. The star hilariously captioned her post “PURPLE NASTY” with a purple heart emoji, succinctly encapsulating the spirit of her costumes. In another post, Beyoncé shared a close-up of her stunning figure in the low-cut bodysuit, further eliciting admiration from her followers. The fandom erupted with praises, with comments such as “ROCK ERA LOADING MAMAMAMMAAAAAA” and heart emojis flooding the post from notable personalities, including Khloe Kardashian, reports Daily Mail. https://youtu.be/zN4zoyPYLbo The American breakfast is rooted in both tradition and innovation. Throughout the 1800s, many Americans ate high-protein breakfasts like bacon and eggs. Later, as the Industrial Revolution led to less physically demanding work, lower-calorie breakfasts became all the rage. But as these meals mostly took place at home, decades would pass before breakfast became a staple on restaurant menus. In the mid-20th century, spots like The Original Pancake House began catering specifically to the morning crowd, elevating breakfast to a celebrated dining experience. Quick-serve eateries like McDonald’s, Ray’s Kingsburger, and Burger King got in on the game in the 1970s, and the fast food breakfast was born. These days, the breakfast restaurant biz is thriving. According to IBISWorld, the industry generated approximately $14.6 billion in the U.S. in 2024 alone. These restaurants play a pivotal role in American food culture, not just as places to eat but also as social hubs. Breakfast joints have evolved to include everything from small diners to large-scale chains, each with its spin on the most important meal of the day. To find the nation’s favorite breakfast spots, Stacker gathered YouGov Ratings (current as of the second quarter of 2024) to rank the top 20 breakfast restaurant chains in America. The list was ranked by the percentage of respondents who liked the chain and ties were broken by a higher “have heard of” figure. In terms of customer expectations, traditional breakfast staples—pancakes, waffles, and omelets—remain top picks. Some of the most famous chains include The Original Pancake House, with its classic American breakfast fare. The coffee shop Starbucks has also earned a place on this list thanks to an expanded menu featuring items like egg bites, oatmeal, and sandwiches. As any couple, married or otherwise, will tell you, maintaining a stable union can take its toll at times. Savannah James, the wife of LeBron James, knows this well as she opened up about the challenges of being the King’s better half and raising their three children. Chatting with Tamron Hall, Savannah responded when asked about comments she made to Harper’s Bazaar earlier this year about the need to prioritize her mental health. “If I’m working from a glass half empty, I’m not good to anybody,” Savannah told Harper’s Bazaar. “We are maestros; we do a lot, and we need it sometimes.” “You said, ‘If I’m working from a glass half empty, I’m not good to anybody.’ That, again, is a bold statement,” Hall told Savannah. “How did you cope with that feeling?” “I think it was an acknowledgment, knowing that sometimes I felt depleted and I wasn’t being the best version of a mother, of myself … [to] my husband,” the 38-year-old spouse responded. https://youtu.be/aDfIpdIIJfQ Drake‘s loyalty to the Toronto Raptors was on full display Saturday night as he went at former player DeMar DeRozan during a game against the Sacramento Kings. The tension, fueled by DeRozan’s recent appearance in Kendrick Lamar‘s “Not Like Us” music video, became a significant talking point throughout the evening. The night began positively as the Raptors celebrated the retirement of Vince Carter’s jersey, a cherished moment for fans and players alike. However, when asked during a TSN broadcast whether DeRozan deserved a similar honor, Drake made his feelings unequivocally clear: “If you ever put up a DeRozan banner, I’ll go up there and pull it down myself.” This comment set the tone for a night filled with animosity. Throughout the game, Drake maintained an intense glare on DeRozan, and reports suggested that at one point he even called the six-time All-Star a “pu**y.” The tension was palpable, and it became apparent that Drake was far from eager to welcome back the player who left Toronto in 2018. https://youtu.be/w7LFQArjau4 After the game, DeRozan addressed Drake’s comments in a post-game press conference. Unamused, he responded with defiance: “He gon’ have a long way to climb to take it down. Tell him good luck.” It was evident that DeRozan didn’t take Drake’s remarks lightly, even if he attempted to downplay the situation earlier by expressing love for the rapper. The source of the friction appears to dig deeper than merely representing rival teams. DeRozan’s allyship with Kendrick Lamar has undoubtedly contributed to the rivalry, especially after DeRozan’s appearance in the viral music video which included Kendrick’s pointed lyrics: “I’m glad DeRoz’ came home, y’all didn’t deserve him neither.” While DeRozan tried to remain neutral amidst the beef, Drake’s attitude suggested that he was not letting the matter slide. It seems that the issues surrounding the former Raptor’s new affiliations—and his role in Kendrick’s diss track—have firmly cemented a divide between the artist and the athlete. As the rivalry fosters more drama, fans are left wondering how these developments will unfold in the coming games—and if the tension will continue to escalate into further public exchanges. For now, it’s clear that in the world of sports and music, allegiances can often dictate the narrative. https://youtu.be/sYynSTglcoM While Luther Vandross died in 2005 at the age of 54, his music remains timeless. A new documentary about his life and career, “Luther: Never Too Much,” tells the story of the man many consider to be one of the greatest R&B artists of all time. (“Luther: Never Too Much” is co-distributed by CNN Films.) The title of the doc references the name of Vandross’ debut 1981 hit album, which is now a classic. The film traces his career as not only a gifted musician and artist in his own right but also as a producer of icons like Aretha Franklin as well as a popular singer of jingles for major companies like Burger King and Kentucky Fried Chicken. Director Dawn Porter told CNN that as beloved as Vandross was, she wanted the film to be more than just an overt love letter to him. “One thing I should say is I did not want to stuff it with people saying how great he was,” she said. “I always envisioned that this would not only reach Luther’s fans but people who never heard of him as well.” https://youtu.be/W2DzYSv9a-k Today, multiplatinum R&B powerhouse Jacquees returns with his slick and sexy new Baby-making project out now via Cash Money Records. It notably stands out as his first project in two years since 2022’s acclaimed Sincerely For You. Baby Making is now available to all digital partners and has risen to No.1 on iTunes R&B/ Soul Album Charts. Listen HERE. Physical CDs will arrive in stores everywhere on Friday, November 15, followed by two in-store signings where fans can meet Jacquees. The first stop will be at Criminal Records in Atlanta, Georgia, on November 15. The second signing will be at Shuga Records in Chicago, Illinois, on November 19. True to its name, Baby Making represents what Jacquees does best. He doesn’t waste any time getting down to business with 10 sexually charged tracks worthy of the project’s moniker. This unapologetically seductive effort sees him master the dynamics of R&B. https://youtu.be/3u_GNuHIzNg Sean “Diddy” Combs has long been known for his extravagant (“Freak Off”) parties attended by an elite roster of celebrities, though the details surrounding these high-profile events have often remained a closely guarded secret. However, recent revelations from TMZ shed light on the inner workings of these gatherings, thanks to the publication of a standard Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) that party attendees are required to sign. This NDA highlights the stringent measures taken to maintain confidentiality surrounding Diddy, his family, and friends, providing insight into the lengths to which he goes to ensure the privacy of his social gatherings. The NDA is a typical legal document that prevents signees from disclosing any information related to Diddy and those associated with him. It explicitly prohibits attendees from photographing, filming, or recording Diddy or any of his guests without prior written consent. Moreover, the document (read it here) outlines specific social media platforms where attendees are barred from sharing material that has not been approved. Such rigorous stipulations reflect Diddy’s desire to maintain a tight grip on his public image and the narratives that surround his life. https://youtu.be/wA_8G3C__gY Charles Barkley’s reputation for giving it to you straight on whatever topic shows no signs of dying as the former Dream Team member had his say on the new Dwyane Wade statue. Barkley weighed in on the monument during an episode of TNT’s “Tip-Off,” calling the Wade statue “ugly” despite it being created to honor Wade’s achievements as a player for the former Miami Heat player. “It’s a great honor but they gotta take that thing down,” the 61-year-old basketball legend told co-hosts Ernie Johnson and Kenny Smith. “If you made an ugly statue that’s what it would look like. That thing is awful. The statue was so bad they had to put all his stats behind it so you know who it was,” he added. Barkley’s comments come days after Wade shared his thoughts on the statue, telling People he was “over the moon” at the sight of Wade’s likeness being set in stone outside the Kaseya Center, where he played for 13 years. “I can’t believe it. That’s me back there in an artistic form,” the 42-year-ole sports star expressed, adding, “This is an artistic expression of a moment, one of the biggest moments of Miami Heat history, and I’m just in disbelief that I’m the one that’s chosen.” https://youtu.be/cyPzRKJ9Q0U TGI Fridays Inc., the American casual dining chain, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Saturday. The company said in a statement that fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic was the “primary driver of our financial challenges” and it will use the Chapter 11 process to “explore strategic alternatives to ensure the long-term viability of the brand.” “The next steps announced today are difficult but necessary actions to protect the best interests of our stakeholders, including our domestic and international franchisees and our valued team members around the world,” Rohit Manocha, TGI Fridays’ executive chairman, said in a statement. The bankruptcy affects TGI Fridays’ parent company, which operates 39 restaurants, and not the franchisees that control the remaining locations. The company has secured financing so all restaurants will operate as usual while it navigates the bankruptcy process. https://youtu.be/v99AH-7fT-U Some of the most legendary names in Rhythm & Blues are set to be celebrated, as the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame Foundation has announced its nominees for the Class of 2025. Nominees include influential icons and groups such as Sade, Earth Wind & Fire, John Legend, Berry Gordy, The Isley Brothers, and Patti LaBelle. Out of a robust field of 40 candidates, ten nominees who receive the highest number of votes will be inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame. A press conference is scheduled for February 12, 2025, to formally announce the inductees, along with details on event schedules and the hosting venues. Tickets for the Hall of Fame Music Weekend will also be available for purchase starting that day, allowing fans to be part of a weekend dedicated to the history and future of R&B. The three cities that the board of directors of the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame Foundation, are looking to host the 2025 induction ceremony are Cleveland, Ohio; Detroit, Michigan; and Shreveport, Louisiana. The National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame Foundation is also exploring options with major cable networks to broadcast the 2025 induction ceremony to a national audience, showcasing the monumental contributions of these artists to music and culture. The 2024 National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame induction ceremony, held in October to a sold-out audience, celebrated legendary inductees such as Jeffrey Osborne, Kenny Lattimore, Regina Belle, Candi Staton, Ginuwine, and William Bell. Since its founding in 2013, the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame has enshrined over 300 pioneers, from James Brown and Stevie Wonder to Whitney Houston and Prince. In a notable exchange highlighting the complexities of celebrity relationships and media interactions, Gayle King has responded with grace and understanding to Megan Thee Stallion‘s uber-candid and explicit remarks about their past interview. In her new Amazon Prime documentary, “Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words,” Megan admitted to lying to King during a 2022 CBS interview about her relationship with Tory Lanez, referring to King using a pejorative term. Despite the language used, King has opted not to dwell on the negativity and instead expressed her continued admiration and support for the rapper. In a lighthearted video shared on Instagram, King addressed the comments by acknowledging the buzz generated online. With a smile, she said: “Hey, I’m just sitting here, minding my own business, and people are reaching out to me saying, ‘Hey Gayle, Megan Thee Stallion just called you a b**ch.’” King’s demeanor remained upbeat as she assured her followers, “I have nothing but great, great love and respect for Megan Thee Stallion, and [I’m] cheering her on always.” Her approach has resonated positively with fans and colleagues, many of whom have praised her for remaining calm and respectful in the face of criticism. https://www.instagram.com/gayleking/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=a1e2cfad-6399-47b3-ac98-bcd38d6e64fb Megan’s revelation in the documentary about her intimate relationship with Lanez contrasts sharply with her previous denials during the high-profile CBS interview, where she expressed frustration at being asked about her connection to Lanez instead of focusing solely on the shooting incident. In her candid admission, she recounted her past with Lanez, “Yes, b**ch, I lied to Gayle King, b**ch,” Megan admitted. “I didn’t know that b**ch was gonna even ask me about that. We’re supposed to be talking about this shooting. Why are you asking me about f**king Tory?” Meg added: “Even if I was… I f**ked this n***a like once, maybe twice, on a drunk night. B**ch kept catching me out of my f**king mind.” This honest reflection has placed her at the center of social media conversations, trending for both her remarks and her response to the backlash she faced. https://www.instagram.com/theshaderoom/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=8d5f5500-76f5-40e2-89bb-629201c56e09 With the presidential election just days away Donald Trump has been asked about his solutions to the problems many Americans face trying to make ends meet. It is abundantly clear he has no plan, except to win the election so he can stay out of prison. He has mastered the art of ‘weaving’ his way around answering direct questions. Yet, if he or his team bothered to do some research, they would discover Trump’s go-to plan to deport millions of undocumented workers would be akin to kicking the foundation out from under the economy that he claims to know so well. A recent report shows that deporting 7 million immigrants, mostly low-wage earners, would reduce national employment similar to what we saw during the Great Recession. It would shrink the US economy by 6 percent or 1.6 trillion dollars. Undocumented workers are embedded in the fabric of America. When are politicians, including Trump, going to stop blaming immigrants for what is wrong with America, and acknowledge their sweat equity and trillions of dollars paid into our social security and tax system from which they will never benefit? Again, deporting 7 million immigrants will cause harm to the economy. Click the video above for my take on it. https://youtu.be/8KHd0_rXp44 A deaf, non-verbal man was violently assaulted by another passenger during a United Airlines flight from San Francisco to Washington Dulles. The attack occurred two hours into the flight when Everett Chad Nelson allegedly assaulted the victim who was seated by a window. The attack lasted a full minute before another passenger intervened, Mens Journal reports. “He was just very violently and very aggressively just pummeling the guy who was in the window seat who was in front of me and it was vicious,” witness Sandhya Gupta recalled to San Fransisco’s ABC 7 News. “This wasn’t like a bar room, I’m going to throw a couple of punches around, I mean this was vicious.” Gupta said Nelson “wrapped this guy in sort of like a hug and the assailant just, it was the weirdest thing, he just went limp.” According to an FBI affidavit, a doctor on board provided treatment for the man’s injuries. Recent studies indicate that the ability to balance on one leg deteriorates with age more than other fitness skills. Researchers believe this decline occurs because balancing engages various brain and body functions simultaneously. Per The Huffington Post, the NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Board asks: “How long can you stand on one leg like a flamingo?” Adding: “It might sound like an odd question, but your answer to the above question could tell you a lot about your general health and fitness.”To perform the test, individuals must stand on one leg with their hands on their hips and eyes open. The timing begins when the foot lifts off the ground and ends when the foot is lowered or hands are removed from the hips. Selina Lim, Divisional Director for Integrated Pathways at the NHS East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We know that people who struggle to balance for the expected amount of time are at a higher risk of developing ill-health as they age. “By taking part in the ‘flamingo challenge’ people can quickly and easily assess for themselves whether they are at risk. If they are, there are lots of different activities they can engage in that can help improve their overall fitness,” Lim added. Montel Williams responded to rumors of an alleged sex tape involving himself and Vice President Kamala Harris, his former girlfriend. Williams squashed the online chatter about the explicit tape after an X user with the handle @MattWallace888 claimed a tech insider told him about its existence. “Wow, I was just informed by my friend, who is the CEO of a large tech company, that there is allegedly a sex tape being shopped around involving Kamala Harris and Montel Williams,” the X user wrote on Monday (Oct 28). “This could break the internet and seriously damage the Harris campaign with just 8 days until the election.” Williams responded, “Wow, I hear a blogger I’ve never heard of got millions of views claiming someone is ‘shopping’ a sex tape of me [rolling eyes emoji] that will ‘break the internet,’” the former talk show host wrote. “Let’s ‘break the internet’ w/ truth – there is no tape. @KamalaHQ ’s surge clearly has some people worried.” After Williams clapped back, @MattWallace888 posted: “Thanks for clarifying Montel,” and told his followers “the allegations are false.” November is packed with exciting new movies and TV shows on Netflix, offering something for every type of viewer. From holiday rom-coms to action-packed thrillers, the streaming giant’s lineup this month promises cozy nights in front of the screen. Among the highlights are “B.A.P.S., “Barbershop (2002),” “Barbershop 2: Back In Business,” “Beauty Shop,” “Juwanna Mann,” and New Jack City.” On Nov. 7, action and mystery drama “Outer Banks” returns to Netflix, and the Oscar contender “Emilia Pérez” debuts on Nov. 13. The French film is a musical crime drama starring Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, and Selena Gomez. New episodes of “Cobra Kai” drop on Nov. 15 and Colman Domingo’s thriller series “The Madness,” debuts on the streamer on Nov. 28. Additional movies coming this month are “The Fast and the Furious,” “2 Fast 2 Furious,” “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift,” “Fast & Furious,” “Fast Five” and “Fast & Furious 6.” With fresh takes on classic genres and plenty of star-studded casts, November’s new releases are sure to offer memorable movie nights as the year winds down. Whether you’re eager for festive cheer, a gripping drama, or family-friendly fun, Netflix’s November releases have you covered. Bill Condon has signed on to direct Amazon MGM Studios’ upcoming biopic on George Clinton, starring Eddie Murphy as the iconic Parliament-Funkadelic frontman. Virgil Williams is penning the script based on Clinton’s 2017 memoir, “Brothas Be, Yo Like George, Ain’t That Funkin’ Kinda Hard On You?” This biopic will chronicle Clinton’s influential role in music, exploring the origins of Parliament-Funkadelic. Murphy will also produce alongside John Davis and others, with Clinton involved as an executive producer. According to the official release, “The film is the untold story of influential pioneer of funk and his tumultuous journey to founding musical collective Parliament-Funkadelic. Known for their outlandish sci-fi themes, surreal sounds and psychedelic shows, Clinton and his band’s wild road redefined music and culture.” Murphy and Condon last collaborated on “Dreamgirls,” winning Golden Globe, SAG, and Critics Choice Awards and earning Eddie an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. In a heartbreaking reminder of Chicago’s relentless struggle with gun violence, a 15-year-old boy has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of U.S. Postal Service mail carrier Octavia Redmond. The tragic events that unfolded on July 19 have left the community mourning the loss of a beloved figure, underscoring the urgent need for action to address the escalating violence that claims innocent lives. Details surrounding the case reveal that Redmond, a dedicated 48-year-old wife and mother, was attacked while delivering mail. According to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the juvenile suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed due to his age, approached her in a stolen Dodge Durango and shot her multiple times at close range. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Redmond succumbed to her injuries, leaving behind a family and community devastated by her sudden loss, according to People. Officials reported that the suspect was apprehended following a two-month investigation by the Chicago Police Department, aided by the U.S. Marshal Service. Evidence collected during the investigation linked him directly to the fatal attack, leading to the serious charges now filed against him. https://youtu.be/j8sy_mspcrg Redmond’s family expressed their anguish and tributes on a GoFundMe page, highlighting her role as the “queen of our family” and emphasizing her importance as a friendly and familiar presence in the neighborhood. Friends and family remember her as a cornerstone of the community, with USPS acknowledging her dedication and the impact she had on countless lives. “She was a wife and mother,” USPS noted in a statement, “and is remembered as a staple to the postal customers she served.” Ruth Mendonça, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Inspector in charge of Chicago’s division, condemned the senselessness of the crime, emphasizing the collective responsibility to combat such violence. Mendonça stated: “There is no place for this kind of violence. When members of our postal family are targeted, postal inspectors will not rest until justice is delivered on behalf of the victims, their families, and our postal community.” The ongoing issue of gun violence in Chicago casts a long shadow over neighborhoods, with families like Redmond’s facing the unbearable burden of grief. Each incident adds urgency to calls for reform and action against the pervasive violence, highlighting the community’s need for support and solutions to ensure the safety of all its residents. https://youtu.be/vl5NXb7jDTU Amanda Seales, acclaimed actress, comedian, and activist, is back with a brand-new one-woman show, “What Would The Ancestors Say?,” set to premiere via livestream on Saturday, November 2nd. This unique production, presented by her Smart, Funny & Black Productions, promises to be an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of Black America’s past, present, and future, viewed through the lens of those who paved the way. “What Would The Ancestors Say?” combines Seales’ signature wit and intellect to examine the state of Black America today, channeling the spirits of ancestral icons to ask: “What would our forebears think of our current society?” The one-woman performance aims not only to entertain but to educate and empower audiences to step boldly into the legacies left by those who fought for freedom, justice, and equality. Through an eclectic blend of stand-up, poetry, song, and character portrayals, Seales brings history and social commentary to life, raising poignant questions about topics ranging from the legacy of the Black Panthers to the state of current political figures. Across 90 minutes of sharp humor and cultural insight, Seales delves into issues like “What would Harriet Tubman think looking down at today’s USA?,” “How did the Panthers pick their iconic berets?” and “What would make Harriet Tubman consider shooting some folks if she returned today?” With her trademark ability to “tell the truth and make it funny,” Seales invites viewers into a dynamic, relevant conversation about identity, history, and the future of Black culture. Barack Obama revealed on “The Pivot” podcast that his daughters, Sasha and Malia, are working to establish their careers independently of their famous last name. During the conversation, Obama touched on Malia, 26, crediting herself as “Malia Ann” in her 2023 directorial debut “The Heart,” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. “Her first film went to Sundance and all these fancy film festivals and she didn’t use ‘Obama’ as a director on the credits,” he said. “I was all like, ‘You do know they’ll know who you are.’ And she’s all like, ‘You know what? I want them to watch it that first time and not in any way have that association,’” he added. “I think our daughters go out of their way to not try to leverage that,” he said in the YouTube clip. https://youtu.be/ce8Viq12Wxg Sony Pictures and Martin Lawrence are developing a sequel to his ‘90s buddy comedy “Blue Streak.” Deadline reports that Cole Maliska is writing the screenplay for the film that is in early development. Lawrence is producing through his production company Run Tel Dat with Robert Lawrence, Rae Proctor, Stacy Lyles, and Toby Jaffe. Lawrence starred in the 1999 film as “a jewel thief who tries to retrieve a diamond he left at a police station, whereupon he disguises himself as a detective and gets paired with a real policeman to investigate burglaries,” per the synopsis. Directed by Les Mayfield, the movie also stars Luke Wilson, Dave Chappelle, Peter Greene, Nicole Ari Parker, and William Forsythe. The original film grossed nearly $120 million globally. There is no talent currently attached to the reboot, according to Deadline. Lawrence most recently starred alongside Will Smith in Sony’s “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” which grossed more than $403M worldwide. https://youtu.be/TrwRAT5LtoM The 2nd Annual HBCU Honors, Presented By Procter & Gamble Celebrates Black Excellence With A Star-Studded Lineup And Powerhouse Honorees Will Packer, Lonnie Johnson, and Jewel Burks Solomon. Hosted by Actress Kym Whitley, Performances and Tributes Include Award-Winning Artists Fantasia, Hezekiah Walker, MC Lyte, Erica Campbell, J. Ivy, Mac Royals, and More; HBCU Honors Premieres on BET Sunday, December 1, 2024, at 8 p.m. ET The highly anticipated 2024 HBCU Honors, Presented by Procter & Gamble is set to electrify Howard University’s iconic Cramton Auditorium when it tapes in front of a live audience on Thursday, November 14, 2024. This groundbreaking annual celebration, now in its second year, shines a spotlight on the extraordinary accomplishments of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) graduates who have made a monumental impact across industries. Hosted by the dynamic actress, comedian, and proud HBCU alumna Kym Whitley, this year’s star-studded event honors trailblazers who embody the inspiring theme, “Celebrating Black Excellence.” HBCU Honors will debut on BET on Sunday, December 1, at 8 p.m. ET. A graduate of Fisk University, Whitley is an award-winning actress and comedian who brings her signature humor and heart to the stage. Lifetime is producing a biopic on singer-actress Lisa Velez, best known from the ’80s group Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam. The project, titled “Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story,” follows Velez’s journey from a 15-year-old Puerto Rican girl in Hell’s Kitchen to a music icon. Memorabilia TV writes: “The film will explore the challenges she faced, including sexism, racism, and a breast cancer diagnosis, as she became a groundbreaking Latina artist achieving multiple Billboard chart hits such as “Can You Feel The Beat,” “All Cried Out,” and “Lost in Emotion.” The film will also focus on the vital role of her best friend and backup singer, Toni Ménage, in supporting her throughout her career.” Velez will executive produce the biopic and star as her mother, while Jearnest Corchado will portray Lisa. The cast also includes Bre Z as Toni Ménage and Angie Martinez as Nurse Rodriguez. Tailiah Breon will direct “Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story” from a script by Rebecca Murga. Velez will produce for Swirl Films along with Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd, Toni Ménage, Abbey Sibucao, Ron Robinson, and Eric Tomosunas serving as executive producers with Richard Foster and Chet Fenster. The biopic will premiere in 2025. Prosecutors have denied accusations from Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team that government leaks led to the release of a 2016 surveillance video showing him violently beating ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. As E! News reports, in response to Combs’ recent filing, prosecutors submitted a motion clarifying that the U.S. government “ultimately obtained the Intercontinental Video at the same time as the general public on May 17, 2024, when CNN publicly released the footage.” They also allege that Combs “refuses to acknowledge that multiple individuals other than Government agents—including some of his own employees—may have had access to the Intercontinental video.” Combs’ legal team wrote in their Oct. 9 motion that it “seems entirely reasonable that the video was leaked by one or more DHS agents.” The “unlawful government leaks,” the lawyers added, have “led to damaging, highly prejudicial pretrial publicity that can only taint the jury pool and deprive Mr. Combs of his right to a fair trial.” They are calling for a “full suppression of the videotape.” Unite the People, the nonprofit law firm handling Tory Lanez’s appeal in his shooting conviction, also represents the blogger facing harassment and defamation charges from Megan Thee Stallion. We reported earlier that Megan filed a lawsuit against blogger Milagro Gramz, accusing her of spreading lies regarding the controversial shooting incident involving Tory in 2020. On October 30, Megan’s attorneys submitted the lawsuit in Florida, claiming that Gramz (real name Milagro Elizabeth Cooper), serves as a “paid surrogate” for Lanez (born Daystar Peterson) and uses her platform to propagate untruths on his behalf, PEOPLE reports. In the lawsuit, Megan, 29, claims Milagro shared a “deepfake pornographic video” of her to social media and “falsely claimed that the firearm Mr. Peterson used to shoot Ms. Pete was not produced during the Trial because it was missing.” Lanez is currently serving 10 years in prison for the shooting incident with Megan. The attorney for the Grammy-winning rapper noted that “the firearm remains in the custody of the Los Angeles Police Department.” “Milagro [Gramz] has been served a lawsuit making a lot of false claims against her professional conduct in an attempt to stop her from reporting on the Daystar Peterson case,” Unite the People wrote in a statement.https://twitter.com/i/status/1852052421385593232 In a surprising revelation, Megan Thee Stallion has admitted to misleading journalist Gayle King regarding her past relationship with Tory Lanez. This confession comes in her new Amazon Prime documentary, “Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words,” where the rapper candidly discusses the complexities of her relationship with Lanez, which she initially denied in a high-profile interview. In for her chart-topping hits like “Savage,” has now disclosed that she was not entirely truthful when she told King that she and Lanez had never been intimate. In the documentary, she acknowledges hooking up with him “once or twice” when she was under the influence of alcohol. This admission adds layers to the narrative surrounding their contentious history, especially in light of the shooting incident that occurred in July 2020, in which Megan accused Lanez of shooting her in the foot after a party in Hollywood.Despite acknowledging a physical relationship, Megan emphasizes that such a history does not excuse Lanez’s violent actions. “Regardless, my sexual relationship with Tory wouldn’t justify him firing a gun and wounding me,” Megan asserts, highlighting the seriousness of the incident and the impact it had on her life. https://youtu.be/VxQHsx7d_nU Lanez is currently serving a 10-year sentence for the shooting, and the timing of Megan’s confession raises questions about its potential implications for his ongoing appeal. Ceasar McDowell, CEO of Unite the People, the nonprofit law firm representing Lanez, expressed skepticism regarding Megan’s credibility. “The fact that Megan lied about her sexual relationship with Tory obviously makes her an unreliable witness. If someone lies in front of millions of people, how can you trust what they say any other time?” Megan’s admission has drawn attention not only for its potential legal ramifications but also for the broader conversations it may spur within the music industry and popular culture about accountability, consent, and the narratives surrounding women who experience violence. Throughout the trial, which began in December 2022, Megan shared harrowing details about the shooting and the aftermath, navigating a landscape marked by public scrutiny and victim blaming. Critics and supporters alike have taken to social media to comment on the revelation, noting the disconnect between Megan’s initial denial and her current admission. Many were skeptical when Megan previously claimed she had not slept with Lanez, and her recent comments seem to affirm those doubts. https://twitter.com/4everRnbGenius/status/1851915406522425382?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1852001295588110436%7Ctwgr%5E67275d69ca05dade3d9fc36b04e980b8a1c22c5f%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fmegan-thee-stallion-reveals-she-misled-gayle-king-on-tory-lanez%2F With the release of her documentary, Megan Thee Stallion continues to advocate for transparency and honesty in discussions about abuse and personal experiences, aiming to empower others who have faced similar challenges in speaking out. The conversation about her relationship with Lanez is likely to develop further, especially as Lanez pursues an appeal based on the claims made during the trial and the discrepancies in Megan’s statements. As audiences reflect on Megan’s journey from trauma to triumph, her bold decision to share her truth serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding intimate relationships and the imperative of believing survivors in their quests for justice. https://imgur.com/a/VAXEQeL#gUHP6eq In a thought-provoking interview for his Starz show, “Fat Joe Talks,” rapper Fat Joe delved into the often controversial intersection of age and politics during a conversation with Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.). The two discussed a critical issue in contemporary governance: the struggle for younger leaders to emerge in a political landscape dominated by established figures. Fat Joe’s candid questions about why politicians seem reluctant to pass the torch to the next generation resonated with many viewers and sparked a dialogue about the need for renewal in political representation. During the interview, Fat Joe posed a challenging question: “It seems, in politics, they just never want to leave, they never want to step off.” He expressed concern that with so many younger individuals holding fresh ideas and perspectives, there should be a clear point at which seasoned politicians are encouraged to step back after years of service. “Will there ever be an age in politics when it’s like, ‘Yo, you did 30 years — max out’? There’s nowhere else in the world where you get a job forever,” Joe remarked, highlighting the unique nature of political careers compared to other fields. https://youtu.be/N8JOb9dqPQQ Rep. Jeffries agreed with Fat Joe’s sentiment, acknowledging the need for accountability among powerful leaders. He emphasized the importance of imposing term limits on Supreme Court justices, stating that their position should not allow them to act as if they were above the law. He proposed the idea of an 18-year term for justices, paralleling the eight-year limit placed on presidential terms, a suggestion that underscores the growing concern over the potential for abuses of power within the highest courts, HuffPost reported via MSN News. Fat Joe echoed Jeffries’ warnings about the repercussions of prolonged power. “A lot of damage can be done over 18 years,” he cautioned, bringing attention to the high stakes involved in maintaining balance and fairness within the government. The discussion shifted towards the influential legacy of trailblazing figures in politics, including the impact of hip-hop culture, as they touched upon historical figures like congresswoman Shirley Chisholm and the ongoing conflicts around the world, including the war in Gaza. https://youtu.be/tPalxYio2TI Jennifer Lopez, campaigning with Kamala Harris on Thursday in Nevada, said Donald Trump’s campaign had offended “every Latino in this country” with his Sunday rally at Madison Square Garden, where a comedian mocked Puerto Rico. The pop star and actress’ comments at Harris’ rally in Las Vegas came as outrage continues to reverberate over the pro-Trump comedian calling the US island territory of Puerto Rico — where Lopez’s parents were born — a “floating island of garbage.” “At Madison Square Garden, he reminded us who he really is and how he really feels,” Lopez said of Trump. “It wasn’t just Puerto Ricans who were offended that day, OK? It was every Latino in this country, it was humanity and anyone of decent character.” Harris’ stop in Las Vegas with Lopez came during a swing through the hotly contested Western battlegrounds of Arizona and Nevada — where CNN polls released earlier this week showed exceedingly close races with no clear leader. https://youtu.be/kI1GtLMNGFs Other Puerto Rican celebrities have also been critical of Trump in recent days. Bad Bunny, one of the world’s biggest Latin music stars, shared Harris’ platform for Puerto Rico on social media on Sunday. And reggaeton star Nicky Jam, who had previously appeared onstage with Trump, withdrew his endorsement of the former president, saying, “Puerto Rico should be respected.” Trump has long sought to make inroads with Black and Latino men. In the critical swing state of Pennsylvania, in particular, a sizable portion of the rapidly growing Latino population is of Puerto Rican heritage. Harris’ campaign on Thursday launched a Spanish-language ad, aimed at reaching Latino voters, that highlighted comedian Tony Hinchcliffe’s remark at the Trump rally. “Puerto Rico is an island of scientists, poets, educators, stars, and heroes,” the narrator of the ad says in Spanish. “We’re not trash, we’re more.” https://youtu.be/rfx0TIwxMAs The Trump campaign has sought to distance itself from Hinchcliffe, with Trump campaign spokesperson Danielle Alvarez saying in a statement after the rally, “This joke does not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign.” And Trump’s campaign has sought to turn attention to another “garbage” remark — pointing to President Joe Biden’s comment on Tuesday night that many interpreted as referring to Trump supporters as “garbage.” (The White House and Biden quickly tried to clean up the comment, saying that the president was referring to “supporters,” as in the comedian, and the rhetoric at the Madison Square Garden rally.) Harris, in Las Vegas, said Trump is “all about hate and division.” She said if he is elected again, he would reinstate a policy that led to migrant families being separated at the US-Mexico border. Lopez repeatedly said Harris “gets it” — and said she understands what it means for immigrant families to chase the American dream, because her parents were also immigrants. https://youtu.be/aDPdCO2-Jfg She also said she believes “in the power of women.” “Women have the power to make the difference in this election,” Lopez said. The singer’s comments came the same day Harris seized on Trump’s remark in Wisconsin the night before that he will protect women, “whether the women like it or not.” He said he would protect them “from migrants coming in” and “from foreign countries with missiles and lots of other things.” https://youtu.be/Aj3_pIPY1GM The vice president told reporters on Thursday that Trump’s comment is “very offensive to women, in terms of not understanding their agency, their authority, their right and their ability to make decisions about their own lives, including their own bodies.” She pointed to Trump’s appointment of three conservative Supreme Court justices who helped undo Roe v. Wade’s national abortion rights protections. Trump said earlier this month he would veto a national abortion ban, but has waffled on the issue in the past, and many Republican-led states have imposed their own restrictive laws. ‘https://youtu.be/aNv7p4RNYyI Basketball superstar LeBron James threw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential bid Thursday evening, emphasizing that “the choice is clear” just days ahead of Election Day. Sharing a video with clips of offensive remarks from former President Donald Trump, the Los Angeles Lakers player said in a post on X: “What are we even talking about here?? When I think about my kids and my family and how they will grow up, the choice is clear to me. VOTE KAMALA HARRIS!!!” The video featured soundbites of Trump’s disparaging rhetoric over the years, including the former president warning that the country would end up “like Detroit” if Harris is elected and saying that undocumented immigrants are “poisoning the blood of our country.” The video concluded with written words: “Hate takes us back.” James’ post marks the latest high-profile endorsement of Harris, who has received support from Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny and Arnold Schwarzenegger, among other celebrities. James has previously backed Democratic candidates, including endorsing Hillary Clinton in 2016, and was an outspoken critic of Trump during his time in office. https://youtu.be/lRdUq6DS5Qs "Shining Bright" in the Gospel Spotlight is Major.!!! He drops a new song. "I Prayed For You (Said A Prayer)" is a soulful anthem that drives home a much needed message of Faith, Hope, and the Power of Prayer! https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/gm4tsqn5m4rnh8iegivc6/I-PRAYED-FOR-YOU-Said-A-Prayer-MAJOR.mp3?rlkey=mbodnmyzz3nc1hq4w1nhd1t59&e=1&st=ihxvtyc1&dl=0 A New York mother and her two children, ages 9 and 5 months, are presumed dead after she intentionally jumped from Niagara Falls. The woman identified as Chaianti Means, 33, and her children, Roman Rossman and Mecca Means, crossed a guardrail on Luna Island in Niagara Falls, New York, around 9 p.m. on October 30. According to WIVB, Means, who reportedly worked as a domestic violence counselor, lived in Niagara Falls with her children. Their bodies have not yet been recovered. New York State Police have initiated efforts to retrieve the bodies, PEOPLE reports. “The investigation has determined that this incident was intentional in nature, though the circumstances remain under investigation,” police said in a statement, PEOPLE reports. “New York State Park Police and State Police search/rescue efforts were conducted with negative results.” Authorities are using unmanned aircraft and underwater units to recover the bodies. https://twitter.com/TrueCrimeUpdat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1851887509846004064%7Ctwgr%5E9ba9bf20e1948bbf63681449d4497107b5a902bf%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fmother-and-two-kids-dead-after-plunge-over-niagara-falls%2F John Legend's longtime manager is opening up about her own experiences in the "toxic" music industry. In a New York Times piece titled "The Music Industry Is Toxic. After P. Diddy, We Can Clean It Up," published on Thursday, Oct. 31, Ty Stiklorius — founder of the management company, Friends at Work, which works with many artists including Legend, 45 — said she's hopeful for new beginnings in the industry following the multiple accusations of sexual misconduct against Sean "Diddy" Combs. Recalling her own experience attending one of Combs' New Year's Eve yacht parties in St. Barts, 27 years ago with her brother, Stiklorius — who was a recent college graduate at the time — said she was "directed into a bedroom by a man." She added that she's still "not sure of who he was or if he had any connection to Mr. Combs." PEOPLE reached out to a representative for Combs, but did not receive an immediate response. Steve Harvey discussed the true nature of his relationship with late comedian Bernie Mac in an episode of “Black Comedy in America.” The 10-episode docuseries explores Black comedy that shaped America for over a century and is hosted by comedians Tiffany Haddish, Chris Spencer, and Ryan Davis. Harvey appears in one episode with Cedric The Entertainer and D.L. Hughley, and he clarified that the rumors of beef with Mac, who passed away 16 years ago from sarcoidosis, were unfounded. “Bernie was a special dude, man,” Harvey said. “So, you know, when I hear stuff about us and I hear stuff about the dissension, I don’t really know what they talking about.” He added, “The thing about Bernie was, Bernie was a man’s man. So when somebody say, ‘They treated Bernie like sh*t.’ That was impossible,” Harvey explained. https://youtu.be/-ja1l9iWNJ4 In the lead-up to the critical 2024 elections, a super PAC dedicated to mobilizing Black voters for Donald Trump appears to be facing significant challenges. Launched by South Carolina Senator Tim Scott this summer, the Great Opportunity PAC aimed to invest up to $14 million to engage low-propensity Black voters in key battleground states. However, early fundraising reports reveal that the PAC has raised only $1.4 million—just 10% of its ambitious goal. The limited financial backing has raised eyebrows among political observers, especially considering the substantial political ambitions tied to Scott’s initiative, reports Politico. The bulk of the PAC’s funding came from a $550,000 donation from Great Opportunity Policy Inc., a social welfare nonprofit. Other significant contributions included $500,000 from GOP megadonor Jeff Yass and $200,000 from fellow benefactor Marc Rowan. Despite the underwhelming fundraising figures, a source close to Scott suggested that the reported numbers do not adequately reflect the full extent of activities undertaken by the Great Opportunity PAC. According to them, there has been a “slew” of engagement efforts that are still being rolled out. Through mid-October, the PAC has reportedly spent around $1 million on advertising in swing states, including promoting pro-school choice candidates such as Republican Dave McCormick, who is challenging incumbent Democrat Bob Casey. When the PAC was announced, its strategy included a focus on engaging Black voters and other minority groups to reduce the considerable electoral advantages typically enjoyed by Democrats. Recent polls indicate that Trump is performing better than in past elections among Black and Latino voters. However, the apparent gains seem to have occurred with minimal financial investment or outreach from Scott’s PAC. https://youtu.be/xpqVVsdsU9U In addition to the fundraising challenges, Scott has been actively trying to connect with voters in battleground states such as Nevada and Wisconsin, participating in events aimed at promoting economic opportunity. His commitments have included stumping for financial literacy initiatives in Charlotte, North Carolina, and attending roundtable discussions with faith leaders in Detroit, Michigan, alongside GOP Senate candidate Mike Rogers. Scott’s schedule remains packed, as he is expected to be in northeast Ohio later this week and in the Philadelphia area on Thursday. However, the effectiveness of his efforts, particularly those linked to the Great Opportunity PAC, is called into question given its struggles in fundraising and delivery of impactful voter engagement. With the presidential election drawing near, the ability of Tim Scott and the Great Opportunity PAC to energize Black voters for Trump may prove critical not just for the campaign’s success, but also for Scott’s political future. As the GOP seeks to widen its appeal among diverse constituencies, the road ahead will require both strategic outreach and substantial financial backing—elements that thus far appear to be in short supply for Scott’s endeavor. https://youtu.be/eX_lNRoSuUQ “This dude, right here, was Chicago, South Side, to his core and blood. You mistreat this dude right here? You know the problem you’re going to have instantly? That was an impossibility. That was a man’s man,” he continued. Harvey’s comments come months after Katt Williams fueled rumors of a Harvey/Mac beef during his appearance on Club Shay Shay earlier this year. Williams explained that he was invited to tour with The Original Kings of Comedy but declined because Harvey, Hughley, and Cedric “sh*t on Bernie.” “I know the truth,” Katt said on the podcast. “You think I’m gonna let you sh*t on Bernie and then come get me? I’m the next King? F**k you. Why? Because the whole time Bernie was here you was acting like you was funnier than him. The reason you’re supposed to go last is because it was your tour. Tell the truth. It was Steve’s tour… of course you gotta close if it’s your tour… but you couldn’t do it because you can’t beat the best. And until you humble yourself, you will forever be kinged by the king.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1849485584378564971 Over the weekend, a confrontation erupted involving (Diddy‘s kids) Justin and Christian Combs, as well as their brother Quincy Brown, and singer Ray J, following Tara Electra’s Halloween bash on October 27. The charged encounter took place as all four individuals were leaving the event, drawing significant attention from fans and media alike. Thankfully, the incident was defused before it escalated further, as singer Chris Brown, of all people, stepped in to break up the altercation. The Combs brothers’ decision to approach Ray J was fueled by the latter’s recent criticism of their father, Sean “Diddy” Combs, as part of his commentary on the challenges Diddy has faced in recent months. Ray J has been outspoken about issues he believes exist within the music industry, mentioning in his talk show The Reality Show News that “people are getting robbed of not only their money and their spirituality,” indicating a broader frustration with power dynamics among industry figures. Following the incident, reactions poured in, notably from radio host Charlamagne Tha God during a segment on Power 105.1’s The Breakfast Club. He addressed the altercation, cautioning the Combs brothers against the dangers of confrontations out of allegiance to their father. “Diddy’s kids need to sit their a**es down somewhere, okay? Don’t get spanked trying to prove a point that you’re not built to prove,” he remarked, urging them to exercise discretion for their well-being. https://www.instagram.com/theshaderoom/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=dd2d6b1d-9cff-4166-bc71-ec3906122098 In the aftermath of the altercation, the response from others in the industry has been mixed. Notably, Wack 100, a prominent figure in hip-hop management, issued a foreboding warning. Saying, “It’s on… If we run into you, act like it’s 1995,” he hinted at ongoing tensions in the community and the potential for further conflicts. This incident underscores a broader theme of loyalty, tension, and conflict in the world of celebrity, particularly as family dynamics and public personas intersect. As fans and observers continue to weigh in on social media, the scrutiny on the Combs brothers and their public responses will likely remain a topic of discussion as they navigate their father’s complicated legacy and their own identities within the industry. Ultimately, this encounter serves as a reminder of the challenges that come with being part of a high-profile family in the spotlight, where emotions often run high, and the stakes can be perilously real. https://www.instagram.com/theneighborhoodtalk/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=4330e732-9b9e-4cec-a893-0f3cdff7ec45 Halle Bailey, Coi Leray, and Tyla recreated some of Halle Berry’s icon roles for Halloween with the actress herself dressing as a sexy witch with a black cat. Leray shared photos on social media of her take on Berry’s Catwoman look. “Killed it!!” Berry commented with a hand-clap emoji. Bailey dressed as Berry’s character Jinx from the 2002 James Bond movie “Die Another Day.” “My girl did that!!! Love you Angel,” Berry wrote in response. “What a huge compliment! Love you angel,” she added. Popstar Tyla channeled Berry’s Sharon Stone character in the 1994 “The Flintstones” movie. She captioned the post: “Well I’ve been a very bad girl, but you have to admit…I was very verrrrry good at it.” Berry responded, “Too good,” with the heart-eye emoji. “The girls know how to make my day,” Berry wrote on X in response to these celebs paying homage to her. Check out the superstars’ Halleween tribute. https://www.instagram.com/coileray/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=fbf50a5f-3a0b-4aa3-a4b1-5ffa3cfc1d87 Berry also shared a post of her witchy Halloween costume and captioned it: “No need for tricks when me and my little black kitty are the treat!” https://www.instagram.com/halleberry/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=845644c2-daee-41c2-890b-1eb479c63d50 50 Cent appeared on The Breakfast Club and explained why he turned down an offer to perform at Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden on Sunday night. “They offered $3 million,” he said. “I’m afraid about politics,” the rapper noted as the reason for turning down an offer. “You understand? I do not like no part about them,” 50 continued. “It’s because when you do get involved in it, no matter how you feel, someone passionately disagrees with you. That’s the formula for the confusion that sent Kanye to Japan,” 50 Cent added. “[Kanye] said something … and now he can only go to Japan.” https://youtu.be/qXB3wZoH51E Jemele Hill has returned to her roots mentally with a new sports-centered TNT Sports show. The Jasmine Brand, citing Variety, reports the former ESPN SportsCenter fixture, is assuming hosting duties for the series, titled “Above The Fold.” The outlet mentioned the series, which premiered Oct. 22, is a mixture of serious discussions with lighter moments in sports culture as it features profiles that expand beyond the field. For Hill, who has nearly 30 years of sports journalism experience “Above The Fold” carries personal weight. In her eyes, her latest venture is a “love letter to the profession that changed my life.” “What I love about being a part of this project is feeling that sense of a weekly commitment to that kind of storytelling,” the seasoned journalist told The Hollywood Reporter while highlighting the need for more in-depth narratives in sports journalism. The 2024 World Series has concluded with the Los Angeles Dodgers emerging as champions after a hard-fought five-game series against the New York Yankees. This victory marks the first World Series title for star player Shohei Ohtani and the eighth championship in the storied history of the Dodgers franchise. The culmination of the season was a showcase of grit, perseverance, and teamwork, culminating in a dramatic Game 5 where the Dodgers overcame a five-run deficit to seal their triumph with a final score of 7-6. Though fans had anticipated a marquee showdown between Ohtani and Yankees captain Aaron Judge, the matchup did not play out as envisioned. Instead, the series unfolded with a mix of thrilling grand slams, surprising comebacks, and costly defensive errors, underscoring that baseball often delivers unexpected outcomes. Unfortunately for New York, the Yankees’ title drought extended to 15 years, marked by Judge’s struggles throughout the series that culminated in a disappointing postseason. The Dodgers’ championship journey highlighted the depth of their roster rather than simply relying on star power. While Ohtani, along with fellow superstars Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts, played a significant role in the team’s success, the ensemble cast of players contributed significantly. Teoscar Hernandez, Gavin Lux, and Max Muncy, as well as reliable relievers including Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Jack Flaherty, helped form a cohesive unit that exhibited resilience in overcoming numerous challenges throughout the season. https://youtu.be/5-DTno7tkD4 In particular, the 2024 Dodgers battled through a season marked by injuries to key players, exemplifying their ability to adapt and thrive under pressure. When it came time for the decisive Game 5 at Yankee Stadium, the Dodgers proved their mettle once again. They stared down adversity head-on, falling behind by five runs early in the game, yet managed to rally back using a total of seven relievers, including former starting pitcher Walker Buehler, who ultimately secured the championship-clinching save. This resilient performance not only earned the Dodgers their eighth title but also their first in a full season since 1988 and their second championship within the last five years. Moreover, the Dodgers set a historic precedent as the first team to come back from a five-run deficit to win a World Series-clinching match. https://twitter.com/i/status/1851836512297472434 The victory places the Dodgers in a favorable position in MLB history, now tied for fifth on the all-time World Series titles list alongside the San Francisco Giants. With 21 World Series appearances overall, the franchise continues to solidify its status as one of baseball’s premier teams. https://youtu.be/e9GXsSJlCsA “It’s kind-of that time,” said Jazz trumpeter Rick Braun about the October release of his “It’s Christmas” (Brauntosoarus Music) album when I asked. “I recorded it during the hottest days,” the Allentown, PA native laughed a little. “I had been working on this in the Christmas spirit in April/May. It’s not too early for the stores…they have bypassed Thanksgiving!” To promote the “It’s Christmas” album Rick will do a line of performance days at Spaghettini’s in Seal Beach, California from November 29 – December 2, 2024, with Peter White on guitar, Richard Elliot on sax and Keiko Matsui on piano. “I’ve been on a Christmas Tour most of my life,” the multi-national Contemporary Jazz Award winner added with a chuckle. “Christmas Eve is when I go shopping.” At the time of our interview, Rick was on his “It’s Christmas” Tour featuring Peter White (guitar). The multi-talented musician is also a trombonist and keyboard player. The album, produced by Braun, contains 10 tracks. The first single from the album “Deck Those Halls” featuring Grammy-nominated Philippe Saisse (organ/keyboard) comes out in November. Also featured on the album are David Finck (bass), Darryl Williams (bass), Gregg Bissonette (drums), Nate Phillips (bass), Craig Sharmat (guitar), Pinot Noir Brass (Braun, Jeff Bunnell on trumpet, John Dickson on French horn, Doug Tornquist on tuba, and Nick Lane on trombone), Luca Allemano (bass), Eric Valentine (drums), and Joe La Barbera (drums). https://youtu.be/e55VjFykNCA Keke Palmer is speaking out about the fallout with her baby daddy Darius Jackson after his viral response to her moment with Usher last year at the singer’s concert in Las Vegas. While promoting her new book, “Master of Me,” Palmer told PEOPLE that there “was a lot going on” behind the scenes with Jackson at the time of the Usher romance rumors. The superstar is speaking out about what happened when she attended the R&B crooner’s concert last year and the fallout with her ex. When video went viral showing Palmer wearing a sheer dress to the concert, Jackson reacted on social media, writing, “It’s the outfit tho . . . you a mom.” “I was speechless,” KeKe said of the wild online reaction to Darius’ candid comments. https://youtu.be/cwipFypywZU “I was at a photo shoot and everybody was looking all weird. I was like, ‘Are y’all good?’ And then I randomly was on my phone and I saw,” she added. “It was so crazy. I didn’t want to engage with something that wasn’t reality and fan the fire.” https://www.instagram.com/p/DBv2SpCpb9q/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c9005cb3-05e9-401c-9e0c-7d54005757f0 On Saturday, December 14 at 8:00 p.m., Carnegie Hall presents A Night of Inspiration, a celebratory evening of music and dance from diverse traditions in Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage. Under the direction of acclaimed producer, composer, and music director Ray Chew, and co-produced with his wife and business partner, Vivian Scott Chew, the exciting, uplifting program returns to the Hall for the fifth time. The night highlights a star-studded roster of artists including Regina Belle, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Erica Campbell featuring Krista Campbell, Tina Campbell, Isaac Carree, Olen Cesari, Melvin Crispell, Doug E. Fresh, Cory Henry, Dave Hollister, Rahsaan Patterson, Kierra Sheard-Kelly, Bishop Hezekiah Walker, Brian Courtney Wilson and Juan Winans. The stellar lineup will be accompanied by a 64-piece orchestra and a 150-voice multicultural choir for a special evening paying tribute to the pioneering gospel quartet The Winans. A Black man who was handcuffed before being brutally beaten last year by police officers in Florida is planning to announce a federal lawsuit in the case that made national headlines after video of the incident went viral. In the conspicuous absence of criminal charges, Le’Keian Woods is expected to be joined by his legal team on Thursday to formally announce the lawsuit that stems from his violent arrest by officers with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) more than a year ago. Woods’ mugshot notably showed his face was bloodied and his eyes were so swollen they couldn’t open. https://www.instagram.com/p/CyTGWiAuUUD/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=136734dd-146e-43ad-af31-d910c1742449 One of the most obnoxious things about conservatives is the way they lament how “overly sensitive everyone is these days” while also being easily offended by everything that goes against their values or beliefs. They call everyone “snowflakes” when folks online get riled up over their dog-whistling bigotry — then they turn around and cry when athletes are kneeling during the national anthem or Black people are singing the Black National Anthem at sporting events. They think it’s unreasonable that people get offended when a man tells women they would be happier in the kitchen than in a career field, but somehow, it’s perfectly fine to wet your star-spangled drawers and start calling for boycotts after a single transperson was featured in a single Bud Light ad. Right-wingers get offended–and legislation gets drafted to ban “wokeness” into white-and-fragile oblivion–but “the left” is engaging in “censorship” by dragging drag-worthy conservatives online, amirite? Another mother in Texas is dead. Pregnant women dying is something the state has excelled at—exceptionally. In a nation where maternal morbidity has generally risen 11% since women’s right to body sovereignty was basically decimated by Texas’ GOP and governor in 2018, four years before Dobbs. But Texas holds the heart-shattering heights: maternal morbidity–dead mothers–has risen 56% , according to the most recent and available data. Black women’s deaths rose 38%. Latinx mothers’ deaths rose nearly 20%. Josseli was of Honduran descent. In a report published by ProPublica on Oct. 30, she was 17 weeks pregnant when she began miscarrying. Texas’ complex law effectively prohibiting abortions had taken effect two months earlier, in July of 2021, almost a year before Dobbs. It mandated that physicians confirm the absence of a fetal heartbeat before performing any intervention unless a “medical emergency” was present. Her name was Josseli Barnica. She was 28, a wife and mother of one. She’d wanted to be the mother of two. But on Sept. 3, 2021, Josseli suffered a miscarriage. Texas’ abortion ban, heralded by the state’s GOP and governor, ensured more suffering than could ever be measured. It states that performing, inducing, or attempting an abortion is illegal unless the life or health of the pregnant patient is at risk. For this exception to apply, three criteria must be met. First, only a licensed physician may perform the abortion. Second, the patient must face a life-threatening condition that poses a risk of death or “substantial impairment of a major bodily function” although the law does not define what constitutes “substantial impairment.” And third, the physician must attempt to save the fetus unless doing so would increase the risk to the patient’s life or health. One would think that with all of the hits that L-taker-in-chief Rudy Giuliani has taken as of late, it would dawn on him that being a despicable human being is not working for him anymore. It had its benefits before Trump. But not since Trump. Being a lying racist has resulted in Giuliani having to fork over his assets to the Black women he defamed as they seek to collect on the hundreds of millions awarded to them. Yet, even after winning their case against him, Giuliani continued to defame Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss. Supporting Donald Trump resulted in Giuliani drowning in so much litigation that he couldn’t afford to pay his legal council, which resulted in his own lawyers suing him — yet he continues to be a loyal Trump supporter. And liar. Giuliani doesn’t learn from his mistakes, and that’s why he’s out here hopping aboard the bigot bandwagon of white conservatives spreading hate speech about Haitians. Before launching into an anti-Haitin rant that would make any MAGA Nazi proud, Giuliani asked the hosts of the Flyover Conservatives podcast this week if they remembered “when JD Vance pointed out that the Haitians were eating animals in Springfield?” And then followed up by saying, “…Now it may not be true. It may be exaggerated. It may be insane. It may be whatever.” A recent report by the American Institute for Boys and Men reveals that Black male enrollment at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) has reached its lowest level since 1976. https://youtu.be/GV76UcaGgPQ Currently, Black men represent only 26% of HBCU students, a decrease from 38% in 1976. Insider Higher Ed writes, “Out of the 101 HBCUs included in the report, only 20 had student bodies that were at least 40 percent Black men, excluding single-sex institutions like Morehouse and Spelman Colleges. All but one of the HBCUs with higher shares of Black men were small private colleges that typically enroll fewer than 1,000 students.” “If you’re at an HBCU as a student, and you’re looking around and you know that you’re as likely to see a non-Black student as a Black man, that’s a very big change in the culture and the mission of HBCUs,” said Richard Reeves, president of the American Institute for Boys and Men. https://youtu.be/X-L3Um1cJI4 Vice’s 10-episode docuseries “Black Comedy in America” explores how the art form shaped America for over a century. Hosted by comedians Tiffany Haddish, Chris Spencer, and Ryan Davis, each episode includes in-depth interviews with a who’s who of entertainers including Shaquille O’Neal, Marla Gibbs, Tracy Morgan, Craig Robinson, Coco Jones, George Lopez, Luenell, Rachel Lindsay, Taye Diggs, W. Kamau Bell, B. Simone, and many more. Comedian Deon Cole guests in the third episode during which he and Spencer discussed how comedy is therapeutic, per THR. “It’s therapeutic. A lot of us, if we didn’t have that stage, would probably be crazy, in jail or whatever, because we don’t have the money for shrinks,” said Cole. “So, we’ve been taught and we found out that comedy is a form of therapy. And once you use it as such, it can really be a beautiful thing.” Spencer added, “I always go back to Richard Pryor. He was talking about police brutality in the ‘70s, and how nothing has changed. There are still those things they talked about that we also talk about in our acts that are messages. We’re speaking to our people,” he explained. https://youtu.be/cto2zqv7HuE We’re ministers up there at times; we’re counselors, basketball coaches. We’re fathers, mothers, sisters. Especially when we’re talking to us, because we hear and feel things differently,” Spencer continued. “I started off in the mainstream rooms, I’m not sure if Deon did, but it’s a different feeling when you kill in a Black room. Those things touch us to our core,” he said. “When we’re talking to a mainstream audience, some things we do are cultural. I like the word “cultural,” and I liked when Denzel [Washington] did the interview. They were talking to him about the film Fences and they were like, “Could a white guy direct this?’ And he was like, “Yeah, but things are cultural.” You know, like that hot comb on the back of somebody’s neck. That ssss, you could smell that; you could hear it. That’s cultural. Not too many hot combs in the white community,” Spencer said. https://youtu.be/cto2zqv7HuE A Federal judge has ruled that a Tennessee woman can not proceed with her civil lawsuit against Sean “Diddy” Combs under a pseudonym. “Simply put, allegations of sexual assault, by themselves, are not sufficient to entitle a plaintiff to proceed under a pseudonym,” Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil wrote in the ruling, ABC News reports. The woman claims she was a 19-year-old college student in Brooklyn when was sexually assaulted in a private room at a party Combs hosted. She requested to keep her identity confidential, citing concerns for her safety if her name were published, but the judge denied the request. "Combs has had no contact with Plaintiff for the approximately 20 years since the alleged rape and Combs is currently detained pending trial. As such, counsel has not identified any present threat of physical harm to Plaintiff,” the judge’s decision said. “The Court appreciates that Combs is a public figure and, therefore, Plaintiff is likely to face public scrutiny if she proceeds in her own name. The Court is not oblivious to the potential toll of such scrutiny on any litigant. However, Plaintiff’s interest in avoiding public scrutiny, or even embarrassment, does not outweigh the interests of both Combs and the public in the customary and constitutionally-embedded presumption of openness in judicial proceedings,” the judge said. Dirty Money singer Kalenna Harper addressed Cassie’s lawsuit against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs that was quietly settled for $30 million last year. In a new interview, Harper called Cassie “naive” and defended Diddy against allegations that he was physically and sexually violent toward Cassie. “Love her to death. Naive. Like getting high. She likes partying,” Harper said about the former singer, Bossip reports. Earlier this year, CNN published security camera footage of Diddy brutally beating Cassie at a hotel in 2016. Combs initially denied Cassie’s accusations of abuse but after the footage dropped, he issued an apology video on social media. “I saw Cassie grow up from a little girl. That was willing to, like, give everybody motherf***ing, you know, lap dances, basically. You know, get drunk and just have a good, like, model time,” Harper continued. https://youtu.be/GwRzCikSKTk Elsewhere in Harper’s conversation with The Art of Dialogue, she discussed the lawsuit filed by her former collaborator, Dawn Richard. The lawsuit claims Richard and Harper witnessed Diddy abuse multiple women, including his Cassie and late model Kim Porter. Richard’s lawyer, Lisa Bloom, accused Combs of witness tampering, alleging that after Richard filed her lawsuit, Diddy contacted Harper over 100 times. The calls ceased after Kalenna made a statement denying witnessing any of the abuse outlined in Dawn’s lawsuit, per ‘The Jasmine Brand. “I don’t f**k with Dawn like that,” Harper said. “And I’m going to f***ing stand no business,” she added. “I didn’t see that. What I saw was what the f**k is going on with you because you act all weird. You’re a weird b***h,” she said about Dawn. https://twitter.com/i/status/1851722651426836945 Rebecca Crews, wife of actor and former NFL player Terry Crews, is known for her multifaceted life: a marriage that has stood the test of time, a personal battle with breast cancer, the sexual assault on her husband and the complexities of being a Black woman who appears white. Recently, she opened up with Radio/TV personality Jazmyn Summers for EURweb about the journey of keeping her 35-year marriage strong, managing her roles as a mother, entrepreneur, and artist, and embracing her unique identity. Crews is proving to be a powerhouse in both the business and fashion world. With the grand opening of her flagship store in Pasadena, she is bringing her distinct style to life. “The vision behind the store is a little Ralph Lauren, a little Chanel, and a lot of Rebecca,” she explains with a smile. “I’m a classic stylist. I like to wear very classic looks: suit wear, tailored shirts and blouses, leather outerwear. Just very distinguished.” https://youtu.be/paJdKCOkxjQ Young Thug was sentenced to time served as part of a sweeping case that originally included dozens of defendants. The rapper, whose given name is Jeffery Williams, was released Thursday night after more than 900 days in custody, according to jail records. He will have to serve 15 years on probation as part of the non-negotiated plea agreement. Williams entered a non-negotiated guilty plea deal Thursday related to several charges, including firearm possession and participation in criminal street gang activity, while he pleaded no contest to racketeering and leading a criminal street gang. The case marked the longest in Georgia’s history. In 2022, Williams was charged alongside more than two dozen others under Georgia’s sprawling Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act — known as RICO. Prosecutors accused the rapper of leading a criminal street gang that committed murder and a slew of violent crimes in Atlanta dating back a decade. Williams has denied that he was the head of a criminal enterprise. https://youtu.be/55n7JHJ30do?list=RDNS55n7JHJ30do In a sensational development just days before the upcoming U.S. elections, rumors have resurfaced about an alleged affair between former President Donald Trump and journalist Tamron Hall. This renewed speculation was sparked by journalist J.K. Trotter in his recent article published on the website “Interesting Mysteries.” Trotter claims that evidence uncovered by NBC journalists suggests that Hall became pregnant during her alleged relationship with Trump and subsequently underwent an abortion. The origins of these rumors date back to 2016 when whispers of a potential romance between Hall, a former co-host of NBC’s “Today Show,” and Trump circulated within journalistic circles in New York City. According to Trotter, some NBC journalists reportedly examined evidence that pointed to a relationship before Trump’s candidacy for president in 2015. Interestingly, despite the allegations gaining traction, NBC did not report on these rumored affairs, including the claims surrounding Hall. The plot thickened when anonymous users on the controversial forum 4chan accessed voicemails left on Trump’s personal cell phone, revealing four messages from Hall. In one voicemail, Hall expressed delight in following Trump’s advice regarding a meeting, even mentioning a $3,000 green dress she wanted to buy using Trump’s discount, reports TimesNowNews. https://youtu.be/DIN3xPOoiZY Here is an exclusive clip from the new episode of WE tv’s original groundbreaking installment of the popular franchise, “Life After Lockup,” airing Nov. 1. “Life After Lockup follows seven former inmates and their significant others from the hit series Love After Lockup and Love During Lockup, continuing their journey to keep their love alive, establish a new life in the outside world and stay out of prison,” per the series synopsis. “The couples face parole restrictions including travel limitations, consorting with previously incarcerated individuals, combined with the temptations of alcohol and drugs. Meanwhile, couples who have stayed together grapple with the growing pains of love, family and marriage while navigating the emotional hurdles of trying to earn a living with a criminal record. Can they stay together and build a life outside of prison?” the description continues. In the teaser for this week’s episode, Britney wants to start her life together with Kerok, but this isn’t how she imagined the marriage would be. https://youtu.be/eGgUAZjQJbQ Dr. Wendy Osefo talks about Season 9 of “The Real Housewives of Potomac” and celebrating new milestones in her personal life as she enters an exciting new chapter. The award-winning Nigerian-American media personality also returns with brand-new episodes of her YouTube series “The Dr. Wendy Show,” which features guests comedian Jess Hilarious, Gia Peppers, Happy Eddie, LaTavia Roberson, Antjuan Seawright, and most recently White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. Full of engaging, must-see moments for your viewing pleasure, the 30-minute show features new episodes each week on Mondays at 4PM ET/3PM CT. As fans dive into Season 9 of “The Real Housewives of Potomac,” Wendy remains a standout, breaking stereotypes and providing strong representation for Black women in academia. The new season premiered on Sunday, Oct. 6 with returning cast members Gizelle Bryant, Ashley Darby, Karen Huger, and Mia Thornton. They’re joined by first-time ‘Wives Stacey Rusch and Keiarna Stewart, as well as returning friend Jacqueline Blake and new pal Jassi Rideaux. You can stream episodes on Peacock. This season, Wendy is embracing new experiences as she approaches her 40s, and introducing viewers to her various businesses, such as Happy Eddie Cannabis Brand, Onyi Home Essentials, and the novel Tears of My Mother. https://youtu.be/aGN09IlVRxs Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican recording artist and megastar, announced his support for Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee, by sharing her latest ad targeting Puerto Rican voters with his 45.6 million followers on Instagram on Oct. 27. The series of social media posts came shortly after comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, speaking at former President Donald Trump’s rally in New York City, made disparaging remarks about Latinos and Puerto Rico – calling the U.S. territory a “floating island of garbage.” Bad Bunny’s support for Harris also comes while both candidates are urgently chasing Latino voters in the key swing state of Pennsylvania, which is home to about 300,000 eligible Puerto Rican voters. When many Americans think of Pennsylvania’s deindustrialized eastern counties – including presidential bellwethers such as Northampton – they may think more of Billy Joel’s “Allentown” than Bad Bunny’s “Una Velita,” a song about the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. As a professor of history and director of Latina/o Studies at Penn State, I think that both entertainers – the legendary singer-songwriter and the Grammy-winning titan of reggaeton and trap – can help explain the political terrain in the Keystone State, which is widely viewed as the battleground that will determine the next president. https://youtu.be/BHnJp0oyOxs Vice President Kamalas Harris’ speech on Tuesday — delivered from the same place where Donald Trump incited the political violence of Jan. 6, 2021 — drew the sharpest contrast yet with her political opponent one week before Election Day. Widely regarded as Harris’ closing arguments, the former prosecutor made her case before an adoring crowd at the Ellipse, a park near the White House. In her address was a distinct message of unity for all Americans, placing a glaring spotlight on Trump’s divisive rhetoric that includes threats to fellow citizens with whom he may disagree. Harris summed up the state of her campaign on an optimistic note as voters continue to cast their ballots up until Tuesday. https://www.instagram.com/msnbc/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=ea77d15e-2160-4689-a9a1-1fe9194c7011 I’ll work to lower the cost of child care, which is out of reach for too many working families today. And for too many people, including those in the sandwich generation, who are raising young children and taking care of a parent, juggling it all is difficult. I took care of my mother when she got sick, cooking foods she had a taste for, finding clothes that wouldn’t irritate her skin. I understand that caregiving is about dignity. Currently, if you need home care, and you don’t have the money to hire someone, you and your family need to deplete your savings to qualify for help. https://www.instagram.com/msnbc/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=4792778d-6c84-435d-9df1-39fc5c2095ea So, we’re going to change the approach. And allow Medicare to cover the cost of home care. So seniors can get the help and care they need in their own homes. Donald Trump has a different approach. He tried to cut Medicare and Social Security every year he was president. I believe when people have worked hard their entire life, they deserve to retire with the benefits they have earned. And I believe in the fundamental freedom of Americans to make decisions about their own bodies. And not have their government tell them what to do. I will fight to restore what Donald Trump and his hand-picked Supreme Court Justices took away from the women of America. That today, 1 in 3 women in America lives in a state with a Trump abortion ban, many with no exceptions even for rape and incest. The idea that a woman who survives a crime of a violation to her body would be told she does not have the authority to decide what happens to her body next is immoral. And Trump isn’t done. He would ban abortion nationwide, restrict access to birth control and put IVF at risk, and force states to monitor women’s pregnancies. Just Google Project 2025. Read the plans for yourself. https://youtu.be/qbX4XNWbc6o Vice President Kamala Harris may be making strides with Black male voters, countering previous perceptions of difficulty with the demographic. According to a new poll published by the Alliance For Black Equality on Oct. 25, Harris holds a 77% to 19% lead over Trump among Black men planning to vote. Researchers from the super pac believe that if this trend continues, it could position Harris to achieve over 90% support on Election Day, similar to the majorities that both Barack Obama and Joe Biden received from Black voters. Breaking down the data, researchers found that Harris earned support among Black Gen Z men between Oct. 4 and Oct. 19. Specifically, her backing among this demographic rose from 59% to 69%. The poll indicated an even more significant increase among Black men aged 23-29, whose support leaped from 49.9% to 62.2%. Meanwhile, those aged 18-22 also saw a rise, moving from 47.7% to 52.7%. Protesters who have pledged to be a steady presence outside of Manhattan criminal court during a manslaughter trial in the chokehold killing of an unarmed Black subway passenger say that anything other than a successful prosecution would effectively encourage more deadly vigilantism against Black people. Daniel Penny, a former Marine who is white, faces nearly 20 years in prison if found guilty of manslaughter for placing Jordan Neely in a fatal chokehold more than a year ago in Manhattan. Hawk Newsome, co-founder of Black Lives Matter Greater New York and co-founder of Black Opportunities, referred to Penny as “the subway strangler” during a press conference and rally on Tuesday. https://www.instagram.com/hawk.newsome/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=fbe87ae7-f140-4321-8ff7-aafda4053fb1 A Minneapolis white man is finally facing charges after he shot his Black neighbor during a dispute over a tree on shared property. According to KARE 11, 54-year-old John Herbert Sawchak was charged with attempted murder, first-degree assault, stalking and harassment for shooting his Black neighbor, Davis Moturi. Authorities said tensions between Sawchak and Moturi had been escalating for months, characterized by harassment and racially charged threats against Moturi. Police said Sawchak threatened Moturi on several occasions, warning him not to “touch my tree again” or he would “kill” him. The shooting, which took place Oct. 23, happened while Moturi was pruning a tree. He was later rushed to the hospital, where doctors found the bullet lodged near his spine. Moturi was left with significant injuries, including a fractured spine and broken ribs. Moturi’s wife was confident her husband was shot by Sawchak, telling police John Sawchak had “almost certainly” shot her husband. Minneapolis police are now facing heavy criticism for not arresting Sawchak before the shooting even though he had multiple complaints. Members of the Minneapolis City Council, including Mayor Jacob Frey, pointed blame at the Minneapolis police department for not acting on any of the prior complaints against Sawchak and failing to arrest him immediately after the shooting. https://youtu.be/A0TCnMHHhwY ALLBLK, the popular streaming service for Black television and film from AMC Networks, has announced the new original drama series “Wild Rose” from Deji LaRay (“Johnson,” “Escaping Paradise”) and starring R&B icon Omarion. The singer will also produce the show about a “charismatic hitman with a conscious, Roosevelt aka ‘Rose,’ who comes from a family of assassins that also happen to run a non-profit organization,” per the synopsis. “Behind the non-profit façade is an elite, family-run, hired-gun agency known for taking down high-profile targets.” “Trained from childhood, Rose (Omarion) has always followed orders – until now. Rose’s world is turned upside down when his wife and daughter mysteriously walk out of his life and aren’t heard from for months,” the series description continues. “As a man trained to trust no one, he suspects foul play and finds himself questioning everything and everyone. As he embarks on a journey to uncover the truth, he starts to unravel a web of secrets that force him to question his identity within his own family.” “I’m ecstatic that I’m back on your television in a new way,” Omarion said in a statement. “The “Wild Rose” is coming. I can’t wait for the ALLBLK fans and others to see a different side of me. I’ve never played a character quite like this,” he continued. “Let’s just say I’m venturing out of my comfort zone. Every new project is an opportunity to learn, grow and expand my range as an actor. Rose is not your average assassin. The wild rose is loading…” Vice President Kamala Harris on Wednesday distanced herself from President Joe Biden’s comments that seemingly referred to Donald Trump’s supporters as “garbage,” setting off a political firestorm a week before Election Day. Harris told reporters that she “strongly” disagrees with criticizing people based on who they vote for. Asked if she had spoken to the president about his comments, Harris said that Biden had called her Tuesday evening but that the president’s comments “didn’t come up.” “Listen, I think, first of all, he clarified his comments, but let me be clear: I strongly disagree with any criticism of people based on who they vote for. You heard my speech last night and continuously throughout my career. I believe that my work is about representing all the people whether they support me or not,” Harris said on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews. The vice president also repeated what she has said on the trail, including that she will “represent all Americans” if elected. “I am sincere in what I mean: When elected president of the United States, I will represent all Americans, including those who don’t vote for me, and address their needs and their desires,” Harris said. https://youtu.be/8WX3WZ6i4GE The president inadvertently injected himself into the home stretch of the campaign on Tuesday night when he was attempting to criticize Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden over the weekend. Biden mentioned Puerto Rico, which was referred to as a “floating island of garbage” by a comedian at Trump’s event on Sunday night. “And just the other day, a speaker at his rally called Puerto Rico ‘a floating island of garbage.’ Well, let me tell you something … I don’t know the Puerto Rican that I know… or Puerto Rico where I’m – in my home state of Delaware – they’re good, decent, honorable people,” Biden said during virtual remarks in a Voto Latino get-out-the-vote call meant to help Harris. “The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters,” Biden said, pausing for a moment before continuing. “His, demonization of Latinos is unconscionable and it’s un-American.” Biden had attempted to explain away his comments on Tuesday night. https://youtu.be/wKhw_f-4zE0 “Earlier today I referred to the hateful rhetoric about Puerto Rico spewed by Trump’s supporter at his Madison Square Garden rally as garbage—which is the only word I can think of to describe it,” Biden posted on X later that evening. “His demonization of Latinos is unconscionable. That’s all I meant to say. The comments at that rally don’t reflect who we are as a nation.” When CNN asked for an explanation on the president’s comments, a White House spokesperson insisted that Biden had meant “supporters” rather than “supporters,” arguing that he had actually said this: “The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporter’s – his – his demonization of Latinos is unconscionable, and it’s un-American.” “The President referred to the hateful rhetoric at the Madison Square Garden rally as garbage,” White House spokesman Andrew Bates said. Harris’ campaign was quick to try to publicly defend or explain those remarks publicly. But in private, both inside and around the campaign, plenty of Democrats were quietly buzzing with frustration and concern about the president’s remarks. https://youtu.be/GCupW7gOPyE As CNN has reported, there had been growing wariness among Harris’ campaign aides about Biden’s propensity for gaffes, at a moment when the campaign does not want to take any unnecessary political risks. Tuesday night’s “garbage” comments from Biden only ended up confirming those existing concerns for many Democrats. Earlier on Wednesday, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Harris’ vice-presidential running mate, said in an interview with CBS News that Biden’s comments a response to the “frustration with Donald Trump’s rhetoric of division,” and rejected the argument that they undercut a central message of the Harris campaign to unify the country. “I think there’s– the frustration we’ve seen since January 6, the frustration with Donald Trump’s rhetoric of division, it does fire passions, and I think … President Biden was very clear that he’s speaking about the rhetoric we heard at that. So, it doesn’t undermine it,” Walz said. In an interview with ABC News, Walz said that Harris’ remarks in Washington, DC, on Tuesday should be the message voters focus on, noting that Harris is the candidate at the top of the Democratic ticket, not Biden. https://youtu.be/Ws9oCqd-SPA Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg will release a new collaborative album titled “Missionary” on December 13 and they dropped a teaser clip announcing the project. “Missionary” marks Dre and Snoop’s first album in nearly 30 years and pays homage to Snoop’s 1993 debut, “Doggystyle.” The teaser features features singer/songwriter JOSEY and a new Dr. Dre-produced track. In the post’s comments, one person wrote, “Let that song playing be on the album.” Another added, “I definitely haven’t been this excited in years for an album drop.” “After 30 years, believe it or not, man, this is our first time working on an album in 30 years,” Dr. Dre told Complex. “I did ‘Doggystyle’ for him 30 years ago. We’ve done things in between, a song here and there and did shows and shit, but this is the first time that we got together and worked on an entire album in 30 years. I feel like it’s some of the best music I’ve ever made and I’m really proud of it.” Dre previously said his production on “Missionary” was on par with his iconic album “The Chronic” and Snoop’s “Doggystyle.” “Missionary” marks Snoop Dogg’s twentieth album and his first release in two years since “BODR” in 2022. Watch the teaser video via the Instagram clip. https://www.instagram.com/snoopdogg/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=9c443b99-8bb5-43ac-86bc-4e4ac5186f8d CBS has announced the final cast members for its new daytime drama “Beyonce the Gates,” the network’s first one-hour daytime drama featuring an all-Black cast. The hotly anticipated series, from the CBS Studios / NAACP Venture, begins production in Atlanta in November and will premiere in early 2025. Veteran actor Clifton Davis has been tapped to star as Vernon Dupree, the Dupree family patriarch and husband of Anita Dupree (Tamara Tunie). Also joining the series are Alex Alegria, Lauren Bugliogli, Ben Gavin, Jibre Hordges, Jen Jacob, and Mike Manning. In September, CBS announces the first cast members Tamara Tunie, Daphnee Duplaix, and Karla Mosley starring as prominent members of the Dupree family. On Oct. 25, the next round of casting was revealed, including Brandon Claybon, Timon Durrett, Sean Freeman, Marquita Goings, Maurice Johnson, Trisha Mann-Grant, RhonniRose Mantilla, Ambyr Michelle, Colby Muhammad and Arielle Prepetit. The new cast members round out the extended families of the Duprees and key characters who influence their worlds, per the release. President Joe Biden referred to Donald Trump’s supporters as “garbage” in response to comedian Tony Hinchcliffe’s comments at Trump’s rally Sunday night, during which he called Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage.” “Donald Trump has no character. He doesn’t give a damn about the Latino community,” Biden said during a campaign call at the White House Tuesday, New York Post reports. “Just the other day, a speaker at his rally called Puerto Rico a floating island of garbage.” “The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters. His demonization of Latinos is unconscionable, and it’s un-American.” Conservative voters on social media were quick to compare it to Hillary Clinton’s remark in 2016 that some Trump supporters should be “put into the basket of deplorables.” Trump reacted to Biden’s “garbage” remark during his Tuesday night rally in Allentown, Pa. “Wow. That’s terrible,” he said before recalling Hillary’s “deplorable” comment. https://twitter.com/i/status/1851423891283198017 “So, you have to remember Hillary [Clinton] — she said ‘deplorable’ and then she said ‘irredeemable’ … ‘garbage’ I think is worse,” Trump added. White House Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates claims Biden was referring to “the hateful rhetoric at the Madison Square Garden rally as ‘garbage.’” A transcript of the president’s remarks released by the White House noted that an apostrophe was intended in the word “supporters.” “The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporter’s — his — his demonization of Latinos is unconscionable, and it’s un-American,” the transcript read. Conservatives called the clean-up attempt “propaganda.” https://twitter.com/KylieJaneKremer/status/1851460846855077948?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1851460846855077948%7Ctwgr%5E42cba1782955521ae63574c39b990da9ff071c39%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fwhite-house-panics-after-biden-calls-trump-supporters-garbage%2F Adidas and rapper Kanye West (AKA Ye) have reached a resolution to conclude all legal matters between them, with no financial settlement involved. The German sportswear company had been in conflict with Ye since ending their partnership in 2022 following his alleged antisemitic remarks. Details of the agreement have not been revealed, TAG 2 News reports. “There [aren’t] any more open issues and there is no… money going either way,” Adidas CEO Bjorn Gulden told reporters on a conference call. “There were tensions on many issues [but] … both parties said we don’t need to fight anymore,” Gulden said. We reported previously that Adidas faced a loss of nearly $750 million in 2023 after cutting ties with Ye. In 2014, Adidas partnered with the hip-hop star after he parted ways with Nike. Ye’s Yeezy line with Adidas was key in him achieving billionaire status. https://x.com/nicekicks/status/1851275572556808655/photo/1 Megan Thee Stallion has filed a lawsuit against blogger Milagro Gramz, accusing her of spreading lies regarding the controversial shooting incident involving Tory Lanez in 2020. On October 30, Megan’s attorneys submitted the lawsuit in Florida, claiming that Gramz (real name Milagro Elizabeth Cooper), serves as a “paid surrogate” for Lanez (born Daystar Peterson) and uses her platform to propagate untruths on his behalf, PEOPLE reports. In the lawsuit, Megan, 29, claims Milagro shared a “deepfake pornographic video” of her to social media and “falsely claimed that the firearm Mr. Peterson used to shoot Ms. Pete was not produced during the Trial because it was missing.” Lanez is currently serving 10 years in prison for the shooting incident with Megan. The attorney for the Grammy-winning rapper noted that “the firearm remains in the custody of the Los Angeles Police Department.” Megan is seeking a jury trial and “monetary damages” as well as her “attorneys’ fees and costs.” Additionally, she wants “a permanent injunction barring Defendant Cooper from any future use or publication of intimate visual depictions of her.” https://x.com/MobzWorld/status/1851585444477059117/photo/1 “Outer Banks” stars Carlacia Grant and Madison Bailey give the inside scoop on what’s in store for Season 4. The paired opened up about the twists and challenges their characters, Cleo and Kiara, will face, as well as the evolving dynamics within the beloved Pogues crew. They also teased deeper storylines and the character growth fans can expect as the stakes are raised in the latest season of Netflix’s hit series. The first half of “Outer Banks” Season 4 debuted October 10 with part 2 slated to premiere on November 7. Grant and Baily star alongside an ensemble cast that includes Chase Stokes (John B.), Madelyn Cline (Sarah Cameron), Jonathan Daviss (Pope), Rudy Pankow (JJ), Drew Starkey (Rafe), Austin North (Topper), Fiona Palomo (Sofia), J. Anthony Crane (Chandler Groff), Pollyanna McIntosh (Dalia), Brianna Brown (Hollis Robinson), Rigo Sanchez (Lightner), Mia Challis (Ruthie) and Cullen Moss (Shoupe). https://youtu.be/Xxop-Am9cRQ Tory Lanez filed an ethics complaint against attorney Shawn Holley who briefly represented Lanez during his trial. The rapper (born Daystar Peterson) is currently serving a ten-year prison sentence for shooting Megan Thee Stallion, claims in a complaint that his former lawyer, Holley, had undisclosed connections to Roc Nation and Megan Thee Stallion, creating a conflict of interest in his case. Lanez argues that Holley’s involvement in the entertainment industry, including producing the show “Reasonable Doubt” (which featured a Megan Thee Stallion song), showed her alignment with Roc Nation’s interests. Additionally, he alleges Holley withdrew from his case abruptly after he declined a plea deal, leaving him little time to secure new representation. The attorney walked away from Lanez a mere five days before he was sentenced. The attorney claims that she quit after Lanez decided to point the finger at Megan’s friend, Kelsey Harris, as the real shooter. Holley did not wish to pursue this angle. “I am not comfortable advancing the Kelsey Defense,'” she reportedly explained to Tory in an email. “Primarily because I don’t find it to be a viable strategy.” According to TMZ, Lanez is seeking a refund of the fees he paid to Holley and is calling for the California State Bar to take disciplinary action against her. https://www.instagram.com/p/DBrvIpgRugE/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=b5211b18-a175-4b24-87af-8ffd9eb6ab30 Conservative panelist Ryan Girdusky has been banned from making future appearances on CNN following his offensive remarks on “CNN Newsnight With Abby Phillip” on Monday night. During the discussion, Girdusky and Muslim journalist Mehdi Hasan sparred over Donald Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally on Sunday. Hasan said he is a “supporter of the Palestinians,” prompting Girdusky to tell him “I hope your beeper doesn’t go off,” referencing reports that Israel concealed explosives inside pagers to target Hezbollah members in Lebanon. Hasan, founder and editor-in-chief of Zeteo News, was stunned by the comment, asking, “Did you just say I should die? Did you just say I should be killed on live TV?” Girdusky backtracked, and Phillip told him that his remark was “completely out of pocket.” In response to the segment, CNN issued a statement stating that Girdusky “will not be welcomed back at our network.” https://youtu.be/l8XbuArT7_I The network added, “There is zero room for racism or bigotry at CNN or on our air. We aim to foster thoughtful conversations and debate including between people who profoundly disagree with each other in order to explore important issues and promote mutual understanding. But we will not allow guests to be demeaned or for the line of civility to be crossed.” Watch Abby Phillp’s response to the segment int he X/Twitter. https://twitter.com/i/status/1851095150929326226 Joe Rogan said he’s currently having discussions with Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign about appearing on his popular podcast but he’s not willing to accept the conditions they proposed. “Also, for the record the Harris campaign has not passed on doing the podcast. They offered a date for Tuesday, but I would have had to travel to her and they only wanted to do an hour. I strongly feel the best way to do it is in the studio in Austin,” Rogan said in a post on X, (formerly Twitter). “My sincere wish is to just have a nice conversation and get to know her as a human being. I really hope we can make it happen,” he said. The statement comes amid controversy with YouTube seemingly suppressing Rogan’s interview with former President Donald Trump. Rogan tweeted Tuesday that the episode faced “an issue with searching” on YouTube, so he posted the entire clip on X. David Heinemeier Hansson, the CTO of software firm 37signals, was one of many X users who said they had issues searching for Rogan’s Trump interview on YouTube. Rogan reposted a video from Hansson showing his search on the platform and saying it “would be beyond bonkers if they’re actively trying to suppress it. Must be a glitch, right?” A spokesperson for Google, YouTube’s parent company, informed Variety that Rogan’s video was “not prominently featured” in “certain searches on Monday” and that the problem has since been “resolved,” although they did not clarify the cause of the issue. https://youtu.be/hBMoPUAeLnY For the young daughters of Michael and Kimberly Wood, it was their first time at the annual festival celebrating the culture of the Gullah Geechee community on Georgia’s remote Sapelo Island, the birthplace of their maternal grandmother and other descendants of enslaved Africans. After a day of storytelling, poetry, religious dance, and hope-filled spirituals over a week ago this past Saturday, the Woods, other family members, and dozens of festival-goers waited on a floating dock and adjoining gangway for the scenic ferry ride to the mainland across marshy Doboy Sound. A loud cracking sound and a sudden shifting of the gangway were the only warnings before the relatively new dockside aluminum walkway plunged into the water about 60 miles south of Savannah. The collapse killed seven people, injured several others, and gave his two girls what Michael Wood said was their first glimpse of the Gullah Geechee community’s longtime heartache and resilience. “It’s that fight to survive,” said Wood, a quality assurance engineer who slid down the collapsed gangway, snatched his 74-year-old mother out of the water, and handed her to a stranger on the dock. https://youtu.be/Ruk_aYAZ0do Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs faces a new lawsuit from an accuser who alleges he continues to suffer severe depression and anxiety stemming from a sexual assault by Combs when he was 10 years old. Rolling Stone reviewed new civil lawsuits against Diddy and the plaintiff in one particular case, identified as John Doe, was an emerging young artist in 2005 when a consultant, hired by the family, brought him to a hotel room in New York City to meet with Combs. Doe claims he was left with the music mogul and given a soda that appeared to be drugged, based on how it made him feel “a little funny” after drinking it. “After plaintiff consumed his soda and began feeling its effects, Combs told plaintiff to move closer to him, which plaintiff did. Combs then abruptly pushed plaintiff down and said words to the effect of, ‘You have to do some stuff you don’t want to do sometimes’” the lawsuit reads. “Once plaintiff had been pushed down, Combs pulled his penis out of his pants and told the ten-year-old plaintiff to ‘kiss it.’ When plaintiff resisted, Combs nevertheless forced his penis into plaintiff’s mouth and proceeded to repeatedly push it in and out,” the lawsuit states. Doe lost consciousness shortly afterward, and when he awoke, his pants were undone, and he felt pain in his anus. Diddy allegedly threatened to harm his parents if he told them about the assault. When he later spoke about it, his parents “were terrified of the potential consequences of reporting the abuse,” per the lawsuit. How many people still would purchase Teslas and Cyber trucks if they knew their money would be used to support Donald Trump for another presidential term? It was just a few years ago that Elon Musk criticized Trump’s business acumen and some of his political views. Now Musk has donated millions of dollars to Trump’s presidential campaign using the money from vehicle sales, no doubt! Elon Musk has promoted a million-dollar raffle for unregistered voters in swing states: If they sign a petition and register to vote, then they qualify to get randomly selected to win a million dollars. Simply put, Musk is buying votes for Trump. That’s unethical and it’s against federal law to pay people to register to vote. Why is this African-born billionaire spending so much of his time and your money trying to get Trump back into the White House? Click the video above for my advice to consumers before making big-ticket purchases, and how we can make sure Musk understands his mistake. https://youtu.be/FpIISAPWhTY Funk Flex threatened to expose former rapper Shyne after the trailer dropped for his upcoming documentary, “The Honorable Shyne.” According to Flex, Shyne is lying about the circumstances surrounding his involvement in the Diddy nightclub shooting in 1999. As we reported earlier, the ex Bad Boy Records artist will unpack the controversial case that put him behind bars for nearly a decade in a new Hulu documentary. The synopsis for the project reads: “His journey is one of redemption, resilience, and transformation. This documentary provides an intimate look at Shyne’s personal evolution as he navigates fame, incarceration and a return home to Belize, where he finds new purpose and strives to lead his country to a brighter future.” In the trailer, the rapper-turned-politician says, “I was absolutely set up to be the fall guy” for the crime. “I spent 10 years in prison, but I was able to move on,” Shyne explains in the clip. “There’s a time to pivot, there’s a time to transition.” Shyne (born Jamal Barrow) previously opened up about being Combs’ “fall guy” in the infamous nightclub shooting also involving Jennifer Lopez. https://twitter.com/i/status/1850183595819675968 According to Flex, Shyne pulled the trigger during the nightclub shooting. “Let me tell you about that night in that club. I don’t know what people are talking about Shyne was the streets. He was a punk. So all of that street talk. You don’t ever come my way with that. Puff had to keep people off of you from beating you to death. Had to keep D Rock from strangling you, Shyne,” Flex recounted. “Let me tell you something, New York, about Shyne that night in that club. He knew exactly who those guys were that he got into a situation. It was his situation, not anybody else’s,” he continued. “This ain’t about Puff, It’s about the Notorious B.I.G. and you sounding like him and you trying to act like you were in demand and you was somebody. You a punk, and you shot that gun off that night because you was scared.” As Flex explained, Shyne owed the group money for studio time and was so afraid of them that he pulled out his gun and started shooting. “Puff had to beg me to play them records. Nobody was rocking with you,” Flex said. “Sounding like Biggie, just die. You thought you were gonna step out here in these streets, and nobody was gonna check you. I’m gonna check you, man.” https://youtu.be/qxsR-e09OFE Amber Rose claims she was joking and “trolling” when she accused Beyoncé of stealing her speech from the Republican National Convention. Speaking with TMZ, Rose said: “I was literally trolling.” “I troll with my friends all the time. I did not think that was going to be international news. I love Beyonce. I know Beyonce. We’ve hung out a few times…. but I was low-key trolling.” She added, “I was literally joking.” We reported earlier that Queen Bey endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris during a campaign rally in Houston Friday. The superstar told the crowd. “I’m not here as a celebrity, I’m not here as a politician. I’m here as a mother,” she said. “A mother who cares deeply about the world my children and all of our children live in, a world where we have the freedom to control our bodies, a world where we’re not divided.” Amber Rose turned to social media after Bey’s rally appearance and accused the songstress of “stealing” her RNC speech. The mother of two said, “She wanna be me so bad. Literally took my whole speech.” https://twitter.com/sumit45678901/status/1850547703798767711?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1850547703798767711%7Ctwgr%5E54ce87fab267b066b4f3b353326bea608d0f53ea%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Famber-rose-says-she-was-trolling-beyonce-over-harris-speech%2F Dwyane Wade has reacted to the criticism around his newly unveiled Miami Heat statue commemorating his legacy. The artist behind the sculpture also defended the design that was unveiled by the Miami Heat outside the Kaseya Center on Sunday. Per ABC News, the statue depicts Wade’s “This is my house” moment following a game-winning double-overtime shot against the Chicago Bulls in 2019. It was D. Wade’s idea to immortalize that pose in a statue. “What I feel when it comes to a statue, when it comes to this kind of moment, I feel that it has to be something that when the fans think of you, when they think of your career, when they think of your life … what’s the first thing that comes to mind?” Wade, who spent 13 seasons with the Miami Heat, told reporters Sunday after a 7-foot-3 bronze statue was unveiled. “And so if you’re a fan of myself, if you’re a fan of the Heat, I’ve had a lot of moments — I think there’s none bigger than that one. You know what I mean, like, ‘This is my house’ moment is the biggest moment of my individual career. And this was an individual moment for me, to pick that.” Wade’s sculpture received mixed reactions from many fans who don’t believe it looks like him, some noted that it looks more like Laurence Fishburne. One person on X wrote, “Did the Heat even look at this statue before unveiling it???.” “If I wanted it to look like me, I’d just stand outside the arena and y’all can take photos,” Wade said in response to the criticism, according to ESPN. “It don’t need to look like me. It’s the artistic version of a moment that happened that we’re trying to cement.” https://twitter.com/ZachWeinberger?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1851019386695422107%7Ctwgr%5Ed8ad0d0769765ae4fcd12aec91474360bc1ae05c%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fdwyane-wade-responds-to-criticism-of-his-miami-heat-statue%2F During the news conference after the statue’s unveiling, Wade shared his initial reaction to the monument. “I was just like, ‘That’s beautiful,’” he said, the Miami Herald reports. “I’m biased, but I think it’s one of the best statues that’s been created because of what it represents for us and for me.” According to ESPN, Wade said of the viral hate for his statue: “I care, but I don’t. The social media world is about opinions. Everyone has an opinion. Everyone, use y’all opinions. Please talk more about us. Talk more about a statue, come on down to see it, take some photos, send some memes. We don’t care.” Wade also defended the sculptors who worked on the statue for 800 hours. https://twitter.com/Rachel__Nichols/status/1850661498361659436?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1850690944959455728%7Ctwgr%5Ed8ad0d0769765ae4fcd12aec91474360bc1ae05c%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fdwyane-wade-responds-to-criticism-of-his-miami-heat-statue%2F Comedian Tommy Davidson is set to star in a new holiday movie coming to theaters just in time for Christmas. Atlas Distribution Company announced the upcoming release “Mr. Santa: A Christmas Extravaganza” will arrive in theaters December 6th! Davidson (“In Living Color,” “The Proud Family”), co-stars with Geoffrey Owens (“Power Book II: Ghost,” “Poppa’s House”) and features Wakeema Hollis (“Aurora: A Love Story,” “And Just Like That…”). Here’s the official synopsis: “Mr. Santa: A Christmas Extravaganza follows three music-loving teens clashing with the “popular” kids that are attempting to crush their annual Christmas show dreams. Inspired by the kids’ passion, Santa (Owens) hatches a plan and steps in as a substitute teacher. With the stakes higher than ever, delivering toys to a billion children suddenly seems easy compared to restoring teenagers’ belief in the holiday spirit and saving Christmas before time runs out,” per the news release. https://youtu.be/JZztBKEV9QE The 14th annual, two-day Merge Summit, presented by Walt Disney World Resort, in collaboration with Sony Music Publishing, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Mielle Organics and The Zeus Network inspires collaboration between Faith, Entertainment and Business, with this year’s theme being “Commanding The Moment!” Merge Awards co-founders Dr. Holly Carter and Robi Reed, along with special co-host Traci Blackwell, honor Grammy award-winning Singer-Songwriter Toni Braxton, Influencer, Tabitha Brown, Director and Playwright, David E. Talbert, CEO, The Zeus Network, Lemuel Plummer, President, Disney Branded Entertainment, Ayo Davis, Multi-Grammy award-winning Producer, Warryn Campbell, and Grammy and Golden Globe award-winning Singer and Actress, Andra Day, hosted by Producer and New York Times best-selling Author, DeVon Franklin with a live performance from Grammy award-winning Tasha Cobbs Leonard. Saturday November 2, 2024 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, Beverly Hills, CA. Culture Kitchen returns Wednesday, October 30, at 9 PM ET/8C.ITALIAN MY WAYIn this episode, Chef Bren draws inspiration from her travels to Italy, showcasing meals from the Amalfi Coast. She begins with a refreshing limoncello spritzer, followed by a spicy seafood pasta made with a tomato base, fresh herbs, and crushed red pepper. To finish, she prepares a fresh tomato basil salad drizzled with balsamic dressing.#CultureKitchenhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FbzmLN-_k8 New Soul Kitchen returns Wednesday, October 30, at 9:30 PM ET/8:30C.ASIAN FLAVORSIn this episode, we explore delicious Asian flavors as Chef Bernard prepares flavorful General Tso's shrimp served with jasmine rice. He also puts his unique twist on Buddha's Delight by adding chicken and beef. To finish things off, he mixes up a refreshing citrus Saketini.#NewSoulKitchenhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcO5nZwZWlo BET Media Group will premiere the "BET Black Men's Summit," hosted by comedian, actor, and radio host D.L. Hughley. Airing on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at 10 PM ET/9 PM CT and streaming on BET+, BET.com, and across the BET social media platforms, this special convenes influential Black men from an array of industries and backgrounds in-depth conversations on the critical issues impacting their communities ahead of the 2024 presidential election. There is a heightened focus on Black men as a crucial demographic in this presidential election. The "BET Black Men's Summit invites viewers to reflect on the layered complexities Black men encounter while also celebrating their contributions and strength. From persistent economic disparities and the effects of inflation to reproductive rights and the ongoing fight against misinformation targeting Black voters, this candid conversation creates a space for vulnerability and challenges false narratives in mainstream media. Australia has denied entry to right-wing influencer Candace Owens due to her controversial comments about Nazi medical experiments and the Holocaust. “From downplaying the impact of the Holocaust with comments about [Nazi doctor Josef] Mengele through to claims that Muslims started slavery, Candace Owens has the capacity to incite discord in almost every direction,” Immigration Minister Tony Burke told Australian outlets. “Australia’s national interest is best served when Candace Owens is somewhere else,” Burke added. Owens was set to kick off her speaking tour on Nov. 17 in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide. She was also slated to speak in Auckland on Nov. 14. “Tickets to these events are selling for $100,” Burke told in The Sydney Morning Herald. “I hope she has a good refunds policy.” https://youtu.be/oIusIK-4Sc0 Singer Loomis issued an apology for her disastrous performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” during a live C-SPAN broadcast. She butchered the song at the Free & Equal Presidential Debate between three third-party presidential nominees last week. At one point, she stopped and dropped the F-bomb while requesting to start over, but someone off-camera reminded her that the broadcast was live and that she had to continue. After the performance, Loomis rushed off stage and later issued an apology on Instagram. “First off, I would like to apologize to the Free and Equal political team for this mishap, and from the bottom of my heart I wanted to apologize,” she stated in a video. “And I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to mess up the National Anthem, and I wanted to thank you guys for giving me a chance and believing in me. Please forgive me.” Loomis added, “I was always scared I was going to fail, and then I did, and the world’s seen it. So I just wanted anybody out there who’s seen, that you can change anything negative into something positive.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1850146394880770090 In the post’s caption, Loomis wrote, “I was a little late there and didn’t have a clear cue, which left me flustered when we went live! I know it wasn’t my best, and I’m truly sorry if it didn’t hit the mark. I take full responsibility on my part and ask that you don’t use this incident to reflect on the artist I am and trying to be.” She added, “I’m so grateful for the opportunity and all the love and support I’ve received. I’m taking this as a lesson learned, and I can’t wait to come back even stronger!” https://www.instagram.com/officialloomis/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=1e62d433-bfbb-4b4c-bcc3-5f14bb439da9 As Vibe reports, in a separate statement, Loomis addressed cursing during the live broadcast, saying, “When I realized I messed up, I panicked and cursed. I was so nervous and that’s when you all saw everything that happened. It’s the National Anthem, my family was watching, especially my Dad — I didn’t mean to. But I was reacting in the raw and unfiltered way that I am.” https://youtu.be/HLCplaowzy8 Caring for a family member with dementia can be heartbreaking and difficult in so many ways. One of the hardest tasks may be protecting them from ruining their finances as their condition deteriorates. Research shows that those with dementia often show signs of financial trouble years before diagnosis. Left unchecked, their unpaid bills, gratuitous spending or willingness to give away their money whenever asked can drain their savings and push them into debt. Here’s how you can protect a loved one in cognitive decline from financial harm. Amber Rose has accused Beyoncé of copying her RNC speech. The superstar singer endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris during a campaign rally in Houston Friday. Beyoncé told the crowd. “I’m not here as a celebrity, I’m not here as a politician. I’m here as a mother,” she said. “A mother who cares deeply about the world my children and all of our children live in, a world where we have the freedom to control our bodies, a world where we’re not divided.” Bey graced the stage with her mom, Tina Knowles, and Kelly Rowland who did her best not to upstage Beyonce by wearing an unflattering oversized suit that made her look like a Temu version of Groucho Marx. Amber Rose turned to social media after Bey’s rally appearance and accused the songstress of “stealing” her RNC speech. The mother of two said, “She wanna be me so bad. Literally took my whole speech.” It’s worth noting that there are some similarities; both Rose and Beyoncé discussed motherhood and how it influenced their choice of president. https://twitter.com/sumit45678901/status/1850547703798767711?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1850547703798767711%7Ctwgr%5E683102a806e2a82166329a7269b21bb5be96a8a7%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Famber-rose-accuses-beyonce-of-stealing-her-rnc-speech%2F Now this is the definition of a bad girl. OK, it’s one definition. And it’s a doozy! An 8-year-old girl from Bedford, Ohio, is home safely after taking her mother’s car on a bold adventure to a Target store, a journey that prompted her family and local police to search for her. Zoe Wilson set off in her mother Tangie’s 2020 Nissan Rogue on the morning of September 15, triggering a frantic response from her family when they realized she was missing shortly before 9am. The search for Zoe commenced after her family discovered she had vanished, last seen nearly two hours earlier. A neighbor came to the family’s aid by providing crucial footage from their Ring camera, revealing Zoe getting into the vehicle and driving away around 7 a.m. The sight of such a young girl taking off by herself raised alarms about her safety and well-being. Local police immediately launched a search for Zoe, establishing a timeline of the situation. Officers from the neighboring town of Bainbridge played a pivotal role when they spotted the Nissan Rogue parked at a Target store, roughly 11 miles from the child’s home. Dashcam footage from a vigilant driver revealed the car weaving in and out of lanes, further emphasizing the urgency of the situation and the remarkable circumstances surrounding Zoe’s journey, reports Today. https://youtu.be/D54vPKdsawQ Fortunately, the search ended positively when officers located Zoe inside the Target store, unharmed and in good spirits. Her family arrived shortly afterward to pick her up and reclaim the vehicle. During the reunion, Zoe revealed that she had encountered an obstacle during her drive, admitting that she had hit a mailbox on her way to the store. As the Bedford Police Department shared light-hearted commentary about the situation on social media, they noted, “Not sure what she bought or if she was even able to use her Target app to save 5%,” adding a playful remark about allowing her to finish her Frappuccino before heading home. This humorous take on the incident struck a chord with the community, showcasing the lighter side of this unusual event while also highlighting the importance of child safety. https://www.tiktok.com/@reyahthelastdragon/video/7422752303570013483?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fzoe-wilson-8-is-safe-at-home-after-driving-herself-to-target%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121468991%2C121439635%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7422752303570013483 Social media users responded with a mix of amusement and admiration for Zoe’s boldness. Comments on the police department’s post praised her adventurous spirit, with one user remarking: “This is the best out of all the kids driving stories. Long distance and she got everything correctly.” Another chimed in, reflecting on their own childhood spirit: “Not gonna lie. That sounds like something my 8-year-old self would have done.” Zoe’s adventurous spirit raised conversations about child independence, parental supervision, and community safety in humorous yet meaningful ways. While the incident may have ended without serious ramifications, it serves as a reminder for parents about the importance of securing vehicles and keeping a close watch on young children. Ultimately, this lighthearted adventure in Bedford has turned into a heartwarming story of relief and laughter, allowing Zoe to recount her journey while reminding the community of the joy and unpredictability of childhood. https://youtu.be/6PLOVRMAfPI Popular social media outlet TikTok has entered the parody zone, courtesy of “Saturday Night Live.” According to Vibe, the outlet pulled out the stops to draw laughs as frequent viral figures who use TikTok were highlighted. Kenan Thompson led the way, impersonating Keith Lee to review a “Hennessy, habanero, fruity pebble chicken sandwich, from the fictitious “Lisa’s Soul Food in Atlanta.” “I’m not gon’ lie y’all. That’s nasty,” Thompson’s influencer shared while taking a cue from the food critic’s TikTok videos. The “SNL” icon gave his verdict after taking a bite of the sandwich while sitting in a car. And the funnyman’s imitation would not be complete without including Lee’s signature zoom-in. As the TikTok parody continues, Heidi Gardner, Devon Walker and Bowen Yang bring the humor to their respective impersonations of Nara Smith, Dr. Umar Johnson and Harry Daniels, respectively. Even Vice President Kamala Harris isn’t immune with her campaign’s text message inquiries being lampooned via a returning Maya Rudolph as the Democratic presidential candidate. https://youtu.be/d6ZwQMxqx1M Highlighting the “trad wife” trend, Gardner does her spoofing Nara Smith’s style as Greta Meadows. “Today my husband asked for beef tacos and I didn’t want to let him down, so I slaughtered our cow and picked the corn myself,” she jokes in Smith’s tone and cadence, Vibe noted, adding that Meadows she destroys her law degree later in the clip to make paper from scratch because her children wanted to color. Other highlights from the TikTok parody included Chloe Fineman channeling Alex Cooper and the Call Her Daddy podcast, James Austin Johnson humorously doling out his imitation of Donald Trump and Ego Nwodim bring Reesa Teesa to the situation with a multipart series explaining her “beef” with Chilli’s. All in all, Vibe mentioned how the “SNL” sketch served as a metaphor for missing out on memorable life moments to scroll endlessly on social media. Check out the SNL sketch above to see how it all ends for the parodied TikTok viral fixtures. https://eurweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Kenan-Thompson-SNL-Keith-Lee.webp A two-part documentary about “The Jerry Springer Show” is coming to Netflix on January 7, 2025. Per Netflix, here’s the synopsis: “This jaw-dropping, premium two-part series will tell the story of The Jerry Springer Show as it’s never been told before. Packed with extraordinary first-hand testimony and revelations from show insiders, the series explores how this daytime talk show became one of the biggest and most outrageous TV hits of the nineties. But behind the entertaining facade lay some darker truths. As we hear from the producers and ex-guests of The Jerry Springer Show, a murkier picture begins to emerge of the destruction it caused, raising renewed questions about who was responsible, and how far things should go in the name of entertainment.” Directed by Luke Sewell, the doc will focus on the controversial talk show that ran in syndication from 1991 to 2018. Springer passed away peacefully at his home in Chicago on April 27, months after being diagnosed with cancer. He was 79. “Jerry’s ability to connect with people was at the heart of his success in everything he tried whether that was politics, broadcasting or just joking with people on the street who wanted a photo or a word,” family spokesman Jene Galvin said in a statement, the UK Mirror reports. https://youtu.be/YBly7HQi6zk Sade has released her first single in six years and the track ‘Young Lion’ appears on Red Hot Organization’s trans-inclusive compilation EP ‘Transa: Selects’ The single, released on Friday (October 25), is an apology ballad to the singer’s transgender son Izaak Adu, and features lyrics asking her son for forgiveness. Per The Independent, she sings: “Young man, it’s been so heavy for you /You must have felt so alone/ The anguish and pain/ I should’ve known. “With such a heavy burden/ You had to carry all on your own/ Forgive me, son/ I should’ve known.” https://youtu.be/OwtYptpIEcE Kendrick Lamar and fellow artist SZA spoke about their future in music in a new conversation for Harper’s Bazaar, with the rapper revealing that music isn’t his true calling. “I get fulfilled sharing my experiences with the youth and allowing them to hear these stories and hear these experiences and catch up to them,” Lamar explained, NME reports. “So to actually answer your question, it’s communication just with people in general,” he continued. “And I feel my work in music is just the start. I don’t think it’s my end goal. I know it’s not my end goal. Music is just a vessel to get me there.” Lamar noted that he’s “curious” so that “keeps me energized,” the hip-hop star added. “Information. I want it all. I want the resources. I wanna meet people smarter than me. I wanna talk to them. I want them to show me things,” Lamar said. “I just wanna be fulfilled with whatever this world has to offer. That shit hypes me up. Information. I’m a motherf*cking nerd for it.” Oh, to be a sports fan in Los Angeles this past weekend. There was truly something for everyone: the East LA Classic between Garfield and Roosevelt High Schools, USC Trojans football, the Rams, Chargers, Lakers, Clippers, Kings, and Galaxy were all in action, but the biggest thing going, and the hottest, and priciest ticket in town was the Dodgers versus the Yankees in Games 1 and 2 of the World Series. Chicago Sky star Angel Reese has extended her partnership with Reebok. Their collaboration began in October 2023 when Reese, then playing for LSU, became Reebok’s first long-term name, image, and likeness (NIL) signing, PEOPLE reports. While Reebok did not disclose the specifics of the deal, they announced that Reese’s signature sneaker is set to launch in 2026. Per ESPN, Reebok’s head of basketball Jide Osifeso said, “Reebok and Angel are growing together every day and our visions for the future are aligned. We’re excited to continue the relationship with a ground-up build of her signature silhouette.” Reese recently discussed the shoe with Shaquille O’Neal, the president of Reebok Basketball, on her Unapologetically Angel podcast. “I’m extremely excited to let you guys know that we are officially coming out with a Reebok by Angel signature shoe,” she said on the show. https://www.instagram.com/reebokbasketball/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=5bc265b5-0ade-4a64-926d-5bb03a8b3dc2 Solange Knowles has opened up about her struggles with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), which Johns Hopkins describes as “a blood circulation disorder that causes heart rate to increase and symptoms to worsen when standing upright.” Knowles, 38, wrote about her experience with POTS in the comments section of 33-year-old musician Shaun Rosss’ Instagram post about his POTS diagnosis which he said developed as a result of long COVID. “Sending u so much love and strength Shaun and to all in the comments struggling with the debilitating, confusing, and lonely symptoms of POTS,” Knowles wrote. According to US Magazine, Knowles also revealed she was previously diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), noting that she can “really relate to not wanting your health to be your identity.” The superstar singer also gave a shout-out to Dysautonomia International, a nonprofit that “seeks to improve the lives of individuals living with autonomic nervous system disorders,” per its website. “The good folks at @dysautonomiaintl were really an incredible resource for me and I feel really grateful for the spoonie community for holding me down during my times of complete uncertainty!” she wrote. https://www.instagram.com/shaunross/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=0ce6fd39-c5af-4751-a644-b46afa907689 The popular game shows “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune” are facing allegations of racial discrimination following complaints filed in California by two former employees. According to AOL, the complaints against Sony Pictures Entertainment assert that both shows discriminated against former employees and contestants. The individuals involved claim they were given fewer job opportunities and lower pay compared to their white colleagues. Additionally, they reported inappropriate incidents such as hearing racially insensitive comments, including jokes about a Black contestant’s hairstyle. The complainants, identified as Shelley Ballance Ellis and Monique Diaz, worked for 26 and 23 years, respectively with the game shows. Both women were laid off in April during a corporate restructuring at the company. Ballance Ellis alleged that “I and others were targeted by Sony because we opposed discrimination,” according to USA Today’s review of the complaints. In a statement shared with Parade, a rep for Sony Pictures Entertainment said the company “takes all allegations of discrimination very seriously.” “Earlier this year there was a broad reorganization of our game show group that resulted in the elimination of several roles to address redundancies and evolving business needs of a 40+-year-old operation. Those eliminations were business efficiency decisions and not retaliatory,” the statement continued. The Miami Heat unveiled an 8-foot bronze statue honoring Dwyane Wade’s NBA legacy but the monument is facing backlash from fans who feel it misses the mark. Wade attended the ceremony on Sunday (Oct. 27), outside of Kaseya Center Wade, where he was joined by his family and several of his former teammates. Per ABC News, the statue depicts his “This is my house” moment following a game-winning double-overtime shot against the Chicago Bulls in 2019. “I was just like, ‘That’s beautiful,” Wade, who spent 13 seasons with the Miami Heat, said of the statue during a news conference, according to the Miami Herald. “I’m biased, but I think it’s one of the best statues that’s been created because of what it represents for us and for me.” Wade’s immortalization received mixed reactions from many fans who don’t believe the statue looks like him. One person on X wrote, “Did the Heat even look at this statue before unveiling it???.” Another added, “LMAO! If you look up the company who did this, there’s a 97% chance they had DEI hires involve. https://twitter.com/Rachel__Nichols/status/1850661498361659436?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1850690944959455728%7Ctwgr%5E93a1ede760996905f7480430e2c43a4643a748e1%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Ffans-criticize-dwyane-wades-miami-heat-statue%2F That does not look anything like Dwayne [sic] Wade. Heat get your money back,” another online critic commented. “Bro fix the face PLEASE how do they get the other details right and mess up the face this hard,” one Wade fan added. https://twitter.com/Nasteshia1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1850879641373839858%7Ctwgr%5E93a1ede760996905f7480430e2c43a4643a748e1%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Ffans-criticize-dwyane-wades-miami-heat-statue%2F Africa’s tectonic activity is allegedly splitting the continent, potentially creating a new ocean in about 50 million years. This process echoes Earth’s historical shifts, including the breakup of the ancient supercontinent Pangea around 230 million years ago, Indy 100 reports. Evidence of these massive continental shifts is found in fossils, like those of the Cynognathus, a prehistoric creature whose remains are located only in Africa and South America, indicating these regions were once connected. According to National Geographic, the East African Rift System (EARS) showcases this tectonic activity, extending across several African countries, including Kenya, Ethiopia, and Tanzania. Over the past 25 million years, a significant crack has formed here, slowly dividing the African plate into two segments: the Nubian and the Somalian plates. This rift will eventually widen, allowing oceanic waters to fill the gap and forming a new ocean. “The valley has a history of tectonic and volcanic activities,” geologist David Adede told the Daily Nation at the time “Whereas the rift has remained tectonically inactive in the recent past, there could be movements deep within the Earth’s crust that have resulted in zones of weakness extending all the way to the surface.” https://youtu.be/LYZiXzExUbs In case you didn’t notice, REVOLT has announced the release of a special Halloween-themed episode of its hit talk show, “Caresha Please.” This highly anticipated episode features Caresha (a/k/a Yung Miami) channeling her inner Oprah Winfrey, while Mariah the Scientist dazzles in a costume inspired by Vice President Kamala Harris, setting the stage for a captivating conversation. Filmed in the spirit of Halloween, this episode goes beyond mere costumes and lighthearted fun. Caresha and Mariah share their authentic stories, exploring the struggles and vulnerabilities they’ve embraced along their journeys. They discuss the vital role of self-care and the proactive steps they take to protect their craft in a demanding industry. Mariah also opens up about her music, revealing her sources of inspiration and the transformative power of art. Together, they underscore the importance of staying true to oneself in both personal relationships and professional endeavors. This special episode promises an empowering and insightful experience that will resonate with viewers on multiple levels. “This episode was all about being open and real,” said Caresha. “Mariah and I had a chance to connect on a deeper level, and I’m excited for everyone to see this side of us.” https://youtu.be/UecwdhGxIDU Paramount+ unveiled the trailer for the documentary “Larger Than Life: Reign of the Boybands,” offering viewers a look into the behind-the-scenes chaos of boy band stardom. The synopsis states: From The Beatles and The Jackson 5 through New Edition, *NSYNC, New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys, to SEVENTEEN and more, the documentary offers an inside look at the era’s defining boy bands. Featured personalities include AJ McLean, Chris Kirkpatrick, Donnie Wahlberg, Donny Osmond, Jeff Timmons, HANSON, Lance Bass, Michael Bivins, Nick Lachey, SEVENTEEN (HOSHI & VERNON) and Tiffany – all reflecting on their impact and the trajectory of boy band popularity in the zeitgeist. Produced by MTV Entertainment Studios in partnership with Gunpowder & Sky, this captivating documentary delves into the evolution of boy bands, one of pop culture’s most enduring musical movements, highlighting the genre’s rich history from the groundbreaking influence of The Beatles to the global rise of K-pop and shining a spotlight on the iconic groups of the 1990s and 2000s, per the news release. https://youtu.be/OdezhPUX9Q4 Disney’s “Moana 2” is almost here! This time she’s back with more adventure, more culture, and more friends. Since the original release in 2016, the Disney animation team of directors, writers and Oceanic Cultural Trust members have been hard at work. The original cast returns, starring Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson with a host of others who made the film an international blockbuster. Disney invited a day for media members to embark on an exciting adventure at their Burbank studios to participate in all things “Moana 2.” From drawing a miniature Maui (Johnson’s character), and learning about the sounds added from the foley artist. To voicing a character from a scene in the movie and enjoying a serenade from the film’s singers and songwriters, Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear. https://vimeo.com/1024175322 Lizzo has taken a rather silly reference to her on a recent “South Park” episode and elevated it to a hilarious Halloween costume. The Grammy-winning singer shared a series of new posts to her verified Instagram on Saturday showing her outfit, which consisted of a faux drug box brandishing her name along with some fine-print warnings including “FDA approved,” “Diet suppressor,” and “For single patient use only.” Instead of a belt, Lizzo wore a measuring tape that cinched the box dress at her waist. In her first picture, Lizzo posed in an old-school-style print ad that asked, “Need self-love? Try Lizzo! Lose guilt, gain self-confidence.” Her caption for the post read, “Ok Halloween… you can start now.” Subsequent posts included a video snippet showing Lizzo dancing in her costume in front of a cutout of “South Park” character Cartman, as audio from the show’s Ozempic episode played. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBl_kKFv_9a/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=d84adef8-97c6-4f90-8e8f-9a866a862ff4 The May episode, titled “South Park: The End of Obesity,” satirized the increasing popularity of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro, and included a spoof ad for a fake product named “Lizzo.” In a scene from the show, “South Park” characters Sharon and Sheila discuss the “amazing” new drugs that Sharon has been taking to manage her weight, but since her insurance only covers weight loss drugs for those with diabetes, Sharon reveals, “There’s a whole new obesity drug for those of us who can’t afford Ozempic and Mounjaro.” The scene then transitions to a fake commercial advertising “Lizzo,” a drug that “makes you feel good about your weight, and it costs 90% less than Ozempic.” “In case studies, 70% of patients on Lizzo no longer cared how much they weighed,” the fake commercial’s narrator says. “Lizzo helps you eat everything you want and keep physical activity to a minimum… Ask about the power of not giving a f**k, with Lizzo,” the commercial adds, along with a series of side effects. https://www.instagram.com/lizzobeeating/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=ad94d5f4-6085-4172-afd1-5559c92ff420 In her live reaction video on Instagram and TikTok at the time, Lizzo said, “That’s crazy, I just feel like damn, I’m really that b*tch.” “I really showed the world how to love yourself and not give a f**k, to the point where these men in Colorado know who the f**k I am, and put it on their cartoon that’s been around for 25 years,” she added, referring to “South Park” creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, who met at the University of Colorado Boulder and set the show in the state. Lizzo has long advocated for body positivity and spoken out about the body shaming she faces on social media. https://www.instagram.com/lizzobeeating/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=1389ed8e-cb34-4f08-96fb-456132f5ee14 Molly Kunz, tars as Phoebe in NBC’s drama “The Irrational” talks about her character’s evolving journey this season. The second season premiered on October 8 and was the #1 new show last season in total viewers and the #2 broadcast series, in total viewers among Black audiences. The Irrational was also one of NBC’s top digital launches to-date across all major platforms. As the second season gets underway, Kunz offered a sneak peek into episode 204, “Formal Ties,” airing Tuesday, October 29, and shared insights into Phoebe’s story arc and pivotal moments. She also discussed the unique dynamic between Phoebe and Alec Mercer, portrayed by series star Jesse L. Martin. Phoebe’s storyline this season builds on her ongoing struggles. At the end of last season, she switched careers but now she appears to be second-guessing that choice. “She’s discovering that her professor that she works for now, Professor Myers, is a bit duplicitous,” Kunz said. “Maybe she’s not who Phoebe thought she was and maybe not somebody that she can ultimately respect in a workplace. Phoebe needs to decide if that’s the environment she wants to be in. That’s a big decision.” https://youtu.be/uJaW_qzpbF4 With Election Day fast approaching, campaigns are intensifying efforts to secure the allegiance of a crucial voting demographic: Black Americans. As Vice President Kamala Harris promotes her “Opportunity Agenda for Black Men,” former President Donald Trump and the Republican Party are making inroads into a constituency that typically leans Democratic. Recent polling indicates that a significant percentage of Black voters in battleground states are still firmly backing Harris. However, there are signs of a shift among certain subgroups, particularly younger Black men. A new poll from Howard University reveals that 82% of Black voters in key battleground states plan to support Vice President Harris in the upcoming election. In contrast, 12% of respondents indicate they lean toward Trump, with another 5% remaining undecided. Notably, Trump’s support appears to be growing, particularly among Black men under 50, drawing political analysts’ attention. Earlier this week, MSNBC’s Alex Wagner interviewed members of the “Black Republicans Club of Philadelphia,” a group intent on casting their votes for Trump regardless of the broader election trends. Dr. Prince Johnakin, a club member, stated confidently, “We’re voting for Donald Trump unequivocally, period.” With two weeks remaining until the election, the club members expressed their determination to galvanize votes for Trump and champion their perspectives on various issues. https://youtu.be/Q5iQ2LwcDJI Among the significant issues motivating these individuals are concerns about immigration. Dorian Urizar shared his apprehensions regarding new immigrants and their perceived impact on communities. “For us, seeing the new immigrants come in, they’re more violent, there’s more chaos,” he explained, reflecting a complex perspective often observed in demographic discussions surrounding immigration. While some members of the group expressed support for Trump’s strict immigration policies, they indicated uncertainty around specific proposals, such as mass deportation. This nuanced view underscores the overlapping fears many voters have regarding crime, community cohesion, and the impact of immigration on their everyday lives. https://youtu.be/CTALeWrslTY In a vibrant display of support for Vice President Kamala Harris, global superstar Beyoncé made headlines with her endorsement at a rally focused on abortion rights in Houston, Texas. Beyoncé’s appearance came almost seven months after Harris praised Beyoncé’s album, “Cowboy Carter,” for redefining country music and reclaiming its Black roots. This recent rally marks a significant moment as the pop icon called on Americans to “sing a new song” in the upcoming election by supporting Harris’s campaign for the presidency. During the rally, held in her hometown, Beyoncé was joined by singer and actress Kelly Rowland as they rallied for abortion rights in a state known for having some of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country. “We are at the precipice of an incredible shift,” Beyoncé declared to the crowd. “Your vote is one of the most valuable tools, and we need you.” https://youtu.be/LoUAySu3WD0 The hip-hop community is mourning the loss of DJ Clark Kent, a prominent record producer acclaimed for his work with legendary artists such as Jay-Z, The Notorious B.I.G., Mariah Carey, and many more. Kent passed away on Thursday evening after a courageous three-year fight against colon cancer, leaving behind a legacy marked by his profound impact on the genre and the artists he worked with. He was 58 years old. In a heartfelt statement shared via Kent’s Instagram account on Friday, his family expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support they received during this challenging time. Surrounded by his wife, Kesha, his daughter, Kabriah, and son, Antonio, Kent’s family asked for privacy as they grieve this immense loss. “The family is grateful for everyone’s love, support, and prayers during this time and ask for privacy as they process this immense loss,” the message concluded. DJ Clark Kent’s production credits include classic tracks such as Jay-Z’s “Brooklyn’s Finest,” The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Sky’s the Limit,” Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s “Player’s Anthem,” Mariah Carey’s “Loverboy,” and Kanye West and Lil Pump’s “I Love It.” Additionally, he collaborated with notable artists like Slick Rick, Rakim, and Rick Ross, showcasing his versatile talents and ability to elevate any project he worked on, reports Yahoo Entertainment. https://youtu.be/0P98BxXOE7o The news of Kent’s passing arrives just two months after veteran radio personality Angie Martinez announced her plans to direct a feature-length documentary titled “God’s Favorite DJ: The Story of DJ Clark Kent.” Martinez penned an emotional tribute to Kent, highlighting his unique contributions to hip-hop. “DJ Clark Kent is a rare gem whose influence is seen in nearly every era of hip-hop’s history books,” she stated. “It’s important that we spotlight the heroes who push the art form with purity and authenticity. I am honored to help share Clark’s many truths with the world.” Clark Kent also expressed his appreciation for the upcoming documentary, emphasizing Martinez’s dedication to storytelling. He remarked that her “entire career has been rooted in telling stories in a beautiful & meaningful way,” conveying the respect he held for her work. https://www.instagram.com/djclarkkent/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=eaf7897d-3249-4f7d-8946-e8769109c82d Kent’s battle with colon cancer highlights the disease’s prevalence and the importance of awareness. Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, starts in the colon or rectum and is one of the most common types of cancer affecting individuals across genders. It is particularly prevalent among those over the age of 50. According to the American Cancer Society, colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, ranking as the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_ilydagVNm/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=4a399d76-75ca-4cdc-9c5f-a9b753e669de Actress Tia Mowry is navigating a challenging moment in her health journey following the revelation of abnormal mammogram results. The 46-year-old star, best known for her work on “Sister, Sister,” opened up about her emotional experience in an upcoming episode of her show, “Tia Mowry: My Next Act.” The episode highlights her vulnerability as she copes with the anxiety that often accompanies uncertain health news. During a poignant segment released online, Mowry received a phone call from her doctor’s office while she was in the car with her assistant, Ciara, according to Essence. The professional on the other end delivered alarming news. “We got your results back in from your mammogram and your results have come back abnormal. What that means is that we’d like to schedule you to come in for a biopsy as soon as possible so we can get some further insight.” The moment left Mowry visibly stunned. “Um…I don’t know, hold on. I’m sorry. Oh my God,” she replied, her voice shaky as she processed the information. This alarming news serves as a stark reminder of the importance of regular health examinations and the emotional toll they can take. https://twitter.com/i/status/1845213307348697259 Justin Combs is sadly following in his dad Sean “Diddy” Combs’ footsteps with his own set of legal worries. the younger Combs is involved in auto-related drama with missed payments for a new Bentley Bentayga V8, according to The Blast. The situation, which stems months before Diddy’s arrest and indictment in September, involves a lawsuit Porsche Leasing Ltd. field against Justin for breaching the terms of their contract in June. Although the company recently petitioned the court to grant a default judgment against Justin, his legal team countered, arguing that Porsche Leasing’s suit was a big misunderstanding. Detailing the case, media sources reveal Porsche Leasing Ltd. entered a lease for the Bethe Bentley Bentayga V8 with Justin and his JDC Holdings Group in January 2022. Justin initially agreed to make 42 payments of $3,365.23 but breached the terms of their agreement when he failed to make payments on December 20, 2023. Citing the deal, Porsche Leasing cited the deal when stating they could demand the entire amount owed if a default occurred. The lawsuit argued: “Therefore, there is now due, owing, and unpaid from the Defendant the approximate sum of $172,601.43, plus additional charges under the terms of the Agreement Interest accrues from December 20, 2023, at the legal rate of 10% per annum, until paid in full,” the lawsuit voiced. Shaquille “Shaq” O’Neal‘s recent comments about WNBA star Angel Reese have sparked significant outrage on social media, raising questions about the boundaries of appropriate discussion concerning women athletes. During his guest appearance on Reese’s podcast, “Unapologetically Angel,” O’Neal (52) made remarks regarding Reese’s attire while she was filming a segment for Nick Cannon’s “Wild ‘N Out.” The 22-year-old pro-bball star was seen wearing a light blue crop top and matching shorts, prompting O’Neal to share unsolicited marketing advice that many perceived as inappropriate. “Imagine you in them same little a** shorts you had on at the Wild N’ Out show dunking. You know how many T-shirts you gone sell? You tripping,”Shaq told her. Reese’s discomfort was palpable as O’Neal continued to comment on her outfit and the visual implications of her dunking in such revealing clothing. Despite her attempts to shift the conversation to more neutral topics, O’Neal’s fixation on her shorts persisted, which many viewers found unsettling. https://youtu.be/1bBiVRX5bWk The clip from the podcast quickly went viral, leading to widespread condemnation of O’Neal’s behavior, with critics labeling his comments as “creepy” and accusing him of objectifying Reese. The backlash was swift and intense, with many advocating for the TNT Network to take action against the former basketball player, calling for his suspension or even dismissal due to what they described as overt misogyny. Commentary from social media users was particularly harsh; women voiced their concerns that O’Neal’s remarks constituted sexual harassment in front of a large audience, disrupting the safe space that should exist for female athletes. However, O’Neal’s comments also received a measure of support from some quarters, largely from male commentators who argued that Reese’s choice of attire was provocative and thereby invited such attention. This victim-blaming stance intensified the critique revolving around the conversation, with many asserting that O’Neal should have recognized the potential impact of his words, regardless of Reese’s outfit choice. Comments on social media reflected a deep frustration with O’Neal’s remarks, with one user pointing out the inherent problem with older men failing to grasp how their words can be perceived: “My issue with men is that they ‘forget’ how old they are which also aids in them being creeps.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1849858165002862719 Another comment drew parallels to Chris Rock’s past remarks, suggesting that O’Neal’s disconnection from the realities of younger women’s experiences dated him as out of touch. Such reflections have raised broader questions about age, masculinity, and the responsibility of public figures to model respectful behavior. One user articulated the broader implications of Shaq’s conduct, stating, “Shaq has been incredibly creepy since he used to get laughs alongside him post-divorce.” They noted a concerning pattern wherein O’Neal seems to pursue attention from much younger women, further complicating the optics surrounding his advice to Reese and the responsibility he carries as a public figure. As the situation continues to unfold, it serves as a critical reminder of the importance of respect and appropriateness in discussions involving female athletes and public figures. The diverse reactions mark not just a moment of backlash against an individual but also spotlight ongoing conversations about gender dynamics, the portrayal of women in sports, and the societal expectations that govern those interactions. The incident has mobilized discussions about how society views athletes—especially women—and highlights the need for a cultural shift that respects personal agency and expression without compromising dignity. Ultimately, the repercussions of this controversy echo the sentiments of many who advocate for a more respectful dialogue surrounding women in sports, especially as they navigate their careers in the public eye. https://youtu.be/U9BArJONkj0 An Akron, Ohio, Police Department school resource officer has been requested to not return to Firestone Community Learning Center after surveillance video captured him punching a student in the head multiple times. The incident occurred on October 16 “during morning routine metal detector procedures,” according to a news release from Akron Public Schools. “There was an interaction between a student and the SRO, which ultimately resulted in the officer using force against the student,” the release said. The student was instructed multiple times to go through the metal detector, which initially “glowed red and beeped after he went through,” according to a police report obtained by CNN affiliate WEWS. https://youtu.be/kW2fKjQZAnE The report indicates the officer said, that in the interest of keeping the school safe, he wanted to make sure the student didn’t have any weapons. The incident escalated when the student appeared to try to push by two officers, who immediately began attempting to detain the student, surveillance video showed. An officer verbally told the student he was under arrest and grabbed his arms for handcuffing when the student began resisting, the report said. After around 25 seconds of struggling with the student, the officer threw three punches toward the side of his head with a closed fist, according to the report. https://youtu.be/CRptdWgUY48 In an electrifying night that celebrated the legacy of one of music’s greatest icons, Stevie Wonder officially joined the ranks of legends at the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame. The sold-out crowd at Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena was treated to a spectacular performance featuring Wonder’s timeless hits, bringing the audience to its feet in a night of joy and nostalgia. The momentous occasion marked Wonder’s official induction into the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2019. Although he was unable to attend the ceremony in 2019, he was honored to be enshrined by the late Mary Wilson, a founding member of The Supremes, in his hometown—a significant milestone for both Wonder and the organization. “I am truly grateful to be here and to finally receive this honor,” Wonder said, expressing his appreciation to the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame and its founder, LaMont Robinson. “The importance of preserving our musical legacy is vital, and this Hall of Fame plays a crucial role in that mission.” Robinson emphasized the significance of presenting Wonder with his induction award in Detroit, stating, “This is a monumental moment for the Hall of Fame and for all of us who have been inspired by Stevie’s incredible contributions to music.” https://youtu.be/yIE2htyda1g Recently, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the nation’s leading youth non-profit organization, recognized Nico F. as its 2024-2025 National Youth of the Year in a star-studded evening, sponsored by Toyota North America* and Kohl’s. Gathering at the Coca-Cola Roxy in Atlanta—home city to Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s national headquarters—six outstanding young people came together to vie for the prestigious “National Youth of the Year” title and an opportunity to become the organization’s teen spokesperson. In addition to being named National Youth of the Year, Nico will receive a $50,000 college scholarship and gifts and experiences from Boys & Girls Clubs of America partners, Toyota and Kohl’s. Nico’s journey with Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida spans over four years, during which he emerged as a dedicated leader and active volunteer. Nico embraced leadership roles inspiring peers and staff alike, including tutoring and mentoring younger Club members, organizing community projects and fundraising efforts, and volunteering for Club events that promote leadership development. https://youtu.be/QpnfPCB-qoY The untimely death of 19-year-old Gursimran Kaur, a Walmart employee found in a walk-in oven at the store in Halifax, Nova Scotia (Canada), has sent shockwaves through the community and raised urgent discussions about workplace safety. Kaur was discovered by her mother, who also worked at the same location, after a frantic search lasting over an hour. Their close-knit family, originally from India, is now faced with unimaginable grief and financial challenges as they navigate this tragic situation. Kaur’s death occurred on the night of October 19, when her mother began worrying after she hadn’t seen her daughter for an extended period, NBC News reports. The Maritime Sikh Society has organized a fundraiser to support the family, revealing the shocking circumstances of Kaur’s death. The inquiry conducted by the Halifax Regional Police has yet to confirm the cause and manner of death, and an investigation is ongoing. https://youtu.be/GvDcsM7TKoE Authorities were called to the Walmart situated at 6990 Mumford Rd. at approximately 9:30 p.m., where responders found Kaur’s body in the bakery department’s large walk-in oven. The heartbreak was compounded by the harrowing realization that Kaur’s mother was the one who opened the oven, contributing to the tragedy’s nightmarish scenario. As the community rallies around Kaur’s family, the Maritime Sikh Society has successfully raised approximately $120,000 (Canadian dollars) on GoFundMe—well exceeding the original goal of $50,000—dedicated to assisting the grieving family during this trying time. With her father and brother still in India, efforts are underway to bring them to Canada to provide them with familial support. In response to the incident, Walmart has temporarily closed the bakery. It is cooperating with an investigation led by the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration, which issued a stop-work order for the bakery department and related equipment. “We are heartbroken and our deepest thoughts are with our associate and their family,” a Walmart spokesperson said in a statement. “Our focus remains on taking care of our associates and making sure they have the support they need.” The tragic circumstances surrounding Gursimran Kaur’s death have caught the attention of the public, shining a light on the necessary conversations about safety standards in workplaces, especially in environments such as food service. The community’s strong response further underscores the value of communal support in times of grief and loss, as residents of Halifax come together to honor Gursimran’s memory and assist her family through their darkest days. https://youtu.be/xvsSgMehrs8 Beyoncé will appear alongside Vice President Kamala Harris at a rally Friday in Houston, a person familiar with the planning tells CNN, the first joint appearance with the music icon whose anthem has been the soundtrack of the Harris campaign. The appearance, in which Beyoncé will appear with Willie Nelson, is designed to be one of the biggest closing acts of the campaign. Since the moment Harris ascended to the top of the Democratic ticket, the vice president’s team has been working behind the scenes to negotiate a joint appearance before Election Day. Beyoncé’s team did not respond to CNN’s request for comment. https://youtu.be/dcwM1_XiZSs?list=RDNStQh5wuRZY7E During a heated panel following the CNN Town Hall on Wednesday night featuring Vice President Kamala Harris, political commentator Van Jones spotlighted a glaring double standard in the media’s treatment of Harris compared to former President Donald Trump. Amidst a backdrop of Trump’s controversial comments—where he expressed admiration for Hitler’s generals and was labeled a “fascist” by his former chief of staff—the media scrutiny faced by Harris stood in stark contrast, revealing a pattern of “tightrope bias” where women and people of color are held to a different standard than their male counterparts. “Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are not taking the same exam. And I think it bothers people. He gets to be lawless; she has to be flawless. That’s what’s unfair,” Jones asserted during a political panel following the Town Hall. His comments resonated amid criticism directed at Harris for providing nuanced responses to complex policy questions, highlighted during the town hall. While Trump was avoiding the debate stage altogether, Harris engaged directly with undecided voters, defending her record and outlining her proposals. https://youtu.be/mz_cPUwD2MU Harris used the platform to address the pressing issue of housing, noting the limitations both Democrats and Republicans have faced in addressing these challenges. Her responses reflected a commitment to tangible solutions, emphasizing the need to collaborate with the private sector. “For too long, frankly, both administrations haven’t done enough to deal with the issue of housing,” Harris stated, calling for a new approach. Yet, the media’s intense scrutiny was palpable, especially from CNN’s Anderson Cooper, whose frequent interruptions during Harris’s responses drew ire from viewers online. Critics noted that while Harris was under a microscope, Trump evaded direct questioning altogether and faced minimal backlash for his vague policy concepts. One X user commented on the disparity, stating, “CNN brought every GOP candidate on for a #CNNTownHall and let them lie up and down,” while asserting that Harris was being unfairly dissected.\ As both Harris and Trump stand in a dead heat in swing state polling, every media appearance carries significant weight for undecided voters. The phenomenon of “tightrope bias” played a crucial role in the dialogue surrounding the town hall. It illustrates a systemic issue where marginalized leaders, particularly women, must navigate a narrow line in public perception, often facing harsher scrutiny for errors or omissions that would not disqualify their male counterparts. Despite the criticism, many viewers perceived Harris’s performance as commendable, illustrating her ability to remain composed under pressure while connecting with a diverse audience. Her remark, “Donald Trump would have an enemies list; I will have a to-do list,” encapsulated her approach—grounded in pragmatism as opposed to divisiveness. https://youtu.be/sohT3e7BrFw Dave Chappelle and Killer Mike are teaming up for a co-headlining tour called Still Talkin’ That Sh*t that will see them make seven stops across the United States starting in November. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the tour kicks off at Detroit’s Fox Theatre on Nov. 15, before moving on to Atlanta, Rosemont, Illinois, Boston, New York and Oakland. It will wrap at Long Beach’s Terrace Theater on Nov. 24. Per the news release, the Live Nation-produced event is described as “a fusion of music and comedy across a joint set.” No phones will be allowed. “This event will be a phone-free experience. Use of phones, smartwatches and accessories will not be permitted in the performance space. Upon arrival at the venue, all phones, smartwatches and accessories will be secured in individual Yondr pouches that will be opened at the end of the event,” per Live Nation. “Anyone seen using a device (phone, smartwatch or accessories) during the performance will be escorted out of the venue by security.” Chappelle and his Pilot Boy Prods. will own all rights to the show’s content and materials. Tickets for the Live Nation-produced tour go on sale at 12 p.m. local time on Ticketmaster on Oct. 25. https://www.instagram.com/killermike/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=7887a96f-c859-4fba-b73f-ac4fc52774f2 Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg joined Stephen A. Smith’s YouTube show to discuss their 30-year friendship and Snoop’s brand deals. Snoop recalled the conversation he had with Dre when the music producer urged him to turn down a $4.5 million commercial with Jack In The Box. “I want him to do less … I betta not see your head pop out of that f—in’ box. That’s going to be a problem … You’re bigger than that,” Dre stated during the broadcast. Snoop Dogg added, “He would rather see me do a big steak commercial for a company that’s bigger than Jack in the Box. If you going to do something, do the big, or don’t do it at all, in his mind. But my thing is I like to touch everybody. I come from the streets, so I’m from the streets to the suites. Sometimes, he goes from the suites to the streets. I go the other way, so I make sure I touch everybody from the bottom to the top.” Last year, the duo co-founded a spirits company, Still G.I.N. By Dre and Snoop, inspired by their song “Gin & Juice.” https://youtu.be/9IVn-8JyyvU Check out an exclusive clip featuring Tia Mowry from episode two of “Tia Mowry: My Next Act,” premiering Friday, October 25 on We TV. In the clip, after a great first date with Charles, Tia feels like a teenager again when she is asked on a second date. Watch the moment via the YouTube clip. Elsewhere in episode three titled “All is Well,” Tia’s health scare sends her spiraling. Tia gets spicy on her second date with Charles. Jerome thinks Cairo should follow in Tia’s footsteps. Tia uses her platform to spread awareness, but a health summit takes a shocking turn. As we reported earlier, Tia’s new unscripted series premiered on October 4 on WE TV with new episodes available on the popular AMC streaming service ALLBLK. Per the news release, the eight-episode reality series dives head-first into the post-divorce, new-lease-on-life universe of the multi-talented star. https://youtu.be/fVFScL5n3qs Amid swirling allegations surrounding Sean “Diddy” Combs, Academy Award-winning actor and comedian Jamie Foxx has supposedly addressed Combs’ situation but from a different perspective. His own. Reports from Page Six indicate that during a series of tapings for his upcoming Netflix special, “What Had Happened Was,” Foxx made comments regarding his mysterious health scare last year, suggesting a connection to Combs. According to videographer Choke No Joke, who attended two of the three shows held on October 4, 5, and 6 at Atlanta’s Alliance Theatre, Foxx stated that Diddy was somehow responsible for his hospitalization. “Diddy was responsible for what happened to him, and [Foxx] is the one who called the FBI on [Combs],” Choke claimed in a Comedy Hype YouTube video. https://youtu.be/d5_MMXd4wfA Actress Peyton Elizabeth Lee and director Justin Harding talk about their hot new horror-comedy film “Carved,” now streaming on Hulu. Directed by Harding and based on his original short film, “Carved” follows a group of survivors fighting to escape a vengeful pumpkin on Halloween night. Peyton and Justin spoke to us about bringing this unique story to life and what fans can expect from this thrilling and darkly humorous feature. “Comedy horror can be very challenging to pull off,” Harding said exclusively. “The key with this film, we tried to ground it in performance so these characters weren’t trying to be funny. They were inherently funny people and then to try to film it in a very cinematic way. We’re handling it with real cinematic flair but essentially it’s a pumpkin so it’s inherently funny and then the secret to that to do horror comedy is to do 80% horror and 20% comedy. I don’t know how we, I don’t know where we landed in that.” Harding added, “The idea of a killer pumpkin came during a pumpkin carving contest that I was involved in years ago and then it evolved into the short film and that was six years ago we made the short film. Then the idea came up of doing it as a feature and telling a bigger story, I was inspired by the Sturbridge Sleepy Hollow experience, which is a historical village that does a reenactment of Sleepy Hollow that’s an outdoor musical stage play and it’s well done,” he explained. https://youtu.be/HLu0FoIgGCs Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said Thursday he’ll recommend that a judge resentence Lyle and Erik Menendez nearly 30 years after the brothers were convicted of the murders of their parents – a recommendation that he said would make them eligible for immediate parole. “After a very careful review of all arguments made from people on both sides of this equation, I came to a place where I believe under the law resentencing is appropriate and I am going to recommend that to a court tomorrow,” Gascón said at a news conference in Los Angeles. The brothers have been serving life without the possibility of parole since their 1996 convictions of first-degree murder in the 1989 killings of their parents, Jose and Kitty, in their Beverly Hills mansion. Gascón’s decision to recommend a resentencing – the culmination of a review that came after defense attorneys said in 2023 they had new evidence in the case – was made about an hour before he announced it, he said. “I believe that they have paid their debt to society and the system provides a vehicle for their case to be reviewed by a parole board, and if the board concurs with my assessment … they will be released accordingly,” Gascón said in front of a packed room that included several media outlets and family members. A Los Angeles Superior Court judge will ultimately decide whether to resentence the brothers, Gascón’s office said. While Gascón said he’d make his recommendation to the court Friday, a date for a hearing on the matter has not been determined, his office said. https://youtu.be/pVBbdp8xDaY The defense is asking the court to either vacate the brothers’ conviction and sentence or permit discovery and an evidentiary hearing during which they can provide proof, the petition says. The brothers’ story has taken on new interest following the September release of the Netflix series, “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,” co-created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan. Netflix also released a documentary on the Menendez case this month featuring both men discussing what led to the killings. Gascón, who is campaigning for reelection on a platform that includes sentencing reform, told CNN this month that times have changed regarding how the public and the courts treat victims of sexual abuse. “There is no question that a jury today would look at this case probably very differently than a jury did 35 years ago,” he said. https://youtu.be/cQu5y_rE4KU Cameron Fuller, Guyviaud Joseph, and Remington Hoffman talk about their roles and character journeys on the latest season of Tyler Perry’s “Zatima.” The show is in its third season and the actors discussed the complexities their characters face amidst the ongoing drama surrounding Zac and Fatima’s relationship. With intense family dynamics, personal growth, and emotional challenges at play, Fuller, Joseph, and Hoffman shared insights on how their characters evolve and impact the central storyline. The series follows popular characters Zac (Devale Ellis) and Fatima (Crystal Renee Hayslett) as they navigate the ups and downs of their relationship. Here’s the official synopsis: Tyler Perry’s “Zatima” follows popular “Sistas” characters Zac (Devale Ellis) and Fatima (Crystal Renee Hayslett) as they navigate the ups and downs of their relationship. Season three is full of peaks and valleys as Zac and Fatima struggle to protect their relationship from undue damage from outside influences. But when family is involved, it makes things a little more intense. We learn just how deep family trauma can go and the consequences of one’s actions when they don’t think before they act. Will Zac and Fatima survive this dark time? Will Zac and Jeremiah mend their relationship? Or will everyone give up and walk away? https://youtu.be/VCCw5YF4Wuk If all you want for Christmas is Mariah Carey and her famous holiday single, you need to hold your horses. In a humorous video posted to her verified Instagram, Carey is seen on what appears to be a private plane when the opening notes of her iconic “All I Want For Christmas Is You” song come on. Soon, the voice of the “captain” welcomes her aboard and tells her they are headed to the North Pole. “Not yet,” Carey responds in a sing-song voice. “Sorry!” The songstress then adds, “They always rush me.” https://youtu.be/aNfr06p_xFo Carey often makes a celebration of kicking off the holiday season the day after Halloween. This time around she is clearly making light of the fact that holiday preparations have become increasingly early as years go by. Her 1994 hit single and ensuing enthusiasm for the Yuletide has caused many to dub her the “Queen of Christmas,” a title she not only embraces but also unsuccessfully tried to trademark years ago. Last year, the Grammy-winner gifted fans a Christmas tour. https://www.instagram.com/mariahcarey/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=df184249-f369-4a0f-be28-5a3a84ff7429 Billboard chart-topper Jokia is thrilled to announce the release of her debut R&B EP, Love R&B, a collection that showcases her remarkable songwriting talent and artistic vision. The EP features five emotionally resonant tracks that explore the multifaceted nature of love. Among the standout tracks is “Rise,” a powerful anthem that embodies the message of overcoming challenges and rising above adversity. This single has quickly become a fan favorite, resonating deeply with audiences and capturing the essence of Jokia’s journey. The song is not only a highlight of the EP but also set to appear in the highly anticipated films The Heathen and Love Mountain, both slated for release in 2025. This inclusion underscores the song’s powerful message and broad appeal, further establishing Jokia’s influence in both music and film. In Love R&B, each song is a testament to Jokia’s artistic growth. The EP opens with “Call It Love,” produced and composed by Ernest J. Lee for David’s Dance Music and co-produced by Jokia. This beautifully penned ballad reflects on embarking on new beginnings. https://youtu.be/8nFW_Y7m6J8 “Brand New,” produced and composed by Jeshua “Tedy P” Williams and co-produced by Jokia, is reminiscent of the legendary Stylistics hit tune with a riff of their classic “You Make Me Feel Brand New,” capturing the excitement of starting fresh in love. “Brand New,” produced and composed by Jeshua “Tedy P” Williams and co-produced by Jokia, is reminiscent of the legendary Stylistics hit tune with a riff of their classic “You Make Me Feel Brand New,” capturing the excitement of starting fresh in love. “Fight or Flight,” also produced and composed by Jeshua “Tedy P” Williams, features vocal production and background vocals by Keyondra Lockett and is co-produced by Jokia, exploring the emotional turmoil of waiting for change.https://youtu.be/zvwMdnXD2BM “Rise,” produced and composed by Jeshua “Tedy P” Williams and co-produced by Jokia, serves as an inspiring call to action, encouraging listeners to lift themselves up.The EP closes with the instrumental version of “Rise,” produced and composed by Jeshua “Tedy P” Williams and co-produced by Jokia, allowing listeners to appreciate its emotional depth in a new light. All songs on the EP are written and co-produced by Jokia, showcasing her dedication to authentic and heartfelt music. Her commitment to her craft shines through in every track, ensuring a unique listening experience. “I’m incredibly excited to share Love R&B with the world,” said Jokia. “This EP is a reflection of my journey and the many dimensions of love.” https://youtu.be/5lgbfHy-ILs In a recent sermon that has caught the attention of many, Pastor Robert Edwards of Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama, has gone viral for his distinctive message promoting abstinence until marriage. Edwards, who serves as the vice president for enrollment services and retention at the historically Black college, has encouraged students to make thoughtful decisions about their romantic relationships by emphasizing the phrase “No Diddy.” This catchy slogan serves as a call to abstain from sexual encounters, resonating with a younger audience who are often faced with societal pressures regarding intimacy. Speaking directly to the OU Live students, Edwards made it clear that making choices is crucial during their time in college. “Speaking to the OU Live students now, I know you’re trying to make a decision. Even while you are here, you may have to say ‘No Diddy’ to an Oakwood student,” expressed Edwards, who also serves as the Vice President for Enrollment Services and Retention at the HBCU, according to Black Enterprise. https://youtu.be/gBOwVNv42Eg Allow her to reintroduce the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation(BLMGNF). The civil rights organization’s newly appointed chairwoman Cicley Gay is out to spearhead a significant rebrand by celebrating Black lives more than mourning Black death.Chatting with Madame Noire at the official Welcome to Atlanta InvestFest and Black Lives Matter meet and greet event, Gay outlined the rebrand, as it will include a new website, logo, and a renewed commitment to the Black community. “We’re asking people to allow us to reintroduce ourselves,” she said at the official Welcome to Atlanta InvestFest and Black Lives Matter meet and greet event. Gay’s more than 20 years of nonprofit and philanthropic experience in her new role, will be put to the test with a clear vision for the future of BLM’s future. News of the BLM rebrand comes as the organization tries to rebound from a series of controversies surrounding its former leader, Patrisse Cullors. https://www.instagram.com/cicleygay/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=9bfb611e-fde4-41e5-b6aa-1688ce1b76ab Kanye West (AKA Ye) returned to social media on Oct. 23 to unveil the cover art for his forthcoming album. Ye’s new album will be called “Bully,” he announced in his Instagram caption. The cover image depicts a close-up of his face and mouth wide open to flash his grills. The project follows Vultures 1 with Ty Dolla $ign, which was released earlier this year and Vultures 2 dropped in August. “Three albums in one year. Amazing,” one fan wrote in the post’s comments. On X, one fan posted, “I’m personally not a fan of his rushed music from the past 8 years.” Another critic added, “Not only has his music tanked hard, but he hasn’t had a good cover in SO LONG.”A third person wrote, “This album will be slated for release and delayed at least 3 times.” The 2024 World Series kicks off Friday at Dodger Stadium with a historic showdown between the Dodgers and Yankees, marking their 12th meeting—the most of any two teams in World Series history. The Yankees return to the Fall Classic for the first time in 15 years, facing off against the Dodgers in a highly anticipated matchup of baseball giants. Stars like Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, and Mookie Betts will take the field, making this one of the most eagerly awaited World Series in recent memory. Ticket prices for the World Series are skyrocketing as the Yankees make their first appearance in 15 years. According to StubHub prices for a single ticket range from $1000-$4000. On X (formally Twitter), one fan wrote, “In my normal section of 112 LG tickets are $3k a piece!” Another added, “I knew they were going to be expensive, but this is outrageous.” https://youtu.be/tvua4eyw4XI Many MLB fans noted that they’ll be tuning in from the comforts of home. ” I have a nice TV and surround sound I’m good haha,” one person tweeted. https://twitter.com/i/status/1848444873864630322 Passengers on a Spirit Airlines flight were shocked to see a large rat running through the cabin during the flight. A video circulating on social media shows the monstrous rat running along an overhead bin, and visible through an illuminated glass panel. TMZ reports that the incident occurred during a flight from Dallas, Texas to Los Angeles, California. Passengers jokingly called it a “super rat.” The video was shared on social media, with one Instagram user noting that the rat has “probably been all over the world.” Another IG user added, “Rocky Raccoon headed to L/A to be a STAR! He’ll probably be waiting tables at Chucky Cheese next week!”, while a third person joked, “That’s the Spirit Airlines mascot.” Check out the super rat video below. In a statement shared with TMZ, Spirit Airlines said, “We are aware of the video and are taking steps to address this matter.” https://www.instagram.com/dallastexas_tv/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=aaa7cdda-ee1a-408c-94a1-e5ef81535974 Shareef O’Neal, the 24-year-old son of NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal and reality star Shaunie Henderson, has signed with the Sacramento Kings. As the JasmineBrand reports, he previously played for NBA G League Ignite during the 2022-23 season. It’s expected he’ll join the Kings’ G League affiliate, the Stockton Kings. There’s also a chance he could earn a two-way contract with Sacramento if he performs well with the affiliate team. “I’m so proud of you @shareefoneal I can’t even talk about this without crying. I know this was always your goal and the odds you beat to finally see it happen is beyond amazing,” wrote Shaunie in a message to her son on Instagram. She added, “I prayed that you would never give up, that you wouldn’t be discouraged. I know you had some doubtful days but you consistently pushed through. This is so much bigger than basketball.” In the comments to The Jasmine Brand’s post on Instagram, one user wrote, “Shaq and Lebron paving the way for their kids is dope,” while another joked, “On the next season of Basketball Wives…Jackie Christie..”Shaunie knows me and Doug made that happen for her family.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1847407387294027861 Sports reporter Cunningham posted a short video of Shareef with the team, along with the caption: “Today’s glimpse into Kings practice in Sacramento shows Doug McDermott getting acclimated to his new team, Shareef O’Neal participating in practice and Skal Labissiere in practice before he was waived shortly after.” At 18, Shareef was diagnosed with a congenital heart condition, a right anomalous coronary artery, which required life-saving open-heart surgery in December 2018. Although he made a full recovery, the surgery altered his basketball career. In an interview, Shareef recalled Shaq’s support during the health crisis, saying, “I was just waking up; they were teaching me how to walk again, and my dad was like, ‘If you come back from this, you’re the baddest man on the planet.’” https://www.instagram.com/thejasminebrand/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=6477664f-1542-498b-83b2-041ac6647458 Amazon.com is set to implement strict price caps for products on a new low-cost storefront it plans to launch. According to Reuters, citing The Information, the price limits will allow merchants to charge no more than $8 for jewelry, $13 for guitars, and $20 for sofas, as detailed in communications from Amazon to sellers. The company provided a list of 700 items subject to these price restrictions. Amazon is planning to ship orders directly from a facility in Guangdong, China, offering lower fulfillment fees to sellers using this new storefront. The move is part of Amazon’s strategy to launch a low-cost storefront to compete with discount platforms like Temu and Shein, which consumers love due to their extremely low prices. “We are always exploring new ways to work with our selling partners to delight our customers with more selection, lower prices and greater convenience,” an Amazon spokesperson told Reuters. Jennifer Lopez’s first husband, Ojani Noa, has attributed his 1998 divorce from the singer to Sean “Diddy” Combs. In a recent appearance on Despierta America, Noa discussed their brief 11-month marriage and the factors that contributed to its end. “When Sony came and paid her the millions she got, there was Puffy [Combs], who was going to be one of the producers of several tracks on the first album On The 6,” Noa said in Spanish via an English translation, per OK Magazine. “That’s where the deception, the lies, the separation started.” He added, “I was in Los Angeles opening my restaurant and she was between Miami and New York working on the album.” “When I could, I would go to be with her. There, in that distance, in that separation, was where the deception started,” he explained. A$AP Rocky is poised to face a significant moment in his career as jury selection for his trial is scheduled to begin on January 21. The Harlem rapper, known for his contributions to the music industry and his relationship with Rihanna, is grappling with serious allegations that include two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. The charges are linked to an incident involving former friend and fellow A$AP Mob member A$AP Relli, whose real name is Terrell Ephron. Throughout this tumultuous period, Rocky, whose birth name is Rakim Mayers, has remained steadfast in his assertion of innocence. His attorney, Joe Tacopina, emphasized the rapper’s desire to clear his name, stating that the ongoing legal issues weigh heavily on him. The stakes are exceptionally high for Rocky, who faces a potential sentence of up to 24 years in prison if convicted. The case has garnered considerable public attention and is expected to be closely monitored during the proceedings. Superior Court Judge Mark S. Arnold has allowed video cameras in the courtroom, highlighting the importance of transparency in the judicial process. This decision suggests that the trial will attract not only fans but also critics, all eager to see how the case unfolds, Vibe reports via Yahoo News. https://youtu.be/NMetKICoCe4 Originally, the trial was set to begin earlier in the year but was postponed until November 12. Following additional requests from Rocky’s legal team, it has now been rescheduled for early 2024, allowing the rapper to fulfill commitments like his headlining performance at the Rolling Loud festival in Thailand. This series of delays underscores the complexities of balancing personal and professional life amidst legal tumult. During the pre-trial hearings, questions about the potential presence of Rihanna, the pop superstar and mother of Rocky’s two children, arose. While Attorney Tacopina was unable to confirm her (Rihanna’s) daily attendance in court, he indicated that she would likely be present sporadically to show her support for Rocky throughout the trial. This possibility adds another layer of public interest, as fans speculate about the dynamics of their relationship within the context of the unfolding legal drama. https://youtu.be/nxPTJ7Wzf2E Culture Kitchen returns Wednesday, October 23, at 9 PM ET/8C. CUBAN VEGAN VIBES Vegan never tasted this good! In this episode Chef Bren cooks up Caribbean inspired vegan delights. She kicks things off with sweet & spicy Mango Gazpacho, then she roasts plantains & Cuban sweet potatoes with slaw and miso sauce. Get your bowls ready for TONIGHT! #CultureKitchen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIanhtdVZTI New Soul Kitchen returns Wednesday, October 23, at 9:30 PM ET/8:30C. A PERFECT NIGHT FOR TWO Chef Bernard shows how dinner for two can be made right at home. He makes a Jamaican spiced Rasta pasta with shrimp and scallops, then, a wedge salad topped with candied bacon and garlic croutons. Followed by a coconut Mojito with toasted coconut. #NewSoulKitchen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__0S9aTzY5Q A federal judge on Tuesday ordered former Donald Trump attorney and New York mayor Rudy Giuliani to turn over all his valuable possessions and his Manhattan penthouse apartment to the control of Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, the Georgia election workers he defamed and to whom he now owes $150 million. Judge Lewis Liman of the federal court in Manhattan said Giuliani must turn over his interest in the property to the women in seven days, to a receivership they will control. The judge’s turnover order of the luxury items is swift and simple, but the penthouse apartment will have its control transferred so Freeman and Moss can sell it, potentially for millions of dollars. The women, who counted Georgia ballots after the 2020 election, will also be entitled to about $2 million in legal fees Giuliani has said the Trump campaign still owes him, the judge ruled. In addition to the Trump campaign fees and the New York apartment, Giuliani must also turn over a collection of several watches, including ones given to him by European presidents after the September 11, 2001, attacks; a signed Joe DiMaggio jersey and other sports memorabilia; and a 1980 Mercedes once owned by the Hollywood star Lauren Bacall. Additionally, the judge ordered that Giuliani turn over his television, items of furniture, and jewelry. Liman hasn’t yet decided if Giuliani will be able to keep a Palm Beach, Florida, condominium he also owns, or the four New York Yankees World Series rings he has, which Giuliani’s son contends his father gave him. The children of embattled mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs are publicly supporting him amid the music producer’s legal battles. Quincy Brown, 33, and his siblings Justin, 30, Christian, 26, Chance, 18, and 17-year-old twins Jessie and D’Lila Combs, all shared a statement and photo of themselves together on social media. Their two-year-old sister Love, her mother, Dana Tran, their paternal grandmother, Janice Combs, and their father are also in the photo. “The past month has devastated our family. Many have judged both him and us based on accusations, conspiracy theories, and false narratives that have spiraled into absurdity on social media,” their caption reads. “We stand united, supporting you every step of the way. We hold onto the truth, knowing it will prevail, and nothing will break the strength of our family. WE MISS YOU & LOVE YOU DAD.” The post comes a day after seven new lawsuits were filed against Sean Combs, including two from accusers who claim they were minors at the time they were allegedly drugged and assaulted by him. https://youtu.be/WHKRatEKYf4 The latest show of support by his children is not their first. Brown, Christian Combs, and the twins share the late Kim Porter as their mother. In September, they joined together to condemn “Kim’s Lost Words: A Journey for justice, from the Other Side,” a self-published book billed as Porter’s memoir, that had become a bestseller on Amazon. “We have seen so many hurtful and false rumors circulating about our parents, Kim Porter and Sean Combs’ relationship, as well as about our mom’s tragic passing, that we feel the need to speak out,” they said in a statement posted at the time. “Claims that our mom wrote a book are simply untrue. She did not.” Combs and Porter dated off and on from 1994 to 2007, during which time their son and twin daughters were born. Combs helped raise Brown, who Porter had with singer, Al B. Sure. She died in 2018 at the age of 47. Porter’s death was determined to have been caused by pneumonia. https://www.instagram.com/quincy/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=01dc49f2-12d0-4ce4-9c85-047060dadaba Rapper Eminem introduced former President Barack Obama at a Detroit rally for Kamala Harris on Oct. 22, and when Obama hit the stage, he recited Em’s “Lose Yourself”. “I’m here tonight for a couple of important reasons. As most of you know, the city of Detroit and the whole state of Michigan mean a lot to me,” the rapper said. “And going into this election, the spotlight is on us more than ever, and I think it’s important to use your voice, so I’m encouraging everybody to get out and vote, please. The Detroit native continued: “I also think that people shouldn’t be afraid to express their opinions, and I don’t think anyone wants an America where people are worried about retribution, or what people will do if you make your opinion known. I think Vice President Harris supports a future for this country where these freedoms and many others will be protected and upheld. And here to tell you much more about that, President Barack Obama.” Obama then walked onstage to Eminem’s ‘Lose Yourself’, and rapped the first verse of the track as the crowd cheered. Per the New York Post, Obama’s performance got mixed reviews on social media. https://twitter.com/i/status/1848885891663605776 “Obama, trying to rap is probably the most cringe thing I’ve ever seen in my life. Nothing was funny about it. Nothing was charming. Nothing was charisma. There is NOTHING there . It was bland. Nothing was there,” one person reacted. “Obama rapping but it’s over the Eminem beat,” wrote another. One X user commented, “This is the swaggiest president EVER! And he just gets better with time / age.” Another added, “This is why Trump hates Obama so much. He’s cool af.” https://youtu.be/4bhuYcYkU9Y The family of Zelig Williams, a 28-year-old Broadway dancer from Columbia, South Carolina, is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for any information that helps locate him. According to Variety, Williams was last seen on Oct. 3 at his home in Columbia, according to a statement from the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. The car he had been driving was located more than 20 miles from his residence in a parking lot for the Palmetto Trail, near Congaree National Park. His mother, Kathy Williams, and cousin, Mieoki Corbett-Jacobs, shared on CNN that the search efforts will extend beyond the parking lot. “As a family, we’ve been searching. We’ve searched that area ourselves on foot more than once, and now we’re looking to expand our search,” Corbett-Jacobs said. https://youtu.be/6cbljZFvIAk The family has also hired a private investigator who is “continuing to work through different things in order to get additional leads,” according to Corbett-Jacobs. According to News Nation Now, Kathy mentioned she found it unusual that her son was awake at 2:30 a.m. the night before he disappeared. He had asked her if she was alright before heading to bed. “I told him, yes, I’m OK. And he went back to bed,” Williams said on “Banfield.” “The next morning, I sat on my front porch reading my devotions, and Zelig came out. I said ‘Let me see that photo you have in your hand.’ He just looked at me and said something, but I didn’t understand what he was saying. He got in the vehicle, and he left. I didn’t see him anymore.” Per Variety, at a press conference, Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said his deputies “have used every means of manpower and technology that’s available” amid their search for Zelig Williams. “We feel confident there are people out in the community who may know something that can help us but just not realizing they have the last key to the puzzle,” Lott added. https://twitter.com/MarshariaTV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1848744106421297251%7Ctwgr%5E2648a8c1258e46166b509342671503ba036a87d3%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fmissing-hamilton-dancer-family-shares-message-amid-search%2F Tyler Perry has responded to fans’ requests for a new installment of “Why Did I Get Married?” by sharing an image hinting at a script for the next installment in the franchise. Per Revolt, Perry’s “Why Did I Get Married Again?” potentially continues the storylines of the couples introduced in the 2007 film. A sequel, “Why Did I Get Married Too?” was released in 2010. The cast includes Janet Jackson, Jill Scott, Tasha Smith, Sharon Leal, Perry himself, Richard T. Jones, Malik Yoba, and Michael Jai White. After sharing the screenshot, comedian Kev On Stage commented “Movie script gone be done TONIGHT!! Yall shooting TOMORROW!!!” Another Instagram user wrote, “No corny ending like part two. Gavin did not deserve that ending. Part one was dope.” A third posted, “Let’s go! Did Janet and the Roc get married? And, what about Phil, Gavin’s attorney… Is that who Dianne was cheating with? I remember the bedroom scene when she called Terry, Phil! She told Terry that Phil was another attorney, but didn’t share any details. In the boardroom, while Patricia and Gavin were figuring out who gets what with their lawyers, Diane was representing Patricia while Phil (coincidentally, the same name) was representing Gavin. We need answers!” In related news, Netflix recently released the trailer for Perry’s wartime drama “The Six Triple Eight,” starring Kerry Washington. This is the story of the war’s only Women’s Army Corps unit of color, which Perry wrote, directed, and produced alongside Nicole Avant, Angi Bones, Tony L. Strickland, Keri Selig, and Carlota Espinosa. https://youtu.be/bFt-wiZt8VE Comedic actor Marlon Wayans appears to not have anything exciting to talk about as of late, which is why he continues to go on and on about his transgender child. After all, trans-ness is a hot topic among liberal extremists at the moment. Last year, Wayans revealed that his eldest child Kai was born female but now identifies as a male with They/Them pronouns. Since making the announcement, Wayans continues to get candid about how the experience has impacted him. Most recently, he appeared on “The Jennifer Hudson” show and said: “I went through the five stages of grief to get to the beautiful, magical place called acceptance,” Wayans explained, noting that Kai is “the same child they was before — they just got a beard now.” In a new interview on Neal Brennan’s podcast, Wayans further elaborated on his journey to acceptance of his child’s gender transition. “I tried to hypnotize that b—-,” he said before laughing, per RollingOut. “And I protested against it and I don’t say that with pride. I look back on those actions and I’m ashamed. I was embarrassed the moment I was forced to look in the mirror. I was embarrassed.” https://youtu.be/eJmBQM4kdmg Snoop Dogg appeared on “Watch What Happens Live” with Andy Cohen on October 21 and revealed that he turned down a $100 million offer to create OnlyFans content. During the conversation, where he was joined by Martha Stewart and Seth Meyers, the hip-hip star viewer said he refused the deal out of respect for his wife, Shante Broadus. “I did turn down $100 million, yes. The only part that regrets it is my friend down there,” Snoop said, nodding towards his crotch, per Complex. “Your d*ck regrets not going on OnlyFans. Your dick wanted the exposure?” Cohen asked. https://youtu.be/9IVn-8JyyvU This past weekend, LA’s Crenshaw Boulevard, affectionately known as “The Shaw,” drew several hundred thousand people to celebrate the Taste of Soul Family Festival on Saturday, October 19, 2024. There was a buzz of excitement as the most anticipated event of Fall finally arrived. The days may be shorter, and the weather a bit cooler. This doesn’t mean it’s time to put away your dancing shoes, YET! The weather forecast is lots of sun, warm weather, blue skies, and a 100% chance of precipitation of sweat as a result of people dancing in the streets. The Taste of Soul Family Festival was nothing short of amazing and vibrant. The incredible, stellar lineup of entertainment produced some energetic, positive vibes all day long. Marketing and promotions got it right in getting the word out through social media platforms, mobile and stationary billboards, newspaper write-ups, and radio and television PSAs. Bottom line: Crenshaw Boulevard was the place to be for the 19th Annual Taste of Soul Family Festival presented by Bakewell Media. “The pressures around motherhood and fertility,” said stand-up comedian Daheli Hall about what her comedy show “Spandura” discusses. “I started the show right after the (Covid) pandemic.” Daheli has taken her “Spandura” show on the road from San Francisco and Los Angeles to New York and Washington DC, to Chicago, Atlanta and Miami, and all in between. Around the time of our interview, she had just presented “Spandura” at the Lyrics Theatre in Miami, before tapping the live Los Angeles show. “It was a live tapping for the special,” the Florida native pointed out to me when I mentioned I missed the show in Los Angeles. I asked her what “Spandura” meant and she said with a little laugh, “It’s a teaser you have to come to find out!” “It’s a unique name…I give the meaning in Spandura,” Daheli added. “It’s a love story.” https://www.instagram.com/daheli.hall/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=10fcc93c-7d47-483b-b2e5-0e393e6052ca It may be a bold move but is it a smart move? What we’re alluding to is that Quincy Brown, the (adopted) son of Sean “Diddy” Combs and late ex-partner Kim Porter, announced the launch of his family vlog series titled “It’s Just A Vlog: Or Is It A Reality Show?.” The series is set to premiere on Saturday, October 27, but the timing has raised eyebrows due to the recent legal troubles surrounding his father, who is facing serious charges, including trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution, OK! reports. The official teaser for the vlog series showcases the Combs family engaging in their usual glamorous lifestyle, featuring snippets from family gatherings and parties. Notably, the preview includes a brief clip of Diddy appearing shirtless in the kitchen and images of women in bikinis. However, as Quincy attempts to present a personal insight into his family’s dynamics, many viewers believe this is an ill-timed venture given the current scrutiny surrounding his father. https://www.instagram.com/theshaderoom/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=03ce66e4-5b5e-48fe-b66f-3ed4c24213fa Many neighborhoods are now witnessing firsthand, serial shoplifting, and the “smash and grab” phenomenon becoming normalized. The reasoning to reduce the prison population is understandable, but the California law classifying shoplifting of merchandise valued no more than 950.00 as a misdemeanor rather than a felony, is ludicrous. It invites misconduct as we now see in retail outlets like CVS and Rite-Aid that do not hire trained/armed security guards to deter invaders. Many outlets have closed altogether, while others have resorted to locking up their products, increasing consumer wait time as store clerks (usually short-staffed) free up time to retrieve products for them. Taking something that does not belong to you without the owners’ permission is still robbery; it’s still theft, no matter the value, and how it’s done. In the 1980s, there was the scandal of an investment banker who dominated the junk bond market and was sentenced to jail after pleading guilty to several securities and tax-related felonies. His crime was called “embezzlement” which is just a fancy white-collar word for robbery or theft. According to California’s Proposition 47 text: The act of entering an open business with the intent to steal merchandise worth 950.00 or less, if convicted, carries a punishment of up to six months in county jail and a 1000.00 fine. If a thief enters a retail establishment in any way besides an open (for business) front door, it is considered a burglary that entails more stringent consequences. Prop 47 and the call to “defund the police” send the wrong message to both the citizenry and the police who swear an oath to protect and to serve. https://youtu.be/brdrFrU-3O0 Those messages tend to embolden the mischievous conduct of the citizenry while demotivating the police challenged with a sense of powerlessness. The “defund the police” initiative should be conditional only for those law enforcement superiors who fail to do thorough background checks on unqualified officers like Sean Grayson, a White Illinois policeman who shot and killed an unarmed Black woman, Sonya Massey, in her home this past summer. Grayson was indicted for first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct. There are good cops and there are bad cops. There was a “false” post on Facebook that was fact-checked by Charis Kubrin, a criminology professor at the University of California, Irvine. Her quote as reported in USA Today said, “What Prop 47 did was reclassify some low-level drug and property offenses as misdemeanors rather than felonies – still keeping them as crimes.” A local supermarket manager who retains an alert armed security team says, “We have some instances of misconduct, but far less than some of our neighboring retailers because of our alertness and readiness.” As CVS has closed over 200 stores nationwide, CEO Karen Lynch rakes in a salary of over 20 million dollars; an estimated 458 times the amount of the average CVS employee. The CVS policy is that shoplifting losses would be far less than a lawsuit brought on by an unarmed, general-purpose security guard who may mistakenly misuse their authority. However, that policy still leaves the company vulnerable to lawsuits by staff and customers who are subjected to potential harm by invaders who, instead of shoplifting from the shelves, may up the ante by demanding cash from the registers. https://youtu.be/jqZxixVHggQ Tyler, the Creator is hitting the road next year to support his new CHROMAKOPIA album. Vibe reports that the cross-country trek begins at the top of 2025. It kicks off next February in St. Paul, MN, making stops in Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco, Las Vegas, San Diego, Phoenix, Atlanta, Miami, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Chicago, Detroit, Boston, New York and Toronto. He’ll also host three nights in his hometown of Los Angeles at Crypto Arena. Lil Yachty and Paris Texas will offer support on various nights along the way. Tickets for the CHROMAKOPIA tour go on sale on Nov. 1, 2024, with presale access for American Express card members available on Oct. 29. His new album drops on Oct. 28. The tour announcement follows reports that the rapper is starring in director Josh Safdie’s movie, “Marty Supreme,” opposite Gwyneth Paltrow and Timothée Chalamet. Per Variety, “Plot details are under wraps, but the movie is reportedly inspired by pro ping pong player Marty Reisman,” the outlet writes. The release date for the film has not yet been released. https://www.instagram.com/feliciathegoat/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=f950df74-da91-4abe-afa2-6c1f5a249d0e The Los Angeles Lakers, one of sports’ most prestigious franchises, have seen their share of historic moments, including 17 championships. But on Tuesday night in Los Angeles, the team produced a first in NBA history when Lakers star LeBron James and his son Bronny became the first father-son duo to appear together in an NBA game. The 39-year-old James, playing in his record-tying 22nd NBA season, was predictably in the Lakers’ starting lineup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Twenty-year-old Bronny, making his NBA debut, joined his father on the court with four minutes remaining in the second quarter. The pair substituted into the game together and went straight to business as fans applauded. The Lakers’ faithful at Crypto.com Arena cheered and took photos and video as history was made on the opening day of the NBA’s 79th season. In a quiet father-son moment before stepping into the spotlight, LeBron offered some last-minute advice to Bronny, captured on a TNT Sports microphone. “You see the intensity, right?” LeBron asked. “Just play carefree though. Don’t worry about mistakes. Just go out and play hard.” https://youtu.be/Vf03Sl7vNDA After the game, the proud father and son shared their impressions of the historic moment with TNT Sports. “It’s family. It’s always been family over everything,” LeBron said of the importance of Tuesday’s milestone. “I lost a lot of time because of this league, committing to this league, being on the road at times, missing his things. … So to be able to have this moment where I’m working still and I can work alongside my son, it’s one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever gotten from the man above, and I’m going to take full advantage of it.” Bronny described the surreal feeling he experienced as he and his father entered the game together at the scorer’s table. “Checking in for the first time, that’s a crazy moment I’ll never forget,” Bronny said. “I was given an amazing opportunity to come into this league and get better every day and learn every day. I’m just extremely grateful.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1848964997516558677 Before the game tipped off, the Jameses and Griffeys shared some laughs while standing together on the court for a time capsule photo. The Jameses enjoyed themselves as they hung together during the pre-game shoot-around – smiling and chatting while putting up shots. The same fun must have been had when the father and son filmed a Nike ad where the dad introduced the son to some rookie hazing in jest. LeBron posted the promotion on X just hours before game time. https://youtu.be/2JNuB7ik7sYThe only other multi-generational households to accomplish the feat in major American sports are baseball’s Raineses and hockey’s legendary Howe familyHowe patriarch Gordy played in NHL games with two sons, Mark and Marty, as members of the Hartford Whalers in the 1979-80 season. In 2001, Tim Raines shared the Baltimore Orioles outfield with his son Tim Raines Jr. https://youtu.be/nGzlEri792E Check out a sneak peek of the After Show for ID’s upcoming special, “Chris Brown: A History of Violence,” premiering on Sunday, October 27, at 9/8c. Hosted by Sunny Hostin, co-host of “The View,” the After Show will air after the documentary and will explore the topic of intimate partner violence. The panel of experts and advocates will offer advice on recognizing abuse, resources for help, and prevention insights, Hostin will unpack the doc with NO MORE co-founder Jane Randel, National Domestic Violence Hotline CEO Katie Ray-Jones, Miss Kansas 2024 Alexis Smith, cultural journalist Scaachi Koul, and psychologist Dr. Carolyn West. As we reported earlier, Brown is the subject of a new Investigation Discovery documentary that will take viewers inside his alleged history of sexual violence against women. “Chris Brown: A History of Violence” airs on October 27, part of the network’s third annual No Excuse for Abuse campaign. The documentary will feature a new, anonymous accuser and commentary on the psychological effects of abuse, Vibe reports. “With expert and cultural commentary layered throughout, the documentary provides thoughtful reflections into each survivor’s experience and the psychological destruction in the aftermath of their abuse,” the film’s producers said in a statement. https://youtu.be/fWhzRhjZLQg The documentary premiere will be followed by Hostin’s panel discussion. In a statement, she said, “Domestic violence is a very close, personal issue to me as I reflect on my past as a prosecutor of these types of cases, and in my role as a mother and public figure whose actions inform and help shape the next generation. This issue is a prevalent epidemic which knows no socio-economic boundaries, so I am dedicated to expanding and continuing this crucial conversation. The more we know, the better we can help advocate for change as a society.” https://youtu.be/QI2gsy34TAg Venus Williams appeared on “The Tamron Hall Show” on Oct. 17 to promote her new book, “Strive: 8 Steps to Find Your Awesome.” Per Barnes & Nobles: In STRIVE, readers will learn how eight tiny but essential tenets can help turn smart choices into habits. And once that happens, you’ll forge a lifestyle you return to because you want to, not because you have to—and that’s when you start winning. Speaking to NPR, the seven-time Grand Slam champion said: “This book is really kind of the story of my life. You know, a lot of people would write a biography, and I would write a book about health and wellness. And also, the story of my life as an athlete and kind of the lessons I’ve learned, but in the lens of wellness, too. And in this book, too, I don’t just share, like, all the positive things. I share the mistakes that I’ve made, too – like, what I learned from, not to do again. I call it, I did this. I made this mistake so you don’t have to (laughter).” Williams also opens up in the book about her diagnosis of Sjögren’s syndrome. She explained to Tamron Hall how she felt “afraid” of how her health issues might affect her career. “If you have no energy and you still have to play a match, it’s not easy,” she shared, MadameNoire reports. “You have no idea what’s going to happen when you walk on the court. And that’s hard…So I had to just focus on what I could accomplish instead of what I couldn’t. And a lot of days it was a daily thing of refocusing back on what I could accomplish, instead of focusing on all the things that I couldn’t do anymore.” https://youtu.be/9ivhUQ0nlFo An E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders has led to at least 49 illnesses across 10 states, including one death. Here’s what we know. Quarter Pounders made people sick. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a food safety alert Tuesday warning that dozens of people reported eating the Quarter Pounder sandwich at McDonald’s before becoming sick. A specific ingredient has not been confirmed as the source of the outbreak. Still, the US Food and Drug Administration says that the slivered onions or beef patties on Quarter Pounder sandwiches are the likely source of contamination. McDonald’s has taken Quarter Pounders off the menu in about a fifth of its stores. The company has stopped using the onions as well as quarter-pound beef patties in several states – Colorado, Kansas, Utah and Wyoming, as well as portions of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma – while the investigation continues, the CDC said. According to the agency, the beef patties are used only for the Quarter Pounders, and the slivered onions are used primarily for the Quarter Pounders and not other items. Diced onions and other types of beef patties used at McDonald’s have not been implicated in this outbreak, the FDA said. https://youtu.be/9W7lVn3Z1wI Escherichia coli, or E. coli, is a common bacteria, but certain types can make you sick. Infections can occur after someone swallows the bacteria, often when consuming contaminated food or water. It can also spread from person to person through poor bathroom hygiene. People with E. coli infections may have symptoms including severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Symptoms usually begin three or four days after swallowing the bacteria. Although most people who become ill recover without treatment within a week, others can develop serious kidney problems and require hospitalization. Seniors, children younger than 5 and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk of infection, according to the CDC. E. coli infections from the new outbreak have led to at least 10 hospitalizations, the CDC says, including a child who had hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious complication that can develop from an E. coli infection. One older person has died. https://youtu.be/U5--nFtFsk0 Campylobacter bacteria is the most common pathogen causing foodborne illness, causing more than 19 illnesses for every 100,000 people – a rate that’s 22% higher than five years ago and twice as high as federal goals. Infections from this bacteria are most commonly caused by eating raw or undercooked poultry, according to the CDC, and it can make people ill with diarrhea. Salmonella infections haven’t increased in recent years, but the bacteria still caused about 14 illnesses for every 100,000 people in the US in 2023. Listeria caused about 0.3 illnesses for every 100,000 people in the US in 2023, according to data from the CDC, but it has led to a few large, deadly outbreaks this year. Boar’s Head issued a recall in late July for more than 7.2 million pounds of its ready-to-eat liverwurst and some other deli meat products, amid reports of dozens of hospitalizations and at least 10 deaths, and a recall of nearly 12 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry items made by BrucePac has affected schools, retailers and restaurants nationwide. https://youtu.be/K-s4hr87994 Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat and Robin Roberts’ Rock’n Robin Productions have teamed to executive produce the New Orleans documentary “A King Like Me for Highly” for Flammable Productions. The doc premiered last week at the 35th Annual New Orleans Film Festival. The story centers on “Zulu Krewea, a Louisiana cultural organization of over 800 Black men, who lost 16 members of their members to COVID-19 following 2020 Mardi Gras,” per THR. “The film explores the impact of the pandemic on this stalwart cultural organization,” per a release, “and what that loss tells us about the United States health inequities, as tied to race.” “We are so thrilled to have Hartbeat and Rock’n Robin Robin join us on this project,” said producer Fisher Stevens. “We are so grateful to have their support in shining a light on the history and importance of Black culture during Mardi Gras and helping illuminate the stories of determination, perseverance and community within the Zulu Club.” Director Matthew Henderson added, “I cannot tell you how empowering it is to have the support of Hartbeat and Rock’n Robin on this film,” adding that the doc “celebrates the intricacies and nuance of the Black experience in America.” D.L. Hughley claims Elon Musk is the “chief of dispensing misinformation” on his popular social media app X (formally Twitter). The Tesla co-founder acquired the platform for $44 billion in October 2022. Lately, as Revolt reports, he has publicly supported Donald Trump, including participating in a voter town hall on October 17 in Pennsylvania, a key swing state, and appearing at a Trump campaign rally on October 5. When Hughley spoke to radio personality Big Boy for a recent interview, he criticized Musk’s involvement in the election cycle. “When you’re really, really rich, what do you buy? Media… And why do you buy it? Because you want to control the narrative. You want to be so rich that you tell people what to think,” the comedian said. https://youtu.be/x-WINTr5YBg “Even that tells you how much money you have and how important it is. I’ll lose money to shape a narrative,” Hughley added. “I’ll lose money to shape minds, to tell people what to think. Like, he’s literally the chief of dispensing misinformation, the chief of it. He’s AI, all these kinds of things, he’s said all kind of stuff, but that is how valuable having information is, the access to information.” Meanwhile, Musk has reportedly invested $75 million into the political action committee America PAC, which is focused on securing swing state voters for Trump. The tech billionaire is offering $100 for signatures from registered voters. He recently surprised a random petition signer with a $1 million check and pledged to continue this daily giveaway until the U.S. election on November 5. Elon’s PAC was created to “support candidates who champion Secure Borders, Sensible Spending, Safe Cities, Fair Justice System, Free Speech and Self-Protection,” according to the bio on X. https://twitter.com/i/status/1847851986495881434 Nicki Minaj will play a key role in the trial concerning her father, Robert Maraj’s death. Charles Polevich, the driver accused in the hit-and-run that led to Maraj’s death, has been granted permission by a New York judge to depose Minaj in connection with a $150 million wrongful death lawsuit, The Blast reports. The court’s decision allows Polevich to question the rapper about her childhood as part of his defense. The deposition is set to take place in California, following an October 8 hearing where the motion was approved. We reported earlier that Polevich pleaded guilty in 2022 to leaving the scene of a suburban New York crash that killed Maraj. Polevich admitted to leaving the scene of the February 2021 accident that fatally injured Robert and tampering with evidence, according to Nassau County District Attorney spokesman Brendan Brosh. An attorney for Polevich, Marc Gann, told CNN in a statement Sunday, “Mr. Polevich is extremely remorseful for any role he may have played in Mr. Maraj’s death. There are no allegations of substance use or abuse as causative of his conduct and it is our belief that a medical heart issue contributed to Mr. Polevich’s conduct.” Maraj, 64, had been walking in Mineola, Long Island, in the evening when he was “struck by a northbound, undescribed, vehicle that left the scene of the accident,” the Nassau County Police Department said in February 2021. Maraj later died at the hospital. Charlamagne Tha God has sent a cease and desist letter to former President Donald Trump concerning a campaign ad that criticizes Vice President Kamala Harris‘ position on using taxpayer funds for gender-affirming surgeries for transgender prisoners. 2019, Harris told the ACLU, “It is important that transgender individuals who rely on the state for care receive the treatment they need, which includes access to treatment associated with gender transition.” She added, “I support policies ensuring that federal prisoners and detainees are able to obtain medically necessary care for gender transition, including surgical care, while incarcerated or detained,” Harris explained. “Transition treatment is a medical necessity, and I will direct all federal agencies responsible for providing essential medical care to deliver transition treatment.” rump’s ad includes a clip of Charlamagne reacting to Harris’ remarks but the audio was edited in a way that misrepresents his views, making it seem like he opposes her support for transgender prisons who want state-funded medical care. The radio host has taken legal action, requesting that Trump remove his voice from the ad. Cease and desist been sent,” Charlamagne said about the ad, Vibe reports. “Since when does Trump care about what’s legal!?” https://twitter.com/i/status/1818364626515681345 Celtics and NBA legend Bill Russell, who died in 2022, was immortalized in Boston as the city renamed a bridge in his honor. Russell’s widow, Jeannine, joined Celtics leadership, Gov. Maura Healey, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, and state and local elected officials Monday. They announced that the new North Washington Street Bridge would be renamed the William Felton “Bill” Russell Bridge: “As we dedicate this bridge, we are reminded that the road to justice, like the road to victory, is built step by step,” Jeannine Russell said. “I think a bridge should be getting named after him because what a bridge does is bring people together,” said Celtics guard Jaylen Brown. https://youtu.be/XA41F3czlfQ The bridge, which is currently under construction, spans the Charles River and connects Charlestown to the West End and North End near TD Garden. “May this bridge inspire us as my husband did to stand strong to connect and to keep moving forward,” Jeannine Russell said. “He inspired millions and continues to inspire us today,” Healey said. The bridge will open in spring 2025. The plaque bearing Bill Russell’s name will be installed in the summer of 2025. Russell, who died at the age of 88, was a 5-time NBA MVP, a 12-time All-Star, and was the first player to win an Olympic Gold Medal, an NBA Championship, and a college title. https://youtu.be/LnvRQTXRI3s LeBron James called out Cleveland Browns fans for booing quarterback Deshaun Watson after he sustained an Achilles injury during Sunday’s game. The team announced after halftime that he would not be returning to the game. In a tweet, LeBron criticized the fans for showing disrespect to an injured player. “Cleveland Fans! Yall know how much we’ve been thru throughout the years both good, bad and indifferent,” the LA Lakers star wrote. “With that being said booing anyone that’s down with an injury let alone your own player is LAME AF!! To the ones who didn’t ?” Watson’s teammates also called out fans for their bad manners. “We don’t boo guys that are injured on the field, especially when the cart comes out. We should be ashamed of ourselves, as Browns and as fans, to boo anyone in their downfall,” Browns’ defensive end Myles Garrett said after the game. https://youtu.be/7JGw9KEp-oQ Watson, 29, faced numerous lawsuits from women accusing him of sexual assault or harassment. Despite attempts to put the matter behind him, fans continue to be unforgiving. “To be season-altering, career-altering injury, the man’s not perfect, he doesn’t need to be. None of us expect to be perfect. Can’t judge him for what he does on the field or off the field because I can’t throw stones from my glass house, but we need to do better. No one deserves that,” Myles added. “I am very upset with the reaction to a man that has had the world against him for the past four years and he put his body and his life on the line for this city every single day,” backup quarterback Jameis Winston said, per The New York Times. “Regardless of your perception, regardless of what you thought should happen with him, he committed every single day that I’ve been here to be the best that he can be for this team.” In 2022, Watson was suspended for 11 games after more than two dozen women accused him of sexual assault. He ultimately settled many of the lawsuits, SandraRose.com reports. https://twitter.com/i/status/1848123174086676794 If desperation was a person Donald Trump would look like that person. With just weeks before Election Day, Trump is sounding more like a desperate used car salesman trying to get rid of that hooptie by making unrealistic promises about the purchase. During a recent interview, Trump said he would consider tax-exempt status for law enforcement officers, firefighters, active military, and retired veterans. Despite what Trump would have people think, he is not the decider on such issues. Some things must have congressional support. Now Trump has gone from talking too much to not talking at all. He canceled a scheduled appearance in Savanna, Georgia at a National Rifle Association event. Also, he canceled interviews with The Shade Room and MSNBC. Trump’s team claimed he was mentally and physically exhausted by campaign commitments. I think he realizes his Hail Mary pass to get out of jail free is about to be intercepted by the first woman president of the United States, and there’s nothing he can do about it. https://youtu.be/O28fW0Ej3Es Sylvester Stallone shared a video on Instagram where he showcased some quirky dance moves to the Motown classic “More Love” by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles.“I was caught off guard while going through a clothes fitting for an upcoming project— great song though!” he wrote in the caption. In the post’s comments, one person wrote, “Thats that I’m living my best life move… this dood has entertained us for decades….i don’t know if like Rocky or Rambo better.” Another fan added, “What’s your secret for staying in such a great shape Sly?” A third follower commented, “Sly, you are simply adorable in this clip that I’ve watched an unhealthy amount of times. I’m blushing.” https://www.instagram.com/officialslystallone/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=bf499edc-7dcb-43d2-ae93-fcfc07b28ebe The Hollywood icon posted another video of him dancing to Bryson Tiller’s song “Rambo.” The “Rocky” star captioned the clip: “And the beat goes on … RAMBO TIME!” Meanwhile, Stallone has been busy promoting the second season of his “Tulsa King” series, which is now streaming on Paramount+ https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBUChmopBbw/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=34ce4849-34f0-4408-aaf8-5b2bd4f4e768 Sean “Diddy” Combs finds himself embroiled in a mounting legal battle as he awaits trial in 2025 on serious federal charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering. And for his sake, we can only hope these new allegations are as bogus as they sound. The musician’s legal woes have intensified with the filing of new lawsuits by Texas attorney Tony Buzbee, who represents over 120 accusers. These latest lawsuits include harrowing allegations from six alleged victims, one of whom claims to have been just 13 years old when she was raped by Combs at a party he hosted following the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), TheBlast is reporting. Allegations Against Diddy Intensify: New Lawsuits Claim Sexual Assault of Minor The disturbing details of the lawsuit reveal a deeply troubling narrative involving the alleged victim’s desperate attempt to attend the VMAs. According to the lawsuit, after being dropped off near Radio City Music Hall, the young girl sought access to the afterparty by conversing with limousine drivers. One driver, claiming to work for Combs, allegedly told the accuser that the rapper/producer “liked younger girls” and that she “fit what Diddy was looking for.” https://youtu.be/q9nc7CWJ3VU This unfortunate turn of events led her to an environment where she would soon face unimaginable trauma. Describing the atmosphere at the afterparty, the lawsuit recounts a scene filled with celebrities, drinks, and drugs. After accepting a drink that left her feeling “woozy and lightheaded,” the girl sought a place to lie down, inadvertently landing in a bedroom where the assault occurred. Combs allegedly threw the accuser towards the male celebrity, identified as “Celebrity A,” who proceeded to “remove Plaintiff’s clothes as she grew more and more disoriented.” The girl was then “held down by Celebrity A, who v-ginally raped her while Combs and Celebrity B, a female, watched.” “After the male celebrity finished, Combs then v-ginally raped Plaintiff while Celebrity A and Celebrity B watched,” the lawsuit states, per the Mirror. “Combs attempted to force Plaintiff to perform oral sex on him, but she resisted by hitting Combs in the neck; he stopped.” According to The Mirror, the alleged victim grabbed her clothes and started wandering around the venue of the afterparty naked while looking for the exit. She allegedly only dressed up after leaving the property. https://youtu.be/n1cMZXX2EKg As Diddy’s legal troubles continue to unfold, these new allegations have not only shocked fans but also heightened discussions about celebrity culture and accountability in the entertainment industry. The claims against the music mogul echo broader concerns regarding the treatment of women and minors in high-profile settings, shedding light on the issues that too often remain in the shadows of fame. The alleged victim’s account – IF true – provides a chilling glimpse into the potential exploitation that can occur in glamorous — yet perilous — environments, where power dynamics are skewed. As the legal proceedings advance, the ramifications of Diddy’s case could reverberate throughout the industry, prompting important conversations about justice and reparation for survivors of abuse. With so much at stake, the coming months are likely to be crucial, both for Diddy’s defense and for the voices of the accusers seeking justice. As the public awaits further developments, the discussions surrounding consent, respect, and accountability in the realm of celebrity status are more pertinent than ever. https://youtu.be/bRZjmQbQKZQ Prop 3 would remove the ban on same-sex marriage from the California Constitution. The ban (Prop 8) was added by voters in 2008; however, the United States Supreme Court has blocked the enforcement of the ban since 2013. The amendment would remove current language in the state constitution stating that marriage “is only between a man and a woman” and change it to “the right to marry is a fundamental right.” State Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and Assemblymember Evan Low (D-Campbell), both members of the Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, introduced the constitutional amendment as a preemptive protection after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned federal abortion protections in 2022. Justice Clarence Thomas, a conservative, said that the court should also reconsider the constitutionality of same-sex marriage, but other conservatives on the bench disagreed. California is currently the home of the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ population. https://youtu.be/bKswDoM96sc Opponents of the proposition argue that Prop 3 is the beginning of a “slippery slope” that could serve as a precedent for other types of non-traditional unions, endangering youth, families, and society in general. They also lean on Christian religious text that states marriage is a union between a man and a woman. Opponents of the proposition argue that Prop 3 is the beginning of a “slippery slope” that could serve as a precedent for other types of non-traditional unions, endangering youth, families, and society in general. They also lean on Christian religious text that states marriage is a union between a man and a woman. Jonathan Keller, President of California Family Council is on record stating: “In a society like ours, you never can count on what people are willing to do for legal and financial and political reasons. And ACA 3, again, eliminates any of those safeguards, and it opens up Pandora’s Box. You could have siblings getting married. You could have nephews and nieces marrying uncles and aunts. You could have, potentially even mothers and fathers marrying each other, or mothers and children, or fathers and children marrying each other.” A “yes” vote supports this constitutional amendment to: • repeal Proposition 8 (2008), which defined marriage as a union between one man and one woman, and • declare that a “right to marry is a fundamental right” in the California Constitution. A “no” vote opposes this constitutional amendment, thus keeping Proposition 8 (2008), which defined marriage as a union between one man and one woman, in the California Constitution. However, there would be no change to who can currently get married under current California law. https://youtu.be/Psc3y8gQkeU Former Bad Boy Records artist Shyne will unpack the infamous New York nightclub shooting that put him behind bars for nearly a decade in a new Hulu documentary. The synopsis for the project titled “The Honorable Shyne” reads: “His journey is one of redemption, resilience, and transformation. This documentary provides an intimate look at Shyne’s personal evolution as he navigates fame, incarceration and a return home to Belize, where he finds new purpose and strives to lead his country to a brighter future.” In the trailer, the rapper-turned-politician says, “I was absolutely set up to be the fall guy” for the crime. “I spent 10 years in prison, but I was able to move on,” Shyne explains in the clip. “There’s a time to pivot, there’s a time to transition.” Shyne (born Jamal Barrow) previously opened up about being Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ “fall guy” in the infamous 1999 nightclub shooting also involving Jennifer Lopez. https://www.instagram.com/allhiphopcom/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=9e45bbb7-7de0-40da-8134-49fee239dfb1 We reported earlier that one of the shooting victims, Natania Reuben, has for years asserted that it was Diddy, not Shyne, who shot her during an altercation between the rap mogul and Club New York patron Matthew Allen, resulting in injuries to three individuals, including herself. Lopez was arrested and released, while Diddy was acquitted of all charges. Shyne, however, served an eight-year prison sentence. In 2011, Combs settled civil suits with the victims, paying over $2.3 million. In a clip from the trailer, Diddy insists he was innocent of the shooting. “I had nothing to do with a shooting in this club,” he said in footage from a press conference. During an interview with Channel 5 Belize, Shyne, who is now the head of the Belize United Democratic Party, addressed the incident while responding to Reuben’s remarks. “It opens wounds when you hear, you know, the victim saying that, you know, it was Diddy that shot her,” Shyne told Channel 5, Complex reports. https://youtu.be/qxsR-e09OFE Tyler Perry was spotted at Usher’s concert this week throwing fake dollar bills at one of the singer’s dancers. According to Vibe, a talent manager named Anisa posted a clip showing the filmmaker at the Oct. 20 show watching a dancer twerk on stage before placing some of Usher’s artificial currency called Usher Bucks around her. As Perry walks away, Usher, who is watching the moment go down, walks over saying, “Uh uh, come back, come back,” before giving Perry more Usher Bucks. Watch the moment via the Instagram clip below. In the post’s comments, one person wrote, “He just doing research for his next film.” Another fan added, “I like how everyone is enjoying themselves and staying focused on Usher. It’s his show after all. Tyler wasn’t tryna be seen.” A third IG user added, “A vibe!!!! Usher gave the world a show!!! One the best entertainers in the world, up there with MJ, Beyonce, & Chris Brown.. honestly all 4 are TOP 5 ever!!” https://www.instagram.com/vibemagazine/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=96b70e35-7386-4e0d-ba0e-8893befb99df Joe Budden is urging WNBA star Angel Reese to step back from the spotlight because her off-court antics are not a good look. In a recent episode of his podcast, Budden said the Chicago Sky player should “chill out” and “Sit her f***ing a*s down.” SandraRose reports that Reese was recently spotted at Nick Cannon’s “Wild ‘N Out” tour in Chicago wearing a very revealing outfit, which sparked mixed reactions on social media. \ “I’ve seen Angel Reese wildin’ out, I don’t know if I’ve seen her on ‘Wild ‘N Out,’” Budden said. “Angel Reese won’t sit her f-ckin’ a-s down… She won’t go sit down somewhere for a second. There’s value in it. This is going to sound like I’m telling women what to do. But I ain’t.” Budden compared Reese to WNBA star Caitlin Clark and blamed Reese’s people for not properly advising her when it comes to her public appearances. https://twitter.com/i/status/1845917402573521064 Meanwhile, comedian Aries Spears called Reese a “garbage” player in a livestream video. He said Angel “just throws the ball up and plays like she’s part of the Special Olympics. She plays like a toddler. There’s no finesse, no smoothness, no beauty, no poetry, no skillset to her game at all. She’s garbage. Stop being delusional.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1846250925079646279 In related news, Angel addressed her critics during a recent Instagram Live while pointing out that the Chicago Sky doesn’t cover her major expenses, like rent. “Hating pays them bills, baby. I just hope you know the WNBA don’t pay my bills at all,” she said. “I don’t even think that pays one of my bills. Literally, I’m trying to think of my rent for where I stay at. Let me do the math real quick. I don’t even know my [WNBA] salary. $74,000?” After a friend calculated that Reese’s salary doesn’t cover her $8,000 rent, the LSU alum said: “I’m living above my means!” “Babe, if y’all thought… That WNBA check don’t pay a thing. Did that even pay my car note?… I wouldn’t even be able to eat a sandwich with that. I wouldn’t even be able to eat. I wouldn’t be able to live,” Reese added. https://twitter.com/i/status/1846540016140304717 Season 11 of “Married to Medicine” premieres on Sunday, Nov. 24 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo, with episodes available for streaming the next day on Peacock. The returning cast includes Dr. Jacqueline Walters, Dr. Simone Whitmore, Dr. Heavenly Kimes, Toya Bush-Harris, Quad Webb, Phaedra Parks, Esq., and Lateasha “Sweet Tea” Lunceford. Dr. Contessa Metcalfe also returns this season as a friend, alongside new friend Dr. Mimi Sanders, a psychiatrist specializing in women’s mental health. Here’s the official Season 11 synopsis: The “Married to Medicine” ladies are at a friendship crossroads with some of the women ready to renew bonds while others are collecting apologies. Dr. Jackie is still doing her best work while keeping the tranquility among the women. As Dr. Simone is trying to move forward selectively in friendships, Cecil is making it his mission to help her get on track with everyone, including Quad. Dr. Heavenly is doing some self-reflection and while trying to right her wrongs, some things will be easier said than done. Toya is making sure everyone in the group stays accountable. Quad is ready and willing with open arms to give dating another whirl while also making a fresh start with the women. Phaedra is trying to help repair any friendships in need of healing. Lateasha has baby fever and is working full time with Dr. G to expand their family. Dr.Contessa is back in the mix with new alliances. Although new, Dr. Mimi will make sure her opinion is heard when getting to know this group. With so much new energy, will these ladies be able to get back to the core of friendship? https://www.bravotv.com/married-to-medicine/videos/your-first-look-at-married-to-medicine-season-11 DMX TO POSTHUMOUSLY RELEASE LET US PRAY: CHAPTER X ON DECEMBER 13, 2024. GRAMMY® AWARD-WINNING SONGWRITER & PRODUCER WARRYN CAMPBELL SCORES DMX’S ORIGINAL PRAYERS “FAVOR” FEATURING KILLER MIKE, MARY MARY, & ROYZNOYZ ORCHESTRA OUT NOW OTHER SPECIAL GUESTS INCLUDE SNOOP DOGG, MC LYTE, LECRAE, TERRACE MARTIN & MORE Idris Elba has conquered Hollywood with iconic roles in “The Wire” and “Luther.” Now, the London-born actor is shifting his focus to a new stage — one that’s 10,000 miles away. Elba, whose parents hail from Sierra Leone and Ghana, is on a mission to transform the entertainment industry in Africa. His vision is ambitious. Elba aims to build film studios across Africa, starting in Zanzibar, the Tanzanian semi-autonomous island renowned for its white sand beaches. The idea took root last year when Elba met Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Their discussions led to plans for the first studio in Zanzibar — a move Elba believes could be the first building block of a global entertainment hub. In August, the government of Zanzibar promised him nearly 200 acres to begin construction. “Idris Elba will be building a modern studio similar to Hollywood, Nollywood (in NIgeria), or Bollywood,” Zanzibar’s Minister for Investment, Shariff Ali Shariff, announced. He even joked about naming the industry “Zallywood” or “Zawood.” https://youtu.be/xbuIAurLnPg He sees potential akin to South Korea’s explosive entertainment industry growth: From 2017 to 2021, Korean pop-culture-related exports grew at an average annual rate of 13.7%, 2.5 times faster than overall export growth. Korea’s Economic Research Institute estimates this contributed $27 billion to the economy. Tanzania is already looking toward that model, partnering with South Korea to send African actors for training in Busan. But Elba understands that building studios alone won’t be enough to spark an entertainment revolution. “It’s all been a puzzle,” he said, referring to the challenges of structuring a new industry. One critical piece is how to pay creators in countries with limited banking infrastructure. In a separate but related project aimed at solving the payment issue, Elba has partnered with Stellar, a blockchain-based platform, to introduce Akuna Wallet, a digital wallet designed for the creative economy. Akuna Wallet allows artists, filmmakers, and musicians to manage payments and royalties without relying on traditional banks. By enabling peer-to-peer transactions in digital currencies, it provides a secure payment system in regions with limited financial infrastructure. https://youtu.be/LyN5LEHBAgc Acclaimed executive producer and director DeMane Davis talk about her experience working on NBC’s exciting new series, “Brilliant Minds.” In our exclusive interview, Davis unpacked her creative process and offered insight into the man who inspired the show, renowned neurologist and author Oliver Sacks. “Brilliant Minds” follows a groundbreaking neurologist and his team of interns as they explore the complexities of the human brain while navigating their own personal struggles. Zachary Quinto leads the cast which includes Tamberla Perry, Ashleigh LaThrop, Alex MacNicoll, Aury Krebs, Spence Moore II, Teddy Sears, and Donna Murphy. “Brilliant Minds” debuted September 23 with new episodes premiering weekly on Monday at 10/9c and available the next day on Peacock. The series garnered 9.2 million cross-platform viewers for its premiere episode, Deadline reports. Davis, who is not only returning to NBC’s “Found” this season, played a key role in the network’s groundbreaking medical drama. https://youtu.be/YpkTyujYfkg Presidential candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris might have one more accomplishment to add to her long list of wins. “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” producer Will Packer reveals that she is the catalyst for Don Cheadle starring in the popular series. “Don and I were having dinner with VP Kamala Harris,” reveals Packer. “It was a group of Black men, and we were talking about her and her agenda and how we can support her. And in that dinner, we said, you know what? We haven’t worked together. Let’s figure something out. She and that dinner was the impetus for Don and I to try to work together.” In case you missed the riveting star-studded series, you can catch it now on Peacock. The critically acclaimed crime show imagines the true story of what happens after Muhammad Ali wins a fight against Jerry Quarry when hundreds of people are robbed at his after-party in a massive armed robbery. The leading cast includes Samuel L. Jackson, Dexter Darden, Cheadle, Kevin Hart, Terrence Howard, and Taraji P. Henson. https://youtu.be/e9dt9Wy_cao Fat Joe will sit down with Mary J. Blige for a discussion about growing up in the projects, the importance of self-love, diamonds, fashion, and more, on the next episode of his weekly interview series, “Fat Joe Talks,” on STARZ. Per the news release: “In this week’s episode, Fat Joe travels to New York City to talk with the queen of hip hop Mary J. Blige about her childhood in the projects; her story of heartbreak to triumph, and hitting the dating scene… Mary J. Blige is all about self-love. Additionally, Joe pulls back the curtain as he documents the premiere screening of Fat Joe Talks.” Meanwhile, “In each weekly 30-minute episode of Fat Joe Talks, the rapper will bring the audience along for intimate conversations and never-told-before stories with some of America’s favorite celebrities and newsmakers who drive the cultural zeitgeist,” per the release. https://youtu.be/tCVyIpdrzH4 The Myles & Ruth Munroe Foundation, along with the International Third World Leaders Association (ITWLA), will host Legacy Weekend on November 8-9, 2024, in the picturesque setting of Nassau, Bahamas. This year's theme, The Legacy of Leadership, promises an inspiring two-day event that will feature a powerful memorial, an awards ceremony, leadership sessions, and a special Legacy Walk to remember, culminating in a Legacy Reunion Concert featuring Grammy Award-winning gospel artist Yolanda Adams and Sherwin Gardiner, hosted by Chairwoman Deavra Daughtry. Fatal Attraction returns tonight, October 21 at 9 PM ET/8C. PREDATOR IN THE PARK When a young woman is found brutally stabbed and set on fire, investigators hone in on the last person to see her alive. They soon uncover a secret relationship and a new partner at the center of a love triangle brewing with guilt, jealousy, and wrath. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H__D5jTebnQ Payback returns tonight, October 21, at 10 PM ET/9C. MY BROTHERS KEEPER Days before Halloween, police find Diondus Billings shot dead, a victim of an apparent carjacking. With little else to go on, the police’s search for the missing vehicle unravels a revenge murder plot with multiple suspects. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeDvKNVF79E Celebrity Crime Files, Wednesday, October 23, at 10 PM ET/9C. MIKE TYSON/ DON KING This week's episode digs into the intense, boisterous, relationship between boxer Mike Tyson and promoter Don King, culminating in a publicized assault. Their history, financial disputes, and the psychological toll of their tumultuous partnership are examined. In the wake of news of WNBA star Angel Reese living beyond her means, come news of actress/singer Keke Palmer who now knows the value of a dollar after filing for bankruptcy at a young age. Reminiscing over the situation, the “Nope” star, who was between 18 and 19 when she filed, shared how she felt overdoing something she didn’t think about doing, especially with having a business manager around to keep her outside of that realm. “I was so spooked. I was like ‘What went wrong?’” Palmer recalled while speaking on the main stage during the Building Wealth Today for Tomorrow Financial Empowerment Summit in Chicago, Il. Prior to filing for bankruptcy, Palmer enjoyed a good run as a child star after making her big screen debut at the age of 9 with 2004’s “Barbershop 2: Back in Business.” Two years later, the Illinois native was featured in “Madea’s Family Reunion” followed by her first lead role in the 2006 film “Akeelah and the Bee,” US Weekly noted. Although the entertainment industry can be a challenge to navigate, Palmer’s parents provided solid support through the good and bad as well as hired a business manager for her when she was 12. https://youtu.be/VO_TeW1p_vs Less than two years after filing for divorce from his ex-wife Chanel Thierry, Mustard (formerly DJ Mustard) is officially single. Referencing legal documents obtained by TMZ, Love B Scott reports the “No Like Us” music maker (formerly known as DJ Mustard) has finalized his split from Thierry via his divorce attorney Samantha Spector. With the settlement, Mustard departs his relationship with a fleet of luxury cars and a Chatsworth, CA-based mansion and residential properties in Simi Valley and Los Angeles. Among the vehicles, the hitmaker keeps are a 2022 Maybach Benz, a 2018 Lamborghini Aventador, a 2022 Cadillac Escalade, a 2022 Rolls-Royce Cullinan, and a 2019 Lamborghini Urus as well as the keys to a 1960 Chevy Impala, four different motorcycles and a couple of Sea-Doo jet skis. As for Thierry, she collects a one-time buyout payment of $315,000 for spousal support from Mustard, in addition to Sleepova, the pajama and loungewear company she founded, and a Tesla Model X. Fifteen years after an unsuccessful group run, Victoria Monet is reaping solo benefits as a Grammy-winning mover and shaker with famous fans and pride in representing the LGBTQ+ community. Among those fans is Beyoncé, who shined a light on the 35-year-old singer by recently naming her as one of her favorite artists right now. Less than 24 hours later, Monet found herself trending on social media as someone to watch and listen for “I woke up to texts from people sending me that screenshot because they know that she’s my absolute favorite. It was just an honor to have her mention me and to have her listening to my music,” she excitedly recalled to The Standard. https://youtu.be/q0oGhx2JT1A She added: “It actually makes me want to be better knowing that she’s listening. I just want to continue to make her proud.” It’s safe to say that Monet is doing just that. Years after posting a song she wrote for Queen Bey on X (formerly Twitter) in 2018, the Jaguar II entertainer has expanded her list of artists she’s composed hits for including longtime friend and collaborator Ariana Grande, Dirty Money, Chloe x Halle, Nas, Travis Scott, Blackpink, Fifth Harmony and Brandy. https://youtu.be/JUzCEmuPwlc Dawn Richard’s lawyer, Lisa Bloom, has accused Sean “Diddy” Combs of witness tampering in a case involving Richard and fellow singer Kalenna Harper. The lawsuit claims Richard and Harper witnessed Diddy abuse multiple women, including his ex-girlfriends Cassie Ventura and Kim Porter. Bloom alleges that after Richard’s lawsuit dropped, Diddy contacted Harper over 100 times, but the calls ceased after Harper made a statement denying witnessing any of the abuse outlined in Dawn’s lawsuit, per ‘The Jasmine Brand.‘ “The implication is very clear. That he was reaching out to her,” Bloom said, per the media outlet. “I don’t know if he offered her something, or if he scared her, or what happened. But he’s tampering with witnesses. And then [sic] judge essentially said he needs to be behind bars because we can’t have witnesses tampered with.” EURweb reported earlier that Richard, an original member of Danity Kane, filed a lawsuit against Combs, accusing him of harassment and sexual abuse. According to TMZ, she alleges that the abuse began when she was in her 20s during her time on Diddy’s 2004 MTV show “Making The Band.” In the lawsuit, Richard claims Combs made promises to advance her career in exchange for inappropriate favors. She details in the legal docs how he verbally degraded the women who auditioned, calling them derogatory names such as “fat,” “ugly,” “bitches,” and “hoes.” The 41-year-old singer-songwriter claims the Bad Boy Records founder once made her rehearse for 48 hours nonstop, forcibly groped her after barging into her dressing room, and locked her in a car with tinted for two hours as she screamed for help. She was only released when her father traveled from Baltimore to New York to confront him, Complex reports. Although a combination of certain pain medications is more effective than opioids alone at managing discomfort after surgery, Black patients are less likely to receive this level of care while recovering from a major procedure, new research suggests. In a study presented Sunday at the American Society of Anesthesiologists’ annual meeting in Philadelphia, post-surgery Black patients were more likely to be prescribed oral opioids and less likely to receive multimodal analgesia, involving four modes of pain management, compared with their White peers. Multimodal analgesia is a method of pain management that uses multiple types of medications to reduce pain, and some experts argue that this approach not only can decrease the use of dangerously addictive opioids but may be a more effective pain control strategy. “Multimodal analgesia means using medicines and techniques that act in different ways to reduce pain. By combining different modes patients get better pain relief and require less narcotics,” Dr. Nauder Faraday, an author of the study and professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, said in an email. For a patient to determine whether they will be receiving multimodal analgesia, they “could ask their physicians, before surgery starts, how their pain will be managed after surgery and what drugs that they will be prescribed,” Faraday said. “They can also ask the same questions of their practitioners after surgery.” Damon Wayans recently discussed living with clubfoot during an interview on “CBS Sunday Mornings.” The comedian shared that the birth defect causes him ongoing pain, saying: “I had operations, but still, it’s like I’m in pain. I just walk around with like a toothache in my foot. It’s a constant.” According to the Mayo Clinic: “Clubfoot describes a condition present at birth in which a baby’s foot is pointed in and down. The tissues connecting the muscles to the bone are called tendons. In clubfoot, the tendons are shorter than usual, pulling the foot out of position.” While the exact cause of clubfoot is unknown, the Mayo Clinic notes that there are ways to promote a healthy pregnancy and reduce the risk of developmental issues, including clubfoot. Pregnant individuals are advised to avoid smoking and secondhand smoke, refrain from drinking alcohol, and not use drugs or medications that haven’t been approved by a healthcare professional. https://youtu.be/DUVOwUCuKrc Damon said his “clubfoot has been a gift.” “You learn to accept things. That’s another thing I practice. I accept everything, and I expect nothing,” he said on “CBS Sunday Mornings.” “My brothers say that I’m not such the dark one, but I have a darker sense of humor than the rest of the family. Only because, you know, I was a walking joke,” he added. Elsewhere in the interview, Damon promoted his new sitcom, “Poppa’s House,” co-starring Essence Atkins and Damon’s son, Damon Wayans Jr. The series premieres Monday, October 21 on CBS. As described by CBS, “Poppa’s House” is about a “legendary talk radio host and happily divorced “Poppa” (Damon Wayans) [who] has his point of view challenged at work when a new female co-host is hired, and at home where he finds himself still parenting his adult son (Damon Wayans Jr.), a brilliant dreamer who is trying to pursue his passion while being a responsible father and husband.” https://www.instagram.com/cbssundaymorning/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=89278003-cf6b-45fe-a2bc-ed506f34eb30 The “majority” of people allegedly victimized by a Las Vegas police officer criminally charged for orchestrating a series of fake arrests were Black men, according to a new report. August on 13 different charges, including battery on a protected person and eight counts of oppression under color of office. A grand jury indicted the police sergeant months after he was placed on leave from MPD. Select portions of transcripts from the grand jury proceeding have recently been made public to reveal Menon’s alleged modus operandi: to illegally detain fake suspects on the famous Las Vegas Strip with the help of uniformed MPD officers while dressed in plain clothes. Some of the officers who participated in the allegedly fake arrests testified before the grand jury that they faced rank-and-file threats to comply. “‘I’m the [expletive] sergeant, you idiot,’” one officer testified Menon said while shoving him to coerce the cop into producing a fake arrest report. Other officers also testified that Menon forced them to make fake arrests. At least one testified that Menon claimed “The captain has my back,” suggesting that the officers had no choice but to comply out of fear of reprisal from a commanding officer if they didn’t. There was a racial element to the arrests as well, according to KLAS, which reported that the “majority of individuals listed in the criminal case who were taken into custody were Black men.” Menon was ultimately placed on administrative leave and a grand jury was convened after an officer. https://youtu.be/IKx_ogzSo_s The fight to get justice for the deadly police beating of Tyre Nichols continues. Weeks after a federal jury delivered a mixed verdict against the former Memphis police officers who beat Tyre Nichols to death following a traffic stop, lawyers for the city fighting a lawsuit filed by the unarmed Black driver’s mother say she is not being forthcoming. Fox 13 reported that city attorneys claim RowVaughn Wells, who in April sued Memphis and its police department for the fatal brutality, is being accused of withholding information that can be used to fight the $550 million lawsuit. Ahead of the upcoming general elections, BlackPAC (BPAC) Founder and Executive Director Adrianne Shropshire took some time to connect with radio host Shejay Divine Martino of Radio One 100.3 WRNB Philly. With less than three weeks until Election Day, Shropshire explained to Martino how she and her organization are engaging Black voters. Shropshire emphasized the need for Black voters, in particular, to recognize the significance – historical and otherwise – of the elections in their entirety. “The most important thing is that we show up as a community and say, ‘Here is our message and here’s what we want to see’ in terms of the direction of this country,” Shropshire told Martino. The economy is among the chief motivations Black voters have to participate in the democratic process, Shropshire continued while rattling off a list of other important issues at stake. “There is a conversation that [Black voters] want to have about what’s most important to them,” Shropshire said. “These are the issues that we need to carry into the ballot box with us. We can make a difference on these issues.” For many people, especially those leaning left, Donald Trump’s disqualifications to be president seem obvious, prompting some to question: How could anyone still vote for Trump? Some of the evidence Trump’s critics cite include his two impeachments, multiple criminal indictments at the state and federal levels and a felony conviction. Opponents also say that Trump is a threat to democracy, a misogynist, racist, a serial liar and a rapist. About 78% of Democrats and Democrat-leaning independent voters say that Trump broke the law when he allegedly tried to overturn the 2020 election results. But less than half of Republicans think he did anything wrong. I am an anthropologist of peace and conflict, and I have been studying what I call the Trumpiverse since 2015, when Trump descended a golden escalator and announced his candidacy for president. I later wrote a related book in 2021, called It Can Happen Here. More recently, I have been examining toxic polarization – and ways to stop it. Many efforts to reduce people’s polarized views begin with an injunction: Listen and understand. To this end, I have attended Trump rallies, populist and nonpartisan events and meetings where Democrats and Republicans connect and talk. Along the way, I have spoken with Trump supporters ranging from the Make America Great Again, or MAGA, faithful to moderate “hold the nose and vote for him” conservatives. And indeed, many on the left fail to understand who Trump voters are and how they vary. Trump’s base cannot simply be dismissed as racist “deplorables,” as Hillary Clinton famously said in 2016, or as country bumpkins in red MAGA hats. Trump voters trend older, white, rural, religious and less educated. But they include others outside those demographic groups. Donald Trump’s running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, is out here straight up lying to himself and his MAGA constituents about why all of the above are being called racist. During a campaign rally in Pittsburgh on Thursday, Vance was preaching to his Klan-ish choir about how Republicans “get to say whatever the hell we want” but neither Vice President Kamala Harris nor anyone else should be calling them racist — even when they are saying things that are blatantly racist. “So, I think our message to Kamala Harris ought to be very simple,” Vance said. “Stop calling us racist for saying that we’ve got to close down that southern border!” Attempts to mourn the death of a Black woman who was recently gunned down by a police officer in her Virginia apartment building have been disingenuously described by conservatives as a “BLM hoax,” including Elon Musk. Sydney Wilson, 33, was in the throes of a mental health crisis when a police officer knocked on her door on Sept. 16 in Reston to perform a wellness check after receiving a request from a mental health professional to check on her.https://youtu.be/SDNagD8ljXI For years, Victoria’s Secret dominated the lingerie industry with its narrow beauty standards, often excluding diverse body types and ethnicities. However, as the brand struggled to evolve with the growing call for inclusivity, Black-owned lingerie brands emerged to fill the gap. These trailblazing companies celebrate diversity and representation that resonate with consumers. As 21Ninety reports, when Victoria’s Secret’s DEI efforts faltered, several Black brands stepped up to redefine beauty, setting new standards for the industry. Meet some of the pioneers leading this shift: Nubian Skin Per the official website: A nude bra and skin tone hosiery are the basics of every woman’s wardrobe, at least in theory. For many women of color, finding suitable skin-tone hosiery and lingerie has not been an option. Frustrated by the lack of skin-tone choices to go with her ever-expanding wardrobe, Nubian Skin founder, Ade Hassan, decided it was time for ‘a different kind of nude’. Nubian Skin launched a carefully edited collection of lingerie and hosiery to provide the essential underwear needs of Women of color. https://www.instagram.com/nubianskin/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=ec7b76f5-e362-4dfc-85dd-b8e1b232397f Per the official website: Inspired by endless romance, decadent sensuality, and intoxicating femininity, Anya Lust is a lingerie dreamland, created for free-spirited women to revel in pleasure and all that makes life so incredibly beautiful. We dream of weekend trips to Paris, intimate nights in private, dancing on the beach, never-ending sunkissed skin, indulging in fantasy, and drifting through lust and love. Founded by Krystle Kotara, Anya Lust offers everything from bridal pieces to everyday wear. https://www.instagram.com/p/CvNS6Y3A3Y6/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=invalid&ig_rid=a5e991f4-736d-4c92-8d87-555142c24016 Per 21Ninety: “Launched by Vera Moore, this lingerie line is all about celebrating the beauty of Black women. It offers affordable and stylish pieces in a range of sizes.” https://www.instagram.com/shoplovevera/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=82c98d56-62e7-42b1-8195-0f1b7e2b301c Members of the “Central Park Five” a/k/a “The Exonerated Five,” sued former President Donald Trump on Monday over “false and defamatory” statements they allege he made about their 1989 case during a presidential debate last month. The five men claim in a federal lawsuit that Trump knew he was acting with “reckless disregard” for the truth when he said during the September debate with Vice President Kamala Harris that they pleaded guilty to crimes connected to the beating and raping of a woman in New York City and that the five teenagers “badly hurt a person, killed a person” in the attack. “Defendant Trump’s statements were false and defamatory in numerous respects,” attorneys for the men, now all in their 50s, wrote in the lawsuit filed in federal court in Philadelphia. “Plaintiffs never pled guilty to the Central Park assaults. Plaintiffs all pled not guilty and maintained their innocence throughout their trial and incarceration, as well as after they were released from prison.” “None of the victims of the Central Park assaults were killed,” the lawyers for Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana, Kevin Richardson, Antron Brown, and Korey Wise wrote. https://youtu.be/rzPP6UJ5M-o His comments last month came in response to Harris bringing up the ad during a portion of the debate dedicated to race and politics in the US. “Let’s remember, this is the same individual who took out a full-page ad in The New York Times calling for the execution of five young Black and Latino boys who were innocent, the Central Park Five,” Harris said. “Took out a full-page ad calling for their execution.” One of the ads Trump purchased was included as an exhibit in the lawsuit. The former president has sought to project a tough-on-crime persona during his three White House bids, and the debate comments underscored his willingness to invoke racially and politically charged criminal cases in US history in that pursuit. Trump has continued to be critical of the case as he’s moved into politics in recent years. In October 2016, then-candidate Trump stood by his actions during the time of the case, telling CNN, “They admitted they were guilty.” https://youtu.be/T7ySi9b3Vsg 50 Cent says he’s been warning about Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ alleged wild antics for a decade. The two have been feuding since 2006 after he released the diss track “The Bomb,” accusing Diddy of being involved in the 1997 murder of Notorious B.I.G. The rapper and television producer previously announced he has a docuseries coming to Netflix about Combs’ legal issues. The former Bad Boy Records mogul is currently being held in federal custody in Brooklyn after being indicted in September on three criminal charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty. If convicted, Combs faces up to life in prison. 50 Cent announced late last year, following Cassie’s lawsuit against Diddy, that he was making a documentary about the mounting accusations against the father of seven. In an interview with PEOPLE, 50 Cent said, “Look, it seems like I’m doing some extremely outrageous things, but I haven’t. It’s really me just saying what I’ve been saying for 10 years.” He added, “Now it’s becoming more full-facing in the news with the Puffy stuff, but away from that, I’m like, ‘Yo, it’s just my perspective because I stayed away from that stuff the entire time, because this is not my style.’ ” 50 Cent and director Alexandria Stapleton previously told PEOPLE that the upcoming Diddy documentary is a “complex narrative spanning decades.” In a recent spectacle that can be only described as political theater, former President Donald Trump executed what he deemed a casual visit to a McDonald’s drive-through in Feasterville, Pennsylvania. As he handed food to pre-selected families, Trump remarked on their “beauty,” an unusual commentary that seemed to be less about the individuals and more about crafting a particular image. The drive-through was anything but spontaneous; it was a carefully orchestrated event set up by the local Trump campaign, underlining the blurred lines between genuine outreach and political performance. Unpacking Trump’s Feasterville Fiasco: Staged Moments and Political Drama. The narrative surrounding Trump’s McDonald’s visit has raised eyebrows, particularly as it was reported that the franchise was closed to the public during the event. Instead, the franchise and Trump’s team pre-screened those who appeared in the drive-through, making the entire situation feel more like a staged event for media optics rather than a genuine connection with voters. Media reports highlight that each participant was thoroughly vetted, raising questions about authenticity in political campaigning, notes MSNBC. Trump’s fixation on Vice President Kamala Harris, stemming from her college employment at a McDonald’s, has led him to repeatedly embody a caricature of political rivalry. In his quest to overshadow her narrative, Trump opted for this clumsy reenactment, aiming to belittle her work experience and bolster his own perceived connection to working-class America. https://youtu.be/leCKMNMbVdY?list=RDNSleCKMNMbVdY Kamala Harris to Trump: “You’ve Demeaned the Office of the Presidency” In stark contrast to Trump’s bombastic rally rhetoric, Vice President Harris engaged in a measured dialog with MSNBC anchor Al Sharpton, responding to Trump’s crude insults. During a Pennsylvania rally on Saturday evening, Trump went off on Harris for being a “sh*t vice president” and told her to “get the hell out!” His profanity was met with applause by his supporters in the audience, reports Mediaite. Harris asserted that Trump’s language not only reflects poorly on himself but also undermines the dignity of the presidency. She articulated the need for setting higher standards, especially as children across America watch these political exchanges unfold. Her assertion that Trump has “not earned the right” to represent the presidency again resonates amid the ongoing campaign debates. As both candidates maneuver through this politically charged atmosphere, their rhetoric illustrates much about their respective visions for American leadership. https://youtu.be/sdJudytCMK0 From McDonald’s to Misogyny: Trump’s Controversial Campaign Trail Trump’s appearance in Pennsylvania coincided with other troubling remarks made during recent rallies, where he displayed a propensity for inappropriate comments, including highly questionable references to the late golfer Arnold Palmer’s genitalia. “This is a guy that was all man. This man was strong and tough, and I refused to say it, but he took showers with the other pros, they came out of there, they said, ‘Oh my God, that’s unbelievable’. I had to say it.” NO Donald, you DIDN’T have to say it. In any event, this behavior has sparked conversations about the standards expected of political figures, especially in the context of a nation yearning for exemplary leadership. The former president’s increasingly provocative statements are not mere slip-ups but appear to be tactical moves to engage and rally his base, albeit at a sociocultural cost. While his supporters may cheer his audacity, the implications for civility in political discourse cannot be ignored. As the campaign trail continues, the juxtaposition of Trump’s antics with Harris’s measured responses encapsulates the diverging paths of their political discourse, revealing a stark contrast in approach to leadership—one grounded in spectacle, the other in diplomatic dignity. The past few days’ events have once again illustrated the chaotic intersection of politics and personality in modern America, leaving many to wonder what this means for the future and the upcoming elections. https://youtu.be/4do5MfaYGSQ At least seven people lost their lives when a dock collapsed on Sapelo Island, Georgia, sending a group of attendees plunging into the Atlantic waters. The accident occurred around 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, during a vibrant Cultural Day event celebrating the unique heritage of the Gullah-Geechee community, which consists of the descendants of enslaved individuals. Witnesses reported that approximately 20 people were gathered on the gangway leading to the outer dock, which connects to a ferry transporting passengers to the mainland when it suddenly collapsed. “The gangway just gave way, and people were thrown into the water without warning,” recounted one attendee who was not injured. Tragically, eight people were transported to the hospital, with at least six sustaining critical injuries. Meanwhile, search and rescue operations are ongoing, with U.S. Coast Guard teams utilizing boats equipped with sonar technology and helicopters to scour the surrounding waters for any missing individuals. Paul Anthony, a chaplain for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, was among those who lost their lives in this unexpected calamity. Tyler Jones, a representative from the agency, commented on the shocking nature of the incident, “The gangway was less than a year old, and we are still trying to understand how it could have failed so abruptly.” https://youtu.be/kd17ZsmUfFQ “We want to get the word out. We’re on a mission to make Him relevant to all,” said renaissance woman Michelle McKinney Hammond, who just released her 43rd book “When Shift Happens,” about her music ministry Michelle McKinney Hammond and Relevance. “We want to transform into His. We are the body of Christ.” The latest single from Michelle’s Praise & Worship group Relevance was “Your Presence.” Their latest album is “With Love.” Michelle McKinney Hammond and Relevance have released four albums “It’s Amazing,” “Let’s Go In,” “Come Let Us Worship and “With Love.” Those projects have birthed several hit singles such as “In You” and “Shelter” featuring Charles Lester. “It’s a team,” she said when I asked if Relevance was her choir. “A fresh new sound. Three background singers and a band. It’s what we do in Ghana, West Africa – for 10 years. We started in April 2014. We decided it would be best to do events, bars, and receptions – everything outside the church.” Michelle Hammond is an Emmy-winning TV host, winning the award for co-hosting for 10 years on “Aspiring Women” (Creflo Dollar Ministries), executive produced and co-hosted by Creflo Dollar. She was co-host of “3D Women” on TCT Network for eight seasons. She has appeared on Bill Mahers “Politically Incorrect.” As an actress and producer, Michelle’s credits include African movies Bloodline, Single and Married, If Tomorrow Never Comes, and Love Regardless. Hammond has also written a screenplay titled “First Love.” If that is not enough for this exceptional lady, she has a fashion line called MMH (Me, Myself and Him) Collection. “We worked out of Chicago. I left because I got tired,” she said when I asked why she wasn’t on the “Aspiring Women” show after 10 years. “It was fun at first…then I wanted to do something different…another level.” https://youtu.be/0ZA_CYW8dD8 The Rev. Richard Joyner of Conetoe, North Carolina, is grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which has devastated homes and the community farm he built for residents. Aiming to address food scarcity in a region often described as a food desert, the Conetoe Family Life Center is a testament to community resilience. However, the recent floods have submerged Joyner’s six plots of land, erasing months of hard work to produce healthy food for the neighborhood. In the wake of the storm, which made landfall on the Florida coast on September 26, Joyner ventured to his small community farm, only to find that all four acres of vegetables he had planted were completely underwater. “We could only see the top of the vegetables,” Joyner recounted. “We finally had to conclude that the crop was lost.” The farm, which had produced collards, broccoli, turnip greens, kale, and cabbage, was designed to alleviate food insecurity in an area where many families depend on its harvest. The Conetoe Family Life Center, established by Joyner in 2007, has become an essential resource for over 1,500 people in the community. With many residents lacking access to fresh fruits and vegetables, the farm was a vital lifeline that offered not just food but also educational opportunities for local children as young as five. https://youtu.be/CQt3rY3XpUg Charleston White is back on the scene but hasn’t escaped being at the center of another beef. The controversial rapper was arrested in Texas on Oct. 10 for charges including aggravated assault and harming an animal without the owner’s consent, Rolling Out reports. After spending time behind bars at the Lon Evans Corrections Center, White was released, as captured in a celebratory video shared by DJ Akademiks. It wasn’t long before White took it upon himself to continue his beef with fellow rhymesayer YSL Woody. The pair have a history between them, with their conflict escalating for weeks, Rolling Out noted, adding the beef stems from Woody accusing White of making false claims against him to the point where he suggested White might have placed a tracking device on his vehicle. The newest development between the pair comes amid a heated exchange captured in a recent video. In the clip, White made disparaging remarks about Woody’s disabled daughter, claiming his child was superior to Woody’s. The comments follow criticisms Woody made about White’s behavior during interviews, expressing feelings of betrayal. https://www.instagram.com/akademiks/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=adabe961-5b72-47ce-880c-aef0bb6284a6 ”Gladiator II,” the highly anticipated sequel to the 2000 Oscar-winning film, had its first screening on Friday night at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles, and early reactions are flooding social media. Directed by Ridley Scott, the film features a stellar cast, including Denzel Washington, Paul Mescal, and Pedro Pascal, and it looks poised to reignite the franchise’s legacy, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The screening provided film critics and various media outlets with the first glimpse of a grown-up Lucius Verus II, played by Paul Mescal, who is the nephew of Emperor Commodus—portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix in the original movie. In this new installment, Lucius returns to Rome after being forced into slavery, not as a ruler, but as a gladiator seeking revenge and striving to restore the glory of Rome to its people. Despite some recent films by Scott, such as “Napoleon” and “House of Gucci,” receiving mixed reviews, “Gladiator II” appears to mark a triumphant return to form for the legendary filmmaker. Initial responses from those who attended the screening have praised the film, hinting at another significant Oscar contender. “Gladiator II is the kind of large-scale filmmaking excellence only Ridley Scott could corral. Everything about it just works,” Drew Taylor from The Wrap noted. https://youtu.be/qsMoMv3Sn4c Shaquille O’Neal may not be around his sons Shareef and Shaqir as much, but he can be comfortable knowing their stepfather is looking out for them in the best way. During a recent episode of “The Groow Zone Podcast,” Keion Henderson and his wife, Shaunie O’Neal, recalled an incident in Texas that left him “scared to death” while trying to bond with his famous stepsons. The situation in question happened when Henderson, Shaqir, and Shareef were on their way to basketball practice. The windows were down at the time and the youth, who were with their friend Greg, had their shirts off, showing off their tattoos. Although displaying their ink was a normal thing for Shaqir and Shareef, the sight was enough to put Henderson on high alert as they cruised through the streets of the Lone Star state. “Shareef has 10% skin and 90% tattoos,” Henderson said, noting that Shaqir wasn’t far behind with the tattoo set up on his body. “In California, this is normal. But in Texas, when people see Black men with tattoos, they don’t see athletes-they see thugs.” Paul Anthony, born Paul Anthony George on September 4, 1958, in Brooklyn, New York, has long been a multifaceted force in the entertainment industry. An actor, producer, songwriter, and vocalist, Anthony’s career spans nearly three decades, during which he has made significant contributions to music and film. He is perhaps best known for his roles in iconic urban films like “House Party,” “House Party 2,” and “Krush Groove,” and for being a key member of the Grammy Award-winning R&B hip-hop group Full Force. Not limited to film and music, Anthony has collaborated with a roster of talented artists, including the likes of Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam, James Brown, Rihanna, and Nicki Minaj. His work helped shape the sound of hip-hop, soul, and pop, earning him numerous accolades, including Grammy Awards and records that have achieved Gold, Platinum, and Diamond status. Despite a successful career and commitment to fitness and bodybuilding, Paul Anthony faced a harrowing personal battle when he was diagnosed with Mantle Cell Lymphoma, a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. “I was in the gym training and my training partner saw a small lump in my neck. He thought it was unusual and suggested that I get checked out. I didn’t feel anything, which is pretty normal with this disease. I went to the doctor and had a FNA (fine needle aspiration). During the biopsy procedure, they removed fluid and tested it. The biopsy was conclusive and there still is no cure for this disease,” Anthony said about his experience. Marshella Griffin-Larry, known professionally as “Marshella Muzic,” is a wife, actress & singer/songwriter hailing from Bloomington, Indiana. In 2017, Marshella was diagnosed with aggressive Stage 3 Breast Cancer. She underwent over a year of Chemotherapy, radiation, as well as surgery. However, Marshella documented her journey on social media with posts about grueling chemo sessions and hilarious YouTube videos about her discovery that chemotherapy hair loss was not limited to hair on top of her head. Then there are her music parodies that are so funny, they rival any skit on SNL. Marshella faced the most heart-wrenching and frightening days of her life with honesty, sincerity, and an infectious dose of humor whenever possible. Marshella even caught the attention of Stand Up To Cancer and was featured in their ads in Time Square. https://youtu.be/_1yEBFYYDWA At just 14 years old, West Muhammad from Baltimore, Maryland has made an extraordinary leap into academia, becoming the youngest freshman in the history of Coppin State University. While many teens across the country are navigating the halls of high school, West is boldly stepping onto a college campus, embarking on an ambitious journey in cybersecurity engineering, all thanks to a full scholarship. Since childhood, West has envisioned attending college and immersing himself in the campus lifestyle he had seen portrayed in films and books. I’ve always wanted to go to college and have that experience,” he expressed in an interview with WBAL-TV. However, the reality of starting college at such a young age has brought its share of excitement and challenges. He admitted feeling a mix of nerves and anticipation as he began his classes, noting, “People would come up to me and ask me, ‘How did you get here?’ And, I started realizing that this is rare.” https://youtu.be/lwpna4KZY84 The month of October carries more than a namesake for October London. The Indiana-born vocalist has reemerged on the scene with a new album (“October Nights”) a year and a half after dropping his debut, and continued mentorship under Snoop Dogg at his label Death Row Records. Building off hit singles such as “She Keeps Calling and “A Beautiful Woman,” London is carving his own niche with “October Nights.” The album, released Oct. 11, features Ledisi and Tyrese as well as traditional R&B influences spread across it and London’s voice. “A lot of times, I just do a lot of stuff by myself,” London tells Billboard. “I mix, I master, I produce, and I write, so to speak, on my own. That’s where I gained [the] peace to write the records. I don’t even write records anymore, really. It all comes off the top, from my head to the microphone.” And as Billboard put it, “… everything begins and ends with his voice; he effortlessly balances sensual warmth, starry-eyed self-reflection and a vibrant streak of ‘70s R&B-steeped vocal effects throughout the record’s exploration of the various women and relationships that decorate his October Nights.” Chatting with the music outlet, London shares his view on R&B in its current state as well as the benefit of being under Snoop‘s wing and how he brought shades of his last musical offering (2023’s Marvin Gaye tribute, “The Rebirth of Marvin”) in to make new paths musically for fans and non-fans alike for his latest project. https://youtu.be/__wCqX9bjvU When did you start working on October Nights and when did you decide on the title? The title came from Snoop [Dogg]. I had a couple of other titles in mind, and we were just hanging out in the studio, and he was like “Yeah, it’s an October night… I think that should be the album title.” And I was like, “That sounds like a great album title!” We have some good October nights ahead of us, so [laughs]. The album didn’t take long. Just like Rebirth of Marvin took one week, October Nights took about two weeks to make. I can’t recall what time I started to make it, but I know it went pretty fast. It took two weeks for the first version of the album and then I sent it to the legendary producer Soopafly, and he wanted to add little bells and whistles to it. https://youtu.be/8prsn1seJ6E What’s old is new again. Although it never left among fans, Mint Condition’s 1991 hit, “Breakin’ My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes),” has found new life and a few other things on TikTok. According to Twin Cities, the tune recently went viral on social media, with music fans rediscovering their love for it. As a result, “Pretty Brown Eyes,” has been a part of several TikTok trends, including one trend that found it soundtracking users who share old photos of their parents and describing them as heartbreakers, using the song’s hook “breaking my heart.” https://www.tiktok.com/@m444dden/video/7413194368066145579?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fmint-conditions-1991-hit-pretty-brown-eyes-thrives-on-tiktok%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121468991%2C121439635%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7413194368066145579 In addition to the old parents’ photos, users have been using “Pretty Brown Eyes” to describe situations that would break their hearts. The kicker is the situations that often have a funny twist. Citing examples Twin Cities highlighted a Minnesota TikTok user named Madden (@m444dden) who posted a TikTok to poke fun at his short friends, using the song to describe how it would break his heart to say goodbye because “Santa needs his elves soon.” For Angelique, another TikToker, she used to the song to describe a situation in which her gym crush talks to the hottest girl working out at the gym. Needless to say, “Pretty Brown Eyes” has once again struck a nerve in the right place for the masses. Weighing in on the situation, Mint Condition co-founder and lead singer Stokley Williams voiced how amazing it is to see how technology and social media helped provide a new wind in his classic song’s sails. “It’s still a lot of people’s favorite,” Williams told Twin Cities. “Now I see the kids of people who discovered it back in the day, and I’ll go and perform the song, and they’ll hear certain parts of it.” https://www.tiktok.com/@angelique.stalker_fit/video/7332267851555867905?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fmint-conditions-1991-hit-pretty-brown-eyes-thrives-on-tiktok%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7332267851555867905 On Wednesday, Shahlise Cherry and her friend Deborah Arnone went to visit a fondly remembered past, one that helped to reshape retailing in America. They went shopping at the last full-size Kmart in the mainland United States, which is set to close its doors in Bridgehampton, New York, for good on Sunday. Their cart was full of close-out bargains, like a coffee maker and a set of bowls, things they didn’t necessarily come looking for but which they couldn’t pass up at 70% off regular price. It’s been a while since she’d been there, Cherry said, even though she was once a regular shopper. “It was out of my loop for so long,” she said. “They didn’t have many of the things I needed.” https://youtu.be/jE_Noib-0Zc No matter how good a rapper he is or how hard his image paints him to be, The Game’s past as a stripper will forever put a cloud over whatever highs he has on his personal and professional highlight reel. And he has none other than his grandfather to thank for it. Flashback to 2006 and Game was generating talk for his debut album “The Documentary” and feuding with 50 Cent and his G-Unit crew. Amidst the highs and drama came chatter about Game being a stripper. Adding fuel to the rumor, 50 Cent released his mixtape “G-Unit Radio Part 21: Hate It or Love It. The project is noted for including a photo of Game in a strip club wearing a G-string. Although 50 maintained that Game was once a stripper who performed under the name “Doja,” Rolling Out noted the denial from fans who labeled the G-Unit leader’s claims as nothing more than an unfounded attack. Enter Hodari Sababu, Game’s stepfather. https://youtu.be/HTWyXiaFyqc Chatting with Pitchfork TV, Sabadu backed up 50’s allegations, giving fans confirmation straight from someone who knows Game well enough to share that the “This How We Do” rhymeslinger once worked for him as an exotic dancer. “Me and Game’s mom started a male exotic club,” Sababu confessed. “We used to get guys that came fresh out of jail, they were buffed up and needed money. A lot of these guys can’t go and fill out an application and get a job but hey, if they look good, they have been working out we put ‘em on, man.” “Jayceon danced there maybe twice and 50 Cent will not let him forget it,” Sababu added. “Somehow somebody got pictures of him dancing in that club with his g-string on and boy boy boy … Whether he likes it or not, I tell him the truth. Because just like most people that achieve a certain amount of fame and fortune … that comes with the a– kissers. They’re around all the time to say you’re the greatest thing because most of them are on the payroll. But fortunately — or unfortunately — I’m not on the payroll so I can tell you exactly what I think.” Wait. There’s one person who can speak on Game’s past as a stripper. That would be Compton’s Lonzo Williams who also worked with the rapper’s mother put on male exotic dancers/strippers. Check out the video below for Lonzo’s take. https://youtu.be/I05LGilOWSw Lil Wayne has found himself not just a new chef but an emotional connection that is heating up in more ways than one. The rapper has teamed up with chef LeahAngelie Murphy, who has been stirring more than just pots in Wayne’s kitchen since the beginning of 2023. Weezy and Murphy’s relationship blossomed into romance shortly after they started collaborating, establishing a new dynamic that blends culinary creativity with personal affection. Before LeahAngelie, Wayne faced challenges in the kitchen; his previous chef, Morghan Medlock, alleged that she was wrongfully terminated after leaving to attend to a family emergency involving her injured son. https://www.instagram.com/leehah88/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=d4d12216-54a9-409b-a622-b80ce6debeeb Medlock has since filed a lawsuit against the rapper, claiming wrongful termination and retaliation. In contrast, LeahAngelie’s arrival has transformed Wayne’s culinary experience, bringing both warmth and a personal touch. Originally from Los Angeles, LeahAngelie not only cooks for Wayne but also lives with him, providing 24/7 meal service that keeps the rapper fueled and happy, according to TMZ. https://www.instagram.com/leehah88/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=0500120b-9260-4074-bc5e-d47366fed577 In the spirit of the political season HIP HOLLYWOOD checked the pulse of Black male voters with a community quiz! While many have heard “Project 2025” is an extremist blueprint for the next Republican president many have not read it … so they decided to put it in the hands of citizens. Over the course of three days, they canvased the community and spoke to Black men between the ages of 18-65 and had them read excerpts from “Project 2025” and share their raw, unfiltered reactions with us on camera. We also broke down how various policy agendas including education, abortion rights, the death penalty and more will directly impact the Black community with the help of UCLA Professor Dr. Tyrone Howard. The result? A powerful initiative speaking to the very community that will be impacted most. https://youtu.be/Iyd0ve1B8E4 Katt Williams recently avoided a $1.7 million judgment in a lawsuit accusing him of assaulting a woman who claimed to be his former personal assistant. According to Vibe, the plaintiff, Angelina Triplett-Hill, filed the suit in 2016, alleging Williams assaulted her in 2014 on a film set, causing her to lose consciousness. She was initially awarded a $1.7 million default judgment after he failed to appear in court. However, his lawyer successfully had the judgment overturned, and during the trial, the lack of medical records and Williams’ presentation of his actual assistant led to his victory in the case. “Katt said he did nothing wrong and would never pay the woman a cent,” said Jeremiah Reynolds, Williams’ lawyer, in a statement. “He accepted the risks and understood that the plaintiff would try to play on sympathy at trial to ask for even more money,” Reynolds continued. “At trial, we argued that the plaintiff had created a false narrative of working for Katt as his assistant and faked the incident. The plaintiff tried to play on the jurors’ emotions, supposed ‘power imbalances,’ and did everything she could to try to bring in irrelevant and prejudicial evidence about Katt. Judge Snyder excluded it all,” the lawyer added. https://youtu.be/8oRRZiRQxTs Travis Scott received the prestigious “I Am Hip Hop” award at the 2024 BET Hip Hop Awards, and the honor comes three years after eight people died at his Astroworld Festival in 2021. Vibe reports that Teyana Taylor and Tyla presented the award to the rapper, who said in his acceptance speech: “I come from this generation where they considered us nowhere near Hip-Hop. Every day, I try to push the sound. Coming in as a producer, nobody knew what I was trying to do, but I always had this idea and I had this vision still to this day to take this sound and take things to the next level. I’m just so glad that we made it this far.” The hip-hop star continued, “I come from Houston, Texas and we don’t have a lot of billboards and we don’t have a lot of big advertisements to try to get us on our way. Just want to let everybody know where you come from, it doesn’t really matter. It’s just what goes on in your brain can take you to the next level and beyond. With true focus, true drive, and real surroundings, you can go wherever the f**k you want to go.” https://youtu.be/7cNeMjHvjSU In a video tribute, Scott says in a voiceover, “I was always in love with making music. I just always wanted to tailor my own sound and I always wanted to, like, push the sound. Take it somewhere. It all starts within me creating. I kinda just spit it all out. I try to put a lot of energy into making the music fully come to life.” As we reported earlier, the six-time “BET Hip Hop Awards” 2024 nominee was celebrated for his creative genius, cultural contributions, and incredible talent, which have catapulted him to the top of the game as one of the most innovative forces in music and popular culture. The 2024 BET Hip Hop Awards celebrated the best in Hip Hop from the past year across 17 categories chosen by a prestigious voting academy of industry experts. This year’s show was taped at Drai’s Beachclub & Nightclub in Las Vegas, NV, on October 8, and aired Tuesday, October 15, at 8 PM ET/PT on BET. The ceremony included performances from 310babii, 2 Chainz, Big Boogie featuring GloRilla, Bossman DLow, E-40, Juicy J, Soulja Boy featuring Roscoe Dash, and Trina featuring Yung Miami, per the news release. https://youtu.be/y2CU0ZiHHV8 Senator Raphael Warnock expressed doubts that Black men will significantly support former President Donald Trump in the upcoming election. Newsweek reports that Vice President Kamala Harris is leading among Generation X, Generation Z, millennials, baby boomers, and the silent/greatest generations in a new poll. According to The Hill, during an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Warnock aimed to ease concerns among fringe liberals who are obsessed with how Black men will cast their vote on Election Day next month. “Let me tell you something this morning, Black men are not going to vote for Donald Trump in any significant numbers. There will be some. We’re not a monolith,” he said. “Again, we’re not a monolith, but this, this idea that large numbers of Black men are going to vote for Donald Trump, it’s not going to happen,” Warnock added. Former MTV VJ Ananda Lewis revealed in a 2020 Instagram post that she’s been battling breast cancer. At the time, the ex host of BET’s Teen Summit and The Ananda Lewis Show admitted regret over never having mammograms due to a fear of radiation exposure. In a recent update, Lewis, 51, shared that her cancer has metastasized, and is now stage IV.“My plan at first was to get out excessive toxins in my body. I felt like my body is intelligent, I know that to be true. Our bodies are brilliantly made,” Lewis explained with CNN’s Stephanie Elam and CNN anchor Sara Sidner during a round-table discussion about cancer. Sidner was diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer early this year and underwent a double mastectomy, per PEOPLE. Following her diagnosis, Lewis went against her doctors’ recommendation for a double mastectomy.“I decided to keep my tumor and try to work it out of my body a different way,” she shared. “Looking back on that, I go, ‘You know what? Maybe I should have,’” she explained. https://www.instagram.com/imanandalewis/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=4c744b29-59b7-43c3-8d40-f06518579773 Authorities in Louisiana are investigating the deaths of a couple who were found shot to death on a highway over the weekend. On Saturday, October 12, police discovered the bodies of 17-year-old Dashayla Ardoin from Mamou, Louisiana, and her boyfriend, 21-year-old Glenkeithan Robertson, a DJ from Opelousas, along a highway in Acadia Parish, according to local officials, PEOPLE reports. “From the investigation, this case is believed to be a murder/suicide,” the Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. Sheriff KP Gibson stated that Robertson is believed to have been the shooter, but no motive has been identified. The couple was reportedly traveling to Mamou High School where Ardoin was a student. It is believed they were headed to the school’s homecoming event that evening, per the school’s Facebook page. In a tribute posted online, Mamou High School said: “Dashayla will always be remembered for her courage and bravery, her kind heart, and her beautiful smile,” read a part of the tribute posted on Monday. “She was so very loved and will be dearly missed.” https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=851508750487256&set=a.161932512778220&type=3&ref=embed_post Ali Jones may be waging a full legal war with Nelly, but his fellow St. Lunatics are sitting this one out. TMZ Hip Hop, per a legal letter it obtained that was sent to Ali’s lawyer, reports that the three St. Lunatics – Murphy Lee, Kyjuan, and City Spud – did not give Ali authorization for them to be included in the $50 million lawsuit he filed in mid-September against the “Ride with Me” rapper. In the suit, Jones claims he and the other St. Lunatics members have been shut out of royalties and profits from Nelly’s Diamond-selling “Country Grammar” album and other various other songs. In the note, Nelly’s attorney N. Scott Rosenblum stated Murphy Lee, Kyjuan, and City Spud recently retained him and are now demanding to be removed from the suit. If not, Rosenblum threatened legal action. Sources tell TMZ that the trio are still good with Nelly and were blindsided by Ali’s lawsuit. Sean “Diddy” Combs’ collection of keys to the city will decrease by one, with Miami Beach locking the door on the disgraced Bad Boy Records founder. Miami city officials are in final negotiations to rescind the key imminently. The action stems from Combs’ recent arrest and sex trafficking indictment as well as a growing number of accusations against him. The exact day the revocation will be finalized has not been confirmed, due to Hurricane Milton. According to insiders, the storm is expected to hit Florida on Wednesday, reports Love B. Scott. With its decision to take back its key from Combs, Miami Beach becomes the latest city to rescind the honor, which the 54-year-old music mogul received from former mayor Philip Levine during the Revolt Music Conference at the Fontainebleau in October 2015. In June, Combs returned the Key to the City to New York City in June after that city’s mayor, Eric Adams, requested it back in a letter. Groundbreaking to revitalize Boone Theater is set for October 17th! The Vine Street Collaborative team, a local partnership of Shomari Benton, Tim Duggan, and R. Jason Parson, is jazzed to announce the groundbreaking for the Boone Theater project. Located in the heart of the Historic 18th and Vine Jazz District, the newly renovated Boone Theater will house The Black Movie Hall of Fame, The Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City, and multiple office suites.9 a.m. CST on Thursday, October 17, 2024. https://youtu.be/_nJI427rNxY Vice President Kamala Harris brushed off criticism that she comes across as “very scripted” – wearing her cautious style as a badge of honor – during a wide-ranging interview Tuesday in Detroit with radio host Charlamagne Tha God. “That would be called discipline,” Harris said, arguing that “there are certain things that must be repeated to ensure that I have everyone know what I stand for.” On a campaign swing in Michigan, where she is courting the Black male voters critical to her coalition, Harris pushed back repeatedly against suggestions she was disconnected from the Black community and made a vigorous case against her rival, former President Donald Trump, saying his campaign feeds on fear and agreeing with the radio host that it is “about fascism.” “By voting in this election, you have two choices, or you don’t vote, but you have two choices if you do and it’s two very different visions for our nation,” Harris said, warning as she often does that another Trump presidency would “take us backward.” https://youtu.be/essI_r5XvAE “He prefers to run on a problem instead of fix a problem. And we got to call it out and see it for what it is,” Harris added. After the interview, Harris stopped by a watch party at CRED Café, a coffee shop and event space owned by former NBA players Joe and Jordan Crawford. She thanked attendees and pushed them to the polls. “Early voting, everybody knows it starts in four days here in Michigan, and Detroit is going to help deliver Michigan,” Harris said. “Michigan is going to help us win.” Earlier in the day, she visited the Black-owned Norwest Art Gallery, where she was joined by actors Don Cheadle, Delroy Lindo, and Detroit native Cornelius Smith Jr. for a conversation with Black men focused on entrepreneurship. https://youtu.be/7hdfR7gmU_U The Multicultural Media & Correspondents Association (MMCA) is excited to announce a special Election Year edition of the 9th Annual Multicultural Media Correspondents Dinner (MMCD) on Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. This invitation-only event will bring together journalists, media owners, policymakers, and executives from corporate and advocacy organizations to honor media industry luminaries of color and underscore the need for increased diversity in media. Previous honorees have included notable figures such as Dick Parsons, Jamie Foxx, Tom Joyner, Cathy Hughes, Jennifer Lewis, Robert Rodriguez, Kristen Welker, Lisa Ling, Maria Hinojosa, Richard Lui, Juan Williams, Nikole Hannah-Jones and Soledad O’Brien. Culture Kitchen returns Wednesday, October 16, at 9 PM ET/8C. FLAN FRIDAY In this episode, Chef Bren Herrera treats us to a beloved family dessert with a cultural twist—flan! She starts by whipping up a rich, caramel-glazed pumpkin spice flan that’s perfect for the season. Then, she takes it up a notch with a decadent shaved coconut flan, infused with just the right hint of rum. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GH6xuhdVe18 New Soul Kitchen returns Wednesday, October 16, at 9:30 PM ET/8:30C. A TASTE OF GREECE Chef Jernard takes you on a culinary journey to Greece, showcasing his favorite flavors. First, he crafts a mouthwatering beef and lamb gyro topped with creamy tzatziki sauce. Next up, a crispy fried calamari with a spicy twist, followed by a refreshing traditional Greek salad, perfectly balanced with feta cheese and a drizzle of honey balsamic dressing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaSoin2cmLM Tough Love: ATL Season Finale this Thursday, October 17, at 9 PM ET/8C. A FINAL GOODBYE Get ready for a tension-packed season finale: Kenny’s revelation shakes Jackie to the core as he opens up about his troubled past. Meanwhile, Rome’s daring escape plan puts the crew on edge as they scramble to outwit their scheme. Lisa is determined to sever all ties with Drew, which leads to a face-off against Quentin in a heated confrontation. Jackie says her emotional goodbye to Will, but as things seem to settle, Kenny’s chance encounter with Princess throws everyone into chaos. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezJwvtDzf1s Though crime and criminal justice policy are central issues in many elections, that’s not true in 2024. Surveys show that relatively few American voters rank crime as their most important concern. Yet both former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris say they take those problems seriously. Trump and the Republicans have focused attention on the problem of illegal immigration and the crimes that he says immigrants commit. Harris, as The Economist noted, “is using her history as a prosecutor in San Francisco to burnish her tough-on-crime bona fides.” She has mentioned that background in connection with immigration, drug policy and corporate wrongdoing. It appears that North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson is making good on his promise to sue CNN over the network’s report claiming that he made lewd, self-loathing and bigoted remarks on adult website Nude Africa’s message board, some of which were similar to self-loathing and bigoted remarks he has definitely made from the stage and on social media. According to WRAL, when announcing the lawsuit during a news conference on Tuesday, Robinson, once again, called himself the victim of a “high-tech lynching,” which, of course, was a reference to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, another Clayton Bigby acolyte who said he was the victim of the same type of non-lynching after he was accused of sexual harassment in 1991 by his former adviser, Anita Hill. But now Robinson, who is running for governor of North Carolina against Democrat Josh Stein, is determined to prove he did not refer to himself as a “Black Nazi” who enjoys transgender porn and would love to buy a slave on Nude Africa. (He’s a Holocaust denier who once said Black people “owe” reparations to white people for slavery, so at least two out of the three allegations track.) The lieutenant governor’s defamation lawsuit seeks $50 million in damages and names CNN and another person as defendants. Democrat Shawn Harris, a former U.S. Marine Corps soldier and infantry commander, is running for Georgia’s 14th congressional district, facing a formidable challenge to unseat the controversial Marjorie Taylor Greene. Since 2021, the Republican congresswoman has managed to retain her seat in the U.S House of Representatives despite clashes with prominent political figures and promoting unfounded conspiracy theories about the federal government. Recently, she claimed that the federal government was responsible for the devastating Hurricane Helene, which resulted in hundreds of fatalities. In a recent interview with the Associated Press (AP), Harris expressed his belief that the people in his district deserve change and more than what Greene has provided. “I have concrete things that I plan to do and bring back to the district,” Harris told AP. “Marjorie has been up for three and a half years and can’t point to anything that she has actually done.” https://www.instagram.com/shawnforgeorgia/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=62c9c135-3b3f-448d-ad48-3607475edbe0 Harris’ background is a compelling mix of service, education, and community engagement. Growing up on a farm in Blakely, Georgia, he developed a strong connection to his roots, as noted on his campaign website. His time in the Marine Corps, where he rose to the rank of Sergeant and served in combat in Afghanistan, taught him the importance of duty, honor and leadership – skills that will undoubtedly come in handy when bolstering his campaign efforts. As he seeks to run for Congress against Greene, Harris is leveraging his experiences and conversations with local residents to address the issues facing his community. His campaign reflects a return to his agricultural beginnings, focusing on the needs and values of Georgians. https://www.instagram.com/shawnforgeorgia/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=5117aac7-50c2-4552-81f0-dadfe5085a3e At some point, MAGA Republicans really need to ask themselves why they have such yuge neo-Nazi fanbases. MAGA has proven itself to be a MAGA-net for Nazis, Ku Klux Klan members and other assorted white supremacists, and its supposedly non-racist members barely even question it. Instead, many of them claim, with no evidence, of course, that government operatives are posing as white supremacist groups and infiltrating their rallies, protests and campaign events, but it never seems to occur to them how much they sound like KKKindred spirits when they speak about immigrants in the most racist, xenophobic and dehumanizing ways possible, shout “DEI hire” at every Black person in a position of influence or power, and defend the same Confederate flags white supremacists love waving around. Even their beloved great replacement theory is a product of white supremacist theology. Lauren Pisciotta, Kanye (Ye) West’s former assistant, has revealed a shocking detail in her amended lawsuit against the rapper. Pisciotta, who worked with Ye between 2021 and 2022, claims in legal documents that he sent her a screenshot of a conversation with his wife, Bianca Censori, 35, in which he expressed a desire to have sex with Bianca’s mother, Alexandra Censori, E! News reports. This exchange allegedly occurred in September 2022 while Alexandra was visiting from Australia. “I wanna f–k your mom,” West’s text to Censori reads, per the filing. He allegedly added, “Should I ad [sic], I meant I want you to watch me f–k your mom.” Pisciotta said West shared Censori’s reply, in which she reminded the rapper that her mom is married. We reported earlier that Pisciotta alleges Ye drugged and sexually assaulted her during a party he co-hosted with Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs. The allegations surfaced in recent court documents, revealing troubling details about the incident that transpired at a music studio gathering. Pisciotta claims she began working for Ye in 2021 and was fired a year later after allegedly being subjected to relentless explicit text messages. According to her complaint, West asked her to be more “God Like” and delete her OnlyFans account in 2022. Pisciotta claims she was making $1 million a year on the platform and the hip-hp star promised to increase her salary to $2 million annually to make up for the income loss. However, Kanye allegedly never followed through with this adjustment. Walgreens is set to close around 1,200 stores as it, along with other drugstore chains, faces challenges in staying relevant to U.S. shoppers who now prefer online retailers or cheaper competitors. Traditional drugstores have been hit by shrinking prescription profits, rising costs, theft, and the fading impact of their COVID-19 vaccine role, according to The Associated Press. Walgreens’ move follows CVS Health’s closure of 900 stores over three years and Rite Aid’s bankruptcy, leaving it with only about 1,300 locations. “They’ve really got to rethink how they do business and, most importantly, what they mean and what value they bring to the customer,” said Neil Saunders, managing director of consulting and data analysis firm GlobalData. “Consumers are being more wary about where their dollars are being spent and Walgreens’ retail side of the biz is struggling more compared to last year,” Morningstar analyst Keonhee Kim told The New York Post. During the pandemic, retail theft exploded in the chain, and it continues to be problematic. “It’s not a convenient shopping experience with everything locked up,” Kim said. Je’Niece McCullough, the daughter of late comedian Bernie Mac appears in VICE TV’s “Black Comedy in America,” a new docuseries that explores the impact of Black comedy on American culture over the past century. The series features prominent figures such as Will Smith, Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, Anthony Anderson, Marlon Wayans, Tiffany Haddish, and more. In the first episode that debuted on Oct. 15, McCullough, 46, shared her feelings on being included in her father’s stand-up comedy material, PEOPLE reports. Mac died at age 50 on Aug. 9, 2008, from complications due to pneumonia “But did he do jokes about you?“ Haddish asked McCullough. “Yes, he did,” McCullough said. “Did it make you feel some type of way?” Haddish replied. “Not when I was younger,” McCullough continued. “When I was younger, I enjoyed it. It was like, ‘Oh, look, my daddy’s onstage, yay! Go daddy!’ And then as I got older and the jokes got more personal, I was like, ‘Wait a minute. Hold on. Hold on. Um, sir?’ Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones faced criticism Tuesday following a 47-9 loss to the Detroit Lions. During his weekly interview on 105.3 The Fan, Jones clashed with two radio hosts over the team’s performance, becoming so agitated that he threatened their jobs. The incident has drawn renewed criticism towards Jones, with ESPN’s Shannon Sharpe condemning his behavior. “He put a man in fear for his job,” he said about Jones’s comments, per Sports Illustrated. “I hate, I detest, I despise someone that will prey on the weak. And because Jerry Jones is in an advantageous situation, because he has the power in this situation, he would actually say that publicly,” Sharpe continued. “That tells me a lot about a man. That tells me a lot about a man that has power and would abuse that power to tell that man, ‘I will get someone in here to ask me favorable questions.’… What do you think his job was? The former NFLer added, “Jerry wants all the credit when things go well but none of the blame. He told us how many times, ‘The buck stops with me. Any deal that’s ever happened, I either signed off on it or I got notified of it.’ Now you getting trounced. You getting run through like Sherman went through Atlanta during the Civil War and now you don’t want no part of it when they ask you about it,” Sharpe ranted. “I wrote the sax part…I heard vocals and October was on my list as a fresh new cat,” said four-time Grammy-nominated Boney Jones to me when I asked about his new single “All I Want Is You” featuring Death Row Records’ October London. “Turns out he is a fan of mine, an incredible talent.” The “All I Want Is You” single is off Boney James’ 19th studio album “Slow Burn” (Concord Records) – out October 18, 2034. Also featured on the “Slow Burn” project are Marcus Miller (bass/composer), Cory Henry (organist/pianist), and Rick Braun (trumpet). Jairus Mozee (Anthony Hamilton) co-wrote and co-produced four tracks on the “Slow Burn” album with Boney James producing the entire project. The “Slow Burn” album offers 10 songs, eight are originals and two are cover songs of Herbie Hancock and Stanley Turrerntine. “Actually, the title came from listening to songs I call ‘slow burns’,” said Boney when I asked about the meaning to the title of his album. “Songs with a slow intensity.” Boney James, a multi-Gold selling musician, is currently on a tour promoting the new project. The “Slow Burn” Tour started in mid-July and ends at the end of Jan 2025. As I am typing this write-up on the album release Boney James’ tour is arriving in Clearwater, Florida for the Clearwater Jazz Holiday on October 17, 2024; Delaware is next for the Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival on Oct. 19th; Alexandra, Virginia at The Birchmere on Oct. 20th is next; Annapolis, Maryland at Rams Head on Stage on Oct. 21st; Charleston, South Carolina at the Charleston Music Hall on Oct. 23rd; then back to Florida at the Florida Theatre in Jacksonville on Oct. 25th; Stockbridge, Georgia at the Stockbridge Amphitheatre on Oct. 26th follows, and it continues and ends Jan. 25th in Las Vegas, Nevada at The Smith Center for Performing Arts. “I love it,” James said about touring, something he often does! “We are doing a lot of weekends in October and November. We are on a bus…that’s the best way to tour – I think.” https://youtu.be/x1FTCf5sTC0 Last night, the “BET Hip Hop Awards” 2024 featured a pivotal conversation as Vice President Kamala Harris sat down with legendary hip-hop artists Fat Joe and Too Short to discuss her vision for the future and address the key topics facing Black communities today. The impactful exchange aired during the awards ceremony and tackled critical topics, including the economy, small business support, misinformation, and the vital importance of voting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNg_SGvQeg4 Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is facing yet another lawsuit and this time he’s accused of raping a woman with a TV remote as retaliation for her suggesting he was involved in Tupac Shakur’s murder. TMZ reports that a woman named Ashley Parham is taking legal action against the Bad Boy Records founder, accusing him of sexually assaulting her “in a gangbang-style rape after she dissed him on a FaceTime call,” the outlet writes. The allegations stem from a February 2018 encounter when Parham met one of Diddy’s associates at a bar and he made a FaceTime call with the music superstar. During the chat, she expressed her belief that Combs played a role in Tupac’s death, which Parham claims provoked a threat from Diddy that she would “pay” for her comment. A month later, Parham was allegedly lured to Diddy’s associate’s home in Orinda, California, where Combs unexpectedly appeared. According to the lawsuit, Diddy, 54, threatened her with a knife, stating he would give her a “Glasgow smile” (cutting her from ear to ear) as retribution for her remarks. She claims that his top aide, Kristina Khorram, was present and discouraged Diddy from harming her face, suggesting instead that they sell her to sex traffickers. Khorram (described as KK in the lawsuit) threatened her, saying they could ship her off “anywhere in the world and she would never see her family or anyone else she knew ever again,” according to the suit. Diddy allegedly removed Parham’s clothes and administered oil from a bottle on her naked body before he instructed Khorram to insert an IUD into her vagina, which malfunctioned. Subsequently, Combs allegedly used a TV remote to rape Parham violently. Her suit states that he told Pearce to rape Parham from behind before they both took turns “anally” raping her. A third man, identified as Defendant Doe 1, also participated in the sexual assault. https://youtu.be/M44jYUeqm7k Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, in partnership with The Estate of Whitney E. Houston and Primary Wave Music will release Houston’s first live concert album, Whitney Houston: The Concert for a New South Africa (Durban) on Friday, November 8, in celebration of the 30th Anniversary of her historical visit to South Africa. The new live album features music from the unprecedented concert event including Whitney’s greatest hits, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me),” “How Will I Know,” “I Have Nothing,” “Greatest Love of All,” “I Will Always Love You,” and other landmark classics including “Amazing Grace,” and her rendition of Charlie Smalls’ “Home” from the Broadway musical, The Wiz. The collection features three configurations with slightly different track listings on CD, vinyl, and digital for the first time. Also included in the CD and digital collection is the first-ever release of the studio recording, “Love Is.” Check out a video performance of “I Have Nothing,” from the concert film. https://youtu.be/Z0Vf6RCh37c Early reactions to the live recordings start with Sony Music Entertainment’s Chief Creative Officer, Clive Davis, who signed Whitney to Arista Records when she was 19 years old. Davis says, “If you want to experience the greatest female contemporary voice of all time, you must see Whitney Houston’s South Africa Durban concert film and own the album. There will never be another Whitney Houston.” “When Sony sent me the remastered version of the music, I was floored by the quality of the sound and purity of her voice,” says Pat Houston, the executor of The Estate of Whitney E. Houston. “This album will remind, not just her core fans, but music lovers worldwide of Whitney’s virtuosity as a recording artist. I’m sure her fans will love and appreciate the live iteration of her hit classics. The fans have been waiting on this project for more than a decade and they certainly have expressed and made their sentiments known.” https://youtu.be/Z5GaK23vNko Director Brandon Espy and actor Elvis Nolasco talkj about their new horror film “Mr. Crocket,” now streaming on Hulu. The movie is based on Espy’s 2022 short of the same name, created for Hulu’s Bite Size Halloween series. Co-written by Espy and Carl Reid, “Mr. Crocket” is part of WorthenBrooks’ first-look horror slate with Hulu Originals. The film tells the chilling story of a 1993 children’s show host who emerges from TV screens to abduct children, leaving a trail of gruesome murders behind. Here’s the official synopsis: In 1993, a mysterious children’s show host, Mr. Crocket, magically emerges from television sets to kidnap young children, brutally slaying their parents in the process. After Mr. Crocket snatches her son, one determined mother embarks on a perilous quest to track down the demonic entertainer and rescue her boy. We asked Elvis to share his thoughts on portraying a character linked to a children’s show that takes a dark turn, and how he prepared for such a sinister role. “I did take my time to be able to do some research, not specifically on other horror films, but on the time period, doing research about family and being able to take my time to write in silence and a quiet space. What to me was Mr. Crockett? How did he come about? What was his upbringing? And in that process, a lot was discovered,” he explained. “Being able to have a private moment with Mr. Crockett and put myself in a place where experimentally, I am going to tap into what this guy’s public persona is and what his private persona is.” https://youtu.be/BVZUWthrVxM This is how you show love. 32-year-old André Williams from Houston, Texas, recently paid off the mortgage for his mother, Tracy Gathers-Williams, as a way to honor her unwavering support throughout his life. A touching testament to their close relationship, André’s act of kindness reflects the strong bond they share, with Tracy shaping his work ethic through her diligent efforts. Tracy, 54, currently resides in South Carolina with André’s father, sister, and nephew. What began as an idea last year culminated in an emotional moment for both mother and son. André decided to keep his plan under wraps, confiding in only a cousin while cunningly gathering necessary details. He requested a copy of his mother’s mortgage statement under the pretense of comparing it to his own, People reports. After months of waiting, Tracy finally sent the mortgage statement in December 2023, enabling André to set his plan into motion. Remarkably, he accomplished this despite facing his own challenges, including a stolen car, a home burglary, and overseeing properties across various cities. Although André initially aimed to surprise Tracy in September, the arrival of Hurricane Helene disrupted those plans, prompting him to pay off the mortgage remotely. To capture the heartfelt moment, André asked his sister to film their mother’s reaction. When Tracy learned about the mortgage payoff, her initial response was one of playful confusion: “Why would you do that to me?” she said, all while casually dressed in her sweats. https://youtu.be/-x--x2KBsKs Black Democrats seem to be on edge about the increasing support for Donald Trump among Black men in the presidential race. As a result, the conversation isn’t centered around Kamala Harris‘ policies but rather an intense focus on why more Black men are choosing not to support her. The Hill reports that Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) is the latest fringe liberal to express his concern that Black men will vote for Trump in the upcoming election. “I am concerned about Black men staying home or voting for Trump,” Clyburn said Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union.” “But my concerns don’t tend to keep me from being energetic about this campaign.” The South Carolina congressman recalled having “very frank and direct discussions” with Black men recently while campaigning for Harris in Michigan. “Black men, like everybody else, want to know what I can expect from a Harris administration,” Clyburn said. https://twitter.com/i/status/1844558678357098868 Clyburn’s comments come days after former President Obama chastised Black men for not having Kamala’s back weeks before the election. “You’re coming up with all kinds of reasons and excuses; I’ve got a problem with that,” Obama said Thursday in Pennsylvania. “Because part of it makes me think — and I’m speaking to men directly — part of it makes me think that, well, you just aren’t feeling the idea of having a woman as president, and you’re coming up with other alternatives and other reasons for that.” https://twitter.com/DameScorpio/status/1845043701925519516?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1845043701925519516%7Ctwgr%5E67cc7e0c7789277b1012eb340c9fba1aa5c9d73f%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fclyburn-voices-concern-over-black-mens-support-for-trump%2F According to The Hill, recent polling shows an increase in support for Trump among Black men.Meanwhile, Black men are not impressed with Obama calling them out for their voting choices.https://twitter.com/i/status/1845438113012674622 This is a follow-up report to a story we initially covered in 2021. Gloria Williams, a 38-year-old Texas mother, has pleaded guilty to two counts of injury to a child in connection with the tragic and shocking circumstances surrounding the death of her 8-year-old son, Kendrick Lee, and the abandonment of his three surviving brothers. The case has drawn national attention, revealing a disturbing pattern of neglect and abuse within their home. Authorities became aware of the situation when Williams’ oldest son, Jordan, called 911 on October 24, 2021, to report that his brother’s remains had been lying in their apartment for over a year. Upon arrival, police discovered Kendrick’s decomposed body, which had deteriorated to the point of being skeletonized, showcasing the horrific living conditions the boys had endured. Kendrick’s death was ruled as a result of “homicidal violence” due to blunt-force trauma inflicted by Williams’ boyfriend, Brian Coulter, reports Houston’s KPRC-TV. Testimonies from the surviving brothers (aged 15, 10, and 7) have recounted the chilling moments leading to Kendrick’s death. They testified that Coulter subjected Kendrick to severe physical abuse, ultimately beating him to death for alleged petty offenses like drinking water. https://youtu.be/2XN1sbcSfdc As they’d previously told investigators, the boys testified that it was their mother’s boyfriend, Brian Coulter, who had kicked and punched their brother in the back, face, legs, arms, and testicles, essentially beating their brother to death by kicking and hitting him until he’d stopped moving. The youngest brother said he was watching as his brother stopped blinking and his eyes turned black. Coulter was found guilty and is serving a sentence of Life without parole. The judge called the case one of the most horrific cases she’s ever heard. The boys reported that after Kendrick was killed, his body was covered with a blanket and left in a bedroom, while they were left to cope with the aftermath and subsequent neglect. In a chilling aspect of the case, Williams continued to receive government assistance for Kendrick after his death, collecting around $2,000 per month for her three disabled children. This has raised serious concerns about her motivations and actions during this period. Rather than attending to her children’s needs, Williams moved in with Coulter and allowed her other children to live in squalor without proper care or provisions. https://youtu.be/LypZbdNIRN4 The deplorable conditions of the boys’ living environment became apparent when police arrived. Their home was found with filthy carpeting, no furniture, and an infestation of roaches. In stark contrast, Williams and Coulter lived 25 minutes away in a furnished apartment stocked with groceries. After being arrested, Williams initially denied knowledge of her son’s death. However, investigators assert that she admitted knowing about Kendrick’s murder and had only remained silent due to fear of repercussions from Coulter. As a result of her plea, Williams now faces significant legal repercussions, with sentencing scheduled for November 11. The case has drawn attention to critical issues surrounding child safety and the potential for systemic failures in protecting vulnerable children. Gloria Williams’ failure to report the abuse, coupled with the testimony from family members about the fear instilled by Coulter, underscores a troubling narrative of parental neglect and the imperative need for abuse intervention. As the community processes this heartbreaking case, voices are rising to demand more robust protections for children at risk. Resources and support systems must be more accessible to those witnessing or experiencing such horror, highlighting the importance of vigilance in safeguarding the welfare of children. https://youtu.be/wmmKSPLr1ok Vice President Kamala Harris has introduced a set of policies aimed at appealing to Black men. According to The Huffington Post, Harris’ “opportunity agenda” includes initiatives like offering loans to Black entrepreneurs, investing in mentorship programs, protecting cryptocurrency assets, and legalizing recreational marijuana to help Black men participate in that industry. Harris also focuses on addressing health disparities like diabetes and prostate cancer, which disproportionately affect Black men. The Democratic nominee also promises increased financial support for Black farmers and ranchers. The publication’s deputy editor Phillip Lewis noted on X (formally Twitter) that Harris’ policies “draw from stops on her nationwide economic opportunity tour, during which she listened to Black men during visits to predominantly Black cities like Atlanta, Charlotte and Detroit,” he wrote. In response, one user commented, “She cares so much about Black men she’s allowed Illegals to flood Black communities for the past four years and just now gives tax funded handouts for Black men 3 weeks before the election lol are y’all falling for this?” The vice president’s new policy rollout follows former President Obama’s criticism of Black men who support Trump. However, many Black men remain unimpressed by Harris’ efforts, viewing the proposals as insufficient or missing the mark, and are not swayed by her agenda. https://t.co/pAx3W9IoiB On X, Prager U personality Xaviaer DuRousseau wrote: “Black men are sick of being reduced to the expectation of thinking with our skin color. Kamala Harris has done NOTHING to earn our support, and Barack Obama cannot convince us otherwise. Another person added, “Black American Men like myself do not reject Kamala because she doesn’t have Policy specifically for Black MEN. We don’t do the #GenderDivide. We reject her because she doesn’t have policy specifically for #BlackAmericans (DOAS). Like lineage based #REPARATIONS” A third commented, “Policies aimed at the whole community ignored so they get a special hat tip, as if new home buyers help, child tax credits, etc., wouldn’t benefit them, too. I’m sure this won’t satisfy that crowd, because the real issue is with a woman candidate.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1845556526066565532 Kendrick Perkins, along with Wall Street investor Chris Ricciardi, has co-founded Nilly, a company that offers college athletes cash advances in exchange for exclusive rights to their name, image, and likeness (NIL) for seven years. According to Fadeaway World, athletes can receive anywhere from $25,000 to several hundred thousand dollars upfront, with Nilly and its investors earning 10-15% of the athletes’ NIL income during that period. This model is unique because it gives athletes direct access to money without tying it to potential future professional earnings. Perkins, drawing from his own experiences as a student-athlete, aims to ease financial burdens for college athletes. Nilly has already signed contracts with 20 athletes, mostly from football and men’s basketball. A typical contract might give an athlete $50,000 upfront, with Nilly collecting 25% of their NIL earnings until they make $125,000, or 2.5 times the initial advance. Speaking to ESPN, Perkins said, “You have so many athletes and their parents who are struggling day-to-day. Because we’re actually taking a bit of a gamble on what the student-athlete is going to make in the NIL space, the benefit is the kid — the student-athlete — is able to get financial security so they don’t have to rush.” While Nilly’s founders claim the deal isn’t a loan and athletes aren’t required to repay if they fail to earn enough through NIL, financial experts have raised concerns. They argue that the contracts resemble high-interest loans, potentially exploiting young athletes who need quick cash but may not fully understand the long-term consequences. Additionally, the contracts include obligations such as social media posts, autograph signings, and public appearances, but Nilly doesn’t help athletes secure NIL deals. Here is an exclusive clip from VICE TV’s new docuseries “Black Comedy in America,” that explores the impact of Black comedy on American culture over the past century. The series will feature prominent figures such as Will Smith, Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, Anthony Anderson, Marlon Wayans, Tiffany Haddish, and more. In the clip, the original Kings of Comedy (D.L. Hughley, Steve Harvey, and Cedric the Entertainer) have a rare sit-down discussion (one of the few times since Bernie Mac passed). They discuss their incredible success and the aim of their comedy to not shock like so many do today, per the synopsis. “Black Comedy in America” premieres Tuesday, October 15 at 10:00 PM ET/PT on VICE TV. Per the news release, it explores the lore and legends of Black comedy and offers a definitive look at the history and impact of America’s most prolific Black comedians. Haddish will host with fellow comedians Chris Spencer and Ryan Davis. Here’s the official series description: Black Comedy In America explores the comedic pioneers of film, television, and the standup scene, along with the humble beginnings and meteoric rises of the most powerful voices to ever enter Black comedy. The premiere begins with a rare sit-down reunion with The Original Kings of Comedy: Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer and D.L. Hughley. The series also delves into the cultural impact of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, The Best Man, Def Comedy Jam, the wave of memorable Black sitcoms from the 70s, and influential household names such as Richard Pryor and Dave Chappelle. In addition, the show features a raw exploration of Jim Crow segregation with a nostalgic look at the foundations of the Chitlin’ Circuit, where Black comedy got its roots. https://vimeo.com/1019448058 The 8th annual Imagination Lunchbox International Film Festival, held recently from September 21 – 29, 2024 in various locations in Baltimore, Maryland, and virtually, ended on a high note with its announcement of the winners in its five categories. Presented by Imagination Lunchbox, LLC (IL), the ILIFF winners this year are from the U. S., Ireland, and Singapore. The ILIFF Award categories include “Best Film By Adult for Adults & Kids,” “Best Film By Kids,” “Best Film For Kids,” “Festival Choice,” and “Most Uplifting Film.” The screening of just a fraction of the films submitted to ILIFF via Film Freeway was held virtually, powered by Zoom, along with the awards announcement. The ILIFF extravaganza continued with the IL/Eubie Blake Filmmaking Workshops, held in partnership with the Eubie Blake Center, the IL Basketball Tournament of Games community event, led by Head Coach Mark Winchester (IL); Head Coach Kevin Broadus (Morgan State University), and Head Coach Darryl Brooks (Bowie State University) at the Druid Hill Park Courts, and ended with the IL Virtual Open Call Audition held in partnership Talent Concierge Artists Agency), ReMARKable Productions, and AM Studio Films.The winners announced on Saturday, September 21 included Taste It or Toss It directed by Nicole Butler (U.S.) for “Best Film by Adults for Adults & Kids”; Atlas directed by Max Hendrickson (Ireland) for “Best Film by Kids”; Melody’s Muse directed by Natasha Seroshtan (U.S.) for “Best Film For Kids”, I Squished Grandpa directed by Lily Andrews (U.S.) for “Festival’s Choice”, and 100 Subs directed by Eka Shukla (Singapore) for “Most Uplifting Film”. The Bobbi Kristina Serenity House is thrilled to announce its 5th Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament, hosted by legendary singer and entertainer Bobby Brown and his wife, successful entrepreneur and philanthropist Alicia Etheredge-Brown, and co-hosted by acclaimed comedian and actor Joe Torry. This highly anticipated event will take place today, Monday, October 14, 2024, at Tierra Rejada Golf Club in Moorpark, California. This just in: Wahlburgers has been added as a new sponsor for the event. The day kicks off with breakfast and registration at 8:00 AM, followed by an 8:00 AM shotgun start for all participants. Guests will have the chance to compete in putting and chipping contests during check-in, adding to the fun with opportunities to win prizes. The tournament will follow a four-player scramble format, with on-course contests and raffles to keep the energy high. After the competition, participants will gather for an engaging awards luncheon at 1:00 PM, hosted by Joe Torry, featuring a raffle and silent auction. https://youtu.be/MUvl9HJesTU This luncheon will be a fantastic opportunity for networking, socializing, and celebrating the tournament’s winners and contest champions. Participants will enjoy a variety of on-course experiences, including tastings and activations from vendors such as Beleaf Vegan Company, Glow Skin, Mobile Massages by Cheyenne, and Dignity Cigars. Generous product donations from That’s It Fruit Bars and To Be Honest Beverage Co. will further enhance the day. Additional highlights of the event include a margarita bar and tequila tasting at the turn, sponsored by Casa Amor Tequila, and a refreshing Sea Moss juice bar featuring freeze-dried tastings provided by SVG Export and Trade. Confirmed celebrities include Johnny Gill, Allen Iverson, Michael Phillips, DL Hughley, Zab Judah, Flex Alexander, Alex Thomas, Chris Spencer, Paul Pierce, Michael Collier, Jeffrey Osborne, Matt Barnes, Shondrella Avery, Macy Gray, Kiki Shepard, Dondre Whitfield, Murray Davis, Dan DeBruno, Mike Brown, Joe Torry, Mike Hill, Tiffany Haddish, Mamadou N’Diaye, Phil Lovett, G-Thang, and many more, ensuring a memorable day of competition and camaraderie. https://youtu.be/oYSiPffcI80 Tyron McAlpin, a Black man who is deaf and has cerebral palsy, faces charges of aggravated assault and resisting arrest following an incident in August, during which he was reportedly punched and tased by two Phoenix police officers. McAlpin’s attorneys argue that the charges are baseless and assert that the officers should be held accountable for their unlawful use of force. According to a police incident report obtained by ABC 15 Arizona, McAlpin was arrested on Aug. 19, 2024, after he allegedly attempted to steal a bike from a white man named Derek Stevens at a Circle-K gas station and fled the scene. Officers Benjamin Harris and Kyle Sue, responding to the incident, located McAlpin at a nearby Dollar Tree store based on Stevens’ description. The report claimed that McAlpin “engaged in active aggression,” swinging punches at the officers with closed fists. However, body camera footage from Dollar Tree contradicts this account, showing one of the officers exiting their vehicle and rushing toward McAlpin before striking him multiple times. Actor Wendell Pierce on Thursday offered pointed criticism in response to remarks made by former President Barack Obama during a surprise stop at a Pittsburgh campaign field office where Obama addressed the topic of Black men who are reluctant or unwilling to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris. It’s no secret that some polls have shown that Donald Trump, in the last year or so, has gained marginal support among Black people, mostly Black men, which is why Obama took the time to “speak some truths” on the matter. https://twitter.com/i/status/1844558785861308920 “Awful message,” The Wire actor tweeted. “The party has to stop scapegoating Black men. Black men aren’t the problem. White men and White women are. No other group votes at 87-90% for Dems but Black folk. Men and women. That is a false flag. Black men voting for Trump is insignificant. This accusatorial tone will make some Black men stay home-which is worse. Black men are questioning our party to find out what their loyalty for decades earns them. That’s good. That’s healthy. Democrats have the record to stand on and should embrace the challenge. But after touring this country specifically engaging Black men, I will not let my party leaders speak [condescendingly] towards them.” https://x.com/WendellPierce/status/1844564128821608829/photo/1 Less than a month away from one of the most historic elections of our time, Vice President Kamala Harris sat poised and confident on the cover of Vogue’s October digital cover. As the Presidential elect nears the finish line, she shares her views on the genocide happening in Palestine, the moment she learned of her presidential endorsement from President Joe Biden, her plans for the American people once she becomes president, and how a second term with Trump will uproot democracy. https://www.instagram.com/p/DA-teZEJISB/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=fbb8691b-0890-445d-bffa-22e1b907c888 Regardless of what happens in November, you really have to give it to Vice President Kamala Harris. No political opponent of Donald Trump has been able to get him spun out the way she has. When it comes to Trump’s election strategy, all he really does is lie and berate his opponents incessantly. That hasn’t worked on Harris. No matter how much he calls her “dumb,” “stupid” and “Lyin’ Kamala,” she remains poised and confident. She doesn’t get worked up when he questions her racial identity, or when JD Vance and others take shots at her for not birthing biological children. Those attacks bounce off of her and usually backfire against her detractors. Trump, on the other hand, has not been able to hold onto his poker face when being challenged by Harris. He was transparently afraid to debate Harris the first time, and she ultimately proved he had reason to be. She effortlessly baited him in September — to the point where she poked a little bit of fun at his glaring insecurity regarding his crowd sizes (not to mention his jealousy of hers) and he got so flustered he started ranting about pet-eating immigrants, which has continuously bitten him in the hind parts (pun intended) ever since. She went at him during her speech at the Democratic National Convention, and he responded by rage-tweeting like a maniac and calling into Fox News multiple times to whine about it. https://www.instagram.com/tnd/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=59706674-e103-485b-9392-cba0d0d52b0e The campaign of Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate Gov. Tim Walz is launching an initiative to court Back voters just hours after former President Barack Obama delivered a fiery speech that called on Black male voters, in particular, to support the Democratic ticket over Donald Trump. The “Souls to the Polls” effort is set to launch on Sunday to help ramp up support among Black voters in battleground states with less than 30 days until Election Day. The initiative is being led by a National Advisory Board of Black Faith Leaders including people like Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II, Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, Bishop Leah D. Daughtry and Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson. https://www.instagram.com/theqgentleman/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=75fa4df7-ce62-41e3-b3b4-2677319b18b9 Adidas has teamed up with Premium Goods, the first Black woman-owned sneaker boutique in the U.S., to release a limited-edition Campus ’00 sneaker. This collaboration, led by Premium Goods founder Jennifer Ford, celebrates Black entrepreneurship, Houston’s vibrant car culture, and community power, ESSENCE reports. Ford has spent 20 years blending sneaker culture with the community in Houston. The Campus ’00 design incorporates elements inspired by Houston’s car scene, including a hidden pocket symbolizing a glove compartment and cracked leather representing the imperfections of real cars, reflecting the city’s grit and creativity. To mark this significant collaboration, Premium Goods and adidas Cornerstone Community are hosting an event that goes beyond the typical product launch. The Asylum Car Garage will serve as the backdrop for a curated car show, showcasing Houston’s automotive culture. This community-centered gathering will feature a carefully selected display of vehicles, interactive car simulation experiences, and live music. Attendees will also have the exclusive opportunity to see the Campus ’00 in person, bridging the worlds of sneaker enthusiasm and car culture in a uniquely Houston way. The PG X CAMPUS ’00 will be available for car show attendees on October 19, and to the general public on October 24. They will be available to purchase at Premium Goods or online at premiumgoods.com for $130.00. Fatal Attraction returns tonight, October 14 at 9 PM ET/8C. A DEADLY DOSE When a hardworking immigrant is found dead beside two empty pill bottles and a handwritten note, it seems like an open and shut suicide case. But after talking with those closest to her, detectives realize that nothing about this case is that simple. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oe-KziATcR8 Deadly Case Files returns tonight, October 14, at 10 PM ET/9C. DETECTIVE JAKAI BRAITHWAITE When a young man is found bound and shot in his upscale home, a strange clue leads detectives down a twisted road of unexpected connections as they uncover the truth behind a brutal crime that defies the peaceful reputation of their community. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcNI5XGNObU Celebrity Crime Files, Wednesday, October 16, at 10 PM ET/9C. MEEK MILL Meek Mill’s legal odyssey exposes deep flaws within the U.S. justice system, tracing his path from probation violations to becoming a vocal advocate for reform. His journey underscores racial disparities and highlights the urgent need for change. Chris Brown‘s upcoming concerts in South Africa have sparked intense discussions about the country’s alarming rates of violence against women, with campaigners expressing concern over the implications of hosting an artist with a history of abuse. The Grammy-winning artist quickly sold over 94,000 tickets to his initial December 14 concert at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, one of the largest venues in Africa, prompting the addition of a second date (Dec. 15) due to high demand. However, amidst the excitement, critics have raised serious objections to Brown’s performance, asserting that it sends the wrong message given South Africa’s ongoing crisis of gender-based violence (GBV), reports the BBC. Sabina Walter, the executive director of Women for Change, a local advocacy organization, voiced her shock and disappointment upon learning about Brown’s visit. “When someone like Chris Brown is given a platform in a country where GBV is at crisis levels, it sends a damaging message—that fame and power outweigh accountability,” she stated. https://youtu.be/HsRtlWjbjqY Women for Change has launched a petition to prevent Brown from performing, which has garnered over 20,000 signatures. The group aims to highlight the importance of rejecting individuals with a history of violence, especially in a nation where GBV rates are staggering, with rape reported approximately every 12 minutes. Walter emphasized the need for accountability and urged the South African government to reconsider allowing a “convicted abuser” to perform. Chris Brown’s history of violence includes a high-profile incident in 2009 when he assaulted his then-girlfriend, Rihanna. Following the incident, he was sentenced to five years probation, community service, and domestic violence counseling. Although he has faced allegations of violence from multiple individuals since then, public sentiment remains divided; while some fans are excited to see him perform, others are deeply troubled by his past. The decision of the Department of Home Affairs to grant Brown a visa, despite his criminal record, has raised further concerns. According to South African law, prior convictions can typically result in visa denials, though exceptions can be made for “good cause,” approved by the Director General of the Department. Notably, there are voices within South Africa that support Brown’s appearance. https://youtu.be/cSB-ND7WFAo Former University of Cape Town vice-chancellor Prof. Mamokgethi Phakeng stated that her attendance at the concert does not negate her stance against GBV. “To suggest that enjoying a concert aligns you with every past action of the artist is, at best, simplistic and, at worst, intellectually dishonest,” she said, adding that music transcends individual actions. As the concert date approaches, the controversy surrounding Chris Brown’s performance highlights a complex intersection of celebrity culture, gender violence, and societal values. The debate underscores the pressing need for continued dialogue about how communities respond to figures with contentious pasts while striving for accountability and change in the fight against gender-based violence. https://youtu.be/6DQbd2rIYxY Ray J called out Jaguar Wright after her controversial remarks on Piers Morgan’s show during a recent episode of his offbeat news show, “The Reality Check.” During the inaugural show, Ray J addressed Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ controversial arrest and indictment on racketeering, sex trafficking, and kidnapping charges. “Diddy was my friend,” Ray J said during the episode, Vibe reports. “What do you do when you never seen all this sh*t that people are talking about? Do you believe it? Everybody’s innocent until proven guilty?” Morgan invited Wright onto the program to weigh in on Diddy’s arrest and mounting legal issues. The 54-year-old father of seven is facing numerous accusations of sexual assault by women and men. He is currently being held without bond in a Brooklyn jail following his arrest last month on federal charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. “For four years, I’ve been screaming not just Diddy, but Diddy and JAY-Z are monsters, and the victim-making machine kept going on,” Wright stated during the broadcast. When Morgan asked Jaguar why JAY-Z has yet to speak out about the Diddy controversy, she replied, “Because that’s what he does. He starts little fires everywhere and forces everyone to carry water while he sneaks away without a response. That changes now, Sean. You must respond, you have no choice. Harvey Weinstein, Jeffrey Epstein, Robert Kelly, Sean Combs have one person in common professionally and privately: Sean Carter.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1845159254526701581 Ray J admitted he had considered the possibility that some of her outrageous claims about these people were true—until she began telling wild tales about him. “I came to the conclusion that once I saw a story about me and what you had to say about me and situations in my past… that is where I started to understand that you are totally fabricating stories and you are a complete liar,” he said, Ice Cream Convos reports. Ray J added, “So that means that I have no respect for you and nothing you’re saying.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1845159254526701581 CBS News issued a statement defending CBS Mornings co-host Gayle King concerning her participation in the controversial September 30 interview with author Ta-Nehisi Coates. We reported earlier that CBS executives allegedly reprimanded morning show anchor Tony Dokoupil for his tough questioning of the author regarding Coates’ pro-Palestinian stance amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. This incident caused concern among staff about the network’s commitment to journalistic integrity, Puck News and Bari Weiss’ Free Press reported. CBS News leaders Wendy McMahon and Adrienne Roark noted that Dokoupil displayed bias during the interview, which aired last week. They stated that the discussion failed to adhere to the network’s standards for neutrality. During the tense six-minute segment, King remained mostly silent as Dokoupil pressed Coates about his views on Palestine from his latest book, “The Message.” The Daily Beast reports that the network explained that King’s advance notice to Coates about specific questions was part of her job responsibilities. “Gayle King is one of the most respected journalists in America. She is known for her thorough preparation and note taking,” a CBS Mornings spokesperson said in a statement. “She reads the books, consumes the content that will be discussed and extensively prepares for each interview on CBS Mornings. Engaging in pre-segment conversations with guests is a standard practice for any experienced host. Discussing a guest’s work ahead of time is a common approach to establish rapport,” the statement continued. https://youtu.be/qgWt-QcPYMo R&B crooners Joe, Eric Benét, and Musiq Soulchild have announced dates for their co-headlining the R&B Invitation Tour, presented by North American Entertainment Group. As Rated R&B reports, the North American leg kicks off Feb. 14, 2025, at the Altria Theater in Richmond, Virginia, and will make stops in Las Vegas, Baltimore, Dallas, St. Louis, Brooklyn, and Chicago, before wrapping up on May 10 at Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina. According to North American Entertainment Group, more dates are scheduled to be announced. See the full list of dates for the R&B Invitation Tour below. Meanwhile, Joe released his final album, “#MyNameIsJoeThomas,” in 2016. He’s currently co-headlining a fall tour with Tami As for Musiq Soulchild, he most recently appeared on “Victims & Villains,” a collaborative album with super-producer Hit-Boy, per Rated R&B. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAHBTMcx3vM/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=5f223a93-51d7-43f3-835d-316cf273b3d2 The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) returns to midtown New York to present the highly anticipated third edition of AAFCA Goes to Broadway, an annual luncheon celebrating the incredible intersection between stage, television, and film. This year’s event will take place on October 14, 2024, at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse, located in the heart of New York City’s Theater District. Honoring the vibrant synergy between the stage and Hollywood, AAFCA Goes to Broadway spotlights Black talent and their journey across the entertainment spectrum – Broadway, television, and film. The 2024 event will bestow honors to a lineup of exceptional talent who underscore Broadway’s invaluable contributions as a training ground and pipeline for the entertainment industry. “Broadway has helped shape some of the most profound voices in entertainment today,” says Gil Robertson IV, President and Co-Founder of AAFCA. “The stage provides a perfect breeding ground, helping performers and creatives alike excel in their craft—whether in front of the audience or behind the scenes. AAFCA is proud to shine a light on the rich heritage Broadway offers to the entire entertainment industry.” Sean Combs is facing a new barrage of legal challenges. Today, Monday (10-14-24), at least six anonymous lawsuits were filed in federal court in the Southern District of New York. The lawsuits, brought forth by plaintiffs identified only as John Doe and Jane Doe, accuse Combs of sexual assault against men, women, and a 16-year-old boy, with allegations spanning incidents from 1995 to 2021. The legal action is part of a larger wave of litigation expected against Combs, spearheaded by Houston-based attorney Tony Buzbee and co-counsel Andrew Van Arsdale. The attorneys revealed they are representing at least 120 alleged victims of Combs, including minors, indicating that this could mark the beginning of a protracted legal battle for the music mogul, USA Today reports. Among the various accusations are serious claims, including the sexual assault of a minor and multiple allegations of rape, many of which reportedly occurred at the infamous parties Combs has been known for throughout his three-decade career in the music industry. Given the nature of the complaints, these lawsuits are likely to draw significant media attention. https://youtu.be/IDPBizr9da8 Actors Nzinga Imani, Danielle Renee LaRoche, Jasmin Brown, and Ameer Baraka talked about the exciting third season of Tyler Perry’s “Zatima” on BET+, which kicked off Oct. 3 and promises to captivate audiences with its compelling storyline and dynamic performances. In our exclusive with the series star, they shared insights about their characters’ evolution and what viewers can expect from the latest chapter of this acclaimed drama series. According to the network’s news release, this season is full of hills and valleys as Zac (Devale Ellis) and Fatima (Crystal Renee Hayslett) struggle to protect their relationship from damage caused by outside influences and we learn just how deep family trauma can go. Here’s the official Season 3 synopsis: Tyler Perry’s “Zatima” follows popular “Sistas” characters Zac (Devale Ellis) and Fatima (Crystal Renee Hayslett) as they navigate the ups and downs of their relationship. Season three is full of peaks and valleys as Zac and Fatima struggle to protect their relationship from undue damage from outside influences. But when family is involved, it makes things a little more intense. We learn just how deep family trauma can go and the consequences of one’s actions when they don’t think before they act. Will Zac and Fatima survive this dark time? Will Zac and Jeremiah mend their relationship? Or will everyone give up and walk away? Ellis and Hayslett lead the cast that includes Nzinga as “Angela”, Danielle as “Belinda,” Jasmin as “Deja” Guyviaud Joseph as “Tony,” Remington Hoffman as “Bryce,” Cameron Fuller as “Nathan” and Ameer as Jeremiah. “Yeah, he’s on a further declivity into the abyss of just shame and madness,” Ameer said of Jeremiah. “He’s lost it. And so Zach…he’s after me. I’ve done some ill things regarding Fatima. The fans are going to hate me this season. That’s all I can say. They’re going to hate the character,” he shared. https://youtu.be/VCCw5YF4Wuk Maverick City Music, the groundbreaking collective known for its unique blend of inspiring music, releases a new collaboration with Songhouse, the innovative songwriting collective dedicated to creating authentic and impactful songs. The brand new album, MAVHOUSE, is available now wherever music is sold and streamed. This unique partnership marks a significant moment in the music industry, bringing together two powerhouses known for their diversity, creativity, passion, and commitment to inspiring audiences through music. The album was preceded by the lead single, “Nobody But Jesus.” The collaboration will feature a series of songs, co-written during a special writing camp, that merge the distinct sounds of Maverick City Music and Songhouse. Fans can expect a fusion of soulful worship, innovative arrangements, and heartfelt lyrics that reflect the core missions of both groups: to create music that transcends boundaries and brings people together. MAVHOUSE offers an inspiring musical journey that is both fresh and timeless, designed to uplift and renew listeners. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gxcG_0DPxc The GRAMMY-nominated Sunday Service Choir returns to spread holiday cheer with their brand new single, “Go Tell It,” a dynamic and soul-stirring rendition of the classic Christmas carol, “Go Tell It” is available on all streaming platforms today, the release marks the choir’s latest musical offering as they continue their mission to inspire through music. “Go Tell It” is a joyful, high-energy track that seamlessly blends the choir’s signature harmonies with contemporary musical elements. Building on the tradition of their critically acclaimed 2019 album Jesus Is Born, the single reimagines the classic spiritual song with fresh, modern arrangements that highlight the choir’s powerful vocals and rich instrumentation. The result is a celebratory anthem that captures the spirit of the holiday season, reminding listeners of the joy and message of Christmas. “Go Tell It” is lifted from the forthcoming album of the same title, due Friday, October 25th. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/KUlhrJizymqGNWTtIGLNNqygK0mTaVodHXPbjY5JcLfuG82TRlCwWWCPUsG19aVPytUGqfw1V31B89NS=w544-h544-l90-rj Fans of the popular theatrical play “Wicked” are showing no love for a recreation of the production’s iconic 2003 poster for the upcoming film adaptation of the award-winning musical. According to The Daily Mail, the new poster differs from its predecessor, with the film’s star Ariana Grande wearing a crown instead of a white hood. Her co-star Cynthia Erivo also strayed from the original poster, by not smirking with red lipstick and displaying her eyes. Taking to social media, Grande praised Erivo while sharing her excitement over the “Wicked” feature adaptation. ‘I love you @cynthiaerivo and I cannot wait for the world to experience your sheer, utter magnificence in this… I’m just sayin’. I love you, here we go!’ the “Side to Side” singer said on her Instastory of the new poster. “@arianagrande what a moment in time. What a wonder we get to experience together!” Erivo responded instantly. “I can’t wait for people to be blown away by you and your utter love and care for Glinda (and truly Elphie). It’s time now. I’ve got you. I love you.’ As we gear up for the premiere of Season 2 of “Shrinking,” Apple TV+’s hit dramedy, audiences can expect to see even more emotional depth, humor, and character development. Starring Jason Segel, who also serves as co-creator, writer, and executive producer, the series follows therapist Jimmy (Segel) as he navigates grief, personal growth, and ethical dilemmas. With an incredible cast that includes Jessica Williams, Michael Urie, and Harrison Ford, *Shrinking* continues to balance the serious with the comedic in a way that resonates with viewers. Premiering on October 16], “Shrinking” is ready to dive into the next chapter of Jimmy’s journey. Season 1 saw Jimmy break out of his dark hole of grief by pushing the boundaries of traditional therapy, telling his clients exactly what he thinks—consequences are not a concern. But, according to Segel, the new season asks the question: https://youtu.be/uiKELYu1obk Businesses affiliated with Sean “Diddy” Combs are catching a universal downturn from their hip-hop mogul’s current legal troubles. Chronicling the Combs’ former ventures, Business Insider (BI) noted the impact his numerous sexual assault lawsuits and the resulting pariah status among those he aligned with have had on the livelihood of each business. Although he had the Midas touch at the height of his fame, it’s a very different picture of Combs, with him currently behind bars on racketeering, sex trafficking by force, and transportation for purposes of prostitution charges after his arrest in September. The “All About the Benjamins” entertainer, who was temporarily placed under suicide watch, is in federal custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. where he was temporarily placed under suicide watch. Combs’ trial date is set for May 5, 2025. Here are businesses that Combs worked with or created and their present status amid his ongoing downward spiral, per BI: It’s one of the most famous dates mentioned in a song, but do you really know why Earth, Wind & Fire highlighted September 21 in its classic chart-topper “September?” As much as it would be nice that the day represented some significant day in history, a person’s life or a signal the summer is over, with fall officially arriving on Sept. 22, truth is the date’s mention is far from what you may think it is. We hate to break it to you, but as.com cites an interview Allee Willis, the Grammy-winning songwriter who worked with Earth, Wind & Fire founder and former lead singer Maurice White and the group’s guitarist Al McKay on the song, where she confessed that there is no particular significance attached to the “21st night of September.” “We went through all the dates,” Willis shared with NPR in 2004 about the writing process behind “September. “‘Do you remember the first, the second, the third, the fourth … ‘ and the one that just felt the best was the 21st.” “I constantly have people coming up to me, and they get so excited to know what the significance was. And there is no significance beyond it just sang better than any of the other dates,” she added. “So … sorry!” https://youtu.be/Gs069dndIYk Prime Video’s latest YA series, “Beyond Black Beauty,” brings a refreshing perspective to the world of equestrian sports while centering on themes of family, heritage, and healing. The series follows young Olympic hopeful Jolie Dumont (Kaya Coleman), who faces a life-changing move from Belgium to her family’s urban ranch in Baltimore. While Jolie initially resists her new life, she finds solace in bonding with a spirited horse, Black Beauty, and rediscovers her love for riding and her connection to her roots. https://youtu.be/AnLxN9B3aPU Retail giant Bath & Body Works is in the midst of a public relations crisis following backlash over a holiday candle design that many consumers alleged resembled the hoods worn by the Ku Klux Klan. The controversial product, part of the company’s “Snowed In” scent line, featured a snowflake design that, upon closer inspection, drew parallels to the infamous white hooded garb associated with the American hate group. The uproar began when social media users took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their anger regarding the design, coining the term “klandle” to illustrate their disapproval. The candle, which featured two holes on either side of its snowflake pattern, was quickly identified as an insensitive misstep in a society increasingly aware of cultural symbols and their implications. In response to the swelling tide of criticism, Bath & Body Works promptly pulled the candle from its website and issued an apology to the public, according to AdAge. https://youtu.be/zQMLTG7ihkY Sex is supposed to be a very good thing for many folks. Yet there are times when the act falls under something other than great. For Deon Cole, the relationship proved to be traumatic when he hooked up with one of Shaquille O’Neal’s exes. Spilling the tea on the encounter during a recent episode of “Club Shay Shay,” the “Average Joe” star detailed what happened and how the intimate episode affected him after it was all said and done. “Man, that was real hollow,” Cole confessed to “Club Shay Shay” host Shannon Sharpe. “Why was that so hollow? I’m whistling in this…nothing! NATHAN! Touched nothing. Touched nothing at all.” https://youtu.be/ldmhM7JJS3c The tribute, which recently took place during at the American Music Awards 50th Anniversary Special, featured the EGOT winner/daytime talk show host performing “I Loves You, Porgy” as well as Houston’s classic hit, “I Will Always Love You.” Reaction to Hudson’s performance was a thumbs up from social media users who voiced their thumbs up for the daytime talk show host in no uncertain terms. https://youtu.be/hEzIstKngv4 Check out a few of the reactions to Jennifer Hudson’s tribute to Whitney Houston: Jennifer Hudson gave it all she had tonight—She gave looks, tonality, power, and above all a one-of-a-kind tribute to Whitney Houston#WhitneyHouston #JenniferHudson #AMAs pic.twitter.com/gNUlzTxYZm — Jennifer Hudson Archive (@jhudaccess) October 7, 2024 https://twitter.com/i/status/1843089544943644685 In a contentious moment on CNN Thursday evening (10-10-24), former Ohio State Senator Nina Turner sharply criticized former President Barack Obama for his recent remarks directed at Black male voters. The criticism stems from Obama’s address during a surprise visit to Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign field office in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he spoke directly to Black men about their support for the upcoming November elections. During his speech, Obama questioned why some Black men might be hesitant to support a female president, suggesting that their reluctance could stem from alternative reasons that degrade their status. “Part of it makes me think, and I’m speaking to men directly, part of it makes me think that, well, you just aren’t feeling the idea of having a woman as president, and you’re coming up with other alternatives, and other reasons for that,” Obama stated. He continued by addressing former President Donald Trump’s legacy, asserting, “So now you’re thinking about sitting out or even supporting somebody who has a history of degrading you? Because you think that’s a sign of strength? Because that’s what being a man is, putting women down? That’s not acceptable.” https://youtu.be/8GDkOf1XwBs?list=RDNS8GDkOf1XwBs As the election approaches, Kamala Harris continues to engage with various voter groups, including hosting town halls with Univision to appeal to Latino voters in swing states like Nevada and Arizona. However, recent polls suggest that Harris is losing traction among Hispanic and Latino voters, underscoring the ongoing need for strategic adjustments in her campaign. Former President Obama’s initial campaign efforts for Harris included a robust critique of Trump’s economic and immigration policies, aiming to draw clear distinctions between the Democratic and Republican platforms. Yet, as the election draws nearer, the focus must balance addressing the specific needs and concerns of Black men without alienating other key voter groups. The final stretch before Election Day will be crucial for Harris as she navigates these complex voter dynamics. The challenge lies in ensuring that all segments of the community feel adequately represented and engaged, balancing targeted messaging with inclusive outreach to secure a win in what is expected to be one of the most closely watched elections in recent history. The controversy surrounding Obama’s remarks to Black men highlights the delicate balance required in political messaging to maintain support across diverse voter demographics. As the November election approaches, Kamala Harris must address the specific concerns of Black men while also broadening her appeal to other critical voter groups. Effective communication and inclusive strategies will be essential for Harris to secure a historic victory and ensure that her campaign resonates with all segments of the electorate. https://youtu.be/BgwEIFrIR4E Kanye West, who now legally goes by Ye, has been accused of drugging and sexually assaulting his former assistant, Lauren Pisciotta, during a party he co-hosted with Sean Combs a/k/a Diddy. The allegations surfaced in recent court documents, revealing troubling details about the incident that allegedly transpired at a music studio gathering. Pisciotta, who worked for West from 2021 to 2022 and is also known for her work as a model and influencer on platforms like OnlyFans, claims that West invited her and her former musician client to a party in Santa Monica. West allegedly insisted that guests either drink or leave at the gathering, leading to an unsettling experience for Pisciotta. After consuming just a few sips of her drink, she reported feeling disoriented and slipping into an altered state, reports the NY Post. https://youtu.be/1PnLDrUkQPw This lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, expands upon earlier claims against West, which included allegations of wrongful termination and sexual harassment. Pisciotta’s initial complaints depicted an uncomfortable work environment where West reportedly sent her inappropriate texts, shared sexual fantasies, and even once locked himself in a room with her while engaging in indecent behavior. Pisciotta asserts that West promised her significant severance when he terminated her employment in October 2022, yet she has not received any payment. West’s legal team has dismissed her allegations as “baseless,” accusing Pisciotta of attempting to blackmail him. Separately, Diddy, who co-hosted the infamous party, is currently facing criminal charges related to sex trafficking and has been implicated in various civil lawsuits alleging sexual abuse, all of which he denies. As West’s legal issues proliferate, the implications of these recent allegations could further complicate his already troubled public image and ongoing legal battles. With the lawsuit still unfolding, Pisciotta’s claims add another layer to the complex narrative surrounding the rapper, highlighting serious concerns over consent and workplace conduct in the entertainment industry. As discussions continue, the focus will likely remain on accountability and justice for those affected. https://youtu.be/pcGK9IbCcUg Kendrick Lamar’s Drake diss “Not Like Us” is making history on another level, with a longstanding grip at the top of Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs chart. Billboard reports the tune, released May 4, has spent 21 weeks at No. 1 on the rap songs chart, moving past Lil’ Nas X’s 2019 Billy Ray Cyrus-assisted “Old Town Road.” The achievement puts “Not Like Us” in its own lane, with it spending the most weeks at the top since the Hot Rap Songs chart launched in 1989. In addition, Billboard notes “Not Like Us” reached chart-topping longevity via streaming, sales, and radio airplay. On the Rap Streaming Songs chart, the song holds at No. 1 in its 20th week, with 17.1 million official U.S. streams in the latest tracking week (Sept. 27 – Oct. 3), according to Luminate. As a result, it ties with “Old Town Road” as the third-longest stream on the chart, behind Desiigner’s “Panda” and Psy’s “Gangnam Style,” which share first place, at 23 weeks on top of the Streaming Songs chart. In the sales realm, “Not Like Us” registered 2,000 downloads in the tracking week. Despite a 10% decline from the week before, it elevated from No. 4 to. No. 3 on Rap Digital Song Sales, a list it previously ruled for nine nonconsecutive weeks. https://youtu.be/H58vbez_m4E On Friday (10-11-24), an episode of “Tamron Hall” titled “Getting to Sorry,” aired featuring music legend Jimmy Jam opening up about his profound journey of reconnection with his father, Cornbread Harris, a Minneapolis blues and jazz musician. The emotional discussion centered on their estrangement of more than 40 years, shedding light on themes of forgiveness, family, and healing. Born James Samuel Harris III on June 6, 1959, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Jimmy Jam has etched his name into music history alongside his longtime collaborator Terry Lewis. The two first met while at a college preparatory program on the University of Minnesota campus, leading to the formation of their iconic band, Flyte Tyme, which later evolved into The Time. Jam’s early career was closely tied to Prince, where he served as an opening act and contributed significantly to The Time’s success, participating in three of the group’s four albums. However, it wasn’t until 1982 that he and Lewis began building their own production empire. By collaborating with music executive Dina R. Andrews, they established Flyte Tyme Productions, which flourished under a joint venture with A&M Records, leading to the launch of Perspective Records. https://youtu.be/l-3wFi882jU Legendary R&B band Earth, Wind & Fire will be the next subject to be featured on Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s directorial project list. The Roots member announced he will be bringing the group’s story to the masses as the director of the project. “Having been baptized in the Afrocentric joy river of this powerhouse unit, I’ve learned about them, I’ve learned about us & more importantly, I’ve learned and rediscovered myself in the process,” Thompson said in a statement. “I’m so excited to be part of the process of preserving their positive but VERY vulnerable and real story of Soul, Self & Struggle.” Formed in Chicago by Maurice White in 1969, Earth, Wind & Fire has provided a slew of hits over the years from the promotion of love, joy, and positivity. That formula gave way to multi-platinum and award-winning success coming via classic material such as “September,” “Reasons,” “Shining Star,” “Fantasy” and “That’s the Way of the World,” among others. In 2000, Earth, Wind & Fire was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, followed by an induction into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in 2010. Six years later in 2016, the collective received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. That same year, Earth, Wind & Fire tragically lost its founder when White died of complications from Parkinson’s disease at the age of 74. In the world of celebrity drama, few unveilings create as much buzz as a pointed jab overshadowing a casual throwback. The latest headline-grabbing incident involves singer and actress Teyana Taylor and sports analyst Kayla Nicole (famous for being the EX of NFL superstar Travis Kelsey), who fueled the fire with their recent exchanges over social media. As we dive into the details, it’s clear that when it comes to the celebrity status game, no one is off-limits. It all began when Kayla Nicole hinted at dressing up as Teyana Taylor for Halloween during an appearance on Angel Reese’s podcast, “Unapologetically Angel.” The remark, which referenced her past relationship with former NBA player Iman Shumpert, who was married to Taylor, did not go unnoticed, Page Six reports. Taylor, 33, retaliated by sharing Taylor Swift’s 2014 anthem “Shake It Off” from her own Instagram, insinuating it was a direct response to Nicole’s comment that she was “famous at the time.” “Most importantly, she knew people would dig,” Taylor said, illustrating her frustration about the underlying implications of Nicole’s words. https://youtu.be/nCgF4tn3sB8 The actress accused Nicole of being disrespectful and attempting to undermine her standing. Taylor emphasized a crucial point—when it comes to relationships and personal history, words carry weight, especially when they seem to belittle another’s success. Much to the anticipation of fans and observers, Taylor didn’t stop there; she confronted Nicole’s attitude on social media. The fallout intensified when Teyana elaborated on her grievances during her podcast comments. “Her choice of words were very distasteful and uncalled for,” she expressed, while also revealing her surprise upon realizing Nicole had previously dressed as her. Taylor’s candid and passionate response resonates beyond mere gossip—she emphasized the importance of solidarity among women, particularly in the face of petty rivalries. Nicole has since responded to the uproar. In a post on X, she noted, “Sometimes I’m asked about my personal life and decide to share the lessons I’ve learned.” Her assertion highlighted the need for understanding and growth from past experiences, attempting to step away from the drama. Yet, her subsequent Instagram video, featuring Beyoncé’s empowering “Formation” in the background, sent mixed signals, hinting that the fire had sparked no significant worries for her. https://youtu.be/qo1eORUs0HI “If you listen to the album’s cut….you can hear the words ‘very delicious’ at the end,” said Grammy-nominated saxophonist Richard Elliot about the name of his new single “Very Delicious” (Shanachie Entertainment) when I asked where ‘very delicious’ came from because the single is a jam (dance song). “It’s Lenny Castro. We put him on (the single) later, he was putting on the percussions when he ended by saying ‘very delicious.’ We didn’t have a final title for it…it came later.” “Very Delicious” is off his new album “Straight Up Down” (Shanachie), his 21st recording project. Aside from Lenny on percussions and Richard on sax, the single also features Jeff Carruthers on guitar; Tracy Carter on keys; Cornelius Mims on bass; Dan Needham on drums, and Ricky Peterson on organ. The single was arranged by Jeff and produced and mixed by Steven Eugene Groove. Richard was born in Scotland, raised in Los Angeles, and is currently based in San Diego, California. He grew up with the sounds of Joni Mitchell, Carlos Santana, The Temptations, and Smokey Robinson. He was influenced heavily by the Motown sound. “90% (of the featured musicians) I’ve worked with before,” Elliot said when I asked. “A couple are new as far as collaborating with. They are people I feel are gratified to work with me. Paul Brown… I’ve worked with him for ages. He creates a comfortable environment, but he knows how to kick me in the butt to do something new. I met him when I left Tower of Power…for my first song. I reconnected with him…when he asked me to play on his last release.” I asked about his time with Tower of Power, because I interviewed them several times – back in the day – and he said, “My time with Tower of Power was like graduate school. I learned so much, how to play – how to tell a story with my sax.” https://youtu.be/6zeR9qJU8-g Sean “Diddy” Combs is currently enduring the challenges of life in federal detention, having been incarcerated at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center since September 17 after a judge denied his bail request. The prominence of the Bad Boy Records founder now contrasts sharply with the reality of his situation as he awaits a trial set for May 5, 2025, on serious charges including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. His attorney, Marc Agnifilo, recently disclosed the most arduous aspects of Combs’ jail experience, highlighting not just the legal battles but the difficulties of confinement itself.In revealing details about life behind bars, the NY Post noted that Combs’ initial meal options included Swedish meatballs or a black bean burger, accompanied by side dishes like egg noodles and green beans. His daily schedule begins early, with breakfast served at 6:00 a.m. ET, consisting of cereal, fruit, toast, and pastry. Lunch follows at 11:00 a.m., and dinner is dished out after an afternoon headcount. Despite the standard fare of institutional meals, the environment of the detention center remains an uphill battle for Combs as he adjusts to this new reality. https://youtu.be/iWe8PJmjA94 The situation escalated further when Agnifilo, trying to mitigate some of the legal ramifications, previously pointed fingers regarding the discovery of an alarming quantity of baby oil and lubricant bottles found at Combs’ residences during an FBI raid. Claiming his client “buys in bulk,” he faced swift denial from Costco, which insisted that none of its stores carry such a high quantity. Agnifilo attempted to downplay the issue, insisting that it wasn’t necessarily 1,000 bottles but insisted that it was indeed a lot. Combs faces allegations that he flew sex workers across state lines, forcibly coerced women into compromising situations, and even recorded these interactions for potential blackmail. These serious claims first emerged prominently in Cassie Ventura’s explosive lawsuit, where she accused him of long-term sexual and physical abuse throughout their decade-long relationship. This legal turmoil places even more pressure on Combs as he faces substantial legal battles ahead. https://twitter.com/monique_burnett?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1836738544355733614%7Ctwgr%5Ef83f4dfb8fa15e2b54cdb107fc40bc3d948f8142%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fdiddys-attorney-highlighted-the-challenges-of-jail-including-food%2F Amidst this backdrop, family support has been evident. Sean Combs’ mother, Janice, and his children were spotted leaving a Manhattan courthouse following a pretrial hearing, visibly united during this tumultuous time. Joined by his sons Justin and Christian, and daughters Jessie, D’Lila, and Chance, the family’s solidarity stands in contrast to the serious allegations hanging over Combs’ head. Notably, the presence of Gloria Allred, a prominent attorney representing one of the accusers, emphasizes the high-profile nature of this case as it unfolds. As Combs navigates the complexities of life behind bars, including the strain of awaiting a significant trial and managing family dynamics, the next several months are set to be critical, not only for his personal journey but also for his career and public image as he fights the serious allegations brought against him. https://twitter.com/i/status/1844529553437306935 Welcome to 5 Things PM! Floridians are anxiously watching a large and menacing Hurricane Milton as it approaches the state’s west coast. That includes me, as I’m writing this newsletter from Orlando. Millions of people are under mandatory evacuation orders, but some explained why they decided to stay. https://youtu.be/zcaDuQ7vUO4?list=RDNSzcaDuQ7vUO4 That’s how much money billionaire philanthropist Melinda French Gates committed to a new fund to improve women’s mental and physical health. https://www.instagram.com/melindafrenchgates/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c124d609-5594-4e7e-8b70-2d9dcc203e44 Sean “Diddy” Combs is currently enduring the challenges of life in federal detention, having been incarcerated at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center since September 17 after a judge denied his bail request. The prominence of the Bad Boy Records founder now contrasts sharply with the reality of his situation as he awaits a trial set for May 5, 2025, on serious charges including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. His attorney, Marc Agnifilo, recently disclosed the most arduous aspects of Combs’ jail experience, highlighting not just the legal battles but the difficulties of confinement itself.In revealing details about life behind bars, the NY Post noted that Combs’ initial meal options included Swedish meatballs or a black bean burger, accompanied by side dishes like egg noodles and green beans. His daily schedule begins early, with breakfast served at 6:00 a.m. ET, consisting of cereal, fruit, toast, and pastry. Lunch follows at 11:00 a.m., and dinner is dished out after an afternoon headcount. Despite the standard fare of institutional meals, the environment of the detention center remains an uphill battle for Combs as he adjusts to this new reality. https://youtu.be/iWe8PJmjA94 The situation escalated further when Agnifilo, trying to mitigate some of the legal ramifications, previously pointed fingers regarding the discovery of an alarming quantity of baby oil and lubricant bottles found at Combs’ residences during an FBI raid. Claiming his client “buys in bulk,” he faced swift denial from Costco, which insisted that none of its stores carry such a high quantity. Agnifilo attempted to downplay the issue, insisting that it wasn’t necessarily 1,000 bottles but insisted that it was indeed a lot. Combs faces allegations that he flew sex workers across state lines, forcibly coerced women into compromising situations, and even recorded these interactions for potential blackmail. These serious claims first emerged prominently in Cassie Ventura’s explosive lawsuit, where she accused him of long-term sexual and physical abuse throughout their decade-long relationship. This legal turmoil places even more pressure on Combs as he faces substantial legal battles ahead. https://twitter.com/monique_burnett?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1836738544355733614%7Ctwgr%5Ef83f4dfb8fa15e2b54cdb107fc40bc3d948f8142%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fdiddys-attorney-highlighted-the-challenges-of-jail-including-food%2F Amidst this backdrop, family support has been evident. Sean Combs’ mother, Janice, and his children were spotted leaving a Manhattan courthouse following a pretrial hearing, visibly united during this tumultuous time. Joined by his sons Justin and Christian, and daughters Jessie, D’Lila, and Chance, the family’s solidarity stands in contrast to the serious allegations hanging over Combs’ head. Notably, the presence of Gloria Allred, a prominent attorney representing one of the accusers, emphasizes the high-profile nature of this case as it unfolds. As Combs navigates the complexities of life behind bars, including the strain of awaiting a significant trial and managing family dynamics, the next several months are set to be critical, not only for his personal journey but also for his career and public image as he fights the serious allegations brought against him. https://twitter.com/i/status/1844529553437306935 Welcome to 5 Things PM! Floridians are anxiously watching a large and menacing Hurricane Milton as it approaches the state’s west coast. That includes me, as I’m writing this newsletter from Orlando. Millions of people are under mandatory evacuation orders, but some explained why they decided to stay. https://youtu.be/zcaDuQ7vUO4?list=RDNSzcaDuQ7vUO4 That’s how much money billionaire philanthropist Melinda French Gates committed to a new fund to improve women’s mental and physical health. https://www.instagram.com/melindafrenchgates/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c124d609-5594-4e7e-8b70-2d9dcc203e44 Ohio reporter Winnie-Marie Dortch is on the road to recovery after being shot by her alleged lover who then fatally shot himself. According to Lakewood police, Dortch was shot during a domestic incident in Lakewood, Ohio, SandraRose.com reports. Around 7:54 a.m. on Monday, 911 callers reported an argument outside a preschool, followed by gunshots. When officers arrived, they found Dortch with a serious gunshot wound and a man, later identified as 34-year-old Bryant Carter, dead at the scene. Police believe Carter shot Dortch before taking his own life. Friends of Dortch reportedly noted on Facebook that Carter frequently watched Dortch on Cleveland’s WOIO Channel 19 News before they met and began dating. “It’s a tragedy,” Father Kevin Elbert, a priest from nearby St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, told WKYC of the shooting. “This is so close to home. This is a tragic event. Any loss of life is a tragic event, especially in a place that’s holy ground.” https://youtu.be/hydn0Y8-riM Buku Abi, the daughter of R. Kelly, is publicly sharing her experiences for the first time regarding the alleged abuse she suffered during her childhood at the hands of her father. In the new two-part documentary “Karma: A Daughter’s Journey,” which premiered on the TVEI Streaming Network, Abi recounts her painful past, revealing that she first reported the abuse to her mother, Andrea Kelly, in 2009 when she was only 10 years old. In her emotional remarks in the documentary, the now 26-year-old, born Joann Kelly, reflects on her complicated relationship with her father. “He was my everything. For a long time, I didn’t even want to believe that it happened. I didn’t know that even if he was a bad person that he would do something to me,” she says in the documentary, the first episode of which is streaming now. “I was too scared to tell anybody. I was too scared to tell my mom.” These sentiments highlight the confusion and fear that many survivors of childhood abuse experience, emphasizing the difficulty of revealing such trauma. https://youtu.be/jkfz4_edz-Y Attending a live taping of “The Jennifer Hudson Show” is an experience like no other, and season 3 is full of joy, energy, and surprises. On this episode, the multi-talented Jennifer Hudson welcomed Tia Mowry and GloRilla as her special guests. Mowry, beloved actress and star of “Sister, Sister”—the 90s sitcom the actress and her twin Tamara starred in just celebrated its debut 30 years ago—appeared to discuss her new reality series, “My Next Act.” Mowery discussed her life’s next chapter, focusing on reinvention and embracing personal growth. And, of course, the deets about jumping back into the dating pool after 14 years of marriage. Rising star GloRilla also chatted about her debut album, “Glorious,” which dropped on October 11. The Memphis rapper shared her inspiration behind the project, the process of building her unique sound, and what fans can expect from her future performances. https://youtu.be/DNQI-_Q4UYk A highlight of the taping was a musical moment between Jennifer Hudson and GloRilla. Jennifer, known for her Academy Award-winning role as Effie in “Dream Girls,” teamed up with Glo for an impromptu duet of one of the film’s iconic songs, leaving the audience buzzing with excitement. Later in the show, Jennifer, Tia, and Glo also tried some viral beverage recipes floating around on TikTok. You have to tune in to see which one made the cut. Season 3 of “The Jennifer Hudson Show” promises to keep the energy high and bring you exciting guests. Jennifer delivers with each show, connecting with her audience. Let’s not forget about the spirit walk before you hit the stage and the deals JHud puts you on to – this episode featured must-have products from MorningSave.com. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience. Don’t miss this exciting season filled with laughter, music, and great conversations. https://youtu.be/H8ombbAh_iQ Grammy Award-winning gospel superstar Tamela Mann released her powerful new album “Live Breathe Fight” on Friday, October 11, now available on all music streaming platforms. Her latest single, “Working for Me,” has made history by breaking the record for the most #1 gospel singles on the Billboard chart, marking her 11th #1 hit. “This uplifting anthem has become her fastest rising single ever to reach #1, captivating listeners across the nation,” the news release states. “This album marks an exhilarating new chapter in the Grammy winner’s illustrious career, showcasing not only her extraordinary vocal talent but also her significant growth as a songwriter.” In a statement, Mann said, “I want the Lord to be proud of the work I’m doing and the ways I’m using the gift that He’s given me. Live like heaven is your destiny, breathe every breath with purpose, and fight until you get the victory.” On the new album, “Mann takes listeners on an emotional and spiritual journey with tracks like “Deserve To Win, “Hand on Me,’ and the title track “Live Breathe Fight,” which speaks to the strength found in Jesus and the importance of casting our burdens on the Lord,” per the release. Listen to “Live Breathe Fight” here and watch the Official Music Video for the new single “Working For Me” via the YouTube clip. https://youtu.be/n0QJmgYK9iQ Researchers in Denmark have published a case report revealing an unexpected consequence of one of breakdancing’s most iconic moves: the headspin. Breakdancing, or breaking as it’s called by its athletes, made its debut as an official sport at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Breakers compete in battles judged on criteria like execution, musicality, originality, and technique. Although breaking is celebrated for its athleticism and creativity, it also comes with physical risks. These can include carpal tunnel syndrome and other nerve problems, as well as a condition known in the breaking community as headspin hole, an overuse injury that can affect the scalp. The condition typically begins with hair loss but can develop into a significant bump on the top of the head. https://youtu.be/6TtY-FN2htE Paramount+ has announced that “Uncharted,” a new documentary featuring Alicia Keys and produced by Everywoman Studios for MTV Entertainment Studios, will premiere on October 22, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the “She Is The Music Songwriting Camp.” Per the news release, “UNCHARTED takes us behind the scenes of Alicia Keys’ She Is The Music songwriting camp in this revealing look at the music business that focuses on the lack of access and opportunity granted to young black and brown women. The camp’s participants take center stage as they try to break through the industry with the next big hit song,” the description states. “Among those featured, we meet Ayoni from Barbados, who follows in Rihanna’s footsteps while reaching for the same stars; Atlanta’s DaVionne who received her break collaborating with known artists and now works on her own original recordings; and Chicago-born Jean Deaux who does it all on her own — writing, recording, and producing while touring with successful acts,” the synopsis continues. “Everything done in this film was done by women in every capacity,” says Keys. “You get a true sense of the journey of these artists and the songwriting process which is so special.” UNCHARTED is directed and produced by Beth Aala and executive produced by Abby Greensfelder, Katie Couric, Abigail Rodriguez, Brenda Robinson, Regina K. Scully and Geralyn White Dreyfous and Alicia Keys. Jody Gerson, Ann Mincieli, Sam Kirby Yoh, Dr. Stacy Smith and Michelle Arkuski serve as executive producers for She Is The Music. https://youtu.be/QpjrVFKW8lo Jamie Foxx filmed a new Netflix special where he disclosed the reason for his hospitalization in 2023 with a mysterious medical complication. The event titled “What Had Happened Was,” described as “an unforgettable one-man show,” was filmed this month and features Foxx taking the stage “to share his journey through a serious health scare, filled with humor, heart, and inspiration,” according to his Instagram post. “Experience Jamie Foxx like never before in this intimate and engaging performance, as he opens up about his struggles, triumphs, and everything in between,” the post reads. “Get ready for a night of laughter, reflection, and genuine connection.” Foxx’s one-man show was held on Oct. 3, 4, and 5 in Atlanta and filmed for a Netflix special titled “What Had Happened Was.” “It was an excruciating time, opening those wounds every single day,” Foxx told CBS Mornings host Gayle King backstage at the taping of his special, referring to using his health crisis as material for the shows, Mens Journal reports. “It was excruciating because the worry is what gets you,” he continued. “We’ve got a great show in the room, but we don’t know what they may laugh at or what they may not laugh at. Any comedian will tell you that’s the thing, the worry is the thing.” https://youtu.be/ROsXWp09Ss4 Sean Combs a/k/a Diddy has recently leveled serious accusations against federal agents, claiming that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was behind the leaking of a damaging 2016 video that captured him assaulting his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. The allegation arises amid his ongoing legal struggles, where he faces severe charges including sex trafficking and racketeering. In a court filing on Wednesday, Combs’ legal team detailed claims that DHS agents have been conspiring against him for seven months leading up to his explosive indictment. The video, which showed a towel-clad Combs attacking Ventura in a hotel hallway at the InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles, found its way to CNN in May, causing an uproar in the media and public alike. The recording has significantly damaged Combs’ reputation and cast doubt on his chances of mounting a successful defense against the numerous allegations he faces, the NY Post reports. https://twitter.com/i/status/1791518338209776121 The defense lawyers, Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos argue that the leaked footage was solely meant to jeopardize Combs’ standing in his legal battles. “The videotape was leaked to CNN for one reason alone: to mortally wound the reputation and the prospect of Sean Combs successfully defending himself against these allegations,” they maintained in the filing. In November of the previous year, Ventura took legal action against Combs before the two reconciled quickly, settling just one day later. However, the recent accusations against Combs paint a picture of a man who has allegedly abused women and used his music label as a front for criminal activities spanning more than ten years. Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges and currently remains in federal detention as his attorneys work diligently to secure his release in anticipation of a high-profile trial. The allegations extend beyond the leaking of the video, with Combs’ legal team asserting that federal authorities have also provided misleading statements to news outlets and illicitly spread grand jury materials, including the contentious clip. They have made it clear that their ire is directed toward the DHS, not the Manhattan US Attorney’s Office, amid a backdrop of heavy media scrutiny. https://youtu.be/Cd_222b-CEE Simone Biles, the GOAT gymnast, and multi-awarded gold medal Olympian, is entering a new phase of her competitive career with the pending arrival of her Tex-Mex restaurant. Eater Houston, citing an airport press release, reports the eatery, named Taste of Gold, is currently under construction, with plans to open in early 2025 inside George Bush Intercontinental Airport’s (IAH) Terminal A near Gate A8. “Vibrant, bold flavors of world-class and elevated Tex-Mex cuisine” will be featured as the release describes Taste of Gold as “a celebration and obvious nod to Biles’ medal-winning record” as an Olympic gymnast. According to the Spring, TX native, the new venture syncs up well with her status as a “foodie.” “I am a foodie at heart, and our hope with Taste of Gold is to offer a beautiful Tex-Mex dining experience that features award-winning, signature menu items with some of my favorite flavors sprinkled in for our guests,” the Olympic gold medalist said in a statement. https://youtu.be/4cjLoGE-2BA Though often underappreciated, menswear has been undergoing a renaissance on red carpets and runways. Next year, a landmark exhibition on Black suiting and sartorial codes will serve as the inspiration for fashion’s biggest night out. The Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art has announced its spring 2025 exhibition, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” which will celebrate Black dandyism from the 18th century through its revival during the Harlem Renaissance and its impact on luxury fashion today. The much-anticipated Met Gala event typically draws its theme from the accompanying exhibition, which A-listers are encouraged to interpret on the red carpet. Last year’s “Garden of Time” theme, based on the 1962 short story by J.G. Ballard, explored motifs of decay, beauty, and fragility, and coincided with the exhibition “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.” The show featured garments spanning four centuries — many so delicate, they could no longer be touched or worn. For the upcoming (2025) Met Gala, the Costume Institute has also announced a new lineup of famous co-chairs, all fashion-forward men: Actor Colman Domingo, British racing driver Lewis Hamilton, rapper A$AP Rocky, and producer Pharrell Williams will work with Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour to orchestrate the event, along with honorary co-chair LeBron James. https://youtu.be/9nzoRv8Za3Q Mayor Eric Adams‘ top deputy mayor Sheena Wright resigned on Tuesday following his controversial fraud indictment. Several senior officials including Wright have been subjected to searches at their homes and phones in ongoing federal investigations, according to NBC New York. We reported earlier that law enforcement also searched the home of Schools Chancellor David Banks and the Queens home of Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks. David and Phil are brothers, and another brother, government relations firm founder Terry Banks, is also under investigation, Politico reports. The homes of NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban and other city officials were also searched, while senior adviser Tim Pearson and at least seven other NYPD members had their phones subpoenaed. While it’s unclear if these raids are connected to previous probes into Adams’ ties to Turkey or aide Winnie Greco, Adams previously stated his administration is fully cooperating with investigators. Wright, who has held her position since January 2023, has denied any wrongdoing. However, she faces scrutiny for casting a vote that awarded a city contract to a security firm previously linked to her brother-in-law, per NBC New York. Her departure adds to the growing list of senior officials leaving the Adams administration, amid investigations involving members of the mayor’s team. The FBI is reportedly investigating Mayor Adams for receiving complimentary flight upgrades from Turkish Airlines. According to RadarOnline.com, these upgrades elevated him to first-class status. The New York Times reports that federal investigators are scrutinizing Adams’s mayoral campaign, mainly focusing on free airfare upgrades. Adams is at the heart of a broader corruption inquiry involving his aides and a Turkish Airline executive, with investigators examining possible political favors in exchange for donations from Turkey. https://youtu.be/QtSHPhh3LCA Pastor Keion Henderson is catching heat over a sermon he gave in which he said there is “no blessing connected” to giving to poor people. “Here’s the other problem with the church,” he states in a clip of his preachings, Vibe reports. “Anytime a person is in need ya’ll go to running and dropping money. But let me tell you something, the poor will be with you always and there is no blessing connected to blessing the poor, other than getting back what you gave to them — but no multiplication.” The pastor continued, “Multiplication is segregated for tithes and offering. When you give to the poor, the only thing you do is help them but you don’t help yourself. So when you give a dollar to somebody on the street talking about ‘but I did my job,’ God like ‘thank you, but it ain’t gonna help you.’ Charity does not bring wealth, only the tithe does that.” In the comments of The Neighborhood Talk’s Instagram video of the pastor, one person wrote, “Helping others is NOT supposed to help YOU! You are helping someone else who is unable to return the favor. That’s the blessing.” Another Instagram user added, “You don’t tithe to be blessed. Further you give to the poor out of obedience to and love for God, who also loved the least of these – not because you get something out of doing so. This is why celebrity Christianity will never work.” A third commenter wrote, “He needs to be quiet before the boys start telling on him.” https://www.instagram.com/theneighborhoodtalk/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=68ba3203-3576-413e-8e36-f5915360b7a3 Meanhile, we reported earlier that Henderson, the husband of Shaunie Henderson (ex-wife of Shaquille O’Neal) went viral recently for silencing a ‘loud’ church member during Sunday service. It sparked debate online about the proper way to worship in church. The footage shows Pastor Henderson leading a prayer followed by a song. As he sang, a woman in the choir shouted, almost drowning out his voice. Henderson briefly stopped singing, snapped his fingers at the woman, and told her to “shh” before continuing the worship song. “Silence in the name of Jesus,” Henderson said. After catching backlash online for the way he handled the woman, Pastor Henderson and Shaunie were guests on “Tamron Hall” and addressed the incident. https://youtu.be/IVOHRdmbEGo Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s attorney, Alex Spiro joined “TMZ Live” Wednesday to discuss the superstar couple’s response to Piers Morgan’s controversial interview with Jaguar Wright, who claimed the couple had more “victims” than Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs. “This was a pointed and formal accusation of something that I felt needed to be responded to,” Spiro said. “I think somebody reported it was a cease-and-desist, it wasn’t that. It was quite bluntly an ultimatum. Remove that false accusation or a court is going to order you to,” he added in the YouTube clip below. “I think he made the wise choice and acted accordingly.” As we reported earlier, Morgan invited Wright onto the program to weigh in on Diddy’s arrest and mounting legal issues. The 54-year-old father of seven is facing numerous accusations of sexual assault by women and men. He is currently being held without bond in a Brooklyn jail following his arrest last month on federal charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. “For four years, I’ve been screaming not just Diddy, but Diddy and JAY-Z are monsters, and the victim-making machine kept going on,” Wright stated during the broadcast. https://youtu.be/QQvk8TKO8ok When Morgan asked Jaguar why JAY-Z has yet to speak out about the Diddy controversy, she replied, “Because that’s what he does. He starts little fires everywhere and forces everyone to carry water while he sneaks away without a response. That changes now, Sean. You must respond, you have no choice. Harvey Weinstein, Jeffrey Epstein, Robert Kelly, Sean Combs have one person in common professionally and privately: Sean Carter.” She added, “I’ve talked to hundreds [of victims] that I deal with still myself. I have three victims right now who are willing to give testimonies about not only what Mr. Carter has done to them, but his wife as well,” she said, referring to Beyonce. https://twitter.com/i/status/1841586101045149790 “The thing about platforms, the reality of the modern world is that pretty much everyone has a platform as long as they have something to say that other people want to hear. That’s why we invited her on to be interviewed,” Piers said during his broadcast. “The people making these claims have an audience with or without shows like mine. Well, Jaguar, unexpectedly, made several serious allegations about Jay-Z and Beyoncé during that interview. As I said in the moment, they were not present to respond or defend themselves, but now they have. We had lawyers contact us to say that those claims were totally false and have no basis in fact, and we’ve therefore complied with a legal request to cut them from the original interview.” Morgan then addressed the decision to edit the interview. “Editing interviews is not something we do lightly at a show called Uncensored, but like the proverbial cries of fire in a crowded theater, there are legal limits on us, too,” he said. “And we apologize to Jay-Z and Beyoncé.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1843763560251531770 Lizzo continues to take fans on her weight loss journey, as she documents her health and fitness routine on social media. The singer recently posted a video of her modeling shapewear from her Yitty brand. In the comments, fans praised the Grammy winner’s stunning results so far, with one person writing, “It took her losing weight to have a positive comment section literally sick asf. Always been gorgeous a talented artist but now she’s losing weight and people wanna compliment tuh!!!” The clip comes after Lizzo shut down Ozempic allegations. She recently shared a short reel showing her wearing a colorful, satin robe along with the caption: “’When you finally get ozempic allegations after 5 months of weight training and calorie deficit.” In an Oct. 3 Instagram post, she also gave insight into some diet changes. “I was doing Stairmaster today, and I was doing a higher level than normal,” Lizzo explained. “And by the 20 minute mark I got exhausted, like, ‘We gonna stop after 20.’ Sike! We not stopping after 20, we 23 minutes in, about to hit 30. Want to know how I did it? I turned it down.” https://www.instagram.com/lizzobeeating/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=b33f2aea-01bb-49f7-9377-495d8a9dc552 She also claims to have given up drinking coffee and replacing it with what she calls “protein pop,” which is a Cherry Coke with protein powder added to it. She gushed, “It’s delicious, it tastes like a milkshake and it’s 26 grams of protein.” Lizzo noted that understanding her limits has been key to maintaining consistency to reach her weight loss goal. “Sometimes when you want to give up, it’s really because you’ve been pushing yourself too hard,” she said. “Don’t give up, just take it easier on yourself and you’ll get through it. You’ll hit your goal.” https://www.instagram.com/lizzobeeating/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=19219680-f788-4432-818e-86a553091d36 Health departments and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration are warning consumers to be cautious when purchasing apple cider this fall, particularly unpasteurized varieties that haven’t been heat-treated to kill harmful bacteria. As PEOPLE reports, unpasteurized apple cider may contain dangerous pathogens like salmonella, E. coli, and cryptosporidium, posing a higher risk to young children, pregnant individuals, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. Illness from contaminated cider can occur within one to three days after consumption, and some health officials are placing warnings on these products. “Unless the produce or the juice has been pasteurized or otherwise treated to destroy any harmful bacteria, the juice could be contaminated,” the FDA said. Per PEOPLE, a warning from the Ogle County Health Department in Ill. on Facebook states: “[Apple cider] is typically a bit murky and golden-colored because it’s unfiltered and unpasteurized.” They added: “Most apple orchards don’t’ take the time to pasteurize because it is not required.” https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=866974085537710&set=a.205812461653879&type=3&ref=embed_post Ethel Kennedy, the wife of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy who raised their 11 children after he was assassinated and remained dedicated to social causes and the family’s legacy for decades thereafter, died on Thursday, her family said. She was 96. Kennedy had been hospitalized after suffering a stroke in her sleep on Oct. 3, her family said. “It is with our hearts full of love that we announce the passing of our amazing grandmother,” Joe Kennedy III posted on X. “She died this morning from complications related to a stroke suffered last week.” “Along with a lifetime’s work in social justice and human rights, our mother leaves behind nine children, 34 grandchildren and 24 great-great grandchildren along with numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom love her dearly,” the family statement said. The Kennedy matriarch, whose children were Kathleen, Joseph II, Robert Jr., David, Courtney, Michael, Kerry, Christopher, Max, Douglas and Rory, was one of the last remaining members of a generation that included President John F. Kennedy. Actress Theresa Randle, known for her roles in popular films such as “Bad Boys” and “Space Jam,” has found herself at the center of controversy after being arrested for felony assault this week in Los Angeles. According to reports from law enforcement sources, police were initially called to a residence in an L.A. neighborhood on October 5 regarding an alleged assault involving Randle. By the time officers arrived, she had already left the scene. Two days later, the same location received another call, this time reporting a potential domestic issue along with a possible violation of a restraining order. Upon their return, officers found Randle at the scene and proceeded to arrest her in connection to the earlier incident, TMZ reports. Reports indicate that Randle was uncooperative during the booking process and was visibly irate. She subsequently appeared in court on October 9. However, despite the serious nature of the allegations, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office ultimately rejected the case, indicating that there was insufficient evidence to proceed with the charges. https://youtu.be/Dva1ibswGeM Boxing promoter Bob Arum believes Mike Tyson has “no chance” of beating Jake Paul in their upcoming fight, citing the significant 31-year age difference. If sanctioned, the fight would set a record for the largest age gap between fighters in an official bout. As GBN reports, concerns have been raised about the risks Tyson faces at 58, with promoter Eddie Hearn calling the fight “dangerous” and “irresponsible.” Despite criticism, organizers expect a sell-out event, with Netflix hosting it as the streamer’s first live boxing event. Arum, who once promoted Tyson, worries for the safety of the former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. “The answer is no [Tyson can’t beat Paul],” he said. “A 58-year-old guy, no matter how good they were, no matter how athletic they were, are not gonna be able to fight,” he added. Tensions are escalating in the courtroom as Sean “Diddy” Combs prepares to face serious legal challenges related to sex trafficking charges. Combs’ legal team has requested a gag order, alleging that federal prosecutors leaked grand jury information to the media, thereby jeopardizing his right to a fair trial. The latest developments in this high-profile case underscore the complexities and controversies surrounding the proceedings. During a hearing presided over by Judge Arun Subramanian in Manhattan federal court, Combs appeared confident, embracing his legal team as they strategized against the serious allegations he faces. Diddy has pleaded not guilty to charges including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, stemming from claims that date back to 2008, the AP and TMZ reports. https://youtu.be/yVxv_EGT3_s As predicted, Hurricane Milton wreaked havoc across Florida, leading to the tragic loss of at least 10 lives due to severe tornadoes that formed as a result of the storm. During a press briefing at the White House, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas confirmed the fatalities and cautioned that the situation remains fluid and may evolve as search and rescue operations continue. Milton, which made landfall late Wednesday as a terrifying Category 3 storm near Siesta Key, quickly unleashed destruction across the state. “We have 10 confirmed fatalities, our understanding is that those fatalities were caused by the tornadoes,” Mayorkas said. “But I just want to introduce a little bit of tentativeness to that because of the fluidity of the situation and how nascent it is. It is our job to make sure that that number doesn’t climb through valiant search and rescue efforts, but we are dealing in the immediate aftermath of a terrible hurricane and many, many tornadoes ancillary to it.” https://youtu.be/3DhrCaGq-Qs The aftermath of Hurricane Milton has left more than 3 million homes and businesses without power, creating significant challenges for recovery in the affected areas. The storm’s brutal winds even caused the roof of Tropicana Field, home to the Tampa Bay Rays, to be ripped off, highlighting the extensive damage inflicted by Milton. As of Thursday afternoon, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that Milton had been downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone, now packing maximum sustained winds of 75 miles per hour as it continues to move northeast off Florida’s coast. Despite the downgrade, meteorologists warn of life-threatening storm surges from east-central Florida to southern Georgia, emphasizing the need for ongoing caution in these areas. https://youtu.be/QDSPD1rX8fg TikTok star Terryon Thomas, known online as Mr. Prada, is behind bars and charged with second-degree murder in the death of Baton Rouge therapist William Nicholas Abraham. Hip Hop Wired reports that Thomas was arrested on Oct. 1 after authorities found Abraham’s body wrapped in a tarp near a Louisiana highway on Sept. 29. The 20-year-old was apprehended in Dallas County, Texas, after crashing Abraham’s stolen vehicle during an attempted traffic stop. He was extradited from Texas to Louisiana and is being held with no bond at the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison. Thomas, a social media influencer, has more than 4 million followers across two of his TikTok accounts. An arrest warrant from the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office states that surveillance footage captured Abraham entering Thomas’ apartment late last month, according to The Associated Press. Witnesses reported seeing Thomas hours later, struggling to drag a blue tarp down the stairs of the building and placing it in Abraham’s car. When investigators searched Thomas’ apartment, they discovered blood “throughout the apartment.” There were also indications that Thomas tried to clean up the scene, the affidavit said. “At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that Thomas was a client of Abraham,” the release said. https://youtu.be/mkl9Y_cj73k “It was a very physical and very violent attack,” Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Gerald Sticker told WAFB. “He was bludgeoned about in the head shoulders and neck.” “Dr. Abraham was a very kind, very tender, very gentle man,” said Jarret Ambeau, a Baton Rouge lawyer and friend of Abraham. “No one deserves to die this way, but I would have never expected someone of his disposition to have been violently murdered.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1842234607158087868 Drake hit up social media recently to post photos of Solange and Aaliyah and fans think he’s taking jabs at Jay-Z. In one Instagram Story, shared on X by user @itsavibe, Drake posted a screenshot of Solange after she slapped Jay-Z in the infamous elevator incident with his wife Beyonce in 2014. In the comments, one person wrote, “Jay Z bouta tell Kendrick to make sure he plays Not Like Us and Like That at the Super Bowl.”Another user added, “Jay z need to worry about all those diddy parties he enjoyed.” In the second IG Story, shared on X by user @mukzsRAP, Drake published a photo of Aaliyah holding a dog. Jigga has been romantically linked to the late singer for years. Jay’s former Roc-A-Fella Records partner Damon Dash revealed during an interview on the That’s F-cked Up podcast that they both tried to date the songstress. Drake and Jay have collaborated on several songs but as Cassius Life reports, the duo have been beefing since 2014 when Drake said in a Rolling Stone article, “It’s like Hov can’t drop bars these days without at least four art references.” Jay responded in a remix to “We Made It,” calling him “Mrs. Drizzy.” Check out an exclusive clip from the new episode of We TV’s original groundbreaking installment of the popular franchise, “Life After Lockup.” In the teaser, Tennie admits her daughter was the only one who could bring her back to Earth after having a physical altercation with Rob’s mom. Here’s the official series synopsis: Life After Lockup follows seven former inmates and their significant others from the hit series Love After Lockup and Love During Lockup, continuing their journey to keep their love alive, establish a new life in the outside world and stay out of prison. The couples face parole restrictions including travel limitations, consorting with previously incarcerated individuals, combined with the temptations of alcohol and drugs. Meanwhile, couples who have stayed together grapple with the growing pains of love, family and marriage while navigating the emotional hurdles of trying to earn a living with a criminal record. Can they stay together and build a life outside of prison?” https://youtu.be/KReBLHnv7FE Tune in to new episodes of “Life After Lockup” on Fridays at 8:00 pm ET/PT on We TV, and streaming on ALLBLK. https://youtu.be/96TnCT0apG4 Check out an exclusive clip featuring Tia Mowry from episode two of “Tia Mowry: My Next Act,” premiering Friday, October 11 on We TV. Per the synopsis: In episode two, Tia steps out of her comfort zone and tries dating again post-divorce. Tia breaks down in tears when faced with the reality of looking for love. When speed dating is a bust, Natasha & Ciara take matters into their own hands to find her a boo. In the clip below, Tia shakes off her nerves of speed dating and practices questions with the camera crew. https://youtu.be/7P9yb1DMfeU Dr. Dre’s former marriage counselor is suing the hip-hop star for prolonged harassment. According to reports, Dr. Charles Sophy is seeking $10 million from the music mogul, alleging he incited a campaign of harassment, which included “threats of intimidation and violence,” and “homophobic rhetoric,” according to a lawsuit obtained by Billboard and Rolling Stone. Sophy served as Dre’s marriage counselor before and during his divorce from ex-wife Nicole Young. Dre and Nicole split after 24 years of marriage in 2020. According to Sophy’s lawsuit: “Rather than treating the mediation process as an opportunity for healing, (Dre) decided to take his frustrations about the mediation out on Dr. Sophy — frustrations that manifested themselves in the form of a nearly year-long sustained campaign.” Per TMZ, in the lawsuit, Sophy alleges Dre’s sent him abusive text messages 14 months after the divorce, calling him a “bitch” and “piece of sh*t” and warning that he would “make you pay for that.” Sophy alleges that Dre sent individuals posing as FBI agents to his home to intimidate him. As a result, he has heightened security measures and wears a bulletproof vest in public. In full MAGA/a-hole mode, former President Donald Trump stirred controversy on Thursday during a speech to business leaders in Detroit, where he made disparaging remarks about the city and its current economic situation. Speaking at the Detroit Economic Club, Trump painted a bleak picture of what America could become under the leadership of his political opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris. “You want to know the truth?” Trump said, suggesting that if Harris were to become president, the entire country would descend into chaos, comparing the nation to Detroit’s past struggles. “It’ll be like Detroit. Our whole country will end up being like Detroit if she’s your president. You’re gonna have a mess on your hands.” Trump’s comments, while stirring applause from some attendees, were met with backlash from several local officials and residents who take pride in the city’s recovery and resilience, the Daily Beast reported. https://youtu.be/Nk-BaWcT9ME In a remarkable example of applied innovation, students at Carnegie Mellon University have developed an ingenious solution to combat homelessness, particularly during harsh winter conditions. Tasked with designing temporary and economically viable shelters for the 578,424 homeless individuals in the United States, an interdisciplinary team created the “Satellite Shelter,” an insulated sleeping bag that seamlessly transforms into a tent. This project highlights the challenges faced by the homeless, including overcrowded shelters and the severe threat of hypothermia during long, cold nights, according to Conscious Living TV. https://youtu.be/qu46hMUSvh8 “BET Hip Hop Awards” 2024 brought together some of the biggest artists to celebrate hip hop and iconic club anthems. Performances by 310babii, 2 Chainz, Big Boogie featuring GloRilla, Bossman DLow, E-40, Juicy J, Soulja Boy featuring Roscoe Dash, and Trina featuring Yung Miami. Taped on Tuesday, October 8, at Drai’s Beachclub & Nightclub in Las Vegas, NV, this year's show reimagines the traditional award show format. Hosted by hip hop legend Fat Joe, “BET Hip Hop Awards” 2024 will be simulcast on Tuesday, October 15, at 8 PM ET/PT on BET, BET HER, VH1, and MTV2. Diamond-certified recording artist, producer, entrepreneur, and global superstar Travis Scott received the "BET Hip Hop Awards" 2024 prestigious "I Am Hip Hop Award," presented by Teyana Taylor and Tyla. Scott was celebrated for his creative genius, cultural contributions, and incredible talent, which have catapulted him to the top of the game as one of the most innovative forces in music and popular culture. Singer, songwriter, and worship leader, TIA RACHELLE is known for her heartfelt commitment to glorifying God through music. Her journey in the arts began years ago when she made her mark in her local community as a worship leader and performer in stage plays and musical theater. These experiences and her deep faith have shaped her uplifting and anointed artistry. GET THE GLORY is a soulful and soothing ballad. Tia wrote the song influenced by Isaiah 42:8 - I am the Lord; that is My name. And My glory will I not give to another. Her lyrics express surrender, gratitude, and praise. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcCSDFP7jEc Taylor Swift has reportedly surpassed Rihanna to become the world’s richest female musician. According to Forbes, 34-year-old Swift has an estimated net worth of $1.6 billion, making her the first female musician to reach billionaire status mainly through her song and performance earnings. The publication highlighted that her wealth comprises nearly $600 million from royalties and touring, a music catalog valued at approximately $600 million, and $125 million in real estate. Bloomberg reported in 2023 that Swift reached billionaire status following the Eras Tour. The pop star ranks 2,118 on Forbes’ list of the world’s billionaires, while Rihanna, 36, follows with an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion. “I think that this tour has really become my entire life,” Swift told fans during her Liverpool tour stop, Us Weekly reports. “It’s taken over everything. I think I once had hobbies, but I don’t know what they were anymore. All I do when I’m not on stage is sit at home and try to think of clever acoustic song mashups and think about what you might want to hear.” We reported earlier that much of Rihanna’s wealth comes from her Fenty Beauty brand and her 30 percent stake in her Savage x Fenty lingerie line, which accumulated $550 million in revenue in 2020, according to Forbes. She is also the first billionaire in her native Barbados. Al B. Sure! made his first public appearance Monday at the American Liver Foundation’s National Legacy Gala in New York after calling for an investigation into the death of his and Sean “Diddy” Combs’ ex-partner, Kim Porter. The R&B singer accepted an award for his work in health equity, Page Six reports. During his speech he acknowledged Homeland Security, the agency that detained Diddy last month, saying, “We even have Homeland Security in the building. Detective Jackson, good to see you.” According to insiders, Sure! has “stepped up his security immeasurably” after calling for an investigation into Porter’s death, per Page Six. The music legend has indirectly implicated Combs, calling Porter’s death a “tragic murder.” According to a medical examiner, she died from natural causes. Brown suggested in a post that Porter’s passing may have something to do with a tell-all book she was allegedly writing about Combs. He recently sent a cease-and-desist letter to Amazon and the author of a “fake” memoir about Porter. Brown is the founder of the Health Equity in Transplantation Coalition, an organization dedicated to dismantling barriers in transplantation and promoting health equity for underserved communities. On social media, he made cryptic posts suggesting Combs may have played a role in his 2022 coma. Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team has submitted a third appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, seeking his release before trial. The appeal disputes the Southern District of New York’s previous rulings that denied bail, based on claims of obstruction of justice and witness tampering, Page Six reports. Combs’ attorneys argue there is insufficient evidence to justify his detention, requesting his immediate release under suitable bail conditions. The 54-year-old father of seven is facing numerous accusations of sexual assault by women and men. He is currently being held without bond in a Brooklyn jail following his arrest last month on federal charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. Per Page Six, prosecutors claimed Diddy “abused, threatened and coerced women and others around him to fulfill his sexual desires, protect his reputation and conceal his conduct” for decades, “creating a criminal enterprise whose members and associates engaged in … sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery and obstruction of justice.” Combs pleaded not guilty and denied all accusations against him. He remains in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, awaiting trial. As collateral, the hip-hop star offered his $48-million Miami mansion and his mother’s house as a $5 million bond. He is also willing to wear a GPS monitor and restrict his travel to Miami and New York. https://youtu.be/BKiJX_oZUQQ Piers Morgan issued a public apology to Jay-Z and Beyoncé after singer Jaguar Wright made explosive allegations against the superstars on his show. Morgan invited Wright onto the program to weigh in on Diddy’s arrest and mounting legal issues. The 54-year-old father of seven is facing numerous accusations of sexual assault by women and men. He is currently being held without bond in a Brooklyn jail following his arrest last month on federal charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. For four years, I’ve been screaming not just Diddy, but Diddy and JAY-Z are monsters, and the victim-making machine kept going on,” Wright stated during the broadcast. As Vibe reports, when Morgan asked Jaguar why Jigga has yet to speak out about the Diddy controversy, she replied, “Because that’s what he does. He starts little fires everywhere and forces everyone to carry water while he sneaks away without a response. That changes now, Sean. You must respond, you have no choice. Harvey Weinstein, Jeffrey Epstein, Robert Kelly, Sean Combs have one person in common professionally and privately: Sean Carter.” She added, “I’ve talked to hundreds [of victims] that I deal with still myself. I have three victims right now who are willing to give testimonies about not only what Mr. Carter has done to them, but his wife as well,” she said, referring to Beyonce. https://twitter.com/i/status/1843814530213614061 The Critics Choice Association (CCA) announced the honorees and dates for their upcoming Diversity Celebrations including the 4th annual Celebration of Latino Cinema & Television, the 3rd annual Celebration of AAPI Cinema & Television, and the 7th annual Celebration of Black Cinema & Television. The 4th annual Celebration of Latino Cinema & Television will honor actress and producer Zoe Saldaña with the Groundbreaker Award at the awards ceremony, taking place on October 22, 2024 at the Egyptian Theatre. Saldaña will be recognized for her starring role in Netflix’s Emilia Pérez, which won the Best Actress Prize for the ensemble cast at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year. Saldaña’s career spans over 20 years and she is the only actor in history to have starred in four films that grossed over 2 billion dollars. The 3rd Celebration of AAPI Cinema & Television will award actress Joan Chen with the Career Achievement Award at the annual event, set for November 12, 2024, at the Egyptian Theatre. Chen will be celebrated for her storied career, most recently for her performance in Focus Features’ Dìdi (弟弟), which won the Audience Award at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. She is best known for her roles in Bernardo Bertolucci’s Oscar-winning The Last Emperor, David Lynch’s Twin Peaks series, Oliver Stone’s Heaven and Earth, and Ang Lee’s Lust, Caution, which won her the Venice Film Festival’s Golden Lion Award, as well as for directing the Chinese-language film Xiu Xiu: The Sent-Down Girl, for which she received the Golden Horse Award for Best Director, Film, and Adapted Screenplay. The 7th annual Celebration of Black Cinema & Television, which is scheduled for December 9, 2024 at the Fairmont Century Plaza, will honor actor and filmmaker Tyler Perry with the Icon Award for his incredible body of work and achievements throughout the years. After directing Netflix’s highly-anticipated The Six Triple Eight, Perry has helmed 24 feature films, 20 stage plays, 17 television shows, and two New York Times bestselling books, in addition to establishing the Tyler Perry Studios home base in Atlanta. In 2021, Perry was also honored with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. A Washington DC man known as Phillip H. won the Lottery’s Lucky for Life game on August 12, but only recently claimed the million-dollar prize because he couldn’t locate one of his two winning tickets. According to PEOPLE, Phillip searched for the ticket for a month before he found it, winning $25,000 for life or a lump sum of $500,000. “After searching through old tickets, I found it and let out a big sigh of relief,” Phillip said, per Lottery USA. “I always get two tickets, and I always pick my own numbers. That’s my winning strategy,” he explained. “I saw that the first ticket was a winner but couldn’t find the other ticket.” The winning numbers were 3, 6, 17, 24, and 35, with Lucky Ball 2. Considered by many to be the epitome of basketball excellence, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar‘s illustrious career spanned two decades, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history. With six MVP awards and 19 All-Star selections, Abdul-Jabbar’s impact on the game is undeniable. But his influence extends far beyond the basketball court, including his ventures into coaching, writing, and acting. Now, in a new twist to his storied life, Abdul-Jabbar’s opulent Marina del Rey home is on the market for an impressive $2.995 million. The residence, which Abdul-Jabbar called home from 2011 to 2021, is not only luxurious but also strategically located across from the Ritz Carlton and the California Yacht Club, embodying the pinnacle of coastal living in Los Angeles. Spanning over spacious four bedrooms and three bathrooms, this exclusive pad is one of just twelve homes nestled within a gated community, offering both privacy and a sense of community. The property stands out with its elegant layout, designed to harmonize indoor living with the stunning views of the surrounding marina, according to TopTenRealEstateDeals.com. https://youtu.be/lxnYE2WMEY0 University of Georgia football player Colbie Young was arrested by the Athens-Clarke County police early Tuesday morning and charged with assault on an unborn child and battery. According to police, Young posted bail Tuesday afternoon and was released from jail. The incident report states an ex-girlfriend of Young’s called the police overnight and said she and the wide receiver got into a “heated argument” about their former relationship, and Young “grabbed her left arm near her bicep and tricep and physically pulled her out of his room.” The woman claimed Young later “picked her up and began to squeeze her torso and abdomen very hard. She said that she felt like Mr [Young] … was trying to harm her.” https://youtu.be/Rmd3oX8YEQc The incident report states the alleged victim had “discoloration on the bottom right side of her chest where it meets the abdomen. She also had redness on her right flank.” Police said Young denied grabbing the woman. However, the arresting officer found “probable cause based on the totality of the circumstances along with physical evidence of injury” to the victim. Young’s attorney, Kim Stephens, issued the following statement: “Colbie Young was arrested last night after he asked his ex-girlfriend to leave his apartment. He did not make physical contact with her in any way that could ever be considered a crime. I expect Mr. Young to be fully exonerated once our investigation is complete and the truth revealed.” When asked for a comment, UGA’s Athletic Association’s Steven Drummond said in a statement, “This is a pending legal matter, we will have no further comment at this time.” The 6’ 3” senior is playing in his first season for the No. 5 ranked Bulldogs after transferring from the University of Miami. He has played in five games and caught 11 passes for 149 yards and two touchdowns. https://youtu.be/AnFw0lAt8PM “I love the storytelling,” said Country music’s Paige King Johnson about this genre of music. “That’s pure Country. It’s always been engraved in me. Country music is all I know.” Paige just released her new single “Grandpa’s Little Girl.” The single is written by Johnson and Mike Astrachan. Paige was recently honored with an invite to perform as a guest of Pam Tillis at the Grand Ole Opry, where she performed her previous single “Somebody’s Gotta Do It.” “It felt like a dream come true,” she said about the Grand Ole Opry performance when I asked. “I felt like I was getting pranked when Pam called me. She said, ‘I was wondering if you would like to join me.’ All that hard work….dropped at my feet!” Her vocals are pure Country. I know why Pam Tillis called Paige; she has a fresh real Country vocal sound. I commented on her special vocal sound and the emotional images her current single “Grandpa’s Little Girl” evokes in my mind because of her storytelling and her vocals. “I wrote the first verse and the chorus…didn’t know where to go (after that),” Paige told me when I asked about writing the single about her grandfather. “I wanted to get it absolutely perfect…then Mike came in and co-wrote…the second verse.” https://youtu.be/mGia2d4yJ0k With election night less than a month away, the race for New York’s 17th congressional district is surprisingly tight. A few years ago, it would never have been on anyone’s Bingo card that in the traditionally blue state of New York, a Black Democrat and former New York congressman would trail even slightly behind a white Republican who recently had to apologize for wearing blackface in college — but here we are. As we previously reported, Lawler acknowledged last Thursday that, as a college student, he darkened his face as part of a Michael Jackson costume he wore for Halloween. https://youtu.be/S-NQjf2cmUM Vice President Kamala Harris’ current media blitz includes shock jock Howard Stern The Democratic nominee is scheduled to be interviewed by Stern on Tuesday, just hours after her primetime appearance on 60 Minutes on Monday night, which followed Harris’ appearance on the popular Call Her Daddy podcast one day earlier. And while both of those previous media appearances had their detractors for various reasons, it may be the interview with the self-proclaimed “King of all media” that sparks the most backlash, what with Stern’s established and documented history of weaving racist themes and tropes into his shows’ edgy skits and material. Those days may be long over for Stern – so he says – but they may also prove hard to forget, particularly when he’s set to interview someone who could become the first woman president who just happens to be Black and Asian. https://youtu.be/8I25tZNVhdo With less than a month to go before Election Day, Donald Trump is predictably ramping up the fearmongering and hate speech. And that’s exactly what his rageful campaign against migrants, whether documented or undocumented, has been: hate speech. It was hate speech when he echoed his running mate’s lies about Haitian migrants abducting and eating pets in Springfield, Ohio, on the nationally televised debate stage. It was hate speech when he repeatedly compared migrants to Hannibal Lecter, and it was hate speech when he called them “animals” who are “not human.” Now, Trump has upgraded his brand of hate speech from garden-variety racism to scientific racism by suggesting that migrants are predisposed to murder because it’s in their “genes.” https://youtu.be/1TAsw0rQFlw Last month, Donald Trump, his campaign and his supporters were whining to anyone who would listen about how President Joe Biden’s and VP Kamala Harris’ incendiary anti-Trump “rhetoric” has inspired not one, but two would-be assassins to take shots at him. Specifically, Trump and his minions have complained about him being labeled a “threat to democracy” just because — oh, I don’t know — he inspired a domestic terrorist attack at the U.S. Capitol while votes were being certified by spreading baseless propaganda about election fraud costing him the 2020 election despite the DOJ, the attorney general, dozens of judges, virtually every election official, and his own campaign telling him there was no evidence of it. (The audacity of people putting Trump’s life in danger by citing observable facts, I tell ya’.) Fast forward a few short weeks later, and the ex-president who is suddenly pretending to oppose dangerous inflammatory language is at a rally threatening to “hurt” any and all supporters of Harris who might be in attendance. https://twitter.com/KamalaHQ/status/1843020699092295724?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1843025355277529300%7Ctwgr%5E3629c12979e4b3c6f81e7740cac1cdbfb77775e1%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewsone.com%2F5606388%2Fdonald-trump-warns-kamala-harris-political-violence%2F Method Man was the inaugural guest on rapper Fat Joe’s new weekly interview series on STARZ titled “Fat Joe Talks. The pair discussed their shared history of coming up in the hip-hop world during the 1990s and their battles with depression. “It never really goes away,” Method Man said on the Oct. 4th episode. “You have, like I said, I have bouts with it and things.” During the conversation, the Wu-Tang Clan member also opened up about his turbulent childhood and stressed the importance of checking in on others who might be in need. Method Man revealed he’s writing a memoir and reflected on his NAACP Image Award-winning role as Davis MacLean following the final chapter of the acclaimed “Power Book II: Ghost” series. https://youtu.be/_3YMC8QK-zM An image of Adele that has been circulating on social media since 2016 has resurfaced to highlight the Thatcher effect. As Bored Panda reports, the Thatcher Effect is an optical illusion where changes in facial features, like flipped eyes and mouth, are difficult to detect when a face is upside-down but become obvious when the face is upright. Named after British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, the effect was first demonstrated in 1980 by psychologist Peter Thompson. The phenomenon occurs because, when upside-down, the brain doesn’t recognize the flipped features, as they appear in a familiar orientation. Learn more about the Thatcher effect in the clip above and below you’ll find the Adele photo in question. https://youtu.be/NnDBHhRLyBo On X/Twitter, one person wrote, “What I enjoy about this effect is even though I know what’s going to happen, and can identify which parts of her face have been altered, I still can’t mentally picture what the image will look like until I rotate the screen.” Another user added, “I always thought the Thatcher effect was mass unemployment and the breakdown of society. Every day is a school day.” https://www.tiktok.com/@drjulie/video/6861588464580709637?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fviral-image-of-adeles-face-illustrates-the-thatcher-effect%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121468991%2C121439635%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=6861588464580709637 President Joe Biden has promoted White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre to the senior adviser position. Jean-Pierre made history in 2022 when she became the first Black woman appointed press, and the first openly gay individual to hold that role. In a 2022 statement, Biden said, “Jill and I have known and respected Karine a long time and she will be a strong voice speaking for me and this Administration.” According to ABC News, Jean-Pierre would begin the new position “effective immediately” while maintaining her job as press secretary. A White House official told the outlet that “her promotion shows the faith that Biden has in her, as well as his commitment to having diverse and inter-generational voices guiding him in his decisions.” Jeff Zients, the president’s chief of staff, said, “Karine has been a trusted advisor to the President and all of us here at the White House since day one. Her counsel will be critical to get as much done as possible for the American people in the coming months,” said Jeff Zients, the president’s chief of staff. Deion Sanders and Rocsi Diaz are joining forces to host a new talk show on Tubi titled “We Got Time Today,” which is currently slated to run for 20 episodes, each an hour in length. The upcoming show will air on Tuesdays starting in November. Sanders and Diaz (106 & Park) aim to have “REAL conversations” that resonate with audiences from all walks of life, Complex reports. “I’m stepping into the studio to have REAL conversations with people from ALL walks of life,” said Sanders. “This show is about tapping into the CULTURE. We’re going to LAUGH, DEBATE, INSPIRE and most importantly, we got time to TALK LIFE into our viewers while keeping things 100. I couldn’t do this with anyone else except for THE Rocsi Diaz, who I’m sure will keep me on my toes, and of course my friends over at Tubi, who I’ve been a BIG fan of for a long time now.” Diaz, who also currently hosts the More to the Story podcast, noted that she and Sanders are bringing “unique POVs” to the show. “I couldn’t be more excited to co-host this new talk show with such a legend. Deion and I definitely have unique POV’s that we’re excited to bring to the table when we interview guests and engage with audiences. I can’t wait to explore everything and have real, authentic conversations that the culture is missing, from fun to serious and like Deion said, you can count on us to keep it 100,” Diaz said. In the middle of two devastating hurricanes, misinformation about federal assistance for disaster survivors has been running rampant. One major part of FEMA’s assistance that has been mischaracterized by former President Donald Trump and others is a $750 payment that goes to disaster survivors in the immediate aftermath of a hurricane, tornado, or other major storm – which has been falsely painted as a loan or the only assistance FEMA is providing. That is the first payment FEMA will make to disaster survivors – who are eligible for other forms of assistance to help with temporary shelter and funding to start rebuilding once the storm passes. This is the first hurricane season where the $750 payment plan has been in effect, so it’s also not something officials and people in hurricane zones are familiar with. Top federal emergency management officials, including FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, said they are deeply concerned that the false rumors flying around will discourage disaster survivors from applying at all. “I need people to register for assistance,” Criswell told reporters on Tuesday. “I worry that they won’t apply for assistance, which means I can’t get them the necessary items they need.” https://youtu.be/PR3luqVmVx0 Christmas is coming early this year, and Netflix is rolling out the festive cheer with its latest holiday rom-com, “Meet Me Next Christmas.” This film promises to sprinkle a little joy into the season by featuring the talented Christina Milian as the executive producer and lead star. Known for her performances in “Falling Inn Love” and “Resort to Love,” Milian is ready to share a heartfelt story that will resonate with viewers this fall. Meet Me Next Christmas centers around the ambitious Layla (Milian), who is on a mission to find her fairy-tale romance in the hustle and bustle of New York City. Her quest? To secure a coveted ticket to the sold-out Pentatonix Christmas Eve Concert. At this magical show, she hopes to reconnect with her charming love interest, James (played by Kofi Siriboe). With the holiday spirit in the air, Layla believes that James may just be the only gift she desires under her tree, Tadum reports. Milian describes Los Angeles-based Layla’s journey as “a treasure hunt for love.” https://youtu.be/fCaXF2jJQiA Culture Kitchen returns Wednesday, October 9, at 9 PM ET/8C.GRILLING IT UP BABY!This episode takes your taste buds on a vibrant journey through the Caribbean with mouthwatering grilled dishes. Chef Bren Herrera starts with marinated chicken and shrimp kebabs, served atop fluffy couscous, combining simplicity with bold, tropical flavors. Next up, she sizzles skirt steak and shrimp, seasoned to perfection with Caribbean spices, accompanied by a hearty side of rice and beans. Get ready for a grilling experience that’s full of zest and island vibes! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lobNdtRKRg New Soul Kitchen returns Wednesday, October 9, at 9:30 PM ET/8:30C.QUICK FAMILY MEALSChef Jernard brings the heat in the kitchen with a menu that’s as bold as it is simple. He kicks things off with a hearty, flavor-packed gumbo, rich with tender meats and classic Cajun spices. Then, he whips up a creamy one-pot fettuccine, elevated with savory sausage and a velvety sauce, all in record time. Perfect for home cooks looking for quick, delicious meals without the fuss. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjCpxocPpy0 Tough Love: ATL returns Thursday, October 10, at 9 PM ET/8C.UGLY TRUTHSDrew forces a tense showdown with Lisa after uncovering her hidden secrets. Jackie, at last, walks away from Will, only to seek comfort in Kenny—unaware of the storm brewing around him. Princess stumbles upon Kenny’s dark truths, a fiery confrontation erupts, shaking their fragile bond. Meanwhile, Iesha takes a dangerous risk by confiding in Rome about a shady illegal operation, pushing him to seek a perilous escape route. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbbsPf4hi1I Celebrity Crime Files returns tonight, October 9, at 10 PM ET/9C.QUAD STUDIOS SHOOTINGThe details of the infamous Quad Studios shooting of Tupac Shakur are explored, including the events surrounding the attack, the subsequent investigation, and its impact on Tupac's life and career. The tensions in the hip-hop world are highlighted. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/XYIHge2wllQ Just in time for World Mental Health Day, American Greetings has unveiled a series of four all-new Creatacard™ greetings with Grammy-nominated entertainer Jelly Roll. The virtual cards will be free of charge on October 10 and were personally designed by the singer/songwriter and his team. The inspirational cards feature messages of hope, compassion and encouragement and can be customized with photos or video, a personalized message, digital envelope liner, and stamp. The cards also include a clip from Jelly Roll's hit song, "I Am Not Okay," from his highly anticipated new album, Beautifully Broken out October 11th. Currently climbing the Billboard Hot 100 music chart, its message perfectly complements the new cards. Ray J has launched a “news” show titled “The Reality Check with Ray J,” and during the first episode, he addressed Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ controversial arrest and indictment on racketeering, sex trafficking, and kidnapping charges. “Diddy was my friend,” Ray J said during the episode, Vibe reports. “What do you do when you never seen all this sh*t that people are talking about? Do you believe it? Everybody’s innocent until proven guilty?” Ray J continued, “Do you forgive somebody for taking somebody’s a**?” he asked. “There’s a lot of people out here taking from people. People are getting robbed of not only their money and their spirituality, they’re getting robbed of their womanhood and manhood. A**es are being taken in ways that nobody can explain.” The singer/reality star went on to reference Combs’ alleged supply of baby oil. In the grand jury indictment revealed on September 17, federal agents reported seizing narcotics, sexually explicit videos of Diddy’s drug-fueled “freak off” parties, three AR-15s, and more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant. USA Today reports that the 14-page indictment accuses the Bad Boy Records founder of running his business like a criminal enterprise, involving sex trafficking and forced labor. https://youtu.be/N-r6FEwbEIA “I see a lot of jokes out there right now talking about baby oil,” Ray J added. “Everybody got a joke about having about baby oil or lube. Is that okay? Is that the message?” He then joked about releasing a brand of lubricant called “Ray-Y Jelly.” “I’m exhausted with the people in this industry that have power who are abusing the power,” Ray J said. “I can say a lot of names… I won’t today but I will soon,” he teased. https://youtu.be/ESI40xZmgR8 In a significant legal development, Chicago-based Dinizulu Law Group has officially filed a civil lawsuit in Cook County Circuit Court against prominent Chicago rapper Lil Durk—born Durk Derrick Banks—his record label, Only the Family Entertainment (OTF), and several renowned recording companies in connection with the 2020 murder of fellow rapper Carlton Weekly, better known as FBG Duck. The lawsuit, which surfaced during a news conference today, has elicited reactions across the music industry and community. The lawsuit is filed on behalf of the estate of FBG Duck and two surviving bystanders, Davon Brinson, and Cashae Williams, who were injured during the deadly shooting outside a Gold Coast retail store on August 4, 2020. The filing accuses the defendants of multiple counts, including wrongful death, civil conspiracy, and negligence, as well as failing to provide necessary aid after the shooting occurred. The complaint alleges that major record labels such as Alamo Records, Sony Music Entertainment Inc., Universal Music Group Recordings (Interscope Records), and Empire Distribution knowingly signed artists associated with gangs, monetizing and profiting from violent behavior within the hip-hop scene. It specifically claims that these companies stoked the rivalry between OTF and FBG Duck, promoting “diss tracks” that incited hostility and antagonism leading up to the tragic killing. According to the lawsuit, Durk, alongside other OTF members, including the late, orchestrated a systematic campaign aimed at intimidating and ultimately eliminating FBG Duck. This campaign allegedly included putting a $100,000 bounty on FBG Duck’s head and using their platform to enable and encourage a culture deeply entrenched in violence and criminal behavior within the drill music genre. https://youtu.be/2QzQUO3j0gE The complaint also criticizes the City of Chicago, asserting that law enforcement and emergency responders displayed willful misconduct by failing to administer timely medical assistance to FBG Duck, who lay bleeding on the sidewalk for over 17 minutes without proper help. The lawsuit does not stop there; it also targets Dolce & Gabbana and its associated security firms, alleging negligence as they reportedly abandoned the scene despite knowing about the escalating violence in the area. This latest lawsuit follows a federal jury’s recent convictions of six gang members involved in the shooting, linking their actions to a larger context of violence propagated by social media and music feuds. The unfolding legal scenario raises vital conversations about the intersection of music, community, and accountability, sparking discussions on the implications for the music industry moving forward. https://youtu.be/WqDf-VTWZxM Emmy-winning actress, author, and social media sensation Tabitha Brown discuss her collaboration with Always Discreet. Together, they are tackling the stigma surrounding bladder leaks, which affect 1 in 2 women and often hold them back from enjoying everyday activities. Through this partnership, Always Discreet and Brown are inspiring women across the country to reclaim their spontaneity by asking what they would do if they weren’t limited by bladder leaks. Their campaign offers women the chance to overcome these challenges and embrace life without hesitation. “We knew that bladder leaks negatively affect women, but we wanted to know more about the depth and gravity to which bladder leaks alter women’s lives,” said Balaka Niyazee, Senior Vice President of P&G Feminine Care North America, in a statement. “The data from our survey speaks for itself, as we’re seeing women who simply want to do normal, everyday things like travel, laugh more or work out. But there was also concerning data about how bladder leaks are holding women back from major life decisions or choices they would wish to make. We’re honored to join Tabitha on this journey of empowering women to live life to the fullest, and you can with Always Discreet which absorbs leaks and odors in seconds,” he added. “I think it’s a great way to let women know, there is an option, and I think that they’ll use that option and not feel embarrassed about it. This is something to help you stay dry, to help you not have odor,” Brown said exclusively. “There are two options. There is a full brief that you can wear, but there’s also the one that you line your underwear in. So you have the option that makes you feel comfortable. “ https://www.instagram.com/iamtabithabrown/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=6237e9e9-2685-417b-a4cc-ecdf804d1bb6 For many entertainers, an Oscar, Grammy, Emmy, or Tony award means they are among the best of the best in their chosen entertainment-related field. Yet Daniel Kaluuya may have found a better way to be remembered, thanks to film fans overseas. According to The Standard, the 35-year-old London-born “Black Panther” fixture will be honored with a statue in Leicester Square. The move comes after a poll of 5,000 British filmgoers chose Kaluuya as the actor people would most like to see recognized with a new statue in the central London-based location, winning one-fifth of the vote.Kaluuya’s monument, which is slated to be unveiled in October, will celebrate his performance in the 2017 psychological horror movie “Get Out” via its depiction of the “Sunken Place” scene where the actor’s character falls into a fugue state. Helmed by Jordan Peele in his directorial debut, “Get Out” centered around Chris Washington (Kaluuya) young black man who exposes shocking secrets when he meets the family of his white girlfriend Rose Armitage (Allison Williams). For his part, Kaluuya earned a Best Actor nomination at the 2017 Academy Awards. The “Nope” star’s statue puts him in specialized company on the “Scenes in the Square” trail, joining sculptures of Harry Potter, Batman, Wonder Woman, Mary Poppins, and Gene Kelly in the capital. More recent additions to the fold include the “Game of Thrones” Iron Throne, Indiana Jones, and Clifford the Big Red Dog. Launched in 2020, the “Scenes in the Square” trail is described as “a joyous celebration of much-loved big and small screen icons from the Twenties to the present day.” Citing Variety, The Standard noted the artwork will represent modern cinematic success and homegrown talent. Vice President Kamala Harris faced tough questions about how she’d pay for her economic plans, whether Democrats were too slow to enact border security measures, how she’d confront Russia over its war in Ukraine, and more in a wide-ranging “60 Minutes” interview that aired Monday. The Democratic presidential nominee’s sit-down with CBS comes amid a media blitz that is also putting Harris in front of friendlier interviewers with more targeted audiences. Her interview with Alex Cooper, host of the popular “Call Her Daddy” podcast, went live Sunday. On Tuesday she’ll visit ABC’s “The View,” sit down with Howard Stern and appear on CBS’ “The Late Show” with Stephen Colbert. Then, on Thursday, she’s set to participate in a Univision town hall. With no more debates between Harris and former President Donald Trump currently scheduled, this slate of interviews could present the best opportunities for surprising and news-making moments in the final four-week sprint to Election Day. https://youtu.be/TJys7OVH24E Harris maintained migration is a “longstanding problem” when asked about President Joe Biden’s administration’s approach to immigration policies and refused to answer whether officials should’ve cracked down sooner. From the outset, the Biden administration faced record migration in the Western Hemisphere, which was hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic. Over the last three years, US officials grappled with migrant surges at the southern border. Asked why the administration didn’t crack down earlier, Harris cited an immigration bill proposed to Congress in early 2021 and slammed Republicans for tanking a recent bipartisan border bill after Trump urged them to reject the measure. https://youtu.be/v7BAPL91yWM Trump backed out of his “60 Minutes” interview after his campaign had agreed to it and scheduled a sit-down at his Mar-a-Lago estate, CBS correspondent Scott Pelley said Monday night at the start of the nation’s most-watched newsmagazine’s broadcast. Trump sat down with “60 Minutes” correspondent Lesley Stahl in October 2020 and abruptly ended the interview when he objected to Stahl’s questions. Trump told reporters in Wisconsin last week that he’d “like to get an apology” for that interview before sitting down for another one. https://youtu.be/4uTJW41oqc8 Barry White’s family is taking legal action related to the ongoing feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. According to All Hip Hop, the Barry White Family Trust, led by his widow Glodean B. White and Jack W. Perry, filed a lawsuit against Rodney-O and Joe Cooley, claiming that the hit song “Like That” by Future, Metro Boomin, and Kendrick Lamar illegally samples White’s famous 1973 song “I’m Gonna Love You Just A Little More, Babe.” The lawsuit asserts that the bassline in “Like That” is directly taken from White’s original work. The estate claims “Like That” samples Rodney-O and Joe Cooley’s 1986 track “Everlasting Bass,” which infringes on White’s copyright. Future, Metro Boomin, and Kendrick Lamar have not been named defendants in the lawsuit. Barry White Trust seeks damages over $1 million, citing unauthorized reproductions, digital downloads, and streaming revenues. https://youtu.be/N9bKBAA22Go We reported earlier that Lamar takes a jab at Drake and J. Cole in Future and Metro Boomin’s song, “Like That.” “Yeah get up with me, f*ck sneak dissing / ‘First Person Shooter,’ I hope they came with three switches,” he raps, later adding, “Motherf*ck the big three, n—a, it’s just big me.” Elsewhere in the verse, Lamar compares himself to Prince and his relationship to Michael Jackson. “Your best work is a light pack / N—a, Prince outlived Mike Jack / N—a, bum, ‘fore all your dogs get buried / That’s a K with all these nines, he gon’ see Pet Sematary.” “Like That” topped the charts and fueled a fierce rivalry between Drake and Kendrick. https://youtu.be/dELXCjSWYIg Uproxx reports that Drake responded to the song Drake in an Instagram post, writing, “They rather go to war with me than admit they are their own worst enemy [crying laughing emoji].” His dad Dennis Graham also reacted with a sarcastic message, writing, “Yo, I am about to drop some new music. And I am not sure if it’s going to sell, but I am going to call some of my homies and get them to start a beef with Drake and get them to unfollow him, and that’s going make my sh*t shoot up to number 1. I’m sure this is going to work, so let me get some people on board for this and watch what kind of attention this gets!!!!!!!!!!!! I WILL BE NUMBER ONE 1Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!” https://youtu.be/XllU_hAVTBE CBS executives reportedly reprimanded morning show anchor Tony Dokoupil for his tough questioning of author Ta-Nehisi Coates regarding the latter’s pro-Palestinian stance amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. This incident caused concern among staff about the network’s commitment to journalistic integrity, Puck News and Bari Weiss’ Free Press reported. CBS News leaders Wendy McMahon and Adrienne Roark noted that Dokoupil displayed bias during the interview, which aired last week. They stated that the discussion failed to adhere to the network’s standards for neutrality. “We will still hold people accountable. But we will do so objectively, which means checking our biases and opinions at the door,” Roark said, New York Post reports. “We are here to report news without fear or favor.” “I don’t even understand how Tony’s interview failed to meet our editorial standards … I thought our commitment was to truth,” CBS News chief legal correspondent Jan Crawford was quoted as saying by Puck. https://youtu.be/qgWt-QcPYMo Jamie Foxx’s daughter Corinne celebrated her engagement in her dad’s rehab room amid his health crisis. According to E! Online, when her husband, Joe Wooten, proposed in 2023, he moved the proposal to Chicago, where Jamie was recovering at a physical rehabilitation center following a medical issue. The couple celebrated the engagement at Jamie’s bedside. “When my dad got sick, our plans changed, and we ended up spending our summer in Chicago while he recovered,” Corinne told Vogue. “Little did I know that Joe had changed his plans so he could still propose on the same day—just in a different city. He found a park in Chicago that had cherry blossoms in bloom and proposed there.” Corinne continued, “He flew in my mom from Los Angeles and had my aunts hiding in a bush FaceTiming my dad the entire time. He even planned a very special post-engagement party in my dad’s room in Chicago. It was a small celebration, but it was so intimate and meaningful.” We reported earlier that Corinne and Joe married at his home in Thousand Oaks, Calif. Sept. 21, with Jamie walking her down the aisle. https://youtu.be/tL2UYZaB3oU The NFL Players Association has called for restrictions on locker room interviews because they infringe on players’ privacy. The union encouraged players to conduct interviews outside the locker room. Currently, reporters interact with the athletes in the locker room on both game and practice days, a media policy that the NFLPA criticized as “outdated.” “Players feel that locker room interviews invade their privacy and are uncomfortable. This isn’t about limiting media access but about respecting players’ privacy and dignity,” the NFLPA said in a statement. “We, the NFLPA Executive Committee, urge the NFL to make immediate changes to foster a more respectful and safer workplace for all players.” Bengals star Ted Karras explained that some players were caught naked during media interviews. https://youtu.be/gKjcLl6K2zI As Hurricane Milton, a catastrophic Category 5 storm, barrels toward Florida’s coastline, Mayor Jane Castor of Tampa Bay has issued a chilling warning to residents who refuse to heed evacuation orders: “If you choose to stay … you are going to die.” In an interview on CNN, Castor underscored the grave dangers posed by this unprecedented storm, which is projected to be more powerful than the recent Hurricane Helene that devastated parts of the Sunshine State. Cycling through the urgency of the situation, Castor emphasized that the time for Florida residents to flee is now. With Hurricane Milton potentially making landfall as early as Wednesday, the mayor declared: “This is literally catastrophic,” clearly articulating the peril that lies ahead. “Helene was a wakeup call; this storm is something we’ve never seen before,” she warned. https://youtu.be/PBuXst1yx2w The mayor’s stark message highlights the severe forecast predicting a tidal surge of 10 to 12 feet, significantly greater than the 6-foot surge produced by Hurricane Helene. “If we have this predicted storm surge, this is not survivable,” she reiterated, clarifying that staying in evacuation zones could lead to tragic outcomes. Tampa Bay, home to many families, is in the storm’s direct path. Castor described the storm’s strength, as Milton holds the record as the second-strongest hurricane to form in the Gulf of Mexico, boasting winds of 180 mph and significant heavy rainfall. As fear escalates, panic buying has emptied supermarket shelves, and long lines of cars are already leaving the city as residents heed the urgent call to evacuate. “We cannot afford to take this lightly,” said Castor, who has served as Tampa’s mayor since 2019. “This is a situation that requires immediate action. Anyone born and raised in this area has never experienced a storm of this magnitude, and they need to understand the severity of what’s coming.” https://youtu.be/xZ8J9mr48gM As the storm looms, local authorities take every precaution and emphasize the importance of adhering to evacuation orders. With memories of Helene still fresh in the minds of many residents, the urgency of Castor’s message resonates loudly across the region: fleeing from Hurricane Milton may be a matter of life or death. As the community comes together to prepare for the impending storm, Castor’s plea serves as a poignant reminder of the power of nature and the necessity of taking proactive measures in the face of impending disaster. The time to act is now; lives depend on it. https://youtu.be/ImrqhcMDL9A Ye and Bianca Censori are allegedly gearing up for a divorce less than two years after tying the knot last January in a private ceremony in Beverly Hills, Calif. According to TMZ, Ye traveled to Australia to spend time with Censori’s family after hitting a “rough patch” in their marriage. The pair have allegedly informed their friends that they separated weeks ago. It is rumored that Ye and Censori’s relationship is ending due to the rapper’s domineering attitude toward his wife. “Kanye has a set of rules for Bianca, which includes never speak and wear what he wants her to wear,” a source told Page Six, Complex reports. “She is also required to eat certain food items and to work out even though Kanye doesn’t work out.” We reported earlier that Censori’s father wanted to have a few words with West about his treatment of his daughter as a “trashy commodity.” “Bianca’s father Leo wants to have a proper sit down with Kanye and ask him what the hell he is thinking when he parades Bianca around like a trashy naked trophy pony,” a source close to Bianca told Daily Mail. https://youtu.be/_9Z03xQ2b8c In a poignant moment from her upcoming reality series “Tia Mowry: My Next Act,” actress Tia Mowry candidly reflects on her marriage to Cory Hardrict, delving into the complexities of love, identity, and the transition into single life-dom. At the age of 46, Mowry opened her heart in a conversation with fellow actress Essence Atkins and close friends, revealing her struggles with authenticity during her long-term marriage and the challenges of dating in her adult life. Mowry revealed that she has little dating experience, sharing that Hardrict was her first love in every sense. “Cory was my first everything,” she stated, highlighting a unique journey that began when she turned 20, Vibe reports via Yahoo. “I wasn’t even allowed to date until I was 18 years old. I lost my virginity at 25. There, I said it! And then we got married! Boom!” https://youtu.be/0U-FuRE9VVA This admission signifies the depth of her commitment to Hardrict, with whom she shared 14 years of marriage before their separation in October 2022, which was finalized in April 2023. Despite the dissolution of her marriage, Mowry expressed a desire to maintain a positive relationship with Hardrict for the sake of their children, son Cree and daughter Cairo. She emphasized gratitude for their shared experiences and the importance of family as they navigate co-parenting. The reality series aims to provide viewers with insight into Mowry’s post-divorce life, as she explores her identity as a mother and a professional. “This show is raw, authentic, and emotional,” she explained. “I felt there wasn’t a lot of representation when it came to transitions in life, and I did this show to inspire and encourage. I didn’t want people to feel alone, as I did, through my journey.” Tia Mowry: My Next Act airs every Friday at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT on We TV and is also available to stream on ALLBLK. The series is poised to resonate with those experiencing similar transitions in life, offering an intimate look at Mowry’s transformations and the journey toward finding oneself after significant change. https://youtu.be/VLiYinbpEF8 Americans who say the state of the economy is most important in how they plan to vote in November’s presidential election use that excuse to support Donald Trump, despite all the reasons not to support him. Now it’s looking like the ‘economics’ excuse isn’t going to give them cover anymore. Under the Biden-Harris administration, there were 240K new jobs added to the U.S. market in September. That’s according to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics. Since Trump can’t erase those numbers and take credit away from Biden/Harris, he posted a lie on social media to bring the focus back to him. Trump falsely claimed JP Morgan Chase CEO Jamie Diamond had endorsed him for president! It’s a claim that easily was fact-checkable. That didn’t stop Trump from posting it. https://youtu.be/PwImAbxyj0Y Renting a home is a lifestyle choice that offers a unique blend of flexibility and limitations. While homeownership is often seen as the ultimate goal, many people prefer—or need—to rent due to a variety of personal, financial, or professional reasons. Navigating life as a renter comes with its own set of pros and cons, each of which can significantly impact one’s living experience. In this article, we explore the ups and downs of renting and provide insights on how to make the most of life as a renter. Deon Cole appeared on The Breakfast Club and recalled the time Beatles icon Paul McCartney got high and told him how Michael Jackson bought the publishing of the group’s music. During the radio broadcast, the comedian recounted how Jackson became interested in acquiring the Beatles’ song catalog after McCartney advised him to get his business affairs in order, Complex reports. According to Cole, McCartney said he was at a party with Jackson, and told the King of Pop, “Hey Mike, you need to jump on your business. You’ve got everything else, except your business affairs aren’t in order.” McCartney allegedly stressed the importance of owning your publishing, telling Jackson: “You need to own your publishing that’s where the money is — or own someone else’s publishing.” According to Cole, reciting his conversation with the Beatles frontman, when Jackson asked for advice on which music publishing to invest in, McCartney suggested targeting top artists. Jackson jokingly mentioned buying the Beatles publishing, and later followed through with it, much to Paul’s surprise. When McCartney discovered what Jackson had done, he approached the superstar hoping for financial help related to the deal, but MJ turned him down. https://twitter.com/i/status/1842988781013737575 Meanwhile, Charlamagne Tha God believes that Jackson, who died of acute propofol intoxication in 2009, was targeted and conspired against in the industry because he had too much power, Vibe reports. “And I really mean this when I say this, and I know that this is a crazy conspiracy theory. There’s only one person I believe in Hollywood who people conspired to actually take down,” Charlamagne said on a new episode of the Brilliant Idiots podcast. “I’m talking about a mass conspiracy. Anytime they take you down, it’s people conspiring, ’cause it’s usually because you did some sh*t,” he explained. https://www.instagram.com/cthagod/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=4e647781-116a-4ed7-ac08-d8b99b61c94a Goldenvoice, the organizer of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, approached Kendrick Lamar and Rihanna about headlining the music event in 2025, but both artists allegedly declined the offers. Revolt reports that Lamar is planning a stadium tour after his hotly anticipated halftime performance at Super Bowl LIX in February. We reported earlier that the event will take place in New Orleans on February 9 but fans believe hometown hero Lil Wayne deserves the performance spot. Rappers Nicki Minaj, Lil Boosie, and Master P are among those who believed a local artist should have been the headliner for the show. In a statement shared on social media, Master P wrote, “Salute to @kendricklamar for performing at the halftime show at Super Bowl LIX… well deserved, he’s one of the hottest music artists in the world and has one of the biggest songs right now.” He added, “As Ambassador of Entertainment in the City of New Orleans, I have to agree with the fans that @liltunechi #LilWayne should be a part of this celebration as well. He’s one of the greatest Hip Hop artists alive, still relevant, and he’s a New Orleans native. Lil Wayne also reacted to being passed over for the halftime show, noting that he’s “hurt” over the situation. https://youtu.be/IYsHsKXcdAQ The Supreme Court has rejected R. Kelly’s appeal regarding his 2022 convictions for child pornography and enticement. We reported previously via CNN that Kelly – who is currently serving a more than 30-year prison sentence in North Carolina – petitioned the Supreme Court to hear an appeal of his federal sex crimes convictions. The disgraced R&B singer’s defense attorney, Jennifer Bonjean, filed a petition to the US Supreme Court, requesting to throw out his Chicago conviction for possession of child pornography and enticing minors to engage in sexual activity, claiming that the charges should be barred by the statute of limitations. In the petition, Bonjean argues that the musician was wrongly retroactively prosecuted under a federal law – the PROTECT Act – which passed in 2003 and made the statute of limitations indefinite for sex crimes with minors. Consistent with the well-established presumption against retroactive legislation, the 2003 amendment is inapplicable to the charged conduct as is any subsequent amendments to [the minor sex offense law],” Kelly argued in his petition to the Supreme Court, citing prior relevant cases, per Courthouse News Service. “It is axiomatic that ‘criminal limitations statutes are ‘to be liberally interpreted in favor of repose.’ This court has explained that the aversion to retroactive rulemaking is deeply rooted in our jurisprudence and embodies a legal doctrine centuries older than our republic.” Arsenio Hall shared a heartfelt essay paying tribute to James Earl Jones and John Amos who he co-starred with in the 1988 comedy “Coming to America.” James Earl Jones, who famously voiced Darth Vadar in “Star Wars” died at his home in September at 93, and “Good Times” star John Amos died in August at 84.“In all the years I’ve called Hollywood home, I have never once heard anyone say, ‘James Earl Jones is an a–hole,'” Hall began in the essay published by News One on Friday. “That is a rarity in a town where friends and enemies too often wear the same faces.” During the filming of the original 1988 movie “Coming to America,” Hall always sought Jones’ advice. “What a difference 30 years can make,” Hall added. “When we filmed Coming to America, before a scene or during hair and makeup, I might turn to him and ask, ‘How do I approach this one?’ As a young performer — a young Black performer — being able to ask him for acting advice was a gift I have never taken for granted. His wisdom fueled me; his generational talent both intimidated and inspired me.” In her posthumously published memoir, “From Here to the Great Unknown,” Elvis Presley’s daughter, Lisa Marie Presley reveals heartfelt and intimate details of her romantic relationship with pop legend Michael Jackson. Released today (10-08-24), the memoir takes readers on a journey through moments that shaped her life, including her love story with the King of Pop. Presley, who first met Jackson in their youth, found herself falling for him in 1994, during a pivotal moment in Las Vegas. Before their romance blossomed, Presley was still married to her first husband, Danny Keough. However, Jackson’s confession of love changed everything. “Michael said,’ I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I’m completely in love with you. I want us to get married and for you to have my children,’” Presley writes in ‘From Here to the Great Unknown.’ “I didn’t say anything immediately, but then I said, ‘I’m really flattered, I can’t even talk.’ By then, I felt I was in love with him too.” Their relationship, though passionate, was not without its challenges. Presley writes candidly about Jackson’s unexpected revelation that he was “still a virgin” at the age of 35. “I think he had kissed Tatum O’Neal, and he’d had a thing with Brooke Shields, which hadn’t been physical apart from a kiss. He said Madonna had tried to hook up with him once, too, but nothing happened. I was terrified because I didn’t want to make the wrong move.” Renowned gospel artist Tamela Mann is set to release her highly anticipated new album, "Live Breathe Fight," on Friday, October 11. This album marks an exhilarating new chapter in the Grammy winner’s illustrious career, showcasing not only her extraordinary vocal talent but also her significant growth as a songwriter. Mann is coming off the heels of appearances this month at the prestigious Stellar Awards, where she performed her new single “Working For Me” from the album; and the National Urban League Conference, where she and her husband David Mann received the President's Award, the National Urban League’s highest honor. “I want the Lord to be proud of the work I’m doing and the ways I’m using the gift that He’s given me. Live like heaven is your destiny, breathe every breath with purpose, and fight until you get the victory,” Mann says, encapsulating the spirit of her new album. "Live Breathe Fight" heralds Tamela’s message of surrendering to God’s will and fighting for a life of purpose and fulfillment. The album’s first single, “Working for Me” (currently #11 and rapidly climbing the Gospel charts), is a heartfelt anthem reflecting Mann’s personal journey and belief that despite life’s challenges, God is always working for our good. Tamela Mann takes listeners on an emotional and spiritual journey with tracks like “Power,” which speaks to the strength found in Jesus, and “Lord I Trust You,” emphasizing the importance of casting our burdens on the Lord. Foxy Brown has responded to rumors that she had a sexual relationship with Jay-Z when she was underage. In a series of posts on social media, she dismissed the speculation as “fake news” and also denied allegations of signing a non-disclosure agreement, Complex reports. Brown previously addressed similar rumors in a 2013 interview, where she denied losing her virginity to Jay-Z and contracting an STD from him. “Miss me wit tha fake news NDA?” she wrote before sharing a post supporting hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons, who has faced sexual assault allegations over the years. “Dear Russell, being your first protege was one of the greatest joys of my life,” Foxy Brown wrote. “We had the biggest bidding war in hip hop history but they really never stood a chance, I knew I’d chosen the best! Your kind soul is a rarity in this industry. Baby C’s so lucky to have you as a godfather!” she continued. Vice President Kamala Harris said Tuesday that she couldn’t think of anything she’d have done differently than President Joe Biden during the last four years, aside from having a Republican in her Cabinet. “There is not a thing that comes to mind in terms of – and I’ve been a part of most of the decisions that have had an impact, the work that we have done,” Harris said during an interview on ABC’s “The View” – a comment that was quickly seized upon by her Republican rivals and revealed the fine line the vice president must walk between being loyal to her boss and making the case to voters that she can usher in a new era in US politics. While Harris has been running as the face of a new generation of Democratic politicians since taking over the top of the ticket from Biden in July, the answer shows a stark political problem for Harris: She’s running as a change candidate even though she has not revealed any major breaks that she would make with her boss. And given that Biden’s approval ratings are underwater – CNN’s Poll of Polls shows his approval rating at 40% and his disapproval at 55% – that is an issue for the Harris campaign. In her answer on The View, Harris pointed to several policies under the Biden administration, including investing in American manufacturing industries and capping the cost of insulin at $35 a month for seniors, which she said she intends to expand to all Americans. She highlighted that they are “obviously two different people” with different life experiences. https://youtu.be/SJRk5PV588Q The vice president later noted one way she would differ from Biden if she is elected president: “Listen, I plan on having a Republican in my cabinet,” Harris said. “You asked me, what’s the difference between Joe Biden and me? Well, that will be one of the differences. I’m going to have a Republican in my cabinet because I don’t, I don’t feel burdened by letting pride get in the way of a good idea,” she said. Breaking more with Biden is an ongoing debate within the campaign, as CNN reported on Sunday. But even as top advisers have pushed for ways to show and amp up differences – pointing to some specific poll numbers they’ve seen and the overall demand for change they sense in the electorate – Harris herself has held back. Even on policies, Harris has already announced that there are clear differences from Biden – a change in the capital gains tax rate, an expanded child tax credit, or a tougher border policy – the vice president has told aides in internal conversations she does not want to name these as differences with Biden because she thinks it could look disloyal, one Democrat who has spoken with told CNN on Tuesday. https://youtu.be/I53CmGtXqjo We spoke to Mia Thornton of “The Real Housewives of Potomac” about Season 9 which debuted Oct. 6 on Bravo. In our exclusive with the reality star, she opened up about her relationships with the other housewives, teased some explosive moments, and shared insights into her new romantic relationship. Returning this season are housewives, Karen Huger, Gizelle Bryant, Ashley Darby, Wendy Osefo and Mia Thornton. The ladies are joined by new housewives Stacey Rusch, former QVC host, and Keiarna Stewart, a successful entrepreneur. Stacey has an 8-year-old daughter and is in the middle of a divorce. Keiarna has reservations about some of the ladies, but is trying to forge her own place within the group. Friendly face Jacqueline Blake returns, and Jassi Rideaux joins as a friend of the housewives. https://youtu.be/4jUjsVF2uH4 The New York Film Festival (NYFF) gets better and better. The lineup continues to offer the best in films and talks, with its amazing filmmakers and stars. This year marked the 62nd year of the New York Film Festival (NYFF62) that runs through October 14 at Lincoln Center and, in four partner venues across the city. Film at Lincoln Center (FLC) announced that thirty-two films are diverse. “The festival’s ambition is to reflect the state of cinema in a given year, which often means also reflecting the state of the world,” said Dennis Lim, NYFF’s Artistic Director. https://youtu.be/-2qZ429rUZw The Living Legends Foundation, Inc. (LLF) held its annual awards dinner and gala on Friday, October 4. The event was completely sold out and was graced by prominent personalities from the music, entertainment, film, television, and sports sectors. Notable attendees included Sugar Ray Leonard, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Ray Parker Jr., Chanté Moore, David E. Talbert, Inas X, Amina Buddafly Pankey, Tanya Nolan, Elijah Blake, Dixson, Chaz Shepherd, Jamal Morton, Jasmine Sanders, Stephen G. Hill, Sylvia Rhone, Jerome Benton, and more. The gala took place at the Taglyan Cultural Complex in Hollywood, California. Esteemed radio personality Skip Cheatham of MAJIC 94.5 in Dallas, Texas, presided as host, while DJ Battlecat provided entertainment. Tracey J. Jordan and Lionel Ridenour, former Living Legends honorees, assumed the roles of this year's dinner chairpersons. Today, 19x Stellar Award Winner, Pastor Mike Jr., (affectionately known as PMJ) announces the signing of a record-breaking distribution and publishing deal finalizing a partnership between Capitol CMG’s Re:Think and Rock City Media Group. The unique partnership continues Pastor Mike Jr’s relationship with the Capitol CMG family, following 2024’s virally successful, I GOT IT EP. Coming off the heels of a sold-out 30 city domestic tour, I GOT AWAY Tour, in partnership with McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour, this announcement will further Pastor Mike Jr’s mission to elevate the genre of Christian and Gospel music, and provide a platform for new artists. “Our partnership with Capitol CMG’s Re:Think has been incredibly successful and we look forward to continuing to blaze a trail for future artists to follow. I am excited to work with the incredible team Jeff Gunkel has formed,” shares Pastor Mike Jr., founder of Rock City Media Group. Fatal Attraction returns tonight, October 7 at 9 PM ET/8C. DEADLY ALLURE The body of a Nigerian immigrant is found in an unexpected location, and her husband and young son are missing. A surprising lead leaves detectives wondering whether her past has caught up with her and if they are dealing with more sinister motives. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQoWFrsL6hc Deadly Case Files returns tonight, October 7, at 10 PM ET/9C. DETECTIVE ROD DEMERY (ROSHENNA CROWDER) In an affluent suburb outside of Atlanta, a rising star is brutally murdered, and an all-star prosecutor faces his most formidable challenge. There is no shortage of motive or suspects until an unlikely tip leads to an unbelievable conclusion. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuBCCLzX6TI Celebrity Crime Files returns Wednesday, October 9, at 10 PM ET/9C. QUAD STUDIOS SHOOTING The details of the infamous Quad Studios shooting of Tupac Shakur are explored, including the events surrounding the attack, the subsequent investigation, and its impact on Tupac's life and career. The tensions in the hip-hop world are highlight. Cissy Houston, the beloved Grammy-winning singer and mother of the iconic Whitney Houston, has passed away at the age of 91. She transitioned peacefully at her home in Newark, New Jersey, on Monday, October 7, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. ET, surrounded by her family while receiving hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease, according to publicist Gwendolyn Quinn. In a heartfelt statement, Pat Houston, Cissy’s daughter-in-law, expressed the family’s profound grief over their loss: “Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We lost the matriarch of our family,” says Pat Houston, the daughter-in-law of Cissy Houston. “Mother Cissy has been a strong and towering figure in our lives. A woman of deep faith and conviction, who cared greatly about family, ministry, and community. Her more than seven-decade career in music and entertainment will remain at the forefront of our hearts. Her contributions to popular music and culture are unparalleled. We are blessed and grateful that God allowed her to spend so many years with us and we are thankful for all the many valuable life lessons that she taught us. May she rest in peace, alongside her daughter, Whitney, and granddaughter Bobbi Kristina and other cherished family members.” Cissy Houston was born Emily “Cissy” Houston on September 30, 1933, in Newark, New Jersey. Her musical journey started in church, where she first showcased her extraordinary vocal talent. She became a prominent member of The Sweet Inspirations, a renowned vocal group that provided backing vocals to legends such as Aretha Franklin and Elvis Presley, solidifying her reputation in the music industry. Dr. Lucille O’Neal, mother of NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, about the re-release of her memoir, “While I Have Your Attention.” With over five decades of life experience, Dr. O’Neal reflects on the challenges and triumphs of raising her children and overcoming life’s hurdles. Dr. O’Neal’s updated memoir dropped October 1 and includes a heartfelt foreword by her son Shaq who said, “I am what I am, and I have what I have, because of Lucille O’Neal’s DNA running through my veins.” The book is filled with lessons on resilience, faith, and the power of new beginnings. In our conversation with Dr. O’Neal, she shared insight into her journey as a mother, navigating both personal struggles and family success. “I got inspired to bring this second refresh from HarperCollins,” Dr. O’Neal said of the timing of the book’s release. “They extended an invitation for me to do a refresh. My first memoir was written in 2010 and it was called ‘Walk Like You Have Somewhere to Go.’ So they felt that message and that memoir was good enough to do the refresh, but I’m inspired so much by my children,” she explained. “I have 16 grandchildren. I have three great-grandchildren. I have a host of friends and relatives and I’m inspired by the people that I meet. I love to be able to encourage them and I get so much encouragement coming back to me. I’m inspired by what’s going on in my life right now. https://vimeo.com/1017217651 Last week actress Tia Mowry had the internet buzzing with a viral clip of her new reality show! This past weekend she premiered the show, “Tia Mowry: My Next Act” in Los Angeles with her friends, family, and those who have turned into family for the “Sister Sister” star. The premiere was held at the screening room of Neue House on Sunset Blvd. She was supported by fellow actresses Essence Atkins, Gabriell Union, Robin Thede, and others. Also in attendance at the premiere was Tia’s cousin, Jerome Wiggins, who fans may remember from her first reality show with twin sister Tamara Mowry. Uzo Aduba discusses her family’s journey in her new memoir, “The Road Is Good: How a Mother’s Strength Became a Daughter’s Purpose.” The Nigerian-American actress dedicates the book to her mother, who she lost to pancreatic cancer in November 2020. Speaking to Shondaland, the three-time Emmy winner said, “.. in telling [my] story, I wanted to hold space for the little girls like me who had gone through those rooms, those classrooms, those bus rides, those hair conversations, all of those things. … This one’s for [them].” Aduba welcomed daughter Adaiba with her husband, filmmaker Robert Sweeting, in November 2023, telling Shondaland “When I first started this book. I didn’t have a daughter. But I did have my mother. And I did have my experiences.” In announcing her new book on social media, Aduba wrote, “My book. I’m thrilled to unveil the cover of my upcoming literary memoir, “The Road Is Good.” This book is deeply personal, a journey through Black immigrant identity, family, and the incredible strength found in the matriarchal force that shaped my life. My Mom.”She added, “Growing up as one of the few Black families in our Massachusetts suburb, my siblings and I navigated a world that often felt like uncharted territory. But through it all, my mother instilled in us an unwavering sense of belonging and worth, rooted in our Nigerian heritage. I wrote this book as my mom fought valiantly against cancer, but “The Road Is Good” isn’t about grief or death, it’s about finding my true self and my own path. This memoir is a tribute to my mother’s fierce love and the invaluable lessons she passed down. It’s a celebration of life and finding resilience.” https://www.instagram.com/uzoaduba/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=4e5e6cb8-fa8b-496e-9f29-4bf1f18cadf7 Jennifer Hudson sat down with her boyfriend, rapper Common, during an appearance on the Oct. 3 episode of “The Jennifer Hudson Show” and they spoke about the possibility of marriage. Hudson questioned Common about his previous remarks regarding taking the next step in their relationship. In July, the hip-hop star expressed his intention to marry the singer during an interview on The Breakfast Club, stating, “I’m going to get married, it’s to her. That’s simple as that.” Hudson brought up his comment on her daytime talk show. “I heard you’ve been even out there talking about marriage,” she said, TooFab reports. “What’s that about? I just happened to notice that.” Common didn’t deny his stance on the subject, stating: “You know what, you told me a quote that your mother said, ‘A man knows what he wants,'” he recalled to Hudson. “I was saying my true feelings about, listen, Jennifer is the person. If I should be married, it will be to Jennifer Kate Hudson. I was just being honest.” When Common asked Hudson about her thoughts on getting married, she called it a “beautiful idea.” https://youtu.be/715iBjHTRM0 Swizz Beatz is implicated in a multi-billion dollar fraud lawsuit connected to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) corruption scandal. Filed in New York on October 2, the lawsuit alleges Swizz (born Kasseem Daoud Dean) received over $7 million tied to the scandal. The 1MDB case involves Jho Low, Eric Tan, and others accused of embezzling billions from the fund. Court documents reveal Swizz’s alleged involvement in the scheme, AllHipHop reports. The lawsuit states: “As the 1MDB Fraud was underway, Jho Low became a well-known figure in the Hollywood scene and developed a reputation as a businessman with deep pockets and a penchant for hosting lavish, star-studded parties and group vacations,” reads the suit. “Throughout the early 2010s, Low befriended many U.S. celebrities including Dean and his wife Alicia Keys,” the filing continues. “Between September 21, 2012 and September 4, 2014, Jho Low and/or Eric Tan caused the debtors to transfer $7,300,000 to defendants and, during that same time period, the debtors did not receive any money back from the defendants or any other consideration from the defendants in exchange for the fraudulent transfers.” The breakdown of funds Alsen Chance supposedly sent to Swizz Beats includes “$1.5 million to Swizz Beatz Productions Inc. in September 2012. Payments of $1 million and $800,000 were sent in October 2012… Affinity sent $800,000 to Swizz Beatz’s Monza Studios in November 2013 and $1 million in December 2013. Swizz Beatz received $500,000 in June 2014, $300,000 in July 2014 and $1.4 million in September 2014.” https://youtu.be/2WV3sIcWNxE Starz is set to launch its new twisted drama series “Sweetpea” starring Ella Purnell, and she wants to leave the audience ‘conflicted.’ The show surrounds Rhiannon Lewis, an unassuming and quiet young woman who is pushed to her limits. When her timidity runs out, she develops a vengeful taste for murder. Purnell (“Yellowjackets,” “Sweetbitter,” “Arcane”), brings relatability to this character and carries it out through a dark, yet comedic lens. https://youtu.be/dtRhDZRHJXs Jonah Berger, a marketing professor and author of “Magic Words: What to Say to Get Your Way,” reveals a technique that increases the likelihood of compliance by 30%. As Upworthy reports, the key is framing requests positively. Berger illustrates this using a Stanford study where preschoolers were asked to help clean a messy classroom. One group was asked to “help clean,” while the other was asked to be a “helper.” Those asked to be “helpers” were 30% more likely to participate, as they were drawn to the positive identity rather than the task itself. Berger calls this strategy “turning actions into identities.” “It comes down to the difference between actions and identities. We all want to see ourselves as smart and competent and intelligent in a variety of different things,” Berger told Big Think. “But rather than describing someone as hardworking, describing them as a hard worker will make that trait seem more persistent and more likely to last. Rather than asking people to lead more, tell them, ‘Can you be a leader?’ Rather than asking them to innovate, can you ask them to ‘Be an innovator’? By turning actions into identities, you can make people a lot more likely to engage in those desired actions.” https://youtu.be/cFdCzN7RYbw Some prominent celebrities are reportedly opting to settle cases related to allegations against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, who has been charged with severe offenses including sex trafficking and racketeering. Tony Buzbee, the attorney at the helm of this case, disclosed that major names in the entertainment industry are in a state of frenzy, fearing they may soon find themselves facing similar allegations.Buzbee, speaking to TMZ, shared insights about the ongoing situation and the pressure mounting around it. “Everyone is focused on what other celebrities were involved, who is going to be named, who is going to be outed. I don’t expect that to happen this week,” he said. “We want to make sure if we name individuals beyond Mr Combs that we have done our homework because it is going to create a firestorm, and we understand that. If you were there in the room, participated, watched it happen, and didn’t say anything or helped cover it up, in my view, you have a problem.” https://youtu.be/Ad6_67GZ2V8 Diddy’s situation has compelled a broader discussion about accountability and silence within celebrity networks. Janice Smalls Combs, Diddy’s mother, expressed her anguish. “To bear witness to what seems to be like a public lynching of my son before he has had the opportunity to prove his innocence is a pain too unbearable to put into words.” As this complex and troubling scenario continues to unfold, the focus remains not only on Combs and the allegations against him but also on the celebrity community’s collective responsibility to address and confront such matters head-on. The coming weeks may uncover more than just allegations; they might reveal the darker realities lurking behind the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. https://youtu.be/Noa36rgFSJw On Friday, October 4, 2024, legendary singer and songwriter, Otis Redding, was posthumously honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.The unveiling ceremony took place at 6150 Hollywood Boulevard, where the late artist’s name was immortalized in the category of Live Theatre/Live Performance. The 2,791st star on the Walk of Fame now proudly bears the name of one of the most influential figures in American music history. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which administers the Walk of Fame, proudly hosted this event, which celebrated the life and enduring legacy of the King of Soul. In attendance at the Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony from the Redding family were Zelma Redding, Otis Redding’s beloved widow, his son Dexter Redding, daughter Karla Redding-Andrews, grandson Justin Andrews, and son-in-law, Timothy Andrews. Zelma Redding, who has played a pivotal role in preserving her husband’s legacy, stood proudly with her family, reflecting on the remarkable impact he left behind. Karla Redding-Andrews accepted the star on behalf of her late father, expressing her pride in his legacy both as a visionary artist and as a family man. “He loved his wife, he loved his family, he loved his children, and he loved his fans around the world,” she said during her emotional speech. “Today, we honor not just the music, but the incredible man behind it.” https://youtu.be/8YIV009FGXs The dedication of Otis Redding’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame serves as a lasting tribute to a man whose contributions to music and society continue to inspire generations. From Kanye West and Jay-Z’s hit song, “Otis,” to countless covers of his timeless classics, Redding’s influence on music is undeniable. His vision of music as a universal force, transcending cultural and social barriers, remains a cornerstone of his legacy. As his songs continue to resonate with new audiences and a major biopic is in the works, the world is once again reminded of the profound impact he made, despite his life being tragically cut short. https://youtu.be/YHEbLgeO5e4 Bobby Brown paid tribute to his former mother-in-law, legendary gospel musician Cissy Houston, following news that she passed away on Oct. 7 at 91. “Sending love and blessings to the Houston family on this great loss,” said Brown and his wife Alicia Etheredge-Brown in a statement with PEOPLE. “May she rest in Peace and Power. The Browns.” Brown and Cissy’s late daughter Whitney Houston were famously married for 14 years before calling it quits in 2007. Houston died after accidentally drowning in a hotel bathtub at age 48 in 2012. Their daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown, died at a hospice in July 2015 at age 22, six months after she was found unresponsive in a bath. In 2016, Brown didn’t hold back during his candid conversation about his marriage to Whitney in an interview with 20/20. At the time, Cissy called his remarks “disturbing” and said, “I am deeply disappointed that this interview to promote the story of Bobby’s life seemed to be more of an exposé on Whitney’s life.” We reported earlier that Cissy died Monday while under hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease at her home in New Jersey. In a heartfelt statement, Pat Houston, Cissy’s daughter-in-law, expressed the family’s profound grief over their loss. Despite financial hardships for some businesses, OnlyFans is making profitable gains with record revenue and profits. The porn-friendly creator platform experienced a 19% increase in gross payments for 2023, rising from $5.55 billion in 2022 to $6.63 billion, according to a U.K. regulatory filing on Sept. 5 by parent company Fenix International, Variety reports. Translating the information, Variety noted that OnlyFans creators earned total payouts of $5.32 billion for the most recent fiscal year, a mean average of nearly $1,300 annually per creator for the fiscal year ended Nov. 30, 2023. Adding to OnlyFans’ good fortune is a 29% rise in creators, which amounted to 4.12 million. For the most recent fiscal year, net revenue for the subscription-based video-on-demand platform increased 20% to $1.31 billion, while its pre-tax profit jumped 25% to $658 million. About 66% of that revenue is generated from the U.S. OnlyFans owner and MyFreeCams founder Leonid Radvinsky. https://youtu.be/Npcrhzzjbgo Per the filing, Radvinsky received $472 million in dividends for the 2023 fiscal year. The amount is a 40% rise from the $338 million he took in the year prior. As for OnlyFans users, the company’s total registered users increased 28% during fiscal 2023 to come in at 305 million. Despite reporting an average monthly headcount of 42 employees for the period, the London-based company’s employees are far more with hundreds of contractors on board to help run the site. “OnlyFans’ mission is to empower content creators to own their full potential by building the safest social media platform and providing unparalleled opportunities to our user community,” the company said in the filing. “The media content on OnlyFans.com can only be shared or accessed by registered users who are over 18 years old and who have successfully completed the Creator or Fan onboarding process.” The company noted that it “continues to garner significant media attention due to its novel business model, inclusive content policy, and the success of many Creators. The Group will continue to develop its public and government relations strategy to address misconceptions regarding the Group as reported in the media.” https://youtu.be/LhOmkRxqSYQ A former high school teacher in Walton County, Ga who appeared in a viral rap video is facing the music differently. Ex-educator Audrianna Cobb-Williams is facing criminal charges after being indicted by a grand jury on two counts of first-degree sexual contact by an employee or agent. The indictment, which involves accusations of inappropriately touching a student, stems from an incident that happened in December 2023. Before facing criminal charges, Cobb-Williams generated headlines and popularity online from appearing with another teacher in a viral 2020 rap video for a remix of the Jack Harlow hit “What’s Poppin’.” At the time, Cobb-Williams was a teacher at Monroe Comprehensive High School in Albany, Ga. the JasmineBrand reports. https://youtu.be/XTiob9f0RlA With every other headline highlighting the latest happenings of Sean “Diddy” Combs, it’s no surprise that folk are going over his past interviews with a fine-toothed comb for any hint of his controversial extracurricular activities. Thanks to another resurfaced chat, we can see what happened when Combs was on Wendy Williams’ daytime TV talk show and her reaction when he brought up her 16-year-old son, Kevin Hunter Jr., Radar Online reports reaction to the interview was given without hesitation those who feel the “Bad Boy for Life” hitmaker was trying to intimidate the former radio fixture. Promoting his 2017 documentary “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop,” Combs touched on his reasons for doing the film, telling Williams it wasn’t the money that motivated him to release it. Instead, he said he wanted to share a story “that had a happy ending” for African American men and women. Once the audience gave a thumbs up to Combs via cheers of appreciation, Williams mentioned Kevin Jr. From there, the Combs set what was to come in motion, revealing he had met the teenager backstage before the interview. “And let me tell you something, as the mother of a now 16-year-old…,” a clearly rattled Williams responded before Combs interrupted. “Mmm, who I met backstage, he’s a great young man,” he said, triggering Williams’ startled response. https://youtu.be/lpi-05nSTWA “Hamilton is 90% rap,” said Blaine Krauss, who just acquired the Broadway role of Alexander Hamilton permanently, when I asked about his singing voice being displayed in such a high-profile musical as Hamilton. Blaine’s voice is now on tour with his From The Soul Show and was recently heard in Los Angeles at the infamous Catalina Jazz Club – with a 12-piece band! “Playing (Alexander) Hamilton means you sing the least,” the Tampa Bay native laughed a bit as he pointed that out because I was so excited for him to be able to share his voice at such as high-profile musical. “I had the role full-time since the beginning of March. I’ve been, on and off, with the tour for four years. I went from a standby to permanent.” https://www.instagram.com/blainekr/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=759e4ed0-2dc0-4c82-9e2e-278c4a820c4c What a journey for the theatre student who graduated from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and went directly to Broadway in The Lion King as Simba. Like all journeys, Blaine’s started at home. “My aunts sing in church,” he said when I asked if singing was in his blood. “My dad can sing. He’s a DJ and musician. He retired from the Army…lover of Hip-Hop. But I’m the only one that sings all the time. “I was doing professional theatre since college. I was in The Lion King after college,” Krauss recalls. “I can’t think of a time I did not want to be a performer.” https://youtu.be/FLbXTn_W8bo Zion Williamson stands strong on his choice of hip-hip, whether certain MCs are included or not. As one reporter learned during the NBA’s pre-season media day, sometimes it is better to just let it go and keep it moving when it comes to who makes up Williamson’s musical playlist. According to AllHipHop, things started well as the New Orleans Pelicans player was asked about artists who populated his summer workout soundtrack as preparation for the upcoming season. Responding to the reporter, Williamson named a diverse range of rhymesayers that included the Notorious B.I.G., Curren$y, and Larry June. “Notorious B.I.G. [Ready to Die], that’s always in the mix. [Illmatic] by Nas, gotta throw Larry June up there. A lot of Curren$y,” the basketball standout told the reporter. “Especially when I started training seriously, I feel like Curren$y was heavy in the mix.” As the chat continued, things went from smooth to tense when the reporter brought up Kendrick Lamar and why Williamson opted to not include him on his playlist. https://youtu.be/X1oLEFmm_UU The end may have come and gone for Starz’s “Power Book II: Ghost,” but that doesn’t mean we’ve seen the last of characters involved in this segment of the “Power franchise. Examining what could come from the show’s series finale, Deadline noted that Tariq St. Patrick (Michael Rainey Jr.) is alive and kicking. With that comes a chance to continue the character’s story, which appeared in a Marvel-like tease at the end of the finale after the credits. Factor in the upcoming series finale of “Power Book IV: Force,” featuring longstanding “Power” universe fixture Tommy Egan (Joseph Sikora), and possibilities are planted for Tariq and his Uncle Tommy to join forces and run things as a team. After all, it may have very well been Tommy on the phone with Tariq. Despite tons of ill will between Tariq and Tommy, things seem to be good between them. It looked like the duo is on track with an assist from Tariq’s mother Tasha (Naturi Naughton) after the final two episodes of “Power Book II: Ghost‘s third season. https://youtu.be/jUsd1P0qOaM Local officials and relief agencies working in communities impacted by Hurricane Helene are urging residents to verify the information they are sharing or repeating, saying a deluge of false rumors is hindering recovery efforts. The hurricane tore a destructive path through the southeastern United States a week ago, killing more than 200 people, plunging some rural communities into isolation, and leaving tens of thousands in need of aid. Like in past disasters, disrupted lines of communication and a dearth of immediately verifiable information have led some to latch onto – or invent – stories and rumors that provide explanations to questions that might not immediately be answerable, experts and officials say. “When natural disasters hit, part of our reaction is to be fearful, and to be keen for any way to try and make sense of things,” said Dr. David Harker, a professor and chair of Philosophy and Humanities at East Tennessee State University who has studied misinformation. As a result, Harker said, “We become hungrier for any kind of information that helps us make sense of a chaotic and frightening world.” https://youtu.be/9yhio9mCXnM Some of the rumors floating around in Helene’s wake seem designed to tap into people’s preconceived political biases. A popular rumor, promoted by former President Donald Trump and X owner Elon Musk, suggests the federal government is confiscating or otherwise diverting aid meant for Helene relief efforts as part of a political ploy. Presenting no evidence, Trump claimed earlier this week that the Biden administration, along with North Carolina’s Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, is withholding or diverting relief funds because the hardest hit areas are prominently Republican, while Musk claimed in a post on X that the Federal Emergency Management Agency is “actively blocking citizens who try to help.” Trump has also baselessly claimed that some of the diverted funds are being used to help migrants: “A billion dollars was stolen from FEMA to use it for illegal migrants,” he said Friday. Trump is actually accusing the Biden administration of an act very similar to something he did as president. In 2019, Trump’s administration moved $155 million meant for FEMA disaster relief to support immigration enforcement. https://youtu.be/4DQHnzMSNDE Days after Pras Michel took his issues with Lauryn Hill to a lawsuit, the “Lost Ones” rapstress is firing back in kind with her response to her fellow Fugee. “Some clarity and facts need to be presented,” Hill said. “I’ve been silent and pushing through because I understood that Pras was under duress because of his legal battles and that this was perhaps affecting his judgment, state of mind and character.” As noted by Love B Scott, per Vibe, Hill was just getting started as she leveled her claims against Pras, labeling his lawsuit “baseless.” In her reply, she went in further on the “false claims and unwarranted attacks,” while addressing each alleged concern in a seven-part breakdown. To hear her tell it, Michel’s filing “notably omits that he was advanced overpayment for the last tour and has failed to repay substantial loans extended by myself as an act of goodwill.” Regarding the recent Fugees tour, the “Everything is Everything” entertainer gave the reason for the outing, saying it was in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of her debut solo album, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” and was scheduled to move forward with or without The Fugees’ involvement. https://www.instagram.com/mslaurynhill/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=717baa4c-7285-4d1b-b6ce-b3efc4aa8fbc In the wake of Sean “Diddy” Combs‘ recent arrest and mounting legal challenges, his mother, Janice Combs, has come forward to address the public’s perception of her son. In a heartfelt statement, she implores the world to reconsider the narratives being spun around his legal entanglements, standing firmly in defense of her son against the torrent of allegations and societal judgments. On October 6, Janice Combs shared her views through a statement facilitated by Fort Lauderdale-based attorney Natlie G. Figger, clarifying that Diddy is not the villain the media has depicted. “My son is not the monster they have painted him to be,” she said in part. “Watching the world make jokes and laugh at my son’s life crumbling before our eyes is something I can never forget. It is truly agonizing to watch the world turn against my son so quickly and easily over lies and misconceptions, without ever hearing his side or affording him the opportunity to present his side. These lies thrown at him are motivated by those seeking a financial gain, and not justice.” Janice Combs’ comments arise amidst a deeply troubling period for her family, as Diddy faces serious accusations, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and involvement in prostitution-related activities, Fort Lauderdale’s Local10 reports. His recent arrest on September 16 marked the beginning of a tumultuous chapter, further complicated by the allegations of sexual misconduct from multiple victims. https://youtu.be/5kGv8Odrwgw An attorney representing over a hundred alleged victims has indicated that a sex tape involving Diddy is being circulated among various networks—a prospect that adds another layer of distress to an already fraught situation. Attorney Ariel Mitchell-Kidd, who represents several of the alleged victims, indicated that the situation is nearing a critical juncture, as discussions around the sale of the tape grow more intense. Moreover, she highlighted the concern for another A-list celebrity purportedly featured in the tape, who is reportedly “horrified” at the idea of its potential release. Alas, the complexities of legal and ethical battles in the entertainment industry unfold against the backdrop of personal suffering and the devastating impact such events can have on those involved. The pain felt by Janice Combs as she witnesses the world turn against her son is palpable. “Watching the world make jokes and laugh at my son’s life crumbling before our eyes is something I can never forget,” she remarked, conveying the torment of a mother caught in a media firestorm. Her assertion that the allegations are motivated by those seeking financial gain rather than justice paints a nuanced picture of the motives underlying the fervor of public discourse. Stepping back from the spotlight, Janice Combs is no stranger to the rigors of navigating personal challenges. A former teacher and resilient single mother, she has dedicated her life to raising her children with the values of hard work and family. Her influence on Diddy’s life and career has been profound, despite her child’s celebrity overshadowing her own identity as a maternal figure. https://youtu.be/Noa36rgFSJw The 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards were handed out Tuesday night, October 1st, 2024, to a sold-out, live audience in Nashville, Tennessee. Jonathan Smith was most awarded with seven wins including Producer of the Year. Phil Wickham took home four Doves including Worship Album of the Year. Gospel music icon CeCe Winans was another big winner of the night with three total wins including Artist of the Year. Song of the Year went to “Holy Forever,” honoring songwriters Chris Tomlin, Brian Johnson, Jenn Johnson, Jason Ingram and Phil Wickham. Brandon Lake, Chandler Moore, and Jason Ingram each received three awards and Forrest Frank, who won two awards, took home New Artist of the Year. The show aired Friday, October 4th, exclusively on TBN and TBN+ and simulcast on SiriusXM The Message. Returning host, Tauren Wells led the all-star, high energy, multi-genre night of music. CeCe Winans opened the show with a joy-fueled performance of “That’s My King” complete with a 24-person choir. Tauren Wells brought out surprise guests DAVIES. and Skillet’s John Cooper for his dynamic “Take It All Back” performance. Forrest Frank’s upbeat “No Longer Bound/GOOD DAY” mash-up featured members from The Choir Room. One of the night’s highlights, introduced by beloved worship leader Darlene Zschech, was the multilingual performance of “Holy Forever” featuring Brian and Jenn Johnson, Miel San Marcos and Gabriel Guedes. CeCe Winans Wins Big with Three Awards Including Artist of the Year, Forrest Frank Wins New Artist of the Year. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6uPAbjGuLE Florida is bracing as Hurricane Milton rapidly intensified into a Category 1 storm on Sunday, days before it’s expected to make landfall on the state’s Gulf Coast while communities are still dealing with the effects of Hurricane Helene. While the state is clearing debris from Helene — which made landfall September 26 on Florida’s Big Bend as a Category 4 hurricane and created a 500-mile path of destruction with catastrophic flooding and damaging winds — it will now contend with Milton. The storm is boasting top sustained wind speeds of 80 mph, according to the 2 p.m. ET advisory from the National Hurricane Center. At that time, the storm was about 815 miles west-southwest of Tampa, Florida. It is expected to make landfall on Wednesday on the Gulf Coast of Florida as a destructive and life-threatening Category 3 hurricane with 120 mph winds between Cedar Key and Naples, which includes the entire Tampa Bay area. Hurricane and storm surge watches will likely be issued for parts of the western Florida coast on Sunday — with a dangerous storm surge expected for some areas just slammed by Helene. https://youtu.be/6zeCUuO007Q Miami, Orlando, and Tampa are each forecast to receive four to eight inches of rain through Thursday. That would be the equivalent of an entire month’s worth of rain for Miami, two months’ worth of rain for Orlando and three months’ worth of rain for Tampa. Locations within the state’s interior could see more than 10 inches of rain total. Milton formed in the western Gulf on Saturday morning, just hours after it became a tropical depression, the National Hurricane Center said in a special alert. The 13th named storm is running weeks ahead of schedule, as it doesn’t usually occur until October 25. With very low vertical wind shear and incredibly warm sea-surface temperatures, Milton will be able to gain steady to rapid strength over the next few days. https://youtu.be/VcV6zGuWaok Vice President Kamala Harris, for better or worse, has impacted Netflix. The streamer experienced its highest day of cancellations this year, due to its co-founder Reed Hastings’ $7 million donation to Harris’ campaign to become President, Fox News reports. Five days after Hastings’ contribution to a super PAC supporting Harris’ bid for the presidency, Bloomberg referenced the researcher Antenna in a report centering on Netflix’s cancelation almost tripling in the United States Among those backing away from the platform are former President Donald Trump supporters who called on conservatives to cancel their subscriptions after Hastings endorsed Harris on X and revealed how much he donated to her campaign in July. According to Bloomberg, that same month they resulted in Netflix customers reportedly canceling their subscriptions at a higher rate than any month since February 2024. Shifting away from the politics, the streamer chalked up the cancellation surge to a reaction to it phasing out its lowest-cost choice. “But the five-day period after Hastings’ endorsement was unusual, even for July,” the Bloomberg article mentioned, noting that July 26 marked the single worst day for Netflix cancellations this year. News of Hastings’ hefty donation for Harris was revealed three days prior. AJ Griffin is taking the saying “let go and let God to heart as he trades his career in the NBA for a new path “to follow Jesus.” Taking to social media, the former first-round draft pick made his choice known to become a minister. “I gave up basketball to follow Jesus,” Griffin said in a seven-minute video he posted on Sept. 29. “And I know that in a lot of people’s eyes, that seems like – it seems like a loss in the world’s eyes. But I just want to let you guys know that I’m super-excited because I truly get to serve God, you know, with my full ‘yes,’ and I feel like letting go of basketball is allowing me to go into full-time ministry and truly serving the Lord with all my heart, with all my time too, as well. So, I’m just excited to see where that leads me.” The clip marks a noticeable shift for Griffin professionally. Chronicling his professional journey, People noted the athlete entered the NBA Draft after a standout freshman season at Duke University in 2021. From there, Griffin, came to the pros when the Atlanta Hawks selected him as the 16th pick in the first round of the 2022 NBA Draft. After his recent trade from Atlanta to the Houston Rockets, CBS Sports mentioned the former Blue Devil struggled during the NBA’s summer league season. Earlier this month, The Houston Chronicle reported that Griffin’s stint with the Rockets ended when his contract was bought out by the team for $250,000. https://youtu.be/pOcpORH6zWQ Prior to embarking on his new path, the sportsman turned holy servant admitted he “gave [his] life to Christ in 2020” and “truly accepted” religion during the COVID-19 pandemic. “This decision may seem crazy or abnormal to the world but I’m not here to please man but only my Father in Heaven,” Griffin wrote in the video’s description, explaining his decision and what brought him to this moment. Smiling while mentioning what happened next, Griffin was unashamed in stating, “He found me. I gave my life to Christ and it was the best decision of my life, it truly was. I think my values started to change, my heart started to change.” Griffin’s new mind state is a far cry from when basketball dominated his life before 2020, the year he discovered religion. As the son of former NBA coach and player Adrian Griffin, the sport was in his blood “ https://www.instagram.com/adrian.griffinjr/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=fc5f5b70-98c0-4435-84cc-f6767377dccd It seems that a male A-list celebrity finds himself embroiled in controversy after an alleged sex tape featuring Sean “Diddy” Combs begins circulating among media outlets. Sources close to the celebrity have revealed that he is “horrified” by the situation, which has reopened old wounds and triggered memories that he had hoped to leave behind. The footage purportedly shows Combs engaging in sexual activity with a younger male, who is believed to be the celebrity in question, according to the New York Post. With their identities clearly visible, the implications of the tape’s release are far-reaching, leading to feelings of violation and heartache for the A-lister. An insider expressed the devastation stemming from the situation, stating, “It’s triggering. It feels like a betrayal and a violation. This is a total nightmare.” Despite the distressing nature of the situation, the young celebrity is reportedly trying to maintain a sense of normalcy. https://youtu.be/pDcIavBbUHk After nearly four decades of soulful melodies that have resonated with fans everywhere, legendary artist Meli’sa Morgan has achieved a significant milestone—her debut album, “Do Me Baby,” has finally been certified gold. The announcement comes 37 years after the album was released, marking a triumphant moment in Morgan’s illustrious career, which has significantly defined East Coast R&B. “Do Me Baby,” recognized as a classic of the late ’80s soul genre, struggled for years with sales data that seemed inconsistent. Morgan, not one to accept defeat, relentlessly pursued the truth behind the album’s sales figures. Her determination led her to collaborate with teams from Capitol Records, Universal Music, and the RIAA, all in a quest for acknowledgment that she knew her work deserved, reports Soul Tracks. With her characteristic spirit, Morgan explains, “My thought was ‘Don’t Give Up’!” This dedication not only showcases her resilience but sends a powerful message to other artists about the importance of standing firm in their pursuits. https://youtu.be/622MvhRxR8M Morgan emphasizes that many artists might not receive immediate acknowledgment for their work during their peak, which should not deter them from seeking the recognition they deserve. “Records keep selling throughout the years! You should stay on top of that because that is your source of status that you use for your level of success,” she advises. Celebrating her remarkable accomplishment, Morgan has recently returned from a successful European tour, where she received the news of her gold certification. This added recognition also aligns with her desire to inspire other musicians to remain vigilant in their careers. “It’s vital for artists to advocate for themselves and understand the significance of their sales figures,” she states, portraying the message that hard work and determination truly pay off. Completing the joyful week, Morgan received her gold record last week, a long-overdue acknowledgment of her artistic journey. The hustle and passion that Morgan embodies have not only led her to this moment but also reflect the resilience of countless artists navigating the complexities of the music industry. Congratulations, Meli’sa! https://www.instagram.com/melisamorgan1/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=93419853-8a5b-4f1e-bc11-2bd4140f9b5b ”Living Single” is without a doubt one of the all-time best sitcoms to inhabit the small screen. With its talented cast and endless laughs, the show could do no wrong giving us the weekly hijinks of Queen Latifah’s Khadijah James, her cousin Synclaire James (Kim Coles), and their friends, Regina “Régine” Hunter (Kim Fields), Maxine “Max” Shaw (Erika Alexander), Kyle Barker (T.C. Carson) and Overton Wakefield Jones (John Henton). The show, which premiered 31 years ago as part of Fox’s Thursday night lineup (“Martin” and “New York Undercover” rounding out the trio), was a viewing requirement for a lot of households at the end of a long workweek. Its five-season run from Aug. 22, 1993 – Jan. 1, 1998, was a period for folk to realize that we all have the same or similar situations and issues with characters that remind us of people we actually know, knew, and have encountered in our lifetime. And with any classic show, there are always two things that make it easy to go to that world, the title and its accompanying theme song. Although “Living Single” rolls off the tongue easily and its Latifah-aided theme song makes it a sing-along, what if the show was known by a different name and a different song led you into the world of Khadijah and Co? https://youtu.be/sMrmctL_FgY Although the story behind “Living Single’s” name may not be breaking news, it has become a conversation starter nowadays with its 31st anniversary. As Madame Noire noted, fans seem to be divided on the topic, with some praising the decision to scrap the title and others pointing out that the original theme song was “a bop to them and expressed how they could see the song working out.” “Then there are people who acknowledged the correlation between the almost title of the show and the women singing “My Girls” at the end of the pilot episode. So, what say you? Do you think the “Living Single” title and theme song we know and love would’ve brought the reverence it has if it went under the name “My Girls?” Check out the original theme song (“My Girls”) and the iconic final version of the theme below and weigh in on whether the choice made was the best one. https://youtu.be/VnVWWOeIBZg LeBron James watched on from the bench as his son, Bronny James, played his first NBA preseason minutes for the LA Lakers on Friday. The 19-year-old played for 16 minutes in the Lakers’ 124-107 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves and showed glimpses of potential, finishing with two points. He was introduced to the game in the second quarter where he played the first half, before playing most of the fourth. After missing his first five shots, Bronny eventually made a layup with less than a minute left of the game, a shot greeted by loud cheers from the crowd at the Acrisure Arena. https://youtu.be/PzpppfcyU3k Bronny, whose jersey is emblazed with “James Jr.” across the back, was selected 55th overall by the Lakers in the 2024 NBA draft in June, joining his father at the franchise. The pair is expected to become the first father-son to play together on an NBA team. Speaking together during a Lakers media event earlier this week, Lebron described the moment as “pure joy.” “When it comes to him (Bronny), I’m just at a loss for words. (I’m) just super proud of him to be able to get to this point,” LeBron said while his son sat next to him. “He’s a man, and he’s ready to go. “It’s just so joyous to be able to see him grow and to know what he has been through over the last couple of years. And to just use that as motivation every single day and to get back and get to where he wanted to be.” https://youtu.be/BpGr2AmNG18 In a landmark ruling that reverberates through the nation, three former Memphis police officers were convicted on Thursday for their roles in the 2023 fatal beating of Tyre Nichols, a case that ignited widespread protests and calls for significant reforms in law enforcement. The jury deliberated for approximately six hours, delivering a verdict that left some aspects of the case unresolved. Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith were found guilty of witness tampering related to the cover-up of the brutal incident. However, the jury acquitted Bean and Smith of civil rights violations, while Haley faced a conviction on a lesser civil rights charge resulting in bodily injury, alongside a conspiracy count. The courtroom was silent as the verdicts were announced, a somber reminder of the gravity of the situation. All three officers have been ordered into custody, pending a hearing regarding their potential release before sentencing. The tampering charges could lead to sentences of up to 20 years, while Haley faces a possible decade in prison for his lesser charge. Initially, the officers faced the possibility of life in prison if convicted on the most severe charges related to Nichols’ death, the AP reports. vhttps://youtu.be/y_xYzIe5aII Testimony from other officers, including Desmond Mills and Emmitt Martin—who have taken plea deals—unveiled the unsettling reality of the events. Mills, visibly emotional, expressed regret over Nichols’ death and acknowledged his complicity in the cover-up that followed, sharing how he hoped the situation would resolve itself. As the judicial proceedings unfold, the Memphis Police Department remains under severe scrutiny. The U.S. Department of Justice is conducting thorough investigations into the department’s tactics and potential racial bias in law enforcement practices. Additionally, Nichols’ mother has initiated a substantial $550 million lawsuit against the city and its police leadership. As the community continues to question the integrity of local law enforcement, the Tyre Nichols case serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform in policing practices across the nation, echoing the voices of those calling for justice and accountability. https://youtu.be/NFtUcM0EEw8 Striking members (port workers) of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) will be back to work on Friday (10-04-24), the union announced Thursday evening, as it reached a tentative deal with the management group representing shipping lines, terminal operators, and port authorities. The agreement amounts to a $4-per-hour raise for each year of the six-year contract, a source with knowledge of the negotiations told CNN. That amounts to a first-year raise of just over 10% of the current contract’s top pay of $39 an hour. With the five subsequent pay hikes, it would raise wages by 62% over the life of the contract The union agreed to extend the contract it had with the United States Maritime Alliance, the management group known as USMX. That deal, which had expired at the end of Monday, will be now extended until January 15 and have the union members back on the job while the final details are worked out in a full agreement that will need to be ratified by the rank-and-file. https://youtu.be/PGYdFdGNWYE A tentative deal would still need to be ratified by the rank-and-file ILA members before it can take effect. But with ships stuck at sea unable to come into US ports to unload and load goods, the union has agreed to have workers return to work on Friday. Still, should the members vote against the deal, the strike might start once again. And such a rejection of a tentative labor deal is not unheard of. Just last month, the International Association of Machinists (IAM) and jet maker Boeing (BA) reached a tentative deal that union leaders recommended their 33,000 members accept. The leadership even described it as the best deal they had ever negotiated with the company. But union members voted nearly unanimously to reject it and have remained on strike since September 13. The port strike was still in its early days, but it would have had broad ramifications for the US economy the longer it continued. https://youtu.be/4mIe9heM2xM Erik and Lyle Menendez, two of America’s most notorious convicts, have been closely following the latest developments in their long-standing murder case. And for good reason. According to sources familiar with the situation, the brothers intently watched a live press conference from behind prison walls, where Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced that his office would review new evidence regarding their father, José Menendez, and the claims of molestation made by Erik and Lyle before the murder of their parents. The announcement has fueled speculation about the potential for a new trial or adjusted sentencing that could pave the way for the brothers’ release from their life sentences served at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego. Gascón confirmed that a former member of the band Menudo had alleged that José Menendez also molested him, adding another dimension to the investigation and raising questions about evidence excluded during the original trial. Erik and Lyle Menendez have reportedly displayed confidence regarding their chances of securing a second look at their case, with insiders indicating a certain smugness regarding the new developments. As public interest revives, notable figures, including Kim Kardashian, have expressed support for their potential release. https://youtu.be/VcOPbkVW2w4 John Amos‘ longtime publicist, Belinda Foster, is speaking out about the circumstances surrounding his death, amid claims from some family members that it was suspicious. We reported earlier that Amos’ death certificate reveals he passed away at age 84 from congestive heart failure on August 21 at Centinela Hospital Medical Center in Inglewood, CA. According to Vibe, the actor’s death was confirmed to be from natural causes, though an autopsy was not performed. He was cremated on August 30, but on October 2, his daughter, Shannon, revealed she learned of his death on social media. She is now refusing to rule out the possibility of foul play. A full statement from “the collective family and close friends of John Amos” was also released, where they revealed that they learned of the actors’s death at the same time as the general public. They’re accusing Amos’ son, Kelly Christopher “K.C.” Amos of isolating the “Good Times” star and evading an investigation into his death. The family also wants to know why they weren’t notified of Amos’ death by the authorities or medical professionals. Foster refuted their claims in an exclusive statement shared with PEOPLE. “I represented John Amos for over 30 years as his publicist of record,” Foster said. Jaguar Wright recently spoke with Piers Morgan about Diddy’s arrest and legal troubles, voicing her criticism of other influential media figures, JAY-Z and Beyoncé. “For four years, I’ve been screaming not just Diddy, but Diddy and JAY-Z are monsters, and the victim-making machine kept going on,” she stated during the broadcast. Combs is facing numerous accusations of sexual assault by women and men. He is currently being held without bond in a Brooklyn jail following his arrest last month on federal charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. We reported earlier that a team of lawyers plan to file 120 sexual assault lawsuits against Combs in New York, Los Angeles, and Miami in the coming weeks. The Bad Boy Records founder has denied all accusations against him. Attorney Andrew Van Arsdale described the forthcoming lawsuits as “unprecedented in scope,” The Washington Post reports. The allegations involve both male and female victims aged between 9 and 38 at the time of the alleged assaults, which occurred over 20 years during the 2000s and 2010s.https://youtu.be/2WmV7kaxz6I As Vibe reports, when Morgan asked Jaguar why Jigga has yet to speak out about the Diddy controversy, she replied, “Because that’s what he does. He starts little fires everywhere and forces everyone to carry water while he sneaks away without a response. That changes now, Sean. You must respond, you have no choice. Harvey Weinstein, Jeffrey Epstein, Robert Kelly, Sean Combs have one person in common professionally and privately: Sean Carter.” She added, “I’ve talked to hundreds [of victims] that I deal with still myself. I have three victims right now who are willing to give testimonies about not only what Mr. Carter has done to them, but his wife as well,” she said, referring to Beyonce. “They’re a nasty little couple. They do nasty things. Keeping people against their will, putting people on planes while they’re unconscious. Just like Aaliyah got on that plane unconscious. There’s a lot of things that people don’t want to talk about, Piers… I’m just being honest.” Watch her full conversation with Piers Mogan via the YouTube. https://www.instagram.com/piersmorganuncensored/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=f7b7541b-4f37-45be-a23d-4545e9483de8 TikTok user Brandon Conway posted his first video on July 24, and it quickly went viral, garnering over 27 million views in less than three weeks. In the video, he sings Jackson’s hit “The Way You Make Me Feel,” and his voice is strikingly similar to Jackson’s. In the post’s comments, one person wrote, “no one in the world can sound like Michael Jackson That’s how special he was but you definitely do it justice.” Another user added, “bro the long lost Jackson #6.” https://www.tiktok.com/@brandonconway11/video/7124177338497043758 Conway, who has appeared on “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” gained attention on TikTok by regularly posting clips of himself singing hit songs from popular artists. His performances often showcase his impressive vocal ability, which closely mimics the styles of iconic singers. https://www.tiktok.com/@brandonconway11/video/7417949158285282591 https://www.tiktok.com/@brandonconway11/video/7417949158285282591 Conway’s uncanny resemblance to Michael Jackson’s voice in particular has captivated millions, but he covers a range of artists, blending his talent with the distinctive sounds of well-known songs. With each post, he continues to attract a growing audience, wowing listeners with his casual yet pitch-perfect renditions of beloved hits. https://www.tiktok.com/@brandonconway11/video/7413056191003102495 A recent study published in Personality and Individual Differences reveals that men may take greater risks when influenced by a high-pitched female voice. Conducted by researchers at a university in Shanghai, the study, titled “The Siren Call,” involved Chinese heterosexual males in a virtual reality (VR) environment, focusing on how voice tone affects driving behavior. According to MadameNoire, the study consisted of two parts. In the first, participants completed surveys on their driving experience and risk perception, then navigated intersections in a VR simulation while receiving instructions from either a high- or low-pitched female voice. Risk-taking was measured by whether participants stopped or proceeded through yellow traffic lights. Those hearing high-pitched voices were more likely to take risks by running the yellow lights. The second part expanded on this, examining how pitch influenced behavior in broader contexts, such as crossing a virtual suspension bridge. Results showed that men crossed the bridge faster when exposed to a high-pitched voice, especially in risky situations. The findings suggest that while a high-pitched female voice may initially prompt risky behavior in men, context plays a critical role in shaping their responses. MadameNoire writes, “Results revealed a significant difference between the groups: those receiving high-tone instructions were more likely to go through yellow lights than those in the low-tone condition.” Researchers plan to expand this study to consider how cultural differences might further affect male risk-taking behaviors across various regions. The grotesque new horror film “The Substance” is reportedly causing audience members to walk out in cinemas worldwide due to its intense gore. Directed by Coralie Fargeat, the film follows “Demi Moore’s Elizabeth Sparkle, a celebrity reaching the end of their journey of fame and popularity who wants nothing more than to regain everything that time has taken away from them. Enter The Substance, a mysterious liquid that promises to solve all her problems. Instead, it just introduces a new one: Margaret Qualley’s Sue,” per The Direct. “It’s a powerful shared experience,” Moore said recently while appearing on Late Night With Seth Meyers. “It’s dealing with aging and the male perspective of the idealized woman that women have bought into.” In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Moore revealed that she had to wear nearly 14 prosthetic pieces on her face during some scenes. https://youtu.be/LNlrGhBpYjc “It’s glued,” the actress said. “You have to be as careful if not more careful taking it off so you don’t destroy your skin.” The body horror flick received accolades at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, with The Independent predicting it would receive “a love it or hate it” response upon release. The publication noted that the movie “goes places even body horror aficionados will be shocked by.” This Independent article cites one cinemagoer who wrote: “My review of The Substance is that people walked out of our screening and as far as I’m concerned we don’t have enough movies where that might happen,” while another stated: “Some people walked out of the screening of The Substance we were at last night. One of the most violent films I’ve ever seen.” On X/Twitter, one person added: “I’ve seen thousands of films and it’s very hard to shock me, but this gloriously demented movie was cray-cray on 11. ‘The Substance’ is not for the faint of heart (during my viewing, several people walked out mid film), but is an instant cult classic. You’ve been warned. https://twitter.com/TryTheSubstance?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1842220989578428604%7Ctwgr%5E8ee6237ef0468e236983278a94390915fabd431e%7Ctwcon%5Es2_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fdemi-moores-body-horror-movie-causing-cinema-walkouts%2F https://twitter.com/TryTheSubstance?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1842220989578428604%7Ctwgr%5E8ee6237ef0468e236983278a94390915fabd431e%7Ctwcon%5Es2_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fdemi-moores-body-horror-movie-causing-cinema-walkouts%2F Another X user wrote: “After The Substance ended the entire theatre was dead silent and motionless as the credits rolled and then someone was just like is everyone OK? And everyone in unison said ‘no’.” A separate post on X noted: “The Substance is the only time I’ve ever been in a cinema and everybody clapped at the end. Two people walked out 20 minutes in. Three more walked out later.” “The Substance” is now playing in theaters worldwide. https://twitter.com/TryTheSubstance?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1842220989578428604%7Ctwgr%5E8ee6237ef0468e236983278a94390915fabd431e%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fdemi-moores-body-horror-movie-causing-cinema-walkouts%2F Today, DARE Records, announces the 30th anniversary celebratory re-imagined single release of, “Lovely Day,” from groundbreaking, pioneering, GRAMMY® nominated, and GMA Dove Award-winning Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) trio, OUT OF EDEN (sisters Lisa Nicole, Andrea Baca, and Danielle Torrez). “Lovely Day 3.0” is an updated musical take on the group’s 90’s debut single featuring the ladies signature sound over afrobeats and is available now, across all streaming platforms. The new release “Lovely Day 3.0,” takes the ladies – and their fans - full circle as they refresh their debut single. Now atop AfroBeat rhythms and percussion-forward instrumentation, their new vocals prominently display their growth, evolution, confidence, and conviction as grown women who know a thing or two about speaking positivity over their day, and their lives. “Lovely Day” picks right up where the group left off without skipping a beat. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WB0MhCdsL9A Soulful songstress Evvie McKinney is back with a stunning new single, “Don’t Walk Away,” showcasing her remarkable vocal talent and emotional depth. Released today, the track blends heartfelt lyrics with a captivating melody, delivering a passionate message about love, resilience, and staying committed through the ups and downs of a relationship. “Don’t Walk Away,” is available now wherever music is sold and streamed. “Don’t Walk Away” marks Evvie’s first release on Platoon, an artist services, A&R, and music distribution company. Penned by Evvie McKinney and Tyler Bellinger and produced by Rodney Jerkins and Stanley Brown, “Don’t Walk Away" is a rhythmic, feel-good song that reflects Evvie’s most recent personal encounters with Chris. The uplifting lyrics combined with the 808s, bass and electric guitars are a perfect blend between Blues and Gospel. The new single is an empowering anthem, urging listeners to fight for connection to God in a world where walking away often seems easier. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99N92XCzb00 Lauryn Hill is being sued for fraud and breach of contract by her Fugees bandmate, Prakazrel “Pras” Michel, who claims he was denied his fair share of profits from last year’s tour. The lawsuit, filed in New York federal court, alleges that Hill took 40% of the tour’s earnings before distributing the remainder. Michel is seeking unspecified damages and a court order to void contracts he signed for joining Hill’s 2023 tour, which he claims compromised his intellectual property rights and future earnings from the Fugees’ projects, Complex reports. In a statement, Michel’s legal team said: “This morning, we filed a complaint for Prakazrel ‘Pras’ Michel against Lauryn Hill and MLH Touring, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (Case 1:24-cv-07403) for fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and breach of contract. The lawsuit alleges that Ms. Hill exploited Mr. Michel’s vulnerable legal situation, manipulating him into an unfair agreement for The Fugees’ 2023 reunion tour. Ms. Hill’s chronic tardiness was a hallmark of the tour, with shows routinely starting two or more hours late. Hill canceled the second half of the tour and, at the same time, financially penalized and defrauded Mr. Michel. We assert that Ms. Hill misrepresented critical financial information and concealed her intent to take an excessive 60 percent share of the tour’s proceeds, leaving Mr. Michel with only 20 percent instead of the group’s customary one-third split. This legal action aims to hold Ms. Hill accountable and secure justice for Mr. Michel. The lawsuit comes on the cusp of the ‘Fugees’ European tour by Hill and Wyclef Jean, at which Michael will not be performing.” Hill has responded to Pras’ lawsuit in a statement to Complex. In it, she writes, “I’ve been silent and pushing through because I understood that Pras was under duress because of his legal battles and that this was perhaps affecting his judgment, state of mind, and character.” Vertical has released the trailer for the upcoming thriller “Elevation” starring Marvel star Anthony Mackie. Directed by George Nolfi, here’s the official synopsis reads: “The world has changed. The only habitable place left for humanity is in the high mountains, above 8000 feet. Go below 8000 feet, and waiting for you are the very creatures that killed 95% of the human population less than three years ago. But what happens if — to save the life of his young son — a father (Mackie) is forced to do just that: to venture below “The Line” with two others, a scientist he despises, but who just might hold the key to defeating the monsters, and a young woman, determined to keep them both alive long enough to save the human race.” https://youtu.be/kt0V2rpEouE Former NFL stars Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson and James Harrison will fight in an exhibition mixed martial arts (MMA) bout in New Orleans next year, the pair announced on social media Wednesday. Johnson first announced the news of the fight – set to take place ahead of Super Bowl LIX – writing on X, formerly known as Twitter: “I’m so excited.” The length of the fight seems to be a point of contention, though. Johnson first said it was a three-round bout before Harrison said it would actually last five rounds. The pair have already been exchanging barbs, with Johnson telling Harrison: “I’m gone beat yo a** in round 1 so don’t worry about the other 4. I’m standing on business.” Former Pittsburgh Steeler Harrison replied: “You not go be able to stand once I get done with you.” A federal judge has ruled that the Biden administration can move forward with its student loan forgiveness plan, potentially providing relief to millions of Americans. MSNBC reports that U.S. District Judge Randal Hall in Georgia will let expire a temporary restraining order against the administration’s student loan forgiveness plan, just weeks before the November election. The initiative could assist approximately 75% of federal student loan borrowers, as estimated by the Center for American Progress. Per CNBC, Biden’s plan aims to forgive student debt for four categories of borrowers: those who owe more than their original loan amounts, individuals who have been repaying for decades, students from low-value institutions, and those eligible for forgiveness under an existing program but who have yet to apply. Meanwhile, seven GOP-led states filed a lawsuit against the aid package. These states—Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, North Dakota, and Ohio—contend that the U.S. Department of Education’s debt cancellation initiative is illegal. However, Judge Hall ruled that Georgia had no legal basis to pursue the case. He instructed that the case be moved to Missouri, “since the states claim Biden’s plan would most harm student loan servicer Mohela, or the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority,” per MSNBC. The GOP-led states now want a federal judge in Missouri to determine whether Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan should remain blocked. https://youtu.be/lQMx7rqspIE As we reported earlier, in a recent appearance on “Piers Morgan Uncensored,” Jaguar Wright made waves with her shocking allegations against high-profile figures in the music industry, particularly singling out Diddy and Jay-Z as “monsters.” “For four years, I’ve been screaming not just Diddy, but Diddy and JAY-Z are monsters, and the victim-making machine kept going on,” she stated during the broadcast. Her claims added fuel to the ongoing discourse surrounding accountability in the entertainment sector, but not everyone is pleased with how she communicated her grievances. Meanwhile, Ray J, an industry veteran in his own right, has publicly criticized Wright for declining a direct conversation with him before airing her claims. He didn’t hold back on social media. He chastised Wright for opting to reveal her allegations on an international platform rather than engaging with him directly. https://youtu.be/qEvJeKc0d3k Amidst the tumult, one thing is certain: Jaguar Wright’s bold statements and Ray J’s passionate rebuttal have captured public attention, opening up discourse about accountability, truth, and the pathways artists choose to share their stories. As the conversation unfolds, many are eager to see if a reconciliation or further dialogue between Ray J and Jaguar Wright will take place. https://www.instagram.com/thejasminebrand/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=d9bb9dd9-a96f-48b9-9058-7056041e4458 Award-winning artist and horror enthusiast Janelle Monáe, also known as the “HalloQueen,” will host AMC Networks “FearFest,” the long-running horror celebration on AMC and AMC+. Monáe’s curated list of favorite horror films will be available for streaming on AMC+ throughout Octibe. The event will feature 700 hours of iconic films, new series, and specials, including “Halloween,” “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” “Friday the 13th,” “Stephen King’s works, and shows like “The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon” and “The Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs.” “Janelle Monae’s ‘FearFest’ Faves” includes “An American Werewolf in London,” “Candyman (1992)”, “The Fly,” “Killer Klowns From Outer Space,” “Puppet Master,” “Carrie,” “Jeepers Creepers” and more. Watch the trailer above. In a statement, Monáe said, “My passion for spooky season is entrenched in who I am. As a child, my cousins and I would watch our favorite horror films and my nose would bleed while I smiled. There’s something truly thrilling about sharing the chills that send shivers down my spine. That’s why I’m so excited to partner with AMC’s ‘FearFest’ this year and let you all dive into my world of heart-pounding frights. I hope you enjoy my handpicked collection of thrills, screams, and eerie delights. Gather your friends and get ready, because this ride is about to get terrifying!” https://youtu.be/LRHzUBuny-g Barry Sonnenfeld, the director of “Men in Black,” recently shared a humorous anecdote on the Let’s Talk Off Camera With Kelly Ripa podcast, revealing that the set of the 1997 action comedy had to be evacuated after Will Smith farted.\ According to Variety, Sonnenfeld explained that the incident took place while filming a scene in which Smith and co-star Tommy Lee Jones were sealed inside a pod designed to represent a transforming car that moves at high speeds and flips over. “There are locks to prevent it from opening and falling,” Sonnenfeld said. “I say, ‘Roll camera.’ And I hear Will Smith go, ‘Oh Jesus, so sorry. Tommy, so sorry. Baz, get the ladder.’ And you hear Tommy saying, ‘That’s fine, Will. No worries, Will. Don’t worry, Will.’ Anyway, I don’t know what’s gone on, right?” He continued, “So we race the ladder over. Yeah, Tommy reaches his leg out as the ladder is coming over, races down the stairs. And what happened was, Will Smith is a faster. It’s just some people are. And you really don’t want to be inside a very small hermetically sealed space with a Will Smith fart. You don’t even want to be sitting next to him at the Disney ranch,” the director recalled. “We evacuated the stage for about three hours. And that’s incredible. No, he’s, you know, a lovely guy. Just, he farts. Some do, some don’t,” Sonnenfeld said. https://youtu.be/UxUTTrU6PA4 Country Music singer Luke Bryan weighed on Beyoncé being overlooked at the Country Music Awards, with her album “Cowboy Carter” failing to secure any nominations at the prestigious event. “Cowboy Carter” made history as the first album by a Black woman to reach No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart. The single “Texas Hold ’Em” became the first by a Black woman to top both Billboard’s Country Song Chart and the Hot 100 chart. “Everybody loved that Beyoncé made a country album. Nobody’s mad about it. But where things get a little tricky … if you’re gonna make country albums, come into our world and be country with us a little bit,” Bryan said on SiriusXM’s “Andy Cohen Live” Monday, Page Six reports. “Beyoncé can do exactly what she wants to. She’s probably the biggest star in music,” he added. “But come to an award show and high-five us, and have fun and get in the family, too. And I’m not saying she didn’t do that. … But country music’s a lot about family,” Bryan said. https://youtu.be/pspALWzUpQI The grotesque new horror film “The Substance” is reportedly causing audience members to walk out in cinemas worldwide due to its intense gore. Directed by Coralie Fargeat, the film follows “Demi Moore’s Elizabeth Sparkle, a celebrity reaching the end of their journey of fame and popularity who wants nothing more than to regain everything that time has taken away from them. Enter The Substance, a mysterious liquid that promises to solve all her problems. Instead, it just introduces a new one: Margaret Qualley’s Sue,” per The Direct. “It’s a powerful shared experience,” Moore said recently while appearing on Late Night With Seth Meyers. “It’s dealing with aging and the male perspective of the idealized woman that women have bought into.” In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Moore revealed that she had to wear nearly 14 prosthetic pieces on her face during some scenes. https://youtu.be/LNlrGhBpYjc Drake and J. Cole have made history with their unforgettable “It’s All a Blur Tour,” which will go down as the highest-grossing hip-hop tour in history. This record-breaking tour, which grossed a whopping $320.5 million over 80 sold-out shows across North America, is an ode to hip-hop’s growing dominance and its undeniable influence on global culture. With a staggering 1.3 million tickets sold, the duo has set a new standard for excellence in live performances. For readers of Houston Style Magazine, it’s not just the stats but the significance of this moment in music history that should resonate deeply. The “It’s All a Blur” tour didn’t just break records—it obliterated them! With an astonishing $320.5 million in total earnings, Drake and J. Cole have set the gold standard for what a hip-hop tour can achieve. This jaw-dropping figure cements the tour as the highest-grossing hip-hop event in history, a money-making machine that sold out 80 shows at 100% capacity! Imagine 1.3 million screaming fans, every seat filled, and every stage lit with pure fire. Drake and J. Cole didn’t just bring in the bag—they brought in the vault! For the readers of Houston Style Magazine, this is more than just a number—it’s a milestone that proves hip-hop is not only thriving but dominating, stacking millions on top of millions as it takes over the global stage. https://youtu.be/Xty2gi5cMa8 The tour, which initially kicked off in Chicago on July 5, 2023, was a sonic journey like no other, blending hits from Drake’s eighth studio album For All the Dogs, and his collaborative project Her Loss with Atlanta-based rapper 21 Savage. While 21 Savage joined Drake for the first leg of the tour, legal travel restrictions meant that he couldn’t perform in Canada, leading to an all-star lineup of replacements. Fans in Montreal were treated to the legendary J. Cole, while Vancouver roared for Travis Scott. The final date in Toronto on October 7, 2023, was made even more memorable with a surprise appearance from Lil Baby, proving once again that Drake knows how to close out in style. As if the first leg wasn’t monumental enough, the second leg of the tour—dubbed “It’s All a Blur Tour – Big As the What?”—was co-headlined by none other than J. Cole himself, making this a dream lineup for fans of lyrical finesse and unmatched stage energy. This portion of the tour took the duo across the U.S., starting in Tampa on February 2, 2024, and concluding in Newark on April 4. During the final stretch, Lil Wayne filled in for J. Cole for seven electrifying shows, giving fans another layer of star power to this already legendary tour. https://youtu.be/vnhRgk49fj4 Toilet paper shortages in stores across America are giving folks nightmarish reminders of the pandemic era. But the lack of toilet paper isn’t a direct result of a major port strike Tuesday. It’s because of panic buying. Reports of shortages filled social media Tuesday, showing empty shelves where toilet paper and, to a lesser extent, paper towels were supposed to be. “They cleaned out the toilet paper at my local Walmart in Virginia. Toilet paper hoarding 2.0!,” wrote one person in a post on X, along with a photo of empty shelves. “Shelves at Costco & Target running low or out of paper towels in Monmouth County NJ,” posted another X user. “Seeing people buying TP & water too in reax to port strike. Costco employee told me they were sold out of TP/paper towels this am.” https://youtu.be/lxpSbYIdAJc John Amos’ death certificate reveals the actor passed away from congestive heart failure on August 21 at Centinela Hospital Medical Center in Inglewood, CA. According to Vibe, Amos’ death was confirmed to be from natural causes, though an autopsy was not performed. He was cremated on August 30, but on October 2, his daughter, Shannon, revealed she learned of his death on social media. She is now refusing to rule out the possibility of foul play. “Someone was in the ER the night my father died and pretended to be his daughter,” Shannon wrote in her Instagram stories. “I’m his only daughter. We believe it was Belinda Foster, the woman also posing as his publicist. He died alone without family […] Something is very wrong with this.” A full statement from “the collective family and close friends of John Amos” was also released, where they revealed that they learned of the actors’s death at the same time as the general public. They’re accusing Amos’ son, Kelly Christopher “K.C.” Amos of isolating the “Good Times” star and evading an investigation into his death. K.C. is reportedly the person who informed Los Angeles County about his father’s passing. “This tragic news has left us in shock and heartache,” the statement read. “We know he was suffering from congestive heart failure and dementia. We fear he was likely cremated to avoid any potential investigation into the conditions surrounding his final days.” https://twitter.com/Phil_Lewis_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1841559565982122014%7Ctwgr%5Ef367718c854cdcfa9e64bbbcac5c2a740dbf3751%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fjohn-amos-cause-of-death-confirmed%2F The indie drama “Magazine Dreams” starring Jonathan Majors, is set to hit theaters next year. Briarcliff Entertainment has acquired the U.S. rights to Elijah Bynum’s film and is planning a theatrical release for early 2025, IndieWire reports. “Magazine Dreams” originally premiered at Sundance in 2023 and was first picked up by Searchlight Pictures. However, after Majors’ conviction on assault and harassment charges, the studio pulled it from its release schedule and put it back on the market. Majors received glowing praise for his “powerhouse” performance as Killian Maddox, a troubled man who dreams of bodybuilding superstardom. Here is the Sundance Film Festival synopsis of the film: “Killian Maddox lives with his ailing veteran grandfather, obsessively working out between court-mandated therapy appointments and part-time shifts at a grocery store where he harbors a crush on a friendly cashier.” The description continues, “Though Killian’s struggles to read social cues and maintain control of his volatile temper amplify his sense of disconnection amid a hostile world, nothing deters him from his fiercely protected dream of bodybuilding superstardom, not even the doctors who warn that he’s causing permanent damage to his body with his quest.” In a statement, Briarcliff CEO Tom Ortenberg said, “Magazine Dreams is a visceral experience that challenges the perceptions of ambition and identity. Elijah’s film made a well-deserved splash in Sundance and Briarcliff is looking forward to taking his story to the big screen across the country in early 2025.” Denzel Washington appears to be trying to get ahead of what’s coming as it relates to his rumored connection to Diddy’s freak-offs. Word on the street is some of your favorite celebrities were longtime active participants at these nefarious events and we’re likely to see a massive rollout of their PR campaigns. One of Diddy’s alleged victims, a woman named Ally Carter, claims she was a minor when he and Denzel sexually abused her at a freak-off. According to the New York Post, Washington once popped off at Combs at one of the disgraced rapper’s all-night parties back in the early 2000s. Per the report, the Oscar-winning actor, “screamed” at Diddy before he “stormed out” a source told Us Weekly. Denzel screamed, ‘You don’t respect anyone,’” the source claimed. “[Denzel and his wife, Pauletta] had been partying until dawn [with Diddy], and they had seen something and stormed out,” the insider continued. Meanwhile, comedian Brandon T. Jackson has said that Denzel advised him to always leave Hollywood parties “before the devil get there.” Tisha Campbell is set to star in the ALLBLK original film “Operation: Aunties” with Melissa De Sousa, and Amayah Scott.Directed by Wendy Raquel Robinson, Vibe reports that the dramedy tells the story of a “longtime friendship that is tested when a risk-averse cryptocurrency expert and her retired detective best friend become vigilantes after discovering a cyber-crime syndicate in their city.” Per Vibe, the official synopsis reads: “After an attempted trafficking incident impacts her family, professor and blockchain expert Dr. Carol Cleavers (De Sousa) stumbles upon a dark web operation using new-age technology to assault and traffic women through a rideshare app. Knowing the feds won’t act fast enough, Carol teams up with her best friend, retired detective Sharon O’Hara (Campbell), and her niece Aminah James (Scott), computer hacker extraordinaire.” Brett Dismuke, Head of Content ALLBLK & We TV, described the movie as an “edgy action and laugh-out-loud comedy,” that tackles “real issues affecting our society today.” “Melissa, Tisha, and Amiyah expertly bring these strong, Black female characters to life, showcasing resilience, empowerment and tremendous heroism – keeping the laughs coming along the way, all of which resonate deeply with ALLBLK subscribers,” he said. During her appearance on The Breakfast Club on October 2, Stephanie Mills discussed the challenges of dating, stating that men prefer younger, light-skinned women. The 67-year-old singer explained that she found her confidence at the age of 55, but she hasn’t been able to lock down a loyal man or life partner. “When I turned 55, I was like, I’m doing what I want to do and don’t care what anybody thinks,” Mills said during the broadcast, The Jasmine Brand reports. She added, “I’m not dating. I’m a very independent woman, and I don’t like knuckleheads. Men have a lotta game with them. I’m not gonna play any games. I think even if they have another woman or another situation, I think they should be honest and most men are not honest.” https://youtu.be/CwuAFIKPRaE Superman is soaring back to the small screen this fall on the CW, but can it stand out amongst the storm of other superhero stories out there? A 4th and final season featuring the timeless superhero is almost here. The series is none other than “Superman & Lois,” developed by Todd Helbing and Greg Berlanti, based on the DC comic book characters created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. A reboot of the 90s drama series “Lois and Clark,” it focuses on the personal dramas within the Kent/Lane household and their small-town lives. That’s not to say there isn’t plenty of super-powered action and fisticuffs to go around. The show has a very cinematic quality to it as well, with Tyler Hoechlin and Elizabeth Tulloch starring as the titular heroes. The virtually indestructible Superman, the ultimate superhero of our age, is both humbled and humanized as one Clark Kent living in the American town of Smallville. This classic comic book hero is brought down thttps://youtu.be/yy8gLGmKu1Q He may be able to fly around the entire earth at least 100 times before you even finish reading this sentence, but can he handle the task of raising two teenage boys? This is just one of the challenges that must be faced in which superpowers are of absolutely no use. At one time, Superman may not have had anything to worry about on a personal level with no foes or obstacles that he could not overcome, but now as Clark Kent, he has a family to cherish and care for. Ultimately, to protect his family he must protect his true identity. Being a family man is the figurative break in Superman’s armor, a sort of second kryptonite; his identity and consequence of his family’s identity is a secret of utmost importance to keep closely guarded, preventing them from being exploited by evildoers, such as the cruel, conniving and sometimes petty Lex Luthor, played by Michael Cudlitz of “Walking Dead” fame. Cudlitz’s performance is an especially intimidating portrayal of Luthor, whose confidence and intimidation prove to be an effective weapon and tool for his less-than-admirable aspirations. The true identity of Superman is vital to be kept secret from the whole world, and in consequence, Luthor himself, to protect those that Clark loves. These include his twin sons Jordan and Jonathan, played by Alex Garfin and Michael Bishop, and not least of all his wife Lois, the courageous investigative journalist of the Daily Planet. Lois’ father, General Sam Lane, played by Dylan Walsh, also plays a key role in the unfolding drama by not only being Clark’s father-in-law but also by getting Superman involved with the US military. With an over-saturation of superhero and comic book-themed content, it is a bit difficult to strongly recommend this show with so many other options out there. Visually it looks quite nice and is very well shot, but unfortunately, there’s no stylistic liberties that take it to new heights to differentiate it from everything else. Syndicated entertainment columnist Dr. Eunice Moseley’s newest book “Journey to Success: A Systematic Review” (Dorrance Publishing) has been acquired by Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, Maryland. The book is written to inspire readers to overcome setbacks and adversities for that next level of success. It has also been acquired for sale in Tokyo, Japan, and Zimbabwe, South Africa. “Journey to Success” examines the concept of success by using the authors’ life decisions as examples of how one can reach the next level of success despite setbacks. The tactics developed by Dr. Moseley to reach next-level success throughout her life are supported by scientific data which brings credibility to those decisions. Read as Dr. Moseley guides the readers in overcoming setbacks to reach their next level of success. Recently the “Journey to Success…” book was acquired by the Los Angeles County Library, which is the largest library system in America providing 49 libraries for the 88 cities in L. A. County. The Enoch Pratt Free Library has 24 library branches in Baltimore and one main library in downtown Baltimore. It was established in 1883 by businessman Enoch Pratt with $1,058,333 so black people and people of low income could have access to books. The “Journey to Success” textbook has also been acquired for sale in Tokyo, Japan, and Zimbabwe, South Africa indicating a need for clarity in how one can overcome setbacks and deal with adversity. Tokyo, known for its anime, has a population of 14 million people. Zimbabwe is known for having the largest waterfall in the world (Victoria Falls) and can track its history back 100,000 years. The North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Chancellor’s Speaker Series 2024 season will open with “Your Voice, Your Vote,” featuring powerhouse actress, producer, change agent and leader, Yara Shahidi. This installment of the series will take place Thursday, Oct. 24, at 6 p.m., in Harrison Auditorium. North Carolina A&T alumnus Tylik McMillan ’19 will moderate the conversation. As political races intensify leading to Election Day, the necessity of accurate information and sound discussion prevails. “Your Voice, Your Vote,” will provide dialogue around individual and collective civic engagement, responsibility and the power to enact change. Shahidi is an award-winning actress, producer and breakout star of ABC’s Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated series, “black-ish.” She served as executive producer and lead of Freeform’s “black-ish” spinoff series, “grown-ish,” Amazon Studios’ romantic comedy, “Sitting in Bars with Cake,” and the Facebook Watch interview show, “Yara Shahidi’s Day Off.” She also played Tinker Bell in Disney’s live-action film, “Peter Pan & Wendy,” and voiced a character in Netflix’s 2022 animated film, “My Father’s Dragon.” Conservatives across the MAGA world would have us believe that colleges and universities are cesspools of liberal propaganda and biased discrimination against right-wing “free thinkers,” but maybe — just maybe — the real reason they hate these institutions of higher learning so much is that it’s more difficult for them to slip their fact-less nonsense past people who are educated. During the vice presidential debate Tuesday night between Sen. JD Vance and Gov. Tim Walz, Vance either revealed that he doesn’t actually know what the role of vice president is in government, or he pretended to be ignorant of it because he knows his constituents aren’t the most discerning people in the world when it comes to differentiating between truth and disingenuous political posturing. During the debate, Vance repeatedly accused Vice President Kamala Harris of failing to deliver on the promises she is now making to voters during her time in the White House under President Joe Biden, which would be fine if not for the glaring fact that vice presidents do not have the power to make executive decisions. https://twitter.com/i/status/1841347001503412519 Nathaniel “Nat” Turner’s story is an American tale of defiance and tragedy. Born into slavery on October 2, 1800, in Southhampton County, Virginia, Turner was a very religious man, partly because he was allowed to read and spent much of his time reading the bible. In 1831, Nat Turner led a rebellion of slaves known as the “Southampton Insurrection” against their White owners, which led to the death of more than 160 people in total. The rally would be the largest uprising, at that point, in United States history. Nat Turner spent his life in the Southampton region of Virginia, a predominately Black area. He had strong ties to the Coromantee people, as his maternal grandmother was a part of that group. The Coromantee were known for slave revolts, which may have inspired his later calling. Unlike many slaves, he learned to read and write at a young age, finding comfort in religion. Quoting Bible verses and plagued by what he thought to be prophetic visions, Turner would lead his fellow slaves in church services, with his congregation calling him a “prophet.” With the November election approaching, a Sept. 29 poll from political analyst Nate Silver shows Vice President Kamala Harris not only performing well in all seven swing states, but actually holding a narrow lead over Donald Trump in them as well. The states in play are Arizona, Nevada, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia. Securing their electoral votes is crucial for both candidates seeking the Oval Office. In his detailed forecast model–which ran 70,000 simulations–Harris emerged victorious in the pivotal states 15,273 times, while the second most likely scenario—Trump winning all seven—occurred 13,912 times. Silver noted that there is approximately a 40% chance that either candidate could win all seven swing states. As of Sunday morning, he assessed Harris’ likelihood of securing the Electoral College at 56% compared to Trump’s 44%. When it comes to voter engagement among young Black voters, college campuses are a great place to gage the pulse, especially HBCUs. NewsOne recently caught up with Black Voters Matter on the campus of Lincoln University of Pennsylvania during the first stop of their Take The Field College Bus Tour. The tour’s mission is to expand Black voter engagement and build grassroots progressive power on college campuses around the country. According to the organization’s website, “Take The Field” focuses on student activism by providing capacity-building training for student teams to get engaged on issues like racism, mental health, police violence, climate change, voter suppression, and more. Here’s the thing: You can support Donald Trump and you can support the troops, but it’s getting harder and harder to plausibly say you support both. Actually, it’s impossible at this point. During a campaign rally Q&A in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Tuesday, the same ex-president who, in August, bragged that the Presidential Medal of Freedom is a “better” award than the Medal of Honor because that medal is only received by “soldiers” who are either “dead” or in “bad shape” because they’ve been shot so many times, continued to treat the nation’s servicemen and women like they were stepchildren he didn’t really want to claim. https://twitter.com/i/status/1841260936595652920 Trina is set to release her memoir, “Da Baddest,” on October 8. According to Ice Cream Convos, the book offers an intimate look at her life, starting from her upbringing in Liberty City, Miami, where she was raised by her mother and stepfather. Through personal anecdotes, Trina’s memoir chronicles her journey to stardom. Growing up in the Liberty City area of Miami, Florida, Katrina “Trina” Taylor spent her childhood feeling relatively sheltered by her mother and stepfather. Trina and her mother had an unbreakable bond and Liberty City felt like a playground made just for her. And even at a young age, Trina knew what she wanted: to be a powerful, successful, and magnetic woman, a woman who was entirely self-reliant and independent. She dreamed of becoming a dancer, sexy and sparkling in the background of rap music videos she saw being filmed around Liberty City. Little did she know, she’d eventually be the star of the videos, and a founding Queen of rap. In Da Baddest, Trina’s voice is, as always, powerful, insightful, witty, and provocative, while also showcasing her vulnerability and deep love for her family, home, and music. This evocative look into Trina’s upbringing and life as a rap icon proves why she is the blueprint, how she helped pave the way for the future of female rappers and hip-hop artists, and why no one but her can hold the title of “The Baddest B*tch.” We’re hearing from Michael “Harry-O” Harris, a prominent figure in the entertainment industry and founder of Godfather Entertainment. Today (10-03-24), he announced the launch of the O-Plan Challenge, a powerful call to action for U.S. presidential candidates. Known for co-founding Death Row Records and propelling the careers of iconic hip-hop artists such as Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and Tupac Shakur, Harris is leveraging his influence and experiences to advocate for transformative political change. After remaining silent for three years following a Presidential commutation of his 33-year prison sentence in 2021 by then-president Donald Trump, Harris is now determined to engage in vital discussions on policies that address longstanding issues affecting marginalized communities. He understands the depth of these challenges, having experienced life as a young Black man in South Central Los Angeles and having spent 33 years in prison, including time on death row. https://youtu.be/xU5xVJXJoqU The O-Plan is a project of Our Community First Action, Inc. (OCFA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to amplifying the voices of communities and promoting robust policies designed to enhance neighborhood resilience and family well-being. Through a series of concerts and community events, Community First aims to unite individuals, showcasing their collective power and commitment to making a change. “Now is the time for our votes to result in real commitments from our leaders,” said Harris. “We cannot afford to let fleeting promises guide our future. It’s time for action and accountability.” https://www.instagram.com/theofficialharryo/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=043b01f9-639f-4175-9ffc-cb73135c0436 A flight attendant from American Airlines, Ally Case, shared essential travel tips in a viral TikTok video. As MadameNoire reports, Case advised against displaying personal information, like your name, home address, and phone number, on luggage tags for safety reasons. Instead, travelers should flip their luggage tags backward and write “flip over” to direct airport staff to the information. Case also suggested using tracking devices, such as Apple AirTags, to locate lost luggage. AirTags utilize Bluetooth to connect with nearby iPhones in the “Find My” network, offering precise tracking. Android users can use Chipolo’s new tracking devices, the One Point and Card Point, which work similarly through Google’s “Find My Device” app. Additionally, Case recommends booking the earliest flight (red eye) of the day to avoid delays and cancellations. If issues arise, flying early provides more options for rebooking later in the day. Hear more of her travel tips in the two TikTok clips. https://www.tiktok.com/@allycase1/video/7393063629907709214?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fflight-attendant-shares-essential-travel-tips%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121451205%2C121439635%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C72778571%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7393063629907709214 “I cannot tell you how many people I see, on a daily basis, with their information displayed for anyone to see,” the flight attendant shared. “I don’t even like strangers to know my name,” she told her over 150,000 followers on TikTok. “No chance I’m going to have my phone number and home address on display.” https://www.tiktok.com/@allycase1/video/7402266743189687583?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fflight-attendant-shares-essential-travel-tips%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121451205%2C121439635%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C72778571%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7402266743189687583 VICE TV has announced “Black Comedy in America,” a new docuseries that explores the impact of Black comedy on American culture over the past century. The series will feature prominent figures such as Will Smith, Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, Anthony Anderson, Marlon Wayans, Tiffany Haddish, and more. The series premieres Tuesday, October 15 at 10:00 PM ET/PT on VICE TV. Per the news release, it explores the lore and legends of Black comedy and offers a definitive look at the history and impact of America’s most prolific Black comedians. Haddish will host with fellow comedian Chris Spencer and Ryan Davis. Here’s the official synopsis: Black Comedy In America explores the comedic pioneers of film, television, and the standup scene, along with the humble beginnings and meteoric rises of the most powerful voices to ever enter Black comedy. The premiere begins with a rare sit-down reunion with The Original Kings of Comedy: Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer and D.L. Hughley. The series also delves into the cultural impact of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, The Best Man, Def Comedy Jam, the wave of memorable Black sitcoms from the 70s, and influential household names such as Richard Pryor and Dave Chappelle. In addition, the show features a raw exploration of Jim Crow segregation with a nostalgic look at the foundations of the Chitlin’ Circuit, where Black comedy got its roots. “This collection of comedians and their stories presents an expansive, yet intimate look at the setbacks, triumphs and cultural inroads blazed by the most incredible comedians the world has ever known” said Pete Gaffney, VICE Media’s President, Global TV. “We are glad to do our part in shining a light on these legends with a project that is both ambitious and historical.” https://vimeo.com/1015783279 Check out an exclusive clip of this week’s episode of Oxygen True Crime’s “Killer Relationship with Faith Jenkins,” now in its second season. Per the news release, Jenkins, a former criminal prosecutor at the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, explores the heart-stopping details of murders traced back to romantic liaisons and close friendships that seemed perfect on the surface. Stories investigated this season include a beloved second-grade teacher who goes missing just as she’s embarking on a new chapter in her life; a former DEA agent found dead after living a quiet life in the Florida Keys; a Korean War veteran whose murder unveils a tangled web of secrets and betrayal and a mother who vanishes on her way home from a prenatal yoga class. The exclusive clip above highlights the curious case of Chris Daigle, who mysteriously disappeared from Missouri City, Texas a decade ago. Since then, his mother will stop at nothing to get answers while keeping friends close but enemies closer. When the family consults a psychic, she tells them he’s been shot, and gives them clues to his location, per the description. The episode titled “Buried Secrets” airs on Saturday, October 5 at 8 pm ET/PT on Oxygen. https://youtu.be/0RUALgjjjl0 La La Anthony is speaking out what her long battle with plaque psoriasis, which affects over six million individuals in the U.S. As Newsweek reports, plaque psoriasis begins with internal inflammation and manifests externally as itchy, flaky patches that may cover extensive areas of the skin. “This is the first time I’m really talking about it publicly… but you just get that ‘aha’ moment where you realize ‘I wasn’t put in this position to not utilize my voice and my platform for good,'” Anthony told the publication. “It’s also about letting people know that I’m not ashamed of it, it’s not a scary thing… it was the perfect timing to do this,” she added. Anthony struggled for years to find an effective treatment for her plaque psoriasis. “I’ve just had to figure out ways to live with it, being a public figure and someone that’s on TV, whether it’s how I do my hair or something that I wear or working out if I have an itchy patch, how do I cover that?” she said. https://youtu.be/jjy8eAiOC1U Local legend Donna Summer has been immortalized in a giant mural in Nubian Square. The mammoth art piece is part of a growing push from a local initiative Black Market Nubian. The organization is already seeing tours come to the area as public art expands. “We want to see more and more of our city’s icons represented in regard to tourism,” said Kai Grant, Director of Black Market Nubian. “Young girls get to see themselves represented and representation really does matter.” Highlighting Roxbury’s history Black Market Nubian is working to highlight and preserve Roxbury’s history and community through these art installations. Donna Summer is actually on the side of their building on Washington Street. “She is someone who made their dreams a reality, and for us, that is such a necessity, especially right now,” explains Grant. https://youtu.be/dl9lqltu8h0 Arlen Escarpeta, who stars as ‘Zeke Wallace’ in NBC’s hit drama series “Found” dish about the highly-anticipated second season premiering on Thursday, October 3.Escarpeta shared exciting insights about his character’s evolution and the intense storylines to come. “Found” follows PR specialist Gabi Mosely (Shanola Hampton) and her crisis management team as they tirelessly search for missing people who often don’t receive media attention—while Gabi secretly harbors a chilling mystery of her own. “She’s been secretly solving cases with the help of Sir (Mark-Paul Gosselaar), the man who kidnapped Gabi as a teen and is now himself a captive in Gabi’s basement,” per NBC.com. Here’s the official Season 2 synopsis: “In any given year, more than 600,000 people are reported missing in the U.S. More than half that number are people of color that the country seems to forget about. Public relations specialist Gabi Mosely (series star and producer Shanola Hampton), who was once herself one of those forgotten ones, and her crisis management team make sure there is always someone looking out for the missing. Gabi, however, has a chilling secret: In the midst of grief, she imprisoned her childhood kidnapper, Sir (Mark-Paul Gosselaar). Now Sir has escaped and is on the loose, and her biggest secret is now her biggest threat.” Lisa Katz, president scripted content at NBCUniversal Entertainment, called the series “a testament to the incredibly passionate work” of showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll, per THR. https://vimeo.com/1015910653 The vice presidential debate between Ohio Sen. JD Vance and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz was something that’s become increasingly rare in modern American politics: normal. In an event that is unlikely to change the trajectory of the presidential race, the two running mates were cordial with each other, training their attacks instead on the tops of the opposing tickets and focusing largely on policy differences. Vance repeatedly hit Vice President Kamala Harris on border security, while Walz lambasted former President Donald Trump on abortion rights. Vance was the Republican ticket’s younger face and more polite voice. Unlike Trump, he pronounced Harris’ first name correctly. He referred to his opponent by his title. He didn’t often whine about the moderators – though Trump did so during the debate on his Truth Social platform. The Ohio senator also largely passed on opportunities to litigate the details of Walz’s own biography. https://youtu.be/Vn-odVyKOI0 BET is announcing that diamond-certified rapper, producer, entrepreneur, and global superstar Travis Scott is the recipient of this year’s prestigious “I Am Hip Hop Award.” The six-time “BET Hip Hop Awards” 2024 nominee will be celebrated for his creative genius, cultural contributions, and incredible talent, which have catapulted him to the top of the game as one of the most innovative forces in music and popular culture. This year’s show, taped at Drai’s Beachclub & Nightclub in Las Vegas, NV, on Tuesday, October 8, will transform the traditional award show format into an exciting celebration of hip hop, highlighting iconic club anthems from over the years. Hosted by hip hop legend Fat Joe, “BET Hip Hop Awards” 2024 will premiere on Tuesday, October 15, at 8 PM ET/PT on BET. “Travis Scott is a visionary artist who continues to push the boundaries of music, culture, and live performance,” said Connie Orlando, EVP, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy. With his unmatched creativity and relentless passion, he has redefined what it means to be a captivating, inspiring entertainer within the hip-hop genre. We look forward to celebrating him at BET Hip Hop Awards 2024.” Megan Thee Stallion leads this year’s nominations with an outstanding twelve nods. “BET Hip Hop Awards” 2024 celebrates the best in Hip Hop from the past year across 17 categories chosen by a prestigious voting academy of industry experts. For the complete list of “BET Hip Hop Awards” 2024 nominees. Billboard-charting R&B sensation Tanya Nolan speaks out on the need for men to respect women in the music industry, emphasizing the importance of love and mutual empowerment while continuing to dominate the charts with her hit singles. The celebrated R&B singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur has made waves in the music industry with her latest single, “Like Water,” featuring Grammy Award-winning artist Raheem DeVaughn. Released in May 2024, this sultry, jazz-infused track has not only captivated fans but has also been added to Smooth Jazz radio, establishing it as a seductive summer anthem. Thttps://youtu.be/DELapj7GOqM As Nolan continues to climb the charts and push creative boundaries, she is using her platform to advocate for the respect of women in the music industry, encouraging men to lead with love and equality. “Being in the music industry, I’ve seen how women are often overlooked and undervalued, and that needs to change,” says Nolan. “Respect is the foundation for any successful relationship, whether personal or professional. As men in the industry, it’s time to step up, support, and respect women as equals, acknowledging their talents and contributions with the love and dignity they deserve.”https://youtu.be/_GslbLS_EDs Raven-Symoné is grieving the loss of her father, Christopher B. Pearman, and shared the heartbreaking news in a touching social media post. “My life has been long and abundant,” the “That’s So Raven” star posted on Instagram on Oct. 1, which featured a throwback photo of her as a child with her dad. “And the path I’m on started with a dream. Hope he is watching with a smile on his face…” In the comment section, one person asked, “Are you saying your dad passed away???? He and I are friends on FB and we are very close and I need to know for real??????????” Raven answered: “Yes ma’am.” As E! News reports, she didn’t share any additional details about Christopher’s passing. https://www.instagram.com/ravensymone/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=5f955319-f573-41a9-8dcf-3759c339d1a4 Bronny’s entry into the NBA with the LA Lakers sparked mixed reactions, with sports podcaster Jason Whitlock previously stating that LeBron manipulated his son’s opportunity. Whitlock suggested that LeBron turned Bronny into a “Make-a-Wish” case, implying he lacks the necessary talent for the NBA. “LeBron James has turned his son into the Make-A-Wish kid. And everybody in the media is going to play along. Everybody is going to play along, like, not everybody, because we’re not. And some,” Whitlock said. “There are a handful of people calling this out, but you’ve turned your son into the Make-A-Wish kid.“ Meanwhile, LeBron has expressed that his son’s mental fortitude is already at a professional level. In a revealing interview with ESPN, the Lakers star shared insights into Bronny’s resolute attitude towards external opinions. “Bronny doesn’t give a f*** about any of the outside noise,” LeBron said. “He plays, he works his tail off, and when he goes home, he plays video games.” https://youtu.be/St6SNflRqrI The mother and daughter duo behind Beautiful Curly Me are speaking out against Wells Fargo after the bank unexpectedly closed and emptied their business accounts. Zoe, the 12-year-old CEO of the company, shared on Instagram that they discovered the issue after noticing declined transactions, MadameNoire reports. Wells Fargo claimed the action was taken due to the company allegedly not having a valid address on file. Beautiful Curly Me empowers young girls of color through dolls, puzzles, and books. “This was not the case yesterday, so my mom called Wells Fargo, and we found out that our account had been closed because we did not have a legitimate business address when we did have our physical office address on there,” Zoe explained. “They closed our accounts, our balances were showing zero, and then said that they would give us our money in a check that would take two weeks to come. First of all, how would you take our money and not give it back for the next two weeks without any warning?” Zoe criticized the bank for mistreating their small, Black-owned business, highlighting that they had maintained a positive relationship with Wells Fargo and even received a $5,000 grant from them the previous year. https://www.instagram.com/beautifulcurlyme/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=14ff2c1a-1f5e-4768-830d-86cd03f8ab7c Login • Instagram “Today is just so crazy to me, because this is just unacceptable for a small business, for anybody to go ahead and take our money,” the young entrepreneur added. According to her mother and business partner, Evana Oli, a bank representative said, “She couldn’t do anything to remedy the situation.” She added, “This is wrong!” Watch Evana’s message to supporters about the bank dilemma in the Instagram video. Zoe and her mother are offering a 20% discount with the code SUPPORT20 to encourage fans to purchase items from the Beautiful Curly Me website. https://www.instagram.com/evanaoli/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=f344da72-9cea-43ee-b846-6a2b0021c523 Eric Benét recently shared a humorous story involving Joe Jackson, Michael Jackson’s father, from an awards show many years ago. In a TikTok video, Benét explained that he was thrilled to be seated in front of the legendary figure. However, his excitement turned to confusion as he listened to Jackson repeatedly mispronouncing the name of his ex-wife, Halle Berry. “The first thing I thought was, it’s pronounced ‘Halle’ not Holly,’” said Benét. “Next thing I thought was what the actual F is happening right now?” The singer continued, “Does he think he’s being witty? Is he trying to introduce himself to me? Is that the ice breaker? Is he bonding with me on some suspected Hollywood villain-type sh*t?” Benét nervously laughed off the weird situation. https://www.tiktok.com/@ericbenetofficial/video/7420133835116907806?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Feric-benet-reflects-on-hilarious-encounter-with-joe-jackson%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121451205%2C121439635%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C72778571%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7420133835116907806 Naomi Campbell has addressed rumors of a feud with Rihanna that emerged following a viral video from New York Fashion Week. In an interview with The New York Times, the supermodel emphasized her commitment to not pitting two Black women against each other, stating, “We are two women with two children, mothers,” she said, The Independent reports. The speculation arose after a video from the Alaïa spring 2025 show on September 6 showed Rihanna arriving last and greeting a man seated near Campbell instead of acknowledging her. This led fans to believe there was tension between the two. “Naomi Campbell and Rihanna really do hate each other,” one X user wrote, while another added: “The way they were looking at her with awe or waiting for her acknowledgment.” https://youtu.be/I-qhBso1y74 “What’s crazy…is the biggest moment…the high…is in live shows when you at the moment,” said Country music’s Robby Johnson when we were discussing his new single “More Than You Think.” Robby’s Country sound is taking the industry by storm. He is highly in demand with performances on the Late Show with David Letterman and as the opening act for Keith Urban. Each month he boasts an average of 80,000 listeners on Spotify. “I had 35,000 people screaming my name,” Robby laughed a little when I asked about being opening for Grammy and Country Music award-winning Keith Urban. “Artists stop me…they go, ‘Oh my god!’ It inspires me. I still don’t believe it.” Based in Nashville, one of Robby Johnson’s music videos won CMT Pure’s 12 Pack Countdown. His debut single made it to the Top 20 Country Radio Chart. “It was my first single back then. I shot a music video in Jamaica,” he said. “We put it online and it got viral.” https://youtu.be/DxectSqWRUY Get ready for an unforgettable evening of smooth R&B and jazz as acclaimed singer, trumpeter, and arranger Johnny Britt brings his talent to the iconic Catalina Jazz Club, 6725 Sunset Blvd in Los Angeles on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at 8:30 PM. This intimate performance is part of Britt’s highly anticipated Soloist Sessions, and tickets are now available at Ticketweb. Johnny Britt has been capturing hearts and topping charts with his soulful renditions. His latest single, a fresh take on the 1964 Dionne Warwick classic “Walk On By,” has garnered widespread praise for its unique arrangement and emotional depth. https://youtu.be/wNU8Xbi_CHQ Britt shares, “When I began arranging ‘Walk On By,’ it just poured right out of me. I knew right there in the studio that it was a special rendition.” The song follows his No. 1 hit single, “After We Play” featuring Peter White, and his celebrated track “Ocean Waves” featuring Blair Bryant. “Walk On By” is already earning Britt recognition as a front-runner for Best Arrangement, Instruments, and Vocals, while his hit “Ain’t Nothin’ but the Funk” featuring Tom Browne is up for Best Traditional R&B Performance. https://youtu.be/Kg8dLm3QC80 CBS Mornings co-host Tony Dokoupil served as a reminder of how white journalists have historically treated Black intellectuals, particularly those who refuse to help perpetuate views that have already been given plenty of air time in mainstream media. During a panel discussion with acclaimed author, educator and activist Ta-Nehisi Coates, Dokoupil took a particularly aggressive approach to questioning Coates about his book The Message, which draws parallels between Israel’s mistreatment of Palestinians and the Jim Crow South in America. https://twitter.com/i/status/1840749848703770679 Apparently, Dokoupil wasn’t a fan of the book, and he wasn’t shy about saying so. “I have to say, when I read the book, I imagine if I took your name out of it, took away the awards and the acclaim, took the cover off the book, the publishing house goes away, the content of that section would not be out of place in the backpack of an extremist,” Dokoupil said. “So then I found myself wondering, why does Ta-Nehisi Coates – who I’ve known for a long time, read his work for a long time, very talented, smart guy – leave out so much? Why leave out that Israel is surrounded by countries that want to eliminate it? Why leave out that Israel deals with terror groups that want to eliminate it? Why not detail anything of the First and the Second Intifada, the cafe bombings, the bus bombings, the little kids blown to bits? And is it because you just don’t believe that Israel in any condition has a right to exist?” So, before we get into Coates’ response, I’d just like to take the liberty of translating Dokoupil’s diatribe as I heard it, being very much fluent in Caucasian condescension. https://twitter.com/i/status/1840941294106878264 With a great passion to be a driving force for innovative change, Deanna Ransom is a woman on a mission to make a difference. Ms. Ransom is an ordained Elder, award-winning Recording Artist, certified speaker, coach, trainer and mentor, and a song writer. She is also bi-vocational and serves as the Co-CEO of a technology professional services organization RevSymphony and previously as the President and Executive Director of a global non-profit womens’s organization of over 7,000 members where she won the Female Executive of the Year in the non-profit sector 2022 with over 15+ as a senior executive leader in the technology industry. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCG3sr5OpUI A dynamic force in music and ministry, has crafted a legacy spanning over two decades. Cedric Ballard has shared the stage with many of gospel's greatest legends. With an unyielding spirit and an acceptance of the divine assignment, Cedric Ballard stands ready for the next chapter, committed to using music to inspire, uplift, and illuminate the path of faith for all who listen. "BLESSING ME" is from the album "The Journey" has been prepared to inspire and strengthen your faith. It's my life's journey through music, and it speaks to all of us who have been on a journey over the past few years. Be encouraged through this message in the music. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Nf_SbU_w_Q The family of a Black woman whose preventable death from a rare and severe infection that went untreated for more than 17 hours by hospital staff after she sought an abortion in Georgia praised Gov. Tim Walz for keeping her name alive during a powerful moment at the vice presidential debate on Tuesday night. Walz squared off against Republican vice presidential nominee and Ohio Sen. JD Vance during the debate in New York City, where the topic turned to reproductive rights. https://www.instagram.com/cbsnews/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=0d1b0e1f-1692-49fc-b4cf-9ff60bdf1f61 The hip-hop community is mourning the untimely loss of Dequantes Devontay Lamar, known to fans as Rich Homie Quan, who died on the cusp of his 35th birthday from a toxic mix of several different drugs, including fentanyl. Known for his distinct sound that beautifully melded southern hip-hop with melodic elements, Rich Homie Quan was a prominent figure in the music industry, making waves in the early 2010s with hit tracks like “Type of Way” and “Flex (Ooh, Ooh, Ooh).” His collaborations with fellow artists such as Young Thug and Birdman helped solidify his place in the hearts of many music lovers. Tragically, on an ordinary day last month, the rapper was found unresponsive in his Atlanta home by his girlfriend. Shockingly, despite efforts to resuscitate him, paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene, prompting an investigation into the cause of his death. The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s report would soon reveal heartbreaking news: Rich Homie Quan died from an accidental overdose caused by a lethal mix of drugs, TMZ reports. https://vimeo.com/1015439675 Check out an exclusive clip from the new “Everybody Still Hates Chris” series featuring Bell Biv DeVoe. This is the reimagined adult animated series based on Chris Rock’s autobiographical family comedy “Everybody Hates Chris,” features Rock as “Adult Chris,” narrating stories inspired by his experience growing up as a skinny nerd in a large working-class family in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, during the late 1980s, per the news release. Two news episodes air tonight, Oct. 2, at 10 pm ET/PT on Comedy Central. “Everybody Still Hates Chris” stars Chris Rock, Terry Crews, Tichina Arnold, Gunnar Sizemore, Ozioma Akagha, Tim Johnson Jr, and Terrence Little Gardenhigh. https://vimeo.com/1015439675 Amazon, it appears, has bowed to pressure and has ceased the sale of a memoir that claimed to be penned by Kim Porter, the late ex-partner of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. The book, titled “Kim’s Lost Words: A Journey for Justice, From the Other Side,” was published by Todd Christopher Guzze under the pseudonym Jamal T. Millwood. This self-published work was based on a supposed collection of diary entries and documents, said to illustrate Porter’s tumultuous relationship with Combs. Following a spike in interest after Combs was arrested on serious charges in September, “Kim’s Lost Words” briefly soared to the top of Amazon’s bestseller list. However, the memoir quickly became a focal point of controversy as allegations arose that the book was fabricated. This prompted an outcry from Porter’s children, who vehemently disputed the legitimacy of the memoir, asserting it was “simply untrue” that their mother had authored any such work. Porter, who passed away suddenly from pneumonia in 2018 at the age of 47, left behind three children with Combs: Christian, now 26, and the 17-year-old twins Jessie and D’Lila. She also raised Quincy Brown, 33, from her previous relationship (and marriage) with singer/producer Al B Sure!. https://youtu.be/rwykpI2sRPU Beyoncé channels Marilyn Monroe in a new ad for her new whiskey brand SirDavis. The superstar posted several photos on Instagram from a retro-Hollywood event in Paris celebrating her new alcohol brand, where she donned a platinum blonde wig and wore a plunging Gucci dress with gold platform heels, Page Six reports. Beyoncé launched SirDavis in partnership with Moët Hennessy, part of the French luxury giant LVMH. In a press release, the brand describes SirDavis as a unique take on whisky with its “bespoke recipe,” unconventional maturation process, and distinctive flavor profile inspired by Japanese and Scottish traditions. The name of the whiskey is a tribute to Bey’s great-grandfather, Davis Hogue, who was a moonshiner during the Prohibition era, Daily Mail reports. “I’ve always been drawn to the power and confidence I feel when drinking quality whisky and wanted to invite more people to experience that feeling,’ Beyoncé said in a statement. “When I discovered that my great-grandfather had been a moonshine man, it felt like my love for whisky was fated. SirDavis is a way for me to pay homage to him, uniting us through a new shared legacy,” she continued. https://www.instagram.com/beyonce/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=d73688e8-4843-4516-aa9e-2936f04f353d “In partnering with Moët Hennessy, we have crafted a delicious American whisky that respects tradition but also empowers people to experience something new and unique in the category. You can taste it better than I could ever tell you — welcome, SirDavis,” the songstress said. Beyoncé is entering the whisky market following her husband Jay-Z’s success in the field. According to Forbes, the whisky industry was instrumental in making Jay-Z, who is featured in the SirDavis ad, a billionaire. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAcsszwxbuy/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=0428a9ba-f8c0-4edb-a5e6-c50ebc20d91e Chris Brown is the subject of a new Investigation Discovery documentary that will unpack his history of sexual violence against women. The project titled “Chris Brown: A History of Violence” airs on October 27, part of the network’s third annual No Excuse for Abuse campaign. The documentary will feature a new, anonymous accuser and commentary on the psychological effects of abuse, Vibe reports. “Chris Brown’s an amazing and talented musician, but let’s call a thing a thing. He’s an abuser of women. Consistently, unapologetically,” a woman says in the trailer (see below). The doc will explore Brown’s history of assault charges and interpersonal violence. “With expert and cultural commentary layered throughout, the documentary provides thoughtful reflections into each survivor’s experience and the psychological destruction in the aftermath of their abuse,” the film’s producers said in a statement.The documentary premiere will be followed by a panel discussion hosted by Sunny Hostin of “The View.” In a statement, she said, “Domestic violence is a very close, personal issue to me as I reflect on my past as a prosecutor of these types of cases, and in my role as a mother and public figure whose actions inform and help shape the next generation. This issue is a prevalent epidemic which knows no socio-economic boundaries, so I am dedicated to expanding and continuing this crucial conversation. The more we know, the better we can help advocate for change as a society.” https://youtu.be/QI2gsy34TAg Professional boxer Mylik Birdsong was fatally shot during a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles on Sunday. According to the LAPD, the incident occurred around 4:50 PM near Watts while Birdsong was standing outside of a vehicle along with his girlfriend, PEOPLE reports. Several men in a dark SUV approached him and opened fire. As Birdsong tried to escape, two of the suspects exited the vehicle, pursued him, and continued shooting. Birdsong, who was shot seven times in the chest, was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. “A dark-colored SUV drove by westbound on 87th [Street] and shot at the victim,” an LAPD spokesperson told KTLA-TV. “The victim then ran towards his residence [when] two suspects from the vehicle started chasing him while shooting at him.” https://youtu.be/P2LsnXBJf64 Two men 15 to 20 years old pulled up to the house and one started talking to Mylik, according to his mom, Zonyia Birdsong. “So he just said ‘what’s up bro’ and then they pulled out these guns. He took one shot to his shoulder first,” she told FOX 11. Zonyia said the suspects threatened Mylik’s girlfriend before he ran down the driveway. “They both stood up over him and there was the sound of bang,” she added. https://twitter.com/TMZ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1840949772712136943%7Ctwgr%5E80e03d0da9ffc583de6d09d6189e9a324e91de94%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fmylik-birdsong-killed-in-drive-by-shooting%2F Lawyers for Sean “Diddy” Combs are appealing a federal judge’s decision to deny the music mogul bail and place him in custody, according to a two-page notice of appeal filed Monday (09-30-24). Combs is currently incarcerated and awaiting his criminal trial, after being arrested earlier this month and charged with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He pleaded not guilty to the charges. Combs’ lawyers had previously asked the judge to release the rapper on a $50 million bond, home detention, and limits on visitors. Judge Andrew Carter rejected the proposal, siding with federal prosecutors who argued that Combs was a danger to the community and a flight risk. The judge said one of his biggest concerns were allegations that Combs had attempted to tamper with witnesses who had been contacted by prosecutors as part of the investigation. https://youtu.be/L4JCzNETuNg Gov. Gavin Newsom signed several bills included in a priority reparations package introduced by the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), including Assembly Bill 3089 — which formally apologies to Black Californians for the harms caused by slavery, discrimination, and other historical injustices. However, some advocates say they do not consider the legislation reparations. Newsom signed the historic bills into law before members of CLBC in the State Capitol Annex Swing Spaces’ press room. The bills address key issues such as housing disparities, maternal health, economic inequality, and educational access –issues that have long disproportionately impacted Black Californians. “Today’s bill signing represents a promise for the future based on years of hard work and dedication from the CLBC and our allies,” stated Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City). “Together with Gov. Newsom, we are sending a powerful message that California is leading the way in repairing the harm done to Black communities. Today marks a victory, but only the first in the continued fight for justice.” AB 3089 passed the Legislature with unanimous bipartisan support. It acknowledges California’s historical role in the perpetuation of slavery and its enduring legacy. https://youtu.be/DrVO38IH-jo The Haitian American Diaspora are tribal people. What affects one of them most likely affects all of them. That’s something Donald Trump and JD Vance didn’t count on when they perpetuated a lie about Haitian immigrants in Ohio. When Vance picked up that lie from social media about Haitians eating pets and then Trump took it nationwide by stating the lie out loud during the presidential debate, it was meant to be a racist dog whistle to their MAGA base. What Republicans didn’t count on was how tribal affiliation works: When they villainized the 15,000 Haitian immigrants in Springfield, they forgot about the 715,000 more Haitian immigrants living throughout the United States who equally were as offended by their comments. And more importantly, most of these Haitians are registered VOTERS! More than 500,000 Haitian Americans live in Florida. Trump won Florida in 2020 by just 371,000 votes. Their vote could be the difference between Trump’s loss and Vice President Kamala Harris’ win in Florida in November. That’s just one state. Where do the other 215,000 Haitian immigrants live? https://youtu.be/9DL9fzWOYok Southwest Airlines plans to revamp the interior design of its fleet of 800 aircraft. The airline is also adding more red-eye flights and shifting to assigned seats after 50 years of open seating. “This is a very significant change. It may be one of the most significant changes we’ve ever gone through,” Ryan Green, Southwest’s executive vice president commercial transformation, told CBS News. As part of the major changes rolling out over the next two years, Southwest passengers will benefit from larger overhead bins, redesigned seat trays, and device holders and charging ports at each seat. Additionally, premium seating will be available in the front and back of the plane. “Customers want premium of all kinds, and if you’re flying longer, that extra legroom is worth a lot,” Southwest CEO Bob Jordan told CBS News. “For the passenger experience, you’ll have these new extended legroom seats. Those will come at a cost,” said Green. “And then, if you wanna sit towards the front, but you don’t wanna spend the money for these seats, there will be your regular economy seats that are still close to the front. You’ll be able to book those specifically as well,” he added.https://youtu.be/TzrP2vCG_IA Research suggests that brief evening exercises, such as squats, calf raises, and standing knee raises, can enhance sleep quality and duration. A study published in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine found that participants who interrupted prolonged sitting with short, bodyweight resistance exercises slept almost 30 minutes longer than those who remained sedentary, Fox News reports. Although the exercises did not affect sleep efficiency or the number of night awakenings, they improved overall sleep time without disrupting sleep quality. “Performing bodyweight resistance exercise activity breaks in the evening has the potential to improve sleep period and total sleep time, and does not disrupt other aspects of sleep quality or subsequent 24-hour physical activity,” the New Zealand-based researchers concluded. “These are very short bouts of relatively low-intensity physical activity that anyone could do in their evening hours,” sleep expert Dr. Wendy Troxel said in an interview with Fox News Digital. “And I think it really speaks to the potential harms of extended periods of sedentary activity.” A 30% increased mortality risk is one of the consequences of an excessively sedentary lifestyle, the expert warned. https://youtu.be/t0kACis_dJE The Violinaires have been an institution in Gospel music since the early 1950s. With Detroit, MI roots, The Violinaires were founded by Isaiah “Lil’ Shot” Jones, Wilson DeShields, and Leo Coney. Wilson Pickett joined the Violinaires for a brief period, then went solo to become a soul music superstar. New members added to the group were Willie Banks and Robert Blair, who led the group until his death in 2001, when he was replaced by pastor Danny Walker. By the '80s, The Violinaires became The Fantastic Violinaires, signed to Malaco Records. Fast forward to today, over seventy years of writing, performing, and ministering great Gospel and Gospel quartet classics and hits, and after a few variations on the group's name, they are now known by The Fantastik Violinaires and are still making their mark in Gospel music. Today, The Fantastik Violinaires group members are Danny Walker, Wesley Hill, Lamont McDowell, RaShane Hayes, Brandon McDowell, Jerry Hasberry, and Rashaun Hayes. These gentlemen have released an all new single, https://t.e2ma.net/click/gdwh2k/smf04b/gx38fec Culture Kitchen returns Wednesday, October 2, at 9 PM ET/8C. CUBAN INSPIRED FAMILY MEALS Chef Bren Herrera hangs out with her mom and niece Sophia as they prepare delicious, Cuban family meals. On the menu is carne con papa (slow cooked beef stew with potatoes) along with picadillo stuffed peppers with olives and raisin. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNRH6WO7bY4 New Soul Kitchen returns Wednesday, October 2, at 9:30 PM ET/8:30C. LADIES NIGHT BRUNCH This episode is for the ladies! Chef Jernard lays out a brunch that you can eat any time of the day. On the menu is salmon croquets over sweet potato grits. Then, its cinnamon roll peach cobbler topped with whipped cream. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odPf7Lqkyqc One thing to know about white MAGA conservatives is that they can’t even explain that they’re not racist without being demonstrably racist. Take, for example, a 63-year-old white grandmother who called into C-SPAN during Monday’s Washington Journal program so that she could share her unsolicited thoughts on Vice President Kamla Harris and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), who she chided for calling MAGA supporters white supremacists — just before she implied that Black voters were responsible for white supremacy. https://youtu.be/nhg_wBoXelk Stellar-nominated choirmaster Kenny Lewis & One Voice has just released their highly anticipated new album, The Healing Project! This album has already received an immense amount of praise from those who experienced the recording in person, and now it is available for the rest of the world to enjoy. “This album truly was a labor of love for me, and I pray it brings as much healing to others as it has already brought to me,” says Lewis. “This body of music is dedicated to anyone that is going through a challenge in life or overwhelmed by the pressures of the world. I hope you experience freedom and enjoy the incredible melodies sent by God.” The album’s leading single, “Call His Name” featuring Kim Burrell is currently Top 10 on Billboard and expected to hit #1 soon. Other special features in include multi--Stellar Award winner, Zacardi Cortez, Paul Porter, Cardell Booker, and David Wilford. This combination of powerful soloist matched with intricate vocals of One Voice has created a masterpiece of music. When speaking of the album, multi Stellar Award-winning choirmaster Ricky Dillard says, “This is the sound that must remain in our churches…IT MUST BE PRESERVED! This is so good! #ImJustSoProudofYou”. Grammy Award-wining Producer/Songwriter, Donald Lawrence says, “Kenny Lewis & One Voice displays their range to sing urban grooves, classic gospel as well as praise and worship on this latest project. Vocally, they have an AMAZING blend and the live session was just an incredible artistic & spiritual moment #AMustHave”. The trial began Monday, and it took less than a week for Justin Johnson to be found guilty of first-degree murder in the 2021 killing of Memphis rapper Young Dolph. The jury took under four hours to deliberate on Thursday (Sept. 26), and immediately after the verdict was read, the judge gave Johnson life. MORE: Dolph Shooter Says He Received $800 of Promised $100K Bounty for His Role In Rapper’s Slaying. Cornelius Smith, the other shooter who earlier this week said he only earned $800 for the killing, testified against Johnson and admitted to killing Dolph on the first day of trial. https://twitter.com/i/status/1839418174900699644 Fans are eagerly tuning in to watch WNBA players this season, with Nielsen reporting an impressive average of 1.2 million viewers across ESPN’s platforms—an incredible 70% increase from last year. The huge surge can be attributed partly to the excitement surrounding Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark, who captivated audiences during their college rivalry and are now being cheered on in their journeys with the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever. However, some fans have crossed the line, sharing racist and sexist remarks about the players on the internet and setting a troubling precedent of hate within the league. https://twitter.com/i/status/1839130782125740224 The action plan came a little too late for Angel Reese, who claimed she had faced racism from fans online over the “last two years” of her career. The former LSU player asserted that the media “benefited from my pain” in order “to create a narrative” about her personality. Reese, 22, recently launched her Unapologetically Angel podcast series, where she opened up about some of the challenges she faced during her rookie year. The star said she created it in part to take her “voice back” and to create change in the league for other players of color.https://twitter.com/awfulannouncing/status/1839159138716160240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1839446245183828041%7Ctwgr%5Ec220a897221e9ee9c1b7a591d5c6ed240bc02fc2%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewsone.com%2F5581464%2Fwnba-racism-statement%2F During an interview with James Boyd of The Athletic this week, Clark called out internet “trolls” for spreading hate about players from the league online. “Nobody in our league should be facing any sort of racism, hurtful, disrespectful, hateful comments and threats. Those aren’t fans. Those are trolls,” she said before urging fans to celebrate all of the powerful stories and successes of the women in the WNBA. “Nobody in our league should be facing any sort of racism, hurtful, disrespectful, hateful comments and threats. Those aren’t fans. Those are trolls,” she said before urging fans to celebrate all of the powerful stories and successes of the women in the WNBA. https://twitter.com/i/status/1839675819649577329 John Amos, the actor known for his role as the family patriarch on the hit sitcom “Good Times” and the adult Kunta Kinte in the famed miniseries “Roots,” has died, according to a statement from his son shared with The Hollywood Reporter. Amos died on August 21 in Los Angeles of natural causes. He was 84. His death, announced by his son Kelly Christopher Amos, had not been disclosed until today, Deadline reports. “It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned,” Kelly Christopher Amos said in a statement. “He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold… and he was loved the world over. Many fans consider him their TV father. He lived a good life. His legacy will live on in his outstanding works in television and film as an actor. My father loved working as an actor throughout his entire life…. most recently in Suits LA playing himself and our documentary about his life journey as an actor, America’s Dad. He was my dad, my best friend, and my hero. Thank you for your prayers and support at this time.” https://youtu.be/EiU-kA-K4yk Actor Jon-Adrian “JJ” Velazquez, known for his role in the drama feature “Sing Sing,” has been exonerated after spending nearly 24 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. He was wrongfully convicted in 1998 for the murder of a retired New York police officer and sentenced to 25 years to life, despite having an alibi, not matching the suspect description and no physical evidence linked him to the crime. Velazquez’s exoneration took place in a downtown Manhattan courthouse on a Monday morning (Sept. 30),Variety reports. The path to exoneration began in 2002 when “Dateline NBC” investigated his case, uncovering new evidence that prompted the Manhattan District Attorney’s Conviction Integrity Unit to review the conviction. In 2021, Velazquez received executive clemency from then-Governor Andrew Cuomo, leading to his release from Sing Sing prison after 23 years, eight months, and seven days of incarceration. In October 2022, President Joe Biden apologized to Velazquez for his wrongful conviction during a criminal legal reform forum. “There’s nothing that they can do to give me back the 24 years I lost, and all of the tribulations to incur as a result. There’s a spirit of vindication, but there’s still a lot of trauma that’s unaddressed — that the system refuses to address.” Velazquez told Variety ahead of the exoneration, noting that Biden’s apology “didn’t change my lifestyle.” https://youtu.be/oves6B2FyBs A team of lawyers plan to file 120 sexual assault lawsuits against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs in New York, Los Angeles, and Miami in the coming weeks. Attorney Andrew Van Arsdale described the forthcoming lawsuits as “unprecedented in scope,” The Washington Post reprots. The allegations involve both male and female victims aged between 9 and 38 at the time of the alleged assaults, which occurred over 20 years during the 2000s and 2010s. “The biggest secret in the entertainment industry, that really wasn’t a secret at all, has finally been revealed to the world,” said Tony Buzbee, one of the lead attorneys, at a Houston press conference. “The wall of silence has now been broken.” Combs is currently facing numerous accusations of sexual assault by women and men. He is currently being held without bond in a Brooklyn jail following his arrest last month on federal charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. He has denied all accusations against him as well as the claims in at least a dozen previous lawsuits. Meanwhile, we reported earlier that the attorney representing Combs, Marc Agnifilo, has publicly stated that the federal government’s pursuit of his client is emblematic of a historical bias against successful Black men in America. https://youtu.be/N5qt-O0SveU As Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs gears up for a significant federal court date where he is set to plead ‘Not Guilty’ to allegations of racketeering and sex trafficking, the weight of silence from many of his high-profile associates is palpable. Yet, amidst the fog of uncertainty and accusations, one individual has consistently raised her voice against the backdrop of the music industry’s murky secrets – singer and songwriter Jaguar Wright. For years, Wright has branded Sean Combs’ alleged conduct as an open secret within the entertainment world. With disturbing reports continuing to surface about his actions alongside a host of celebrities who have frequented his infamous “Diddy” parties, the scrutiny towards them has intensified significantly. https://www.instagram.com/livebitez/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=8ee69441-e996-43bd-b7e9-846ac3d7dfb4 Wright, Jaguar Suzette Wright, contends that the grim realities of the industry are often ignored until they cannot be swept under the rug any longer. Jaguar Wright hails from New Jersey, was born in 1977, and embarked on her musical journey in the late nineties after catching the attention of the iconic hip-hop group, The Roots. Despite struggling to establish herself, her determination led her to significant career milestones. In a revealing MTV interview in 2002, Wright spoke candidly about her tumultuous path to recognition. “I’d been trying to get in for a long time,” she shared, epitomizing artists’ difficulties in a cutthroat industry, according to Marie Claire. https://www.instagram.com/livebitez/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=ec41ce82-cf86-46f4-8e15-253fad536d55 Uber is rolling out a new safari service in South Africa, offering customers a flat-rate ride from Cape Town for a day of wildlife viewing. PEOPLE reports that the initiative is part of the company’s “Go Anywhere” program. Per the news release: “Available in the Uber app from through the end of January, Uber Safari is the perfect day trip for people in Cape Town looking to see the big five – lions, elephants, buffalos, cheetahs, and rhinos. In partnership with Aquila Private Game Reserve, one of South Africa’s most popular wildlife conservancies, riders will have the chance to book a seamless safari.” “We’re excited to partner with Uber to extend our bucket list wildlife experiences to their customers,” said Johan van Schalkwyk, Commercial Officer of Aquila Collection. Uber Safari allows folks to book and enjoy an unforgettable day at Aquila, where they’ll get to experience the Big 5 in an easy and luxurious way. It’s the perfect combination of modern convenience and natural beauty, all while supporting wildlife conservation efforts that are vital to preserving South Africa’s biodiversity,” he continued. According to the ride-sharing giant, “The day trip includes a pickup in Cape Town in an Uber Safari-branded vehicle, so riders can sit back and relax as they head out of the bustle of the city. Upon arrival at Aquila, guests will enjoy a welcome toast and lunch before boarding a traditional safari vehicle with experienced game rangers and field guides,” the release states. “During the game drive, guides will ensure guests have the best opportunity to see the big five. And after the adventure, riders will have access to Aquila’s picturesque grounds before heading back to Cape Town.” Dolton, Illinois, Mayor Tiffany Henyard is reportedly being evicted from her home for failing to pay rent, according to an eviction notice filed in Cook County Circuit Court. Henyard and her boyfriend Kamal Woods pay $2,400 a month in rent and owe more than $3,300, FOX32 Chicago reported. The property manager said they are months behind on payments. The eviction notice states they must pay up immediately or vacate the premises. A court date for the eviction proceedings is scheduled for October 22. Henyard, 41, reportedly earns $300,000 annually as mayor and also serves as Thornton Township supervisor, while Woods earns over $100,000 as the township’s youth director. According to Henyard’s attorney, the couple has not missed any rent payments. “This is a claim brought under false pretenses,” Henyard’s attorney Beau Brindley told WGN. “I don’t believe proof of missed payment can be produced. This is being driven by other motives and is not a complaint brought in good faith.” Meanwhile, we reported earlier that the village of Dolton has enlisted former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot to investigate allegations of taxpayer fund misuse and other corrupt practices against Henyard, known as the “Dolton Dictator.” https://youtu.be/YazxWebBToE Research suggests that brief evening exercises, such as squats, calf raises, and standing knee raises, can enhance sleep quality and duration. A study published in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine found that participants who interrupted prolonged sitting with short, bodyweight resistance exercises slept almost 30 minutes longer than those who remained sedentary, Fox News reports. Although the exercises did not affect sleep efficiency or the number of night awakenings, they improved overall sleep time without disrupting sleep quality. “Performing bodyweight resistance exercise activity breaks in the evening has the potential to improve sleep period and total sleep time, and does not disrupt other aspects of sleep quality or subsequent 24-hour physical activity,” the New Zealand-based researchers concluded. “These are very short bouts of relatively low-intensity physical activity that anyone could do in their evening hours,” sleep expert Dr. Wendy Troxel said in an interview with Fox News Digital. “And I think it really speaks to the potential harms of extended periods of sedentary activity.” A 30% increased mortality risk is one of the consequences of an excessively sedentary lifestyle, the expert warned. https://youtu.be/t0kACis_dJE Actor Mekhi Phifer talks about his thrilling new action film “Long Gone Heroes,” where he takes on the role of a seasoned mercenary amid a backdrop of blackmail, deception, and political intrigue. The film follows Gunner, “a special forces soldier who has witnessed the darkest side of country and combat, is forced back into the field of battle to save his niece, who is being held in South America. As the fight intensifies, Gunner and his team discover that her disappearance is part of a corrupt private operation that hits way too close to home. Acclaimed actors Andy Garcia, Melissa Leo, Josh Hutcherson and Frank Grillo star in a non-stop action thriller that will leave you breathless,” per the official synopsis. The film marks the fifth collaboration between Swab and Grillo. The film debuted in theaters on Sept. 20. https://youtu.be/JJwfRyC2m0U Oprah Winfrey was the first Black woman Whitney Trotter saw on TV –– and the first television figure having conversations that affected young Black girls like her. But aside from those groundbreaking TV moments, interviews, and pioneering successes, Trotter — now a registered dietitian — remembers that Winfrey was known for something else: the size and shape of her body. One moment in 1988 made a mark on so many people when Winfrey went on her nationally syndicated show pulling a little red wagon with 67 pounds of animal fat, the equivalent to the amount of weight she had lost at the time. Immediately people were watching to see when she gained it back, how she would lose it again, and — more recently — if she would use a medication such as GLP-1 to try to make her body smaller. While such public attention is specific to celebrities, the scrutiny Winfrey faced at every step of her body’s changes is something many people encounter, said Dr. Alexis Conason, a psychologist and certified eating disorder specialist in New York City. https://youtu.be/SQjpjPyyjlo “It’s something that’s so normalized — from the magazines but then also from talking about people at the dinner table,” Singh said, “or people congratulating the person that has lost weight.” Even if you reach the body size that society deems ideal, the goalposts move to pressure you to achieve the right body shape, said Trotter, who is also a doctor of nursing practice and psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner in Austin, Texas. https://youtu.be/o5GYm0_5TD4 The youngest of seven siblings, Naomi Josephine Stansil (also known professionally as Naomi Johnson) was born on January 13, 1937, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Mattie Louise Smith-Stansil and Joseph Francis Stansil who were lovers of art, opera, country, blues, jazz, and gospel, and just about every genre of music. Naomi’s parents exposed their children to the performing arts at an early age. Each of their children learned piano, violin, voice, dance, and reciting poetry. When Naomi was four years old, she had already developed a passion for singing. She was a featured soloist in a church concert that her mother organized, spotlighting all the Stansil children. When she was nine years old, her mother passed away, suddenly. Her sister, Mary Lou died the same year at the age of twenty-one. Naomi’s father, a newly single parent, moved his precious, young clan to Ohio. That period of loss was confusing for Naomi, who deeply mourned the deaths of her mother and sister. Yet, she pushed through, excelling at East High School, her alma mater in Cleveland, where she started honing her jazz-singer chops. As a young woman and budding jazz vocalist, Naomi began her career performing at the historic Majestic Hotel’s Rose Room Cocktail Lounge with the renowned Duke Jenkins Band. Often in collaboration with Cleveland’s popular radio station KYW, she went on to perform around that jazz-loving city, where, at 19, she met the legendary Nancy Wilson. Their friendship endured for more than 60 years. They cooked together, shopped together, hung out, and made music with some of the world’s most iconic musicians. Sometimes, when Nancy needed a break from gigging, Naomi filled in, performing in her friend’s stead. Iviona Hatch, the daughter of rapper Lil Boosie, issued a video response to his latest comments regarding her same-sex relationship. During a live interview on Yung Miami’s “Caresha Please” podcast, Boosie explained that Iviona is prohibited from bringing her girlfriend to his home because he doesn’t want them to “contaminate” her siblings, Ice Cream Convos reports. “She still can’t bring her situation [girlfriend] to our house. My daughter is grown… but I don’t want it to contaminate her… it’s the generation we’re raising,” Boosie said on the podcast. “I don’t want her to contaminate her other six or seven sisters who look up to her. I want them to bring me grandchildren the right way. If I want grandchildren the right way, that’s what I’m going to stand on,” he added. Hatch took to social media to address her father’s public comments about her LGBT lifestyle. https://www.instagram.com/poisonivi4x/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=df6ce23e-3007-4a90-8c33-7cd820885338 Angelina Jolie committed to seven months of vocal training before stepping into the role of Greek opera icon Maria Callas for the upcoming Netflix biopic “Maria.” “I thought, ‘Oh, I’ll pretend-sing and I’ll get through this,’ ” the actress recalled during a Q&A at the movie’s New York Film Festival premiere Sunday. “Then it was very clear to me that you can’t pretend opera, and then I was scared.”. Directed by Pablo Larraín, “Maria,” according to a synopsis, “follows the American-Greek soprano as she retreats to Paris after a glamorous and tumultuous life in the public eye.” Maria “reimagines the legendary soprano in her final days as the diva reckons with her identity and life.” Maria Callas, renowned for her remarkable three-octave vocal range, became a global sensation in the mid-20th century. She passed away in Paris in 1977 at the age of 53 due to a heart attack https://youtu.be/gEtgEc9vlkI. There is a new Los Angeles Lakers player who can get LeBron James to blush. The newly drafted guard, who will wear No. 9 for the upcoming season, knows James better than anyone on the team but is still determining how he will address the greatest scorer in the history of the NBA. “I haven’t gotten there yet,” Bronny James said Monday while attending his first Lakers media day on Monday. “It’s probably gonna be ‘Bron.’ Bron would be the easiest,” LeBron James’ son mused when picturing what to say when calling for the ball from the famed No. 23 in practice. The family combo giggled and smiled while sitting next to each other on the Spectrum SportsNet LA set as the pair were asked about the unique situation that would play out during the upcoming NBA season. https://youtu.be/BmDEZZnyeAg The pair is expected to become the first father-son to play together on an NBA team. When dad was asked about what it was like to be experiencing this moment with his oldest son, LeBron James called it “pure joy.” “When it comes to him (Bronny), I’m just at a loss for words. (I’m) just super proud of him to be able to get to this point,” LeBron James said while his son sat next to him. “He’s a man, and he’s ready to go.” The 19-year-old Bronny James, whose jersey is emblazed with “James Jr.” across the back, was selected 55th overall by the Lakers in the 2024 NBA draft in June. https://youtu.be/BmDEZZnyeAg Slutty Vegan CEO and Founder Pinky Cole Hayes talks about her remarkable journey from starting as a food truck to building a $100 million plant-based empire. With Slutty Vegan making its highly anticipated debut in Las Vegas as part of the Pepsi Dig In Restaurant Royalty Residency program at Mandalay Bay and Luxor, Pinky is celebrating what this milestone means for her brand as well as her mission to uplift other Black restaurateurs. Per the news release, Pepsi Dig In aims to drive access, business growth, and awareness for underserved restaurants. The platform is bringing six new dishes with four new crafted cocktails to Las Vegas for its third annual Restaurant Royalty Residency. Starting September 21, MGM Resorts International’s Fan Districts at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino and Luxor Hotel and Casino will be the only place to experience the limited-edition menu items, showcasing concepts from some of the best restaurants from across the country. This year’s residency kicks off with Slutty Vegan’s cult-favorite plant-based Fussy Hussy burger, founder Pinky Cole Hayes’s signature dish. https://www.instagram.com/sluttyveganatl/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=843746a3-8ad7-454b-a168-a1e28b739cdf A Black high school student is taking a stand against the Texas-based school that punished him for the hairstyle he wore. Darryl George has voiced a request to a federal judge to return to Barbers Hill High School in Mont Belvieu, TX for his senior year. The Houston-area institution is located in the Barbers Hill school district. George has asked the judge to issue a temporary restraining order that would prevent district officials from further punishing him for not cutting his hair. If granted, the restraining order, if granted, would allow the 18-year-old student to return to his school while a federal lawsuit he filed continues, according to the Associated Press. George’s request is the latest development to occur after U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Brown in August dismissed most of the claims he and his mother had filed in the federal lawsuit. The lawsuit alleges that school district officials committed racial and gender discrimination when they punished him for how he wore his hair. The AP noted that Brown only let the gender discrimination claim stand as he questioned whether the school district’s hair length rule caused more harm than good. https://youtu.be/t-68R_3ukGY WATCH AN ALL-NEW EPISODE OF CELEBRITY CRIME FILES THIS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2 AT 9 PM ET/8C THIS WEEK'S EPISODE FEATURES THE CONTROVERSIAL MEGAN THEE STALLION VS. TORY LANEZ TRIAL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kosChfzw9rc Celebrity Crime Files returns Wednesday, October 2, at 10 PM ET/9C. MEGAN THE STALLION In 2020, a glamorous Hollywood night turned tragic as an argument between hip-hop stars Megan Thee Stallion and Tory Lanez ended in gunfire. Megan was allegedly shot by Tory, sparking an intense media storm and legal battle that shocked the world. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7onTk5nukZg Most of us understand the importance of regular blood pressure tests, and there’s a quick 30-second test you can perform at home to help assess your heart health and potentially identify health issues. According to The Huffington Post, citing the NHS and Harvard Medical School, all you need are two fingers and a timer. Place your index and middle fingers on your wrist or neck—anywhere you can detect a pulse. Avoid using your thumb, as it has its own pulse, which could lead to confusion. Count the beats for 30 seconds and then multiply that number by two to determine your beats per minute (BPM). To ensure accuracy, repeat this process several times. For a more precise reading, measure your resting heart rate multiple times throughout the week at different times of day, as factors like stress, hormonal changes, and certain medications can influence your BPM. Also, refrain from taking this measurement within an hour after exercising or consuming caffeine, as this test is intended to capture your resting heart rate. For adults, a “healthy” resting heart rate typically falls between 60-100 BPM, although many individuals have rates below 90 BPM. The British Heart Foundation says “If you have a slow heart rate and are experiencing symptoms like fainting and tiredness, you should make an appointment with your GP.” An exclusive clip from the upcoming episode of VICE’s “Dark Side of Reality TV,” Omarosa reflects on her time on “The Surreal Life” and the lasting impact of her experience. The former reality TV star opens up about the challenges and behind-the-scenes moments that shaped her journey. VICE TV’s “Dark Side of Reality TV “goes where the cameras didn’t dare, diving deep beyond the infamous makeovers, romances and eliminations that helped define an entire TV genre, showing the real version of the reality TV world through never-before-heard stories from producers, contestants and crew,” per the new release. Omarosa will revisit her “villain” status in pop culture in the October 1 episode featuring contributors Jerri Manthey, Brande Roderick Dave Coulier, and Janice Dickinson. “The Surreal Life” featured seven celebs who spend ten days together in a Hollywood mansion, but what starts as a social experiment gets out of hand after producers cast personalities that explode on contact. https://vimeo.com/1014470834 Otis Redding will be honored posthumously with the 2,791st star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame during a ceremony on Friday, October 4, 2024, at 11:30 AM PT, located at 6150 Hollywood Boulevard. The event, which recognizes Redding in the Live Theatre/Live Performance category, will be emceed by music producer Jimmy Jam, with rapper Killer Mike as a guest speaker. Karla Redding Andrews will accept the award on behalf of her father. Redding, a renowned singer-songwriter from Georgia, achieved fame with hits like “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” and “Respect” before his life was tragically cut short in a plane crash in 1967. His legacy continues through the Otis Redding Foundation, which promotes music education for youth. Two years ago, the Otis Redding Foundation unveiled plans to honor the legendary singer by building a performing arts center. We reported at the time that Otis Redding Center for the Arts and Amphitheater aims to foster innovation with a focus on empowering the youth through music. Redding transformed the world of music through his, so this is only a continuation of what he started. https://youtu.be/Z09HUvO9FCc Anderson .Paak premiered his directorial debut feature film, “K-Pops!” at the Toronto International Film Festival earlier this month and followed up the milestone with the grand opening of his new restaurant and music venue, Andy’s in West Hollywood, California. LA Eater reports that the musician teamed up with renowned nightlife brothers Mark and Jonnie Houston to launch his new jazz and R&B club, enlisting chef Chris Oh to create a supper club menu for the venue that opened on September 25. “I want to use my platform for good, and I want to tell these stories in different mediums and in different ways. So, it feels really cool to see all of these things happening in perfect timing,”.Paak told Thrillist. The new joint occupies the Doheny Room and Sa’Moto space on Santa Monica Boulevard, offering guests a “vintage look that .Paak says will feel like a home studio — or his mother’s basement,” LA Eater writes. Paak is curating Andy’s as a place for him and his friends to come together and chill out. https://www.instagram.com/andys_weho/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=3ff742fd-d418-45e3-a93d-d4be0ed64bb1 We create spaces where we create new friendships. Us building this is going to continue that journey together,” said Mark. “Ever since I moved to Los Angeles, I always wanted to have my own place where people like me could play and musicians could come and hang out. LA is kind of a hard city to find a good place where there’s good food, good music, and a good atmosphere. Coming up in LA, I always wanted to make a place like that because those were the places I went to get our music heard and to hang out with friends,” .Paak said. “You hear about celebrities opening ‘this’ or being a part of ‘that,’ and they’re really not a part of it. They just throw their name on it. But with this [.Paak] surprised me. He’s so involved and he has good taste which is a plus. I could never imagine working with someone and having to fight about the littlest things because they don’t get it,” said Jonnie. “We’re so in tune and he genuinely enjoys it.” Mark added, “It’s fun to have someone else involved in our process. That’s going to help elevate and execute a really good, unique product, which is going to be different from all of our other ones because we didn’t really ever have that additional person involved with us.” https://www.instagram.com/anderson._paak/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=2851fb77-5271-453d-9283-f5758c08e57c NBA star J.R. Smith, who is married to Shirley “Jewel” Smith, welcomed a baby boy with his alleged mistress, “Flash” actress Candice Patton. Patton, 36, announced the birth of their baby boy on Instagram alongside photos of his feet, Page Six reports. “Son in Virgo. Born at home. Heart now beats outside of my chest. In love forevermore 💕👣,” she captioned the post. J.R., 39, also shared a post on Instagram that featured several pictures of the newborn. https://www.instagram.com/teamswish/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=950415e9-7eeb-451f-9ad6-17562a03ee66 In the post comments, one person wrote, “Wow! Had a baby by the woman he cheated on his wife with Smfh.” Another added, “Y’all remember when his wife at the time called them out for having an affair??” “Wow … Jewel was rite. This the same one from years ago, rite? WOW!!! Ladies – stand on business, integrity and self worth. Never mess with a married man!!!!” commented a third person, per Page Six. https://youtu.be/A1l8gy1m8n8 Barack Obama recently had a close encounter with a random armed security guard in an alley in Hollywood, California, raising concerns about Secret Service security. According to TMZ, the incident occurred when the former president was in the back seat of his SUV outside the restaurant Mother Wolf. An armed security guard, working at a bar mitzvah nearby, approached the vehicle after being informed that federal agents were outside. Initially unaware that Obama was in the vehicle, the guard panicked upon realizing who he encountered. After handing over his credentials to the Secret Service, it was confirmed that there had been a lapse in security, as no agents were stationed at the rear of the SUV or monitoring the stairwell the guard used. TMZ reports that eyewitness claimed “the armed security guard approached the window and observed Obama inside using a laptop … and because the guard was armed, he quickly moved away from the SUV,” the outlet writes. A rep for the Secret Service tells TMZ, “The Secret Service cannot provide the details on our means and methods of protection, but we can confirm that at no time were any Secret Service protectees in the vehicle while the individual was walking down the alleyway. These claims are inaccurate. The photo was upon departure and not during the alleged incident.” https://youtu.be/Hd61XWTGBVc Beyoncé’s Instagram account has been flooded with comments from fans attempting to draw her into the ongoing controversy surrounding Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs‘ trafficking scandal. Beyoncé’s posts have become a hotbed for speculation, with many users demanding answers or insinuating ties between the two music moguls. On Sept. 30, Bey posted several photos from her SirDavis whiskey event in Paris, where she donned a platinum blonde wig and wore a plunging Gucci dress with gold platform heels, Page Six reports. In the post’s comments, one person wrote, “She’s trying to keep her skin white to reduce her sentence.” Another person noted the similarities between Bey’s style choice and that of Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe, writing, “Cosplaying a dead woman is insane.” As Vibe reports, users are questioning whether the superstar is aware of any illegal activities within the music industry, specifically as it relates to Diddy.“We want the truth,” wrote one user, while another added, “Selling your soul really wasn’t worth it was it? What goes up MUST come down!” One commenter posted, “I can’t wait to see Jay-Z go down for everyone he’s wronged.” https://www.instagram.com/beyonce/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=48423e3f-e5b0-49cd-ba60-ed679e5e7feb The former Dallas police officer convicted of murdering Botham Jean in his apartment six years ago is eligible for parole on Monday (09-30-24). Amber Guyger, who shot and killed Jean in September 2018, attracted national attention and sparked protests around the city.“She’s caused my family tremendous, tremendous hurt, tremendous pain,” said Allison Jean, Botham’s mother. “She ought to remain where she is.” Guyger will be up for parole on what would have been Botham’s 33rd birthday. “She needs to serve her entire 10-year term, which is well below a sentence that one receives for murder,” Jean said. “Murder of an innocent man in the comfort of his home, doing nothing wrong.” https://youtu.be/zeV5X8UfpgI Beyoncé’s Instagram account has been flooded with comments from fans attempting to draw her into the ongoing controversy surrounding Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs‘ trafficking scandal. Beyoncé’s posts have become a hotbed for speculation, with many users demanding answers or insinuating ties between the two music moguls. On Sept. 30, Bey posted several photos from her SirDavis whiskey event in Paris, where she donned a platinum blonde wig and wore a plunging Gucci dress with gold platform heels, Page Six reports. In the post’s comments, one person wrote, “She’s trying to keep her skin white to reduce her sentence.” https://www.instagram.com/beyonce/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=09175ccb-dfe0-4d1c-a9ba-5f1bcb51bf24 As Vibe reports, users are questioning whether the superstar is aware of any illegal activities within the music industry, specifically as it relates to Diddy. “We want the truth,” wrote one user, while another added, “Selling your soul really wasn’t worth it was it? What goes up MUST come down!” One commenter posted, “I can’t wait to see Jay-Z go down for everyone he’s wronged.” https://youtu.be/iWd-KB3qiAw Jenece Bond, founder of the Taylen Lauren Horton Foundation, a non-profit, is on a mission to change lives and raise awareness for Dravet syndrome. Like most people, you’ve probably never heard of Dravet, (pronounced Dra-VAY). It is a rare and catastrophic form of epilepsy that profoundly affects her daughter Taylen’s daily life. Raising Taylen has been a challenge marked by medical emergencies, developmental delays, and the uncertainty of managing a disorder that brings frequent, severe seizures. Yet, through the hardships, Bond has found resilience, transforming her struggles into a platform for advocacy and support. https://www.instagram.com/sfthart/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=928aac9a-6234-487d-a85f-2316e101bf99 In addition, as part of her ongoing efforts, Bond is hosting the second annual event called *Tay’s Play Day* on December 8th at Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat Studios. Jenece recently appeared on Hart’s Straight From The Hart Podcast to promote the event. https://www.instagram.com/taylenlhfoundation/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=d97693ca-32a8-44df-b8ba-07b68106f296 Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo – known for his shot-blocking and famed finger wave after denying opponents at the hoop – died Monday from brain cancer aged 58, according to the NBA. Inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015, he was an eight-time NBA All-Star and won the league’s Defensive Player of the Year award four times. His defensive prowess – leading the league in blocks for five consecutive seasons during an 18-year playing career and retiring second on the NBA’s all-time blocked shots list – was offset by his huge, playful smile. Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the 7-foot-2-inch Mutombo came to Washington’s Georgetown University initially on an academic scholarship in 1987 and rose to fame when he joined the basketball team in his second year. https://youtu.be/ubaW874u_FY NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued a statement, saying, “Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life. On the court, he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in the history of the NBA. Off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others. “There was nobody more qualified than Dikembe to serve as the NBA’s first Global Ambassador. He was a humanitarian at his core. He loved what the game of basketball could do to make a positive impact on communities, especially in his native Democratic Republic of the Congo and across the continent of Africa. “I had the privilege of traveling the world with Dikembe and seeing first-hand how his generosity and compassion uplifted people. He was always accessible at NBA events over the years – with his infectious smile, deep booming voice, and signature finger wag that endeared him to basketball fans of every generation. “Dikembe’s indomitable spirit continues on in those who he helped and inspired throughout his extraordinary life. I am one of the many people whose lives were touched by Dikembe’s big heart and I will miss him dearly. “On behalf of the entire NBA family, I send my deepest condolences to Dikembe’s wife, Rose, and their children; his many friends; and the global basketball community which he truly loved and which loved him back,” Silver’s statement said. https://youtu.be/T0V1q7_P8PA Sixers general manager Daryl Morey lauded Mutombo during the team’s scheduled media day on Monday. “There aren’t many guys like him. Just a great human being,” Morey said. “When I was a rookie GM in this league, my first chance in Houston, he was someone I went to all the time. He was older than me which is pretty rare. “Obviously, his accomplishments on the court, we don’t need to talk about too much but just an amazing human being – what he did off the court, for Africa. Rest in peace, Dikembe.” Speaking to reporters, 76ers star Joel Embiid said: “It’s a sad day, especially for us Africans and really the whole world, because other than what he’s accomplished on the basketball court, I think he was even better off the court. “He’s one of the guys that I look up to as far as having an impact, not just on the court but off the court. He’s done a lot of great things, he did a lot of great things for a lot of people. He was a role model of mine, so like I said, it is a sad day.” https://youtu.be/d4pcLupVFs0 CNN Sport anchor Andy Scholes was a Rockets ballboy as a child and fondly remembers getting to witness Mutombo up close. “I was around him nearly every day for three years. He was intimidating on the court but off it he had a heart of gold,” Scholes said. “I didn’t see him for some time after starting my journalism career. But at an All-Star game some 10 years ago, he came running up to me and said: ‘Andy, why didn’t you tell me you work for CNN! I watch you on TV every morning. “From then on whenever we’d see each other he always told me how proud he was of me. That meant so much to me because I always looked up to Dikembe, literally and figuratively.” https://youtu.be/qGDZ3S5Y2MI April Showers, the visionary founder of Afro Unicorn®️, about her journey of empowering women and children of color through creativity and advocacy. April’s mission to inspire greatness began after a close friend dubbed her a “unicorn” for her ability to balance two business ventures, motherhood, and a thriving personal life. This led to the creation of Afro Unicorn®️—an inclusive brand born out of her desire to provide representation through diverse, magical unicorn characters designed in her likeness. Since its inception, Afro Unicorn®️ has soared, expanding into apparel, toys, books, and more, all while serving as a beacon of empowerment. With the historic 2022 launch of Afro Unicorn products in Walmart, April became the first Black woman to own a licensed character brand in major retail, cementing her place as a trailblazer in both entrepreneurship and cultural representation. We asked April what valuable lessons from her early entrepreneurial journey helped shape the creation of Afro Unicorn. “I would say believing that anything is possible,” she told EURweb exclusively. “The fact that I started PA agency at the age of 19, I just knew I could do anything. My belief system has, from a very young age, led me on this path in this journey.” https://youtu.be/jhKFgR_M4t8 The new Go-Go Museum & Cafe in Washington, DC’s historic Anacostia neighborhood will officially open in early 2025, providing a permanent home for the city’s go-go music scene. Chuck Brown is considered the Godfather of Go-Go, DC’s brand of funk music that originated in the 1970s and has been a cornerstone of the city’s cultural identity within the Black community, ESSENCE reports. https://www.instagram.com/ronaldmoten/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=3c7c805e-ee85-452e-a845-45bc62f402ce The museum, founded by community organizer Ron Moten and curated by Dr. Natalie Hopkinson, was inspired by the #DontMuteDC movement, which aims to preserve the DC’s musical heritage. Located at 1920 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd SE, the Go-Go Museum will feature interactive exhibits, live performances, and historic memorabilia from go-go legends. The ceremonial ribbon cutting on November 18 will inaugurate the first institution dedicated to preserving the genre, which was designated as the city’s official music in 2019. https://youtu.be/wwHi10qX8u8 Producer Orin Wolf announced today that the pre-Broadway world premiere stage adaptation of Prince’s legendary film and album “Purple Rain” will take place in Prince’s hometown, Minneapolis, MN, in Spring 2025. The musical will be staged at Hennepin Theatre Trust’s historic State Theatre in Minneapolis as part of its 2024-2025 Bank of America Broadway on Hennepin season. Exact production dates and additional production details will be announced in the coming weeks. “Prince talked about adapting “Purple Rain” for the stage for years. It’s only fitting that we launch this world premiere musical version in the city where it all began, Prince’s hometown, Minneapolis,” said L Londell McMillan, former Prince manager, attorney and Chairman of The NorthStar Group, and Larry Mestel, Founder & CEO of Primary Wave Music. “We’re very excited for the creative team to be inspired by the Minneapolis sound and the unparalleled and unique spirit of the city that Prince inspired.” As previously announced, this stage adaptation will feature a book by two-time Pulitzer Prize-finalist Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, based on the original screenplay by Albert Magnoli and William Blinn; music and lyrics by Prince; and direction by Tony Award-nominee Lileana Blain-Cruz. No matter how far you travel, there is no place like home. For Kelly Rowland, home is Houston, TX, where memories of one of her favorite places still bring good food and good times. So much so that she came back to Houston to surprise local diners and workers at Houston This Is It Soul Food. The visit, which happened earlier this month, was in connection with Rowland’s partnership with Pepsi’s Local Eats Better With Pepsi. Referencing a press release, Eater Houston reports the soda company’s program highlights local restaurants around the country in hopes of finding its next “dine-star.” As the face of the promotion, Rowland is doing her part in shining a light on its goal to encourage eaters to nominate their favorite local restaurant and dish through October. With Houston This Is It Soul Food, the entertainer is off to a good start, with a namesake dish of her own. The $14 Kelly Rowland meal, which is available through Sept. 24, features meatloaf-like pepper steak patties served over rice with lots of brown gravy, a side of green beans, peach cobbler, and a fountain drink of choice. Those taking part in the Local Eats Better With Pepsi promotion will share a fate similar to Rowland from receiving the same honor with a tasty dish at their chosen restaurant named after them, which they’ll also get to eat for free for a limited time. https://youtu.be/o2MMhAcHMEk Alma Cooper is more than the reigning Miss USA. As the first Afro-Latina and the first active-duty service member, she is a certified history maker with a purpose. A purpose that involves laying the blueprint for success for anyone with a dream to live out their full potential. “It feels really meaningful to represent something bigger than myself. I think that being a biracial woman, I hope to show others that if you can see me, you can be me,” Cooper, who mentioned that she doesn’t take the weight of her win lightly, told Today.com. “For people who may be the only (competitor) or may not see a lot of people who look like them or come from places like them in spaces where they want to be, I hope that being Miss USA inspires others to chase their dreams in totality, and to know that I see them, that they are seen, and that their voices are welcomed, and that not only do they deserve to be here, but they belong here.” Cooper’s groundbreaking reign as Miss USA comes amid a pair of achievements that predate the start of her stint on August, 22. The West Point graduate, who grew up in a small Michigan town outside East Lansing called Okemos and graduated at the top of her class, is also a U.S. Army second lieutenant military intelligence officer, not to mention a data scientist who came out of Stanford University with a masters degree, Today.com noted. Cooper’s Miss USA reign represents a positive change for the organization after negative headlines changed the perception of the annual event. Earlier this year, former Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt, former Miss USA Teen 2023 UmaSofia Srivastava, and former Miss Colorado USA 2023 Arianna Lemus each relinquished their national titles within days of one another, the site mentioned. https://youtu.be/2p8GYvNUn7Y One of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ biggest critics has announced he has a docuseries coming to a streaming giant about the embroiled producer’s legal issues. Rapper and actor 50 Cent shared on social media Wednesday a Variety report that states his project about Combs has found a home at Netflix. “I been telling y’all about all this weird s**t, I don’t do NO puffy party’s,” 50 Cent wrote in the caption. “You didn’t believe me 🤨 but I bet you believe me now!” Combs faces up to life in prison if convicted of his indictment in the Southern District of New York on counts of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty. https://youtu.be/32bCfoYi31o Elon Musk’s sprawling empire — spanning everything from electric vehicles and social media to space rockets and miniature brain implants — may soon make him the world’s first trillionaire. Musk’s business success has made him one of the most influential — and controversial — people in the world. The Tesla boss is already the richest person on the planet, with a fortune estimated at nearly $250 billion. Now, Musk could become the world’s first trillionaire, a milestone that Informa Connect Academy says he’s on track to hit by 2027. Informa notes that Musk’s net worth has been growing rapidly at an average rate of 110% per year, making him the “clear favorite” to hit the $1 trillion first. If longshore workers at East and Gulf Coast ports go on strike Tuesday, as now appears likely, it could choke off the supplies of many popular products that flow over those docks. But not necessarily right away. Businesses have been nervously watching the 12:01 am Tuesday strike deadline approaching with little sign of progress toward a deal to avoid a strike of tens of thousands of longshore workers. Many have been doing what they can to prepare for the shutdown – but there are limits. It doesn’t make economic – or logistical – sense to ship many of the goods that come into East Coast ports by alternative ports of entry – or by plane. That means America could see some shortages of chocolate, alcohol, popular fruit, including bananas and cherries, and even certain cars if the strike lasts a long time. That could mean higher prices for the goods that are available. https://youtu.be/oAy7tBuUMRc And raw materials used by US food producers such as cocoa and sugar, also come in through the ports at risk of being struck. The ingredients for chocolate for Halloween have already arrived, Munch said, and it might not affect production for Christmas. But production for early next year could be affected, depending on the length of the strike, so candy for Valentine’s Day could be more difficult to find. If longshore workers at East and Gulf Coast ports go on strike Tuesday, as now appears likely, it could choke off the supplies of many popular products that flow over those docks. But not necessarily right away. Businesses have been nervously watching the 12:01 am Tuesday strike deadline approaching with little sign of progress toward a deal to avoid a strike of tens of thousands of longshore workers. Many have been doing what they can to prepare for the shutdown – but there are limits. It doesn’t make economic – or logistical – sense to ship many of the goods that come into East Coast ports by alternative ports of entry – or by plane. That means America could see some shortages of chocolate, alcohol, popular fruit, including bananas and cherries, and even certain cars if the strike lasts a long time. That could mean higher prices for the goods that are available. https://youtu.be/UAzRk9wI6kY While in Cancún, Mexico recently, Calvin Broadus – better known to the world as Snoop Dogg – expressed his affection for former President Donald Trump while simultaneously advocating for a vision of America that contrasts sharply with the current climate of division and brings to mind Kamala Harris. Isn’t that interesting? During his appearance at the Raising Cane’s Canecún employee retreat, where he served as a guest performer, Snoop shared his intentions behind participating as a commentator at this year’s Paris Olympics. His primary mission? To reshape global perceptions of Americans by showcasing a more united and wholesome version of the country. “The first thing I wanted to do [at the Olympics] was represent America, but in a wholesome way—as far as, with no division [and] no separation,” Snoop stated, highlighting his desire to project positivity and joy. Snoop’s role as a commentator garnered significant attention, not only for his charismatic presence but also for moments that went viral during the games. In a candid discussion with Cane’s CEO Todd Graves, he emphasized, “Let me be the representation of what an American is.”While in Cancún, Mexico recently, Calvin Broadus – better known to the world as Snoop Dogg – expressed his affection for former President Donald Trump while simultaneously advocating for a vision of America that contrasts sharply with the current climate of division and brings to mind Kamala Harris. Isn’t that interesting? In Tulsa (Oklahoma), Eddie Huff, a Black City Council candidate is seeing trouble on the horizon regarding his election campaign. And he only has himself to blame. Troubling Facebook posts from 2015 have recently resurfaced, casting a shadow over his candidacy just weeks before the election. Hall’s situation is reminiscent of NC Lt. Governor Mark Robinson’s whose old message on a porn site revealed that he referred to himself as a black Nazi and wished to own slaves. The Facebook comments from 2015 reveal Huff’s seemingly supportive stance on the Confederate flag and his demeaning comments regarding military personnel captured during the war, have sparked controversy and outrage within the community, The Black Wall Street Times is reporting. One of the most shocking revelations comes from a conversation Huff engaged in regarding renowned Vietnam War veteran John McCain. Following then-presidential candidate Donald Trump’s dismissal of McCain as a “war hero,” Huff echoed similar sentiments in a July 18, 2015, post. Huff stated, “McCain is and was not a ‘HERO.’ A real hero saves the day by his actions,” further asserting that individuals in the military who are captured are merely doing their jobs and lack hero status. Jussie Smollett has broken his silence on what he describes as his “darkest day,” five years after his arrest for allegedly staging a hate crime in January 2019. The once-celebrated actor and singer has been mired in controversy since claiming he was attacked in Chicago, only to face multiple felony charges and a conviction for disorderly conduct. Despite the tumultuous events surrounding his legal battles, Smollett continues to uphold his innocence. “That was a pretty dark day because that’s when everything clicked to me of what was happening.” He shared the profound impact it had on him, revealing, “A lot of things tested my strength… but the one thing I never lost — I never started thinking that I am somebody that I’m not,” Smollet recounted in an emotional interview with People Magazine. The incident that led to his arrest involved claims that two masked men assaulted him, subjected him to racial and homophobic slurs, and left him in fear for his life. Initially facing 16 counts of felony disorderly conduct, Smollett pleaded not guilty to all charges. Four-time NBA All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns is heading to the Big Apple, according to The Athletic and ESPN, citing unnamed sources. The Minnesota Timberwolves are trading Towns to the New York Knicks for three-time NBA All-Star forward Julius Randle, guard Donte DiVincenzo, and a 2025 protected top-13 first-round pick from the Detroit Pistons, The Athletic and ESPN report. Towns has played all nine seasons of his NBA career in the Twin Cities where he averaged 22.9 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game. Minnesota drafted Towns out of the University of Kentucky where he was the top overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. https://youtu.be/Gik_NJ86fvI On Friday, Towns posted an ellipsis on X, a subtle signpost that changes might be ahead.Last season, the 28-year-old helped the Timberwolves advance to the Western Conference Finals for the first time in 20 years. Minnesota went on to lose to the Dallas Mavericks in five games. The Charlotte Hornets reportedly are involved in the deal to make it work financially. The Athletic reports New York is sending salary, including guard DaQuan Jeffries, and draft compensation to the Hornets. CNN has reached out to the Timberwolves, Knicks, and Hornets for comment. Randle, a 10-year veteran, played for the Knicks for the last five seasons. Four-time NBA All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns is heading to the Big Apple, according to The Athletic and ESPN, citing unnamed sources. The Minnesota Timberwolves are trading Towns to the New York Knicks for three-time NBA All-Star forward Julius Randle, guard Donte DiVincenzo, and a 2025 protected top-13 first-round pick from the Detroit Pistons, The Athletic and ESPN report. Towns has played all nine seasons of his NBA career in the Twin Cities where he averaged 22.9 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game. Minnesota drafted Towns out of the University of Kentucky where he was the top overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. https://youtu.be/mwqxROoLdLA The prank gods are smiling down at Matt Walsh, as the podcaster tricked ‘White Fragility’ author Robin DiAngelo into coming out of pocket in doing her part to pay reparations to a black producer. The New York Post reports DiAngelo was under the impression her payment was going to support an upcoming documentary from Walsh titled “Am I Racist?” Like his 2022 documentary, “What Is a Woman?” examined gender ideology through a critical lens, Walsh’s latest project found him going undercover and pretending to examine his soul while investigating the racist movement and its followers. Going undercover for the assignment, Walsh persuaded DiAngelo to bring her payment to his producer Ben to compensate for sins of the past after producing the money himself. Before asking for the money, Walsh posed as an activist, interviewing DiAngelo for a documentary project while pretending to make anti-racist sentiments. Ben was later brought in after Walsh finished up with most of his questions. “This is Ben, a producer on the film. I thought it would be a powerful opportunity to speak directly to a person of color and confront our racism and also, apologize for the white supremacist systems that oppress Ben,” Walsh began. “‘Black Balloon’ is my father’s release from the 60s on an album honoring black people,” said Grammy-nominated Syleena Johnson about her new single “Black Balloon” off her newest album “Legacy” (Shanachie Entertainment). “It’s to uplift and inspire, like balloons rising to the top.” Syleena’s vocals are legendary. It is a very distinctive singing voice, and it was made infamous to me as the featured voice on Kanye West’s hit single “All Falls Down.” The single was from West’s album “The College Dropout.” Johnson’s “Legacy” album is released in honor of her father, veteran Blues singer/songwriter Syl Johnson. The “Legacy” album consists of 18 songs, each sampling her father’s music catalog. “When Kanye came to me, I had two albums…he was a producer,” Syleena said when I asked about appearing on the hit song. “I basically wanted to work with him as a producer. I did not know how it was coming together; I just did my vocals. John Legend (who played piano during a live performance of the song) was one of his artists.”“‘Black Balloon’ is my father’s release from the 60s on an album honoring black people,” said Grammy-nominated Syleena Johnson about her new single “Black Balloon” off her newest album “Legacy” (Shanachie Entertainment). “It’s to uplift and inspire, like balloons rising to the top.” Helene continues to unleash its fury across the Southeast after leaving at least 55 people dead in five states, leveling communities, knocking out power, and stranding many in floodwaters following the historic storm’s landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region Thursday night as a monstrous Category 4 hurricane. Here’s the latest: Deaths across 5 states: Over 50 storm-related deaths have been reported in South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and Virginia. At least 19 are dead in South Carolina, including two firefighters in Saluda County, according to state officials. In Georgia, at least 17 people have died, two of them killed by a tornado in Alamo, according to a spokesperson for Gov. Brian Kemp. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Saturday morning raised the number of confirmed dead there to 11, including several people who drowned in Pinellas County. Six more deaths were reported in North Carolina and they include a car wreck on a storm-slick road that killed a 4-year-old girl. And in Craig County, Virginia, one person died in a storm-related tree fall and building collapse, Gov. Glenn Youngkin said Friday. https://youtu.be/SdsxCQnkBf0 Retirement may be imminent for Mary J. Blige, but with a new album on the way, a new film out now, and a solid approach to living her best life, don’t expect her to be in that mindstate anytime soon. Reflecting on the latest single, the Fabolous-included “Breathing,” Blige approached her forthcoming and possibly final album with an attitude of appreciating herself and her journey. The new release is slated to arrive later this year. “I can stop holding my breath now and exhale,” the 53-year-old hip-hop soul queen told HuffPost of the single, which dropped earlier this month. “It’s about the celebration of what true love really is. And what true love really is for me, is the love that I found for myself.” With a life filled with personal and professional highs and lowlights, Blige is the personification of the music she sings. And fans who have been with her since her start with her first album “What’s the 411,” and its fellow epic successor “My Life,” can testify, with its sounds and messages infiltrating on a personal level. Mariah Carey is putting in a legal personal appearance, courtesy of the court. A New York judge ordered the 55-year-old songstress to sit for a deposition with her brother, Morgan Carey, by January 31, 2025. The development marks the latest chapter in Morgan’s ongoing lawsuit against his famous sister. Chronicling the situation, The Jasmine Brand referenced court documents obtained by In Touch Weekly which reveal that Morgan Carey sued Mariah in 2021. The suit stems from claims Mariah made in her memoir, “The Meaning of Mariah Carey” Detailing the situation, the outlet noted allegations made by Morgan that Mariah falsely accused him of being violent and dealing drugs during their childhood, per theJasmineBrand. Recounting instances of physical altercations between Morgan Carey and their parents, Mariah Carey details in her memoir. “It took twelve cops to pull my brother and father apart,” the entertainer mentioned in her memoir while recalling another violent situation. “My brother had pushed my mother with such force that her body slammed into the wall,” the “Always Be My Baby” singer said. https://youtu.be/-WdnqLWpX6k Sean “Diddy” Combs isn’t the only hip-hop mogul dealing with sex-related legal drama. According to The Blast, Russell Simmons is still putting up with the effects of a sexual harassment lawsuit. The suit remains relevant as the 66-year-old Def Jam Recordings co-founder faces accusations of avoiding answering questions under oath. The accusations, the site reports, come from an undisclosed former Def Jam executive identified as Jane Doe. The plaintiff accuses Simmons of raping her at his apartment during her stint as a staff member at Def Jam. Jane Doe claimed she requested Simmons attend a deposition via Zoom and answer a few questions under oath about the lawsuit. Citing discussions with Simmons’ attorneys, The Blast mentioned that the alleged victim and her lawyer revealed to the court that “it does appear the parties are at an impasse on several important issues.” Jane Doe further noted that she asked for Simmons and some former Def Jam employees to be deposed. However, Simmons has not answered any questions that could help move the case forward. https://youtu.be/Ni-q5HlDf24 310. 212. 213. 312. If you know, you know. Over nearly 80 years, area codes have come to signify regional identities and a deep connection to a place. So what happens when tech and population growth collide, and the three-digit number synonymous with home is no longer available? Spokeo analyzed the proliferation of area codes and how they are assigned to people using information from the North American Numbering Plan Administrator, illustrating how some regions might be undergoing a change in which codes are the coolest. Area codes have taken on a life of their own. Consider the 212 area code in Manhattan, for instance. New Yorkers have bestowed it with a certain status; even a phone brokerage company sells 212 numbers. When new area codes were introduced in Manhattan, some residents weren’t pleased—including Elaine Benes on “Seinfeld,” who spent the whole Season 9 episode “The Maid” trying to get her coveted 212 area code back after being assigned a new 646 number. Yes, even pop culture acknowledges the prestige of 212, but area codes didn’t start as status symbols. In the 1940s, when phone operators connected calls, the Bell Telephone Company created a new system allowing people to make direct calls to whomever they wanted—no operators involved. As phone numbers outnumbered the human operators who could connect calls, the change was a natural evolution. Enter the area code. These three-digit numbers became part of the North American Numbering Plan. Eighty-six distinct Numbering Plan Areas were created, with most states getting one area code by 1947; high-population states had more. The Bell System used a distinctive structure based on population size rather than geography to assign area codes. Shaquille O’Neal, better known as “Shaq,” is a household name in the sporting world, and is renowned for his contributions to basketball, but his life post-retirement has been equally fascinating. Having made an astounding $286 million in his NBA career (not counting lucrative endorsements), O’Neal is now harnessing his wealth in ways that continue to raise eyebrows and make headlines. Recently, Shaq revealed his extraordinary spending habits in an interview with Page Six, where he disclosed that he spends an astonishing $1,000 every day on Amazon products. From electronics to quirky items, his last hefty purchase included green laser pointers, showcasing his eclectic tastes. This may seem extravagant to many, but for a man of O’Neal’s stature and financial standing, it’s just a part of his post-basketball life. This isn’t the first instance of O’Neal’s extravagant expenditures. Earlier this year, during an episode of “The Big Podcast with Shaq,” he opened up about shelling out approximately $1,000 for pedicures, humorously admitting he indulges himself for the sake of maintaining his “ugly, stinky” feet. “I give about $1,000 because I know my feet stink, I know they’re ugly, and I like to paint them,” he said on The Big Podcast with Shaq, via PEOPLE. https://youtu.be/8uScN6aN59c Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, the music mogul and entrepreneur, has found himself ensnared in a web of serious allegations that have sparked widespread debate regarding race, power, and justice in America. The attorney representing Combs, Marc Agnifilo, has publicly stated that the federal government’s pursuit of his client is emblematic of a historical bias against successful Black men in America, a position that has reignited conversations about systemic issues within the legal system. The criminal charges against the 54-year-old include racketeering, sex trafficking, and other allegations described as “abusing, threatening, and coercing women” over the years. These claims, he vehemently denies, date back to 2008, and were publicly highlighted in a conversation on TMZ’s special, “The Downfall of Diddy: The Indictment” streaming on Tubi. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2726578850856232 Diddy’s current legal entanglements come on the heels of allegations that surfaced from a lawsuit filed by his ex, Cassie Ventura. This lawsuit, which included claims of physical and sexual abuse, was settled almost immediately, yet it seems to have paved the way for further scrutiny and claims against him. Agnifilo’s assertions position Diddy as a victim of circumstance, caught in a cycle of accusations that threaten to tarnish his legacy. However, the prosecution paints a starkly different picture. Federal agents allege that Diddy organized “Freak Offs,” described as highly orchestrated sexual performances and that he was involved in a lifestyle that involved significant drug use and abusive behavior towards women. Reports emerged of a raid yielding “1,000 bottles” of baby oil and lubricant, items confiscated further fueling the salacious narrative surrounding the mogul. Agnifilo, addressing these claims, argued that Diddy’s behavior reflects consensual adult actions, likening them to mainstream practices where purchasing in bulk is common. “I don’t think it was 1,000. I think it was a lot. I mean, there is a Costco right down the street. I think Americans buy in bulk, as we know, the attorney told the New York Post. Agnifilo added: “These are consensual adults doing what consensual adults do, you know, we can’t get so puritanical in this country to think that somehow sex is a bad thing because if it was there would be no more people.” Costco has since come out and confirmed that they don’t sell baby oil in any of their locations across the country. Oop. https://youtu.be/ZIlm4kV-dfQ Singer Al B Sure!, who’s also the ex-husband of the late Kim Porter, has issued a cease-and-desist letter to Amazon and the publishers of a newly released book claiming to be Porter’s memoir, titled “Kim’s Lost Words.” The self-published book, attributed to the pseudonymous author Jamal T. Millwood—a name linked to conspiracy theories involving the late Tupac Shakur—has ignited controversy and legal action. The book paints a scandalous picture of Porter’s past, alleging sexual encounters between Sure! and Porter, as well as Sean “Diddy” Combs, stirring outrage from all parties involved. Sure!, whose full name is Albert Joseph Brown III, vehemently denies the book’s claims, stating that he has been “defamed by false and malicious statements” and demanding a cessation of the book’s sales. That’s not all he wants. Sure! is requesting a public apology and an acknowledgment of the fabrications posed about his character. https://youtu.be/O3hAYVfBdcM Controversial North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson was treated for second-degree burns at Northern Regional Hospital “following an incident at a campaign event” in Mount Airy (NC) on Friday night, according to Mike Lonergan, communications director for Robinson’s gubernatorial campaign. Lonergan added in a statement that Robinson “is in good spirits, appreciates the outpouring of well wishes, and is excited to return to the campaign trail as scheduled first thing tomorrow morning.” The campaign has not provided any further details about the incident. NewsNation was the first to report his hospitalization, which a source close to his campaign confirmed to CNN earlier Friday night. https://youtu.be/zGqbKstmcGU Grammy and Emmy award winning and Oscar nominated artist, producer, actress and entrepreneur Mary J. Blige returns to Lifetime to executive produce several new original movies -- the first of which is set to debut 2025 as part of the network’s latest Voices of a Lifetime movie slate. Inspired by Mary J. Blige's best-selling hit Family Affair, the film continues Kendra and Ben’s epic love story from Lifetime’s 2023 fan favorite’s movies Mary J. Blige’s Real Love and Mary J. Blige’s Strength of a Woman. Mary J. Blige’s Family Affair (wt) starts production this month with Ajiona Alexus (BMF, Acrimony,13 Reasons Why) and Da’Vinchi (BMF) returning to reprise their roles as Kendra and Ben in the third installment of their story. The love story of Kendra (Ajiona Alexus) and Ben (Da'Vinchi) began when 18-year-old Kendra set off on her own for the first time at an HBCU where she found herself falling hard for Ben. After discovering the meaning of “real love” and then leaving Ben behind to pursue her dreams Kendra becomes a successful photographer. When Ben unexpectedly comes back into her life, she is forced to a crisis point and must dig deep to find her “strength” and accept Ben’s love. As predicted, Hurricane Helene made its catastrophic landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region on Thursday evening as a powerful Category 4 storm. This rapid intensification occurred over the Gulf of Mexico’s unprecedented warm waters, marking one of the strongest storms to hit the area in recorded history. As the hurricane approached landfall around Taylor County, officials reported initial casualties and significant impacts set to rock several states. In a late-night news conference, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis confirmed the loss of at least one life due to the hurricane. Tragically, officials in Georgia later reported two additional fatalities attributed to a suspected tornado spawned by Helene’s storm system. The tragedy underscores the serious threat posed by this powerful weather event. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued dire forecasts, stating that Florida’s Big Bend region could face historic storm surges of 15 to 20 feet, described as “catastrophic and unsurvivable.” As the hurricane barreled inland, hurricane warnings extended beyond Florida, with parts of metro Atlanta bracing for the storm, where hurricane-force wind gusts were anticipated. Meteorologist forecasts warned that significant tree damage and prolonged power outages could occur throughout the affected areas, according to Axios. https://youtu.be/DR4xD1k0_Ko Further complicating the situation, heavy rainfall led to potential flooding across the southern Appalachians, particularly in western North Carolina. Authorities expect rainfall totals to reach up to 15 inches, raising concerns for historic flooding and landslides in an area unaccustomed to such severe weather events. Flood warnings were issued for major cities like Tallahassee, Tampa, and Jacksonville, prompting strong recommendations for residents to secure their homes and evacuate if necessary. As the storm continued its track, thousands of people found themselves without power. By 11:45 p.m. ET, over 1 million customers in Florida had already experienced outages. This number is expected to grow as more power lines succumb to the force of the storm, presenting a daunting challenge for utility workers tasked with restoring services amid dangerous conditions. As Helene moves rapidly north-northeast at 24 mph, several measures were activated to prepare for the worst. The impact of the storm’s extensive wind field, coupled with its swift movement, poses a significant risk not only to coastal areas but also to inland states like Georgia and South Carolina, where prolonged power outages are likely. In a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictability, the NWS warning issued for western North Carolina evokes memories of the floods of 1916, suggesting that Helene could be one of the most significant weather events in the region in contemporary times. Residents across several states remain on high alert, united in their efforts to prepare for and respond to the ongoing peril of Hurricane Helene. https://youtu.be/d3S_rGThEjM Sean “Diddy” Combs wants to testify at his criminal trial for charges of sex trafficking and racketeering, according to his attorney, Marc Agnifilo. “I don’t know that I can keep him off the stand. He is very eager to tell his story,” the embattled rap mogul’s attorney Marc Agnifilo said in an interview for a new TMZ documentary. When contacted by CNN, a representative for Combs declined to elaborate on Agnifilo’s comments or say whether Combs would take the stand. A source with knowledge of the current case tells CNN that the discovery phase has not begun, so it is too early to confirm any witnesses or individuals who could be called to the stand during the upcoming trial. Prosecutors unsealed the three-count indictment against Combs on September 17, accusing the artist of orchestrating “a criminal enterprise” through his business empire that engaged in sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping and decades of physical abuse against women, among other allegations. https://youtu.be/NqNpgdrQ0rI According to the American Urological Association, approximately 1.8 percent of today’s urologists are Black. Black men over-index in terms of being diagnosed and dying of prostate cancer compared to other groups. One in five Black men will develop prostate cancer in his lifetime. Unfortunately, unlike other groups, Black men will be hard-pressed to locate a urologist from their community to aid in treating this silent disease. As National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month winds down, Auto Trends with JeffCars.com, the longest-running multicultural syndicated automotive program in North America, talks one-on-one for the first time with a urologist. Just like in the auto industry where it’s difficult to find a Black-owned new car dealership, it’s also the same in terms of locating a Black urologist. More importantly, when we’re in search of a Black female urologist, like with Black female new car dealers, it’s like finding a needle in a haystack. Dr. Linda McIntire, a urologist who recently served as the president of R. Frank Jones Urological Society, an organization of Black urologists, joins Auto Trends with JeffCars.com for a wide-ranging candid educational conversation. While some men may have mixed feelings when talking about sex, erectile dysfunction, and the likes of a female urologist, others realize that the opposite sex brings a sensitivity to the conversation that many men lack. Contrary to reports, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is not paranoid about being poisoned in prison and is eating normal jail food. The father of seven is currently imprisoned at Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, following his bail denial last week. He is facing serious charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transporting individuals for prostitution. According to TMZ, Diddy isn’t worried about other inmates poisoning his food, despite reports from several outlets claiming the disgraced music mogul had stopped eating in prison due to paranoia over potential tampering. A source close to Diddy tells the outlet that the Bad Boy Records founder is eating normal jailhouse and he’s not receiving special treatment. He is being held in the Special Housing Unit, separated from the general prison population, and placed on suicide watch by officials, although his legal team insists he is not suicidal. Meanwhile, former Death Row Records CEO Suge Knight has expressed concerns for Diddy’s safety behind bars. Knight, who is currently serving a 28-year sentence for manslaughter, discussed the allegations against Combs on the most recent episode of his podcast Collect Call with Suge Knight. https://youtu.be/QH4CrXHXZTM “I’ll tell you what, Puffy, your life is in danger ’cause you know the secrets of who’s involved in that little secret room you guys are participating in… You know they gonna get you if they can,” he said, according to VIBE. “I turned myself in. Sometimes you gotta face the music, that’s most of the time,” Knight added. “When you go to prison, either you’re gonna be standing up p****** or squatting, sitting down p******’. I advise you to try to take the first one… Do not do your time going by Brother Love. Brother Love is not a good code name,” he continued, referencing one of Diddy’s numerous monikers. Knight weighed in on Diddy’s legal drama during an appearance on NewsNation Tuesday, where he alleged that the music mogul was a victim of abuse by powerful executives in the industry. He accused music executives Clive Davis, Russell Simmons, and Andre Harrell of using alcohol and drugs to manipulate Combs and other artists like Usher and Justin Bieber. https://youtu.be/dHtc7EfLHZA As the hit STARZ crime drama “Power Book II: Ghost” winds down the final two episodes, actor Lovell Adams-Gray reflects on his character “Drew Tejada’s” journey. Drew, one of the most intriguing members of the Tejada family, has evolved from a reluctant participant in the family’s criminal empire to someone stepping into a leadership role. Adams-Gray shared deep insights into Drew’s character development, family betrayals, and his vision for the future. “Drew’s always had the potential to lead,” Adams-Gray said. “I think we’re seeing him step into that role and embody the qualities his father saw in him years ago. He’s making decisions with the family’s long-term success in mind.” Adams-Gray expanded on his thought, “It’s about thinking strategically and weighing each decision’s potential impact for Drew. https://www.instagram.com/lovelladamsgray/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=06ac893d-cf21-401a-b8e2-d4c8d9f97476 Iconoclast has acquired the publishing rights to the music catalog of Grammy-winning hip-hop artist Eve in a deal reportedly valued between $25 million and $50 million. Known for her influential role in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Eve became the third female rapper to top the Billboard 200 with her debut album “Let There Be Eve…Ruff Ryders’ First Lady.” She gained widespread recognition with hits like “Gangsta Lovin’,” “Love Is Blind,” and her Grammy-winning collaboration with Gwen Stefani, “Let Me Blow Ya Mind.” In a press release, the company announced that it has acquired the “publishing rights to the catalog of double platinum-selling and Grammy Award-winning hip hop artist Eve.” Olivier Chastan, founder and CEO of Iconoclast, said: “Eve’s contributions to hip hop and popular culture are unparalleled. She’s not only a great artist but a true pioneer for women in the genre. “We are honored to help preserve and elevate her incredible legacy, ensuring that her influence continues to inspire future generations of artists and fans alike.” https://youtu.be/Wt88GMJmVk0 Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, advises that those concerned about AI taking their jobs should focus on mastering the technology. He suggests high school and college students prepare for the future by learning how to effectively use AI. “You want to get really comfortable with these new tools because we don’t know exactly what the jobs of the future are going to look like,” Altman explained to Indeed CEO Chris Hyams, as part of an Indeed conference in Dallas on Thursday, per Business Insider. “I’m confident that there will be lots of jobs and also that many of them will look somewhat different today, but we never seem to run out of stuff to do,” he said. OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, is reportedly restructuring into a for-profit business, potentially making Altman billions richer. His latest remarks suggest that he believes AI will offer more advantages than drawbacks, much like the impact of computer software. “The story on computer programming has been a huge net positive. It has made some classes of jobs go away. It’s made way more new things happen and also given us the ability to do a lot of new things,” Altman said. https://youtu.be/tGuaU1yeBRg Blac Chyna is being sued by her ex-boyfriend, Twin Hector, who claims she physically abused him during their three-year relationship. According to the lawsuit, the abuse escalated in September 2021 when Chyna allegedly attacked Twin while he was sleeping, leaving him with severe facial injuries, TMZ reports. He accuses her of frequent violent outbursts, often linked to alcohol or drug use, involving strangulation and the use of household items as weapons. Twin’s lawsuit references Rob Kardashian’s previous allegations of abuse during his relationship with Chyna. Per TMZ, Rob testified in April 2022 that Blac Chyna beat him at least 5 times during their relationship and held a gun to his head. Twin noted that Rob and other Kardashians testified in court that Blac Chyna “has a propensity for verbal abuse and extreme physical violence toward her domestic partners and others, primarily when she consumes alcohol.” Twin’s attorney, Kirk Edward Schenck, tells TMZ … “It is a shocking experience for any man to go through — being attacked by a female aggressor in a domestic violence context and knowing they cannot fight back or even defend themselves for fear of being mislabeled (falsely) the de facto aggressor.” TV One is thrilled to announce the addition of the award-winning sitcom Black-ish to its programming lineup, beginning September 27, 2024, just in time for the show’s 10th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, TV One will launch a special marathon event, allowing fans to relive the iconic moments from one of the most celebrated sitcoms in recent history. Starting at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT on Friday, September 27, 2024, the Black-ish 10th Anniversary Marathon will kick off an exciting weekend of laughs and reflections, honoring a decade of cultural commentary, humor, and heart. Join us as we celebrate the Johnson family and their hilarious yet impactful journey through life, love, and the complexities of Black identity in America. Acclaimed songwriter David Frazier has crafted song after-hit song for more than thirty years. He is decorated with a multifold of Stellar, Dove, and Grammy® awards and nominations for his divinely brilliant gift of lyric and verse. Gospel's greatest artists have recorded his prolific tunes, but his talents go beyond his songwriting abilities. David is also a highly sought-after music and worship ministry clinician, producer, and recording artist with multiple albums in his catalog of works. After a decade-long hiatus, David is making a triumphant return with GRACE SONGS, the fifth installment of his PSALMS, HYMNS & SPIRITUAL SONGS series of albums which have become a principal collection in Gospel music. This series has given us the hits "Favor," "Be A Worship," "I Need You To Survive," and "Show Yourself Mighty." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mte5NnJ7gUg Apparently, it has become so obvious that Donald Trump is afraid to debate Vice President Kamala Harris for a second time that even a Fox News anchor is saying publicly that a debate on his network will likely never happen because Trump has been unwilling to agree to one. “ …the Harris campaign would do a Fox debate… [but Trump is]…the holdup…” Fox host Bret Baier recently told conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt. He did concede that he didn’t know the reasoning driving Trump’s decision to still not have agreed to a second debate this close to the elections. But the rest of us don’t have to say that. On Friday, Hurricane Helene unleashed an unprecedented wave of destruction across Florida and the southeastern U.S., claiming at least 40 lives across four states and leaving communities reeling from its catastrophic impact. The Category 4 hurricane slammed into land with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph, making landfall late Thursday in the sparsely populated Big Bend area of Florida, transforming tranquil fishing villages into scenes of devastation. The storm’s aftermath has sent rescue crews on urgent missions to save those stranded by rising floodwaters. As it moved northward, the damage spread hundreds of miles to areas like northeast Tennessee, where officials dealt with critical rescue situations due to overwhelming flooding at local hospitals. In a heartbreaking reflection of the storm’s fury, communities grappled with heavy rains, torn-down structures, and the dawning realization of the loss they endured. The impact of Helene was felt across numerous states, with the destruction prompting authorities to employ chainsaws and heavy machinery to clear massive debris and restore access to affected roads, the AP is reporting. Georgia’s governor reported widespread power outages, with Southern hospitals among those left in the dark as damage to utility infrastructure was deemed “catastrophic.” https://youtu.be/pigYkkxkyQw In North Carolina, scenes of impending disaster unfolded as a dam featured in the iconic film “Dirty Dancing” threatened to overflow its banks, forcing evacuation orders in nearby neighborhoods. The situation grew even direr in Newport, Tennessee, where officials enacted mandatory evacuations of its downtown area following the catastrophic failure of a local dam. The threat of tornadoes further compounded the storm’s peril, with residents in some regions facing life-threatening conditions. Amid the desperation, stories from those affected paint a haunting picture of survival. Laurie Lilliott from Dekle Beach explained the disbelief she felt as she returned home to destruction. Her name and phone number were scrawled on her arm, an unsettling reminder of the grim search for victims. In Pinellas County, many residents tragically ignored evacuation orders, leading to more casualties as people sought refuge in their attics to escape the rising waters. The emotional toll is only beginning to surface as the community rallies together in the wake of Helene. Local officials have begun door-to-door searches in flood-stricken neighborhoods, warning that the death toll could continue to rise. The sharing of harrowing accounts, such as Kera O’Neil’s escape through chest-deep floodwaters with pets in tow, reveals the immediate peril many communities faced. President Joe Biden has expressed his condolences and promised support for recovery efforts as the Federal Emergency Management Agency mobilizes over 1,500 workers for rescue operations. With nearly four million homes and businesses stripped of power throughout Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, the path to recovery appears daunting. https://youtu.be/7j_ExhOauvI Yolanda Adams is opening up about the criticism she’s received over the years for her sense of style. Speaking to PEOPLE about her new album “Sunny Days,” the platinum-selling Gospel singer addressed the online bullying she’s experienced for wearing form-fitting clothing. “I didn’t know there was a thing of ‘you can’t wear this’ and ‘you shouldn’t wear that’ and ‘you need to cover your head’ and stuff like that,” Adams said. “So when people started saying, ‘I don’t know about that [dress],’ well…okay. And now all of a sudden, these are the same people who are now fans. And they’ll say ‘I’ve been with her since day one.’ No, you didn’t. Cut it out. Because I remember!” In the gospel and Christian contemporary music scene, female artists are expected to dress modestly. However, during her rise to fame in the ’90s and early 2000s, Adams’ fashion trends shifted from baggier styles to more form-fitting outfits. “Because I do not have the typical gospel singer body, I think that it was easy for me to just pick out what I wanted and then just wear what I wanted,” she explained. “Again, I didn’t grow up in a household where we had stipulations on what we could wear, what we couldn’t wear, what we could listen to, what we couldn’t listen to in my family.” https://www.instagram.com/yolandaadams/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=65e12a4b-bfaa-4428-a2b6-76fe5a8f1fe3 As fans eagerly await the explosive series finale of “Power Book II: GHOST,” STARZ is heightening the anticipation with a special conversation featuring two iconic figures from the show: Mary J. Blige and Method Man. In this heartfelt discussion, the Grammy-winning duo reflects on their impactful roles within the “POWER” universe, celebrating their unique characters and the chemistry that has made “GHOST” a standout series. Both artists share their pride in being part of a franchise that has redefined television drama, connecting deeply with audiences around the world. Mary J. Blige, who portrays the fierce Monet Tejada, and Method Man, who plays the charismatic Davis MacLean, unpack into their memorable experiences while filming the series, reminiscing about their shared Grammy moments and the camaraderie forged on set. Their conversation highlights the enduring legacy of the “POWER” franchise as it nears its conclusion. As fans gear up for the finale, this exclusive chat serves as a reminder of the passion and dedication that have fueled “GHOST” and the larger “POWER” narrative, leaving viewers eager to see how it all comes to a climactic end. https://youtu.be/unG-YSP1Xj8 Shannon Sharpe has clapped back at accusations that he is anti-Black after responding to allegations that he seems to only defend non-Black WNBA players. Most recently, he caught backlash for hurling a “horse hair” insult at a user on social media. The backlash began Wednesday (Sept. 25) when Sharpe was called out for supporting Caitlin Clark more than the rest of the league, Vibe reports. “My issue is @ShannonSharpe never speaks on the disrespect the rest of the women of the W experienced,” wrote @SpikeTeeJoint on X Tuesday morning. That’s your issue not mine. I have no issue I’ve said in regards 2 WNBA and its players past or present,” responded Sharpe. Another user, @ungodlywests, criticized the former NFL player for failing to recognize his apparent bias. North Carolina’s Republican candidate for governor, Mark Robinson, once suggested police should shoot prominent civil rights leader the Reverend Al Sharpton. The Bulwark reports that back in 2009, Robinson made comments on a NewsOne article regarding a protest against police brutality that involved Sharpton, writing, “If the cops wanted to shoot an elderly black man they should have shot Al Sharpton. Closing his mouth would do this Nation good.” Sharpton responded to the remarks by comparing Robinson to Donald Trump. “This is a long line in despicable, self-hating, antisemitic rhetoric from a man who enjoys the support of Donald Trump and the Republican party,” Sharpton said in a statement. “Now, his candidate in that state has suggested cops shoot me instead of some other victim. It’s clear that someone’s life is expendable to them, especially if you disagree on the issues.” CNN recently revealed that Robinson posted comments on a pornography site, referring to himself as a “Black NAZI” and expressing a wish to own slaves. According to the report, he said he enjoyed transgender pornography, and in 2012 Mark allegedly noted that he preferred Hitler to then-President Barack Obama. He also slammed the late Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. as “worse than a maggot.” https://youtu.be/mVLkjxIZcfc As “Power Book II: Ghost” winds down the final two episodes, actor Lovell Adams-Gray reflects on his character “Drew Tejada’s” journey. Drew, one of the most intriguing members of the Tejada family, has evolved from a reluctant participant in the family’s criminal empire to someone stepping into a leadership role. Adams-Gray shared deep insights into Drew’s character development, family betrayals, and his vision for the future. “Drew’s always had the potential to lead,” Adams-Gray said. “I think we’re seeing him step into that role and embody the qualities his father saw in him years ago. He’s making decisions with the family’s long-term success in mind.” Adams-Gray expanded on his thought, “It’s about thinking strategically and weighing each decision’s potential impact for Drew. https://www.instagram.com/lovelladamsgray/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=88731348-1a40-4531-9407-bdad6281db72 From ground breaking and award winning musician, writer, producer, director and star Jussie Smollett comes the upcoming film “The Lost Holliday". The critically acclaimed motion picture is set to debut in theaters nationwide TODAY, September 27th! The critically acclaimed film premiered at ABFF and has screened in Miami, Los Angeles, Washington DC, New York, Atlanta, Seattle, and London receiving coverage and raves in each city! Now you get to see "The Lost Holliday," at an AMC Theatre in your city. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvEktsCgBgY The world of John Wick is expanding in the form of the new “Ballerina” spinoff feature starring Ana de Armas. In the action thriller, de Armas plays a Ruska Roman ballerina named Eve Macarro, who is seeking revenge against a group of hitmen who murdered her family. The trailer shows the origins of Eve and her meeting John Wick himself (Keanu Reeves). “Ballerina” takes place in between the events of “John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum” and “John Wick: Chapter 4,” and hits theaters June 6, 2025. Directed by Len Wiseman, the cast also includes Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, Lance Reddick, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Norman Reedus, and Ian McShane. https://youtu.be/0FSwsrFpkbw Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, advises that those concerned about AI taking their jobs should focus on mastering the technology. He suggests high school and college students prepare for the future by learning how to effectively use AI. “You want to get really comfortable with these new tools because we don’t know exactly what the jobs of the future are going to look like,” Altman explained to Indeed CEO Chris Hyams, as part of an Indeed conference in Dallas on Thursday, per Business Insider. “I’m confident that there will be lots of jobs and also that many of them will look somewhat different today, but we never seem to run out of stuff to do,” he said. OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, is reportedly restructuring into a for-profit business, potentially making Altman billions richer. His latest remarks suggest that he believes AI will offer more advantages than drawbacks, much like the impact of computer software. https://youtu.be/GLKoDkbS1Cg A new TV spot provides a preview of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana 2,” featuring a fresh poster and the new song “We’re Back” from the film. The animated musical, which opens in theaters on Nov. 27, 2024, reunites Moana (voice of Auli‘i Cravalho) and Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson) for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers. Here’s the synopsis: After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced. https://youtu.be/Wxemg6rtKAs Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller, from a script penned by Jared Bush and Miller, the voice cast features returning stars Rachel House (Gramma Tala), Temuera Morrison (Chief Tui) and Nicole Scherzinger (Sina), as well as Hualālai Chung, David Fane and Rose Matafeo as Moana’s new crew members Moni, Kele and Loto, respectively. Additionally, Awhimai Fraser voices the mysterious new character Matangi; Gerald Ramsey plays Moana’s ancestor, Tautai Vasa; and Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda lends her voice to Moana’s adoring and adorable little sister, Simea, per the release. https://youtu.be/hDZ7y8RP5HE Sean “Diddy” Combs has been accused of drugging and sexually assaulting a woman in another civil lawsuit, marking at least the 12th misconduct lawsuit he’s faced in as many months. In the complaint, filed in New York and obtained Friday by CNN, Jane Doe alleges she was unwillingly drugged with alcohol and unknown substances and sexually assaulted by Combs on more than one occasion in 2022. The allegations span four years from the fall of 2020 to the summer of 2024, months after the rapper and producer had been named as a defendant in multiple lawsuits and was under federal investigation. “At every visit, Defendant Combs would make her ‘perform a show’ for him and would ply her with alcohol and substances until she passed out,” the suit states. “She would wake up with bruising and injuries but with no recollection of how she sustained her injuries. This continued until July of 2024.” Combs “forced Jane Doe to have vaginal intercourse without her consent” at his home in April 2022, according to one alleged incident cited in the complaint. After another alleged incident in the spring of 2022, Doe “woke up and her feet were purple and bruised and she had a bite mark on her heel,” the complaint states. She did know how she sustained the injuries. Doe alleges that she was forced to take ketamine in other drugs in July 2022, she blacked out and was sexually assaulted, which resulted in her getting pregnant. According to the complaint, one of Combs’ associates repeatedly contacted her to encourage her to get an abortion, but later suffered a miscarriage. https://youtu.be/r6NsH1PFXb4 It’s beginning to look a lot more like Christmas as Lifetime announces the greenlight of the new original movie, A Very Merry Beauty Salon, executive produced and starring Tia Mowry. RonReaco Lee, Donna Biscoe, Cocoa Brown and Ashli Auguillard are also set to star in A Very Merry Beauty Salon. The movie follows the lively women of an Atlanta beauty salon owned by Sienna (Mowry) who must prepare for the annual Tinsel Ball, but is Sienna also prepared for love when Lawrence (Lee) arrives to town? This marks a reunion for Mowry and Lee who previously starred together in the iconic sitcom Sister, Sister. This marks the final installment of Mowry’s three-picture deal with the network. In A Very Merry Beauty Salon, Sienna, the owner of the bustling Divine Beauty Salon is preparing for Atlanta’s Tinsel Ball, where she will be honored for her charitable work in the community. The annual event takes a glamourous turn with the arrival of Lawrence, a charismatic CEO whose family’s wine brand is now co-sponsoring the Ball. Sparks fly between them, but Sienna’s mother Georgia (Donna Biscoe) who is the head of the Ball’s committee, worries his involvement may ruin the event’s traditions. As Sienna and Lawrence are unexpectedly paired as dance partners, romance blooms, setting the stage for a steamy romance that challenges Sienna’s thoughts on love and family and makes this year’s Tinsel Ball the most memorable yet. Suge Knight weighed in on #Diddygate during an appearance on NewsNation Tuesday, where he alleged that music mogul Sean Combs was a victim of abuse by powerful executives in the industry. Knight, the former CEO of Death Row Records, claimed that his artists initially only used marijuana but were introduced to harder drugs after signing with other labels, Page Six reports. He accused music executives Clive Davis, Russell Simmons, and Andre Harrell of using alcohol and drugs to manipulate Combs and others like Usher and Justin Bieber. “Those guys … they introduced cocaine to my artists,” Knight, who is currently serving a 28-year sentence for manslaughter, told host Chris Cuomo in a phone call from prison. “So once they got on cocaine, once they got on drugs, once they got on alcohol, then that’s when the weird stuff happened. I think that’s what took Puffy [Combs] down that lane,” he added. Knight went on to claim that Davis, Simmons, and Harrell used “alcohol, drugs” to “compromise” Diddy’s “manhood.” https://youtu.be/dHtc7EfLHZA A Secret Service agent has been placed on administrative leave following allegations of sexually assaulting an aide to Vice President Kamala Harris during a recent trip to Green Bay, Wisconsin. The alleged incident occurred after the agent dined and drank with Harris staffers and later joined them in a hotel room, where the assault took place in the presence of others, USA Today reports. The Secret Service is investigating the matter. The aide works for Harris’ office, not her campaign, and the trip was for advance security planning for a canceled campaign stop. In a statement, a Secret Service spokesman said its Office of Professional Responsibility “is investigating a misconduct allegation involving an employee.” The statement continued, “The Secret Service holds its personnel to the highest standards. The employee has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.” A spokesperson for Vice President Harris’ office confirmed that the Secret Service informed senior officials about the allegations. https://youtu.be/rpmqV-oX9co Hoda Kotb is stepping down from her role as anchor of the Today show after 17 years with the NBC morning show. “As I write this, my heart is all over the map,” she wrote in a letter to staff, shared Thursday, Sept. 26, PEOPLE reports. “I know I’m making the right decision, but it’s a painful one. And you all are the reason why,” she added. “They say two things can be right at the same time, and I’m feeling that so deeply right now. I love you and it’s time for me to leave the show.” Kotb explained that her decision to leave the show was to spend more time with her family. https://youtu.be/oP9ZzBVwPTw Lenny Kravitz is welcoming fall with a nod to his iconic 2012 meme featuring his massive scarf. In a recent Instagram clip, the 60-year-old rock star is sporting the viral oversized knit scarf. He shared a similar shot on TikTok in 2023. “I live in the Bahamas, I’m used to hot weather, and I had to go to the store. I was buying some groceries, and I thought I’d put on a little scarf to protect my throat, and that’s the scarf I had,” Kravitz said in 2018 about the scarf while appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Messenger reports. “Hey, the guy who made that scarf — who you can blame this on — he made that scarf and he gave it to me and that was the day I thought I’d break it out. I had no idea that there would be [photographers] and that is now everything,” he continued, Us Weekly reports. In a 2020 interview with GQ, Kravitz reacted to the viral memes of the scarf. https://www.instagram.com/lennykravitz/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=6cec3f12-af3c-4376-a73a-3cccba766b83 Janet Jackson’s brother and manager, Randy Jackson, allegedly lacks the experience necessary to effectively manage her career, according to insiders. According to Page Six, insiders believe his influence in her decision-making has contributed to the PR crisis regarding an unauthorized apology she issued after her controversial remarks about Vice President Kamala Harris’ race. We reported earlier that The Guardian published the singer’s remarks on Saturday after the interviewer asked Jackson for her thoughts on Harris potentially becoming the first Black woman to serve as U.S. president. “Well, you know what they supposedly said?” Jackson said. “She’s not Black. That’s what I heard. That she’s Indian.” The author explained that she corrected Jackson, clarifying that Harris has Indian and Jamaican heritage. “[Harris’] father’s white,” Jackson replied. “That’s what I was told. I mean, I haven’t watched the news in a few days. I was told that they discovered her father was white.” Conrad Ricamora, known for his performances on stage and screen, is stepping into a unique role as Rory on Hulu‘s latest hit series, “How To Die Alone.” In an exclusive interview with EUR, Ricamora delved into his character’s complex relationships, the emotional depth of the show, and the balance between comedy and serious issues like loneliness and connection. When asked what drew him to the character of Rory, Ricamora’s response highlighted the universal theme of belonging. “I think Rory finds a sense of belonging with Mel, portrayed by Nathasa Rothwell,” he shared. “That’s something he’s been looking for his entire life, being an Asian boy adopted by a rich, white, Upper East Side family that he never felt a part of. He finds a shared sense of humor with Mel, but it really boils down to that sense of acceptance and belonging.” This sense of feeling like an outsider and seeking meaningful connections resonates not only with Ricamora’s character but also with many viewers. In How To Die Alone, Rothwell, who also created the show, explores how people search for belonging and love in a world where it’s often hard to find. https://www.instagram.com/htdahulu/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=f5bb521b-9146-4369-bb95-f0ca2df18443 “When you start making meaningful change, it pushes up against those relationships, and whether those relationships survive or not is the true test of whether they were meant to be in your life.” Given that much of the show occurs at JFK Airport, Ricamora shared a behind-the-scenes insight into what filming in such a hectic, public place is like. “I will never be able to walk through an airport the same way again,” he laughed. “We’re always so stressed at airports, but there’s a whole culture of people working in different capacities. I loved learning about the rooms where confiscated foods and items end up. I really want to visit one of those rooms!” *How To Die Alone* is currently streaming on Hulu. https://youtu.be/0cuWDjeKKDI Helene rapidly intensified into a hurricane Wednesday as it plows toward a Florida landfall as the strongest hurricane to hit the US in over a year. The storm will also grow into a massive, sprawling monster as it continues to intensify, one that won’t just slam Florida, but also much of the Southeast. Time is running out for those in the US to prepare. Thousands of Florida residents have already been forced to evacuate and nearly the entire state is under alerts as the storm threatens to unleash flooding rainfall, damaging winds, and life-threatening storm surge. https://youtu.be/NN6Xe12Ee-0 Helene is on track to make landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast — likely in the Big Bend region — late Thursday. It could be a Category 3 major hurricane when it reaches the coast, strengthened considerably by the extremely warm water of the Gulf of Mexico. Rapidly intensifying storms like Helene are becoming more frequent in world warming due to fossil fuel pollution. The hurricane unleashed its fury on parts of Mexico’s Yucátan Peninsula and Cuba Wednesday. Flooding rainfall plunged cars underwater in parts of Mexico’s state of Quintana Roo while powerful ocean waves pounded the coastline. Helene’s strong winds also knocked out power to more than 50,000 people in western Cuba’s province of Pinar del Río. https://youtu.be/L1tW55Zxw7o Pianist Christian Sands recently made his Hollywood Bowl debut – and it was alongside some heavy hitters. Sands performed September 11, as part of the ‘Jazz on Tap at the Bowl’ program, featuring the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, led by Principal Conductor Thomas Wilkins with Music Director Christian McBride who co-hosted the show with the legendary Ben Vereen. Other members of the band included Rodney Jones (guitar), Clayton Cameron (drums), and special guest Terence Blanchard. Savion Glover brought down the house with his high-energy tapping. Others on tap included legendary tap dancers Sarah Reich, Michela Marino Lerman, and Karen Callaway Williams, who tapped alongside featured singers including Freda Payne, Judith Hill, and Paula Cole. Sands, 35, dapper in a blue checkered-like suit, was masterful as he tickled the ivories. The New Haven, Conn. native and Grammy-nominated artist (Be Water), who now calls Los Angeles home, is having a great year. Not only is he touring and reveling on a successful Hollywood Bowl debut, but he is set to release his latest CD, ‘Embracing Dawn,’ on September 27, with ‘MMC’ as the first single to drop. https://youtu.be/n7NolzTK8VI This year’s presidential election will be one of historical consequences, no matter who you elect as America’s commander-in-chief. For Lupita Nyong’o, the occasion will mark a personal milestone as she voiced her excitement in voting for the first time as an American citizen. Taking to social media, the “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” star put her joy and pride on display while emphasizing the importance of taking part in the democratic process, Madame Noire reports. The moment comes as Nyong’o, who was born in Mexico and raised in Kenya, recently became a US Citizen, adding another layer to her global citizenship. Noting her first time casting her ballot on American soil, the Oscar-winning social activist voiced her excitement at being a virgin voter, who has the opportunity to cast her ballot for “A Black woman!” With that Nyong’o urged others to exercise their right to vote while putting a special emphasis on the “virgin voters” out there, saying she knows she isn’t the only virgin voter out there. It didn’t take long before the Nyong’o’s fans shared their congratulations as they relayed their own experiences of voting for the first time. https://youtu.be/6dhkoa-Jryk “I started working with David, who wrote most of it,” said Soul/Jazz Geneva Renee about her new single “Your Tender Kiss” (Red Mile Music). “To sing it I had to think about a guy I had a crush on. He (David) asked me what are you thinking about.” Renee took that crush experience and used it as an emotional push to deliver a stellar project. The “Your Tender Kiss” single was written by Geneva and Billboard chart-topping David P. Stevens and features saxophonist Marqueal Jorden (Brian Culbertson). “David said we are working on a new album,” she continued. “I was so excited about how awesome it was.” When I asked if the single was part of an album project, she said, “We just finished the song. You never know when it will be released.” “I gave David a call and said I was in town…and available let’s do it. We did it overnight,” said the California native who is now Washington, DC-based when I asked “He (David) had the track…I recorded the vocals the same day. I had written a verse and David said let’s add a sax,” Geneva explained about the single. https://youtu.be/anCib1Cc94g New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted on five federal charges related to bribery, wire fraud, conspiracy, and soliciting campaign contributions from foreign nationals, according to a 57-page indictment unsealed Thursday morning. The indictment alleges illegal actions stretching back to 2014, from when he was Brooklyn Borough President. “For nearly a decade, Adams sought and accepted improper valuable benefits, such as luxury international travel, including from wealthy foreign businesspeople and at least one Turkish government official seeking to gain influence over him,” the indictment reads. Specifically, he received luxury travel and other benefits from a Turkish official and later pressured the NYC Fire Department to open a Turkish consular building without a fire inspection in exchange, the indictment says. https://youtu.be/3CJIXSwBFX4 A Texas police officer was left blind after being shot in the face while responding to a targeted attack that resulted in the death of a fellow officer. According to the New York Post, Dallas police Sr. Cpl. Karissa David was injured on August 29 when Corey Cobb-Bey, 30, opened fire at the For Oak Cliff Community Campus. David arrived at the scene after Officer Darron Burks was shot while sitting in his car. Another responding officer, Sr. Cpl. Jamie Farmer encountered gunfire upon arrival. Cobb-Bey shot Farmer in the leg before approaching David’s vehicle and firing at her as she exited. David returned fire but she was critically injured. Burks died at the hospital, while David and Farmer were treated for their wounds. David was discharged on September 19 but is expected to undergo months of outpatient care. “She is currently blind in both eyes and we ask for continued prayers for a miracle in that regards,” David’s family shared in a GoFundMe page. https://youtu.be/nb-IIAkbOy8 NeNe Leakes is facing legal trouble as her Truist Bank account is set to be seized by MPG-Sugarloaf to recover unpaid debts. The company took her to court in August 2023, alleging she owed them for leasing a property for her Swagg Boutique in 2017. Leakes is accused of failing to show up to court to deal with a lawsuit over her now-closed clothing store in Atlanta. We reported previously that Leakes is being sued for back rent but the reality star claims she is not responsible for the outstanding payments as her late husband signed the lease. The lawsuit, filed in Fulton County, GA., claims Leakes owes $22,900 in back rent for retail space she leased at the Sugarloaf Mills shopping center for her clothing store. She signed the lease contract in 2017 and four years later, she extended it for another year in 2021, according to the lawsuit. At some point, she defaulted on payments. According to Radar Online, a letter sent to Leakes regarding the matter, dated July 19, 2023, read, “Based on the foregoing, landlord hereby demands payment in the amount of $22,900.75 within ten (10) days from receipt of this letter. Should you fail to pay this amount within ten (10) days from receipt of this letter, landlord will pursue all rights and remedies it has, including, but not limited to, the collection of past due rent, its reasonable attorney’s fees, and court costs pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 13-1-11, and the terms and conditions of the Lease.” The Blast reports that a Georgia judge has allegedly granted MPG-Sugarloaf’s request to withdraw funds from Leakes’ bank account to resolve the outstanding debt. The company is pursuing the rent owed, attorney’s fees, and court costs. After her comments went viral, an unauthorized “apology” was issued by Mo Elmasri, a man claiming to be Janet’s manager. However, Jackson’s representative stated that Elmasri has no affiliation with the superstar. In an email statement to Yahoo Entertainment, Elmasri claimed to be Janet’s former business manager and that he was fired by Janet and Randy Jackson after he denounced her remarks about Harris. “The disagreements occurred between me and Janet after she met with the Guardian and her racist and unbalanced statements,” said Elmasri. “As her business manager, I decided to help her reform her image and calm public opinion and her fans. But then she and Randy issued a decision and I was fired,” he added. Meanwhile, multiple sources told Page Six, “No one [in her camp] knows who he is!” “It’s completely out of the blue. No one has ever heard of this guy, not any breath of him,” another insider said. There is more. Now Janet’s actions have caught the attention of Roland Martin, whose “Roland Martin Unfiltered” digital show is also going in on her over her comments about VP Harris and it isn’t pretty. https://youtu.be/rZWQdpqQVzE Ts Madison is allegedly engaged to her former personal trainer. According to SandraRose.com, the popular transgender influencer and her man known only as “G,” are engaged to be married after dating for 2 years. Ts has not officially confirmed her relationship status with “G.” Last November, Madison posted a photo on Instagram of her and “G” looking cozy together, along with the caption, “Thank you 🙏🏾 so much @g_vs_hulk for being SOLID and standing in solidarity!! You are an Amazing person ❤️ I Truly appreciate your presence.” In a separate photo post of “G” shared with fans in April, Ts Madison wrote, “This is who yall “spotted” me out with honey lol not no dam MARTELL… This is my bodyguard and good friend!! @g_vs_hulk… Yall already know I’m not the kinda ghorl to be in that mess!!….. I mind my business And Make my coins……. Thank you @g_vs_hulk for always keeping me safe EVERYWHERE‼️…Oh and we had a ball tonite.” https://www.instagram.com/tsmadison/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=2957b321-3524-4191-a2f7-0d2a7bd333e0 Ts Madison is slated to host the prestigious Black-Tie Gala, “I AM Awards,” taking place at the MGM National Harbor in Washington D.C. on Saturday, October 5, 2024. Per the news release, the event will be a powerful celebration of community, creativity, and advocacy, recognizing outstanding individuals and organizations making a significant impact in the LGBTQIA+ space. “The evening will also feature a special performance by the renowned James Wright Chanel, and the red carpet will be hosted by J Lamar, Eric Cole, and Malachi Stewart. The excitement culminates with the announcement of the People’s Choice Award honoree, revealed during the gala,” per the release. “It is our mission to make this night, one of the preeminent and iconic events that will happen each year for the enrichment, education, empowerment, and celebration of the quintessential spirit of black queer excellence. At the core, we are community-based first, and then a global organization committed to service, activism and affirmation,” said Antonio Driver, Founder and Executive Director of SpeakOut, Inc. Madison is hosting the “I AM Awards” awards along with Dominique Smith and Jack Mizrahi. https://www.instagram.com/tsmadison/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=2ac35439-9523-41ee-b61a-940a58754088 CNN’s new game show, “Have I Got News for You,” aims to find the humor in coverage of current events with help from Roy Wood Jr., who hosts, and Amber Ruffin and Micheal Ian Black, who serve as team captains. Based on a British series of the same name, entertainers, political figures and comedians will appear as guests for quick-witted conversation and games. The show is produced by Hat Trick Productions for CNN Originals. “Comedy has its place within the news cycle,” Wood Jr. says. “I think that CNN is as good of a place to drop a program like this because ‘Have I Got News for You’ is, at its core, it’s a critique of the news,” he said. “It’s a critique of the media and for CNN to be bold enough to allow itself to offer a platform to something that could, from time to time, critique the things that it’s covering or the people who cover it, I think is an honest approach to where we are as a people in terms of the sincerity of the news coverage. I think having this program helps the other six days of the network.” With that in mind, and again, if you haven’t yet had a chance to check it out, we’ve curated several clips for you to check out below, beginning with his one hilarious issue about the language in the Sean Combs racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking case. https://www.instagram.com/hignfyus/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=94397e65-342f-4b21-b9fe-b0600bc581ea We spoke to the talented cast of “Tough Love: Atlanta,” now airing its highly anticipated second season on Cleo TV. The hit series stars Anissa LaShay, Leslie Sheri, Julian Horton, DaSan Frazier, Kadeem Isaiah, Alisha S. Ward, and Ashanti Harris, who bring dynamic performances to this drama that explores the complex relationships, challenges, and triumphs of young professionals navigating love and life in Atlanta. The Daytime Emmy Award-nominated series was created by the visionary husband and wife creative team of Roni and Caleb Davis. Here’s the official synopsis: In the second season of “Tough Love, Atlanta” the repercussions of former fellowship advisor Jason’s actions continue to haunt the lives of Jackie, Iesha, Lisa, Drew and Kenny. After Jason’s imprisonment for PPP loan fraud, the looming debt he also incurred from an angry criminal becomes a serious threat. The criminal not only demands repayment but also blackmails the group with dark secrets he’s discovered about each of them, forcing them to engage in illegal activities to settle the debt. As their friendships are tested and their moral compasses are challenged, all five find themselves on a dangerous journey, as they simultaneously try to regain control of their toxic love lives. https://youtu.be/wfEP6UNkEs0 A British organization based in London called the Charity Commission for England and Wales has officially disqualified supermodel Naomi Campbell and several associates from serving as charity trustees following an investigation into the mismanagement of funds at her charity, “Fashion for Relief.” The inquiry, which has been ongoing since 2021, revealed alarming financial discrepancies and resulted in the charity’s dissolution in March 2023. “Fashion for Relief,” established by Campbell in 2005, was designed to raise funds for causes that support health, education, and poverty alleviation. Unfortunately, the investigation uncovered that, from April 2016 to July 2022, a mere 8.5 percent of the charity’s expenditure was allocated towards charitable grants. In stark contrast, funds were reportedly spent on luxury hotel accommodations, spa treatments, and personal security for Campbell herself. As chairperson, Campbell faces a five-year disqualification, while directors Bianka Hellmich and Veronica Chou received nine and four-year disqualifications, respectively, due to “multiple instances of misconduct or mismanagement.” Hellmich had volunteered to repay funds for consultancy services, indicating serious infractions regarding proper financial management. https://youtu.be/k6qxSlPGQRU Cat Glover, the singer and dancer best known for her work with Prince, has passed away at 60. According to Deadline, Cat’s death was announced on her official Facebook page. “It’s with great sadness that we formally announce the passing of Catherine Vernice Glover- AKA ‘Cat.’ Please allow her children, family and friends privacy at this difficult time,” the statement said. The cause of death was not disclosed, but the Facebook message states that further details “will be released in due course.” Born in Chicago in 1964, Glover first gained attention in 1986 as part of the dance duo Pat & Cat on “Star Search.” Despite receiving an offer to work with David Bowie, she chose to collaborate with Prince, becoming a dancer and backing vocalist on his “Sign o’ the Times” and “Lovesexy” tours. Glover also contributed to the tracks “Cindy C.” and “Alphabet St.” After leaving Prince, she continued to choreograph and perform. https://youtu.be/LwP7FQofMhY Sean Combs was recently arrested in New York and charged with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He pleaded “not guilty” to all the charges and is currently being held without bond at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York. For those seeing this as a chickens-coming-home-to-roost moment, it’s the time to dig into the past for juice to spice up things with ironies in light of what has befallen Combs also known as “Diddy” and “Puffy,” among other nicknames. In any event, a Cheatseat story has it that it’s when the Notorious B.I.G. or Biggie Smalls (real name Christopher Wallace) signed to Diddy’s “Bad Boy Records” that the label began to rank financially. Biggie was a successful and influential artist. As soon as Diddy signed him, he began bringing in big money for the label. But Biggie was not getting what he deserved, thanks to Diddy’s greed, reportedly. Unfortunately, Diddy simply held Biggie’s publishing rights and refused to give them up. The devil is always in the details. Biggie indeed realized he had not read between the lines when signing the contract, and towards the end of his life, it’s reported he was planning to leave Bad Boy Records. The contract gave Diddy half his publishing rights. Even other artists under the same label felt this was outrageous. TV ONE is set to shake up your Wednesday nights with its newest true crime sensation, 'Celebrity Crime Files.' The iconic Blair Underwood narrates the series, whose illustrious career has earned him Golden Globe, Grammy, and NAACP Image Awards. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rSOp5_phgw Celebrity Crime Files dives deep into the mysteries and scandals that have rocked the African American celebrity world, revealing the hidden truths behind the headlines. Each episode is a riveting exploration into the lives of Black celebrities who have been entangled in the web of crime, either as victims or alleged perpetrators. The show employs a unique blend of investigative journalism, powerful firsthand accounts, and exclusive interviews, giving viewers unparalleled access to stories that have been overlooked or misinterpreted by mainstream media. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6nsyF1Aw_A New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted on at least one federal criminal charge, two sources familiar with the matter tell CNN. The New York Times was the first to report the news of the indictment. The indictment follows a monthslong federal investigation into campaign fundraising violations and foreign influence. The charges he is facing are not publicly known at this time. Adams has previously denied any wrongdoing, and he has frequently repeated that he told members of his campaign and administration to follow the law. “I always knew that If I stood my ground for New Yorkers I would be a target—and a target I became. If I am charged, I am innocent and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit,” Adams said responding to the news on Wednesday night. https://youtu.be/uzpmlzzW_S0 CNN has sought comment from lawyers for the mayor and City Hall. The US attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York has declined to comment. https://youtu.be/m5feq3whPww?list=RDNSm5feq3whPww 50 Cent shared an update on his upcoming Diddy documentary for Netflix which will cover the wild allegations made against the disgraced Bad Boy Records mogul. Fifty will serve as executive producer on the project directed by Alexandria Stapleton, Variety reports. The rapper previously announced that Netflix won a bidding war for the docuseries which is currently under production, “This is a story with significant human impact. It is a complex narrative spanning decades, not just the headlines or clips seen so far,” Fifty and Stapleton said in a joint statement, Complex reports. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to give a voice to the voiceless and to present authentic and nuanced perspectives. While the allegations are disturbing, we urge all to remember that Sean Combs’ story is not the full story of hip-hop and its culture. We aim to ensure that individual actions do not overshadow the culture’s broader contributions.” In November 2023, 50 Cent announced he was developing a documentary about Diddy, focusing on the sex scandals and controversies that have surrounded the music producer for years. Fiddy intends to donate the proceeds of the doc to victims of sexual assault. https://www.instagram.com/complex/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=f0eeee08-a75f-463e-88d4-7f05bacf87bc There’s a mantra sweeping across the business world: “Fail fast, fail often.” From Silicon Valley startups to corporate boardrooms, leaders have been encouraged to embrace failure as a path to success. At first glance, it makes sense—failure is part of learning, right? But what happens when failure becomes the goal rather than the byproduct of thoughtful risk-taking? In reality, the “fail fast” mentality has become a dangerous narrative, one that encourages reckless decision-making and undermines true leadership. As leaders, we must be careful about the philosophies we embrace and pass down. Failure, when done recklessly, doesn’t just affect the leader—it impacts entire teams, companies, and even industries. It’s time to reconsider the glorification of failure and, instead, champion leadership principles that value calculated risk, accountability, and sustainable innovation. https://vimeo.com/1012987875 Janet Jackson’s recent comments questioning Kamala Harris’ ethnicity have enraged fringe liberals, but her issues with the vice president may date back to 2004. The tension could stem from a resurfaced interview where Harris, then a San Francisco Deputy City Attorney, made remarks about Michael Jackson’s child molestation trial. In 2003, the King of Pop was charged with seven counts of child molestation. At the time, Harris had no involvement in the case but weighed in on the trial as a legal expert. According to TMZ, Harris said in the video clip, “In general, the child will be able to recall and recollect some detail, the incident and that is persuasive to a jury, even if it is the only testimony that is available.” Michael denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty. He was ultimately acquitted of all charges in 2005, but Janet seemingly hasn’t forgotten Harris’ remarks, which may explain the singer’s recent comments about her race. The Guardian published the singer’s controversial statement on Saturday after the interviewer asked Jackson for her thoughts on Harris potentially becoming the first Black woman to serve as U.S. president. https://www.instagram.com/tariqelite/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=bc45840a-9d82-4229-98bc-20490f0a677e Jubilant shouts of joy and excitement filled the air as word spread for the triumphant return of Jazz at Drew, in fall 2024.The 23rd Annual Jazz at Drew was a huge success for everyone involved. The beloved community music festival was held on Saturday, September 21, 2024, on the inviting, relaxing campus of Charles R. Drew University of Science and Medicine (CDU). Jazz at Drew has been on hiatus since 2019. Its welcome return will continue revitalizing the essence of community and cultural richness in South LA, hosted by Charles R. Drew University of Science and Medicine. Jazz at Drew assembled a stellar lineup of musicians that promised and delivered an unforgettable experience for festival goers, with a mix of jazz R&B, and soul to the stage. The festival was headlined by Morris Day & The Time, Grammy-winning guitarist Norman Brown, Grammy-nominated vocal group DW3, The Lao Tizer Band featuring Grammy-winning saxophonist Eric Marienthal, powerful vocalist Erin Stevenson, and talented local artist J.Anthny. In a display of family unity amid a cloud of controversy, Sean “Diddy” Combs‘ children have issued a heartfelt statement addressing the rampant conspiracy theories surrounding their late mother, Kim Porter. This declaration comes shortly after Combs’ recent arrest on serious charges, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, prompting the siblings to clarify misconceptions regarding their mother rather than discussing the accusations against their father. Quincy Brown and his younger siblings — Christian, Jessie, and D’Lila Combs — expressed their dismay (via Quincy’s Instagram) over the “horrific conspiracy theories” that have circulated regarding their mother’s life and tragic passing in 2018 from lobar pneumonia. “We have seen so many hurtful and false rumors circulating about our parents, Kim Porter and Sean Combs’ relationship, as well as about our mom’s tragic passing, that we feel the need to speak out.” https://youtu.be/0Hydfd48a_g Former NFL star Reggie Bush is suing the NCAA, USC, and the Pac-12 to reclaim NIL earnings that his name, image, and likeness generated during his time with the football program from 2003 to 2005. Fox News reports that Bush’s attorneys issued a statement asserting that he deserves compensation “to address and rectify ongoing injustices stemming from the exploitation” of his name. “This case is not just about seeking justice for Reggie Bush,” Evan Selik, one of Bush’s attorneys, said in a statement. “It’s about setting a precedent for the fair treatment of all college athletes. Our goal is to rectify this injustice and pave the way for a system where athletes are rightfully recognized, compensated and treated fairly for their contributions.” Bush is also pursuing a defamation lawsuit against the NCAA, filed in 2023, related to his forfeiture of the Heisman Trophy in 2010. We reported earlier, citing CNN, that Bush is accusing the NCAA of defamation in a lawsuit filed in an Indiana Superior Court, asking the collegiate sports governing body to reinstate his football records so he can get his 2005 Heisman Trophy back. “We appreciate that the new administration at USC is trying to pick up the pieces of the former administration’s unjust and improper handling of Reggie Bush,” Levi McCarthern, Bush’s attorney who is handling the case against the NCAA, said. “However, the delay in fixing this speaks volumes.” https://youtu.be/bHyv8CFynHw Former Bad Boy Records member Freddy P, from the group Da Band, claims the infamous cheesecake scene featured on MTV’s “Making the Band” actually involved Beyoncé. The music competition series aired from 2002 to 2004. In the season two episode, the six-member group was tasked with walking three hours from Manhattan to Brooklyn to fetch a slice of cheesecake for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs. During Freddy’s recent appearance on “The Art of Dialogue” to discuss Puff Daddy’s sex trafficking and racketeering charges, Freddy recalled the cheesecake moment. “Okay, fun fact a lot of people don’t know—that cheesecake we went and got was for Beyoncé,” Freddy claimed. “She was upstairs the whole time.” He continued, “At first [Diddy] was like, ‘I want some cheesecake,’ but we took all night to do the process, right? So when we got back, it was like four or five in the morning.” https://youtu.be/9Tug5QXFgX8 Following a last week Michigan town hall emceed by Oprah Winfrey alongside Democrat presidential candidate Kamala Harris, former Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly has come out to explain why she thinks Oprah has lost her old “genuine” self. Kelly, 53, told “The Megyn Kelly Show” podcast listeners on Friday that she finds Winfrey, 70, started being less trustworthy when she began taking a weight loss medication. “I miss fat Oprah, she was just genuine,” Kelly claimed. “Now this thin Ozempic Oprah has lost—along with the pounds, her heart—her sense of authenticity.” Kelly, a supporter of Donald Trump, hit Oprah the morning after the town hall attended virtually by celebrities such as Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, and Jennifer Lopez. The attendees sat through an interview similar to “The Oprah Winfrey Show” of the past days. Oprah was, of course, the host. https://youtu.be/qgc0giYCYC4 Netflix has released a new special teaser for the hotly anticipated second season of “Squid Game,” set to debut on the streamer later this year. Variety reports that the upcoming season picks up right after Season 1’s finale when Seong Gi-hun abandons his plans to go to the U.S. and instead returns to the deadly game with new contestants. The official synopsis states: “Three years after winning Squid Game, Player 456 (Lee Jung-jae) remains determined to find the people behind the game and put an end to their vicious sport. Using this fortune to fund his search, Gi-hun starts with the most obvious of places: look for the man in a sharp suit playing ddakji in the subway.” The description continues, “But when his efforts finally yield results, the path toward taking down the organization proves to be deadlier than he imagined: to end the game, he needs to re-enter it.” https://youtu.be/1GqzyjUbT4c Marcellus Williams, whose murder conviction was questioned by a prosecutor, died by lethal injection Tuesday evening in Missouri after the US Supreme Court denied a stay. The 55-year-old was put to death around 6 p.m. CT at the state prison in Bonne Terre. Williams’ attorneys had filed a flurry of appeal efforts based on what they described as new evidence – including alleged bias in jury selection and contamination of the murder weapon before trial. The victim’s family had asked the inmate be spared death. The US Supreme Court’s action came a day after Missouri’s supreme court and governor refused to grant a stay of execution. The high court did not explain its decision, which is common for cases on its emergency docket. There were no noted dissents in two of Williiams’ appeals. In a third, Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, and Ketanji Brown Jackson said they would have granted the request to pause the execution. https://youtu.be/O5iQvQlN8vE Williams was convicted in 2001 of killing Felicia Gayle, a former newspaper reporter found stabbed to death in her home in 1998. “We hope this gives finality to a case that’s languished for decades, re-victimizing Ms. Gayle’s family for decades,” Gov. Mike Parson said in a statement read by Trevor Foley, director of the Missouri Department of Corrections. “No juror no judge has ever found Williams’ innocence claim to be credible. Two decades of judicial proceedings and more than 15 judicial hearings upheld his guilty conviction. Thus the order of execution has been carried out.” In a statement after the execution, one of Williams’ attorneys, Larry Komp, said his client maintained his innocence to the end. “While he would readily admit to the wrongs he had done throughout his life, he never wavered in asserting his innocence of the crime for which he was put to death tonight,” Komp said. “Although we are devastated and in disbelief over what the State has done to an innocent man, we are comforted that he left this world in peace.” https://youtu.be/o7Z4e22wdRI Ryan Coogler and his longtime collaborator Michael B. Jordan have teamed once again for the new supernatural thriller “Sinners” and we have the new trailer for the hotly anticipated feature slated to premiere in theaters early next year. Here’s the official synopsis: “Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers (Jordan) return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back.” “I’ve been all over this world. I’ve seen men die in ways I ain’t even know was possible,” Jordan says as one of the brothers. “Of all the things that I’ve seen, I ain’t ever seen no demons, no ghosts, no magic…til now.” https://youtu.be/bKGxHflevuk The 2024 Living Legends Foundation (LLF) Annual Awards Ceremony is set to recognize a distinguished group of media, music, and entertainment professionals. The honorees for this year's ceremony include Filmmaker and Television Producer Ed Eckstine, who will be the recipient of the Ray Harris Lifetime Achievement Award; Harvey Mason jr., CEO of The Recording Academy® and MusiCares®, who will be presented with the A.D. Washington Chairman’s Award; iconic radio and television broadcaster Donnie Simpson, who will receive the Jerry Boulding Radio Award; L. Londell McMillan, a prominent entertainment attorney, entrepreneur, and advocate, who will be honored with the Kendall A. Minter Entertainment Advocate Award; Joi Brown, founder and CEO of Culture Creators and former record label executive, who will be the inaugural recipient of the Impact Player Award; Chris Chambers, founder and CEO of The Chamber Group and former label executive, who will receive the Media Executive Award; Mike Kelly, veteran record label executive and radio broadcaster, who will be presented with the Music Executive Award; and Gwen Franklin, former record label executive and founder and CEO of B. Lifted Up. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqrO5ovvtSI Paramount Pictures has released a new trailer for the upcoming historical action “Gladiator II” from filmmaker Ridley Scott – starring Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, with Connie Nielsen and Denzel Washington. Here’s the official synopsis: From legendary director Scott, “Gladiator II” continues the epic saga of power, intrigue, and vengeance set in Ancient Rome. Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius (Mescal) is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people. https://youtu.be/GhWgDDfihLE Al B. Sure! and Diddy did it, too? Yep, that’s the allegation and it’s got AI B. Sure! breathing fire! Dude is threatening to sue somebody over claims written in a memoir he calls “fake.” Said memoir was allegedly written his late ex-wife, Kim Porter from her diary entries. But he believes the diary entries asserting that he had sex with music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs are not truly hers but assertions by others bent on tarnishing his name. Al B.’s hot threats call for an investigation into the alleged book from Porter come after Diddy’s recent arrest in New York. Diddy has since been charged with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He pleaded not guilty to the charges and is currently held without bond at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York. Taking to social media on Sept. 23, AI B. called for an investigation into the individuals who worked closely with Porter before her untimely death. Kim Porter was a model. https://youtu.be/FYaUAHqrxpg In a recent interview with The Guardian, Janet Jackson sparked a wave of controversy when she questioned the racial identity of Vice President Kamala Harris, suggesting inaccuracies regarding her heritage. The pop icon’s comments drew sharp criticism from comedian D.L. Hughley, who took to social media to voice his disapproval, delivering a stinging rebuke that has since captured public attention. “#JanetJacksons interview sounded like a #Trump rally! FYI!! It’s a little ironic to question whether someone is Black while you’re breathing through the nose of a white woman!” is what Hughley posted on his X account on Sunday (09-22-24). His pointed barbs not only address the contentious nature of Jackson’s claims but also critique the underlying racial dynamics present in her remarks. The controversy began when Jackson suggested that Harris, whose background is both Black and South Asian, may not identify as Black. “She’s not Black. That’s what I heard. That she’s Indian,” Jackson claimed. Despite being informed of Harris’s mixed heritage during the interview, Jackson persisted with her assertions, leading to widespread backlash. After facing intense criticism, Jackson’s representative issued an apology on her behalf, which was later revealed to have been unauthorized. This mishap resulted in the firing of her publicist, Mo Elmasri, who expressed regret over the incident. https://twitter.com/i/status/1838298234164514984 Jamie Foxx recently stepped into a new role as father of the bride. The Oscar-winning actor walked his daughter, Corinne Foxx, down the aisle at her nuptials over the weekend, appearing to get emotional as he escorted the 30-year-old to the altar. The touching moment was captured by his former “The Jamie Foxx Show” co-star Garcelle Beauvais, who posted the video as part of a carousel of images on her verified Instagram account. “Last night we got to witness & celebrate the love of @corinnefoxx and @JoeHooten ❤️❤️,” Beauvais wrote in the caption. “Your love & respect for each other is palpable 🙏🏽. Corinne, you looked stunning,” The post has since been deleted, but the video is being shared on other platforms. https://youtu.be/tL2UYZaB3oU More than a decade after calling out his father Al B. Sure! for his absence over the years, Quincy Brown has good news to share about their relationship. Media sources at Essence report Brown revealed he just spoke with the 56-year-old “Rescue Me” vocalist recently when B. Sure! congratulated him on his recent album, “ETA.” As it stands, now, Brown is currently “cool” with his famous dad. “It’s a cool relationship,” Brown said when asked about the status of his relationship with B. Sure!. “He tends to try to do like the dad thing a lot, but it’s like, that’s not really where we’re at in life. We homies, more than anything,” As the interview continued, the 33-year-old entertainer, who was born to the late Kim Porter and B. Sure! in 1991, stated that the nature of their relationship is to hang out and do things together. On social media, the pair were recently seen together at the Black Excellence Brunch, which took place at the White House. https://www.instagram.com/officialalbsure/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=35d0036c-ad16-40cc-af5d-a8e0763c379a Rev. Al Sharpton’s father has died at age 93. While announcing his father’s demise, the 69-year-old civil rights activist and Reverend also took the opportunity to remind the world that his dad had not been a really good father. “I’m deeply saddened to announce the passing of my father, Al Sharpton, Sr. Our relationship was complicated, but he was still my father,” read a statement released on Saturday by the MSNBC host after his father — senior Sharpton — died in Orlando, Florida on Friday, reports the NY Post. https://www.instagram.com/real_sharpton/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=465db1f7-8419-4fb5-8b30-7d171e0a19f3 By “our relationship was complicated” he referenced his father’s past complicated behaviors. “Born and raised in Jim Crow Florida, he later came to New York City and became a successful entrepreneur. Though his weaknesses may have cost him, he instilled in my sister and me (and later our other siblings) a mentality of independence and self-pride. I’ve learned from my own mistakes and his. May my Daddy rest in peace,” he said. When Reverend Sharpton was only 10, his father abandoned the family in 1963 and eloped with young Sharpton’s 18-year-old half-sister with whom he started a relationship and a family. The father owned various residential buildings in Brooklyn at the time. https://youtu.be/bMK7uO0jUvo For decades, Medi-Cal has played a vital role in California’s healthcare infrastructure. Today, it provides health coverage to more than 15 million people, representing about 40 percent of the state’s population. This includes 1.6 million people dually eligible for Medicare and Medi-Cal. Medi-Cal, California’s version of the federal program Medicaid, has piloted a program in several counties, including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Fresno, Kings, Madera, Sacramento, and Tulare, that presents an option for Californians who qualify for both Medi-Cal and Medicare. By 2026, the Department of Health Services aims to make the program available to eligible individuals in all counties. https://youtu.be/0PF3qMzMmRY Network of Providers: Primary care, specialist services, hospitals, clinics, labs, pharmacies, and medical equipment suppliers are all included in a Medi-Medi Plan’s network, ensuring members can find quality care for various medical needs. Mental Health Services: Medi-Medi Plans offer access to therapy and counseling. This ensures access to resources essential for stress management, anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. Transportation Assistance: Medi-Medi Plans provide transportation support to ensure members can make it to scheduled medical appointments. Supplemental Benefits: Medi-Medi Plans may offer extra benefits like dental, hearing, vision, and over-the-counter benefits, in addition to what Medi-Cal covers. https://youtu.be/YxYkSreNQy4 “Koffee Brown is back,” said Vee (Vernell Sales) about the infamous duo Koffee Brown (“After Party”) who returns with a new partner. “…and Ryan (Lane) is a new member.” The duo relaunched Koffee Brown with Ryan in 2023. They are currently promoting their single “About It.” Koffee Brown hit the top of the charts with their debut single “After Party” in 2001, at a time when Alicia Keys, Usher, and Aaliyah dominated the charts. Fonz (Falonte Moore) was Vee’s original partner. He appears on the Koffee Brown single “After Party” as well as appears in the music video. Koffee Brown is attempting to capture that after-party vibe with the new single “About It” and I think they have accomplished it. https://youtu.be/6iHJ4ci7y-o?list=RD6iHJ4ci7y-o “It is a party song,” Ryan pointed out when I mentioned its ‘after party” vibe. Ryan’s credits include performing with Wyclef Jean and Queen Latifah; television appearances with Shaggy; performing at the Met-Life Stadium, and touring with Sluggaz on The Fridayz Live Tour in Australia and New Zealand. https://youtu.be/vTpJFuWji4o “The only difference (in Koffee Brown with Ryan’s vocals) is it more fresher,” Vee told me when I asked. “It has the same sound…same feel. Ryan brought incredible harmony and arrangement. He can go all day with 17 different harmonies, and he is great with imagery.” I asked Ryan about stepping into a famous duo like Koffee Brown and he said, “I have always been a fan of their song (“After Party”)…and the music video, I felt like I wanted to be there! That settled the deal for me.” https://youtu.be/qOqvQoURt2M Donald Trump wants voters to focus on what he says, instead of looking at what he does and paying attention to the company he keeps. Maybe that’s why he has so many political rallies and sits for so many interviews. The salesman in him probably believes he can talk his way through any situation. After all, it worked for him in 2016: All the campaign promises he made got him elected to the highest political office in America, despite having no political experience. In 2020 millions of Americans realized Trump was all hat and no cattle (as they say in Texas) and voted for Joe Biden instead. But once a wannabe dictator gets a taste of power he will do and say anything to stay in that position. He will perpetuate lies about elections, about illegal immigrants and use fear of the unknown to gain support. https://youtu.be/vtG3sRTpzCE Philadelphia experienced a surge in shootings and homicides during the COVID-19 years that disproportionately affected young Black and Latino men in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods with drug markets. In 2020, Philadelphia had 499 homicides – nearly 150 more than the previous year. Gun violence worsened in 2021 – with 562 homicides that year – and then dropped slightly in 2022. Fortunately, recent data shows a notable decline in these crimes over the past two years. As of late September 2024, homicides are down 40% for the year to date compared with 2023. And the number of shooting victims has decreased similarly – from 1,236 in the first eight months of 2023 to 758 for the same period in 2024. Spending years being a publicly hateful bigot is continuing to catch up with North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, who has been linked to two adult websites, including one where he allegedly declared his enjoyment of transgender porn, referred to himself as a “Black NAZI,” and stated he wanted to bring slavery back because “slavery is not bad” and “some people need to be slaves.” Well, now, several senior members of Robinson’s campaign have up and quit on him, and amid all of the political turmoil, Sen. Raphael Warnock has spoken out about what his KKKarma has wrought, describing the lieutenant governor as “white supremacy in blackface.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1837861527614804438 Amari Marsh spent 22 days at the Orangeburg-Calhoun Regional Detention Center and an additional 13 months under house arrest in South Carolina after being charged with murder/homicide following her early labor in 2023. In August, a grand jury dismissed her case, meaning she will not face trial, according to KFF Health News. Still, Marsh’s experience highlights the pressing need for abortion rights in the U.S. and serves as a vital reminder of the challenges women will continue to face if significant change does not occur after November’s presidential election. https://t.co/UDRFlAtJFa Marsh, a student at South Carolina University, was was facing 20 years to life in prison, after she went into sudden labor during her second trimester in March 2023. Faced with intense abdominal pain, the young student went to the emergency room to get checked up, unaware at the time that she was pregnant with a baby girl. https://t.co/hke5PMcMOI Fewer low-income students applied for college financial aid for the current school year after the rollout of an updated version of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as the FAFSA, was plagued with problems. Submitting the form is required to access federal Pell grants, student loans, and other kinds of financial aid. Without financial help, college could be out of reach for some students. Total FAFSA submissions were down 3% – or by 432,000 – compared with the year before as of August 25, according to a new analysis from the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office. The drop in applications was largest for families whose incomes are between $30,001 to $48,000 and individuals with incomes of $30,000 or less, the GAO said. https://youtu.be/EHiZjRaT_AU The post-divorce saga between Jeezy and Jeannie Mai is not coming to an end soon, judging by their utterances. And it’s hard to decide who is telling the truth. In the latest episode of this drama, Jeannie accused Jeezy of not complying with the terms of their divorce. In court documents, she alleged that he owed her $92,000 in rent and wasn’t paying his portion of their daughter Monaco’s childcare. She then filed a petition for contempt against him. The former “The Real” co-host also stated that her ex-husband failed to transfer the titles of a 2021 Range Rover and 2022 Ford Bronco to her name and failed to put half a million dollars into an account for Monaco as he promised. Jeezy, she added, also owes her $4,000 in tuition and childcare costs for their child. Before you make a judgment, he filed a response, stating that it was “disheartening” that his ex-wife would “enumerate such blatant misrepresentations in her pleadings in an attempt to mislead and delude this honorable court.” He also criticized her for bringing out portions of their agreement that should be sealed and private to the public. Regarding allegations that he owed her rent, he claimed she gave him four lease agreements that he could not verify and alleged that she didn’t pay him for “any amount of the four versions of the lease agreement.” https://youtu.be/4fD0-Q3TS0A Time is running out for Floridians in the path of Helene, which threatens to hit as the strongest storm to make landfall in the United States in over a year. Tropical Storm Helene formed in the northwestern Caribbean Sea Tuesday morning and will set off on a breakneck pace of strengthening. It could take Helene just 48 hours to go from a 45 mph tropical storm to a Category 3 major hurricane as it rapidly intensifies over the extremely warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. https://youtu.be/nmejwPT52tc While on vacation in Europe, Michael Jordan was in time to watch the UEFA Champions League match Thursday between AS Monaco and FC Barcelona at the Louis II Stadium in Monaco. He was in the company of his wife, Yvette Prieto. But it was Jordan’s eyes, not the match or the summer tour, that seemed to stir up more reactions on the internet, per the New York Post. For some fans, the 61-year-old Basketball Hall of Famer was probably “high” on something. “Is dude high or is his liver shot?” a fan rhetorically asked under the comments section of a collection of images from the game posted by Bleacher Report. “Can someone please check that man’s liver,” another fan chipped in. https://youtu.be/ZCyzddSCooE Even X, formerly Twitter, was lit. “Why the hell MJ out here with JAUNDICE tho? Eyes lookin’ like a Vampire In Brooklyn,” one fan commented. Instead of just asking rhetorical questions, some fans decided to offer solutions. “Mike, get some water,” a fan advised. https://www.instagram.com/bleacherreport/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=cacd365a-665f-4996-81a4-8fddb819515f Editor’s note: This story includes graphic descriptions some readers may find disturbing. – A woman has accused music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs and his bodyguard of drugging and assaulting her in 2001 and filming the attack, according to a lawsuit filed Tuesday in a federal court in New York. Thalia Graves alleged that she met Combs when she was 25 through her boyfriend, who worked at Combs’ record label Bad Boy. Around the summer of 2001, while in a vehicle with Combs and Joseph Sherman, his bodyguard and head of security, she accepted his offer of a glass of wine and began to feel “lightheaded, dizzy and physically weak,” the lawsuit states. She lost consciousness and later awoke naked in a studio in Manhattan with her hands tied behind her back, the lawsuit states. Combs came into the room and raped her, and he smashed her head into a pool table as she tried to resist, according to the lawsuit. Sherman sexually assaulted her as she came in and out of consciousness, the lawsuit states. CNN has reached out to representatives of Combs and Sherman for comment. Graves and her attorney Gloria Allred are set to hold a news conference on Tuesday. https://youtu.be/WXEWAm1R-wI The lawsuit is the latest allegation of sexual violence against Combs and comes a week after he was indicted on charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs, 54, has pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was denied bail and will remain in federal detention, a federal judge ruled. The indictment accused Combs of leading a “criminal enterprise” with other associates and employees, alleged he hosted drug-fueled “Freak Offs” with victims and male sex workers, noted instances of physical and sexual abuse and illuminated the weapons and large collection of baby oil and lubricant found during the March raids of his homes. In addition, Diddy has been accused in 10 civil lawsuits alleging a range of sexual misconduct and other illegal activity. After Graves was attacked, she was in pain and distress and got a ride with a livery driver to a hospital, the lawsuit states. However, she did not leave the car as she was “shaking and crying hysterically” and “terrified of what Combs would do to her and her family if she reported him,” according to the suit. https://youtu.be/y6RaiLp_aXs Sean Combs is reportedly refusing to eat while incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn, New York. Holding fears that someone may poison his food, Combs’ current situation has raised considerable concern amongst those inside and outside the justice system. As we reported, Combs a/k/a Diddy, was arrested on September 16 on multiple serious charges including sex trafficking and conspiracy to engage in prostitution, and he is currently being held without bail. His case has drawn national attention, partly due to his celebrity status, which has led to him being placed on suicide watch in a Special Housing Unit designed for VIP inmates, reports Sandra Rose. Last week, Combs faced a significant setback as two different federal judges denied his bond requests, despite assurances from his legal team that he would adhere to strict surveillance protocols at his home in Miami. Larry Levine, founder of Wall Street Prison Consultants, shared insight into Combs’ fears during a discussion with NewsNation host Ashley Banfield. Levine claims that an inside source within the MDC has confirmed that Combs has ceased eating due to the anxiety that someone might attempt to poison him. https://youtu.be/Gg3hTkAf9uU While many women would claim they were called beautiful 1000+ times before they met their husbands, Fantasia Barrino had to wait until meeting her husband before she heard “You are beautiful” directed her way. The couple has been married for 8 years, and the “Color Purple’ actress has only good things to say about her husband, Kendall Taylor, with whom she shares a 2-year-old daughter, Keziah. The mother of three recently opened up about finding true love in an interview with People. The R&B singer narrated how she went through a momentary panic earlier this month while traveling alongside producers Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg to promote “The Color Purple,” a film adaptation of the Tony-winning Broadway musical. The 39-year-old called home to inquire about her family. Her husband picked up the call, and it sounded like there was much screaming. “The first thing I thought was that something [bad] had happened, so I immediately hung up to prepare myself,” she tells PEOPLE in this week’s issue. A campus investigation is underway at Gettysburg College in southern Pennsylvania after a student allegedly etched a racial slur across another student’s chest during a social gathering earlier this month. The small liberal arts college has remained in the headlines ever since the incident occurred and as the investigations continue. The incident occurred on Sept. 6 at an informal gathering among the men’s swim team at an on-campus residence, as per the college’s and the aggrieved family’s statements. According to a statement by the victim’s family published in the campus newspaper, The Gettysburgian, the accused student used a box cutter to write the N-word across a teammate’s chest. The family has also pointed out that their son was the only person of color at the gathering. The family added that a fellow student-athlete carried out the reprehensible act, someone their son considered his friend, someone whom he trusted. A campus investigation is underway at Gettysburg College in southern Pennsylvania after a student allegedly etched a racial slur across another student’s chest during a social gathering earlier this month. https://youtu.be/5n2tLROooec When upperclassmen students from the swim team either noticed or learned about what had happened, they reported the incident. Their reaction has since earned them praise from Gettysburg College president Bob Iuliano, who praised their handling of the incident in an email to the campus community on Thursday. The student accused of the act has since left the school, but it’s unclear whether the student was expelled or decided to leave. The school would not offer more information, such as the names of the students involved, citing student privacy laws. According to the data on the school website, the school has about 2,200 students, of whom 62% are white while 21% are non-international students of color. The investigation over the matter is close to being finished, per Jamie Yates, the college’s chief communications and marketing officer. The school plans to chart the way forward with the aggrieved family once the investigation closes. “Those conversations have already begun and will continue. Both parties understand that this process will take time and are committed to working together,” Yates said, speaking to NPR. But even as it cooperates with the school in the investigation, the aggrieved family has also gone ahead to file complaints of racial discrimination, harassment, and lack of due process with the NAACP Harrisburg chapter, the NAACP Pennsylvania conference, and the Pennsylvania Commission on Human Relations. https://youtu.be/A_QFXWQMHhQ James Earl Jones is physically not with us, but the iconic actor made sure his voice would still be heard. ABC News reports Jones took steps to preserve his vocals by allowing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to replicate his performance as Darth Vader after he stepped away from the iconic “Star Wars” role. Evidence of AI’s presence in the “Star Wars” universe can be found in the recreation of Vader for the 2022 Disney+ show “Obi-Wan Kenobi” well as Mark Hamill’s voice being “de-aged” using Respeecher for his appearance as Luke Skywalker in “The Mandalorian.” Jones’ willingness to allow AI to replicate his voice opens the door for discussion about voice acting as an art as well as potentially setting the stage for transparent AI agreements that fairly compensate an actor for their performance with consent. “If the game companies, the movie companies, gave the consent, compensation transparency to every actor that they gave James Earl Jones, we wouldn’t be on strike,” Zeke Alton, a voice actor and member of SAG-AFTRA’s interactive media agreement negotiating committee, told ABC News. “It proves that they can do it. They just don’t want to for people that they feel don’t have the leverage to bargain for themselves.” Although Skywalker Sound and Respeecher have yet to comment on AI using Jones’ voice to replicate his performance as Vader, a sound editor with Skywalker Sound told Vanity Fair that the entertainer signed off on the use of archival recordings to keep Darth Vader alive and that he guided Darth Vader’s performance for the Disney+ show as “a benevolent godfather.” https://youtu.be/JxDy5-asajo In the music industry, the interplay between respect and rivalry can create a complex web of relationships among artists. This dynamic is particularly evident in the decades-long association between singer Ray J and music mogul Sean Diddy Combs, founder of Bad Boy Records. As both figures have made significant impacts on the entertainment landscape, their bond has seen moments of mutual admiration punctuated by periods of conflict. Ray J, who gained fame in the early 2000s with hits like “One Wish,” has had his fair share of achievements in the industry, often collaborating with Combs and acknowledging the mogul’s influence. Diddy, known for his powerful presence in hip-hop and notorious parties, has been both a mentor and, at times, a source of frustration for Ray J. In various interviews, Ray J has candidly expressed feelings of being overlooked by Diddy, particularly regarding opportunities and support within the competitive music business. Recently interviewed by Chris Cuomo on NewsNation, Ray J shed light on what he experienced during his years of attending Diddy’s gatherings, TMZ reports. He stated that he never witnessed any illegal activity or discord among entertainers at these events, contradicting the serious accusations laid against Diddy in a federal indictment. “We’ve never seen the stuff that’s being said and the stuff that people are finding out, like, I’ve never been in rooms that people are talking about and I never knew they existed.” Despite the troubling situation Diddy currently faces—having been arrested and denied bail—Ray J remains reflective about their past. He acknowledges that while he admired and respected Diddy, it serves as a cautionary tale for up-and-coming artists. “The next generation of entertainers should learn from the Bad Boy Records CEO’s mistakes,” Ray J advised, emphasizing a need for integrity and transparency in the industry. https://youtu.be/NRcQ4vaANRM This fall, Lifetime is set to captivate audiences with its newest thriller, “Buried Alive and Survived.” Inspired by gripping real-life stories, the film stars Eva Marcille (known for her roles in “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” and “All the Queen’s Men”) alongside Tyler Lepley (renowned for his performances in “P-Valley” and “Harlem”).The movie presents a harrowing narrative centered around Alicia, portrayed by Marcille, who finds herself in a nightmare after her ex-husband, Victor, played by Lepley, is released from prison. As Alicia strives to create a safe environment for herself and her son, Malcolm, she faces relentless pressure from Victor, who is intent on reuniting the family. However, Alicia’s determination to resist his advances leads to a chilling twist—Victor traps her underground and buries her alive. Struggling against the encroaching darkness and the terror of suffocation, Alicia taps into her will to survive. As panic threatens to overwhelm her, she manages to claw her way out of her grave, emerging into a world filled with uncertainty. But her fight for survival doesn’t end there; now free, Alicia must navigate the dangers posed by Victor’s obsessive nature while desperately searching for her son, whose safety depends on her cunning and resilience. “Buried Alive and Survived” is produced by Swirl Films, with Abbey Sibucao, Ron Robinson, and Eric Tomosunas serving as executive producers. The film is directed by Manu Boyer, known for “Girl in the Basement,” and feature a compelling teleplay written by Gregory Small and Richard Blaney, based on a story by Nigel Campbell. https://youtu.be/238qd73L8i0 Rev. Al Sharpton’s father has died at age 93. While announcing his father’s demise, the 69-year-old civil rights activist and Reverend also took the opportunity to remind the world that his dad had not been a really good father. “I’m deeply saddened to announce the passing of my father, Al Sharpton, Sr. Our relationship was complicated, but he was still my father,” read a statement released on Saturday by the MSNBC host after his father — senior Sharpton — died in Orlando, Florida on Friday, reports the NY Post. By “our relationship was complicated” he referenced his father’s past complicated behaviors. “Born and raised in Jim Crow Florida, he later came to New York City and became a successful entrepreneur. Though his weaknesses may have cost him, he instilled in my sister and me (and later our other siblings) a mentality of independence and self-pride. I’ve learned from my own mistakes and his. May my Daddy rest in peace,” he said. When Reverend Sharpton was only 10, his father abandoned the family in 1963 and eloped with young Sharpton’s 18-year-old half-sister with whom he started a relationship and a family. The father owned various residential buildings in Brooklyn at the time. https://www.instagram.com/real_sharpton/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=f4f82f5b-0e7f-423d-89d4-49f1c0a65808 But even after reconciliation, the Reverend continued to reference the damaged relationship in milestone social media posts in recent years, no doubt to warn the would-be bad fathers.This past June, Sharpton posted a Father’s Day message for his “natural father,” saying, “Though he left when I was 10 years old, we reconciled many years later. I’ve learned from his wisdom and tenacity.” It therefore makes sense why he has continued to point out his father’s failures even after his death. He also urged his followers to use his father’s passing as an opportunity to reconcile damaged relationships with loved ones and family. https://youtu.be/bMK7uO0jUvo Amid the swirling controversy following Sean “Diddy” Combs’ recent arrest, a memoir allegedly penned by the late Kim Porter has made headlines and landed at the top of Amazon’s bestsellers list. Titled “Kim’s Lost Words: A Journey for Justice from the Other Side…,” this unauthorized account, published by producer Chris Todd under the pseudonym “Jamal T. Millwood,” offers a purported glimpse into Porter’s lived experiences through a series of diary entries saved on a flash drive before her untimely passing in 2018. Released on September 6, just days before Combs was indicted on serious sex trafficking and racketeering charges, the memoir is stirring significant interest. According to reports from the Daily Mail, Chris Todd claims that the details contained within the book were provided to friends by Porter herself, implying a promise to reveal her truth posthumously. Reportedly, the 60-page book includes alarming allegations of physical abuse, among others, which Todd has yet to substantiate with evidence. “I was lucky enough to meet someone that purported to have Kim Porter’s flash drive,” he told the media outlet. “I know the celebrity source pretty well. I know how close they were to Kim and Diddy, and all the people in the hip-hop community. This was supposedly for Kim Porter from the grave, to come forward and tell her story.” https://youtu.be/xdTd_HikrzQ Former President Donald Trump told two fictional stories about Oprah Winfrey on Saturday – one of them new, another he has been telling for at least 11 years. Trump’s claims about Winfrey are both trivial. But they are the latest on a long list of recent examples of the Republican presidential nominee delivering vivid but imaginary tales as he again seeks the nation’s highest office. Winfrey endorsed Trump’s opponent in the presidential election, Vice President Kamala Harris, at the Democratic National Convention in August. Winfrey hosted a live-streamed virtual campaign rally for Harris in Michigan on Thursday. In a social media post late Saturday night, Trump wrote, “A long time ago, Oprah Winfrey asked me to do her last Network Television Show. The final week of her show was a big deal, and it was my honor, with my family, to do it.” He went on to criticize Harris and say that when he watched Winfrey’s event with her, “I couldn’t help but think this isn’t the real Oprah.” Facts First: Trump’s claim is false. He did not appear on the last episode of “The Oprah Winfrey Show” in 2011, nor even in the star-studded final week of the show. Rather, Trump appeared on the show about three-and-a-half months before it ended. https://youtu.be/mVF5hXiiASA Trump’s claim that Harris dodged a question from Winfrey about working at McDonald’s is false. In reality, Winfrey never even asked Harris about working at McDonald’s. Rather, Winfrey passingly mentioned the McDonald’s job during her introduction of Harris – before the vice president walked onstage for their conversation. This was Winfrey’s only mention of McDonald’s at the event: “In no other country on this Earth could her story unfold the way it has. From a child of immigrants to big sister to McDonald’s worker – there is hope for y’all – district attorney, a wife, and ‘Momala’ to senator to vice president. Please welcome Kamala Harris.” Harris walked out to applause, hugged Winfrey, and they began their conversation on non-McDonald’s subjects. https://youtu.be/2ylrIeuf_dI?list=RDNS2ylrIeuf_dI The recent controversy surrounding Janet Jackson‘s remarks about Vice President Kamala Harris‘ race has spiraled into a complex web of statements, retractions, and disagreements. In other words, it’s a very messy situation. Following an interview with The Guardian, in which Jackson claimed Harris is “not Black,” the pop star’s former manager, Mo Elmasri, has come forward with claims of being fired due to these comments, reports The Daily Beast. As the situation unfolds, a clearer picture of the dynamics at play emerges. “That’s what I heard,” Jackson, 58, told The Guardian. “That she’s Indian. Her father’s white. That’s what I was told. I mean, I haven’t watched the news in a few days. I was told that they discovered her father was white.” This assertion not only mirrored long-standing racial debates but also echoed rhetoric used by former President Donald Trump during his criticism of Harris. The comments ignited backlash as they were consistently labeled as misinformation. “I didn’t know she was black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn black and now she wants to be known as black,” Trump said at the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Chicago. As far as Janet’s supposed Buzzfeed apology, it was Elmasri, speaking for her and now we know it was unauthorized: “Janet Jackson would like to clarify her recent comments. She recognizes that her statements regarding Vice President Kamala Harris’ racial identity were based on misinformation. Janet respects Harris’ dual heritage as both Black and Indian and apologizes for any confusion caused. She values the diversity Harris represents and understands the importance of celebrating that in today’s society. Janet remains committed to promoting unity and understanding.” Elmasri, who claims to be Jackson’s former manager, asserted that he was dismissed from his role due to disputes regarding Jackson’s opinions on Harris. He described the fallout from a meeting between Janet and The Guardian, suggesting that her statements lacked balance. Although he expressed support for Harris, his statements only added fuel to the fire, raising more questions about Jackson’s stance. Queen Latifah is finally putting a spanner to the works for her life story, according to Variety. The new biopic is such a massive project that it will be subdivided into a series of movies, each possibly about hip-hop icons whose works influenced or impacted the rapper/singer/actress. She and her Flavor Unit Entertainment partner Shakim Compere will produce the forthcoming movie with Westbrook Studios and Jesse Collins Entertainment (“The New Edition Story” and “The Bobby Brown Story”). Will Smith and Miguel Melendez will produce for Westbrook Studios, Jesse Collins and Dionne Harmon will produce for Jesse Collins Entertainment, and Charlie Mack will also serve as a producer on the project. In a statement announcing the project and the collaboration, the Grammy and Emmy winner and Oscar nominee praised Hip Hop’s impact. “We all came into this industry together and Hip Hop has shaped every one of us,” read the joint statement by Latifah and Compere. “Hip Hop’s impact has expanded beyond just music and has created a lasting impression on culture and society overall. It is a dream to be able to collaborate with friends and colleagues that have not only a shared understanding but can tell these stories that were the backdrop of our lives.” https://youtu.be/oKFN2T0fqI4 While many a musician dreams of headlining the Super Bowl Halftime Show, Drake has the guts to turn down such an offer. The five-time Grammy Award-winning artist has turned down such an offer not once but twice, according to music executive Steve Stoute. Speaking on “The Pivot” podcast, Stoute revealed that it’s Drake who declined Jay-Z’s offer to perform at this season’s Super Bowl. Jay-Z has been in charge of picking the Super Bowl Halftime performers since Roc Nation – a famous music publishing and management company – partnered with the NFL in 2019. “I will confirm: Drake was offered the Super Bowl twice. Drake did turn down the Super Bowl twice,” Stoute said. “And I’m sure if Drake would have said yes, he would have brought Lil Wayne out at some point, right? He probably would have brought out Nicki (Minaj).” The 2024 NFL season is now underway, and the program is already in place, with Kendrick Lamar set to headline this season’s Super Bowl Halftime Show, according to the NFL’s announcement on Sept 8. Headlining the Super Bowl is an honor no one turns down so easily. After all, the game is one of the most-watched events in the world. Consider that an average of 123.7 million viewers across all platforms watched the game last year. One day before he’s scheduled to be executed, a Missouri death row inmate (Marcellus Williams) could learn whether his fate will change after the state’s Supreme Court heard arguments in his case Monday. Williams, 55, was convicted of killing Felicia Gayle, a former newspaper reporter found stabbed to death in her home in 1998. Williams has long insisted he is innocent. And in an unusual move, St. Louis County’s top prosecutor filed a motion in January to vacate Williams’ 2001 conviction and sentence. But that motion was denied. Now, with new information about potential evidence contamination, Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell and Williams’ lawyers filed a joint brief Saturday asking the Missouri Supreme Court to send the case back to a lower court for a “more comprehensive hearing” of the January request by Bell, a Democrat now running for Congress. Williams’ case raises the specter of a potentially innocent person being executed – an inherent risk of capital punishment. At least 200 people sentenced to death since 1973 were later exonerated, including four in Missouri, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. Williams is scheduled to die by lethal injection starting around 6 p.m. CT Tuesday unless the courts or Republican Gov. Michael Parson intervene. The NAACP and the Council on American-Islamic Relations have called on Parson to halt Williams’ execution. The governor previously revoked a stay of execution in the case ordered by his predecessor, allowing plans to put Williams to death to proceed. https://youtu.be/OY42MEyWivg But the Missouri attorney general’s office disputed that notion, saying the trial prosecutor’s intent for striking the potential juror was not due to race. “What did he say when asked directly, ‘Did you strike someone partially with part of the reason for striking someone because you’ve been Black?’ He said no, absolutely not,” Assistant Attorney General Michael Spillane said during Monday’s hearing. “And he explained that that would be a violation.” Another question the court must consider involves whether there was sufficient evidence presented that the prosecutor’s office “engaged in the destruction of potentially favorable evidence in bad faith,” the state’s judicial branch said. That includes “whether the prosecutor destroyed any DNA evidence on the murder weapon by handling it without gloves.” https://youtu.be/GPclYIzY7Bc As is now well-known, Tia Mowry is going through a divorce from her husband, Cory Hardrict. What may not be known is that she is all alone through the process with no shoulder to lean on. Those who know her family background may wonder why her twin sister is not by her side to offer moral support. To explain why she is all alone, Tia has now shed some light on her relationship with her twin sister, Tamera Mowry. The celebrated actress opened up during an episode of her new reality show, “Tia Mowry: My Next Act.” She not only discussed her divorce from Cory but also her relationship with her twin sister. The long and the short is that the twin sisters are not as close as they were in the womb. They hardly speak to each other. Tia said she wished she could pick up the phone and call Tamera, but, unfortunately, they are not “close right now.” She said this even as she pointed out that the most challenging part about her divorce is feeling “alone.” It’s not clear why the twin sisters have got to a point they don’t call each other. https://youtu.be/H4GwSYeJtB0 Tia also got to address the clip of her and Cory, which went viral following their awkward encounter at the “Essence Black Women In Hollywood Awards” event. The two unexpectedly came face to face on the red carpet, and for a while, they didn’t know what to do with each other. They managed to hug each other publicly for the first time since they announced their divorce. A fan remarked on social media, “Not knowing whether to shake or hug your ex-wife is a scary place to be. From waking up together in love and living life beautifully to this!” https://youtu.be/glAg_0eRb4I Jamie Foxx went to a Dallas Cowboys game to hang out and have fun. It so happened that he sat alongside Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, and was livestreaming on social media. Things seemed to be going well for them up to the point Jones when out of nowhere Jones went left, so to speak. As Foxx was surveying the action on the field, Jones, described the physical attributes of one of the players in the field and casually remarked about his “eight-and-a-half-inch d**k,” a comment that immediately got Jamie’s attention. The actor immediately ended the live session before things could probably get out of hand. You never know what may cause a big wave of backlash these days and end your career. No taking chances. Indeed, there was a lot of backlash targeting Jones, while many sympathized with Foxx. It’s unclear what Foxx might have to say about the incident. Knowing him, as we all do, he is likely to say something at some point. Or, maybe not, since he’s a huge Cowboys fan and would like to keep his all-access situation going. https://youtu.be/_RAQKrDL38c On September 19, the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) hosted its fourth annual BMAC Gala at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills. The star-studded evening celebrated passionate artists, executives, entrepreneurs, and activists who are changemakers using their platforms to uplift social justice and positive impact within their communities. Hosted by entertainment and lifestyle icon, Kenny Burns, the evening featured a lineup of surprise presenters including Bobby Brown, Taraji P. Henson, Attorney Ben Crump, and many of the honorees’ close friends. Additional attendees included Gunna, Flavor Flav, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Evan Ross, Anthony Hamilton, Mona Scott Young, Former Stockton, CA Mayor Michael Tubbs, Kevin Liles, Harvey Mason Jr. & more. “The BMAC Gala is unlike anything else – it’s the intersection of activism and music. We’re not celebrating record sales, streaming numbers, or other accolades. When most are turning down the volume around social, racial, and economic justice, we’re doubling down on efforts and spotlighting the positive and meaningful impact that the music industry has made on society, which is what we hope to inspire with this event,” said Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, BMAC Co-Founder/President/CEO. https://vimeo.com/1011739281 In a bold move to redefine its image, Walmart is making strides in the fashion world with the launch of its Walmart Style Tour. Launched to coincide with the fall fashion season, this initiative aims to demonstrate that the mega-retailer offers more than just grocery staples and household essentials. With stops in over 40 locations nationwide, including high-profile cities like Chicago and Los Angeles, Walmart is focused on proving that stylish, affordable clothing can be accessible to everyone. In its announcement, Walmart embraced a visionary mission: “Walmart is on a mission to democratize fashion.” This statement reflects a broader trend in the retail landscape, where consumer demand for affordable yet fashionable clothing has surged. As fast fashion brands like Shein and Zara dominate the market by offering runway-inspired pieces at budget prices, Walmart seeks to capture a slice of that lucrative market by enhancing apparel quality while keeping prices low, the LA Times reports. https://youtu.be/WHcjdb_Cz6A Experts, including Joe Feldman from Telsey Advisory Group, emphasize that Walmart’s approach focuses on offering fashionable basics rather than pursuing the latest volatile trends. “Fashion basics — they’re not trying to get too far afield, but be on trend,” said Joe Feldman, senior managing director at Telsey Advisory Group. “You don’t want to go too fashion-forward where you end up having to regularly mark down goods because it’s hit or miss, versus having slightly more stylish silhouettes for jeans or T-shirts or whatever it may be.” The Style Tour offers more than just shopping. Attendees can enjoy merchandise giveaways, style tips from on-site stylists, and experiences such as free lipstick engraving and personalized color analysis. Such interactive opportunities align Walmart with lifestyle aspirations that go beyond mere retail transactions, fostering a community-oriented atmosphere. With ongoing transformation efforts, Walmart has successfully modernized its brand over the last decade. Innovations in technology, reimagined store designs, and a focus on appealing to a broader consumer base have led to growth in revenue, reaching $648 billion last fiscal year. Analysts, such as Steven Shemesh from RBC Capital Markets, point out that current customers enjoy a vastly improved shopping experience compared to Walmart’s traditional image. https://youtu.be/-UO3Sz0K_M0 Walmart’s creative partnership with celebrated fashion designer Brandon Maxwell has also garnered attention. Maxwell, who was appointed as the creative director for Walmart’s private-label brands Free Assembly and Scoop, created a buzz with a recent appearance at New York Fashion Week. With curated collections online that reflect the latest trends, Walmart is actively engaging consumers through strategic online platforms and utilizing influencer marketing to spread the word about its fashionable offerings. While Walmart continues to seek greater recognition in the fashion sector, analysts remind that its core value proposition remains rooted in affordability. Emphasizing its commitment to price-sensitive consumers, Walmart’s fashion strategy revolves around delivering trendy but budget-friendly options. In an industry where clothing prices have rapidly declined due to fast fashion’s influence, Walmart sees an opportunity to attract consumers who want stylish attire without breaking the bank. As the Style Tour unfolds, Walmart’s mission to reshape consumer perceptions about its fashion capabilities may just be hitting the right notes. By blending affordability with style and engaging customers in unique, interactive ways, Walmart aims to establish itself as a notable player in the competitive fashion landscape. https://youtu.be/SIKdojl_V8Y Four people were killed and 17 others were injured when multiple shooters opened fire Saturday evening in a bustling entertainment district in Birmingham, Alabama, in what police now believe was a “targeted hit.” Just after 11 p.m., multiple people drove up to the Five Points South area, got out of their vehicle, and began shooting, then got back in and drove away, Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond said Sunday. Police believe the shooters were carrying out a hit on one person, who is among those killed, and the other victims were caught in the crossfire. “Someone was willing to pay money to have that person killed,” Thurmond said. https://youtu.be/Ls_BgYRSZwQ With no suspects in custody, the Birmingham Police Department is partnering with the FBI and other agencies to investigate, urging anyone with information to come forward. It is possible illegal gun conversion devices, sometimes referred to as “switches,” were used in the shooting, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin said. These devices can be used to override the trigger mechanism on a gun, so it functions as a machine gun. The US Attorney’s office in Birmingham announced an initiative cracking down on the devices in July. Conversion devices “can convert semi-automatic pistols and rifles into fully automatic weapons in less than 60 seconds,” according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. https://youtu.be/wBRWJ6sL25c LL Cool J is proving that older rappers are very much relevant in current-day hip-hop. RhymeJunkie cites the 56-year-old rhyme legend’s recent sit-down with Billboard, where he chatted about his latest album “The FORCE” and detailed plans to keep mature rappers doing their thing musically. “When I told people, ‘Yo, I wanna do a culturally relevant album in the middle of all these younger artists,’ people looked at me like I had nine heads,” Cool J said. “They looked at me like I was a hydra – a hydra! – looking at me crazy like that, not because they had any ill will, but just ‘How can you do that?'” Citing his inspiration, late English runner Roger Bannister, the first person to run the 4-minute mile, the “Luv U Better” MC believes it is very possible to make a permanent shift, no matter the age, despite doubts. “Nobody thought it could be broken until Roger Bannister did it, and then a lot of people started breaking it,” he explained. ” Now you’ll see, when ‘The FORCE’ has success, you’ll see people believing that they can make it happen, and it’s gonna extend the life of hip-hop in general.” “But if somebody doesn’t do it, if I don’t do Rock the Bells and festivals and show that guys without records in the marketplace still can be relevant, and if I don’t tell you that a guy who’s been out for a long time can make a new record and be relevant – if nobody does it, it never happens,” added Cool J. After making herself look – shall we say – “poorly educated,” Janet Jackson has apologized for her recent statements about Vice President Kamala Harris‘ racial identity. The controversy arose during an interview when Jackson claimed that Harris, the first female Vice President of the United States, was not Black. Echoing previous comments made by former President Donald Trump, Jackson’s remarks have sparked considerable backlash and debate about racial identity and representation. At 58, Janet Jackson’s reputation as a musical legend has been built over decades. However, her comments have overshadowed her artistry and prompted a reevaluation of her understanding of racial discourse. When questioned about the significance of having a female Black leader, Jackson stated: “She’s not Black. That’s what I heard. That she’s Indian. Her father’s white. That’s what I was told.” https://youtu.be/v2MKB0Ly_TE The controversy surrounding Jackson’s comments echoed former President Donald Trump’s misinformed assertions at the National Association of Black Journalists convention earlier this year. Trump insinuated that Harris has only recently embraced her Black identity, casting doubt on the legitimacy of her racial background. “[Harris] was always of Indian heritage, and she was only promoting Indian heritage. I didn’t know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black, and now she wants to be known as Black.” He questioned: “So I don’t know, is she Indian or is she Black?” Trump added: “I respect either one, but she obviously doesn’t, because she was Indian all the way, and then all of a sudden she made a turn and she went – she became a Black person. I think somebody should look into that too.” Such rhetoric, reminiscent of Jackson’s remarks, perpetuates the harmful narrative of questioning the authenticity of people’s identities based on their heritage. As the backlash continues, it raises important questions about how public figures consider and discuss race. Janet Jackson’s apology serves as a reminder of the need for greater sensitivity when it comes to discussions surrounding racial identity, especially in a time of increasing attention to social justice and equality. https://youtu.be/Pxj1R-RRkW8 This statement reflects a lack of awareness regarding Harris’s personal and cultural background, which is a blend of both Indian and Jamaican heritage. Following the criticism, Jackson’s manager, Mo Elmasri, released a statement to Buzzfeed clarifying the singer’s position. The statement conveyed Jackson’s respect for Vice President Harris and acknowledged the importance of accurate representation in public discussions about race. “She deeply respects Vice President Kamala Harris and her accomplishments as a Black and Indian woman. “Janet apologizes for any confusion caused and acknowledges the importance of accurate representation in public discourse. We appreciate the opportunity to address this and will remain committed to promoting unity.” The racial identity of Kamala Harris has been a topic of discussion since her ascent to political prominence. Born to Shyamala Gopalan, an Indian cancer researcher, and Donald Harris, a Black economics professor from Jamaica, Kamala has often spoken about her rich cultural heritage. Harris’ upbringing instilled in her a deep appreciation for both sides of her identity, leading her to engage profoundly with her Jamaican roots and the historical context of her family. https://youtu.be/NK3Z16uLsBA The 2024 Creative Coalition Humanitarian Awards took place on Saturday, September 15, at Ladyhawk in West Hollywood. The event brought together a diverse group of entertainment industry leaders, all gathered to celebrate individuals using their platforms for social good. The awards luncheon honored actors Dulé Hill, Wendell Pierce, Teri Weinberg, Jeffrey Ross, and Steve Sawalich for their dedication to charitable and social causes. Marc Malkin, Variety Senior Editor and host of the ceremony, shared his thoughts on the importance of celebrities leveraging their influence to drive meaningful change. “When you see Hollywood taking a stand on whatever issue it is, they can have an impact,” Malkin noted. “It’s about recognizing the impact these honorees have on our communities and the broader world.” https://vimeo.com/1011666580 Some of the similarities in the cases brought against Sean “Diddy” Combs this week and Robert Sylvester Kelly several years ago are evident at a glance: Both are world-famous, powerful, and influential musicians who were accused of sex crimes by federal prosecutors in New York City. But Combs’ case echoes R. Kelly’s in another way: In each, prosecutors relied on a novel use of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, or RICO, to indict them on allegations of using that power and fame to wield the resources, businesses, and people who answered to them to commit crimes – and attempt to cover them up. “There are certainly parallels in these cases,” said Nadia Shihata, the former federal prosecutor who tried the 2021 case against Kelly in the Eastern District of New York, one of two that sealed the R&B singer’s downfall. “The conduct in each case is somewhat different. But there is this idea of a superstar using the employees and entourage at his disposal to facilitate really serious sexual violence crimes,” she told CNN, “and to use coercion and control of victims to coerce them into engaging in sexual activity that they otherwise would not have.” Kelly is now serving 30 years for the New York case following his conviction on racketeering and sex trafficking charges and 20 years for another case out of the Eastern District of Illinois, where he was convicted on charges of child pornography and enticement of a minor. Kelly has since appealed both convictions and in July petitioned the US Supreme Court to overturn his Illinois conviction, claiming the charges should have been barred by the statute of limitations. https://youtu.be/okSh6wZFIIY Months after its worldwide premiere, the official trailer for the highly anticipated documentary “Luther: Never Too Much” has been unveiled for the moviegoing public. According to Revolt, the trailer was released Sept. 12 by Giant Pictures and CNN Films. Arriving in theaters Nov. 1, “Luther: Never Too Much” centers around the life and career of the late R&B legend Luther Vandross, as told by the singer himself. “Using a wealth of rarely seen archives, Luther tells his own story with assistance from his closest friends and musical collaborators including Mariah Carey, Dionne Warwick, Valerie Simpson and Roberta Flack,” the trailer’s description revealed. “The film relives the many stunning moments of Luther’s musical career while exploring his personal life, health struggles, and a lifelong battle to earn the respect his music deserved.” The unveiling of the “Luther: Never Too Much” trailer comes after the documentary arrives at this year’s Sundance Film Festival in January. In June, the film generated talk again after its screening at the Tribeca Film Festival. “It was a joy to work on this film,” “Luther: Never Too Much” director Dawn Porter expressed in a statement to People. “Luther was a spectacularly talented performer, composer, and producer. His influence was found in multiple genres, and it was a delight to discover each one. It has been so much fun to see longtime fans remember why they love him, and new fans come to understand his brilliance.” https://youtu.be/W2DzYSv9a-k Playing Steve Urkel came with a lot of highs for Jaleel White, but the iconic “Family Matters” role ultimately took a physical toll on the actor. Appearing as a guest speaker for a panel during 90s Con 2024 on Sept. 15, White reminisced about his time on “Family Matters,” which found him playing Urkel, the annoying nerdy next-door neighbor of the Winslow family. To bring the character to life with his own style, White took on a high nasal tone to give Urkel his instantly recognizable vocals. The entertainer’s creativity, he said, resulted in his voice being “damaged,” according to Complex. “I spoke to a doctor. What happened is during puberty I spoke at the same pitch for extended periods of time,” White explained, while assuring convention goers he is able to speak without any problems. White added: “If the pitch had been going all over the place I wouldn’t have damaged it quite as much. It’s been in remission and I’m fine now.” https://youtu.be/uUzn8_H9f0o EURweb caught up with Offset backstage Saturday after his Revolt World performance in Atlanta and since it’s campaign season, we asked the ATL native his thoughts on this years Presidential election. EUR: Do you feel like it’s an artist’s responsibility to rally the communities to get out and vote? OFFSET: Yeah, you got to pull up because it matters to the community. Even if you don’t know nothing about it, you got to figure it out because there are things going on in the world [we might] be lost on because we’re not in the mix [or thinking] about it. You got to do your research and figure out what’s going on in the world. EUR: Is there a specific policy that interests you and your family? OFFSET: We need a [new] policy on taxes. We work hard for our money. https://www.instagram.com/fahniathomas/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=1bdc18a4-650c-473d-b700-265a984d4725 To their surprise, numerous South African motorists found themselves trapped in their vehicles for over 14 hours amidst the chilling conditions in a rare snowstorm on the country’s notorious N3 highway. Reports have surfaced of families braving the night’s bitter cold, trying to survive while stuck in heavy snowfall that unexpectedly swept in on January 20. The plight of these motorists intensified as they described their struggle for warmth and sustenance while awaiting rescue. https://youtu.be/mJPKvmjX6ek The South African Weather Service escalated its snow alert for the affected regions to a Level 8 warning following the inclement weather. Heavy snowfall and icy roads led to the complete closure of the N3 Toll Route along Van Reenen Pass between Estcourt and Harrismith. This closure not only left several vehicles stranded but also caused significant traffic backlogs extending for kilometers.Mohammad Goolam, a motorist stuck with his children near Harrismith, recounted his agonizing experience. “Over 13 hours without food supplies, I don’t see us managing to drive out of here without assistance from emergency personnel,” he told Newzroom Afrika, according to France24. The tales of hardship from stuck motorists reveal an alarming situation with reports indicating some areas had received up to two meters of snowfall — a staggering amount that has prompted warnings from authorities. https://youtu.be/-c81MikuoQQ It’s not just you. Everything is shrinking. This week, Trader Joe’s restocked the $2.99 mini tote bags that were resold for as much as $500 on eBay earlier this year. Stores prominently display travel-sized haircare, skincare, and makeup products. TikToks of micro beauty bags being stuffed with micro products are racking up millions of views. Even iced tea brand Snapple has launched an 8-ounce bottle, advertised to fit in a mini bag. For many people, mini-products may not seem to make much sense. But despite the higher cost per ounce to consumers, increased packaging, and the potential to stoke overconsumption, brands are betting that shrunk-down goods will scratch customers’ itch for nostalgia and provide an affordable entry point into luxury. Fashion Institute of Technology business management professor Shawn Carter said that, since Covid, stores are giving better shelf real estate to their mini products, a bid to battle high prices and to lure in the store’s youngest customers, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha. https://youtu.be/DeGX9vdVK0g Microfashion items began in the 1960s, Carter said. With the introduction of the mini skirt came the mini clutch bag and then the mini top handle bag. Like many eras in fashion, minis have made a comeback. “That trend accelerated in 2022, it went on steroids,” Carter said. But “it’s no longer a trend. This is here to stay.” Take it from Trader Joe’s. Matt Sloan, VP of marketing and host of the chain’s “Inside Trader Joe’s” podcast, said in a March episode the company had “no inkling” the mini tote bags would become such a viral craze. “We had actually hundreds of thousands of bags come in and go out within a week,” Sloan said. https://youtu.be/LRkoTr41F40 Even if you aren’t buying small, you can’t escape the trend on social media. Jo Barker’s TikTok account The Little Bean has amassed 3.2 million likes on TikTok for her niche of stuffing as many mini products as she can into luxury microbags. In one of her most popular videos, she stuffs a mini Coach Tabby bag ($195 online) with a mini Charlotte Tilbury lipstick, mini Chanel mascara, mini Tarte Shape Tape concealer, mini Chanel compact powder and a mini Versace perfume — along with other essentials. Other bags are from the likes of Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton. Barker started her account in 2021 as a creative outlet and to meet other people in the luxury community. https://youtu.be/S6S7EehftYw Check out what Jasmine Crocketthad to say backstage Sunday before her Revolt World “A Parking Lot Pimpin'” panel in Atlanta and since it’s election season, the Texas lawyer turned Congressmember gave her thoughts on mixing creators and Presidential campaigns. Now, as an artist, we know Marvin Gay…The music of the civil rights movement came from Black artists. There’s a role we can all play. They should want to play that role. I will never tell anybody what they absolutely have to do or what their responsibility is, but I would hope they feel a sense of responsibility knowing that there are still challenges we face, especially as Black artists, as they are fighting through the challenges as it relates to artificial intelligence and how that potentially will affect their livelihood, specifically when it comes to politics. I tell people all the time, you may not do politics, but politics will do you. That is a saying that my Soror gave me. If we can start to better connect how politics affects all of us – whether you’re an artist or not – I think that they will be more inclined. https://vimeo.com/1011808650 Nick Cannon’s marriage to Mariah Carey looked to have been a learning experience for him. Reminiscing over his six-year union with the Grammy-winning hitmaker before splitting in 2014, Cannon admitted that he indulged in “crazy antics” while sharing a union with Carey and twins Monroe and Moroccan. Although he said in August that he would “absolutely” get back together with Carey, Cannon looks to have changed his view on the topic. “Yeah, she don’t want me. She’s moved on from my crazy antics,” the “Wild ‘N Out” host said at the Fox Fall Press Day. Cannon’s admission contrasts previous comments where he voiced hope that he and Carey would give their relationship a second chance. “We belong together,” he said at the time before adding he would “absolutely” get back together with the five-time Grammy winner – adding it would be “stupid” if they didn’t. https://youtu.be/1Z4yyVHN_JY In the world of celebrity scandals, few stories capture public attention quite like that of Sean “Diddy” Combs, the renowned rapper and music mogul. According to sources close to him relayed by TMZ. Diddy is currently grappling with overwhelming emotions regarding his seven children amidst a mounting legal storm that has left him facing serious charges. As the father of Quincy, Justin, Christian, Chance, twins D’Lila and Jessie, and two-year-old Love, his priority remains his family’s well-being, particularly as his absence looms ever greater. Diddy’s legal troubles escalated dramatically following his arrest on September 16 by Homeland Security Investigators. The rapper faces a myriad of serious allegations, including creating a criminal enterprise engaged in sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice. Central to the indictment are shocking claims that he exploited his fame and utilized substances like ketamine and cocaine to manipulate women into participating in illicit activities, sometimes recording these acts without their consent. https://youtu.be/vi-hM9J_5IQ While the gravity of these allegations would strain anyone, Diddy is reportedly holding up “just fine” in custody, but the worry that his potential long-term incarceration could negatively affect his children weighs heavily on him. Sources claim that his sons, Justin and Christian, have shown immense support by attending his bail hearing, only to face heartbreak when the judge denied his release. Meanwhile, the twins, D’Lila and Jessie, have found temporary refuge living with a friend of their late mother, Kim Porter, in Los Angeles as they navigate this complex emotional landscape without their father. The impact of Diddy’s absence is palpable, especially for the minors who are still in critical developmental stages. The family has rallied together, seeking solace and strength in their faith as they brace for what may be a protracted legal journey. With communication limited during his confinement, which reportedly allows Diddy only one hour of recess and just three showers a week, the reunification with his children remains uncertain. His family dynamics now rely heavily on trust, support, and frequent prayers. As the legal proceedings unfold, Diddy has maintained his innocence against all charges. However, recent headlines have raised eyebrows, particularly following the discovery of disturbing items—three AR-15 rifles alongside an alarming stash of 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant—during searches of his residences in Miami and Los Angeles. With the legal fight ahead and the emotional toll it may take, hopes remain high for Diddy’s eventual reconnection with his children, who are undoubtedly feeling the weight of their father’s predicament. As this saga continues, it serves as a potent reminder of the intricate balance between fame, family, and the often harsh realities that can emerge from a life in the spotlight. https://twitter.com/i/status/1836773678031216658 Hulu’s newest dramedy series, “How to Die Alone,” has been making waves with its unique blend of humor, emotion, and sharp writing. One of the standout performances comes from Bashir Salahuddin, who plays Brian, the brother of the lead character, Mel (Natasha Rothwell.) In an exclusive interview with EUR, Salahuddin opened up about his character’s complex relationship with Mel, his experience working with creator Natasha Rothwell, and how the show resonates on a deeper level with audiences. When asked about the relationship between Brian and Mel, Salahuddin highlighted the depth and history between the siblings. “They’ve been picking on each other since they were kids,” Salahuddin explained. “They know how to get under each other’s skin in a way only family can. I think people will relate to that dynamic.” https://vimeo.com/1010624474 Speculation over Morehouse College’s possible transition from Division II to Division I has reached a new level, with the HBCU’s head football coach confirming talks are in session. ClutchPoints reports coach Terrance Mathis fueled chatter on the situation during a press conference for the HBCU NY Classic. The annual event provided the occasion for Morehouse’s game against Howard University, its Division I HBCU opponent at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Maroon Tigers suffered a loss at the hands of the Bison in the latest chapter of the historic rivalry, with a final score of 35-14. “Yes, there has been talk about moving up, and we’re preparing ourselves for that,” Mathis said when asked about the potential move to Division I.” If that is the future of this program, we’ll be ready when it happens.” Although he didn’t confirm nor dismiss the rumors, the one thing to get from Mathis’ comments is confirmation that talks are taking place, The remarks reinforce fans’ belief that Morehouse’s Maroon Tigers should jump ship from the Division II Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIACC) to the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision’s (FCS) Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. Instead of dwelling on the topic, Clutchpoints notes the coach’s shift in conversation to talking about his current team and their matchup against the Bison. https://www.instagram.com/reel/CxsjidvAO5p/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=431ef924-0344-4366-ac3b-69d7902376c1 Vice President Kamala Harris on Saturday accepted an invitation from CNN to debate former President Donald Trump on October 23, challenging her rival to another engagement on a public stage in the final weeks of the campaign. “Vice President Harris is ready for another opportunity to share a stage with Donald Trump,” campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon said in a statement. “Donald Trump should have no problem agreeing to this debate.” Harris tweeted Saturday that she “will gladly accept a second presidential debate” and hopes that Trump “will join” her on October 23. Trump on Saturday argued it was “too late” to have another presidential debate because Americans have begun casting their ballots in the 2024 election. “The problem with another debate is that it’s just too late, voting has already started,” Trump said at a rally in Wilmington, North Carolina. https://youtu.be/mCmrpWa1KoQ Legendary actor Denzel Washington justifies his decision to use his own accent for “Gladiator II.” In the movie, Washington, 69, is cast as Macrinus, a former slave turned power broker. In an “Empire Magazine” interview, the actor explained his decision to stick to his accent. “Well, the thing was, where are we? Whose accent would it be? What does that sound like anyway?” he asked rhetorically. “You’re going to end up imitating someone and end up with a bad African accent.” The “Gladiator II” trailer arrived 24 years after the original. It’s a collaboration between Denzel Washington and director Ridley Scott. Paul Mescal plays the gladiator. As theater-goers eagerly wait for the movie to be released, waves of criticisms have targeted Washington about his accent. But he has clarified he used his own accent to avoid a poor “imitation” and maintain authenticity in his portrayal. https://youtu.be/Zw5A1gDChxo The National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame Foundation is thrilled to announce that legendary R&B singer Frankie Beverly will be posthumously inducted into the R&B Hall of Fame Class of 2024. This decision was made by the Hall of Fame’s governing board, honoring Mr. Beverly for his remarkable and influential career in music that has left an indelible mark on the R&B genre. Frankie Beverly, who recently passed away on September 10, 2024, was the frontman of Maze. Known for his soulful voice on such timeless hits as “Joy And Pain,” “Happy Feelin’s,” “Golden Time Of Day,” and “Back In Stride Again” will join a prestigious roster of music legends at the 13th Annual National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. This year’s ceremony will take place on October 6, 2024, at the Marriott Cleveland East, located at 26300 Harvard Road, Warrensville Heights, Ohio. The National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame Foundation is also in discussions with major cable networks and streaming platforms to broadcast the ceremony nationally, ensuring R&B fans everywhere can witness this historic moment. Legendary boxing promoter Don King, known for his flamboyant personality and significant influence in the sport, is currently facing health challenges that have led to a recent hospitalization. King spent over a week receiving treatment at a local facility, a rough patch that highlights his ongoing health struggles. The 93-year-old promoter’s condition was first revealed by former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson during an interview on the “It Is What It Is” podcast with Cam’ron and Mase. “Don is not doing well right now,” Tyson shared on Friday. “He’s probably close to 100 years old, he’s not doing well.” Disturbingly, sources close to King indicated that he has faced severe health issues, including a 10-day stint in the hospital that required a blood transfusion. According to reports, King is now recovering at home, reports TMZ Sports. https://youtu.be/v3uwIkWo-Fc Over decades, King has worked alongside some of the most famous names in boxing, including Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis, famed for his ability to generate blockbuster fights. However, his career hasn’t been free from controversy. Throughout the years, he has faced numerous allegations of fraud, corruption, and financial mismanagement, leading to a polarizing reputation within the boxing community. As Don King recovers from his recent health scare, the reflections of Mike Tyson, who has been through the highs and lows of their partnership, serve as a reminder of both the lessons learned and the complex tapestry of King’s life and career in boxing. With a legacy that intertwines success and scandal, Don King remains a captivating figure in the annals of sports history. https://youtu.be/5aq9-UxkODY As the hit STARZ crime drama “Power Book II: Ghost” reaches its thrilling conclusion, fans have been following the character Brayden Weston, played by Gianni Paolo, on a tumultuous journey. From his initial appearance in the “Power” universe as the comedic relief to his more serious arc in later seasons, Brayden’s character has evolved into one of the series’ most intriguing and complex figures. Season 4, the final chapter of the STARZ hit show, showcases Brayden’s darker side as he grapples with moral dilemmas, strained relationships, and challenges to his loyalty. In an exclusive interview with EUR, Paolo discusses Brayden’s shift to the dark side, his inner struggles, and what fans can expect as the character navigates the perilous world of the Tejada family. https://youtu.be/sna4toe37yY Simone Biles knows all too well the difference between her 2021 Gold Over America Tour and its current year successor. The famed Olympic gymnast remembered the tough times of three years ago, during an interview with California News, Essentially Sports reports. In 2021, Biles faced a flurry of negative opinions after the “twisties” caused her to bow out of the Tokyo Olympics. By the time the situation blew over, Biles endured accusations of failing the country and her team, something so far from how she felt.“Oh, America hates me,” she once said, expressing how deeply the negative reactions affected her. Biles’ feelings at the time came out beyond her internal thoughts. Essentially Sports noted the theme for the 2021 GOAT tour carried “an undertone of depicting the emotions one feels when hitting rock bottom.” Fast forward to this year and Biles is still beaming from her medal-winning performance in the Paris Olympics and a different mindset with excitement over the concert-style energy of the upcoming 2024 tour. The outing, which is set up to hit 30 stops across America, finds Biles ready to perform in front of sports fans without the stress of competition. https://youtu.be/VH-C-FIK-Ts Seeing as how she’s all in with the Trumpster it’s no surprise that Amber Rose has found herself at the center of a heated debate after doubling down on Donald Trump’s assertion, err, lies, regarding a bizarre conspiracy alleging that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, are eating people’s pets. In recent comments made at LAX, Rose was approached by videographers who questioned her about Trump’s claims, which have been largely dismissed by local officials and experts as unfounded and racially charged, TMZ reports. Rose expressed her belief that there is evidence to support Trump’s claims, citing social media videos of residents alleging their pets have gone missing and insinuating that immigrants might be to blame.“I’ve seen videos of people saying their pets were taken and eaten by Haitian immigrants in Ohio, so Trump’s claims must be true… at least in my eyes,” she stated emphatically. This assertion arrives amidst a contentious atmosphere in Springfield, where Mayor Warren Davis has publicly refuted the conspiracy, labeling it as nonsense. Ohio wildlife officials also pointed out that a viral image allegedly supporting the claims—a man holding a flock of geese—represents a misleading narrative absent of factual basis. https://www.instagram.com/amberrose/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=aa86e16e-87d6-4928-98ac-efef41a4a8c3 In a remarkable journey that blends creativity with emotional awareness, 8-year-old Jomo Jesus Thomas Suriel is making waves in the children’s book industry. Born in the Dominican Republic but raised in the United States, Jomo has emerged as a voice of both inspiration and education for young readers eager to understand their emotions. His books, which focus on emotional intelligence, have captured the hearts of children and parents alike, earning spots on Amazon’s bestseller list. Jomo’s story is a testament to resilience and determination. Arriving in the U.S. as a young child, he faced the challenge of a new language, speaking only Spanish. Undeterred, he learned English quickly and showcased his writing talent at an astonishingly young age. By just four years old, he had authored two children’s picture books, “Super Happy Kid Defeats the Angries” and “Super Happy Kid in Angry Land.” These engaging titles were designed to help children manage their emotions and navigate relationships, striking a chord with audiences. His latest endeavor, “Emotions Volcano,” follows the adventures of Laura, the Emotions Explorer, and her brother Sid, the Super Happy Kid, as they tackle emotional challenges together. Acclaimed for its vibrant illustrations and accessible storytelling, the book has achieved bestseller status in the Children’s Ebooks category. Reviews from respected figures in child development speak volumes about its impact. Cate Hogan, a renowned developmental book editor, called it a “life-saver for kids and families,” emphasizing the necessity of resources that make understanding emotions enjoyable. On Sunday, September 8, I attended a charity event for the 988 Suicide Lifeline billed as “Heart & Soul: A Musical Tribute to The Life and Times of Donny Hathaway” at The Orpheum Theater in downtown Los Angeles. Going in, I was under the impression it would be a collection of artists singing his songs. I was misinformed. It also included dramatizations. So, for over a week afterward, I’ve had to reflect long and hard about how to best write about this presentation. Full disclosure, I have been adoring Donny’s music since I was 7 when the Donny Hathaway Live album was released in 1972 and my parents had it in the house. It remains among my all-time favorite albums and definitive as live albums go. He was an artist of pure genius who composed music, played keyboards, possessed a rich knowledge of Black and European music history, and was hands down among the greatest interpreters of songs the industry has ever known – in Jazz, Gospel, Blues, Soul, and Pop. Professionally, I had the honor of writing liner note essays for four Hathaway CDs: deluxe reissues of his studio albums Everything is Everything, Donny Hathaway, and Extension of a Man, plus the concert compilation, These Songs For You, Live. I interviewed a plethora of people in Donny’s life for these essays – some no longer here – making my writings essential reading for anyone wanting to know more about him. When I composed them in the `90s, very little was in print about his life. Now, there are documentaries, many magazines, and internet articles. To begin, the show was put together for a worthy cause. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a swiftly developing service offering emergency counseling for people on the brink of mental health and stability issues. Before the show began, actress Sarah Gilman gave a moving testimony about how Didi Hersch Mental Health Services and the 988 Lifeline saved her life during a period of darkness in her life. Even though reports indicate Sean “Diddy” Combs has been placed on suicide watch at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in New York City, his attorney, Marc Agnifilo, has clarified that Diddy is not suicidal. According to Agnifilo, this precautionary measure is standard protocol for new, high-profile inmates like Combs. During a lengthy six-hour meeting with Diddy at the MDC, Agnifilo characterized his client as “strong, healthy, confident, and focused on his defense.” Despite the serious allegations he faces, the music mogul’s legal representation is actively working to secure his release. However, two judges have denied Diddy’s requests for bail, siding with federal prosecutors who argue that he poses a danger to the community due to alleged witness tampering linked to his case. The conditions at Brooklyn’s MDC have garnered increased attention, particularly as it is notorious for being dangerous and understaffed. Reports reveal that the facility has seen a troubling number of deaths and suicides. Agnifilo brought these conditions to light in court, emphasizing that the MDC is unfit for pre-trial detention. In his plea for bail, he pointed out recent incidents including the murder of an inmate this past summer and several suicides occurring within the last three years. https://youtu.be/HOatfsENyGQ St. Louis rapper Nelly finds himself ensnarled in another legal situation. Here’s the deal. Over two decades since the release of his groundbreaking debut album “Country Grammar,” the rap star is now embroiled in legal disputes with his former bandmates from the St. Lunatics. The group, composed of childhood friends from St. Louis, has filed a lawsuit claiming the rapper failed to give them proper credit and compensation for their contributions to the iconic 2000 album that launched Nelly into superstardom. In a complaint lodged in Manhattan federal court, Ali (Ali Jones), Murphy Lee (Tohri Harper), Kyjuan (Robert Kyjuan), and City Spud (Lavell Webb) allege that Nelly (Cornell Haynes) manipulated them into believing they would receive an equitable share of the profits from “Country Grammar.” They accuse him of leading them to trust in verbal assurances as “friends,” while undermining their financial rights. Despite finding fame in the late 1990s with hits like “Gimme What U Got” and their own successful album “Free City,” the St. Lunatics claim they have been wronged by Nelly’s actions. While they are officially credited as co-writers on tracks such as “Ride Wit Me,” they argue that their contributions stretched far beyond what audiences see, specifically mentioning several tracks, including “Steal the Show,” “Thicky Thick Girl,” and “Batter Up.” https://youtu.be/Y5qKNlcUwKs However, Nelly’s legal team might draw on the statute of limitations to challenge the lawsuit. Copyright ownership conflicts are often bound by a three-year limit, but the St. Lunatics frame their case around copyright infringement, which could allow for more time. The outcome of this case largely depends on whether the court views the dispute as one of ownership or not. As of now, Nelly and his legal team have refrained from commenting on the ongoing litigation, but the proceedings may lead to a renewed discussion concerning equity and recognition within the music industry, especially around issues of co-writing and royalty payments. https://youtu.be/tfparNCDCBA It has been several years since this writer has seen 5x Grammy-winner Lalah Hathaway in concert. I have so many fond Los Angeles-area memories from the past of the initial singer then triumphant singer-songwriter in venues such as The Strand, and The Greek (in a duo with Joe Sample). Then there’s Royce Hall (where she sat at the piano for one of the songs), a free show at the Baldwin Hills/Crenshaw Mall where the late Vesta joined her for a heart-slaying version of “I’m Coming Back” (which Vesta recorded before Lalah), a promo shot at Amoeba Records, and her recording of Lalah Live at The Troubadour – the place where her father, Donny Hathaway, recorded half of what became his classic 1971 LP, Donny Hathaway Live. I won’t even mention walk-on collaborations… (OK. I must acknowledge her singing “Purple Rain” just after Prince passed at the Hollywood Bowl’s “Black Movie Soundtrack” night.) And over the last 34 years, since her eponymous debut album bowed, I probably passed on more Lalah shows than I saw because I had already experienced her multiple times. And she was always dependable to kill it. Somehow, I still was not prepared for how stunning her set at The Wiltern Theater, on September 12, in L.A.’s Koreatown district turned out. https://www.instagram.com/lalahhathaway/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=8704a167-c4c2-4936-b731-ce51b01993fb The voice of former Democrat and Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick now resonates across Michigan’s airwaves, offering unabashed praise for the man who liberated him from prison: former President Donald Trump. This surprising shift comes in a one-minute radio advertisement paid for by the Michigan GOP, featuring highlights from Kilpatrick’s recent speech to the Oakland County Republican Party. Once a rising star in the Democratic Party, Kilpatrick’s fall from grace came in 2008 when he resigned amid numerous corruption charges. He has made headlines again, this time aligning himself with Republican ideals and Trump, a move that has drawn scrutiny and skepticism from political analysts and community members alike. In his advertisement, Kilpatrick admits to challenging his previously held beliefs on moral and political issues. https://youtu.be/6QGp21dUmrE “I had to challenge everything that I used to expound,” Kilpatrick says in the ad. “I had to challenge my stance on abortion. I had to challenge my stance on all the different morality issues that are in the world today. I had to challenge my stance on identity politics.” Despite Kilpatrick’s claims of transformation, political consultant Mario Morrow argues that this is merely a strategic maneuver motivated by self-preservation. https://youtu.be/SxqP4-fvXRk A Thai woman has been rescued by police after being strangled by a python for more than two hours. The 64-year-old woman, who gave her name as Arom, was doing the dishes at home on the outskirts of the Thai capital when she felt several bites on her leg. “The snake just shot forward and bit me,” she said in a police video obtained by CNN that captured the attack. The python then wrapped itself around her until she fell to the ground. She struggled to free herself from the snake’s tightening coils for two hours without success, according to the police. The woman cried out for help, but no one answered initially. Eventually, one of her neighbors heard her distressed calls and sought assistance from police. https://youtu.be/IFRFY3UvxF8 “We were shocked to see the lady was tied down on the floor with the python wrapping around (her),” Police Major Sergeant Anusorn Wongmalee of the Phra Samut Chedi Police Station in Samut Prakan, a province south of Bangkok, told CNN on Thursday. “The snake was really big.” In footage filmed by police, Arom was seen sitting on the floor of a small room, trapped in the grip of the python, which had wrapped itself around her waist. It took rescuers about 30 minutes to free her, after which she was sent to the hospital for treatment, according to the police. The snake escaped afterward, police said, adding: “We couldn’t catch it.” https://youtu.be/UA-Z20wH_5k In a recently surfaced video from January 2022, North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, who is now the GOP candidate for governor, disparages the idea of providing birth control to young women. At a Hilltop Baptist Church event in Thomasville, he dismissed sexual education programs and birth control, and made crude gestures to emphasize his point, The Huffington Post reports. In the clip, Robinson waves his hand near his groin, and says women need to “get this under control.” “Particularly we love to tell our young women that. We want to empower you,” he mockingly said. “We want to help you to build up your mind so you can be empowered.” Robinson continued, “Why don’t you use some of that building up of your mind and building up of empowerment to move down here, to this region down here,” he said, waving his hand near his groin. “Get this under control,” he added. “See, because this region right here, that’s the only region on your body that can make life and take life,” he continued. “If there’s anything we need to be telling our young people, it’s they need to be responsible with their reproductive systems. That means you don’t lay down and act like you’re making a baby ’til you’re ready to have a baby.” https://youtu.be/pq7qyzjQPGU Robinson then dismissed the idea of educating young women about contraception. “All this giving out of birth control and advising people how,” he said. “Here’s how you don’t have a baby: You don’t have what you do to make a baby until you’re ready to have that baby.” Robinson concluded by telling women to be “responsible with your body. That’s a novel idea,” he said. “Has not reached our school system, sadly.” https://www.instagram.com/markrobinsonfornc/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=a1cb1a76-0155-438b-b482-c5f0a667bfdc Editor’s note: This story contains offensive language. The controversial and socially conservative Republican nominee for governor of North Carolina, Mark Robinson, made a series of inflammatory comments on a pornography website’s message board more than a decade ago, in which he referred to himself as a “black NAZI!” and expressed support for reinstating slavery, a CNN KFile investigation found. Despite a recent history of anti-transgender rhetoric, Robinson said he enjoyed watching transgender pornography, a review of archived messages found in which he also referred to himself as a “perv.” The comments, which Robinson denies making, predate his entry into politics and current stint as North Carolina’s lieutenant governor. They were made under a username that CNN was able to identify as Robinson by matching a litany of biographical details and a shared email address between the two. Many of Robinson’s comments were gratuitously sexual and lewd. They were made between 2008 and 2012 on “Nude Africa,” a pornographic website that includes a message board. The comments were made under the username “minisoldr,” a moniker Robinson used frequently online. https://youtu.be/aYSvhR_KMKk Yet privately under the username minisoldr on Nude Africa, Robinson graphically described his own sexual arousal as an adult from the memory of secretly “peeping” on women in public gym showers as a 14-year-old. Robinson recounted the story as a memory he said he still fantasized about. “I came to a spot that was a dead end but had two big vent covers over it! It just so happened it overlooked the showers! I sat there for about an hour and watched as several girls came in and showered,” Robinson wrote on Nude Africa. CNN is not publishing the graphic sexual details of Robinson’s story. m“I went peeping again the next morning,” Robinson wrote. “but after that I went back the ladder was locked! So those two times where [sic] the only times I got to do it! Ahhhhh memories!!!!” https://youtu.be/O4bTRzVzVwc CNN first reached out to Robinson Tuesday morning with evidence connecting him to the comments on Nude Africa. It took his campaign two days to respond and issue a denial. During his interview with CNN, Robinson repeatedly said the issues that faced North Carolinians were more important than what he called “tabloid trash,” and he steered the conversation toward attacking his opponent in the race, Democrat Josh Stein, the state’s attorney general. “We are not getting out of this race. Some people are counting on us to win this race,” Robinson said. https://youtu.be/VZteaEKasKI Oprah Winfrey’ the 70-year-old media mogul reportedly paid an outrageous sum to Apple TV+ to regain control of a two-part documentary about her life. Oscar-winning filmmaker Kevin Macdonald directs the docu-series. You certainly remember when the project was first announced with much fanfare in 2021. Things were moving according to plans until Oprah saw the final product. She refused to give it the green light because she was unsatisfied with it. According to some sources, Oprah wanted it edited, theJasmineBrand reported. “Kevin made the film, but Oprah didn’t like it and he refused to change it, and Oprah has paid back her fee to Apple,” claimed the source. However, someone from Oprah’s team has a different view of what occurred. According to a source on her side, the project collapsed not because Kevin Macdonald refused to make edits but because the billionaire simply figured out it wasn’t the right time to release the film. “As the Apple TV+ deal was coming to an end, Ms. Winfrey bought back the rights to her docu-series and has since decided to put the doc on hold. Ms. Winfrey believes Lisa Erspamer [producer] and Kevin Macdonald are incredibly talented filmmakers and is grateful for the time and energy they put into the project.” https://youtu.be/hwwiKvi8Mh8 In a recent episode of his podcast, “Collect Call with Suge Knight,” the former Death Row Records leader, Suge Knight, has been closely following the controversial case against his long-time nemesis Sean Combs, also known as Diddy (and Puffy), and is not holding back on offering both warnings and advice. As Combs faces serious allegations related to sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, Knight is urging the music mogul to prepare for the consequences that may befall him. Knight, currently incarcerated, claims to possess “secrets” that could jeopardize Combs’ standing even further amidst these troubling allegations. As the legal clock ticks, Suge warns Diddy of potential threats looming from those who may have once been allies. “I’ll tell you what, Puffy, your life is in danger ’cause you know the secrets of who’s involved in that little secret room you guys are participating in,” Knight said. “You know they gonna get you if they can… I turned myself in. Sometimes you gotta face the music, that’s most of the time.” Did you read between the lines as Knight suggested that Diddy’s secrets may not only implicate himself but a network of others as well? We’ve finally got the video of the moment when Sean Combs faced his sudden and public arrest at the Park Hyatt New York hotel. As usual, it was TMZ who first got their hands on the video that many are calling life-altering for the hip-hop mogul, whose future now hangs in the balance amid serious legal challenges. The footage showcases Diddy, clad in a stylish black trench coat, entering the luxurious hotel lobby with a group of associates. However, the atmosphere shifted abruptly as federal agents swooped in, effectively isolating him from his entourage. The video reveals the stunned reaction of his friends, who appeared bewildered and in disbelief as they tried to comprehend the unfolding scenario. Once a figure of celebration, Diddy was quickly transformed into a subject of federal scrutiny. Just moments later, Diddy was seen handcuffed and being escorted by agents through the hotel hallway and out into New York City, where pedestrians were left shocked by the spectacle. This unexpected arrest came just a day before he was scheduled to voluntarily surrender to authorities, a decision he had made amidst mounting legal pressure. https://twitter.com/i/status/1837162251482190064 Talk about resilience and creativity, Kyle Dubay and Bo Shepherd from Detroit, Michigan, purchased an abandoned house for a mere $6,500 and then sold it last month for $410,000 after fixing it up. Their journey epitomizes the impact of community-driven revitalization and the power of creativity in breathing new life into neglected spaces. Dubay and Shepherd are not just homeowners; they are the proud owners of Woodward Throwbacks, a unique furniture and home goods business that specializes in crafting one-of-a-kind pieces from reclaimed materials found throughout their beloved city. Their commitment to sustainability and creativity has become a vital part of Detroit’s ongoing urban renewal, showcasing how innovative thinking can transform abandoned properties into vibrant homes. Their latest project began when they spotted an opportunity to refurbish an abandoned home in Detroit’s North End—a neighborhood steeped in African American history and culture, just ten minutes from downtown. https://youtu.be/jZaEHScs-Yg The Secret Service has revealed it is investigating Tesla CEO Elon Musk‘s recent X post that questioned why Donald Trump kept facing assassination attempts yet, on the other hand, no one is trying to assassinate President Joe Biden or Vice President Kamala Harris. An X user had said, “Why they want to kill Donald Trump?” To this, Musk responded, “And no one is even trying to assassinate Biden/Kamala.” Musk is the owner of X, formerly Twitter. He later deleted his response when he noticed it was becoming controversial. He retorted that people did just not understand his sense of humor, Business Insider reported via MSN News. “Well, one lesson I’ve learned is that just because I say something to a group and they laugh doesn’t mean it’s going to be all that hilarious as a post on 𝕏,” Musk stated. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/po6jzZ5Kz3c?feature=share Even the White House was rattled by Musk’s remark. “Violence should only be condemned, never encouraged or joked about,” read a White House statement, according to ABC News. “This rhetoric is irresponsible.” The Secret Service was expected to release information related to Musk’s post over the weekend but declined to do so, citing “enforcement proceedings.” Bloomberg News had filed a Freedom of Information Act to see what the Secret Service’s response was to Musk’s controversial reply to an X user. https://youtu.be/Brqtk5B8oIU However, the Secret Service spokesperson, Melissa McKenzie, only clarified the agency was aware of Musk’s message. “The Secret Service is aware of the social media post made by Elon Musk and as a matter of practice, we do not comment on matters involving protective intelligence,” McKenzie said in a statement. “We can say, however, that the Secret Service investigates all threats related to our protectees.” So far, there have been two public attempts on Trump’s life this year. During a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July, Trump was nearly killed when an assassin’s bullet hit him over his right ear. He was whisked away with blood on his ear. On Sunday, Trump was at his golf course playing when law-enforcement officials spotted a man with a gun lurking in the woods. The suspect, who took off, was later captured and identified as Ryan Routh. He faces two federal gun charges. Trump’s allies, such as Musk, have pointed out that while Trump keeps facing assassination attempts, leading Democrats (his rivals, that is) seem to be at peace with everyone. https://youtu.be/Iz_J7i3ULRk Global superstar Akon announces his first single in a decade, “Akon’s Beautiful Day,” due out October 4, 2024, via Konvict Kulture Records. Known for his uplifting music and impactful global initiatives, “Akon’s Beautiful Day” represents the Akon we all know and LOVE. This powerful track speaks to resilience, hope, the light and sunshine in life’s darkness, and is “The Anthem the World Needs Right Now.” https://www.youtube.com/user/AkonVEVO Inspired by gripping and real stories, Lifetime greenlights Buried Alive and Survived starring Eva Marcille (The Real Housewives of Atlanta, All the Queen’s Men) and Tyler Lepley (P-Valley, Harlem). Set to premiere on Saturday, September 21 at 8pm ET/PT, the movie follows a woman, who miraculously survives being buried alive by her ex-husband. The movie joins Lifetime’s fall slate of Ripped from the Headlines movies. https://www.youtube.com/ Phaedra Parks is visibly super excited about her anticipated return to “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.” While announcing her return to RHOA’s season 16 on Tuesday night, Parks also assured her fans that the cast shakeup was worth it! “We’ve got some new ladies that are just firecrackers,” she said. “They shook up the cast, but it’s definitely … it’s a good thing, it’s a good thing! I think people are really going to enjoy it.” Parks, who has also debuted on Season 33 of “Dancing With the Stars,” added that she had a “wonderful time” reuniting with stars like Porsha Williams and Cynthia Bailey. The two also return for Season 16; Williams returns as a full-time cast member, while Bailey returns as a friend. “I mean, the gumbo is gumbo-ing again,” Parks teased. “So the Titanic, honey, it’s the love boat, now. It’s coming back up.” President Joe Biden is working to increase funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Speaking at the 2024 National HBCU Week Conference on Monday, Biden announced his administration is working to invest more than $1 billion in HBCUs. This will bring its total contributions to the schools to more than $17 billion. While HBCUs produce about 20% of Black graduates in the United States, the institutions are also historically underfunded. “Black excellence is American excellence,” President Biden quipped. “All of our students, all of our colleges and universities should be able to succeed.” He called his upcoming $1 billion investment in HBCUs “the most ever any administration has ever, ever, ever committed.” The Trump administration reauthorized $225 million in mandatory funding to minority-serving institutions. It included $85 million in recurring funds for HBCUs, Nexstar reported. https://youtu.be/SL2V0UGA0hw When a big tree like Sean “Diddy” Combs starts to fall, the birds that used to hang on his branches will start feeling the pinch directly or indirectly. “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” star Mimi Faust has started to feel her fair share of the ripple effects of Diddy’s tumble. Faust recently alleged that BET Network canceled a dating show she had been developing for some time, thanks to Stevie J’s affiliation with Diddy. BET Network thought twice about a deal that would expose it to potential backlash when it’s associated with Stevie J, who has clarified that he will firmly stand with Diddy. Mimi Faust made the revelation about the cancelation in a conversation with her close friend Claudia Jordan. “I was going to have a dating show with my daughter’s father on BET Network. And they – literally, we were going on 8…9 months – almost a year of planning and preparation and picking that cast and the whole nine, said Faust. And allegedly BET canceled the show because they didn’t want the association with the situation with Puff and my daughter’s father, who is really good friends with him. So, this thing with him runs really deep. Really deep to the point where it’s messing up a lot of people’s money. Let’s hope that losing a dating show is the extent of the consequences Stevie J faces due to his ties with Diddy.” https://youtu.be/Y8vkgKD8Lxw Editor’s note: This story contains offensive language. The controversial and socially conservative Republican nominee for governor of North Carolina, Mark Robinson, made a series of inflammatory comments on a pornography website’s message board more than a decade ago, in which he referred to himself as a “black NAZI!” and expressed support for reinstating slavery, a CNN KFile investigation found. Despite a recent history of anti-transgender rhetoric, Robinson said he enjoyed watching transgender pornography, a review of archived messages found in which he also referred to himself as a “perv.” The comments, which Robinson denies making, predate his entry into politics and current stint as North Carolina’s lieutenant governor. They were made under a username that CNN was able to identify as Robinson by matching a litany of biographical details and a shared email address between the two. Many of Robinson’s comments were gratuitously sexual and lewd. They were made between 2008 and 2012 on “Nude Africa,” a pornographic website that includes a message board. The comments were made under the username “minisoldr,” a moniker Robinson used frequently online. https://youtu.be/aYSvhR_KMKk Yet privately under the username minisoldr on Nude Africa, Robinson graphically described his own sexual arousal as an adult from the memory of secretly “peeping” on women in public gym showers as a 14-year-old. Robinson recounted the story as a memory he said he still fantasized about. “I came to a spot that was a dead end but had two big vent covers over it! It just so happened it overlooked the showers! I sat there for about an hour and watched as several girls came in and showered,” Robinson wrote on Nude Africa. CNN is not publishing the graphic sexual details of Robinson’s story. “I went peeping again the next morning,” Robinson wrote. “but after that I went back the ladder was locked! So those two times where [sic] the only times I got to do it! Ahhhhh memories!!!!” https://youtu.be/O4bTRzVzVwc In other comments on Nude Africa, Robinson discussed his affinity for transgender pornography. “I like watching tranny on girl porn! That’s f*cking hot! It takes the man out while leaving the man in!” Robinson wrote. “And yeah I’m a ‘perv’ too!” In an interview with CNN on Thursday, Robinson repeatedly denied that he made the comments on Nude Africa. “This is not us. These are not our words. And this is not anything that is characteristic of me,” Robinson said. Presented with the litany of evidence connecting him with the minisoldr user name on Nude Africa, Robinson said, “I’m not going to get into the minutia of how somebody manufactured this, these salacious tabloid lies.” https://youtu.be/VZteaEKasKI Atlanta-based HGTV design star Justin Q. Williams and celebrity custom clothier Dedrick Thomas talk about their new luxury design series “Style Kings” on aspireTV. Per the news release, the show brings together their incredible talents, blending high-end interior design and fashion to create a unique viewing experience. With Williams’ flair for transforming spaces and Thomas’ expertise in couture, “Style Kings” delivers innovative, stylish makeovers while offering insight into the world of luxury living and design. Here’s the official synopsis: “In Style Kings, audiences will enter the world of high fashion and interior design with two successful entrepreneurs who specialize in luxurious style. Style Kings will have open and honest conversations, sharing how their artistic minds shape their approach to fashion and design. Catering to a roster of celebrity clients and high-profile projects, these two experts will elevate the discourse on Black men’s contribution to art and culture, while inspiring viewers to define their own style and swagger in this 10-episode series.” https://youtu.be/wTvq0wgrupY This fall, the Senate could make history by electing two Black women, a first since Congress was established over 200 years ago. Delaware’s Lisa Blunt Rochester and Maryland’s Angela Alsobrooks, both Democratic candidates, aim to make a meaningful impact rather than just making history. If elected, they would double the number of Black women ever elected to the Senate, from two to four, and would be the first to serve concurrently in the chamber’s history, which has traditionally been dominated by white men. In its nearly 232-year history, the U.S. Senate has had only 11 Black senators, and it has never had two Black women serving concurrently. “I have to pause and think, How is that possible?” asked Debbie Walsh, director of the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University, per The AP via MSN. https://youtu.be/irgGiG9JXhM “It’s not that white male attorneys’ perspective shouldn’t be at the table,” Walsh added, noting, “they shouldn’t be the only thing at the table.” Rochester is preparing for the general election as the Delaware Democrat contending for Sen. Tom Carper’s vacant U.S. Senate seat. At 62, she could become both the first Black Delawarean and the first woman to represent the First State in the Senate. The outcome will be decided in November, where she’ll compete against Republican challenger Eric Hansen and Independent Mike Katz. “I am incredibly honored to officially be Delaware’s Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate,” Blunt Rochester said in a statement. “From the start, our focus has been ensuring that every Delawarean has a fair shot at a better future — from access to good-paying jobs and affordable health care to safe, thriving communities,” she added. “The Senate is an opportunity to work on these issues on a deeper level, plus work on the most pressing issues of our lifetimes — restoring our reproductive freedoms and advancing voting rights for every American.” https://youtu.be/YEL9NvA7jEE ”Transformers One,” which drops on Friday, features an impressive lineup of Black talent. Laurence Fishburne dominates the screen as Alpha Trion, an ancient sage and an original prime. Keegan-Michael Key takes on the role of B-127, a younger version of Bumblebee, and Brian Tyree Henry brings a powerful presence to Megatron. https://youtu.be/jaVcDaozGgc Described as “disgusting” with “horrifying” conditions, the detention center music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs now calls home is a far cry from the Miami and Los Angeles mansions he once lived in. “When he wakes up, he’s staring at cinder block painted white walls, as opposed to whatever the decor of his mansions was,” Michael Cohen, a former lawyer for President Donald Trump, told CNN Wednesday. Cohen should know. He is among several high-profile inmates who have served time in New York City’s notorious Metropolitan Detention Center. The facility has been home to singer R. Kelly, “Pharma Bro” Martin Shkreli, socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, one-time cryptocurrency whiz kid Sam Bankman-Fried, and rapper Fetty Wap. Currently, suspected cartel leader Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada Garcia is being held there as he awaits trial on murder and drug trafficking charges. A federal judge denied Combs bail Wednesday saying the bail proposal set forth by his defense attorneys was “insufficient” in addressing the court’s concerns. Judge Andrew Carter said there were “no condition or conditions” that would reduce the risk of witness tampering or obstruction in Combs’ case. As such, the entertainer is to remain in federal custody until he faces trial on racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges. Combs has pleaded not guilty to the charges. With a trial date yet to be set for the 54-year-old hip-hop artist, it’s unknown how long Combs will be held in the Brooklyn prison, but after Wednesday’s bail denial hearing his lawyer said they would be appealing the decision. https://youtu.be/cJXDhayPeco “It’s a very difficult place to be an inmate” Combs’ attorney Marc Agnifilo argued in court Wednesday telling the judge that it would be difficult for his client to get ready for trial if he were to be housed there. Constructed in the 1990s to address overcrowding in New York City prisons, the Metropolitan Detention Center houses inmates awaiting trials in Brooklyn and Manhattan federal court. “He’s waking up on a steel bed with a one-and-a-half-inch mattress, no pillow, in an eight by 10-foot cell that I can assure you is disgusting,” Cohen told CNN Wednesday. Cohen, who was incarcerated at the prison in 2020 said that prisoners in the facility’s Special Housing Unit, where Combs is housed, basically have a three by five-foot space within which to move. “There are no books at the early part, so he is dealing with a lot right now,” Cohen said of what can be expected in Combs’ first days at the facility. https://youtu.be/ViECkAqGclo Former Bad Boy rapper Shyne shared his thoughts about Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ arrest this week on racketeering and sex-trafficking charges. Earlier this year, Shyne (born Moses Barrow) spoke out about being Diddy’s “fall guy” in the infamous 1999 nightclub shooting. His comments came weeks after Natania Reuben, a victim of the shooting also involving Jennifer Lopez, said that she would be willing to have bullet fragments removed from her face to prove Diddy was the one who shot her.Speaking to the media on Wednesday (Sept. 18), Shyne reiterated that Combs “sent me to prison,” he said. “When I was an 18-year-old kid just wanting to do nothing other than make my mother proud and make Belize proud and be recognized for my talent and take over the world,” he said. “I was defending him, and he turned around and called witnesses to testify against me,” Shyne added. “… he pretty much sent me to prison,” he continued. “That is the context by which you must always describe that [relationship]. I forgave. I moved on. But let us not pretend as if I was in Miami for Thanksgiving and Christmas.” STARZ has announced the October 4 premiere of its first weekly interview series, “Fat Joe Talks,” hosted by rapper Fat Joe featuring Method Man as the inaugural guest. Per the press release, Fat Joe and Method Man will “discuss their shared history of coming up in the hip-hop world during the 1990s, the enduring legacy of Wu-Tang Clan, and balancing Method’s very public career while preserving his privacy as a family man. Filmed in Method Man’s hometown of Staten Island, New York, the two visit locations around the community that remain meaningful to Method’s life and work.” Additional interviewees will include Mary J. Blige, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, T.I., Babyface, rapper Latto, reggae artist Buju Banton, Remy Ma, and more. In each weekly 30-minute episode of “Fat Joe Talks,” the rapper will bring the audience along for intimate conversations and never-told-before stories with some of America’s favorite celebrities and newsmakers who drive the cultural zeitgeist, per the release. “I’ve been preparing all my life for the moment to host my own show and it’s finally here,” Fat Joe said. https://youtu.be/BhgusxO1xFg Country music icon Dolly Parton is speaking out about Beyoncé being overlooked at the Country Music Awards, with her album “Cowboy Carter” failing to secure any nominations. Dolly was featured on “Cowboy Carter,” and Variety asked for her reaction to Bey receiving zero CMA nominations. “Well, you never know. There’s so many wonderful country artists that, I guess probably the country music field, they probably thought, well, we can’t really leave out some of the ones that spend their whole life doing that,” Parton said. “But it was a wonderful album. She can be very, very proud of, and I think everybody in country music welcomed her and thought that, that was good,” Dolly continued. “So I don’t think it was a matter of shutting out, like doing that on purpose. I think it was just more of what the country charts and the country artists were doing, that do that all the time, not just a specialty album,” she added. Rapper Eve is gearing up to release her memoir, “Who’s That Girl?” where she reflects on a conversation she had with Jay-Z early in her career when he warned her that female rappers struggle to gain success in the hip-hop industry. “I’ve written a f***ing book. It’s crazy,” she said in an interview with The Times. “I was nervous initially about putting all this stuff out there, but I wanted to be open and vulnerable.” She added, “There have been lots of ups and downs. [Writing] this book was a purge but it’s also about celebrating being in a good space now. I feel like I can talk about the things that happened to me in a peripheral way because it all worked out.” In her memoir, Eve reflects on a phone call from Jay-Z on the day her debut album was released. While he congratulated her, he also noted that female rappers “don’t really do that well.” Another executive suggested Eve should quit the music business and focus on starting a family. https://www.instagram.com/p/C-vLvTbCLy5/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=8a3f301b-c762-4560-9f8d-24a6d1e34e08 In an inspiring exhibition of history and resilience, BRIC has unveiled “Unbossed & Unbowed,” a compelling one-woman show written and performed by Ingrid Griffith that highlights the extraordinary life of Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American woman to run for the U.S. Presidency. The show, a powerful homage to Chisholm’s revolutionary spirit, aims not only to entertain but to educate audiences about the journey of a remarkable figure who broke barriers and challenged the political status quo. Griffith, a talented actress and writer mentored by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage, captivates audiences with her portrayal of Chisholm, who was born in Brooklyn to Barbadian immigrant parents. Chisholm’s journey from her early years in Brooklyn, where she faced the trials of race and gender, to her unprecedented entry into the political arena is thoughtfully encapsulated in this performance. The show mirrors Chisholm’s themes of empowerment and resilience, emphasizing her famous campaign slogan and memoir title, “Unbossed & Unbowed.” The impact of Chisholm’s legacy is profound, especially in today’s political landscape. She once stated, “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair,” a call for inclusion that resonates throughout Griffith’s performance. This one-woman show has garnered critical acclaim, including the 2023 Suzi Bass Award for Outstanding Production about Social Justice, highlighting its significance in the conversation about representation and equity. Marlon Wayans is speaking out again about supporting his child Kai coming out as transgender in a new interview on “The Jennifer Hudson” show. “I went through the five stages of grief to get to the beautiful, magical place called acceptance,” Wayans said, noting that Kai is “the same child they was before — they just got a beard now.” Last year, the comedian shared that his eldest child was born female but now identifies as a male with They/Them pronouns. Since making the announcement, Wayans has been candid about how the experience has impacted him. “I learned that I’m a lot stronger than I thought I was,” said Wayans of accepting his son’s transition. “I learned that my family — my brothers, my sisters — have prepared me to be a rock in our family.” https://youtu.be/AOKHYLjCvL8 Kamala Harris’s ex-boyfriend, former talk show host Montell Williams, has responded to a photoshopped image of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ face superimposed over his own in a picture with the Democratic presidential candidate. As we reported earlier, a 23-year-old photo of Williams with the vice president went viral after President Joe Biden announced he would not seek a second term and endorsed Harris. Complex reports that the Kamala/Montel 2001 photo dates back to the Eighth Annual Race to Erase Multiple Sclerosis Benefit at the Century Plaza Hotel in Century City in, California. Williams and Harris “briefly dated” during this time. https://twitter.com/Montel_Williams?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1159136328505864197%7Ctwgr%5E5925a037121c012732b84460edf5a2eb3787b3bc%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fmontell-williams-responds-to-his-altered-photo-of-harris-diddy%2F Williams previously warned of “an unpleasant reaction” to anyone seeking his comments about the resurfaced photo. “I’ve said what I’m going to say about the thing that keeps trending,” Williams said on X in July. “My friends in the media should think twice about wasting time on a 20+ year old picture – you will find doing so will earn an unpleasant reaction.” Shaquille O’Neal claims he is not the man in a viral photo getting cozy with a young woman named Maria. We reported earlier that Maria posted a selfie with a man who bears an uncanny physical appearance to the NBA star. Although his face is not visible, fans concluded that the large man in the photo is Shaq. The retired athlete has a history of dating younger women, and Maria looks childlike standing next to him in the photo. “Unapologetically us,” the woman wrote in the caption of her photo, The Shade Room reports. “…Can you guess who feet?…” On Tuesday, September 17, Worldstar reposted the photo along with the caption: “Folks on social media seem to think #Shaq has a new girlfriend.” Shaq stepped into the outlet’s comment section and wrote: “Nope not the kid” https://www.instagram.com/theshaderoom/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=2ff3b49a-c546-4509-9ef8-3293806ef9b7 Aisha Tyler reflected on her experience as the first Black recurring cast member of the ’90s comedy series “Friends,” as the show marks its 30th anniversary. Tyler joined the cast in 2003 during the ninth season, portraying Charlie, the love interest of Ross (David Schwimmer) after initially being involved with his best friend Joey (Matt LeBlanc). In an interview with The Independent, Tyler recalled being in public and passersby would call her “Black girl from Friends!” “It was such a common refrain at the time,” she said. “It wasn’t like it was just something that people looked back at later and said, ‘Wait a minute.’ No, at the time, people talked quite a bit about the fact that, for a show that was set in the heart of Manhattan, it really lacked diversity. But we didn’t have social media back then, so it wasn’t the large-scale conversation that it became later.” She continued: “There was nothing in the writing of my character or in the stage directions that indicated that Charlie was supposed to be a woman of color.” Tyler added, “I know that David has said that he really pushed for that [more diversity] and I think that’s wonderful.” https://youtu.be/i6U0fiwPp5Q Security footage captured a daring robbery at an Atlanta cash-checking business where two thieves cut through the roof and crashed landed in the store, stealing over $100k in cash. The incident occurred on September 3, and the Atlanta Police Department has released footage to aid in identifying the suspects. The robbers startled the store’s manager, Teyoka Glenn, who initially thought they were workers due to ongoing construction, NBC News reports. After forcing Glenn to open a safe, they tied her up and escaped through the back door with the cash. They made off with a duffel bag containing an estimated $150,000 in cash. The two suspects are believed to have used power tools to cut through the store’s roof. Police believe a third person acted as a lookout. https://youtu.be/KJb1ERIXSMs On a recent episode of “The View,” Whoopi Goldberg launched a passionate tirade against both Donald Trump and his running mate J.D. Vance, particularly targeting Vance’s comments regarding the two assassination attempts on Trump. Goldberg, known for her forthright opinions, made it clear that both figures do not escape her criticism. Goldberg opened the discussion by labeling the situation surrounding the assassination attempts as “idiotic” and criticizing Vance’s remarks during a recent speech. Vance, speaking at the Faith and Freedom Coalition in Atlanta, implied that the recent assassination attempts on Trump indicated a failure of the left to moderate their rhetoric, Decider reported. “You know the big difference between conservatives and liberals is that no one has tried to kill Kamala Harris in the last couple of months, and two people now have tried to kill Donald Trump. I’d say that’s pretty strong evidence that the left needs to tone down the rhetoric and needs to cut this crap out,” Vance stated in a clip played on “The View.” The audience at “The View” was taken aback by Vance’s comments, with visible gasps and murmurs of disbelief resonating throughout the studio. Co-host Joy Behar noted the audience’s shock, remarking, “The audience is appalled.” Alyssa Farah Griffin added to the moment, observing, “Literally, jaws were dropping in our audience.” https://youtu.be/6GATg9DRfQg Earlier we posted a viral video of a violent altercation on September 11 between an adult African American woman and a group of Carson High School students at a Taco Bell location in Carson (in Southern California). The confrontation escalated after the woman’s daughter reportedly engaged in a dispute with one of the students, prompting the mother to intervene with pepper spray. As you can imagine, the girls who were attacked and their families are demanding she be held to the full extent of the law. As we pointed out at the time, the woman was not arrested because her identification was not known. Well, that was then. Today, according to Najee Ali Director of Project Islamic Hope, who is acting as a family advocate, we learned the woman’s identity has been revealed by the LA County DA‘s office. But wait. There’s more. Nicole Coleman is also looking at a felony assault charge. https://youtu.be/DzRslWHZC-k CBS announces first cast members for BEYOND THE GATES with Tamara Tunie, Daphnee Duplaix, and Karla Mosley starring as prominent members of the Dupree family. Formerly known as “The Gates,” this series from the CBS Studios / NAACP Venture is the first Black one-hour daytime drama to air on television. BEYOND THE GATES begins production later this fall in Atlanta and will premiere on CBS in early 2025. Tamara Tunie stars as Anita Dupree, the matriarch of the family. A famous singer back in the day, Anita worked hard for her success and raised two daughters with her now-retired senator husband. But underneath her glamorous and refined exterior is a fierceness she gained from her humble beginnings in Chicago. Tamara Tunie is a seasoned daytime star appearing on “As the World Turns” for many years. Also, she originated the role of medical examiner Dr. Melinda Warner with a now landmark 23 seasons on the legendary series “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” In addition, she has held recurring roles on shows including BLUE BLOODS, THE GOOD WIFE, and ELEMENTARY for the Network. Daphnee Duplaix stars as Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson, daughter of Anita, and Dani’s sister, Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson is a high-achieving and competitive philanthropist and psychiatrist and exudes warmth, empathy and compassion. Nicole’s success in life extends to her marriage to her surgeon husband. She has the perfect life … from the outside. Daphnee Duplaix boasts an illustrious acting career that has spanned over two decades, most notably earning her an NAACP Award nomination for her outstanding portrayal of Rachel Gannon on “One Life to Live.” Karla Mosley stars as Dani Dupree, Anita’s other daughter, and a former model turned momager who gave up her career for love. Dani was the Dupree family’s wild child. Free-spirited, headstrong and uninhibited, she dropped out of school to pursue a high-flying modeling career and she has always marched to the beat of her own drum. Karla Mosley starred as Maya Avant Forrester on THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL, for which she was nominated for an NAACP Image Award. Additional credits include “Guiding Light,” “Gossip Girl,” “Hart of Dixie,” “Deadly Cheer Mom” and “Burn After Reading.” “I just came out and did three concerts and a benefit,” said Grammy-winning Debby Boone (“You Light Up My Life”) about her touring schedule which brings her to Rams Head on Stage in Annapolis, Maryland Saturday, September 21, 2024. “ I was there quite some time ago I remember once for sure. I remember a happy time. It has lovely acoustics,” Debby said when I asked about performing at this venue. “That makes a huge difference. You can hear the instruments and your voice.” Debby Boone came on my radar with her 1977 hit debut single “You Light Up My Life,” a song I still listen to as if it came out yesterday. That single spent 10 weeks on Billboard’s Top 100 Chart. She won a Grammy for “Best New Artist.” The “You Light Up My Life” single became a four-time platinum-selling hit. In 2008 “You Light Up My Life” was ranked in Billboard’s 50th Anniversary as an all-time top charting song. In 1980 she focused her music on the Country genre and garnered a #1 Country single “Are You On The Road to Lovin’ Me Again.” In 1983 she focused on Gospel and released her Contemporary Gospel single “With My Song.” Debby Boone went on to win another Grammy Award for “Friends for Life” in 1987. In 1989 she released a Christmas single “Home for Christmas” and “Be Thou My Vision.” Debby Boone went on to win another Grammy and seven Grammy Award nominations. Debby is also an author and actress. She appears as a co-star in the Shane Stanley (Emmy winner) directed film Six Days in Evergreen with Dawn Olivieri and Penelope Ann Miller. Boone aired a special on PBS (KVCR-TV) “Swing This: An Evening with Debby Boone” in 2022. She has appeared in “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” in New York (1982); the Lincoln Center production of “The Sounds of Music” (1989); in “Grease” (1996); “Meet Me in St. Louis” (1990); “The King and I” west coast tour (2001); “Into the Woods” (2016), and “42nd Street” (2018). https://youtu.be/UNHGBpq5Pd4 In a resolute call to action, ICON MANN is spearheading a groundbreaking initiative designed to elevate voter awareness through a powerful pre-recorded Get Out The Vote (GOTV) public service announcement (PSA) titled “I, TOO AM AMERICA.” Premiering on National Voter Registration Day, September 17, 2024, this inspirational campaign embraces a coalition of renowned celebrities and civic leaders, emphasizing the significance of an inclusive American identity and the urgency of increasing voter registration and participation for the upcoming Presidential election. The campaign’s creative force is Tamara N. Houston, the founder of ICON MANN, who draws inspiration from Langston Hughes’ iconic poem “I, too.” The poem is a celebration of diversity and resilience within marginalized communities, central to the campaign’s message. Featured in the PSA are illustrious figures such as Emmy Award-winning actress Shohreh Aghdashloo, Tony Award-winning star Anika Noni Rose, Grammy Award-winning artist Estelle, along with notable names like Michael Ealy, Jason Butler Harner, and civic leader Ronald Low. Under the visionary direction of Creative Director Shadae Lamar Smith and visually narrated by portraitist Ali LeRoi, the PSA encapsulates the essence of voting as a unifying force vital to shaping a truly inclusive America. Burrell Communications, a leader in multicultural marketing, partners with ICON MANN to amplify the message, with additional contributions from the award-winning post-production studio Lucky Day, responsible for finalizing the content. Elaine DePrince, the adoptive mother of late ballerina Michaela DePrince, passed away on September 11, just one day after Michaela’s sudden death at age 29. PEOPLE reports that Elaine died on Wednesday, Sept. 11, following Michaela’s passing on September 10, according to a Facebook post from family spokesperson Jessica Volinski. DePrince’s mother “died during a routine procedure in preparation for a surgery,” said Volinski, noting that Elaine “did not know of Michaela’s passing at the time of her procedure.” “The last few days have been even more difficult than most people realize because the family has also been dealing with the death of Michaela’s adoptive mother Elaine DePrince,” Volinski wrote. “As unbelievable as it may seem, the two deaths were completely unrelated. The only way we can make sense of the senseless is that Elaine, who had already lost three children many years ago, was by the grace of God spared the pain of experiencing the loss of a fourth child.” A 2004 study highlighting racial bias in hiring practices revealed that employers were 50% more likely to call back candidates with traditionally white names like “Emily” or “Greg” over those with Black-associated names. The Conversation reports on a more recent study by behavioral economist Rulof Burger and another researcher, where 1,500 participants from across the U.S. were involved in an online experiment to assess discrimination in hiring. Participants reviewed candidates with names perceived to be Black, white, or racially ambiguous, such as “Shanice,” “Adam,” or “Krystal.” They consistently discriminated against Black-sounding names, believing those individuals were not as educated or trustworthy as their white counterparts. The study also revealed that participants were more likely to discriminate against Black candidates when making rushed decisions. When participants had just 2 seconds to choose, they favored white-sounding names. Per The Conversation: “We found that requiring the study participants to select a worker within only 2 seconds led them to be 25% more likely to discriminate against candidates with names they perceived as Black-sounding. Similar patterns of biased decision-making under time pressure have been documented in the context of police shootings and medical decisions,” the outlet writes. According to the study, White participants who opposed affirmative action were more likely to select white-named applicants, but participants who supported affirmative action showed significantly less bias. On November 14, 1960, four six-year-old girls – Ruby Bridges, Gail Etienne, Tessie Prevost, and Leona Tate – made history by desegregating public schools in New Orleans. Collectively, they became known as the “New Orleans Four.” However, Ruby Bridges became a household name, while the other three became overlooked, unsung heroines. In a poignant interview on the Underground Magnolia Podcast, Gail Etienne and Tessie Prevost share their heartfelt firsthand accounts of that fateful day. They discuss the courage it took to face hostile crowds that day and beyond, the impact on their lives, and how they reclaimed their place as pioneers in the Civil Rights Movement. (Oprah Winfrey honored the “New Orleans Four” when she made a surprise appearance at the recent Democratic National Convention in Chicago). Joining the conversation is film director and producer Diedra Meredith (also known as singer and musician Deepa Soul). She sheds light on her upcoming documentary, “The New Orleans Legacy Project,” which aims to explore the full narrative of all four girls. For more than two weeks now, members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) have been facing sharp criticisms from frustrated advocates and other Black Californians after the State Assembly failed to bring up two reparations bills for a floor vote on Aug. 31. On Sept. 14, Assemblymembers Mia Bonta (D-Alameda), Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley), and Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) participated in the “State of Black California 2024: Listening Session Tour” in Sacramento. During the session, they heard from people who said they felt disappointed that the bills did not pass the Legislature and advance to Newsom’s desk for his consideration. The three-hour event was held at the Secretary of State’s office building, one block south of the Capitol. Amid interruptions and disruptions from the attendees during the event, Bonta said she appreciated the feedback. “I got out of it what I expected. We have a lot of diverse thoughts and opinions about how to proceed,” Bonta told California Black Media (CBM). “It was helpful to hear directly from people without the constraints of hearing rooms and formalities. I heard a lot of frustration and concerns. As we shared, I also got out of it a call to action to do better and I am certainly committed to doing that.” Tyrese’s remake of “Wildflower,” a tribute to his late mother, has climbed to No. 8 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart, marking his ninth top 10 hit. The track is a cover of The New Birth’s 1973 song, and appears on his latest album “Beautiful Pain,” released on August 30. “Wildflower” is co-produced by David Foster and Brandon “B.A.M.” Hodge, and marks Tyrese’s first top 10 airplay entry since “Don’t Think You Ever Loved Me,” featuring Lenny Kravitz and Le’Andria Johnson peaked at No. 2 in July 2023, Rated RnB reports. Next month, Tyese will reunite with his TGT bandmates, Ginuwine and Tank, for The R&B Forever Tour which kicks off October 4 in Inglewood, California, with Bell Biv DeVoe joining as co-headliners. https://youtu.be/ESnVWX7VzRc Attorney Antonio Moore breaks down the recent indictment of Sean “Diddy” Combs and contextualizes it against the larger implications for Black celebrities moving forward. Moore looks back at his prior shows on Diddy, Jay Z, and Kanye West among others, and the consequence of the presentation of these men as billionaires. According to TMZ: Diddy has been charged with 3 counts — racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution.According to the indictment, from 2008 to the present, members of the Combs enterprise allegedly engaged in sex trafficking, forced labor, interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution, coercion, and enticement to engage in prostitution, narcotics offenses, kidnapping, arson, bribery and obstruction of justice. https://youtu.be/fQ_aGB3DRkk Johnson & Johnson is trending on X (formally Twitter) amid reports that authorities seized 1,000 bottles of baby oil during raids on Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ homes in Los Angeles and Miami in March. In the grand jury indictment revealed on September 17, federal agents reported seizing narcotics, sexually explicit videos of Diddy’s drug-fueled “freak off” parties, three AR-15s, and more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant. According to NBC News, the court documents state that Combs used “the sensitive, embarrassing and incriminating recordings that he made during Freak Offs as collateral to ensure the continued obedience and silence of the victims.” The Bad Boy Records founder allegedly “used force” to “cause victims to engage in extended sex acts with male commercial sex workers that Combs arranged, directed, masturbated during and often electronically recorded,” per the court documents. https://youtu.be/PSEmMdrA9fg Actress/reality star Reginae Carter talks about her experience as the newest cast member of ALLBLK’s hit drama series “Kold x Windy,” in the highly anticipated second season. Carter told us she is thrilled to be part of the fan-favorite show and shared how she connects with the series’ themes of loyalty, survival, and ambition. Here’s the official Season 2 synopsis: This season brings conflict and desire, along with new characters and betrayals. Rising hip-hop and drill star Malika “Kold” Wise (Sh’Kia Augusting), who is now very pregnant with her deceased fiancé’s child, has fallen into an emotional rollercoaster of anxiety and violent fits. Although Kold x Windy have recently signed with Achieve Jamz, Malika seems to have lost her musical footing. Forced to return to committing her “stains,” she’s reverting to the life she so desperately tried to leave behind. Her trusted confidant and group member Renee “Windy” Johnson (Nijah Brenea), is still obsessed with reppin’ Kold x Windy on the mic and in the streets. Despite her bulletproof façade, Renee is dealing with her own set of demons. https://youtu.be/ze0GOIQj0Lo Local businesses in Compton, California claim to have lost thousands of dollars due to the filming of Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” music video. According to Black Enterprise, the popular soul food restaurant Alma’s Place is one of the businesses seeking compensation from Lamar’s production company, pgLang. The eatery is located across the street from the city courthouse where Lamar shot the video. Alma’s Place was forced to close its doors during the June 22 production. Corina Pleasant, who runs Alma’s Place with her mother, Alma, estimates they lost between $1,800 and $2,200. Adelfo Antonio Garcia, co-owner of another local restaurant, Sunny Express Gourmet Fast Food, said he lost around $2,000. “It was really disheartening to have the electricity on and gas. I’m just running everything and making no money. I literally was there for nothing, because the little money that I did make, I had to pay my staff with that,” Pleasant told the LA Times. On the day of the video shoot, more than 700 people gathered at the courthouse to participate in the filming. As a result, several businesses were unable to operate. The restaurants that were impacted are holding city officials responsible, claiming they received no prior notice about Lamar’s video shoot. https://youtu.be/H58vbez_m4E Brittany Renner recently opened up on social media about the financial struggles she’s facing after undergoing significant personal transformation. Renner is best known for sharing fitness content on social media and promoting the Fashion Nova brand. She currently boasts over 4 million followers on Instagram. She admitted recently in a video post that her life is now “incredibly uncertain,” with no clear plan for providing for her son or securing a place to live. Renner revealed she has “gone through a lot of changes internally, and as a result, my outer world has completely crumbled.” Despite her challenges, the social media personality expressed faith in Allah, believing things would work out. Brittany shares a son with NBA player PJ Washington, receiving $2,500 in monthly child support, Ice Cream Convos reports. In her video, the influencer emphasized that she is confident in managing with limited resources. “I have no idea where I’m going to live or how I’m going to provide for my son,” Renner said. https://www.instagram.com/bundleofbrittany/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c9848a2a-cb7b-4608-9105-5661ada31317 Although the “Transformers” franchise is a forty-year classic, for decades we hadn’t seen the origin story behind the two biggest rivals – Megatron and Optimus Prime. That is, until now. “Transformers One” follows the story of a pair of best friends turned foes. The all-star cast includes Chris Hemsworth (The Avengers, Star Trek), Scarlett Johansson (The Avengers, Lucy), and the voice of Megatron, Brian Tyree Henry (“Atlanta,” “Bullet Train” “Godzilla”). Orion Pax, D-16, and their Autobot friends discover a life-changing secret that causes a divide in their friendship. https://youtu.be/5a09yJU-mCI Sean “Diddy” Combs will remain in federal custody after his lawyers on Wednesday failed in their appeal of the decision that denied him bail. In his ruling, Judge Andrew Carter said there were no conditions that reduced the risk of witness tampering or obstruction.The hip-hop artist and music mogul, who is facing charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution, will continue to be held in custody pending his trial. He pleaded not guilty Tuesday. Combs faces a sentence of up to life in prison if convicted. His next court appearance was scheduled for October 9. Combs was being held by himself at the Special Housing Unit in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn after Tuesday’s hearing, according to a law enforcement official. Prosecutors allege Combs, 54, created and ran a “criminal enterprise” through his business empire that engaged in crimes including sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery and obstruction of justice, according to the federal indictment. US Magistrate Judge Robyn Tarnofsky ruled Tuesday that Combs stay in custody while he faces charges. Prosecutors opposed releasing Combs on any grounds, telling Tarnofsky he has attempted to tamper with witnesses and saying “the risk of danger is acute.” They pointed to an alleged cache of weapons found in the closet of Comb’s bedroom and his access to millions of dollars in bank accounts and cash that make him a flight risk. To try to sway a federal judge to release Combs while he awaits trial, his lawyers submitted a new bail package Wednesday that proposes to restrict all female visitors to his home who are not family members. https://youtu.be/dkuINe_mIHQ Megan Thee Stallion leads the nominations for the 2024 BET Hip Hop Awards with 12 nods, including hip-hop artist of the year. Kendrick Lamar secured 11 nominations, while Drake received eight. Cardi B, GloRilla, Metro Boomin, and Nicki Minaj each earned seven nominations; Future and Travis Scott followed with six. 21 Savage and 41 garnered four nods each, with A$AP Rocky, Common, Lil Wayne, Pete Rock, and Sexyy Red receiving three apiece, Billboard reports. The hip-hop artist of the year category includes Cardi B, GloRilla, Nicki Minaj, 21 Savage, Drake, Future, and Kendrick Lamar. Fat Joe will return as host for the third consecutive year. The ceremony will be taped in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Oct. 8, and will air a week later on BET on Tuesday, Oct. 15, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. “Joe Crack is back for the three-peat, night night baby,” said Fat Joe, who will co-executive produce the 2024 BET Hip Hop Awards. “It’s been a dream to host the BET Hip Hop Awards the past few years, and I’m looking forward to taking things to the next level in Las Vegas. We’re going to be in a new city and location, but the excitement and entertainment at the awards will be even bigger than ever.” With its line-up of sweet snacks, Hershey isn’t known as a purveyor of diet foods. However, the company’s newest products are made specifically for those on a fitness kick. As the use of weight-loss drugs — notably Ozempic and Wegovy — grows, the 130-year-old confectionery company is adjusting to this new era by pushing further into the wellness category with protein powders and energy drinks in popular candy flavors. The Hershey Company (HSY) has struck a deal with C4 Energy, a top-selling supplement brand that has gained popularity as people have looked to build muscle and work out more following the pandemic. Hershey’s namesake milk chocolate and Reese’s peanut butter and chocolate will soon be sold as protein powders and its Jolly Rancher candies will be turned into bubbly energy drinks. “What’s great about this partnership is that we get to tap into these brands that are more than 125 years old and are very nostalgic,” said Doss Cunningham, CEO of C4’s parent company Nutrabolt. “On the flip side, this is a great opportunity for us to reach new audiences.” The partnership should help C4, the fourth-best-selling energy drink brand in the United States, differentiate itself in a $21 billion market dominated by trendy up-and-comers, like Celsius and Ghost, but also older companies that remain popular, notably Red Bull and Monster. Energy drinks, which are most often bought by millennial and Gen Z customers, have “a lot of affinity” with Hershey’s products, Cunningham told CNN. https://youtu.be/l4aT_lvoKTs “What’s great about this partnership is that we get to tap into these brands that are more than 125 years old and are very nostalgic,” said Doss Cunningham, CEO of C4’s parent company Nutrabolt. “On the flip side, this is a great opportunity for us to reach new audiences.” The partnership should help C4, the fourth-best-selling energy drink brand in the United States, differentiate itself in a $21 billion market dominated by trendy up-and-comers, like Celsius and Ghost, but also older companies that remain popular, notably Red Bull and Monster. Energy drinks, which are most often bought by millennial and Gen Z customers, have “a lot of affinity” with Hershey’s products, Cunningham told CNN. https://youtu.be/XXvFanJhPlI Hulu has released the trailer for the upcoming supernatural horror “Mr. Crocket,” from filmmaker Brandon Espy. The film will be available for streaming starting on October 11 as part of the streamer’s Huluween slate. Jerrika Hinton stars along with Elvis Nolasco, Ayden Gavin, Kristolyn Lloyd, and Alex Akpobome. Here’s the official synopsis: In 1993, a mysterious children’s show host, Mr. Crocket, magically emerges from television sets to kidnap young children, brutally slaying their parents in the process. After Mr. Crocket snatches her son, one determined mother embarks on a perilous quest to track down the demonic entertainer and rescue her boy. https://youtu.be/BVZUWthrVxM Halle Berry shone on the red carpet this week for her new movie “Never Let Go” which hits theaters this Friday, September 20. Rocking a crystal mesh Tamara Ralph halter dress and a Tiffany necklace, she teared up announcing to the audience that this is one of the first films executive produced by her new production company Halle Holly. Radio/TV radio personality Jazmyn Summers caught up with the award-winning actress at the New York premiere. Berry told Summers she plans to focus on content with strong, multicultural, female protagonists and this film spotlights a strong and fierce mother. In the psychological thriller, Berry stars as the mother of twin sons (played by Anthony B. Jenkins and Percy Daggs IV) who have been haunted by an evil spirit for years. Their only sanctuary is their house and staying connected at all times – even tethering themselves with ropes – they cling to one another, urging each other to never let go. But when one of the boys questions if the evil is real, the ties that bind them together are severed, triggering a horrifying fight for survival. https://youtu.be/N05wprctno0 “What I love about this mother is she’s a darker version of herself, ” Berry shares. “I’m a mama bear and I’ve protected my children for many reasons. So, I understand what that is. Parents say they would do anything for their children. They would take a bullet for them but would you? This role gave me a chance to explore that plus we’re dealing with the momma’s generation of trauma. We all have damage that was poured and spilled into us. And how she deals with that is the terrifying question.” Berry, who sheds her glamor for yellowed teeth and snarled hair says she has no problems not being her gorgeous self all the time. “I got all jacked up. I love to disappear in my characters,” she reveals but real talk, she was still beautiful. https://youtu.be/-H3yhfkJBnQ The prestigious Black-Tie Gala, “I AM Awards,” will take place at the MGM National Harbor in Washington D.C. on Saturday, October 5, 2024. This highly anticipated event will be a powerful celebration of community, creativity, and advocacy, recognizing outstanding individuals and organizations making a significant impact in the LGBTQIA+ space. The evening will also feature a special performance by the renowned James Wright Chanel, and the red carpet will be hosted by J Lamar, Eric Cole, and Malachi Stewart. The excitement culminates with the announcement of the People’s Choice Award honoree, revealed during the gala. The SpeakOut, Inc “ I AM Awards", promises to be a night of inspiration and recognition, honoring those who have tirelessly worked to advance equality, acceptance, and visibility within the LGBTQIA+ community. The weekend also features concurrent sessions, panel discussions, celebrity appearances, live music, and a speed dating activation for gay singles to potentially make a love connection. Where can one go to experience an upscale weekend to party with a purpose, other than Washington, DC with SpeakOut, Inc. The Gospel Music Association (GMA) has revealed the first round of performing artists for the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards. Performers include CeCe Winans, Crowder, Forrest Frank, Joseph Habedank, Maverick City Music with Naomi Raine, Natalie Grant, and Tauren Wells. Performers were announced earlier this morning on SiriusXM The Message by GMA Dove Awards host, Tauren Wells. The GMA Dove Awards will air exclusively on TBN and TBN+, Friday, October 4th at 8:00 p.m. ET and 10:00 p.m. ET and the audio simulcast will air on SiriusXM’s The Message (ch. 65) and on the SiriusXM App. Prior to the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards broadcast, tune in to watch the Red Carpet with Kristin Adams, Friday, October 4th, 2024, only on TBN+. An encore presentation of the broadcast will air on TBN and TBN+ October 11th, 2024 at 8:00 p.m. ET and 10:00 p.m. ET. New Birth Missionary Baptist Church announces its annual Reinvigorate Women's Weekend, marked by a series of events headlined by dynamic speakers and a host of empowering sessions, Sept. 19 – 22. Registration is required. The conference kicks off with an elegant, Derby-themed empowerment brunch at Villa Christina, featuring guest speaker and iconic actress Jasmine Guy and a host of honorees, including Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, media personality Rashan Ali, global faith leader Dr. Cynthia Hale and other leading community leaders. "As we approach a critical election season, this gathering will unite women in a shared mission of prayer and purpose," said New Birth Senior Pastor Dr. Jamal Bryant. "We invite women from around the globe to join New Birth for these transformative and inspiring events. This is more than just a moment; it's a movement that will empower women to influence change and embrace the roles God has destined for them. Come Come expecting to be inspired and leave ready to make an impact." Sean “Diddy” Combs finds himself in a precarious legal situation following serious allegations of sex trafficking. An indictment unsealed on Tuesday accuses Combs of running a criminal enterprise involved in sex trafficking, forced labor, and various other crimes, ranging from kidnapping to racketeering conspiracy. The indictment now puts Diddy behind bars without bail as he prepares to stand trial. Federal prosecutors contend that Combs has been abusing his power and status since 2008, coercing women to meet his sexual demands while shielding himself from public scrutiny. The indictment details that Combs “abused, threatened, and coerced women” around him, alleging a pattern of manipulation that includes leveraging his financial support, using intimidation, and even administering drugs to further control his alleged victims. Diddy’s initial court appearance took place in a New York City federal courtroom, where he presented himself in casual attire and entered a not-guilty plea. The serious nature of the charges has led to a refusal from the judge to grant bail, insisting that Combs remains in custody until the trial unfolds, the AP reports. According to the indictment, Combs operated with the assistance of associates from Combs Enterprise, allegedly facilitating the movement of commercial sex workers across state lines and internationally. Reports suggest that the ongoing criminal investigation has already resulted in search warrants being executed at Diddy’s luxurious homes in both Beverly Hills and Miami, underscoring the gravity of the situation. https://youtu.be/fLWBgP6NGi4 In response to the indictment, Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, has criticized the U.S. Attorney’s Office for pursuing what he terms an “unjust prosecution.” Agnifilo emphasizes that Combs is a person dedicated to philanthropy and has contributed positively to his community over the years. He urges the public to reserve judgment and asserts that his client has done everything to cooperate with authorities during the investigation, including relocating to New York in anticipation of the forthcoming charges. Despite the allegations, Diddy maintains that he is an innocent man with nothing to hide, expressing his resolve to clear his name in court. As this high-profile case unfolds, it not only captures public attention due to Combs’ celebrity status but also raises serious questions about the accountability of influential figures in the music industry and beyond. The trial is expected to shed light on the complexities of power dynamics, consent, and the impact of celebrity culture, as well as the broader societal implications surrounding cases of sexual exploitation and trafficking. With numerous civil complaints filed against him since 2023, the scrutiny of Diddy is intensifying. Observers from both the legal and entertainment sectors are keenly watching how this situation develops, anticipating not only the potential consequences for the icon’s career but also the broader ramifications for others in similar positions of power. As the legal proceedings begin, the focus will remain on the alleged behaviors that have led to these serious charges and the pursuit of justice for the claimed victims. The unfolding case may very well serve as a pivotal moment within the #MeToo movement, as the legal system grapples with issues related to consent, exploitation, and the treatment of women in business and entertainment. As the date for the trial approaches, the stage is set for a tumultuous examination of the evidence and the narrative that will emerge from this high-profile case. https://youtu.be/yCDO1ZnTuYw Good news for people who don’t take a shower every day. It’s true. You don’t have to take a daily shower to stay clean and funk-free. The New York Post cites medical experts who reveal there is no proven health benefit to a shower a day. As for why we wash so often, the reason is a simple one, according to environmentalist Donnachadh McCarthy. “Why are we washing? Mostly because we’re afraid somebody else will tell us that we’re smelling,” the “Prostitute State” author, who showers once a month to help the environment, told the BBC. Although it looks antisocial to abstain from daily showers, medical experts the Post notes that medical experts join McCarty in saying that the obsession to stay clean can be hazardous to your health. Dr. Julie Russak, a Manhattan-based dermatologist backed that notion in a previous interview with The Post, telling the outlet that prolonged and daily showers could strip away the “skin’s microbiome.” The Post notes the microbiome “plays a role in protecting the skin and is ‘also extremely important in the overall health of the body.’” https://youtu.be/m-dwBcZLgrU In addition to more showers in homes, the stigma of not showering continues to be strong in the reasons for everyday washing. According to Sally Bloomfield, an honorary professor at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, people shower every day because it’s “socially acceptable.” As for how often you should shower, the simple answer is it depends. In the official sense, Seattle dermatologist Joyce Park broke it down for the New York Times last year with her take on the topic. “There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to washing skin and hair,” she said. “The ideal frequency depends on your skin and hair type, how much you sweat and how dirty you get.” Overall, experts advise people who have drier skin — or suffer from conditions such as eczema — to take shorter, less frequent showers to preserve their skin microbiomes, The Post notes. If everything mentioned does not register and you feel a shower every day is necessary, Dr. Russak mentioned that people should focus “only on the areas that have higher concentrations of sweat accumulation.” https://youtu.be/x2wgvxlAfqk Actress Garcelle Beauvais turned to social media to denounce claims about the Haitian community. The controversy stems from Donald Trump and Sen. JD Vance’s remarks about immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, who locals claim are kidnapping and consuming pets. During the Presidential Debate, Trump stated, “In Springfield, they’re eating the dogs. The people that came in. They’re eating the cats. They’re eating — they’re eating the pets of the people that live there. And this is what’s happening in our country. And it’s a shame.” In response, Beauvais posted a video on Instagram condemning the falsehoods: “Staying silent in the face of racism and hate is something that I refuse to do,” the actress stated in a video statement to fans on Instagram. https://youtu.be/9gEuUp2Um3E “This past week, the lies that have been spewed about the Haitian community—about my community—have been disgusting, deeply hurtful, and dangerous,” she continued. “This is not about politics; it’s about humanity. We must condemn this kind of hatred, this kind of racism, for anyone. I’ve always been a proud Haitian immigrant, coming to America and working hard. That’s what we do,” the reality star said. “Coming from gratitude, I will not sit by and let people talk about my community for their own gain. The power we have is the power to vote. Register and vote to stop this madness, this chaos!” she concluded. https://www.instagram.com/garcelle/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=3fda90b3-2313-4405-b470-f90ed5f934ce 50 Cent has stated that Kendrick Lamar “deserves” to headline the 2025 Super Bowl. During a recent episode of CBS talk show “The Talk,” 50 Cent said, “I mean, it was a choice. I think Kendrick deserves [it]. “As a solo artist right now, he’s the guy,” he continued, The Independent reports. “Having the game be in New Orleans, I could see why they got the Wayne [idea].” We reported earlier that Super Bowl LIV is set to take place in New Orleans with Lamar headlining the halftime show, but fans believe hometown hero Lil Wayne deserved the performance spot. The Super Bowl LIX halftime show in New Orleans will go down on February 9, 2025. Rappers Nicki Minaj, Lil Boosie, and Master P were among those who believed a local artist should have been the headliner for the show. Wendy Williams’ conservator, Sabrina E. Morrissey, has filed a lawsuit against A&E Networks, Lifetime, and the creators of the controversial docuseries “Where Is Wendy Williams?” The complaint arises from allegations that the beloved host, who has faced serious health challenges, was grossly under-compensated for her story while the involved parties purportedly profited immensely. According to court documents obtained by Page Six, the financial disparities are striking: Williams, now 60, has received only $82,000 for her participation in the docuseries, while the production entities are believed to have earned millions from its release. The docuseries, which aired in February, maps out Williams’ struggles with declining health, including her well-documented battles with alcohol, leading to her recent court-ordered guardianship. Morrissey’s complaint asserts that Williams was subjected to “highly invasive, humiliating footage” portraying her during an emotionally distressing period of her life. It highlights the ethical concerns surrounding the exploitation of her vulnerability, especially given the serious health issues she faced, including a diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia and aphasia. The complaint further states that, during filming, Williams expressed her financial fears, breaking down on camera while claiming, “I have no money.” The Getty Villa Museum and the Classical Theatre of Harlem are presenting the world premiere of Memnon for the 18th annual Villa Outdoor Classical Theater production. With bold, vivid language and gripping dramatic conflict, Memnon tells the tale of an Ethiopian king who journeys to the city of Troy to fight alongside the Trojans in their darkest hour. This epic story, from the ancient Greek legend of the fall of Troy, has been overlooked for over a millennium, until now. Memnon is directed by Carl Cofield, associate artistic director of the Classical Theatre of Harlem, and is written by Will Power. In 2022, the Classical Theatre of Harlem performed a virtual rendition of Memnon as part of the Getty Villa Museum’s Theater Lab program. “We are thrilled to welcome the esteemed The Classical Theatre of Harlem to the Getty Villa for their first major West Coast theatrical production as part of our annual outdoor theater program,” says Timothy Potts, Maria Hummer-Tuttle and Robert Tuttle Director of the Getty Museum. “The Villa’s theater program bridges the past and the present, showcasing the continuing relevance of classical. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/XWixcwA0AL8?feature=share This year celebrates the 20th anniversary of Fantasia Barrino’s victory on Season 3 of “American Idol” in 2004, where she stole hearts with her soulful performance of “Summertime.” The superstar has partnered with renowned music director and producer Adam Blackstone to reimagine the iconic track, now available for streaming on all platforms. “For me, going back to ‘Summertime,’ it means a lot because that’s the song that made people change their mind on me. When I first was on ‘American Idol,’ you’re thinking someone who’s clean, polished, who has somewhat of a perfect story, and I do not have that,” Fantasia told AFROTECH. “I was already a young mom. I had already been speaking about how I got there.” Blackstone added, “I think for both of us, it opened our eyes to show how we can get incredible music and incredible recordings done, not necessarily in the traditional way,” he explained. “We were able to not only do ‘When I See You,’ but follow it up with ‘Summertime.’ I’m just so excited [because] I’ve been seeing people online just go crazy based off of her evolution of the song, my take on the arrangement, and producing the song,” he added “And it just fits so many so many idioms: R&B, soul, jazz, show tune. We can show our versatility on any stage.” In addition to her recent musical endeavors, Fantasia enrolled at HBCU Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, in 2023 to pursue a business degree, Vibe reports. That same year, she earned her sommelier certification, recognizing her expertise in wine tasting, beverage knowledge, and sales for table-side service, according to AFROTECH. DAVID FRAZIER has been involved in music ministry for over four decades and has written and recorded over 100 songs with various Gospel artists. David’s music has been found on numerous Grammy, Stellar and Dove award winning recordings. The L.A. Times recently called David Frazier “One of Gospel music’s most successful and consistent songwriters.” David has written over twenty-six songs for Bishop Hezekiah Walker’s Love Fellowship Choir over a span of eleven albums and twenty-five plus years. “REVIVAL” by Jules Juda fused all the elements of the American Black Music experience, Gospel, R&B & Hip Hop, was one of the top performing songs at the Inspirational format in 2023, reaching top five and over 1.1 million streams to date. “Revival Remix” ventures into the World Music space with its high energy, Afro-Caribbean influence rhythms, featuring the eccentric Mali Music and the soulful vocal stylings of Tasha Page-Lockhart. https://twitter.com/i/status/1835309555938480462 Republican vice presidential nominee, U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH), speaks with media at the airport before he departs on September 14, 2024, in Greenville, North Carolina. It appears that the Trump administration is currently scraping the bottom of its barrel of excuses for why Donald Trump and JD Vance keep lying to everyone about everything with no concern for who their lies put in harm’s way. On Sunday, Vance sat down for an interview with CNN, and, with a straight face, argued that he and Trump lie in order for the people to see the truth. https://twitter.com/i/status/1835309555938480462 When Vance says he and his running mate work to “create stories” so that the media “pays attention to the suffering of the American people,” he’s clearly only talking about white people. Also, even if he wasn’t being absurd his reason would still be illogical. Because of their spreading of a story that was not based on facts or credible reports, no one is talking about any aspect of the so-called immigration crisis in Ohio other than whether or not migrants are eating people’s cats. That’s it. That’s the sum total of the “attention” his bigoted white nonsense brought to what he claims is such an important issue. Even if he was merely “talking about cat memes,” all he brought to the dialog was more cat memes. Hell, even when it was brought up to him that the Proud Boys were marching in Springfield in response to what he just admitted was a lie, Vance responded by continuing to double down on his anti-immigrant propaganda. https://twitter.com/i/status/1835053886505148661 Visa and Mastercard are set to settle a lawsuit with U.S. bank customers over claims they conspired with major banks like JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America to keep ATM fees artificially high. The companies are accused of colluding to block other ATM payment networks from offering lower fees, reducing competition, and forcing consumers to pay higher surcharges when using non-bank ATMs, The Daily Hodl reports. The settlement is expected to resolve allegations of violating antitrust laws. Direct notices have been sent to over 100 million affected customers of the class action suit, and final court approval is expected in January. According to plaintiffs, the alleged conspiracy violates federal antitrust laws. The settlement applies to customers who incurred unreimbursed ATM surcharges at bank-operated ATMs between October 1, 2007, and July 26, 2024. Mariah Carey’s luxurious lifestyle is allegedly straining her finances, despite her reported $350 million net worth. According to the New York Post, the singer has accumulated $18.6 million in mortgages on her Tribeca penthouse, most of which came from loans. Carey reportedly spends $1 million a month on designer clothes, lavish gifts, and costly services like $45,000 spa treatments for her dogs and $10,000 hair and makeup sessions. In 2016, she refinanced her mortgage to pocket $9.6 million, and her spending habits have reportedly been a factor in her split from billionaire James Packer, Daily Mail reports. Recently, Carey sold her Atlanta mansion at a significant loss. The New York Post writes, “In 2009, she borrowed $8 million from JPMorgan Chase Bank, followed by a $2.6 million loan from City National Bank — known as the “Bank to the Stars” — in 2015.” “She generates more of her music royalties, endorsements and appearance fees during the holidays,” Doug Perry, a financing advisor, told the Daily Mail. “If I was underwriting her as a borrower, I would average her income over a multi-year period.” Tito Jackson passed away after experiencing a medical emergency while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma on Sunday. Page Six reports that a passerby noticed Jackson in distress and alerted police near the American Heritage Plaza shopping center. He was taken to the hospital by ambulance but was pronounced dead later that day. Jackson’s former manager, Steve Manning, stated that the musician likely suffered a heart attack. We reported earlier that an official cause of death has yet to be confirmed. According to Page Six, a formal investigation is still ongoing. Jackson’s sons — TJ, Taj and Taryll — announced his passing in a statement on their band 3T’s Instagram account. “It’s with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson is no longer with us,” they wrote. “We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken.” Sean “Diddy” Combs has been charged with racketeering and sex trafficking after his arrest in Manhattan on Monday, following a grand jury indictment. USA Today reports that the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York revealed that the 14-page indictment accuses Combs of running his business like a criminal enterprise, involving sex trafficking and forced labor. NBC News reports that the court documents state that Combs used “the sensitive, embarrassing and incriminating recordings that he made during Freak Offs as collateral to ensure the continued obedience and silence of the victims.” The Bad Boy Records founder allegedly “used force” to “cause victims to engage in extended sex acts with male commercial sex workers that Combs arranged, directed, masturbated during and often electronically recorded,” per the court documents. Federal prosecutors said Diddy “threatened and coerced women and others around him to fulfill his sexual desires” for years, noting that he created “a criminal enterprise whose members and associates engaged in” various crimes, including “sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery and obstruction of justice.” https://youtu.be/awhul9W6bD4 “We been getting a lot of love,” said iconic music director Ray Chew (“Dancing with the Stars”/ “It’s Showtime at the Apollo”) about the release of his new single “Jam” featuring Grammy Award-winning Stephanie Mills, BET Hip-Hop Award-winning MC Lyte and Doug E. Fresh, signaling his return to “Dancing with the Stars” for season 33 as music director premiering September 17, 2024. “This…is me speaking of my journey – the title of the album (“My Journey”). ‘Jam’ is the new single. It started with me and Kid Capri in the studio with a beat. A party vibe,” Chew told me as we discussed his single’s iconic support. “Stephanie responded well. She recorded her vocals. We had to have someone to rock the party and who can rock a party like Lyte,” he laughed a little. “This is my 2nd under my name,” Ray said about the “My Journey” project. “It’s been 20 years since ‘Blue Crystal’ (his debut solo album). Its release is the first quarter of 2025.” https://www.instagram.com/iamstephaniemills/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=9f2c095a-6f08-4f4a-aeab-f3969a5bb6a0 Ray Chew plays piano/keyboard, drums, and percussion. He has been working as a music director since he was 16 years old! “At 19 I worked as music director for Nick Ashford & Valarie Simpson,” he added. “They empowered me to arrange.” I reminded him that he was a prodigy child, like Stevie Wonder. “My mother didn’t want me to focus on being a prodigy, she kept me focused on perfecting my pitch and I had a high IQ. She wanted me to focus on achievements. Study…study…study.” Ray said to me, proving my point. https://youtu.be/tu_DgkIxK8Y Should a law enforcement officer with six suspensions on his record still be allowed on the force? Danny Torres, the Miami-Dade cop who manhandled Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill had at least that many. Torres is the Miami-Dade cop who was put on desk assignment after he used excessive force against Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill during a traffic stop. Before that incident, Torress had been suspended at least six times, according to news reports. It’s rare to work a job where it’s allowed to be suspended six times and not get fired. Law enforcement should not be one of those jobs. Since 1999 Torres has racked up four written reprimands and at least six suspensions. Now MDPD wants the public to believe they don’t tolerate cops who abuse their power. https://youtu.be/Vob-60SZXhE For whatever reason, Donald Trump has announced plans to visit Springfield, Ohio – “soon” – following his incendiary claims about Haitian immigrants allegedly consuming local pets, NBC News reports. While the exact timing and purpose of his trip is not at all clear, Trump ally and campaign surrogate Vivek Ramaswamy recently stated on X that he will be in Springfield for a town hall event this Thursday. The former president recently took to the debate stage, where he addressed an audience of approximately 67 million viewers, stating that Haitian migrants have not only invaded the city but are also plundering the area for dogs, cats, and even geese. “They’re eating the dogs. They’re eating the cats. They’re eating the pets of the people that live there,” he said last Tuesday (09-10-24), during his presidential debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, leaving the VP and a lot of viewers aghast. Despite the long-standing association of Springfield with “The Simpsons” TV show, which brought the city into the cultural zeitgeist nearly three and a half decades ago, Trump’s latest comments seem to have propelled it back into the news for far less favorable reasons. As more details surface, the implications of Trump’s narrative continue to spark outrage and confusion among residents and officials alike. https://youtu.be/ixSIbwTNpVs Local police had already categorically debunked the unfounded claims even before Trump’s inflammatory statements, confirming that no credible evidence existed to corroborate the allegations. However, the damage was done. Springfield Police stated they had received no reports supporting such sensational claims, adding to the perplexity surrounding the ex-president’s comments. Compounding the situation was Ohio Senator JD Vance, Trump’s VP pick, who initially echoed Trump’s assessment of the situation. Vance suggested that Haitian immigrants were wreaking havoc on local resources, a narrative he was quick to double down on, despite acknowledging the unverified nature of his claims. “Months ago, I raised the issue of Haitian illegal immigrants draining social services and generally causing chaos all over Springfield, Ohio,” Vance wrote on X last Monday. “Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldn’t be in this country.” https://youtu.be/aL_O-LUABL8 This obsession with hustle has got to stop. You’ve heard the mantra: “Grind, hustle, sacrifice.” It’s plastered all over social media, in self-help books, and motivational speeches. It’s glorified like some holy path to success. But here’s the truth no one’s telling you: hustle alone will only get you so far. And if you’re not careful, it’ll keep you trapped in the very hustle you think will set you free. Let me break it down for you: hustle is survival; strategy is success. You can’t hustle your way to true business growth. Don’t get me wrong—hustle has its place. It’s what gets you in the door; it’s what puts you on the map. But if you’re still grinding every hour of every day, trying to do everything yourself, then let me tell you—you don’t have a business. You have a job. And you’re working for the worst boss ever: you. The Myth of Hustle Culture The narrative around hustle culture is built on a lie. It glorifies burning the midnight oil, sacrificing everything, and pushing through the pain as if that alone will somehow make you successful. But that’s not the whole picture. Hustling without a strategy, without a growth plan, without systems in place, is just chaos wrapped in exhaustion. https://youtu.be/Q83fk9WD0nU Hustle gets you in the door, but it’s a strategy that keeps you in the room. It’s not about how hard you work; it’s about how smart you play. The most successful entrepreneurs know this. They stop grinding and start building. They focus on mastery, systems, and creating a business that runs without them pushing it every second of the day. So, I challenge you: stop celebrating the hustle as the endgame. It’s just the starting point. Real success comes when you make the leap from hustling for money to building wealth. From chasing the grind to steering the ship. Are you ready to make that shift? Then start thinking like a leader, not just a hustler. Hustle might be your fuel, but strategy is your map. Use it wisely. https://youtu.be/kLDitGAUrno Following the conclusion of its legal dispute with the conservative group American Alliance for Equal Rights (AAER), Fearless Fund remains committed to supporting marginalized business owners. Co-founder Arian Simone announced that the Atlanta-based venture capital firm has launched a new debt loan program aimed at providing capital to under-resourced entrepreneurs. The program is open to both men and women who have been in business for at least a year, generate $50,000 in annual revenue, and have a credit score of 600 or higher. Simone appeared on “CBS Mornings” on Sept. 13, where she emphasized that she will continue her mission to empower underserved entrepreneurs. “Now we have a debt loan program. Any entrepreneur that is pretty much in business for a year, [have] $50,000 [in annual revenue], [are] under resourced, of course, and has a credit score of 600 can apply for the program — this is for men and women,” Simone explained. https://youtu.be/cjI5bXTMX78 Houston native J.Pyles is no stranger to music. He's the son of pastors, a worship leader, minister, and entrepreneur. J.Pyles has been sharing his musical gift for a long time. He is a worship leader and minister at Tabernacle of Praise Family Worship Center (TOP), and is committed to ministry and sharing God's word. His newest single."I Want It All" is a declarative song. The lyrics say, "I'm taking it all back...can't take my joy that belongs to me, I'm done playing this is the new me...Taking it for the Devil just like that.. yeah just like that." It's a bold and clear message. It's encourages believers to get back whatever the Devil, life, people or circumstances has stolen from them with the power of God. J.Pyles is poised to reach multi-generations with his message and unique style. His EP "Set Apart" is set to release 9.20. "I Want It All" is the lead single. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGoOIiZiUxk Season 4 of “Power Book II: Ghost” continues to raise the stakes, and among the show’s new characters is Janet, played by Golden Brooks. Brooks, known for her iconic role in “Girlfriends,” is no stranger to bringing depth and nuance to complex characters, and her portrayal of Janet adds a new layer to the Tejada family dynamics. As a cousin to Monet (Mary J. Blige), Janet has an insider’s knowledge of the family, providing a voice of reason in a storm of chaos. But who is Janet, and what makes her a pivotal figure this season? In an exclusive interview with EURweb, Brooks opens up about her character’s deep connection to Monet, how Janet remains aware of the Tejada family’s inner workings, and the possibility of her being pulled back into a life she thought she had left behind. From the outside, Janet may seem like a peripheral character in the explosive world of the Tejada family. Apple TV+ released the trailer for season two of the spooky adventure series “CURSES!” from DreamWorks Animation. The new season features the returning voices of Gabrielle Nevaeh and Phylicia Rashad. Here’s the official synopsis: CURSES! follows Pandora, Russ, and Sky Vanderhouven, a family cursed by their ancestors’ pillaging of ancient artifacts from across the globe in which the father, Alex, was turned to stone. After reversing the curse on an adventure of a lifetime, the second season picks up with Alex rejoining the family as they continue working to undo the damage done by their greedy ancestors. But when something about Alex doesn’t seem quite right, the family must band together to solve the mysteries that confront them, both on the road and within the walls of Briarstone Manor. Per the release, the second season features the returning voice talents of Emmy Award nominee Gabrielle Nevaeh (“Monster High”) as “Pandora,” Andre Robinson (“The Loud House”) as “Russ,” Emmy Award nominee Lyric Lewis (“Waffles + Mochi”) as “Sky,” SAG award winner Reid Scott (“Veep”) as “Alex,” Rhys Darby (“Our Flag Means Death”) as “Stanley,” James Marsters (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) as “Larry,” Emmy Award winner Rhea Perlman (“Barbie”) as “Margie,” Tony Award winner Phylicia Rashad (“A Raisin in the Sun”) as “Georgia Snitker” and Robert Englund (“A Nightmare on Elm Street”) as “Cornelius.” https://youtu.be/DWmQjE9ud8w Tinashe has announced dates for her special contest for her Match My Freak World Tour. The singer teamed up with SoundCloud in a first-of-its-kind partnership to identify an opening DJ for each upcoming tour stop. According to the news release, potential DJ contestants will complete a submission form and make sure their SoundCloud profile is up to date, showcasing their talent. From there, Tinashe will choose a DJ for each location to open the tour. “I’m excited to partner up with Soundcloud to find incredible DJ’s to open for me on my Match My Freak tour. If you make dope music, then you should submit for a chance to join me on the road,” Tinashe said of the contest. “I’m selecting a different DJ each night so make sure to tap in and submit your music. I can’t wait to check out all the submissions and more importantly I can’t wait to see you all on the road soon!” she added. SoundCloud’s Global Head of Music, Emmy Lovell added: “Tinashe’s always embraced SoundCloud to connect with fans and experiment with new sounds, and this first-of-its-kind contest is a natural extension of that energy. We’re excited to build on Tinashe’s legacy by shining a spotlight on the next generation of artists on SoundCloud.” Sean “Diddy” Combs, the once-celebrated music producer and entrepreneur, finds himself in the spotlight for a troubling reason and it’s not exactly a surprise. On Monday, Combs was arrested in Manhattan following a grand jury indictment, raising significant concerns regarding the serious allegations he has faced over the years. While the specific charges remain unspecified, the context surrounding his arrest reveals a complex and controversial legal battle for the music mogul. Diddy’s attorney, Marc Agnifilo, vehemently defended his client and characterized Diddy not only as a music icon and a family man but also as a philanthropist committed to uplifting the Black community. “We are disappointed with the decision to pursue what we believe is an unjust prosecution of Mr. Combs by the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” Agnifilo said in a statement. “Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is a music icon, self-made entrepreneur, loving family man, and proven philanthropist who has spent the last 30 years building an empire, adoring his children, and working to uplift the Black community. He is an imperfect person but he Is not a criminal. To his credit, Mr. Combs has been nothing but cooperative with this investigation and he voluntarily relocated to New York last week in anticipation of these charges. Please reserve your judgment until you have all the facts. These are the acts of an innocent man with nothing to hide, and he looks forward to clearing his name in court.” The controversy surrounding Combs is not new. He has faced numerous sexual misconduct and assault allegations spanning over three decades, all of which he has consistently denied. Reports indicate that federal investigators have been looking into these claims for some time, with sources revealing that two of Combs’ properties were raided earlier this year during a sex trafficking investigation, during which firearms and personal devices were seized. https://youtu.be/8H8-6YffPoo The legal troubles for the music mogul escalated significantly following a November 2023 lawsuit filed by his ex-girlfriend, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura. In her claim, Ventura alleged a history of severe abuse during their relationship, a suit which was swiftly settled. However, this was only the beginning, as subsequent accusations began to emerge, painting a troubling picture of Diddy’s behavior toward women. Over the next few months, more lawsuits surfaced, detailing allegations of sexual assault and misconduct from multiple individuals. Notably, a lawsuit filed in February by music producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones accused Diddy of sexual assault and coercion into sexual acts with prostitutes. By July 4, 2024, Diddy was met with his tenth civil suit, indicating that the allegations against him were both persistent and numerous. The situation escalated further in September when a default judgment amounting to $100 million was levied against him after he failed to respond to a lawsuit from a Michigan inmate alleging sexual assault. This series of legal challenges has rendered Diddy’s once-revered legacy in the music industry marred by serious accusations and legal woes. Diddy, known for his influential role in shaping hip-hop and pop music through his label Bad Boy Records and collaborations with luminaries such as Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, and Usher, now faces a starkly different narrative in the public eye. His contributions to music and culture are overshadowed by the gravity of the allegations and the ongoing investigations that have captured media attention. As this saga continues to unfold, the impact of these legal battles on Diddy’s career and personal life remains uncertain. As is often the case in matters of legal scrutiny, the presumption of innocence until proven guilty will play a crucial role in how the public perceives the outcome of this high-profile case. The coming weeks will undoubtedly bring more developments, as he prepares to defend his reputation in court against what he insists are unfounded accusations. https://youtu.be/Srm9tyhogn0 Nicki Minaj announced on social media that her reloaded edition of her hotly anticipated “Pink Friday” album will now be titled “Pink Friday 3” instead. The rapper hit up X on Sept. 15 to explain that her new songs are “just too good to be thrown away on a deluxe album.” “Instead of doing a DELUXE to Pink Friday 2, I’ve decided to do a brand new album,” she wrote, Vibe reports. “I’ll still incorporate new songs like #Mamita & [The ‘anxiety’ song] for the remainder of the tour tho…and I’ll announce the new date within the next couple weeks.” The hip-hop star added, “The new music is just too good to be thrown away on a deluxe album. Last night, the songs I recorded were just way too iconic. I love you guys so much. You know that. I know you do. I’ll still give you something leading up to the announcement, so no worries.” https://twitter.com/NICKIMINAJ/status/1824521539523580257/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1824521539523580257%7Ctwgr%5Ee1540668189293c3cc400c8f843c640e06b152a9%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fnicki-minaj-scraps-pink-friday-deluxe-edition-for-pink-friday-3%2F The new season of “Unfaithful Caught in the Act” with popular host Tami Roman premieres tomorrow Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 9pm E/P on MTV. “It’s explosive and unpredictable,” she says but the ultimate goal is healing. The show follows suspected cheaters and if infidelity is found, the victims are given a pivotal choice: they can team up with the other lover, or ambush both the partner and their lover together. “People are willing to sit down and have real conversations,” Roman shares. People are very open and honest and when you find out that someone really is cheating, people are angry, people are hurt, people are sad, and we are able to work through those things with the relationship expert and the therapist that we have on the sidelines.” “We’ve got some crazy episodes,” she reveals. “One of the most surprising ones this next season is with twins.” https://youtu.be/721qaAo1QkM La Porte, Texas is currently reeling from a significant pipeline explosion that has raised serious concerns for both public safety and environmental impact. According to reports from @rawsalerts via X, the incident has forced the evacuation of hundreds of residents as emergency crews respond to a catastrophic scenario playing out in the heart of the community. Witnesses described towering flames that reached hundreds of feet into the sky, paired with thick, black smoke that could be seen from miles away. The explosion discharged large amounts of natural gas, creating a highly dangerous environment for both evacuees and first responders on the scene. While authorities are still investigating the cause, preliminary assessments suggest that an unknown passenger vehicle may have struck the valve in the pipeline, initiating the catastrophic fire. As emergency crews work diligently to control the flames, local authorities are urging residents and onlookers to steer clear of the area. Currently, four to six nearby homes have sustained structural damage, highlighting the potential for further disaster if the fire is not contained swiftly. https://twitter.com/i/status/1835767576007180427 Pipeline explosions can have devastating immediate effects, including powerful blasts and intense fires that pose a risk to human lives and infrastructural integrity. Beyond physical injuries and property damage, the explosion’s environmental ramifications cannot be understated; hazardous materials released during such incidents can result in air and water pollution, jeopardizing wildlife ecosystems and contaminating soil. In economic terms, the pipeline explosion spells trouble for local businesses due to disruption of normal operations and extensive cleanup efforts. The costs associated with property damage and subsequent restoration can be substantial, not to mention the long-term health implications for those who live in proximity to the blast site. Community health risks may increase, and the need for extensive environmental restoration will likely lead to heightened scrutiny around pipeline safety regulations. The situation unfolding in La Porte underscores the critical necessity for stringent pipeline safety measures and robust emergency response strategies. The repercussions of this explosion will be felt well beyond the immediate aftermath and must serve as a wake-up call to regulators and the community alike. https://twitter.com/i/status/1835767576007180427 Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance on Sunday reiterated false claims about Haitian immigrants eating the pets of residents in Springfield, Ohio. Asked to support his claims in an interview with CNN’s Dana Bash on “State of the Union,” Vance pointed to what he said are firsthand accounts from constituents who have told him this is happening, though he didn’t provide the evidence. “The American media totally ignored this stuff until Donald Trump and I started talking about cat memes. If I have to create stories so that the American media actually pays attention to the suffering of the American people, then that’s what I’m going to do,” the Ohio senator said. Bash replied, “You just said that this is a story that you created.” https://youtu.be/sUnpV27No14 Vance said, “It comes from firsthand accounts from my constituents. I say that we’re creating a story, meaning we’re creating the American media focusing on it. I didn’t create 20,000 illegal migrants coming into Springfield thanks to Kamala Harris’ policies. Her policies did that. But yes, we created the actual focus that allowed the American media to talk about this story and the suffering caused by Kamala Harris’ policies.” The city of Springfield notes on its website that approximately 12,000 to 15,000 immigrants live in Clark County, and that Haitian immigrants are there legally as part of a parole program that allows citizens and lawful residents to apply to have their family members from Haiti come to the United States. https://twitter.com/i/status/1835307832356253718 Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, flatly denied the rumor on Sunday and praised the immigrants for their positive influence on the community. “No. Absolutely not,” DeWine said on ABC’s “This Week” when asked whether he’d seen any evidence of immigrants eating pets. “Let me tell you what we do know, though. What we know is that the Haitians who are in Springfield are legal,” the governor said. “They came to Springfield to work.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1835309555938480462 A recent Hungarian study published in BMC Psychology suggests that an intense obsession with Hollywood gossip and celebrity culture may be linked to lower intelligence. The research, based on a survey of 1,763 adults, found a connection between celebrity worship and poorer cognitive performance, The Independent reports. Participants completed cognitive tasks, such as a vocabulary test and a questionnaire measuring their interest in celebrities. The study asked participants to respond with a simple “yes” or “no” to various statements in a “celebrity attitude scale” questionnaire. Per The Independent, these included: “I often feel compelled to learn the personal habits of my favorite celebrity”, “I am obsessed by details of my favorite celebrity’s life”, and “if I were lucky enough to meet my favorite celebrity, and he/she asked me to do something illegal as a favor I would probably do it.” The researchers found that individuals with the highest scores on the celebrity attitude scale performed worse on the two cognitive ability tests. Chicago native and award-winning HGTV producer Kyra Epps is making a return to her hometown by teaming up with Habitat for Humanity Chicago as their new Community Impact Partner. Known for her hit show “Buying Back the Block,” which became one of HGTV’s most streamed series, Epps is now channeling her passion for revitalizing communities into building homes and leading workshops with ReStore Chicago, according to the news release. We spoke to Kya who shared her vision for giving back, the importance of affordable housing, and how she plans to make a lasting impact in the city she calls home. We reported previously that Kyra and her husband, comedian/actor Mike Epps, worked together to rebuild Mike’s childhood community on “Buying Back the Block.” In a statement, Kyra said, “So many people tell us how much it inspired them to rebuild their community.” Through her partnership with Habitat for Humanity Chicago, Kyra aims to use her platform to engage the community, teach people how to design their own homes and foster a sense of pride and ownership. She will lead a workshop at Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore Chicago South grand opening and host a 2024 Women Build Team in October. “As a Chicago native, it’s incredibly important to me to give back to my community. I want to show people that they have the power to create spaces that reflect their identity and values,” said Kyra in a statement. https://www.instagram.com/kyraepps/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c3c5928b-5f99-486a-b12b-102c04771be0 Officer Danny Torres, who was reassigned after a contentious traffic stop involving Miami Dolphins star Tyreek Hill, has faced multiple suspensions throughout his 27-year career. According to TMZ, police records reveal that he has been suspended at least six times. We reported earlier that Hill was briefly detained by police after a traffic incident just hours before Miami’s season-opening game. “This morning, WR Tyreek Hill was pulled over for a traffic incident about one block from the stadium and briefly detained by police,” the Dolphins X account said in the aftermath of the Hill’s controversial encounter with police. Hill’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told ESPN the incident began as a traffic stop when Hill was driving to the stadium. “Apparently, he got a ticket for a moving violation entering the stadium,” Rosenhaus told ESPN. “How things escalated into the situation that they were in, in handcuffs and being held on the ground with police is mind-boggling to me.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1832793799564607531 LL Cool J performed a medley of his hits at the MTV VMAs on Sept. 11 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Def Jam Records. His performance featured an appearance from two Def Jam labelmates, Public Enemy’s Flavor Flav and Chuck D. If you missed it, watch the YouTube clip above. LL’s VMA appearace coincided with the release of his new single “Murdergram Deux” featuring Eminem. The rapper’s new album, “The Force” dropped Friday. Produced by Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest, the project features collaborations with Saweetie, Nas, and Snoop Dogg. LL Cool J is a two-time winner at the MTV Video Music Awards, once in 1991 and in 1997 when he became the first rapper to take home the Video Vanguard award. In a new interview with CBS Sunday Morning, the rapper attributed his longevity to his passion for music. https://youtu.be/RpB32ED8Pa0 NFL star Jalen Hurts and his longtime partner Bry Burrows are engaged. The couple shared exclusive photoss with ESSENCE from the day the Philadelphia Eagles player popped the question. On Instagram, the publication wrote, “It looks like Jalen Hurts has scored the ultimate touchdown with Bryonna Rivera Burrows. A source close to the power couple exclusively told ESSENCE that they are officially engaged!” The caption continued, “In April 2023, Hurts told us about his relationship with Burrows, saying, “I’m not married or anything like that. But I am spoken for,” and that the couple has been dating off and on since they met at the University of Alabama. Congratulations! *Tyrese voice* Excuse us while we try to tackle our feelings because we thought it might have been us!”In the post’s comments, several users expressed excitement that Hurts is boo’d up with a Black woman.One IG user wrote, “I’m happy the most attractive man in the NFL is marrying a black woman.” Another person added, “My brother got himself a Queen.” https://www.instagram.com/essence/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=fe754cd0-4ff3-4327-aa13-d0ec7aa866bd Let’s talk sports; specifically, football, and more specifically, black starting quarterbacks (QBs) in the National Football League (NFL). Once upon a time, a Black man could not be a QB in the NFL. He may have played QB in college but had to switch positions when he got to the NFL. That was then, and this is now. The 2024 NFL season is upon us, and for the third year in a row, there are a record number of Black QBs starting games this season. Last year, 14 Blacks were under center to start the season, and this year the number has increased by one, to 15. Most of the 15 starters this year also started last year: the majority for the same team. Justin Fields, who started last year for the Chicago Bears, has moved over to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Although he was supposed to be the backup for Russell Wilson, who made his way from two unremarkable seasons in Denver because Russell is sidelined with a calf injury, Justin gets the nod…and the first two Steeler wins of the season. Russell Wilson had better watch out or he may be the backup. Joshua Dobbs, who started last year for the Arizona Cardinals in place of the injured Kyler Murray, has moved on to a backup position for the San Francisco 49ers. Desmond Ridder, who started for the Atlanta Falcons during the 2023 season, is now the Arizona Cardinals’ backup. That takes care of those who have lost their starting QB positions. The highly anticipated Season 9 of “The Real Housewives of Potomac” returns next month on Bravo. This season, fan favorites Karen Huger, Gizelle Bryant, Ashley Darby, Wendy Osefo, and Mia Thornton are back, bringing their signature blend of drama, glamour, and fiery exchanges. Joining the mix are two new housewives: Stacey Rusch, a former QVC host, and Keiarna Stewart, a successful entrepreneur. Stacey is navigating life as a single mom to her 8-year-old daughter while going through a divorce, while Keiarna enters the group with some reservations but is determined to find her place among the women. In addition to the main cast, Jacqueline Blake returns as a familiar face, and newcomer Jassi Rideaux joins as a friend of the housewives. Season 9 is set to deliver plenty of twists, turns, and unmissable moments. Law enforcement secures the area around Trump International Golf Club after an apparent assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump on September 15, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Florida.Vice President Kamala Harris and the White House responded with empathy and compassion in the wake of the latest apparent assassination attempt on Donald Trump‘s life. The former president and current Republican presidential nominee was reportedly safe and unharmed on Sunday afternoon after agents with the U.S. Secret Service fired shots at a man they say was wielding an assault rifle about 400 yards away from Trump’s golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida. https://twitter.com/johncastnow/status/1835444072019828817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1835444072019828817%7Ctwgr%5E12fdc19c50f49355e7ebe55e219f8b4a6bba5fd9%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewsone.com%2F5552450%2Fvp-harris-reacts-trump-assassination-attempt%2F The suspect was later identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, a white man whose past social media activity suggests he once supported Trump but became disenchanted during the former president’s lone term in office.. https://x.com/VP/status/1835403813475570113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1835403813475570113%7Ctwgr%5E12fdc19c50f49355e7ebe55e219f8b4a6bba5fd9%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewsone.com%2F5552450%2Fvp-harris-reacts-trump-assassination-attempt%2F Dawn Richard, a former member of the girl group Danity Kane, has filed a lawsuit against Sean “Diddy” Combs, accusing him of sexual assault. Richard also shared intimate details about his abuse towards former partners Cassie and Kim Porter. Keep reading to learn more about the lawsuit including a copy to read. According to court documents, Richard alleges that Combs assaulted her on multiple occasions during her time with the group, which was formed on the MTV reality show “Making the Band” in the mid-2000s. Richard claims that Combs used his power and influence within the music industry to manipulate and control her, leading to situations where she felt coerced into unwanted sexual encounters. The lawsuit outlines instances where Richard alleges she was pressured by Combs, making her fearful of retaliation if she refused his advances. In addition to the assault claims, Richard’s lawsuit also touches on the toxic environment within the music industry, highlighting the challenges female artists face when they come forward with allegations against powerful men. Richard has stated that she hopes her legal action will encourage other women in the industry to speak out against abuse and seek justice. She also noted that Cassie encouraged her to come forward. Taylor Frankie Pau, a star on the Hulu reality series “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” appeared on “The View” recently and explained “soft swinging” to viewers. “In 2022 you created quite the scandal Miss Taylor, when you revealed that you and your husband were getting a divorce because you both had engaged in ‘soft swinging’ with other couples,” co-host Joy Behar said, TooFab reports. “It’s the soft part that’s throwing me off. And of course if you’re engaged with the other couples you might fall in love with the guys or one of the women if you’re of that persuasion. So what happened there? What is soft swinging, explain that?” asked Joy. “So swinging is where you full on switch partners, like swingers, right? So for us, we opened up our relationship, we were playing games and being intimate all in front of each other,” Taylor explained. “So we weren’t full-on switching per se. So that’s why they called it soft swinging, which I didn’t come up with that term by the way,” she added. https://youtu.be/mRIdUg1fkVk Behar noted that Taylor ultimately divorced her husband after she fell in love with one of the men she was “soft swinging” with, saying “so you fell in love with one of the guys that you started to interact with?” “I wouldn’t say that now, but back at the time I might have felt those feelings,” Taylor replied. She previously explained how her “soft swinging” experience began while appearing on an episode of The Viall File podcast. “It wasn’t even a conversation. I think we were all drinking and partying and the guys were like, ‘You girls should make out,’ and that’s that,” she told Vial, per TooFab. https://twitter.com/i/status/1834298690393067889 After making the 2024 Summer Olympics way more interesting than it needed to be, Snoop Dogg already has a vision of what he would like to see when the event comes back to the States in 2028. Revolt, per an interview the rapper did with “Entertainment Tonight,” detailed what Snoop jokingly has in mind if he was the one running things for the longstanding event. According to the Doggfather, it comes down to shining a light on those not named Biles, Lyles, or any other major Olympian competing in the games. “One thing I wanna do is have like the hood Olympics, ‘cause it’s a lot of homies from the hood that can run 10.2 [second 100-meter], that can high jump, throw the javelin, backflip, swim good, jump over gates and hurdles, you know what I’m saying?” Snoop humorously shared with “ET’s” Kevin Frasier while attending the premiere of Tyrese Gibson’s latest film “1992.” Snoop continued: “I just wanna make it available for the athletes from the hood that didn’t make it, that probably had certain ramifications, but they still were athletic, and they still were good. So, I wanna bring that component, and hopefully, we’ll be able to, you know, make it make sense.” Only time will tell if Snoop, whom fans have dubbed an Olympic ambassador, can pull off the entertaining feat for the culture.” Shannon Sharpe has launched new merchandise inspired by ‘Michelle,’ the woman he was overheard having sex with during a recent Instagram Live video that quickly went viral, amassing over 6 million views. Initially claiming his account had been hacked, Sharpe later admitted that this was not the case. “I threw my phone on the bed, engaged in an activity,” Sharpe said. “I did not know IG live. I’ve never turned IG live on so I don’t know how it works and all of sudden my other phone started going off.” The Pro Football Hall of Famer said his heart “sank” after the moment went viral. “I called my agent, I called the agency, I called ESPN and I [thought] just tell them the truth. My phone wasn’t hacked, it wasn’t a prank, it was me being a healthy, active male,” Shape explained on his Nightcap podcast. “Obviously I am embarrassed,” Sharpe said. “Someone that is extremely, extremely private and to have one of your most intimate details – the audio – heard for the entire world to hear, I’m embarrassed for a number of reasons.” https://youtu.be/L2SVcAhDqes Terry Crews is opening up about his wife Rebecca’s three miscarriages in a new interview with PEOPLE. “Me and my wife, we know what it’s like to lose a child,” he shared with the outlet. “We’ve had three miscarriages. It’s one of those things where it was so meaningful and special because the dedication is just, it’s a way to process these things.” Terry and Rebecca have been married for over three decades and share five children: Naomi, 37, Azriél, 33, Tera, 26, Wynfrey, 21, and Isaiah, 19, per PEOPLE. In 2021, the couple released the memoir “Stronger Together,” in which they candidly discuss how they bounced back from Terry’s infidelities and porn addiction. Speaking about how he copes with difficult events in life, Crews told PEOPLE, “One thing I do is music.” “I sit in a room and listen to music and it helps me process … all the things I’m feeling,” Terry explains. “Then the other thing is I just talk to my wife. We talk it out. We have really, really nice long, deep conversation. Turn the TV off, turn the phone off and let’s just talk it through.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1382415863362506757 Family members of Breonna Taylor, Tyre Nichols, and Sonya Massey are uniting in support of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. Taylor, Nichols, and Massey lost their lives during encounters with police. The July 6 death of Massey highlighted the ongoing problems with police conduct following George Floyd’s death. Massey died after Deputy Sean Grayson shot her in the face in her Illinois home after responding to report a suspected intruder. He has been indicted and charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct. During a press conference at the annual Congressional Black Caucus in Washington, D.C., family members of Taylor, Nichols, and Massey emphasized the need for police accountability, Revolt reports. The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act was named after George Floyd, who died in 2020 after former officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on his neck. In 2021, Chauvin was convicted of murder and manslaughter and received a 22-and-a-half-year prison. The bill was first introduced by then-Senator Kamala Harris and other lawmakers that same year. While the bill passed the House twice, it has faced challenges in the Senate. The act proposes reforms such as banning chokeholds, no-knock warrants, and establishing a national police conduct registry. It was reintroduced in August following Massey’s death. https://youtu.be/Llb7U6RP-UU Introducing a new 12-week course with Tye Tribbett! The CHOSEN Creative Arts Academy FALL 2024 Session PURPOSE:To provide wisdom, insight, instruction, and practical information to singers, worship leaders, new artists, musicians, creatives, production technicians, and other music industry related occupations, from music industry artists and professionals. THE PROGRAM: The program is designed to be a 12-week course with 11 (eleven) sessions with Tye. In addition, the course features interviews with Shelia E., Randy Jackson, Chandler Moore, 1K Phew, and Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins. This virtual course is an intentional effort to promote and reflect the cultural diversity of our global community. Tye has experience as an artist, radio host, television host, producer, publisher, and social media culture influencer. Through collaboration with music industry performers, production technicians and business professionals, he extends his knowledge and experience to those who are learning and trying to grow their brand. Participants will get first-hand experience while being mentored by Tye and his special guest lecturers. The music world is mourning the loss of Tito Jackson, a beloved member of the legendary group The Jackson 5 and The Jacksons, who died today at the age of 70. According to Steve Manning, a longtime family friend and former manager of the Jacksons, Tito succumbed to a heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma. While an official cause of death has yet to be confirmed, Manning’s statement was first reported by Entertainment Tonight (ET) via X, bringing an abrupt end to Tito’s vibrant life and illustrious career. Born Toriano Adaryll Jackson on October 15, 1953, in Gary, Indiana, Tito was the third eldest of the Jackson siblings. Growing up in a large family with seven siblings, Tito developed a strong bond with his brothers, which later became the foundation of their harmonious performances. Under the keen eye of their father, Joseph Walter “Joe” Jackson, the family household was a hub of musical activity, with daily practice sessions that honed the talents of young Tito alongside Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael. https://youtu.be/ygWsMAZ1a3E Beyond his contributions to The Jackson 5 and The Jacksons, Tito Jackson pursued a solo career and engaged in various personal projects. As a solo artist, he released albums that reflected his individual musical style and creativity, collaborating with a diverse range of artists and exploring different genres. Tito also ventured into acting and reality television, appearing in various TV shows and movies alongside his brothers, further extending his influence beyond the music scene. Tito was married to Delores “Dee Dee” Jackson, and together they raised several children. Despite the pressures of fame, Tito maintained a relatively private personal life, prioritizing his family and personal interests. His dedication to his craft, resilience in the face of industry changes, and commitment to his family have solidified his reputation as a respected and beloved figure in the world of music. https://youtu.be/8XduMGFrtPk Since the pandemic, DJ Cassidy’s “Pass the Mic” series has been a regular pick-me-up in the eyes of music lovers. And with that comes a new level of fame for the disc spinner, with after BET awards show specials and a loyal following on YouTube, not to mention gigs performing at Jay-Z and Beyonce’s wedding to the stage of the Democratic National Convention during the summer. Needless to say, it’s good to be Cassidy, who has come a very long way since his first major gig at the age of 20, spinning at Sean “Diddy” Combs’ 2001 MTV VMA after party. Without a doubt. “Pass the Mic” is all DJ Cassidy.. In the past four years, the genre staple has made noise in its own right, highlighting more than 200 hip-hop and R&B artists in a way that triggers thoughts of dancing and good times when Cassidy introduces the artists to perform a bit of a classic hit before figuratively passing the mic to the next music legend in a mixtape like fashion. The concept has caught on in a big way, with its success resulting in Cassidy bringing the experience and feels of his creation to a live audience via “Pass the Mic Live! The Iconic Las Vegas Residency.” The Sin City event boasts a high-powered roster of core talent in the form of Cassidy, Fat Joe, Ja Rule, Slick Rick, and Doug E. Fresh. The quintet also expands with icons such as Public Enemy, Raekwon, Jermaine Dupri, Da Brat, Akon, Remy Ma, Vicious, Too $hort and Warren G joining Cassidy on various Saturdays as special guests. A great woman may be behind every great man, but 50 Cent is keeping that space to himself. Citing a recent appearance on “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, Face2Face Africa detailed the G-Unit general’s reasons for embracing celibacy versus a dating experience filled with multiple members of the opposite sex. To hear 50 tell it, it comes down to keeping your “focus” without the ladies. “Listen, when you calm down you can focus,” the 49-year-old “In da Club” entertainer said about his current sex-free status. “I’ve been good to me.” https://youtu.be/JyhE7ApbpVw 50 Cent’s sex-free state of mind comes as he reportedly nears becoming a billionaire. Over the years, 50 has built an empire consisting of multiple forays involving music (G-Unit Records), television (Starz’s “Power” universe), film production (G-Unit Films, Cheetah Vision), book publishing (G-Unit Books) and investments (real estate, mining, boxing promotion, fashion), among a slew of others. With such success, it would not be a surprise if 50 capped it off by being involved with someone he can share it all with. Yet, the “I Got Money” hitmaker is solid with self-elevation. https://youtu.be/8ZnPjHmbaQs In 2006, Eve delivered laughs on her self-titled UPN sitcom along with rhymes for music fans. But amid the professional highs, came a hidden personal low with her ectopic pregnancy. Referencing a new interview People, TooFab reports Eve revealed her situation for the first time in her upcoming memoir “Who’s That Girl.” The only person she said knew the truth was her husband, Maximillion Cooper. “I told my husband [about the miscarriage] when we got close, but never ever spoke about it in public, not even [while I was hosting] The Talk,” Eve told People. In an excerpt from “Who’s That Girl,” the “What Ya Want” hitmaker detailed the ectopic pregnancy that came while filming her hit small-screen comedy “Eve.” As a result, she was forced to undergo emergency surgery. Despite labeling the experience traumatic, Eve kept it to herself, instead choosing to focus on her career in the early 2000s, telling everyone it was “appendicitis” as she with the tribulation on her own. The Trump campaign on Sunday said former President Donald Trump is “safe following gunshots in his vicinity.” “President Trump is safe following gunshots in his vicinity. No further details at this time,” Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement that did not provide additional details. The former president was playing golf at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach. The course was immediately locked down, according to a source familiar. The Secret Service said on X that it is working with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office to investigate a protective incident involving Trump. The Secret Service said the incident occurred shortly before 2 p.m. A new Politico report reveals that the nation’s historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are notably silent as the 2024 presidential campaign heats up, despite Kamala Harris and Donald Trump both pushing their track records of supporting HBCUs. This silence, uncharacteristic of HBCU presidents who often galvanize their communities to vote, has been driven by frustration over the lack of clear policy agendas from either candidate. As the election looms just two months away, the absence of a vocal endorsement from these influential institutions may cost Black communities a key political force. Walter Kimbrough, interim president of Talladega College, highlighted the delicate balance HBCU leaders must maintain. “We do understand the symbolism and the historical significance of what is happening,” Kimbrough said. “But we still have real policy issues and items that we want to have addressed.” In a sobering reminder of how misinformation can spiral out of control, Erika Lee, a resident of Springfield, Ohio, has publicly expressed her regret regarding a Facebook post that ignited harmful rumors about the Haitian immigrant community. Initially aimed at seeking information about a missing pet, her claims escalated into damaging accusations, culminating in their repetition by prominent figures including former President Donald Trump during a recent debate. Lee, a 35-year-old hardware store employee, took to social media to share an anecdote relayed to her by her neighbor about a missing cat. She described an account of seeing the cat hanging from a branch near the home of a Haitian family, accompanied by claims that similar incidents involving dogs and other pets had occurred in the area. Despite the dramatic nature of her post, Lee later admitted that she had no first-hand knowledge of the situation and did not intend for her words to spark such a frenzy. “I never imagined that my post would spiral out of control like this,” Lee told NBC News. “It just exploded into something I didn’t mean to happen.” https://youtu.be/Ru34gTyHKlw The chain of misinformation was fueled further by politicians, including Ohio Senator JD Vance, who echoed similar sentiments about the presence of Haitian immigrants in the area. Vance’s rhetoric highlighted concerns about social services being strained, linking his statements to the now-viral pet-eating rumors. This false narrative and its amplification reached a new level when former President Trump mentioned the claims during a live debate that attracted 67 million viewers. “In Springfield, they’re eating the dogs — the people that came in, they’re eating the cats,” Trump stated, igniting widespread outrage and confusion. https://twitter.com/DonaldJTrumpJr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1833492073929957737%7Ctwgr%5Efa76d050deca60b26802151d41c4afda791e2316%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Ferika-lee-regrets-facebook-post-spreading-haitian-rumors%2F City officials have since strongly denied the veracity of Lee’s claims, with Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck, stating, “There have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community.”The consequences of the rapidly spreading rumors have been severe. In response to heightened tensions, bomb threats were made against Springfield City Hall, resulting in evacuations, while local schools faced closure due to similar threats. The fear has intensified among residents, particularly those in the Haitian community. https://youtu.be/CWT9R_PZJxg Lee expressed deep remorse over her post’s impact, stating she does not harbor animosity toward the Haitian community. “I feel for the Haitian community,” she said, emphasizing that she never intended to vilify them. “If I were in their position, I’d be terrified, too.” The backlash surrounding her Facebook message has not only put her family at risk — prompting her to withdraw her daughter from school — but has also fueled broader societal anxieties regarding immigrant communities in the area. The fallout has prompted discussions about the power of social media and the importance of verifying claims before sharing personal anecdotes. https://youtu.be/FXjwIvHOhpg It’s important for us to write from a life perspective,” said Don Shelby of the Contemporary Gospel group Shelby 5 (S5) about their debut album “S5” (Tribl Records). The group Shelby 5 consists of siblings Don, Courtney, Andrea, Trent, and Amber. I spoke with Amber, Trent, and Don. They are currently promoting the debut album’s single “None Ya Business” which is accompanied by a music video. “We believe in…sharing Jesus by any means necessary,” Amber Shelby added. Not only does Shelby 5 give you the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a contemporary way through lyrics in sound. They have a very tight harmony. Some define the Shelby 5 sound as Urban-Infused. “It’s for our generation,” Amber said. “Who don’t know the Word.” “In a creative way,” Trent Shelby pointed out. “It’s packaged with the Gospel…with a melody that they’ll pay attention to.” https://youtu.be/lWgXKsj7jPs Shelby 5 said they are loving the process of spreading the Gospel through songwriting and music. Their “S5” debut features three-time BET Award-winning Gospel rapper LaCrea on the single “Boom.” “We’ve been known for our A Capella singing on social media,” Trent said about their rapidly growing fan base. The Detroit natives, who are ages 35 – 26, also feature assistant from Stellar Award-winning Jason Nelson on the single “Use Me.” “We merge both worlds (traditional gospel with contemporary),” Trent added. https://youtu.be/syRyJDfcjDU In the award-winning NEON documentary “Seeking Mavis Beacon,” filmmakers Jazmin Jones and Olivia McKayla Ross embark on a curious journey to uncover the story behind a cultural icon most people never knew was fictional. Mavis Beacon, a name synonymous with typing software from the late 1980s and beyond, was represented with the image of a polished Black woman on countless CD-ROMs. While millions of users learned to type through this software, many remained unaware that the face of Mavis Beacon was that of Renée L’Espérance, a Haitian-born model. In “Seeking Mavis Beacon,” Jones and Ross explored what became of her, all while delving into the broader significance of her image in the tech world and its lasting impact. https://youtu.be/pUrO0blAJOk The impact of Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing goes beyond its educational value. For many, seeing the poised, professional Black woman on the software’s cover was a form of empowerment, particularly during a time when Black faces were scarce in mainstream tech products. Jazmin Jones states, “When I thought back to who my first Black teacher was, I thought of Mavis Beacon.” This sparked Jones’ interest in race’s role in the software’s success, which sold millions of copies worldwide. Jones further explains how the choice to feature a Black woman on the cover wasn’t necessarily a conscious effort toward inclusion but had a lasting effect. “The software became the world’s most popular educational game, and I attribute a lot of that success to having a Black woman on the cover,” says Jones. In the film, the duo connects Mavis Beacon’s rise and the broader context of Black representation in the 1980s. “We talk about the respectable, upwardly mobile Black family unit that was prominently represented in the mainstream at that time,” adds Ross. Shows like “The Cosby Show” had familiarized audiences with images of successful Black professionals, and Mavis Beacon—whether intentionally or not—fit right into that mold. https://www.instagram.com/neonrated/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=9fbabeb0-a80e-4882-b02c-698b8b9fc42https://www.instagram.com/neonrated/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=9fbabeb0-a80e-4882-b02c-698b8b9fc42c As the U.S. birth rate continues to decline, the issue has become a major political talking point, especially among conservative advocates and lawmakers. Elon Musk recently called the falling birth rate “the biggest danger civilization faces,” while some Republicans are pushing for policies aimed at encouraging more children. However, there is little evidence that these proposals will reverse the trend, as Axios reports. The record-low birth rate in the U.S. threatens future economic growth by reducing the size of the workforce, potentially leading to labor shortages and decreased productivity. Fewer workers in the coming years also mean fewer caregivers for an aging population. Without an increase in immigration or substantial policy changes, these challenges could intensify. This declining birth rate is not exclusive to the U.S.; it’s part of a global phenomenon. In most wealthy countries, birth rates have dropped below the “replacement level” of 2.1 births per woman, the number needed to maintain population size. By 2050, three-quarters of countries worldwide are expected to fall below this level, according to a Lancet report from this spring. Republican lawmakers like J.D. Vance and Donald Trump have floated several ideas to address the birth rate issue. Vance has proposed that the government should cover the cost of childbirth, while Trump has mentioned “baby bonuses” and government-funded in-vitro fertilization (IVF) for older women. Sunday afternoon (09-15-24), a man suspected of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump was swiftly neutralized by U.S. Secret Service agents. The suspect, identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, managed to evade immediate capture after fleeing the scene, leaving behind a collection of concerning items, including an AK-style rifle with a scope, two backpacks, and a GoPro camera. At approximately 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, former President Trump was enjoying a round of golf near his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach County, Florida. During this time, Routh allegedly pushed the muzzle of an AK-style rifle through the fence perimeter of the golf course, suggesting a premeditated attempt to launch an attack. A vigilant Secret Service agent noticed the rifle and responded by firing at Routh. The confrontation occurred about five miles away from Trump’s residence, ensuring the former president’s safety. Remarkably, no injuries were reported as a result of the exchange. https://youtu.be/JipmDLfx9ao Following his flight, Routh left behind several items in what authorities have described as a makeshift sniper’s den. Among the recovered items were: An AK-style rifle with a scope, Two backpacks hanging on a fence, a GoPro camera and a ceramic tile found in one of the backpacks. Former FBI Senior Executive Joshua Skulke provided insight into the nature of the evidence. “Certainly, it appears to me that he was looking to go out in a blaze. When you look at the ceramic tiles, the high-powered rifle, he was certainly prepared for a confrontation.” Skulke further explained to NewsNation that the ceramic plates resembled those used by military and law enforcement personnel for enhanced protection, indicating a high level of preparation for a potential high-risk operation. https://youtu.be/a9Mbzt5ngfc In the immediate aftermath of the incident, former President Trump addressed his supporters, reassuring them of his safety. “There were gunshots in my vicinity, but before rumors start spiraling out of control, I wanted you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND WELL! Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER! I will always love you for supporting me. Unity. Peace. Make America Great Again. May God bless you,” Trump stated, emphasizing his resilience and commitment to his campaign. Vice President Kamala Harris also responded to the incident, stating on social media. “I have been briefed on reports of gunshots fired near former President Trump and his property in Florida, and I am glad he is safe. Violence has no place in America,” Harris wrote on X (formerly Twitter). President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation, though he has yet to make a public statement regarding the incident. Trump’s campaign confirmed his safety through a statement released Sunday afternoon, asserting, “Following gunshots in his vicinity, the former president is safe.” Communications Director Steven Cheung did not provide additional details at that time. https://youtu.be/lmmwJuuQZWA Who doesn’t love a surprise ending? The 76th Emmy Awards on ABC ended with a twist that saw the Max series “Hacks” best one of the night’s dominant winners – FX’s “The Bear” – to pick up best comedy. Don’t get us wrong, “The Bear” served up heaps of gold on Sunday, earning five Emmys, including three awards for its actors. But “Hacks” had, until the show’s final moment, only picked up two awards – one for Jean Smart and another for outstanding writing for a comedy. (Max and CNN are both part of Warner Bros. Discovery.) https://youtu.be/TDwnnr6scNY In the drama categories, the historical drama “Shōgun,” which was only the second non-English language program to be nominated in the outstanding drama category (the first was “Squid Game” was the first in 2022), picked up four awards, including individual acting honors for two its two stars and outstanding drama. ”Baby Reindeer,” a hardened tale of trauma and healing, won four awards, including outstanding limited series. https://youtu.be/JC8Xf1lOEsc In a delightful revelation shared with British Vogue, Jackson recently recounted another (amusing) wardrobe malfunction story from her past. It occurred in front of none other than Queen Elizabeth II. The incident occurred during a performance of her hit song “Rhythm Nation” in the ’90s when the pop icon bent down to execute a dance move, only to discover that her pants had ripped right down the back in her “booty crak” as she explains to British Vogue. Janet described the moment with humor, noting the unmistakable rush of air that confirmed her suspicions about the fashion disaster. With quick thinking and a focus on maintaining her composure, she adeptly altered her choreography to limit movements to front-facing only, ensuring the Queen remained blissfully unaware of her unexpected wardrobe malfunction. While this incident with royalty is certainly a standout, it’s not the only memorable fashion faux pas that Janet has experienced throughout her illustrious career. She is perhaps best known for the infamous Super Bowl halftime show in 2004, where a dance move by Justin Timberlake resulted in a very public wardrobe malfunction that left Janet’s right breast exposed to millions of viewers. The incident sparked a media frenzy and raised questions about censorship in live performances. https://www.instagram.com/britishvogue/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=a560eca8-f28c-48c2-9e25-b4258b50e8e2 In a shocking incident that has gone viral on social media, videos captured from two different angles depict a violent altercation on September 11 between an adult African American woman and a group of Carson High School students at a Taco Bell location in Southern California. The confrontation escalated after the woman’s daughter reportedly engaged in a dispute with one of the students, prompting the mother to intervene with pepper spray. The videos show the woman spraying the student group, leading to further chaos as her daughter jumped one of the students involved. An additional student confronted the mother, attempting to defend their classmate, only to be forcibly pushed back and assaulted by the enraged mother. https://www.instagram.com/carson_report/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=4d88031e-6644-45d4-b7e2-73b4c35589ef Noma’s involvement with Cane has sparked a lot of curiosity. When asked about the nature of their relationship, Chikezie hinted that what started as a strategic move might be evolving into something more personal. “I think it started as a means to an end. She felt she needed to replace Obi, and the best person would be Cane,” she explained. “But honestly, as time passes, he’s getting under her skin. He is incredibly charming, and they spend a lot of time together.” Chikezie said that while Noma may be warming up to Cane, she’s still keeping her guard up. “Noma is never going to just give her whole heart. She’s wary of him, and that’s why she’s in an entanglement. She won’t fully commit to just one guy.” From the moment Noma was introduced in “Power Book II: Ghost”, she appeared as an impenetrable, calculating force. However, this season, we’re beginning to see cracks in her armor, especially regarding her daughter, Anya. According to Chikezie, Anya is Noma’s Achilles heel. https://www.instagram.com/carolinechikezie/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=173ae9a2-c59f-4da8-9c9d-4376a0685716 Noma’s fierce protectiveness over her daughter is the force behind many of her decisions this season. Chikezie noted that this vulnerability adds layers to Noma’s character, making her not just a power-hungry leader but also a mother trying to shield her child from harm in a dangerous world. As Noma expands her influence, she faces threats on multiple fronts—Monet, Tariq, Cane, and the feds. But according to Chikezie, it’s the law that keeps Noma up at night. “Definitely the feds,” she admitted. “Noma is ready to neutralize any threat that isn’t a fed, but the feds are different. That’s why she’s trying to legitimize her business and get American citizenship. She doesn’t want to stay in the life of crime forever—she has a daughter to raise.” Noma is willing to do whatever it takes to protect her daughter and her empire. But as we’ve seen in the “Power” universe, no one is invincible, and Chikezie teased that Noma’s future is anything but certain. https://www.instagram.com/adrianholmes/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=928b3624-b40c-4185-a58a-77a27f463699 Michaela Mabinty DePrince, the ballerina born during a civil war in Sierra Leone who performed in Beyoncé’s ‘Lemonade’ visual album, has died aged 29, according to an announcement posted to her official Instagram page. “Her life was one defined by grace, purpose, and strength. Her unwavering commitment to her art, her humanitarian efforts, and her courage in overcoming unimaginable challenges will forever inspire us,” the post read. “She stood as a beacon of hope for many, showing that no matter the obstacles, beauty and greatness can rise from the darkest of places.” No cause of death has been given. Her sister Mia said she was in a “shock and deep sadness.” https://youtu.be/1EGb_vql6HU DePrince made history as the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem and went on to dance with the Dutch National Ballet and the Boston Ballet, where she was a second soloist. Her talent was brought to a wider audience with a cameo in ‘Lemonade’, the video that accompanied Beyoncé’s album of the same name. DePrince told the WSJ she thought it was a joke when she heard the singer wanted her for the video, who told DePrince in person it was an ‘honor’ to have her star. Born during Sierra Leone’s brutal war and sent to live in an orphanage after both of her birth parents died – her father was killed by rebels and her mother starved to death – DePrince had an early life marked by the horrors of war. At the orphanage, she was called “the devil’s child” and was ill-treated by orphanage carers because she had vitiligo – a skin condition that causes blotches of lightening skin. She witnessed one of her teachers be murdered by rebels and was stabbed by a little boy while trying to save her. “I have actually a scar from it and it was a black out after that – I have no idea how I survived that, it was awful,” she told CNN during a 2012 interview. https://twitter.com/DTHballet/status/1834673845732598071/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1834798675987775547%7Ctwgr%5E42a5a55d2a47a5ee452d5b396115584fc8167d81%7Ctwcon%5Es2_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fmichaela-deprince-featured-in-beyonces-lemonade-dies-at-29%2F Called Mabinty Bangura when she was born, DePrince first saw a ballerina on the cover of a magazine outside the orphanage when she was just three years old. “I was just so fascinated by this person, by how beautiful she was, how she was wearing such a beautiful costume,” said DePrince. Though she had no idea what ballet was, she kept the magazine cover and dreamt of one day becoming as happy as the dancer in the photo. Shortly after, DePrince was adopted by a couple from New Jersey and began a new life in the United States. Her family nurtured her love for ballet and enrolled her in classes. “From the very beginning of our story back in Africa, sleeping on a shared mat in the orphanage, Michaela (Mabinty) and I used to make up our own musical theater plays and act them out. We created our own ballets,” wrote her sister Mia, who was also born in Sierra Leone and adopted by the same family, in a statement. https://twitter.com/i/status/1834798675987775547 DePrince went on to earn a full scholarship to the American Ballet Theater’s summer intensive at the age of 13 and earned another scholarship in the youth America Grand Prix, the biggest ballet competition in the world. It was not a journey without prejudice. As a Black girl in the predominantly white preserve of ballet, she almost quit at the age of 10 when a teacher said she did not want to put effort and money into Black dancers. But her determination persevered. “I’m still trying to change the way people see black dancers, that we can become delicate dancers, that we can be a ballerina,” she told CNN at the age of seventeen. “Despite being told the ‘world wasn’t ready for black ballerinas’ or that ‘black ballerinas weren’t worth investing in,’ she remained determined, focused, and began making big strides,” wrote dancer Misty Copeland in a tribute posted to social media. “Michaela had so much more to give,” she added. https://youtu.be/P4PQNaBB1ro In the evolving landscape of fast food, few names have made as bold an entry as Hart House, the plant-based fast-food chain founded by actor and comedian Kevin Hart. Debuting in 2022, Hart House was envisioned as a go-to destination for those seeking healthier, plant-based quick bites, reflecting Hart’s journey into wellness and fitness. Unfortunately, just two years after its inception, the chain announced the closure of all its locations on September 10, 2024. Launched with much fanfare, Hart House focused on offering a range of vegan options that included chicken sandwiches, nuggets, and burgers—all priced affordably under $8. Hart’s collaboration with CEO Andy Hooper resulted in the development of proprietary patties that steered clear of popular alternatives like Beyond and Impossible products. The first location opened in Westchester, California, conveniently located near the fast-food titan In-N-Out Burger, setting the chain up for immediate competition and visibility. As Hart House expanded, it opened additional locations in Monrovia and University Park. By May 2023, the flagship site on Hollywood Boulevard was launched, featuring a drive-thru—an innovative move intended to replicate success in future locations. “Our aspiration to be the future of quick-service restaurants is embodied in this location,” Hooper told Eater, showcasing the ambition behind Hart House’s trajectory. https://youtu.be/CKvfUktF74I Deshaun Watson’s legal drama is threatening to put an end to his NFL career. Referencing a report from NBC Sports’ “Pro Football Talk,” Athlon Sports mentioned a new sexual assault and battery lawsuit that was filed against the Cleveland Browns quarterback in Houston on Sept. 9. According to Mike Florio’s report, the incident allegedly occurred in 2020. Court documents detail that the plaintiff in the lawsuit, described as Jane Doe, was set to go on a date with Watson on the evening in question when the situation happened. “Jane Doe came out of her bathroom to investigate Watson’s silence and shockingly found him completely naked on her bed, lying face-down on his stomach,” the lawsuit said. “While Jane Doe stood there in shock, Watson turned his head and aggressively insisted that she massage him, gesturing to his buttocks. Jane Doe asked if Watson meant he wanted her to massage his back, but Watson indicated that it was his buttocks he wanted to be massaged.” Throughout her ordeal with Watson, the lawsuit described Jane Doe as “terrified.” https://youtu.be/-B4YwFOpnY8 In the award-winning NEON documentary “Seeking Mavis Beacon,” filmmakers Jazmin Jones and Olivia McKayla Ross embark on a curious journey to uncover the story behind a cultural icon most people never knew was fictional. Mavis Beacon, a name synonymous with typing software from the late 1980s and beyond, was represented with the image of a polished Black woman on countless CD-ROMs. While millions of users learned to type through this software, many remained unaware that the face of Mavis Beacon was that of Renée L’Espérance, a Haitian-born model. In “Seeking Mavis Beacon,” Jones and Ross explored what became of her, all while delving into the broader significance of her image in the tech world and its lasting impact. https://www.instagram.com/neonrated/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=9b7851bc-1204-4840-878f-beb4d78202d1 As the documentary investigates the story of Mavis Beacon, it also touches on pressing issues about technology today, particularly the lack of Black women in the tech industry. Despite early pioneers like L’Espérance inadvertently contributing to tech culture, Black women remain underrepresented. “How do we go from Mavis Beacon—this early tech ‘icon’—to the fact that today, Black women are still marginalized in tech?” asks Jones. Ross elaborates on how our current social media and digital systems contribute to the problem. “Our internet networks are designed to encourage the most anti-social behavior possible. The idea of maximizing engagement often means amplifying fear, anger, and other intense emotions,” she notes. This environment creates harmful spaces that impact Black women disproportionately, especially in fields like tech that have a history of exclusion. Yet, *Seeking Mavis Beacon* isn’t just a critique of the past—it’s a call to action for the future. Through interviews, archival research, and deeply personal storytelling, Jones and Ross ask important questions about how technology shapes our identities and how the erasure of Black figures in digital spaces can be rectified. https://www.instagram.com/filmlinc/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=eebd5383-4f41-468f-9782-a077f8582892 Singer and songwriter Shanice Wilson-Knox is opening up about her cancer journey after revealing that she underwent a double mastectomy three months ago. We reported earlier that the wife and mother of two explained in an Instagram post on Sept. 8 that she “had a stage one one centimeter tumor in my breast.. Thank God I caught it early… I wasn’t ready to talk about it then but I’m strong enough to talk about it now,” she wrote. “Please everyone get checked,” Shanice added. In a video message to fans, Shanice explained that she developed a form of breast cancer known as Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in her left breast. In the caption, Shaunice thanked her husband, actor Flex Alexander, for “helping me get through the hardest time of my life.. You helped me every day with my drains and cooked all my meals.. I love you,” she added. “I am healed and restored in Jesus name.” https://www.instagram.com/shaniceonline/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=f718d442-78b3-4286-a1ba-44f7d40e98b1 As fans eagerly await the return of the acclaimed series “TULSA KING,” starring Sylvester Stallone, an exciting tease has just emerged for its upcoming season. Airing on Paramount+, the show is set to premiere its much-anticipated second season on September 15. Highlighting the fresh talent in the series is Jay Will, who plays Tyson, Stallone’s charismatic driver and sidekick. In the first season, viewers were introduced to Tyson’s complexity—a character who is quick on his feet with a sharp wit but dreams of escaping his unremarkable beginnings. As the storyline unfolds in season two, Tyson is not just a supporting character; he becomes pivotal to Stallone’s character, Dwight, as they navigate the dangers looming over them. The clip promises fans a mix of humor and tension as the stakes are higher than ever, giving a glimpse of Tyson’s ambitions amid chaos. Jay Will’s rising star status is supported by his recent work in the film “ROB PEACE,” where he is on screen opposite the talented Chiwetel Ejiofor. In this compelling narrative based on the New York Times bestseller by Jeff Hobbs, Will portrays a brilliant character battling the shadows of his father’s checkered past while aspiring to carve out his own successful future. This role further cements Will’s reputation as a versatile actor who can seamlessly navigate diverse genres, adding layers to his performance in “TULSA KING.” https://youtu.be/Wnj7clHxh6o Chance the Rapper visited Raising Cane’s in Chicago on Sept. 12, where he received a $100,000 donation for his charity, SocialWorks. The Chicago icon also dropped the Michele Clark Magnet High School to treat students to lunch from the Raising Cane’s food truck and serve as “Principal Chance the Rapper” for the day. “I’m so blessed by this donation from Raising Cane’s for my charity SocialWorks. I’m always proud to collaborate with brands that put emphasis on giving back to charities and working with nonprofits,” said Chance, who launched his youth empowerment charity SocialWorks in 2016. SocialWorks helps thousands of youths each year through focuses on education, mental health, homelessness, and performing and literary arts. “The first time I had Raising Cane’s was in Atlanta and we were at the studio late-night trying to figure out where to eat. I love a Box Combo with extra toast!” the three-time GRAMMY-award-winning artist added. In a heartfelt message shared on Instagram on Friday (09-13-24), Lil Wayne expressed his profound disappointment at not being selected to headline the Super Bowl LIX halftime show, which will feature Kendrick Lamar in his place. The announcement, made just days ago, has left many wondering about the implications it holds for both artists and fans in the vibrant hip-hop community. Lil Wayne, a New Orleans native, has long been vocal about his aspirations to perform at the Super Bowl, especially since the event will take place in his hometown on February 9, 2025. “I had to get strength enough to do this without breaking,” Weezy began. “That hurt. Hurt a lot,” he continued. “It hurt a whole lot. I blame myself for not being mentally prepared for a letdown. And just automatically mentally putting myself in that position.” On YG’s “4HUNNID” podcast, Lil Wayne had previously shared his hope for landing the coveted spot, and despite not receiving a call, he confidently stated that he was committed to working hard on his next album, determined to make his mark. The personal impact of not performing at the Super Bowl resonated deeply with him. He lamented that the opportunity would have meant the world, particularly being on that stage in his city. “I will not lie to you, I have not got a call,” he said on the podcast. “But we all praying, we keeping our fingers crossed. I’m working hard. I’m going to make sure this next album and everything I do is killer, so I’m going make it very hard for them to … I want to just make it hard for them not to highlight the boy.” https://www.instagram.com/liltunechi/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=f4bfc70d-c97f-40d4-8cf1-bba41974a926 It isn’t looking to start a new basketball league, but Netflix is pulling the likes of LeBron James and Anthony Edwards for its new sports series “Starting 5.” Media sources at Revolt report the 10-episode show, which the streamer announced on Aug. 28, will center around a quintet of NBA superstars as they navigate their lives within and out of the world of pro basketball. In addition to James and Edwards, “Starting 5” will feature Jimmy Butler, Domantas Sabonis, and Jayson Tatum. “Ever wonder how the best athletes in the world maintain their bodies and balance their personal lives throughout a grueling NBA season?” the series’ official press release stated. “Though they share a common goal of winning the NBA championship, each athlete is at a different point in their career, trying to lead their teams to victory while navigating their own respective journey.” A CNN panel became heated on Wednesday when a Democratic guest suggested that the ABC News presidential debate moderators were “harsher” on Donald Trump than on Vice President Kamala Harris. The Trump-Harris debate sparked mixed reactions, with some viewers praising the candidates’ performances while others voiced concerns over the moderation. Trump supporters felt that moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis were overly aggressive and unfairly targeted the former president with tough questions while giving Harris more favorable treatment. “I will say this when I rewatched it, I will give you guys that some of the questions that they asked and came back at the president with were harsher. More than one thing can be true at the same time,” Nina Turner, a former Democratic state senator from Ohio, said, FOX News reports. Turner pointed to moments when the moderators did not correct false claims made by Harris about Trump’s connection to Project 2025, or her stance on fracking. “The fact about her ethnicity question, I think that is why you keep bringing that up, you know, pressing [Trump] on that Project 2025. Look, the man said he has nothing to do with it. We can debate whether he has something to do with it or not,” Turner said. It’s no coincidence that Richard “RJ” Bond, an Author, Filmmaker, and writer, is releasing his new documentary TV six-part mini-series “Tupac Cover Up” on the 28th anniversary of his death. After 28 years, the alleged killer of Rapper Tupac Shakur has been indicted by Las Vegas Police. But do they have their man? Maybe not. Using never-before-seen FBI files, Las Vegas PD files, and interviews with key investigators and witnesses. “Tupac: Cover Up” challenges the Vegas Narrative and their desire to solve the case. Is this justice, or is this blame? You be the judge. “Tupac: Coverup” features new and unheard interviews with celebrities (Mykelti Williamson, of Heat and Forrest Gump fame) Death Row Insiders (Kevin Black, Mike Nixon), Industry Insiders (Billy Johnson, Jr., Cynthia Horner, Janie Jennings), Law Enforcement (FBI Special Agent Phil Carson, who lead the Tupac/Biggie investigations for the FBI) as well as unheard and unreleased material from former Tupac bodyguards, friends and family. Athena Bond is the Executive producer and Edna Sims is the film’s producer. Bond has spent over 20 years researching the Murder of Fame hip-hop artist Tupac Shakur. Bond’s research has led him to what he believes is a conclusion neither the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police nor the Los Angeles Police Departments are ready to admit regarding the cold case of who killed Tupac Shakur. And Bond would know. He’s been Executive Producer on precedented five (5) commercial documentaries on the Shakur case, including the “Tupac Assassination” franchise (2007-2017) and recently 2022’s Nick Broomfield documentary “Last Man Standing.” He has even written a book about it, “Tupac 187: The Red Knight.” https://vimeo.com/1009265689 Rapper Flavor Flav gifted Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles a bronze clock during the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards in New York on Wednesday. The move came a month after she was stripped of an Olympic bronze medal in floor exercise at the 2024 Paris Games. Olympian Simone Biles showed support for Chiles on Instagram amid the controversy, writing, “Sending you so much love Jordan. Keep your chin up Olympic champ! We love you!” Ice skating Olympian Adam Rippon also reacted to the ruling in a TikTok video, stating, “If someone called me after the official results and podium and told me that I have to give back the bronze medal. From my cold dead hands, okay? I’d be on a flight back to LAX, that thing would be in a safe, you’d never see it again.” Flavor Flav took to X and vowed to gift Chiles a one-of-a-kind clock necklace, he announced on X/Twitter. The hip-hop icon, known for wearing clock chains, fulfilled his promise at this week’s VMAs. https://twitter.com/i/status/1822764729041125787 “I know they tried to take your medal away from you, but you know what? I got you something that they can’t take away from you,” Flavor Flav said before unveiling the gold pendant. After hanging it around Chiles’ neck, she said, “Wow. I don’t even know what to say here.” Meanwhile, Chiles attended the Forbes Power Women’s Summit this week and reacted to being stripped of her Olympic bronze medal. “The biggest thing that was taken from me was… the recognition of who I was. Not just my sport, but the person I am,” Chiles said, USA Today reports. https://twitter.com/i/status/1833901720407023699 HBCU GO, owned by Allen Media Group (AMG), the premier free-streaming digital platform serving the nation’s 107 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), has partnered with Procter & Gamble (P&G) for the 2024 football season. P&G is the presenting sponsor for a range of exciting new programming and activations set to air this season, according to the news release. The sporting event will offer fans of the four major HBCU football conferences LIVE access to interviews, predictions, game strategies, and a glimpse into HBCU culture. “P&G truly understands the valuable, untapped audience that HBCU GO can deliver,” said Byron Allen, Founder/Chairman/CEO of Allen Media Group. “This new super-charged partnership with HBCU GO highlights P&G’s continued efforts to reach audiences through Black-owned media partners in authentic ways, such as HBCU Education and Culture,” he added. Eric Austin, Vice President, Global Marketing & Media Innovation at Procter & Gamble said: “We strive to meet the unique needs of all consumers. Together with Allen Media Group’s HBCU GO we are able to authentically connect and support Black consumers —in everyday life, with superior brand innovation at relevant cultural moments.” A report from the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights a concerning drop in condom use among sexually active teens across Europe since 2014, leading to high rates of unprotected sex. The decline, detailed in an August 29 publication, highlights the risks of unintended pregnancies, abortions, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Based on data collected from over 242,000 15-year-olds in 42 European countries from 2014 to 2022, the study found condom use decreased from 70% to 61% in boys and 63% to 57% in girls. The use of the contraceptive pill has remained stable, with 26% of 15-year-old girls reporting that they use it. The WHO obtained the data by analyzing the extensive Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study. The report also points to inequalities in sex education and contraceptive access, with socioeconomic disparities playing a significant role. According to the researchers, adolescents from lower-income families are more likely to engage in unprotected sex. “It is a misconception that sex education is well arranged in most European countries. For example, while the Netherlands has an international reputation for high-quality sex education, Dutch adolescents are not satisfied at all with the sex education they receive at school,” Margreet de Looze, assistant professor of interdisciplinary social science at the Utrecht University in Utrecht, the Netherlands, told Medscape Medical News. “Recent research showed that not even half of them feel they received sufficient information on topics such as romantic relationships, contraception, pregnancy, and STIs.” https://youtu.be/-4eq5lUEPsY Capitol Christian Music Group proudly presents It's Time, the debut EP by impactful Christian hip-hop artist Childlike CiCi, available on all digital platforms today. Featuring collaborations with KB and Stevie Rizo, this bold project delivers a spirit-filled, counter-cultural message of faith and redemption. With nearly 1 million followers across social platforms, Childlike CiCi’s influence continues to grow. Her most recent single, “Love In The Lost,” featuring Stevie Rizo and Cèjae, has garnered critical acclaim within the Christian hip-hop scene. Her catalog, including tracks like “Water,” “Rest of My Life,” and “Love Never Fails,” has accumulated over 840,000 streams, positioning her as a powerful new voice in the genre. Acclaimed pastor, speaker, and author Tim Timberlake recently released his first entry into the spoken word genre, collaborating with Greg Cox and Kenneth Whalum on, MOVING MOMENTS, VOL. 1. The brand new spoken word EP, MOVING MOMENTS, VOL. 1., is available now on all major digital outlets for streaming and purchase. You're Okay Village Sports and Entertainment Ministries is set to host their Dove Award Weekend FAITH & FASHION GOSPEL BRUNCH on Sunday, September 29 from 2PM - 4PM. The exciting afternoon of food, fellowship, faith, and fashion will be held at the scenic Lighthouse On The Lake, Nashville's premier dining and events venue located at 133 Sanders Ferry Rd, Hendersonville, TN. You are invited to feast on a delectable brunch while enjoying soul-stirring Gospel music and a chic showcase of the latest in faith-inspired fashion. Mark your calendars because September 26 isn’t just another day—it’s Norman Hutchins’ birthday, and he’s bringing the gift of music! 'A Mighty Long Way' will be the perfect soundtrack to celebrate this special occasion. Let the tunes flow and the good times roll as we join in the festivities with a track that promises to uplift and inspire. Get ready to party with purpose! https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/dqlceocitzdf8myqvv9rw/A-Mighty-Long-Way-mp3-RADIO-EDIT.mp3?rlkey=cjkfqajhgl97t49jrcgtnvxi1&e=1&dl=0 The fight to get justice for the deadly police beating of Tyre Nichols continues. Ex-officers, Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith Jr., face federal, civil rights and conspiracy charges. All three officers, who are accused of violating Nichols’ civil rights through excessive force and failure to intervene and obstructed justice through witness tampering, have pleaded not guilty. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Rogers said officers “stood by [Nichols’] dying body and laughed,” after they brutally beat him, according to NBC News. “We’re going to ask you to watch Tyre Nicols being beaten to death,” she told jurors. “The beating was captured from multiple angles and clarity. Five officers took turns punching, kicking and batoning him until he died.” Ex-Memphis officers stood by Tyre Nichols' 'dying body' and laughed, pro... A lawyer for one of the three officers on trial in the 29-year-old's beating death said Nichols was hit and kick... The MAGA world just doesn’t get it. They either don’t understand or simply don’t care (actually, it’s definitely the latter) that their brand of “addressing the immigration crisis” is effectively hate speech and it does more than just offend Black and brown migrants and U.S. citizens of various nationalities — it puts a target on their backs. MAGA Supporters Are Crying Because Donald Trump Got Fact-Checked In Real...Zack Linly. Conservatives whined about media bias because Donald Trump got fact-checked in real-time during his debate again... By centering “freedom” in her campaign, Harris invoked a key element of Black identity and spirituality rooted in the historic struggle for liberation by formerly enslaved people. This legacy partly drives an attitudinal divide between Black and white Christians, especially on issues such as abortion and support for Trump. As political science and religion scholars, we view Harris’ remarks as a subtle reminder to voters that Black religious life in the U.S. has long involved an appeal to people of all faiths to use their beliefs to advance social justice. Her message stands in sharp contrast to Trump’s conservative allies, who have pushed for restrictions on personal freedoms concerning abortion. How Black faith leaders use the Bible to attack white Christian racism. Radically progressive Black church leaders have always used history and scripture to fight anti-Black racism. An... The civil lawsuit, asking for $1 million in damages, alleges Watson sexually assaulted the woman during an encounter at her apartment. The lawsuit alleges the woman suffers from panic attacks, nervous breakdowns, depression, anxiety and trouble sleeping. Tony Buzbee’s law firm is representing the woman, who remains anonymous as “Jane Doe.” According to the lawsuit, Jane Doe and Watson met at a bar in the Galleria area in July of 2020, while Watson was a member of the Texans. One of Watson’s friends approached her, asking for her number on Watson’s behalf. She gave her number to the friend and Jane Doe and Watson texted each other several times over the next few months. Watson allegedly asked the woman to meet in the Galleria in October of 2020, which she refused due to being hesitant to be seen with him in public. She invited him over to her apartment for dinner. According to the lawsuit, she “knew nothing of Watson’s proclivities.” Upon getting to her apartment, Watson called her, aggressively screaming because he couldn’t find her apartment and claimed he “doesn’t have time for this.” Once inside, Jane Doe asked Watson to wait in her living room as she finished applying her makeup in the bathroom. In an attempt to calm him down, she tried conversing with the quarterback from the other room, but he didn’t respond to anything she said. Once she left the bathroom, Jane Doe found him lying naked on her bed, “lying face-down on his stomach,” according to the lawsuit. A woman in Las Vegas was arrested after allegedly breaking into a funeral home and stealing a coffin, which she left outside the business, dumping the body nearby. TooFab reports that the incident occurred on August 27 at the Affordable Cremation & Burial Service of Las Vegas. Police were called to the scene after receiving a report of a body found face down outside the funeral home. The casket was discovered nearby, along with paperwork identifying the victim, according to FOX 5. Surveillance footage reportedly captured Patricia Sierra, 47, breaking a front window and unlocking the door to the business. She was later seen in the funeral home’s viewing room before wheeling the casket out the front door. Police arrested Sierra two days later on August 29. She faces charges of grand larceny between $1,200 and $5,000, burglary of a business, and removing, transferring, or disturbing human remains, according to TooFab. Sierra allegedly told police she had a substance abuse problem and “blacks out.” She claims on the day she stole the coffin she blacked out after drinking six beers, FOX News reports. https://twitter.com/unlimited_ls/status/1831706473082048845/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1831706473082048845%7Ctwgr%5Ef721cec1e7fc0ba5bdca56451f5ae4f75d9d1f94%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fwoman-steals-coffin-from-funeral-home-and-leaves-body-outside%2F Ari Lennox is choosing her safety overexposing the criminals who burglarized her home in Los Angeles earlier this year. “The only reason I don’t post the f****** video and expose those weird people that did that to me is because I genuinely still be around LA and I don’t wanna be f****** looking over my shoulder. I genuinely don’t. I’ve never had beef that serious before,” the singer explained in an Sept. 9 post, The Jasmine Brand reports. “If people could come into my house and do that to me, I don’t know what else they would do,” Lennox added. In March, Ari explained on social media that she was renting a home when the intruders invaded and pepper-sprayed her dogs. “I was renting a home in LA, n***** burglarized my home. Pepper sprayed my dogs and I wrote a song about it,” she revealed. Angel Reese recently launched a new podcast, “Unapologetically Angel,” and in the first episode, the Chicago Sky rookie talked about a variety of hot topics. Speaking to Complex, Reese said the podcast is “another way for me to connect with my fans and reach new audiences.” “I wouldn’t necessarily have before. I can’t wait to share a different side with listeners and have them come on this ride with me,” she added. “I mainly want this podcast to be a place for authentic and unfiltered conversations. Whether I’m sharing insights on basketball, the current trends in fashion, or the latest news in entertainment,” Reese explained. Reese said she plans to have “guests across all different industries on the show.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C_LomdludML/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=ca097082-69d8-4f9c-876f-ff3b9701cbcb Check out an exclusive clip from the new episode of WE TV’s popular franchise “Love After Lockup.” “Love After Lockup follows seven couples, including two fan favorites, from Love During Lockup as they discover more love, new doubts, and encounter unforeseen obstacles in their relationships. Our couples are as vulnerable and raw as ever as they share their emotional journeys and continue to find true love beyond prison walls,” per the synopsis. In our preview clip, Julian hasn’t found a way to tell Christine that he was laid off from his job. https://youtu.be/afRGs73s8qM Hope is a truck driver who seems to have a tough exterior, but has a soft side for her boyfriend, Arthur, who is currently behind bars. Although Hope and Arthur are in love, there are some trust issues they have to work through to make their relationship work. Hope was unfaithful to Arthur during his incarceration and he isn’t sticking around if that happens again. https://youtu.be/DiByGAk_4LA A conservative, pro-Trump preacher is blaming witchcraft for Donald Trump’s reportedly poor debate performance against Democratic candidate Kamala Harris on ABC Tuesday night. “When I say ‘witchcraft’ I am talking about what happened tonight,” Lance Wallnau wrote on X, formerly Twitter, The Huffington Post reports. “Occult empowered deception, manipulation and domination. That’s what ABC pulled off as moderators, and Kamala’s script handlers set up the kill box,” the pastor continued. https://twitter.com/DocNetyoutube?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1834280373230207089%7Ctwgr%5E5e672938af36790afc25de23836ec395f560257e%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fpastor-blames-witchcraft-for-trumps-poor-debate-performance%2F “It’s not over yet,” Wallnau added. “But something supernatural needs to disrupt this counterfeit momentum because the same public that voted in [former President Barack] Obama is voting again and her deception is advancing.” Trump supporters have criticized the debate, moderated by ABC News’s David Muir and Linsey Davis, claiming the moderators unfairly targeted the former president while giving preferential treatment to Harris. As it turns out, Harris is good friends with Dana Walden who oversees ABC News and Davis is her sorority sister. https://twitter.com/i/status/1834410180341113340 The stars of a sizzling new Starz series, “Three Women,” and its creators celebrated the show’s debut with a premier, conversation, and red carpet in New York City on Monday (09-10-24). Radio/TV personality Jazmyn Summers was there to get the tea on this cutting-edge drama of female empowerment and sexuality which drops today, Friday, September 13. Actor and one of the stars of the series, Blair Underwood, attended with his beautiful wife Josie Hart and showed mad PDA all night long. “It’s about three women at the crossroads of their lives in the decisions they make” he shared about the series. “It gets exciting. It gets precarious. It gets provocative. It is by women for women, but I think men will like it too, just like ‘Sex and the City’.” https://youtu.be/LVzfewLPNw8 In an exciting and mind-blowing development for mobile users across the United States, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk announced that T-Mobile US Inc. will be the first telecom provider to offer direct satellite internet service to its subscribers using Starlink satellites. This ambitious initiative aims to enhance connectivity in remote and underserved areas where traditional cell towers fall short. Musk shared the news on social media platform X, revealing that this exclusive partnership with T-Mobile will last for the first year, after which SpaceX intends to work with other telecom carriers worldwide. “Starlink direct to mobile phone Internet is exclusively with T-Mobile in the U.S. for the first year, then other carriers thereafter,” Musk noted. Starlink is recognized for its satellite internet constellation, primarily geared towards fixed ground station use, but its latest capabilities promise to revolutionize how we connect from our mobile devices. https://youtu.be/oeXuYhN5uQc The announcement coincided with SpaceX’s launch of 26 new Starlink satellites equipped with direct-to-cell capabilities into low-Earth orbit—a move that increases its total number of such satellites to 160. As a result, T-Mobile will be able to ensure that its subscribers experience no more dead zones later this year, according to Ben Longmier, SpaceX’s senior director of Satellite Engineering, according to Benzinga. This groundbreaking initiative is not just about improving coverage; it also represents a significant leap in mobile communication technology. Thanks to the partnership with Starlink, T-Mobile subscribers will gain access to texting capabilities and, eventually, limited data services, even when they’re in the most isolated locations. The unique satellites are designed with a modem that functions like a cell tower in space, allowing standard LTE phones to send and receive messages without the need for additional hardware, software, or apps. The partnership between T-Mobile and SpaceX dates back to August 2022 when both companies officially announced their collaboration. The aim was to connect T-Mobile’s network to Starlink’s satellites, targeting areas where cell signal is nonexistent. Beyond T-Mobile, SpaceX is also engaging with global telecommunications companies such as Optus in Australia, Rogers in Canada, and KDDI in Japan— expanding its reach and potential for providing connectivity in hard-to-reach places. https://youtu.be/8F9fbp_0I0s ”Papa-Oom-Mow-Mow” is a vibrant and whimsical song that has captured the hearts of listeners for decades, emanating a sense of joy and playfulness that many music lovers cherish. Originally popularized by The Rivingtons in 1962, the song exemplifies the doo-wop genre, characterized by its harmonizing vocals, upbeat rhythm, and infectious energy. The group comprised a blend of talented singers who drew inspiration from African American musical traditions, fusing gospel, rhythm and blues, and pop influences. The title itself is a delightful blend of nonsensical sounds, embodying the spirit of playful creativity that defines much of the music from that era. The lyrics are lighthearted and engaging, featuring call-and-response refrains that invite audience participation. This whimsical approach to songcraft not only makes “Papa-Oom-Mow-Mow” fun to sing but also serves as a celebration of youth and leisure—hallmarks of the early 1960s. https://youtu.be/AnW2WNHiTPw While the song initially gained traction in the early 1960s, its popularity exploded after being featured in the 1965 film “Beach Blanket Bingo.” This film, part of the beach party movie genre that included various teen-oriented themes, showcased the surf culture of the time. Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello, the film’s stars, embodied the carefree spirit of youth, and the inclusion of “Papa-Oom-Mow-Mow” perfectly captured the film’s upbeat vibe. The beach movies of the 1960s celebrated the coastal lifestyle, featuring surfing, parties, and romance, with music serving as a vital component of the escapism they provided to audiences. By associating “Papa-Oom-Mow-Mow” with such an iconic film, The Rivingtons cemented the song’s place in popular culture, allowing it to continue resonating with new generations who discovered it amidst the nostalgia of the era. https://youtu.be/_LoITXmN88Y The red carpet was filled with excitement at Regal LA Live in Downtown LA on Monday, September 9, for the highly anticipated premiere of “The Killer’s Game” movie. Directed by JJ Perry and based on Jay R. Bonansinga’s book, the action-comedy stars Dave Bautista, Sofia Boutella, Terry Crews, and Pom Klementieff, who all turned up on the red carpet to celebrate the film’s big night ahead of its release on September 13. The movie tells the story of Joe Flood, played by Dave Bautista, a top hitman who learns he’s terminally ill and only has a few months to live. In a twist of dark humor, the plot takes a sharp turn when Joe learns he was misdiagnosed and now faces the challenge of surviving the hitmen he hired to kill him. The plot is a blend of intense action, romance, and comedy, making it a standout movie. https://youtu.be/I6Mo7rUGGko Those seven words eloquently capture the multifaceted essence of Donald Lawrence. Songwriter. Producer. Composer. Music/choir director. Recording artist. The guiding force behind such No. 1 hits as “Encourage Yourself,” “Back II Eden” and “The Blessing of Abraham.” Lawrence has also been the producing force behind No. 1 songs like: "Blessed and Highly Favored" by the Clark Sisters, and "Lift Him Up,” "Souled Out" and "Every Praise" by Bishop Hezekiah Walker. Donald Lawrence is one of the most influential figures in modern gospel music. Lawrence has had an impressive career in the gospel industry that has spanned more than 25 years. Over the course of that time, Lawrence resurrected and led the Tri-City singers, who were noted as one of the best choirs in the world, and he has found much individual success as a solo artist with multiple #1 Billboard hits and albums. https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/kt1jn7q9nca0kf64tx9fz/ALBc7lBmNcySnvUg-jC9IKQ?dl=0&e=1&preview=MP3+Words+(Single).mp3&rlkey=ezna1c91kvv53xgrs6c59aex6&st=kghgb1o3 The Embassy of Fashion Designers International (EFDI) proudly presents Los Angeles Show & Tell Fashion Week and the American Fashion Designers Awards & Designers and Models Ball. The event takes place Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 4:00 pm at the elegant New Mart located at 127 East 9th Street, Los Angeles, CA. 90015. This is the fifth year that EFDI has hosted the event. Founder and visionary Franzce’wa Knox Muschett encourages attendees to go all out and showcase their imagination at this year’s gala. He hopes to mirror the sophisticated and eclectic nature of New York’s Met Gala in the heart of Los Angeles’s fashion district. Proceeds from the event will benefit fashion graduates from Franzce’wa’s beloved country Sierra Leone, West Africa, and grant them sewing machines and other accessories to encourage their careers and entrepreneurial spirit. The first presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump drew an estimated 67.1 million viewers across 17 television networks, according to Nielsen data. The debate hosted by ABC News and aired across 17 television networks easily surpassed the 51 million who tuned in to the June debate hosted by CNN between Trump and President Joe Biden, a face-off that ultimately led to Biden’s withdrawal from the race and Harris’ ascendancy. Tuesday night’s 90-minute matchup in Philadelphia, moderated by ABC News anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis, marked the first time Harris and Trump had met face-to-face, resulting in a high-stakes clash over abortion, immigration, and the 2020 election results. Interest in the new Democratic candidate and how she would fare against the former president helped boost views. While Tuesday’s debate drew the largest television audience of the year for a non-sports event, it represented a drop in total audience from 2020, when more than 73 million people watched the first debate between Trump and Biden across all television networks. In 2016, a record 84 million tuned in to the first debate between Hillary Clinton and Trump. https://youtu.be/BVlI0vcf5T8 According to music icon Raphael Saadiq, his pal D’Angelo is close to releasing his long-awaited fourth album. “D’s in a good space,” Saadiq said on the new episode of the Rolling Stone Music Now podcast. “He’s excited. He’s like, ‘you gotta play bass. I’ve got this track. I’m telling you, you got to get on it. It got your name all over it.’ … He’s working on six pieces right now and he seems super excited.” One of the tracks D’Angelo is working on is a song recorded years ago by Linwood Rose, the supergroup he was briefly part of that included Saadiq, and rapper Q-Tip. “I think it’s going to be a record on D’Angelo’s new album when it comes out, a record that we all did together,” said Saadiq. “Linwood Rose lives. I’m playing bass, D’s playing, me and D is singing backgrounds. It’s funky as hell, too. It’s like, D is a bad boy. … It’s aged well. Good music ages well.” Saadiq and D’Angelo initially bonded over their mutual love of gospel music. The duo have been working together since D’Angelo’s debut album, and Saadiq produced and co-wrote the R&B crooner’s biggest hit, “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” from his “Voodoo” album. The film highlights D’Angelo’s substance abuse battle and the circumstances that prompted him to take a 14-year hiatus following the release of his “Voodoo” album in 2000. https://youtu.be/SxVNOnPyvIU D’Angelo told Rolling Stone in 2015, “I do want to put a lot of music out there. I feel like, in a lot of respects, that I’m just getting started.” In 2019, he gave fans a peek into his life in the documentary “Devil’s Pie: D’Angelo.” Directed by Dutch filmmaker and photographer Carine Bijlsma, the film combines rare and never-before-seen footage with interviews from the singer’s family, management, and collaborators such as Questlove, who offer insight into D’Angelo’s personal and professional life, Complex reported. https://youtu.be/EgvE6c7-2ag Pharrell Williams stayed composed while addressing an animal rights protester who interrupted the premiere of his new movie at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). During his Tuesday night appearance to discuss his LEGO-animated biopic “Piece By Piece,” a woman took the stage holding a sign that said, “Pharrell: Stop Supporting Killing Animals for Fashion” with the PETA logo. Pharrell approached the woman to speak with her directly as she chanted over and over again, but security intervened and escorted her off the stage. The musician politely said to the woman, “You’re right. You’re right. God Bless You.” Pharrell addressed the incident further, telling the audience, “Rome wasn’t built in a day, and sometimes, when you have plans to change things in situations, you have to get into a position of power and influence where you can change people’s minds and help progression,” Pharrell stated. https://twitter.com/i/status/1833715507544879423 Directed by Morgan Neville, the film explores the career-defining moments of the Grammy winner. Pharrell previously posted about the project on social media, saying: “Who would’ve thought that playing with Legos as a kid would evolve into a movie about my life. It’s proof that anyone else can do it too… #PieceByPiece.” “I don’t know what I’m more impressed by–how vulnerable and how open I was willing to be with him or what he did with the story,” Williams told Complex in a new interview about working with Neville.. “One, I was just honored that he said yes. And then I hit him with a crazy, crazy, crazy, crazy thing that would’ve probably made anybody else just go, ‘What? No, of course not.’ But he was like, ‘Yeah.’ And that was to tell the story in LEGO. He got it. He instantly got it. And this has been nothing but magical, this whole entire experience.” https://youtu.be/7Bc6trBc1kc Maya Rudolph is tired of ya’ll asking about her deceased mother, R&B singer Minnie Riperton, who died of breast cancer in 1979 at age 31. In a new interview with Variety, the Emmy winner revealed that she wishes interviewers would stop asking her about her mom. “My whole career, people have always brought up my mom, which is wonderful. But then they also bring up the tragedy of losing my mother when I was little. And they ask me how old I was when she died,” she shared. “First of all, if you know me and you know who I am, you already have that information. And the second thing is, who wants to be asked about their childhood trauma every time they talk about their career? I’m 52 years old, and I have survived my childhood trauma.” Riperton died when Maya was six years old, and the “Loot” star said the tragedy “makes a sad story.” https://youtu.be/9I3UTG1dSTc An Atlanta venture capital fund has ceased running a grant program for small businesses owned by Black women as part of a settlement in a lawsuit brought by an anti-affirmative action group. Reuters reports that the Fearless Fund, led by CEO and founding partner Arian Simone, settled on a June decision by a federal appeals court, which sided with the American Alliance for Equal Rights non-profit. The court found that the program breached a Civil War-era law prohibiting racial discrimination in contracting. We reported previously that the non-profit was founded by Edward Blum, the man who successfully led the fight to end affirmative action in higher education. Blum filed a lawsuit against the Fearless Fund for investing specifically in Black female entrepreneurs. Blum, the founder of Students for Fair Admissions, the group behind the anti-affirmative action case that reached the Supreme Court, took legal action against the fund for allegedly “operating a racially discriminatory program that blatantly violates Section 1981’s guarantee of race neutrality.” Per the Fearless Fund website, the organization is described as “built by women of color for women of color.” https://youtu.be/DE57TfFbSW4 “I started writing with producer Rockwilder,” said Saeed Renaud about his music career that has brought him to this point – the release of his solo album “Kingsley’s Son.” “I knew at six years old (that he wanted to sing). It didn’t take off until like 19.” I guess what Saeed is saying is that he officially debuted as a professional singer on Fox’s “The Four.” “I came to Los Angeles a lot, eventually I stayed and kept writing songs,” Renaud said when we talked about how his music career started. Saeed Renaud is part of a songwriting duo called The Authors whose co-writing credits include BMI’s Top 10 Most Performed Gospel Song by Dorinda Clark-Cole titled “Bless the House.” Their songwriting credits also include Lalah Hathaway’s “Lalah Hathaway Live” which garnered a Grammy Award win. The “Kingsley’s Son” project debuted at #9 on Billboard’s R&B Chart. His vocal credits include performing as the opening act for Aretha Franklin and performing background vocals for Chrisette Michelle. https://youtu.be/syjpoJerkic Shaye Ogbonna, the visionary creator and executive producer of “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist,” recently discussed the inspiration and process behind the hit Peacock series. “Fight Night” is based on the acclaimed iHeart true-crime podcast and takes viewers into the infamous heist that unfolded during Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight, exploring how the armed robbery not only altered one man’s life but also played a pivotal role in shaping Atlanta into the “Black Mecca.” The ensemble cast includes Kevin Hart (Chicken Man), Samuel L. Jackson (“Frank Moten”), Taraji P. Henson (“Vivian Thomas”), Don Cheadle (“JD Hudson”), and Terrence Howard (“Cadillac Richie”). The series also features Chloe Bailey (“Lena Mosley”), Marsha Stephanie Blake (“Delores Hudson”), Dexter Darden (“Muhammad Ali”), Lori Harvey (“Lola Falana”), and Sinqua Walls (“McKinley Rogers”).https://youtu.be/GNmLHum-bdE Former President Donald Trump announced Thursday that there would not be a third presidential debate. KAMALA SHOULD FOCUS ON WHAT SHE SHOULD HAVE DONE DURING THE LAST ALMOST FOUR-YEAR PERIOD. THERE WILL BE NO THIRD DEBATE!” Trump posted on Truth Social. Shortly after Trump’s social media post, Harris took to the stage for a rally in North Carolina where she addressed her desire to face the former president again. “I believe we owe it to the voters to have another debate because this election and what are at stake could not be more important,” Harris told supporters. https://youtu.be/s_g1pJHbAe4 In the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election, the debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris was anticipated to be rife with fiery exchanges and contentious claims. However, one moment emerged as a pivotal point of contention that significantly shaped the conversation. ABC News moderator Linsey Davis delivered an incisive real-time fact-check that reverberated across both political spectrums and underscored the paramount importance of truth in today’s media landscape. As Trump employed his controversial argument that Democrats support the execution of infants after birth—a claim he has repeated tirelessly on the campaign trail—Davis stepped in to clarify. “There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after it’s born,” she reminded Trump. Her statement not only cut through the politically charged atmosphere but also showcased Davis’ commitment to fact-based journalism. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GXNHtxnWMAEhD2I?format=jpg&name=240x240 There’s good news for Shannon Sharpe – his, err, steamy hot accidental viral video won’t be affecting his role at ESPN. According to TMZ Sports, the network has confirmed it won’t discipline the star for his recent Instagram Live mishap, which unintentionally broadcasted audio of an intimate encounter. ESPN has assured fans that Sharpe’s absence from “First Take” on Thursday was unrelated to the incident. His usual days off are Thursdays and Fridays, so Sharpe, a.k.a. “Unc,” will be back on air on Monday. Sharpe, who joined ESPN in 2023 and recently signed a contract extension in June, addressed the situation on his “Nightcap” podcast Wednesday evening. Initially, his Instagram account claimed he had been hacked, but Sharpe quickly cleared the air, admitting the stream was his mistake. He explained that it was his first time using Instagram Live, and he didn’t realize what was happening until an assistant intervened to stop the broadcast. https://youtu.be/ITqvJvd1cJI Though the video didn’t show any explicit visuals, the audio left little doubt about what was going on. Sharpe expressed his disappointment in himself, particularly for how the incident affected those around him. "Obviously I am embarrassed for a number of reasons, there are a number of people who count on Shannon to be professional at all times and I always try to be professional at all times, even when I’m behind closed doors,” said Shannon on Nightcap. Sharpe added: “I’m very disappointed in myself, not for the act. I think there are millions and billions of people of consenting age that engage in activities, but for the audio to be heard, I’m very disappointed in myself. I let a lot of people down.” Sharpe’s marketing partner, Jamie Fritz, was the one who broke the bad news to him, causing his heart to sink. Jordan Barber, one of Sharpe’s employees, also jumped in to end the stream and post the “hacked” message before Sharpe instructed him to delete it and set the record straight. https://www.instagram.com/biggmula/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c984a173-dae9-4884-a17b-6d390c519204 Despite the mishap, Sharpe maintained a sense of humor about the situation. He shared on his podcast that comedian Katt Williams reached out to poke fun, joking, “You ain’t gay today!” (For those who might not get the joke, it’s a reference to online rumors of Sharpe’s sexuality.) While Sharpe is disappointed in how things unfolded, he was able to share some laughs with co-host Chad Johnson, lightening the mood after the unexpected drama. For now, Sharpe is set to return to “First Take” as scheduled, with no punishment looming from ESPN. The NFL legend will continue his debate duties with Stephen A. Smith, while his accidental IG stream will likely remain a moment to laugh about in the weeks to come. https://youtu.be/mhsNmZJqL40 Haitians in Springfield, Ohio, are voicing their concerns as their community becomes a focal point in the immigration debate. Springfield is a city of 58,000, located about 50 miles west of Columbus. It is facing a severe housing crisis with its Haitian population swelling to 15,000-20,000 in recent years. This surge has intensified local tensions, particularly following a tragic school bus accident involving a Haitian immigrant that resulted in the death of an 11-year-old and reports of pets being stolen and eaten. The USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau spoke to Haitians and other residents living in Springfield about the migrant issues. Alimemby Estimable, 19, moved to Springfield four years ago and said he’s been called a “dirty Haitian” and an “illegal.” “The majority of us, we work in warehouses, factories. You can’t work there illegally. Obviously, we’re legally working,” he said. https://youtu.be/aiRV4xrgxy4 Paramount+ with SHOWTIME released today the new teaser for the highly anticipated prequel “Dexter: Original Sin.” We reported earlier that “Dexter” star Michael C. Hall is returning to the series to voice the iconic inner monologue in Dexter Morgan’s head. Hall is also set to headline the “Dexter” previously announced sequel series, “Dexter: Resurrection.” This new series will pick up where “Dexter: New Blood,” left off. However, as we reported earlier, fans are wondering how the story will continue, considering the 2022 finale appeared to show the infamous serial killer meeting his end in the freezing cold. https://youtu.be/f_Q936R8Hwk Dawn Richard, an original member of Danity Kane, has filed a lawsuit against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, accusing him of harassment and sexual abuse. According to TMZ, Richard alleges that the abuse began when she was in her 20s during her time on Diddy’s 2004 MTV show “Making The Band.” In the lawsuit, she claims Combs made promises to advance her career in exchange for inappropriate favors. She details in the legal docs how he verbally degraded the women who auditioned, calling them derogatory names such as “fat,” “ugly,” “bitches,” and “hoes.” The 41-year-old singer-songwriter claims the Bad Boy Records founder once made her rehearse for 48 hours nonstop, forcibly groped her after barging into her dressing room, and locked her in a car with tinted for two hours as she screamed for help. She was only released when her father traveled from Baltimore to New York to confront him, Complex reports. According to the lawsuit, Diddy told her dad, “Think about your daughter and think about your daughter’s career.” Following Danity Kane’s breakup in 2009, Richard teamed up with Combs and Kalenna Harper to form the musical trio Dirty Money that same year. https://youtu.be/ppAt6-M6GCU Jennifer Hudson is back for the third season of her Daytime Emmy-nominated talk show, “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” which premieres on September 16. Hosted by the multi-talented singer, actress, and EGOT winner, the one-hour syndicated series offers viewers joy, laughter, and heartwarming moments at home and in the studio. The show features a diverse lineup of celebrity guests, viral sensations, and incredible everyday heroes who inspire viewers with extraordinary stories. Hudson, known for her journey from American Idol contestant to one of the few to achieve EGOT status- winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards – embraces the theme of joy for this season—a message she believes everyone can relate to. During a recent interview, Hudson shared her personal connection to the theme. “I like to meet myself where I am, and that’s the space I’m in,” Hudson explained. “Every day, I wake up and set my mind with a positive affirmation. I think, ‘What would make me smile today?’ We all work so hard, but when do we get to ourselves and ask, ‘Where can I find my joy?’ My mother always said, ‘Take care of yourself,’ and that’s what inspired this season’s theme.” Throughout Season 3, Hudson plans to explore the concept of joy through candid discussions with her guests. “One way is by sharing my journey, but I also want to learn from my guests—how do they find joy?” Hudson said. “I want us to take in the moment, be present, and create great memories.” https://vimeo.com/1008675925 CLEO TV's hit series “Tough Love: Atlanta” airs tonight, September 12, at 9P/8C. Don't miss the latest episode, filled with decisions that send the cast into chaos. The cast adds a taste of toxicity to this week when Kenny and Jackie's cover is nearly blown in Will's home while Princess grows suspicious after texts exchanged between the two. Iesha grows angry with Rome when he doesn't introduce her to his mother, providing Drew with plenty of content to dish on the podcast. Don't miss the surprising twists and controversy tonight! Starring Anissa LaShay, Julian Horton, Kadeem Isaiah, Alisha S. Ward, and Ashanti Harris, the Daytime Emmy Award-nominated “Tough Love” series was created by the visionary husband and wife creative team, Roni and Caleb Davis. The latest episodes of “Tough Love: Atlanta” will air on CLEO TV on Thursdays at 9 PM/8 PM Central and on TV One on Tuesdays. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7N7POhS5UKI NBC is reducing “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” from five nights a week to four, with reruns airing on Fridays. This change follows recent budget cuts as networks adjust to declining late-night viewership and increased competition from streaming services, The Independent reports. Although “The Tonight Show” has been renewed through 2028, Fallon, who has hosted since 2014, is adapting to these new budgetary constraints. Fallon tapes new episodes on Friday night despite his competitors, such as ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” CBS’s “The Late Night Show with Stephen Colbert,” and Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show,” taping only four each week. “Sadly, it’s the reality of broadcast and a shrinking market – streaming eating into this, and YouTube eating into that,” Late Night with Seth Meyers’s associate musical director Eli Janney said in June of the budget cuts. In a shocking and heartbreaking case of neglect and loss, five individuals, including family members and home healthcare providers, have been arrested in connection with the tragic death of 7-year-old Deonte Atwell in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. According to authorities, Atwell was pronounced dead on Christmas Day 2023, having suffered from severe malnutrition and weighing just seven pounds. Atwell’s family, with his mother Michelle Doe, 37; brother Tyreck Irvin, 21; and grandfather James Graham, 70, face serious charges including first-degree murder, aggravated manslaughter, and child neglect. The shocking discovery at Broward Health Medical Center has plunged the community into disbelief and mourning. Court proceedings revealed the grim details of Atwell’s last days. Prosecutors reported that he was not only malnourished but had suffered neglect so severe that he had developed gaping wounds from bed sores, with bones visibly protruding through his skin. Autopsy results indicated that the boy had been starved to death over several months. Investigators found 264 unopened bottles of his feeding formula in the family home, raising grave questions about the caregivers’ actions. In addition to the family members, two healthcare providers involved in Atwell’s care, Mirlande Moltimer Ameda, 47, and nurse Cassandre Lassegue, 33, have also been arrested. Moltimer, who owned Samaritin Home Care Provider, and Lassegue are charged with felony murder and Medicaid fraud, accused of billing the state for services never rendered. Prosecutors argued that had the boy received proper care, he would still be alive, reports WSVN.com. https://youtu.be/JL9Qwldf4e0 The turmoil surrounding Atwell’s death is compounded by the fact that two other brothers, aged 9 and 16, were also living in the home. Doe and Irvin face charges related to neglecting these children as well. Both are currently being held without bond, while Graham is awaiting further legal proceedings after being granted a $22,000 bond and fitted with an ankle monitor. Graham knew about the trouble Atwell was in and refused to say anything about it, authorities revealed. Irvin also appeared in court on Wednesday. “The defendant has admitted that he was the one changing the victim’s diaper in the days and weeks leading up to his death,” said prosecutors. “While this victim was enduring this prolonged starvation and severe medical neglect, the victim’s 9-year-old and 16-year-old brothers were in the home and sharing a bed and bedroom with the victim in the days and weeks leading up to his death.” itnesses report that the emotional turmoil surrounding the incident has stirred anger and profound sadness within the community. https://youtu.be/0WYOlFnIDZI Following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that banned race-based admissions, Harvard University‘s freshman class saw a significant drop in Black students, from 18% last year to 14% for the Class of 2028. According to Reuters, the percentage of Hispanic students increased slightly from 14% to 16%. While some top schools like Yale and Princeton reported minimal changes, others experienced notable declines in minority enrollment. For example, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology saw a drop in its percentage of Black, Hispanic, Native American, and Pacific Islander students to 16%, and Brown University reported reductions in both Black and Hispanic student percentages. Despite the changes, the proportion of Asian American students at Harvard remained stable at 37%. “We have worked very hard for many decades to ensure that students from every background come to Harvard and make a difference to their classmates, the nation, and the world,” William Fitzsimmons, dean of admissions and financial aid, said in a statement, Newsweek reports. “We will continue to fulfill our mission, even as we continue to follow the law with great care,” he added. Stellar Award-nominated choirmaster, Kenny Lewis & One Voice, will be hosting a live concert in celebration of the release of his new highly anticipated album, The Healing Project with special guests Kim Burrell, Lowell Pye, Paul Porter, and Kevin Lemons’ Higher Calling. The concert will be held on Saturday, September 28 at Faith Deliverance Christian Church at 2018 Lake Harbin Rd in Morrow, GA at 5pm EST. With the massive success of his last album, Undefeated, that garnered multiple nominations and millions of streams, fans can’t wait to hear more of what Kenny Lewis & One Voice have in store! When asked about the meaning behind, The Healing Project, Lewis says, “One thing I’ve realized is that healing and hopelessness can’t reside in the same space. There’s a lot of past traumas and hurts that we are not healed from. We attempt to sing over them and shout over them, but we’re not healed from the mental/physical abuse that we’ve encountered. I believe there are messages in the music that will help listeners triumph over some of those past situations that we haven’t been healed from.” When asked about who he made this album for, he says, “I believe there are a lot of people like me that are in leadership positions and deal with anxiety and depression, but are expected to be strong. We are expected to always be strong, but no one stops to check on us and says, ‘How are you doing?’ Even though we are in leadership positions no one expects that we go through things. It is my prayer that this record resonates with the leaders that need to take the time to find their own healing." Maverick City Music, the groundbreaking collective known for its unique blend of inspiring music, announces a new collaboration with Songhouse, the innovative songwriting collective dedicated to creating authentic and impactful songs. This unique partnership marks a significant moment in the music industry, bringing together two powerhouses known for their diversity, creativity, passion, and commitment to inspiring audiences through music. The first single, “Nobody But Jesus” from the Maverick City Music and Songhouse collaboration, MAVHOUSE, is set to be released on Friday, September 27th. The MAVHOUSE EP will be available Friday, October 11th. The collaboration will feature a series of songs, co-written during a special writing camp, that merge the distinct sounds of Maverick City Music and Songhouse. Fans can expect a fusion of soulful worship, innovative arrangements, and heartfelt lyrics that reflect the core missions of both groups: to create music that transcends boundaries and brings people together. MAVHOUSE offers an inspiring musical journey that is both fresh and timeless, designed to uplift and renew listeners. In a significant move that could energize her vast follower base, pop icon Taylor Swift endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris in a heartfelt Instagram post on Tuesday night. Following the Harris vs. Donald Trump presidential debate, Swift’s endorsement has the potential to galvanize her “Swifties” to take action at the polls in November 2024. “Like many of you, I watched the debate tonight,” she wrote in a lengthy post to her 283 million followers after the Harris vs. Donald Trump presidential debate. “If you haven’t already, now is a great time to do your research on the issues at hand and the stances these candidates take on the topics that matter to you the most. As a voter, I make sure to watch and read everything I can about their proposed policies and plans for this country.” The endorsement comes at a time when Swift has been increasingly vocal about her political beliefs. She expressed concern over the manipulation of AI for spreading misinformation, referencing a false endorsement of Trump that circulated on the internet. “The simplest way to combat misinformation is with the truth,” she asserted, reaffirming her commitment to transparency in her electoral choices. https://youtu.be/0F-vIHvMC20 In her promotion of Harris’s campaign, Swift highlighted the dedication and leadership qualities that she attributes to the Vice President. Describing Harris as a “steady-handed, gifted leader,” Swift expressed her belief that a calm approach to leadership is essential for progress in the nation. She also commended Harris’s running mate, Tim Walz, for his long-standing support of LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and other significant social issues. Swift concluded her post with an empowering message for her followers, particularly first-time voters, urging them to register and participate in the electoral process, while also emphasizing the ease of early voting. The singer encapsulated her message with warmth and humor, signing off as “Childless Cat Lady,” a nod to a contentious remark made by Trump’s running mate, J.D. Vance. Over the years, Taylor Swift has gradually embraced a more outspoken political stance, transitioning from her earlier reluctance to address political issues. In 2018, she endorsed Democratic candidates in her home state of Tennessee during the midterm elections, and she supported Joe Biden for president in 2020, The Hollywood Reporter noted. https://www.instagram.com/p/C_wtAOKOW1z/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=0190b612-7652-473b-b30a-e5b75fcab6e2 With anticipation growing around the upcoming election, Swift’s support for Harris not only reflects her personal convictions but also highlights the increasing interconnectedness of celebrity culture and political engagement. This endorsement sets the stage for a potentially historic electoral cycle, where the voices of pop culture icons can reverberate throughout society and influence voter turnout in pivotal ways. As the election approaches, all eyes will be on Swift and her Swifties to see how they mobilize in response to her call to action. https://youtu.be/G3mEE5dNJyY Kamala Harris baited Donald Trump for nearly all of the 1 hour and 45 minutes of their first and potentially only debate on Tuesday night – and Trump took every bit of it. The vice president had prepared extensively for their debate and peppered nearly every answer with a comment designed to enrage the former president. She told Trump that world leaders were laughing at him, and military leaders called him a “disgrace.” She called Trump “weak” and “wrong.” She said Trump was fired by 81 million voters – the number that voted for President Joe Biden in 2020. “Clearly, he’s having a very difficult time processing that,” she said. Trump was often out of control. He loudly and repeatedly insisted that a whole host of falsehoods were true. The former president repeated lies about widespread fraud in the 2020 election. He parroted a conspiracy theory about immigrants eating pets and lied about Democrats supporting abortions after babies are born – which is murder, and illegal everywhere. https://youtu.be/Uu-shuWYGu0 He painted a dire picture of the United States, reminiscent of the “American carnage” he’d warned of when he was inaugurated in 2017. “We have a nation that is dying,” Trump said Tuesday night. As the debate ended, Harris got another boost: Musician and pop culture icon Taylor Swift posted on Instagram that she was backing the Democratic ticket. She signed her post “Taylor Swift, Childless Cat Lady” — a reference to controversial comments by Trump’s running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, that have alienated many women. https://youtu.be/YE0qxQS6ORE Harris came onstage with a clear plan: Throw Trump off his game. It was, by any measure, a dramatic success. When the vice president mentioned Trump’s criminal conviction and outstanding legal issues, he bit. When she called him out for sinking a bipartisan immigration bill, he bit harder. And when Harris suggested Trump’s rallies were boring, he nearly choked on the bait. Rather than engage on the issues raised by the moderators, including a few that Trump considers some of his political strengths, the former president went on at length about the entertainment value of his rallies, claims the Biden administration was legally targeting him, and, in a long, bizarre spell, insisted – against all available evidence, that migrants were eating Americans’ pets. “They’re eating the dogs, the people that came in, they’re eating the cats, they’re eating the pets of the people that live there,” Trump said after Harris criticized him for tanking the immigration bill.https://youtu.be/Kcxv5XOtSn8 Comedian and radio personality Rickey Smiley opens up about the immense grief he has endured as both a parent and a son in his new book, “Sideshow: Living With Loss and Moving Forward with Faith,” set to be released on September 17 by HarperCollins. In this deeply personal memoir, Smiley explains how his faith has been a guiding force through the darkest moments of his life, helping him cope with the tragic loss of his eldest son, Brandon, who passed away from a drug overdose at 32, and his father, Calvin Huntley Smiley, who succumbed to a long battle with addiction years earlier. In the book, Smiley also tackles the stigma surrounding drug addiction and mental health within the Black community, offering insights into the struggles many families face but seldom discuss. Smiley shared that his therapist encouraged him to document his grief journey as a means of healing and to offer support to others dealing with similar challenges. “According to my therapist, she felt like writing out my feelings and my experiences and what did I learn from it would be a good thing, that it would help a lot of people. Because one thing we have to understand is that this thing is not just about you. If you’re a public figure and you’re on a public platform, you got people out here praying for you and… they’re going through the same thing,” he told EUR’s Ny MaGee. “They have lost their kids also,” Smiley added. “So, here’s an opportunity for you to take advantage and put some material together to help others, because most of the time… when we go through something, we always want to find a way to figure out how to help someone else that’s going through the same thing.” https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_uLj9TOFMk/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=2b48e939-621b-4b3f-a0cf-dfb35579bfaa Fresh off dropping a dope single “No One Else” with Jeremi, Lola Brooke stopped by MTV‘s VMA Block Party in Brooklyn, New York Sunday to promote the VMA iconic night and perform her single for the first time before a live audience. Radio/TV personality Jazmyn Summers caught up with the diminutive rapper. “I feel it lover girl season,” Brooke shared. “It’s getting cold and you gonna need somebody to find and cuddle with. It was only right that I hit up Jeremi to come outside. “We have to cuff up. The holidays are coming and we gonna want some good gifts,” she joked. Brooke revealed she’s currently single but warned against sliding up in her DMs, “ You will be ignored. If you’re interested, come correct. Come with respect.” https://youtu.be/bO8WuPI9518 West’s new album “A California State of Mind” Is out now. “It’s been a long time in the making. A lot more singing. A lot more pop and rock influence but still hip hop and still rapping. It’s a culmination of all the genres of music I love and want.” Just for fun, we asked the artists about their worst habits. “My bad habit is overthinking things. I’m an Aquarius so I overthink a lot. That’s why I do music so I could dim it down a little bit,” Brooke revealed. “I like to sleep a lot. I’m like a sloth. I sleep all day – 24 hours,” admitted Adetunji. The VMAs will air live Wednesday, September 11th on MTV at 8pm EST hosted by Megan Thee Stallion who will make a triumphant return to the MTV stage, adding performer to her role of show host with an unforgettable performance. https://youtu.be/bO8WuPI9518 Tia Mowry will take viewers inside her post-divorce journey as she navigates singlehood and motherhood in a new reality series. As we reported earlier, her new unscripted series, “Tia Mowry: My Next Chapter” premieres on Friday, October 4th at 9:30pm ET/PT on We TV with new episodes available on the popular AMC streaming service ALLBLK. Per the news release, this eight-episode reality series dives head-first into the post-divorce, new-lease-on-life universe of the multi-talented star. Here’s the official synopsis: Tired of people distorting the narrative of her relationships and life, Tia Mowry is removing the filter like never before, while embarking on a fearless and fierce journey of self-discovery post-divorce. Tia was always part of a duo, first as a twin sister, then as a wife…now she’s on her own for the first time in her life. The struggle is real as Tia navigates her newly single status, a new phase of motherhood, as well as building businesses and juggling her ever-evolving career. With each nerve-wracking new hardship, she finds happiness along the way with her village of larger-than-life friends and family in Tia Mowry: My Next Act. https://youtu.be/H4GwSYeJtB0 If you didn’t see “Jimmy Kimmel Live” when it broadcast Tuesday night after the Trump/Harris debate, you missed some straight-up hilarity. HOWEVER, we got it for you to enjoy right now or anytime you want to. Kimmel breaks down the debate of the decade between Vice President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump and it was quite the beating, Trump spent the day posting cat memes after a debunked story that Haitian immigrants are eating pets, VP candidate JD Vance can’t stop bringing attention to these stories, Trump keeps intentionally mispronouncing Kamala Harris’ name, he seems to KNOW and NOT KNOW a lot of things, and Jimmy checks in with our panel of political experts for their thoughts on the debate: Gavin Newsom (Josh Meyers), MyPillow Mike Lindell (James Adomian), and JD Vance (Haley Joel Osment). https://youtu.be/Y9bqtlWphXA No more soup for the Campbell’s company. The 155-year-old Campbell Soup Company plans to drop “soup” from its corporate name, rebranding itself as The Campbell’s Company. More consumers are reaching for snacks and ditching ready-to-serve soups, and the company has bought up other food lines to grab them. In addition to its lineup of soups, Campbell now owns snack brands like Goldfish, Snyder’s of Hanover, Cape Cod, Pepperidge Farm and others. Campbell also recently bought Sovos Brands, maker of popular Italian food brands like Rao’s sauces. “This subtle yet important change retains the company’s iconic name recognition, reputation, and equity built over 155 years while better reflecting the full breadth of the company’s portfolio,” Campbell CEO Mark Clouse said Tuesday in a statement. The name change is subject to shareholder approval at the company’s annual meeting in November. Although soup is an important part of Campbell’s business, it’s now a smaller portion of its sales. Last year, Campbell’s snack sales grew 13%, while its soups grew 3%. https://youtu.be/XIGibuwzCAI Legacy food companies like Campbell are pivoting to gain a larger share of the snack market, valued at more than $200 billion by market research firm Circana. Nearly half of Americans say they eat at least three snacks a day, according to Circana. In August, Mars, the maker of M&M’s, agreed to buy Kellanova, which owns Cheez-Its and Pringles, in a deal worth almost $29 billion. “Snacking is a large, attractive, and durable category that continues to grow in importance with consumers,” Kellanova said at the time. https://youtu.be/c9mCbhAXiXw A man who filed a lawsuit against rapper Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, accusing him of sexual assault, has been awarded $100 million by default after the Bad Boy Records founder did not respond to the case. Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith, 51, who is currently serving a prison sentence for unrelated convictions of sexual misconduct and kidnapping, alleged that Combs drugged and sexually assaulted him during a party in Detroit, Michigan, in 1997, the BBC reports. Combs’ legal team has denied the accusations and intends to challenge the ruling. They claim Combs was not properly notified of the lawsuit and was therefore unaware of its existence. They plan to seek the reversal of the judgment. Judge Anna Marie Anzalone of the Lenawee County Circuit Court issued the default judgment against Diddy after he failed to appear for a September 9 hearing over the lawsuit. Cardello-Smith claimed in court that Combs had recently offered him $2.3 million to settle the lawsuit, which he declined. He also presented documents showing the music mogul’s name in a prison visitation log. Shanice hit up social media on Sept. 8 to reveal that she underwent a double mastectomy three months ago. The wife and mother of two explained in an Instagram post that she “had a stage one one centimeter tumor in my breast.. Thank God I caught it early… I wasn’t ready to talk about it then but I’m strong enough to talk about it now,” she wrote. “Please everyone get checked,” Shanice added. “Thank you @yahsherbalistjharrellsims for helping me with your herbs @drleehealthtalk thank you for helping me get through this journey.. Thank you to all my prayer warriors for keeping me lifted up in prayer.. Thank you @phildfish for sharing your moms testimony.. Thank you to my friends and family for your support and prayers.” Shaunice went on to thank her husband, actor Flex Alexander, for “helping me get through the hardest time of my life.. You helped me every day with my drains and cooked all my meals.. I love you,” she added. “I am healed and restored in Jesus name.” https://www.instagram.com/shaniceonline/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=5edb4b80-ede1-49ee-a438-8432f8034ef5 Malia Obama attended the 50th Annual Deauville American Film Festival in Deauville, France to promote her short film project, “The Heart,” and her plaid Vivienne Westwood ensemble – as well as her strange accent – sparked debate on social media. The 26-year-old wore a two-piece, floor-length plaid corset outfit covered in a mismatching red, white, black, and blue checkered pattern. “I don’t know as much about fashion, but I’m happy to be wearing it,” Malia told reporters on the red carpet. This rare interview moment left social media users questioning her “alluring” accent, with one X person writing, “Did she go to the same accent school as Kamala Harris.” Several users are convinced Malia was “stoned” on the red carpet, as one person wrote, “She sounds drunk and high …. wearing that picnic table pattern.” We reported earlier that Malia’s short film “The Heart” is a comedy-drama that “follows a lonely man named Josh, portrayed by Tunde Adebimpe, as he grapples with the sudden loss of his mother, Anita, played by LaTonya Borsay. The plot takes an unexpected turn with Anita’s peculiar request in her will for her son to preserve her heart organ and care for it after her passing,” per blexmedia.com. https://twitter.com/HerNetworkOnlne/status/1832483644738248916/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1832483644738248916%7Ctwgr%5Ef85fb45297278d077d838cebe85f84d77ff9ba7e%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fmalia-obama-makes-rare-red-carpet-appearance%2F During a Q&A session at Sundance earlier this year, Malia described the project as an “allegorical little poem story.” “The film is about lost objects and lonely people and forgiveness and regret. But I also think it works hard to uncover where tenderness and closeness can exist in these things,” she said in a Meet the Artist video during Sundance. Donald Glover’s production company produced “The Heart.” In a 2023 interview with GQ, he said he told the daughter of Barack and Michelle Obama, “She will only get to do this once,” adding, “You’re Obama’s daughter. So if you make a bad film, it will follow you around.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1832568437530620285 Researchers have confirmed that taking blood pressure medication in the evening offers no additional benefit over taking it in the morning when it comes to preventing heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, or death. The study, presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2024, analyzed data from five trials with nearly 47,000 participants, the UK Independent reports. They concluded that patients should take their medication at a time that fits their routine, as the “timing of dosing does not affect outcomes,” according to Professor Ricky Turgeon from the University of British Columbia in Canada. Professor Turgeon said. “Patients should take their once-daily BP-lowering medications at whatever time best suits their preferences and circumstances.” Professor Bryan Williams at the British Heart Foundation was not involved in the research, but noted that “half of heart attacks and strokes in the UK are associated with high blood pressure.” https://youtu.be/0FGgTXmuMqw The WNBA has gained unprecedented visibility in 2024 with rookies Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, however, WNBA legend Cynthia Cooper highlights Arike Ogunbowale as another standout player this year. Known for her scoring ability and clutch performances, Ogunbowale, 27, who plays for the Dallas Wings, ranks fourth in WNBA history with an impressive 20.5 points per game and continues to shine in key matchups and All-Star games. “Arike playing against USA basketball and how she put on a show. That’s who the WNBA is, those are the players and the teams we should rally around and continue to pump them up and promote them,” Cooper said in a recent appearance on the Come And Talk 2 Me podcast. Essentially Sports reports that Ogunbowale secured the 2018 National Championship for Notre Dame by hitting consecutive game-winning shots. After graduating in 2019, she was picked fifth overall in the WNBA draft by Dallas. Two years later, she earned her first All-Star Game MVP, and three years after that, she won the award again, making her the only WNBA player to achieve this feat twice. The basketball star previously told PEOPLE that the WNBA’s reach has expanded, thanks to the streaming of the 2023 season. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6r8_74LDUE/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=839f88e0-ffe4-4ea2-a060-5996ee9d64d6 “There are definitely a lot more games on TV, which is good, and bringing a lot more visibility,” Ogunbowale said in August 2023. “People are watching it because it’s accessible.” “So, just the accessibility of the league now and how to watch games is great. It used to be pretty hard. People are loving the accessibility,” she added. Earlier this year, Ogunbowale announced her engagement to her girlfriend Lala Ronay, posting a video of her proposal to Instagram on May 19. https://www.instagram.com/arike_ogunbowale/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=1eb26fba-bfd5-4c39-b4f0-d21de432d4c7 Larry & Alphonso “Fonce” Mizell enjoyed an out-of-nowhere run in the `70s as producers of loosely arranged musical nuggets that felt good, painted in broad strokes lyrically, and became bedrock examples of the subgenre Jazz-Funk Fusion. Though the brothers sprang from the Motown songwriting collective The Corporation (created by Berry Gordy expressly to make music magic for the runaway train that was The Jackson 5), they sprang from that cocoon to blossom at Blue Note Records which – in the early `70s – was struggling to keep up with its legacy of jazz supremacy. The Mizell’s brought Blue Note a formula of embracing crack local session musicians, encouraging them to jam until key grooves were created to which they would then stitch ear candy bridges, choruses, and hooks that left lots of room for leaders to improvise yet over melodies and chord progressions that folks loved to hear cycled through – over and over again. This proved wildly successful for newcomer flautist Bobbi Humphrey and especially chameleonic trumpet legend Donald Byrd, whose mid-`70s classics also prominently featured journeyman alto sax giant, Gary Bartz. On Wednesday, August 28 at Hollywood’s cozy outdoor gem John Anson Ford Theater, The Mizell Brothers were honored with a tribute concert produced under an alliance between the L.A. Phil Insight Initiative and event promoters ArtDontSleep under its “Jazz is Dead” brand, led by impresario Adrian Young and Hip Hop-Jazz royalty Ali Shaheed Muhammad (of A Tribe Called Quest fame). Beyoncé opens up about her private life and new whiskey brand SirDavis in the October issue of GQ Magazine. “I love everything about whiskey. The color, the smell, the way it dances in the glass… And I love the stories that come with it. Every bottle has a history. I also like introducing whiskey to people who don’t know they love it yet,” she told the publication. We reported earlier Bey launched SirDavis in partnership with Moët Hennessy, part of the French luxury giant LVMH. In a press release, the brand describes SirDavis as a unique take on whisky with its “bespoke recipe,” unconventional maturation process, and distinctive flavor profile inspired by Japanese and Scottish traditions, AfroTech reports. “I’ve always been drawn to the power and confidence I feel when drinking quality whisky and wanted to invite more people to experience that feeling,” said Beyoncé, per the press release. Donald Trump has suggested that Taylor Swift may face consequences for endorsing Kamala Harris after Tuesday night’s presidential debate. During a call to Fox & Friends on Wednesday morning, Trump downplayed the impact of the pop star’s endorsement of Harris, stating that he was “not a fan” of Swift, The Independent reports. “It was just a question of time. She couldn’t possibly endorse Biden… But she’s a very liberal person. She seems to always endorse a Democrat, and she’ll probably pay a price for it in the marketplace,” Trump stated. Trump said he prefers the wife of NFL star Patrick Mahomes, Brittany Mahomes, who he recently praised for defending him against online criticism. “I like Brittany, I think Brittany’s great,” he said, calling her “a big MAGA fan.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C_wtAOKOW1z/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=39cb5711-ac4a-40b5-a348-529cf53da4bc The former boyfriend of Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei, Dickson Ndiema, has died from severe burns he sustained after attacking Cheptegei by dousing her in gasoline. Ndiema, who had over 30 percent of his body burned, passed away on September 9. Cheptegei, who was burned in the same incident, suffered injuries to nearly 80 percent of her body and died on Sept. 5, “It’s true he has died from the [burn] injuries,” Dr. Owen Menach, who is the Director of Clinical Services and Surgery at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in the town of Eldoret, told the BBC, PEOPLE reports. We reported earlier that Cheptegei, a distance runner who placed 44th at the 2024 Paris Olympics, was assaulted in her home in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya on Sept. 1 during a dispute with Ndiema over the land where the house was built. https://youtu.be/XjzGeRaUB6s “During the altercation, Ndiema was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her,” Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom told reporters. The Ugandan Athletics Federation confirmed in a statement on social media that Cheptegei “suffered severe injuries” in the vicious attack. Cheptegei’s parents said she purchased land in Trans Nzoia to be close to the county’s numerous athletic training facilities. After spending several days in critical condition at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Cheptegei died from organ failure last week, CBS News reported. “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence,” the Uganda Athletics Federation wrote in a statement. “As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest In Peace.” https://twitter.com/MutembeiTV/status/1833437594014650684/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1833437594014650684%7Ctwgr%5Eb6f7dbd4504b6af50e5a95ddd128f3c8272dc142%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fex-of-olympic-runner-rebecca-cheptegei-dies-from-burns%2F First James Earl Jones on Monday. Now Frankie Beverly. Sadly, we must report that another legend, the revered R&B/Funk-infused crooner passed away on Tuesday at the age of 77. His family confirmed the news via the band’s social media account, expressing their grief and request for privacy during this time of healing. Born Howard Stanley Beverly in Philadelphia in 1946, he discovered his passion for music early on, singing in church and forming various R&B and doo-wop groups throughout the 1960s. In 1970, the soulful Beverly took a significant step in his musical journey by founding Raw Soul, which was soon renamed Maze. His band, characterized by skillful live instrumentalists and supporting vocals, found their breakthrough in 1971 when Marvin Gaye invited them to tour as his opening act after the group moved to San Francisco. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of Maze’s rise to prominence. https://youtu.be/4UcR5xYfrmk Maze’s debut album, “Maze featuring Frankie Beverly,” released in 1977, showcased the band’s signature sound, gaining acclaim for tracks like the irresistible “Happy Feelin’s.” As the years progressed, Maze became synonymous with the quiet storm genre, producing memorable hits such as “Golden Time of Day,” “Joy & Pain,” and “We Are One.” However, it was in live performances where Beverly’s artistry truly shone. He often expressed that it was the live experience that resonated most with audiences. He once said, “When you’re cookin’, it starts cookin’. It doesn’t matter how many people are in the room. It’s just a special thing. It’s probably the most powerful form of art.” Perhaps one of the highlights of his career was in 1981 when Maze released “Before I Let Go.” This song became an emblematic anthem within Black communities and has been celebrated as an unofficial national anthem. Its joyous yet sincere nature resonated deeply, intertwining with the cultural fabric of cookouts and gatherings. The song saw a resurgence in popularity in 2019 when Beyoncé covered it in her documentary film, Homecoming, introducing it to a new generation. https://youtu.be/SBN_NCBhghI Earlier in 2023, Beverly announced his retirement from music after a prolific career, embarking on a farewell tour with Maze, aptly titled “I Wanna Thank You.” During this tour, he expressed gratitude for the support he received over the past five decades and indicated that the legacy of Maze would live on through new lead vocalist Tony Lindsay. As he said, “It’s been a great ride through the decades. Let the music of my legacy continue.” https://youtu.be/9MqzWbAs93Q Frankie Beverly leaves behind a profound legacy that reshaped the landscape of funk and R&B. His contributions to music, with their deep roots in community and connection, will undeniably resonate for generations to come. https://youtu.be/rrFI7URurRk NBA fans were ecstatic to see LeBron James team up with longtime rival Steph Curry to secure gold for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics. As we reported earlier, Curry recently opened up to PEOPLE about setting aside their past rivalry and joining forces. “All the battles we’ve had on the court and the back and forth, the fact that we actually got to be teammates, not just in any game like an All-Star game or whatever, but in high stakes basketball with a lot on the line…I think there’s a deepened respect and friendship there,” Curry said. “Hopefully, there will be more experiences in the future, even if we’re teammates or not,” he added, noting that he and James “still have to compete against each other” once the NBA season kicks off in October. “I posted the picture of us holding our medals,” said Curry. “There’s a sense of pride being an Olympian.” https://youtu.be/i_oR16f988g Jocko Sims and KeiLyn Durrel Jones are two of the stars in Hulu’s newest comedy-drama, “How to Die Alone,” created and led by Natasha Rothwell (“Insecure.”) In this hilarious series, they play Alex and Terrence, two key characters connected to Mel (Rothwell), a woman navigating life’s complicated relationships and personal growth. Sims and Jones recently opened up about what drew them to the project and how the series uniquely blends humor with emotional resonance. Sims shared his excitement about the opportunity to work on “How to Die Alone.” “ I was drawn to it because I had been itching to do a comedy after all these years of doing dramas. The opportunity came along to read, and with Natasha at the helm, I’ve been a big fan of hers; watching her is all it took for me. And of course, the script was one of the funniest scripts I’d ever read. The pilot.” Sims, known for his dramatic roles in series like *New Amsterdam*, reveals that “How to Die Alone” offered a refreshing change of pace for him. He embraced the chance to be part of a project that balances comedic and dramatic elements. “You can’t just call this a comedy, which is harder, in my opinion, than drama—comedy is based on real emotions and reality. But if you can thread that needle and have the heart, the drama, and the humor, man, that’s the sweet spot.” The project’s appeal was equally strong for KeiLyn Durrel Jones, who plays “Terrence.” Mel’s co-worker and friend. “I think Natasha is hilarious, brilliant, incredibly smart, and fun to watch,” Jones said. “At the chemistry read, when we got to go in and connect, even though we were on Zoom…we got to get in there and muck around, you know, as actors with a capital A, just get in there and play.” Despite the initial distance of a virtual chemistry read, the chemistry between the cast members became a core element of the series. Jones particularly connected with the heart of his character. “I really like the heart that Mel has and gets cracked open, but what Terrence brings to the table, I like, really connect with Terrence.” https://youtu.be/1CPxZL3kJ70 The Creative Coalition today announced the tenth annual Humanitarian Awards Benefit Luncheon Gala, to be held on Saturday afternoon, September 14, 2024, at Ladyhawk (623 N La Peer Dr) in West Hollywood. This year’s Honorees include Tyler James Williams (“Abbot Elementary”), Dulé Hill (“Bel-Air”), Jeffrey Ross (“The Roast of Tom Brady”), Wendell Pierce (“Elsbeth”), and Emmanuelle Chriqui (“Superman & Lois”), who will be honored for their work with charitable and social welfare causes. This year’s Award presenters include John Stamos (“Unprisoned”) Seth Green (“Family Guy”), Diedrich Bader (“Lucky Hank”), Rob Morrow (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”), and Saladin Patterson (“The Wonder Years”). Variety Senior Editor and host of the “Just for Variety” podcast, Marc Malkin, will host the special charity event supporting the arts. Shannon Sharpe, the popular ESPN co-host/contributor, YouTube podcaster, and NFL Hall of Famer, found himself at the center of an unexpected controversy when a sexually explicit video briefly appeared on his Instagram account on Wednesday. The incident has sent shockwaves through social media, drawing attention from his 3.2 million followers and raising questions about the athlete’s private life. In the minute-and-a-half-long video, an anonymous woman can be heard moaning, while the camera appears to focus on the ceiling before turning and facing downward for the remainder of the clip. At one point, a voice that some speculate may belong to Sharpe seems to call out his name, further fueling the debate surrounding his involvement in the scandal. https://youtu.be/D8Jy41aroOU Tory Lanez has reacted to reports that his prison cell was raided and his recording equipment was confiscated. The rapper, who is serving ten years in prison after being convicted of shooting rapper Megan Thee Stallion, also suggested that his life might be at risk, Complex reports. On Tuesday, Lanez explained in an Instagram post that the raid interrupted his weekly release, The Prison Tapes. He explained that the incident occurred because he was using the proceeds from the music series to assist in reopening legal cases for hundreds of inmates. “I was placed in jail to suffer, to feel, and to witness firsthand the pain and oppression being inflicted upon the young black and brown men and women of my generation. I knew I had to change this injustice,” Lanez said. “So, I made a plan that when I got to prison, I would figure out a way to record music and put all the proceeds towards the legal representation of my fellow inmates, giving them a once in a lifetime chance to go home to their families on appeal and resentencing,” Lanez explained. https://www.instagram.com/p/C_vnBEeR2RL/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=bc962e45-b78e-4e68-8ca2-1fac8148c1f7 Blumhouse released the teaser trailer for the hotly anticipated horror feature “Wolf Man” from writer-director Leigh Whannell, the visionary behind “The Invisible Man” and ” Insidious: Chapter 3.” Here’s the synopsis: “Christopher Abbott (It Comes at Night) stars as Blake, a San Francisco husband and father, who inherits his remote childhood home in rural Oregon after his own father vanishes and is presumed dead. With his marriage to his high-powered wife, Charlotte (Julia Garner), fraying, Blake persuades Charlotte to take a break from the city and visit the property with their young daughter, Ginger (Matlida Firth),” per the news release. “But as the family approaches the farmhouse in the dead of night, they’re attacked by an unseen animal and, in a desperate escape, barricade themselves inside the home as the creature prowls the perimeter,” the description continues. “As the night stretches on, however, Blake begins to behave strangely, transforming into something unrecognizable, and Charlotte will be forced to decide whether the terror within their house is more lethal than the danger without.” https://youtu.be/ZZ2xPwXJpLM Add TikTok to the list of places foreseeing social media as the way to go when it comes to connecting with users while gaining income. Indy100 reports Pizza Hut in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced the notion of taking payment via videos posted on TikTok. The brief clips merely consist of users encouraging folk to take part in Pizza Hut’s latest effort to connect with customers, many of whom are regular TikTokers. “Post your video, tag @PizzaHutUAE, and use #YourTermsYourConditions to get your next My Box FREE,” the popular chain penned as the caption. Speaking on the promotion, Pizza Hut’s Middle East & Pakistan marketing lead noted the influence of social media, saying the platform is “quite literally becoming a currency in today’s world.” “So far, it’s been accessible only to those who have a large following. With this promotion, we’re opening it up for everyone and anyone,” he said. “No matter who you are, what you do, or how many followers you have, you can use your content to pay for Pizza Hut’s My Box. Being one of the first pizza brands in the UAE, I really think it’s essential that we stay connected to our youth by engaging with them through their passions and platforms.” https://www.tiktok.com/@pizzahutuae/video/7403631210657860872?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fpizza-hut-subscribes-to-tiktok-video-payment-plan%2F&refer=embed&embed_sourcehttps://www.tiktok.com/@pizzahutuae/video/7403631210657860872?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fpizza-hut-subscribes-to-tiktok-video-payment-plan%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121451205%2C121439635%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C72778570%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7403631210657860872=121374463%2C121451205%2C121439635%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C72778570%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7403631210657860872 Charlamagne Tha God believes the criticism of Jay-Z and Roc Nation for choosing Kendrick Lamar over Lil Wayne for the Super Bowl 59 halftime show in New Orleans is unwarranted. Instead, in the clip above, he suggests people should be celebrating the fact that Taylor Swift was kept off the stage. Earlier, we reported that Super Bowl LIV will take place in New Orleans on February 9, 2025, with Lamar headlining the halftime show. However, many fans feel that hometown legend Lil Wayne should have been given the spotlight. Boosie Badazz and Master P are among those who believe a New Orleans artist should headline the performance. “All y’all acting like y’all cool with how they playing it for the Super Bowl SMH the most cultural city [in] the USA (New Orleans) it’s a smack in the face to every hip hop legend from Louisiana!” wrote Boosie in a tweet, Complex reports. He suggested New Orleans natives like Master P or Birdman should be involved with the show instead of Lamar. “This shows they never wanted y’all to kick [in] the door [in] the first place ’cause they still tryna lock it!!” Bossie continued. “Super Bowl 22′ was Cali [and] Cali artist was allowed to do they thang [and] it was a great show!! But now it’s [in] Louisiana [and] no Louisiana legends can’t do they thang #idontrespectit.” https://youtu.be/zjCk74TEdfc Renowned producer Will Packer to discuss his latest project, “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist,” a gripping new series based on the acclaimed iHeart true-crime podcast now streaming on Peacock. Packer, known for his blockbuster hits and compelling storytelling, dives deep into the story behind one of the most infamous heists in sports history. The series unpacks the dramatic events of how an armed robbery on the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life but ultimately transformed Atlanta into the “Black Mecca.” Here’s the official synopsis: When a hustler named Chicken Man (Kevin Hart) hosts an afterparty to celebrate the fight with a guest list of the country’s wealthiest, the night ends with the most brazen criminal underworld heist in Atlanta’s history. Suspected of masterminding the crime, Chicken Man is hellbent on clearing his name but must convince his old adversary, J.D. Hudson (Don Cheadle), one of the first Black detectives in the city’s desegregated police force, who is tasked with bringing those responsible to justice. https://youtu.be/GNmLHum-bdE Residents of Springfield, OH are claiming that Haitian migrants are kidnapping and eating their pets and decapitating ducks and other livestock in public parks, allegedly a consequence of the Biden-Harris immigration policy. Some predict that liberals will soon urge Americans to be more understanding of Haitian customs and view this as part of the cultural adjustment. Meanwhile, the New York Post reports a growing trend of animal sacrifices in Queens, where chickens and pigs are being subjected to “twisted” rituals. “It’s continually getting worse. The animal sacrifices are happening more repeatedly, more times a week,” Sloane Quealy, co-founder and president of Zion’s Mission Animal Rescue, told The Post. “The sacrificers know it’s open season. The Daily Mail recently reported that three teenagers, aged 16, 17, and 18, were arrested for the brutal killing and consumption of a beloved swan named Fay in a New York town. The suspects were identified as refugees from Myanmar. Liberal media outlets are dismissing reports of migrants eating pets and public park animals as false, instead pointing fingers at Elon Musk and MAGA influencers like Ian Miles Cheong and Charlie Kirk for amplifying the claim. https://twitter.com/JudiciaryGOP/status/1833154509222129884/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1833155431885402401%7Ctwgr%5E79af101acc51bd9852b5aa9a8280b53e7ab4ba87%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Felon-musk-reacts-to-claims-of-migrants-eating-pets-in-ohio%2F Mediaite’s David Gilmour reported, “The claim that Haitian immigrants were abducting and consuming pets, particularly cats and ducks, appears to have begun when some right-wing accounts amplified a Fox News report about a local woman, Allexis Telia Ferrell, who was arrested in August for allegedly killing and eating a cat.” Ferrell’s story went viral, with Kirk writing on X, “Residents of Springfield, OH are reporting that Haitians are eating their family pets, another gift of the Biden-Harris mass immigration replacement plan.” Musk replied to Kirk’s post, saying, “Apparently, people’s pet cats are being eaten.” As Mediaite reports, Vice presidential candidate JD Vance echoed the claims, writing online, “Months ago, I raised the issue of Haitian illegal immigrants draining social services and generally causing chaos all over Springfield, Ohio. Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldn’t be in this country. Where is our border czar?” https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1833220440254513243/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1833220440254513243%7Ctwgr%5E79af101acc51bd9852b5aa9a8280b53e7ab4ba87%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Felon-musk-reacts-to-claims-of-migrants-eating-pets-in-ohio%2F The Guardian reports that the CMA nominees and winners are determined each year by the 7,300 members of the Country Music Association through three rounds of voting. Bey’s father, Mathew Knowles, reacted to the news his daughter was snubbed. He told TMZ Beyoncé was overlooked at the Country Music Awards, with her album “Cowboy Carter” failing to secure any nominations at the prestigious event. This year, Morgan Wallen leads with seven nominations, including entertainer of the year, where he’s up against Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Chris Stapleton, and Lainey Wilson. “Cowboy Carter” made history as the first album by a Black woman to reach No. 1 on Billboard’s top country albums chart. The single “Texas Hold ’Em” became the first by a Black woman to top both Billboard’s country song chart and the Hot 100 chart. It was born out of an experience that I had years ago where I did not feel welcomed…and it was very clear that I wasn’t,” Beyonce said of the album while announcing it in March. “But, because of that experience, I did a deeper dive into the history of Country music and studied our rich musical archive.” She also told fans: “I hope this music is an experience, creating another journey where you can close your eyes, start from the beginning, and never stop. This ain’t a Country album. This is a ‘Beyoncé’ album.” Singer Brian McKnight continues to face criticism regarding his strained relationship with his three older biological children. McKnight is a stepfather to his wife Leilani Mendoza’s two children from a previous relationship and they share a son but he only acknowledges these three children. Over the past year, disturbing details about how he has treated his eldest biological kids have surfaced online, drawing widespread backlash. He recently kicked off a series on his Instagram page entitled “Fatherhood Fridays,” which highlights his fatherhood journey and other men who are “exceptional examples of what a great father should be.” “Fatherhood Fridays is about how when you do things the right way, with God on your side, with the person made for you, that happiness and joy you feel will be greater than anything you could’ve ever imagined,” McKnight said in a video showing him with his toddler son Brian Jr. and stepchildren Julia and Jack. “They gave me the gift of true fatherhood,” McKnight said. “They are mine; I am theirs. What we have is symbiotic. They nurture me as much as I nurture them. See, there’s a huge difference when a man is a father out of choice and desire and not out of obligation and that’s what ‘Fatherhood Fridays’ is all about, the joys of fatherhood.” https://www.instagram.com/brianmcknight23/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=847b114b-8bbe-4b16-8a93-27e17ae0a50d Donald Trump‘s sentencing for his 34-count felony conviction has been postponed for a second time. In a statement, Judge Juan Merchan claimed he agreed to Trump’s request to postpone sentencing until after November 5th, because he didn’t want to interfere with the election. But is his decision interfering with justice? The presidential election always has been in November. When Trump’s sentencing was scheduled for July, we knew the election would be in November. When it was rescheduled for September, we still knew the election was in November. So, it makes zero sense that Marchand has agreed to push back the sentencing until after the election. Is it me or is the criminal justice system starting to look like a green screen facade when it comes to holding some people accountable for their crimes? Criminal justice advocates are quick to remind us how justice is blind and that nobody is above the law. Then the people charged with upholding the law go out of their way to bend over for Trump. It’s disgusting and revealing. Gov. Gavin Newsom Appoints Kim Johnson to Replace Mark Ghaly at CalHHS – Dr. Mark Ghaly, Secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS), announced on Sept. 7 that he is resigning from the post he has held since March 2019 when he was appointed by Gov. Newsom. “Dr. Ghaly’s heroic service to the people of our state and his profound contribution to reshaping California’s health and social services cannot be overstated,” Newsom stated. “For more than five years at the helm of CalHHS, his visionary and compassionate leadership and unwavering focus on protecting the most vulnerable among us has seen our state through unprecedented challenges and historic victories that improve the lives of Californians.” On June 8, Newsom appointed Director Kim Johnson as the next CalHHS Secretary effective Oct 1. Ghaly will stay on at CalHHS through the end of September to facilitate the leadership transition. During Dr. Ghaly’s tenure, which spanned California’s nation-leading response to the COVID-19 pandemic, CalHHS moved forward with many initiatives that focused on providing more stability and opportunity to Californians. These initiatives covered a range of the agency’s functions, including addressing affordability and access to health care and deepening the connection between housing, homelessness, and health, including behavioral health. “I am grateful to Secretary Ghaly for his steadfast leadership and partnership during one of the greatest public health crises of our lifetime. However, it was his unceasing dedication to caring for the needs of all Californians, especially our most vulnerable, that will be his enduring legacy. It is my great privilege to call him a colleague and friend. I wish him the very best as he embarks on his next chapter,” stated Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, who served as California’s first Surgeon General. Johnson, CalHHS’ incoming Secretary, has served as Director of the California Department of Social Services since 2019 and she has worn several hats from 2015 to 2019, including Deputy Director of the Family Engagement and Empowerment Division at the agency and Branch Chief of CalWORKs. Donald Trump‘s sentencing for his 34-count felony conviction has been postponed for a second time. In a statement, Judge Juan Merchan claimed he agreed to Trump’s request to postpone sentencing until after November 5th, because he didn’t want to interfere with the election. But is his decision interfering with justice? The presidential election always has been in November. When Trump’s sentencing was scheduled for July, we knew the election would be in November. When it was rescheduled for September, we still knew the election was in November. So, it makes zero sense that Marchand has agreed to push back the sentencing until after the election. Is it me or is the criminal justice system starting to look like a green screen facade when it comes to holding some people accountable for their crimes? Criminal justice advocates are quick to remind us how justice is blind and that nobody is above the law. Then the people charged with upholding the law go out of their way to bend over for Trump. It’s disgusting and revealing. https://youtu.be/Ich8-mfftUA “Entrepreneurship isn’t about hustle. It’s about building something that lasts, creating impact, and knowing when to break the rules that no longer serve you.” — Mick Hunt who has 5 Truths Entrepreneurs NEED to Know. We glorify entrepreneurship in the modern world like it’s a glamorous journey filled with constant wins and boundless freedom. Social media feeds are flooded with images of entrepreneurs sipping cocktails on a beach, claiming they’ve cracked the code to success. But what you don’t see is the late nights, the stress, the moments of doubt, and the failure that never makes the highlight reel. https://vimeo.com/1007918261 DeWanda Wise and Blair Underwood discuss their compelling roles in the highly anticipated series “Three Women.” Based on the bestselling novel by Lisa Taddeo, the series delves into the complex and intimate stories of American female desire and the radical changes these desires spark in the lives of three women. Taddeo shared with Screen Rant that she experienced a whirlwind of emotions upon learning that her book would be adapted into a series. “There were so many emotions. It was all happening at the same time. Because, I think it might have happened on publication day or a day or two later. So it was a lot of stuff happening at once. Because I’m not all sunshine, I was definitely like, “Oh, God. What does this mean for this and this and this?” I was concerned,” Taddeo said. “But my first fears would have been Maggie, whose real name is used,” she continued. “What would that mean for her if her story was on a screen? So that was the main question that came. I had more questions and concerns than I did initial excitement.” https://youtu.be/LVzfewLPNw8 Natasha Rothwell is living her dream, and audiences are the lucky beneficiaries. With the release of her new Hulu series “How to Die Alone,” Rothwell steps into the role of creator, star, and co-showrunner, bringing a deeply personal and comedic exploration of life, love, and everything in between. The premiere marks a major career milestone for Rothwell, who couldn’t be more thrilled. “I’m really trying to keep ten toes down and be present,” Rothwell shared in a recent interview. “It’s such a gift to be able to do what I love for a living. I was happy to do it at any level as long as I worked with people who inspired me. But to be here, in this position—it’s something I didn’t even know was in store for me.” *How to Die Alone* centers around Mel (played by Rothwell), a 35-year-old woman grappling with her expectations for her life versus where she’s actually landed. The show touches on the often painful realizations of entering your 30s and confronting the pressures to be at a certain point in life. Mel idolizes larger-than-life figures like Lizzo, using them as a yardstick for her own perceived shortcomings. Rothwell explains, “It’s a hard thing to pause and look at your life and realize you’re not where you thought you’d be. And you start playing around with that dangerous word, ‘should.’ I should be doing something else. I should be somewhere else.” https://youtu.be/1CPxZL3kJ70 DirecTV wants its customers to stick with the service during an increasingly nasty dispute with Disney that threatens to black out tonight’s “Monday Night Football” game. So DirecTV developed an unusual strategy: It’s paying customers to subscribe to a rival. DirecTV has struck deals with Sling, owned by rival satellite provider Dish Network, and Fubo to offer its customers credits and discounts to sign up for competing streaming services so people can watch the game, which is airing on ABC and ESPN, two networks blacked out on its own service. Affected customers of DirecTV, DirecTV Stream, and U-Verse can get a free weeklong trial of Fubo for two of its packages that carry ESPN and Disney networks and an additional $30 off the first month of service. DirecTV is also giving its customers a $30 credit to sign up for Sling’s orange tier which includes ESPN channels. DirecTV said the deals are a “small way” to help customers while its fight over the expired distribution agreement with Disney stretches into a second week. DirecTV is still offering credit to customers but has increased it from $20 to $30. https://youtu.be/D6E2kiZoWqs On Sunday, DirecTV filed a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission alleging Disney did not negotiate in good faith and signaling the two sides aren’t close in reaching a deal. In the 10-page complaint, DirecTV claimed the negotiations stalled because, “Disney insists on bundling and penetration requirements that a federal district court judge in New York recently found in the context of the ‘Venu’ joint venture to be unlawful, anti-competitive, and ‘bad for consumers.’” Last month, a federal judge temporarily blocked the launch of Venu Sports, a joint sports streaming venture from Disney, Fox Corp., and Warner Bros. Discovery after Fubo filed a lawsuit against the media giants. (Warner Bros. Discovery is the parent company of CNN.) More than 11 million subscribers have been affected by Disney pulling its ABC stations, ESPN, and other networks from DirecTV’s lineup last week. The blackout also comes ahead of the upcoming presidential debate on ABC between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, as well as the start of the NFL and college football seasons. “We continue to negotiate with DirecTV to restore access to our content as quickly as possible,” a Disney spokesperson told CNN. “We urge DirecTV to stop creating diversions and instead prioritize their customers by finalizing a deal that would allow their subscribers to watch our strong upcoming lineup of sports, news, and entertainment programming, starting with the return of ‘Monday Night Football.’” https://youtu.be/xssek8EJZwY Tyrese Gibson, the multifaceted star known for his roles in films like “The Fast and The Furious” as well as a music career, finds himself embroiled in a significant legal battle after being taken into custody for failing to meet his court-ordered child support obligations. The actor’s recent arrest came as no surprise to him, as he warned his followers on social media just a day prior that detention could be imminent. According to reports from TMZ, Tyrese, 45, was held in contempt of court after not paying the $10,000 in child support mandated by Judge Kevin M. Farmer this past April. The Fulton County courtroom witnessed the actor being handcuffed and escorted out on Monday, September 9, amidst the unfolding drama of his legal issues surrounding his ex-wife, Samantha Lee. https://youtu.be/_S5PoVs1-Lk To avoid a lengthier jail term, Gibson must come up with $73,000 which includes $7,500 for Samantha’s attorney fees. The actor has expressed his intention to settle this amount promptly to regain his freedom. Garnering attention for his social media activity, Gibson had posted a since-deleted message on Instagram alleging that his ex-wife’s attorneys were conspiring against him and claiming that they share a close relationship with Judge Farmer. This sentiment was echoed in a raw 15-minute video in which he articulated his feelings of being unjustly treated, especially as a man in the court system. “When you were born a man, you go into a courtroom and you understand clearly that there is a preset menu that says, ‘You were born a man, f—k you.’,” the actor/singer lamented. https://youtu.be/nnBNs8zLjTw Cleveland-based bounty hunter turned rapper Bounty Tank is speaking out about his journey from nursing school to becoming a YouTube sensation. Tank is known for his thrilling bounty-hunting adventures showcased on his hit web series, “Bounty Tank,” which has amassed over 782K subscribers and millions of views. As he gears up for the release of his latest album, “Kick Door University,” Bounty Tank shares insights into his evolution, his unique approach to bounty hunting, and his growing influence as a rapper. His YouTube series has garnered millions of views since its debut in 2018, captivating audiences with its thrilling content. “This season, I cut a lot of that out. It’s just straight action. So this season, you can expect a lot more action, a lot more attention-grabbing, less of me sitting in the car watching someone, less dialogue, just more to the point, more action,” Tank revealed. In terms of production value, Tank said, “… we stepped up the quality of the video. So everything’s shot in 4K and above. We no longer use body cams. We have 4K GoPros. So basically, the visuals are top-tier now. We’ve stepped up. The audio is on point. Definitely stepped up the audio and definitely stepped up the visuals. Because of the 4K body cams, it’s able to cover different angles.” https://youtu.be/5hnc1wWAxIE Bounty Tank recently released the sixth season of the series, which you can watch here. He gained widespread popularity through bounty hunting, amassing over 1 million followers across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. He began rapping in 2019 and started releasing music in 2020. “I’ve always loved music. I was just kind of hesitant to do it because of what I do, and being accepted. You know, with hip hop, I have a badge on. I got a vest on. It’s going to be hard. They’re not going to accept it right away,” he said of hip-hop fans. Tank shared that his YouTube series was the driving force behind his decision to start making music. “What motivated me was having a show. I’m like, ‘Why don’t I just put my own music in my own show? Why am I paying people to put music in my own show?’ So that’s what kind of motivated me to do it. I just woke up one day and said… ‘I don’t care what no one’s going to say. I’m going to start doing this.’ And I did. I came up with my own theme song. I guess you could say I’m in the streets. I’m just on the opposite side. I base my music off what I have going on in my life. I’m in the streets, just on the opposite side. So I’m talking about kicking in doors, and I need my money, and setting people up, getting arrested. So it’s fun.” https://youtu.be/LTFFxa-GTrU Meagan Good is reportedly covering Jonathan Majors‘ expenses amid his legal issues. According to The Jasmine Brand, the actress has been financially supporting Majors after his career suffered due to allegations of abusing his ex-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari. Majors, who was arrested in March 2023 for strangulation, assault, and harassment, was later convicted of third-degree reckless assault and harassment. Following the allegations, Majors was dropped by his management company and lost a slew of acting work. A source said, “Meagan pays for everything. They really wanted this dog, and she got stuck paying the $75,000 training bill. Like, that’s crazy!” Good also pays child support for Majors’ young daughter from a previous relationship, according to the tea spiller. “No one knows what Meagan sees in this guy. If things keep up this way, she may not be able to pay her mortgage,” the source said. https://youtu.be/QAk4EeqaHMc Word in Black (WIB) is excited to announce “Debate Night in Black America: A Virtual Conversation,” an event designed to engage the African American community during the Sept. 10, 2024, presidential debate. This groundbreaking livestream show offers a platform for insightful discussion and analysis centered on Black viewers. The virtual conversation — hosted by Word In Black Managing Director Liz Courquet-Lesaulnier and Deputy Managing Director Joseph Williams — will be streamed starting at 8:00 p.m. EST/5:00 p.m. PST on September 10, 2024, before and after the ABC presidential debate. The streaming show will provide commentary and perspectives that resonate with the unique experiences and concerns of the Black community, creating a space for meaningful dialogue on the critical issues at stake in this election. “We believe it’s essential for the Black community to have a platform where our voices are centered in the national conversation, especially during such a pivotal moment in our nation’s history,” said Liz Courquet-Lesaulnier, Managing Director at Word In Black. “With this event, we’ll do what the Black press has done for nearly 200 years: create a space where our community can come together to discuss, analyze, and engage with the issues that matter most to us.” In addition to the virtual event, participating WIB publishers will host local debate watch parties in communities across America for in-person participation in the conversation. These watch parties will foster a sense of unity and collective engagement, ensuring that the African American community’s voice is heard loud and clear. Local participants in the participating cities will share their post-debate thoughts during the livestream — providing a one-of-a-kind opportunity to hear from Black Americans across the nation about their insights and perspectives about the presidential election. Anderson .Paak and his son Soul Rasheed star together in the singer’s upcoming directorial debut, “K-Pops!” We reported earlier that .Paak said the feature was inspired by the “funnier aspects of the experience” of growing up biracial, according to Daily Mail. ‘I wanted to write a movie that would explore that dynamic and those familial relationships. And also, I get to sneak in quality time with my son while shooting,” said .Paak, who is of Black and Korean heritage. “My mom is half-black and half-Korean, so I’m a quarter Korean, but I never knew much about my Korean culture until when I was married to my wife, who is fully Korean,” he said in a 2023 interview with Hypebeast, noting that his two sons “pretty much see themselves as Korean.” “Raising [biracial] kids, there’s a dynamic of, ‘Alright, you got this side and you got this side,’ and teaching ‘em about both,” he added. https://www.instagram.com/p/C_oOA0TPWTK/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=75add675-c3e2-409d-b1a4-ce60f426214c Candace Owens‘ YouTube account has been suspended for a week due to her interview with Kanye West. In the post shared with her 5.5 million followers on X, Owens wrote, “There will be no show today, or at all this week. That’s because @YouTube has issued me a strike and a one week suspension for my sit down with Kanye.” “They also removed the interview as “hate speech”, as it was mass reported by Zionists,” she explained, adding, “Their tactics never change.” Candace included a screenshot of the message from YouTube that said the Ye video “violated our hate speech policy” because the rapper suggested that “Jewish people control the media.” Owens and Ye have been repeatedly falsely accused of antisemitism. https://twitter.com/i/status/1833550415171932214 It’s been an eventful few days for Miami Dolphins star Tyreek Hill, who was handcuffed and detained by Miami-Dade Police shortly before his team’s opening game Sunday. The detention was just temporary, and Hill later scored a stellar 80-yard touchdown in a close win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. He celebrated the score by putting his arms behind his back with his wrists together – a cheeky nod to his pregame incident. But off the field, the detention – as well as police interactions with two other Dolphins players – has led to a public back-and-forth between the NFL team and local police and has renewed the debate over how law enforcement handles traffic stops and interacts with members of the public. On Monday night, police released nearly two hours of body-camera footage showing the interaction with Hill and other Dolphins players at the scene. A police union criticized Hill as “uncooperative.” Attorneys for one officer, who was placed on administrative duties amid a review, called the decision “premature” and called for the officer’s immediate reinstatement. https://youtu.be/TVx1Iw1g7Hs In turn, the Dolphins organization released a statement criticizing the officers’ conduct, and Hill’s agent called on the officers to be fired. Hill told CNN he remained confused by the encounter. “I’m still kind of shell-shocked from it,” Hill said. “I’m embarrassed.” Here’s what we know about Hill’s detention before the game on Sunday and its aftermath. https://youtu.be/MHRo2SGGEA4 The Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) released body-worn camera footage from the incident unexpectedly on Monday night. “While the standard protocol is to release bodycam footage after the internal review has concluded, the available bodycam footage – a combined 105 minutes 33 seconds – is being released the day following the incident to reinforce the Department’s commitment to keeping the public informed,” Director Stephanie V. Daniels of the police department said in a statement. The footage shows a police officer approaching Hill’s car and knocking on the window after he signaled for Hill to pull over. Hill rolls down the window when the officer knocks and replies, “Hey, don’t knock on my window like that.” The officer asks Hill why he doesn’t have a seatbelt on. Hill doesn’t answer and repeatedly says, “Don’t knock on my window like that.” The officer asks why Hill had his window up and says he had to knock to let Hill know he was there. https://youtu.be/BnK5aH9uKCs The time from when the officer first knocks on Hill’s window to when he is fully handcuffed on the ground is around a minute and a half. The officers then move Hill to his feet and have him sit on the sidewalk. As an officer slowly leads him to sit on the ground, Hill says “Hold on, bro. I just had surgery on my knee.” As he is speaking, another officer comes behind him and puts an arm around his chest. He begins to pull Hill toward the ground as Hill repeats, “I just had surgery on my knee.” The restraining officer says, “Really, what a coincidence. Did you have surgery on your ears when we told you to put the window down?” “Bro, chill!” Hill yells. Hill was ultimately cited for careless driving and a seatbelt violation, according to citations released by police. The citations note Hill’s vehicle had a “visual estimation 60 mph.” https://youtu.be/3OsLVrXfEUM Fatal Attraction returns tonight, Sept 9 at 9 PM ET/8C. A BAD CONNECTION After embarking on a new romance, a recent divorcee is found strangled at home. Detectives suspect her new boyfriend, but when another woman is murdered under eerily similar circumstances, they soon uncover the horrific pattern of a deceptive killer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcL1rNWXs3s Deadly Case Files returns tonight, September 9, at 10 PM ET/9C. DETECTIVE ROD REMERY (NICHOLAS COX) An ordinary day in Shreveport turns grim when a routine check reveals a blood-stained car. Veteran Detective Rod Demery is launched into a complex investigation that unravels a shocking tale of betrayal and murder that hits close to home. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fls5Tj19vI8 James Earl Jones, the iconic actor known for his deep, resonant voice and commanding presence onscreen, passed away at the age of 93 on Monday at his home in Dutchess County, New York. With an illustrious career that spanned over six decades, Jones left an indelible mark on film, television, and theater, making his mark, especially as the voice of two legendary characters: Darth Vader from the Star Wars saga and Mufasa from Disney’s The Lion King. Born on January 17, 1931, in Arkabutla, Mississippi, Jones faced significant obstacles in his youth, including his struggle with a stutter. However, his passion for acting became a therapeutic outlet, transforming his life and leading him to create unforgettable characters. His breakout role came in 1970 with his Oscar-nominated performance in “The Great White Hope,” where he portrayed Jack Jefferson, America’s first Black heavyweight champion. Jones made his film debut in the 1964 satire “Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb,” but it was his role as the menacing yet tragic Darth Vader that would resonate with audiences for generations. His booming voice not only gave life to the character but also became emblematic of evil in cinema.Similarly, his portrayal of Mufasa infused the character with warmth and wisdom, endearing Jones to family audiences worldwide. https://youtu.be/X9fQJrtcPzg His achievements extended well beyond voice acting. Jones earned two Tony Awards for his impressive stage performances in “The Great White Hope” and August Wilson’s “Fences,” demonstrating his versatility as an actor. At the 2011 Governors Awards, he received an Honorary Oscar for his lifetime contribution to film, adding to a distinguished list of accolades that included Emmy and Grammy wins. Jones’ journey from a boy grappling with a stutter to one of America’s most admired actors reflects not only his extraordinary talent but also his determination. “You cannot be an actor like I am and not have been in some of the worst movies like I have,” he remarked humorously when accepting his Academy Award. “But I stand before you deeply honored, mighty grateful, and just plain gobsmacked,” Jones added. https://youtu.be/Qvzg6dcT9is Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears has officially launched her campaign to succeed Governor Glenn Youngkin, who is term-limited, in the 2025 election. In an interview with Fox News, she expressed her intention to continue strengthening Virginia’s economy. If Earle-Sears wins the GOP primary, she could face Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger. “We really have to win, because the other side is wanting to do all kinds of machinations and so many ‘gotcha’ stuff that’s not going to help propel Virginia forward,” Earle-Sears said on Friday. The conservative politician stated that Youngkin’s tenure has provided a “strong foundation” for a successor with similar values. https://youtu.be/9QPeGsxA1S8 Marcus Jordan recently hinted at his breakup with Larsa Pippen, responding to a fan’s comment by saying he sent her “back to the streets” following their split earlier this year. Jordan recently shared a series of photos on Instagram featuring himself with celebrities including Kevin Hart and Dave Chappelle. When a fan inquired about Pippen in the comments, the 33-year-old son of NBA legend Michael Jordan posted a street emoji, saying she’s “back where she belongs.” When another fan suggested he should reconcile with Larsa, Marcus replied, “I’m good ✌️.” A source close to Pippen told Page Six, “We hopehe gets the help he needs. It won’t be in one of her homes.” Larsa and Marcus reportedly ended their relationship in March after dating for over a year, TMZ reported. DirecTV is raising prices for subscribers amid the blackout of Disney channels, including ESPN, SEC Network, NatGeo, Freeform, and Disney Channel, after the companies failed to reach a new distribution agreement by the September 1 deadline. Starting October 6, 2024, prices for DirecTV’s satellite TV and streaming services will increase, Variety reports. The DirecTV Stream Choice plan will rise by $6 to $114.99/month, while the DirecTV Stream Ultimate package will go up $10 to $129.99/month. Prices for Satellite TV packages will also increase. DirecTV is offering a one-time $20 credit to compensate for the loss of Disney channels and a $30 credit for customers who sign up for Dish Network’s Sling Orange or Fubo streaming services. Customers who have already claimed the $20 credit can receive an additional $10 if they take advantage of the Sling or Fubo offer. Customers will see the new pricing in their next billing cycle. Mariah Carey opened up about the “challenging weeks” she’s faced following the sudden passing of both her mother, Patricia Carey, and her sister, Alison Carey, on the same day last month. The superstar shared her thoughts with fans on Instagram this past Sunday. “Back at work,” she captioned a video of herself rehearsing her 2005 hit “It’s Like That.” “It’s been a couple of rough weeks, but I appreciate everyone’s love and support so much and I can’t wait to see my fans in China & Brazil. Love you!” Carey added. Carey stated previosuly that she was heartbroken following the deaths of her mom and sister on the same day in August. https://www.instagram.com/mariahcarey/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=e5becd0e-7a2f-4891-91f9-ca13bf5a369d “My heart is broken that I’ve lost my mother this past weekend. Sadly, in a tragic turn of events, my sister lost her life on the same day,” Carey said at the time, PEOPLE reports. “I feel blessed that I was able to spend the last week with my mom before she passed,” Carey added. “I appreciate everyone’s love and support and respect for my privacy during this impossible time.” Page Six reports that Mariah allegedly did not visit her ailing older sister before her passing. Alison’s friend David Baker said Carey “never tried to contact” Alison when she entered hospice care weeks before she passed away. “A phone call or, better still, a video call would have meant so much to Alison. But it never came,” Baker told the US Sun. “She talked about it frequently. She wondered if Mariah or any of her relatives would come to her funeral,” he added. https://youtu.be/nx8Ld2kQ1co New research has raised concerns about nose picking and its potential link to Alzheimer’s disease. A recent letter in the American Journal of the Medical Sciences suggests that this habit might be a risk factor for developing the condition, the UK Independent reports. Scientists propose that germs transferred from fingers to the nose could travel to the brain, causing inflammation that might damage brain cells over time. Additionally, nose picking could harm the nasal lining, allowing harmful microorganisms to enter the bloodstream and further increase dementia risk. The letter references multiple studies, including a 2022 NIH-funded study, indicating a connection between nose-picking and Alzheimer’s. https://youtu.be/HsxNB0PjgTU Apple on Monday unveiled a host of new technology, including the iPhone 16, which features some impressive updates the company hopes will convince customers – many of whom have been holding onto their older gadgets – to upgrade. Since the 2020 launch of the iPhone 12, which was the first Apple smartphone with 5G connectivity, the company has given customers few reasons to buy the latest generation. Phone cameras have largely advanced to the point where they’re sufficient for most people’s day-to-day needs without major hardware changes, and at some point, the human eye isn’t even capable of perceiving higher screen resolutions. That’s why roughly 300 million iPhones worldwide have not been upgraded in more than four years, according to a research note from analyst Dan Ives of investment firm Wedbush last month. As a result, iPhone sales, which make up half of the company’s revenue, have been sluggish. Similarly, the Apple Watch and AirPods have seen mostly incremental upgrades in recent years that haven’t persuaded customers to shell out hundreds of dollars for slightly better devices. On Monday, Apple made several announcements it believes could promote a new major sales cycle. https://youtu.be/wpcP1MFUXv0 Former President Donald Trump on Saturday threatened prosecution and “long-term prison sentences” for election officials and political operatives, who he suggested could cheat in the 2024 election, if he again wins the presidency in November. Trump, again falsely claiming Democrats engaged in fraudulent behavior in 2020, said that he, attorneys, and legal scholars are “watching the Sanctity of the 2024 Presidential Election very closely.” “WHEN I WIN,” Trump wrote in a post on his social network, Truth Social, that he later also shared on X, “those people that CHEATED will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the Law.”Trump’s threats of prosecution — part of his repeated efforts to cast doubt on the integrity of the 2024 election — come as early voting will soon be underway in several states. Trump has routinely suggested he would weaponize the justice system to go after his political opponents if voters return him to the White House — threats that began after he was first indicted in his Manhattan hush money case more than a year ago. https://youtu.be/Z20134fv7zw The Miami-Dade Police Department placed an officer on administrative leave Sunday after Miami Dolphins star Tyreek Hill was detained before the start of the season-opening game. On Sunday morning, just hours before kickoff, Hill was detained for a short time by police after a traffic incident, the team said on social media. Miami-Dade Police Department Director Stephanie V. Daniels said Sunday that an investigation has begun into the incident and one of the officers involved is being placed on administrative duties. A second Dolphins player said he was also handcuffed when trying to discuss the situation with officers at the scene. “Following the incident involving Tyreek Hill, I have initiated an Internal Affairs investigation to ensure a thorough review of the matter. One of the officers involved in the incident has been placed on administrative duties while the investigation is conducted,” Daniels said in a statement. “I’m committed to transparency and accountability to the community with any situation involving my officers.” Hill won’t soon forget the start of the 2024-25 season. After being detained, his day ended with a comeback win against the Jacksonville Jaguars that featured a “handcuffs” celebration after scoring a key touchdown. https://youtu.be/fds88qqEbZY The “Cheetah” said after the game that he was still confused by his pregame encounter with the police. “I wasn’t disrespectful because my mom didn’t raise me that way, didn’t cuss, didn’t do none of that. Like I said, I’m still trying to figure it out,” Hill said at his postgame press conference. Hill, 30, is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, leading the league in receiving yards last season with 1,799 yards, while also adding 13 touchdowns. The Dolphins played the Jacksonville Jaguars in their Week 1 game at Hard Rock Stadium. Showcasing his trademark speed, Hill found the end zone in the third quarter against the Jaguars, connecting with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa for an 80-yard score. After scoring, Hill celebrated by putting his arms behind his back with his wrists together – perhaps an allusion to being in handcuffs earlier in the day. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ePSdYLxDM7Y?feature=share In the end, the Dolphins overcame a 14-0 deficit to win the game 20-17 on a 52-yard field goal from Jason Sanders as time expired. Hill finished the game with seven catches for 130 yards and a touchdown. It’s still unclear exactly what led to Hill being detained by police. The team said on social media before the game that he was pulled over by police for a traffic incident. “This morning, WR Tyreek Hill was pulled over for a traffic incident about one block from the stadium and briefly detained by police,” the Dolphins X account said. “He has since been released. Several teammates saw the incident and stopped to offer support. Tyreek and all other players involved have safely arrived to the stadium and will be available for today’s game.” https://www.youtube.com/shorts/NCClIKfpi5A?feature=share Reported video of the incident appeared to show a handcuffed Hill being picked up off the road by police. After the game, Dolphins defensive tackle Calais Campbell said he was also put in handcuffs by police when he attempted to intercede and “deescalate” the situation. “They put handcuffs on me too, and I was like ‘What’s going on?’ I didn’t understand what the issue was,” Campbell told NFL Network. “For him to put handcuffs on me, I felt some type of way. “But that just goes to show how our resilience though. We didn’t let that stop us. We just got back in line, got focused again, and went out there and played a good football game. But that definitely was an interesting way to start a ballgame.” https://youtu.be/KwZ0w9mr9AY The autopsy report from the Alabama medical examiner confirmed KeKe Jabbar’s cause of death was carbon monoxide poisoning. As we reported earlier, the “Love & Marriage: Huntsville” star passed away in July at age 42. JoAnn Jenkins, a YouTuber and close friend of the Jabbar family, previously confirmed that she died from carbon monoxide poisoning. As IceCream Convos reports, Jenkins said in a livestream, “Keke did not overdose, Keke did not take her own life. Keke loved life. Keke was not ready to leave life. She wasn’t ready to leave her children, her husband or her family.” Jenkins added, “Last night, she turned her car off and she fell asleep,” Jenkins explained. “Her car was not functioning [and there] was something already wrong with her car.” According to Jenkins’s comments, it seems likely that Jabbar returned home, parked her car, and inadvertently fell asleep with the engine running and the garage door closed. The malfunction in her vehicle appears to have tragically resulted in her death. Super Bowl LIV is set to take place in New Orleans with Kendrick Lamar headlining the halftime show, but fans believe hometown hero Lil Wayne deserved the performance spot. The Super Bowl LIX halftime show in New Orleans will go down on February 9, 2025. Master P was among those who believed a local artist should have been the headliner for the show. In a statement shared on social media, he wrote, “Salute to @kendricklamar for performing at the halftime show at Super Bowl LIX… well deserved, he’s one of the hottest music artists in the world and has one of the biggest songs right now,” Master P wrote on Instagram, All Hip Hop reports. “As Ambassador of Entertainment in the City of New Orleans, I have to agree with the fans that @liltunechi #LilWayne should be a part of this celebration as well. He’s one of the greatest Hip Hop artists alive, still relevant, and he’s a New Orleans native,” he added. Lil Wayne’s engineer and producer Fabian Marasciullo also took to his Instagram Story on Sunday (September 8) to react to Kendrick’s halftime show performance. “Confused. Disappointed. Angry. But most of all. Inspired,” he wrote on IG, prompting speculation that he was talking about the NFL picking Kendrick Lamar instead of Lil Wayne. “Will never again be in a position or have the [goat emoji] in a position where we are at the mercy of someone elses decision. We will make the decisions.” https://twitter.com/itsavibe/status/1832828669540110579/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1832828669540110579%7Ctwgr%5E1b3d5a29cfce6476448b8895b7828e67969b17ae%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Flil-wayne-fans-outraged-over-kendrick-lamar-halftime-show%2F Mariah Carey opened up about the “challenging weeks” she’s faced following the sudden passing of both her mother, Patricia Carey, and her sister, Alison Carey, on the same day last month. The superstar shared her thoughts with fans on Instagram this past Sunday. Back at work,” she captioned a video of herself rehearsing her 2005 hit “It’s Like That.” “It’s been a couple of rough weeks, but I appreciate everyone’s love and support so much and I can’t wait to see my fans in China & Brazil. Love you!” Carey added. Carey stated previosuly that she was heartbroken following the deaths of her mom and sister on the same day in August. https://www.instagram.com/mariahcarey/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=4336ea56-5f7f-4087-80d4-d5488fceec61 Don Cheadle and Dexter Darden unpack their captivating roles in Peacock’s “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist.” The series, based on the hit iHeart true-crime podcast, unravels the notorious heist that took place on the night of Muhammad Ali’s legendary 1970 comeback fight. Darden brings Ali to life while Cheadle portrays J.D. Hudson, one of Atlanta’s first Black detectives as he explores the crime that shook the city and helped transform Atlanta into the “Black Mecca.” “I didn’t know anything about the story specifically, but I was really intrigued by it,” Cheadle told EURweb exclusively. “Not only the specific story but Atlanta during this period of time. When I became aware of what the cast was, I was similarly excited,” he added. “J.D. is a real character, a real human being that existed. So to be able to look at the resource material and look at interviews of him, read up about what was happening in Atlanta and the police force during that time… it was just exciting to have the opportunity to jump into these shoes with a production value that’s so high that made you feel like you were really in the right place.” The ensemble cast includes Kevin Hart (“Chicken Man”), Samuel L. Jackson (“Frank Moten”), Taraji P. Henson (“Vivian Thomas”), and Terrence Howard (“Cadillac Richie”). The series also features Chloe Bailey (“Lena Mosley”), Marsha Stephanie Blake (“Delores Hudson”), Lori Harvey (“Lola Falana”), and Sinqua Walls (“McKinley Rogers”). https://youtu.be/GNmLHum-bdE Lee Daniels reacted to the shock over a controversial scene involving Glenn Close in his new Netflix horror film “The Deliverance.” The film is inspired by a true story and centers on Ebony Jackson (Andra Day), a struggling single mother fighting personal demons, who moves her family into a new home for a fresh start. But when strange occurrences inside the home raise the suspicions of Child Protective Services and threaten to tear the family apart, Ebony soon finds herself locked in a battle for her life and the souls of her children. The movie reimagines the events described by Latoya Ammons and the demonic experiences in her family’s Indiana home in 2011. Indianapolis Star detailed her story in a 2014 article. In the movie, Close’s character becomes possessed by a demon and one scene sees her sniff and say to her daughter: “I can smell your nappy p****y.” One viewer shared the clip on social media, writing: “Lee Daniel’s you will pay for your crimes for having Glenn Close say this,” to which Daniels replied: “Had to do it.” https://youtu.be/PDcDagDcwPA In a tragic outcome linked to the dangerous realm of online crimes, two Nigerian men have been sentenced to 17 years in prison for their role in a sextortion scheme that led to the death of a Michigan teen. The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced the sentencing on Thursday (09-05-24), stating that Samuel Ogoshi, 24, and his brother Samson Ogoshi, 21, both hailing from Lagos, Nigeria, will serve a 210-month prison term after completing five years of supervised release. Charged with conspiracy to sexually exploit minors, the brothers were implicated in a scheme that targeted over 100 victims, including 17-year-old Jordan DeMay, a student at Marquette High School, reports CBS Detroit. The sextortion case unraveled after DeMay tragically ended his life in March 2022, a consequence of the relentless pressure exerted by the Ogoshi brothers, who operated an international sextortion ring. By hacking social media accounts and impersonating women, they tricked DeMay into sending a nude photo of himself, after which they extorted him. They were initially charged in November 2022 and extradited to the United States in 2023, pleading guilty in April 2024. “The sentencing of Samuel and Samson Ogoshi sends a thundering message,” stated U.S. Attorney Mark Totten in reaction to the court’s decision. He emphasized the commitment of federal officials to bring cybercriminals to justice, no matter where they might be in the world. “We will track you down and hold you accountable,” he affirmed, marking a significant stance against such heinous activities. https://youtu.be/U1GguaFXEE0 Emotional testimonies from DeMay’s family during the sentencing hearing highlighted the profound impact of their son’s loss. His mother, Jennifer Buta, shared the devastation she felt, recalling, “shattered to the core, infuriated and trapped in grief.” She recounted that the last text she received from Jordan expressed his love for her, a poignant moment that turned tragic following his suicide. The heart-wrenching words of DeMay ‘s stepmother, Jessica DeMay, echoed the family’s sorrow, emphasizing that every moment of happiness would now be shadowed by the grief of losing Jordan. His father, John DeMay, also expressed his enduring anguish, sharing that he remains haunted by the tragic scene he found. The case has sparked discussions around the need for heightened safety measures in social media environments. Following Jordan’s death, legislation known as the “Report Act” was signed into law in 2024. This important piece of legislation mandates that social media companies report incidents of child sex trafficking, grooming, or enticement to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s cyber tip line. It also introduces stricter penalties for those who fail to report such crimes, further aiming to protect vulnerable individuals from the dangers of online exploitation. The sentences handed to Samuel and Samson Ogoshi serve not only as a form of justice for Jordan DeMay’s family but also as a warning to those who engage in similar criminal activities. As the digital landscape evolves, these measures highlight society’s commitment to safeguarding its youth against the rising tide of online threats. https://youtu.be/nwCtVruR6MA Dolphins star Tyreek Hill was “briefly detained” by police after a traffic incident just hours before Miami’s season-opening game on Sunday, the team said on social media. “This morning, WR Tyreek Hill was pulled over for a traffic incident about one block from the stadium and briefly detained by police,” the Dolphins X account said. “He has since been released. Several teammates saw the incident and stopped to offer support. Tyreek and all other players involved have safely arrived to the stadium and will be available for today’s game.” Reported video of the incident appeared to show a handcuffed Hill being picked up off the road by police. https://twitter.com/i/status/1832793799564607531 In a unified effort to support former Congressmember Jesse Jackson Jr., nine mayors from the Chicago area have penned a heartfelt letter to President Joe Biden, advocating for a pardon following Jackson’s past legal troubles. The appeal comes against a backdrop of political complexities and evolving views on issues of justice and redemption in America. In 2013, Jackson Jr. made headlines when he pleaded guilty to conspiring with his then-wife, Sandi Jackson, to misappropriate $750,000 in campaign funds for personal expenses. This transgression resulted in a 30-month sentence in federal prison, of which he served approximately 15 months, culminating in his release to a halfway house in March 2015. The former Congressmember, also the son of the distinguished civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, has since expressed remorse and sought to rehabilitate his image. The mayors’ letter highlights their personal experiences collaborating with Jackson Jr. on community issues, emphasizing his dedication to his constituents, according to NBC News. “We worked with him on a regular basis. His concern and care for his constituents’ needs were always present,” the mayors of South Chicago suburbs wrote. “Like you, we also make decisions that affect people in their everyday life. Oftentimes we must reflect upon ‘never judging a man based on his worst day.’ We believe that Congressman Jackson has better days ahead.” https://youtu.be/CtHdO1UzNe4 Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese, the WNBA leader this season in total rebounds per game and offensive rebounds per game, will miss the rest of the season because of a wrist injury. The Sky made the announcement Saturday night. It’s a big blow for Chicago, who currently are in the eighth and final playoff spot, with the Atlanta Dream, Washington Mystics, and Dallas Wings still in the hunt. The Sky have six regular-season games left. “What a year. I never would have imagined the last bucket of my rookie season would be a 3 but maybe that was God saying give them a taste of what they will be seeing more of in Year 2 lol,” said Reese in posts on X and Instagram, referencing the three-point shot she hit during the fourth quarter Friday in her team’s 92-78 win against the Los Angeles Sparks. “Through it all, I have shown that I belong in this league even when no one else believed. All I have ever wanted was to come into the W and make an impact. I can confidently say I have done that and will strive to keep doing so. I’m filled with emotions right now that I have a season-ending injury, but also filled with so much gratitude for what is next.” https://youtu.be/DjZ8soyg_dQ Deobra Redden, the man who shocked the Clark County courthouse when he attacked Clark County, Nevada Judge Mary Kay Holthus during sentencing in January, has entered a guilty plea. However, this admission comes with a significant caveat; Redden pled guilty but claimed he was mentally ill. His legal representatives from CEGA Law Group released a statement outlining their client’s desire for mental health support. They highlighted the importance of addressing mental health issues in the legal system. The courtroom incident, which went viral after it was captured on video, saw Redden leaping over the judge’s bench as Judge Holthus was delivering the sentence for a prior conviction. In a tense moment, Holthus commented that Redden needed to “get a taste of something else” before he lunged for her. Fortunately, security personnel quickly intervened, and although Judge Holthus suffered a minor head injury, she was reported to be mostly unharmed. https://youtu.be/8LbBxEyW_9w The state of the Black church is a major item of interest for Jason Shelton. The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) sociologist, whose new book, “The Contemporary Black Church: The New Dynamics of African American Religion” explores the current scene surrounding Black houses of worship, is bringing personal and professional experiences and influences into his newest project while exploring religion in Black America. For him, it was a matter of finding a church home that helped build a foundation for him and his family. “It was important to me to find a thriving Black Methodist congregation that I could raise my daughters in, and my wife and I had a difficult time,” Shelton said in a recent interview while sharing how he got the idea for “The Contemporary Black Church.” “Here we are in (the Dallas-Fort Worth area), and it’s hard to find a young congregation that’s thriving, where I feel like my daughters can develop their memories and find bonds with other kids, and we can be with other young families. And so that really made me realize there’s a story here to be told about religion in Black America.” Topics touched on in the work include beliefs and practices of Black churchgoers, among others. LA Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove hosted a notable fundraising event in support of Minority House Leader, Representative Hakeem Jeffries and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), reinforcing the Democratic Party’s commitment to securing key congressional seats ahead of the upcoming election. Held at the luxurious Pittman residence in the upscale View Park/Windsor Hills area, the event drew attention for its focus on building momentum in the fight for House control, with less than 70 days remaining until election day. Since her election to Congress in April 2022, Sydney Kamlager-Dove has made her mark as a dedicated member of the Democratic Party, succeeding fellow politician Karen Bass. Before her time in Washington, Kamlager-Dove represented California’s 54th district in the State Assembly, where she was a passionate advocate for social justice, healthcare accessibility, education reforms, and housing initiatives, particularly aimed at uplifting marginalized communities. Her leadership has been a beacon of hope for many as she works on both local and national stages. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), established in 1866, is committed to the singular mission of electing Democrats to the United States House of Representatives. As the only political committee with this focus, the DCCC plays an integral role in shaping electoral strategies around key issues that resonate with voters, such as healthcare, economic inequality, and climate change. Their backing of Leader Jeffries reflects a strategic effort to reclaim control of the House, providing a platform for Democratic initiatives during a pivotal election cycle. The fundraiser emphasized the necessity of rallying resources and support for Democratic candidates as they strive to gain ground in key districts nationwide. With Hakeem Jeffries at the forefront of these efforts, there is not only a goal of winning election seats but the ambition for Jeffries to potentially become the first African American Speaker of the House in U.S. history—a historic milestone that signifies progress and change for the Democratic Party and the nation as a whole. The NFL is pulling out a different playbook to bring in more viewers, with a little help from NBC. According to Cassius Life, the small screen outlet will bring in seven social media influencers for the task. The influencers, which include Allison Kuch, Jack “Chef Cuso” Mancuso, Erika Priscilla, JoJo Sim, Austin Sprinz, Pierson Wodzynski and Nate Wyatt, will hail from locations ranging from Kansas City to Sao Paulo to Detroit. According to NBC Sports senior vice president of consumer engagement Lyndsay Signor, an upward shift in younger viewers and women is the end zone the channel is making a run for. “We want to reach Gen Z and millennials, and we also want to bring in women as well,” Signor told Variety. Signor added: “With all of the creators, we have a really diverse group,” adding that even casual viewers now have “an opportunity to really get a little bit of a taste of what we can offer at NBC.” The brand new 2024-25 NFL football season is underway, as fans eagerly anticipate which teams will vie for the championship title at the Super Bowl. While the competition on the field remains largely unpredictable, one thing is certain: Kendrick Lamar will be gracing the halftime stage. The Grammy Award-winning rapper is set to perform at the Apple Music halftime show on February 9, 2025, in the iconic Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. This announcement came from the NFL, Apple Music, Roc Nation, and Lamar himself earlier today. Kendrick Lamar’s impact on the music industry is undeniable, and he is ready to remind the world of this during the Super Bowl performance. “Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date. And I’ll be there to remind the world why,” Lamar stated confidently. He has established himself as a pillar of influence in the genre, and NFL’s head of music, Seth Dudowsky, echoed this sentiment, noting, “Few artists have impacted music and culture as profoundly as Kendrick Lamar.” The brand new 2024-25 NFL football season is underway, as fans eagerly anticipate which teams will vie for the championship title at the Super Bowl. While the competition on the field remains largely unpredictable, one thing is certain: Kendrick Lamar will be gracing the halftime stage. https://youtu.be/L42uB-8OMyM The Grammy Award-winning rapper is set to perform at the Apple Music halftime show on February 9, 2025, in the iconic Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. This announcement came from the NFL, Apple Music, Roc Nation, and Lamar himself earlier today ). Kendrick Lamar’s impact on the music industry is undeniable, and he is ready to remind the world of this during the Super Bowl performance. “Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date. And I’ll be there to remind the world why,” Lamar stated confidently. He has established himself as a pillar of influence in the genre, and NFL’s head of music, Seth Dudowsky, echoed this sentiment, noting, “Few artists have impacted music and culture as profoundly as Kendrick Lamar.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1832809949933531156 Since his breakout album, good kid, m.A.A.d city, released in 2012, Lamar has accumulated an impressive 17 Grammy Awards and made history as the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to receive the Pulitzer Prize for his 2017 album, DAMN. Although he hasn’t dropped a new album since 2022, he remains relevant with the recent success of his single “Not Like Us,” a diss aimed at Canadian rapper Drake, which seized the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks in June. Kendrick Lamar, born on June 17, 1987, in Compton, California, has always been shaped by his upbringing in a challenging environment marked by crime and adversity. These experiences have fueled his music, leading him to tackle socio-political issues such as racial inequality and mental health. His lyrical genius and collaboration with numerous artists, including legends like Tupac Shakur, Nas, and J. Cole, further cemented his status as one of the most influential artists of his generation. To add to his accolades, Lamar previously performed during the 2022 Super Bowl halftime show in Los Angeles alongside other notable hip-hop artists, leaving an indelible mark on the event. With his rich musical background and impactful storytelling, Kendrick Lamar’s upcoming performance at the 2025 Super Bowl promises to be a highlight of the season, showcasing the profound connection between sports and music, while celebrating the cultural significance of hip-hop. https://twitter.com/i/status/1832817002630562155 Legally speaking, The Game is a wanted man. Citing, AllHipHop, Vibe reports the West Coast rhyme-slayer is being tracked by Robert Sedillo Jr., a private investigator out to have Game face the music on a very high unpaid debt. Sedillo broke the news of his pursuit in a California-based court, revealing he issued the rapper with multiple legal documents notifying him that he needs to fulfill his debt owed to Priscilla Rainey. Rainey is noted for being the woman who accused Game of sexual assault. Legal documents surrounding the case were first submitted by Sedillo on Aug. 22, after Rainey hired him to help her get the $7 million owed to her, following a judgment in her favor from a lawsuit she initially filed against Game in 2015. The suit, which was served to the “Hate It or Love It” entertainer and his manager Wack100, was an attempt to use Game’s house as collateral for the $7 million he owes her. It details sexual assault accusations Rainey made towards the “It’s Okay (One Blood)” rapper (born Jayceon Terrell Taylor). In her lawsuit, Rainey mentioned the incident-in-question occurred while filming Game’s bachelor-type VH1 reality show, “She Got Game.” During that time, Rainey hung out with Taylor on a date in Chicago. Although she thought it was a required after-hours scene with the artist for the show, Rainey claims Taylor allegedly got intoxicated and forced “his hand inside her dress to rub her bare vagina and buttocks” while other people in the bar watched. Congratulations are for Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Milwaukee Bucks stand-out and two-time NBA Most Valuable Player recipient took his relationship with longtime girlfriend Mariah Riddlesprigger to the next level by marrying her on Sept. 1. The wedding, held in Antetokounmpo’s home country of Greece, featured guests that included his former Bucks teammate Jrue Holiday, NBA legend LeBron James, the Bucks’ team owners, tennis legend Serena Williams, and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, according to Clutchpoints (per Eurohoops). Bucks forward Khris Middleton served as Antetokounmpo’s best man. News of the couple’s wedding may come as a surprise, considering their engagement or the upcoming wedding was not a common conversation with them. Paul George’s switch from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Philadelphia 76ers is still on the mind of sports fans as the pro baller adjusts to a new team and new day, serving the 76ers faithful in a new NBA phase. Taking to his “Podcast P with Paul George” show, the athlete’s father, Paul George Sr. wasn’t shy with weighing in on the situation, noting his son’s years of playing for the Clippers and his time as an LA resident. In his eyes, the younger George’s choice to leave the Clippers and Los Angeles comes after a stab in the back. “It was hurting,” Paul George Sr. said of his son’s departure. “It was like… I felt like they stabbed us in the back because I thought Paul did a whole lot for the team, as far as the fanbase, the fans were there. He was there. I think he gave them 110% and what he was asking, it wasn’t a whole lot. But they saw something different.” George Sr.’s comments come after the Clippers offered George Jr. a three-year deal roughly around the range of $150 million, which noted how similar the deal was to the one his former Clippers teammate, Kawhi Leonard, got. Although George initially wanted the four-year, $220 million max, he was open to signing the three-year, $150 million deal with the Clippers, according to Clutchpoints. The kicker was he wanted a rare no-trade clause in the deal to ensure he’d be staying in Los Angeles. https://youtu.be/iQZiMrj6d9U Lee Daniels, the visionary creator behind the highly acclaimed series “Empire,” has recently unveiled his candid thoughts about his experiences working on the show. In a provocative interview with The Film Stage concerning his latest project, “The Deliverance,” Daniels, 64, described his time on “Empire” as the “worst experience” of his career. “Empire,” a riveting six-season drama that aired on Fox from 2015 to 2020, starred an impressive ensemble cast including Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson, and Jussie Smollett. The Emmy-nominated series chronicled the life of a wealthy entertainment executive grappling with terminal illness as he contemplated which of his sons would inherit his empire. According to Daniels, in his interview with TheFilmStage, he said his decision to co-create “Empire” with actor Danny Strong stemmed primarily from curiosity. “I wanted to know what that experience was like,” he remarked, reflecting on his predominantly independent filmmaking career. “It was so hard. It was really hard. Horrible. Absolutely the worst experience. Horrible!” His frustration revealed a deeper yearning for creative freedom, as he shared his reluctance to be constrained by studio demands. Kamala Harris may be the apple of the Democratic Party’s eye as their 2024 presidential election nominee, but she looks to be anything but for one organization, in light of a planned “roast” of her at the University of South Carolina (USC). Newsmax reports the NAACP has joined forces with a group of students from the school to call for USC to cancel the event, which is scheduled to take place on Sept. 18. In a letter to university President Michael Amiridis, the NAACP mentioned that while it does not endorse candidates and is nonpartisan, it was “compelled to write this letter because of the blatantly sexist and racist nature of the event, the advertisement for it, and the potential for violence on campus because of the proposed event.” The upcoming roast, The Hill noted, will be an event held by the student chapter of Uncensored America, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated in its fight for free speech. Proud Boys founder Gavin McInnes and controversial far-right political commentator Milo Yiannopoulos will serve as the “roastmasters.” Doubling down on its argument against the roast, NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson issued a separate statement, saying, “[H]ate speech has long served as a weapon to undermine the progress of our nation. At a time where we are witnessing groundbreaking history, bad actors aim to cast a dark shadow on those very achievements.” https://youtu.be/4IQimaD-0Jk Visions of Broadway look to be filling Usher’s mind as the “My Way” entertainer harbors thoughts of bringing his music to a theatrical stage. Sharing his views on the notion, Usher mentioned his interest in expanding his creativity beyond the realm of studio albums and music videos. His inspiration? None other than his “My Boo” collaborator and friend Alicia Keys, who put theatergoers on notice in April with her semi-autobiographical play, “Hell’s Kitchen.” The production, which opened in New York’s Shubert Theater, proved to strike a successful nerve, combining some of the songstress’ real-life experiences and award-winning music for a worthwhile venture. In all, “Hell’s Kitchen” collected 13 Tony nominations as well as Tony Awards for cast members Kecia Lewis and Maleah Joi Moon, who respectively received acknowledgment for their featured and lead roles in the musical. “Judging from the success Alicia Keys has had and so many incredible other artists or other creatives [that] go from the entertainment world to now kind of merge over into the theatrical space, you know live, Broadway-type of performance. I’d love to do that,” Usher told USA Today Entertainment, Revolt reports. “I’d love to take some of the creative license to reimagine certain musical moments in my life. I’ll never get a chance to fully explain each album in its entirety,” he added. “[With] the singles, [I] probably did a significant job, and if people got a chance to see me live, then they got a little bit more of those songs from that album, but with a play, you could story tell, take your time and help people understand what the motivation of ‘8701’ was, what the motivation of ‘Raymond v. Raymond’ was, what the motivation of ‘Looking For Myself’ was really about.” https://youtu.be/xwXSep1i8Go “My friend was going through a breakup,” said Juan Flores, lead vocalist in the Rock band The Roulettes, about his new single “On the Way Down” (Rock Solid Talent Entertainment/Sony Music) – out September 6, 2024. “I had written it before I knew it would be a song. I wanted to tell his personal story…his feelings…the positive and negative connotations.” The Roulettes consist of Flores, Luis Marquez on bass, Sergio Becerra on drums, and Jose Luis Ibave on lead guitar. The release of their “On the Way Down” single is in honor of Flores’ friend who had an emotional struggle during his breakup. Juan told me that he wrote the lyrics 15 -16 years ago. The band has a cover song reputation, so this original song is a special event. It was their performance reputation that attracted the Rock Solid Talent Entertainment record label. “We were a cover song band,” Juan pointed out to me when we were talking about their humble beginnings. “The cover songs were Hard Rock. We’re trying to do our own thing now.” I saw him singing with a guitar and asked about that and he said, “ I DO play the rhythm guitar, but we have a guitarist (Jose).” “We get total freedom,” Jose jumped in when I turned the conversation to their new record label, the UK-based Rock Solid Talent Entertainment, distributed by AMG/Sony Music. “They believed in us from day one. We have three songs recorded….the third is coming out in three weeks.” https://youtu.be/bij1T3kGRbM After a long pause since dropping music, MC Lyte has returned to the rap scene with “One Of One,” her first album in 10 years. Referencing the 53-year-old rapstress’ interview with K97.5’s DJ Remedy, Madame Noire reports the project was preceded by her new single, the Queen Latifah-assisted “King King.” Before the June release of “King King” was the lead single, “Woman,” which arrived in March and features Lyte’s fellow rap icons Salt of Salt ‘N Pepa and Big Daddy Kane as well as R&B vocalist Raheem DeVaughn. In addition to Latifah, Kane, Salt, and DeVaughn, “One Of One” includes an all-star roster of collaborators in the form of Common, Muni Long, Stevie Wonder, and Toni Braxton. During her interview with DJ Remedy, Lyte touched on “King King,” as she went into the meaning of the tune she labeled as “”an ode to men who are “dedicated to their families” and loved ones. “This is a time, right now, where everybody needs to know and be told that they are seen, that they are loved and that they’re appreciated — and that’s what the song is about,” the entertainer said of the new track. https://www.instagram.com/ridewithremedy/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c02a9dd8-a91f-4259-ab0c-63101790b5b2 GRAMMY® nominated and Stellar and GMA DOVE Award-winning Jekalyn Carr releases a brand new collaborative project, Jekalyn Carr Presents…The Inspiration Project - showcasing her A&R and Executive Producer skillset. The new project showcases Carr’s ability as a singer/songwriter and producer by introducing the world to various new artists she has collaborated with over her years spent in ministry. Jekalyn Carr Presents…The Inspiration Project is available now wherever music is sold and streamed. The project includes artists, Emoni Wilkins, Jericho Worship, Timothy Rogers, Ashley Charisse Mackey, JD Fomby, and a brand new unplugged version of her latest single “You Carried Me.” Every song on the new project is written and produced by Jekalyn Carr and her father, Allen Carr. The dynamic six-song collection serves as a launchpad for emerging gospel artists, showcasing a rich tapestry of diverse styles and genres within gospel music. Using Jekalyn Carr’s visionary touch, the project not only delivers powerful, soul-stirring tracks but also offers a platform for new voices to shine brightly in the gospel scene. "Wonder," the lead single by Emoni Wilkins, is impacting radio now. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-xsvsQspEM Two men from the UK were critically injured in a shooting outside Status Restaurant & Lounge in Hollywood, where Ray J’s estranged wife, Princess Love, helped one of the victims. Video footage shows a man on the ground, bleeding, while Princess Love and another bystander assisted. According to TMZ, the reality star called emergency responders, though she reportedly did not know the victim. Princess happened to be at the restaurant having dinner when the shooting occurred. The two injured men are receiving treatment at a hospital, and the gunman, who fled the scene, remains at large. The motive for the shooting is still unclear. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-09-05-090524-princess-love-1893292-650/ Federal authorities have intensified their investigation into New York City Mayor Eric Adams‘ administration, conducting raids on several top officials. This week, law enforcement searched the Manhattan home of First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright and her partner, Schools Chancellor David Banks, and the Queens home of Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks. David and Phil are brothers, and another brother, government relations firm founder Terry Banks, is also under investigation, Politico reports. The homes of NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban and other city officials were also searched, while senior adviser Tim Pearson and at least seven other NYPD members had their phones subpoenaed. While it’s unclear if these raids are connected to previous probes into Adams’ ties to Turkey or aide Winnie Greco, Adams stated his administration is fully cooperating with investigators. We reported earlier that the FBI is investigating Mayor Adams for receiving complimentary flight upgrades from Turkish Airlines. https://twitter.com/i/status/1831788802551202231 The final episodes of “Power Book II: Ghost” Season 4 will begin airing on STARZ starting Friday, September 6. Following the midseason finale in early July, the first of the last five episodes premieres today, with new episodes releasing weekly throughout the month. The final episodes will be available to stream on Starz.com and the Starz app beginning Friday at midnight. Starz is also available with a subscription to Sling TV, YouTube TV, fuboTV, or Philo, where a seven-day free trial is available for new subscribers. You can also add Starz to your Prime Video account and new subscribers can sign up with a seven-day free trial. Season four of “Power Book II: Ghost” cast includes Michael Rainey Jr. as “Tariq St. Patrick,” Mary J. Blige as “Monet Tejada,” Cliff “Method Man” Smith as “Davis MacLean,” Gianni Paolo as “Brayden Weston,” Woody McClain as “Cane Tejada,” Lovell Adams-Gray as “Dru Tejada,” LaToya Tonodeo as “Diana Tejada,” Alix Lapri as “Effie Morales,” Larenz Tate as “Rashad Tate,” Caroline Chikezie as “Noma,” and Michael Ealyas “Detective Don Carter.” Additionally, recurring actors include LightSkinKeisha as “Brushaundria Carmichael.” https://youtu.be/unG-YSP1Xj8 Check out this exclusive clip from the latest episode of the WE TV reality series, “The Braxtons,” airing Friday, Sept. 6. In this week’s episode titled “Happy Birthday, Traci!,” Trina and Towanda’s dramatic trip to D.C. concludes. Tamar’s new single hits #1. Toni goes to France for a show. Trina pressures her sons for grandbabies. The family throws a party for Traci’s birthday, which brings a big surprise and stirs emotions. In the teaser clip above, Tamar is having mixed emotions about her musical success and Traci’s birthday coinciding. We reported earlier that the Braxton family is back three years after the end of the iconic and captivating series, “ Braxton Family Values,” which aired for seven eventful seasons. This time, the family promises to take viewers deeper into the lives of Toni, Towanda, Trina, Tamar, and Ms. Evelyn Braxton. https://youtu.be/iwEumwux2a4 Cristina Irimie loved teaching math, laughing, and sharing cheesy jokes with her students and friends, who remember her for her infectious joy and passion. Irimie, 53, was among the four people killed – including two students and another teacher – during a mass shooting Wednesday that has left the community of Apalachee High School and Winder, Georgia, in mourning – the latest tragedy in a nation where gun violence persists seemingly unabated. “We are frustrated that she faced the evil on the front lines and gave her life being there, facing the wrath of a person that – for I don’t know what reason – did this thing,” Father Nicolae Clempus, a pastor at one of the Romanian churches Irimie attended, told CNN on Thursday. “It is unfair how things evolved and how it happened, and we are very, very sorry for the way we have to say goodbye.” The Georgia Bureau of Investigation identified the others killed as Richard Aspinwall, 39; and Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, both 14. Of those taken to hospitals with injuries, eight were students and one was a teacher. https://youtu.be/1GlRUph7rWA Chris Knight began baking cookies in 2021 while still a high school junior, and by age 16, he opened his first Cookie Chris store. The Williamsburg shop, which recently celebrated its second anniversary, bakes about 1,000 cookies daily and has become a local favorite. Knight opened a second Cookie Chris location in Richmond, offering classic cookie flavors, ice cream, and milkshakes along with exciting new options such as strawberry shortcake and the “Cookie Chris” special. The 19-year-old entrepreneur is expanding his business while studying at Morehouse College, an HBCU in Atlanta, maintaining a 4.0 GPA, Black Business reports. “I love it when people come here, buy my cookies, and smile,” Knight told the Daily Press. “That’s really how it all began. It is important that people enjoy my cookies.” Cookie Chris is available for delivery across the country. A message on the website states: “Even if you live across the country, you can still enjoy our fresh-baked and tasty cookies! Flavors available for shipping include; chocolate chip, strawberry, fruity pebbles, brownie,birthday cake and oatmeal chocolate chip. When you place your order, we bake and carefully ship your cookies to your door. They will be delivered quickly to your door, so you can enjoy your tasty treats!” Knight manages his Williamsburg store while studying philosophy and psychology at Morehouse. He chose to launch a second Cookie Chris in Richmond because the city is “kind of home,” he said. https://www.instagram.com/itscookiechris/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=860f172a-467b-4067-8375-b25bbe275ace On a mostly sunny Florida day, the players and coaches joined Mickey Mouse, Goofy, and Donald Duck, dressed in baseball uniforms, for a colorful parade in front of thousands of guests at Magic Kingdom Park. Then, fittingly, they joined the outdoor piano player at the baseball-themed restaurant Casey’s Corner along the park’s iconic Main Street, U.S.A., for an impromptu rendition of ‘Take Me Out to the Ballgame’ to the delight of a crowd of applauding guests. Afterward, the players and coaches gathered with their families and spent the rest of the day interacting with some of their favorite Disney characters and experiencing many of the park’s most popular attractions, including the thrilling Big Thunder Mountain. Their festive day was reminiscent of the many celebratory visits to Disney Parks by marquee professional athletes after their teams had won major NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL titles. Earlier this year, for instance, South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley celebrated her team’s NCAA championship with a trip to Magic Kingdom. And NFL star Patrick Mahomes marked his team’s Super Bowl win this year with a visit to Disneyland Resort in California. https://youtu.be/b4lEZoWGYdc Cam’ron and Ma$e launched the fifth season of their sports and entertainment show, It Is What It Is, on Sept. 2, with Ma$e surprising viewers by freestyling over the instrumental for Common’s “The Corner.” “South Beach Murda, man, my crew come through, every time I drop the top, my roof come too, got no big homies, we know who runs who, livest n**ga ever from the 2-1…,” Ma$e stated in the show’s opening, per Revolt. We reported earlier that Ma$e stated he has no regrets about leaving the rap scene at the height of his career in the late 90s. The rapper-turned-preacher retired from the industry in 1999 to pursue ordainment as a minister. During a previous episode of It Is What It Is, Ma$e reflected on his departure from Diddy’s Bad Boy label. He also recounted how he managed to evade the difficulties encountered by his fellow artists. https://youtu.be/QX25f2zTAx4 The Washington Commanders have suspended Vice President of Content Rael Enteen after he made inflammatory remarks about players, fans, and NFL executives during a hidden camera interview with O’Keefe Media Group. CBS News reports that in the video, Enteen accused most NFL players of being homophobic. “Over 50% of our roster is white religious, and God says, ‘F— the gays.’ Their interpretation. I don’t buy any of that,” Enteen is heard saying. “Another big chunk is low-income African Americans that comes from a community [that] is inherently very homophobic.” Enteen went on to say that longtime Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones hates gays and black people and that Commissioner Roger Goodell is a “$50 million puppet” for NFL owners. When it comes to NFL fans, Enteen called them “high school-educated alcoholics.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1831372191369212215 On Thursday, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation announced the arrest of Colin Gray, the father of Colt Gray, the 14-year-old boy accused of opening fire at Apalachee High School, resulting in the deaths of four individuals including two students and two teachers. Colin Gray, aged 54, faces severe charges including four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder, and eight counts of cruelty to children, highlighting the escalating scrutiny on parental responsibilities in safeguarding firearms. The brutal event unfolded on a seemingly normal school day in Winder, Georgia, where authorities report that Colt Gray allegedly used an AR-platform-style weapon in the shooting, which occurred around 10:20 AM. The aftermath left eight students and one teacher injured and set off a wave of trauma through the small community, marking it as the most significant school shooting since the Nashville tragedy earlier this year. Evidence presented by investigators suggests that Colin Gray knowingly allowed his son access to firearms, a factor that likely contributed to the horrific incident. Chris Hosey, the director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, asserted the seriousness of the charges, indicating that Mr. Gray’s actions directly influenced the ability of his son to commit such a grave act, WSJ reports. https://youtu.be/rUwF1LrGfNA Authorities had previously interacted with the Gray family in May 2023, following a tip-off from the FBI regarding threats made by Colt on a social media platform. Despite denying any intent to cause harm, the investigation raised significant concerns about the mental health and stability of Colt Gray, warranting further scrutiny. While he appeared calm during the interaction, law enforcement concluded that they could not substantiate links between Colt and the threats reported. https://www.instagram.com/p/C_jgQMnJT4s/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=22dbb2f4-e5ad-4854-99bf-b9bc3add8b51 The case has reignited discussions on accountability and firearm custody among parents, especially in tragic situations involving minors. Previous incidents have seen parents face criminal charges for their roles in their children’s violent actions, setting a troubling precedent on the importance of gun safety and awareness within homes. https://youtu.be/DJGWyexeU7o Families and communities are left grappling with the repercussions of this senseless violence, inspiring calls for greater oversight and reform regarding gun ownership, particularly in households with children. Autopsies on the victims—Christian Angulo, 14; Mason Schermerhorn, 14; Richard Aspinwall, 39; and Christina Irimie, 53—are set to provide more clarity as the community mourns the loss of innocent lives. As investigations continue, the case of Colin and Colt Gray stands as a painful reminder of the complex responsibilities that come with firearm ownership and the dire consequences that can arise when these responsibilities are neglected. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-09-05-090524-apalachee-victim-1-1892840-665/ Jussie Smollett is back in a big way, taking on the dual role of director and star in the highly anticipated film “The Lost Holliday” The film, set for release later this month, features Vivica A. Fox as Cassandra Marshall, who discovers a new side of her estranged son, Damien Holliday, through his husband Jason Holliday, played by Smollett. The movie explores rich themes such as family dynamics, grief, and LGBTQIA+ representation, highlighting the complex relationships and societal challenges faced by a same-gender-loving couple. In a review of the film, EUR’s Fahnia Thomas wrote, “Smollett and Fox are complimentary balanced with connection and comedy. As their characters bond over losing a loved one – regardless of their frustrations and differences – is relatable.” Smollett penned the script with Jerrell Chesney and produced the film with Mona Scott-Young, and Tressa Azarel Smallwood. https://youtu.be/YvEktsCgBgY Two men from the UK were critically injured in a shooting outside Status Restaurant & Lounge in Hollywood, Princess Love, helped one of the victims. Video footage shows a man on the ground, bleeding, while Princess Love and another bystander assisted. According to TMZ, the reality star called emergency responders, though she reportedly did not know the victim. Princess happened to be at the restaurant having dinner when the shooting occurred. The two injured men are receiving treatment at a hospital, and the gunman, who fled the scene, remains at large. The motive for the shooting is still unclear. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-09-05-090524-princess-love-1893292-650/ Marlon Wayans appeared on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast and explained why his family left the popular sketch comedy show “In Living Color.” The series originally ran on Fox for five seasons from 1990-1994. Keenen Ivory Wayans created, wrote, and starred in the program that featured members of the Wayans family—Damon, Kim, Shawn, and Marlon—and served as their big break. Despite the “big checks,” Marlon said his family walked away from the show after a falling out with the network. “I remember when we left In Living Color because Fox was syndicating the show and it was hurting Keenen’s pockets,” he recalled on Club Shay Shay, Deadline reports. “Keenen was like, ‘Nah, you ain’t gonna do this to me.’ My family said, ‘F— this money.’ And we all left In Living Color.” https://youtu.be/xhP4qSYlFIA “In Living Color” continued for one more season without the Wayans brothers. “I’m still a brother after this,” Marlon continued. “No, I’m gonna support my brother. And we all left the show. And that’s why season five, it got weird. It got Biz Markie. God bless Chris Rock, [but] he came at the wrong time. As brilliant as he is, he couldn’t save it. Because the eyes of the show is gone.” On Thursday, Marlon took to Instagram to proudly share the success of his interview with Shannon Sharpe, highlighting its impressive viewership. “Someone once laughed at a ‘Marlon Wayans’ 1.4 million views in 24 hours. That I could only pull 300k views. I guess the juice is worth the squeeze,” he wrote on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/C_iYk3wuqNr/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=5fbfada4-a9d3-4c7e-870d-03998e2001b4 Lori Harvey makes her acting debut in “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist,” a new crime drama that debuted Thursday on Peacock. The series is inspired by a true story that takes place in the ’70s and centers around a heist that occurs the night of Muhammad Ali’s return to boxing. Here’s the official synopsis: Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist, based on the acclaimed iHeart true-crime podcast, follows the infamous story of how an armed robbery on the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life but ultimately transformed Atlanta into the “Black Mecca.” When a hustler named Chicken Man (Kevin Hart) hosts an afterparty to celebrate the fight with a guest list of the country’s wealthiest, the night ends with the most brazen criminal underworld heist in Atlanta’s history. Suspected of masterminding the crime, Chicken Man is hellbent on clearing his name but must convince his old adversary, J.D. Hudson (Don Cheadle), one of the first Black detectives in the city’s desegregated police force, who is tasked with bringing those responsible to justice. Samuel L. Jackson (“Frank Moten”) leads the cast the includes Taraji P. Henson (“Vivian Thomas”), Don Cheadle (“JD Hudson”), and Terrence Howard (“Cadillac Richie”). Key guest stars include Lori as Lola Falana, Chloe Bailey (“Lena Mosley”), Marsha Stephanie Blake (“Delores Hudson”), Dexter Darden (“Muhammad Ali”), and Sinqua Walls (“McKinley Rogers”). https://www.tiktok.com/@hodaandjenna/video/7410864758947204394?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Flori-harvey-kept-first-acting-role-a-secret-from-dad-steve-harvey%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121451205%2C121439635%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7410864758947204394 “My dad actually didn’t find out until I showed up at the house in Atlanta to film. He was like, ‘What are you doing home?’ And I was like, ‘Oh, I’m acting.’ [He said] ‘Acting in what?’ And I was like ‘A real TV show.’ So he was so shocked.” Lori said Steve “was so excited for me. He was like ‘Ok, this is the real deal, you got to focus, this is big.” https://youtu.be/GNmLHum-bdE The first three episodes of “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” debuted Thursday, September 5, on Peacock with new episodes every Thursday through October 10, 2024. https://youtu.be/aau8daNEPFU Sérgio Mendes, the legendary Brazilian musician, has passed away at the age of 83, leaving behind a rich legacy that spans over six decades. Mendes, who died in Los Angeles, was a central figure in popularizing bossa nova, a jazz-inflected genre of samba, and had a profound influence on music across generations. Born in Brazil, Mendes began his illustrious career in the 1960s and went on to collaborate with a plethora of music icons. His works saw him unite with major artists like John Legend and the Black Eyed Peas, with whom he re-recorded his classic hit “Mas Que Nada” in 2006. This collaboration introduced his sound to a new generation and exemplified his ability to merge traditional rhythms with contemporary styles. Mendes was also known for his collaborations with jazz greats such as Herb Alpert and Cannonball Adderley, further enhancing his reputation in the music industry. His diverse partnerships contributed to his broad appeal, making his music a staple across various genres. https://youtu.be/gFGBkkqEG2E One of Mendes’ most memorable contributions to modern cinema was his 2011 song “Real in Rio,” featured in the animated film Rio. This vibrant track garnered Mendes an Oscar nomination in 2012, cementing his status as not just a music producer but also a creator of revolutionary soundscapes that resonate with audiences of all ages. https://www.instagram.com/p/CpyPc3eSMrv/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=235e924d-5d14-40c5-8e61-7b8fdc9790e9 Right about now, I’d be shaking in my boots. That’s an ancient figure of speech, and I didn’t wear boots back then anyway. But if I did, my skinny little ankles would have chafed from all the vibrating. This month, decades ago, I would not have been able to enjoy everything I held dear—like morning swims under the last gasps of a sweltering Oklahoma summer sun with Donnie Minnis, my best friend, in the Olympic-sized swimming pool at Washington Park. Or leisurely riding our Stingray bikes aimlessly along the edges of Oklahoma City’s Black East Side community, where we lived. Even as early as August, the stalwarts of Saturday morning—“Johnny Quest,” “Secret Squirrel,” “Space Ghost,” or anyone or thing with “Super” in its moniker—couldn’t console me in light of the beast to come. Because right behind August is September, and when I was a child and into my teens, September only meant one downcast event: Back to school. Hate is a strong word, so I’ll say I didn’t like school. Some kids love the institution; I’ve heard of these people. But for me, the years of my life dedicated to formal education amounted to various strains of emotional trauma. https://youtu.be/P7gws3qV0LI Yet, by sixth grade, I was a prolific class-cutter. A loner, I didn’t ditch school with other incorrigibles. Instead, I took refuge in the “Batcave”–the attic of the neglected, stand-alone garage in the back of Donnie’s house, next door to where my family lived, which Donnie and I used as our clubhouse. Imagine sitting silently for eight school hours in an empty attic—no transistor radio, no comic books to read, nothing, accompanied only by my thoughts. During my junior high and high school years, I’d often leave home with the rest of the family and then sneak back home. I intercepted any attempts by schools to contact my parents by mail. When I did attend school, I mastered being there without being there. In one junior high class, I put my desk in a far corner of the room and would not answer anyone when spoken to, including the teacher. I’d pretend to be insane. Just for that class. In one math class, I was called to the blackboard. When I got there, to the audible horror of students, I suddenly “fainted.” At the direction of a panicked Mrs. Cooper, Nathaniel Crownover, the biggest and strongest kid in the class and possibly the whole school, valiantly carried his “unconscious” classmate to the nurse’s office. I was diagnosed as anemic—or constipated—and placed in one of two private bedrooms. On white, crisp sheets, I passed the time watching the industrial-size clock’s big hand twitch backward before moving forward. Miraculously. I recovered by lunchtime. At the end of my senior year at Douglass, Mr. Harris, the school’s crusty, no-nonsense counselor, from behind his cluttered desk informed me that I’d graduate by the skin of my teeth. “Ivory, I’ve never seen a student with more days absent than present,” he said in exaggerated disgust. “You’ll march in the graduation ceremony, but I don’t know what the hell you’ll do out in the world with a D average.” https://youtu.be/QYOcsZWBAn4 Jeannie Mai is accusing her ex-husband Jeezy of not adhering to their divorce settlement. According to legal documents, she claims Jeezy hasn’t fulfilled his obligations, including paying for their child’s daycare and tuition, depositing $500,000 in a trust for the child, transferring the titles of two cars, and covering four months of her rent. Jeannie also alleges that Jeezy has been unresponsive and is avoiding his responsibilities, TMZ reports. We reported earlier that Jeezy and Jeannie finalized their divorce in May, nine months after the rapper filed to part ways. The details of their settlement will remain private, as a Fulton County court has sealed the case. Per documents obtained by PEOPLE, the Superior Court of Fulton County in Georgia agreed to keep details of their divorce settlement private — including child support/custody, spousal support, and property splits. Jeezy filed for divorce late last year after two years of marriage, noting that there’s “no hope for reconciliation.” Sade is preparing to release her first new song since her 2010 album, “Soldier of Love.” According to Variety, Sade’s new song, “Young Lion,” will be featured on the “Transa” benefit album, which is set to release on November 22. The compilation, created by the non-profit Red Hot, aims to raise awareness for transgender issues and highlights both trans and non-binary artists. “Young Lion” is dedicated to Sade’s son Izaak, a transgender man. “We started talking about all the gifts that trans artists have been giving to the world, and wanted to create a Red Hot project that centered and celebrated those gifts,” said Dust Reid, who put together “Transa” alongside artist Massima Bell. “We hoped to create a narrative that positions trans and non-binary people as leaders in our society insofar as the deep inner work they do to affirm who they are in our current climate,” Dust Reid continued. “We felt this is something everybody should do. Whether you identify as trans or non-binary or otherwise, if you took the time to explore your gender, get in touch with the feeling side of yourself, maybe we would have a future oriented around values of community, collaboration, care, and healing.” Last night, Wednesday, September 4, Peacock celebrated the premiere of limited series FIGHT NIGHT: THE MILLION DOLLAR HEIST at Jazz at Lincoln Center, followed by an exclusive after party in The Appel Room overlooking Columbus Circle and Central Park. Coinciding with the eve of NY Fashion Week, the red carpet kicked off with a surprise fashion show in partnership with GQ. Drawing inspiration from the series, models showcased high-fashion 70s-inspired looks, blending retro styles with modern sophistication. Adding to the 70s flair, the red carpet featured a replica of Chicken Man’s (played by Kevin Hart) 1966 Cadillac Calais, custom-built by the renowned West Coast Customs. Over 800 guests were ushered into the Rose Theater for a packed screening of the first two episodes, "Round One: The Ballad of Chicken Man” and “Round Two: Fight Night”. Following the screening, attendees enjoyed an exclusive after-party, emanating 70’s nightclub, complete beats from DJ Trauma, and a photo op with Roc Nation’s Lenny Santiago’s iconic gold couch. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNmLHum-bdE Cam’ron and Ma$e launched the fifth season of their sports and entertainment show, It Is What It Is, on Sept. 2, with Ma$e surprising viewers by freestyling over the instrumental for Common’s “The Corner.” South Beach Murda, man, my crew come through, every time I drop the top, my roof come too, got no big homies, we know who runs who, livest n**ga ever from the 2-1…,” Ma$e stated in the show’s opening, per Revolt. We reported earlier that Ma$e stated he has no regrets about leaving the rap scene at the height of his career in the late 90s. The rapper-turned-preacher retired from the industry in 1999 to pursue ordainment as a minister. During a previous episode of It Is What It Is, Ma$e reflected on his departure from Diddy’s Bad Boy label. He also recounted how he managed to evade the difficulties encountered by his fellow artists. https://youtu.be/QX25f2zTAx4 Cuba Gooding Jr. is returning to the big screen with a new faith-based film following a series of legal controversies that had stalled his acting career. As we reported earlier, the actor leads the cast of “The Firing Squad,” a drama about prisoners finding Christ in an Indonesian prison, co-starring Kevin Sorbo and newcomer James Barrington. The project comes after Gooding faced sexual assault accusations and pleaded guilty to forcibly touching a woman.“Everything that happens in my life is for a reason,” Gooding said in an interview on News Nation’s Dan Abrams Live. “I believe that, and if I continue to walk on my path, whatever that is, I know that the end result [will] be to make me stronger, to be a better person, to be a better father and right now that’s the moment I am in.” Gooding remains hopeful that a major studio will hire him in the future. “You got to remember, we in Hollywood talk to each other. We see each other… I’m in the Hamptons now. You go to a restaurant, and you walk in, when you have a bad headline, everyone goes, ‘Hang in there.’ … [People] come up to me on the street all the time and yell, ‘Show me the money’ and … ‘I see what you’re going through.’” https://youtu.be/PSsOE7WwsZ8 The family of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Kamala Harris’ running mate, shared a family photo on social media showing their endorsement of Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential race. According to TMZ, Charles W. Herbster, a conservative who has twice run unsuccessfully for governor in Nebraska, shared the photo online. Several social media users noted that Tim’s brother, Jeff Waltz, called Tim “dangerous” in an online comment and “not the type of character you want making decisions for your future.” Jeff does not appear in the newly released family photo. Darlene Rose, mother of the VP candidate, confirmed to TMZ that Walz’s Nebraska-based family members are second cousins to Tim, conservative and devout Catholics. The photo features them wearing ‘Nebraska Walz’s for Trump’ shirts. TMZ writes, “…there’s some distance between these family members and Walz … but, they aren’t the only family members publicly blasting Walz — with Tim’s bro Jeff telling his Facebook friends last week not to vote for Walz.” The University of California, Berkeley is facing a federal civil rights complaint, filed by the Equal Protection Project (EPP), for allegedly discriminating based on race and national origin. The complaint claims that Berkeley’s Haas School of Business excluded certain students from an MBA preparatory program due to their race and ethnicity, violating Title VI and the Equal Protection Clause. William A. Jacobson, a Cornell Law professor and founder of the EPP, argues the program is unfair to non-Hispanic students, as the Haas Thrive Fellows initiative is specifically aimed at supporting Latinx/Hispanic individuals, Fox News Digital reports. Jacobson believes that “racial and ethnic” barriers in educational programs impact more than just those initiatives, as they contribute to racializing the entire campus environment. “The Haas Thrive Fellows program openly discriminates on the basis of race and national origin. Haas clearly tells students the program is intended for ‘Latinx/Hispanic’ students, setting up a barrier that would deter other students from applying. Regardless of the purpose of the discrimination, it is wrong and unlawful,” Jacobson told Fox News Digital. “After the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision in Students for Fair Admission, it is clear that discriminating on the basis of race to achieve diversity is not lawful,” he continued. “Haas knows better than to run a program that excludes and discriminates against students based on race and ethnicity.” The celebrity lineup for season 33 of “Dancing with the Stars” has been unveiled, with “Real Housewives” star Phaedra Parks leading the cast. “Everybody knows I’m sassy, classy and some of my friends are a wee bit trashy, but if you come for this Mirrorball, it will get nasty,” Parks told “GMA.” ABC has also tapped convicted scam artist Anna Delvey to help boost show ratings as she is also part of the cast that includes “Beverly Hills, 90210” alum Tori Spelling, former “Bachelor” Joey Graziadei and former “Bachelorette” Jenn Tran, actors Eric Roberts, Reginald VelJohnson and Chandler Kinney; athletes Danny Amendola and Dwight Howard; Olympians Ilona Maher and Stephen Nedoroscik; and model Brooks Nader, per “GMA.” “America is going to be shocked,” VelJohnson told “GMA.” Former NBAer Howard said he’s “been dancing my whole life, but not ballroom dancing.” https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_fw4VfORPh/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=63d1104a-d79c-4244-a962-4b64887dae1c After years of prolific growth, US dollar stores have hit a downturn. Dollar Tree (DLTR) shares plunged 20% Wednesday after the company cut its outlook for the rest of the year, citing “immense pressures” on its low- and middle-income customer base. Dollar Tree also owns the long-struggling Family Dollar chain. The stock slump came on the heels of Dollar General (DG) slashing its full-year forecast, sending shares to their worst day on record last week. Dollar General and Dollar Tree have been the fastest-growing retailers by new store openings in recent years, capitalizing on factors such as entrenched poverty in many areas of the country, a shrinking middle class, and rival retailers’ store closures. Investors drove the companies’ stock up, assuming that dollar stores were protected from broader economic challenges because customers flock there to save money when times are tough. But that theory is buckling. While dollar stores once expanded to reach a growing number of financially strapped Americans, they underestimated just how financially strapped many Americans would become. The companies have hit trouble as low-income customers struggle to afford necessities and dial back their spending, strategic mistakes haunt their business, and competition from Walmart and other chains increases. “The dollar store sector seems to be facing existential uncertainties,” UBS analyst Michael Lasser said in a note to clients last week.https://youtu.be/Hlph5oSk6Zg Dollar General — which has more than 20,000 stores predominantly in rural towns — said last week that higher prices, a softer job market and higher borrowing costs have pressured low-income customers. More than 60% of Dollar General’s sales come from households earning less than $35,000 annually. “Inflation has continued to negatively impact these households, with more than 60% claiming they have had to sacrifice on purchasing basic necessities due to the higher cost of those items,” Dollar General CEO Todd Vasos said on an analyst call. Customers also are paying more for expenses such as rent, utilities and health care, he said. Customers have been pulling back on essential items at Dollar General and struggling to stretch their budgets to the end of the month, Vasos said. https://youtu.be/DUrnQngxIG0 Thousands of jazz aficionados and music enthusiasts moved and got their groove on while enjoying the sounds of jazz and Latin Jazz at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, on Saturday, August 31, 2024. The Leimert Park Jazz Festival is a Southern California fixture and a beloved community celebration, known for serving up the best that music lovers come to expect. Everyone raved about the world-class show, held outside on the upper parking deck of the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza. The festival has something for everyone. Guests listen to classic, original jazz compositions, eat and drink, shop at local retail pop-ups, pick up valuable information from the community resources booths, and browse the creative artwork on display in the art pavilion. The annual Leimert Park Jazz Festival celebrated a milestone. This year it marked the 5th year of the Leimert Park Jazz Festival. Imagine that this amazing celebration of jazz, community, and culture grew out of the Sutro Avenue Summer Soirée Block Party started by executive producer Diane Robertson. The Leimert Park Jazz Festival executive produced by Diane Robertson in partnership with The World Stage has witnessed tremendous growth in the local, state, national, and international jazz community. When music legends George Whitty and Ellis Hall decided to turn their mutual admiration into an official partnership, they committed fully to recording a contemporary twist on classic R&B. Their collaboration birthed a unique brand, cleverly named WHAT!!!! — You see, rather than simply calling themselves Whitty Hall, Ellis Hall added “Artistic Team” to create WHAT and a bunch of exclamations to convey the energy they give off as a duo. And with a title like In the World, their upcoming album promises a dynamic fusion of social commentary and musical innovation. Whitty and Hall are no strangers to the spotlight. Whitty, a multi-Grammy-winning keyboardist and producer, and Hall, the “Ambassador of Soul” and former Tower of Power lead vocalist, bring decades of experience to this project. Their combined talents are showcased in their new album’s 10 eclectic tracks, which offer listeners a journey through the ups and downs of modern life. Fans of both artists, as well as newcomers, are bound to exclaim, “WHAT!!!! In the World?” after hearing the album. The duo’s creative mission statement is clear: “WHAT!!!! puts the fun in funk!” This mantra is evident in the music, starting with the lead single, “Die Living.” The song’s title came to Whitty one day and inspired the creation of a gospel-blues-infused track with a down-home, “front porch” vibe. The single embodies the philosophy of living life to the fullest, drawing inspiration from a casual comment made by Willie Nelson when asked if he’d ever consider retiring. “Die Living” is a soul anthem, urging listeners to wring every last drop of life from their time on Earth, regardless of age. https://soundcloud.com/eurnews/die-living?utm_source=clipboard&utm_campaign=wtshare&utm_medium=widget&utm_content=https%253A%252F%252Fsoundcloud.com%252Feurnews%252Fdie-living Did VP Kamala Harris dodged the question about claiming Blackness only when it’s convenient for her, during that CNN interview with Dana Bash last week? Donald Trump is being called a race-bater for bringing it up during his appearance at the NABJ convention last month. Still, it’s an issue even some Black people have questioned. During her nomination speech at the Democratic National Convention Harris said she will represent all Americans, but she continues to pull at the heartstrings of Black people by always referencing her affiliation with Howard University, with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and her Jamaican family. Now Harris has published a letter to (presumably) Black college students that acknowledges their role in getting her elected to vice president. And she asked for their support again in November. https://youtu.be/px8o1jAfmf0 Atlanta rapper Rich Homie Quan has passed away at age 34. Family members and the Fulton County morgue confirmed his death, which occurred at his home on Thursday. TMZ reports that while no official cause of death has been revealed, close family friends allege that the platinum-selling artist died from a drug overdose. “Just got word @RichHomieQuan just OD’d. Just talk[ed] to Wuan the other day,” rapper Boosie Badazz wrote on X Thursday. “Never [going to] forget [your] smile.” Boosie also revealed he and Quan were working on new music. https://youtu.be/-KKbdErJkiY The Washington Commanders have suspended Vice President of Content Rael Enteen after he made inflammatory remarks about players, fans, and NFL executives during a hidden camera interview with O’Keefe Media Group. CBS News reports that in the video, Enteen accused most NFL players of being homophobic. “Over 50% of our roster is white religious, and God says, ‘F— the gays.’ Their interpretation. I don’t buy any of that,” Enteen is heard saying. “Another big chunk is low-income African Americans that comes from a community [that] is inherently very homophobic.” Enteen went on to say that longtime Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones hates gays and black people and that Commissioner Roger Goodell is a “$50 million puppet” for NFL owners. When it comes to NFL fans, Enteen called them “high school-educated alcoholics.” https://x.com/i/status/1831372191369212215 Ice Spice’s manager has defended her against accusations from former friend and rapper Cleotrapa, who alleged that Spice mistreated her during the tour. The Jasmine Brand reports that in a 6-part TikTok series, Cleotrapa detailed why she ended their friendship, accusing Ice Spice of not paying her, making her handle her own luggage, and deliberately isolating her during Ice Spice’s Y2K! Tour. Cleotrapa claimed she was misled about expenses, including having to cover her own food and hotel costs despite being invited on the tour. Ice Spice’s manager James Rosemond Jr. took to X to respond to the allegations, writing: “An artist (and their team) needs to know what to do when these opportunities come their way. They need to know how to leverage it to advance their career. But some artists just don’t know how to come out with HITS so they crash out and go on rants.” He continued, “This is what happens when an artist’s team dont manage their artists expectations when an opportunity comes in front of them. If you not prepared for an opportunity and your team isn’t properly advancing then that’s on them. Not on us offering the opportunity.” Actress Glenn Close revealed that colleagues warned her that director Lee Daniels was “crazy” before they teamed up for the first time on their new horror film, “The Deliverance.” “For me, that’s a compliment,” the Academy Award nominee said in an interview with Radio Andy, TheWrap reports. “A lot of times when people in this business say someone’s crazy it means they don’t suffer fools, and it means they have a vision and it doesn’t always go along with the crowd,” Close added before praising Daniels for creating an “inclusive environment on set.” “It was one of the most inclusive, creative, challenging, fun experiences of my career,” she said in the YouTube. https://youtu.be/Q52l55DpUAQ Netflix describes “The Deliverance” as a “genre-defying take on darkness, possession, and finding a higher power.” The film is inspired by a true story and centers on Ebony Jackson (Andra Day), a struggling single mother fighting her personal demons, who moves her family into a new home for a fresh start. But when strange occurrences inside the home raise the suspicions of Child Protective Services and threaten to tear the family apart, Ebony soon finds herself locked in a battle for her life and the souls of her children. Inspired by a true story, “The Deliverance” also stars Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and Mo’Nique. The movie reimagines the events described by Latoya Ammons and the demonic experiences in her family’s Indiana home in 2011. Indianapolis Star detailed her story in a 2014 article. “The Deliverance” opened in select theaters on August 16 and is now streaming on Netflix. https://youtu.be/PDcDagDcwPA Ugandan Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei has passed away after being doused with gasoline and set ablaze by her ex-boyfriend. We reported earlier that the attack resulted in her suffering burns over 75% of her body. Cheptegei, a distance runner who placed 44th at the 2024 Paris Olympics, was assaulted in her home in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya, CBS News reports. According to Trans Nzoia County Police, her former boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, poured petrol on her and set her on fire Sunday during an argument over the land where the house was built. “During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her,” Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom told reporters. The Ugandan Athletics Federation confirmed in a statement on social media that Cheptegei “suffered severe injuries” in the vicious attack. https://youtu.be/jOTEI4m009A Cheptegei’s parents mentioned that their daughter purchased land in Trans Nzoia to be close to the county’s numerous athletic training facilities. After spending several days in critical condition at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret city, the Uganda Athletics Federation announced Cheptegei’s death on Thursday, CBS News reports. “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence,” the Uganda Athletics Federation wrote in a statement. “As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest In Peace.” Team Kenya also released a statement: “Her untimely and tragic passing is a profound loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time as we honor her legacy and advocate for an end to gender-based violence.” https://twitter.com/LillzTIL/status/1831605021978321401/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1831605021978321401%7Ctwgr%5Ef73ae42316dfc64abda70823543ea9e61c0d0bd1%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Folympic-athlete-rebecca-cheptegei-dies-after-being-set-on-fire%2F It’s been a great summer for chart-topping singer-songwriter and TV personality Elijah Connor, as he climbs the Billboard charts with his brand-new single, “Worth It.” Produced by Romano and Grammy Award-winner OG Parker (Drake, Katy Perry, Chris Brown), “Worth It” isn’t just a song—it’s an anthem that’s setting the pace to become one of the top R&B hits of 2024 as it continues to rise on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart. With its soulful vibe and smooth flow, it’s no surprise that the video has secured prime spots on major networks such as MTV and BET. Elijah’s skill in blending bold, raw, and emotional lyrics with a melody that resonates is evident on this track. “Worth It” conveys the message that love, self-worth, and patience are crucial for building something meaningful, as captured in the lyric, “I ain’t gotta have you this time, if I can have you for a lifetime.” https://youtu.be/g_x79lO-yf0?list=OLAK5uy_kJRYU7V8HuJ4zyES60pMNemOqZg5mIdHY The recent announcement that Vice President Kamala Harris would be given the Democratic nomination to be the next President of the United States initially took me by surprise. It was indeed historic for several reasons. President Joe Biden bowed to interparty pressure and seceded the nomination to Harris, the Democrats were immediately invigorated the likes of which haven’t been seen since Barack Obama. In each of the last three elections, the voting activity of African American men has come into question. In Hillary Clinton’s campaign, Democratic talking heads in all mediums chided Black men for criticizing Clinton’s record on criminal justice, foreign policy, and the whole “super predators” comment for, a 1996 New Hampshire speech given in support of the 1994 Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act signed into law by her husband, former President Bill Clinton. We need to take these people on. They are often connected to big drug cartels, they are not just gangs of kids anymore. They are often the kinds of kids that are called superpredators — no conscience, no empathy. We can talk about why they ended up that way, but first, we have to bring them to heel.” The former Secretary of State would later say she regretted saying that during her 2016 run for the presidency, but only after being confronted on the matter by activists. Clinton never mentioned Black people in her speech, but she didn’t have to. A dog whistle by any name is still the same. https://www.instagram.com/chuckcreekmur/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=ddf9caa6-7f16-4c05-95dd-b3567799adbd Cam’ron criticized movie studios for repeatedly remaking films and for older actors, like Sylvester Stallone and Denzel Washington, taking on action roles that may no longer suit them. Cam and Mase discussed this issue on the latest episode of “It Is What It Is,” Complex reports. “I think that n***as is lacking in being creative and not only lacking being creative, you have to think about who’s eating off this stuff,” said Cam’ron. “If the owner of, let’s just use Ghostbusters, for example, says ‘We don’t want Bill Murray, let’s get some young Ghostbusters,’ the original n***a most likely is going to get paid again because if he didn’t sell the name of the movie or still has the rights to the movie n***a said I’ma eat again,” he continued. “I’m not watching Rocky be Rambo at 78 years old, man. I’m not watching that; I refuse to watch Rocky be Rambo. Did I see the new Equalizer? I love Denzel Washington as an actor, but I’m not watching him do karate at 71 years old and all that. I’m not doing it,” Cam added. https://www.tiktok.com/@akademiks/video/7410475609085742366?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fcamron-slams-older-actors-like-denzel-washington-in-action-roles%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121451205%2C121439635%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_pause_share&referer_video_id=7410475609085742366 “I love him as a great actor but when n***as start doing karate and they 70, I can’t believe the movie. I can’t fuck with Denzel being The Equalizer at 70. Rocky 19? Nah, I’m not watching it, b.” In related news, Washington said in a new interview that he’s not interested in taking on new projects if he’s not inspired by the filmmaker. Speaking to Empire magazine, the Oscar winner opened up about his reason for joining Ridley Scott‘s upcoming “Gladiator 2.” “There are very few films left for me to make that I’m interested in, and I have to be inspired by the filmmaker, and I was tremendously inspired by Ridley,” Washington said. “We had a great go-round the first go-round [on American Gangster], and here we are.” https://youtu.be/4rgYUipGJNo Frances Tiafoe and mixed doubles teams, Taylor Townsend/Donald Young and Townsend /Katerina Siniakova locked arms to notch big wins for the home team at the US Open on Tuesday night. Tiafoe took down top ten Bulgarian, Grigor Dimitrov, in men’s singles to advance to the semifinals, while Townsend advanced to the mixed doubles final with Young and the women’s doubles semifinal with Siniakova. Tiafoe and Fritz beat the odds and set up an all-American semifinal. Frances Tiafoe, aka Big Foe’s win, set up the first all-American Grand Slam semifinal since 2005 and a step closer to breaking the 21-year drought of an American winning the US Open (Andy Roddick won in 2003). Compatriot, Taylor Fritz, had ousted German, Alexander Zverev earlier on Tuesday in four sets, and it took his longtime friend, Big Foe, the same to take down Dimitrov. Neither outcome was initially expected. The odds were stacked against Tiafoe, though a fan favorite, going into the match. His head-to-head with the higher-ranked Bulgarian was 1 and 3 and he had been playing lights out tennis to that point. But the Sierra Leone native, Tiafoe, continued his aggressive form that took him to the quarterfinals to dominate out of the gate. He easily took the first set 6-3 and barely lost the second 6-7 (5) on an anomalous exchange of double faults. He quickly steadied himself, however, and sealed the third set, 6-3. By then, Dimitrov seemed to aggravate a longstanding injury and took a medical timeout before starting the fourth.The Bulgarian attempted to play on after treatment but ultimately had to retire with Big Foe ahead, 4-1. The official trailer has dropped for FX’s upcoming horror series “Grotesquerie!” from Emmy-winning producer Ryan Murphy. Niecy Nash-Betts leads the cast as “Detective Lois Tryon,” with Courtney B. Vance as “Marshall Tryon,” Lesley Manville as “Nurse Redd,” Micaela Diamond as “Sister Megan Duval,” Nicholas Alexander Chavez as “Father Charlie Mayhew,” Raven Goodwin as “Merritt Tryon” and NFL star Travis Kelce, who posted a video on this IG stories from the set. “Guys, guess who I am working with on Grotesquerie,” Nash-Betts says to the camera before Kelce appears and adds, “Coming into a new territory. With Niecy!.” Here’s the official synopsis: In Ryan Murphy’s 10-episode drama series Grotesquerie for FX, a series of heinous crimes have unsettled a small community. “Detective Lois Tryon” feels these crimes are eerily personal, as if someone—or something—is taunting her. At home, Lois grapples with a strained relationship with her daughter, a husband in long-term hospital care and her own inner demons. With no leads and unsure of where to turn, she accepts the help of “Sister Megan,” a nun and journalist with the Catholic Guardian. Sister Megan, with her own difficult past, has seen the worst of humanity, yet she still believes in its capacity for good. Lois, on the other hand, fears the world is succumbing to evil. As Lois and Sister Megan string together clues, they find themselves ensnared in a sinister web that only seems to raise more questions than answers. https://www.instagram.com/p/C-sXFgwvldj/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=d8d24a81-b02a-4b05-b43c-6b5a5ed04a2c At least four people were killed and nine others injured Wednesday morning as a gunman sent students and faculty at a Winder, Georgia, high school desperately scurrying for cover, schools across the county into lockdown, and parents scrambling for information. Four people were killed in the shooting inside Apalachee High School, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Nine others were transported to hospitals with injuries. Law enforcement sources said earlier that approximately 30 people were injured in the shooting. It was unclear how many of those injuries are from gunshot wounds; the information is preliminary and subject to change. The suspected gunman is believed to be a 14-year-old boy, a law enforcement source told CNN. https://youtu.be/aZ2d67KNOBE The source said it is unknown whether the teen attended that school. The suspect is alive and in custody, the GBI said in a post on X. The high school had received an earlier phone threat, multiple law enforcement officials told CNN. The phone call Wednesday morning warned there would be shootings at five schools, and that Apalachee would be the first. It is not known who placed the call. Officials tell CNN they are investigating the call and where it originated. The US has suffered at least 385 mass shootings so far this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive, which, like CNN, defines mass shootings as those in which four or more victims are shot. That’s an average of more than 1.5 mass shootings every day.https://youtu.be/fi9avm5zT1g An 11-year-old boy has admitted to police he fatally shot the former interim mayor of a small Louisiana town and his adult daughter, authorities said. The child was arrested Sunday afternoon after admitting to killing Joe Cornelius Sr., 82, and Keisha Miles, 31, in Minden, Louisiana, earlier that day, Police Chief Jared McIver said during a news conference Tuesday. Cornelius was a former longtime Minden city councilman and former interim mayor of Minden, the current mayor said. “Joe Cornelius’ years of service to Minden were marked by his commitment and dedication to the betterment of our community,” Mayor Nick Cox said in a release posted to Facebook. “On a personal note, I am grateful for his friendship and the many ways he supported me and others in our city.” https://youtu.be/y_ysQW22p4A The boy, who was described only as a relative of the victims, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and is being held on a $500,000 bond, McIver said. It is unclear if the child will be tried as an adult. CNN is working to determine if the boy has legal representation. Police found the victims in a home with gunshot wounds after a family member called 911, McIver said. Authorities found two weapons hidden on the property, and their calibers matched empty shell casings left at the scene, the chief said without elaborating. It is unknown how the child got hold of the weapons, McIver added. The boy told responding officers “a story at first that just didn’t add up,” before he was taken to the police station by a guardian and eventually confessed to the crime, McIver said. https://youtu.be/Q5GE6uWw1y0 Jamie Foxx took to Instagram on Monday (Sept. 2) to announce that he plans to disclose the reason for his hospitalization in April 2023 with a mysterious medical complication. The upcoming event titled “WHAT HAD HAPPENED WAS” is described as “an unforgettable one-man show” that will feature Foxx taking the stage “to share his journey through a serious health scare, filled with humor, heart, and inspiration,” according to Foxx’s Instagram post. “Experience Jamie Foxx like never before in this intimate and engaging performance, as he opens up about his struggles, triumphs, and everything in between,” the post reads. “Get ready for a night of laughter, reflection, and genuine connection. Foxx’s one-man show will take place on Oct. 3, 4, and 5 in Atlanta, with ticket information “coming soon,” per the announcement. In July, Foxx was spotted in downtown Phoenix, Arizona, discussing with a group of people his mystery illness. https://www.instagram.com/p/C_bajeySJuO/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=e6af7a82-af60-451d-8957-5e1ef58f3533 Tyrese recently said he was retiring from social media but he returned to social media platforms after the Labor Day holiday. According to The Jasmine Brand, he shared new posts to his IG Story and several new uploads to the main feed. One post was dedicated to Janet and Michael Jackson. In the post’s comments, one fan wrote, “I thought you were taking a break and your password was changed on you devices.” In another post, Tyrese told fans not to stream his “Beautiful Pain” album. “Don’t call me,” he added in the post’s caption. “And don’t text I know this might be confusing and concerning but I am having a lot of anxiety and I’m actually slipping into a place feeling overwhelmed and vulnerable and have no f*cking idea why this is happening I told my manager I might pull my album down off of all of the streaming platforms,” Tyrese wrote. “I know this sounds crazy it’s even more crazy to even be writing or posting these words I feel so exposed and I’m not doing well with it.” https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_fI87PRGF6/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=4685b97b-b06e-4d2a-8356-90c3b9e04781 Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei was attacked and set on fire by her boyfriend, resulting in burns covering 75% of her body. Cheptegei, a distance runner who placed 44th at the 2024 Paris Olympics, was assaulted in her home in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya, CBS News reports. She remains in critical condition at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret city. According to Trans Nzoia County Police, her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, poured petrol on her and set her on fire Sunday during an argument over the land where the house was built. Cheptegei’s parents mentioned that their daughter purchased land in Trans Nzoia to be close to the county’s numerous athletic training facilities. https://youtu.be/n6RX6ODylY4 “During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her,” Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom told reporters. An MTRH staff member spoke anonymously to the AFP, confirming that Cheptegei’s “condition looks serious with facial burns and bandages.” It’s unclear if Cheptegei’s children were hurt in the attack. The Ugandan Athletics Federation confirmed in a statement on social media that Cheptegei “suffered severe injuries” in the vicious attack. Ndiema was also hospitalized after he sustained burn wounds in the incident. https://twitter.com/UgaAthletics2/status/1830860053252821326/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1830860053252821326%7Ctwgr%5Edcbc5990b054a7f4b6c0871d8ccd3f6ad54a71c4%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Folympian-rebecca-cheptegei-set-ablaze-by-boyfriend%2F “I think that n***as is lacking in being creative and not only lacking being creative, you have to think about who’s eating off this stuff,” said Cam’ron. “If the owner of, let’s just use Ghostbusters, for example, says ‘We don’t want Bill Murray, let’s get some young Ghostbusters,’ the original n***a most likely is going to get paid again because if he didn’t sell the name of the movie or still has the rights to the movie n***a said I’ma eat again,” he continued. “I’m not watching Rocky be Rambo at 78 years old, man. I’m not watching that; I refuse to watch Rocky be Rambo. Did I see the new Equalizer? I love Denzel Washington as an actor, but I’m not watching him do karate at 71 years old and all that. I’m not doing it,” Cam added. https://www.tiktok.com/@akademiks/video/7410475609085742366?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fcamron-slams-older-actors-like-denzel-washington-in-action-roles%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121451205%2C121439635%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7410475609085742366 “I love him as a great actor but when n***as start doing karate and they 70, I can’t believe the movie. I can’t fuck with Denzel being The Equalizer at 70. Rocky 19? Nah, I’m not watching it, b.” In related news, Washington said in a new interview that he’s not interested in taking on new projects if he’s not inspired by the filmmaker. Speaking to Empire magazine, the Oscar winner opened up about his reason for joining Ridley Scott‘s upcoming “Gladiator 2.” “There are very few films left for me to make that I’m interested in, and I have to be inspired by the filmmaker, and I was tremendously inspired by Ridley,” Washington said. “We had a great go-round the first go-round [on American Gangster], and here we are.” https://youtu.be/4rgYUipGJNo In a developing narrative of both personal and professional scrutiny, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis appeared alongside her former lover Nathan Wade following a recent legal mishap involving her daughter. Newly released bodycam footage captures the dramatic scene that unfolded on August 24, when 25-year-old Kinaya Willis was arrested in Tyrone, Georgia, for driving on a suspended license after being pulled over for using her cell phone behind the wheel. The footage reveals that both Fani and Nathan arrived promptly at the scene, dressed casually in black T-shirts, long after claiming their controversial affair had ended last year. Despite being a key figure in the high-profile prosecution of former President Donald Trump related to election interference, Willis maintained a composed demeanor throughout the encounter. When questioned by police if Wade was Kinaya’s father, Willis explicitly labeled him as “just a friend,” reflecting the tension surrounding their past relationship, reports the NY Post. A study conducted by researchers at Seattle University explored a new form of sexuality called “symbiosexual,” which is described as an “attraction to the energy, multidimensionality and power shared between people in relationships,” according to research recently published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior. Per OnyMy Health: “The majority of individuals identifying as symbiosexual tend to be extroverted and enjoy a high level of emotional closeness, affection, and consideration. They are also less prone to feelings of jealousy compared to those in traditional one-on-one relationships. This suggests that symbiosexual individuals may find fulfilment and attraction in the complex interplay of emotions and dynamics within established couples.” Dr. Sally Johnson, an adjunct professor at Seattle University, led a research team to explore the prevalence of symbiosexuality in the U.S. through a survey titled The Pleasure Study, MadameNoire reports. This online survey included 373 participants who answered 65 multiple-choice questions about their sexual and gender identity, relationship practices, culture, education, and sexual pleasure, particularly focusing on experiences with couples. The survey results primarily reflected responses from white, middle-class university graduates, with over 90% identifying as queer and 87.5% identifying as polyamorous, New York Post reports. Johnson discovered 145 instances where participants reported feeling attracted to couples as a unit rather than to the individual members of the relationship. One suspect is in custody after authorities received a report of an active shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, according to a statement from the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office. “Casualties have been reported, however details on the number or their conditions are not available at this time,” the statement said. A local hospital is receiving patients with gunshot wounds, a source at the hospital told CNN. Georgia State Patrol previously said it had responded to an active scene at the school. At least five ambulances and a large active law enforcement presence were at the campus, according to video from outside the school. A least one medical helicopter could be seen airlifting a patient from the scene. Footage at the scene also showed people gathering on a football field near the school as students appeared to pray. https://youtu.be/Revr4hsGXFo Special agents from the FBI have responded to assist local law enforcement, a bureau spokesperson said. Apalachee High School belongs to the Barrow County School System, which told CNN that students have been cleared to leave and parents have been notified to pick them up. Transportation will be provided to students who need it, the district said. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has directed all available state resources to assist at the scene, he said in a statement on social media. The governor urged “all Georgians to join my family in praying for the safety of those in our classrooms, both in Barrow County and across the state.” Winder, a community about an hour outside of Atlanta, had a population of about 18,338 as of the 2020 census, according to the US Census Bureau. The Barrow County School System is the 24th largest school district in the state, per the district’s website. It serves about 15,340 students, 1,932 of whom are enrolled at Apalachee High School. https://youtu.be/ohX7Nx4ICG4 AnnaSophia Robb and Aaron Pierre emotionally embodied their roles in Rebel Ridge! Their acting performance was exceptional and viewers will sigh and shout along with their characters – Terry Richmond (Pierre) and Summer McBride (Robb). The narrative is fresh, informative, and intriguing, plus the visuals are captivating – the close-up frames of Pierre are notable. But the flow of the film is too slow – with a run time of over two hours, 20 minutes could have been cut. And although the writing is lacking, check out the flick for the storyline and actors – maybe throw a very cutesy watch party for two. Robb, Pierre, and crime drama fans will be very entertained and very engaged in the Netflix action thriller. We caught up with the co-stars to talk about assets, accents, and adroitness. https://youtu.be/MGnXbUTtjJ4 LeBron James, having just secured his third gold medal with Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics, claims he could win an Olympic medal in 2 other sports. He made the bold statement recently on his show “The Shop.” The Los Angeles Lakers star suggested that, given enough training, his athletic abilities could earn him medals in both the high jump and long jump events, Clutch Points reports. “There’s zero competition that I can compete in without preparation, but I think maybe the long jump?” James said. “I think I can do the long jump, maybe, or the high jump. If you give me some time, I need about six months, eight months, or whatever of preparation to get to that.” Meanwhile, NBA fans were ecstatic to see James team up with longtime rival Steph Curry, 36, to secure gold for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Curry opened up to PEOPLE about setting aside their past rivalry and joining forces. “All the battles we’ve had on the court and the back and forth, the fact that we actually got to be teammates, not just in any game like an All-Star game or whatever, but in high stakes basketball with a lot on the line…I think there’s a deepened respect and friendship there,” Curry said. Ryan Seacrest is one month into his new role as host of “Wheel of Fortune” and he’s reportedly “not doing the low-key version of the show” that his predecessor, Pat Sajak, did. Sources tell RadarOnline.com that Seacrest has quickly made the show his own after replacing Sajak following his 42-season run.Sajak, 77, announced his retirement in June 2023. At the time, he wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my lastIt’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all.” Sajak began hosting the beloved game show in 1981 alongside co-host Vanna White. His final episode aired on June 7, 2024. During his farewell speech, Sajak thanked fans for their support over the past four decades. “Well, the time has come to say goodbye,” he told viewers. “I have a few thanks and acknowledgments before I go, and I want to start with all watching out there. It’s been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade.” R&B singer and actor Tyrese recently said he was retiring from social media but he returned to social media platforms after the Labor Day holiday. According to The Jasmine Brand, he shared new posts to his IG Story and several new uploads to the main feed. One post was dedicated to Janet and Michael Jackson. In the post’s comments, one fan wrote, “I thought you were taking a break and your password was changed on you devices.” In another post, Tyrese told fans not to stream his “Beautiful Pain” album. “Don’t call me,” he added in the post’s caption. “And don’t text I know this might be confusing and concerning but I am having a lot of anxiety and I’m actually slipping into a place feeling overwhelmed and vulnerable and have no f*cking idea why this is happening I told my manager I might pull my album down off of all of the streaming platforms,” Tyrese wrote. “I know this sounds crazy it’s even more crazy to even be writing or posting these words I feel so exposed and I’m not doing well with it.” Red Lobster has announced the appointment of Nigerian executive Damola Adamolekun as the new Chief Executive Officer of RL Investor Holdings. Black Business reports that Adamolekun,35, assumes leadership as the company faces significant challenges, having filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May after incurring over $1 billion in debt. His guidance will be key in steering Red Lobster through its restructuring efforts. Due to the chain’s recent financial difficulties, it was acquired by RL Investor Holdings LLC, a new entity established by the U.S. private equity firm Fortress Investment Group. “This restructuring is the best path forward for Red Lobster,” former Red Lobster CEO Jonathan Tibus previously said, per PEOPLE. “It allows us to address several financial and operational challenges and emerge stronger and re-focused on our growth.” “The support we’ve received from our lenders and vendors will help ensure that we can complete the sale process quickly and efficiently while remaining focused on our employees and guests,” he added. Act fast. For a limited time, Southwest Airlines is offering a promotional Companion Pass, which would allow a pass holder’s companion to fly with them nearly free on unlimited flights for two months early next year. The designated companion owes only taxes and fees when accompanying the pass holder. Through a flash promotion available through September 5, members of the airline’s Rapid Rewards program (you can sign up here) can register for a promotional Companion Pass. To qualify for the pass, the rewards member must book one qualifying round-trip or two one-way tickets by 11:59 p.m. CT on September 5, 2024, for travel from now through November 20, 2024. The promotional pass earned will be valid for use between January 6, 2025, and March 6, 2025. “We love offering this Companion Pass promotion because it allows our Members to experience one of the many benefits of our award-winning Rapid Rewards program,” said Jennifer Bridie, vice president of marketing at Southwest Airlines, in a news release. Bridie added that rewards program members for first time can use points, a combination of cash and points, or other eligible forms of payment to book flights that count toward the Companion Pass promotion. Typically, full-year passes are earned by flying 100 qualifying one-way flights or earning 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year. The pass earned through those means is good through the remainder of the calendar year in which it was earned and the full following year. https://youtu.be/6utJztyjpLA Tanya Nolan, the acclaimed R&B singer-songwriter whose latest single “Like Water” is currently climbing the charts, has recently revealed her desire to collaborate with global superstar Chris Brown on a future music project. The announcement has sparked widespread excitement and anticipation across the music industry, with many speculating on the potential impact of such a high-profile collaboration. During a recent interview, when asked who she would most like to work with on a new project, Nolan named Chris Brown without hesitation. “Chris Brown is an incredible artist with unmatched versatility and a unique sound that resonates across genres,” said Nolan. “I’ve always admired his talent and creativity, and I believe our musical styles would complement each other beautifully.” Chris Brown, a multi-talented singer, songwriter, dancer, actor, and rapper, is renowned for his contributions to R&B and pop music. With numerous chart-topping hits and a dynamic presence in the entertainment world, a collaboration with Tanya Nolan could result in one of the most anticipated tracks of the year. https://youtu.be/DELapj7GOqM R&B legend Freddie Jackson, known for his smooth hits like “You Are My Lady,” has publicly announced his battle with kidney disease. This news comes after a significant transformation in his life; back in 2018, Jackson astounded fans by revealing that he had lost over 100 pounds through dedicated diet and exercise. His initial weight loss journey sparked a mix of admiration and concern among his fans, particularly as rumors swirled about his health, leading many to worry that he was facing a terminal illness. In a recent video sharing his diagnosis, the 67-year-old singer expressed his commitment to tackling the challenges posed by kidney disease with openness and resilience. “This journey has had its challenges,” Jackson shared. “But I’ve decided to face it with openness and resilience. It’s important to me that I share this with you, not just as a part of my personal story, but as a way to make a positive difference.” https://www.instagram.com/mrfreddiejackson/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=4e8dd6ba-53c6-4696-93f5-c32d44d2fa66 Understanding the importance of raising awareness, Jackson has partnered with the National Kidney Foundation. Through this collaboration, he hopes to shed light on kidney health and provide support for individuals affected by similar health issues. “I want to thank my fans for their encouragement, love, and support during this time,” he added, highlighting how much their kindness means to him. Reflecting on his dramatic weight loss, Jackson had previously dismissed unfounded rumors regarding serious health conditions, including HIV. In interviews, he emphasized that his transformation stemmed from a genuine desire to lead a healthier lifestyle rather than succumbing to health issues. “I grabbed the bulls by the horn and took control of my life,” he declared. He also acknowledged aging as an unavoidable aspect of life, noting that he didn’t want to wait for a doctor’s orders to make changes, according to Sandra Rose. As he continues to navigate his health journey, Freddie Jackson’s story serves as an inspiration for many, reminding everyone of the importance of proactive health management while fostering a supportive community for those struggling with kidney disease. https://youtu.be/I-5NFdt1yhE In the new Apple TV+ series “Time Bandits,” viewers are taken on a wild, unpredictable adventure through time and space, following a group of eccentric thieves led by 11-year-old history enthusiast Kevin, portrayed by Kal-El Tuck. Created by Jemaine Clement (“Flight of the Conchords”), Iain Morris (“The Inbetweeners”), and Taika Waititi (“Reservation Dogs”), and produced for Apple TV+ by Paramount Television Studios, the live-action television series is based on the popular 1981 film directed by Terry Gilliam and stars Lisa Kudrow (“The Comeback”), Tadhg Murphy (“Conversations With Friends”), Roger Jean Nsengiyumva (“You Don’t Know Me”), Rune Temte (“Eddie the Eagle”), Charlyne Yi (“Knocked Up”), Rachel House (“Heartbreak High”), Kiera Thompson (“Martyrs Lane”), James Dryden (“Ready Player One”), Felicity Ward (“The Office” Australia), Francesca Mills (“Harlots”) and Imaan Hadchiti (“Thor: Love and Thunder”), per the news release. https://youtu.be/BCA9jpc4R74 Inspired by gripping and real stories, Lifetime greenlights Buried Alive and Survived starring Eva Marcille (The Real Housewives of Atlanta, All the Queen’s Men) and Tyler Lepley (P-Valley, Harlem). Set to premiere on Saturday, September 21 at 8pm ET/PT, the movie follows a woman, who miraculously survives being buried alive by her ex-husband. The movie joins Lifetime’s fall slate of Ripped from the Headlines movies. Buried Alive and Survived follows Alicia (Marcille) who finds herself facing a terrifying ordeal after her ex-husband, Victor (Lepley) is released from prison. Determined to protect herself and their son Malcolm, Alicia resists Victor’s demands to reconcile and reunite as a family. But in a twisted turn of events, Victor traps Alicia underground and buries her…alive! Surrounded by darkness and dirt, Alicia pushes down the panic and fear of suffocating and manages to claw her way of out of her grave. Now freed, she searches desperately for her son, knowing his safety hinges on staying one step ahead of Victor’s obsession. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDERiFeEJNs Save the date for the Gospel Music Concert and Tribute to the Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee on September 13, 2024 4:30-6:30 pm HVC 215 at the U.S. Capital. For 17 years Congresswoman Jackson Lee sponsored a House Resolution Expressing support for the designation of September as "Gospel Music Heritage Month" and honored Gospel music for its valuable and longstanding contributions to the culture of the United States. In support of this legislation the office of the 18th Congressional District of Texas, will be hosting a concert featuring Gospel music artists, Maurette Brown Clark and other notables. This year’s celebration of Gospel Music is being held to honor Congresswoman Jackson Lee as a Member of Congress and to recognize her advocacy for the preservation of Gospel Music. All are invited to join in this celebration of a true American artform, and to pay tribute to an extraordinary woman who made it her mission to recognize Gospel Music’s importance to so many in the United States and around the world. The program will include messages from colleagues from both sides of the aisle who love Gospel and knew Congresswoman Jackson Lee’s commitment to Gospel music, collegiality, and working on behalf of the people she represented. The GRAMMY® award nominated and R.I.A.A. certified platinum-selling gospel act, Anthony Brown & group therAPy, have taken the top spot on both the Billboard and Mediabase Gospel Airplay charts with their upbeat inspirational anthem, “Up Up Up.” The track was produced by Brown alongside keyboardist Darryl Woodson who has collaborated with Brown and other gospel acts such as Dorothy Norwood and JJ Hairston in the past. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2XVjbYyTiI "Shining Bright in The Gospel spotlight is Anthony Brown & group therAPy!!! “Up Up Up” is the #1 song on Billboard this week. Fall Back with Anthony Brown who appeared inside The Gospel Spotlight with HJ Ellison as he chops it up about being from The DMV, his journey in music, hit songs and debuting at #1. https://www.gospel-spotlight.com/anthonybrown_intvw.htm Local authorities in Philadelphia are currently investigating a rogue marketing campaign involving counterfeit political advertisements promoting Vice President Kamala Harris as the endorsed presidential candidate of the Philadelphia Eagles. The ads appeared across the city, particularly at bus stops owned by Intersection Media, raising questions about the legality and impact of such deceptive promotions. The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office is taking the matter seriously as they work to uncover more information regarding the identity of those responsible for the ads. In a statement to TMZ Sports, officials confirmed that they are actively investigating the situation to ensure accountability. The controversial advertisements featured an image of Harris sporting an Eagles helmet and holding a football, undoubtedly aiming to capture the attention of both sports fans and political enthusiasts alike. However, the Philadelphia Eagles organization has publicly denounced the ads as “counterfeit political ads,” stressing that they have not endorsed any presidential candidates, including Harris. The team has pledged to collaborate with city officials to have the misleading posters removed swiftly. https://youtu.be/ng51TYIv1EY Paramount Pictures has just released the highly anticipated trailer for “Smile 2,” the chilling sequel to the 2022 horror hit. Building on the eerie atmosphere and unsettling tension that made the original film a success, the new installment promises to deliver even more spine-tingling moments. Fans of the first movie can expect a deeper dive into the terrifying world where sinister smiles hide deadly secrets. Here’s the synopsis: About to embark on a new world tour, global pop sensation Skye Riley (Naomi Scott) begins experiencing increasingly terrifying and inexplicable events. Overwhelmed by the escalating horrors and the pressures of fame, Skye is forced to face her dark past to regain control of her life before it spirals out of control. https://youtu.be/0HY6QFlBzUY Tyrese Gibson announced on Instagram over the weekend that he has “retired” from social media. “I’m gonna pray I’m gonna turn my comments off because I don’t want to be reminded of this very nasty and unbearable narrative that REAL MEN don’t cry 🙏,” he captioned a montage video of him at the premiere of his latest film, “1992,” Complex reports. Gibson continued, “REAL MEN these days are constantly being emasculated and someone has said lately even have the nerve to put the word TOXIC in front of MASCULINITY.. yes, the epic failure of trying to make me feel bad about literally being A MAN, an [ALPHA] MALE, protective or OUTspoken FATHER or HEAD of my HOUSEHOLD…” The announcement comes a week after the actor/singer slammed his ex-wife Samantha Lee’s push to increase her monthly payments to $40,000. “I just got another letter from her lawyers requesting that I send over all of my tax returns and all of my bank statements because she’s trying to get $20,000, and I think they’re trying to take it up to like $40[k],” Gibson previously shared with his fans and supporters, The Jasmine Brand reports. We’ve all heard it: “The customer is always right.” But in reality, how many businesses actually live by this principle? In the age of digital disruption, the companies that thrive aren’t just the ones with the best products or the most innovative technology. They’re the ones that place the customer at the very heart of everything they do. Let’s get real: most businesses claim to be customer-centric, but few genuinely are. They conduct surveys, collect feedback, and occasionally tweak their offerings based on what they hear. But that’s not true customer centricity. Real customer-centricity means designing your entire business model around the customer. It’s about making the customer’s needs, desires, and experiences the core of every decision you make. Here’s the uncomfortable truth: if you’re not obsessively focused on your customer, you’re leaving money on the table. Worse, you’re risking your business’s future. Why? Because in a market where consumers have more choices than ever, being customer-centric is no longer a nice-to-have—it’s a must-have. https://vimeo.com/1006060069 A private investigator is tracking down The Game to repay his debt owed to the woman who accused him of sexual assault. In 2019, The Game lost his appeal against an earlier verdict in which he was ordered to pay Priscilla Rainey $7 million in damages. We previously that Rainey won a $7 million judgment when the rapper failed to show up to court for hearings in 2015. In her lawsuit, she claimed The Game (born Jayceon Terrell Taylor) sexually harassed her during the taping of his reality TV show “She Got Game,” by forcibly reaching inside her dress to rub her butt and genitals in full view of others on set. Per TMZ, Rainey claims Game was high on drugs when he reached inside her dress, to “forcefully rub her bare vagina and buttocks.” The Game allegedly called her “a thirsty Gatorade mascot of a transvestite.” https://youtu.be/Y50aAcIbDW0 Arizona authorities are investigating circumstances surrounding a Wells Fargo employee who was found dead in her cubicle four days after reporting for work. NBC News reports the woman, Denise Prudhomme last scanned into the building at 7 a.m. Aug. 16 for what looked to be an ordinary day of work at her Tempe, AZ-based office. According to authorities, there was no further scan in or out of the office. On-site security called Tempe police, which responded to the Wells Fargo office in the 1100 block of West Washington Street. The call stemmed from what security believed to be a dead employee who turned out to be Prudhomme. The 60-year-old worker was pronounced dead at 4:55pm on Aug. 20. The cause of death is pending determination by the Maricopa County medical examiner, authorities stated, while noting that no obvious signs of foul play were present in the preliminary investigation. The investigation continues, NBC News mentioned, adding that it is not clear how Prudhomme was unnoticed for so long. In its report, NBC affiliate KPNX of Phoenix mentioned that Prudhomme worked in a cubicle on the third floor, away from the main aisle. Wells Fargo confirmed she sat in an underpopulated area of the building. https://youtu.be/ltFGAV_zjG4?list=RDNS4PGSvgPrTvo Lizzo is showing off her weight loss journey by flaunting her body in a revealing red bikini. RadarOnline reports that the 36-year-old Grammy winner posted several images to Instagram, writing: “All my swimsuits are red .” She also posted a video of herself on Instagram, posing in the skimpy bikini while vacationing in Bali, Indonesia. She captioned the clip: “Itsy bitsy teeny weeny red designer string bikini.” Lizzo previously revealed that she’s “been methodical, losing weight very slowly.” “I don’t really see it because if anyone who’s on a natural weight-loss journey knows, losing weight is actually the slowest thing in the world and you don’t really notice it until you notice it,” she added. https://www.instagram.com/lizzobeeating/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=e60fd587-ec0e-472c-9e5d-6062f47c71dc Also, the scale’s not really moving. But anyway, that doesn’t matter. I’m super proud of my current lifestyle,” Lizzo said. Many fans have defended Lizzo against claims that she’s using the diabetic drug Ozempic to lose weight. As Radar reports, one person online said the songstress is “clearly” working out and “not on any weightless medications”. The person continued: “She features herself working out all the time. Just go back and watch the videos. She’s inspiring me to even be more healthy and working out as well as I see the difference in her. ” https://www.instagram.com/lizzobeeating/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=e60fd587-ec0e-472c-9e5d-6062f47c71dc T.I. confirmed in an interview with Young Dro at Hot 107.9 in Atlanta that King is expecting his first child. “I got two grandchildren. I got two granddaughters. I got a grandson on the way. King is about to have a son,” T.I. shared. “I told him I’m going to make this the greatest gangsta of all time. I will raise this child to torture you the way that you tortured me. I promise you that there will be an indictment in this young one,” he joked. King’s baby news garnered mixed Twitter reactions. One X user wrote, “King Harris got someone pregnant?! Last time I remember him he couldn’t spell Tomorrow,” https://twitter.com/i/status/1830687015085416802 Another added, “I gotta see the bm cause nvm lol” A third commented, “If your daughter f**ked King Harris and reproduced his dna, you failed.” “the way I would’ve been at the nearest planned parenthood if I found out king Harris impregnated me would’ve been a world record,” wrote another X user. https://youtu.be/HdN4Dxf_iYQ Actress Emma McDonald gives fans an inside look at her pivotal role as Rahima in “The Serpent Queen” Season 2. As the drama surrounding Catherine de Medici intensifies, McDonald’s character returns as a key figure in the queen’s court, having earned a place of prominence after the dramatic events of the first season. In our exclusive conversation, McDonald discusses stepping into the role, exploring the complexities of her character, and what fans can expect from Rahima’s journey this season.” “The Serpent Queen” tells the story of Catherine de Medici (Samantha Morton) who, against all odds, became one of the most powerful and longest-serving rulers in French history. Here’s the official S2 synopsis: Catherine de Medici is Queen Regent of France now that her son, Charles IX has come of age. Distracted by the personal conflicts of the Valois children, a new mysterious prophet named Edith gains a loyal following who vow to challenge the current religious establishment, sparking tension across the country. Feeling threatened by the rising strain, the divided court turn to their own schemes for selfish benefit. The Guises commit unholy acts while the Bourbons turn to a familiar foreign sovereign, Queen Elizabeth I of England in hopes of personal gain. As France falls into political and religious turmoil, Catherine struggles to maintain her power, but The Serpent Queen will do whatever she needs to regain control. https://youtu.be/Ow4io7nYi-A T-Boz of the iconic R&B group TLC, is back in the headlines, but this time not for a new song or album or her stomach issues. But, it’s related to food. This time, she’s highlighting an unsettling experience during a recent visit to a Ruth’s Chris Steak House in North Brook Township, North Carolina. Through a series of candid videos shared on Instagram, T-Boz voiced her concerns about the treatment she and her party received, urging the restaurant chain to reconsider its policies and staff training. In her Instagram posts from August 31st, T-Boz, whose real name is Tionne Tenese Watkins, candidly discussed her frustrating experience, which began when she and her companions entered the restaurant. Despite traveling all day in comfortable attire — including a casual T-shirt and a black hat — they were met with unwelcoming circumstances immediately upon arrival. To their surprise, the group was not greeted when they entered, and over 20 minutes later, after placing their orders, a manager approached to address an issue concerning T-Boz’s hat, according to Revolt. The situation escalated when the manager requested that T-Boz remove her hat. She refused and, instead, was informed that the group would have to relocate to the bar area. While she was willing to switch locations, T-Boz pointed out an apparent inconsistency: two Black men seated nearby, also dressed casually, were allowed to remain at their table. Confused and upset, she questioned why her group was not afforded the same treatment, only to learn that the men had also been asked to move. “I don’t have a problem with rules…but it’s how you do things, too,” T-Boz expressed, highlighting her disappointment not just in the request itself, but in the manner it was communicated to her. She noted that prior to the manager’s intervention, several employees had seen her hat but had not communicated any issues, leaving her feeling singled out. https://www.instagram.com/therealtboz/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=6ccbc82b-a0ef-47a5-b5bd-8d8d3a5e1034 As her recounting of the experience continued, T-Boz emphasized the uncomfortable atmosphere, stating that it felt like a distinction in treatment between her party and other patrons. “Everybody’s crew looks like they’re seated in massa’s section,” she remarked in her final video. The 54-year-old entertainer’s words struck a chord, raising questions about racial dynamics and perceptions in high-end dining establishments. T-Boz concluded her videos by expressing concern that the restaurant staff appeared to need more education on how to treat customers fairly and courteously, stating, “It seems like all the employees need a little talking to… ‘cause they ain’t running it right, honey.” Despite the unfortunate encounter, T-Boz and her party ultimately left the restaurant without dining, with many feeling a sense of racial profiling. This incident has sparked a broader conversation on social media about the need for improved training in customer service, particularly regarding sensitivity and equitable treatment of guests. The singer’s experience resonates with many who have faced similar situations in public spaces, highlighting the importance of respectful and unbiased service in a culturally diverse society. As T-Boz brings attention to these issues, her voice adds to the ongoing dialogue about race, hospitality, and the vital role that businesses play in fostering inclusive environments for all patrons. https://youtu.be/PnuECykU_Io Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson is hitting the road on a nationwide tour to promote her new memoir, “Lovely One.” The book, according to publisher Random House, chronicles her family’s journey from segregation to her historic appointment as the first Black woman on the Supreme Court, the Associated Press reports. In a recent television interview, Katanji called it “the story of the promise of America.” “I started out thinking about how grateful I am to be in this position at this point in time,” Justice Brown Jackson told ELLE. “To be tapped as the first Black woman to do this. I felt like I wanted to share my joy by sharing my story. My story is one of inspiration and hope—a way of giving back,” she added. https://youtu.be/cIBWaJ_Sf-s Gamecocks Star Ashlyn Watkins was arrested recently on charges of assault, battery, and kidnapping. According to a warrant filed by the University of South Carolina Police Department, Watkins allegedly assaulted the victim by forcefully grabbing and pushing her, CBS News reports. She then “grabbed the victim’s head and forced her to walk down the hall, thus controlling her movement while preventing her from leaving.” The victim, said to be a minor, managed to escape and activate a fire alarm, which led to medical treatment from first responders. An attorney for the South Carolina women’s basketball player claims the incident may be a misunderstanding and asserts that Watkins did not commit the alleged crimes. During a bond hearing on Saturday, prosecutors revealed that Watkins and the victim, who has not been named, were acquainted with each other. https://youtu.be/UDlnOBtBxRM Black activists in California expressed frustration after state Democratic lawmakers postponed two significant reparation bills, warning that the decision could impact Vice President Harris’ presidential prospects. As Fox News reports Senate Bills 1403 and 1331 would have set up a reparations fund and the decision not to advance them came after intense protests and debate. “The speaker needs to bring the bills up now, now, now. These are their bills. They have their names on the bills. They’re killing their own bills because they’re scared of the governor,” a member of the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California said in the rotunda on Aug. 31. “Now listen, they’re gonna see this, and they’re gonna get mad at us. They killing their own bills, and then they’re gonna get mad at us. They’re killing their own bills because they’re scared of the governor. We don’t care. Bring the G– d— bills up now, now, now,” the speaker continued. The legislature approved measures such as returning seized land and issuing formal apologies for past injustices but did not advance broader reparations that would include direct financial payments to African Americans. Flau’jae Johnson, the LSU national champion, wants to collaborate with Adele after the release of her music video for “Came Out A Beast” (featuring Lil Wayne) which garnered over a million views. Johnson discussed her music ambitions with TMZ Sports, saying, “I’m really taking this seriously. Like I’m trying to perform arenas. I’m trying to tour. I’m trying to be a real established artist. I want to win a Grammy.” She went on to explain why she wants to work with British singer Adele and other R&B superstars. “My favorite artist of all time that sings is Adele. I love Adele. I don’t know if you would consider that R&B, but I love Adele, Alicia Keys. I like 6lack from Atlanta. He’s cold. So I don’t know, a lot of different vibes,” Johnson said. https://youtu.be/baR0ubruxCQ TMZ asked how Johnson’s late father, Jason Johnson, also known as rapper Camoflauge, would have felt about her collaborating with artists like Lil Wayne. “I think he kind of would have been bouncing up the walls. Like, for sure, this is a big moment for me in my career,” she said. “My debut project, I got Lil’ Wayne on it. The video with Lil’ Wayne, like, that’s unheard of.” Flau’jae added, “So I know he’d be proud of me. My dad actually did a song with Birdman. It’s called ‘Laying My Stunt Down.’ So it’s kind of like a full circle moment, honestly.” https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-08-30-083024-flaujae-johnson-1890511-107/ McDonald’s is introducing a highly anticipated new item, the Big Arch burger, to its menu in certain markets. Named after the brand’s iconic golden arches, this larger burger was first announced over eight months ago and is now being launched in Canada and Portugal, Indy 100 reports. The Big Arch features two quarter-pound beef patties, three slices of white cheese, crispy and regular onions, gherkins, lettuce, and a special Big Arch sauce, all served on a sesame seed bun. The CEO of McDonald’s, Chris Kempczinski, told CNN: “We think we’re going to be able to deliver a great tasting large burger at a superior value to what [customers] can get anywhere else.” https://youtu.be/zm_6xePTB1E Four people who appeared to be sleeping on a Chicago transit train were fatally shot Monday morning, police said. “The victims, they were all passengers on the train early this morning,” said Forest Park Deputy Chief Chris Chin. “The train was in motion on the way into Forest Park.” The victims may have been homeless, Chin told CNN. “We don’t know for sure what their social status is. Looking at the videos, they were asleep on the train,” Chin said. A suspect is in custody for the mass shooting, which police believe to be an isolated incident and a random attack. https://youtu.be/nXxF4tWnm40 Investigators are working with the Chicago Transit Authority to review surveillance footage of the shooting, which police said happened in two train cars: three in one car and the fourth in another. Police said surveillance video was instrumental in identifying the suspect, who was taken into custody about an hour and a half after the shooting. “The CTA has great cameras. Their surveillance cameras are excellent,” Chin said. Chin said three agencies — Forest Park Police, Chicago Police, and the CTA — worked together to track and capture the suspect. https://youtu.be/8yugKNOlbqU In a powerful convergence of culinary arts and civic engagement, the initiative Chefs for Kamala™ (www.chefsforkamala.com) is set to redefine the role of chefs and food professionals in today’s political landscape. Founded by the dynamic Chef Huda Mu’min Brown, a celebrity chef, and Telly Award-winning host, this groundbreaking community aims to harness the collective power of culinary experts, restaurateurs, beverage connoisseurs, and food enthusiasts to drive meaningful change through action. “Chefs for Kamala™ is dedicated to shaping a more equitable and sustainable future,” stated Chef Huda in a passionate call to action. Recognizing their influential position within society, chefs are uniquely equipped to tackle pressing issues like food security, sustainability, labor rights, immigration, and economic policies. Their choices—in sourcing ingredients and managing businesses—reflect broader political discourses that directly impact public health and equitable food access. As part of this initiative, chefs will engage with each other and the public through a series of calls and events. The inaugural meeting, hosted by Chef Huda® (www.chefhuda.com), brought together a roster of notable figures, including legendary comedian George Wallace and philanthropist Wanda Durant. Together, these culinary trailblazers intend to raise awareness and foster discussions around crucial issues affecting the food industry and the greater community. https://youtu.be/qfa8YSbUy8Q More than 250 news professionals representing nearly 150 media outlets attended the annual Ethnic Media Conference and Expo, and Awards held at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Sacramento on Aug. 27 and 28. Hosted by Ethnic Media Services (EMS) and California Black Media (CBM), the awards ceremony recognized journalists for their outstanding reporting in different topic areas, including health, politics, and culture. The conference sessions leading up to that event included panel discussions featuring state officials, government agencies, lobbying firms, advocacy organizations, and more. It also provided networking opportunities for news media owners and professionals from the Black, Native American, Latino, Asian, Pacific Islander, Eastern European, North African, Caribbean, and LGBTQ press. “Last year, the inaugural convening in the state capital focused on ‘meeting the decision-makers,’” said Regina Wilson, Executive Director of CBM. “This year, the emphasis is on strengthening those connections. Key decision-makers have expressed their appreciation for our return, recognizing that at a time of deep budget cuts, our community ties and communication skills are more essential than ever for building new, more equitable messaging,” Wilson added. https://youtu.be/pMgKHMcYOMA R. Kelly’s invasion of privacy lawsuit against a prison officer entered a new chapter, with the officer disputing the embattled singer’s claims against him. Citing court documents obtained by In Touch, The Blast detailed the backlash from the officer, who reportedly retired when the case broke. In his response, the unnamed lawman, who has denied all allegations of wrongdoing, argued that Kelly was “not in a place where” he should expect privacy. The officer further stated that the “Step in the Name of Love” entertainer was not harmed, noting their conduct towards Kelly was and noted neither outrageous nor intentional. Lawyers for the officer requested the court to dismiss Kelly’s allegations, offering no compensation to him for his complaint. The guard’s response marks the latest development in Kelly’s legal saga surrounding his federal lawsuit against the government and prison officials, for allegedly leaking his private information to popular YouTuber Tasha K. Chronicling events leading to the lawsuit, The Blast notes the case goes back to Kelly’s stint at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago. The vocalist’s duration there resulted following his infamous July 2019 arrest before moving to a North Carolina-based facility in 2023. The 2024 college football season kicked off with a bang on Sunday night in Las Vegas as the No. 23 USC Trojans edged past No. 13 LSU with a thrilling 27-20 win. As the clock wound down, Trojans running back Woody Marks sealed the game with a decisive 13-yard go-ahead touchdown run, showcasing the resilience and skill that has become synonymous with USC football. From the get-go, fans were treated to a back-and-forth encounter filled with breath-taking moments in the passing game. However, it was Marks’ second touchdown of the night that made all the difference, allowing the Trojans to snatch victory in an otherwise tightly contested match. The excitement of the season kick-off was palpable, and shining bright under the lights was USC wideout Kyron Hudson. The redshirt junior stole the spotlight with a remarkable one-handed catch that left the LSU defenders stunned and fans buzzing with enthusiasm. His grab has already been hailed as one of the season’s best, despite being just the opening weekend. Early in the game, the Trojans set a positive tone, but the second quarter proved challenging for their new starting quarterback, Miller Moss. Under pressure from LSU’s defense, Moss launched a prayer downfield—a move that could have skewed the momentum. Yet Hudson, expertly navigating the chaos, soared above two LSU defenders to snare the ball, demonstrating both skill and poise. https://youtu.be/lLw4RpTPsLk Flushing, New York – Coco Gauff had a mission to accomplish and an axe to grind at the 2024 US Open. She took to Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday with hopes of continuing her quest to defend her title and of getting revenge on her third-round opponent, Emma Navarro – also American. Navarro was responsible for sending her packing early at this year’s Wimbledon, so she needed to bring her A-game to get ‘er done. But … she did not. Instead, The 20-year-old tennis phenom served up 19 catastrophic double faults, made 60 unforced errors, and was unceremoniously bounced from the tournament as a result. A hoard of kids with oversized tennis balls, looking for autographs even pronounced her “toast” by prematurely rushing her side of the court before she could even start her final service game. But as they say, “out of the mouth of babes.” How exactly did her defeat unfold? Coco Gauff had been having issues with her serving in the first and second rounds of the tournament. She was collapsing her form too early and smashing balls halfway up the net, and her forehand struggles have always been locker-room fodder. But her team, led by former ATP world no. 4, Brad Gilbert, was well aware of the challenges and had the 2023 champion out on the practice courts after her first two match wins to try to put a band-aid on them just enough to get through the tournament. But the band-aid wasn’t enough. https://youtu.be/cpKY2xkZsHo She could never quite get all those cylinders firing, though, particularly that serve. Even with the crowd’s support and that never-say-die determination she’s known for, she was unable to find a way to put the ball in the service box. She was broken early in the third and deciding set as a result. And she never recovered. Turned out those “babes” were right. She was already down that break, and she put the final nail in the match by double-faulting her final service game away to lose, 3-6, 6-4, 3-6. It was a shocking collapse for fans and tennis prognosticators alike, and Coco will likely feel the sting of this one for a while. https://youtu.be/3ZqUbwa3rxg Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday of September, is a time to honor the contributions of workers to the economic and social fabric of the nation. While its origins date back to the labor movement of the late 19th century, the significance of this holiday extends beyond acknowledging laborers; it serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles for equality faced by marginalized communities, particularly African Americans. The roots of Labor Day can be traced to the 1880s, a period marked by contentious labor disputes and the rise of organized labor. African Americans played a crucial role in labor movements, advocating for fair wages and equitable treatment within a workforce heavily dominated by racial disparities. While the holiday has evolved primarily to celebrate the achievements of American workers, it also stands as a testament to the unique challenges and contributions of African American laborers. https://youtu.be/vZd5DSCW19Y In what fans are dubbing a bittersweet farewell, Adele has announced that after she concludes her Las Vegas residency, she will be taking an extended break from music. The multi-Grammy Award-winning artist expressed her emotions during her recent performance in Munich, marking the end of her highly-anticipated European shows. “I’ve really enjoyed performing… it’s been three years now, which is the longest I’ve done and probably the longest I’ll ever do,” Adele said during the final night of her Munich residency. With only ten performances left in Las Vegas, she candidly shared her sentiment towards her fans: “But after that, I will not see you for an incredibly long time, and I will hold you dear in my heart for that whole length of my break.” Adele’s emotional words struck a chord with her audience as she conveyed her need for a break. “I have spent the last seven years building a new life for myself and I want to live it now,” she shared through a heartfelt TikTok video, adding, “I want to live the life that I’ve been building.” The singer acknowledged the joy and fulfillment her shows have brought her, stating, “I will fantasize about these shows… It has been amazing.” https://youtu.be/t5BUmekG7T4 Filmmaker Lee Daniels is getting scorched after comments he made regarding the representation of a character played by Glenn Close in his latest Netflix film, “The Deliverance.” Daniels stated that Close’s character, Alberta, “is part of the fabric of our community,” which has led to significant backlash from the Black community and social media users alike. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he expressed his gratitude to Close for her portrayal and insisted that Alberta reflects a common figure within Black culture, an assertion many find problematic given the narrative’s historical context. With the film based on true events, critics are questioning the need for a white character in a story that centers around a Black family and their experiences. The outrage intensified as commenters highlighted that the real-life inspiration for the film involved an actual Black grandmother, contradicting Daniels’ assertion about the character. One user provocatively remarked, “This ni**a added a white woman to a true story that did not involve a white woman,” driving home the sentiment that his casting choices overshadow the true story, according to theJasmineBrand. Critics have also drawn comparisons to other filmmakers, suggesting that Daniels’ approach is potentially more questionable than that of Tyler Perry or Kenya Barris, further fueling the dialogue surrounding representation in Hollywood. The sentiment shared across social media platforms reflects a larger conversation about inclusivity and authenticity in film narratives focused on marginalized communities. https://eurweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Lee-Daniels-post-on-X-screenshot1.jpg As “The Deliverance” premiered in theaters on August 16, 2024, before its Netflix release on August 30, the controversy surrounding its promotion underlines a clash between cinematic interpretation and cultural accuracy. Audiences are left questioning whether Daniels’ intentions align with adequate representation and how closely films should adhere to the lived experiences of the communities they portray. This unfolding dialogue serves as a reminder of the complexities of storytelling in cinema and the importance of respecting and accurately depicting the histories and realities of diverse communities. As viewers engage with the film and its themes, the impact of Daniels’ controversial remarks will likely persist, prompting ongoing discussions about race, representation, and historical fidelity in film. As conversations continue, fans and critics alike are encouraged to reflect on the importance of profound representation in Hollywood. The backlash against Lee Daniels amplifies the need for filmmakers to approach stories—particularly those centered on marginalized groups—with sensitivity and an adherence to authenticity. In an era where cultural narratives hold significant weight, such dialogues are essential in shaping a more inclusive and accurate cinematic landscape. https://youtu.be/PDcDagDcwPA Tyrese’s new film “1992” premiered earlier this week. Several celebrities were in attendance including Tyrese’s “Fast and Furious” family, Vin Diesel and Michelle Rodriguez. The red carpet design paid homage to the 1990s, which included low-rider cars and air-bushed paintings. One was a mural of Ray Liotta who passed before the film’s release. The film is set in the early 90’s and takes place on the night of the verdict of the Rodney King case. After several, police officers who were caught on camera beating Rodney King were found not guilty. Residents of Los Angeles set the city on fire literally, especially in the Black neighborhoods. Because there is so much chaos erupting Mercer, played by Tyrese, makes plans for him and his son to take refuge at his job until things calm down. As an ex-convict trying to be better for himself and his son, he finds it best to remove them from any possible altercations. But sometimes the more we try to avoid something, the more we run right into it. On the other side of town Riggin, played by Scott Eastwood, and his father Lowell, played by the late Ray Liotta are planning the ultimate heist. As two white men who have no emotional attachment to the verdict, they see this as an opportunity to rob an otherwise highly secured warehouse. This warehouse happens to be Mercer’s place of employment. As Mercer tries to protect his son from the riots, he now needs to defend himself and his son from the robbery. The film follows the complicated relationships between father and son. Showing the complex dualities and similarities of Black and White families during a time of cultural crisis. In recent weeks, rumors of a “glitch” at Chase Bank have soared through social media platforms, revealing that some savvy customers allegedly capitalized on a flaw that allowed them to withdraw substantial sums of money, despite lacking the actual funds in their accounts. While this digital loophole appeared to offer a tempting shortcut to quick cash, it has now led to dire consequences for many, culminating in hefty negative balances and severe account restrictions. The issue reportedly unfolded when individuals used ATMs to deposit counterfeit checks or sought to secure large loans. Normally, banks follow strict protocols that necessitate several days for the verification of checks, meaning that deposited funds won’t be available for immediate withdrawal. However, in this instance, the glitch allowed individuals to access the sums almost instantly, prompting a race to the ATMs as users withdrew cash before the checks could be flagged as fraudulent, Hackerdose reported. Chase Bank was quick to uncover the exploit and responded by imposing a seven-day hold on the accounts of those involved. Alarmingly, numerous customers found themselves plunged into significant debt, with reports of balances falling into the red ranging up to $40,000. Personal testimonies flooding platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) depict the aftermath of this episode, with individuals suddenly burdened by debts they never anticipated. https://youtu.be/XvLBs5rH5p0 Vice President Kamala Harris on Wednesday published a public letter on her campaign website addressed to students at the nation’s historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) emphasizing the importance of their participation in the 2024 election and appealing to them for their support on Election Day. As a graduate of Howard University, the Democratic presidential nominee is not only poised to become the first Black and Asian president of the United States but also the first commander in chief who attended an HBCU. The letter was published the same day it was reported that young Black women voters are leading new voter registrations in 13 key states at a rate of more than 175% compared to four years ago. That’s nearly triple what it was four years ago, data firm Target Smart found in an analysis. Kamala Harris has a strong chance of beating out Donald Trump in November’s presidential election, according to new findings conducted by the Decision Desk HQ and other widely relied upon polling firms. There was a month-long pause on releasing updated data because of President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race on July 21. But with appropriate time now having passed, we are learning that Harris has a 56% chance of winning the presidency. Previously, the organization had predicted a 56% chance of a Trump victory over Biden. Decision Desk’s analysis not only incorporates current polling data, but also fundraising and partisan leanings district by district. Key updates include North Carolina shifting from Lean Republican to Toss-up, and Michigan moving from Toss-up to Lean Democratic. Other swing states like Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin remain Toss-ups, but Harris is performing better than Biden had been performing in them when he was still running. Meet Carl Baxter, a Lee County, Florida, republican and the president of the Republican Club of North and East Fort Myers. He’s mad. And he’s suing the conservative MAGA group Americans for Prosperity, claiming one of its members made racist remarks to his face during a casual conversation—which no one could have possibly seen coming unless that person happened to be literally everyone. To be fair, if you’re a Black man producing labor for a white organization and you’re not being “properly compensated for the work,” that does mean you’re kind of a…. You know what? Never mind. For whatever reason, James Muwakkil, the president of the NAACP Lee County branch, felt compelled to speak out on Baxter’s behalf, saying he’s known Baxter for 10 years and that he has no reason not to believe his story. “He’s not known as a reactionary person, then I would think that the lawsuit has merit,” Muwakkil said. “The surprise is that we’re still having to fight these battles that should’ve been won way back when the Civil War ended.” https://t.co/Va2ANmoCgE Over the years–and like other candidates for political office–Donald Trump (who was fired from his political office by millions of people in 2020), has attempted to use music to define his campaign and rally voters. Unlike other candidates, however, he has repeatedly used people’s work without permission, only to be threatened with lawsuits and artists’ public denunciation of his campaign–and at times, Trump as a person, specifically. Now, as the man convicted of 34 felonies makes his third bid for the White House, the racism, dishonesty and xenophobia that always galvanized his supporters, is on steroids in the face of running against a woman who is also Black and South Asian. And bad news for him: he’s gotten Beyoncé mad. Most recently, she threatened action against the usage–without permission–of her song Texas Hold ‘Em” at a July 31 rally in Pennsylvania for the openly racist candidate and supporter of white supremacy. On the other hand, Queen Bey–who joins a full roster of a group of headline artists including Rihanna, the Estate of Prince, Pharrell, the Estate of Isaac Hayes, Bruce Springsteen and so many others from multiple countries who have said no to Trump–gave Vice President Kamala Harris immediate approval to use her song “Freedom” during her presidential campaign. In an especially stupid move, Trump tried to use it after the VP first walked out to it, putting himself in even more potential legal crosshairs. Unless someone is as delusional as Donald Trump and his followers who choose to ignore reality and marvel at America through MAGA-red rose-colored glasses, there’s no denying that the polls have not been friendly to the ex-president as of late. As we reported on Thursday, new polling data collected by the Decision Desk HQ and other polling firms predicted that, at present, Vice President Kamala Harris has a 56% chance of winning the presidency. You just know that when Trump heard that news he immediately shouted, “FAKE NEWS” and thought, “Just wait until my buddies at Fox News have to say about this!” On Wednesday, Fox News, the network where jingoism, white nationalism and xenophobia go to present themselves as journalism, released a poll that shows Harris is ahead of Trump in three of the four key Sun Belt states — Arizona, Georgia and Nevada — with an overall lead of one point. Predictably, Trump’s campaign responded to the bad news by getting really angry at the messenger. A former Mississippi sheriff, Brett McAlpin, is asking for his federal prison sentence to be reduced after pleading guilty to torturing two Black men in an hours-long racially motivated attack, according to the Mississippi Free Press. McAlpin, who is one of six ex-Mississippi cops who called themselves “The Goon Squad,” was sentenced to 27 years, the second-longest sentence of any of the officers arrested. McAlpin’s attorney, Theodore Cooperstein, called the sentence “unreasonable,” because Aplin never left his truck while the other officers tortured Michael Corey Jenkins and Eddie Terrell Parker. “Brett was drawn into the scene as events unfolded and went out of control, but he maintained a peripheral distance as the other officers acted,” Cooperstein wrote. “Although Brett failed to stop things he saw and knew were wrong, he did not order, initiate, or partake in violent abuse of the two victims.” Cooperstein continued writing, “the collective weight of all the bad deeds of the night piled up in the memory and impressions of the court and the public, so that Brett McAlpin, sentenced last, bore the brunt of all that others had done.” Although she has health issues, T-Boz has no issue clearing the air on the status of her well-being. The TLC entertainer took to social media to update fans regarding the reasons the group has canceled multiple shows. According to T-Boz, the cancellations stem from being hospitalized various times in the past due to her battle with sickle cell, a fact she usually keeps private. To those who have mocked her health situation, karma is on the way, she stated while letting folk know why her health is something she takes very seriously. “People have died from what I just went through,” T-Boz said. To clarify, the award-winning hitmaker maintained the hospitalization “had nothing to do with sickle cell.” The weight of the condition and her connection to it has clearly taken its toll on T-Boz, who is urging fans to “stop associating my name with sickle cell. “I am Tionne Watkins, I just happen to have a disease, but it’s not who I am or all that I am,” she bluntly voiced. https://www.instagram.com/therealtboz/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=1e86b808-3cb2-4887-93a6-0ed52ac04a7b As for chatter about her being on Ozempic, the “No Scrubs” singer’s response was clear and to the point. “The ignorance is just disheartening to me,” she expressed. From there, T-Boz pointed out scar tissue she obtained from a surgery she had 24 years ago. The result from the procedure, according to The Jasmine Brand, was a blocked intestine. The scar tissue has since moved and “unblocked it” she added while reassuring fans that she is doing much better. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_EXn0Iu5jc/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=1d48adee-103f-497b-b400-462f2b0f4dab Cuba has seen a remarkable resurgence of interest in Afro hairstyles, highlighting a deep connection to African heritage and an affirmation of cultural identity. This revival, rooted in historical significance, socio-political dynamics, and contemporary fashion trends, reflects a broader movement among Afro-Cubans to reclaim their narrative and express pride in their roots. The Afro-Cuban community has a rich cultural history that dates back to the transatlantic slave trade, which brought millions of Africans to Cuba. Many of these enslaved individuals retained their cultural practices, including distinctive hairstyles that symbolized social status, ethnic identity, and connectivity to their ancestral roots. However, for decades, Afro-centric styles faced stigmatization, particularly in a society that largely idolized European beauty standards. In recent times, though, there has been a flourishing interest in these traditional hairstyles, seen not just as fashion choices but as affirmations of identity. This revitalization is a conscious act of reclaiming cultural pride and navigating the complexities of race in modern Cuba. https://youtu.be/BF45Zey3M_Q Despite a “colossal streak of bad luck,” a bit of the opposite has come to pass for former Boston Celtics forward Glen “Big Baby” Davis. The Associated Press reports the athlete, who is set to serve a three-year prison term for a fraud conviction, was granted a reprieve from the start of his sentence by Judge Valerie E. Caproni during a court hearing on Aug. 28. The order follows a request made by attorney Brendan White the day before to delay the sentence for Davis, citing a Hollywood production company’s need to finish a film project involving his client. White wrote that delays in the project stemmed from difficulties in arranging interviews with professional teammates and colleagues who needed to speak with Davis on film. The project is a documentary on Davis’ life. The ex-NBA standout was scheduled to begin serving his three-year, four-month stint for defrauding NBA players involved with the NBA Players’ Health and Benefit Welfare Plan and their families of more than $5 million. In her order granting postponement, Caproni pushed back Davis’ deadline to report to prison on Sept. 1 to start his seven-week sentence, writing that he “owes significant restitution” to a victim and she hopes that “optimism about the financial rewards of the film is warranted.” https://youtu.be/pZnvuzgKV6g After the highly contentious 2020 U.S. presidential election, Ruby Freeman and her daughter Shaye Moss found themselves thrust into the national spotlight. The pair, who participated in the vote-counting process in Fulton County, Georgia, were wrongly accused of misconduct, which paved the way for a painful journey defined by false claims and personal upheaval. The duo’s battle for justice has now taken a pivotal turn, as they plead for accountability from former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who has been ordered to turn over his assets to meet a substantial defamation judgment against him. After the election, Freeman and Moss, who served as temporary election workers, became the targets of conspiracy theories that alleged they engaged in fraudulent activities to manipulate the vote. These egregious falsehoods were escalated by political figures and media personalities, resulting in devastating consequences—not only for their reputations but also for their safety. Their harrowing experience speaks to a broader issue of disinformation and its impact on individuals at the forefront of the electoral process. Recent developments have seen Freeman and Moss filing a motion in a Manhattan District Court to compel Giuliani to relinquish his East Side apartment, a Florida condo, and even iconic New York Yankees memorabilia. This legal move comes after a jury awarded the pair a staggering $148 million due to Giuliani’s false claims. The election workers’ request highlights their determination to secure justice and compensation for the damages inflicted upon them. In a troubling twist, a federal judge recently dismissed Giuliani’s bankruptcy case, a decision that brings Freeman and Moss closer to acquiring the restitution they deserve. This legal obstacle was cleared following allegations of Giuliani shielding assets, an assertion that has heightened tensions in this case. Meanwhile, the former Trump lawyer’s efforts to sell his lavish New York co-op have proven unsuccessful, as he struggles under the weight of crippling debts. Stevie Wonder continues to captivate audiences even in his later years. With an illustrious career spanning over six decades, Wonder has not only made significant strides in the genres of R&B, soul, funk, and pop but has also established himself as a potent voice for change. Born Stevland Hardaway Morris on May 13, 1950, in Saginaw, Michigan, his life story is one of resilience, creativity, and dedication, starting from a premature birth that left him blind to becoming a cultural icon and advocate for social justice. From an early age, Wonder displayed an extraordinary musical talent, mastering multiple instruments including the piano, harmonica, and drums. His journey into the music industry began at age 11, when he was signed to Motown’s Tamla label, launching his first album, “The Jazz Soul of Little Stevie,” in 1962. The 1970s marked a transformative period in his career, producing seminal albums like “Talking Book,” “Innervisions,” and “Songs in the Key of Life.” These records not only showcased his innovative fusion of musical styles but also addressed pressing societal issues, exemplified in acclaimed tracks such as “Superstition,” “Higher Ground,” “Isn’t She Lovely,” and “I Wish.” As musical trends evolved, so did Wonder’s dynamic style, integrating jazz, funk, pop, and reggae influences that inspired countless musicians worldwide. His recognition is punctuated by an impressive collection of 25 Grammy Awards, alongside the esteemed Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award bestowed upon him in 1996. Even beyond the accolades, his influence on the music industry and his impact on social causes are equally profound. Stevie Wonder is equally known for his activism, championing civil rights, disability awareness, and education. His pivotal role in advocating for Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday to be recognized as a national holiday exemplifies his commitment to social justice. His enduring relevance is evidenced by his recent appearance at the Democratic National Convention and the release of his latest single, “Can We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart?,” Variety reports. https://youtu.be/CEr7dbJ2MKo Tragedy struck the music world as rapper Fatman Scoop, born Isaac Freeman III, passed away at the age of 53 following a medical emergency during a performance in Hamden, Connecticut. The towering figure of hip hop, who became a household name in the 1990s with his club anthem “Be Faithful,” captivated audiences with his charisma and larger-than-life personality. On the night of his performance at the “Green & Gold Party,” Freeman was seen energized and shirtless, rallying the crowd at Town Center Park. As he stepped up to the DJ booth’s platform, he suddenly collapsed, leaving fans bewildered and concerned, as reported by the NY Post. Eyewitness footage (watch below) captured the moment, showing fellow artists and audience members rushing to aid him, performing chest compressions while others led fervent prayers for his recovery. Emergency services were called promptly at 8:33 p.m., just over an hour after Freeman was scheduled to perform. He was swiftly moved to a local hospital, but despite efforts to save him, the musician’s life could not be preserved. Hamden Mayor Lauren Garrett shared the heartbreaking news via social media, asking the community to keep Freeman in their thoughts during this difficult time. https://youtu.be/nOTvmFbSHsI Just after dawn on a recent spring morning, police dressed in tactical gear and armed with a search warrant pounded on the front door of an upscale home in a quiet suburban neighborhood an hour outside San Francisco. When no one answered, the officers with California’s Department of Cannabis Control, which polices the legal sale of marijuana in the state, took a battering ram to the steel-reinforced door. When the door didn’t budge, they used a power saw to cut their way through a fortified back entrance and into the spacious five-bedroom property. Inside, investigators found precisely what they were looking for: evidence of yet another black-market marijuana operation hidden in plain sight amid the cookie-cutter homes of suburbia. They removed 80 pounds of weed from the pricey two-story home in Antioch, California. With curious neighbors looking on, they repeated the spectacle twice more on the same block that morning in late April. The raids filled a dump truck with about $1 million worth of illicit weed cultivated by unlicensed growers. Although cars were parked in the driveways, no people were found in any of the homes and no arrests were made. https://youtu.be/c8jNL6OLCv0 More than a decade after Gary Coleman’s death, a new documentary is bringing back the notion that his wife is behind his untimely passing. Citing claims made in the film, titled “Gary,” Radar Online mentioned that Coleman did not pass away due to natural causes. The culprit, according to the outlet, was Shannon Price, who married the “Diff’rent Strokes” fixture several months after meeting in early 2007. Before the allegations against Price, Coleman’s death was initially ruled an accident after suffering a fall in his Santaquin, Utah-based home. Commenting on the situation, medical examiners said the fall resulted in a fatal intracranial hemorrhage. Despite this, “Gary” promotes the notion of something else coming into play than a simple fall due to his short stature. Among those believing Price is responsible for the entertainer’s demise is his longtime friend and former business manager Dion Mial, along with Coleman’s friends Darren Nord and Brandi Buys. The trio believes that Price had something to do with the tragedy. “We were absolutely stumped because there were way too many questions with no answers,” Mial said. Nord agreed, labeling circumstances surrounding Coleman’s death “suspicious.” https://youtu.be/PKf4PC0pFdI Donald Trump said Friday that he will not support a ballot referendum to expand abortion access in his home state of Florida just 24 hours after suggesting he might. His decision gives Kamala Harris ammunition to use against him. The rush to clarify his stance followed intense blowback from anti-abortion advocates online, leading to concerns among Republicans that Trump’s continued waffling on abortion might lose him some deeply religious voters in a tightening race. The episode marked the latest illustration of Trump straining to navigate the new era of post-Roe politics that he helped create. Trump, whose ever-evolving views on reproductive health have traversed every side of the debate, has long expressed concerns about the political fallout from the 2022 Supreme Court decision to end the constitutional right to an abortion. Though he has sought credit for installing the three conservative justices that tipped the court to overturn Roe v. Wade, Trump earlier this year said future questions about access should be left to the states. https://youtu.be/VC3aZxHYGYI The California legislative session ends today (08-31-24), and two vital reparations bills aimed at addressing the discriminatory legacies faced by Black residents will not be heard. This outcome has significant ramifications for the state’s ongoing efforts to atone for its historical injustices. The California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), in an exclusive response to California Black Media/CBM, confirmed that these bills would not progress to a vote before the end-of-session deadline, effectively halting their potential enactment after years of advocacy and struggle. The two bills in question sought to establish a reparations fund and create an agency dedicated to overseeing and implementing reparation programs across California. The Geffen Playhouse welcomed an evening of veteran cultural identity monologues in the form of the production “Beyond the Barracks.” The Geffen Playhouse’s educational and community engagement division recently hosted a spirited event for a packed house of veterans and their families. The evening was wrought with one textured story after another. Beyond the Barracks purposefully pays homage to the great sense of respect and duty for the mission of our Armed services. However, each monologue is a living testimony of the cultures and conflicts that gird those in service behind the uniform and off the battlefield. While patriotic, Beyond the Barracks also gave voice to controversial and once-prohibited topics of sexuality, sexual misconduct, racial discrimination, and gender bias. Each performer served in the U. S. Marine Corps, U. S. Navy, U. S. Army, and the U. S. Air Force. The presentations were dramatic, comedic, heartwarming, and poignant. One has a sense of who the person is before they are uniformed and act as one. Memories of home-cooked food, neighborhood brawls, family ties, and a sense of duty permeated the candid confessions. Film producers, directors, talent agents, and short films from the U.S., U.K., Singapore, Ireland, France, and French Polynesia are what the 8th annual Imagination Lunchbox International Film Fests offers from Saturday, September 21, 2024, to Sunday, September 29. All activities have free admission and are held virtually and at various locations in Baltimore. The Imagination Lunchbox International Children’s Film Festival was launched in 2015 by multi-award-winning actor/filmmaker Anthony Michael Hobbs (www.Anthony-Michael.com) to provide a platform to screen and award shorts made by youth like himself at the time and adults for youth. Speakers at the workshops will include John Wesley (Wesley One Prods. & Executive Producer at BET Networks) talking on film production; Ursula V. Battle (Battlestage Plays & writer for The Baltimore Times) to talk on casting and scriptwriting; and speaking virtually via Zoom will be Chuck Borden (Fast & Furious movies & Star Trek movies via FacePlant Films) talking on film directing and stunt actions and Attorney Richard B. Jefferson (LawyersRock.com) is providing an “Ask a Lawyer” session to close out the workshops. A proposal to put golf courses in a Florida state park — which has landed Gov. Ron DeSantis in hot water politically — involved two of the biggest names in professional golf history: Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus. The proposal to build courses at Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Southeast Florida is now put on hold after bipartisan pushback and protests across the state. But had the idea received state approval, and both Woods and Nicklaus would have been involved in course-design work. “There were actually going to be at least two courses; one would be a Tiger course and one would be a Jack course,” Eugene Stearns, an attorney who represents Nicklaus, told NBC News. He said Nicklaus, who has designed more than 300 courses across the world, would have done the work free of charge had the proposal become a reality. “For Jack, it was a charitable issue,” Stearns said. The proposal — which was first reported by the Tampa Bay Times — was part of changes to nine state parks that also included the addition of amenities like pickle ball courts and new lodges. Golf courses, however, were the biggest point of controversy from the proposal. A DeSantis administration official said the plans were not finalized and they expected pushback. But things spiraled too quickly before they were ready when they were made public. Talk show legend Wendy Williams recently made a rare public appearance in New Jersey at the Bolingo Balance. She was seen shopping at the store owned by Victor Bowman, the son of the late herbalist Dr. Sebi. An employee at Bolingo Balance told Page Six that Williams was “sharp, upbeat and aware” and “very bubbly.” She was “engaging but wasn’t as familiar with what we do here, so her son was more explaining things.” Her son, Kevin Hunter Jr., was with her throughout the outing, which comes amid continued concerns about her well-being. Earlier this year, Williams’ medical care team announced that she was diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD).“Wendy is still able to do many things for herself,” the team said, People reports. “Most importantly she maintains her trademark sense of humor and is receiving the care she requires to make sure she is protected and that her needs are addressed. She is appreciative of the many kind thoughts and good wishes being sent her way.” According to a press release, Williams, 60, was officially diagnosed last year. She has been contending with various other health challenges, including Graves’ disease, lymphedema, and alcohol abuse. https://twitter.com/PopBase/status/1828194547773415868/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1828194547773415868%7Ctwgr%5Eb82ba9c287fec3dce978830d1452aca5f31c2b50%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fwendy-williams-makes-rare-public-appearance-in-new-jersey%2F NFL star Cam Newton has expressed his desire to have more children with multiple women but has chosen to avoid marriage. He explained his reasoning for wanting to remain single in a new interview with celebrity psychologist Dr. Cheyenne Bryant. During their chat, Newton revealed that he has eight children with three different women and wants to have more. “A lot of people see my situation and think that I’m not ‘high-functioning’…I’m not married…I have beautiful children…my desire to get married is lower than my fear of divorce,” the former Carolina Panthers quarterback explained, The Jasmine Brand reports. “So as you would say it, Dr. Bryant, I didn’t say it, you said it, and I would agree – I’m just taking my time,” he added. Dr. Cheyenne Bryant responded by suggesting that he is not being slow but is instead being “highly proactive” and “selectively engaged” in his approach. https://twitter.com/i/status/1827394499699671186 “You’re not taking your time, you’re being very action-based,” she said. “You have 8 kids with three different women you are creating, procreating, and multiplying. That is not taking your time. You’re being very selectively active,” Dr. Bryant added. “You are proactively choosing where you want to be active … you want to take your time in having a wife because of your own fears, but you will – and I say this with all respect and love…you will selfishly create broken families even if you’re in their life and a proactive father…these families are still broken,” Dr. Bryant explained. “Every child can not have papa in the house with them…So some child, if not all – all – will end up with some kind of deficit.” Dr. Bryant noted that Newton’s “selfish actions,” driven by fear, contribute to the behavior being “low functioning.” https://youtu.be/Y0myxTh6YVQ TikTok food critic Keith Lee faced backlash in Washington, D.C., after expressing disappointment with the local cuisine, stating that most of the food he tried was alcohol focused. “Out of those 12, I probably only have one or two more that I’m going to post,” said Lee in a video to his online followers. And, there’s a reason for that. A lot of those videos, in my opinion, aren’t constructive at all,” he added. Social media users had mixed but largely supportive reactions to Lee’s critique, with many understanding his disappointment while others defended D.C.’s food scene. Despite the controversy, a significant number of fans stood by Lee’s honest reviews. One X user wrote, “So he’s being responsible with his platform & not using his influence to mess up restaurants owners livelihoods. Keith Lee keeping a positive platform is on brand & he shouldn’t be criticized for it.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1828310871937794438 Another X user added, “Food critics travel the world and post their reviews positive or negative. I get that certain critics have big names & if they’re too critical of a restaurant it could hurt business, BUT THAT IS HOW THE FOOD INDUSTRY WORKS. Why should black food critics have to hide poor reviews to save the restaurant from humiliation when that’s not their responsibility? I hate this and I’ll take it a step further, I think Keith Lee is doing this to protect his own safety. I think he feels if he does his job and report his honest opinion on these places, there could be physical retaliation. Which is sad and pathetic in itself.” In a separate TikTok video, Lee said “all the restaurants” in D.C. are “geared directly towards alcohol. If you don’t drink, it seems like it’s slim pickings. I’m talking about everything. Alcohol, bottomless, topless…I don’t drink, so I’m hungry.” https://twitter.com/GeorgeFoster72/status/1828423838628999522/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1828423838628999522%7Ctwgr%5E4c59fb462cb2be21e0c113c2916e8952905cc531%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fkeith-lee-faces-death-threats-after-criticizing-d-c-food-scene%2F As Brobible reports, Lee’s brother, a former UFC fighter, addressed the threat, but Ant Glizzy appeared unfazed, claiming in a tweet that his own brother is a “known assassin.” One X user replied to Ant Glizzy’s post, writing, “Professional assassin and still ain’t sh*t or known 😂” Another added, “yo brother a b*tch ni**a.” A third commented, “Why you mad about another ni**a opinion.” https://twitter.com/BarbarasonGMG/status/1828865348830920991/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1828865348830920991%7Ctwgr%5E4c59fb462cb2be21e0c113c2916e8952905cc531%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fkeith-lee-faces-death-threats-after-criticizing-d-c-food-scene%2F A couple in Maryland was found shot to death in their bed, surrounded by 42 spent shell casings in what police describe as a “crime of rage and anger.” RadarOnline reports that the incident occurred on around 1:30 a.m. on August 25, while four young children, all under the age of 11, were in the home. The children hid for hours before calling 911. The victims, Crimea Baker, 33, and Sean Lange, 34, shared one child together. Fortunately, none of the children ages 11, 10, 9, and 7 months, were harmed and are now under social services’ care. “Based on the conversations with the children, it happened about 1:30 in the morning and we believe, based on what the children told us, they hid in the house until morning until they felt safe, to try to figure out what had happened,” Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins said at a press conference. “I can’t imagine what’s going through their minds. One of the children discovered his mother and the gentleman in the bed, dead, at the time. I can only say their lives are destroyed, upside-down right now,” Jenkins added.https://youtu.be/tIuubNDAIAI Despite the win – the team’s first since last October – Sanders said it wasn’t time for going over the top with celebrations. “You ever felt like, you won but you didn’t win?” ‘Coach Prime’ said, per the Buffaloes website. “Giving up the last touchdown on the run, that bothered me, because we pride ourselves on going to get the quarterback, and we have a multitude of young men that can go get the quarterback and we didn’t get that done. “But I’m thankful. I think 31 NFL scouts were on hand tonight and I think they saw what they came to see. So let’s move on from there. I’m going to try my best to hold back my anger, but we got the W, so I’m happy.” Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders was the star of the show on Thursday, throwing for 445 yards and four touchdowns against NDSU. Three of those scores went to Travis Hunter, the team’s hybrid wide receiver and cornerback, who also finished with seven total catches and 132 yards. Jimmy Horn Jr. also caught seven passes for 198 yards and a touchdown. https://youtu.be/TRpFIhjSH_M After the victory, Sanders – who is the youngest son of the team’s head coach – paid tribute to his connection with Hunter, harking back to their days at Jackson State University together. “Years and years and years of connections, years of talking about different things,” the 22-year-old said. “He plays defensive back, so he understands body position, he understands a lot of things a lot of receivers don’t understand. “So that’s like the pro of having him out there. He gets out there and he handles his business. We’re just locked in mentally.” Next up for Colorado is a trip to Lincoln’s Memorial Stadium to face the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Saturday, September 7. https://youtu.be/TRpFIhjSH_M Steph Curry secured his future with the Golden State Warriors by signing a one-year, $62.6 million extension, making it the highest single-season contract in NBA history and keeping him with the team through 2027. This deal pushes Curry’s career earnings past $500 million, joining LeBron James and Kevin Durant in this milestone. Meanwhile, LeBron signed a two-year, $104 million contract with the Lakers, which includes a player option and a no-trade clause, but his earnings are lower due to the Lakers’ salary cap constraints. “I’ve always said I want to be a Warrior for life,” Curry, 36, told Marc Spears Andscape in July, The Mirror reports. “At this stage in my career, I feel like that’s possible.” Curry has spent all 15 seasons of his NBA career with the Warriors. He is a two-time MVP and has won four championships with the team, most recently in 2022, when he was named Finals MVP. Former President Barack Obama recently shared a nostalgic post on social media, recalling the moment he wore a tan suit during his presidency, which sparked controversy at the time. In a post on X (formally Twitter) he commends Vice President Kamala Harris for donning a similar tan suit at the recent Democratic National Convention, Indy 100 reports. Obama reflected on the fashion moment from 2014, when his choice of attire stirred debate, with critics deeming it “unpresidential.” A decade later, he posted a side-by-side comparison of himself and Harris, both wearing the tan suit. “How it started. How it’s going,” Obama wrote. “Ten years later, and it’s still a good look!” The post, which you can view below, has received nearly 80 million views. As we reported earlier, Barack and Michelle Obama endorsed Harris for president last month after President Joe Biden announced he would end his presidential re-election campaign and threw his support behind the vice president. https://twitter.com/BarackObama/status/1828933458460389523/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1828933458460389523%7Ctwgr%5Ed4319623c0630823c84038eedf6e0ec3f2ce1e39%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fobama-reflects-on-controversial-tan-suit-while-praising-harris%2F As PEOPLE reports, in a video released by the Harris campaign, Michelle said, “I can’t have this phone call without saying to my girl Kamala: I am proud of you. This is going to be historic.” Barack added: “Michelle and I couldn’t be prouder to endorse you and do everything we can to get you through this election and into the Oval Office.” “I just wanna tell you that the words you have spoken and the friendship that you have given over all these years mean more than I can express,” Harris said. “And we’re gonna have some fun with this, too, aren’t we?” Michelle replied, “We’ve got to work now. All of us, you know. It’s time to stop wringing our hands, it’s time to stop complaining, it’s time for us to rally around you, your candidacy. This is not on you, it’s not just on you and Doug, it’s on all of us.” https://youtu.be/l2D4P02HfGk “The View” will have a fresh look this September as the show moves to a brand-new studio in New York City for the new season. “After 10 years and 2,143 episodes, this is the last show we’ll do from this studio,” co-host Sunny Hostin said earlier this month, TV Line reports. “We’re sad to say goodbye,” she continued, “but we are thrilled to be moving to a brand-new studio downtown — brand-new, state-of-the-art — and we will see you there in September for the premiere of Season 28!” The daytime talk show also announced the big move in a statement on Instagram. “Get ready for a new ‘View’ as we end this chapter after 10 years in our studio on New York City’s Upper West Side!” the post reads. “See you in September from our new, state-of-the-art studio in downtown Manhattan when we kick off season 28! Here’s a look behind the scenes of our photo shoot for this past season in studio TV1.” https://www.instagram.com/theviewabc/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=6303aca9-51d9-4b44-afb0-0707ad047271 Per TV Line: “From its 1997 launch until 2014, production of The View was held at ABC Television Studio 23 in New York City. From 2014 on, the daytime talker taped at ABC Broadcast Center (at 30 West 67th Street).” “We’ve had to, for the past couple of weeks, box up things, get rid of things… We were allotted, each host, five huuuuge cartons. I took up two, Sara [Haines] took up all five and was looking for more!” said Hostin. “And Ana [Navarro], please don’t say that you were a purger, because I think you had over 50 pairs of shoes in your [dressing] room,” Hostin added. Season 28 of “The View will” premiere after Labor Day. https://www.instagram.com/theviewabc/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=8796d1d4-02d5-4ce6-aca0-a946bb5b8d53 In a moment that would reshape the 2024 political landscape, Vice President Kamala Harris shared her thoughts on a pivotal phone call with President Biden that led to his unexpected decision to withdraw from the presidential race. This revelation came during Harris’s first interview since securing the Democratic nomination, where she recounted the surprising news that interrupted a cherished family weekend. On what seemed like a serene Sunday afternoon, Harris told CNN’s Dana Bash that she was focused on cooking bacon for her nieces, preparing for a fun puzzle session with her loved ones. However, the tranquility was abruptly halted by a phone call from the President. Harris recalled, “It was a lovely day, and then the phone rang.” Biden informed Harris that due to mounting pressure following a disappointing June debate, he would not be seeking reelection. “My first reaction was to ensure he was certain about his decision,” Harris remarked. Despite the seismic implications of the news, she said his endorsement of her candidacy was already clear and unsolicited. https://youtu.be/xK-o3QtEZkI Most know Chadwick Boseman as one of the greatest actors known for his portrayal of T’Challa in “Black Panther” in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Nonetheless, his greatest role was as a Philanthropist. From his roots in Anderson, South Carolina, Boseman had firsthand knowledge of the importance of helping people, as others had helped him on his road to stardom. In the 1990s at Howard University where Boseman was studying to become a director at Howard University, Actress Phylicia Rashad was Boseman’s acting teacher and mentor. She knew he was special. So when he was in need of a sponsor to pay his tuition to the British American Drama Academy’s Midsummer at Oxford Program at Oxford University, Oxford, England, UK, Rashad asked actor/director Denzel Washington if would he pay his tuition and he said yes! Boseman never forgot Denzel’s act of kindness and would often say, that there would be no Black Panther without his support. In 2018, the proficient performer delivered a powerful commencement speech at Howard University encouraging students to rise above traumatic experiences and applauding their campus activism. Boseman’s philanthropic force paid it forward. He donated his time to work with several cancer foundations as he suffered from his four-year battle with cancer. He made it known when he frequented St. Jude’s and other childhood cancer treatment centers to surprise young fans with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In April 2020, the actor donated $4.2 million worth of PPE equipment to hospitals serving Black communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. As Aretha would say, “beautiful gowns, beautiful gowns…” That’s the impression that Naomi Osaka ultimately left on the deflated New York crowd as she tumbled out of the 2024 US Open on Thursday night. It was only her second round of action in her bid to reclaim her former glory as a 2-time champion. The match did give her a chance to show off the black version of her Japanese culture-inspired outfit, however: “I need to win this match (round one) so I can wear my other color. That was very important to me,” she said after her first-round win. She made good on her determination to win that match, taking out the hard-hitting Latvian, Jelena Ostapenko in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6 on Tuesday … but maybe she should’ve had another color on tap so she could’ve taken that same focus into round two. https://youtu.be/iMhWfyyommE Nijah Brenea and Sh’Kia Augustin discuss the intense and drama-filled second season of “Kold x Windy” on ALLBLK. This season unpacks the turbulent lives of rising hip-hop and drill star Malika “Kold” Wise, played by Augustin, and her confidant Renee “Windy” Johnson, portrayed by Brenea. As Kold, now pregnant with her late fiancé’s child, struggles with anxiety and violent outbursts, she finds herself slipping back into the life she fought so hard to escape. Meanwhile, Windy remains fiercely committed to the duo’s music and street reputation, all while battling her own inner demons. With new characters, betrayals, and escalating conflict, season two promises to push both women to their limits. https://youtu.be/ze0GOIQj0Lo Paramount+ released the official trailer for the new psychological thriller “APARTMENT 7A,” based on the novel “Rosemary’s Baby” by Ira Levin. The story is set in 1965 New York City, and tells the story before the legendary horror classic Rosemary’s Baby, exploring what happened in the infamous Bramford building before Rosemary moved in, per the news release. Here’s the synopsis: An ambitious young dancer Terry Gionoffrio (Julia Garner, Ozark) dreams of fame and fortune in New York City, but, after suffering a devastating injury, an older, wealthy couple (Dianne Wiest, I Care a Lot, and Kevin McNally, Pirates of the Caribbean film series) welcomes her into their home in the luxury apartment building the Bramford. When fellow resident and influential Broadway producer (Jim Sturgess, Across the Universe) offers her another chance at fame, it seems that all her dreams are finally coming true. However, after an evening she can’t fully remember, disturbing circumstances soon have her second-guessing the sacrifices she’s willing to make for her career as she realizes that something evil is living not only in Apartment 7A, but in the Bramford itself. https://youtu.be/Kj2GqMvhbNM The entertainment world bid farewell to a beloved figure this week as Betty A. Bridges, the accomplished actress and devoted mother, passed away at the age of 83. Her death, which occurred on August 27th at her son Todd Bridges‘ home in Phoenix where she was receiving hospice care, has sparked an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and fans alike. Betty is perhaps best known for her guest roles on some of television’s most iconic shows, including “Good Times,” “ER,” and “Ally McBeal.” With a career spanning over four decades, she made her mark in Hollywood, captivating audiences with her versatility and charm. Her journey in the entertainment industry began in the 1970s when she appeared in notable guest roles on series like “Charlie’s Angels” and “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman.” Betty’s television credits reflect her ability to blend seamlessly into various genres, showcasing her talent alongside legendary productions such as “Hill Street Blues,” “Dallas,” and “Diff’rent Strokes.” While her son Todd Bridges gained fame as a star on “Diff’rent Strokes,” Betty’s legacy extends far beyond her familial connections. A dedicated acting coach, she co-founded the Kane Bridge Academy, where she nurtured emerging talent, particularly children and minorities. Betty’s commitment to education shaped the careers of many actors, including Nia Long and Regina King, proving her influence in the industry reached far and wide. In addition to her on-screen and educational contributions, Betty was renowned for her compassion and support for her family. She played a pivotal role in her son Todd’s recovery from addiction, with her unwavering support serving as a testament to the importance of family during difficult times. https://youtu.be/qmdNsKFZEp4 Making a momentous return, four-time GRAMMY® Award-winning multiplatinum singer, songwriter, actress, host, and “Queen of Contemporary Gospel Music” Yolanda Adams unveils her first new solo single in over a decade entitled “Church Doors." It heralds the arrival of her first full-length offering since 2011 and Epic Records debut album, Sunny Days, on September 13, 2024. “Church Doors” lands on DSPs as part of a three-track bundle, including the Original Mix, Remix featuring Terry Hunter, Sir The Baptist, and Donald Lawrence & Co, and Extended Remix featuring J. Ivy, Terry Hunter, Sir The Baptist, and Donald Lawrence & Co. GRAMMY® Award-winning artist J. Ivy helped produce both remixes. She will also share the official music video alongside the single release, directed by acclaimed director and choreographer Fatima Robinson. Esteemed actor Woody McClain is featured as the lead in the video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNQhH7UY7ws Irv Gotti has announced that a new project focusing on the life of the late rapper DMX is in development. The co-founder of Murder Inc. Records confirmed the project while also providing a health update following a stroke. “Irv has been struggling with diabetes for years, which caused him to have a minor stroke over six months ago,” his rep said in a statement, Vibe reports. “He has since changed his diet to eating more healthy. He’s been successful in making a full recovery. Irv is not in a rehab facility. He is at home with his family, enjoying life,” the rep added. Gotti said, “I’m getting older. That’s all. Only thing worse than getting old is not getting old.” Objectively Good Media is developing “Seventy-Two,” a biopic about Steve Harvey. According to Deadline, the film, which will be produced by Mohamed Kheir and Matthew R. Cooper for OGM, along with Harvey and Thabiti Stephens of East 112, will focus on a pivotal 72-hour period before Harvey’s key 1993 Apollo Theatre performance. The biopic aims to offer an in-depth look at Harvey’s journey from leaving a stable job to pursuing comedy, highlighting the challenges and personal struggles he faced leading up to a career-changing moment. A writer has not yet been assigned to the project. “I’ve been reluctant to make a movie about my life for years, until I read the pitch for Seventy-Two,” Harvey stated. “It focuses on one of the most difficult moments in my journey and career, and shows the world that hope is never truly lost. Wait until you see what we do with this.” Per Deadline, OGM’s Kheir said “securing the rights to tell this story has been an incredible honor. Steve Harvey’s ability to turn his trials into triumphs is inspiring, and Seventy-Two will showcase the resilience and determination that defined those pivotal days. We look forward to sharing this powerful narrative with audiences worldwide.” In related news, we reported earlier that Harvey appeared to threaten fellow comedian Katt Williams for insulting him on Club Shay Shay earlier this year. The U.S. government’s auction of Dame Dash’s one-third stake in Roc-A-Fella Records, originally scheduled for August 29, has been delayed to September 22. Hot New Hip Hop reports that the auction aims to cover an $823K judgment Dash owes to Josh Webber from a 2022 lawsuit. Additionally, both New York City and the state are seeking funds from the sale due to Dash’s unpaid child support and significant tax debts. Dash allegedly owes $197,000 in unpaid child support and $8.7 million in unpaid taxes. The delay of the auction allows time to set a higher minimum bid, with Webber’s attorney working on a plan to distribute the proceeds. “We look forward to upcoming court conference so that all interested parties can be heard and the court can decide who gets what, and in what priority from the forthcoming public auction,” Dash’s lawyer, Natraj Bhushan, said. Dash responded in a rant on Instagram Live. “They had some bum-a** board meeting and all of a sudden he gets first right of refusal. I don’t really care. It don’t slow nothing down for me,” he explained, per Hot New Hip Hop. “Now I don’t know how deep homie’s pockets is. I’m curious if he’s gonna match that. I put an offer on the table, lemme see if he’ll match it. But it was from other people.” New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of … there’s nothing you can’t do!” Alicia Keys and Jay-Z said a mouthful there, effectively capturing the vibe of the field of 2024 US Open entrants looking to hoist the big trophy. Among them, Coco Gauff. Coco beat the odds and achieved her dream this time last year. She took down frontrunner and ball-striking-goliath, Aryna Sabalenka to become the 2023 US Open champion. She was then-fueled by a summer surge where she won DC and Cincinnati. That gave her the confidence and belief that she could punctuate the season with the big win. She became the face of women’s tennis by doing just that. But this 2024 season has been different. Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday offered her most expansive explanation to date on why she’s changed some of her positions on fracking and immigration, telling CNN’s Dana Bash her values haven’t shifted but that her time as vice president provided a new perspective on some of the country’s most pressing issues. https://youtu.be/Tt2KluwIaek In the CNN exclusive sit-down interview, Harris also said she would name a Republican to serve in her Cabinet if elected. And she brushed off her rival’s questioning of her racial identity, dismissing Donald Trump’s suggestion she “happened to turn Black” as the “same old, tired playbook.” Pressed by Bash on her reversals on fracking and decriminalizing illegal border crossings, Harris sought to explain why her positions had changed. https://youtu.be/rqkwbsUxQZg And she pointed to her record as California attorney general, when she prosecuted gangs accused of cross border trafficking, as an indication of her values on immigration. “My values have not changed. So that is the reality of it. And four years of being vice president, I’ll tell you, one of the aspects, to your point, is traveling the country extensively,” she said, pointing to her 17 visits to Georgia since becoming vice president. “I believe it is important to build consensus, and it is important to find a common place of understanding of where we can actually solve problems.” https://youtu.be/6rpgiaPHG3Q Embracing her vow to act as a president for “all Americans,” Harris said in the interview she would appoint a Republican to her Cabinet if elected, though said she did not have a particular name in mind. “I’ve got 68 days to go with this election, so I’m not putting the cart before the horse,” she said. “But I would, I think. I think it’s really important. I have spent my career inviting diversity of opinion. I think it’s important to have people at the table when some of the most important decisions are being made that have different views, different experiences. And I think it would be to the benefit of the American public to have a member of my Cabinet who was a Republican.” https://youtu.be/iUVTAKT98oY A viral video featuring a group of Black women has sparked widespread discussion online as they candidly explain their reasons for not supporting Kamala Harris in the upcoming election. The video, titled “I’m Not With Her” is fueling a larger conversation about the vice president’s impact and policies within the Black community. The women in the viral video express their intention to vote for Donald Trump in the upcoming election, citing their dissatisfaction with Kamala Harris as a key factor in their decision. “I and millions of others Black Americans will cast my vote for Donald J. Trump,” Bebe Diamond of New York City said in the video. https://youtu.be/PLjhQ2gDfk4 Usher fans were puzzled when a moment from his Washington, D.C. performance on the “Past Present Future” tour went viral, with some accusing him of using a body double during a costume change. Social media users were quick to point out that the man on the stage didn’t look like nor sound like the R&B superstar. Watch the moment and judge for yourself via the TikTok pos. Many are now convinced that the man onstage was a clone. “That ain’t no damn Usher,” one Instagram user wrote in The Neighborhood Talk‘s comments section. “He told yall he needed a break lol now yall got the temu usher,” another person added, Hot New Hip Hop reports. “Was Usher in the room with y’all,” one person wrote on TikTok. Another user added, “This can’t be the same Usher I saw in Vegas.” https://www.tiktok.com/@yuh.master/video/7406391062308080942?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fusher-hit-with-clone-rumors-after-viral-clip-surfaces%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121451205%2C121439635%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7406391062308080942 Netflix has released the trailer for Tyler Perry’s wartime drama “The Six Triple Eight,” starring Kerry Washington. This is the story of the war’s only Women’s Army Corps unit of color, which Perry wrote, directed and produced alongside Nicole Avant, Angi Bones, Tony L. Strickland, Keri Selig, and Carlota Espinosa. Per Tudum, “The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion contributed to the war effort in a unique way: by sorting through a three-year backlog of mail (17 million pieces of it!) that hadn’t been delivered to American soldiers far from home. In the face of discrimination and a vast, unfamiliar country divided by global conflict, these 855 women brought hope to the front lines. Given six months to complete the task, the 6888th accomplished their mission in less than 90 days, providing morale when the United States needed it most.” “Every single person, Black, white, anywhere in between, male, female, anybody can see themselves in those characters,” Avant said during the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival. “Because all stories, to me, are human stories. Everything to me is about humanity.” “I felt like these women were with us in this process,” Washington added. “You felt their spirit all the time.” https://youtu.be/bFt-wiZt8VE Sean Kingston and his mother, Janice Turner, are challenging charges related to a $1 million wire fraud scheme. Both pleaded not guilty during an arraignment in Fort Lauderdale and requested a jury trial. Despite their plea, their $900,000 bond remains unchanged, Complex reports. Kingston and his mother were arrested in May and indicted in a Miami federal court for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and multiple counts of wire fraud, accused of defrauding sellers of luxury items using fraudulent documents. As we reported earlier via CNN, Kingston and his mother allegedly obtained more than $1 million in property through their alleged scheme. Prosecutors claim Kingston often used his celebrity status to persuade vendors to “stray from their regular business practices” and provide high-end cars, jewelry, and other expensive items “before receipt of full payment.” The pair are also accused of using fraudulent documents to show they initiated payment to vendors when no payment had been made. According to a document filed by the U.S. District Court’s Southern District of Florida, mom and son are accused of participating in a “scheme to defraud victim sellers of high-end specialty vehicles, jewelry, and other goods purchased by the defendants through the use of fraudulent documents.” Here is an exclusive clip from the latest episode of the all-new We TV reality series, “The Braxtons,” airing Friday, August. 30. We reported earlier that the Braxton family is back, three years after the end of the iconic and captivating series, “Braxton Family Values,” which aired for seven eventful seasons. This time, the family promises to take viewers deeper into the lives of Toni, Towanda, Trina, Tamar, and Ms. Evelyn Braxton. In this week’s episode titled “Family Legacy,” the Braxton’s band together in DC for Traci’s son, Kevin Jr, whose grief over her death is clouded by legal & marital issues. They meet with the family lawyer about Traci’s will. In the exclusive teaser clip above, Tamar admits that a major reason the family began filming again was to honor her late sister, Traci. https://youtu.be/7u2HumhI460 Given his history, it’s no surprise that Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Wednesday reposted a lewd social media remark about Vice-President Kamala Harris. This act is the latest in a series of demeaning attacks from Republicans against Trump’s current Democratic rival. The remark, which was initially posted by another user on Truth Social, depicted a picture of Harris alongside Trump’s 2016 opponent, Hillary Clinton. The user commented, “Funny how blowjobs impacted both their careers differently…” This appears to be a reference to former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, whom Harris briefly dated over two decades ago. It is a recurring narrative among right-wing circles that Brown played a role in Harris’s political ascent. The jab at Hillary Clinton references her husband, former U.S. President Bill Clinton, and his widely publicized affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky in the 1990s. As of this posting, neither the Trump campaign nor the campaigns of Harris, Willie Brown, Hillary Clinton, or Bill Clinton have offered any comments regarding the post. Trump’s decision to amplify this offensive post surfaces amid a barrage of racist and sexist attacks directed at Harris, who is the first woman and the first Black and South Asian person to hold the office of U.S. Vice President. Since replacing President Joe Biden atop the Democratic ticket, Harris has experienced a surge in the polls, securing a lead against Trump in most recent national surveys. Lionsgate has released a new trailer for Halle Berry’s survivalist movie “Never Let Go.” From director Alexandre Aja, the official synopsis states: “In this new psychological thriller/horror, as an Evil takes over the world beyond their front doorstep, the only protection for a mother, played by Academy Award® winner Halle Berry, and her twin sons is their house and their family’s protective bond. Needing to stay connected at all times – even tethering themselves with ropes – they cling to one another, urging each other to never let go. But when one of the boys questions if the evil is real, the ties that bind them together are severed, triggering a terrifying fight for survival.” Matthew Kevin Anderson, Christin Park, and Stephanie Lavigne also star in the film. https://youtu.be/-H3yhfkJBnQ Fans are raving about the new thriller “Blink Twice,” starring Channing Tatum and directed by Zoe Kravitz. In my opinion, this has been the best film of 2024. “Blink Twice” follows Frida a waitress, played by Naomi Ackie, with strong ambitions for a greater life. While working at a gala for well-known billionaire Slater King she sees this moment as an opportunity to meet King. As she and her best friend Jess try to blend in at the gala Frida decides blending in is not the way to be seen. Jess tries to discourage her but Frida is determined to meet Slater King. That determination pays off as King notices her and begins to take a liking to Frida. After spending all night together King invites Frida and Jess to his private island. A trip to a private island via a private jet. For someone who is intrigued by creating a lifestyle that provides these luxuries, how could she say no? Frida and Jess accompany King along with his friends and their dates to what seems like paradise. But things are not always as they seem. (Spoiler ahead.) Jess begins to question their time on the island. She is haunted by this feeling that something is off. Frida brushes her off but after Jess is bitten by a poisonous snake all things become clear. Mysterious Jess disappears after her revelation. https://youtu.be/aMcmfonGWY4 After a 12-year hiatus, Grammy Award-winning artist Q Parker is making a major return with his highly anticipated new single, “BEG.” The track is available now on all major platforms. “BEG” marks his first solo release since “The MANual” and promises to rekindle the magic that made him a household name. This song highlights Q Parker’s smooth R&B vocals, blending heartfelt emotion with relatable storytelling from a lover’s perspective. With lines like “ It’s easy to beg when she’s fed up and you’re about to lose, but this time I want you to see me beg just ‘cause my love is true,” the track explores themes of vulnerability as Q Parker sings about normalizing begging just because! This delivery is sure to pull his lover closer with each lyric. As a member of the iconic group 112, Q Parker captivated fans with his memorable R&B vocals and heartfelt lyrics. Now, he’s back as a solo artist with an independent release through Sparta/300, bringing his signature sound and undeniable talent to a new generation of listeners, as well as the loyal super fans. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bI-0al0s8UY Ari Lennox recently opened up to her fans on Instagram Live, sharing that she’s facing significant financial challenges and is deeply in debt to the IRS. She humorously mentioned that she might have to resort to “strange” methods to settle her bills.“I’m just gonna tell y’all my business,” she stated, Hot New Hip Hop reports. “I need to pay this IRS. The strange things I’m finna do for change, just so i can just break even. I’m gonna crazy and then we start anew.” When one fan suggested she make an IRS “diss album,” Lennox replied, “Absolutely not.” “They have been gentle with me… So, I will not be starting a beef with them, we do not have no beef, I am paying them back. Okay? I am paying them and I’m finna be caught up,” the singer added. As WBLS reports, Ari Lennox joins a list of entertainers who have faced serious tax issues with the IRS. In 2011, Ja Rule was sentenced to 28 months in prison for failing to pay taxes over five years, owing more than $1 million. DMX received a one-year sentence in 2018 for evading $1.7 million in taxes, and Lauryn Hill served three months in prison after pleading guilty to tax evasion in 2012. https://youtu.be/MKAKO8W7D9cg Get ready for a night filled with electrifying performances as Live Live Entertainment proudly presents Night of Tributes at Pearson Park Amphitheater on Friday, August 30, 2024, from 5 PM to 11 PM. This unforgettable event will showcase some of the best tribute bands and local stars, bringing together fans of rock, R&B, and funk for a celebration of music like no other. Kicking off the evening will be Band Stonefree, delivering an authentic tribute to the legendary Jimi Hendrix with soaring guitar solos and classic rock vibes. Next, prepare to be wowed by Group Diamond Singers, who will perform timeless hits by The Emotions, bringing soulful harmonies that are sure to stir the crowd. Keeping the energy high, The Final Resultz R&B Band will take the stage, laying down smooth grooves and powerful vocals that capture the essence of rhythm and blues. Hip-hop fans are in for a treat with a special appearance by Yung Zeke & Wolf Wanggg, the dynamic duo from Doggy Style Records, who will deliver an energetic and unforgettable set. Closing out the night in spectacular fashion will be the one and only BRUNO AND THE HOOLIGANS, a tribute to the chart-topping Bruno Mars. Expect an explosive performance featuring Mars’ biggest hits, from “Uptown Funk” to “24K Magic,” guaranteed to get the entire audience on their feet and dancing. Alongside this incredible lineup, vendors will be onsite offering food, drinks, and unique products to enhance your concert experience. For those interested in participating, vendor booth spaces are still available. On a high-tension Tuesday night CNN panel, the friction sparked as Republican strategist Scott Jennings vehemently reacted to fellow panelist Bakari Sellers‘ assertion that Vice President Kamala Harris‘ campaign was “organic.” The backdrop of the debate was set by a significant recent shift in the Democratic political landscape. Vice President Kamala Harris had accepted the Democratic nomination to replace President Joe Biden, who had announced the cessation of his reelection bid over a month ago. This pivotal decision saw Harris poised to lead the Democratic charge. In a segment that quickly escalated in intensity, Sellers, an ex-Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor in South Carolina, praised Harris’s campaign, calling it “organic.” This description struck a discordant note with Jennings, according to Daily Caller. “What?! Organic?!” Jennings exclaimed in disbelief. “This is the literal most manufactured presidential campaign ever. She didn’t even run! It’s the opposite of organic.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1828780290745278640 A Missouri judge held an evidentiary hearing Wednesday over the innocence claim of death row inmate Marcellus Williams, whose quest to prove he did not murder a woman in 1998 has been complicated by contaminated DNA evidence. Williams, 55, is scheduled to be put to death on September 24 for the murder of Felicia Gayle, a one-time reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch found stabbed to death in her University City home. He was convicted in 2001 of first-degree murder, burglary, and robbery, among other charges, and sentenced to death, but he has always maintained his innocence. St. Louis County Circuit Court Judge Bruce Hilton was ordered by the Missouri Supreme Court to hold Wednesday’s hearing after the court blocked an agreement Hilton approved between the inmate and the St. Louis Prosecuting Attorney’s Office that would have spared Williams’ life. The case has pitted Wesley Bell, a local prosecutor running for Congress as a Democrat, against state Attorney General Andrew Bailey, a Republican seeking reelection. Williams’ innocence claim is championed by attorneys for the Innocence Project and the Midwest Innocence Project. His case raises the specter of a potentially innocent person being put to death, an inherent risk of capital punishment. Indeed, at least 200 people sentenced to death since 1973 have thereafter been exonerated, four of them in Missouri, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. https://youtu.be/cvlN7Z1Kv_U Philip Bailey, Grammy Award-winning lead singer of Earth, Wind & Fire and founder of the Music Is Unity Foundation, gives us an exclusive look into the highly anticipated return of his ‘Backstage Soundcheck’ program. As Earth, Wind & Fire embark on their summer tour with Chicago, Bailey is using this opportunity to give back to foster youth through a unique behind-the-scenes experience. This program, “Backstage Soundcheck,” which coincides with select tour dates, offers young people transitioning out of foster care an inside look at the many roles and careers within the music industry, culminating in the unforgettable experience of attending a live concert. The next “Backstage Soundcheck” event is set for September 1 at Concord Pavilion in Concord, CA. Bailey shares his passion for supporting foster youth and the continued legacy of Earth, Wind & Fire. Per the news release: Foster youth from Ohio, Georgia, and California will have the unique opportunity to participate in “Backstage Soundcheck” during select tour dates. The inspiring one-day program includes exclusive access to concert preparations, a pre-concert soundcheck, and a special Q&A session with Philip Bailey and other Earth, Wind & Fire tour staff. The day concludes with a chance for participants to enjoy the electrifying experience of a live Earth, Wind & Fire concert. The “Backstage Soundcheck” event kicked off July 19 at Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati, OH, before heading to Ameris Bank Amphitheatre in Alpharetta, GA on August 19. To learn more about this initiative, visit the Music Is Unity Foundation. O.J. Simpson’s remains have been turned into jewelry for his family members as wearable keepsakes. According to TMZ, Simpson’s lawyer, Malcolm LaVergne, revealed that his four children—Sydney, Jason, Justin, and Arnelle Simpson—chose to honor their father by creating cremation jewelry. The full process cost around $4,243.06 to complete. Simpson passed away on April 10 at age 76 after battling cancer. In a statement at the time, his family said, “On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace.” Meanwhile, EUR’s Chris Richburg reported, citing an interview with People, that David Brobeck, godfather to Simpson’s youngest child Justin, revealed he and Sydney are “doing really well” years after the murder of their mother, Nicole Brown Simpson. The former NFL standout shared Arnelle, Jason, and Aaren, with his first wife, Marguerite Whitley. “They’ve grown up, and they have their own families now, and they’re doing really well,” Brobeck told People days after O.J.’s death. “They’re solid solid people and parents, and we just wish them all the best and give them lots of love.” DJ Vlad regrets his unprofessional behavior with Marlon Wayans after their interview negotiations fell apart. We reported earlier that Vlad and Wayans sparred on social media after the comedian requested $40,000 to do an interview. Vlad said no one “is going to pay Marlon $40K for an interview” after an X user told the Wayans “@djvlad would have to pay me 500,000 for an interview with 55% of all revenue made from the video on all platforms!” Marlon responded to the tweet, writing, “😂😂😂 see i tried to tell him I was giving him a deal… oh well.” DJ Vlad clapped back, tweeting, “Marlon Wayans found someone with 200 followers to agree with him. LOL. Nobody on earth is going to pay Marlon $40K for an interview when he gets 100k-300k views on any platform he interviews on. This guy is really delusional.” In response, Wayans said, “You mad? You unprofessional my guy. If you don’t like the number, keep it moving. You look BAD. You should fall back. Mad at a black man stating his number? And now you go public and use your platform to try to drag me. I never in my life dealt with this silly negotiating tactic.” https://youtu.be/CVFtePcPLKU TV ONE is set to shake up your Wednesday nights with its newest true crime sensation, Celebrity Crime Files.Premiering on August 28 at 10PM ET, the series is narrated by the iconic Blair Underwood, whose illustrious career has earned him Golden Globe, Grammy, and NAACP Image Awards. Celebrity Crime Files dives deep into the mysteries and scandals that have rocked the African American celebrity world, revealing the hidden truths behind the headlines. Each episode is a riveting exploration into the lives of Black celebrities who have been entangled in the web of crime, either as victims or alleged perpetrators. The show employs a unique blend of investigative journalism, powerful firsthand accounts, and exclusive interviews, giving viewers unparalleled access to stories that have been overlooked or misinterpreted by mainstream media. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMCEU5qoxww Actor Vaughn W. Hebron takes us inside his latest role opposite Garcelle Beauvais in Lifetime’s “Tempted by Love,” presented by the renowned author Terry McMillan and executive produced by D’Angela Proctor. McMillan is best known for her novels turned hit films, including “How Stella Got Her Groove Back.” Terry McMillan Presents movies focus on the love and lives of African American women. “Tempted by Love” centers on “an award-winning chef who falls in love with her attractive, yet younger driver, after taking a trip to see her aunt– creating a narrative that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking,” per the new release. Here’s the official synopsis: In Terry McMillan Presents: Tempted by Love, Ava (Beauvais), a world-class renowned chef living in Europe, rushes home to care for her elderly aunt (Biscoe) in South Carolina after she suffers from a fall. Picked up from the long flight by Luke (Hebron), a handsome driver 20-years her junior, the pair feel an unexpected, yet passionate, connection. With a mutual interest in food, family and fun, Ava and Luke are the perfect recipe for love. Despite her feelings for him, Ava soon realizes that Luke still has so much to experience in life and she must decide what is best for her own career and relationships. Lela Rochon and Loretta Devine also star. “Tempted by Love” features notable performances from Lela Rochon Fuqua and Loretta Devine—reuniting since their iconic roles in “Waiting to Exhale.” In the film, Hebron portrays Luke, who is 20 years younger than the lead character, Ava (Beauvais). Despite their vast age difference, they share a deep connection. So how did he build the chemistry with Garcelle to create a believable and compelling love story? https://aenetworks.app.box.com/s/slvi08nz4yfn48n6s4j9724g7cp2v9mk A doctor explains that in the moments before death, the body undergoes a series of complex changes. As vital organs begin to shut down, the heart slows, breathing becomes shallow, and the brain starts to lose function, leading to a gradual fading of consciousness. Dr. Kathryn Mannix, who spent 30 years in palliative care, shared insights into our final moments on BBC Women’s Hour, Metro reports. Her new short animation, “Dying for Beginners,” aims to address the fear many people have about the end of life. “It’s not a frightening mental state to be in, it’s a state of not knowing anything,” she said. Dr. Mannix explained that the first noticeable thing in the process is “the body starts to run out of energy, almost like when you’ve got an old mobile phone and the battery won’t stay charged,” she said. https://youtu.be/ayMhA1pRLeY Hip-hop duo Outkast has initiated a federal lawsuit against the electronic dance music duo ATLiens for trademark infringement. According to Rolling Stone, the lawsuit accuses ATLiens of the “improper, willful, unauthorized, and illegal use and registration of the ATLIENS mark,” which is owned by Outkast. Outkast’s attorneys note in the legal filing that their second album, “ATLiens,” was released in 1996 and the dance duo applied for the trademark in 2020, asserting they had been using the name since 2012. The lawsuit contends that the conflicting trademark hinders Outkast from securing registrations for their original ATLIENS mark. Outkast’s lawyers allege that ATLiens chose the name “to trade upon the tremendous fame and goodwill associated with Plaintiff’s ATLIENS album, song, and mark, or, at a minimum, to call to consumers’ minds Plaintiff’s famous ATLIENS album, song, and mark.” Outkast’s attorneys Abigal J. Remorse and Peter E. Nussbaum said in a statement that the situation is “a basic brand protection issue.” Common and Pete Rock released a music video for their song “Dreamin’” directed by award-winning filmmaker Raven Jackson. The visuals come as the pair set to kick off their highly anticipated The Auditorium Tour. Per the news release: “The show is unlike anything Common and Pete have done before and will be bringing their new album to life.” The 18-stop tour begins Wednesday (Aug. 28) at The Sound in Del Mar, CA, before moving on to Los Angeles, Dallas, TX, Nashville, TN, Boston, MA, and more — wrapping in New York City for a three-night residency (2 shows per night) at the Blue Note Jazz Club from September 23-25. Last month, Common and Pete Rock released their first full-length collaboration, “The Auditorium, Vol. 1” via Loma Vista Recordings. https://youtu.be/x03T8GiB8a0 Naomi Osaka on Tuesday recorded her first win over a top 10 player in more than four years as she secured an emphatic 6-3 6-2 victory over Jelena Ostapenko in the first round of the US Open. Osaka’s performance was as eye-catching as the giant green bow she wore as part of her outfit when walking out onto the court, dispatching No. 10 seed Ostapenko with a barrage of powerful serves. Now ranked No. 88 in the world, Osaka has played some of her best tennis since returning from maternity leave at the start of the season. The two-time US Open champion fired over 19 winners, including nine aces, and made just five unforced errors.Osaka admitted she was “trying not to cry” as she walked out into Louis Armstrong, recalling what it had been like when she couldn’t play. “I remember last year I was watching Coco (Gauff) play and I so badly wanted to step on these courts again and I didn’t know if I could,” she said in her on-court interview. https://youtu.be/E9Sy7oYDwPA Osaka later spoke about her bright outfit, which also included little green bows on the back on her sneakers, and said she was embracing being more “flamboyant” in New York compared to other grand slams. “I feel like being able to be a part of my tennis outfits gives me, I would say, a different strength,” Osaka explained. “Especially the US Open outfits, I feel like they are a little bit more flamboyant. When I was putting on my outfit today, I was, like: ‘Ah, I hope this isn’t too much!’ “Because I had the tutu and then I had the bow jacket and it was green, I feel like everyone was staring at me funny. And then I put the headphones on, that was a real killer. “I was like, you know what, embrace this maximalist style.” https://youtu.be/xgKNCFyR0aU The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for an unprecedented season with LeBron James and his son Bronny James on the roster, and LeBron has one rule: Bronny cannot call him “Dad” during games. “No, he can’t [call me dad],” the NBA star said during an episode of The Shop, Complex reports. “Cannot call me ‘dad’ in the workplace. Once we leave out of the private facility and the gates close, I can be ‘dad’ again.” James added, “In the car, if we ride together, at home, I could be ‘dad.’ No, he gotta call me like, ‘2-3’ or ‘Bron.'” “It’s easy for me because I’ve been calling him ‘Bronny’ for so long,” James said. “It’s not like I’ve been, ‘Hey son, hey son.’ So it’s easy for me. It’s gonna be an adjustment for him. “We cannot be running down the court and he’d be like, ‘Dad, I’m open! Dad, come on!’ No you cannot do that,” he joked. https://twitter.com/i/status/1828532242538471589 Artist managers, magazine publishers, singers/songwriters, label owners, musicians, motivational speakers, and actresses are amongst the panelists at the 25th annual Los Angeles “Uplifting Minds II” Entertainment Conference to be held Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 1-3pmPST powered by Zoom. The conference is virtual with free access to be available at the ULMII website www.UpliftingMinds2.com. The conference offers a Panel Q&A Session, a Professional Showcase of artists signed to independent labels, managers, or agencies, and an international talent competition (singers, songwriters, dancers, and actors) where the top three scored acts by the panelists receive the 2024 ULMII Award and over $20,000 in products, services, and cash. “To the life I’ve had,” said Patrick Bradley about the meaning of the title of his 6th solo album “Gratitude” (Song Factory) to be released September 20, 2024. “Just thanking the Lord for getting me through. My faith is deeper.” The “Gratitude” album by Billboard chart-topping Jazz keyboardist Patrick Bradley is his re-dedication to his belief in the goodness of God that is seen in our lives, by those who believe, time after time after time. The gift of praise is produced by multi-Grammy nominated Darren Rahn who also co-wrote the project that offers 10 selections of love. “I’ve been a Christian for almost 40 years,” Bradley told me when I asked about his faith. “I wanted it to be real.” Then to God, he says, “You’re in charge and nothing can happen to me unless through your will.” “Normally some songs I have a concept,” he said when I asked about his songwriting process. “Then sometimes…I have a tile. I wanted a song called Gratitude. It was one of the last songs recorded.” https://youtu.be/VABJekvyQHc Lizzo is taking some time for herself and it shows. The Grammy-winning singer posted on social media recently, where she showed off her both her weight loss and the lush, jungle-like environment she was enjoying. “I’m taking a gap year & protecting my peace,” she wrote in the caption of a video in which she stands in the rain in a tropical setting, dressed in a sleek, black bathing suit. Lizzo has been lying low lately, following some legal controversy. Last year, she was sued by three former dancers who alleged that they suffered harassment and a hostile work environment while performing with her. Lizzo denied the allegations. “These last few days have been gut-wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing,” she said in a statement she released at the time. “My work ethic, morals, and respectfulness have been questioned. Usually, I choose not to respond to false allegations but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous to not be addressed.” https://youtu.be/frm-z7d9U3k The upcoming cartoon series “Everybody Still Hates Chris” is set to premiere on Comedy Central next month. As we reported earlier, Chris Rock is bringing his childhood back to TV with an animated revival of his 2000s sitcom “Everybody Hates Chris.” The new series will feature Rock as the narrator, reprising his role from the original show. The animated version will also include returning stars Terry Crews and Tichina Arnold, who played Chris’ parents. The half-hour show will focus on stories inspired by Rock’s experiences growing up in a working-class family in Brooklyn during the late 1980s. New cast members include Tim Johnson Jr., Ozioma Akagha, Terrence Little Gardenhigh, and Gunnar Sizemore. Comedy Central announced Monday that the series will premiere September 25 at 10 pm ET/PT, Vibe reports. “I’m very excited to introduce the world to another funny side of my childhood,” Rock said in a statement. https://youtu.be/c1zFR1tQrAY Ludacris shared an update amid fans’ concerns about his health after sharing a video of himself drinking glacier water in Alaska. In the Instagram clip, Luda stands on the edge of a glacier, surrounded by pristine blue water. “Half the world’s glaciers are here in Alaska,” he said in the video. “I couldn’t come here and just have a show. You know, I got a bucket list—or as I like to call it, the f**k it list. I’ve never tasted fresh [glacier] water ever in my life and this is a first.” The video sparked online debates about the potential presence of parasites and bacteria in glacier water. In the post’s comments, one person wrote, “Be careful with glacier water! Even though it looks fresh and clean, it’s often full of bacteria, parasites, and viruses… Microorganisms you definitely don’t want in your system.. It can make you extremely sick. Make sure to boil it first to stay safe!” https://www.instagram.com/ludacris/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=933031fd-8b76-40fb-868d-a7993d9cacaf In response to recent allegations made by Wack100, a prominent talent manager and social media personality, concerning the health of music mogul Irv Gotti, a representative has spoken to TMZ to set the record straight. Wack100 recently stirred the pot during a podcast interview, claiming that Irv Gotti, the influential producer and founder of Murder Inc. Records, had suffered a stroke and was currently using a walker and has “lost a lot of weight.” He further claimed that Gotti was staying in a rehabilitation center, and he had supposedly learned this information from a worker at the facility. As proof, Wack100 shared a picture allegedly showing Gotti walking with a cane. However, according to Gotti’s rep, the true story is somewhat different. They confirmed that Irv Gotti has indeed been struggling with diabetes for years, a condition that unfortunately led to a minor stroke over six months ago. Contrary to Wack100’s assertions, they emphasized that Gotti has not only recovered but is living healthily and happily at home with his family. “Irv has been struggling with diabetes for years, which caused him to have a minor stroke over six months ago. He has since changed his diet to eating more healthy. He’s been successful in making a full recovery. Irv is not in a rehab facility. He is at home with his family, enjoying life,” the rep stated. On Monday, August 26, renowned Atlanta rapper Lil Baby found himself behind bars after being arrested in Las Vegas for allegedly carrying a weapon without a permit. The rapper, whose real name is Dominique Jones, was in town to perform at NBA star James Harden’s birthday celebration. Authorities took Lil Baby to the Clark County Detention Center where he was held on $5,000 bail. He has now been released, with footage of the arrest circulating online. The sensational arrest was caught on camera and later obtained by TMZ. The clip shows the “Yes Indeed” hitmaker being detained outside the Encore Las Vegas hotel. In the footage, Lil Baby can be seen in handcuffs, shouting to someone in the distance, “I need 200 bands. Call this number for me,” and fervently asserting that he possessed a proper license to carry the firearm and should not have been arrested. The unfolding drama took a twist on Tuesday, August 27, when Lil Baby’s attorneys, Drew Findling and David Chesnoff, issued a statement. They clarified, “To be clear, Dominique Jones has a valid Georgia Carrying a Concealed Weapon (CCW) Permit. On his behalf, we are actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding his arrest in Las Vegas.” TMZ also reported that the authorities were compelled to the scene after video evidence reportedly showed the 29-year-old rapper being handed a firearm at the venue. https://twitter.com/i/status/1828822329016844769 The second installment of Ryan Murphy’s “Monster” anthology series, premiering on Netflix on September 19, focuses on the notorious case of Lyle and Erik Menendez. The show explores the brutal 1989 murders of the brothers’ parents and the subsequent legal proceedings. Javier Bardem and Chloë Sevigny play the roles of Jose and Kitty Menendez, while Nicholas Alexander Chavez and Cooper Koch portray the Menendez brothers. Both Lyle and Erik were convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole. Per Tudum, here’s the synopsis: “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story follows Lyle and Erik Menendez, two brothers who fatally shot their parents in their Beverly Hills home in 1989. During their trials, the brothers cited years of abuse as the reason for murdering their parents. However, prosecutors argued that their motive was to get their hands on the family fortune.” https://youtu.be/fKfxZrPm3EI Musician and producer Rodney ‘Lil Rod’ Jones calls Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs a “monster” in a new interview with Rolling Stone. Jones filed a lawsuit against the Bad Boy Records founder earlier this year, accusing Puff Daddy of sexual assault and trafficking. Jones is currently in hiding for “safety reasons” and regularly wears a disguise out in public. He claims he also needs security and has been blacklisted from the music industry. On Monday (August 26) Combs filed a motion to have Jones’ lawsuit dismissed, accusing him of attempted extortion. In the Rolling Stone article, Jones recounted an incident where Diddy pressured him into taking drugs. “He was asking me to do something I’ve never done before. It was awkward,” Jones said. “He was trying to get me to do some drugs. I don’t want to judge anybody, but that’s at the top of my list of things I’m afraid to do.” Jones said Diddy will “do whatever is necessary to get exactly what he wants.” Tyrese is making moves with a new film and album that he says is like nothing he’s ever done before. In the action-packed movie “1992”, Tyrese plays Mercer, a man desperately trying to rebuild his life and his relationship with his son amid the turbulent Los Angeles rebellions in 1992 that erupted on the day of the infamous Rodney King police brutality case. Across town, another father, played by the late, great Ray Liotta, and his son deal with their own strained relationship to plan a dangerous heist where Mercer works. As tensions continue to rise in the city, both families reach their boiling points when they collide. https://www.instagram.com/lionsgate/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=24fb1dfa-c2bf-47d4-bce5-9a9b5330447d Meanwhile, Tyrese is also dropping a new R&B album. He told Summers it’s going to, “Help keep a lot of couples together and be responsible for a lot of new babies” But he also shares his pain. “I’ve never done anything on this level in my life. It’s 20 songs. Think about albums from 40, or 50 years ago. This is my Songs in the Key of Life (Stevie Wonder), my Marvin Gaye’s Here My Dear divorce album. Two years ago I lost my mom on Valentine’s Day (to Covid). The song Wildflower is dedicated to Anyone who has lost their mom or pops. I know that feeling all too well. “Beautiful Pain” is about my divorce, about me finding love again.” https://youtu.be/48-J4M9FNzU Charlamagne Tha God criticized rapper Plies for suggesting that Vice President Kamala Harris doesn’t need to explain her policies to Black voters. The popular radio host disagreed with Piles’ opinion on the matter, stating it’s wrong to tell Black people to “just settle” for “whatever the candidate is giving you” without holding them accountable, Fox News reports. “I don’t understand Plies or any Black person for that matter, telling Black people to ‘just settle.’ ‘Just accept whatever the candidate is giving you. Don’t ask questions, just vote. They don’t have to explain anything to us.’ No,” Charlamagne said on Monday’s “The Breakfast Club.” Plies slammed Black voters in a profane rant for criticizing Harris’ record in office. “Stop asking” a “Black woman to explain theirself to you, or explain theirself to y’all,” he said in the video. “Y’all cool with a White man not explaining himself” Piles continued, referring to Donald Trump. https://twitter.com/i/status/1827722110158225878 A Nicki Minaj fan is taking legal action against the rapper for ruining his reputation and causing him emotional distress after an encounter with her husband. Tameer Peak’s $5 million lawsuit against Nicki stems from claims that she allegedly defamed him over several years, damaging his reputation within her fanbase. Peak asserts that their relationship soured around 2017 when Minaj accused him and other fans of being “paid moles” attempting to sabotage her career. Per TMZ, “In one session, Nicki allegedly wrote, “It’s clear they’re not necessarily, you know, a full basket umm at the picnic.” Peak took that to mean he was mentally unstable or intellectually deficient. In another, he says Nicki accused him of being “one sandwich short of a picnic” and receiving a check from the government, implying he was on welfare.” Peak further claims that Minaj ridiculed him during an Instagram Live session in front of thousands of viewers and that her husband, Kenneth Petty, physically assaulted him during a 2020 event. Peak is seeking compensation for the emotional distress and financial loss he has experienced as a result of Minaj’s alleged actions. Vice President Kamala Harris is facing widespread mockery after resurfaced videos of her falsely claiming that 220 million Americans died from COVID-19 went viral. The exaggerated statement, originally made during her 2020 campaign appearances, has reignited criticism on social media, with many poking fun at her gaffe and questioning her accuracy in discussing the pandemic’s impact. “Does anyone recall when Harris claimed that 220 million Americans died from COVID in 2020,” one X user asked. Two separate videos of the vice president surfaced on social media, where Harris claimed that 220 million Americans had died from COVID-19. “We’re looking at over 220 million people who just over the last several months, died,” she said. “You know, it breaks your heart. Many people who without their loved ones, because of the nature of the virus, without somebody to be there with them in the hospital and hold their hand, in their last days on Earth, were by themselves. We’re looking at over 8 million people in our country who have contracted the virus with untold long-term impact. We’re looking at over 30 million people that because of the economic impact of this virus, have had to file for unemployment.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1828172327047307408 In an exclusive interview with dancehall queen Spice, we delve into her new album “Mirror 25,” and the transformative journey that led to its creation. During our candid conversation, Spice opens up about her latest single, “2085 Tea,” a raw and vulnerable track where she confronts personal and professional challenges. We also explore her groundbreaking collaboration on “Round Round” with Busta Rhymes, which blends Dancehall with country influences. Reflecting on her 25 years in the industry, the GRAMMY-nominated singer shares insights into her evolution as an artist, her near-death experience, and the importance of owning her vision. “Spice has collectively streamed over 433 million times on YouTube and over 65 million times on Spotify, making her one of the most streamed female artists in her genre,” per her bio. “She’s collaborated with musical acts such as Missy Elliot, Nicki Minaj, Vybez Kartel, Kid Ink, Jeremiah, Busta Rhymes, I-Octane, Lady Leeshur, Sean Kingston, A$AP Ferg, Mya, Charly Blacks, Neyo, Shaggy, Sean Paul, Stylo G, and more. She’s appeared on Good Morning America, Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Tamron Hall Show and Good Morning Britain showcasing her talents and classics throughout a 25 year span.” Spice, the Founder and CEO of Spice Official Entertainment, released her third studio album, “Mirror 25,” on August 9.” https://youtu.be/WBPfwGaOy5M Searchlight Pictures’ latest offering, “The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat,” adapted from Edward Kelsey Moore‘s 2013 novel, explores the enduring bonds of sisterhood. The film chronicles the lives of three lifelong friends—Odette (Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor), Barbara Jean (Sanaa Lathan), and Clarice (Uzo Aduba)—as they navigate the triumphs and tribulations of life over several decades. From the 1960s through the 1990s, these women, affectionately known as “The Supremes,” faced the challenges of marriage, motherhood, and personal loss, all while maintaining their unbreakable bond. The film portrays their shared journey, highlighting how their friendship becomes a source of strength as they confront their most difficult moments One of the standout aspects of “The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat” is its depiction of the friendships that evolve over time, not just among the central trio but also with the men in their lives. Mekhi Phifer, who plays James, one of the key male characters as the husband of Odette, spoke about the importance of understanding the dynamic these women share. “When you’re in a relationship with someone, you’re not just with them—you’re with their whole world, family, and friends. In this film, you see that dynamic play out in a respectful and supportive way. It’s about recognizing that these friendships are part of what makes these women who they are, and you have to embrace that.” https://youtu.be/cnQhulR2doU Vice President Kamala Harris is facing widespread mockery after resurfaced videos of her falsely claiming that 220 million Americans died from COVID-19 went viral. The exaggerated statement, originally made during her 2020 campaign appearances, has reignited criticism on social media, with many poking fun at her gaffe and questioning her accuracy in discussing the pandemic’s impact. “Does anyone recall when Harris claimed that 220 million Americans died from COVID in 2020,” one X user asked. Two separate videos of the vice president surfaced on social media, where Harris claimed that 220 million Americans had died from COVID-19. “We’re looking at over 220 million people who just over the last several months, died,” she said. “You know, it breaks your heart. Many people who without their loved ones, because of the nature of the virus, without somebody to be there with them in the hospital and hold their hand, in their last days on Earth, were by themselves. We’re looking at over 8 million people in our country who have contracted the virus with untold long-term impact. We’re looking at over 30 million people that because of the economic impact of this virus, have had to file for unemployment.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1827926464970518659 An estimated 350 million people are living in the US, so according to Harris’ logic, more than half the population died from the coronavirus in 2020. Per fact-checking website Snopes, “Looking at the statistics compiled by Our World in Data, we were able to verify that global deaths due to COVID-19 had reached 1.2 million on Oct 21, 2020, including 350,093 deaths in North America,” the outlet writes. Social media users reacted with humor and disbelief, mocking Harris for her misleading COVID death claims. On X, one person wrote, “Even more insane is that there are people that actually believe her!” https://twitter.com/i/status/1828172327047307408 TikTok star Jools Lebron has voiced frustration upon discovering that Jefferson Bates from Washington State has filed a trademark for her viral phrase “Very Demure, Very Mindful” with the intent to monetize it. Complex reports that the trademark application, intended for advertising and promotional use, has stirred controversy because it was filed by someone other than Lebron. The phrase has attracted more attention since the trademark filing. In a since-deleted TikTok, which Lebron captioned “When you didn’t trademark fast enough,” the transgender content creator said Bates’ trademark filing was “really f**king me up” because she “invested so much money and time into this.” Lebron was hoping to make money from the viral fame to help pay for sexual reassignment surgery. “I feel like I did it wrong, I feel like I didn’t try hard enough, and I wanted to do so much for my family and provide for my transition, and I just feel like I dropped the ball,” Lebron said in the video. https://www.tiktok.com/@joolieannie/video/7399736793119247662?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Ftiktok-star-frustrated-over-very-demure-very-mindful-trademark%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121451205%2C121439635%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7399736793119247662 The popular docu-series “Raising Fame” takes center stage this Sunday, September 1, 2024, at 10 PM ET / 9 PM C on TV One. Hosted by celebrity moms Lucille O’Neal (mom of Shaquille O’Neal) and Sonya Curry (mom of Stephen, Seth, and Sydel Curry). https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=Kr2AXzhV71WZ8asj&v=6VCQeAf-wE0&feature=youtu.be From his beginnings as a child star, Usher always knew he wanted fame, fortune and believed he had the talent to make it happen. Under the expert guidance of his mom and manager, Jonnetta Patton, he has become an iconic music legend. This season also includes an impressive lineup of award-winning athletes, musicians, actors, and their families, including John Legend, Fantasia, Chance The Rapper, Billy Porter, Kevin Durant, Jon Batiste, and more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=aON94QzHXXZZY7rW&v=XFw8G4jyGzU&feature=youtu.be A judge has ordered Martin Shkreli to hand over all copies of the rare Wu-Tang Clan album, “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin,” by Friday. This ruling comes after an NFT collective, which purchased the original album, sued Shkreli, known as “Pharma Bro,” for allegedly distributing copies to his friends. Shkreli claims he made several copies of the album that he bought at auction in 2015 for $2 million, and hid them “in safes around the world.” A judge has ruled that Shkreli must hand over all copies after the NFT collective PleasrDAO, which now owns the album, sued him. The company alleged that Shkreli streamed the album during a listening party on social media. Shkreli must now surrender the copies to his attorney within the week. Per Complex, Shkreli is also required to submit an affidavit stating that no additional copies exist, provide an inventory of all the copies he created, reveal the names of anyone who received a copy and disclose any money earned from distributing the album. Shkreli was forced to surrender “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin” in 2018 along with several assets to satisfy a forfeiture judgment following his securities fraud conviction. PleasrDAO acquired the Wu-Tang album three years later from the government for $4.75 million. Wu-Tang’s Method Man revealed said the album is a touchy subject for his fellow band members. In a new episode of Million Dollaz Worth of Game, Tyrese discusses his fake childhood disability and his discontent with actor and “Baby Boy” co-star Ving Rhames. Tyrese revealed that his first acting role involved his mother, Priscilla Murray Gibson, making him and his brother pretend to have a disability to obtain government assistance for their family, Complex reports. “My mama made us go to Social Security building and play retarded,” Tyrese said. “Straight up, government cheese. That was my first acting gig,” he added. “I never shared this shit publicly in my life,” Tyrese continued, before turning to the camera to say: “Hey, you can’t arrest my mama, n***a, she gone. Fuck outta here, government. We passed the window of opportunity.” Tyrese said he was 8 years old when his mother plotted to scam the government to feed her kids. https://www.instagram.com/gilliedaking/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=0b615b69-c384-4fd1-98b7-e1ebb6ad2ffb “I’m like 8 years old and she said, ‘This what we gon do,” he recalled. “She said, ‘We gotta go into this county building and if y’all end up doing this, we gonna get $760 a month. And your mama could use this, I’m here, we in the hood, I’m working and trying to keep up. This for y’all. You got your two sisters, your brother.’” Tyese explained that his mom, who passed away in 2022 from COVID-19 and pneumonia complications, told him to make his performance believable. “Mom said, ‘When we get up in here, she said, delay your answers,” Tyrese shared. “She didn’t say, ‘Play retarded,’ she didn’t say use the word, but she was just basically like, ‘We gotta go up in there and believe that y’all got some issues.’” Elsewhere in the interview, Tyrese expressed his strong dislike for Ving Rhames, attributing it to the intense realism of Rhames’ performance in their 2001 film “Baby Boy,” directed by John Singleton. Tyrese portrays the son of a single mother and he was triggered during scenes depicting her relationships with men, specifically Rhames, who played ex-con Melvin, a boyfriend to Tyrese’s mother. https://www.instagram.com/theshaderoom/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=cdfdfd06-f54b-44ba-88d5-dff07e11e52e Warner Bros. Pictures and Fathom Events have unveiled the official trailer for “SUPER/MAN: The Christopher Reeve Story,” a powerful documentary exploring the life and legacy of the iconic actor. Hitting select theaters on September 21, with an Encore Presentation on Christopher Reeve’s birthday, September 25, the film offers a deep dive into Reeve’s remarkable career, his role as Superman, and his inspiring journey of resilience following his life-changing accident. Fans of the legendary actor won’t want to miss this heartfelt tribute to a true hero. Here’s the official synopsis: “The story of Christopher Reeve is an astonishing rise from unknown actor to iconic movie star, and his definitive portrayal of Clark Kent/Superman set the benchmark for the superhero cinematic universes that dominate cinema today. Reeve portrayed the Man of Steel in four Superman films and played dozens of other roles that displayed his talent and range as an actor, before being injured in a near-fatal horse-riding accident in 1995 that left him paralyzed from the neck down,” the description states. “After becoming a quadriplegic, he became a charismatic leader and activist in the quest to find a cure for spinal cord injuries, as well as a passionate advocate for disability rights and care – all while continuing his career in cinema in front of and behind the camera and dedicating himself to his beloved family,” the synopsis continues. https://youtu.be/hsa6K8FcazA Last week, California arrived at a turning point in the decades-long quest to find a solution to the news crisis in our state. Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) brokered a deal that promises to change the future of news in the state.This isn’t just another plan — it’s a unique collaboration that brings together the State of California, news publishers, and tech companies, to give our newsrooms the financial support they desperately need. It also includes the launching of a new National AI Accelerator to explore how artificial intelligence can help journalism thrive in today’s digital world.This partnership couldn’t come at a more critical time. Local journalism is on life support across our state. Across the country, news outlets are shrinking or shutting down at an alarming rate, leaving communities without vital information. A recent study from Northwestern University found that two and a half newspapers in the U.S. close every week. Since 2005, we’ve lost two-thirds of our newspaper journalists. In California alone, over 100 newspapers have disappeared in the last decade. Assemblymember Wicks, along with the state and other key players, have come up with a pragmatic way to address this crisis. They’ve created an agreement to revive local journalism in California by using the tech industry and public resources — without raising taxes on Californians. Paramount Pictures has just unveiled the highly anticipated trailer for “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” promising fans another thrilling adventure with their favorite blue speedster. Directed by Jeff Fowler, the film reunites the beloved all-star cast, including Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz, James Marsden, Tika Sumpter, Idris Elba, Colleen O’Shaughnessey, Natasha Rothwell, Shemar Moore, Adam Pally, and Lee Majdoub. This time, the stakes are higher with the addition of newcomers Alyla Browne and Krysten Ritter, alongside Keanu Reeves, who makes his electrifying debut as Shadow the Hedgehog. As Sonic’s world expands, fans can expect more high-octane action, humor, and heart in this latest installment of the blockbuster franchise. Here’s the synopsis: Sonic the Hedgehog returns to the big screen this holiday season in his most thrilling adventure yet. Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails reunite against a powerful new adversary, Shadow, a mysterious villain with powers unlike anything they have faced before. With their abilities outmatched in every way, Team Sonic must seek out an unlikely alliance in hopes of stopping Shadow and protecting the planet. https://youtu.be/c0b0Wp5xY4s Lizzo is taking some time for herself and it shows. The Grammy-winning singer posted on social media recently, where she showed off her both her weight loss and the lush, jungle-like environment she was enjoying. “I’m taking a gap year & protecting my peace,” she wrote in the caption of a video in which she stands in the rain in a tropical setting, dressed in a sleek, black bathing suit. Lizzo has been lying low lately, following some legal controversy. Last year, she was sued by three former dancers who alleged that they suffered harassment and a hostile work environment while performing with her. Lizzo denied the allegations. “These last few days have been gut-wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing,” she said in a statement she released at the time. “My work ethic, morals, and respectfulness have been questioned. Usually, I choose not to respond to false allegations but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous to not be addressed.” https://youtu.be/frm-z7d9U3k The new BET+ film, “Who’s Cheating Who?” is set to ignite screens with its exploration of infidelity, desire, and the complex nature of modern relationships. The film is the directorial debut of Wendy Raquel Robinson, known for her classic roles in “The Game” as “Tasha Mack” and “Regina Grier” on “The Steve Harvey Show. ” The film delves into the intertwined lives of four individuals caught in a cycle of betrayal and guilt. Apryl Jones ( “Love & Hip-Hop Hollywood”) portrays Stephanie, a former real estate agent who recently inherited her family business. She’s intelligent, charming, and has a keen business sense, yet she finds herself increasingly dissatisfied with her marriage to Mason, played by Blue Kimble (“Monogamy”). Mason, a successful commercial director, harbors his own secrets—an ongoing affair with Maxine, who is married to Steven. https://youtu.be/El9G_a-0a2o Steve Harvey appeared to threaten fellow comedian Katt Williams for insulting him on Club Shay Shay earlier this year. In case you missed it, during Katt’s conversation with Shannon Sharpe on the popular YouTube podcast, he accused Harvey of stealing the concept of fellow comedian Mark Curry’s “Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper” for his sitcom “The Steve Harvey Show” that ran in the 90s. “The same Steve that went to go watch Mark Curry do his whole sitcom and then stole everything Mark Curry had…Now Steve got a sitcom where he’s the principal and he wears a suit,” Williams told Sharpe on Club Shay Shay in January. “You couldn’t be a movie star,” Williams said of Harvey. “There are 30,000 new scripts in Hollywood every year. Not one of them asked for a country bumpkin Black dude that can’t talk good … and look like Mr. Potato Head. There ain’t none. You have to have range.” Harvey spoke at Atlanta’s Invest Fest over the weekend, where he vented frustrations about his “haters,” and seemingly directed his remarks at Williams, Complex reports. https://twitter.com/i/status/1828485955365331390 On a recent Pennsylvania bus tour leading up to the Democratic National Convention, Vice-President Kamala Harris lauded both Congressman Chris DeLuzio and Senator Bob Casey stating, “Pennsylvania, you’ve sent some fighters [for the people] to D.C.” On the heels of that came the report that disgraced former Congressman George Santos, who was expelled from Congress in December 2023, pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud and identification theft. He now faces restitution of $373k, $205k in forfeiture payments, and up to 12 years in jail. Ordinarily, when we elect candidates for the Senate and House seats, there is an expectation that those elected officials will represent the people of their states and districts with a binding code of conduct including honor, dignity, respect, civility, and congressional decorum as they grace the halls of Congress. Sadly, such is not the case with a host of Trump-Republican representatives whose behavior is beyond the pale; they should not be qualified to walk those hallowed halls. For instance, let’s look at two other representatives who continue to display tasteless acts – representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Lauren Boebert. Remember the resurfaced 2019 video of QAnon conspiracy theorist Greene stalking Parkland shooting survivor David Hogg? Then on March 24, 2022, some Georgia voters filed a legal challenge to Greene’s candidacy for re-election in 2022. The challenge, filed with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, alleged that Greene was constitutionally disqualified from public office under Section Three of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, because she helped facilitate the January 6, 2021 insurrection. The judge dismissed the charge due to “insufficient factual evidence.” The R.I.A.A.-certified platinum-selling praise and worship ensemble, Shekinah Glory Ministry, has released the live concert video of its collaboration, “Finished Work Reprise (Remix)” with Grammy® winner, Jonathan McReynolds. McReynolds wrote the song that’s featured on Shekinah Glory Ministry’s new album, Fresh Fire (Kingdom Records). McReynolds was in the audience during the live recording at the Valley Kingdom Ministries International church in South Holland, Illinois. After LaQuentin Jenkins sang the ballad “Finished Work” (written by McReynolds), the church’s pastor, Ray Bady, surprised the crowd by introducing McReynolds who stepped on to the stage and reprised the song to the delight of the enthusiastic audience. https://ingrv.es/finished-work-repris-px1-o In today’s corporate world, “work-life balance” is sold as the ultimate goal. The promise? The perfect harmony between career and personal life leads to happiness and fulfillment. But here’s the hard truth: for high achievers—especially business leaders and entrepreneurs—this idea is not only unrealistic, it’s a dangerous distraction. Balance? That’s for those content with mediocrity. The most successful leaders don’t seek balance; they seek greatness, and that path is anything but balanced. Thousands of residents of Compton and surrounding communities gathered at Compton College. Divine Media Group, in partnership with the Mayor’s Office, presented the inaugural Compton Fest 2024, on Saturday, August 24, from 12-6 pm, at Compton College, led by President and CEO Keith Curryers, (District 3), and Lillie Darden (District 4) Assemblyman Mike Gipson (CA. 65th Assembly District), and Compton College Board Member Juanita Doplemore were also in attendance for the Compton Fest. Sean “Diddy” Combs is seeking to toss out a civil lawsuit from Rodney Jones — a producer known as “Lil Rod” — who, earlier this year, sued the embattled businessman and musician for sexual assault, sexual harassment, and grooming. In a motion to dismiss, filed Monday in federal court in the Southern District of New York, Combs claims that Jones’ lawsuit has no merit and is designed to reach a monetary settlement and garner media attention. Jones, a music producer and videographer, said in his lawsuit that he worked with Combs in 2022 and 2023 on his most recent album, “Love.” Among other allegations, Jones claims that Combs did not compensate him for his music-producing work, forced him to procure and interact with sex workers, threatened him, and served alcoholic beverages laced with drugs to guests at parties at his homes. Jones is seeking $30 million in his suit against Combs. He initially filed the complaint in February 2024. Jones moved to voluntarily dismiss some of the defendants, which the judge granted in May. https://youtu.be/Nhr0oCNAJfI Jones’ complaint is among nine against Combs since last November and the eighth directly accusing him of sexual assault. One of the eight lawsuits, filed by former girlfriend Cassie Ventura, has been settled. Another lawsuit accused his son Christian Combs of sexual assault, and Sean Combs is accused of aiding and abetting. Combs and his son have denied the allegations against them. After denying claims against him by Ventura, CNN published a video of Combs physically abusing her, which resulted in Combs issuing an apology — his first admission of any wrongdoing, though he still maintains that he is not responsible for most of the accusations against him. This is Combs’ fifth pending motion to dismiss portions of a lawsuit or complaints in their entirety. The lawsuits Combs is facing are civil cases, but CNN reported in May that federal investigators were prepared to utilize a grand jury, according to sources familiar with the probe, signaling that the US Justice Department is moving toward potentially seeking an indictment of Combs. A source familiar with the current state of the investigation told CNN that Combs has been informed that he is the subject of an ongoing criminal investigation, but to date, has not received a target letter from authorities. While the investigation is ongoing, there is no indication as to if or when Combs may be indicted. https://youtu.be/e6gRUYvHjlQ Celebrating the accomplishments while highlighting individuals and organizations who significantly impact and contribute to the LGBTQIA+ communityThe 2024 honorees include: Rashad Burgess, Lisa Cunningham, Funky Dineva, Judge Pierce Hand Seitz, Derek Ford, Devin Barrington, Adrienne Gates, Congress Woman Barbara Lee and Earl D. Fowkles Jr. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXhVP7X5JnI The Board of Directors of the National Association of Gospel Radio (NAGR) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Ballard as Interim President, following the recent resignation of Founder and President, Charles Edward Johnson. This leadership transition marks a significant moment for the organization as it continues to expand its mission of supporting gospel radio professionals across the nation. Mark Ballard, an accomplished industry executive, will bring his wealth of experience and visionary leadership to the role. He currently serves as the Managing Director of the Stellar Award-winning WNZN Power 89.1 FM, Northeast Ohio’s first and only Urban Inspiration Radio Station. Under his guidance, WNZN has become a beacon of community support, offering youth development programs, job training, and workforce development initiatives through the P.A.C.E. Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization committed to driving positive change in the community. NAGR, known as America’s preferred trade association for gospel radio professionals, represents stations that collectively reach over a million listeners. With more than 120 stations in its network, NAGR's influence extends across all 50 states and beyond, solidifying its role as a leader in the gospel radio industry. New Birth Missionary Baptist Church announces its annual Reinvigorate Women's Weekend, marked by a series of events headlined by dynamic speakers and a host of empowering sessions, Sept. 19 – 22. Registration is required. The conference kicks off with an elegant, Derby-themed empowerment brunch at Villa Christina, featuring guest speaker and iconic actress Jasmine Guy and a host of honorees, including Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, media personality Rashan Ali, global faith leader Dr. Cynthia Hale and other leading community leaders. "As we approach a critical election season, this gathering will unite women in a shared mission of prayer and purpose," said New Birth Senior Pastor Dr. Jamal Bryant. "We invite women from around the globe to join New Birth for these transformative and inspiring events. This is more than just a moment; it's a movement that will empower women to influence change and embrace the roles God has destined for them. Come expecting to be inspired and leave ready to make an impact." The Reinvigorate Women's Weekend is designed to uplift, inspire, and engage women, while celebrating their remarkable achievements. The weekend includes a powerful Friday Night Live Worship Encounter featuring a performance by gospel artist Kierra Sheard Kelly. 5x Grammy Award-winning artist Karen Clark Sheard has just released her new album, Still Karen. This album is one of her most versatile projects yet, and fans are sure to love the final product. Executive produced by Pharrell Williams and J. Drew Sheard II, this body of music will give fans all of the nostalgic feels of Sheard’s first record, Finally Karen, with songs produced by J. Moss, Mano Hanes, and Anthony Brown with Donald Lawrence as A&R Consultant. “I wanted to pay homage to her first record when putting this album together…” says, Karew Records label head, J. Drew Sheard II. “Finally Karen was so iconic, so I brought back all of the major players that made record a hit and also added a few new contributors as well.” He continues, “I pray that when people listen to Still Karen, they can be equally blessed by the music and the message. During the creative process it was important to us to create something that shines God’s love to anyone who listens and make it where it’s relatable to everyone. Marques Houston proves his staying power with a chain of new singles and videos, including his latest titled “Cowgirl.” Houston is a seasoned and multi-faceted entertainer who emerged as a member of the 1990s boy band Immature, later known as IMx. Marques and his various bandmates released ten albums over the next decade, all under the management of music industry mogul Chris Stokes. Houston remained forever relevant flexing his talent as an actor in “Sister Sister,” “One on One” and of course, the breakout dance hit movie “You Got Served” in 2004, written, produced, and directed by Chris Stokes. The latter was a foreshadowing of mega success for Houston and Stokes, who have churned out seventeen number-one movies on the Tubi streaming network under the Footage Films banner. https://youtu.be/adpfd0udiAU Reality TV stars Caleb Feeney, Rylie Holden, and Grant Vanderbilt tease exciting surprises for the new season of “Avalon TV,” revealing that each member shines and showcases their unique talents in unexpected ways. “AVALON TV” is an off-the-wall, over-the-top, and under-the-wig series that takes you inside the brains of LA’s hottest creative collective, The House of Avalon. The queer collective is made up of drag artists, stylists and creatives taking over Los Angeles, including Caleb, Rylie, Grant, Gigi Goode, Hunter Crenshaw, Marko Monroe, and Symone. Here’s the synopsis: “Whether it’s fashion, nightlife, drag, art, comedy, or media – this chosen family is creating one iconic pop culture moment after another, and skyrocketing to success by their own set of rules. Symone (RuPaul’s Drag Race S13 winner), Gigi Goode (Drag Race S12 fan-favorite), Marko Monroe, Hunter Crenshaw, Grant Vanderbilt, Caleb, and Rylie star in this genre bending series filled with real life drama, pranks, parties, and celebrity guests galore. https://youtu.be/-cq5DzNPdug Isaac Hayes III revealed on social media that a federal judge approved an emergency hearing for the family’s lawsuit against Donald Trump. The lawsuit claims the former president has been using Hayes’s song “Hold On, I’m Coming” without permission at campaign rallies. We reported earlier that the estate, in collaboration with Primary Wave, a prominent music management firm, announced their intention to pursue legal action to prevent further unauthorized use of the song. The Hayes family condemned Trump, accusing him of embodying the “worst in honesty, integrity, and class” and wanted no association with his campaign, which they claim is rooted in “hate and racism.” “The Federal Court has granted our request for an Emergency Hearing to secure injunctive relief,” Hayes III wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Donald Trump, the RNC, Trump, Trump for President Inc. 2024, Turning Point and The NRA are required to appear in court September 3rd, 2024 at the Northern U.S. District Federal Court in Atlanta. See you in court,” he added. https://twitter.com/IsaacHayes3?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1827687691405685110%7Ctwgr%5Ed407d4987cc7be1d6d03362811d6e4746a461f63%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fisaac-hayes-estate-granted-emergency-hearing-over-trump-lawsuit%2F Last year, Ghostface Killah‘s son, Infinite Coles, turned to social media to unpack their estranged relationship and revealed that he hasn’t spoken to his famous father in over 15 years. “I have NEVER been the type to go online and talk about my personal life, my family or my emotions,” he wrote in a lengthy Instagram post, XXL reported. “However, today I’m giving an inside look into my broken heart, because I’m feeling more lost and hopeless than I have ever been, the singer continued before speaking to his father directly, writing “@therealghostfacekillah I didn’t really want to do this; but at this point, I’m tired of keeping quiet to save your reputation. I’m tired of the PAIN. My heart has been aching and longing to be love[d] by you, MY FATHER for way too long. So since you are unreachable, perhaps this will get your attention.” As Blavity reported in 2023, we also covered it here, that Infinite Coles said he reached out to his father on multiple occasions but didn’t receive a response “for over a DECADE.” He called Ghostface Killah “the full definition of a deadbeat.” “Dad, you let us live without light, gas, or even communication from you for years,” he wrote. “You have all this coin and yet you allow my uncles to clean up your mess. I have lived in a shelter for almost a year in 2020 during Covid and you haven’t reached out once to help me or to see if I was even alive!” Infinite Coles explained that he’s “not looking for attention or sympathy from anyone. I’m looking for attention from my father,” he wrote. https://www.instagram.com/4everinfinite_/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=a6037ffb-df87-45fb-8a0c-7df0167d115b Floyd Mayweather dismissed referee Hector Afu during his exhibition match against John Gotti III in Mexico City after Afu penalized him for an alleged illegal punch. Mayweather’s reaction to the penalty led to Afu being replaced by another official. The fight itself was an exhibition with no official winner, leading to fan disappointment and boos. “Gotti is tough as nails,” Mayweather said after the fight. “He’s my guy,” Mayweather said of Gotti. “But we had to put on a show for the people. And I want to thank Gotti for being a man of his word and we ran it back twice.” Gotti said Mayweather “hit hard,” adding, “He’s still got it.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1827579175735079394 Celebrated music producer and singer-songwriter Ebonie Smith has released a new poetry album “On Imagination” featuring 12 poems performed by Black female cultural icons such as Roberta Flack, Valerie Simpson, U.S. Representative Maxine Waters, and Dr. Angela Y. Davis. According to Billboard, citing the press package, the project’s premise was to “harness art’s transformative ability to turn grief into joy and resilience, honoring the tradition of music as a life-giving, affirmative revolutionary force while shining a light on language as a pathway to healing within the Black community.” “On Imagination” also includes Dawn Richard, June Jordan, Gwendolyn Bennett, Phillis Wheatley, Georgia Douglas Johnson, Valerie June, Danyel Smith, Genesis Be, Lori Lightfoot, and Flyana Boss. Smith stated, “The poems on this album are restorative. They helped me heal and re-center after COVID. The language is challenging, requiring the listener to work for a deeper understanding, but those who make the effort will find the words of these poets truly powerful and transformative. In the wake of [Migos member] Takeoff’s passing, I turned to these poems to help me heal and make sense of the deaths occurring in and around hip-hop culture. The language on this album helped me find strength during that time.” As Billboard reports, a standout track is “Fantasy,” written by Bennett and performed by Richards, accompanied by a dance piece choreographed by Francesca Harper, artistic director of Ailey II. https://www.instagram.com/eboniesmithmusic/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=24914cdb-41c6-4126-a156-395e76c7beba It’s been called “Kamalamania,” “Kamalmentum,” and “Kamelot.” Others dismiss it as “irrational exuberance,” or a political sugar high led by a “ding dong.” In the five weeks since Kamala Harris upended the 2024 presidential race, the commentariat has used all kinds of phrases to describe Democrats’ euphoria about her sudden White House run. But there is another electoral force propelling Harris’ candidacy that has barely been noticed: “Black Joy.” Harris isn’t just “campaigning on joy,” as so many commentators have recently noted. She is also tapping into something called the “Black Joy” movement. Led by Black artists, authors, activists and others, the movement declares that Black people’s humanity will not be defined by trauma or oppression but by something else: “A joy that no White man can steal.” That’s how the author Tracey Michae’l Lewis-Giggetts describes the movement’s essence in her book, “Black Joy.” Black Joy is hard to define but easy to see and feel. It’s the annual Black Joy Parade, festive Juneteenth celebrations, and loud Black family reunions with plenty of, yes, fried chicken while Earth, Wind & Fire’s feel-good anthem “September” plays from a portable speaker nearby. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/sCK8x-Q1j5Y?feature=share Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, the celebrated American singer, songwriter, actress, and cornerstone of the iconic R&B group TLC is currently undergoing medical care following what initially appeared to be a simple case of food poisoning. Born in 1970 in Des Moines, Iowa, T-Boz rose to prominence in the 1990s as a key member of TLC, alongside Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas. The group solidified their legacy with hit tracks like “Waterfalls,” “No Scrubs,” and “Creep,” becoming one of the best-selling girl groups of all time. T-Boz’s influence extends beyond music; she has also acted in various films and television shows, such as “Belly” and “House Party 3,” as well as guest-starring in popular series like “Living Single” and “That 70s Show.” Despite facing numerous personal challenges, including health issues and financial difficulties, T-Boz has demonstrated remarkable resilience. Her advocacy work, particularly in raising awareness for sickle cell disease—a condition she has battled since childhood—has earned her admiration from fans and peers alike. However, T-Boz’s determination is once again being tested as she finds herself in a hospital due to an abdominal blockage. This unexpected health complication has forced TLC to cancel their planned weekend shows. The group was scheduled to perform at Foxwoods in Connecticut on Saturday and at the New York State Fair in Syracuse on Friday. The cancellations were especially disappointing given that the Friday night show was called off just 30 minutes before it was set to begin. https://youtu.be/S67kOnW8OT8 Initially thought to be food poisoning, T-Boz’s condition was later diagnosed as an abdominal blockage, prompting emergency medical care. “The doctor verified that this was not food poisoning, but an abdominal blockage. Tionne deeply regrets having to cancel these shows and extends her sincere apologies to all her fans and the event promoters,” says a statement from the group. As of Saturday night, T-Boz remained hospitalized, and doctors were closely monitoring her condition with the aid of a CT scan to assess the severity of the blockage. The medical team expects she may be released sometime on Sunday, pending further evaluations and her response to treatment, according to a TMZ update. This recent medical scare comes following other setbacks for TLC’s current tour, which has been fraught with challenges. In May, the group also had to cancel several Canadian shows due to a flu outbreak among tour members. Despite these obstacles, TLC remains committed to reconnecting with its fans and is exploring options to reschedule the canceled performances. https://www.instagram.com/therealtboz/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=061f17a2-e4c5-4544-b607-5f5ea91672ff TLC’s last concert before the recent cancellations was on Thursday night in Toledo, Ohio. While it is unclear if anything related to that stop contributed to T-Boz’s condition, fans and well-wishers are hoping for her swift recovery. Beyond her music career, T-Boz’s resilience in the face of personal and health challenges continues to inspire many. Her ongoing battle with sickle cell disease and her efforts to raise awareness about the condition have made her a beacon of strength and advocacy. Through all her trials and triumphs, T-Boz remains a beloved figure, proving that the spirit of perseverance can shine through the darkest of times. As TLC navigates these turbulent times, fans eagerly await further updates on T-Boz’s health and look forward to seeing the group back on stage, continuing to share their timeless hits and infectious energy with audiences around the world. Prayers UP for T-Boz! https://www.instagram.com/therealtboz/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=889093ce-5746-497e-ad41-b65f9170563c These days it can seem as though “spam likely” calls pop up on your phone almost every day. Not only is it incredibly annoying, but it can get in the way of work and life if you’re somebody who takes a lot of calls from varying numbers.While work might force you to pick up calls from unknown numbers or even call them back, there are a few early signs, like common scammer numbers and area codes, that can help you confidently hit decline on those pesky scammers. Spokeo reports on what you need to know. One of the first things you’ll often notice when getting a call from a number you don’t recognize is the area code of the caller. This can often be the first clue you’re getting a scam call, and more specifically these area codes are most likely to be spam. Domestic: Be Wary of These Seven Area Codes: 216 – Cleveland, Ohio 218 – Northern Minnesota 332 – New York City, New York 347 – New York City, New York 646 – New York City, New York 657 – La Palma, California 712 – Western Iowa These area codes have been found to contain a higher-than-normal scam caller rate. If you don’t live near these locations or know people in them, good chance a call from these area codes is a scam. While you’re always better off not answering a scam call, hang up immediately should you answer and then realize who you’re talking to. And never call back a number you don’t recognize! In his upcoming documentary “Am I Racist?” conservative media personality and Daily Wire host Matt Walsh goes undercover to infiltrate the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion community. Directed by Justin Folk, the film is described as a “social experiment,” and marks Walsh’s second provocative film after “What Is A Woman?” released in 2022. “The movie is a great successor to ‘What Is A Woman?,’ but it is an evolution. It’s not another, sort of, documentary where Matt, the every-man, goes in and has conversations with these people. It’s really something we haven’t seen before from the right,” Daily Wire CEO Jeremy Boreing said. “It is a genuine comedy in which you allow these people to be the butt of the joke in a way that we’ve historically only seen from Sacha Baron Cohen, or even John Stewart in sort of the heyday of the Daily Show,” Boreing added. https://youtu.be/c7PA_kshZh0 In the documentary, Walsh explains that he’s on a mission to find out “Am I racist?” As THR reports, he does this by attending anti-racism workshops, crashing private dinner parties, and conducting interviews with both “racism” experts while playing the role of “a bumbling, zealous DEI trainee,” per Daily Wire. “If I’m going to sort this out, I need to go deeper undercover. If I want to be an ally, I need to look like one,” Walsh states in the trailer. He completes his transformation by donning a tweed blazer and wearing a ponytail wig, creating an academic appearance. During one moment in the film, Walsh crashes the Race2Dinner super club, and gets a group of liberal white women to raise their glass in a toast to “being racist.” “Can I just propose a toast? I mean, just raise a glass if you’re racist,” Walsh tells the guests and nearly all the women at the table immediately raise their glasses. https://twitter.com/i/status/1827786210699255905 After appearing in more than 50 movies, Oscar winner Denzel Washington says he’s not interested in taking on new projects if he’s not inspired by the filmmaker. In an interview with Empire magazine, Washington opened up about his reason for joining Ridley Scott‘s upcoming “Gladiator 2.” “There are very few films left for me to make that I’m interested in, and I have to be inspired by the filmmaker, and I was tremendously inspired by Ridley,” Washington said. “We had a great go-round the first go-round [on American Gangster], and here we are.” Washington described Scott as “engaged” and “excited about life and his next film.” “He’s an inspiration,” he said. “We should all want to feel like that at 86.” https://youtu.be/4rgYUipGJNo Democratic pollster and political analyst Cornell Belcher recommended that Vice President Kamala Harris focus on engaging directly with voters instead of participating in sit-down interviews with the press. “Look, Harris has proven herself to be a skillful debater in the past. In the Democratic Primary process, remember, she had that one line that ended up on t-shirts when she was talking about busing to desegregate and Biden’s opposition to that and saying, ‘I was that little girl,’” Nawaz said on NBC News Sunday, Daily Caller. “Candidates don’t need us as journalists to get their message out … but interviews are where candidates face rigor and skepticism and questions about issues that they’re not raising on the campaign trail and in monologue,” Nawaz continued. “It opens it up to a conversation in a way that’s good for voters and good for democracy. I will just say having been with Vice President Harris in unscripted scenarios there’s policy command there that can come out in these kind of interviews.” Belcher disagreed with Nawaz’s statement, saying, “Can I say that I love you, and I love you, but as a campaign hack, no. She should be talking to the voters and barnstorming the way they do.” Dr. Umar Johnson’s debate with media personality Mouse Jones on the Hustle Over Everything podcast went viral after Johnson expressed disappointment that hip-hop, despite its global influence, has not significantly benefited the Black community. “It ain’t done sh-t for the community. It made individuals rich, and that’s it,” Dr. Umar, Cassius Life reports. According to Mouse, Hip-Hop created a plethora of jobs in the music industry and podcasting. He also noted that drug dealers are “essential to the black community.” Dr. Umar challenged him to name one “relevant institution that Hip-Hop built.” “You’ve been around for 50 years, the most popular music genre in the world, billions and billions of dollars, and all you can tell me about is a few people can get jobs,” Dr. Umar clapped back. “That’s bullsh-t when you look at the cost that the black community has had to pay for Hip-Hop. A whole two or three generations of black kids growing up thinking the best thing you can do is be a gangster.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1826403242382950555 The use of deadly force by police officers has outraged communities and polarized the nation at times. But there’s a new tool that some law enforcement agencies hope will make a difference by giving officers another non-lethal option when making arrests. You’ll find them on the belts of Chief Bill Weatherly and his two officers who patrol the small Kaufman County town of Oak Ridge. “When you’re ready to shoot, you push the button and it shoots back in here. You’re ready to go. It’s that simple,” Weatherly said. Oak Ridge is one of two Dallas-Fort Worth area police departments that, along with about two dozen others statewide, have purchased BolaWraps. https://youtu.be/hGBzhvbsvpA The lasso-shooting guns are less expensive than Tasers and more acceptable to anti-police brutality groups. “I think it shows some promise,” said John Fullinwider, co-founder of Mothers Against Police Brutality. “This appears, if used properly, it doesn’t cause any injury to the suspect or any direct pain. This is a way for even a cop that’s not skilled in de-escalation to diffuse a situation and take a subject into custody.” The BolaWrap works from as far as 25 feet away and is easy enough to deploy. The company that makes them says this summer police in San Francisco replaced their Tasers with BolaWraps, which they’ve already been used to safely restrain people suffering from mental illness and drug-related episodes. https://youtu.be/hkAZFm2dF-Y In 1990, Kid ‘N Play took fans to the funhouse with their danceable single and sophomore album of the same name. In 2024, the duo, consisting of Christopher “Kid” Reid and his partner in rhyme, Christopher “Play” Martin, have brought the funhouse back in a current form with their new podcast “The Funhouse With Kid ‘N Play.’ The chart-topping Urban One Podcast outlet brings a star-studded interview style while offering insightful discussions and lively conversations that bridge the gap between the old-school fans and new-school rap music fans, hip-hop followers, and supporters. For Martin, his latest venture with Reid is one that builds on the legacy the two share on and off the mic. “Kid and I have a legacy,” he recently told Blavity. “People are probably not aware of the three six degrees of separation of Kid ‘N Play,” he jokingly said regarding the first season’s iconic lineup, including Kid Capri, Chuck D and Roxanne Shante. “So it’s just calling friends and saying, ‘Hey, you want to have fun?’ Some of these artists are not necessarily known to crack a smile or to joke and laugh. But they have that kind of relationship with us. They know our antics, our vibe, and how organic we are, and it makes them comfortable because they know us. So, it’s a conversation amongst friends,” Martin continued. https://youtu.be/38lYPNK0jbE For future podcasts, listeners can look forward to current artists currently topping the charts as well as producers, politicians and music executives. “The Funhouse with Kid ‘N Play” podcast is available on all major podcast platforms and Urban One Podcasts. Scroll below to see the latest episode of the podcast: https://youtu.be/wr9AsYtvjec O.J. Simpson’s estate is in a very broke state, according to his executor. TMZ reports that Simpson’s longtime lawyer turned guy running things with the late football star’s probate estate Malcolm LaVergne is out to scrape up as much money as he can to pay off debts Simpson has since his death last April. Chatting with the outlet, LaVergne revealed he is trying to bring in more than $269,000 from one of Simpson’s homes. The kicker, LaVergne said, is he might have to go O.J.’s son, Justin Ryan Simpson, to get the money. Justin — whose mother was Nicole Brown Simpson — helped his controversial father buy his “forever” home in Las Vegas a couple of years ago, LaVergne added. As it stands now, the estate wants to recoup the funds O.J. put into the residence, which LaVergne has fixed at around $159,000. With Simpson’s home now valued over $100,000 more than when it was bought in 2022, LaVergne’s stance is that the equity and the amount O.J. put into the home belong to his estate. Considering O.J.’s other debts and creditors of the estate, TMZ notes the $269,000 wanted for the former sports fixture’s abode is “just a drop in the bucket” What are you going to do?! Yes, you men and women who stand boldly in pulpits across the nation. I’m talking to YOU! About this voting issue. You stand boldly, fearlessly speaking with authority in your Sunday services because you say God ordained you to tell His Truth. Your pulpit seems a safe place—and you, the ordained one, display courage as you spout Holy Words, often changing lives, claiming complete faith as you speak—and later, expect tithes and offerings. You look good. You speak well. Your devoted followers hang onto your every word. What words are you telling them, though? Are they alert to the words from your Bible and how they relate to the world they are experiencing right now? And a world they are likely to experience soon—as the world cracks beneath the spirit of so much wrongdoing? Wrongdoings that you’re possibly not fully addressing. Are you addressing and pointing out the impending new world? America’s world? Pastors, HOUSES OF GOD, the churches … those were once the places of safety for Black folks. Once upon a time. When we were afraid—often for our very lives—you provided truthful information, and your church buildings were our safe houses. When we needed truthful and bold answers regarding the things that would affect our lives, we poured into your buildings where you informed us, and told us the truth about impending changes, both good and bad. Yes, sometimes we had serious, urgent meetings in the wee hours, where men of God shared all kinds of things—like how to stay ALIVE!! How to remain safe and avoid brutalities—like hangings, brutal beatings, and other evils. We learned about politics—the “good”, the bad, and the ugly. Because you were well informed with vital information. It was here, in your houses of worship, that we learned about VOTING, and why we should not opt out of our long-fought-for-right as American citizens to express our preferences. Martin and his team certainly utilized these safe houses to make plans and share messages with the people. And the messages shared were so important, that they spread and influenced folks nationwide! So, ministers of the Gospel, I pose this question: Would you ever consider opening your house of worship to unite yourselves first and inform each other and your congregations along with the local citizens about vital issues? Do you know what the issues are? What about Project 2025? Are you willing to learn? There are problems—severe ones up ahead. There’s no time to play around with the dangers that only the fearful or the foolish will deliberately ignore. You have a vital part to play, in God’s direction for the plan of action. Right? It’s never been harder to be Mister Softee. Once, there were more than 2,000 Mister Softee trucks in 38 states during the company’s peak in the 1960s. Now, there are only around 630 Mister Softee trucks looping around neighborhoods and parks in 21 states. Competition and rising costs are hurting sales. Counter-intuitive factors like increasingly hot weather are also denting business. And broader social trends – like the shrinking sizes of American families and even the advance of technology – play a role, too. “There’s a lot more competition, especially in New York, than there was in the 1980s and 1990s,” Mike Conway, the vice president of Mister Softee and grandson of the company’s co-founder, told CNN in a phone interview from the company’s office in Runnemede, New Jersey. He adds: “Ice cream has become more popular — more stores are doing it. Everybody is getting into the business a little bit.” Mister Softee trucks have been around since 1954, when two brothers, James and William Conway, started the business in Philadelphia. An advertising agency created the iconic jingle several years later for radio commercials, and it helped propel the company into the largest franchiser of ice cream trucks in the United States. https://youtu.be/YEAkU_ubtoE Most Mister Softee trucks are owned and operated by independent franchise dealers, many of them first-generation immigrants and small business owners. Franchisees are given a designated neighborhood or area where they can sell. Within their assigned turf, franchise owners set ice cream prices and decide the prime selling spots. Carlos Vazquez has been a Mister Softee franchise owner for more than decade in downtown New York City. He saw entering the industry as a way to achieve the American dream of saving money and buying a home. But the turf assignments don’t account for outside competition, of course. Boutique ice cream, gelato and dessert shops like Van Leeuwen and Oddfellows have popped up in neighborhoods and malls across the country. And it’s not just ice cream shops and trucks — Shake Shack and other chains are selling more milkshakes, too. Vazquez has seen every part of the business get more expensive since the pandemic, including licensing charges he pays to the company, ice cream supplies, gas and wear and tear on the trucks. Then there are the simmering turf wars with independent trucks for coveted street corners. Mister Softee has successfully sued upstart competitors for allegedly ripping off its design and jingle. https://youtu.be/ls13gmSv8sI “We have to pay more money on the insurance. Half a million dollars. The policy goes up,” he said. “The maintenance, if something broke on the truck. The labor for the maintenance on the truck is a lot.” Milk and ice cream supplies have also gotten more expensive. Wholesale inflation on ice cream has increased 21% since 2020, and wholesale inflation on ice cream cones has increased 25% during that stretch. That has forced him to raise prices. A cone with vanilla or chocolate ice cream now costs $5, up from $1 when he first started. He sells half as much ice cream on most days as he once did. “We cannot control [inflation],” he said. “It’s part of the world.” https://youtu.be/xtFED08t1Xs Perhaps surprisingly, extreme heat is also denting Mister Softee’s business. The equipment in the truck breaks down more easily when it’s too hot, and customers stay home. “If the weather is really hot, it’s not really good for business. It’s weird,” said Vazquez. “People don’t want to have to walk too much. It’s creamy and melts and you get dirty and you ask for the extra napkins.” 2024 has been the hottest summer on record to date for around 100 US cities from Maine to California. If you take the country’s 50-biggest cities and add up the number of days above 95 degrees, there have been at least 1,071 this summer — 161 more than the average over the past decade for the same period. Extreme heat is even denting big ice cream brands. https://youtu.be/sA1RCIsNWwY “It’s ‘A. T. Yo,’ just like it’s spelled (ATIYO),” said Ski Johnson, a five-time Grammy considered saxophonist, who is featured on the Ethiopian superstar Rophnan Nuri Muzeyin’s new single “ATIYO,” about the title of the song when I asked. “I just think it’s a word.” The Billboard chart-topping saxophonist sounded very excited about being featured on the Rophnan project. I took a listen, and I got excited too, it really is a hot number. Rophnan is from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and he wrote and produced the “ATIYO” single. Rophnan is also a DJ, keyboardist, and producer. He has released four albums which has garnered him international recognition. Rophnan has almost ½ million Facebook followers, 68,000 listeners on Spotify, 13,000 followers on Twitter, and over 300,000 followers on Instagram. “He’s like the Michael Jackson of Ethiopia,” Ski said, schooling me about the magnitude and scope of the project. “We met when he came through DC on tour. We became friends and he brought me into the studio. I want to use my platforms to bring him here.” “I just did my thing,” Johnson told me when I asked about recording his sax on the Rophnan track. “We were in the studio together. He came to DC.” When Ski first heard the Rohnan track for “ATIYO” he said, ‘This is hot!” The same thing I said! https://youtu.be/oIHE7uN7ON0 Donald Trump is a legend … in his own mind. That’s no secret. But when he starts to compare himself to iconic dead people, it’s time for an intervention. This time Trump claimed he had a bigger crowd on January 6th in Washington, D.C. than Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., had at his ‘I Have A Dream’ speech. Apparently, Trump doesn’t listen to his paid advisors. Some of them claim trying to get him to stay on message is like trying to herd cats – next to impossible. Instead of standing by while Trump has diarrhea of the mouth, it’s time for journalists to fact-check him in real time. What’s the internet for, if not for instant information? https://youtu.be/gI2Qho2VfpQ After years of beef, Lee Daniels and Mo’Nique look to be in a good space regarding their personal and professional relationship. So much so the pair are working together again in Daniels’ new horror film “The Deliverance.” The feature, which hits theaters August 30, finds inspiration from the true-life story of LaToya Ammons, a mother in Gary, Indiana who, in 2011, claimed her children had become possessed by a demonic spirit. In addition to Mo’Nique, who plays Cynthia Henry, Daniels reunites with his Oscar-nominated “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” star Andra Day, who plays Ebony, a neglectful, alcoholic mother struggling with her own abandonment issues, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, who portrays Rev. Bernice James. Glenn Close, who worked with Daniels for the first time, plays Alberta, Ebony’s mother who’s now found Jesus after failing to be the parent Ebony needed her to be as a child. Chatting with The Hollywood Reporter, Daniels reflects on working with Mo’Nique for the first time since falling out with over financial expectations around promoting his 2009 film “Precious,” for which the former “The Parkers” star won the Oscar for best supporting actress. https://youtu.be/UcFJxm-tQB8 Drake may have lost his rap war with Kendrick Lamar in the eyes of many, but Champagne Papi still has his talent for messing with the ladies. Including famous ones, he’s dating at the same time. Detailing her past, Ice Cream Convos cited an interview where Toccara Jones touched on her romantic situation with Drake. The fashion model/TV personality revealed she met the hitmaker at a Los Angeles-based club after he called her over to his tale. From there, drinks and small talk commenced, resulting in the pair exchanging numbers and regularly communicating via FaceTime. Jones, who confessed to initially being a little star-struck, dated Drake for about six months, noted Ice Cream Convos. Summing up their time together, Jones described as “fun.” https://youtu.be/36GM3lIwHtA On March 13, 2020, Breonna Taylor, an African-American woman, tragically lost her life during a botched police raid that drew nationwide attention and ignited protests against police brutality and systemic racism. Taylor was killed by plainclothes officers from the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) while they executed a “no-knock” search warrant at her apartment. This warrant, part of a larger drug trafficking investigation, targeted Taylor’s ex-boyfriend, who was suspected of receiving packages at her residence. In a recent judicial decision, U.S. District Judge Charles Simpson dismissed felony charges against two Louisville police officers, Detective Joshua Jaynes and former Sgt. Kyle Meany, involved in Taylor’s death. This ruling could have resulted in lifelong prison sentences for both. The judge’s 33-page ruling concluded that Taylor’s boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, set the fatal chain of events in motion by firing a shot at the officers, believing them to be home invaders. https://youtu.be/fa8Q9AnFQM4 There’s no denying that Vice President Kamala Harris often captures public attention, but lately, it’s her younger sister, Maya Harris, who’s becoming the focus of widespread admiration and downright thirst. Social media has been buzzing with praise for Maya’s easy-on-the-eyes looks AND accomplishments. Yep, it seems everyone has noticed her exceptional beauty and elegance. Maya’s husband, Tony West, made headlines in his own right when he responded to the influx of online admirers. As commentators on X (formerly Twitter) openly appreciated Maya’s striking appearance, a particularly direct user asked, “Yo, Maya are you single?” This prompted another user, @notcapnamerica, to assert, “No she is not and her husband looks like he fights.” In a move that both amused and clarified, West, who married Maya in 1998, replied, “Appreciate you clarifying the situation, Brother Evans. And yes, he fights.” His response skillfully acknowledged the attention while making it clear that Maya is very much off the market. So keep it movin’. https://youtu.be/7uXIYcMOcZ8 The social media flurry escalated after Maya’s appearance and speech at the Democratic National Convention. She noticeably stood out, prompting users on X to gush over her youthful appearance and elegance at age 57. “Maya Harris is 57 years old but looks 20 years old,” one user marveled, while another playfully added, “I want the water she is drinking!” These sentiments were echoed by Nadine Babu, who commented, “The genetics in this family just aren’t fair.” In another nostalgic highlight, social media users shared a resurfaced 2012 Daily Beast TV interview featuring Maya and Kamala Harris. The sisters’ display of their “unbreakable” bond delighted viewers, with one user simply noting, “Maya is Fine …” https://twitter.com/notcapnamerica?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1826815769939775633%7Ctwgr%5E7825398a65bff93054205a77efd7bc65eaac21ca%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fmaya-harris-gains-social-media-buzz-for-beauty-and-achievements%2F Tony West, who also shared the Daily Beast interview, holds significant credentials of his own. Currently the senior vice president and chief legal officer at Uber, West formerly served as the associate U.S. attorney general and the assistant attorney general of the Civil Division under the Obama administration. This impressive professional background only adds to the power couple’s public allure.As Maya continues to gain admiration for her poise, intelligence, and timeless beauty, the conversations around her highlight her influential role both in political spheres and as a public figure. Maya’s contributions to Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential bid and her national surrogate work for the Biden-Harris ticket in 2020 underscore her enduring commitment to political advocacy and progressive causes. https://www.instagram.com/mayaharris_/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=5fa6dc1b-d0fe-4f1b-9f14-8d03af37d9c5 In an age where social media can be both a platform for admiration and unsolicited advances, Tony West’s playful yet firm response serves as a reminder of the strength and unity within their marriage. It’s clear that Maya Harris is not only an inspiring figure in politics but also enjoys a loving and supportive relationship that many can admire from afar. https://twitter.com/i/status/1826809822357971336 We bet passengers aboard a Southwest Airlines flight earlier this week had no idea they would be treated to a unique in-flight service experience by none other than Flavor Flav. The Public Enemy hype-man, known for his energetic persona and iconic clock accessory, traded the stage for the skies and took on the role of an impromptu flight attendant. Flav shared video on his social media channels, showcasing him walking up and down the plane aisle at 30,000 feet, cheerfully handing out snacks to fellow passengers. Dressed in his 2024 Olympics apparel complete with his trademark oversized clock necklace, Flavor Flav was all smiles and enthusiasm. His signature “Yeah, boy!” echoed through the cabin, much to the delight of those onboard who eagerly snapped photos of the unique encounter. The rapper explained in the caption of his recent post on X (formerly Twitter) that the opportunity arose when he met some flight crew members while in Paris for the Olympics, according to TMZ. They suggested he assist with in-flight service and even let him make the landing announcement — a task he presumably performed with his characteristic high-energy flair, although no video of this moment has surfaced yet. Flavor Flav’s presence on the flight wasn’t merely a random act of whimsy. He had recently been in Paris to support the U.S. water polo teams in a professional capacity. As a key figure in a five-year sponsorship deal with both the men’s and women’s teams, Flav had been actively promoting and celebrating their participation in the Olympics, even hosting a victory party in Las Vegas following the games. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-08-23-082324-flavor-flav-1887396-780/ Not to be outdone in the realm of unexpected airline stories, fellow rapper Juvenile found himself in an airline-related predicament earlier this week as well. After being downgraded from his first-class seat on an American Airlines flight to Dallas, Texas, the “Slow Motion” rapper was left frustrated and decided to leave the plane in anger. Fortunately, Southwest Airlines came to his rescue, offering him complimentary tickets so he could still make it to his show in Fort Worth. Juvenile expressed his gratitude on ” TMZ Live,” highlighting that despite not having flown with Southwest for years, their support was a significant and much-appreciated gesture. The generosity from Southwest Airlines contrasted sharply with his experience on American Airlines, where he had purchased over a dozen tickets for his crew but was still downgraded. Juvenile shared that he could have caused a bigger scene but chose to handle the situation more gracefully. Despite his ordeal, he made it clear that American Airlines has yet to make amends for the inconvenience caused. While Flavor Flav’s unexpected stint as a flight attendant and Juvenile’s airline woes might seem like disparate stories, they both underscore the unpredictable nature of air travel and the surprising ways in which celebrities navigate these skies. Whether it’s handing out snacks with a smile or navigating booking blunders, these tales remind us that even rap royalty isn’t immune to the quirks of commercial aviation. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-08-23-082324-juvenile-1887322-072/ Prince has an army of hit songs and albums. And while each tune and compilation strikes a nerve with fans for internal and external reasons, no greatest hits offering seems to be complete without his classic “When Doves Cry” or as New York University music professor Ethan Hein classifies it, “an epic sonic adventure.” Released in 1984 as the lead single from Prince’s epic soundtrack to his semi-autobiographical film “Purple Rain,” “When Doves Cry” stands apart in its own lane. The irony of it is the tune was the last one Prince wrote for the feature after director Albert Magnoli asked him to come up with “something for the montage scene where the Kid is riding around on his motorcycle, having just lost his girlfriend to Morris Day. The result was Prince writing “When Doves Cry that night. And starting production on it in Los Angeles’ Sunset Sound studios on March 1, 1984. The initial two-hour session, didn’t produce any recordings. “…he probably just programmed drums and chose synth sounds,” Hein speculated in an article he wrote about the album version of “When Doves Cry” for Music Radar. Things changed when Prince returned to Sunset Sound and finished the rest of “When Doves Cry” in what Hein described as “a single marathon session sprint.” https://youtu.be/IUc0R8bbWQE On May 16, 1984, a little more than a month before the “Purple Rain” soundtrack hit stores on June 25, 1984, and just over a month on July 27, 1984, after the “Purple Rain” movie invaded theaters, “When Doves Cry” gave the world its first taste of the literal musical revolution to come from Prince and his band of the same name at that time. The single, inspired by Prince’s relationship with Vanity 6 member Susan Moonsie would go on to achieve international acclaim becoming Prince’s first Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 song with a five-week reign and securing top single of 1984 status. In his remembrance, Hein touched on Prince’s quest to create a worthwhile song that changed the game instrumentally and vocally speaking. Lyrically, the instructor confessed that he couldn’t comment on “When Doves Cry” without diving into the words composed by Prince for the hit song. “They are sublimely odd! In his column ‘The Number One’s, Tom Breihan describes the song as “opaque poetry, a hallucinatory swirl of panting come-ons and animal imagery. That means it’s classic Prince — half functional, half mysterious, able to do its work while still leaving your mind spinning.” I couldn’t put it any better,” the educator mentioned. “Consider the opening line of the song: “Dig, if you will, a picture.” In the first four words, Prince manages to combine jazz slang with a flowery Victorian-ism. The language stays strangely formal, even when it’s describing physical love: “engaged in a kiss,” “the sweat of this body.” Not “my” body, “this” body! And who sings so much about their parents in a sweaty love song? Only an incomparable genius. https://youtu.be/r4HJmhGgy74 As with any well-known song, “When Doves Cry” is not excused from artists who were game to cover it and make it thier own. Among the interpreters were Ginuwine (“backed by a great Timbaland beat, which uses the drum break from ‘Fool Yourself’ by Little Feat for extra intertextuality”), Patti Smith, (“a slow and sultry rock groove”) and Metallica members Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo, who “do the song as a goof during a show in the music icon’s beloved hometown of Minneapolis. As Prince continued changing the game on a worldwide platform, rap music arrived, capturing the eye and ear of the music’s hip-hop and dance producers, who despite Prince’s consistent refusal, wanted to merge it with the culture’s sound. Heiln goes on to expose Audio Two, who used a slowed-down sample of Prince singing “This is what it sounds like” in their song ‘Make It Funky,’ without The Arist’s permission. “Early rap didn’t have much of a cultural footprint outside of certain neighborhoods in certain cities, though, so it was easy for this kind of thing to fly under the radar,” Hien stated before revealing the one rapper who got Prince’s blessing to use his popular tune. “Rather weirdly, Prince did permit MC Hammer, of all people, to sample the beat from ‘When Doves Cry’ for his underwhelming song ‘Pray.’ https://youtu.be/ZeQlGkW8l3c An electrifying night at the Woodruff Arts Center in Atlanta brought out faith, joy, and hope during the movie premiere of “The Forge.” The celebratory night was enhanced with the stars and cast of the faith-based film including Priscilla Shirer (War Room, Overcomer), Devon Franklin, fashion model Ashley Graham, gospel singer Tina Campbell, and many more. “The Forge,” co-written by producing partners Alex Kendrick and Stephen Kendrick surrounds 19-year-old Isaiah Wright (Aspen Kennedy), a high school graduate attempting to get his life together. With no job or college plans, his mother gives him an ultimatum that leads to an inspiring life change. https://youtu.be/8JA9dvdlraw A statue honoring civil rights hero and US Congressman John Lewis was unveiled Saturday outside of Atlanta, replacing a Confederate monument that had stood there for more than a century. Renowned Jamaican sculptor Basil Watson created the statue and coined the John Lewis Memorial. It was installed on August 16 in Decatur Square in front of the Historic Decatur Courthouse. The statue stands 12 feet tall atop a granite pedestal and depicts Lewis with his hands over his heart, a gesture he frequently used to express his love for others. https://youtu.be/6yQdK4On-pU Kevin Hart is seemingly in full confession mode, thanks to new information that goes deeper into the night he cheated on his pregnant wife Eniko. According to Cassius Life, that fateful weekend, in which Hart admitted to his infidelity after a blackmail scheme to extort money from him came to light, also found Hart confessing that he was on Molly the whole time things went down. Details of the new development are documented in a deposition filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Aug. 6, as part of the funnyman’s former friend Jonathan “JT” Jackson’s lawsuit against him. Hart confessed that one of his friends, whom he did not name, pressured him into taking Molly. Despite telling his friend, “Nah, drugs aren’t really my thing,” The ” Ride Along” film fixture eventually gave in, saying, “F–- it,” and dropped the drug into his drink. In Hart’s eyes, he’d be fine since his drink was purposely watered down..“The night is good,” the 45-year-old comedian/actor said regarding his thoughts at the time.During his deposition, Hart detailed his meeting with Montia Sabbag, the woman he would later have relations with. Hart stated brought Sabbag and another woman named Morgan back to his hotel room. After Morgan left, Hart and Sabbag went to bed. The popular docu-series “Raising Fame” takes center stage this Sunday, August 25, at 10 PM ET / 9 PM C on TV One. Hosted by celebrity moms Lucille O’Neal (mom of Shaquille O’Neal) and Sonya Curry (mom of Stephen, Seth, and Sydel Curry). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCS5BTqtC3I Four-time NBA champion and NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal sits down with his mother, Lucille, to tell the epic story of how he overcame a difficult childhood to become the icon in sports, business, and entertainment that he is today. This season also includes an impressive lineup of award-winning athletes, musicians, actors, and their families, including Usher, John Legend, Fantasia, Chance The Rapper, Billy Porter, Kevin Durant, Jon Batiste, and the late Chadwick Boseman. Lucille on Being a https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTCrCrXx4Jg People watching the final night of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) were provided with a very real reminder of Donald Trump’s decades-long history of anti-Black racism and discrimination. The topic was first broached by the Rev. Al Sharpton, who said that the only time Trump has ever taken a stance on the issue of race was back in the 1980s when he took out a full-page ad in the New York Times calling for a group of Black and brown boys falsely accused of raping a white woman to receive the death penalty. https://twitter.com/i/status/1826774476572557751 Recalling the boys’ “youth was stolen from us” because of the false rape accusations they faced, Wise said that hardship was compounded by the death penalty ad, which encouraged similarly hateful protesters to essay unthinkable things to the children as they entered court for their trial. “Because of Donald Trump,” Wise said. “He spent $85,000 … calling for our execution. We were innocent kids, but we served a total of 41 years in prison.” htt In a historic moment at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Vice President Kamala Harris formally accepted the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination on Thursday. The landmark speech, delivered on the closing day of the convention, showcased Harris’ vision for the country and highlighted the stark contrast between her platform and that of former President Donald Trump. Utilizing the opportunity, Harris first recited an inspiring account of her life story and professional background. She then pivoted to address current national and international hot-button issues, with strong stances on the war in Gaza, immigration, and abortion. “I promise to be a president for all Americans. You can always trust me to put country above party and self, to hold sacred America’s fundamental principles, from the rule of law to free and fair elections, to the peaceful transfer of power,” she reassured the audience. https://youtu.be/48MpTHK7B78 Concluding her nomination acceptance, Harris called upon Americans to ” “write the next great chapter in the most extraordinary story ever told,” urging them to fight for the country’s ideals with optimism and faith. “It is now our turn to do what generations before us have done,” she said. “Guided by optimism and faith, to fight for this country we love, to fight for the ideals we cherish, and to uphold the awesome responsibility that comes with the greatest privilege on Earth — the privilege and pride of being an American.” “So let’s get out there,” Harris exhorted. “Let’s fight for it.” The speech ignited a wave of enthusiasm among delegates and supporters, setting the stage for a fiercely contested presidential race. As Harris steps into the spotlight, the Democratic Party rallies behind her message of unity, progress, and resilience, promising a dynamic and passionate campaign in the months ahead. https://youtu.be/JuwODALdjL4 Judge Greg Mathis’ wife, Linda Reese, has filed for divorce after 39 years of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences.The couple, who married in 1985, separated in July. Linda is seeking spousal support, Us Weekly reports. They have four adult children (Jade, 39, Camara, 36, Greg Jr., 35, and Amir, 34,) and previously starred in the short-lived reality show “Mathis Family Matters” in 2022. In 2021, Mathis celebrated their marriage with a throwback photo of his wedding day. “Marrying Linda put me on the path in the right direction,” he wrote on Facebook. “I hope my journey is [an] inspiration to others.” Mathis last mentioned Linda on social media in January when he posted photos of them during a holiday trip to Mexico. https://youtu.be/zxBWnmuvIlg In an eye-catching, and yes, funny performance, comedian D.L. Hughley recently turned his comedic talents toward political commentary, launching a series of witty remarks aimed at former President Donald Trump and expressing support for Vice President Kamala Harris. “If you told 15-year-old me that I’d be on stage supporting a prosecutor and a teacher, there’s no way I would have believed you,” said Hughley, referring to Harris and her running mate Tim Walz. However, in his speech, Hughley acknowledged a previous misstep when he echoed a false attack that Harris had incarcerated 1,500 Black men for marijuana offenses. After doing more thorough research, Hughley has since come to support Harris, even interviewing her at an event in Milwaukee. Hughley didn’t shy away from addressing Trump’s past comments about Harris. At the National Association of Black Journalists convention on July 31, Trump suggested that Harris had decided to “turn Black” for political gain—an accusation that Hughley vehemently dismissed with his characteristic humor. “Kamala’s been Black a lot longer than Trump’s been a Republican,” Hughley fired back, drawing laughter and applause. He further pointed to the bipartisan support Harris has garnered, referencing the group Republicans for Kamala by quipping, “I guess Donald Trump will finally know what it’s like when you get left for a younger woman.” https://youtu.be/oF3LcW9QDHA Hughley shared that his change of heart came after a meeting with Harris where she encouraged him to delve into her background. This led Hughley to rethink his position, ultimately leading him to a full-throated endorsement. “I was wrong,” Hughley admitted. “And I am so very glad I was wrong because Kamala you give me hope for the future.” He later added, “I’m here apologizing to the whole damn world.” Concluding his remarks, Hughley passionately declared his support for Harris at the Democratic National Committee event: “I believe in Kamala Harris. She has the vision, the experience, and the strength to lead our nation as the 47th President of the United States.” Hughley’s endorsement underscores the growing support for Vice President Harris among a diverse range of individuals, highlighting her appeal beyond traditional political boundaries. His personal journey from skepticism to advocacy serves as a potent reminder of the importance of informed opinions in the political discourse.https://youtu.be/kLI_mwkYdx8 Hughley’s performance, filled with humor and sincerity, encapsulates a larger narrative of evolving public perception and the potential for unity in a politically polarized society. We can only wonder how long it’ll take Dr. Umar Johnson to come for D.L. for supporting Harris. If so, get out the popcorn. https://youtu.be/I7OgSLRY6SE A massive 2,492-carat rough diamond, believed to be the second biggest ever found, has been unearthed in Botswana, according to a mining company. The huge stone is thought to be the biggest found since the 3,106-carat Cullinan Diamond was discovered in South Africa in 1905. Canadian mining company Lucara Diamond Corp. announced Thursday that the “exceptional” gem was found intact in its Karowe mine. Calling it a “remarkable” find, the company celebrated it as “one of the largest rough diamonds ever unearthed.” It was detected, unearthed, and recovered thanks to the company’s Mega Diamond Recovery (MDR) X-ray Transmission (XRT) technology, which is designed to “identify and preserve large, high-value diamonds,” the company said in a press release. https://youtu.be/MvnO1OQwm54 William Lamb, president and CEO of Lucara, said in the release: “We are ecstatic about the recovery of this extraordinary 2,492 carat diamond.” Rough diamonds are usually classified as being gem-quality, near-gem, or industrial-quality, depending on their color, clarity, size, and shape. Prior to the latest announcement, the second largest discovery was thought to be the Lesedi La Rona, a 1,109-carat stone also found by Lucara at the Karowe mine in 2015. The diamond was sold to luxury jeweler Graff for $53 million two years later. Lucara’s spokeswoman said the company had found six of the top 10 diamonds ever discovered. The stone will be properly evaluated over the coming weeks, the spokeswoman added. https://youtu.be/lgRHPHjN1ME Four Fulton County Jail guards have been arrested for smuggling contraband like cell phones, cigarettes, and chicken pot pies to inmates.SandraRose.com reports that the women —Laquana Ballard, 34, Regina Harris, 26, Anesia Silas, 24, and Aisha Tate, 26, have been granted a bond, with Sheriff Pat Labat condemning their actions. Ballard is additionally charged with sending explicit content to an inmate, whereas Tate is accused of having inappropriate sexual relations with an inmate. “These women unfortunately chose to be on the wrong side of the law by fraternizing with residents,” Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat said in a statement. “They will now have to face the consequences for the crimes they are accused of committing.” Investigators have also linked four inmates to these crimes, charging them with conspiracy to commit a felony and possession of contraband, per Fox 5 Atlanta. The Sheriff’s Office said the investigation is ongoing and additional charges could be filed. https://youtu.be/dWjL64KzRfk The Game took a spill at his close friend’s wedding over the weekend. On Sunday (Aug. 18), he shared a photo celebrating rapper Kid Red and his new wife, Kimora Larue. In the video, The Game confidently walks down the aisle, but about halfway through, he stumbles. In the post’s comments, one person wrote, “God be tripping people on purpose.” another said, “Who got the other angle though? I’m trying to see the whole aftermath.” A third added, “The Lord pushed him down. He tryna sachet down the one isle he refuses to take a woman down. NOT TODAY said the Lord.” https://www.instagram.com/theneighborhoodtalk/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=453e9e5a-1dca-4849-9a28-2fae8da469d1 Meanwhile, The Game shared a post from the wedding day expressing his love and joy for the couple as they embark on the next chapter of their loves, Vibe reports. “The Johnson’s…Beautiful to witness. Happy for the both of you & I love y’all to death,” he wrote. In a follow-up post, he added, “I need to go to more weddings til it’s my own lol… that’s where the energy at.” https://www.instagram.com/losangelesconfidential/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=6ec8e229-646e-41a7-8801-bca77da22627 Tyrese is feeling the strain as his ongoing child support dispute with ex-wife Samantha Lee Gibson intensifies. In a recent social media video, the singer and actor discussed the emotional toll of the legal battle, especially as Gibson seeks to increase her monthly payments to $40,000. “I just got another letter from her lawyers requesting that I send over all of my tax returns and all of my bank statements because she’s trying to get $20,000, and I think they’re trying to take it up to like $40[k],” Gibson shared with his fans and supporters, The Jasmine Brand reports.“They’ve been looking at all of my movies, all of the concerts and shows that I’m doing… and they’re over there like bloodsucking lawyers, rubbing their hands. Samantha is doing the same thing,” he added. https://youtu.be/WIjKFbAnVK4 Kwame Kilpatrick, once the Democratic mayor of Detroit, is now campaigning to help re-elect Donald Trump—the man who freed him from prison. After resigning amid a corruption scandal, serving time in federal prison, and getting divorced, Kilpatrick is presenting himself as a changed man. At a Republican dinner in suburban Detroit, he urged voters to support Trump, explaining that the Democratic Party has shifted away from his values, New York Post reports. Despite his efforts to back Trump, Kilpatrick stopped short of labeling himself a Republican. “I’m not Democrat or Republican,” Kilpatrick said Monday during a radio interview with 910AM. Later in the conversation, he invited people to join him on Wednesday for a meet-and-greet. https://youtu.be/6QGp21dUmrE Oprah Winfrey has sparked recent health rumors by revealing she’s at peace with the idea of not having much time left. “There is a sense of knowing that there isn’t as much time left and I am at peace with that knowing,” said the 70-year-old media mogul Oprah during an appearance on “Today” with Al Roker on Tuesday, SandraRose.com reports. “There’s a sense of urgency for me about living well,” she added. Oprah explained that her health concerns began after undergoing knee surgery in 2021. “I had been becoming more and more debilitated to the point where it was hard to walk down even two steps just to get into the car. You know that pain,” she told Al Roker. “When I finally went to the knee doctor and I said, ‘I don’t know, is it time?’ He goes, ‘It’s time if you want to continue walking. You like walking? It’s time.’” In June, Oprah’s bestie Gayle King shared a health update on Winfrey following her battle with a stomach virus and dehydration. King said Winfrey had “some kind of stomach flu where stuff was coming out of both ends.” https://youtu.be/nD8TQYHjaHI Kevin Ford, a Las Vegas resident who went viral in 2022 for his 27-year perfect attendance record at Burger King, gained widespread support after receiving a goodie bag from the company. Following a successful GoFundMe campaign started by his daughter, Ford was able to purchase a house and recently announced his next big venture: starting his own food truck business, The Blast reports. In a message to his supporters on the fundraising page, Ford wrote: “UPDATE!!! HELLO EVERYONE!!! It’s Been a While, I Miss Yawl!!! But, I Wanted YOU to Be the First Know What YOU Made Possible for Me To Be Able To Do for My Family!!! Thanks to Your LOVE, KINDNESS and GENEROSITY I Was Able to Go “All In” On This Wonderful Adventurous New Chapter of My Life!!! A FOOD TRUCK!!!” He added, “YOU Did This!!! Remember, We Doin’ BIG THINGS!!! I Want to THANK YOU for Your Continued Love and Support, for You Have Truly Saved Me and Continue to Change My Life and The Lives of My Children and Grandchildren For the Better Everyday!!!” In 2022, Ford was acknowledged by Burger King for 27 years of perfect attendance, but the video of his celebration went viral for an unexpected reason. Instead of a grand gesture, he received a bag of candy, a movie ticket, a lanyard, a Starbucks cup, two pens, and keychains in recognition of his service. https://www.tiktok.com/@thekeep777/video/7194357913614437675?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fviral-burger-king-employee-kevin-ford-launches-food-truck%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121451205%2C121439635%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7194357913614437675 As Willy Mwanza Mwanza reported earlier, millions of viewers felt Burger King fell short of making the celebration special enough for Ford, but they were still impressed by his humble attitude. Once Ford gained national attention for his humility, his daughter took advantage of that and started a GoFundMe campaign. https://youtu.be/2fyz9IaS0sY Chiwetel Ejiofor is opening up about starring in the “Rob Peace” biopic based on “The Short and Tragic Life of Rob Peace.” Ejiofor wrote and directed the film based on the New York Times bestseller by Jeff Hobbs. “Rob Peace” is based on the true story of a brilliant young man (Jay Will) torn between his father’s shadowed past and his own promising future. Raised by his devoted mother (Mary J. Blige), Rob risks everything he has worked for to free his imprisoned father (Ejiofor). Blige serves as an executive producer on the project along with Jamin O’Brien, Morgan Earnest, Luke Rodgers, Jeff Skoll, Robert Kessel, Bruce Evans, Faye Stapleton, Ali Jazayeri, and David Gendron. The producing team includes Antoine Fuqua, Rebecca Hobbs, Jeffrey Soros, Simon Horsman, Andrea Calderwood, Kat Samick, Alex Kurtzman and Jenny Lumet. Speaking to Screen Rant, Ejiofor explained what inspired you to take on Rob’s journey and tell this story. “I read the book not long after it came out, this is the book by Jeff Hobbs, Rob’s roommate at Yale, and I was just really struck by the fact that, I guess I had been thinking in a slightly sort of not constructed way about some of these issues. About some of these things, about some of the kind of systemic challenges that can center on individuals,” Ejiofor said. https://youtu.be/bugi-UdtjzI Thursday morning (08-22-24),Grambling State University (GSU) celebrated a historic milestone with the grand opening of its new Digital Library and Learning Commons, marking a transformative moment in the institution’s history. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the state-of-the-art, 50,000-square-foot facility heralded the dawn of a new age for GSU—a space designed to connect, create, and collaborate. The innovative library aims to support all aspects of learning, boasting more than 150 computer stations, 17,000 square feet of study space, and multipurpose areas for events, meetings, and seminars. It represents the ultimate intersection of academics, curiosity, and community. This historic opening is a significant departure from the past, harkening back to the opening of the old A.C. Lewis Memorial Library in 1962, with an addition in 1986. Years of wear prompted the need for a new facility, and in 2017, then-President Rick Gallot envisioned a digital library project to replace the aging structure. With robust support from alumni, faculty, and students, the project secured funding and commitments, leading to the commencement of construction in 2019—making it the first digital library at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). https://youtu.be/fUKR1bRHg0Y It's legendary hip-hop band Stetsasonic for a candid conversation about their remarkable career journey and enduring impact on the genre. As pioneers of the genre, Stetsasonic emerged in the 1980s out of Brooklyn with their innovative blend of hip-hop and live instrumentation, influencing countless artists and shaping the sound of the era. As noted by Hip Hop DX, Stetsasonic was founded by Daddy-O, Delite, and Crown Supreme, and later expanded to include Prince Paul, Wise The Human Mix Machine, DBC, drummer Bobby Simmons, and Frukwan. Following the release of three studio albums with Tommy Boy Records —”On Fire,” “In Full Gear,” and “Blood, Sweat & No Tears,” — the group disbanded in 1991, with Prince Paul making his mark with De La Soul, while Daddy-O pursued a solo career. After a 33-year hiatus since their last album, Stetsasonic regrouped with MC Delite, Wise, Daddy-O, and Bobby Simmons to rekindle their creative energy and bring fresh music to their dedicated fans. Stetsasonic celebrates a triumphant comeback with their latest album, “Here We Go Again,” marking a pivotal moment in their journey and solidifying their legacy in hip-hop history. https://youtu.be/hVzuv3e0-Do “I’ve been told that 33 years is the biggest hiatus between albums for any genre across the board,” the group told Parle. “The representation of a Phoenix rising from the ashes is an understatement. It represents a reset for ALL of classic Hip-Hop. In my opinion, the way to represent a reset is songs, records and albums. Here We Go Again is just that. Once again it’s on. An ode to our fans and the genre.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1802641999645782036 Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the controversial anti-vaccine activist, has dropped out of the presidential race and endorsed former President Donald Trump, marking a significant shift in the 2024 campaign landscape. Kennedy announced his decision on Friday, citing a lack of a viable path to electoral victory in his independent run for the White House, where he only achieved around 4% in recent polls. “In my heart, I no longer believe I have a path to elect victory,” Kennedy stated in a candid and somewhat rambling speech. “I am suspending my campaign but not ending it.” Despite his departure from the race, Kennedy indicated he would continue to appear on ballots in several states, although he intended to remove his name from swing state ballots. He speculated, albeit implausibly, that he could still become president if the election concluded in a 269-269 tie between Trump and the newly appointed Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. In a surprising assertion during his announcement, Kennedy revealed that Trump had offered him a position in his administration, though he provided few details regarding this potential role. “We align on many key issues,” Kennedy said, while also noting his intention to publicly disagree with Trump when necessary. https://youtu.be/hbxzeUwwQ6k Fantasia Barrino’s eldest child, Zion Quari Barrino, recently celebrated 60 days of sobriety. The 23-year-old turned to the social media app Threads to describe reaching the milestone, acknowledging that it has been a difficult journey, MadameNoire reports. “I was sick for 3 weeks, but I pressed through, with the grace of God,” she shared. “I met some amazing people on this new journey and gained a community, love, and unbearable support from my family,” Zion added. “Happy 60 days today to me [red heart emoji]. If you are struggling. I’m here to help and talk about my journey.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CmCX305OUNY/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=fd4bfaac-e60f-4b1e-b7dc-0373877bc1de In an escalating custody dispute, actress Halle Berry is fighting for sole legal custody of her 10-year-old son, Maceo, and has submitted contentious text messages exchanged with her ex-husband, Olivier Martinez, as evidence to the court. Exclusive information obtained by In Touch reveals that Berry, 58, seeks to strip Martinez, also 58, of decision-making powers regarding Maceo’s education and medical needs. According to In Touch, the screenshots provided by Berry reveal acrimonious exchanges between the former couple. Berry has her ex listed as “Oli” in her phone contacts, accompanied by a worm emoji as his profile picture. In her court motion, Berry accuses Martinez of “ignoring, interfering with and/or withholding consent for essential educational and psychoeducational services and other interventions necessary for Maceo’s development.” The dispute originated in April when Maceo’s school recommended an evaluation for him. Despite Berry’s repeated requests and a follow-up email to which Martinez was copied, Berry claims Martinez did not respond until legal involvement became necessary. “Olivier told me he would discuss this with his lawyers and get back to me; he never did. Months later, his lawyers further delayed the matter,” Berry explained in her motion. Berry has been attempting to engage in co-parenting therapy to resolve these ongoing issues but alleges that Martinez’s unilateral decision to suspend these sessions over the summer has further stalled progress. As the 2024/2025 school year approaches, the actress describes the situation as “frustrating” and time-sensitive. https://youtu.be/hPz-pnUAI6s Hunter Crenshaw and Marko Monroe are two stars from the hit reality series “Avalon TV,” they unpack the new season, which offers an insider’s look into the creative powerhouse The House of Avalon. Here’s the synopsis: “AVALON TV” is an off-the-wall, over-the-top, and under-the-wig series that takes you inside the brains of LA’s hottest creative collective, The House of Avalon. Whether it’s fashion, nightlife, drag, art, comedy, or media – this chosen family is creating one iconic pop culture moment after another, and skyrocketing to success by their own set of rules. Symone (RuPaul’s Drag Race S13 winner), Gigi Goode (Drag Race S12 fan-favorite), Marko Monroe, Hunter Crenshaw, Grant Vanderbilt, Caleb, and Rylie star in this genre bending series filled with real life drama, pranks, parties, and celebrity guests galore. https://youtu.be/-cq5DzNPdug The perceived end of Vice President Kamala Harris‘ “honeymoon period” was starkly put into focus as the Democratic Party grappled with a maelstrom of gossip and backlash over a purported Beyoncé performance at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) Thursday evening. Viewers, who tuned in with the hope of seeing the iconic pop star, were left disappointed as the highly-anticipated appearance never materialized. The chaos began when Emmy Ruiz, the White House political director, posted a bee emoji on X (formerly Twitter), stirring speculation that Beyoncé might grace the convention with a performance. This speculation was only fanned by former Obama staffer Tommy Vietor, who responded enthusiastically to the tweet, almost confirming the false narrative. The frenzy reached even the security personnel at the DNC venue, Chicago’s United Center, who were abuzz with gossip about the rumored appearance. Inside the venue, expectations were high. Oregon delegate Stephanie Newton-Azorr echoed a common sentiment when she predicted a performance of Beyoncé’s “Freedom,” a song closely associated with Harris’s campaign. “I know she can mobilize her fan base and help turn out the vote,” Newton-Azorr said. “People listen to Beyoncé. They listen when she speaks,” The Hill reported. https://youtu.be/PY41cFvrT8w The song “Freedom” indeed played as Kamala Harris took the stage for her pivotal 45-minute speech, continuing its role as a campaign anthem. Despite the absence of a live performance, its presence was a reminder of the power music holds in political movements. Adding fuel to the fire, Jamie Harrison, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, did little to extinguish the rumors earlier in the week, when he declined to confirm or deny Beyoncé’s potential appearance. He hinted casually, “Every day, she’s in here singing Freedom – at least we hear it across the intercom.” Even the entertainment website TMZ reported the superstar’s supposed presence in Chicago, stirring excitement until the very last moment. This did not help matters as it laid the groundwork for an inevitable letdown. Organizers later clarified to CNN that the lack of a celebrity performance was a deliberate decision to ensure that Harris’s message remained at the forefront, unclouded by the fanfare of a superstar’s presence. https://youtu.be/MFtcJoCaFMo Rumors reached a boiling point not just in terms of public disappointment but also legal implications. The controversy over the song “Freedom” extended into the political realm when Donald Trump’s campaign used it in a social media video, prompting Beyoncé’s legal team to take swift action, forcing its removal. Though some have labeled this incident as an indication of the end of Harris’s honeymoon period, it seems unlikely to derail her campaign significantly. The use of “Freedom” during her speech symbolizes unity and resilience, two themes she is relying on to propel her forward. Ultimately, while the Beyoncé controversy is an inconvenient bump in the road, it is not expected to cause lasting damage. Campaigns often weather such missteps, focusing on the broader message rather than the hype of an anticipated but unrealized celebrity spectacle. https://youtu.be/AdXwBvShldM Amazon MGM Studios issued a content warning on social media about the dark nature of “Blink Twice,” which opens in theaters nationwide on August 23rd. The studio is alerting viewers that certain aspects of the film might be triggering. “We are proud to finally share Blink Twice with audiences in theaters worldwide this week,” the statement said. “Blink Twice is a psychological thriller about the abuse of power. While this is a fictionalized movie, it contains mature themes and depictions of violence – including sexual violence.” The studio also set up a website noting that the movie received an R rating for, “strong violent content, sexual assault, drug use and language throughout, and some sexual references.” The film marks the directorial debut of Zoë Kravitz and stars her fiancee, Channing Tatum. https://youtu.be/jmCCQ80iAf8 Contrary to an earlier report by TMZ that Beyoncé was set to surprise attendees at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) with her presence, The Hollywood Reporter says it has confirmed that the iconic singer will NOT be attending the 2024 event. “Beyoncé was never scheduled to be there,” the Grammy-winning star’s representative told The Hollywood Reporter. “The report of a performance is untrue.” Speculation about Beyoncé’s attendance and performance at this year’s DNC, which celebrates Vice President Kamala Harris’ historic presidential nomination, has been rampant online throughout the week. Yet, as the event progresses, it appears that these rumors are unfounded. The DNC, spread over four star-studded days, is being hosted by Tony Goldwyn, Ana Navarro, Mindy Kaling, and Kerry Washington, with each star emceeing one night of the event. The convention has had performances from Stevie Wonder, John Legend, and Patti LaBelle, among other major musicians. Surprise appearances, such as Oprah Winfrey who delivered a passionate speech urging independent voters to make their voices heard, have also marked the event. On the third night of the convention, John Legend and Sheila E. honored vice presidential candidate Tim Walz’s home state of Minnesota by performing Prince’s legendary song “Let’s Go Crazy.” The late music icon, Prince, hailed from Minneapolis and the performance was a vibrant tribute to his legacy. Tonight marks a pivotal moment for Vice President Kamala Harris as she steps onto the stage at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago to deliver the most significant speech of her political career. With the entire nation’s eyes upon her, this address provides Harris with the first extended opportunity to directly connect with voters and outline her vision as the Democratic Party’s standard-bearer. This speech is particularly critical given Harris’s unusual campaign strategy thus far. She has largely avoided major press interviews, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from Republican circles. Her performance tonight could help to counteract some of that criticism and galvanize support as the campaign heads into its final stretch. The event promises to be a night to remember, not just for its political implications but also for its star-studded lineup. Pop icon Pink is set to perform, adding a spark of entertainment to the proceedings. Joining her on the speakers’ list are Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, who was reportedly a contender for Harris’s vice-presidential pick. A surprise appearance last night by media mogul Oprah Winfrey, coupled with an unexpected moment involving House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who seemed to have a wardrobe malfunction, made headlines as Minnesota Governor Tim Walz formally accepted the Vice-Presidential nomination. Renowned gospel artist Tamela Mann is set to release her highly anticipated new album, "Live Breathe Fight," on Friday, October 11. This album marks an exhilarating new chapter in the Grammy winner’s illustrious career, showcasing not only her extraordinary vocal talent but also her significant growth as a songwriter. Mann is coming off the heels of appearances this month at the prestigious Stellar Awards, where she performed her new single “Working For Me” from the album; and the National Urban League Conference, where she and her husband David Mann received the President's Award, the National Urban League’s highest honor. “I want the Lord to be proud of the work I’m doing and the ways I’m using the gift that He’s given me. Live like heaven is your destiny, breathe every breath with purpose, and fight until you get the victory,” Mann says, encapsulating the spirit of her new album. The Seoul gospel ensemble, initially brought together by Sooyong Yoon, Seung Hyun Lee, and Jihwan Lee, and later joined by Youngjin Jang, forged a deep connection through their shared love for Gospel tunes, showcasing their melodic and harmonic creations on Instagram. Destiny intervened when Grammy Award-winning artist Donald Lawrence connected them with BeBe Winans, who was then seeking a group for his album. Despite initial disbelief, they collaborated on BeBe's recording "Laughter: Just Like a Medicine. " This moment encouraged BeBe's visit to South Korea which solidified their mission, and with encouragement from BeBe and Ron Gillyard, they officially became "KOREAN SOUL." In the summer of 2019, they landed a pivotal moment when making their American TV debut on GMA's offshoot "Strahan and Sara." Despite the pandemic, they received a historic nomination in the 2020 NAACP Image Award, showcasing their resilience. In 2021, they sang at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Service and geared up for "America's Got Talent, " elevating them to further heights. With hope and dreams, these four artists are poised to captivate the world. Sony Pictures' AFFIRM Films, Provident Films and the beloved Kendrick Brothers release their newest film, THE FORGE, exclusively in theaters nationwide beginning August 23rd. THE FORGE is a bold, inspirational drama about the power of mentorship that takes place in the same cinematic world as WAR ROOM, their 2015 hit film that claimed the #1 spot on the North American box office charts. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4aCsaDvagw When he was a kid watching American movies in Thailand, Jack Titus’ one dream was to become an American. After the model made it a reality a few years ago with a move to Las Vegas, he developed a new dream: To look more like an American. And to him, that meant eyes that weren’t dark like his. Colored contacts were OK, but when he started researching other options, he found a type of surgery that could lighten his eyes permanently. Three years ago, when the now-32-year-old told his family he was having the procedure, they were shocked. “They tell me it’s too risky because you only have one set of eyes,” Titus said. Colored contacts, which cover the colored part of the eye with a tinted lens, have been used for cosmetic reasons since the 1940s – there’s even speculation that myopic Marilyn Monroe may have worn them – but cosmetic surgery to make a color change permanent is a more recent phenomenon. The trend has been popular in parts of Europe for about a decade but really started taking off in the United States over the past few years after people revealed their dramatic color transformations on social media apps like TikTok and Instagram. https://youtu.be/QXHB2V0cS5E Procedures called iris implants have received US Food and Drug Administration approval for people who are missing part or all of their iris, but no procedure is approved for cosmetic purposes. In January, the American Academy of Ophthalmology issued a warning about the risks of vision loss and complications with two eye color change procedures: iris implants and the one Titus had, called keratopigmentation. One small 2023 study of people who had the procedure in France found that most noticed some pain afterward, in addition to dry eye, glare and a tingling sensation, but most of the symptoms went away within two days. A few people reported pain and tingling for several months after, but most of the patients said they were highly satisfied with the procedure.Movshovich said he’s as careful with keratopigmentation as any surgery and is particularly mindful about reducing the chances of infection. None of his patients has reported serious problems related to the procedure. “The possibility of a general infection is tiny because you don’t have the opening to the air, and you do it all under sterile conditions since it’s a surgical procedure,” he said. He uses a medical-grade material for the pigment that he designs for each patient based on in-depth conversations with them. The conversations are interesting, he said, because he also learns what motivates people with healthy eyes to choose surgery. https://youtu.be/wEO9AdZrG9U Channing Dungey, Warner Bros. Television Group chairman and CEO, will soon take over leadership of Warner Bros. Discovery’s TV networks. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Kathleen Finch, current chairman and CEO of Discovery’s U.S. TV networks retires at the end of 2024. Dungey, the first Black president of a major TV network’s programming, will take over the position and oversee channels such as Food Network, TBS, HGTV, TNT, and Discovery Channel. Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav expressed confidence in Dungey’s ability to take on the role. “There is no one better at developing captivating content, compelling talent, and meaningful lifestyle brands that Kathleen, who has been my partner as we built our premier entertainment networks at Discovery and created Warner Bros. Discovery as an unscripted powerhouse,” said Zaslav. https://youtu.be/xKBmKsoPcPQ Mayor Michelle Wu has announced a series of events in Boston next month to honor the R&B group New Edition, founded in Roxbury in 1978. On September 6, the city will unveil a mural by local artist Lee “Square” Beard and dedicate Ambrose Street as New Edition Way, while also declaring September 9 as New Edition Day, the Boston Herald reports. The following day, New Edition will participate in community events, including a senior breakfast and a backpack giveaway at the Orchard Garden Boys & Girls Club. The celebrations will culminate with HOMEMADE, a free concert on City Hall Plaza featuring local artists, and a performance by New Edition. “Music brings communities together,” Wu said in a statement. “I am thrilled to honor New Edition and celebrate local talent with HOMEMADE.” Wu added, “I look forward to recognizing these legendary Boston artists for their contributions to our community’s arts and culture.” https://youtu.be/7flrKMGfwjw Hulk Hogan stirred controversy during a beer promotion event at the Thirsty Cowboy in Medina, Ohio on Monday when he said he wanted to perform one of his signature wrestling moves on Kamala Harris. “Want me to body-slam Kamala Harris? Want me to drop the leg on Kamala?” he said in the video, obtained by TMZ Sports. The Hulkster, who also mocked the vice president’s Indian heritage, attributed his remarks to being under the influence of alcohol. Last month, he gave a speech praising Donald Trump at the Republican National Convention. Meanwhile, Hulk came under fire recently after his Real American Beer brand responded to accusations that he fired a TikToker as a brand ambassador after realizing she was Black. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-08-20-082024-hulk-hogan-1884860-861/ Though inflation has been easing, additional measures are necessary to lower living costs for Americans. MadameNoire reports that the July Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) report, released on August 14, shows a 0.2% increase in prices excluding food and energy, up from 0.1% the previous month. Notable price hikes were seen in shelter, motor vehicle insurance, and education, while prices for used cars and medical care fell. In the past year, the overall index increased by 2.9%, marking the smallest 12-month rise since March 2021. Meanwhile, the core index, which excludes food and energy, fell to 3.2%, the lowest increase since April 2021. “If inflation goes down, it means that the rate at which prices increase is slowing down, but it generally is not going to mean that prices are going down,” William Hauk, an associate professor in the Department of Economics at the University of South Carolina, told CNBC. https://youtu.be/4L6bjQNOZ0E Channing Tatum delivers a mesmerizing performance alongside co-star Naomi Ackie in their new psychological thrill “Blink Twice.” The film follows billionaire Slater King (Tatum) as he explores life taking advantage of the limitless possibilities granted to him because of his wealth. Becoming a man who can do whatever he wants, however he wants. While at a gala for his company, King takes a liking to one of the servers Frida (Ackie). King extends an invitation to Frida to join him on his private island – where their fantasy experience slowly turns into a nightmare. “Blink Twice” is layered with many different elements of film-making. First-time director Zoe Kravitz brings it all together very well with her amazing storytelling full of twists and turns. Dark humor is met with impactful messaging and a strong suspenseful build-up that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. https://youtu.be/aMcmfonGWY4 Charlamagne tha God believes Donald Trump has lost interest in his presidential run, citing the former president’s lack of enthusiasm during a Michigan rally on Tuesday. “He don’t wanna be there no more, man,” Charlamagne said Wednesday on “The Breakfast Club,” The Hill reports. “You can hear it in his voice. Donald Trump is over it. He does not want to be the Republican nominee no more.” “He is hoping Republicans do him the way the Democrats did [President Biden],” he continued, referring to the Democrats pressuring Biden to withdraw from the race. Charlamagne said Trump sounded like he “wants to be put out of his misery.” Meanwhile, Trump dismissed criticism of his campaign stop in a Michigan town linked to white supremacy, noting that Biden previosuly made an appearance there. Chicago Sky star Angel Reese announced a new collaboration with Reese’s, and she credits fans for making it possible. Reese shared a video montage on social media featuring her ‘Reese’s Pieces’ fans requesting the partnership, along with headlines leading up to the sponsorship. The deal includes three merchandise drops, with the first collection featuring t-shirts, hoodies, crop tops, and hats in beige and white. Additional releases will include a basketball jersey and a Reese’s Cup logo collection, each with eight designs, Complex reports. The price of the T-shirts is $49, hoodies $79, crop tops $39, and hats ($39). “To the Reese’s Pieces, y’all made this happen! Shop our limited edition Angel Reese x Reese’s Pieces Logo Collection on http://TheAngelReese.com NOW! Stay tuned for 2 more drops to come. WE LOVE YOU ALL!!! @reeses,” she wrote. “The fans really made this happen,” said Reese in a press statement. “This collection is for my Reese’s Pieces – who’ve been with me every step of the way and the design elements bring together things that I love -basketball, style, and of course, Reese’s!” https://twitter.com/i/status/1826273749869772802 Reese explained to Boardroom, “The connection between my name and the Reese’s brand was obvious, but it went deeper than that. My fans started calling themselves ‘Reese’s Pieces,’ and after I kept seeing it on social, I started engaging with some of my fans about it. I wanted to deliver something that they could proudly wear this season. We worked as quickly as possible with Reese’s to build a collection that really reflected who I am – bold, vibrant, and unapologetically me.” “The partnership was initially hinted at in June when Reese tweeted, “Reese’s pieces where yall at?????,” and the brand responded, “Where are we? Just following our favorite player.” https://twitter.com/reeses/status/1806781741270552980/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1806781741270552980%7Ctwgr%5E2fefa6aff0ba58b660a3dbdddad38bd6b7b1b33e%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fangel-reese-announces-new-reeses-pieces-collaboration%2F Donald Trump is facing criticism over remarks about Vice President Kamala Harris attending an event for Sigma Gamma Rho, a Black sorority within the Divine Nine. “She went actually, to a party,” said Trump in an interview with radio host Hugh Hewitt. “And you know that she went to a sorority, sorority party and a very unimportant one. They have them numerous times during the year. It’s a shame.” As The Hill reports, Harris, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) sorority, attended the boulés of both AKA and Sigma Gamma Rho in July. These sororities are part of the Divine Nine, a coalition of nine historically Black fraternities and sororities. “Diving Nine boulés hold a deep sense of significance for members. The events often include keynote speakers, workshops and networking events,” the outlet writes. Democratic strategist Antjuan Seawright suggested that Trump’s remarks reveal a lack of awareness about the history of the Divine Nine. “This is not the first time that we bear witness to Donald Trump’s racism not having boundaries,” said Seawright. Google struck a first-in-the-nation deal with California lawmakers on Wednesday to fund newsrooms in the state and end proposed legislation that would have forced technology giants to pay for the right to distribute news content. But the agreement was immediately met with fierce criticism from journalist unions, who called the deal “disastrous.” The plan calls for a $250 million commitment over five years from Google and the state, a majority of which would fund California newsrooms, and launch an artificial intelligence “accelerator” designed to support journalists’ work. The deal ends a high-profile bill, dubbed the California Journalism Preservation Act by state assemblymember Buffy Wicks, that would have forced technology companies, including Google (GOOGL) and Meta (META), to pay news companies to distribute their content online. The bill, which was modeled after similar laws implemented in Australia and Canada, would have funded local news organizations that have seen their business models collapse amid the rise of big tech platforms. “As technology and innovation advance, it is critical that California continues to champion the vital role of journalism in our democracy,” Wicks said in a statement announcing the deal with Google. “This partnership represents a cross-sector commitment to supporting a free and vibrant press, empowering local news outlets up and down the state to continue in their essential work. This is just the beginning. I remain committed to finding even more ways to support journalism in our state for years to come.” https://youtu.be/_SQUjx0ESFg This weekend, Chicago will host a free two-day “Ready for Business” event presented by The Hip Hop Museum and Chase. Taking place from Friday, August 23 to Saturday, August 24, the event is designed to provide financial literacy resources to underserved communities in the city. Attendees can expect engaging panels and activities featuring prominent figures like Grammy Award-winning artist Estelle, actor Cory Hardrict, “Chicago P.D.” star LaRoyce Hawkins, celebrity Chef Fab, legendary DJ Terry Hunter, and music icon George Daniels, among others. According to a news release, Chase debit and credit cardholders will receive special benefits and enjoy discounted tickets and other perks at the event. Here is an exclusive clip from the latest episode of the all-new We TV reality series, “The Braxtons,” airing Friday, Aug. 22. We reported earlier that the Braxton family is back, three years after the end of the iconic and captivating series, “Braxton Family Values,” which aired for seven eventful seasons. This time, the family promises to take viewers deeper into the lives of Toni, Towanda, Trina, Tamar, and Ms. Evelyn Braxton. In this week’s episode, Tamar tells her mother about the books she is writing. The new series debuted on August 9 exclusively on We TV and streams on ALLBLK. Each hour-long episode will feature the family on an emotional rollercoaster of love, loss, triumph, heartbreak, and healing, per the news release. https://youtu.be/47UFrZx40yo Terius Gray, better known by his stage name Juvenile, is a cornerstone of Southern hip-hop and a prominent figure in the music industry. Born on March 25, 1975, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Juvenile made his mark in the early 1990s with his debut album “Being Myself.” However, it was his association with Cash Money Records that propelled him to mainstream success. His 1998 album “400 Degreez,” with hits like “Ha” and “Back That Azz Up,” solidified his place in hip-hop history. Despite his illustrious career, Juvenile recently found himself in an unexpected and frustrating situation with American Airlines. The rapper, who was traveling in first class, claimed he was mistreated when the airline downgraded him to a different cabin. The incident occurred during a recent flight, and the rapper took to Instagram Live to share his experience openly. https://www.instagram.com/allhiphopcom/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=b325d442-e102-4ebb-8396-2a079c1308d2 In the video, Juvenile expressed his disbelief and frustration, stating, “I’m a celebrity. I’m telling you this is going to be repercussions. It’s going to be repercussions to this because I’m going to get off the plane. I’m not going to let y’all disrespect me like that.” His wife also chimed in, questioning how they could downgrade her husband while she remained in first class. Juvenile continued to address his fans, explaining the situation further and expressing his shock, “Man, they trynna kick me off the plane yo. They trynna take me out of first-class…You ain’t putting me in no coach man. This ain’t never happened to me in my life.” Further solidifying his stance, Juvenile shared another video showing past first-class tickets saved on his device, emphasizing his regular use of first-class services and voicing his anger at the incident. “Fk American Airlines, all the money I done spent with you bihes. They gon’ try and put me in coach. Motherfuer, I ain’t never flew coach. Fk y’all. I feel played.” https://www.instagram.com/juviethegreat/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=149b81da-a06c-4142-9641-c9ec8db3580e Juvenile, who has spent decades bringing the grit and vibrancy of New Orleans to a global audience through his music, continues to make headlines—even if, this time, it’s for all the wrong reasons. The situation with American Airlines serves as a stark reminder that discrimination and poor customer service can happen to anyone, regardless of their status or fame. https://youtu.be/WL2txMU50CI?list=RDEMpmhPIFSFpFlTiZkkOy3zsQ A Sinaloa Cartel member sued Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs alleging that Puff disrupted his drug operation by attempting to have minors brought to one of his events. According to Cassius Life, Alfredo P. Gonzalez, a cartel member, tried to sue the Bad Boy Records founder for allegedly damaging his drug-dealing reputation with New York contacts and sought $666,000 in damages. However, Chief U.S. District Judge Laura Taylor Swain dismissed the case, calling it baseless and noting that the law does not protect illegal activities. 50 Cent responded to the case in a now-deleted social media post, writing, “Diddy sued by Sinaloa cartel member for allegedly ruining drug business.” He added, “Ok, I have seen it all WTF is going on here.” We reported earlier that 50 Cent’s controversial documentary project, provocatively titled “Diddy Do It?,” has secured distribution on Netflix. Donald Trump reacted strongly to the recent criticisms made by Barack and Michelle Obama during the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on Tuesday night. Trump’s temper flared following the mockery aimed at him by the nation’s first Black president and first lady, underscoring his inability to handle criticism as deftly as he delivers it. During the DNC, Barack Obama addressed what he described as Trump’s “stream of gripes and grievances,” while ridiculing his “weird obsession with crowd sizes.” Not to be outdone, Michelle Obama took a swipe at Trump’s previous comments to the National Association of Black Journalists, humorously suggesting someone should remind him that “the job he’s currently seeking might just be one of those Black jobs.” Feeling the sting of these remarks, Trump responded a day later at a rally in Asheboro, North Carolina. “Did you see Barack Hussein Obama last night?” he asked his supporters. “Taking little shots, he was taking shots at your president. And so is Michelle.” Trump went on to lament how his adversaries were getting personal, despite urging him to stick to policy: “They always say, sure, please stick to policy, don’t get personal. And yet they’re getting personal all night long, these people. Do I still have to stick to policy?” https://youtu.be/estDnE4ZXms Wendell Pierce Jr. urged Black men to support Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming election during his interview with MSNBC’s Joy Reid at the Democratic National Convention. “There’s blood on that ballot box. Remember those who died in the rivers of Alabama and Mississippi. For them, do the honor and vote,” Pierce, known for roles in “The Wire,” “Suits,” and “Waiting to Exhale,” told Reid on the convention floor. “Any Black man that has an issue with a Black woman rising, they have to look at their own inadequacy,” said Pierce. “What would make you so fearful of someone who was so beloved of you, who was so loving to you, like your mother and your grandmother and your aunts and your sisters, that you cannot be proud and embolden yourself when you see someone from your community rise up?” Pierce added. As The Hill reports, Pierce highlighted the Biden-Harris administration’s $2 billion restitution to Black farmers affected by USDA discrimination, their investments in Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and efforts toward student loan forgiveness. https://twitter.com/i/status/1826045783965143058 The Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago has been a magnet for Hollywood stars and renowned figures, and the lineup keeps getting more impressive. Officials have confirmed that music legend Stevie Wonder and comedy maestro Kenan Thompson are set to appear on Wednesday night (08-21-24), making the event even more high-profile. Stevie Wonder, whose past DNC performance in 2008 left an indelible mark when he sang hits like “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours),” will again grace the stage. Though it remains a mystery which song he will perform, it is certain to invigorate the already enthusiastic crowd. Following his musical performance, Stevie Wonder will also address the audience with a speech, adding a profound moment to the evening’s events., reports TMZ. https://youtu.be/uvvTO9tATBk With his extensive experience from “Saturday Night Live,” Thompson is expected to bring both humor and critical insight into the subject matter, engaging and entertaining the convention goers. The list of celebrities attending the DNC doesn’t end there. The convention has already welcomed stars like Common, Patti LaBelle, Spike Lee, Lil Jon, Eva Longoria, Tony Goldwyn, Wendell Pierce, and Sean Astin. Mindy Kaling will be taking on hosting duties on Wednesday night, with Kerry Washington scheduled to close out the hosting on Thursday. With the DNC only halfway through, the combination of star-powered performances and high-profile addresses—culminating with an anticipated speech from Vice President Kamala Harris—is set to keep the convention captivating. It promises an intriguing blend of entertainment, political discourse, and celebrity appearances, making the event a memorable one for attendees and viewers alike. Adding a comedic touch, Kenan Thompson is slated to perform a comedy skit that focuses on “Project 2025,” a controversial proposal initiated by conservatives to enact sweeping policy changes under a hypothetical second Trump administration. https://youtu.be/JUDSeb2zHQ0 If you missed it, last night at the DNC was all that AND a bag of chips as the classic line from the ‘hood goes. Yep, Chicago’s United Center buzzed with enthusiasm as Democratic Party leaders, including the Obamas and First Gentleman Doug Emhoff, delivered stirring speeches on the second day of the 2024 Democratic National Convention. Emhoff was among the first to captivate the assembled crowd. Recalling his childhood in New Jersey and his Hebrew school days, Emhoff shared the story of his and Kamala Harris’ first date, painting a picture of personal connection. His heartfelt statement, “I trusted Kamala with our family’s future. It was the best decision I ever made,” resonated deeply with the audience and set a hopeful tone for the evening. After Emhoff, it was Obama time! First, Michelle Obama took the stage and immediately captured attention with her signature blend of warmth and resolve. Addressing a recent comment by Trump about undocumented migrants and “Black jobs,” she delivered a memorable zinger: “Who’s going to tell him that the job he is currently seeking might be one of those Black jobs?” The crowd’s eruption underscored the potent combination of humor and critique, magnifying the impact of her support for Kamala Harris. Michelle’s speech deftly mixed emotional reminiscence with a direct call to action, culminating in a poignant endorsement of Harris. Reflecting on the legacy of strong women like her mother and Harris’ mother, she proclaimed, “Kamala Harris is more than ready for this moment. She is one of the most qualified people ever to seek the office of the presidency.” https://youtu.be/g6jluQcENjc Following Michelle, former President Barack Obama took the stage, receiving a rock star’s welcome reminiscent of his career-defining 2004 DNC keynote. Vastly experienced in such settings, he did not disappoint. His speech was a mix of firm endorsements and comedic relief, targeting Trump’s penchant for crowd sizes and conspiracy theories.“The other day, I heard someone compare Trump to the neighbor who keeps running his leaf blower outside your window every minute of every day,” he quipped, drawing laughter from the audience. The focus quickly shifted back to Harris, with chants of “Yes she can!” echoing through the arena. Obama elaborated on Harris’ qualifications and her understanding of the struggles faced by everyday Americans.“In this new economy, we need a president who actually cares about the millions of people all across this country who wake up every day to do the essential, often thankless work to care for our sick and clean our streets and deliver our packages — and stand up for their right to bargain for better wages and working conditions,” he stated emphatically. “Kamala will be that president.” https://youtu.be/mZhRE3aL4y4 Obama’s speech concluded with a powerful rallying cry, urging unity and action among Democrats. He underscored the importance of electing leaders who would fight for a hopeful and inclusive America and emphasized the critical work ahead to ensure Harris’ victory. “We’ll elect leaders up and down the ballot who will fight for the hopeful, forward-looking America we believe in. And together, we too will build a country that is more secure and more just, more equal and more free,” he declared to the roaring cheers of the crowd. “So let’s get to work!” The evening’s speeches by Doug Emhoff, Michelle Obama, and Barack Obama left the attendees at the United Center energized and unified, reinforcing the sense of purpose and urgency as the nation heads toward the November election. The Obamas’ heartfelt endorsements and eloquent oratory highlighted their enduring influence in the Democratic Party and cast a bright spotlight on Kamala Harris as the candidate poised to lead the nation forward. https://youtu.be/cUYQYJCdYbA Henry Louis Gates Jr. will return as host of PBS’s “Finding Your Roots” for its eleventh season set to air on January 7, 2025. The acclaimed series continues to utilize cutting-edge DNA technology and genealogical research to help celebrities learn about their family histories, answer long-standing questions, uncover mysteries, and reveal unknown ancestors, often leading to transformative insights. According to Pink Villa, this season will feature Joy Behar, Kristen Bell, Laurence Fishburne, Debra Messing, Michael Imperioli, Melanie Lynskey, Natalie Morales, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Lea Salonga, Amanda Seyfried, Dax Shepard, Sharon Stone, Chrissy Teigen, celebrity chefs José Andrés and Sean Sherman, novelist Amy Tan, poet Rita Dove, historian Lonnie Bunch, and singer Rubén Blades. Season Ten featured actors Valerie Bertinelli (“One Day at a Time”), Danielle Brooks (“The Color Purple”), LeVar Burton (“Star Trek”), Michael Douglas (“Wall Street”), Lena Dunham (“Girls”), Brendan Fraser (“The Whale”), Tracy Morgan (“30 Rock”), Ed O’Neill (“Modern Family”), Bob Odenkirk (“Better Call Saul”), Anthony Ramos (“In the Heights”), Wes Studi (“The Last of the Mohicans”), Jesse Williams (“Grey’s Anatomy”); comedian Iliza Shlesinger; musicians Ciara, Sammy Hagar, Alanis Morissette and Dionne Warwick; and journalist Sunny Hostin. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Z-09Q5iBGU Craig Mack was an influential figure in the 1990s hip-hop scene, best known for his iconic hit single “Flava in Ya Ear.” Born on May 10, 1970, in Trenton, New Jersey, and raised in Brentwood, New York, Mack’s rise to fame was meteoric. His distinct vocal style and the unique beat of his smash hit, released under Sean “Diddy” Combs‘ Bad Boy Records, cemented his place in hip-hop history. The single was a commercial success, and Mack’s debut album, “Project: Funk da World,” earned a gold certification, marking him as a significant player in the genre’s golden age. Despite his early success, Craig Mack’s career struggled to maintain its momentum. Subsequent releases failed to capture the same commercial acclaim, leading Mack to eventually retreat from the music industry. Later in life, he found solace in religion, joining a controversial evangelical ministry. Craig Mack’s untimely death in March 2018 was a shock to fans and the music community. Initially, it was reported that he died from congestive heart failure, a narrative accepted by the public and media alike. However, recent revelations by Rolling Stone Magazine have stirred significant controversy by disclosing that Mack actually died from complications related to HIV/AIDS. This information, which the rapper’s family had kept private, was confirmed by Mack’s death certificate and included the detail that he had refused treatment for the condition. The publication of this sensitive information has resulted in a heated debate over journalistic ethics. Critics argue that Rolling Stone’s decision to reveal the true cause of Mack’s death disrespects his memory and undermines the narrative that his family chose to share. They contend that the revelation serves little purpose beyond sensationalism and does not contribute positively to Mack’s legacy or the public’s understanding of his life. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNFqMx0gY7I Lionsgate has released the trailer for the intense new thriller “Amber Alert,” starring Hayden Panettiere and Tyler James Williams. Here’s the synopsis: An ordinary rideshare becomes a high-stakes game of cat and mouse when Jaq (Hayden Panettiere) and Shane (Tyler James Williams) receive an alert of a child abduction on their phones. Quickly realizing they are behind a car that matches the description of the kidnapper’s, Jaq and Shane desperately race against time to save the child’s life. As PEOPLE reports, Panettiere said she’s “excited for people to see this film because it’s an edge-of-your-seat, suspenseful thriller that keeps you guessing at every turn.” “I can definitely say that I’ll never look at an Amber Alert the same way again after filming this movie,” she added. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aCr7-oJ0JQ Byron Allen’s broadcast stations have reportedly been late in making payments to network owners, leading to friction with potential deal partners. According to CNBC, Allen Media Group’s broadcast stations have been up to 90 days overdue on payments to major networks like ABC, CBS, and NBC, totaling tens of millions of dollars annually. The delays have frustrated the networks despite agreed-upon payment plans. The reasons for the persistent lateness are unclear, and the company has faced recent layoffs, with more expected. Allen Media Group declined to comment on the specifics but highlighted its growth and status as a major Black-owned media company. Per CNBC, “ABC, CBS and NBC have all grown increasingly frustrated after what feels like a perpetual chase for the fees — even after agreeing to payment plans at Allen’s request, the people familiar said,” the outlet writes. Allen Media Group owns 27 ABC-NBC-CBS-FOX network affiliate broadcast television stations in 21 U.S. markets and twelve 24-hour HD television networks serving nearly 220 million subscribers. AMG also produces, distributes, and sells advertising for 71 television programs, making it one of the largest independent producers/distributors of first-run syndicated television programming for broadcast television stations. R&B artist Omarion discussed managing his sexual desires through celibacy during a recent appearance on the Know Thyself podcast with André Duqum. In the conversation, he shared insights on his journey toward mental and spiritual wellness, highlighting how he has redirected his sexual energy. “When I decided to become celibate, it was because I was searching for something more,” he stated, Vibe reports. “A lot of people would be like, ‘Oh he young. He on top of the world. He just put out an album […] Like you ain’t out here f**king these h**s?’ I’m like nah. There’s more to life than that.” Omarion also reflected on how he managed to shift the focus away from sex in his life. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvDlrVmGrKw “Always being a dancer, you listen to your body,” Omarion explained. “It’s interesting that at that particular moment in my life, I kind of took it on as a challenge.” The superstar noted that his artistic expression changed as he deepened his Christian faith. “It was just an interesting time. I was really studying my Bible, and ultimately, like I said in my book [Unbothered], it wasn’t for me. But it allowed me to kind of, you know, step out of this world and have the responsibility of being a sex symbol and being a young adult,” Omarion explained. He added, “In hindsight, it was preparing me for my contribution to music me being integral and my words and what I’m saying. Not having to really live a double life.” https://www.instagram.com/knowthyself/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=83d3ee91-a1ba-4751-b91a-0e3bbfc1c29e Drea Kelly turned to social media recently to reveal her romance with former “Love & Hip-Hop: New York” star Cisco Rosado. The 50-year-old choreographer posted a sultry video showing her in lingerie while enjoying an intimate moment with the 45-year-old hip-hop producer. In the post’s caption, Drea wrote, “11 years ago…who knew? Here’s to 11 more and then some 🥰 @cisco_rosado a KING TO ME (you know what I’m talking about 👑) never forget what I said that night.” MadameNoire reports that many users questioned the authenticity of their union, given Rosado’s relationships with several reality TV stars — including Teairra Mari, Jennifer Williams, Mariahlynn, Amber Diamond, and Diamond Strawberry. Rosado’s former “Love & Hip-Hop: New York” co-star J. Adrienne reacted to Drea’s surprise announcement, writing, “I filmed Love and Hip Hop NY with him in 2016/2017 when dis happen?” Another Instagram user added, “Not 11 years girl and he was just on TV in 2023 arguing about Ahmina with Rich?! You mean to tell me you did all this healing with R. Kelly to end up with Cisco? I’m hollin’. Not even [Sisqo] from Dru Hill??? Now…”https://www.instagram.com/officialdreakelly/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=672be979-a9b0-4be0-b947-91c76df30e29 Friends of Bianca Censori are worried about her safety following a recent public appearance with her husband, rapper Kanye West, at a Donald Trump rally in California. The Blast reports that Censori’s loved ones are concerned that her controversial style might put her at risk.“Bianca was not onboard with the idea of stopping at the Trump rally,” a source shared with Daily Mail. “She is clearly not a conservative woman. Her overt display of sexuality and the fact that she believes a woman should be able to do whatever she wants with her own body isn’t exactly on board with Republican beliefs.” Censori’s friends reportedly worry that her unconventional style might not be well-received by Republicans. Her public outfits often feature provocative, racy, and near-nude designs. “For the most part, Trump’s supporters, and some Republicans, believe that it is okay for a man to decide what a woman should do, how she should behave, her role in the family, what she should and shouldn’t wear and how she should and shouldn’t act,” the insider said. “This is terrifying to her loved ones as they feel this is how Kanye seems to view women – or at least Bianca.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9Z03xQ2b8c Oprah Winfrey regrets attempting to wrap up her iconic talk show while simultaneously launching a new entertainment network in the same year. “I would not have taken on the responsibility of trying to build a network while still ending the show,” she told Al Roker in an interview on TODAY that aired Aug. 20. “That is my one regret. That is my, ‘I should’ve handled all of that differently.'” Winfrey concluded her nationally syndicated talk show after 25 years in 2011, while also launching the Oprah Winfrey Network that same year. “I should’ve completed one thing, taken a year to do nothing, and then decided what was the next thing for me to do,” she said. “I made a decision that it was time for the show to end. I don’t regret that. What I do regret is trying to do multiple things at the same time. The media mogul added, “I would’ve done the thing that I tell everybody else to do. When you don’t know what to do, do nothing. Get still with yourself and do nothing. I would’ve given myself that time.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD8TQYHjaHI A female Metro rider in Pasadena, California, was assaulted earlier this month after a violent man walked up to her, punched her in the face, and began beating her head against the Metro platform. He then pushed her onto the train tracks and dragged her onto the nearby freeway. Surveillance footage shows the attacker, identified as Juan Pablo, punching and kicking the woman on the side of the 210 Freeway, near the Allen metro station. The woman was able to escape and the suspect was found a few blocks away, KTLA 5 reports. Pablo, 33, has been charged by the LA County District Attorney’s Office with felony attempted murder and felony mayhem, New York Post reports. “Our thoughts are with the victim and her loved ones as she begins her journey toward recovery following this horrific attack,” said Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. George Gascón. “No one should have to endure such brutality, and everyone deserves to go about their day without fear for their safety. We will not tolerate violence on our transit system and will continue holding those responsible fully accountable for their actions.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ok-x-sji8bI A North Texas UPS driver is out of the hospital after passing out from the heat and the truck crashing. On Friday, a driver filmed cell phone video of a UPS truck careening into oncoming traffic, narrowly missing a red car and slamming into trees. According to the UPS driver’s union, Teamsters Local 767, the driver was suffering from heat-related illness when he lost control. “While he was driving he unfortunately succumbed to those heat-related injuries he did pass out behind the wheel,” said David Reeves, the principal officer of Teamsters Local 767.The union says the driver who is based in the Longview area was asked to help out on Friday, driving from the UPS facility in McKinney. He left around noon but after a few hours, he started vomiting and feeling ill from the heat.“That’s when he had to tell the supervisor that he could no longer complete his job for the day,” said Reeves. https://youtu.be/DdKCTJW0-Zw But the union says his manager told him to drive the truck back to the facility. They say that goes against UPS’ own heat safety protocols and that the manager should’ve called 911. “UPS has got to take responsibility for this and shut these drivers down they’ve got to be responsible for frankly for the safety of the driver along with the general public,” said Reeves. The driver was hospitalized but is now recovering at home. We reached out to UPS for comment who told us they care deeply for the driver’s well-being and will be working with authorities to investigate what happened. https://youtu.be/jtYTCLyGTYU “This is a re-release,” said Alternative Pop artist Danny Silvertone about his new single release “Alone.” (Silvertone Records). “It’s marking my separation from a company. It’s re-produced. It’s actually a party song…what I wanted it to be.” Danny Silvertone is a singer/songwriter from Phoenix, Arizona who specializes in romantic ballads. “It’s entirely done by me, and I have a knack for audio production,” Danny added when I asked. “It has heavy drums. I made sure to have the best vocal performance (by getting rest) and it’s more theatrical…larger than life.” The “Lost” single is the start of Danny Silvertone’s creative freedom. His career has been spent as the front man for a Rock/Pop group. He started his solo music career during the pandemic in 2020. “My wildest dream is to tour,” Silvertone said when I asked. “…win a Grammy…to one day work with multiple movies.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pg6pT9nZfyE Ashanti and Nelly welcomed their first child together last month, a son, Kareem Kenkaide Hayes, born on July 18, the songstress announced Wednesday (Aug. 21). The couple surprised fans in June when they revealed they had been married since December 2023. Ashanti first confirmed their baby news earlier this year, amidst growing speculation. As we reported earlier, Ashanti and Nelly first dated back in the 2000s, and their romance reignited last year after years of playful interactions and reunions, including joint performances and flirtatious appearances at various events. Nelly hosted a surprise baby shower for his wife at a Dolce & Gabbana store in New York City last month. Footage from the event shows a surprised Ashanti emerging from an elevator, and being greeted by family and friends, including rapper Fat Joe and his wife, Lorena Cartagena. “Oh my god, I thought I was coming to a photoshoot,” she said to her guests in a clip shared on Instagram Story July 1. “I’m in shock. Thank you guys so much, I love guys, I appreciate you. Thank you.” Nelly and Ashanti dated on and off for years before splitting in 2013 and reconciling last summer. https://www.instagram.com/ashanti/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=673d3850-9ea3-4e40-9c5d-b9a0a87aa2ad Ariana Lauifi, 32, is set to be sentenced for her unprovoked assault on 13-year-old honor roll student Kassidy Jones. The attack took place in a Los Angeles area McDonald’s on September 6, 2023, leaving Kassidy and her family traumatized and in search of justice. Angelina Looney, Kassidy’s mother, alongside family members, can finally find some measure of closure with the upcoming sentencing of Lauifi. The brutal nature of the attack left no doubt about the necessity for accountability. As Angelina states, “There’s never a reason for an adult to viciously attack a child.” What intensified the horror for Kassidy was the nature of the assault – entirely unprovoked, with Lauifi loudly declaring, “I beat kids,” before forcibly attacking Kassidy in the Harbor City, CA restaurant. Disturbingly, no one intervened to stop the beating, and McDonald’s staff did not assist. Initially, Lauifi falsely claimed self-defense, lying to her supporters and concocting a story that was never substantiated by witnesses or video evidence. After the assault, rather than awaiting police arrival, Lauifi fled the scene, erased her social media presence, and went into hiding for three weeks before being apprehended. One could only conclude that such actions starkly contrast with those of an innocent individual. https://youtu.be/j-55E0iKojk With Lauifi’s guilty plea, the true events of that distressing day have been laid bare. She has admitted to her horrific choices and the impact they had on Kassidy. Despite the gravity of her actions, Lauifi seemed more concerned about the embarrassment of admitting the truth to her family and community, resorting instead to blaming the young victim. This case echoed troubling moments in history where African-American victims like Latasha Harlins, Rodney King, Trayvon Martin, George Floyd, and others were unjustly criminalized and blamed for the violence inflicted upon them. Kassidy’s case is a painful reminder of such injustices. Lauifi’s supporters launched a disgraceful campaign of gaslighting and character assassination against an innocent child who was already suffering from a violent, virally documented beating. Community activist Najee Ali, spokesman for the Jones family and Director of Project Islamic Hope, urges those who wrongly supported Lauifi to offer Kassidy a public apology. “These activists allowed their personal feelings to cloud their judgment and neglected their duty to defend and protect our most vulnerable members of society—our children,” Ali stated. Ali emphasizes that he bears no ill will towards his fellow activists, Lauifi, or her supporters, expressing a profound commitment to defending children who fall victim to violence— a mission he vows to uphold to his last breath. “There are no winners in this case,” he said. “Ariana is now a convicted child beater, and Kassidy continues to suffer emotionally, undergoing counseling.” https://youtu.be/AJS5K5zA5nQ In a recent exchange that has garnered significant attention, Steve Harvey addressed accusations made by Dr. Umar Johnson, a prominent and often controversial figure in the African American community. Johnson, a psychologist, educator, and activist known for his outspoken views on issues affecting Black education and mental health, recently claimed that Harvey and other Black celebrities were being compensated to pressure Black voters into supporting Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming presidential election. Dr. Johnson, who is a strong advocate for Pan-Africanism and frequently speaks on systemic racism and the need for economic independence in the Black community, suggested that these celebrities, including Harvey, were being paid to influence voters. In response, Harvey took to his platform on “The Steve Harvey Morning Show” to set the record straight. “Brother Umar, let me say this man. I absolutely love some of the things you say. I really, really do. Some of the stuff, I don’t always agree with, but ain’t nobody got to agree with everything I say,” Harvey began, acknowledging Johnson’s impact while also expressing his disagreement with the allegations. https://twitter.com/i/status/1825708023190343873 The white Florida woman who fatally shot her Black neighbor following complaints about the victim’s children playing outside, has been convicted of manslaughter. We reported previously via CNN that Susan Lorincz told authorities that she felt threatened when her neighbor, Ajike “AJ” Owens, confronted her during a dispute over the children on June 2, 2023. Owens demanded Lorincz come out of her apartment near Ocala, Florida after the 59-year-old yelled at Owens’ children and threw a roller skate at her 10-year-old son, hitting him, the sheriff’s office said. “After learning of this, [Owens], accompanied by her 10-year-old son, approached Lorincz’s home,” the arrest affidavit states, PEOPLE reports. “[Owens] then knocked on Lorincz’s door multiple times and demanded that Lorincz come outside. Lorincz then fired one shot through the door, striking Owens in her upper chest.” Following the investigation, the sheriff’s office determined that her actions were not legally justified under Florida law, resulting in her arrest on a manslaughter charge. PEOPLE reports that State Attorney Bill Gladson cited a lack of sufficient evidence to pursue a second-degree murder charge, a first-degree felony. Jurors in Marion County, Fla., found Lorincz guilty of manslaughter by use of a firearm on Aug. 16, after a week-long trial, according to a news release from the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office. https://youtu.be/7Pu0QtjARRI Adamma and Adanne Ebo have signed an overall deal with Sony Pictures Television to develop, create, and produce series across various genres for all platforms. The American-Nigerian twin sisters are known for their film “Honk For Jesus. Save Your Soul,” which sold at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival. Per the synopsis, the film is “a satirical comedy starring Regina Hall as Trinitie Childs – the proud first lady of a Southern Baptist megachurch, who together with her husband Pastor Lee-Curtis Childs (Sterling K. Brown), once served a congregation in the tens of thousands. But after a scandal forces their church to temporarily close, Trinitie and Lee-Curtis must reopen their church and rebuild their congregation to make the biggest comeback that commodified religion has ever seen.” The inspiration for the story came from the upbringing that the sisters had growing up in Atlanta during what they say felt like the height of Southern Baptist megachurch culture. “There was so much about it that we really connected to, like the music,” Adamma said previosuly. “But a lot of the time, the messages felt pretty backward and archaic. So we were constantly dealing with the actuality and then also the healing benefits of being part of this community, while then also feeling, quite frankly, like this community wasn’t here for us. So we both spent time when we were divorced from organized religion, where it wasn’t a part of our lives anymore and we didn’t think it would be part of our future. But now we’re taking the aspects of it that benefit us, that we find the most fulfilling and can use for our own personal growth and happiness while continuing to speak out about the ills of it and the things that we think can be done better.” The sisters are also known for their writing work on “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” and “Batman: Caped Crusader,” and Adamma has directed for shows like “Atlanta” and “Swarm” and will work on “Poker Face” Season 2, Deadline reports. https://youtu.be/fE6ohOV1Tcc “Adamma and Adanne are dynamic and talented creators, and we are thrilled to welcome them to the Sony family,” Lauren Stein, Head of Creative, Sony Pictures Television Studios shared in a statement. “We are excited to support and explore their unique creative vision and storytelling in drama, comedy, and animation.” The Ebo sisters added, “Sony is incredibly creator-forward, and for writers like us who have a ‘variety is the spice of life’ attitude for what we love to create and consume as avid TV lovers, partnering with the type of studio that truly supports creator-driven ideas is refreshing, creatively stimulating, and freeing. We can’t wait to make some really dope television with them.” https://youtu.be/TdabOog0INQ A Minnesota businessman tragically lost his life in Brazil earlier this month in what police describe as a drug-fueled robbery. D’wayne Antonio Morris, a 43-year-old entrepreneur from Minneapolis, was found dead in his rented apartment in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, on August 8, just one day after arriving in the country. Local news outlet g1 reported that Morris appeared to have been drugged, leading to convulsions and foaming at the mouth. The prime suspect, identified as 23-year-old Letícia Clara Bento da Silva, has been arrested by Brazil’s Civil Police. Da Silva, along with a second unidentified woman, allegedly drugged Morris with GHB, a powerful depressant often used in drug-induced robberies known in Brazil as “Goodnight Cinderella” schemes. These schemes involve incapacitating victims with substances like GHB or Rohypnol, making them easy targets for theft. According to the investigation, Morris and a friend met da Silva and the second woman in the Lapa neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro. After drinks at a bar, the group returned to Morris’ apartment. Morris’ friend, feeling dizzy and unwell, left for another location, while Morris and the two women continued on to his apartment. Surveillance footage captured the two women leaving the building and getting into a black car about two hours later, reports the NY Post. https://youtu.be/6Ln5bDhLQoo Da Silva is also a suspect in several other similar thefts and now faces murder charges in connection with Morris’ death. The US Consulate in Rio de Janeiro has expressed condolences to Morris’ family and is closely monitoring the investigation. Morris was a respected figure in his community, serving as the president and founder of Blue Waters Consulting and Soul Community Development Corporation, where he managed a $14 million business portfolio. His death has left a significant void, particularly for his partner, Tamantha Richman, and their blended family, which includes Morris’ child and Richman’s three kids. “He was a fun partner to have,” Richman told CBS News. The family is now facing financial challenges, and a GoFundMe campaign for Morris’ funeral and burial expenses has raised over $30,000 toward its $50,000 goal as of this posting (08-20-24). Morris’ tragic death has shocked both his local community in Minneapolis and those who knew him professionally, leaving many to mourn the loss of a dedicated businessman and loving father. https://youtu.be/zb7zWJ-dGXs In a recent conversation with Charlamagne tha God on “The Breakfast Club,” director Lee Daniels shared an update on his current relationship with Jussie Smollett and discussed the possibility of collaborating with the actor in the future. “We text each other. It’s so complicated. I still don’t know what to believe. God bless him on his journey,” Lee stated, The Jasmine Brand reports. In 2019, Daniels admitted he was “beyond embarrassed” by reports that Smollett had staged a racially and homophobically motivated attack on himself in Chicago. The controversy significantly impacted the production of the hit FOX series “Empire,” leading to Smollett’s absence from its sixth and final season. “I’m beyond embarrassed,” Daniels told New York magazine. “I think that when it happened, I had a flash of me running from bullies. I had a flash of my whole life, of my childhood, my youth, getting beaten.” https://youtu.be/tq33fcdkPJI When asked if he had “any doubt in his mind” about Smollett’s innocence, he said, “Of course, there’s some doubt.” Daniels added, “I’m telling you that because I love him so much. That’s the torture that I’m in right now, because it’s literally if it were to happen to your son and your child, how would you feel? You would feel, Please, God, please let there be that glimmer of hope that there is some truth in this story. That’s why it’s been so painful. It was a flood of pain.” The award-winning producer told Charlamagne in the video above, “I’d work with him again. I would cast him in something. He’s a son to me; he also represented me and the movement that I tried to start.” Daniels appeared on “The Breakfast Club” alongside singer and actress Andra Day to promote his latest film, “The Deliverance.” Netflix describes is as a “genre-defying take on darkness, possession, and finding a higher power.” Here’s the synopsis: Ebony Jackson (Day), a struggling single mother fighting her personal demons, moves her family into a new home for a fresh start. But when strange occurrences inside the home raise the suspicions of Child Protective Services and threaten to tear the family apart, Ebony soon finds herself locked in a battle for her life and the souls of her children. https://youtu.be/PDcDagDcwPA Former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown is considering legal action against Donald Trump following a story Trump shared about a near helicopter crash involving Brown. Brown denied Trump’s claims that he accompanied the former president in a helicopter or made derogatory remarks about Vice President Kamala Harris, whom Brown dated in the 1990s. We reported earlier that former Los Angeles City Councilman and State Senator Nate Holden previously set the record straight in an interview with POLITICO, about the near-fatal helicopter incident involving Trump. It was Holden, not Brown, who accompanied Trump on the nerve-racking ride. “Willie is the short Black guy living in San Francisco,” Holden said. “I’m a tall Black guy living in Los Angeles. I guess we all look alike.” https://youtu.be/lvvaphMmY2c Candace Owens, entrepreneur Dan Bilzerian, and the Tate brothers (Andrew and Tristan) hosted a discussion on Twitter Spaces about why they “reject Zionism.” Over two million people tuned in to the broadcast titled “The Truth About Zionism,” during which Owens led a provocative discussion about the consequences of criticizing Israel. The conversation came after Owens shared a video of her calling Zionists demon worshipers who are responsible for “pedophilia cabals” in America. SandraRose.com reports that the controversial conservative explained that Jewish elites in America are responsible for pedophilia and Jewish pedophiles in America are fleeing to Israel and receiving protection there. An X user posted links to articles about pedophiles seeking refuge in Israel. “There’s a problem here that we can’t get our pedophiles back from a nation that we’ve given billions of dollars to,” Owens said. https://twitter.com/i/status/1825214337306227171 In the clip, Owens asks why people feel the need to assert their safety when discussing Israel, asking, “Do you think it’s normal that basically, every person that speaks about Israel has to say a statement that ‘you know I don’t want to get killed’?” She also referenced the assassination of JFK, stating, “They shot JFK in an open car, he was a sitting president, so my security doesn’t matter, if they want me they’re gonna get me.” “The elites can try to censor, kick people out, and manipulate, but they can’t stop the tide. Free speech is unstoppable, and those in power are terrified,” Owens tweeted. “The people are waking up, and the establishment knows it.” https://twitter.com/ShadowofEzra/status/1825214337306227171?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1825268259291275317%7Ctwgr%5E70022341444a100898850821f602bf56b7e6828b%7Ctwcon%5Es4_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fmillions-tune-in-to-candace-owens-debate-on-zionism%2F HBCU GO, a free-streaming platform dedicated to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), will kick off the 2024 college football season with its third annual HBCU GO SPORTS KICKOFF SHOW, presented by Procter & Gamble, according to the news release. Hosted by legendary HBCU sports analyst Charlie Neal, the show will feature comprehensive coverage of HBCU football, including conference insights, game analysis, player profiles, highlights, and exclusive interviews. Viewers can watch HBCU GO via syndication channels in major television markets such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, Atlanta, Boston, San Francisco, Seattle, Memphis, Detroit, Sacramento, Miami, Tampa, and Pittsburgh and nationally on TheGrio Television Network. Select games will also air across various digital platforms including HBCU GO’s mobile app and FAST channel that is available on AMG’s free-streaming platforms, theGrio Gold and Local Now, per the release. Manhattan prosecutors are not explicitly opposing Donald Trump’s proposal for a sentencing delay in his hush-money case until after the presidential election. Last week, Trump asked Judge Juan Merchan to postpone his sentencing – currently set for September 18 – until after the November election, arguing in part that he won’t have enough time to appeal the judge’s decision on presidential immunity, which is expected by September 16. In a two-page response, prosecutors wrote that “[G]iven the defense’s newly-stated position, we defer to the Court on whether an adjournment is warranted to allow for orderly appellate litigation of that question or to reduce the risk of a disruptive stay from an appellate court pending consideration of that question. The People are prepared to appear for sentencing on any future date the Court sets.” Prosecutors added that they are “mindful” of the security measures necessary to prepare for court appearances, and if Trump should seek an immediate appeal of the ruling, it could mean that “significant preparatory steps are taken, only to have such steps disturbed by appellate litigation.” The judge will consider both letters and is expected to issue a ruling by early September, according to sources. Former NFL player Gosder Cherilus was arrested after allegedly hitting a man and urinating on an elderly woman during a Delta flight from Boston to Dublin. According to court docs, Cherilus approached a 78-year-old Maine woman seated on board the plane when he “fully exposed his genitals and began urinating on an elderly female, emptying his entire bladder for approximately 20 seconds.” The flight had to return to Logan Airport, where Cherilus, appearing intoxicated and uncooperative, was arrested Sunday on charges of disorderly conduct and disturbing a flight crew, ESPN reports. When law enforcement ordered Cherilus to leave the plane he “became irate and uncooperative,” police said. Delta confirmed the incident and apologized for the delay caused to passengers. https://youtu.be/ddgHsXaB4w4 Zoe Kravitz makes her directorial debut with the psychological thriller “Blink Twice.” The film takes viewers on an exciting and intriguing journey. “Blink Twice” follows Frida, played by Naomi Ackie, a young woman struggling with her sense of identity and misplaced memories. As she tries to manifest a more luxurious lifestyle – nagging feelings keep bubbling up about her experiences and dreams. Frida encounters billionaire Slater King, (Channing Tatum), who has taken a liking to her. She begins to indulge in the lifestyle she has always dreamed of but at what cost? With money comes power…When dealing with someone with an excessive amount of power, you may begin to lose yours. The message for women in “Blink Twice” is to take control – if they ever felt overpowered by a man. We sat down with Kravitz to discuss the film and what messaging she was trying to convey with the film. “I think it’s about taking power back and what that looks like,” shared Kravitz. “Power dynamic is an interesting entity. For someone to be on top, someone has to be on the bottom, and I wanted to explore what that looked like.” https://youtu.be/aMcmfonGWY4 Netflix’s new action-comedy “The Union” has quickly climbed to No. 1 in the UK, but the success hasn’t shielded it from harsh reviews. The film, starring Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry, has been criticized for being “generic” and “cheesy,” with many viewers expressing disappointment, The Independent reports. Despite some praise for the chemistry between the lead actors, “The Union” has garnered a low 28% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. This marks a career low for both Wahlberg and Berry, who haven’t seen such poor ratings in over a decade. “The Union” stars Wahlberg as Mike, a happy man living a simple life as a construction worker in his native New Jersey –– until his long-lost high school sweetheart, Roxanne (Berry), shows up with more on her mind than romance. Knowing he’s the right man for the job, she recruits Mike on a dangerous intelligence mission in Europe that thrusts them back together into a world of spies and high-speed car chases, with sparks flying along the way. https://youtu.be/vea9SdnRMyg Loni Love took to Instagram to make clear that there is no feud between her and Tyler Perry after she suggested the movie mogul hire Black writers and directors. We reported previously that Love accused Perry of not investing in Black writers and directors, arguing that he could create award-worthy projects if he were more generous with his resources. “I love that Tyler is paying Black actors now I wish he would hire Black writers and directors that have experience to help him with his movies,” Loni wrote on X/Twitter. She added, “He could improve the movies & make them award worthy if he would stop trying to save money by doing the writing and directing himself.” Her comments were in response to the poor reception of Perry’s latest project “Divorce In The Black,” starring Meagan Good and Cory Hardrict. https://www.instagram.com/icecreamconvos_/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=b9a9438d-f26f-4e66-b8fd-c685602ec140 Three reparations bills authored by Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood) passed out of the Assembly Appropriations Committee on Aug. 15. Senate Bill (SB) 1403, SB 1050, and SB 1331 are now on their way to the Assembly floor for a full vote. If approved, the bills would advance to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk for his signature or veto. “I want to thank the committee for seeing the importance of these measures,” Bradford said. “I think it speaks to the fact that reparations is an issue that still needs to be addressed. We still experience institutional racism and discrimination in this country.” SB 1331 proposes creating an account in the state treasury to fund reparations policies approved by the Legislature and the Governor. SB 1050 would offer compensation to Black Californians who are descendants of enslaved people who lost homes or had their land taken without fair compensation as a result of racially motivated misuse of eminent domain. SB 1403 establishes the framework for establishing the California American Freedmen Affairs Agency (CAFAA), a state-level department that would oversee all reparations activities, including validating individuals’ status as a descendant of an enslaved person in the United States. The Democratic National Convention/DNC kicked off with a dynamic and emotionally charged night as President Joe Biden took center stage at the United Center in Chicago. The career political figure, who has dedicated much of his life to his party and the nation, was welcomed with a standing ovation and chants of “Thank you, Joe!” from the enthusiastic crowd. Ashley Biden, the president’s 43-year-old daughter with First Lady Jill Biden, introduced her father in a heartfelt speech that honored her late brother, Beau. “I know that Beau is here with us tonight, as he is always with us,” she said, before embracing her father for 20 poignant seconds. The moment drew extended applause from the crowd, which lasted for four-and-a-half minutes. Biden began his highly anticipated address with a declaration of his patriotism: “America, I love you.” He delivered an impassioned speech, weaving elements of his stump speeches with a stark message about the stakes of the upcoming election. https://i.ytimg.com/vi/RSLVdlovV3M/hqdefault.jpg Highlighting his achievements during his single term, Biden framed the current political climate as an existential threat to democracy. “You can’t say you love the country only when you win,” Biden remarked in a pointed reference to former President Donald Trump, though he deliberately avoided mentioning Trump by name. Throughout his speech, Biden raised his voice multiple times, notably when condemning white nationalists and recalling the January 6th attack on the Capitol. Speaking of Trump’s characterization of America, Biden did not hold back. “He’s the loser. He’s dead wrong,” he said, countering his late-career political rival’s bleak depiction of the nation. Vice President Kamala Harris’s credentials were also a focal point throughout the evening. Biden spoke highly of selecting Harris as his running mate, describing it as the best decision of his lengthy career which began in 1973. “Like many of our best presidents, she was also vice president,” Biden noted. Concluding his speech on a poignant note, Biden declared, “America, I gave my best to you. I made a lot of mistakes in my career, but I gave my best to you.” https://i.ytimg.com/vi/1vVgqK8gqf4/hqdefault.jpg The night culminated in another significant moment as Vice President Kamala Harris returned to the stage, joined by her husband, Doug Emhoff. In a touching exchange, she appeared to mouth “love you” to the President, adding a final emotional layer to an already impactful evening. As the first night of the Democratic National Convention came to a close, it was clear that President Biden’s message had resonated deeply with the audience. His blend of personal reflection, political defiance, and unwavering commitment to democracy set the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable convention. https://i.ytimg.com/vi/33ePGy1G0kQ/hqdefault.jpg The Washington Commanders officially announced rookie Jayden Daniels as their starting quarterback for the 2024 NFL season, ushering in a new era of hope and stability for the franchise. Daniels, the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner, was selected second overall in the 2024 NFL Draft and now takes on the critical role of leading the Commanders as their eighth Week 1 starting quarterback in as many years. “He’s ready and earned the right [to be the starter]. He’s really put in the work while being surrounded by some excellent teammates here,” says head coach Dan Quinn expressing his confidence in Daniels. Despite the presence of veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota on the roster, it became increasingly evident throughout the offseason that Daniels would be declared QB1. The young quarterback joins No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams, who was named the Chicago Bears’ starter less than a month after the draft, as the second rookie QB to get the starting nod for the 2024 season, reports CNN. https://youtu.be/fMLKSjL55Vo In other NFL news, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa recently shared candid thoughts about his former head coach Brian Flores during an interview on “The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz.” Tagovailoa, who has flourished under the leadership of current head coach Mike McDaniel, labeled Flores a “terrible person” and discussed the negative impact of Flores’ coaching style on his confidence. Tagovailoa compared the approaches of his former and current coaches, emphasizing the importance of positive reinforcement: “If you woke up every morning, and I told you that you suck at what you did… you’re going to start to believe that about yourself,” Tagovailoa said, according to CNN. Despite early struggles under Flores, Tagovailoa has shown significant progression, leading to his first Pro Bowl selection and a four-year contract extension reportedly worth $212.4 million. Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, who now works with Flores as the team’s defensive coordinator, defended him, stating: “I can just tell you I know the players Flo works with, he’s got great relationships here… and that’s all I can really comment on.” As Tagovailoa’s remarks continue to spark discussion, the debate over coaching styles and their impact on player performance remains a hot topic within the NFL community. Beyoncé is launching an American whisky brand called SirDavis in partnership with Moët Hennessy, part of the French luxury giant LVMH. In a press release, the brand describes SirDavis as a unique take on whisky with its “bespoke recipe,” unconventional maturation process, and distinctive flavor profile inspired by Japanese and Scottish traditions, AfroTech reports. “I’ve always been drawn to the power and confidence I feel when drinking quality whisky and wanted to invite more people to experience that feeling,” said Beyoncé, per the press release. “When I discovered that my great-grandfather had been a moonshine man, it felt like my love for whisky was fated. SirDavis is a way for me to pay homage to him, uniting us through a new shared legacy,” she added. “In partnering with Moët Hennessy, we have crafted a delicious American whisky that respects tradition but also empowers people to experience something new and unique in the category. You can taste it better than I could ever tell you — welcome, SirDavis,” said Bey. https://www.instagram.com/beyonce/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=33c543cd-7aa2-4969-a206-1c67b1776775 Jennifer Lopez has filed for divorce from Ben Affleck after two years of marriage. According to TMZ, the filing, done Tuesday in L.A. County Superior Court without an attorney, lists their separation date as April 26, 2024. Lopez and Affleck tied the knot in Las Vegas in 2022 at the famous Little White Wedding Chapel. The actress filed for divorce on August 20, coinciding with the second anniversary of their grand wedding celebration in Georgia. As we reported earlier, Ben and Jen met in 2001 on the set of the romantic comedy “Gigli.” Affleck famously proposed to Lopez for the first time in 2002 with a pink diamond engagement ring. The pair postponed their nuptials days before the wedding in 2003 amid the media frenzy. They officially called it quits in January 2004 and rekindled their romance in April 2022 after Lopez broke up with Alex Rodriguez. Lopez and Affleck did not have a prenuptial agreement, meaning their earnings during the marriage are considered community property, according to TMZ. RadarOnline reports that Affleck, 52, ended the marriage to safeguard his sobriety. According to sources, he felt that Lopez’s glamorous lifestyle was threatening his recovery, prompting his decision to separate from the 55-year-old superstar. One source said, “The marriage was incredibly overwhelming – J.Lo lives a very glam lifestyle, and he was often faced with temptation.” In a move that has quite frankly pissed off a lot of people, Donald Trump‘s campaign released a video featuring the former president deboarding his plane to the tune of Beyoncé‘s “Freedom,” just days after accusing Kamala Harris of copying him regarding not taxing tips. Harris, however, has been using the song with permission from Beyoncé, adding an intriguing twist to the political spectacle. Beyoncé permitted Harris to use “Freedom” from her critically acclaimed 2016 album, “Lemonade,” at the end of last month. Harris’ campaign has since prominently featured the song in various campaign activities, including her dramatic entrance at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on Monday night. The anthem, which includes powerful verses by rapper Kendrick Lamar, gained renewed prominence following the police killing of George Floyd in 2020, the DailyBeast reports. The song deals with themes of slavery and police brutality, with Beyoncé singing about breaking chains and Lamar rapping about police chases and breaking oppressive systems. Contrastingly, Trump’s campaign has had a tumultuous relationship with campaign music, often finding itself at odds with artists and facing legal challenges. Just last week, the family of singer-songwriter Isaac Hayes initiated legal action against Trump and his campaign for using Hayes’ iconic “Hold On, I’m Coming” in rallies and campaign videos. The lawsuit, filed in a Georgia federal court, seeks licensing fees and a clear disclaimer stating that the Hayes estate does not endorse Trump. Hayes’ family demands $150,000 for each use of the song and an unequivocal statement of non-endorsement. This recent incident involving “Freedom” only adds to Trump’s history of disputes over unauthorized song usage. He has previously faced ire and legal threats from notable artists such as Adele, Rihanna, Neil Young, and the Rolling Stones for similar reasons. By using Beyoncé’s song, Trump appears to be both contradicting his critique of Harris and risking further legal troubles. https://twitter.com/i/status/1825948172495237263 The reaction on social media was swift and through platforms like X, users pointed out the irony of Trump’s actions. User Anna Maltese quipped, “Oh, look, you’re trying to copy Kamala Harris, that’s cute! Of course, Beyoncé might feel differently.” Meanwhile, user, Badd Company, predicted, “And now you will be sued, again, for Copyright Infringement. You, folks, are destroying yourselves, good job!” Responses like these underscore the widespread sentiment and criticism of Trump’s latest move. Adding to the drama, rumors persist that Beyoncé might make a surprise appearance at the DNC. If true, her performance and potential endorsement of the Democratic candidate could lend significant momentum to Harris’ campaign and make a powerful statement against Trump’s unauthorized use of her music. As the political theater continues to unfold, legal experts suggest that Beyoncé’s legal team may already be preparing for a response. Given Trump’s history of legal disputes over music rights, the latest controversy over “Freedom” raises questions about the strategic choices and advisability of his campaign’s tactics. In a climate where every move is scrutinized, the unauthorized use of a song deeply tied to social justice could prove to be a significant misstep, further intensifying the legal and public relations battles for Trump’s campaign. https://twitter.com/i/status/1825709213252739297 The Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago was not just a political gathering but also a hotspot of tension as Black Lives Matter (BLM) activist Ja’Mal Green confronted Roland Martin, the host of the daily digital show “Roland Martin Unfiltered.” Their confrontation stemmed from an escalating Twitter feud about Vice President Kamala Harris’ newly announced economic policy. Background: The initial friction began when Ja’Mal Green, a former mayoral candidate from Chicago and a prominent BLM activist, criticized the language used in Vice President Kamala Harris’ economic policy. Harris had recently introduced a plan in North Carolina to offer up to $25,000 in down-payment assistance to first-generation homebuyers. Green took to Twitter to question the use of terms like “first-time homeowners,” implying that such terminology might exclude or not adequately benefit the black community.“Does anybody want to tell me what ‘first generation’ is code for? Lol,” Green posted on X.com. Escalation: Roland Martin responded sharply to Green’s tweet, calling him “dumb” and “clueless” for questioning the policy. Martin argued that since Black Americans have the lowest homeownership rates, they would significantly benefit from incentives targeting first-time buyers.“Are you that dumb Ja’Mal Green? If Black folks have the lowest homeownership rates, that means incentives for first-time buyers will appeal to Black folks. Are you that clueless?” Martin tweeted. https://twitter.com/i/status/1825339998599528947 Green, visibly upset by Martin’s remarks, decided to confront him in person at the DNC. Martin was hosting a town hall at the convention when Green approached him amid a tight crowd. In videos posted by Green, he can be heard demanding an explanation from Martin about being called “dumb.” “You tweeted calling me dumb yesterday!” Green exclaimed in one of the videos before security was called to intervene. Aftermath After the heated exchange, Green took to social media once more, expressing his frustration with what he termed as “Black gatekeepers” who he believes hinder progress. He criticized Martin’s support base, suggesting that the “seniors” who watch Martin’s show might believe in his viewpoints, but younger voices, who are advocating for change and “speaking truth,” reject the perspectives of what he described as “Democrat sellout fools.” “Black gatekeepers gotta go,” Green tweeted, emphasizing his belief that Martin’s defense of Harris’ policy was misguided. https://twitter.com/i/status/1825347780258455796 JAY-Z’s Roc Nation is making changes to support independent artists by merging its Roc Nation Label and Equity Distribution divisions. The new entity, ROC Nation Distribution, aims to provide artists with more freedom and opportunities in both technology and the music industry, AfroTech reports. “The formation of ROC Nation distribution is a natural transition in the music space,” the press release states. “The mission is to support and empower independent artists while providing them the tools and services to distribute their music. All artists signed to Roc Nation Label will join and benefit from the new ROC Nation distribution structure,” the statement continues. “The music industry is undergoing a significant transformation,” the press release mentions, per AfroTech. “The rise of direct music distribution channels, combined with the influence of social media, has reshaped the traditional landscape. These developments have created a direct connection between artists and consumers, empowering artists to take greater control of promotion, marketing, creative direction, and business development.” Nate Robinson, an 11-year NBA veteran, announced his battle with kidney failure, and since then, he claims that thousands of people have offered to donate a kidney as he undergoes treatment. Speaking to ESPN’s Baxter Holmes, Robinson said, “Later on in life, when I get a kidney, I’m going to be looking back, like, ‘Damn, I really went through all this.’ That kidney I get, I’m going to cherish it. I’m going to treat it like a baby. I’m going to do everything I’m supposed to do.” We reported earlier that Robinson has been searching for a new kidney for the past four years. He recently stressed the urgency of his situation in a new interview, stating that without a kidney replacement, he fears for his life. “I know that I don’t have long if I can’t get a kidney,” Robinson told the Daily Mail Sports. “I know I’m not going to have long to live. So I just want to make the best of it as much as I can,” he added. https://youtu.be/Wc_iOOPElOE A Georgia couple is suing a health care system after they say staff at one of its Atlanta hospitals misplaced a portion of the husband, Fernando Cluster’s skull, which had been temporarily removed and later scheduled to be reimplanted, according to a complaint. Cluster was admitted to Emory University Hospital Midtown in Atlanta in September 2022 and diagnosed with an intracerebral hemorrhage, or a brain bleed, the complaint filed on August 8 with the DeKalb County State Court states. Doctors removed a portion of Cluster’s skull measuring around 4.7 inches by 5.9 inches to reduce pressure on the brain, the complaint states. After he healed from that surgery, Cluster was scheduled to have the bone flap reimplanted in early November, but as he was being prepped for the cranioplasty, the complaint states Emory’s staff couldn’t identify the bone flap belonging to Cluster. “When Emory’s personnel went to retrieve the bone flap, ‘there were several bone flaps with incomplete or missing patient identification’ and therefore, Emory ‘could not be certain which if any of these belonged to Mr. Cluster,’” according to the complaint. Fernando Cluster and his wife, Melinda Cluster, are suing the hospital and unnamed staff for negligence, claiming that the loss of the bone flap resulted in “extensive damages, including ongoing physical and emotional pain and suffering, and unnecessary medical bills,” the complaint states.According to the complaint, hospital staff ultimately told Fernando Cluster that his bone flap couldn’t be found and that the surgery would have to be canceled until a synthetic implant flap could be made. He underwent surgery to have the synthetic bone flap implanted in late November and was charged for its cost and for the extra time he had to stay in the hospital, the complaint states. “As a result of Emory’s negligence, Mr. Cluster subsequently suffered an infection in the synthetic flap, thereby necessitating an additional surgery,” according to the complaint. https://youtu.be/8UoFn9GmX4E The Jacob Javits Center in Manhattan transformed into a sports lover’s paradise this weekend as Fanatics Fest NYC kicked off its highly anticipated three-day extravaganza. From Friday, August 16 through Sunday, August 18, sports fans from all walks of life gathered to revel in the culture and history of their favorite pastimes while getting the chance to interact with iconic sports figures.One of the festival’s standout moments was the heated pre-fight press conference between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson. The social media sensation-turned-boxer Jake Paul faced a hostile NYC crowd, which jeered him the moment he arrived. In typical Paul fashion, he retaliated with fiery words, heightening the tension. https://youtu.be/Yd4_L3rph9I With product names that are as explicit as her lyrics, rapper Sexyy Red‘s new beauty line “Northside Princess” features shades like “Bootyhole Brown,” “Yellow Discharge,” “Gonorrhea,” and “Sex On My Period.” These eyebrow-raising names have already generated buzz and mixed reactions from consumers. Retail workers and shoppers alike may do a double-take when stocking or buying lip gloss with names like “Nut,” “Coochie Juice,” “Pu**yhole Pink,” and “Blue Ballz.” Sexyy Red introduced her brand, “Sexyy,” with a series of provocative photos on social media. One particularly eye-catching image featured her bending over with a box of lip glosses resting on her backside. As expected, reactions have been polarized. While some conservative shoppers might be scandalized, her fanbase has shown robust support, praising her creativity and even calling her a “marketing genius” in the comments. https://youtu.be/8UoFn9GmX4E A throwback looks to be on the way for “Basketball Wives.” Here’s the deal. Former fixture, Gloria Govan is allegedly returning to the franchise. However, insiders reveal she is just making an appearance with her not returning to series regular, theJasmineBrand reports.As one of the first cast members of the spin-off series “Basketball Wives LA,” Govan came on the scene at the time engaged to NBA player Matt Barnes. The couple, who she married in 2013 and divorced in 2016, share 15-year-old twins Carter and Isaiah. Govan spent two seasons on “Basketball Wives LA” before confirming she would not be part of the third season. She has not returned since. Despite no longer being a part of the ‘Basketball Wives” universe, The Jasmine Brand noted Govan’s happenings offscreen with her tumultuous split from Barnes and bringing her relationship with NBA coach and former player Derek Fisher. In 2021, the couple married. Since then, they have been raising their blended families together. The families consist of Govan’s two children with Barnes and Fisher’s three children from a previous relationship. Inspired by gripping and real stories, Lifetime greenlights Buried Alive and Survived starring Eva Marcille (The Real Housewives of Atlanta, All the Queen’s Men) and Tyler Lepley (P-Valley, Harlem). Set to premiere on Saturday, September 21 at 8pm ET/PT, the movie follows a woman, who miraculously survives being buried alive by her ex-husband. The movie joins Lifetime’s fall slate of Ripped from the Headlines movies. Buried Alive and Survived follows Alicia (Marcille) who finds herself facing a terrifying ordeal after her ex-husband, Victor (Lepley) is released from prison. Determined to protect herself and their son Malcolm, Alicia resists Victor’s demands to reconcile and reunite as a family. But in a twisted turn of events, Victor traps Alicia underground and buries her…alive! Surrounded by darkness and dirt, Alicia pushes down the panic and fear of suffocating and manages to claw her way of out of her grave. Now freed, she searches desperately for her son, knowing his safety hinges on staying one step ahead of Victor’s obsession. Fatal Attraction returns tonight, August 19 at 9 PM ET/8C. DEVELISH DECEPTION When a young woman disappears, her friends begin to worry. Then, a complicated marriage dynamic is revealed. Police must question if she left voluntarily, or if it was something more sinister. Warning: the answer will redefine the meaning of evil. https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=AbtRakjpgMYTWWJJ&v=H1nWDCjLQbE&feature=youtu.be In the heart of Atlanta, a detective is confronted with the murder of a young man from his neighborhood. While untangling the web of clues a familiar suspect emerges, stirring up past confrontations and putting the detective’s skills to the test. https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=E39kRO5sfk5qeCu1&v=ysiHe8Bhprw&feature=youtu.be Phil Donahue, the legendary host of “The Phil Donahue Show,” passed away on Sunday, Aug. 18, at age 88. According to a statement from his family, Donahue died peacefully at home after a long illness, surrounded by loved ones, including his wife Marlo Thomas, his children, grandchildren, and his golden retriever, Charlie, PEOPLE reports. Per the statement, he “passed away peacefully following a long illness.” Donahue’s family asked that, instead of sending flowers, donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Phil Donahue/Notre Dame Scholarship Fund. Donahue hosted his pioneering talk show from 1967 to 1996. After his death was confirmed, Oprah Winfrey paid tribute to him, acknowledging his role in paving the way for her television success. https://www.instagram.com/p/C-2tOpNuz1N/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=72af2aa4-f96a-4ac8-bf96-272a6a147a29 “There wouldn’t have been an Oprah Show without Phil Donahue being the first to prove that daytime talk and women watching should be taken seriously,” Winfrey wrote on Instagram. “He was a pioneer. I’m glad I got to thank him for it. Rest in peace Phil.” Winfrey made similar remarks in the September 2002 issue of O, the Oprah Magazine. “If there had been no Phil Donahue show, there would be no Oprah Winfrey Show,” Winfrey wrote in the issue. “He was the first to acknowledge that women are interested in more than mascara tips and cake recipes — that we’re intelligent, we’re concerned about the world around us and we want the best possible lives for ourselves.” Fox News commentator Geraldo Rivera also paid tribute to Donahue on X, writing, “He was a hero, a talk show pioneer who inspired me to try my hand at the genre he invented. What an (sic) historic figure.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1825524054822142275 Rivera added, “He was the most important talk show host ever. He recognized that the daytime TV audience was under served. He remembered the home makers, and gave them an avenue to the rest of the world. A giant has passed.” https://twitter.com/TODAYshow/status/1825520533867315677?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1825524054822142275%7Ctwgr%5E8948c212bff1ae6543e18b06f86987570e930cdf%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Flegendary-talk-show-host-phil-donahue-passes-away%2F Former talk show host Montel Williams said Donahue “broke barriers with audience participation on pressing issues, setting a standard that many of us strive to live up to.” https://youtu.be/vj13rukUZUQ DJ VLAD and Marlon Wayans sparred on social media after the comedian requested $40,000 to do an interview. Vlad said no one “is going to pay Marlon $40K for an interview” after an X user told the Wayans “@djvlad would have to pay me 500,000 for an interview with 55% of all revenue made from the video on all platforms!” Marlon responded to the tweet, writing, “😂😂😂 see i tried to tell him I was giving him a deal… oh well.” DJ VLAD clapped back, tweeting, “Marlon Wayans found someone with 200 followers to agree with him. LOL. Nobody on earth is going to pay Marlon $40K for an interview when he gets 100k-300k views on any platform he interviews on. This guy is really delusional.” In response, Wayans said, “You mad? You unprofessional my guy. If you don’t like the number, keep it moving. You look BAD. You should fall back. Mad at a black man stating his number? And now you go public and use your platform to try to drag me. I never in my life dealt with this silly negotiating tactic.” Nicki Minaj has settled with a YouTuber who called the hip-hop star a “cokehead” in a 2022 video. The popular vlogger Marley Green, better known as Nosey Heaux, posted a video at the time in which she said “We all know it’s true” that the hip-hop star is a cokehead. “[Minaj is] shoving all this cocaine, shoving in all this cocaine up her nose. Allegedly. Thank you. Allegedly. But we all know it’s true,” Green said in the clip, Page Six reports. She also allegedly said Nicki’s minor son “is going to be a rapist, too,” because his father, Nicki’s husband Kenneth Petty, is a registered sex offender. In a previous statement, Minaj’s attorney Judd Burstein, said, “Marley Green is a disgrace — someone so lacking in fundamental decency that she has posted vile comments about Nicki’s 1-year-old son. When this case is over, she will no longer be permitted to use the name ’Nosey Heaux’ because we will take her trademark from her when she does not have enough money to pay the judgment.” “Anyone else who spreads lies about Nicki will suffer a similar fate. My marching orders are to aggressively sue anyone with a media or social media following who damages her with intentional lies. Eventually, the lesson will be learned.” https://www.tmz.com/videos/2022-09-14-091422-nosey-heaux-cokehead-1484572-087/ Singer Andra Day plays an alcoholic single mother in Lee Daniels’ new horror film “The Deliverance,” and in one scene, she speaks in tongues while calling on Jesus. Netflix describes the film as a “genre-defying take on darkness, possession, and finding a higher power.” Here’s the synopsis: Ebony Jackson (Day), a struggling single mother fighting her personal demons, moves her family into a new home for a fresh start. But when strange occurrences inside the home raise the suspicions of Child Protective Services and threaten to tear the family apart, Ebony soon finds herself locked in a battle for her life and the souls of her children. I Inspired by a true story, The Deliverance also stars Glenn Close, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and Mo’Nique. https://youtu.be/PDcDagDcwPA In boardrooms and classrooms around the world, leadership training has become a multi-billion-dollar industry. Companies invest heavily in workshops, seminars, and certification programs, all in the name of developing their next generation of leaders. But there’s an inconvenient truth that many are too polite—or too scared—to admit: Most of this training is useless. That’s right. I said it. And it’s time we stopped pretending otherwise. The Leadership Training Illusion Traditional leadership training is built on a flawed foundation. The premise is simple: gather a group of employees, walk them through a series of modules on communication, team dynamics, and decision-making, and voilà—out comes a fully formed leader, ready to inspire and guide teams to success. But let’s be honest. How many times have you attended one of these workshops, only to find that the moment you step back into your office, the real-world demands quickly drown out whatever nuggets of wisdom you picked up? How often does the “leadership blueprint” you were handed in a seminar truly equip you for the messy, unpredictable reality of leading people? The truth is, that leadership isn’t something you can learn in a few hours, a few days, or even a few weeks. Leadership is forged in the fire of experience. It’s a journey, not a destination, and one that can’t be mapped out with cookie-cutter templates and one-size-fits-all advice. https://youtu.be/Rj5qnnPFrHA First and foremost, it’s personal. It’s about developing leaders who are self-aware, emotionally intelligent, and resilient. It’s about fostering a Growth Mindset, encouraging leaders to see challenges as opportunities, and failures as stepping stones to success. Second, it’s experiential. Leadership isn’t something you learn in a classroom—it’s something you learn by doing. The future of leadership development is hands-on, immersive, and real. It’s about putting leaders in situations where they have to think on their feet, adapt to changing circumstances, and make tough decisions. Finally, it’s holistic. Leadership development should focus not just on professional skills but on personal growth. It should teach leaders how to lead in every aspect of their lives, how to integrate their personal values with their professional goals, and how to inspire and motivate others by being authentic and true to themselves. The New Face of Leadership We’re at a crossroads. The old models of leadership development are no longer sufficient for the challenges of today’s world. We need a new approach, one that recognizes the complexity of leadership and the importance of continuous growth and adaptation. The new face of leadership is here. It’s bold, it’s innovative, and it’s ready to challenge the status quo. It’s not about fitting into a mold—it’s about breaking the mold. It’s about leading with conviction, with empathy, and with a relentless drive to grow and improve. https://youtu.be/Cy489lkInrE Don Lemon expressed surprise when New Jersey voters, traditionally aligned with Democrats, told him they plan to support Donald Trump in the upcoming election. In a video shared on Saturday, Lemon spoke with Atlantic City residents while defending Vice President Kamala Harris, Fox News reports. One person told him that Harris, who often appears to be drunk during public appearances, wasn’t good for the role. “Four years ago, it was a lot better. I made a lot more money than I do now,” another person told the former CNN host. The voter laughed as Lemon pushed back and said, “I know you feel that way, but that’s not actually what the record shows, the economy was better under Biden.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1825536316584706297 50 Cent addressed rumors about his recent comedy showcase, clarifying that comedian Luenell’s claims of being overlooked for the event were untrue. In a video, Luenell criticized him during an interview for seemingly not hiring any female comics for his Humor & Harmony event in Shreveport, Louisiana, The Jasmine Brand reports. “I want to say that the game is still so misogynistic because I just heard about this Comedy Festival that my dear friend 50 is having right now… and there were several comedians on the plane, but not one female comic. Not one,” she said in the video. Luenell also acknowledged that she wouldn’t have been able to perform if asked because she’s “booked and busy.” In response, 50 Cent, who collaborated with Luenell on “Power Book II: Ghost,” claimed he did consider booking her but found out she had a prior commitment. https://twitter.com/i/status/1824889829160882512 Orville Hall, G-Unit’s growth adviser, said 50 Cent has been thrilled with the warm reception and support he has received from the city for his ideas. “50 was in town yesterday. He feels like he’s home when he’s here now. People are welcoming. We’ve met with the mayor,” Hall said, KSLA reports. “The city council has been so open armed to him. We’ve met with the Caddo administrators, and they were all so welcoming,” Hall continued. “Everybody is invested in this, everybody is happy about this, and that’s what 50 is happy about.”In a statement to Billboard, Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux said, “We are thrilled that G-Unit Studios will plant its roots in Shreveport.” https://youtu.be/-r71otHL3AU Halle Berry is seeking sole custody of her 10-year-old son, Maceo, alleging that his father, Olivier Martinez, is not effectively co-parenting or communicating in a way that prioritizes their child. This comes weeks after Berry claimed her ex-husband stopped attending co-parenting sessions. Berry is requesting custody, “or in the alternative, tie-breaking authority to make all decisions” about Maceo’s education and therapy needs, according to legal documents obtained by PEOPLE. Berry wed Martinez in July 2013 and welcomed Maceo in October of that year. The couple called it quits in 2015, and their divorce was finalized in August 2023. Under their custody agreement, Berry and Martinez share joint legal and physical custody of their son, who has serious behavior and learning problems that Olivier refuses to address, TMZ reports. The actress is required to pay her ex $8,000 per month in child support, plus 4.3% of any income she earns over $2 million. In her new filing, Berry describes Martinez as uncooperative and inflexible as a co-parent. She also claims he has turned Maceo against her. PEOPLE reports that the filing addresses her son’s behavioral concerns and “educational challenges” as Berry “fought for tutoring, an educational assessment and finding an environment that was suitable to Maceo’s needs.” Snoop Dogg took to Instagram to hint that he earned $9 million during his time in Paris covering the 2024 Olympics. We reported earlier that Venture capitalist Henry L. McNamara claims Snoop was paid $500k a day plus expenses to serve as an NBC “special correspondent” covering the Olympics in France. “Sat next to an NBC exec at dinner, he said Snoop gets paid $500k a day plus expenses to be here promoting Olympics. From ‘Gin and Juice’ to a few million to be a celebrity at the Olympics – what a world,” wrote McNamara on social media, Complex reports. Sports business reporter Darren Rovell quote-tweeted the post, writing, “Sounds about right. Someone asked me how much Snoop was making.” He added, “First number that came to mind was $10 million.” The 2024 Summer Olympics lasted for 16 days, suggesting Snoop’s total earnings reached $8 million. https://youtu.be/Nw57ZXYaVPE Comedian Eric André is speaking out about being detained and racially profiled at the Melbourne Airport in Australia. André posted an Instagram reel on Sunday (August 18) expressing his frustration over the incident, Complex reports. “I got pulled out of a lineup and put in a special line in Melbourne where I was sniffed thoroughly by a dog,” he said in the video. “It’s one of the many times I’ve been racially profiled at the airport,” André continued. “So this is a message for all Black, brown and Indigenous people traveling through Melbourne today, especially if you’re traveling Qantas International by Terminal 2, please be careful. They are searching Black, brown and Indigenous people.” He then requested information on an Australian lawyer who could assist with his discrimination case. https://www.instagram.com/ericfuckingandre/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c5e493ba-b06c-4b57-a80f-226bf6a64f61 With product names that are as explicit as her lyrics, rapper Sexyy Red‘s new beauty line “Northside Princess” features shades like “Bootyhole Brown,” “Yellow Discharge,” “Gonorrhea,” and “Sex On My Period.” https://youtu.be/OaCOK13hjv4 These eyebrow-raising names have already generated buzz and mixed reactions from consumers. Retail workers and shoppers alike may do a double-take when stocking or buying lip gloss with names like “Nut,” “Coochie Juice,” “Pu**yhole Pink,” and “Blue Ballz.” https://www.instagram.com/sexyyred/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=016cb188-ebad-4a15-80b4-f2fbc94b64fc Sexyy Red introduced her brand, “Sexyy,” with a series of provocative photos on social media. One particularly eye-catching image featured her bending over with a box of lip glosses resting on her backside. As expected, reactions have been polarized. While some conservative shoppers might be scandalized, her fanbase has shown robust support, praising her creativity and even calling her a “marketing genius” in the comments. https://twitter.com/SexyyRed314_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1825546392414343237%7Ctwgr%5Ee59d41a6ca38d2ac60529ce8b5c10bbff9c26525%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fsexyy-reds-northside-princess-line-includes-bootyhole-brown%2F Despite the understandable backlash over the explicit nature of the product names, the real indicator of success will be iIn the sales. Online criticism and controversy might raise eyebrows, but if the products aren’t selling, that will speak louder than any Twitter storm. However, Sexyy Red seems undeterred. She’s busy celebrating Chief Keef’s birthday amid rumors of a love triangle and is continually delivering electrifying performances, according to Hot97. Whether Northside Princess becomes a blockbuster hit or a controversial flop, one thing is clear: Sexyy Red is determined to keep pushing the envelope. With her relentless and fearless approach to both music and business, her boundary-pushing creativity will likely continue to make waves in future projects, possibly even reflected in her lyrics or upcoming song titles. https://twitter.com/i/status/1825550062422032583 Shoppers, critics, and fans alike will soon see if this daring move translates into financial success. In an industry where standing out is essential, Sexyy Red’s Northside Princess may just prove that bold choices can lead to big rewards. Keep an eye on the beauty aisles for a look at some of the most talked-about products of the year. Meanwhile, below, check out a few reactions to her product names. We think you’ll find them interesting, to say the least. https://twitter.com/i/status/1825560952760361362 The rhetoric in the current political climate is palpable, and it’s becoming increasingly ugly. During Donald Trump‘s campaign event on Wednesday (08-14-24) in Asheville, North Carolina, an unsettling display of political vitriol against Vice President Kamala Harris was evident. Vendors were openly selling t-shirts emblazoned with the phrase “Say No to the Hoe.” One particularly shocking aspect was a Black man, who was among the vendors, hawking the gear directly referring to the sitting Vice President and Democratic nominee for President, Kamala Harris. Priced between $20 and $30, these shirts sold out within a few hours, highlighting a disturbing trend in political merchandising. This incident is not isolated. Just a few days prior, a family was seen in Spokane, Washington, wearing similarly offensive t-shirts at another Trump rally. This growing trend signifies a stark escalation in the character attacks directed at Kamala Harris, moving beyond policy or experience and instead targeting her identity and character. Central to this smear campaign is the perpetuation of misogynoir (a compounded form of sexism and racism directed toward Black women). https://youtu.be/xmcqcbC16OU Jokia, the Billboard chart-topping artist renowned for her soulful voice and evocative lyrics, is celebrating the release of her latest single and video, “Rise.” This empowering track has swiftly captivated fans, embodying a powerful message of overcoming adversity. Featured in the upcoming films The Heathen and Love Mountain, “Rise” reflects Jokia’s personal journey of resilience and success. As she celebrates this latest milestone, including the joyous news of her pregnancy after overcoming significant fertility struggles, Jokia’s story is one of perseverance, hope, and unwavering determination. In this exclusive interview, Jokia opens up about her music, personal triumphs, and the exciting future that lies ahead. https://youtu.be/8nFW_Y7m6J8 Jay-Z‘s 40/40 Club has reopened to the beat of a different event. The reopening was among the highlights for Fanatics Fest NYC 2024. The annual event, which is taking place August 16-18 at New York City’s Javits Center, is noted for giving festival goers a chance to meet sports idols live as well as hunt for coveted cards and memorabilia, in addition to offering simulated experiences like the NFL 40-yard dash and MLB home-run derby. The reimagined 40/40 Club, described as “meticulously crafted to capture the essence of its legendary status,” will provide sports fans an experience combining the present with shades of its former glory. On deck for the establishment are framed jerseys, opulent chandeliers, and stadium seating. Small bites inspired by the club’s original menu will be available for sports fans in premium beverages will be available to a select list of VIPs that include athletes, celebrities, and Fanatics Sportsbook clients. All with the promise of evoking “the allure that made the original 40/40 Club a favorite among A-listers.” News of the 40/40 Club’s reemergence comes years after its flagship NYC location shut its doors in August 2023 after opening in 2003 as an upscale sports bar and lounge.The Jay-Z owned hot spot’s status was elevated over the years via references made to it in the rapper’s music, most notably in the 2003 hit “Dirt Off Your Shoulder.” https://youtu.be/Oz_-VaTHpc8 MGM+‘s new series “Emperor of Ocean Park,” adapted from Stephen L. Carter’s novel by Sherman Payne, dives deep into the tangled web of politics, wealth, and power. At its heart, it’s a murder mystery and a study of how influence can both sustain and devastate. The show initially struggles with its tone and pacing but hits its stride by the fourth episode, presenting a gripping narrative of a family fractured by political ideologies, buried secrets, and a quest for vengeance. The story kicks off with the death of Judge Oliver Garland, portrayed with a commanding presence by Forest Whitaker. Garland, a conservative figure who once vied for a Supreme Court seat and later became a Fox News pundit, dies of an apparent heart attack. His children, Talcott (Grantham Coleman), Addison (Henry Simmons), and Mariah (Tiffany Mack), grapple with their loss differently. While Talcott and Addison accept their father’s demise as natural, Mariah is convinced of foul play and begins to investigate. The series oscillates between past and present, gradually unraveling the mysteries surrounding Judge Garland’s fall from grace and the complex dynamics within the Garland family. The narrative initially feels bogged down by excessive exposition and secondary plotlines, making the first few episodes cumbersome. However, the story gains momentum by episode four, and the characters’ motivations become more apparent, drawing viewers into the suspenseful quest for truth. https://youtu.be/m5zkJd3c8WQ In an inspiring convergence of youth innovation and medical advancement, 15-year-old Heman Bekele from Annandale, Virginia, has been named Time Magazine‘s 2024 Kid of the Year. The announcement, made public on Thursday, highlights Bekele’s transformative work in creating an affordable and effective skin cancer-treating soap. “It’s an incredible feeling, it’s surreal,” Bekele shared with Time. “To be honest, I haven’t even taken it in yet.” The young scientist’s innovation, which Time described as a “bar of soap that’s very cheap but also very effective at treating skin cancer,” holds promise for significantly altering how we approach treatment for skin cancers, including melanoma. Bekele’s journey to this prestigious accolade began with a passion to make a significant impact on the lives of others. “It’s absolutely incredible to think that one day my bar of soap will be able to make a direct impact on somebody else’s life,” he told Time. “That’s the reason I started this all in the first place.” https://youtu.be/ugxW77Wk3P8 The invention aims to be a more accessible method for delivering medication to treat skin cancers, making it a noteworthy development in the realm of dermatological health. Time Magazine’s announcement emphasizes that Bekele’s work addresses a critical health issue, as skin cancer occurs when skin cells mutate and proliferate uncontrollably due to DNA damage, often from UV radiation. Bekele’s achievements have not gone unrecognized. In 2023, at the age of 14, he was named America’s Top Young Scientist by 3M and Discovery Education, triumphing over nine other finalists. This recognition came with a $25,000 cash prize, further supporting his scientific endeavors. The Importance of Early Detection and Treatment: Bekele’s invention underscores the broader medical consensus on the importance of early detection and treatment of skin cancer. Early-stage skin cancers are typically more manageable and have better treatment outcomes. Regular dermatological check-ups are essential, as they can facilitate the early identification of potentially malignant changes, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful intervention. Skin cancer, which emerges from uncontrolled skin cell growth due to DNA damage, can often be linked to prolonged UV exposure from the sun. Public awareness and innovations like Bekele’s soap are pivotal in improving prevention strategies and treatment pathways. https://youtu.be/k5fyST9F63g R. Kelly may be serving time for doing wrong, but it looks like the disgraced entertainer has finally been proven right with claims his personal information was leaked. Radar Online reports Kelly was “seemingly vindicated” this week when the singer’s 2023 lawsuit against the U.S. government was tossed from court, per demands from the government. “The United States is not subject to institutional liability stemming from allegedly widespread negligent practices or policies,” a lawyer for the government wrote. The toss-out comes after Kelly filed his lawsuit against the government last year. YouTube blogger Tasha K, as well as the Federal Bureau of Prisons, were named in the suit, which centered around claims the “I Believe I Can Fly” crooner made that employees at Chicago’s Metropolitan Correctional Center used the facility’s internal prison system to access his emails and phone logs before handing the info over to Tasha K. “The Defendant United States of America breached its duty of care to Kelly when it allowed countless BOP officers to access his confidential information without any legal basis to do so,” Kelly wrote in his lawsuit. If you haven’t noticed, LeBron James isn’t ready to put a lid on his celebrations just yet. Fresh off securing another Olympic gold medal, the Team USA MVP has taken to picturesque Cannes, France, to revel in his latest achievement. His choice of celebration partners was as stunning as his on-court performances: none other than his long-time rival, Draymond Green. For years, James and Green have shared a contentious relationship marked by numerous heated exchanges during high-stakes NBA games. Their rivalry has been the subject of countless media stories, depicting relentless competition and occasional animosity. However, the two athletes have also consistently acknowledged each other’s formidable talent and fierce competitive spirit. Surprising many fans and observers, LeBron and Draymond seem to be enjoying a ceasefire in the South of France. As we noted, the duo was recently caught on video living it up in Cannes, clubbing, dancing to tunes from artists like Drake and Tyla, and even relaxing on a boat. This public display of camaraderie suggests that mutual respect can indeed trump rivalry, at least off the court. https://youtu.be/-rX-SxM-lG8 LeBron, known affectionately as “King James,” has been on an extensive victory tour following Team USA’s fifth-straight Olympic gold medal win. His recent escapades also include enduring the rain at Adele’s concert in Munich and savoring the nightlife in Cannes, according to TMZ. These relaxed appearances offer a refreshing contrast to the intense focus and determination he exhibits on the basketball court. What’s clear from their recent vacation is that while LeBron and Draymond might clash when it comes to basketball, there’s a side to their relationship that reveals friendship and perhaps even admiration. This unexpected vacation partnership in Cannes gives fans a glimpse into the softer, more human side of these athletic titans, proving that sometimes, even the fiercest competitors can find common ground away from the limelight. In the world of sports, where rivalries are often emphasized, the casual camaraderie between LeBron and Draymond serves as a compelling reminder that athletes are multifaceted individuals with lives and relationships beyond the court. Whether their bond is forged in mutual respect or simply a fleeting moment of peace, one thing is certain: for now, the rivalry has been set aside in favor of celebration. As the festivities continue, the basketball world watches with anticipation, wondering if this camaraderie will have any impact on their future on-court encounters. Until then, fans can enjoy the spectacle of two fierce competitors coming together to celebrate their shared achievements on an international stage. https://twitter.com/i/status/1824455889610277271 Long lines have been forming at gas stations in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, amid fuel shortages and a price spike in recent months. But electric vehicle driver Mikial Belayneh avoids them completely. “I no longer line up for petrol on the road,” Belayneh, an Addis resident, told CNN. A full charge of his imported Toyota bZ4X – a popular EV in the country – “is more than enough for two days.” Belayneh, who charges his car at home, is part of the rapid transition to EVs in Addis Ababa, a fast-growing city in the horn of Africa at the center of Ethiopia’s goal to hoist millions of people out of poverty. In addition to the polluting cars and trucks rumbling along the roads, cleaner — and quieter — vehicles are joining the traffic. Electric buses, smaller 15-seat minibuses, cars, and motorbikes are popping up on the streets of the capital. https://youtu.be/S_SPBiXU7L8 That number is still a small fraction of the 200,000 total bikes on Nairobi’s streets, but it has already helped cut down on noise pollution in parts of the city, said Hezbon Mose, the Kenya country director for e-bike company Ampersand, which has fleets of bikes in both Kenya and Rwanda. In the Ethiopian capital, stricter measures, which include the non-issuance of licenses for fuel-run motorbikes, have been implemented by the city’s authorities who approved a timeline in April for gasoline motorcycles to be converted to electric-powered models. Earlier in March, the city introduced its first fleet of electric buses for public transit. American-style electric public buses — more drab than the colorful and music-playing gas-powered matatu buses in Kenya — are also starting to be driven more on Nairobi streets. Both Mose and Nderitu see EVs on the rise across the continent, as some countries look to get off oil in favor of cheaper electricity. Much more infrastructure and government subsidies are needed in many countries to get more people to go electric. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/aUPycBKMx0o?feature=share “Any HUBUs in here,” shouted one of the personalities from Real 92.3FM to the audience at AMC Century City Theatre just before the screening of the 20th Century Studios presentation of Alien: Romulus starring Cailee Spaeny (Pacific Rim Uprising) and British actor David Jonsson BBC Two/HBO’s “Industry.” Disney and 20th Century Studios held this special screening of Alien: Romulus for the media and Real 92.3 listeners. Produced by Primetime Emmy-winning Ridley Scott (Alien) and written and directed by Fede Alvarez, Alien: Romulus is a very suspenseful sci-fi thriller that has its edge-of-your-seat moments. The stellar acting by Cailee, who plays Rain an orphaned miner, and David, who plays an android surrogate brother to Rain, did the “Alien” franchise justice with their skills helping to maintain an exceptional Alien brand. Alien: Romulus also stars Isabela Merced (Transformer: The Last Knight) as Kay pregnant sister of Tyler, Rain’s ex-boyfriend; Archie Renaux as Tyler’s ex-boyfriend of Rain; Spike Fearn as Bjorn who is Tyler and Kay’s cousin, and Aileen Wu as Navarro a pilot and the girlfriend of Bjorn. Owned by Walt Disney, 20th Century Studios started with the development of this new Alien movie with Fede Alvarez slated as producer and writer. In Alien: Romulus Rain learns that her work contract was extended and so she decides, along with Andy, Tyler, Bjorn, Kay, and Navarro to take an old spacecraft to a nearby planet to escape the forced labor. They stop at a space science station for fuel and unbeknownst to them there are “aliens” on board which were being used in scientific experiments in search of a chemical that will enhance humans. From that point, it’s about struggling to survive. https://youtu.be/OzY2r2JXsDM I have to hand it to Herbie Hancock. He turned what has been promoted for months as a 50th-anniversary reunion of the band that recorded the seminal 1973 Jazz-Funk Fusion LP, Head Hunters (also the name of the band itself) and turned it instead into a profoundly revealing 2-part “That Was Then, This Is Now” expository. There is no place this music lover would have rather been than under the stars on Wednesday, August 14 at the Hollywood Bowl. https://youtu.be/kzlwCpGojCM First, a bit of history. Prior to Head Hunters, Hancock spent the `60s enjoying an enviable career recording as a leader for Blue Note Records, recording and touring as the pianist on Miles Davis’ “Second Great Quintet” (with saxophonist Wayne Shorter, drummer Tony Williams, and bassist Ron Carter), recorded as a session musician on several key LPs for CTI Records and, through it all, composed at least three major “hit” songs including “Maiden Voyage” (first heard by many under a commercial for cologne), “Watermelon Man” (made famous by Cuban conguero Mongo Santamaria) and “Cantaloupe Island.” The latter two classics were grade-A examples – like much of Horace Silver’s work – of Jazz with a ‘funky’ soulful swing to it. At the end of the `60s, Hancock recorded the album Fat Albert Rotunda (initially as the score for the first ill attempt at a cartoon surrounding Black youth characters created by comedian Bill Cosby). For that critical 1969 time in Black American history, 5 of the 7 tracks for Hancock’s score (especially Side 1’s “Wiggle Waggle,” “Fat Mama” and “Oh! Oh! Here He Comes”) were a righteous melding of funky jazz. https://youtu.be/3m3qOD-hhrQ Although she loves her famous parents, Zoë Kravitz harbors regret over her choice to live with her father, legendary rocker, Lenny Kravitz instead of her mother, former “A Different World” fixture Lisa Bonet. Referencing a recent Esquire interview, Insider mentioned the decision’s impact on Zoë, when looking back on the path she chose when the former couple amicably filed for divorce in 1993. “I think it was very hurtful that I moved away from her to be with my dad and my dad wasn’t even there,” Zoë told Esquire. “I just wish I had been able to appreciate what she was doing for me.” “She was so focused on preserving my innocence. My creativity. Because she knew what the world is — that you don’t get that back,” she added, as she now reminisces with understanding her mother’s point of view. In addition to her past decision amid the split, Zoë reflected on her childhood as the daughter of two famous parents. That reality was very much present in her dealings with those who were out to use Bonet or Kravitz to elevate themselves to a fame level. https://youtu.be/G12fhWoef6M Michael Rubin faced backlash after making strong remarks about hate within the Black community while defending Meek Mill during an interview on The Breakfast Club. The billionaire entrepreneur later apologized on X (formerly Twitter) for his comments after he was contacted by someone he has “the most respect for in the world,” he shared. https://youtu.be/rK4rb9ruTRE “I got a phone call from one of the people I have the most respect for in the world,” Rubin wrote. “They told me while they appreciate my intention, it’s not my place to speak on Black culture. I get it and really appreciate the input!” He added, “My intention was to say how important it is that we need to uplift each other, stop hate on each other, and push each other to win, and always root for each other’s success! My bad , Much love and appreciate the feedback.” https://twitter.com/michaelrubin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1824129978713116923%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fmichael-rubin-apologizes-over-remarks-on-black-community%2F His apology came a day after passionately defending Meek Mill, who faced criticism for alleged homophobic behavior related to a viral 2021 video of him doing “bunny hops” after losing a tennis game to Rubin. The rapper later clarified in a tweet that “bunny hops” were part of a prison game. “We used to make killers do bunny hops when they loss because it was too hostile for money,” Meek Mill tweeted in May. https://twitter.com/i/status/1790410963776098455 Vice President Kamala Harris on Friday unveiled a populist economic agenda, proposing a new plan to cut taxes for more than 100 million middle-class and lower-income Americans as she builds out the details of her governing agenda weeks after locking down the Democratic presidential nomination. The vice president proposed her economic platform — which includes measures aimed at making housing, groceries, health care, and raising children more affordable — in a speech in battleground North Carolina. It comes as her Republican rival, former President Donald Trump, seeks to pin blame on Harris for inflation since she and President Joe Biden took office. Harris’ proposals largely build on Biden’s economic platform, reviving or extending temporary measures that congressional Democrats enacted in major packages when the party controlled Congress during the first two years of Biden’s term. https://youtu.be/VXJEKJmRMEk Harris said she would “build on the foundations” of economic progress made by the Biden administration. “Still, we know that many Americans don’t yet feel that progress in their daily lives. Costs are still too high, and on a deeper level, for many people, no matter how much they work, it feels so hard just to be able to get ahead,” she said. She said a “defining goal of her presidency” would be to build what she called an “opportunity economy” for the middle class. She also vowed to rein in the rising prices of goods like groceries and take on price gouging. “As president, I will take on the high costs that matter most to most Americans,” she said. “I know most businesses are creating jobs, contributing to our economy, and playing by the rules. But some are not, and that’s just not right, and we need to take action when that is the case.” Before his departure from the 2024 race last month, Biden struggled to articulate and defend his economic record. Harris is seeking to sell an amped-up series of progressive proposals with a more forward-looking message — one that pledges to strengthen the middle class and take on big businesses that she says bear the blame for rising costs. https://youtu.be/h1_sh7Z2f5Q BET+ is set to ignite the screen with its sizzling new film “Who’s Cheating Who.” Featuring a star-studded cast including Cynthia Bailey (The Real Housewives of Atlanta), Darius McCrary (Family Matters), Apryl Jones (The Comeback), and Blue Kimble (Ruthless), the film dives deep into the turbulent waters of infidelity, desire, and betrayal. Directed by Wendy Raquel Robinson in her feature directorial debut, this explosive drama untangles the complexities of love as two couples face the ultimate betrayal, testing whether their relationships can survive the truth. Here’s the full synopsis: STEPHANIE is not-very-happily married to MASON, who is cheating behind her back with MAXINE, who is married to STEVEN. When Steven meets Stephanie at a marketing convention and begins a tentative affair with her (that gradually starts to sizzle), all four protagonists are caught in a web of desire, guilt, adultery, and accusations. Then an agitated Stephanie decides that she and her husband need couples therapy with Melanie — and that pours a few extra gallons of gasoline on the bonfire that is their tangled mess of bedsheets and broken vows. https://youtu.be/El9G_a-0a2o Check out an exclusive clip from the latest episode of the all-new We TV reality series, “The Braxtons,” airing Friday. The Braxton family is back, three years after the end of the iconic and captivating series, “Braxton Family Values,” which aired for seven eventful seasons. This time, the family promises to take viewers deeper into the lives of Toni, Towanda, Trina, Tamar, and Ms. Evelyn Braxton. In this week’s episode, the family comes together for grief counseling and emotions run high as they mourn the loss of their beloved Traci. When one family member leaves therapy unexpectedly, tensions begin to flare, causing Miss E to lay down the law. The new series debuted on August 9 exclusively on We TV and streams on ALLBLK. Each hour-long episode will feature the family on an emotional rollercoaster of love, loss, triumph, heartbreak, and healing, per the news release. https://youtu.be/V_S8m8QLBv4 The disrespect was palpable. We’re referring to a panel on CNN that descended into chaos on Thursday when Republican Representative Nancy Mace of South Carolina refused to pronounce Vice President Kamala Harris’ name correctly, leading to a heated exchange with other commentators. The discussion, which included Democratic strategist Keith Boykin and Vanderbilt University professor Michael Eric Dyson, initially saw Mace pronouncing Harris’s first name accurately. However, she quickly switched to the incorrect pronunciation. “You had it right, you almost got it,” Boykin pointed out, highlighting the error. Mace, however, remained defiant: “I will say Kamala’s name any way that I want to.” The correct pronunciation of Harris’s name — “comma-lah” — has been widely publicized, including a 2016 instructional video released by Harris herself during her Senate campaign. Nevertheless, Mace’s refusal to adhere to the correct pronunciation sparked an immediate backlash from her fellow panelists. The conversation descended into several members talking over one another before Boykin managed to voice his concern: “If I purposely mispronounced your name, that would probably not be appropriate.” https://youtu.be/cgZaerfOz_E The segment highlighted a broader issue of racial and cultural sensitivity, demonstrating how seemingly small acts of mispronunciation can carry significant weight and perpetuate historical patterns of disrespect and marginalization. Despite the repeated corrections and appeals from her fellow panelists, Representative Mace’s insistence on her mispronunciation appeared to reflect a deeper political and cultural resistance. The heated exchange underscores the persistent tension in American politics over issues of race, respect, and identity, particularly in discussions involving high-profile figures like Vice President Kamala Harris. As the first woman of color to hold the office, Harris’s name has often symbolized broader battles over recognition and respect for diverse identities in the political sphere. As the panelists’ voices clashed over the topic, one thing became unequivocally clear: the correct pronunciation of Kamala Harris’s name is more than a matter of phonetics—it’s a matter of respect. https://youtu.be/hi79KOHVdAw The mother of a 15-year-old girl who was handcuffed after she fell asleep in a courtroom during a field trip has condemned the actions of the judge. Latoreya Till claims her daughter, Eva Goodman, is now afraid to return to work and face her peers following the incident with Judge Kenneth King. “My daughter is hurt. She is feeling scared. She didn’t want to go to work. She feels like as if her peers went against her,” she stated, The Jasmine Brand reports. “She was real nervous and intimidated.” Eva, who works with The Greening Project to improve the city’s green infrastructure, attended a court session with 36th District Judge Kenneth King in Detroit on August 12 as part of a field trip with her peers. The purpose was to observe and learn, but she reportedly fell asleep multiple times, frustrating the judge. https://youtu.be/EEo90Yfmbz8 Till argues that Eva fell asleep due to the significant impact of their challenging living conditions. “We have to bounce around currently because we don’t have a permanent address,” said Till. “And so, that particular night, we got in kind of late. And usually, when she goes to work, she’s up and planting trees or being active.” In a video of the courtroom, Judge King scolded Eva for falling asleep and threatened jail time if it happened again. Officers removed her from the courtroom, where she waited for two hours before returning. She was also reportedly required to change into a green prison jumpsuit. “Do I have any reservations?…No, I don’t because I’ll do whatever needs to be done to reach these kids and make sure they don’t end up in front of me. So that was my own version of scared straight,” said Judge King in a separate interview. https://twitter.com/Phil_Lewis_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1824131337420185666%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fmom-of-teen-cuffed-in-court-blames-fatigue-on-lack-of-home%2F Ben Affleck has reportedly ended his marriage to Jennifer Lopez to safeguard his sobriety. Meanhile, insiders claim their marriage caused tensions with J Lo’s innser circle. According to sources, Affleck, 51, felt that Lopez’s glamorous lifestyle was threatening his recovery, prompting his decision to separate from the 55-year-old superstar, RadarOnline reports. One source told the outlet, “The marriage was incredibly overwhelming – J.Lo lives a very glam lifestyle, and he was often faced with temptation.” Affleck has battled addiction for many years and undergone several rehab programs. According to the insider, he was “risking his sobriety in that environment” and so he “had to leave to avoid his worst nightmare – a relapse”. Per Radar, Lopez refrained from drinking for years, but after her Delola cocktail line dropped in 2023, she now “enjoys the occasional cocktail,” the singer/actress previously stated. “It’s really unhealthy for him to be around any kind of alcohol. And with J. Lo, the drinking came with parties, surrounded by fake people who treated him special because of his fame, which was a trigger for him,” the insider said. https://t.co/l8l5cag1t1 Beyoncé leads the female nominees for the 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards with 17 nominations. Vibe reports that Bey’s album “COWBOY CARTER” is nominated for Album of 2024, and her songs “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” and “BLACKBIIRD” are competing in various categories, including Song of 2024 and Cover Song of 2024. The other top-nominated artists include Zach Bryan, Kacey Musgraves, Shaboozey, Kane Brown, Morgan Wallen, and Luke Combs. Voting runs from August 14 to August 23, with “Turbo Tuesday” on August 20 offering double votes. The awards show airs live on September 26 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC, hosted by Shania Twain. “Country has some of the most passionate fans in music and us artists are so lucky to be supported in doing what we love,” Twain said last month, E! News reports. “I am honored to host an award show that celebrates these awesome fans. Get ready for an unforgettable show with lots of big hair, glamour, rhinestones, hats, boots and incredible performances. Giddy Up!” https://youtu.be/238Z4YaAr1g Tina Knowles, Beyoncé’s mother, has finalized her divorce from Richard Lawson, agreeing to pay him a lump sum of $300,000. In Touch reports that court documents reveal that Tina and Richard, who wed in 2015 and separated in July 2023, cited irreconcilable differences. The parties agree that “irreconcilable differences have arisen between the parties which have led to the irremediable breakdown of the marriage, making it impossible for the parties to live together as husband and wife.” The settlement divides their assets, with Tina receiving properties, jewelry, vehicles, and creative rights, while Richard was awarded a 2021 Cadillac Escalade, several bank and retirement accounts, and royalties. Per In Touch, “Richard was awarded all rights to his studio, artwork, jewelry, clothing, his royalties, and all rights to his SAG pension plan,” the outlet writes. Both parties will handle their respective debts, and neither will receive spousal support. “Basketball Wives” alum Gloria Govan and her ex-husband, Matt Barnes, have reached a settlement after she accused him of owing over $250,000 in unpaid support for their twin sons, Isaiah and Carter. Court documents reveal that Gloria agreed to drop the case, and in return, Matt will pay her $275,000 to cover all outstanding payments, In Touch Weekly reports. The ex-NBA player agreed to pay $100,000 within five business days and the remaining $175,000 within 60 days, with a $25,000 penalty if payments are more than 10 days late. He also covered Govan’s $25,000 attorney fees. “The foregoing sum of $275,000, when paid by [Matt] to [Gloria], shall satisfy and constitute a full and complete satisfaction of any and all child support arrearages through August 1, 2024, and takes into consideration any and all principal and interest, debits, credits, reimbursements, claims for uncovered medical expenses and related claims and defenses either party may have as to the other with respect to child support, through the stated time period,” the deal read, per InTouch Weekly. In 2022, Barnes sued Govan over unpaid legal fees related to their divorce. At the time, the law firm Brot, Gross & Fishbein filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court, claiming they were owed $187,452.84 in unpaid fees. Though their split in 2014 led to a contentious custody battle over their twin sons, Barnes stated previously that he and Govan are “on great terms.” A video has reemerged showing Steve Harvey leading a discussion with Vice President Kamala Harris from June, before President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race due to health concerns. In the video, Harvey criticized Black voters for expecting something in return for their support of the Biden-Harris administration and addressed claims that he avoids pressing politicians with tough questions. “That ain’t what this is,” Harvey said. “I’m throwing a lob. This is an alley-oop for a dunk, because this administration needs to get the word out of what they’re doing and what they’re actually accomplishing. So we can stop all this foolishness about what you doing for Black people.” Harvey continued: “I’m on this radio show and I’m hearing all these people talking about ‘I’m not voting if they not doing nothing for us.’ Listen to me, if we don’t vote, how we gon’ ask for something next time?” This is the problem with the Vote Blue No Matter Who cult, they think it’s “foolish” for Black voters to hold politicians accountable and demand tangibles in exchange for their vote. https://twitter.com/i/status/1823828858774139009 Texas rapper, Beatking has died at 39, his manager Tasha Fielder confirmed on Instagram. Felder wrote, “Today, August 15, 2024 we have lost Beatking. BeatKing has been the best part of the club for over a decade. He has produced and worked with so many artists, that his sound will forever live.” The note continued, “He love his daughters, his music, and his fans. We will love him forever.” According to multiple reports, Beatking’s death was attributed to a pulmonary embolism. Condolences are pouring in on social media. https://www.instagram.com/p/C-tnupEuMJi/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=6fae669b-1115-4efa-bd1f-4e54a2538244 Beatking rose to fame with his 2010 album, “Kings of the Club.” He was a prominent figure in the Houston club scene, with other notable releases including “Club God 3,” “Gangsta Stripper Music,” and “Twerk It for Vine,” as well as contributing to Travis Scott’s “Astroworld.” https://twitter.com/Passionweiss/status/1824251652553277826/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1824251652553277826%7Ctwgr%5E7bd89f6c33bdee433109aabef9104af873ea3c78%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fhouston-rapper-beatking-dead-at-39-from-pulmonary-embolism%2F He has collaborated with artists like 2 Chainz, Moneybagg Yo, Erica Banks, Armani Caesar, Ludacris, Juicy J, DJ Chose, Paul Wall, Slim Thug, Project Pat, and more. His career gained significant momentum with the release of his 2020 track “Then Leave,” which went viral on TikTok. Beatking dropped his latest album, “She Won’t Leave Houston,” last July. https://www.instagram.com/p/C-twEYDO3M8/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=bc4f949b-2881-40ba-b73b-35ca7c1edea1 Vice President Kamala Harris‘ campaign has initiated a surprising move this week — it’s targeting Fox News viewers to expand her voter base. The campaign started running four prominent ads on the network, confirmed by a Fox News spokesperson to Axios. Fox News, typically known for its conservative slant, surprisingly boasts an ideologically diverse viewership during daytime programming. This unique audience has caught the attention of the Harris campaign, which is keen to reach as many potential voters as possible. These new ads paint a positive picture of Harris’ life, juxtaposing sharply with the often critical portrayal she receives on the network. The Harris team’s approach is not entirely unprecedented. Last year, President Biden’s campaign also ran ads on Fox News to counter the Republican primary debate, as reported by Semafor. This move is part of a broader, costly strategy by both the Harris and Trump campaigns to shape public perception in the crucial initial weeks following Harris’ nomination. The lion’s share of these ads focuses on Harris, with both the Trump and Harris camps striving to sway voter sentiment. https://youtu.be/LQ9a-x_gqQ0 In another significant development, Vice President Harris is set to announce a new economic package aimed at first-time homeowners. According to ABC News, this proposal includes up to $25,000 in down payment support. This initiative is designed to assist middle-class voters who are facing significant challenges in the housing market. However, there are concerns about the broader impact of this plan. While the down payment support would undoubtedly provide greater purchasing power to many potential homeowners, it could further inflate home prices in an already competitive market. As explained by Emily Peck, co-author of Axios Markets: “The down payment support would give far more people the ability to purchase, increasing the number of buyers competing for houses.” Harris’ plan also includes ambitious construction targets to address housing supply issues, calling for the creation of 3 million new housing units by the end of 2028. This is an increase from the 2 million units proposed by the Biden administration. While these measures aim to alleviate housing shortages, they do not address the influence of interest rates, which are controlled by the Federal Reserve. As Harris continues her dual-pronged strategy of targeted advertising and policy proposals, she aims to clearly differentiate her platform from Trump’s, particularly focusing on middle-class and housing issues. These moves signal a concerted effort to secure key voter demographics and maintain momentum in the initial stages of her campaign. https://www.instagram.com/kamalaharris/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=f28b1f73-c999-4d55-bd22-e5a816101b1e The city of Edmond, Oklahoma, has agreed to a $7.15 million settlement with a man who served 48 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, his attorney announced. Glynn Simmons, now 71, served 48 years, one month, and 18 days following his murder conviction in a 1974 shooting. Simmons was released on bond in July 2023 after a judge vacated a 1975 judgment and sentence at the request of the Oklahoma County district attorney. His case was eventually dismissed in December 2023. Simmons served the longest wrongful incarceration of any exoneree in the US, according to the National Registry of Exonerations. The average length of wrongful incarceration is just over nine years, said the registry, which tracks exonerations going back to 1989. Simmons was 22 when he and another man were convicted of murdering Carolyn Sue Rogers during a liquor store robbery, according to the district attorney’s office. https://youtu.be/jy6kwndYZkE The prosecution’s case at trial depended on the testimony of an 18-year-old woman who was shot in the head during the robbery, the exonerations registry said. “Mr. Simmons spent a lot of time incarcerated for a crime he did not commit. Although he will never get that time back, this settlement with Edmond will allow him to move forward while also continuing to press his claims against the Oklahoma City defendants,” attorney Elizabeth Wang said in a news release sent to CNN. “We are very much looking forward to holding them accountable at trial in March,” the release said. CNN has reached out to Simmons for comment. https://youtu.be/tKHNcR8ZSLU Check out an exclusive clip of this week’s new episode of We TV’s “Love After Lockup,” which “follows seven couples, including two fan favorites, from “Love During Lockup” as they discover more love, new doubts, and encounter unforeseen obstacles in their relationships,” per the press release. “Our couples are as vulnerable and raw as ever as they share their emotional journeys and continue to find true love beyond prison walls,” the series description continues. In the preview above, Bianca eagerly anticipates visiting Daniel, the man of her dreams, despite him being in prison. Their relationship has remained strong for eight months, undeterred by his incarceration. “At 23 years old, Bianca was the victim of a DUI crash which nearly cost her her life,” per the release. “While she was in recovery, she decided to reach out to someone who committed the same crime she was a victim of to get more insight into why someone would drink and drive. But this penpal quickly turned into a fiancé.” The phrase ‘opposites attract’ fits perfectly when it comes to Julian and Christine. Julian, a conservative aspiring writer, found himself in an unexpected relationship when book research led him to the love of his life. When Julian reached out to Christine, an inmate locked up for bank robbery, he intended to get some insight for his book, but instead found a connection he never expected. Kim Kardashian has entered into a first-look deal with 20th Television, where she will produce and star in various drama, comedy, and limited series. This partnership comes on the heels of her involvement in FX’s “American Horror Story” and her upcoming legal drama series “All’s Fair” for Hulu. Kardashian is collaborating with La La Anthony on her first project under the multi-year pact, “Group Chat,” inspired by Anthony’s bestseller, “The Love Playbook: Rules for Love, Sex, and Happiness.” La La will star in the comedy which is currently in development for Hulu with “black-ish” creator Kenya Barris executive producing with 20th TV and BET Studios, Deadline reports. Kardashian and Anthony also serve as executive producers. “I’m incredibly interested in telling stories that are personal, complicated, relevant, from my own experiences and those familiar to me,” Kardashian said. “I had a front row seat to working with the exceptional team at 20th Television during American Horror Story: Delicate, and I’m so excited to dive into developing my first wave of television projects with the team led by Karey Burke and Eric Schrier, and to continue working alongside Craig Erwich and his entire group at Hulu and Disney,” she added. https://twitter.com/i/status/1824065023603323351 Winsome Sinclair, the influential casting director known for her work on films like “Waiting to Exhale,” “Amistad,” and “Precious,” has passed away at the age of 58. Sinclair died in hospice care after a long battle with colon cancer. She was surrounded by family at her bedside, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Sinclair founded Winsome Sinclair and Associates in 1996 and later moved the agency to Atlanta in 2014. Her extensive career included casting for John Singleton’s “Higher Learning” and Malcolm D. Lee’s “The Best Man” and a dozen films directed by Spike Lee. Sinclair, born in Jamaica and raised in Long Island, also produced films, including “Maynard,” a 2017 documentary about Maynard Jackson Jr., the first Black mayor of Atlanta. She also authored the 2020 book, “You Are My SONshines” inspired by her adopted children. A GoFundMe has been set up to help her kids. A message on the campaign page states: Our sweet angel Winsome Sinclair was a “woman of the word”. She believed deeply in “radical faith” and lived her life in that way. She touched so many lives in the film and entertainment industry, and the prayer community to which she was a member. She left behind two wonderful and bright sons: Micah and Kairo. They would sincerely benefit from your giving towards their upbringing and education – in loving memory of Winsome. Anything would be appreciated. God bless you. Zoë Kravitz is facing pressure to start a family with her fiancé, Channing Tatum. The 35-year-old actress announced their engagement in 2023, and with Tatum already having a daughter from his previous marriage, many are wondering if the couple plans to have more children. In a recent Esquire interview, Kravitz opened up about her uncertainties regarding motherhood, admitting that she has never felt that being a mother was for her. “For a long time, I felt like there was something wrong with me. I was waiting for this light to go off in my head, and it never did,” she explained. “When you’re younger, you’re like, ‘Well, I can’t have kids. I’m too young! It’d be crazy.’” Kravitz added, “For a lot of people that have children, it is this giant, life-changing event – and I do think there is a certain amount of focus and respect that they should get from their community. There’s a lot of pressure on women to have children, and there’s a feeling that if you don’t, you don’t have purpose here.” Maia Campbell, a beloved ’90s sitcom star, is experiencing a resurgence in popularity thanks to her daughter, Elizabeth Elisha Gutierrez. Elizabeth, known as @so.leesha on TikTok, recently shared a video showcasing Maia’s iconic roles from the past, which went viral. Despite her fame, Maia’s journey has been challenging. As MadameNoire reports, she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1998, and faced mental health and substance abuse struggles, leading to her stepping out of the spotlight and losing custody of her daughter. Maia publicly addressed her struggles on “Iyanla Vanzant’s Fix My Life” in 2012 and has since been working on improving her life. When her mother was dying, Maia told Iyanla she wasn’t allowed to see her. “[My family] thought I would cause problems,” she told the beloved life coach. “They wouldn’t let me talk to her on the phone.” “Maia, you were high,” said Iyanla. “Until you can say to me, ‘I did drugs. I ran the streets. I threw my dreams away,’ it will always be about them and you will always be powerless. You gotta own your stuff.” Maia appeared on the episode seeking guidance from the relationship expert to rebuild her family relationships and address the unresolved guilt she felt over the pain she caused her late mother. Now, Maia is gradually re-emerging, engaging with fans online, and rebuilding her relationship with her daughter. https://www.tiktok.com/@leadingessentials/video/7401196180400590110?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fmaia-campbell-returns-to-the-spotlight-thanks-to-tiktok-support%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121451205%2C121439635%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7401196180400590110 Former NFLer-turned-activist Colin Kaepernick was offered a coaching position with the Los Angeles Chargers by his former mentor, Jim Harbaugh. This could be a potential path for Kaepernick to return to football, as he remains focused on his desire to play the game, Vibe reports. Harbaugh said Kaepernick responded to the offer with, “I’ll get back to you.” He added, “He’s considering it. He was out of the country. He said he was going to get back to me. We haven’t reconnected since then. That was early, early in the year.” Meanwhile, Kaepernick hasn’t played in the NFL since 2016 when he was blacklisted after he refused to stand for the national anthem ahead of games to protest police brutality and racial injustice while he was with the San Francisco 49ers. Since then, the free agent has been striving to return to the field as a player. https://twitter.com/i/status/1823253858069434655 Following his gold medal victory at the Paris Olympics, LeBron James was filmed having an interaction with a young fan that some perceived as rude. In the video posted on TikTok, James, dressed in Team USA gear, was walking with his wife Savannah when a fan approached him. The NBA icon sternly told the fan, “Stop,” as someone in his group nudged the fan away while they entered a restaurant. The moment quickly drew attention on social media, sparking backlash. On X, one person wrote, “He has a moment to be a child’s hero and instead chose to destroy that. Shame on him.” Another X user added, “I would hope that a man worth over $1 billion could show a little understanding for a kid who wants a photo.” A third hater commented, “LeBron James is nothing short of repulsive. He’s NOT a role model in the least…” https://twitter.com/i/status/1822777008864346284 An incident at Applebee’s Bar & Grill in Portage, Indiana, on August 2nd, escalated when a customer, Shawneesha Cobbs from Chicago, misunderstood the restaurant’s “All You Can Eat” policy. The Daily Mail reported that the deal includes unlimited boneless wings, shrimp, or riblets, along with fries. Cobb ordered two of these specials and shared them with everyone at her table. She was informed by the manager that the deal was per person, requiring each to pay $15.99. The fine print on Applebee’s website reportedly states: “All You Can Eat” order is only “valid per person, per order. No sharing.” Cobbs wasn’t aware of this rule and the misunderstanding led to a heated argument, during which she caused a scene, shouting at other customers, according to Region News Source. Wide Open Country reports that Cobbs claimed the manager was unprofessional toward her during the verbal altercation, causing Cobbs to cause a wild scene. Police were called in response to the woman’s disruptive outburst. Despite warnings from police to calm down, Cobbs continued to wild out over the “All You Can Eat” policy, resulting in her arrest for disorderly conduct and being taken to Porter County Jail. According to The Western Journal, when the drama cooled down, Cobb’s group paid for the meal in full. https://twitter.com/bytesintruth/status/1823841066203668952/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1823841066203668952%7Ctwgr%5E21c72e15e6104c1f5124f2992ed08bc833adfd62%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fwoman-arrested-after-sharing-applebees-meal%2F A Netflix interview with Mark Wahlberg promoting their latest film, “The Union,” Halle Berry opens up about the painful injuries she’s endured throughout her career. Berry said she has sustained at least 10 broken bones on set in her decades-long Hollywood career. “Arm broken, broke ribs twice — two ribs one time, three ribs another — broke tailbone, broke two toes and [my middle] finger,” Berry said before noting that she has also been knocked out three times. Wahlberg listed the injuries he’s sustained over the years, including “Torn meniscus, separated shoulder, ego bruised quite a few times,” he said. Berry and Wahlberg also shared the combat skills they’ve acquired for gigs over the years. https://twitter.com/NetflixTudum/status/1785673278763237737/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1785673542517899395%7Ctwgr%5E347bc1b699e53690ab035c54de927daa959d1e78%7Ctwcon%5Es2_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fhalle-berry-opens-up-about-injuries-sustained-throughout-career%2F “I’ve learned jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, kickboxing, Taekwondo… I learned how to shoot. I learned capoeira for Catwoman,” Halle revealed. Wahlberg learned ballet and tango and how to crochet for his 2010 action comedy “The Other Guys.” Both actors acknowledged the challenges of filming underwater scenes. Berry said she spent over two minutes underwater while filming 2012’s “Dark Tide.” “I played a free diver. I had to hold my breath for almost two and a half minutes… and that felt like an eternity. It felt like death,” she said. https://mobile.twitter.com/NetflixTudum/status/1785673542517899395?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1785673542517899395%7Ctwgr%5E347bc1b699e53690ab035c54de927daa959d1e78%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fhalle-berry-opens-up-about-injuries-sustained-throughout-career%2F Check out Halle and Mark’s interview with Netflix below. “The Union” will debut on the streamer on Aug. 16th. It’s been one week, two weeks, three weeks, and one day since Joe Biden stepped aside, and the burning question remains: Where is Kamala Harris? According to Stephen A. Smith, the celebrated sports media personality, the answer isn’t satisfactory. In the weeks following Biden’s decision to exit the 2024 Presidential race on July 21 and endorse his Vice President, Kamala Harris, her visibility has been almost exclusively limited to pep rallies. This absence from more critical forums has prompted Smith to speak up, echoing the frustrations of many conservatives. “What’s up? Somebody’s got to say something, and it can’t just be the conservatives. Right is right,” Smith declared passionately on his popular podcast this week. His words strike a chord, particularly among those who feel the Vice President should address the nation more transparently. “I’m talking to my sister here. Come on now. You’re running for the presidency of the United States of America. You got my vote. You’re running for the presidency of the United States of America. What you hiding for? And I mean hiding in plain sight. Somebody gotta say it. Somebody gotta say it,” Smith continued, clearly exasperated. Smith’s remarks underline a broader issue: the lack of a single press conference or one-on-one sit-down interview since Harris took up the mantle. “You can’t be running for the presidency of the United States, not one single press conference. Not one single one-on-one sit-down interview where somebody gets to question you about the questions that we ask. That’s not fair. That’s not fair,” he lamented. https://twitter.com/i/status/1823856271130550610 Criticism isn’t just coming from conservative corners. While Harris has been actively campaigning across battleground states and rising in polls, her media silence is becoming a bipartisan concern. “If you’re a conservative and you’re out there lambasting her for it, ridiculing her for it, trying to torment her for it or whatever, it is perfectly within your right to do so. All of you anti-conservatives out there shut the hell up! That’s a valid point,” Smith asserted. He was quick, however, to draw a clear line, admonishing those who would critique Harris based on her race or heritage. “It ain’t valid to bring up her Blackness, or Indian heritage, and to try to point the finger at that nature. That’s nonsense. But to ask her about her record because she is attached to the Biden record is definitely apropos, especially when you were bragging about the record!” https://twitter.com/i/status/1823809922100027803 Two years after Italian volleyball player Paola Egonu stepped down from the national volleyball team after racial abuse on social media became too distracting, she has become the target of racism once again. Egonu, 25, who is of Nigerian heritage, was born in Padua and has Italian citizenship. A mural by Italian street artist Laika was intended to celebrate not only Egonu’s return to the team, which beat the United States to win a gold medal in women’s volleyball but also her being named MVP at Paris 2024. The mural, titled “Italian-ness,” was unveiled Monday across from the Italian National Olympic Committee headquarters near the Olympic stadium in Rome. It depicted Egonu in full flight, spiking a volleyball bearing the words “Stop racism, hate, xenophobia, ignorance.” Within 24 hours it had been defaced, with her skin painted over in pink and the anti-hate message erased. In June, Egonu lost a defamation lawsuit against European Parliament member Roberto Vannacci, a former army general who is a member of Matteo Salvini’s right-wing League party, who had said in a book that her features did not “represent Italian-ness.” In a recent episode of VladTV, renowned TV/radio talk show host and author Tavis Smiley didn’t mince words when expressing his disappointment with the Democratic Party’s recent actions. Smiley accused the party of bullying President Joe Biden, referring to their tactics as “spineless.” Smiley, a staple in progressive media and owner of KBLA Talk 1580 in Los Angeles shared his grievances over what he perceives as mistreatment of the 81-year-old President. Raised in Bunker Hill, Indiana, and an alumnus of Indiana University Bloomington where he was deeply involved in student government, Smiley has always been vocal about political and social issues. This time, his ire was aimed squarely at the Democrats. He questioned the rationale behind President Biden participating in the first presidential debate against Donald Trump in June. According to Smiley, it was only post-debate that Biden’s frailty and lack of energy became apparent. “I was shocked to see journalists, celebrities, and social media collectively calling for Biden to step aside,” said Smiley. “But the fact that the Democratic Party caved to these pressures just shows their spineless nature.” Smiley continued: “The Democratic leadership failed to recognize that Biden didn’t have the energy to vigorously campaign. Their actions are not just spineless but a betrayal to Biden who has served them loyally.” Smiley’s criticism extends to how the Democrats managed the aftermath of Biden’s presumed exit, specifically the maneuvering to put Vice President Kamala Harris in place without a primary. He labeled the move as “cowardly” and argued it compromised the integrity of the electoral process. “The way they’ve forced Biden out and elevated Harris without a primary makes you question the democratic integrity of the whole setup,” Smiley added. Smiley’s remarks seem to cut deeper than mere political commentary; they reflect a profound disillusionment with the tactics employed by his own party. His association with KBLA Talk 1580—which he acquired in 2020 and transformed into a platform focusing on issues pertinent to the African American community and other communities of color—only amplifies his influential voice in the political discourse. Under his leadership, KBLA 1580 has become known for its progressive talk format, addressing a wide array of topics including social justice, politics, and culture. Wally Amos, the charismatic talent agent-turned-cookie entrepreneur who founded the Famous Amos cookie brand, passed away in Hawaii at 88. In a heartfelt statement to The New York Times, his children Shawn and Sarah announced that he died on Tuesday due to complications from dementia. Born Wallace Amos Jr. in Tallahassee, Florida, Wally was raised by his aunt in New York City. It was from his aunt’s homemade cookies, sent with love, that he first learned about the joys and intricacies of cookie making. After serving in the U.S. Air Force in 1953, Wally pursued higher education at Syracuse University. Before his foray into the world of cookies, Wally Amos had a distinguished career as a talent agent at the William Morris Agency, representing musical legends like Diana Ross, Simon & Garfunkel, and Marvin Gaye. Despite his successes in the entertainment industry, his heart was always drawn to baking. In 1975, Wally made a life-changing decision. With a $25,000 loan from friends including Marvin Gaye and Helen Reddy, he opened the first Famous Amos cookie store on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles. Wally’s infectious personality and innovative marketing strategies turned his bite-sized, fresh-ingredient cookies into both a local and national sensation. Wally’s fame wasn’t just confined to his delicious cookies. He became a beloved media personality, making numerous appearances on television shows like “Taxi” (in a 1981 episode titled “Latka’s Cookies”), “The Office,” “The Jeffersons,” and “Boys Will Be Boys.” Beyond entertainment, he hosted an educational public-access program called “Learn to Read,” dedicated to promoting literacy. However, running a successful business came with its challenges. Financial setbacks eventually forced Wally to sell the Famous Amos Company and his trademarked brand. Yet, he didn’t let these difficulties deter his entrepreneurial spirit. In the 1990s, he launched the Uncle Noname Gourmet Muffin business, which was later rebranded as Uncle Wally’s. His love for cookies also led to the creation of a new brand, the Cookie Kahuna. Wally Amos authored several books reflecting on his experiences in business and emphasizing the power of self-confidence and promotion. These works not only documented his journey but also inspired many aspiring entrepreneurs. Wally Amos’ entrepreneurial spirit and charismatic presence extended far beyond the scope of his cookie empire. His influence was felt in the realms of business, education, and media, making him a multifaceted figure admired by many. ESPN anchor Malika Andrews remained composed during a 4.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Los Angeles on August 12 while she was live on NBA Today. Despite the studio cameras and lights shaking violently, Andrews continued her interview with analyst Rebecca Lobo, showcasing a remarkable display of professionalism without missing a beat. Afterward, she praised her crew on X (formally Twitter) for their calmness during the incident. Watch the moment via the X/Twitter clip below. “We have a bit of an earthquake here in Los Angeles, so we’re just going to make sure that our studio lights, everything stays safe… Everybody good?” Andrews said. “Alright, thank you so much for bearing with us through that,” she added, MadameNoire reports. “Definitely a scary moment here in our LA studios. Thank you to our incredible staff and crew who stayed cool throughout! Stay safe, fellow Angelenos,” Andrews posted on social media. https://twitter.com/NoahCoslov/status/1823077828478349654?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1823087646803186115%7Ctwgr%5Eebf9209d29fde1aed53bde7b77c12e27a4f77dde%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fmalika-andrews-stays-composed-during-earthquake-on-broadcast%2F Today, CLEO TV announced the highly anticipated return of the hit series “Tough Love: Atlanta” on Thursday, August 15 at 9 p.m. ET. Kicking off with an extended, one-hour premiere, the ten-episode season promises more drama and romance to unfold in ‘the A.’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfEP6UNkEs0 In the latest season of “Tough Love: Atlanta,” tensions escalate when a dangerous man looking to collect on a debt coerces a former group of friends into a world of criminal activity. Faced with danger and the potential exposure of their darkest secrets, the group must navigate an underworld guided by a murky moral compass. Amidst all the chaos, the group struggles to untangle their tumultuous love lives while confronted with choices that could change their individual futures forever. Starring Anissa LaShay, Julian Horton, Kadeem Isaiah, Alisha S. Ward, and Ashanti Harris, the Daytime Emmy Award-nominated “Tough Love” series was created by the visionary husband and wife creative team of Roni and Caleb Davis. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1iUFvzpd_s Founded in 1892 by Draper's great-grandfather, John H. Murphy, Sr., the AFRO American Newspaper has been a vital source of news and information for the African-American community in Baltimore and the Washington DC Metro area. Draper shared powerful insights, original articles, and artifacts from AFRO’s extensive coverage of Baltimore’s real Lady In The Lake, Shirley Lee Wigeon Parker whose disappearance and tragic death in 1969 inspired the series. AFRO's role in documenting Parker's story highlights the critical importance of Black Media in amplifying community voices. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4V04ptsZ-Jg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4V04ptsZ-Jg The second panelist, Dr. Vonnya Pettigrew, a trailblazer in media production and the first Black woman to own a property on Baltimore's Harbor Waterfront offered valuable perspectives on the ongoing pursuit of authentic representation and the remarkable growth of Black and women-owned businesses in Baltimore and beyond. https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=bNkT14ROnSFGdKvh&v=5ZYcsy1v6ig&feature=youtu.be Dr. Dre, the legendary producer and rapper, is setting his sights on the highest level of athletic achievement: the Olympics. Known for his pioneering role in hip-hop, Dr. Dre took center stage once again during the 2024 Olympic Closing Ceremony, joining long-time friend and collaborator in Los Angeles Snoop Dogg for a show-stopping performance. But now, Dre has his eyes set on a different stage for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles—this time as a competitor in archery. In a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, Dre revealed his ambitious goals. “I’m trying to try out for the Olympics in 2028,” he said with a serious gaze, despite light-hearted jokes about this year’s viral breakdancing sensation Raygun. He clarified, “I’m dead-ass serious,” about his desire to compete in archery. This aspiration may seem to come out of left field for many of his fans but, as Dre explained in the interview, archery has been a part of his life for quite some time. “Actually, I started playing around with archery in junior high, alright? I stopped for a while, and my son bought me a set-up… I don’t know if it was for my birthday or Father’s Day or something like that. So I have it set up in my backyard,” he shared. https://twitter.com/i/status/1823348704381636822 In a recent episode of VladTV, renowned TV/radio talk show host and author Tavis Smiley didn’t mince words when expressing his disappointment with the Democratic Party’s recent actions. Smiley accused the party of bullying President Joe Biden, referring to their tactics as “spineless.” Smiley, a staple in progressive media and owner of KBLA Talk 1580 in Los Angeles shared his grievances over what he perceives as mistreatment of the 81-year-old President. Raised in Bunker Hill, Indiana, and an alumnus of Indiana University Bloomington where he was deeply involved in student government, Smiley has always been vocal about political and social issues. This time, his ire was aimed squarely at the Democrats. He questioned the rationale behind President Biden participating in the first presidential debate against Donald Trump in June. According to Smiley, it was only post-debate that Biden’s frailty and lack of energy became apparent. “I was shocked to see journalists, celebrities, and social media collectively calling for Biden to step aside,” said Smiley. “But the fact that the Democratic Party caved to these pressures just shows their spineless nature.” Smiley continued: “The Democratic leadership failed to recognize that Biden didn’t have the energy to vigorously campaign. Their actions are not just spineless but a betrayal to Biden who has served them loyally.” https://youtu.be/wWey4xXBNvE Smiley’s criticism extends to how the Democrats managed the aftermath of Biden’s presumed exit, specifically the maneuvering to put Vice President Kamala Harris in place without a primary. He labeled the move as “cowardly” and argued it compromised the integrity of the electoral process. “The way they’ve forced Biden out and elevated Harris without a primary makes you question the democratic integrity of the whole setup,” Smiley added. Smiley’s remarks seem to cut deeper than mere political commentary; they reflect a profound disillusionment with the tactics employed by his own party. His association with KBLA Talk 1580—which he acquired in 2020 and transformed into a platform focusing on issues pertinent to the African American community and other communities of color—only amplifies his influential voice in the political discourse. Under his leadership, KBLA 1580 has become known for its progressive talk format, addressing a wide array of topics including social justice, politics, and culture. https://youtu.be/fiwZH5--hzo A top police official in Illinois, Dolton Deputy Police Chief Lewis Lacey, has been indicted on federal charges of bankruptcy fraud and other offenses. The New York Post reports that Lacey is accused of hiding assets and underreporting income to avoid paying a settlement from a previous lawsuit. The indictment comes amid ongoing controversies involving Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard, a close ally of Lacey. Despite being placed on administrative leave by village trustees, Lacey reportedly continued to report to work. “The indictment alleges that Lacey made several materially false and fraudulent representations in oral statements and documents submitted in the bankruptcy cases, including underreporting his monthly income and concealing bank accounts that he controlled,” the US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois announced. “Among other things, Lacey falsely represented that he was separated from his spouse and that she did not reside with him or contribute to his monthly income and mortgage,” the indictment states. “The false representations allowed Lacey to fraudulently calculate his monthly income for purposes of repayment of his creditors as substantially less than it should have been if his spouse’s contributions were included, the indictment states.” https://youtu.be/2WF15Vc6mko While engaged in the alleged fraud scheme, Lacey was serving as an officer with the Dolton Police Department. According to the indictment, Lacey since the 1980s has filed numerous personal bankruptcy cases in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois, including petitions in 2019 and 2020, that “prevented the courts from enforcing a settlement agreement reached between Lacey, the defendant and the plaintiff in the 2017 lawsuit in which he still owed $43,000 out of a $55,000 payment, prosecutors said,” per The Post . The nine-count indictment is seen by Lacey’s lawyer as an attempt to pressure him into providing information against Henyard, who is also under federal investigation. Since taking office in 2021, Henyard has been at the center of ongoing controversy throughout the past year. https://t.co/DgExBo9eCH In the latest episode of VH1’s reality series, Shaunie Henderson hosted a tense lunch meeting with longtime cast member Jackie Christie aimed at resolving ongoing conflicts. The dramatic scene nearly escalated into a physical confrontation between Jackie and Brooke Bailey. The confrontation centered on accusations that Jackie was profiting from Brooke’s deceased daughter, Kayla Nicole Bailey. Despite Jackie’s apology, the episode highlighted the deepening drama, The Jasmine Brand reports. After Jackie expressed that she no longer wanted to argue over the passing of 25-year-old Kayla, Brooke said, “F*ck your sorry, Jackie.” Once Jackie left the lunch meeting, Henderson told Brooke, “The lack of empathy and sympathy she has for you disturbs me.” She added, “I know I have to forgive her but I won’t forget and I won’t let it happen again. Now, let me be honest, I would have really told Jackie ‘Thank you for your services’ in real life.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1823176951777087661 When cast member Jennifer Williams inquired about Jackie’s status with the show, Henderson responded, “I feel like she thanked herself for her services.” Per The Jasmine Brand, the line echoes a moment from an earlier season when Henderson fired Brandi Maxiell, who has since rejoined the show. Earlier this month we reported that Christie dropped a bombshell on a separate episode centering around cast member Evelyn Lozada and her relationship with her pets. According to Christie, Lozada is involved with bestiality. “[Evelyn] wants to lie, let me tell you some facts…about what she was doing with their dogs, Christie told Cheyenne Bryant. “Bestiality is a thing, and the little [dog], that one that is limping all the time…” https://twitter.com/i/status/1823180722338992391 Director Tim Reid to dish on his latest project, Lifetime’s original movie “Miss Cleo: Her Rise and Fall.” Starring Robin “The Lady of Rage” Allen, Shane Johnson, and Ian Bohen, the biopic delves into the dramatic pop culture journey of Youree Dell Harris, better known as Miss Cleo. Set against the backdrop of the late 1990s, the show explores how Harris, a single mother, became a cultural icon through her role at the Psychic Readers Network. However, her success was marred by allegations of fraud against the network, leading to a tumultuous battle to clear her name. As we reported earlier, Miss Cleo called herself a voodoo priestess and regularly appeared on the Psychic Readers Network, where she gained a cult following. She became especially famous for her trademark line “Call me now!” which she uttered with a Jamaican accent. “Miss Cleo: Her Rise and Fall” explores the many layers behind this complicated and charismatic figure, according to the news release. https://youtu.be/DZGj5sXjtCI Comcast and the Boyce L. Ansley School in Atlanta collaborated to host a vibrant community event celebrating the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games last week. According to the news release, the day featured an Olympic Games watch party, a student field day with activities like hurdles and relays, and a surprise appearance by Harry the Hawk, the Atlanta Hawks’ mascot. Students aged 5 to 11 enjoyed watching the Closing Ceremony live via Peacock and Xfinity X1, and each participant received a new laptop. The event underscores Comcast’s commitment to community engagement, digital equity, and enhancing digital skills for students. “Connecting with the Boyce L. Ansley School to bring the inspiration of the Olympic Games closer to home for these deserving students was an honor,” said Mike McArdle, Comcast Regional Senior Vice President, South Region. “Our goal was to provide them with the experiences and tools they need to become tomorrow’s leaders.” Sophia Rosing, a former University of Kentucky student filmed calling a Black dorm desk clerk the N-word 200 times, has pleaded guilty to assault, disorderly conduct, and public intoxication. The 23-year-old faces up to a year in prison and 100 hours of community service, with sentencing set for October 17, Complex reports. We reported earlier, citing CNN, that an officer with the University of Kentucky police responded to a dorm after reports that an unknown woman was “assaulting staff members,” a campus police report shows. When the officer arrived, they detained a “very intoxicated” Rosing who was repeating a racist expletive to a group of Black women, the report says. Rosing told police she “has lots of money and get[s] special treatment,” the police report said. When told to sit back in a chair, the woman kicked the arresting officer and bit their hand, the police report said. https://youtu.be/a3Eu18X9X9U Shanon Biles, mother of US gymnast Simone Biles, remains hopeful that her daughter will eventually forgive her for placing Simone and her siblings in foster care due to her drug and alcohol addiction. “It was hard to give up my kids, but I had to do what I had to do. I wasn’t able to care for them. I was still using and [my father] didn’t want me coming in and out of their lives when I wasn’t right,” Shanon, 52, told The Daily Mail. We previously reported that Simone was six when she and her sister Adria were placed into foster care and ultimately adopted by their grandparents, Ronald and Nellie, in Houston. Her other siblings were raided by Ronald’s sister in Cleveland. “I would like to make amends with Simone personally – I’m just waiting for her and [her younger sister] Adria,” said Shannon, who is now sober and employed as a grocery store cashier. “I speak to Adria more than I speak to Simone. I would just ask her to forgive me. Can we move forward? Don’t judge me on my past. Let’s move forward,” she added. https://youtu.be/I0-14ft6TBM Michigan Judge J. Cedric Simpson is making headlines once again, and this time he’s gaining attention for sentencing Darrell Lester Jarrell to a year in prison for contempt of court after his profane outburst during a pre-trial hearing. Jarrell, who was facing trespassing charges, reacted angrily when offered additional time to consult with his attorney, directing profanities at the judge, Daily Mail reports. Simpson sentenced Jarrell to 93 days in jail for each outburst, totaling 558 days. This incident follows a previous viral moment involving Judge Simpson and defendant Corey Harris, who had a suspended license, and appeared in court via Zoom while driving. Simpson revoked Harris’s bond after realizing he was driving without a license. During Jarrell’s hearing, he was given the option to reschedule his court date to allow time to consult with his lawyer. He became frustrated by the idea of the case being delayed, saying, “I’m ready to leave this state as soon as possible.” He continued, “What’s the hold up? It’s trespassing. I can technically leave and you guys can issue a warrant as long I don’t return, you can kiss my ass.” https://youtu.be/Bs3WortYwpE J.K. Rowling and Elon Musk are mentioned in a criminal complaint filed with French authorities, alleging “cyber harassment” against Olympic champion Imane Khelif. Variety reports that Nabil Boudi, the Paris-based attorney for the Algerian boxer, confirmed that the complaint, submitted to the Paris Prosecutor’s Office’s anti-online hatred center, targets users on X/Twitter and includes high-profile figures among those being investigated. The lawsuit, under French law, permits a comprehensive investigation into all potential offenders, including those operating under pseudonyms. “On Aug. 13, (The National Center for the Fight Against Online Hatred) contacted the OCLCH (Central Office for the Fight Against Crimes Against Humanity and Hate Crimes) to conduct an investigation into the counts of cyber harassment due to gender, public insult because of gender, public incitement to discrimination and public insult because of origin,” the Paris Prosecutor’s Office said in a statement. Per Variety, the lawsuit “ensure[s] that the ‘prosecution has all the latitude to be able to investigate against all people,” including X users who posted critical messages about Khelif under pseudonyms, said Boudi. “J. K. Rowling and Elon Musk are named in the lawsuit, among others,” he said. https://youtu.be/elZizUmdQKk Do you ever find yourself comparing the size of your child with those of their classmates and worrying about their health? Just as you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, you can’t judge a person’s health solely by the way their body looks, said Jill Castle, a pediatric dietitian in Massachusetts. In her new book, “Kids Thrive at Every Size,” Castle aims to offer a new model for assessing and addressing kids’ health. Kids with bodies either larger or smaller than average are at higher risk for psychological harm related to their size than their average-size counterparts, Castle said. And some of the tactics that adults use to influence their child’s size can have consequences on their health and relationship with food for the rest of their lives, said Jennifer Rollin, founder of The Eating Disorder Center in Rockville, Maryland. With a new school year ahead, kids with larger or smaller bodies face the potential for difficulties at school, but the adults who care for them have an opportunity to reset the family’s approach to health and size, Castle said. If you want to reset your child’s healthy habits as you kick off the academic year, here’s what Castle wants you to know — and what you may need to rethink. https://youtu.be/mr4WDFQqPrU Martin & Martin LLP, attorneys for Melanie McDade – the former Assistant City Manager of Inglewood – have announced a hefty $65 million settlement demand against Mayor James Butts for sexual harassment and retaliation. Also named in the explosive lawsuit are the City of Inglewood, current Assistant City Manager Jose Cortes (previously Human Resources Director), and former City Manager Artie Fields. Ms. McDade’s attorneys unveiled a trove of compelling evidence: emails and text messages authored by Mayor Butts himself, which detail the degrading demands and incessant harassment directed at McDade. “The revelations in these communications will shock those who have blindly accepted the City’s mischaracterizations of our client’s claims,” said lead attorney Ernest Martin, Jr., of Martin & Martin LLP. Martin emphasized how these documents expose Butts’ abuse of power, demanding sexual favors and retaliating against McDade when she failed to comply. Specifics in the complaint reveal particularly appalling instances of harassment. On one occasion, Butts demanded oral sex so persistently that it left McDade with painful carpet burns. Public degradation followed, with Butts requiring McDade to serve him food during Metro Board meetings, an indignity she alone faced among assistants. The lawsuit implores the reader to reconsider the dismissal of McDade’s initial complaint filed in January 2021, which the City waved off as “unfounded” and “empty rhetoric.” Investigative journalism had echoed the City’s stance, further victimizing McDade. However, the unveiled text and email communications now cast a damning light on the veracity of her allegations. “35 years,” said the host of the 2024 Long Beach Jazz Festival repeatedly. I was invited to cover the Long Beach Jazz Festival for my column, and I jumped at the chance to see some of the awesome talent showcased this past weekend. On Friday, it was Jeanette Harris and Tom Browne; Darryl Walker, Rebecca Jade and Brian Simpson, and Michael Lington and Nathan Mitchell. Saturday featured Justin Klunk, Nicholas Cole, Jeff Lorber and Everette Harp, Jonathan Butler, October London, and Gerald Albright. The Long Beach Jazz Festival ended Sunday with performances by Richard “88 Fingers” Turner, Braxton Brothers, Keiko Matsui, Kirk Whalum, and Jeffrey Osborne performed until the end. I had the pleasure of seeing the outstanding performances of Nicholas Cole on keyboard exuberant skills; Richard “88 Fingers” Turner, Jr. on keyboard with 88 fingers; the Braxton Brothers sweet sax and bass harmony; Keiko Matsui’s mastery of the piano, and Kirk Whalum with his legendary sax. I will have a review of Kirk’s show coming soon, so watch out for it! All the performances that I saw were outstanding. I was thinking that whoever decided on who to perform at the 35th Long Beach Jazz Festival was on point. Every time I’ve covered the Long Beach Jazz Festival the crowd has been an incredible sight to see, and this year was no exception. The crowd went back from the stage so far, the only thing they were able to see was the many vendors at the event. However, they were all so happy to be there amongst other Jazz music lovers. There was so much love there. In fact, “love” seemed to be the theme for all the performances I saw. https://www.instagram.com/longbeachjazzfestival/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=0c877993-41e2-46ad-97c0-96d16b2f468b Atlanta Black Pride Weekend and Global Black Pride continue their historic collaboration hosting the first-ever Global Black Pride in Atlanta, GA, impacting the city, from August 26th to September 2nd. The Vision Community Foundation, Traxx Girls Inc., and Rockstars Production remain producing partners in the annual celebration. The near weeklong Pride Celebration will include special appearances by: Jessica Betts, Niecy Nash-Betts, Keke Palmer, Billy Porter, Yemi Alade, Omawumi, Funky Dineva, Judge Pierce Hand Seitz, Bishop OC Allen III, Rashad Burgess, Melissa “DJ M” Scott and more. https://twitter.com/GayeMagazine/status/1823435794003972337/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1823435794003972337%7Ctwgr%5E7b657e410761facb5dd3346e937b8242145ed005%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fglobal-black-pride-hits-atl-celebrate-aug-26-sept-2%2F Global Black Pride organizers, in conjunction with the mayor’s office and the Atlanta Police Department, have taken extra precautions to ensure that all celebration participants have a safe and enjoyable weekend in the great Peach State. The host hotel, Starling Hilton Midtown Atlanta, serves as the epicenter for lodging, convention, and general Atlanta information needs. https://twitter.com/DoLA/status/1819086471694798912/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1819086471694798912%7Ctwgr%5E7b657e410761facb5dd3346e937b8242145ed005%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fglobal-black-pride-hits-atl-celebrate-aug-26-sept-2%2F The weeklong celebration will showcase a variety of activities designed to embody the vibrancy and diversity of the Black LGBTQIA+ community. Festivities will include a two-day music festival at Piedmont Park, Global Black Pride Village, Gala & Influencer Dinner, Global Black LGBTQIA+ Human Rights and Health Conference, R&B Brunch, Empowerment Brunches, Black LGBTQIA+ Political Leaders Summit, Global Black Pride March and nightly parties. Returning for a 5th year will be Mayor Andre Dickens’ Global Black Pride Reception held at Atlanta City Hall. The third annual Black Excellence Influencer’s Dinner will be hosted by RockStars Production and Traxx Girls on Friday, August 30th at the Starling Hotel. This highly anticipated affair serves as a Fundraiser to benefit Global Black Pride Weekend and is a unique opportunity for trailblazers, leaders, and influencers to celebrate accomplishments while highlighting individuals and organizations who significantly impact and contribute to the LGBTQIA+ community. https://twitter.com/i/status/1823401502553121028 In an exclusive conversation with actress Amber Shana Williams, who portrays Tamar in the hit series “The Chosen” from Angel Studios, we explored her character’s journey over the past four seasons as fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming fifth season. Set in the 1st century in Judaea and Galilee, the series chronicles the life of Jesus (Jonathan Roumie) and the diverse individuals who crossed his path, including Tamar. Amber teased exciting details about how Tamar’s story will unfold in the new season, offering a unique perspective that deepens the series’ portrayal of faith and redemption. Season 5 was reportedly filmed in Texas and Goshen, Utah, and Movie Guide reports that it will follow Holy Week, while Season 6 will end with the crucifixion. “This is when the plot thickens, and Lazarus will be hiding at this point because of what’s happened in Season 4,” director Dallas Jenkins explained to the Deseret News. “We are covering in Season 5 the most important week in history. Season 6 is the most important day in history,” he continued. https://youtu.be/wisX-CEjoxc Eddie Levert, lead singer of The O’Jays, was deeply moved when he met former First Lady Michelle Obama at the 3rd Annual Martha’s Vineyard Community and Purpose Series. According to Page Six, Levert was brought to tears when Obama surprised him backstage after he received a legacy award. The emotional encounter left a lasting impression on Levert, who couldn’t stop talking about it the next day. “Meeting her was his dream! He didn’t know he was meeting her, and it brought him to tears. It was so endearing to watch her give him his flowers,” an observer told Page Six. During the private luncheon held at the HarborView Hotel, Levert said, “I love my wife, but Michelle Obama is my girl crush,” according to a source. “He couldn’t stop talking about her,” the insider added. “It was really special.” https://twitter.com/PageSix/status/1823462491126444393/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1823462491126444393%7Ctwgr%5E283376cd6393ed2a2515b8ae38e43eabfe8bd214%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fmichelle-obama-moves-the-ojays-eddie-levert-to-tears%2F My brain connects almost every thought I have with music. Anything—an emotion, a conversation, a situation, or an image—can bring a song or lyric to my mind. That part of my consciousness, armed with a playlist spanning a lifetime and including nearly every musical genre known to man, has always operated independently of me. And the moment it was revealed that President Biden, after weeks of public conjecture, was stepping away from his presidential campaign and handing the baton to Vice President Kamala Harris, the radio station in my head (to hell with Spotify) instantly cued up Funkadelic’s urgent, raucous 1974 funk rock groove, “Standing On The Verge of Getting it On.” Written by P-funk bandleader George Clinton and the unit’s guitar hero Eddie Hazel, the anthemic “Verge” was Funkadelic’s bold, vainglorious declaration that the band is music and popular culture’s big new thing. To wit, this verse: “Even if you don’t admit it/the time for change is here/and here we are /we’re just for you.” To my brain, that lyric spoke to Harris’s mission. In a New York minute short of Biblical, Harris was suddenly running for president. That evening, after a day of fresh giddiness, a friend, in a hopeful lilt, asked, “Do you believe Kamala can do this?” https://youtu.be/QtB55OkApTw During the red carpet premiere of her Netflix film “The Union,” Halle Berry explained why she dropped out of Ryan Murphy’s legal drama starring Kim Kardashian.The series titled “All’s Fair” is set in an all-female law firm, which Murphy described as “a high-end, glossy and sexy adult procedural” for Hulu. The cast includes Kardashian, Glenn Close, Sarah Paulson, Niecy Nash, Teyana Taylor, and Naomi Watts. Kardashian, Paulson, Nash, Watts, and Kris Jenner will serve as executive producers. Murphy is also set to direct. In a new interview with Entertainment Tonight at the premiere of “The Union” Berry broke her silence about her exit. “You know, things happen for a reason,” Berry said. “[But] I would have loved to have been there with those ladies, and I know it’s gonna be great.” A source close to the situation told Variety that Berry was no longer involved in the project because of a scheduling conflict. A police officer in a suburb of Columbus, Ohio, was indicted by a grand jury on murder charges Tuesday in last year’s killing of a pregnant woman who was suspected of shoplifting, according to the Montgomery County prosecutor’s office. Ta’Kiya Young, 21, was fatally shot inside her vehicle by an officer in the parking lot of a Kroger grocery store in Blendon Township on August 24, 2023. Her unborn child did not survive. Blendon Township Police Officer Connor Grubb faces four counts of murder, four counts of felonious assault and two counts of involuntary manslaughter as a result of a grand jury indictment, according to a statement from the office of Prosecuting Attorney Mat Heck Jr. “While it is concerning that an officer sworn to uphold the law has been indicted for homicide charges, no one is above the law,” the prosecuting attorney said. https://youtu.be/QT3a1CcaV4M The police shooting took place on a Thursday evening in the parking lot outside Kroger. Surveillance footage from inside the store shows Young walking around the store and placing several bottles of liquor into her handbag. She stood in line at the cash register before she and two other women left, the video shows. Alarms went off as the women exited the store and went to a vehicle, police said. A grocery store employee notified officers that a woman who had stolen bottles of alcohol was in a car parked outside the store, police said. The police body-camera video shows an officer approaching Young’s driver-side window and repeatedly telling her to get out of the car. A second officer, who was also wearing a body camera, then stepped in front of the vehicle. https://youtu.be/6VesUUuaZnw The vehicle began to slowly move forward, the video shows. After a few seconds, the officer standing in front of the vehicle fired once through the windshield. After the shot, the officers ran alongside the car yelling at the driver to stop, and the car rolled onto a sidewalk between two brick columns and into a building. The officers called for backup and broke the window to reach the driver, who appeared to be slumped over to one side. An autopsy determined she died of a gunshot wound to the heart. Her fetus was estimated to be at 25 to 28 weeks gestation, according to the Franklin County Coroner’s Office. https://youtu.be/HyRLGuj493o Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine launched a new high school academy in Inglewood, California on Monday. The pair introduced the Iovine and Young Center Academy at Morningside High School, which opened within the Inglewood Unified School District, FOX LA reports. The school aims to provide students with an education in interdisciplinary learning, preparing them to excel in the workforce and higher education. Speaking to the Los Angeles Times in 2021, Dre said he wants to reach “the inner-city kid, the younger me.” He added: “Here’s a place that you can go where there’s something that you can learn that you’re really interested in.” “This is for kids who want to go out and start their own company or go work at a place… like Marvel, or Apple or companies like that,” Iovine said at the time. Dre noted that the type of individual who would benefit from the school “didn’t have an opportunity” and “had to scratch and figure out things on his own,” he explained. https://youtu.be/kxZJCOAMWkY Tina Knowles is finalizing her divorce from Richard Lawson after a year-long delay. Ms. Tina, who filed for divorce in 2023 citing irreconcilable differences, has submitted her financial information to the court, though Lawson has yet to do the same, The Blast reports. She is also seeking to revert to her maiden name and terminate any potential spousal support. As we reported earlier, Richard and Tina were longtime friends before they began dating in 2013 and wed two years later. She was previously married to Mathew Knowles from 1980 to 2011. They share two superstar daughters, singers Beyoncé and Solange. Lawson was also wed once before, to Denise Gordy. “When I first met Tina, she was pregnant with Beyoncé,” Lawson recalled in a 2019 interview. “I thought she was one of the prettiest women I’d ever seen in my life,” he continued. “She was even more beautiful inside. She had a very quiet, beautiful spirit,” he added. Walmart has had a strong financial performance in 2024, exceeding expectations across key categories, partly due to its price rollback program. According to The Street, the retail giant, which reported fiscal Q1 2025 earnings in May, has committed to investing over $9 billion to revamp at least 1,400 stores, making them cleaner and more navigable. “Our results were stronger than we anticipated, with sales growth of 5.7% and adjusted operating profit up 12.9% in constant currency. All three operating segments performed well,” Chief Executive Doug McMillon said on the earnings call. “Our store remodels look good and are performing well. Plus, our curbside pickup and delivery capabilities are improving, as indicated by our customer experience metrics,” McMillon told analysts on the Q1 call. The $9 billion multi-year overhaul includes introducing new food options. On Tuesday, Walmart announced a partnership with Knuckies Hoagies, a Georgia-based chain known for specialty sandwiches and cheesesteaks. https://youtu.be/zSJWDdy949A Former Disney Channel star Skai Jackson, known for her roles in “Jessie” and “Bunk’d,” has recently found herself in legal trouble. Jackson was arrested last week for domestic violence. The incident allegedly occurred at Universal CityWalk, a popular entertainment complex, where security personnel observed an altercation between Jackson and her boyfriend. Details emerged that Jackson was seen pushing her boyfriend on more than one occasion. Despite both Jackson and her boyfriend’s claims that nothing physical transpired and their relationship was well, security detained the couple until law enforcement arrived. The deputies reported that after reviewing video footage, they witnessed Jackson pushing her boyfriend, leading to her arrest for misdemeanor domestic battery. She was cited and released a few hours later, TMZ reports. https://youtu.be/4usG-UlcGEo Vanessa Bryant revealed the Kobe Bryant emblem she designed for the 2028 LA Olympics. As Sandrarose.com reports, the LA28 logo features Kobe’s Nike logo embedded within a purple and gold snakeskin “A.” Vanessa was selected to create the official emblem for the Los Angeles 2028 Games. In an Instagram video announcing the logo, Vanessa said: “Kobe wanted the games to come to LA because of his passion for the city, all the love Angelenos have shown for our family and all our fond memories here.” She added, “I’m proud that Kobe gets to help tell a piece of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic story. We designed this emblem in his honor. We hope this inspires the mamba mentality in every aspiring Olympian and Paralympian.” In the video, the late NBA icon shares his vision for bringing the Olympic Games to Los Angeles. https://www.instagram.com/la28games/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c7647d80-907a-4647-893a-bc779492803b “Because fans all over the world and the City of Angels loved Kobe so much, he will have three statues in front of the arena – also known as the house that Kobe built,” Vanessa said during the tribute. “For the record, Kobe picked the pose you’re about to see,” she added. “So if anyone has any issues with it, tough (expletive). It is what it is.” According to Vanessa, Kobe chose the pose years before he died. It “represents a moment from his stunning 81-point game against the Toronto Raptors in 2006, the second-highest point total in a single game in NBA history,” ABC 7 writes. https://youtu.be/7fM5UJvk9qI Black people are not monolithic, and that’s what makes our stories so intriguing! Justin Simien, the creator of Dear White People, knows this all too well. He’s now gifting Black people a new docu-series, Hollywood Black, which is based on a book by historian Donald Bogle. The new show chronicles the history of cinema from a Black perspective featuring the new “who’s who” in Hollywood. Some familiar filmmakers lending their voices are Ava Duvernay, Issa Rae, Gina Prince-Bythwood, Forest Whitaker and Nina Yang. “A word I’ve come across recently is the dialectic. I’m really attracted to working in the dialectic which means, my work tends to offer a bunch of different points of views at the same time and they don’t even always agree. But I think it’s really hard to get at a truth without considering the paradoxes. The things that are conflicting about it,” he revealed. https://youtu.be/SIlQeQ6Ke4M Tyler Perry’s new film “Divorce in the Black” has achieved impressive viewership, accumulating over 498 million minutes watched in its first four days on Amazon Prime Video. The drama has also driven a significant number of new Prime Video subscriptions, surpassing other Amazon MGM Studios films, Variety reports. The film debuted at No. 3 on Nielsen’s Top 10 streaming chart for July 8-14 and is estimated to have garnered around 3.5 million views. Additionally, it ranked highly on Luminate’s movies chart, with 93.2 million minutes watched in its third week. “Divorce In The Black” centers on Ava (Meagan Good), a young bank professional who is devastated when her husband Dallas (Cory Hardrict) abandons a marriage she is determined to fight for until fate intervenes, revealing Dallas’ wicked deeds that have trashed their marriage, and once upon a time sabotaged Ava’s destiny to be loved by her true soulmate. As we reported earlier, the film has been panned by critics and received a rare 0%” on Rotten Tomatoes. On a recent episode of Keke Palmer’s podcast “Baby, This Is Keke Palmer,” Perry explained why he ignores negative remarks about his work. He emphasized that he values the positive impact his films have on people’s lives more than any criticism. https://youtu.be/yGi0O0zDSjQ In an interview with Radio 2 Breakfast DJ Scott Mills, Janet Jackson revealed her family connections to several surprising big names in entertainment. Jackson confirmed that Stevie Wonder and Tracy Chapman are her cousins and also joked that Hollywood star Samuel L. Jackson is a cousin as well. In a clip shared on social media, Scott asked Janet if she was related to Stevie, and she confirmed that the music icon was indeed her cousin. “He’s our cousin,” Jackson revealed. “Not a lot of people know that. He’s our cousin on my mother’s side. So is Tracy Chapman,” she added before noting that she is also related to Jackson. She joked, “He would be my cousin, too. I mean he’s not my brother.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1823317416400519223 Grant Ellis, a former contestant from the current season of “The Bachelorette,” has been named the lead for the 29th season of “The Bachelor.” Ellis, a 30-year-old ex-pro basketball player and day trader from New Jersey, was eliminated in the sixth week of “The Bachelorette,” per THR. His casting for “The Bachelor” continues ABCs push toward diversifying the show, following recent seasons that have featured the franchise’s first Black and Asian American leads. Per ABC’s press release: “The former pro basketball player is passionate about his career as a day trader, but when he’s not immersed in the fast-paced world of finance, you can find him cheering on the Lakers, hitting strikes at the bowling alley, or belting out tunes at karaoke nights,” the description continues. “As the Bachelor, Ellis is eager to embark on a journey filled with romance, adventure, and genuine connections. He hopes to find a partner who shares his values of loyalty, humor and a deep appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.” Ellis’ connection with Jenn Tran was a fan favorite on the current season of “The Bachelorette” but she ultimately sent him home. Before his exit, Ellis expressed how hopeful he was that Tran would meet his family. “I feel empty right now. Jenn’s a great woman. She’s a great woman. I expressed my love for her. I poured everything out and it wasn’t good enough,” Ellis told the cameras. https://t.co/veF75FSrfE YG and Saweetie had a heated argument at their Los Angeles home, leading to a police visit after receiving a call from a concerned citizen. TMZ reports that the couple’s loud dispute, reportedly over a cell phone issue, was resolved without any physical altercation. Police separated the two until they calmed down, and filed a noncriminal report. Meanwhile, Saweetie is featured in LL Cool J’s new “Proclivities” video, the third single off his forthcoming “The FORCE” album. On the track, he raps, “Damn baby, I don’t know if you dance or not / I’d love to see you on the pole / I don’t know if you conservative or if you a freak / But I’d love to see you lose control.” Saweetie comes in on the chorus rapping, “So what you gon’ do with it? / And my face and my waist so ooh with it / ooh let me tell you my proclivities for coming outside.” LL Cool J’s “The FORCE” is his 14th studio album and first in 11 years. The LP, which drops Sept. 6, was produced by A Tribe Called Quest’s Q-Tip. https://youtu.be/w_XVxj035Qk Dancehall and reggae artist Buju Banton appeared on the latest episode of “Drink Champs,” to reflect on his journey to becoming a music legend and share his insights on reggae’s global influence. During the interview, Buju also recounted his first meeting with the late-great The Notorious B.I.G. “When Biggie came to Jamaica, he came in a wheelchair. And it’s the most gunshots he has ever heard in life,” he recalled, Revolt reports. “The only person who gets more respect than Biggie Smalls in Jamaica is two people. We love DMX. And the last person who gets our love in Jamaica, [on] our island, [who sang] our oath, was 50 Cent. [It was] ‘Many Men.’” Elsewhere in the conversation, Buju expressed concerns about the current direction of the Afrobeats genre. https://youtu.be/Gp51m1HkADs The New York Times bestselling book Bad Monkey written by Carl Hiaasen, has come to life in a new series on Apple TV+! The show stars fan-favorite Vince Vaughn (The Breakup, Couples Retreat), Ronald Peet (First Reformed, Blind Spot), and appearances by funnyman Zach Braff. We sat down for a chat with Peet and Braff to uncover their experiences shooting Bad Monkey. The series was filmed in Miami and the Bahamas, so it felt “kismet” to Bahamian-born actor Ronald Peet. He revealed he’s never artistically portrayed a Bahamian which caused him to work hard on achieving the accent. “If I don’t get this right, I’m gonna hear about it from everyone,” said Peet who doesn’t naturally have a Bahamian accent. https://youtu.be/RokJ4M2UjNc Former President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO and X owner Elon Musk hosted a friendly conversation Monday on X after their interview was delayed by more than 40 minutes due to technical difficulties. The delay of the high-profile interview was the Trump campaign’s latest stumble as it looks to regain momentum following the Democratic Party coalescing around Vice President Kamala Harris. It also marked the second time Musk suffered a setback while trying to launch a highly-attended X Space with a presidential candidate. The discussion between the former president and the richest man in the world, who has endorsed Trump, marked Trump’s return to X after his account had remained dormant for nearly a year. The last time Trump posted on the social media website was when he posted his mugshot from being processed at an Atlanta jail in the Georgia election subversion case in August of last year. Trump had gained around 900,000 new followers as of Monday night since he started posting again on the platform. Throughout the conversation, Musk asked Trump softball questions that allowed the former president to stick to his talking points, including on immigration and the economy. He repeated parts of his campaign stump speech and was not challenged by Musk on any of his false claims. https://youtu.be/qAmW4mj03RU?list=RDNSqAmW4mj03RU Trump without evidence accused Democrats of a coup to remove President Joe Biden from the ballot. He discussed Harris’ appearance on a Time magazine cover and took jabs at Biden’s mental state. He said Jewish people who vote for Democrats should have their “heads examined.” “We can talk about tunnels and rockets and electric cars, so many things. And now you’re into the AI, and that’s going to be another beauty,” Trump said to Musk near their conversation’s end. At several points throughout the interview, Trump’s speech sounded as if he had a lisp or was slurring his words, which attracted attention online. When asked whether there was an explanation, Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said, “Must be your hearing.” Harris’ campaign described Trump and Musk as “self-obsessed rich guys” in a statement. “Trump’s entire campaign is in service of people like Elon Musk and himself — self-obsessed rich guys who will sell out the middle class and who cannot run a livestream in the year 2024,” Harris campaign spokesman Joseph Costello said. https://youtu.be/zJAMNGKZ1og In a surprising twist of political gamesmanship, Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris skillfully used former President Donald Trump‘s own words to highlight the technical difficulties he experienced during a recent livestream interview with Elon Musk on X, formerly known as Twitter. The irony was palpable, as Trump’s appearance on X was delayed by more than 40 minutes, eerily mirroring the scenario Florida Governor Ron DeSantis faced in May 2023. Back then, Trump had ridiculed DeSantis’ much-publicized technical glitches that marred the launch of his presidential primary bid against Trump himself, reports the NY Daily News. “Wow! The DeSanctus TWITTER launch is a DISASTER!” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform at the time. “His whole campaign will be a disaster. WATCH!” DeSantis’s campaign struggled and eventually ended in January, months after that chaotic event. Fast forward to this past Monday when Trump faced almost an identical issue, with his interview with Musk suffering significant delays. Harris’ campaign seized the opportunity to repost Trump’s scathing critique of DeSantis, using it to underscore the irony of Trump’s predicament. Despite the technical hiccup, Musk declared victory on X, boasting that the event garnered engagement or interaction from a billion people. Meanwhile, CNN reported that Trump made at least 20 false statements during the event. Musk, who had previously declared his full endorsement of Trump, attributed the delayed start to a “massive” cyber attack that supposedly overwhelmed X’s systems. https://youtu.be/qAmW4mj03RU Not one to miss a chance for political theater, Trump remained defiant, describing the event as a resounding success. “I spent 2 1/2 hours last night talking to Elon, a fantastic guy, getting all-time record Views/hits, and all the Fake News wants to report is that the servers crashed (because of the tremendous volume!), and the show opened a little late,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “What they should be reporting was the incredible number of people that were listening. I absolutely HATE the Fake News Media. So bad for our Country!” Kamala Harris’ campaign, meanwhile, didn’t miss a beat, releasing a statement that ridiculed the entire debacle: “Trump’s entire campaign is in service of people like Elon Musk and himself—self-obsessed rich guys who will sell out the middle class and who cannot run a livestream in 2024,” Harris’ team posted on X. https://twitter.com/KamalaHQ/status/1823194536983556377/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1823194536983556377%7Ctwgr%5E4e454398f99eac266d0de7f249d07f9b0144da91%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fkamala-harris-highlights-trumps-x-livestream-issues-w-his-words%2F The clash exemplifies the digital age warfare characterizing the current political landscape, where even technical mishaps become fodder for fierce partisan battles. Harris’ strategic use of Trump’s own words against him not only highlighted the irony of the situation but also demonstrated her campaign’s readiness to engage robustly with the challenges of a modern presidential race, where both political and technological proficiency are scrutinized under the public’s lens. The unfolding drama sets the stage for a highly charged and high-stakes 2024 election campaign, where every move, word, and even technical glitch are bound to be exploited by opponents in the relentless pursuit of political advantage. https://youtu.be/UaReR8Dye3g Vera Liddell, a former food service director for Harvey School District 152 in Illinois, has pleaded guilty to stealing $1.5 million worth of chicken wings. The theft, which involved ordering over 11,000 cases of chicken wings between 2020 and 2022, was uncovered during an audit. Liddell, who faced charges of theft and running a criminal enterprise, has been sentenced to nine years in prison. She was booked on August 9, the New York Post reports. We reported earlier that Liddell worked for the impoverished school district for more than a decade, and during the COVID pandemic, she got the idea to steal frozen food intended for remote-learning students. It isn’t clear what she did with the products but investigators suspect she sold the frozen wings. https://youtu.be/fQQ3D6Yuixw “The massive fraud began at the height of COVID during a time when students were not allowed to be physically present in school,” court docs said, WGN reported. “Even though the children were learning remotely, the school district continued to provide meals for the students that their families could pick up.” According to court records, Liddell ordered more than 11,000 cases of chicken wings from Gordon Food Service, the school district’s food provider, and she picked up the orders in a district cargo van. “The food was never brought to the school or provided to the students,” per the court docs. District funds were used to pay for the food, according to prosecutors. An investigation uncovered surveillance video of Liddell arriving at Gordon Food Service to pick up cases of food. Prosecutors said the school district doesn’t serve chicken wings because they contain bones. https://twitter.com/nypost/status/1822844026443170149/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1822844026443170149%7Ctwgr%5Ec6d866a82caffe3ed8ff2e9d7872b40218a3b196%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fillinois-school-worker-sentenced-for-1-5m-chicken-wing-theft%2F The Southern California-based Hutchinson Fund is proud to unveil its latest initiative, the Earl Sr. and Nina Hutchinson Students of Color Financial Support Award. This award, beginning in August, aims to provide monthly financial assistance to high school and college students of color, helping to cover essential expenses such as materials, transportation, and food. The inaugural student recipient for August is Kyndahl Carter, a dedicated scholar-athlete at California State University San Bernardino. Her hard work and commitment have earned her this financial support, paving the way for further academic and personal achievements. A hearty congratulations to Kyndahl on receiving this honor. The Hutchinson Fund has outlined plans to distribute multiple cash awards in September. Those with potential student awardees are encouraged to get in touch for more information. Recognizing the crucial impact that timely financial support can have on a student’s academic journey, the Hutchinson Fund is particularly focused on aiding minority students in underserved urban school districts. Many aid programs in these districts have been downsized or eliminated, making the role of private donor groups increasingly significant. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1172043713910348 This past weekend, social media influencer Kayla Nicole, known for her previous relationship with Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce, brought the heat to Instagram with a series of sizzling pics for display to her almost 800K followers. Attired in a stylish white bikini paired with a chic Chanel headscarf, Kayla’s photos caused quite a stir—not just for her fashionable ensemble, but for an unexpected controversy. While Kayla Nicole kept the photo shoot location under wraps, attentive followers quickly noticed a peculiar and contentious detail: a starfish strategically placed on her body. The seemingly innocent marine prop sparked an immediate backlash from her audience. Social media users were quick to call out Kayla for her use of the starfish, pointing out the potential harm such an act could cause to the marine creature. One follower passionately commented, “I am passionate about not picking up the starfish. The oil/chemicals on your skin can be harmful to them, and when you take them out of the water, they’re literally suffocating.” Another follower echoed the sentiment, noting, “You do realize when you take the starfish out of the water it was suffocating right? But good pics. Just bad for the starfish.” A third criticized, “Animal cruelty isn’t cute.” For the record, removing a starfish from its aquatic environment can lead to serious consequences for the creature, including severe stress, dehydration, and potentially death. Starfish breathe through tiny tube feet and skin projections that absorb oxygen from the water. Once out of the water, they begin to suffocate and can dry out rapidly, especially under the heat, leading to sudden system shock due to temperature changes, reports The Blast. https://www.instagram.com/iamkaylanicole/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=b716571f-0dd8-4662-84f4-3ee15f7049f3 Kayla has yet to respond to the wave of criticism. Her latest Instagram post ties into a broader narrative about her public life post-breakup with NFL star Travis Kelce. The two had an on-again, off-again relationship for five years before Kelly confirmed his single status in early 2023, subsequently igniting a high-profile romance with pop superstar Taylor Swift. Following the start of Travis and Taylor’s relationship, Kayla found herself under scrutiny from fervent “Swiftie” fans on social media. However, she didn’t hesitate to address the negativity, using her platform to speak out against online hate. In an open letter, Kayla emphasized her commitment to promoting unity rather than division, particularly among women and Black women. “It’s always been really important for me to use my platform, not to create division, but to elevate and unite women, Black women specifically,” she expressed in a video last year. The current backlash over the starfish incident adds another layer to Kayla’s already complex relationship with social media. As followers await her response, the debate over the appropriate use of marine animals in social media. https://www.instagram.com/iamkaylanicole/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=cf52a8cd-547e-4751-99b8-6b0f51d27385 Atlanta Black Pride Weekend and Global Black Pride continue their historic collaboration hosting the first-ever Global Black Pride in Atlanta, GA, impacting the city, August 26th to September 2nd. The Vision Community Foundation, Traxx Girls Inc and Rockstars Production remain producing partners in the annual celebration. The near weeklong Pride Celebration will include special appearances by: Jessica Betts, Niecy Nash-Betts, Keke Palmer, Billy Porter, Yemi Alade, Omawumi, Funky Dineva, Judge Pierce Hand Seitz, Bishop OC Allen III, Rashad Burgess, Melissa “DJ M” Scott and more. Global Black Pride organizers, in conjunction with the mayor’s office and the Atlanta Police Department, have taken extra precautions to ensure that all celebration participants have a safe and enjoyable weekend in the great peach state. The host hotel, Starling Hilton Midtown Atlanta, serves as the epicenter for lodging, convention, and general Atlanta information needs. https://vimeo.com/97825118 Jerrold Norwood, a founding member of the platinum-selling Chicago-based gospel music ensemble Shekinah Glory Ministry, passed away of cancer complications on August 4, 2024. “The members of Shekinah Glory Ministry aren’t just fellow worshippers or fellow singers or fellow musicians, we are family,” was a statement posted on Shekinah Glory Ministry’s Facebook page. “We regretfully announce the passing of one of our original members, Jerrold Paine Norwood. Jerrold was a giant of a worshipper, a threat to the devil, a warrior to those who were unhoused and downtrodden. A devout family man and our dear brother.” The ebullient Jerrod Paine Norwood was born January 3, 1964, in Chicago, IL. He grew up in the area and was a founding member of Shekinah Glory Ministry when it first organized circa 1999. The ensemble has earned five R.I.A.A.-certified gold and platinum recordings for hit recordings such as “Praise Is What I Do,” “Yes,” and “Before the Throne.” He led the song “Higher” from the group’s 2007 live album. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnyuEqjbLCA Erica Shelwyn Lee Carter, daughter of the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee’s has, announced she will run to serve out the remainder of her mother’s term in Congress. Should she win, she will complete the 118th Congress term this year that her mother was serving prior to her recent transition. Erica has committed her life to support a better future for all children inspired by her mother. She is no stranger to the public sector and has worked in federal, state, and local government positions as well as in non-profit sectors. She has previously served as a Democratic elected Trustee for the Harris County Department of Education School Board from 2013 to 2019. Since 2020, she has worked for Commissioner Rodney Ellis’ Policy Division in Harris County Precinct One. A product of Houston public schools she graduated with Honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and earned her Master’s in Public Policy from Duke University. Jackson Lee died at the age of 74 shortly after announcing her pancreatic cancer diagnosis, however in a statement posted to Instagram, Lee Carter said several community leaders and democratic stalwarts have requested she consider a run for the congressional seat. “After careful consideration, the answer is YES,” Lee Carter said. "Shining Bright" in The Gospel Spotlight is The new single "CONFIDENT" by BRI BABINEAUX Kamala Harris is once again on the cover of TIME magazine, this time depicted in an artistic sketch surrounded by supporters lifting her campaign signs high. However, this cover isn’t promoting an interview; rather, it parallels a story by Charlotte Alter titled, “The Reintroduction of Kamala Harris.” The article delves into how Harris has executed “the swiftest vibe shift in modern political history” following her ascension to the top of the Democratic ticket, succeeding President Joe Biden. Harris’s appearance on the cover for the second consecutive month underscores her political momentum, symbolically stepping into the frame as Biden steps out. Despite the flattering portrayal, the cover has sparked controversy, especially among supporters of former President Donald Trump. Critics argue that the depiction serves as “propaganda.” Notably vocal, investigative journalist Laura Loomer took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to voice her disapproval: “You’ll recall it was supposed to be the photo of President Trump with his fist in the air post-assassination attempt…. And now it’s an Obama-era style graphic image of @KamalaHarris.” https://twitter.com/LauraLoomer/status/1822987363649237030/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1822987363649237030%7Ctwgr%5Edcba99b57e13c05f4bebaf7f7fb17a08e5d7d8fc%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fkamala-harris-returns-to-times-cover-but-republicans-attack%2F Fatal Attraction returns tonight, August 12 at 9 PM ET/8C. BLACK FRIDAY BLOODSHED When a mother and her daughter are found stabbed the day after Thanksgiving, detectives eye her estranged husband and new boyfriend. The investigation soon leads them to hair-raising footage that exposes the killer they’ve been looking for all along. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jr9nsfNop1c Deadly Case Files returns tonight, August 12 at 10 PM ET/9C. DETECTIVE JAMAEL LOGAN Police are called after security finds a dead body in Atlanta. Detective Jamael Logan is assigned to the case and asks for the surveillance footage from along with the items left behind at the crime scene. Will it be enough to crack the case? For our Southern California readers who experienced that shaker around 12:30pm today, it registered a magnitude of 4.4, according to preliminary reports from the U.S. Geologic Survey (USGS). The quake, initially reported at a magnitude of 4.6, was later adjusted to 4.4 which is kind of disappointing in a sense ’cause it felt a LOT bigger than that. Anyway, the epicenter was pinpointed in the El Sereno neighborhood, approximately 5-6 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles. This area experienced a trio of smaller quakes earlier this year, raising concerns among residents. As the ground shook, Wilson High School in El Sereno evacuated students and staff on what was the first day of the new school year for Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) campuses. ABC7 reported the evacuation, which proceeded smoothly, ensuring everyone’s safety. In response to the quake, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) immediately activated “Earthquake Mode,” deploying crews throughout the city to inspect critical infrastructure and assess potential damage to buildings and other structures. “There are currently no initial reports of structural damage or injuries,” announced the LAFD in a statement. “An update will be provided once LAFD Earthquake Mode is complete. Though no additional earthquake activity is predicted, firefighters urge residents to prepare for any aftershock.” https://youtu.be/OJV2HrBMxhc NBA stars Jaylen Brown and Jason Kidd are headed to Oakland to launch a new initiative called the Oakland XChange to invest in Oakland’s community. “Today was a great day to commence,” said Brown, who calls Oakland his “second home,” ABC 7 reports. “Being able to identify the next location. And be able to have collective people of influence show up here,” he continued. The Boston XChange is focused on tackling wealth disparities by establishing a Black Wall Street in Boston. Brown is partnering with Kidd to bring a similar initiative to Oakland, ABC 7 reports. “(Brown) did the championship on the court, but we can also win championships off the floor. And I am here to support that,” said Kidd. https://youtu.be/5kCIe4F4oAA Brown and Kidd plan to start with a multimillion-dollar investment to support various projects focused on building generational wealth. Per ABC 7, these efforts include establishing business incubators, launching programs for local artists and musicians, and acquiring property in areas like downtown Oakland. “What they can fund is the acquisition of real estate assets, which brings the cost of space down significantly by owning those assets. Also allows us to invest in those spaces knowing they will be in the community in perpetuity,” said Trevor Parham, founder of Oakstop, one of the partners in Oakland Xchange. https://twitter.com/TheNBPA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1822998953605939311%7Ctwgr%5E5b836e86209ffca7dd2172d75717b550a37b8f1d%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fnba-stars-plan-to-boost-oaklands-economy%2F Oakland City Councilmember Carroll Fife said, “This injection, this support, this investment is a game changer for – not just the entire city, but economic hub of the city, which is District 3.” Brown added, “I think there are a lot of great things that are already going on in Oakland. Rich history, tradition, entrepreneurship, so it is not like I got to come here and start something that ain’t been done already.” https://youtu.be/uCHqPWGOzfU Beyoncé’s six-year-old Rumi Carter has made history as the youngest female artist to ever appear on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. Her voice is featured on “Protector,” a track from Bey’s new album “Cowboy Carter.” The song debuted at No. 42 on the Hot 100, which ranks based on streaming, airplay, and sales, Blavity reports. In 2019, Rumi’s older sister, Blue Ivy Carter, became the youngest female artist to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 at age 7 for her contribution to “Brown Skin Girl” on Beyoncé’s “The Lion King: The Gift” album. Queen Bey made history earlier this year when her name was included in the French encyclopedic dictionary Petit Larousse Illustré. According to TMZ, the superstar is listed as a proper noun in the dictionary, and described as an “American singer of R&B and pop.” The other notable people included in the 2024 dictionary are both French and foreign and include Cate Blanchett, LeBron James, and Christopher Nolan, among others. https://www.instagram.com/p/C5GGhXhOQ0y/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=7ef9c450-7dfb-44df-b2f4-1b7527c10866 The new entries “reflect concerns, developments or strong movements this year,” Carine Girac-Marinier, head of dictionaries and encyclopedias at Larousse, told French outlet Le Point. Meanwhile, Beyonce and Blue-Ivy lend their voices to Disney’s upcoming “Mufasa: The Lion King” live-action prequel movie. Here’s the synopsis: “Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone, until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka—the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny—their bonds will be tested as they work together to evade a threatening and deadly foe.” The project boasts an all-star cast that includes Thandiwe Newton, Anika Noni Rose, and Donald Glover. According to the press release, the film “explores the unlikely rise of the beloved king of the Pride Lands.” “I was so glad that both Beyoncé and Blue Ivy were down to do it, and watching them work together was just really special,” said director Barry Jenkins. “Beyoncé is this larger-than-life figure, but when she’s working with her daughter, when she’s in the room with her daughter, she’s a mom first. So much of that energy bled into the film.” “Mufasa: The Lion King” hits theaters nationwide on Dec. 20. https://youtu.be/o17MF9vnabg Keisha Caine Bishop, Noah Lyles‘ mother, is speaking out about the Olympics security’s alleged refusal to assist her son after he collapsed following the men’s 200-meter final. Lyles, who ran despite a COVID-19 diagnosis, fell at the finish line and had a temperature of 102 degrees, according to his coach. His mother recounted the distressing experience on Instagram, criticizing security for ignoring her pleas for medical help, New York Post reports. “This was one of the scariest moments of my life!” Caine Bishop wrote on Instagram. “Watching my son hold his chest gasping for air while the stadium security refused to call a Dr. as I begged them to send him help,” she continued. “They also refused to do anything to help. They totally ignored me! No parent should ever have to experience this feeling of helplessness!” Lyles’ mother thanked NBC Olympics and USA Track and Field staff for their support. Jay-Z will officially regain the rights to his 1996 album “Reasonable Doubt” in 2031. Dame Dash, who has been trying to sell his Roc-A-Fella shares, will see his 33.3% stake in the record company auctioned off later this month, Hot New Hip Hop reports. According to Jay-Z’s recent legal filing, the album rights will revert to him after 35 years, making the upcoming auction of Dash’s shares relevant for only about six more years of revenue from the album. In other words, the winning bidder of the auction will receive one-third of the revenue from “Reasonable Doubt” for approximately six years. The minimum bid for Dash’s stake is $1.2 million. The auction is intended to cover a judgment from a defamation and copyright infringement suit won by Christopher Brown and Muddy Waters Pictures against Dash. In a 2023 interview with Dr. Taje Moreno on The CEO Show, Dame said he is a “proud broke” man. USA Gymnastics asserts they have video proof that Jordan Chiles‘ appeal was submitted on time and are requesting that her bronze medal be reinstated. We reported earlier via CNN that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced on Sunday that the bronze medal given to Chiles in the floor exercise would be awarded to Bărbosu. It comes after a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled that the initial inquiry made by the USA over Chiles’ score in last week’s gymnastics floor exercise final was filed after the one-minute deadline. The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) said that Chiles’ original score of 13.666 would be reinstated, landing her in fifth place, behind Bărbosu (with a score of 13.700) and gymnast Sabrina Maneca-Voinea. “Following the CAS decision about the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Floor Exercise Final and the amendment of the ranking by the International Gymnastics Federation, the IOC will reallocate the bronze medal to Ana Barbosu (Romania),” the IOC said in the statement. “We are in touch with the NOC of Romania to discuss the reallocation ceremony and with USOPC regarding the return of the bronze medal.” https://youtu.be/XVommbrKdMs The initial error occurred in the scoring by FIG, and the second error was during the CAS appeal process, where the USOPC was not given adequate time or notice to effectively challenge the decision. As a result, we were not properly represented or afforded the opportunity to present our case comprehensively,” the statement continued. “Given these circumstances, we are committed to pursuing an appeal to help Jordan Chiles receive the recognition she deserves,” the committee concluded. “We remain dedicated to supporting her as an Olympic champion and will continue to work diligently to resolve this matter swiftly and fairly.” Olympian Simone Biles showed support for Chiles on Instagram Saturday, writing, “Sending you so much love Jordan. Keep your chin up Olympic champ! We love you!” Ice skating Olympian Adam Rippon also turned to social media to react to the ruling. https://www.tiktok.com/@adaripp/video/7401660418298580267?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Folympians-rally-behind-jordan-chiles%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121451205%2C121439635%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7401660418298580267 Snoop Dogg served up a memorable performance at the Paris Olympics closing ceremony on August 11. The hip-hop star delivered his hit “Drop It Like It’s Hot” from Los Angeles, where he was joined by Dr. Dre for a performance of “The Next Episode.” The closing ceremony took place at Paris’ Stade de France, where many Olympic events were held. Snoop was a “special correspondent” for NBC Olympics coverage. He also took part in the opening ceremony on July 26, and at one point carried the Olympic torch ahead of the event. The rapper reunited with Martha Stewart during the games at a dressage event on August 3 and shared a heartwarming moment with tennis legend Billie Jean King, who posted a selfie with Snoop on X. “Met the incomparable @SnoopDogg,” King wrote in her July 29 post, TODAY reports. “Both of us were born and raised in Long Beach, California, and graduated from Long Beach Polytechnic High School. LBC forever in our hearts.” https://www.instagram.com/theshaderoom/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=2fac3f5f-364c-431a-a75b-6df1b33a0983 Rumor has it that Snoop Dogg was paid $500k a day plus expenses to serve as a “special correspondent” covering the Olympics in France. “Sat next to an NBC exec at dinner, he said Snoop gets paid $500k a day plus expenses to be here promoting Olympics. From ‘Gin and Juice’ to a few million to be a celebrity at the Olympics – what a world,” wrote Venture capitalist Henry L. McNamara on social media, Complex reports. Sports business reporter Darren Rovell quote-tweeted the post, writing, “Sounds about right. Someone asked me how much Snoop was making.” He added, “First number that came to mind was $10 million.” The 2024 Summer Olympics lasted for 16 days, suggesting Snoop’s total earnings reached $8 million. However, this figure has not been officially confirmed. “I grew up watching the Olympics and am thrilled to see the incredible athletes bring their A-game to Paris. It’s a celebration of skill, dedication, and the pursuit of greatness,” Snoop Dogg said previously in a statement. https://youtu.be/26XOpBDRhWc Adele has allegedly confirmed her engagement to Rich Paul after three years of dating. The British songstress shared the news during her concert in Munich, Germany, on Thursday, in response to a fan who jokingly proposed to her, Page Six reports. “I can’t marry you because I’m already getting married so I can’t,” Adele said. According to Page Six, Adele wasn’t wearing a ring at the concert, but she was spotted last month sporting a large diamond on her engagement finger. We reported earlier that Adele allegedly had the sports agent sign a prenup before tying the knot to protect her estimated $220 million fortune. Last year, Deuxmoi reported that Adele and Paul had already tied the knot. So, are they newly engaged or married? Who knows! A new report from the New York Times claims Donald Trump calls Vice President Kamala Harris a “bi*ch” behind closed doors. The report includes insights from over a dozen people close to Trump and highlights his difficulty in crafting an attack against Harris. The article also claims Trump believes that Democrats’ “weird” label only applies to his running mate, JD Vance. Per the Times: “Indeed, Mr. Trump has often been in a foul mood the past few weeks. He has ranted about Ms. Harris. He has called her “nasty,” on “Fox & Friends,” and a “bitch,” repeatedly, in private, according to two people who heard the remark on different occasions. (“That is not language President Trump has used to describe Kamala, and it’s not how the campaign would characterize her,” Mr. Cheung said.)” According to Mediaite, Trump noted at a recent rally in Montana that he’d rather run against Harris than President Joe Biden. “Do you think he’s happy? I don’t think so. He’s not too happy. You know, they took it away from him, they really did. The guy had 14 million votes. She had none, but I’d rather run against her. I think she’s easier to beat I really do,” the former president said. A Ferguson, Missouri, police officer (Travis Brown) was severely injured and is “fighting for his life” after being assaulted Friday night during protests marking the 10th anniversary of the police shooting of Black teenager Michael Brown. A 28-year-old has been charged in the officer’s assault, and several other protesters are in custody, officials said. The incident came after protesters blocked streets near the Ferguson Police Department Friday night. The demonstrations remained peaceful for most of the evening until some people began “violently” shaking the fence at the police station, Chief Troy Doyle said at a Saturday news conference. “We did not react. We stayed here, let them shake the fence,” said the chief. “That happened several times throughout the night up until the point that they broke the bottom portions of our fence, and they destroyed property on our police department’s parking lot.” https://youtu.be/PskkTmFbchI At that point, Doyle deployed his arrest team to make arrests for the destruction of property. The team was assaulted by several protesters, and one of the officers, identified by police as Travis Brown, suffered a severe brain injury, Doyle said. As Travis Brown was attempting to arrest someone who had broken and stolen a large portion of the station’s fence, the suspect charged at him “violently” with his shoulder, which knocked the officer down and caused him to suffer a head injury, Doyle said. “He is at an area hospital right now, fighting for his life,” said the chief, who was visibly emotional during the news conference. Two other officers were injured Friday night, including one who suffered an ankle injury and another who had abrasions, Doyle said. https://youtu.be/nypAZnHsVDg Elijah Gantt, 28, faces five charges in Officer Travis Brown’s assault, including resisting arrest, first-degree property damage, and two charges of fourth-degree assault, according to the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Gantt is being held on a $500,000 cash-only bond and must stay 1,500 feet away from the Ferguson Police Department, according to the prosecutor’s office. CNN has been unable to determine if Gantt has obtained legal representation. Several other protesters are in custody, and prosecutors are working on filing additional charges against them, St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell said at the news conference. “We believe people have the right to peacefully protest, but when that line is crossed and people are harmed, property is damaged – people have to be held accountable,” said Bell. Brown joined the department in January after working with the St. Louis County Police Department, the chief said. The officer joined the force “because he was inspired to do the right thing,” he said. “He wanted to be part of the change.” The officer is not related to Michael Brown’s family, a police spokesperson told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. https://youtu.be/-ak_CsLD45Y Brenda Russell, the celebrated Grammy and Tony-winning singer/songwriter, is poised to deliver a rare and electrifying performance at The Roxy on the Sunset Strip on Friday, September 13, 2024. This highly anticipated event marks Russell’s first-ever appearance at the legendary rock club and her debut performance with the illustrious Hollywood Jazz Orchestra. The Hollywood Jazz Orchestra, known for their dynamic and eclectic sets at esteemed L.A. venues such as Catalina’s and LACMA, will bring their innovative blend of fresh, relevant music to The Roxy, adding a new chapter to the venue’s storied rock history. This appearance will see the orchestra, under the direction of Charley Harrison, supporting Russell on some of her timeless hits, including the Grammy-nominated “Piano in the Dark” and “Get Here.” Currently, Brenda Russell is experiencing a renaissance in her career with the release of her new anthem “What Will It Take” – her first solo recording in two decades. Additionally, the movie adaptation of “The Color Purple,” featuring songs she co-wrote for the acclaimed stage musical, has further solidified her prominent status in the industry. “I’m very honored to be asked to perform with the Hollywood Jazz Orchestra,” Russell notes excitedly. “This will be my first time performing with an orchestra, something I’ve always dreamed of. I’m bringing a little Latin, jazz, and straight pop! It should be a wonderful evening!” The performance will not only highlight Russell’s classics but also include unique big-band arrangements crafted for the occasion. Fans can expect renditions of “Dinner With Gershwin,” a Top 10 R&B hit for Donna Summer, and tracks from her 2000 album “Paris Rain” such as “Walkin’ In New York” and “Please Felipe.” These customized arrangements are curated by the Hollywood Jazz Orchestra’s conductor, Charley Harrison, who brings a wealth of experience from his tenure as the Director of the UCLA Jazz Orchestra. The Paris Olympics provided basketball fans with memorable performances, but for Steph Curry and his family, it wasn’t all celebrations. NBA legend Curry’s wife, Ayesha, found herself in tears while dealing with French authorities in a moment that has since gone viral. Ayesha Curry, a well-known TV personality here in the States, was in Paris to support her husband, who played a key role in Team USA‘s victory over France in the gold medal game. However, a video has surfaced showing her in a tense confrontation with local authorities, overwhelmed with emotion. The video captures Ayesha wiping away tears during the altercation. Although the specifics of the dispute are unclear, it appears there was contention about whether she and her infant son, Caius Chai, could reach their car, which was stuck in traffic caused by French President Emmanuel Macron’s departure from the area. The situation escalated when baby Caius got unintentionally hit on the head amid the chaos, prompting an emotional response from both Ayesha and Steph’s mother, Sonya. https://youtu.be/v2F-ACh1tbM Steph’s Golden State Warriors teammate, Draymond Green, was also present and vocally supportive. Green confronted the authorities, expressing his frustration: “So even after y’all hit the baby in the head, there’s still nothing y’all can do to get them out of here?” Despite their pleas, the French authorities remained firm, insisting that the family had to stay put. The confrontation left a lasting impression, overshadowing what had otherwise been an uplifting experience for the Curry family. Prior to this distressing encounter, Steph Curry was riding high from his performance. He was pivotal in securing Team USA’s win against France, particularly with his clutch shooting in the game’s final moments. The victory earned Curry, alongside fellow NBA star LeBron James and their teammates, a coveted gold medal. The incident with the authorities marks a somber conclusion to what had been a joyous Olympics for the Curry family. While the Paris Olympics will be remembered for the thrilling games, this emotional episode adds a stark reminder of the challenges faced even by the most celebrated athletes and their families. https://www.instagram.com/stephencurry30/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=e4045f12-24ae-449b-b483-9802c0b35b6b Nick Cannon and comedian/actress Courtney Bee chats about their roles as hosts for Season 2 of Wondery’s hit podcast “We Playin’ Spades.” This season promises even more engaging discussions, lively banter, and the competitive spirit that made the first season a hit. Hosts delve deeper into the cultural significance of spades, share personal anecdotes, and invite exciting guests to join the conversation. Fans can look forward to a blend of humor, strategy, and camaraderie that captures the essence of the beloved card game, according to the press release. Nick and Courtney are pitting their card-playing skills against a new lineup of celebrity guest opponents every week. The new season premiered ad-free on Wondery+ on July 22, and it’s available on Amazon Music, YouTube, and wherever podcasts are available starting July 29. https://youtu.be/8iVoA0No_rg Sean Webb didn’t expect to be sitting at his keyboard, sharing painful childhood memories. But that’s what the 35-year-old employment specialist in Denver found himself doing recently. In a series of Facebook posts, Webb wrote about how invisible he once felt when standardized test forms forced him to select a race by checking just one box. He wrote about the first, harsh moment when he realized others saw him differently than he saw himself – describing how a classmate once berated him with questions insisting he was Chinese or Japanese (He isn’t). And he wrote about the time when his high school civics class once spent an entire period debating whether he was a US citizen (He is). Webb’s mom is Filipina. His dad grew up in Appalachia. He’s inherited those identities. He takes pride in them. Sometimes, his feelings about them may even go unsaid. https://youtu.be/BURiu_OvWdU If the presidential nominee is a biracial woman who wants to make mainstream white America feel comfortable about voting for her as the next POTUS, she had to choose a white man as her vice-presidential running mate. That makes Minnesota Governor Tim Walz a DEI hire for Kamala Harris. Anyone who understands the purpose of ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion’ should understand that analogy. The trouble is some people use the term to imply that a DEI hire is not qualified to hold the position or is taking an opportunity away from some qualified professional. That’s not true. As an Asian Indian and Jamaican woman from liberal California and an HBCU graduate, Harris already appeals to women. She already appeals to Black people. She already appeals to Asians. But she needs White men to vote for her too. Being married to one probably has worked to her political advantage. Still, can a presidential candidate be successful without a white man as a running mate? https://youtu.be/zklXrqRZ1sM Gigi Goode and Symone, two stars from the hit series “Avalon TV,” dive into the new season of their wildly entertaining show. Known for its over-the-top antics and under-the-wig drama, “Avalon TV” offers an insider’s look into the creative powerhouse that is The House of Avalon. With a mix of fashion, nightlife, drag, and more, this season promises to deliver even more iconic moments, celebrity guests, and the kind of off-the-wall energy that has made the show a must-watch. Here’s the synopsis: “AVALON TV” is an off-the-wall, over-the-top, and under-the-wig series that takes you inside the brains of LA’s hottest creative collective, The House of Avalon. Whether it’s fashion, nightlife, drag, art, comedy, or media – this chosen family is creating one iconic pop culture moment after another, and skyrocketing to success by their own set of rules. Symone (RuPaul’s Drag Race S13 winner), Gigi Goode (Drag Race S12 fan-favorite), Marko Monroe, Hunter Crenshaw, Grant Vanderbilt, Caleb, and Rylie star in this genre bending series filled with real life drama, pranks, parties, and celebrity guests galore. https://youtu.be/-cq5DzNPdug From award-winning musician, writer, producer, director, and star, Jussie Smollett, comes the highly anticipated film “The Lost Holliday” set to debut in US theaters on September 27th. The critically acclaimed, poignant, and heartwarming indie film, which received rave reviews at ABFF, will open in select AMC Theatres this September. Vivica A. Fox stars as Cassandra Marshall, who arrives in Los Angeles to plan the funeral of her estranged son, Damien Holliday (Jabari Redd). Upon her arrival, Cassandra discovers that the funeral arrangements are already being handled by her son's husband, Jason Holliday (Jussie Smollett) - a man and a marriage she knew nothing about. Through Jason, their adopted daughter Arielle (Londyn Carter), Jason's sister Cheyenne (Brittany Hall), and best friend Duck (Marquise Vilsón), Cassandra learns more about her son in death than she ever did in his life. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvEktsCgBgY MC Lyte joined Audacy Check In to discuss her new album, “1 of 1,” which features a collaboration with music legend Stevie Wonder. The hip-hop superstar recalled the experience and challenges of convincing Wonder to commit to the project, sharing how it took persistence and patience to make the collaboration happen. “[Stevie] said, ‘Okay, y’all could come down. I’m gonna do it.’ So we went down to the studio, and he was in the middle of recording a song for himself, which was fantastic. So we were waiting, and then after that, he had to eat,” she explained. “We waited through him eating, went back into the studio, and he says, ‘I think I’m gonna do it tomorrow.’ I was like, ‘What?!’ I was like, ‘He had us come all the way down.’ Okay – you gotta just be grateful to be in the room. And so we left.” Lyte continued, “And then the following day I was like, ‘Is he gonna do this?’ You know, so I hit Warryn up all, can you find out if he’s gonna do it? ‘Oh, I forgot to call you. He did it already. And he sent it to me.’ I was like, ‘Thanks. I’m over here sweating,’ because we’re at the ninth hour. But yeah, he did it and he also played a harmonica at the end. And, you know, he’s such a sweet and loving guy.” https://youtu.be/JmmFPfk_e-4 The Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation and Primary Wave Music presented the 3rd Annual Gala, celebrating the 30th Anniversary of her historic visit to South Africa on Friday, August 9th, 2024, at the St. Regis Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia, which also marks Whitney’s three historic post-apartheid visits and performances following Nelson Mandela’s historic election win as the then President of the new South Africa. The event was hosted by Kevin Frazier of Entertainment Tonight and Pat Houston, president of the Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation, along with Jonathan Slocumb as MC. Whitney was the first major recording artist to perform in the newly unified, post-apartheid nation. She performed at Kings Park Stadium in Durban (November 8, 1994), Ellis Park Stadium also known as Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg (November 12, 1994), which was filmed for the HBO Special, and the final performance was held at Green Point Stadium in Cape Town (November 19, 1994). The gala opened with a video message from Honorary Chair and Chief Creative Officer Clive Davis of Sony Music Entertainment, who spoke about Whitney’s historic trip to South Africa thirty years ago during the beginning of the post-apartheid era with the then newly elected President Nelson Mandela. Davis also shared Whitney’s cultural significance and impact on the world of music and entertainment early in her career and her memorable performance of “Home,” by the then 19-year-old on The Merv Griffin show, 41 years ago. In the ever-evolving landscape of professional sports, the WNBA has emerged as a powerful force for its athletic prowess and its unwavering commitment to social justice. Dawn Porter’s latest documentary, “Power of the Dream,” available on Prime Video, delves into the inspiring stories of WNBA icons and their indomitable spirit in the face of adversity. Porter, known for her profound works on social justice (“John Lewis: Good Trouble” Deadlocked: How America Shaped the Supreme Court), found herself venturing into the world of sports through this project. “a media company initiated by female athletes, including Sue Bird and Simone Manuel. “Sue and Nneka Ogwumike wanted to tell the story of what happened for a while, and they made some traction with Amazon. I made a four-part series for ESPN about the history of Title IX, which was my first experience in doing sports stories. This project perfectly matched my interests in women, politics, and civil rights.” Porter highlighted the unique unity within the WNBA, particularly in their political activism. “Throughout history, athletes like Muhammad Ali and Colin Kaepernick have been remarkable. But what’s different about the WNBA is their unity. They figured out a way to listen to each other, speak to each other, and come to a unified approach. It’s 144 players in the WNBA, and getting them all to agree on something is a testament to their leadership skills.” This unity was particularly evident in their response to WNBA team owner Kelly Loeffler’s disparagement of their efforts for change. Their advocacy for Raphael Warnock, who later voted for Ketanji Brown Jackson as the first African-American female Supreme Court justice, showcases their tangible impact on politics. https://youtu.be/9tFofopAh2Y In a revealing first TV interview since stepping down from the presidential race, President Joe Biden admitted that internal pressures from Democratic Party elites, notably former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, influenced his decision to withdraw. This dramatic disclosure sheds light on the intricate dynamics and strategic maneuvering within the party. Biden, 81, acknowledged that his reelection bid was generating concerns among Democratic colleagues in both the House and Senate. They feared his campaign would negatively impact their own chances of reelection. During the interview on “CBS News Sunday Morning,” Biden stressed that remaining in the race would have been a constant source of distraction. “A number of my Democratic colleagues in the House and Senate thought that I was going to hurt them in the races. And I was concerned if I stayed in the race, that would be the topic — you’d be interviewing me about why did Nancy Pelosi say [something] … and I thought it’d be a real distraction,” Biden explained. Reflecting on his tenure, Biden emphasized his initial vision of being a “transition president” and pointed out his age as a significant factor. He underscored the paramount importance of “maintaining this democracy” in his choice to step down, according to a NY Post story. https://youtu.be/0h8soxXtMK8 The incumbent president faced internal party turbulence following a less-than-stellar debate performance against former President Donald Trump in June. Amid rising dissent within Democratic ranks, Biden’s decision to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris has invigorated her campaign, which has shown increased momentum against Trump in recent polls. While Biden refrained from detailing any personal discord with Pelosi, it is widely speculated that she orchestrated the push for his exit — a claim she has not definitively denied. Initially supportive, Pelosi’s public stance shifted as internal party angst grew post-debate. “It’s up to the president to decide if he is going to run,” she remarked during an interview on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” a statement made conspicuously soon after Biden’s firm commitment to running again. Behind closed doors, Pelosi’s political acumen came into play. According to CNN reports, she presented Biden with polling data that painted a grim picture of his chances. When Biden pushed back, Pelosi arranged a direct conversation with his long-time adviser, Mike Donilon. This candid exchange underscored Pelosi’s determination; as one Democrat insider shared with Politico, “Nancy made clear that they could do this the easy way or the hard way. She gave them three weeks of the easy way. It was about to be the hard way.” Publicly, Pelosi has remained reticent about her interactions with Biden, maintaining that her actions were solely in the best interest of ensuring a winning Democratic campaign. “I never called one person. I kept true to my word. Any conversation I had, it was just going to be with him,” she told the New Yorker. Yet, she did acknowledge the influx of concerns from fellow Democrats, further cementing her influential role during this critical juncture. Despite the evident strain and lack of direct communication as of early this month, Pelosi expressed no regret about her involvement. https://youtu.be/q34aWrELY_g “They want five-minute shorts,” said filmmaker/radio personality Tim Greene about what kids want and what kids will see on his Next Kids Worldwide streaming platform. “It’s a streaming network of videos and radio shows that are commercial-free.” The NextKidsWorldwide.com streaming network was launched for underprivileged kids who want to improve their lives to strive for excellence. The network accepts music from young artists. Its programming and content is there to inspire the next generation of kids worldwide to achieve excellence. The content for Next Kids Worldwide is for ages five to twelve. It streams in seven different languages in 75 countries. Programming includes a focus on education, music, films, and fashion. The Next Kids Worldwide network takes over where Tim Greene left off with a life dedicated to inspiring and empowering young kids to seek out and reach excellence. Without funding Tim Greene has traveled the country handing out laptops to kids in need. Greene said he stopped counting laptops at 400, but he has given out more than he can count. “We are still giving them away,” he said about the laptop giveaways. “We have chrome booklets now.” Tim started as a professional tennis player winning over 120 tennis trophies. At 13 he won a scholarship to Princeton Universities for their summer tennis camp. After that journey he started another as a radio personality for such stations as Stevie Wonder’s KJLH, KKBT 92.3FM The Beat, KMPC Sports Radio, Radio One’s WPHI The Beat, KISS 102FM and FOXY 99FM, NPR’s WSGE Radio, and Bay 78FM in Japan. Remember when Lionel Richie, flanked by 1984’s finest pyrotechnics, closed out the LA Olympic Games wearing an entirely beaded jacket? It was one of Richie’s first solo gigs after leaving funk and soul group the Commodores two years earlier. “I was just getting my feet wet,” Richie told the Associated Press in 2020. “I think I had done a couple of Vegas shows just to warm up, but nothing like this.” He performed a memorable 9-minute rendition of “All Night Long” to an estimated viewing audience of 2.6 billion, surrounded by a dancing entourage dressed in a mix of white tracksuits and red cheerleading mini-dresses. As they circled around the stage, a torrent of fireworks lit up the sky. While he might now be associated with a more muted wardrobe, particularly his revolving stock of American Idol-approved leather jackets and black Anthony Thomas Melillo T-shirts, Richie was once a more daring — or at least dazzling — dresser. The unforgettable blue and silver beaded jacket he wore to the 1984 Olympics was cropped at the hips, with silver piping around the collar and sleeves. https://youtu.be/flK7gSF7D6I Jayson Tatum, the star power forward for the 2023-24 NBA champion Boston Celtics, has had one hellava year filled with remarkable achievements both on and off the court. Following Team USA’s victory at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, where they defeated France 98-87, Tatum has another reason to celebrate — the arrival of his second child with Ella Mai. In a joyful photo shoot that captured the essence of a family celebration, Tatum, 26, was seen posing with his mom, grandmother, eldest son Jayson “Deuce” Tatum Jr., and girlfriend Ella Mai. The occasion didn’t just mark the compound joy of Olympic triumph but also hinted at another personal milestone. In a widely circulated video (see it, below), Mai, a well-known British R&B singer-songwriter, was seen carrying a baby, later confirmed to be Tatum’s newborn son, also named Jayson, according to MediaTakeOut. The baby’s appearance has been the subject of speculation since fans noticed Mai with a pronounced baby bump during the NBA Finals back in June. Despite the joyful photos and video, neither Tatum nor Mai, 29, have made any direct statements about their new family member, reports SI. Mai, who burst onto the music scene after being discovered by DJ Mustard, has built a successful career since her early days on The X Factor. With hits like “Boo’d Up,” she has cemented her place in the R&B genre. While the spotlight often naturally falls on Tatum, her burgeoning career and the significant personal milestones they share highlight the dynamic duo’s bond. In a candid moment during the premiere of the Braxton family’s new WeTV series, “The Braxtons,” Towanda Braxton opened up about her health, addressing rumors and misconceptions that have surrounded her for quite some time. The episode, which aired on Friday, August 9, 2024, delved deep into the concerns of fans who had speculated about Towanda’s well-being, especially after she adopted a bald look following the tragic death of her sister, Traci Braxton, from cancer in 2022. Towanda’s candid conversation with her younger sister, Trina Braxton, brought light to the reasoning behind her bald appearance. She revealed that her new look had led fans to question whether she was also battling a serious illness. “A lot of people was sending me messages saying, ‘Oh my god, is Towanda sick? Is Towanda sick? Oh my god, is she sick too?’” In the heartfelt discussion, Towanda shared the touching backstory of how all the Braxton sisters decided to cut their hair in a show of solidarity during Traci’s cancer battle. However, in a playful moment, she called out Trina for not joining in, with Trina humorously admitting that a bald look wouldn’t suit her round face, which she inherited from their mother, Evelyn Braxton, reports theJasmineBrand. https://youtu.be/bB-ZW_ztW2Y The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced on Sunday that the bronze medal given to American gymnast Jordan Chiles in the floor exercise at the Paris Games will be awarded to her Romanian counterpart Ana Bărbosu. It comes after a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling on Saturday that said that the initial inquiry made by the USA over Chiles’ score in Monday’s gymnastics floor exercise final was filed after the one-minute deadline. The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) said that Chiles’ original score of 13.666 would be reinstated and that Bărbosu’s ranking – with a score of 13.700 – would be improved to third. The IOC confirmed that the score change means Chiles will be stripped of her bronze and given to Bărbosu. “Following the CAS decision about the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Floor Exercise Final and the amendment of the ranking by the International Gymnastics Federation, the IOC will reallocate the bronze medal to Ana Barbosu (Romania),” the IOC said in the statement. “We are in touch with the NOC of Romania to discuss the reallocation ceremony and with USOPC regarding the return of the bronze medal.” https://youtu.be/Dr3fZrYCXyE Team USA’s women’s basketball team only just held off France to win the gold medal on Sunday, escaping with a 67-66 win that was just inches away from being sent into overtime. The Americans had a three-point lead as the French brought the ball back down the floor with 3.8 seconds to go. France’s best player on the day, Gabby Williams, got the ball and charged downcourt. As Williams approached the three-point line, she launched a running shot and hit it off the glass as the buzzer sounded. But incredibly, her foot was just on the line – making it only count as two. Team USA takes home its eighth straight gold medal in Olympic women’s basketball. It was a heartbreaking way for the game to end for the home nation. The crowd at Bercy Arena had been raucous throughout the game, the last athletic contest being played as a part of these Summer Olympics. The French had helped bring an incredible atmosphere to all the competitions, but the basketball finals on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon had been ramped up even further. https://youtu.be/kkuPEsEzp6s The third quarter saw France throw its best punch at the Americans. Coming out of the locker room on fire, France opened up a 10-point lead on the US. French President Emmanuel Macron had ditched his jacket and was standing and cheering along with the rest of the Parisians in attendance as it suddenly seemed like this unlikely upset could really happen. But when Team USA wanted to get going, it could. Two of its biggest superstars, Kelsey Plum and A’ja Wilson, teammates on the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA, were that spark in the third quarter. On a quick series of possessions, Plum drained a three, found Wilson for a fast break lay-up, and then hit a second three to chop the French lead down. Team USA’s sloppiness kept the Americans from a bigger lead, ending the third quarter only two points up. Eventually, the group of WNBA superstars pushed the advantage more in the fourth quarter and never gave it all the way up again. The French simply refused to go away throughout the final frame, however. Led by Williams, France used its swarming defense and some timely shots to stay right with the Americans the whole way down the stretch. https://youtu.be/m7yuIONeif8 Looking for a strong sisterhood with Nicki Minaj and her younger sister Ming Li? Look elsewhere. The pair don’t look to be on each other’s good side as Li’s comments on her famous sibling can be interpreted in a less than loving way. An interview Li recently did during a Stationhead broadcast found the “Moment 4 Life” rapstress on an unnamed person who is opting to ““speak openly about a private person” in interviews.” Word from fans is that Minaj’s remarks may be directed at Li. “Why would a person speak on a person they love?” the entertainer said. “Why would a person speak openly about a private person? Why would a person do that? Who would you speak about in your interviews if someone wanted to interview you? Yourself, right?” As the chat progressed, Minaj went further in on who was on her mind, stating “it’s always a sign” if someone who’s “not even in your line of work” winds up doing interviews with those who are. “I think y’all think talent, like, you can catch it like a cold or maybe people can pass it through the genes,” the Barbz leader added. “Even with blood relation, what God has given to me is mine. You have to go and get your own. You have to discover whatever it is that you’re great at. Being a mooch and a clown don’t run in my DNA.” On Monday, August 12 at 8:00 am, attorney Jasmine Mines will hold a press conference at the Criminal Court Building Los Angeles, CA. The press conference aims to inform the media and the public about an important court proceeding involving her client, Marion “Suge” Knight. Knight, the former CEO of Death Row Records, will be participating in the proceedings remotely from the Richard J. Donovan prison via video link. This court session, which is scheduled to commence at 8:30 am in Courtroom/Department 101 of the Clara Foltz Shortridge courthouse, will be overseen by Judge Coen. When former President Donald Trump reasserted his unsubstantiated claim that immigrants are “taking Black jobs,” the phrasing once again became internet fodder. On social media, typically accompanied by the #blackjob or #blackjobs hashtags, people (including celebrities) shared their “Black job,” pushing back on perceived racial stereotypes and xenophobic rhetoric. Trump later clarified, during his interview at the National Association of Black Journalists, that “Black jobs” apply to all jobs held by Black Americans and others, and that he was raising the alarm on potential employment risks. Still, the discussion comes as Black workers have made significantly positive — and, in many cases, historic — employment advancements. They’re also occurring at a point when the labor market appears to be at an inflection point. “This is the greatest economy that we’ve seen for Black people in our lifetimes and, arguably, ever, but there are still significant inequalities,” said Algernon Austin, director for race and economic justice at the Center for Economic and Policy Research. “Unemployment rates are very low, employment rates are high, wages are high, income is high, poverty is low, wealth is high. Those are great, but all those measures still have significant racial gaps and a lot of work that needs to be done.” https://youtu.be/Vc0S2_xR5rs The pandemic recovery and economic expansion since has resulted in wage gains for many workers, and that has included Black workers, she noted. “Even at historic lows, Black Americans still have a higher unemployment rate than any other racial or ethnic group that is recorded in the BLS statistics each month,” Wilson said. “We talk a lot about the 2-to-1 ratio between Black and White unemployment (the Black unemployment rate typically is twice the White unemployment rate), so, the progress has been marginal in terms of that disparity.” In July, the unemployment rate for White workers was 3.8% (versus 6.3% for Black workers). “In recent years, that last two years or so, we’ve seen that (Black-White wage gap) is trending down,” she said. “But even with that narrowing of the gap, it is by no means gone.” https://youtu.be/vL4ZgU99GjU Another key disparity that persists is the issue of occupational segregation: Many jobs are still disproportionately held by Black or Hispanic workers, Julia Pollak, chief economist with ZipRecruiter, told CNN via email. “For example, according to BLS data, Black workers are just 12.8% of all employed Americans, but 48.4% of postal service workers, 38.1% of nurse assistants, and 36.1% of security guards,” Pollak said. “Similarly, Hispanic workers are just 18.8% of employed Americans, but 74.3% of drywall installers, 63.1% of roofers, and 61.1% of carpet installers.” https://youtu.be/U9CQGn4-ImY Two-time Dove Award winner and Stellar Award-nominated Christian hip-hop artist, singer, and songwriter Aaron Cole announces the release of his deluxe album Sorry, I Changed (Again). Available for pre-order now, Sorry, I Changed (Again), will officially drop on August 23rd. Following his most recent album Sorry, I Changed, which was released earlier this spring, this deluxe edition includes five bonus tracks featuring GRAMMY-winning artists such as BEAM, Kierra Sheard, and more. The new song “I Love It (Remix)” feat. BEAM, is now available as an instant grat track with the deluxe album pre-order. Aaron Cole recently appeared on SiriusXM’s “Sway In The Morning,” where he discussed the inspiration behind the album's name and delivered a freestyle performance. He shared, “Sometimes people just don’t understand, and it’s like, man, I’m sorry I had to change. In order to become the person that God called me to be, I had to change and go to the next level.” She has an undeniable, clear, and powerful voice with an authoritative yet meek delivery and style. Chrystal Rucker is one of Gospel music's most identifiable voices. With grace and ease, she elevates both contemporary and traditional Gospel audiences to an experience that is never forgotten. Chrystal is a powerhouse vocalist who sings from the depths of her sanctified soul. Her vocal prowess has been summoned by the who's who in Gospel, including legends Edwin Hawkins and Daryl Coley, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Richard Smallwood, Donald Lawrence, The Clark Sisters, Yolanda Adams, Pastor Marvin Winans, CeCe Winans, Dr. Judith McAllister and Pastor Donnie McClurkin. She has been featured on recordings by The Edwin Hawkins Music & Arts Seminar Mass Choir, Bishop Paul S. Morton, Jonathan Nelson & Purpose, The GMWA Mass Choir, Ricky Dillard & New G, Anthony Brown & Group Therapy, and many more. Chrystal released her debut solo album, YOU DESERVE, in 2012 (EPM Music Group). That album included the title track hit single "You Deserve" and helped propel her solo career as a national recording artist. Gospel music luminary Marvin Sapp is set to release his 16th album, Then & Now, on August 30th. It will be the second album released on Elev8 Media & Entertainment, his independent label. Recorded live at Valley Kingdom Ministries, Then & Now is Sapp’s 16th album release. During the evening of the recording, Sapp dazzled the capacity crowd with powerful new songs as well as refreshed favorites from his more than 30-year career in music. For almost two hours, Sapp – accompanied by a powerhouse band and extraordinary background vocalists – kept the crowd on its feet. The energy in the room was electrifying the entire evening. Then & Now is the culmination of that memorable night: a collection of live music from Marvin Sapp, pristinely mastered for perpetuity. “I’m really proud of this album; I think it sounds incredible,” says Sapp. “I enjoyed working with some new creatives who helped me bring to life this vision of doing a record that feels like a live Marvin Sapp concert – with some tried and true favorites sprinkled in with new songs. On the back end, I enlisted veteran mixers to ensure a high-quality sound – that’s where the magic happens when it comes to producing a live record. I can only hope that everyone who listens to it is blessed by it, but I had an absolute blast recording Then & Now. 5x Grammy Award-winning gospel music legend, Karen Clark Sheard has just released her new song “Look at Me” produced and co-written by the legendary music and fashion mogul Pharrell Williams. “Look at Me” is a fun up-tempo track with an urban groove that will immediately have listeners turning up the bass on their speakers to immerse themselves in this next level groove of praise. Williams is giving his signature, one-of-a-kind Neptunes flare combined with the collaboration of 4x Grammy Award-nominated producer J. Drew Sheard II and created a song sure to be a hit to music lovers around the world. According to Sheard II, “Pharrell has been a long term mentor for me. Since he first signed me when I was 18, we’ve remained in consistent contact and I’m so honored that he was willing to be a part of one of the many projects we’re working on together.” As many know, Williams was recently named the Men’s Creative Director for Louis Vuitton and has been working out of the company’s headquarters in Paris. Sheard II flew to Paris to meet him in order to get the in-person feedback to make this track and the full album as spectacular as possible. “It’s always great working with Pharrell. His musical ear and insight inspires me and I’m grateful to be a student each time we connect.” “Look at Me” was written by Williams, Clark Sheard and gospel superstar Kierra Sheard. It combines a heavy baseline, special sound effects, complex background harmonies, and all with a simple message of gratefulness saying, “Look at me and see what God has done.” It’s a song of praise that celebrates that no matter what “I don’t look like what I’ve been through.” A portion of the song was also highlighted during Sheard’s Stellar Awards performance accompanied by her daughter Kierra Sheard that premiered on BET Saturday, August 3rd. LIGHTS, CAMERA...SHOWTIME! TV ONE’S NEW DOCU-SERIES "RAISING FAME" FEATURING KEVIN DURANT PREMIERES THIS SUNDAY AT 10 PM ET/ 9 PM C https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOuC_BRFGT8 Popular docu-series “Raising Fame” takes center stage this Sunday, August 11, at 10 PM ET / 9 PM C on TV One. Hosted by celebrity moms Lucille O’Neal (mom of Shaquille O’Neal) and Sonya Curry (mom of Stephen, Seth, and Sydel Curry),. “Raising Fame” delves beyond the glitz and glamour to provide a unique perspective in the words of both the parents and celebrated children themselves. Basketball superstar Kevin Durant was born and raised in Maryland by a strong and determined single mother, Wanda Durant. In this episode, Ms. Durant shares what drove him to beat the odds and become one of the greatest basketball players ever to grace the court. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wwoNZkpvFE In a recent exclusive interview with POLITICO, former Los Angeles City Councilman and State Senator Nate Holden set the record straight about a near-fatal helicopter incident involving Donald Trump. Contrary to the former president’s repeated claims, it was Holden, NOT former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, who accompanied Trump on the nerve-racking ride. Holden, who at 95 years old vividly recalls the harrowing event, estimates it took place sometime in 1990. “Willie is the short Black guy living in San Francisco,” Holden remarked. “I’m a tall Black guy living in Los Angeles. I guess we all look alike,” he added with a hearty laugh. https://youtu.be/y7CmTAQy9gw Halle Berry’s ex-husband Olivier Martinez is making their intent to peacefully co-parent their son an uphill battle, according to the “B.A.P.S” star. Sandra Rose cites a new court filing from Berry that alleged Martinez failed to show up to co-parenting classes for Maceo, their 9-year-old son. Court documents obtained by People note an agreement reached by the former couple, who finalized their bitter divorce in August 2023. The agreement highlighted Martinez’s willingness to attend a co-parenting class with a coach to “resolve disputes and conflicts between them in an effort to successfully co-parent” Maceo. However, Berry claims the French entertainer was a no-show for the scheduled meeting with the co-parenting coach. In her eyes, Martinez “unilaterally terminated” coaching sessions without telling her or the coach. Rather than put in the time for the class, Berry alleged Martinez opted to go on a vacation in France for the summer. The “John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum” fixture pointed out that Martinez “has chosen to repeatedly violate agreements and court orders with careless regard,” adding that his alleged “conduct harms” Maceo and his “already strained relationship” with Berry. Wesley Snipes’ cameo in “Deadpool & Wolverine” marked a very pleasant note in the surprise-filled Marvel release as well as a Guinness record-setting milestone in his history with his popular character Blade. According to The Jasmine Brand, Snipes’ appearance as The Daywalker broke the Guinness World Record for the longest career as a live-action Marvel character. The actor’s return to form as Blade comes 25 years and 340 days after he first played the vampire hunter in 1998’s “Blade.” With this record, Snipes moves past “Deadpool & Wolverine star Hugh Jackman’s record for portraying Wolverine since donning the claws in “X-Men” in 2000. In addition to surpassing Jackman’s record, the “New Jack City” alum entered the Guinness Book for the second time setting a record for the longest gap between appearances as a Marvel character. The last time Snipes’ played Blade was in the 2004 film “Blade: Trinity.” From bringing the character back for “Deadpool & Wolverine,” he moved forward past Alfred Molina’s 17-year gap as Doctor Octopus between “Spider-Man 2” from 2004 and “Spider-Man: No Way Home” in 2021. https://youtu.be/awutXO7a7_Q Chronicling Snipes’ road back to Blade, The Jasmine Brand took note of an interview the entertainer did in which he revealed it was Deadpool himself Ryan Reynolds who reached out to him to reprise the role for his third outing as the Merc with a Mouth. “I thought it didn’t make sense to me, but [when] you get a call from Ryan Reynolds out of the blue after 20 years, you go, ‘Okay, I got to take this call. Let’s see what this is about,’” Snipes shared with Entertainment Weekly “… He told me the idea… They said ‘yes’ and ‘it’s a go.’ ‘If you’re in, we’re in.’ Here we are.” https://youtu.be/C5ZSmhNAVPM With “Deadpool & Wolverine, Snipes joins a slew of actors who brought their respective Marvel characters back for an encore. The feature, which has pulled in $824 million globally after two weekends in theaters, is the second-highest-grossing movie of 2024 behind “Inside Out 2” ($1.555 billion) and is expected to enter the $1 billion territory in the coming days. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/XiDKQXdCKAI?feature=share The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled on Saturday that the initial inquiry made by the USA over Jordan Chiles’ score in Monday’s gymnastics floor exercise final was filed after the one-minute deadline. That means that Chiles’ score is reverted to the original 13.666, which was only good enough for fifth place. It’s unclear as of Saturday what that means for the bronze medal that Chiles was awarded. The competition on Monday ended dramatically. Immediately after the competition finished on Monday with Chiles’ routine, Romanian gymnast Ana Bărbosu thought she had won the bronze medal after posting a score of 13.700. Chiles had initially posted a score of 13.666 but her coaches successfully challenged the difficulty score which added 0.1 to her score and moved her up to third, behind gold medalist Rebeca Andrade and American Simone Biles. Their appearance together on the first all-Black Olympics gymnastics podium produced one of the most iconic images of the Games as the Americans bowed down to Andrade. However, CAS ruled that the inquiry submitted on behalf of Chiles “was raised after the conclusion of the one-minute deadline” stipulated in the regulations and “is determined to be without effect.” https://youtu.be/vND0WXk9uBs Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu had earlier said he refused to attend the Olympics closing ceremony in protest over the women’s floor exercise final. Ciolacu said in a statement on Wednesday that Ana Bǎrbosu and Sabrina Maneca-Voinea were treated “in an absolutely dishonorable way” by the judges in the floor final. Bǎrbosu finished in fourth place in a stunning turn of events involving American gymnast Jordan Chiles’ routine, and Maneca-Voinea was given a .1 point penalty for leaving the floor exercise mat, though it did not appear she actually stepped out of bounds. “It is unacceptable that, in a competition of this magnitude, which promotes values such as respect, understanding, and excellence, a girl who had honestly won her medal should be brutally deprived of the result of her work of four years! I couldn’t look at her tears and accept with serenity that such a thing is perfectly normal!” He added, “And the fact that hundreds of millions of viewers from all over the world were, like us Romanians, effectively shocked by this terrible scene, shows that somewhere, in the system of organizing this competition, something is wrong.” https://youtu.be/DdGIdXDJcWw In recent years, the NBA has not only been a battleground for intense on-court rivalries but also a stage for off-court conflicts reflecting deeper social and political issues. One of the most notable frictions is between Enes Kanter Freedom, an outspoken activist and former NBA player, and LeBron James, a global basketball icon and social justice advocate. This report delves into the roots, development, and implications of the discord between these two prominent figures. Enes Kanter Freedom, originally from Turkey, has been a vocal critic of the Turkish government, particularly President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. His outspoken stance has led to significant personal and professional challenges, including threats to his safety and strained relations with his homeland. Beyond his criticism of Erdoğan, Kanter has also been an advocate for human rights and has used his platform to speak out against injustices worldwide. LeBron James, a four-time NBA champion and one of the most influential athletes globally, has been equally vocal on various social issues. James has championed causes related to racial equality, police brutality, and voting rights. His activism has garnered widespread acclaim but has also attracted criticism from those who believe he should remain focused on sports. Points of Contention China and Human Rights: The primary point of contention between Kanter and James revolves around China. Kanter has been a fierce critic of China’s human rights record, particularly regarding the treatment of Uighur Muslims and the political situation in Hong Kong. He has accused the NBA and some of its top players, including James, of hypocrisy for not speaking out against China’s actions due to financial interests. https://youtu.be/zj4xxWZvBag The friction between Kanter Freedom and James highlights the complexities athletes face when they step into activism. It underscores the tension between global human rights advocacy and commercial interests in international markets. The conflict also illustrates the different ways athletes can approach social justice, reflecting personal priorities and the challenges of navigating the intersection of sports, politics, and business. Recently, this tension was further highlighted when LeBron James was chosen to carry the U.S. flag at the upcoming Paris Olympics. This decision sparked mixed reactions, including pushback from Kanter, now known as Enes Freedom. Freedom, who has long criticized James, argued that James’ association with Nike and his stance on China disqualify him from such an honor. Despite Freedom’s criticisms, James remains largely unresponsive, continuing to focus on his athletic and advocacy endeavors. While LeBron James will add another chapter to his illustrious career by potentially carrying the flag and aiming for a third Olympic gold medal, the ongoing conflict with Enes Freedom underscores the broader conversation about the role of athletes in advocacy. This case exemplifies the unique challenges and responsibilities that come with being a public figure who straddles the worlds of sports and social justice. The differing approaches of Enes Kanter Freedom and James serve as a reminder that activism is not monolithic; it can take many forms and often reflects broader societal divisions. As the NBA continues to be a platform for such discussions, the league and its players will undoubtedly face ongoing scrutiny and debate over their roles in addressing global issues. https://youtu.be/eST38b3pyaE Marcus Jordan, son of NBA legend Michael Jordan, was recently seen indulging in what appeared to be a white powder substance during a poolside lunch at the Tiara Miramar Beach Hotel and Spa Cote d’Azur in the South of France. The 33-year-old ex-boyfriend of Larsa Pippen was seen using a metal implement to sniff the mystery powder at a crowded table. Dressed in casual resort attire, Marcus seemed focused as he inhaled the substance, while his bikini-clad girlfriend, Ashley Stevenson, conversed animatedly beside him. The other guests at the table appeared generally unaware or indifferent to his actions, with lunch continuing around him without interruption. Following the incident, Marcus was spotted flashing a wide smile and engaging in lively conversation with his companions. The juxtaposition of his carefree demeanor with the potentially controversial act has sparked considerable attention and speculation. https://youtu.be/-EF974LHqbY As preparations for the upcoming Democratic National Convention/DNC ramp up, some of the biggest names in Hollywood are jockeying for prime positions. However, sources close to the Harris-Walz campaign reveal that not everyone will NOT make the cut. The campaign team is emphasizing strategic and selective celebrity involvement to avoid turning the Chicago-based DNC event into a “Hollywood liberal elite” affair. The Harris-Walz campaign is taking lessons from Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign, where heavy celebrity involvement may have backfired, painting the event as out of touch with everyday Americans. According to sources familiar with the campaign’s internal planning, Kamala Harris and her team are keen on not repeating this mistake. They aim to balance the excitement and human connection that celebrities can bring without overshadowing the core political messages. Team USA has once again proven their dominance in men’s basketball by clinching their fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal, defeating host nation France 98-87 in a hard-fought final at the Paris Olympics held in Bercy Arena. This triumph not only underscores the United States’ supremacy in the sport but also marks a historic achievement for Kevin Durant, who secured his fourth gold medal – the most by any male basketball player in Olympic history. The United States showcased its determination and focus, leading almost the entire game. Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Steph Curry, all potential future Hall of Famers, made crucial plays, especially in the game’s closing moments to maintain their edge against a resilient French team. France, led by budding superstar Victor Wembanyama, managed to cut a significant double-digit deficit to just three points with 2:58 left on the clock. However, it was Steph Curry who turned the tide in Team USA’s favor with a series of stunning three-pointers. Just ten seconds after Wembanyama’s bucket tightened the score, Curry responded with a three-pointer, doubling Team USA’s lead. He continued to shine, hitting another three with 1:53 remaining and a spectacular high-arcing shot over a Wembanyama double team with just 35 seconds left, essentially signaling “good night” to the French crowd. https://youtu.be/zqdG90v0BIo Curry ended the game with an impressive 24 points and five assists, hitting eight critical three-pointers. This followed his phenomenal performance in the semifinals against Serbia, where his nine three-pointers were pivotal in overcoming a 17-point deficit, leading to a come-from-behind victory against the team’s star player, three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic. Team USA’s journey to gold wasn’t without its challenges. The team had to navigate past formidable opponents in the knockout stages, including Jokic’s Serbia and the towering presence of Wembanyama. Despite these hurdles, their resilience and star-studded roster prevailed. “We knew we were going to be challenged,” noted LeBron James. “We knew it was going to be the toughest game up to date.” This era of basketball success speaks volumes, especially when contrasted with the famed 1992 Dream Team. That historic squad, revered for revolutionizing the sport globally, consisted of 11 NBA players in a tournament where the entire non-American field had just nine NBA athletes. Their opponents in the semifinals and finals tallied a mere three NBA stars, notes the Wall Street Journal. However, the Dream Team’s legacy sparked a global basketball revolution. This year, the sport saw unprecedented international representation with 69 players on non-American teams. Team USA’s victory in Paris wasn’t just about preserving their legacy; it was a testament to their ability to adapt and excel in an increasingly competitive global basketball landscape. https://youtu.be/Uo7rmLN6ANk Colman Domingo provided an update on whether he’ll reprise his role as Ali in “Euphoria” Season 3. The Emmy-winning actor was asked about his return during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live on Bravo. “I will be returning to Season 3 of Euphoria,” Colman said, noting that filming would “get started early next year.” Domingo also expressed hope that the new season will tackle Rue and Laurie’s dramatic situation “over the suitcase full of drugs.” “I hope so, that’s a good storyline,” Domingo said. “That Laurie character was incredible.” We reported earlier that “Euphoria” season 3 is anticipated to debut in 2025, following numerous delays since the airing of its second season in 2019. Sean Grayson, the former Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy charged with the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, claims that he thought she was going to “kill” him when she stated, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.” We reported earlier that body camera footage released last month by the prosecutor’s office shows Grayson, 30, threatening to shoot Massey for moving a pot of boiling water from the stove. She can be heard saying, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus” twice as she holds the pot. In the video, Grayson is heard threatening Sonya with, “I’ll f**king shoot you right in your f**king face,” after she approaches the pot of water. Massey, 36, complied when the officer gave her “loud, clear verbal commands” to unhand the pot. She then ducked and said, “I’m sorry.” Grayson fired his gun three times at the woman, killing her inside her own home. He was indicted by a grand jury on three counts of first-degree murder, along with charges of aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct. According to reports, Grayson is currently held without bond in Sangamon County Jail. https://youtu.be/uf3RSzvaoXw Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu plans to boycott the Paris 2024 Closing Ceremony in protest of a controversial decision that awarded Team USA gymnast Jordan Chiles a bronze medal after a successful appeal, which resulted in Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu losing her bronze medal. “I decided not to participate in the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics, after the scandalous situation in gymnastics, where our athletes were treated in an absolutely dishonorable way,” Ciolacu wrote on Facebook on Tuesday, The Express reports. “To withdraw a medal earned by honest work on the basis of an appeal, which neither the coaches nor the top technicians understand, is totally unacceptable!” Ciolacu added. “The fact that hundreds of millions of viewers from all over the world were, like us Romanians, effectively shocked by this terrible scene, shows that somewhere, in the system of organizing this competition, something is wrong,” Ciolacu said. https://youtu.be/vND0WXk9uBs “I don’t want to argue with anyone today, but I just choose to protest with my gesture against a blatant injustice towards some Romanian women who have fully proven their worth! Sabrina and Ana Maria, you have a whole nation by your side for whom your work and tears are more valuable than any medal, no matter what precious metal it is!” https://twitter.com/daily_romania/status/1820879918713933957/photo/1? ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1820879918713933957%7Ctwgr%5Ef41b517a11743defb8e0f1aef883ec62060856d7%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fromanian-pm-to-boycott-olympics-over-jordan-chiles%2F Dramatic footage has emerged capturing the arrest of rapper Travis Scott at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris. The 33-year-old entertainer was seen being forcefully led out of the hotel lobby in handcuffs by three male police officers. The incident was part of a chain of events prompted by an altercation between Scott and his bodyguard. The video begins with the recently arrested Scott being dragged through the lobby, hands cuffed tightly behind his back. Despite the chaos, Scott remains silent, ignoring questions and taunts from onlookers and paparazzi. The video culminates with the rapper being placed into a police car, still quiet as officers secured him in the backseat. The incident stemmed from a heated argument about local paparazzi. Allegedly, a photographer managed to get into the trunk of Scott’s car, prompting Scott to confront his bodyguard. https://youtu.be/U8ool-RSFQw The confrontation quickly escalated into a loud dispute, alarming the hotel staff who subsequently called the authorities, according to Page Six. “They were screaming at each other, and the hotel freaked out and called the cops,” an insider told the outlet. The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed in a statement to NBC that on August 9, 2024, they arrested Scott for allegedly assaulting his security guard. The prosecutor’s office added, “The security guard had intervened to separate the rapper from his bodyguard. The Paris public prosecutor’s office has referred the case to the 1st district of the judicial police.” Scott attended the Paris Olympics in Paris and stayed at the esteemed George V Hotel. His representatives have assured that they are working closely with local authorities to resolve the situation. “We are in direct communication with the local Parisian authorities to swiftly resolve this matter and will provide updates when appropriate,” a rep for Scott told Page Six. The video ends on a slightly more positive note, showing Scott being released from his handcuffs upon entering a police van, signaling a resolution might be in process. https://youtu.be/uPg1hj79B-s As the 2024 back-to-school season approaches, parents are facing higher costs than ever before, driven largely by inflation. According to recent data from the National Retail Federation (NRF), the average family is projected to spend $875 per child on back-to-school supplies, setting a new record. This increase is a result of both rising prices and growing demand for electronics, which now dominate back-to-school shopping budgets (NRF | Homepage) (Investopedia). Electronics Lead the Way-Electronics have emerged as the largest expense for families during this season, with total sales expected to reach $15.2 billion. Items such as laptops, tablets, and calculators are in high demand as more students rely on digital tools for their education. Adjusting to Inflation-Faced with rising costs, many parents are making adjustments to their shopping habits. A survey by FinanceBuzz found that over 50% of parents are opting for generic or less expensive brands this year, while others are looking for more sales or reusing supplies from previous years. Bernice King responded to former President Donald Trump’s comparison of the size of the crowd during his “Stop the Steal” speech to Martin Luther King Jr.’s during his “I Have a Dream” speech at the March on Washington. During a news conference at Mar-a-Lago, Trump asserted that no one had spoken to larger crowds than he had, comparing his audience size to that of Martin Luther King’s historic event, Vibe reports. “Nobody has spoken to crowds bigger than me,” Trump said during a news conference at Mar-a-Largo. He added, “If you look at Martin Luther King, when he did his speech, his great speech, and you look at ours, same real estate, same everything, same number of people.” Bernice King on X/Twitter, writing “Absolutely not true. I really wish that people would stop using my father to support fallacy.” https://twitter.com/BerniceKing/status/1821633848956088734/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1821633848956088734%7Ctwgr%5Eaf4afbc1943157bb6a27c3c2ba82401f0bd6315b%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fbernice-king-reacts-to-trump-comparing-his-crowd-to-mlk%2F Former President Donald Trump’s disastrous news conference https://twitter.com/KamalaHQ/status/1821619184146518026?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1821633848956088734%7Ctwgr%5Eaf4afbc1943157bb6a27c3c2ba82401f0bd6315b%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fbernice-king-reacts-to-trump-comparing-his-crowd-to-mlk%2F The NAACP also responded via X saying, “Not only is that completely false, but here’s what is more important: MLK’s speech was about democracy. Trump’s was about tearing it down.” https://twitter.com/NAACP/status/1821650831256473816/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1821650831256473816%7Ctwgr%5Eaf4afbc1943157bb6a27c3c2ba82401f0bd6315b%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fbernice-king-reacts-to-trump-comparing-his-crowd-to-mlk%2F Kai Cenat claims he was contacted by several people to feature Vice President Kamala Harris on his livestream channel. However, this may not be accurate. According to TMZ, the Harris presidential campaign has not reached out to the popular video game streamer about any appearance opportunities. He has not yet publicly addressed the campaign’s denial of his claims. Vibe reports that in his initial livestream, the 22-year-old said the Secret Service phoned him “five times.” “If someway, somehow, something was to go into where I do a stream [for] politics, I’m going to be 100% honest. I’m going to sit on my stream and say ‘Why did you guys call me?,’” he detailed. “I don’t know! I’ve never done anything with politics and these blogs are like ‘Yo, you’ve got to do this sh*t Kai‘—And it’s all the top blogs.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1821015560886395243 Breakdancing, which originated in the Bronx during the 1970s among African-American youth, grew alongside the rise of hip-hop culture. The dance style gained national and international attention in the 1970s and 1980s. By 1990, breaking had become a global phenomenon with international competitions. Three years ago, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that breaking would be an official Olympic sport, following successful trials at the 2018 Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires. On August 9-10, the top breakdancers from over a dozen countries will compete at the Paris Olympics. Athletes from China, France, Japan, the Netherlands, South Korea, Ukraine, and the United States, will compete for gold in breaking. A total of 33 dancers (16 B-Boys, 16 B-Girls, and one reserve) will face off in round-robin preliminaries, followed by elimination rounds including the quarterfinals, semifinals, and medal battles, Sporting New reports. In the round-robin stage, breakers are divided into four groups and paired for one-on-one battles, each featuring a best-of-three contest. The top two dancers from each group will advance to the quarterfinals, where they will continue competing in knockout battles to reach the semifinals and medal rounds. Per THR, judges will evaluate the breakers based on creativity, execution, technique, originality, vocabulary, musicality, and complexity. https://youtu.be/QdC9An2cqck Dionne Warwick has no plans to retire anytime soon as the music legend is gearing up to release new music with Earth, Wind & Fire. In a recent interview with US Weekly, the 83-year-old five-time Grammy winner reflects on career highlights and shares what’s next for the future. She also shared her thoughts on the style of current pop and R&B singers. Warwick explained that today’s younger artists “feel that they invented show business.” She added, “It’s a youth-oriented industry today – which doesn’t surprise me because when I was coming through, it was a youth-oriented industry. I find it quite interesting that talent is not the precedence. It’s how little you can wear, how much you can shake your body, how different you have chosen to look. It’s another industry altogether.” https://youtu.be/Jm2zDkuvqA8 Yung Miami, Diddy’s ex-girlfriend, has publicly addressed their relationship for the first time, revealing that he was never physically abusive towards her. In the season two premiere of her award-winning series “Caresha Please,” the City Girls rapper discussed her time with the disgraced Bad Boy Records founder. Yung Miami was involved with Diddy before his ex Cassie filed a lawsuit against him late last year, and prior to surveillance video surfacing earlier this year showing him assaulting Cassie at a hotel in Los Angeles in 2016. Yung Maimi expressed her shock and distress upon seeing the footage and emphasized that her own experience with Diddy was entirely different, noting that the video did not reflect her relationship with him. “That was not my experience at all,” she says on the show before revealing she too has suffered abuse at the hands of a romantic partner. “I’ve been in a toxic relationship before when I was younger,” she says. “In high school, my early 20s, and they’re not healthy. They’re not fun. It’s just I’ve been there, done that, and that’s somewhere I would never want to put myself.” She continues, “Now, being 30 with two kids, that’s something I don’t condone or tolerate, something that I grew from. That’s why I say that wasn’t my experience with him, because I wouldn’t even put up with that [again].” She adds that she wants to be a good example “of a mother and a woman for my daughter.” https://www.instagram.com/theneighborhoodtalk/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c2b704b8-a1ce-4ee3-afe0-c902f0dcd0f4 H.E. Charles Middle School in El Paso ISD has banned students from wearing all-black clothing. The principal cited concerns that all-black attire is linked to mental health issues. EPISD officials explained that the decision was made in response to safety concerns raised by parents and teachers, KVIA ABC 7 reports. “I understand that it is a concern, but keep in mind that students safety is our number one priority, and so anytime, there are concerns that are brought forward about student safety it’s important for us to take those seriously,” EPISD Executive Principal, Sarah Venegas, told ABC-7. The school permitted black pants last year but now only khaki pants and blue jeans will be allowed. https://youtu.be/jvI5SWmXHn8 Noah Lyles faced a profoundly different start to his day this past Tuesday. The discomfort he felt was not just the regular soreness that accompanies being an elite athlete—especially one who had recently etched his name in history by becoming the first Team USA sprinter in 20 years to claim gold in the 100-meter final on Sunday. In search of answers, Lyles consulted with medical professionals, leading to the discovery that he had tested positive for COVID-19. Despite the diagnosis, Lyles never once considered withdrawing from the 200-meter final scheduled for Thursday. His resolve to compete was unshaken, even under the shadow of illness. Nevertheless, the impact of the virus on his body was evident during the race. Known for his electrifying speed and magnetic presence on the track, Lyles found it challenging to maintain his characteristic form. Ultimately, Lyles clinched a bronze medal—a monumental feat given the circumstances, yet far from the victory he had envisioned. The strain of the illness was unmistakable as Lyles, completely exhausted and unable to stand, was wheeled off the track at Stade de France, a striking contrast to the jubilant athlete who had celebrated just days earlier, according to the N Y Post. https://youtu.be/Mn_irXe2Vms Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo stunned spectators by capturing gold with an impressive 19.46 seconds, while Team USA’s Kenneth Bednarek took silver with 19.62 seconds. Lyles, visibly drained, shared his thoughts post-race while donning a mask.“I’ve run with worse conditions,” he remarked. “We just took it day-by-day, hydrating as much as possible. Quarantined off. It’s taken a toll for sure, but I’ve never been more proud of myself for coming out here and getting a bronze medal.” Lyles’ unfaltering dedication did not go unnoticed. NBC’s Lewis Johnson reported: “I ran into his mom, Keisha Caine Bishop, who was distraught trying to find him… We located Noah Lyles in medical, being tended to, and she confirmed that Noah had been diagnosed with COVID two days prior… But he decided he was going to run anyway.” The week for Lyles was a rollercoaster ride, beginning with the euphoria of a gold medal win in the 100-meter race, followed by a seemingly effortless qualification in the 200-meter heat. However, his participation in the upcoming 4×100 relay final remains uncertain in light of his COVID-19 diagnosis. https://twitter.com/i/status/1821672175176446439 Shaquille O’Neal is getting well-deserved recognition for helping his fellow man, woman, and child. Essentially Sports reports the four-time NBA champ was named the 11th Annual Muhammad Ali Humanitarian of the Year for 2024. The honor, bestowed by the Kentucky-based Muhammad Ali Center, recognizes social change icons in the same vein as its legendary namesake with four seasonal awards. The acknowledgment for O’Neal is notable as he becomes the first-ever NBA player to reach that level. Past actions from the basketball icon include buying cars for his rookie teammates, footing the bill for an entire store’s purchases, in addition to his work with the Boys and Girls Club, the annual star-studded The Event in November and Shaq-a-Clause during the holidays, not to mention random acts of kindness whenever he sees fit. Taking account of O’Neal’s good deeds, Essentially Sports highlighted a busy summer for the sports star. When’s not following Team USA on exhibition games during the 2024 Olympics or on the 1’s and 2’s during his Summer of Bass tour O’Neal can be found hosting his annual Sports Spectacular Camp as well as ‘Shaq-to-school’ events for Atlanta and Dallas kids via his connection to JCPenney. The Sports Spectacular camp is noted for providing a boost to student-athletes sports. Adding to the effort, O’Neal’s presence is maintained by supplying attendees with gift cards, meals, haircuts, and back-to-school supplies. During a two-day EDM event in Las Vegas, the sports fixture announced a collaboration with The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation and local councils that involves construction of a youth facility in Northeast Vegas for the Boys and Girls Club as well as the building of a CIS Alumni Center. Using marijuana daily for years may raise the overall risk of head and neck cancers by 3.5% to 5%, according to a new study that analyzed millions of medical records. “Our research shows that people who use cannabis, particularly those with a cannabis use disorder, are significantly more likely to develop head and neck cancers compared to those who do not use cannabis,” said senior study author Dr. Niels Kokot, a professor of clinical otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Cannabis use disorder is diagnosed when a person has two or more of such symptoms as craving weed, becoming tolerant to its effects, using more than intended, using marijuana even though it causes problems in life, using it in high-risk situations, experiencing withdrawal and being unable to quit, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “While our study did not differentiate between methods of cannabis consumption, cannabis is most commonly consumed by smoking,” Kokot said in an email. “The association we found likely pertains mainly to smoked cannabis.” ome 69% of people with a diagnosis of oral or throat cancer will survive five years or longer after their diagnosis, according to the National Cancer Institute. If the cancer metabolizes, however, that rate drops to 14%. About 61% of people diagnosed with cancer of the larynx will be alive five years later — a rate that drops to 16% if the cancer spreads. https://youtu.be/Q5SazhhLwx8 The study, published Thursday in JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, analyzed a database of 4 million electronic health records and found more than 116,000 diagnoses of cannabis use disorder among people with head and neck cancers. Those men and women, whose average age was 46, were then matched with people who also had head and neck cancers but were not diagnosed with cannabis use disorder. The analysis showed that people with cannabis use disorder were about 2.5 times more likely to develop oral cancer; nearly five times more likely to develop oropharyngeal cancer, which is cancer of the soft palate, tonsils, and back of the throat; and over eight times more likely to develop cancer of the larynx. The findings held true for all age groups, according to the study. Smoke is one key reason for the association between smoking weed and head and neck cancers, experts say. Smoking tobacco doubles the risk of developing head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, which makes up 90% of all head and neck cancers. Heavier tobacco use leads to even higher risk, and when alcohol is added, the risk is even greater. Due to the way marijuana is smoked — unfiltered and breathed in deeply and held in the lungs and throat for a few seconds — the risk from cannabis smoke could be even greater, experts say. Another key to the puzzle of how cannabis causes cancer: Research has found a link between various cannabinoids and tumor growth. There are more than 100 cannabinoids — biological compounds in the cannabis plant that bind to cannabinoid receptors in the human body, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. All told, there are about 540 chemicals in each marijuana plant. https://youtu.be/lK05szbVmx8 In the digital era, social platforms like Facebook have become a central part of our daily lives. However, users might find themselves temporarily blocked or “in Facebook Jail” due to violations of Facebook’s Community Standards. This guide provides a clear path to understand, appeal, and avoid future warnings on Facebook. https://youtu.be/tX2xYFmNtik Understanding Facebook Jail-Facebook Jail is a colloquial term for temporary restrictions imposed by Facebook on user accounts due to violations of their Community Standards. These restrictions can range from limited posting capabilities to full account suspensions. Step-by-Step Guide to Get Out of Facebook Jail 1. Understand the Violation When Facebook issues a warning or block, they usually provide a reason. It’s crucial to review the notification or email from Facebook to comprehend the specific reason for the action. You should also familiarize yourself with Facebook’s Community Standards to understand what behaviors and content are prohibited. https://youtu.be/3BHyklOI5sw Nearly 50 summer sports — including long-discontinued ones like motorboating and tug-of-war — have made appearances at the Olympic Games since its start in 1896. This year, athletes are competing across 32 sports and 329 events at the Paris Olympics. That’s more than three times the number of sports featured at the very first modern Games held in Athens 128 years ago, according to a CNN analysis of Olympic Studies Centre data. Breaking, or elite breakdancing, is the newest addition to the summer lineup. The sport was proposed by the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games along with skateboarding, sport climbing, and surfing — which made their debut at the last summer Olympics in Tokyo — in an effort to attract a new, younger audience. https://youtu.be/alz2cDFGjNw Only five sports — aquatics, athletics, cycling, fencing, and gymnastics — have appeared in each of the 30 iterations of the Olympic Games. Others, such as croquet and karate, have had much shorter Olympic runs and were discontinued immediately after their debut. Sports that have made strong comebacks over the years include archery, golf, rugby, and tennis. These four were introduced in the early years of the Games, then were left out for more than five decades before being reintroduced. All four have made the 2024 program. https://youtu.be/N_5foHUZL1I Rapper Blueface has been sentenced to four years in prison for violating his probation related to 2021 assault charges. This violation stemmed from a 2021 incident involving the assault of a security guard at a club in San Fernando Valley, California. Blueface’s parents, Karlissa Saffold and Johnathan Michael Porter Sr. were on hand for the verdict in a California court. They later took to social media to update fans of the hip-hop star. “I want to thank everybody for all the love and all the support today,” Karlissa posted on her Instagram account. “I don’t want y’all to think that God didn’t show up today because he did. And if you were in the courtroom, you heard Jonathan take accountability, you heard Jonathan sound like Jonathan.” She added, “He’s in his right frame of mind. We didn’t get the verdict that we wanted to today, but we got some closure, we got some new beginnings, and we are all hopeful.” https://youtu.be/LN8BvCrcj2Q The Braxton sisters are back, and this time, it’s a deeply emotional return as they face life without their beloved sister, Traci! In an interview with EUR, Towanda and Trina Braxton spoke candidly about the decision to return to reality TV with “The Braxtons” on WETV and the challenges of moving forward with the show in Traci’s absence. Towanda was clear there was no hesitation when it came to the idea of continuing the series despite the void left by Traci. “There was no question because this is what Traci wanted us to do,” Towanda shared. “During the time that Traci was transitioning, she wanted to tell her story. She wanted us to reboot it during the time that she was transitioning. So she was like, ‘okay, guys, I can’t do it, so y’all going to have to do it. And when y’all do it, you have to make sure you tell my story.’ This was, the fastest we’ve ever come together to say, yes, it didn’t take any time at all. We have to do it for Traci.” https://youtu.be/bB-ZW_ztW2Y Megan Thee Stallion has done it again. No, not another appearance/performance with VP Kamala Harris. Nope. Once again Meg has captivated the music world with her freshly released video for “Mamushi,” featuring Japanese rapper Yuki Chiba. Following a brief delay, fans were finally treated to the visual feast on Friday, August 9. The Kevin Leyda-directed video transports viewers to Japan, spotlighting “Tokyo Vice” actor Sho Kasamatsu in a pivotal role. Kasamatsu’s character arrives at an eerie, deserted spa and skillfully plays his cards to access a room filled with enchanting women, creating an atmosphere of mystery and allure. The “Mamushi” video has swiftly captured the internet’s fascination, becoming wildly viral almost immediately upon release. The track itself, a standout from Megan’s latest studio album “Megan,” has been omnipresent since its debut, cementing itself as a fan favorite. Fresh off the monumental success of her mega-selling Hot Girl Summer Tour, Megan Thee Stallion flew to Japan to film this cinematic visual. The Houston Hottie didn’t disappoint, bringing her trademark energy, intricate storytelling, and captivating choreography to the screen. https://youtu.be/OdxSbc0ap-s Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris have agreed to participate in a debate on September 10, 2024, to be broadcast on ABC, as announced by the network on Thursday (08-08-24). This announcement follows closely on the heels of a Trump news conference held in Palm Beach, Florida, where he proposed three debates with the Vice President. Initially, Donald Trump had committed to a September 10 debate with President Joe Biden. However, after Biden’s unexpected withdrawal from the Democratic ticket, Trump redirected his focus to debating Harris. This pivot has generated significant attention as it sets the stage for a historic confrontation between two prominent figures from opposing parties. During the Palm Beach news conference, Trump was notably aggressive, questioning Harris’s intelligence and dismissing the idea that she could generate more enthusiasm than him. In a controversial comparison, Trump likened the crowd size at his January 6, 2021, speech—shortly before the Capitol attack—to the audience that attended Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963, reports The Washington Post. In response, Vice President Harris indicated her openness to multiple debates with Trump, beyond the one already scheduled. Speaking to reporters on Thursday evening, Harris said, “I am happy to have that conversation,” suggesting a readiness to face Trump in public forums. https://youtu.be/1HwiNTiz1zA At a campaign event on Thursday, addressing autoworkers at the UAW Local 900, Harris positioned herself as a unifier and an advocate for labor rights, contrasting herself with Trump’s divisive rhetoric. She commended the collective bargaining efforts of the autoworkers, a sentiment well-received by those gathered at the union chapter headquarters. The UAW Local 900, located across from a significant Ford factory, is notable for its history of labor activism and was a focal point during last fall’s walkout. Shawn Fain, President of the autoworkers union, underscored Harris’s and her running mate, Tim Walz’s, commitment to labor issues by highlighting their presence at previous strikes—something Fain suggested Trump would never do. The enthusiastic response from the crowd as Harris thanked them for their endorsement was indicative of her growing support among labor organizations since Biden’s exit from the race. As September 10 approaches, the scheduled debate is expected to be a pivotal moment in the ongoing political landscape. The encounter between Trump and Harris not only promises to be a clash of starkly different visions for the future of the United States but also a potential catalyst for both campaigns as they vie for public approval and support. https://youtu.be/l1Uq49pUlPQ She has an undeniable, clear, and powerful voice with an authoritative yet meek delivery and style. Chrystal Rucker is one of Gospel music's most identifiable voices. With grace and ease, she elevates both contemporary and traditional Gospel audiences to an experience that is never forgotten. Chrystal is a powerhouse vocalist who sings from the depths of her sanctified soul. Her vocal prowess has been summoned by the who's who in Gospel, including legends Edwin Hawkins and Daryl Coley, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Richard Smallwood, Donald Lawrence, The Clark Sisters, Yolanda Adams, Pastor Marvin Winans, CeCe Winans, Dr. Judith McAllister and Pastor Donnie McClurkin. She has been featured on recordings by The Edwin Hawkins Music & Arts Seminar Mass Choir, Bishop Paul S. Morton, Jonathan Nelson & Purpose, The GMWA Mass Choir, Ricky Dillard & New G, Anthony Brown & Group Therapy, and many more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jfup7xiowiQ Unstoppable is an inspiring, true story about Anthony Robles (played by Jharrel Jerome) who defied every expectation to become a national wrestling champion. This film marks William Goldenberg’s directorial debut. He is a decorated Academy Award winning editor for Argo with previous nominations includingThe Imitation Game, Zero Dark Thirty, Seabiscuit and The Insider. The film features an all-star ensemble cast including Jharrel Jerome, Bobby Cannavale, Michael Peña with Don Cheadle and Jennifer Lopez. Anthony Robles himself is seen in the film and credited as ‘Anthony Robles Double’, performing the complex wrestling moves and stunts. He is also a producer on the film. The revered comedian and Emmy® Award nominee Roy Wood Jr. is set to bring a new wave of comic brilliance to American television with his role as the host of “Have I Got News For You.” This much-anticipated adaptation of the long-running BBC comedy series will debut on CNN on Saturday, September 14 at 9pm ET, with episodes streaming on Max the following day. In a fiery press conference held at his Mar-a-Lago residence on Thursday, former President Donald Trump launched a series of critiques against Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump, 78, asserted that Harris, 59, was selected for her position based on “politically correct” reasons rather than merit, labeling her the “most unpopular vice president.” Trump also attacked Harris’ limited media appearances since assuming her role. “She hasn’t done an interview. She can’t do an interview,” he said. “But I look forward to the debates.” Trump announced his willingness to face off against Harris in three debates, proposing dates and networks: Fox News on September 4, NBC on September 10, and ABC on September 25. However, as of this posting, Harris has not responded. https://youtu.be/d-uN5zb5c3g Expanding his critique of Harris’ capabilities, Trump added: “She’s not doing a news conference. You know why? She’s not doing it because she can’t do a news conference. She doesn’t know how to do a news conference. She’s not smart enough to do a news conference. And I’m sorry, we need smart people to lead this country because our country has never been in this danger before, both economically and from an outside perspective.” As the political battle heats up, Trump’s remarks signal an intense campaign period ahead, marked by sharp attacks and high-stakes debates. Whether Harris will respond directly to Trump’s challenges remains to be seen, but the upcoming events are poised to significantly shape the political landscape. https://youtu.be/xvuau87GZLo Cash App users may soon receive compensation following a $15 million settlement over a class-action lawsuit. The lawsuit, involving Cash App Investing and Block Inc., was filed due to the companies’ failure to protect user information, leading to a December 2021 data breach that exposed the personal details of 8.2 million customers, USA Today reports. Additionally, a former employee accessed and downloaded user data without authorization. Users who experienced unauthorized or fraudulent transactions between August 23, 2018, and August 20, 2024, can claim up to $2,500. To qualify, users must not have already been reimbursed by the companies. Claims should be submitted using a single form, listing all affected accounts. An agitated Lauryn Hill took to social media to address the cancellation by blaming the media for the now-canceled US leg of The Fugees’ “Miseducation Anniversary Tour” for which she is blaming the media. “Last year, I faced an injury that necessitated the rescheduling of some of my shows,” she wrote (Hill suffered a vocal strain/injury). “Regrettably, some media outlet’s penchant for sensationalism and clickbait headlines have seemingly created a narrative that has affected ticket sales for the North American portion of the tour. The trust and faith I have in my intentions and my commitment to my art seem to have been overshadowed by this unfortunate portrayal.” Hill added that she and the band are thrilled about their upcoming remaining dates in the U.K. and Europe, given that fans there have not seen them perform live in more than 25 years. “Performing for my fans is a profound exchange of energy and emotion that excites me every time. Every show is a piece of my expression and testament to our connection and shared love for music,” she said, reiterating her disappointment in having to nix the U.S. run. Ms. Hill concluded: “I can assure you that no one is more disappointed about not being able to perform than I am.” Superstar gymnast Gabby Thomas snapped a selfie with her boyfriend Spencer McManes after she won her first-ever Olympic gold medal. According to reports, Thomas and McManes have been dating in 2022. They both appear to live in Austin and often feature each other on social media. McManes regularly posted about Thomas before making his Instagram private ahead of the Paris Olympics. McManes, a former Yale University football player from Roswell, Georgia, founded an Austin-based kava brand called Kaviva, known for its kava-infused sparkling water. PEOPLE reports that he graduated from Harvard University in 2019. “I left Boston and everything that I was comfortable with, to come train in Austin, TX at the end of 2019,” Thomas wrote in a September 2021 Instagram post after winning both bronze (200m) and silver (4X100m) in Tokyo Olympics. “The training was more than I was used to, and the pressure was too. The pressure was a lot,” she added. https://www.instagram.com/gabbythomas/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=113ea2ee-3b1e-447f-b468-06bbd5f56f8d Reality TV star Chrisean Rock, known for her toxic relationship with rapper Blueface, is facing serious legal trouble after being arrested two months ago in Los Angeles. After her arrest, Rock was extradited to Oklahoma and is reportedly detained at the Northeast Oklahoma Community Corrections Center on drug-related charges. The Source reports that Rock is charged with failure to have a tax stamp on controlled dangerous substances (CDS) and possession of CDS with intent to distribute, each carrying a potential four-year prison sentence. Under Oklahoma law, these offenses are felonies, with penalties including up to eight years in prison.We reported earlier that Rock was arrested in Los Angeles in June while attempting to support Blueface during his court hearing. The troubled reality TV star, 24, showed up at the courthouse in the San Fernando Valley on June 10 with her baby, Chrisean Jr. TMZ reports that five LAPD officers were waiting for her and took Rock into custody due to an active warrant. Earlier this year, Rock was issued a bench warrant for violating her four-year probation following alleged assaults on backup singer James Wright Chane and social media star Woah Vicky. icky pressed charges against Rock last year after she allegedly assaulted her while filming the reality show “Baddies East.” Wright is suing Rock for allegedly punching him repeatedly in the face backstage at Tamar Braxton’s concert at the Novo club on Nov. 10 in Los Angeles. https://youtu.be/hn2DqNBcWsw Following her LA arrest, Rock was reportedly held without bail on a felony fugitive warrant and an assault with a deadly weapon charge. The warrant from Oklahoma relates to 2022 drug charges, including marijuana possession with intent to distribute. It’s unclear what state the deadly weapon charge is from. In March, Rock turned to social media and declared she wouldn’t surrender to law enforcement while trying to sort out her issues with multiple warrants. “My warrants are getting cleaned up. I’ve been paying off fees and getting rid of sh*t, talking to certain people to help my situation out ’cause I have my son,” said Rock at the time, per Complex. “The old me would’ve just turned myself in and dealt with it through from inside to the outside of the jail, so whatever.” She continued, “Right now, I gotta play cautious because I don’t plan on being in jail while my son is growing, like, I just don’t plan on that at all. I’m going in every way possible to get that figured out without even trying to serve time, and it’s working out for me. I’m gonna work on my little situations and stuff, that’s all about it.” https://www.instagram.com/theshaderoom/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=8cbd7383-6c5a-4403-9dc4-8a2e6183417a Netflix is developing a sequel to “A Different World” that will focus on Dwayne and Whitley’s daughter at Hillman College. According to Ice Cream Convos, the half-hour comedy series is being created by writer and executive producer Felicia Pride (“Bel-Air,” “Grey’s Anatomy”), along with original series contributors Debbie Allen, Mandy Summers, Tom Werner, Gina Prince-Bythewood, and Reggie Bythewood. “A Different World” is a spin-off from “The Cosby Show” and ran on NBC for six seasons, from 1987 to 1993. The series centered on Denise Huxtable (Lisa Bonet) and her fellow students at a fictional HBCU called Hillman College. The sequel will continue the legacy with a focus on Whitley Gilbert (Jasmine Guy) and Dwayne Wayne (Kadeem Hardison). The casting details are not yet available, but producers have been discussing with original cast members about their involvement. Earlier this year, the cast of “A Different World” reunited for a 10-city HBCU tour to celebrate the show’s 35th anniversary. Former big leaguers and current youth baseball players were on hand Monday in Kansas as officials unveiled a new statue memorializing Jackie Robinson to replace one stolen and damaged beyond repair this year. The League 42 youth baseball league revealed the statue of Robinson, who broke baseball’s color barrier in 1947, at a night ceremony before hundreds of people, including dozens of youngsters, at the spot in the Wichita park from which the old statue was taken. League youth player Marcus Jones paid tribute to the MLB Hall of Famer, telling the crowd Robinson “put a spark in all of us.” The dignitaries included former American League Cy Young Award winner CC Sabathia, who in 2022 was named as a special assistant to the commissioner in part to “promote equity in baseball,” and 13-year MLB player Jeremy Guthrie, who played for four seasons with the Kansas City Royals. “Someone asked me earlier today what made me come here today. And just thinking about it, it was me wanting to show up. Jackie showed up every single day of his life in baseball and in his personal life, every single day for us,” said Sabathia, who also is on the board of the Players Alliance of pro baseball and softball players who advocate for equity in the game. “I thought it was important for me to show up here today.” https://youtu.be/KRQamjge7SA The new statue depicts Robinson, who also played one season in the Negro Leagues in Kansas City, Missouri, with a bat on his right shoulder. The first statue was cut at the ankles, and all that remained were two bronze shoes. GoFundMe campaign raised money for the replacement statue. The original mold was still viable, and a duplicate was made, the AP reported. Donations helped fund the new statue, as well as improvements to the plaza where it stands, the nonprofit’s facilities, and its programming, League 42 Executive Director Bob Lutz, said, according to the AP. “I’m just simply amazed by the support we’ve gotten from so many since this heinous act happened back in January,” Lutz said at Monday’s ceremony. https://youtu.be/x7aKW9amtpk Michelle Obama came to Simone Biles‘ defense after Biles and her teammate, Jordan Chiles, knelt to honor Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade on the Olympic podium in Paris. “I’m still not over this beautiful moment of sisterhood and sportsmanship!” Obama said on social media, TMZ reports. “You can just feel the love shining through these ladies. Congrats Rebeca, Jordan and Simone!” NFL player Marlon Humphrey criticized the gesture, calling it “disgusting.” One X user responded, “Yeah, because giving someone their flowers who has come back from THREE ACL tears to continue to be a top gymnast is disgusting.” Another person wrote in the post’s comments, “Who are you? Even in your sport, people don’t know who you are, and you want to judge three of the greatest in the world in their sport? You don’t know the “Olympic Spirit” because you have never been there and never will be. So shhhhh!” https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/1820464578381131933/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1820467003892564025%7Ctwgr%5Ec0639be3c7aa561f93266ff7cf422a3f4b208491%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fmichelle-obama-applauds-biles-podium-gesture-at-paris-games%2F Humphrey later admitted, “I’m lowkey getting cooked right now” over his comments about Biles. Meanwhile, Biles defended her actions on “TODAY” Tuesday morning, explaining that she was showing support for Andrade, who had delivered the best performance of the event. “She had the best floor routine of that day — of the Olympics,” Biles said. “So it’s like, yeah, she deserved it.” https://youtu.be/I0-14ft6TBM Popular YouTuber Tasha K has scored a legal victory in her case with Brooklyn Bishop Lamor Whitehead. Whitehead also known as “Pastor Bling Bling,” sued the gossip queen for $360 million in damages, accusing Tasha of defamation and invasion of privacy. The allegations stemmed from a claim Tasha made on her Unwine With Tasha K podcast, where she joked about Whitehead’s financial status. She reportedly said the ‘Bling Bishop,’ who led the Leaders of Tomorrow International Ministries in Canarsie (NYC), purchased a $2,000,000 mansion with only “$10 to his name.” According to Vibe, the judge determined that Tasha K’s comments did not constitute defamation and that some of her statements were likely true, considering his criminal record. https://youtu.be/56FZiBoaICQ “I don’t see any remorse for your conduct,” Judge Schofield told the pastor, highlighting the overwhelming evidence against the pastor, reports the NY Daily News. “Lamor Whitehead is a con man who stole millions of dollars in a string of financial frauds and even stole from one of his own parishioners. He lied to federal agents, and again to the Court at his trial. Today’s sentence puts an end to Whitehead’s various schemes and reflects this Office’s commitment to bring accountability to those who abuse their positions of trust,” said Manhattan U.S. Attorney Damian Williams in a statement following the sentencing. https://youtu.be/JIhSxORZBrc A Compton, California jury convicted one man in the robbery and killing of rapper PnB Rock in South-Central Los Angeles. We reported previously that Rock was fatally shot at Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles located at Main and W. Manchester Avenue in South L.A. on September 12, 2022. TMZ video shows the Philadelphia rapper, whose real name is Rakim Hasheem Allen, receiving aid while lying in a pool of blood after the shooting. PnB Rock was wearing “several hundred thousand dollars” worth of jewelry on the day he was shot. Tremont Jones reportedly noticed his flashy jewelry online and allegedly alerted Freddie Trone. Trone then sent his 17-year-old son, armed with a gun and ski mask, to rob Allen at the restaurant. When Allen refused to hand over his valuables, the teenager shot him and stole the jewelry before fleeing with his father and Jones who drove the getaway car. PnB Rock was taken to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries at the age of 30. The Jasmine Brand reports that after the suspects were apprehended, it was revealed that they were already in the parking lot of Roscoe’s when PnB Rock arrived. https://youtu.be/TMGxFVP8Cck Disney Parks are the latest business to face slowing consumer demand in the face of higher prices. Disney’s parks business underperformed expectations and profit fell somewhat last quarter. Although the company said attendance remained steady and people were spending more, it also acknowledged a slumping economy was weighing on travelers who had once buoyed the company while its movie and streaming business was struggling. While many Americans have pulled back on everyday purchases such as fast food, they still choose to spend on travel and leisure. But consumers forgoing vacations could be a worrying sign for the economy as the job market’s luster fades: Last month, the unemployment rate ticked up to 4.3%, nearly a percentage point higher than it was at the start of the year. It’s not just Disney that’s seeing a pullback — Bank of America Institute reported credit card transactions on travel ticked down in June. Researchers attributed that to price decreases, though, and said “the underlying picture for travel remains robust.” Inflation also helped drive the decrease in income at Disney’s domestic parks, and new technology and rides ate into profit, according to the company. https://youtu.be/51TwUz9zVAM Assemblymembers Mia Bonta (D-Alameda) and Issac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights) introduced a bill in January that requires lock-up facilities to provide menstrual products to incarcerated persons without requiring a request. The bill will be reviewed by the Senate Appropriations Committee after the Legislative recommences in August. Assembly Bill (AB 1810), “Incarcerated Persons: Menstrual Products,” passed with a 5-0 vote in the Senate Public Safety Committee in June after advancing from the Assembly on May 21 with a 71-0 floor vote. Bryan told California Black Media (CBM) that he was “comfortable” with the bill’s progress. “AB 1810 will bring our state closer to the menstrual health equity that other states are seeing that require that menstrual care products are free and readily available for all incarcerated people,” Bryan said. “It will also bring our state into parity with several other states such as Louisiana, Tennessee, and Florida – all of which do not require their incarcerated people to request these basic necessities from their correctional officers.” Bryan and Bonta are members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC). Fellow CLBC members, Assemblymembers Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa), Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood), and Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles) signed on as the bill’s co-authors Assemblymembers Eloise Reyes (D-Colton) and Rick Zbur (D-West Hollywood) have also joined as co-authors. https://youtu.be/51TwUz9zVAM Three Taylor Swift concerts in Austria have been canceled as Austrian authorities said on Wednesday that two suspects were arrested in connection with plans for an alleged attack in the Vienna region. Swift was due to play three shows in Vienna between Thursday, August 8, and Saturday, August 10. Those dates were canceled on Wednesday, according to Barracuda Music, the promoter of Swift’s concerts in Austria. “With confirmation from government officials of a planned terrorist attack at Ernst Happel Stadium, we have no choice but to cancel the three scheduled shows for everyone’s safety,” Barracuda Music said in a post on social media. Swift’s official website also listed the concerts as canceled. https://youtu.be/xXdZEG2ISj4?list=RDNSxXdZEG2ISj4 CNN has reached out to Taylor Swift’s representatives for comment. Speaking at a press conference in the capital, police said a 19-year-old Austrian citizen, who they identify as a sympathizer of Islamic State, was arrested Wednesday morning in Ternitz, lower Austria, while another arrest was carried out later that morning in Vienna. “The two suspects became radicalized by the internet, a 19-year-old citizen of Lower Austria made an oath of allegiance to the current leader of IS at the beginning of July,” police said. Authorities continued to say the two suspects had undertaken “concrete preparatory measures” for a terrorist attack after police suspected explosives were stored at the home of the suspect in Ternitz. https://youtu.be/xXdZEG2ISj4?list=RDNSxXdZEG2ISj4 Summer is in full swing. The bases are fully loaded with a plethora of outdoor concerts, cultural events, and festivals. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, the most highly anticipated event of the summer has returned to Houghton Park. I can’t contain my excitement for being able to attend the 13th Annual Uptown Jazz Festival, held on Saturday, August 3, 2024. The festival was held at Houghton Park, 6301 Myrtle Avenue, from 2 to 7pm. The Uptown Jazz Festival is a free concert and an annual tradition at Houghton Park in North Long Beach. The festival attracts thousands of jazz enthusiasts and musicophiles from across the city and from Southern California. The festival was a great outing for local families to come out to enjoy a day of family-friendly, fun activities without spending a lot of money. Attendees enjoyed a kid’s zone, a variety of vendors and community resources booths, food trucks and food vendors, as well as a beer garden. Peacock released the first official trailer for its latest original documentary detailing the fascinating life and mysterious death of beloved child actor, Gary Coleman. Coleman was best known for his role as Arnold Jackson in the popular television sitcom *Diff’rent Strokes*, which aired from 1978 to 1986. Despite his small stature due to a congenital kidney disease, Coleman became one of the most recognizable child stars of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Unfortunately, his later years were marked by financial and legal troubles, as well as health issues. Coleman passed away in 2010 at the age of 42 after suffering a brain hemorrhage. Per the news release, the 90-minute documentary “explores the fascinating life and mysterious death of Coleman. Through exclusive interviews with fellow actor, Todd Bridges, former managers, his estranged parents and Coleman’s ex-wife, the film details his rise to international fame as the child star of Diff’rent Strokes and the dark sides of his personal life off camera,” the description states. The project aims to offer viewers “insight into Coleman’s lifelong illness and depression, his financial troubles, tumultuous marriage, and his heartbreaking demise,” the synopsis continues. https://youtu.be/mjk3vaXbjAM AspireTV announced two new original series set to debut this fall as part of its “Power Players” hour. First up is “Style Kings,” which, per the news release, centers on the world of high fashion and interior design with two successful entrepreneurs who specialize in luxurious style, Justin Q. Williams (Interior Designer) and Dedrick Thomas (Custom Clothier). “Style Kings is an intimate peek into a brotherhood of two experts who have open and honest conversations, sharing how their artistic minds shape their approach to fashion and design. This show provides an in-depth look into their worlds, while inspiring viewers to define their own style and swagger,” the series description states. “Catering to a roster of celebrity clients and high-profile projects including Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, NBA Coach Jerry Stackhouse, actress Terri J Vaughn, actor Danny Glover, Creative Director D.L. Warfield and social media influencer Jarrett Billups.” The 10-episode series premieres Wednesday, Sept. 4, at 8 p.m. ET followed by “Cut to It” at 8:30 p.m. ET. https://youtu.be/24LKYEngyTs Oprah Winfrey Network’s hit series ”Love & Marriage: Detroit” is set to return for an all-new season this fall. In case you’re new to the show, it centers on “a group of African American couples with deep ties to the reemerging city of Detroit,” per the official synopsis. The series “features Russell and Kolby Harris, Brandon and Kristina Bowman Smith, and Anthony and Dr. LaToya Thompson. The couples are determined to thrive in their community and are focused on building the best lives possible for their families,” the description continues. Here’s more from the press release: In an emotional new season, Kristina re-evaluates her marriage to Brandon and restarts her singing career, Kolby and Russell clash over the possibility of having another child, while LaToya struggles to balance her work as a doctor and wine entrepreneur and family as a wife to Anthony. Meanwhile, two new couples, the Dobines and the Samuels, threaten to shake up the group’s dynamics. https://youtu.be/aY0VFIACGlg Rapper/actor Ludacris is bringing the flavor differently these days. The entertainer is leaning into his love of cooking to encourage others to choose the kitchen over hitting the drive-thru lane. That’s why, on a recent hot day in Atlanta, Georgia, Ludacris was handing out samples of his lemon pepper chicken cutlets. “There’s nothing more Atlanta than that, especially when you’re trying to remix something and make it more nutritious and healthy,” he told CNN of his specialty dish. Ludacris has teamed with the food and flavor company Knorr to spread the word about the benefits of home cooking. He approached the project as only a superstar rapper could, remixing a classic hip-hop jam, “The Choice Is Yours” by Black Sheep. Ludacris said he went with the 1991 hit because he loves “paying homage to all of the hip-hop forefathers and the ones that put me here.” He even got Black Sheep member Andres “Dres” Vargas-Titus to appear in the new video. “I also think that [the comg] was the perfect hook because it [says] ‘You can either get with this or you can get with that,’” Ludacris said. “Meaning you can go with fast food that’s not nutritious or you can go now with fast food that is nutritious. So the hook kind of just perfectly fit what we were trying to do.” https://youtu.be/kFSf1KuLBNo Kehlani addressed the cult accusations made by her ex, Javaughn Young-White, as he seeks full custody of their child. We reported earlier that Young-White has filed for full custody of their five-year-old daughter, Adeya. He claims Kehlani has been involved in a “sex cult” for several years which poses a risk to their child. According to court documents, Young-White detailed how the cult controls Kehlani’s actions and her behavior “including when it comes to the upbringing of our daughter.” “For example, the cult leader, who goes by the name of Neto, convinced [Kehlani] that he had a vision that I was a danger to our daughter and would kill her, and therefore banned [Kehlani] from allowing me to see Adeya,” the filing reads, per The Independent. https://youtu.be/IEECrn2QROA Folks in St. Louis faced a surprising incident early Wednesday morning when hometown boy-made-good rapper Nelly was arrested by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Nelly, Cornell Haynes II, was taken into custody just before 4:45 a.m. in St. Louis County. Nelly, 49, is facing charges of possession of a controlled substance after police discovered four ecstasy pills during what was described as a routine patrol. The rapper, best known for his hits such as “Hot in Here,” was also cited for operating a vehicle without insurance by the Missouri Heights Police Department. Following his arrest, the Missouri State Highway Patrol transferred Nelly to the Maryland Heights Police Department. There, he faced an additional arrest related to a failure to appear warrant stemming from a prior traffic charge in the St. Louis suburb. According to an official statement from the Maryland Heights Police Department to NBC News on Wednesday, Nelly has since been released from custody. However, as of now, no formal charges have been filed against the rapper. Fans and the public alike are keenly watching how the legal proceedings will unfold. Nelly’s representatives have yet to comment on the incident. The rapper’s latest brush with the law has stirred conversations regarding celebrity accountability and the justice system’s handling of such cases. https://youtu.be/13NPD1vsyLQ “It’s been a crazy ride…highs and lows,” said Trey Calloway about his Country music career that is currently promoting his new single “I Miss Country Music.” “I’ve sacrificed a lot. Its full of compromises, but you have to keep who you are.” The very hot single “I Miss Country Music” is an example of his body of work that has a traditional country music sound laced with very uplifting party-flavored lyrics. When I delved further into who Trey is I saw that he is a preacher’s son, and so I asked about that mixture growing up. “I was raised in a Pentecostal church with a certain stigma…but he showed me classic country music,” Calloway said about his father being the one who introduced him to Country music. “Our goal is…how to keep the soul (of traditional Country).” https://youtu.be/nx-JsMWNqi8 Mark your calendars, the wait is over! Today, CLEO TV announced the highly anticipated return of the hit series “Tough Love: Atlanta” on Thursday, August 15 at 9 p.m. ET. Kicking off with an extended, one-hour premiere, the ten-episode season promises more drama and romance to unfold in ‘the A.’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfEP6UNkEs0 In the latest season of “Tough Love: Atlanta,” tensions escalate when a dangerous man looking to collect on a debt coerces a former group of friends into a world of criminal activity. Faced with danger and the potential exposure of their darkest secrets, the group must navigate an underworld guided by a murky moral compass. Amidst all the chaos, the group struggles to untangle their tumultuous love lives while confronted with choices that could change their individual futures forever. Starring Anissa LaShay, Julian Horton, Kadeem Isaiah, Alisha S. Ward, and Ashanti Harris, the Daytime Emmy Award-nominated “Tough Love” series was created by the visionary husband and wife creative team of Roni and Caleb Davis. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1iUFvzpd_s In Terry McMillan Presents: Tempted by Love, premiering on August 17, Ava (Beauvais), a world-class renowned chef living in Europe, rushes home to care for her elderly aunt (Biscoe) in South Carolina after she suffers from a fall. Picked up from the long flight by Luke (Hebron), a handsome driver 20-years her junior, the pair feel an unexpected, yet passionate, connection. With a mutual interest in food, family and fun, Ava and Luke are the perfect recipe for love. Despite her feelings for him, Ava soon realizes that Luke still has so much to experience in life and she must decide what is best for her own career and relationships. Lela Rochon and Loretta Devine also star. McMillan is best known for her novels turned hit films, including Waiting to Exhale and How Stella Got Her Groove Back. Terry McMillan Presents movies focus on the love and lives of African American women. https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=wyICcedqRfUKrSGQ&v=C4GlfQDVxKM&feature=youtu.be Gabby Douglas, the esteemed gymnast who made history at the 2012 Olympic Games, has recently expressed her frustration with the constant bullying she endures from gymnastics fans. Many of these fans persist in comparing her achievements to those of Simone Biles, the current face of gymnastics. The discussion gained traction when a TikToker posted a video lamenting how fans “dropped” Douglas “like a bad habit” once Biles emerged onto the scene. The TikToker highlighted the shift in public attention. “Gabby Douglas used to be the greatest Olympic gymnast, and then here comes Simone Biles. Nobody cares about Gabby Douglas anymore. When [was] the last time you thought about Gabby Douglas? I think about her all the time.” Despite the sentiment expressed in the video, Douglas, now 28, seemed unfazed by being less prominent in public discourse. She responded in the comments section, addressing the comparisons on Tuesday: “That’s ok! constantly being bullied is very tiring and wearing on me. i just want to live my life and be at peace 🖤 thanks for the love! definitely needed in this world x.” https://youtu.be/GgguluUutL4 Tickets are now on sale for the “Usher: Rendezvous In Paris” concert film, coming to global cinemas beginning in September. According to the news release, it was filmed during Usher’s 2023 eight-concert performance in Paris. AMC Theatres Distribution and Trafalgar Releasing have partnered with Sony Music Vision to bring the highly anticipated concert film to fans in cinemas around the world between September 12 – 15. “Paris was a special experience for me as an entertainer and for my fans,” said Usher. “I hope those who weren’t able to make it in person get to experience how special it was. As for those of you who were, I hope you experience the show and see what it takes to get there through a different lens.” https://youtu.be/w0B9LkkJJb8 Polo G has responded to a viral video showing his mother firing gunshots while pursuing his sister from their home during a heated family argument. In a recent interview with The Breakfast Club, the rapper discussed the situation involving his mother, Stacia Mac, and his sister, Leilani, describing the incident as “sh*t he’s accustomed to.” “For sure, imma always intervene,” Polo G told Charlamagne Tha God and DJ Envy on Aug. 5. “Like, I don’t wanna see no sh*t like that. So, imma always try to get in between it before it get too far.” He compared the tense encounter between his mother and sister to typical family disputes. https://youtu.be/6Cdbbv-g4Go “We family. I feel like ’cause who I am, it’s just being broadcasted more and like everybody gon’ talk about it. But everybody family go through sh*t. That’s sh*t I’m accustomed to,” Polo said. Check out what his sister had to say about it in the X/Twitter video. https://twitter.com/i/status/1777360521768894578 Say-Quan Pollack, an ex-con who robbed Brooklyn preacher Lamor Whitehead, is seeking a lighter sentence by highlighting Whitehead’s criminal history. Pollack’s defense attorney, Gary Villanueva, argued in a letter to the judge that Whitehead, who was sentenced to nine years in prison for defrauding parishioners, should be considered a career fraudster, which could influence Pollack’s sentencing, New York Post reports. Pollack pleaded guilty to federal robbery for the July 2022 incident at Whitehead’s church during a live-streamed sermon. According to Villanueva, Pollack had a troubled childhood and was close to starting a new career in underwater welding when he was arrested. The letter to Judge William Kuntz mentioned Whitehead’s past crimes, including swindling $7.2 million from parishioners. Villanueva cited Pollack’s difficult upbringing and his near-missed job opportunity as reasons for leniency. “The arrest, trial and conviction of Bishop Lamor Whitehead, one of the victims here, bears mention and consideration by the Court,” attorney Villanueva wrote. https://youtu.be/junIjik_c48 A recent audit by Comptroller Brad Lander has exposed significant issues with the city’s $432 million no-bid contract with migrant services firm DocGo, revealing extensive misuse of taxpayer funds. The audit, covering the first two months of the contract in May and June 2023, found that nearly $11 million of the $13.8 million paid to DocGo was improperly billed for unused hotel rooms and uneaten meals, and lacked adequate documentation, New York Post reports. Lander criticized the city’s oversight, highlighting that payments for various services were inflated or undocumented and that oversight of subcontractors was minimal. The audit revealed that over $9 million of the payments went to unapproved subcontractors and projected that, if similar errors occurred throughout the entire contract, overpayments could reach $134.4 million. The audit also questioned DocGo’s qualifications, noting its lack of experience in emergency housing. Although Lander had previously rejected the contract, his objections were overridden by Mayor Eric Adams. The audit follows complaints about DocGo using unlicensed security guards and mistreating asylum seekers. “I just frankly am really shocked by how little scrutiny there was,” Lander said during a press conference Tuesday. “They did not carefully scrutinize, as far as we can tell, any of the invoices.” https://youtu.be/bgCkc22loFc In a widely publicized case, Brendan Depa, an 18-year-old special needs student from Matanzas High School in Flagler County (Florida), was sentenced to five years in prison on Tuesday after a full day of hearings. Depa pleaded no contest in February 2023 to charges stemming from a violent incident caught on video, which showed him shoving, punching, and kicking his paraprofessional after she confiscated his video game. During the sentencing, the judge condemned the attack as a “senseless act of violence.” He stressed that this was not Depa’s first offense, mentioning that the student had a history of violent behavior and numerous battery charges in the past. Depa’s mother, Leanne Depa, expressed her concern about her son’s fate in the prison system. “I think he needs help, and I think he needs treatment. But I don’t think he needs to be put away in a prison where he’s going to be taken advantage of or harmed,” she stated emotionally in court. https://youtu.be/XyHveZM2Qz0 American Olympic gold medalist Noah Lyles, who won the 100 meters at the Paris Olympics with a time of 9.79 seconds, dismissed criticism he received for his painted nails. Soon after his victory, Lyles shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) reflecting on the challenges he has overcome to make Olympics history. “I have Asthma, allergies, dyslexia, ADD, anxiety, and Depression,” he wrote. “But I will tell you that what you have does not define what you can become. Why Not You!” Lyles, who is the first U.S. man to win gold in the Olympic 100 meters since Justin Gatlin in 2004, recently addressed the controversy surrounding his “ICON” nail art during the 2024 Olympics opening ceremony in an exclusive interview with Us Weekly. “I’m a person who knows that a lot of people have different opinions and they have them for different reasons,” Lyles told the outlet. “To be honest, I’m so confident in myself that it doesn’t really matter. I think it’s funny at times.” https://twitter.com/LylesNoah/status/1820220792950407351/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1820220792950407351%7Ctwgr%5Ebc6ae90d6c48b86b963f955e5e7d75454507ebea%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fnoah-lyles-unfazed-by-criticism-of-his-painted-nails%2F Kevin Hart recently addressed the ongoing tension between himself and NBA icon Michael Jordan, which stemmed from a joke the comedian made years ago. Hart shared details about their ongoing feud last month during his Acting My Age tour show in Atlantic City. “Michael’s had an attitude with me for years because I hosted a celebrity event for him and he came in late. I saw him coming in late [and] I hit him with [a joke],” Hart told the audience, the Daily Mail reports. “It was quick. It was all in fun. I don’t know where it came from,” Hart added. “I just hit him with a quick one.” Hart said that Jordan “hasn’t talked to me since” the event. https://youtu.be/GNmLHum-bdE Lil Wayne’s lyric notebook from the ’90s is now on sale for $5 million after a lengthy legal battle over ownership concluded earlier this year. TMZ reports that the lyric book was initially listed at $250K five years ago, but the price has surged, with Moments in Time justifying the increase by citing Wayne’s status as one of the greatest rappers. The notebook became a point of contention in 2019 when a man claimed he found it in a car once owned by Cash Money Records. Lil Wayne demanded its return and issued a cease-and-desist to halt the sale, but the court ruled in favor of the finder after Wayne didn’t respond. Now, it is available to anyone who can afford it. Last year on The Pivot Podcast, Weezy revealed that he stopped writing down his lyrics after discovering that JAY-Z freestyles without using pen and paper. https://twitter.com/i/status/1599414513693995008 Algerian boxer Imane Khelif is currently embroiled in controversy over gender eligibility issues concerning the athlete’s participation in the women’s boxing category at the 2024 Paris Olympics. For those with eyes to see, Khelif, who reportedly has XY chromosomes and high levels of testosterone, is a man, but the highly education liberals and progressives want us to believe Imane is a woman with some sort of sexual development disorder (DSD). Popular transexual activist Buck Angel noted on X/Twitter, “Why are there no XX “males” with DSD competing in men’s sports? Do they exist? Why is everything always about women’s sports and women’s spaces?” The International Boxing Association released the letter it sent to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in June 2023, informing them that Khelif was ineligible to participate at the IBA World Championships as a female boxer due to their requirement of being female (XX). In other words, DNA tests allegedly revealed male chromosomes. Taiwan’s Lin Yu-Ting faced a similar situation, as he/she was also ruled ineligible to compete for not meeting the gender eligibility standards. Both cases are at the center of online debate due to their participation in the women’s boxing category at the Paris Olympics. https://youtu.be/EEMr0Ezsu5U Critics argue that the controversy surrounding Khelif is not about being transgender, but about biological sex. They claim tests indicate Khelif is male and question why Khelif has not released these results if they would prove otherwise. They believe that if Khelif had XX chromosomes, releasing the test results would quickly resolve the issue, but the refusal to do so suggests otherwise. Meanwhile, the IOC claims both individuals met all criteria and that there’s no question they are women. Khelif now wants the bullying and online harassment to stop, USA Today reports. https://twitter.com/i/status/1821170148151025938 “I send a message to all the people of the world to uphold the Olympic principles and the Olympic Charter, to refrain from bullying all athletes, because this has effects, massive effects,” Khelif said in Arabic in an interview with SNTV, according to The Associated Press. “It can destroy people, it can kill people’s thoughts, spirit and mind. It can divide people. And because of that, I ask them to refrain from bullying.” “I don’t care about anyone’s opinion,” Khelif said. “I came here for a medal, and to compete for a medal. I will certainly be competing to improve (and) be better, and God willing, I will improve, like every other athlete.” https://twitter.com/IWF/status/1820932219369627837/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1820932219369627837%7Ctwgr%5Ec45b5be8a5c4c430fc1366e40f2c0a931cf3e51e%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Falgerian-boxer-imane-khelif-urges-end-to-bullying-at-olympics%2F Olympic gymnast MyKayla Skinner has finally spoken out regarding her high-profile social media feud with Simone Biles. This conflict arose after controversial comments Skinner, 27, made about her former Olympic teammates resurfaced last week, which Biles, 27, brought to light. We reported earlier via CNN, that Biles clapped back at criticism from Skinner following the US gymnastics team’s victory at the Paris Olympics last month. Biles shared photos of herself and teammates Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, and Hezly Rivera celebrating their gold medal performance in the team gymnastics final, with the caption “lack of talent, lazy, olympic champions.” The Instagram post was a response to comments from Skinner who criticized the Team USA gymnasts in a YouTube video following the team selection on June 30. https://www.instagram.com/simonebiles/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=8683cb00-7a76-474b-b308-7d652d5e320b Skinner said she’s “asking for it to just stop for the sake of my family, because enough is enough.” “I made a comment about work ethic and what seems to be taking place with the rising generation,” she said. “To be totally clear, I take 100% responsibility for poorly articulating the point I was trying to make, and the last thing I wanted was to cause harm or offend our US Olympic team.” https://www.instagram.com/mykaylaskinner2016/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=22f3412b-7ffe-47ef-9afe-e871fb36ecc5 Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz introduced himself as Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate for the first time at a joint Philadelphia rally Tuesday, positioning himself as both a folksy populist and a fierce defender of the official Democratic ticket. “We’ve got 91 days. We’ll sleep when we’re dead,” Walz told the crowd. “Over those 91 days, and every day in the White House, I’ll have Vice President Harris’ back every single day – and we’ll have yours.” The appearance marked the first opportunity for both Walz, a relatively unknown politician on the national scale, and Harris to share his story with voters across the country, from his upbringing in a small town, in rural Nebraska to his record as governor of the North Star State. “Since the day that I announced my candidacy, I set out to find a partner who can help build this brighter future,” Harris said. “A leader who will help unite our nation and move us forward. A fighter for the middle class, a patriot who believes as I do in the extraordinary promise of America. A promise of freedom, opportunity, and justice – not just for some, but for all.” https://youtu.be/eBRFGMw38zI The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO) and its Music Director Jaime Martín are excited to announce a groundbreaking addition to their team—a first-ever Creative Partner, Lara Downes. In this unique role, Downes brings her life’s rich tapestry of musical talent and cultural insights to an artistic partnership with the orchestra, beginning on July 1, 2024. Downes’ appointment is a reflection of her illustrious career and diverse cultural heritage. Born in the United States to a Jamaican father, a biochemical researcher, and a Russian mother, Downes’ upbringing has significantly shaped her broad musical views. Her journey in music began at a young age, showcased early by her extraordinary talent on the piano. Formal musical pursuits led her to the Manhattan School of Music and masterclasses with the celebrated Israeli-American pianist Leon Fleisher. https://www.instagram.com/reel/CrTMuCEsewU/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=e6ef2818-3a07-4e2d-a958-f5304098c304 Joining LACO, Downes embodies more than just exceptional musicianship. She is a powerful advocate for change and inclusivity within the arts. Her three-year tenure as Creative Partner encompasses artistic planning, performance, community engagement, advocacy, and educational initiatives. Despite her new responsibilities, Downes will continue her independent endeavors, including performances, broadcasting, and recording projects. Her eagerly awaited album, “THIS LAND,” releases on August 23, 2024, under the Pentatone label. This project delves into the rich and complex narrative of America’s diverse musical heritage. Already a well-known personality, particularly in Southern California for her radio presence on KUSC’s “Evening Music” and her nationwide broadcasts on NPR’s “Amplify with Lara Downes” and “Classical Americana,” Downes’ voice will now resonate even more within the cultural fabric of LACO and its audience. “On behalf of everyone at LACO, I am thrilled to welcome Lara Downes as the Orchestra’s first Creative Partner. An iconoclastic artist and beloved radio host with millions of followers on air, online, and in the concert hall, she is deeply passionate about classical music and ensuring its access to all communities,” Martín said, expressing his enthusiasm about the appointment. “Her unique perspective and out-of-the-box thinking dovetails with LACO’s mission to advance the chamber music art form, building upon its remarkable foundation. I look forward to collaborating with her both on stage and behind the scenes on LACO’s artistic, education, and community-building endeavors.” https://www.instagram.com/classicalcalifornia/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=19963dbd-c671-4149-b083-e9ceaa8ef2d1 “I’m so delighted and excited to join LACO as the Orchestra’s Creative Partner, a unique role that harnesses all my interests and energies across a broad landscape of performance, curation, community engagement, education, and advocacy. LACO’s visionary programming travels the long road of our art form – wide-open territory for my own artistic explorations of the musical crossroads where past meets present, where traditions merge, journeys converge, and new ideas take root,” Lara Downes responded, echoing the enthusiasm. “I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and work with Jaime Martín and LACO’s brilliant musicians, staff, and friends as we continue together to create innovative, intimate, and inspiring musical experiences that welcome the communities of Los Angeles and the world beyond.” Downes’ role will not be confined to a single aspect; rather, she will be involved in multiple capacities, including serving as a creative advisor to Martín, performing on and curating selected programs, mentoring LACO’s Sound Investment composers, and advancing the prestigious Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra Fellowship. Moreover, she will represent LACO in the broader national arts and culture sector. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9da9vTyYEw/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=1ff65032-d699-466e-bf17-5b4c1ab79f69 Having an “Oop! I shouldn’t have said that moment,” director/writer Justin Simien has addressed his prior criticisms of Tyler Perry and the fallout that ensued, sharing his insights into the broader challenges faced by Black creators in Hollywood. Tyler Perry, aged 54, recently recounted his tense exchange with Simien, 41, during an episode of the “Baby, This is Keke Palmer” podcast uploaded last week. Perry laughed as he recalled the incident, saying: “I called that n***a and told him I was gonna beat his ass,” at the 42:12 mark of the episode. Despite his threat, Perry showed a measured understanding, stating, “When I think about somebody like him or somebody who has something to say, I’m like ‘Great, you have your opinion.’ I live from this seat, tempered, measured, patient, prayerful, and disciplined.” Perry expressed his disappointment, adding, “So when I saw that, I was sad for him because I think he’s really, really talented.” In a recent TikTok video shared on Tuesday, Simien, the creator of “Dear White People,” expressed a desire to mend fences with Perry. He admitted he might be the “highbrow negro” archetype Perry referenced in Palmer’s podcast. Simien acknowledged the industry’s barriers for Black creators, saying, “Whenever I would take my weird script to studios or financiers, they were like, ‘This isn’t like Tyler Perry; we don’t know how to sell this.’ And I took that to mean that Tyler and I were at odds and I was railing against what I perceived to be the status quo.” https://youtu.be/OcrUxVTXrUg Reflecting on his past criticisms, Simien voiced regret, especially about a scene in “Dear White People” where the characters denounce films like those made by Perry for perpetuating stereotypes about Black people. “I was an outsider then …, and I was falling for the ‘okey-doke,’” said Simien of the phone call he had with Perry in 2017. He also acknowledged Perry’s significant achievements, noting that Perry was the first Black man to own a major film studio. “Once I was inside the ring, I realized if you’re a person of color, if you’re a marginalized person making work about your own experience, the most sort of loud and egregious negative commentary that you’re probably going to get is going to come from your own community,” Simien reflected. Simien shared a pivotal realization about his own journey and criticism: “I was going around the road and suddenly, with ‘Dear White People,’ which itself was trying to rail against the system, people were telling me to my face that I was not Black enough, I was not gay enough, my movie was not radical enough. And I thought, ‘Oh no, this is what I did to Tyler. This is what I did to Tyler.’” https://youtu.be/_t4LwTFDc7c Simien confirmed that Perry did threaten, “Am I gonna have to come over and beat your ass?” but added that he was able to apologize for “tearing you down for a system that you actually did not create.” He underscored Perry’s trailblazing contributions to the industry. “It takes a lot of stress and a lot of energy to maintain that level of defense against all of these people,” Simien observed further into his TikTok video. He concluded by addressing Perry directly: “I just want Tyler Perry to know he does not have to do that with me, for whatever it’s worth—and it may not be worth much to him, but it is nothing but love from me to you, brother. And that’s all I have to really say about it.” The exchange between Simien and Perry serves as a testament to the complex and often internalized struggles faced by Black creators in Hollywood, highlighting the importance of unity and understanding within the community. https://www.tiktok.com/@justinsimien/video/7397570890906619167?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fjustin-simien-reflects-on-past-tyler-perry-criticism-and-fallout%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121451205%2C121439635%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7397570890906619167 Young actress Kamryn Smith dish about her role in the highly anticipated AppleTV+ series “Yo Gabba GabbaLand!,” inspired by the hit, Emmy Award-nominated cultural phenomenon “Yo Gabba Gabba!” Kamryn, who stars as the lively and enthusiastic host of the show, shared her excitement about bringing the beloved characters and whimsical world of Yo Gabba Gabba! to a new generation of young viewers. She discussed how the series aims to teach life lessons through fun, music, and dance, creating an engaging and educational experience for kids and families alike. “‘Yo Gabba Gabba” premiered its first episode on Nickelodeon in 2007 and ran until 2015. In a recent interview, co-creators Scott Schultz and Christian Jacobs discussed their approach to the show’s new iteration for a fresh audience. “Going into this, the key fundamentals were that we wanted to retain the essence of the old show—the same characters and the same love—but we aimed to expand it,” said Schultz. “We wanted to take the imagination of this land, which was once just on a table, and turn it into something infinite, something that could be much more than you could even see into the distance,” he continued. https://youtu.be/WvGsRFd8aMI Heaven's Ambassador, Quianna Crute returns with an infectious dance track I Am Your Music. Quianna Crute was born and raised in Orangeburg South Carolina and was influenced by many genres of music including Hip Hop, R&B, Rock, and Country but as she got older she quickly gravitated towards the ever growing genre of Christian Contemporary Music. Now residing outside of Atlanta Georgia, she became a sought after Praise and Worship leader, creating an atmosphere for people to use their gifts to usher in the presence of God and give Him glory. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_F9nQZj7EDw At the Paris Olympics, an act of sportsmanship by American gymnasts Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles sparked controversy, particularly attracting the ire of NFL player Marlon Humphrey. The two gymnasts, who finished second and third in the floor finals, respectively, were seen bowing to Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade as she accepted her gold medal. The official Olympics’ X account celebrated the moment by sharing an image captioned “This is everything.” The post received widespread admiration, including a notable comment from the Louvre’s certified account that suggested, “Maybe we should hang it in the Louvre… Nevertheless, the heartfelt display didn’t sit well with everyone. Marlon Humphrey, the star cornerback for the Baltimore Ravens, expressed his disapproval on X, describing the gesture as “literally disgusting.” This sentiment sparked a social media firestorm, with many rallying in defense of Biles and Chiles. https://youtu.be/0BAmDthg3-Q Biles, who is married to Jonathan Owens, a safety for the Chicago Bears, appeared on “TODAY” to defend her actions. Emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship, she reiterated her belief in supporting competitors and acknowledging their hard work and achievements. Biles underscored that Andrade’s victory was well-deserved, particularly given her history of overcoming three knee injuries. Humphrey, facing a backlash, acknowledged the criticism on social media. He remarked on X about the negative feedback he was receiving, even mentioning being “cussed out in Brazilian [Portuguese]” on Instagram. He humorously concluded, “I guess I can never go to Brazil now.” The debate highlights the varied perspectives on sportsmanship within the world of elite athletics and stirred a conversation around respect and competitiveness that transcends sports disciplines. https://youtu.be/2WM6Z42STfM Akili McDowell, star of “David Makes Man,” faces a murder charge following his arrest in Houston. The 21-year-old actor was taken into custody on August 1 after he was linked to the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Cesar Peralta on July 20. Vibe reports that Peralta was found with multiple gunshot wounds in an apartment complex parking lot and was pronounced dead at the scene. Witnesses reported that Peralta was engaged in a physical altercation with another man, who fled on foot when the gunfire started. It is unclear if McDowell knew the victim or how he was identified as a suspect. The Harris County Sheriff announced his arrest on charges of murder and theft via Facebook. Jail records show that McDowell’s bail is set at $400,000. Howard University has announced the cancellation of this year’s Tailgate Party, a highlight of their Homecoming celebrations. The tailgate party is traditionally held at the Howard Center parking lot for students, alumni, and community members, Clutch Points reports. However, the university is switching it up this fall for the 100th anniversary of Howard Homecoming, opting to offer a more “unique and family-friendly” experience and diverse range of activities. The university’s official statement reveals that Homecoming Week, beginning on October 13, will feature a series of events, including the Call to Chapel, Royal Court Coronation, Lavender Reception, Student Fashion Show, Greek Step Show, Yardfest, Homecoming Parade, Young Alumni Day Party Brunch, and Alumni Jazz Brunch. Howard University is “planning special activities to commemorate the centennial celebration and will not have the Tailgate Party that has been held at the Howard Center parking lot to create a more unique and family-friendly experience on Saturday,” the statement reads. David Bennett, Senior Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations, said “This year, we are confident that an even greater level of enthusiasm will be had by people as we celebrate 100 years of Homecoming.” NBA superstar Stephen Curry is in Paris with Team USA, working on bringing home the gold – but fans will also have the opportunity to watch him step into the acting arena with the new Peacock comedy series “Mr. Throwback.“ Presented in a sports doc mockumentary style, the series centers around a vintage sportswear dealer in a sticky situation who leans on his childhood friend, played by Curry, to save the day. Inspired by the Warrior’s star’s real-life assistant named Tiffany, Kimberly is described as a tough yet compassionate character, meticulously managing Curry’s chaotic life. Kimberly is also a childhood friend of Curry and runs his “Curry Up and Wait Productions.” https://youtu.be/c5Ofw9zX8a0 Kehlani’s baby daddy Javaughn Young-White has filed for full custody of their five-year-old daughter, Adeya. He claims Kehlani has been involved in a “sex cult” for several years which poses a risk to their child. According to court documents, Young-White claims the cult controls Kehlani’s actions and her behavior “including when it comes to the upbringing of our daughter.” “For example, the cult leader, who goes by the name of Neto, convinced [Kehlani] that he had a vision that I was a danger to our daughter and would kill her, and therefore banned [Kehlani] from allowing me to see Adeya,” the filing reads, per The Independent. “Based on this ‘vision’ by her cult leader, [Kehlani] prevented me from seeing our daughter for months.” Young-White also claims his name is not on their daughter’s birth certificate because Kehlani gave birth through a home delivery arranged by the cult members. https://twitter.com/nojumper/status/1820656194819608944/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1820656194819608944%7Ctwgr%5E42e872fc0851a5af2901bb23f08bc91e930ff4ad%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fkehlanis-baby-daddy-says-daughter-is-victim-of-sex-cult%2F A Parisian hotel stirred up a heated discussion on Monday after tennis legend Serena Williams accused it of refusing her and her children service at an empty restaurant rooftop. Williams turned to social media to voice her frustration, writing, “Yikes @peninsulaparis I’ve been denied access to rooftop to eat in an empty restaurant of nicer places but never with my kids. Always a first,” with frowning emojis that reflected her disappointment. The incident did not sit well with Williams’ fans, who quickly labeled the hotel’s actions as prejudiced. Social media erupted with reactions condemning the hotel for what appeared to be a slight against an ultra-famous guest and her family. Responding swiftly to the backlash, the Peninsula Paris issued a public apology and a clarification regarding the incident. “Dear Mrs. Williams, Please accept our deepest apologies for the disappointment you encountered tonight. Unfortunately, our rooftop bar was indeed fully booked and the only unoccupied tables you saw belonged to our gourmet restaurant, L’Oiseau Blanc, which was fully reserved.” https://youtu.be/AATGrDK61ZU The hotel emphasized that they have always been honored to welcome Williams and look forward to doing so again. Despite the formal apology and explanation, many supporters of Williams remained skeptical. One user encapsulated the general sentiment by noting, “It’s Serena Williams – you make a table for her!” This comment highlighted the expectation of special treatment for celebrities of Williams’ stature, especially given her global fame and prominence. A fluent French speaker, Serena is currently in Paris, accompanied by her husband, Alexis Ohanian, and their two daughters, Olympia and Adira. This visit coincides with Williams’ involvement in the Olympics’ opening ceremony as a torchbearer, alongside other renowned figures. Throughout her illustrious career, Williams has secured four Olympic gold medals, further cementing her status as a sports icon. While the Peninsula Paris’ explanation might hold water, the incident underscores the complexities of catering to high-profile individuals, especially in an era where social media can amplify personal experiences into widespread public discourse. https://twitter.com/serenawilliams/status/1820507655250850058/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1820533467358371858%7Ctwgr%5Ef978da61d86b0340a452698d090445b47c916e07%7Ctwcon%5Es2_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fparis-hotel-responds-after-serena-williams-alleges-service-denial%2F Former President Donald Trump appeared on Adin Ross’s livestream on Monday where he discussed Ye and Young Thug’s YSL RICO case. Young Thug was arrested in 2022 on RICO charges. If convicted on over 50 felony counts of murder and gang charges, he faces life in prison, SandraRose.com reports. Trump said Thugger is being “treated unfairly.” “I heard it from other people where they say [Young Thug] is being treated very unfairly. He’s got to be treated fairly,” Trump said during the Aug. 5 livestream. Elsewhere in the conversation, Trump said Kanye West is a “very complicated” person but has a “good heart.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1820523519366824373 Trump’s appearance on Ross’ Kick stream opened with him walking out to 50 Cent’s “Many Men,” a nod to the recent assassination attempt at his Pennsylvania rally. In response to the shooting, rapper 50 Cent shared a meme of Trump on the cover of his “Get Rich or Die Tryin'” album. Social media buzzed with photos and videos of Trump raising his fist in the air, accompanied by Fiddy’s “Many Men (Wish Death).” https://twitter.com/50cent/status/1812281668759109860/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1812281668759109860%7Ctwgr%5E3429f35793f02e3c891e099f8821c0ef95f724a0%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fdonald-trump-comments-on-young-thugs-ysl-rico-case%2F Venture capitalist Henry L. McNamara claims Snoop Dogg gets paid $500k a day plus expenses to serve as an NBC “special correspondent” covering the Olympics in France. “Sat next to an NBC exec at dinner, he said Snoop gets paid $500k a day plus expenses to be here promoting Olympics. From ‘Gin and Juice’ to a few million to be a celebrity at the Olympics – what a world,” wrote McNamara on social media, Complex reports Sports business reporter Darren Rovell quote-tweeted the post, writing, “Sounds about right. Someone asked me how much Snoop was making.” He added, “First number that came to mind was $10 million.” The 2024 Summer Olympics last for 16 days, suggesting Snoop’s total earnings could reach $8 million. However, this figure has not been officially confirmed. “I grew up watching the Olympics and am thrilled to see the incredible athletes bring their A-game to Paris. It’s a celebration of skill, dedication, and the pursuit of greatness,” Snoop Dogg said previously in a statement. https://youtu.be/1j0pIqxRN_Q Vice President Kamala Harris has chosen Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her vice presidential running mate. NBC News reports that Walz, 60, currently in his second term and a former member of Congress, is expected to strengthen the Democratic ticket with his appeal to white working-class voters in Rust Belt states. Walz has achieved significant progressive policy milestones, which include laws protecting abortion rights, legalizing recreational marijuana, restricting gun access, and legal protection to trans youths. Additionally, Walz has expanded paid family leave, provided universal school meals, and capped insulin prices in Minnesota. In a statement Tuesday morning, Harris said “it’s great” to have Walz joining her presidential campaign. “As a governor, a coach, a teacher, and a veteran, he’s delivered for working families like his,” she added. https://youtu.be/RFqkftBIeCc Elon Musk has responded after Don Lemon sued him over a failed talk show intended for the social media platform X. Lemon’s attorneys filed the lawsuit on August 1 in California’s Superior Court, alleging fraud, negligent misrepresentation, misappropriation of Lemon’s name and likeness, and breach of contract. Musk responded to the lawsuit on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “He made a series of impressively insane demands. We declined. Therefore, there was no deal.” Lemon was scheduled to host a show on X starting January 2024 but Musk terminated the deal in March. We reported earlier via CNN, that Lemon’s lawsuit, filed in a San Francisco court, alleged that Musk and X induced him “through false promises and representations” to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars to create the web-based show, only to pull the rug from under him. Not content with dressing the top dogs of the music scene, from Beyoncé and Usher to Christina Aguilera, Dolce & Gabbana now has its sights on making actual dogs that bit more stylish. The Italian fashion label’s latest offering is for the dog who truly has it all (or has rolled in it all) – a designer fragrance, with a price tag to match. Inspiration for the product that the world didn’t know it needed came from the “unconditional love” that Domenico Dolce – one half of the famous designer duo – has for his “loyal dog Fefé,” according to the company’s website. The website describes the fragrance, named “Fefé” in tribute, as an “olfactory masterpiece featuring the cocooning and warm notes of Ylang, the clean and enveloping touch of Musk, and the woody creamy undertones of Sandalwood.” It was designed by master perfumer Emilie Coppermann. Priced at €99 ($109) for 100 mL (3.4 oz), “Fefé” comes in a “sleek green lacquered glass bottle, adorned with a vibrant red metal cap and a precious 24-carat gold-plated paw.” Purchases come with a D&G dog collar (available in two sizes), with a tag (engraving optional). Hulu has released the trailer for the new comedy series “How to Die Alone,” starring Natasha Rothwell as Mel, a broke, fat, Black JFK airport employee who’s never been in love and forgotten how to dream, until an accidental brush with death catapults her on a journey to finally take flight and start living by any means necessary. Rothwell, a former “SNL” writer, leads the cast that includes Conrad Ricamora, Jocko Sims and KeiLyn Durrel Jones.The recurring guest stars are Bashir Salahuddin, Elle Lorraine, Michelle McLeod, Ellen Cleghorne, Chris “CP” Powell, Arkie Kandola, Jaylee Hamidi, Melissa DuPrey, Michael Hartney, Glenn Fleary and Jackie Richardson. Rothwell is the co-showrunner and executive producer of the project. This series is part of her deal with ABC Signature and Onyx Collective under her production company, Big Hattie Productions. https://youtu.be/1CPxZL3kJ70 In “whatever” news, Charles Barkley isn’t ready to retire just yet. TNT Sports and the NBA Hall of Famer announced Tuesday that they had reaffirmed a long-term commitment as the network’s parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, battles to retain its NBA broadcast rights. While Barkley, co-host of TNT’s “Inside the NBA,” inked a 10-year deal with TNT Sports in 2022, the broadcasting icon announced in June that next year would be his last on TV as questions mounted over the league’s future at the cable outlet. “I ain’t going nowhere other than TNT. But I have made the decision that no matter what happens, next year is going to be my last year on television,” Barkley said at the time. “And I just want to say thank you to my NBA family. You guys have been great to me. My heart is full of joy and gratitude.” But in a statement Tuesday, Barkley walked back his retirement plans, saying he would continue working with TNT Sports for the remainder of his 10-year contract. “This is the only place for me,” Barkley said. “I have to say … I’ve been impressed by the leadership team who is fighting hard and have been aggressive in adding new properties to TNT Sports, which I am very excited about. I appreciate them and all of my colleagues for their continued support, and most importantly our fans,” he added. “I’m going to give my all as we keep them entertained for years to come.” https://youtu.be/p2fJhaKCb7w Suge Knight believes the rumors about Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez’s potential divorce are linked to the FBI raids on Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ homes in Los Angeles and Miami. The former Death Row made some pearl-clutching comments about Bennifer on a recent episode of his podcast, Collect Calls With Suge Knight. He suggested that the FBI gave Affleck tapes incriminating Lopez, which were recovered during raids on Diddy’s properties earlier this year. According to Knight, the content of these tapes may be causing a rift in Affleck’s marriage with Lopez. “They go raid Puffy’s house and they get all these videos of J. Lo doing this and JLo doing that,” Knight stated, before recalling the infamous 1999 nightclub shooting involving the actress, Diddy, and former rapper Shyne. “And they know the fact that JLo lied and said that the gun was Shyne’s or whatever and sent that man to prison, destroyed his life and she knew it was Puffy’s,” he said. Knight further suggested that the FBI chose to inform Affleck about the discovery of the alleged tapes because of the potential impact they could have if made public. https://www.instagram.com/allhiphopcom/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=7b92edb1-a2bc-49f5-b37c-2f9b2808e20c Cuba Gooding Jr. appears to be making his big screen comeback with a new faith-based film after a series of legal scandals halted his movie career. The veteran actor leads the cast of “The Firing Squad,” a drama about prisoners finding Christ in an Indonesian prison, co-starring Kevin Sorbo and newcomer James Barrington. Page Six reports that Gooding hosted a private screening at Grey/Ven CEO Scott Weissman’s East Hampton estate, where attendees were moved to tears. During the event, he performed “Amazing Grace” in front of the screen. “People were crying,” one attendee told Page Six. At one point, Gooding told Weissman, “I thought you were going to have fried chicken and hot dogs, but you got like real rich-people food.” https://youtu.be/PSsOE7WwsZ8 Will Smith experienced “I Am Legend” flashbacks during his weekend trip to Zürich, Switzerland. The Hollywood icon shared in an Instagram video on Sunday in which he explained that due to travel delays, he had to unexpectedly spend the night in the area. “A little walk through the streets of Zürich,” Smith told fans. “I’ve never been to Zürich before. This is the first time. Our plane couldn’t take off so we had to stay the night in Zürich. And it’s all mine. It is so quiet.” The clip captures Smith strolling through the silent, eerily empty cityscape. “I’m having I Am Legend flashbacks,” Smith said. “Looking for Fred. What you doing out here, Fred?” https://www.instagram.com/willsmith/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=f369e17b-cbb7-4b5f-af64-5948dd94ab9a Rumors circulating on social media about Vice President Kamala Harris’ family, interests, politics, temperament, love life, beliefs, and more did not begin when President Joe Biden dropped out of the race for the U.S. presidency last month and endorsed her candidacy. However, a steady flow of disinformation has followed that announcement, including questions about her academic achievements. Harris’ life is under the microscope as more facts about her childhood and adult life surface in the national conversation. As we dig through what’s true and not about the character and past of the woman who could be the next President of the United States, here are 10 little-known facts that give us more insight into her personality, past, and private life. https://youtu.be/ueIRNgUEpqU Actor Bobby Del Rio discuss his role in the new comedy series, “Poly is the New Monogamy.” Created by and starring Cat Hostick, this series (which premiered in Canada to rave reviews) takes a fresh and humorous look at modern-day relationships through the lives of three young women navigating the complexities of love and connection in New York City. Hostick leads the cast that includes Marianna Phung (Tokens, Y The Last Man), Ann Pirvu (Reign, UNDERCOVER HOLIDAY), and Sasha Barry (Wynnona Earp). Hostick said previously in a statement, “There is more than one way to be in a relationship and this series is both a love letter and a fresh take on some of our favorite dating sitcoms.” Hostick produced “Poly is the New Monogamy” with Dreamweaver Pictures, Natalie Dale, Chris Violette, and Maya Fink. https://youtu.be/mq6R2klNm1M Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., appeared on a recent broadcast of ‘This Week’ where he was questioned by ABC News host George Stephanopoulos about Vice President Kamala Harris’s racial identity. Stephanopoulos accused Donalds of perpetuating the claim that Harris only recently identified as a Black woman, USA Today reports. “When Kamala Harris went into the United States Senate, it was (Associated Press) that said she was the first Indian-American United States senator,” Donalds said. “It was actually played up a lot when she came into the Senate, now, she’s running nationally, obviously the campaign has shifted, they’re talking much more about her father’s heritage and her Black identity,” he added. https://youtu.be/gtFBQA_ThEc “She’s always identified as a Black woman. She is biracial, she has a Jamaican father and Indian mother. She’s always identified as both, why are you questioning that?” Stephanopolous continued. Donalds noted that many people on social media are questioning it. “This is actually a conversation throughout social media right now, there are a lot of people who are trying to figure this out. But that’s a side issue, not the main issue,” Donalds said. https://twitter.com/i/status/1818738584033116340 Former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci warned that former President Donald Trump could face significant consequences if he refuses to debate Vice President Kamala Harris before the November election. Harris has urged Trump to participate in the ABC News debate on September 10, initially scheduled with President Biden, who exited the race last month. On “CNN Newsroom,” Scaramucci predicted that Trump would end up debating Harris.“There will be a negotiation. It’ll likely not be Fox News. It probably won’t be ABC News. But they will pick a venue, and they’ll debate,” he told weekend host Jessica Dean on Saturday, per The Hill. “So, this is him posturing. This is him trying to get attention.” “It’s hard for him, but he has struggled over the last three weeks to win the attention cycle,” Scaramucci continued. Scaramucci said it “would be a disaster for him if he doesn’t debate the vice president.” The former president turned to social media on Friday to announce that he agreed to debate Harris but only if it’s on Fox News. “The Debate was previously scheduled against Sleepy Biden on ABC, but has been terminated in that Biden will no longer be a participant, and I am in litigation against ABC Network and George Slopadopoulos, thereby creating a conflict of interest,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. Harris’s communications director Michael Tyler told The Hill that she will attend the ABC debate on Sep. 10, even if Trump won’t. Meanwhile, inquiring minds want to know why the “democratic elites put Kamala Harris as the presidential nominee without any of us voting for her (primaries).” https://twitter.com/i/status/1819187766804336663 Fatal Attraction returns tonight, August 5 at 9 PM ET/8C.DEADLY DELUSIONWhen a woman is found dead from multiple gunshot wounds, detectives look to her abusive ex-boyfriend immediately. As the investigation develops, a mysterious man enters the picture, and they suddenly find themselves caught between two suspects. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivQBx4onrkQ Deadly Case Files returns tonight, August 5 at 10 PM ET/9C.Detective Calvin Thomas A woman is found beaten and killed in northeast Atlanta around the same time that another resident’s girlfriend is reported missing. Detective Calvin Thomas is assigned to the case and can’t help but wonder if the two incidents are connected. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V24sKR5ky5s WATCH NEW EPISODES OF FATAL ATTRACTION + FOR MY MAN THIS WEDNESDAY,AUGUST 7 AT 9 PM ET/8C The “Bel-Air” cast hosted a summer BBQ party where series star Coco Jones surprised attendees with a special performance alongside Will Smith. Smith and Jones served up Will’s classic hit “Summertime” during the party, where rapper Big Sean was among the slew of celebrity guests, Vibe reports. Season 3 of “Bel-Air” is coming to Peacock on August 15, where Seasons 1-2 are streaming now. “Bel-Air” was inspired by Morgan Cooper’s viral trailer that reimagined the iconic ‘90s sitcom “The Fresh Prince of “Bel-Air.” The drama series takes a fresh and raw approach to this world of swagger, style, and aspiration while exploring Will’s complex journey through a current lens. Per the news release, “Bel-Air ” is set in modern-day Los Angeles and imagines the beloved sitcom through a new, dramatic take on Will’s complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. As these two worlds collide, Will reckons with the power of second chances while navigating the conflicts, emotions, and biases of a world far different from the only one he’s ever known.” https://www.tiktok.com/@cocojonessource/video/7398378727144557866?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fwill-smith-performs-summertime-at-bel-air-cast-party%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121442748%2C121439635%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7398378727144557866 “Bel-Air” features an ensemble cast led by Jabari Banks as Will. Joseph Marcell, best known for his role as Geoffrey in the original “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” is set to make a guest appearance this season. Here’s the Season 3 synopsis: School’s out for the summer, and Will is doing Bel-Air his way. Being a part of the Banks family has given him a new perspective – it isn’t just about wealth, it means that Will now has options to lean into other things that excite him and has the privilege to dream bigger. As Will makes an exciting pivot, he finds a partner in Carlton, who desperately wants to leave his life of addiction behind and rebuild his damaged reputation. And while the dynamic duo has a lot of exciting wins, working together also reveals fundamental differences in their backgrounds and worldviews. Can a partnership of such extremes work? Pressure at work and home will also pose challenges for Viv and Phil. How does a couple hold strong when their lives are at sea? Hilary’s romantic journey with LaMarcus will face some shocking hurdles, and Ashley’s views on romance will start to blossom as she comes of age the summer before she starts high school, and Geoffrey’s London past will come a little too close to home. https://youtu.be/xZ5J2E_43wY STARZ has released the trailer and first-look photos of the part two premiere of “Power Book II: Ghost,” set to return September 6. Per the network’s news release: Part one of “Power Book II: Ghost” uncovered unanswered high-stakes questions. Part two of the final season will showcase the adage “Like father, Like son.” Tariq finds himself in an eerily similar situation, just like his late father, Ghost, stuck between a rock and a hard place, with the choice to leave the game or take over. Entrapped by Detective Carter, the Tejada family realizes their safety is not guaranteed. Monet fiercely fights for her family to become whole again, but is it too late? Noma is working her way to the top of the food chain. Meanwhile, her daughter, Anya, gets too close to the game, forcing Noma to think twice about her actions. Season four of “Power Book II: Ghost” cast includes Michael Rainey Jr. as “Tariq St. Patrick,” Mary J. Blige as “Monet Tejada,” Cliff “Method Man” Smith as “Davis MacLean,” Gianni Paolo as “Brayden Weston,” Woody McClain as “Cane Tejada,” Lovell Adams-Gray as “Dru Tejada,” LaToya Tonodeo as “Diana Tejada,” Alix Lapri as “Effie Morales,” Larenz Tate as “Rashad Tate,” Caroline Chikezie as “Noma,” and Michael Ealyas “Detective Don Carter.” Additionally, recurring actors include LightSkinKeisha as “Brushaundria Carmichael.” https://youtu.be/unG-YSP1Xj8 Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., married his fiancée Mindy Noce on Saturday at Seacoast Church in Charleston, South Carolina. Fox News reports that the 58-year-old senator and 47-year-old Noce were wed in a ceremony attended by notable political figures, including former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Sen. John Thune, Sen. Lindsey Graham, and Rep. Mark Walker. Scott announced the marriage on his personal X account following the event. “Tonight, we promised to cherish and nourish each other and our marriage for the rest of our lives,” Scott posted. “Mindy, you’ve made me the happiest man alive. I love you.” The senator also quoted Bible verse Matthew 19:6, which reads, “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” https://twitter.com/votetimscott/status/1819899474698756334/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1819899474698756334%7Ctwgr%5E71132a119695d3803be6221ecbb58d77e159d3ec%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Ftim-scott-weds-mindy-noce-in-south-carolina%2F Cardi B confirmed that she did not request child support from her estranged husband, Offset, in her divorce filing. She turned to social media Saturday to address the child support matter while dispelling reports that the Migos rapper was “unsupportive” during their marriage, Page Six reports. “Ok this is getting weird cause I can say he helps me a lot with my business and the kids,” she wrote in the comments section of the Jasmine Brand’s Instagram post. “Never in my career no matter what I went through I had friends or family go to the media sooo I don’t know who is this damn source going to people magazine..Even wit my filling I’m not askin for child support my claim is for him to only pay for the bills he already pays on the kids and the new one.” As we reported earlier, Cardi (born Belcalis Almánzar) is ending her six-year marriage to Offset, whose real name is Kiari Cephus. Mýa shared that she has gained “mental clarity” after a seven-year celibacy journey. In an interview on Way Up with Angela Yee, the 44-year-old singer explained that abstaining from sex allowed her to focus on self-care, MadameNoire reports. “It was no longer a focus. The rush to be in a relationship, the rush to be married, the rush to be in something because that’s what you’re taught to do — to have kids or procreate,” Mýa shared. “And I think there’s a lot of pressure on women to be able to do that,” she added. “Love is beautiful, and I think the world always needs more of it, but I think you must start with yourself,” the Grammy winner continued. https://youtu.be/I0Q5t9tpgeA The R&B Forever Tour is set to electrify audiences this fall with a monumental reunion of the supergroup TGT, comprised of Tyrese, Ginuwine, and Tank. Co-headlining the tour are the legendary Bell Biv DeVoe, featuring Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, and Ronnie DeVoe. This tour promises to be the pinnacle R&B event of the season, spanning three decades of iconic hits. Tyrese, Ginuwine, and Tank sent fans into a frenzy when they announced their reunion after performing solo at the R&B Music Experience in Tampa, Florida. The trio confirmed backstage that TGT is officially back, ready to bring their combined and individual hits to the stage. Fans can expect unforgettable performances of TGT classics along with solo chart-toppers. “Reuniting with my brothers Tyrese and Tank is like coming home. We’re ready to bring the house down,” said Ginuwine. Last year, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed a lawsuit against Asphalt Paving Systems, Inc. (APS), alleging race-based discrimination and harassment of 12 Black employees and others.JD Supra reported in 2023 that the EEOC claimed African American employees faced a hostile work environment at the company’s Florida location, including racial slurs and demeaning conditions, such as being denied breaks and restroom access. APS was also accused of hindering African American employees’ job prospects by contacting future employers to prevent their hiring. According to the lawsuit, the plaintiffs were called the “N-word” and “boy”“The allegations in this case are deeply disturbing and illustrate the unfortunate reality that, 60 years after Title VII was enacted, toxic racial discrimination still plagues many workplaces in Florida,” said EEOC Regional Attorney Robert E. Weisberg. The company’s actions violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. As a result, Asphalt Paving Systems will pay $1.25 million to settle a lawsuit, according to Atlanta Black Star. Chris Brown recently reunited with singer Kehlani after he previously mocked her suicide attempt. In case you missed it, back in 2016, Kehlani attempted to take her own life and Brown called the move nothing more than a ploy “for sympathy.” “There is no attempting suicide,” he tweeted at the time. “Stop flexing for the gram. Doing s–t for sympathy so them comments under your pics don’t look so bad.” Brown’s tweet came after Kehlani was hospitalized and placed on psychiatric hold following her suicide attempt. “Today I wanted to leave this earth,” Kehlani wrote in a since-deleted Instagram post. “Being completely selfish for once. Never thought I’d get to such a low point.” Tropical Storm Debby is now forecast to rapidly intensify into a hurricane before it makes landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region and bring potentially historic amounts of rainfall to parts of the Southeast, due to near-record warm waters in the Gulf of Mexico. Authorities in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina are urging residents to prepare as the storm makes its way through the Gulf, with Debby now expected to undergo rapid intensification, which occurs when a storm’s top-end winds increase 35 mph in 24 hours. It could become a hurricane by Sunday evening after being upgraded to a tropical storm a day prior, according to the National Hurricane Center. Debby has sustained winds of 65 mph — up 30 mph from a day ago — and is located about 125 miles west-southwest of Tampa, Florida, according to the National Hurricane Center’s 2 p.m. ET Sunday update, warning that the threats of heavy rain and storm surge could lead to flooding in the coming days. Hurricane conditions are expected to arrive by Monday morning, with the outer bands of the storm system making their way on shore during the day Sunday. https://youtu.be/5M2tk90tv-s?list=RDNS5M2tk90tv-s The storm is forecast to reach the coast of Florida’s Big Bend early Monday, at which point Debby is expected to then crawl across northern Florida and southern Georgia throughout the day and into Tuesday, the hurricane center said. The main threat will be flooding, both from storm surges up to 10 feet and heavy rainfall. Freshwater flooding, which is caused by rainfall, has become the deadliest aspect of tropical systems in the last decade, according to research conducted by the National Hurricane Center — a threat made more dangerous as the world warms from fossil fuel pollution. https://youtu.be/x7o-XxoHWQ0https://youtu.be/x7o-XxoHWQ0 Oceans are also getting warmer and supercharging storms, pumping them full of moisture. A 2022 study published in the journal Nature Communications found climate change increased hourly rainfall rates in tropical storms by 5 to 10% and in hurricanes by 8 to 11%. “Conditions are favorable for strengthening over the Gulf of Mexico with warm sea surface temperatures and light shear. Intensification is likely to be slow during the first 12–24 hours, then proceed at a faster rate after the cyclone develops an organized inner core,” the National Hurricane Center said of Debby. By early Monday, Debby is expected to move into the Apalachee Bay area of Florida as it moves northward over the Gulf, according to the Weather Prediction Center. The Apalachee Bay area, which includes parts of Taylor, Jefferson, Wakulla, and Franklin counties, can expect to get drenched with heavy rain from Debby on Sunday, increasing the possibility of flash flooding in several spots, the hurricane center said. https://youtu.be/lksyPQjewhU The 100-meter final at the Paris Olympics not only lived up to the hype but also delivered one of the most dramatic finishes in Olympic history. Noah Lyles snatched the gold medal from Kishane Thompson in a race that saw both sprinters clock identical times of 9.79 seconds. However, it was Lyles who emerged victorious, separated from Thompson by a mere 0.005 seconds, securing his maiden Olympic title in a perfect photo finish. The buildup to this clash was intense, with Lyles, the reigning World Champion, openly gunning for the gold even before the Games commenced. His Jamaican counterpart, Kishane Thompson, had set the stage ablaze with a scorching time of 9.77 seconds at the Jamaican Trials, marking him as a major contender for the top spot. In Paris, Thompson further solidified his status as the man to beat by topping the semifinal charts with a 9.80-second run. As the finals approached, the anticipation reached a fever pitch. The race itself was a spectacle. Thompson burst from the blocks and seemed poised to clinch the gold, demonstrating phenomenal speed and determination. But Lyles, with his characteristic closing speed, drew level, and the two crossed the finish line almost simultaneously. Initially, it seemed like a tie, but the official timings soon revealed Lyles had edged out Thompson by the slimmest of margins. Lyles clocked 9.79 (.784), while Thompson stopped the clock at 9.79 (.789), reports ClutchPoints via MSN News. https://youtu.be/AiAt9OcFFx0 After his victory, Lyles expressed his elation and respect for his competitors. “It’s the one I wanted, it’s the hard battle, it’s the amazing opponents,” Lyles remarked. “Everybody came prepared for the fight and I wanted to prove that I’m the man among all of them, I’m the wolf among wolves.” This victory marked the first time in nearly two decades that an American sprinter clinched the Olympic gold in the men’s 100m, since Justin Gatlin’s triumph at the 2004 Athens Games. https://twitter.com/i/status/1820187663153963281 Lyles’ win reson with many, including former NBA players and gold medalists, who took to social media to celebrate his achievement. https://twitter.com/Olympics?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1820186900902375522%7Ctwgr%5Ef9ffec46c2e89015afbe927c1fe38fa7f2826769%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fnoah-lyles-beats-kishane-thompson-wins-100m-gold-in-paris%2F Dwyane Wade was quick to commend Lyles, sharing a supportive note about the athlete’s nail polish—a personal choice both have been criticized for in the past. “At this point, there’s not much you can say to Lyles since he’s a gold medalist, and Wade seems to love it,” Wade stated. Magic Johnson, who watched the race from a yacht, expressed his jubilation on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “It’s the first time in 20 years that the US brings home the gold in the Men’s 100! Wow – what an exciting race!! @LylesNoah.” https://twitter.com/MagicJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1820189829575119188%7Ctwgr%5Ef9ffec46c2e89015afbe927c1fe38fa7f2826769%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fnoah-lyles-beats-kishane-thompson-wins-100m-gold-in-paris%2F Google has violated US antitrust law with its search business, a federal judge ruled Monday, handing the tech giant a staggering court defeat with the potential to reshape how millions of Americans get information online and to upend decades of dominance. “After having carefully considered and weighed the witness testimony and evidence, the court reaches the following conclusion: Google is a monopolist, and it has acted as one to maintain its monopoly,” US District Judge Amit Mehta wrote in Monday’s opinion. “It has violated Section 2 of the Sherman Act.” The decision by the US District Court for the District of Columbia is a stunning rebuke of Google’s oldest and most important business. The company has spent tens of billions of dollars on exclusive contracts to secure a dominant position as the world’s default search provider on smartphones and web browsers. Those contracts have given it the scale to block out would-be rivals such as Microsoft’s Bing and DuckDuckGo, the US government alleged in a historic antitrust lawsuit filed during the Trump administration. https://youtu.be/THqS8799JkM Now, said Mehta, that powerful position has led to anticompetitive behavior that must be stopped. Specifically, Google’s exclusive deals with Apple and other key players in the mobile ecosystem were anticompetitive, Mehta said. Google has also charged high prices in search advertising that reflect its monopoly power in search, he added. Those contracts have long meant that when users want to find information, Google is generally the easiest and quickest platform to go to, which in turn has fueled Google’s massive online advertising business. While the court did not find that Google has a monopoly in search ads, the broader strokes of the opinion represent the first major decision in a string of US-government-led competition lawsuits targeting Big Tech. This case in particular has been described as the biggest tech antitrust case since the US government’s antitrust showdown with Microsoft at the turn of the millennium. https://youtu.be/uesyasLa5xE “This victory against Google is a historic win for the American people,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement. “No company — no matter how large or influential — is above the law.” Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment. This case is distinct from a separate antitrust suit brought by the Biden administration against Google in 2023 related to the company’s advertising technology business. That case is expected to head to trial in early September. But Monday’s decision marks the second high-profile antitrust defeat for Google after a federal jury in California said in December that Google runs an illegal monopoly with its proprietary app store. The court in that case is still deliberating possible remedies. https://youtu.be/KLlHpZdLarA 50 Cent successfully defended against a $1 billion lawsuit filed by former drug dealer Cory “Ghost” Holland Sr., who alleged that the “Power” co-creator had used his life story as the basis for the hit show’s plot. We reported earlier that Holland Sr. filed a ten-figure lawsuit against STARZ, 50 Cent, and showrunner Courtney Kemp, claiming the show is based on his life as a New York drug kingpin. Holland explained in the suit that he created a cautionary tale about his life in 2007, burned it onto CDs, and distributed them to at-risk children. He claimed that he met with Kemp’s father in the early 1990s to discuss his life story as he sought to leave the drug trade. He alleged that 50 Cent received a copy of the CD and turned his life story into a scripted drama series. According to FanSided, Holland sought a motion for a preliminary injunction that could halt the promotion of the forthcoming spinoff, “Power: Origins.” He also accused 50 Cent of attempting to intimidate him into dropping the lawsuit. “If a motherf**ker gets killed because your motherf**king client threaten me and my family, file a motherf**king motion for that. I ain’t playing with your motherf**king client no more, next time he or anyone he sends pull up, f**k the litigation,” read a statement from Holland to 50’s reps, Vibe repo Vice President Kamala Harris’ husband Doug Emhoff acknowledged Saturday in a statement to CNN that he had an affair during his first marriage after a British tabloid published the alleged details of the relationship. “During my first marriage, Kerstin and I went through some tough times on account of my actions. I took responsibility, and in the years since, we worked through things as a family and have come out stronger on the other side,” Emhoff said in a statement provided exclusively to CNN. The statement comes after the Daily Mail reported that Emhoff had a relationship with one of his then-young daughter’s teachers, resulting in his first marriage’s end. The relationship and the circumstances around it were known four years ago to Joe Biden’s vetting committee as Harris was going through the running mate process before being picked for the ticket, a person familiar with the conversations told CNN. The person also said that Emhoff had told Harris about the affair well before they got married. The relationship ended years before Emhoff began dating Harris. https://youtu.be/D9knJvAL6zA On Sunday, August 4, former First Lady Michelle Obama publicly celebrated her husband, Barack Obama‘s, 63rd birthday with a heartfelt message on Instagram. The post, filled with warmth and admiration, was a touching tribute to the former President. “Happy birthday to the love of my life, @BarackObama! Here’s to weathering all of life’s storms and moving mountains together. ❤️,” Michelle, 60, wrote, accompanying the caption with a playful photo of the couple attempting to push a massive rock at an undisclosed location, reports Page Six. The love and affection shared between the pair were clear to see, and their bond was further celebrated by various celebrities in the comments section. Notable figures such as Cynthia Bailey from “Real Housewives of Atlanta” and comedian Chelsea Handler expressed their admiration and birthday wishes. “Happy Birthday President Obama!!!🎉🎉🎉,” exclaimed Bailey. Handler added, “Best couple ever.” Barack and Michelle Obama have a storied relationship that began at a Chicago law firm where they met. They tied the knot in October 1992, and together they have two daughters, Malia, 26, and Sasha, 23. The late, great Aretha Franklin and the late, great Luther Vandross reportedly couldn’t stand each other while working together on her album “Get It Right.” According to ILOSM, the two iconic musicians quarreled like an old married couple, so much so, that Aretha stormed out of the session and later recounted the moment in her autobiography, “Aretha: From These Roots.” She wrote: “All of a sudden Luther wanted to tell me how to sing when it was me whom he had learned much about how to sing. My point was simple: If he wanted to tell the artists how to sing, why didn’t he sing it himself? His job was to produce and advise the artists about phrasing, diction, melody, and to be adventurous and say certain things, but definitely not say, ‘Sing it like this.’” Their argument got heated because neither artist wanted to back down, so Aretha said she “picked up my coat and walked out of the studio as he and I continued shouting at each other,” she wrote. https://youtu.be/E6zOzmD-nv4 Franklin later had this to say to Jet Magazine about her relationship with Vandross: “When I say this, I say it with respect and I say it in a positive vein. Luther and I really do like each other. We have a lot of mutual respect even when we are not talking, we are still cool. I guess you could call it Aries butting heads because he’s an Aries too. We are very opinionated people.” She then added a bit of shade: “He was lying at the base of his radio listening to me. I wasn’t lying there listening to him, LOL.” DailyMail once quoted Luther as stating “The Aretha I had heard throughout my entire childhood on the radio — warm and down-home — wasn’t the Aretha I heard on the phone.” The two powerhouses eventually made nice with each other and recorded a hit record. They also became great friends until he passed in 2005. https://youtu.be/V463G7DXpuk Tiffany Haddish is bringing her side hustle out front and center for the masses. During a recent interview on the “We Playin’ Spades” podcast, the “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” entertainer let it be known that one of the ways she used to make money to support herself involved selling her used panties online. The kicker was that Haddish did it under the notion that her undergarments belonged to Halle Berry. Detailing the con, TMZ noted that Haddish revealed her technique to ” We Playin’ Spades” hosts Nick Cannon and fellow comedian Courtney Bee, saying she would post an ad on Craigslist back in the day, claiming to be Halle’s housekeeper. The name of the fake housekeeper that the funny woman used was Rosalinda. To hear Haddish tell it, the panties attracted folk who would pay $300 to have underwear they thought belonged to Berry. https://youtu.be/VqJuZeUCCDg If only they knew that it was Haddish’s panties they spent their money on, not those belonging to the “John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum” star. As it stands now, it’s unclear if Haddish’s scheme was known by Berry before she put her antics on blast on “We Playin’ Spades.” Since they actually know each other, according to TMZ, it’s anybody’s guess. So, what say you? If you were struggling and needed a way to generate funds to keep the bills paid and food on the table, would you do what Haddish did? Or would you go the straight route and get paid in a better way? https://youtu.be/E_MKI9NQmQk “Eunice, Eunice Moseley is that you,” said Jazzy Rita during her Jazzy Rita’s Jive and Jazz show at the Barbara Morrison’s Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles recently when I went to review it for my column, which was exceptional in talent and variety.Born LaRita Shelby, Jazzy Rita had lovely songstress Marshella Griffin Larry as her opening act. Jazzy Rita’s Jive and Jazz showed her wide range of talents. She was a stand-up comedian, a Jazz vocalist, and an outstanding actress in a couple of variety show skits (Color Purple) that kept the audience, which included me, very entertained. Even when her music director left for a minute she adlibbed until his return like a seasoned professional. Her band was exceptional as well. This is a band she has performed with for many years that included her music director and keyboardist James D. C. Wilson; lead guitarist Michael Wells; drummer Jerrell Ballard; the infamous Mike Phillips on bass; on sax sounding exquisite was Gerald Spikes and her featured vocalist Philip Bell sang with her on the selection “I want to get next to you.” The small intimate room was full of Jazzy Rita fans. Some were included in her show as she called them on stage, she even let one or two sing. Her sparking personality and comedic abilities is the reason why she has so many supporters (fans). She and her band are constantly on tour which is a testament of the show’s popularity.Rita started in entertainment in 1990 when she was contracted by the Department of Defense to host a radio show called “The LaRita Shelby Show for the Armed Forces.” It was aired in 57 countries and had a long run until 1997. In 1997 she joined EURweb.com, a digital magazine launched by an Air Force radio host turn civilian syndicated radio show host Dr. Lee Bailey (RadioScope), as Vice President of Marketing and she still holds that position today, which also includes her overseeing business development and special projects. https://youtu.be/AM5Or8S3MfE In a heartfelt interview, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, revealed that she has only “scraped the surface” of her experiences with bullying. While describing her past suicidal thoughts, she connected these personal struggles to a broader mission. On Sunday, Markle and her husband, Prince Harry, launched The Parents’ Network. The initiative aims to offer crucial support to parents who have lost children or whose children have suffered directly or indirectly due to social media’s harmful impacts. Markle discussed her ordeal on “CBS Sunday Morning,” sharing that part of her healing journey is being open about her experiences. “I haven’t really scraped the surface of my experience. But I do think that I would never want someone else to feel that way,” Markle told Jane Pauley. She expressed that her openness might encourage someone to check in on others genuinely, beyond appearances. https://youtu.be/Ba7ZcEI1nQc Kevin Hart is going back in the day to clear his character’s name in the trailer for the Peacock’s new crime drama limited series “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist.” Based on the acclaimed iHeart true-crime podcast of the same name or rather “some s— that really happened,” the show centers around Hart’s character, Chicken Man, a hustler who hosts an afterparty celebrating Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight. A guest list comprised of the country’s wealthiest round out the event before the night ends with “… the most brazen criminal underworld heist in Atlanta’s history.” Citing the series’ logline, Entertainment Weekly reports the happenings that take place change one man’s life and ultimately transform Atlanta into the “Black Mecca.” For Chicken Man, it means being hellbent on clearing his name after he’s suspected of being the mastermind behind an infamous heist. To help his cause, Chicken Man must convince an old adversary, J.D. Hudson (Don Cheadle), of his innocence. Hudson, one of the first Black detectives in Atlanta’s desegregated police force, was tasked with solving the crime, EW mentioned. https://youtu.be/GNmLHum-bdE The Biden administration is sending out millions of dollars in relief checks to farmers who have faced discrimination, just ahead of an emergency request at a federal court to temporarily pause the process. President Joe Biden and the White House are touting the payments to over 43,000 people as part of an effort to address inequity in farm loan programs, which data obtained in a CNN Freedom of Information Act request reveal has persisted for Black farmers especially. “Farmers and ranchers work around the clock to put food on our tables and steward our Nation’s land,” Biden said in a statement Wednesday. “But for too long, many farmers and ranchers experienced discrimination in farm loan programs and have not had the same access to federal resources and support.” But the long-awaited payments come amid a backdrop of a group of Black farmers who have sued, saying the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program should be open to applicants filing on behalf of their deceased relatives who faced discrimination. https://youtu.be/o3GkWxnzSIA The Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association, which says it has over 20,000 members, lost at a federal district court. It’s currently asking the 6th US Circuit Court of Appeals to pause the relief payment process and reconsider the lawsuit – before the program runs out of money. “We are asking … that the Department of Agriculture discontinue its attack of discrimination against the African American community, particularly African American farming and ranching community and their subsequent heirs,” BFAA President Thomas Burrell told CNN. “Fairness as it relates to the receipt of services to include loans and credit. And we’ve had to demand that in the form of lawsuits,” he added. One argument the farmers’ association is using is from a major new Supreme Court decision that overturned a 45-year-old precedent governing how federal courts interpret executive agency actions. https://youtu.be/eGMRiiP8gkc Before clinching gold in the women’s artistic gymnastics all-around final on August 1 at the 2024 Paris Games, Simone Biles was honored with a heartfelt tribute from Beyoncé. The singer narrated a video documenting Biles’ 2024 Olympic journey for NBC. “Let’s talk about power because, really, that’s what this story is about,” says Beyoncé of Biles in the footage. “Physical power, its beauty, its wonder, the way it never stops amazing you. Then there’s spiritual power, the kind that really matters,” she continues. “The power you can’t see, only sense. The power you need in those moments when life goes a little sideways on you.” https://www.tiktok.com/@nbcolympics/video/7398266583153478942?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fbeyonce-narrates-simone-biles-path-to-olympic-gold%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121442748%2C121439635%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7398266583153478942 No matter the sport, the Olympics can be viewed as a look into the future with future athletes becoming legends in their respective sports With his 7ft 2in frame, Khaman Maluach could easily fit into that category as he generates talk and a healthy buzz with his sights set on entering the NBA. “I want to be a Hall of Famer,” the 17-year-old athlete told BBC Sport Africa while explaining his pro ball aspirations.”That’s one of my long-term goals. Playing on the same court with [two-time NBA MVP] Giannis [Antetokounmpo] and [2023 MVP] Joel Embiid.” Maluach’s future looks pretty certain. The young phenom, who is representing and competing for South Sudan at the 2024 Summer Olympics, is expected to be one of the hottest acquisitions going into next year’s NBA Draft, according to the BBC. Maluach, a projected third pick in the 2025 Draft, became eligible after committing to playing college basketball for Duke in the US. https://youtu.be/QPbOJ2QBei8 In a decisive response, Vice President Kamala Harris firmly rejected former President Donald Trump‘s invitation to debate on Fox News, while accusing him of backing out of a prior commitment to an ABC debate. Harris labeled Trump as running scared, criticizing his decision to avoid the originally agreed-upon ABC debate set for September 10. According to a source familiar with the matter, Harris is planning to attend the ABC debate even if Trump does not. ABC News has yet to provide an official comment regarding their plans should only one candidate show up, but it is anticipated that airtime would still be provided to Harris. Trump announced late Friday that he had agreed to participate in a Fox News debate on September 4, thus reneging on his commitment to the ABC debate. That prompted the responses from the Harris camp. Michael Tyler, Harris’s campaign communications director, issued a statement Saturday morning, calling out Trump for what he described as evasive behavior. “Donald Trump is running scared and trying to back out of the debate he already agreed to and running straight to Fox News to bail him out,” Tyler said in a statement on Saturday. “He needs to stop playing games and show up to the debate he already committed to on September 10. The vice president will be there one way or the other to take the opportunity to speak to a prime-time national audience.” Tyler emphasized that the Harris team is open to discussing additional debates after the one that both campaigns have already agreed to. He further challenged Trump by referencing his past “anytime, anywhere, anyplace” debate stance, suggesting that Trump should have no problem showing up for the debate unless he is too scared to face Harris. Days after Evelyn Lozada hired a private investigator to dig into her “Basketball Wives” co-star Jackie Christie’s past, the drama between the pair is heating up with eyebrow-raising claims against Lozada. During a recent episode of the hit reality show, Christie’s dropped a bombshell centering around Loada and her relationship with her pets. According to Christie, Lozada is taking the relationship to the next level, claiming her arch nemesis is involved with bestiality. “[Evelyn] wants to lie, let me tell you some facts…about what she was doing with their dogs, Christie told Cheyenne Bryant. “Bestiality is a thing, and the little [dog], that one that is limping all the time…” Expanding on her claims, Christie took it to the confessional, saying. “I heard from a little birdie that a certain individual, let me just say it, Evelyn. She’s had some climatic moments with dogs, cats, and anything of the like,” Christie added about the model / TV personality. https://twitter.com/i/status/1810480321210577114 Judge Joe Brown is making it crystal clear what he thinks of Vice President Kamala Harris as he labeled the Democratic presidential hopeful an “old hoe.” Citing a recent interview the former daytime TV judge did with The Art of Dialogue, Vibe reports Brown hit the ground running with his criticism against Harris for how she conducted herself in and out of the courtroom. In his eyes, the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority member is a “piece of s**t” who lacked “professional competence” as a lawyer in California. Digging deeper into his view, Brown accused the former senator of “hiking up her hemline when she needed influence.” “She had a reputation among the trial lawyers of being lazy,” the controversial justice continued. “She’d just hike her skirt up and try to flirt, and she wasn’t that good in the courtroom, if not, pretty bad in the courtroom.” As if giving his version of what went down during Harris’ time as a prosecutor wasn’t enough, Brown put colorful speculation into the mix by saying the political veteran may have “early onset dementia” and “menopausal complications” which he believes is responsible for her “word salad garbage.” adding, “She doesn’t make a bit of sense. I think — she’s only 60 — she’s actually on a worse track than Biden was,” he added while throwing another label at the politician, “old hoe.” https://youtu.be/xmcqcbC16OU Needless to say, Brown caught the wrath of Harris’ supporters, who blasted him on social media while pointing out his own questionable past. “I’m amazed at how some black men like Joe brown who claim to be all for black people, yet attack Kamala Harris the same way Trump does. Yet are quiet as church mice when it comes to criticizing Trump and Project 2025. It’s very weird to me. Harris 2024! Defeat project 2025,” one person posted on X, with another posting, “I was on my YouTube channel and saw that ignorant Judge Joe Brown speaking nasty things about our VP. I know she’s strong and knows this kind of talk is coming. However, when it comes from a Black man calling her? No respect for him.” https://twitter.com/ELadyPurvis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1818667708868608089%7Ctwgr%5Ea43ec55a8d3f693dc47574f6544e724c47084dc8%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fjudge-joe-brown-calls-kamala-harris-an-old-hoe%2F In a stirring development late Friday night, former President Donald Trump announced via his Truth Social account that he has accepted an offer from Fox News to debate Vice President Kamala Harris on September 4. The debate is scheduled to take place in Pennsylvania and will be hosted by Fox News anchors Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum. Trump’s announcement was briefly taken down before being reposted without his initial mention of a “major” town hall meeting if Harris declined to debate him. “Rules will be similar to the rules of my debate with Sleepy Joe, who has been treated horribly by his party, but with a full arena audience,” Trump posted, referring to President Joe Biden, who had recently withdrawn from the election race. At the time of Trump’s announcement, it remained unclear if Vice President Harris had agreed to the Fox News debate. Harris has notably pushed for Trump to adhere to the originally scheduled September 10 debate on ABC News, which was initially designed as a head-to-head with then-candidate Biden. Previously, Trump had consented to the ABC News debate. However, following Biden’s exit and Harris’ ascension as the Democratic nominee, Trump expressed concerns about fairness, citing his ongoing litigation against ABC and anchor George Stephanopoulos as a “conflict of interest.” https://youtu.be/i_pyPfC9tsQ “I spent Hundreds of Millions of Dollars, Time, and Effort fighting Joe, and when I won the Debate, they threw a new Candidate into the ring. Not fair, but it is what it is! Nevertheless, different Candidate or not, their bad Policies are the same, and this will be strongly revealed at the September 4th Debate,” Trump also stated in his Truth Social post. The move comes amid internal dynamics within the Democratic Party, as Harris secured enough votes to finally clinch the nomination without having won a single primary. This unexpected development followed a wave of dissatisfaction with President Biden’s performance in a June debate, prompting party leaders to seek new leadership. Harris did not let Trump’s new proposal go unchallenged. At a campaign event on Tuesday, she publicly taunted Trump for backing out of the previously scheduled September 10 debate. “Here’s the funny thing about that: So he won’t debate, but he and his running mate sure seemed to have a lot to say about me,” Harris remarked, to the raucous cheers of her supporters. “I do hope you’ll reconsider and meet me on the debate stage, because, as the saying goes, ‘if you’ve got something to say, say it to my face!’” she added, accentuating her readiness to confront Trump. https://youtu.be/i_pyPfC9tsQ As Harris secured the Democratic nomination, Trump and his campaign have continued to stress the necessity of formalizing debate plans, awaiting Harris’ acceptance of the Fox News setup. His campaign team previously mentioned that the debate logistics would not be finalized until Harris was officially recognized as the Democratic nominee which is now a done deal. As the drama unfolds, all eyes will be on Trump and Harris, eagerly awaiting to see if the Democratic Vice President will accept the challenge to debate on Fox News or continue to push for the originally scheduled ABC News debate. This anticipated showdown could be a pivotal moment in the current political race, offering insights into the strategies and agendas from both sides of the aisle. Stay tuned for what promises to be a gripping, high-stakes encounter. https://youtu.be/BycotOYJrDw?list=RDNSBycotOYJrDw Grammy-winning artist, singer, songwriter, and producer Jody Watley keeps it moving with a new “EVERLASTING” remix. The final in the installment is The DāM-FunK Remix. DāM-FunK is a critically acclaimed artist, musician, multi-instrumentalist, producer, DJ, and modern funk trailblazer. On top of that, he’s a style icon who blends the music with the culture. “EVERLASTING” The Alex Di Ció mix was released on January 30, 2024. The uplifting song ranked in the Top 5 in sales in various countries including the USA, UK, and Italy via Watley’s longtime independent label Avitone and reached #2 on the UK Soul Charts. An uplifting anthem about being true to oneself and perseverance is another meaningful addition to her ongoing discography spanning multiple decades and genres. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/AcSjW64YYUw?feature=share LeToya Luckett is officially off the market. The entertainer exchanged I-do’s with her boyfriend Taleo Coles in a private ceremony in Houston. DeVon Franklin officiated the event, which included roughly 200 guests to celebrate the couple’s love. Among those on hand for the ceremony were Tina Knowles, reality TV personality Toya Wright-Rushing, Luckett’s fellow ex-Destiny Child member LaTavia Roberson, YouTuber Terrell Grice, and rapper Bun B, whose 2007 UGK hit “International Players Anthem (I Choose You)” soundtracked the kiss Luckett and Coles shared to seal their vows, reports Vibe. For the former Destiny’s Child member, the Outkast-assisted classic was the perfect song to mark the beginning of her new life with Coles. Luckett, who broke the news, revealed to Essence that the classic was an intentional selection for the occasion. “I feel like our story is one of hope,” the singer/actress also told Essence. “For the single moms who might doubt that love and a blended family are possible, I hope our journey shows them that it’s never too late to find happiness and build something beautiful.” https://www.instagram.com/essence/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=5585f57b-baeb-401a-bf90-8ffac1e25573 In 2023, Simone Biles reportedly earned $7.1 million, with $100,000 from competition and winnings, and the remainder from endorsements with brands like MasterClass, Athleta, and UberEats. For the 2024 Olympics, Biles’ earnings from medals are modest, with U.S. payouts being $15,000 for bronze, $22,500 for silver, and $37,500 for gold. Her past Olympic earnings total $185,000, including her most recent gold medal, Good Housekeeping reports. In December 2023, Forbes ranked her as the 16th richest female athlete globally, the highest among gymnasts. Biles marked her recent Olympic victory with a jab at Donald Trump. After winning her second gold medal at the Paris 2024 Games in the individual all-around event, Biles reinforced her self-proclaimed title as the GOAT (greatest of all time). On Friday, she took to Twitter/X to gush about her win in a post that read: “I love my black job.” 50 Cent has addressed criticisms regarding his upcoming documentary on Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs. Although his mentor Dr. Dre has faced past abuse allegations, 50 Cent explained why he feels producing the project is not in conflict. During a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he was asked about the backlash for covering Combs’ sexual assault allegations while ignoring Dre’s past abuse scandal. “It’s fine that they would feel whatever they feel because I don’t know what is true or what’s not true about that situation. And these things date back to before I was even signed to Dr. Dre,” 50 explained. “But this would mean not acknowledging all the things that are positive about him, all the successes I have had and everything, because that’s the time frame we are talking about Look, it may irritate people that have heard that. That’s crazy to think that you would not produce a doc series now based on that as well,” he added. As The Jasmine Brand reports, Dr. Dre has faced several domestic violence accusations from not only his ex-wife Nicole Young but also former TV host Dee Barnes, singer Michel’le, and Dre’s ex Lisa Johnson, both women have children with the hip-hop mogul. Amazon MGM Studios has released a new trailer for Zoë Kravitz’s directorial debut, “Blink Twice,” which was initially titled “Pu**y Island.” We reported earlier that Kravitz’s fiancee, Channing Tatum, leads the cast, portraying billionaire tech mogul Slater King, who invites friends to a mysterious private island. The film also stars Naomi Ackie, Christian Slater, Simon Rex, Adria Arjona, Kyle MacLachlan, Haley Joel Osment, with Geena Davis and Alia Shawkat. Here’s the synopsis: When tech billionaire Slater King (Channing Tatum) meets cocktail waitress Frida (Naomi Ackie) at his fundraising gala, sparks fly. He invites her to join him and his friends on a dream vacation on his private island. It’s paradise. Wild nights blend into sun soaked days and everyone’s having a great time. No one wants this trip to end, but as strange things start to happen, Frida begins to question her reality. There is something wrong with this place. She’ll have to uncover the truth if she wants to make it out of this party alive. https://youtu.be/jmCCQ80iAf8 Channing said he went to a “dark place” for this role. “It’s the first time I’ve ever played anyone [like this],” the actor said in an exclusive interview with Total Film. “Every character I play, I usually have some sort of love for or a connection to. I don’t think I’ll ever tell anybody what I had to create inside my head to play this person… He’s a psychopath,” he added. https://twitter.com/Variety/status/1782811850251366900/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1782811850251366900%7Ctwgr%5E98453c63eef04b7bc7826817d0675c2c9acfd205%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fwatch-new-trailer-for-zoe-kravitzs-blink-twice%2F Music is magic. It has an innate ability to traverse generations, erasing time spent and foretelling things to come. At the strike of a chord, the inflection of certain voices can instantly transport the listener back to a time and a space, invoking the emotions and sentiments with which they are synonymous. Even more is the case for the combination of voices. Inspired harmonies and blends that transcend music theory are often the result of shared experiences and history made. Such is the case with music’s latest supergroup, F K & M. Comprised of three of the most recognizable and iconic voices in Gospel Music, Fred Hammond, Keith Staten, and Marcus Cole, F K & M hearkens back to a beloved brotherhood forged in Contemporary Gospel’s golden era, while simultaneously foreshadowing a beautiful new season. Hammond, Staten, and Cole each became cherished contributors to the legacy of contemporary Gospel music as members of Commissioned, one of the most acclaimed and revered Gospel groups of all time. Although initially, the three were never on the groups roll at the same time – Hammond and Staten were both founding members of the sextet going back to the early 1980’s, while Cole joined a 1990’s iteration as the group’s popularity spawned various solo and alternate careers – they each offered lead vocals with signature styles that elicited individual and collective successes and fanfare, and prove that the ties that bind this fraternity remain strong and impactful. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEaVza-TNM4 Acclaimed singer/songwriter and GRAMMY® Award-winning TRIBL Music Group artist Chandler Moore drops his highly anticipated sophomore solo album, CHANDLER MOORE: LIVE IN LOS ANGELES. Now available worldwide, the album can be purchased and streamed. Harkening on the motifs Moore has become known for with Maverick City Music, Moore's latest solo offering, CHANDLER MOORE: LIVE IN LOS ANGELES, represents a new chapter in his career and personal life. The eight-track project captures an electrifying live performance that showcases Moore's unique blend of soul, R&B, and inspirational music and features powerful collaborations with celebrated artists such as Israel Houghton, Tasha Cobbs Leonard and Naomi Raine. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayUjaEPYnoE The OMG Girlz are back with their new single, “MOTION,” available now on all streaming platforms! The single debuts on the heels of their 2023 track, "Love Boy". In this soulful track, the dynamic trio delivers a powerful message about independence and self-empowerment, with lyrics that proclaim, “Either way imma pop champagne. Pulling up imma have my way.”“MOTION” showcases the OMG Girlz' signature blend of catchy melodies and fierce attitude, promising to resonate with fans and newcomers alike. Don’t miss out on this anthem of resilience! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8u_g9IfyNk Track and field athlete Veronica Fraley shared on social media that she was more worried about paying her rent on time than her Olympics debut. On Thursday, the 2024 NCAA discus champion expressed her concerns on social media while preparing for her women’s discus throw qualification round in Paris. “I compete in the Olympic Games TOMORROW and can’t even pay my rent,” Fraley, 24, wrote on X. “my school only sent about 75% of my rent while they pay football players (who haven’t won anything) enough to buy new cars and houses” Flavor Flav and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, who is married to Serena Williams, responded to her post online, pledging to help by sending money to the Olympian. “I gotchu,,, DM me and I’ll send payment TODAY so you don’t have to worry bout it TOMORROW,” Flav replied Thursday on X, “and imma be rooting for ya tomorrow LETZ GO,!!! https://youtu.be/vLW4Tm9cEtE In an electrifying auction, the locker used by Kobe Bryant during his legendary NBA career has found a new owner, fetching an astonishing $2.88 million. The bidding war closed on Friday, August 2, coinciding with the unveiling of a new statue of Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, outside the arena he immortalized. The locker, which was removed from the Staples Center during its 2008 renovations, surpassed initial expectations by a significant margin. Sotheby’s Auction had projected a ceiling of $1.2 million, but the final $2.88 million sale underscores the immense value placed on memorabilia associated with the Black Mamba. Kobe Bryant, revered as one of the greatest NBA players and the best Laker of all time, left an indelible mark on the sport. Over his 20-year career, he amassed 33,643 points, 7,047 rebounds, and 6,306 assists, securing his spot as the all-time leading scorer in Lakers history. His impact extended beyond the court, with substantial contributions to various philanthropic endeavors, including after-school programs, education, and health initiatives, according to TMZ. The proceeds from the locker’s sale won’t just benefit its new owner; a portion will be donated to The Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation in honor of Bryant’s legacy of philanthropy and community service. In conjunction with this monumental auction, the Los Angeles Lakers celebrated Bryant’s enduring legacy by revealing a statue of him and his daughter, Gianna. The sculpture, which artistically pays tribute to the duo sitting courtside at a Lakers game in December 2019, is the second of three monuments planned to immortalize Bryant. Surrounded by purple and gold flowers, it features a heartfelt plaque with a quote from Kobe expressing his pride in being a “girl dad” and his admiration for Gianna’s talents. Native Son – the leading organization dedicated to the empowerment of Black gay and queer men – in partnership with Q.Digital – the #1 Comscore Ranked LGBTQ+ media company– will officially launch its new platform vertical – the Native Son channel on Q.Digital’s immensely popular LGBTQ+ culture and entertainment site, Queerty today, Friday, August 2 at https://www.queerty.com/channel/nativeson. The launch date of the new channel was set to commemorate the centennial birthday of literary icon and activist James Baldwin and will include a special digital cover experience honoring the life and legacy of Baldwin. Aiming to become the premiere content and storytelling platform for Black gay and Queer men, the Native Son Channel on Queerty will include a diverse mix of news stories, lists, opinion pieces, and video content. With this partnership between Native Son and Q.Digital, the launch of the new channel happening on James Baldwin’s 100th birthday signifies a full circle moment for the Native Son movement as the ideation for the organization was originally inspired by and named in honor of Baldwin’s Notes of a Native Son. Founded in 2016 by renowned journalist and activist Emil Wilbekin, Native Son was created as a way to celebrate and amplify Black and queer voices and the Native Son channel on Queerty will serve as an extension of that mission. In addition to the special digital Baldwin cover, the debut of the Native Son channel will include the cover story written in tribute to James Baldwin by media maker and critically acclaimed author Darnell L. Moore as well as the introduction of the video series “Native Son’s 20 Questions with Emil Wilbekin.” https://www.instagram.com/nativesonnow/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c4d46540-5a65-4b60-8745-e908f5a55a74 The business of mass media and journalism has always been tumultuous. With each transitional period in history, black-centric and Black-owned media companies, intellectual property and cultural artifacts have taken the brunt of the upheavals. Paramount Global shuttered MTVNews.com as part of a cost-cutting measure on June 24. Deadline reported that Paramount Global deleted the video archives of Comedy Central just days later. At its height, Vice Media dealt with the coverage of cultural artifacts produced, celebrated, and purchased by an audience of people inspired by African Americans. It was once worth $5.7 billion but was purchased for $350 million by three investment companies last year. According to an article published in Reuters, Vice could not live up to the lofty expectations of being valued at billions while simultaneously fighting head-to-head against Facebook and Google for advertising dollars. Since the early 2000s, media companies of all sizes and audiences have had to learn to switch business models on the fly. But that has become increasingly difficult over time. Algorithms are manipulated and revenue dollars fluctuate and yesterday’s price is not today’s price. Sometimes, it is lower. Simone Biles has long been celebrated for her incredible athletic prowess and her ability to command the stage with her jaw-dropping gymnastics feats. This week, she added yet another feather to her cap by becoming the first American gymnast to win the Olympic individual all-around competition twice. Her triumphant performance reasserts why she’s often hailed as the greatest of all time (GOAT). However, it wasn’t just her Olympic success that had people talking. Biles made headlines for another reason after she posted a tweet that quickly became a viral sensation. With a cheeky sense of humor, Biles tweeted, “I love my black job,” along with images of her proudly displaying her gold medal and wearing a silver “GOAT” necklace. This tweet was more than a celebration—it was a subtle dig at former President Donald Trump, according to CBS News. The context of her tweet lies in Trump’s controversial statement during a debate in June. Trump, the GOP nominee, had claimed that “millions and millions of people” crossing the U.S.-Mexico border were taking “Black jobs.” When pressed by ABC News interviewer Rachel Scott to explain what he meant by “Black jobs,” Trump reiterated, “A Black job is anybody that has a job. They’re taking the employment away from Black people.” Trump’s statement quickly prompted reactions from various social media users, who began sharing their takes on what constitutes a “Black job.” Professionals from different fields—ranging from doctors to general surgery residents—shared images and videos, proudly displaying their “Black jobs.” https://youtu.be/h2ABZS0U5vg Lionsgate has partnered with Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson to launch a free ad-supported channel called 50 Cent Action. According to The Hollywood Reporter, this new FAST channel will feature premium content from Lionsgate’s library, including the original “Power” series, along with popular action films such as “The Expendables,” “The Hitman’s Bodyguard,” “Rambo,” and over a dozen movies starring the rapper and TV mogul. Lionsgate will collaborate with Jackson to promote and curate the channel. “50 Cent’s movies and television series are synonymous with non-stop action, and we’re thrilled to extend our longstanding partnership into the FAST space,” Lionsgate president of worldwide television distribution Jim Packer said in a statement on Thursday. “This channel will bring diverse, action-packed content to audiences everywhere, reflecting my passion for storytelling and providing a platform for fresh, dynamic voices. I look forward to working closely with all the FAST platforms to make this a successful channel,” the rapper said. R&B artist and avid country music fan K. Michelle is about to begin her official journey as a country music singer, having signed with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. “I have been ready. I am grateful for this moment,” said K. Michelle in a statement, The Tennessean reports. “Rebels and Real Outlawz, it’s time! I am excited and want to thank my BMG Team. I am happy to finally sing the music I grew up on. I am a country girl at heart and can’t wait to share my country music with you.” Katie Kerkhover, VP of A&R at BMG said, “When we first met K. Michelle, she radiated her passion for country music. It’s the fabric of who she is because the lyrics represent truth. She’s built an incredible fanbase with her unique vocals anchored with storytelling at its heart and that is what transcends genres.” K. Michelle previously said “Country music is my love and passion. It’s who I am.” “I have so much love for country music. The people who believe in my career deserve to discover the same type of happiness through the genre that the genre has brought me,” the superstar said. “Now that I’m regularly in Nashville, I’m ready to meet people, sing for myself, collaborate with others, and finally discover peace and therapy in my life through my favorite type of music.” https://twitter.com/kmichelle/status/1818008070762672578/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1818008070762672578%7Ctwgr%5E36da544bd6ec82099df3316df8d6eb60939deb42%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fk-michelle-announces-exciting-new-deal-with-bmg-country-music%2F Comcast has announced the premiere of the award-winning documentary “Wade in the Water: A Journey into Black Surfing and Aquatic Culture.” According to the press release, the film challenges the racial barriers of traditional surf culture. You can watch it now on Comcast’s Black Experience on Xfinity channel and the Xumo Play free streaming app. Directed by David Mesfin, the film dives into the 1,000-year-old tradition of Black surfing. Through a blend of historical accounts and modern-day testimonials, Wade in the Water explores the rich, often overlooked, legacy of Black surfing and pays tribute to its current movement, inspiring a new generation of Black surfers. “We are thrilled to collaborate with award-winning director David Mesfin and his team, to bring this compelling documentary to the Black Experience on Xfinity channel,” said Loren Hudson, SVP & Chief Diversity Officer, Connectivity and Platforms, Comcast. “Our goal with this channel is to facilitate the discovery of impactful films like Wade in the Water while providing a platform for emerging content creators and talent exploring the Black experience who want to reach wider audiences,” Hudson continued. https://youtu.be/ZRIixvajKrE The documentary has sparked conversations about diversity and inclusion within aquatic sports. The film hopes to continue the dialogue and provide opportunities for surf and outdoor Black communities, and pave the way for a more inclusive future, per the release. “Wade in the Water is more than a film; it’s a movement.” shared Director David Mesfin, “Our objective is not just to tell a story but to inspire change. We aim to ignite a passion for surfing within the Black community, challenge preconceived notions about who can be a surfer, and celebrate the rich history and culture of Black surfing.” https://youtu.be/-TfMDoH_-Pc This is Not A Transgender Issue.” It’s not only a headline, it’s the position the International Olympic Committee/IOC is taking toward Algerian boxer Imane Khelif. The hubbub is over Thursday’s bout at the Paris Olympics where Khelif secured a significant victory against Italy’s Angela Carini. The match, however, was overshadowed by controversy regarding Khelif’s gender identity, which has recently come under intense scrutiny. Khelif’s triumph on Thursday came when Carini quit just 46 seconds into the fight, citing severe pain in her nose, and subsequently avoided shaking Khelif’s hand before collapsing in tears. This victory marked a pivotal moment in Khelif’s career, who has always competed as a woman, including at the Tokyo Olympics. Despite her consistent participation in women’s boxing, Khelif’s eligibility was questioned after reports surfaced that she and another boxer, Lin Yu-ting of Taiwan, failed to meet gender eligibility tests at the Women’s World Boxing Championships in New Delhi last year. Officials at the time alleged that the tests indicated the presence of male chromosomes, sparking widespread debate. Angela Carini, reflecting on her decision to stop the fight, emphasized that she is not in a position to judge Khelif’s eligibility. “I am not here to judge or pass judgment,” Carini told reporters, expressing that the decision wasn’t hers to make, NBC News reported. https://youtu.be/zyVKfuv1Ue8 Khelif herself celebrated her victory on social media, posting a photo from the match on Instagram with the caption “First Victory.” She did not address the controversy directly but has previously labeled her disqualification from the world championships as a “conspiracy.” The International Olympic Committee (IOC) also stepped in, criticizing the backlash against Khelif and Lin Yu-ting. In a statement, the IOC described the International Boxing Association’s (IBA) decision to disqualify the athletes from last year’s Women’s World Boxing Championships as arbitrary and procedurally flawed. The IOC emphasized that such decisions should be made based on thorough and fair procedures, aligning with good governance principles. Notably, the IOC had cut ties with the IBA last year, citing governance and financial transparency issues, and now relies on the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit for eligibility standards, which bases gender and age eligibility on athletes’ passports. The Algerian Olympic and Sports Committee, celebrating Khelif’s win, did not comment on the criticisms but expressed pride in her accomplishments. Abderrahmane Hammad, Algeria’s minister of youth and sports, condemned the attacks on Khelif, describing them as cowardly attempts to tarnish her reputation. https://www.instagram.com/7naplus/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=a18e6251-3287-4efe-b9bb-b53aba8fd2b6 As Khelif prepares for her next match against Hungary’s Luca Anna Hamori in the women’s 66-kilogram quarterfinals on Saturday, she carries not just the hopes of her supporters but also the weight of ongoing debates about gender eligibility in sports. D’Angelo Russell said he was “naive” to Kobe Bryant’s legacy when he joined the Los Angeles Lakers during his rookie year for the 2015-16 season. “I was just naive to his whole legacy at that time, bro. I’m young and dumb, thinking everything’s funny. Kobe Bryant? Let me see if I can make him laugh,” DLo told Theo Pinson on “Run Your Race,” the Basketball Network reports. Recognizing Russell’s potential, Kobe took the young guard under his wing. “I got it the hard way. He wasn’t laughing; he was serious all the time. He smiled, but he little bro’d me. You know what I mean? It wasn’t like ‘Shoo, fly,’ it was like ‘Lil bro, think about this,'” Russell shared. https://youtu.be/AqfiWJDU52k “Bachelorette” Charity Lawson, who finished fourth on Season 32 of “Dancing with the Stars” alongside Artem Chigvintsev, recently made surprising claims about her experience on the show. During an episode of Cheryl Burke’s Sex, Lies and Spray Tans podcast on July 29, Lawson expressed her surprise that the reality dance competition did not have a therapist available on set, Decider reports. “Honestly, I’m very surprised because quite literally, while Dancing With the Stars was great, I literally went through hell and back with my mental health in that show,” she revealed. When Cheryl Burke mentioned the “bullying” that Charity Lawson faced on the show, calling it “shocking,” Lawson, a therapist, questioned this characterization, responding, “Is it shocking? I don’t know if it’s shocking.” Lawson said her DWTS experience was “almost to the point where it was so much worse than Bachelor and Bachelorette.” https://t.co/VsLaASdI4W On some parts of an overheating Earth, the old complaint that “it’s not the heat, it’s the humidity” gets truer by the year. But in Phoenix (Arizona), the hottest big city in the US, where sunbaked concrete sprawls across the bone-dry desert, the city is setting records in both high temperatures and body count — and learning the hard way that it’s not just the heat, it’s the vulnerability. Simply living in the Phoenix area has turned deadly as fossil fuel pollution pushes temperatures to dangerous highs. Temperatures are 5 to 6 degrees hotter in Phoenix now than the already-scorching norm, and heat deaths in Maricopa County have more than quadrupled in the last seven years, leaping from 154 in 2016 to last year’s grim milestone of 645. Coroners have confirmed close to 40 heat deaths so far this year and have placed more than 400 more under investigation before the end of July, sparking fears this year could be even deadlier. Phoenix has become a real-time experiment in adaptation as first responders, health care workers, and city planners scramble to keep their city survivable. “Buy the bigger ice machines,” Phoenix Fire Captain Robert McDade tells emergency managers who call for advice from around the world. “Be willing to change what you’ve done.” https://youtu.be/ZQ6fSHr5TJg Babyface and SZA will be honored at the 2024 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards scheduled for September 5 in Los Angeles. Hosted by BMI President and CEO Mike O’Neill and Vice President of Creative Catherine Brewton, the awards show aims to “recognize our phenomenal songwriters, producers and publishers behind the most groundbreaking R&B and Hip-Hop songs of the past year.” Babyface will be honored with the BMI Icon Award for “his impressive career, marked by a formidable catalog of hit songs that have transcended generations and connected with audiences around the globe.” Past recipients of the BMI Icon Award include James Brown, Al Green, Isaac Hayes, Janet Jackson, and Patti LaBelle, per RatedRnB. SZA will receive the BMI Champion Award for “her dedication and efforts in fostering the next generation of music creators.” Last night, Thursday, August 1, Peacock hosted a Summer BBQ at the Universal Studios Backlot for the return of BEL-AIR Season 3. Guests were surprised with a show-stopping performance from Coco Jones, who sang her new single “Here We Go” before inviting Will Smith up to duet his classic hit "Summertime" to celebrate the BEL-AIR state of mind. BEL-AIR cast members Jabari Banks, Coco Jones, Adrian Holmes, Jimmy Akingbola, Olly Sholotan, Akira Akbar, Jordan L. Jones and Simone Joy Jones, attended alongside executive producers Will Smith and Morgan Cooper; showrunner, executive producer, and writer Carla Banks Waddles. Special guest stars in attendance included Jazlyn Martin, Justin Cornwell, Alycia Pascual-Peña and more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZ5J2E_43wY Central City Productions’ highly anticipated annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, the “Greatest Night in Gospel Music,” will premiere on the Stellar Network and BET this weekend. Co-hosted by Emmy Award-winning TV personality and comedian Loni Love, alongside Marconi Award-winning radio/TV personality and comedian Rickey Smiley, the 39th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards awarded various categories in a taped telecast on Saturday, July 20. Other categories were awarded in a Pre-Show nominee gala. The 39th annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards will premiere on the Stellar Network on Saturday, August 3 at 8PM and 11PM EST and in broadcast syndication from August 10, 2024 - September 8, 2024. BET will air the 39th Stellar Gospel Music Awards on Sunday, August 4 at 8 PM ET/PT. Tye Tribbett and Jekalyn Carr led in “Stellar Awards” 2024 wins. Tye Tribbett received the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award and Kim Burrell received the Aretha Franklin Icon Award. The ceremony included performances by: Chandler Moore, Karen Clark Sheard, Kierra Sheard, Anthony Brown and group therAPy, Da’ T.R.U.T.H, Deitrick Haddon, Israel Houghton, Kelontae Gavin, Koryn Hawthorne, Lisa Knowles-Smith, Mali Music, Melvin Crispell III, Rich Tolbert Jr., and Ricky Dillard. Joining the Emerging Artist Stage was Arthur and Friends Community Choir, Jovonta Patton and Wendi Wyatt. Kirk Franklin, Erica Campbell, VaShawn Mitchell, Pastor Mike Todd, JJ Hairston, Maurette Brown Clark, Carvin Winans and Angel Taylor will present on the broadcast. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBCMvJtnv5E “Johnson,” Bounce TV’s popular dramedy focusing on four life-long best friends with the same last name, returns for an all-new season Saturday nights at 8pm ET / 7pm CT starting Aug. 3 with two new back-to-back episodes. “Johnson” is a journey of love, self-discovery, and brotherhood, touching on hot-button topics including race, mental health, classism and the ever-evolving relationship dynamics between men and women -- themes that continue to be prominent in the new season ahead. "Johnson" is produced in partnership with Eric C. Rhone and Cedric The Entertainer's A Bird & A Bear Entertainment, as well as Deji LaRay (the show's creator) and Thomas Q. Jones' Midnight Train Productions. The ensemble cast is led by Jones ("P. Valley," "Luke Cage"), LaRay ("Bosch," "Greenleaf"), Philip Smithey ("Murderville," "The Rookie"), Derrex Brady ("NCIS," "First") with D.L. Hughley (The Original Kings of Comedy, The Hughleys). LaRay and Jones serve as show-runners and executive producers; Rhone, Cedric The Entertainer and Reesha L. Archibald serve as executive producers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2ZrYspyFG4 The legendary Gospel Quartet group, The Brown Singers, was founded in 1976 by Willie Mae “Brown” Richmond. Group members then were Vanessa Brown (Knowles), Dolly Starks (Mohn), the late Elizabeth Starks (Cleveland), Rosemary Starks (Mathis), and Ray King. In the early 90s, the group began to go through changes, and Vanessa's 12-year-old daughter, "Lil Lisa," became the group's lead singer. Fast forward forty years, Lisa Knowles and The Brown Singers have emerged as the preeminent quartet group in Gospel music today. Vanessa Brown Knowles, Lisa Knowles-Smith, Jackienna Richmond, Sierra Ward-Pope, and Rachel Anderson now carry the legacy of this iconic group. Further adding to their popularity and accolades garnered over the years, the ladies recently brought home two more Stellar Gospel Music Awards for their album LIVE IN MEMPHIS 2. The 39th annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards and live show taping took place in Las Vegas, NV in July. Lisa Knowles-Smith and The Brown Singers won Traditional Duo/Chorus Group of The Year and Quartet Of The Year. These wins reflect and repeat The Brown's win in 2015 during the 30th annual Stellar Awards in the same categories for their THE EVOLUTION album. They also performed at the Stellar Awards Show in 2015 with the late Bishop Rance Allen; this year, Lisa will appear on the show. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emR2JcIelBw Brace yourself for an electrifying experience with Tim Woodson & The Heirs of Harmony! These iconic gospel maestros are shaking up the scene with their groundbreaking blend of timeless roots gospel traditions and a contemporary soul twist. The latest single from Tim Woodson & The Heirs of Harmony, exemplifies their dedication and musical brilliance after 32 years. With soul-stirring vocals and inspiring lyrics, this track celebrates their deep-rooted faith and uplifts listeners. More than just a song, it's a powerful anthem. mhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJEeWHiCxYk Popular docu-series “Raising Fame” takes center stage this Sunday, August 4, at 10 PM ET / 9 PM C on TV One. Hosted by celebrity moms Lucille O’Neal (mom of Shaquille O’Neal) and Sonya Curry (mom of Stephen, Seth, and Sydel Curry),. “Raising Fame” delves beyond the glitz and glamour to provide a unique perspective in the words of both the parents and celebrated children themselves. Winning American Idol at just 19-year-old marked the beginning of a grueling road to stardom for award-winning singer/actress Fantasia Barrino. She credits her mom with helping her overcome the obstacles and turning her into the accomplished woman she is today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRzN5jDET7U TV ONE’S NEW DOCU-SERIES "RAISING FAME" FEATURING FANTASIA BARRINO PREMIERES THIS SUNDAY AT 10 PM ET/ 9 PM C https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9p6cwM1tYE To say Cardi B is making headlines with groundbreaking, mind-blowing news is putting it lightly. Listen up, y’all. The Grammy-winning rapper has announced she’s expecting another child, just hours after filing for divorce from her husband, Offset. The announcement came in the form of an Instagram post on Thursday, where Cardi shared a revealing photo of her baby bump and a lengthy, heartfelt caption. “With every ending comes a new beginning! I am so grateful to have shared this season with you, you have brought me more love, more life, and most of all renewed my power!” Cardi wrote. “Reminded me that I can have it all! You’ve reminded me that I never have to choose between life, love, and passion! I love you so much and cannot wait for you to witness what you helped me accomplish, what you pushed me to do!” The post, although celebratory, has garnered widespread curiosity among fans as it strategically omits Offset’s name, leading to speculation about the child’s paternity. Questions like “Who is the father?” have flooded the comments section. The timing of the announcement is particularly striking given Cardi’s recent legal move to dissolve her marriage with Offset. This would be Cardi’s third child, as she already shares two children, Kulture and Wave, with Offset, reports TMZ. Rumors of Cardi’s pregnancy had been circulating for days before her revealing post. Just recently, photographers captured images of her in New York City, where her team was seen attempting to shield her with umbrellas, adding fuel to the pregnancy rumors. https://youtu.be/-SwYBCFub1c A woman on TikTok reported discovering blood in her 4-year-old daughter’s meal at a Burger King in New York. The fast food chain attributed the issue to a worker injuring their finger. In the video, the woman explains that she purchased a meal for herself and a kid’s meal for her daughter, who complained about not wanting ketchup. Tiffany Floyd says in the video that she purchased food at a Gettzville, New York, Burger King, but she took it back once she discovered blood all over the bag. Floyd reported that her daughter had eaten a few French fries and taken a bite of her cheeseburger before asking about the ketchup. “Instantly I grabbed the bag because I thought maybe they messed up her order. I looked at it, felt something wet and thought it was ketchup and you could tell it was human blood,” she tells PEOPLE. At that point, Floyd called the Burger King location and spoke to a manager. “I spoke to the manager and he paused and said, ‘Yes. I had a worker here cut their hand right before your food was made and bagged. The worker knew he cut himself but did not think he was bleeding that bad.’ “ https://www.tiktok.com/@mindbodymomm/video/7396066823046810911?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fwoman-finds-blood-in-daughters-burger-king-meal%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121442748%2C121439635%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7396066823046810911 50 Cent revealed that Eminem was the reason he performed at the 2022 Super Bowl Halftime Show, stating, “They didn’t want me there.” “He was not coming if I didn’t do it,” the rapper told The Hollywood Reporter in a new interview. “They didn’t want me there,” 50 Cent said of the 2022 event. “Eminem wouldn’t do it without me. That’s how I ended up on the show because he was not coming if I didn’t do it.” He continued, “When that happens, you go, ‘Damn, so you just lost Eminem because you didn’t bring 50? Damn. All right. Bring 50 then.’ But if it was up to them, they would not have me there.” “I’m the surprise. I’m not on the bill at all,” 50 Cent continued. “But they couldn’t get Em to do it without me.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C-FpntyOspC/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=e046c1d3-f0e5-49cc-b2f1-965bc6ed1caa 50 Cent’s G-Unit is taking over the Millennium Movie Studio in Shreveport, Louisiana, with the rapper previously announcing his commitment to further developing his film and TV ventures in the city. Orville Hall, G-Unit’s growth adviser, said 50 Cent has been thrilled with the warm reception and support he has received from the city for his ideas. “50 was in town yesterday. He feels like he’s home when he’s here now. People are welcoming. We’ve met with the mayor,” Hall said, KSLA reports. “The city council has been so open armed to him. We’ve met with the Caddo administrators, and they were all so welcoming,” Hall continued. “Everybody is invested in this, everybody is happy about this, and that’s what 50 is happy about.” In a statement to Billboard, Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux said, “We are thrilled that G-Unit Studios will plant its roots in Shreveport.” https://www.instagram.com/50cent/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=a24b769b-db0b-425b-92c4-328299a779fa At the recent National Urban League Conference’s Women of Power Awards, six of the nine Black Miss Americas gathered for the first time to celebrate the event’s 20th anniversary. Vanessa Williams, the first Black woman to win the title, joined her fellow winners via video message to reflect on the significance of their historic wins. This year’s National Urban League Conference’s Women of Power Awards luncheon was held Thursday, July 25, in New Orleans. As PEOPLE reports, all the nine Miss America winners were honored: Vanessa Williams (1984), Dr. Debbye Turner Bell (1990); Kimberly Aiken Cockerham (1994); Erika Harold (2003); Ericka Dunlap (2004); Caressa Cameron-Jackson (2010) and Nia Franklin (2019). “I had no idea that I would be shattering the glass ceiling,” Williams said in the clip. “It gave me an overwhelming sense of pride and achievement. It allowed me to realize my dreams,” she continued. “I’m literally on stage, which is what I said 41 years ago when I said I was a junior at Syracuse University majoring in theater. So here you are and here I am. I’m living my dream,” Williams added. https://t.co/CJuaPtvOu4 Netflix has announced details about season 2 of “Squid Game,” which is set to debut on Thursday, Dec. 26. The South Korean drama became an international smash hit after arriving on Netflix in 2021. The title pulled in 1.65 billion viewing hours within its first 28 days. The streaming company revealed that the third and final season will be released in 2025. “The real game begins. Squid Game Season 2 is coming December 26. The Final Season coming 2025,” read posts shared on Netflix’s X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram accounts. Netflix released a short video on Wednesday announcing the Season 2 debut. https://youtu.be/JMQ7CwfecJE The official synopsis states: “Three years after winning Squid Game, Player 456 (Lee Jung-jae) remains determined to find the people behind the game and put an end to their vicious sport. Using this fortune to fund his search, Gi-hun starts with the most obvious of places: look for the man in a sharp suit playing ddakji in the subway.” The synopsis continues, “But when his efforts finally yield results, the path toward taking down the organization proves to be deadlier than he imagined: to end the game, he needs to re-enter it.” Series creator, director, and executive producer Hwang Dong-hyuk said previously, “There’s been so much pressure, so much demand and so much love for a second season. So I almost feel like you leave us no choice!” he told the AP. “But I will say there will indeed be a second season. It’s in my head right now. I’m in the planning process currently.” https://twitter.com/netflix/status/1818799159480402390/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1818799159480402390%7Ctwgr%5E875099478f993d4a41083bf8cc3f4a69be4e0df6%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fnetflix-announces-premiere-date-for-squid-game-season-2%2F In a 2022 open letter to fans, Dong-hyuk wrote, “It took 12 years to bring the first season of Squid Game to life last year. But it took 12 days for Squid Game to become the most popular series ever.” Dong-hyuk noted that he is “thrilled to see the seed that was planted in creating a new Squid Game grow and bear fruit through the end of this story.” He vowed to “do our best to make sure we bring you yet another thrill ride.” You can watch Season One of “Squid Game” and its competition reality series, “Squid Game: The Challenge” on Netflix. https://twitter.com/ComplexPop/status/1818790175691931801/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1818790175691931801%7Ctwgr%5E875099478f993d4a41083bf8cc3f4a69be4e0df6%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fnetflix-announces-premiere-date-for-squid-game-season-2%2F Two suits, two women, one message: “Hotties for Harris.” At least that was the phrase scrawled across banners at Kamala Harris’ campaign rally in Atlanta Tuesday night. The event — part of Harris’s bid to secure the Democratic presidential nomination — was headlined with a performance from rapper Megan Thee Stallion, 29, whose fans nickname themselves “hotties,” after the chart-topping 2019 track “Hot Girl Summer.” The three-time Grammy winner arrived on stage to perform in a pair of second-skin cobalt flares, a matching cropped blazer, and a tie by designer Abdul Sall. Underneath, her white collared shirt was similarly slashed at the midriff, exposing her gleaming belly button stud. Minutes later, Harris walked onto her podium to rapturous applause — also in a blue pantsuit. Considering Megan’s typical stage wear features thong leotards and sheer catsuits, it doesn’t take a seasoned fashion critic to pick up on the sartorial message. At first glance they might have been twinned; two women from very different corners, at the top of their respective careers, defining power dressing on their own terms. (Harris did, however, adopt some of Megan’s swagger with her challenge to Donald Trump to debate her: “If you have something to say, say it to my face.”) The choreographed spectacle was a continuation of the Harris team’s modus operandi: Meeting the Gen Z voters where they are. From being endorsed by Charli XCX and co-opting the album of the summer, “Brat,” to capitalizing on the 32.3 million-strong fandom of Megan Thee Stallion, her advisors have been honing in on the 18-27 demographic.But how do you capture the attention of younger voters without alienating your core audience? The Source magazine reports that Kim Porter, Sean “Puffy” Combs’ late ex, wrote a memoir about her life with him before her death from double pneumonia in 2018. Excerpts from the alleged manuscript, which describe domestic violence, have been leaked. In response to rumors about the memoir, Kim’s close friend Eboni Elektra has called the claims “blatant lies.” In an Instagram post, she wrote, “Now it’s getting out of hand. THERE IS NO BOOK! There never was.” Elektra added, “Several people continue to speak about and spread blatant lies regarding this “mystery manuscript” as if it were true. People….. IT’S NOT.” She continued, “Kim would never do such a thing, and that’s the honest to God truth. God knows the truth and so does she. As for me, I couldn’t have another person call my phone or send me a text about this without clearing the air. Any negative feedback or comments on this post will receive no response except God bless you. The truth is the truth. Be blessed. #kimporterstrong.” https://www.instagram.com/ebonielektra/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=92d8cf7e-55fd-4ded-829d-f0864fa7d8a6 While 88 Nigerian athletes have been slated to represent their homeland in 12 categories of sports at the Paris 2024 Olympics, America has been graced with the presence of the Lion Queen of Nigeria – the great Classical Soprano, Abiodun “Abi” Koya. Professionally trained as a classical singer, Koya is also a poet, actor, screenwriter, and humanitarian. She has performed for some of the world’s most influential leaders of today including Nigerian Kings, World Ambassadors, and U.S. Presidents George W. Bush, and Barack Obama. Abiodun Koya’s heartfelt renditions, vocal prowess, and stage presence have captivated audiences around the world, delivering a repertoire that ranges from traditional Nigerian melodies to classical compositions. Her ability to connect with the audience on an emotional level makes for a divine experience, creating a memorable experience for all. Koya’s training and performance style are rooted in Western classical music. This influence is evident in her vocal technique, use of operatic elements, and the formal structure of her performances. https://youtu.be/Dhl47ckZbv0 RZA has teamed up with Irving Azoff’s Iconic Artists Group and LL Cool J’s Rock the Bells to enhance and expand Wu-Tang Clan’s music, brand, and lifestyle. This collaboration aims to create new opportunities across television, merchandise, brand partnerships, and film, Variety reports. The deal has already sparked interest in a potential collaboration with Nike. Additionally, the partnership aims to unify Wu-Tang Clan’s global fanbase through a dedicated online platform. “As we evolve from ‘Legendary Status’ to ‘Iconic Status’ it’s only fitting and serendipitous that we join the team at Iconic Artists Group and Rock the Bells,” said RZA in a statement. “This partnership will help us continue to expound and expand the Wu-Tang Clan’s Legacy,” he added. President of Iconic Jimmy Edwards said, “The Wu-Tang Clan is much more than a music group; they’re a cultural phenomenon. We can’t wait to bring our unique strengths together to create something truly unparalleled.” Drew Sidora, a celebrated actress, singer, and philanthropist, is making headlines with her latest ventures. As she gears up to release new music in the third quarter of this year, she continues to shine in her recurring role as Chantel in Bounce TV’s hit series ‘Mind Your Business,’ created by Danielle Dominique and Danielle Solomon. The show has achieved a groundbreaking milestone, garnering over 2 million views during its debut weekend and becoming the most-watched Bounce original series. Sidora’s performance and the show’s compelling storytelling and focus on entrepreneurship have resonated with audiences and contributed to its widespread success. “Being a part of ‘Mind Your Business’ as Chantel has been an incredible journey. The character’s depth and the show’s focus on entrepreneurship and innovation align with my own passions,” said Drew Sidora. She adds: “I’m also thrilled to share my new music later this year, which reflects my personal growth and artistic evolution. Through my non-profit foundation, DREAMMAKERS, I aim to inspire young women and the youth to pursue their dreams and strive for excellence.” blob:https%3A//www.facebook.com/f8881fb6-298f-4b1d-ad57-43add7d100bb PnB Rock’s fiancée, Stephanie Sibounheuang, gave an emotional testimony on July 30 during the rapper’s murder trial. The Jasmine Brand reports that she recounted the horrifying moment when she and PnB Rock were dining at Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles in South Los Angeles on September 12, 2022, and a masked gunman appeared and demanded their jewelry before fatally shooting the artist. “He said, ‘If you don’t give me the jewelry, I’m going to blow her head off,” she testified. Sibounheuang said that as the gunman threatened her, PnB Rock tried to shield her but he was shot multiple times. She described her desperate attempts to help him while the shooter escaped with her $60,000 watch and several pieces of PnB Rock’s jewelry. “My man was on the floor, dying … I was putting pressure on his wounds,” she told the courtroom. https://youtu.be/6iFD3VUfPuk In the aftermath of the shooting, Sibounheuang turned to social media to speak about processing her grief. “I am 100% not ok,” she captioned a collage of video footage of them together. “If I wasn’t spiritual I could kill my self (but then I’ll go to hell and my man not there).” Sibounheuang continued, “My man saved my life, Throwing me under that table. I’m not supposed to be here but bc of him. I am. No one would be able to handle this.” “TBH, I can’t even handle this. To witness what I saw and to keep seeing it in my head, to being forced out the restaurant, to not be able to go in the ambulance or the hospital, Car keys, purse and my phone taken from me, forced in the back of a police car, locked in an interrogation room all night, while all this is going on and to be the last person in this world to know my man didn’t make it after having the faith and confidence that he was,” Sibounheuang explained. “I felt this time in my relationship everything was finally perfect for our family. My man had gave his self to GOD. Did a complete 360. He was loyal. He was patient. He was teachable and a teacher. I was finally letting the past go, and letting him show up as his changed self,” she added. https://youtu.be/779-ujYglkQ Twelve-year-old Nia Thompson is no stranger to the stage. As a young three-year-old, Nia watched KeKe Palmer in her historic performances as the first Black Cinderella on Broadway in RODGER’S + HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA. As the curtains closed she turned to her mother and said, “I’m supposed to be on the stage.” Years later, the young phenom is set to conclude her epic run as one of the few Haitian-Americans to portray “Young Nala” in Disney’s THE LION KING on Broadway on August 18. The fairytale manifestation of words from a young toddler resulted in nearly 200 shows that left audiences inspired and anxiously awaiting what is next from Thompson. It is the kind of story Walt Disney himself would write. On September 8, 2019, to celebrate her eighth birthday, Thompson set foot in the Minskoff Theater for the first time, to see THE LION KING with her two besties. As a special treat, her parents arranged a backstage tour led by seven-year ensemble member the late Sharron Lynn Williams. https://youtu.be/oGLeV2plVGs Cardi B is ending her six-year marriage to rapper Offset.Sources tell TMZ that the split is not related to infidelity. According to insiders, this has been a long time coming, with the couple having grown apart. One source noted, “They’re just disconnected from each other.” PEOPLE reports that Cardi B is filing for primary custody of their two kids, daughter Kulture, 6, and son Wave, 2½. This marks the second time Cardi B has filed for divorce from Offset. She initially pulled the plug in 2020 but later withdrew the petition. Cardi B previously told fans that she had been dropping hints about their split on social media. During an Instagram Live in December 2023, Cardi noted that she is single but fans assumed it was another PR stunt. “I’ve been single for a minute now,” the rapper said at the time. “But I have been afraid,” she said. “Not afraid, I just don’t know how to tell the world. But I feel like today has been, like, a sign.” As TMZ reports, in December, Cardi posted, “You know when you just out grow relationships … I’m tired of protecting peoples feelings … I GOTTA PUT MYSELF FIRST!” Meanwhile, Offset recently denied rumors that he’s cheating on his wife. As we reported earlier, the speculation arose from a video showing the 32-year-old rapper with a woman named Pretty Redz at a casino, leading fans to accuse him of cheating on Cardi B. Offset took to Instagram Live to make clear that Pretty Redz is not his romantic partner, writing, “Shawty ain’t my shawty.” Former Ohio state Senator Nina Turner expressed disappointment that Kamala Harris feels compelled to select a white man as her vice-presidential candidate. In a recent interview on “CUOMO,” Turner pointed out the historical dominance of white men in presidential and vice-presidential roles, News Now Nation reports. “People are talking about affirmative action,” Turner said on “CUOMO.” “We are affirming affirmatively, right now, accepting the fact that she has to pick a white man.” Harris will announce her running mate before Aug. 7, ahead of the Democrats’ virtual nomination roll call. Pundits believe she must choose a straight white man to be deemed a viable candidate. “45 of the 46 presidents were white men, and 46 of the 46 vice presidents were white men,” Turner said. https://youtu.be/nBFHmruAn0M Paramount+ revealed Thursday the official trailer for RuPaul’s Drag Race Global All Stars, along with the lineup of guest judges for the season who will join host RuPaul Charles, resident judge Michelle Visage, and director/choreographer Jamal Sims on the panel each week. Premiering exclusively on August 16 with two all-new episodes, the first-ever Global All Stars season will include Adriana Lima, Ariadna Gutiérrez-Arévalo, Carson Kressley, Danna Paola, Dianne Brill, Graham Norton, Jasmine Tookes, Javier Ambrossi, Javier Calvo, Matt Rogers, Ross Mathews and Ts Madison as guest judges, according to the press release. “The world is not ready for RuPaul’s Drag Race Global All Stars,” said eight-time Emmy® Award-winning Host and Executive Producer RuPaul. “Twelve queens representing their home countries raises the stakes to a whole new level. Plus, the international mix of charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent will, pardon my French, blow your f***ing minds.” Per the release, “In celebration of the new global version of the iconic franchise, MTV, home of the flagship series, and World of Wonder have partnered with All Out – an international organization that fights for LGBTQ+ rights around the world – making a $100,000 donation to start the new fund. To find out more and make a donation, look for the “Drag Saves the World” QR code at the end of every episode.” https://youtu.be/cc9lK6UTduM Renowned gospel singer and Billboard chart-topper Latice Crawford celebrated for her powerful three-octave contralto vocal range and urban contemporary gospel music, is thrilled to announce the launch of her new venture, Whole Life LLC. Renowned for her contributions to women’s empowerment and relationship facilitation, Crawford is dedicated to helping single women, couples, and families build healthier relationships and communication strategies. Whole Life LLC offers a range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of its clients: • Single Women: Focusing on building a healthier relationship with themselves before entering into a relationship. • Pre-marital, Married, and Post-marital Individuals/Couples: Enhancing communication, conflict resolution strategies, and connection with their spouses. She brings a wealth of expertise to her coaching practice, being certified in Emotional Intelligence (EQ), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and Relationship Facilitation. Don Lemon on Thursday filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk and X after the erratic billionaire canceled a planned partnership that would have seen the former CNN anchor create a talk show on the embattled social media platform. Musk abruptly canceled the well-publicized deal with Lemon earlier this year after he became visibly annoyed during an interview with the journalist for the first episode of “The Don Lemon Show.” Lemon’s lawsuit, filed in a San Francisco court, alleged that Musk and X induced him “through false promises and representations” to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars to create the web-based show, only to pull the rug from under him. Lemon alleged that Musk wanted to announce a partnership with him only to trade off his name to rehabilitate his social media company’s troubled image. Since Musk took over X, advertisers have fled, choosing not to associate their brands with the toxic content on the platform, some of which emanate directly from the billionaire owner himself. “This case is straightforward,” Carney Shegerian, an attorney for Lemon, said in a statement. “X executives used Don to prop up their advertising sales pitch, then canceled their partnership and dragged Don’s name through the mud. You don’t have to be a genius to see the fraud, negligence, and reputational damage here.” https://youtu.be/Ore8jIZxCIg A representative for X did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the lawsuit, but the company previously defended scrapping its deal with Lemon, stating “we reserve the right to make decisions about our business partnerships, and after careful consideration, X decided not to enter into a commercial partnership with the show.” The lawsuit alleges that Musk, in addition to X chief executive Linda Yaccarino, promised Lemon a $1.5 million deal and added revenue sharing incentive to post his content on the platform 24 hours before uploading it elsewhere. Lemon alleged in the lawsuit that he was skeptical of striking a deal with Musk, given his unhinged public behavior, but that he was eventually won over by Yaccarino, who assured him that he would have the platform’s full support. In their attempts to recruit him, Yaccarino and Brett Weitz, head of talent at X, attended a lunch in New York City with Lemon in which they conveyed Lemon would have the company’s backing, the lawsuit said. But the deal quickly collapsed after Musk grew angry at Lemon’s questioning during a sit-down interview in March taped at his Tesla headquarters in Texas. During the interview, Lemon pressed Musk about the rise of hate speech on X, in addition to his open use of the prescription drug ketamine. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/xQeq_1QEsbw?feature=share Donald Trump found himself in the proverbial hot seat at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Annual Convention, held today in Chicago. The tension-filled event, marked by provocative questions and heated exchanges, saw Trump defending his contested legacy while reaffirming his appeal to Black voters. In a packed ballroom, three journalists took turns questioning Trump about his controversial past and associations. The session began with ABC News’ Rachel Scott, who didn’t mince words as she addressed what she described as the “elephant in the room.” “A lot of people did not think it was appropriate for you to be here today,” Scott began, proceeding to list the false claims Trump had made about notable Black figures, including former President Barack Obama and Nikki Haley. Scott pressed further, mentioning Trump’s derogatory comments towards Black journalists and his infamous dinner with a white supremacist at Mar-a-Lago. Trump, visibly irritated, began his response by criticizing the decorum of Scott’s questioning: “I don’t think I’ve ever been asked the question, in such a horrible manner, first question. You don’t even say hello, how are you?” he retorted, before launching into a tirade against ABC News, labeling it a “fake news network.” https://youtu.be/dW6VZll-DV0 Despite the friction, Trump’s attendance at the NABJ convention garnered much attention, evidenced by the massive line of attendees eager to witness the exchange. The controversy surrounding his presence had already ignited a firestorm among NABJ members, many of whom publicly expressed their displeasure with the organization’s decision to invite him. Further fueling the discussion, Vice President Kamala Harris’s absence was noted, especially since NABJ’s leadership reportedly declined her offer to appear remotely. Talks are now underway to arrange a Q&A session with Harris in September. Regarding the Harris/NAJB appearance issue, The Hollywood Reporter is citing an April Ryan report in The Grio that the NABJ team initially had denied a request for Harris to appear in a virtual fireside chat but then, according to multiple sources, was scrambling this week to get the vice president’s team to consider a virtual town hall after the backlash surrounding Trump’s appearance grew. Team Harris declined as the NABJ had already declined the idea of a virtual appearance. Trump’s appearance at the NABJ convention may have started on a rocky note, but it was certainly a focal point of discussion, drawing attention and sparking debate on both sides of the spectrum. As the GOP presidential candidate continues to vie for support from Black voters, today’s events underscore the contentious path ahead in his drive for re-election. https://youtu.be/BWW-YMpwhzs The former Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy charged with the murder of 36-year-old Sonya Massey had been previously discharged from the U.S. Army for serious misconduct. Sean Grayson, a 30-year-old white man, served as a wheeled vehicle mechanic from May 2014 to February 2016 at Fort Riley, Kansas, before being discharged for a serious offense, RadarOnline reports. An Army spokesperson declined to provide further details, citing privacy policies. Anthony Ghiotto, a former Air Force prosecutor, suggested that Grayson likely committed an offense that would result in at least a year of jail time for a civilian, though he was not court-martialed. Grayson’s lawyer claimed he was honorably discharged, but he received a “general” discharge under “honorable conditions.” CNN reports that Grayson pleaded guilty to 2 DUIs before working at law enforcement agencies. He worked at six Illinois law enforcement agencies since 2020. We reported earlier that body camera footage released by the prosecutor’s office shows the former Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy threatening to shoot Massey over a dispute about moving a pot from the stove. Grayson then fires his gun three times at Massey after she briefly stands up. He was indicted by a grand jury on three counts of first-degree murder, along with charges of aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct. Grayson is currently held without bond in Sangamon County Jail. Cardi B turned to social media on Monday to address recent foreclosure rumors. The hip-hop star reato cted to speculation on X (formerly Twitter) that she and her hubby, rapper Offset, are in the process of losing their Atlanta home, The Jasmine Brand reports. In the July 29 post, she set the record straight, writing, “LMAOOO You bum btches wish… me and offset bought that house in 2019 for 5 million now it’s worth 7. Check the Atlanta market.” The busy mother of two added, “And no, we not selling it… and if I ever sold it I would just sell my part to Offset since he loves Atlanta. Throwing salt on my home? Hating bad.” She later took to her Instagram Stories to share a photo of her and Offset’s two children, daughter Kulture and son Wave. In one image, Kulture is playing at the beach and Cardi captioned the pic, “working, busting my ass, long night, defending myself from the bull .. while my kids live their best life with not a single care in the world [laughing Emoji].” Meanwhile, Offset responded to rumors of infidelity after being seen with his ex-girlfriend Pretty Redz, according to The Jasmine Brand. https://twitter.com/i/status/1818226153338900768 Tampa police have arrested three people in connection to rapper Julio Foolio’s murder, with two more suspects still sought. On Monday, Tampa PD announced the arrest and first-degree murder charges against Isaiah Chance, Alicia Andrews, and Sean Gathright, who were apprehended in Jacksonville, TMZ reports. Foolio, real name Charles Jones, fell victim to fatal gunfire last month, and TMZ obtained exclusive video footage capturing the devastating scene. The incident unfolded in the parking lot of a Holiday Inn in Tampa (Florida), where Foolio and his entourage were gathered after being forced out of their Airbnb for exceeding the occupancy limit. The hip-hop star was celebrating his 26th birthday when he was shot on June 24. After he was forced to leave his Airbnb, Julio Foolio was tracked by the gunmen to the hotel. According to multiple reports, the killing seems connected to his gang beef with rapper Yungeen Ace. https://youtu.be/nq3GzSu7SRU Nick Cannon Presents Wild ‘N Out, the iconic comedy show that has launched careers of Kevin Hart, DC Young Fly, and Katt Williams, is celebrating 20 years with its “Final Lap Tour” this fall. According to the news release, the tour will feature a blend of Wild ‘N Out all-stars from past and present, dynamic musical performances, and fan-favorite interactive games. It offers fans the chance to relive some of the show’s most memorable moments and see their favorite stars perform live. For two decades, Wild ‘N Out has been a cultural phenomenon, shaping comedy and entertainment worldwide. This tour celebrates its legacy, bringing the show’s signature improvisational comedy and high-energy games to life on stages across the country. “Wild ‘N Out has been a labor of love for the past 20 years,” said Cannon. “We’ve created a platform for so many talented individuals, and it’s been incredible to watch them flourish. This final lap is our way of celebrating the legacy of the show and thanking the fans who have supported us along the way.” “This Final Lap Tour is going to be epic!” said Rip Micheals, Wild ‘N Out cast member and tour creator. “Expect to see your favorite Wild ‘N Out family members back on stage, with past greats going head-to-head with the new legends of comedy. We’re pulling out all the stops to make this the most unforgettable tour yet.” Macy Gray revealed she has been experiencing stomach pain and constipation since starting Ozempic for weight loss. In the July 23 episode of the “Surreal Life: Villa of Secrets,” the singer told co-stars Kim Zolciak and Johnny Weir that she spent the night in discomfort due to her bowel issues, Page Six reports. “Oh, boy, my stomach hurts. I’ve just been really constipated,” she said. “I took Ozempic. I can’t go to the bathroom, and I was up all night.” “I was actually trying to take it off [the weight] before the show because I didn’t want to be super fat on TV, but here we are,” the superstar explained. Gray is among the latest celebrities to disclose using a Type II diabetes drug, administered weekly via injection, for weight loss. https://www.instagram.com/surreallifemtv/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=37191168-4c76-4032-858f-d66d16a7da58 Simone Biles has requested viewers of the 2024 Paris Olympics to refrain from commenting on her hair. PEOPLE reports that the seven-time Olympic medalist, 7, turned to her Instagram Stories on July 30, to show her and fellow Olympians enduring a 45-minute bus ride in Paris’ intense 95-degree heat. “Don’t come for me about my hair,” she captioned the video, showing her hair pulled back into a ponytail. “IT WAS DONE but bus has NO AC & it’s like 9,000 degrees.” In a follow-up post, she wrote, “gonna hold your hand when I say this,” before adding, “next time you want to comment on a Black girl’s hair, JUST DON’T.” Meanwhile, Biles and Team USA clinched gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Biles, now an eight-time Olympic medalist, commemorated the achievement by sharing several celebratory photos of the squad on Instagram. https://twitter.com/i/status/1818324516248133655 “Lack of talent, lazy, olympic champions ❤️🥇🇺🇸,” Biles captioned the post, seemingly clapping back at 2020 Olympic vault silver medalist Skinner, who previously criticized Team USA in a now-deleted YouTube video. Last month, when the team announced they were heading to the Games, Skinner, 27, said, “Besides Simone, I feel like the talent and the depth just isn’t like what it used to be.” “Just notice like, I mean, obviously a lot of girls don’t work as hard. The girls just don’t have the work ethic,” she added, per a clip from the video shared on X (formerly known as Twitter). https://www.instagram.com/simonebiles/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=96d0e75f-f1a1-4128-9b24-9aabde95fb3a Super Bowl champion Terrell Davis revealed that United Airlines sent him a letter placing him on a “no-fly list,” after he was handcuffed and removed from a plane earlier this month. In a post on Instagram on Tuesday, July 30, Davis said the letter added “insult to injury” for a situation for which United has since apologized, NBC News reports. Davis shared the letter and criticized United over the racially motivated incident. On Instagram, he wrote, “Adding insult to injury, @united not only had me removed from their flight in handcuffs, but placed me on their No Fly List after it was determined I did nothing wrong and was released,” he said. “While my family and I continue to have difficult conversations with our children, I will continue to fight for what is right for all passengers of @united,” the Hall of Fame running back and former Denver Broncos star added. United responded, clarifying that the letter was automatically generated and promptly rescinded. https://www.instagram.com/therealterrelldavis/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=21af0206-3f0b-41eb-ac8e-69da67b626f8 “Mr. Davis received this letter the day after the incident,” United said in a statement. “It was generated due to the report of the flight attendant — who is no longer employed by United. The day after the letter was sent, we discussed with Mr. Davis’ team that it had been rescinded. We have apologized to Mr. Davis for his experience and continue to review our handling of incidents like this to protect our highest priority — the safety of our customers and crew.” As we reported earlier this month, in an Instagram post, Davis explained that he was traveling from Denver to John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California, with his wife and three children when the FBI was called on him over an incident involving a flight attendant. According to Davis, when his son asked for a cup of ice during beverage service, the flight attendant didn’t respond. Davis said he “calmly reached behind me and lightly tapped his arm.” The attendant shouted, “Don’t hit me,” and left the beverage cart to “hurriedly approach the front of the plane,” the two-time Super Bowl champion wrote. “I was confused, as were passengers in front of me who witnessed the exchange,” Davis added. Upon landing, the pilot requested that all passengers remain seated. Six FBI and law enforcement agents then boarded the plane and handcuffed Davis. https://www.instagram.com/therealterrelldavis/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=5498dad3-bab3-49da-a912-3075b9c56922 Shelby 5 is the versatile family group of singers who deliver an innovative blend of contemporary and urban-infused Gospel music. Siblings Don, Courtney, Andrea, Trent, and Amber make up this talented musical family, celebrated for their tight harmonies and soothing melodies. The quintet stepped into Gospel music by releasing several successful singles including "Joy In The Morning" and "Boom" featuring Lecrae. Shelby 5 has now released their debut self-titled album S5. The S5 album showcases the multifaceted artistry of these young singers from Detroit, MI. It includes the juke-joint-styled "Bad News" and the gorgeous ballad "Use Me," featuring the dynamic crooner Jason Nelson. Their innate amalgamation of harmony on "Will You Be Ready" is ingeniously vocally arranged, allowing them to flow freely through the song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syRyJDfcjDU With a music career spanning over 30 years, Bruce V. Allen of the iconic duo Allen & Allen has achieved Billboard Chart-topping status and won multiple Stellar Gospel Music Awards. After taking a short break from music while focusing on his pastoral assignments, the legendary Gospel, Jazz, and Funk fusion artist returned with a solo album, COME BACK, and his first literary release. Bruce has released his first book, Meditations. He wrote the book from his personal accounts of failure, bad decisions, and a stroke he suffered in 2007 that took away his ability to play piano fluidly. However, Bruce found solace and healing by meditating on scriptures, which led to life-changing encounters with God. His writings, aptly titled Meditations, are designed to engage the reader in a thought-provoking journey. Each chapter focuses on a scripture, with Bruce's 'Transformative Thought' providing practical insight and guidance. This selah moment, as Bruce calls it, is an opportunity for individual revelation. BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville is thrilled to announce the signing of K. Michelle. K. Michelle’s incredibly stunning career is nothing short of groundbreaking as she has stretched genre boundaries and built a worldwide audience of fans through multiple mediums. With an already impressive resume, the multi-talent is not only an accomplishedsinger, songwriter, guitarist, and pianist, with five Billboard charting albums to her name, but she’s also an entrepreneur, author, executive, actress, television personality and restaurateur. “When we first met K. Michelle, she radiated her passion for country music. It’s the fabric of who she is because the lyrics represent truth. She’s built an incredible fanbase with her unique vocals anchored with storytelling at its heart and that is what transcends genres,” says Katie Kerkhover, VP, A&R at BMG. “I have been ready. I am grateful for this moment,” shares K. Michelle. “Rebels and Real Outlawz, it’s time! I am excited and want to thank my BMG Team. I am happy to finally sing the music I grew up on. I am a country girl at heart and can’t wait to share my country music with you.” Praised as “real,” “brave,” and “rebellious,” a notion that paired beautifully with her 2013 album Rebellious Soul that soothed fellow rebels with cathartic musical refuge, K. Michelle’s indomitable spirit and innate talent have encapsulated fans throughout her multifarious career. Moreover, her classic candor serves as a safe space and trademark for listeners craving her relatable music. To her over 10 MILLION social media followers' delight, the Memphis, Tenn. native surprised fans by announcing that her sixth album, I’m The Problem, released last year, was her final R&B record, as she readies her dream of releasing a country project. In true K. Michelle fashion though, the always-real songstress gave fans a taste of what to expect with the bonus track “Tennessee” and introduced her alter-ego PUDDIN - a favored nickname that originated in her childhood. Kamala Harris enlisted the help of Megan Thee Stallion and rapper Quavo in her efforts to engage and attract young Black voters. Megan performed a couple of her hit songs at the presidential candidate’s campaign event in Georgia on Tuesday at the Georgia State University’s Convocation Center in Atlanta, Complex reports. Megan served up “Girls in the Hood,” “Body,” “Savage (Remix),” and “Mamushi.” “I’m so happy to be here Atlanta. We’re about to make history with the first female president. The first Black female president,” said Megan onstage. “Let’s get this done, Hotties. Hotties for Harris, ah!” She also advocated for women’s reproductive laws, saying, “Now I know my ladies in the crowd love their bodies. And you want to keep loving your body — you know who to vote for!” When Quavo took the stage, he spoke on gun safety laws. His nephew and fellow Migos bandmate Takeoff was fatally shot in 2022 at age 28. https://twitter.com/i/status/1818421524912607344 “One of these issues that I care about is resolving the gun violence issue. And you can’t understand the struggles of gun violence if you’re not in the field, or in the heart of it,” Quavo said. He continued, “One thing I learned about working with Vice President Harris is she always stand on business, from inviting me to the White House last year to discuss these solutions to passing the biggest gun safety laws today. So it’s only right [that] the birthplace of the culture is also the same place to launch the first African American woman to run for president. Yeah, we changing the culture again.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1818463987085795371 Meanwhile, we reported earlier that Allan Lichtman, the “Prediction Professor” renowned for accurately predicting almost every presidential election since 1984, forecasts that Harris will win the 2024 election. Lichtman correctly predicted Donald Trump’s 2016 victory and Joe Biden’s 2020 win. He relies on his “Keys to the White House” formula for his predictions. https://twitter.com/i/status/1818471348219318663 R. Kelly – who is currently serving a more than 30-year prison sentence in North Carolina – is asking the Supreme Court to hear an appeal of his federal sex crimes convictions. The disgraced R&B singer’s defense attorney, Jennifer Bonjean, has filed a petition to the US Supreme Court, requesting to throw out his Chicago conviction for possession of child pornography and enticing minors to engage in sexual activity, claiming that the charges should be barred by the statute of limitations. R. Kelly was already serving a 30-year sentence for sex trafficking, stemming from his 2021 New York case, at the time he was convicted of child pornography in Chicago for which he was sentenced to 20 years in 2023. He is also appealing the New York conviction, though that case is not part of the high court petition. In the petition, Bonjean argues that the musician was wrongly retroactively prosecuted under a federal law – the PROTECT Act – which passed in 2003 and made the statute of limitations indefinite for sex crimes with minors. https://youtu.be/ATp5E_kIq2w Rapper Chino XL, born Derek Barbosa, has passed away at 50. Chino’s cause of his death remains undisclosed, but his family shared the news on Instagram, highlighting his role as a dedicated father, The Blast reports. Originally from the Bronx and later based in New Jersey, he gained fame with his 1996 debut album “Here to Save You All.” Chino XL was not only known for his music but also his acting roles in TV shows and films. Before his passing, he was actively involved in music, collaborating with Rakim on the track “Pendulum Swing.” His family will announce a memorial service soon. In the meantime, tributes from industry colleagues have poured in. https://www.instagram.com/chinoxl/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=59fcd435-9230-436e-88d8-5b7a96113f5d “I developed a habit of writing jokes in my notebook at 17,” said comedian Nick Callas about how his comedic talents were formed.Callas, who just released a stand-up comedy special “Wolf Pup” through 800LB Gorilla, was a comic book artist and when I asked about the transition into comedy he said, “There’s a lot of similarities. Detail matters…being visual matters. You’re linking creativity and a sense of humor.” Launched in 2016, the 800 Pound Gorilla Media company is a record label and distribution company. Based in Nashville, it is currently the world’s largest producer, distributor, and marketer of stand-up comedy videos, specials, and audio releases. “They reached out to my management company,” Nick said about his deal with 800LB Gorilla. “They asked if they had comedians ready for a comedy album. I had enough material…had a talk with them…. They decided to expand it into a comedy show.” That was the birth of Nick Callas’ “Wolf Pup” (800LB Gorilla) stand-up special. The New York-based comedian is always on tour performing regular stand-up comedy shows at the Comedy Cellar, Stand Up NY, Westside Comedy Club, and Comic Strip Live. https://youtu.be/aRavfP9Bzvk Nick Callas, a graduate of NYU Tisch in dramatic writing, can do it all. He appears in various viral videos as a character actor, impressionist, and as a rapper. Callas appears in Jennifer Esposito’s 2023 feature film Fresh Kills which debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City. On his Instagram Nick says that he is, “improving the human experience through shared laughter.” https://youtu.be/jt_iMAYEP2s The 2024 Paris Olympic Games caused controversy with an opening ceremony segment featuring drag queens and transexual performers mocking Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” This depiction, seen as offensive by some, led a restaurant group in Columbus, Ohio, to announce it would not show the Olympics at any of its establishments. “We are protesting the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Portrayal of The Last Supper was handled with an irresponsible level of irreverence, insulting the Christian faith,” the restaurant group said on social media. “We unapologetically uphold a standard where all religions, races, sexual orientations, national origins, disabilities, ages, and gender identities are respected. We will not tolerate any form of discrimination of desecration. Therefore, we will not be broadcasting the Olympic Games at any of our restaurants.” The affected restaurants reportedly include Townhall, Rebol, Mandrake, and Green Goat. https://youtu.be/vzRXlb_AEnA Simone Biles has seemingly clapped back at criticism from former teammate MyKayla Skinner following the US gymnastics team’s victory at the Paris Olympics on Tuesday. Biles, 27, shared photos of herself and teammates Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, and Hezly Rivera celebrating their gold medal performance in the team gymnastics final, with the caption “lack of talent, lazy, olympic champions.” The Instagram post appears to be a response to controversial comments from Skinner, 27, who criticized the Team USA gymnasts in a YouTube video following the team selection on June 30. “Besides Simone, I feel like the talent and the depth just isn’t like what it used to be,” she said in the video, which has since been deleted. “A lot of girls don’t work as hard,” she added. “The girls just don’t have the work ethic.” https://youtu.be/dNSGBAeMkgM In a recent interview, actor Jonathan Majors expressed his deep disappointment over the shocking news that Robert Downey Jr. will be stepping into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as the new central villain. Downey’s iconic character, Doctor Doom, is set to replace Majors’ Kang the Conquerer as the primary antagonist in the upcoming Avengers films.Majors, who was dismissed by Marvel in December following his guilty verdict on two misdemeanor counts of harassment and assault, shared his thoughts on the abrupt change in direction for the franchise. His character, Kang, had been positioned as the next major threat similar to Thanos and was expected to play a pivotal role in “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty.” However, this project has since been scrapped in favor of a new storyline featuring Downey in “Avengers: Doomsday.” “Yeah, heartbroken. Of course,” Majors responded when asked by TMZ if he was hurt by the news. “I love Kang. Doctor Doom is wicked, though.” Many fans and commentators have noted the irony that Downey, who has had a tumultuous past with legal troubles, is now being allowed to lead Marvel’s next phase. Downey faced significant legal issues in the late 90s, including a highly publicized arrest in 1996 for possession of heroin and cocaine, and was initially a risky choice for the role of Tony Stark in the 2008 hit “Iron Man.” Reflecting on Downey’s resurgence, Majors remarked, “I think it’s fair that Mr. Downey is being and has been greeted with patience and curiosity and love … and [he’s] being allowed to work [his] art and be creative at that level. I didn’t really get that.” https://youtu.be/CCgjSQmBf3g While the MCU continues to evolve and adapt, fans remain divided over the changes. However, one thing is clear: the legacy of Robert Downey Jr. and the character of Doctor Doom will continue to capture the imagination of audiences worldwide, while Jonathan Majors’ journey in Hollywood remains uncertain but hopeful for a second chance. https://youtu.be/G-8ufb661uE There may soon be one fewer person standing between you and your Cheesy Gordita Crunch. Taco Bell is set to expand the use of artificial intelligence voice technology in its drive-thrus to hundreds of US locations by the end of this year, parent company Yum! Brands said Wednesday. The move means that when users pull up to place their order at a Taco Bell, there’s a good chance they will be talking to a computer, rather than a human employee, on the other end. Taco Bell isn’t the only fast-food chain to test having customers talk to AI in its drive-thrus to free up employees to spend more time on other tasks and boost sales. But Taco Bell’s expansion comes after a prominent rival had trouble trying to use similar technology. McDonald’s said last month it was pulling the plug on the AI ordering technology that it was testing at more than 100 US drive-thrus after customers complained about the system getting their orders wrong. Viral videos showed customers ending up with absurd orders as a result of the McDonald’s AI drive-thru technology, like the woman who didn’t really want nine sweet teas or the girl shouting “stop” at the screen as it tallies up more than two dozen orders of chicken nuggets. That AI struggled to perform well in a drive-thru setting isn’t totally surprising. The technology needs to be trained on huge sets of voice samples to correctly understand the full range of human accents and speech patterns, and noisy environments can throw off AI speech recognition tools. And we all know the frustrating experience of being on the other end of a poorly functioning computer assistant, desperately wishing we could just talk to a human. https://youtu.be/9lKyqpCTsj0 NBC has unveiled the teaser trailer for “Found,” Season 2 starring Shanola Hampton and Mark-Paul Gosselaar. The series “follows public relations specialist Gabi Mosely (Hampton) and her crisis management team dedicated to finding missing persons, especially those often overlooked by the system. Gabi was once herself one of those forgotten ones, and is still hiding a chilling secret of her own – she has found her kidnapper, Sir, (Gosselaar), and uses his twisted expertise to help solve their cases,” per the synopsis. This season, Gabi is back to tackle new hurdles, made all the more intense by Sir’s recent escape, adding a new layer of depth to the unfolding drama, per the news release. The cast also includes Kelli Williams, Gabrielle Walsh, Arlen Escarpeta, Karan Oberoi, and Brett Dalton. According to FanSided, “Station 19” veteran Danielle Savre will play a significant role in the upcoming season’s storyline. Sho Your next Chipotle order might feel a bit heavier. CEO Brian Niccol announced during a recent earnings call that all 3,500 U.S. locations will serve larger portions, according to NBC News. This addresses social media complaints that the chain has been short-changing customers. “Getting the feedback caused us to relook at our execution across our entire system,” Niccol said, per NBC News. “We have focused in on those outlier portion scores based on consumer surveys.” Niccol noted that only 10% of restaurants required retraining to meet the “right standards.” “We are re-emphasizing training and coaching to ensure we are consistently making bowls and burritos correctly. We have also leaned in and re-emphasized generous portions across all of our restaurants,” Niccol added. Tupac Shakur’s family is reportedly taking legal action over the allegations involving Sean “Diddy” Combs in connection with the rapper’s murder. According to recent reports, citing unverified sources, Diddy allegedly offered up to $1 million for Pac’s assassination, prompting the family to hire lawyers and investigators to seek answers. The family is also considering a wrongful death lawsuit, which would depend on the discovery and presentation of credible evidence, Complex reports. Tupac murder suspect Duane “Keefe D” Davis, who was arrested in September 2023 in connection with the 1996 murder of the rapper, claims Combs ordered a $1 million hit on Pac and former Death Row Records CEO Suge Knight. We reported previously, citing The Sun, that Davis claims the Bad Boy Records founder asked him to “take out” Pac and Knight, an allegation that Combs has constantly dismissed. Davis reportedly discussed the details of Diddy’s involvement with Pac’s murder in a secret police interview with the LAPD. In the recording, he told detectives that Combs was “happy as hell” after Pac was gunned down in 1996. Destiny’s Child singer LeToya Luckett married over the weekend at Le Tesserae in Houston, with numerous celebrities, including Tina Knowles and Kelly Rowland, in attendance. According to MediaTakeOut, guests were required to surrender their phones, so no images or videos were available. The outlet did not reveal the name of LeToya’s new husband, noting that the couple keep their relationship private and do not share details on social media. This is LeToya’s third marriage. She was previously married to motivational speaker Rob Hill Sr. and entrepreneur Tommicus Walker, with whom she shares two children. In 2022, Luckett reunited with her ex-boyfriend, rapper Slim Thug, on her YouTube series aimed to empower women. We reported earlier that she kicked off her virtual series titled “Leave It To LeToya” with a conversation with Slim Thug. The two were engaged in the early 2000s. In the episode, the pair revisit how they met and why they called it quits. They also revealed what they still like about each other. https://youtu.be/vXA5_mNb6BI As we reported earlier this month, Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Denver Broncos running back Terrell Davis found himself at the center of a travel controversy when he was handcuffed and removed from a United Airlines flight. The airline has now issued Davis a temporary travel ban notice, pending a full review of the incident. Davis took to Instagram Tuesday morning to express his frustration, posting a screenshot of an email from United’s Passenger Incident Review Committee. The email cited United’s policy to “delay or refuse any passenger whose conduct or condition threatens the safety of the employees and passengers.” “Based on the nature of the reported incident that occurred on UA1061 on July 13, 2024, this shall serve as a notice that you are not permitted to fly on United Airlines or any regional carrier operating as United Express until a review of the incident by United’s Passenger Incident Review Committee has occurred,” read the email. The letter also mentioned that the airline “would like to consider” Davis’ version of events before making a final determination, requesting a response from him within 96 hours of receiving the notice. USA TODAY has reached out to United for further comments. https://youtu.be/gtN96Wj3o0U It was the moment everyone’s been waiting for, and it lived up to the hype. A little more than three years after a shocking case of the “twisties” caused her to withdraw from Team USA’s attempt at defending its gymnastics team gold, Simone Biles was back under the bright lights of an Olympic final. The Americans entered the day as the favorites after cruising through qualifying on Sunday, finishing five points clear of the Italian and Chinese teams. They had much the same experience on Tuesday as they recaptured their gold medal dominantly. Here are five takeaways as Team USA leaves Bercy Arena in western Paris with another gold medal. She’s got a strong case to be called the greatest gymnast of all time. And on Tuesday, she set herself apart from every other American gymnast in history. The Olympic team gold medal was Biles’ eighth at a Games, more than any other American in history. She also set another bit of history. At 27 years old, with her first gold in the Paris Olympics, Biles is now the oldest American woman ever to win gymnastics gold. She is five years older than Aly Raisman who previously held the record. https://youtu.be/CMFQJpCcobQ Michael C. Hall is set to headline Showtime/Paramount+’s forthcoming “Dexter” sequel series, “Dexter: Resurrection.” This new series will pick up where “Dexter: New Blood,” left off. However, curious fans are wondering how the story will continue, considering the 2022 finale appeared to show the infamous serial killer meeting his end in the freezing cold. “Dexter” aired on Showtime from 2006 to 2013, with the limited series “Dexter: New Blood” picking up 10 years later, airing one season from 2021 to 2022. “Dexter: Resurrection” will debut in Summer 2025, picking up “right where we left off,” Hall said, Variety reports, noting that the show could expand into multiple seasons. According to the press release, the previously announced origin story “Dexter: Original Sin” premieres in December 2024, and “Dexter: Resurrection” launches Summer of 2025. https://youtu.be/Pe7ZWzAnZzA “It’s unbelievable,” Hall told Variety of the popularity. “There’s something about this world, something about this character that captivates people.” He added, “It’s hard to say. I think there’s many different ways this show appeals to people as there are people who watch it. But I think maybe a biding thing is, in a world in which we feel a sense of being out of control people like spending time with a character who’s taking his own, unique control of his little corner of the world,” Hall explained. “I think we all have our shadow side that we contend with and Dexter’s is obviously a little weightier than most. People enjoy spending time with someone who is doing his best to take responsibility for that side in his sort of outside-the-box way and morally grey way. People, I think, relish the invitation to identify with someone who is contending with this much darkness, and maybe contending with it in a way that is arguably admirable – even though he’s doing what he’s doing.” All previous seasons of “Dexter and Dexter: New Blood” are available for subscribers on Paramount+ with the Paramount+ with Showtime plan. https://youtu.be/36-9ep1dABQ The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention has been thrust into controversy just one day after announcing that former President Donald Trump will address the group in Chicago tomorrow, Wednesday. Yesterday, Tuesday, convention co-chair Karen Attiah announced her resignation, citing her exclusion from the decision to invite Trump. Attiah expressed her discontent on X, formerly known as Twitter, stating, “While my decision was influenced by a variety of factors, I was not involved or consulted with in any way with the decision to platform Trump in such a format.” The decision to invite Trump has ignited a wave of criticism from prominent journalists. Jim Trotter, NABJ’s 2023 Journalist of the Year, referred to the decision as “poor” and said “it’s difficult to put into words” his disappointment. Pulitzer Prize nominee and previous NABJ award winner, Carron J. Phillips, was more forthright, calling it “the single dumbest and worst decision in NABJ history.” In response to Phillips, Tia Mitchell of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution defended the decision. “I helped make this call. And it’s in line with invitations NABJ has sent to every presidential candidate for decades. But continue to go off on your feed. I’ll continue to work to create opportunities for journalists to interview the potential next President,” Mitchell wrote on X, reports The NY Post. https://youtu.be/qKtV9DjwopA Despite the backlash, NABJ President Ken Lemon emphasized the organization’s commitment to bringing diverse perspectives to the forefront. “We look forward to our attendees hearing from former President Trump on the critical issues our members and their audiences care about most,” Lemon said. “While NABJ does not endorse political candidates as a journalism organization, we understand the serious work of our members, and welcome the opportunity for them to ask the tough questions that will provide the truthful answers Black Americans want and need to know.” https://youtu.be/P1lQWVqK078 The event, although not open to the general public, will be live-streamed via NABJ’s YouTube and Facebook pages. Post the Q&A session, Trump will head to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, for a rally, with later plans to return to Butler, Pennsylvania for the first time since an attempted assassination. As the convention unfolds, the decision to host Trump remains a polarizing issue among its members, reflecting broader national divisions over the former president. While some view his participation as a critical journalistic opportunity, others perceive it as an endorsement of a figure whose policies and rhetoric have often been at odds with the interests of the Black community. https://youtu.be/wVGggw3FHVM "Shining Bright" in the Gospel Spotlight is Jokia. Check out "Rise" from the "love Mountain" Soundtrack. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nFW_Y7m6J8 Fans of the powerful #1 box office hit "War Room" can get a first look at the highly anticipated follow up feature from the same cinematic universe, "THE FORGE," through a brand new trailer dropping today. The trailer previews an unforgettable cinematic experience with Priscilla Shirer, Aspen Kennedy, Cameron Arnett and Karen Abercrombie leading the cast. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4aCsaDvagw The late Kim Porter, a former model and actress, is speaking from beyond the grave in a never-before-seen memoir that details the alleged abuse she suffered at the hands of Sean “Diddy” Combs. The document, allegedly written months before her sudden death, was shared with RadarOnline.com by an anonymous source who claimed it was found on Porter’s long-lost flash drive. Porter, who was 47 years old when she passed away at her Los Angeles home on November 15, 2018, reportedly left behind a 40-page manuscript that describes in harrowing detail the domestic abuse she reportedly endured during her 13-year relationship with Combs, who is the father of three of her children. Despite the Los Angeles County medical examiner listing Porter’s cause of death as “lobar pneumonia,” questions about the circumstances surrounding her demise have persisted. One particularly alarming chapter recalls an incident where Combs, driven by jealousy, allegedly assaulted Porter so severely that she ended up in the hospital. “Sean exploded even more, ‘He wants to put the move on my f—ing family?’ At the top of his lungs ‘My f—ing family!’ He flipped the table over, breaking it. It was a heavy table, but Sean is stronger than he looks,” Porter wrote in the document. https://youtu.be/_CN6oqQ_1zE No criminal charges or convictions have been brought against Combs relating to these claims, but the resurfacing of Porter’s allegations has led to renewed calls for closer scrutiny into both her death and Diddy’s alleged misconduct. As the public grapples with these explosive revelations, the spotlight remains firmly on Sean “Diddy” Combs. If the contents of Porter’s memoir are verified, they could have far-reaching implications not only for Combs’s personal life but also for his professional empire. All eyes are now on the authorities to see whether they will reopen investigations into the circumstances surrounding Kim Porter’s death and the disturbing allegations she documented. While the source who provided the memoir remains anonymous, the claims within it paint a chilling picture of life with one of the music industry’s most influential figures. The world awaits the truth as fresh allegations continue to compound an already complex and controversial narrative. https://youtu.be/cwaDJMo69oY A United Airlines flight from Houston to Boston was diverted on Sunday after passengers and crew began vomiting due to a biohazard incident involving a sick passenger. Per Daily Mail, “A biohazard event is generally classified as exposure to a biological substance such as feces, vomit or blood, that could harm a person’s health,” the outlet writes. The speculation across social media is that the passenger was experiencing explosive diarrhea. The Boeing 737-800 was rerouted to Washington Dulles International Airport, where it landed safely. No medical assistance was needed for the 155 passengers or six crew members. The aircraft underwent a deep clean before continuing its journey to Boston. Biohazard incidents involve exposure to harmful biological substances. In audio shared on X, a pilot on board said to air traffic control, “Especially with this kind of being a biohazard, I think we need to get this plane on the ground ASAP.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1817616110088597749 Amanda Seales recently shared her opinion on Kamala Harris‘ presidential campaign, revealing that she once confronted the Vice President directly. In a viral video from July 27, Seales expressed her dissatisfaction with politicians who merely “state things” without taking meaningful action. She recounted a specific encounter with Harris, where she accused the VP of delivering “disingenuous” messages, Vibe reports. “I don’t need politicians to state things,” Seales stated. “I need politicians to do things.” She added, “When I met with Kamala Harris after she summoned me, I told her straight up, ‘You talk out two sides of your neck, and we don’t know what you’re talking about.’ I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s Kamala Harris who is trying to shut me the f**k up…I feel like she is disingenuous in her messaging. She said to me, ‘Well, you’re being too critical.’ And I said, ‘I am a voter—I’m supposed to be critical. And I want to see action.’” https://twitter.com/i/status/1817394497031909545 Seales continued, “She said ‘How am I supposed to talk about racism in America without calling Americans racist?’ I said, ‘First of all, there are many racist Americans, but there are also policies, legislation, institutions, and systems that need to be addressed. And if you’re not going to do that […] in a loud, bold way, people will never really know where you’re coming from.’” [She said], ‘Well, you can’t tell me how I feel.’ I said, ‘Well, I’m not telling you how to feel—I’m telling you how you sound!’” In related news, Allan Lichtman, the “Prediction Professor” renowned for accurately predicting almost every presidential election since 1984, forecasts that Harris will win the 2024 election. Lichtman correctly predicted Donald Trump’s 2016 victory and Joe Biden’s 2020 win. He relies on his “Keys to the White House” formula for his predictions. Harris described the upcoming election as a decision between “two different visions” for the nation during her speech last week to the American Federation of Teachers in Houston, Texas, CBS News reports. https://twitter.com/i/status/1818042724542779855 Venus Williams was spotted enjoying a romantic boating excursion with actor-producer Andrea Preti in Nerano, Italy on Saturday, July 27. The tennis champ has not publicly commented on her relationship status with Preti, 36, whose acting credits include the Italian television series A Professor and the film One More Day, PEOPLE reports. The pair were seen packing on the PDA in photos shared by celebrity blind item Instagram account @deuxmoi. In the post’s comments, one person wrote, “They love them some yt men,” referring to Venus and her sister Serena Williams who is married to Alexis Ohanian, the co-founder of Reddit. Another person implied that Preti is gay, writing, “Not Venus about to get grifted by Stefano Gabbana’s old rent boy. Someone warn my sister.” Gabbana is an Italian fashion designer and the co-founder of the Dolce & Gabbana luxury fashion house. https://www.instagram.com/deuxmoi/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=924d8793-af9a-4acd-8bd7-74338509d98c French Montana recently had a studio session with Donald Trump’s daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, sparking a backlash from liberals who are now questioning if he’s aligned with MAGA.The hip-hop star connected with Lara during a Twitter (X) Spaces discussion on music and politics, leading to the possibility of a future collaboration. It’s worth noting that he hasn’t endorsed Trump for president.“Nothing would be cooler to me than to collaborate with French Montana,” Lara Trump said on Spaces, per All Hip Hop. “Are you kidding? That would be epic. So, I’m available. I’m just throwing it out.” French responded, “Likewise.” On social media, First Class Label Group’s LJ Fino shared photos of French posing with Lara along with the caption: “Two pictures liberal media does not want to see right now: @LaraLeaTrump @FrencHMonTanA.” https://twitter.com/LjFino/status/1816328349867815151/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1816328349867815151%7Ctwgr%5Ea88820e912da9f47e52088ed4adee994c554cb58%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Ffrench-montana-and-lara-trump-connect-in-twitter-spaces%2F In the comments of the post, one X user wrote, “Democrats tend to think they own Hollywood Entertainers.” Another commenter added, “Dang we lost French Montana. Now y’all got Kid Rock, Ted Nugent, and French Montana.” A third person said French and Lara together is the “Most random thing I have seen in a while,” while another tweeted, “This is why nobody listens to French’s music.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1816713381832724981 Stacey Abrams, the former Georgia gubernatorial candidate and prolific political figure, is venturing into the world of podcasting with her new weekly show, “Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams.” This fresh addition to the Crooked Media roster will see Abrams dissecting pressing issues facing the United States, interviewing experts for potential solutions, and discussing actionable steps for listeners to get involved in their communities. Abrams, who shared her motivation for the podcast with The Hollywood Reporter, pointed to her experience in the Georgia state legislature. During that time, she frequently hosted town halls to address constituents’ concerns ranging from tax exemptions to mundane issues like trash collection. “What I found is that when people feel that they don’t understand or that the problem is too big, they can be overwhelmed by just the sheer size of the issue,” Abrams remarked. She added that a podcast offers an “entertaining and informative way to highlight these issues” and allows for a deeper understanding of how policy and politics impact everyday life. Abrams has a history of collaborating with Crooked Media, having appeared on shows like “Pod Save America” and frequently working with the company to support Fair Fight Action, her organization dedicated to combating voter suppression. Her new podcast aims to translate this experience into a broader, accessible format. Following a structured approach to each topic—addressing the nature of the problem, its implications, and potential solutions—Abrams plans to demystify complex issues. Each episode will conclude with a toolkit offering listeners guidance on how to further their knowledge and effect change in their communities. https://www.instagram.com/p/C-DRTRjIdZ-/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again This past Sunday (07-28-24), an unprovoked confrontation left an African American man (Alexander Donta Mitchell) hospitalized after a distressing encounter with LAPD officers in the Watts community of Los Angeles. Mitchell, who was seated in a parked car, was approached and aggressively handled by the officers, who offered no justification for their actions. Witnesses report that after being forcefully removed from his vehicle and handcuffed, Mitchell was subjected to physical violence, including being punched while restrained. His injuries necessitated immediate medical attention and subsequent hospitalization. In response to this egregious incident, the family of Alexander Mitchell has enlisted the legal expertise of Brad Gage Law to seek justice and hold those responsible accountable. A press conference is scheduled for Tuesday, July 30th at 9:00 am at LAPD Headquarters, located at 100 West First Street, Los Angeles, CA. The press event will see participation from several leading civil rights organizations, including Project Islamic Hope, Los Angeles Metropolitan Churches, The National Action Network, and the Los Angeles Urban Policy Roundtable. Prominent community leaders such as Najee Ali, Director of Project Islamic Hope, and other invested parties will be present to address the media and public. https://youtu.be/6B59Zyw26TY?list=RDNS6B59Zyw26TY Najee Ali emphasized the coalition’s demand for interim LAPD Chief Dominic Cho to expedite the investigation and to publicly disclose the identity of the involved officer. “Our coalition of civil rights leaders is calling for Chief Cho to have this investigation fast-tracked, and we insist on the release of the officer’s name. We need to ensure that there isn’t a pattern of abuse with other civilians. This officer doesn’t deserve to have a badge or a gun. He deserves to have handcuffs placed on his wrists and be put in a jail cell for assaulting a restrained man who posed no threat to him,” Ali stated in a press release.Residents and national observers alike are urged to attend or tune into the press conference to show solidarity and support for Alexander Donta Mitchell and his family, as well as to advocate for the rights and safety of marginalized communities across the country. The Los Angeles Police Department says in a statement on X that the department is aware of an incident that “unfolded from a traffic stop on July 28, 2024, in the Southeast Area, involving use of force. The incident is under investigation, and the officer involved has been removed from field duties.” https://youtu.be/drG-EwIXEUQ The call for justice resonates strongly within the community, as the coalition seeks not only accountability for the assault on Mitchell but also systemic changes to prevent further unjustified acts of violence by law enforcement officers. This united front will push for concrete actions and transparency from the LAPD to ensure the safety and rights of all residents in Los Angeles be upheld. Further, they will advocate for comprehensive police reform, aimed at addressing the wider issue of systemic racism within the force. https://www.instagram.com/2urbangirls/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=1b38d346-7df7-4f4c-a82c-dc116529c259 A small clinical trial suggests that drugs like Ozempic could potentially be used not just for diabetes and weight loss but to protect the brain, slowing the rate at which people with Alzheimer’s disease lose their ability to think clearly, remember things, and perform daily activities. The results need to be borne out in larger trials, which are already underway before the medicines can receive approval for the disease. The study, of 204 people with Alzheimer’s disease in the United Kingdom, found that those taking the diabetes drug liraglutide – an earlier medication in Ozempic’s class, which are known as GLP-1 receptor agonists – had 18% slower cognitive decline over the course of a year compared with those taking a placebo. The trial’s main goal, though – changing the rate at which the brain metabolizes glucose – was not met, which researchers suggested could have been a result of its small size. The findings were shared Tuesday at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Philadelphia and haven’t yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal. “We’ve known for some time through animal work that GLP-1 has a different type of activity in the brain,” said Dr. Maria Carrillo, chief science officer and medical affairs lead for the Alzheimer’s Association, which was not involved with the research. “This study really demonstrates for us the possibilities that are there.” In addition to the benefit for cognition, the study found that the drug was associated with 50% less volume loss in several areas of the brain, according to a news release from the Alzheimer’s Association. Those findings add to hope that larger trials being run by Ozempic’s maker, Novo Nordisk, will be successful, Carrillo told CNN. https://youtu.be/KS6wUHzSJiw “Abbott Elementary” is doing a crossover episode in season 4, that series creator Quinta Brunson said will “change television as we know it.” Brunson teased the episode at San Diego Comic-Con over the weekend, saying, “We will be doing an interesting crossover this season but I’m not gonna tell you with who or what or when, but it will be exciting, and I think it will change television as we know it.” Brunson wouldn’t say more than that, but she told Variety she loved watching the Disney Channel crossover episodes that brought together the casts of That’s So Raven, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, and Hannah Montana. “Those things are what reinvigorate TV viewers, TV watchers, and I think it’s always fun to find ways to reinvigorate our audiences,” she said. “What’s important with Abbott is we protect the show. Because it’s a ‘mockumentary’ we have to protect what we’re doing, but to find a way for it to still be possible to do something cool like that. It makes me really, really happy. It’s just like an ode to the medium.” “I just live for those kind of magic moments, and I’m excited to be able to bring one to TV with Abbott,” she continued. Further cementing his status as one of America’s top emerging thought leaders, motivational speakers, and podcasters, Mick Hunt has achieved a rare double honor from Forbes Magazine, being simultaneously accepted to two prestigious groups of highly influential businesspeople – the Forbes Business Council and the Forbes Coaches Council. Members of the Forbes Business Council are respected owners, founders, and executive leaders of small and mid-size businesses whose businesses must generate at least $500,000 in annual revenue or have received the same amount in funding to date. Members of the Forbes Coaches Council are respected professional coaches selected for their depth of experience and success in the field, who have owned their coaching or consulting business for a minimum of three years. Members of both enjoy recognition as experts in their field, have their Executive Profile published on Forbes.com, and are encouraged to contribute bylined articles on Forbes.com. “It’s a great honor to be part of two dynamic groups of professionals who are top experts in their field not only in the U.S. but also globally,” says Hunt, a native of Greenville SC who earned his B.A. in Business and Communications from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and has an MBA in executive leadership. “It’s another fulfillment of a promise I made to my mom when I was 10 that I would help give her a life of hope and not fear,” he adds. “It’s also the culmination of a dream that started with me in a doctor’s office at 16, reading Forbes for the first time and setting my sights on a career of meaning and influence, with a body of work that would one day lead me to the level of the great people I read about in its pages. My acceptance into these councils is not only a personal achievement. It’s also a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of excellence – and a reminder to young dreamers that with dedication and the right mindset, anything is truly possible.” A California man was convicted of the 2020 fatal shooting of his girlfriend that led to her car crashing into the Sacramento River. After escaping the vehicle, he did not attempt to save the woman or her four children, aged 2 to 6, who were still inside. On Wednesday, July 24, Mandiko Kwadzo, 31, was convicted of first-degree murder in the killing of 23-year-old Carliena Clayton, TooFab reports. According to the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, officers responded to a residence on July 27, 2020, after receiving a report of gunshots. A witness observed Clayton and Kwadzo arguing in the driveway before they both entered a vehicle with four children. Another witness later reported hearing a gunshot followed by the sound of a car crashing into the river. According to police, the witness and his friend went to investigate and discovered the vehicle partially submerged in the water. Kwadzo was standing nearby, making no effort to save Clayton or the children inside the car. One of these good Samaritans, Harrell Fischer, told KCRA that he and his friend managed to rescue the children from the car and place them safely in a boat. https://youtu.be/542mnSE80es I saw a little face look up at me and I about melted. It was intense. I was like, ‘Oh my gosh.’ And then I saw two little hands poke out, too, like, ‘Help me,'” he recalled. According to the DA’s statement, “Kwadzo was standing nearby the car, not doing anything to help.” He is the father to three of the four children, per KOVR. Fischer said Clayton was not removed from the car until authorities arrived. According to the police, the oldest of the children said Kwadzo “shot my mom.” Fortunately, the children sustained no injuries in the crash. “I thank God for keeping those kids safe,” Fischer told KCRA. “I thank God for keeping me and John safe. And I pray for that dude, too, who did all this. I pray for him, too.” Kwadzo’s sentencing is set for September 6. He faces up to a maximum of 53 years to life in prison. https://twitter.com/TrueCrimeUpdat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1817442548048433155%7Ctwgr%5Eef542a201c285317c4a461abd76f10c067ec0fed%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fman-shot-girlfriend-in-head-while-she-drove-crashed-into-river%2F Will Smith recently revealed that he “found my voice” while working on his new track “Work of Art,” which features Russ and his son, Jaden Smith. The song is Smith’s third single of the year, following “Light ‘Em Up” from the “Bad Boys: Ride or Die “soundtrack and “You Can Make It,” which features Ye’s Sunday Service Choir. Smith spoke about his return to music in a conversation with Russ filmed at the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum in Madrid, Complex reports. “It was really the first time in my life since childhood that I got the shit kicked out of me,” Smith said about his journey following the infamous Oscar slap in 2022. “You know, I had a run of the gods. It’s like, it was really the first time experiencing what it’s like to get stomped.” https://youtu.be/mZdUpMnvITA We reported earlier that Smith signed a new record deal with SLANG, an independent label headed by music executive Rene McLean, following his BET Awards performance.According to THR, SLANG’s lineup features Grammy-winning producer-songwriter Camper, hit hip-hop producer 30 Roc, and emerging artists like rapper-singer Leaf, The Underachievers, rapper Truththebull, artist-producer Isaia Huron, and underground rapper RY XP. “I’m proud to lead SLANG’s efforts to partner with quality artists and invest in their growth, regardless of genre or where they are in their respective careers. In a quickly changing music industry, SLANG artists will be surrounded by a team of like-minded strategists who will stop at nothing to further their trajectory and help them meet their goals. Our commitment to culture comes first, and we consider our SLANG roster family,” McLean said in a statement. Smith released his debut album, “Rock the House,” in 1987 as part of the rap duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. He later achieved chart-topping success as a solo artist, with his most recent album, “Lost and Found,” released in 2005. https://youtu.be/5Sdbi55HY0o Smith debuted his new song, “You Can Make It,” at the BET Awards in June. His new album is expected to drop soon. https://youtu.be/I_iQzUoPeTg Phaedra Parks is reclaiming her spot on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.” The busy mother of two is making a full-time return to the series for season 16. Her comeback follows the announcement that Kenya Moore is leaving the show. The former Miss USA was let go after allegedly leaking explicit photos of new cast member Brittany Eady. Parks announced her return on Instagram on Monday, July 29, with a photoshoot of her holding a peach again. “You called, I answered,” she captioned the post. Parks joined RHOA in season 3 and left the show after season 9. She returned to the franchise for the “Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Ex-Wives Club,” which is streaming on Peacock. We reported earlier that Porsha Williams and Drew Sidora are returning to “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” for season 16. According to PEOPLE, author/podcast host Brittany Eady, restaurateur and Food Network alum Kelli Ferrell, and Angela Oakley, wife of NBA great Charles Oakley, are also part of the cast next season. https://www.instagram.com/phaedraparks/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=0ec29b7f-8b5f-419d-917c-5f95d44e004b Had Snoop Dogg pretended to take a toke from the Olympic torch he helped carry to open the 2024 games, few people would have been surprised. But the now cannabis entrepreneur and elder statesman of hip-hop is in his respectable era – he’s a little older, a little wiser, and a whole lot more lovable. The 52-year-old rapper’s transformation – from superstar on trial for murder in the 1990s to Martha Stewart bestie on “grandpa’s duties” at the Olympics – has been so slow and shrewd that it’s very natural to ask: How did we get here? P. Frank Williams covered Snopp Dogg’s murder trial for the Los Angeles Times and co-wrote the book “Chosen by Fate: My Life Inside Death Row Records” with the musician’s co-defendant McKinley Lee Jr. Williams told CNN the answer is actually quite simple. “He worked hard and loves what he does,” said Williams, who most recently directed Hulu’s “Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told” documentary. “Snoop has this likability and charm that you can’t buy.” Not to mention an arc that’s a testament to the power of reinvention. Political Playback: California Capitol News You Might Have Missed Californians for Kamala: Rep. Maxine Waters Leads Coalition Rally to Support V.P. Harris – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA-43) hosted a press conference on July 26 at the Proud Bird Event Center Tuskegee Room near LAX to rally behind Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign. The event brought together election officials, community leaders, faith-based organizations, and notable figures from South Bay Los Angeles County cities. “This is a pivotal moment in our nation’s history,” Waters declared. “I urge everyone to get involved and help us bring about the change we want to see by supporting a leader who truly represents our values. Waters added: “Kamala Harris is from California, and we need to stand behind her.” https://youtu.be/lzBmildx2XA The late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee will lie in state in the Houston City Hall rotunda, 901 Bagby, on Monday, July 29, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Congresswoman Jackson Lee is the second person to be bestowed the rare honor of lying in state in the Houston City Hall rotunda. In 2008, the family of Dr. Michael DeBakey requested that his body lie in state so that Houstonians could remember the legendary heart surgeon. On Monday, Mayor Whitmire extended the honor to Congresswoman Jackson Lee, and her family members accepted. "I extend my heartfelt condolences to Congresswoman Jackson Lee's family, staff, and friends. This is a time for unity across Houston as we honor her life and legacy. Although we were opponents in the recent mayoral race, we shared a long history of collaboration spanning over 30 years. Despite our different styles, we consistently worked towards the same goals, advocating for the issues that matter most to Houstonians," said Mayor Whitmire. Congresswoman Jackson Lee began her political career as a City of Houston Municipal Court Judge. She then served on the Houston City Council before being elected to represent the 18th Congressional District of Texas in 1994. She was an influential and forceful voice in Washington for her constituents and the City of Houston. "For decades, Congresswoman Jackson Lee was a dedicated fighter for Houstonians. I invite everyone to visit City Hall to pay tribute to this true public servant and honor her unwavering commitment to our community," said Mayor Whitmire. The FBI confirms that Donald Trump was indeed shot during the assassination attempt earlier this month. As we reported earlier, Trump was nearly assassinated at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13 and later stated that he was “shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear.” The 20-year-old shooter was identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. He was killed at the scene of the assassination attempt, authorities said. Trump was struck in the ear during the re-election rally and blood on his upper right ear and face were visible after the shooting. The FBI confirmed in a statement on Friday that a bullet, whole or fragmented, was the cause of his injury. “What struck former President Trump in the ear was a bullet, whether whole or fragmented into smaller pieces, fired from the deceased subject’s rifle,” said the agency, per NPR. Acclaimed actress and comedian Erica Ash, renowned for her roles in the ‘Scary Movie’ franchise and the television series “Survivor’s Remorse,” has passed away at the age of 46. Her family confirmed the sad news, revealing that she succumbed to a prolonged and valiant fight against cancer. “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved daughter, sister, and friend Erica Chantal Ash (1977-2024). After a long and courageous battle with cancer, she transitioned peacefully surrounded by her loved ones,” says her mother Diann Ash, who shared the heartbreaking announcement with TMZ. Adding to Diann’s sentiments, she expressed, “Erica was an amazing woman and talented entertainer who touched countless lives with her sharp wit, humor, and genuine zest for life. Her memory will live eternally in our hearts. In honor of Erica’s memory, the family asks that any donations be made to the Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation or the Breast Cancer Foundation of your choice. We are grateful for the kind expressions of love and support during this difficult time.” Loni Love, Erica’s close friend and former cohost, was among the first to confirm the news on social media. In an emotional tribute on Instagram, she wrote, “She would put her all into her work. She would always just be there.. now she’s gone. My sincere condolences to her family and fans.” Erica Chantal Ash was born on September 19, 1977, in Florida, USA. Raised in a military family, she had a multicultural upbringing, living in various locations, including Germany. This diverse background nurtured her interest in different cultures and languages. Though she initially pursued a career in medicine, graduating with a pre-medicine degree from Emory University, a transformative trip to Japan, where she worked as a backup singer and runway model, ignited her passion for the performing arts. A Stellar Career in Comedy and Drama Ash’s entry into the entertainment industry began in 2006 when she joined Logo TV’s “The Big Gay Sketch Show.” Her remarkable ability to bring a range of characters to life quickly earned her recognition in the world of comedy. Her big break came in 2008 when she became a cast member of the iconic sketch comedy series “MadTV.” She gained acclaim for her sharp impersonations and original characters, cementing her status as a rising star in comedy. In (his latest) controversial move, Elon Musk has come under scrutiny for sharing a heavily edited and manipulated campaign video of Vice President Kamala Harris on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. The video, which appears to use deepfake technology, was reposted by Musk without the “parody” label originally provided by the YouTube account “Mr Reagan” and without any additional context, potentially violating X’s policies against misleading content. The altered video mimics Harris’ voice and repurposes segments from an official Harris campaign ad on YouTube. In the original video, Harris narrates and poses the question: “In this election, we each face a question: What kind of country do we want to live in?” before breaking into Beyoncé’s song “Freedom.” The manipulated version diverges drastically; a voice that sounds like Harris’ begins by stating, “I, Kamala Harris, am your Democrat candidate for president because Joe Biden finally exposed his senility at the debate.” The altered voiceover continues to make several controversial statements, targeting President Joe Biden’s mental fitness, and Harris’ qualifications, and accusing her of leveraging her gender and race for political advantage. The manipulated content also accuses her of “trying to sound Black” and doing a “Barack Obama impression” in her speeches, according to an NBC News report. The repost by Musk, viewed 119.9 million times as of Sunday afternoon, did not carry any labels indicating the video’s deceptive nature, which stands in potential violation of X’s policies regarding misleading media. As per X’s terms, “You may not share synthetic, manipulated, or out-of-context media that may deceive or confuse people and lead to harm (‘misleading media’). In addition, we may label posts containing misleading media to help people understand their authenticity and to provide additional context.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1816974609637417112 St. Louis native and best-selling author and award-winning civil rights attorney Areva Martin returned to her hometown of St. Louis this week to host A Pink Pump Affair, inviting women across the city of St. Louis to attend a live taping of the new season of her award-winning podcast and talk show The Special Report With Areva Martin at the High Low Listening Room. Guests snacked on food, enjoyed coffee by local and black-owned coffeehouse Northwest Coffee, and also go signed copies of Areva’s book! In a riveting conversation on the power of the Black female vote, Areva was joined by St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones, President & CEO of the St. Louis Regional Arts Commission Vanessa Cooksey, and Emmy Award-winning anchor Sharon Reed. It was a fabulously fun evening filled with stimulating conversation, education, and empowerment that will inspire women to get out and vote, activate voters in their communities, volunteer for campaigns, and become more civically engaged. The new YouTube documentary “The Disturbing Death of JAY-Z’s Mistress” by Trap Lore Ross explores the mysterious death of 28-year-old model Cathy “Kori” White, who died from a brain aneurysm in 2011. The 49-minute film connects White to JAY-Z and Diddy, suggesting her death might be linked to claims that she was pregnant with Jigga’s child while he was married to Beyoncé, All Hip Hop reports. The documentary also mentions Jonathan Hay, Rihanna’s former publicist, who previously admitted to fabricating a story about an affair between Rihanna and JAY-Z to gain media attention. Hay posted about the YouTube doc on Instagram, explaining, “I was mentioned in this explosive and viral documentary by Trap Lore Ross that was featured on @akademiks that’s made my phone blow up for the past week. Recently @jaguarwright has talked about this controversial situation as well, as I was the publicist for ‘Pon de Replay,’ the debut single by Rihanna.” Hay added, “It’s time for me to finally set the record straight once-and-for all as it’s way beyond shocking, messy – and just flat out CRAZY AF!!!!! Prepare to be blown away as what @iamcaptainchronic and I have been through over the years involving this historical scandal that needs to be put to bed for good. Yes, heads are going to roll, and people will be floored but the truth needs to be revealed!!!!!” https://youtu.be/ap_YrjOltUUhttps://youtu.be/ap_YrjOltUU Sheila E. recently shared that Prince recorded his version of Michael Jackson’s 1987 hit “Bad” before deleting it.During an interview with Jason Matheson on The Jason Show, the iconic drummer, now 66, dismissed any rumors of jealousy between Prince and Jackson, PEOPLE reports. “They hung out, we all hung out,” she said before recounting a moment with Prince at Paisley Park where he said, “‘Michael wants me to sing this song with him.’ So he played it for us. He goes, ‘Your butt is mine…’ He said, ‘What?! Your butt is mine?’ And he just walked away, he said, ‘Uh, uh,'” Sheila E. recalled. She also revealed that she joined Prince to “re-record” the song. “It was so funky, it was so amazing. It was an incredible rendition of what it should’ve been,” she said on The Jason Show. “And then after we recorded it, we’re like, ‘Oh my God, we can’t wait for Michael to hear it.'” https://youtu.be/fO2EEdDMsqIhttps://youtu.be/fO2EEdDMsqI “I see money on holidays like Monopoly money,” says Lisa Fraser. The currently unemployed 30-year-old has been to Taipei, Budapest and New York in the past year, with no plans of giving up vacations while she looks for a job. “I don’t have a budget. I’ll have a rough idea, but if I go over it, then I go over it. I won’t ever stop myself from having what I want on holiday.” According to a 2023 study from the finance website WalletHub, 25% of Americans say it’s worth going into debt for a good vacation. The majority of those going into debt do so by charging travel expenses on a credit card, with 20% of respondents saying they would rather skip a credit card payment and put the money toward a vacation. Elizabeth Currid-Halkett is the author of The Sum of Small Things: A Theory of the Aspirational Class and a professor of public policy at the University of Southern California. https://youtu.be/EUp-LIoEFj4https://youtu.be/EUp-LIoEFj4 Currid-Halkett believes that the current trend of travel moving from “optional” to “priority” began during the financial crisis in the 2000s and spiked after the pandemic. “We wouldn’t have been able to predict it, the way the pandemic affected different generations in different ways, but the idea that our friends matter, living life matters, how important living a good life is – that has led to a change in how people spend their money. “When you’re young, you don’t have money to shift into another area, but you can say, ‘I’ll think about this later and live my best life right now.’” Currid-Halkett brings up what she calls “the avocado toast thing.” Currid-Halkett believes that the current trend of travel moving from “optional” to “priority” began during the financial crisis in the 2000s and spiked after the pandemic. “We wouldn’t have been able to predict it, the way the pandemic affected different generations in different ways, but the idea that our friends matter, living life matters, how important living a good life is – that has led to a change in how people spend their money. “When you’re young, you don’t have money to shift into another area, but you can say, ‘I’ll think about this later and live my best life right now.’” Currid-Halkett brings up what she calls “the avocado toast thing.” https://youtu.be/sn_HyM6sRWshttps://youtu.be/sn_HyM6sRWs As Vice President Kamala Harris launched her campaign as the presumptive Democratic nominee, Black journalists Roland Martin and Ed Gordon played key roles. Martin and Gordon were involved in fundraising efforts that raised millions in the campaign’s first week, according to journal-isms.com. On Sunday, Win With Black Women held a Zoom call that drew 44,000 participants and raised over $1.5 million. The following day, Win With Black Men attracted nearly 54,000 attendees and raised $1.3 million. Additional virtual events included a Latinas for Harris call with 5,000 attendees raising $110,000, a South Asian Women for Harris call with 10,000 participants raising $285,000, and a large Zoom call for white women, which reportedly raised $2 million from 164,000 attendees. Other calls for Black gay and queer men, white men, and a national Women for Harris event reportedly are planned. Additionally, Gordon co-hosted an NAACP “Town Hall” discussing Black voters’ importance in the election, which followed President Biden’s endorsement of Harris. Blair Underwood explained in a new interview why he chose not to join “Sex and the City” three seasons before he was cast as Dr. Robert Leeds. According to IndieWire, Underwood revealed to the A.V. Club that he initially declined a role in an earlier season involving Kim Cattrall’s character dating a Black man. According to Vulture, this was the Season 3, Episode 5, titled “No Ifs, Ands, or Butts.” Underwood later joined the show during Season 6 in 2003 as sports medicine physician Dr. Robert Leeds, who becomes Miranda’s (Cynthia Nixon) boyfriend. “I actually did say ‘no’ the first time,” Underwood said. “The first time they had offered the role, to be honest with you, it was about how Samantha was fascinated by dating a Black man and wanted to know if, uh, all of the rumors were true about our anatomy! And I said, ‘Listen, I’m honored, thank you, but I just don’t want to play a character based on race, on curiosity about a Black man.’” Years later, when producers offered him the role once again, Underwood asked if the storyline would “be about race.” Rapper Swae Lee turned to social media to tell people to do their homework before voting for Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. “Do not vote for Kamala!!! Do your research on that whole camp,” Lee tweeted on July 27. “I pay over millions in tax dollars every year this man Sent it to A whole nother country !!!!!!!!! Those lil dollars that come off your checks they gave it away !!!!!! Think about that shit.” He continued, “The money we sent away every American citizen could’ve got minimal 200 grand think about that but I guess we don’t need the shit [man shrugging emoji] and yall standing for Kamala. My black people she don’t do nothing but sign off on things against yall …(us) voting just cuz you think she’s black is not going to end in your favor.” Lee’s tweet sparked mixed reactions and backlash from the Vote Blue No Matter Who cult, with one person tweeting, “You are out of your damn mind,” while another wrote, “Why do you favor a rapist and felon? Why do you want the United States to become a dictatorship where, if he were to become president, Trump would have anyone who opposes him jailed or assassinated. Do you really want that?” Another X user added, “Kamala Harris is the best choice against Trump. Her leadership, experience, and commitment to justice will steer America toward a brighter future. #Harris2024”. https://twitter.com/SwaeLee?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1817276747378815446%7Ctwgr%5E952e5fa75f18e5fa3f1bf014a41ac50d4838bcdd%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fswae-lee-criticized-for-telling-fans-not-to-vote-for-kamala-harris%2F A third person tweeted, “Well said! Kamala has a long history of hurting black people and she has been the worst Vice President in history. TRUMP 2024”. We reported earlier that Harris seems poised to secure the Democratic nomination after President Joe Biden withdrew from the presidential race and threw his support behind her. https://twitter.com/SwaeLee?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1817277713628991553%7Ctwgr%5E952e5fa75f18e5fa3f1bf014a41ac50d4838bcdd%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fswae-lee-criticized-for-telling-fans-not-to-vote-for-kamala-harris%2F Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old mother of two, was fatally shot by Illinois sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson earlier this month. As we reported earlier, in the body camera footage released by the prosecutor’s office, Grayson (a White man) is seen threatening to shoot Massey over a dispute about moving a pot from the stove. Grayson then fires his gun three times at Massey after she briefly stands up. He has been charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct. Grayson is currently held without bond in Sangamon County Jail. He has pleaded not guilty and could face a prison sentence of 45 years to life if convicted. According to MSNBC, Massey was a descendant of William K. Donnegan, a shoemaker and railroad conductor who was lynched during the Springfield Race Riot in 1908. Massey died in the same hospital, St. John’s, where Donnegan succumbed to his injuries after being attacked by a white mob. Authors and MSNBC reporter Cassandra Lane relates to Massey’s story, as her great-grandfather, Burt Bridges, was lynched in Mississippi in 1904. Lane’s memoir, “We Are Bridges,” explores the impact of this history on the family.Authors and MSNBC reporter Cassandra Lane relates to Massey’s story, as her great-grandfather, Burt Bridges, was lynched in Mississippi in 1904. Lane’s memoir, “We Are Bridges,” explores the impact of this history on the family. https://youtu.be/_LqXHpPWbmkhttps://youtu.be/_LqXHpPWbmk Apollo Nida, former husband of “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Phaedra Parks, was arrested after his wife, Sherien Almufti, accused him of physical assault. According to In Touch, Sherien called police on Apollo, 45, on March 11. The police report stated that Sherien informed officers she had just returned home from a bar with friends when she and Apollo began arguing about infidelity, accusing each other of cheating. During the argument, Apollo showed her a video of her kissing another man. Sherien told police that Apollo “pulled her by the hair and pushed her against a refrigerator.” She described how the situation escalated into a “scuffle” and said she ran outside to call for help. When she returned to retrieve her phone, Apollo had already left.The police stated that Sherien showed them surveillance footage of the verbal altercation, but it did not capture the physical confrontation. When Apollo returned to the house, he told officers that during their argument, he attempted to take her phone. That’s when Sherien curled up on the ground to protect it, but he managed to take it. He said she ran outside to call for help, but he followed her to return the phone. Over the weekend, comedian and actress Tiffany Haddish caught some incoming after sharing a TikTok video of her experience in a Zimbabwean supermarket. The video, filmed in Harare, the country’s capital, showcased Haddish marveling at the size of the store and the variety of products available. The internet quickly reacted, with many labeling her reactions as “ignorant” and “misguided.” Criticism poured in swiftly on social media platforms. Among them, one X (formerly Twitter) user reshared a snippet of the video, commenting, “Tiffany Haddish is surprised that there’s a grocery store in Africa..? What’s wrong with these people?” The backlash prompted Haddish to defend her intentions and provide context. https://youtu.be/ig-2mH_RoW8 Haddish responded candidly: “I am an American, a Black one at that, and told for years that people are starving in Africa, showed pictures of babies with flies on them. Told crazy stories of how they kill each other and there is war every day there.” She added that her trip to Zimbabwe was an eye-opener, noting, “I asked my Black friends to go with me and they were scared. We got here and I have been eyes full of tears finding out the truth. The media be lying. I thought I would share cause I know people in the USA that believe Africans don’t have anything.” Haddish also expanded on her reasoning for sharing the video, explaining that the heavily-circulated clip was only a small part of her full recording. “If they would have showed you the whole video you would have seen me say I am demystifying some bulls— that we have been told and showed in America,” she wrote on X. https://youtu.be/HQ4G0cFu_h8 When Vanessa Williams became the first Black woman crowned Miss America in 1984 at age 20, she gained national attention. While many praised her as a role model and celebrated her historic win, she also faced a barrage of racist comments and death threats. Williams, now 61, recalls talk show host Johnny Carson mocking her achievement. “When I had just won, one of my first appearances was in New York City, and I was staying at The Plaza,” Williams tells PEOPLE. “I remember turning on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, and his opening monologue was, ‘Did you hear we have the first Black Miss America? Yeah. They didn’t mention that Mr. T was one of the judges,'” recalls Williams. “I was like, ‘Wow, that’s telling.'” Williams feels that Carson was implying that “there had to be one Black judge in order for me to win.” https://youtu.be/SRwaq9jlwTs DJ Polo has passed away and his cause of death has not been reported at this time. Born Thomas E. Pough, he’s best known as the legendary DJ of the iconic duo Kool G Rap & DJ Polo. Their collaboration resulted in some of the most groundbreaking tracks of the late ’80s and early ’90s, with albums like “Road to the Riches” and “Wanted: Dead or Alive” becoming staples in hip-hop collections. As news of his passing spreads, tributes from fellow artists and fans are pouring in, each one highlighting DJ Polo’s significant impact on the industry. https://youtu.be/Xmh-idde01o “It’s original music…lots of pressure,” said two-time Emmy Award-winning violinist Damien Escobar about writing his newest studio album “Gemini” (SRG/ILS Group). “I was supposed to take a year off….did a live version during the pandemic.” Things never turn out how you plan, and his year off has resulted in the “Gemini” project. Eight originals, one being a prelude, is what Escobar offers. A Jamaica, New York native, Damien is part of a trailblazing pattern of musicians becoming superstars. Escobar is one. He has made violin playing popular and cool. “We’re shooting the current single’s music video,” he told me when we talked about his new project. Since his debut in 2013, Damien Escobar has been making his name synonymous with cool-violin-playing. He is also making a name for himself in the advertising industry as the Chief Global Music Officer at HAVAS. He is the face and sound of a Mitsubishi recent campaign. The NAACP Image Award nominee’s skills are so outstanding he has performed for four presidents and is a platinum-selling artist. “I let God lead…I just put it out there in the world. What it does is going to happen,” Damien said sincerely. https://youtu.be/Un6XVCEyLZk Eddie Murphy’s past life as a party-hard, “do as I please” kind of guy has come to a noticeable end, according to friends of the comedy legend. RadarOnline notes the shift in Murphy comes courtesy of his longtime girlfriend turned new wife Paige Butcher, who has put her famous husband in “a happy wife, a happy life” mindstate. “Paige is calling the shots and Eddie doesn’t seem to mind at all, he lets her rule… his slogan these days is ‘a happy wife, a happy life,’ which seems to be working for him — even if it’s not exactly the Eddie his friends once knew!” an insider shared with Radar. From the looks of it, Murphy has learned what many husbands have found to be the secret to a lasting union. The 63-year-old “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” star recently called it a day on his single status when he married Butcher, an Australian model, in July after dating for more than a decade and six years of being engaged. The couple share two kids between them, 8-year-old Izzy and 5-year-old Max. Throughout their time together, Butcher has kept Murphy in step. The insider goes on to to reveal that it is her no-nonsense attitude that’s got him “hooked!” All we’ll say is make of this NY Post report what you will and keep in mind that VP Kamala Harris uses Beyoncé‘s “Freedom” as her theme/hype song for her presidential campaign. Andrew Makadsi, the creative director of Beyoncé’s entertainment company Parkwood, is facing criticism and backlash after being accused of sharing antisemitic statements on social media. The allegations arose following the dissemination of posts by StopAntisemitism, a Jewish advocacy group, drawing attention to the offensive content posted by Makadsi. One post attributed to Makadsi called for the death of all Zionists and their followers, accompanied by disparaging and inflammatory language towards individuals linked to Israel. The sharing of this content, alongside instances of comparing Israeli political figures to historical figures like Hitler, has raised concerns and condemnation from various quarters. The New York City community of Harlem is reeling after video footage surfaced showing a home health care aide viciously attacking 95-year-old Dorothy Foye in her own home. Recorded by Nest and Ring cameras, the video captured the aide repeatedly hitting Foye, including striking her with a pot, as the frail woman clung to her walker. The elderly woman’s family was horrified as the scene unfolded live on their phones. “I heard this woman screaming at her, cursing, saying the most obscene things,” recalled Tiffany Mitchell, Foye’s granddaughter. “She was cursing her out… taking water bottles and juice bottles and cans and throwing them at my grandmother.” https://youtu.be/ZNAFCyabfO8 Rapper Stunna Girl has taken to Instagram to share an incredibly harrowing ordeal, posting several photos and videos revealing a bullet wound that had pierced her chest recently. Hate her or love her, the graphic images showcase a daunting injury and serve as a stark reminder of her resilience. One of the most shocking visuals is the large gash situated over her left breast, seemingly after it had already been stitched up. Not for the faint-hearted, Stunna Girl’s posts get up close and personal with the injury, allowing her fans to react with a series of emojis—a testament to the mix of support and shock her community is feeling. Stunna Girl didn’t stop at just sharing the visuals; she brought “receipts” to the table as well. The rapper posted what appears to be a prescription for medication aimed explicitly at treating a “gunshot wound,” aiming to clear up any confusion among her followers and confirm the authenticity of her claims. https://youtu.be/1o47sin0uBs “Deadpool & Wolverine” barreled through the $200 million benchmark, cementing the blockbuster as the record holder for the highest-grossing opening weekend for an R-rated movie. According to studio estimates, “Deadpool & Wolverine” — the 34th movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe lineup — has grossed $205 million in domestic sales and $438.3 million globally in its debut. The first Deadpool movie set the record for the highest-grossing opening weekend for an R-rated film when it was released in 2016 to roughly $132 million, and “Deadpool 2” cinched the second-place spot with $125 million in domestic sales in 2018. But even adjusted for inflation, both films pale in comparison with the third installation’s debut. “Deadpool & Wolverine” is now also among the top opening weekends ever, ranking at No. 8 — a hair’s breadth below 2012’s “The Avengers” ($207 million) and just above 2018’s “Black Panther” ($202 million). https://youtu.be/kllcYOrIXd0 Of the 10 biggest debuts, six are Marvel properties. With “Deadpool & Wolverine” joining the ranks, Marvel movies are now worth more than $30 billion combined, Disney announced Sunday, making Marvel the highest-grossing film franchise of all time. Still, the MCU has been trying to find its footing after its wildly popular “Infinity Saga” culminated with 2019’s “Avengers: Endgame,” a movie that still holds the record for the biggest opening weekend by a margin of nearly $100 million. Since then, several of Marvel’s offerings in recent years have left fans and critics alike unmoved. Could “Deadpool & Wolverine” reinvigorate the franchise? “We should continue taking each film on its terms with varying thresholds of success, especially as the MCU rebuilds with several films next year before the anticipated return of Avengers films,” Shawn Robbins, founder and owner of Box Office Theory, told CNN. https://youtu.be/a3o8BV1PPw0 While the summer box office had a lackluster start after a lukewarm spring, there have been several blockbusters pumping new life into the industry. “Since June, there has been a nonstop parade of over-performing blockbusters starting with ‘Bad Boys: Ride Or Die,’ and continuing with ‘Inside Out 2,’ ‘A Quiet Place: Day One,’ ‘Despicable Me 4,’ ‘Twisters,’ and now ‘Deadpool & Wolverine,’ making for one of the most notable string of hits in summer movie history,” Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Comscore, told CNN on Saturday. Last week, Disney announced “Inside Out 2” had become the highest-grossing animated film of all time, raking in $1.46 billion at the global box office and dethroning former record holder, 2019’s “Frozen 2.” Until the film’s release on June 16, domestic sales had been lagging more than 25% behind 2023’s performance, according to Comscore data. https://youtu.be/r33NL0OeTnE But less than three weeks after its release, the year-over-year domestic box office revenue deficit shrunk from 27% to 19%. Now, the deficit stands at 16.9% and it could keep shrinking depending on how “Deadpool & Wolverine” finishes its run in theaters. This time last year, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” was the top film with a domestic gross of more than $574 million. Meanwhile, the enduring success of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” — both released on July 21 — helped to push the cumulative 2023 domestic box office revenue past $9 billion, the highest it’s been since the pandemic. https://youtu.be/ebGnrGhBj4U In case you missed it, on Friday, Beyoncé, the 32-time Grammy winner surprised millions of viewers when she introduced Team USA during NBCUniversal’s primetime coverage of the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony. In the roughly 2-minute and 30-second clip, Beyoncé remixed her single “YA YA” from her Cowboy Carter album with some of the best athletes representing the U.S., setting the stage for an unforgettable evening. “Hello, girls,” the superstar said, with the pro athletes decked out in navy blue bodysuits, ready for competition. The men’s gymnastics team, featuring Fred Richard, Brody Malone, Paul Juda, Asher Hong, and Stephen Nedoroscik, was up next. The Houston native also made a fashion statement, wearing a cowgirl hat and a statement kaftan adorned with the Olympic rings. Underneath, she sported a white bodysuit with “USA” written in blue and outlined in red across her chest, People reported. “We wanna welcome you to the 2024 Summer Olympic Games! Ah!” Beyoncé exclaimed as the music intensified. “On behalf of Team USA, we ‘gon make it do what it do, YA YA! Put them hands together!” https://youtu.be/wa7HpWw7DEk Looks like Toronto was the spot of choice for an exchange of ideas between 50 Cent and Drake. Taking to social media, Billboard (via MSN) reports the “I Get Money” MC broke the news of his time with the 6 God with an Instagram photo of him and Drake that featured the following caption: “Brainstorming last night me and @champagnepapi gonna get the [camera emoji] rolling biggest thing on your TV” 50 stated. The photo and accompanying caption were posted Sunday (July 21), Billboard noted while highlighting Drake and 50’s Hollywood moves. Moves that include 50’s co-creation of the “Power” universe with Courtney Kemp and Drake stepping up with his partner Future the Prince helped save the popular British show “Top Boy” while producing HBO’s “Euphoria.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C9sMyuQurXc/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=864a86b3-667f-44ab-9dc4-6b55e446d36a We are reaching out to ask for your assistance in helping Youth Pastor Curtis Days via GoFundMe with his medical expenses. Based in Los Angeles, Pastor Curtis has recently been diagnosed with severe heart disease, phantom seizures, and numbness on his left side.Over the past six months, he has been in and out of the hospital and now needs to return for further treatment. Unfortunately, his insurance company has denied coverage for the specialized treatment he urgently needs, leaving him to bear the hefty medical costs out of pocket. Pastor Curtis has always been a beacon of hope and support for the youth in California. He has dedicated over 20 years to feeding underprivileged youth, particularly during Thanksgiving and Christmas, buying school clothes and supplies, and serving as a steadfast mentor. His unwavering commitment has touched countless lives. Simone Biles fought through pain in her calf on Sunday to post an impressive all-around score and display the qualities that have made one of the greatest gymnasts of all time on her return to the Olympics. After she produced a flawless balance beam routine which scored 14.733 – the highest on the apparatus – Biles landed awkwardly while warming up for her floor routine and exited the arena before reemerging to get her lower left leg heavily taped. Cecile Landi, her coach, told reporters after the competition that Biles had been dealing with calf pain a couple of weeks before Paris that flared up again during Sunday’s competition. “She felt a little something in her calf. But yeah, that’s all,” Landi told reporters. https://youtu.be/qC6wv6jalnQ Once she completed all her routines, joy seemed to radiate from Biles as she grinned, waved to the crowd, and danced in celebration with her teammates. She ended the second subdivision of the day leading in the all-around competition and having the top scores on the vault and floor routine – both of which came after her apparent injury – and the second-best score on the balance beam. “Simone was great. She was outstanding,” said Chellsie Memmel, the technical gymnastics lead for USA Gymnastics, to reporters following the competition. “That’s how she trains. I mean, she comes out and she comes into the gym and she does her job. She did that at the podium (training). She just did it again here. So she’s fun to watch.” Memmel told reporters that she couldn’t publicly repeat the thoughts that went through her head after Biles appeared in pain, but was impressed by the star’s gritty performance. She is an outstanding gymnast and person – just, like, overall human – so what she was able to do with looking like she … you know, had some soreness or something in her lower leg. It is remarkable,” Memmel said. Gymnastics qualifying continues throughout the day on Sunday, so it won’t be until the evening in Paris for it to be clear who will go through to the medal competition on Tuesday. https://youtu.be/wa7HpWw7DEk LeBron James made his emphatic return to Olympic basketball on Sunday, turning in a dominant performance in a 110-84 win against Serbia, his first contest at the Games since 2012. It was the first time James had played in the quadrennial tournament since winning his second consecutive gold medal at the London Games and it was clear the 39-year-old all-time leading NBA scorer was bringing as much energy as he can to Paris. The US next plays South Sudan on Wednesday, who ran the Americans close in an exhibition game in London before the Games that was decided by just a point. James’ 21 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists helped provide the spark for Team USA throughout the contest. The ever-present four-time NBA champion seemed to always be on the verge of breaking out of the US backcourt on the fast break, exemplified by a tough, contested layup in the third quarter, in which the Los Angeles Lakers star powered through a Serb defender for a bucket. The first half though was all about Kevin Durant, who scored 21 points on 8-for-8 shooting. It’s the Phoenix Suns forward’s fourth time at the Olympics and his performance proved just how much the two-time NBA champion loves this particular competition. https://youtu.be/qLJSjjRT-VA Durant is recovering from a calf injury and his playing time was limited during the game, otherwise, he might have ended the contest with an even more ridiculous stat line. He finished with 23 points. On a team laden with stars, two first-time Olympians also stood out against Serbia. Anthony Edwards made his Olympics debut and already has his first highlight reel play. With a deft spin-and-pump-fake move along the baseline on Team USA’s final possession of the third quarter, the Minnesota Timberwolves guard sent a Serb defender flying past him toward the sideline as he went to the basket. Edwards was left with an uncontested shot that he easily floated in for a bucket, putting the US up by 19 heading into the final frame. The move and bucket from Edwards set off celebrations among his teammates, including Steph Curry breaking into dance. Edwards finished with 11 points and five rebounds. https://youtu.be/OnIb57UQQ6k It appeared to be the turning point that put Team USA on its way to a blowout win after Serbia hung around for much of the first three-quarters of the game. Curry’s three-point shooting proved to be a major asset in the early going as Serbia jumped out to a hot start. A couple of key buckets in the early part of the first quarter helped stymie the Europeans’ run and kept the US from having too big of a hole to dig itself out of. The Golden State Warriors star was largely quiet for the rest of the game, missing a couple of shots that he might like to have back as he gets used to the shorter international three-point line. He finished the game with an exclamation point three-pointer for 11 points. Jrue Holiday and Devin Booker also turned in solid performances with 15 and 12 points respectively. https://youtu.be/dMUhgadduO8 Tell us you did not know this was going to happen. With everything else related to Kobe Bryant catching big money in sales, the next logical thing to go on the auction block would be…. his locker. Yes, the NBA icon’s locker from the Staples Center – which he used from 2003 until his retirement in 2016 – will be up for auction. According to the folks at CassiusLife, the item is expected to net somewhere between $1 million and $1.5 million. “Kobe Bryant’s locker at the Staples Center is more than just a piece of memorabilia; it’s a sacred relic of his unparalleled journey,” Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s Head of Modern Collectables, told the site in an emailed statement. “This locker was Kobe’s sanctuary amidst triumphs and challenges, a witness to the highs and lows of a storied career. “Every achievement and hardship left its mark within these walls. Its appearance now at auction symbolizes a rare opportunity to own a unique piece of Kobe’s legacy,” Wachter added. Unique is right. For those wondering how Bryant’s locker physically got on the Sotheby’s auction radar, look no further than a maintenance worker at Staples Center. https://twitter.com/nicekicks/status/1815476305523089633/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1815476305523089633%7Ctwgr%5E17e8e663b8807e556d57fb284c98f31878e328a0%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fkobe-bryants-staples-center-locker-to-be-auctioned-off%2F It’s an exciting time for the Tankard family as they get ready to kick off Season 4 of their hit reality show, Thicker Than Water: The Tankards. The show had a very successful three-season run with the Bravo TV Network; however, this time around, they are branching out as Executive producers and owners of their own show under the CJC Network. "Shining Bright" in the Gospel Spotlight is Jewell Tankard. Fall Back, Jewell Tankard appeared inside the Gospel Spotlight with HJ Ellison. https://www.gospel-spotlight.com/Jewell_Tankard_intvw.htm Ben Tankard, patriarch of the family, known globally as the Godfather of Gospel Jazz, has touched hearts and blessed the ears of the masses for over three decades. With a plethora of honors and awards to his name, Tankard recently garnered another #1 song on the Billboard Smooth Jazz National Airplay Chart with his unique and captivating rendition of Marvin Gaye’s song, “Just Like Music” from his album SHINE. “I am elated about the tremendous response we have had at radio and retail for this new CD and equally geeked about the new season of our show,” Tankard says. With full control over the show and it’s direction, Tankard is confident and pleased that he can use all of his music to set the mood for the show. "Shining Bright" in the Gospel Spotlight is Ben Tankard. Fall Back, Ben Tankard appeared inside the Gospel Spotlight with HJ Ellison. https://www.gospel-spotlight.com/bentankard_intvw.htm A friend’s wedding turned into a reality TV moment with former “Basketball Wives” star Jennifer Williams and her fiancé Christian Gold making their presence known at the event. “I love when I have the pleasure of witnessing love. A beautiful place, a beautiful event with beautiful people #KellyandRon,” the 49-year-old socialite and Lucid Cosmetics founder wrote in a caption of an Instagram photo she posted on July 18. Documenting the event via her Instagram page, Williams took in the wedding wearing what Madame Noire described as “a sultry noir evening gown with a thigh-high split, strappy sandals, a nude glossy lip, and a burnt sienna smoky eye.” “Christian kept it clean with a fresh fade and a classic tuxedo and bow tie fit,” the site continued while mentioning how Christian is captured in a video capturing the 31-year-old entrepreneur adding “a little sexy razzle-dazzle to his date with his fiancée, seductively teasing her with a glass of wine before planting a kiss on Jennifer’s lips.” The couple’s wedding appearance comes after they made their relationship official to the public in late July 2023, The following month Christian and Jennifer elevated their relationship when he asked Jennifer to be his wife with ” a lavish pear-shaped diamond ring. https://www.instagram.com/jenniferwilliams/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=b79dd447-834f-4f6f-aa21-33f714177e5c Needless to say, Christian’s proposal was accepted by Jennifer. “We, too, have grown for apps besides the photo ops,” Christian expressed on Instagram. “The watches don’t TikTok. We stroll LA as opposed to scrolling on TikTok. When life is this good, the captions start to write themselves, and you start to understand that the haters really hate themselves.” Prior to the Sonoma, California wedding, Christian and Jennifer were in Europe. https://www.instagram.com/thelordinvestor/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=9fc5006d-b40f-455b-8081-a520fd19fbdc The entrepreneur went with a new look for the occasion with a subtle, clean-cut fade replacing his signature crazy hair. “I chopped my hair off in Switzerland,” Christian confessed. “I woke up and said, I’m ready for another change going into this next season, this new chapter of life. excited for what’s to come.” Up next for the reality TV duo is their own wedding in September. In June, Jennifer knocked out one thing on her to-do list with holding her bridal shower in New York. https://www.instagram.com/jenniferwilliams/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=951b8638-9a6f-4a6d-b254-5d5522bd8893 A pair of teen suspects didn’t do themselves any favors with Tracy Davis, a Louisville judge who personally let them know who is running things in her courtroom. Jefferson County, Kentucky Judge Davis was not the one to play with when Demaurion Moore and Mekhi Cable were caught fighting in the courthouse. The pair’s reason behind their, court stems from them being charged with killing Tyree Smith at a school bus stop in 2021 as well as other shootings. At the time of the Smith shooting, WHAS11 noted, Cable and Moore were 16. According to Davis, she was at lunch when word via a phone call she received that the young suspects were fighting. Needless to say, Davis had something for Cable and Moore when she got back on her job, according to Sandra Rose. https://youtu.be/DqXB2OyyUKY Across the US, obesity rates have risen and life expectancy has declined. Our national health crisis has been especially dire for African-American women. Among Black women ages 20 and older, more than half have heart disease, according to the American Heart Association. And this same population is at the highest risk for strokes, which is the leading cause of death for Black women. The CDC reports that nearly 3 out of 5 African American women suffer from high blood pressure. Also, 3 out of 5 Black women suffer from obesity. The bottom line, according to the American Heart Association is that African American women are more likely to die at a younger age than women of other ethnicities. https://youtu.be/OJ6tXlMQ8WU Those believing friction exists between Kendrick Lamar and Lupe Fiasco will need to put it to rest. Taking to social media, Fiasco took it upon himself to set things straight about rumored issues with Kung Fu Kenny. “I’m a Kendrick fan for more than his music,” the “Kick, Push” rhymesayer told a fan on X (formerly Twitter). “I like his creativity and conceptualization. And the decisions that he makes. I also like his impact on the culture of Black folks. I like that he inspires Black folks. That’s why I never said I don’t like him.” “Cus even if I don’t like all his songs or listen to all his songs – and same thing with Drake – I understand their impact into the culture and I would never, ever, ever – because for me it’s us first – ever, ever, disparage,” he continued. Opening the door, Billboard via MSN noted Fiasco’s urge for the fan to pull out receipts that capture him voicing disdain for Lamar. “I don’t have a problem with dude,” the “Show Goes On” entertainer stated. “Show me where I’ve explicitly said I don’t like him. Show me that. Then we can move on.” https://youtu.be/OIuxiFeOB0g In his upcoming memoir, Fred Trump, nephew of former President Donald Trump, recalls that his uncle used racial slurs at the beginning of his billion-dollar New York real estate career. Fred wrote that Donald Trump, now 78 years old, angrily used the N-word while falsely accusing Black individuals of vandalizing his Cadillac convertible. The incident reportedly took place in the early 1970s at the home of Donald’s parents in Queens, New York. “It was ‘just a normal afternoon for preteen me,’” Fred pens in his new memoir All in the Family: The Trumps and How We Got This Way scheduled for release July 30, the Guardian reported. When Donald entered his parent’s home, Fred recalled seeing his uncle “pissed” and furious. The Apprentice host would later reveal that he believed Black people defaced the retractable canvas top of his Cadillac Eldorado convertible. “There was a giant gash, at least two feet long [and] another, shorter gash next to it,” wrote Fred, who allegedly heard his Uncle Donald shouting, “‘N*****…Look at what the n*****did.’” Then, like now, he did not share any credible evidence but even if there was, why call them the N-word? The election this November is so much more than a race between two candidates, it’s a battle for the soul of America, and that battle will be won on the issues. During our time in Milwaukee during the RNC, NewsOne got an exclusive opportunity to speak with Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and People For the American Way National Political Director Markus Batchelor about the issues most important to Black voters. To make sure our audience gets the most out of our conversations, we narrowed our interviews down to five important questions that will keep Black voters informed before November’s election. The political strategy and policy discussion focuses on helping Black voters understand conservative agendas aimed at tightening GOP control in America. Both men stress the importance of the Voting Rights Act, Rov v. Wade, raising the federal minimum wage, tackling banking issues for better economic access for black individuals, and discussing the importance of voting and representation in elevating black and brown voices in politics. “It’s been almost a decade since the far-right Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act, eliminating protections for black and brown communities all over the country, Markus Batchelor told NewsOne. “And we’re seeing the effects. Black voters have less access to the polls. They’re showing up in less numbers. Their vote is under more threat. They are under more levels of intimidation when they show up to the polls. So we need to pass things like the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and the Freedom to Vote Act to strengthen voting rights in our country.” Trump agreed to an ABC-hosted second debate against President Joe Biden. All through June and most of July, he was good with ABC. He expressed no issue with ABC. Now that Biden’s dropped out of and he is looking at a debate with Harris, suddenly, he can’t stop talking about how horrible ABC is. With the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, the USA is bringing out its best as flag bearers. The latest athlete to carry the honor is Coco Gauff, officially named Team USA’s female flag bearer for the Opening Ceremony. Gauff makes history as the first tennis player to get the rare opportunity. The 2023 US Open winner said in a press release that she’s excited to get the chance to represent her country in a show of unity. “I never thought in a million years I would have the honor of carrying the American flag for Team USA in the Opening Ceremony,’ Gauff said in a U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) press release. “I could not be more proud to lead my teammates with LeBron as we showcase our dedication and passion on the biggest stage there is – at a moment where we can bring athletes and fans together from around the world.” Gauff’s being a flag bearer makes sense, as she’s the number two tennis player in the world at just 20 years old. It’s also a momentous occasion for Gauff, as it’s her first Olympic appearance after she was forced to drop out of the 2020 Tokyo Games after contracting COVID-19. The world-class athlete will also be joined by fellow Team USA member LeBron James. James released a statement when the news dropped a few days ago, harkening back to his days as a kid from Ohio and the ability of sports to bring top-notch athletes together. He’s the first-ever men’s basketball player to carry the flag, behind Dawn Staley in 2004 and Sue Bird in 2021. “It’s an incredible honor to represent the United States on this global stage, especially in a moment that can bring the whole world together,” James said. “For a kid from Akron, this responsibility means everything to not only myself, but to my family, all the kids in my hometown, my teammates, fellow Olympians and so many people across the country with big aspirations. Sports have the power to bring us all together, and I’m proud to be a part of this important moment.” Both tennis and basketball kick off at the Paris games on July 27. "UNCENSORED" explores the lives of some of today’s most notable personalities as they provide first-hand accounts of their success and the obstacles they faced throughout their careers. Dapper Dan is uncensored as he reveals tales of outfitting hustlers turned trendsetters and crafting iconic looks for hip-hop legends. His journey from street life to high fashion is a saga of style and innovation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqJ58swjch Popular docu-series “Raising Fame” takes center stage this Sunday, July 28 at 10 PM ET / 9 PM C on TV One. Hosted by celebrity moms Lucille O’Neal (mom of Shaquille O’Neal) and Sonya Curry (mom of Stephen, Seth, and Sydel Curry). “Raising Fame” delves beyond the glitz and glamour to provide a unique perspective in the words of both the parents and celebrated children themselves. Award-winning singer-actor Billy Porter credits his mother, Cloerinda, with giving him the strength and tenacity to overcome a difficult childhood in Pittsburgh to fulfill his dream of becoming a legendary Broadway star. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIKLiaRdVVY GRAMMY® nominated and Stellar Award-winning Jekalyn Carr is the 39th Stellar Gospel Music Awards second biggest winner, earning five trophies across various categories - Traditional Female Artist of The Year, Albertina Walker Of The Year, Traditional Album of The Year and Traditional Artist of The Year. Additionally, her latest self-titled album cover won Recorded Music Packaging Of The Year (designed by Octavius Holmes). On the heels of her recent Stellar Award wins, Carr announces her next project, Jekalyn Carr Presents…The Inspiration Project, due September 6th. The new project will showcase Carr’s ability as a singer/songwriter and producer by introducing the world to various new artists she has collaborated with over her years spent in ministry. The project will include artists, Emoni Wilkins, Jericho Worship, Timothy Rogers, Ashley Charisse Mackey, JD Fomby, and a brand new unplugged version of her latest top 15 single “You Carried Me.” Every song on the new project is written and produced by Jekalyn Carr and her father, Allen Carr. "Wonder" will be the lead single from the upcoming project lead by Emoni Wilkins, and will be available on all major streaming platforms August 2nd. BET+ has released the season 5 trailer for the original series “Ruthless” from Tyler Perry Studios. The 9-episode season will premiere with two episodes on Thursday, August 8, and continue with one episode dropping weekly until the season finale on Thursday, September 19. Per the press release, here’s the synopsis: After becoming entangled with a religious cult, Ruth must play along until she can find a way to free herself and her daughter. Starring Melissa L Williams, Matt Cedeno, Baadja-Lyne Odums, Blue Kimble, Colin Mccalla, Nadege August, Michelle Nunez, andJosh Adeyeye, season 5 returns with more suspense and drama at the Rakudushis compound as chaos ensues and order is disrupted, leaving the people of the Raku in for far more of a surprise than they could have imagined.https://youtu.be/x7_RtUafwM4 Comedy legend Kevin Hart is offering Airbnb guests exclusive access to his private speakeasy, the Coramino Live Lounge, for the first time. This unique experience includes a live comedy show featuring Hart himself, premium tequila, and the chance to mingle with the star. Hart will perform a special live show at the lounge, available only through Airbnb. According to the news release, Hart is inviting fans to partake in three separate one-night experiences for up to 30 guests each in Los Angeles. The events will occur September 24, 25 and 26 for 15 guests and their plus ones for $76 per person, a nod to Kevin’s birthday on July 6. The booking request period opens on Wednesday, August 21 at 9:00 AM PT and closes on Monday, August 26 at 11:59 PM PT. MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, is a prominent YouTuber known for his elaborate and costly stunts, challenges, and giveaways. He has amassed a massive following on YouTube, making him one of the platform’s most influential and well-known creators with over 300 million subscribers. His empire faces a significant threat due to a recent scandal involving his transgender sidekick, Ava Kris Tyson, and allegations that Tyson engaged in “grooming” of a minor. In a statement, MrBeast said he was “disgusted and opposed to such unacceptable acts” and that he had hired a third-party investigator to look into the claims against Tyson. In this statement, MrBeast said, “Over the last few days, I’ve become aware of the serious allegations of Ava Tyson’s behavior online and I am disgusted and opposed to such unacceptable acts.” He continued, “During that time, I have been focused on hiring an independent third party to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure I have all the facts. That said, I’ve seen enough online and taken immediate action to remove Ava from the company, my channel, and any association with MrBeast. I do not condone or support any of the inappropriate actions. I will allow the independent investigators the necessary time to conduct a comprehensive investigation and will take any further actions based on their findings.” A person claiming to have worked for MrBeast claims he was aware of the allegations against Tyson, who uses she/her pronouns. https://youtu.be/urQ9H9sJUps Will Smith has signed a new record deal with SLANG, an independent label headed by music executive Rene McLean, following his BET Awards performance. According to THR, SLANG’s lineup features Grammy-winning producer-songwriter Camper, hit hip-hop producer 30 Roc, and emerging artists like rapper-singer Leaf, The Underachievers, rapper Truththebull, artist-producer Isaia Huron, and underground rapper RY XP. “I’m proud to lead SLANG’s efforts to partner with quality artists and invest in their growth, regardless of genre or where they are in their respective careers. In a quickly changing music industry, SLANG artists will be surrounded by a team of like-minded strategists who will stop at nothing to further their trajectory and help them meet their goals. Our commitment to culture comes first, and we consider our SLANG roster family,” McLean said in a statement. Smith released his debut album, “Rock the House,” in 1987 as part of the rap duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. He later achieved chart-topping success as a solo artist, with his most recent album, “Lost and Found,” released in 2005. As we reported earlier, Smith debuted his new song, “You Can Make It,” at the BET Awards in June. Collaborating with Fridayy and the renowned Sunday Service Choir, Smith delivered a powerful performance that combined gospel influences with his trademark rap style, encapsulating themes of perseverance and triumph. https://youtu.be/j5vJXtnap7E Tyler Perry responded to the criticisms of his films, particularly his latest, “Divorce in the Black,” starring Cory Hardrict and Meagan Good. On the latest episode of Keke Palmer’s podcast “Baby, This Is Keke Palmer,” Perry explained why he ignores negative remarks. He emphasized that he values the positive impact his films have on people’s lives more than any criticism. “You got to drown all of that out because if you let somebody talk you out of a place that God has put you in, you are going to find yourself in hell,” said Perry,Complex reports. “I know for a fact that what I’m doing is exactly what I’m supposed to be doing because for everyone who is a critic, I have thousands of emails from people saying ‘This changed my life.’ ‘Oh my God, you know me.’ ‘Oh my God, you saw me, how did you know this about my life, my family?’ So that is what is important to me.” Perry continued, “We’re talking a large portion of my fans who are disenfranchised who cannot get in the Volvo and go to therapy on the weekend. So you got this highbrow Negro who is all up in the air with his nose up looking at everything, and then you got people like where I come from and me who are grinders who really know what it’s like whose mothers were caregivers for white kids and were maids and housekeepers and all of these beauticians. Don’t discount these people and say that their story don’t matter. Who are you to be able to say which Black story is important or should be told. Get out of here with that bullshit.” https://youtu.be/OcrUxVTXrUg Wiz Khalifa and Aimee Aguilar have welcomed their first child together, a baby girl named Kaydence. In a TikTok video posted on July 24, 30-year-old Aguilar showcased her post-baby body and shared the routine she’s following to achieve a flatter stomach. As we reported earlier, in a June 16 Instagram announcement, Khalifa shared a photo of himself and Aimee, showing his hand resting on her baby bump. He captioned the photo, “Baby Girl On The Way.” “We can’t wait to meet her!” Amber Rose commented under the image. The former stripper shares 11-year-old son Sebastian, with the rapper. Aguilar celebrated by posting pictures from her maternity photoshoot on IG. https://www.instagram.com/p/C8SJO1vJYGg/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=b8273272-3943-4a91-9237-aa7e82d53635 Wiz is also a dad to 11-year-old son Sebastian, with ex Amber Rose. In a 2022 episode of the radio show REAL 92.3 LA, the hip-hop star said he’s a “great father.” “You could look at the music and be like, ‘He makes great music.’ But if you see me with my kid or his friends or anybody else’s kids, I’m a great dad. So that’s my purpose as well in this life for sure,” Wiz Khalifa added. https://www.tiktok.com/@aimeeagsss/video/7394939136580308267?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fwiz-khalifa-and-aimee-aguilar-celebrate-arrival-of-first-child%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121442748%2C121439635%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7394939136580308267 Aguilar shared highlights from her baby shower in a June 18 Instagram post. She captioned the clip: “Baby shower was absolutely beautiful 💕 thank you to everyone who came and showed out for baby girl. We appreciate you.” https://www.instagram.com/aimeeags/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=e8b1bfb3-3a35-4f69-bb2d-0d08818c5cc4 In a recent episode of Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s “Dinner’s on Me,” podcast, Iggy Azalea discussed her role as the sole parent to her son Onyx. The Australia-born artist, who welcomed Onyx with fellow rapper Playboi Carti in June 2020, revealed that she is not involved in a co-parenting arrangement. Iggy confirmed that she decided to raise Onyx alone after announcing her split from Carti four months after the child’s birth. “I’m very much a single mother, I’m very much the only parent,” Azalea shared on the podcast, Complex reports. “No disrespect, but I am not co-parenting, really. That’s just the reality of it. It’s 24/7,” she added. Elsewhere in the interview, Azalea emphasized the significance of having a “village,” to support her lifestyle and motherhood journey, which she describes as including her mother, who was a single parent. https://www.instagram.com/thenewclassic/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=0925c42a-e4f5-43b6-a9e0-5e14e22c28ea Usher’s New Look (UNL) the nation’s leading nonprofit philanthropic organization dedicated to uplifting underserved youth through the power of education and the pursuit of excellence will convene its 2024 Disruptivator Summit: Living In Your Legacy. The seventh annual UNL Disruptivator Summit, the largest youth conference in the Southeast, is taking place now through Friday, July 26 on the campus of Oglethorpe University in Atlanta. More than 300 students are expected to participate. The 2024 UNL Disruptivator Summit is the most comprehensive youth conference in the 25-year history of Usher’s New Look, founded by musical artist and philanthropist Usher Raymond IV. Since 1999, UNL has helped transform the lives of more than 60,000 young people. Through UNL’s comprehensive program, students receive a “New Look” on life. In this capacity, 100% of UNL participants graduate high school and 95% go on to college, with 61% being first-generation college students. https://youtu.be/Y1XB_k_kqTE Video footage of the heated confrontation between Amber Rose and Joseline Hernandez that took place during season two of BET’s “College Hill: Celebrity Edition” was recently unveiled by TMZ. The altercation occurred at Alabama State University, sparked by a discussion on racial identity. Rose, who is of Black Cape Verdean and Scottish descent, was offended when Hernandez, a Puerto Rican who identifies as Afro-Latina, made a comment about “whiteys,” Complex reports. Hernandez accused Rose of wanting to be white, leading to a violent clash that the network refused to air. “I identify myself and let you know who that is. Your problem is that you really wanna be a white girl,” Hernandez told Rose. In the newly released footage, Hernandez and Rose erupt into a wild brawl, with Joseline pushing her head into a mirror. At least five people had to break it up. https://twitter.com/i/status/1813043643642749123 Candace Owens criticized President Joe Biden after he released a statement in response to the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, a Black woman, by a white sheriff’s deputy in Springfield, Illinois. The July 6 incident has reignited national debates about police use of force and racial disparities in law enforcement as the election approaches. In the body camera footage released by the prosecutor’s office on Monday, former Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson is seen threatening to shoot Massey, 36, over a dispute about moving a pot from the stove. Grayson then fires his gun three times at Massey after she briefly stands up. He has been charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct. Grayson is currently held without bond in Sangamon County Jail. He has pleaded not guilty and could face a prison sentence of 45 years to life if convicted.According to Ownes, the incident was not racially motivated. She argues that unarmed white Americans are at a greater risk of being shot and killed than Black Americans. https://youtu.be/A5mov401dTA “There is a reason that whoever is in control of Joe Biden’s account tweeted about this. It’s because they think we’re stupid. They think we’re emotional,” she continued. “They think we always respond illogically and emotionally and it’s an easy way for them to shore up votes by saying, ‘Oh look, forget that we’ve destroyed everything around you and that we got you to burn down your neighborhoods in 2020, and then obviously stole a bunch of money because none of that money actually went to making your neighborhoods better and so now those communities are desolate, forget all of that because look, another video and this means racism is back and vote for us because we’re going to show you how emotional we are.’ That’s exactly what Joe Biden did,” Owens explained. In a July 22 tweet, Biden said, “Sonya Massey, a beloved mother, friend, daughter, and young Black woman, should be alive today. Sonya’s death at the hands of a police officer reminds us that all too often Black Americans face fears for their safety in ways many of the rest of us do not.” In a separate tweet, president added, “Sonya’s family deserves justice. I am heartbroken for her children and family as they face this unthinkable and senseless loss. Jill and I mourn with the rest of the country and our prayers are with Sonya’s family, loved ones, and community during this devastating time.” In her commentary, Owens said, “The only reason, whoever is in control of his account is putting that out there is because too many Black Americans are turning toward Trump. They think too many Black Americans are catching on. https://www.instagram.com/unwinewithtashak/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=d4a4cfe5-4d37-4fc9-bd5e-69610bb25671 White women are mobilizing to support Kamala Harris in an upcoming virtual meeting on July 25, titled “White Women: Answer The Call!” This event follows the successful “Win With Black Women” Zoom call, which saw 44,000 participants raise over $1 million for Harris’s campaign. White women want to replicate the success of this event and rally additional support for Harris. In an Instagram post, author and podcaster Glennon Doyle wrote, “On Sunday night, 44,000 women gathered with @winwithblackwomen to support Kamala Harris, and raised over $1 million. It’s our turn to show up. So that’s what we’re doing.” In a separate post, Doyle provided the registration link, noting that “All Are Welcome To Attend.” No speakers have been confirmed for the call yet. https://www.instagram.com/p/C9yPl74NH4w/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=4a6640cd-2fd5-4258-9497-c5b29f78197e Around 47% of white women reportedly voted for Donald Trump in the 2016 Presidential election, while only 45% supported his opponent, Hillary Clinton. If elected, 59-year-old Harris would become the first female U.S. President. Meanwhile, female Trump supporters in Wisconsin are worried Vice President Kamala Harris could win. Speaking to NBC’s Elise Jordan, one woman said, “I think she’s going to go for the minority, female, and younger voters.” Another woman added, “Everyboidy’s excited about her and that scares me. Trump has to reconfigure where he’s going and how they’re going to outsmart her.” One woman in the group conversation with Jordan said Harris “doesn’t even know what’s going on at the border.” https://youtu.be/erjhZxwf7cc President Joe Biden, in his first televised remarks about halting his reelection bid, addressed the nation on Wednesday, July 24. Speaking from the Oval Office, Biden, 81, assured the public that he intends to serve out his term, stating, “Over the next six months, I will continue to focus on doing my job as president.” “This sacred task of protecting our Union is not about me,” he said, PEOPLE reports. “It’s about you. Your families. Your futures.” Biden also emphasized his support for Vice President Kamala Harris, who is 22 years younger than him. https://youtu.be/Z96N57eV1EA Two months after filing for bankruptcy, Red Lobster is close to emerging with a new owner. Red Lobster said this week in a court filing that it will accept an existing sale offer from Fortress Credit Corp., a lender experienced in restaurant management after the seafood chain did not receive any other acquisition bids. A hearing has been set for next week for a judge to approve the sale. Fortress is one of Red Lobster’s largest lenders and has financed the restaurant chain’s operations, including a new $100 million loan that allowed Red Lobster to stay afloat during its bankruptcy proceedings. Fortress is an investment fund and owns restaurant chains such as Krystal, Logan’s Roadhouse and J. Alexander’s through a hospitality arm of the fund. Red Lobster has closed around 100 restaurants in recent months and has said it wants to close several dozen more locations. It has around 600 restaurants remaining. Mismanagement, competition, inflation, and other factors brought down Red Lobster, which has been a pioneer in the restaurant industry. Thai Union, a global seafood supplier, became Red Lobster’s leading shareholder in 2020. https://youtu.be/7DEPA4wSNaE British-Nigerian duo Sons of Sonix recently released their new EP, “Time Zones & Tylenol,” a creative blend of Afrobeats, Hip Hop, and R&B that showcases their distinct sound. The EP, which highlights their latest single “ALAFIA,” was officially released on July 24, 2024, on all major streaming platforms. Sons of Sonix, consisting of Mikey Akin and Moses Samuels, have long been a force in the music industry, known for their work with top artists like Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Stormzy, and JLO. Over the past 13 years, they’ve established themselves as influential record producers, and their transition to creating their music has been met with enthusiasm. Their new single, “ALAFIA,” stands out as a dynamic mix of Afro-house and Amapiano beats, featuring the harmonious vocals of Me.Tai. This track is a modern reinterpretation of Brandy’s 2002 hit “Full Moon,” with the original producer Mike City collaborating on the song by reimagining the beat. The term “ALAFIA” means good health or peace in Yoruba, reflecting the song’s theme of overcoming challenges and finding inner tranquility. https://youtu.be/Yj-stmF2WW4 A Rikers Island inmate suspected of having scarlet fever died last week after jail staff prevented medical workers from treating her. According to the New York Post, Charizma Jones, 23, passed away over two months after EMS rushed her from the jail to a Queens hospital. A letter from The Legal Aid Society, sent to the Board of Correction, questions whether the jail staff’s neglect in treating the young woman contributed to her death. Per the Mayo Clinic, “Scarlet fever is a bacterial illness that develops in some people who have strep throat. Also known as scarlatina, scarlet fever features a bright red rash that covers most of the body. Scarlet fever almost always includes a sore throat and a high fever.” “Many troubling questions surround Ms. Jones’ death, and we join the Legal Aid Society in calling for a thorough investigation by the Board of Correction as we continue to gather critical information on behalf of her family,” MK Kaishian, an attorney for Jones’ family, told The Post. “But whatever else may be revealed going forward, it is patently obvious that the [Department of Correction] denied medical care to a seriously ill person, and there is no excuse whatsoever for this contemptuous and inhumane conduct.” https://eurweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Screenshot-2024-07-24-134708.jpg The retail giant Target, known for its stylish and affordable merchandise, is implementing a significant change in its payment policies. Starting this month, Target will no longer accept personal checks as a form of payment. This decision is due to “extremely low volumes” of check usage. The spokesperson assured that Target has taken “several measures” to notify customers in advance, ensuring a smooth transition. The change will officially take effect on July 15, shortly after Target’s popular Circle Week event. Despite the elimination of personal checks, Target continues to offer a variety of payment options to its customers. These include Target Circle Cards, cash, digital wallets, SNAP/EBT, credit and debit cards, and buy-now pay-later services. The move aligns with the retailer’s ongoing efforts to modernize and streamline the shopping experience, reports NBC Chicago. This latest update follows other recent changes at Target, such as adding limitations to the retailer’s self-checkout policy. These adjustments reflect Target’s commitment to adapting and growing in the competitive retail landscape. According to new court documents, Tupac murder suspect Duane “Keefe D” Davis allegedly worked as a police informant for years after being caught trafficking drugs. During this time, he claimed that Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs offered him $1 million to arrange Tupac’s murder, with the payment supposedly made to Eric “Zip” Martin. The prosecution asserts that Keefe D traveled to New York City to discuss the plot to kill Tupac and met with Zip while undercover, Hot New Hip Hop reports. “Mr. Martin [Zip] greeted Defendant excitedly and they had a social conversation,” the court papers claim. “Mr. Martin indicated he was out of the business but directed him to conduct his drug activities with the nephew. Thereafter, Defendant and Mr. Martin socialized in Mr. Martin’s restaurant for several hours.” We reported previously, citing The Sun, that Davis claims Diddy asked him to “take out” Pac and Knight, an allegation that the Bad Boy Records founder has constantly dismissed. In his book “Compton Street Legend,” Davis discussed the murder plot in an interview with the LAPD. In the recording, Davis told detectives that Combs was “happy as hell” after Pac was gunned down in 1996. He also alleged that Diddy paid the fee for the hit to Zip, a known gangster at the time, who decided to keep the money for himself. Kenya Moore is adamant that she’s “here to stay.” The former beauty queen took to Instagram Live to reassure her fans that she isn’t going anywhere amid rumors of her exit from “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.” According to The Jasmine Brand, Moore stated, “We’re definitely going to stay positive. There’s so many positive things happening. I can’t ever speak on things until they’re coming out.” She continued, “Trust me, there will be so much more of me. I’m not going anywhere; I’m here to stay.” We reported earlier that Moore will not return to “Real Housewives of Atlanta” Season 16 after being indefinitely sidelined for reportedly revealing sexually explicit posters of newcomer Brittany Eady. Nike’s “Winning Isn’t for Everyone” campaign for the Paris Olympics features stars like William Defoe, LeBron James, Serena Williams, Kobe Bryant, and Victor Wembanyama. However, Kevin Durant, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, was notably absent. According to Footwear News, Durant voiced his disappointment on Instagram, questioning why Nike left him out despite his long-term association with the brand and consistent participation with Team USA. The Olympic gold medal winner posted photos of him with Team USA with the captions, “Nike tell me, am I a bad person?” and “Been wit [sic] yall every step of the way.” He also referenced the 2020 Olympics, which took place in 2021 because of the pandemic, saying, “Even during the quarantine Olympics.” https://youtu.be/pwLergHG81c Montel Williams addressed a 23-year-old photo of him with Vice PresidentKamala Harris after the image went viral after President Joe Biden announced he would not seek a second term and endorsed Harris. Complex reports that the Kamala/Montel 2001 photo dates back to the Eighth Annual Race to Erase Multiple Sclerosis Benefit at the Century Plaza Hotel in Century City in, California. Williams and Harris “briefly dated” during this time. Williams warned of “an unpleasant reaction” to anyone seeking comments from him about the resurfaced photo. “I’ve said what I’m going to say about the thing that keeps trending,” Williams said on X Monday. “My friends in the media should think twice about wasting time on a 20+ year old picture – you will find doing so will earn an unpleasant reaction.” Meanwhile, TMZ reports that Williams said he is willing to throw his support behind Harris in the upcoming presidential election. According to Complex, the former talk show host expressed “great respect” for her in 2019. https://youtu.be/awOb5uHqFEg The video has surfaced showing a contentious incident involving Hall of Fame Broncos running back Terrell Davis on a plane. The footage, released by Davis’ attorney Parker Stinar, shows an FBI agent leaning over to handcuff Davis, who is seated and wearing a beige hoodie and gray hat. As we reported earlier, Davis turned to social media last week to explain why he was handcuffed in front of his kids and escorted off a recent United flight. In an Instagram post, the former NFLer explained that he was traveling from Denver to John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California, with his wife and three children. When his son asked for a cup of ice during beverage service, the flight attendant didn’t respond. Davis said he “calmly reached behind me and lightly tapped his arm.” The attendant shouted, “Don’t hit me,” and left the beverage cart to “hurriedly approach the front of the plane,” the two-time Super Bowl champion wrote. https://youtu.be/E1sI6NS7a5Q Halle Berry celebrated the 20th anniversary of her role in “Catwoman” with a topless photoshoot on Instagram. The 57-year-old Oscar winner donned the iconic Catwoman eye mask and black lingerie while holding her two rescue cats, Boots and Coco, to her bare chest. In the caption of the series of topless photos, she wrote: “And STILL… meow! It’s been 20 years today since I had the honor of bringing this iconic character to life. She will always be close to my heart and I will forever be Patience Phillips aka CATWOMAN!” Berry added, “Thank you @missjee79! When these black beauties showed up in my yard searching for their mother, Jee helped us through the rescue process. Forever grateful!” In the post’s comments, one fan wrote, “20 years where Ms. Berry!? You look phenomenal! 😍❤️😍❤️,” while another added, “No one could’ve played that role but you,” and “My favorite Catwoman. Still fine. 🔥🔥🔥.”Several fans called for a sequel to the film. https://youtu.be/U-7s_yeQuDg Season 2 of the wildly popular Wondery podcast “We Playin’ Spades” is back, much to the delight of its dedicated listeners. This season promises even more engaging discussions, lively banter, and the competitive spirit that made the first season a hit. Hosts delve deeper into the cultural significance of spades, share personal anecdotes, and invite exciting guests to join the conversation. Fans can look forward to a blend of humor, strategy, and camaraderie that captures the essence of the beloved card game. Wondery announced Nick Cannon and actress Courtney Bee as the new hosts this season. The duo is pitting their card-playing skills against a new lineup of celebrity guest opponents every week! The new season premiered early and ad-free on Wondery+ on July 22, and it’s available on Amazon Music, YouTube, and wherever podcasts are available starting July 29. https://youtu.be/8iVoA0No_rg In a tragic incident that has attorneys, family members, and the public demanding answers, Sonya Massey was shot and killed by Sean Grayson, a deputy from the Sangamon County, Illinois Sheriff’s office as we’ve previously reported. The case has gained significant attention, with prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump representing the Massey family in their pursuit of justice. Grayson claims he acted in self-defense, fearing Massey would throw a pot of boiling water at him. However, police body cam footage has cast doubts over his account. Watching the tape has led Massey’s family and their attorney to reject the deputy’s explanation. Appearing on “TMZ Live” alongside Sonya’s father, James Wilburn, Crump highlighted what he sees as glaring inconsistencies in Grayson’s story. Notably, the footage shows Grayson moving toward Sonya as she handled the pot, rather than away—a move Crump believes was made to get a clearer shot. Critically, after firing three shots, including a fatal one to Massey’s head, Grayson instructed his partner not to administer medical aid as she lay bleeding on her kitchen floor. This, the family argues, further underscores Grayson’s indifference and contradicts his supposed fear for safety. https://youtu.be/fnMorpeKMIc?list=RDNSfnMorpeKMIc As a singer, songwriter, producer, and businesswoman who has long championed individuality and empowerment, I am filled with immense pride and hope as we stand on the brink of a monumental moment in American history. The prospect of Kamala Harris becoming the first woman President of the United States is not just a symbol of progress but a profound testament to the power of perseverance, vision, and unity. Kamala Harris’s journey from her early days in California to her role as Vice President has been nothing short of inspiring. Her ascent to the highest office in the land would be a historic achievement, not only for women of all backgrounds but for everyone who believes in democracy, equal rights, and the promise of America. It is a vivid reminder of how far we have come and how far we still have to go in our quest for true equality and representation. “He came up with the idea and the name,” said Judy Shields about her new show “Under the Golden Spotlight” on Canyon Star TV (CSTV), the digital network of Country music’s Joey Canyon (New Music Weekly’s 2016 ‘Best New Country Artist’). “I’m a freelance writer for an outlet here in Hollywood (The Hollywood Times) and I interviewed Joey Canyon. We got to talking…he wanted to do interviews on Canyon Star TV.” Launched in 2023, the Canyon Star TV network is a digital platform that is already streaming over 20,000 viewers daily. Aside from “Under the Golden Spotlight” with Judy Shields, it has 900 other titles. Just recently CSTV added, along with “Under the Golden Spotlight,” The Tim Kelly Show, Center Stage with the Stars, Tony Durso’s two shows – “Insider’s Brief” and “Bouncing Back” with co-host Max James, The Rosie & Bill Show, Branson Country USA, and Tony’s Backstage Pass. The Canyon Star TV network strives to offer to viewers free family-friendly programming that they continue to add to. The network also airs music videos from some of the Country’s favorite artists such as Kelly Lang, The Oak Ridge Boys, T. Graham Brown, and more. Programming includes talk shows, children’s shows, outdoor living, shopping, faith-based movies, sports, travel, and history shows. Judy’s interviews on “Under the Golden Spotlight,” aside from including me, she includes TJ Sheppard and his wife Kelly, and T. Graham Brown. The Canyon Star TV streaming network was also founded by Kelly Kantz who serves as president. I previously interviewed Kantz for The Pulse of Entertainment when the network launched. Shields, who joined The Hollywood Times in 2013, is currently its editor-at-large. “I still write for The Hollywood Times,” she added when I asked. This summer, at the Olympic Training Center Team USA Boxers meet with the only American boxer in history, male or female, to capture back-to-back gold medals at the Olympic Games – Claressa Shields! As a formidable force in the world of professional combat sports, Shields mentored 2024 Olympian Morelle McCane, with a three-round sparing match in Colorado Springs. The Michigan native said she never talks during fights. “I always talk in sparring to get the girls to do more,” explained Shields. “I usually talk more trash than [I did today] but she’s our Olympian. She’s going to the Olympics to represent us, and I am team her. I want her to go to the Olympics in full health, not hurt. I’m a little bit bigger than her so I let her work. I had people do that for me when I was in the Olympics.” Yes! TEAM HER! We love seeing sisterhood, mentorship and camaraderie. In the first full day of her presidential campaign, Vice President Kamala Harris swiftly earned enough delegates to secure the Democratic nomination and raised a historic $81 million. And yet, less than 24 hours after Harris formally launched her bid for the White House, some Republicans zeroed in on a line of attack: her race. In an interview with CNN’s Manu Raju Monday, Tennessee Republican Rep. Tim Burchett suggested President Joe Biden selected Harris as his running mate solely because she is Black: “One hundred percent she is a DEI hire,” he said, referring to diversity, equity, and inclusion. “Her record is abysmal at best.” It’s a familiar strategy to political analysts who say Burchett’s comments echo tactics Republicans used during the 2008 election to drive the conspiracy around Barack Obama’s birthplace and caution that it could be a sign of what’s to come along the already turbulent road to Election Day. “There’s been this constant debate about mediocrity versus meritocracy. The truth is for most of American history, White men were the only people who were ever considered, it didn’t matter if they were mediocre,” said Democratic strategist Keith Boykin, who likened this moment to the Republican “Southern Strategy” of the 1960s, where politicians relied on racial grievance to drive White voters to the polls. https://youtu.be/8KwbJVkBc5c Boykin added: “(Meritocracy) became a part of the conversation when Black people, and women, and people of color and queer people started to enter into the workforce and society in public ways. And suddenly there became this assumption that anybody who wasn’t a straight White man didn’t deserve to be there.” Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson later addressed Burchett’s remarks during a news conference Tuesday, calling for the election to be about “policies, not personalities.” “This is not personal, with regard to Kamala Harris, and her ethnicity or her gender had nothing to do with this whatsoever. This is about who can deliver for the American people and get us out of the mess that we’re in.” https://youtu.be/cN8ghCetY50?list=RDNScN8ghCetY50 Globally-acclaimed label TRIBL Music Group, including its successful TRIBL Records and TRIBL Publishing divisions, celebrate seventeen nominations across various projects for the 55th GMA Dove Awards. The 55th GMA Dove Awards are set to take place in Nashville, TN on October 1st, 2024. TRIBL President, Jonathan Jay, Insignia Co-Founder and CEO, Norman Gyamfi, share: “Collaboration has always been a hallmark of the impactful music coming from our diverse roster of artists. Today’s nominations are just another recognition of the fact that when God’s people come together, we unite in ways that advance the Kingdom and impact the world.” Nominees in the major categories include Naomi Raine and Chandler Moore, each for Songwriter of the Year, and Jonathan Jay, in Producer of the Year. Multiple nominees include Maverick City Music, Naomi Raine, Chandler Moore, and Brandon Lake, with whom TRIBL Publishing has a long-time songwriter relationship. Five-time GRAMMY® Award-winning music collective Maverick City Music will embark on the ‘Good News’ tour, beginning October 3rd. The ‘Good News’ tour kicks off in Houston, TX with a total of 33 stops through November 26th with performances from Naomi Raine, Chandler Moore, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, JWLKRS, Nick Day, Todd Galberth, Mara Justine, Brunes Charles, and Genavieve. Special guest performers include Tim Godfrey, Stephen McWhirter, and Sam Rivera. Tickets are available now at: good-news-tour.com. Warner Bros released the official trailer for“Joker: Folie à Deux,” the sequel to the 2019 box office smash, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn. As we reported earlier, Todd Philips directed the musical drama, which is set around Arkham Asylum. The storyline centers on Joker and Harley Quinn’s encounter at a psychiatric ward, leading to their wildly dysfunctional joint adventure. Here’s the official synopsis: “Joker: Folie Ą Deux” finds Arthur Fleck institutionalized at Arkham awaiting trial for his crimes as Joker. While struggling with his dual identity, Arthur not only stumbles upon true love, but also finds the music that’s always been inside him. https://youtu.be/_OKAwz2MsJs TikTok star Mrs. Netta recently faced backlash from social media users after a controversial rant against Black women. Netta, a man who cosplays as a woman, sparked criticism by attacking Black women in a recent video stating she would prefer to be White. Netta, who gained popularity through her cooking videos with her husband Charles, responded to criticism from Black women by expressing her frustrations in a verbal tirade. As The Jasmine Brand reports, she stated: “I ain’t tryna be no motherf**king Black woman ’cause I can say some of the baddest things about some Black a** women that I know…If that’s the case, I want to be a white woman because they more smarter…ya’ll act so d**n ignorant and act like ya’ll don’t know how to get sh**” She continued: “Ain’t no white women on my page disrespecting me, cussing me out and all up in me and my husband business. Hell naw ’cause they know how to mind they d**n business, but you b***hes don’t!” The cast includes Catherine Keener, Brendan Gleeson, Jacob Lofland, Harry Lawtey, and Zazie Beetz. https://twitter.com/i/status/1814016891184202208 In response to Netta’s viral rant at Black women, one X user wrote, “White women don’t complain about her because they simply don’t know who netta is lol. That’s definitely not their target audience.” Another commented, “That lady is smart, she’s saying anything to keep her name trending and yall feeding right into it 😂😂😂 , so while yall actually thinking she’s serious, she’s getting paid #freegame.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1815081718891823537 A third added, “Im sorry but I agree with Ms. Netta all the way, she said nothing but facts. Its only Black Women and Black blogs in Nettas business spreading negativity.” https://www.tiktok.com/@theblockishotnews/video/7393035021021383978?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fmrs-netta-faces-backlash-after-preferring-to-be-white%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121442748%2C121439635%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7393035021021383978 Brandy Norwood is reprising her role as Cinderella more than two decades after her initial portrayal for Disney. She originally starred as Cinderella in ABC’s 1997 movie alongside Paolo Montalban as Prince Charming. She returns in “Descendants: The Rise of Red,” now streaming on Disney+ and premiering on Disney Channel on August 9. The film marks the fourth installment in the “Descendants” franchise. Directed by Jennifer Phang, with a script from Dan Frey and Russell Sommer, here’s the synopsis: “Descendants: The Rise of Red” follows the story of Red, the rebellious daughter of the Queen of Hearts, and Chloe, Cinderella’s perfectionist daughter. When the tyrannical Queen of Hearts incites a coup against Auradon, polar opposites Red and Chloe must join forces and travel back in time to undo the traumatic event that set Red’s mother down her villainous path.” “We’re so honored, so blessed, so excited,” Norwood tells The Hollywood Reporter about reuniting with Montalban. “This is such a magical experience to be able to work with Paolo again, to waltz with him, to sing with him — all of it.” Montalban gushed… “Not only is there an abundance of representation in the [Descendants] characters, there’s also representation of different types of families.” https://www.instagram.com/chinamcclain/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=95ef4552-df23-43ce-87da-10138131b85f Halle Berry celebrated the 20th anniversary of her role in “Catwoman” with a topless photoshoot on Instagram. The 57-year-old Oscar winner donned the iconic Catwoman eye mask and black lingerie while holding her two rescue cats, Boots and Coco, to her bare chest. In the caption of the series of topless photos, she wrote: “And STILL… meow! It’s been 20 years today since I had the honor of bringing this iconic character to life. She will always be close to my heart and I will forever be Patience Phillips aka CATWOMAN!” Berry added, “Thank you @missjee79! When these black beauties showed up in my yard searching for their mother, Jee helped us through the rescue process. Forever grateful!” In the post’s comments, one fan wrote, “20 years where Ms. Berry!? You look phenomenal! 😍❤️😍❤️,” while another added, “No one could’ve played that role but you,” and “My favorite Catwoman. Still fine. 🔥🔥🔥.” Several fans called for a sequel to the film. https://www.instagram.com/halleberry/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c2c657f3-11e2-43ce-8656-a10033312816 “Catwoman” was released in 2004, earning $82.1 million at the box office on a $100 million budget. The DC film was widely panned and earned Berry a Razzie Award for Worst Actress in 2005. “While it ’failed’ to most people, it wasn’t a failure for me,” Berry said at the 2018 Matrix Awards, per E! News. “Because guess what? I met so many interesting people that I wouldn’t have met otherwise, I got to learn two forms of martial arts and I got to learn what not to do, and learning what not to do is as important as learning what to do.” “I got a sh*tload of money that changed my life,” she added. Berry told Entertainment Weekly in 2021 that the movie “was one of the biggest paydays of my whole life, which, there’s nothing wrong with that.” https://youtu.be/U-7s_yeQuDg RCA Inspiration celebrated 4 wins and capped a weekend of empowering performances at the 39th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, which were taped at the Orleans Arena on Saturday, July 20th. Gathered in Las Vegas to give glory to Gospel, acclaimed projects released over the past year by Melvin Crispell, III, Kierra Sheard (RCA Inspiration/Karew Entertainment), and Donald Lawrence were all honored with Stellar Awards. The Stellar Awards show also featured unforgettable live performances by Melvin Crispell, III, Koryn Hawthorne, Kierra Sheard, and a special appearance by Kirk Franklin (Fo Yo Soul/RCA), who presented to Tye Tribbett, this year’s James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award honoree. Melvin Crispell, III won his first ever Stellar Awards, taking home two awards for Male Artist of the Year and Traditional Male Artist of the Year, in honor of his sophomore album No Failure. Kierra Sheard won Contemporary Female Artist of the Year, for her latest album All Yours. Donald Lawrence won Special Event Album of the Year, for his project Donald Lawrence Presents Power: A Tribute to Twinkie Clark. The Gospel Music Association has revealed the nominees for the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards: Brandon Lake takes the lead with sixteen nominations including Artist of the Year. Jeff Pardo received eleven nominations with Chris Brown, Chandler Moore and Jonathan Smith each receiving ten. CeCe Winans and Naomi Raine lead the female nominees with five nominations each. Nominees were announced earlier this morning on SiriusXM The Message by GMA Dove Awards host, Tauren Wells. The 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards, presented in partnership with the Cantinas Arts Foundation, will be held October 1, 2024 at the Allen Arena in Nashville, TN, and will air exclusively on TBN and TBN+ Friday, and simulcast on SiriusXM The Message, October 4, 2024 at 8pm and 10pm ET. A re-broadcast will air on TBN and TBN+ Friday, October 11th, at 8p and 10p ET. Theodore Doyle, an 81-year-old retired manager with the former US Customs Service, was waking up in his hot and muggy northeast Houston apartment in a bed soaked in sweat (in the wake of Hurricane Beryl). Doyle ultimately checked into a $98-a-night hotel room late Tuesday, after enduring a compounding crisis of extreme heat and no power for more than a week with about 200 other seniors at an independent living facility in the Kingwood community. “There’s no air circulating. It’s just stifling and it’s sort of tough to breathe,” he told CNN before returning to his apartment when power was restored Thursday afternoon. “I just couldn’t take it anymore.” During the outage, a generator powered one elevator and a large, air-conditioned lounge at the complex – a lifeline for many who are dependent on electric wheelchairs and scooters to get around and oxygen machines for pulmonary disease. https://youtu.be/s-T2GF_7ULU At times, as many as 40 residents sought refuge in the lounge. Others remained in their stifling apartments. Some stayed with relatives. “A friend just turned 95 about a month ago,” Doyle said. “Another friend of mine is over 90 and quite a few of us are all over 80. It’s tough. You’re not as spry as you used to be.” By Sunday afternoon, about 1,200 customers of Houston’s main utility, CenterPoint Energy, were without power, according to PowerOutage.us. It’s unclear if those customers have been without power since Beryl hit the Golf Coast July 8 as a hurricane, leaving more than 2 million customers in the dark, mostly in the Houston area. More than 135,000 CenterPoint customers had no power on Monday night. The embattled utility said in a statement that customers without power were “predominantly isolated instances,” where homes or equipment sustained severe damage from the storm. CenterPoint, which has 2.8 million customers in the Houston area, said some current outages could be related to thunderstorms Saturday morning. “For safety reasons, our crews pause their work when there is lightning,” the statement said. https://youtu.be/vvXBaF2h9mE At least 14 Houston-area deaths were confirmed to be hurricane-related, including seven people – ranging in age from 50 to 110 – who died from “heat exposure due to power loss,” according to the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences. Overall, more than 20 deaths in Harris and nearby counties were attributed to the storm, according to the Houston Chronicle and otherlocal media outlets. Older people were especially vulnerable and, authorities warned, the number of fatalities could grow. For more than a week, some residents of the nation’s fourth largest city were left to sleep in their cars, shuffle perilously with canes and walkers across dark rooms and corridors, and watch food and medications spoil and critical medical equipment become inoperable. At times, they cried in desperation after discovering the bodies of neighbors who succumbed to the heat following a comparatively mild Category 1 hurricane. https://youtu.be/M1foTLO3udI In Houston’s Museum District on Tuesday, Pat Baker arrived at a condo complex to check on a neighbor with health problems who rented out her daughter’s apartment. The neighbor didn’t answer. “I unlocked the door and found her,” Baker, fighting back tears, told CNN affiliate KHOU. “You know, it’s just been hot and miserable and I’m just sick of this. I’m just sick of it.” Power was restored at the condo complex later that afternoon after the body was removed from the apartment, the station reported. The latest name on the Harris County list of confirmed Beryl-related deaths was Christine Davis, who had turned 110 in May, according to the 110 Club, a site about super-centenarians. She died Tuesday at Memorial Hermann Hospital Northeast from hyperthermia caused by “environmental heat exposure due to power outage,” according to the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences. https://youtu.be/_CC3FIfVN1M The recent fatal police shooting of Sonya Massey has deeply saddened and angered singer and activist Solange Knowles, much like countless Americans. In response to the incident, Solange is highlighting a distressing pattern of violence against Black women that persists in the United States. The distressing footage from police body cameras, released earlier this week, shows Massey’s fatal encounter with law enforcement. Massey had voiced a plea for safety when officers arrived at her residence, yet she ended up dying on her kitchen floor from a bullet wound to the head. This sequence of events has outraged Solange, who condemned the officer’s incredulous reaction to Massey’s request for reassurance. Solange argues that the pleas and words of Black women are often dismissed and bear significantly less influence compared to those of other demographics.She articulated these concerns through social media, drawing parallels with the historical and systemic mistreatment of Black women in America, reports TMZ. https://youtu.be/fnMorpeKMIc In addition to Solange’s vocal advocacy, legal actions are also underway. On Tuesday, attorney Ben Crump and Sonya Massey’s father, James Wilburn, discussed the case on “TMZ Live.” Subsequently, Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson, who was responsible for the shooting, has been terminated and charged with murder. Deputy Grayson, however, has pleaded not guilty. Amidst the legal proceedings, Sonya Massey’s supporters and family have embraced the idea of her being remembered as a martyr. They hope her tragic death could contribute to broader societal changes, which could lead to significant reform and even influence future political landscapes, such as campaigning for Kamala Harris’s election to the White House. While harboring mixed emotions, Massey’s loved ones find solace in the possibility that her legacy might drive long-overdue justice and equality. Solange’s powerful message continues to inspire collective calls for accountability and systemic overhaul, urging America to recognize and rectify its historical and persistent devaluation of Black lives. The tragic death of Sonya Massey has become yet another catalyst in the ongoing fight against racial injustice and police brutality. The death of Sonya Massey is a stark reminder of the urgent need for change, and prominent voices like Solange’s are helping to keep this critical conversation in the spotlight. As public outcry grows and legal battles unfold, the hope remains that these efforts will pave the way for a safer and more just future for all. https://youtu.be/HoEiih4TCoo Track & Field legend and 11-time Olympic medalist Allyson Felix dish on her inspiring partnership with Pampers. Felix, a dedicated mother herself, is working with Pampers to support parents of premature infants through a significant initiative. Pampers has committed to donating up to one million preemie diapers to NICUs across the country. According to the news release, from July 2 to September 2, 2024, Pampers will contribute one Pampers Preemie Swaddlers diaper to Children’s Miracle Network hospitals for every purchase of a Pampers Swaddlers Huge Pack at Walmart. This effort continues Pampers’ longstanding tradition of supporting the healthy development of babies, especially those who need it the most. “My daughter’s arrival was a big moment for us as a family, but it was also a time of uncertainty. In the NICU, she spent her first days and weeks separated from me as we both embarked on our own health journeys after birth,” said Felix in a statement. “For many families, the NICU is just another hurdle they have to clear before crossing the finish line and settling in at home. It’s a time when parents and their baby need to feel love and support, so I’m proud to be partnering with Pampers at Walmart to help NICU families across the country.” Marty Vanderstelt, father of two and Senior Vice President, North America Baby Care at P&G, added, “As preemies face the biggest challenge of their lives in the NICU, it’s important that we do what we can to help simplify their stay, and providing specially designed diapers is a small way that we can support them.” JT, one-half of the former City Girls, one of the hottest names in hip-hop, is fresh off the long-anticipated release of her debut solo project City Cinderella. Now the baddie is adding an exciting reality show to her solo glow up joining Hulu’s “Dress My Tour” as a guest judge. The series drops today, July 23. Series host Supermodel Kate Upton discloses: “ I’m excited. It’s my first time hosting a series. It will give fans a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into the glamourous on-stage styles we see from our favorite music stars. Not to mention, we got to create this show alongside some of my favorite artists – Paula Abdul, JT, French Montana, Toni Braxton, and the list goes on!Upton continues: I think audiences will also fall in love with the designer contestants, who are the heart of ‘Dress My Tour.’ I was in awe with the looks that they were able to create, especially with all the twists and turns we threw their way.” https://youtu.be/SIlckBUL_Eg The Television Academy announced nominations for the 76th Emmys, with Netflix, FX and HBO leading the charge. As Variety reports, Netflix earned 107 nominations, with its hit series “The Crown” receiving 18 nods, and “Baby Reindeer” earned 11. FX scored 93 nominations, 25 nods to “Shōgun” and 23 to “The Bear.” HBO earned 91. The Primetime Emmy Awards are being held twice this year due to a unique situation involving the 2023 strike by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the ongoing negotiations with other entertainment unions. The Hollywood strikes forced the Television Academy to push the 2023 telecast to January of this year. The 76th Emmy Awards will be broadcast live from downtown Los Angeles’ LA Live Peacock Theatre on Sunday, Sept. 15, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET/5 p.m. to 8 p.m. PT on ABC. The broadcast will also be available to be streamed the next day on Hulu. It is not yet known who will host the show. ”Bridgerton” star Adjoa Andoh recently discussed the persistent issue of inadequate lighting for Black skin on movie and TV sets. “The continuing conversation about lighting Black skin, on every show, nothing’s changed. They’re getting better, so I suppose I feel powerful in that I will now go, ‘Am I blonde?’” Adjoa explained in an interview on the Stirring It Uppodcast. “I hate doing it because a bit of me’s like, ‘I don’t want to do it, I don’t want to make a fuss,'” she continued, Yahoo reports “I want to stay in character. I just want to come on and be Lady Danbury and do what she’s got to do and be totally engaged with that.” Adjoa added, “This is a big thing for me. When people say we’re chippy or we’re being militant or we’re all that stuff, what I want to say is, ‘I’m just a human being and I just want to do the gift that I’m blessed with. I want to do it in a free way, like I see many other people do it.’ I’m not asking for any special revelation.” Missy Elliott’s lyrics have made their way to space. NASA announced Monday that it transmitted her song “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” 158 million miles from Earth to Venus, CBS News reports. It took nearly 14 minutes for the track to reach the planet, which does not have rainfall. “My song ‘The Rain’ has officially been transmitted all the way to Venus, the planet that symbolizes strength, beauty, and empowerment,” Missy Elliott shared on social media. “The sky is not the limit; it’s just the beginning.” The hip-hop song is the second to be sent into deep space, following the Beatles’ “Across the Universe” in 2008. https://youtu.be/hHcyJPTTn9w The NBA recently agreed to a $76 billion broadcast rights deal with Amazon, NBC, and ESPN, excluding TNT. However, TNT retains matching rights from a previous agreement and has chosen to match Amazon’s bid, aiming to keep the NBA on its network. We reported earlier that NBCUniversal has outpaced TNT in securing the broadcast rights to the NBA through a successful bid. The bid encompasses a “Basketball Night in America” program, mirroring its NFL Sunday counterpart, “Football Night in America.” “NBC has made their bid, and they’re not budging,’’ a media industry source said, Sports Business Journal reports. “So it’s over, right? And Warner Bros. is saying, ‘We’ll match it,’ and (Commissioner Adam Silver) is probably saying: ‘It’s not matched.’ ’’ TNT announced its intention to match the offer, emphasizing its commitment to high-quality game productions, USA Today reports. The NBA’s new broadcast deal starts in the 2025-26 season, while TNT still holds rights for the 2024-25 season. The NBA plans to move forward with Amazon, which offers features TNT cannot. Amazon’s deal includes streaming six conference finals, a full playoff slate, Play-In games, the NBA’s In-Season tournament, and Thursday night basketball. The NBA must now negotiate with TNT, which could lead to legal disputes if no compromise is reached. In 2020, Amber Rose debuted her face tattoo tribute to her two minor children, Sebastian Taylor Thomaz (Bash) — whom she shares with ex-husband Wiz Khalifa; and Slash Electric Alexander Edwards (Slash), with ex-boyfriend Alexander “AE” Edwards. Her forehead tattoo says “Bash” and “Slash” written in cursive. “Not everybody is gonna get a face tatt. That’s what separates me from them,” Rose previosuly said in an interview with Stylish magazine. When she first shared a photo of her tattoo on Instagram, it received mixed reactions. Some people praised the design, others criticized it. Rose remains unaffected by the opinions about her tattoo. “I don’t live my life for other people… If I let people affect me in that way, I would just be miserable every day. I wouldn’t be the great mom that I am. I would be depressed and I would be filled with anxiety,” Rose added. Gilbert Arenas has taken notice of Rex Chapman’s comments on the declining role of white American basketball players…and he approves.Arenas agreed with most of Chapman’s comments, adding that parents of white American players dissuaded white American players and, unlike their European counterparts, are being coddled. “This is great information…,” Arenas said. “We know the white Americans got pushed out of the NBA and the Euro took over white America. That’s who is the new white person. He added: No one really explained what happened to the white American (player)… White parents were discouraging their kids from going down this road in sports…” “Watching AAU, it’s true,” he continued. “I don’t know what a parent is telling their kids. When the player doesn’t play, or the coach is yelling at a player, those parents transfer… Kids are not being coached anymore. They are being coddled… That sh*t is hurting a group of people.” https://youtu.be/7YZ2EAKF5sM A group of men are taking legal action against Chris Brown and Yella Beezy following an alleged backstage assault that occurred during their “11:11” Tour stop in Texas. TMZ reports that the four men, Larry Parker, Joseph Lewis, Charles Bush, and Da Marcus Powell, attended the concert in Fort Worth, where they claim Brown orchestrated an assault on them backstage on July 20. The men claim they were invited backstage to meet Brown and that’s when someone from the singer’s entourage reportedly reminded the singer of a past dispute with Bush. This allegedly prompted Brown to instruct his crew to attack Bush, who was struck with a chair. Brown also directed Beezy and others to assault Parker, who was beaten for over 10 minutes, according to the complaint. The plaintiffs suffered injuries and required medical treatment, with one still hospitalized. They are suing Live Nation and a member of Brown’s team, Sinko Ceej. https://twitter.com/cblivee/status/1815151279217234002/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1815151279217234002%7Ctwgr%5E3b469dd45b70e016985ed9668641006af16586d7%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fchris-brown-faces-50m-lawsuit-over-assault-at-tour-stop%2F The men are seeking $50 million in damages and have also filed restraining orders against Brown, Beezy, and Ceej. “Chris Brown reportedly has a long history of violence and has been arrested or accused of assault on at least ten occasions,” an attorney for the men, Tony Buzbee, said in a statement to CBS News Texas. “Enough! The lawsuit The Buzbee Law Firm has filed seeks damages on behalf of the four men brutalized, with the hope of obtaining justice for these victims and putting an end, once and for all, to the intolerable and thuggish behavior set forth in the lawsuit,” Buzbee added. https://twitter.com/i/status/1815487021168619536 Authorities in Springfield, IL, released the body cam footage revealing the moment a white police officer shot and killed Sonya Massey, a Black woman who called 911 for assistance. The footage shows Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson fatally shooting Massey, 36, earlier this month inside her home after she reported a suspected prowler near her home. We reported earlier via CNN that the deputy is now charged with murder in the case. Massey called 911 on July 6 because she thought an intruder was in her home in the Springfield area. Authorities said that Grayson and another deputy responded to the call around 12:50am. In the footage, Grayson and another deputy respond to Massey’s home and spend several minutes looking around the property and speaking to Massey on her front porch before following her into the house. Speaking mostly to Grayson, Massey seems somewhat hesitant to reticent to give the deputies information but quickly gives them her last name after Grayson says he needs it for his report and reiterates, “You’re not in trouble.” Massey then says she wants to show the deputies her “paperwork,” but Grayson asks for her ID, saying, “Just a driver’s license will do and then I’ll get out of your hair.” https://youtu.be/HoEiih4TCoo Grayson did not turn on his body camera until after he shot Massey. When the other deputy says he’s going to get his med kit, Grayson responds, “She’s done. You can go get it, but that’s a headshot.” During the dispute before the shooting, Massey apologized with her hands up, and Grayson yelled at her to put the pot down, prosecutors said. The sheriff’s office said the deputies were not injured. An Illinois State Police investigation of the case did “not support a finding that … Grayson was justified in his use of deadly force,” the state’s attorney for the county, John Milhiser, said in a news release. For what it’s worth, the sheriff’s office said the deputies were not injured. Ben Crump, the civil rights attorney representing the victim’s family, said in a release that it was “extremely hard to imagine how a woman who calls police out of fear of an intruder ends up shot … by the police in her own home.” https://youtu.be/uhTGpjJQVWc Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination for president during a news conference in Washington on Tuesday. “When I spoke with her Sunday, she said she wanted the opportunity to win the nomination on her own, and to do so from the grassroots up, not top down,” Schumer said. “Now that the process has played out from the grassroots, bottom up, we are here today to throw our support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.” Jeffries echoed Schumer’s sentiment about Harris’ emphasis on winning grassroots support, stating that her candidacy “energized” Democrats and the nation. “Kamala Harris and her candidacy has excited and energized the House Democratic Caucus, the Democratic Party and the nation,” he said. “I’m proud to strongly endorse Kamala Harris to be the 47th president of the United States of America.” https://youtu.be/tWPvQ2hU85A As the two top Democratic leaders on Capitol Hill, Schumer and Jeffries’ endorsement shows how quickly Harris consolidated support after President Joe Biden ended his reelection bid on Sunday. One source told CNN that Schumer and Jeffries, both of New York, have spoken to Harris. Harris’ candidacy has received a steady stream of endorsements that started Sunday afternoon after Biden’s announcement. Harris has the public support of more than 40 Democratic senators and more than 100 House members — a number that has been consistently increasing. Notably, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, one of the most influential Democratic lawmakers in Washington, endorsed Harris’ campaign in a statement Monday, saying “enthusiastic support” and “immense pride and limitless optimism for our country’s future.” https://youtu.be/_PU_1aUwASM A 12-year-old girl is in police custody after allegedly suffocating her 8-year-old cousin following an argument over an iPhone. According to PEOPLE, the horrific incident was captured on home surveillance footage. The video allegedly shows the girl using bedding to suffocate her cousin, identified by family members as Demeria Hollingsworth, who was sleeping on the top bunk of their shared bed. Following the act, the suspect, whose name has not been released, cleaned up the scene and repositioned Demeria’s body. According to Humboldt County, Tenn., District Attorney Frederick Agee, the girl has been charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence. “This is one of the most disturbing violent acts my office has prosecuted, whether committed by an adult or a juvenile,” Agee said in a statement. Prosecutors are aiming to charge the 12-year-old as an adult. https://youtu.be/ri4MCrh-L8I A video clip featuring Kamala Harris delivering a confusing and awkward speech has gained traction on social media. On July 22, 2024, an X/Twitter user named CherylWroteIt posted the video where Harris appears to say: “Today is today, and yesterday is today yesterday. Tomorrow will be today tomorrow, so live today so the future today will be as the past today, as it is tomorrow.” As Newsweek reports, the post criticizes Harris and her suitability for office. The viral clip mimics a phrase Harris has been previously mocked for: “I can imagine what can be and be unburdened by what has been.” However, the footage is not authentic. We repeat, the footage is not authentic. According to Newsweek, the video is an AI-generated version of a speech Harris made in 2023, and her words do not appear in the official White House transcript. The video uses footage from a pro-choice speech Harris gave at Howard University in 2023, which was criticized for its verbose nature. https://twitter.com/i/status/1807303366651036045 Last month, the Cornel West for President campaign announced that they submitted more than twice the required number of signatures to the Michigan Secretary of State. This guarantees that Dr. Cornel West will appear on the state ballot for the November election. As Black Star News reports, Michigan, a crucial swing state with a narrow margin between Biden and Trump, marks a strategic win for Dr. West, who is running as an independent. “We are confident that the support we’ve garnered, especially from communities that feel unheard, will translate into substantial voter turnout,” said Dr. West. “Our campaign is bringing the voices of the forgotten directly into the heart of American politics.” Dr. Melina Abdullah, a Professor of Pan-African Studies at California State University, Los Angeles, noted, “We are both humbled and honored by the enthusiasm with which Michiganians have embraced our campaign. The overwhelming number of people who share our vision for Truth, Justice and Love is indicative of the urgent need for transformation.” West, a retired Harvard professor, announced last summer that he entered the 2024 presidential race, running with the People’s Party. Not surprisingly, on Sunday, CNN political commentator Van Jones became emotional as he reacted to the news that President Joe Biden would not be seeking re-election in the upcoming 2024 presidential race. Jones, a senior political analyst and former Obama adviser, was visibly distressed during his live broadcast. “We’re seeing the end of an era, and it’s hard to fathom,” Jones said, fighting back tears. “He’s been fighting so hard, and everyone’s just so frustrated. When you finally take the keys away, it breaks your heart because you know it’s someone you love, someone who has been there for you through thick and thin.” The news caught many by surprise, including former White House Press Secretary and current MSNBC anchor Jen Psaki, reports EW. https://youtu.be/xUITrbAEUEU Psaki, who worked closely with Biden during his early days in office, struggled to maintain her composure on air as she broke the news on her show “Inside with Jen Psaki.” Here’s what she told her audience: “I’m still digesting this,” Psaki said. “I worked for him for a year and a half, and he is a remarkable person and a remarkable president. The news took us all off guard.” Biden’s decision has sent ripples through the political landscape, leading to an outpouring of appreciation and praise for his work as president. In a statement released on X, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. “My intention is to earn and win this nomination,” Harris responded, thanking Biden for his endorsement. https://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1815080881981190320/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1815090682715091353%7Ctwgr%5E970b0e54273c404f8e3b65ae889a032ff5fe641a%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fvan-jones-emotional-over-bidens-decision-not-to-run-in-2024%2F FIGHT NIGHT: THE MILLION DOLLAR HEIST, based on the acclaimed iHeart true-crime podcast, follows the infamous story of how an armed robbery on the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life but ultimately transformed Atlanta into the “Black Mecca.” When a hustler named Chicken Man (Kevin Hart) hosts an afterparty to celebrate the fight with a guest list of the country’s wealthiest, including top Black mafia leaders, the night ends with the most brazen criminal underworld heist in Atlanta’s history. Suspected of masterminding the crime, Chicken Man is hellbent on clearing his name but must convince his old adversary, J.D. Hudson (Don Cheadle), one of the first Black detectives in the city’s desegregated police force, who is tasked with bringing those responsible to justice. The series stars Kevin Hart (who executive produces for his company Hartbeat alongside Will Packer), Taraji P. Henson, Don Cheadle, Samuel L. Jackson and Terrence Howard. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNmLHum-bdE Acclaimed singer/songwriter and GRAMMY® Award-winning artist Chandler Moore announces the release of his latest single “I Have A Father.” Available today with a live music video, the featured track is part of Moore’s highly anticipated sophomore solo album, CHANDLER MOORE: LIVE IN LOS ANGELES which drops worldwide on Aug. 2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayUjaEPYnoE The National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) recognizes yesterday as a monumental moment in political history in the wake of President Joseph R. Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 presidential election. For nearly 50 years, NBCSL has focused on critical issues affecting Black Americans and other marginalized communities. Several of NBCSL’s resolutions aimed to improve the health, well-being and prosperity of Black communities were addressed by the Biden-Harris Administration, including ending racial health disparities in response to COVID-19 (Resolution HHS-21-04), working to ensure medications remain available to patients without creating greater health and health care disparities (HHS-24-28), and easing the burden student loan debt on American borrowers (EDU-20-28). As the Biden-Harris Administration worked to build a better life for Americans, these NBCSL resolutions influenced the signing of 10 Executive orders relating to ending the racial disparities stemming from COVID-19, the redesigning of Medicare Part D with the goal to reduce enrollee out-of-pocket spending by over $7 billion annually, and the cancelling of student debt of more than 30 million borrowers. As a Bipartisan organization, NBCSL prides itself on establishing effective working relationships with presidential administrations spanning decades and remains committed to collaborating with the Biden-Harris Administration and those ahead. As America moves forward in its 2024 presidential election process, NBCSL encourages all Americans, regardless of their party affiliation, to participate in the democratic process and vote. For many, Christmas truly is the most wonderful time of the year! Gather your loved ones and friends to create a night of special holiday memories. Make it a family night out or invite a friend to join in the festive celebration! This yuletide season, fans can look forward to celebrating with multiple award-winning gospel singer CeCe Winans and American Idol contestant Roman Collins. The nine-city tour, Christmas with CeCe Winans, kicks off on December 4 in Reading, PA. Pre-sale tickets will be available on Wednesday, July 24 (pre-sale password: CECE24), and will open to the general public on Friday, July 26. Winans and Collins' performance during American Idol's season 22 finale sparked significant excitement within the Christian/Gospel community and beyond. Their performance of Winans' chart-topping hit, "Goodness of God," was met with widespread acclaim, amassing over 45 million views on Instagram alone. CeCe Winans, a 15-time Grammy winner, recognized something special in Collins and saw their collaboration as an opportunity to mentor him and share her years of experience with the next generation of artists. Winans has this to say about the tour, "Christmas is a wonderful time of the year and I'm looking forward to celebrating with everyone and sharing the stage with my special guest, Roman Collins. He is the real deal. He's sincere about the Lord and singing gospel music" Winans' latest album, More Than This, (PureSpring Gospel/ Fair Trade Services) continues to top the charts with the radio friendly first single, "That's My King" which is approaching 20 million U.S. streams. The song is also #8 at Mediabase Christian AC and #11 Mediabase Gospel. Fans attending the tour can also look forward to new Christmas music from Winans as she embarks on this nine-city holiday tour. Chadwick Boseman’s final tweet before his death in 2020 was both personal and political. On August 11, 2020, Boseman’s then-verified Twitter account featured a photo of “The Black Panther” star embracing then-Senator Kamala Harris. It was the same day President Joe Biden announced Harris would be his running mate for the White House. “YES @KamalaHarris!,” the tweet with three clapping hand emojis reads. “#WhenWeAllVote #Vote2020.” The next tweet is from August 28, 2020, which announced Boseman had died after privately battling colon cancer since 2016. He was 43. Boseman’s death was shocking to many, but not his support of Harris. The pair are both alumni of Howard University, one of the most esteemed among the country’s historically Black colleges and universities. https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris/status/1299545362479411201/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1299545362479411201%7Ctwgr%5E73081c2d766d8b59d0cbaa348dbe97805f88d074%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fchadwick-bosemans-final-tweet-pic-of-him-hugging-kamala-harris%2F Motown Gospel artist Tye Tribbett took home six trophies at the 2024 Stellar Awards on July 20 at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. Tribbett won Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for “Only One Night Tho (Live)” and received the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Icon Award, Billboard reports. Jekalyn Carr won four awards, including the Female Artist of the Year award. Melvin Crispell III, Ricky Dillard, and Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers each earned two awards. Comedians Loni Love and Rickey Smiley co-hosted the show, where Kim Burrell received the Aretha Franklin Icon Award. As Billboard reprots, the performers included Chandler Moore, Kierra Sheard, Anthony Brown and group therAPy, Da’ T.R.U.T.H, Israel Houghton, Karen Clark Sheard, Kelontae Gavin, Koryn Hawthorne, Lisa Knowles-Smith, Mali Music, Melvin Crispell III, Rich Tolbert Jr., Tasha Page-Lockhart, Ricky Dillard and Tamela Mann. https://twitter.com/TheStellars/status/1815174228179919127/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1815174228179919127%7Ctwgr%5Ec644b99b08822a472ab78b8281c45478564f136c%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Ftye-tribbett-shines-at-2024-stellar-gospel-music-awards%2F David Banda, the son of pop icon Madonna, recently caused a stir with social media posts suggesting he was struggling to find food after moving out of his mother’s home. Earlier today (07-22-24), he took to Instagram to set the record straight. Banda posted an emphatic message on his Instagram Story, addressing the concerns of his followers. “TO ALL OF THOSE CONCERNED: My mother is very supportive of me. She has always been supportive of me. I am very happy in my life and I am not living out on the streets, starving! Please stop worrying, everything is good.” Having moved to the Bronx with his girlfriend after turning 18, David insists he is thriving in his new environment. He notes that he has been making money by teaching guitar lessons, thus dispelling any rumors that he was struggling financially. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8m0jEtPsJ8/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=e7cd1591-e8c6-4730-be0e-88f1a0547ede Rapper O.T. Genasis claims his ex-girlfriend Malika Haqq offered him $100,000 to have another child. Haqq and O.T. dated from 2017 to June 2019 and had their first child together in 2020. On Sunday, O.T. responded to Haqq’s criticism of his remarks in a new interview, where he gushed about their “amazing” parenting dynamic with their 4-year-old son, Ace Flores. “THIS FAKE S–T IRKS ME,” she wrote on her Instagram Story alongside a screenshot of the article. The “Cut It” hitmaker turned to social media and responded, “YOU OFFERED ME 100k to have another baby wit you and I said ‘NO,’” he posted on Instagram. “Lol! Still love you and speak highly of you every time,” O.T. added. “Taye Diggs and Meagan Good are set to star in and executive produce Lifetime’s “Terry McMillan Presents: Forever” from director Charles Murray (Outer Range, Luke Cage). Per Deadline, here’s the synopsis: “Terry McMillan Presents: Forever follows Johnnie (Diggs) returns home after a tour of military service, he’s unexpectedly met with divorce papers. With his life at a crossroads, the last thing he expected was to fall for the local policewoman Carlie (Good), who pulled him over for speeding. Determined to win her heart, his first hurdle is winning over her three daughters. To be the man Carlie needs him to be, Johnnie must let go of old fears and regrets to find love and learn the true meaning of family.” We reported previously that New York Times bestselling author Terry McMillanwill executive produce several original movies under the banner “Terry McMillan Presents” for Lifetime. According to Variety, the movies will focus on the love and lives of African American women. “Terry McMillan Presents: Forever” premieres Saturday, August 24 at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT. A week before it airs, “Terry McMillan Presents: Tempted By Love,” starring and executive produced by Garcelle Beauvais, will debut on August 17. “Terry is an American treasure with her ability to capture the female experience in finding love and happiness,” said Elaine Frontain Bryant, EVP and Head of Programming, A&E, Lifetime and LMN. “We are so excited to partner with her on these new movies that I know will also resonate with our viewers.” A devoted wife and mother goes missing and soon found stabbed to death. All signs point to assault and robbery. After the case goes cold, the question is will the evidence and scientific progress be enough to catch her killer? Find out tonight. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVtc28wd5C4&feature=youtu.be The murder of a security guard in an Atlanta suburb rocks the community. A young detective must piece together an unbelievable “who-done-it” with a grainy video as the only key clue. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8fLZjLvEKw Malik Books is excited to announce an exclusive book release party and a live conversation with Jay Ellis and Issa Rae on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at 7:00 PM inside The Miracle Theater (226 S Market St, Inglewood St., Inglewood, CA 90301). The event will feature Ellis' new memoir, "Did Everyone Have an Imaginary Friend (or Just Me)?: Adventures in Boyhood," which explores his childhood experiences and a live performance by Jay Ellis. "This memoir blends humor and heart in a way that resonates deeply with readers," said Malik Muhammad, Co-owner of Mailk Books. "Jay Ellis has crafted a narrative that is both hilarious and poignant, offering a unique perspective on growing up with an imaginary best friend." Join us for an unforgettable night as Issa Rae and Jay Ellis take the stage once again, promising an evening of entertainment and laughter. Stick around after the book talk for a signing session and possible photo opportunities with the author. "The chemistry between Issa Rae and Jay Ellis is electric," said April Muhammad, Co-owner of Mailk Books. "This event promises to be not only entertaining but also insightful as we delve into the themes explored in 'Did Everyone Have an Imaginary Friend (or Just Me)?: Adventures in Boyhood.'" For nearly two decades, Abdul “Duke” Fakir carried the mantle for one of the all-time great soul music groups, the Four Tops, after the passing of his musical brothers. Today, we say a somber goodbye to Fakir, the last original member of this legendary group, who passed away at the age of 88 from natural causes. His retirement from the group was announced just last week, marking the end of a remarkable career spanning seven decades. By any measure, the Four Tops are among the most significant soul groups in music history, often considered on the Mount Rushmore of classic soul. Formed in the mid-1950s as high schoolers in Detroit, Fakir, along with Levi Stubbs, Obie Benson, and Lawrence Payton, initially performed under the name the Four Aims. However, as SoulTracks reports, to avoid confusion with the popular Ames Brothers, they changed their name to the Four Tops—a name destined to become synonymous with Detroit’s “Sound of Young America.” Their early years were marked by struggle, cutting several unsuccessful tracks for various labels until they signed with Berry Gordy’s Motown. Partnering with songwriting powerhouse Holland/Dozier/Holland, their debut collaboration, “Baby I Need Your Lovin’,” was a smash hit that set the stage for many more. https://youtu.be/2EaflX0MWRo The Four Tops rose to prominence alongside contemporaries like the Temptations, establishing themselves as pillars of the Motown sound with classics such as “Reach Out, I’ll Be There” and “I Can’t Help Myself.” After an incredible run of hits from 1964 to 1972, the group transitioned to ABC/Dunhill, where they enjoyed continued success, most notably with the #1 hit “Ain’t No Woman (Like the One I’ve Got).” Yet another wave of hits came in the 80s under the Casablanca Records label with tracks like “When She Was My Girl” and “Sad Hearts.” https://youtu.be/joqjBAJx4ZA One memorable moment in their storied history was Motown’s 25th Anniversary special in 1983, which featured a friendly singing competition between the Temptations and the Four Tops. The playful rivalry and medley performance was so well-received that it sparked the “Tempts vs. Tops” tour, delighting millions of fans over the years. With Duke Fakir’s recent retirement, the Four Tops’ lineup now includes Alexander Morris, Ronnie McNeir, Lawrence Payton Jr. (son of founding member Lawrence Payton Sr.), and newcomer Michael Brock. Fakir, reflective in his later years, penned a memoir published in 2022, detailing the “magical” journey of the Four Tops, a life story colored by love and togetherness. https://youtu.be/rK3CGdyJBrI “There’s a driving force that indicates why all that happened, and how it happened. And it’s colorful. And it’s all about love – something we all need to see again these days,” Fakir reflected. “It’s love of music, love of people working together, love of looking out in audiences, seeing those smiling faces.” https://youtu.be/YSi9DJAgarw Abdul “Duke” Fakir is survived by his wife, Piper Fakir, and his children Farah Fakir Cook, Nazim Bashir Fakir, Abdul Kareem Fakir Jr., Myke Fakir, and Malik Robinson, along with 13 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. His passing signifies not just the loss of a music legend but the end of an era for the Four Tops, a group that remained remarkably intact for decades, bonded in brotherhood until death ultimately parted them. Today, we celebrate the life and legacy of Duke Fakir, whose contributions to soul music will resonate for generations to come. His presence will be sorely missed, but his music will forever echo the timeless spirit of the Four Tops. Rest in peace, Duke. https://youtu.be/9v9UrYdG15Y MTV’s hit docuseries, “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta “ returns tomorrow Tuesday, July 23rd at 8PM ET/PT. The highest rated Love & Hip Hop franchise new season features Amy Luciani, Bambi, Erica Banks, Erica Dixon, Jessica White, Karlie Redd, Kendra Robinson, Khaotic, Kirk Frost, Mendeecees, Momma Dee, Rasheeda, Renni Rucci, Saucy Santana, Scrappy, Shekinah Jo, Sierra Gates, Spice, Yandy, Yung Joc, and ZellSwag, along with newcomers, musical artist Lil Zane and his wife Ashley, with cameo appearances by Atlanta superstar Ralo and his fiancé Missy. https://youtu.be/NNH1OIuhbnk Apple TV+ has unveiled the trailer for the highly anticipated kids and family series “Yo Gabba GabbaLand!,” inspired by the hit, Emmy Award-nominated cultural phenomenon “Yo Gabba Gabba!” Per the news release, hosted by rising star Kamryn Smith as Kammy Kam, the 10-episode series premieres Friday, August 9. The new series sees the return of original “Yo Gabba Gabba!” cast members Erin Pearce as Toodee, Emma Penrose as Foofa, Adam Deibert as Muno, Amos Watene as Brobee and Christian Jacobs as Plex. Guest stars visiting guests across the season include Reggie Watts (“Tuca & Bertie,” “The Late Late Show with James Corden”), Emmy Award winner Sam Richardson (”The Afterparty”), Critics Choice Award nominee Gillian Jacobs (“Community”), Utkarsh Ambudkar (“Ghosts”), SAG Award winner Lauren Lapkus (“Orange is the New Black”), SAG Award nominee Chelsea Peretti (“Brooklyn Nine-Nine”), Grammy Award winner Flea and Big Daddy Kane, alongside Academy Award winner Paul Williams and many more. Created by Emmy Award-nominated Christian Jacobs and Scott Schultz, the show features performances and original music from Super Music Friends including Anderson .Paak, Portugal. The Man and Thundercat, along with Betty Who, The Linda Lindas, Miyavi, Cory Wong & Antwaun Stanley, Kurt Vile, The Drums and The Interrupters. https://youtu.be/WvGsRFd8aMI Ice Cube claims Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is ‘being targeted’ amid his ongoing legal issues, as a federal grand jury reportedly collects evidence for a potential sex trafficking and sexual assault case against him. In a new conversation with the PBD Podcast, host Patrick Bet-David asked Cube if he was “surprised” about the music producer’s legal woes. “How could you be surprised with anything that happens in hip-hop?” Cube responded. “Hip-hop is the wild west. You gonna have the good, you gonna have the bad, you gonna have the ugly.” “I believe he’s being targeted,” Ice said. “I believe somebody has the power to pull the trigger to make this stuff, this domino effect, happen.” Cube admitted that he doesn’t have enough information about Diddy’s various lawsuits to comment on the specifics. “This is all just speculation,” he said. “I just know he was cool up until a point and this stuff started happening.” https://youtu.be/xhmOmpvPd2A Rumors are emerging about ESPN’s “First Take” being dominated by Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe, leading to tension among the staff. The Sun reports, citing anonymous sources, that the focus on Smith and Sharpe has made other panelists feel marginalized, creating a tense work environment. The show, which features a rotating panel including top ESPN analysts like Monica McNutt and Kendrick Perkins, has been affected by internal frustrations. Some staff members joked about creating shirts that read “Stephen and Shannon versus the World” as a sign of their discontent. Smith’s contract is set to expire in 2025 and his recent display of influence on the show has drawn public criticism. “A lot of people are fed up with their behavior and the way they run things,” one employee revealed to The Sun. “They decide on the topics and act like they know everything, never accepting other opinions or criticisms,” said a staffer. “People try to voice their thoughts, but Stephen and Shannon always insist they are right, like that stubborn uncle who always thinks he knows best.” Diddy is facing nine lawsuits related to various sexual assault accusations. Most recently, former adult film star Adria English took legal action against the music mogul in New York, accusing Combs of coercing her into prostitution at his annual “white parties” in New York and Miami between 2006 and 2009. The woman’s lawsuit names Combs’ Bad Boy Entertainment Holdings, Inc., Vibe Magazine, and Penske Media Corporation for allegedly facilitating the parties. https://youtu.be/kl4Fr1sYu0U Bhad Bhabie and her boyfriend/baby daddy, Le Vaughn, are back together despite her recent abuse claims against him. TMZ reports that the couple was spotted enjoying a date night at a Beverly Hills restaurant, following Bhabie’s allegations that Le Vaughn assaulted her. She even posted videos and photos online of the bruises she sustained during a recent attack. “This man think he gonna take my daughter from me!! Say whatever you want but trying to take my baby is crazy,” Bhad Bhabie (born Danielle Bregoli) reportedly wrote in her Instagram story. We reported that Bhad Bhabie, 21, recently shared a screenshot in which she clarified that she and Vaughn had not been together since May. Despite this, she expressed conflicted feelings about him. “I love Vaughn more than I love myself,” she wrote, urging him to seek help. “It’s honestly really sad. But unfortunately, this is real life. I know the easy way out is to leave and that’s better said than done. This doesn’t happen this extreme often, but LV definitely has a problem. He’s going to get the help he needs.” Wayne Brady, the multi-hyphenated talent and game show host, is opening up his personal life for a new reality show, “Wayne Brady: The Family Remix!“ The series dives into the details behind his blended family, including his ex-wife and business partner Mandie Taketa, their 20-year-old daughter Maile Brady, and Taketa’s partner Jason Fordham – who also happens to be Wayne’s former dancer. EUR talked with Brady and his family about his decision to open his life to reality TV cameras following his recent revelation that he is Pansexual, his fears about the Black community’s reaction, and more. https://youtu.be/b3TirCUzgwM Rihanna announced an exciting new partnership with the 2024 Paris Olympics that is reportedly valued at tens of millions of dollars. The singer’s Fenty Beauty has teamed up with the summer games, marking its most prominent premium partnership to date. Rihanna shared the news on Instagram, posting a photo of herself near the Eiffel Tower, with the Olympic rings in the background. “Tried to tell yall….we outside all 2024!!! PROUD to announce that @FentyBeauty is a premium partner of the Olympic AND Paralympic Games baby!!! #FentyxParis2024,” she captioned the photo. According to a press release, 600 volunteers, ranging in age from 18 to 21, will be given makeup kits and tutorials on how to achieve a “designated look” for the 2024 Paris Olympics using Fenty Beauty products. https://www.instagram.com/badgalriri/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=5b9fb021-6bb1-4139-9bf4-48bfa0222268 On June 21, President Joe Biden announced in a letter posted on social media that he is ending his candidacy for a second term and throwing his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris. “It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term,” Biden, 81, addressed the nation in a statement. Shortly after Biden’s announcement, political and civil leaders from across California reacted to the President’s decision. Gov. Gavin Newsom hailed Biden’s leadership as President. President Biden has been an extraordinary, history-making president — a leader who has fought hard for working people and delivered astonishing results for all Americans,” Newsom said. “He will go down in history as one of the most impactful and selfless presidents.” LeBron James has been selected as Team USA’s male flagbearer for the Parade of Nations at the Paris Games on Friday, July 26. The four-time NBA champion is the first men’s basketball player in history to carry the American flag at the Opening Ceremony, PEOPLE reports. “It’s an incredible honor to represent the United States on this global stage, especially in a moment that can bring the whole world together,” James said in a statement shared by Team USA. “For a kid from Akron, this responsibility means everything to not only myself, but to my family, all the kids in my hometown, my teammates, fellow Olympians and so many people across the country with big aspirations,” he continued. “Sports have the power to bring us all together, and I’m proud to be a part of this important moment,” James added. https://www.instagram.com/usabasketball/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=f94822b3-a8bc-4a66-9015-be96ffd98b49 Nearly all McDonald’s US locations will continue to sell the “$5 Meal Deal” after people flocked to the promotion amid rising food prices. Since its launch in June, the limited-time offering is “resonating with our millions of customers,” and the company claimed the move was siphoning off business from its competition, according to an internal McDonald’s memo obtained by CNN. As a result, 93% of US locations will keep the deal on menus through August. McDonald’s launched the “$5 Meal Deal” in late June intended to be for one month only. The meal includes a McDouble cheeseburger or a McChicken sandwich, small french fries, four-piece Chicken McNuggets and a small soft drink. McDonald’s repeatedly talked about its propensity to raise menu prices without feeling the pain from customers pulling back until the first quarter of this year, when it reported weaker-than-expected sales. But the jump in food prices was not confined to just McDonald’s, with other chains also feeling a pinch. Diners are not going out to eat as often and spending less when they do, causing fast food sales to slow and restaurant traffic to dip. https://youtu.be/zbIiPyu0EmA President Joe Biden says he is not seeking reelection in a letter posted to X on his official account. Biden says he will speak to the nation later this week in more detail. “It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President,” Biden wrote. “And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.” Biden’s departure capped off weeks of concern about the 81-year-old president’s stamina and mental capabilities and skepticism of his ability to effectively campaign against Trump and govern the country for another four years. Biden’s decision is also likely to raise questions about his ability to fulfill the duties of the presidency for the remainder of his term. It’s the first time a US president has dropped out of a reelection run in decades, recalling memories of President Lyndon Johnson deciding against seeking a second full term in 1968 – though Biden’s decision comes months later in the campaign than Johnson’s announcement. It’s also the latest shocking development in a highly charged political campaign that has included an attempt on Trump’s life. But not even the attempted assassination and its tumultuous effect on the race could pause the loss of support Biden was facing among congressional Democrats who became increasingly convinced that a wipeout in November would also drown their down-ballot contests as well. https://youtu.be/jKzDfXdDaVY In a moment both powerful and inspiring, Alexis Smith, the newly crowned Miss Kansas, used her platform to bravely confront her abuser who was present in the audience during her win at Pratt Community College. The 25-year-old Wichita native did not let the unexpected appearance from someone she has been healing from disrupt her moment of achievement. “My vision as the next Miss Kansas is to eliminate unhealthy and abusive relationships,” Smith declared on stage, capturing the essence of her newfound role as a brand ambassador for Miss Kansas. Her emotional speech, shared on her X account, resonated deeply with many, especially when she revealed, “Some of you out in this audience saw me very emotional because my abuser is here today.” Despite this confrontation, Smith affirmed her commitment to representing her community on the national stage. “But that’s not going to stop me from being on this Miss Kansas stage and from representing as the next Miss Kansas because I, and my community, deserve healthy relationships.” The crowd responded with an electrifying wave of applause and cheers, celebrating her courage, according to an NY Post report. https://youtu.be/PqyOz2uObkI Later, Smith expressed her determination to transform pain into purpose in a heartfelt Facebook post. “On the night of Miss Kansas, my journey took an unexpected turn when someone I have been healing from tried to disrupt my peace,” she shared. “Instead of falling into silence, I chose to live out my vision for a better world. I took back the power — not just for myself, but for my dreams and everyone watching and listening.” Her stance was not about ostracizing others but about setting a powerful example of resilience and advocacy. “I turned my pain into purpose and channeled it in a way that unifies and uplifts,” she explained. Smith’s bravery did not go unnoticed. Social media platforms were flooded with support from hundreds of individuals praising her courage. “Thank you so much for speaking your truth!!!! You are inspiring and I hope my daughter can meet you and learn to stand in her power like you are doing,” a Facebook user commented. Another user expressed, “I could not love this anymore. You ARE an inspiration Miss Alexis Smith & Thank You for standing strong & true to yourself.” https://youtu.be/ZmWXwOS10mI The polarized landscape of American politics has once again revealed its harsh realities, this time through the journey of model and activist Amber Rose. Once a vocal critic of Donald Trump, Rose’s surprising endorsement of the former president in May has drawn criticism from both sides of the political spectrum. Her participation as a speaker at the Republican National Convention (RNC) has further amplified the backlash, particularly from conservative quarters perturbed by her past and her association with the feminist “SlutWalk” movement, according to conservative firebrand/commentator Candace Owens. In a recent podcast, Owens shared insights into Rose’s predicament, revealing that Rose is “struggling” with the rejection and judgment she is facing. Owens noted that while Rose has lost friends on the left for daring to support Trump, she also faces skepticism from some conservatives who perceive her political shift with cynicism. “Let’s not join the chorus of people who are denigrating her on the basis that she has an OnlyFans account,” Owens urged, emphasizing that the quarrel should be directed at the RNC, not Rose. According to Owens, Rose’s inclusion at the convention should be seen as an opportunity for the GOP to show inclusivity and warmth rather than judgment and exclusion, reports Newsweek. https://youtu.be/6eal6_BI8V0 Owens reflected on her own experience with political transformation, recalling the “purity tests” she faced when she moved from being a Democrat to a conservative figurehead. These tests, she said, are counterproductive and can stifle genuine personal and ideological growth. “There are very many women who are living a life, or have been living a life, like Amber Rose on OnlyFans, trying to get attention, trying to sell their bodies,” Owens said. “Watching her transition into something else could signify to other women that they can also change and become something different.” Owens’ call for compassion and understanding resonates deeply in a climate rife with political division. Rose’s journey underscores a broader societal challenge of how we navigate evolving views and personal transformations. It brings to light the essential need for inclusivity and acceptance, even within ideologically rigid environments. Bottom line: Amber Rose’s political metamorphosis has indeed created significant ripples, eliciting varied reactions from both her former allies and new associates. Candace Owens highlights the importance of offering a welcoming approach rather than immediate dismissal, urging conservatives to provide space for evolving perspectives. This situation underscores a critical societal challenge: navigating the complexities of identity, personal belief, and political affiliation in an era where deviation often invites harsh scrutiny. Through compassion and understanding, perhaps a more inclusive and tolerant political discourse can be fostered. https://youtu.be/vpTEhBd2xDQ Bernice Johnson Reagon, a civil rights activist and scholar who went on to have a successful career in music, died on July 16. She was 81. Reagon’s daughter confirmed in a Facebook post that her mother had died. Toshi Reagon added that funeral plans would be forthcoming. Tributes to Bernice Johnson Reagon poured in on social media. Dr. Bernice King posted on X, formerly Twitter, that she was “grateful for the life, courage, and love legacy” of Bernice Johnson Reagon. https://twitter.com/i/status/1814060810215330072 As the saying goes, the proverbial apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Video footage posted to social media by Donald Trump Jr. shows him describing his teenage daughter as “sexy” ahead of her speech at the Republican National Convention (RNC) on Wednesday night. The clip that was posted to Trump Jr.’s TikTok account is reminiscent of the kind of rhetoric expressed by Donald Trump Sr. about his own daughter, Ivanka – particularly when she was also a teenager. In case you missed it, Kai Trump, 17, took to the RNC stage to help make the case for her grandfather’s presidential candidacy. “I’m speaking today to share the side of my grandpa that people don’t often see,” Kai Trump told RNC attendees. “To me, he’s just a normal grandpa. He gives us candy and soda when our parents aren’t looking. He always wants to know how we’re doing in school.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1813763043353862414 Vice President Kamala Harris said she plans to seek the Democratic nomination after President Joe Biden stepped aside and endorsed her, setting up a push that could make her the first Black woman and first Asian American to lead the ticket of a major political party. “I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination,” she said in a statement. Biden’s historic endorsement — and Harris’s pledge to unite the party behind her —came Sunday after he announced that he is dropping his reelection bid following weeks of disarray within the Democratic Party. The president’s disastrous debate called into question his ability to win a second term and govern for another four years. “My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee,” Biden said. Still, despite the president’s backing, it remains unclear if Harris will become the nominee, or what process the Democratic Party would take to select an alternative. While Harris’ allies have sought to secure her path to the nomination, some Democrats have stopped short of backing her or explicitly called for an open nomination process. https://youtu.be/jO2_lnG5ejQ Democratic National Committee chairman Jaime Harrison said in a statement that in the coming days, the party will “undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward as a united Democratic Party with a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump in November.” Logistically, Harris is the natural heir to the ticket as Biden’s running mate. She would inherit the Biden campaign’s massive political operation and war chest. Recent polling has also shown her performing better against former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, than Biden and other potential Democratic contenders. Should there be efforts to pass over Harris in favor of Democrats seen as likely to run in 2028, there may be backlash from the vice president’s supporters and prominent Black Democrats. But Harris has also experienced something of a renaissance within her party, as Democrats showered her with praise in the days following the debate. Throughout her vice presidency, Harris has struggled to define herself while juggling an issue portfolio that has included difficult topics such as voting rights and stemming the tide of migrants coming from Central America. On the former, an effort to bolster the Voting Rights Act failed in Congress. On migration, Harris was criticized on the right for not spending enough time on the border and on the left for telling migrants in a speech, “Do not come.” https://youtu.be/WQtjHF9KiUI As recently as last year, some Democrats were worried that negative views of Harris could hurt the ticket, prompting prominent Democrats to urge the party to stop undermining her. But in the weeks since Biden’s June debate performance, Harris has settled into a groove, becoming a key surrogate for Biden’s reelection campaign on reproductive health as the campaign put it, the threat Trump poses to democracy. Harris allies have argued that much of the criticism is a result of racism and sexism against the country’s first woman of color in such a position. Now, they say, the country is seeing in Harris what her allies have seen for years. “Oftentimes Black women are not seen until they’re needed,” said LaTosha Brown, a co-founder of Black Voters Matter, a progressive group that works to boost Black voter turnout. “We’ve seen her constantly berated, marginalized, questioned. I think that the shift is because there’s a need.” https://youtu.be/qQvqBUJGt4s Harris, the daughter of Berkeley political activists and immigrants from India and Jamaica, grew up in Oakland and spent much of her political career in California’s Bay Area. After earning her law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of Law, she became a deputy district attorney for Alameda County. She later served in the San Francisco district attorney and city attorney offices. In 2003, she was elected district attorney for San Francisco. Seven years later, she was elected California’s attorney general – the first woman, first Black person and first Asian American to hold the position. Harris’s record in law enforcement would later become both a boon and a burden to her political campaigns for Senate and the White House. Among her more controversial policies was a truancy program she advocated, which allowed parents to be charged with misdemeanors if their children missed too many school days. Harris later said she regretted the “unintended consequences” of the program. In 2016, Harris won her bid to succeed outgoing California Sen. Barbara Boxer, becoming the second Black woman to ever serve in the US Senate. https://youtu.be/akvhkLHnOAM When Prince and Angela Floyd went looking for a new house, they never expected to discover the ideal fixer-upper at the secluded end of Farmington Creek Road in Accokeek, Maryland (in Prince George’s County). We’re talking love at first sight. What was originally a fixer-upper quickly transformed into their dream home under the skilled hands of Prince, who just happens to be a carpenter. “I’m from North Carolina and always wanted to live on the water. Finding this place in Prince George’s is amazing,” Angela shared. Her husband echoed the sentiment, adding, “I put my heart and soul into this house.” Their dream home, now known as Floyd Estate, became a central hub for their large family gatherings, friendly get-togethers, college alumni reunions, and even political fundraisers. When Prince and Angela Floyd went looking for a new house, they never expected to discover the ideal fixer-upper at the secluded end of Farmington Creek Road in Accokeek, Maryland (in Prince George’s County). We’re talking love at first sight. What was originally a fixer-upper quickly transformed into their dream home under the skilled hands of Prince, who just happens to be a carpenter. “I’m from North Carolina and always wanted to live on the water. Finding this place in Prince George’s is amazing,” Angela shared. Her husband echoed the sentiment, adding, “I put my heart and soul into this house.” Their dream home, now known as Floyd Estate, became a central hub for their large family gatherings, friendly get-togethers, college alumni reunions, and even political fundraisers. https://youtu.be/mw2G2DOYG24 Fed up with what they perceived as racial targeting, the Floyds filed a federal civil rights complaint against several neighbors, Prince George’s County, and the police officer managing their cases. They allege that predominantly white neighbors are singling them out because they are Black and are seeking $ million in damages. “It seems to happen to just us. So now we’re seeking justice for just us,” Angela stated passionately. Prince added, “I just want to enjoy my residence without being harassed.” While a county spokesperson declined to comment, citing the ongoing lawsuit, it’s clear this legal battle will be anything but straightforward. The Floyds are requesting a jury trial to determine who is in the right in this bitter neighborhood dispute. As the community watches and waits, the story of Floyd Estate remains a stark reminder of the complex interplay between neighborly relations, property rights, and allegations of racial discrimination. Whether the Floyds will be able to enjoy their gatherings in peace or continue to face conflict remains to be seen. https://youtu.be/3sqQeMpLMvk Armed with an eye for the past, present, and future, FUBU is making its stateside return in a major way at Atlanta Fashion Week 2024. The iconic fashion brand, known for its “For Us, By Us” motto, will reemerge with its Fall 2025 menswear and suits collections, taking center stage with a full runway presentation on Oct. 4, 2024. FUBU’s reimagined classic pieces, infusing fresh energy and style into their 2024-25 collections will also be featured as well as a special appearance by FUBUsuits, Sandra Rose reports. “We’re thrilled to share our new vision with the world,” Carl Brown, President and co-founder of FUBU, The Collection, and hotelFUBU, said in a press release. “This collaboration with Atlanta Fashion Week marks a significant milestone for FUBU, bridging our iconic past with a vibrant future in fashion and beyond,” saidCecily Groves, VP of Brand Management and Licensing at FUBU and co-founder of hotelFUBU. https://youtu.be/3zOm6ClsDwI “The FUBU ARCHIVE gallery experience will showcase a multimedia presentation of legendary memories and milestones,” said Angela Watts, founder of Atlanta Fashion Week. “Creatively displayed, the gallery will offer visitors a unique insight into FUBU’s storied history, along with a sneak peek at the brand’s present and future directions. This collaboration with Atlanta Fashion Week, Buckhead Art & Co., Trap Music Museum, and Uncommon Impact Studios represents a major milestone for FUBU, reintroducing the brand to a new generation of fashion and cultural enthusiasts.” The return of FUBU is among the highlights on deck for Atlanta Fashion Week 2024. The five-day cultural event, which takes place Oct. 2-7, 2024, will showcase the latest trends and innovations in the fashion industry as well as collections from established designers and emerging talents. Exclusive runway shows will also be on deck, in addition to fashion presentations, pop-up shops, insightful panel discussions, and an art exhibit opening. The return of FUBU is among the highlights on deck for Atlanta Fashion Week 2024. The five-day cultural event, which takes place Oct. 2-7, 2024, will showcase the latest trends and innovations in the fashion industry as well as collections from established designers and emerging talents. Exclusive runway shows will also be on deck, in addition to fashion presentations, pop-up shops, insightful panel discussions, and an art exhibit opening. https://youtu.be/mQhnDu5yudw “The entire album has something for everyone,” said Jazz/R&B vocalist Kat Hawley about her debut album “X-IX-VIII (10-9-8)” (MBF Entertainment) featuring Steve Cole (sax), Greg Manning (piano), Judah Sealy (sax), and Billboard #1 chart-topper Adam Hawley (guitar). “ The album was led by the single “Keep On, Keepin’ On” which features tenor saxophonist Steve Cole. That single was followed by the second titled “Never Too Busy.” With the release of the “X-IX-VIII “ project, Kat has released yet another single titled “Rather Be.” Hawley travels the world as a vocalist for Jazz guitarist Adam Hawley, her husband who produced the album through MBF Entertainment. “It’s my son’s birthday (10-9-2008),” Kat said about the title to the album when I asked. “I was thinking of calling it “Love Letters” or “Letters to You” because inside of the CD its like a booklet because I have written the lyrics.” However, Kat Hawley said her son’s birthday won out of the title choices because “My son made me who I am.” The album has a Jazz/R&B vibe that offers 10 songs created by Kat and Adam. On selecting what songs to go on the album Hawley said, “Some we knew…because I could vibe with them. Some I was surprised with myself…listening back.” https://youtu.be/LtBVD68R8qg The 39th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards television taping took place on Saturday, July 20th, in Las Vegas at the Orleans Arena. Hosted by Emmy Award-winning TV personality and comedian Loni Love, alongside Marconi Award-winning radio/TV personality and comedian Rickey Smiley, the evening brought together gospel music’s brightest stars for a celebration billed as “The Greatest Night in Gospel Music.” The 39th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards will premiere on the Stellar Network on Saturday, August 3rd at 8PM and 10PM EST and in broadcast syndication from August 10, 2024 - September 8, 2024. Don Jackson, Founder of the Stellar Awards and Chairman of Central City Productions, Inc. commented, “The Stellar Awards has always been a beacon of hope and inspiration, celebrating the very best in gospel music. We are thrilled to have Loni Love and Rickey Smiley as our hosts this year, and we know they will bring a special touch of joy and excitement to the evening.” Among the honors handed out, celebrated artist Kim Burrell received the Aretha Franklin Icon Award; and GRAMMY Award and multiple Stellar Award winner Tye Tribbett received the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award. Also. Stellar performances were delivered by: Chandler Moore, Kierra Sheard, Anthony Brown and group therAPy, Israel Houghton, Karen Clark Sheard, Kelontae Gavin, Koryn Hawthorne, Lisa Knowles-Smith, Mali Music, Melvin Crispell III, Rich Tolbert Jr., Tasha Page-Lockhart, Ricky Dillard and Tamela Mann. An Illinois woman was fatally shot inside her home this month by a sheriff’s deputy who responded to her 911 call, and the deputy is now charged with murder in the case, a prosecutor said this week. Sonya Massey, 36, called 911 on July 6 because she thought an intruder was in her home in the Springfield area, according to the law office of Ben Crump, the civil rights attorney representing her family. Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson and another deputy responded to the call around 12:50 a.m., authorities said. Eventually, as the deputies were in Massey’s home to gather information and make sure the residence was safe, a dispute arose over a pot of hot water, and Grayson drew his gun and eventually fired three times toward her, striking her once in the face, according to a court document filed Thursday by Sangamon County prosecutors. During the dispute before the shooting, Massey at one point apologized with her hands up, and Grayson at another point also yelled at her to put the pot down, prosecutors said in the document. The sheriff’s office said the deputies, who were not injured, reported the shooting around 1:20 a.m. Crump’s office has said Massey was unarmed. An Illinois State Police investigation of the case did “not support a finding that … Grayson was justified in his use of deadly force,” the state’s attorney for the county, John Milhiser, said in a Wednesday news release. https://youtu.be/tUNLAmUecNY Crump said in a release last week that it was “extremely hard to imagine how a woman who calls police out of fear of an intruder ends up shot … by the police in her own home.” On Wednesday, Crump said the charges marked “an important milestone in the pursuit of justice for Sonya Massey’s family.” “This news is a step toward justice for Sonya’s loved ones, especially her children, who have endured unimaginable pain and suffering since they were notified of this tragedy.” Crump added: “We remain committed to uncovering the truth of what happened and identifying the failures that allowed this tragic death to occur,” Crump said in a Wednesday release. Massey’s funeral will be held Friday morning, according to Crump’s office. https://youtu.be/AiyPx5fkBuM Nearly two dozen families are listed in a lawsuit accusing Dominique Side, the owner of a Houston-based surrogacy escrow company of stealing millions of dollars from their accounts, intended to pay their surrogates and cover medical expenses, to fund her lavish lifestyle. The lawsuit claims that Side, the owner of Surrogacy Escrow Account Management LLC, or SEAM, systemically misappropriated millions of escrow dollars, allegedly using the funds to enrich herself and fund side businesses – including a clothing line and a career as a rap and R&B singer and producer. https://youtu.be/2VlbNLnQKao The escrow funds also paid for Side’s “lavish trips all over the world,” designer clothing, luxury vehicles, real estate, and membership at the “Soho House,” a chain of private clubs, the filing alleges. The lawsuit was initially filed by one family last month, but 22 additional families across the country – as well as prospective parents in France and Italy – asked to join the lawsuit, the plaintiffs’ attorney announced Tuesday, claiming there are “hundreds more families” that have been victimized by SEAM’s conduct. The lawsuit alleges that Side and the other defendants “have lured families and their surrogates into entering into a fiduciary relationship with SEAM so they could steal their escrow funds” for their benefit. https://youtu.be/fxrI3JmvHaY Hall added that Life Escrow was a passion project he started in 2023 that “has no financial accounts, or clients,” and was “not a front for illegal activity.” In an automatic reply to an email sent by CNN, Side said she and her company “have been notified” that we are subject to an active investigation by federal authorities.” “Under advice of counsel, I am not permitted to respond to any inquiries regarding the investigation,” her reply continued. In a statement on behalf of the families, attorney Marianne Robak said: “This is an important step for our legal team as we fight to help those affected by this scheme receive the recovery and answers they deserve.” https://youtu.be/Xhp1oL1k7uw The judge determined the intended parents have a probable right to recovering their claims because it appears likely the defendants transferred SEAM’s assets “in order to hinder, delay or defraud SEAM’s creditors.” The families’ forensic accountant reviewed bank records that show SEAM transferred the escrow funds into an operating account, most of which was then transferred to other bank accounts, the order says. Bank records show Side transferred more than $2.2 million to launch her career as “Dom,” a “racy rap and R&B singer and music producer,” according to the filing. She allegedly used some of the funds to create music videos and social media content. The records also show SEAM transferred nearly $5 million to pay for a credit card that “appears to be related” to a music studio that was owned by Side and Hall, along with $275,000 to Side’s clothing line. https://youtu.be/MpuTSFJaHlo In October 2023, a designer clothing company named Nikki Green, LLC – partially owned by Side and Hall – showcased its clothing line at Fashion Week in Las Vegas, which was funded with the parents’ escrow funds, the lawsuit says. The lawsuit alleges the defendants committed fraud by failing to disclose the whereabouts and the status of their client’s funds, as part of a larger scheme to defraud the families of their escrow funds. “Records reveal that SEAM, Dominique, and their other Defendants have been methodically transferring the Intended Parents’ escrow funds out of SEAM’s bank accounts for their personal use, for years,” according to the suit. “As a result, hundreds of families are unable to financially assist their surrogates or ensure the safe delivery of their babies.” https://youtu.be/AxTqmho3Tts A federal grand jury in Miami charged rapper/singer Sean Kingston and his mother each with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and five counts of wire fraud, according to an indictment filed last week and announced Friday in a news release from the US Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Florida. If convicted, they each face up to 20 years in prison on each count, the release said. Kingston, 34, whose real name is Kisean Anderson, and his mother, Janice Turner, 61, were arrested in May on fraud and theft-related charges after a SWAT team raided Kingston’s home. It was part of an investigation into allegations they acquired luxury items without paying for them in full. https://youtu.be/2ZkV1BxlDXY CNN has reached out to Kingston’s publicist for comment. “We look forward to litigating this case and defending Sean in federal court,” Kingston’s attorney Robert Rosenblatt told CNN. According to the indictment, Kingston and his mother obtained more than $1 million in property through their alleged scheme. Prosecutors claim Kingston often used his celebrity status to persuade vendors to “stray from their regular business practices” and provide high-end cars, jewelry, and other expensive items “before receipt of full payment.” The pair are also accused of using fraudulent documents to show they initiated payment to vendors when no payment had been made. The wire fraud incidents took place between April 11, 2023, and March 29, 2024, the indictment alleges. On Friday, Kingston was released on a $10,000 cash bond and Turner was released on a $5,000 cash bond, according to court documents. https://youtu.be/AWa159L6_9U Larry Morrow is planning big things for his hometown of New Orleans. Taking a cue from his grandmother, who labeled him as “the dragon of the family,’” Morrow is making her proud with the grand opening of Morrow Steak, his new steakhouse. The eatery, which opened June 7, offers various dining options for special occasions as it seats around 125 people, Yahoo! Finance (via Blavity) reports. Menu items blend classic steakhouse fare with innovative Asian-inspired dishes. NOLA.com notes lobster mac and cheese is featured along with prime beef, including tomahawk rib eye and wagyu steak, marinated pork chops, king salmon, broiled snapper and vegan eating options like kung pao cauliflower, a nod to Morrow’s Asian background. https://youtu.be/NgB5RLpkGmQ Overall, Morrow Steak is part of a bigger master plan, whose plans are already underway for phase two of the Morrow Steak in the coming months as well as the launch of Spicy Mango, a New Orleans Caribbean-fusion restaurant. To say his vision of the French Quarter becoming a hub for Black-owned dining establishments is only scratching the surface. According to Morrow, “We are going to light Frenchmen Street up.” The 33-year-old businessman has nationwide ambitions, plotting a certified takeover that will change the game if things fall in line. https://www.instagram.com/larry_morrow/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=e2eeec0b-80c8-4777-93ce-5039ad8ff8fa Brittney Griner will have one more fan cheering her on this Olympic season. The WNBA star and her wife, Cherelle, welcomed their first child on July 8, the 33-year-old Griner revealed Friday on the “She Knows Sports” podcast. “That’s my man,” Griner revealed when asked about her son. “He is amazing. They say as soon as you see him, everything you thought mattered just goes out the window. And that’s literally what happens.” The two-time gold medalist will be heading to the 2024 Paris Olympics in the coming week. “Kind of sucks, I got to leave,” Griner added, referring to herself as “Pops.” “But at the same time, he will understand. … My whole phone has turned into him now.” https://youtu.be/lljEStg6r5M Hints of more installments to come from Lifetime’s “Where Is Wendy Williams?” docuseries are not sitting well with a longtime friend of the former daytime talk show queen. According to theJasmine Brand, Regina Schell, reportedly voiced her concerns about the controversial four-part show as she condemned producers for hinting that more installments could be in the works. Schell said she has been a close associate of Williams for several decades. In her eyes, the way Lifetime exploited Williams in the docuseries is unlike anything she believes the 59-year-old personality would have approved. “What more could they do to the woman, haven’t they exploited her enough?” Schell said about potential follow-ups to “Where Is Wendy Williams?” At this time, no updates from the original producers of “Where Is Wendy Williams?” have been provided about if or when more installments are on the horizon. The docuseries, which premiered Feb. 24, 2024, on Lifetime, highlighted Williams’ status after the cancellation of her self-titled talk show. The former radio host opened up about her struggles with money, health, and addiction, issues she has been facing over the past few years. Method Man may have the best of both worlds with musical success and overdue recognition for acting credentials dating back to the late ’90s, but the “Power Book II: Ghost” fixture has never abandoned what brought him to the table. Most notably his status as one of the best MCs to touch a mic as a solo artist and member of the Wu-Tang Clan. Mr. Meth is a proud member of the lyrical collective, but even he wasn’t immune to the chatter and debacle that was the Clan’s seventh album “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin.” Years after its 2015 release, the controversial offering still generates conversation among fans. For Meth, “Once Upon A Time in Shaolin” is an “uncomfortable subject he and his fellow Clan members have no love for. Chatting with Vanity Fair, the Meth touched on the “Once Upon a Time” album and its shady background, labeling the project a “circus spectacle.” To hear him tell it, “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin” was never meant to be a Wu-Tang Clan album. It was more an effort featuring old and new verses pieced together by an unnamed financier. “I thought it was some circus spectacle,” Meth said while detailing how things changed regarding the making of the album and whether it is an official Wu-Tang project. “I never really spoke to RZA about it; it’s an uncomfortable subject to most of the guys, so we don’t really discuss it too much. The process of the thing being made was never told to us. We were never told what it was. Apple TV's "Lady in the Lake," the riveting seven-part limited series starring Academy Award and Golden Globe Award winner Natalie Portman and Emmy Award nominee Moses Ingram, makes its global streaming debut today on Apple TV+! Watch the first two episodes tonight, Friday, July 19th, with a new episode released every Friday through August 23, 2024. From visionary director Alma Har’el, Lady In The Lake tells an unexpected tale about two women from different sides of Baltimore and the price they both paid for their dreams. Maddie Schwartz (Natalie Portman) is a Jewish housewife seeking to shed a secret past and reinvent herself as an investigative journalist. Cleo Johnson (Moses Ingram) is a mother navigating the political underbelly of Black Baltimore while struggling to provide for her family. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyx_JbipB2Y U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, a three-decade member of Congress and a voice for Houston’s predominantly Hispanic and Black Houston district has died, the 74-year-old’s office said on Friday. “Today, with incredible grief of our loss yet deep gratitude for the life she shared with us, we announced the passing of United States Representative Sheila Jackson Lee of the 18th Congressional District of Texas,” Jackson Lee’s office wrote. “A fierce champion of the people, she was affectionately and simply known as ‘Congresswoman’ by her constituents in recognition of her near-ubiquitous presence and service to their daily lives for more than 30 years.” Jackson Lee’s passing marks the end of an era for the 18th Congressional District, an area she represented since 1994 with unyielding dedication. The lawmaker’s office noted that funeral arrangements are pending. https://youtu.be/jQ02xZ0aXas Earlier last month, Jackson Lee disclosed her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, explaining that her treatment might lead to occasional absences from her Congressional duties. “I am confident that my doctors have developed the best possible plan to target my specific diseases. The road ahead will not be easy, but I stand in faith that God will strengthen me,” Jackson Lee said in a statement on June 2. A prayer and praise vigil was subsequently held in her honor, showing the depth of community support. During her tenure, Jackson Lee was instrumental in significant policy achievements. She championed the establishment of the Juneteenth Federal Holiday and played a pivotal role in the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. “However, she impacted us most as our beloved wife, sister, mother, and Bebe (grandmother),” her office stated, highlighting her indelible contributions to her family and community. Jackson Lee is survived by her husband Elwyn Lee and their two children. Her commitment to her constituents was unwavering, illustrated by her recent efforts advocating for CenterPoint Energy customers after Hurricane Beryl and her expected run for a 16th term in the U.S. House of Representatives. https://youtu.be/2bL6aQgBWXk Former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner extended his heartfelt condolences, reflecting on Jackson Lee’s illustrious career and personal touch. “I am deeply saddened by the death of my dear friend and colleague, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. From City Hall to the Halls of Congress, Sheila Jackson Lee has served her constituents well. She has written and passed key legislation and has stood on the floor of the United States House of Representatives speaking passionately for the interests of her district and the country she loved. She has worked with and advised Presidents of our great country, met with global leaders and has been embraced by world-renowned artists. But her work on the ground, in some of the poorest and under-resourced communities; the channeling of billions of federal dollars back to her district; her presence at someone’s bedside, giving words of comfort to families who lost loved ones; her appearances at places of worship and events showcasing the global diversity of our City; and her uncanny ability to be everywhere, working every day for those who needed a champion, made her truly exceptional,” Turner said. Jackson Lee’s journey in public service began in Houston, and her influence extended far beyond her district. Despite a recent setback in her bid to become Houston’s next mayor, she remained an influential figure in American politics up until her death. Her dedication and tireless work on behalf of the underprivileged and underserved communities will leave a lasting legacy. While the nation mourns the loss of a legislative giant, her life and contributions will continue to inspire future generations to engage in public service and fight for social justice. Sheila Jackson Lee’s legacy as a compassionate leader and advocate for the people will endure, and she will be remembered not only for her political achievements but also for the profound personal connections she fostered throughout her career. https://youtu.be/jEqfBaC-OOE Tiffany Haddish reacted to her ex-boyfriend Common stating that he would marry singer/talk show host Jennifer Hudson. When the rapper appeared on The Breakfast Club Monday, he said being in a relationship with a fellow Chicagoan has helped him feel grounded and connected to his Windy City roots. “I’m gonna be real with you, like, having a lady that’s from Chicago [allows] me to go home and just be home,” said the rapper, Vibe reports. “And I hadn’t did that in a while, where I was just like going home and just being around my loved ones and didn’t have no work to do,” he continued. “With all due respect to all the women I’ve dated, it’s all love, but this is a really healthy and beautiful relationship, bro,” Common said. Philadelphia is reeling after a seven-month-old baby was shot and left alone during a horrifying incident captured on CCTV in the city’s Holmesburg section. The infant, miraculously in stable condition, endured a traumatic ordeal that has shocked the community and sparked conversations around safety and parental responsibility. The unsettling events unfolded on Thursday, as a couple was taking a leisurely stroll with their baby. Without warning, a gunwoman approached them and began firing shots. In a tragic twist, it was the innocent baby who ended up with a bullet wound to the leg. The CCTV footage reveals a distressing scene; as soon as the father hears the gunshots, he instinctively bolts, leaving the woman and baby behind in a frantic attempt to escape. The panic-stricken mother, also desperate, ended up fleeing the scene, leaving her baby all alone. The footage further reveals the gunwoman’s chilling reaction to the mother’s anguish. As the mom screamed, “My baby,” the gunwoman turned back and fired a bullet past the mother, uttering a heartless, “F*** your baby, b***h,” before walking away into the night. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-07-19-071924-philadelphia-police-v2-1869142-166/ MMA legend Rener Gracie is instructing police officers on a new restraint technique that is allegedly safer than a chokehold. He demonstrated this method on TMZ Live to emphasize its effectiveness. Rener, whose family created Brazilian jiu-jitsu, calls the move “SafeWrap,” and he is teaching it to the NYPD. “SafeWrap” can “take down a noncomplying suspect safely and effectively … even if they are armed,” writes TMZ. As Rener explains, “SafeWrap” is different from a chokehold because it involves restraining a person from their side, rather than pressing their chest to the ground, which can restrict breathing. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-07-16-071624-rener-gracie-1865310-192/ “Rener says there’s no lung or diaphragm compression with his method … unlike the chokehold … and he says the “SafeWrap” is super fast at getting someone to the ground and keeping them there. The move was originally designed for hospital patients.” Rener intends to teach the “SafeWrap” technique to police departments across the country. https://twitter.com/i/status/1811137947061866806 Soulja Boy is taking legal action YouTuber Tasha K and reality TV star William the Baddest after the latter alleged he had gay sex with the rapper. The Jasmine Brand reports that William made the allegation when he appeared on Tasha K’s podcast in May, claiming Soulja was into “race play.” In a response video, Soulja Boy, (born DeAndre Cortez Way) denied the allegation in his legal complaint. The hip hop star claims he even gave Tasha K and Williams The Baddest a formal chance to retract the statements but apparently they didn’t, prompting the lawsuit. William even got a fake tattoo of Soulja’s name on his cheek. During his conversation with TashaK, William said he “loved” his sexual encounter with Soulja. “It was everything. It was perfect,” he said. https://www.tiktok.com/@cheffjefftv7/video/7372587185628892462?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fsoulja-boy-sues-youtuber-tasha-k-after-gay-sex-allegation%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121442748%2C121439635%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7372587185628892462 “I do not play that way,” Soulja fired back in his response. “Why they playing with my name on this internet like this, god. Oh hell no, y’all got me fucked up. Lawsuits … is on the way. I want $100 million,” he added. TMZ reports that the “Crank That” rapper is suing William and Tasha K for defamation, sexual harassment, violation of right to privacy and intentional infliction of emotional distress.He is seeking $16 million in damages. https://youtu.be/j_9CoclOFuA Cory Hardrict gushed about working with Tyler Perry on “Divorce in the Black,” amid reports that the film scored 0% on Rotten Tomatoes. The film also features Meagan Good and centers on Ava, a young bank professional who is devastated when her husband Dallas abandons a marriage she is determined to fight for until fate intervenes, revealing Dallas’ wicked deeds that have trashed their marriage, and once upon a time sabotaged Ava’s destiny to be loved by her true soulmate. As we reported earlier, the film has been panned by critics and received a rare 0% on Rotten Tomatoes. TMZ caught up with Hardrict to get his reaction to this score. “I don’t know nothing about it,” he said. “I didn’t see that. I mean, the people love the movie and we do it for the people–that’s who I do it for. If the culture’s rocking with it, it’s all love. Shoutout Mr. Perry, I love Mr. Perry, though. That’s my guy.” Hardrict said Perry’s latest Prime Video release is “the number one movie in the world.” https://youtu.be/yGi0O0zDSjQ I’m excited, man,” he said. “Number one movie in the world right now! Listen, I’m excited.” The No. 1 movie in the world is “Despicable Me 4,” which earned $225 million in the U.S. and $449.4 million globally. Hardrict said “… everyone has an opinion, and they’re entitled to it,” adding, “…as long as the people see it, my neighborhood see it, South Side, Chicago, L.A. see it, everybody see it, then I’m happy, it’s all love.” Hardrict called “Divorce in the Black” the “most incredible experience” he’s had working on a film production. https://youtu.be/GvTbE4UTe9c Danielle Dominique and Danielle Solomon have achieved a groundbreaking milestone with their show “Mind Your Business” on Bounce. Garnering over 2 million views during its debut weekend, the series has become the most-watched Bounce original show to date. Despite the current industry trend favoring reboots and sequels, and with minimal paid promotion, “Mind Your Business” has captivated millions and continues to attract new fans weekly. https://www.instagram.com/danielledominique/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=cf75bee3-5299-4365-8f38-f915c86266ee “Despite not having a major promotional roll-out compared to past Bounce originals, ‘Mind Your Business’ still reached millions of people and continues to gain new fans every week. Its success underscores the audience’s desire for fresh, original ideas in a landscape dominated by reboots and sequels,” said Danielle Solomon. Solomon, who created the show at 27 and saw its premiere at 28, notes the significance of this achievement. “This is very uncommon in a post-strike industry, especially for Black women. Myself and Yvette Lee Bowser (Living Single) are the only two Black women to earn the coveted ‘created by credit’ for a broadcast network show at such a young age. Hopefully, ‘Mind Your Business’ will open the doors again for more younger women to do the same and we don’t have to wait another 30+ years,” Solomon added. https://www.instagram.com/danielledominique/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=be17efbd-9e91-4c6e-9deb-54dd3866404b The marriage of Anant Ambani, son of India’s richest man Mukesh Ambani, and Radhika Merchant was an extravagant affair that gathered celebrities from all corners of the globe. Bollywood legend Shah Rukh Khan and American wrestling star John Cena as well as Bill Gates, and Kim Kardashian were just three of the many high-profile guests at this star-studded event. And, as described by Fatima Fatima Bhutto of the Zeteo newsletter, this opulent celebration not only embodied sheer luxury but also raised eyebrows for its tastelessness amidst the surrounding poverty. The festivities kicked off in March in Jamnagar, Gujarat, the Ambani family’s hometown and site of the world’s largest oil refinery. Anant Ambani’s pre-wedding celebration spanned three days, setting the stage for what would be months of unapologetic extravagance. https://youtu.be/Jbkxor3vTJY In May, the couple hosted a lavish Mediterranean cruise with 1,200 guests. The cruise moored in Portofino, Italy, where the entire seashore was closed off to the public for a serenade by Andrea Bocelli. This disruption irked the locals but set a new standard for nautical nuptial celebrations. https://youtu.be/-bYAMk91Lzc By July, the celebration included a sangeet ceremony where pop sensation Justin Bieber performed. This event alone would suffice as a year-end highlight for many, but for the Ambanis, it was merely another high note in a long sequence of illustrious events. https://youtu.be/iAAdmRdEhHU Thousands of US flights were grounded Friday morning as a technical disaster impacted businesses worldwide – leading to cancellations, delays, and confusion at airports across the country. A cybersecurity company said the debacle is “not a security incident or cyberattack.” But the technical fiasco has paralyzed airlines, banks, state agencies, and even emergency services around the world. As of Friday morning, more than 2,000 flights into, out of, or within the United States had been canceled, according to FlightAware.com. Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina told passengers to not come to the airport unless they had confirmed their flights. Bewildered travelers at the world’s busiest airport in Atlanta were stranded as they tried to get to urgent events. “So tomorrow, I have a funeral in the afternoon. And then on Sunday, I have my sister’s 50th birthday party,” said Ty Kelley, who was stuck at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport – which had the most cancellations Friday morning: “It’s really chaotic. It’s frustrating. And I’ve never experienced anything like this before at this airport.” https://youtu.be/P33iBwY4J4g As the Democratic Party grapples with internal conflict over the potential replacement of President Joe Biden, Attorney Antonio Moore has voiced strong criticism of the party’s approach. Moore argues that the debate over Biden’s replacement on the Democratic ticket is merely a cover for the establishment’s failure to support the liberal voting base. The turmoil within the party has escalated, with over 30 Democratic lawmakers publicly urging President Biden to withdraw from the presidential race. This dissent has intensified following the Republican National Convention, with a dozen lawmakers, including notable figures like Democratic Sen. Martin Heinrich of New Mexico and California Rep. Zoe Lofgren, making public calls for Biden to step aside. Moore points to Vice President Kamala Harris as evidence of the Democratic establishment’s missteps. Citing her performance in the 2019 Democratic primaries and her political resume, Moore asserts that Harris is not a viable national candidate or an adequate replacement for Biden. This viewpoint aligns with the unease expressed by some within the party about Harris’s potential as the Democratic nominee. President Biden’s frustrations have reportedly reached a boiling point, particularly directed at House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. A source familiar with the president’s sentiments described him as “seething” over Pelosi’s indirect involvement in the push for his resignation. This tension was exacerbated by Rep. Lofgren’s public letter urging Biden to step down, reflecting Pelosi’s influence over these calls according to insiders, reports CNN. https://youtu.be/pxsENJqMxIw Meagan Good has found herself navigating a whirlwind of public scrutiny surrounding her relationship with actor Jonathan Majors. The beloved actress, known for her standout role in the 1997 film Eve’s Bayou, firmly asserts that she isn’t dating Majors for monetary reasons. “I don’t need to be paid,” Good states, confidently dismissing the rumors. Good places significant importance on her intentions being understood clearly. “If you think I’m doing something for a reason that I didn’t do it for, that actually bothers me because I feel misunderstood,” she explains. This underlying sentiment drives her to confront public misconceptions head-on. Good and Majors’ relationship began away from the limelight, intended to be a private matter. This changed in May 2023, when they were spotted on a movie date in downtown Los Angeles. Their relationship’s sudden public exposure was particularly sensitive as it came just two months after Majors had been arrested on charges of assaulting his former girlfriend, Grace Jabbari. Given the gravity of the situation, studios quickly distanced themselves from Majors, casting a shadow over his once-promising career. Yet, through it all, Good stood by him, earning public comparisons to the steadfast support of Coretta Scott King. https://youtu.be/Ycf35U3Hu0s “I care more about protecting him because I’ve been in this business for 30 years. He’s been a working actor for nine years. This is a culture shock to him,” she explains. https://youtu.be/1JFJbsFFWVs Ultimately, Good feels grateful for the timing and the way their paths have crossed. “I’m also thankful for the timing that God put us together, you know, and to be able to be there,” she reflects. https://youtu.be/1JFJbsFFWVs For Meagan Good, love, loyalty, and resilience are the cornerstones of her life and her relationship with Jonathan Majors. Through trials and public speculation, she’s shown that she’s not only enduring but thriving, all while steadfastly standing by her partner. “Because I’m solid,” she concludes, encapsulating her unyielding spirit and commitment. https://youtu.be/rBN4T8xhjEU Netflix has announced the release date for the anticipated sequel of “The Platform.” The original film is a 2019 Spanish science-fiction, psychological thriller starring Iván Massagué, Antonia San Juan, Zorion Eguileor, Emilio Buale Coka, and Alexandra Masangkay. Per ThisIsBarry.com, “the film is based in a vertical prison where food is lowered top to bottom, and each subsequent level eats the leftovers of the floor above.” Here’s the official synopsis, per Rotton Tomatoes, “In the future, prisoners housed in vertical cells watch as inmates in the upper cells are fed while those below starve.” “The Platform” was released to huge success in 2019, with nearly 83 million views, according to THR. https://youtu.be/cY95YW-HVCM Looks like Keith Lee isn’t the only person giving a thumbs down to restaurants in Atlanta. Cardi B is joining the TikTok food critic as she weighs in personally with her thoughts on what the eateries are lacking to make them among the best places to go for a great bite to eat.According to the “WAP” rhyme-sayer, ATL restaurants’ desire for a profit is not high on their list as well as efforts to deliver their cuisine to customers, who she believes staffers have a problem with. “First things first, right? I feel like Atlanta restaurants… They don’t like to make money,” Cardi said on Instagram Live. “I feel like they don’t like people, they don’t like their customers, they just don’t f***ing like it. First things first, right?” Cardi wasn’t through. She added: “You can barely order in Atlanta restaurants. Like you call, and they’re like, ‘Oh, we don’t take orders, we don’t take orders.’ It gets to the point that I literally have people that order for me, like, ‘Hey, can you just name-drop my name?’” Cardi B’s opinion on Atlanta-based restaurants follows Keith Lee’s blunt take on the city’s eatery scene during a tour of the establishments. Season 3 of “Bel-Air” is coming to Peacock on August 15, where Seasons 1-2 are streaming now. Inspired by Morgan Cooper’s viral trailer that reimagined the iconic ‘90s sitcom “The Fresh Prince of “Bel-Air,” the drama series takes a fresh and raw approach to this world of swagger, style, and aspiration while exploring Will’s complex journey through a current lens. Per the news release, “Bel-Air ” is set in modern-day Los Angeles and imagines the beloved sitcom through a new, dramatic take on Will’s complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. As these two worlds collide, Will reckons with the power of second chances while navigating the conflicts, emotions, and biases of a world far different from the only one he’s ever known. The Peacock series features an ensemble cast that stars Jabari Banks as Will and a creative team that includes showrunner, executive producer, and writer Carla Banks Waddles and Cooper, who serves as executive producer. https://youtu.be/xZ5J2E_43wY Netflix has released the teaser trailer for the hotly anticipated anime series “Terminator Zero.” According to Netflix’s Tudum, “Terminator Zero,” created and executive produced by Mattson Tomlin, will be part of the “Terminator” universe but will center on characters we haven’t met yet. This new addition to the franchise is set in 1997 Tokyo, just before the Skynet AI’s self-awareness triggers the war against humanity. Here’s the official synopsis: 2022: A future war has raged for decades between the few human survivors and an endless army of machines. 1997: The AI known as Skynet gained self-awareness and began its war against humanity.Caught between the future and this past is a soldier sent back in time to change the fate of humanity. She arrives in 1997 to protect a scientist named Malcolm Lee who works to launch a new AI system designed to compete with Skynet’s impending attack on humanity. As Malcolm navigates the moral complexities of his creation, he’s hunted by an unrelenting assassin from the future, which forever alters the fate of his three children. https://youtu.be/HvXbAQOpocQ Janet Jackson explained in a new interview why she hates doing promotional work for her projects. “I don’t mean to be rude, but I have to be honest with you,” she said during an interview with the radio program Heart Evenings with Dev Griffin. “Please stop asking me questions,” she jokingly added. “I’ve never thought I give a good interview,” Jackson explained in the YouTube clip. “I really don’t like speaking, so I’d rather stay quiet and listen to other people talk, and that’s always been me.” She then joked with the host, “Are we finished?” https://youtu.be/skRhuyM7usg The situation at Philadelphia International Airport is “absolutely insane” as thousands of people cram together, waiting for answers, traveler William Sikora III said. “It’s getting really hot in here,” Sikora told CNN on Friday morning. He was trying to make the cross-country journey from Philadelphia to Los Angeles, but feared repeated delays would eventually turn into cancellations. His sentiments were echoed by would-be passengers in Atlanta, where airport officials told CNN they expected 300,000 passengers to pass through the world’s busiest airport. “Nobody was really giving us answers. They just said our system’s down, our system’s down,” New Jersey resident Jennifer Small told CNN. https://youtu.be/z1sLR9EwDIg She slept at the airport overnight and has had her flight canceled twice. “I want to get home to my son,” Small said. But she doesn’t think she’ll be able to go home until Saturday. Spirit Airlines customer Miya Haney was stuck in Atlanta with her toddler daughter, trying to get to Boston for a birthday party. “I’m just beyond frustrated,” Haney said. Spirit Airlines was using a manual check-in process, with “a person going up and down shouting ‘Boston here, flight number here,’” Haney said. “I have no idea when we are going to get called.” https://youtu.be/alD51W9Hj6A Toni Braxton is still grappling with the loss of her sister Traci, over two years after her passing at age 50. In an exclusive preview of “The Braxtons” series premiere, the R&B superstar said she felt helpless upon hearing her sister’s diagnosis of esophageal cancer. At the time, Toni was also managing her health issues with the autoimmune disorder lupus. “When Traci got diagnosed, it didn’t seem real at all,” she shared, PEOPLEreports. “It still doesn’t.” “For me, family is the most important thing in my life,” Toni continued. “I spent my whole life caring for and protecting my sisters, but this was different because there’s nothing I could do. I felt so helpless, like I couldn’t do anything to save her.” Toni said she had a hard time processing Traci’s illness “because I was a sick one, not Traci,” she said, noting that Traci’s diagnosis was “hard for me to digest.” https://youtu.be/bB-ZW_ztW2Y Skip Bayless is set to depart from his position as co-host of “Undisputed” at Fox Sports 1 after an eight-year tenure. His final show is scheduled for later this summer, the New York Post reports. After Shannon Sharpe’s exit in 2023 after seven years with Skip, “Undisputed” became a rotating panel featuring Keyshawn Johnson, Michael Irvin, Richard Sherman, Rachel Nichols, and Paul Pierce. The new iteration failed to engage audiences as effectively as the firey one-on-one debates between Bayless and Sharpe. As we reported previously, Sharpe and Bayless launched FS1’s “Undisputed” in 2016, but growing tension between the pair allegedly prompted Sharpe to leave the show last summer. Following Sharpe’s exit, F1 took a brief hiatus before returning with a new format and new co-hosts with Bayless. Despite the changes, it wasn’t able to dethrone ESPN’s “First Take” as the most buzzed-about sports talk show on TV. Big Sean shut down rumors that he dissed Kendrick Lamar during his On the Radar freestyle on July 16. The rapper didn’t name anyone specifically, but his reference to someone using conflict for attention has fans speculating that he was alluding to Kendrick and his ongoing beef with Drake. “N**gas looking for engagement like they got they knee bent,” he raps, Hot New Hip Hop reports. “I gotta better things to do than find someone to beef with.” According to HNHH, Kendrick and Big Sean have had a strained relationship for over a decade. https://youtu.be/b3eiryKSE8s ALLBLK’s popular drama series “Kold x Windy” will return for its second season in August, and we have the new trailer teasing what fans can expect. Premiering Thursday, August 8, “Kold & Windy” exposes the reality behind Chicago’s south side and its street culture that has influenced our entire nation. Here’s the official synopsis: This season brings conflict and desire, along with new characters and betrayals. Rising hip-hop and drill star Malika “Kold” Wise (Sh’Kia Augustin, Black Lightning), who is now very pregnant with her deceased fiancé’s child, has fallen into an emotional rollercoaster of anxiety and violent fits. Although Kold x Windy have recently signed with Achieve Jamz, Malika seems to have lost her musical footing. Forced to return to committing her “stains,” she’s reverting to the life she so desperately tried to leave behind. Her trusted confidant and group member Renee “Windy” Johnson (Nijah Brenea, Rap Sh!t), is still obsessed with reppin’ Kold x Windy on the mic and in the streets. Despite her bulletproof façade, Renee is dealing with her own set of demons. https://youtu.be/ze0GOIQj0Lo This past Saturday, New York City’s waters shimmered not just with the reflections of towering skyscrapers, but also with the energized glimmer of celebrity scandal. Antonio Brown and Lil Kim were seen getting quite intimate at a lavish yacht party hosted by famed celebrity manager, Big Fendi. Their public displays of affection have left tongues wagging and sparked a flurry of romance rumors. The explosive evening saw Brown, 36, and Lil Kim, 50, engaging in what can only be described as excessively cozy behavior. Videos uploaded to Antonio Brown’s Instagram page captured the steamy dynamics between the two. At one point, Brown was seen placing his face against Lil Kim’s breast and grabbing a handful of her buttocks. He even went so far as to plant a kiss on her lips, a move that has since become the talk of the town, according to TMZ, The New York yacht, drenched in luxury and echoing with pulsating beats, became the backdrop for Brown and Lil Kim’s sizzling chemistry. As Lil Kim took to the mic to entertain the gathered guests, Brown didn’t miss the opportunity to get physically expressive. Dressed in a long-sleeve pink mini dress, pink Chanel sneakers, and accessorized with a small pink Chanel bag and dark sunglasses, Kim appeared not only comfortable but seemed to relish the attention. “Put that sh*t on @lilkimthequeenbee,” Brown captioned his scandalous video. The clip showed him kissing one of her breasts while simultaneously caressing her posterior—a series of actions Kim seemed to wholeheartedly enjoy. As the night progressed, the two were seen locking lips and sharing intimate moments, ensuring their interactions would be the topic of countless conversations in the days to follow. Marvel Studios released the teaser trailer and poster for “Captain America: Brave New World,” starring Anthony Mackie as Captain America. Per the news release, The Falcon, played by Mackie in previous MCU films, officially took on the mantle of Captain America in the finale of “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier,” on Disney+ in 2021. After meeting with newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross, played by Harrison Ford in his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut, Sam finds himself in the middle of an international incident. He must discover the reason behind a nefarious global plot before the true mastermind has the entire world seeing red. “Captain America: Brave New World” also features Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Xosha Roquemore, Carl Lumbly, with Giancarlo Esposito, Liv Tyler, Tim Blake Nelson, and Harrison Ford. The film is directed by Julius Onah and produced by Kevin Feige and Nate Moore. Louis D’Esposito and Charles Newirth serve as executive producers. https://youtu.be/O_A8HdCDaWM This is America, which means Donald Glover has choices. And the actor and writer has made one in deciding to retire his musical alter ego,Childish Gambino. “It’s not fulfilling,” he told the New York Times in a recent interview. “I just felt like I didn’t need to build in this way anymore.” The Grammy-award winner said he’s doing it after the release of his sixth album, “Bando Stone & the New World,” scheduled for Friday. Not that his music career has come easy. Glover has been open in the past about trying to find his tribe in both comedy and music. Recently, while presenting at the BET Awards, he noted that he has the same amount of BET Awards – one- as singer, Sam Smith, who is white. https://youtu.be/fyMImOesrvU Glover talked to the New York Times about clashing over the marking and promotion of his music with the then-head of the label that put out his first three albums. “I used to get so mad at what he was doing that I would have stress dreams where I went into his record company with a bat and just bashed all the windows,” Glover said. https://youtu.be/zSkxIxTJEVg His single “Redbone” burst on the scene after his critically acclaim series “Atlanta” debuted in 2016 and he won his first Grammy. Two years later, his song “This Is America” became a protest anthem and won him multiple Grammys, including Song and Record of the Year. Around that same time, Glover both lost his father and welcomed his second child, something that made him more reflective. “I’m not 25 anymore, standing in front of a boulder like, ‘This has to move,’” he said. “You give what you can, but there’s beauty everywhere in every moment. You don’t have to build it. You don’t have to search for it.” Well, at least he’s finally getting around to doing it. We won’t even say anything about all the times Glover SAID he was retiring Childish Gambino and didn’t. https://youtu.be/Ba_81TL0UFg Prince’s estate has refused to approve a Netflix documentary about the late singer due to its nine-hour length, which exceeds the originally agreed-upon six-hour series. Director Ezra Edelman’s final cut is three hours longer than planned, leading to a dispute with the estate, Page Six reports. Although Netflix is hopeful for a compromise, Edelman is reportedly unwilling to shorten the film. Emmy winner Ava DuVernay was initially set to direct the project, but Edelman took over four years ago. Edelman (OJ: Made in America) has hosted screenings for family and friends of the Prince project. Per Page Six, “the estate’s executors have taken issue with not only the length of the career-spanning doc but also inaccuracies about its famously private subject,” the outlet writes, citing a Puck report. President Joe Biden is facing increasing pressure from top Democratic figures to abandon his bid for re-election amid fears within the party that his campaign may falter against Donald Trump, enhancing Republican prospects in both the presidential and congressional races. Former President Barack Obama has expressed privately that Biden’s chances of securing a victory have significantly diminished and suggested he reconsider his candidacy, accordingto a report from The Washington Post. Additionally, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has reportedly shared with Biden her concerns about his electoral viability, although a spokesperson for Pelosi claims the reports mischaracterized her comments. While Obama’s office declined to comment officially, a person familiar with his stance mentioned that Obama sees himself as a “sounding board and counselor,” while still believing Biden has been an “outstanding president.” https://youtu.be/auGpcElSfBU Despite public assurances from Biden’s campaign that he remains the party’s nominee, internal discontent appears to be growing. More than 20 Democratic lawmakers have publicly urged Biden to step down. Senior House Democrat Adam Schiff has called for Biden to “pass the torch,” citing doubts about his ability to win against Trump in the upcoming election, Financial Times reports. The crisis within the party has been exacerbated by Biden’s lackluster performance during a recent debate with Trump. This has led some Democratic insiders to question his continued candidacy. “I don’t see how he survives this,” a congressional lawmaker commented, highlighting the extent of the party’s anxiety. https://youtu.be/qQp0MaY1Ci8 Terrell Davis and his wife Tamiko Nash appeared on Good Morning Americaon Wednesday (July 17) to speak out about him being handcuffed in front of their kids and escorted off a recent United flight. As we reported earlier, in an Instagram post, the former Denver Broncos running back explained that he was traveling from Denver to John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California, with his wife and three children. When his son asked for a cup of ice during beverage service, the flight attendant didn’t respond. Davis said he “calmly reached behind me and lightly tapped his arm.” The attendant shouted, “Don’t hit me,” and left the beverage cart to “hurriedly approach the front of the plane,” the two-time Super Bowl champion wrote. “I was confused, as were passengers in front of me who witnessed the exchange,” Davis added. https://youtu.be/mG7dLylziLE As season two premieres, Lindo opens up about his own connection with hisUnPrisoned character. He shares the impact of a conversation he had while filming a movie at a state prison in the 90’s. “We were on location in San Quentin for like a month. I remember a number of the guards talking at that time about the fact that the prison experience had nothing to do with rehabilitation. This was the guards telling me that. The whole aspect of rehabilitating people…sending them, incarcerating people so they could be rehabilitated had gone out the window years before,” he said. https://youtu.be/HIn14DY9eFA When you think of radio personalities who have impacted Black radio in both the 20th and 21st centuries, legendary radio host Wendy Williams deserves to be among that conversation. I first met Wendy in 1989 at WRKS 98.7 KISS FM in New York City. We both began working there around the same time. I was hired by then Program Director Tony Gray to be the music director and Wendy was hired as an on-air personality. Shortly thereafter, Tony left the station to pursue his consultancy business, Gray Communications in Chicago, and I became program director of the station in 1990. Before Wendy became a successful television talk show host that we’ve come to know so well, she was first, the most popular radio personality at three major urban commercial stations in New York City. I was her program director at two of the three stations. During that time, Wendy began developing her unique controversial style which was unlike anything heard anywhere on urban radio at that time. I must admit managing her aggressive, “Tell it like it is” style, without stifling her natural talent, proved to be quite a challenge. I always thought Wendy had a strong on-air personality. Initially, she started filling in for others, doing the basic format. One of my first decisions as a program director was to move her from a part-time to a full-time host. I moved Wendy to “The KISS FM Wake Up Club” morning show, where she joined the legendary Jeff Foxx and Ken “Spider” Webb. Working among a six-member morning team, “Dish the Dirt” was a daily segment for her to report the latest entertainment news of the day, likened to what’s known today as “Spill The Tea.” Due to her passion for that segment, Wendy took basic entertainment news to a whole new level. Soon it became the most popular feature on the morning show. As a result, it didn’t take long before her popularity began to increase. In the latest example of being caught at the wrong place at the wrong time,A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces) found herself at the center of attention when a hot mic captured her playfully roasting her teammates following a surprising defeat to the Chicago Sky and a visit from Usher. The viral video has definitely induced giggles and ignited chatter throughout the sports community. Tuesday’s game saw the Sky dominate the court against the Aces. Chennedy Charter’s impressive performance, netting 34 points, left Kelsey Plum struggling defensively. Angel Reese also made a notable contribution with another stellar double-double, marking her return to form after a previous streak-breaking performance against the Liberty. Despite A’ja Wilson’s fierce stat line of 28 points, 14 rebounds, five blocks, and three steals, it wasn’t enough to secure a win for the Aces, reports ForTheWin.The postgame moment happened when nearby hot mics caught Wilson‘s light-hearted jab at her teammates. In a candid, NSFW video, she said to Sydney Colson: “They ain’t did [expletive] all day, but they want to take a [expletive] picture with Usher,” referring to the famed singer who attended the game. We’ve seen spray-on hair, a spray-on dress, and now — marathon-winning spray-on shoes. Swiss sportswear brand On is the latest company to embrace advanced “spray-on” materials with a “revolutionary” robot-made sneaker it believes can improve performance at this month’s Olympics. The Cloudboom Strike LS is lace-free and weighs less than the latest iPhone. Designed to be more adaptable, dynamic, and supportive than your average running sneakers, the $330 shoes already have a convincing track record: Kenyan runner Hellen Obiri, an Olympic silver medalist and the only woman to have won indoor, outdoor, and cross-country world titles, triumphed at this year’s Boston Marathon wearing a pair. She will don them again to compete in the Paris 2024 Games this summer. Zurich-based On credits its shoes’ success to a combination of biomechanics, physiology, and extreme lightness. (A men’s US size 8.5 weighs just 170g per shoe, over 100g lighter than several popular running shoes of the same size.) “More than anything, we want (the athletes) to win,” said senior director of innovation, Ilmarin Heitz, in a promotional video published Monday. “That is our gauge of success.” https://youtu.be/1sBeqGxUT1A True Crime enthusiasts, mark your calendars! “DEADLY CASE FILES,” a gripping new series hosted by famed detectives Vincent Velazquez and David Quinn Jr. premieres Monday, July 22 at 10 PM ET/9C on TV One. “DEADLY CASE FILES” will bring viewers into the heart of complex homicide investigations and showcase the unwavering dedication some of the country’s toughest detectives used to crack the case. Joined by Detectives Velazquez and Quinn, these veteran detectives will share their stories with a captivating mix of suspense, drama, and real-life sleuthing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQobxeMLiNM "UNCENSORED" explores the lives of some of today’s most notable personalities as they provide first-hand accounts of their success and the obstacles they faced throughout their careers. Pooch Hall, the Brockton boxer turned actor, fought his way from adversity to Hollywood fame. Pooch is Uncensored as he delves into his rise, from a troubled past to iconic roles in shows like "The Game" and "Ray Donovan". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiahNDw5SjQ Popular docu-series “Raising Fame” takes center stage this Sunday, July 21 at 10 PM ET / 9 PM C on TV One. Hosted by celebrity moms Lucille O’Neal (mom of Shaquille O’Neal) and Sonya Curry (mom of Stephen, Seth, and Sydel Curry). “Raising Fame” delves beyond the glitz and glamour to provide a unique perspective in the words of both the parents and celebrated children themselves. Sonya and Lucille sit down with Hall of Fame basketball legend, billionaire businessman, team owner and philanthropist, Magic Johnson and his mom, Christine, who he says shaped him into the legend we’ve come to love. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIYYPFB9qDo Janelle Monae is in Europe for the Music of the Spheres World Tour. While in Berlin, she recreated Michael Jackson’s infamous balcony moment in the country in 2002. At the time, the King of Pop made headlines when he dangled his nine-month-old son, Blanket, over a hotel balcony. In a clip uploaded by X user @spicebae_, Monae appears wearing a black wig and red shirt similar to Jackson’s outfit. She is carrying a cyber dog (representing baby Blanket), which she dangles over the balcony. The video’s caption read, “Janelle Monae so damn unserious bc why tf she dangling that robot out the window like she MJ.” https://www.tiktok.com/@crimewithangel/video/7392662463604428075?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fjanelle-monae-mocks-michael-jacksons-iconic-balcony-moment%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121442748%2C121439635%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7392662463604428075 Cheryl Tyler, a former Secret Service Special Agent, is defending her female colleagues from criticism after an assassination attempt on Donald Trump. Speaking to TMZ, Tyler addressed the criticism of female agents and emphasized the challenges all agents face in securing high-profile assignments. Tyler, who protected Presidents George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton, said agents have “very high standards to live up to.” She knows the Secret Service agents who were present during the assassination attempt on Trump in Pennsylvania over the weekend, and they are deeply disappointed about the incident. “Those of us who have since left the agency are too hurting,” she said. “Yes, we all wish that it never gotten to that situation, but the casualties could have possibly been worse.” https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-07-16-071624-cheryl-tyler-1865241-605/ Warner Bros. has released the new trailer for the hotly anticipated “Beetlejuice” movie. As we reported earlier, the film sees Oscar-nominated visionary Tim Burton and actor Michael Keaton reunite for “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” the long-awaited sequel to Burton’s award-winning “Beetlejuice.” Keaton returns to his iconic role alongside Oscar nominee Winona Ryder (Stranger Things, Little Women) as Lydia Deetz and two-time Emmy winner Catherine O’Hara (Schitt$ Creek, The Nightmare Before Christmas) as Delia Deetz, with new cast members Justin Theroux (Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi, The Leftovers), Monica Bellucci (Spectre, The Matrix films), Arthur Conti (House of the Dragon) in his feature film debut, with Emmy nominee Jenna Ortega (Wednesday, Scream VI) as Lydia’s daughter, Astrid, and Oscar nominee Willem Dafoe (Poor Things, At Eternity’s Gate). https://youtu.be/As-vKW4ZboU Jagged Edge singer Brandon Casey was involved in a severe car accident that left him with multiple broken bones and a fractured skull. Casey, 42, turned to Instagram on Tuesday (July 16) to open up about how he almost lost his life in the car wreck, The Jasmine Brand reports. He wrote, “have to send a big Thanku to @grady.hospital after bein in iCU for five days I kno the legendary Grady Trauma Center is everything it’s said to Be the Best in the country yall saved my life and I’m forever grateful.” Casey said he broke his neck and five ribs, as well as scalp lacerations, and has “pain all over my body. He added, “but ima be good I promise yall God got me… all praises to the most high most awesome most wonderful God Thanku lord!!!!” In a separate post, he shared an image of his crushed car. https://www.instagram.com/p/C9hdZBQO6qn/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=8aa9083e-f0c6-4b7d-ab71-402c6d802e94 Fantasia recently criticized concertgoers for using their cell phones during her performance at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheater in Detroit on July 12. The singer/actress joins Busta Rhymes, who recently expressed frustration with this behavior among audiences, SandraRose.com reports. “So I wanna tell you now we’re living in a world where y’all can’t have fun because you’ve been too busy trying to film stuff,” Fanny told the crowd in a viral clip. “So wack now.” She continued: “And we as performers, we be up here working and y’all [gestures holding up phone]. You know the money that you pay in here tonight you could’ve done something else with it. So if you paid the money, you might as well get your [money’s worth].” https://twitter.com/i/status/1812552671087280531 Meanwhile, when hip-hop icon Busta Rhymes performed at the Essence Festival, he stopped the show to call out fans for holding up their phones during his show. “Ayo, forget them camera phones,” he told the crowd at the Essence Festival. “Let’s get back to interacting like humans. Put those weird devices down! I ain’t from that era. Forget your phone!” https://twitter.com/i/status/1809628032052715987 The president of Florida A&M University, the state’s sole public historically Black university, resigned following controversy over the mishandling of a multi-million dollar donation from a questionable donor. Larry Robinson submitted his resignation last week, according to The Associated Press. His departure comes two months after another high-ranking official at FAMU resigned following her involvement in accepting a record-breaking donation for the institution. The gift swiftly crumbled under scrutiny, raising doubts about its true worth. We reported earlier, citing Politico, that trustees launched an investigation into the gift from a Texas hemp farming executive, questioning how it was approved without their prior knowledge. Florida A&M University (FAMU) received a historic $237.75 million contribution from the Issac Batterson 7th Family Trust. Gregory Gerami, CEO of Batterson Farms Corp, presented the generous donation to FAMU during a graduation ceremony in May at the Al Lawson Center. Robinson, dressed in his academic regalia, stood on stage holding an oversized check for $237 million. Had it been realized, this donation would have been the largest private gift ever to a historically Black college or university. However, following an emergency FAMU Foundation Board meeting, Robinson stated that the university would pause any further action until it could assess the value of the stock options contributed by Gerami, a trustee of the Isaac Batterson Family 7th Trust. Kobe Bryant fans are upset with Vanessa Bryant’s reaction to the passing of his father, Joe Bryant. On Tuesday, it was announced that Kobe’s father passed away at the age of 69. Vanessa released a statement on her Instagram story. “Sending our condolences upon hearing the news of my father in law’s passing. We hoped things would’ve been different,” Bryant wrote. “Although the times we spent together were few, he was always sweet and nice to be around. Kobe loved him very much. Our prayers go out to family.” Her statement is being heavily criticized online. In the comments section on DJ Akademiks’ Instagram page, one person called it “the wackiest condolences I’ve ever seen.” The Instagram user added, “Vanessa you were better off not saying nothing!” https://www.instagram.com/akademiks/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=17054287-9534-4a11-b3ba-80ba45a8071f In a historic and long overdue move, the Secretary of the Navy, The Honorable Carlos Del Toro, announced on July 17 the full exoneration of the remaining 256 defendants convicted in the aftermath of the 1944 Port Chicago explosion. This declaration marks the end of a dark chapter in U.S. Navy history, coinciding notably with the 80th anniversary of the explosive disaster. The Port Chicago Naval Magazine explosion in California claimed the lives of 320 individuals, injured 400 others, and caused significant infrastructure damage, including the destruction of two ships and a train. In his announcement, Secretary Del Toro expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the Sailors, civilians, Coast Guardsmen, and members of the U.S. Maritime Service affected by this tragedy. Following the explosion in 1944, discriminatory Navy personnel policies were starkly visible. While white supervising officers were given hardship leave, the African-American Sailors, who formed the majority of the ordnance battalions, were ordered to resume ammunition handling without additional safety measures. The unjust treatment led 258 African-American Sailors to refuse further work, given the hazardous conditions. In a stark display of the era’s racial injustices, the Navy prosecuted all 258 Sailors, with 208 facing summary courts-martial for disobeying orders after reluctantly returning to work under threat. They received Bad Conduct Discharges and had their pay docked. Although subsequent reviews moderated their penalties, the stain of the convictions remained. https://youtu.be/B18QkrfRD78 We’ve seen spray-on hair, a spray-on dress, and now — marathon-winning spray-on shoes. Swiss sportswear brand On is the latest company to embrace advanced “spray-on” materials with a “revolutionary” robot-made sneaker it believes can improve performance at this month’s Olympics. The Cloudboom Strike LS is lace-free and weighs less than the latest iPhone. Designed to be more adaptable, dynamic, and supportive than your average running sneakers, the $330 shoes already have a convincing track record: Kenyan runner Hellen Obiri, an Olympic silver medalist and the only woman to have won indoor, outdoor, and cross-country world titles, triumphed at this year’s Boston Marathon wearing a pair. She will don them again to compete in the Paris 2024 Games this summer. Zurich-based On credits its shoes’ success to a combination of biomechanics, physiology, and extreme lightness. (A men’s US size 8.5 weighs just 170g per shoe, over 100g lighter than several popular running shoes of the same size.) “More than anything, we want (the athletes) to win,” said senior director of innovation, Ilmarin Heitz, in a promotional video published Monday. “That is our gauge of success.” https://youtu.be/1sBeqGxUT1A Giannis Antetokounmpo collaborated with Wingstop to announce some exciting news. The fast-food chain permanently added the popular Hot Honey Rub flavor to the menu, which Antetokounmpo had advocated for. This flavor, which appeared on the menu intermittently since 2022, has been a favorite among fans. On Tuesday, the Milwaukee Bucks star revealed that Hot Honey Rub is now a permanent offering, The Blast reports. “Ooooh…It’s getting spicy, It’s getting hot,” Antetokounmpo said in a video shared on Instagram. “Hey guys, I got you, relax, I got you. I made a few phone calls at Wingstop. They saw my tweet, they read your comments. Hot Honey Rub is here to stay, it’s going to be permanent on the menu.” Antetokounmpo’s video was captioned, “WE DID IT!! @Wingstop is making Hot Honey Rub PERMANENT because you blew up the comments. Let’s goooo!” https://www.instagram.com/giannis_an34/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=46520e77-3b60-4a51-9e5d-a88ba2a45769 Comedian Loni Love criticized Tyler Perry following the poor reception of his latest movie, which earned a 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Love accused Perry of not investing in Black writers and directors, arguing that he could create award-worthy projects if he were more generous with his resources, per The Jasmine Brand. “I love that Tyler is paying Black actors now I wish he would hire Black writers and directors that have experience to help him with his movies,” Loni wrote on X/Twitter. She added, “He could improve the movies & make them award worthy if he would stop trying to save money by doing the writing and directing himself.” Her comments are in response to the poor reception of Perry’s latest project “Divorce In The Black,” starring Meagan Good and Cory Hardrict. The story centers on Ava, a young bank professional who is devastated when her husband Dallas abandons a marriage she is determined to fight for until fate intervenes, revealing Dallas’ wicked deeds that have trashed their marriage, and once upon a time sabotaged Ava’s destiny to be loved by her true soulmate. https://youtu.be/yGi0O0zDSjQ Drake shared a video on his Instagram story revealing significant flooding in his 50,000 square foot Toronto mansion, known as The Embassy. The short video shows dirty, yellowish water flowing through the home. “This better be Espresso Martini,” text on the screen said. USA Today reports that parts of Toronto received over four inches of rain Tuesday, causing flash flooding. By Wednesday, around 3,200 Toronto Hydro customers remained without power. The flooding also led to road closures. In a press release, the city told residents to call 311 to report basement flooding. “Be mindful of your health and safety when cleaning a flooded basement. Do not stand in flood water — call a professional for assistance,” the city of Toronto said. https://youtu.be/ApEuxy54_98 The city said the impact of the flooding “won’t be known until the water recedes in the coming days.” In 2020, Drake told Architectural Digest that his home was built to stand the test of time, lasting well beyond his lifetime. “Because I was building it in my hometown, I wanted the structure to stand firm for 100 years,” Drake told the magazine. “I wanted it to have a monumental scale and feel. It will be one of the things I leave behind, so it had to be timeless and strong.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1813336780785242559 Meanwhile, some people jokingly linked the flooding at Drake’s home to his recent rap beef with Kendrick Lamar, with one X/Twitter user writing, “Kendrick Lamar not recycling so global warming floods Drake’s mansion,” adding, “He might really be the GOAT.” Another person added, “After Kendrick Lamar hitting Drake left right and center in his diss songs such as “Not Like Us”, floods have hit Drake’s home too.” https://twitter.com/Faiza_AminTV/status/1813335775251173419?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1813344230720360690%7Ctwgr%5E1dce809d0329274b7012e472a4fcc6e401516c11%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fkendrick-lamar-fans-troll-drake-after-mansion-floods%2F Irv Gotti, cofounder of Murder Inc. Records, has been accused of rape in a lawsuit filed in Miami-Dade on July 11. The accuser is identified only as Jane Doe, and she claims Gotti (born Irving Domingo Lorenzo) sexually assaulted and abused her multiple times between 2020 and 2022. These attacks occurred in numerous locations, including Saint Martin, Miami, and Atlanta, where he allegedly forced her to have sex with him and threatened her if she didn’t comply. “As a result of this sexually abusive relationship, Plaintiff has suffered severe emotional and psychological harm for which she had to be committed to a psychiatric ward,” the lawsuit reads, the Miami News Times reports. “These injuries continue and affect Plaintiff to this day.” The woman claims that she “suffered constant abuse” throughout her relationship with Gotti. They finally called it quits in 2022 after he forced her to perform fellatio on him in the back of an Uber in Atlanta. “Following this event, the relationship ended,” the lawsuit reads. https://www.instagram.com/p/C9fWqEEuJRg/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=95a6dcd1-5b0b-40f8-b5df-993e1eb32f04 BET Media Group has launched two Tyler Perry FAST channels featuring comedy and drama series. FAST channels are free, ad-supported streaming services that blend the advantages of both linear and on-demand programming into a single experience. Perry fans can watch back-to-back episodes of his shows on BET Tyler Perry Comedy and BET Tyler Perry Drama FAST platforms such as Roku, Pluto TV, Plex, TCL, and FreeVee. According to Deadline, the channels feature “over 600 hours of primetime programming, best of highlights and cast conversations,” the outlet writes. Per Deadline, shows such as Tyler Perry’s Sistas, Tyler Perry’s The Oval, Tyler Perry’s House of Payne, Tyler Perry’s Ruthless, All the Queens Men, Tyler Perry’s Zatima, and Tyler Perry’s Assisted Living are available on FAST channels. Tyler Perry’s Meet The Browns, Tyler Perry’s The Haves and The Have Nots, Tyler Perry’s For Better or Worse and Tyler Perry’s Too Close To Home will also be included. “The introduction of Perry’s content to FAST channels is a momentous occasion in our partnership,” Louis Carr, President of Media Sales at BET Media Group, emphasized. Former Trump prosecutor Nathan Wade has finalized his divorce from his wife of 24 years, Joycelyn Wade, following his affair with Georgia District Attorney Fani Willis. According to the New York Post, Nathan and Joycelyn settled their case in Cobb County, Georgia Monday. “The Wade’s divorce is indeed finalized,” said Stephanie Weil, Joycelyn’s attorney. “Divorce is a very painful process even under ordinary circumstances, but Joycelyn endured a particularly difficult divorce by any measure.” Weil added, “Despite the cacophony of false accusations levied by her former husband and those with political agendas, Joycelyn Wade always remained above the fray displaying dignity and grace. In that spirit, we will not be commenting on the particulars of the divorce,” she explained. “Our team was privileged to walk alongside Joycelyn on this challenging journey and we know her future will be full of the happiness she so richly deserves.” https://youtu.be/3kGD8WyRZ9M President Joe Biden tested positive for Covid-19 on Wednesday and is experiencing mild symptoms, according to the White House. Biden, 81, tested positive following his first event in Las Vegas, where he was expected to later speak at the UnidosUS annual conference. The president’s doctor said Biden has received his first dose of the antiviral drug Paxlovid and will be self-isolating at his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, in line with US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance. “I feel good,” Biden, who is fully vaccinated and boosted, told reporters in Las Vegas, flashing a thumbs-up before boarding Air Force One Wednesday. Biden had “upper respiratory symptoms, to include rhinorrhea (runny nose) and non-productive cough, with general malaise,” a note from his doctor provided by White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. “He felt okay for his first event of the day, but given that he was not feeling better, point of care testing for COVID-19 was conducted, and the results were positive for the COVID-19 virus,” the note continued. https://youtu.be/hhP-dcPBoro Biden has received multiple Covid-19 vaccine booster shots, most recently in September 2023, according to a memo from his physician. During his first bout with the disease, he experienced mild symptoms, including runny nose, fatigue, high temperature, and a cough, and was treated with Paxlovid. Covid-19 levels across the country have risen in recent weeks, according to the CDC. The most recent data shows that during the week ending July 6, there was a 23.5% increase in emergency visits for Covid-19 compared with the previous week. The CDC also reports that the viral activity level for COVID-19 in wastewater is high nationally as of July 6. This is a developing story and will be updated. CNN’s MJ Lee, Sam Fossum, Katia Hetter, and Megan Trimble contributed to this report. https://youtu.be/W9FbpiHDyB4 Giannis Antetokounmpo collaborated with Wingstop to announce some exciting news. The fast-food chain permanently added the popular Hot Honey Rub flavor to the menu, which Antetokounmpo had advocated for. This flavor, which appeared on the menu intermittently since 2022, has been a favorite among fans. On Tuesday, the Milwaukee Bucks star revealed that Hot Honey Rub is now a permanent offering, The Blast reports. “Ooooh…It’s getting spicy, It’s getting hot,” Antetokounmpo said in a video shared on Instagram. “Hey guys, I got you, relax, I got you. I made a few phone calls at Wingstop. They saw my tweet, they read your comments. Hot Honey Rub is here to stay, it’s going to be permanent on the menu.” Antetokounmpo’s video was captioned, “WE DID IT!! @Wingstop is making Hot Honey Rub PERMANENT because you blew up the comments. Let’s goooo!” The clip (see below) also shows him calling his wife Mariah, telling her “Let’s go grab some wings, please!” https://www.instagram.com/giannis_an34/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=41a141de-a09a-4a8f-9de6-dc7ba1750494 Amid the revelry, pomp and circumstance at the Republican National Convention‘s (RNC) opening night on Monday in Milwaukee, Donald Trump made his first public appearance since being shot in the ear during a failed assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. And while convention-goers gave him a hero’s welcome and all of the attention was on him, it may not have been enough to keep Trump awake, if photos and video footage are any indication. https://twitter.com/DAllison24/status/1813073296432505257/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1813073296432505257%7Ctwgr%5E5aaef65b8ed6b0d6205b8ff749b0e3d850831661%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewsone.com%2F5384043%2Frnc-trump-sleeping-videos%2F There was irony in the viral footage of Trump’s eyes appearing to be closed for an extended period of time following brief moments of what looked like him nodding off. After all, Trump, 77, has frequently accused President Joe Biden, 81, of having low energy because of his age. https://twitter.com/i/status/1813051634479517951 The newly released trailer for the upcoming drama “Rob Peace,” starringChiwetel Ejiofor, Mary J. Blige, and Camila Cabello, has dropped. Ejiofor wrote and directed the film based on the New York Times bestseller by Jeff Hobbs. “Rob Peace” is based on the true story of a brilliant young man (Jay Will) torn between his father’s shadowed past and his own promising future. Raised by his devoted mother (Blige), Rob risks everything he has worked for to free his imprisoned father (Ejiofor). Blige serves as an executive producer on the project along with Jamin O’Brien, Morgan Earnest, Luke Rodgers, Jeff Skoll, Robert Kessel, Bruce Evans, Faye Stapleton, Ali Jazayeri, and David Gendron. The producing team includes Antoine Fuqua, Rebecca Hobbs, Jeffrey Soros, Simon Horsman, Andrea Calderwood, Kat Samick, Alex Kurtzman and Jenny Lumet. “I’m thrilled to partner with Republic Pictures in bringing this extraordinary story to audiences,” Ejiofor said in a statement, per Entertainment Tonight. “Jeff Hobbs’ powerful book on Rob’s life fused together essential thoughts for me on race, housing, education, criminal justice, family and community. I can’t wait for audiences to experience Rob’s truly compelling life onscreen, at a time when the complex nature of social mobility remains as important as ever.” https://youtu.be/bugi-UdtjzI Amber Rose clapped back at MSNBC host Joy Reid’s criticism of her speech at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on Monday. Reid criticized Amber’s support of former President Trump, dismissing her as “racially ambiguous.” “I don’t want to say she’s Black because she has said she’s not, so I don’t want to say this Black woman,” said Reid. “This woman who is of whatever race that she has claimed, she’s said she’s not Black, but (the RNC) brought somebody whose whole career is based in Black culture,” she continued, USA Today reports. https://youtu.be/6A1UkiP8KBI She dated one of the most prominent African-American rappers in the business in the history of hip hop,” Reid continued. “So her whole culture came from Black culture even though she says she’s not a Black person herself. And the fact that she is now the person they’re using to try to recruit young people of color.” Reid added, “And to say that this is the person who is the endorser of Donald Trump, who you should trust when she won’t even claim the culture that brought her to the table. I’m dubious that this will work. I don’t know anyone who takes their political cues from Amber Rose. But just in case you do, you might want to duplicate doing your own research because she might not have done it thoroughly.” Rose responded to Joy in a now-deleted X/Twitter post. “Hi @JoyAnnReid I’ve never said I wasn’t black I said I identify as biracial. I’m not going to invalid my white father to make you feel more comfortable. Stop being a race baiter ur president does enough race baiting for all of us,” Rose wrote Tuesday. https://eurweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Screenshot-2024-07-17-074210-768x522.jpg Amber appeared to delete the tweet after an X user posted a 2015 interviewwith Hot 97’s Ebro in the Morning. During the discussion about her race, she stated, “I do not consider myself a Black woman. Absolutely not.” “What do you consider yourself?” asked co-host Peter Rosenberg, Complexreports. “Biracial,” Amber Rose answered. “My dad is half Irish, half Italian. I do the Italian festivals. I grew up eating very Italian food. I celebrate St. Patty’s Day…and then also my Cape Verdean side, which I don’t know that much about. I try to get up on that culture also, but I embrace everything that I am. I don’t feel like I’m more one thing than the other.” “It’s just personally how I feel, It’s not for anybody else,” she added. https://youtu.be/h4FnpoNU8AI Irv Gotti, cofounder of Murder Inc. Records, has been accused of rape in a lawsuit filed in Miami-Dade on July 11. The accuser is identified only as Jane Doe, and she claims Gotti (born Irving Domingo Lorenzo) sexually assaulted and abused her multiple times between 2020 and 2022. These attacks occurred in numerous locations, including Saint Martin, Miami, and Atlanta, where he allegedly forced her to have sex with him and threatened her if she didn’t comply. “As a result of this sexually abusive relationship, Plaintiff has suffered severe emotional and psychological harm for which she had to be committed to a psychiatric ward,” the lawsuit reads, the Miami News Times reports. “These injuries continue and affect Plaintiff to this day.” The woman claims that she “suffered constant abuse” throughout her relationship with Gotti. They finally called it quits in 2022 after he forced her to perform fellatio on him in the back of an Uber in Atlanta. “Following this event, the relationship ended,” the lawsuit reads. Ozy Media founder Carlos Watson was convicted of fraud by a Brooklyn federal jury on Tuesday. We reported earlier that Watson was accused of defrauding “investors of tens of millions of dollars through fraudulent misrepresentations and impersonated media company executives during negotiations,” per the United States Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of New York, TheWrap reports. The California-based news and entertainment company allegedly misled investors about the company’s finances and fabricated deals with Google and Oprah Winfrey, CNBC reports. Watson faced charges of securities fraud and wire fraud conspiracy. He previously said that the case was an attack against Black entrepreneurs. “Sometimes people of color are warned not to think too big. That the color of your skin will limit what you can hope to accomplish,” Watson said in a video posted to X (formally Twitter). “Like a lot of black entrepreneurs, I had trouble often getting through the door or getting meetings that they took seriously.” He added, “Our mistakes are being turned into crimes and we’re having people charge us in a gross and inappropriate way,” Watson added. https://youtu.be/aNto8iJDeSo The National Park Service (NPS) is set to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Port Chicago explosion, a tragic event that claimed the lives of 202 Black sailors. The incident occurred on July 17, 1944, in Contra Costa County, when 4,606 tons of ammunition being loaded onto two U.S. Navy cargo ships detonated, instantly killing 320 men on site and injuring another 390 workers. https://youtu.be/bb8ySpWJvG0 On July 20th, the National Park Service (NPS) in collaboration with Friends of Port Chicago National Memorial band, the U.S. Army’s 834th Transportation Battalion, will host the commemoration at the Military Ocean Terminal Concord (MOTCO) in Concord. According to organizers, the event provides an opportunity for friends, family, journalists, and others interested in the history of the disaster to honor the memory of the victims and shed light on the largest mutiny trial in U.S. naval history. https://youtu.be/IbiXDaJRMQc The Rev. Amos C. Brown, President of the San Francisco Branch of the NAACP, and the Pastor of the Third Baptist Church of San Francisco, says he continues to seek justice for the men who died in the blast and survivors who later were accused of rebellion. “It was nothing but another instance of forces in America being perpetrators of hate, harm, and hardship of Black folks,” Brown said of tragedy and the injustice that followed. These Black men who died in that blowup several miles from San Francisco should never be forgotten.” https://www.nps.gov/nps-audiovideo/audiovideo/4d85f72a-51d4-45fa-a94d-e7fa44a00617720p.mp4 Netflix has released the trailer for director Lee Daniels’ new horror-thriller “The Deliverance,” starring singer Andra Day, Glenn Close, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and Mo’Nique. The streamer describes it as a “genre-defying take on darkness, possession, and finding a higher power.” Here’s the synopsis: Ebony Jackson, a struggling single mother fighting her personal demons, moves her family into a new home for a fresh start. But when strange occurrences inside the home raise the suspicions of Child Protective Services and threaten to tear the family apart, Ebony soon finds herself locked in a battle for her life and the souls of her children. Inspired by a true story, The Deliverance is directed by Academy Award nominee Lee Daniels (Precious) and stars Andra Day, Glenn Close, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and Mo’Nique in a genre-defying take on darkness, possession, and finding a higher power. https://youtu.be/PDcDagDcwPA This week, guest host Anthony Anderson took the reins of “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and Lawd did he go in on the Republican National Convention (RNC)! If you missed it, no prob ’cause we got the deets and the video. Anderson wasted no time in bringing his brand of sharp humor and kicked off his monologue with a biting joke, dubbing the event “the White People’s Choice Awards,” setting the tone for a night of unabashed satire. Anderson highlighted some of the RNC’s most bizarre moments, starting with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson‘s teleprompter malfunction. “Oh, poor Mike walked off stage with his Johnson tucked between his legs. You know, is it bad when the Speaker of the House can’t speak?” Anderson quipped, drawing laughter from the audience. The RNC is often a spectacle, and Anderson made sure to showcase some of its more humorous elements. “They all had some fun though. More than anything, the RNC is a chance for the MAGA movement to really bust a move,” he noted before queuing up clips of convention attendees’ awkward dance moves. “It’s the ‘No Soul Train!’” Anderson exclaimed, emphasizing the “soul” in a playful homage to the iconic “Soul Train” TV series. https://youtu.be/Lg7Hyzy-dkM The Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation and Primary Wave Music will present the 3rd Annual Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation Gala on Friday, August 9th, 2024, at the St. Regis Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia, which marks the 30th anniversary of Whitney Houston’s three historic post-apartheid visits and performances following Nelson Mandela’s historic election win as the then President of the new South Africa. Whitney was the first major recording artist to perform in the newly unified, post-apartheid nation. She performed at Kings Park Stadium in Durban (November 8, 1994), Ellis Park Stadium also known as Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg (November 12, 1994), which was filmed for the HBO Special, and the final performance was held at Green Point Stadium in Cape Town (November 19, 1994). Four-time Grammy Award-winning recording artist Yolanda Adams will be the headlining performer at this year’s gala, with a special performance by Gary Houston, Whitney’s brother and longtime duet partner and background singer, along with more surprises. The event will be hosted by Kevin Frazier ofEntertainment Tonight and Pat Houston, president of the Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation. The Honorary Chair is Clive Davis, the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Chief Creative Officer of Sony Music Entertainment. Also performing are Gregory Sams and Denisia, the recent winners of The Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation’s Cover Song Competition. The charity grant will be presented to Mirriam Solani Mazibuko, the director of the Orlando Children’s Home in South Africa, which is one of the organizations to which Whitney extended a generous financial donation through her foundation thirty years ago. Last month, Pat Houston and team members of the Foundation traveled to South Africa to a few of the places that Whitney visited in November 1994 including the Orlando Children’s Home to spend time with the young residents there, where they prepared a presentation and performed a song. Peter Buxtun, the whistleblower who courageously unveiled one of the most notorious medical research scandals in U.S. history, has passed away at the age of 86. Buxtun, who succumbed to Alzheimer’s disease on May 18 in Rocklin, California, is hailed as a hero by public health scholars and policymakers alike for his pivotal role in the cessation of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study. His lawyer, Minna Farnan, confirmed his death. The Tuskegee Syphilis Study, initiated by federal scientists in 1932, involved observing 400 Black men in Tuskegee, Alabama, who were infected with syphilis. When antibiotics became available in the 1940s, federal health officials purposely withheld the treatment, opting instead to study the progression of the disease unchecked over time. This gross ethical violation continued until Buxtun’s actions led to its termination in 1972. In the mid-1960s, Buxtun, then a federal public health worker in San Francisco, discovered the study through a colleague. Disturbed, he began investigating the ethical implications of the experiment. Despite the study not being a complete secret—with about a dozen research articles already published—there was little scrutiny on how it was conducted. The American medical community had largely accepted it, as highlighted by Ted Pastorius of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) during a 2022 event marking the study’s end, according to MWCD. https://youtu.be/ILhY08gHfTs Buxtun’s moral outrage led him to voice his concerns in a 1966 letter to CDC officials. His complaints were dismissed, and he was ridiculed for his insistence on ethical conduct. Frustrated, Buxtun left the Public Health Service to attend law school but remained committed to uncovering the truth. In 1972, he provided key documents to AP reporter Edith Lederer, leading to an investigation by AP investigative reporter Gene Heller. Heller’s explosive story, published on July 25, 1972, exposed the study’s inhumanity, leading to congressional hearings, a substantial class-action lawsuit that resulted in a $10 million settlement, and the study’s termination within four months. The revelation forced the U.S. government to re-examine its medical research practices, and in 1997, President Bill Clinton formally apologized for the study, terming it “shameful.” Lily Tyson Head, whose father was a participant in the study, expressed gratitude for Buxtun’s bravery. “We are grateful for his honesty and his courage,” she said. Born in 1937 in Prague, Buxtun and his family fled Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia, eventually settling in Irish Bend, Oregon. His father was Jewish, which resonated deeply when Buxtun later compared the Tuskegee study to the medical experiments conducted by Nazi doctors. Despite initial federal resistance to this comparison, the government instituted new ethical guidelines for medical research following the study’s exposure. Today, the Tuskegee Study is often cited as a reason for medical mistrust among African Americans. https://youtu.be/ZV7RzS8QRXE The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced today that it has charged several entities with housing discrimination for issuing a biased appraisal and subsequently denying a refinance loan application in Denver, Colorado. The entities charged include appraiser Maksym Mykhailyna, appraisal company Maverick Appraisal Group, appraisal management company Solidifi U.S. Inc., and lender Rocket Mortgage, LLC. According to HUD’s Charge, the appraiser, Maksym Mykhailyna, is accused of undervaluing a Black homeowner’s property based on her race. This undervaluation led to the homeowner’s refinance loan application being denied. When the homeowner raised concerns about the discriminatory appraisal, Rocket Mortgage allegedly insisted on proceeding with her application based solely on the disputed appraisal value. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in real estate-related transactions, including appraisals, on the basis of race. It also protects individuals from retaliation when they exercise their fair housing rights, such as reporting instances of discrimination. HUD’s Charge highlights the importance of ensuring fair treatment in housing transactions and holding entities accountable for discriminatory practices. This case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by minority homeowners in obtaining fair appraisals and accessing refinancing options. HUD’s action aims to address these inequities and reinforce the principles of the Fair Housing Act, ensuring that all individuals receive equal treatment in housing-related matters. https://youtu.be/x5Nk16MKWYE Elon Musk plans to relocate SpaceX headquarters from California, citing a new state law that he claims is “attacking both families and companies.” The billionaire tech giant announced on X (formerly Twitter) that he intends to pull his companies out of the state in response to new legislation that California’s Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law on Monday—AB1955, also known as Support Academic Futures and Educators for Today’s Youth (SAFETY) Act, Newsweek reports. The law prohibits the parental notification of a child’s desire to be transgender. It bans “school districts from enacting forced outing policies” of students with gender dysphoria. It will also provide “resources for parents and students to manage conversations about gender and identity privately” and protect “teachers and school staff from retaliation if they refuse to forcibly out a student,” according to Assemblymember Chris Ward, who introduced the legislation. The SAFETY Act faces criticism for allowing the government and schools to make the call to “socially transition” a child without parental involvement. https://youtu.be/XNSjAu9ocrI “As a public school elementary teacher, the thought of hiding information from parents, whom I’ve considered my partners in teaching their children, makes absolutely no sense,” wrote one X user. “Every important decision a child makes up to age 18 should be made with the guidance of their parents. Parenting is the hardest job and this just made it harder.” The Liberty Justice Center filed a lawsuit to declare California AB1955 unconstitutional. “We have filed a lawsuit challenging #AB1955,” the organization tweeted. “School officials do not have the right to keep secrets from parents, but parents do have a constitutional right to know what their minor children are doing at school. Parents are the legal guardians of their children—NOT Newsom, Bonta, or Thurmond,” the group said. “We will continue to defend parents’ rights and children’s well-being by challenging invasive laws like AB 1955 in court, at no cost to taxpayers.” https://youtu.be/vpeWbW1IeiQ “A belief in my talent as a host and a TV anchor,” said comedian Mouse Joneswhen I asked during an interview about how he got the gig as the host of iOne Digital’s “Listen to Black Men” talk show. “Listen to Black Men,” hosted by Mouse Jones, launched its second season on June 16, 2024. The show will have Jones talking to Lil Scrappy, David Banner, Tyler Chronicles, and Young Joc. To name a few. The show is aired at MadameNoire.com and CassiusLife.com (platforms of iOne Digital).“David Banner’s conversation,” Mouse said to me when I asked which interview in the second season stands out for him. “I got to see both sides of him…like wow.” The show was launched to provide black men, using high-profile black men in our society to set the trend, to share their stories and experiences as Black men in a place where they feel comfortable. Mouse Jones talks with his guests about lots of topics they are dealing with. The second season of “Listen to Black Men” is centered around the anguish of black men almost becoming a father – the loss of a child through their women’s miscarriage. “We have Jeremie, Tyler,” Mouse said about his guests in the second season. “We have a talented team who know who to put on.” https://youtu.be/Tuxu4PFHW38 Mouse is a well-known and in-demand comedian and host. His credits include shows at Funny Bone, Big Laugh Comedy, Coast Live, and California Comedy Club. He has several shows The Clubhouse with Mouse Jones Podcast and Mouse Jones and Friends Comedy Show. About the show’s topics, he said, “We do not run away from toxic things as we grow up. It’s ok to say I say I don’t understand. Men have a fear of saying I don’t know. These men are not scared to turn the finger at ourselves.” The “Listen to Black Men” talk show was launched in early 2023 and continues with its second season on CassiusLife.com (men’s lifestyle content) and MadameNoire.com (women’s lifestyle content). Named after Muhammad Ali this platform is an Urban lifestyle website. MadameNoire.com is a website for black women with content on entertainment education, parenting advice, celebrity news, and the opinions of black women. Launched in 2008 iOne Digital (formerly known as Interactive One) is a digital platform of Urban One, Inc. Launch to try and connect with millennials, Gen-Z, and multicultural populations. iOne Digital also owns and operates HipHopWired (Hip-Hop and tech content), GlobalGrind (Millennials and Gen-Z content), HelloBeautiful (fashion and beauty content), Bossip (entertainment news content), The Fumble (sports content), NewsOne (news and politic content), and Elev8 (spiritual and wellness content. It also owns and operates social media platforms BlackPlanet, One Stream (audio streaming), Urban One CTV, and over 70 local and nationally syndicated radio show websites.www.iOneDigital.com https://youtu.be/9b1yYreiQfQ Central City Productions announces the first round of performers set to take the stage for the 39th Stellar Gospel Music Awards in Las Vegas at the Orleans Arena on Saturday, July 20. Co-hosted by Emmy Award-winning TV personality and comedian Loni Love, alongside Marconi Award-winning radio/TV personality and comedian Rickey Smiley, the 39th annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards will premiere on the Stellar Network on Saturday, August 3 at 8PM and 11PM EST and in broadcast syndication from August 10, 2024 - September 8, 2024. BET will air the 39th Stellar Gospel Music Awards on Sunday, August 4 at 8 PM ET/PT. The Red Carpet Xpecial will be available via Xumo Play on-demand on August 10. The 39th Stellar Gospel Music Awards to be available on September 9. “I’m so happy to be co-hosting the Stellar Awards again. Nothing stirs my soul more than gospel music, so celebrating this genre is truly an honor,” shares co-host, Rickey Smiley. Joining previously announced honorees, Kim Burrell (Aretha Franklin Icon Award) and Tye Tribbett (James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award), are newly announced performers: Chandler Moore, Kierra Sheard, Anthony Brown and group therAPy, Da’ T.R.U.T.H, Israel Houghton, Karen Clark Sheard, Kelontae Gavin, Koryn Hawthorne, Lisa Knowles-Smith, Mali Music, Melvin Crispell III, Rich Tolbert Jr., Tasha Page-Lockhart, Ricky Dillard and Tamela Mann. Willie Moore Jr. has been announced as the official blue carpet host. Kirk Franklin, Erica Campbell, and Angel Taylor will also make special appearances. “I am very honored to be co-hosting the Stellar Awards this year. It will be a fun and blessed good time!” shares co-host, Loni Love. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZfpqBV7OJk Stephen Jackson may not be “the most intelligent person,” but the athlete is clear on his reasons for not being a fan of ESPN sports analyst Stephen A. Smith. According to folk at Basketball Network, it was Smith’s (perceived) support of former President Donald Trump that put him in Jackson’s crosshairs. The NBA standout cites the convenience of Smith using the small screen to air out his views on issues and people, views he feels would not be blasted if the sports personality were out in public chatting with the public. (Editor’s note: Stephen A. Smith has publicly denied being a Trump supporter) “My main problem with a lot of people, especially with Stephen A. when he says stuff like this, if you was on the corner with ten brothers in your neighborhood, you wouldn’t have said that,” Jackson explained during an appearance on “All The Smoke Unplugged.” “You wouldn’t have had the balls to say black people relate to (Donald) Trump, you wouldn’t have said that in front of your people, in a room full of your people.” “You said that on TV because you comfortable there, and that’s the narrative that they want you to paint because somebody probably told you to say that,” he continued.” I’m not the most intelligent person, but I told y’all, I’m first-team common sense. That’s why you say these things on TV. That’s why people look at you funny and don’t give you respect…That was the weakest thing.” https://youtu.be/iqYpKjodtgA Denver Broncos Hall of Famer Terrell Davis is speaking out after being detained by FBI agents over the weekend on a United Airlines flight. Davis later took to social media to express his disbelief over the incident. In an Instagram post, he explained that he was traveling from Denver to John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California, with his wife and three children. When his son asked for a cup of ice during beverage service, the flight attendant didn’t respond. Davis said he “calmly reached behind me and lightly tapped his arm.” The attendant shouted, “Don’t hit me,” and left the beverage cart to “hurriedly approach the front of the plane,” the two-time Super Bowl champion wrote. “I was confused, as were passengers in front of me who witnessed the exchange,” Davis added. “I thought nothing of it other than this particular employee was incredibly rude and blatantly wrong in his accusations of me hitting him,” he said. “I did not see or interact with him further for the duration of the flight.” https://youtu.be/wTUSh1sExS4 Upon landing, the pilot requested that all passengers remain seated. Six FBI and law enforcement agents then boarded the plane and handcuffed Davis. “I was then removed from the flight while being recorded by multiple passengers as I was paraded off of the plane in handcuffs by the officers,” Davis shared. “I was − and remain − humiliated, embarrassed, powerless and angry.” He was questioned by authorities who determined that “this flight attendant was inaccurate in his accusations and the agents profusely apologized even offering to support me and my family in any way possible,” Davis added. https://www.instagram.com/therealterrelldavis/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=dcaea3e5-f5f8-466b-88f6-41c11487c981 On June 10, 2004, I was at a golf course in Florida when I heard the news on the radio that the late great Ray Charles had passed away. I knew through his family that he’d been ill, and as the news sunk in, I reflected on the privileged times I shared with him. I first met Mr. Charles in 1985 at his daughter Raenee’s wedding, and it was through the family that I submitted some of my songs which resulted in a personal phone call from him inquiring about one in particular. I had recently signed a songwriter’s contract with Motown Records, but it was amazing that I was having a one-on-one phone conversation with a musical genius! I was so energized by the fact that he was interested in my song! And so began the saga of direct or indirect communications with him. He even called me one day at work concerning one of my songs that he wanted to record with Gladys Knight. Since I was at work, he said he’d call me at 7pm that night to go into further details. At 7pm on the dot, he called and we must have talked for 30 minutes about songwriting, and how (in his words) “a song has to be saying something!” Now, this was Wednesday night and before we hung up, he said “I’ll need a third verse by Saturday.” https://youtu.be/qIp9TwSEgFg When Saturday came, I had written five additional verses for him to choose from. Though there are no releases as far as I know of the songs I submitted, I was told by a reliable source that he worked on them. I hope they surface someday. In 1997, as we were preparing a celebration of my Grandmother Martha Porties’ 90th birthday, I asked if he would record a Happy Birthday message for her. Mr. Charles sent back a piano/vocal recording of him singing “Georgia On My Mind” that segued into “Happy Birthday Ms. Martha.” https://youtu.be/CyVuYAHiZb8 My Grandmother and family were surprised and overjoyed when they heard it! In the early 2000s, I was invited to see Mr. Charles performing at the House of Blues on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood. It was an electrifying show and afterward, I had access to his dressing room. When I entered, I started singing one of his songs “Anybody With The Blues Knows” and he joined me in singing “Whiskey and walls don’t talk, anybody with the blues knows.” That was a moment for me – singing backstage with Ray Charles! https://youtu.be/pVwIMNkTPSc Donald Trump’s supporters are upset that Amanda Seales claims the assassination attempt on the former president was staged. Trump was nearly assassinated at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday and later stated that he was “shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear.” The 20-year-old shooter, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, was killed at the scene, authorities said. Seales took to social media to share her thoughts on the assassination attempt. As The Jasmine Brand reports, in a now-deleted video on her Instagram, she said. “That was more staged than a Tyler Perry production of ‘Madea Runs for President.’” She also noted that she “Lived in Harlem long enough to know gunshots do not sound like making popcorn on the stove.” The actress/comedian further suggested that blood pellets were used to exaggerate Trump’s injuries. https://youtu.be/kP-6_sxTnFQ Hip-hop icons Common and Pete Rock have exciting news for their fans: they’re teaming up for The Auditorium Tour, set to hit the road later this year. T-Mobile has been announced as the official wireless partner for this highly anticipated tour, promising an electrifying experience for music lovers. According to the news release, the 18 stop tour will kick off on August 28 in Del Mar, California, and is set to make stops in Los Angeles, CA, Dallas, TX, Nashville, TN, Boston, MA, and more, before wrapping in New York City for a three-night residency at the Blue Note Jazz Club from September 23-25. General on-sale begins Friday, July 19 at 10 AM local time. Tickets will be available starting with an artist presale on Wednesday, July 17, at 12 PM local through Thursday, July 18, at 10 PM local. You can register for the artist presale starting Monday, July 15, at 10 AM ET / 7 AM PT. The Spotify presale is from Thursday, July 18, at 10 AM local to 10 PM local. Last week, Common and Pete Rock released their first full-length collaboration, The Auditorium, Vol. 1 via Loma Vista Recordings. Additionally, the duo recently performed on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. https://youtu.be/AupOXo-YclY Actor Omari Hardwick still feels some way about his “Power” character, James “Ghost” St. Patrick, and how he was killed off. The hit Starz TV series ran from June 7, 2014, to February 9, 2020. Ghost, the main character in the show, was shot by his son Tariq and died in the arms of his best friend Tommy. During a recent panel discussion at the Uninterrupted Film Festival, Hardwick called out the show’s writers and executive producers, Courtney A. Kemp and 50 Cent, for misleading him about the trajectory of his character. “I have so much empathy for the fans, bro,” Hardwick said on July 10, Vibe reports. “Because you were sold and told a story that did not continue, guys, in the way that it was sold and told to me that it would continue. So, you have every right to be hitting me up at every airport, every bus stop…” Hardwick told the room, “If I didn’t die, it means I’m still working, right? And my damn checks don’t have Power on it no more.” He added, “I’m with y’all in this sense. I’m with you in the sense that the way the story was sold and told to me is not befitting of the way it ended, guys. So y’all have every right to be like, ‘It didn’t end right.’ And because we don’t honor fans enough, and I know Matt and Trae are different. We honor y’all. We honor our fans, man. We often forget that the fans are being sold and told a story that has a genesis and that it has to end the way that it was sold and told to end.” https://twitter.com/ArtOfDialogue_/status/1812195590391943622?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1812195590391943622%7Ctwgr%5E6a61af70012c5b8099d310c83900b53fb7fe39c1%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2F50-cent-calls-omari-hardwick-a-strange-after-power-criticism%2F Wiz Khalifa was charged with illegal drug possession in Romania after smoking marijuana onstage during his headlining set at the “Beach, Please!” festival held in Costinesti. PEOPLE reports that the rapper apologized on social media on Sunday (July 14). “Last nights show was amazing,” Khalifa wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “I didn’t mean any disrespect to the country of Romania by lighting up on stage. They were very respectful and let me go. I’ll be back soon. But without a big ass joint next time.” The French news agency French news agency Agence France Presse (AFP) reported that Wiz was busted with cannabis in his possession of rapper. Under Romanian law, cannabis is classified as a “risk drug,” and if convicted, Khalifa could face up to 10 years in prison.The Romanian anti-organized crime prosecutors organization DIICOT said: “During a performance at a music festival held in the resort of Costinesti, the accused was found to have possessed more than 18 grams of cannabis and to have consumed (onstage) another quantity in the form of a handmade cigarette,” they said in its statement. https://youtu.be/w96R0T-XxOQ Tanya Nolan, the celebrated R&B singer and songwriter, has made a significant splash in the music world with her latest single, “Like Water,” featuring Grammy Award-winning artist Raheem DeVaughn. Released in May 2024, this captivating track has now been added to Smooth Jazz radio, showcasing a new wave of jazz-infused R&B. Its sultry sound and mesmerizing water-themed visuals are setting the stage for a standout summer, establishing the track as the new standard for seductive summer anthems. With its infectious beat and alluring melody, “Like Water” has been embraced by jazz radio stations and mainstream platforms alike. Renowned for her ability to captivate audiences with her smooth vocals and provocative lyrics, Tanya Nolan continues to push boundaries and create buzz-worthy moments. “With ‘Like Water,’ we wanted to create something that would really grab people’s attention and leave a lasting impression,” says Nolan. “The song and video are both visually stunning and musically compelling, blending sensuality and sophistication.” https://youtu.be/DELapj7GOqM Rachel Lindsay, former star of “The Bachelorette,” has been ordered to pay her ex-husband, Bryan Abasolo, $13,000 a month in alimony. Lindsay previously offered Abasolo $10,000 a month, but he turned it down and requested $16,000 instead, InTouch reports. Abosolo and Lindsay, 39, appeared on season 13 of “The Bachelorette” in 2017. They wed in 2020 and Abasolo filed for divorce earlier this year, seeking monthly spousal support. RadarOnline reported in May that Lindsay urged the court to seal specific sections of Bryan’s support motion. Abasolo, a 44-year-old chiropractor, argued that he needed the financial support to move out of their shared home. Amid the divorce proceeding, he continued living with his ex at their home in Los Angeles, where Lindsay pays most of the bills. According to Radar, Bryan declared in his court filing, “Neither of us wants to continue to live together.” https://youtu.be/9FMo9dAiHcw Toni Braxton and Cedric the Entertainer have extended their co-headlining Las Vegas residency, “Love & Laughter,” with additional dates. Braxton and Cedric added seven new shows at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Rated RnB reports. The original dates sold out and ran from April 27 through July 13. The new shows begin Aug. 9 through Dec. 21. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster. “Comedy and song have been at the heart of the human communal experience since the beginning of time, and we are thrilled to join on stage to bring that experience to the Cosmopolitan,” Braxton and Cedric said in a joint statement. “We could all use a little more love and laughter in our lives.” In related news, Aug. 9 is also the season premiere of “The Braxtons” on We TV. As we reported earlier, each hour-long episode will feature Toni, Towanda, Trina, Tamar, and Ms. Evelyn Braxton on an emotional rollercoaster of love, loss, triumph, heartbreak, and healing. Here’s the official synopsis: In this new series, the fierce Braxton women reunite for the first time since the loss of their beloved sister, Traci, offering viewers a raw and unfiltered look at the family’s highs and lows across eight captivating episodes. Toni, Towanda, Trina, Tamar and Ms. E navigate careers, health challenges and busy personal lives while growing their family bond. Toni faces a critical health challenge as she prepares for her Vegas comeback. Trina starts therapy for PTSD. Towanda battles alopecia. Tamar focuses on her wellness journey. And Ms. E’s cooking show dream is becoming a reality. However, the family reuniting continues to bring up questions and unresolved issues. Will Traci’s last wish be enough for the family to be close again, as they once were? Bronny James, eldest son of LeBron James, recently won the Call of Duty Two Minute Drill during the NBA Summer League. According to Hip Hop DX, Bronny clinched an 84-83 victory over Charlotte Hornets forward Grant Williams while playing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III in the second annual event. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/2HpaH1TiXXc?feature=share He narrowly edged out Williams and Detroit Pistons’ Bobi Klintman, who finished third with 77 points. Bronny, a Los Angeles Lakers draft pick, earned a $10,000 prize and a custom-made championship belt. Check out the highlights via the clips. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Y81ENdW0hag?feature=share The event featured over 60 NBA players, including Paul George of the Philadelphia 76ers, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Trey Murphy of the New Orleans Pelicans. According to Hip Hop DX, the young athletes also got a sneak peek at the upcoming Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, which drops on October 6. https://youtu.be/oyZY_BiTmd8 Joe ‘Jellybean’ Bryant, a former NBA player and father of the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant, has passed away at the age of 69. His death was reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer on Tuesday, and it was revealed that he recently suffered a massive stroke, according to LaSalle head coach Fran Dunphy. Bryant, a towering 6-foot-9 forward, made his mark in basketball history both as a player and a coach. His college career began at LaSalle University, where he played from 1973 to 1975. He later returned to his alma mater as a member of the coaching staff from 1993 to 1996. The LaSalle men’s basketball team expressed their grief in a heartfelt post on social media, stating, “We are saddened to announce the passing of La Salle basketball great Joe Bryant.” https://youtu.be/u22uQ5CA7Ng Joe Bryant’s legacy is further highlighted by his son’s illustrious career. Kobe Bryant, who passed away tragically in a helicopter crash alongside his daughter Gigi on January 26, 2020, once had a close bond with his father during his formative years at Lower Merion High School. However, their relationship reportedly faced challenges during Kobe’s remarkable career with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he secured five NBA championships and earned numerous accolades, including two NBA Finals MVP awards and a 2008 NBA MVP award. Drafted 14th overall in the 1975 NBA draft by the Golden State Warriors, Joe Bryant’s professional career officially began when his draft rights were sold to the Philadelphia 76ers, his hometown team. Over an eight-season NBA career, he played for the 76ers, the San Diego Clippers, and the Houston Rockets, amassing an average of 8.7 points and four rebounds per game across 606 career games. https://youtu.be/nZ26ANPB9vk In the aftermath of the attempted assassination of former president Donald Trump, we hear of divine intervention; that God’s mercy saved him from a deadly bullet that whizzed by within less than an inch of his head. Our school children haven’t been so lucky. They don’t have the luxury of a Secret Service detail to allay some of their doubts and fears, and to mitigate (“neutralize”) any threats of violence. Yes, mass shootings have occurred in other places as well – churches, supermarkets, workplaces, nightclubs, you name it – but the intent here is to place the focus on the most vulnerable, our school children. Maybe now that an attempted assassination of a top Republican (GOP) presidential candidate in this generation (the last being President Reagan in 1981) will wake the party up to stop courting and coddling the National Rifle Association (NRA). The shooter, Thomas Crooks, employed what’s become the weapon of choice, an AR-15 rifle. A report released July 5, 2024, shows overall that 53% of Americans strongly support banning assault weapons, with 73% somewhat in support. A January 2023 survey of registered voters who strongly support stricter gun laws revealed that Democrats lead the charge at 73% while Republicans lag at 17%. Will the GOP numbers climb as Trump promises a message of unity at the Republican National Convention (RNC) following his ordeal, or will he continue his lies and rants of hatred and vengeance? The judge overseeing the ongoing racketeering and gang prosecution involving Young Thug in Atlanta has been removed from the case following recusal motions filed by two defendants. The motions cited a meeting between the judge, prosecutors, and a state witness as grounds for seeking his removal, Court TV reports. We reported earlier, citing Hip Hop DX, that Fulton County Judge Ural Glanville sparred with Thug’s attorney, Brian Steel, over the constitutionality of a meeting with witness Kenneth Copeland. The heated exchange resulted in Glanville agreeing to release the transcripts from the meeting with the prosecutors. Steel filed a motion to dismiss Glanville from the trial, claiming he had an “unlawful, improper ex parte meeting” with Copeland. The attorney also noted that he and his client received no notice of the meeting. https://youtu.be/70d_UC4hUnc ”I’m going to quote, Rhodessa Jones, ‘art is the parachute that might save us all.'” Oscar-nominated actor Domingo Colman is the star of the new hope-provoking film Sing Sing, based on a true story about prison rehabilitation through the arts. In a chat with us, Colman and powerhouse newcomerClarence Maclin opened up about the accessibility and power of the arts. “I think we need to find expressions to find our empathy, to find the way we express our feelings, what’s inside, tell story. All of that is part of being human. And we need that, we need those tools,” said Coleman. Maclin being a former prisoner himself once said ‘my dream is to give back to the community I once damaged.’ “I do believe that is the path to wanting to build communities better,” said theSing Sing breakout star Maclin. “That may mean getting on stage or in front of cameras and depicting characters that are doing that.” The story surrounds a rotation of prisoners vying to play various characters through the RTA (Rehabilitation Through the Arts). Through the program, they tap into emotions and learn to cope with existential circumstances. ‘Sing Sing,’ a double entendre, is an existent correctional facility in Ossining, NY. Its namesake takes viewers on an emotional journey through performative drama and the mental distress of its prisoners. To learn more about RTA and what it’s doing for people in the prison system, visit rta-arts.org. Watch the entire conversation with Domingo Colman and Clarence Maclin. The film has been released in select theaters in New York and Los Angeles. https://youtu.be/j3dXc6P3zH8 President Joe Biden plans to propose a 5% cap on annual rent increases for tenants of landlords to address housing affordability. According to The Associated Press, the proposal, set to be unveiled during his visit to Nevada, comes amidst rising housing costs contributing to inflation. However, its enactment hinges on Democratic control of Congress, with many policymakers advocating for increased construction and regulatory changes as more effective solutions to curb housing expenses. During Thursday’s NATO news conference, Biden attributed inflation to companies seeking to maximize profits following the pandemic. “It’s time things get back in order a little bit,” Biden said. “If I’m reelected, we’re going to make sure that rents are kept at 5% increase.” The proposal would target landlords who own 50 or more units, excluding units not yet constructed from the rent increase cap. https://youtu.be/Exza1UYxXXM Forbes removed an opinion piece speculating on how an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump might affect his appeal to Black voters. The article, penned by USC professor Shaun Harper, carried the headline: “Will Surviving Gunfire Be Donald Trump’s Next Appeal To Black Voters?” Harper, a so-called DEI expert, suggested that Black Americans, being statistically more likely to experience gun violence, might empathize with Trump following he assassination attempt. As TMZ reports, taking a would-be position by Trump, he wrote, “‘And the Blacks, they love me because they know the terrifying sound of gunshots,’ isn’t that something Trump has ‘actually’ said. Hopefully, he doesn’t. But it isn’t all that unthinkable.” Harper also suggested Trump pumped his fist in the air after being hit by the bullet as a “Black Power Salute.” He also claimed the Black population embraced Trump’s mug shot. Lifetime released the trailer on Monday for the hotly anticipated biopic about beloved television personality Miss Cleo. “Miss Cleo: Her Rise and Fall,” starring Robin “The Lady of Rage” Allen, premieres Saturday, August 10, at 8/7c, followed by the documentary “Call Me Miss Cleo” at 10/9c. According to the news release, directed by Tim Reid, the biopic cast includes Shane Johnson (Power) and Ian Bohen (Yellowstone). https://youtu.be/DZGj5sXjtCI The story centers on single mom Youree Dell Harris, who finds herself“desperate to take care of her family and takes a job at the Psychic Readers Network — only to become one of the network’s most beloved personalities, Miss Cleo,” per the synopsis. “But her challenges don’t end there and when the network faces allegations of fraud and deception, they turn their sights on Miss Cleo. For the first time ever, Miss Cleo’s side of the story will finally be told.” https://youtu.be/kWjGHVGeXc0 Donald Trump has named US Sen. JD Vance as his running mate, further elevating the Ohio Republican who has adopted the former president’s populist agenda after years of pointed criticism of Trump. “After lengthy deliberation and thought, and considering the tremendous talents of many others, I have decided that the person best suited to assume the position of Vice President of the United States is Senator J.D. Vance of the Great State of Ohio,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform. Trump’s selection came on the first day of the Republican National Convention and just two days after he survived an assassination attempt at his campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, over the weekend. Vance, a venture capitalist and the author of the best-selling memoir “Hillbilly Elegy,” was elected to the Senate in 2022 after receiving a boost from Trump in a contentious Republican primary. It was a reversal from just six years earlier. Vance was a key voice in the “Never Trump” movement during the 2016 election and has a well-documented history of opposing the former president publicly. https://youtu.be/-3s4ezgFaUE In Congress, Vance has been a vocal opponent of foreign aid, opposing legislation to send more aid from the US to Ukraine amid Russia’s war. In addition to his MAGA credentials, Vance also brings ties to traditionally liberal-leaning Silicon Valley to the presidential ticket. He recently helped organize a fundraiser for Trump in San Francisco hosted by prominent tech venture capitalists David Sacks and Chamath Palihapitiya. https://youtu.be/_t0bhqHUdFg Nene Leakes wasn’t surprised by Kenya Moore’s exit from “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.” “I don’t know if I was surprised. I know that, over the years, Kenya has always pushed the envelope a little bit,” Leaks told E! News in an interview published on July 12. We reported earlier that Moore will not return to “Real Housewives of Atlanta” Season 16 after being indefinitely sidelined for reportedly revealing sexually explicit posters of newcomer Brittany Eady.The suspension follows an explosive incident at Moore’s Hair Spa’s grand opening, per ATLien of StraightfromtheA.com. The grand opening event turned controversial when Moore allegedly displayed a “revenge porn” image of Eady. The incident quickly went viral, drawing significant backlash and concern. In response to the uproar, Bravo executives shut down the filming at the hair salon and convened an emergency meeting to address the situation. Following an “internal investigation,” the network suspended Moore indefinitely from participating in the show. Mississippi Representative Bennie Thompson, a senior member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, proposed a bill in mid-April to remove Secret Service protection for convicted felons. As Newsweek reports, this legislation, supported by several Democratic lawmakers, has drawn criticism from Donald Trump’s supporters, especially following the recent attempt on Trump’s life. According to a source from Thompson’s office, the bill targets anyone sentenced for a felony who would otherwise receive Secret Service protection. “Nobody should have special treatment, and that happens to include the former president,” the insider said in April. On May 30, the former president was found guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records in his hush money trial. His sentencing was set to occur last week but will likely happen in mid-September. https://youtu.be/2SDlXvcFmLc Amber Rose remains unfazed by progressive criticism for supporting Donald Trump. On a recent episode of The Right View, Rose explained to host Lara Trump why she went public with her support for the former president. “I was honestly fed up,” she said, Hip Hop DX reports. “I’ve been feeling like this for a long time and I was tired of being politically correct, as far as being in the entertainment business.” Rose noted that Trump “is the epitome of an alpha male.” “He’s there to protect, provide, make sure that the citizens of the U.S. are in a good economy, protecting us. Y’know, I feel protected by Donald Trump — that’s why I wanted to come out and publicly endorse him,” she added. https://youtu.be/C-qOItGjh9M Paramount+ announced today the legendary cast for the first-ever RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE GLOBAL ALL STARS, which begins streaming exclusively on the service on Friday, August 16 with two all-new episodes. The series features host RuPaul Charles leading the panel of judges, alongside resident judge Michelle Visage and choreographer Jamal Sims, as well as rotating stars from across the international franchise, according to the news release. “The world is not ready for RuPaul’s Drag Race Global All Stars,” said eight-time Emmy® Award-winning Host and Executive Producer RuPaul. “Twelve queens representing their home countries raises the stakes to a whole new level. Plus, the international mix of charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent will, pardon my French, blow your f***ing minds.” Per the release, “In celebration of the new global version of the iconic franchise, MTV, home of the flagship series, and World of Wonder have partnered with All Out – an international organization that fights for LGBTQ+ rights around the world – making a $100,000 donation to start the new fund. To find out more and make a donation, look for the “Drag Saves the World” QR code at the end of every episode.” “We are thrilled to collaborate with RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE GLOBAL ALL STARSon the ‘Drag Saves the World’ fund,” said Matt Beard, Executive Director of All Out. “This partnership is not only a celebration of drag culture; it’s also a powerful statement of love, solidarity and support for LGBTQ+ people around the world who are facing violence and bigotry. The funds raised will directly transform and protect lives, supporting safe houses, evacuation, emergency support and more to those bravely defending human rights in the most challenging environments. Together, we can ensure that everyone, regardless of who they are or who they love, can live with dignity, safety, and pride.” https://youtu.be/MhQGoNHE71o You have several options when deciding when to start taking Social Security. You can begin as early as age 62, wait a few years for larger checks, or delay until age 70 to maximize your monthly payments. As Yahoo Finance reports, two of the most common ages for claiming Social Security benefits are 62 and 67. For those born in 1960 or later, 67 is the full retirement age, where you’ll receive 100% of your benefit based on your work history. Per Yahoo Finance, “Claiming benefits at age 62 will result in smaller monthly payments, but it can also make earlier retirement more manageable,” the outlet writes, adding, “One of the simplest, most effective ways to dramatically boost your retirement income is to delay claiming Social Security. Filing early will result in smaller checks, while delaying could boost your payments by hundreds of dollars per month.” “Most people should wait as long as possible to file for benefits, but it’s particularly important for the higher earner in a couple to delay, since that’s the benefit that determines what the survivor gets,” said Liz Weston, certified financial planner (CFP) and author of “The 10 Commandments of Money,”Forbes reports. “Starting early is a common timing mistake, especially if you think you won’t live beyond the break-even age where the larger checks for waiting more than offset the smaller checks you passed up,” said Weston. https://youtu.be/O3tMi0egVZE Tory Lanez may have another chance to appeal his conviction in the Megan Thee Stallion shooting case. According to ‘The Neighborhood Talk, Lanez, whose legal name is Daystar Peterson, submitted his appeal to the California Court of Appeals on July 2. The court approved his request for “relevant evidence,” acknowledging “good reason” for its review, ENSTARZ reports. “The court has read and considered Petitioner Daystar Peterson’s June 21, 2024 motion for relevant evidence brought pursuant to penal code section 745, subdivision (d), and the people’s June 26, 2024 opposition to Peterson’s motion for discovery,” the legal filing states. “Good reason appearing, the motion for discovery will be considered together with Peterson’s pending petition for writ of habeas corpus filed on December 12, 2023,” the document concludes. As we reported earlier, Lanez was sentenced to 10 years in August 2023 after he was found guilty of shooting rapper Megan Thee Stallion in the feet during an argument after a party at Kylie Jenner’s home in Los Angeles in 2020. Candace Owens clapped back at Eminem after he dissed her on two separate tracks off his latest album, “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce).” As Complex reports, on “Lucifer,” Em calls Owens a “tramp” and slams her for supporting former president Donald Trump and promoting Kanye West’s “White Lives Matter” apparel. In a separate track titled “Bad One,” Eminem accuses Owens of turning her back on the Black community. He raps: Yeah, this whole sub-genre with all these corny white rappers, I’m not a fan of it / It ain’t my fault, but like sock puppets, I had a hand in it / This thousand bucks in my hand is just like what Candace did / When she turned her back on her own race ’cause I have abandoned it. Owens responded to the tracks during her YouTube show Candance Live, calling Em a “struggling internally gay man.” “First thing I want to say is Eminem is obviously a gay man,” said Owens at the 4:09 mark. “It’s very sad that Eminem cleaned out his closet but never came out of his closet.” https://youtu.be/rkdLQ7HLLuU “He’s actually recycling things that Black women have said about me on the internet. He’s pretending this is original [by] calling me ‘Klandis,’ it’s not,” she continued. “You’re the one that’s actually cosplaying a race that you aren’t. You’re desperate for Black Americans to pick up your tracks because you abandoned the audience of a lot of people who were listening to your music.” Owens also called the hip-hop star an “out of touch elitist.” “This is just not the way for someone’s career to go down the drain and I want us all to do our part to help make Eminem relevant again, at the very least. And he can be relevant just by me speaking about him,” she said. While speaking to TMZ Live, Candace said Eminen “cemented himself as a lame person.” https://youtu.be/7QqYC0HjyQc "Shining Bright" in The Gospel Spotlight is Karen Clark Sheard with a new single "Yes." Also, Karen Clark Sheard drops new album August 23rd "Still Karen." https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=OgHC5Vzf-8A&list=OLAK5uy_mCkI9l2qBsRnFgY-wxPxl_wjke-VBH0w8 Fifteen former and active NFL players from the iconic performance group The Players Choir captivated audiences in a series of performances and appearances during the 30th Annual ESSENCE Festival of Culture. Sponsored by Febreze, The Players Choir was a crowd favorite during their ESSENCE main stage ‘Sunday service’ performance, which entertained festival goers through spirited musical selections of “All in His Hands,” “Who’s on the Lord’s Side,” “ It’s Time” and “Lovely Day.” “The members of the Players Choir were honored to join Febreze to celebrate Black women and Black excellence during the 30th Anniversary of the Essence Festival of Culture,” said Bryan Scott, Walter Payton Man of the Year (2012) and former defensive back with the Buffalo Bills, Atlanta Falcons, and New Orleans Saints. “The energy from the crowd was electric, and we appreciate so many people waking up early on a Sunday morning to come and praise the Lord with us. It was the perfect way to close out an incredible weekend of fellowship.” Earlier in the weekend, the Players Choir joined National Urban League President Marc H. Morial at the NUL 5th Annual Women in Harmony Luncheon. The choir serenaded the event honorees Faith Jenkins, Tracey Edmonds, Bevy Smith, and Lisa Price in celebration of their esteemed careers and significant contributions to the community. Black Writers Weekend Film Fest is a vibrant event showcasing live table reads, audio stories, monologues, and screenings of short films and documentaries. Its goal is to share diverse stories and experiences from new and emerging filmmakers and screenwriters, fostering a community of creativity and inclusion. We have LaJill Hunt. Tressa Azarel Smallwood, Shaquita Smith, Ty Johnston-Chavis and Tailiah Breon among the talent in the film space to grace the stage and share their insights, experiences, and expertise in a captivating panel discussion you won't want to miss. Black Writers Weekend is a one-of-a-kind gathering that connects you intimately with beloved authors, esteemed screenwriters, and luminaries from the worlds of film and TV. Dive into a dynamic Lit Crawl, navigating through a myriad of events brimming with live discussions, readings, movie viewings, and social gatherings. Connect with influential artists during Black August and leave inspired! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFnw4OS8wHE&t=1s The Gospel Music Association is pleased to announce Tauren Wells returning as host and performer for the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards for his second consecutive year. The GMA Dove Awards will happen live and in person on October 1, 2024 at the Allen Arena in Nashville, TN. Sandra “Pepa” Denton, one-half of the legendary rap group Salt-N-Pepa, experienced a distressing delay in her travel plans this morning in Las Vegas. The celebrated hip-hop artist found herself at odds with Southwest Airlines crew members who deemed her a safety risk, leading to her removal from a flight she frequently takes to Nashville. Pepa’s issues stem from a significant knee injury incurred in a 2018 car accident. To manage her condition, she had purchased two seats and arranged for wheelchair assistance via a paid greeter. Upon taking her seat, Pepa was approached by a flight attendant who asserted she could not occupy both seats since she was not in a cast. Despite wearing a knee brace due to her injury, it took some discussion before the attendant finally conceded and allowed her to retain the two seats she had bought. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-07-15-071524-pepa-southwest-airlines-1864297-574/ Beverly Hill, 90210” star Shannen Doherty died Saturday at 53 after a long battle with breast cancer. “It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty. On Saturday, July 13, she lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease,” Doherty’s longtime publicist Leslie Sloane confirmed in a statement, PEOPLE reports. “The devoted daughter, sister, aunt and friend was surrounded by her loved ones as well as her dog, Bowie. The family asks for their privacy at this time so they can grieve in peace,” Sloane continued. Shannon was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, which ultimately spread to her bones. After reports of her passing, several of Doherty’s co-stars from “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “Charmed” paid tribute to the actress on social media. https://www.instagram.com/p/C9aESL4pyKz/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=0b5583df-46fd-4d78-8962-7d55d48f1f85 Black celebrities such as Colman Domingo and Kyla Pratt went viral last week for singing “Before I Let Go” on the Delta flight headed to New Orleans for the 2024 Essence Music Festival. According to essence.com, some of the celebrities included Amber Riley, Ava DuVernay (who was filming), Aisha Hinds, and comedian Affion Crockett. On social media, users called it “the real Soul Plane.” On Instagram, one person wrote under The YGF’s video of the flight, “We always bring the magic…Love my people” Another IG user added, “They jamming with that old school LOVE.” https://www.instagram.com/theybf_daily/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=17cada17-bc7f-4577-bb1f-2d24cac6d20a Donald Glover teamed up with TikTok star Jordan Howlett to humorously highlight their resemblance. Howlett is renowned for his “fast food secrets club” posts, telling viewers to “Come here” before zooming in and revealing the ingredients and recipes of popular foods from major food corporations. https://www.tiktok.com/@jordan_the_stallion8/video/7389683434790128942?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fdonald-glover-teams-with-jordan-howlett-for-lookalike-laughs%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121442748%2C121439635%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7389683434790128942 Fans noticed he looks like Method Man and Childish Gambino (AKA Glover). Glover seems to agree, as he collaborated with Jordan on a fun video that sees him assuming Howlett’s signature pose in front of the mirror and saying, “Come here,” before stating, “Look, I’ve been hearing a lot about me and Jordan looking alike.” “I understand we’re both very handsome people,” Glover continued before Howlett appeared, wearing the same outfit as Glover. “Maybe one of us is more handsome than the other, but it’s really—” “No. Okay I am not doing this,” Howlett interjects. “I’m not doing this Donald. Everybody knows I wear eggshell and black on Saturdays. Why are you wearing this?” https://www.tiktok.com/@jordan_the_stallion8/video/7388609568785354027?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fdonald-glover-teams-with-jordan-howlett-for-lookalike-laughs%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121442748%2C121439635%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7388609568785354027 Love him or hate him, Stephen A. Smith has no problem being real about whatever he speaks about. As a result, it’s open season for any NBA player, including the great LeBron James. While he maintains a good relationship with many NBA playmakers, Smith admits his relationship with the Los Angeles Lakers standout can’t be put in that category, according to Fadeawayworld. net. Yes, LeBron stands tall in other areas, but it’s the game of basketball that Smith focuses on when assessing his biggest issue with the King. “LeBron, I don’t have the greatest relationship with LeBron James,” the 56-year-old ESPN sports analyst confessed recently on “The OGs Show.” “I don’t give a damn about not having the greatest relationship with LeBron James, but I know he’s great. “I know he’s a great father, a great family man, a great basketball ambassador, a great role model,” he continued. “I want him to get an ownership stake in the new Las Vegas franchise if the NBA decides to do an expansion franchise. I want all of that. Jay Ellis, famed for his role on the hit TV series “Insecure,” has recently become a proud father of two. The 40-year-old actor and his wife, Nina Senicar, joyfully announced the birth of their second child, a baby boy named Noa Gray Ellis, via an Instagram post on Saturday, July 13. Ellis shared a touching photograph of the family holding their new addition with the caption, “Noa Gray Ellis 7.11.24.” Senicar echoed her husband’s excitement by posting the same image alongside the heartfelt caption, “Wow, we have a son! 🤯.” The couple, who already has a 3-year-old daughter named Nora Grace, couldn’t contain their happiness as they introduced Noa to the world, reports People. Friends and fellow celebrities flooded their announcement posts with love and congratulations. Among them were several castmates from Ellis’ “Insecure” days, including Yvonne Orji and Natasha Rothwell. Rothwell humorously commented, “Aunt Tasha reporting for duty,” while Orji expressed her delight over the birth date, writing, “On 7/11!!!! We love it!” The joyous news reached beyond the “Insecure” family, attracting well-wishes from notable names like “Abbott Elementary” creator and star Quinta Brunson and WNBA legend Sue Bird.: “Aww congrats yall ❤️,” Brunson commented under the photo. https://www.instagram.com/p/C9YG4cCyyra/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=baeaefd5-2d3a-418e-adf3-edd971b598d7 Although the world would be a sadder place without Eddie Murphy, his fans could take comfort knowing he already has a song in mind to soundtrack his homegoing (which he doesn’t plan to have). People reports Murphy jokingly revealed his tune of choice during an interview with reporter Kevin McCarthy that was recently posted to Instagram. So what is it? The theme song to his classic ’80s blockbuster “Beverly Hills Cop,” “Axel F,” of course. As the chat progressed, Murphy confessed that he actually didn’t want a funeral so much as having music from one of his most successful projects playing to make people “smile.” https://youtu.be/O7CaEWR_Kdk Ever the comedian, Murphy reenacted his own acapella version of the theme as he touched on how it should be played as he’s buried. “That’s just a joke, ’cause I’m never having a funeral,” the “Mr. Church” star shared, later clarifying, “I mean, I’m gonna die like everyone else. But [my loved ones] know…no funeral. Just let me go quietly.” Murphy’s comments come as he promotes his latest feature. “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.” The fourth installment in the action-comedy franchise, which is currently streaming on Netflix after its July 3 release, finds the “Coming To America” fixture reprising his role as Axel Foley, a cop who returns to Beverly Hills after his daughter’s life is threatened. https://www.instagram.com/kevinmccarthytv/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=cc289370-fa99-4841-a69e-a336811cba42 “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” is a welcome option for movie nostalgic move fans who last got their Axel fix with the third film in the “Beverly Hills Cop” series, 1994’s “Beverly Hills Cop III.” since the third film was released.https://youtu.be/HfmiESpmkXA With his success as Axel Foley and his adventures, Murphy found himself fielding questions on how he feels about playing “the Black James Bond.” To those folk, the “Party All The Time” entertainer responded with a solid co-sign of his popular crimefighter. “I don’t have to be some Black James Bond,” Murphy told McCarthy. “I have Axel Foley and he has theme music and everything.” https://youtu.be/ltZ9C2cbJAU Shannen Doherty, a raven-haired actress best known for portraying an impulsive teenager on the TV drama “Beverly Hills, 90210” and a flirty witch in the popular fantasy series “Charmed,” died July 13 in Malibu, Calif. She was 53. The cause was cancer, said her publicist, Leslie Sloane. No other details were immediately available. Ms. Doherty announced in 2015 that she was being treated for breast cancer, which went into remission before returning around 2019, when she began work on a six-episode “90210” reunion. She said in June 2023 that the cancer had spread to her brain, and announced in November that it had spread to her bones. “I’m not done with living,” she told People magazine that month, as she prepared to launch a new podcast discussing her life and career. “I’m not done with loving. I’m not done with creating. I’m not done with hopefully changing things for the better.” Bronny James’ status is pro, and his NBA arrival is official. While some envision SportsCenter highlights with him and his iconic father causing damage together as a unified part of the Los Angeles Lakers, Craig Carton is bringing the honeymoon to an end. For the sports analyst, it’s not Bronny’s presence that’s the problem. It’s the way things went down to bring the athlete to the pros. The Cold Wire notes that while Bronny should have collected a two-way contract after he was taken with the No. 55 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, he got a four-year deal worth almost $8 million, with more than half of that guaranteed. And that, sports fans, is why Carton is not on board with the Lakers’ decision to bring LeBron’s son into the franchise. A situation the sports analyst feels just wasn’t right. On his “The Carton Show,” the radio fixture wasn’t shy when laying out claims about Bronny’s contract not being warranted or needed. In a candid and unsettling essay penned for the New York Times, former Vibe magazine editor Danyel Smith has revealed a harrowing incident involving music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. The incident dates back to 1997 when Combs was set to grace the cover of Vibe in promotion of his album “No Way Out.” According to Smith, when she denied Diddy access to his cover photos prior to the magazine’s release — a refusal rooted in standard Vibe policy — the repercussions were dire. Smith recalls that Combs, accompanied by “two associates,” stormed the Vibe offices, determined to find the cover photos. What ensued was a tense search across various cubicles and offices, with Smith being “shuttled… from office to office” to ensure her safe departure from the building. The situation escalated the following day when Smith alleges she received a threatening call from Diddy. Despite reiterating the magazine’s policies, she claims Combs ominously threatened, “I will see you dead in the trunk of a car.” Not backing down, Smith retorted, demanding he rescind his threat. Instead, Diddy allegedly responded with a “f**k you” curse and a menacing follow-up: “I know where you are right now.” https://youtu.be/u1bintLls-0 As Smith’s essay finds its way into public discourse, it serves as a stark reminder of the powerful positions held by industry giants and the potential abuses that can follow. Her account sheds light on the darker corners of the entertainment world, where threats and intimidation are wielded to maintain control and suppress dissent. In the midst of this, Smith’s courage in recounting her experience stands out, offering a sobering narrative that calls for accountability and change. While the allegations date back nearly three decades, they resonate with the ongoing movements demanding truth and justice within industries long shrouded in silence. As these stories unfold, it becomes increasingly clear how important it is to foster environments of integrity and respect, ensuring that all voices can be heard without fear of retribution. Danyel Smith’s experience, as recounted in her poignant essay, is a powerful testament to the need for such change. https://youtu.be/k35P3vdGiu4 Authorities have identified Thomas Matthew Crooks as the individual responsible for an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trumpduring a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday. The FBI announced that Crooks is now confirmed dead. The 20-year-old was from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. The immediate neutralization of the gunman/Crooks was carried out by the Secret Service on the scene, as stated by their chief of communications, Anthony Guglielmi. Bethel Park is a predominantly white and relatively affluent suburb in the southern outskirts of Pittsburgh. The rally’s location, Butler, is situated approximately an hour’s drive north of Pittsburgh, according to NBC News. Officials are still unclear about Crooks’ motivation for the attack. Pennsylvania voter records show a Thomas Matthew Crooks with the same address and birth date as a registered Republican, but the timing of this registration remains unspecified. https://youtu.be/ZtRbBqKJl8w “It’s my favorite place to perform,” said Grammy Award-winning Country singer/songwriter John Berry who is re-releasing his #1 Billboard Chart-topping single “Your Love Amazes Me” (Star Vista Music). “The people are there (Rams Head on Stage) to hear the music.” John Berry will be performing his hit single “Your Love Amazes Me” at Rams Head on Stage in Annapolis, Maryland Wednesday, July 24, 2024. Penned by Amanda Hunt-Taylor and Chuck Jones, ‘Your Love Amazes Me” was originally released in January 1994 as the third single to the John Berry self-titled album. The single went to #1 on the Billboard Country Chart on May 21st of that same year and became his signature song. The song was inspired by a true story, an experience of Amanda. “It came out 30 years ago,” Berry said when I asked. “We just put it back out there to let them (fans) see what we had.” I saw a recent live performance on YouTube of John Berry singing the “Your Love Amazes Me” single and his vocals were so awesomely tight. https://youtu.be/ab6Qz6O9yBU Close to 30 years since premiering on HBO on July 10, 1999, Chris Rock’s third comedy special “Bigger & Blacker” still has a pulse on what’s going on in the world. Examining the special, Los Angeles Times writer Nate Jackson took note of Rock following up his groundbreaking “Bring the Pain” “looking like Morpheus” from “The Matrix,” All while piercing “the heart of the country with a blade of truth that made us laugh until it hurt — and kept going until the pain felt good. “In an era when comedy specials still felt special because only those in the highest echelon were even allowed to have one, Rock’s follow-up to the groundbreaking “Bring the Pain” was a high-wire act that reminded us that the multi-hyphenate — then at the peak of his celebrity — ultimately values one thing above all else: telling jokes that ring true to Black America, with punchlines that are quotable for anyone with a pulse and sense of humor.” Jackson stated. “On the heels of filming a major movie (“Lethal Weapon IV”) and anchoring hit TV shows (“Saturday Night Live,” “The Chris Rock Show”), Rock could’ve easily played it safe by softening the edges in his act to avoid turning off the mainstream. Instead, he cranked up the volume by doing what every great comic does when faced with controversy — doubling down, Jackson expressed. “With topics such as school shootings, presidential sex scandals, taxes, racism and the big piece of chicken, Rock came ready to mix it up without apology as the stage was his megaphone to pierce “hte heart of the country with a blade of truth that made us laugh until it hurt — and kept going until the pain felt good.” https://youtu.be/-amwAdRjk8k Jacoby Jones, who scored two touchdowns in Super Bowl XLVII for the Baltimore Ravens, has died at the age of 40, according to statements Sunday from the Ravens, the Houston Texans, and the NFL. The Texans, where Jones played five NFL seasons, told CNN that Jones’ family informed the team of the news Sunday morning. No cause of death has been made public. “We are completely heartbroken to learn about the passing of Jacoby Jones,” the Ravens organization said in a statement. “Jacoby had the unique ability to connect with everyone he encountered. His charisma, joy and love created a one-of-a-kind presence that could light up any room or brighten any dark day.” https://youtu.be/1PIdh4Qa80I The Texans said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Jacoby Jones. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.” Jones was a nine-year NFL veteran, playing with the Texans, Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, and the then San Diego Chargers – now the Los Angeles Chargers. “The NFL is heartbroken to hear of the passing of Super Bowl champion Jacoby Jones,” the league said in a post on social media. “Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.” The biggest moments of his professional career came in the 2012 postseason. https://youtu.be/LsaiBtjk0f4 Today, the cost of a stamp is going up for the second time this year, jumping 5 cents for first-class postage to 73 cents. You probably didn’t notice. And truthfully, you may not care. But you should. Most people don’t use mail the way they used to – if they send out mail at all. But the price of postage is a big deal to millions of businesses and organizations that spend most of the $40.8 billion a year spent on mail, including letters, bulk mailings, junk mail and periodicals. And higher prices are making them cut back – and hurting the budget of the US Postal Service and, potentially, its ability to continue its crucial services. That includes everything from delivering online purchases to life-saving prescription drugs. And this year, tens of millions of voters will cast their ballots in the presidential election by mail. And, most of all, businesses still depend on the mail to help them reach customers and keep the economy going. Postage increases used to be pegged to inflation, usually going up at most once a year. But Sunday will mark the sixth increase in three years, during which first-class stamp increases rose 10 percentage points faster than overall inflation. https://youtu.be/PcfXRhPjuRU Major mailers say hiking prices that quickly will drive them away from the post office, eventually drying up the agency’s budget. “We think they’ve overshot the mark on raising their rates,” said Michael Plunkett, CEO of the Association for Postal Commerce, which represents companies in the mailing and shipping industry. “These rate increases aren’t generating much additional revenue because it’s driving volume out of the system that is likely never to return.” The price of a first-class stamp reached 10 cents in 1974, just before the 200th anniversary of the service. As recently as 2002 it stood at 34 cents, or half of today’s price ahead of Sunday’s increase. So if raising the prices of stamps could ultimately endanger the postal service, why does the USPS keep hiking the costs to mail a letter? The short answer is because the agency needs money – badly. The long answer is more complicated. https://youtu.be/fc5RGHVJ4eI TV One's "UNCENSORED" explores the lives of some of today’s most notable personalities as they provide first-hand accounts of their success and the obstacles they faced throughout their careers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pH6dUtA54N8 This week's episode highlights LeToya Luckett. She gets uncensored as she discusses her rise from girl group stardom to solo success, including her chart-topping albums, acting in hit television series and the joys of motherhood. Don’t miss the all-new episode this Sunday, July 14 at 9 PM ET / 8 PM C only on TV One. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BR7WEUxkbFI Popular docu-series “Raising Fame” takes center stage this Sunday, July 14 at 10 PM ET / 9 PM C on TV One. Hosted by celebrity moms Lucille O’Neal (mom of Shaquille O’Neal) and Sonya Curry (mom of Stephen, Seth, and Sydel Curry). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91UbF_d2tnw “Raising Fame” delves beyond the glitz and glamour to provide a unique perspective in the words of both the parents and celebrated children themselves. The son of successful parents, Chance the Rapper broke with parental expectations to leave school and become a superstar while still in his teens, rejecting traditional record companies and winning his whole family over to the rising “Chance machine.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZwYUhRDlGw Richard Simmons, the perennial 1980s workout personality who was defined by his uplifting spirit, has died, according to his longtime publicist Tom Estey. Estey said Simmons died early on Saturday morning. He had celebrated his 76th birthday the day before. “We lost an Angel today – a true Angel,” Estey added. CNN has reached out to the Los Angeles Police Department, Fire Department, and LA County Medical Examiner for additional details. From 1980 to 1984, Simmons hosted the “Richard Simmons Show,” which had a focus on personal health and fitness. The program won four Daytime Emmys. Simmons was also well known for his aerobic exercise videos, including 1988’s “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” and its subsequent installments in 1990 and 1991. From there, and thanks to his unflappable smile and playful personality, Simmons was able to leverage his early stardom into regular appearances on all manner of TV shows, from “The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson” to several game shows including “Match Game” and “The New Hollywood Squares.” He was a late-night fixture throughout the ’90s and aughts on shows hosted by Jay Leno and David Letterman. In 2003, Simmons told CNN that his experience as an overweight child eventually put him on a path toward fitness. “By the time I was 8 years old, I was 200 pounds,” he said at the time. “Uniforms couldn’t fit. My father would sew inserts under my arms and in my legs.” Simmons was also well known for his aerobic exercise videos, including 1988’s “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” and its subsequent installments in 1990 and 1991. From there, and thanks to his unflappable smile and playful personality, Simmons was able to leverage his early stardom into regular appearances on all manner of TV shows, from “The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson” to several game shows including “Match Game” and “The New Hollywood Squares.” He was a late-night fixture throughout the ’90s and aughts on shows hosted by Jay Leno and David Letterman. https://youtu.be/8HTmlfuZAgQ Actress and singer Sheryl Lee Ralph is basking in the joy of seeing her son, Etienne Maurice, marry ABC News journalist Stephanie Wash in a beautiful ceremony set against the stunning backdrop of Jamaica.The “Abbott Elementary” star shared her heartfelt emotions with People, expressing her elation over her son’s union with Wash, whom she describes as a smart and beautiful partner. https://youtu.be/9kytLiivQD4 “I am so blessed and happy to see my son find and marry such a smart and beautiful partner who has added so much to his life,” Ralph remarked. “It fills my heart with overwhelming joy and happiness. It is as if all the love and good vibes in the world have come together in this spectacular moment, blessing their union with boundless hope and endless possibilities. And grandchildren too!” The couple got engaged in the summer of 2023 and chose to marry on July 6 in the lush surroundings of the Good Hope Estate, embracing a tropical, bohemian ambiance meticulously designed by Shikima Hinds and Krafted by Design. Despite Hurricane Beryl’s looming presence, the wedding went ahead as planned, a testament to the resilience and dedication of the couple and their loved ones, People reports. https://www.instagram.com/walkgoodetienne/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=582a5e4b-4c3a-4b58-980e-132fec9028ba An old sex tape featuring Kevin Hart is generating new headlines via a lawsuit brought on by a former ally. Jonathan “J.T.” Jackson is suing the “Ride Along” star for breach of contract, fraud, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Jackson is seeking at least $12 million in damages. At the center of Jackson’s suit is the wording used during a video post shared online to address his sex tape scandal. The lawsuit noted that despite how it may have seemed, Hart’s speaking on the controversy was not spontaneous. Instead, the suit said Hart mentioning the situation was planned to “publicly exonerate” Jackson from the entire ordeal. However, Hart allegedly deviated from the “specific verbiage” he agreed to use, leaving Jackson’s career and reputation soured, theJasmineBrand, mentioned. News of Jackson’s lawsuit comes years after video footage capturing the married entertainer engaging in sexual activities with model Montia Sabbag hit the internet. At the time, Hart’s wife, Eniko Parrish, was pregnant when the episode occurred. https://www.instagram.com/p/C9V7QjOPMqv/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=eafce5fa-72af-46eb-92cd-3d7d76248fcb Meagan Good wants to set the record straight about a video that a lot of people interpret as Michael Ealy dissing her man Jonathan Majors. The actress called out a viral clip of Ealy, her “Think Like a Man” costar, seemingly ignoring her boyfriend, Jonathan Majors. In the clip originally posted by the Instagram account NitecastMedia, Ealy gives Good a huge hug, lifting her off the ground in the process, and then greets rapper D Smoke and his wife, seemingly giving Majors the cold shoulder as he stands unacknowledged at the PowerPlayers Mix & Mingle event in Los Angeles on Wednesday. The Shade Room shared the footage, garnering over 250,000 likes, and the video garnered over 15 million additional views on X/Twitter. As the clip went viral, users speculated that Ealy’s apparent snubbing of Majors was an intentional rebuke of the actor, who was convicted of assault and harassment in December after a highly publicized domestic dispute with his then-girlfriend. In addition to “Think Like A Man,” Good and Ealy have shared the screen before, starring together in the 2019 psychological thriller “The Intruder.” Their on-screen chemistry and long-standing friendship made the viral clip (watch it below) all the more surprising to fans, prompting immediate speculation about the dynamics at play. https://www.instagram.com/nitecastmedia/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=10375b3d-ab45-41fb-9b3b-8f008c0839db However, in her response to The Shade Room’s post, Good insisted that Majors and Ealy greeted each other immediately before the viral footage began. “So we’re just gonna edit out the first part of the video where Jonathan and Micheal exchange a big hug first and then speak life over each other — ‘before’ he gives me a big brother hug?” she wrote. Good adds: “Lol smh super unfortunate how people don’t have anything better to do than project on others and intentionally perpetuate negative misguided commentary on life snippets they have no real context to. It’s sad. Sigh. But still, God bless y’all.” Some users also noted that at the very beginning of the clip, Ealy does appear to be exiting an embrace with Majors, though it happens so subtly and quickly that it’s not entirely clear, EW.com noted in its coverage. https://youtu.be/pCUac6i6QSY Blair Underwood stars as FBI Agent Carter in the eerie “Longlegs.” And what a comeuppance from the first time I interviewed him. It was for “Just Cause.” Underwood’s character (Bobby Earl Ferguson) in that film was in prison for rape and murder. Ferguson’s lawyer was Paul Armstrong (Sean Connery). Nicolas Cage’s role as a satanic serial killer in “Longlegs” is also juxtaposed to a prior performance. In one of the most moving romantic movies ever made, Cage stars as an angel. In “City of Angels,” Cage falls in love with a mortal (Meg Ryan). Although his first time dipping into the horror genre, Underwood is relishing every drop of blood and the terror that comes with it. “Longlegs” has the extra added appeal of the supernatural and the occult. The satanic elements had Underwood praying hard before, on, and after he left the set. I, like, Underwood, believe unseen forces and elements are inhabiting this universe. And let us not forget the other side of the horror spectrum. “Longlegs” legacy director Osgood Perkins’ father is Anthony Perkins. Both Anthony and Janet Leigh (mother of scream queen Jamie Lee Curtis) starred in Alfred Hickock’s much-touted “Psycho.” Osgood calls “Longlegs” a movie with “many veils.” He points out that even Agent Harker (Maika Monroe), who works closely with Agent Carter, might be entwined with Longlegs. https://youtu.be/OG7wOTE8NhE Former President Donald Trump has provided a harrowing account of anassassination attempt at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in which he said he “felt the bullet ripping through [his] skin.” The presumptive Republican presidential nominee, aged 78, shared his first statement since the attack after being transported to a local hospital. “I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear,” Trump said in a statement issued via his Truth Social page. He added: “I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, and shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening.” Initial reports from the rally were chaotic and conflicting, with some suggesting that Trump had been struck by glass rather than a bullet. However, Trump’s detailed account has clarified the severity of the incident. https://youtu.be/rWcAm9z4HBE “I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania,” Trump wrote. He also expressed deep condolences to the family of the person who was killed at the rally and to the family of another person who was badly injured. “It is incredible that such an act can take place in our country,” he added. https://youtu.be/Hrkhk7Kwzag Trump further noted that nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who was killed on the scene. The dramatic turn of events culminated with Trump falling on stage after the shots rang out, only to rise defiantly with blood streaming down his face. In a moment both tense and defiant, he shouted to his supporters, “Fight! Fight! Fight!” https://youtu.be/l1UGtmVT5u4 In response to the attack, President Joe Biden described the assault as “sick” during remarks on Saturday night. Biden also mentioned that he attempted to call Trump at the hospital, following criticism that the White House’s initial statements had downplayed the severity, merely referring to it as an “incident.” This event has thrown a spotlight on the escalating tensions and volatility surrounding the upcoming election, highlighting the dangerous polarization within the country. https://youtu.be/iYeUO1K5H9A Former President Donald Trump is reportedly “fine” after an alarming incident at his campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday. Shots were fired during the event, leading to a swift response from the Secret Service, who shot and killed a suspected shooter, according to law enforcement officials. A spokesperson for Trump later confirmed, “The former President is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility.” This assurance comes after the dramatic interruption of the rally, which sent waves of panic through the crowd. https://youtu.be/MZyUCxr046Q The U.S. Secret Service has not provided details about the suspected shooter or the type of weapon used in the incident. However, their spokesman, Anthony Guglielmi, addressed the situation on X (formerly known as Twitter), stating, “The Secret Service has implemented protective measures and the former President is safe.” https://youtu.be/i5zkXE5dZ4Q The rally in Butler, a small town in Pennsylvania, was part of Trump’s ongoing efforts to engage with his supporters and maintain his political presence. The unexpected violence underscores the continuing security challenges faced at high-profile political events. As investigations proceed, more information is expected to be released regarding the identity and motives of the suspected shooter. For now, the quick actions of the Secret Service have been credited with ensuring the safety of the former president and rally attendees. https://youtu.be/-C2RyORyX0U Love may be a many splendored thing. But it is taking a mysterious tone with the death of a homeless advocate at the hands of the man she tried to help. Chad Irish, who is wheelchair-bound, is accused of shooting 31-year-oldYazmeen Williams in the head and dumping her body in a trash bag on a sidewalk in Kips Bay on July 5. He is charged with concealment of a corpse. Williams, a known activist in the community, was loved by many, who were not shy in showing Irish personally how they felt about felt her. Sandra Rose noted how news of her death quickly spread through her neighborhood. In addition, the site detailed a viral video that shows Irish catching the wrath of a mob that attacked him on July 1 as he was on a gurney. Despite efforts from medics and police to hold the angry mob back, some men landed punches as Irish was loaded into an ambulance. In addition, police removed the 55-year-old’s wheelchair and dog from his apartment. “Several people from the neighborhood were quite angry with Mr. Irish over this incident and they surrounded him and he produced a pistol and menaced them,” NYPD Chief of Detective Joseph Kenny said on July 2. “He then fled the location back to his apartment, where he was placed under arrest by detectives and patrol.” https://youtu.be/44eF-5JN-4s Hundreds of thousands of southeast Texas residents are entering the sixth day in a row suffering brutal heat without air conditioning and many are scrambling to find cool shelters, food, safe drinking water and health care resources. More than 760,000 power customers in southeast Texas remain without powerafter Hurricane Beryl slammed the Gulf Coast Monday, leaving at least 10 people dead in Texas, two dead in Vermont and one dead in Louisiana. https://youtu.be/Y8cZBM7O99g Hospitals, assisted living facilities, schools, and water treatment plants are scraping for resources after the outages debilitated infrastructure across the region. That has led to mounting frustrations from residents that Houston’s main utility provider – CenterPoint Energy – was not more prepared for the storm and renewed concerns over the state’s power grid. Pregnant Houston resident Jordyn Rush, 32, worries for her health as the intense heat deprives her of sleep and her fridge sits empty while the outage drags on, making life difficult as she prepares to undergo a C-section in 12 days. “It’s been an absolute nightmare,” Rush said. “I’m on the verge of a mental breakdown. At this point, I can’t tell you the last time I was able to get a full night of sleep because it’s so hot. The lack of sleep is definitely wearing on me.” https://youtu.be/4w_vCAJM2xQ Earlier this week on Wednesday, North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson eluded a barrage of reporters while condemning their line of questioning as “pure shameful.” Instead of clarifying or responding to their inquiries, Robinson was hastily escorted into an elevator by his security detail. Robinson’s appearance at the legislature was initially for a ceremony honoring a Craven County police officer. Following the ceremony, reporters seized the opportunity to question him on recent inflammatory comments he made, only to be met with deflection and reprimand. https://youtu.be/bvyPC2yDX3A “You want to come out here and besmirch that lady’s award by coming out here and asking me that silly question?” Robinson retorted. “That’s what you got out of this? There’s your answer. Shameful, that’s what it is. Pure shameful. And you should be ashamed.” The comments drawing scrutiny were made during a speech at Lake Church in White Lake, NC where the Republican gubernatorial nominee declared:“Some folks need killing!” He stressed during the emotionally charged address that this wasn’t about vengeance but necessity. The remarks have since ignited widespread criticism and concern. https://youtu.be/t0SEfq6p6xY Martin Lawrence intends to revive his iconic TV character Martin Payne in collaboration with Marvin Peart’s WonderHill Studios for the hour-long drama series “Young Martin.” Lawrence played the adult version of Martin on the beloved sitcom “Martin” from 1992-1997. The cast reunited earlier at the 75th Emmy Awards in January. According to Deadline, the upcoming new show will follow a teenage Payne who’s “navigating the complexities of transitioning from youth to adulthood” while in Detroit. The premiere date for the drama has not yet been announced. “Out of all the hit shows during the 90’s, there was only one Martin — a show that defined culture and positivity. Martin reflected a real group of friends from our community that wound up on TV screens all over the world,” WonderHill CEO Marvin Peart stated. “I respected and revered Martin Lawrence for creating Martin Payne and what he did for African Americans on television in front and behind the camera,” Marvin continued. “In many ways, he influenced my path in the entertainment industry and it’s an honor to partner with Martin and his younger self and share him with the next generation of fans.” https://youtu.be/wCB8b14Xc-E Late last month, the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) and the Creative Artists Agency (CAA) collaborated to present the exclusive screening of “Luther: Never Too Much.” This special event marked the beginning of the 2024 BET Awards Week in LA, gathering influential figures from the music industry for an unforgettable evening. Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, BMAC’s Co-founder and CEO, opened the screening with an address to the audience praising Luther Vandross and the work BMAC is doing to push the legacy of Black music artists. “One of the missions of the Black Music Coalition, in addition to all of the work that we do, is to ensure that the legacies of Black artists are protected and carried on, so we were honored to partner with the Luther Vandross Foundation.” Directed by Dawn Porter, ‘Luther: Never Too Much’ brings together a compelling narrative of Luther Vandross’ life and legacy through amazing performances and intimate recording sessions. “REVIVAL” by Jules Juda fused all the elements of the American Black Music experience, Gospel, R&B & Hip Hop, was one of the top performing songs at the Inspirational format in 2023, reaching top five and over 1.1 million streams to date. “Revival Remix” ventures into the World Music space with its high energy, Afro-Caribbean influence rhythms, featuring the eccentric Mali Music and the soulful vocal stylings of Tasha Page-Lockhart. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixvXqJcCiHs HE GREATEST POWER by Creflo Dollar is produced by John Elmore and features Stellar Award nominee Lasha Knox (Surrounded). It is an uplifting and encouraging message for every believer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBU9emS3P8A Sarah Boone, a Black woman born in 1832 in Craven County, North Carolina, revolutionized ironing in the 1890s by inventing the modern ironing board. Madame Noire reports that her collapsible, padded design replaced the makeshift methods dressmakers used, making ironing women’s garments easier. Boone’s innovation, which she patented in 1892, marked her as one of the first Black women to receive a patent. Her legacy continues through the widespread use of her invention worldwide. According to mythgyaan.com, Boone was born into slavery and escaped with the help of the underground railroad. The outlet writes, “After marrying James Boone, a free Black man, in 1847, the couple and their family, including Sarah’s widowed mother, managed to escape the oppressive conditions of the South using the Underground Railroad. They settled in New Haven, Connecticut, where they built a new life and contributed to their community. They had eight children.” https://youtu.be/5Eze6625llk In a candid and heartfelt interview on Shannon Sharpe‘s popular podcast “Club Shay Shay,” actressMeagan Good opened up about her tumultuous journey through love, loss, and personal growth. Known for her profound presence in the entertainment industry, Good has experienced significant shifts in both her professional and personal life over the last 30 years. From her early days as a child star in cult classics such as “Eve’s Bayou,” “Cousin Skeeter,” and more to becoming a treasured personality in Black Hollywood, her career trajectory has been nothing short of inspirational. https://www.instagram.com/p/C9QXTVgyL8c/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again However, it was not just her career that evolved; her personal life underwent dramatic transformations as well. In 2012, while working on the set of “Jumping the Broom,” Good began a relationship with pastor and producerDeVon Franklin, who was an executive for the distribution company behind the film. Their love blossomed quickly, leading to a marriage filled with hope and faith. Good recounted the divine guidance she received. “The first thing God told me was that it was time to get out of that relationship. The second thing that God told me was that it was time to be celibate. The third thing God told me was that DeVon was my husband.” https://youtu.be/dXMlaD-kqDs Phaedra Parks is reportedly negotiating a return to “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” following her unexpected firing from the reality series. According to Love B. Scott, “The biggest hangup, we’re told, is Phaedra’s current contract with ‘Married to Medicine.’ As you may have seen, Phaedra appeared alongside Porsha Williams on the ‘Watch What Happens Live!’ 15th anniversary special and their chemistry won over viewers,” the outlet writes, adding, “We’re told the positive reception to the ‘Frick and Frack’ reunion is only adding to the desire for Phaedra’s return.” Parks joined RHOA in season 3 and left the show after season 9. She returned to the franchise for the “Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Ex-Wives Club,” which is streaming on Peacock. The series features former Housewives Taylor Armstrong, Brandi Glanville, Vicki Gunvalson, Tamra Judge, Eva Marcille, Dorinda Medley, and Jill Zarin. Phaedra left RHOA “after Porsha Williams claimed at the season 9 reunion that Phaedra informed her of their co-star, Kandi Burruss’, desire to allegedly drug and seduce Porsha, allegations Kandi has vehemently denied,” per ET Online. Meanwhile, we reported earlier that Porsha and Drew Sidora are returning to “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” for season 16. According to PEOPLE, author/podcast host Brittany Eady, restaurateur and Food Network alum Kelli Ferrell, and Angela Oakley, wife of NBA great Charles Oakley, are also part of the cast next season. https://www.instagram.com/p/C8z7feou6eZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Bronny James‘ entry into the NBA with the LA Lakers has sparked mixed reactions, with Jason Whitlockstating on his podcast that LeBron James manipulated his son’s opportunity. Whitlock suggested that LeBron turned Bronny into a “Make-a-Wish” case, implying he lacks the necessary talent for the NBA. “LeBron James has turned his son into the Make-A-Wish kid. And everybody in the media is going to play along. Everybody is going to play along, like, not everybody, because we’re not. And some,” Whitlock said. “There are a handful of people calling this out, but you’ve turned your son into the Make-A-Wish kid.“ https://youtu.be/RiiaKVSRs3k In the comments of Jason’s post, one X user wrote, “We have a Make-A-Wish president so a basketball player is definitely no big deal. Another added, “It’s a lot of pressure for a kid who may just not be there yet. Lebron is determined to make him “mini-me” instead of let him develop into Bronny. Kinda sad.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1810675271831278023 Gary A. Miles, a 35-year-old man from Southwest Philadelphia, has turned himself in to the authorities after being accused of an indecent act inside a Dollar Tree store. The shocking incident, which quickly went viral, involved Miles allegedly masturbating on a woman’s leg. The incident captured widespread attention, even catching the eye of rapper Meek Mill, who helped escalate the search. Miles surrendered voluntarily to authorities on Wednesday evening, following the release of a viral video by the alleged victim. The video shows Miles fleeing the store immediately following the incident and captures what appears to be semen on the victim’s calf. Initially, store employees had informed the police that Miles was a regular in the area. He was often seen around the shopping plaza and a nearby I-95 underpass,according to CBS News Philadelphia. The release of surveillance camera footage further confirmed these reports, showing a husky Black male wearing a distinctive black t-shirt featuring a candy cane graphic with the phrase “It’s not going to lick itself.” https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-07-10-071024-assault-in-store-1860767-106/ Madame Tussaud Paris unveiled a new wax statue ofBeyoncé, but fans are displeased, criticizing it for whitewashing the singer’s skin color. “🤔😒 I DON’T KNOW WHO THE F–K THIS IS OR SUPPOSED TO BE! But it ain’t MY QUEEN! 🤷🏽♂️🙄🤦🏽♂️🤬 This is a WHITE WOMAN!,” wrote one fan, wrote, Page Six reports, while another added, “Baby that’s Shakira.” “whitewashed and failed to get her features right,” another fan posted. “why is she whiter than taylor swift,” one X/Twitter user commented. “Who is that white women cus that’s not Beyoncé,” another fan asked. Madame Tussaud has not responded to criticism on social media. https://twitter.com/PopBase/status/1808861067776286894/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1808861067776286894%7Ctwgr%5Efba4f08fc62fa6aa9ff6a98f440c191bf6ae684f%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fmadame-tussaud-paris-whitewashes-beyonce-statue%2F The Women Behind The Mic™ book contributors will join the organizers of The International Black Theatre Festival for a two-day, two-hour panel sessions on Thursday, August 1, 2024, and Friday, August 2, 2024, from 11:15 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. in the Hearn B Room at the Winston-Salem Marriott, 425 North Cherry Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, both panels are free and open to the public. After the panel discussion, there will be a Q&A and a book signing. Co-founder and panel moderator LaJoyce Brookshire, along with contributors and panelists Jacqueline Rhinehart, Gwendolyn Quinn, Lynn M. Scott and Alita Carter will share their stories and struggles, along with their triumphs in a male-dominated entertainment industry. These women worked tirelessly behind the scenes to support and create the most iconic artists of all time and the most successful record labels and are often glaringly absent from the stories being told. A man has been charged following the discovery ofYazmeen Williams‘ body wrapped in a sleeping bag in New York City’s Kips Bay area. As TMZ reports, her body was found Friday after a call about a suspicious package on 27th Street between Second and Third avenues. Williams had been shot in the head, and her death was ruled a homicide. Chad Irish, 55, has been charged with concealing her body, with additional charges possible. New surveillance footage reveals a man on a motorized scooter dragging a trash bag resembling the one containing Williams’ body, which was found wrapped in a sleeping bag. Nearby residents alerted the police about the bag, seemingly left on the street for trash pickup. https://youtu.be/sk9d3je_mtk Wayne Brady’s new reality series, “Wayne Brady: The Family Remix,” will take fans inside his blended family. During Disney’s Television Critics Association event in Pasadena, Calif., on Wednesday, July 10, the “Let’s Make a Deal” host said viewers will see a different side of him as he was in the “throes of depression” during filming. “I’m glad that we also caught that on tape,” Brady said,PEOPLE reports. “And I was so in the throes of this, oh, this darkness, this whole thing, that the only way that I felt that I could show up was I needed to be needed. I’ve got to work.” He added, “I can walk on stage and be charming and affable and make you laugh and look in the camera and do my thing,” Brady explained. “But the fact that that guy, and I even say it in the show, ‘I could make millions of people happy, but I would go home, and I feel like a piece of s—, and I couldn’t do that anymore.’ “ “Wayne Brady: The Family Remix” features Brady’s daughter Maile, his ex-wife and business partner Mandie Taketa, and Taketa’s life partner Jason Michael Fordham. https://youtu.be/b3TirCUzgwM Jennifer Allen not having her dream wedding inspired her to help others achieve theirs. She is the founder of “Just Elope,” a Dallas-based “elopement and pop-up wedding specialists” company. If she looks familiar, it’s because she’s served as an officiant at some high-profile weddings, including that of rapper/TV personality Da Brat and entrepreneur Jesseca Dupart as part of their WE reality series “Brat Loves Judy.” She was also featured on Season 3 of Netflix’s hit series “Love Is Blind.” Allen told CNN she and her now-husband Tavarous Allen were young and in a hurry to marry in 2010 before he was deployed in the military. “He said, ‘We should get married before I leave,’ and I was like, ‘What are you talking about?’” she recalled, chuckling at the memory. “I’m like, ‘The only thing that we can do is go to Vegas or go to City Hall. I do not want to get married at City Hall. We cannot afford to go to Vegas, so that’s not an option.’ And so I started looking online to see what I could find.” What she found were no options in between, so the couple ended up getting married at City Hall which she now says was “underwhelming” before her husband shipped out hours later. https://youtu.be/gmyvp_xMTzw Questlove claims the Drake–Kendrick Lamar feud significantly impacted him. During an interview with NPR, he reflected on the Biggie and 2Pac beef back in the day, noting that he had “never seen a battle in which it ends well.” “I was there at the Source Awards when the sh*t really hit the fan in 1995,” he said, Vibe reports. “And I was there in 1997. That was a ‘What now?’ moment for Hip-Hop—Tupac and Biggie, embroiled in a battle. I’ve never seen a battle in which it ends well.” The Roots drummer added, “We’re living in a polarizing time. We’re living in a time right now where World War III can easily break out at any moment. We’re living in a time when civil war can break out at any moment in the United States. We’re living in a time where the uncertainty of something jumping off is just in the air… For me it’s like, I’ve seen this movie before—and I’m triggered. The aftereffect of Tupac and Biggie was just a 30-year travel into darkness.” Elsewhere in the conversation, Questlove retracted his statement that “Hip-Hop is dead,” which he initially made on Instagram during his critique of the Drake-Lamar battle. https://www.instagram.com/p/C6r-nsSOONQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=0ffa0563-995a-48dc-86d8-d9a88001ed53 Meek Mill offered a $2,000 reward for information on a man accused of ejaculating on a woman’s leg at a Dollar Tree store in his Philadelphia hometown on June 23. A video of the incident went viral on July 10, showing the victim shouting at the pervert as he flees the scene. When Meek Mill heard about it, he turned to X/Twitter to ask locals to help find the suspect. https://twitter.com/CollinRugg/status/1811049961385250912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1811110239694975110%7Ctwgr%5E92925a1eb08cc1f204c2d0722d6990cc83d0cb7e%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fmeek-mill-offers-2k-to-find-man-who-ejaculated-on-womans-leg%2F “Let’s play manhunt with him today in Philly some community service,” he wrote, retweeting the video. “I got 2 bands for his lo??? But you gotta connect.” He added, “Just go live with him don’t pursue him,” Meek added. “It gotta actually be you … Philly small people know where this creep ass dude at ghtfoh … we need community protection also!” It seems the perpetrator may have caught wind of the rapper was looking for him and turned himself in on Wednesday night, Complex reports. https://twitter.com/PhillyCrimeUpd/status/1811129909508489216/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1811166768368681450%7Ctwgr%5E92925a1eb08cc1f204c2d0722d6990cc83d0cb7e%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fmeek-mill-offers-2k-to-find-man-who-ejaculated-on-womans-leg%2F Actress Letitia Wright is an executive producer on the new faith-based movie “Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot.” The “Black Panther” star turned to social media recently to distance herself from the film’s conservative partners. As we reported earlier, the movie unpacks the remarkable true story of Bishop Martin and First Lady Donna Martin and their small Bennett Chapel in East Texas. Together with twenty-two families, they took in seventy-seven of the hardest-to-place children from the local foster care system. https://twitter.com/MattWalshBlog/status/1808843622168527188/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1808843622168527188%7Ctwgr%5E937065b8158a0ca8e5d3338d129a4f8efecc4cc8%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fsound-of-hope-ep-letitia-wright-distances-herself-from-promoter%2F Wright said she wasn’t involved in Angel Studios’ (Sound of Freedom) decision to partner with conservative media outlet The Daily Wire for distribution. “To be clear, after we completed the production of this film, Angel Studios were brought on board to handle its distribution and they later partnered with The Daily Wire,” the “Black Panther” star wrote on Instagram, Deadline reports. “That was not my decision, and I was not given an update or made aware of this decision. I am in no way aligned or affiliated with The Daily Wire.” Fringe Leftists are outraged that The Daily Wire is involved with this project. The media company was founded in 2015 by political commentator Ben Shapiro and film director Jeremy Boreing. https://youtu.be/-nyh9tcGFcI Tam’s Burgers, a humble burger joint on Rosecrans Avenue in Compton, has seen an unexpected yet welcomed surge in business following the release of Kendrick Lamar’s latest music video, “Not Like Us,” on July 4. Manager Lauro Hernandez and his son Bryan Noe revealed that the video has acted as a promotional goldmine, attracting both local fans and tourists alike to their establishment. Since the video dropped, the burger joint has experienced a remarkable 30% to 40% increase in business. Hernandez reported that many fans have explicitly mentioned the music video as their inspiration for visiting Tam’s Burgers. This influx of customers is not just from Compton but also includes many tourists eager to experience the same burger joint showcased in Lamar’s iconic video. In the music video, Kendrick Lamar and producer Mustard make a grand entrance in a Lamborghini and chill inside Tam’s Burgers with dancer Storm DeBarge during the song’s second verse. This captivating scene has spiked interest in the burger joint, especially Lamar’s favorite item – the bacon cheeseburger, which fans have ordered in droves. Interestingly, Tam’s Burgers didn’t ask for any compensation for being featured in the music video. Nonetheless, Lamar made sure to show his appreciation by prominently displaying Tam’s logo, a move that has resulted in substantial free advertising as the video has already garnered over 35 million views. Lamar’s friends, Jason Martin and Jay Worthy have also added to the buzz by funding billboards in Compton that celebrate scenes from Lamar’s Pop Out concert at the Forum in June. According to industry watchers, these developments signify a modern-day cultural renaissance for the West Coast, largely driven by Lamar’s influence. https://youtu.be/CKXYPYaOhxs In another twist related to “Not Like Us,” Drake has encountered more bad luck in a series of defeats against shorter, highly skilled individuals. After being publicly humbled by 5’4″ Lamar, the Canadian rapper recently lost a $300,000 bet on Les Rouges beating Argentina in a Copa América semi-final. Lionel Messi, standing at just 5’7″, scored for Argentina, leading to a 2-0 victory and ensuring Drake’s Instagram bet amounted to nothing more than another public defeat. Argentina’s social media team rubbed salt in the wound, posting a celebratory image captioned “Not Like Us,” directly referencing Lamar’s diss track aimed at Drake reports The Guardian. https://twitter.com/AFASeleccionEN/status/1810857896940290442/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1810857896940290442%7Ctwgr%5E0e9e760029ca68ede9c9f5fbb0bfae4ade6219da%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Ftams-burgers-booms-post-kendrick-lamars-not-like-us-video%2F Prime‘s latest offering, “Divorce In Black,” directed by the acclaimed Tyler Perry, explores love, heartbreak, and the journey to self-empowerment. Starring Megan Good and Cory Hardict, this film delves into the emotional turmoil and resilience of Ava, a young bank professional, as she navigates the complexities of a shattered marriage. In “Divorce In Black,” Ava (Good) is blindsided when her husband Dallas (Hardict) walks out on their marriage, leaving her grappling with the pieces of her once-stable life. Determined to fight for her relationship, Ava embarks on a journey of self-discovery, unearthing hidden truths that steer her toward a new destiny. For Good, “Divorce In Black” provided an extraordinary opportunity to reunite with the legendary Debbi Morgan, who plays Ava’s mother. https://youtu.be/yGi0O0zDSjQ Hulk Hogan‘s Real American Beer responded to accusations that he fired a TikToker as a brand ambassador after realizing she was Black. We reported earlier that TikTok user Essence Jenai shared her experience with the WWE star in multiple posts on July 6th. As The Jasmine Brand reports, she revealed that she was hired through a booking agency as a brand ambassador for Hogan’s new beer. Her one-week contract included appearances at various promotional events. However, after her first in-person meeting with Hogan, she was fired. Hogan’s beer brand released a statement following her accusations, Vibe reports. “We are deeply troubled by the false rumor circulating on social media that a brand ambassador hired by a third-party marketing agency was terminated by Hulk Hogan for racial reasons,” read the statement from a brand spokesperson. “Real American Beer simply terminated its short-term relationship with the third-party marketing agency. Hulk Hogan was not involved in that decision, and race was not a factor,” the statement continued. “We are in communication with the agency in an attempt to clear the misunderstanding and incorrect information, and believe that this false statement will be withdrawn.” https://www.tiktok.com/@essencejenai/video/7388323365578181934?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fhulk-hogans-beer-brand-denies-dropping-black-influencer%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121442748%2C121439635%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7388323365578181934 Kiki Layne and Thomas Doherty discuss their captivating roles in the new IFC Film “Dandelion.” The drama feature follows Dandelion (Layne), a struggling singer-songwriter from Cincinnati, who takes a last-chance gig at a motorcycle rally in South Dakota. She meets Casey (Doherty), a guitarist who gave up on his dreams years ago. As they join a nomadic group of musicians, they create music together and spark a whirlwind romance. Through this journey, Dandelion shifts from a narrow view of success to discovering her authentic artistic voice. In a statement, director/writer Nicole Riegel said, “Dandelions are often mistaken for weeds because they can grow and thrive under the harshest climates. “Like the title character of this film, dandelions don’t have a specific place they belong since they can survive most soil conditions, even freeze.” Riegel continued. “They are roaming herbs. There are a lot of music movies out there, but few about the women who write music. DANDELION is a deeply personal film about my experience as a filmmaker searching for a place to belong, told through the lens of a musician.” The filmmaker added, “I wanted to share how it feels to go through my artistic process in a world that quietly tells me each day that my voice does not matter. In a world and industry of male hero worship: men are mentors,” Riegel said. “Women, their muses. Men with strong visions are moody auteurs. Women with strong visions are stubborn nightmares. Men pick up guitars and film cameras. Women inspire and are filmed.” https://youtu.be/8TZqVMA-8Yo Bobby Shmurda, Asian Doll, Cash Cobain, Rubi Rose, Holy, Jamaar Milton, and many more rock the house as part of the Young N Lit Music Festival at the Apollo Theater. The young Hip-Hop lovers gleefully packed the house and were jumping to the bass that was bumpin’ from the speakers. Each reflected the personas of these rap stars with high energy. With an air of camaraderie, attendees mingled backstage. Some who graced the hallowed confines of the Apollo stage featured Trillian, Bay Swag,5ive Mics, Girll Codee, DJ Smooth, Diamond The Artist, and others. The scene backstage was a swirl of commotion, amid clouds of acrid weed smoke as the step-and-repeat witnessed one star-studded photo op after another. Bobby Shmurda joyfully mingled with fellow emcees and fans alike and appeared to be in a great mood. Harlem rapper Jim Jones was also in attendance. https://youtu.be/nyaqRmhuE2U Veteran journalist Rick Hazell spoke with young up-and-comer Trillian (Son of Busta Rhymes), Long Island rapper Jamaar Milton, and legendary rapper and producer Lord Jamar. “It was cool, but I’m used to a different kind of battle,” Lord Jamar told EURweb. “I’m not used to people singing in the battle and all that. It’s just different than what I’m used to. But it was cool. But I enjoyed it though” he said regarding the recent Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar battle supreme. Also, make sure you check out the videos of our interview with Trillian. He talks about being the son of a great who’s trying to be great, and the pitfalls of that. https://youtu.be/wvWCA_CXprI Stars gathered in New York this week for the premiere of Tyler Perry‘s latest film, “Divorce in the Black” which debuts July 11th on Amazon Prime. The film tells the story of Ava, played by Meagan Good, a young bank professional who navigates the painful journey of divorce after an abusive marriage, only to discover her true soulmate. Radio/TV personality Jazmyn Summers caught up with the stars on the black carpet. In many ways, art reflected life for Good who revealed she drew from her own 2021 divorce from DeVon Franklin to portray Ava’s journey authentically. She said she channeled feelings from her 2021 divorce to help people “feel seen” and “give them empowerment. I want women and men to feel, ‘Yeah, I can do this.’ It seems like something ended, but something beautiful is beginning.” Good says she has found her soulmate in boyfriend Jonathan Majors who she also attributes her new fit look. https://youtu.be/yGi0O0zDSjQ Patti LaBelle kicked off her “8065 Tour” on July 7 at the Hollywood Bowl in Hollywood, California. As Billboard reports, “the numbers refer to LaBelle’s double celebration this year: her 80th birthday in May and 65-year career in entertainment,” the outlet writes. “I’m very eclectic and very spontaneous,” LaBelle told Billboard in a new interview. “I will do a whole lot of different kinds of music,” she said of what fans can expect when they catch her on tour. “You never know what I might do, but it’s going to be nice,” she continued. “They [the shows] will be about who I am: a Bluebelles girl, a member of Labelle and then Patti LaBelle. It will be a reminder of what I’ve done all my life, you know? I just want to give a public thank you for all the years that people have been on my page with me,” the music icon added. “I can’t take that for granted because people can spend their money in other places, on other entertainers. But when they decide to see a Patti LaBelle show or to buy a Patti LaBelle record, I feel blessed.” https://www.instagram.com/realsway/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=7d1e7cc5-3bb0-484a-abbb-ff656100730c USA Track & Field star Sha’Carri Richardson appears on Vogue’s August 2024 digital cover. Richardson is gearing up to compete in the Olympics for the first time at the Paris Games. She missed the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics due to a positive test for THC, a chemical found in marijuana. “I’m not back, I’m better,” she told Vogue. “I don’t just mean I’m a better runner. It’s beyond that. I’m better at being Sha’Carri. I’m better at being myself,” Richardson continued. She also discussed the demands of the preparations to compete. “You keep showing up,” she said of training. “No matter what.” https://twitter.com/voguemagazine/status/1810645445141827725/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1810645445141827725%7Ctwgr%5E6e66822be27dd005e1d1d5a2f6cef659f462ce48%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fshacarri-richardson-reflects-on-athletic-journey-in-vogue%2F Actor George Clooney, who had been among President Joe Biden’s biggest supporters and donors in Hollywood, called on Biden to bow out of the presidential race on Wednesday, just weeks after he headlined a major fundraiser for his reelection campaign. “I love Joe Biden,” Clooney wrote in a New York Times opinion piece. “As a senator. As a vice president and as president. I consider him a friend, and I believe in him.” But, Clooney added, the Biden he saw during the June 15 fundraiser, which also included former President Barack Obama, “was not the Joe “big F-ing deal” Biden of 2010. He wasn’t even the Joe Biden of 2020.” “He was the same man we all witnessed at the debate,” Clooney added, referencing Biden’s faltering and disastrous performance at the June 27 presidential debate on CNN. “He was the same man we all witnessed at the debate,” Clooney added, referencing Biden’s faltering and disastrous performance at the June 27 presidential debate on CNN. https://youtu.be/I2Anzh79a2I We TV released the official trailer for the highly anticipated, all-new reality series, “The Braxtons.” According to the news release, “The Braxtons promises to delve deeper into the lives of this iconic family, offering viewers unprecedented access and emotional resonance.” The series will premiere on Friday, August 9, at 9:30 p.m. ET, airing exclusively on We TV and streaming on ALLBLK. Each hour-long episode will feature Toni, Towanda, Trina, Tamar, and Ms. Evelyn Braxton on an emotional rollercoaster of love, loss, triumph, heartbreak, and healing. Here’s the official synopsis: In this new series, the fierce Braxton women reunite for the first time since the loss of their beloved sister, Traci, offering viewers a raw and unfiltered look at the family’s highs and lows across eight captivating episodes. Toni, Towanda, Trina, Tamar and Ms. E navigate careers, health challenges and busy personal lives while growing their family bond. Toni faces a critical health challenge as she prepares for her Vegas comeback. Trina starts therapy for PTSD. Towanda battles alopecia. Tamar focuses on her wellness journey. And Ms. E’s cooking show dream is becoming a reality. However, the family reuniting continues to bring up questions and unresolved issues. Will Traci’s last wish be enough for the family to be close again, as they once were? The Braxton family’s triumphant return to television comes three years after the end of the iconic and captivating series, Braxton Family Values, which aired for seven eventful seasons. https://youtu.be/bB-ZW_ztW2Y Eddie Murphy claims Bill Cosby viewed him as a “threat” in the comedy space and “gave him a hard time” in the 80s. “Bill Cosby gave me a hard time,” Murphy said on a recent episode of The New York Times‘ The Interview podcast with host David Marchese, PEOPLE reports. According to Murphy, Cosby took issue with the foul language he used in his stand-up comedy routines. “Language was the way he could come at it,” said Murphy. “It wasn’t so much language; it was the times that we were in. This is back when it was, you know, one Black person at a time was getting in the mix.” Murphy also debunked the myth that he and the late comedian Richard didn’t get along. The fringe liberals are outraged over Amber Rose’s upcoming speaking engagement at this year’s Republican National Convention in support of GOP presumptive nominee Donald Trump. “It’s True! I’m speaking at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee,” the former stripper announced on social media on July 8. As The Jasmine Brand reports, one X user tweeted in response: “When people like Amber do things like this, I think the best route is to ignore them. She wants attention and that’s clear by the MAGA chain she wears around her neck. So let’s be performative just like her and ignore her. It’s really that simple.” Another X user wrote: “It’s very bizarre to see how people will say and do any-damn-thing for money and attention. sick. people need to get some character and morals and stand on them…” Last month, Amber said she still plans to vote for Trump this November despite his multiple felony convictions. Ye revealed in a text message exchange with Rich The Kid that he is retiring from the music industry. “I am retiring from professional music,” the hip-hop star wrote. “Not sure what else to do,” Ye added. “Retire? Why? How? The ppl NEED you the music you & Ty & we have made the BIGGEST STAMP in culture to this date in 2024,” Rich The Kid replied. He continued, “Drop Ye about mine & V2 and we do it all over again the kids need you big bra fasho maybe some time to chill but retiring ain’t it.” West’s announcement to quit the music industry sparked mixed reactions on social media. Many fans are disappointed, particularly those eagerly awaiting the release of Volumes 2 and 3 of his “Vultures” project. Boxer Shakur Stevenson criticized Ma$e in a fiery Twitter exchange, calling the former rapper a “fake pastor” with a “failed career.” Stevenson’s comments were in response to Ma$e’s critique of Shakur’s recent fight performance. All Hip Hop reports that the WBC lightweight champion successfully defended his title against Artem Harutyunyan on July 6 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. However, Stevenson faced criticism over his tactical approach. Many fans booed, and others left the arena during the fight. Ma$e discussed the fight during the latest episode of his sports podcast It Is What It Is with Cam’ron. “I don’t want to see Shakur fight, I’m just gonna be honest,” Ma$e said. “No disrespect to Newark, but I don’t wanna see Shakur fight nobody. For him to be hanging out with Terence Crawford and Andre Ward, there is absolutely no way that he’s fighting the way he’s fighting.” Stevenson responded to Ma$e on X (Twitter), writing, “Same way I felt bout his rap career,” he wrote. “N#### more famous for his podcast then his failed career.” https://twitter.com/NocableTv/status/1810468604913082424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1810469014054846626%7Ctwgr%5E447361b535d980398c4bc5729ab01beb84b3a4c5%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fshakur-stevenson-fires-back-at-mae%2F If you’re a Big Lots shopper, we’ve got some bad news for you. The Ohio-based discount retailer is grappling with mounting financial troubles and plans to close between 35 to 40 stores in 2024. In a recent SEC filing, Big Lots attributed these closures to elevated inflation, significantly impacting customer purchasing power. Big Lots, which operates over 1,300 stores nationwide, revealed in the filing that it has experienced net losses and negative cash flow from operating activities in 2022, 2023, and the first quarter of 2024. Although currently compliant with its credit agreements, the retailer expressed concerns about its ability to maintain this compliance, citing expected future operating losses. “Based on our current cash and liquidity projections, and uncertainties concerning the mitigating effect of management’s plans, the company has concluded there is a significant likelihood that it will be unable to comply with the Excess Availability Covenant under the 2022 Credit Agreement and the term loan facility within the next 12 months, which raises substantial doubt about the company’s ability to continue as a going concern,” Big Lots stated in the filing. Despite the grim outlook, Big Lots plans to “vigorously pursue its plans to enhance its liquidity, improve the performance of the business, and avoid a covenant violation.” To improve liquidity, the company is exploring alternatives such as lease concessions, and deferrals, entering a letter of credit facility, managing its working capital, and raising additional capital. Additionally, Big Lots is considering further monetizing its remaining real estate properties through outright sales or sale and leaseback opportunities, reports Chain Store Age. https://youtu.be/Zr6560cUlmg Instead of addressing his alleged involvement in a massive welfare fraud case, Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre‘s legal team is petitioning a federal appeals court to reinstate a defamation lawsuit against sports commentator Shannon Sharpe. This lawsuit initially arose after Sharpe publicly criticized Favre on the Fox Sports talk show “Skip and Shannon: Undisputed,” linking him to one of the largest welfare scandals in Mississippi’s history. In October 2023, a federal judge dismissed Favre’s defamation lawsuit against Sharpe. The lawsuit centered on comments Sharpe made on the Fox Sports talk show, where he connected Favre to the Mississippi welfare scandal. Favre claimed Sharpe made “egregiously false” statements about his involvement. Additionally, Favre filed defamation suits against sports commentator and former college kicker Pat McAfee and Shad White, the State Auditor who first revealed Favre’s connection to the alleged fraud scheme. Favre now awaits the decision of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to see if his lawsuit against Sharpe will be reinstated, according to TheAP. https://youtu.be/5TAa9BT_ALA Rashida Jones reflected on a conversation she had with the late rapper Tupac about her famous father’s preference to date White women. In a recent interview with The New Yorker, journalist Michael Schulman noted that Jones, whose mother is the late actress Peggy Lipton, was 17 when she penned an open letter to Pac after he criticized her father, Quincy Jones, in a 1993 interview with The Source. “All he does is stick his d*ck in white b*tches and make of*cked up kids,” Pac told the outlet at the time. Rashida clapped back in a letter published in The Source, accusing Pac of “destroying his race.” Her relationship with the artist shifted once he started dating her older sister, Kidada Jones. https://youtu.be/k1uzrsuAp30 Jayson Tatum is living a very good life now after agreeing to and signing a five-year $315 million supermax contract extension with the Boston Celtics, the richest in NBA history. He may have thoughts on how he will spend his fortune, don’t count on him put those plans into action. According to Afrotech, a deal made with his mother, Brandy Cole will be what’s keeping his historic contract money in his savings account for the foreseeable future. But don’t put Tatum in the check-to-check lane. He will be just fine honoring the other side of his agreement. That being to lean on endorsements and sponsors to live off of, instead of contact earnings. “We had a deal before I got drafted that I couldn’t spend the money I make from the Celtics, that we have to live off endorsements,” Tatum revealed during an interview with “In Depth with Graham Bensinger.” “Her and my accountant agreed. They didn’t know that I would make as much as I did off the court. So, in my mind, I gotta spend that money. I gotta enjoy it.” While it may seem strange that Tatum isn’t splurging his contact funds on every luxury imaginable, the athlete’s decision to avoid the potential financial despair is more a result of his upbringing, which kept him humble enough to remember the days where even an extra $100 to save was unheard of for him and his matriarch. https://twitter.com/FCHWPO/status/1808236489018351786/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1808236489018351786%7Ctwgr%5Ecec4eefd95c463210660c66c3a041c7acfd20634%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fceltics-tatum-brown-bring-good-news-with-tatums-mom-and-ring%2F Ruby Rose Turner, Dara Renee, and Morgan Dudley discuss their roles in “Descendants: The Rise of Red” on Disney+. As part of the cast bringing this beloved franchise to life, they shared insights into their characters and teased what fans can expect from this latest “Descendants” franchise entry. “I play Bridget. I play the young version of the Queen of Hearts. Her journey throughout this is really showing the audience how she came to be, how she is now, and really explores her heart and her morals and how she handles things,” Turner explained to EURweb exclusively. “It was really exciting to be able to play her.” Directed by Jennifer Phang, with a script from Dan Frey and Russell Sommer, here’s the synopsis: “Descendants: The Rise of Red” follows the story of Red, the rebellious daughter of the Queen of Hearts, and Chloe, Cinderella’s perfectionist daughter. When the tyrannical Queen of Hearts incites a coup against Auradon, polar opposites Red and Chloe must join forces and travel back in time to undo the traumatic event that set Red’s mother down her villainous path. https://youtu.be/3Pk4-lzowDM Disney’s “Descendants: The Rise of Red” is a musical fantasy film starring “a new ensemble of Villain Kids (VKs) and legacy characters, including Kylie Cantrall as Red,Malia Baker as Chloe, Brandy as Cinderella, Rita Ora as the Queen of Hearts, Dara Reneé as Ursula’s sister Uliana, Ruby Rose Turner as Bridget/Young Queen of Hearts, Morgan Dudley as Ella/Young Cinderella, Joshua Colley as Young Hook, Peder Lindell as Morgie, Grace Narducci as Fay/Young Fairy Godmother, Jeremy Swift as Principal Merlin, Paolo Montalban as King Charming, and Leonardo Nam as Maddox Hatter. China Anne McClain is back as fan-favorite Uma and the new principal at Auradon Prep. Melanie Paxson also reprises her role as Fairy Godmother,” per the news release. https://www.instagram.com/p/C5li1AXCUce/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again “I definitely studied every Ursula that existed, and I studied China Anne McClain as Uma religiously,” Reneé said. “Literally watched every single movement and mannerism. So, it’s definitely, I mean, it’s a dream come true, being able to be a part of something that I love so much,” she shared. Added Dudley, “I play Ella who’s the young Cinderella. I think her journey is just kind of like what it’s like to be a teenage Cinderella in my opinion, because there’s been a lot of iterations of Cinderella. We see Brandy’s take on Cinderella who’s just this graceful, literally the truest form of Cinderella in my opinion. I really get to explore what it’s like to kind of have the before that development.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C5gZXv2Lq-N/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again When asked if there were scenes that they found impactful or exciting to film, Renee said, “It’s definitely when someone, I’m not going to say who pushes Uliana in the water and she falls, and then she comes up as herself, and she’s looking around. I feel as though in that situation, I would have a panic attack, seeing all these people see me so vulnerable.” She added, “So I feel like Uliana really was kind of questioning her reality and having anxiety and a panic attack. And then, that is what made her go the way she did. Instead of talking it out, which is something you should do, she was like, “The only way I need to do it is to make them fear me. I don’t care if they love me, they just can’t look at me as vulnerable.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C5i-Bg5OtiZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Philadelphia police are appealing to the public for assistance in identifying a suspect wanted in connection with an unsettling indecent sexual assault incident at a Dollar Tree store. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to help apprehend the man responsible. According to police reports, the incident occurred on Sunday, June 23, 2024, at the Dollar Tree in Philadelphia. A female victim reported that a man ejaculated on her leg inside the store, a shockingly indecent assault that left her distressed and violated. The assault was captured on video, highlighting both the despicable act and the suspect’s subsequent flight from the scene. The suspect is described as a Black male, aged between 25 and 30 years old. He stands approximately 6 feet tall and has a stocky build. Witnesses described him as having a dark complexion, a short receding hairline, and a full beard. During the incident, he was wearing a black t-shirt, gray shorts, and black sneakers. Notably, the man is known to frequent the Snyder Plaza area and the nearby I-95 underpass, where he may park a vehicle. https://twitter.com/i/status/1811077997023150139 Housekeepers in South Florida are in high demand, commanding salaries exceeding $150,000 amid fierce competition among mansion owners. According to CNBC, the influx of wealth from high-tax states to Florida has led to an unprecedented need for household staff in elite communities such as Palm Beach. Staffing agencies report surging demand for butlers, nannies, chefs, drivers, and personal security. However, the scarcity of housekeepers poses the most significant challenge for affluent homeowners, exacerbated by the surge in property purchases and the concurrent competition for cleaning staff from hotels, resorts, and businesses. As a result, housekeeper wages have skyrocketed from around $25 per hour in 2020 to as much as $45 or $50 per hour today. “I have been placing staff for 30 years, and I’ve never seen anything like this,” said April Berube, founder of The Wellington Agency, which places household staff in Palm Beach, Miami, New York, and other locations, CNBC reports. “We’ve seen such a boom from people relocating, especially Palm Beach and Miami,” she added. In Palm Beach, experienced housekeepers typically earn annual salaries ranging from $120,000 to $150,000, alongside benefits such as 401(k) plans, health care coverage, and overtime compensation. In a heated exchange reflecting the sharp divides within American politics, Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) strongly rebutted fellow Texas Republican Rep. Chip Roy‘s claim that Vice President Kamala Harris was merely a “diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) hire.” This criticism from Roy, made during a Fox Business segment, resurfaced as he questioned Harris’s competency and suggested she might be positioned as a replacement candidate for President Joe Biden. Appearing on MSNBC’s “ReidOut” on Monday, Crockett did not mince words. She described Roy as “ignorant as all get-out” and questioned his understanding of what constitutes a DEI hire. “If you just listen to what they say, it will tell you everything that you need to know,” Crockett pointedly remarked. “Number one, you can obviously see that he’s ignorant as all get-out. Number two, you can see that he wishes he had half the competency of Vice President Kamala Harris.” Crockett went further, criticizing Roy for his lack of engagement with genuine diversity, equity, and inclusion measures within his office: “Don’t talk to me about what a DEI hire looks like, because we know that you have never, ever engaged in diversity, equity or inclusion when it came to your office. So we know that you don’t know anything about hiring diversity,” she declared. https://twitter.com/i/status/1810456983927140849 Azealia Banks is taking legal action against her landlord, accusing him of “intimidation,” violating her privacy and blaming her for a rodent infestation. According to court documents, Banks’ landlord, Isis Claro, filed a lawsuit claiming the artist owed $8,000 in back rent for a property in Palmetto Bay, Florida, The Blast reports. Claro sought to evict her from the 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home. Banks denied the allegations in a countersuit against Isis and another individual. Azealia Banks is no stranger to controversy, often making headlines for her public feuds and legal troubles. NBA champion Glen “Big Baby” Davis is speaking out about his expectations for prison life as he prepares to serve a 40-month sentence following his conviction in May for an insurance fraud scheme. “Defendant has complied with all controlling terms of the Parties’ Lease Agreement, including the timely payment of rent,” her response read. Azealia also disputed the rent amount and other charges claimed by the landlord and the third party who owns the home. In her countersuit, she said the landlord failed to perform maintenance tasks promptly and deliberately invaded her privacy. Per The Blast, the rapper/singer also accuses Claro of repeatedly allowing a third party to “enter the property without just cause of proper notice” and “go through” her personal belongings “under the guise of an inspection, and to enter an area of the property entirely unrelated to the inspection, in order to videotape [her] undergarments, including her lingerie.” As we reported previously, Davis received a 40-month prison sentence from a federal judge for his role in a scheme to cheat the league’s health care benefits plan, dating back to November 2023. He also faces three years of supervised release, which includes mandatory drug treatment and a financial management class. The former Boston Celtics forward recently shared his expectations for his prison stay and what he hopes to achieve during his incarceration. “I feel like I’m going to have good quality time in there,” Davis told TMZ Sports. “Learn things, meet new people. It’s going to be all right.” Glen 'Big Baby' Davis 'Not Nervous' For Prison, Hoping To Build Dream Bo...Glen "Big Baby" Davis is clearly not worried about his impending prison sentence. He also joked about using the time to work on his body. Ex-NBAer Glen 'Big Baby' Davis Scores 40-month Sentence Due to Fraud Con...Fisher Jack Ex-NBA star Glen "Big Baby" Davis received a 40-month prison sentence for his role in a scheme to cheat the leag... In partnership with The Black Promoters Collective (BPC), legendary R&B artist Frankie Beverly. The shows took place on Thursday, July 4th, and Saturday, July 6th, at The Dell Music Center and also featured the Platinum-selling group The Whispers. A highlight of the Saturday show was a surprise from the partners at The Black Promoters Collective, who donated $25,000 to Frankie Beverly’s Scholarship Fund. This organization supports minority students, particularly those aspiring to careers in the music industry, by providing essential financial aid. Frankie Beverly’s dedication to academic achievement, leadership, and community service aligns perfectly with BPC’s commitment to cultural integrity, social consciousness, and community reinvestment. “It’s an honor to tell you face to face, I love you. On behalf of my partners, The Black Promoters Collective, we had the opportunity to tour this man around the world, a Black-producing promotion company. As we end this tour in our home city, we want to say thank you to a living legend,” said BPC’s Senior Talent Buyer & Partner, Walt Reeder Jr. This emotional moment underscored the significance of Frankie’s retirement after more than 50 years in the music industry, marking a monumental end to an illustrious career. Additionally, Frankie Beverly was honored on stage by Eagles’ quarterback Jalen Hurts and the City of Philadelphia’s mayor, Cherelle Parker, who delivered inspiring tributes to the music icon. A social media influencer claims Hulk Hogan fired her as a brand ambassador for his Real American Beer after realizing she was Black. TikTok user Essence Jenai shared her experience with the WWE star in multiple posts on July 6th. As The Jasmine Brand reports, she revealed that she was hired through a booking agency as a brand ambassador for Hogan’s new beer. Her one-week contract included appearances at various promotional events. However, after her first in-person meeting with Hogan, she was fired. In one post, Jenai shared videos of herself posing with Hulk Hogan, 70, and creating content for Real American Beer. But he allegedly terminated her contract after meeting Jenai in person and realizing she was a Black woman. Jenai claims she was replaced with a White woman. “POV: Hulk Hogan paid you to be a brand ambassador and canceled your contract the next day because he realized you were a BLACK brand ambassador,” she posted. In a separate post, Essence Jenai shared a text exchange, presumably with the person who booked her, which read: “Essence, you didn’t do anything wrong at all. In fact, I’m sure you did great. But this client wants us to cancel the rest of the events this week. I’m really sorry!” https://www.tiktok.com/@essencejenai/video/7388323365578181934?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fhulk-hogan-accused-of-racist-firing-black-brand-ambassador%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121442748%2C121439635%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7388323365578181934 Former NBA player Mario Kasun claims Kevin Garnett is “the biggest racist against white players in the NBA.”As Fade Away World reports, during a podcast interview, Kasun shared a story about approaching Garnett before a game to request an autograph on his Adidas shoes, the same brand Garnett endorsed at the time. Instead of obliging, Garnett allegedly responded rudely, telling Kasun to remove the shoes as he didn’t have permission to wear them. Mario Kasun Calls Out Kevin Garnett: "The Biggest Racist Against White P... Mario Kasun accuses Kevin Garnett of racism, recounting dismissive interactions and controversial moments. The p... “He was the biggest racist against white players in the NBA,” Kasun stated during the June 26 episode of the “Jao Mile Podcast,” about his childhood hero. The Croatian pro-baller went on to describe Garnett’s behavior during games, noting that his trash-talking was often directed at white players, creating a hostile environment on the court. “He and Gary Payton, insulting all the time during the game. Horrible,” said Kasun. “Gary Payton trash talks with fans who sit in row 15 during the game. And that guy, I dunk on his head.” Paramount Pictures has released the hotly anticipated trailer for Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II,” which stars Pedro Pascal and Denzel Washington. The film “continues the epic saga of power, intrigue, and vengeance set in Ancient Rome. Years after witnessing the death of revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius (Paul Mescal) is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people,” per the official synopsis. Pascal and Washington lead a cast that includes Paul Mescal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, and Connie Nielson. Pat Sajak, beloved host of “Wheel of Fortune,” reportedly faced the challenges as host of the same show for 40 years before his recent retirement. According to “Family Feud” executives, similar patterns are now emerging with Steve Harvey. According to TV Shows Ace, Harvey’s job pressures appear to be taking a toll. In recent months, his interactions with contestants have been notably harsh. He often publicly criticizes them and calls them “stupid.” This pattern has sparked concerns among “Family Feud” executives, who fear he is following a path similar to that of Pat Sajak as he allegedly turned into a disgruntled host toward the end of his career. Execs Worry Steve Harvey Is Starting To Lash Out Like Pat Sajak. During Pat Sajak's four decade run, he began to lash out at contestants. Executives of 'Family Feud' worry Steve... “Steve’s king of the hill and has become an intrinsic part of the show’s success — but insulting contestants and calling their answers stupid right to their face is the last thing people need,” an insider revealed to Closer Weekly. According to the insider, Harvey’s actions have his bosses feeling stressed and puzzled by the shift in his personality. The comedian’s increasingly heavy workload is overwhelming, and there are speculations that issues at home might also contribute to his mood swings. Rapper Sexyy Red refuted claims that her “Sexyy Red 4 President Tour” could be canceled due to low ticket sales. She alleges that prominent promoters are attempting to undermine her tour because she is collaborating with a Black promoter. As we reported earlier, Sexyy Red’s upcoming tour is reportedly on the verge of being canceled, as only 37.11% of the 85,217 tickets have sold. The raunchy rapper will hit arenas across the U.S., kicking off in Seattle on Aug. 22. The “Sexyy Red 4 President Tour” will hit Portland, San Diego, Oklahoma City, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Orlando and New Orleans before wrapping up in Nashville on Oct. 1. Tickets for the tour went on sale on June 28. According to Hot New Hip Hop, citing The Art Of Dialogue and Touring Data, 85,217 tickets are available for North America, but only 31,624 tickets have been sold. https://www.instagram.com/p/C8pGPukMn-A/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=4959e43b-feaa-4d7f-941b-91ffe193f9ab Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing fresh backlash after recent photos emerged of the rapper enjoying a whitewater rafting trip with friends and family. The images have drawn ire from his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, and other accusers, in light of their serious allegations against the music mogul. Ventura, who filed a lawsuit against Diddy in November alleging a “cycle of abuse, violence, and sex trafficking” during their relationship from 2007 to 2018, expressed her displeasure through her lawyer, Douglas Wigdor. Though the lawsuit was swiftly settled, the indictment and subsequent settlement have cast a long shadow over Diddy. Adding fuel to the fire, surveillance footage from 2016 capturing the rapper allegedly assaulting Cassie has ignited public outrage. Despite the looming federal investigation and the serious nature of the allegations against him, Diddy appears to be living his life unburdened by the controversy. “I don’t think whitewater rafting will prepare him for the choppy waters that lie ahead,” Wigdor told TMZ, reiterating Cassie’s sentiments on Diddy’s apparent carefree attitude. https://youtu.be/PKu4Q4pWNGY Apple TV+ has released the trailer for the upcoming comedic adventure series “Time Bandits,” the first-ever television adaptation of the beloved 1981 movie of the same name. The new series hails from Jemaine Clement, Iain Morris, and Taika Waititi. Per the news release, “Time Bandits” is an unpredictable journey through time and space with a ragtag group of thieves and their newest recruit: an 11-year-old history buff named Kevin. Together, they set out on a thrilling quest to save the boy’s parents — and the world. “Guided by Lisa Kudrow, the eccentric crew of bandits embark on epic adventures while evil forces threaten their conquests, and life as they know it. As the group transports through time and space, the gang stumbles upon fascinating worlds of the distant past while seeking out treasure, depending on Kevin to shed light on each situation,” the release continues. The gang “witness the creation of Stonehenge, see the Trojan Horse in action, escape dinosaurs in the prehistoric ages, wreak havoc during medieval times, experience the Ice Age, ancient civilizations and the Harlem Renaissance, and much more along the way,” the release states. https://youtu.be/BCA9jpc4R74 Pinky Cole, founder of Slutty Vegan, has criticized Sage Regenerative Kitchen & Brewery for adding meat and cheese to its menu amid ongoing controversy. As TMZ reports, in June, protests erupted at various Los Angeles locations of SRK after they shifted away from a vegan-only menu. While SRK stood by its decision, local vegans and Pinky Cole, who recently launched her Los Angeles residency with Slutty Vegan, vehemently opposed the change. “You can’t call yourself a vegan restaurant and then have stuff that’s not vegan. The math ain’t matching,” she told TMZ. “You got to be mindful of people that aren’t intentional about opening up vegan restaurants.” According to Pinky, many vegan restaurants prioritize profit over principles and abandon their vegan commitments when faced with challenges. “You’ll never see beef or chicken at Slutty Vegan. Slutty Vegan is always going to be a vegan concept,” she told TMZ in the clip. Meanwhile, the website for Old Pasadena, the business district of Pasadena, Calif., describes Sage Regenerative Kitchen & Brewery as “the first in the Los Angeles and Pasadena area supporting local regenerative and organic farmers who make it their life’s mission to partner with nature to regenerate the earth by bringing life back into the topsoil.” The eatery’s menu has undergone many changes over the years. It now “includes high-quality proteins such as 100% grass-fed beef and bison, regen organic chicken, organic milk, and cheeses,” per oldpasadena.org. https://www.instagram.com/thekindsage/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=1f866eca-f22b-45d0-af9e-dc2e7877a31c Julio Foolio’s family and friends honored the late rapper by dissing his rival, Yungeen Ace, at his funeral. As Vibe reports, a video from July 7 shows a woman, allegedly Foolio’s girlfriend, and other attendees rapping Foolio’s Yungeen Ace diss track, “When I See You,” during the service. On the track, he raps, “Went out to eat on his birthday/Four shot, three dead in the worst way /He kept dissin’ on me /Now we smokin’ 23.” As we reported earlier, Julio Foolio, real name Charles Jones, fell victim to fatal gunfire last month, and TMZ obtained exclusive video footage capturing the devastating scene. The incident unfolded in the parking lot of a Holiday Inn in Tampa (Florida), where Foolio and his entourage were gathered after being forced out of their Airbnb for exceeding the occupancy limit. Julio Foolio was celebrating his 26th birthday when he was shot on June 24. The killing seems connected to his gang beef. https://twitter.com/CelebRapInsider/status/1809928969766003095?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1809928969766003095%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Ffamily-of-julio-foolio-raps-yungeen-ace-diss-track-at-his-funeral%2F On July 5th, the legendary Jody Watley graced the stage at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia, alongside T-Boz and Chilli of TLC and En Vogue (both groups have previously conveyed Watley’s influence and inspiration). All of the ladies delivered unforgettable performances that showcased the enduring impact of their iconic music to a packed audience on a sweltering summer night. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/UogUSVAEpAM?feature=share Watley, a GRAMMY-winning trailblazer in music, video, and fashion as a singer, songwriter, and producer, also featured her dynamic and high-energy DJ, Bill Coleman of Peace Bisquit, in her electrifying performance at the Wolf Trap venue.Jody Watley brought her signature and solo hits, along with new music to the Wolf Trap stage. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/RVEWb7CsaeE?feature=share In addition, she captivated the audience with her soulful voice and magnetic stage presence despite acknowledging being under the weather. “The show must go on” she declared to fans, “Sometimes we have to push thru, that’s life!” https://youtu.be/d_QBU-4csQM Even if a grand jury says there’s enough evidence to file criminal charges against him, Donald Trump just keeps coming up with ways to skirt accountability. His defense isn’t that he didn’t commit the crimes. Trump says the prosecutor investigating his crimes is not legally appointed. Is he the new “Teflon Don?” Here we go! It’s bad enough that SCOTUS has granted Donald Trump a get-out-of-jail-free card by giving him partial immunity from prosecution. Now, at least one justice said he is willing to help Trump avoid prosecution altogether in his classified documents case. In his opinion in support of partial immunity for Trump, Justice Clarence Thomas also wrote that the appointment of a special counsel to prosecute Trump might be unconstitutional. https://youtu.be/-QmMd0imUfQ Gun violence is down across America this year. Still, it peaks every summer and Chicago’s Fourth of July weekend bore the data out, with 109 people shot, including 19 fatally, police said in a Monday news conference. All of the victims were boys and men ranging in age from 16 to 36 years old, according to police records. This year’s violent holiday weekend comes as the city and the nation have seen a drop in gun violence in recent years. As of June 24, Chicago had seen 1,105 shooting incidents so far this year, a 6% reduction from the same time last year and a 12% reduction over the past two years. The city had seen 271 gun deaths as of June 24, a 12% reduction since the same time last year and a 16% reduction of the past two years, according to data from the Chicago Police Department. Last year over the long holiday weekend, 57 people were shot and eight were killed between Friday, June 30 at 6 p.m. and Tuesday, July 4 at 11:59 p.m., according to Chicago police. July 4 is the peak day for mass shootings in the US, more than any other single calendar day over roughly a decade, a 2023 CNN analysis of the Gun Violence Archive’s mass shooting data since 2014 found. The day with the second most shootings was July 5. https://youtu.be/SKSQD38faDk In the United States, law enforcement statistics and independent researchers have continually pointed to summer months as a time of increased gun violence, with July 1-7 being an especially violent period each year for both mass shootings and individual incidents. Heat, experts say, can elevate discomfort and aggression – a potential catalyst for violence at a time kids are out of school and warmer weather drives more people outdoors in a country with more guns than people. “When we look at what happened this weekend, we always like to say that it’s a police issue,” Chicago Police Department Superintendent Larry Snelling said at the news conference. “This is a societal issue. The police cannot be in everybody’s backyard. They cannot be in everyone’s home. They cannot invade every single gathering where there’s a possibility that someone may show up with a gun.” https://youtu.be/3CKDKY9LprQ On Friday, after dozens of people had already been shot in Chicago, Mayor Brandon Johnson released a statement addressing the violence. “We are devastated by the recent violence that has left our city in a state of grief and we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and communities impacted by these recent events,” Johnson said in the statement. “The City of Chicago is committed to ensuring the safety of all residents and visitors.” The city had canceled time off for police officers to “maximize presence and ensure prompt incident response,” activated an emergency services assistance center to provide support to people in the community and would hold a community rally Friday afternoon to “promote bonding, support, and healing,” according to Johnson. But the efforts did not end the shootings. https://youtu.be/EX93cTFFr3Y Snelling urged public cooperation and tips to lead detectives to suspects, especially those who “make the choice” to shoot women and children. “Those people must be taken off the street,” Snelling implored. “They have to be put away. If we’re not doing that, then we’re failing other families. We’re failing people in our city.” One of those killed over the weekend was an 8-year-old boy who was shot alongside two other boys, ages 5 and 8, according to the Chicago Police Department’s online records. Several 15- to 16-year-olds were also among those shot over the weekend, police say. https://youtu.be/OqWjqOfeNts The late vocalist and songwriter, who passed away at the age of 70 on Thursday, June 13 will be honored in a grand memorial service that aims to highlight her remarkable contributions to music and her lasting impact on fans worldwide. To support the costs associated with the memorial, the Estate of Angela Bofill has launched a GoFundMe campaign. The service seeks the support of her dedicated fan base and the broader music community to ensure a fitting tribute for the legendary singer. Angela Bofill’s legacy began in Brooklyn, NY, where she was born to Cuban and Puerto Rican parents on May 2, 1954, and flourished as she was raised in the Bronx. https://youtu.be/XlWbwJKrsrc Her breakthrough album, “Angie” (1978), introduced her powerful vocals and unique blend of R&B, jazz, and Latin sounds with timeless tracks like “This Time I’ll Be Sweeter” and “Under the Moon and Over the Sky.” The follow-up album, “Angel of The Night” (1979), solidified her status with hits such as the title track and “I Try.” Bofill’s successful trajectory continued with her third album, “Something About You” (1981), which featured “Holdin’ Out for Love” and the dance hit “Too Tough.” The latter became her first Top 5 R&B success, marking four weeks in the #2 spot on the Dance chart. Her top 20 hits such as “Tonight I Give In” and “I’m On Your Side” further exemplified her ability to resonate deeply with the African American and Afro-Latin communities. https://youtu.be/BtPec862uyY Michael Strahan returned to Good Morning America on Monday (July 8) after a two-week vacation. During the broadcast, the GMA hosts discussed George Stephanopolous’ exclusive interview with President Joe Biden. They also spoke to “The Bachelorette‘s” first Asian-American lead, Jenn Tran, Decider reports. Strahan has taken time off from his hosting gig on GMA to support his daughter, Isabella, during her cancer battle. On May 21, she turned to social media to reveal that she had undergone her third round of chemotherapy and that her next would be her last. “Now I only have one round [of chemotherapy] to go, which is exciting,” Isabella said from her hospital bed at Duke University Hospital, with her father by her side, per Hello Magazine. “I’m kind of scared, once I’m done, how I’m going to go back to normal life,” she shared. “Because I feel like there’s always going to be another treatment or something I have to do. But that’s a later problem. Otherwise, I’m doing good.” https://www.instagram.com/isabellastrahan/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=940cf934-4ccb-471c-9a7a-1555b99f35e1 Today marks the exciting launch of "STELLAR TODAY,” a dynamic new magazine aimed at reinvigorating the landscape of journalism surrounding the gospel music genre. Combining cutting-edge design with insightful editorial content, "STELLAR TODAY" sets out to become the premier destination for those seeking inspiration, information, and a fresh perspective on the gospel music industry and gospel artists. Featuring a blend of in-depth articles, stunning visuals, and expert advice, “STELLAR TODAY” features updates and insights of over 20 chart topping gospel icons, including CeCe Winans, Tye Tribbett, Pastor Mike Jr., Marvin Sapp, Donnie McClurkin, John P. Kee and more! "We are thrilled to unveil STELLAR TODAY to the world," said Don Jackson, Founder of Stellar TV and Central City Productions. "Our team, led by Teresa Hairston Jackson as senior editor, has poured their passion and expertise into every page, ensuring that each article not only informs but also inspires our readers to enjoy this publication. Of course, the anchoring information inside surrounds our 39th annual Stellar Awards show, including nominees and schedules for the weekend." Artist Titus Showers new single titled "Feed Me" ft. Fred Hammond has hit #1 on iTunes Gospel Music Charts. "Feed Me" is receiving rave reviews nationwide and is prepped to be the most powerful worship anthem of the summer. "Feed Me" is Shower's first single under his new label Tite Music Group and distributed through WayNorth. With emotive vocals that resonate deeply with believers worldwide, Showers' collaboration with Hammond creates a powerful synergy, crafting an atmosphere of worship and surrender. "FEED ME" serves as a heartfelt prayer for more of God's presence, symbolized by the poignant chorus, "Feed me until I want no more, Bread of heaven, feed me until I want no more." Jason Singleton is the CEO of SingleTone Music Group, the Founder of Jason Singleton & Friends, and is an artist, musician, preacher and music educator. Jason Singleton & Friends is an aggregation of singers whose mission is to spread inspiration and share The Gospel of Jesus Christ through Gospel Music. A native of Charleston, SC, and also known as the Lowcountry, Jason is dedicated to preserving and modernizing the rich Gullah-Geechee culture and sound through Gospel music. Jason Singleton is a member of Destiny Worship Center North Charleston, South Carolina where he serves as the Director of Worship & Arts and The Outreach Minister. His favorite scripture is Philippians 4:13 " I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." If something happened but it wasn’t documented, does it count as history? It is documented–codified by law– for example, that July 4th is Independence Day because the Declaration of Independence was signed on that day in 1776. Not true. It was actually voted on by the Continental Congress on July 2nd, 1776, and the signing began on August 2nd, But if America is so comfortable with false narratives, what happens to the real story? There are events, creations and perspectives that are historical and that tell Black America’s history and development. And we know all too well that huge swaths of those truths were wiped from public memory and texts, and only work of the most dedicated historians, journalists and advocates has excavated the details of our lives in this nation and beyond. On June 24, Variety reported that Paramount Global removed all content from MTV News’ website as well as CMT. Countless hours of video content and news and entertainment articles were disappeared just like that.. Two days later, Deadline reported that Paramount Global also wiped clean the video archive of Comedy Central. This purge came just months after Vice did the same thing. In February, Fortune reported that Vice Media’s website shut down amid its massive company layoffs. The media industry has been experiencing severe layoffs and financial issues, with layoffs at publications like theGrio, The Los Angeles Times, Sports Illustrated, Okayplayer, and many others. However, the erasure of website content was unexpected–and it’s scary. With a board vote and the press of a button, all of this history–much of it chronicling Black lives and culture—became completely unavailable to the public. Vice Media, once valued at $5.7B, is shutting down Vice.com and laying o... As part of its strategic shift, CEO Bruce Dixon said Vice would follow a studio model. Unsurprisingly, the compulsive liar we are dangerously close to electing to the White House for the second time doesn’t limit his pathological spreading of misinformation to media interviews and the campaign stage. “He’s quitting the race—I got him out of the race,” Trump says of Biden. “And that means we have Kamala. I think she’s going to be better. She’s so bad—so pathetic. She’s just so f**king bad.” “They just announced he’s probably quitting,” Trump said again of Biden, after claiming the current president won’t be enough of a “tough guy” to face off against “fierce” world leaders like the president of China. It’s unclear who “they” are who Trump claimed announced that the incumbent is dropping out of the presidential race, but neither the media nor the White House announced any such thing. The New York Times did report this week that an anonymous source told the publication Biden was considering dropping out of the race following his less-than-stellar debate performance against Trump, but White House officials denied that was the case. Democratic lawmakers and donors have also urged Biden to step aside to give the party a better shot at the Oval Office, but the official word from his administration is that he will “absolutely not” drop out, and Biden himself told reporters that “no one’s going to push me out” and that he is “not leaving” despite having “screwed up” the first debate against Trump. https://twitter.com/i/status/1808678911494046194 The internet has been abuzz ever since Bhad Bhabie (Danielle Bregoli), shared graphic and distressing footage on her Instagram story on Sunday, allegedly showing abuse from her ex-boyfriend and father of her child, Le Vaughn. Though the videos were swiftly deleted, fans managed to capture screen recordings, which they circulated widely, sparking extensive concern and conversation online. Fans expressed their alarm and concern in the comments of Bhad Bhabie’s previous Instagram posts, shocked by the disturbing scenes the videos contained. The security camera footage appears to show Bregoli being forcibly handled by a man identified as Vaughn, including one clip where she is slammed to the ground and another where Vaughn is seen pushing her down with his knee. Alongside the videos, Bregoli also shared close-up images of her facial injuries, including a swollen, bruised eye. While it’s not clear if these injuries directly resulted from the incidents shown in the videos, the images further illustrated the severity of the situation she described. “This man think he gonna take my daughter from me!! Say whatever you want but trying to take my baby is crazy,” Bregoli reportedly wrote in her Instagram story. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-07-08-070824-bhad-bhabie-1858538-847/ George Hocker’s remarkable journey as a Black spy, amid the tumultuous civil rights era, remained largely untold until recently. In an exclusive interview with the CIA and NBC News, the 84-year-old recounted his daring exploits serving in the nation’s clandestine service, where he undertook high-stakes missions across the globe. Born in 1939 and raised in Washington, D.C., George grew up during a period of deep racial segregation. It wasn’t until 1953, under President Eisenhower, that the nation’s capital began desegregating, setting an example for other cities. As the eldest of five siblings, George was a natural role model, guided by his parents’ teachings of responding to prejudice with integrity and prioritizing education. Enrolling at Howard University in 1956, George’s path took an unexpected turn when a close friend encouraged him to apply to the CIA. Despite being just 18 years old and lacking work experience, George listed family friends from church as references on his application. His bold move paid off when he joined the Agency in 1957, becoming one of the few Black officers at the time, alongside trailblazers like Don Cryer and Omego Ware. Training to become a CIA spy was a rigorous ordeal for George, set against the backdrop of segregated America. Unable to attend certain establishments in Virginia due to racial segregation, specialized exercises had to be developed for his training. “I had to have car meetings, whereas my classmates could go and have a nice meal in a restaurant,” he told NBC News during a recent interview. Within a class of 75 recruits, George stood out as the lone Black participant. Despite these challenges, he successfully completed the training and went on to make history as one of the CIA’s earliest Black clandestine officers. https://t.co/KEQiQctkDj Marlon Wayans‘ residence in Los Angeles was targeted in a recent series of burglaries affecting the homes of celebrities in the area.Intruders broke into the comedian’s backyard in the early morning hours on June 29 and “shattered a back window.” Wayans was not at home, but his older brother Keenen Ivory Wayans was fast asleep during the break-in, TMZ reports. It wasn’t until the following day that a staff member discovered the house had been ransacked, and the robbers made off with a safe and “several thousands of dollars in cash.” In response to the incident, Marlon downplayed the value of his possessions. In a video posted to social media, he said the “most valuable thing” they could have taken was his entire house. “I want you to know that they didn’t really get much because I don’t own sh*t,” Marlon said in the video. https://www.instagram.com/marlonwayans/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=42c405d6-584e-4af1-b6b0-fe7a9ab8b66b Rick Ross has finally addressed getting punched in Canada by a group of Drake fanatics. The hip-hop star was in Drake’s home country on June 30 when he was allegedly attacked after playing Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us” following Rick’s set at the Ignite Music Festival in Vancouver. In a video released by TMZ, about 15 men gathered around Ross after his performance and confronted him about playing the song. Video footage shows one of the men snuffing the rapper, which then caused Ross’ bodyguards to get involved. At one point, a member of Ross’ team was knocked out unconscious by one of the unknown men, Vibe reports. On July 4, Rick Ross addressed the Vancouver incident on his Instagram Story, asserting that someone threw a drink at him rather than punching him. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-07-01-070124-rick-ross-1855750-171/ “I’m thinking about the event that happened over there,” he began. “Let me tell you something: When the first dude stepped up to Rozay—the little short fat one that looked like Bam Bam Bigelow from wrestling—when he stepped up…I squat down to his eyes and I said, ‘Boy, if I hit you, you gon see everything you ate for the last few days.’ His balls dropped out of his a**, he never said another word, he never did nothing he was a straight busta. Then the ni**a behind him said, ‘I KNOW MMAyyyyyye.’” https://twitter.com/i/status/1808989395057336765 Ice Cube’s BIG3 basketball league is expanding with new franchises in Houston and Miami. The Hip-Hop icon recently welcomed new owners for these cities, highlighting the league’s growth beyond its initial Los Angeles base. According to Bloomberg, Eric Mullins and Milton Carroll bought a franchise in Houston, and businessman Heath Freeman purchased one in Miami. “I am honored to join Ice Cube and [co-founder] Jeff Kwatinetz at the BIG3 and bring a new professional basketball team to Miami,” Freeman said. “BIG3 is shaping the future of basketball; the gameplay is dynamic and nuanced and the product on the court appeals to the audiences in this incredibly fast-growing region,” he added. “Basketball fans across South Florida can rest assured that this franchise will soon add to our great region’s winning sports pedigree.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C8-B53BSg7f/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=0f9c2707-f907-490a-9f49-031f8750ad63 “You think I can play in the BIG3?,” O’Neal asked Chalmers, who currently plays in the BIG3 League, Vibe reports. “Yeah, easily. I got the perfect spot for you, too. Come over there with me and Mike Beasley. You ain’t gotta do nothing but stay in the paint,” Chalmers replied. However, Shaq noted a recent hip surgery as a possible impediment. “You really think I could play? I thought about it. I just had hip surgery and I ain’t played since,” he shared. “I don’t think I can get back in that mood.” https://twitter.com/ClutchPoints/status/1769026369483100416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1769500385792999854%7Ctwgr%5Ed10ee9b3e483652a5047e1728daf2fa642331721%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fice-cubes-big3-announces-expansion-in-houston-and-miami%2F Serena Williams appeared on the latest episode of Hot Ones and opened up about when she attempted to deposit her first $1 million check in a drive-thru ATM. Recalling her early tennis winnings, Williams said, “I never really spent a lot of money,” adding, “I went through the drive-thru … and the guy was like, ‘Uh, I think you need to come inside for this,’ and I was like, ‘Oh, OK,’ she shared with host Sean Evans, PEOPLE reports. Williams also noted that she “never played for money.” “I played ’cause I loved the sport,” she continued. “I don’t even know if I wanted to play to be the best, I wanted to win.” The tennis superstar added, “So my tax guy, he would be like, ‘You didn’t get your money?’ and I’d be like, ‘Oh, I didn’t get that one in Zurich,’ ‘Oh, I forget that one in Moscow,’ … I was just playing to win, and if I didn’t win, I wasn’t thinking. I was just so angry, that I wanted to find a way to get better and win the next time,” she explained. Watch Serena’s Hot Ones interview via the YouTube player. Meanwhile, Williams’s new docuseries, “In the Arena: Serena Williams,” will be available to stream on ESPN+ starting July 10. According to a news release, the synopsis states: After 27 years in professional tennis, Serena Williams shares a personal account of her most meaningful Grand Slam appearances and deconstructs the milestones of her legendary career. Each episode explores the pivotal moments in Serena’s life on and off the court, illustrating the series of steps that when reflected upon, show the incredible distance traveled over the course of her career. Gotham Chopra directed the docuseries, co-produced by ESPN, Religion of Sports, Tom Brady’s 199 Productions, and Williams and Caroline Currier’s Nine Two Six Productions. Serena Williams Recalls Trying to Cash Her First $1 Million Tennis Winni... Serena Williams appeared on the July 4 episode of 'Hot Ones.' Tiger Woods is teaming up with Justin Timberlake to convert an old cinema into a state-of-the-art bar in Scotland. The pair are co-shareholders in Nexus Luxury Collection, which received approval to transform an old cinema in St. Andrews into T-Squared Social, a high-tech sports bar featuring golf simulators, duckpin bowling, and darts, akin to its New York City counterpart, Entertainment Tonight reports. The old cinema will retain two screens alongside the new T-Squared Social venture. It’s worth noting that Woods previously played in St. Andrews, home to The Old Course. Timberlake received approval to open a bar in Scotland less than a month after his DWI arrest in Sag Harbor, New York. The New York Post reports that a witness at the American Hotel saw Timberlake drinking from another patron’s cocktail when the individual went to the bathroom. “He was wasted,” the witness shared. “At one point, just before closing, somebody got up to go to the bathroom and left his drink on the table. When [the man] came back, [Timberlake] was drinking his drink. The guy goes, ‘Justin, that’s my drink!'” The woman at the center of Sean ‘Diddy’ Comb’s infamous 1999 New York City nightclub shooting called former rapper Shyne a “con artist.” As we reported earlier, Shyne served an eight-year prison sentence for his alleged involvement in the shooting. But one of the victims, Natania Reuben, has maintained for years that it was Diddy, not Shyne, who shot her during an altercation between the rap mogul and Club New York patron Matthew Allen, resulting in injuries to three individuals, including herself. Shyne, who is now the head of the Belize United Democratic Party, recently addressed the incident and admitted that he was Diddy’s “fall guy” in the shooting. In April, he reacted to Reuben’s revelation that he wasn’t the one who shot her. “It opens wounds when you hear the victim saying it was Diddy that shot her. That is what is most remarkable,” Shyne said during a press conference, per Vibe. “I’ve been saying this all along. Everyone knew all along that I was the fall guy, but my political enemies and detractors tried to make me into this criminal, but everyone knew that I was a young kid that took the fall.” The hit keeps coming for Sean “Diddy” Combs as he faces another lawsuit for alleged sexual trafficking and assault. Former adult film star Adria English filed a lawsuit against the music mogul in New York, accusing Combs of coercing her into prostitution at his annual “white parties” in New York and Miami between 2006 and 2009, Entertainment Weekly reports. English claims she was forced to take drugs at Diddy’s freak-off parties and has difficulty recalling details from these events “due to the increased demand” that she “engage in illicit narcotics and alcohol use while employed” under Combs. The woman’s lawsuit names Combs’ Bad Boy Entertainment Holdings, Inc., Vibe Magazine, and Penske Media Corporation for allegedly facilitating the parties. Jonathan Davis, Combs’ attorney, called the allegations “baseless.” “No matter how many lawsuits are filed, it won’t change the fact that Mr. Combs has never sexually assaulted or sex trafficked anyone,” Davis said, per EW. “We live in a world where anyone can file a lawsuit for any reason and without any proof. Fortunately, a fair and impartial judicial process exists to find the truth and Mr. Combs is confident he will prevail against these and other baseless claims in court.” English’s lawsuit is the ninth one filed against the disgraced Bad Boy Records founder, alleging sexual assault since late last year. According to multiple reports, investigators are preparing to bring Diddy’s accusers before a federal grand jury in New York. His bodyguard, Roger Bonds, recently admitted that he would testify against Combs if subpoenaed by the court, Vibe reports. “If I get subpoenaed, I’m not going to jail for nobody,” said Bonds during his appearance on VladTV. The first teaser trailer for Apple Original Films’ “F1” feature, starring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, has dropped. Hailing from director Joseph Kosinski and seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton’s Dawn Apollo Films banner, the film follows Pitt as a former driver who returns to Formula 1, alongside Idris as his teammate at APXGP, a fictional team on the grid. According to the news release, “F1” was shot during actual Grand Prix weekends as the team competed against the titans of the sport. The star-studded cast also includes Academy Award-nominee Kerry Condon, Academy Award-winner Javier Bardem, and Emmy Award-winner, Golden Globe Award nominee Tobias Menzies, Sarah Niles, Kim Bodnia and Samson Kayo. Kosinski directs and produces the feature alongside Jerry Bruckheimer and Chad Oman of Jerry Bruckheimer Films and Pitt, Dede Gardner, and Jeremy Kleiner for Plan B Entertainment. Per the release, the film is made in collaboration with Formula 1® and the F1 community, including the 10 F1 teams and their drivers, the FIA, and race promoters. https://twitter.com/ESPNF1/status/1678086626415632386/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1678086626415632386%7Ctwgr%5E602962ff22d5435f74599f2554c4c6726bde11dd%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fteaser-trailer-drops-for-brad-pitts-new-racing-film%2F Andrea Lawful-Sanders, the Philadelphia radio host who interviewed President Joe Biden after his debate performance with Donald Trump has parted ways with the station. The president and CEO of WURD, a Black-owned radio station in Pennsylvania, announced on Sunday that host Lawful-Sanders and the station have agreed to part ways. The move comes after Lawful-Sanders appeared on CNN and revealed that she received a list of eight questions from Biden’s campaign, of which she approved four. The station stated that Lawful-Sanders arranged the interview “without knowledge, consultation, or collaboration with WURD management,” violating the station’s independence by accepting questions from the White House. “This practice of de-legitimizing Black voices continues today,” the station said. “WURD Radio is not a mouthpiece for the Biden or any other Administration. Internally, we will commit to reviewing our policies, procedures, and practices to reinforce WURD’s independence and trust with our listeners. But mainstream media should do its own introspection to explore how they have lost the trust of so many Americans, Black Americans chief among them.” If President Joe Biden is not the Democratic nominee coming out of the August party convention, it will have to be Vice President Kamala Harris. So for Democrats who are still wringing their hands over Biden’s debate performance and wanting a candidate other than Biden on the 2024 presidential ticket, please understand this: Not only would backing a candidate other than Harris miss the fact that the party would pass over our well-qualified vice president, it would be politically devastating for the Democratic ticket. The work that Harris has done to advance this administration’s economic and national security agenda has been both symbolic and consequential. She has taken on issues such as support for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), maternal health, and health disparities in ways that truly matter to Americans. She is a fierce prosecutor of this administration’s agenda, and she has best-in-class abilities, as she has shown in her effective articulation of the administration’s positions and the threat a second Trump presidency would pose. So for Democrats who are still wringing their hands over Biden’s debate performance and wanting a candidate other than Biden on the 2024 presidential ticket, please understand this: Not only would backing a candidate other than Harris miss the fact that the party would pass over our well-qualified vice president, it would be politically devastating for the Democratic ticket. The work that Harris has done to advance this administration’s economic and national security agenda has been both symbolic and consequential. She has taken on issues such as support for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), maternal health, and health disparities in ways that truly matter to Americans. She is a fierce prosecutor of this administration’s agenda, and she has best-in-class abilities, as she has shown in her effective articulation of the administration’s positions and the threat a second Trump presidency would pose. I have heard so much conjecture in progressive circles and among political punditry about plucking a candidate from somewhere across the country who isn’t Harris, but I have heard very little about how propping up those other candidates could negatively impact us electorally. African Americans make up about 14% of the American population, yet in 2020 nearly 20% of Biden voters were Black, according to Pew Research Center. I have heard so much conjecture in progressive circles and among political punditry about plucking a candidate from somewhere across the country who isn’t Harris, but I have heard very little about how propping up those other candidates could negatively impact us electorally. African Americans make up about 14% of the American population, yet in 2020 nearly 20% of Biden voters were Black, according to Pew Research Center. In what is anticipated to be a close election this year, the depression of a crucially important community within our party by denying Harris the nomination. After an emotional hearing on July 2, the Assembly Public Safety Committee voted to advance Senate Bill (SB) 1414 with an 8-0 vote. The legislation is an anti-sex-trafficking measure designed to increase penalties for those who purchase sex from children. SB 1414, co-authored by Senators Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield), Anna Caballero (D-Merced), and Senator Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park), will be reviewed by the Assembly Appropriations Committee after the legislature break ends on Aug. 5. The legislation has received bipartisan support. However, “critical amendments” were removed, Grove said. She is not satisfied with the language currently in the bill and is pressing members of the Assembly Public Safety Committee to allow key provisions to be restored. “I am disappointed that they didn’t accept the amendments for all minors to be protected under felony convictions,” Grove said after the committee’s vote. “I am not going to give up fighting for those 16 and 17-year-olds – and all minors,” Grove stated. “Now, the district attorneys would have to prove two crimes: that they were bought and sold to go back to the perpetrator (trafficker) who initiated the whole process.” Check out Bebe Winans Performance on The Today Show last week. https://www.today.com/video/bebe-winans-performs-father-in-heaven-right-now-on-today-214145093735 North Carolina’s Lieutenant Governor, Mark Robinson, is embroiled in controversy following a provocative speech at Lake Church in White Lake, North Carolina, on June 30. A clip from the event has been circulating online, in which Robinson, a staunch MAGA Republican and gubernatorial candidate endorsed by former President Donald Trump, can be heard saying “Some folks need killing.” The video shows Robinson discussing the importance of Independence Day and emphasizing the need to protect freedom “at all cost.” His comments quickly drew ire, particularly when he mentioned that there exist people in the nation who care only about control, without regard for political affiliation. “Folks, you see, there’s a class of people in this nation that want you to forget that,” Robinson proclaimed. “They want control. They don’t care about Democrats, they don’t care about Republicans, they don’t care about anything. They care about control.” Robinson compared the current state of the nation to the U.S. military’s actions during World War II, referencing the attack on Pearl Harbor by Japan in December 1941. He stated, “We didn’t quibble about it. We didn’t argue about it. We didn’t fight about it. We killed it.” https://youtu.be/ZT6QGt9M91k Critics pointed to Robinson’s history of incendiary remarks. Justin Parmenter, an author known for his critiques of Trump, declared on X, “This man is not cut out for leadership.” The Democratic Party of North Carolina (NCDP) also condemned Robinson’s comments, citing his past description of public school teachers as “wicked people.” “Mark Robinson called public school teachers ‘wicked people.’ Now he’s saying wicked people ‘need killing’ as a ‘matter of necessity,'” the NCDP wrote. “Anyone who talks about teachers the same way he talks about terrorists is too dangerous to be North Carolina’s next governor.” Robinson has previously faced backlash for his controversial statements. He referred to the LGBTQ community as “filth” and claimed in a 2021 report that North Carolina public school teachers were “abusing” their positions to indoctrinate students. In response to the uproar, Robinson’s campaign accused critics of spreading “lies.” Mike Lonergan took to X to defend the lieutenant governor, accusing the Biden campaign and NCDP of misrepresenting Robinson’s comments. “Absolute gutter lies from the shameless hacks of the [President Joe Biden] campaign & [NCDP]. They’re defending the Axis powers when Mark Robinson was applauding the brave Americans that fought in and won WWII,” Lonergan posted. https://youtu.be/t0SEfq6p6xY Sexyy Red’s upcoming tour is reportedly on the verge of being canceled, as only 37.11% of the 85,217 tickets have sold. The raunchy rapper will hit arenas across the U.S., kicking off in Seattle on Aug. 22. The Sexyy Red 4 President Tour will hit Portland, San Diego, Oklahoma City, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Orlando and New Orleans before wrapping up in Nashville on Oct. 1. Tickets are currently on sale, but fans appear uninterested in purchasing them. According to Hot New Hip Hop, citing The Art Of Dialogue and Touring Data, “out of the 85,217 tickets available for North America, only 37.11% of them have been purchased for 20/24 dates,” the outlet writes. In other words, only 31,624 tickets have been sold so far. Many fans are reacting to the poor ticket sales by trolling the artist online. Below are the dates of the Sexyy Red 4 President Tour. https://www.instagram.com/p/C8pGPukMn-A/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=45eba7bf-c61d-45fe-a77e-6cfc34c21475 Fuse’s highest-rated unscripted series, “Big Freedia Means Business,” returns this fall from Emmy Award-Winning World of Wonder. According to the news release, special guests this season include Macy Gray, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Tamar Braxton, Billy Porter, and Cimafunk. The new season of Big Freedia Means Business premieres October 2 at 8:30pm ET on Fuse and Fuse+ in the U.S. Co-produced with the Emmy award-winning team at World of Wonder, with both World of Wonder and Fuse sharing international streaming rights, the series will stream internationally on World of Wonder’s WOW Presents Plus and Fuse Media’s Shades of Black FAST channel day-and-date with the Fuse U.S premiere. The series will premiere on WOW Presents Plus in the US in 2025, per the news release. Here’s the Season 2 synopsis: Freedia and her business team go all in on thriving ventures like Royal Bud, Shade Sunglasses and the Big Freedia Hotel, while she has her eyes set on conquering new genres in the entertainment industry. Her hustle is off the charts even when a business venture is off the rails. Freedia pulls back the curtains on what it takes to run multiple booming businesses, including some that need more attention. On top of managing her budding empire, Freedia is also putting in the work on a gospel album and reveals plans to write a children’s book. The “Lake Fire” in California’s Santa Barbara County has ravaged more than 13,000 acres in just a couple of days and is now threatening an iconic piece of real estate: the former Michael Jackson-owned Neverland Ranch. The 2,700-acre property, famously owned by Jackson from 1988 to 2005, was within one mile of the fire’s edge on Sunday, according to RMG News. There has been no immediate word on whether the blaze is heading directly toward the Los Olivos home, but the threat is significant. As of today, Sunday, July 7, 2024, the fire has burned more than 13,000 acres. Michael Jackson owned the ranch until he died in 2009. Billionaire businessman Ron Burkle purchased the property for $22 million in 2020. https://youtu.be/F0cxA4YVYpE In a shocking event that has set social media abuzz, rapper Lil Durk‘s 10-year-old son is accused of shooting his stepfather during a domestic dispute involving his mother. The incident, reportedly captured on security footage and shared by the stepfather, Joshua Pippens, has ignited widespread discussions about the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the child’s access to firearms.The altercation unfolded in the presence of several witnesses, as per the footage. During the heated exchange between the boy’s mother and stepfather, the young boy allegedly took his stepfather’s gun and fired a shot, hitting Pippens in the stomach. In the aftermath, Pippens took to Instagram to post the footage, aiming to clear his name and assert that he was not the aggressor in the situation. https://twitter.com/i/status/1809956518982213876 “As y’all can see I was not the aggressor and y’all also can see how I still had my gun on my hip he grabbed my gun off my hip following his mom’s lead and tried to shoot me and then actually shot me I advise y’all see it before they take it down #buildawareness,” Pippens captioned the clip. Due to the sensitive nature of the footage, it will not be included in this article.Despite the severity of the incident, Pippens has made the surprising decision not to press charges against the child. He expressed his love for the boy and emphasized the importance of protecting his rights over his children, a motivation he cited related to his actions following the incident. Pippens has also pointed out that the situation could have been far more tragic had the shot been directed at someone else present during the altercation, including the child’s mother. https://www.instagram.com/reezy_dgaf/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=03c75c1c-8ba1-4752-a5e2-5c961273ee8e Vice President Kamala Harris on Saturday put the focus on the dangers of a second Trump administration, rather than the growing concerns over President Joe Biden’s candidacy, as she attempted to convince Black voters to once again deliver a win for the Biden-Harris ticket. “This is probably the most significant election of our lifetime,” Harris said during a moderated conversation at the Essence Festival in New Orleans, claiming that former President Donald Trump has “openly” expressed “his intention to be a dictator on Day 1” if reelected. Harris’ stop at the annual Black music and cultural festival comes as the Biden campaign works to revive a corner of the coalition that helped propel the president to the White House in 2020. Biden beat Trump 87% to 12% among Black voters in 2020, according to CNN exit polls. But Trump has made inroads with the critical voting bloc recently. A New York Times/Siena College survey of battleground states released in May found Trump winning more than 20% of Black voters in a two-way matchup with Biden, which would amount to a historic high if it translates to votes in November. https://youtu.be/dVPaTAM-juU Harris attempted to convince festival attendees that “we can see it through” if they once again vote in record numbers. “People voted in record numbers in 2020. This is what was able to happen, and when everyone votes in those numbers again in 122 days, we can see it through,” Harris said. The White House in recent days has struggled to quell concerns over the president’s mental fitness and the viability of his campaign following his poor performance in CNN’s presidential debate last week. Some Democrats have called on the president to closely examine his reelection bid, while others have gone as far as calling for him to step aside. Biden has remained defiant, telling reporters in Madison, Wisconsin, on Friday that he’s “completely ruling out” exiting the race. Many look to Harris as the obvious successor if Biden steps aside, with a recent CNN poll conducted after the debate showing the vice president outpacing Biden in a hypothetical race against Trump. Some Republicans, meanwhile, are hoping to avoid a Harris presidential candidacy as they believe Trump’s path back to the White House would likely be easier against Biden. https://youtu.be/Hn96yWSvvKc Like most entertainers, Waka Flocka Flame welcomes anyone who enjoys his music to see him perform live. But if you support President Joe Biden, that’s where the rapper draws the line. The Queens-bred and Atlanta-based entertainer left little doubt over who he is and isn’t supporting in the 2024 presidential election during a recent concert at Club Sky in Salt Lake City, Utah. In the middle of his set, Waka stopped the show with a message for Biden’s supporters, while referring to his opponent, former president Donald Trump, and his run for the presidency. “All Joe Biden voters, get out of my concert. We’re gonna party right now for T24.” Backing him up on the 1’s and 2’s, the DJ reinforced what was said, yelling, “See ya!” “We gonna see y’all at the bingo game. We gonna party right now for our f**king president, T24,” Waka continued, per TMZ via Vibe. https://youtu.be/p_OPBG4lHAg Taking to social media during the show and online, concertgoers were mixed in their reactions to the rhymesayer putting Biden supporters on blast with his preference for Trump. “How much Trump paying him I wonder,” one X (formerly Twitter) user posted, while another stated, “As much as I don’t like Joe Biden this was wrong they paid money for a show like everyone else and while performing a show they should keep politics out of it.” “Celebrities who bring politics into their art are losers. Both sides are guilty of this and it’s such a loser mentality. Use your music to bring people together instead of keeping them divided,” a third X user expressed. Waka’s declaration marks the latest in his ongoing support of Trump. The former reality star, who has previously endorsed the politician’s run for the presidency, has posed for photos with Trump. https://twitter.com/WakaFlocka/status/1714086959167967460/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1714086959167967460%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fwaka-flocka-flame-to-joe-biden-supporters-get-out-of-my-concert-watch%2F Know your role, black women. Because one TikToker (@MelaninWisdom) feels you have no understanding of what you’re here for, compared to women of other races. ID’ing the user as @MelaninWisdom, she has gone viral with her view of sistas. In her eyes, non-black women know what they’re here for and have no trouble fulfilling their purpose in life. “What’s really disturbing is that every nationality of women – except for so-called Black women – understand their roles and understand why they were created,” MelaninWisdom expressed, Sandra Rose reports. “The so-called white woman knows why she was created: to be a wife, to be a mother, to help her husband. To help guide her house, and assist when he needs help.” “Asian woman understand that, Arab woman understand that, the East Indian woman understand that…,“ she continued while getting to the heart of her beef with Black women. “It’s only the so-called Black woman that does not understand why she was created. It is simple. You was literally created to be a wife, to be a mother, to be a helpmate to your husband. To love him, to love your children, to guide the house and shine in your role. That’s simple.” https://www.tiktok.com/@melaninwisdom/video/7383094572118822190?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Ftiktoker-melaninwisdom-criticizes-black-women-for-lacking-role-clarity%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121442748%2C121439635%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_pause_share&referer_video_id=7383094572118822190 Republicans of the MAGA world have made it clear that they don’t just plan to reinstall as president an orangey-white nationalist who lies incessantly, thinks he’s above the law and tried to steal a legal and fair election through thoroughly debunked election fraud propaganda—they also want to turn the federal government into a MAGA indoctrination hub that will essentially transcend administrations, making America a white Christian nationalist’s eternal wet dream by default. That is essentially the agenda of Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation’s four-stage plan outlined in a 920-page document titled Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise, which includes a pledge to erode abortion rights and civil protections for the LGBTQIA+ community, and to criminalize homelessness, eradicate “wokeness,” end immigration, dismantle the Board of Education, and make it easier to fire federal employees who are not staunch conservatives. Now, the Heritage Foundation’s president, Kevin Roberts, is out here implying that Project 2025 could result in violence from “the left,” as if it isn’t people of the right who have a recent history of attacking government buildings just because democracy didn’t fall their way. https://twitter.com/i/status/1808319662737756654 Are we in trouble? Real trouble. SCOTUS’s ruling on Monday about presidential immunity, reported by NewsOne earlier this week, Deborah Small (HLS ‘87, HKS’88), who, after a brief turn in corporate law, has spent her life working in public policy, as an attorney with the ACLU, and later, as a world-renowned expert on drug policy at the intersection of race policy. One of the most brilliant peopleyou would want to know, hope that Deborah could help tease out the silver lining one couldn’t see, the reason to still have hope especially after the last several rulings issued by a Supreme Court gone rogue, spitting in the face of its own founding fathers. She did not. Absolute immunity for Presidents? In a nation of laws? It’s literally exact thing that America’s founding fathers went to war against. It’s the raison d’être of the founding of the Republic, as NewsOne noted in earlier coverage. In writing their irrational opinion giving the white guy the right to be a criminal, it was as though they were talking about a hypothetical situation, not a real, live threat to American lives, in particular the lives of those who are already most marginalized in society: Us. Black people. People of color. Men. Women. Gender-nonconforming. Young, old. Under this Court’s anti-democracy ruling, Richard Nixon would not have been forced to leave office because it would have been just fine and dandy for him to get the Justice Department to help him during Watergate when he interfered with the Democratic process. But that was the 70s. They declined, deciding to instead stand on the side of law. In an unusual move, Justice Sonia Sotomayor not only wrote the dissent, speaking for Justices Kagan and Brown-Jackson, but read it from the bench to underscore the extraordinary judicial failure by the majority. After running his mouth and saying some very despicable things, boxer Ryan Garcia has found himself in the center of a storm following racist remarks made about George Floyd as well as the Black and Muslim communities. On Friday, Garcia announced he is “headed to rehab” and expressed a commitment to “abolish” the N-word from his vocabulary. “I sincerely apologize if I hurt and offended anyone,” Garcia said, speaking after spending the Fourth of July holiday with the Sanders family in Miami. Deion Sanders Jr., a close friend, defended Garcia but did not excuse his actions. “I’m not going to let a moment ruin a lifetime,” Sanders stated through his YouTube channel, Well Off Media. He emphasized that while they won’t abandon Garcia amidst the turmoil, actions are already planned to address his issues. Sanders mentioned that Coach Prime would talk to Garcia in Miami over the weekend to ensure he receives the necessary help, according to Buff’s Beat via Sports Illustrated. https://youtu.be/4veRes-5cVY Garcia’s controversies have been mounting since his no-contest result against Devin Haney after testing positive for ostarine. His downward spiral continued with an arrest last month for alleged damage to a hotel in Beverly Hills. Following his arrest, Garcia was transferred to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for a medical evaluation and treatment. The backlash heightened with the latest offensive remarks, prompting WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman to expel Garcia from any activities within the organization. “@WBCBoxing rejects any form of discrimination. I fear for Ryan’s wellbeing,” Sulaiman posted on X, revealing that Garcia had declined multiple offers for mental health and substance abuse support. It remains unclear if the University of Colorado knew about Garcia’s alleged substance abuse history when he appeared as a special guest at Colorado’s Spring Game in April. The Sanders family, who spent Independence Day in Miami, plans to return to Boulder next week to resume their schedule before heading to Las Vegas for the Big 12 Media Days on July 9. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/K7xjez3dO7I?feature=share The family of 20-year-old Daelena Mackay, who was pronounced dead after her ex-boyfriend reported a suicide attempt, is urging investigators to reexamine the circumstances surrounding her death. Mackay, who was about to graduate from LA City College and had summer travel plans, was found hanging with a scarf in the bathroom of her Hollywood Boulevard apartment. There was no note left behind, and her family is raising serious questions.“Did she take her life, or was her life taken from her,” asked her brother Kaevaan Mackay. Speaking on behalf of the family, he expressed doubts about the thoroughness of the investigation. “I want the Coroner’s Office to do their job and look into the details,” he said. https://youtu.be/JddeCQMY9Vo Joe Biden’s team provided a list of questions to a radio host (Andrea Lawful-Sanders) who interviewed the president this week in the aftermath of his debate performance, the host told CNN. “The questions were sent to me for approval. I approved them,” Lawful-Sanders, host of “The Source” in Philadelphia, said during an interview Saturday with CNN’s Victor Blackwell on “First of All.” When Blackwell asked Lawful-Sanders whether the White House sent her questions for approval, she said yes. “I got several questions, eight of them, and the four that were chosen were the ones that I approved,” she added. CNN reporting later clarified that it was the Biden campaign that handled the interview. https://youtu.be/pyglxJVZN-o Biden, who has faced enormous scrutiny this week, made some stumbles during his conversation with Lawful-Sanders. “I’m proud to be, as I said, the first vice president – first Black woman – to serve with a Black president, proud to have been involved with the first Black woman on the Supreme Court,” he said during the interview, which taped Wednesday and aired Thursday. Reached for comment Thursday night, a Biden campaign spokesperson slammed the “absurdity” of criticism of the president’s missteps. “It was clear what President Biden meant when he was talking about his historic record including a record number of appointments to the federal bench,” spokesperson Ammar Moussa said. https://youtu.be/HuNC_5pXY5U Maxwell’s urban hang suite is returning to a watery setting for the second consecutive year. Vibe reports the entertainer’s Urban Hang Suite Cruise will take to the seas on the Norwegian Pearl from February 14-19, 2025. The five-night trek, whose name is taken from Maxwell’s classic debut album, will kick off in Miami, with stops in the Cayman Islands and Jamaica. The “Lifetime” vocalist will be on hand for two exclusive performances, in addition to special guests Anthony Hamilton, Marsha Ambrosius, Lalah Hathaway, Avery*Sunshine, Terrace Martin, Tye Tribbett, and more. The 2025 Urban Hang Suite Cruise will follow its sold-out inaugural outing, which took place earlier this year and included DJ sets, food and performances from Ledisi, Robert Glasper, Sabrina Claudio, Musiq Soulchild, Leela James, Gallant, and others, Vibe noted. Next year’s lineup of DJ’s and chefs will be announced at a later date, as the Urban Hang Suite Cruise will take place after Maxwell’s 2024 The Serenade Tour. https://youtu.be/c3DY6jxpYG8 Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson, age 24, tragically passed away in a car accident overnight. The devastating news has sent shockwaves through the NFL community, with widespread condolences pouring in. Jackson, a promising young player and fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, had recently joined the Vikings after a standout career at Oregon. The accident occurred in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, involving a maroon Dodge Charger carrying Jackson, Isaiah Hazel, and Anthony Lytton. According to Maryland State Police, the crash happened when a silver Infiniti, attempting to change lanes at high speed, collided with the Charger. The impact sent the Charger crashing into a moving Chevy Impala before veering off the road and colliding with trees. Emergency responders arrived at the scene and pronounced Jackson and Hazel dead on-site. Lytton was transported to a local hospital but, unfortunately, succumbed to his injuries. Miraculously, no other individuals involved in the collision were injured. https://youtu.be/2-PxqDr0Teg Attorney Antonio Moore reposts clips from his videos over the last 5 years that were critical of Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2020 presidential cycle. Moore shows why it would be a disaster for her to step in for President Biden to run against Trump in 2024. Alarms are being sounded after the first presidential made Joe Biden show his age. Now rumors are swirling that Kamala Harris may have to replace Biden at the top of the ticket. Moore details Kamala Harris’s role in imprisoning mothers with her truancy laws, and how her California AG office had prisoners fighting fires for little to no pay among many other aspects he uses to show that she is a flawed candidate. https://youtu.be/9MF4N8hp-W0 The relationship between Eddie Murphy’s son Eric and Martin Lawrence’s daughter Jasmin is receiving a thumbs up from the “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” star.Speaking with Gayle King on “CBS Mornings” on July 2, Murphy made his expectations known on how the couple’s offspring may turn out if they marry and bring a new life into the world. “They’re both beautiful,” said the 63-year-old comedy icon, who confessed that he and Lawrence thought it was “cool” that Eric and Jasmin are an item. “They look amazing together. And it’s funny [because] everybody [asks], ‘What is that baby going to be funny?’ ” “Just our gene pool is going to make this funny baby,” Murphy continued. “If they ever get married and have a child, I’m expecting the child to be funny.” The entertainer’s comments echo similar remarks Lawrence made about a possible grandchild during an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in June 2022, People noted. The “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” fixture brought a humorous angle to the situation while commenting on Eric and Jasmin conceiving a “comedy super-baby” at some point. The president said in the interview that he was “sick” and “feeling terrible” before the debate. Asked whether it was a bad episode or a sign of a more serious condition, Biden dismissed those concerns. “It was a bad episode. No indication of any serious condition. I didn’t listen to my instincts in terms of preparing, and I had a bad night,” he said. In the interview, Biden gave more details about how he was feeling at the time of the debate, saying he was fatigued from illness and had even been tested for COVID-19. The White House did not immediately respond to CNN’s inquiry as to whether the president took the test before or after the debate. He said, “I was feeling terrible. As a matter of fact, the docs with me I asked if they did a COVID test, they were trying to figure out what’s wrong. They did a test to see whether or not I had some infection, you know, a virus. I didn’t. I just had a really bad cold.” https://youtu.be/0PwvoL17-Uw “I could hear heaven’s angels singing,” said Ghana Gospel artist Milly Praise about her new single “Sounds of Heaven” (Devine Jamz Gospel Network). “The Holy Spirit of God gave me the discernment to know,” she said when I asked how she knew it was God talking to her. “This is the voice.” The Ghana native is currently residing in San Antonio, Texas. Born Millicent Ahin, Milly started singing in the church as a worship leader in the United Kingdom. She blessed several churches with her worship leader persona aboard and here in the United States at the Church of Pentecost. Now she blesses us with “Sounds of Heaven.” “This song is about a relationship with God,” Praise said when I asked. “It’s asking God what to do with the songs He’s given me. I got with a producer friend and…” https://youtu.be/g5gLvTotzWA With heavy hearts, the family of KeKe Jabbar, a cherished star of the reality TV series “Love & Marriage: Huntsville,” has announced her funeral arrangements following her untimely passing on July 2 at 42. The family will hold two public viewings at the Royal Funeral Home on Oakwood Avenue in Huntsville (Alabama). The first viewing will occur on July 7 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., followed by a second viewing on July 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. These viewings will allow friends, fans, and loved ones to pay their respects to the beloved reality star. The funeral service for KeKe will be held on July 8 at 11 a.m. at the Fellowship of Faith Church on North Memorial Parkway. The family hopes the service will honor the bright spirit and the joy KeKe brought to those who knew or watched her. In the early reports, the cause of KeKe’s death was unknown. However, JoAnn Jenkins, a YouTuber and close family friend, has shared more details about the tragedy. “Keke did not overdose, Keke did not take her own life. Keke loved life. Keke was not ready to leave life. She wasn’t ready to leave her children, her husband or her family,” Jenkins revealed, putting to rest any speculations about KeKe’s mental state at the time of her passing. https://www.instagram.com/p/C7czX8Surqv/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Claudia Jordan may ‘have peace’ now, but that doesn’t prevent her from reminiscing over the cancellation of her web gossip show “Tea-G-I-F.” Speaking with her friend Carlos King, the 51-year-old media personality tried to hold back the tears when her former co-host Al Reynolds was brought in to the conversation, Sandra Rose reports. Reynolds is noted for his “betrayal” of Jordan, which resulted in the end of “Tea-G-I-F,” which aired on Fox Soul before its cancellation this week after weeks of being on hiatus. The series’ termination stemmed from policy violations and personality conflicts behind the scenes between comedienne Luenell, Jordan, Reynolds and Armon Wiggins. Adding fuel to the situation were alleged rumblings of Fox Soul general manager and head of programming D’Artagnan Bebel growing tired of Reynolds coming to him about whatever Jordan allegedly stated. “I think he hates me,” Jordan told King, in reference to Reynolds. Despite the cancellation, Jordan isn’t pouring the tea, as she “still have some hope to save my baby,” meaning “Tea-G-I-F.“ Still the damage has been done, according to well-placed sources who stated the “Tea-G-I-F” ship has sailed. Bebel initially placed the show on suspension with hopes things would be settled between the warring co-hosts. Ultimately, reality set in as the exec seemed to have had enough and was done. https://youtu.be/bIlfb1neAUk As the conversation continued, Jordan addressed talk about her selling out her “Cocktails with Queens” co-hosts LisaRaye McCoy, Vivica A. Fox and Syleena Johnson prior to the show being cancelled in 2023 after four seasons on the air. “Queens” was canceled to free up the budget for “Tea-G-I-F” to move to 5 nights a week.“A lot of people blamed me and thought I sold out Cocktails with Queens so I could be over here on ‘Tea’,” Jordan voiced. “I was absolutely heartbroken when the network decided to cancel Cocktails with Queens. It was only a financial issue. It was nothing more than that.” https://youtu.be/IJFgvJqslOw Tonight (07-05-24), President Joe Biden will participate in what many consider the most significant interview of his political career. At 81 years old, the President is set to sit down with George Stephanopoulos, a notable figure in Democratic circles and current anchor of ABC News. This interview comes on the heels of a worrying performance during his debate with GOP challenger Donald Trump, leading to increased scrutiny of Biden’s mental and physical capabilities. https://youtu.be/wsMIGqDHvI0 The choice of Stephanopoulos as the interviewer has drawn criticism from various quarters, including Trump, who expressed his views on Truth Social. “The meanest and most vicious Interviewer out there is George Slopadopoulos of FAKE NEWS ABC, one of the worst and most vile Broadcasters in the business,” Trump wrote. “Now ABC, and Liddle’ George, a tiny, angry man, can make up for their past indiscretions and journalistic failures by doing a real interview with Crooked Joe, not a cut-up promotion with only his few coherent answers released to the public.” https://youtu.be/upMh8pGjRMY Caitlin Clark’s arrival into the WNBA and its accompanying exposure may be a great sign of what its future holds, but the league’s past and present treatment of its black players are putting a hold on potential greatness where everyone wins. A recent piece in the Washington Post shines a light on Clark’s journey thus far in the league, compared to a rougher path that wasn’t taken by choice for mainstays like Britney Griner, Chennedy Carter, and Angel Reese, among others. Carter became the latest WNBA standout to be put under the racial microscope when asked if she would apologize to Clark for fouling her in a previous game between Carter’s Chicago Sky and Clark’s Indiana Fever. The act may be a minor happening in the game, but it was major enough to prompt Indiana-based Republican congressman Jim Banks to sound the alarm via written note to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert for a plan to protect Clark, the league’s popular star rookie by June 14. With Banks and Clark being white and the WNBA “disproportionately Black, as represented by Griner and Carter, The Post notes that efforts are put more into protecting Clark by any means instead of putting the players under the same protective umbrella. “…somehow, some way, it is Clark who needs extraordinary safeguarding in the workplace of professional basketball, a contact sport policed by on-court referees in real time and further arbitrated by off-court officials after the fact. It isn’t, instead, Black women such as Griner and Carter, who are villainized to the extent that they are accosted just trying to get to their basketball-playing jobs,” the Post mentioned. In a move that will certainly resonate across the hip-hop community, yesterday, on the 4th of July, Kendrick Lamar has unleashed what many are calling the final nail in the coffin of his ongoing feud with Drake. With the release of the highly anticipated video for “Not Like Us,” Lamar has seemingly wrapped up their rivalry without the need for a new diss track. https://youtu.be/H58vbez_m4E The video for “Not Like Us,” already one of 2024’s songs of the summer, begins with a gripping teaser. Fans are immediately hooked by a snippet of unreleased music, speculated to be from Lamar’s forthcoming album. The scene opens with Lamar knocking on a door, greeted by Tommy the Clown, a dancer who made an appearance at Lamar’s Juneteenth “Pop Out” show in Los Angeles. Tommy asks for a password, setting the stage for the transition into “Not Like Us” as Lamar whispers, “I see dead people,” a reference to The Sixth Sense and a bold statement that Drake has lost the beef so decisively that he is as good as “dead.” https://youtu.be/WGMfLEHHKys Throughout the video, Lamar uses dense and symbolic imagery to assert his dominance over Drake. One of the most pointed visual digs occurs early in the video, where Lamar savagely beats an owl-shaped piñata—Drake’s OVO Sound logo—accompanied by the cheeky disclaimer, “No OVHoes were harmed in the making of this video.” Another significant moment, as reported by EW, features Lamar standing before a caged barn owl, a direct shot at Drake’s brand. Adding fuel to the fire, NBA star Demar Derozan makes a memorable cameo midway through the video. Formerly a player for the Toronto Raptors, Derozan’s presence is an unmistakable jab at Drake’s deep-rooted ties to his hometown team. https://youtu.be/zp8b9_Jd_z8 Paramount is reportedly in talks to sell BET for $1.6 billion to $1.7 billion to a group of buyers, including BET CEO Scott Mills and CC Capital founder Chinh Chu. According to Bloomberg, Paramount Global’s co-CEOs hired bankers to explore selling certain assets, including BET. The BET Media Group comprises the BET cable channel, VH1 and other networks; the BET+ streaming service; and BET Studios. The current reported price range for BET is less than half of the $3.5 billion offer media mogul Byron Allen made to Paramount Global in late 2023. Previous bidders included Tyler Perry and Sean “Diddy” Combs.We reported previously that Paramount Global backed away from the sale in August, saying it would not generate enough profits. “We made this decision because the benefits of maintaining a majority stake in BET Media Group creates more value for Paramount than any of the proposals we received,” a source from Paramount reportedly told the New York Post, according to Vibe. The Coca-Cola Sips & Sounds Music Festival issued an apology to The War and Treaty, a Black country music duo after they discovered a cotton plant in their dressing room. According to TheJasmineBrand, the group, consisting of husband-and-wife singer-songwriters Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter, expressed sadness upon finding the plant ahead of their set at the Austin, Texas event. Trotter Jr. said during an interview, “Anger is what I felt.” He added, “Disrespect is what I felt. Sadness is what I felt. Sadness not just because of what that plant represents to people that look like me but sadness for myself because I am a son of this country. I served this country honorably in the United States Army 16th Infantry, 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division. I’m wounded for that service. I’m very vocal about my wounds and my scars, and I felt betrayed.” Trotter Jr. continued, “It’s not fair. It’s something that white artists don’t have to worry about at all. … It just happens to come through the bowels of this genre. So, I feel that it’s not enough for us to talk about it, we have to demand that we be about it.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C1N3PK9u-Lg/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=2e87d4b2-11cc-4eb8-bc76-1443c8de7e02 For decades, Black women have used various vaginal products to maintain feminine hygiene, unaware that many of these douches stem from racist stereotypes about the odor of dark skin. One of the most startling examples is Lysol, marketed as a feminine hygiene product from the 1920s to the 1960s. Advertised as a “gentle and trustworthy” aid, Lysol was promoted as a douching agent and even became a top-selling product during the Great Depression, MadameNoire reports. This surprising chapter of American history highlights the troubling ways products were marketed in the past. “We as gynecologists realized a long time ago that vaginal douching was just not a good thing for women to do,” said Tacoma McKnight, an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, The Washington Post reports. “There’s this unrealistic standard of what a vulva and vagina should smell like, look like, feel like,” said Fatima Daoud Yilmaz, an OB/GYN in New York. “People with vulvas and vaginas are spending their money chasing after an ideal that’s not rooted in reality or being made to think that their normal, healthy bodily functions are somehow pathologic and need to be addressed.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1803111763166241069 A heavily intoxicated passenger caused an American Airlines flight to make an emergency landing in Buffalo after exposing himself and urinating in the aisle. According to federal prosecutors, Neil McCarthy, 25, admitted to police that he was masturbating on the flight to New Hampshire and attributed his actions to a medical urination condition, the New York Post reports. Court documents reveal that McCarthy had been drinking heavily before and during his journey from Portland to Manchester, New Hampshire, with a layover in Chicago. A passenger snapped a photo of McCarthy urinating in the aisle during the flight, prompting the plane to divert to the Buffalo Niagara International Airport. McCarthy was arrested at Gate 2 and charged with indecent exposure. The flight continued its journey after the urinator was removed from the plane. After a hearing Wednesday in a Buffalo federal court, McCarthy was released. He faces a maximum sentence of six months in prison. As folks continue waiting for some form of reparations to be made official, Jasmine Crockett, a congresswoman in Texas may have a way for Black Americans and the country as a whole to come out winners overall on the divisive issue: tax breaks. During a recent episode of the Black Lawyers Podcast, the Democratic Representative suggested that one-way reparations could be paid to descendants of slaves via a reprieve from paying taxes for a certain amount of time. The tax withheld strategy was among a variety of ways the congresswoman came up with to pay reparations to living relatives of enslaved people. Although her ideas were helpful, Newsweek reports Crockett, a former civil rights and criminal attorney, saw “a celebrity” that voiced the belief that Black people should not have to pay taxes for an undetermined amount of time instead of being given money by a state or the federal government. “One of the things they propose is Black folk not have to pay taxes for a certain amount of time because…that puts money back in your pocket,” Crocket said about her alliance with the celebrity, whom Newsweek was unable to name. “If you do the no-tax thing for people that are already, say, struggling and aren’t really paying taxes in the first place, it doesn’t really matter.” https://youtu.be/7rkEX-efcWY The family of Raejonette Morgan, in collaboration with prominent attorney Ben Crump and civil rights activist Najee Ali, director of Project Islamic Hope, is urgently calling for a comprehensive investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department into the untimely death of Morgan, a 22-year-old African American woman. On Friday, July 5, at 11 am, a press conference will be held at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Station, 1310 West Imperial Highway, Los Angeles, CA 90044, where Crump, Ali, and the Morgan family will address the incident and demand justice. Raejonette Morgan was shot in a barrage of bullets on July 2 in South Los Angeles. As the tragic scene unfolded, a Sheriff’s deputy, who was seated in his patrol car nearby, failed to render any aid to the critically injured victim. Morgan succumbed to her injuries on July 4, at UCLA Harbor General Hospital. According to her family, Morgan fell victim to a mistaken identity shooting by alleged gang members. The family is now calling for justice and urging those responsible for her murder to come forward. Adding to the gravity of the situation is a Facebook Live video that has garnered national attention, capturing the inaction of the Sheriff’s deputy. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=869235305047347 "UNCENSORED" explores the lives of some of today’s most notable personalities as they provide first-hand accounts of their success and the obstacles they faced throughout their careers. This week's episode highlights Kandi Burruss.The multi-faceted artist gets uncensored as she delves into her journey to becoming an award winning singer, songwriter, reality star, and entrepreneur extraordinaire. Don’t miss the all-new episode this Sunday, July 7 at 9 PM / 8 PM C only on TV One. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xPIF95obOY Actress Nika King and First Lady Donna Martin discuss their inspiring new film, “Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot,” from Angel Studios. Nika stars in the film, portraying the true story of Bishop Martin and his wife, First Lady Donna Martin, and their small Bennett Chapel church in Possum Trot, East Texas. The film tells how twenty-two families from this close-knit community came together to adopt seventy-seven of the most challenging children in the local foster care system, sparking a national movement for vulnerable children that continues to this day. As reported earlier, Demetrius Grosse portrays Bishop Martin in this heartfelt journey of courage, compassion, and community. Director Joshua Weigel said in a statement, “When first considering this story, I wasn’t sure it would work. Too many characters, no clear story, and I wasn’t the right color to tell it. But it was also somehow monumental.” https://youtu.be/-nyh9tcGFcI Icon Ernie Hudson discuss the new season of BET+’s “Carl Weber’s The Family Business.” With the fifth season premiering this week, Hudson shared insights into his multifaceted role as L.C. Duncan on the show. He also reflected on the challenges and rewards of bringing the complex, dynamic world of the Duncan family to life. Season 5 finds L.C. fighting against the family as new characters and alliances impact his journey and the dynamic world of the Duncan family. The ensemble includes Valarie Pettiford, Darrin Henson, Javicia Leslie, Sean Ringgold, Tami Roman, and Miguel A. Núñez Jr. Here’s the official synopsis: The family ties that bind the Duncans have reached the breaking point as the family faces secrets from the past that threaten everything they’ve built. But this time, their enemies are coming from the inside of the family, and they have no one to blame but themselves. As LC, Chippy, and the entire Duncan clan welcome their son, Vegas home, they are disheartened by Junior leaving the family. As LC does whatever it takes to protect Vegas, allies become enemies who devise a plan to overtake The Table. A thief in the night proves to be more than just a random robber, and he leads Rio on a hunt that will change the Duncan family forever. Meanwhile, Paris’s ex, Niles Monroe, reappears unexpectedly with a warning of sweet revenge. https://youtu.be/UbL3cOmjea0 “The Family Business” is renowned for its intricate plot twists and suspense. Hudson, he hinted at the surprises and new developments fans can anticipate this season. He also reflected on how L.C. Duncan has evolved since the series began and shared the challenges and growth that fans can expect from his character in season 5. “The Family Business” season 5 premiered on Thursday, July 4, 2024, with two gripping episodes on BET+. New episodes debut weekly on Thursday until the season finale on August 29. Seasons 1-4 are available now on Netflix. https://www.instagram.com/familybusinessbet/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=8e34b8fa-1c91-4d78-9954-ff3496104cf0 Nicki Minaj’s younger sister, Ming Luanli (also known as Ming Li), is carving out her path as a rapper independently of the Grammy-winning artist. As Vibe reports, during Ming Luanli’s, 18, appearance on the We In Miami podcast, spoke about her estranged relationship with Minaj. She mentioned that although they share the same father and have different mothers, and were “never close.” “I’ve never called her Nicki, by her name, at all. Calling her Nicki always felt weird, I’ve always called her Onika, too,” Ming Luanli revealed. “But we was never close, but we had a good bond,” she added. “She was always, like, busy. She be busy and stuff like that, I be doing my sh*t, too. But at the end of the day, I know that I still got love for her, she still got love for me, and I’mma still be proud of her,” Ming Li added. The budding rapper said she was in elementary school when her peers began to notice she was related to the hip-hop star. https://www.instagram.com/p/C8qi03Ft95P/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Earlier this year, Ming Luanli also dropped the single “Thinking Bout U,” featuring Iz LaMarr and Masika Kalysha. She previously spoke about her process as a new artist in the music industry. “So, basically, as I’m going to start my music career further on, I will no longer be known as Nicki Minaj’s little sister,” Ming Luanli explained. “I am known as Ming Luanli. And right now I’m going to do big things with myself without having to get secret help, any type of easy help. I’m going to work my way to the top.” You can watch Ming Luanli’s full interview with the We In Miami podcast below, in which she explains why she chose to pursue music without her famous sister’s help. https://youtu.be/bh9_eNCYZ5U Red Lobster has introduced a signature meal in honor of Flavor Flav after the hip-hop icon rallied support for the seafood chain following its bankruptcy filing in May. In June, Flav revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that he visited a Red Lobster location and seemingly purchased everything on the menu. The Public Enemy hypeman shared a photo of himself and two tables full of food. He captioned the photo: “Ya boy meant it when I said I was gonna do anything and everything to help @redlobster and save the cheddar bay biscuits.” “Ordered the whole menu,” he added. https://twitter.com/redlobster/status/1807842736759853272/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1807842736759853272%7Ctwgr%5Ed83a7d878b5c34d5f9c03f96890d21f0c67ec79d%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fflavor-flav-inspires-red-lobsters-new-signature-meal%2F In response, Red Lobster recently announced the new Flavor Flav’s Faves meal. As Vibe reports, it consists of Maine Lobster Tail, Snow Crab Legs, Garlic Shrimp Scampi, Bacon Mac & Cheese, and a choice of a side. “As a long-time Red Lobster fan, I’m fired up to bring a little bit of my own flavor to fans with a meal featuring my seafood favorites,” Flav said of the collaboration. “You gotta get to Red Lobster and give it a try because this signature meal is hype, boy!” https://twitter.com/redlobster/status/1807842736759853272/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1807842736759853272%7Ctwgr%5Ed83a7d878b5c34d5f9c03f96890d21f0c67ec79d%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fflavor-flav-inspires-red-lobsters-new-signature-meal%2F “Love & Marriage: Huntsville” fans were shocked to learn about the sudden passing of Keke Jabbar at age 42 this week. The cause of death was initially unknown, but JoAnn Jenkins, a YouTuber and close friend of the Jabbar family, has shared more insight into her untimely death. As IceCream Convos reports, in a recent livestream, Jenkins said, “Keke did not overdose, Keke did not take her own life. Keke loved life. Keke was not ready to leave life. She wasn’t ready to leave her children, her husband or her family.” Jenkins seemed to imply that KeKe died from carbon monoxide poisoning. “Last night, she turned her car off and she fell asleep,” Jenkins explained. “Her car was not functioning [and there] was something already wrong with her car.” https://youtu.be/pwgmwkT8OT4 According to Jenkins’s comments, it seems likely that KeKe returned home, parked her car, and inadvertently fell asleep with the engine running and the garage door closed. The malfunction in her vehicle appears to have tragically resulted in her death. “So, seven-something this morning, her husband goes to the garage. He sees Keke, what he thinks is asleep in the car. He tries to get her attention. He opens [the car] up. She isn’t breathing. Her husband, her life partner, her best friend tried to bring his wife back, the mother of his children, and he couldn’t,” said Jenkins. “Keke passed from carbon monoxide poisoning. That’s it. That is all,” she added. Jenkins stressed that KeKe had no intention of ending her own life. https://twitter.com/i/status/1808502877456945640 Here is an exclusive clip of TONIGHT’s new episode of “Deb’s House,” which centers on music managing mogul Deb Antney and her quest to find the next female rap star. In the clip, the girls show off their skills and freestyle during a Deb’s House Cypher. “Deb’s House” premiered June 14th on WE tv and ALLBLK. It features eight up-and-coming female artists who move into Deb’s House and compete to become her next rap protégé. Antney is best known for pioneering the careers of several high-profile artists, including Gucci Mane, French Montana, Nicki Minaj, and her son, Waka Flocka Flame. “I envisioned a competition show that deviates from the norm-one centered around personal growth and self-competition,” Antney said in a statement. https://youtu.be/wIbw57ys-AA Tonight’s debut episode of “Down in the Valley,” a documentary series inspired by the vibrant world of the hit “P-Valley” series on Starz. Per the news release: “The six-half-hour episode series hosted and executive produced by Nicco Annan (“P-Valley”) will take viewers on a tantalizing tour of the Deep South, unveiling a complex South that is equal parts poignant, joyful, and magical.” “Down in the Valley” season one premieres Friday, July 5, at midnight ET on the STARZ app. On linear, episode 101, “Diamonds of Memphis,” and episode 102, “Saints & Sinners,” will debut on STARZ on July 5 at 9:00 PM ET/PT in the U.S. and 10:00 PM ET in Canada. President Joe Biden told Democratic governors during a meeting at the White House on Wednesday that part of his plan going forward is to stop scheduling events after 8 p.m. so that he can get more sleep, according to three sources briefed on his comments. The remarks, first reported by The New York Times, came as the 81-year-old Biden sought to reassure a group of more than 20 state leaders about his ability to defeat former President Donald Trump in November and govern effectively for another four years. Biden’s comment left several of the governors in the room frustrated, sources told CNN and is one of the reasons that some of the participants have been rankled by the statement of loyalty and enthusiasm from them distributed by the Biden campaign on Thursday. The White House did not immediately comment on what the president said. A Biden campaign aide argued that as well as doing debate prep in the week after his two trips to Europe, Biden was engaged in hours of official work in addition to the hours of campaign work. “President (George W.) Bush went to bed at 9, and President (Barack) Obama made dinner at 6:30,” said Biden campaign spokesperson Kevin Munoz. “Normal presidents strike a balance, and so does Joe Biden. Hardly the same rigor as Donald Trump, who spends half of his day ranting on Truth Social about plans that would cause a recession and the other half golfing.” https://youtu.be/ba9sQDv77iM Biden also made a joke to the governors that didn’t go over well: “I’m fine — I don’t know about my brain, though.” Jen O’Malley Dillon, Biden’s campaign chairwoman, said the president was “clearly making a joke and then said, ‘All kidding aside.’” In the wake of Biden’s poor performance during CNN’s presidential debate last week, some Democrats have begun to call for the president to drop out of the race, leaving the White House scrambling to convince skeptics within the party and voters. In the days after, administration officials have provided confusing and conflicting explanations as they attempted to spin a performance that exacerbated voters’ concerns about Biden’s age. Following the meeting, Govs. Wes Moore of Maryland, Kathy Hochul of New York, and Tim Walz of Minnesota painted a positive picture of the meeting during a news conference, adding that Biden is “all in” and “in it to win it.” In response to a reporter’s question, Walz dismissed any concerns about Biden’s age and health, saying the president is “fit for office.” https://youtu.be/76og0m6Le3o A new video reveals the harrowing moments before Florida rapper Julio Foolio was ambushed and killed by gunmen outside a Tampa, Florida hotel. The incident, which occurred on June 23, just two days after the Jacksonville, FL native’s 26th birthday, left Foolio dead and three others injured. The surveillance footage from the shared parking lot of a Hilton and a Holiday Inn shows the masked gunman waiting for Foolio’s black car. Foolio had been celebrating with friends, moving from an Airbnb to the hotel, a move he documented on his Instagram shortly before the shooting. The video captures the gunman, armed with what appears to be a semi-automatic rifle, sprinting through the parking lot at 4:37 AM. He begins firing at Foolio’s car, which desperately tries to escape by speeding around a corner but hits a curb in the process. Other gunmen can be seen in the distance, indicating a coordinated attack, TMZ reports. The shooter fired from point-blank range, and Foolio was killed in the attack. Three other individuals in the vehicle sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and the suspects managed to escape the scene. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-07-03-070324-foolio-shooting-1857968-080/ Following the tragic event, Foolio’s mother released a statement acknowledging her son’s lifestyle but promising to release a documentary about his life. Despite his death, Foolio’s Instagram account remains active, featuring a bizarre resurrection video that uses AI to place his face on WWE Undertaker’s body. The Tampa Police Department has stated that there are no new updates on their active investigation to apprehend the shooter. The community and fans of Julio Foolio are left mourning the loss of the young rapper, whose life was cut short in a brutal and senseless act of violence. https://twitter.com/i/status/1807949226816549023 After carving a trail of destruction across the eastern Caribbean, Hurricane Beryl, which reached a historic peak as the earliest Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic, has weakened significantly. As it churned over open waters toward Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula on Thursday, Beryl was downgraded to a Category 2 storm by the afternoon. Beryl’s fearsome path left at least nine people dead and prompted widespread evacuations and damage assessments in affected areas. The storm’s center was approximately 215 miles east-southeast of Tulum, Mexico, by Thursday afternoon, packing maximum sustained winds of 110 mph and moving west-northwest at 20 mph. Jack Beven, a senior hurricane specialist at the U.S. Hurricane Center, commented on the current status of the storm, stating: “The biggest immediate threat now that the storm is moving away from the Cayman Islands is landfall in the Yucatan Peninsula.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1808728069156347933 Forecasts indicate that while Beryl is expected to bring heavy rain and moderate winds to Mexico’s Caribbean coast, the storm will likely restrengthen once it crosses the Yucatan Peninsula and enters the Gulf of Mexico. Meteorologists warn this could lead to a second, potentially more robust landfall in northeast Mexico. https://twitter.com/i/status/1808626133056819213 The City of Inglewood (CA) hosted the biggest party for a good cause, on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Darby Park, from 11:00-7:00 pm. This was a day of free family-friendly festivities. The 2nd Annual Inglewood Music Festival was held in support of the Inglewood High School Marching Band. Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts, Jr., has proudly nominated the Inglewood High School Marching Band to represent the City of Champions in the prestigious America’s National Independence Day Parade, on July 4, 2025, in Washington D.C. Thousands of music aficionados gathered once again (2nd Time Around), to groove, move, shop, dance, arts and crafts while enjoying the soundtrack of a diverse mix of music on the final days of Black Music Month. Inglewood residents and visitors from surrounding communities heeded the call to get their tickets, and to join their neighbors to sing, dance, celebrate, and have a good time while supporting public education. In its second year, the Inglewood Music Festival has already become a fixture in the city known for sponsoring and supporting events for community members to enjoy memorable experiences. The good doctor prescribed a measurable dose of good music for the soul’s benefit. DJ Qwess Coast took the party people, aka, grown folks back to school for an immersive soundtrack of old and new school tracks. Smiles, laughter, and delightful conversations were evident throughout the afternoon. Tuesday, the Justice Department announced that it reached an agreement with Wichita Public Schools after an investigation into race and disability discrimination in Kansas’ largest school district. According to the DOJ, the district has agreed to revise practices to prevent discrimination in discipline and referrals of students to law enforcement, end the use of seclusion, reform its restraint practices and improve services to students with disabilities in certain schools and classrooms by Jan. 1, 2025. DOJ’s investigation into Wichita Public Schools found that the district’s Black students were disciplined more frequently and more severely than white students who engaged in similar conduct and had similar backgrounds and disciplinary histories. In particular, when it came to disciplining Black girls, their behavior was repeatedly characterized using stereotypical terms like “attitude” or “drama. The investigation also found that the district inappropriately and repeatedly secluded and restrained students with disabilities in inferior facilities with inadequate services and support. “Black students inside our nation’s public schools should not have to face discipline or a referral to law enforcement because of their race,” Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, said in a press release. “And students with disabilities should not have to experience the trauma of seclusion or improper restraint. Schools in our communities should not be a place of fear or mistrust. This agreement upholds our core principles of ending the school-to-prison pipeline and protecting our most vulnerable students against all forms of discrimination and segregation.” White supremacist leaders and organizations involved in the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville now have a new reason to cry about imaginary anti-white oppression in America now that a federal appeals court awarded more than $26 million in damages to people who were injured physically or emotionally during the deadly event. In October 2021, a federal lawsuit was filed against the tiki-torch-wielding white men who made polo shirts and khakis the new Klan robes and, by the next month, they had been ordered to pay the eight plaintiffs $26 million, $24 million of which was for punitive damages. The defendants were probably breathing sighs of relief when a judge later slashed that amount to $350,000 to be shared between the plaintiffs citing a Virginia law that imposes a $350,000 cap on punitive damages. However, on Monday, the appeals court ruled that cap should be applied to each plaintiff, not split between them, so it restored the more than $2 million each that they were originally awarded. The 4th Circuit panel, which voted 3-0 in favor of the plaintiffs, said in its ruling that the state law’s language was “clear enough to predict how Virginia’s high court would rule.” “Over two years ago, the jury used its $24 million punitive damages award to send an unmistakable message to the defendants and to the public about the outrageous misconduct that took place in Charlottesville, Virginia. While the law compels us to reduce the award, it’s long past time for that message to be delivered,” Chief Judge Albert Diaz wrote. This is as good a time as any to remind folks that the main reason the Unite the Right protesters were demonstrating was over the city’s plan to remove the Confederate monument of General Robert E. Lee. Imagine having to pay $26 million just for a failed attempt at saving Charlottesville’s ode to intergenerational Black servitude and torture. White supremacy is starting to get kind of pricey, ain’t it? President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris recently released a new radio ad slamming Donald Trump for his racist “Black jobs” rant during last week’s presidential debate. In what many are calling the most viral moment of the debate, Trump told the American people that immigrants are “taking Black jobs.” Titled “Not for Us,” the 60-second spot opens with Donald Trump’s own words, “They’re taking your Black jobs,” and goes on to portray a dialogue between two Black voters discussing what exactly IS a Black job? The ad then shows voters trying to untangle Trump’s bigoted and racist words as he attempts to pit two minority groups against one another while stoking fear. The team also released a 30-second version highlighting what they say is the most important “Black job” of all: “Making sure the guy that said ‘Black jobs’ – never becomes president again.” https://youtu.be/oiaR_yaJfGM In 2023, the world, mainly Black folk, was on pins and needles as we all hoped and prayed for beloved actor/musician Jamie Foxx after he suffered a mystery medical complication. Since his recovery, Foxx has begun sharing information about what happened in drips. Foxx was spotted outside a restaurant in Phoenix, Arizona, over the weekend, where he spoke to fans about what happened before he became so seriously ill that it landed him in a hospital. The actor explained to the fans that he was experiencing a bad headache, leading to him asking a friend for an Advil, subsequently waking up 20 days later in a hospital with no recollection of what happened to him. “Look, April 11 last year, bad headache, asked my boy for an Advil. I was gone for 20 days,” Foxx says in the video. “I don’t remember anything. I’m in Atlanta, they told me… my sister and my daughter took me to the first doctor. They gave me a cortisone shot.” e continued speaking on the matter while not revealing what was wrong with him on camera. “The next doctor said, ‘There’s something going on up there,’” Foxx said while pointing to his head. “I won’t say it on camera. But it was…” https://youtu.be/896fMIKFl7A The Civil Rights Act was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson 60 years ago on Tuesday. But the historic law that addresses racial discrimination in employment, education, voting, segregation as well as police brutality, freedom of speech and so much more remains increasingly relevant in 2024. Johnson emphasized how even though the Civil Rights Act was signed into law many years ago, there remains a relentless urgency to keep building on that legacy on behalf of Black Americans. “As we recognize the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act,” Johnson told NewsOne, “we must remember that there have been advocates for decades pushing for similar legislation and we’ve always had individuals — men and women — to stand up with courage to advocate for human dignity.” Johnson, who has led the nation’s oldest civil rights organization since 2017, credited “the voices of African Americans holding the Constitution true to its commitment to citizens” and vowed to “continue to fight to ensure that our future is greater and brighter than the past we had to fight out of.” Johnson is among a number of notable newsmakers appearing in NewsOne’s upcoming video series, The Black Ballot, which is part of an eponymous editorial franchise of political coverage focusing on issues and themes that directly affect Black voters leading up to the highly consequential 2024 election. A growing number of Democrats are publicly calling for President Joe Biden to drop out of the presidential race following last week’s disastrous debate performance. But in private, according to reports, Democratic operatives are saying that Vice President Kamala Harris should be the one to replace Biden, 81, as the Party’s presumptive nominee. The calls come as Biden decides whether to stay in the race, according to the New York Times. Reuters, citing “seven senior sources at the Biden campaign, the White House and the Democratic National Committee with knowledge of current discussions on the topic,” reported on Wednesday that Harris, 59, is the “top alternative” presidential candidate if Biden steps aside. https://twitter.com/JulianCastro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1808305543288967245%7Ctwgr%5E8dd0137052d640d89ffaf80a63244245aad96c61%7Ctwcon%5Es2_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewsone.com%2F5351924%2Fkamala-harris-replacing-biden-calls-grow%2F The Wall Street Journal also made a case for why Harris “would be Biden’s likeliest replacement.” On Tuesday night, former U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary, Julián Castro, who served in President Barack Obama’s administration with Biden, called on the president to allow a “stronger Democratic candidate” to run for the Party’s nomination. “Defeating Donald Trump is too important for Democrats to do nothing,” Castro posted in a thread on X, formerly Twitter. “With the understanding that the stakes are so high, President Biden should make the difficult decision to withdraw from the race.” https://twitter.com/flywithkamala?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1806534164813955412%7Ctwgr%5E8dd0137052d640d89ffaf80a63244245aad96c61%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewsone.com%2F5351924%2Fkamala-harris-replacing-biden-calls-grow%2F Sean “Diddy” Combs, the music mogul and entrepreneur, is now facing a federal criminal investigation in the Southern District of New York, according to two sources familiar with his ongoing legal troubles. Last week, Combs’ legal team was informed by federal authorities that he is a subject in the investigation. Sources have revealed that evidence is being presented to a federal grand jury, although there is no indication that charges are imminent. Being a “subject” in an investigation means that Combs is within the scope of the investigation, but he has not been designated as a “target,” a term used to describe individuals who prosecutors intend to indict. https://youtu.be/XUtapI4N4iw Both a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Combs’ lawyers have declined to comment on the matter, according to NBC News. In a further blow to Combs, Adria English, a former adult film actor who claims to have worked for him between 2004 and 2009, has filed a lawsuit accusing him of sex trafficking and sexual assault. The 114-page complaint alleges that Combs and other defendants treated English as a “sexual pawn for the pleasure and financial benefit of others” during his notorious “White Parties” in the Hamptons and Miami. The lawsuit also claims that Combs coerced English into prostitution and sex work from 2006 to 2009. https://youtu.be/GFDBxSHZazQ California Gov. Gavin Newsom understands the power of celebrity connections and wealth. Now, he’s banking on a “Beast Mode” alliance, so to speak. Bottom line: Newsom is set to host a weekly podcast with former NFL star running back Marshawn “Beast Mode” Lynch and his agent Doug Hendrickson. The podcast, titled “Politickin‘,” premieres on July 15 on the iHeartRadio platform. Billed as “an unexpected collaboration,” the podcast features “Gavin Newsom like you’ve never heard him and Marshawn Lynch exactly how you’d expect him.” Despite the political-sounding title, Lynch clarified in a preview that the podcast won’t focus on politics. “It’s bridging gaps,” Lynch said. “You sit down, you come to the roundtable, we need to figure it out. I need to figure out where you’re coming from, right? But you need to figure out where he’s coming from. Your politicking may be a little bit different, you feel me? You handle yours a different way. We bring each side, all walks of life, and we figure out what we’ve got going on.” The unique partnership between the former NFL player, known for his quirky and profane personality, and the Democratic governor of California, who may have presidential aspirations, was facilitated by their shared connections. Hendrickson, a lead NFL agent with Wasserman who represented Lynch, has been friends with Newsom since the 1990s, reports the LA Times. Newsom and Lynch both have roots in the Bay Area. Lynch, who grew up in Oakland and attended UC Berkeley, became a star in Seattle, rushing for 6,381 yards and 58 touchdowns over seven years with the Seahawks. He helped the team win the Super Bowl in 2014. https://twitter.com/GavinNewsom?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1808524252825727028%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fnewsom-and-marshawn-lynch-podcast-politickin%2F People who take Ozempic or Wegovy may have a higher risk of developing a rare form of blindness, a new study suggests. Still, doctors say it shouldn’t deter patients from using the medicines to treat diabetes or obesity. Last summer, doctors at Mass Eye and Ear noticed an unusually high number of patients with non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, or NAION, a type of eye stroke that causes sudden, painless vision loss in one eye. The condition is relatively rare — up to 10 out of 100,000 people in the general population may experience it — but the doctors noted three cases in one week, and each of those patients was taking semaglutide medications. A look back at six years of medical records showed that people with diabetes were more than four times more likely to be diagnosed NAION if they were taking a prescription semaglutide, and those who were overweight or obese were more than seven times more likely to experience the condition if they were taking the medication. The risk was found to be greatest within the first year of receiving a prescription for semaglutide. The study, published Wednesday in the medical journal JAMA Ophthalmology, cannot prove that semaglutide medications cause NAION. And the small number of patients — an average of about 100 cases were identified each year — from one specialized medical center may not apply to a broader population. https://youtu.be/laPaezEsteI In a leaked video obtained by the Daily Beast, Donald Trump goes in on Biden, referring to him as a “broken-down pile of crap” and suggesting that the 81-year-old president will soon drop out of the 2024 race.The footage shows Trump, 78, seated in a golf cart alongside his son Barron Trump, offering his analysis of the current political landscape and his potential opponent. The clip begins with Trump, visibly holding a wad of cash, engaging a group of individuals off-camera. “How did I do with the debate the other night?” Trump inquired. The off-camera audience responded with praise for his debate performance, prompting Trump to shift his focus to an aggressive critique of Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. “We kicked that old, broken down pile of crap,” Trump declared to the group around his golf cart. “He’s a bad guy,” he added about Biden. Despite concerns regarding his debate performance and his ability to secure a win against Trump in the coming November election, Biden has maintained his stance on staying in the race. Undeterred by Biden’s assurance, Trump continued his verbal assault: “He just quit, you know—he’s quitting the race,” Trump predicted with confidence. “I got him out—and that means we have Kamala.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1808678911494046194 Rookies Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever and Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky have been named to their first WNBA All-Star team, the league announced Tuesday. This is the first time two rookies are WNBA All-Stars in the same season since 2014. Reese, who has also been named WNBA Rookie of the Month for June, was emotional after learning about her All-Star selection. “I’m just so happy,” she told reporters through tears. “All the work I put in, coming into this league so many people doubted me – didn’t think my game would translate and I wouldn’t be the player that I was in college … I trusted the process and I believed.” https://youtu.be/GV0uhmKiKOE Against the Atlanta Dream on Tuesday, Reese posted her 11th consecutive double-double – extending her single-season league record – with a franchise-record 19 rebounds in the Sky’s 85-77 win. She is now within one of Candace Parker’s all-time record for consecutive double-doubles, which was accomplished across two seasons. Clark, meanwhile, was named Rookie of the Month in May and has consistently drawn huge crowds during her time in the WNBA. On Tuesday, 20,366 watched her Fever lose 88-69 against the Las Vegas Aces, the fifth-biggest crowd in league history and largest since 1999. “I don’t think I’ve ever been her teammate before, even at USA Basketball or anything like that,” Clark told reporters about linking up with former college rival Reese. “I know people are going to be really excited about it, but I hope it doesn’t take away from everybody else. “This is a huge accomplishment for everybody on Team USA and everybody on Team WNBA. They all deserve the same praise.” https://youtu.be/QZYNfeOJz4E Joining the two first-timers on the 12-woman Team WNBA roster are two-time All-Star Aliyah Boston (Fever), four-time All-Star Arike Ogunbowale (Dallas Wings) and nine-time All-Star Nneka Ogwumike (Seattle Storm). Team WNBA will take on the USA Basketball Women’s National Team at the Footprint Center in Phoenix for a sold-out game on July 20. Six-time All-Star A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces headlines the Team USA squad for the 20th All-Star game. Joining Wilson are six-time All-Star Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty), 11-time All-Star Diana Taurasi (Phoenix Mercury) and 10-time All-Star Brittney Griner (Mercury). This will be the second time the All-Star game will feature the USA Basketball vs. Team WNBA format. In 2021, Team WNBA defeated Team USA 93-85 in Las Vegas prior to the Tokyo Olympics. The All-Stars were chosen by fans (50% of the vote), current WNBA players (25%) and a national panel of broadcasters and sportswriters (25%). https://youtu.be/L6zqEGnJxkc I recently had the privilege of chatting with actor Demetrius Grosse and Bishop Martin about their inspiring new film, “Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot” from Angel Studios. This movie unpacks the remarkable true story of Bishop Martin and First Lady Donna Martin and their small Bennett Chapel church nestled in the woods of East Texas. Together with twenty-two families, they bravely took in seventy-seven of the hardest-to-place children from the local foster care system, sparking a powerful national movement for vulnerable youth that endures to this day. Grosse portrays Bishop Martin in this heartfelt portrayal of courage, compassion, and community. https://youtu.be/-nyh9tcGFcI Sean “Diddy” Combs is making headlines once again as he puts his lavish Los Angeles mansion on the market for a staggering $70 million, just four months after the estate was raided by the Department of Homeland Security in connection with a federal sex trafficking case. The news, first reported by TMZ, has sent shockwaves through the entertainment world and beyond. The Bad Boy Records founder acquired the European-style estate in LA’s prestigious Holmby Hills neighborhood in 2014 for $40 million. https://youtu.be/bmtUCZxQUkc The sprawling mansion covers an impressive 17,000 square feet and features 8 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms. In addition, the property boasts a 3,000-square-foot guesthouse, a separate spa house complete with a steam room, massage room, and beauty salon, as well as a gym, wine room, and an underwater swimming tunnel leading to a grotto, according to the Los Angeles Times. The federal raid on Diddy’s estate was first observed by FOX 11, which had SkyFOX flying over as Homeland Security conducted their investigation. Ground crews from FOX 11 quickly learned that the mansion was registered to Bad Boys Films, a division of Bad Boy Entertainment, along with one of Diddy’s daughters. https://youtu.be/aQlsWspIVbo Homeland Security expert Hal Kempferm explained to FOX 11 that the agents were searching for evidence such as laptops and flash drives that could possibly link Combs to recent sex trafficking allegations. In the aftermath of the raid, Diddy publicly criticized the authorities for what he described as “excessive force” used against his sons and employees during the operation. The raids also targeted his Miami home. These developments have reportedly influenced Diddy’s decision to sever all ties with Los Angeles; although he was last seen in West Hollywood three weeks ago, he has primarily been residing at his Miami property since then. https://youtu.be/Y01Af0KrjpE The Joe Biden campaign is somewhere thanking the Gods for this timely distraction from their presidential candidate’s widely reported debate issue. In any event, independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has denied allegations made in a new Vanity Fair report that he had previously eaten a dog while sidestepping accusations of sexual assault levied by a former nanny in the magazine, saying, “I’m not a church boy.” In an interview with the “Breaking Points” political podcast released Tuesday, Kennedy called the Vanity Fair article “a lot of garbage” but acknowledged that his past included “many skeletons in my closet.” The article alleges that Kennedy texted a message to a friend last year that included a photograph that showed him pantomiming eating a cooked animal carcass. In the message, Kennedy reportedly recommended the friend try eating dog while traveling in Korea. https://youtu.be/QTnWeq91V2c Kennedy said the image depicted him eating a goat during a trip to South America. “The article is a lot of garbage. The picture that they said is of me eating a dog, it’s actually me eating a goat in Patagonia on a whitewater trip many years ago on the Futaleufu River. They say … they have an expert that has identified that as a dog carcass. It’s just not true,” Kennedy said. The Vanity Fair article also features Eliza Cooney, a former part-time babysitter who worked for Kennedy between 1998 and 1999, alleging that he groped her in his kitchen. Kennedy declined to directly acknowledge the sexual assault accusation at first, instead dismissing “the other allegations” as part of a “very, very rambunctious youth.” “I’ve said this from the beginning. I am not a church boy. I am not running like that. I said … I had a very, very rambunctious youth. I said in my announcement speech that I have … so many skeletons in my closet, that if they could all vote, I could run for king of the world,” Kennedy said, adding, “Vanity Fair is recycling 30-year-old stories, and I, you know, am not gonna comment on the details of any of them.” https://www.youtube.com/shorts/EvXe01qLM_0?feature=share Recent polls have found Kennedy in a stagnant position against Joe Biden and Donald Trump, the presumptive Democratic and Republican presidential nominees, respectively. A CNN poll released Tuesday found Kennedy earning 14% support in a multi-candidate race, behind Trump (41%) and Biden (35%). Those findings are roughly similar to a CNN poll released in November that showed Kennedy taking 16% compared with 41% for Trump and 35% for Biden. https://youtu.be/Ke08e2Bfz00 Famed fashion designer Marc Jacobs credits Black women for his obsession with extravagant fake nails. Jacobs, 61, recently took to social media to showcase his new colorful nail set featuring crystals and stones. In an Instagram video, he praised Black women for pioneering nail art culture. “I want to show some respect and love, appreciation and admiration, [and] give flowers to the Black women who, in the ’70s and ’80s, used their nails to express their creativity,” he said. “And it’s their culture and their history that allows me, today, to enjoy my nails,” Jacobs added. In the post’s caption, he gave props to track star Sha’Carri Richardson, late track and field star Flo-Jo, rappers Lil Kim and Missy Elliott, and “all the beautiful, creative Black women who paved the way” in the nail industry. “Flowers, admiration, and infinite respect to you,” Jacobs wrote. https://www.instagram.com/themarcjacobs/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c14e5625-7d5b-42c7-a7ec-8a07e28054d0 Now that the Supreme Court has issued its historic decision on presidential immunity — one that will be “for the ages,” as Justice Neil Gorsuch put it — the most pressing question yet to be answered is far more immediate: What does this mean for special counsel Jack Smith’s prosecution of former President Donald Trump’s attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 election? We vehemently disagree with the majority decision to extend any immunity to aspects of Trump’s 2020 election interference. But the court’s opinion also makes clear that this ruling is not a death knell for Smith’s case. True, as the case now returns to the trial court, there is no longer time for a full jury trial in 2024. But the opinion calls on District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan to initiate the next best thing: an evidentiary hearing — a kind of mini-trial — that will thoroughly ventilate the facts in this case. She should do so quickly. Smith charged Trump with engaging in a “criminal scheme” to subvert the 2020 election; Trump has pleaded not guilty to four counts. The trial, which was originally scheduled to begin on March 4, has instead been stayed since December 2023. That is when Trump appealed an order refusing to dismiss the case on immunity grounds — and the Supreme Court first declined to review the case, beginning its unconscionable slow-roll that finally ended almost seven months later with this new decision. On Monday, the Supreme Court essentially found a middle ground between the government’s position and Trump’s. Rejecting Trump’s absurd claim of blanket criminal immunity for official acts, the court still carved out a broader scope of conduct for which a president cannot be prosecuted, even after they leave office. https://youtu.be/pDBntbQlYu0?list=RDNSpDBntbQlYu0 Angela Simmons apologized for sporting a bedazzled gun-shaped purse at the 2024 BET Awards on Sunday night. Fans slammed the odd accessory choice because Simmons’ fiancé, Sutton Tennyson, was murdered as a result of gun violence in 2018. Additionally, the brother of her boyfriend, rapper Yo Gotti, was slain as a result of gun violence.Following the backlash on social media, Simmons took to Instagram to address the controversial fashion statement. https://twitter.com/HarrietEve9/status/1807629148094886387/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1807629148094886387%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fangela-simmons-apologizes-for-gun-purse-at-bet-awards%2F “I want to address the recent incident involving the green purse I carried at the BET Awards,” Simmons wrote on her Instagram story, the Los Angeles Times reports. “When I chose the purse, I believed it was cute and unique and I made a poor decision in using it as an accessory to amplify my beauty.” Simmons said she “understands the pain and hurt this has caused.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1807966245242736730 “It’s an Urban love song,” said Terrance Bell when I asked the Gospel artist if his new single “Perfect Man” (Virtual Valor Group/Central South) was R&B. “I’ve written all types of genres. It was a song I started to write (and did not finish)…being in a relationship brought more of a passionate element that I had not felt with anyone. I wanted to complete the song.” https://youtu.be/_1r5v3RSY9k Take a peek behind the curtain as the premiere of new docu-series “Raising Fame” takes center stage Sunday, July 7 at 10P/9C on TV One. Hosted by celebrity moms Lucille O’Neal (mom of Shaquille O’Neal) and Sonya Curry (mom of Stephen, Seth, and Sydel Curry), “Raising Fame” provides an intimate look into the lives of some of today’s biggest stars, told by the people who raised them. “Raising Fame” delves beyond the glitz and glamour to provide a unique perspective in the words of both the parents and celebrated children themselves. In the premiere, viewers will follow Oscar-nominated actress Danielle Brooks and her parents from her hometown of Simpsonville, SC to the bright lights of Hollywood with an exclusive sit-down moments before she heads to the Academy Awards. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rh0I5VXbI5E This season also includes an impressive lineup of award-winning athletes, musicians, actors, and their families including Usher, Shaquille O’Neal, John Legend, Fantasia, Magic Johnson, Jon Batiste, Chance the Rapper, Kevin Durant, Billy Porter, the late Chadwick Boseman and more. From heartwarming anecdotes to candid conversations, “Raising Fame” will give viewers a deeper understanding of the dedication, sacrifice, and love that contributed to the success of these remarkable individuals in their rise to fame. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgMtA5K76m8&t=1s Iconic MC, Rakim is set to make a groundbreaking return to the music scene after 15 years with his highly anticipated new album, G.O.D.'s Network (Reb7rth). Partnering with cutting-edge Web3 music platform Gala Music, select songs from Rakim’s album release is available exclusively on Gala Music today before hitting digital streaming platforms (DSPs) July 26th. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the fusion of music and technology, offering fans a unique and immersive listening experience. “Partnering with Gala Music allows me to reach my fans in an innovative way, combining the best of music and modern technology. I’m excited to share my newest tracks with my loyal fans for the first time on web3,” says Rakim. The exclusive release includes three new tracks that are available to stream now on Gala Music starting today. These tracks will go on sale on Friday, July 5 at 1 PM PT. Additionally, seven instrumentals from the album will be released exclusively on Gala Music on July 12th, available indefinitely. The BET Awards hosted by Taraji P. Henson saw its share of glitz, glam, and a bit of controversy. Keith Lee, a food reviewer with a significant social media following on TikTok, recently spoke out against BET’s production and expressed dissatisfaction over a segment where he was supposed to receive recognition but felt sidelined. Lee’s criticism didn’t sit well with Henson, who swiftly responded to clear the air. In a video, Lee slammed the BET production team and criticized the entire segment design, stating it deprived him of a moment he’d been looking forward to. However, Henson took to Instagram to set the record straight, emphasizing that the mishap was due to Lee being in the wrong seat during the show. Henson wrote, “Life really is too short for this behavior. He wasn’t in his seat. They give celebrity-assigned seats! I rehearsed all damn day to go hit my mark and that young man wasn’t in his seat so HE MISSED HIS MOMENT! His ego is hurt. He will be fine. I cleaned it up at the end of the show. No love lost here. #GodBless” https://www.instagram.com/morningjuiceboxtv/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=5f68aa72-3363-427d-a433-f14fc53b0464 Mary J. Blige announced on Instagram the restock of her sold-out Giuseppe Zanotti collaboration. In May, the over-the-knee rose gold boots debuted at $1,295.00, and they are still available at the same price on the Guiseppe Zanotti website. In a June 26 Instagram post, the R&B superstar shared that fans who missed last month’s initial release can now buy the boots, which sold out in one day. “Seeing the response to the first drop of my boots with Giuseppe Zanotti really blew me away,” Blige explained to ESSENCE Magazine. “For years, my fans have asked me about making boots and you all showed up and showed out. Because of how quickly you sold them out, we had to come back with more.” When Blige appeared on “Fits From The Streets,” she told the host, “The Mary J. Blige boot is officially in the universe.” Blige continued, “Everybody’s been requesting it and asking for it. The announcement was made on stage while I was wearing them with a f**king fire outfit. But right now they are available.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1790009411504599347 Per a statement on the boot seller’s website: “Born from the collaboration between iconic Italian designer, Giuseppe Zanotti, and multihyphenate award-winning artist, Mary J. Blige, The Mary Boot encapsulates the unique and celebrated styles of both talents.” “Statement boots have long been associated as a signature of Mary’s style and through this collaboration, using striking and innovative design, fine materials, and attention to detail, the two have come together to make the Must-Have style of the season.” https://twitter.com/LorenLorosa/status/1789667690040144218?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1789667690040144218%7Ctwgr%5E2430af320e63afe98e9c1ba68972edf7e1b48e1f%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fmary-j-bliges-sold-out-guiseppe-zanotti-boot-restocked%2F Young Thug’s YSL RICO trial has been delayed indefinitely due to controversy surrounding Judge Ural Glanville. The trial is on hold pending a decision on whether the judge should recuse himself over alleged misconduct involving a secret meeting with a witness and prosecutors. Hip Hop DX reports that Fulton County Judge Ural Glanville sparred with Thug’s attorney, Brian Steel, over the constitutionality of a meeting with witness Kenneth Copeland. The heated exchange resulted in Glanville agreeing to release the transcripts from the meeting with the prosecutors. Steel filed a motion to dismiss Glanville from the trial, claiming he had an “unlawful, improper ex parte meeting” with Copeland. The attorney also noted that he and Thug received no notice of the meeting. The filing states that the meeting violated the rapper’s “constitutional and statutory rights, including the right to due process, a fair trial, a fair tribunal, ethical prosecutors and the right to be present at every critical stage of the proceedings under the Georgia Constitution.” https://youtu.be/etz-7CY7edo Lil Mama dubbed Nicki Minaj a “musical prostitute” after the rapper won Best Female Hip-Hop Artist at the 2024 BET Awards on Sunday (June 30). Lil Mama turned to social media to slam the hip-hop star, claiming Nicki is “influenced” by Lil Kim. She posted her remarks under a clip of raunchy rapper Sexyy Red performing at the event. “[They] gave Nicki an award for leading this pack. Corporate “BARS” be going over our head. They laughing at us for sure!” Lil Mama wrote, Vibe reports. “These women are not influenced by Kim. Nicki is influenced by Kim. These women are 23,” she continued. The “Lip Gloss” rapper added, “What major musical prostitutes from the last do you remember from the last 15 years. Who do you think they watched corporate give a platform and flowers for sitting out. Be forreal. They are laughing at us, and the award was a ‘thanks to you, now we have 7, 8, 9 of ’em,’” she added, referring to Minaj’s Best Female Hip-Hop Artist win. New Orleans rapper BG must submit all future music to the federal government before it can be produced or promoted. This condition is part of his parole and represents a considerable relaxation compared to the stricter restrictions prosecutors initially sought to impose, The Guardian reports. BG, whose real name is Christopher Noel Dorsey, is best known as a member of the 1990s rap group Hot Boys and his hit single “Bling Bling.” According to The Guardian, Judge Susie Morgan refused prosecutors’ request to prohibit BG “from promoting and glorifying future gun violence/murder” in songs and at concerts while on supervised release from prison, citing potential violations of his constitutional right to free speech. BG must submit copies of future songs to the government before production or promotion. If the content is inconsistent with his rehabilitation goals, prosecutors could seek to impose stricter terms on his supervised release. https://youtu.be/2FnRnKHS5ds Childish Gambino (AKA Donald Glover) attended the 2024 BET Awards Sunday and debuted the trailer for his upcoming post-apocalyptic survival movie “Bando Stone & The New World.” The project is Glover’s first feature film directorial debut, but the release date is unknown at this time. In the movie, “Gambino plays Bando Stone, a famous musician who wanders through a world devoid of people before he happens upon a woman and her child,” per Variety. “Together, they make their way through a dystopian, post-apocalyptic world filled with giant squids and menacing emu-like birds.” https://youtu.be/V44EenldJQs ”Love & Marriage: Huntsville” star KeKe Jabbar has passed away at the age of 42. Jabbar’s family confirmed her passing in a statement shared on July 2 (Tuesday), read by YouTuber Marcella Speaks. “It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Keke. She passed away peacefully at home surrounded in love,” Speaks said during a YouTube livestream. “She was a mom, a sister, and a great friend, full of life, love, and laughter. She will surely be missed. At this time, we are asking for respect and privacy in our moment of grief while we process this great loss,” Speaks continued. LaTisha Scott, Jabbar’s cousin, confirmed her sudden passing in an Instagram post on Tuesday. https://www.instagram.com/theshaderoom/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=d69a0252-62ff-4a53-96ed-2c141357f6af Nelly planned a surprise baby shower for his pregnant wife Ashanti at a Dolce & Gabbana store in New York City. Footage from the event shows a surprised Ashanti emerging from an elevator, where she was greeted by family and friends, including rapper Fat Joe and his wife, Lorena Cartagena. https://www.tiktok.com/@shannell4life/video/7386441410557332779?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fnelly-surprises-ashanti-with-baby-shower-in-nyc%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121442748%2C121439635%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7386441410557332779 “Oh my god, I thought I was coming to a photoshoot,” she said to her guests in a clip shared on Instagram Story July 1. “I’m in shock. Thank you guys so much, I love guys, I appreciate you. Thank you.” Nelly and Ashanti dated on and off for years, starting in the early 2000s, before splitting in 2013 and reconciling last summer. The singer is now expecting her first child with the rapper and revealed recently that they got married in December 2023. Ashanti told ESSENCE that she is ready for motherhood. https://www.tiktok.com/@ashantiandnellystan/video/7386461731159035169?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fnelly-surprises-ashanti-with-baby-shower-in-nyc%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121442748%2C121439635%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7386461731159035169 Vibe reports that during the baby shower, Ashanti’s dad said Nelly asked for his blessing before proposing to his superstar daughter. “We had a little discussion about him wanting to marry her. For me, it’s very special for a man in this era, for a man to ask for someone’s hand, [in marriage], especially your daughter. I was very impressed with the fact that he asked me. I want to bless you guys and we welcome you with open arms.” In the TikTok clip below, Nelly shares how their romance rekindled at Fat Joe and Ja Rule’s VERZUZ battle in September 2021. https://www.tiktok.com/@ashantiandnellystan/video/7386492331668589856?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fnelly-surprises-ashanti-with-baby-shower-in-nyc%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121442748%2C121439635%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7386492331668589856 50 Cent turned to social media to rant about the soaring price of ice cream. The rapper/entrepreneur shared a photo on Instagram Monday showing the exorbitant prices of the frozen treats offered by an ice cream truck presumably in his neighborhood. The menu included items ranging from $4 to $5. “I jumped out and went to an ice cream truck today and saw this 😳WTF ! 🤨what happened to $1.25 🤷🏽♂️ this can’t be right,” Fifty captioned the post. In the post’s comments, one person wrote, “Yup now think of that family who got 4 kids and the truck is stopping in the neighborhood….it’s daylight robbery.” https://twitter.com/50cent/status/1500211099899150340/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1500211099899150340%7Ctwgr%5Ebca4361d67176b4826cd5c021737cac54f65bd64%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2F50-cent-calls-out-skyrocketing-ice-cream-truck-prices%2F Another IG user added, “Having to bring a debit card to an ice cream truck is insane .” A third noted … “That damn Biden inflation.” https://www.tiktok.com/@karislambert/video/7368552019465915681?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2F50-cent-calls-out-skyrocketing-ice-cream-truck-prices%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121442748%2C121439635%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7368552019465915681 Emmy-award winning media company World of Wonder has acquired a brand new unscripted, eight-part docu-series, House on Fire, which is streaming now on its owned SVOD service WOW Presents Plus. The series, which takes place in New York City and follows the pre-eminent ‘House’ in the Ballroom scene - "House of Miyake-Mugler" - was produced by ITV America, Good Company and Hey, Man Productions. NASA downplayed reports that two astronauts are stuck in space after experiencing issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. CNN reports that the Starliner transported NASA astronauts to the International Space Station but is encountering delays and technical challenges. The astronauts piloting this test flight will remain on the station longer as engineers on the ground address issues. https://youtu.be/lv3XSEuy12g According to reports, NASA and Boeing launched the Starliner despite a known helium leak, initially downplaying its significance. Once they got in orbit, they discovered four more helium leaks and one unstable thruster. Now, spaceflight veterans Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore are stranded at the International Space Station due to a series of complications stemming from this issue. Williams and Wilmore arrived at the space station aboard the Starliner on June 6 and were projected to return by June 26. Now, they have an unplanned 90-day extended stay. https://twitter.com/morgonnm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1805665256716615700%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fnasa-refute-claims-that-astronauts-are-stranded-in-space%2F Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum has secured the most lucrative contract in NBA history, according to multiple reports from The Athletic’s Shams Charania and ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Tatum and the Celtics have agreed to a five-year, supermax contract extension worth $314 million, set to keep him with the team through the 2029-30 season. This historic contract surpasses the previous record held by Tatum’s teammate Jaylen Brown, who signed a five-year, $304 million supermax extension last year. With Tatum’s new deal, the Celtics have solidified their commitment to maintaining a championship-caliber team. Tatum’s Championship Triumph. Last month, Tatum, 26, and Jaylen Brown led the Celtics to their NBA-record 18th title, defeating the Dallas Mavericks in five games. https://youtu.be/djNtEUuJt38 Tatum’s performance was instrumental, averaging 22.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game throughout the series. His stellar play earned him accolades and further cemented his status as one of the league’s elite players. Drafted third overall in 2017, Tatum has become a cornerstone of the Celtics franchise. He is a five-time All-Star and a four-time All-NBA selection. Tatum is also set to compete for a second Olympic gold medal in Paris, joining a star-studded US team aiming for its fifth consecutive men’s title. According to ESPN, the Celtics now have every member of their starting lineup under contract through at least the 2025-26 season. This strategic move ensures stability and continuity for the team, positioning them for continued success in the coming years. https://youtu.be/9SBrqkvj-_s Tia Mowry will unpack her divorce from Cory Hardict in her upcoming reality series. The actress was married to Hardict from 2008 to 2023, and they share two kids, Cree, 13, and her 6-year-old daughter, Cairo. Mowry admitted previosuly in a podcast interview that dating after her divorce is “exhausting.” As we reported earlier, citing Vibe, her forthcoming unscripted series, “Tia Mowry: My Next Chapter,” will follow the “Sister, Sister” star as she navigates single motherhood following her divorce. She spoke about the project with People during the BET Awards, saying, “What I love about it is that it’s about inspiring women, people in general, when it comes to their transitions in life,” Mowry told the publication. “It’s very raw, honest; there’s lots of tears. There’s lots of laughter. There’s lots of fun,” she added about the show, which will debut on WEtv and ALLBLK this fall. Luther Vandross’s niece revealed the inspiration behind some of the late singer’s biggest hits in a new interview. Her insights coincide with the new re-release of Luther’s second album, “This Close To You,” on vinyl, CD, and digital. His first album, “Luther,” was re-released in April, PEOPLE reports. “I know that he wanted to be known as a premier singer of his time and he accomplished that no question,” Seveda Williams told PEOPLE. “They don’t make them like him anymore. He was the last, in my opinion, true king of romance. He had a magnificent voice, but he also wrote the lyrics, these heartfelt lyrics,” Luther’s niece continued. Williams explained that the R&B singer’s inspiration came from Vandross’s personal life but not his love life, which he kept private. https://youtu.be/AzjM7HdxVwg “I think his depth of love came from his own situations and when you’re young, he was writing before he was even in any type of relationship or anything. So he was not always singing about romantic love,” she said. “Most people assume it, but if you look at the lyrics of his songs, everything is not romantic. So it’s about loving yourself, loving your mom, loving a situation that you’re in. Everything’s not autobiographical.” Vandross’s life and career are chronicled in “Never Too Much,” a highly anticipated documentary set for release in January 2025. We reported earlier that the Jamie Foxx-produced project was acquired by CNN Films in partnership with the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). https://youtu.be/JGf_FyRxL5M BET apologized after sound issues at the 2024 BET Awards prevented Usher’s Lifetime Achievement Award speech from being aired. “Celebrating global icon Usher on our stage with a star-studded tribute and having him accept his award with a heartfelt speech was an honor,” the network said in a statement, ET reports. “Due to an audio malfunction during the LIVE telecast, portions of his speech were inadvertently muted.” The statement continued, “We extend our sincere apologies to Usher as we couldn’t be more grateful for his participation in Culture’s Biggest Night. Fans can catch his full uninterrupted speech across BET platforms and tonight’s encore on BET.” Music legends Babyface and LA Reid presented Usher with the prestigious award on June 30. As ET reports, the honor included a 16-minute performance featuring Childish Gambino, Keke Palmer, Summer Walker, Coco Jones, Marsha Ambrosius, Chloe Bailey, Tinashe, Victoria Monét, Teyana Taylor, and Latto. When the R&B crooner was about to speak, the audio cut out entirely for several minutes. PEOPLE reports that during his acceptance speech, Usher reflected on sharing the same name as his father, who abandoned him as a child. https://twitter.com/babyface?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1807823320827781189%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fbet-apologizes-to-usher-after-sound-issues-at-2024-bet-awards%2F “I was trying to make sense of this name that a man gave me but didn’t stick around because he didn’t love me,” Usher stated, per ET. “Or at least that was my perception of it because I had to live long enough in order to understand that you have to have a forgiving heart in order to understand the true pitfalls and hardships of a Black man in America.” The superstar continued, “My father was a product of that. He made a lot of decisions. He made a lot of choices, and one that probably hurt and helped me at the same time was to stay away. That’s part of the reason why I say this is the year of the father, where all the fathers have got to stand up for their sons and daughters and be the man that they need to be for them.” Usher added, “You’ve got to be willing to forgive, y’all. He who knows no sin cast the first stone. You’ve got to be willing to forgive. Got to be willing to be open,” he shared. “I’m telling you, you’re standing before a man who had to forgive a man who never showed up ever. And look what I made with it! Look what I was able to usher in. That’s what’s real. That’s what makes us human. That’s what makes us men and women. I thank you all.” “I was trying to make sense of this name that a man gave me that didn’t stick around because he didn’t love — or at least that was my perception of it.” https://youtu.be/x_0LAhYVpmQ President Joe Biden denounced the recent Supreme Court ruling that granted former President Donald Trump immunity for certain actions during his presidency related to the federal election interference case. This decision almost guarantees that the trial concerning Trump’s attempt to halt power transfer after the 2020 election will not commence before Election Day. “The American people must decide whether Donald Trump’s assault on our democracy on January 6th makes him unfit for public office, the highest office in the land,” Biden said in his remarks from the White House, Deadline reports. “The American people must decide if his embrace of violence to preserve his power is acceptable,” Biden added. He called the January 6th insurrection “one of the darkest days in the history of America.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1807970303177265183 Nick Cannon spoke with ET about his decision to financially protect his private parts. The outlet caught up with the TV host at his son Legendary’s 2nd birthday over the weekend. We reported earlier that Cannon allegedly had his testicles insured for $10 million. According to Page Six, Cannon used Dr. Squatch’s Ball Valuation Tool, which assesses factors like size and sexual prowess, and earned the title “Most Valuable Balls.” Allegedly, the men’s grooming brand collaborated with Cannon and secured an official insurance policy to protect his “package.” The father of 12 said previously, “Shoutout to Dr. Squatch for giving my balls the credit they deserve and hooking me up with the protection I need to keep this family tree rolling!” The “Masked Singer” host recently spoke with ET about having his testicles insured. https://www.instagram.com/bre_tiesi/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=800fa752-f042-4d21-96e0-6d36e28465ff “I had to insure my most valuable assets,” Cannon shared with the outlet at his son’s birthday party. “Because you hear about like all these different celebrities insuring their legs… so I was like, ‘Hey, well, I got to insure my most valuable body part.” John Ludeke, vice president of Marketing at Dr. Squatch, previously said, “The impetus behind the partnership and Nick’s insurance policy was to bring attention to the taboo topic of below-the-belt hygiene, in support of our Ball Care product launch.” He added, “Taking out this insurance policy on Nick’s balls is our way of creating a conversation around below-the-belt hygieneIf we can use our humor to get guys confident about grooming, we’re empowering them to live happier and healthier lives.” Cannon told ET, “[I’m] just making sure nothing goes wrong.” https://youtu.be/MKGX_Ur0oOY Warner Bros. Pictures has released a new trailer for M. Night Shyamalan’s psychological thriller “Trap,” which stars Josh Hartnett. As we reported earlier, the story centers on a man (Hartnett) attending a pop concert with his daughter, where they realize they’re at the center of a sinister event. “Trap” is set at a concert organized by police to capture a serial killer dubbed “The Butcher.” Ariel Donoghue, Saleka Shyamalan, Hayley Mills and Allison Pill also star in the movie. “Trap” features performances by rising music star (and M. Night’s daughter) Saleka Shyamalan. Shyamalan explained in a new interview with Empire that he pitched the idea for the movie as “What if The Silence Of The Lambs happened at a Taylor Swift concert?” https://youtu.be/mps1HbpECIA Popular TikTok food critic Keith Lee addressed the Taraji P Henson incident at the BET Awards on Sunday night. In case you missed it, at Sunday’s (June 29) awards ceremony, Lee and his wife were seated in the front row when Henson, who hosted the show, mistakenly confused him with another social media influencer, Jordan Hewlett. The moment went viral, with Henson facing criticism for the mistake. Lee posted a since-deleted video of him dropping the rose Henson gave him on the floor, All Hip Hop reports. “It was deleted because my message was completely misconstrued,” Lee explained. “The reason I did this had nothing to do with Taraji P Henson,” he said. “I whole-heartedly believe that wasn’t my rose.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1807602740148785246 Thirty years on from landmark documentary film Paris is Burning, which offered a first glimpse into New York’s drag ball competitions, voguing and ‘house culture’, House on Fire follows in its footsteps and lifts the curtain on the ballroom scene of today, through the eyes of the most distinguished House of them all; the House of Miyake-Mugler. Comprised of nine chosen family members, the iconic House of Miyake-Mugler functions like any other: Heads of the household, Yusef Mugler and Exotic Mugler, juggle the pressures of competition and impressive careers, with mentoring their talented ‘children’ Tati, Roz, Lolita, Chanel, Brooklyn and aspiring new member AJ. Like any family, the new generation is rebellious, ambitious and full of fresh ideas; pushing the boundaries between representing their historic House and ballroom legacy, and keeping a tight-knit family together. Things get even more complicated when former House ‘jewel’, Leyna Bloom, who at one time had been tapped to be the next Mugler Mother, considers rejoining the fold. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqDg8f18zOk&t=6s Fox Soul’s popular gossip web series, “Tea-G-I-F,” has been officially canceled just weeks after it went on hiatus. The unexpected termination follows a series of behind-the-scenes incidents involving the show’s co-hosts Claudia Jordan, Al Reynolds, and Armon Wiggins, as well as a controversial guest appearance by comedienne Luenell. The first signs of trouble – according to a report from SandraRose.com – emerged when Luenell appeared on an episode and asked Al Reynolds, “Did you ever come out as gay to Star Jones before your marriage?” This question violated a strict policy forbidding references to Star Jones, who previously issued a cease-and-desist order to the show’s producers. Al, visibly mortified, responded, “Oh, my goodness. I have never not been truthful with anybody that I’ve dated. I have always been very honest with all of my partners about my sexuality.” https://youtu.be/eCMtseTA5eg Luenell’s breach of policy did not end there; she also violated another rule that stated Al’s sexuality was off-limits unless he chose to discuss it. Reportedly, Al was highly upset and directed his frustration at Claudia Jordan, accusing her of putting Luenell up to the question. To make matters worse, during Al’s birthday roast, co-host Armon Wiggins added fuel to the fire by launching a personal attack. “Al’s got a unique ability to smile in your face, snap a picture, and go behind your back and talk about you to your co-worker that he claims he hates. … It’s like he’s got a Ph.D. in two-faced studies,” Armon said. Al, already on edge, called his former co-host Funky Dineva, who was broadcasting live at the time, to express his grievances. It wasn’t long before Al began blaming Claudia again—this time for allegedly feeding negative information about him to Armon. https://youtu.be/IJFgvJqslOw Ray J claims he’s suicidal after almost getting into a fight with Zeus Network CEO Lemuel Plummer at the BET Awards Sunday night. Complex reports that Ray J claims Plummer is an abuser of women, calling him the “Black Jeffrey Epstein.” He confronted Plummer at a BET Awards After Party on June 30, and the incident was caught on camera. The viral footage shows the two having an intense conversation amidst a large crowd, with Ray J attempting to swing at Plummer. The pair were separated, but Ray J went to his truck and returned with a bag. People intervened when he reached into the bag, apparently thinking he had a weapon. Ray J was held back and eventually escorted to a car to leave the premises. TMZ reports that Ray J and the Zeus CEO nearly fought at GloRilla’s BET Awards afterparty in Los Angeles. Ray J took to social media on Monday to reveal that he’s at “a breaking point” after the wild confrontation with Plummer. https://youtu.be/fjSDOhCamCY “I’m really at a breakin point!” Ray J wrote. “To provide for my family and have generational wealth was always the plan. But money is evil and people are bad and I can’t take it anymore. These chain of reactions are stemming from being locked in a false reality / confused by this whole life! The shit that happened tonight to me at the awards today was hurtful. I’m working backstage and then I go take a break in the back and BET wouldn’t let me back in for some reason. I don’t know who they didn’t want me to see. It was weird.” The artist and entrepreneur then explained that he’s “suicidal” and apologized to his sister, Brandy. “I’m on my way out of the country,” Ray J continued. “The shit that is happening is mind blowing. It’s making me suicidal and uncomfortable with the perception of reality. THEY PAID ME TO SHUT UP AND I DID! I FEEL BAD AND I HATE MYSELF FOR IT! I DONT WANT ANYMORE OF YOUR DIRTY MONEY! And B4! Or Right after I die I promise you I will be free of it all and the world can move on with what is real for me no matter the consequences I have to face on the other side!! I TRIED TO DO IT FOR REAL LAST TIME! I’m sorry to myself and [my] sister sorry Bran, I will make it right, I won’t let them get away with it! I TOLD THE PEOPLE CLOSE TO ME THAT I FELT LIKE SOMETHING IS ABOUT TO HAppen F*CK IT I SAID IT.” According to Vibe, Ray J alleges that Plummer manipulates women into sleeping with him in exchange for appearing on a Zeus Network series. He has also threatened to sue Plummer. https://youtu.be/PwDgf5Kc5rM Jamie Foxx was recently seen in downtown Phoenix, Arizona, discussing with a group of people the mystery illness that hospitalized him last April. “April 11 last year, [I had] a bad headache, asked my boy for an Advil,” Foxx said in the clip shared on social media, People reports. “I was gone for 20 days. I don’t remember anything.” Many fans believe Foxx seemingly implied he was drugged. “So, I’m in Atlanta, my sister and my daughter took me to the first doctor. He said nah, gave me a cortisone shot. Next doctor said, ‘Something’s going on up there.’ I won’t say it on camera,” Foxx continued. “But it was…” the Academy Winner trailed off, shrugging, as the video ended. According to the Mayo Clinic, a cortisone injection relieves “pain, swelling and irritation.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1807761080455995750 Earlier this year, Foxx appeared at the African American Film Critics Association Award in L.A. and said he plans to host a televised special to explain his hospitalization last year. Foxx accepted the Producers Award at the event and during his speech, the comedian/actor talked about how his perspective on life shifted after his medical scare, TMZ reported. “Everybody wants to know what happened, and I’m going to tell you what happened. But I’ve gotta do it in my way,” Foxx said. “I’m gonna do it in a funny way. We’re gonna be on the stage. We’re gonna get back to the standup sort of roots.” “It’ll be called, ‘What Had Happened Was,’ and it’s got all the things that happened, especially on our side of our community,” he said before touching on the rumors that he’s a clone. https://youtu.be/qMl0YFhERaU Megan Thee Stallion received an apology from Shannon Sharpe for the sexual comments he made about the rapper and her body. During her appearance on Club Shay Shay, the host made amends for stating in November on his Nightcap podcast that he’d “have her stretched out like a quarter to three,” Sharpe told co-host Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson. “I do it three ways, Ocho: deep, hard, and continuously … I’d have her opening up like saloon doors,” Sharpe added. When Meg sat down with Shannon on his podcast Monday (July 1), he apologized for the inappropriate “stretched out” comments. “Meg, before we go any further, I want to apologize to you personally,” he said at the 1:49 minute mark of the YouTube clip. https://youtu.be/ocBhZomiXuk “I always wanted to sit down and have a conversation with you—I didn’t know if that was going to be possible. But I was always hoping that I got an opportunity to bump into you because I … told a joke and I said it in jest, but I believe the joke would have been just as funny had I left you out of it,” Sharpe continued. “So for any unwanted attention, harm, shame, embarrassment that I caused you or your family, I want to say, as a man, as I sit here before you, I apologize.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1807806368448999821 Megan responded, “I appreciate that. Thank you.” https://twitter.com/ClubShayShay?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1807444004096884766%7Ctwgr%5E7e97326463bd6b246538eab581fde45b04e839b4%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fshannon-sharpe-apologizes-to-megan-thee-stallion%2F If you missed Shannon Sharpe’s initial NSFW comments about Megan, watch the X/Twitter clip. https://twitter.com/shannonsharpeee/status/1729135321160507536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1729137808709927167%7Ctwgr%5E7e97326463bd6b246538eab581fde45b04e839b4%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fshannon-sharpe-apologizes-to-megan-thee-stallion%2F Nicco Annan, who lovingly plays Uncle Clifford on P-Valley, discusses his new show, Down in the Valley! P-Valley took television viewers by storm upon its arrival in 2020. Fans quickly leaned into the down south, gritty, strip club lifestyle. Viewers became invested in the characters’ background stories. As it turns out, surprisingly there are P-Valley stories in real life. Down in the Valley is a docu-series chronicling tales of dancers, musicians, sex educators, hoodoo practitioners, and more. Down in the Valley airs July 5 on Starz at 9:00 PM ET/PT. https://youtu.be/6B3Bt8aZ028 It seems the Supreme Court is working overtime to protect lawbreakers, yet women don’t get the court’s protection. You probably heard about the SCOTUS opinion on the Jan. 6th insurrectionists charged with obstruction by the Department of Justice: Some of those defendants could get their charges dismissed. Why – all of a sudden – does the Supreme Court feel the need to protect criminals from further prosecution? Why does a man with 34 felony convictions still get enough support to run for president? We already know why, but let’s talk about it. https://youtu.be/ukXc7L5CYG4 The City of New Orleans is set to honor Cash Money Records Co-Founders Bryan “Baby” Williams, also known as “Birdman,” and Ronald “Slim” Williams by naming a street after them. The intersection of Saratoga St. and Erato St., where the Williams brothers once lived, will be christened “Honorary Williams Brothers Way” on July 3. This street naming recognizes the Williams brothers’ significant contributions to the music industry and their lasting impact on the New Orleans community. The official ceremony will take place at the intersection from 1:30 to 2:30 PM. “As a former mayor of New Orleans, I’m extremely proud of the street being named in honor of ‘Baby’ and ‘Slim’, CEOs of Cash Money Records,” commented Marc H. Morial, President & CEO of the National Urban League. “Their contributions to the music industry and their impact on our community have been immense, shaping the cultural landscape and providing opportunities for countless artists that hail from the Crescent City.” Ceremony and Celebration The street naming ceremony will precede Birdman’s performance at the ESSENCE Festival, where he will headline at Caesars Superdome on Friday. The show, titled ‘Birdman and Friends,’ will feature hits from Cash Money Records and guest appearances. Marc Morial will also take the stage during the set to present a proclamation recognizing Birdman and Slim’s outstanding contributions to the culture and the world of hip-hop. https://youtu.be/Q6ZaOXtulAg The BET Awards have ignited a firestorm of controversy by including the late O.J. Simpson in their “In Memoriam” segment during the 2024 ceremony held on Sunday. The segment served as a tribute to notable figures in the Black community who have passed away, featuring stars like Willie Mays, Richard Roundtree, Ron Cephas Jones, Louis Gossett Jr., and Carl Weathers. Simpson was described solely as a “former NFL player.” https://youtu.be/J8o2P2_mc7Q On a lighter note, host Taraji P. Henson experienced an awkward moment when she confused TikToker Jordan Howlett with social media food critic Keith Lee. While gifting roses to notable attendees, Henson spotted Howlett and remarked, “Meth is married — are you?” The situation took a turn when Henson mistakenly addressed Howlett as Keith Lee, commenting, “Mr. Keith Lee, I know what you’re thinking right now, this is about a 10.9 outta 10?” Realizing her mistake after Howlett pointed to Keith Lee seated a few seats away, Henson quickly apologized. “I got caught up in my own inner monologue, I’m so sorry,” she admitted, visibly embarrassed. Attempting to lighten the mood, she even complimented Lee’s looks in front of his wife, Ronni. https://twitter.com/i/status/1807602958911029321 NBC is turning the beloved 1976 Universal Pictures film “Car Wash” into a modern-day TV comedy series. Acclaimed producer Malcolm D. Lee (“The Best Man” franchise) is helming the project with writer Opey Olagbaju (“Bob Hearts Abishola”). The original movie, directed by Michael Schultz, centers on a day in the lives of a close-knit group of employees at a Los Angeles, California car wash. The ensemble cast featured legendary Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Franklyn Ajaye, Bill Duke, Pepe Serna, Sully Boyar, the Pointer Sisters, and Garrett Morris. The new version will center on an immigrant family set in a contemporary Washington, D.C., car wash. Per Blexmedia, “This setup echoes the original film’s exploration of diverse characters and their interactions within the car wash setting, now expanded for the television format,” the outlet writes. Olagbaju, a Nigerian American, will executive produce the series with Lee. Lee is best known for “The Best Man” movie franchise in the ’90s. In 2022, he revived it as a series, “The Best Man: The Final Chapters,” now streaming on Peacock. https://youtu.be/xTwrrDANnoU Andy Cohen is celebrating 15 years of “Watch What Happens Live,” and in a new interview with Entertainment Tonight, he said one of his “few regrets” was asking Oprah Winfrey if she ever had sex with a woman. According to Cohen, he asked the media mogul if she had ever “taken a dip in the lady pond,” and Winfrey responded, “No, no, I have not. Thank you.” “This was a huge moment for me and for the show,” Cohen told ET. “I’m such a fan of Oprah.” He added, “It meant so much to me that Oprah Winfrey did the show. It’s gone brilliantly and I turn around and ask her if she’s every had sex with a woman. I mean, couldn’t I leave it alone?” Cohen also noted that Gayle King told him that Oprah wasn’t familiar with the term “lady pond.” After Chadwick Boseman’s unexpected passing four years ago, the direction of the second “Black Panther” film shifted. In “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” Shuri (Letitia Wright) steps into the role of Wakanda’s hero. However, the mantle could be passed to another character. Looper reports that during a Q&A with The Cosmic Circus, Alex Perez discussed the future of the MCU project. “So here’s the interesting bit,” Perez wrote. “Shuri is still taking time for herself, as she is not interested in the slightest in being Queen of Wakanda. She is still keeping the mantle of Black Panther, BUT, I am hearing that she will eventually pass on the mantle to the one true successor of the throne of Wakanda, the young Prince T’Challa, son of King T’Challa. It is to my understanding that she, along with Okoye and Nakia, are raising this child so he can eventually take on the mantle and become the next ruler of Wakanda and Black Panther.” Boseman died in 2020 after a private battle with colon cancer. Marvel’s VP of Development, Nate More, previously noted that the studio would not recast Boseman’s T’Challa in future MCU projects. Eddie Murphy recently called out fellow comedian David Spade for joking about his career back in the day on SNL. Speaking to the New York Times, Murphy recalled an incident from the 1990s when Spade commented negatively about him on “Saturday Night Live.” During Spade’s “Hollywood Minute” segment, he said, “Look, children, it’s a falling star. Make a wish,” The skit featured a picture of Murphy after his movie “Vampire in Brooklyn” flopped at the box office. Murphy viewed the remark as “racist.” “When David Spade said that sh*t about my career on SNL, it was like. ‘Yo, it’s in-house! I’m one of the family, and you’re f*cking with me like that?’ It hurt my feelings,” Murphy said. Murphy told the NYT that he was “the biggest thing that ever came off that show.” Killer Mike, Usher, and SZA were big winners at the BET Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday night. Taraji P. Henson hosted the event, which included performances from Lauryn Hill, Ice Spice, Megan Thee Stallion, Sexyy Red, and Will Smith. Killer Mike’s “Michael” was named Album of the Year, while SZA won the Best Female R&B/Pop Artist of the Year. Other highlights included Usher accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award and winning the Best Male R&B/Pop Artist of the Year category. As PEOPLE reports, during his acceptance speech, Usher joked that it was “too early” in his career to receive the honor, saying, “I’m still running and gunning and I still love this s— like I did when I was 8 years old.” He also reflected on sharing the same name as his father, who he didn’t see much of as a child. “I was trying to make sense of this name that a man gave me that didn’t stick around because he didn’t love — or at least that was my perception of it.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1807665182304358870 Sunday night’s BET Awards showcased diverse performances from seasoned and new artists. The ceremony featured performances from Lauryn Hill, Will Smith, Ice Spice, Latto, Sexyy Red, Childish Gambino, Tyla, Megan Thee Stallion, and more. As reported earlier, Lauryn Hill will hit the road with the Fugees to celebrate her 1998 solo album, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” and the group’s hit album, “The Score.” Variety reports that the 21-date tour kicks off August 9th in Tampa and includes stops in Atlanta, Chicago, and Los Angeles before the international leg begins Oct. 12 in London, Manchester, Paris, and Amsterdam. Tickets are on sale now. Meanwhile, in case you missed it, we reported that Will Smith hit the BET Awards stage to debut his new song, “You Can Make It.” Collaborating with Fridayy and the renowned Sunday Service Choir, Smith delivered a powerful performance that combined gospel influences with his trademark rap style, encapsulating themes of perseverance and triumph. https://twitter.com/i/status/1807601613055369688 Check it out other performance highlights via the X/Twitter clips. Sunday night’s BET Awards showcased diverse performances from seasoned and new artists. The ceremony featured performances from Lauryn Hill, Will Smith, Ice Spice, Latto, Sexyy Red, Childish Gambino, Tyla, Megan Thee Stallion, and more. https://twitter.com/i/status/1807565977267077404 As reported earlier, Lauryn Hill will hit the road with the Fugees to celebrate her 1998 solo album, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” and the group’s hit album, “The Score.” Variety reports that the 21-date tour kicks off August 9th in Tampa and includes stops in Atlanta, Chicago, and Los Angeles before the international leg begins Oct. 12 in London, Manchester, Paris, and Amsterdam. Tickets are on sale now. https://twitter.com/i/status/1807623463219417418 Meanwhile, in case you missed it, we reported that Will Smith hit the BET Awards stage to debut his new song, “You Can Make It.” Collaborating with Fridayy and the renowned Sunday Service Choir, Smith delivered a powerful performance that combined gospel influences with his trademark rap style, encapsulating themes of perseverance and triumph. Check it out below and other performance highlights via the X/Twitter clips. https://twitter.com/i/status/1807582542528119233 BET Awards rocked Los Angeles Sunday night. Taraji P. Henson hosted the event, which included performances from Lauryn Hill, Ice Spice, Megan Thee Stallion, Sexyy Red and more. https://twitter.com/i/status/1807601007804739809 BET Awards rocked Los Angeles Sunday night. Taraji P. Henson hosted the event, which included performances from Lauryn Hill, Ice Spice, Megan Thee Stallion, Sexyy Red and more. https://twitter.com/i/status/1807611700637839704 “Real Housewives of Atlanta” OG Sherée Whitfield recently expressed her thoughts on Kenya Moore’s absence from the upcoming season. “I hate to see my girl Kenya go out like that,” Whitfield told TMZ in the clip above. “As an OG, it’s kind of hard to sit back and watch the show kind of slowly sink the way it is, so I’m not happy. I don’t like it.” As we reported earlier, Moore will not return for Season 16 after being indefinitely sidelined for reportedly revealing sexually explicit posters of newcomer Brittany Eady. Moore has asserted that her actions towards Eady do not constitute “revenge porn.” On Sunday night, fans at the BET Awards witnessed a spectacular return to music by Will Smith, who brought a fierce combination of flames and faith to the stage with the debut of his new song, “You Can Make It.” Collaborating with Fridayy and the renowned Sunday Service Choir, Smith delivered a powerful performance that combined gospel influences with his trademark rap style, encapsulating themes of perseverance and triumph. In a visually stunning display, Smith rapped against a backdrop of pyrotechnic fire, delivering poignant lyrics that resonated deeply with the audience: “The darker the hell you gotta endure / The brighter the heaven you get to enjoy / The harder the fall, the higher you soar.” These lines emphasized enduring strength and faith in the face of adversity, a message underscored by the fiery stage presence. Before the highly anticipated performance, Smith shared his motivations behind “You Can Make It” in a heartfelt Instagram post. “Through some of my darkest moments, music has always been there for me – to lift me and help me grow. It’s my humble wish that it can do the same for you and bring you all the joy and light you deserve,” he wrote, setting the tone for the song’s powerful and uplifting message. Smith has teased new music in recent months, hinting at an album potentially titled “Dance in Your Darkest Moments.” The actor and musician has hinted at this new direction in several social media posts and interviews, revealing that he’s been working in the studio for years. In an interview with Fandango in May, he confirmed these rumors, and singer Teddy Swims recently shared his own collaboration experience with Smith, lauding him as “the sweetest guy ever.” https://youtu.be/OhDgNoqkTrw Today, the African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) is announcing the winners of the 6th Annual AAFCA TV Honors for distinguished achievements in television and streaming, along with special achievement award honorees, who will be feted for their stand-out contributions to television at an invitation-only event on Aug. 24 at the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles.https://youtu.be/HdzeMM_C09k They’re not writing anything down. They’re not making any firm commitments. But between staring into phones that started buzzing about three minutes into the debate and haven’t stopped since, several of Joe Biden’s leading possible Democratic replacements and top aides have started to think through what an unprecedented last-minute fight into the August convention might look like. They’re already carefully monitoring their prospective opponents’ moves as they go, looking both for openings and ways to call them out for getting ahead of the president. Multiple people connected with other candidates, for example, noted the “interesting timing” of an already-scheduled fundraising appeal that Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s PAC texted out on Friday evening that reads almost like a mission statement for her and points out how she won in her key presidential battleground state. More than two dozen top Democratic officials, political operatives and donors tied to Biden and to many of the people most discussed as potential substitutes – many of whom asked for anonymity to discuss the most politically fraught situation most have ever encountered – say they’re terrified by nearly every scenario: Going forward with Biden, a Kamala Harris nomination, a nomination of someone else who would in that case have beaten the first Black female vice president, long nights of multiple ballots spilling ideological and personal feuds on national television, even just revelations of embarrassing details about people who have never been vetted by a national campaign. “It would be a Category 5 hurricane,” said one top Democratic official nervous about Biden considering what would happen if the president stepped aside. “People don’t understand the sheer destruction that would be unleashed.” https://youtu.be/Mz1TDJ36Uoc To others, that stems from a prisoner’s mentality that doesn’t consider how much resistance there is to Trump. “I think we can absolutely swap and win,” said a major Democratic donor. “If Joe Biden’s the nominee, we’re all in. If someone else is the nominee, we’re all in.” A CBS News/YouGov poll out Sunday morning found only 55% of registered Democratic voters saying Biden should continue running, with 45% saying he should step aside. Biden campaign aides have spent the last couple of days pointing to metrics like some of their best grassroots fundraising days and a surge in job applications since Thursday. None of the speculation matters if a president who will be three months older by the next scheduled debate doesn’t step aside. So far, he has stuck to an apologetic but defiant posture in public while in private saying he knows how bad his performance was but that he still thinks his candidacy is the only way forward. And since he won all the primaries, he controls most of the delegates, which means that they can only vote for someone else if he decides to pull out.https://youtu.be/K-zyZkr2yfY Dr. Bill Winston, Living Word School of Ministry and Missions (LWSOMM) along with Joseph Business School (JBS) are proud to host a joint-graduation ceremony for 116 students from the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 graduate programs of Joseph Business School and Living Word School of Ministry and Missions. The combined ceremony will take place on Saturday, June 29, starting at 10 a.m. CDT. JBS and LWSOMM campus, online and Spanish program graduates will be participating in the graduation ceremony in-person at Living Word Christian Center (7600 W. Roosevelt Rd., Forest Park, IL) and online. "JBS and LWSOMM students are helping to shape the world, first by honoring God as profitable stewards of their giftings and talents and, second, by bringing forth innovative ideas, solutions, and strategies that meet the needs of hurting humanity and make the world a better place," says Dr. Bill Winston, founder of Living Word School of Ministry and Missions and founder and chairman of Joseph Business School. "As kings and priests, these graduates have successfully completed a course of biblical study and practical training that uniquely equips them to create and scale companies and ministries that will save and restore lives, turn desolate communities into Gardens of Eden, and rebuild our cities." Kings are those who serve in the arena of business and entrepreneurship, and priests are those who serve in full-time ministry. "We are extremely proud of our 2023 and 2024 JBS and LWSOMM graduates and look forward with great expectation to the global impact they will make in this and future generations." 3C Live, the renowned South African gospel music group, riding high on their achievements at the recent Crown Gospel Music Awards, where they walked away with two wins out of seven nominations, including album of the year, is thrilled to share the news of the release of their latest album, "We Bow Down". “The music from Communion with the King album has made a tremendous impact on many lives, and we pray that this new album will not only reach many more hearts and nations, but will also allow people encounter the love, holiness and presence of God -” says Ntombi Mothoagae, singer-songwriter and project manager for 3C Live. "We Bow Down" highlights the collaboration of acclaimed artists, including the multiple SAMA Award-winning Ntokozo Mbambo, Idols Winner Khaya Mthethwa, who also took on the role of album producer. Highlighted tracks from the album include "I Am Free," "Hymn Medley," “Upperroom” and "Siyakhothama." This release marks the sixth installment for 3C Live, loved for their impactful and spiritually charged music spanning diverse genres and languages. Lionsgate has released the trailer for the upcoming action-crime thriller “1992″, starring Tyrese Gibson and produced by rapper Snoop Dogg. Directed by Ariel Vromen, the film features Clé Bennett, Dylan Arnold, Christopher A’mmanuel, Michael Beasley, Ori Pfeffer, Tosin Morohunfola, Oleg Taktarov, with Scott Eastwood, and Ray Liotta in one of his final film roles. Here’s the official synopsis: In 1992, Mercer (Tyrese Gibson) is desperately trying to rebuild his life and his relationship with his son (Christopher A’mmanuel) amidst the turbulent 1992 LA uprising following the Rodney King verdict. Across town, another father and son (Ray Liotta and Scott Eastwood) put their own strained relationship to the test as they plot a dangerous heist to steal catalytic converters, which contain valuable platinum, from the factory where Mercer works. As tensions rise in Los Angeles and chaos erupts, both families reach their boiling points when they collide in this tense crime-thriller. In a statement, Snoop Dogg said, “1992 was a life-changing time for me, from ‘Deep Cover’ to ‘The Chronic.’ But as things in my life were coming together, everything in LA was coming apart. 1992 is a heist movie that really captures all of that. This movie is about an LA moment. Ariel made an outstanding film that depicts this moment in time. From my first encounter with Tyrese in Baby Boy to the performance in 1992, I had to be a part of this. And it’s only fitting that the film come out under Death Row Pictures as Death Row is synonymous with LA culture in the 90’s, ya dig?” https://youtu.be/CyrVTcTi7aE Achieving anything over a span of 10 years is a noteworthy accomplishment, and honoring Black excellence in Hollywood is no easy task. Attending the “Toast to Black Hollywood” 10th-year anniversary was a vibrant celebration of a decade’s worth of hard work for Los Angeles native and cultural maven Candis Grace, formerly known as Miss Diddy. The beautifully curated event took place on Thursday, June 27, in Downtown LA during the BET Awards week. Grace, CEO of The Brand Group Inc., has made a significant mark in entertainment, collaborating with prominent figures like Kevin Hart, Nipsey Hussle, and Netflix throughout her career. Her annual event serves as a testament to her commitment to uplifting Black visionaries in the industry. “I created this platform to celebrate our journeys, the highs, lows, and uncertainties while applauding each other’s achievements,” said Grace, reinforcing the event’s mission to foster a supportive community within Hollywood. The star-studded affair honored a generation of multi-talented artists and influencers, including Meagan Good, Tristan Mack Wilds, Affion Crockett, Laurieann Gibson, Kamie Crawford, Bryon Javar, Scott Evans, Kareem Grimes, Melissa Van Putten-Henderson, Guerdy Abraira, and Malcolm Mays. These public figures were celebrated for their contributions to film, entertainment, art, and philanthropy, reflecting the event’s theme of honoring brilliance in Black Hollywood. https://vimeo.com/973419266 The first cat food made with lab-grown chicken is set to launch in the U.S. later this year. A London-based startup, Meatly, has created cruelty-free, faux-chicken cat food grown from a single fertilized egg. The product will roll out at Pets at Home stores in the U.K this summer. “It’s very exciting to see the first ever cans of cultivated pet food fly off the production line,” Owen Ensor, the co-founder and chief executive, said, the Daily Beast reports. “We have an R&D partnership with a large pet-food manufacturer in America and are currently going through the regulatory hurdles. The model we have in the U.K. with a retailer and manufacturer relationships works well, so ideally we’ll try to replicate that with someone like PetSmart and Petco.” The Daily Beast writes: “Cultivated meat, also known as cell-based or clean meat, is produced by growing animal cells in a giant stainless-steel tank, much like brewing beer. The company’s scientists extracted “a sample of cells from a single chicken egg” and grow them into a product that is biologically indistinguishable from the flesh of a slaughtered bird. It is also free of hormones, steroids and antibiotics—all things commonly found in factory-farmed meat.” “Nobody has died for it. We didn’t have to raise and kill an animal,” Ensor said. Celebrating 16 soulful years of representing football beyond the gridiron, the iconic all-NFL group The Players Choir will perform at the 30th Anniversary ESSENCE Festival of Culture on Sunday, July 7, sponsored by Febreze. Since its inception in 2008 at the 9th Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration (SBGC) in Phoenix, Arizona, The Players Choir has garnered widespread popularity performing on prestigious television specials, at events and charitable functions. Developed by Super Bowl Gospel Celebration Founder and Executive Producer Melanie Few, the choir boasts a lineup of NFL superstars including Super Bowl Champions, Pro Bowlers, NFL Men of the Year, and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees. The partnership between Febreze and The Players Choir kicked off at the CBS Presents The Super Bowl Soulful Celebration 25th Anniversary Special featuring a collaboration with HBCU alumni designer Rachel Motley, who created stylish Febreze-branded cardigans to keep the choir ‘Fresh As Febreze’ during appearances. They shared the stage with music icon Kirk Franklin and the Southern University Human Jukebox drumline, opening the show with their electrifying performance. The tour continued at the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit, where the choir performed for a record 230,000 attendees with fellow AGT alums the Detroit Youth Choir. This third stop at the ESSENCE Festival rounds out the campaign. Life as an NBA Mrs. is more than being attached to one of the league’s standouts. For Shaunie (Nelson/O’Neal) Henderson, the road to WAGdom is a journey filled with ups and a good bit of downs. Not only for the former apple of her eye, Shaquille O’Neal, but for the women who gave her no respect until she entered the NBA WAGS (wives and girlfriends) club as Mrs. O’Neal. Even with the pair sharing and raising their son Shareef and Nelson/O’Neal’s older son Myles together, any sign of approval was nonexistent before the pair jumped the broom. “At first I thought all this posturing and dismissing me was just about power games,” Shaunie Henderson (as she is now known) wrote in her bestselling memoir “Undefeated” regarding the treatment she received from other Lakers’ WAGs. “But then I figured out the real reason they were shunning me. NBA side pieces were (and still are) a dime a dozen.” Although it was a poke at herself, the reality was that Henderson had to prove she was more than the typical side piece that was a short-lived fixture in the lives of the NBA sports stars. A reality that was all too familiar for the WAGs, according to Essentially Sports. “These wives had seen so many young women come and go that they figured any new girl who didn’t have a ring on her finger would be gone in the next twenty-four hours. Why bother getting to know her or investing in her if she’s just going to be kicked to the curb by the end of the road trip?” the ex-Mrs. Shaq O’Neal wrote. “And so the wives treated me, and others like me, as though we didn’t exist and didn’t matter. When the Lakers played the Indiana Pacers for the championship in 2000, and I went to Indianapolis with the team, none of the wives even spoke to me.” On June 27, the 2024 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Celebration took over the rooftop of The London Hotel in West Hollywood, CA! The event honored Usher with the prestigious Voice of the Culture Award, Victoria Monét with the Vanguard Award, and Lil Baby as the Songwriter of the Year. The celebration also recognized the songwriters and publishers behind the past year’s most-performed ASCAP hip-hop, R&B, and gospel songs. The night was a star-studded affair, with a host of entertainers and industry legends gracing the event. Among the notable attendees were Omarion, producing legends Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, singer Melanie Fiona, and more. EUR was on the red carpet and spoke with some of the evening’s luminaries. Parish “PMD” Smith of EPMD shared his thoughts on the enduring impact of his music career. When asked about the significance of still receiving accolades in 2024, he reflected, “it’s a super blessing to start. And you know, to still be here with the new generations, transcended through time, shows how powerful the music is.” https://vimeo.com/972070289 Looks like Snoop Dogg has a devoted fan in Pam Grier. And she has nothing but love for the rap star’s kissing skills. During an a recent appearance on “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” the 75-year-old movie star weighed in on her “Bones” co-star and her experience working with the rap legend. According to Hudson, Snoop’s way with a kiss stood out. “Oh my God, and he can smooch!” she recalled. From there, Grier then looked over to Hudson, smirking. “Let me tell ya, let me tell ya,” she added. Grier’s views of Snoop are backed by history, with the pair starring in the 2001 film “Bones.” https://youtu.be/JrZpulraei4 The Ernest Dickerson-helmed feature centered on Jimmy Bones {Snoop Dogg), a murdered numbers runner who returns from the dead to avenge his death. The aftermath of Jimmy’s demise is told from the vantage point of his girlfriend, Pearl (Grier), two decades later. In January, Snoop voiced his thoughts on Grier to Hudson, saying he fainted when he first met the “Foxy Brown” star. “Pam Grier walked up and just sat right next to me and started talking. My heart beat fast, yeah, my heart beat fast. So I’m like, ‘Okay, I hear what you’re saying. Pam, give me a minute.’ I go to the bathroom and faint. I fainted, I’m laying on the ground. My security comes in there like, ‘Get off this nasty floor. Man, what are you doing?’ I looked up, and I said, ‘I just met Pam Grier,’” the Long Beach lyricist recalled. After seeing a clip of Snoop’s interview, Grier mentioned how grateful she was that the Doggfather didn’t harm himself: “When he told me that, I said, ‘Oh my God, I’m glad he didn’t hurt himself,’” she said. https://www.instagram.com/p/CDRM9-uFNSw/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=ebd83ee3-e1cc-4d76-a1e7-961b078db2d4 “Girl, we’re the Shakespeare(s),” said Tradessa Willis to me during the red-carpet arrivals for the 30th NAACP Theatre Awards at the Taglyan Complex in Los Angeles. “I’m Travone,” said Travone Trapper, the other half of the songwriting duo called Shakespeare also known as The A-Team (Stokley’s ‘Introducing Stokley’). “I’m Tradessa,” she added after him.Looking like superstars, the Shakespeare team was there to present an award to Stokely, only he didn’t know that they were there to present him with the NAACP Theatre Award. “We wrote on Stokley’s last two albums,” Tradessa said. “He doesn’t know it but we’re here to present him with his honor.” Five-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated multiplatinum Senegalese icon Akon celebrates the 20th anniversary of his platinum-certified full-length debut album, Trouble, with a special Digital Deluxe Edition and Limited Edition 2LP Vinyl out August 16. The DigitalDeluxe Edition consists of 27 songs, comprising the original LP in addition to 15 bonus tracks and remixes and can be pre-saved.The Limited Edition Vinyl will be pressed on white vinyl available for pre-order. Akon set the stage for its arrival by sharing the previously unreleased “LockedUp” (Remix) [feat. Styles P & Taz] today. Walt Disney World Resort‘s Frontierland in the Magic Kingdom has just become even more magical with the opening of its latest attraction, “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure!” Enthusiasts of “The Princess and the Frog” are in for a treat as the attraction promises a vibrant and exciting journey inspired by the beloved film. https://youtu.be/ANqdR2dgF1Y As the latest testament to Disney’s ongoing investment in its theme parks, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure exemplifies the blending of timeless stories with modern, immersive attractions that continue to captivate guests. The venture not only honors the cherished tale of “The Princess and the Frog” but also reinforces the magic of Disney, where everyone is welcome to dream big. https://youtu.be/zHcUVGIa-Nk In the wake of a widely criticized debate performance, President Joe Biden spent Sunday at Camp David with his family, contemplating the future of his re-election campaign. According to a report by NBC News, the decision regarding his 2024 presidential bid rests largely in the hands of the president and First Lady Jill Biden. Sources close to the president, who is 81 years old, emphasized the personal and familial nature of the decision-making process. “The decision-makers are two people — it’s the president and his wife,” one source told NBC News. “Anyone who doesn’t understand how deeply personal and familial this decision will be isn’t knowledgeable about the situation.” Another insider added that the First Lady holds significant sway. “The only person who has ultimate influence with him is the first lady. If she decides there should be a change of course, there will be a change of course,” said the source. https://youtu.be/MSasqdq1A7o In a dramatic move that highlights the relentless unraveling of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs‘ public and professional life, pop superstar Lady Gaga has compelled their shared law firm, Grubman, Shire, Meiselas & Sacks, to make a difficult choice—her or him. The firm, which has represented Combs for nearly two decades, received Gaga’s ultimatum after she became increasingly uncomfortable sharing legal representation with Combs, who is besieged by numerous accusations and lawsuits. So, guess who’s now a former client of the firm? “If Grubman, Shire, Meiselas & Sacks did not drop Combs as a client, she would drop them. ‘She’s too big to lose,’ a source told NewsNation.” Gaga’s move is a stark reflection of the industry’s shifting attitudes in the wake of serious allegations against major figures. Combs’ Downfall: Legal and Honorary Titles Revoked. The legal and professional backlash against Combs has been swift and severe. Following accusations of sexual impropriety and multiple lawsuits, the mogul has seen his reputation and numerous accolades stripped away. Recently Combs returned his key to New York City after a scathing letter from Mayor Eric Adams condemned his treatment of ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. Combs also had his honorary degree from Howard University rescinded and his former donations returned. His entanglement in myriad legal issues has only worsened with time. Combs’ “Diddy Day” proclamation in Miami Beach was also revoked amid mounting pressure. The Miami Beach Commission rescinded the honor without debate on June 26, following New York City’s lead in reclaiming his key to the city. https://youtu.be/XOZguGOevn0 Next year is looking star-studded, with Nia Long, Sherri Shepherd, Busta Rhymes, and Misty Copeland among the list of inductees for the 2025 Hollywood Walk of Fame. The folk at Vibe report the quartet are among those who will be honored as fellow entertainers Courtney B. Vance, Fantasia, The Isley Brothers, Prince, Bill Duke, Glynn Turman, Toni Vaz, and WAR will also receive stars on the Walk of Fame. Taking to social media, Long and Fantasia couldn’t contain their excitement over the recognition. Fantasia reacted to the news on Instagram, writing: “Little girl from High Point, North Carolina, made it to the [Hollywood Walk of Fame]. Wow!!!! I’m lost for words.” She added: “God Kept every Promise.” https://www.instagram.com/fantasia/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=9378ae07-927b-4049-b779-dd6c960d42a2 A past church sermon delivered by Karen Clark Sheard is finding its way into present-day conversation, due to the gospel icon saying the Black-folk version of the N-word while preaching the Word. Clark-Sheard defended the controversial action during an interview with Baller Alert reporter Ty Cole. As the chat progressed Cole confided in Clark-Sheard that her sermons resonated with him, his family, and many others. From there, the discussion touched on a viral video that captured Sheard expressing “something so passionately that it caught everyone’s attention.” “You were saying a sermon, and then at some point,” Cole explained to Clark-Sheard, who didn’t know what viral moment he was speaking of. Going into more detail, Cole mentioned the part of the video where the N-word “fell out” of Clark-Sheard’s mouth, adding, “How do you feel about embracing moments like these that show your authentic human side… kind of breaking stereotypes without gospel figures are often perceived.” The video, in question, which landed on YouTube in 2012, was taken from a sermon Clark-Sheard delivered more than a decade ago, titled “Guess Who Is Coming to Dinner,” according to Atlanta Blackstar. The start of the video found the gospel entertainer admitting that God has had to give her about “1,000” chances because of how imperfect she has been, according to the Atlanta Black Star News. Around the 12-minute mark of the sermon, Clark-Sheard starts talking about people being covered with anointing oil, asserting that those without it are bad news. https://www.instagram.com/balleralert/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=3a054b3b-0b81-44b0-9f2f-b9d5b03add4f “You have some folk that ain’t got no oil on them and you got a fool with them kind of folk, you know, you got a fool with n—gas, I mean people,” Clark-Sheard stated as she went on to clarify what she said. “All along they’ll blame everything on the pastor and the first lady but won’t look at themselves.” Since the clip was released, it has generated mixed opinions. Although some perceived Clark-Sheard’s N-word use as accidental, her actions in the video look to paint her as being well aware of using the expletive to get a response from the crowd. https://youtu.be/bYpa3OKmOOM The annual BET Weekend in Los Angeles turns the city up with a mixture of music, culture, and celebrity! It kicked off with exclusive parties and red-carpet events, drawing in celebrities and fans from all over. The weekend celebrates Black culture in entertainment and provides a space to speak on social issues. Like Essence Fest, BET weekend hosts many events including beauty and wellness seminars, relationship panels, business seminars, and more. It’s an experience! No other award show commands a weekend like the BET Awards. The awards honor all forms of entertainment – music is the foundation of BET. It is what you think of first when you think of what BET represents. Throughout the weekend there a various concerts. One of those concerts was a showcase held by Sirius XM/ Pandora featuring Coco Jones. The exclusive event brought fans and industry insiders together to experience Jones’ electrifying performance live. Before Jones hit the stage fans had a chance to engage in an experience curated by Sirus XM/Pandora. Set in a stylish venue, with backdrops perfect for those Instragm’able photo ops. The event was set up perfectly for fans wanting to capture content for their social media pages. The best-selling and most-awarded female gospel artist of all time, CeCe Winans, is celebrating more than the success of the recent release, More Than This, her second live album. This month marks the 40th anniversary of her marriage to Alvin Love II. Alvin, a good friend of CeCe’s late brother Ronald Winans, was introduced to CeCe by Ronald. The couple knew early on they were a match for life. To commemorate the landmark anniversary, Winans had an extra special photo session with photographer Hannah Corwin in Nashville, TN to capture the occasion. Alvin and CeCe are the parents of Alvin Love III and Ashley Phillips, and the proud grandparents of Wyatt, Rooney, and Honey. Capitol Christian Music Group (CCMG) has announced the promotion of Walter Thomas to Vice President of Artist Development at Motown Gospel and TAMLA Records. Additionally, Alexandria "Dria" Dollar has joined CCMG in the role of Senior Director of A&R at TAMLA & Motown Gospel. The new position takes Thomas from Director of Artist Development for CCMG in 2023 to his new role which comes with expanded responsibilities including overseeing the growth and nurturing of the company’s artist roster and development initiatives along with facilitating its marketing initiatives. He reports to CCMG Co-Presidents Brad O’Donnell and Hudson Plachy. Prior to arriving at CCMG, Thomas served as CEO of Agency 22 Music & Entertainment, managing artists such as DOE, JJ Hairston, Jonathan McReynolds, Maverick City Music, Smokie Norful and more. American sprinters Noah Lyles, Gabby Thomas and Sha’Carri Richardson set blistering times in their respective 200-meter semifinals at the US Olympic track and field trials on Friday, further strengthening their status as the USA’s biggest medal hopes at the upcoming Paris Games. In the men’s 110m hurdles, Grant Holloway recorded a time of 12.81 seconds, the fourth-fastest time in history to reach his second Olympic Games. Lyles recorded a time of 19.60 seconds in his semifinal, a time that would have broken the meet record if not for the 2.5mph wind – just above the allowed speed for records to stand. He finished ahead of Christian Coleman in second with a time of 19.89, while Kenny Bednarek, Robert Gregory, and rising star Erryion Knighton also all recorded sub-20 seconds times to qualify for the final on Saturday. https://youtu.be/rsPd7k9PFWg Such a performance left Lyles clutching his chest and pulling an expression of mock disbelief as he slowed down after crossing the finish line. “It felt real easy,” he told broadcaster NBC Sports afterward. “I was very shocked to see that time pop up. I wasn’t even really trying. I shut down pretty hard, too, in the end.” https://youtu.be/Vk_XSCzpd14 Thursday night after the presidential debate, ESPN’s numero uno personality Stephen A. Smith lent his voice to the politically charged atmosphere during NewsNation’s coverage of the war of words between President Joe Biden and former president Donald Trump. Known for his insightful and often outspoken commentary on sports, Smith has not shied away from discussing political issues in recent years, despite ESPN’s emphasis on steering clear of such topics. Since Jimmy Pitaro took the helm as ESPN’s president in 2018, the network has made a concerted effort to focus exclusively on sports. Pitaro has consistently emphasized the goal of uniting viewers through sports and avoiding the divisive nature of political commentary. “Sports is about uniting people, and ESPN needs to unite people around sports,” Pitaro remarked in an interview with The Washington Post. He added, “We’re the place of record, covering the intersection of sports and politics, but we must listen to what fans want.” However, Smith, who also hosts “The Stephen A. Smith Show,” has used his podcast to freely express his views on politics and other current events, signaling a clear boundary between his personal platform and his professional obligations at ESPN. https://twitter.com/stephenasmith?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1806521395486060584%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fstephen-a-smith-discussed-biden-trump-debate%2F Scottie Pippen is without a doubt one of the greatest to play the game of basketball. But the reality is that outside the court, the former Chicago Bull possesses a cold relationship with his daughter Taylor Pippen. Speaking with Spanish outlet El Mundo in 2016, as translated by People, Taylor opened up about her famous father and him not wanting to meet her. “He never wanted to meet me. He decided that it [would be] like that, and I prefer not to think about the matter too much,” said Taylor, who confessed in a 2016 interview to not knowing that is like as a father because he didn’t want to meet her. Chronicling Pippen’s parental journey, Basketball Network noted the former basketball standout was a father of eight children, who were brought into the world via four different relationships. Two of Pippen’s children have already passed away. Taylor and her twin brother Tyler were fathered by Pippen initially denied being their biological father The former Dream Team member confirmed paternity in court after taking a DNA test in October 1994. A Quiet Place: Day One”has evryone talking about Frodo (Schnitzel and Nico). And that is not to say you didn’t deliver a fine, spot-on performance. Sam, suffering from a terminal illness, is suddenly thrown into an apocalyptic scenario. Everyone around her is striving to stay alive after New York City is invaded by killer aliens. In a city of eight million, “A Quiet Place: Day One” is centered around Sam, Eric (Joseph Quinn), and Frodo. uinn is no stranger to monsters. He had his share in the Netflix series “Stranger Things.” Frodo, the support cat, may have more than a medicinal purpose. It has never been explained in any of the three “Quiet Place” movies where the extraterrestrial monsters came from, or why they are here. Frodo, for all we know, might have a connection to the aliens. He could be the solution. https://youtu.be/YPY7J-flzE8 In the first presidential debate of the 2024 election, I could feel President Joe Biden’s exasperation and humiliation in having to – after all he was able to accomplish in his three and a half years as president – still debate an adjudicated felon who spewed out lie after lie like, as one reporter put it, a fireman’s water hose. American justice has failed President Biden in that a person of his stature with an exemplary 50 years of service in American politics, was reduced to a stand-off with a proven liar who denied he incited an insurrection to try and overturn the 2020 election; refused to call off an attack on the Capitol as he watched by television for three hours; who intentionally and continually spread “The Big Lie” of widespread voter fraud that was rejected for lack of evidence by the courts over 60 times; and tries to take credit for things accomplished by first the Obama, then the Biden administrations; referred to our fallen soldiers as “losers and suckers”; and refused the proper transfer of power. How humiliating! How befuddling for President Biden to have to stand across from a felon, debating lies, not facts! Why right-wing Christian nationalists continue to endorse Trump is beyond reason. Former president Trump’s unpatriotic actions should have automatically disqualified his bid for any public office again, especially the presidency. Just the mere suggestion of impropriety in the handling/mishandling of confidential documents alone should deny him a Department of Justice security clearance. How could he be trusted with nuclear codes? https://youtu.be/OHJoewM3WfU Black Americans who donate their kidneys are discovering a sad reality, with the donated body part ultimately being thrown away. More so than kidneys from nonblack donors. In an article written by bioethicist Ana S. Iltis, the finding stems from what she described as a “flawed system that erroneously considers all Black donor kidneys as more likely to stop working after a transplant than kidneys from donors of other races.” The educator noted the impact of kidney disease as one of the leading causes of death in the U.S, labeling it as a “serious public health problem.” One that affects black Americans in a major way. https://youtu.be/wnn8I1B1FtY The Conversation notes that Black Americans, who are three times more likely than white Americans to develop kidney failure. Despite making up only 12% of the U.S. population, Black people account for 35% of those with kidney failure. The partial reason for this can be traced to the prevalence of diabetes and high blood pressure – the two largest contributors to kidney disease – in the Black community. Black people are among the almost 100,000 people in the U.S. who are awaiting kidney transplantation. Black Americans may be more likely to need transplants, but another reality check reveals they are also less likely to receive them. https://youtu.be/5Lcxlb71C1U Oprah Winfrey, a name synonymous with influence and inspiration, got “real-real,” so to speak, in a candid sit down about her decades-long battle with weight and the hurtful comments on “In Living Color” and other shows over the years that have punctuated her career. In a heartfelt discussion during the inaugural episode of The Jamie Kern Lima Show podcast on Tuesday, the iconic media personality, now 70, explored the emotional toll these experiences have taken on her. Winfrey recounted how her struggles with body image often led her to avoid public appearances. One such instance was a holiday party hosted by Don Johnson, famously known for his role in Miami Vice. “The week before Christmas, I remember Don Johnson — the Don Johnson — was having a party and had invited me and some members of my show to come, and I wouldn’t go because I thought I was too fat to go,” Winfrey shared with Lima, a best-selling author and entrepreneur of IT Cosmetics, according to a report from Blavity. Reflecting on her weight fluctuations, Winfrey described a particular moment of self-consciousness: “I‘d gone from 145 [lbs.] on the day of the show,” she recounted, “I think I was 157 [lbs.] in the course of, like, a week and a half or two. And the shame started again.” https://youtu.be/Jo6dGt3Pysk Now that Juneteenth is a national holiday, multiple celebrations take place from coast to coast. Hollywood was not to be outdone, as the LA Phil hosted T-Pain as headliner to the Hollywood Bowl’s second Juneteenth observation. The evening also welcomed Ledesi, D Smoke, Tina Campbell, Jordin Sparks, LaRussell, DC6 Singers, Flyana Boss, Iniko, David Banner, Elena Pinderhughes, Lloyd and the Color of Noize Orchestra directed by Derrick Hodge. The headliner T-Pain owned the night! He started with a reverent first act, in which he performed “A Change Is Gonna Come.” Act 2 was a pure party with raw Hip Hop, edgy lyrics, contemporary R&B and a myriad of T-Pain hits. The crowd was in a frenzy on a musical high. https://www.facebook.com/share/r/B41ZqHMFExYHGKNF/ Tupac Shakur murder suspect Duane “Keefe D” Davis was denied bond on Wednesday due to concerns about the origin of his bail funds. Earlier this year, a Las Vegas judge set bail at $750,000 following Davis’ arrest in September in connection with the 1996 murder of the rapper. We reported previously via CNN that Davis has been housed at Clark County Detention Center since his arrest after his wife’s Henderson home was searched in July 2023 as part of the ongoing investigation into the shooting. Shakur was shot and killed while leaving a boxing match on the Las Vegas Strip. His untimely death at age 25 has been the subject of a decades-long investigation. Billboard reports that Davis told the Clark County District Court he would post bail after securing a $112,500 down payment from music manager Cash “Wack 100” Jones. When Wack 100 appeared in court via video, he told the judge that he was giving the bail money as a “gift” without any quid pro quo agreement with the defendant. However, prosecutors disputed this, citing Wack’s statements in a recent VladTV interview where he said: “I’ve been thinking about going to get him with the stipulation that I do a [TV] series on him. People would watch it.” https://youtu.be/qrmhnJKeNtU At Thursday’s presidential debate, Donald Trump made a controversial and confusing statement, claiming that immigrants are taking away “Black jobs.” His comments have sparked outrage and confusion, with many questioning what he meant by “Black jobs.” “The fact is that his big kill on the Black people is the millions of people that he’s allowed to come in through the border,” Trump said. “They’re taking Black jobs now—and it could be 18, it could be 19 and even 20 million people. They’re taking Black jobs, and they’re taking Hispanic jobs, and you haven’t seen it yet, but you’re gonna see something that’s going to be the worst in our history.” The phrase “Black jobs” was widely condemned by Democrats and Black leaders as vague and insulting. “I’m still wondering, what is a ‘Black job,’” quipped Jaime Harrison, chair of the Democratic National Committee, during a news conference with former Georgia Democratic gubernatorial nominee Stacey Abrams in Atlanta. Other prominent Biden allies, including Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Tx.), Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), and Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), also condemned Trump’s words following the debate. “There is no such thing as a Black job. That misinformed characterization is a denial of the ubiquity of Black talent. We are doctors, lawyers, school teachers, police officers, and firefighters. The list goes on,” said Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP. “A ‘Black job’ is an American job. It’s concerning that a presidential candidate would seek to make a nonexistent distinction. But the divisive nature of this comment is not surprising for Donald Trump.” https://youtu.be/Vc0S2_xR5rs On X/Twitter, the comments immediately drew backlash and jokes. Users questioned the meaning of “Black jobs” and criticized Trump for what they saw as a racially divisive and uninformed statement. Many highlighted the diverse roles that Black Americans occupy across various professions, rejecting the notion that certain jobs can be categorized by race. Below are sample reactions to Trump’s lunacy. https://twitter.com/i/status/1806700123453325459 On X/Twitter, the comments immediately drew backlash and jokes. Users questioned the meaning of “Black jobs” and criticized Trump for what they saw as a racially divisive and uninformed statement. https://twitter.com/i/status/1806522404203639010 On X/Twitter, the comments immediately drew backlash and jokes. Users questioned the meaning of “Black jobs” and criticized Trump for what they saw as a racially divisive and uninformed statement. https://twitter.com/i/status/1806765717867651485 On X/Twitter, the comments immediately drew backlash and jokes. Users questioned the meaning of “Black jobs” and criticized Trump for what they saw as a racially divisive and uninformed statement. https://twitter.com/i/status/1806738810660913276 On X/Twitter, the comments immediately drew backlash and jokes. Users questioned the meaning of “Black jobs” and criticized Trump for what they saw as a racially divisive and uninformed statement. https://twitter.com/kissedbythesun?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1806680077809361354%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Ftrumps-black-jobs-comment-at-debate-sparks-outrage-and-confusion-and-comedy-on-x-twitter-look%2F On X/Twitter, the comments immediately drew backlash and jokes. Users questioned the meaning of “Black jobs” and criticized Trump for what they saw as a racially divisive and uninformed statement. https://twitter.com/PhillyTheBoss/status/1806510701936030107/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1806510701936030107%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Ftrumps-black-jobs-comment-at-debate-sparks-outrage-and-confusion-and-comedy-on-x-twitter-look%2F On X/Twitter, the comments immediately drew backlash and jokes. Users questioned the meaning of “Black jobs” and criticized Trump for what they saw as a racially divisive and uninformed statement. https://twitter.com/i/status/1806615356313674225 WE tv’s “Love After Lockup,” the original groundbreaking installment of the popular franchise, will return with an all-new time this summer. Per the press release: The new season of Love After Lockup follows seven couples, including two fan favorites, from Love During Lockup as they discover more love, new doubts, and encounter unforeseen obstacles in their relationships. These couples are as vulnerable and raw as ever as they share their emotional journeys and continue to find true love beyond prison walls. The first of 10 all-new, must-see, 90-minute episodes premieres Friday, July 26th, at 8pm ET/PT (7pm CT), exclusively on WE TV. The following Tuesday, it will stream exclusively on the popular AMC streaming service ALLBLK. https://youtu.be/DiByGAk_4LA “Tale Of The Tape,” a groundbreaking documentary, tells the story of the mix tape. Before the digital era ushered in curated playlists and streaming services, DJs reigned supreme as the tastemakers and gatekeepers of hip-hop music. Through their coveted mixes, DJs not only set the rhythm of the streets but also served as the ultimate arbiter of an artist’s prowess and potential. The mixtape, with its raw and unfiltered essence, became a badge of honor for aspiring rappers, signaling their arrival on the scene and paving the way for future success. https://youtu.be/VzEMpA54v-s The film, which Osario says took 10 years to make, delves into dramatic episodes including the FBI raid of DJ Drama with a swat team strapped with M-16s when he was at the height of his fame as a mixtape king. He had everything taken away. After the raid, he wound up targeted, arrested, and jailed – a martyr for mixtape culture. When Drama found out his arrest was made in conjunction with the RIAA — the same trade organization whose seal appears on the gold and platinum plaques hanging in his offices — it felt deeper than a personal betrayal. It was a betrayal of hip-hop. Drama was charged with a Georgia state law that made it illegal to sell CDs without putting your name and address on them —and they added a RICO charge because they were mass distributing the CDs. https://youtu.be/Ap7Fv8Nzkyw The ongoing tumultuous relationship between Chris Rock and Will Smith has taken another sharp turn. Following the highly publicized 2022 Oscars incident where Smith slapped Rock, word on the street says that Rock is less than pleased with Smith’s latest movie, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die.” According to insiders, the comedian is particularly upset about a specific “slap scene” in the film. Rock reportedly finds the scene reminiscent of the Oscars incident and perceives it as a tasteless attempt by Smith to make light of a serious situation. https://youtu.be/Bwn5Pq52fds “Chris thinks it’s a pretty cheap stunt and he’s telling people how lame he finds it. It’s a classic case of Will making light of a horrific situation. Will’s playing the victim,” a source close to Rock disclosed. The insider also mentioned that Rock is aggravated by how people continuously bring up the Oscars incident. “He suffered as much as Will has and now Will has turned it into a funny scene in his movie. As far as Chris is concerned, it’s more proof that Will’s a total piece of work who deserves all the crap he’s gotten,” the source elaborated. https://youtu.be/hRFY_Fesa9Q CNN’s Thursday night debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump was watched by 47.9 million viewers on television, according to preliminary figures from Nielsen. The 90-minute debate, which sent shockwaves through the political world, was simulcast across 22 networks. CNN, which hosted the debate from its Atlanta studios, offered a live feed of the telecast to any network free of charge but with strict conditions over its presentation and branding. On television, CNN drew 8.7 million viewers on its flagship channel, including 3 million in the advertiser coveted 25-54 demographic, the network said Friday. The right-wing talk channel Fox News drew 8.8 million viewers, ABC News saw 8.7 million viewers and MSNBC drew 3.968 million viewers. The telecast also drew the largest audience on record for CNN on the Max streaming service, though the network did not disclose audience figures. The nearly 48 million who watched Thursday night’s debate on television represents a 35% drop in the audience from 2020 when more than 73 million people watched the first debate between Trump and Biden across all television networks. In 2016, a record 84 million tuned in to the first debate matchup between Hillary Clinton and Trump. https://youtu.be/fmZJ7lhroA8 A West Virginia couple, Donald Ray Lantz, 63, and Jeanne Kay Whitefeather, 62, have been accused of forcing their adopted Black children to work as slaves and sleep in a barn. Donald and Jeanne pleaded not guilty to multiple charges after two teens were discovered locked in a deteriorating shed, New York Post reports. The couple allegedly subjected their five adopted children to appalling conditions on their Sissonville property. Lantz and Whitefeather were arrested in October following a wellness check that uncovered the children—ages 6, 9, 11, 14, and 16—living in horrendous conditions on their property. According to the indictment, the children were forced to work on the couple’s farm due to their race. “Neighbors also reported that the children were forced to perform farm labor and were not permitted inside the residence,” the filing stated. Lantz and Whitefeather are charged with offenses including human trafficking of a minor child, using a minor child in forced labor, and child neglect, posing a significant risk of severe bodily harm or death. https://youtu.be/Gp9uggCO-nI Draya Michele is taking legal action against ex-boyfriend Tyrod Taylor for backing out of a house deal. According to TMZ, Draya, 39, filed a lawsuit alleging that she had a verbal agreement with the NFL quarterback, 34, to eventually purchase a Los Angeles-area home he bought in August 2022. The reality star claims he allowed her and her kids to move into the home while they were dating. She asserts that she and Taylor verbally agreed that she would eventually purchase the house from him. They agreed that any improvements or mortgage payments Draya made to the property would count towards the final purchase price if she decided to buy it. Despite her contributions to the property, including improvements and mortgage payments totaling nearly $300,000, Taylor has reportedly reneged on their agreement. Draya claims Taylor is now threatening eviction and refusing to sell her the home despite her offer of $2.8 million, which Taylor initially countered at $3.2 million in January 2024. https://twitter.com/BSO/status/1806403322531684768/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1806403322531684768%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fdraya-michele-files-lawsuit-against-tyrod-taylor-over-house-deal%2F Lori Harvey is allegedly dating an Arab billionaire. According to Media Take Out, she’s boo’d up with a man linked to the Saudi royal family. A friend of Lori’s shared that he flies her around the world on his private jet, and they recently stayed on a private floor at The Ritz in Paris. His name remains undisclosed due to his desire for privacy. Media Take Out did not reveal his name “because we’re told that he’s “incredibly private” and that he “uses his fortune to make sure that he stays out of the press,” ” the outlet writes. Harvey has been linked romantically to several A-list stars, including actor Michael B. Jordan, Diddy and his son Justin Combs, Dutch soccer player Memphis Depay, R&B superstar Trey Songz, and Damson Idris. Lori and Damson called it quits late last year. In a joint statement, the ex-couple said, “We are at a point in our lives where our individual paths require our full attention and dedication. We part ways remaining friends with nothing but love and respect for each other and the time we shared together.” Renowned sneaker reseller Javier Osorio-Mejia of Bayonne, NJ, was shot and killed in a botched robbery attempt in NYC on June 25. Fox5NY reports the incident occurred at on Greene Street in Soho. Despite the robbery attempt, the assailants fled without taking Meija’s cash or brand new Range Rover. The young entrepreneur was shot three times in the right leg and later died at Bellevue Hospital. Osorio-Mejia was known for selling exclusive sneakers to celebrities and enthusiasts. “I’m just devastated and I just want everyone to know he was a good person. He wasn’t involved in no foul stuff, he was a humble dude, he helped a lot of people,” one of Osorio-Mejia’s friends said. https://youtu.be/sCEFX89TkG8 Residents in the Philippines are addressing electricity shortages using solar light bulbs made from water bottles, bleach, and sheet metal. As MadameNoire reports, this ingenious method leverages sunlight and refraction to illuminate homes without relying on electrical power. A video on the Ahlasami Instagram page showcased this process, which involves using recycled water bottles filled with water and a small amount of bleach to prevent bacterial growth. Residents then wrap the bottles in sheet metal and fit them into roof holes, creating a solar light bulb. Sunlight refracts through the water, brightening their living spaces.Solar panels can be added to keep the lights on after dark. This low-cost, sustainable technology has benefited thousands of households in poverty-stricken areas. Filipino actor Illac Diaz leads the My Shelter Foundation, which provides affordable lighting solutions using this method across the Philippines. A quarter of the population lives below the poverty line and faces high electricity prices and frequent power outages. The foundation also extends its efforts to regions in Africa and South America. Each solar light bulb costs less than $2 to produce. https://www.instagram.com/ahlasami/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=780a0edb-a174-44f1-a0d8-ce6c930c3162 Black Writers Weekend Film Fest is a vibrant event showcasing live table reads, audio stories, monologues, and screenings of short films and documentaries. Its goal is to share diverse stories and experiences from new and emerging filmmakers and screenwriters, fostering a community of creativity and inclusion. We have LaJill Hunt. Tressa Azarel Smallwood, Shaquita Smith, Ty Johnston-Chavis and Tailiah Breon among the talent in the film space to grace the stage and share their insights, experiences, and expertise in a captivating panel discussion you won't want to miss. Black Writers Weekend is a one-of-a-kind gathering that connects you intimately with beloved authors, esteemed screenwriters, and luminaries from the worlds of film and TV. Dive into a dynamic Lit Crawl, navigating through a myriad of events brimming with live discussions, readings, movie viewings, and social gatherings. Connect with influential artists during Black August and leave inspired! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFnw4OS8wHE&t=1s British artist M.I.A. is launching a streetwear brand, Ohmni, capable of blocking “99.99 percent of Wi-Fi, 4G, and 5G” from entering your body. The “Paper Planes” artist announced the collection on social media. Complex reports that the line includes a $100 “Tin Foil Hat,” which offers “100 percent brain coverage.” You can also cop the “reversible, two-tone design” or the “Data Protection Dump Bag,” which blocks “99.99 percent” of “electromagnetic radiation.” The $200 “Full Protection Poncho” covers “the brain, gut, lungs, heart, and womb.” According to Ohmni’s website, the collection includes t-shirts, jeans, hoodies, and phone cases meant to preserve “your privacy, autonomy, and rights over your body and your data.” https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8FqaYZN742/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=d0de1cf0-da2d-4955-a36e-b630e66886a7 The OHMNI website states: “In the time of smart cities, digital crypto, AI, NeuraLink, hackable humans, zero privacy, deepmind, internal body data harvesting, and indiscriminate tracking surveillance, mind data mining, social media overload, augmented reality, social credit system, virtual dystopian mindfield, we bring you the revolutionary future of fashion.” The statement continued, “You might think of the war zone as far away from where you are, yet in 2024, even your house is a digital battlefield. OHMNI is designed to be protective, preventative, and precious.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C8PpBedN_pq/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again In the IG clip below, check out what the artist further stated about her new streetwear brand. https://www.instagram.com/p/C8hzNtVtJb9/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again A friend of Wendy Williams claims the former talk show host had $55 million in her account before her guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, took control and claimed she was out of funds. In an affidavit submitted to a New Jersey court, Regina Schell, Wendy’s best friend of 44 years, asserted that she had examined the star’s Wells Fargo bank statements before Morrissey said she was broke. Schell made this claim in a filing submitted on behalf of Williams’ ex-husband, Kevin Hunter, in his alimony case. Hunter’s divorce settlement payments ceased after Wells Fargo terminated them following Williams’ court-ordered guardianship in 2022. Per TheJasmineBrand, Schell’s affidavit reads: “In July of 2022, Wendy invited me to stay with her in New York City for an extended period…During that visit, Wendy expressed to me that she wished to explore options regarding her estate, specifically a possible change with her current financial institution…She also shared with me documents from Wells Fargo showing a cumulative balance of nearly $55 million.” She continued, “Wendy had scheduled an appointment with Bank of America’s Private Banking Group…I remained present during the entire presentation…Following the meeting, I witnessed Wendy handing the Bank of America proposals and documents to Ms. Morrissey as we were all in the same vehicle drive to the courthouse.” Schell added, “Days later, I returned to my home in California and received an urgent call from Wendy’s then-publicist…The publicist claimed to have overheard a conversation between Wendy and Ms. Morrissey, whereas Ms. Morrissey gave Wendy the unfortunate news that there is no money in Wendy’s accounts…In disbelief, I immediately contacted Ms. Morrissey. Ms. Morrissey and I have been in regular contact, and I fully expected her to tell me there was some sort of miscommunication, but instead, I was blocked from all communication with her, and denied access to my beloved friend.” https://youtu.be/smkpznKEJ38 Serena Williams‘ stepmother has lost the family home she shared with the tennis champion’s father, Richard Williams, to settle her substantial debts, with an auction scheduled for next month. According to the U.S. Sun, the lengthy legal battle over Richard and Lakeisha Williams’ Palm Beach Gardens, Florida home is ending. The final judgment states that the house will be sold at an online auction on July 18 to pay off the $436,113 debt owed to “hard lender” David Simon. This debt originated from Lakeisha faking Richard’s signature to transfer the property into her name and taking out a $279,000 loan, which she spent on a failed trucking business. Simon has pursued legal action for seven years, bringing closure to the long-standing issue. As reported earlier, Lakeisha filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy to save the home from foreclosure and being auctioned off. She initiated legal action to halt the proceedings in 2022. Court documents filed recently reveal that Michael Jackson was over $500 million in debt at the time of his death in 2009. PEOPLE reports that the King of Pop’s estate has been seeking reimbursement for legal fees, negotiation costs, and other operating expenses since 2018. The filing—submitted to Los Angeles County Superior Court on June 21—indicates Jackson owed money to more than 65 creditors upon passing. Jackson “incurred considerable expense in connection with preparations for his concert tour, ‘This Is It.'” the filing read. The docs explain that MJ’s untimely passing “left his Estate with financial liability approximating $40 million” to the promoter of his tour. NBC News reports that the attorneys for the executors said Jackson “changed business managers, lawyers, and personal managers several times in the years” before his death.” After he passed, the lawyers had to track down various pertinent documents “scattered around the country.” The estate’s executors’ attorneys assert they settled the estate’s debts following Jackson’s death and “successfully enhanced Michael Jackson’s image and legacy, benefiting the beneficiaries of Michael’s Trust.” It was a dream LeBron James floated a few years ago: the tantalizing prospect of playing in the NBA alongside one of his sons. Fast forward to today, and that dream is inching closer to reality, though it still took many by surprise.On Thursday, Bronny James, the eldest son of the NBA’s all-time scoring leader and four-time champion, was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers. Selected with the No. 55 pick in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft, Bronny now shares a team with his father, who has been with the Lakers since 2018. https://youtu.be/6l88HjPS1yo Adding another layer of intrigue is LeBron’s contract situation. The iconic player can become a free agent next week, opening up the possibility of an exit from the Lakers. However, the prospect of playing alongside his son might influence his decision to stay. This draft pick does not guarantee that father and son will share the court as teammates. Bronny’s place on the Lakers’ roster for next season is not assured, detailing the crop of uncertainties that still loom. Nonetheless, the selection raises the thrilling possibility of an unprecedented NBA first: a father-son duo playing simultaneously in the league. Historically, around 100 players have followed their fathers into the NBA, but always at least five years after their fathers retired. https://youtu.be/2lXiAuWP0_8 On the popular daytime talk show “The View,” lead host Whoopi Goldberg made waves with her strong disapproval of Republicans who continue to refer to Donald Trump as “the President.” Goldberg, maintaining her long-held position, emphasized that Trump should be referred to as the “former president,” sparking a mixed reaction from the audience. Some viewers cheered her stance, while others criticized her behavior, showing the polarized opinions surrounding the topic. The drama began earlier this week when Goldberg, an EGOT-winning actress and co-host, had a moment of unintentional candidness on the show. During a heated discussion regarding Thursday’s presidential debate, Whoopi broke her personal rule to never mention Donald Trump’s name. Instead of her usual moniker “you-know-who”, Goldberg, prompted by fellow co-host Joy Behar, accidentally uttered Trump’s name. “I think it would be remiss of us to not say, Joe Biden knows how to do this. He’s quite good at this. You can’t refute anything with him. When I say him, I mean …” Goldberg started, before trailing off. At this point, Behar interjected with “Trump”, leading Goldberg to repeat “Trump,” much to her own chagrin. Realizing her slip, Goldberg responded with a mock gagging sound and mimed spitting on the stage, an act that was met with applause from some members of the audience. “Ugh,” she exclaimed, highlighting her distaste. https://twitter.com/i/status/1806362591180259757 Ultimately, Whoopi Goldberg’s position on referring to Trump as the “former president” vs. “the President” is a reflection of the larger national conversation. It underscores the complexities and sensitivities of political dialogue in a highly polarized society and the challenges faced by public figures in voicing their personal beliefs. As ‘The View’ continues to tackle hot-button issues, moments like these will likely persist, showcasing the varied and often conflicting viewpoints of its diverse panel and audience. https://youtu.be/slGqDcekdSg Music mogul Deb Antney talked about her new music competition reality series, “Deb’s House.” This unscripted show features eight unknown female artists who move into Deb’s home, vying to become her next rap protégé. Antney shared insights into her motivations for creating the series, the challenges the contestants face, and what viewers can expect from this exciting new venture. Antney is best known for pioneering the careers of several high-profile artists, including Gucci Mane, French Montana, Nicki Minaj, and her son, Waka Flocka Flame. “I envisioned a competition show that deviates from the norm-one centered around personal growth and self-competition,” Antney said in a statement. “Collaborating with (co-creator and co-EP) Rasheed to bring this vision to life has been an incredible journey. Witnessing the music industry veer away from artist development towards a focus on superficiality and explicit content prompted my desire to return to the core values of true lyricism and mentorship,” she continued. https://youtu.be/ULjGbYWbJDU Niecy Nash-Betts discuss her latest project, the Audible Original “Queer West: How the West Was Fabulous.” In this captivating series, Niecy takes listeners on an enlightening journey through the lesser-known LGBTQ+ history of the American West, shattering the traditional cowboy image with stories of diverse and vibrant queer lives. From gay rodeos and two-spirit identities to trans truckers, “Queer West” uncovers the hidden contributions and ongoing impact of LGBTQ+ individuals in shaping the West’s unique cultural landscape. When asked what inspired her to take on this project and bring these stories to life, Nash-Betts told EURweb, “Well, the lives and the lies. Because oftentimes, when you are prolific in history, and you are monumental and doing great things, you always have people that feel like you should be erased and your story should not be told,” she explained. “I was like, listen, I just got to the community five minutes ago. I love it here, and I want to be a part of telling stories or unpacking them and inviting you to think differently about what you thought you knew.” In Queer West, Niecy reveals surprising details about the queer origins of the popular Broadway musical Oklahoma, secret meanings of seemingly straight songs, and the real story of the legendary Calamity Jane. Paramount Pictures has released a new trailer for “A Quiet Place: Day One,” the third film in the thriller franchise starring Lupita Nyong’o and Djimon Hounsou. Directed by Michael Sarnoski, the official synopsis states, “Experience the day the world went quiet.” “A Quiet Place: Day One” is the latest entry in John Krasinski’s film series. The story takes place on the first day of the alien invasion that plunged the world into silence. https://youtu.be/E-WIb4ATfT8 Gayle King’s son, William “Will” Bumpus Jr., wed Elise Smith at Oprah Winfrey’s California home on Sunday, June 2. As People reports, King said her “favorite part” of the wedding was the exchange of vows. “They both wrote their own vows,” she shared, “and at one point, Will said, ‘I know the man I am, but with you, I know the man I want to be.’ “ King added, “I have never seen a love like the two of them have. You go to weddings and everybody is in love, but there was something about these two that I thought was very epic, it was next level.” On Tuesday (June 25), King shared a video on Instagram of William dancing with his wife at their wedding. Grammy Award-winner Miguel performed his hit songs “Adorn” and “Sure Thing” at the ceremony. https://www.instagram.com/gayleking/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=0c7b864d-216a-4eec-be2b-18618a91030d In a separate post, King wrote, “The @willgb3 & @elisemariesmith wedding celebration continues! They called it WE LOVE cause of their initials and their love.” The heartfelt message included photos and videos of Bumpus — whom King shares with ex-husband William Bumpus, along with daughter Kirby Bumpus — and Smith. https://www.instagram.com/gayleking/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=8daaa600-9e06-4fc5-8f3e-a856e6e17717 In another IG message, King noted that the newlyweds are “now hunkered down in an undisclosed location, still floating on cloud 9 after what they say was one of the best weekends of their lives!” https://www.instagram.com/gayleking/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=aaf98bcb-15a5-41df-ae6e-505c9128ce6e LeBron James and Lil Wayne star in a hilarious new ad for Apple’s new Beats Pill. Per BeatsbyDre.com: “The upgraded Beats Pill is more advanced than ever. It’s more powerful. It’s lighter. It’s more portable. It has up to 24 hours of battery life. And it’s designed to look and sound incredible — inside your home and out and about.” Additionally, the upgraded Pill has a bigger, bespoke racetrack woofer that packs more of a punch with deeper, fuller bass. The woofer’s material and structure — including its innovative ridges and contours — help minimize low-end distortion, even at high volumes.” In the new ad announcing the return of the device, “Lil Wayne is just trying to catch some zzz’s while his famous neighbor above him, LeBron James, is blasting Weezy’s 2008 hit record “A Milli” through his new Beats Pill to keep his guests, including his wife, Savannah James bopping their heads,” per Hip Hop Wired. https://youtu.be/av_09gwCyWY Rapper Trina has reportedly married her fiancé, Benjamin Leon Kearse Jr. a.k.a “Beau Swurv.” According to Vibe, citing court records obtained by The Info Spot, the couple filed their marriage application on April 5 and tied the knot on May 22 in Miramar, Fl. See the marriage license filing via the Instagram post. Per the outlet, little is known about her marriage to Kearse Jr. and how long they’ve been together. Trina was previously engaged in 2021 Trina to Miami rapper Raymond “Ray Almighty” Taylor, which she revealed on an episode of “Love & Hip-Hop: Miami.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C8qNjtctQ56/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=250fd619-ed7d-4684-b2ef-5061c78fae9a Trina introduced Beau Swurv to her cousin Joy during an episode of “Love & Hip-Hop: Miami” earlier this year, iHeart reports. Watch the moment via the Instagram. “Every time we’ve been together it’s always been a hundred people around and I want my cousin to really get to know the man I’m in love with,” Trina said about her then-boyfriend. “He’s a great gentleman. He actually does real estate. He buys and flips properties. I am just so addicted to him. When it comes to love, he just gets me.” In the comments of the IG post, one person wrote, “If Trina is happy that’s all that matters. She deserves happiness in the crazy world she lives in. Just hope she careful and cautious of people’s reasons for being around.” Another IG user added, “Happy for Trina cause her attitude is totally better with him around.” https://www.instagram.com/realityentertainmenttv/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=373fb4e2-9a09-490f-87ca-e2679ecc3b83 Ericka King, co-defendant in a fraud case with Earnesto Williams, exclusively spoke to Channel 2 Action News after pleading guilty. Williams and King are accused of defrauding dozens of people. King entered a guilty plea Monday morning. During her interview with Channel 2’s Ashli Lincoln, she admitted fault but claimed she was manipulated and coerced by Williams, ex-husband of “Steve Harvey Morning Show” co-host Shirley Strawberry. King alleges she was a victim in his financial scheme. “I had my boss putting an insurmountable amount of pressure on me,” King told Lincoln. “When someone has that power over you, you just do what they say,” she added. “I feel like I got mixed up in a scandal. It’s been a lot of trauma,” King said. https://youtu.be/88kUaoc--7s Liberals and Democratic voters expressed outrage following the defeat of ‘Squad’ member Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., in Tuesday’s primary election. Many blame the financial influence and backing of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) for its role in the race. “One of the House Democrats to come out for a ceasefire last year … is defeated,” former MSNBC host and Zeteo founder Mehdi Hasan wrote on social media, Fox News reports. “Replaced by a new House Democrat, backed by AIPAC, who deploys racist dog whistles and refuses to criticize Benjamin Netanyahu.” According to FOX News, Bowman attacked AIPAC multiple times on the campaign trail. “We are going to show f—— AIPAC, the power of the motherf—— South Bronx!” Bowman said at a rally Saturday. He later apologized for “sometimes using foul language.” He noted that “we should be outraged when a super PAC of dark money can spend $20 million to brainwash people into believing something that isn’t true. We should be outraged about that.” https://twitter.com/NRCC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1806050288744202475%7Ctwgr%5E2da87c31c66920cc73e15e22b8afdc816e7f347a%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fnrcc-sends-bowman-unemployment-gift-after-primary-defeat%2F Fans of Roscoe’s House of Chicken ’n Waffles had to swallow a bitter pill this past Sunday as the iconic soul food restaurant’s Pasadena location shut its doors permanently after 30 years of serving its beloved fried chicken and waffles. Loyal customers or even haters keen to tie the closure to California’s recent law guaranteeing restaurant workers a minimum $20 per hour wage can stand down, as this was not cited as the reason for the closure. Despite this significant closure, hope is not lost for Roscoe’s enthusiasts. According to a report from the LA Times, there might be a bright future ahead for the celebrated eatery in Pasadena. A sign placed on the now-vacant building at 830 N. Lake Ave. read, “We are searching for another upgraded Pasadena Location. Stay tuned and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.” Roscoe’s official website lists the Pasadena establishment as permanently closed with no further hints regarding a potential new venue. Multiple attempts to reach the restaurant’s representatives for comments on the closure remained unanswered. https://youtu.be/yp-JkFhXYoc Roscoe’s House of Chicken ’n Waffles, known worldwide, has long been a Southern California culinary landmark, with six other locations still operational in Hollywood, South Los Angeles, Long Beach, Inglewood, Anaheim, and La Brea. However, the chain faced another blow earlier this year when its Mid-City location on Pico Boulevard also closed its doors. The beloved chain has graced many celebrity patrons over the years, including then-President Obama, who dined at the Pico restaurant in 2011. The dish he ordered was later honorarily renamed the “Obama’s Special.” Following his meal, he humorously recalled on “The Tonight Show” how he had to quickly clean a spot off his tie before attending a fundraising event. https://youtu.be/omqq5jtu880 The announcement of the Pasadena location’s closure prompted a flood of nostalgic messages from fans online, reminiscing about three decades of memorable meals. Others noted pragmatically that surrounding competition might have played a role, referencing nearby chicken eateries such as El Pollo Unico , Kentucky Fried Chicken, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, and the recently opened Chick-fil-A. This area, dubbed by some as “Chicken Row,” offers a variety of alternatives for fried chicken enthusiasts. Not all reactions were sentimental. Some customers pointed out that the dining value at Roscoe’s didn’t match its rising prices, expressing indifference to its closure. https://youtu.be/Rb601dLgwPU Bill Cobbs, a veteran actor whose career spanned several decades and over 120 television shows and movies, passed away at the age of 90 on June 25, 2024, at his home in California. Born on June 16, 1934, in Cleveland, Ohio, Cobbs was celebrated for his versatile acting skills and warm personality, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by colleagues and fans alike. Cobbs began his acting career relatively late in life, making his film debut at the age of 36. His background was as diverse as his acting roles, having served in the U.S. Air Force and working various jobs, including driving taxis and repairing office machines. This eclectic life experience added a unique depth and authenticity to his performances.https://youtu.be/p_XDbrckb5k His exceptional career includes memorable roles in notable films such as ‘Night at the Museum‘ where he played Reginald, a museum security guard. He also delivered standout performances in ‘Demolition Man’ as Zachary Lamb, ‘New Jack City’ as Old Man, and ‘The Hudsucker Proxy’ as Moses, the wise janitor. Cobbs’ ability to bring characters to life with nuance and gravitas made him a beloved figure in Hollywood. On television, Cobbs was equally impressive, with roles in ‘The Michael Richards Show’, ‘The Others’ as Elmer Greentree, and ‘I’ll Fly Away’ where he portrayed Lewis Coleman. His work in ‘I’ll Fly Away’ during the early 1990s earned him critical acclaim, solidifying his reputation as a skilled and dedicated actor. https://youtu.be/2H1YHf043Yo Celine Dion’s new documentary gives fans a raw behind-the-scenes look at the iconic superstar’s struggle with a life-altering illness. Directed by Academy Award nominee Irene Taylor, I AM: CELINE DION highlights the singer’s battle with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS). According to the Mayo Clinic, Stiff Person Syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder “characterized by involuntary stiffness of axial muscles and superimposed painful muscle spasms, which are often induced by startle or emotional stimuli.” https://youtu.be/t-L6Z3PF-w0 In December 2022, Dion, 56, disclosed that she had received an official diagnosis of SPS. One scene in the doc shows the beloved musician becomes paralyzed momentarily while having a seizure that lasts for several minutes. “I don’t know how to express it, like, it’s just … you know, like, to not have control of yourself?” Dion tells the cameras, Entertainment Tonight reports. https://youtu.be/KzV4mSZPke0 Stephen A. Smith slammed Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs for removing his video apology to Cassie. The disgraced music mogul removed all the posts on his Instagram last week, including the statement he issued days after CNN released surveillance footage showing Diddy assaulting Cassie in 2016 at a Los Angeles hotel. As we reported earlier, the disturbing video shows Puff Daddy, wearing only a towel, chasing Cassie down a hallway to the elevator bank. He then grabs her by the neck, slams her to the ground, and kicks her. Cassie filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit against the music producer late last year, ultimately settling out of court. The lawsuit encouraged more victims to come forward about their violent encounters with Diddy, though he has declared his innocence regarding all allegations. In his video response to the CNN clip, the hip-hop producer said, “It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life. Sometimes you gotta do that. I was f*cked up,” Diddy explained in the now-deleted clip. https://twitter.com/i/status/1805391766251782281 André 3000 is taking his instrumental album “New Blue Sun” on tour again this fall. We reported earlier that the project from the hip-hop star and one-half of the legendary group OutKast features eight instrumental tracks performed on flutes. This is André’s first full-length solo album and first musical effort in 17 years since OutKast’s sixth album “Idlewild.” Fans, however, slammed the effort upon its release late last year. Many turned to social media to express outrage that the album offers zero rapping or singing. André responded to the criticism during a 2023 interview with CBS Mornings. “Even on the artwork it says, ‘No bars,’ so if you’re disappointed, man, I don’t know what else I could do. I don’t like that people are upset a little bit about it,” he said, Hip Hop DX reported. “If I were waiting for a thing for 17 years, a certain thing that I’m looking for and, something else shows up, I’d probably be upset too. To be a rapper, you gotta be rapping. I haven’t been rapping, like I don’t hang around the studio,” the musician continued. https://youtu.be/w9X_UTqWYHM Kenya Moore will not return to “Real Housewives of Atlanta” Season 16 after being indefinitely sidelined for reportedly revealing sexually explicit posters of newcomer Brittany Eady. As we reported earlier, the suspension follows an explosive incident at Moore’s Hair Spa’s grand opening, per ATLien of StraightfromtheA.com. The grand opening event turned controversial when Moore allegedly displayed a “revenge porn” image of Eady. The incident quickly went viral, drawing significant backlash and concern. In response to the uproar, Bravo executives shut down the filming at the hair salon and convened an emergency meeting to address the situation. Following an “internal investigation,” the network suspended Moore indefinitely from participating in the show. “Now, we’re told Kenya has not been fired from ‘RHOA’ … instead, we’re told both sides have agreed she’s just gonna take a break from the show for now,” TMZ writes, noting that Bravo “is keeping the door open for a future return.” On the other hand, LoveBScott.com is reporting that Moore has been FIRED from the show and that: “According to our sources, not only has Kenya been barred from filming the rest of the season — but the network is figuring out how to cut her from what’s been filmed already so that she doesn’t appear in season sixteen at all.” https://youtu.be/aKuDAft99uY Kendrick Lamar returned to the streets of his hometown, Compton, to film the video for his hit record “Not Like Us.” Hot New Hip Hop reports that over the Juneteenth holiday, Lamar reunited with his former Top Dawg Entertainment labelmates ScHoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, and Jay Rock. The filming comes days after Lamar’s “Pop Out – Ken & Friends” concert at the Kia Forum, which brought together several West Coast artists. The star-studded event was livestreamed online, which Ice-T praised as a unifying moment for the West Coast. Vibe reports that the hip-hop legend took to Instagram on Saturday (June 22) to share a photo from the show honoring late rapper Nipsey Hussle. Ice-T remarked that Lamar appeared to be facilitating a “potential gang truce.” The rapper-turned-actor described the concert as a “cure for cancer” for people who grew up in or around gang culture. “A Potential Gang Truce in LA is like a Cure for Cancer for us,” Ice-T posted. “Extreme Respect to @kendricklamar.” After Kendrick performed “Not Like Us” at the show, he gathered his family, friends, and rival gangs on stage for a group portrait. He told the crowd, “This sh*t making me emotional. We been f**ked up since Nipsey died. We been f**ked up since Kobe died. This is unity at its finest. We done lost a lot of homies to this music sh*t, to this street sh*t. For all of us to be together on stage, that sh*t is special. Everybody on this stage got fallen soldiers.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C8g-jDHsPNh/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=74f24e3b-5db3-4fe1-b4fe-248a2592c8b0 Actress Nia Long shared her journey to motherhood during a panel discussion at the 2024 American Black Film Festival and how prudent financial savings enabled her to fund her eldest son’s college education without relying on loans. Afrotech reports that Ally Financial hosted the panel “Money and Mindfulness: A Conversation with Nia Long,” where the Hollywood icon explained that she started saving for her children before becoming a mother. “One of the things is [that] I started saving for my children before I became a mother,” she shared. “I took $3,000 and I just put [it] in this account. I was like, ‘I’m never touching that.’ And it allowed me to get my son through NYU without any student loans.” Long’s eldest son, Dorsey, recently graduated from New York University. “I’m so proud,” Long added. “It makes me cry because we did it. Yes, we did it. And it was a plan.” It’s official. The Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival has found its groove! On the Father’s Day weekend of June 15-16, this 2024 edition found curators Kamasi Washington, Herbie Hancock, and the producers tapping into a perfectly paced lineup of talent that makes for an exquisite weekend playdate for friends, family, and lovers. The 80+ degree temperatures and cool breezes set the mood for afternoon into evening bliss. Most of the acts – Jazz or not – incorporated authentic Jazz into their sets, showing the festival the respect that it so richly deserves. Kicking things off in high gear on Saturday afternoon at 3:30 sharp and with no introduction required were the USC Cardinal Divas & Drum Corp, firing up the crowd with fire and fierceness. Festival host Arsenio Hall, now in his third year, has also found his rhythm, bringing enthusiasm to his band introductions, jokey jokes (his first of the day was advice about rationing your “edibles”), and gamely wrestling with the notecard scripts he was handed to read – often with verbiage he claimed they THOUGHT he couldn’t pronounce (hey, it’s a new day when “Sandy” isn’t there to edit dialogue and kick your clips). The L.A. County High School For The Arts Jazz Ensemble was highly impressive. 13 singers showed off their deep harmony skills with luscious takes on “There Will Never Be Another You” (a cappella w vocal bass and percussion) and the sensual bosa nova chestnut “No More Blues (in English, Portuguese and scat sections). This was followed by instrumentals penned by members of the trumpet/guitar-led quintet. Always a groove to know that pure Jazz remains in good hands. The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Performance at UCLA Ensemble – a sextet of men and women of trumpet, alto sax, tenor sax, piano, bass, and drums also boldly featured band compositions. The opener sounded like a keen variation on Freddie Hubbard’s “Red Clay.” Fine accompaniment, interplay, and soloing abounded. A Florida man carried out a shooting rampage in Manatee County on Monday night, killing three women, including his mother and cousin. Javontee Brice, 28, attempted to kill two ex-girlfriends before he died in a police shootout, Fox 13 reports. “He seemed to have an agenda. He knew exactly who he wanted to kill, and he did not have a hard time locating them,” said Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells. Brice traveled to multiple residences and targeted several family members before attempting to flee to Georgia to harm an ex-girlfriend. That’s when deputies intercepted and fatally shot him. https://youtu.be/LA53qgnCHvA G.O.A.T. Fuel is now the first official energy drink of the WNBA’s Chicago Sky. The partnership will include press conference integration, on-court logo placement, celebrity features, and in-arena activations. Fan engagement activities will include curated samplings, giveaways, and sweepstakes for fans. G.O.A.T. Fuel was the first official energy drink of the Los Angeles Lakers and is now expanding into the WNBA to support the exciting growth of women’s basketball and be part of a significant cultural movement. G.O.A.T. Fuel celebrates greatness, including the Chicago Sky’s 2021 Championship and incredible women’s basketball players. G.O.A.T. Fuel is a high-performance, premium sports energy drink created to drive and inspire every human to become the greatest version of themselves. G.O.A.T. Fuel (“greatest of all time”) was created by pro-Football Hall of Famer, Jerry Rice and his family, including co-founder and CEO, Jaqui Rice Gold and co-founder and Chief Brand Officer Trevion Gold. The beverage and lifestyle brand focused on bringing health-forward, innovative products and a G.O.A.T. mindset that the term G.O.A.T. should not be reserved only for athletes, but anyone striving to be great. “Becoming the official energy drink of the Chicago Sky is a pivotal moment in the G.O.A.T. Fuel journey,” said Co-Founder and Pro Football Hall of Famer, Jerry Rice. “Chicago is a storied sports market and had some of the greatest athletes of all time, and now, with the excitement surrounding the WNBA, it’s the perfect time to partner with the Sky. New York Rep. Jamaal Bowman will lose his Democratic primary to Westchester County Executive George Latimer, CNN projects, marking the first defeat for a member of the House “Squad” of progressive lawmakers. The result in New York’s 16th Congressional District is also a victory for pro-Israel groups, which backed Latimer with historic levels of spending during the campaign. According to ad-tracking firm AdImpact, the race was the most expensive House primary on record. Bowman, 48, a former middle school principal in the Bronx, was first elected in 2020 after unseating longtime Democratic Rep. Eliot Engel, a pro-Israel hawk, in the primary. That race, much like this one, centered on accusations that the incumbent had lost touch with the diverse, but heavily segregated district, which spans parts of Bronx and Westchester counties. Latimer, 70, a Democratic political fixture for decades, argued that Bowman’s vocal opposition to Israel’s war in Gaza and his combative political style was out of step with the electorate, which includes a significant Jewish population in Westchester. The primary drew more ad spending than any other House race so far this cycle. https://youtu.be/jOC1Oad21N8?list=RDNSjOC1Oad21N8 Latimer is seen as a shoo-in for the general election in the deep-blue district, which would have backed Joe Biden under the current lines by 45 points in 2020. Former Scarsdale Mayor Miriam Flisser was unopposed for the Republican nomination. https://youtu.be/aEjYgkx2iUA An overnight manhunt for a gunman (Eric Adams) sought in the deaths of five people in North Las Vegas ended Tuesday morning after police located him just before he killed himself. Adams, 47, was identified by police as a suspect in two shootings on Monday night, according to a news release from the North Las Vegas Police Department. https://youtu.be/ITxrif_s1Ak Five people were killed and a 13-year-old girl was hospitalized in critical condition with a gunshot wound after the shooting spree at two apartments. Around 10 p.m. on Monday, police received reports of a shooting at an apartment complex on Casa Norte Drive, the release said. When they arrived, police located two adult females – one in her early 40s and another in her late 50s – with gunshot wounds. They were later pronounced dead by medical personnel, according to police. https://youtu.be/bDbY_OTKKRI In a move supporting vulnerable communities, the 2024 California budget agreement has earmarked $103 million in one-time funding for victims’ services programs and Reparations Bill Implementation. This allocation is designed to compensate for federal funding cuts and ensure continued support for crime victims across the state. Grace Glaser of VALOR, a member of the California VOCA Advocacy Alliance, a statewide coalition of organizations dedicated to supporting survivors of crime, advocates, and their communities, praised this move, stating, “Gov. Newsom and the legislature have temporarily stitched [the safety net] back together with their commitment to one-time backfill funding, ensuring that for now, victims will receive support during the most traumatic and dangerous times of their lives.” While grateful for the current funding, Glaser emphasized the need for ongoing financial commitment to ensure long-term stability for victims’ services in California. She said, “Our coalition will be back next year, urging Gov. Newsom and the Legislature to prioritize the needs of survivors of crime on an ongoing basis.” The budget also allocates $12 million to support the implementation of reparations legislation enacted into law this session. This funding aims to help address historical injustices and promote equity and justice for Black Californians. Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City), California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) Chair, told California Black Media: “I consider the governor’s allocation of $12 million for reparations resources a win. While the Legislative Black Caucus is committed to getting our legislative work on Reparations fully funded, I believe this is a positive start, especially during a challenging budget year. As I’ve always emphasized, this is a multi-year effort to implement the legislative recommendations in the report.” Barack Obama’s half-sister was tear-gassed on Tuesday in Kenya while participating in a protest over tax hikes. Auma Obama spoke to CNN amid the demonstration, urging legislators to vote against a tax hike bill. “I can’t believe that these young people are just trying to demonstrate for their rights,” the Kenyan activist said in the interview with CNN. Thousands of protesters flooded Kenya’s Parliament after lawmakers approved a tax hike on Tuesday. As protesters stormed the building, chaos ensued, prompting lawmakers to flee through a tunnel. Five people were fatally shot, dozens injured, and 21 are missing following clashes with police. Obama said she attended the event to tell the protestors “that we understand that they need to use their voices and we are being tear-gassed. We’re being tear-gassed! We have flags and banners, nothing else,” she told CNN. https://youtu.be/w_Sj4vD_rNE Lakers coach JJ Redick has denied allegations of using the N-word toward a Black woman during his time as a student at Duke University. According to CNN, Redick, a former NBA shooting guard with no prior coaching experience, was introduced on Monday as the Los Angeles Lakers’ new head coach. “I have zero coaching experience in the NBA, but I would argue that I’m very experienced and it started 22 years ago when I went to Duke and I got to play for Coach K (Mike Krzyzewski) for four years, spent 15 years as a (NBA) player,” he said during a introductory presser. A day after the announcement, Halleemah Nash posted a tweet where she recalled working with Duke’s men’s basketball team when Redick allegedly called her the N-word. “I’ve only been called the N word to my face by a white man once in my life and it was on the campus of Duke University while I was doing work with the basketball team,” Nash wrote. “And today he was named the new head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. What a world.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1805396444222046542 She added, “For context, this was years ago and Im a believer that we all have space to grow- especially from our college level maturity. We live in a world where these exchanges happen and the intersection of race and privilege and lack of accountability all collided w/that presser.” TMZ reports that Redick’s camp denied the accusation. “No, it never happened,” a spokesperson told the outlet. Meanwhile, Complex reports that in 2018, Redick used a racial slur while wishing Chinese fans a happy new year. After JJ Redick was named the Los Angeles Lakers’ new head coach, speculation arose about whether his close friend LeBron James had influenced the decision. https://twitter.com/i/status/1805348318371045750 Comedian Luenell shared a touching tribute on Instagram to her ex-husband, known to her fans simply as Mr. Rarely. She revealed in the June 23 post that he passed away after a battle with a severe illness. In the post, Luenell said she was getting ready for the night of “2 Sold Out shows here n DC” when she got the news that “the Love of my LIFE, my beautiful ex-husband had gone home to be with/the Lord.” She added, “No more breathing machines, no more needles, no more suffering. It’s over. Even though we were no longer legally married, we remained in each other’s hearts until the very end.” Luenelle noted that she has “never been loved like this before, and I’ll probably never be loved like This again,” she wrote in the post. “But I had it. For one brief time in my life, I was complete. A wifey. A Bae.” https://www.instagram.com/luenell/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=8a05db36-5959-42f2-8b7e-d294c0ffd559 Disney Jr. is set to release its re-imagined animation with beloved character Ariel: Mermaid Tales this month, led by brilliant child star Mykal-Michelle Harris. Harris, has previously breathed life into her roles in Cheaper by the Dozen, Mixed-ish, and Big Little Lies to name a few. Joining the cast is actor Taye Diggs (All American, The Best Man), and actress Amber Riley (Glee, A Black Lady Sketch Show), playing Triton and Ursula, respectively. There’s a newness and wonderment on this spin of Ariel. This is the first time we’ve seen the cherished character so young. Disney Jr.’s audience ranges from two to seven years old, making Ariel: Mermaid Tales a perfect fit for this viewership. There’s also the obvious…Ariel is a little Black mer-girl! She has red hair adorned with jewels and curls, but it’s less about the color of her skin, and more about the culture of her environment. We sat down for a virtual conversation with the cast and executive producer, Lynn Southerland to discuss the new lens in which we experience this fairy tail. We also talked about some of the cultural references to the Black cast and Caribbean inspiration. https://youtu.be/-yLmuNUd_CE Ice Cube confirmed recently that a fourth Friday movie is in the works. “We’re working on it,” the hip-hop icon said an interview with Flavor Flav’s Flavor of the Week on SiriusXM. The project is moving forward thanks to executive turnover at Warner Bros., per Entertainment Weekly. “We finally got some traction with Warner Bros,” Cube continued. “They have new leadership, my man Mike De Luca, who used to be at New Line when I first started, when I first did the first Friday and Player’s Club, and All About the Benjamins, you know, Mike De Luca was there.” According to Cube, with De Luca now at Warner Bros., the project can move forward. A federal jury in Las Vegas convicted five men for operating Jetflicks, described as one of the most extensive illegal streaming services in the country. According to Variety, court documents reveal that the five men—Kristopher Dallmann, Douglas Courson, Felipe Garcia, Jared Jaurequi, and Peter Huber—employed “sophisticated computer scripts” and software to download illegal TV episodes from piracy websites. According to federal prosecutors, they then used Jetflicks to host the titles. Jetflicks charged customers $9.99 monthly, generating millions in subscription revenue. The streamer’s programming was larger than the combined catalogs of Netflix, Hulu, Vudu, and Amazon Prime Video. The platform, launched in 2007, caused “substantial harm to television program copyright owners,” the Justice Department stated. In 2019, the five men were charged with conspiracy to violate federal criminal copyright law. The jury found each guilty of conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement. https://youtu.be/-V63WmyXiOQ Today marks the 15th anniversary of the passing of Michael Jackson, a name that continues to resonate in the music world with unparalleled influence. Even in 2024, the King of Pop’s music remains as relevant and beloved as ever, a testament to his enduring legacy and the timeless appeal of his artistry. MJ’s “Thriller,” released in 1982, has not only maintained its iconic status but has also continued to captivate new generations of listeners. According to Showbiz411, since January 1, 2024, “Thriller” has sold over 227,000 copies through streaming, with total sales in the USA alone exceeding a staggering 566,000. This achievement places Jackson just behind The Beatles in terms of album sales, a remarkable feat considering the competitive and evolving landscape of the music industry. The demand for Jackson’s music isn’t confined to streaming alone. The hard album sales for “Thriller” have reached over 122,000 in 2024, proving that physical copies of his work still hold significant value for fans and collectors alike. Songs like “Billie Jean” and the album itself continue to chart, showcasing Jackson’s music on the Top 200 lists and ensuring his presence in today’s music scene. https://youtu.be/Ra4kTWjMpdg Jackson’s influence extends beyond mere numbers. His groundbreaking contributions to music, dance, and pop culture have set standards that artists continue to aspire to. His innovative music videos, particularly for hits like “Thriller” and “Beat It,” transformed the medium and are still celebrated for their creativity and impact. Fans across the globe are taking to social media today, using hashtags like #MichaelJackson, #Thriller, and #BillieJean to share memories, favorite songs, and personal stories of how Jackson’s music has touched their lives. The outpouring of love and admiration serves as a reminder of the deep connection many feel with his work. As we reflect on the 15 years since Michael Jackson’s passing, it is clear that his legacy is not just preserved but actively thriving. His music continues to break barriers, inspire artists, and bring joy to millions. The King of Pop may no longer be with us, but his influence remains indelible, echoing through every beat, every lyric, and every moonwalk that graces the stage. Michael Jackson’s legacy is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact one artist can have on the world. His music, his moves, and his magic continue to inspire and entertain, ensuring that the King of Pop will forever reign supreme in the hearts of fans around the globe. https://youtu.be/1o7srGpRN40 Swizz Beatz responded to criticism over him and Timbaland teaming with Elon Musk to bring Verzuz to X (formally Twitter).As we reported earlier, Verzuz was originally launched in 2020 at the height of the pandemic to connect music lovers through virtual rap and DJ battles. Earlier this month, Swizz and fellow producer Timbaland, revealed that Verzuz will be hosted on X as part of a deal with Musk, the platform’s owner. An announcement post on Instagram shows the trio with cocktails in their hands, and the caption: “LIFE BEGINS AT THE END OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE!!! IT’S OFFICIAL, #VERZUZ IS BACK AND 100% BLACK OWNED AGAIN. LET’S GIVE THE PEOPLE WHAT’S BEEN MISSING !!! WE WILL ALSO BE BUILDING NEW ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES ON THE X PLATFORM !! WHO SHOULD BE THE [FIRST] KICK OFF SHOW? LETS GO!!! VERZUZ ON X… NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS OR YOUR COMPANY. Happy Juneteenth.” The announcement sparked criticism from fans amid criticism of Musk’s perceived racism. “Should’ve done this on another platform,” one individual suggested, Complex reports. “Instagram, Facebook or even Fanbase a Black owned app.” Drinking water during meals has sparked debates among health experts regarding its impact on digestion. As MadameNoire reports, some argue against consuming beverages, particularly water, while eating, suggesting it dilutes stomach acids and may contribute to issues like acid reflux and heartburn. However, others contend this notion is a myth. According to HealthXchange, optimal digestion may benefit from drinking water 30 minutes before a meal to aid in digestion, cautioning against drinking too close to eating as it can hinder the process. They recommend waiting at least an hour after eating before resuming beverages. Meanwhile, Dietitian Tamara Duker Freuman dismisses the idea that water disrupts digestion. Freuman noted that the digestive processes begin in the mouth, where food is initially broken down. She explains that water absorption in the stomach is quick and transient, thus unlikely to significantly dilute digestive juices. Deborah D. Proctor, a member of the American Gastroenterological Association, supports this view, stating that enzymes responsible for digestion adhere to food particles regardless of water presence. https://www.instagram.com/kashkhanofficial/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c7257ce6-85f9-4122-b0be-0fa9f2dd47d5 Snoop Dogg participated in a mock race at the US Olympic Team track and field trials in Eugene, Oregon on Saturday. The 52-year-old hip-hop star ran against the four-time Olympic medalist Ato Bolden and 200-meter specialist Wallace Spearmon, Snoop finished with a time of 34.44 seconds. Spearmonwon the race, with Bolden coming in second. Snoop participated in the mock race in preparation for his duties as a Special Correspondent at the upcoming 2024 Olympics in Paris starting July 26. We reported previously via CNN, that he will provide special reports for the Olympics primetime show on NBC and Peacock, the network announced. The music legend will “explore the city’s iconic landmarks, attend Olympic competitions and events, and visit with the athletes, their friends, and families,” according to NBC. “I grew up watching the Olympics and am thrilled to see the incredible athletes bring their A-game to Paris. It’s a celebration of skill, dedication, and the pursuit of greatness,” Snoop Doggsaid in a statement. https://twitter.com/i/status/1805015643269595424 “We’re going to have some amazing competitions and, of course, I will be bringing that Snoop style to the mix. It’s going to be the most epic Olympics ever, so stay tuned, and keep it locked. Let’s elevate, celebrate, and make these games unforgettable, smoke the competition, and may the best shine like gold. Peace and Olympic LOVE, ya dig?” Snoop added. “We don’t know what the heck is going to happen every day, but we know he will add his unique perspective to our re-imagined Olympic primetime show,” Molly Solomon, executive producer and president of NBC Olympics Production said in a statement. https://twitter.com/SnoopDogg/status/1804954013252890741/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1804954013252890741%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fsnoop-dogg-participates-in-mock-race-at-olympic-trials%2F After the mock race over the weekend, Snoop Dogg gave a preview of what to expect by offering commentary on the steeplechase race. https://twitter.com/i/status/1805064153926713470 Will Smith will debut a new, original song at the 2024 BET Awards, which will air live on the network on Sunday, June 30, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Variety reports that no additional details about Smith’s performance were disclosed. Insiders revealed, however, that the movie star is currently producing a new album. “From his start as a rapper to “The Fresh Prince” to being a box office king as one of the Bad Boys, Will Smith is truly a global icon, and we are honored to welcome him back to grace the BET Awards stage,” said Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET. “We look forward to Will adding to yet another defining night for the culture that is not to be missed.” Meanwhile, we reported earlier that Taraji P. Henson is set to return as the host of the BET Awards. The event will be broadcast live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. “I am thrilled to be returning as the host of the BET Awards for the third time. I am also looking forward to celebrating my peers and the impact of our culture on entertainment,” Henson said in a statement, per THR. The actress served as an emcee for the ceremony in 2021 and 2022. On a recent episode of her podcast, actress Tori Spelling made time to react to fans who say she looks like Wendy Williams and one of the “White Chicks” characters. “You can ask me anything. You can say anything, pretty thick skin,” she said on her misSPELLING podcast, ET Online reports. “I do read the comments — look at me, I’m human. I can feel them, but I can also have a good sense of humor about them.” During the episode, a producer read one comment that said, “She looks like a white Wendy Williams.” Spelling responded, “Once that comment was made, I was like, ‘Huh?’ And then I was like, ‘Oh, can’t unsee that!'” She also noted that “a lot of people have written that comment.” https://www.instagram.com/torispelling/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=a53ab567-6fa3-4515-880a-b917aa34f255 Iman Shumpert and Teyana Taylor reached financial settlements in their contentious divorce battle. According to theJasmineBrand, the NBA star has been ordered to pay his ex a one-time, seven-figure amount. He’s must also pay $8,000 per month in child support for their two daughters. Additionally, Shumpert is responsible for covering their private school fees. Taylor will retain ownership of four marital properties valued at over $10 million, while Shumpert will keep his Miami condo and compounds in South Georgia and Decatur, Georgia. Taylor will also maintain ownership of her companies, Taylormade and Auntie’s. Her ex will control his diverse investments under Shumpert Shump, per theJasmineBrand. Taylor has also been awarded several luxury vehicles and retained all her jewelry. “God I love Texas Roadhouse,” began one thread on Reddit, with over 1,000 upvotes. “Texas Roadhouse never disappoints,” began another, with over 5,000 votes. A third touted the “incredible value.” If there’s anything Americans love, it’s cheap meat. So business is booming at Texas Roadhouse and LongHorn Steakhouse, even as Americans pull back elsewhere. In the quarter ending on March 26, sales at company-owned Texas Roadhouse locations open at least 18 months jumped 8.4% compared to the year before. And in the three months through May 26, sales at Longhorn Steakhouse locations open at least 16 months rose 4%. Longhorn, which is owned by Darden Restaurants, outperformed the other chains in Darden’s portfolio, including Olive Garden. That’s all happening as Americans curtail retail spending and plan to shell out less for vacations this summer. Most restaurant chains are feeling the heat, with even McDonald’s reporting that lower-income consumers are pulling back. The two eateries have a history of performing well during periods of economic uncertainty — a few years ago, the pair were standouts as inflation-weary Americans began to pull back on spending. It may seem counterintuitive for sales at steakhouses to rise when people feel short on cash. But both Texas Roadhouse and Longhorn Steakhouse seem to have done what every restaurant wishes it could: Make people feel like they’re getting a good deal when they need it most. The Bronx music-producing hitmaker AngelicVoicesMusic was recently announced as a contestant in America’s Next Top Hitmaker, presented by Colossal. The winner of America’s Next Top Hitmaker receives a write-up in Rolling Stone Magazine (which has an estimated 60 million readers), $10,000 in cash, a photoshoot, and a performance at Rolling Stone’s Future of Music Showcase in Austin, Texas – with hotel accommodations for three days and two nights. Online voting for those who support AngelicVoices is from July 1 – 11, 2024 at https://tophitmaker.org/2024/angeicvoicesmusic. Tanya Nolan, the acclaimed Billboard chart-topper, electrified the audience at LA County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell’s 4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration and Resource Fair held at the Victoria Community Regional Park in Carson on Friday, June 21, 2024. The event, which ran from 4 pm to 8 pm, featured live music, community resources, and various activities to commemorate Juneteenth and empower the local community. Nolan’s dynamic performance was a highlight of the evening, drawing enthusiastic applause and praise from attendees. Her soulful voice and vibrant stage presence resonated with the diverse audience, creating an unforgettable experience for all. “I am honored to have been part of Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell’s Juneteenth Celebration,” said Tanya Nolan. “Music has the power to bring communities together, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my music on such a meaningful occasion.” Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell expressed her gratitude to Nolan for her impactful contribution to the event. “Tanya Nolan’s performance added a special touch to our Juneteenth Celebration, embodying the spirit of unity and resilience that defines this day of reflection and empowerment,” remarked Supervisor Mitchell. “Her talent and dedication to her craft are truly inspiring.” https://youtu.be/bFZO8a7Bxug The Stellar Gospel Music Awards, Gospel music’s greatest night, is set to return to Las Vegas for its 39th annual celebration. This year, the Stellar+ Experience (Stellar+EXP), now in its 3rd year, is ready to curates an unparalleled lineup of activities that will showcases the talents, vision, creativity, and innovation of the Gospel music industry. The Stellar+EXP provides attendees and participants with a completely personalized experience, featuring concerts, discussions, master classes, and much more. As a multigenerational family weekend event, the addition of Stellar+EXP will heighten the festivities and create a unique atmosphere of faith, fellowship, music and fun. Now, fans can enjoy three full days of brand new interactive activities, offering engagement opportunities with their favorite artists and immersion into the world of Gospel music. The Stellar+ Experience events will take place at the Palms Casino Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, from Wednesday, July 17th to Friday, July 19th, 2024. Malik Books, the premier black-owned independent bookstore in Los Angeles, is thrilled to announce an exclusive meet-and-greet book signing event with comedian and actress, Tiffany Haddish on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 2:00 PM. The event will take place at Malik Books in Westfield Culver City Mall. The ticket for this exciting opportunity includes a signed copy of Haddish's highly anticipated new essay collection, "I Curse You With Joy," and a photo op with the star herself. "We are beyond excited to host Tiffany Haddish at our bookstore for this particular book signing event," said Malik Muhammad, co-owner of Malik Books. "Tiffany's new essay collection, 'I Curse You With Joy,' is highly anticipated, and we can't wait for readers to get a signed copy." In her latest book, "I Curse You With Joy," Tiffany Haddish shares her journey from a struggling comedian to an A-list celebrity. She discusses her experiences with childhood trauma and navigating the entertainment industry as a Black woman. Through individual and heartfelt stories, Tiffany addresses the highs and lows of her life in a humorous and relatable way. "Tiffany's authenticity shines through in every page of this book," said April Muhammad, co-owner of Malik Books. "I Curse You With Joy is a celebration of growth and resilience that will inspire readers to embrace joy, even in the face of adversity." Lauryn Hill will be hitting the road with the Fugees to celebrate her 1998 solo album, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” as well as the group’s hit album “The Score.” Variety reports that the 21-date tour kicks off August 9th in Tampa, and include stops in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles before the international leg begins Oct. 12. in London, Manchester, Paris and Amsterdam. U.S. TICKETS & PRESALES: Tickets will be available starting with a Citi presale beginning Tuesday, June 25 at 10:00 AM local time through the Citi Entertainment program. The general onsale starts Friday, June 28 at 10:00 AM local time. EUROPEAN TICKETS & PRESALES: Tickets for shows in Europe/UK will be available starting with a Mastercard presale on Wednesday, June 26 at 10:00 AM local time. The general onsale begins Friday, June 28 at 10:00 AM local time. Roy Jones Jr. revealed on social media the heartbreaking news that his son, DeAndre Jones, has died at age 32. The boxing legend confirmed in a statement on June 24 that DeAndre died by suicide on June 22. DeAndre was one of three children Roy Jr. shares with his wife, Natlyn Jones. “Unfortunately, my son DeAndre took his life on Saturday,” Jones wrote in the Instagram post. “I’m so thankful that God allowed me to come home Friday night to spend the last night of his life with me and the family,” Jones continued. “I know a lot of people are going through tough times right now, but nothing is worth taking your own life,” he added. “God gives it and God should be the one to take it away.” TikTok user Sarah Akinbuwa went viral after showcasing a prom dress she designed, inspired by actress Zendaya. PEOPLE reports that Akinbuwa crocheted the pink, strapless floor-length gown for just $60. She explained to the outlet that she had only four days to prepare after she was invited to someone else’s prom. “I had to make a dress by hand,” the 18-year-old said, noting that she’s “been crocheting since I was 12.” She drew inspiration for the prom dress from Zendaya’s pink strapless Valentino gown worn at the 2023 SAG Awards. Akinbuwa also created crocheted roses on the lower half to compliment the dress, a matching crocheted floor-length shrug, and a crocheted handbag. One of Akinbuwa’s videos details the process of creating the dress. The clip garnered over 26 million views. She told PEOPLE, “My friends loved the dress and I got tons of compliments.” https://www.tiktok.com/@that_crochet_gurl00/video/7370495902269721899?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Ftiktoker-goes-viral-for-crocheting-zendaya-inspired-prom-dress%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121439635%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7370495902269721899 She also shared a video showing her wearing the dress in a public restroom while one woman praised her prom attire. “I love your dress,” the person said. “Thank you, I made it,” Akinbuwa responds. “It took me three days.” https://www.tiktok.com/@that_crochet_gurl00/video/7372035741003844910?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Ftiktoker-goes-viral-for-crocheting-zendaya-inspired-prom-dress%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121439635%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7372035741003844910 Famed actor, director, and producer Bill Duke will join a distinguished group of honorees chosen by the Walk of Fame Selection Committee for their stars in the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2025. He will join film, music, and TV luminaries such as Glynn Turman, Jane Fonda, Nia Long, Jessica Chastain, Fran Drescher, Courtney B. Vance, The Isley Brothers, Busta Rhymes, Prince (posthumously), and a host of other honorees who embodies excellence in their respective fields. Bill Duke is an actor, director, and producer in Hollywood with over 40 years of experience on-screen and behind the camera. His acting credits include television and feature film roles. Recently, he appeared in Showtime’s hit limited series, “Gaslit” with Julia Roberts and Sean Penn, and on HBO/Max, in “No Sudden Move” with Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, Brandon Frazier, and Julia Fox and the 2023 film “Premonition.” Mr. Duke was also in Tyler Perry’s “The Oval”, “Black Lightning”, the critically acclaimed “Mandy” with Nicholas Cage, and the widely lauded Steven Soderbergh film “High Flying Bird.”Bill Duke is also known for roles in “Predator”, “American Gigolo”, “Car Wash”, “Action Jackson”, “Commando”, “Menace II Society”, “Bird on a Wire”, “Get Rich or Die Tryin”, “X-Men 3,” “Starsky & Hutch”, “Karen Sisco” and “Lost.” Duke is renowned for his directing prowess in television and film, and he was one of only a few Black directors on hit TV shows in the 80s and 90s. His credits for television include, “Falcon Crest”, “Dallas”, “Knots Landing”, “Fame”, “Hill Street Blues,” “Miami Vice” and PBSʼ “The Killing Floor”, for which he won the Sundance Special Jury Award in 1985, just to name a few. https://youtu.be/vrAj6_V9SRE Douglas County Probate Judge Christina Peterson was arrested early Thursday in Atlanta and is now facing multiple charges of assaulting a police officer. According to jail records, Peterson is charged with felony obstruction of a police officer through threats or violence and with simple battery against a police officer. Atlanta police released bodycam video that shows Peterson being arrested. The Atlanta Police report details how Peterson laid hands on an officer working a side job at the Red Martini Restaurant and Lounge on Peachtree Road in Buckhead. The incident last Thursday morning involved the officer encountering a crying woman in the valet area. When he approached her, Peterson allegedly struck him in the head. The report, obtained by FOX 5 Atlanta, mentions that Peterson refused to identify herself and seemed intoxicated. Once at the jail, she continued withholding her name. She was arrested and booked into the Fulton County Jail. As SandraRose.com reports, Peterson’s attorney, Marvin Arrington Jr., held a press conference on Friday after she was released. https://youtu.be/Yvrcxh8OZLY Another rapper is outta here as tragedy struck in the early morning hours as Julio Foolio, real name Charles Jones, fell victim to fatal gunfire. You won’t be surprised to learn that TMZ has obtained exclusive video footage capturing the devastating scene, marked by frantic paramedics, police activity, and the stark imprint of violence left in the form of bullet-ridden cars and gravely injured victims. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-06-23-062324-foolio-aftermath-1850862-602/ The incident unfolded just before 5am Sunday in the parking lot of a Holiday Inn in Tampa (Florida), where Foolio and his entourage had been staying after being forced out of their Airbnb for exceeding the occupancy limit. Social media posts from Foolio earlier in the evening showed his crew together, not foreseeing the tragic events that would soon follow. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-06-23-062324-foolio-1850855-609/ An NPR correspondent has used social media in recent years to advocate for dismantling the American law enforcement system, citing irreparable racism and the impossibility of reform. As Fox News reports, Gene Demby, a Black man, is a far leftist who believes America is “a country that’s built and defined by white supremacy.” In a June 2020 post on X, he wrote, “Abolition means *no* policing because policing is an inherently destructive force.” In an August 2020 X post, he told his followers, “‘Reform’ is different from abolition because it’s based on the idea that policing should exist, but simply modified – with more diverse police forces, with diff[erent] training, etc. But none of that interrupts the imperatives of policing.” Demby continued, “There are people pushing for defunding [because] it rolls back policing and other people pushing for defunding [because] that’s the practical way to abolition. [The movement] IS abolish the police.” According to Demby, police play a minimal essential role in society. https://youtu.be/I9w841nrIBg Jennifer Hudson comes from a big family. Literally. Appearing on the finale episode of Your Mama’s Kitchen: Conversations from the Heart of the Home podcast, the daytime talk show host chatted about her family life while revealing her father had 27 kids. “Your father had a big personality,” host Michele Norris said. “And you went with your siblings and went and found him at some point and found that you had a lot more siblings?” “Yes, a lot of us. He had 27 children,” Hudson shared. The news came as a shock to Norris, who noted “That’s a lot of children.” From there, People reports Hudson admitted that she never met all her siblings, but “that’s what we were always told.” Upon finding out about her large family when she was 16, the singer made it her business to take a deeper look into the family. https://youtu.be/qGtuki8cWYA As the mother to 14-year-old David Daniel Otunga Jr. — who she shares with ex, former pro wrestler David Otunga, Hudson is adamant about her son connecting with family. Having his relatives around to bond and hang out with is priceless. “I love to try to make sure he has the closest thing to him… just making sure he has his cousin’s circle and that base and foundation. That’s part of why I had moved back to Chicago, because I wanted him to have the surroundings of his family around him growing up,” the “Respect” star voiced on the podcast. “Now we’re here in L.A. and so we make a point to like, have our Sunday dinners. That’s one thing that’s very important,” she continued. “And then he has cousins that come in and out. One of them is here right now. And so to keep that family burning… So he has that same upbringing or going to see the loved ones I talked to.” “We have a huge family,” Hudson added.” People like the fact that y’all are this close and your family is this big. Like, all of us are still very connected.” https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BYNKJm5hCA8?feature=share Serena Williams and her husband, Alexis Ohanian, may be headed for divorce. Media Take Out claims it “noticed that recently Serena has stopped wearing her wedding ring, and the two haven’t been spotted out in public lately. Serena Williams even attended the Met Gala in New York City without him, for the first time since the couple was married,” the outlet writes. Williams did not celebrate the father of her two children on Father’s Day. Instead, the tennis champion posted a cryptic post about being “lonely.” Back in 2021, Williams admitted that marriage “is not bliss.” “Marriage is not bliss,” she admitted during Bumble’s The Question Game, PEOPLE reported. “But it can be if you work at it.” She also added during the video that “a dealbreaker for me in a relationship is definitely loyalty. Well, not having it, that is.” https://eurweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-24-051536.jpg Comedian Michael Blackson claims he hasn’t “gotten over” Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars two years ago. “I’m rocking with Chris Rock because I’m a comic. So I really haven’t got over the slap yet,” Blackson said on The Art of Dialogue, Complex reports. “So it’s not really pushing me to go to the movie theater to go and see this, because as soon as I see his face I’m just thinking about [the] slap.” Blackson insists he cannot move on from the infamous slap incident until Smith and Rock publicly reconcile their differences. “Don’t get me wrong, we love Will Smith. He’s our guy and all of that stuff, but I think what happened there was, he probably just thought he was invincible, he could do whatever he wants, he’s Will F**king Smith” continued Blackson. https://youtu.be/284q9OVyLEU “Maybe when Chris Rock and him could make up, then I can be like, ‘Okay, if Chris forgives him, then we all okay with it,’ but right now, 50 percent of us feel that way about the slap,” Blackson added. Blackson’s said the Oscar slap triggered him, as he was “sucker punched” on a school bus in Newark, New Jersey, for excelling academically. “Because of that, I looked at Smith as a bully,” he continued. “Chris Rock is a comedian we’re allowed freedom of speech, we’re allowed to say whatever we want [when] telling a joke on somebody,” Blackson stated on the podcast. “That does not give you [the] right to go and hit them. You hit somebody when they hit you.” https://youtu.be/QGae78sWVSw A woman’s boyfriend ended their relationship after she posted a photo of herself getting cozy with Chris Brown. The R&B crooner has been a trending topic on social media because of his $1,000 meet-and-greet package. As MadameNoire reports, X/Twitter user @2degreekey revealed that her boyfriend broke up with her after she attended a meet-and-greet event to take a photo with Brown. The viral photo shows Brown hugging her from behind with his hands on her waist. When the woman’s boyfriend saw the image, he kicked her to the curb. She recounted the breakup in a video shared on June 14 by @MyMixtapez on X. “My boyfriend broke up with me about a week later after arguing because he felt like Chris was too close on me,” the woman revealed. “I’m just like, ‘It’s one of the most respectable pictures.’ It wasn’t like I was bending over, grabbing my ankles.” The Chris Brown fanatic goes on to make clear that she has no regrets. https://twitter.com/i/status/1801704613244244157 In a new interview with PEOPLE, Missy Elliott said she is “super excited” about her upcoming tour. “It’s full days, then I go home, and the work continues. But I feel good,” she shared. “I’m super excited.” As we reported earlier, Missy Elliot is hitting the road this summer with Busta Rhymes, Ciara, and Timbaland. Her debut headline tour, OUT OF THIS WORLD — The Missy Elliott Experience, kicks off a 24-city run on July 4 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, making stops across North America in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Brooklyn, and more before wrapping up in Rosemont at Allstate Arena on August 22. “Ciara had been asking me and asking me,” Elliott told PEOPLE about touring together. “I’d be like, ‘Okay,’ but then I’d always find myself in the studio doing something else.” The outing comes after Elliot spent several years out of the spotlight amid her difficult battle with Graves’ disease and depression. Ray J and his manager, Wack 100, have released the trailer for their new reality TV show, “The Gworls Club,” which centers on transgender women (mostly Black) fighting each other and wildin’ out — typical ratchet reality TV. The show will air on Wack 100’s new streaming platform Tronix Network, Hot New Hip Hop reports. Per the outlet, Wack said during one scene, the “transgenders” were “jumped by the gays,” resulting in “17 shots” being “emptied in the parking lot.” Popular trans influencer Sydney Starr serves as a producer on the show. On Instagram, Starr shared the trailer and cast photo along with the caption: “So I’ve been wanting to give the world something NEW for a very long time and something that’s never been done before, a group of Beautiful Transgender Women coming together to show y’all what The Gworls is all about ! https://www.instagram.com/sidneystarrbad/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=f3872c63-5f28-47c0-a500-eb177080ad1b The Gworls Club @thegworlsclubofficial We are about take y’all on a ride you won’t forget! if y’all ready for this Trailer to drop make sure y’all follow and subscribe @tronixnetwork and tag @Rayj let him know y’all ready for us !!! The NEW never seen before trailer is dropping in 48 hours!!! Thanks @rayj for believing in my vision!📺📺 #TheGworlsClub #rayj #tronixnetwork #Sidneystarr Get Ready!! I’m so thankful I was able to help produce this tv show along side with @rayj Link is in my bio so y’all all can subscribe!” https://youtu.be/iEzA5f22VUo The show’s announcement was met with mixed reactions. In the comments of Starr’s post, one person wrote, “Mammm.. I’ve always supported you but saying you gone show the GIRLSSSS what it’s all about ???! Sis take a hike … y’all could never be us fr 🙄🤌 we love y’all though but no you dtfm .” https://www.instagram.com/p/C8GGD3ss7ld/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=3e132d7c-6008-41be-978e-a2fab4cfe2c9 Legendary rapper Rakim, one half of hip-hop duo Eric B. & Rakim, is set to drop his first album in 15 years, G.O.D.’s Network (Reb7rth). The project arrives on July 26th, featuring collaborations with DMX, Prodigy, Nipsey Hussle, Kurupt, Masta Killa, Kool G Rap, Method Man, and Snoop Dogg, Consequence Sound reports. Rakim has released three solo albums over the years: The 18th Letter (1997), The Master (1999), and The Seventh Seal (2009). For his latest offer, Rakim produced the seven-track release and said in a statement, “I feel like the battery in my back has been reenergized.” He added, “Having the ability to showcase my talents behind the boards coupled with the elite lyricism the world already knows and gives me infinite praise for alongside some of the best talents to ever do it is truly a blessing and for that I am humbled.” Male lacefront wigs, often referred to as “man weaves,” provide hope to millions of men experiencing hair loss who can’t afford expensive hair plugs. Custom lacefront wigs offer a cost-effective solution for men seeking a natural-looking, full head of hair. In recent years, lacefront wigs have been popular among men, transforming from a niche product into a mainstream fashion statement. Originally designed to provide a natural-looking hairline for women, men now embrace these wigs seeking versatility in their hairstyles, addressing hair loss concerns, or simply exploring new looks. With advancements in wig technology and the growing acceptance of diverse beauty standards, lacefront wigs offer men a convenient and stylish solution for enhancing their appearance. Here’s more from 21ninety.com: “For some, the notion of a man wearing a wig challenges traditional gender roles and expectations. There is a fear that men might be perceived as less masculine. It can also mean that wearing wigs might be seen as deceptive.” The outlet also notes that the stigma attached to men wearing wigs often parallels the scrutiny women encounter when opting for makeup or wigs, often resulting in accusations of being “fake” or “unnatural.” Men choose wigs for various personal reasons. For some, wigs represent a practical solution to hair loss. Others use wigs to experiment with different styles or maintain a preferred look. https://youtu.be/qvwaDF7Ji2U One morning at 6 am, Gyaltsen Moktan woke in a panic. It was 2019. He worked at an all-you-can-eat sushi buffet and was responsible for opening the restaurant each morning. So he set a wakeup call on his iPhone. Then the Apple iPhone’s “By the Seaside” alarm sound went off. Moktan chose the jaunty, cheerful tune available as a ringtone and alarm on many of Apple’s devices, thinking that the song’s easygoing melody would make waking up a peaceful experience. That bet soured. “The alarm is mocking you in a way. It’s kind of like a horror movie, where they do the nursery rhyme before doom,” said Moktan, now an English teacher in Tokyo, Japan. “By the Seaside” is perhaps Apple’s most polarizing alarm and ringtone, evoking comparisons to nails on a chalkboard, the word “moist” and screaming children on a plane. In the past, phones had only one sound: the shrill, continuous ring of a landline. With so many ringtones now available, though, the sounds say more about how people express themselves — and what can cause stress and anxiety. https://youtu.be/izGas5NMi1k California must act now to confront today’s Black job crisis. The Bureau of Labor Statistics last year reported that 90% of the nation’s unemployed U.S. citizens are Black Americans. And despite being less than 10% of LA’s population, Black people comprise more than a third of its unhoused residents. Senate Bill (SB) 1340 renews hope in confronting this Black job crisis, as $180 billion in federal dollars are coming to California to fund the state’s green infrastructure projects over the next decade. The bill – authored by longtime worker rights and racial equity advocate Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles) – would establish local “disadvantaged worker” demographics across California and require state-funded contractors to prioritize hiring these workers, who are primarily from underserved communities of color.One Black construction worker who has benefited from an equitable hiring program is Patricia Allen. In 2014, Allen was an unemployed single mother living in the Crenshaw area who was hired to work on LA Metro’s Crenshaw/LAX rail line as part of their Project Labor Agreement (PLA) that prioritized the hiring of local disadvantaged individuals. “It really felt good to see other faces like mine on the project,” said Allen, who now works as a safety supervisor for a construction company after earning her safety training certificate. “Without PLAs and other hiring programs, we’re not going to be able to get a fair chance to sit at the table.” SB 1340 would also require state-funded contractors to regularly track and report disadvantaged workers hired on their projects to hold them accountable for meeting equitable hiring goals established by the state. The Biden Administration has intended for states to utilize these federal grant dollars to boost equitable hiring programs and other community benefits. Among students of baseball, there has long been widespread belief that Willie Mays was the game’s greatest all-around player. That might come as a surprise to those who are casual fans, or not fans at all, when they read obituaries this week that describe Mays, who died Tuesday at the age of 93, as the greatest. Babe Ruth was the common answer to the game’s “greatest player” title starting more than 100 years ago when he smashed home run records and lifted the popularity of the game to the point it became known as the national pastime. And Ruth’s exploits as a Herculean slugger came after part of his career was as one of baseball’s top pitchers, making him a rare two-way great. But Mays achieved greatness in many more aspects of the game than Ruth, even if he never threw a pitch. “Willie Mays was the player who did everything better than anybody else,” said sportswriter Joe Posnanski. “That’s not to say he did every single thing better. Maybe he was not the greatest baserunner. But he was one of the best. Maybe not the greatest hitter, but again, one of the best. One of the best fielders. You put all of those things together and you have the most perfect player who ever lived.” Posnanski, whose 2021 best-selling book “The Baseball 100” ranked the game’s greatest players, ranked Mays as No. 1 and Ruth as No. 2. https://youtu.be/065IxQTjgYE But even Stark acknowledges the numbers don’t really do Mays justice: “I honestly don’t think you need to tell this story of Willie Mays with the numbers,” he said. Many who cite his greatness also speak about the joy he brought to the game. “Baseball is a game that is meant to be enjoyed, and there has never been a player more joyful than Willie Mays,” said Posnanski. “There was a sense of joy and charisma that was unmatched,” said Stark. “He could turn millions of people into baseball fans by himself.” Ruth was also a larger-than-life player who packed stadiums, popularizing the home run to almost single-handedly change the way the game was played. But there was something about how happy Mays was on the field that captured the public’s imagination in a different way. His greeting to people, “Say hey!” led to his nickname the Say Hey Kid. And he always seemed to be a kid playing a child’s game at a great level, throughout a career that lasted 23 years. https://youtu.be/Xqu6DE0j1bc Mays played more games in center field than any other player in history and caught more balls in the outfield. He threw out nearly 200 baserunners from the outfield. But defense is still not as appreciated by some fans and statistical measures as offensive ones, says Gary Gillette, a baseball historian and editor of The Baseball Encyclopedia. He said it’s one of the reasons that Mays’ greatness isn’t as fully appreciated as it should be. “Whether you create a run or prevent a run, you’re helping your team to win equally,” he said. https://youtu.be/UosDWnGSvhk Nene Leakes is set to headline a new Lifetime series titled “Outrageous Love with Nene Leakes.” Per the network’s press release: “Outrageous Love with NeNe Leakes captures the trials, triumphs, and tribulations of real couples. The new series showcases wild clips of real people caught up in love as NeNe reacts and gives her personal insight alongside the action. Outrageous Love with NeNe Leakes is produced by Anomaly Entertainment for Lifetime. NeNe Leakes, Matthew Kelly, Michael Sorensen, and Karen Infantino serve as executive producers. Amy Savitsky and Nicole Vogel executive produce for Lifetime.” “I am thrilled to bring my perspective to Outrageous Love,” Leakes shared, WBLS reports. “Relationships are complex, and I’m excited to share the wisdom I’ve gained over the years.” Leakes serves as executive producer for the series along with Matthew Kelly, Michael Sorensen, and Karen Infantino. Amy Savitsky and Nicole Vogel executive produce for Lifetime. “Working behind the scenes as an executive producer is an exciting challenge,” Leakes states. “I love being involved in the creative process from start to finish.” Veteran actor and producer Clifton Powell is set to take on the role of David “POP” Winans, the patriarch of the celebrated Winans Family, in the highly anticipated limited series “THANKFUL.” Known for his standout performances in films like “Ray,” and “Selma Lord Selma,” as well as TV series such as “The Family Business” and “Saints & Sinners,” Powell will bring his wealth of experience to this heartfelt portrayal. In addition to his leading role, Powell will also produce the series, which spans seven parts over ten gripping episodes. https://vimeo.com/899731649 Notably, Powell’s son, Clifton Powell Jr., has been cast to portray the younger version of David “POP” Winans, adding a unique layer of authenticity to the production. “I wanted to pick the actors for certain family characters – Clifton Powell as my Dad is absolutely perfect – having Clifton Jr. (his son) as young Pop is most rewarding. This is a blessing to have both – what a talented duo!” says Michael Winans Sr. The series will feature an acclaimed ensemble cast, including George Wallace, Melba Moore, Ernest Thomas, Olivia Brown, Renn Woods, D’Atra Hicks, Shirley Murdock, Larry B Scott, Marquita McSwain, Brandon Quintin Adams, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, and many more. With 50-plus other major actors set to be announced, the project promises an extraordinary array of talent. “It’s important that the actors fit the roles; we were able to cast ‘greatness.’ The additional 50 plus legendary actors onboard have embraced the story… and we are truly honored,” states Michael Winans Sr., a five-time Grammy winner. https://vimeo.com/915507833 50 Cent claims he’s the victim of a brazen crypto scheme. On Friday, the hip-hop star took to Instagram to explain to his followers that a hacker exploited his Twitter and Thisis50.com accounts, pulling off a cryptocurrency scam that generated $300 million in just 30 minutes. “My Twitter & Thisis 50.com was hacked,” he wrote. “I have no association with this Crypto. Twitter worked quickly to lock my account back down. Who ever did this made $300,000,000 in 30 minutes.” In his Instagram post, 50 Cent shared screenshots of the $GUNIT crypto, which initially had a market value of less than $1 million but experienced rapid growth. Meanwhile, several fans don’t believe he was hacked, and many accuse 50 of being involved with promoting the cryptocurrency. One of his followers on X responded, “Shame on whoever did this with community. I didn’t invest but think about them who have invested. If your account was hacked, you should tell everyone by other means.” https://youtu.be/T_QetC0Bo1E Another commented, “Nobody believes you, Curtis. If you are a victim, take some legal action. Your word has no weight here.” A third added, “Hacked my ass, you know what you was doing lmao stop the 🧢 & it was $800k they made in 20 mins.” This incident occurred six years after 50 Cent allegedly profited substantially from Bitcoin, Complex reports. In 2018, 50 Cent was the first rapper to accept Bitcoin as payment for his 2014 album Animal Ambition, which earned him 700 bitcoins. At the time, bitcoins were valued at $662 each, resulting in approximately $463,000 in sales. Per Complex, the value ballooned to around $7.8 million. https://www.instagram.com/50cent/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=24fc2f11-fb67-4f72-b69e-acc204255280 Lifetime adds casting to the previously untitled Terry McMillan Presents film, starring and executive produced by Garcelle Beauvais (Black Girl Missing, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Coming to America), as part of her extended relationship with the network. The new original movie, Terry McMillan Presents: Tempted By Love, will also be headlined by Vaughn W. Hebron (The Game: Reboot, King Richard, Tyler Perry’s The Oval), who serves as co-producer, and Donna Biscoe (The Supremes at Big Earl's Cafe, Reasonable Doubt, Saints and Sinners). Additionally, Lela Rochon (Any Given Sunday, The Family Business: New Orleans) and Emmy-Award winner Loretta Devine, (P-Valley, Family Reunion) who have both previously starred in Terry McMillan’s feature film, Waiting to Exhale, reunite to star in the film, debuting Saturday, August 17th at 8/7c. In Terry McMillan Presents: Tempted by Love, Ava (Beauvais), a world-class renowned chef living in Europe, rushes home to care for her elderly aunt (Biscoe), in South Carolina after she suffers from a fall. Picked up from the long flight by Luke (Hebron), a handsome driver 20-years her junior, the pair unexpectedly feel an unexpected, yet, passionate, connection. With a mutual interest in food, family and fun, Ava and Luke are the perfect recipe for love. Despite her feelings for him, Ava soon realizes that Luke still has much to experience in life and she must decide what is best for her own career and relationships. Lela Rochon and Loretta Devine also star. Former Marvel star Jonathan Majors recently opened up about the turbulence and personal growth he experienced over the past year while accepting the Perseverance Award at the 2024 Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards Thursday night (06-20-24). Standout performances and a high-profile criminal case have made the actor a figure of public and personal introspection. Convicted of one count of assault and one count of harassment related to a domestic dispute with his then-girlfriend Grace Jabbari in December, Majors expressed how the ordeal significantly impacted his life. He is currently serving a 52-week in-person batterer’s intervention program as part of his sentencing, along with continuing mental health therapy. During his emotional 16-minute speech at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, Majors emotionally conveyed his internal journey through the complexities of the criminal justice system, reflecting on his identity and faith. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Hwce3pe4P3Q?feature=share “I reckon folks want to know about this last year. As a Black man in the criminal justice system, I felt anger. I felt sadness, hurt, surprise. When they snatched me up out of my apartment in handcuffs, I didn’t feel like all that,” a tearful Majors began. “I didn’t feel like Jonathan Majors. Mr. Creed. Mr. Kang… I felt like a little scared, weak boy, despite the support and the evidence that was in my favor.” Majors’ professional life is showing signs of a rebound with his first movie role since the conviction, starring in the upcoming thriller, “Merciless.” The film, directed by Martin Villeneuve, tells the story of a CIA investigator dealing with an evil influence affecting the woman he loves. Producer Christopher Tuffin openly supported Majors’ casting, emphasizing that great art should not be overshadowed by public opinion.During his speech, Majors admitted to his own “shortcomings” and spoke on broader social perceptions: “We live in a world where men — Black men in particular — are propped up as either superheroes or supervillains. But I’ve come to realize, me personally, I ain’t none of that. It was fun, but I’m just me… I’m imperfect. I have shortcomings, I acknowledge them,” he said. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/LaBirb3JGLk?feature=share Sha’Carri Richardson has qualified for her first Olympic games after winning the 100-meter final on Saturday at the Olympic trials at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. Richardson finished in first place with a time of 10.71 – the fastest time in the 100m in the world this year – to book her spot at the 2024 Paris Olympics with the US Olympic team. The 24-year-old sprinter advanced to the semifinals on Friday after finishing in first place, despite stumbling at the start and having to finish the race with an untied shoe. In the semifinal heat, the Texas native finished with a time of 10.86 seconds to advance to Saturday’s final. Richardson’s training partners Melissa Jefferson and Twanisha Terry also qualified for the Paris Olympics after finishing in second and third place, respectively. https://youtu.be/1oej95JntWM In 2021, Richardson had been expected to be one of the biggest draws at the Tokyo Olympic Games after winning the women’s 100 meters at the US trials but did not compete after accepting a one-month ban for her positive test of THC, a chemical found in marijuana. Richardson is coming off a historic year in 2023, where she won the women’s 100 meters with a championship record time of 10.65 at the World Athletics Championship in Budapest, Hungary. The American sprinter followed that race by earning bronze in the 200-meter race, placing behind Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson and compatriot Gabby Thomas. Richardson added a second gold to her haul, anchoring the American 4×100 relay at the same event. https://youtu.be/1PKe3ZAzDOE “In fact, that’s the theme of the record…living in that cool,” said Grammy-winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum (Whitney Houston) about the title of his newest album release “Epic Cool” (Mack Avenue Music Group/Artistry Music). “Haven been through stuff and survived at this stage of life … it’s different…the coolest thing.” The eleven-song project is co-produced by two-time Grammy-nominated keyboardist Greg Manning (Herb Albert) and features Grammy-nominated guitarist Doc Powell (Aretha Franklin); Andrea Lisa (vocalist/guitarist); drummer Marcus Finnie (Jonathan Butler); bass player Andrew Ford; vibraphonist Nick Mancini, and The Kirk Whalum Band. Kirk also had assistance from his son Kyle Whalum (‘The Voice’ house band) on bass, his nephews Kameron (Bruno Mars) on trombone, and Kenneth, III (Beyonce) on tenor sax. https://youtu.be/XRhaIzKbEfs?list=PL-p3AHUF2M6Y9XAzY8KHXd9rs29LpGkxD “Andrea’ Lisa,” said Kirk when I asked who the beautiful vocals, I heard on the album, were from. “She’s from South Africa.”Whalum is an ordained minister at the Memphis Calvary Episcopal Church, for those who did not know, with a master’s in religion. His “Gospel According to Jazz” series of projects are his music ministry. This “Epic Cool” project is his first traditional Jazz album in five years. “After the pandemic, I found myself unable to move forward,” 12-time Grammy nominated Kirk admitted. “Then I connected with Greg.” https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7EetbEskGQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=d03c4593-9902-4d99-818c-0bd8bb4eb73d "Shining right" in The Gospel Spotlight is Kirk Whalum. FallBack with Kirk Whalum as he talks about working with Whitney Houston. http://www.gospel-spotlight.com/kirk_whalum.htm Lupita Nyong’o is known for dramatic roles, but the Oscar winner wants to show a different side of herself and her acting repertoire. Chatting with People, Nyong’o mentioned an alternative for her lies in content focusing on the heart. “Please tell everybody I’m looking for the rom-com,” the Black Panther star announced. “I am here. I’m taking calls. Listen, if I need to audition, I’ll do it. I’m dying to do a comedy. Dying to do a comedy.” To prove she’s serious, Nyong’o started posting silly videos of herself, her cat, and more to show her lighthearted side. “I’m trying to tell these executives that I’m funny and that I can be lighthearted and light-footed,” she added. “But I do have more dramatic roles in the can than light ones, so someone’s just got to take a chance with me. So consider this my open application.” Although Nyong’o’s rom-com aspirations are cool, they will have to wait. At this time, she resides in the horror realm in her forthcoming film “A Quiet Place: Day One.” https://youtu.be/99wcNciOhbg In a Sunday afternoon WNBA showdown, Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky narrowly defeated Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever, securing an 88-87 victory in a game teeming with excitement and high stakes. This win marks Reese’s first professional victory over her long-time rival Clark, reminiscent of their memorable NCAA clash when Reese’s LSU toppled Clark’s Iowa for the championship in 2023. https://youtu.be/E_sVLtTODRk Angel Reese, putting on a stellar performance, achieved her best professional numbers to date. She recorded 25 points and scooped up 16 rebounds, intensifying her already impressive rookie campaign. Reese’s effort was especially notable in the frantic final quarter, where she poured in 10 of her total points, driving her team toward their nail-biting win. This game extended her rookie record double-double streak to an extraordinary eight games, further cementing her as a rising WNBA star. However, the victory wasn’t easily secured. The Fever, led by Caitlin Clark, dominated much of the game, at one point enjoying a 15-point lead. Clark was exceptional, not just with her scoring but also in her playmaking, as she recorded a franchise-record 13 assists. Her ability to elevate teammates made the Fever a formidable opponent until the closing moments. https://youtu.be/fb17xCOf4Ls Versatile and dynamic actor Billy Zane to discuss his latest compelling role as real-life ex-convict Larry Ray in Lifetime’s “Devil on Campus: The Larry Ray Story.” Known for his chameleon-like ability to immerse himself in diverse characters, Zane takes on the complex and disturbing persona of Ray, whose manipulative actions and sinister influence over a group of young college students left a chilling mark on those affected. The Lifetime production is based on the real-life case of the Sarah Lawrence College cult led by Larry Ray. On January 20, 2023, Ray was sentenced to 60 years in prison on charges of extortion, forced labor, sex trafficking, racketeering, money laundering, tax evasion, and violent assault. Here’s the synopsis for the Elisabeth Röhm-directed movie: When ex-convict Larry Ray (Zane) unexpectedly moves into his daughter’s dorm, he enthralls her friends with conversations and promises to help them with personal transformations by preying on their insecurities and fears. Under Ray’s influence, the students uncover false memories of childhood trauma that Ray uses to further alienate them from their families. As the students continue to fall under Ray’s control, he begins to target their friends and family, extending his reach of emotional, financial, sexual abuse and mental manipulation. As the students get pulled deeper into the cult, Ray’s control moves from emotional and mental to sexual as well, creating a web of lies and deceit. The cast includes Tedra Rogers, Frankie Warren, Alexis Sides, Erin Walsh, and Elizabeth Röhm. https://youtu.be/qyf-GcTsIJM Gospel chart-topper Otis Kemp has captivated audiences once again with the release of his highly anticipated album “Meet Me in Miami,” available now as of June 14th. In an exclusive interview, Kemp discussed his new album. exciting collaborations, and his inspiring musical journey. “Meet Me in Miami” is very close to my heart, and I’m thrilled to share it with my fans. It’s a celebration of life, faith, and the beautiful culture of my hometown, Miami. I can’t wait for everyone to experience the journey through the album. Saida Wurie said it was her parents’ lifelong dream to participate in Hajj, the religious pilgrimage that brings Muslims from around the world to Saudi Arabia each year. They’d spent $23,000 on an all-inclusive travel package through a tour company registered in the state of Maryland. “They saved their whole lives for this,” she told CNN’s Fredricka Whitfield. But what was supposed to be the trip of a lifetime turned tragic this week, when Wurie learned that her mother Isatu Tejan Wurie, 65, and father Alieu Dausy Wurie, 71, were among the hundreds of pilgrims who died during the extreme temperatures that have gripped the Persian Gulf country. More than 500 have been confirmed dead while there are fears that the number is well above a thousand. The Wuries were American citizens from Bowie, Maryland. Mrs. Wurie had recently retired as a head nurse at Kaiser Permanente in Prince George’s County, her daughter told CNN. If you think Ms. Pat and Big Tigger will reunite to work beyond their time at Atlanta’s V-103, don’t hold your breath. To hear the funny woman tell it, Tigger was anything but a joy to be around during their radio days. Citing a recent appearance on “The Breakfast Club,” IceCreamConvos detailed Ms. Pat’s dismissal from V-103. The entertainer co-hosted the station’s “Big Tigger Morning Show” with Tigger and new “Real Housewives of Atlanta” fixture Shamea Morton for two years prior to her termination. Although she confessed that her hectic schedule often caused her to be absent from the morning show, that didn’t prevent Ms. Pat from labeling her former radio mate a “hater.” Elaborating, Ms. Pat stated she was planning to leave the morning show in August, with expectations of Shamea’s contract being renewed. That scenario ultimately fell through when the “Ms. Pat Show” star abruptly got “Quired” (fired before she was able to quit). https://www.instagram.com/p/C8WypO6uJco/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Multi-GRAMMY®, Dove, and Stellar Award-nominated artist Melvin Crispell, III celebrates his latest project, Covered Vol. 1. This EP marks Melvin’s third release and is a collection of modernized arrangements of gospel favorites. Melvin’s soulful EP pays homage to some of the artists who have remained an influence on him, recording these songs with a present-day twist, infusing them with his restorative vocals that are a signature of his rich performances. Following his first two albums, this project continues to showcase Melvin’s artistic flourishes in lifting up gospel’s enduring message as well as creating new interpretations driving the sounds of gospel today. His new EP Covered Vol. 1, features six tracks, bringing hope and praise in God’s covering through hardship. The first three released singles include “He's Never Failed Me Yet,” a CeCe Winans cover, a cover of Tye Tribbett's “Hold On,” and “Yesterday” first sung by Mary Mary. On “Restored,” Melvin sings the joyful song from J. Moss about the restoration from knowing God's name, offering reassurance of healing and deliverance. Melvin's versions of Yolanda Adams' “The Battle Is the Lord’s” and John P. Kee’s “Show Up” remind listeners that God is in control, urging them to trust in His omnipotence and timing. He will be celebrating his recent birthday and this new EP in his hometown Charlotte, NC with the Covered Vol. 1 EP Release Karaoke Night. On July 25th, join Melvin and friends at his free live karaoke event at The Living Room Event Venue in Mt. Holly, NC beginning 6:30 pm ET. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thethirdmelvincrispell As the world recently celebrated World Ocean Day, music producer, syndicated radio personality, philanthropist, and environmental advocate, Frank Ski, invites listeners to immerse themselves in the beauty and majesty of the ocean while also reflecting on the challenges it faces. Through his latest album, Climate Change, Ski explores the interconnectedness of humanity and the natural world, highlighting the profound impact of climate change on our oceans. The nine-song ambient soundtrack released on Ski’s record label, Future Sights and Sounds immerses listeners in diverse landscapes and experiences that have inspired Ski's music and philanthropy for over two decades. "Climate Change is more than just an album or a collection of songs," shares Frank Ski. "It's a powerful call to action, a catalyst for change, inspiring individuals around the globe to take meaningful action to protect our oceans and the earth for future generations." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QgWQrib7BE BMI® hosted the 2024 BMI Christian Awards this evening, celebrating its top Christian songwriters and music publishers with BMI’s Christian Song, Songwriter, and Publisher of the Year revealed. In addition, the ceremony named 21 first-time winners for their hand in writing the top 25 most-performed Christian songs of the previous year. BMI’s AVP of Creative, Nashville, Leslie Roberts hosted the invitation-only ceremony at BMI’s Music Row office. Throughout the ceremony, BMI named the top 25 most-performed Christian songs such as "Fear Is Not My Future,” “God Is in The Story,” “Heart of God,” “Hymn of Heaven,” “Love Me Like I Am,” “Rest On Us,” “Who I Am” and more. First-time winners included Bryan Fowler, Enrique Holmes, Jesse Cline, Nicole Hannel, Jonathan Jay, Jacob Mills, Levi Mills, Hannah Shackelford, Anthony Skinner and P!nk. For a complete list of winners, visit: www.bmi.com/award-shows/christian-2024. Global prophetic leaders, national recording artists and renowned business leaders will headline the 2024 INNOV8 Conference at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church beginning June 25 through 27. Entry for the multi-day event is free but requires all participants to register for all sessions by visiting www.inov8conference.org. Conference speakers include internationally acclaimed prophets Brian Carn and Lovy Elias and noted musical guests Melvin Crispell and Will Johnson. Global speaker, author and advocate Dr. Cindy Trimm will also lead a transformational session during the conference. Prominent restaurateurs, business leaders, and philanthropists Pinky Cole Hayes and Derrick Hayes are integrating their 'American Sesh' experience into this year's conference. The married duo has curated a unique in-person experience for current business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to gain valuable insights, tools, and strategies to help propel their companies and business concepts. New single, “Working for Me,” is now streaming and hits gospel radio, June 24 (DALLAS) This time it’s personal. Prepping her new studio project slated for Friday, August 16, Grammy® Award-Winning Platinum Recording Artist Tamela Mann will release Live Breathe Fight, a collection of many of the most compelling and deeply vulnerable songs of her decorated career. The debut single “Working for Me” takes over gospel radio Monday, June 24. The personal anthem is the first of ten tracks on the forthcoming studio album release from Tillymann Music. The single is now streaming on all platforms, and the lyric video is now playing on MannTV. “‘Working for Me’ is a song that celebrates God’s sovereignty,” says Tamela. “Even though life is hard sometimes, we still have to trust and believe that God is working things out for our good. Like the scripture says, things will work out for those who are called according to his purpose.” Inspirational gospel band SENSERE, renowned for their soulful and uplifting music, is excited to announce the release of their latest single, "THAT'S GOD....LALALA," available today via WrightSound Records/MNRK Music Group. Known for their declarative lyrics and dynamic performances, SENSERE's new release promises to be a resonant anthem celebrating the presence of God in everyday life. "THAT'S GOD....LALALA" is a vibrant and refreshing tribute to the divine, highlighting how God's grace and mercy are evident in the world around us. The song encapsulates moments of seeing beauty in the simplest things, feeling love deep within the soul, and recognizing the truth of divine presence here on earth. With an unforgettable melody and encouraging lyrics that uplift, SENSERE invites listeners to experience and acknowledge the omnipresence of God's love. In "THAT'S GOD....LALALA," SENSERE expresses gratitude for life's everyday miracles, from the calm of a sunny day to the unexpected joy of snow in May. The song's message is clear: God is present in every smile, every act of grace, and every natural wonder. A Missouri Republican, Valentina Gomez, an immigrant no less, is facing widespread backlash after telling Black Americans to “kindly” leave the United States if they “don’t like” the country. Gomez’s comments were made in a controversial video posted shortly before the Juneteenth holiday, a day meant to celebrate the end of slavery. Gomez, a fervent supporter of Donald Trump, has gained notoriety for her provocative actions and statements. Previously, she told her social media followers not to be “weak and gay” during a run she filmed while wearing a bulletproof vest. This, and other incidents, have solidified her reputation as a divisive figure within the GOP. https://youtu.be/Ibyr1O5C3bM In her latest video, Gomez referred to Juneteenth as the “most ratchet” of holidays and expressed strong opposition to reparations for slavery. Gomez argued that organizations like Black Lives Matter have raised significant sums of money but have done little to improve Black lives. “It is outrageous to see people ask you for reparations, even though they never went through slavery,” she stated. “These ungrateful people should be celebrating because they were born in the greatest nation to ever exist. Here’s a tip – If you don’t like America, kindly, get the f*** out.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C8V8fgGtPfw/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Gomez’s inflammatory rhetoric is not new. Earlier in the year, she shared a video of herself running in a bulletproof vest, urging viewers to “stay f****** hard” and not be “weak and gay.” Her bold actions have drawn both ridicule and criticism, notably from Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show.” Host Desi Lydic mocked Gomez‘s apparent contradiction of being an avid women’s basketball fan while criticizing WNBA star Brittney Griner, suggesting, “Is someone gonna tell her?” https://www.instagram.com/thedailyshow/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=905b3192-5576-47d1-8db4-3a6475b33316 The First Amendment of the American Constitution be damned. Louisiana is officially the first state in U.S. history to require by law that the Ten Commandments be displayed in every public school in the state from kindergarten through college. Another way of putting that is that Louisiana is the first state to make it against the law not to practice religious indoctrination in the classroom. According to the Associated Press, Republican Gov. Jeff Landry signed into law Wednesday the requirement that a poster-sized display of the Ten Commandments in “large, easily readable font” be placed in every single state-funded classroom in the state, and he’s justifying the legislation by lying to the easily lied to and suggesting that the very concept of law was borne through Christianity. “If you want to respect the rule of law, you’ve got to start from the original lawgiver, which was Moses” who got the commandments from God,” Landry said. As we previously reported, the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Dodie Horton, claimed prior to the bill’s passing that the Ten Commandments are rooted in legal history and that plastering them all over every public institution of learning in the state would effectively place a “moral code” in the classroom. In yet the latest indication that Candace Owens is pulling a fast one on her supporters in an effort to get paid at their literal expense, a new report found that one of her organizations has been seeing fewer donations as her payday from the same organization skyrockets. The findings reinforce longstanding suspicions that Owens is a con artist who is following the money. The organization in question is Owens’ so-called Blexit, a group that encourages Black people to leave the Democratic Party. A review conducted by the Daily Beast found evidence suggesting that the money Blexit received in donations has been going toward inflated salaries instead of being used to fulfill its “vision” of changing “the narrative that surrounds America’s minority communities – with a particular focus on African-Americans,” as stated on the Blexit Foundation website. To let the Daily Beast tell it: “Donations to conservative commentator Candace Owens’ Blexit Foundation took a precipitous drop in 2021. But the organization paid Owens more than ever: $250,000 in salary, alone. That’s not including the chartered flights.” This episode of the Fatal Attraction podcast chronicles the shocking murder of Julii Johnson that rocked the suburbs of Detroit. The 34-year-old mother was on her way to work one fateful Friday morning when she was gunned down outside of her boyfriend’s condo. Police in Warren, Michigan looked at multiple leads, wondering who could commit such a heinous crime against a woman who was so loved by her family. Was it Johnson’s boyfriend, who detectives discovered had a secret life? Or was it a bitter ex who couldn’t let go? https://omny.fm/shows/fatal-attraction/a-wicked-rival Black people should be furious at the way Republicans and white conservatives keep mocking us to our faces. It should make our blood boil when members of the GOP liken the prosecution of 34-time felon Donald Trump to the injustices experienced by Black people under Jim Crow. Black people all over the diaspora should be enraged every time Trump compares himself to Nelson Mandela. Black Americans, in particular, should get beyond heated when they trot out their fictional version of Martin Luther King Jr. in order to lecture Black people about how to behave, or when they compare themselves to Rosa Parks every time they’re held accountable for something. And we should all be enraged beyond measure about Newsmax host Greg Kelly for having the unfathomable caucasity and the most vulgar kind of dishonesty to compare Trump being found guilty by a jury of his peers to the brutal murder of Emmett Till. https://t.co/zTZeRvh74Q Chris Rock is returning his childhood to the small screen, with plans for an animated revival of his classic 2000’s live-action sitcom “Everybody Hates Chris.” Variety reports Rock will star and serve as an executive producer on the new series, titled “Everybody Still Hates Chris.” The funnyman, who was the narrator in the original show, will reprise his role, along with “Everybody Hates Chris” mainstays Terry Crews and Tichina Arnold, who played Chris’ parents Julius and Rochelle. The new half-hour animated show will find Rock providing the voice for adult Chris, narrating stories “inspired by his experience growing up as a skinny nerd in a large working-class family in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, during the late 1980s.” On board for the animated revival will be new cast members Tim Johnson Jr., Ozioma Akagha, Terrence Little Gardenhigh, and Gunnar Sizemore. According to Variety, the new cast will focus on the younger characters “— given the fact that the kids on the original live-action “Everybody Hates Chris” are now all adults.” The voices of Black artists will take center stage during the second season of “Not A Moment, But A Movement” a three-day festival taking place Sat., June 22 – Mon., June 24, at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City, CA. The event, presented by the Center Theatre Group (CTG) in collaboration with The Fire This Time Festival and Watts Village Theater Company, is an initiative created to amplify, center, and celebrate Black voices. This year, six woman-identifying or non-binary playwrights were commissioned to write new plays beginning in January 2021. Five of the playwrights – Z & Co” f/aka AzizA Barnes, Roger Q. Mason, Tahirih Moeller, Cynthia Grace Robinson, and t. tara turk-haynes—will have their resulting works read during the festival. This will mark the first time that any of the plays will be presented to the public. The themes of the plays range from personal coming-of-age stories and explorations of gender identity and body dysmorphia; to experiences of intimacy and joy; to complex issues about civil rights and queer identity; and the loss of independence while enduring dementia. The final play is an imagining of when Diahann Carroll, Sidney Poitier, Joann Woodward, Paul Newman, Duke Ellington, and Marlon Brando came together to make the 1961 movie Paris Blues about jazz expatriates in Paris. https://youtu.be/zk3le2gZlf4?list=PLJWEWZtroDyFWatRbwq6wPn3S9frGf6Lv Beauty pageants have long been associated with youthful contestants highlighting their talents. With the Miss Universe Jamaica Beauty, Fashion, and Wellness Pageant, things are noticeably changing with two of its contestants bringing a mature vibe to the annual event. The Jamaica Observer notes the current standard for the pageant requires contestants to be at least 18 years of age to enter and no maximum age to compete. For 51-year-old Dr. Sandra Swaby and Elaine Landy, a 59-year-old health and wellness coach, the Miss Universe Jamaica pageant marks a certified high point, with an overload of support for their respective quest for the crown. https://www.instagram.com/officialmissuniversejamaica/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=f18f7a6a-2206-4ea4-8194-87763eae8f24 “My motivation for entering the pageant is simply to inspire women my age to step outside of their comfort zone to do something they have never thought they would ever do. And also, I wanted to bring out the element of self-love and self-care,” Swaby, a cosmetic surgeon, told the Observer. The moment is especially pleasing for the doctor, who is entering a pageant for the first time and has her 19-year-old daughter supporting her decision to try out pageants. “I am looking forward to becoming more of me, a more confident, knowledgeable person, and becoming more self-aware. My daughter is very excited about me entering and she is also very supportive,” Swaby shared. https://www.instagram.com/officialmissuniversejamaica/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c1b60356-7730-4656-a7ad-1054b090efca Now you can rejoice if you’ve secretly yearned to fly private but just didn’t have the hookup. KinectAir, the Uber of private aviation has arrived. KinectAir aims to make the skies friendlier to regular people dipping their toes into the world of private planes. On the website, which was founded in 2019 for private air travel in the Pacific Northwest, you can already book a regular on-demand flight. But from December 2023 you can snap up a private aircraft bargain by booking an “empty leg” repositioning flight – all over the US. And by bargain, they really do mean a (relative) bargain. The site offers quick hops starting at around $111 per person. “We want to change the way people think about short flights,” says co-CEO Katie Buss, a former pilot in the US military. https://youtu.be/LFcZbcVQP4w Chaka Khan’s fearless approach to music led her to turn down a song suggestion from Stevie Wonder, prompting her to ask him, “What else you got?” As Face2Face Africa reports, this bold move paid off, as Wonder ultimately offered her the hit “Tell Me Something Good.” In an interview with The Independent, she recounted when her funk band Rufus was working on its second album and Wonder offered his unrecorded track “Come and Get This Stuff.” Chaka claims she wasn’t feeling the song and gave Wonder honest feedback. “I don’t think he ever heard that at all,” she told the outlet. “But I wasn’t thinking about that. I just tell the truth all the time, and I can’t help it.” She continued: “It upsets people sometimes. But hell, if the truth upsets you I can’t really help that.” https://youtu.be/p_vWMqirjhI Tubi’s viewership soared to its highest ever in May, with 1 million viewers on average, up 46% from last year, surpassing Disney+, Peacock, Max, and Paramount+. According to the Los Angeles Times, “YouTube is the only free ad-supported streaming platform with more viewers than Tubi,” the outlet writes. The rising subscription prices of competitors have contributed significantly. As Netflix, Amazon, and others begin incorporating advertising alongside their fees, Tubi appears increasingly attractive to cost-conscious consumers. “Tubi continues to pull ahead from its (ad-supported video on demand) competition and post faster than expected growth,” analysts at research firm MoffettNathanson said in a report for clients, per The Times. Founded in 2017 and acquired by Fox for $440 million in 2020, San Francisco-based Tubi now offers 250,000 TV episodes and movies. U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy urged Congress to mandate mental health warnings on social media platforms. In an op-ed published in The New York Times, Murthy noted that social media is “an important contributor” to the impact on youth mental health. In his proposal, he suggested alerts need to be added that inform users about these platforms’ mental health risks, NBC News reports. “A surgeon general’s warning label, which requires congressional action, would regularly remind parents and adolescents that social media has not been proved safe,” he wrote. Speaking Monday on NBC’s “TODAY,” Murthy said thousands of parents share his concern about social media use among children. “When adolescents spend more than three hours a day on social media, we’re seeing an association with a doubling of risk of anxiety and depression symptoms,” he said. ”General Hospital” released a simple statement in support of series star Tabyana Ali after racist trolls attacked her online. “General Hospital does not tolerate hatred or bigotry of any kind,” read the statement on its Instagram. “Racism has no place in Port Charles.” Port Charles, New York is the fictional setting of the popular ABC Daytime soap opera “General Hospital.” As Entertainment Weekly reports, Ali released her own statement addressing the hatred. “To anyone that hates me. That’s absolutely fine. I don’t know you and you don’t me but regardless I’m sending you peace, safety, and prosperity,” Ali wrote on X on June 9. “I also pray you touch some grass, see the sun, eat a delicious meal, and find something to do. Peace and love.” Ali continued, “And Im sorry that this is the away you feel like you have to be seen. I’m sorry that life isn’t happening how you want. But if you found something you loved to do other than hurting people. You would never have the energy to say what you’ve been saying to people ONLINE!” https://twitter.com/iamaliford?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1799968288258331072%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fgeneral-hospital-condemns-racism-after-racist-attack-on-star%2F Swizz Beatz and Timbaland are catching heat for partnering with Elon Musk’s X platform to stream Verzuz, amid criticism of Musk’s perceived racism.An announcement post on Instagram shows the billionaire tech mogul and the two hip-hop producers with cocktails in their hands, and the caption: “LIFE BEGINS AT THE END OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE!!! IT’S OFFICIAL, #VERZUZ IS BACK AND 100% BLACK OWNED AGAIN. LET’S GIVE THE PEOPLE WHAT’S BEEN MISSING !!! WE WILL ALSO BE BUILDING NEW ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES ON THE X PLATFORM !! WHO SHOULD BE THE [FIRST] KICK OFF SHOW? LETS GO!!! VERZUZ ON X… NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS OR YOUR COMPANY. Happy Juneteenth.” As we reported … earlier this year, Swizz Beatz and Timbaland successfully reacquired Verzuz from their previous partner, Triller, regaining 100% ownership while maintaining their equity in Triller alongside the artists who participated in the platform. Under the terms of the new deal with X, Swizz and Timbaland will retain full ownership and creative control of Verzuz, while X gains exclusive distribution rights. This partnership will grant the platform access to over 550 million active users, significantly expanding its global reach. Fans will now have the opportunity to watch Verzuz battles for free exclusively on X. Verzuz was originally launched in 2020 at the height of the pandemic to connect music lovers through virtual rap and DJ battles. On X, one user said, “It’s 297 concerts already happening this summer and fall. Ain’t nobody thinking about no damn #VERZUZ at this point. We have to accept when things are just a moment in time. It was fun while it lasted, but it’s done! Thank you so much.” https://youtu.be/KVDXygvONow Another person noted, “Verzuz lived long enough to become the villain.” Media personality Roland Martin added, “Verzuz, which is all about #TheCulture, features Black people and Black artists celebrating Black culture is going to be distributed by a company owned by Musk, who consistently promotes, retweets & responds to racist content .” Check out additional social media reactions below to Swizz Beatz and Timbaland’s collaboration with Musk. https://twitter.com/i/status/1803815203450097959 Rev. Jonathan Evans, the son of Evangelist Dr. Tony Evans, a Texas megachurch pastor, recently addressed his father’s shocking resignation due to “sin,” emphasizing that his family was as uninformed about the controversy as the congregation. We reported earlier … after nearly five decades at Oak Cliff Bible Church in South Dallas, Dr. Tony Evans recently announced his resignation from pastoral duties. He informed his 10,000-member fellowship that he committed a sin “a number of years ago.” “The foundation of our ministry has always been our commitment to the Word of God as the absolute supreme standard of truth to which we are to conform our lives,” Evans said in a statement. “When we fall short of that standard due to sin, we are required to repent and restore our relationship with God. A number of years ago, I fell short of that standard,” he continued. “I am, therefore, required to apply the same biblical standard of repentance and restoration to myself that I have applied to others.” Evans announced that Pastor Bobby Gibson and the elders will handle interim leadership. https://www.instagram.com/jonathanblakeevans/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=385d3071-b60e-4ae0-b206-b08e4db1b124 Rob Schneider, love him or hate him, has made a suitable living making people laugh. “Saturday Night Live,” the “Deuce Bigalow” movies, and almost any Adam Sandler movie you can name. And while his fame level is decent, it can’t compare to Will Smith, who has made a career out of reinventing himself from rapper to TV star to Oscar winner. Despite being Hollywood’s most hated for a time, Big Willie has rebounded strongly with the success of his newest Bad Boys film. Still do not put Schneider among the filmgoers who have excused Smith’s infamous slap of Schneider’s fellow “SNL’er” Chris Rock. In his eyes, the former Fresh Prince is nothing more than a “twat” and “douchebag.” https://youtu.be/7UxJKArsVvY “Will Smith is a twat,” Schneider said during an appearance on the Kyle & Jackie O morning show, HipHopWired reports. “Will Smith has been hiding the fact of who he really is and it was exposed that night — that he’s really an a*shole.” “Will is a douchebag,” Schneider further stated while playing the race card. “The thing is, that’s how politically correct that Academy is, that they were so cowardly — because if I would’ve done that, they would’ve hauled me out to prison. They were so worried about being racist, they were like, ‘We can’t be.’” https://twitter.com/ArtOfDialogue_/status/1800863862054637982?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1800902997545017467%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Funfunny-arse-rob-schneiders-will-smith-views-twat-douchebag-get-no-love-on-social-media-watch%2F In a revealing and in-depth interview with Willie D Live, singer Christopher Williams took the opportunity to address a range of topics, from long-standing rumors to recent controversies, offering an unfiltered look into his life and career. But first, Willaims wanted to speak on a topic close to his heart, as he voiced his concerns over the backlash Deion Sanders faced after he transitioned from coaching at a historically Black college (Jackson State) to a Division 1 (D1) institution (University of Colorado). He advised taking internet commentary with a pinch of salt, highlighting the online world’s tendency to value sensationalism over factual accuracy. With that off his chest, Williams moved on to clarify the enduring rumor regarding an alleged altercation with actress Halle Berry. Firmly setting the record straight, he revealed that it was not he, but Wesley Snipes, involved in the incident, emphasizing that he and Berry remain good friends. Williams expressed his happiness for Berry, who has chosen to focus on her family rather than chase industry accolades. The conversation, as reported by TheIndustry.biz, then shifted to one of the more sensational allegations: claims that Williams had engaged in inappropriate activities with Sean “Puffy” Combs (Diddy) to secure a record deal. Denying the rumor vehemently, Williams stressed its absurdity, considering his well-established career at the time. He emphasized his life’s transparency, which rendered such accusations baseless and harmful. https://youtu.be/-kXVnLZVm6A Young love in quality form is on display in an upcoming film from BET+. Blex Media reports the streamer unveiled the trailer for “Young.Wild.Free.” last week. Sanaa Lathan, Mike Epps, Algee Smith, and Sierra Capri star in the Thembi L. Banks-directed feature, which centers on Smith’s character, Brandon Huffman, a hot-tempered high school senior whose life takes a dangerous turn after an encounter with Cassidy, (Capri). Burdened with school struggles, caring for his younger siblings, and unemployment, Brandon finds an escape in his art. Cassidy, embodying confidence and danger, pulls Brandon into her world after robbing him at gunpoint, leading him down a perilous path. The trailer’s release comes after BET+ acquired the movie at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. Lathan will play Brandon’s mother, Janice Huffman, a woman who grapples with mental health challenges while raising three children. For Epps, his role will be as Lamont, the father of Janice’s youngest children. Complicating things for the patriarch is the strained relationship he has with Brandon. https://youtu.be/D5xJUhCt32c “Snowpiercer” upcoming Season 4 debut in July. The show’s gripping storyline set aboard a perpetually moving train in a frozen post-apocalyptic world, coupled with its complex characters and thought-provoking themes, kept me hooked from start to finish. “Snowpiercer” offers a unique blend of suspense, social commentary, and intense drama that makes it absolutely worth watching. Each season delves deeper into the intricacies of life aboard the train, revealing layers of intrigue and moral dilemmas that challenge both the characters and viewers alike. Whether you’re drawn to its dystopian setting or compelling narrative, Snowpiercer delivers a captivating viewing experience that is not to be missed. AMC Networks released the official trailer for the fourth and final season of “Snowpiercer,” premiering Sunday, July 21 at 9pm ET/PT exclusively on AMC and AMC+. Here’s the synopsis: Set more than seven years after the world has become a frozen wasteland, Snowpiercer centers on the remnants of humanity who inhabit a perpetually moving train, with 1001 cars, that circles the globe. Class warfare, social injustice and the politics of survival play out in this riveting television adaptation based on the graphic novel series by Jacques Lob and Jean-Marc Rochette, and the film from Oscar®-winner Bong Joon Ho (Parasite). The action-packed finale of Season 3 left a split with Melanie Cavill (Jennifer Connelly) leading the Eternal Engine and those passengers who chose to stay aboard Snowpiercer for relative safety, and Andre Layton (Daveed Diggs) leading the others on Big Alice choosing to adventure to the unknown, outside world of New Eden. The ensemble cast includes Sean Bean, Rowan Blanchard, Alison Wright, Mickey Sumner, Iddo Goldberg, Katie McGuinness,Lena Hall, Sam Otto, Chelsea Harris, Mike O’Malley, Roberto Urbina and Sheila Vand. Previously announced new cast members for Season 4 include Clark Gregg and Michael Aronov. https://youtu.be/1e8m6e4BX7g Former Donald Trump prosecutor Nathan Wade laughed off uncomfortable questions about his affair with Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis in a hilarious interview on The Daily Show with parody interviewer Quon, portrayed by comedian Marlon Wayans. As we reported earlier, the attorney lost his prosecutor position in the Donald Trump election fraud case due to an affair scandal with Willis. During the tongue-in-cheek interview, Quon said: “I see how it happened, countless hours, and I need a foot rub, you know what I mean, and she rub your foot. And I’m like, ‘Hey let me give you a massage,’ and all of a sudden, boom boom, we up on this desk. Man.” Wade responded, “No. Not even close. Not even close.” Quon continued, “She liked-ed you, or you liked-ed her?” Wade replied, “That’s a great question, right? So, during the course of the investigation, we would meet early mornings, weekends, spent full days–”… “How can you not hit that?! How can you not?!” interrupted Quon, prompting Wade to laugh. “We spending that much time together, we doing everything, we might as well.” https://youtu.be/-RFeOlxYxN4 Sex in the media follows a super simplified script: it starts as an awkward teenage tale, levels out as you get the hang of things, and then it’s like the journey’s over. But that’s far from reality. Your sexuality isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal—it’s always changing due to a slew of factors like health and life events. And the big one: Sex changes as you age. According to sex therapist Zuri Pryor-Graves, hormones play a big role in how our sex lives change as we age. Menopause and andropause can mess with our hormones, affecting our libido. Plus, health issues like diabetes or heart problems and medications can also put a damper on things. Stress and depression can throw a wrench in the works too. “It’s important to talk openly about these changes with your doctor and your partner,” Pryor-Graves says. “Some people might discover new ways to connect emotionally or explore different sides of their sexuality.” Hollywood is apparently turning to Kim Kardashian to be the next big movie star. As Complex reports, the reality television star has several projects in the works, including the upcoming Netflix comedy “The Fifth Wheel” and an untitled thriller. She also stars in Ryan Murphy’s latest season of “American Horror Story.” In a new episode of her Hulu reality show, Kardashian said she was “not expecting this career turn” into acting. “The offers they’re bringing my way, I’m like, ‘You think I can do that? I can’t do that,'” she said on The Kardashians. While in a confessional, she added, “How do they know I can do it? Now the pressure’s on because I’m like, ‘Oh sh*t, this is happening,’ I’m tripping the f*ck out lowkey because I have to really do this and I have to deliver.” The mother of four joked that her Botox-induced face is on a timer because of all the acting she has on her plate. https://youtu.be/N2QINMpcIbk On (06-20-24), Major League Baseball made history with a game between the San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama. This game was significant not only as the league’s first at this historic park but also because it paid homage to the legacy of Negro League Baseball. Among the decorated figures in attendance was Reggie Jackson, the Hall of Fame outfielder with profound and painful connections to Rickwood Field. During the Fox Sports broadcast, Jackson, who began his journey to greatness by playing for the minor-league Birmingham A’s in 1967, opened up about the gut-wrenching racism he experienced during his early days in baseball. Asked by former New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez what it was like to return to the stadium, Jackson revealed the deep scars left by his time in Alabama. “Alex, when people ask me a question like that, it’s like, coming back here is not easy,” Jackson began. “The racism that I played here, when I played here, the difficulty of going through different places where we traveled — fortunately, I had a manager and I had players on the team that helped me get through it. But I wouldn’t wish it on anybody.” https://youtu.be/R4mWOVy_02s His response rendered the broadcast crew silent, allowing Jackson to vividly recount the awful moments that still linger in his memory. “People said to me today — I spoke and they said, ‘You think you’re a better person, you think you won when you played here and conquered?’ I said, you know, I would never want to do it again.” Jackson went on to share some of the specifics of his trials. “I walked into restaurants and they would point at me and say, the n—– can’t eat here. I would go to a hotel and they say, the n—– can’t stay here,” he shared, visibly moved by the recollection. “We went to Charlie Finley’s country club for a welcome-home dinner, and they pointed me out with the N-word. ‘He can’t come in here.’ Finley marched the whole team out, and finally, they let me in there. He said, ‘We’re going to go to the diner and eat hamburgers. We’ll go where we’re wanted.’” https://youtu.be/DfplzSlS2PM Attorney Antonio Moore discusses Kendrick Lamar and his ‘They Not Like Us” pop-out show in Los Angeles on Juneteenth. Moore delves into Kendrick’s use of the historical oppression of Black Americans as a weapon in his rap battle with Drake. Then ask the question if everyone chants the song who is “they” and who is “us?” In the video, he takes a deep dive into the history of Los Angeles pointing out how the Jordan Downs projects used to be housing for factory workers after World War II. Along with a look at the layout of the city of LA and how that layout reflects in the City of Angel’s cultural identity. Ultimately ending back at the question what is the call to action by Kendrick Lamar after the chanting of “they not like us” if there is one at all? Moore also showed how in the comments of the YouTube posting people got honest that “they not like us” is about morality, not lineage. Well, then we must ask why is this on Juneteenth. And why did Kendrick use callbacks to American slavery to empower his rap beef? https://youtu.be/6JWF8-ybXms Apple TV+ has unveiled the trailer for its new seven-part limited series “Lady in the Lake,” starring Natalie Portman and Moses Ingram. Created and directed by Alma Har’el, “Lady in the Lake” will make its global debut on Apple TV+ with the first two episodes on Friday, July 19, 2024, followed by new episodes every Friday through August 23, 2024, per the news release. Here’s the official synopsis: When the disappearance of a young girl grips the city of Baltimore on Thanksgiving 1966, the lives of two women converge on a fatal collision course. Maddie Schwartz (Portman), a Jewish housewife seeking to shed a secret past and reinvent herself as an investigative journalist, and Cleo Johnson (Ingram), a mother navigating the political underbelly of Black Baltimore while struggling to provide for her family. Their disparate lives seem parallel at first, but when Maddie becomes fixated on Cleo’s mystifying death, a chasm opens that puts everyone around them in danger. From visionary director Alma Har’el, “Lady in the Lake” emerges as a feverish noir thriller and an unexpected tale of the price women pay for their dreams. Portman, who also serves as executive producer, stars alongside Y’lan Noel, Brett Gelman, Byron Bowers, Noah Jupe, Josiah Cross, Mikey Madison, and Pruitt Taylor Vince. https://youtu.be/4V04ptsZ-Jg MTV’s hit docuseries “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” is set to return this summer, and some of your favorite cast members are coming back for a wild good time! The iconic series features Amy Luciani, Bambi, Erica Banks, Erica Dixon, Jessica White, Karlie Redd, Kendra Robinson, Khaotic, Kirk Frost, Mendeecees, Momma Dee, Rasheeda, Renni Rucci, Saucy Santana, Scrappy, Shekinah Jo, Sierra Gates, Spice, Yandy, Yung Joc, and ZellSwag, along with newcomers, musical artist Lil Zane and his wife Ashley, with cameo appearances by Atlanta superstar Ralo and his fiancé Missy, per the news release. “The cast of Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta get back to their roots by focusing on their craft and collaborating to create the first ever Love & Hip Hop album,” the release states. “New music is on the way from Spice, Rasheeda, Amy Luciani, Renni Rucci, Scrappy, and more as they work together to produce a group album, all while juggling their personal endeavors with family, career, and relationships.” Previous seasons of “Love & Hip Hop Atlanta” can be streamed on Paramount+, MTV VOD, and the Love & Hip Hop channel on Pluto TV. Lifetime adds some suspense to its August movie slate with the upcoming new original movie I Thought My Husband’s Wife Was Dead. Based on the novel "Unmissing" by bestselling author Minka Kent, the new thriller is led by two-time Grammy® Award winner LeToya Luckett (Greenleaf, Treme), Sherilyn Allen (Coroner, She Went Missing), and former pro football player Jamall Johnson (Mahalia, How She Caught a Killer). Angela “Blac Chyna” White (The Black Hamptons, Vicious Affair) also stars in the thriller set to premiere on Lifetime on Saturday, August 3 at 8/7c. I Thought My Husband’s Wife Was Dead centers on beautiful wife and expectant mother Lola Winters (Sherilyn Allen) who seems to have it all—the big house, a dashing husband Leo Winters (Jamall Johnson), and a thriving restaurant business. But Lola’s seemingly perfect life is interrupted when a ghost from the past Tori (LeToya Luckett) suddenly shows up at her doorstep in search of her husband Leo, after having gone missing for 5 years and being declared dead. Tensions rise and lives are turned upside down as Tori’s unexpected return leaves everyone questioning her motives and why she hasn’t gone to the police. Determined to start a new life, Tori demands that the Winters pay her hundreds of thousands of dollars, but before leaving town a bombshell revelation exposes even more dark and shocking secrets. Gail Bean (Snowfall) leads the cast of the upcoming indie psychological thriller “Both Eyes Open” from writer-director Ariel Julia Hairston (The Comeback) This feature helps connect your iPhone to the nearest satellite, enabling emergency communication, though it’s slower and more limited than regular messaging, Life Hacker reports. The limitation is that it only works for emergencies. If you’re out of service but not in danger, you’ll have to wait until you’re back in Wi-Fi range to message friends or family; However, with Apple’s upcoming iOS 18, this feature will be updated to allow messaging via satellite. You can send and receive iMessages (including emojis and reactions) when you have no service. Messages will still be end-to-end encrypted, ensuring security. When your iPhone loses network connection and switches to “SOS only,” a notification on the Lock Screen will invite you to message via satellite. As you start typing, you’ll see “Satellite” tag next to the “iMessage.” The messages will be sent via satellite automatically and could take longer to transmit. According to Life Hacker, iMessages will be received automatically, but SMS texts from non-iPhone users will only come through if you start the conversation. Apple’s iPhone 14 introduced Emergency SOS via Satellite, which allows emergency services to be contacted even without cellular service. This feature helps connect your iPhone to the nearest satellite, enabling emergency communication, though it’s slower and more limited than regular messaging, Life Hacker reports. The limitation is that it only works for emergencies. If you’re out of service but not in danger, you’ll have to wait until you’re back in Wi-Fi range to message friends or family; However, with Apple’s upcoming iOS 18, this feature will be updated to allow messaging via satellite. You can send and receive iMessages (including emojis and reactions) when you have no service. Messages will still be end-to-end encrypted, ensuring security. https://youtu.be/V35jHAkpUIk Celebrated artist Kim Burrell is set to receive the Aretha Franklin Icon Award at the 39th Annual Stellar Gospel Awards, which returns on July 20th in Las Vegas Nevada at the Orleans Arena. The ceremony will premiere on the Stellar Network on Saturday, August 3rd at 8PM and 10PM EST and in broadcast syndication from August 10, 2024 – September 8, 2024. Per the news release, Emmy Award-winning TV personality and comedian Loni Love will host the event alongside Marconi Award-winning radio/TV personality and comedian Rickey Smiley. The evening will bring together gospel music’s brightest stars for a celebration billed as “The Greatest Night in Gospel Music.” GRAMMY Award and multiple Stellar Award winner Tye Tribbett is set to receive the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award. https://www.instagram.com/thestellars/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=5b6bcaf0-bbbd-440c-bec2-5be956d9c738 We celebrate the 45th anniversary of Black Music Month, founded by Kenny Gamble, and co-founded by Dyana Williams and Ed Wright, I am honored to pay tribute to one of the most important figures in Black Music, Kendall A. Minter, Esq., who passed away on December 6, 2023. Donald Sutherland, a veteran actor known for roles in “M*A*S*H,” “Klute” and “The Hunger Games,” has died, according to a statement from his agency CAA. He was 88. Sutherland died Thursday in Miami after a long illness, according to his agency. “With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away,” Kiefer Sutherland, Donald Sutherland’s son, wrote in a post on Instagram Thursday. “I personally think one of the most important actors in the history of film. Never daunted by a role, good, bad or ugly.” Kiefer Sutherland continued to write that his father “loved what he did and did what he loved, and one can never ask for more than that. A life well lived.” https://youtu.be/lnk2K2v8Yzc Tall and known for his intensity on screen, Sutherland earned an Emmy for his role as a Soviet official in the fact-based HBO movie “Citizen X,” as well as a pair of Golden Globes. His career spanned more than 50 years and 140 film credits, including recent roles in the limited series “Trust” as oil tycoon J. Paul Getty and HBO’s “The Undoing.” Sutherland’s big break came when he was cast as one of “The Dirty Dozen” in the star-studded 1967 film, which became a major hit. He followed that with another war movie, “Kelly’s Heroes,” before playing the wisecracking doctor Hawkeye Pierce in the movie version of “M*A*S*H” and opposite Jane Fonda in her Oscar-winning portrayal of a high-class “call girl” in the crime mystery “Klute.” (Fonda and Sutherland also had an off-screen relationship around the time that they made the film.) Reflecting his ability to play all sorts of roles, Sutherland’s 1970s resume included a remake of the horror film “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” and a memorable turn as a pot-smoking professor in the National Lampoon comedy “Animal House.” He also starred opposite Julie Christie in director Nicolas Roeg’s “Don’t Look Now,” a 1973 movie that became somewhat notorious for the raciness of its sex scene, which had to be trimmed in order to avoid an X rating. https://youtu.be/525PM43mrG8 Remy Ma released a statement after her 23-year-old JaySon Scott was arrested Tuesday on charges of first-degree murder. As we reported earlier … Scott arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a man in Queens that dates back to 2021. The NYPD confirmed on Wednesday that JaySon and 22-year-old Richard Swygert were taken into custody on Tuesday night and charged with first-degree murder. The victim, 43-year-old Darius Guillebeaux, was fatally shot on June 7, 2021, in a brazen broad daylight attack. The incident took place at the intersection of 148th Street and Rockaway Boulevard in Springfield Gardens, where Guillebeaux was struck with multiple gunshots to his head and chest, according to a New York Post report. Authorities are still investigating the motive behind the violent act. In a statement to TMZ, Remy Ma said her son is innocent. Check out an exclusive clip of this week’s new episode of “Deb’s House,” which centers on music managing mogul Deb Antney and her quest to find the next female rap star. In the clip, Sharaya J introduces herself to the ladies as their new mentor. “Deb’s House” premiered June 14th on WE tv and ALLBLK, and features eight up-and-coming female artists who move into Deb’s House, competing to become her next rap protégé. “Ms. Deb is seeking women with unwavering dedication and the willingness to make sacrifices on the road to hip-hop stardom. Completely stripped down to their raw potential, the competition unfolds as a fierce test of sisterhood, resilience, and talent, where only the most tenacious can be crowned as Ms. Deb’s “chosen one.” Who will shoot to the top of the charts and who will crumble under the pressure? Find out this season on Deb’s House,” AMC’s news release stated. https://youtu.be/0saLvFPuuUQ I envisioned a competition show that deviates from the norm-one centered around personal growth and self-competition,” Antney said in a statement. “Collaborating with (co-creator and co-EP) Rasheed to bring this vision to life has been an incredible journey. Witnessing the music industry veer away from artist development towards a focus on superficiality and explicit content prompted my desire to return to the core values of true lyricism and mentorship,” she continued. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3BmLxdrtqE/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=27d1b261-e09e-4e16-9733-4d585e6446ad Bishop Oliver Clyde Allen, III, trailblazing thought-leader, Senior Pastor of The Vision Cathedral of Atlanta, and best-selling author, is assembling Award-Winning entertainers, global leaders, and entrepreneurs for the 2024 iElevate National Conference held June 26th - June 30th in Atlanta, GA at the Marriott Buckhead Hotel & Conference Center. Under the conference theme, “Evolve,” hundreds are expected to descend into Atlanta to be enlightened, empowered, and educated by progressive leaders and cultural innovators on various topics of social relevance and spiritual elevation. Conference registration starts at $129; for more information, visit iElevate.org. Plus, Youth ages 6-17 can register for CODE RED, the Youth division of the iElevate Conference by visiting iElevate.org. Returning for its 12th year, The Vision Community Foundation is set to hold its annual ‘Black Tie, now White Tie Gala’ at Atlanta Marriott Buckhead Hotel & Conference Center on Friday evening, June 28th at 8:00 PM. This exclusive gala will honor an elite group of individuals and organizations that have made outstanding achievements in the arts, media, ministry, community service, and government arenas throughout their lifetime. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JajUvQjLO1E Rihanna recently opened up about her battle with postpartum hair loss after giving birth to sons Rza, 2, and Riot, 10 months. “I didn’t expect it to happen in waves. I thought it would just happen and grow back,” the singer told Refinery29 at the Fenty Hair launch party in Los Angeles on June 10, per PEOPLE. She mentioned that she started losing hair in patches and eventually learned to embrace the hair loss by becoming “more creative and clever” with her hairstyles. Four years ago, RiRi began developing her haircare line, Fenty Hair, which officially launched on June 13. In a speech made during the launch party, she said, “Considering all hair types, considering all of the brands that I’ve been in love with my entire life, I’m thinking, ‘If it’s not better than this one, it can’t work.’” Rihanna added, “Evolving as a woman and even as an artist, hair has been such a huge part of that and a reflection of whatever I’m feeling. So, it changes a lot and my hair goes through a lot. Making this brand, I had to consider all of those things. I want to look fly, but I want my hair to be healthy. How do I do that? All of my products need to strengthen and repair while I’m out just being fabulous.” https://www.instagram.com/badgalriri/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=4d54a3d5-a063-4f3e-a9aa-b6836e13a8f0 Gerber baby food is facing multiple lawsuits across various states, with allegations ranging from antitrust violations to claims that their products contribute to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In February 2022, Gerber, along with other baby food manufacturers such as Sprout Foods, Beech-Nut, Plum Inc., Nurture Inc., and Walmart, was named in a class action lawsuit filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court. The plaintiffs accuse these companies of violating consumer protection laws by selling baby foods containing toxic levels of heavy metals like arsenic, lead, and mercury. According to personal injury law firm Miller & Zois, exposure to these heavy metals can potentially cause developmental issues such as ADHD and autism. Babies and children are particularly vulnerable to heavy metal exposure due to their developing bodies, as noted by the CDC. The initial 13 plaintiffs filed their lawsuit after learning about a report from a U.S. Congressional subcommittee investigating toxic metals in baby food. By May 2022, a California court allowed the case to proceed, prompting additional lawsuits. While many of these were dismissed due to insufficient evidence, several gained traction and have been consolidated into a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL). This consolidation aims to streamline the judicial process for what is expected to be a large number of plaintiffs. https://youtu.be/11EMH0AKnbY All we can say is be glad … no, be thankful you don’t have to style Joseline Hernandez‘s hair. That’s ’cause a recent negative encounter with a hairstylist has brought out the worst in the Puerto Rican Princess. Chronicling her encounter, Madame Noire noted Hernandez’s criticism, which was documented via social media. “Who is this?” Hernandez asks as she blasted the hairstylist for being heavy-handed with his way of working on her hair. “Why are you grabbing my hair like that? I don’t even know you.” “I don’t know you either,” the male hairstylist, who appeared to be doing touch-ups on the former Love and Hip Hop Atlanta fixture’s hair, responded. “Well, you can get your big, fat ass out this motherf**kin’ room, fat b*tch,” Hernandez clapped back before yelling, “Bye hoe,” at least three times and stating, “B*tch, I don’t know you like that. Why the f**k you got an attitude? I just said I don’t know your b*tch ass. Get the f**k outta here.” https://www.instagram.com/_pettyking/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=1f797962-dc84-44b1-8bd9-b2c0bb2cf3cd Former CNBC analyst James Arthur McDonald was arrested over the weekend after being charged with defrauding investors. McDonald, a former frequent guest on CNBC and CEO of Hercules Investments LLC and Index Strategy Advisors Inc., ended up on the FBI’s Most Wanted list for white-collar crimes, CBS News reports. Justice Department officials said in a news release: “In late 2020, McDonald lost tens of millions of dollars of Hercules client money after adopting a risky short position that effectively bet against the health of the United States economy in the aftermath of the U.S. presidential election. McDonald projected that the COVID-19 pandemic and the election would result in major selloffs that would cause the stock market to drop. When the market decline didn’t occur, Hercules clients lost between $30 million and $40 million. By December 2020, Hercules clients were complaining to company employees about the losses in their accounts.” In early 2021, McDonald allegedly raised millions from investors for a capital raise, misrepresenting the use of funds and concealing the previous year’s losses. Per CBS News, he raised $675,000 from one group, spending $174,610 at a Porsche dealership, over $100,000 on rent, and nearly $7,000 on designer menswear. He also sent false account statements to clients of Index Strategy Advisors, misrepresenting their account balances. McDonald became a fugitive in late 2021 when he failed to appear before the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to respond to fraud allegations. A federal arrest warrant was issued, but McDonald evaded capture. https://youtu.be/H8nWkT0A6bk B. Howard, the acclaimed artist, songwriter, and multi-platinum producer, has released the highly anticipated music video for his latest single, “Choosin’ (All Eyes On Me),”which is available now on YouTube. B. Howard collaborated with the acclaimed Mark “Mogul” Jackson (known for working with stars like Trey Songz and Usher) on the track along with Jason “Poo Bear” Boyd (noted for his work with Justin Bieber and Billie Eilish). Per the news release, “Choosin’ (All Eyes On Me),” blends classic ‘90s DNB Pop with today’s frequencies, featuring an upbeat melody and confident lyrics that emote B. Howard’s personality and style. The video was shot in Grand Rapids and co-directed by B. Howard and Josh Sikkema. https://youtu.be/K8WUSb44ok8 Rihanna is the face of Dior’s signature fragrance J’adore Eau de Parfum. “Being the new face of J’adore is both an honor and a mission,” Rihanna said in an interview with Business of Fashion. “I am especially looking forward to joining this adventure and contributing to it through my world, my story, my roots, as well as my creativity and my own femininity.” The superstar is replacing the fragrance’s former spokesperson Charlize Theron. Rihanna has been an ambassador for the brand since 2015. “The unusual talent, audacity, and captivating beauty of this absolute star are the ideal embodiment of dazzling, powerful Dior femininity that transcends generations,” said CEO Véronique Courtois about Rihanna. “Christian Dior would most definitely have adored her.” As Complex reports, the iconic fashion brand said in a statement that they were “delighted to welcome icon Rihanna, whose wide-ranging talents, remarkable beauty and universal appeal now embody the world of J’adore.” https://www.instagram.com/badgalriri/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=7dc8c4fa-0b13-4e52-8a7d-fd433ab9967e In a delightful twist that fans never saw coming, music stars Ashanti and Nelly are not only engaged but have actually been married for several months now. Yes, you read that right. The dynamic duo has managed to keep their wedding under wraps and are also expecting their first child together. According to public records, Ashanti and Nelly are officially married, with their union being legally recorded on December 27, 2023. The couple has been living in wedded bliss for six months, although the paperwork doesn’t pinpoint the exact city of their nuptials. Given that their marriage became official in St. Louis County, it’s likely they tied the knot in Nelly’s hometown, according to a TMZ report. Despite not having had a public ceremony yet, Ashanti and Nelly have teased about their upcoming wedding in recent weeks. This news adds another layer of excitement to their relationship, which has been full of surprises lately. https://youtu.be/Z_3kyQ_6tzg Ashanti first confirmed their baby news a couple of months ago, amidst growing speculation. The announcement came as Ashanti publicly shared her pregnancy, making it clear that she and Nelly were starting a family together. This development is a heartwarming full-circle moment for the couple. Fans will remember that Ashanti and Nelly first dated back in the 2000s when both were dominating the music charts. Their romance reignited last year, after years of playful interactions and reunions, including joint performances and flirtatious appearances at various events. Their reunion became official when they decided to give their relationship another chance, and now, they have solidified it with marriage and a baby on the way. And no, their representatives are commenting, so far. Regardless, this major news calls for a collective congratulations to the happy couple! https://www.instagram.com/ashanti/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=0adbe8c3-d338-4c77-966a-84f193403cae Anthony Mackie explained in a new interview why he turns down picture requests from fans. Mackie appeared on the Hollywood Reporter Comedy Actor Roundtable, which included Bowen Yang, John Goodman, Kelsey Grammer, Ricky Martin, and Theo James. At one point, O’Connell asked, “What’s the inevitable question that you always get asked that you just never want to hear again?” “Mine is ‘take a picture,’” said Mackie. “You don’t know what social reality you’re tying yourself to. You don’t know what that person [is] going to use that picture for,” he added. “Because of the Kardashians, we’re kind of put in this reality where we’re looked at as tools, as vessels, as opposed to artists.” “If I tell you no, respect it,” Mackie said. https://youtu.be/gB75xX3KrpQ “There’s been several experiences now where people have taken a picture with me and used them for ways that I don’t deem the right way. So because of that, I choose not to be a part of your social reality,” he continued. The “Twisted Metal” star added, “I have people tell me all the time, ‘Well, this is what you signed up for.’ I’m like, ‘That’s crazy.’ That’s like telling a girl that because she put on a cute dress and went to a bar, she signed up for me to harass her all night. No. In this day and age we literally learn that we have to respect everyone’s ‘no.’ So if I tell you ‘no,’ respect it, and there’s a reason for that.” Mackie has faced criticism over his negative interaction with fans. In March, TikTok user Laci Kole posted a video describing her awkward encounter with him at a gas station in New Orleans, Complex reports. https://twitter.com/i/status/1803130009600893274 Angela Stanton-King shared a photo on social media of herself with Tamar Braxton’s boyfriend JR Robinson, and she captioned it with a fiery message to the R&B songstress. “Hey @tamarbraxton remember when you told my child he didn’t need me?! Well last night I told your man that he didn’t need you,” King wrote. “Of course he agreed.” Robinson claims that’s not exactly how their encounter went down. As Ice Cream Convos reports, JR responded to Angela’s post in The Shade Room’s comment section, explaining that he sponsored an event with Yung Joc and took photos with everyone. Braxton’s boo-thang claims he did not speak to Angela during their encounter. Meanwhile, Tamar took to her Instagram Story and posted the following scripture: https://eurweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/braxton-scriptures.jpg It’s unclear what Tamar previously said about King’s child, but Angela famously appeared on Dr. Phil to denounce her transgender son. In you you missed that messy episode, watch the YouTube clip. https://youtu.be/ofkuM6XMi_E Angela previously made headlines for serving time in a federal prison for her involvement in a car theft ring. She wrote a memoir, “Lies of a Real Housewife,” accusing Phaedra Parks and her ex-husband Apollo Nida, of being her co-conspirators. Phaedra denied the accusations and filed a defamation lawsuit against her. In 2020, former President Donald Trump granted Angela a pardon. https://www.instagram.com/theangiestanton/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=3b5b6d5d-a896-4234-8bd3-bd31836efb40 Dallas Cowboys legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin has recently revealed a deeply personal struggle that has profoundly affected his family. Irvin, 58, disclosed that his wife of 34 years, Sandy, also 58, has been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, a condition they’ve been grappling with for the past five to six years. This disclosure came during what was supposed to be a celebratory occasion—the soft opening of his new sports bar, Playmakers88, during Game 5 of the NBA Finals. Irvin, who intended for the evening to be a dual celebration for both Father’s Day and a hopeful victory for the Dallas Mavericks against the Boston Celtics, ultimately used the event’s halftime to speak candidly to his patrons about Sandy’s health crisis. The Mavericks’ loss to the Celtics, who clinched their 18th world title with a 106-88 victory, was overshadowed by this deeply moving announcement. In his conversation with the Star-Telegram, Irvin shared the extent of Sandy’s condition. The disease has progressed to the point where she now requires round-the-clock care and a live-in caretaker. Despite these challenges, Irvin is determined to keep Sandy in the family home, emphasizing her right to remain in a place filled with cherished memories. “If anyone has earned the right to stay in her house, MY WIFE HAS!!!” he texted to the publication. “That I shall honor. No matter what it takes.” https://youtu.be/2CId3U1jByk Irvin’s spontaneous revelation was inspired by his connection to their new venture, Playmakers88, located at 5005 Texas 121 in The Colony. The restaurant’s chef had previously worked at another establishment where Sandy had developed a particular fondness for his chicken wings. Irvin fondly recalled the numerous times he would ensure Sandy received her favorite wings, even coordinating deliveries while on the road for his work with Fox Sports 1’s “Undisputed” and his previous role at the NFL Network. “When I’m working and she is a very finicky eater, and I’m on the road, she would always call me and say, ‘Baby, I’m hungry,’” Irvin recounted. “I’m literally on the show. In the breaks, I would call and say, ‘My wife just called, get her some chicken to the house.’ She would only eat the wings from here. No other wings.” This personal connection to the food led to the inception of Playmakers88 after the previous restaurant closed. For Irvin, the restaurant is more than just a business—it is a tribute to Sandy and their enduring bond. “The Bible says, if you suffer with me you shall reign with me,” Irvin noted. “Those guys were with me in the hard times. Let me step up and try to reciprocate that kind of relationship.” Early-onset Alzheimer’s, sometimes referred to as younger-onset Alzheimer’s, impacts individuals younger than 65 and can manifest as early as age 30, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. The Irvins have been together since Michael’s college football days at the University of Miami, and they will mark their 34th wedding anniversary later this month. https://twitter.com/_MLFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1803073169722384646%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fmichael-irvin-dallas-cowboys-great-reveals-wife-has-alzheimers%2F The 23-year-old son of Grammy-nominated rapper Remy Ma has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a man in Queens that dates back to 2021. The NYPD confirmed on Wednesday that Jayson Scott, alongside 22-year-old Richard Swygert, was taken into custody on Tuesday night and charged with first-degree murder. The victim, 43-year-old Darius Guillebeaux, was fatally shot on June 7, 2021, in a brazen broad daylight attack. The incident took place at the intersection of 148th Street and Rockaway Boulevard in Springfield Gardens, where Guillebeaux was struck with multiple gunshots to his head and chest, according to an NY Post report. Authorities are still investigating the motive behind the violent act. Initial police reports from the time of the shooting suggested that a dispute may have preceded the bloodshed, but further details remain unclear. Not long before his untimely death, Guillebeaux had been embroiled in legal issues of his own. He was one of dozens indicted by New York Attorney General Letitia James as part of “Operation Heat Wave,” a large-scale drug trafficking investigation. This probe led to indictments against 54 individuals alleged to have funneled heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine to Jefferson County in upstate New York. It remains uncertain whether Scott or Swygert had any prior connection to Guillebeaux leading up to the crime. https://youtu.be/lF7uRsB8e5k?list=RDNSlF7uRsB8e5k On this holiday you might see another red, white, and blue flag flying over state capitols and city buildings. That banner with a bursting star in the middle is the Juneteenth Flag, a symbolic representation of the end of slavery in the United States. The flag is the brainchild of activist Ben Haith, founder of the National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation (NJCF). Haith created the flag in 1997 with the help of collaborators, and Boston-based illustrator Lisa Jeanne Graf brought their vision to life. The flag was revised in 2000 into the version we know today, according to the National Juneteenth Observation Foundation. Seven years later, the date “June 19, 1865” was added, commemorating the day that Union Army Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas, and told enslaved African Americans of their emancipation. For more than two decades, communities around the country have held flag-raising ceremonies on Juneteenth in celebration of their freedom. “This country has so many aspects to it that are spiritual, and I believe this flag is of that nature,” Haith said. “It (the idea for the design) just came through me.” Designing the flag and its symbols was a deliberate process, Haith said. Here’s what each element of the flag represents. Ime Udoka, coach of the Houston Rockets, faced social media mockery on June 18 after his former team, the Boston Celtics, won their 18th NBA championship. Udoka was fired from the Celtics due to an affair with a female staffer. His relationship with actress Nia Long also ended because of his affair with Celtics employee Kathleen Nimmo Lynch. https://twitter.com/HamMuse/status/1802915860337598643/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1802915860337598643%7Ctwgr%5Ec0c0c824342e9b902fc9e94061abd2391cd2e4b6%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fime-udoka-mocked-after-celtics-championship-win%2F Following his suspension for the 2022-23 season over this inappropriate relationship with Lynch, Udoka was hired by the Rockets in April 2023. Joe Mazzulla took over as head coach for the Celtics and led the team to victory in the 2024 NBA Finals, per Hip Hop Wired. https://twitter.com/HamMuse/status/1802915860337598643/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1802915860337598643%7Ctwgr%5Ec0c0c824342e9b902fc9e94061abd2391cd2e4b6%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fime-udoka-mocked-after-celtics-championship-win%2F On X/Twitter, one per wrote, “Ime Udoka fumbled everything because he was horny.” https://twitter.com/Train_Freeman/status/1802896242885722548/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1802896242885722548%7Ctwgr%5Ec0c0c824342e9b902fc9e94061abd2391cd2e4b6%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fime-udoka-mocked-after-celtics-championship-win%2F Check out below some additional reactions from sports fans on X/Twitter about Udoka and the Celtics championship win: https://twitter.com/i/status/1802900175020773383 Fathers’ Day weekend 2024 marked another annual Hollywood Jazz Festival at the world-famous Hollywood Bowl. This year’s spotlight captured an array of seasoned artists and prime-time-ready new talent. Thousands of fans gathered for food, fun, festivities, and a continuous flow of music from mid-day to sunset into the glow of the moonlight. Arsenio Hall was the host of the 44th annual event. His predecessors are Bill Cosby and George Lopes. This year, the Sunday lineup included Hollywood Bowl debut artists such as Aneesa Strings, Baby Rose, and Yebba (who was featured by Robert Glasper). Aneesa Strings wowed the audience as a quadruple threat, encompassing equal strength as a bassist, composer, rapper, and singer. Baby. Rose also warmed up to the crowd with gritty and soulful renditions of her original material. Quavo doesn’t want his late nephew and fellow Migos member Takeoff’s gun-related death to have been in vain. On Tuesday, which would have been Takeoff’s 30th birthday, Quavo co-hosted the firstRocket Foundation Summit in collaboration with US Vice President Kamala Harris and the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention at The Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia. At the event, Quavo told reporters he’s been working to make sure he “turned tragedy into triumph.” Takeoff was shot and killed during a private party in Houston, Texas, in 2022. He was 28. “My nephew is a legend. He died for a cause and right now we gonna change the world for him,” Quavo said this week. Quavo and Takeoff were part of the rap trio Migos along with fellow rapper and relative Offset. Quavo said he felt “overwhelmed” on Tuesday, but is committed to helping to reduce gun violence. https://youtu.be/YN7QDab38gE Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs was arrested Sunday in Alabama after an alleged domestic violence incident involving the mother of his child. According to TMZ, Buggs allegedly broke into the woman’s home and dragged her down a flight of stairs. The outlet writes, “Tuscaloosa Police Dept. officers wrote in the docs the woman then claimed Buggs dragged her down the stairs … causing her to break off several “clip-on toenails.” They also state the woman had “scratch marks” on her wrist from the altercation.” After she told Buggs she was calling the police, he fled the scene in a white Cadillac. The former Detroit Lion was ultimately arrested in the parking lot of a local Little Caesars. Buggs is charged with domestic violence and burglary, in addition to two misdemeanor warrants for second-degree cruelty to dogs issued last month. Hear more about that particular case in the YouTube clip. https://youtu.be/_SjOoqD-7Qs John Legend posted a clip of his wife, Chrissy Teigen, taking a bath, and she explained in the video why her bathwater was brown. This, however, didn’t stop trolls from blasting her for appearing to bathe in dirty water. In the video, Chrissy reveals that she is using one of John’s skincare products to remove body makeup. But as TMZ reports, many social media users called the bathwater “dirty” and accused the former model of poor hygiene. Chrissy late clarified on X/Twitter, …. “the water is dirty because I’m getting my body makeup off, like I said in the video my sweet angels!” She also clapped back at an account that said the “tub is for soaking not bathing.” Chrissy responded, “TUBS ARE NOT FOR BATHING, the internet is unhinged.” https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-06-18-061824-chrissy-teigen-1847536-648/ Justin Timberlake was reportedly intoxicated before his DUI arrest in Sag Harbor, New York, on Monday night. According to the New York Post, a witness at the American Hotel saw Timberlake drinking from another patron’s cocktail when the individual went to the bathroom. “He was wasted,” the witness shared. “At one point, just before closing, somebody got up to go to the bathroom and left his drink on the table. When [the man] came back, [Timberlake] was drinking his drink. The guy goes, ‘Justin, that’s my drink!'” Timberlake had been drinking with friends in the Hamptons before driving while intoxicated. Police reported that he ran a stop sign and swerved in his lane. “I had one martini and I followed my friends home,” he told authorities, according to his arrest report, per Complex. https://twitter.com/CollinRugg?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1803172511083012123%7Ctwgr%5Edc2766ea6847cadc306c7aede7c1d265b2a75839%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fjustin-timberlake-drank-others-drinks-at-hotel-before-dui-arrest%2F Students in the nation’s second-largest school district will no longer be able to use cell phones during the school day after the Los Angeles Unified School District’s board voted 5-2 in favor of the ban Tuesday. The move highlights a frustration shared by educators across the country. In the United States, 72% of high school teachers said cell phone distraction “is a major problem in the classroom,” according to a report last week by the Pew Research Center. https://youtu.be/fFtpVxYYAZQ The Los Angeles ban, which will take effect by the spring 2025 semester, goes beyond the school district’s existing policy, which bans students from using cell phones during class instruction and limits social media use at school to “educational purposes.” That policy took effect in 2011. Since then, smartphone use has exploded – both inside and outside the classroom. And students’ addiction to their phones has hurt their socialization, their mental health and their academic success, board member Nick Melvoin said. https://youtu.be/ItnhWeP-om4 “Our students are glued to their cell phones – not unlike adults,” said Melvoin, a sponsor of the new ban. “They’re surreptitiously scrolling in school, in-class time. They have their head in their hands walking down the hallways. They’re not talking to each other or playing at lunch or recess because they have their AirPods in.” https://youtu.be/iODlcfe0OQ4 Maryland’s governor Wes Moore issued pardons for more than 175,000 marijuana convictions Monday – a significant act of mass clemency that reflects the rapidly changing attitudes toward a drug that an increasing number of Americans want to see legalized. The pardons by Gov. Wes Moore, a Democrat, will forgive low-level marijuana possession and certain paraphernalia charges for an estimated 100,000 people, the governor’s office said – noting a person could have more than one conviction pardoned. The Washington Post first reported the news. “This is about changing how both government and society view those who have been walled off from opportunity because of broken and uneven policies,” Moore said at a signing event Monday, almost two years after Maryland voters approved a constitutional amendment legalizing recreational marijuana for people 21 and older. https://youtu.be/nTcU_4u619s?list=RDNSnTcU_4u619s The governor described his executive order as “the most sweeping state-level pardon” in the country’s history. In an acknowledgment of the disproportionate impact the issue has on Black and brown people, the event coincided this week with Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the US, The Washington Post reported. Monday’s order will result in the pardons of more than 150,000 misdemeanor convictions for simple possession of cannabis and more than 18,000 misdemeanor convictions for use or possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia, the governor’s office said. About 25% of those convictions stem from the city of Baltimore. The pardons – which will also apply to people who have died, the Post reported – will not result in people being freed from incarceration, the governor’s office said, and it noted Monday’s action was not the same as expungement. The order signed Monday directs the state Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services to devise a way to indicate the pardon on an individual’s criminal record. But those seeking to have their conviction removed from the public record must still petition the courts. https://youtu.be/MR8fzaJa_Z0 Puerto Rican reggaeton star Don Omar has revealed that he is being treated for cancer. However, based on the video news report published earlier today, he says he’s cancer-free. The singer posted a photo of himself wearing a hospital bracelet on his wrist reading “Orlando Health” on Instagram on Monday. “Today I do, but tomorrow I won’t have cancer,” reads the caption. “See you soon.” The 46-year-old, whose real name is William Omar Landrón Rivera, did not reveal any further details about his diagnosis. https://youtu.be/LhfDaVhtThI Jennifer Hudson will be featured on the season one finale of Audible’s Original podcast series Your Mama’s Kitchen: Conversations from the Heart of the Home, which drops Wednesday, June 19 on Audible. We have an exclusive clip of the EGOT winner and daytime host sharing how she’s working to give her son the same beautiful memories she cherishes from her own childhood. Here’s the episode description: Dreamgirl, American Idol finalist and EGOT winner Jennifer Hudson joins us for the last episode of the season. She takes us back to her early years in the Southside of Chicago where she and her siblings grew up in a kitchen filled with song and where she spent precious late nights with her grandma in front of the TV. Plus, we hear about the poundcake recipe of her childhood. Launched in August 2023, Your Mama’s Kitchen: Conversations from the Heart of the Home is produced by Higher Ground, President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s media company. “Your Mama’s Kitchen brilliantly utilizes the childhood kitchen as a window into the hearts, minds, and souls of beloved celebrities and thought leaders. As both an acclaimed journalist and seasoned podcast host, Michele understands how to genuinely connect with her fascinating guests and unearth profound insights from their culinary memories,” said Dan Fierman, Head of Audio at Higher Ground. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with the incredible Audible team once again on another series that we believe will uplift, educate, and inspire.” https://soundcloud.com/audible/yourmamaskitchen?utm_source=clipboard&utm_campaign=wtshare&utm_medium=widget&utm_content=https%253A%252F%252Fsoundcloud.com%252Faudible%252Fyourmamaskitchen The Songwriters Hall of Fame’s 53rd Annual Induction and Awards Dinner illuminated New York City with a celebration that honored the extraordinary contributions of some of the most iconic songwriters in the music industry. This year’s event was particularly momentous with a lineup of presenters and performers that showcased Black excellence in music, including Timbaland, Missy Elliott, El Debarge, Nile Rodgers, El DeBarge and Deniece Williams. Radio/TV personality Jazmyn Summers was there for EURweb to bring you the tea. https://youtu.be/-UQT71XeRII This year’s celebration was a testament to the rich and diverse heritage of music, shining a strong spotlight on the remarkable achievements of Black artists and songwriters. You can catch some snippets of the Red Carpet from the Songwriters Awards and the Apollo Spring Gala in the video. https://youtu.be/-UQT71XeRII Kim Kardashian invited popular video game streamer and YouTuber Kai Cenat to her daughter North West’s 11th birthday party, sparking criticism on social media from users who labeled Kai as “creepy” after he posted a photo of himself with the child. Complex reports that Kai, 22, is North’s “favorite” streamer. A photo of him and the Northie went viral online, prompting criticism from people who said it was “weird” that a “grown ass man” was invited in the first place. “Idgaf who my daughter favorite streamer is. Aint no grown ass man coming to her birthday party,” one person tweeted. Complex reports that Kai, 22, is North’s “favorite” streamer. A photo of him and the Northie went viral online, prompting criticism from people who said it was “weird” that a “grown ass man” was invited in the first place. “Idgaf who my daughter favorite streamer is. Aint no grown ass man coming to her birthday party,” one person tweeted. Kai clapped back,”Everybody who literally made yesterday weird, you’re being so weird, bro,” he said. “Not gonna lie, everybody who made yesterday a weird thing… First thing’s first, bro, I’m North’s favorite streamer, bro. So yesterday, all she wanted to do was meet me. That was it, literally! So, anybody who’s making it weird like, that’s the weirdest thing ever.” Complex reports that Kai, 22, is North’s “favorite” streamer. A photo of him and the Northie went viral online, prompting criticism from people who said it was “weird” that a “grown ass man” was invited in the first place. “Idgaf who my daughter favorite streamer is. Aint no grown ass man coming to her birthday party,” one person. https://twitter.com/Dexerto/status/1802529197740495133?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1802529197740495133%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fkai-cenat-responds-to-criticism-over-north-wests-b-day-party%2F Kai was a special guest. Kai clapped back,”Everybody who literally made yesterday weird, you’re being so weird, bro,” he said. “Not gonna lie, everybody who made yesterday a weird thing… First thing’s first, bro, I’m North’s favorite streamer, bro. So yesterday, all she wanted to do was meet me. That was it, literally! So, anybody who’s making it weird like, that’s the weirdest thing ever.” North West celebrated her 11th birthday on June 15 and her mother hosted a party for her friends at the American Dream mall in New Jersey. Kai was a special guest. https://www.instagram.com/kimkardashian/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=a54eb1c0-695f-4d60-8a02-9f0e1d2b71a2 The heated rivalry between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark showed no signs of cooling down during the latest match between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky Sunday evening. The tension peaked in the third quarter when Reese committed a hard foul on Clark as she attempted a layup, hitting her squarely on the side of the head. At the time, the Fever were narrowly leading 63-62. Initially, the foul seemed like an aggressive but standard play until referees called for a review. Footage from an alternative angle revealed that Reese’s swipe at the ball missed its mark completely, instead striking Clark’s face. The officials deemed the contact excessive and assessed Reese a flagrant 1 foul. However, she was not ejected from the game. Moments later, Reese committed another foul against Clark, resulting in her fourth personal foul and a trip to the bench. In the post-game press conference, Angel Reese had strong words regarding the officiating: “I can’t control the refs and they affected the game, obviously, a lot tonight. Y’all are probably going to play that clip like 20 times before Monday.” Reese finished the game with 11 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, and five fouls, in a game that saw her Chicago Sky fall to the Indiana Fever, 91-83. https://youtu.be/pEzfJ1eEvC4 This clash is but another chapter in the escalating drama between the Fever and the Sky. The tension originally boiled over weeks ago when Reese’s teammate, Chennedy Carter, was involved in a similar incident with Clark, delivering what many considered a cheap shot. Reese had supported her teammate vocally, even stating she was ready to embrace the ‘villain’ role if necessary—a message she seemed to reiterate with her choice of Joker-themed sneakers for this game. The game also saw other instances of chippy behavior, with Clark’s teammates stepping in earlier to disengage a tussle between her and the Sky’s Dana Evans. https://twitter.com/i/status/1802396799673790900 According to Hip Hop DX, several Instagram users accused Combs of posting the tribute late at night a day after Father’s Day to minimize backlash. As we reported earlier, the Bad Boy Records founder has made a few rare public appearances since the release of a damning video showing him viciously assaulting his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. The scandal, uncovered by CNN last month, has prompted Diddy to maintain a low profile. “Bro had to sneak this shit in there a day later during grave shift,” one person wrote in the comments of Christian’s post. Another added: “You thought everybody was sleep.” https://www.instagram.com/kingcombs/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=dc14854a-6d4b-4e96-b17e-7b108b1a8e54 Willie Mays, the dynamic baseball Hall of Famer who shined in all facets of the game and made a dramatic catch in the 1954 World Series, has passed away at the age of 93, the San Francisco Giants announced on social media Tuesday. “It is with great sadness that we announce that San Francisco Giants Legend and Hall of Famer Willie Mays passed away peacefully this afternoon at the age of 93,” the team said. Known as “The Say Hey Kid” for the way he enthusiastically greeted others, Mays was a five-tool player with the rare ability to hit for power and for average while also excelling at running, throwing and fielding. In 23 major league seasons, mostly with the New York Giants and the San Francisco Giants, he finished with 660 career home runs – then the second most behind legend Babe Ruth. https://youtu.be/h4d0GN5jvgk Mays led the National League in home runs and steals in four seasons and in slugging five times. He hit over .300 ten times and had a career average of .301.The speedy center fielder also was as dominant in the field as he was at the plate, winning 12 Gold Gloves. https://youtu.be/Nmie25ivv6o “We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Hall of Famer Willie Mays, one of the most exciting all-around players in the history of our sport” Major League Baseball said in a statement on X. In early June, after Major League Baseball integrated Negro League statistics into its record books and Mays added 10 hits to his career totals, he told CNN in a statement that “it must be some kind of record for a 93-year-old.” https://youtu.be/5abB64ISJo8 The hits came in 1948, when he was teenager with the Negro American League’s Birmingham Black Barons. “I was still in high school,” Mays recalled. “Our school did not have a baseball team. I played football and basketball, but I loved baseball. “So my dad let me to play … but ONLY if I stayed in school. He wanted me to graduate. I played with the team on weekends until school was out for the summer.” “I thought that was IT; that was the top of the world. Man, I was so proud to play with those guys,” he said. Mays called his statistical accomplishment at age 93 “amazing.” https://youtu.be/7bLt2xKaNH0 In 2015, President Barack Obama bestowed Mays with the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. “We have never seen an all-around, five-tool player quite like Willie before,” Obama said. “Willie also served our country, and his quiet example while excelling on one of America’s biggest stages helped carry forward the banner of civil rights,” the statement continued. “It’s because of giants like Willie that someone like me could even think about running for President.” https://youtu.be/aI_ZXyhnwSE The former drug kingpin who is suing 50 Cent for $1 billion over the television series “Power” has threatened the rapper’s life. We reported earlier that Cory “Ghost” Holland Sr. claims Fiddy stole his life story and turned it into the hit “Power” series on Starz. He filed a ten-figure lawsuit against the network, 50 Cent and showrunner Courtney Kemp, claiming the show is based on his life as a New York drug kingpin. According to FanSided, Holland is seeking a motion for a preliminary injunction that could halt the promotion of the forthcoming spinoff, “Power: Origins.” All Hip Hop reports that Holland claims 50 Cent tried to intimidate him into dropping the lawsuit. He told the court that the rapper’s henchman threatened him at a gas station. “If a motherf**ker gets killed because your motherf**king client threaten me and my family, file a motherf**king motion for that. I ain’t playing with your motherf**king client no more, next time he or anyone he sends pull up, f**k the litigation,” reads a statement from Holland to Jackson’s reps, Vibe reports. Justin Timberlake was arraigned on one count of driving while intoxicated and released from police custody in New York, according to his attorney. According to police, the singer was observed around 12:37 a.m. Tuesday morning “operating his vehicle in an intoxicated condition,” in Sag Harbor, New York. Timberlake was driving a 2025 BMW when he allegedly failed to stop at a stop sign and failed to maintain in his lane of travel, a statement from Sag Harbor Police reads. An officer initiated a traffic stop, and Timberlake was placed under arrest and held overnight for arraignment, according to police. He was also cited for running the stop sign and failure to keep in his lane, his attorney Ed Burke told CNN. Timberlake was released without bail and has a court date scheduled for July 26. https://youtu.be/IuRkDKnrivM Sag Harbor is a village located in the Hamptons on eastern Long Island. Timberlake left the American Hotel in the area shortly before he was arrested, according to a source with knowledge of the matter. Timberlake is currently on tour with his most recent album, “Everything I Thought It Was.” He is next scheduled to perform in Chicago at the United Center on Friday. Over the weekend, Timberlake wrote a tribute to his two sons and shared his plans for Father’s Day in a post Instagram. “My 2 greatest gifts. I learn more about myself everyday just because you both chose me to be your Daddy. I will always be there for you through your peaks and valleys… to lift you up and show you how high you can take this life and to pick you up when you fall. And, of course, to flood you with insufferable Dad-jokes all along the way. I love you both so much. Thank you for giving me my biggest purpose,” Timberlake wrote. “Now… for today: let’s play a game where we all just chill and let Dad watch the final round of The US Open.” Timberlake, 43, is married to producer and actor Jessica Biel. The couple married in 2012 and are parents to Silas, 9, and Phineas, 3. https://youtu.be/PCD8xFPGUwE Researchers at the Cleveland Clinic have discovered a link between higher levels of the sugar alcohol xylitol and an increased risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. Led by Stanley Hazen, M.D., Ph.D., the team “confirmed this association through extensive patient analysis, preclinical research models, and a clinical intervention study,” the Cleveland Clinic writes. Their findings were published in the European Heart Journal. Last year, Hazen’s research team discovered a comparable association between sugar alcohol erythritol and cardiovascular risk. Xylitol is commonly used as a sugar substitute in sugar-free candy, gums and oral hygiene products like mouthwash and toothpaste. “This study again shows the immediate need for investigating sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners, especially as they continue to be recommended in combatting conditions like obesity or diabetes,” said Dr. Hazen, Chair of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences at Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner Research Institute and Co-Section Head of Preventive Cardiology in the Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute. https://youtu.be/mGeTmH4v6Wk Subway’s footlong cookies were so popular they had a shortage. Now, the chain is hoping to replicate that success with savory new companions. Beginning this week, three new 12-inch long additions are arriving, called Dippers. https://youtu.be/M3r1m8WVoDo Dippers use Subway’s flatbread, rolled up with pepperoni and cheese, chicken and cheese or double cheese, and served hot. The $3 rollups are part of its Sidekicks menu, adding to its successful lineup of giant cookies, churros and soft pretzels. Value is a major factor in the expansion of Sidekicks. Many fast food chains are releasing new menu items and discounts to lure back cash-strapped consumers, especially low-income consumers who are dining out less often and spending less when they do. Sidekicks and Dippers were born out of the chain seeing younger customers’ preference for snacking, according to Douglas Fry, Subway’s North America president, who said they want “convenient, hand-held, grab-and-go” food at an affordable price. “We know that the economic climate has started to shift,” Fry told CNN. He observed that customers have “been sacrificing quantity and quality,” and that Subway offers a “great value proposition of great-tasting food that’s made fresh and is available for a variety of budgets.” https://youtu.be/CbGi8XA6PBw The newest Bounce TV original series, “Mind Your Business, handled its business beautifully in its debut as its first two episodes reached more than 2 million households over the course of premiere weekend telecasts – an all-time high for a Bounce original series. The first two episodes of “Mind Your Business” premiered back-to-back on Bounce on Saturday, June 1, from 8-9 p.m. ET, and its initial airing burst included special presentations on Bounce’s sister network ION and locally owned & operated Scripps networks. The 10-episode first season is running Saturday nights throughout the summer, leading into the return of the hit Bounce series “Johnson,” which will start airing new episodes Saturday, Aug. 3. “Mind Your Business” is a half-hour situation comedy featuring an ensemble led by Columbus Short (“Scandal,” “Stomp the Yard”), Drew Sidora (“The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” “That’s So Raven”), Rolonda Watts (“Rolonda”), and singer/radio host Bebe Winans. It centers on the Williams family, which is in the business of celebrating some of life's most significant occasions with its event and party space in Chicago. However, when it comes to their own family affairs, there seems to be a bigger need for referees than DJs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfyxhilqjWU Bishop Oliver Clyde Allen, III, trailblazing thought-leader, Senior Pastor of The Vision Cathedral of Atlanta, and best-selling author, is assembling Award-Winning entertainers, global leaders, and entrepreneurs for the 2024 iElevate National Conference held June 26th - June 30th in Atlanta, GA at the Marriott Buckhead Hotel & Conference Center. Under the conference theme, “Evolve,” hundreds are expected to descend into Atlanta to be enlightened, empowered, and educated by progressive leaders and cultural innovators on various topics of social relevance and spiritual elevation. Conference registration starts at $129; for more information, visit iElevate.org. Plus, Youth ages 6-17 can register for CODE RED, the Youth division of the iElevate Conference by visiting iElevate.org. Originating in 2017, the iElevate National Conference was designed to be a collection for ALL people to connect in a bold space to experience some of the country’s top thought-provoking thinkers, leaders, and voices of our time to participate and address some of the most sensitive and salient subjects from a faith point of view. The conference is the first and only inclusive conference with a mission to transform, empower, and equip people of faith with the resources and tools necessary to impact their immediate community, region, and nation. Jodie Turner-Smith expressed her support for her ex-husband Joshua Jackson dating Lupita Nyong’o. In an interview with The Cut, the actress said she is happy for Jackson and Nyong’o’s new relationship, noting that she and the “Dawson’s Creek” star need to be happy to effectively co-parent their minor daughter Juno. “We need happiness in order to peacefully co-parent,” she said. “I truly hope they’re happy and that it benefits us as a family,” Turner-Smith said about Jackson and Nyong’o. “I just have to do everything that I can to set Juno up to win and to peacefully co-parent with someone whom I once loved very, very much,” she added. NPR got a dose of R&B and Funk royalty, courtesy of Chaka Khan. The still youthful-looking and iconic 71-year-old singer performed an intimate concert that’s part of the NPR Tiny Desk Series. Classic material unleashed by Khan included hits such as Tell Me Something Good,” “What Cha’ Gonna Do for Me,” “Stay,” “Sweet Thing,” “Through the Fire,” “Ain’t Nobody” and “I’m Every Woman.” Joining the “Queen of Funk” for the occasion were musicians Melvin Davis, Jesse Milliner, Rob Bacon, Euro Zambrano, and Jay Williams, along with vocalists Audrey Wheeler-Downing, Tiffany Smith, and Trina Broussard. Khan’s Tiny Desk series performance, which premiered June 11 on the NPR Music YouTube Channel, follows Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems, who kicked off the series. To mark Black Music Month, NPR will release a series of Tiny Desk concerts from Black women artists in June, UPI reports. https://youtu.be/Gse1LKXuV2M In a high-profile case that has captivated the city, Lamor Whitehead, the flamboyant Brooklyn pastor known for his opulent lifestyle and close political connections, was sentenced to nine years in prison on Monday. Whitehead, who is often seen flaunting luxurious clothing and accessories, was convicted of swindling a parishioner’s mother out of her life savings among other cons. Judge Lorna Schofield of the Manhattan federal court handed down the sentence after listening to Whitehead’s financially ruined victims and Whitehead himself, who mentioned various city and state officials he was connected with, including NYC mayor Eric Adams, state Attorney General Letitia James, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, and NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey. None of these officials were present at the sentencing. “I don’t see any remorse for your conduct,” Judge Schofield said, highlighting the overwhelming evidence against the pastor, reports the NY Daily News. In March, a jury found Whitehead a/k/a the “Bling Bishop” guilty on five counts, including wire fraud, attempted extortion, lying to the FBI, and related charges stemming from three separate fraudulent schemes that bilked unsuspecting victims out of tens of thousands of dollars. Whitehead, who led the Leaders of Tomorrow International Ministries in Canarsie (NYC), abused the trust placed in him by his church members to gain financially and bolster his extravagant lifestyle. https://youtu.be/RPZzackrkmY Morgan Freeman is criticizing Black History and Black History Month … again, telling Variety, “I detest it. The mere idea of it.” “You are going to give me the shortest month in a year? And you are going to celebrate ‘my’ history?! This whole idea makes my teeth itch. It’s not right,” he explained to the outlet. “My history is American history. It’s the one thing in this world I am interested in, beyond making money, having a good time and getting enough sleep,” the veteran actor added. “If you don’t know your past, if you don’t remember it, you are bound to repeat it,” he said wile promoting his latest project, the Civil War series “The Gray House,” which he executive produced. “Do you know this song? ‘To everything, there is a season.’ It really, really works in showbusiness. You are trying to sell something 15 years ago and nobody even looks at you. Then they go: ‘Didn’t you have a project, some time ago? Do you still have it?’ Life is like that, in this industry,” Morgan said. “You have got something you think is important, but trying to convince others is the difficult part.” MGM+’s latest offering, “Hotel Cocaine,” whisks viewers back to 1978 Miami, a city pulsating with glitz, crime, and the high stakes of the cocaine trade. At its heart is Roman Compte, portrayed by Danny Pino, a Cuban exile running the luxurious yet perilous Mutiny Hotel – the club is a real place and was featured in the classic film, “Scarface.” This isn’t just a tale of excess and opulence; it explores the American Dream and Cuban immigrants’ profound complexities and struggles. The series was created by “Godfather of Harlem” and “Narcos” creator Chris Brancato. In an interview with EUR, Pino and his co-star Yul Vazquez, who portrays Nestor, Roman’s brother, delve into their characters’ essence and the narrative’s broader context. Pino and Vazquez showcase the dichotomy of their characters’ ambitions and moral dilemmas. “The backdrop of our show influences both of our characters,” Pino stated, highlighting the political and social tensions that define their journeys. https://youtu.be/hI7mjn7NjJ0 Nia Long said she was “scared to death” to portray Katherine Jackson in the forthcoming Michael Jackson biopic titled “Michael.” Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International have slated the worldwide release on April 18th, 2025. We reported earlier that Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson is set to star as the late King of Pop. Jaafar, the son of Jermaine Jackson and Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza, will make his acting debut in the film. “I’m playing Katherine Jackson. I was scared to death, Long said durin Ally’s Money and Mindfulness panel on June 13 in Miami at the 2024 American Black Film Festival,Vibe reports. She added, “I was so scared. But, I knew that God put me in that …gave me that opportunity because he thought I was ready, right? Because think about her journey and what she’s been through being Michael Jackson‘s mother. And I started to think about it and I was like ‘Wow, we do have things in common.’” Long said previously in a statement, “Katherine Jackson is an incredible pillar of strength and grace for the entire Jackson family. As a mother, she was selfless and endured forces beyond her control yet still managed to help build a legacy beyond measure. I am honored to bring her voice to the screen and share Michael Jackson’s story with audiences everywhere.” A$AP Rocky and the two sons he shares with Rihanna, 2-year-old RZA and 10-month-old Riot Rose, appear in Bottega Veneta’s latest campaign, “Portraits of Fatherhood.” The black-and-white campaign, photographed by Carrie Mae Weems, was commissioned by the brand’s creative director, Matthieu Blazy. PEOPLE reports that it marks Bottega Veneta’s announcement that the rapper (born Rakim Mayers) is its latest brand ambassador. https://www.instagram.com/p/C8RzOz9uUu9/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again “IT WAS A PLEASURE TO WORK ALONGSIDE MY CHILDREN & FAMILY X MATTHIEU BLAZY X BOTTEGA VENETA X CARRIE MAE WEEMS TO BRING U THIS HEARTFELT FATHERS DAY PIECE,” Rocky wrote in an Instagram post about the campaign. “THIS SPECIAL MOMENT CAPTURES THE VULNERABILITY ,LOVE AND INTERACTION BETWEEN MY SONS AND I , IM PROUD 2 BE THE MAN THEY CALL DADDA ❤️ HAPPY FATHERS DAY TO ALL PROUD DADS OUT THERE A$AP,” he added. The rapper said in a separate statement that the new campaign “is the evolution of Mr. Mayers.” https://youtu.be/zoeNdCLLOzc Mike Tyson has likened the legal system’s treatment of former President Donald Trump to its treatment of Black people. As Raw Story reports, the former world heavyweight boxing champion, who has a conviction for rape, reportedly said, “The way they treat him in court? “That’s the way they did Black people.” As we reported earlier via CNN, a Manhattan jury found Donald Trump guilty of 34 charges of falsifying business records. Not only is Trump the first former president to be found guilty of a felony, he’s also the first major-party presidential nominee to be convicted of a crime in the midst of a campaign for the White House. And if he defeats President Joe Biden in November, he will be the first sitting president in history to be a convicted felon. Tyson told Semafor, “If I never saw Donald Trump and didn’t know he was white, I would think that he was Black.” Meanwhile, Michaelah Montgomery, a conservative activist, told Semafor that Black people don’t like Trump because he’s a felon, they have a newfound appreciation for him “because they feel like you’re experiencing the things that they have been complaining about for years,” she said, adding, “and now maybe you can shine a light on the cries that have been falling on deaf ears for all of this time.” A 14-year-old girl (D’Mariya Coleman) injured in a partial house collapse is speaking out after she and her friend were walking to a bus stop after school last Thursday when she said she was pummeled by bricks. D’Mariya Coleman describes the head injury she endured after this house on the 5300 block of W. Grand Avenue partially collapsed on her and a friend last Thursday. Bricks from the upper level of a home came crashing down on the teens. “That’s when I, like, I guess, the brick hit me in my head because my vision got all blurry. I didn’t see the bricks at first until, like, my vision came back, and I sat down, and like blood was coming all down from my head and my side,” she said. https://youtu.be/ZpPdRvKi6Lo She and her father, Dajuan Coleman, shared a video of Coleman being treated for two head wounds in the emergency room at Stroger Hospital. “My daughter was, like, paranoid, asking me questions like is she gonna make it,” Coleman said, adding that the bricks raining down on her not only left her with scrapes on her arm and leg but constant back pain. A nurse arrived at the scene and stayed with D’mariya until an ambulance arrived. Her father said he owed that Good Samaritan a debt of gratitude for keeping his daughter calm until help arrived. “They had CAT scan, and they realized she had a hairline fracture in the back,” he said. https://youtu.be/EO-WN5hjb40 In our exclusive interview with playwright Jeremy O. Harris, he takes us inside his new HBO Original Documentary, “Slave Play. Not A Movie. A Play.” The project unpacks Harris’s creative journey for his Broadway hit, “Slave Play,” which is known for its bold exploration of race, sex, and interracial relationships. “Slave Play” made waves on Broadway with its provocative themes and critical acclaim, earning 12 Tony Award nominations. In “Slave Play. Not A Movie. A Play,” Harris takes viewers behind the scenes, from intimate workshop rehearsals to live performances, offering a candid look at his creative process and the profound impact of his work. Through insightful reflections and candid discussions with his cast, Harris confronts both the accolades and controversies surrounding the play, challenging audiences to reexamine societal norms and the boundaries of contemporary theater. Per the press release: Hailed as “the single most daring thing I’ve seen in a theater in a long time” by Wesley Morris of The New York Times and “a fascinating explosive-device of a play” by Peter Marks of The Washington Post, “Slave Play” takes place at the MacGregor Plantation, where nothing is as it seems, and yet everything is as it seems. It’s an antebellum fever-dream as three interracial couples converge to rip open history at the intersection of race, love, sex and sexuality in 21st century America.” https://youtu.be/wic7CFdmRbo The Boston Celtics remain one game away from a record 18th NBA championship, though the Dallas Mavericks will do everything to stop them from getting there. After leaping to a controlling 3-0 series lead in the NBA Finals, the Celtics missed the chance to complete the sweep in Game 4 as the Mavericks finally got on the board in the best-of-seven series with a 122-84 victory to force a Game 5. https://youtu.be/_6uSvrGp7mo With the Finals now heading back to Boston, the Celtics will be looking to close things out in front of their home fans. Dallas, meanwhile, face a seemingly impossible task – no team in NBA history has ever recovered from a 0-3 deficit to win a playoff series. A total of 156 teams have taken a 3-0 lead in the postseason, and those teams have gone on to win the series every time. History is clearly not on the Mavericks’ side, but they are not losing hope just yet. https://youtu.be/_1pNci-xSwE “The most important thing is to show that we believe,” said superstar guard Luka Dončić, per the Mavericks. “I think we showed it in Game 4. If not, if we wouldn’t believe, we probably wouldn’t have won that game.” https://youtu.be/OERH5JmXLdc A long-lasting and expansive heat wave fueled by an intense heat dome will grip the Midwest and Northeast with record-breaking high temperatures into this week, ushering in the start of summer with this year’s most significant heat event yet. Hundreds of records could be tied or broken this week as a massive heat dome parks over part of the East. Multiple all-time June high-temperature records could fall as the heat rises to levels normally seen only on the hottest July days. Parts of the Midwest to the Northeast could endure the longest heat wave they’ve seen in decades, the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center said. Tens of millions of people who live as far north as Maine and aren’t used to heat this intense will be sweating in temperatures well into the 90s this week. It will feel even hotter than that as humidity helps drive heat index values – how temperatures feel to the body – into the low 100s. The heat arrived in the South and Midwest as many families celebrated Father’s Day outdoors on Sunday, prompting caution from the weather service to stay cool amid highs in the 90s in some areas. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ZODBIdqITrY?feature=share Charlamagne Tha God criticized Democratic politicians for their failure to connect with voters, describing them as “goofy” and “corny.” “Get off the hill and get to the hood,” Charlamagne Democratic lawmakers, while speaking on his “Brilliant Idiots” podcast with comedian and co-host Andrew Schulz on Friday.The radio personality argues that liberals/progressives fail to sufficiently engage with their base, hindering authentic connection. During the podcast discussion, Charlamagne pointed to a recent viral video of President Biden Awkwardly standing still during a concert on the White House lawn featuring gospel singer Kirk Franklin. “President Biden don’t know what’s going on. Kirk Franklin is onstage performing… I just wanna know why Joe Biden is just sitting like he’s f—ing buffering,” Charlamagne stated. https://youtu.be/2O4W31suQDg “And they claim to talk for the people they don’t even talk to,” he continued. “Go down to one of the HBCUs [Historically Black Colleges and Universities] in Jacksonville. Go down to one of the HBCUs in Atlanta. Have town halls,” Charlamagne said. https://twitter.com/i/status/1800370723254657472 Last month, Charlamagne tha God appeared on ABC’s “The View” and called former president Donald Trump and Biden “trash.” “I think both candidates are trash, he said. “I am going to vote in November and going to vote my best interest and I’m going to vote for who I think can preserve democracy, so if I think both candidates are trash and I don’t feel like endorsing one, would you rather me endorse an individual or endorse the fact that, hey, we need to go out and defend democracy,” Charlamagne continued. https://twitter.com/i/status/1800318458812371061 Deon and Karen Derrico, stars of the TLC series “Doubling Down with the Derricos,” have pulled the plug on their marriage. The series follows the couple and their 14 children, comprised of quintuplets, triplets, and two sets of twins — all of whom were conceived naturally. “Having four sets of multiples back to back? It’s like getting struck by lightning while getting struck by lightning,” Deon said during the show’s first season back in 2020, PEOPLE reported. “Many parents know with just one child, two children, it’s a job. But when you have soon-to-be 14, it’s a job.” “We have our good days and our bad days,” Karen added. “But there’s always enough love.” https://youtu.be/DXNQKxmsafg Elon Musk said he would ban Apple devices at his companies if Apple integrated ChatGPT at the operating system level. “If Apple integrates OpenAI at the OS level, then Apple devices will be banned at my companies,” said Musk in a tweet. “And visitors will have to check their Apple devices at the door, where they will be stored in a Faraday cage,” said the tech billionaire in a follow-up tweet. Apple recently announced plans to roll out its “Apple Intelligence” — described as a “personal intelligence system” for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac.During his keynote speech at WWDC, Apple CEO Tim Cook reportedly showcased the new capabilities of the technology and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to its deal with OpenAI. Apple plans to overhaul its pre-existing Siri with the integration of ChatGPT. Musk, the owner of Tesla, X (formally Twitter), SpaceX, and xAI, responded to the announcement, calling it “creepy spyware.” https://twitter.com/elonmusk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1800265431078551973%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Felon-musk-to-ban-iphone-over-apples-creepy-spyware%2F The NFL will enhance its initiatives in Africa by holding a talent identification camp in Nigeria. According to the NFL, over 135 players of African descent are currently playing in the league. Andscape reports that this month, a three-day camp will be held in Lagos, featuring 21 prospects from 10 African countries. The camp aims to identify future participants for the NFL’s two international training programs: the NFL Academy in England and the International Player Pathway (IPP) program. This camp builds on initiatives held in Ghana and Kenya in 2022 and Cape Town, South Africa, in 2023, as the NFL aims to establish a fan base on the continent. “Nigeria, for the most part, is going to be a big focal part of what the NFL is doing,” said Osi Umenyiora, a two-time Super Bowl champion and the NFL’s lead ambassador, per Andscape. “So we wanted to make sure that when we got there that we had everything right and we were doing things the right way.” If you or anybody you love depends on the use of contraceptives to prevent unwanted pregnancies, you should know the U.S. Supreme Court wants to get rid of your right to birth control. And the court likely will have the support of U.S. Republican senators who recently voted against protecting the use of birth control and other contraceptives. First, the Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade and took away a woman’s right to end an unwanted pregnancy. Now they could be on the verge of striking down the landmark decision that gives people the right to use contraceptives. As people are prone to do, some took for granted a woman’s right to end an unwanted pregnancy. Then that right was taken away. Now the protection and availability of birth control could be next on the list for attack. Click the video above for more details. https://youtu.be/p1XIUaTKPZY Tonight, Chaz Ebert moderated the American Black Film Festival Retrospective: Denzel Washington at the New World Center in Miami, FL. The retrospective was described as a journey through Washington’s illustrious career, his evolution as an actor, director, producer and his love for the work of August Wilson. The conversation started with the icon reading the word of the day. “Inner peace. Let the small things go. Should I stop right there?” He asked the audience. “I let the small things go and find peace. On those days, I feel quick to irritation and anger. I may mistakenly blame other people in circumstances for the lack of peace in my mind. Amen! Ebert read a few questions from her cue cards. “How was it working with Whitney Houston?” Yesterday, the American Black Film Festival announced the winners of the 2024 festival at the “Best of ABFF Awards”. Winners included Peripheral, Vince Washington, Coke Daniels, Train: The Dick Night Tran Lane Story, Unsolicited, and Chocolate With Sprinkles. The cast and showrunner of NBC’s Found, including Gabrielle Walsh, Arlen Escarpeta, and Sonay Hoffman, presented a sneak peek of the show’s second season to a packed room and received a rapturous round of applause. The festival also included a panel on Black Fatherhood presented by Walmart entitled, Beyond the Screen: Black Dads Off Set which featured a conversation between Carl Jones, Devale Ellis, Lance Gross moderated by DJ Vaughn. The evening was closed out by a Denzel Washington career retrospective, ABFF’s first of its kind celebrating the careers of extraordinary Black artists. The multi-hyphenate star was greeted with a standing ovation from the crowd, excited to celebrate the career of one of the most prolific Black actors of our time. Washington shared an exclusive first look at his upcoming Netflix film, The Piano Lesson with the audience. Following the clip, Washington joined Chaz Ebert on stage and the conversation celebrated his achievements on screen as well as his significant cultural impact off-screen as a director, producer, humanitarian, husband, and father. In light of today being Father’s Day, comedian Bill Maher took the opportunity to highlight what he believes would be a valuable yet somewhat outdated gift for fathers: the revival of “traditional dads,” or “trad-dads” as he affectionately labeled them. On his “Real Time” show aired Friday night on HBO/Max, Maher delivered a monologue that was both humorous and thought-provoking, emphasizing the importance of fathers who understand their primary role as parents rather than friends to their children. Maher began with a critical reflection on the current state of parenting, discussing how modern children seem increasingly spoiled. This led him to a critique of “gentle parenting”—a style he derided as equivalent to “negotiating with terrorists.” https://youtu.be/yDZ0hY_A0Ls It’s been a very long time coming, but servers at Waffle House will start to see an increase in pay in the not-too-distant future. HuffPost reports cites a video from the privately-owned, Norcross, GA-based company’s CEO Joe Rogers III that explains plans to increase pay for servers over the next three years. As a result, some workers will likely see raises in the form of a few dollars an hour more in what they take home. In the clip (watch below), Rogers noted the impact of the pay increases, saying it would “affect every single salesperson at Waffle House,” in addition to it being funded by menu price increases targeted at stores in areas with high costs of living. The raises apply only to servers and are set to go in to effect this month. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/qT6WqlhpGzU?feature=share Sean “Diddy” Combs has returned his symbolic key to New York City after Mayor Eric Adams said a committee recommended “nullifying and rescinding” it. Combs was asked to return the key after video footage obtained by CNN showed him physically assaulting his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in 2016, according to a June 4 letter Adams sent to Combs. In the letter, viewed by CNN, Adams wrote that he was “deeply disturbed” by the video. “I strongly condemn these actions and stand in solidarity with all survivors of domestic and gender-based violence,” the letter reads. https://youtu.be/VBR8qMS1oEw CNN has reached out to representatives for Combs for comment. Combs has been named in eight civil lawsuits since November – seven directly accusing him of sexual assault. One of the eight lawsuits, filed by former girlfriend Ventura, has been settled. Another lawsuit accused his son Christian Combs of sexual assault, and Sean Combs is accused of aiding and abetting. Combs has vehemently denied claims from many of the civil suits but has not responded to all of the allegations. In December 2023, after four lawsuits had been filed against him, Combs posted a fierce denial on his social media, writing that “sickening allegations” had been made by accusers “looking for a quick payday.” He added, “Let me be absolutely clear: I did not do any of the awful things being alleged.” https://youtu.be/Yy_MYFprFTU On Saturday (06-15-24), Donald Trump hosted a roundtable discussion at the 180 Church, a historically Black church near downtown Detroit. With “Black Americans for Trump” signs prominently displayed, the former president vowed to return “some Sunday” to attend a sermon, boasting, “We have done more for the Black population than any president since Abraham Lincoln.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1802119746013344199 The event, which featured both a roundtable discussion and a speech, has drawn significant criticism and skepticism. Observers noted that the audience seemed predominantly white, despite the church’s location in a city known for its high Black population. This disparity led critics to accuse Trump of filling the church with white supporters to create the illusion of a robust and diverse crowd. Christopher Webb (@cwebbonline), a lifelong Democrat, reacted to Trump’s Detroit appearance on X, sarcastically remarking, “Trump is definitely going to win the Black vote…by filling a Black church with white folks for his rally.” During the event, Trump focused his remarks on immigration and its impact on Black communities, a strategy that has garnered both praise and criticism. While some applaud his attention to issues affecting Black Americans, others see it as a divisive tactic. https://youtu.be/BeP6Hbd74nI Adding to the controversy, Trump individually mentioned several prominent supporters in the audience, including Ben Carson, Byron Donalds, Tulsi Gabbard, and Roger Stone. However, it was the mention of Steve Bannon, soon to be imprisoned, that elicited the loudest reaction from the crowd. https://youtu.be/devk8ZC0y5U The deafening applause for Bannon highlighted the peculiar composition of the audience. As one observer noted, “We’d bet a thousand dollars if you asked 10 Black people who Steve Bannon is, 9 out of 10 wouldn’t have a clue. That should tell you all you need to know about the crowd.” The event has sparked a flurry of reactions online, with many questioning the authenticity of Trump’s outreach to the Black community. https://twitter.com/i/status/1802092518667845682 As Trump continues his efforts to court the Black vote, events like this one in Detroit are likely to remain contentious. The former president’s promise to return to the church “some Sunday” is seen by some as an empty gesture, while others view it as a potential opportunity for genuine engagement. Regardless, the controversy surrounding his latest visit underscores the complexities and challenges of racial politics in America today. https://twitter.com/patriottakes/status/1802078254909575301/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1802083619051381131%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Ftrumps-detroit-rally-faces-backlash-for-white-audience%2F Camille Winbush has moved beyond child stardom playing Vanessa Thomkins on “The Bernie Mac Show,” but folk are not making it easy for her, with putting a microscope on her actions as a grown up. Hence all the pushback received got when she joined OnlyFans and the not safe for family vibe she put out as part of the subscription platform. On the flip side, the move, though eyebrow-raising, has benefited Winbush, who reportedly made millions less than two years after joining OnlyFans. And while she’s received her share of critics for having a new source of income online, Winbush continues do her. Talking to Comedy Hype on YouTube, she had some “food for thought” for those caught up in her business. “The trolls are hungry again so here’s some food for thought- I’ve never been arrested, never been on drugs, don’t have any baby daddies, I pay all my taxes, I drink water, and mind the business that pays me…,” Winbush posted. “If the most scandalous thing strangers can say about me is that I took some sexy pics as an adult and made a couple mil in less than 2yrs, I think I’m doing alright as a human in todays society.” https://youtu.be/VjHq38OWuEU “I love Hip-Hop,” said Pop singer/songwriter Maria Raquel when talking about her latest singles release, “Bull’s Eye” and “I’m Better.” “Music was always there. In my senior year I made an effort to release music.” Maria is a multi-talent young lady she sings, write songs, produces songs, dances, models, dances and plays the guitar. She also owns cosmetic line. Both the “Bull’s Eye” and “I’m Better” singles are accompanied by music videos. “My music is actually Pop / Electronic,” Raquel pointed out to me. Her previous single “Plot Twist” has garnered over 40,000 views in the first hour of its release. The Atlanta native has achieved a world record with the most magazine covers by a 17-year-old – 19 total. https://youtu.be/OaAi9Z2xJpo The new single “I’m Better” is an empowering song of self-assurance and both are on her upcoming EP. “I like both,” Maria said when I ask which is her favorite – singing or dancing. “I want to leave a legacy behind. My music is timeless. Something people can listen to that’s timeless.” “I’m working on a new album,” Maria added. https://youtu.be/-cdILxBh29s Maria just graduated high school and has been accepted into Arizona State University for aerospace. She said she wants to design and engineer airplanes in an industry where there are few blacks. The talented Pop star has collected over 6,000 followers on TikTok and over 19,000 followers on Instagram. https://youtu.be/0rYshuYZlSI Surgestreams Limited, an information technology company headquartered in Brooklyn, NY with offices in India (headed by Rahul Mahta), is making its rounds at IT and business conferences across the country in honor of its many milestones since its launch in 2018 by IT veteran Asim Robinson. The company’s milestones include working for a list of Fortune 500 companies. On July 30 – August 1, 2024 Surgestreams will be at the ASCEND 2024 Conference held at Caesar’s Forum in Las Vegas, NV (Expo Hall/Exhibitor 87). Companies Surgestreams boast working with (past and present) include Fidelity Investment, StateFarm, Cigna, General Motors, Citizens Bank, Boeing, UBS, and the federal government – to name a few. The ASCEND 2024 Conference will showcase the latest in technology, products, and services, with access to leading industry executives, government officials, and academic leaders. In the post-game press conference, Angel Reese had strong words regarding the officiating: “I can’t control the refs and they affected the game, obviously, a lot tonight. Y’all are probably going to play that clip like 20 times before Monday.” Reese finished the game with 11 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, and five fouls, in a game that saw her Chicago Sky fall to the Indiana Fever, 91-83. Caitlin Clark about to be fouled (flagrant) by Angel Reese - via Twitter/X Caitlin Clark about to be fouled (ruled a flagrant) by Angel Reese – via Twitter/X This clash is but another chapter in the escalating drama between the Fever and the Sky. The tension originally boiled over weeks ago when Reese’s teammate, Chennedy Carter, was involved in a similar incident with Clark, delivering what many considered a cheap shot. https://twitter.com/i/status/1802396799673790900 For even the most talented golfers, it’s a long road to the US Open. Willie Mack III knows that better than anyone – he’s slept on several of them. The Michigan-born 35-year-old made an impressive start on his major debut at the 124th edition of his national open on Thursday, outperforming some of the game’s biggest names amid supremely challenging conditions at Pinehurst’s No.2 course in North Carolina. A one-over-par 71 matched the best efforts of world No.1 and overwhelming tournament favorite Scottie Scheffler, while trumping the opening scores carded by an array of other stars, from defending winner Wyndham Clark to multiple major champion Jordan Spieth and Mack’s very own idol, Tiger Woods. Yet just over a decade ago, as Woods eased ever closer to the all-time PGA Tour win record, Mack was easing himself into his Ford Mustang to settle down for the night. While 15-time major winner Woods was granted a special exemption – the first of his career – to tee it up this week, Mack has taken a far more winding path to Pinehurst. https://youtu.be/Y2Sby9yIZHU Even though the words came directly from his mouth, somehow we find it hard to believe he’ll actually go through with it. On Friday, NBA icon Charles Barkley announced his retirement from his long-term role as a broadcaster for TNT’s “Inside the NBA,” effective following the 2024-25 season. Barkley’s departure aligns with ongoing uncertainties surrounding Warner Bros. Discovery’s (WBD) media rights to the NBA. Having served as a studio host for the popular show since 2000, Barkley has become a staple of NBA commentary. His announcement came during Game 4 of the NBA Finals, throwing a spotlight on both his celebrated career and the shifting landscape of sports media rights. “There’s been a lot of noise around our network the last few months,” Barkley stated. “I just want to say, I talked to all the other networks, but I ain’t going nowhere other than TNT. But I have made the decision myself, no matter what happens, next year is going to be my last year on television.” Barkley’s gratitude and affection for his colleagues were evident during his heartfelt announcement. “I just want to say thank you to my NBA family. You guys have been great to me, my heart is full with joy and gratitude, but I’m going to pass the baton at the end of next year. I hope the NBA stays with TNT … I’m not going to another network, but I’m going to pass the baton to Jamal Crawford or Vince Carter or you Steve [Smith], but next year, I’m just going to retire after 25 years.” https://youtu.be/scoSL0FNREk A Michigan-based hospital is at the center of a legal situation involving a member of the legendary Motown singing group the Four Tops. The suit, filed June 10 in federal court, details the situation between Ascension Macomb Oakland Hospital and Alexander Morris. Morris is suing the Detroit area facility, under accusations that two staff members ordered a psychological evaluation after refusing to believe him when he told them he was a Four Tops member. Morris’ ordeal goes back to April 2023, when he was transported to Ascension Macomb Oakland Hospital’s emergency room in an ambulance. The lawsuit noted the vocalist, who had a history of heart disease, faced difficulty breathing and chest pain at the time, as he was on oxygen. According to Morris, things took a turn for the worse after admitting to a nurse and security guard at the hospital he was a member of the Four Tops and had security concerns due to stalkers and fans, the suit read. After the confession, the decision was made to remove Morris from oxygen and seek a psych evaluation, according to The Wrap. The suit further mentioned claims from Morris that he was subsequently “racially profiled” and/or profiled “based upon a perceived disability” by the nurse (Holly Jackson), security guard (Greg Ciesielski), and ER doctor Brandon Harris Fishman after arriving at the ER. Ciesielski and Fishman are identified as white in Morris’ lawsuit, with Jackson, Ciesielski and the hospital named as defendants. While at the hospital, Morris had three seizures. He was later diagnosed with pneumonia as well as a heart attack that could require a transplant. https://youtu.be/pQx-hOBdNLY Victoria Monét is flanked in shades of Janet Jackson as she goes all in with dance moves for the video to her latest single, “Alright.” Entertainment Weekly reports the “Control” entertainer was channeled via Monet’s dancing, twirling, writhing, popping, and locking throughout her Dave Meyers-directed clip. The Janet connection is strong, with Meyers being known for his work in many of Jackson’s videos, ranging from 2001’s “All for You” to 2018’s “Made for Now.” Taking fans on a time warp, Monét set her ‘Alright’ video off with an ode to Jackson’s galactic-themed 2008 video “Feedback” before suiting up pinstripe style to give l à la the “If” songstress’ supporters visions of her 1989 single, also titled “Alright.” Monét’s “Alright” is from her full-length debut album, “Jaguar II,” The 11-track opus, released Aug. 25, 2023, features appearances from Lucky Day, Buju Banton, and Earth, Wind & Fire. https://youtu.be/q0oGhx2JT1A Monét’s reverence for Jackson hasn’t gone unnoticed. EW adds Tinashe’s “Nasty” to the mix, as the title of the Kentucky-born vocalist’s newest tune initiates thoughts of Jackson’s 1986 certified classic tune of the same name. Its accompanying video steps out on its own, but the outlet brought the former “Good Times” star up once more by putting the clip to memories of the desert dance scene from her You Want This” clip and added Mya’s “Case of the Ex” for good measure, reports EW. https://youtu.be/jrjESdPsLxE Day 3 of the 2024 American Black Film Festival featured red hot stars across film, TV and comedy. The legendary white party had festival-goers celebrating into the early morning hours. The evening featured a special appearance from budding Memphis rapper NLE Choppa. The rapper joined Cory Hardrict and Meagan Good on-stage following their remarks and gave a crowd-pleasing impromptu celebration backed by one of his hit singles. Chris Brown and his fans are getting what they want when it comes to the singer’s $1,111 meet-and-greet opportunity. Vibe reports Brown’s most recent fan encounters on his 11:11 Tour are generating healthy talk on what fans can get when they see their favorite hitmaker in the flesh after the show. The 11:11 our, which kicked off June 6 in Detroit, features Brown along with guests Ayra Starr and Muni Long, in promotion of his eleventh studio album, also named “11:11.” https://twitter.com/_cbspain/status/1799003076323635341?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1799003076323635341%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fchris-brown-meet-and-greet-costs-1111-and-a-booty-grab-seriously-look%2F For the outing’s VIP package, Brown’s official website mentioned that fans pay around $1,111 to have the following: two signed personal items an 11:11 calendar, a tour, a VIP laminate, a signed 8×10 photo, early entry to the show, a picture with the global icon. The $1,100 price (a tie-in with the title of Brown’s album) is an increase from what Breezy meet-and-greet tickets have run, which is around $1,000 and separate from regular concert ticket prices. Vibe notes the music man has pushed the boundaries of the concept to a new level with past photos of him bending fans over, picking them up and even giving them kisses on the cheek. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GPfOcxaWoAAsk0s?format=jpg&name=small Today, audiences in Miami were the first to watch NBCs Found season two! The crime drama follows Gabi Mosley (Shanola Hampton) a public relations specialist dedicated to finding missing people. In season one Gabi was living with her childhood kidnapper Sir (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) locked up in her basement. Now Sir has escaped and is on the loose and her biggest secret is now her biggest threat! The series also stars Gabrielle Walsh (Lacey) and Arlen Escarpeta (Zeke), who attended this years Black American Film Festival to dish about what fans can expect from their characters in S2. There is a lot of trust that has been broken so viewers will see the hero fall and how a family has to rebuild. R&B singer Angela Bofill has died. She was 70 years old. On Friday, June 14, a rep for the performer, whose hits include "This Time I'll Be Sweeter," "I Try," "I'm On Your Side" and "Angel of the Night," told PEOPLE she died Thursday morning at her daughter's home in Vallejo, Calif. “ON BEHALF OF MY DEAR FRIEND ANGIE, I AM SADDENED TO ANNOUNCE HER PASSING ON THE MORNING OF JUNE 13TH,” the first post read, adding that her funeral will be held at St. Dominick's Church in California on June 28 at 1 p.m. A second update added, “JUST TO CLEAR UP THE CONFUSION. ON BEHALF OF SHAUNA BOFILL, HUSBAND CHRIS PORTUGUESE, WE ARE SADDENED BUT MUST REPORT THAT THE PASSING OF ANGELA YESTERDAY IS INDEED TRUE. WE THANK MELBA MOORE AND MAYSA FOR THEIR EARLY CONDOLENCES. THANKs FOR YOUR MANY POST.” The message was signed by her friend and manager, Rich Engel. Personally I will be forever grateful to Angie, she came to do an interview with me at WNOR radio after doing a show and hangout with me until I got off after Midnight. She was so nice I got her to do an interview with L.A. Lanier who relieved me. Love you Angie, R. I. P. For some reason, liberals seem to believe that Black conservatives are as rare as unicorns. This belief is exemplified by Sunny Hostin, co-host of “The View.” In a recent episode of the daytime talk show, she ridiculed the notion that Black Republican voters exist, Fox News reports. Hostin triggered recent comments from Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., made to a group of Black conservatives, that Black families were “together” and voted more conservatively during the Jim Crowe era. “These Black men that he was speaking with, I’d love to see them,” Hostin said. “It would be like looking at unicorns.” She added, “I thought it was interesting that the framing was a room of Black Republicans. Where are they? Where are they? Because if you look at the stats, 77% – 81%, I’m sorry, of Black men are part of the Democratic Party.” Cynthia Horton’s earaches are the stuff of nightmares. “I can wake up from my sleep in horrible pain like I’m having a root canal with no anesthesia,” she said. “When I sit up, my ear is often weeping with infection, even oozing blood.” Already weakened by a lifelong battle with lupus, Horton’s immune system was devastated by rounds of radiation and chemotherapy after a 2003 surgery for a cancerous tumor in her ear. Ear infections became the norm, usually eased by a round of antibiotics. But as the years passed, the bacteria in 61-year-old Horton’s ear became resistant to antibiotics, often leaving her with little to no relief. “These multi-drug-resistant superbugs can cause chronic infections in individuals for months to years to sometimes decades. It’s ridiculous just how virulent some of these bacteria get over time,” said Dwayne Roach, assistant professor of bacteriophages, infectious disease, and immunology at San Diego State University. Last year doctors offered to treat Horton’s infection with one of nature’s oldest predators — tiny tripod-looking viruses called phages designed to find, attack, and gobble up bacteria. https://youtu.be/jFWp-fwvn1g Lee Daniels’ hotly anticipated thriller “The Deliverance,” starring singer Andra Day, is scheduled to premiere in select theaters on August 16 before the title debuts on Netflix on August 30. Blex Media reports that Netflix secured the rights to “The Deliverance” for a $65 million following a competitive bidding war. Per Tudum, the synopsis states: Ebony Jackson, a struggling single mother fighting her personal demons, moves her family into a new home for a fresh start. But when strange occurrences inside the home raise the suspicions of Child Protective Services and threaten to tear the family apart, Ebony soon finds herself locked in a battle for her life and the souls of her children. Inspired by a true story, The Deliverance is directed by Academy Award nominee Lee Daniels (Precious) and stars Andra Day, Glenn Close, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and Mo’Nique in a genre-defying take on darkness, possession, and finding a higher power. The ensemble cast includes Glenn Close, Mo’Nique, Anthony B. Jenkins, Miss Lawrence, Demi Singleton, Tasha Smith, Omar Epps, Caleb McLaughlin, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor. Day and Daniels previously collaborated on the Billie Holiday biopic “The United States Vs. Billie Holiday.” The singer previously revealed that she cut off 12 years of hair growth to play the music legend. Speaking on the PEOPLE Every Day podcast, Day said there was “no way to do justice” to Holiday without “going that deep” with her physical transformation — which included losing weight, smoking cigarettes, and chopping off her long locks. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GPuXlgYXcAAfYC6?format=jpg&name=small South African singer Tyla released a statement in response to the criticism over her appearance on “The Breakfast Club” when she refused to answer questions about her racial identity. Co-host Charlamagne Tha God asked Tyla about her previous comments about being a “coloured” woman. When he asked her to clarify what it means, she refused to answer and her team shut down the question. Several fans praised Tyla for not going there with Charlamagne. https://youtu.be/KFDZufXTXnU On X, one person came to her defense, writing, “… They have a problem with her identifying as a coloured person because ‘coloured’ is a racist construct but they don’t mind using the one drop rule to classify anyone who even has a black toenail as black, even though the one drop rule is also a racist construct created to specifically separate ‘pure white’ people from people with mixed ancestry? Interesting…” Another person added, “Nobody cares that Tyla identifies as a mixed race person. People are fine acknowledging that she doesn’t identify as Black. Because of the connotation and history of the word “colored” in the United States nobody is going to call her “coloured” here in this market.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1801252216759599547 Bronny James, son of NBA star LeBron James, was seen working out with the Los Angeles Lakers ahead of the upcoming draft.According to Dan Wokie of The Los Angeles Times reported, the team is impressed with Bronny’s “athleticism, defensive potential and shooting.” Per Sportsnet, LeBron could become a free agent this summer if he exercises his player option. If Bronny joins the NBA next season, they would become the first father-son duo to play in the league at the same time. LeBron has frequently expressed his desire to play in the league alongside his son. “My last year will be with my son. Wherever Bronny’s at, that’s where I’ll be,” LeBron told The Athletic in 2022. “I would do whatever it takes to play with my son for one year. It’s not about the money at that point.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1801430050635419663 “The kid has to do what he wants to do — and I don’t even want to say kid no more — the young man will decide what he wants to do and how he wants his career to go,” LeBron said when the Lakers’ season ended this spring, per Sportsnet. We reported earlier, via CNN, that Bronny recently finished his freshman season for the University of Southern California Trojans. “I’ve had a year with some ups and downs but all added to growth for me as a man, student and athlete,” Bronny said on Instagram in April. “I’ve made the decision to enter the NBA Draft while maintaining my college eligibility, and will also be entering the NCAA transfer portal. “Thank you to USC for an amazing Freshman year, and as always thankful for my family, friends, doctors, athletic trainers and fans for their support.” The 2024 NBA Draft will be held on June 26-27. https://www.instagram.com/p/C5YlKKJR6FB/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=9f09e28f-c334-4c88-9223-357970ed1a53 Check out an exclusive clip of the upcoming episode of Mayor Of Kingstown Season 3. The clip features series star and EP Jeremy Renner’s character “Mike McLusky” meeting with “Bunny” played by Tobi Bamtefa.In the clip, Bunny is airing his worries about some of the recent dealers they are working with and how its causing a lot more headache than it might be worth, Bunny also clues in Mike to some things happening that he is unaware of showing he isn’t as clued in as he always thinks he is. https://youtu.be/xu_rgIeePoQ In addition to Renner, Mayor Of Kingstown stars an ensemble cast, including series regulars Hugh Dillon, Taylor Handley, Emma Laird, Tobi Bamtefa, Derek Webster, Nishi Munshi, Hamish Allan-Headley and Michael Beach. The first and second seasons of Mayor Of Kingstown are available to binge exclusively on Paramount+. https://youtu.be/UbC0Q7IzIiM Popular TikTok food critic Keith Lee has partnered with Microsoft to equip restaurateurs with AI tools designed to enhance their business success. According to the Pew Research Center, in 2021, two-thirds of Black-owned businesses had fewer than 10 employees, per the press release via AfroTech. Lee and Microsoft aim to address this challenge by leveraging the efficiency and growth potential that AI offers. “Just to be able to be on a scale where people see the hard work that’s put in because a lot of times these restaurants have great food and great customer service, but they just don’t have the eyes on them,” Lee told AFROTECH™. “I think it’s just gonna be so dope to allow these restaurants to have the platform that they deserve.” By integrating AI tools, Black-owned businesses can improve their overall efficiency, customer satisfaction, and profitability, fostering growth and sustainability in a competitive market. “I don’t partner with just any brand,” Lee added. “I see the people behind these restaurants. I don’t just see a business. That is why it was so important for me to partner with Microsoft to give them the tools they need to continue to make an impact in their community. AI isn’t something I knew loads about, but that’s exactly why I wanted to partner with Microsoft as I understand the power AI can have on small businesses, from streamlining processes, making things more efficient and saving businesses time — it’s incredible to see how tech can help especially when resources are tight.” https://youtu.be/orCxtN-KnYA A DoorDash delivery driver in Nashville, Tennessee was fired after he was caught on camera using the N-word. Christina Derrica posted surveillance footage on TikTok showing a DoorDash driver named “Tabby” delivering food to her doorstep, followed by him making the racial slur. “Here’s your food, n****r,” Tabby, a white male, says. “Chow down, n****,” he added before walking away. In the video’s caption, Derrica wrote, “Did he not see my Ring camera?!!!? Fire him IMMEDIATELY, HELLO @DoorDash.” Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson has passionately defended his city following reports that former President Donald Trump labeled Milwaukee a “horrible city” during a meeting with congressional Republicans on Capitol Hill. The remarks come at a sensitive time, as Milwaukee is set to host the Republican National Convention this summer, where Trump is expected to secure the 2024 presidential nomination. Responding to Trump’s alleged comments, Johnson stated, “If Donald Trump wants to talk about things that he thinks are horrible — all of us lived through his presidency, so, right back at you, buddy.” He dismissed Trump’s characterization of Milwaukee and pointed to the broader political dynamics at play, noting Wisconsin’s status as a pivotal battleground state in the upcoming election. “Look, obviously Donald Trump is wrong about something yet again,” Johnson added. Johnson described Trump’s alleged remarks as “bizarre” and “unhinged.” “I find it kind of perplexing; I find it kind of strange that he would insult the largest city in Wisconsin because he’s running for president. He obviously wants to win Wisconsin, win the election. And so to insult the state that’s hosting your convention, I think is kind of bizarre, actually kind of unhinged, in a way,” Johnson emphasized. https://twitter.com/i/status/1801308745651339374 In the wake of Johnson’s rebuttal, the Trump campaign sought to clarify the former president’s comments. The campaign stated that Trump’s critiques were aimed specifically at issues of crime in Milwaukee, not the city itself. A Trump campaign spokesperson labeled the allegations as “a desperate attempt to get likes” on social media, pointing out that no reporters were present during Trump’s purported critique. “It’s a total lie,” the spokesperson declared, reinforcing Trump’s focus on Milwaukee’s issues of violent crime and voter fraud. https://youtu.be/U7ReWSisu70 Jill Scott was back at her alma mater – Girls’ High, in the Logan section of Philadelphia – as the school and artist Patrick Dougher unveiled plans for a mural depicting Scott and the school’s students. After Scott led the students in song, the crowd counted down in excitement in a dark auditorium before she and Dougher together flipped on a projector – revealing Dougher’s design for the mural. It features Scott wearing a crown and ringed by a halo “because we are all divine,” Dougher later explained. Scott is depicted passing on another crown to Girls’ High scholars “because we are all royal,” he said. The mural helps celebrate the 176th anniversary of the school. The other figures in the mural are based on students who Dougher asked to act out certain key concepts like “power.” (That student raised their fist.) https://twitter.com/CouncilwomanKGR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1796195097626726875%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fjill-scott-unveiled-a-mural-at-girls-high-in-logan-philly%2F Join us for an inspiring evening as Nikole Hannah-Jones engages in a captivating conversation with Angela Rye at The Miracle Theater. This live event offers a rare chance to delve into the groundbreaking and award-winning work of Nikole Hannah-Jones, author of The 1619 Project. These two influential figures will explore pressing topics in an interactive and thought-provoking manner. Nikole Hannah-Jones, a #1 New York Times bestseller and NAACP Image Award winner, presents a compelling perspective on American history and its contemporary implications in her book, The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story. "[A] groundbreaking compendium . . . bracing and urgent . . . This collection is an extraordinary update to an ongoing project of vital truth-telling." —Esquire Now adapted into an Emmy-nominated Hulu original docuseries, and a finalist for the Kirkus Prize, The 1619 Project continues to garner acclaim as one of the best books of the year according to The Washington Post, NPR, Esquire, Marie Claire, Electric Lit, Ms. magazine, Kirkus Reviews, and Booklist. June 14, 2024, 7:00 PM at The Miracle Theater Inglewood, CA 90301 On Father’s Day, we often celebrate the traditional American ideal of fatherhood, yet for many, this ideal doesn't reflect their reality. Every father-child relationship is unique, shaped by personal journeys and individual experiences. One such distinctive journey is poignantly captured in the book “The Price of Freedom: A Son’s Journey,” authored by Dr. Roger Mitchell, Chief Medical Officer and professor of Pathology at the leading HBCU, Howard University. In this gripping memoir, Dr. Mitchell shares the liberating power of forgiveness towards his cocaine-addicted father who abandoned him during his childhood. Through his candid narrative, Dr. Mitchell demonstrates how hard work, dedication, and passion can ultimately help one achieve their dreams. His life story embodies the continued sacrifice of self through the service of others, revealing that the true price of freedom is indeed service. mhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxBRRAVindM&list=PLm_-LvDVPzii7x6QiHRe9_oh354WOjMmo In a candid interview with USA Today, Darius Rucker, who has successfully crossed over into country music, opened up about the lingering issue of racism in the genre and shared his thoughts on Beyoncé’s latest album, Cowboy Carter. Rucker, known for his hits and influence in country music, addressed the complex narrative surrounding racism in the industry. Rucker acknowledged that while racism still exists in country music, it mirrors a broader societal issue in the United States. “It’s still around… you still see it some places and I don’t think that’s ever going to go away,” Rucker remarked. “It’s not as prevalent as it was. It’s not, it’s not the majority of country music, but it’s still there. It’s still there because it’s still in America.” Rucker, a fan of Beyoncé’s foray into country music, emphasized the significance of her album Cowboy Carter. He praised Beyoncé for bringing new fans to the genre, many of whom might not have previously considered it. “Huge. It was so big. I mean, I can’t express enough how big what she did was because she brought so many eyes to the genre,” Rucker enthused. " https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2024/06/13/darius-rucker-talks-beyonce-cowboy-carter-chris-wallace/74069675007/ Kenya Moore, who figures prominently on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” has lost that status you could say. That’s ’cause she has been indefinitely suspended from filming the now-struggling reality show. The suspension comes after an explosive incident at the grand opening of Kenya Moore’s Hair Spa, as reported by ATLien of StraightfromtheA.com. The grand opening event turned controversial when Moore allegedly displayed a “revenge porn” image of new cast member Brit Eady. The incident quickly went viral, drawing significant backlash and concern. In response to the uproar, Bravo executives swiftly shut down the filming at the hair salon and convened an emergency meeting to address the situation. Following an “internal investigation,” the network decided to suspend Moore indefinitely from participating in the show. https://youtu.be/_uK4LrqRTi0 In the recent episode of “The Kardashians” on Hulu, Rob Kardashian denied his sister Khloé Kardashian’s request to donate sperm to her bestfriend, Malika Haqq. Haqq already shares with rapper O.T Genasis and she explained to Khloé that she wants another. “I don’t want to be like 42, 45 and pregnant,” Haqq said on the show, Complex reports. “I fought for this body, but if I’m gonna carry like it has to happen almost now because I’m not a spring chicken. You know, but if I was gonna use a surrogate, then I have time.” That’s when Khloé proposed that her brother be Malika’s sperm donor. “Why don’t we just ask Rob [Kardashian] to give you some sperm?” Khloé asked. “He’s a good catch. You guys already slept together.” https://youtu.be/N2QINMpcIbk She then called Rob to explain her proposition, which he flatly turned down. “I’m with Malika and real serious question though. Malika wants to have another kid and she was going to go to a sperm bank. But I just said, why not get it from you?,” she said over the phone. “I can’t c*m anymore,” said Rob. When Khloé and Malika suggested that he “put it in a cup,” Rob replied, “I just said, ‘I can’t cum anymore. What don’t you get?” https://twitter.com/i/status/1801335955518816309 In legal filings related to their divorce, Iman Shumpert noted that Teyana Taylor earns nearly twice his monthly income. According to TMZ, the former NBA player argues that he should not be required to pay the current level of child support, citing Taylor’s monthly income of $98,885 compared to his $47,981 before taxes. Shumpert reportedly pays $8,000 monthly in child support and proposes sharing expenses for their two minor children. Meanwhile, we reported earlier that after Shumpert disclosed Taylor’s substantial earnings in court, she insisted that he provide copies of his tax returns and bank statements amidst their estrangement. Iman and Teyana were married for seven years before she filed for divorce in January. According to recent court documents obtained by RadarOnline.com, Taylor’s legal team wants her ex to provide evidence of any income he has generated from his music industry pursuits. Floyd Mayweather has announced the end of his two-decade-long partnership with Leonard Ellerbe. Ellerbe served as CEO of Mayweather Promotions and aided in Mayweather’s rise in the early 2000s. According to reports, he will be succeeded by Richard Schaefer, formerly of Golden Boy Promotions with Oscar De La Hoya. “Mayweather Promotions would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Leonard Ellerbe for his exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication over the years,” read a statement on Mayweather’s Instagram on June 13. “Leonard has been an integral part of our team, contributing to numerous business endeavors that have played a pivotal role in the success of Mayweather Promotions,” the statement continued, The Independent reports. “After years of hard work and dedication, Leonard has made the heartfelt decision to step down as CEO to spend more time with his family and loved ones. We have the utmost respect for his decision and are incredibly grateful for his leadership that has helped shape Mayweather Promotions into the thriving organization it is today,” Mayweather’s statement added. https://www.instagram.com/p/C8LOp43vlq9/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=e5ff2109-c604-475c-87ea-0d781632be7a The announcement goes on express excitement about Schaefer joining the team. “As we move forward, we are excited to announce that Mayweather Promotions will be joining forces with Richard Schaefer, a highly sought after finance expert and a phenomenal founder in the world of promotional boxing, with over forty years experience combined,” per the statement. “Together, we will expand our presence by establishing Mayweather Headquarters in Los Angeles. Our goal is to elevate Mayweather Promotions to global success, supporting fighters worldwide and assisting them in making rewarding business decisions that will benefit them well beyond their boxing careers.” When questioned earlier this week about his departure fromt he company, Ellerbe denied it. https://twitter.com/i/status/1801419334369350082 Kenan Thompson has come a long way since his time as Dexter Reed on Nickelodeon’s “Good Burger.” While that series yielded a youthful following and a duo of movies based on the “All That” comedy sketch, it’s life after “Good Burger that yielded a successful career,” most notably with “Saturday Night Live.” Thompson’s time on the long-running sketch comedy series has yielded his share of ups and downs since joining its cast in 2003. With the show’s 50th season looming, the entertainer joined fellow ‘SNL-er’ Bowen Yang for a trip down memory lane with Variety, while weighing in on controversial hosts, the show’s impact, and being a comedic actor in a heavily scrutinized real world. Although Thompson reigns as “SNL”’s longest-running cast member, the accomplishment seemingly falls on deaf ears with his own people. Unfortunately for the funnyman, the show featured comedy legends Garrett Morris, Yvonne Hudson, Eddie Murphy, Leslie Jones, Damon Wayons, Danitra Vance, Tim Meadows, Maya Rudolph, Chris Rock, Ellen Cleghorne, Finesse Mitchell, Sasheer Zamata, Chris Redd, Tracy Morgan and Jay Pharoah is not must-see TV for some African Americans. It feels great, Thompson told Variety, “until I get into a group of Black people and they’re like, ‘We don’t watch ‘SNL.’ I’m like, ‘You know I’m representing for you all!’” “This is what I run into too, with queer people and with Asian people. ‘Oh, we don’t watch,’” added Yang, who generates the same reaction. In an exclusive interview, I had the pleasure of speaking with director Tayarisha Poe (“Selah and the Spades”) about her new film, “The Young Wife,” which centers on a soon-to-be bride grappling with the meaning of love and commitment on her wedding day. The movie unpacks the pressures and expectations unmarried single women face as they strive to live authentically while preserving their identities. Through the protagonist’s tumultuous wedding day, the film poignantly explores the tension between societal demands and personal truth, offering a compelling narrative that resonates with the struggle for self-identity amidst external chaos. Kiersey Clemons and Leon Bridges star in the film that Screen Rant calls “intimate, profound, and visually gorgeous.” The ensemble cast includes Kelly Marie Tran, Michaela Watkins, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Judith Light, Aida Osman, Brandon Michael Hall, Connor Paolo, Lukita Maxwell, Aya Cash, Sandy Honig, Lovie Simone. Here’s the official synopsis: “On her wedding day, all that stands between a young woman (Kiersey Clemons, DOPE) and marital bliss with her soon-to-be husband (singer/songwriter Leon Bridges) is surviving the chaos and expectations of family and friends, each intensifying her spiraling panic in the film.” https://youtu.be/iKRACawW2hI Few characters fascinate audiences like Effie Morales, portrayed by the talented Alix Lapri, in the gripping world of the STARZ hit crime-drama “Power Book II: Ghost.” Fans eagerly anticipate diving deeper into Effie’s background and motivations as the final season unfolds. Lapri recently shared insights into Effie’s struggles, relationships, and the dualities that define her character. Effie’s character is a complex mix of ambition and survival instincts. According to Lapri, Effie is torn between her love for school and the harsh realities of “the game.” When asked who and what Effie wants, “a little bit of both, for sure,” Lapri explained. https://youtu.be/qtrYUBKK5Ow Trust is a rare commodity in Effie’s world, and her alliances are uneasy at best. “The closest thing that comes to that is Cane because they have each other’s backs right now. They’re both going through a hell of a lot, so they’re both kind of filling those gaps with things that each other needs. As far as everybody else goes, I think it is extremely shaky, and she knows that. She’s definitely never green to who is not in her corner,” elaborated Lapri. Effie’s relationship with the formidable Noma is another strategic piece on the chessboard. While school remains Effie’s ultimate focus, navigating her dangerous alliance with Noma is crucial. https://youtu.be/PoAxHQJOr0A Reflecting on Effie’s arc over the past three seasons, Lapri expressed her admiration for the “Power Book II: Ghost” character’s growth. “I’ve loved seeing Effie open up a bit more,” she said. “She was just a girl entering a world she didn’t fully understand. Now, she’s more confident, more sure of herself, even if she still carries some remorse.” https://youtu.be/LgpW0rGK9VY Netflix and Black Excellence Brunch presented a special preview of Lee Daniels’ The Deliverance at Chotto Matte in Miami during the American Black Film Festival. Hosted by Trell Thomas, the brunch featured a surprise virtual greeting from actress Andra Day expressing her gratitude for Lee Daniels and the film, followed by sharing an exclusive clip from the film. Notable guests and press in attendance were Bevy Smith (TV personality), Cory Hardrict (Beauty in Black), Jonica Booth (Rap Sh!t), Jessie Woo (Dish Nation), Sharelle Rosado (Selling Tampa) and Alexis Stoudemire (Miami Socialite). The Apollo Theater, the historic preeminent institution in Black music and culture, celebrated its 90th anniversary this week with its annual Spring Benefit, a spectacular evening filled with star-studded performances and heartfelt tributes to Usher and Babyface, among others. This year’s event marked the first benefit for the new Apollo President and CEO, Michelle Ebanks, and raised $3 million. “To be contributing to the cultural landscape after 9 decades is extraordinary. We celebrate everyone tonight, then we catch our breath and prepare for the next 90 years,” declared Ebanks. The evening was hosted by the charismatic comedian Kym Whitley, who shared her own transformative experience on the Apollo stage, emphasizing the theater’s significance in her career. “If you can make it at The Apollo,” she said, “You can make it anywhere.” Tupac Shakur murder suspect Duane “Keefe D” Davis, who was arrested in September in connection with the 1996 murder of the rapper, claims Diddy ordered a $1 million hit on Pac and former Death Row Records CEO Suge Knight. We reported previously, citing The Sun, that Davis claims the Bad Boy Records founder asked him to “take out” Pac and Knight, an allegation that Combs has constantly dismissed. In his book “Compton Street Legend,” Davis dropped the Diddy bombshell and allegedly discussed it in a secret police interview with the LAPD. In the recording, Davis told detectives that Combs was “happy as hell” after Pac was gunned down in 1996. He also alleged that Diddy paid the fee for the hit to a gangster named Eric Von Zip, who decided to keep the money for himself. According to former LAPD detective Greg Kading, Keefe D told law enforcement that Puff Daddy held a meeting in a hotel room and told a room full of “crips” gang members that he wanted the “heads” of Pac and Suge, Hot New Hip Hop reports. https://youtu.be/x3uoB8zvLdI Evil never sleeps. The latest case in point: An Arizona firearms dealer, Mark Adams Prieto, was indicted on Tuesday by a federal grand jury for allegedly selling weapons to an undercover federal agent he believed would assist him in carrying out a mass shooting targeting minorities. According to the indictment, Prieto’s plan was intended to “incite a race war” ahead of the November presidential election. Prieto, a 58-year-old from Prescott, Arizona, faces charges of firearms trafficking, transferring a firearm for use in a hate crime, and possession of an unregistered firearm. Court records did not list an attorney for Prieto, and a lawyer who briefly represented him after his arrest in neighboring New Mexico did not respond to requests for comment. The indictment reveals that Prieto recruited the undercover FBI agent and an informant at a gun show where he was a vendor. He allegedly discussed his long-held intention to carry out a mass killing of minority groups to provoke a race war. Prieto identified a rap concert in Atlanta, scheduled for mid-May, as the target for his attack, reports The Guardian. Planning for the mass shooting began in January and continued over several months at various gun shows around Arizona, including in Phoenix and Tucson. During these events, Prieto allegedly sold two rifles to the undercover FBI agent, intending them for use in the planned attack. Prieto’s arrest occurred in New Mexico on May 14, around the time of the targeted Atlanta concert. Authorities discovered seven firearms inside his vehicle during the arrest. https://youtu.be/EhhD_9xFCo4 Sanaa Lathan and Mike Epps star in the new coming-of-age film Young. Wild. Free, debuting this month on BET+. Algee Smith and Sierra Capri also star in the Thembi L. Banks-directed movie. The story centers on “a hot-tempered high school senior as he finds his life thrusted into an enticing, dangerous direction after he’s robbed at gunpoint by the girl of his dreams,” per the official synopsis. “Brandon (Smith) is a struggling teen who’s charged with caring for his two younger siblings, when Cassidy (Capri), enters his life. Lured in by her whimsy, Brandon seamlessly slips into the role of Clyde to her Bonnie as they make their way down an increasingly perilous path,” the description continues. https://youtu.be/D5xJUhCt32c The Season 2 trailer for Onyx Collective’s “UnPrisoned,” starring Kerry Washington and Delroy Lindo, has dropped. We reported previously that Washington stars as Paige Alexander, “a messy but perfectionist relationship therapist and single mom whose life is turned right-side-up when her dad gets out of prison and moves in with her and her teenage son,” per the synopsis. Lindo also stars as Edwin Alexander, Paige’s father, who has recently been released from prison. Washington and Lindo are executive producers on the series from Disney’s Onyx Collective and ABC Signature. Here’s the official S2 synopsis: “The Alexander family is still a mess. Paige’s therapy practice is in trouble, Finn’s anxiety is through the roof, Edwin is still figuring out how to get his life together outside of prison, and their relationships are more complicated than ever. The family needs help, and it’s time to call in a professional – OTHER than Paige. The Alexanders turn to a “family radical healing coach,” who throws out all the rules to free them of the issues, old wounds and family secrets holding them back.” https://youtu.be/FlJCXiKCy3Y Amazon Music will livestream Kendrick Lamar‘s “The Pop Out – Ken & Friends” show in Los Angeles on June 19, which marks the Juneteenth holiday. Per the news release: “Fans around the globe will be able to watch the historic performance live from The Kia Forum on the Amazon Music channel on Twitch and Prime Video starting at 4 p.m. PT. The livestream coincides with Amazon Music’s celebration of Black Music Month — “Forever the Influence” is honoring the contributions of Black artists, producers, and songwriters who have defined culture. Amazon Music will announce additional Amazon Music Originals and video content from the most influential Black artists for “Forever the Influence” in the coming weeks.” The sold-out concert will be accessible to the public via Amazon’s Rotation, the hip-hop and R&B brand from Amazon Music. According to Hip Hop DX, it isn’t clear who will be present at the show besides Mustard. Meanwhile, Kendrick recently made a surprise appearance at the graduation ceremony for Compton College in his hometown, where he shared some words of encouragement for the graduates. NeNe Leakes‘ former landlord is pursuing legal action to collect a $25,000 judgment. We reported earlier … Leakes is was sued by a cosmpany called MPG-Sugarloaf for back rent on her now-closed Swagg Boutique in Atlanta. However, the reality star claims she is not responsible for the outstanding payments as her late husband, Gregg Leakes, signed the lease. Gregg died in 2021 at age 66 following a battle with cancer. Swagg Boutique shut down in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. When the Shade Room reported on the lawsuit against NeNe, the reality tv star noted in the comments that Gregg handled the Swagg Boutique rent. She wrote, “Gregg signed the lease, not me! He ain’t here.” The lawsuit was filed in Fulton County, GA. in August 2023, MadameNoire reports. The plaintiff claims Leakes owes $22,900 in back rent for retail space she leased at the Sugarloaf Mills shopping center for her clothing store. The parents of a student at Ypsilanti Middle School in Michigan are calling for assault charges against one of their son’s coaches after school surveillance footage captured the man choking the teenager with a shirt. In the video, the coach, who also serves as a hall monitor, attacks the student named Michael from behind after he refused to do pushups as a punishment for horsing around in the hallway, 7 News Detroit reports. Although the surveillance video lacks audio, it shows Michael on his knees with his arms extended, seemingly trying to demonstrate something to the coach. Michael’s mother told the news outlet that he had a hand injury and was attempting to explain why he couldn’t do push-ups. After Michael stands up and enters a classroom, the coach follows him to bring him back into the hallway. That’s when the coach approaches Michael from behind, wrapping a shirt around his neck. The footage shows that the boy visibly struggles, his face showing signs of discoloration and distress. It’s unclear whether the man (whose name was not disclosed by the news outlet) releases the 14-year-old student or if the student manages to break free. https://youtu.be/1ZtcwjUgFVI James Ambrose Johnson, better known by his adopted stage name “Rick James” was among the most colorful, outrageous, and outspoken African American music artists of the late `70s through the `80s. He espoused a brash “Punk Funk” lifestyle of sex, drugs, and ‘Funk n Roll.” The Buffalo, New York native recorded for Motown Records and was responsible for galvanizing hits from “You and I,” “Mary Jane” (a love song to marijuana), “Bustin’ Out” (an anthem for being one’s 100% uncut self) – initially embraced by Black Radio – to crossover hits “Give it to Me Baby,” “17” and the New Wave-tinged “Super Freak.” https://youtu.be/FZKOevfGgKs On Thursday, Amazon MGM Studios released the trailer for the highly anticipated release of Tyler Perry’s Divorce In The Black on Prime Video. Meagan Good stars along with Cory Hardrict, Joseph Lee Anderson, Shannon Wallace, Taylor Polidore, Richard Lawson and Debbi Morgan. Good also serves as a producer on the project along with Perry, Angi Bones, Will Areu and Dianne Ashford. Here’s the official Synopsis: Ava, a young bank professional is devastated when her husband Dallas abandons a marriage she is determined to fight for until fate intervenes, revealing Dallas’ wicked deeds that have trashed their marriage, and once upon a time sabotaged Ava’s destiny to be loved by her true soulmate. https://youtu.be/yGi0O0zDSjQ “Inside Out 2” is a well-crafted extension of the first family favorite film! Hopefully, Pixar will create part three featuring emotions surrounding adulting! The Pixar and Disney animation picks up with Riley (Amy Poehler) in her teen years with her familiar emotions – fear (Tony Hale) and disgust (Liza Lapira). We talked with the stars about food and feelings. https://youtu.be/2Bj8UtnIyBo Westfield Culver City, in association with Malik Books, is pleased to announce Juneteenth Celebration: Honoring Freedom & Unity. The event will feature award-winning actress and mental health advocate Taraji P. Henson. It will occur on Saturday, June 22, 2024, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Westfield Culver City, 6000 Sepulveda Blvd. “We are so pleased to partner with Malik Books to host an inspiring Juneteenth celebration. We look forward to welcoming the local community at Westfield Culver City for a blend of entertainment and educational experiences suitable for all age groups,” says Amir-Reza Zad, General Manager of Westfield Culver City. Commencing at 1:00 pm, an enthralling performance by African Drummers will mark the initiation of an extraordinary event. This will be succeeded by a compelling panel discussion at 2:00 pm in collaboration with The Sibley Firm. Esteemed CNN Legal Analyst Areva Martin will moderate the panel. It will showcase the distinguished Culver City Mayor Yasmine-Imani McMorrin, insightful Mental Health Expert Wendell James, and other esteemed guests. Amid a social media-led uproar after a video recorded over the weekend showed a man identified as a wealthy banker brutally punching a woman in the face in Brooklyn, the city’s police department said it was not immediately investigating the viral incident. In the brief clip that’s been widely shared, a man unofficially identified as Jonathan Kaye reportedly broke the woman’s nose with one violent punch, knocking her to the street as stunned onlookers cursed him but did not try to stop him as he walked away unencumbered on Saturday night in the Park Slope neighborhood. Kaye’s employer, an investment firmed named Moelis & Company, announced on Sunday it was investigating the incident, seemingly confirming the reports that he was indeed the man in the video. But the NYPD, on the other hand, has nothing to investigate, it suggested in an email to NewsOne. Responding to questions of whether the NYPD was investigating the incident, a spokesperson for the Deputy Commissioner Public Information would only say “The NYPD is aware of the video.” Without addressing the woman in the video, the NYPD told NewsOne in an email that “We encourage anyone who has been a victim to file a police report,” adding that “There are currently no complaint reports on file.” Perhaps one of the Park Slope residents who spoke to the Daily Mail about their neighbor will file a police report if the victim does not. But either way, the NYPD suggested it wouldn’t act without such a complaint being filed. https://twitter.com/i/status/1799778447348404315 Jake Paul is set to face former UFC standout Mike Perry in his professional boxing return on July 20. The news follows reports that the eagerly awaited boxing match between Paul and Mike Tyson, set to be streamed live on Netflix, has been postponed. We reported earlier that Tyson, 57, experienced a medical emergency during a recent flight from Miami to Los Angeles. According to The Express, he suffered an ulcer flare-up during the flight. Now that he is physically unfit to fight Paul, acclaimed American boxer Roy Jones Jr. said he will step in for Iron Mike. Paul, 27, was set to fight Tyson on July 20, but the boxing match was pushed to Nov. 15. Tyson wants the rescheduled fight to take place between October and December. “I want to thank my fans around the world for their support and understanding during this time. Unfortunately, due to my ulcer flare-up, I have been advised by my doctor to lighten my training for a few weeks to rest and recover,” said Tyson in a message to fans. Barack Obama’s official portrait artist, Kehinde Wiley, is fighting back against accusations that he sexually abused multiple men. We reported earlier that one of the accusers is Ghana-based artist Joseph Awuah-Darko. He took to his Instagram account in May to accuse Wiley of sexually assaulting him twice in 2021. In his post, Awuah-Darko states, “To Kehinde: I thoroughly invite you to leverage your supposed credibility, your influence, your loyalists, and everything you have to gag those of us who come forward. Because I assure you, you will need it.” Awuah-Darko said he is seeking “legal action” against Wiley, best known for his official portrait of Barack Obama in the Smithsonian. According to Page Six, another accuser, activist Derrick Ingram, recently came forward accusing Wiley of rape. “On September 10, 2021, I was raped [unprotected] and sexually assaulted by Kehinde Wiley at his apartment in New York,” Ingram shared in an Instagram post, which included Wiley’s address. https://twitter.com/ghanaspora?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1792276876729172294%7Ctwgr%5E0baf795ff86e1a512488e084d51052bb4bf53cfa%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fobama-artist-defends-against-sexual-assault-allegations%2F “What is motivating these individuals to hurl these disgusting accusations… Who knows…. We live in a world where a single false social media post can destroy someone’s life, where people are tried and convicted online without regard for the truth. This is dangerous and wrong,” Wiley said. Meanwhile, two more males have come forward accusing Kehinde of sexual assault. According to Page Six, UK-based author Nathaniel Lloyd Richards accuses Wiley of “inappropriate touching and groping during a date in 2019,” according to a statement he shared with Hyperallergic. Meanwhile, another accuser, Terrell Armistead, claims Wiley raped him in 2010. “In Winter of 2010, I was groped and raped by Kehinde Wiley — both without my consent at his apartment in New York,” Armistead revealed in an Instagram post. https://youtu.be/f_MxR7bJrB0 After nearly five decades at Oak Cliff Bible Church in South Dallas, Dr. Tony Evans recently announced his resignation from pastoral duties. As the first Black individual to attain a doctorate of theology from Dallas Theological Seminary, Dr. Evans co-founded Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in 1976 alongside his friend Rev. Crawford Loritts, NBC News reports. Starting with just 10 members, the church now boasts over 10,000 congregants and more than 100 ministries. “The foundation of our ministry has always been our commitment to the Word of God as the absolute supreme standard of truth to which we are to conform our lives,” Evans said in a statement. “When we fall short of that standard due to sin, we are required to repent and restore our relationship with God. A number of years ago, I fell short of that standard,” he continued. “I am, therefore, required to apply the same biblical standard of repentance and restoration to myself that I have applied to others.” Evans announced that Pastor Bobby Gibson and the elders will handle interim leadership. https://youtu.be/2r2tzA_Ui60 Rihanna is the proud mother of two boys, and now she’s ready to be a girl mom. The singer and her boyfriend, rapper A$AP Rocky, are parents to sons RZA, 2, and Riot, 10 months. RiRi is not currently pregnant, but she explained to Entertainment Tonight at the launch of her new brand Fenty Hair, that she’s not ruling out having more kids. “I would definitely have more kids,” she said at the event. “Everybody is pushing. Look, if I ever get a daughter, I am going to show her so much footage — she’s been talked about forever,” Rihanna added. “A spicy little girl would be so fun,” she said. https://twitter.com/i/status/1798026462504591412 In an Instagram post, RiRi wrote, “I am launching a flexible line of products for not only every hair want, but every single product is designed to strengthen and repair all types of hair, which is what we truly need!” In the comments section of the post, one person wrote, “How are you promoting a hair line with a wig on ?” On X (formally Twitter), Rihanna announced in a post: “a new family is moving in! #fentyhair is pullin up and it’s time to finally have the hair experience you’ve been waiting for. you know how much switching my hair up matters to me. I’ve had almost every texture, color, length, from weaves to braids to natural- so I am launching a flexible line of products for not only every hair want, but every single product is designed to strengthen and repair all types of hair, which is what we truly need! It’s time to play and get stronger by the style”.The hair care line drops on June 13, but fans can get early shopping access at FentyHair.com. https://twitter.com/i/status/1798445298034917396 Megan Thee Stallion is furious over an AI-generated video of her engaging in sexual activities. The viral clip reportedly features her face superimposed onto another individual’s body, Ice Cream Convos reports. “It’s really sick how yall go out of the way to hurt me when you see me winning,” the Grammy winning rapper wrote on Twitter. “Yall going too far, Fake a— s—. Just know today was your last day playing with me and I mean it,” she added. https://twitter.com/theestallion?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1799509250726633664%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fmegan-thee-stallion-cries-on-stage-after-deep-fake-porn-attack%2F Fans also turned to social media to reaction to the deep-fake pornographic video of the hip-hop star. One person wrote, “These pornographic deepfakes of Megan thee Stallion makes me sick to my stomach because this is what many women will face in the near future. People are already creating deepfake and AI-voice altered porn of famous women. I’m scared for those of us who aren’t famous.” Another X user commented, “i’m so sorry that people are so f*cking weird megan. just know we’re standing ten toes behind you no matter what. love you to the moon.” A third added, “I don’t think that Megan Thee Stallion sex tape is ai. I think it’s 100% real, even without seeing it. I’ve only seen a screen shot. Also want to note, I think this is f*cked up. Basically revenge porn of some sort.. but again, I don’t think it’s fake. I think the ai narrative is an easy way to clear it. Reason why I think it’s real? I’ve never seen a celebrity tape scrubbed completely on twitter. Nor with a X note stating it violated terms of the site, because exactly what terms? We know porn is posted on here constantly.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1799628154039890290 Stephen A. Smith responded to the criticism over his suggestion that Will Smith publicly address the Black community about slapping Chris Rock at the 2022 Academy Awards. He also said “a lot of folks find it hard” to watch Will’s movies after the slap heard worldwide. “We know you wouldn’t have smacked Ricky Gervais, Bill Maher, Bill Burr or a host of others,” Smith said recently during a segment on his ESPN show, Complex reports. “We know you wouldn’t have done that. No apology necessary. I’m just saying a lot of folks ain’t get over that. A lot of folks find it hard to just go to the movies to watch you. I’m one of those people,” Stephen A. noted, even as the new “Bad Boys” film tops $100 million at the global box office. After catching heat over his comments, Smith acknowledged the feedback he’s received from Will’s fans. https://www.instagram.com/theshaderoom/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=2dcca700-4d48-4d8a-abd3-52d836c1a57e On June 1, Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed Pride Month in California, joining others around the world commemorating the LGBTQ+ struggle for equal rights following the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York City. Many historians regard that event as a catalyst for the global LGBTQ+ movement. “This month – and every month – California stands with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) community as they take pride in who they are and whom they love. Pride Month is a time to remember the gift that is our remarkable diversity, making all of us stronger as we continue to pursue equality, acceptance, and freedom for all,” Newsom said in a statement. June also marks Juneteenth, a federal holiday celebrating the abolition of chattel slavery, in the United States. For Black LGBTQ+ advocates, these overlapping celebrations provide a unique opportunity to highlight the principles of activism that have become key to making a space for themselves in the world. Jasmyne Cannick, a political consultant and journalist, spoke to California Black Media about how Pride and Black activism have always been intertwined, noting that activist Marsha P. Johnson, a Black trans woman, started the series of protests that would eventually give rise to Pride Month. “Pride evolved out of the 1969 Stonewall Riots. They were protests against a police raid that took place at the Stonewall Inn, in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of New York City,” Cannick said. “So, Pride’s roots are based in political and social action.” The Million Dollar Heist, based on the acclaimed iHeart true-crime podcast, follows the infamous story of how an armed robbery on the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life but ultimately transformed Atlanta into the “Black Mecca.” When a hustler named Chicken Man (Kevin Hart) hosts an afterparty to celebrate the fight with a guest list of the country’s wealthiest, the night ends with the most brazen criminal underworld heist in Atlanta’s history. Suspected of masterminding the crime, Chicken Man is hellbent on clearing his name but must convince his old adversary, J.D. Hudson (Don Cheadle), one of the first Black detectives in the city’s desegregated police force, who is tasked with bringing those responsible to justice. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yw_nbGQXKqI Jerry West – legendary NBA player and inspiration for the league’s current logo – has died, according to the Los Angeles Clippers. He was 86. The Clippers said West passed away Wednesday morning with his wife Karen by his side. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement on Wednesday: “Jerry West was a basketball genius and a defining figure in our league for more than 60 years. He distinguished himself not only as an NBA champion and an All-Star in all 14 of his playing seasons but also as a consummate competitor who embraced the biggest moments. “He helped build eight championship teams during his tenure in the NBA – a legacy of achievement that mirrors his on-court excellence. And he will be enshrined this October into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as a contributor, becoming the first person ever inducted as both a player and a contributor,” Silver continued. “On behalf of the NBA, we send our deepest condolences to Jerry’s wife, Karen, his family, and his many friends in the NBA community.” https://youtu.be/x88ho0v9dAA One of the most famous players in the history of the league, a silhouette of West during a Lakers game was famously the inspiration for the NBA’s logo, leading to his other nickname “The Logo.” In 1969, the NBA commissioned a new logo for the league from designer Alan Siegel, who had famously overseen the design of Major League Baseball’s logo. Siegel, a fan of West, found his inspiration in a photograph of the Lakers guard’s perfect dribbling form. “It’s the easiest job I ever had,” Siegel told CNN Sport. Siegel has no problem admitting that the NBA logo is based on West, but it’s a different story when it comes to the NBA itself. The league has never formally acknowledged that the logo depicts West and did not respond to requests for comment. But in the NBA’s defense, Siegel confesses that he never told anyone at the NBA that the logo was modeled after West and never intended for it to be recognizable as the 1972 NBA champion. https://youtu.be/VcYMPTyVedI West’s influence on basketball for a long stretch of time was far-reaching, with broadcaster Stephen A. Smith saying: “He was relevant to the game of basketball literally from the ’60s until he passed away in his sleep last night.” Clippers owner Steve Ballmer called West a “confidant, an advisor and a friend.” “Connie, my wife, called him my ‘basketball dad.’ He was absolutely my basketball sage: wise, loyal and so much fun,” Ballmer said in a statement. “If you were in his presence, you felt his competitiveness and his drive. He cared about everything and everyone. From the first day I met Jerry seven years ago, he inspired me with his intellect, honesty and enthusiasm. He never stopped. I spent a lot of time with him, some of the best times of my life. He always lent an ear, and he always had a quip. He always left me laughing. I will miss him.” https://youtu.be/rkXveGJx9fo Black American women don’t feel safe walking alone at night in their neighborhoods, according to a 2023 poll via the Gallup Center on Black Voices. The report states that in all racial and gender categories, Black women are the only group where less than half feel secure when walking. Moreover, if faced with an interaction with law enforcement in their area, two-thirds of Black women (67%) believe they would be treated fairly and respectfully— compared to Black men (72%) and notably lower than the national average (86%), per gallup.com. Below are some reasons why Black American women may feel unsafe walking alone at night:Fear of Violence: Concerns about experiencing violence, including robbery, assault, or harassment, particularly in areas with high crime rates. Perceived Targeting: Historical and contemporary experiences of discrimination and racial profiling, leading to a heightened sense of vulnerability. Lack of Adequate Lighting: Poor street lighting in certain neighborhoods can create dark and shadowy areas, increasing the risk of encountering danger. Limited Trust in Law Enforcement: Past negative interactions with law enforcement may lead to distrust or reluctance to seek help or protection from authorities. Gender-Based Harassment: Experiences of gender-based harassment or catcalling, which can escalate into more serious forms of violence or assault. Community Safety Concerns: Overall community safety issues, such as the presence of gangs, drugs, or other criminal activities, may contribute to feelings of insecurity. Social Isolation: Feeling isolated or alone while walking at night, especially if there are few people around or if there is a lack of social support networks in the area. Fear of Hate Crimes: Concerns about being targeted for hate crimes based on both race and gender identity. Systemic Inequities: Structural inequalities, such as disparities in access to resources, economic opportunities, and quality healthcare, which can contribute to feelings of vulnerability and insecurity. Cultural Stereotypes and Stigma: Cultural stereotypes and stigmas that perpetuate the notion of Black women as inherently dangerous or deserving of suspicion, making them more susceptible to victimization. Gayle King provided an update on her close friend Oprah Winfrey following her hospitalization due to a stomach virus and dehydration. During CBS Mornings on Tuesday (June 11) King said Winfrey had “some kind of stomach flu where stuff was coming out of both ends.” “She will be okay. I hope she’s not mad at me for sharing that detail,” King continued, Complex reports. “But I wanted to make it clear, though, that it mattered to her and that it really bothered her that she couldn’t be here for you today.” As PEOPLE reports, King provided the health update on Winfrey while addressing her absence from a scheduled appearance on the morning show. Winfrey was set to unveil her latest book club pick during the segment, “Familiaris” by David Wroblewski. King later contacted Winfrey via Facetime and the veteran talk show confirmed that she’s “not 100 [percent], I’m on my way to 100,” she said. https://www.instagram.com/p/C8F6H1_pqgW/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again A new documentary titled “Kristoff,” focusing on the life of soap opera star Kristoff St. John, is scheduled for release in early 2025. Directed by Bobby Razak, the film delves into his battles with sexual assault, mental illness, alcohol and drug abuse, and his son Julian’s suicide, per Soap Opera Digest. St. John won two Daytime Emmy Awards for his role as Neil Winters on “The Young and the Restless.” He passed away at age 52 in 2019 due to heart disease. “What most people didn’t know about Kristoff was that he was bipolar,” his daughter Mia says in the exclusive trailer obtained by People. “He was suffering from a mental illness.” As we reported earlier, Kristoff’s depression was linked in part to his son’s suicide in 2014. The actor was hospitalized and placed under psychiatric evaluation after allegedly threatening to kill himself with a gun in 2017, right around the 2nd anniversary of Julian’s death. It was supposed to be a chilled-out pool party event in Compton. And for a while last Friday (06-07-24) it was. We’re talking laughter, water splashing, and upbeat music, as party-goers reveled in the sun. Friends gathered for a day of fun, completely unaware of the looming danger that would soon transform their joyful celebration into a nightmare. As the day progressed, the festive atmosphere was abruptly shattered by the piercing sound of gunshots. Panic immediately set in as attendees scrambled to escape the sudden violence. Screams replaced laughter, and the sound of running feet echoed through the yard. Phone cameras captured the chaos, with one particularly haunting video showing two young women recording themselves as they fled, their voices trembling with fear as the gunfire continued. The aftermath was devastating. At least one person was killed, and several others suffered injuries, reports TMZ. The transition from a lively gathering to a scene of chaos and mourning was heartbreaking. The earlier footage showed smiles, dancing, and a carefree summer vibe, making the violent turn of events even more tragic. In the wake of the shooting, law enforcement has launched an exhaustive investigation. Detectives are meticulously reviewing multiple video clips from the event, including footage from surveillance cameras capturing the moments before, during, and after the shooting. Despite their efforts, no suspects have been identified, and the motive behind the attack remains unknown. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-06-11-061124-pool-party-shooting-1843795-339/ While many Black Americans consider themselves at least somewhat successful and hold an optimistic outlook regarding their financial future, their views on U.S. institutions are markedly critical. A recent Pew Research Center survey conducted in September 2023 highlights significant doubts and suspicions among Black adults about the fairness of various systems in the United States. According to the survey, a substantial majority of Black Americans believe that several U.S. systems are designed to hold them back. Specifically, 74% of respondents view the prison system as inherently biased against Black people, while 67% and 65% express similar concerns about the political and economic systems, respectively. JAY-Z is under fire following the revelation that Roc Nation is contributing $300 million in scholarships for Philadelphia students in grades K-12 through the Pennsylvania Award for Student Success (PASS) program. Roc Nation will organize various events this month to raise awareness about the initiative, Hot New Hip Hop reports. “We have enjoyed such a special connection with Philadelphians, so we’ve made it our mission to invest in the long-term success of the city’s changemakers,” Roc Nation Managing Director of Philanthropy Dania Diaz said in a statement. “Impact starts with the students and with awareness. We want to empower the youth and families with the knowledge to pursue their scholastic dreams, make their voices heard and become the leaders of tomorrow,” Diaz continued. Critics contend that the philanthropic effort’s hidden agenda is to weaken public school funding and promote education privatization. https://youtu.be/yV8SsCZBQ60 Actor Peter Sarsgaard shared insights on his character, prosecutor Tommy Molto in the new Apple TV+ series “Presumed Innocent.” Starring Jake Gyllenhaal as chief deputy prosecutor Rusty Sabich, “the gripping series takes viewers on a journey through the horrific murder that upends the Chicago Prosecuting Attorneys’ office when one of its own is suspected of the crime. The series explores obsession, sex, politics, and the power and limits of love, as the accused fights to hold his family and marriage together,” per the official synopsis. The thriller’s star-studded ensemble cast also includes Ruth Negga, Bill Camp, O-T Fagbenle, Chase Infiniti, Elizabeth Marvel, Nana Mensah, Renate Reinsve, and Kingston Rumi Southwick. The series is based on Scott Turow’s New York Times bestselling novel of the same name and is produced by Bad Robot Productions and David E. Kelley Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television. Gyllenhaal believes viewers will be captivated by the story’s suspense. https://youtu.be/ZNSY3lMioHs “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” directed Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, is the best film in the “Bad Boys” franchise. There are the usual action scenes, and senseless buddy banter, but “Ride or Die” shows a certain vulnerability. Mike Lowery (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) face some serious health issues. This, of course, puts them in a more human, susceptible position. Before going any further, it must be pointed out that Reggie (Dennis McDonald)“ is the man.” If there is any doubt in anyone’s mind whether to see “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” let Reggie be the deciding factor. Moviegoers will remember Reggie in the previous “Bad Boys.” A whole film could be based on Reggie, the Marine staff sergeant, alone. The chemistry, camaraderie, and comedy continue in “Ride or Die.” Detectives Lowery and Burnett are on the trail of those who framed Captain Howard (Joe Pantoliano). Pantoliano was implicated in a cartel’s money laundering scheme by corrupt government officials.Revenge also plays a factor in bringing suspects to justice. https://youtu.be/ZTQyMmz-cQE Singer/Trumpeter Johnny Britt sings and plays his smooth muted trumpet on his jazzy rendition of the 1964 classic “Walk On By.” Originally made famous by Dionne Warwick … this classic has been sung by the likes of Isaac Hayes, Michael McDonald, Seal and more. Britt’s version of “Walk On By” debuted as the most added single. In week #2 “Walk On By” was again the most added and top gainer at radio. In the same week, SiriusXM Watercolors added “Walk On By” to their nationwide rotation on radio. “This is a dream come true for me. This song felt so good while I was arranging and producing it … I knew this one was a gem,” Britt says. “Also a dream for me is the fact that my 25-year-old son Josh Britt mixed ‘Walk On By’ I’m so glad that the world will hear his talent. Playing drums on ‘Walk On By’ is my studio drummer Marcus Williams. I’m playing keyboards, bass, and muted trumpet so it’s just Marcus and Johnny on this track. “What’s so amazing is that “Walk On By” is the 3rd radio single that SiriusXM has picked up from my “After We Play” album … this is huge and a first for me,” continues Britt. “We will be entering ‘Walk On By’ on the Grammy ballot this year I think it’s that good. I speak fluent French and I studied music at the prestigious Conservatoire de Versaille just outside of Paris, France it was a full circle moment for me to be able to go back to where it all started for me to shoot the “Walk On By” video in the city that I adore … the romantic picturesque streets of Paris, France.” The video was directed by the talented Cedric Godin and edited by Sam Lenkov, the accompanying music video beautifully captures the essence of the song, with Paris serving as a breathtaking backdrop to Britt’s heartfelt performance. https://youtu.be/wNU8Xbi_CHQ TikToker Lilly Gaddis was fired from her job after she dropped the “N-Word” in one of her cooking videos, and conservative media is now giving her a platform to shine. In a TikTok posted on her now-deactivated account, she started off the video talking about “gold diggers,” “dumb whores,” and “immigrants fresh off the boat looking for a green card.” Gaddis, who is white, went on to explain what type of men she prefers before noting that most of her friends are married to “Broke-A** Ni**as.” When Lilly’s (@llddiiss) now-former employer Rophe of the Carolinas caught wind her video, she was promptly fired, Complex reports. “We are owned and operated by [an] African American female and [are an] immigrant owned business and handled the situation as quickly as we could. We want to assure you that we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful work environment where all individuals are valued and respected,” said the company, which provides “non-medical care for the elderly, disabled and others,” in a statement, per Complex. “We appreciate the support and trust of our community, and we are dedicated to earning back any confidence that may have been shaken by this unfortunate incident.” https://twitter.com/DailyLoud?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1800780484743401555%7Ctwgr%5Eb97704705fbd1bd54e6acafdd8681496121102b4%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Ftiktoker-fired-by-black-employer-for-saying-broke-a-nias%2F In a follow-up video, Gaddis said she “couldn’t find a care” that her TikTok “upset” the Black community. “Thanks black community for helping to launch my new career in conservative media!” she tweeted in a separate post. “You all played your role well like the puppets you are.” It didn’t take long for conservative media to invite her to speak on multiple platforms and podcasts simply for being the viral N-word TikTok girl. According to YouTuber Javier Aliaga, Lilly’s first media appearance was on InfoWars, where she defended freedom of speech and said racism barely exists in America. “People think because she got fired from her job means it’s the end of the world for her,” Aliaga posted on X/Twitter. “Lilly Gaddis is just getting started.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1800661197143908460 CBS is bringing back the beloved game show “Hollywood Squares” with a fresh twist, featuring Drew Barrymore as the iconic center square and Nate Burleson stepping up as the host. Set to premiere in January, the show will air on Wednesdays following “The Price Is Right at Night” and “Raid the Cage.” Nate Burleson, co-host of “CBS Mornings” since September 2021 and a renowned NFL studio analyst, will be guiding contestants through the fun and games. Burleson, who has seamlessly transitioned from an impressive 11-year NFL career to broadcasting, will bring his charismatic and engaging style to the show. His NFL career spanned the Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, and Detroit Lions, making him a well-respected figure in both sports and media. The announcement was made by CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach during a Deadline-moderated panel at the Banff World Media Festival. “Hollywood Squares” is a game where two contestants compete in a tic-tac-toe format to win money and prizes. The board is a stack of open-faced cubes, each occupied by a celebrity who answers questions. Contestants win by correctly judging the legitimacy of the celebrities’ answers. https://youtu.be/Pj1EGZyvXTY Halle Berry, the timeless beauty who somehow looks 37 at the age of 57, gave her fans a treat with a wardrobe malfunction that is as hilarious as it is revealing. The actress, never one to shy away from a good laugh, shared a video on Instagram that has left everyone in stitches. On June 7, Halle strutted her stuff through a Las Vegas hotel lobby in a white short-sleeved shirt with a tight black bodice, looking every bit the fashion icon. Fast forward to June 10, and the Oscar winner is caught in a hilarious struggle trying to remove that same top. Spoiler alert: it didn’t go well. https://youtu.be/GqgXixCphtI In a video that can only be described as pure comedy gold, Halle and her stylist, Heidi Flores, are seen in a dressing room fighting with the stubborn Anna Quan top. Halle, clearly in pain, pointed out a side zipper, but even that didn’t help much. The garment was as clingy as a bad ex, refusing to let go. As if the situation wasn’t already ridiculous enough, Halle wasn’t wearing a bra, making the ordeal a tad more… revealing. “Why did you put me in this?” Halle asked, laughter punctuating her words. Heidi, ever the stylist, quipped back, “Because it looked good.” Well, fashion does demand sacrifices, right? https://www.instagram.com/p/C8CroWoRsiV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Jonathan Majors is set to receive the Perseverance Award at Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards. Per The Hollywood Reporter, the award is “given to an individual who has shown that no matter what adversity they face, they will continue to aspire to inspire.” Majors will be honored at the Los Angeles event on June 21. The award comes six months after his December conviction for third-degree reckless assault and harassment. As we reported earlier via CNN, he was acquitted on another assault charge and one count of aggravated harassment. The charges stemmed from a domestic dispute involving Majors and his former girlfriend, Grace Jabbari. In April, Majors was sentenced to a 52-week, in-person domestic violence intervention program. He was eligible for up to one year in jail based on his conviction. The jury in the Hunter Biden gun case was deadlocked in an initial vote Monday night over whether to convict the president’s son, one of the jurors told CNN in an interview, adding that “no politics came into play” during deliberations before they arrived at a guilty verdict. The male juror, No. 10, also said that it was a mistake to put Naomi Biden, Hunter’s daughter, on the stand, and that jurors felt bad that she was called to testify. Hunter Biden was found guilty on Tuesday of all three federal felony gun charges he faced, with the jury concluding that he violated laws meant to prevent drug addicts from owning firearms. When the jury returned on Tuesday morning, there was only one remaining holdout, the juror who spoke with CNN said. Over the next few hours, the jury discussed the elements of each crime, the man said, and the last holdout agreed that they should return a guilty verdict. While the male juror did not say whether he was a supporter of President Joe Biden, he said he felt sympathy for the family’s struggle with Hunter Biden’s addiction. He also said he doesn’t believe Hunter Biden belongs in jail. Michael B. Jordan has partnered with Propel Fitness Water to promote the importance of fitness in a new campaign. The ‘Propel Your City Project’ aims to foster communal exercise by installing fitness hubs in Newark, Atlanta, Houston and Los Angeles. The initiative kicked off in Jordan’s hometown of Newark, New Jersey, on June 8. It offers free classes led by local fitness and wellness experts. “My fitness journey started on the basketball courts in Newark and the progress I’ve made since then comes from a combination of learning from the best and moving alongside my team,” Jordan said in a statement. “With the Propel Your City Project, we’re trying to help more people find that winning mix in their community to drive them forward.” Speaking to Vibe, Jordan said, “I think it’s great to kind of be able to bring your success or things that you’re involved in now, back to your hometown, to the place that made you. I think growing up in Newark and being a product of my environment — in the best way possible — it makes you proud to be able to bring events, your brand partnerships and things that you’re involved with now, back to your hometown which is kind of cool.” https://www.instagram.com/michaelbjordan/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=7a550ae9-5eb0-4524-9ca4-62664606f29b T.J. Holmes claims Amy Robach helped him through the “darkest” period of his life when he was battling depression. “Thoughts of suicide, abuse of alcohol—I didn’t realize how bad off I was,” Holmes said on the most recent episode of the Amy & T.J. podcast, Complex reports. The former GMA3 co-host admitted that he was diagnosed with “moderately severe depression” in 2015. “I would walk back and forth in the middle of the night, because I didn’t wanna go home. And I would just walk the streets. I can tell you, there’s a bench on 14th Street, just west of Union Square, where I have actually slept at night. I was the best dressed homeless man you have ever seen in your life,” Holmes said. Holmes, 46, expressed his gratitude for Robach, 51, noting that she supported him when they worked together at ABC before becoming a couple. https://youtu.be/_2qCdYsF1MI Gabourey Sidibe and her husband, Brandon Frankel, are celebrating the birth of the twins who were born in April. The proud parents shared a photo of their growing family on Instagram, The Shade Room reported. Check out the couple’s adorable twin babies in the post. “Brandon always wanted to name a son Cooper, so we call him ‘Coop,’ and Maya was named shortly before our baby moon to the Mayan Riviera in Mexico,” Sidibe shared, per TSR. “Both twins have traditional West African middle names after members of my family.” The actress continued, “Cooper will sometimes speak for Maya and alert us that she’s about to spit up. Maya loves her name being sung to her and is the queen of comedic timing, and Cooper loves his sleep and has the funniest facial expressions. They both love cuddling with Mom and Dad.” Sidibe revealed her pregnancy in February. She previously noted … “it was time to give our cats some responsibility so we’re giving them each a baby to take care of! Double the babies, double the cats, double the fun!! Twin Delivery coming soon! Twinty Twinty Four!!,” she joked at the time, per Vibe. https://www.instagram.com/theshaderoom/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=98fc9d93-b145-48f2-a7b9-f030bbafa0a9 Tory Lanez’s wife, Raina Chassagne, has filed for divorce from the hip-hop star after less than a year of marriage. The move comes as Lanez (born Daystar Peterson) is serving a 10-year prison sentence for shooting Megan Thee Stallion in the foot. The estranged couple tied the knot on June 25, 2023, six months after Lanez was convicted in the shooting case. According to court docs obtained by ET, Chassagne cites “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the split. Regarding spousal support, Chassagne requested that the court preserve her option to seek financial assistance from Lanez in the future. According to TMZ, Tory and Raina share a 7-year-old son, and Chassagne is seeking legal and physical custody of the boy. https://t.co/nnM45yxwed Tyler James Williams and Anthony Mackie chopped it up during a recent edition of Variety’s Actors on Actors series. During the conversation, Williams discussed his roles on “Everybody Hates Chris” and ABC’s hit sitcom “Abbott Elementary.” Meanwhile, Mackie unpacked his characters in Peacock’s video game adaptation “Twisted Metal” and his portrayal of the Marvel character Falcon. At one point during the conversation, Mackie told Williams, “You was a weird-looking kid, and you grew up to be, like, a good-looking dude.” Williams responded, “I want to say we were all weird-looking kids.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1799458612592648296 Retired Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce surprised fans on social media when he revealed that he doesn’t wash his legs or feet in the shower. Kelce wrote on X (formally Twitter), “What kind of weirdo washes their feet….” His comment was in response to a Twitter user claiming he “looks like he doesn’t wash his legs or feet.” Will Smith was promoting the latest Bad Boys movie with co-star Martin Lawrence when he responded to Kelce’s questionable hygiene. As Parade.com reports, during the June 6 episode of the 7PM in Brooklyn podcast, Will and Martin took part in a segment called “F—in Wit It or F— Outta Here!” and emphatically placed Kelce’s opinion in the latter category. https://youtu.be/55xr0k4y8Eg “F—in outta here, Kelce,” Lawrence exclaimed. “Wash your feet. Your nasty a– getting in the bed with them nasty a– feet.” ‘Cause it’s not the feet,” Smith added. “You gotta get in between the toes.” https://twitter.com/JasonKelce?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1796948663949828347%7Ctwgr%5E499bcd39366584088b7c3b6d2f8066a1646efe1d%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fwill-smith-reacts-to-jason-kelces-questionable-hygiene%2F Jeezy’s ongoing divorce battle with his estranged wife, Jeannie Mai, has taken a new turn as the rapper wants the judge to order a “parental fitness exam” for both of them. Jeezy also wants “joint physical custody” of their daughter Monaco, The Blast reports. This latest filing comes after Mai accused him of domestic violence, which the hip-hop star has denied. According to a new legal document, Jeezy wants the court to acknowledge his proposed “temporary parenting plan order. Additionally, he wants “temporary child support” to be granted “pursuant to statutory guidelines.” As The Blast reports, complaint include an affidavit from Jeezy’s ex-partner Mahi, with whom he shares 10-year-old daughter Amra Nor Jenkins. Mahi described the artist as “one of the most peaceful people” she has ever met. In the court documents, Mahi said Jeezy is a “devoted, caring, and present Father to our daughter and his oldest child [Jadarius Jenkins, 28].” Political commentator Briahna Joy Gray turned to social media to confirm that The Hill terminated her after she rolled her eyes during an interview with the family of an Israeli hostage. Gray appeared to sigh and roll her eyes while speaking to Yarden Goden, the sister of hostage Romi Gonen, who was allegedly taken by Hamas on October 7, RadarOnline reports. “It finally happened. The Hill has fired me. There should be no doubt that @RisingTheHill has a clear pattern of suppressing speech — particularly when it’s critical of the state of Israel,” Gray wrote on X. During the conversation, Gonen said, “I really hope that you, specifically, will believe women when they say that they got hurt.” This prompted Gray to roll her eyes before ending the interview. Per RadarOnline, Israeli Zionist Hen Mazzig, founder of the Tel Aviv Institute, tweeted, “The Hill’s @briebriejoy rolling her eyes and sighing after Yarden Gonen, sister of a hostage in Gaza, asking her to believe rape victims. No low this person won’t sink to, truly disgusting.” https://twitter.com/briebriejoy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1798845475509956743%7Ctwgr%5E5f1842a8a35944c72f041bc77915901cb63a68f0%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fthe-hill-fires-reporter-for-rolling-her-eyes-at-israeli-family%2F Gray has been critical of Israel’s attacks in Gaza, and she claims her firing is “clearly part of a coordinated effort.” “It was only a matter of time before they fired me,” she said on X, noting that she will further discuss the issue on her Bad Faith podcast. https://twitter.com/HenMazzig?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1798497298324013482%7Ctwgr%5E5f1842a8a35944c72f041bc77915901cb63a68f0%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fthe-hill-fires-reporter-for-rolling-her-eyes-at-israeli-family%2F If it’s Monday, it’s Jon Stewart‘s turn to host “The Daily Show.” Stewart continues to captivate audiences with his sharp wit and insightful commentary, alongside The Daily Show’s all-star News Team, including Ronny Chieng, Desi Lydic, Jordan Klepper, Michael Kosta, Dulcé Sloan, and Lewis Black. This week’s episode featured a compelling interview with Monica McNutt, a basketball analyst, host, ESPN reporter, and NY Knicks Radio sports analyst. McNutt shared her thoughts on the WNBA, focusing particularly on the rising star Caitlin Clark and the broader issues surrounding women’s basketball. “While Caitlin is fantastic and I think she’s going to have an incredible career in the WNBA, there were women who were worthy of coverage prior to her, and I will not be silenced when it comes to that,” McNutt passionately stated. Her remarks highlight the need for greater recognition and coverage of the many talented women athletes who have long contributed to the sport. During the interview, McNutt elaborated on her viral debate with Stephen A. Smith about Caitlin Clark and the WNBA. She delved into the larger underlying issues of gender, race, and class that influence how people discuss and perceive women’s basketball. “There are systemic issues at play that impact the visibility and respect female athletes receive,” McNutt explained. https://youtu.be/9xOSr66sT8c President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris celebrated Juneteenth with a vibrant concert on the South Lawn of the White House, featuring performances by renowned artists such as Kirk Franklin, Gladys Knight, and Patti LaBelle. https://twitter.com/i/status/1800318511618953233 This event marked a joyous commemoration of Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday in 2021. The concert highlighted the White House’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating Juneteenth, a day that has been significant to African American communities since the late 19th century but gained formal national recognition in the 21st century. The evening was filled with music, dance, and reflections on the historical and cultural importance of Juneteenth. https://twitter.com/PhilJonesNFL/status/1800319070665081279?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1800330096948941182%7Ctwgr%5E83e2c30c8277cd79446f178c19ce1956229db7cc%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fbiden-and-harris-host-juneteenth-concert-on-south-lawn-featuring-kirk-franklin-gladys-knight-patti-labelle-more-watch%2F A notable moment during the event occurred when Kirk Franklin invited Vice President Harris on stage to dance to his uplifting song “Smile.” The crowd cheered as Harris joined Franklin, adding a personal and joyous touch to the celebration. https://twitter.com/ChrisDJackson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1800320955711095086%7Ctwgr%5E83e2c30c8277cd79446f178c19ce1956229db7cc%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fbiden-and-harris-host-juneteenth-concert-on-south-lawn-featuring-kirk-franklin-gladys-knight-patti-labelle-more-watch%2F Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. The name “Juneteenth” is derived from the combination of “June” and “nineteenth,” marking the day on June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger announced the end of slavery in Galveston, Texas, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued by President Abraham Lincoln. In 2021, President Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law, making Juneteenth a federal holiday. This historic moment marked the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established in 1983. https://twitter.com/ChrisDJackson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1800358541947003035%7Ctwgr%5E83e2c30c8277cd79446f178c19ce1956229db7cc%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fbiden-and-harris-host-juneteenth-concert-on-south-lawn-featuring-kirk-franklin-gladys-knight-patti-labelle-more-watch%2F During the signing ceremony at the White House, President Biden emphasized the day’s significance, stating, “Juneteenth marks both the long, hard night of slavery and subjugation, and a promise of a brighter morning to come. This is a day of profound weight and profound power.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1800299565603860786 The recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday by the White House underscores the administration’s commitment to addressing the legacy of slavery and promoting racial justice and equality in the United States. The White House continues to commemorate Juneteenth with events and statements celebrating African American history and culture, serving as a reminder of the nation’s progress and the ongoing work towards true equality and justice for all citizens. https://twitter.com/ChrisDJackson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1800321394825408969%7Ctwgr%5E83e2c30c8277cd79446f178c19ce1956229db7cc%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fbiden-and-harris-host-juneteenth-concert-on-south-lawn-featuring-kirk-franklin-gladys-knight-patti-labelle-more-watch%2F Some people don’t know how to quit when they’re ahead. After looking at the interview Dr. Phil McGraw did with Donald Trump last week, I’m convinced that McGraw is one of those people. First, he gave his unsolicited opinion about reparations. Now he’s making infomercials and passing them off as facts. It was so unbelievable that during the hour-long conversation, even Trump looked dumbfounded at the softball setups from McGraw. There were no challenging questions or fact-checking in real time, just a bunch of pontificating between two old white dudes who expected viewers to accept it as truth. And if that wasn’t bad enough, Dr. Phil wants President Joe Biden to use his presidential powers to end all prosecutions against Trump in the name of forgiveness, even after Trump said he will go on a revenge tour if he is re-elected as president. What happened to justice and accountability, or is that only for people who don’t look like McGraw and Trump? I don’t know how McGraw didn’t predict the backlash he’s getting from this interview. Apparently, some of us gave him too much credit for being an inciteful professional. Since McGraw didn’t do it, let’s do our own fact-checking. Click the video for more details. https://youtu.be/_FHJS0O798E A 29-year-old man (Smiley Martin) who was being held on charges connected to a 2022 mass shooting that left six people dead and 12 injured in Sacramento, California, died in jail over the weekend, his attorney told CNN. Martin was facing a murder charge, according to CNN affiliate KCRA. He was also charged with two felony firearms possession counts related to the April 2022 shooting that police say involved at least five shooters and left behind a chaotic crime scene littered with more than 100 shell casings. Two other people, including Martin’s brother, were also arrested in connection with the incident. Martin’s attorney, Norman Dawson, said he was alerted of his death early Saturday. The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office announced on social media that a 29-year-old man had been found unresponsive in his cell around 2:15 a.m. Saturday, but despite life-saving efforts was ultimately pronounced dead. Though the agency did not name Martin as the inmate, it said the man had been in custody since Martin’s arrest date of April 20, 2022. https://youtu.be/6hqlqPy5IiQ Rapper Sexyy Red found herself in hot water this weekend after being arrested at Newark Liberty International Airport following a brawl. What started as a minor offense revealed a larger altercation captured on surveillance footage. The incident occurred early Saturday morning, with police called to the scene as tensions escalated between two groups. TMZ Hip Hop obtained the surveillance video showing the chaotic scene unfold at one of the terminals. In the footage, several men can be seen tumbling into view, immediately engaging in a fistfight. Moments later, Sexyy Red, easily identifiable by her red bonnet, steps into the frame. She appears ready to join the fray, brandishing a ground stand and waving it threateningly. Fortunately, before she could make contact, someone intervened and pulled her away from the chaos. Rapper Sexyy Red found herself in hot water this weekend after being arrested at Newark Liberty International Airport following a brawl. What started as a minor offense revealed a larger altercation captured on surveillance footage. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-06-11-061024-sexyy-red-1843122-659/ A man who Atlanta police say held a gun to the head of a bus driver is in custody after the hijacked bus led authorities on a rush hour chase Tuesday, and another person found shot on the bus has now died, officials say. Police said they will not release the identity of the person who died until family members have been notified. The suspect was identified as Joseph Grier, a 39-year-old felon, Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said at a news conference. CNN has not been able to determine if Grier has retained legal counsel at this time. The chief called the bus driver “a hero” as he was in “a very dangerous situation” yet remained committed to his passengers. He noted the driver was shaken up by the “harrowing experience.” https://youtu.be/clhlKkZOKQw The chief said 17 people were on the bus, including the driver. Authorities responded to a report of gunfire on a bus in downtown Atlanta at roughly 4:35 p.m Tuesday and upon arrival, the bus took off, the Atlanta Police Department said. Following a chase that took place on I-85 and surface streets in multiple counties, the suspect was taken into custody “without further incident,” police said. Inside the bus, officers found an adult with a gunshot wound, who died at a hospital, according to police. There were no other injuries to the people on the bus, according to authorities. https://youtu.be/jNWr74ALE3w The bus hit several vehicles during the pursuit, police said. It was not immediately known whether any motorists were hurt. A man told CNN his wife called him from the bus to say someone had been shot and she was scared. Johnny Gilbert said his wife, Paulette Gilbert, takes the bus to and from work. “She said the guy got on the bus and seemed kinda crazy,” Gilbert said, recounting his wife’s story. “He was being disruptive or getting on people’s nerves,” he added. https://youtu.be/na-p7IL63pU Sheila E. just wanted to lead a glamorous life of marking Prince’s recent birthday, but she says she was turned away from the late star’s home. According to the former Prince protégée, she was not allowed into the studio at Paisley Park in Minneapolis after she traveled there to celebrate what would have been Prince’s 66th birthday on June 7. “I went in to celebrate him, and I wanted to go into the studio and do a live video, take a picture, and they said, ‘No,’” Sheila E. said in a video shared on Instagram. ”My heart’s broke. I can’t even walk into Paisley. That’s kind of messed up.” Paisley Park responded in a statement shared on social media, explaining why they were not able to accommodate her. “Hello Sheila – We love and respect you, and we did offer for you to come in and film in the soundstage or other areas, but we couldn’t allow filming in the studios without prior knowledge and planning, especially with tours going on at the time,” the statement read. “We hope to have you back to Paisley Park in the future — just give us a heads-up! Happy Prince Day.” https://youtu.be/Vx9It-TOTDk In a follow-up statement, Sheila E. said she would like her drum set – currently on load to Paisley Park, which now serves as a Prince museum – returned. CNN has reached out to representatives for both Sheila E. and Paisley Park officials for comment. Prince died in April 2016 of an accidental overdose of the opioid fentanyl. He and Sheila E. collaborated on several songs, including the hit that made her star, 1984’s “The Glamorous Life.” According to TwinCities.com, Sheila E. was in Minnesota for a concert with Morris Day & the Time, who are also known for being protégés of Prince and who costarred with him in the hit film “Purple Rain.” https://youtu.be/CPH9Y1wEV58 Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg agreed on Friday to testify before Congress as Republicans attempt to discredit former President Donald Trump’s conviction but indicated that could happen only after Trump is sentenced next month. Bragg’s office has resisted calls to testify before Congress citing the ongoing case against the former president, but in a letter Friday to GOP Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Bragg stated his willingness to testify at a future date. The letter from Bragg’s general counsel said the Manhattan DA’s office is willing to engage with the committee to decide a date for the testimony as well as to “better understand the scope and the purpose of the proposed hearing.” “This Office is committed to voluntary cooperation. That cooperation includes making the District Attorney available to provide testimony on behalf of the Office at an agreed-upon date, and evaluating the propriety of allowing an Assistant District Attorney to testify publicly about an active prosecution to which he is assigned,” the letter reads. https://youtu.be/3ctTyqojgPw Jordan, along with House Oversight Chairman James Comer and House Administration Chairman Bryan Steil, sent a letter calling for Bragg’s testimony last year ahead of the trial and criticized Bragg’s investigation into the former president as an “unprecedented abuse of prosecutorial authority.” Along with Bragg, Jordan has previously looked to investigate other members in the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, as key allies of Trump attempted to frame his criminal charges as politically motivated. Jordan subpoenaed former New York County Special Assistant District Attorney Mark Pomerantz last year for his role investigating Trump and his business empire and sought voluntary cooperation from Colangelo. https://youtu.be/1ay_xhKz1yI The new Peacock documentary TikTok Star Murders, delves into how the seemingly picture-perfect relationship between TikTok personality Ali Abulaban and his wife Ana turned deadly through private, never-before-aired cellphone footage and audio, per the news release. From executive producer from EP Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, the documentary traces the events leading up to the killing including the recent trial. Abulaban, who had close to 1 million TikTok followers, killed his wife and her alleged lover Barron in 2021. Last month, he was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder. Abulaban is scheduled for sentencing June 28, If convicted, he faces up to life in prison. “Ali and Ana Abulaban have it all — great jobs, a beautiful young daughter, and the promise of stardom. A TikTok creator who gained popularity under the username JinnKid in late 2019, Ali is known for his viral Skyrim and Scarface comedic impressions, often featuring his beautiful wife, Ana,” a description of the documentary reads, per Oxygen.com. “To his fans, Ali is talented, funny, charismatic and has a picture-perfect relationship with the modelesque Ana. They seemingly have it all, but not everything online is as it seems.” https://youtu.be/m31uNmVp7hc TikTok Star Murders is an unscripted title from 50 Cent and G-Unit Films & Television, Inc. in participation with Lusid Media. The doc premieres June 25 on Peacock. https://youtu.be/XXweiGPt5cM Afrobeats is a vibrant and dynamic sound that blends traditional African rhythms with global influences. Audu Maikori, the founder of Chocolate City, Nigeria’s largest Afrobeat label, is at the forefront of this musical revolution. Per the news release, Audu Maikori’s was born into the Nok culture in Kwoi, Kaduna. His upbringing in this culturally rich environment instilled a deep appreciation for music and the arts. Despite the societal stigma against pursuing a career in music at the time, Audu’s passion for music never wavered. In 1997, while studying at the University of Jos, Audu and his friends sought to inject excitement into campus life. They came up with the idea of hosting bi-weekly raves for their fellow students at various locations. This initiative was the genesis of Chocolate City. https://www.instagram.com/audumaikori/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=f43fbd28-8fe5-4166-99f3-5b956e599a6c VANESSA BELL ARMSTRONG is a Gospel legend and vocal powerhouse who for four decades has scored Gospel hits, won Stellar Awards, earned multiple Grammy nominations as well as appeared on Broadway. Shanachie Entertainment will release "TODAY," Vanessa Bell Armstrong’s first album in over a decade on June 21, 2024. The album, which features production by John P. Kee, Donald Lawrence and Walter Millsap III, captures all facets of Vanessa’s artistry, from classic Gospel to Praise & Worship. It's another song "Shining Bright" in the Gospel Spotlight... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cxpo2TvSK68 Bishop Oliver Clyde Allen, III, trailblazing thought-leader, Senior Pastor of The Vision Cathedral of Atlanta, and best-selling author, is assembling Award-Winning entertainers, global leaders, and entrepreneurs for the 2024 iElevate National Conference held June 26th - June 30th in Atlanta, GA at the Marriott Buckhead Hotel & Conference Center. Under the conference theme, “Evolve,” hundreds are expected to descend into Atlanta to be enlightened, empowered, and educated by progressive leaders and cultural innovators on various topics of social relevance and spiritual elevation. Nicki Minaj may have a new relationship status or she may be releasing a new single. Or, she just may trippin’. Who knows. The Queens rapper shared a post via X that read, “yes single,” and it has since gone viral. Fans are in a frenzy, questioning whether Nicki is referring to her husband, Kenneth Petty, or hinting at the release of new music. “Whatever it is, I just hope it makes you happy @NICKIMINAJ…” reacted one fan. https://twitter.com/NICKIMINAJ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1800227937486331978%7Ctwgr%5Eb61a1398af7d4ee597161f3772ccb2f50ac533ea%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fnicki-minaj-sparks-frenzy-with-cryptic-yes-single-post%2F Another fan added, “Oh so u are single? Or are we getting a single? We are CONFUSED BABES!” Nicki Minaj and Kenneth Petty have a storied history, having been childhood sweethearts before becoming life partners. “We were like this about each other since we were very young kids in the hood,” she previously wrote on X. https://youtu.be/FwCVgRxRQaE “He was on my body before the big ol’ ghetto booty. Before the fame and fortune. Fought my boyfriend cuz I wouldn’t be his girl. He was always a lil brazy. But anyway, timing is everything.” The couple welcomed their son, Papa Bear, on September 30, 2020. At the time, Nicki expressed her gratitude on Instagram, writing, “Thank you to Queen B, Kim & Ye, Riccardo Tisci, Winnie, Karol & everyone who sent well wishes during this time. It meant the world to me,” she wrote on Instagram at the time. “I am so grateful and in love with my son. Madly in love,” she added. “My favorite liddo boy in the whole wide world.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1800355984231272566 As of now, there’s no word if Minaj is referring to her relationship status or new music. However, fans are eagerly awaiting clarification. Meanwhile, over on Lipstick Alley, there’s a blaring headline: Nicki Minaj TWEAKING on the side of the street. Struggling to string together a COHERENT SENTENCE. Apparently, it refers to a clip on X where she seems to be totally incoherent, leading to speculation that she may have been using cocaine. “Ya girl is coked out. She struggling to interact with people and form a coherent sentence. She struggling to speak her mind because the drugs are ravaging her brain cells in real time chile,” one user commented. https://twitter.com/i/status/1800357845759897947 Nicki later posted a video, which some believe added to the drama and skepticism. Fldreamin commented, “That’s not Nicki Minaj.” SuccessfullyMe added, “This doesn’t look like Nicki to me. It’s always weird when people get addicted to drugs in their 40s tho.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1800411300515942823 Chrisean Rock was arrested in Los Angeles while attempting to support boyfriend Blueface during a court hearing. The troubled reality TV star, 24, showed up to the courthouse in the San Fernando Valley on June 10 with her baby, Chrisean Jr.. TMZ reports that five LAPD officers were waiting for her, and took Rock into custody due to an active warrant. In March, Rock turned to social media and declared she wouldn’t surrender to law enforcement while trying to sort out her issues with multiple warrants. “My warrants are getting cleaned up. I’ve been paying off fees and getting rid of shit, talking to certain people to help my situation out cause I have my son,” said Rock at the time, per Complex. “The old me would’ve just turned myself in and dealt with it through from inside to the outside of the jail, so whatever.” She continued, “Right now, I gotta play cautious because I don’t plan on being in jail while my son is growing, like, I just don’t plan on that at all. I’m going every way possible to get that figured out without even trying to serve time, and it’s working out for me. I’m gonna work on my little situations and stuff, that’s all about it.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1800303592521244887 Rock is reportedly being held without bail on a felony fugitive warrant and an assault with a deadly weapon charge. The warrant from Oklahoma relates to 2022 drug charges, including marijuana possession with intent to distribute. It’s unclear what state the deadly weapon charge is from. Rock is expected to be extradited to Oklahoma following her arrest in California, according to TMZ. It’s unclear what happened with her baby after she was taken into custody on Monday. Code Red reports that BlueFace’s mom and dad were spotted arguing outside the courthouse about who will babysit Junior while the parents are in jail. https://twitter.com/CodeRED_tv?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1800306903500865849%7Ctwgr%5E14fd658e36509638a3a374356bda53be37b385c0%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fchrisean-rock-arrested-at-blueface-hearing-on-active-warrant%2F Damon (Dame) Dash spoke about the Diddy-Cassie abuse video in an episode of Choppin’ It Up on America Nu Network. As we reported earlier, the now infamous hotel footage of the Bad Boy Records founder violently beating his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in 2016 leaked to CNN last month. According to the outlet, at the time of the incident, Combs paid the hotel $50,000 for the hallway security footage showing him wearing only a towel and chasing Cassie down a hallway to the elevator bank at InterContinental Century City. He then grabs her by the neck, slams her to the ground, kicks and drags her. Dash said it was “very disappointing” to see the footage. “…To see that from someone that again I considered my peer… we’re the brotherhood of Hip-Hop, [we’ve] showed a certain degree of respect, but you can’t unsee that, and it’s really a shame,” he said on the podcast, Vibe reports. Dame went on to say that if Puff had violated his daughter that way, the music mogul would be “dead.” https://youtu.be/oGWMUKUk9uM The man who broke into Bun B’s home in 2019 and held a gun to his wife Queenie’s head before the Houston rapper shot him has been sentenced to 40 years in prison. According to ABC 13, Demonte Jackson will spend the next four decades in prison for “aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and engaging in organized crime using exhibiting a deadly weapon,” the outlet writes. During her emotional testimony, Queenie said she is still suffering from trauma five years later. Bun B, whose real name is Bernard Freeman, also testified about how the robbery still affects their life. “This was an entirely new traumatizing incident,” Bun B told the court. “This is something we still deal with to this day.” Jackson pleaded guilty to holding Queenie at gunpoint during the home invasion, and he was shot during a gunfight with Bun B. https://twitter.com/i/status/1798812722697539882 “Just the idea of seeing my wife in this state, hearing her voice in this state. I’m her husband. That’s my primary job, to protect her and make her feel safe, and I wanted to know who did this to her,” he said. The case took five years due to Jackson’s mental health issues. Per ABC 13, his lawyers claim he’s receiving mental health treatment. https://youtu.be/Zj4EOk49M3w Rapper Foxy Brown could be called to testify in the Duane ‘Keefe D’ Davis murder trial of rap legend Tupac Shakur. According to RadarOnline, citing the U.S. Sun, prosecutors claim that Foxy was present in Las Vegas with acquaintances of Davis on September 7, 1996, shortly before Tupac was shot by members of the Southside Crip gang. The Clark County District Attorney’s office is compiling a list of witnesses to support their assertion that Davis was in Las Vegas and involved in orchestrating the attack. Multiple informants have informed prosecutors that Foxy engaged with Davis hours before Pac’s shooting. “There are secret and delicate conversations going on about Foxy being a witness at the trial,” an inside told the U.S. Sun. “She could prove vital in taking the stand or even making a statement about her recollection of being around the men, who claim they were in her company for a short while before they set off to murder Tupac,” they continued. Davis was arrested in last September in connection with the 1996 murder of the rapper. Communities around the country are losing cheddar bay biscuits and all-you-can-eat seafood deals as troubled Red Lobster closes around 100 US restaurants, with up to 135 more closures looming. But Red Lobster’s decline is particularly a loss for many Black diners, who formed a loyal base for the brand and still account for a higher share of customers than other major casual chain restaurants, according to historians, customers, and former Red Lobster executives. “Red Lobster cultivated Black customers. It has not shied away from that customer base like some brands have,” Clarence Otis Jr., the former CEO of Darden Restaurants from 2004 to 2014, when the company still owned the chain, told CNN. After Otis became CEO, Sacramento Observer columnist Mardeio Cannon wrote that “it is only fitting” Red Lobster had a Black CEO because “if there is any restaurant in America that most African Americans love, it’s Red Lobster.” In a 2015 presentation to investors, Red Lobster said 16% of customers were Black, two percentage points higher than the Black share of the US population. Red Lobster did not respond to CNN’s request for comment on current customer demographics. An Idaho student’s graduation prank went viral on TikTok in early June after he tripped and tumbled dramatically off stage while collecting his diploma … and some laughter. Jory Anderson, a student of Thunder Ridge High School, told Storyful he wanted to “end his high school career with a bang” and put a smile on his classmates’ faces during the ceremony on May 31. “Nobody really knew except a couple of kids and teachers. I didn’t want people to know it was deliberate,” Anderson said. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/zNeKsAi6brY?feature=share “It happened so fast, but I remembered getting up, trying to put my hat on, and couldn’t get it back on so I just jumped back on the stage,” he added. Footage recorded by Anderson’s sister, Jade, captures the audience gasping as the prankster convincingly dives to the ground before clambering back onto the stage to cheers. https://youtu.be/1QGKlKaeKps Amber Rose still plans to vote for Donald Trump this November despite his multiple felony convictions. Paparazzi caught up with the former stripper on June 7 in Los Angeles and asked about her Instagram post in which she endorsed Trump. Rose was asked about her history advocating for women’s rights, and she replied, “Is Donald Trump not for women’s rights issues? He’s trying to make America great again that’s for women too, right?” When the interviewer asked her, “Does him getting convicted change the way you view him?” “Nope, not at all. I will still vote for Donald Trump,” Rose stated. On May 30, the former president was found guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records in his hush money trial. When asked if this will hurt his chances to get reelected, Rose said, “I think it helps him more. I think it actually helps him. I think people see the injustice in what happened and they wanna vote for him more than ever.” Following 23-year-old Sara Milliken’s crowning as Miss Alabama at the National American Miss pageant, social media users criticized her appearance, citing her weight. According to News 5, Milliken’s quest to be named Miss Alabama began eight years ago. She competed twice but did not place. Her dream finally came true in May, and has since had to clap back at body-shammers. “It’s important to address the part of the story that didn’t air,” Sara said during a special on Alabama’s CBS affiliate, WKRG in a June 6 Instagram post. “When they first published the behind the scenes photo from this day, it received over 2,000 comments and was viewed over a million times.” The makeup artist added, “The things some people were saying truly was disgusting. I choose not to dwell on that. However, there is an important [lesson] to be had and I feel that as a titleholder it would be extremely irresponsible for me not to address the ‘second part’ of this story.” Beauty competition enthusiasts are cyber-bullying Milliken, critical of her victory because she’s plus-size. https://twitter.com/CureBore/status/1798842186836189406?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1798842186836189406%7Ctwgr%5E6b140e31ec3c4f7e0c65af8de2eb4861c9c97dca%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fmiss-alabama-reacts-to-trolls-criticizing-her-weight%2F On X/formally Twitter, “All those beautiful women in the pageant with her have to be thinking WITH.” Another person wrote, “No disrespect to Sara Milliken, she might be a beautiful person inside, but this is a beauty pageant and part of that is looking and being healthy…and she is neither. The integrity of beauty pageants has hit an all time low and it pretty much in the toilet !” A third added, “I don’t think we should normalize obesity.” “Calling her beautiful is fine and good that’s all in the eye of the beholder,” Scott Eckles wrote on Facebook, per News5. “But let’s be honest with ourselves.. she’s extremely unhealthy and this is a slap in the face to the young girls who have worked hard and maintained a diet to actually be a beauty queen. https://www.instagram.com/thenamalmiss/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=e5b99171-dc19-49a4-bb35-586821116f25 The National American Miss pageant’s website states that it aims to foster a “positive self-image by enhancing the natural beauty within.” “No matter what your body looks like, no matter where you come from, you can do anything you set your mind to,” Milliken said in a recent WKRG interview. “I feel often times people resort to Cyberbullying because it doesn’t feel real,” she explained. “It’s just words on a screen right? It can’t possibly cause physical harm? Wrong.” https://youtu.be/HWCFOpzJvNM Regé-Jean Page garnered widespread attention following his role in “Bridgerton” in 2020, but his prominence in Hollywood has since diminished significantly. The 36-year-old actor’s career has hit a snag, Life & Style reports, and fans are wondering where it all went so wrong. “Regé had an amazing lucky break in Bridgerton four years ago and made the smart decision to jump off of that show to cash in and make movie money, but to say it hasn’t quite worked out as planned is a massive understatement,” one insider said. Page did not return for “Bridgerton‘s” second season because he wanted to explore opportunities outside the show. One fan wrote in the comments section of the Life & Style report, “His refusal to continue his Bridgerton role was very disappointing to his new and cautious fans. It seems his sudden fame, based primarily on his physical appearance and sex appeal, went to his head but not his brains.” After his “Bridgerton” exit, Page appeared in Netflix’s “The Gray Man” and 2023’s “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves,” but both titles failed to boost his profile. https://youtu.be/VZjM8J0hdWo Ray J explained during his recent appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast that his sister, Brandy, has ceased extending invitations to family gatherings. The singer became “emotional” while unpacking why he and the R&B star have grown apart in recent years. “It’s just [that] Brandy’s goals, since the beginning, have been totally different [from mine]. And there’s a lot of things that I’m involved in that just don’t [coincide with her brand],” he stated, Vibe reports. “As much as you know that we’re all together, man, some things, I’ve gotta try to like [scale]. Lately, even certain events that I think they’ve been having, I haven’t got the invite and I’m good with that, but I understand why. And I’m here, but I haven’t lately because a lot of the sh*t I’m doing, it’s just a little more left field. it’s a little more outrageous. A little louder, a little more dramatic. A tad bit distasteful at times.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1798403112685928531 Elsewhere in the interview, Ray J gave insight into the dynamic between Brandy and her former teen rival Monica. In March, Monica turned to social media to ask him to keep her name out of his mouth after Ray J called on her to join forces with Brandy for a joint tour. https://youtu.be/pzAZYfMu6nE The Los Angeles Lakers’ search for a new head coach hit a major snag as Dan Hurley opted to stay with UConn, declining a six-year, $70 million contract offer from the NBA franchise. According to ESPN, Hurley, 51, decided Monday to remain with the reigning two-time national champions, despite expressing admiration for Lakers owner Jeanie Buss and GM Rob Pelinka. Hurley told ESPN on Sunday that the Lakers made a “compelling case” and that he was “extremely impressed” with Buss and Pelinka. This followed an intense weekend where Hurley met with the Lakers’ leadership in Los Angeles on Friday. Despite their impressive pitch, Hurley chose to attend a Billy Joel concert at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night with his wife Andrea and UConn assistant Luke Murray, signaling his strong connections back east. This decision came after the Lakers fired Darvin Ham following two turbulent seasons, the latter ending with a first-round playoff exit. Ham was the team’s seventh head coach since the legendary Phil Jackson retired after the 2010-11 season. Notably, none of Ham’s predecessors have lasted more than three seasons, highlighting the revolving-door nature of the Lakers’ coaching position over the past decade. Ham, by the way, is reportedly rejoining the Milwaukee Bucks as the top assistant coach to Doc Rivers. https://youtu.be/IuPRTZW_e0I Nick Cannon reportedly had his testicles insured for $10 million. As Page Six reports, Cannon used Dr. Squatch’s Ball Valuation Tool, which assesses factors like size and sexual prowess, and earned the title of “Most Valuable Balls.” Allegedly, the men’s grooming brand collaborated with Cannon and secured an official insurance policy to protect his ‘package, his dollars. “Haters say it’s time for me to stop having kids and put this super sperm to rest, but I’m doubling down on these valuable balls and my future kids,” the father of 12 said. “Shoutout to Dr. Squatch for giving my balls the credit they deserve and hooking me up with the protection I need to keep this family tree rolling!” John Ludeke, vice president of Marketing at Dr. Squatch, said, “The impetus behind the partnership and Nick’s insurance policy was to bring attention to the taboo topic of below-the-belt hygiene, in support of our Ball Care product launch.” https://youtu.be/MKGX_Ur0oOY Ray J appeared on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast and was asked about his infamous sex tape with Kim Kardashian. “It was so long ago… All I remember is how it smells,” Ray J responded before ducking behind the interview chair and adding, “I didn’t mean that… It smelled great.” Ray J also implied that the sex tape inspired the adult entertainment platform OnlyFans. “How different would we all be?” he asked, Vibe reports. “How different would this whole f**king thing be? How different would this industry be? Everything would be different. There might not be any OnlyFans and all the things like that. All the opportunities like that. Probably more people would be going to college.” The singer/entrepreneur wonders whether his influence in pop culture has been positive. https://twitter.com/i/status/1798490276400431281 Elsewhere in the conversation, Ray J reacted to the Diddy-Cassie beating video, claiming he no longer respects the music mogul. “You cannot do that,” he said. “Not OK. It’s not cool. Period. [The video] was heartbreaking and shameful and unacceptable I’ve never seen nothing like that. I’ve never seen nothing like that in the history of my life, so that’s a new [one] for me. I don’t know what kind of demon you are, but somebody need to motherf**kin’ perform an exorcism fast.” https://youtu.be/pzAZYfMu6nE Earlier today, an incident during a livestream hosted by TyTy James sent shockwaves across social media. In a video that quickly went viral, actor Michael Rainey Jr., best known for his role in “Power Book II: Ghost,” appears to be sexually assaulted. The footage shows TyTy James’ sister inappropriately touching the 23-year-old performer in the crotch area, leaving Rainey visibly uncomfortable. TyTy James, the host of Thetylilshow, addressed the incident during his livestream. “Word to my mother, I’m trying to literally ignore the s*** but I’m getting texts, the energy shifted and n**** just got up and left,” he said, clearly agitated. As viewers continued to discuss the event, James explained, “This is your crib. It’s about hospitality that means everything. Stop telling me to ignore it because when I tried to ignore it y’all d**k-riders were spamming it.” James went further, revealing interactions with Michael Rainey Jr. and other celebrities. He defended his sister, despite facing widespread backlash for the alleged assault: She never seen somebody that caliber so she start…. That’s my sister so I’m not gonna say nothing bad about her. I’m gonna just check her and tell her, ‘You ain’t gotta be on that. We all the same. We all human,” James commented. He concluded by expressing his frustration, “Nothing ever got me more mad than this.” https://youtu.be/I7wNiB6Nd_I As of this posting, Michael Rainey Jr. has not issued any public statements regarding the incident. Nonetheless, the viral footage has ignited a fervent discussion on social media. One fan voiced their outrage on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying: “She doesn’t hang around celebrities like that, so that girl is weird as hell for touching on Michael Rainey like that, and her brother is just as weird for trying to justify her.” Another commented, “It’s ridiculous that Michael Rainey Jr. was touched in such a way while live. As you can see, he was uncomfortable AF.” https://www.instagram.com/theneighborhoodtalk/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=35fa7034-9616-494b-a1d1-b44ca3380564 Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson faces criticism for his lavish spending on personal grooming. According to reports, the progressive Democrat spent $30,000 within a year, primarily on makeup services. Per RadarOnline, he made more than 30 payments to Denise Milloy’s Makeup Majic between 2023 and 2024. Milloy is a self-professed “skincare enthusiast” located on the south side of the city. Johnson, elected mayor in 2023, also spent $4,000 on hair appointments at a beauty salon. According to Radar, Johnson’s campaign advisor Bill Neidhardt “commending the mayor for not utilizing taxpayer money for grooming services,” the outlet writes. https://youtu.be/3h5jrx4Miv0 The Los Angeles Sentinel has confirmed the sudden passing of Reverend James Morris Lawson Jr. this morning, June 10, due to cardiac arrest. He was 95. Reverend Lawson, a revered civil rights activist and esteemed university professor, was a leading theoretician and tactician of nonviolence within the Civil Rights Movement. Throughout the 1960s, Reverend Lawson served as a mentor to both the Nashville Student Movement and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, playing a pivotal role in fostering the ethos of nonviolent protest and resistance. Notably, his activism led to his expulsion from Vanderbilt University in 1960, a testament to his unwavering commitment to civil rights. https://youtu.be/thQAD54QvBM Reverend Lawson’s profound impact extended beyond academia and activism. For 25 years, he served as the pastor of Holman United Methodist Church in Los Angeles, where his teachings and leadership continued to inspire the community. Rev. Lawson was a monumental figure in the civil rights movement and a close confidant of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His commitment to nonviolence, inspired by Gandhi and King, has left an indelible mark on history. Najee Ali, a civil rights activist and Director of Project Islamic Hope, expressed his deep gratitude for Lawson’s mentoring and friendship spanning over three decades. “I’m grateful for his mentoring and friendship of over 30 years. Rev. Lawson was a national treasure whose leadership and teaching of nonviolence in the tradition of Gandhi and King will be forever missed,” Ali stated. https://youtu.be/MVo6Al6M3Wk The passing of Reverend Lawson is a significant loss to the nation and the world. His legacy of peace, justice, and nonviolent resistance continues to inspire new generations. The Los Angeles Sentinel extends its sincerest condolences to the family of Reverend James Lawson Jr. during this time of mourning. https://youtu.be/YOxpSPT5PnI In a disturbing case that has rattled Los Angeles, former Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy Sean Essex has been handed a 40-year prison sentence after pleading no contest to sexually abusing four young girls. The announcement came from the LA County District Attorney’s Office, shedding light on a harrowing series of events that has left a community reeling. Essex, who served as a sheriff’s deputy for 22 years, admitted no contest to a series of sex-related offenses. The victims, aged between 4 and 13, endured abuse spanning from 2006 to 2022, as revealed by the LA County District Attorney’s Office. Of particular concern is the revelation that at least three of the victims were related to a woman Essex had dated two decades earlier. This chilling detail adds a disturbing layer of premeditation to Essex’s crimes. “The horrific sexual abuse that Mr. Essex inflicted on these young victims has not only violated his oath as a law enforcement officer to protect and serve the community but also has left these children with life-long trauma.” were the comments of LA County District Attorney George Gascón regarding Essex’s actions. DA Gascón emphasized the severe impact on the victims and pledged ongoing support through the office’s Bureau of Victim’s Services, reported KNBC-TV. Micheal Rainey Jr. expressed his disbelief and distress after an alleged sexual assault incident during a live stream hosted by popular streamer Tylil James. The “Power Book II: Ghost” actor, 23, addressed the situation on his Instagram Stories Monday, stating, “At this point, everyone has seen the video circulating online. https://youtu.be/AEAWVtt-HZY I am still in shock and don’t fully know how to process what happened last night. This is an unfortunate situation that I do not condone in any way.” The incident, which has garnered widespread attention online, involved James’ sister, Jahgee, allegedly groping Rainey during a live broadcast on James’ Twitch channel, “The Tylil Show.” https://youtu.be/x-ZSmP2SG3M In the video, Rainey appeared visibly shocked by Jahgee’s actions and promptly left the streamer’s home with his friends. Rainey emphasized the seriousness of the situation, saying, “I can’t take the incident lightly because I would be in serious trouble if the roles were reversed. The fact is, sexual assault is never okay, regardless of gender or status. We’re all human, and we should respect each other. Most importantly, we should always respect ourselves.” https://youtu.be/3lBms23eqh4 Tylil James, known for his independent podcast, initially attempted to excuse his sister’s behavior by attributing it to her lack of exposure to celebrities. “She never seen somebody that caliber so she started… You see what I’m saying?” he explained during the livestream. However, he later issued a formal apology on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, acknowledging the inappropriateness of Jahgee’s actions. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/czrBYtALFaI?feature=share “After the actions that occurred during my stream last night, I would like to sincerely apologize to Micheal and his family for what took place. My little sister was completely wrong and out of line. What she did was very inappropriate and unacceptable. I am truly embarrassed and disgusted by her actions,” James wrote. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/xBjNNZGMgzY?feature=share Actors O-T Fagbenle and Nana Mensah discuss their intriguing roles in the new Apple TV+ series “Presumed Innocent.” Inspired by Scott Turow’s bestselling 1987 courtroom thriller, this eight-episode series stars Jake Gyllenhaal as Rusty Sabich who is at the center of gripping murder trial that shakes the Chicago Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to its core when one of its own becomes the prime suspect. As the plot unfolds, “Presumed Innocent” explores deep themes of obsession, sex, politics, and the complexities of love, all while the accused struggles to hold his family and marriage together. Starring alongside Gyllenhaal, are Ruth Negga as Barbara Sabich, Bill Camp as Raymond Horgan, O-T Fagbenle as Nico Della Guardia, Chase Infiniti as Jaden Sabich, Elizabeth Marvel as Lorraine Horgan, Nana Mensah as Detective Alana Rodriguez, Renate Reinsve as Carolyn Polhemus, Kingston Rumi Southwick as Kyle Sabich and Peter Sarsgaard as Tommy Molto. David E. Kelley serves as showrunner, executive producer and writer of the series. In a statement, he said, “The story is timeless in so many respects, and perhaps has become even more relevant with age. Yes, there’s a murder to solve, but the heart of this story is Rusty and Barbara’s relationship; their marriage; their family. Will that survive? You wrap everything inside the pressure cooker of a whodunit. Turow’s novel is both a page-turner and thought-provoking piece all at once.” https://youtu.be/ZNSY3lMioHs Darryl Pitts, the celebrated promoter in the entertainment industry, proudly presents the 10th Annual BET Weekend After Party and Red Carpet Experience. This exclusive, star-studded event, hosted by actor Brian White of BET’s “Black Hamptons,” will take place on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at the Westmor Dance Studio, located at 607 S. Western Avenue, Los Angeles. Joining Pitts in producing this highly-anticipated after-party are Ricky Johnson and Mark Bruce, both renowned for their contributions to the entertainment scene. The event will feature a special live performance by R&B Billboard Chart-topper Tanya Nolan ensuring an unforgettable evening. The star-studded event, featuring DJWen providing the sounds, promises to be a night to remember. With doors opening at 8 pm, attendees can look forward to an evening filled with pulsating music, exhilarating dance performances, and a vibrant atmosphere. Decades into the rap game and Lil Wayne shows no sign of slowing down. It looks like he’s caught a second wind and plans to officially reintroduce himself under the guise of making “more history” before reuniting his his fellow Hot Boys. The move seemingly signals a return to form from the mixtape icon whose underground catalog includes the DJ Drama-assisted “Dedication 2.” Notable tracks include “Cannon,” “SportsCenter,” “I’m The Best Rapper Alive,” and “Where Da Cash At.” This week marks 18 years since “Dedication 2” was released, as acknowledged on the official Young Money X page. Realizing his trailblazing history as one of the best rappers around, Lil Wayne made his intent official on X (formerly Twitter) by declaring, “More history to make.” Soon after the tweet was posted, folk were already believing that new music from the “Go DJ” lyricist was being teased. Vibe notes that Lil Wayne wasn’t trying to pull one over on fans. He does have a project coming, as evidenced by its lead single, the Young Thug-assisted “Bless.” The solo project comes amid news of an added venture that’s been years in the making. The highly anticipated venture marks the return of the Hot Boys to the rap arena. The group, comprised of Lil Wayne, Juvenile, Turk and BG, are reuniting for a new album. https://youtu.be/tnrAmSV9Ulw Brandy and Monica have reunited to support Ariana Grande‘s reinterpretation of their iconic hit “The Boy Is Mine.” Released on Friday (June 7), Grande’s music video for the track is part of her “Eternal Sunshine” album, which debuted earlier this year. The original 1998 duet by Brandy and Monica not only topped the charts but also won them the Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group. The music video opens with the legendary singers stepping into the roles of news anchors. They set the stage for a speech by a disheveled Mayor Max Starling, portrayed by Penn Badgley. The visual homage underscores the enduring impact of the original track while infusing it with a contemporary twist. https://youtu.be/KwRxeZ9Ro24 The collaboration comes on the heels of a public plea from Monica to Ray J, who had been stirring conversations about a potential tour featuring Brandy and Monica. During an appearance on The Breakfast Club, Ray J expanded on the idea, which he initially mentioned in the comments of one of Monica’s Instagram Lives. Monica swiftly addressed the speculation in a social media post, urging Ray J to stop discussing the tour publicly without proper discussions and agreements. “I’ve been repeatedly contacted about interviews etc. where my name and tour possibilities are being discussed,” Monica wrote. “I’ve not received any contracts or calls about said tour. @rayj I’m kindly asking you to stop speaking on me in public! A private conversation would both be necessary and respectful! Brandy is a LEGEND! She’s one with an extensive back catalog that I deeply respect & a voice sent from heaven.” https://youtu.be/hYAUKSqZ7HE Beyoncé and Jay-Z have found themselves at the center of a new conspiracy theory involving their long-time friend, Sean “Diddy” Combs. According to a recent report by Page Six, the power couple has mysteriously “disappeared” from the public eye, raising eyebrows and sparking speculation about their silence. “This was supposed to be Beyoncé’s time, with her much-anticipated country album out just two months ago. And yet, she is nowhere to be seen. The album is slipping, and Jay and B aren’t reveling in the spotlight,” a supposed insider close to the situation revealed. Beyoncé’s latest album, Cowboy Carter, initially made waves, topping charts globally. However, its rapid decline in popularity has puzzled fans and industry experts alike. The source recalled the recent 2024 Grammy Awards, where Jay-Z infamously voiced his frustration over Beyoncé never winning Album of the Year. “But now what? Does he think she will win… for Cowboy Carter with no promotion, no appearances, and no wooing of the academy?” the insider questioned. Days after doubt surfaced about her membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Georgia State Representative Angela Moore is speaking on the controversy. In an interview with WSBTV’s Audrey Washington, Moore initially voiced regret over putting her constituents through the ordeal. “I’m so sorry that we had to take you through this. This is not something that I wanted to go on,” she told Washington before putting the blame on her name change following her divorce as the source behind the trouble. Although revealing her formerly married name would be a step toward clarification, the politician did not divulge the information. “I refuse to tell what my former married name was,” she stated. https://youtu.be/nF14Hlp0RdY Beyoncé gave Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson four tickets to her concert last year, the justice disclosed in financial disclosure forms published Friday that also revealed that Jackson and other justices received six-figure payments in 2023 for book deals. Jackson, who reported an eye-popping $893,750 payment from a book publisher, was joined by Justices Brett Kavanaugh, Neil Gorsuch, and Sonia Sotomayor in reporting income from books that they have published or have coming out in the future. The book deals have at times been controversial. Supreme Court justices and other government officials are capped on receiving more than about $30,000 in outside income, but book income doesn’t count toward that cap.Jackson, a member of the court’s liberal wing, was paid by Penguin Random House, the book publisher that is publishing her upcoming memoir. https://youtu.be/JZJVur7OeoI Others listed domestic trips, including Justice Elena Kagan, who was reimbursed for travel to Notre Dame in Indiana for a speech in September. Sotomayor was reimbursed for a trip to Los Angeles last summer for an award ceremony and to Harvard University in November to sit on a moot court. The new disclosures also revealed the income justices received from various side gigs. Multiple justices received income for teaching and for rental properties, while Sotomayor was paid for a voice-acting role on an animated show. Gorsuch received $29,798.20 last year for teaching at George Mason University, while Kavanaugh’s gig teaching at Notre Dame Law School brought him $25,000. Barrett was paid $14,947.50 last year by Notre Dame, where she is an adjunct professor. That is significantly less than the nearly $30,000 in 2022 teaching income from Notre Dame that she reported on her annual disclosures last year. https://youtu.be/Olvf7hlhWHU Keith Lee may be a household name, but his elevated profile hasn’t resulted in a peaceful mind state. As he revealed to Rolling Stone, his level of fame came with security being attached to him after asking for directions during a visit to New Orleans. According to the Las Vegas-based MMA fighter turned TikTok food critic, fans ended up swarming his car in the middle of traffic. Despite avoiding it, Lee yielded to hiring security for his own protection. “People are stopping at green lights and jumping out of the car in the middle of traffic and running up to us to take pictures and crying and screaming,” Lee told Rolling Stone. “I am not a person who likes conflict. I got the biggest security that you could possibly have. God is always watching over me.” “My hands are registered, too,” he added. I’ll beat the hell out of somebody if I have to. The New Orleans incident is among a slew of happenings stemming from excited fans who weren’t bashful in showing their love for Lee, The Jasmine Brand noted. Without missing a beat, the 27-year-old Detroit native’s growing influence and impact haven’t dulled his down-to-earth persona that keeps him humble and connected with his supporters. https://youtu.be/yYsRCQjEbXI In a memorable and unexpected moment, Kendrick Lamar made a surprise appearance on Saturday (06-08-24) at Compton College‘s graduation ceremony, delivering an inspiring speech that left a lasting impression on the graduates. https://twitter.com/i/status/1799440456402776450 This marked Lamar’s first public appearance since his widely publicized beef with fellow rapper Drake, adding an extra layer of significance to the event. During his speech, Lamar emphasized the importance of the graduates’ achievements, stating, “Your degrees are just as important as any other. https://youtu.be/PAyv8atz89E You’ve worked hard, and today is a celebration of your dedication and perseverance.” His words resonated deeply with the audience, who erupted in applause and cheers. The event quickly became a hot topic on social media, with many attendees and fans celebrating Lamar’s inspiring message and unexpected presence. https://twitter.com/i/status/1799440456402776450 More Kendrick Lamar love! https://twitter.com/i/status/1799470436876763575 Social media platforms were soon abuzz with discussions and opinions about the ongoing rivalry between Lamar and Drake, reignited by this high-profile appearance. One notable highlight was a Compton College professor wearing ‘They Not Like Us’ sneakers during Lamar’s speech, seen by many as a sign of support for Lamar. https://twitter.com/i/status/1799363610441101404 Adding to the social media frenzy, there were numerous references to Lamar’s popularity in South Africa, further amplifying his global influence. The buzz also included speculation about a recent message from Drake to journalist Elliott Wilson, which was discussed on the Joe Budden Podcast. This discussion led many to speculate about Drake’s perceived loss in the feud, with some interpreting it as a sign of Lamar’s growing dominance. Lamar’s appearance at Compton College not only inspired the graduates but also reignited the ongoing narrative of his rivalry with Drake. The event showcased Lamar’s ability to connect with his audience on a personal level, while also highlighting the broader cultural impact of his music and public persona. As social media continues to dissect and debate every aspect of the event, Kendrick Lamar’s influence remains as strong as ever, touching lives and sparking conversations worldwide. https://twitter.com/i/status/1799493421759091050 Black GOP Representative Byron Donalds of Florida found himself at the center of controversy this week after comments he made regarding the Jim Crow era and Black family structure ignited a wave of outrage. Donalds’ statements, which drew criticism from multiple fronts, were initially made during a campaign event for former President Donald Trump in Philadelphia on Tuesday. Speaking at the event, which was focused on outreach to Black voters in the battleground state of Pennsylvania, Donalds suggested that Black families were more cohesive during the Jim Crow period compared to today. https://youtu.be/eLvGXBc4X_I?list=RDNSeLvGXBc4X_I “You see, during Jim Crow, the Black family was together. During Jim Crow, more Black people were not just conservative — Black people have always been conservative-minded — but more Black people voted conservatively,” Donalds stated. He linked the perceived fracture of Black families to later political and social developments, specifically programs endorsed by President Lyndon Johnson in the 1960s, including expansions in federal food stamps, housing, welfare, and Medicaid. https://youtu.be/mWoytVPw6DM Donalds’ remarks quickly prompted backlash, with critics accusing him of romanticizing a period marked by racial violence and segregation. Among the critics were members of the Congressional Black Caucus and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who condemned Donalds’ comments as “an outlandish, outrageous and out-of-pocket observation.” https://youtu.be/-qon1CnrmnQ An online miscaptioned photo of an Indiana police commander is generating headlines, with it supposedly identifying the officer as former President Donald Trump’s probation officer. According to Reuters, the social media post referenced Trump’s historic May 30 conviction on criminal charges by a New York jury. The conviction came after the presumptive GOP presidential nominee was found guilty of falsifying business records. Trump, who is scheduled to be sentenced on July 11, has vowed to appeal the conviction. The miscaptioned post appeared June 2, showing a police offer in the photo, with the text reading, “Meet: Rohondra Williams Trumps Probation Officer.” A uniform badge indicating the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) is seen in the lower right of the photo. Although the caption identifies, the officer as Rohondra Williams, the department’s spokesperson Amanda Hibschman, confirmed the lady in the picture was Nikole Pilkington, the Southwest District commander of the IMPD. Hibschman went on to state in an email that the department was aware of the miscaptioned photo circulating online. “No IMPD officer nor Commander Pilkington has had any involvement in the New York Trump case or has been assigned as a probation officer in this case,” Hibschman said. Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving has signed his father, Drederick, to a shoe deal with his ANTA line. This marks the first instance of a player signing his father to a shoe deal. The news was first reported on Twitter (X) by Shams Charania. According to the Dallas Morning News, Drederick played basketball at Boston University and professionally in Australia. His shoe will be released in Foot Locker stores this September. Per the Dallas Morning News, Kyrie previously said his father is his “biggest fan.” “One of my harshest critics,” Kyrie said. “But he’s always been honest.” https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1798072822285340949/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1798077946730795240%7Ctwgr%5Ed70cfad944a7ddc701678c19fec821a571e8c4b4%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fkyrie-irving-signs-historic-shoe-deal-with-his-father%2F Rapper Bun B, the co-founder of Trill Burgers, Houston’s most renowned smashburger maker, is embroiled in a fierce legal dispute amid accusations of recipe theft. Last month, Harris County Judge Tamika Craft-Demming issued a temporary injunction against Trill Burgers, its affiliates, and co-owners Bun B, Andy Nguyen, and Nick Scurfield, instructing them to limit company assets, refrain from self-payments/salaries, and halt any equity or ownership transfers, Houston Public Media reports. The business can still cover staff wages, overhead expenses, and rent to the landlord. The ruling also means Trill Burgers, located at 3607 S. Shepherd Dr., can continue to operate amid the legal case. According to KPRC 2, siblings Benson and Patsy Vivare filed a temporary injunction against Bun B, accusing him of stealing their smashburger recipe. After the Vivares were ousted as managers, they now want Bun B to pay up. https://youtu.be/wECKHslcxLo Pat Sajak will host “Wheel of Fortune” for the final time today, June 7, ending a run of more than 40 years and 8,000 episodes. Yet unlike its companion “Jeopardy!,” which went through a long process replacing the late Alex Trebek, “Wheel” figures to keep rolling along without much of a hitch, a sign of how the two long-running game shows differ. Both programs were created by Merv Griffin, who became fabulously wealthy thanks to their command of the hour leading into prime time on TV stations across the country. They thrived, however, for fundamentally different reasons, as anybody who ever watched “Wheel” with an elderly grandparent can probably attest. “Jeopardy!” was the smart show, the one where viewers might be able to answer some of the questions, but probably not as well as the winning contestants. Trebek captured that with a sly wit and suave demeanor, creating the impression that he knew all the answers – or rather, questions – even if that wasn’t necessarily so. “Wheel,” by contrast, caught on because of its simplicity, and like a lot of TV game shows, the rather smug sense of superiority the audience could hold toward many of the players. “Seriously, you couldn’t solve the puzzle with only three letters missing, all of them vowels? You deserve not to win that money!” https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/230612234616-pat-sajak-woh-retirement.jpg?c=16x9&q=w_1280,c_fill LaMelo Ball was spotted cruising around in a go-kart on the roof of his condo in the upscale Trust building. The Charlotte Hornets player reportedly dropped $2.4M to purchase the 3,100-square-foot penthouse from Cam Newton last month. Prior to Cam acquiring the property, NBA icon Michael Jordan owned it, per SB Nation. Ball had a go-kart track installed on the roof — watch the X/Twitter clip below. One X user wrote, “Only place this dude could drive without worrying about adding to his victims list,” referring to reports about Ball’s his reckless driving. Another posted, “He may be rich, but he has the poorest mentality I’ve ever seen..” We reported earlier that there’s a pending lawsuit against Ball for running over an 11-year-old’s foot. https://twitter.com/i/status/1798509652348653922 A new Missouri restaurant that specializes in West African and Caribbean cuisine has set a minimum age limit to ensure “a grown atmosphere.” “We require all guests to be 30 or older for women and 35 or older for men,” Bliss restaurant in Florissant, Missouri, posted to Facebook. “This policy helps us maintain a sophisticated environment, uphold our standards, and support the sustainability of our unique ambiance.” In the post, the company said: “Why This Matters: Atmosphere: Creates a mature and relaxed environment for all guests. Quality: Allows us to focus on providing exceptional service and a memorable experience. Sustainability: Ensures our restaurant remains a premier destination for those seeking an upscale Caribbean dining experience.” All patrons entering the restaurant must present their ID to either the hostess at the door or an off-duty police officer. https://youtu.be/ntGx5bqCvTI Speaking to KSDK, Bliss assistant manager Erica Rhodes said … “The restaurant is just something for the older people to come do, have a happy hour, come get some good food and not have to worry about some of the young folks who bring some of that drama.” As WFTV-9 reports, some responses to the Facebook post are mixed, with one user writing, “I love the age requirement please don’t get rid of it.” Another user wrote, “I wouldn’t have minded if you said 40 & up.” “If I’m a 32 year old male, but I identify as a woman, can I get in?,” read another comment, to which another person replied, “Bro I would like to hear their answer on this cuz that’s one hell of a gray area.” https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=767153995566949&set=a.354980736784279&type=3&ref=embed_post Recently, misinformation about McDonald’s closures has spread on social media, including the rumor that the chain is shutting down its California locations. As Dexerto reports, there is no evidence that even one store is shutting down in the state. This rumor began after several articles discussed franchisee struggles because of the California’s new $20 minimum wage, but MSN, Microsoft’s news aggregator, posted an article suggesting McDonald’s might close. The article, titled “McDonald’s on the Verge of CLOSING in California After $20 Minimum Wage,” has been removed. It was written by Tony Bonnai from United Library, an AI-generated journalist known for clickbait articles. SFGATE reported: “His author photo appears nowhere else on the web. TrueMedia, a tool for fighting A.I.-manipulated content, rated Bonnani’s headshot as “highly suspicious” for use of generative AI.” Despite unprecedented inflation in the fast food industry, McDonald’s franchisees are not closing any of their stores. https://youtu.be/9UD7ckiwF2w Baseball legend Willie Mays never expected to get 10 more career hits five decades after his last game. But that’s exactly what happened last week when Major League Baseball integrated Negro League statistics into its record books. “So that’s a very good thing,” Mays told CNN in a statement Wednesday. “It must be some kind of record for a 93-year-old.” The Hall of Famer is considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time. Throughout his career, he hit 660 home runs and had 3,283 hits in 23 MLB seasons, mostly with the New York Giants. He’s also remembered for making “The Catch,” an over-the-shoulder grab in Game 1 of the 1954 World Series – one of the best defensive plays of all time. “The Say Hey Kid” had something to say about his experience as a teenager with the Negro American League’s Birmingham Black Barons. https://youtu.be/AdY-lCnQ7Jo His 10 hits with the Barons now count, bumping his career hit total to 3,293 – good for 12th on the all-time hits list. “I was still in high school,” when he joined the team in 1948, Mays told CNN. “Our school did not have a baseball team. I played football and basketball, but I loved baseball. So my dad let me to play … but ONLY if I stayed in school. He wanted me to graduate. I played with the team on weekends until school was out for the summer.” “I thought that was IT; that was the top of the world. Man, I was so proud to play with those guys,” Mays said in the statement. The New York Giants purchased Mays’ contract in 1950 – three years after Jackie Robinson broke baseball’s color barrier – and the next season his stellar MLB career began. https://youtu.be/qSH8SR_fAO8 A viral video shows a Black Panther Party founding member David Hilliard, seemingly supporting Donald Trump. Now, the man’s grandson claims he was exploited. In the clip, Hilliard, 82, explains to a woman named Carol D. Mitchell that he and Trump were acquaintances when the former president was a college student in the 1960s, Complex reports. https://twitter.com/LeadingReport/status/1798120579683487748/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1798388385822003471%7Ctwgr%5Ecb7ee4f3c42d8ee27f8eaf855e1e46752d91eab4%7Ctwcon%5Es4_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fblack-panther-party-vet-who-praised-trump-suffers-from-dementia%2F “Trump is a person who’s a decent man, and he supported the Black Panther Party,” Hilliard said in the video. “He was someone who gave us money.” “Trump’s a friend of African Americans, and I knew Trump from the 1960s in New York, where he comes from and he’s a friend to African Americans. He’s a decent man,” Hilliard added. “I mean he’s not a racist. He’s not a racist, fascist, white man. He supported Black people.” Eric Jones, Hilliard’s grandson, tweeted on Tuesday that he is working to get the clip removed because his grandfather suffers from Dementia and PTSD and has no idea who Trump is. https://twitter.com/ImMeme0/status/1797712425824981438?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1798105488670019696%7Ctwgr%5Ecb7ee4f3c42d8ee27f8eaf855e1e46752d91eab4%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fblack-panther-party-vet-who-praised-trump-suffers-from-dementia%2F “I’m working to get this taken down,” Jones posted. “My Grandpa, David Hilliard does not even know Trump is a politician. He has been dealing with cognitive issues since 2014. He can only recall the past.” He added, “Please anybody who knows how to stop this type of stuff tap in with me. My Grandpa, David Hilliard does not even know Trump is a politician. He has been dealing with cognitive issues since 2014. He can only recall the past,” Jones tweeted. https://twitter.com/i/status/1798388385822003471 Just in time for Father’s Day, Sony Pictures’ AFFIRM Films, Provident Films, and the Kendrick Brothers present the “MEET THE MEN OF THE FORGE” video featurette/ extended trailer. This special release introduces audiences to the remarkable group of men who bring the film’s powerful message of mentorship and discipleship to life. Set to debut in theaters on August 23, THE FORGE is a bold, inspirational drama about the power of mentorship that takes place in the same cinematic world as WAR ROOM, the 2015 hit film that claimed the #1 spot on the North American box office charts. The cast of THE FORGE includes Priscilla Shirer (WAR ROOM), Cameron Arnett (OVERCOMER), Karen Abercrombie (WAR ROOM), and newcomer Aspen Kennedy. Also starring T.C. Stallings (WAR ROOM), BJ Arnett, Ken Bevel (COURAGEOUS), Former NFL star Benjamin Watson, Jonathan Evans, Jerry Shirer, and Tommy Woodard (FAMILY CAMP). In the film, we meet a small group of men who challenge one another as they mentor a group of young believers. This video introduces the real-life men chosen to portray these roles: fathers, pastors, retired professional athletes, actors, and businessmen. Among them are Watson, Shirer (husband of the film’s star Priscilla Shirer), Stallings, and more—all following Christ both on screen and in their daily lives, some joined by their real-life sons A.C. Stallings (T.C.’s son), K.J. Bevel (Ken’s son), and Jude Shirer (Jerry and Priscilla’s son) https://youtu.be/s4aCsaDvagw. *In the electrifying atmosphere tIn the electrifying atmosphere that is TD Garden, the Boston Celtics are off to a 1-0 lead in the 2024 NBA Finals with a convincing 107-89 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night. The Celtics showcased their depth and resilience, powered by a strong team performance that saw six players scoring in double figures. Jaylen Brown led the chargBoston with 22 points, while Kristaps Porzingis provided a significant boost off the bench with 20 points and six rebounds. Porzingis, who had been out since April 29 due to a calf injury, made a triumphant return, scoring 18 points in the first half and helping the Celtics build a substantial lead. https://youtu.be/nDl28m9NfGc Boston surged to a 29-point lead in the first half, putting the Mavericks on their heels early. Although Dallas made a valiant attempt to close the gap, cutting the deficit to 72-64 in the third quarter, Boston responded decisively with a 14-0 run that effectively sealed the game. Luka Doncic had a stellar performance in his NBA Finals debut, recording 30 points and 10 rebounds. His effort made history as he became the first player to achieve a 30-point, 10-rebound game in a Finals debut since Tim Duncan in 1999. However, Doncic’s heroics were not enough to overcome the Celtics’ dominance. https://youtu.be/UnKaxgGdHhk Pat Sajak’s final episode of “Wheel of Fortune” will air on Friday, June 7, marking the start of his anticipated retirement. Sajak, 77, first announced his retirement in June 2023. He wrote via X (formerly Twitter), “Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my lastIt’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)” Sajak began hosting the beloved game show in 1981 alongside letter-turner Vanna White. “As the host of Wheel of Fortune, Pat has entertained millions of viewers across America for 40 amazing years,” Suzanne Prete, executive vice president of game shows at Sony Pictures Television, said in a statement last year, per The Hollywood Reporter. He added: “We are incredibly grateful and proud to have had Pat as our host for all these years and we look forward to celebrating his outstanding career throughout the upcoming season. Pat has agreed to continue as a consultant on the show for three years following his last year hosting, so we’re thrilled to have him remaining close to the Wheel of Fortune family.” https://youtu.be/b7xE2v5Wj5U 50 Cent and attorney Ben Crump made a visit to Capitol Hill to address lawmakers on bridging the wealth gap for Black entrepreneurs and advocating for increased representation in the luxury liquor industry. During the trip, 50 Cent snapped a photo with Congresswoman Lauren Boebert, sparking backlash from his fans when he posted it on social media. Last year, the Republican lawmaker faced criticism after a video surfaced showing her vaping and engaging in inappropriate sexual behavior person with the person she was with during a musical performance of Beetlejuice at a Colorado theater, resulting in her being asked to leave. “Wait, wait, guys I took pictures with everyone and all you seem to care about is Lauren,” 50 wrote in an Instagram post. “What did she do in a dark theater that hasn’t been done, my God!” He added: “Hey I don’t have chlamydia by the way. LOL.” https://youtu.be/kN4XkKOdeBg “Lauren Boebert, Colorado Republican making the White House look good,” 50 captioned their photo. In the comments, one IG user wrote “Wow, 50. First time in my life that I feel embarrassed for you.” Another added, “Is “Sell-out” a requirement once you reach a certain economic status?” A third wrote, “Welp, that’s another celebrity that I will never support again.” As Vibe reports, Boebert addressed her meeting with 50 Cent. https://www.instagram.com/50cent/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=50f14e5b-9289-43d6-9234-38d0c889ac3b “Lauren Boebert, Colorado Republican making the White House look good,” 50 captioned their photo. In the comments, one IG user wrote “Wow, 50. First time in my life that I feel embarrassed for you.” Another added, “Is “Sell-out” a requirement once you reach a certain economic status?” A third wrote, “Welp, that’s another celebrity that I will never support again.” As Vibe reports, Boebert addressed her meeting with 50 Cent. https://www.instagram.com/p/C72UC6IO7ma/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=50f14e5b-9289-43d6-9234-38d0c889ac3b “I was laughing, I was singing, having a fantastic time, was told to kinda settle it down a little bit, which I did, but then, my next slip up was taking a picture,” she said. “I was a little too eccentric […] I’m on the edge of a lot of things.” Meanwhile, per USA Today, while addressing a Capitol Hill crowd, 50 Cent said representatives in Washington “…don’t agree on a lot of stuff, and so to get them to agree on seeing me was an accomplishment in itself.” The superstar said he met “with both sides today, and it feels really good.” Following his visit, 50 Cent said, “My experience here has been great. I went to talk to them about economic opportunities for everybody, and it’s really exciting. The response I got makes me feel that there’s bright days ahead of us.” Crump praised 50 Cent (born Curtis Jackson) during his remarks to the crowd. https://www.instagram.com/p/C723UmetRly/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=cad14311-5082-475b-8700-d9aed34a86cd Michigan resident Corey Harris went viral recently when a video was shared online showing him joining a Zoom call while driving to a doctor’s office for his court hearing regarding his suspended license. TMZ reports that when Harris joined his May 15 court hearing via Zoom, the judge was stunned that he was driving with a suspended license. https://youtu.be/FiIY5B4a_-k “So maybe I don’t understand something,” Washtenaw County Judge J. Cedric Simpson told Harris’ attorney. “This is a driving with a suspended license [case]. And he was just driving. And he didn’t have a license.” The moment went viral when Harris realized what he had done. Judge Simpson ordered Harris to turn himself in to the Washtenaw County Jail by 6 pm that evening. It was later reported that a judge had ordered the suspension to be rescinded back in 2022. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-05-29-052924-suspended-driver-court-1836432-167/ Grammy award-winning singer and actress Mary J Blige, who slays in a black and white striped dress joins “Power Book II: Ghost” show creator and producer Curtis“50 Cent” Jackson, series stars Michael Rainey Jr, Cliff “Method Man” Smith, Gianni Paolo, Woody McClain, LovellAdams-Gray, LaToya Tonodeo, Alix Lapri, Larenz Tate, Caroline Chikezie, Naturi Naughton, Shane Johnson, Talia Robinson, LightSkinKeisha, and new cast members Golden Brooks and Sydney Winbush at the star-studded premiere and after party last night (06-06-24) in New York City for the series fourth and final season. Radio/TV personality Jazmyn Summers was there for EURweb to bring you the tea. https://youtu.be/ZUmTlGMt4SI The first trailer for Pharrell Williams‘ animated biopic “Piece By Piece” has been released. The film from Focus Features uses LEGO animation to tell the story of his life. Directed by Morgan Neville, the film explores the career-defining moments of the Grammy winner. Pharrell previously posted about the project on social today, saying: “Who would’ve thought that playing with Legos as a kid would evolve into a movie about my life. https://youtu.be/7Bc6trBc1kc It’s proof that anyone else can do it too… #PieceByPiece.” “I don’t know what I’m more impressed by–how vulnerable and how open I was willing to be with him or what he did with the story,” Williams told Complex in a new interview about working with Neville. “One, I was just honored that he said yes. And then I hit him with a crazy, crazy, crazy, crazy thing that would’ve probably made anybody else just go, ‘What? No, of course not.’ But he was like, ‘Yeah.’ And that was to tell the story in LEGO. He got it. He instantly got it. And this has been nothing but magical, this whole entire experience.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C2kVXA-rmx1/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=28872178-8d0b-4cbf-b3e9-274e2352e8e4 Method Man teased what fans can expect from his character in the fourth and final season. “Well, you’re looking at a man who’s treading water right now, lost his law license, thanks to his partner that he was using anyway to get his brother out of jail, you saw how that turned out. He’s also dealing with the death of his brother now. Anyone that has ever lost a loved one knows that eventually, the pain of the moment goes away, but the heartache, the heartbreak, never truly ever goes away,” the rapper/actor explained. “We’re talking about a man dealing with this in real time, as well as trying to get his license back,” Method Man continued. “We’re talking about his moral compass was probably his brother, which isn’t a great example in itself, he’s in jail, though, but now that he doesn’t have that, Davis is pretty much, he can be as loose as he wants to be without thinking of the consequences, or having someone to tap him on the shoulder and say, “You’re moving too fast.” It’s going to be a fun little journey to see where that goes.” https://youtu.be/ZUmTlGMt4SI The “Bling Bishop” of Brooklyn, Lamor Whitehead, was convicted last month on fraud charges and now he is pleading for his release from the Metropolitan Detention Center, citing deploring conditions. According to the bishop’s attorney, Whitehead has been denied food and subjected to almost continual lockdowns, the Hastings Tribune reports. In March, Whitehead was found guilty during his Manhattan trial and convicted of stealing the life savings of a parishioner’s mother. As we reported, jurors found the 46-year-old guilty on five counts, which included wire fraud, attempted extortion, lying to the FBI, and related charges arising from three distinct schemes. Whitehead pleaded not guilty to all charges. Dawn Florio, Whitehead’s lawyer, stated, “We are appealing the verdict.” Democrats are attempting to fuel fake outrage among Black voters by misconstruing remarks that Florida Republican Byron Donalds said about Jim Crow. Donalds, a Black man and a potential running mate for Donald Trump, said Tuesday at an event in Philadelphia that Black families were “together” during the Jim Crow era of racial segregation. Democrats are twisting his comments by claiming he was implying that Black folks “were better off” under Jim Crow. https://twitter.com/i/status/1798466080475959405 If you’re open-minded and not easily swayed by manufactured liberal outrage, listen to his words directly through the X/Twitter clip below, and determine for yourself whether he was insinuating that Jim Crow “was a time period to be nostalgic for.” “You see, during Jim Crow, the Black family was together. During Jim Crow, more Black people were not just conservative — Black people have always been conservative-minded — but more Black people voted conservatively,” Donalds said during the Philadelphia event. While it’s undeniable that during the Jim Crow era, spanning from the aftermath of the Civil War until the 1950s,https://twitter.com/BidenHQ/status/1798463880898781657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1798466080475959405%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fblack-republican-reacts-to-outrage-over-his-jim-crow-remarks%2F Black Americans endured racist police brutality as well as legal and social segregation, some argue that family structures were more robust compared to contemporary times. That’s the point Donald was attempting to convey, but the “official rapid response page of the Biden-Harris campaign” claims he was implying that Jim Crow “was a time period to be nostalgic for,” the account wrote on X/Twitter. As Raw Story reports, Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of Brooklyn called Donalds’ remarks an “outlandish, outrageous and out of pocket observation.” https://youtu.be/IHquX0OFf5k Donalds posted a video on his X account Wednesday in which he accused Biden’s re-election campaign of “lying” to Americans and “gaslighting” them. “They’re trying to say that I said, ‘Black people were doing better under Jim Crow.’ I never said that. They are lying. But why would you be surprised? They always lie,” he said. Donalds added: “What I said was, you had more Black families under Jim Crow, and it was the Democrat policies under H.E.W., under the welfare state that did help to destroy the Black family.” https://twitter.com/BidenHQ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1798546012962996267%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fblack-republican-reacts-to-outrage-over-his-jim-crow-remarks%2F Reality TV star Eboni K. Williams is expecting her first baby. “The Real Housewives of New York City” alumna shared the exciting news with PEOPLE. According to the outlet, Williams, 40, is pregnant with a girl, due Aug. 16. She utilized her frozen eggs to become a mother through sperm donation and in vitro fertilization (IVF). “Anybody who’s gone through IVF or attempted IVF will tell you so many things have to go right for the final result of this journey to be a baby,” Williams said. “That’s why I’ve called this ‘my remarkable miracle,’ because it really does feel like I’ve been the recipient of some very enormous favor from God above,” she added. “I did one egg retrieval at 34 years old, not really having a clear intention on if I would use those eggs or when I would use the eggs. And six years later, that one egg retrieval led to one genetically normal embryo which led to one successful embryo transfer and — one pregnancy later — I’ll soon have, God willing, one beautifully healthy baby girl. So it really does feel like fate.” https://www.instagram.com/ebonikwilliams/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=fe9e6daa-0a76-4490-b2c1-adb4ccfebca9 Rihanna is catching heat from fans over an ad for her new Fenty Hair products. In the campaign clip, Rihanna dons what one X/Twitter user dubbed a “fried” blonde pixie wig to promote her new hair products. The ad showcases models of all races with various hairstyles, but some fans noted that it does not feature enough Black models with 4C hair. As SandraRose.com reports, “4C hair is the most common type among people of African descent,” the outlet writes. “Rihanna really promoting this hair care line with fried wigs and no real hair shots,” one X user wrote in response to the ad. “…that white lady slabbing the shit onto her head is taking me out,” the person added. Another X user posted, “Rihanna ain’t never had hair, so if she coming out with shampoo and conditioner I don’t trust it to grow mine.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1798026462504591412 In an Instagram post, RiRi wrote, “I am launching a flexible line of products for not only every hair want, but every single product is designed to strengthen and repair all types of hair, which is what we truly need! In the comments section of the post, one person wrote, “How are you promoting a hair line with a wig on ?” On X (formally Twitter), Rihanna announced in a post: “a new family is moving in! #fentyhair is pullin up and it’s time to finally have the hair experience you’ve been waiting for. you know how much switching my hair up matters to me. I’ve had almost every texture, color, length, from weaves to braids to natural- so I am launching a flexible line of products for not only every hair want, but every single product is designed to strengthen and repair all types of hair, which is what we truly need! It’s time to play and get stronger by the style”. The hair care line drops on June 13, but fans can get early shopping access a FentyHair.com. https://twitter.com/i/status/1798445298034917396 In a recent interview, Kevin Costner discussed his friendship with late singer Whitney Houston, with whom he co-starred in “The Bodyguard” three decades ago. Speaking to the “Armchair Expert” podcast, Costner said the film’s director, Mick Johnson, didn’t want to cast Houston, CBS News reports. “She’s really smart. That was a movie I probably should have directed. I just thought somebody could do a better job. But he was uncomfortable with her,” Costner told hosts Dax Shepard and Monica Padman. “She was my choice. So I was the actor. I produced it. I picked her,” he added. “And I don’t know what it was, but we had a moment, and I realized that the world had a higher idea of who we were, so I basically embraced it. I was her imaginary bodyguard,” he said. https://youtu.be/iWrTLqSDwlw The Bodyguard” raked in nearly $122 million, according to Box Office Mojo, and the title song from the movie’s soundtrack, Houston’s “I Will Always Love You,” became a massive hit, earning a Grammy for Record of the Year. “And that was my promise to her,” Costner said on the podcast. “She’s always gonna love me in the song. I was always gonna keep my promise to her.” https://youtu.be/3JWTaaS7LdU An Asian Comic-Con attendee went viral after arriving in a homemade outfit mocking the Kobe Bryant helicopter crash site. While onlookers laughed and took pictures, the outfit sparked outrage on social media. Per The Blast, John-Carlos Estrada shared video of the “sick” and “disrespectful” chinaman and captioned the clip: “Tasteless: A man who attended a recent comic convention in China wore a Kobe Bryant helicopter crash costume to the event, which sparked a ton of outrage here in the States.” On X/Twitter, one user commented, “I love art and am an artist/entertainer so understanding it’s gonna be performative and subjective is a given. Yet we can still critique and criticize bcs imagine one of us going to a Comic Con and dressing as one of the holocaust events. The uproar would be crazy!” Another X user wrote, “Now if we do that than we would get charge with #AsianHateCrime.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1798027989470568919 “That’s vile. It honestly hurts my heart to see this. I hope the person feels shame and regret for this ‘costume,'” one person added on X. Another user posted, “Nothing is funny about any of the women, men, or children that lost their lives in that helicopter crash. I have nothing else to say that would be remotely positive regarding this.” “They out of line and disrespectful for this mockery of Kobe,” one social media user said after seeing the video, per The Blast. “The most disgusting and disrespectful thing I saw on the Internet today-somebody at a comic con event made a Kobe Bryant helicopter costume!?” another expressed. “That is a tragedy that took several lives! I don’t see the humor or the point in making let alone wearing a costume like this! Wtf!” https://twitter.com/i/status/1798033154269429841 Tyler Perry has written an essay/open letter titled “Flying While Black Shouldn’t be a Crime” about his support for two Black men, actors/comedians Eric André and Clayton English. The men (André and English) filed a lawsuit alleging they were racially profiled during a 2021 search at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Earlier this year, I joined 10 other Black actors and directors in filing a friend-of-the-court brief in a major racial discrimination lawsuit against the police department in Clayton County. The case was filed by comedians Eric André and Clayton English, two Black men who believe they were racially profiled and harassed by local law enforcement while traveling through Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson airport. André and English were targeted and stopped by Clayton County Police Department (CCPD) officers, several months apart, on jet bridges in Atlanta’s airport while they were steps from boarding their flights. Understand that, like every other passenger, both had already passed through the Transportation Security Administration security checkpoint and had their bags X-rayed by TSA officers. Suddenly, as they were about to board, they were approached by plain-clothed Clayton County police officers, who had no reason to suspect whatsoever that André or English were engaged in wrongdoing. No reason to suspect, that is, other than the color of their skin. Rapper Sean Kingston was extradited from California and booked into a South Florida jail on Sunday after he and his mother were accused of committing fraud. Now the Broward County Sheriff’s Office wants him to pay back the taxpayers for the cost of his extradition. According to TMZ, BCSO says taxpayers shelled out $5,268.53 for Sean’s extradition … “with transport costs going towards commercial airline tickets, hotels, car rental and travel allowances for the U.S. Marshalls and Broward County sheriffs deputies tasked with bringing Sean back to Florida,” the outlet writes. The “Beautiful Girls” hitmaker relinquished his extradition rights in California and agreed to return to Florida, where he and his mother are charged with 10 charges of theft and fraud. Kingston, 34, and his mother, Janice Turner, 61, are accused of stealing more than $1 million in money, jewelry and other goods from several businesses from October through March. Sean’s attorney, Robert Rosenblatt, told the Los Angeles Times that his team was working to have the artist “returned to Florida at least cost to all.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C71ysLqxKGj/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=12c6a5a2-dbea-40a4-9b63-977b2099c9c3 General Mills, the manufacturer of Cheerios and other well-known cereals, is being sued by eight Black employees working at a Georgia plant who say it’s rampant with racism under the control of its White managers. In the federal lawsuit filed June 2, the employees accuse the managers at the Covington plant of favoring White employees for promotions over Black workers, issuing more disciplinary actions against Black employees and a manager calling them “colored,” a racist term. The lawsuit points to two White managers who “formed an organization of white employees in management and human resources called the ‘Good Ole Boys’” favoring White workers over their Black counterparts and going back as far as the 1980s. “The ‘Good Ole Boys’ believe that history and symbols that have been co-opted or misappropriated by the Ku Klux Klan and other white supremacist hate groups are useful to keep Black people ‘in their place’ and discourage Black people from speaking or taking action against the disparate treatment of Black employees at the Covington facility,” according to the lawsuit. In one example, a mural was displayed in the factory from 2005 to 2021 as a memorial for Confederate leaders using General Mills mascots, like the Cocoa Puffs cuckoo bird portraying the president of the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis, and the Honey Nut Cheerios bee depicting General Stonewall Jackson, the lawsuit said. Evanston, Illinois is the first city to fund reparations to Black residents after leaders announced in 2019 plans to provide $10 million over the next 10 years. According to an ABC News report, reparations of as much as $25,000 per resident that qualifies will be distributed to use toward housing. The city passed its reparations resolution in 2019, an effort spearheaded by 5th Ward Alderman Robin Rue Simmons. The Washington Post reports that the city has paid out close to $5 million to 193 Black residents over the past two years. Now, a conservative advocacy group has initiated a class-action lawsuit aimed at terminating the program, contending that it discriminates against non-Black residents of the suburb. “This program redistributes tax dollars based on race,” said Tom Fitton, president of Judicial Watch, the group that filed the lawsuit against Evanston. “That’s just a brazen violation of the law.” The lawsuit argues that the program should only be accessible to individuals who can provide evidence of experiencing discrimination within the city. Per The Washington Post, “About 60 percent of Evanston’s residents are White, and 17 percent are Black. Hispanic and Asian residents both make up just less than 10 percent of the population,” the outlet writes. https://youtu.be/UAUUKTb9Wzs Broadway in Hollywood & Je’Caryous Entertainment are pleased to announce that the Hollywood Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles will host the L.A. Premiere of SUPER FREAK: The Rick James Story, about the charismatic, flamboyant, provocative musician who dominated the airwaves with his infectious song Super Freak. Rick James’ fusion of funk, groove and rock made the unruly pioneer the trendsetter of the 80’s. SUPER FREAK will play the Hollywood Pantages Theatre June 6 – 8, 2024 for four performances only. Tickets for SUPER FREAK are available for purchase at www.BroadwayInHollywood.com or in person at the Hollywood Pantages Box Office. Prices are subject to change without notice. Always outrageous, Rick James was a master of celebration and now the party lives on through SUPER FREAK. With a stellar cast, breathtaking choreography and popular hits such as Give It to Me Baby, Mary Jane and Super Freak, this musical odyssey bursts to life on the gritty streets of Buffalo – the backdrop for the arrival of the King of Punk Funk. With his iconic braids and leather-clad body, Rick James’ flamboyant and rebellious stage persona takes center stage as we follow his turbulent life; tracing his rise to stardom, his chart-topping hits, and the profound impact he made on modern music as a brilliant hitmaker, and influential producer. https://youtu.be/FZKOevfGgKs “It’s to get everyone prepared for what’s to come, an album,” said Gospel Soul singer/songwriter Malcom Christopher, II about his EP “Shift,” which is promoting the emotional single “Do It For Me.” Malcolm debuted in 2015 with his ”Still Standing” album. Between being a teacher, father, and coach, he is a worship leader. I asked Christopher where he’d been with such an outstanding voice and he chuckled and said, “I went to college, got married, and had a kid.” With all that going on you know that he has some testimonies to write about in his songs. He met his wife in college and in his sophomore year he had the opportunity to work with her and they stayed in touch. “We been married for five years, but we have been together for eight,” Malcom told me when I asked how they met. “I had to learn…priorities.” https://youtu.be/9DhNPIl1iTI Delonte’s done it again. 🙁 And it’s not good. Early Thursday morning, former NBA guard Delonte West was arrested and jailed in Virginia on misdemeanor charges of violating the conditions of his release and resisting arrest. West, 40, is currently held at the Fairfax County Detention Center on a $2,000 bond and is scheduled for arraignment at 8:30am EST on Friday. Fairfax County police reported spotting West around 1 a.m. in Groveton, Virginia, intending to serve a warrant. According to police, a pursuit ensued, during which officers lost sight of West. They later found him unresponsive and administered Narcan, a medication used to treat narcotic overdoses, but it was initially ineffective. West was then transported to a local hospital, where a second dose of Narcan proved effective. After treatment, West was released from the hospital and taken to the Fairfax County Detention Center, according to an ESPN report. West’s public struggles with substance abuse and mental health issues have been well-documented. During his NBA career, he openly discussed his bipolar disorder diagnosis. In recent years, he has faced several challenges, including receiving treatment at a Florida drug rehabilitation center in 2021. Remarkably, he later worked at the same facility, thanks in part to the efforts of former Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. The woman a the center of the hit Netflix miniseries “Baby Reindeer” is suing the streaming platform over her portrayal in the drama-thriller. “Baby Reindeer” tells the story of struggling comedian Donny Dunn and his twisted relationship with a female stalker. Created by and starring Richard Gadd, the show is adapted from his autobiographical one-man performance. The series explores the consequences of Dunn’s fixation on his stalker Martha, compelling him to confront a deeply buried trauma. Speaking to Piers Morgan last month, Fiona Harvey, the alleged real-life inspiration for Martha, announced her plans to sue Netflix. According to TMZ, she is now following through on that promise. Here’s what PEOPLE reports: “In a lawsuit filed on Thursday, June 6, Harvey claims the portrayal of the obsessive stalker Martha in the hit show is defamatory and inaccurate. Harvey is asking for more $170 million, accusing Netflix and creator Richard Gadd of making it easy for viewers of the limited series to find her identity and “destroying” her livelihood, according to court documents obtained by PEOPLE.” https://youtu.be/mK-isQXd_Qw Actor Michael Rainey Jr.plays Tariq St. Patrick in the hit series “Power Book II: Ghost.” From his character’s evolution to the explosive storylines ahead, Rainey shared insights into what fans can expect from the culmination of this thrilling chapter in the “Power” universe. Per the official synopsis, this season, “New alliances have been formed with each faction and Tariq and Brayden must find a way back into the game. But Brayden starts flirting with a new, reckless lifestyle, leaving Tariq to wonder if there really is room for two at the top. With Monet left for dead, Davis facing potential disbarment, and Effie looking to secure her future at Stanford, everyone’s on their own. Diana and Dru continue to question their roles while Cane levels up and starts working with Noma. As Noma is fighting to establish her business in the States and keep her daughter Anya in line, she finds her way on Tariq and Brayden’s radar. With the fate of his future in the game and his family at the forefront, Tariq must reconcile his past to rise to the top of the food chain and become who he needs to be to protect those he loves most.” Season 4 sees the return of Rainey and Gianni Paolo (“Brayden”) who are on the run after starting a war with Noma in the season three finale. The cast also includes Mary J. Bligeas “Monet Tejada,” Cliff “Method Man” Smith as “Davis MacLean,” Alix Lapri as “Effie Morales,” Larenz Tate as “Rashad Tate,” Caroline Chikezie as “Noma,” and LightSkinKeisha as “Brushaundria Carmichael.” Previously announced new cast members are Michael Ealy as “Detective Don Carter,” and Golden Brooks as “Janet.” https://youtu.be/ZUmTlGMt4SI Thanks to Elon Musk’s Starlink service, Brazil’s reclusive 2,000-member Marubo tribe in the Amazon was connected to the internet for the first time, but elders now complain that the community has been divided by pornography addiction. “When it arrived, everyone was happy,” Tsainama Marubo, 73, told The New York Times. “But now, things have gotten worse. Young people have gotten lazy because of the internet, they’re learning the ways of the white people.” Initially, the internet was seen as a boon for the remote Marubo tribe when it was enacted eight months ago, allowing them to quickly contact authorities during emergencies. It also enabled them to share resources with other Amazonian tribes and stay connected with family who moved away. But now the Marubo are facing a cultural upheaval due to the arrival of the Starlink. Alfredo Marubo (per the report, all Marubo use the same last name) said many young men have become lazy as they are addicted to social media and sharing porn videos in group chats. He also expressed concern about the increase in “aggressive sexual behavior” among them. https://youtu.be/8vHo8Ud--Zc Tyler Perry continues his fruitful partnership with Netflix, as the streaming giant announced on Wednesday the cast lineup for Perry’s latest film, “Straw.” Oscar-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson, known for her performances in films such as “The Color Purple,” is set to star alongside a stellar cast including Sherri Shepherd, Teyana Taylor, Glynn Turman, Sinbad, Rockmond Dunbar, Mike Merrill, and Ashley Versher. “Straw” centers on a single mother who, after a series of unfortunate events, finds herself entangled in a scenario far removed from her previous life. Through struggles and societal indifference, she becomes the focal point of suspicion and must navigate through a labyrinth of unforeseen challenges. The film is the latest project emanating from Perry’s creative collaboration with Netflix, bolstered by a production team that includes Angi Bones and Tony Strickland. This announcement aligns with the recent revelation of Tyler Perry Studios’ partnership with DeVon Franklin to produce faith-based films under a multi-year, multi-picture first-look deal with Netflix, reports Deadline. Just in time for Father's Day, Sony Pictures’ AFFIRM Films, Provident Films, and the Kendrick Brothers present the "MEET THE MEN OF THE FORGE" video featurette/ extended trailer. This special release introduces audiences to the remarkable group of men who bring the film's powerful message of mentorship and discipleship to life. Set to debut in theaters on August 23, THE FORGE is a bold, inspirational drama about the power of mentorship that takes place in the same cinematic world as WAR ROOM, the 2015 hit film that claimed the #1 spot on the North American box office charts. The cast of THE FORGE includes Priscilla Shirer (WAR ROOM), Cameron Arnett (OVERCOMER), Karen Abercrombie (WAR ROOM) and newcomer Aspen Kennedy. Also starring T.C. Stallings (WAR ROOM), BJ Arnett, Ken Bevel (COURAGEOUS), Former NFL star Benjamin Watson, Jonathan Evans, Jerry Shirer and Tommy Woodard (FAMILY CAMP). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMOWcDBUM2k Flavor Flav has been many things throughout his career: rapper, reality TV star, and even restaurant owner. Now, the clock-wearing musician has found a new and unlikely calling in the sports world, offering his services as hype man for the US women’s water polo team ahead of this year’s Paris Olympics. The decision was seemingly spontaneous. Flav decided to get behind the team after seeing an Instagram post from captain Maggie Steffens, who was making a rallying cry for more people to follow the sport with the Olympics looming. “I was definitely shocked and it felt very surreal,” Steffens tells CNN Sport about seeing that Flav had responded to her post. “It’s great because what water polo needs, and what a lot of these niche sports need, is someone to open the door to our sport. There’s only so much that we as the athletes can do.” Flav, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee best known for co-founding rap group Public Enemy, hopes to be poolside for some of the USA’s games in Paris. https://youtu.be/MYCA-VcB9SY She wants her legacy to be more than medals, records, and statistics, but making water polo “common knowledge” and “common language” among the general public. One day, Steffens hopes, people might understand the nuts and bolts of the sport, rather than always asking if you’re allowed to touch the bottom of the pool (you’re not). “Sometimes I’ve been told, ‘Oh, too bad you’re not a soccer player’ or ‘too bad you’re not a basketball player’ or something, because that’s on TV more,” she adds. “But water polo for me is my whole life. It’s my gift. I wouldn’t be who I am without my sport.” Steffens and her teammates are currently living in Long Beach, California, training for up to seven hours each day in preparation for the Olympics. https://youtu.be/dYN4U-gD6mQ Ava DuVernay is speaking out about the settlement she and Netflix reached with the former prosecutor in the Central Park 5 case, which she profiled in the Emmy-winning four-part limited series “When They See Us.” As Deadline reports, former prosecutor Linda Fairstein sued for unspecified damages after claiming the depiction of her in the film made her look like a “racist, unethical villain who is determined to jail innocent children of color at any cost.” Netflix and DuVernay were unsuccessful in attempt to dismiss the case. U.S. District Judge Kevin Castel concluded last fall that there was “clear and convincing evidence that defendants were recklessly indifferent to the truth,” leading to the cancellation of the trial. PEOPLE reports that Fairstein settled the lawsuit one week before the trial, which was set for June 10.In a statement, Fairstein said as part of the settlement, $1 million will be donated to The Innocence Project from Netflix. Additionally, a disclaimer will appear at the beginning of “When They See Us,” reading: “While the motion picture is inspired by actual events and persons, certain characters, incidents, locations, dialogue, and names are fictionalized for the purposes of dramatization.” https://youtu.be/YyoSErErnCE Will Smith fans are raving over some new behind-the-scenes footage from “Bad Boys: Ride or Die.” As TMZ reports, the video shows the movie star expertly handling a firearm while simultaneously working the camera during a chaotic shootout scene. The camera is strapped to Will’s waist as he captures himself taking down the bad guys. At one point, he flips the camera around to show his point of view. Directed by Adil & Bilall, the fourth installment in the beloved “Bad Boys” action franchise is slated for a June 7 theatrical release. https://youtu.be/hRFY_Fesa9Q Martin Lawrence has addressed rumors concerning his health after an awkward moment during the “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” premiere. “I’m fine. I’m in God’s hands. I’m blessed,” the comedian said during his appearance on “Ebro in the Morning.” “You know I’m glad to be waking up every day and everything,” Lawrence continued. “No need for people to be concerned. I’m healthy as hell. Stop the rumors!” His comments come after fans expressed concern for the actor over a curious incident at the premiere of “Bad Boys: Ride or Die.” At the event, Will Smith, Lawrence’s co-star, had to hold his hand and help him walk as he appeared to struggle to greet fans. This unexpected moment sparked worry about Lawrence’s health and well-being among his supporters. In a viral clip on X (formally Twitter), Will has a tight grip on Martin’s hand, and some fans believe he appears drunk or suffering from health/medical issues. https://youtu.be/wCB8b14Xc-E Several social media users have speculated that Lawrence’s health issues are due to injuries from the COVID-19 vaccine. He appeared on Ebro’s podcast to promote “Bad Boys: Ride Or Die,” and one fan noted in the comments of the clip that his “speech is slurred and he looks like he’s had a stroke.” Another IG user wrote, “He looks great and we gotta realize people just get old bruh.” “Man, I hope he’s ok. I’ve been a fan since the early 90s. Praying for him,” one X user posted. https://www.instagram.com/ebrointheam/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=6f1274d7-61df-4523-bb4e-e5e31f4d2bf1 Stephen A. Smith is defending his fiery debate with Monica McNutt over Caitlin Clark during Monday’s edition of ESPN’s First Take. McNutt called out Smith over how the WNBA is covered by that show and the media as a whole. As the New York Post reports, Smith boasted about how “First Take” has extensively covered the WNBA, but McNutt fired back.“Stephen A., respectfully, with your platform, you could have been doing this three years ago if you wanted to,” McNutt said. During the passionate debate about fairness in refereeing for Clark, she criticized Smith for only spotlighting women’s sports with the emergence of rookies Clark and Angel Reese. “I get that we’re at a special place when it comes to women’s basketball and the growth of the game,” said McNutt, Awful Announcing reports. “I think what I was frustrated with in our conversation earlier is that we can hold more than one truth. The idea of some players being jealous (of Clark)? Yes, that probably exists. But I think since Caitlin’s debut, there has been a large and loud push that it’s Caitlin versus the (WNBA). And that is unfair.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1797646317868777766 Idris Elba is speaking out about his latest project, National Geographic’s four-part docuseries “Erased: WW2’s Heroes Of Color,” which premiered Monday, June 3.The actor served as executive producer and narrator of the series, which sheds light on the “immense contributions of over eight million individuals who fought heroically for the Allied forces and whose stories have largely gone untold,” per the news release.The telling of World War II stories has been told in many, many versions, good documentaries, great films. But there is a component of most of these films that have been erased, eradicated, and not told fully which is the involvement of Black and Brown people from all over the globe that were significantly important to WWII,” Elba told ABC7 Los Angeles anchor Leslie Sykes. “For me it was really important to give an opportunity to picturize this history from people that the families, some of the testimony from the soldiers that were there.” The press release states that the series “weaves a blend of historical dramatizations with curated archival footage, bridging the past with the present to highlight new perspectives on established histories.” “The series showcases the personal narratives of soldiers through their never-before-aired oral testimonies and journal writings, along with powerful accounts from their descendants — stories passed down the generations,” the synopsis continues “These gripping and emotional testimonies transport viewers back in time to witness bravery unfold in WW2’s iconic theatres of war.” https://youtu.be/InQMoBvzQeY Lenny Kravitz, the enduring rock icon universally recognized for his striking looks and magnetic persona, is making headlines once again. However, this time, it has less to do with his status as a sex symbol and more about an unexpected revelation: Kravitz has been celibate for nine years, eschewing casual relationships while on a profound spiritual journey. Kravitz’s decision to embrace celibacy is rooted deeply in his family history. His father, Sy Kravitz, a producer at NBC News, was unfaithful to Lenny’s mother, Roxie Roker, who gained fame for her role on “The Jeffersons.” The infidelity left a lasting impact on Lenny, who recalls his father predicting that he might one day follow a similar path of promiscuity. True to his father’s words, Kravitz admits that after his marriage to actress Lisa Bonet ended in 1991, he fell into a lifestyle typical of a rockstar—casual flings and fleeting romances. This phase saw him date and even get engaged to high-profile celebrities such as Vanessa Paradis, Adriana Lima, and Nicole Kidman, although none of these relationships lasted. Looking back now, Kravitz isn’t fond of the player persona he had adopted. It took him years to come to terms with his behavior and the toll it was taking on his personal and spiritual well-being. “It’s a spiritual thing. I’ve become very set in my ways, in the way I live,” Kravitz told The Guardian, explaining his nearly decade-long celibacy. This dedication has kept him out of serious relationships as well, marking a significant transformation from his earlier years. Rapper Ice Spice has announced dates for her Y2K! WORLD TOUR.Per the news release: “Her first-ever global outing includes festival dates across Europe and the UK, with headline shows across North America this summer. The 24-date tour kicks off in Europe with several festival performances including Roskilde Festival in Denmark, Rolling Loud Europe in Austria, Wireless Festival in London and more.” During the tour, produced by Live Nation, Ice Spice will perform songs from her forthcoming debut album Y2K!. The North America leg kicks off in Washington, DC on Tuesday, July 30 at The Anthem, with additional stops in Philadelphia, New York, Toronto, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Oakland, Atlanta before wrapping up on Saturday, August 31 in Miami, FL at The Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater. Per the release, special guests RIOTUSA and Cash Cobain will join as support on all North America dates. As we celebrate the 45th anniversary of Black Music Month, we are reminded of the rich tradition of our music and culture. Black Music Month was founded by Kenny Gamble, Grammy Award-winning producer and songwriter and one of the founders of Philadelphia International Records; along with co-founder Dyana Williams, award-winning radio and television broadcaster; and co-founder Ed Wright, Cleveland’s legendary radio broadcaster. On June 7, 1979, President Jimmy Carter invited leaders of the Black Music community to the White House for a celebration of Black music. The picnic-style event was held on the South Lawn of the White House. Gamble reached out to Clarence Avant, the godfather of Black Music, and Jules Malamud, who was a key figure of the then Black Music Association and the founder of the National Association of Recording Merchandisers to petition President Carter to host a Black Music reception at the White House. The music world is mourning the loss of Grammy winner and “American Idol” alum Mandisa, whose cause of death has been revealed. According to an autopsy report, the talented singer died of complications related to class III obesity at the age of 47. The report noted that Mandisa, found deceased in her home by friends on April 18, was last known to be alive approximately three weeks before. The manner of death has been categorized as natural. Class III obesity, also known as severe obesity, is a condition defined by the Cleveland Clinic as having a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher along with obesity-related health conditions. This serious health issue significantly impacts a person’s quality of life and can lead to various fatal complications.“Yesterday, Mandisa was found in her home deceased,” a representative for Mandisa confirmed to PEOPLE in a statement dated April 19. “At this time, we do not know the cause of death or any further details. We ask for your prayers for her family and close-knit circle of friends during this incredibly difficult time.” https://youtu.be/yjoxDoaNlWs As her family, friends, and fans grieve her sudden loss, Mandisa’s legacy will undoubtedly live on through her music and the inspiration she provided to countless individuals. Her life story, marked by both triumph and hardship, stands as a testament to her resilience and talent, reminding us of the importance of compassion and support for those facing similar struggles. If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor. https://youtu.be/d-j40zunt-k The official trailer has released for the sci-fi/horror “Alien: Romulus.” The terrifying tale marks the return of the phenomenally successful “Alien” movie franchise. The plot for “Alien: Romulus” has largely been kept under wraps, but a vague official synopsis says the story centers on “a group of young space colonizers who come face to face with the most terrifying life form in the universe.” The film is set between the events of “Alien” (1979) and “Aliens” (1986). Cailee Spaeny (“Civil War”) leads the cast that includes David Jonsson (“Agatha Christie’s Murder is Easy”), Archie Renaux (“Shadow and Bone”), Isabela Merced (“The Last of Us”), Spike Fearn (“Aftersun”), and Aileen Wu. https://youtu.be/92VYCjslw68 The Living Legends Foundation, Inc. (LLF) today announces Harvey Mason jr., the CEO of The Recording Academy® and MusiCares® as its 2024 recipient of the Foundation’s Chairman Award at its Annual Awards Dinner and Gala on Friday, October 4, 2024, at Taglyan Cultural Complex, 1201 N. Vine Street, Hollywood, CA. The red carpet and cocktail reception begin at 6:30 p.m. with the awards dinner at 7:30 p.m. The Living Legends Foundation and its officers and board of directors are honored to present Harvey Mason jr., CEO of The Recording Academy and MusiCares with the foundation’s Chairman Award for his outstanding work in the recording and music industries. Mason is a transformative leader who has reshaped the organization.Under his guidance, the Academy has embraced diversity and inclusion within its membership, ensuring greater transparency and fairness in the Grammy Awards process. He’s also overseen a strategic restructuring to position the Academy for continued growth on a global scale, while simultaneously strengthening its role as a service organization, providing vital support to music creators worldwide. The popular X (formerly Twitter) platform has officially announced that it will allow adult content, albeit with certain restrictions.While X has never restricted adult or graphic content, it will now hide “likes” to safeguard users who view it. As Deadline reports, NSFW content on the platform is defined as “consensually produced and distributed material depicting adult nudity or sexual behavior that is pornographic or intended to cause sexual arousal.” “We believe in the autonomy of adults to engage with and create content that reflects their own beliefs, desires, and experiences, including those related to sexuality,” per X’s Adult Content page. “We balance this freedom by restricting exposure to Adult Content for children or adult users who choose not to see it. We also prohibit content promoting exploitation, nonconsent, objectification, sexualization or harm to minors, and obscene behaviors,” the page continues. “We also do not allow sharing Adult Content in highly visible places such as profile photos or banners.” All adult content is restricted to children and adult users who opt not to view it. Dennis McDonald bodied his character Sergeant Reggie McDonald! McDonald is Marcus Burnett’s (Martin Lawrence) son-in-law, first seen in the 03′ flick at the front door being interrogated and intimidated before he could take Burnett’s daughter on a date. Now Reggie is a Marine back from deployment and ready to answer Mike Lowery’s (Will Smith) question – can you fight? Reggie has one of the best fight scenes, showcasing the internal instinct to protect your family all while demonstrating skill, courage and heart. It’s a battle scene that will be referenced in group chats for decades – SALUTED! https://youtu.be/hRFY_Fesa9Q A brutal heat dome is ramping up and sending temperatures to dangerous levels in California and the West in what is the region’s first significant heat wave of the year. And heat hasn’t peaked yet. July-like high temperatures will top out at 20 to 25 degrees above normal in multiple Western states this week and could break several daily record high temperatures. Thursday will be the hottest day of the week for millions of people. The temperatures will be dangerous for those exposed to the elements and unable to cool off. Relief from the heat won’t be found at night, either – another symptom of world warming due to fossil fuel pollution. The extreme heat already turned deadly over the weekend with worse to come. https://youtu.be/0nYoAXBdOP8 Excessive heat warnings are in effect for nearly 19 million people in California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah and South Texas. The warnings are the most extreme form of heat alert issued by the National Weather Service and are used when widespread, dangerous heat is expected. The soaring temperatures are being caused by a heat dome, a large area of high pressure that parks over an area, traps air and heats it with abundant sunshine for days or weeks. The resulting heat becomes more intense the longer a heat dome lasts. https://youtu.be/Ojk16_heDjM The 2024 American Black Film Festival (ABFF) announced that Cadillac, in their 14th year as a proud sponsor, will bring festival goers immersive cinematic music experiences at the Cadillac Lounge. These events celebrate music’s role in film alongside Cadillac’s exhilarating electric vehicle lineup. The Cadillac Lounge, located at The Fillmore Miami Beach, will be a dynamic space for ABFF guests to relax, recharge, and enjoy exclusive performances by top-tier musical guests, live recordings of the popular and critically acclaimed Ratchet & Respectable podcast hosted by Demetria L. Lucas, engaging conversations with cultural leaders, and more. The Cadillac Lounge will provide guests a unique opportunity to get up close to an interactive showcase of all-electric vehicles including LYRIQ, Escalade IQ and OPTIQ. For those who want to experience the electric future, Cadillac will have EV ride-and-drive experiences available. Cadillac, a long-time supporter of the ABFF, is honored to celebrate the achievements of Black artists across film, television, music, and beyond. “We’re thrilled to present the first-ever cinematic music experience at the festival,” says Juanita Slappy, Head of Multicultural Marketing at Cadillac. “The Cadillac Lounge at ABFF will cultivate conversations with leading thought leaders and innovators, feature two incredible live performances celebrating Black Music Month, host live podcast recordings, and showcase our electric vehicle lineup including LYRIQ test drives. These experiences will spotlight the power of music in film, enhanced by Cadillac’s authentic connection to culture and the innovative spirit of our electric vehicles.” Demetria L. Lucas, known for her thought-provoking interviews and engaging format, will be connecting with some of the biggest names in the industry at ABFF through her live podcasts. These conversations promise to delve deep into the hottest topics in film, culture, and beyond, offering a unique opportunity for festival attendees to gain valuable insights and connect with the creative forces shaping the entertainment landscape. The Cadillac Film Score Experience will be hosted by Alex Tyree, singer/songwriter, TV personality, and the founder of Feel the SPACE. His infectious energy will tee up captivating performances by rising star KIRBY and soulful singer Lucky Daye. Tina Campbell joins the "Tam Fam" for a performance of "Pray For Me," lifted from her forthcoming album, Testify. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZQF9wLMSpU Tina Campbell joins the "Tam Fam" for a special interview. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOcLc2s3R8o Tina Campell talks about grandkids. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGPif4k3-q4 Renowned broadcaster Bob Costas criticized the coverage of recent hard fouls on popular WNBA rookies Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark. Costas is weighing in on the hot topic after Chennedy Carter’s hard foul on Clark, which went viral on social media. Costas pointed out a perceived double standard based on race. “There was an incident recently. Alyssa Thomas, who happens to be African American, grabbed Angel Reese by the throat and threw her to the floor,” Costas recalled Tuesday on “CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip,” the Daily Express reports. “Flagrant 2, ejected from the game. The reason why that doesn’t spark as much conversation isn’t just that Caitlin Clark is a bigger star than Alyssa Thomas. It’s because it’s a black-on-black incident,” he continued. “And you don’t have that dynamic that people can comment on, yes, but also exaggerate and make the entire story sometimes.” Costas noted that “there is an element of jealousy because of all the attention that Caitlin Clark has received.” It’s not often after graduating that you receive congratulations on social media from LeBron James. The NBA star’s congratulatory message on Tuesday was for Anthony Claytor of Akron, Ohio, who graduated from Kent State University in May, becoming the first student from James’ I Promise School to earn a bachelor’s degree. “CONGRATULATIONS ANTHONY!!!! SO PROUD OF YOU YOUNG [prince],” James wrote on X. Claytor is a member of the inaugural class of the I Promise School, which opened in 2018 and is part of James’ efforts to offer education and opportunities to at-risk children and their families in Northeast Ohio. In 2020, all 193 students in that inaugural class were given four years of free tuition to attend Kent State University, as well as one year of room and board fully paid for. https://youtu.be/B4kw1ephmjc The school, which is based in James’ hometown of Akron, Ohio, provides students with a host of provisions to help them along, including free tuition, free uniforms, free meals, free transportation within two miles, a free bicycle and helmet, and access to a food pantry for their family. Also, parents of students receive access to job placement services and help acquiring their GEDs. According to the I Promise website, the program has provided services to more than 1,300 students in the Akron area. https://twitter.com/LJFamFoundation/status/1797961499924672917?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1797968848886591933%7Ctwgr%5E9ce2ecf77569671159cee70fe54372584a6ca466%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Flebron-james-congratulates-first-college-graduate-from-his-i-promise-school-hopes-to-become-a-secret-service-agent-watch%2F Ava DuVernay is speaking out about the settlement she and Netflix reached with the former prosecutor in the Central Park 5 case, which she profiled in the Emmy-winning four-part limited series “When They See Us.” As Deadline reports, former prosecutor Linda Fairstein sued for unspecified damages after claiming the depiction of her in the film made her look like a “racist, unethical villain who is determined to jail innocent children of color at any cost.” Netflix and DuVernay were unsuccessful in attempt to dismiss the case. U.S. District Judge Kevin Castel concluded last fall that there was “clear and convincing evidence that defendants were recklessly indifferent to the truth,” leading to the cancellation of the trial. PEOPLE reports that Fairstein settled the lawsuit one week before the trial, which was set for June 10.In a statement, Fairstein said as part of the settlement, $1 million will be donated to The Innocence Project from Netflix. Additionally, a disclaimer will appear at the beginning of “When They See Us,” reading: “While the motion picture is inspired by actual events and persons, certain characters, incidents, locations, dialogue, and names are fictionalized for the purposes of dramatization.” https://youtu.be/YyoSErErnCE Will Smith fans are raving over some new behind-the-scenes footage from “Bad Boys: Ride or Die.” As TMZ reports, the video shows the movie star expertly handling a firearm while simultaneously working the camera during a chaotic shootout scene. The camera is strapped to Will’s waist as he captures himself taking down the bad guys. At one point, he flips the camera around to show his point of view. Directed by Adil & Bilall, the fourth installment in the beloved “Bad Boys” action franchise is slated for a June 7 theatrical release. https://youtu.be/hRFY_Fesa9Q Smith and Lawrence lead the cast, which includes Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Paola Nuñez, Eric Dane, Ioan Gruffudd, Jacob Scipio, Melanie Liburd, Tasha Smith, Tiffany Haddish, and Joe Pantoliano. Per the news release, here’s the official synopsis: “This Summer, the world’s favorite Bad Boys are back with their iconic mix of edge-of-your seat action and outrageous comedy but this time with a twist: Miami’s finest are now on the run.” https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-06-04-060424-will-smith-1839691-224/ In a shocking display of pure hatred and racism at a Wisconsin High School graduation ceremony on May 31, a white father was charged with disorderly conduct after physically intervening to stop his daughter from shaking hands with the school’s Black superintendent. The father, whose name has been withheld to protect his daughter’s identity, created a scene that was captured on video, drawing widespread attention and condemnation. https://youtu.be/eSdKXd_SglA The incident at Baraboo High School in Baraboo, WS unfolded as the man’s daughter stepped up to receive her diploma. Just as she was about to shake hands with district Superintendent Rainey Briggs, a Black man, her father stormed the stage. https://youtu.be/0xEHAfHUKJA Wearing a white polo shirt and a baseball cap, the man grabbed Superintendent Briggs by the right arm and pushed him aside, loudly proclaiming, “That’s my daughter,” as recorded by TV43 Baraboo. “You better get up off me, man. Get away from me, bro,” Superintendent Briggs can be heard responding in the video. Graduation staff and three Baraboo police officers, including the school resource officer, quickly intervened to manage the situation. A voice in the background, presumably the father’s, can be heard asserting, “I don’t want her touching him.” https://youtu.be/L8iNOLbE2Lo This Black Music Month, a star-studded soundtrack arrives on Apple Music and Spotify, bringing together a harmonious blend of legendary and rising talent. Curated by tastemaker and award-winning Creative Director Brennan Williams (also known as Will Coloan), No Bad Energy 3: The Soundtrack. This sonic escape guarantees to banish negativity and elevate your overall mood with an impressive lineup featuring the smooth jazz sounds of Roy Ayers, the soulful stylings of Jill Scott and Marsha Ambrosius, the lyrical prowess of Nas and Joey Bada$$, and the captivating vocals of Cleo Sol. No Bad Energy 3: The Soundtrack is now streaming on Apple Music and Spotify. The remix single titled, “Escobar,” featuring Nas and Ghostface Killah, garnered more than 113K streams on SoundCloud and has been highlighted by several online publications since its April 2023 release. The soundtrack is just a taste of the incredible artists featured on this vibrant celebration of Black culture, creativity, and resilience. Racist trolls left transphobic comments under Michelle Obama’s tribute to her late mother Marian Robinson on X (formerly Twitter). Many Trump supports are convinced that the former first lady is a trans woman. As The Hill reports, user @ThatOldCoyote wrote in the comments of the tribute post, “I think it’s so brave and beautiful of her to support you on your trans journey!” “You were the son she always had” wrote @ColeTrickle____ “The only person that can 100% verify if you are Big Mike or not. Sad day” wrote @Rev13BeastPope. A few X users recalled the time “leftists weren’t at all civil” when Trump’s mother-in-law died. https://twitter.com/MichelleObama?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1796663168418070565%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fracists-trolls-react-to-tribute-to-michelle-obamas-mother%2F Daily temperature records will tumble as sizzling early-season heat from a summerlike heat dome sends thermometers skyrocketing into the triple digits in parts of California and the West this week.The official start of summer is just a few weeks away, but it will feel like July in much of the West as temperatures climb 20 degrees or more above average, the highest temperatures of the year so far for many locations. Excessive heat warnings are in effect for more than 17 million people in California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona this week. The warnings are the most extreme form of heat alert issued by the National Weather Service and are used when widespread, dangerous heat is expected. The soaring temperatures are being caused by a heat dome, a large area of high pressure that parks over an area, traps air, and heats it with abundant sunshine for days or weeks. The resulting heat becomes more intense the longer a heat dome lasts. https://youtu.be/Ojk16_heDjM Death Valley, the hottest place in the world, is likely to reach a high temperature of at least 120 degrees by Thursday. Even the brutal desert landscape doesn’t typically get this hot until mid-to-late June. The Southwest will start to bake by Wednesday as temperatures in parts of southern Arizona and far southern Nevada approach 110 degrees. Phoenix will likely have hit 110 degrees for the first time this year by Thursday even though the city doesn’t typically encounter these temperatures until mid-June. High temperatures are forecast to climb into the low 110s in Las Vegas, more than three weeks earlier than the city typically exceeds this threshold. The early summerlike heat will threaten daily high-temperature records across a significant portion of the West this week. Phoenix; Las Vegas; Flagstaff, Arizona; Reno, Nevada; and Fresno, California, are just a handful of cities where the day’s high temperature record could fall. https://youtu.be/4iCEZPzUWpY ESPN personality Pat McAfee says he shouldn’t have used “white bitch as a descriptor of Caitlin Clark,” he wrote on Twitter Monday, claiming his “intentions when saying it were complimentary.” PEOPLE reports that McAfee was discussing 22-year-old Clark’s impact on the WNBA’s viewership this season during the June 3 episode of The Pat McAfee Show when he called her the “white bitch for the Indiana team who is a superstar.” “I would like the media people that continue to say, ‘This rookie class, this rookie class, this rookie class’. Nah, just call it for what it is — there’s one white bitch for the Indiana team who is a superstar,” McAfee said. “What the WNBA currently has is what we like to describe as a cash cow. There is a superstar,” McAfee said during the segment. “And we’re not saying that the players on the court need to act any differently. That’s the athletes are going to do what the athletes are going to do in any sport. I think we’re all learning, that the WNBA … that’s old-school football, baby.” McAfee’s comments prompted numerous social media users to criticize his remarks, prompting him to issue an apology on X. https://twitter.com/i/status/1798029220448514464 Netflix has released the official trailer for Shonda Rhimes’ documentary about Mattel’s Black Barbie doll.The protect, titled “Black Barbie” spotlights the popular doll that debuted in 1980, 31 years after the original Barbie. Directed by Lagueria Davis, we reported earlier that the doc features Beulah Mae Mitchell, Kitty Black Perkins, and Stacey McBride Irby, the three Black women who advocated for the toy while working at Mattel. “Telling Black Barbie’s story has been such a personal journey and it warms my heart to celebrate the legacy of my aunt Beulah Mae Mitchell, Kitty Black Perkins, and Stacey McBride Irby in our film,” Davis said in a statement. “We couldn’t have asked for better collaborators than Shondaland and Netflix to bring this story to the world.” The documentary is executive produced by Shonda and Betsy Beers as part of their overall deal with Netflix. https://youtu.be/Itsg2V5PSkI “Collaborating with these talented filmmakers to introduce their passion project to our global Shondaland audience was an opportunity we could not pass up,” Rhimes tells Shondaland. “Black Barbie provides the hallmarks of storytelling that make a Shondaland project great — it provides a window into another world and holds up a mirror to our childhood experiences,” she added. “We were so proud to contribute our Shondaland reach and access to help the filmmakers enhance Black Barbie with new content while keeping its brilliant original vision.” “Black Barbie” will debut on Netflix on June 19. https://twitter.com/BlackGirlNerds?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1668358750049058822%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fnetflix-drops-trailer-for-black-barbie-documentary%2F The She Ready Foundation, founded by renowned actress and comedian Tiffany Haddish, pulled out all the stops for their highly anticipated Prom Gala held on Friday, May 31, 2024, at The Beehive by Solo Impact in Los Angeles. The star-studded event honored distinguished figures like Victoria Rowell and Stephanie Mills. LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell and Mayor Karen Bass gave proclamations to the Foundation and honorees for their outstanding contributions to foster care. Hosted by Tiffany Haddish and comedian Howie Mandel, the 80’s themed gala was a beacon of hope, shining a light on the needs of children in the foster care system. It inspired attendees to dance with purpose while raising awareness for this noble cause. The evening reached its crescendo with the electrifying performance of Tanya Nolan, the featured headliner, accompanied by her band. Nolan, celebrated for her powerful voice and captivating stage presence, brought the house down with her soulful renditions and chart-topping hits. https://youtu.be/2qlU7F3xJ_w Residents in Philadelphia’s Hunting Park neighborhood were met with a frustrating and alarming surprise on Monday morning as they discovered their car tires had been slashed. At least five cars within a one-block radius were found with flattened tires, each showing punctures in the side wall. “I was heading out for a doctor’s appointment,” recounted a resident who wished to remain anonymous out of fear of retaliation. “As soon as we walked out the door, we noticed the car tires were flat. Two of my car’s tires had been slashed.” Seeking justice and answers, she shared a surveillance video with Action News, showing a group of four individuals, seemingly teenagers, wandering the area around 2:30am, according to 6ABC Action News. https://6abc.com/video/embed/?pid=14907993 Kanye West faces a lawsuit from his former assistant, alleging sexual harassment and wrongful termination. According to court documents obtained by Page Six, Lauren Pisciotta said she accepted a $1 million offer to work for the troubled hip-hop star in July 2021, and she had to be available to him 24/7. Pisciotta was making an additional $1 million from OnlyFans at the time, but she claims West asked her to be more “God Like” and delete her account in 2022. West purportedly increased the model’s salary to $2 million annually to make up for the income loss. However, he allegedly never followed through with this adjustment. The woman claims that’s when she started sending her vile text messages, one of which stated: “See my problem is I be wanting to f–k but then after I f–k I want a girl to tell me how hard they been f–ked while I’m f–ing them. Then I want her to cheat on me.” Daily Loud reports that in another crude message, Ye wrote, “Is my d*** racist? It is. This f***ing racist d*** of mine. I going to beat this f***ing racist d*** for being f***ing racist. I’m going to stare at pictures of white woman with black asses and beat the s*** out of my racist d*** … Beating the s*** out of his big black c***.” https://twitter.com/DailyLoud/status/1797829810326036491/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1797829810326036491%7Ctwgr%5E67d88baa8a4619d0532b2d1a761f0b78621f3daf%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fformer-assistant-sues-kanye-west-for-sexual-harassment%2F Taraji P. Henson is set to return as the host of the BET Awards on June 30. The event will be broadcast live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. “I am thrilled to be returning as the host of the BET Awards for the third time. I am also looking forward to celebrating my peers and the impact of our culture on entertainment,” Henson said in a statement, per THR. Henson served as an emcee for the ceremony in 2021 and 2022. “Taraji is a phenom, known for her vibrant personality and charisma, and we are excited to welcome her back to host Culture’s Biggest Night, BET Awards, the ultimate celebration of Black creativity,” Connie Orlando, executive vice president Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET said in a statement. “We are equally as thrilled to have so many incredibly talented performers join us, standing on culture’s biggest stage to deliver an unforgettable night,” Orlando continued. The lineup of performers includes GloRilla, Latto, Muni Long, Sexyy Red, Shaboozey, and Victoria Monét. Usher will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. Hall of Famer and Miami Heat legend Alonzo Mourning has opened up about his recent battle with prostate cancer and the surgery he underwent to treat it. In an emotional interview with Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Mourning stressed the importance of regular health screenings, especially for diseases like prostate cancer that often show few symptoms until advanced stages. Mourning’s journey began in late 2022 when his urologist, Dr. Maury Jayson, noticed a concerning rise in his PSA (prostate-specific antigen) scores. Elevated PSA levels can be an early indicator of prostate cancer, prompting Dr. Jayson to schedule an MRI screening. The results revealed some shadows, leading to a biopsy on February 23, 2023. The diagnosis came from Dr. Sanoj Punnen, a urologic oncologist at the University of Miami, who confirmed that Mourning had a Gleason score of eight, indicating a high grade of prostate cancer. “And Dr. Punnen tells me, ‘I want to get a PET scan immediately to make sure cancer hasn’t spread through your body,'” Mourning told ESPN. Mourning, who was in top physical condition, was shocked by the news. Despite feeling great and maintaining an active lifestyle, the diagnosis was a stark reminder of the silent nature of the disease. The PET scan fortunately revealed that the cancer had not spread, allowing Mourning to undergo surgery in March to remove his prostate and prevent the cancer from spreading. https://youtu.be/GF3n0wYURBo New York Governor Kathy Hochul is advocating for a statewide ban on smartphones in schools. The proposal would permit students to carry only phones without Internet access, The Guardian reports. The governor plans to introduce the bill later this year and address it in New York’s next legislative session in January 2025. Hochul attributes the decline in youth mental health to social media. Per WHAM – Rochester, local seventh-grade student Gianna Crawford said, “I definitely agree that we shouldn’t be using them in class. But if something were to happen and we needed to contact our parents, I feel like we should have them.” One of the primary reasons parents in the US have opposed banning smartphones in schools is the need to stay in contact with their children at all times, especially during emergencies. Californians who are Asian American or Pacific Islanders (AAPI) were the targets of an escalated number of hate crimes and hate incidents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many AAPI people, particularly the elderly, reported being too scared to leave their homes. Others experienced firsthand hateful incidents stemming from deep-rooted prejudices and stereotypes — such as verbal or physical assaults in public. Yet, too many of them were hesitant to voice their emotions, according to Yu Wang, an associate marriage and family therapist at the Asian Pacific Counseling and Treatment Center in Los Angeles. “A space for healing is critically needed,” Wang said, also noting that some Asian cultures don’t put a heavy emphasis on sharing feelings and vulnerabilities. “It makes it difficult to talk about experiences related to racism. Also, many of us lack to the language to express emotions, which exacerbates feelings of isolation and fear.” https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=8488326834515882 In a recent episode of "Hardly Initiated," hosts Tysean Jackson and Ryan Catchings dive into a provocative discussion inspired by a recent Essence article that posed the question, "Does The Divine Nine go against The Divine Word?" They are joined by Dr. Latanya Moore and Brenda Palmer, who shared their respective conflicts with their sororities and the reasons behind their decision to leave their organizations. "This is not about denouncing, this is about deliverance!" Watch this insightful conversation and weigh in on socials @Hardlyinitiated. Tune in every Monday & Wednesday at 8pm for the LIVE conversation! #hardlyinitiated. https://www.youtube.com/live/RpoW3rf6nXU Attorney Antonio Moore delved into the recent sale of the majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks by Mark Cuban to the Adelson family who owns the Las Vegas Sands corporation. According to several sources this ties to an attempt by Cuban and the Adelson family to legalize gambling in Texas. Moore makes the case that it also ties Cuban to the donations to the far right through the business dealings that result from his retaining of 27 percent ownership in the Dallas Mavericks. Axios reported prior in the piece, that Sheldon Adelson’s widow, Mariam has become the GOP’s biggest benefactor. https://youtu.be/2SWoaMoEUns Hip Hop pioneers De La Soul will showcase their highly anticipated documentary, Chapter 3, beginning June 7 through June 14 on YouTube. The project will also stream on the band’s Facebook, Twitter and official website, according to a press release. “Chapter 3 chronicles the iconic studio sessions leading up to the 2023 re-release and remaster of De La Soul’s catalog, one of the most storied music collections in hip-hop,” the release states. “These sessions marked the first time in almost three decades that Posdnuos, Dave, Maseo, and producer Prince Paul ventured into the same studio together in service of a De La Soul project.” https://youtu.be/3uFjaLjC3II In a move that shows his situation is getting worse, Sean “Diddy” Combs has sold a majority stake in Revolt, the media company and television network he founded in 2013. According to a company press release, Revolt, a Black-owned multi-platform media company, has announced that its largest shareholder group is now its own employees. A spokesperson for Revolt emphasized that this new ownership model ensures that the employees driving the company’s growth can also benefit from its success, aligning with an emerging industry trend of equity participation. “One hundred percent of Sean Combs’ shares have been redeemed and retired,” Revolt CEO Detavio Samuels told The New York Times. Samuels added: “He is no longer chairman. He is no longer on the board. He has no shares, no equity in Revolt. We have completely separated and dissociated from each other.” https://www.instagram.com/revolttv/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=37462cba-2fc3-4101-a736-9bf78b85ad05 ”Boy Meets World” star Trina McGee has announced on social media that she’s expecting her fourth child at age 54. “At the tender age of 54 I have found myself pregnant,” McGee wrote on Instagram. “Please bless us with your prayers for a safe delivery. Thank you.” She also thanked her followers for their “prayers and well wishes in advance.” In the comments section of a separate post of a photo of the actress showing off her baby bump, one person wrote, “You look so beautiful with a baby bump 😍 I can’t believe you’re 54?!?!” Another IG user added, “The bump was bumping before we were even aware of the baby apparently 🤣 congratulations and best of luck.” https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7xBlGxBVFA/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=f3604164-fd9f-4584-ab94-58de204dc412 Acclaimed American boxer Roy Jones Jr. is interested in replacing Mike Tyson and fighting Jake Paul. As we reported earlier, the eagerly awaited boxing match between Tyson and Paul, set to be streamed live on Netflix, has been postponed. This development comes on the heels of a medical emergency Tyson, 57, experienced during a recent flight from Miami to Los Angels. According to The Express, Tyson experienced an ulcer flare-up during the flight. Now that he is physically unfit to fight Paul, Jones Jr. said he is willing to step in for Iron Mike. “I’m kind of thinking about that. I might try and get into shape in case that happens. Maybe I get myself in shape for that,” Jones said to Betway. Four years ago, Tyron and Jones Jr. participated in an unscored exhibition match, sharing the ring for eight rounds. Bounce TV original series “Mind Your Business” starring ensemble cast, Columbus Short (“Scandal,” “Stomp the Yard”), Drew Sidora (“The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” “That’s So Raven”), Rolonda Watts (“Rolonda”), and singer/radio host Bebe Winans is streaming now on Bounce TV, 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT. Preview here. The half-hour situation comedy tells the story of The Williams family, which is in the business of celebrating some of life's most significant occasions with its event and party space in Chicago. However, when it comes to their family affairs, there is a bigger need for referees than DJs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfyxhilqjWU Like many small businesses, the once-prospering 30s-and-older lounge, Lucille's, owned by Lucille Williams (Played by Watts) took a considerable pandemic hit, forcing her to close. Lucille's baby brother, Henry (Winans), couldn't stand by and let Lucille's Place slip away, so he recruited his fraternal twins, Aaliyah (Sidora) and Alfonso (Short), to keep the business in the family. A safe space for planning and hosting events was born with Aaliyah's creative sensibilities and Alfonso's business mind. Alfonso's wife, Kimberly, and son, Alfonso Jr. (A.J.), join the event planning team. Even Aaliyah has one of their chosen family members, Mia, join the team; she is a jack of all trades – so she thinks. Although the new-and-improved “Lucille’s” brings everyone together, their affairs end up causing a mess bigger than a college frat party. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isneJw9HBdM Jekalyn Carr – internationally acclaimed and award-winning artist/author/actress/speaker/ entrepreneur – has announced the 2024 plans for her fourth annual Jekalyn Carr’s You Will Win! Conference. The event will be held June 21 – 22, 2024 in Atlanta, GA at the Georgia International Convention Center. Registration is now open and available at www.youwillwin.org. Jekalyn Carr’s You Will Win! Conference is a natural extension of Carr’s ministry - designed for conscientious entrepreneurs and serves as a tool to empower people to break molds, shatter social & economic barriers, and to win in every aspect of their lives. The conference is the ideal incubator for those with the will to win. During this two-day conference, Carr will equip attendees with lessons from all sectors of the industry with knowledgeable experts, instructors, entrepreneurs, influencers, label executives, film, health, music, business owners, and more, who are leaders of their industry. The family-friendly conference will feature live music and panels like “Winning in the Marketplace,” “Winning in Entrepreneurship,” “Winning in Faith,” “Winning in the Family,” and “Winning in Health.” All are invited to take part in this life-changing weekend, which is guided by prayer. The JJ Hairston household is no stranger to music with two decades of big gospel hits such as “After This,” “Miracle Worker,” and “You Deserve It.” Now Hairston’s wife, Trina Hairston, has added some new music to the family’s rich catalogue. Her soul-stirring debut album, Sanctified: Live from Ancient Oil (JamesTown Music / MRNK Records), is now available on all streaming platforms. This 8-track set reflects Hairston's deep passion for inspiring God's people to strengthen their faith and to pursue a more devotional spiritual walk. The session opens with a powerful chant featuring recording artist Timothy Reddick, setting the tone for this spiritual journey. "Sanctified is a piece of my heart,” Hairston says. “I wanted people to experience what we felt in God's presence at the Ancient Oil Conference. My hope is that this project touches and moves people into worship.” Among the album highlights is "We Receive From You," a profound worship piece featuring Shavance Stephens, a member of Youthful Praise and a worship leader at The Gathering Place. Together, he and Hairston invite listeners to seek and cherish God's presence. Sanctified also features cameo appearances from notable gospel artists such as JJ Hairston, Candy West, David Wilford, and The Gathering Place DC church choir. The single "Nothing Else" is set to hit radio waves in the coming days. CeCe Winans, the unstoppable, multiple award-winning gospel artist, is once again ready to captivate audiences with her unparalleled talent and devotion to worship. Her latest offering, More Than This, is now available, through PureSprings Gospel/Fair Trade Services, LLC. This live album promises to continue the wave of worship initiated by her previous record, Believe for It. With her track record of success, Winans’ newest release is highly anticipated by fans and critics alike. The first single from More Than This – “That’s My King,” is gaining traction at radio and is seeing streaming popularity along with two other new songs from the album, “Come Jesus Come” & “Holy Forever.” “I pray that this new album, More Than This, will remind people of God’s greatness, not just his goodness. I want God to give us more of Himself and in return we give Him all He deserves,” says Winans. Following the immense success of her first live recording, Believe for It which amassed over half a billion U.S. streams, Winans continues to solidify her status as a legendary figure in the gospel music industry. In 2023 alone, her entire catalog garnered over two billion impressions on YouTube, a testament to her enduring influence and appeal. TheMumbai-born, California-raised R&B/Pop singer Kru, brings together the cultures of both her Indian and US influences for her delicate signature sound: a fusion of her ethnic roots,American roots, R&B, Pop and Kpop. Classically trained in opera as well as traditional Indian Bharathanatyam dance, she has been described as Aaliyah meets Ariana Grande. With over 2 million streams worldwide, almost 3Million views on Youtube, and over 6 million views/1 million likes on TikTok, Kru has quickly amassed a following that recognizes her shining vocal prowess, eye-catching dance moves, infectious collaborations, and powerful presence. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQb1CCqnuCo In 2019, under the leadership of choirmaster Minister Wayne E. Carter, Sr. (The Maestro), the NDC GMWA Choir followed up with a hit radio single, "All Of My Help". NDC GMWA is starting the new year stronger than ever with a hot new single, "More Than A Conqueror (Live)," that is fresh for Gospel radio and refreshingly empowering for listeners. NDC GMWA Musical Director Pastor AJ Collier states, "The spirit of defeat and discouragement is rampant today. So many people feel hopeless and helpless. This song reminds believers that they have victory through Jesus Christ in every situation. When you are in Christ, and He is in you, victory is your portion." "More Than A Conqueror (Live)" features lead vocals by Kim Glass and A Jermaine Nixon. Nixon also served as producer for the song. The high-octane praise anthem is written by Brian Pittman. https://gospelairplaynow.disco.ac/playlist-new/15896148?date=20240130&user_id=668306&signature=VsbDzrogryQLwvIdBgT25iMeMR0%3A1RUqQc7F The man behind many of Rihanna and Beyoncé’s hit songs, singer-songwriter-producer Terius Gesteelde-Diamant, known professionally as The-Dream, is under serious scrutiny following a new lawsuit that accuses him of rape, sexual battery, and sex trafficking. Gesteelde-Diamant/The-Dream, of course, is denying all charges. The lawsuit, brought forward by Chanaaz Mangroe, who performs as Channii Monroe, alleges that The-Dream used promises of career advancement to entrap her in an abusive relationship. Citing California’s Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act, the lawsuit details a disturbing narrative of manipulation and abuse. According to Mangroe, the abuse began shortly after they met in Atlanta in 2015. The hitmaker allegedly promised to make her “the next Beyoncé and Rihanna” but instead pressured her into a coercive and abusive relationship. Mangroe alleges that The-Dream coerced her to have sex under the pretense that it was necessary for her career success. The lawsuit describes multiple instances of physical and emotional abuse, including strangulation and threats to release intimate recordings. The most harrowing of these allegations include an incident where he forced her into a physically painful sexual encounter in a theater while other moviegoers were present. Mangroe also claims that The-Dream placed her in an Atlanta hotel and instructed the staff to monitor her movements, further contributing to her sense of entrapment, reports the NY Times. https://youtu.be/rFus4B2bxyE Marlon Wayans wants you to know that he prefers missionary sex over more acrobatic lovemaking. “I don’t need all the circus act. I so appreciate simple stuff,” the 51-year-old actor and comedian PEOPLE. “Missionary — it’s great. I don’t need to swing from ceilings and twist up nothing, because after we’re done, I can just go right to sleep,” he continues. Wayans told The New York Times that he never married because he worried how it would affect his close bond with his mother, Elvira Altheia, who died in 2020 at age 81. “I never got married, because I never wanted my mother to be jealous of a woman. I never wanted my mother to feel second to any woman,” he explained. A Black man who allegedly identifies as a woman has been removed from a California women’s prison after raping his cellmate. Tremaine Deon Carroll, 51, who has a lengthy record of criminal violence, was serving a sentence of 25 years to life under California’s Three Strikes Law when he identified as female and requested to be transferred to a woman’s prison, SandraRose.com reports. The law known as SB 132 in California allows male inmates to be transferred to women’s prisons if they “identify” as a woman. Carroll was transferred out of a women’s correctional facility and back to a men’s prison after raping his cellmate. The alleged victims, identified as Jane Doe, claims Carroll attacked her in the shower at the Central California Women’s Facility and raped her on Jan. 30, according to a criminal complaint obtained by Reduxx. The complaint also mentions another unidentified assault victim. Carroll has been transferred to Kern Valley State Prison, a male-only facility in Delano. He was reportedly the public face of a campaign to support California law SB 132. On X/Twitter, one user wrote, “California really let this n*gga Tremaine Deon Carroll who was arrested in 1990 for gunpoint kidnapping, robbery, and sexual assault of 2 women in a Women’s Prison cuz he decided to identify as Trans. First thing he did in there was rape his cellmate and threaten her not to talk.” FX is set to ignite screens with its latest limited series, “Clipped,” an explosive dramatization of the notorious Donald Sterling scandal that rocked the NBA. Based on the acclaimed “ESPN 30 for 30” podcast “The Sterling Affairs,” the show intricately weaves the chaos of a dysfunctional basketball team with an equally turbulent marriage, all set against the fallout of a scandalous tape that threatened to dismantle an already cursed franchise. The series stars Laurence Fishburne as Doc Rivers, the legendary coach who took the reins of the LA Clippers in 2013. Rivers inherits a team brimming with potential, featuring the likes of superstar point guard Chris Paul (J. Alphonse Nicholson), the athletic Blake Griffin (Austin Scott), sharpshooter J.J. Redick (Charlie McElveen), and rebounding powerhouse DeAndre Jordan (Sheldon Bailey). With these pieces in place, Rivers aims to guide the Clippers to their first championship, provided he can navigate the tumultuous waters stirred by the team’s volatile owner, Donald Sterling. At the heart of transformative leadership and motivational mastery, Mick Hunt stands as a beacon of progress and profound insight. As the visionary founder behind the Mick Unplugged brand, Mick transcends the ordinary, challenging individuals and leaders alike to delve deeper into their purpose, beyond the superficial “why,” and into the compelling “because.” Mick Unplugged is not just a brand; it’s a movement. Through his top-ranking podcast, Mick Unplugged, Mick has created a sanctuary for thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and seekers of growth to explore the depths of their ambitions, resilience, and character. This platform is where stories of tenacity and imagination converge, propelling the podcast to the forefront of the self-improvement category on Apple Podcasts, consistently ranked within the top 10. Mick’s journey is fueled by a relentless pursuit of excellence, a testament to his belief in the transformative power of personal and professional development. His ethos, the “Mick Factor,” encapsulates the essence of his approach: Mastery of our crafts, Imagination in our dreams, Character in our actions, and the perseverance to Keep Going, carving paths for legacies to thrive. https://youtu.be/QmMTblLBNJA The Greek Theater in Los Angeles witnessed an unforgettable evening of music on June 1, 2024, with three veteran music powerhouses. Jody Watley delivered a spirited performance resulting in a standing ovation to conclude her brief set. Boney James and Jeffrey Osbourne followed with both artists also delivering a night of memorable music. Presented by Peary Entertainment Group, the event featured three iconic artists whose combined talents created an electrifying atmosphere that captivated the audience. Grammy award-winning Jody Watley truly brought IT to the stage. The multi-platinum singer, songwriter, and producer, known for her status as a style icon and an architect of 21st-century Pop/R&B/Dance music, enthralled the audience with her dynamic presence and some of her classic hits. Watley also performed her newest hit “EVERLASTING.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C7ueol4yAKO/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again The rapper Brother Marquis, who joined the Miami hip-hop group 2 Live Crew in the '80s and was featured on Ice-T's song "99 Problems," has died. He was 58, according to TMZ, who first reported the news. 2 Live Crew's manager confirmed Brother Marquis' passing in an email to USA TODAY Monday. The group shared he "went to the upper room" in an Instagram post. A cause of death was not immediately clear. Marquis, whose real name was Mark Ross, was one of 2 Live Crew's most significant members, alongside Uncle Luke, Fresh Kid Ice and Mr. Mixx. In 2017, founding member Fresh Kid Ice (born Chris Wong Won) died at 53. https://www.instagram.com/theofficial2livecrew/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=6782d47c-72b5-4b35-bbff-d1f4da19ce11 Eminem faces backlash on social media for mocking the Megan Thee Stallion shooting in his new song, “Houdini.” In the song, the rapper says: “If I was to ask for Megan Thee / Stallion if she would collab with me / Would I really have a shot at a feat? / I don’t know but I’m glad to be.” As you know, this is in reference to the July 2020 shooting involving Meghan and her ex-boyfriend Tory Lanez. Black Twitter users expressed outrage over the lyric, highlighting the irony given the history of hip-hop artists demeaning Black women in their music (and being celebrated for it). This raises questions about the genre’s portrayal of Black women over the past five decades. Considering Eminem’s status as the greatest rapper of all time (a designation given to him by Black hip-hop fans), why are we surprised by his controversial lyrics? “Is it too much to ask that as we enter Black music month in a few days that folks not allow Eminem to make light of Megan, a BW who was a victim of gun violence, to be targeted in a song by a white rapper?” one critic wrote in response via X. “Folks are too comfortable disrespecting Black women.” https://youtu.be/22tVWwmTie8 Marlon Wayans’ new standup special, “Good Grief,” premieres June 4 on Amazon Prime. As part of his promotion efforts, the actor/comedian is once again speaking out about his transgender son Kai. Wayans previously revealed that Kai, 23, was born female but now identifies as a male with They/Them pronouns. As PEOPLE reports, he’s also dad to sons Shawn, 22, with ex Angela Zackery, and daughter Axl, 18 months with ex Brittany Moreland. “I’m very vulnerable nowadays onstage,” he tells PEOPLE. “I don’t know why it took me so long to do standup. Now I can’t stop.” When Marlon appeared on The Breakfast Club last year, he discussed his journey to accepting Kai’s transition. “I talk about the transition, not their transition, but my transition as a parent going from ignorance and denial to complete unconditional love and acceptance,” Wayans said at the time. “And I think there’s a lot of parents out there that need to have that message, and I know I’m dealing with it. It was a very painful situation for me,” he added. https://youtu.be/EfyXK1Qz-BE As the U.S. faces its first presidential election in a landscape where convincing misinformation can be effortlessly crafted by artificial intelligence (AI), a new phenomenon has emerged: supporters of former President Donald Trump are disseminating AI-generated images depicting him alongside Black celebrities, historical figures, and everyday Black individuals. Reported by Angelina Hicks and Vani Sanganeria for the New York Amsterdam News, this development shines a light on how AI is being weaponized in the political arena. These AI-generated images have surfaced primarily to bolster a real yet modest trend: an apparent increase in support for Trump among Black voters, as depicted by certain polls. Although these fabricated photos often began as parodies, they quickly evolved into tools of political persuasion, attracting millions of online views. Some of these images have even found their way into dubious fundraising schemes, purportedly endorsed by alleged top advisors to Trump. The New York Amsterdam News has meticulously identified these AI-generated images through various established detection methods and AI image detection tools, the details of which can be found on their website.https://youtu.be/KcFuLPMBHok Democratic Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas announced Sunday that she’s been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and warned her constituents that she’ll likely be “occasionally absent” from Congress while undergoing treatment. “My doctors have confirmed my diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. I am currently undergoing treatment to battle this disease that impacts tens of thousands of Americans every year,” she said in a statement. “I am confident that my doctors have developed the best possible plan to target my specific disease. The road ahead will not be easy, but I stand in faith that God will strengthen me.” The 15-term congresswoman, who mounted an unsuccessful bid for Houston mayor last year, faced a primary challenge from a one-time congressional intern earlier this year for the deep-blue 18th Congressional District. She prevailed with 60% of the vote. Addressing her constituents, Jackson Lee, 74, wrote on Sunday: “As I pursue my treatments, it is likely that I will be occasionally absent from Congress, but rest assured my office will continue to deliver the vital constituent services that you deserve and expect.” https://youtu.be/uLxefd9ymqc Tom Hardy is back as your favorite killer alien as Sony Pictures has released the exciting new trailer for “Venom: The Last Dance.” As Deadline reports, this film marks Hardy’s final installment in the Marvel franchise following 2018’s “Venom” and 2021’s “Venom: Let There Be Carnage.” “Eddie and Venom are on the run. Hunted by both of their worlds and with the net closing in, the duo are forced into a devastating decision that will bring the curtains down on Venom and Eddie’s last dance,” reads the official synopsis, per PEOPLE. Directed by Kelly Marcel, “Venom: The Last Dance” also stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Juno Temple, Rhys Ifans, Peggy Lu, Alanna Ubach and Stephen Graham. https://youtu.be/__2bjWbetsA A Pittsburgh teenager suffered cardiac arrest after consuming Panera Bread’s “Charged Lemonade,” according to a recent lawsuit. Luke Adams, 18, of Monroeville, Penn., is the fourth reported instance of severe heart issues associated with the beverage. The beverage has “more caffeine in its large size than a 12-ounce Red Bull and a 16-ounce Monster Energy Drink combined,” the New York Post writes. According to the complaint filed in Philadelphia federal court, Adams was rendered “unresponsive” and required defibrillation at a local movie theater on March 9 after consuming a Mango Yuzu Citrus Charged Lemonade. Philadelphia-based attorney Elizabeth Crawford is representing the teen as well as three other cases involving heart issues associated with Panera Bread’s Charged Lemonade. This includes the families of two individuals who passed away. https://youtu.be/qME0mVgsNSU Panera Bread discontinued the sale of the “Charged Lemonade” in May. “Luke was a healthy 18-year-old with no underlying medical conditions before he drank one large Panera Charged Lemonade and went into cardiac arrest. He would have died if it was not for the heroic efforts of the medical professionals in the movie theater and at the hospital,” Crawford told The Post. According to the complaint, Adams was admitted to intensive care, where he underwent intubation and required ventilator support due to acute respiratory failure. While in the ICU, he experienced a second seizure and regained consciousness two days later. According to the lawsuit, his seizures were the result of “unclear etiology, possibly related to cardiac arrest secondary to caffeine intake from Panera Charged Lemonade,” per the lawsuit. A cardiology report cited “heavy caffeine intake” as the “only potential trigger” of the teenager’s cardiac arrest. https://t.co/XiiBOke7LL Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has clarified her comments about Meghan Markle’s visit to the country after media outlets falsely reported that she criticized the Duchess of Sussex’s wardrobe. In a statement to AFP Fact Check, the First Lady’s office stated: “She meant Meghan appreciates the people we are and hence her coming here. At no point did she say anything about Meghan’s dressing,” the office explained, per People Magazine. In her original remarks, it was evident that Tinubu was not calling out Markle’s wardrobe, but once the mainstream media twisted her remarks in their ongoing attacks on Meghan, Black outlets ran with the bamboozle, too, prompting Tinubu to issue a response. As we reported earlier, the First Lady mentioned Meghan Markle during a speech in which she criticized scantily-clan American celebrities. Meghan and Prince Harry traveled to Nigeria in May to speak about mental health awareness and promote the Invictus Games. During the visit, the Duchess highlighted her Nigerian heritage, disclosing that, based on a DNA test, she is 43% Nigerian, per New York Post. https://twitter.com/i/status/1794497074421174561 South Africa’s ruling African National Congress party has lost its majority for the first time in 30 years after national elections this week, marking the biggest political shift in the country since the end of apartheid. Nelson Mandela’s party suffered a seismic blow at the polls, final election results announced on Sunday confirmed. Support for the ANC dropped to 40.18%, a huge slump from the 57.5% it received in the last election in 2019. The official opposition party, the centrist Democratic Alliance (DA), received 21.8% of the vote. Former President Jacob Zuma’s newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK) had nearly 14.59% of the vote. Another ANC splinter party – the far-left Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) – had nearly 10%, with results at 9.52% The blow to the ANC comes after years of corruption scandals and economic mismanagement. As a result, the ANC will be forced to form a coalition to govern the world’s most unequal country. https://youtu.be/OtyLlqhygmU Cyril Ramaphosa, the president of South Africa and the ANC – and once Mandela’s favorite to succeed him as leader – promised a “new dawn” when he took over in 2018 from disgraced former president Jacob Zuma. But many feel those promises never materialized and the election results reflect a population deeply frustrated with the country’s direction. South Africans could now face weeks of political uncertainty, as the ANC seeks to strike a coalition deal with former rivals. “Our people have spoken, whether we like it or not they have spoken,” Ramaphosa told an audience after the official results were announced. He added that the voices of the people had been “heard” and “we must respect their choices and their wishes.” The rebuke to the ANC was hardly unexpected, mirroring widespread dissatisfaction with the ruling party. But the scale of the losses surprised some. “What we have seen is voters are unhappy with the ANC’s recent history. In particular what happened in the Zuma years and what followed on from that,” analyst and former ANC MP Melanie Verwoerd told CNN. https://youtu.be/bus_NOpdb9M Substantial bargaining for the coalition government will now begin. Political parties will have two weeks to form a coalition before a new parliament must convene to elect the nation’s president. If they fail, new elections will need to be held. ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula admitted Sunday there was “nothing to celebrate” following the party’s blow at the polls. “We wish to assure the people of South Africa that we have heard them. We have heard their concerns, their frustrations, and their dissatisfaction,” Mbalula told a media briefing. However, he warned potential coalition partners if they demand party leader Ramaphosa must step down “this is not going to happen.” DA leader John Steenhuisen told CNN during an interview at the election’s National Results Center that he had “no sympathy for Mr. Ramaphosa and his party.” https://youtu.be/GzdAKTL330A The Fulton County District Attorney’s office has revealed a significant indictment againstShirley Strawberry‘s husband Earnest “Nesto“ Williams, who is accused of defrauding multiple victims over 13 years. According to District Attorney Fani Willis, Williams’s schemes, which began in 2009, continued until 2022 and resulted in substantial financial loss for his victims. “He’s been conning people since 2009 to 2022,” said Willis in an exclusive interview with Atlanta’s WSB/Channel 2 Action News. The grand jury’s decision to indict Williams falls under the Georgia Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) Act. Willis detailed Williams’s modus operandi, stating: “He would pretend to be a legitimate businessman, but he was stealing from people, in United States currency, vehicles, and really just taking advantage of people.” https://youtu.be/SAIhJPP6J6g Williams’s fraudulent activities reportedly led to over 25 victims being scammed out of more than $750,000. His alleged crimes included stealing personal vehicles, motorcycles, coach buses, and other properties by issuing bad checks or simply failing to return the items. Wooten emphasized, “He would pretend to be a legitimate businessman, but he was stealing from people.” https://youtu.be/NABQ9XrUT9U The indictment also names Williams’s alleged co-conspirator, Ericka King, who is accused of falsely representing Williams in court hearings by pretending to be an attorney. Wooten added: “Earnest Williams often created this impression of a close relationship or a romantic relationship with many of these victims, used those relationships to take money, vehicles, vehicle trailers, RV’s and other property from them.” https://youtu.be/4w9Zm-j7C6A If convicted, Williams faces significant penalties. Five of the fraud counts exceed $24,999 in value, each carrying a potential two to 20-year sentence. An additional 10 counts involve amounts under $25,000, with possible sentences ranging from one to 10 years. Williams could also face up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine for filing a false marriage license in Georgia. https://youtu.be/wZmUGaQ7oDY Inspirational Jazz musician Bruce V. Allen has a career spanning 30 years and is best known for his collaborations with the iconic duo, Allen & Allen, comprised of Allen Wiggins on saxophone and Bruce Allen on piano. Allen & Allen’s ground-breaking artistry of fusing Gospel, Jazz, and Funk earned them two Stellar Gospel Music Awards and multiple Billboard Chart-topping albums. After taking a hiatus from the duo, Bruce returned as a solo artist to release new music. He is sharing new music and the story of his amplified new life after a tragic stroke took away his ability to play piano. Bruce suffered a stroke in 2007 that weakened his right side and affected his brain. It took away his ability to play piano fluidly. God was silent for about a year, and then Bruce felt God speak to his heart saying, If you trust me, I will do more with what you have left than what you had before. After a year of intense physical therapy, what God said began to happen. "My stroke was a setback that has become the setup for the greatest part of my life," Bruce explains. "When life and the things we take for granted slip away, you learn to give God glory every day. And now more than ever, I look at my music as a vehicle to introduce people who have not had a genuine relationship with our Creator." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfCfqdG5Gp8 Michael M. Smith drops new single, "Fight For Me (Remix)." Initially released on his first project, this remix is a soul-stirring celebration of God's power and faithfulness. It is available on all major digital streaming platforms. https://app.box.com/s/ezjx5i1lu6t8ul29dfe6xziknozkl94x In a daytime exclusive interview on the Monday, June 3 edition of “Tamron Hall,” the cast of STARZ’s “Power Book II: Ghost,” Michael Rainey Jr., Naturi Naughton-Lewis and Golden Brooks, discussed the highly anticipated final season and gave the Tam Fam a sneak peek at the riveting premiere episode. The trio opened up about saying goodbye to their characters after four seasons and what’s next for their careers. Rainey Jr. dished on his dating life and his ideal date night, while Naughton-Lewis opened up about motherhood and recently turning 40! https://youtu.be/jAnoVklnW80 My daughter Zuri and my son Tru, they are my biggest blessings. There is nothing quite like it. The challenges and for me, having a baby with this long stretch after my daughter, she’s almost seven. It taught me motherhood all over again, how difficult the process is and ladies, keeping it real, breastfeeding, all of that is hard work! So I had to humble myself and being an actress, although difficult, there’s nothing more important and as challenging as motherhood and we need to be real about that. It’s not all like ‘Yay I had a baby, snap back!’ I’m snapping back gradually but you know, it takes time and it’s okay to be gracious to yourself and it’s okay to say, ‘I’m just being patient and enjoying my season.’” On turning 40, “I’m going to embrace it because Tamron during the break was like ‘why are you whispering? You turned 40,’ and I was like ‘I turned 40.’ I went on an awesome trip with amazing friends, [actress] Danielle Brooks, her husband, my husband, [actress] Teyonah Parris. We had fun and that’s why I’m hoarse right now! 40 feels like the biggest blessing. It also feels like a little joint pain. When I got off that yacht, I was like ‘Ow! Ow!’ In all seriousness, I do feel powerful but also empowered. I feel empowered by the fact that I’ve been able to do what I said I wanted to do, do what I love. My parents, my family, everyone has supported me, I’m living my dream and I’m 40 years old.” https://youtu.be/vUhgBnCsLrA Michael Rainey Jr. said, “I feel like we’re definitely going out with a bang with this season. It’s going to be crazy but it’s definitely a bittersweet feeling like I’m grateful for the platform that we’ve been able to create from it but I’m definitely ready to start the next chapter of Michael Rainey’s life.” On if the cast feels pressure on how fans will react to the ending, Naturi said, “I wouldn’t say pressure as to how the fans will react. I feel excited to give the fans what they’ve been waiting for because for me and Michael, Courtney [A.] Kemp, our showrunner and creator, she always says ‘the day-ones.’ To have 10 years in this game and to create a show that has lasted. The ending is going to give you what you need so just get ready for your popcorn, your ‘Ghost’ parties because it’s going to be lit!” https://youtu.be/bbms35rZziM Charlamagne Tha God recently suggested the possibility of leaving “The Breakfast Club” as he sets his sights on bigger opportunities for the future. In a recent interview on the Flagrant podcast, he discussed his exit plan from the popular morning show on Power 105.1, which he has co-hosted since 2010. “I personally have a number,” he revealed, Baller Alert reports. “Not even Breakfast Club, but just being a talent period. Not a financial number.” Charlamagne added, “I like being behind the scenes a lot more nowadays. Empowering other people, watching people get their shine, watching other people become these great entities that people love and connect with.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1796631114108301592 This is not good news. In a landmark ruling, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals has put a halt to the Fearless Fund’s initiative aimed at supporting Black women in business, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in corporate America. On Monday, a three-judge panel delivered a 2-1 decision, finding the Fearless Fund’s small business grant contest likely infringed upon the federal Civil Rights Act of 1866. This act forbids the consideration of race in contract formation. The panel consisted of two Trump-appointed judges and one appointee of former President Barack Obama. The ruling imposed a preliminary injunction against the grant program, overturning a previous decision by a lower court judge. https://youtu.be/-GSQHnLuaAE The conflict began in August 2023, when the conservative nonprofit American Alliance for Equal Rights filed a lawsuit against the Fearless Fund. Founded by Edward Blum, the same activist instrumental in the challenge against affirmative action in educational institutions, the Alliance contended that Fearless Fund’s grant contest, which awarded $20,000 to Black female entrepreneurs, was racially discriminatory. The Alliance’s lawsuit argued that such grants violated Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, which prohibits race-based discrimination in contracts. They posited that by awarding funds exclusively to Black women, the Fearless Fund was engaging in illegal discriminatory practices. https://youtu.be/_nmFbqBcMk0 Alphonso David, lawyer for the Fearless Fund, did not specify the fund’s next moves, but clearly stated the team’s commitment to defending their charitable endeavors. As the legal landscape around DEI initiatives continues to evolve, this case underscores the contentious road ahead for programs structured around race and gender-specific support. The ultimate outcomes may significantly influence the future of targeted diversity initiatives across the corporate sector. https://youtu.be/ShvjQKrJBYM A Florida Panhandle sheriff on Friday terminated a deputy who fatally shot a Black US Air Force airman at his home, asserting that the deputy’s life was never in danger and that the shooting was unjustified. Okaloosa County, Florida Sheriff Eric Aden fired Deputy Eddie Duran, who fatally shot Senior Airman Roger Fortson on May 3 after responding to a domestic violence call at Fortson’s apartment. Body camera footage showed that Fortson, 23, was holding a legally owned gun pointed at the ground when he opened his door. Duran, 39, fired multiple shots within two seconds. An internal affairs investigation concluded that “Mr. Fortson did not make any hostile, attacking movements, and therefore, the former deputy’s use of deadly force was not objectively reasonable.” Outside law enforcement experts supported this finding, stating that an officer cannot shoot solely because a suspect is holding a gun if there is no threat. “This tragic incident should have never occurred,” Sheriff Aden stated. “The objective facts do not support the use of deadly force as an appropriate response to Mr. Fortson’s actions. Mr. Fortson did not commit any crime. By all accounts, he was an exceptional airman and individual.” https://youtu.be/DIZv_jL4dOI No criminal charges have been filed, but the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating. Attorney Ben Crump, representing Fortson’s family, acknowledged Duran’s firing as a step forward but insisted it was not full justice. “The actions of this deputy were not just negligent, they were criminal,” Crump said. Sabu Williams, president of the Okaloosa County NAACP, praised Aden’s decision but emphasized that further steps are necessary. “We appreciate what the internal investigation has shown and what the sheriff has done to this point. We don’t think this is the end of it, obviously,” Williams told the Associated Press. https://youtu.be/9yGynh0OBk0 Duran, who listed himself as Hispanic on his voter registration, is a law enforcement veteran who began his career as a military police officer in the Army. He joined the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s office in July 2019, resigned two years later, and rejoined 11 months ago. Duran did not return a voicemail left at a number listed to him, and his attorney John Whitaker did not immediately return email and phone messages seeking comment. Fortson lived about eight miles from Hurlburt Field, where he served as a special missions aviator with the Air Force’s 4th Special Operations Squadron. He was highly regarded and had earned an Air Medal with combat device. The events leading to the shooting began when a neighbor reported a disturbance from Fortson’s apartment. Despite the report, Fortson’s girlfriend confirmed they were not arguing, and he was playing a video game at the time. Duran, upon arrival, knocked on Fortson’s door without identifying himself. Fortson, unsure of who was outside, armed himself before answering the door, resulting in the fatal encounter. The investigation revealed significant procedural failures by Duran, including not identifying himself properly and not assessing the situation accurately before using deadly force. Sheriff Aden’s decision to fire Duran underscores the importance of accountability in law enforcement, as Fortson’s family and the community continue to seek justice. https://youtu.be/NXxVgm2kxbo Sean Kingston is reportedly in custody at a Florida jail on grand theft charges. We reported earlier that last month, the “Beautiful Girls” artist and his mom were charged with committing more than $1 million worth of fraud. Kingston was arrested by the southeastern Florida agency on Sunday, according to records from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. Complex reports that the listed charges include fraud, trafficking stolen property, criminal use of personal identification information, grand theft, and organized scheme to defraud. A Broward judge has set a $100,000 bond for Kingston, who is expected to be released from jail soon, CBS News reports. https://youtu.be/-3-bsN5rhaU In 2020, TC Carson opened up about how speaking out against the unfair cast treatment got him fired from the hit comedy series “Living Single.” At the time, Carson informed Comedy Hype that he felt compelled to leave the show after bringing cast grievances to the attention of those working behind the scenes. “Living Single” centered on the lives of six friends who share personal and professional experiences while living in a Brooklyn brownstone. The series aired on FOX television network from 1993-1998. Carson played Kyle Barker, a character that had an early exit after getting a job in London. As we reported earlier, he last appeared in 1997’s “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore: Part 2 episode, per MadameNoire. “I got fired,” Carson told Comedy Hype. “There were times where we had issues on the show. We would come to them as a cast but I would be the spokesperson for it.” https://youtu.be/YpZc5fiVqWA Cher wants you to know that her boy toy, music producer Alexander “AE” Edwards, did not start the brawl in Cannes involving Travis Scott and Tyga. “He Didn’t Start The fight Against 2 Men,… He finished it, Gotta Love Him,” the music icon, 77, tweeted over the weekend. Her post garnered mixed reactions, with one person writing in the comments, “I saw the fight&he was upper cutting Travis to protect Tyga, his BFF. Do we call that stopping a fight these days?Let’s not mention the fight 5yrs ago which involved a gun.” This person noted that AE is “making u look bad, not good.” Another X user added, “Any body fighting Cher is nothing 2 be proud” and “if Alexander had just not got involved. Then there wouldn’t have been the wrong reporting on it sometimes getting involved isn’t the right thing.” Several fans noted that Cher’s been silent on X/Twitter for a while, and they called her out for returning only to defend her 37-year-old lover. https://twitter.com/cher?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1796807042834858090%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fcher-reacts-to-cannes-brawl-defends-boy-toy%2F “So sorry it took some fight from Alexander to get you to Tweet again. Hope all are okay. So missed hearing from you,” one person tweeted. As we reported earlier, Travis and Tyga clashed during the party, and the brawl also involved Edwards, Cher‘s boyfriend, as well as 808 Mafia producer Southside. The chaotic scene was captured on camera and obtained by TMZ Hip Hop. The melee erupted at an event hosted by the renowned promoter Richie Akiva. The fight took place after Travis and Tyga were introduced on stage. According to TMZ, a witness said Edwards instigated the situation. When the outlet caught up with AE at LAX last week, he offered some insight into the dust-up. “Shoutout Southside, that’s my n***a, I know he was just defending his boy [Travis] and doing what he was supposed to be doing. That’s his boy,” Edwards said, Complex reports. “I don’t got no hard feelings. It is what it is, it went how it went. That’s it.” https://youtu.be/HEt-ufD0eww John Legend says he “always” believes women when they level accusations of abuse against powerful males like Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs. “My default stance is to believe women when they make these accusations… and to make sure that they’re heard and any kind of accountability and reparations can be made to make these women whole again,” Legend said during an interview with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour, TooFab reports. “I was horrified by the allegations that I heard about Mr. Comb, and of course horrified by the video evidence that was released after that,” Legend said. “But I was horrified by the descriptions that I read before the video evidence came out and absolutely is something that needs to be brought to light when it happens.” Legend is referring to the now infamous hotel footage of the Bad Boy Records founder violently beating his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in 2016. The tape was leaked to CNN last month. According to the outlet, Combs paid the hotel $50,000 for the hallway security footage at the time of the attack.“It’s shameful what Mr. Combs has been accused of, and I only want the best for Cassie, but also for all the other victims that have alleged that he’s abused them,” Legend said. https://twitter.com/i/status/1796235984427716907 Fans have expressed concern for actor Martin Lawrence after a recent incident at the premiere of “Bad Boys: Ride or Die.” During the event, co-star Will Smith had to hold Lawrence’s hand and assist him as he struggled to walk to greet fans. This unexpected moment has sparked worry about Lawrence’s health and well-being among his supporters.In a viral clip on X (formally Twitter), Will has a tight grip on Martin’s hand, and he appears to be either drunk or suffering from health/medical issues. Some fans have gone as far as proclaiming that the comedian is actually a clone. Several social media users have concluded that Martin is ailing due to COVID-19 vaccine injuries. “Man, I hope he’s ok. I’ve been a fan since the early 90s. Praying for him,” one X user posted. Another user added, “Martin Lawrence is a clone now. Ya’ll remember when he was running around out in the middle of the street screaming “help me, they’re trying to kill me”? Dave Chappelle told the story.” https://youtu.be/wCB8b14Xc-E A third commented, “I believe they did something to him, either MK Ultra or clone. Dave is a clone for sure. Eminem is a clone. Alot of celebrities are cloned. The eyes are the window to the soul.” “I hope he is just drunk,” tweeted @@dom_lucre. “Medical announcements normally happen after these videos come out,” commented another X user. https://twitter.com/i/status/1797016342710698473 Meanwhile, Will and Martin shared with PEOPLE the little quirks about each other that get on their nerves. This candid moment occurred during the Los Angeles premiere of “Bad Boys: Ride or Die.” He likes to rehearse all the time,” Lawrence, 59, said of Smith. Smith, 55, replied, “That’s funny. I definitely like to…” before adding, “It’s not a hate, but there’s a fun quirk that makes me laugh about Martin all the time. He never takes two sips out of a water bottle. He drinks the whole water bottle in one go, every time. It’s like, ‘Yo, man!’ “ Lawrence responded, “That’s because I can’t babysit water.” https://youtu.be/loU6CH0odJQ Anyone looking for Alfonso Ribeiro to work with Tyler Perry can keep looking. According to HotNewHipHop, the former “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” star is against doing any type of project with Perry, despite directing one of his TV shows in the past. Ribeiro’s cold shoulder to the Madea actor surfaced on social media when a fan reached out to him on X (formerly Twitter). The interaction came days after the entertainer admitted that his role as Carlton Banks on “Fresh Prince” resulted in him being typecast into being considered for characters that were similar to or exactly like Carlton.Although he considers his work on “Fresh Prince” as a high point in his acting career, the fame and notoriety that came with playing Carlton took its toll on Ribeiro, causing him to retire from acting. Upon learning of Ribeiro’s struggle, the fan who conversed with Ribeiro on X claimed his career could find new life with Perry. Despite the suggestion coming from a good place, it fell flat with Ribeiro, who was less than receptive.“I don’t need or ever want that man to do anything for me,” Ribeiro responded. https://www.instagram.com/p/C7hOcdAs0Nv/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=7f91b61e-73d1-48b8-bc2d-d4bf707ea21f Public Relations veterans and Content Creators Bill Carpenter and Gwendolyn Quinn celebrate Black Music and the Black artists who create it. “Gwendolyn & Bill’s 45th Black Music Month Super Playlist,” includes more than twenty hours of music and 300 plus classic and hit songs, covering a wide range of sub-genres in twenty-one categories in the following order: The American Songbook, Blue-eyed Soul, Blues, Broadway, Country, Dance, Disco, Folk, Go-Go, Gospel, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Movie Soundtracks, Opera/Classical, Protest Music, Reggae, R&B (from legendary solo artists to groups), Rock, Smooth Jazz, Spoken Word, and World Music. To listen to “Gwendolyn & Bill’s 45th Black Music Month Super Playlist” on Spotify. MC Lyte is a pioneering American rapper, actress, and entrepreneur who has left an indelible mark on the music industry. As one of the first solo female rappers to release a full-length album, she shattered glass ceilings and set new benchmarks in a predominantly male arena.Hailing from Brooklyn, MC Lyte discovered her love for music early on. By the age of 12, she was already honing her rhyming skills, and at 14, she recorded her first track. Her distinctive talent and voice quickly caught the industry’s attention, culminating in her trailblazing debut album, “Lyte as a Rock,” released in 1988. This landmark album, featuring iconic tracks like “Paper Thin” and “10% Dis,” established her as the first female solo rapper to drop a full-length album. MC Lyte’s impact didn’t stop with her initial success. She continued to release critically acclaimed albums such as “Eyes on This” (1989) and “Act Like You Know” (1991). In 1993, her single “Ruffneck” became a significant milestone, making her the first female rapper to achieve a gold single. Her lyrical genius and pioneering drive have garnered numerous accolades, including BET’s “I Am Hip Hop” Icon Lifetime Achievement Award. She is rightfully recognized as a seminal figure in the annals of hip-hop history. https://youtu.be/4d7HOWpxs5I A Michigan man (Corey Harris) did not do himself any favors after recently appearing in court in a video call doing the very thing he was not supposed to do. TMZ reports Harris, joined his May 15 court hearing via Zoom. The proceeding was held about Harris driving with a suspended license. There’s nothing wrong with the man using video to show up to court. The thing is…Harris was shown noticeably driving a car. Shocked beyond reason, the judge at the hearing, J. Cedric Simpson, asks if Harris is operating a vehicle. Corey Harris’ response? “I’m pulling into my doctor’s office actually,” he says, the first of many times the statement is made.https://youtu.be/2_nRYeTmYv8 The much-anticipated Hot Girl Summer Tour of Megan Thee Stallion, featuring GloRilla, was a no-go following persistent water leak issues in downtown Atlanta. According to State Farm Arena, the concert planned for Saturday night was called off. “After speaking with the Mayor’s office regarding the continued water leak issues affecting downtown Atlanta, the City of Atlanta is unable to accommodate the Megan Thee Stallion performance scheduled for tonight,” an arena spokesperson tweeted. The decision was highly unexpected as fans were assured of the concert’s continuance until the arena doors opened. The rapper, filming a social media update from inside the arena, expressed her frustration. “Y’all was acting like I could perform, and now you’re telling me, ‘Oh by the way, when we was trying to fix the pipes, we found another issue, and now some more s— is going on.’ What! They’re playing with me.” https://youtu.be/mY3U-hwI1vA Compounding the inconvenience for the artist’s fans, the Saturday night concert cancellation came only 30 minutes before doors were set to open, intensifying the disappointment after the postponement of Friday night’s concert, which was rescheduled for Sunday. The continued water leak issues, affecting downtown and Midtown Atlanta, have profoundly impacted residents and businesses across the metro Atlanta area. This has necessitated concert cancellations and more. Fans of Megan Thee Stallion are being advised to check State Farm Arena’s social media pages for further updates regarding potential rescheduling. https://twitter.com/StateFarmArena/status/1797032379426472365/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1797032379426472365%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fmegan-thee-stallions-tour-canceled-due-to-atlanta-water-issues%2F They’re entertainers, media moguls, elite athletes, music artists, tech tycoons, and investors. Stacker compiled a list of America’s 10 Black Billionaires using data from Forbes. Individuals were ranked by their overall wealth ranking, with the richest person taking the #1 spot. America’s Black billionaires represent an array of industries and business ventures; however, over half of those on this list made the bulk of their wealth in the sports or entertainment industries. The people on this list are worth $27 billion combined, which is a lot of money—but that’s just one-eighth of the net worth of the world’s richest person, Elon Musk, at an estimated $218 billion. The United States is home to the most billionaires of any country represented on Forbes’ list of 2,640 billionaires in 2023. And yet, of the 1,000 wealthiest people in the world, only two are Black Americans. This wealth gap resulted from long-standing practices in the United States that denied Black Americans the ability to accumulate wealth while their labor often contributed to the wealth of white Americans. This dates back to slavery and continued with discriminatory practices in the housing and labor markets that have never been fully redressed. Despite these barriers, America’s Black billionaires have risen to the top tiers of financial success.Topping the list of America’s 10 Black Billionaires is the richest Black American, Robert F. Smith, who founded Vista Equity Partners, a private equity firm that invests in software companies. Smith grew up in Denver and worked as a chemical engineer before earning his MBA. He started Vista Equity Partners in 2000, and it has posted annual returns of 30% every year. In April 2024, the firm raised over $20 billion for its new fund, its largest to date. A cereal created by Snoop Dogg and Master P is at the center of a lawsuit filed against Walmart and Post. The rappers, who are represented by civil rights attorney Ben Crump, accuse the companies of sabotaging Snoop Cereal by intentionally leaving the breakfast product off shelves and hiding it in stockrooms, NPR reports. The legal action is a significant barrier to Snoop and P’s objective for Snoop Cereal to add diversity to the food industry while “inspiring and creating opportunities” for minority-owned products and brands. Snoop Cereal is part of a string of products aligned with Snoop and Master P’s company Broadus Foods, which was created in 2022. Chronicling circumstances leading to the lawsuit, the 34-page lawsuit, filed in February, detailed initial friction when Post Consumer Brands attempted to outright buy Broadus Foods after Snoop and Master P approached the company to gain support for Snoop Cereal. how Post Consumer Brands. The attempt resulted in a thumbs down from the pair who believed accepting Post’s offer would “destroy the whole purpose of leaving the company to their families.” https://youtu.be/0iE211loprA A partnership promotion agreement with Broadus Foods later happened at the suggestion of Post. Under the agreement, the companies would work together to manufacture, market, distribute, and sell Snoop Cereal in December 2022. According to the lawsuit, Post would split profits from the venture with Broadus Foods. https://youtu.be/PhxHuZWW1U4 The Fulton County District Attorney’s office has revealed a significant indictment againstShirley Strawberry‘s husband Earnest “Nesto“ Williams, who is accused of defrauding multiple victims over 13 years. According to District Attorney Fani Willis, Williams’s schemes, which began in 2009, continued until 2022 and resulted in substantial financial loss for his victims. “He’s been conning people since 2009 to 2022,” said Willis in an exclusive interview with Atlanta’s WSB/Channel 2 Action News. The grand jury’s decision to indict Williams falls under the Georgia Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) Act. Willis detailed Williams’s modus operandi, stating: “He would pretend to be a legitimate businessman, but he was stealing from people, in United States currency, vehicles, and really just taking advantage of people.” https://youtu.be/SAIhJPP6J6g Williams’s fraudulent activities reportedly led to over 25 victims being scammed out of more than $750,000. His alleged crimes included stealing personal vehicles, motorcycles, coach buses, and other properties by issuing bad checks or simply failing to return the items. Wooten emphasized, “He would pretend to be a legitimate businessman, but he was stealing from people.” The indictment also names Williams’s alleged co-conspirator, Ericka King, who is accused of falsely representing Williams in court hearings by pretending to be an attorney. Wooten added: “Earnest Williams often created this impression of a close relationship or a romantic relationship with many of these victims, used those relationships to take money, vehicles, vehicle trailers, RV’s and other property from them.” If convicted, Williams faces significant penalties. Five of the fraud counts exceed $24,999 in value, each carrying a potential two to 20-year sentence. An additional 10 counts involve amounts under $25,000, with possible sentences ranging from one to 10 years. Williams could also face up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine for filing a false marriage license in Georgia. https://youtu.be/NABQ9XrUT9U Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Felss Masino recently gave a devastatingly frank assessment of the brand: “We’re just not as relevant as we once were.” Masino, who became CEO in July, laid out the diagnosis — and the remedies — in a May presentation to analysts. And it raises questions for those accustomed to the brand’s biscuits and gravy, wooden tables and chairs, brain puzzler games, and front porch rocking chairs. “The way we communicate, the things on the menu, the way the stores look and feel … all of these things came up time and time again in our research as opportunities for us to really regain relevancy,” she said. The revamped Cracker Barrel Old Country Store (the brand’s full name) could include remodeled restaurants with bookcases instead of lattice dividers and brand-new banquette seating. New Cracker Barrels might be smaller restaurants altogether, with menus that include new items like green chili cornbread and banana pudding. Customers may see brighter interiors with simpler decor, a move away from the typical cozy clutter. https://youtu.be/rFFYz3wYnMw Fewer people visited Cracker Barrel before 9 AM and after 6 PM in the first quarter, this year compared to that period in 2019, according to data from Placer.ai, which uses location data from mobile devices to estimate visits to specific restaurants and retail locations. Instead, the chain has “seen an increase in late morning and lunch visits,” said RJ Hottovy, head of analytical research at Placer.ai. It’s also seen an increase in the late afternoon, but a smaller one. The discrepancy “may explain the emphasis on early-bird specials,” he said. https://youtu.be/chVXFWbCx28 Enticing younger consumers during that earlier period will depend somewhat on how the company advertises the deal, noted Miller. “It’s all going to depend … on the creative executions — how are they going after it?” Masino said Thursday that Cracker Barrel was so eager to rush out the promotion that it only recently started advertising the special. https://youtu.be/y2YYIBH5l4E But breaking the association between early dinners and senior citizens will be hard, said John A. Gordon, founder and CEO of Pacific Management Consulting Group, a restaurant consultancy. “It’s so well known in this country that seniors go out to eat earlier,” he said. “Although that’s changing … it is burned into people’s psyche, that that is designated for seniors.” https://youtu.be/Aa2JZMSwrA0 “I formed this trio in 2020,” said Jazz pianist Noah Haidu about playing with Buster Williams (bass) and Billy Hart (drummer) on the new album “Standards II” (Sunnyside Records). Noah just finished a tour with Buster Williams (bass) and Lenny White (drums) promoting the album which started in April at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music and finished at the end of May at the Catalina Jazz Club in Los Angeles. “Buster… is someone I’ve admired for many years,” said Noah.He added: “He is a major ingredient in the trio. (Lenny) He filled in on a tour…came in the picture when Billy couldn’t do it.”The “Standards II” album covers George and Ira Gershwin’s 1926 classic “Someone to Watch Over Me.” https://youtu.be/GBi1AMnQC1Y It also has the trio performing the covers of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow;” “Freddie Hubbard’s “Up Jumped Spring;” “Days of Wine and Roses” which has Buster doing a solo; “After You’ve Gone” with Noah taking the lead; Duke Ellington’s “I’ve Got it Bad (And That Ain’t Good” where Noah leads and Buster and Billy improvise, and Pedro Flores’ “Obsession.” “We have a different approach,” Haidu said when I told him how traditional his Jazz style is and how refreshing it was. “Before moving to New York from the Philadelphia music scene…I had rich connections with the musicians there.” https://youtu.be/GBi1AMnQC1Y Haidu said the Philadelphia music scene had a major influence on his style. The Noah Haidu Trio released “Standards” (Sunnyside Records) in 2023 and followed that with this new project “Standard’s II” (Sunnyside Records). The Jazz pianist has been collaborating with bass player Buster Williams and drummer Billy Hart for over 40 years starting with their first gig for Betty White and continuing in bands for Herbie Handcock and McCoy Tyner. www.NoahHaidu.com. “Ezra,” directed by Tony Goldwyn, evokes all sorts of emotions. This family drama tears at the heartstrings of all facing family drama. “Ezra,” is unique in the sense that he is autistic. With one out of every eighty-eight children in the U.S. estimated to be on the autistic spectrum, the filmmakers of Ezra were exhilarated to bring authentic representation to a community not often granted a true cinematic voice. https://youtu.be/HQDLCWLEHHk “Young Woman and the Sea” is the incredible true story of Ederle, the first woman to successfully swim the English Channel. Ederle was born to immigrant parents in New York City in 1905. She overcame adversity and the animosity of a patriarchal society to rise through the ranks of the Olympic swimming team and complete the staggering achievement of a 21-mile trek from France to England. Directed by Joachim Rønning, the film also stars Tilda Cobham-Hervey, Stephen Graham, Kim Bodnia, Christopher Eccleston, Glenn Fleshler, with appearances by Owen Davis, John Carew, and Alexander Karim, who played Henry. Karim, who is Black and motivated Erderle, should have received more recognition. https://youtu.be/7tNvrYzPUrk In a game that ended in a thrilling 71-70 victory for the Indiana Fever over the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, the post-game discussion centered not on the win but on a controversial foul against Caitlin Clark. The incident occurred with 15.1 seconds left in the third quarter after Chennedy Carter made a basket for the Sky and then moved to defend Clark, who was positioning herself for an inbound pass. Carter delivered a shoulder check that knocked Clark to the floor, leading to an immediate foul call. https://youtu.be/ELASpbmggU8 Clark, who was interviewed by ESPN after the quarter ended, shared her thoughts on the foul and her conversation with the referees. “Yeah, that’s just not a basketball play,” Clark remarked. “But you know, I’ve gotta play through it, that’s what basketball is about at this level. I thought we’ve been physical, we’ve missed some bunnies around the rim, so hopefully those fall in the fourth.” https://youtu.be/fcEmd9qD9a4 Despite the physical play, Clark managed to contribute significantly to her team’s victory, finishing with 11 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. On the other side, Carter, who led the game with 19 points, declined to address the incident with Clark in her post-game comments. “I ain’t answering no Caitlin Clark questions,” she told reporters. https://twitter.com/i/status/1796958193974919318 Angela White may have been the object of negative commentary on the Hot Topics segment of “The Wendy Williams Show,” but the pair have since elevated to being good friends. While White appeared on Lifetime’s “Where is Wendy Williams?’ documentary, the former Blac Chyna had no idea her unexpected visit to Wendy Williams‘ home would be captured on film, let alone provide a different way to connect with the former radio personality while inspiring fans along the way. “I just went over to her house,” White told “Entertainment Tonight” about her visit and being surprised by cameras filming the documentary. https://youtu.be/Suf7H1nZpGU During the chat, White touched on how it was anything but love between her and Williams before bonding via mutual respect and admiration. Ironically, if it wasn’t for White appearing personally on Williams’ show after being a frequent Hot Topics target, they may have remained enemies. “I’m like, ‘This lady always is seriously attacking me,’ and I was like, ‘OK, I’m doing her show ’cause when I do her show, she’s gonna meet me and I already know when she meets me, we’re gonna probably be friends or either be friends or she’ll chill out on me with all that negative stuff,'” said White. https://youtu.be/OjJDhf5ll70 Former “Saturday Night Live” fixture Jay Pharoah knows how to bring the stars out for a good laugh. Literally. Sort of. Just ask Jennifer Hudson. During a recent episode of “The Jennifer Hudson Show” the funnyman put on a clinic of impersonations while amazing the show’s host, her audience, and viewers tuning in. Hudson put Pharoah on the spot by asking a few fun questions. The kicker was he had to answer the questions as various celebrities. https://youtu.be/qBW_T4BLnhk Needless to say, Pharoah had no problem imitating celebs such as former POTUS Barack Obama, Mike Epps, Stephen A. Smith, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and Katt Williams to answer the inquiries and entertainment, according to Vibe. “What is Rihanna’s real name, you have to answer it as President Obama,” Hudson asked as Pharoah brought Obama into the EGOT’s delight. “Well, I mean a lot of people call her Rihanna, but I personally call her Robyn because that’s her name,” the comedian told J-Hud in the voice of B.O. https://youtu.be/HQzOdibWD6A Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese transferred their already storied collegiate rivalry into the professional ranks of the WNBA on Saturday, and it was Clark who came out on top. The 2024 No. 1 draft pick scored 11 points as the Indiana Fever defeated the Chicago Sky 71-70 in a closely-fought game that hovered on a knife edge until the very last moments when the Sky’s Marina Mabrey missed a crucial free throw. While Clark’s normally laser-sharp shooting was blunted in this game – she scored six points less than her average of 17.6 points – Indiana was able to defend its slender lead and hold off a late flurry from Chicago in the opening encounter of the 2024 Commissioner’s Cup, the WNBA’s annual in-season tournament. https://youtu.be/0oGev9ipWyU Clark also added eight rebounds and six assists in a well-rounded performance. After the crucial win, the rookie joined New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu as the only WNBA players with at least 150 points, 50 rebounds, and 50 assists in their first 10 career games. But it was far from an individual effort with Clark’s teammates helping lift the Fever to their first home win of the season. All of Indiana’s starters scored in double digits in the big game. https://youtu.be/2MMNszwz-_Q Today, Morgan Freeman, one of Hollywood’s most beloved and respected actors, celebrates his 87th birthday. With a career spanning over five decades, Freeman has left an indelible mark on the film industry and continues to inspire audiences with his talent and dedication. Born on June 1, 1937, in Memphis, Tennessee, Freeman’s journey to stardom was not immediate. He worked various jobs and faced numerous rejections before breaking into the industry. His breakthrough came with the 1987 film “Street Smart,” where his portrayal of the volatile pimp Fast Black earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. https://twitter.com/TrendingEx/status/1796904357058777233/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1796904357058777233%7Ctwgr%5Ed8e399c74eb49f438a9548a51f82041193168ac7%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fmorgan-freeman-celebrates-87th-birthday-today-a-look-back-at-his-legendary-career%2F Freeman’s distinctive voice and commanding presence quickly made him a sought-after actor. He starred in several critically acclaimed films, including “Driving Miss Daisy” (1989), which earned him a Golden Globe Award, and “Glory” (1989), where his performance as Sergeant Major John Rawlins was widely praised. His role as Red in “The Shawshank Redemption” (1994) solidified his status as a Hollywood icon, with the film becoming a cultural touchstone. In 2005, Freeman won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Million Dollar Baby,” directed by Clint Eastwood. This accolade was a testament to his enduring talent and versatility. He continued to captivate audiences with roles in “Bruce Almighty” (2003), “The Dark Knight” trilogy (2005-2012), and “Invictus” (2009), where he portrayed Nelson Mandela, earning another Academy Award nomination. Beyond acting, Freeman’s deep, resonant voice has become synonymous with narration. He has lent his voice to numerous documentaries, including “March of the Penguins” (2005), and his narration in “The Story of God with Morgan Freeman” (2016) has been lauded for its insightful and compelling delivery. https://youtu.be/zSFUwnNHhEY Freeman’s contributions extend beyond the screen. He co-founded the Grenada Relief Fund to aid hurricane victims in the Caribbean and has been a vocal advocate for racial equality and social justice. His efforts in philanthropy and activism reflect his commitment to making a positive impact on the world. As Freeman celebrates his 87th birthday, fans and colleagues alike honor his remarkable achievements and the legacy he continues to build. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming a revered figure in Hollywood is a testament to his perseverance, talent, and unwavering dedication to his craft. Happy birthday, Morgan Freeman! May your legacy continue to inspire and entertain for many years to come. https://twitter.com/wat_thee_deuce_/status/1796966083355611484/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1796966083355611484%7Ctwgr%5Ed8e399c74eb49f438a9548a51f82041193168ac7%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fmorgan-freeman-celebrates-87th-birthday-today-a-look-back-at-his-legendary-career%2F A 63-year-old Bishop (Dwight Reed) has caught the side eye of social media users who see his marriage to a 19-year-old church lady (Jordan Goodlett) as anything but holy. Not one to let anyone disrespect his sweety, Reed let his haters have it as footage of him standing in the pulpit while addressing the situation found its way on several social media outlets. Yes, he’s a holy roller, but that didn’t stop the Word deliverer from calling out those who feel a way about the apple of his eye. https://www.instagram.com/theneighborhoodtalk/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=2cd3813f-8aec-47be-9eda-747117306013 “And I wish some of ya’ll would mess with my wife, Jordan. Talking about, ‘What you gonna do if you see her?’ Well, you will see me on the news!” Reed said to those coming into his House of Worship to cast stones at his young Mrs. (Jordan Goodlett). According to the Des Moines Register, the churchgoer was 19 when she said “I do” to Reed in November 2021. “You better walk by and say ‘praise the lord!’ that’s what you better do because that’s my wife! And she grown!” he said. “She didn’t need nobody to sign no paperwork for her. If this was out in the streets, ya’ll would be saying she made a come-up, but you a hypocrite.” https://youtu.be/SAlD_QZDPd0 Marian Robinson, the mother of former first lady Michelle Obama, has died, according to a statement from the Obama and Robinson families. She was 86. “As a sister, aunt, cousin, neighbor, and friend to so many, she was beloved beyond words by countless others whose lives were improved by her presence,” the statement from Barack and Michelle Obama, Craig, and Kelly Robinson, and their children said in part. “She passed peacefully this morning, and right now, none of us are quite sure how exactly we’ll move on without her,” the statement said. Michelle Obama posted on social media, “My mom Marian Robinson was my rock, always there for whatever I needed. She was the same steady backstop for our entire family, and we are heartbroken to share she passed away today.” https://youtu.be/cldiTSlAJGY?list=RDNScldiTSlAJGY “There was and will be only one Marian Robinson. In our sadness, we are lifted up by the extraordinary gift of her life. And we will spend the rest of ours trying to live up to her example,” Barack Obama wrote on X. Robinson lived with the Obamas during their time at the White House and was often spotted at events with the first family, including handing out goodie bags to trick-or-treaters on Halloween. “We needed her. The girls needed her,” the family’s statement said of her move to Washington. “And she ended up being our rock through it all.” A native of Chicago’s South Side – where she returned to right after the Obamas left the White House – Robinson worked as a secretary and was heavily involved in her kids’ education, according to the statement. https://youtu.be/foNMo0vh_Tk “On Election Night in 2008, when the news broke that Barack would soon shoulder the weight of the world, she was there, holding his hand,” the statement read.David Axelrod, former Obama senior adviser, remembered Robinson as “just a great lady.” “She was a South Sider through and through,” Axelrod, a CNN senior political commentator, told CNN’s Wolf Blitzer on “The Situation Room” on Friday, adding that during her time at the White House, “she did not take to the whole celebrity lifestyle.” Instead, Axelrod said, “she would often slip out of the White House on her own and visit with friends. … She really wasn’t looking for attention.” Years after the unveiling of the Obamas’ portraits at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in 2018, Michelle Obama recalled how impactful her mother’s reaction had been when she took her to the museum after hours: “(It was) quiet and (I was) watching my mom, Marian Robinson, sit at the base of my portrait and look up at it with such a level of awe,” she said when the portraits were temporarily moved to Chicago.“And for me, watching her see me in that way meant the world to me,” Michelle Obama said. https://www.instagram.com/michelleobama/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=9388a66c-8a82-4747-b839-1bfbbac2dac8 Tina Campbell shared details about her new music on Thursday’s (May 30) episode of “Tamron Hall.” The Christian-Gospel singer performed her new single “Pray For Me” on the daytime talk show and revealed details about her new solo album, “Testify,” which will be released in September. Tina also got personal when she unpacked her complicated relationship with her father and grandmother. https://youtu.be/h9Tqy8tCJVE “My father wanted a lot of sons and he just kept on trying and he ended up with seven girls back-to-back,” she explained. “So he wasn’t really happy about that. But my father is like an Old Testament guy, and in the Old Testament, they are big on keeping the family name and sons and all of that, and since he didn’t have sons, he gravitated to the girls that looked like him,” Campbelle shared. “And I mean my dad loved all of us, but he was preferential in some respects to those girls, but it made me feel – between him and even my grandmother – it made me feel like I wasn’t special and I always had to work to prove my value.” https://youtu.be/oapPn3VpC4k “The new project is called ‘Testify’ and it’s coming in September. I think if you take seven years away from the industry and you go home to reset, to renew, to recharge, to have your faith redefined and to find out what am I doing this for? Because it can become ritualistic and traditional. I’ve been doing this for a couple of decades and so I was like, what’s my why? So I had to go home and find that and figure that out…God speaks to me in music – like when I’m praying, music is just what speaks my language, so when I’m praying music comes to me like crazy. And after I ended up having all of these songs, I told my husband, I think it’s time for me to testify. He said, ‘that’s the title of your new project.’ So ‘Testify’ is coming.” https://youtu.be/hjdmFEIYMB0 Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court Judge Henry A. Alaniz ordered 21-year-old Daniella Sandoval and her boyfriend, 31-year-old Joshua Dawson, to be held without bond on Thursday, May 30. Sandoval and Dawson are accused of carjacking a Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court judge at gunpoint in northeast Albuquerque on Wednesday morning, May 29. According to the criminal complaint, the judge’s husband alerted 911 and informed dispatchers that “a person put a gun to his wife’s head and stole her car.” The reports also stated, “The offenders let the female take a kid out of the car before they drove off.” https://youtu.be/Sw1qE2usrro The boxing match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, set to be streamed live on Netflix, has been postponed. This development comes on the heels of a medical emergency Tyson, 57, experienced during a flight from Miami to Los Angeles last weekend. Contrary to Jake Paul’s initial remarks following the incident, Most Valuable Promotions, the organizers of the event, confirmed that the match originally slated for July 20 in Arlington Texas will be rescheduled. The decision was made based on the advice of Tyson’s medical team, who recommended a temporary reduction in his training regimen.“During a follow-up consultation on Thursday with medical professionals on his recent ulcer flare-up, the recommendation is for Mike Tyson to do minimal to light training over the next few weeks and then return to full training with no limitations,” the company stated. Mike Tyson, ever the fighter, addressed his fans directly: “I want to thank my fans around the world for their support and understanding during this time. Unfortunately, due to my ulcer flare-up, I have been advised by my doctor to lighten my training for a few weeks to rest and recover. My body is in better overall shape than it has been since the 1990s, and I will be back to my full training schedule soon. Jake Paul, this may have bought you some time, but in the end, you will still be knocked out and out of boxing for good. I appreciate everyone’s patience and can’t wait to deliver an unforgettable performance later this year.” 27-year-old Jake Paul always confident, responded with this message: “My fans know I don’t want to face Iron Mike at anything but his best, but let there be no mistake – when he steps into the ring with me, I will be ready to claim my W with a sensational finish. Paul vs Tyson will be one for the ages, and I promise to bring my best for this once-in-a-lifetime matchup.” https://youtu.be/p0SWh99DUYo The delay has only heightened anticipation for what promises to be a historic bout. Fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the rescheduled match, eager to see if Tyson’s legendary prowess can still shine through against the brash and confident Paul. https://youtu.be/yEWCEHpXtd4 90’s soul singer Adina Howard was featured on an episode of TVOne’s “Unsung” in 2019 and as we reported at the time, she recalled messing around with Wanya Morris of Boyz II Men while he was hooking up with Brandy. Adina and Wanya were making sexy time together while Howard and Brandy were both signed to the same record label. When word of their love triangle reached their boss at Atlantic, Sylvia Rhone, she supposedly advised Howard to shift her focus to her music rather than feuding over a man. “Two young ladies, a lot of their egos get in the way and were kind of going through it about a guy,” Adina recalled in the “Unsung” episode. Adina made the mistake of speaking about the entanglement during an interview with a New York radio station, and she had some “choice words” for Sylvia. Because of this, Howard’s second album “Welcome to Fantasy Island” was shelved indefinitely. https://youtu.be/8B5OF2uZVm0 “Biography Presents: Biggie: The Life Of Notorious B.I.G” at DGA Theater on August 17, 2017 in New York City. Voletta Wallace, the mother of late rapper Notorious B.I.G.’s mother, said she wants to “slap the daylights out of” Sean “Diddy” Combs. Her reaction is to the leaked hotel footage of the Bad Boy Records founder violently beating his ex-girlfriend Cassie in 2016. Wallace made the remarks in a new interview with Rolling Stone. She also noted that the slew of abuse allegations against Diddy makes her “sick to my stomach.” “I’m praying for Cassie. I’m praying for his mother. I don’t want to believe the things that I’ve heard, but I’ve seen [the video]. I pray that he apologizes to her,” Wallace said. Two days after CNN aired the Diddy-Cassie video, the music mogul posted an apology on his Instagram account. “It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, but sometimes you gotta do that. I was f-cked up. I hit rock bottom, but I make no excuses,” Combs said in a video. “My behavior on that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I’m disgusted. I was disgusted then when I did it, and I’m disgusted now.” Since 2016, TV producer Bill Pruitt has been talking about Donald Trump using the N-word on the NBC reality “The Apprentice.” Apparently, the moment was captured on tape, and we reported previously that the show’s producers claim they face a $5 million fine if it ever leaks. In 2016, Pruitt wrote in a post on X (formally Twitter), “As a producer on seasons 1 & 2 of #theapprentice I assure you: when it comes to the #trumptapes there are far worse. #justthebegininng.” Pruitt unpacks the Trump N-word incident once again in a new story on Slate. He claims Trump used the racial epithet while referring to contestant Kwame Jackson and dismissing the idea that a Black person could be a winner on the series. According to Pruitt, Trump said, “Yeah, but, I mean, would America buy a n— winning?” In 2018, Omarosa Manigault Newman, who was also a contestant on the show, claimed she heard the N-word tape. Trump has denied hurling the offensive term. He previously wrote on Twitter, “@MarkBurnettTV called to say that there are NO TAPES of the Apprentice where I used such a terrible and disgusting word as attributed by Wacky and Deranged Omarosa. I don’t have that word in my vocabulary, and never have. She made it up.” According to Pruitt, there was “no discussion about what Trump said in the boardroom, about how the damning evidence was caught on tape. Nothing happens.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1796260506090541146 Kadeem Hardison has been cast as a series regular in Ed Brubaker’s Prime Video graphic novel series Criminal. Deadline reports that Hardison joins the previously announced cast Adria Arjona and Richard Jenkins. Hardison, best known as “Dwayne Wayne” on the hit NBC show “A Different World,” will portray the character Gnarly, which the outlet describes as a “local legend” who can “go from warm to fierce in a heartbeat.” Criminal is an ongoing comic series originally released in 2006 by Marvel Comics and now published by Image Comics. Per ComingSoon: “The series follows various self-contained stories that focus on different characters, all of whom grew up in the fictional Center City, and often frequent the same bar and share a history of growing up in the world of crime.” According to Deadline, Hardison’s character Gnarly “commands respect, partly because he can inflict massive physical damage, even at his advanced age — and partly because he has the authority and gravitas to stop other men in their tracks,” the outlet writes. https://www.instagram.com/kadeemhardison/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=6a8867d7-3bb3-4cc9-b38b-1910f4245e00 Meanwhile, Kadeem recently appeared on The Breakfast Club and spoke about a possible reboot of “A Different World.” “We have been trying to get the rights so we can reboot it for about ten or so years and the owners (Carsey-Werner in association with Bill Cosby) aren’t ready,” he said in a 2022 interview, per Hip Hollywood. “Everybody on the on-camera side is ready,” he continued. “They are thinking, ‘Yeah, they are rebooting everything. We should have some kind of version of it.’ It’s what I think the kids need today. It was good enough then. We won’t be able to catch that lighting in a bottle that we did then, but we definitely can reimagine the show in a way so that it is relevant, and it’s about the kids and school, and we can get that same fire lit under kids to inspire them to be something else.” https://youtu.be/lx4Gx9-Z764 McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger addressed “inaccurate” inflation claims in an open letter about its prices. “I can tell you that it frustrates and worries me, and many of our franchisees, when I hear about an $18 Big Mac meal being sold, even if it was at one location in the U.S. out of more than 13,700,” Erlinger wrote. “More worrying, though, is when people believe that this is the rule and not the exception, or when people suggest that the prices of a Big Mac have risen 100% since 2019,” he added. According to Erlinger, the average Big Mac price has risen 21% since 2019. “The average price of a Big Mac in the U.S. was $4.39 in 2019,” he added. “Despite a global pandemic and historic rises in supply chain costs, wages and other inflation pressures in the years that followed, the average cost is now $5.29. That’s an increase of 21% (not 100%).” ”Real Housewives of Potomac” star Gizelle Bryant is reacting to news that her ex-husband, Pastor Jamal Bryant, is newly engaged. “Super happy for him,” she said Tuesday during an interview with FOX 5. “New Birth really needs a first lady,” she added, referring to the pastor’s megachurch in Atlanta. “That’s important. And we need New Birth to be happy with Jamal because he has a lot of tuition to pay. All of my girls will be in college. So, all is well.” Gizelle also noted that she and Jamal have remained friends since their divorce over a decade ago. They were wed from 2002-2009 and share three daughters. The reality TV made clear that she has no plans to send gifts for the engagement. https://www.instagram.com/jamalhbryant/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=20c1a8a7-847a-41ce-aa4a-5b11816c1dcc On Thursday (05-30-24) at the trial of Carlos Watson, the founder and CEO of Ozy Media, a former executive (Samir Rao) of the now-defunct company provided revealing testimony. Standing before the Brooklyn federal court, Rao confessed to fabricating the company’s earnings and creating fake invoices during sale negotiations with BuzzFeed. This desperate attempt was aimed at keeping the struggling media company afloat. Watson himself took the stand on the second day of his jury trial. The embattled executive and entrepreneur, known for his polished public persona and impressive academic background—holding degrees from Harvard and Stanford Law School—appeared in court donning a black suit. He faces severe criminal charges, including securities and wire fraud conspiracies and aggravated identity theft. Watson is accused of deceiving investors with false claims about Ozy’s revenue, profit earnings, and audience data to secure crucial funding. Rao, who once served as the Chief Operating Officer, and Suzee Han, a former chief of staff, both pleaded guilty to related charges last year. Now cooperating with the government, both Rao and Han are also implicated alongside Watson in a separate lawsuit filed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), according to an update from Courthouse News Service. Rao, detailing his involvement with Ozy Media, described a series of deceptive schemes designed to portray the company as a thriving entity despite its financial struggles. Testifying in a white button-up shirt and a dark gray jacket, Rao recounted his initial encounter with Watson at a Chipotle in Mountain View, California. Watson, a former MSNBC contributor, introduced Ozy as a fresh, innovative news platform focusing on untold stories about unique people, places, trends, and ideas. Convinced by Watson’s vision, Rao joined Ozy Media and became his “right-hand man” for nearly a decade until the company ceased operations in 2021. https://youtu.be/JLhkNhIuKnM Beyond the pitch decks, Rao confessed to fabricating invoices to secure bank loans. In one instance, he created a false invoice to obtain a loan from FastPay (now AvidXchange), which backfired and led to Ozy losing FastPay as a client when the forgery was uncovered. This loss further exacerbated Ozy Media’s financial instability. Rao shared the grueling efforts taken to ensure employee payroll despite the financial turmoil. He resorted to securing high-interest “merchant cash advances” to avoid alarming employees with delayed paychecks. https://youtu.be/ggOqC1yAbfg Mel B is headed back to court with her ex-husband Stephen Belafonte after he served her with a $5 million defamation lawsuit. TooFab reports that Belafonte is claiming she attempted to “cause him severe emotional distress and destroy his reputation.” The court documents accuse Mel B of spending “the better part of the last decade engaging in a deliberate and wide-ranging campaign.” “Ms. Brown has stopped at nothing to falsely charge [Belafonte] with crimes and horrific offenses, including physical beatings, rape, financial abuse, emotional abuse, sex trafficking, and illegal gun possession,” the docs state, ET reports. Mel B was married to Belafonte for a decade until their divorce in 2017. Allegations of physical and verbal abuse were made by her during their marriage, which he denied. Former President Donald Trump said he was going to hold a “press conference” on Friday in the wake of his Thursday conviction in Manhattan on felony charges of falsifying business records. Instead, Trump delivered a rambling monologue that was filled with false claims on subjects ranging from the Manhattan trial to immigration to tax policy. Here is a fact check of some of the inaccurate or unsubstantiated claims he made. https://youtu.be/HPwS7g8VhPI Guess who was on The View today, of all people. OK, put it this way. Co-host Whoopi Goldberg opened the Friday episode with a dramatic announcement. “Do not adjust your TV set,” she began, addressing a startled audience. “Yes, I’m here on a Friday because this is a very unique moment in history.” Whoopi Goldberg, who typically takes Fridays off, returned to the show to comment on the significant recent events.“I’m going to say something you’ve never heard me say before,” she continued a mock-solemn tone in her voice. “But Donald John Trump is a convicted felon.” For years, Goldberg has famously refused to mention Trump by name, instead referring to him as “You Know Who,” a running joke among the hosts. The co-hosts spent the opening segment discussing the former president’s recent conviction on 34 counts in his hush-money trial, a topic that generated impassioned responses from the panel and the audience. Whoopi Goldberg, who typically takes Fridays off, returned to the show to comment on the significant recent events. https://twitter.com/i/status/1796572386159956472 Co-host Sunny Hostin, the show’s resident lawyer and legal expert, made arguably the most shocking revelation of the segment. “I spent the morning talking to someone from the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office,” she explained. “He believes they will recommend a one-year term in prison because when you spend a year in prison in New York, you serve in Rikers Island.” The audience reacted with gasps and then applause. Hostin elaborated, predicting that Trump could spend six months in Rikers followed by four-and-a-half years of probation, prompting co-host Joy Behar to quip, “And six months at this table.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1796560400059674993 Nicki Minaj claims she experienced “disgusting” treatment after being arrested in Amsterdam over the weekend. On Saturday (May 25), the hip-hop star had to postpone her concert in Manchester, England after military police at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport detained her when they found drugs in her bag. She was released from police custody hours after recording herself being arrested. She posted a clip of her arrest on Instagram, which you can watch below. According to Sky News, Nicki took to the livestream platform Stationhead to discuss the six-hour ordeal, stating, “Not being able to get to Manchester, I don’t know when was the last time I felt that low,” she confessed.“Not only that but knowing that something is being done to you on purpose because you are a confident other race,” Nicki continued. She added, “The treatment was just disgusting and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. And yes, I’ve been to jail before. It has nothing to do with if you’ve been to jail before.” https://twitter.com/NICKIMINAJ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1794523265978798587%7Ctwgr%5E011fbd66bd8a64afeb4f8e4db0842cad75424542%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fnicki-minaj-addresses-amsterdam-arrest%2F Here's a song "Shining Bright In The Gospel Spotlight." NEW MUSIC FROM SHEKINAH GLORY MINISTRIES "RELEASE CONTROL" https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/mokqw8hgw8i3alph8424a/AP4nYG0DLRCeFt0N-W-43zo?dl=0&e=1&preview=RELEASE+SGM+24B+44K+4MIN+.wav&rlkey=t6ke02c4imq9li8ihvejl6p6l&st=w9vcbvwa New York Times bestselling author Pastor Michael Todd introduces the first album, OVERFLOW, from REPRESENT Records’ artist, TRANSFORMATION WORSHIP. The highly anticipated album, OVERFLOW, features seven stand out tracks and is available now wherever music is sold and streamed. OVERFLOW, the album sets the tone for what fans can expect from Transformation Worship – a proclamation of God's unwavering faithfulness and boundless generosity, surpassing all expectations. OVERFLOW features the standout tracks "Yahweh," "Siempre Conmigo" and "Impossible? (Nothing At All)" all poised to resonate globally, touching the hearts of worshippers everywhere. The album debut single, “Overflow” was first heard worldwide at the 2022 V02 Conference held at Transformation Church - becoming a viral success on social media. “Overflow” is a bold life affirmation that will be the brand-new anthem of 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtR3yxVuKC8 The calm of BWI a/k/a Baltimore/Washington International Airport was shattered earlier this week when a routine check-in turned into a chaotic brawl at the Spirit Airlines check-in counter. According to the Maryland Transportation Authority, officers responded swiftly to reports of a fight involving five individuals. One person sustained minor injuries in the melee. A Spirit Airlines representative said four employees from a third-party service they use have been suspended pending an investigation into the incident. Spirit Airlines emphasized that these individuals are not directly employed by the airline. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-05-31-053124-spirit-airlines-flight-1837424-284/ “Violence of any kind is not tolerated,” the airline stated, adding that they will take appropriate action following the investigation’s conclusion, according to TMZ. The altercation, which happened this past Tuesday (05-28-24) and was captured on video, began with a heated argument at the Spirit Airlines check-in counter. The footage shows a passenger engaging in a confrontation with the Spirit team. The situation quickly escalated as several individuals, seemingly Spirit employees based on their uniforms, rushed from behind the counter and began attacking the man. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-04-24-042424-airport-freak-out-wrong-terminal-1817405-346/ The 28-year-old athlete contributed to the U.S. team’s gold medal victory in the 2016 Olympics and was working on a comeback after an eight-year hiatus. She now intends to continue training in preparation for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. “I love this sport and I love pushing my limits,” Douglas told ESPN, NBC News reports. “I hope I can inspire both my peers and the next generation of gymnasts that age is just a number and you can accomplish anything you work hard for.” Last year, Douglas confirmed she was training to make a big comeback in 2024. She said in an Instagram post that she “found myself back where it all began.” or many years, I’ve had an ache in my heart. But I didn’t want to keep carrying anger, pain, sadness, or regret and through my tears and hurt, I’ve found peace,” Douglas wrote, USA Today reported. “I wanted to find the joy again for the sport that I absolutely love doing. Multi-GRAMMY® and Stellar Award-nominated artist Melvin Crispell, III has released his latest single “Yesterday.” Available now, Melvin’s reinterpretation brings his bright vocals to the powerful ballad and unforgettable lyrics of the Mary Mary song. Following the release of his first two singles, where he covered the CeCe Winans song “He's Never Failed Me Yet,” and the Tye Tribbett song “Hold On,” this latest single is his third release from his upcoming EP, Covered Volume 1. Melvin’s version of “Yesterday” showcases the song’s timeless message, providing a soulful and uplifting experience that conveys a strong spirit of finding resilience and hope. The song reflects on life’s challenges and finding solace in faith, featuring Melvin's unique harmonies and heartfelt delivery. Scheduled to release on June 21st, Covered Volume 1 is an EP with Melvin delivering inspiration and blessing of God’s covering, honoring some of the Gospel favorites that have inspired him with his modernized arrangements. https://youtu.be/HvFzYQiuack?si=qPMs7sso3aJpPuZC Malik Books, a well-respected, black-owned independent bookstore in Los Angeles with a rich history and a strong commitment to promoting African American culture, education, and community engagement, is delighted to announce an upcoming collaboration. On Friday, June 14th at 7:00 pm at The Miracle Theatre (226 South Market Street., Inglewood, 90301), you are invited to join us for an inspiring evening as Nikole Hannah-Jones engages in a captivating conversation with Angela Rye. "This event presents a unique opportunity for our community to come together and explore important topics through the lens of two incredibly talented individuals," said Mailk Muhammad, Founder of Malik Books. "We are honored to host such esteemed guests and provide a platform for meaningful dialogue." Nikole Hannah-Jones, the esteemed author of The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story, has received critical acclaim and sparked nationwide conversations. Her work, a #1 New York Times bestseller, and NAACP Image Award winner sheds light on American history like never before. Here's a song "Shining Bright" in The Gospel Spotlight... Let the wind of love blow! Listen to Joe L Barnes’ newest single “Wind of Love” feat. Maryanne J. George, and pre-order his new album “The Good Shepherd.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLj-Gne34BU In her first week of job training, Tiffany Joseph Busch learned how to do an oil change. “If I had known it was this easy then I wouldn’t have been paying for oil changes,” she said she told her instructor. But Busch never interacted with an actual car during the training. Instead, she learned in a virtual garage, using a Meta Quest virtual reality headset. Busch, 36, is incarcerated at the Maryland Correctional Institution for Women and is part of an early group of trainees learning skills in virtual reality that will prepare them to pursue jobs as auto technicians upon their release. For Busch, who expects to be released in June after being incarcerated on-and-off since age 19, the program will give her a crucial head start in rebuilding her life outside of prison. “It’s dire that we get some type of training,” Busch told CNN in an interview at the prison last month. “I’m excited to be able to go home and use what we have (learned) here.” https://youtu.be/8fObvueO98s Although virtual reality technology has been around for more than a decade, it’s still often thought of as a relatively niche technology used largely by gamers. But MCIW — in partnership with Baltimore-based nonprofit Vehicles for Change, which developed the program — is exploring whether VR headsets could make career training opportunities more accessible inside prisons. The ultimate goal is to reduce recidivism rates by ensuring incarcerated people have a clear path to good-paying jobs once they’re released. Across the United States, auto technicians are in strong demand; trade groups say the industry sees tens of thousands of jobs go unfilled each year. And in Maryland, such positions often pay above the state’s $15 per hour minimum wage. “This isn’t rocket science. It’s a matter of getting people a job that leads to a career, and we can keep people out of prison,” said Vehicles for Change President Martin Schwartz. “If they can get a job that’s going to pay $16 to $20 an hour, we can change the trajectory of that recidivism rate.” https://youtu.be/zF11m-8Q5jM The women at MCIW come to the facility’s gymnasium, reminiscent of a high school gym, for the training. When they put the headsets on, they’re transported to a virtual auto repair garage, where they can operate the car lift and use various tools. By the time they complete the program, trainees are prepared for jobs as tire lube technicians — roles available at places like Jiffy Lube or Mr. Tire — and for the Automotive Service Excellence exam, the nationally recognized certification for auto mechanics. https://youtu.be/0TtZMhHCuBE A Mississippi family was left traumatized after carjackers, one firing a shot, attacked them outside their West Jackson home. As TMZ reports, the incident occurred last Friday night, and Ring camera footage captured the frightening ordeal. The YouTube clip above shows the moment two gun-toting thugs approached Heather Allen and her family members in the driveway. Allen’s oldest son, daughter, and two grandchildren were inside the vehicle when the carjackers removed some of them from the car. After one of the Black males fired a shot, Allen and her youngest son ducked behind the side of the car while the gunman and his accomplice demanded that they hand over the keys. “He jumps in the driver’s seat, I’m standing on the outside looking in, and he points a gun at my oldest boy’s face,” Allen told WAPT, WBBM Radio Chicago reports. https://youtu.be/TrckNmBJAAU Beyoncé’s mother Ms. Tina shared a video of her interview with Vogue in which she recalled her superstar daughter being bullied as a kid. “Beyoncé, she was very shy and she got bullied a bit but the day that she stood up for someone — she didn’t stand up for herself she stood up for them,” Tina recalled in the clip posted to her Instagram account. “I’m getting emotional talking about it. I was just, I couldn’t have been more proud of her.” As PEOPLE reports, Tina also said her favorite childhood memory of Bey’s sister Solange was her being a young “activist.” Ms. Tina shares Beyoncé, 42, and Solange, 37, with her ex-husband Mathew Knowles. When she appeared on the podcast The Run-Through With Vogue, she shared stories behind her daughters’ names. According to Tina, Beyoncé’s name originates from from her maiden, while Solange’s name was chosen from a French book. https://www.instagram.com/mstinaknowles/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=9cb9b03f-ba9d-436b-8132-07bbf5ab333f Like Michael Jackson and Lil Kim before her, she went too far. The “she” we’re referring to is rapper Erica Banks who is trending on Twitter. Why’s she trending? Well, it has absolutely nothing to do with her music. We already gave you a clue with the MJ and Lil Kim references. The rapper and “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” cast member is catching it on X/Twitter after a video displaying her Super-sized BBL sparked a flurry of reactions. Banks already had a BBL and it was well-proportioned, as IceCreamConvos noted. However, like Michael, Lil Kim, and others who became addicted to “enhancing” their bodies, for whatever reason, she’s gone too far. https://twitter.com/i/status/1795530416734245085 In a 2022 interview, Banks revealed she got a BBL because she was convinced it would help her career. “I knew in the career field that it would help. I got it because I knew it’s something I had to do, and it’s also something I wanted to do because I’m just not a gym girl.” Oh, so since she’s not a “gym girl,” she wanted to do it the easy way. Well, we see how that worked out. This is one of those cases where bigger isn’t better. Check out what Black Twitter is saying ’bout her round mound. https://twitter.com/i/status/1795560175002137079 Erica Banks is coming in Hot!! https://twitter.com/i/status/1795317430035923065 California lawmakers recently approved two bills banning grocery and convenience stores statewide from offering reusable plastic bags. Advocates of the bills, AB2236 and SB1053, argue that these measures haven’t been sufficient to combat plastic pollution in the state, KTLA reports. Sen. Catherine Blakespear (D-Encinitas) authored SB 1053. In a statement, she acknowledged that California’s initial plastic bag ban has had unintended consequences. “We need to do better. Shockingly, some 18 billion pounds of plastic waste flows into the oceans every year from coastal regions alone. California must do its part to eliminate this scourge that is contaminating our environment,” she said. https://youtu.be/XkmxFkulDeY Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team responded to Rolling Stone’s investigative report on decades of abuse allegations against him. The report by Nancy Dillon and Cheyenne Roundtree accuses Combs of violent behavior against women dating back to the 1980s at Howard University. The report, based on interviews with over 50 people over six months, includes commentary from Combs’ accusers, former friends, and Bad Boy Records employees, many of whom spoke anonymously. One former Howard University student recalled Diddy’s then-girlfriend “would tense up” whenever he showed up to their English class to convince her to skip. He just had a weird control thing. I felt like she was fearful,” said the student, who requested anonymity, per Complex. The insider also claims to have witnessed Combs assaulting the woman outside of the Harriet Tubman Quadrangle dorm. “‘Puff is out here acting crazy. He’s beating her,'” the tea spiller told RS. “He screamed and hollered and acted a stone fool until she came downstairs,” said another student who witnessed the incident. https://twitter.com/RollingStone/status/1795629647960399970/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1795629647960399970%7Ctwgr%5Ee9bda59347f091d1478c8eaf61ebb1b5aa29e318%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fdiddys-legal-team-responds-to-rolling-stone-report%2F Federal investigators are preparing to bring accusers of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs before a federal grand jury, two sources familiar with the probe tell CNN — signaling the US Justice Department is moving toward potentially seeking an indictment of Combs. Possible witnesses have been notified by investigators that they could be brought in to testify in front of a federal grand jury in New York City, according to one source. Bringing individuals who have filed civil lawsuits against Combs before a grand jury would mark a significant escalation in the government’s ongoing investigation involving the producer and Bad Boy Records founder. Combs has been named in eight civil lawsuits since November – seven directly accusing him of sexual assault. One of the eight lawsuits, filed by former girlfriend Cassie Ventura, has been settled. Another lawsuit accused his son Christian Combs of sexual assault, and Sean Combs is accused of aiding and abetting. A spokesperson for the Homeland Security Investigations agency (HSI) declined to comment on the existence of a grand jury, but noted the investigation remains ongoing. https://youtu.be/6u9F_gBr37o?list=RDNS6u9F_gBr37o Accusers who have spoken to federal agents during the investigation have been actively cooperating with investigators, with some handing over evidence they believe may be helpful in the probe, one source said. Investigators are also bringing in new individuals for questioning, including corroborating witnesses of accusers. Federal agents have video taken inside of Combs’ recently searched residences, a source said. It’s unclear whether the video was seized during the raids, or whether investigators obtained video from individuals they have been questioning. “They are contacting people that they’ve found on the tapes,” a source told CNN. At least one male sex worker, who claims he has been victimized by Combs, has been questioned during the investigation, one source said, adding that this individual was seen in footage that is in possession of the federal investigators. In some of the lawsuits against Combs, accusers have alleged that they were informed, after the fact, that they were recorded having sex without giving their consent to be filmed. Combs has not responded to this specific accusation, but he dismissed all alleged wrongdoing in a blanket denial he posted in December 2023. https://youtu.be/w0Y1TaTQx7Y Pizza Hut rewards young readers with free pizza through its long-standing reading incentive program, Camp Book It!. As PEOPLE reports, the program is an extension of Book It!, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Camp Book It! will run from June through August. Enrollment for the summer program and the 2024-2025 school year program is now open. Book It! encourages reading nationwide by empowering teachers and parents to motivate kids to “Read Your Heart Out” for free pizza rewards. “Our work is more than just a corporate mission, it’s a personal challenge to turn have to read into want to read,” an official mission statement reads. “We know our time-tested incentives work. We are the largest and longest-running corporate supported reading program and now we are fostering the second generation of program alumni. We know that reading makes a difference.” According to the Camp Book It! website participants are encouraged to read “books, magazines, eBooks and anything fun.” https://twitter.com/bookitprogram/status/1773006350995402867/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1773006350995402867%7Ctwgr%5Ef3b9ee49a2c1f8e5c6db6fc24cc229f270b03039%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fpizza-hut-revives-camp-book-it-offering-free-pizza-to-kids%2F Alexander “AE” Edwards claims everything is “fine” between Travis Scott and Southside after their altercation at a Cannes Film Festival afterparty last week. As we reported earlier, Travis and Tyga clashed during the party, and the brawl also involved Edwards, Cher‘s boyfriend, as well as 808 Mafia producer Southside. The chaotic scene was captured on camera and obtained by TMZ Hip Hop. The melee erupted at an event hosted by the renowned promoter Richie Akiva. The fight took place after Travis and Tyga were introduced on stage. According to TMZ, a witness said Edwards was the instigator in the situation. When the outlet caught up with AE at LAX on Wednesday, he offered some insight about the melee. “Shoutout Southside, that’s my n***a, I know he was just defending his boy [Travis] and doing what he was supposed to be doing. That’s his boy,” Edwards said, Complex reports. “I don’t got no hard feelings. It is what it is, it went how it went. That’s it.” https://youtu.be/HEt-ufD0eww AE did not discuss what caused the altercation, but noted that he would also “protect myself and my people.” “I don’t want to fight. I don’t want to initiate that s***. I don’t even… Get money, livin’ they dreams. I’m about that but I’m gonna protect myself and my people,” he told TMZ’s cameraman, Daily Mail reports. “So that’s it. It is what it is. It’s over.” When asked if he had a message for Scott and his team, he said, “Nah, they got the message.” “It’s a healthy fade,” he added. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-05-24-052424-travis-scott-tyga-fight-014/ A Manhattan jury found Donald Trump guilty of 34 charges of falsifying business records Thursday, an unprecedented and historic verdict that makes Trump the first former president in American history to be convicted of a felony. https://youtu.be/4dlUPhOIjNc Not only is Trump the first former president to be found guilty of a felony, he’s also the first major-party presidential nominee to be convicted of a crime in the midst of a campaign for the White House. And if he defeats President Joe Biden in November, he will be the first sitting president in history to be a convicted felon. https://youtu.be/LmP5Xw6WE4A It will ultimately be up to voters in November to decide the significance of the guilty verdict delivered by 12 ordinary New Yorkers, which, on a legal basis, does not prevent him from being elected president again. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat, announced charges against Trump last year and presenting the first indictment of a former president, accusing him of falsifying the repayment of his former lawyer Michael Cohen in order to cover up a $130,000 payment Cohen made to adult film star Stormy Daniels to keep her from speaking out about an alleged affair with Trump before the 2016 election. (Trump has denied the affair.) https://youtu.be/RKg92gHJHlk Sarah Simpkins has always dreamt of earning her college degree. At 102 years old, she decided there was no better time than the present to make that dream a reality. Her motivation to return to school was driven by a desire to inspire others: “So that I might inspire somebody else,” Simpkins said. “I returned to school. It was never out of my mind.” The centenarian recently graduated from the Early Childhood Education program at Brightpoint Community College in Chester, Virginia. Simpkins thoroughly enjoyed the experience, particularly her in-person art classes held on Tuesdays and Thursdays. “Enjoying every step of it,” Simpkins shared. “Being with the other students.” Despite her age, Simpkins found her coursework manageable. “When I go to do the homework, that’s easy,” she remarked confidently. “Piece of cake.” https://youtu.be/U2L__MCczBA Tamar Braxton issued an apology after her fiance criticized her messy interview with renowned reality television producer Carlos King. As we reported earlier, Braxton’s fiance, JR Robinson, issued a warning after King reportedly referred to him as the “KFC Man,” suggesting JR, who is white, looks like Colonel Sanders. Robinson caught wind of the comments and took to Instagram with a message: “Keep poking the bear.” In a series of Instagram Story posts, JR didn’t mention Tamar’s name but did have smoke for Carlos. As Ice Cream Convos reports, Robinson wrote: “Truth is – they are not ready for me to tell my side of the story. I keep choosing grace. But, I can only be thrown under the bus and not defended for so much longer.” He added: “I’ll be Colonel Sanders and give you some chicken to eat with my story… Keep poking the bear!” Braxton apologized for the mistake, acknowledging that she is learning to love herself and experience “true love.” https://youtu.be/NU_l7uVp4MY Lenny Kravitz, the enduring rock icon universally recognized for his striking looks and magnetic persona, is making headlines once again. However, this time, it has less to do with his status as a sex symbol and more about an unexpected revelation: Kravitz has been celibate for nine years, eschewing casual relationships while on a profound spiritual journey. Kravitz’s decision to embrace celibacy is rooted deeply in his family history. His father, Sy Kravitz, a producer at NBC News, was unfaithful to Lenny’s mother, Roxie Roker, who gained fame for her role on “The Jeffersons.” The infidelity left a lasting impact on Lenny, who recalls his father predicting that he might one day follow a similar path of promiscuity. True to his father’s words, Kravitz admits that after his marriage to actress Lisa Bonet ended in 1991, he fell into a lifestyle typical of a rockstar—casual flings and fleeting romances. This phase saw him date and even get engaged to high-profile celebrities such as Vanessa Paradis, Adriana Lima, and Nicole Kidman, although none of these relationships lasted. Looking back now, Kravitz isn’t fond of the player persona he had adopted. It took him years to come to terms with his behavior and the toll it was taking on his personal and spiritual well-being. “It’s a spiritual thing. I’ve become very set in my ways, in the way I live,” Kravitz told The Guardian, explaining his nearly decade-long celibacy. This dedication has kept him out of serious relationships as well, marking a significant transformation from his earlier years. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-05-24-052424-gayle-king-lenny-kravitz-1834480-001/ Snoop Dogg’s wife, Shante Broadus, opened a strip club in downtown Los Angeles called The Players Club. The grand opening drew celebrity guests including Tiffany Haddish, Too $hort, Big Boy, and Cedric the Entertainer, TMZ reports. SandraRose.com reports that Shante’s Boss Lady Entertainment held auditions for dancers Memorial Day holiday, promising that they could earn over $1,000 a night in tips. https://www.instagram.com/playersclubdtla/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c4fbe01e-629e-455b-9f21-00d542dcfc81 Shante’s latest business venture sparked mixed reviews on social media. Snoop posted a clip on Instagram of highlights of the new strip club. In the comments, one person wrote, “Me and my hubby love strip clubs. I play with titties, get lap dances, learn their “real” name. He sits in the cut drinking his whiskey while I spend every dollar I brought. Then go home 😈 ready to be slutted out. Its a good time.” https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7fIky-ypTs/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=eb936207-7537-4638-80ea-daf9e9f8a6b2 Another IG user added, “With all their money, this is the business she choses to open?” A third person commented, “Snoop, stop sexualizing women just for the dough. Give a good example. Stop selling your soul.” https://www.instagram.com/playersclubdtla/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=fdb3f51b-1e33-47ee-b8b7-8c9e32ee0c18 Michael Jackson’s estate remains entangled in an unresolved tax dispute with the IRS. According to The Blast, funds cannot be allocated to the singer’s mother, Katherine Jackson, and his three children’s trust until the dispute is settled. The outlet writes, “The latest update in the probate case reveals that “twenty percent” of the estate needs to be given out to charity before any distribution can be made to sub-trusts.” “The Trust requires that twenty percent of the Estate ‘as valued for federal estate tax purposes’ be distributed to charity before the remaining assets of the Estate can be distributed to sub-trusts,” the legal document reads. Per The Blast, the docs continue, “Thus, the trusts for Mrs. Jackson and Michael’s children cannot be funded until the tax dispute with the IRS is resolved as the resolution of that dispute is necessary in order for the Executors to determine the amount of the charitable gift.” The court document stipulates that the trust’s executors cannot distribute funds to beneficiaries until the estate’s tax return case is resolved. Check out an exclusive clip of We tv’s “Love During Lockup” series, which airs Friday night (May 31). This season, the docuseries introduces viewers to six couples navigating romance challenges in the prison system. In this week’s new episode, it’s coming closer to the release date, but looking back on his history, everyone is a little worried that Michael won’t actually be able to change his ways and stay out of prison this time. https://youtu.be/fKUz2okB-d4 Actor/co-writer LeJon Woods has a new role in the new horror film “The Hangman,” produced by Epic Pictures’ acclaimed horror label, DREAD. The feature is described as a “terrifying tale of the sinister secrets hiding in the hills of rural Appalachia.” The synopsis for the Bruce Wemple-directed film reads: To mend their troubled relationship, a middle-aged door-to-door salesman, Leon, takes his teenage son on a camping trip into deep rural Appalachia. Little do they know of the mountainous region’s sinister secrets. A local cult has summoned an evil demon born of hate and pain, known to them as The Hangman, and now the bodies have begun to pile up. Leon wakes up in the morning to discover that his son is missing. To find him, Leon must face the murderous cult and the bloodthirsty monster that is The Hangman. https://youtu.be/eahg749ugzw As Diddy‘s legal troubles continue to mount, the rap mogul is missing some important moments in his children’s lives. The latest in a series of absences will be Sean Combs‘ 17-year-old daughter Chance‘s high school graduation, a milestone event set to take place this Thursday at Sierra Canyon School in the Los Angeles area. Sources closely connected to the situation tell TMZ that while other family members are flying in to celebrate Chance’s big day, Diddy will not be among them. Although he has communicated his absence to the family, he did not provide a specific reason. For those familiar with his current challenges, this may not come as a surprise. The prevailing belief is that his decision to stay away is tied to his ongoing legal issues and a desire to avoid turning the event into a media spectacle that could overshadow Chance’s achievement. Diddy, who shares Chance with Sarah Chapman, is facing significant legal challenges that are presumably causing him to stay under the radar. Beating the odds. A high school senior (Elijah Hogan) was crowned valedictorian at his high school. But it’s how he did it that will have you inspired. It’s because Hogan lives at the Covenant House, a homeless shelter. Elijah Hogan had a message for New Orleans youth. “This goes out to all African-American children. Teens included. Despite where you are or the area you are in, even though it might look bad. There are moments when there will be people who will give you a guiding hand. Take that opportunity,” Hogan said. https://youtu.be/DliRVQ8uX98 His case worker, Jarkayla Cobb, said organizers at the house knew just how bright Hogan was right away. She videoed Hogan’s speech to his class, which brought her to tears. “I can see him really just enjoying this moment. It was all I could ask for. Such a great moment,” Cobb said. For the teen, the struggle was one he took in stride, knowing his achievements will inspire his siblings and other youth who may find themselves in a similar situation. “Don’t let others define who you are. Don’t let things get you down. Let these moments help you. Get through,” he said. Covenant House officials said Hogan is one of at least five others who live at the shelter who graduate this year. They are all excelling in their studies. https://youtu.be/WOzWzZKKo8U “The 29th Annual ICM Awards” took center stage tonight at the iconic Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, TN. This prestigious event celebrated the best and brightest talents in Christian Country music, bringing together artists, musicians, and fans to honor exceptional achievements in the genre. The evening was a dazzling display of performances and accolades, highlighting the profound impact of inspirational country music on its audience. The event showcased outstanding performances and heartfelt tributes, as well as the recognition of exceptional talent within the industry. Renowned journalist Megan Alexander from Inside Edition and standout American Idol contestant Zachariah Smith co-hosted the event, bringing their charisma and enthusiasm to the stage. Throughout the evening, the winners of "The 29th ICM Awards" were announced, recognizing individuals and groups who have made significant contributions to Christian Country music. The event was highlighted by stellar performances from Firm Foundation, co-host Zachariah Smith, Kali Rose, Steve Bridgmon, Todd Tilghman, Cody McCarver, Billy & Marija Droze, Delnora, 2nd Mile, Andrew Marshall & Clare Cunningham, Eternal Vision, Bruce Hedrick, Justin Todd Herod, Britnee Kellogg, and Eli Bennett & Rosemary Siemens. Nicki Minaj has announced the second leg of her record breaking The Pink Friday 2 World Tour. According to the press release, the newly added North America leg will see the Queen of Hip Hop hit 22 additional shows, including new performances in Los Angeles, Miami, St. Louis and more; along with the return to Dallas, Las Vegas and Washington, D.C. For the finale of the tour, Nicki will make her return to her hometown Queens, New York. Per the release, Nicki Minaj Presents: Pink Friday 2 World Tour holds the record for highest grossing rap tour by a woman and top-10 highest grossing rap tour by any rapper of all time. North American tickets will be available starting with a Citi presale on Wednesday, May 29. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale on Friday, May 31 at 9am local time at NickiMinajOfficial.com. For presale details visit www.citientertainment.com. Tickets for all other shows are available at NickiMinajOfficial.com. Netflix’s announced during it’s Upfront presentation that it has partnered with the International Olympic Committee on three docuseries featuring gymnastics sensation Simone Biles, as well as athletes from men’s basketball and track and field. Per Netflix, “Simone Biles: Rising” will follow the comeback of the greatest gymnast ever. Meanwhile, a separate untitled series spotlights men’s basketball teams from around the world as they compete for medals, and the Sprint docuseies follows Olympic athletes Sha’Carri Richardson, Noah Lyles, Shericka Jackson, and more. Here’s more from Netflix: “Sprint, the upcoming docuseries by the team behind Drive to Survive, covers every millisecond of the long journey from the 2023 World Championships to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Athletes Sha’Carri Richardson, Noah Lyles, and Shericka Jackson will be featured alongside other runners from the US, Jamaica, the UK, Ivory Coast, Kenya, and Italy.” “They loved the video at MTV,” said Mimi Ochoa, second-eldest of three sisters that make up the very popular Hip-Hop R&B/Pop girl group MAKO Girls. She was talking about the music video to their second single “Ain’t Thinking Bout You” being aired on MTV’s “Spankin New.” “We got a call…telling us where the music video was placed…and the biggest one of all was MTV’s ‘Spankin New,’ we said Yea!” said Kena Ochoa, the eldest sister. I asked the girls did they see anything different once their music video was aired and Kena added, “The music video views actually jump from 40,000 to 60,000. That week we was listening to it (on MTV) and my mother gets up and goes to the bathroom and we can hear her start screaming!” “Yea, and we had just woke up,” laughed A-Ni Ochoa – the youngest sister. “We released a new single ‘Snakes’ at the top of the year,” Mimi informed me. “It’s about people who want to be around you…cause of everything you have. We can’t relate to that.” https://youtu.be/YPEbV5plK-s I was telling the Atlanta based girls, who performed at my ‘ULMII’ Entertainment Conference in 2023, that based on their performance they are superstars. Not in the making of being superstars but have arrived. They have amassed over 300 performances around the world.The MAKO Girls started performing a little over 10 years ago as dancers and their confidence and someone’s suggestion made them add singing, rapping and songwriting to their act. They told me once that they didn’t even know they could sing or rap until they tried. You would never believe that when you hear them. They have the TLC Hip-Hop flair with the Destiny’s Child R&B harmony. “We perform at the Café City Festival June 1, 2024. We performed at the event many times, it helps the homeless,” said A-Ni when I asked about upcoming performances. “We support the homeless, so they have a place to sleep.” If you are in Atlanta, come support the girls by seeing their performance Saturday June 1st at the Café City Fest Piedmont Park Public Parking Deck North (1301 Monroe Dr. NE). www.MAKOGirls.com https://youtu.be/hkC1ugJVtsk In response to Master P’s claim that Patti LaBelle only owns 10% of the “Patti Pies” company, her business partner Charles Suitt asserts that she owns 100%. According to The Jasmine Brand, Suitt , 56, helped launch Pattie LaBelle’s Good Life brand. Speaking recently to The Breakfast Club, Charlies addressed comments made by rapper Master P, about Patti’s ownership in the company. “Respectfully, Master P is out of his mind,” he said, noting that the hip-hp star should have done his research. “Walmart does not own anything. They own zero percent of the pie… She [Patti LaBelle] owns 100%. Walmart buys the pies from us. They buy it from us at a wholesale price and then sell it at a retail price,” Suitt added. “It was extremely reckless of Master P to say that… He’s suing Walmart now because he feels like his product wasn’t being promoted or upfront.” https://www.instagram.com/breakfastclubam/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c0683e84-7162-4c42-8193-9ac2550bd7ec During a masterclass, Master P brought up Patti LaBelle, asking attendees if they were aware of who truly owned the Patti’s Good Life brand. “Patti LaBelle owns 10% of that. So you’re buying it because it’s Patti LaBelle’s name. That company in eight years made $200M. How much went to Patti LaBelle? $20M. Where the other $180M went?” Master P implied that Walmart owned majority of the brand. Meanwhile, we reported earlier that Master P and Snoop Dogg are suing Walmart, accusing the retail giant of sabotaging the sales of “Snoop Cereal.” The rappers are taking legal action against Walmart and food manufacturer Post Consumer Brands, claiming “both companies intentionally left their cereal product off shelves and hid it in stockrooms,” NPR writes. https://www.tiktok.com/?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fpatti-labelle-owns-100-of-her-patti-pies-company%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%2C72248227%3Bnull%3Bembed_discover_button Cardi B is standing up for explicit material after Candace Owens suggested pornography should be outlawed entirely. In a May 21 tweet, Owens wrote, “Ban pornography. It is a psychological weapon intended to weaken our men.” Owens received some push back in the comments of her post, with one X user writing, “Banning porn is not the answer. Educating folks on why they shouldn’t consume porn is the answer. More government is never a good thing.” Another person added, “Running to government asking them to ban things isn’t the type of freedom AMERICANS we’re intended to live by. Adults can make adult decisions. Raise better humans and the porno market disappears. Free market enterprise is freedom, banning is commie shit. Freedom. Over EVERYTHING.” As TMZ reports, Cardi chimed in with her opinion, writing, “Ommmggg why yall so against porn ? Is it that bad for yall ? I enjoy it but I don’t know I guess is like a 6 time a year thing. I personally don’t feel no connection or addiction to it just a little quick one two … NOTHING LIKE REAL INTIMACY!” https://twitter.com/RealCandaceO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1792996473723887709%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fcardi-b-defends-porn-following-candace-owens-call-for-a-ban%2F Nigeria’s First Lady criticized American celebrities during a stern warning to the nation’s women. Senator Oluremi Tinubu, wife of President Bola Tinubu, delivered a speech in Abuja to mark the first anniversary of her husband’s administration. According to the New York Post, she encouraged young people to dress modestly and reject the revealing styles popularized by US celebrities. “We have to salvage our children,” Tinubu stated. “We see the way they dress. We are not having the Met Gala. And everyone, the nakedness, is just everywhere and the men are well-clothed.” She continued, “Tell them we don’t accept nakedness in our culture. That is not beautiful. It’s not beautiful at all.” The First Lady later mentioned Meghan Markle, who visited the country this month with her husband, Prince Harry, to promote the Invictus Games. During the visit, the Duchess highlighted her Nigerian heritage, disclosing that she is 43% Nigerian based on a DNA test, per The Post. https://twitter.com/TheWantonWench/status/1795714437237915896/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1795714437237915896%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fnigerias-first-lady-criticizes-us-celebs-after-meghan-markle-visit%2F “Why did Meghan come here looking for Africa? That is something we have to take home with [us]. We know who we are. Don’t lose who you are,” Tinubu said. During her speech, she also urged Nigerian women to be confident in their beauty and identity. “They’re all beautiful girls, but they should be confident in who they are,” she said. “We are fashionable, we see what is going on.” Meanwhile, Markle’s trip to Nigeria garnered mixed reactions, with some haters criticizing her revealing outfits. Per The Post, one so-called fashion expert said Meghan could have shown “more modesty” in the country while another said she “bared too much skin.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1794497074421174561 An autographed vinyl LP of Kanye West’s “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy,” featuring the inscription “F*CK ADIDAS,” is currently available for auction. TMZ reports that Moments in Time is putting the album on the market for a minimum of $500,000 USD. Ye autographed the LP in February while he was in Paris with his wife, Bianca Censori. Fans were waiting outside the couple’s hotel hoping to catch a glimpse of the superstar. While surrounding his vehicle, they chanted “F*ck adidas” to show solidarity with West during his fallout with the company over his alleged anti-Semitic remarks. When the hip-hop star stepped out of the car he signed the LP for a hardcore fan. Per TMZ, the owner of the LP said that he was “bombarded with messages and offers” for the rare piece of hip hop memorabilia after video of the rapper signing it went viral. https://twitter.com/i/status/1762888850806907233 Imagine asking Apple’s Siri to show you an old photo taken from a child’s second birthday, or summarizing lengthy emails and writing drafts. Then consider Siri learning your schedule, preferences, even your personality, so it can better communicate with you throughout the day. Generative AI, artificial intelligence that can provide thoughtful and thorough responses to questions and prompts, could potentially breathe new life into Apple’s iPhone lineup at a time when competitors are threatening to leave the company behind in the race to shape what could be a world-changing technology. The company is widely expected to partner with ChatGPT maker OpenAI ahead of its annual Worldwide Developers Conference in June, where it will likely show off its first batch of AI tools coming to the iOS software. Although artificial intelligence has powered some of the iPhone’s experiences for years, such as Live Text and improved autocorrect, generative AI could unlock new levels of interaction and personalization. All this during a time when the company is under pressure to catch up to rivals such as Google and Samsung, which are already using the technology in its smartphones. https://youtu.be/CG9DymOK2E0 Major League Baseball (MLB) has integrated statistics from former Negro Leagues players into its historical records on its website. The move has resulted in new record holders. MLB icons Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb are being replaced in some categories by players who were barred from stepping on the same fields as these white males due to segregation. CNN writes, “Josh Gibson became Major League Baseball’s career leader with a .372 batting average, surpassing Ty Cobb’s .367, when Negro Leagues records for more than 2,300 players were incorporated Tuesday after a three-year research project.” Additionally, the MLB website indicates that Gibson has surpassed Babe Ruth in career slugging percentage. https://youtu.be/YBoX8LmCX4U The LA Clippers announced today that they have reached an agreement with head coach Tyronn Lue on a new, long-term contract. The announcement was made by Lawrence Frank, the President of Basketball Operations for the Clippers. “T Lue is everything we want in a head coach. He’s a brilliant tactician and a natural leader with an extraordinary ability to connect with those around him, both players and staff,” said Frank. “Four years ago, we felt privileged to hire T Lue, and we feel just as fortunate today. There’s no one we’d rather have coaching our team. T Lue is a pillar of the organization and will be for a very long time.” “This is where I want to be. I’ve loved coaching this team for the past four years and I’m excited to head into a new era at Intuit Dome. I’m grateful to Steve, Lawrence, and the entire organization for the opportunity. With our ownership, front office, roster, staff, and arena, we have all the advantages we need to win in the present and the future, and I’m confident we will,” said Tyronn Lue, expressing his enthusiasm for staying with the team. During his tenure with the Clippers, Lue has achieved an impressive record of 184-134 (.579) across four seasons. Under his leadership, the team has reached the postseason in three of the last four seasons. https://youtu.be/gmeRA_1FNYg The 2023-24 campaign was particularly successful, as Lue guided the Clippers to a 51-31 (.622) record and clinched the Pacific Division title for only the third time in franchise history. Additionally, Lue made history by becoming the first Clippers’ head coach to win consecutive Coach of the Month awards. Lue’s track record extends beyond his time with the Clippers. As the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2016-18, he amassed a 128-83 (.607) record and led the team to three consecutive NBA Finals, securing the franchise’s first NBA title in 2016. He is one of the select few head coaches who have won an NBA Championship in their first year and has been recognized as both an NBA champion as a head coach and a player. Before embarking on his coaching career, Lue enjoyed a notable 11-season playing career in the NBA, winning championships with the Lakers in 2000 and 2001. A native of Mexico, Missouri, Lue attended the University of Nebraska, where he excelled and earned First-Team All-Big 12 honors in 1998 and later had his jersey (No. 10) retired by the school in 2017. https://youtu.be/uxlNmzetX74 Three Black passengers are suing American Airlines, claiming they were removed from a flight due to a racially biased complaint about “offensive body odor.” The lawsuit, filed today (05-29-24) in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, details the incident on American Airlines Flight 832 from Phoenix to New York in January. Emmanuel Jean Joseph, Alvin Jackson, and Xavier Veal allege that as the flight was boarding, airline personnel removed eight Black men, who did not know each other, from the plane. They also note that these men were the only Black passengers on the flight. The plaintiffs argue that up until boarding, no American Airlines employees had approached them about any offensive odor during their preceding flight from Los Angeles. Jean Joseph recounted to CBS News senior transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave that as he gathered his belongings and walked to the jet bridge, he noticed that only Black men were being removed from the flight. “I started freaking out,” Xavier Veal said, noting that he decided to record the incident on his phone. https://youtu.be/CX4tMPhfAPE The CEO of AMC Theatres admits to sabotaging the rollout of Beyoncé’s “Renaissance” film, by leaking news about the project to competitors, while keeping Taylor Swift’s “Eras” concert film a secret. The chain partnered with both global superstars to release “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” on Oct. 12, 2023 and “Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé” over a month later on Dec. 1. The only theater chain to know about the films in advance was AMC, and other theaters felt slighted about it, according to AMC Theatres CEO Adam Aron. Aron revealed that he agreed to remain mum about the concert films to avoid jeopardizing profits. While he respected Swift’s camp, Aron’s promise of secrecy with Beyoncé was not upheld. “We couldn’t blow Taylor’s secret,” Aron told Variety in an interview about the decision to keep Swift’s film under wraps. https://youtu.be/AqjPzq3uYXQ The inaugural TwoGether Land Festival, a partnership between ONE Musicfest and Live Nation Urban, transformed Dallas’ historic Fair Park into a vibrant celebration of urban music and culture this past weekend. With headliners like Lil Wayne, Summer Walker, Latto, and Gucci Mane, the two-day event drew thousands of music enthusiasts to Dallas, establishing itself as the Southwest’s hottest new festival. The festival kicked off with a bang, setting high expectations from the start. Gucci Mane’s entrance was nothing short of electrifying, as the crowd erupted in cheers at the sight of “1017” displayed on the screen. Gucci treated fans to an array of hits including “Lemonade,” “Wasted,” and “Freaky Girl.” A highlight of his performance was when he brought his wife, Keyshia Ka’oir, on stage to dance to “Freaky Girl,” dazzling the audience with her glamorous outfit. Dru Hill also left a lasting impression, celebrating their 25th anniversary with a performance that felt like a nostalgic trip back to the ’90s. They paid tribute to the late DMX, encouraging fans to “put your X’s up” during a spirited rendition of “What These B****es Want.” Hits like “Beauty,” “These Are The Times,” and “In My Bed” had the crowd singing along in unison. https://youtu.be/MihSVXIgtiU Essence magazine’s parent company, Sundial Media Group, caused internal division among staff following its acquisition of women’s lifestyle company Refinery29 from Vice Media. Per Axios, “The acquisition of Refinery29 will help Sundial and Essence extend their reach to content companies that cut across culture and commerce, Sundial said in a statement,” the outlet writes. Page Six reports that Essence continues to grapple with redefining itself under Caroline Wanga’s new leadership. Some staffers describe Wanga as a “narcissist” fostering a “culture of fear” but her defenders says she is mentoring a “new generation.” Multiple insiders claim there is a persistent “toxic workplace culture,” leaving many Black women feeling “sick, traumatized, and victimized.” The workplace grievances at Essence emerge four years following an anonymous essay calling for change, leading to the resignation of several top executives, including former CEO Richelieu Dennis. According to Page Six, Dennis acquired the company from defunct Time Inc. in 2018. He appointed Wanga, a former Target DEI executive, as the new president and CEO. However, multiple sources revealed that Dennis “is still heavily involved in day-to-day operations.” Meanwhile, several newly hired female executives have departed due to Wanga’s management style. Canadian journalist Sam Forster is catching heat for disguising himself as a Black man and documenting his experiences with racism in America for a new book. Forster, who is White, announced on Twitter/X that the book titled “Seven Shoulders” was “one of the hardest things” he’s ever worked on. As expected, this announcement received significant backlash from many users on social media. On X user Janel Cubbage wrote, “Instead of buying this book from a white author who traveled the country in Black face, read and listen to actual Black people about our lived experience,” wrote @JanelCubbage. “Profiting off of Black face and racism is nasty work.” In a follow up tweet, she added, “Oh my god. Not only is he profiting off racism and dressing up in Black face but he also describes his book as the most important book ever written on American race relations. The hubris of this man! @ForsterSam, may your book be a total abject failure.” Another person wrote to Forster directly, “U had to do blackface to understand the issues black ppl face….?” https://twitter.com/ForsterSam/status/1795492082636795958/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1795492082636795958%7Ctwgr%5E0cca5b870addb4561a8270709e7b9c614d96f65c%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fwhite-writer-posed-as-black-man-for-book-on-racism%2F Fatal Attraction returns tonight, May 29 at 9 PM ET/8C. When a beloved father and businessman are gunned down outside of his home, police believe he is the victim of a targeted attack. As they uncover details regarding his more covert side, a motive for revenge is soon unveiled. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moEgPj8UlFU FOR MY MAN returns toinght, May 29 at 10 PM ET/9C. A deadly plot unfolds as love and desperation collide in Detroit. Amber Hunter and her beau, Javontae Wakefield, are driven to a gruesome act against her own mother, Tiffany Hunter, in a harrowing quest for cash. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uh29gYneMXs Thousands of true crime fans are gearing up for Crime Con in Nashville, Tennessee. The event connects fans with creators, journalists and law enforcement professionals. Vince Velazquez, detective for TV One’s “ATL Homicide,” speaks to NewsNation Live about the upcoming event. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tYKkyr2Kz8 Judge Judy Sheindlin condemned progressive district attorneys for their part in the decline of major cities that are plagued by crime. “When you have district attorneys who are charged, whose job it is to do justice, but to keep the community safe … When you have elected district attorneys who don’t know what their job is, they should go find another job,” Judge Judy told Fox News Digital. https://youtu.be/18Mxe2g8_iM “Fill ice cream cones someplace. But don’t ruin cities,” she said. “And what’s happened around New York City, Portland, San Francisco, you had district attorneys who didn’t know what their job was. And the cities are ruined, people are leaving.” In many liberal-run cities across the nation, progressive politicians have adopted soft-on-crime policies. “And when society started to make excuses for bad behavior, and react to criminality based upon the excuses, it fell apart.” https://youtu.be/V_pQcRp8wrw Rev. Jamal Bryant announced he is getting married after popping the question to Dr. Karri Turner. Bryant, the pastor of the mega-church New Missionary Baptist Church in suburban Atlanta, shared the exciting news to his congregation on Sunday, May 26. “Sometimes your blessing will be right in front of your eyes and you don’t even know. You don’t even know what God’s got for you… an amazingly beautiful woman, amazingly brilliant woman,” he said, as seen in the Instagram video. Bryant added, “The Lord said to me, ‘You big dummy, what are you waiting on?’ And I am so grateful to God that she has consented to be my wife.” After he invited Karri Turner to the stage, he told his vast congregation, “I can’t tell you how happy I am, how happy my family is, how happy my children are and I hope my church is happy for me.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C7cKIncsIYG/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again TikToker Jenny Matthews aired her grievances about casting directors overlooking talented children for a role in The Lion King: 30th Anniversary Concert at The Hollywood Bowl. North West, the 10-year-old daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, performed as Young Simba during the production on May 24. Matthews said Kardashian paid for North’s role in the musical and slammed casting directors for choosing nepotism over talent. According to Matthews, her daughter made it to the final round of callbacks but when Kim walked in with North, it was a wrap. “While we were waiting in the audition room with one other girl and her mother, someone walked in,” Matthews stated. “It was Kim Kardashian with North West. We had heard that there was someone in the industry that was pulling strings to get their daughter in front of the casting director.” She continued, “We found out it was North West on that final audition. And we were so disappointed.” https://twitter.com/itsKenBarbie/status/1794411272324391032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1794411272324391032%7Ctwgr%5E6f296ea301bc35032adf26c159f5d34fe82f1473%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fkim-kardashian-accused-of-paying-for-daughtes-lion-king-role%2F “We had heard that they wanted to cast a talented kid with some good experience, but one that doesn’t have a name because they wanted to uplift a smaller voice in the community,” Matthews added. “And we thought my daughter was that person. But, Kim Kardashian allegedly paid for her daughter to be in this production and her daughter does not have the experience for this role as you could see.” Clips of North as Simba singing “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King” went viral and many social media users had plenty to say over the child’s lackluster performance. https://twitter.com/i/status/1795190741448450347 The Boston Celtics prevailed in a closely contested matchup with the Indiana Pacers to win 105-102 and complete a four-game sweep to advance to the 2024 NBA Finals Monday night in Indianapolis, Indiana. Celtics star Jaylen Brown scored 29 points and six rebounds in the victory. He was named Eastern Conference Finals MVP. Meanwhile, Jayson Tatum added 26 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists to lift the Celtics to a second NBA Finals appearance in the past three years. https://youtu.be/_yrRHcoWWvo “It’s special, right? Even though we’ve been there before, most of us have. We don’t take it for granted, we were excited,” Tatum said after the game. “It was a hell of a team we just played. They made us earn every single game and we’re extremely grateful to move on to the Finals.” https://youtu.be/PTPX4bcnC5A The Pacers, who were playing without All-Star Tyrese Haliburton for a second consecutive game due to a hamstring strain, held a 98-90 lead over the Celtics with just under six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. However, Boston outscored Indiana 15-4 to close the game out, finishing with a Derrick White 3-pointer from the corner with 43.9 seconds left to give the Celtics a 105-102 lead. https://youtu.be/s7DT9ScdPZQ Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard, who scored a team-high 24 points, had a chance to tie the game with 33.6 seconds remaining but missed his 3-point attempt. Indiana did not get possession of the ball for the remainder of the game. The Celtics came from behind for the second straight game, after they overcame an eight-point deficit to take Game 3. “We thanked our players a few moments ago for an amazing season, a magical season,” Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said after the game. “The level of fight was just tremendous all the way through this. Circumstance never phased them, one way or the other, they were in this to win every possession that they could and any game that they could, and so a lot of respect to our players and just how they conducted themselves in the series.” https://youtu.be/TTev3s9chK4 Here’s some important news via Political Playback: California Capitol News You Might Have Missed. Calif. Senate Passes Landmark Package of Three Reparations Bills: Last week, the California State Senate voted to advance three landmark reparations bills authored by Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood). The bills aim to redress the economic and social injustices stemming from chattel slavery in the American South and more than a century of state-sectioned discriminatory practices that followed the Civil War. The package of legislation now moves to the State Assembly for consideration. The historic vote on Senate Bill (SB) 1403, SB 1050, and SB 1331 was held on the Senate floor late in the afternoon on May 21, while supporters representing several reparations advocacy groups observed from the gallery. “I appreciate my Legislative colleagues who have directly faced this important issue and shown great courage by passing these historic pieces of legislation,” said Bradford. “I look forward to working with the members of the Assembly to similarly pass these bills so we can present them to Governor Newsom for his signature.” A significant departure from conventional vehicles is underway as an increasing number of states embrace regulations set to prohibit the sale of new gasoline-powered cars and light trucks by 2035. This ambitious move reflects a collective commitment to combat climate change and accelerate the transition to cleaner, more sustainable transportation options. We reported earlier that sales of electric cars in the U.S. are said to be on the rise. Per Car and Driver: After a decade of slow but steady sales growth, electric vehicle registrations in the U.S. shot up 60 percent in the first quarter of 2022 even as overall new car registrations dropped 18 percent. Per a 2022 Yahoo report, “new registrations for EVs have jumped 60% from a year ago in the first quarter and have hit an all-time high of 4.6% of the overall market.” https://youtu.be/_jTGHiT0_fA Nicki Minaj threatened to fire her tour DJ, DJ Boof, if he’s caught signing women’s breasts again while on the Pink Friday 2 World Tour. As XXL reports, DJ Boof shared a picture on his Instagram Story signing a woman’s cleavage. He captioned the photo: “I’m really famous [cry laughing emoji] They asked me to sign their boobs.” When Nicki caught wind of the post, she issued the following warning on social media. “I promise I’ll fire him if I EVAHHHHH see this again. Df [Da f**k],” the hip-hop star wrote on X. The rapper’s response came days after her drug arrest in Amsterdam. On Saturday (May 25), Nicki had to postpone her concert in Manchester, England after military police at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport detained her when they found drugs in her bag. She was released from police custody hours after recording herself being arrested. She posted a clip of her arrest on Instagram, which you can watch. https://twitter.com/i/status/1794394782594413019 Former President Donald Trump appeared at a Bronx rally last week where the invited rappers Sheff G and Sleepy Hallow on stage with him, and both are both facing a slew of felony gang charges.Comedian D.L. Hughley reacted to the odd collaboration in a post he shared on Twitter (X), writing, “Of course #Trump likes #SheffG and #SleepyHallow, they’re the only people in America who currently have more felony indictments than he does! #TeamDl,” Hughley wrote in the tweet. Sheff G and Sleepy Hallow were recently released from prison for charges related to gang activity, and one of them facing attempted murder charges. Per the Associated Press, 25-year-old Sheff G (AKA Michael Williams) has songs and videos with millions of YouTube views and Spotify streams. Sleepy Hallow, 24, (AKA Tegan Chambers) has nearly 11 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Both are reportedly connected to a gang case in Brooklyn and have pleaded not guilty to numerous charges. Trump seemingly invited them to the rally as he seeks to gain support from Black Americans as he challenges President Joe Biden’s reelection. His appearance with two suspected gang members comes during the former president’s hush money trial in New York. https://www.instagram.com/allhiphopcom/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c4318f94-96eb-48ed-9942-d2a70915b789 “The conflation of communities of color with criminality is a racist trope that Donald Trump repeats,” said U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres, a Black Democrat who represents the Bronx in Congress, per The AP. During his speech at the Bronz rally, Trump asked his supporters, “Does everybody know Sheff G? Where is Sheff G?” “President Trump, my man,” Sheff G was heard saying as he joined Trump on stage and addressed the crowd. “One thing I want to say: They are always going to whisper your accomplishments and shout your failures. Trump is going to shout the wins for all of us,” Sheff G added. When Sleepy Hallow joined them, he recited Trump’s famous slogan, “Make America Great Again.” https://youtu.be/9Hb95ibHMTg During the chat, King reportedly referred to Robinson, who is white, as the “KFC Man,” suggesting JR looks like Colonel Sanders. Robinson caught wind of the comments and took to Instagram with a warning: “Keep poking the bear.” In a series of Instagram Story posts, JR didn’t mention Tamar’s name but did have smoke for Carlos. As Ice Cream Convos reports, Robinson wrote: “Truth is – they are not ready for me to tell my side of the story. I keep choosing grace. But, I can only be thrown under the bus and not defended for so much longer.” He added: “I’ll be Colonel Sanders and give you some chicken to eat with my story… Keep poking the bear!” After previously being engaged to JR, then breaking up and reuniting once more, the R&B star recently said she wants to protect their relationship by not speaking about it publicly. But after her interview with King, JR said he’s done protecting Tamar. https://www.instagram.com/hollywoodunlocked/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=1f8a7ed2-8a3f-454d-8f3d-baf707a9d715 “A man can only take so much,” he continued. “I always want to protect – even when we aren’t together, but stop allowing indirects to throw me under the bus. Your shade creates more uncertainty and your people thrive on stating what you never say. I’m too graceful and that’s coming to an end. Thanks CK.” Robinson also had a message for Carlos, stating, “Apologies mean nothing when you come for my foundation. You know the truth but want to kiki – well, I guess the exclusive has to come out. Tired of protecting people and getting s- on. Their hoe phase was during my in love phase. Flowers and billboards don’t mean s- when you have had your heart broken.” According to Ice Cream Convos, JR quickly deleted all of his posts. https://youtu.be/NU_l7uVp4MY Benjamin Hollins was presumed dead after a witness claimed he jumped to his death off a bride and his body was never recovered. As it turns out, Hollins allegedly faked his death to avoid registering as a sex offender. Now he’s back in custody after assuming a new identity in Arizona, People reports. The 50-year-old convicted sex offender was thought to have jumped off the Theodore Roosevelt Lake Bridge.Arizona in October 2023. But after an extension search, authorities never found a body. Here’s the backstory… more than 20 yeas ago, Hollins was convicted as a sex offender in California. By 2018, when he moved to Arizona City, he was not registered as a sex offender. He ultimately landed a job as a behavioral health counselor, where he kidnapped and attempted to molest a 16-year-old client. https://youtu.be/gpbfkSFuIZw After pleading guilty in the case, he was required to register every year as a sex offender in exchange for supervised probation. As a result, he persuaded a woman to file a false report in order to fake his own death in 2023, authorities say. But investigators were not convinced that Hollins was dead. They tracked him down this month to a home in Mesa, Ariz. He was living under a fake name with a family that “had no idea about his history,” per authorities. The family had young children. SWAT team members arrested Hollins on May 14, booking him into the Pinal County Detention Center. https://twitter.com/i/status/1791530380757020991 Alfonso Ribeiro disclosed in a recent interview that his acting career stalled after his iconic role as Carlton Banks in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” “Playing Carlton on Fresh Prince became a sacrifice. I used to always say doing Carlton was the greatest and worst thing that ever happened to me,” he told Closer Weekly. “It was one of the greatest roles that I ever was fortunate enough to play, but it was also the role that stopped me from acting again because people couldn’t see me as anything else. The sacrifice was not having an acting career anymore,” he added. After his statements went viral, one social media user suggested Ribeiro collaborate with Tyler Perry to get his acting career back on track. The X user wrote, “@tylerperry needs to revamp @alfonso_riberio career, I just know he could,” the person wrote. Ribeiro made clear in his response that he has desire to work with the entertainment mogul, writing, “I don’t need or ever want that man to do anything for me.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1794324216705413398 “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin” is as mysterious as its title. Recorded by legendary hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan in secret over six years, only one physical copy of the album was ever made and just a handful of people have heard it in full. Now a few lucky members of the public will be able to listen to it – if they can get to a museum next month on the Australian island of Tasmania. The rare piece of hip-hop history is set to go on display at the Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) from June 15 to 24, according to the museum. The album will be part of an exhibit that lasts a little over a week with a limited number of free tickets available for curated private listening sessions. https://youtu.be/iNJKH-obZsQ Since then, the album has had a history almost as unusual as its release. In 2015, notorious “Pharma Bro” Martin Shkreli bagged the album for about $2 million – making it the world’s most expensive music album ever sold at the time. But US federal authorities seized it from Shkreli, who was eventually convicted of securities fraud and conspiracy in 2017 for defrauding investors out of more than $10 million between 2009 and 2014. Before his conviction, which was related to his time as CEO of biotech company Retrophin, Shkreli was dubbed “the most hated man in America” in 2015 while serving as CEO of Turing Pharmaceuticals after he increased the price of a drug used by AIDS patients from $13.50 to $750 per pill. https://youtu.be/sC-35uHaMG8 Digital art collective PleasrDAO, who describe themselves as a “decentralized autonomous organization” and an early adopter of NFT digital art, later confirmed in a video the same year that they bought the album using cryptocurrency. While PleasrDAO did not disclose how much it spent to acquire the album, The New York Times reported it exchanged hands for the equivalent of $4 million. https://youtu.be/k6VA2y1lFWM Netflix’s new animated feature “Thelma the Unicorn” features a talented voice cast, including Brittany Howard and Will Forte. As Screenrant reports, the film has received mostly positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, with a 62% audience approval rating.Directed by Jared Hess (“Napoleon Dynamite”) and Lynn Wang (“Unikitty!”), the film follows Thelma’s extraordinary journey from obscurity to global fame after a magical transformation turns her into a unicorn. However, as glittering as her newfound stardom may seem, there’s more to Thelma’s story than meets the eye. Per the official synopsis, “Thelma is a small-time pony who dreams of becoming a glamorous music star. In a pink and glitter-filled moment of fate, Thelma is transformed into a unicorn and instantly rises to global stardom. But this new life of fame comes at a cost.” https://youtu.be/BOEMUudvYAw A 19-year-old man (Josef Toney) who escaped from the Youth Detention Center in Albuquerque is back in custody after turning himself in early Sunday morning. Toney, who was awaiting sentencing for a double murder, surrendered to the detention center at around 1 a.m., according to a spokesperson for the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Toney’s escape occurred on Saturday afternoon around 1:30 p.m. According to the criminal complaint, Toney managed to unlock the gate in the patio area and flee the facility. The Albuquerque Police Department (APD) was alerted to the escape through a 911 call made just before 5 p.m., which was routed to APD dispatch because of the detention center’s location. The call was initially classified as a missing person report, rather than an escape, and APD did not physically respond to the center. “One of the problems that we are seeing right away is protocol within staff. That is too long of a delay for us to make sure that we can get somebody back in custody who is a danger to the community,” stated Sheriff John Allen who expressed concerns over the communication and response delay. Toney was in the detention center due to his involvement in the murders of Ariel Mallam and Jessica Lucero on January 27, 2021. In April, he reached a plea deal for charges including double murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, abandonment or abuse of a child, and tampering with evidence. He was scheduled to appear in court for sentencing on June 26, KOAT-TV reports. https://youtu.be/xZjhBo-r9zM Multi-Award-winning gospel artist VaShawn Mitchell is celebrating his 4th #1 Billboard single with "See the Goodness" featuring 3x Grammy winner, Donnie McClurkin. The uplifting and inspirational message reassures listeners that “you WILL see the goodness of the Lord while you live…” It has resonated with fans and radio DJ’s all over the country, propelling it to the top of the charts. "See the Goodness" is a powerful anthem that encourages listeners to focus on the positive things in life, even in the face of adversity. “I’m so happy to hear the fans enjoy this new music…,” said Mitchell. "This song is a reminder that even in difficult times, God’s grace is sufficient to do everything that He promised. I am also grateful to Donnie McClurkin for lending his incredible talent to this project and helping to bring this message to life. I’ve always looked up to him for being the incredible legend that he, and for him to join me on this song, has me incredibly grateful.” "Shining Bright" In the Gospel Spotlight is Vashawn Mitchell. Vashawn Mitchell appeared inside the Gospel spotlight With HJ Ellison to talk about his hit songs. https://www.gospel-spotlight.com/vashawn_mitchell_intvw.htm The Black American Music Association and its Board of Directors, led by Chairman Michael Mauldin, announces The ICE (Imperial Crown of Excellence) Medal of Honor inaugural celebration in Atlanta on June 2, 2024. The attendees of this groundbreaking historic event will be adorned in cocktail attire while dining, honoring and paying tribute to the legends, creative visionaries, and trailblazers within Black American music, who have captivated audiences worldwide and left an everlasting impact on the cultural landscape. The ICE Medal of Honor seeks to shine a spotlight on the indelible contributions made by artists and executives who have enriched the world with their talents and also paved the way for generations to come. The ICE Medal of Honor will serve as a beacon of recognition & education of the Black American music art form, and an ode to the resilience, innovation, and brilliance of its creatives. Honorary hosts for this inaugural ceremony are Michael Mauldin, L.A. Reid & Chaka Zulu. The Honorable Mayor Andre Dickens will be making a special toast and salute to the Honorees along with the City of Atlanta. The Mayor is also being awarded the ICE - Culture & Community Leadership Honor. MIKA MORROWsinger / songwriter from Baltimore Maryland has southern roots as well. Her mother discovered her gift of singing at an early age, entering her in multiple talent shows and contests. She attended the Baltimore School of The Arts where she majored in voice. In later years, she led Praise and Worship and sang on multiple choirs and also at her home church till 2017. Throughout the years she has traveled and shared the stage with Ricky Dillard, Norman Hutchins, Tramaine Hawkins, Maurette Brown-Clark, Alexis Spight, and has traveled with her spiritual mentor Pastor Shirley Caesar. In April of 2021 she released a song called "Survivor." Mika Morrow is back with "Alright." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbR94Q3YW98 America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses has stopped selling Diddy’s Sean John eyewear as he faces multiple sexual assault and sex trafficking lawsuits. The move comes after CNN recently received footage of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs violently beating his then-girlfriend Cassie Venture at a Los Angeles hotel back in 2016. According to the outlet, the Bad Boy Records founder initially paid the hotel $50,000 to obtain the hotel security footage of the assault. As Diddy’s empire continues to crumble due to his wickedness, America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses is the latest company to drop his products, TMZ reports. “Stores received a message Tuesday to remove all Sean Johns from the frame boards and replace them with frames at an appropriate price point from understock,” the outlet reports. “They put a hold on selling the frames and told the stores to wait for further instruction.” The announcement comes on the heels of Peloton confirming it was removing Diddy’s music on its workout class platform. https://www.instagram.com/diddy/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=f7b7caca-6a83-4039-a222-d65c280ec6f9 Former pop sensation Sean Kingston and his 61-year-old mother, Janice Turner, have a whole lotta ‘splainin’ ta do. That’s ’cause they’ve been charged with conducting an organized scheme to defraud, grand theft, identity theft, and related crimes, as per arrest warrants released by the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. Kingston, 34, known for his 2007 hit “Beautiful Girls” and collaboration with Justin Bieber on “Eenie Meenie,” was arrested at Fort Irwin, an Army training base in the Mojave Desert where he was performing. Turner was apprehended during a SWAT raid at Kingston’s rented mansion in suburban Fort Lauderdale. The Jamaican-American performer is currently held at the High Desert Detention Center in Adelanto, awaiting his return to Florida. His attorney, Robert Rosenblatt, appeared before a judge on Friday morning along with Turner. Rosenblatt requested that Kingston be allowed to return voluntarily to avoid the state at the expense of extradition. https://youtu.be/2ZkV1BxlDXY Jennifer Lopez‘s much-anticipated $90 million Las Vegas residency deal is facing uncertainty. Back in February, the “Jenny From the Block” singer, 54, was reported to be in talks for a lucrative 90-show residency at The Park MGM Theater in Las Vegas, with a reported offer of $1 million per concert. However, recent developments suggest that the deal is now shaky. Casino executives have become hesitant due to the poor performance of Lopez’s new album and tour, according to The NY Post. “MGM is watching her not doing well on the road. They are very nervous. It’s pretty rare you have a poor tour and then go to Vegas,” a source told the publication. Insiders believe that the lack of ticket sales will likely lead to a significant pay cut for Lopez, with her potential earnings dropping to between $500,000 and $600,000 per show, and a reduction in the number of concerts from the originally planned 90 shows. https://youtu.be/G7EF4xcxNsY Steph and Ayesha Curry‘s household just got a little busier, and infinitely more joyful, with the early arrival of their fourth baby, a son named Caius Chai. Announcing the joyous news jointly on Instagram on Sunday, May 26, the couple revealed that their newest addition came into the world on May 11, a bit ahead of schedule. “Our sweet baby boy decided to make an early arrival!! He’s doing great and we are finally settling in at home as a family of 6! So grateful!” Steph, 36, captioned a heartwarming black-and-white photo of a tiny hand, presumably Caius’s, being gently held, reports People. Ayesha, 35, who had continued to share moments from her life up until her son’s early birth, posted a candid snapshot with her daughter Ryan during a hike on May 8. “Hikes with my Chookas. My nature girl,” she lovingly captioned the series of photos, capturing their connection just days before Caius made his debut. https://www.instagram.com/stephencurry30/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=297f2a7d-32ef-464e-b245-85fd93dbb9c1 The Sweet July founder, who had joyfully announced her pregnancy on the cover of her magazine in March, confessed that she and her husband felt a special person was missing from their already bustling family. “We really thought our family was complete,” she wrote, “but one day, we both knew somebody was missing.” Watching their older children—Riley Elizabeth, 11, Ryan Carson, 8, and Canon W. Jack, 5—react to the pregnancy was a source of immense joy for Ayesha. “Getting to experience this through [Canon’s] eyes and through Ryan and Riley’s eyes has been so cool. Their perspectives are so different, and it’s been the most exciting thing,” she shared. The couple had even tried to coordinate Caius’s arrival with Steph’s Paris Olympics debut, proving once again that the Currys are planners at heart, whether on or off the basketball court. With baby Caius settling in, the family of six is basking in the joy of their newest member, ready to embrace the beautiful chaos of their growing household. https://youtu.be/O840CCvb4h8 The NBA community is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved figures, Bill Walton, who passed away at the age of 71. The league announced the sad news on Monday morning (05-27-24), revealing that Walton died at his home after a prolonged battle with cancer, surrounded by his family. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver paid tribute to Walton, remembering him as a dominant force on the court and a vibrant personality off it. Silver praised Walton’s upbeat demeanor at league events, reflecting on the significant impact he had on the sport and its community. Walton’s basketball journey began at UCLA, where he played from 1971 to 1974 before being selected by the Portland Trailblazers as the first overall pick in the 1974 NBA Draft. During his time in Portland, Walton secured his first of two NBA titles and earned an NBA MVP award. His career later took him to the Clippers and the Celtics, although injuries significantly impacted his playing time and career trajectory. Despite his challenges on the court, Walton transitioned to a successful broadcasting career. He began commentating NBA games with ESPN in the early 2000s before returning to college basketball in 2012, where he continued to share his love for the game until his passing. https://youtu.be/UnkI8eGNSnM Former “General Hospital” actor Johnny Wactor was fatally shot in downtown Los Angeles while interrupting thieves Saturday, according to his agent and CNN affiliate KABC. The actor, who played Brando Corbin in the hospital soap opera, was shot as he left work early Saturday morning, his mother told KABC. In a statement to CNN, Wactor’s agent David Shaul described him as a spectacular human being, “not just a talented actor who was committed to his craft but a real moral example to everyone who knew him.” Wactor represented hard work and tenacity, and strove to be the best he could be, Shaul said. “Our time with Johnny was a privilege we would wish on everyone. He would literally give you the shirt off his back. After over a decade together, he will leave a hole in our hearts forever.” https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/26/entertainment/johnny-wactor-shot/index.html Boxing icon Mike Tyson faced a frightening health scare while flying from Miami to Los Angeles on Saturday. Midway through the American Airlines flight, Tyson began experiencing severe nausea and dizziness due to an ulcer flare-up, just 30 minutes before landing. The situation escalated to the point where the flight attendants had to call for any medical professionals onboard to assist the distressed boxer. Upon landing at LAX, paramedics immediately boarded the plane to provide medical treatment to Tyson. According to his representative, Tyson is now doing “great” and expressed his gratitude to the medical staff for their timely help. Interestingly, most of the passengers were unaware that it was Tyson who was experiencing a medical emergency. They only knew someone was in distress when the call for a doctor or nurse appeared on their in-seat screens, followed by an announcement over the PA system. https://youtu.be/2lTKAl16OQ0 Starbucks Broken Arrow, Oklahoma location is getting attention over a regular customer’s disturbing habit at the store’s drive-thru while naked that has gotten him locked up. Fox23 cites an affidavit it obtained that details the situation. According to the document, a Starbucks employee identified a man named Michael Billingsley as the man-in-question. The employee stated that Billingsley made his way through a Starbucks drive-thru at 6 a.m. back in March. It was then that Billingsley hopped out of his car with nothing on at all while waiting for his order, a “large iced americano.” Speaking with Broken Arrow Police, the victim mentioned that Billingsley was “100%” naked, adding the incident marks the second time she knew of this happening at the store. The affidavit references two more incidents involving Billingsley that happened days later. On April 6, the manager noticed Billingsley at 6 am. watching porn as he drove through the drive-through. Three days after the April 6 happening, the victim of the March 30 incident and the manager of the most recent circumstance were presented with a lineup of photos by police. Billingsley was identified by the pair as the suspect. Ice Cube and Jack in the Box have history, musically and now culinary. You heard right. The allies have aligned for a Cube’s very own meal. The “Munchie Meal,” as it’s called, features Jack In the Box staples such as the Chick-N-Tater Melt, Jack Taco, and seasoned curly fries as well as mini churros, and a small Sprite. Chatting about the collaboration, Cube admitted to enjoying Jack in the Box food. For him, working with the fast food chain falls in line with promoting the brands he uses. “I eat Jack in the Box, so I like to do things that’s authentic, and so I felt that was perfect,” the 54-year-old “Really Doe” rhymesayer told Vibe. “They were down to collaborate and come up with something cool that fits both brands. They came to me for a reason. Jack in the Box is happy, and Ice Cube fans are happy, too — if you do something that the fans don’t connect with, you’re defeating your own purpose.” Officially speaking Jack in the Box explained its reason for aligning with Cube, stating it was the entertainer’s “cultural presence and consumer appeal that caters to the rowdy, late-night vibes we know and love.” In addition to co-creating the “Munchie Meal” Cube will promote the new $12 limited combo in three national commercials with the Jack in the Box mascot. https://youtu.be/XbdrpqGcK5Q Hatred. Bigotry. Prejudice. Hate Crimes. Hate crimes are on the rise, spreading fear and violence among oppressed communities, particularly the Black community. They resemble a tsunami, engulfing cities and states with waves of assaults, violence, and murder. And, the state of California has not been immune to hate crimes, with 1,020 reported acts of hate in the last year. The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) last year, alongside state and community partners, launched a Statewide Anti-Hate Hotline, to control the rising flow of hate crimes in California. Governor Gavin Newsom, along with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD), announced last year the official launch of CA vs. Hate, a multilingual statewide hotline and website that provides safe, anonymous reporting- open for victims and witnesses of hate acts. CA vs. Hate is in direct response to the rise in reported hate crimes in California which in recent years, reached their highest levels since 2001- jumping almost 33% from 2020 to 2021. “The most common reasons why people reported to us involved discriminatory treatment, followed by verbal harassment and derogatory names or slurs,” said Kevin Kish, Director, CRD. “The most common location, where these incidents occurred, were residential, meaning at home, in your apartment complex or around where you lived- followed by the workplace and public facilities.” In its first year, the anti-hate hotline tracked its calls and there. https://youtu.be/V2t4nt_q7bI In a spectacular blend of humor and camaraderie, Kevin Hart, the iconic comedian and actor, made his debut on Kai Cenat‘s livestream last week (05-23-24). The event was nothing short of a laughter-filled extravaganza, drawing thousands of viewers eager to witness the interaction between the Bronx’s own internet sensation and the Hollywood A-lister. “My first ever live stream, by the way, it can’t be better, it can’t be bigger,” Hart proclaimed with his signature enthusiasm. The chemistry between the two was palpable from the get-go, setting the stage for a series of side-splitting moments. One of the highlights of the evening was when Kai presented Hart with a gift that had the entire chat in stitches—a step stool. The comedian, known for his shorter stature, opened the oversized box to reveal the unexpected present. “It’s a step stool,” Hart said, feigning surprise, while Cenat couldn’t contain his excitement. “You needed this one, bruh! I know you needed this one, bruh!” Kai hollered, his laughter filling the room. Hart, always quick with a comeback, played along, using the stool to humorously pretend he was reaching for cereal atop a refrigerator. “This is everything, man, thank you,” he said, adding a touch of sarcasm that only heightened the comedic effect. The fun didn’t stop there. The duo engaged in a game of “What’s In The Box?” where they took turns guessing the contents of a cardboard box without looking. From a bowl of apples and a cup of straws to a white rabbit, the surprises kept coming. The game took an exhilarating turn with the introduction of snakes and a large iguana, a nod to Hart’s well-documented unease around wild animals—a recurring theme in his stand-up routines and late-night show appearances. https://youtu.be/kUh5YE6EaNg For Kai Cenat, this collaboration was a testament to his rising influence in the digital entertainment world. Born and raised in the Bronx, Kai’s journey from posting comedy skits and challenge videos on YouTube to becoming a prominent figure on Twitch has been nothing short of remarkable. His content, characterized by high energy and humor, has earned him millions of followers and a reputation for being one of the most engaging streamers today. Kai’s ability to connect with his audience through his comedic timing and authentic personality has set him apart in a crowded space. His livestream with Kevin Hart not only highlighted his talent but also showcased his knack for creating memorable, shareable moments. As the night drew to a close, fans were left buzzing about the incredible chemistry between Kai and Kevin, eagerly anticipating future collaborations. Kai’s star continues to rise, and with moments like these, it’s clear that his journey is only just beginning. Kevin Hart’s appearance on Kai Cenat’s livestream was more than just a guest spot—it was a celebration of comedy, connection, and the power of digital media to bring people together in unexpected and delightful ways. https://youtu.be/BI6xjrvOIqE In its latest episode titled “The End of Obesity,” “South Park” takes a comedic jab at the body positivity movement, using pop sensation Lizzo as a focal point. The storyline centers around Eric Cartman, who is eager to get his hands on the weight-loss drug Ozempic. However, financial barriers and lack of insurance coverage thwart his plans. In a humorous twist, Cartman’s doctor suggests an alternative prescription: Lizzo. The doctor advises, “I’m going to write you a prescription for Lizzo. She’s a really good singer who talks about body positivity, and just being happy with the way you look. I want you to listen to Lizzo five times a day, and watch her videos just before bedtime. I’m afraid you’ll have to be on Lizzo for the rest of your life.” The episode continues with a satirical FDA endorsement, claiming: “Lizzo helps you eat everything you want, and keep physical activity to a minimum….stop listening to Lizzo if you experience suicidal thoughts. Serious side effects may include pancreatitis, hypothermia, and literally s****ing out of your ears.” https://youtu.be/WLFvTg11kdQ Lizzo responded to the episode with her signature boldness, stating: “That’s crazy. I just feel like damn, I’m really that b***h.” She added, “I really showed the world how to love yourself and not give a f*** to the point where these men in Colorado know who the f*** I am and put it on their cartoon that’s been around for 25 years.” Fans can catch the episode streaming on Paramount+, enjoying yet another example of “South Park’s” biting humor. https://www.instagram.com/lizzobeeating/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=37e8ec6d-260f-4c2c-8fad-219d887945c0 Gospel record label AngelicVoicesMinistry Music, based in the Bronx, New York, announces the upcoming release of three singles from three of its artists. The single “Who Do You Think You Are” by Hip-Hop singer/songwriter AngelicVoicesMusic leads, with the single “A Long Way” by Brooklyn, NY cipher veteran Asim I.I., following. The last single to be released is from Pastor Lonnell Blair titled “Goodness & Mercy.” The AVM Music label’s music production is overseen by Vanderbilt Evans, Jr., the imprint’s co-founder, who is known on stage as AngelicVoices. He oversees the label’s music which is available on most major streaming platforms, as well as ArtCore.com, TuneCore.com, Bandcamp.com and its own digital outlet atAngelicVoicesMinistry.com. Its music videos are distributed by Symphonic Distribution. The imprints’ music video cinematographer is LikeVision. The last LikeVision music video, “Why Not” (AngelicVoicesMinistry Music) by Hip-Hop’s AngelicVoices, debuted at #3 on 4M.TV’s Music Block World’s Top 10 Best Artists. On the World Chart the “Why Not” video ranked, at its debut, above Ne-yo’s “Linked Remix” featuring Fabolous. The label’s other owner, Asim Robinson, is the label’s Operations Manager and known on stage as Asim I.I. Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) is making waves on and off the women’s basketball court. A notion that Flau’jae Johnson and Deja Kelly are using sweetly as the new owners of Bazooka Candy Brands. For the pair, owning a business only scratches the surface of being a real boss. It’s getting a grip beyond the title to learn what makes their business tick after recently acquiring equity stakes in Bazooka. The company, known for Bazooka bubble gum, Ring Pops, and Push Pops, represents Johnson’s first equity investment and her and Kelly’s efforts to drive the NIL bus towards generational wealth. According to Kelly, the key lies in expanding beyond billboards to add value to the boardroom. “It’s a really beautiful thing how we’re able to profit right off our name, image, and likeness, but being an entrepreneur takes it another step further,” Johnson, a 20-year-old rising LSU junior, told Boardroom.tv. “It’s not just making money and profit but actually making the money make money for you, you know what I’m saying? And I believe that should be the next step in NIL after the money, after the deals; setting yourself up for the next years of your life. I always tell people, that you only really get four years, and NIL is a really small window. So to be able to make investments and be smart with your money, now you don’t have to wait until after NIL.” Kelly, a 22-year-old UNC student, is already familiar with NIL and its benefits, having her hands in venture capital, and private equity. As a result, her focus comes on the next level of her growth as an entrepreneur. “I already have some equity in a few companies, so we’re ahead of the game now,” the Oregon-bound pupil told Boardroom, “so just continuing to build off of that will put me on the right track to just continue to be a big part of the business world.” https://www.instagram.com/boardroom/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=34fec797-bc14-4341-ad61-fae0327a93b0 At least 13 people, including four children, are dead, after suspected tornadoes struck the central United States overnight, as severe storms caused power outages and forced residents to shelter in place on Memorial Day weekend. Meanwhile, more than 110 million people across broad swaths of the US are under threat of large hail, damaging winds and a fierce twisters Sunday, mainly throughout the mid-Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee River valleys. As the storms move east, the Storm Prediction Center warned of “violent tornadoes, extreme hail and corridors of widespread wind damage.” The start of the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 was delayed and prerace festivities were paused Sunday afternoon, as fans were asked to exit the grandstands due to extreme weather. President Joe Biden has been briefed on the storms. https://youtu.be/2HiIZlkjxJk At least seven people in Cook County, Texas were killed when severe storms hit the area Saturday night, Sheriff Ray Sappington told CNN. Among the dead were 4 juveniles, including a 2-year-old and 5-year-old. The severe weather that swept through Arkansas has now killed at least four people in the state. “At least two storm-related fatalities in Marion County from the severe weather that tracked through the county in the early morning hours on Sunday,” Marion County Sheriff Gregg Alexander said in a Sunday news release. The Baxter County Sheriff’s Office in Arkansas said in a news release there was one death in the county from the early morning storms and another person was killed in Benton County, the county’s safety administrator told CNN. https://youtu.be/uydUM2zt3_k Memphis rapper GloRilla, known for her hit single “Wanna Be,” is embroiled in a legal battle with an Atlanta-area investor, Aristotle Varner Jr., founder of the Honey Drip Network. Varner recently appeared on the popular radio show The Morning Hustle, where he leveled serious accusations against the rapper. According to Varner, GloRilla received over six figures from him to fulfill a series of promotional tasks but failed to meet her obligations. “GloRilla, she stole some money from me,” Varner claimed during his interview, highlighting that despite the hefty payment, the rapper did not complete the agreed-upon tasks. He mentioned that GloRilla still has two more tasks to complete as per their contract. The ongoing legal dispute has been active for over a year, with Varner expressing frustration over the prolonged court proceedings. The terms of the contract reportedly included GloRilla promoting Varner on social media, participating in a collaborative Instagram post, and conducting a meet-and-greet along with a 30-minute interview with Varner’s wife, Asia Varner, who is a business coach. While Varner refrained from delving into specific details during the radio interview, court documents released by Spade TV last September indicated that GloRilla was paid more than $400,000 for these promotional activities. https://youtu.be/q_cRMFLcDfw Adding to the intrigue, a TikTok video from February last year shows GloRilla and Varner recording a promotion for a stock lessons class, which the rapper was slated to join virtually. This video, which once seemed like a promising collaboration, now serves as a stark reminder of the commitments that Varner claims GloRilla has yet to fulfill. During his interview, Varner suggested that GloRilla’s reluctance to complete the tasks stemmed from a shift in her attitude after achieving significant success. He described her behavior as “cocky,” implying that her growing fame may have influenced her decision to disregard their contractual agreement. The lawsuit has garnered considerable attention in the media, with fans and industry insiders closely following the developments. As the legal proceedings continue, the spotlight remains on GloRilla and her response to these serious allegations. For now, the future of this high-stakes legal battle remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the dispute between GloRilla and Aristotle Varner Jr. is far from over. https://www.tiktok.com/@aristotleinvestments/video/7195737784395517227?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fglorilla-sued-over-alleged-contract-breach%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%2C72248227%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7195737784395517227 The power of words can have a far-reaching effect. Just ask Sinbad. Although the former “A Different World” funnyman continues doing what he loves, he believes a joke he told in 2010 could have inadvertently led to the severe stroke he had in 2020. Sinbad reflected on the joke and his stroke during a recent appearance at the Netflix Is A Joke Festival, according to Madame Noire. Citing his 2010 comedy special Where U Been?, the 67-year-old entertainer (born David Adkins) recalled the zinger, which centered around wanting a woman who “understands the signs of stroke.” Turns out, the joke was not a funny one at all, Sinbad admitted to his fans as he dropped a serious bit of caution to think on.“Be careful what you talk about,” he warned. “Remember I did my joke about having a stroke? Be careful what you talk about ’cause you’re bringing [that] into fruition.” A decade after telling the controversial gag, Sinbad got a stroke, which took a physical toll on him, causing paralysis in his left leg and hand. As his wife Meredith Adkins and kids stood beside him at Netflix Is A Joke, the comedian was thankful he is still here and physically able to do something as simple as walking, among other things. https://youtu.be/vJCZVcCQR3E Sinbad’s vulnerability was appreciated by fans who were happy to see him and hear his powerful message. “Lmao, damn, it feels good hearing him on that mic again. Keep recovering legend!” one Instagram user wrote, as another user gave a thumbs up to Sinbad’s love for Meredith. “It’s the public and genuine appreciation of his wife’s commitment for me,” the other user stated. Following suit, a third user couldn’t help but notice that Sinbad has not missed a step, saying, “Seeing him tell a joke in front of a crowd makes me so happy for him. Still has them in the palm of his hand.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C7Cm_LQx1Jc/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again More than 20 years since its release, Lauryn Hill’s classic debut solo album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” still commands the attention of music lovers. Vibe reports Hill was among those honored at the inaugural Grammy Hall of Fame Gala and Concert. The Recording Academy-hosted event, which took place May 21 at the Grammy Museum in downtown Los Angeles. Hill’s appearance at the Gala and Concert stemmed from “The Miseducation” being inducted into the 2024 Grammy Hall of Fame. https://youtu.be/6m8NKVlbOns Established in 1973 by the Recording Academy’s National Trustees, the honor is presented to “recordings of lasting qualitative or historical significance that are at least 25 years old, according to grammy.com. Seated with her family, an emotional Hill was serenaded by Andra Day, who performed what Vibe described as a “heartwarming, joyful rendition of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” while seated on a stool center stage. https://www.instagram.com/mslaurynhill/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=64abcf20-20f2-4f44-9ac8-36bbdc97088f The tune, a remake of the 1967 Frankie Valli hit, is featured as one of two hidden tracks Hill sung on “The Miseducation.” “Lauryn I love you my whole heart my whole career my greatest inspiration,” Day told the Fugees member Hill as she ended her performance. “We love you.” It was then the sound of applause took over, with the entire room standing to their feet to show Hill love. https://www.instagram.com/mslaurynhill/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=52335809-8044-419a-802b-96220832d944 Just in time for Memorial Day, “The Blue Angels” soars with impressive aerial maneuvers. For those who cannot get to see The Blue Angels’ show, Amazon MGM Studios is streaming “The Blue Angels.” In the enthralling documentary, audiences will find themselves flying high with the Navy’s elite Flight Demonstration Squadron. The immersive footage puts you in the cockpit for a firsthand view of the Blue Angels’ precision flying. The aerial shots deliver a spectacular showcase of the breathtaking exercises that have made them the world’s premier jet team. Flight leader Captain Brian “Boss” Kesselring, commander of the squadron, pointed out that their aerial domain was “a great equalizer.” https://youtu.be/f36UTLWPL6I Armed to improve the aviation industry, Sherrexcia “Rexy” Rolle is making her presence felt by running Western Air Bahamas, the world’s largest Black-owned airline. The 29-year-old Western Air Vice President of Operations and General Counsel has invaded the “good old boys club” of the airline industry while addressing gender and racial diversity within aviation. Using her powers for good, Rolle aims to redefine industry norms. “I immediately understood that there was some curiosity about me being there. It wasn’t until you [I] start speaking to people that they understand, ‘she’s not just somebody’s assistant, she’s actually involved in the industry,’” the former baggage handler told Travel Noire. “I definitely find there are some preconceived notions to what an airline executive should be [because] I think they’ve always looked a certain way…So it’s about combatting that, and understanding that your work must speak for itself,” she continued. Headquartered at San Andros Airport in Andros Island, Bahamas, Western Air Limited is owned by Rexy’s parents, Rex Rolle, a pilot who also serves as the company’s President and CEO, and Shandrice Woodside-Rolle, Western Air’s Vice-President & COO. The family’s creation of Western Air stemmed from noticing increased delays and flight interruptions during a family trip from Florida to the Bahamas. Upon their discovery, Rex and Shandrice knew they could fix the problem. The result? One of the largest Black-owned and operated airlines worldwide, with expansion very much on the horizon. https://youtu.be/iDUhCzZcgiM When it comes to Caitlin Clark, Charles Barkley says her fellow WNBA members should be thankful for the attention the rookie has brought to the league and its players. The NBA icon brought his defense of Clark to the latest episode of TNT’s “Inside the NBA as he praised the Indiana Fever star rookie. After hearing LeBron James discuss Clark’s impact on the WNBA during the “Mind the Game” podcast. To hear him tell it, there shouldn’t be anyone who is not thrilled with his fellow athlete’s WNBA arrival. “The criticism she’s receiving is the weirdest thing in the world,” King James said, shaking his head in disbelief. Taking LeBron’s view a step further, Barkley chimed in with his own message for those bringing hate Clark’s way, according to Ice Cream Convos. “You women out there, y’all petty, man,” the former Dream Team member said on Inside the NBA while looking straight into the camera and seemingly directing his comments to other WNBA players. Needless to say, Barkley didn’t mince words. https://youtu.be/CjW2f7q7j8M “Are you sure you can go,” asked Billboard chart-topping Jazz guitarist Blake Aaron about his “Love & Rhythm” (Innervision) release concert/birthday party that was on May 4, 2024, at Spaghettini’s at Seal Beach. And yes, I came excited to be back at this classy venue. It was an easy decision, and Blake Aaron did not disappoint with his show either. I especially liked it when he came into the audience and actually played for each person! Outstanding. I was so impressed with his stamina too because he performed non-stop for almost two hours! Amazing. His stage persona reminded me of the Rock guitarist Slash (Guns & Roses) who performed on several Michael Jackson songs (“Give In To Me”). Especially when Blake performed the song (“Europa”) that he told the crowd he played for his then soon-to-be wife – it was lovely…just heavenly. He released “Europa” in 2015 on his “Soul Stories” (Innervision Records) project. The song is written by Carlos Santana and Tony Coster for a 1976 Santana project “Amigos.” Joining Blake Aaron on stage was Andre Berry on bass, Tony St. James on drums, Will Donato on sax and flute, Darryl Walker on sax and vocals (“Change the World, “ “Crush”), and Tateng Katindig on keyboard. Vocalist Sandra Simmons step up with some impressive vocals on an Edda James cover. Aaron performed, I believe, two songs of the 10 songs on his new “Love & Rhythm” release – “She is the One” and “Crush.” The “She is the One” was released as a single and went to the #1 spot on Billboard Jazz Chart. All-in-all a Blake Aaron show is electrifying. https://youtu.be/xAgbgu7f1TA When George Floyd tragically lost his life under the knee of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin on Memorial Day in 2020, the world watched in horror. His death ignited a global wave of protests and an urgent call for change. Four years later, his memory remains a powerful catalyst for action. “We can never forget. We can never stop talking about George Floyd. We can never unsee what we saw in 2020,” emphasized Leslie E. Redmond, Executive Director of the nonprofit Win Back. To honor George Floyd’s enduring legacy, Win Back organized its inaugural Day of Remembrance on Friday (05-23-24). The commemoration began with a solemn interfaith prayer service at city hall, setting a reflective tone for the day. The event continued with a heartfelt brunch, featuring poignant speeches from notable figures like Attorney General Keith Ellison, former Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo, and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. “I like to say COVID-19 shut the world down and George Floyd opened it back up. We can never forget this happened in our own backyard,” Redmond told Fox 9, highlighting the profound impact of Floyd’s death on the community. https://youtu.be/BNDBHsTTFPE In addition to the prayer service and brunch, Win Back hosted a teen summit where young people from across the Midwest gathered to discuss the progress made since 2020 and to strategize on how to move forward. This summit provided a platform for the next generation to voice their perspectives and commitments to change. “It was a heavy day,” Redmond recounted. “George Floyd’s nephew Brandon Williams flew in from Texas just for this occasion. He spoke of the deep grief still felt, but also expressed joy at seeing people continue to remember and commit to transformation.” Organizers of the Day of Remembrance saw the event as an opportunity to reflect, heal, and build a stronger community. They have vowed to hold a day of remembrance every year in George Floyd’s honor, ensuring that his legacy continues to inspire meaningful action and positive change. https://youtu.be/nYpXs2f6yw8 In an exuberantly playful segment on “CBS Mornings,” renowned journalist Gayle King couldn’t hide her apparent crush on the charismatic rocker, Lenny Kravitz. The interview, originally meant to delve into Kravitz’s life and new ventures, quickly turned into a flirtatious exchange that had audiences buzzing about the undeniable chemistry between the two.As the conversation steered towards Kravitz’s romantic life, Gayle slyly inquired whether he was currently dating anyone. Her cheeky demeanor shone through when she jovially quipped, “Can I beat her ass if she is?” The candid remark, coupled with Gayle’s giggles and a playful cover of her mouth, left no doubt that she was smitten. She even added with a light-hearted blush, “Oops, did I say that out loud?” Lenny Kravitz appeared both amused and surprised by Gayle’s forthrightness. He laughed and responded with a simple “wow,” taking her humor in stride. Despite the unexpected direction, he graciously engaged with her questions, sharing that he is open to finding love, although he believes it often comes when you least expect it. This delightful exchange began when Kravitz complimented Gayle on her stunning appearance, especially referencing her recent cover for Sports Illustrated, reports TMZ. The comment seemed to have sparked Gayle’s boldness, leading to the flirty interaction. It’s no surprise, given that her Sports Illustrated cover has also earned accolades from unexpected quarters, including her ex-husband, William Bumpus, who expressed his admiration in a heartfelt public message. https://youtu.be/cWjaamoby3I Bumpus, an attorney, reminisced about his teenage dreams of dating a Sports Illustrated model, congratulating Gayle on her stunning accomplishment. “Bravo to you Gayle … You Look Fantastic! Bravo to Sports Illustrated for selecting YOU!” he praised, adding affectionate remarks about their shared family and his continual appreciation of her trailblazing spirit. At 69, Gayle King continues to captivate audiences with her charm and dynamic personality. Kravitz, 59, seemed equally taken by her vivacity, hinting at a potential spark that many viewers noticed. While it’s uncertain if anything more than playful banter will come of Gayle’s candid comments, one thing is clear: the interview showcased an endearing side of her that is both relatable and refreshing. Audiences love seeing their favorite media personalities express genuine, unguarded moments, and this interview gave them just that. https://www.instagram.com/p/C7SdUshJgQa/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again One of the “Bad Boys” of summer is letting folk know he is on the way back. Taking to social media, Will Smith brought fans back to 1995 with a throwback photo of him sitting in a Porsche that matches his ensemble. The blast from the past came amid a video the former “Fresh Prince of Bel Air” fixture shared on Instagram on May 21, People reports. In the clip, Smith is dressed in all black as he stepped in to the open front seat of a Porsche. From there, the video cuts to the throwback pick, which features the entertainer in the matching Porsche, the same vehicle he and his fellow “Bad Boys” film series star Martin Lawrence drove in the first film in the popular film series. “Long time no see,” Smith wrote in a caption with the video, which was soundtracked by the chorus to the 2002 Simple Plan hit “I’m Just a Kid. The tune, taken from the group’s debut album “No Pads, No Helmets…Just Balls,” is enjoying a new life on Instagram and TikTok with trends on the respective platforms highlighting childhood photos and older pictures posted by users. Smith’s post is a sign of what’s to come as the latest “Bad Boys” feature prepares to invade theaters four years after the last adventure featuring Smith’s Mike Lowrey and Lawrence’s Marcus Burnett, 2020’s “Bad Boys for Life.” https://static.cdninstagram.com/rsrc.php/v3/yb/r/UsSR4Cvo4Px.png Fast forward to present times and the Miami-based detectives are back on the scene for “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” the newest chapter in the “Bad Boys” saga. The catch is Lowrey and Burnett are “on the run” while investigating corruption within the Miami police department when their late Captain Conrad Howard is posthumously accused of being involved with the Romanian Mafia. As a result, Burnette and Lowery are forced to work outside the law to solve the case. Not one to let Smith have all the fun, Porsche USA‘s official Instagram account offered its two cents on the former rap star’s video with a nod to one of his most famous characters. “Lowrey back in action!” the automaker stated. “Feels good to be reunited.” https://youtu.be/r0iM9iZZT6w Nicki Minaj‘s European tour kicked off with unexpected drama as she was arrested by Amsterdam police upon her arrival in the Netherlands. The arrest, which was captured and posted live on her Instagram, stirred controversy and confusion among fans and the media. The rapper, who is a 12-time Grammy nominee, was detained by the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee for allegedly carrying drugs. In a video shared on Instagram Live, Minaj, visibly shaken, objected to the allegations as she was being escorted by officers. “I’m not carrying drugs,” she asserted, her voice tense, pleading for her “lawyer present” while requesting explanations from the authorities. Robert van Kapel, spokesperson for the Marechaussee, confirmed to The Independent, though without naming Minaj, that a 41-year-old American had been detained. “We did a check at Schiphol Airport and found soft drugs with her. It’s illegal to export soft drugs in the Netherlands,” van Kapel stated. https://www.instagram.com/p/C7ZKS7QNLCm/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again The unfolding drama captured in Minaj’s social media posts revealed her frustrations and claims of intrusion. “They said they found weed,” she tweeted, explaining further that the pre-rolled joints found were not hers but belonged to her security staff. She added, “They took my bags without consent,” implying a breach of her privacy and hinting at possible legal battles. Despite the tense situation, officers in the video appeared to make reassurances about her show schedules. Minaj’s European leg of the Pink Friday 2 World Tour includes a performance in Manchester, England, followed by subsequent shows in Birmingham and other U.K. cities. The Netherlands, known for its liberal stance on marijuana, still maintains legal boundaries. Minaj’s bags had pre-rolled joints, a common sight in Amsterdam, but problematic when found in luggage intended for export. Her filming of the entire ordeal, as mentioned on X, exacerbated tensions with authorities, further delaying her travel plans. “Filming every single thing made them really mad,” she noted, alluding to friction between her and the police. https://twitter.com/i/status/1794403500803404162 Nicki Minaj‘s brief stint in Amsterdam police custody has come to an end, as she was released with a modest fine of $380. However, because of the detainment in The Netherlands, Nicki Minaj’s Manchester show was canceled. in The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, the border police at Schiphol Airport, issued a statement confirming the release of a 41-year-old American woman, aligning with Minaj’s situation. The fine was imposed for the possession of soft drugs, specifically marijuana, found in her luggage. Despite the resolution of her legal troubles, the repercussions for Minaj’s Pink Friday 2 World Tour were immediate. Fans were left disappointed as the highly anticipated concert in Manchester was abruptly canceled. Attendees shared notices they received at the venue on social media platform X, confirming the cancellation. The cancellation has caused a significant stir among fans who had eagerly awaited Minaj’s performance. Many took to social media to express their frustration and disappointment. The situation has not only disrupted Minaj’s tour schedule but also raised questions about the handling of such incidents involving international artists. https://youtu.be/mau9Gw4UFnw Minaj, who had taken to Instagram Live to document her arrest and assert her innocence, has yet to make an official statement about the cancellation. Her fans are now left wondering about the fate of the remaining UK performances scheduled for the tour. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GOc8qBHW8AEBCfc?format=jpg&name=900x900 Cynthia Bailey doesn’t need to be front and center to restore “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” to its former glory on Bravo. All she has to do is ‘pop in and out’ of the long-running Bravo reality show and she’s done her good deed for the cause. For ‘RHOA’s” upcoming season 16, Bailey intends to do just that by announcing her return to the reality show in a “friend of” the cast role last week. The move expands what the 57-year-old former model did last season in providing frequent cameos that have gone over well with “RHOA” viewers. “I’ve always been open to the idea of popping in and out as a friend. I did it last season. My fans loved it, I loved it,” she shared with Page Six’s “Virtual Reali-Tea” podcast. “Bravo was able to work around my schedule just letting me get in where I fit in.” With production already underway for Season 16 viewers can look forward to seeing a cast with “RHOA” veterans (Porsha Williams, Kenya Moore, Drew Sidora) along with newcomers Brittany Eady, Kelli Ferrell, and Angela Oakley. Longtime “friend of” the cast Shamea Morton will come into the new season as a full-time cast member, Page Six reports, noting the departures of Kandi Burruss, Marlo Hampton, Sanya Richards-Ross, and Shereé Whitfield. The partings resulted after fans called for change amid lowered ratings for Season 15. https://youtu.be/D5ejQGhvbSQ “I feel like the show has been just OK for the past couple of years. No shade, but it just has. And it has not thrived the way ‘Atlanta’ has always thrived,” said Bailey. “We were No. 1 for so long. And to watch it not be No. 1 was really hard, even sitting on the sidelines. It really, really was.” “So I think some new blood was needed and from what I can tell, these ladies seem like they really have it going on and I’m so excited to meet them,” the excited reality TV star as she while being “excited” over playing a role in putting “RHOA” back on the Bravo throne. While the notion of Bailey being on “RHOA” in a reduced capacity may take a bit to fully wrap around, she is savoring the chance to take in all the conflict and catfights of her fellow reality starlets (rookie and mainstay) during filming. All without any pressure to initiate it herself. “I’ve been on both sides now, both sides of the track: peach-holder and a friend. When you actually get that peach in your hand, it’s a different ballgame,” Bailey told “Virtual Reali-Tea.” https://youtu.be/FsAm443RCpc “Listen, [let me] be very clear. I am the only official friend this season. I will definitely help this show move along but the peach-holders will definitely be doing all the heavy lifting. They will be doing the heavy lifting. That is above my pay grade!” Despite production starting on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” Season 16 has started, there is nothing from Bravo right now on a premiere date for the forthcoming season. https://youtu.be/r2QuRZ6zEX8 In a momentous event that has reverberated across social media platforms, Chelsea Manalo made history on Wednesday by becoming the first Black woman to be crowned Miss Universe Philippines. Born to a Filipino mother and African American father, the 24-year-old’s victory has been celebrated for challenging long-held beauty ideals in the country. Manalo, representing the province of Bulacan, emerged victorious from a pool of 52 other contestants hailing from across the archipelago and overseas. The grand competition was hosted at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, drawing a large and enthusiastic audience. As the competition narrowed to the top five finalists, Manalo was asked on stage how she would leverage her beauty and confidence to empower others. Her response was both poignant and inspiring. “As a woman of color, I have always faced challenges in my life. I was told that beauty has standards, actually,” she shared, adding that she was guided by her mother to “always believe in yourself, uphold the vows that you have.” https://youtu.be/bAOtdYdIU5o Looking ahead, Chelsea Manalo will represent the Philippines at the Miss Universe pageant in Mexico this September. She is aiming to bring home the country’s fifth Miss Universe title, joining the ranks of Gloria Diaz in 1969, Margie Moran in 1973, Pia Wurtzbach in 2015, (after host Steve Harvey initially declared the wrong winner), and Catriona Gray in 2018. Manalo’s achievement comes at a time when the Miss Universe organization is undergoing significant changes. This year, the competition is removing any upper age limit for contestants, a shift from the previous requirement that participants be between ages 18 and 28. However, the organization has also faced scrutiny following the resignation of Miss USA and Miss Teen USA titleholders amid allegations of mismanagement and a toxic work environment. Over 100 countries will participate in Miss Universe 2024, making this year’s pageant one of the most diverse in its history. Chelsea Manalo’s victory not only sets a new benchmark for beauty standards in the Philippines but also marks a pivotal moment for the global conversation on inclusivity and representation in pageantry. https://youtu.be/rdeP4r7l4mI The She Ready Foundation, founded by renowned actress and comedian Tiffany Haddish, is thrilled to announce that National Recording Artist Sensation Tanya Nolan will be the featured entertainment at the highly anticipated She Ready Foundation Prom Gala. The Prom Gala, hosted by Tiffany Haddish and comedian Howie Mandel, aims to shine a light on foster care and inspire attendees to dance with purpose. The event is set to take place on Friday, May 31, 2024, at 5:00 PM at The Beehive by Solo Impact in Los Angeles. https://youtu.be/_Bzi17qt4WY The evening will celebrate glamour and raise awareness for the needs of children in the foster care system, uniting the community in support of a noble cause. Tanya Nolan, known for her powerful voice and captivating performances, expressed her enthusiasm about being part of this significant event. “I am honored to perform at the She Ready Foundation Gala. It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and support children in foster care, helping to create brighter futures for all,” said Nolan. “Music has the power to bring people together and inspire change, and I’m excited to be part of this meaningful evening.” https://youtu.be/ASnWXEE_fqI Could that video of P Diddy the bully assaulting former girlfriend Cassie Ventura be just the tip of the iceberg? Now it makes sense why Diddy folded like a lawn chair in that $30 million lawsuit Ventura filed against him last November. After watching this one incident that she endured it’s easy to imagine what she probably had to go through during their entire relationship. This video is from one hotel in one city. Are there other videos from other hotels in other cities? Probably. Why did it take 8 years for this video to go public? Who took a payoff to make it disappear until now? And how can we prevent this from happening to anyone else? Click the video above for my take on it. https://youtu.be/CNNhKNUNiw0 “Seinfeld” star Michael Richards is opening up about using the N-word at a Black heckler during a standup comedy show in 2006. Richards’ viral onstage meltdown led to an apology statement on the Late Show With David Letterman, but it also drastically disrupted his career. In a new interview with People magazine, Richards discussed the controversy while promoting his new memoir, “Entrances and Exits,” which will be released on June 4. During the interview, he noted that he’s “not looking for a comeback” and doesn’t expect people to forget what he said that night. “I was immediately sorry the moment I said it onstage,” Richards told the publication. “My anger was all over the place and it came through hard and fast. Anger is quite a force. But it happened. Rather than run from it, I dove into the deep end and tried to learn from it. It hasn’t been easy,” he explained. https://youtu.be/rU1v6gGPSGI Crisis managers wanted me to do damage control. But as far as I was concerned, the damage was inside of me,” Richards added. After the incident, Richards dedicated years to deep analysis, attempting to understand the root of his anger, which he attributed in part to his own insecurities. “I was a good character actor, but I was comfortable being the character, not in being me,” he told PEOPLE. “I’m not racist. I have nothing against Black people. The man who told me I wasn’t funny had just said what I’d been saying to myself for a while. I felt put down. I wanted to put him down.” Richards claims that since the heckling event, he’s spent the past 17 years “learning and healing.” https://youtu.be/amjUNF_R_PY A film depicting George Floyd’s life and tragic death is in development, with his mother and daughter serving as executive producers on the project. “We are excited the world will see the real, jovial, and loving George we know,” said Roxie Washington, the mother of Floyd’s surviving daughter, in a statement, per Deadline. The biopic, Daddy Changed the World, will be produced by Radar Pictures, 8 Queens Film & Media Productions, and Night Fox Entertainment. “This film will humanize him, embody the essence of his life, and hopefully reignite efforts to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. It’s time for justice and equality for all,” Washington added. A white police officer killed Floyd in Minneapolis in 2020, and his death has sparked a national reckoning about race and policing in the United States. Charlamagne tha God appeared on ABC’s “The View” this week and called Donald Trump and President Joe Biden “trash.” The Breakfast Club host stood firm against pressure from Whoopi Goldberg and Sunny Hostin to endorse Biden in the 2024 presidential election. “Charlamagne, now is not the time, in my opinion, to sit this one out,” Hostin said, Mediaite reports. “I didn’t say that. I never said I was sitting it out,” Charlamagne replied. “So what are you going to do?” she asked. https://youtu.be/VgI3jq3UFY8 Joe Budden’s recent remarks on the Diddy-Cassie assault video prompted his ex-girlfriend, Tahiry Jose, to reminisce about purportedly similar incidents between them. As Vibe reports, the former “Love & Hip-Hop: New York” stars sparred under a post on The Shade Room’s Instagram account, with Tahiry recalling a time Budden “threw her down a flight of stairs.” He clapped back and called her a “failed gold digger.” Her startling remarks came after Budden reacted to the hotel surveillance footage of Diddy beating his then-girlfriend Cassie. The 2016 video was leaked to CNN last week and days later, the Bad Boy Records founder apologized in a video statement posted to his Instagram account. Budden called his apology “half-hearted bullsh*t.” https://youtu.be/q9SQ_qi2i3w Tahiry commented in response, “The irony. This is so triggering!!!!!,” she wrote. “I remember Joey throwing me down a flight of stairs dragging me back into the house & me having to talk him into letting me go.” https://www.instagram.com/theshaderoom/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=fd10c736-6435-4f65-b1c2-d180700b4c47 According to Tahiry, this torment went on “for hours.” “This whole sh*t took me out. So hard to watch. So sorry for Cassie and every other woman who’s currently going through it or has ever gone through it. It’s tough,” she added. https://twitter.com/i/status/1793352931263279498 He added, “Outside of me you lack an identity which is why you’ve tried desperately to attach yourself to me for over 15 years,” he wrote. "You were on my body your entire last stint on L&HH and tried your best to disrespect my son’s mother in the process,” he added. “I had to ask producers to keep you away from us like the cancer you are!! Yet you continue to slight my name online because…it’s your identity.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1793352931263279498 According to Budden, Tahiry is not a “real victim.” He called his ex a “low level Dyckman con woman that’s been lying about (you already know) for ages.” https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GOQ2PlbXsAA1OwN?format=jpg&name=small Check out an exclusive clip of this week’s episode of the new reality series “The Barnes Bunch,” which airs on Friday (May 24) at 10 pm ET on WE tv. In our preview of the new episode, Matt and Anansa get votes from the kids on whether or not they should have another kid. https://youtu.be/6mBtj45iJuA Chef Andrew Zimmern is addressing the issue of new frozen foods tailored for Ozempic users. “There is something a little messed up about people buying $200 — $300 injectables and jamming them into their stomach just to look better,” Zimmern told TMZ on May 21. As TODAY reports, the prominent TV personality also noted how it’s ironic that “major processed food companies” are launching foods for people taking weight loss medications. “I think the really sad truth is we’re gonna have more processed food that costs $5 or less to go with your very expensive injectable,” he said. “I also think linking a drug like Ozempic with a food line is about as messed up as it gets.” https://youtu.be/NZ9n1D3WTb4 Tiffany Red, a longtime friend of Cassie Ventura, claims Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs once hung a woman over a balcony. As we reported earlier, late last year, Cassie filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit against the music producer, which was ultimately settled out of court. The lawsuit encouraged more victims to come forward about their violent encounters with the music mogul, though he has declared his innocence regarding all allegations. In the lawsuit, Cassie alleged that the Bad Boy Records mogul “picked up one of Ms. Ventura’s friends like a child” and dangled them over a 17th-floor balcony. As All Hip Hop reports, Wale was rumored to be the victim in the incident but his management denied any involvement. Red is now providing more details about the incident, and while the songwriter did not name the woman, she made clear it was not her. https://www.instagram.com/iamtiffanyred/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=b22a0bd4-5e7a-43c6-9128-fc4075436043 Karl Kani often hailed as the “Godfather of Urban Fashion,” is a pioneering force in the world of streetwear. Born Carl Williams in Brooklyn, New York, Kani grew up with a deep passion for fashion and a keen eye for style. From a young age, he was inspired by the vibrant street culture around him, and he dreamed of creating a brand that would capture the essence of urban life. In the early 1990s, Kani turned his dream into reality. With limited resources but boundless creativity and determination, he began designing clothes that reflected the unique, bold aesthetics of his community. His signature designs, characterized by baggy jeans, oversized tops, and innovative use of fabrics and patterns, quickly gained a following. Kani’s ability to blend high fashion with streetwear was revolutionary, setting him apart in an industry that had often overlooked the influence of urban culture. Kani’s entrepreneurial spirit and his innovative approach to fashion led to the creation of his eponymous brand, Karl Kani. The brand became synonymous with the golden era of hip-hop, attracting high-profile clientele including Tupac Shakur, Notorious B.I.G., and Aaliyah. These endorsements were instrumental in propelling Karl Kani to international fame, cementing its status as a staple of urban fashion. https://youtu.be/67LHLcalgf0 In a dramatic sequence of events, rapper/singer Sean Kingston, known for his chart-topping hits like “Beautiful Girls” and “Eenie Meenie,” was busted in San Bernardino County (California) on fraud and theft charges. Kingston’s arrest took place following a SWAT raid at his lavish Florida mansion earlier on Thursday (05-23-24) that resulted in the detention of his mother. Authorities from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Kingston, whose real name is Kisean Paul Anderson, was taken into custody without incident on a Florida warrant near Fort Irwin in the High Desert. As we reported earlier, just hours before Kingston’s arrest in Southern California, a SWAT team raided his rented South Florida mansion, arresting his mother, 61-year-old Janice Turner, on similar fraud and theft charges. Turner, who manages an Instagram page called “Mama Kingston Kitchen” to promote her homemade sauce brand, has a history of legal issues, including a 2006 conviction for bank fraud and filing false loan applications. As reporters watched, authorities were seen loading goods into a van from the singer’s opulent home, which was surrounded by luxury sports cars. According to an attorney present during the raid, the arrests are partly connected to a lawsuit filed in February. The lawsuit accuses Kingston of defrauding a Florida company that installed a colossal 232-inch television in his home. https://youtu.be/ZMTjVfzb9wE A federal judge has sentenced Baltimore’s former top prosecutor Marilyn Mosby to time served and 12 months of home confinement – to be served concurrently with 3 years of supervised release – for mortgage fraud and perjury. In addition, Mosby was ordered to complete 100 hours of community service, according to the judgment. Mosby, who gained national prominence for charging six police officers in connection with the 2015 death of Freddie Gray in a police van, was convicted in two trials of making a false mortgage application and perjury. US prosecutors had asked the court to sentence Mosby, 44, to 20 months in prison, followed by a supervised release, according to a May 9 sentencing memorandum. That sentence, the memo says, would “make clear that those who break the law, including those in positions of public trust, will be held accountable.” https://youtu.be/UhOdfb1HzWk Mosby has claimed she is innocent and the charges against her are politically motivated. Her attorneys argued in a May 16 response she “has been punished enough,” asking for a sentence of time served with one year of supervised release. US District Court Judge Lydia Griggsby said she took into account that two juries found Mosby did something wrong and “breached a public trust,” according to CNN affiliate WBAL-TV, which had a reporter in court. The judge also said the fact that Mosby is a mother of two weighed heavily on the court, according to the news station. In addition to Thursday’s sentence, Griggsby ordered Mosby to forfeit 90% of her interests in the Longboat Key, Florida, condo connected to her conviction on making a false mortgage application. A preliminary order filed Thursday authorized the government to seize the property. Once sold, Mosby could receive up to $47,600 plus 10% of the home’s appreciation value. https://youtu.be/GvN2J1oylPs The jury in that trial acquitted Mosby of a second charge of making a false mortgage application stemming from the purchase of another Florida home. https://youtu.be/4DALekpOzNA The Boston Celtics showcased their dominance on Thursday night, securing a pivotal victory (126-110) in Game 2 of the NBA‘s Eastern Conference finals against the Indiana Pacers. This win marked the first time Boston has taken a 2-0 lead in this postseason, signifying a strong start for the team in the series. Jaylen Brown was the star of the night, tying his playoff career high with an impressive 40 points. His offensive prowess, combined with the Celtics’ overall dynamic play, created insurmountable challenges for the Pacers. A critical moment came in the first half when the Celtics executed a devastating 20-0 run, essentially cementing their lead for the rest of the game. While Pascal Siakam brought energy and determination to the Pacers, recording 28 points and five rebounds, his efforts fell short in overcoming the deficit. The team felt the absence of Tyrese Haliburton, who exited in the third quarter with a sore left hamstring after scoring just 10 points and dishing out eight assists. As the series shifts to Indiana for Game 3 on Saturday night and Game 4 on Monday, the Pacers face the daunting task of regrouping and leveraging home-court advantage to stay alive in the series. https://youtu.be/8_hn-fYwMTs In a surprising turn of events, singer Sean Kingston‘s mother, Janice Turner, became the focus of a dramatic raid at a Southwest Ranches, Florida mansion. The Broward County Sheriff’s deputies and Davie (Florida) Police SWAT team converged on the property, resulting in Turner’s arrest on various charges related to fraud and theft. Aerial footage captured the moment Turner, 61, was taken into custody and escorted into a Broward Sheriff’s Office cruiser. The mansion, featuring seven bedrooms and 15,000 square feet of luxury, set the stage for this high-stakes incident. Attorney Dennis Card revealed that the raid was linked to a lawsuit he filed against Sean Kingston for allegedly not paying for high-end items accumulated at the residence. “He likes having bling, he likes showing off, he’s a showman,” Card explained, painting a picture of Kingston as a modern-day Gatsby. “My client has a $150,000 television sound system in there, there’s also about $1 million worth of watches and an $80,000 custom bed. This is organized, systematic fraud.” Seemingly a far cry from his “Beautiful Girls” fame, 34-year-old Sean Kingston faces accusations of living a lavish lifestyle at the expense of others. Card claims that Kingston utilizes his celebrity status to obtain goods without making payments by deceiving individuals into releasing items under false pretenses. https://youtu.be/D8uQ3JvPAxM Eddie Murphy‘s iconic character Axel Foley is back in action in the much-anticipated sequel “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.” The trailer promises a mix of nostalgia and new challenges as Foley returns to a Beverly Hills that has changed significantly since his last visit. This time, Foley is on a personal mission: responding to a direct threat against his daughter, played by Taylour Paige. Despite her initial reluctance, Foley’s daughter teams up with him and his new partner, Bobby Abbott (portrayed by Joseph Gordon-Levitt). Together, they dive into a dangerous conspiracy that threatens not just their lives but the safety of Beverly Hills. Old friends Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) and John Taggart (John Ashton) join the fray, bringing a sense of camaraderie and familiarity to the intense action. Directed by Mark Molloy with a screenplay by Will Beall and contributions from Tom Gormican and Kevin Etten, the film promises the classic blend of comedy and action that made the original a hit. https://youtu.be/KoxhkE_U3Ww The serene, glamorous backdrop of Cannes took a chaotic turn when the camps of hip-hop giants Travis Scott and Tyga clashed in an all-out brawl during an after-party. Multiple angles of the skirmish, involving Cher‘s boyfriend, Alexander “AE” Edwards, and 808 Mafia producer Southside, were captured and have been obtained by TMZ Hip Hop. The melee erupted at an event hosted by the renowned promoter Richie Akiva. According to sources familiar with the situation, tensions ignited while both Travis and Tyga were on stage behind the DJ booth. Richie, attempting to hype the crowd, grabbed the mic and acknowledged the hip-hop stars with a shout-out, “We got T-Raww, AE, and Travis in the building.” This seemingly innocuous comment did not sit well with Travis Scott, who appeared irked at being grouped together with Tyga, possibly due to their common past involving Kylie Jenner. In a swift reaction, Travis yanked the microphone from Richie’s hand, which prompted AE to confront him verbally in defense of his best friend Tyga. Reports suggest the altercation escalated when Travis threatened Tyga’s security and stormed off-stage, only to return with Southside in tow. The situation quickly deteriorated as Southside and AE began pushing each other, escalating into a physical fight where AE landed several uppercuts. In an attempt to intervene, Travis pulled AE off Southside but nearly tumbled off the stage himself in the ensuing chaos. vhttps://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-05-24-052424-travis-scott-tyga-fight-014/ Subsequently, AE and Travis found themselves grappling with each other across the stage. As news of the fight rapidly circulated on social media, it was mischaracterized by many as Travis Scott pummeling Tyga, adding a layer of confusion to the already tumultuous incident. Despite the disorder, no one sustained serious injuries, and security was able to break up the confrontation. Post-brawl, Richie Akiva vehemently chastised all involved for the violence that marred his event. Interestingly, while Travis and Southside opted to leave early, Tyga, AE, and their entourage remained at the party until the early hours as if nothing untoward had occurred. However, TMZ says it’s spoken to other witnesses at the party who claim “AE” was the instigator, as he ran up on stage and initiated physical contact with Travis. Aha! https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-05-24-052424-travis-scott-tyga-1834257-346/ Comedian Kevin Hart was recently awarded the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall in Washington, D.C.. The ceremony featured Dave Burd aka “Lil Dicky,” Dave Chappelle, Jimmy Fallon, Tiffany Haddish, Regina Hall, Chelsea Handler, Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld and J.B. Smoove. The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor “recognizes individuals who have had an impact on American society in ways similar to the distinguished 19th-century novelist and essayist Samuel Clemens, best known as Mark Twain,” per the Kennedy Center website. Other previous recipients are Richard Pryor (1998), Whoopi Goldberg (2001), Steve Martin (2005), Billy Crystal (2007), George Carlin (2008), Bill Cosby (2009; rescinded in 2018), Eddie Murphy (2015), and Dave Chappelle (2019), per silive.com. The pre-recorded 2024 Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor ceremony debuted only on Netflix on May 11. Hart was honored for his extraordinary contributions to the genre and his 25-year career in the entertainment business. During the event, Rock took the stage and made remarks about Hart’s second wife, Eniko Parish, that had fans giving him the side-eye. A woman on a recent Frontier flight to Houston was ejected for refusing to comply with exit row seat rules. s Vibe reports, the woman was seated in an aisle seat in the exit row and refused to say “yes” to helping other passengers in case of an emergency. According to viral footage shared by the TikTok travel account TravelWithTia, she also disrespected staff before officers hauled her off the plane. “Oh, I’m not going to save anybody. If something happens, I’m going to save myself,” the woman was reportedly heard asserting. According to Tia, the woman was “unruly” and called the Black flight attendant the N-word. “I don’t know why you brought the ni**a over here thinking she’s going to be one of us and get me to calm down.” https://www.tiktok.com/@travelwithtia23/video/7371419040365006126?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fwoman-removed-from-flight-for-ignoring-exit-row-instructions%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%2C72248227%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7371419040365006126 Last year, McDonald’s made waves by announcing its plans to phase out self-serve drink stations in its restaurants, aiming to create a more consistent dining experience for both guests and employees. The effects of this decision are now becoming clearer, as customers might have to brace for yet another significant change – the possibility of being charged for drink refills. https://youtu.be/yuy9bSPnBbU NBA star LaMelo Ball is facing a lawsuit for allegedly driving over a young fan’s foot and breaking it. The family of 14-year-old Angell Joseph is suing Ball and the Hornets after Ball’s vehicle ran over the teen’s foot last October. https://twitter.com/i/status/1793041627516178681 Apparently the boy was seeking a autograph and Ball ignored his request. According to NewsOne, Angell’s mother, Tamaria McRae, stated that his road to recovery is fraught with challenges. https://twitter.com/i/status/1793048452726718939 McRae recalled to Action 9 News what happened on the night of the injury. “[Angell] was like, ‘LaMelo, I love you. I love you, sign my … give me your autograph. Can you sign it for me?’“ But Ball departed in his car without signing anything. https://twitter.com/TheDunkCentral/status/1793041301576794578/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1793041301576794578%7Ctwgr%5E3a7870ef88aeb09d6a49d61138637676025a5a57%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fcharlotte-family-suing-lamelo-ball-after-fan-injury%2F Drake’s reputation for calling out fans during his shows is not going over well with ex-NFLer Channing Crowder. For the retired NFL linebacker, the move was a no-no as he voiced his displeasure to the Canadian rap star, whom he wanted to see in the parking lot after he hit on his wife, Aja Crowder. “Man, to hell with him. I ain’t worried about Drake. I’ll see Drake in the parking lot,” Crowder said in a video Aja filmed of his reaction to the 6 God’s attempt to hit on her. The footage that Crowder posted on Instagram was taken from a 2023 Drake show at the Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Fla. The Florida-based event was part of the entertainer’s It’s All a Blur Tour – Big as the What? Tour. At the time, the Crowders took a group of their peers to the Drake show after attending a cowboy-themed charity event for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County. https://www.instagram.com/channingcrowder/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=65d99446-20cb-48f9-8a0e-515b59d6d38a Crowder’s view of Drake expanded as he brought his opinion to X and shared the video of the “Poetic Justice” rhymeslinger hitting on Aja, with the add notion of him joining Future and producer Metro Boomin’ on a diss track. “Aye, Future and Metro! I see why y’all still don’t trust him. This man was shooting at my baby from the air. Let me in the booth!” https://twitter.com/i/status/1779632506800857344 A federal judge has sentenced Baltimore’s former top prosecutor Marilyn Mosby to time served and 12 months of home confinement – to be served concurrently with 3 years of supervised release – for mortgage fraud and perjury. In addition, Mosby was ordered to complete 100 hours of community service, according to the judgment. Mosby, who gained national prominence for charging six police officers in connection with the 2015 death of Freddie Gray in a police van, was convicted in two trials of making a false mortgage application and perjury. US prosecutors had asked the court to sentence Mosby, 44, to 20 months in prison, followed by a supervised release, according to a May 9 sentencing memorandum. That sentence, the memo says, would “make clear that those who break the law, including those in positions of public trust, will be held accountable.” https://youtu.be/UhOdfb1HzWk Mosby has claimed she is innocent and the charges against her are politically motivated. Her attorneys argued in a May 16 response she “has been punished enough,” asking for a sentence of time served with one year of supervised release. US District Court Judge Lydia Griggsby said she took into account that two juries found Mosby did something wrong and “breached a public trust,” according to CNN affiliate WBAL-TV, which had a reporter in court. The judge also said the fact that Mosby is a mother of two weighed heavily on the court, according to the news station. In addition to Thursday’s sentence, Griggsby ordered Mosby to forfeit 90% of her interests in the Longboat Key, Florida, condo connected to her conviction on making a false mortgage application. A preliminary order filed Thursday authorized the government to seize the property. Once sold, Mosby could receive up to $47,600 plus 10% of the home’s appreciation value. Mosby walked out of court with her two daughters and alongside a group of supporters, including civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who chanted, “Justice for Marilyn.” Mosby told the crowd she was “eternally grateful” for all her supporters and advocates. “This is not over,” she said. “But God was here today and I know he’s with me, he touched the heart of this judge and has allowed me to go home to my babies.” In a statement sent to CNN after the sentencing, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland said, “As always, we respect the judgment of the court.” https://youtu.be/GvN2J1oylPs Councilwoman Carmalitha L. Gumbs is a dynamic leader who has dedicated the past seven years to spearheading impactful initiatives and fostering creative goals in the City of South Fulton, Atlanta, GA. Passionate about mental health, senior care, cultural diversity, environmental protection, and economic growth, Councilwoman Gumbs has become a pivotal figure in her district and beyond. She recently channeled her efforts into preparing South Fulton for the inaugural Couture and Compassion fashion event earlier this month. This groundbreaking initiative, designed to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Month, fused the worlds of fashion and advocacy, enlightening and mobilizing the community in support of mental health awareness. https://www.instagram.com/p/CYrjd-fL58Y/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=72d4cffa-5e44-4af9-ab83-4c87b618402a Benzino condemned the Black community in an online video rant for its perceived lack of support for Sean “Diddy” Combs amidst increasing sexual assault allegations against him. “Since when have we given the law, the system, one of ours?” the former reality TV star during an appearance on The Danza Project on May 21, Vibe reports. “Since when? This man ain’t been charged with nothing criminally. Not one f**cking thing. They done went in the man’s property with tanks and army men and National Guards, and he ain’t got charged with one criminal charge right now to date,” Benzino added, referring to the FBI raids on Diddy’s homes in Los Angeles and Miami. “They don’t got one f***king charge yet,” Benzino continued. “I’m more upset about how our own are ready just to give him, ‘Here, take him. Lock him up.’ Since when do we do that?” Meanwhile, according to Candace Owens, the reason why the Bad Boy Records founder has not yet been criminally charged is because he’s a CIA asset. In a May 17 tweet, she wrote, “He’s not in jail because he’s a FED/CIA asset. Kanye tried to tell everyone.” https://www.instagram.com/thedanzaproject/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=9b5f5805-4f08-4c64-8272-2dd7d871edf1 Chaka Khan’s daughter, Indira Milini Khan slammed Sean “Diddy” Combs in the comments of his apology video on Instagram. For numerous fans and music industry insiders, witnessing the downfall of the Bad Boy Records founder has been a captivating spectacle. On Sunday, Combs posted a video statement in response to the video that leaked to CNN last week, showing him violently assaulting his then-girlfriend Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel in 2016. According to CNN, Diddy paid the hotel $50,000 for the hallway security footage at the time of the attack. The music mogul responded to the brutal assault video in his apology video posted on his Instagram account. Combs claims the disturbing attack occurred during the “darkest” moments of his life. “It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life. Sometimes you gotta do that. I was f***ed up,” Diddy said in the video. Cassie Ventura has finally addressed the domestic abuse video capturing disgraced music mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs assaulting her in a Los Angeles hotel. As we reported earlier, the hotel surveillance video from March 2016 “leaked” last week and shows Diddy, wearing only a towel, chasing Cassie down a hallway to the elevator bank at InterContinental Century City. He then grabs her by the neck, slams her to the ground, and kicks her. According to CNN, Diddy paid the hotel $50,000 for the hallway security footage at the time of the attack. Late last year, Cassie filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit against the music producer, which was ultimately settled out of court. The lawsuit encouraged more victims to come forward about their violent encounters with the music mogul, though he has declared his innocence regarding all allegations. On Sunday, Diddy responded to the brutal assault video. https://www.instagram.com/p/C7T6OCKRJ-W/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=ed1d349e-9a40-42c0-932b-22025fabd390 Jeopardy!” champ Austin Rogers shared his perspective on the upcoming pop culture spin-off of the game coming to Amazon Prime. Rogers supports the format of the upcoming new show but told TMZ that he prefers the traditional version. “As for whether he’d want to host, Austin says he’s conflicted — he loves “Jeopardy!” and hosting … but says there’s a dealbreaker rule you have to hear him explain,” per TMZ. Rogers, who won over $400K on the original “Jeopardy!” in 2017, sees the appeal for the spin off series but remains loyal to the beloved classic format. https://youtu.be/4nNbii1ucOw According to Sony Pictures Television, the new show format will focus on music, film, TV, stage, sports and more. “Pop Culture Jeopardy is its own cultural moment, marking the first time the iconic franchise will premiere exclusively on a streaming service,” said Lauren Anderson, head of AVOD originals unscripted and targeted programming, Amazon MGM Studios, Variety reports. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GNpsXaia0AcoYKc?format=png&name=medium “With a team-based approach and pop-culture focus, our global Prime Video customers will exclusively experience this innovative spin on Jeopardy! while testing their knowledge on topics that both define and transcend generations.” Suzanne Prete, president of game shows at Sony Pictures Television, added: “We couldn’t be more thrilled to collaborate with our partners at Amazon to make Prime Video the home for our new Jeopardy! spinoff series. With Michael Davies at the helm, Pop Culture Jeopardy! is going to be a nail biter for game show enthusiasts who can expect to see teams competing at the highest level of Jeopardy! combined with a fresh twist of pop culture Olympics for the mind…it’s going to be a must-watch for long-time viewers and new fans alike.” https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-05-17-051724-austin-rodgers-1830499-423/ Check out an exclusive clip of tonight’s new episode of “I Can See Your Voice,” with Shawn Stockman and Ron Funches serving as Celebrity Detectives. Per the press release: Hosted by Ken Jeong, permanent panelists Cheryl Hines and Adrienne Bailon-Houghton and a rotating panel of guest celebrity detectives must help one contestant tell the difference between good and bad singers, without ever hearing them sing a note. With $100,000 on the line, each contestant will attempt to weed out the bad “Secret Voices” from the good, based on a series of clues, interrogation, and lip synch challenges. In the end, the singer whom the contestant picks will reveal if they are good or bad in a duet performance with musical superstar Shawn Stockman, resulting in an amazing musical collaboration – or a totally hilarious train wreck in the all-new episode. The musical competition series airs on FOX and is based on a hit Korean game show. https://youtu.be/h_p8aDohZzE Michelle Williams will make her Broadway return this summer with the musical “Death Becomes Her.” According to Black America Web, the singer portrays Viola Van Horn in the production based upon the 1992 feature film that originally starred Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, and Isabella Rossellini (who played Viola). Williams has starred in a number of theatrical musicals over the years, including “Aida,” “Chicago” “Fela!” and “The Color Purple.” “I remember the very first time I hit a Broadway stage in 2003, in Aida,” Williams told the Chicago Defender. “And so, it’s amazing. Every couple of years, I find myself in an amazing Broadway production.” Williams said taking on the role of Viola Van Horn is “kind of scary because Isabella Rossellini was dynamite in her portrayal. And I’m hoping to hear from her. I just reached out to her the other day, like, ‘Oh my gosh.’ I need to reach out to her just to get some advice or tips or just to pay my respects and love on her and let her know how excited I am to follow her. So yeah, I’m pretty thrilled about it.” https://youtu.be/OWhGmuU4M4Y The superstar told the Chicago Defender that “… it’s fun to play a role opposite of how I am in real life.” “Death Becomes Her” runs from April 30 to June 2 before the production heads to Broadway, according to Black American Web. Check out the TikTok clip of Michelle Williams’ performance in the show. https://www.tiktok.com/@theatrely/video/7370567342251658542?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fmichelle-michelle-williams-to-star-in-death-becomes-her-musical%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7370567342251658542 There’s a reason why Rihanna is a billionaire. She’s a business mogul in every sense: Aside from a prolific music career, she’s launched successful brands including her cosmetics empire Fenty Beauty – worth an estimated $2.8 billion according to Forbes – and her lingerie label Savage X Fenty. Her latest move in China to promote makeup products is something of a masterclass in how to tap into its lucrative – mostly online – Gen Z market. On Tuesday night, the chart-topping singer attended a Fenty Beauty pop-up held at a Shanghai photography museum, “servin’ face” according to the brand’s Instagram, “Jianbing” – a popular Chinese breakfast crepe that costs about a dollar. Dressed in a head-to-toe black ensemble, Rihanna cracked an egg, spread yolk, sprinkled scallions, brushed sauce, and placed a crunchy cracker onto the savory street food favorite, made on a glittery food cart. Influential makeup bloggers invited to attend captured the spectacle and Chinese social media sprung to life. https://youtu.be/O7ImI96RKOI “She makes crepes but not her new album,” joked one user on Douyin, China’s TikTok, while another wrote on Weibo, “She’s so good at it, it’s hard to believe it’s her first time.” Rihanna is already a beloved star in China, recently appearing on April’s Vogue China cover. She has been viewed as appreciating Chinese culture, famously wearing a glorious golden yellow creation by master couturier Guo Pei to 2015’s China-themed Met Gala. And the decision to serve up Jianbing was a savvy move – one that embraced the star’s moniker among Chinese fans and displayed knowledge of her audience. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/bF9TDb8ip9k?feature=share In 2011, Chinese fans dubbed her the “Queen of Shandong,” after her hit “We Found Love” was phonetically translated to “weifang de ai” – meaning love of Weifang, a city in eastern China’s Shandong province. Jianbing is believed to have originated from the same province more than 2,000 years ago and for many in China, the 36-year-old’s turn at making the humble crepe was a full circle moment, with one viral comment on Weibo reading “she’s certified her own Chinese nickname” with the act. The Jianbing buzz only added to the chatter online about the singer’s appearance earlier in the day on Douyin, where she hosted three livestream sessions showcasing Fenty Beauty lip glosses, blushes and other products. https://youtu.be/8nPqB0Zubdg Even Africa’s wealthiest man has trouble traveling in his own continent. Despite doing business in multiple countries, Nigerian-born Aliko Dangote complains he faces far more hurdles crossing Africa than visitors with European passports ever do. “As an investor, as someone who wants to make Africa great, I have to apply for 35 different visas on my passport,” Dangote told the recent Africa CEO Forum in Kigali. “I really don’t have the time to go and drop off my passport in embassies to get a visa,” he said to laughter from the audience. The 67-year-old entrepreneur’s visa woes have reignited a fresh firestorm about the frustrations of traveling within Africa for Africans. https://youtu.be/Pqf7iEX9jnI It’s even more infuriating for many Africans that European passports from former colonial masters have more visa-free access in Africa than many African passports. It’s a point Dangote made powerfully in Kigali, when he turned to the French executive next to him and deadpanned: “I can assure you that Patrick (Pouyanné, CEO of Total Energies) doesn’t need 35 visas on a French passport, which means you have freer movement than myself in Africa.” Dangote commended Rwanda, which eliminated visas for all African nationals in 2023. Benin, The Gambia and Seychelles also offer visa-free access to all Africans. But many African countries still require visas from other Africans and the experience is fraught with discrimination, hostility and sky-high fees. https://youtu.be/YjkSfPkT6qQ McDonald’s locations in the US plan to introduce a combo deal comprising a burger, fries, drink, and nuggets for $5. However, restaurant owners express concerns about potential financial implications. As we reported previously, the fast-food giant faces profit declines amid economic challenges. To counter this, McDonald’s is ofering a $5 meal option, CBS News reports, which aims to lure customers back with wallet-friendly deals amidst nationwide inflation. However, a collective of independent McDonald’s franchise owners has voiced their opinions regarding the $5 meal bundle set to launch this summer, Daily Mail reports. The board of the National Owners Association wrote in a letter to membership: “The fact remains that in order to provide the consumer with more affordable options, they must be affordable for the owner/operators.” The group added, “McDonald’s vast resources and financial investment are essential to any sustainable affordable strategy.” https://youtu.be/yAEvlgnDSVs The basketball community is buzzing, not just for the rising prominence of a new WNBA talent but also for the intriguing conversations her stardom has sparked. Caitlin Clark, a 22-year-old phenom who brought unprecedented attention to women’s college basketball, is at the center of discussions about race, privilege, and beauty in sports. On a recent episode of “The View,” co-host Sunny Hostin elaborated on her perspective that Clark benefits from “White privilege” and “pretty privilege.” Hostin’s comments arose during a segment discussing Clark’s significant role in the WNBA’s growing popularity. Clark’s contribution to the sport is undisputed, with her professional debut breaking records as ESPN’s most-watched WNBA game ever. https://youtu.be/MhOC4VT-k1I “If Caitlin Clark is the vehicle that will bring this sport that I have loved so much and so long to little five-year-old girls playing in Harlem, I say, ‘Yes, bravo.’ I have no problem with that,” Hostin stated. “With that being said, I do think that there is a thing called ‘pretty privilege.’ There is a thing called ‘White privilege.’ There is a thing called ‘tall privilege.’ And we have to acknowledge that.” Standing firm in defense of Clark’s athletic excellence, Whoopi Goldberg, The View’s main host, passionately responded to the critiques from Hostin and others like Jemele Hill by citing Clark’s impressive statistics, including her title as the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer for both men and women. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Yez1iko1beQ?feature=share The estranged wife of former Trump prosecutor Nathan Wade claims he is attempting to cut alimony after receiving a $53K paycheck. We reported previously that Wade, who lost his prosecutor position in the Donald Trump election fraud case due to his affair with District Attorney Fani Willis, cited financial hardship to avoid paying alimony to his estranged wife, Joycelyn Wade. Joycelyn accused her ex of contempt of court in a divorce filing. According to the Daily Mail, she asserts she’s unable to cover the bills on her own since Wade ceased child support payments for their two children. After stepping down from the Georgia Trump case, Wade claims he cannot fulfill the terms of his temporary agreement with Jocelyn. But Jocelyn claims he received over $53,000 in paychecks three days after he filed an emergency motion to reduce his support payments in their divorce case. Joycelyn’s lawyers recently filed court papers alleging that Wade received payments from Fulton County for his work on the Trump case, and more payments are expected to roll in, the New York Post reports. Tennessee’s Medicaid program will in a few months provide free diapers for covered children under the age of 2 – the first state Medicaid program to do so, the program said Tuesday. On Friday, the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services approved an amendment to Tennessee’s Medicaid waiver, TennCare III, according to a news release from TennCare. The amendment will allow TennCare to cover the cost of up to 100 diapers a month for children under the age of 2 who are enrolled in TennCare or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (known in the state as CoverKids), starting in August. “These new initiatives will ease financial burdens for families and ensure the well-being of TennCare’s youngest members,” the release said. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently approved a similar Medicaid program in Delaware that will provide up to 80 diapers per week and up to one pack of baby wipes to parents for the first 12 weeks after giving birth. https://youtu.be/jg5wVV2Rm3Q At the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, former Destiny’s Child member Kelly Rowland found herself in the spotlight for more than just her glamorous appearance, as we reported earlier. The singer/actress had a viral encounter with a security employee during the Tuesday premiere of Marcello Mio, leading to widespread discussion about the incident. In a video shared by the Associated Press on Instagram, Rowland stood by her decision to call out the staffer for alleged mistreatment. “The woman knows what happened, I know what happened,” Rowland explained. “I have a boundary and I stand by those boundaries and that is it.” Rowland also pointed out a discrepancy in how she was treated compared to other attendees, saying, “There were other women that attended that carpet who did not quite look like me and they didn’t get scolded or pushed off or told to get off.” This statement highlighted a perceived bias in the behavior of the security personnel. “I stood my ground and she felt like she had to stand hers.” The incident occurred when an usher repeatedly touched Rowland’s arm in an attempt to hurry her into the theater. Upset by the invasion of her personal space, Rowland confronted the usher, who continued to push her and her companions up the Palais des Festivals staircase. https://www.instagram.com/apnewsentertainment/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=153bc361-5728-4941-871e-7b9bffe746c6 In a significant development in the sports media landscape, NBA legend and popular TV analyst Charles Barkley has voiced his frustration and disappointment with TNT management over the potential loss of NBA broadcasting rights to NBC, ESPN, and Amazon. Barkley’s candid remarks have cast a spotlight on the internal turmoil at TNT and ignited discussions about the future of the beloved show, ‘Inside the NBA.’ “Morale sucks. Plain and simple. The people I work with screwed this up so badly,” Barkley lamented, pointing to a pervasive sense of dissatisfaction among his colleagues. He has openly criticized the management’s handling of negotiations, which has resulted in TNT facing the possibility of losing NBA coverage for the first time in nearly 40 years. Amidst the uncertainty, Barkley has floated the idea of taking “Inside the NBA” independent. He suggested that he could hire the current crew under his production company and sell the rights to major platforms like NBC, Disney, or Amazon. https://youtu.be/ANUv6rxSWL4 Beyoncé is at the center of a new lawsuit over her 2022 hit single “Break My Soul.” According to the complaint filed in Louisiana federal court, the superstar and her record label Sony Music, is being sued by Da Showstoppaz, a group hailing from New Orleans, Billboard reports. They allege that Beyoncé unlawfully utilized elements from their 2002 track “Release a Wiggle” in “Break My Soul” which sampled Big Freedia’s 2014 song “Explode.” Big Freedia (AKA Freddie Ross) is implicated in the lawsuit, accused of incorporating “distinctive lyrics” from Da Showstoppaz’s song into “Explode.” The lawsuit focuses on the phrase “release yo wiggle” which the group asserts are “unique” to their song. “While Mrs. Carter…and others have received many accolades and substantial profits…Da Showstoppaz’s have received nothing—no acknowledgment, no credit, no remuneration of any kind,” wrote the group’s attorneys, per Billboard. https://youtu.be/iz1rIp1-b-Y “The infringing phrase ‘release yo’ wiggle’ and several other substantially similar phrases are featured prominently in the song and evenly spread out across Explode’s two-minute and forty-seven second runtime,” the lawyers added. “Any reasonable person listening to ‘Release A Wiggle’ and ‘Explode’ would conclude that the songs are substantially similar.” The attorneys noted that the “ ‘release a/yo wiggle’ has now become closely synonymous with Big Freedia, thereby contributing to Big Freedia’s fame.” The complaint emphasizes that “Big Fredia did not compose or write the phrase, and Big Freedia never credited Da Showstoppaz as the source.” https://youtu.be/OqZj0TlrSCk According to Billboard, copyright law doesn’t safeguard “short, simple phrases,” so the court might reject the case. The Da Showstoppaz are confident, however, that they “possess a copyright to their unique and distinctive lyrics” the lawyers wrote. https://youtu.be/Pa5IV_3fVfk Former model Crystal McKinney is the latest woman to come forward with sexual assault allegations against Sean “Diddy” Combs. McKinney claims the Diddler drugged and raped her in his NYC studio in 2003. The New York Post reports that she even kept her “unwashed clothing from the night he allegedly assaulted her wrapped in a plastic bag for more than two decades,” the outlet writes. According to the suit, filed in the Southern District of New York, the incident occurred when McKinney was 21. She initially met the music mogul during a dinner party in Manhattan and was told she “was going to make it big one day” as a model, per THR. The complaint details how Diddy was “flirtatious” with her and “bordering on leering” throughout the dinner. The woman claims Combs said he wanted to get to know her better and help advance her career. Later that night after the dinner, she went his recording studio, where McKinney claims one of Puff Daddy’s associates offered her a laced marijuana joint. “Plaintiff later came to understand that Combs had laced the joint with a narcotic or other intoxicating substance,” per the suit. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GOPHOQOXoAAFWK-?format=jpg&name=small "Act Your Age" is now streaming on Netflix, featuring all sixteen episodes. This comedy follows the journey of three accomplished women in their 50s from the DMV area, each at a personal turning point. Together, they discover that the best way to navigate life is by embracing it with humor and heart, starring Kym Whitley ("Next Friday") and Tisha Campbell ("My Wife and Kids"), with a special appearance by Yvette Nicole Brown ("Community"). Whitley portrays Bernadette as a driven and accomplished real estate developer. Campbell brings to life Keisha, the unpredictable member of the group who is always embarking on new adventures. Lastly, Brown embodies Angela, the former First Lady of Norfolk, Virginia, seeking to rediscover herself after the loss of her husband, a highly esteemed career politician. This captivating series was brought to life by Alyson Fouse, the brilliant mind behind "Big Shot," "Everybody Hates Chris," and "The Wanda Sykes Show." Alyson created the series and leads as showrunner and executive producer. Mark Burnett, Barry Poznick, and Bradley Gardner, known for their work on "Hot in Cleveland," join as producers. Ken Ornstein, co-executive producer of "Everybody Loves Raymond," rounding out the talented team. The Special Needs Network (SNN) is excited to announce the resounding success of its 16th Annual Pink Pump Affair, which took place on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at the iconic Beverly Wilshire Hotel. The "Sweet Sixteen" event commemorated sixteen years of dedicated service to families affected by autism and other developmental disabilities. The award-winning journalist Pat Harvey from CBS 2 News hosted the affair! "This year's Pink Pump Affair was a testament to the power of community and the impact we can have when we come together for a common cause," said Areva Martin, President and Founder of Special Needs Network. "The support we received will allow us to continue our mission of providing critical resources and advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities. I am deeply grateful to our board members for their unwavering dedication and support in making this night unforgettable." Terrence Howard made a few startling revelation during his appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, such as the claim that he owns the patent that laid the foundation for virtual reality. The actor also explained that he can kill gravity and attempted to debunk the Pythagorean Theorem. As The Independent reports, Howard insisted that he could “rebuild Saturn without gravity.” Rogan billed the episode as “one of the most interesting conversations [he’s] ever had.” “It’s a wild one, and I’m sure there’s going to be a lot of mixed reviews, but as crazy as some of the things this man is saying are, he’s clearly brilliant, and if he’s right it’s going to change the world,” Rogan wrote on Instagram, the Daily Express reports. During his discussion, the “Hustle & Flow” star revealed that his Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality patent was eventually abandoned, enabling other industry pioneers to fully exploit the capabilities of his invention. https://twitter.com/i/status/1792754375334691219 “The entire AR VR world was built off of my first patent that was abandoned because I paid $260,000 for the worldwide patent, but then my lawyers kept sending me these maintenance fees and annuities and I’m like, ‘These folks are just tryna shake me down. I’m not gonna pay this,’ ” Howard said. “It’s still making money. This patent has earned over 7 trillion dollars and you didn’t get a piece and I haven’t gotten a penny of it,” he added. In another part of the interview, Howard claims he ‘sacrificed’ himself to ensure Robert Downey Jr. secured the Iron Man role. Howard also detailed how he remembers’ being in his mothers womb and being circumcised. https://twitter.com/i/status/1793085169613869403 When Rogan replied, “You remember coming out?” Howard explained, “I remember being compressed and you want to panic, but you’re flooded with some serotonin and dopamine to where you feel relaxed and you go right back to sleep and you remember being born,” he said. “I remember being circumcised. I remember the whole nine.” Howard also mentioned that he and his team are on the verge of ‘defying gravity’ “We’re about to kill gravity. We’re about to kill their God, gravity, and they don’t want that,” he said. https://twitter.com/i/status/1792162514106519788 Rapper 50 Cent was quick to troll Sean “Diddy” Combs after the heartbreaking footage of his brutal attack on ex-girlfriend Cassie was leaked to CNN over the weekend. 50 took to his Instagram to react to Diddy’s apology with the caption, “This is not going to work, who is advising him right now? SMH bad move.” As we reported earlier, the hotel surveillance video from March 2016 leaked last week and shows Diddy, wearing only a towel, chasing Cassie down a hallway to the elevator bank. He then grabs her by the neck, slams her to the ground, and kicks her. Late last year, Cassie filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit against the music producer, which was ultimately settled out of court. The lawsuit encouraged more victims to come forward about their violent encounters with the music mogul, though he has declared his innocence regarding all allegations. According to Black America Web, 50 wasted no time to call out Diddy but he apparently stayed silent when Dr. Dre was accused of violently assaulting hip-hop journalist Dee Barnes. https://www.instagram.com/50cent/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=578edddf-f228-4af2-8e1f-d66bf06e7e73 Renowned Nigerian singer and songwriter Waje has embarked on an innovative journey with the exclusive release of her new EP “Same Human, Different Beast” on Gala Music, scheduled for release today, May 22nd. “Same Human, Different Beast” marks a significant shift in the music industry’s distribution landscape. The EP, featuring tracks such as “Worries,” “Odo,” “With You,” and “Energy,” promises to captivate audiences with its vibrant melodies and heartfelt lyrics. “I went from the Love Diva to the Voice of Africa because of my vocal strength and technique, and now I’m exploring other sounds, so it’s the same human, a different beast. I’ve always somehow fused my sounds together so it’s not really strange to find me doing something like this EP,” said Waje when asked why she is moving into Afro-Fusion melodies. Partnering with Gala Music represents a strategic move for Waje, as she is the first Nigerian music artist and the first African female artist on the platform. This collaboration provides her with a platform to connect directly with fans while embracing new opportunities in the rapidly evolving ownership economy of music. Many music artists struggle with the lack of transparency when it comes to bigger streaming platforms, and Gala Music hopes to change that narrative. By leveraging Gala Music’s commitment to empowering artists and engaging audiences, Waje is at the forefront of a movement that seeks to redefine how music is shared and consumed. Two key figures (Judge Scott McAfee and DA Fani Willis) in former President Donald Trump’s election interference trial in Georgia will fend off challengers in their elections Tuesday, CNN projects. Fani Willis, the Fulton County district attorney who is prosecuting Trump, is projected to win her Democratic primary rematch with attorney and author Christian Wise Smith. And Judge Scott McAfee, who is overseeing the former president’s case, is projected to win his nonpartisan election for Fulton County Superior Court. The 2020 election interference case in Georgia was sidetracked for months over whether Willis should be disqualified following revelations that she had a romantic relationship with her lead prosecutor, Nathan Wade. Willis has managed to stay on, while Wade stepped down in March. An appeals court has said it will revisit the question of whether Willis should have been removed from the case. https://youtu.be/Yu0_5PIvDtM Tuesday’s election was the first for McAfee, who was appointed to his job by Republican Gov. Brian Kemp in December 2022 to fill a retirement vacancy. Campaigning in Atlanta on Tuesday, McAfee told CNN he had “really enjoyed kind of being out there on the trail.” “Usually, we are in this legal bubble, where you are just talking to lawyers, and it is a healthy thing to get out there talking to some other folks,” he said. McAfee also spoke of wanting to further voters’ trust in institutions. https://youtu.be/4_vdOyEGuMM Entertainment mogul 50 Cent has been creating a media frenzy for months over his long-anticipated documentary on his long-time rival, Diddy. The wait is nearing its end, as EURweb has learned that this controversial project provocatively titled “Diddy Do It?” has secured a spot on Netflix. The multi-part series has been the subject of an intense bidding war, with numerous networks and streaming platforms vying to air it. Sources say that Netflix ultimately emerged victorious in securing the rights to the docuseries. While the release date remains under wraps, insiders suggest that subscribers won’t have to wait long to dive into the explosive content, reports TMZ. As of this posting, representatives for 50 Cent and Netflix have yet to comment on the deal. The documentary will explore the multiple sexual assault allegations against Diddy, whose real name is Sean Combs. https://youtu.be/jfBfDKZX35Y Diddy is once again in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. In a grimly familiar story, a new lawsuit has been filed by Crystal McKinney, a former model, who alleges that Combs lured her with promises of career advancement in 2003, only to sexually assault her. McKinney claims the incident occurred during a Men’s Fashion Week event in New York City. She alleges that after joining Combs and his colleagues in his studio where they smoked and drank, she found herself drugged and coerced into a bathroom, where Combs forced oral sex on her. McKinney’s lawsuit further states that she lost consciousness and woke up in a taxi, realizing she had been sexually assaulted. The trauma from that night, she claims, led to severe depression and a suicide attempt in 2004. Now, inspired by the recent lawsuits filed by Cassie and others, McKinney feels compelled to share her story. As “Diddy Do It?” prepares to make its Netflix debut, the tension between these entertainment moguls thickens, ensuring that the documentary’s release will be anything but quiet. https://youtu.be/yR7Tf6Bavrg Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) kicked off its Take Action for Mental Health Los Angeles County campaign on May 1. The campaign includes nearly 190 countywide events hosted by grantees that will provide well-being, resilience, and connection. One of them is the I Love Myself Festival. More about it shortly. Through the California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA), nearly 70 local community-based organizations were granted funding to host 186 events throughout May which encourage people to Take Action on their mental health for themselves and others. You should love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:39 In a released statement from the Take Action Campaign: “One of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health’s strengths is our ability to partner with communities, and we are proud to work together to break down barriers to mental health and wellbeing throughout this important month,” said LACDMH Director, Dr. Lisa H. Wong. The release continued: “May is Mental Health Awareness Month is about creating opportunities for Los Angeles residents to increase knowledge, build capacity, foster empathy and care, and create a community of hope.” One of the local organizations involved in the Take Action campaign is Project Pit, an innovative partnership platform uniting artists, brands, and organizations to deliver events that intersect entertainment with social impact. Cam’ron is speaking out about his controversial appearance on CNN’s NewsNight about Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and the recently leaked hotel surveillance video showing him violently beating ex-girlfriend Cassie. During the conversation with host Abby Phillip, Cam drank his sex stimulant HorsePower, and promoted the product. He even questioned why he was booked to discuss the Diddy drama for the CNN slot, KTLA reports. In the May 21 episode of his podcast with Ma$e, It Is What It Is, Cam referenced his 2003 appearance on Bill O’Reilly’s Fox News show The O’Reilly Factor to help explain his controversial CNN interview. Per Hip Hop DX, he said: “They invited me on the show to talk about what’s going on with Diddy and all that…My thing about it was, Ma$e, that they didn’t invite me on to say how successful our show is or the positive stuff we do in the community, how every day, five days a week Ma$e talks to kids on a Zoom call…We do all these positive things and you call me on CNN for the bullsh*t? ‘I’m gonna give you the bullsh*t. That’s just what’s gonna happen. “We got some free promo…You tried to use me, pause, whatever Diddy going through…The video, I don’t support it…The charges are f*cked up…They ain’t watch 60 Minutes, they ain’t watch Bill O’Reilly,” Cam’ron stated. https://twitter.com/i/status/1792762523038736875 Video footage captured Kelly Rowland in a tense exchange with security at the Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday, showing her displeasure with the manner in which she was being escorted into the theater. The superstar singer was photographed on the red carpet at the premiere of the French-Italian film “Marcello Mio,” where she was seen shouting at a female security guard. It’s unclear what the woman said that upset the former Destiny’s Child member, but fans online attempted to read Rowland’s lips and claim she said, “Don’t talk to me like that.” On X/Twitter, one journalist noted, “This is an accurate way Cannes security treats folks, especially if you’re Black and Kelly Rowland responded the RIGHT way to the disrespect.” https://twitter.com/ourhermitage/status/1793023045457633447?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1793083599153188976%7Ctwgr%5Ec29802f9f231a63fd6cfa1665ae4e19a3144df47%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fwatch-kelly-rowlands-confrontation-with-security-at-cannes%2F McDonald’s has launched its Grandma-Inspired McFlurry, now available at the beloved fast-food chain nationwide. “McDonald’s is the place where lifelong memories are made with grandma,” the brand says in a press release. “From treating us to an impromptu soft serve to letting us have dessert first — grandmas always know how to make us feel special. And now, it’s her turn.” The new McFlurry comes with syrup and chopped pieces of candy blended into vanilla soft-serve, per the Food Network. “The new Grandma McFlurry was created by a culinary team member who is a grandmother herself,” VP Menu Strategy Marcelo Fajnerman says in a statement. “She was relentless in perfecting a deliciously craveable treat meant to evoke special memories with grandma or the grandma-figure in your life, drawing from her own experiences.” https://youtu.be/RSRGQsZy3ls ’GMA3′ anchor DeMarco Morgan rattled his co-workers at ABC when the shared a provocative photo on Instagram last week. We reported earlier that Morgan’s viral images show him wearing skin-tight biker shorts, which left little to the imagination and created an uncomfortable situation for ABC’s family-friendly corporate parent, Disney, sources told the NY Post. ABC News employees attribute the controversy surrounding Morgan’s suggestive photos to a series of layoffs last year. According to The Post, executives responsible for overseeing the social media presence of the network’s on-air personalities were among those affected, and these key positions were not filled. Morgan, who replaced T.J. Holmes after his termination for his affair with former co-anchor Amy Robach, shared new images on IG Sunday. The pics show him and trainer Eric Graham before the GFNY NYC cycling race. Per TMZ, “DeMarco and Eric dressed for the occasion, rocking black bike shorts … which didn’t seem to highlight his privates — unlike before,” the outlet writes. https://www.instagram.com/demarcomorgan/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=5695bb05-6d10-454b-b481-a7c2cc5447da In a cryptic post on X, Serena Williams hinted at a possible return to professional tennis. “I’m ready to hit some balls again,” the 23-time Grand Slam champ wrote on Tuesday (May 21). As Vibe reports, she told Vogue two years ago that she was “evolving” from tennis.. “I’m evolving away from tennis, toward other things that are important to me,” she shared. “I have to focus on being a mom, my spiritual goals, and finally discovering a different, but just exciting Serena. I’m gonna relish these next few weeks.” Meanwhile, last month, Williams announced she was venturing into the beauty industry with her new makeup brand called Wyn, designed for an “active” lifestyle. https://twitter.com/serenawilliams?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1792888666785808408%7Ctwgr%5Eeb56c345ffc915735e054c58cca58386d5fd82c2%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fserena-williams-teases-potential-return-to-tennis%2F Apple Music recently unveiled its list of the 100 Best Albums of all time, crowning Lauryn Hill‘s 1998 solo project, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” as the top album. This notable recognition places Hill’s groundbreaking work above iconic albums like Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On,” The Beatles’ “Abbey Road,” and Stevie Wonder’s “Songs in the Key of Life.”Scott Plagenhoef, Apple Music’s global head of music programming, highlighted the unique approach of their list. “Unlike other lists, we wanted it to reflect albums that really had an impact on the music artists are making today and that these be hand-selected by the most passionate people on Earth,” Plagenhoef told USA TODAY. To celebrate the achievement, the Apple Music team surprised Lauryn Hill and her son, YG Marley, with an intimate dinner. Hill responded to the recognition with delight, calling it “crazy” and describing her album as a “rich, deep narrative.”Upon its release, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” shattered records, earning the most Grammys in a single night by a female artist. Despite being her only studio project 25 years later, the album’s influence remains profound. Recently, TMZ Hip Hop interviewed Hill and her son about potential new music, and fans have eagerly anticipated any updates since then. https://twitter.com/i/status/1793266513618915830 The city of Minneapolis is being sued by a former employee, who alleges former officer Derek Chauvin pinned her to the ground in the same manner he violently handled George Floyd when he killed him in 2020. At the time, Parry Day was employed by the Public Works Department. Her attorney acknowledges that the woman was drunk and depressed over personal issues during her encounter with Chauvin in Jaunary 2020. Officer Ellen Jensen and Chauvin arrived on the scene after Day’s minivan had been stuck in the snow for several hours. Day claims Chauvin pulled her from the vehicle and pinned her to the ground with his knee. He used the same maneuver on Floyd four months later, The Associated Press reports. “Chauvin is the most infamous police officer in Minnesota (if not United States) history,” according to the complaint filed in federal court. “This exacerbates Patty’s emotional suffering and increases the frequency of her flashbacks, as Chauvin’s name is repeatedly in the news.” Rep. Jasmine Crockett has launched her line of “Clapback Collection” merchandise inspired by her heated exchange with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene during a House hearing last week. In the viral video, Greene mocked Crockett’s “fake eyelashes” and Crockett referred to MTG as a “bleached blonde bad built butch body.’ As TMZ reports, now selling the phrase on t-shirts. “She says she’s actually filed for a trademark application, and her goal is to raise money to fund other Democrats running for congressional seats,” the outlet writes. In an interview on CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday, Crockett defended her response to Greene. “I don’t because here’s the thing. I signed up to be a member of Congress. That didn’t mean that I was supposed to walk into a position where I’m going to walk in and be disrespected,” she said, according to ESSENCE. https://youtu.be/tOec75TmGo0 Misa Hylton is speaking out about the heartbreaking video of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs beating Cassie Ventura at the InterContinental Los Angeles Century City hotel. Footage of the 2016 incident was leaked to CNN last week and Hylton, the mother of Combs’ eldest child, Justin, shared a message to Cassie via Instagram on Tuesday. The post included photos of Combs’ children, including Quincy Brown, the son Comb’s helped raise with late model Kim Porter. “I am heartbroken that Cassie must relive the horror of her abuse, and my heart goes out to her. I know exactly how she feels, and through my empathy, it has triggered my own trauma,” Hylton wrote. “These young people were raised by women that want the best for them—we put God and education first and have always been united in our mutual effort to support their dreams,” she continued. “Two of the youngest do not have their mother here and it has been our duty to support them,” Hylton added, referring to Diddy’s twin daughters with Kim, Jessie and D’Lila. https://www.instagram.com/diddy/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=cc3dd0c3-9c29-4d64-bf76-5711031de0f5 In the world of sports where physical perfection often seems paramount, Hansel Enmanuel Donato Domínguez stands out not only for his impressive athletic prowess but also for his indomitable spirit. Known commonly as Hansel Enmanuel, this young athlete from the Dominican Republic is redefining the limits of what is possible on the basketball court and in life. Born on October 24, 2003, in the Dominican Republic, Hansel’s life took a dramatic turn at the age of six. A devastating accident involving a collapsed wall resulted in the loss of his left arm. This tragedy could have deterred many, but for Hansel, it was the start of a challenging yet inspiring journey. https://youtu.be/cw7w7WMSMLM Today, Hansel is discussed not just as a remarkable college basketball player but as a potential NBA prospect. His path forward is watched eagerly by fans and aspiring athletes alike, offering a story of hope and the relentless pursuit of dreams, despite the challenges that may come. Hansel Enmanuel’s journey is more than just a sports story—it’s a narrative that continues to inspire and impact lives beyond the basketball court, reminding us all of the transformative power of positivity and perseverance in facing life’s challenges. For more detailed insights into Hansel Enmanuel’s life and career, readers can explore comprehensive articles available on platforms like Wikipedia, Olympics.com, and his Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/enmanuelhansel/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=0333c98d-cf41-455e-aea1-f297abf568ac Halle Berry showcases her survival skills as the mother of twin boys in the new trailer for the Alexandre Aja-directed film “Never Let Go.” The official synopsis includes the following details: “In this new psychological thriller/horror, as an Evil takes over the world beyond their front doorstep, the only protection for a mother, played by Academy Award® winner Halle Berry, and her twin sons is their house and their family’s protective bond. Needing to stay connected at all times – even tethering themselves with ropes – they cling to one another, urging each other to never let go. But when one of the boys questions if the evil is real, the ties that bind them together are severed, triggering a terrifying fight for survival.” Berry said she dabbled in “a little bit of Method acting” for the role, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “There was no electricity, no lights, my character skinning squirrels, and they’re eating bugs and frogs — raw frogs — in the woods,” Berry continued, “I had to really skin a squirrel. These things wildly challenged me to create some reality within this world that felt so foreign.” https://youtu.be/ZDfRp_ukHDU In a dramatic turn of events on Wednesday, a St. Louis judge ruled that Maurnice DeClue, the 15-year-old charged with brutally beating fellow student Kaylee Gain, will be tried in the juvenile court system. The ruling comes after compelling testimony from a juvenile officer suggesting a broader context to the altercation that left Gain, 16, in a coma. The case gained national attention when footage of the March 8 confrontation between Declue and Gain went viral. The clip showed DeClue repeatedly slamming Gain’s head into the pavement outside their school, resulting in severe brain injuries. Gain remained in a coma for months and only began walking again two months later. The incident led to DeClue being charged with first-degree assault and placed in juvenile detention, while authorities debated if she should be tried as an adult. Earlier this month, a juvenile officer testified that Kaylee Gain was a serial bully who had repeatedly tormented Declue. According to the officer, Gain had been suspended just the day before for another fight, highlighting a troubling pattern of behavior. The officer also revealed that Gain had initiated the fight with Declue by throwing the first punch, reports KSDK.com. On May 10, in response to the testimony and additional evidence, the judge decided that DeClue would remain within the juvenile justice system. This decision aligns with the officer’s recommendation and accounts for the nuanced backstory that contradicts the initial viral narrative. https://youtu.be/fx_ahIjQR-g In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Democratic Congresswoman said her new merch collection featues “various swag that includes random things.” Speaking to The Hill, Crockett said Greene’s (R-Ga.) comments about her eyelashes demonstrate that she’s racist. “She is racist. I mean, I don’t have any questions about that. Because, I mean, I don’t know that she’s ever attacked her own colleagues,” Crockett said. “Her and Boebert aren’t getting along. Boebert has clip-ins in her hair. And Boebert wears lashes, too, sometimes — it looks like. I don’t know. But she doesn’t attack her for any of her [physical embellishments]. She doesn’t do that, right? But she decided to do it to me. So absolutely [she’s a racist],” Crockett said. https://twitter.com/i/status/1791365004685439082 Target has slashed prices on more than 1,500 popular items beginning immediately, ranging from butter to laundry detergent, as the retailer attempts to attract inflation-wary shoppers turned off by high prices. Prices have dropped effective Monday, with “thousands more price cuts” — amounting to 5,000 items — being reduced over the summer, the retailer announced. The lower prices will aim to “collectively save consumers millions of dollars” on household staples and everyday items such as milk, fresh fruit, diapers and even pet food. The changes affect name brands, like Clorox and Prime energy drink, as well as its house brands. Although prices vary depending on city, Target highlighted some examples with a 75-count canister of Clorox wipes being reduced to $4.99 from $5.79 and one pound of unsalted butter from its Good & Gather brand dropping to $3.79 from $3.99. Other major retailers, like Ikea and Aldi, have been reducing prices in recent months in an attempt to re-attract consumers into stores and entice them to spend money, since many have slashed their spending because of inflation. https://youtu.be/Pj9aIGvddRU Since its surge, Target’s core middle-class customer base has been strained by higher prices and pulled back on discretionary goods such as home decor, electronics and nonessential clothing. In response, Target recently created a new house brand called Dealworthy to take on dollar stores and Walmart. The budget-friendly lineup consists of 400 items, from phone chargers to disposable plates and even underwear. https://youtu.be/A9rzLyta1-0 Tiffany Haddish expressed her happiness for her ex, Common, and his new partner, Jennifer Hudson in an interview while promoting her new memoir. “I love Jennifer. I hope they’re having fun,” she stated on the Making Space with Hoda Kotb podcast, Hot New Hip Hop reports. The comedian also had this to say about her breakup with Common … “It’s like, you remember when you was a kid and you’d be on a play date, and y’all like playing, having a good time, and then all of a sudden, y’all like sliding down the slide, and then you turn around and go, ‘Where did they go? Where did they — where’d they go?’ And you see them waving at you and they mama carrying them. And they’re like, ‘Byeee.’ That’s what it was like.” Haddish dated the rapper from 2020-2021 and previously said their split wasn’t “mutual.” Common and Hudson confirmed that they are boo’d up during an episode of “The Jennifer Hudson Show” in January. https://www.instagram.com/tiffanyhaddish/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=24f8cf9d-af41-428c-a1f7-7d46051c1c42 Donald Trump wants President Joe Biden to undergo a drug test before their scheduled debates next month and in September. According to RadarOnline, Trump believes Biden was “high as a kite” during his State of the Union address in March. The former president made the remarks during his speech at a rally in St. Paul, Minnesota. “I just wanna debate this guy, but you know– and I’m gonna demand a drug test too, by the way,” Trump told the crowd. “I am. No, I really am. I don’t want him coming in like the State of the Union. He was high as a kite … I said, ‘Is that Joe up there?’” Biden taunted Trump on X/Twitter, accusing him of avoiding debates since “losing two debates to me in 2020.” When he challenged Trump to another debate, the former reality TV star promptly accepted. “Donald Trump lost two debates to me in 2020. Since then, he hasn’t shown up for a debate. Now he’s acting like he wants to debate me again. Well, make my day, pal,” Biden tweeted on May 15. Grammy Award-winning singer Victoria Monét cancelled a slew of upcoming performances as she is dealing with “ongoing health issues.” As The Jasmine Brand reports, Victoria turned to social media to inform fans that she would be taking a brake as she takes time to care for herself. The artist said she had to cancel three of her upcoming performances. Victoria Monét wrote, “I am gutted to share that I will no longer be able to perform at Governors Ball (NYC), Roots Picnic (Philadelphia) or Blavity (Nashville) this June. I am so sorry!!” The post continued, “Candidly I have been dealing with some ongoing health issues that have to be addressed right now, but I will be back out there soon, that’s a promise! Please know it wasn’t an easy call but it’s definitely for the best. All other shows are still moving forward as planned. See you soon,” Monét has been candid about living with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), noting previously that “PCOS has me really messed up,” she told fans, per The Jasmine Brand. Mo’Nique took to Instagram on Monday with evidence to prove her claim about Kevin Hart ghosting her. When she appeared on, “Club Shay Shay,” the comedian told host Shannon Sharpe that Hart promised to help her secure a talk show but disappeared when the deal was about to happen. As Ice Cream Convos reports, Kevin’s manager told the production company that Hart wanted nothing to do with the Oscar-winning actress, according to Mo’Nique. To support her claims, Mo’Nique posted a clip of fellow comedian Chelsea Handler sharing a similar experience with Kevin. She said: “Here’s how great Kevin is – he said, ‘No problem, Chelsea, I got you! I’ll just get you a gig on my movie.’ I said, ‘Great! Behind the camera…in front…I don’t care. I’ll direct it if I have to.’ He said he’d even help me fill out the paperwork. I was so excited. He said, ‘I got you, Chelsea. I got you! I got you!’ And that’s when I learned that if you ask Kevin for a favor you can always count on hearing these three words: I got you. And then you can count on never hearing from him again.” https://www.instagram.com/therealmoworldwide/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=56d546a3-0112-4659-8392-c767ef0bf82d ”American Idol’s” 22nd season concluded on Sunday, and Fantasia Barrino, the winner of season 3, made a special guest appearance. As AOL reports, Barrino shared advise with the three finalists and lauded contestant Abi Carter following her victory as the new Idol. After the grand event, Fantasia reminisced about her own AI win in 2004. “It doesn’t feel like 20 years. Every time someone says that, my heart drops. I’m like, ‘Wait what?'” said Barrino, who was age 19 when she won the singing competition show. “[But] there’s been good, there’s been bad, but I was so young, and so my thing is I want to let the young people [on this season] know… make sure you have a great team and enjoy it,” she added. “Don’t take it too serious, you understand.” Barrino noted that through her personal and professional journey over the last 20 years, she has come to understand the significance of making independent career choices. https://youtu.be/siI8QT76cIE With Fantasia serving as CEO and McNair as president, Rock Soul aims to significantly impact the entertainment world, offering opportunities for artists and creators to thrive under its guidance and support. Per Variety, Rock Soul seeks to be “the intersection where creativity and excellence in entertainment meet.” “The formation of Rock Soul feels like a natural progression for me personally. It is the manifestation of my evolution as an artist, a creative and a businesswoman,” said Fantasia previously in s statement. https://youtu.be/uwZyw4Ixyts Amber Rose is catching heat from her fringe liberal fans after she endorsed Donald Trump’s presidential bid. As TMZ reports, Rose publicly announced her support for the former president on social media. The mother of two posted a photo of herself with Melania and Donald at an event. She also criticized President Joe Biden’s policies on X/Twitter. Rose’s tweet read: “Lmaooo yall think Biden cares about black ppl??? Sad. Do ur research. I did. I’ll ALWAYS put women first. Y’all want biological men in women’s sports Co Trump supports the most reasonable compromise on abortion. Stop being brainwashed cuz WE’RE ppl of color. Make your own decisions.” Hip Hop Vibe reports that Rose’s political stance incited a strong backlash from her fans. Some accused her of betraying both the Black community and women’s rights by supporting Trump. Meanwhile, in related news, we reported earlier that Cardi B also sparked outrage recently when she announced that she won’t be voting in this year’s presidential election. California is moving towards officially apologizing for the horrors African Americans endured during chattel slavery after the State Assembly voted unanimously to approve Assembly Bill (AB) 3089 on May 16. Authored by Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles), the “California Apology Act for the Perpetration of Gross Human Rights Violations” sailed through the Assembly with a 64-0 floor vote. AB 3089 is one of 14 reparations bills supported by the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) this legislative session. “Not only is the apology letter important, but it’s also what we do after it becomes law,” Jones-Sawyer said of AB 3089 after the legislation passed. “It’s whether or not we go ahead and fulfill the dream of what my ancestors wanted, which is fully to make us part of the American dream. And most importantly, get rid of the river of racism that has been running through our communities for so many decades and centuries.” https://youtu.be/O3rNAsMJYZg Renowned R&B singer and songwriter Tanya Nolan has achieved a historic milestone, charting twice simultaneously on the prestigious UK Soul Chart. Her singles “Honey” and “Like Water” have both secured spots on the Top 30 list, with “Honey” reaching #19. This remarkable achievement highlights Nolan’s exceptional talent and solidifies her position as a significant force in the contemporary R&B and soul music scene. Known for her powerful voice and emotionally charged lyrics, Nolan continues to captivate audiences and critics alike with her unique sound and heartfelt performances. https://youtu.be/_GslbLS_EDs “Honey” is a soulful track that delves into themes of love and vulnerability, showcasing Nolan’s rich vocals and songwriting prowess. The song has resonated deeply with fans, earning it a place on the chart alongside “Like Water,” another testament to her musical versatility and appeal. “It’s an incredible honor to see both ‘Honey’ and ‘Like Water’ charting on the UK Soul Chart. This is a testament to the support of my amazing fans and the hard work of my team. I’m truly humbled and inspired to keep making music that connects with people,” Nolan said while expressing her gratitude and excitement over this achievement. https://youtu.be/DELapj7GOqM Last summer, Red Lobster made $20 endless shrimp a permanent menu item. Endless Shrimp was a successful annual limited-time offer for Red Lobster for 20 years. But Red Lobster’s latest major shareholder, Thai Union, a Bangkok-based canned seafood company, saw the promotion as a way to sell off the mountains of shrimp it was catching and turned it into an everyday item. (Thai Union became Red Lobster’s largest investor in 2020.) The change cost Red Lobster $11 million. Red Lobster filed for bankruptcy Sunday, and the bankruptcy filing sheds new light on Thai Union’s role in the endless shrimp mishap. Red Lobster said it is investigating the circumstances of that promotion, which Red Lobster management opposed. Under a CEO appointed at the direction of Thai Union, Red Lobster eliminated two of its breaded shrimp suppliers, leaving Thai Union with an exclusive deal to provide shrimp for the chain, the filing said. As part of the settlement in Cassie’s lawsuit against Diddy, a strict NDA prohibits either party from publicly mentioning the other’s name. Cassie filed a lawsuit against the music mogul late last year, accusing him of physical and sexual abuse. The two immediately came to an agreement and settled for an undisclosed amount of money. According to TMZ, the NDA bars Diddy from mentioning Cassie name, which is why he did not directly apologize to her in his video statement that was posted on Sunday, following the leak of a video showing him violently beating the former singer. As we reported earlier, the hotel surveillance video from March 2016 leaked last week and shows Diddy, wearing only a towel, chasing Cassie down a hallway to the elevator bank. He then grabs her by the neck, slams her to the ground, and kicks her. On Sunday, the disgraced superstar responded to the disturbing footage. The Kings of R&B, Dru Hill, are celebrating their 25th anniversary by touring across the country. Over the last 25+ years, Dru Hill has received multiple awards, performed across the world, topped the Billboard Music charts multiple times, and has sold over 40 million records worldwide. Recording new material and continuously performing at sold-out venues around the globe, Dru Hill continues to solidify its legacy as one of the greatest groups of all time. Most recently, Dru Hill was the recipient of the Urban Music Icon Award presented by Black Music Honors. https://youtu.be/Oai1V7kaFBk Gayle King’s ex-husband, William Bumpus, reacted to her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover in a statement to Page Six. “Well, I can mark off one more item on my highly unlikely to ever happen bucket list! My teenage fantasy of hooking up with a Sports Illustrated Model has finally come true,”Bumpus, an attorney, stated. “WOW! Bravo to you Gayle … You Look Fantastic! Bravo to Sports Illustrated for selecting YOU!” Bumpus added … “I appreciate you more and more as time goes on, as a trailblazer, and also when I see our phenomenal kids and grandkids!” he continued. “I am proud of you and continue to wish you nothing but happiness. Enjoy!” As Page Six reports, King and Bumpus were married from 1982 to 1993 and share two children: daughter Kirby Bumpus, 38, and son William Bumpus Jr., 37. https://youtu.be/gnCEQdz6nkU “It goes to say – sexy isn’t an age. Sexy isn’t a size. Look how beautiful you look. That’s so inspiring to women of all ages,” said model Hunter McGrady on the show, “Yes girl, you did that,” she added, referring to the cover, CBS News reports. “I just never saw myself this way. I still don’t see myself this way,” said King. “But when I look at that…I go, I look damn good.” https://youtu.be/WDIdvP4Iwt8 Marquise White, the teacher who went viral on TikTok for livestreaming his female students undoing his braids in the classroom, is now under investigation by the Maryland school district. The middle school teacher selected students he referred to as “best friends” to help unbraid his hair on May 5 during a downtime in the classroom. We reported earlier that the clip amassed over 8 million views and sparked debate online about professional boundaries and the nature of student-teacher interactions White, known as “thilluminatin1” and White on TikTok, can be seen in the footage getting help from several female students to undo his braided, noting that he had scheduled a haircut right after school and needed the braids removed. “I had a hair appointment immediately after school, and I needed my hair taken out before. I would have taken it out the night before. But that Friday, we had a camera crew coming in to shoot a promotional video, and I was one of the ones being interviewed. So I had to look presentable,” he said. According to Distractifty, White was fired following the backlash. Many social media users believe that the braiding incident wasn’t the sole reason for his dismissal. https://twitter.com/i/status/1788694113346343038 Complex reports that the Maryland school district launched an investigation into a White, who worked at the Maya Angelou French Immersion School in Hillcrest Heights, Maryland. The teacher has been “reassigned out of the classroom pending the outcome of the investigation,” Lynn McCawley, senior public information specialist at Prince George’s County Public Schools, told People in a statement. Meanwhile, in the 2-part statement shared on X/Twitter, White “clears the air” amid the negative backlash to his classroom behavior with minors. https://twitter.com/i/status/1791651242541797462 Inquiring minds probed some of White’s older TikTok videos and one showed female students paining his nails. In another post, the teacher looks out the window of his class with the caption, “When you catch a student’s mom lookin like a snack during carpool.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1791651429435760750 After his dismissal, White shared an emotional TikTok in which the broke down in tear while reading messages allegedly from his students. https://youtu.be/MPr18SU4cdI “‘Hey bestie, I really hope that you see this message,’” he read while crying.“‘I hope that you’re okay. My class missed you so much. We want you to know that we love you and we miss you… I want you to know the class and others got your back. https://www.tiktok.com/@thilluminatin1/video/7367471808833981739?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fmarquise-white-teacher-fired-after-students-undo-his-braids%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7367471808833981739 Cam’ron appeared on CNN Monday night to discuss the video of Sean “Diddy” Combs violently assaulting his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. During the conversation with host Abby Phillip, Cam drank his sex stimulant HorsePower, and promoted the product. He even questioned why he was booked to discuss the Diddy drama for the CNN slot, KTLA reports. Abby asked the rapper about the recently leaked hotel surveillance footage that shows Combs physically assaulting Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel room in 2016. Cam’ron told viewers that “I don’t support any of that, trafficking minors, domestic violence, I’m totally against it. He also noted that while he knows Combs, he is not “necessarily a friend.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1792762523038736875 She added, “I’ve done CNN hundreds of times, including Abby’s show. Before every single appearance, a producer tells me or someone on my team what my segment is about and the types of questions that I’ll be asked. If you aren’t a regular, the producers typically insist on a pre-interview with either you, or someone on your team, who relays your talking points.” Hill continued, “So either 1) a producer didn’t tell him or his team what kind of questions he would be asked or 2) a producer told him or someone on his team and he purposely decided to use this opportunity as a publicity stunt anyway … or someone in his camp didn’t tell him what he was being asked,” she posted. “And I’m betting that if someone in his camp didn’t tell him what he would be asked, they’re not going to admit that they messed up,” Hill wrote, “Also, if a producer not being on their job led to this, today is going to be a tough day for that person.” https://pbs.twimg.com/ext_tw_video_thumb/1792895705872277505/pu/img/jSRp2OK3OMICEJ7t.jpg Convicted scam artist Lamor Whitehead, often referred to as the “Bling Bishop” due to his extravagant lifestyle, found himself behind federal bars Monday (05-20-24) following new court filings. In a decisive move, Manhattan Federal Judge Lorna Schofield revoked Whitehead’s bail, ordering him into the custody of the United States Marshal. Whitehead, who proudly touted his connection to Mayor Adams, was earlier this year convicted on a slew of federal charges, including wire fraud, attempted extortion, and providing false statements to law enforcement. The 45-year-old pastor’s downfall was precipitated by the revelation that he had defrauded $90,000 from the mother of a parishioner at his Leaders of Tomorrow International Ministries in Canarsie, Brooklyn. Prosecutors painted a damning picture of Whitehead’s misuse of the funds, showcasing how he indulged in luxury items rather than purchasing the promised home for his victim. Furthermore, he was accused of attempting to extort a Bronx businessman, falsely promising that he could wield influence for preferential treatment from the mayor and significant profits. It was clarified that Mayor Adams was not implicated in any wrongdoing, according to the NY Daily News. https://youtu.be/PQss7G62UOM Catch the Queens of R&B, Xscape and SWV on The Sherri show this Wednesday, May 22nd. "Shining Bright" in The Gospel Spotlight is Coko of SWV. Coko appeared inside the Gospel Spotlight with host HJ Ellison. https://www.gospel-spotlight.com/coko_intvw.htm Aaron Lindsey is a multiple Stellar and Grammy Award winning producer songwriter, musical director and pianist. Aaron adds “solo artist” to his list of titles with the release of his cover of the classic “We’re Blessed” featuring gospel legend, Fred Hammond. Originally recorded by Fred Hammond and Radical For Christ, this singles' promotion includes the launch of Multi Ethnic Records in partnership with Integrity Music / Integrated Music Rights, the launch of Believe LA in Calabasas (Believela.org/) , and Aaron’s presence in the gospel radio market. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2bWQmKTmPY On the heals of their #1 single, "The Promise," The MISSISSIPPI MASS CHOIR returns with the song that is sure to become an immediate standard. ONLY ONE WAY HOME is the choir bop we all need. Get ready to roll. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVEFTre-poE Chet Hanks had to school his famous father Tom Hanks about the beef between rapers Drake and Kendrick Lamar. As PEOPLE reports, Chet shared a screenshot of their conversation on his Instagram Stories. In one text message, Hanks asked his son … “Big Main, can you explain the Drake/ Kendrick Lamar feud to me?” Chet responds, “Yeah, so Drake and this other dude J Cole been saying they along with Kendrick are the ‘Big 3’ in rap. Then Kendrick put out a song saying, ‘F— the Big 3, it’s just big ME initiating the beef.” He continued by noting that Lamar called the Canadian rapper a “dead beat dad” and a “pedophile.” “But literally like 30 seconds later Kendrick put out a diss overshadowing Drakes diss where he pretty much methodically dismantled Drakes entire psyche and called him a pedophile for flirting with young girls and revealing Drake had another kid that he was hiding from the world, which turned out to be false,” Chet wrote. One person has died and at least 71 others were injured on board a Singapore Airlines plane that encountered severe turbulence on a flight from London to Singapore. The Boeing 777-300ER plane diverted to Bangkok, according to a post on the Singapore Airlines Facebook page. It said 211 passengers and 18 crew were on board. The company said initially in a post that 30 passengers had been hurt in the mid-air disruption and were being treated in hospitals, while other travelers were receiving outpatient care at the airport. The one person who died was a 73-year-old British man, identified as Geoff Kitchen. “Preliminary investigations indicate that the deceased suffered from a heart condition,” the General Manager of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport Kittipong Kittikachorn said Tuesday, adding that the autopsy process was still ongoing. https://youtu.be/tJ2xzR8lKRM Some injured passengers were sent to the nearby Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital, Kittikachorn said, adding that almost 200 travelers were waiting to take onward flights to their destinations. A Singapore Airlines plane carrying 131 of the 211 passengers later departed Bangkok for Singapore, he said. The hospital said in an update that at least 71 people had been injured, including citizens from Malaysia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Spain, the United States and Ireland. It also said six people are severely injured. Earlier, Kittikachorn had said seven people were critically injured. https://youtu.be/X7lkS3e0x98 The remains of Jamilla Smith, who was reported missing in December 2023, were found in a wooded area of South Carolina in May after a months-long investigation. The cause of death of the 30-year-old mother has been revealed, PEOPLE reports. According to Aiken County Coroner Darryl M. Ables, Smith died of gunshot wounds to the head. During the police investigation, Smith’s ex-boyfriend, 34-year-old Daniel G. Harmon, was arrested and charged in connection with the case, according to WLTX. Smith went missing after placing a 9-1-1 call claiming Harmon was chasing her and ran her over. As TooFab reports, during the call, the woman is heard screaming before the line goes dead. Smith’s body was recovered May 10 in a wooded area of Aiken, per USA Today. https://youtu.be/pT5zpxMWGWs In a stunning first look at A24’s upcoming drama “The Smashing Machine,” fans of Dwayne Johnson will be left doing a double take. Johnson, known for his imposing physique and unmistakable charisma, appears nearly unrecognizable in his riveting transformation into legendary MMA fighter Mark Kerr. This gritty biopic, directed by Benny Safdie in his solo feature directorial debut, also reunites Johnson with his “Jungle Cruise” co-star Emily Blunt. Blunt takes on the role of Dawn Staples, Kerr’s supportive yet struggling wife. Johnson’s portrayal of Kerr features drastic changes to his usual appearance. The actor and producer is seen with facial prosthetics, a wig to replace his natural bald look, and the notable absence of his iconic tattoos. This physical transformation is a testament to Johnson’s dedication to authenticity, as he steps into the shoes of Kerr, a celebrated yet troubled figure in the world of mixed martial arts. Kerr’s journey from a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion to battling addiction and personal turmoil forms the core of the narrative. Benny Safdie, who is known for his previous collaborations with brother Josh Safdie on acclaimed indie hits like “Good Time” and “Uncut Gems,” takes on a solo directorial role in “The Smashing Machine.” The project initially began in 2019 but faced delays due to the pandemic, reconnecting Johnson with Safdie and Blunt years later. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/uFNfG72L61M?feature=share Check out all the new content showing at this year’s American Black Film Festival! “Down in the Valley” - Down in the Valley,” a documentary series inspired by the vibrant world of “P-Valley,” set to air in 2024. The six-half-hour episode series hosted, and executive produced by Nicco Annan (“P-Valley”) will take viewers on a tantalizing tour of the Deep South, unveiling a complex South that is equal parts poignant, joyful, and magical. https://youtu.be/ufGTzOWMRsA Check out all the new content showing at this year’s American Black Film Festival! “Affion Crockett Presents Microphone Masters: Comedy, Community, and Collaboration” - “Affion Crockett Presents Microphone Masters: Comedy, Community, and Collaboration” moderated by Talitha Watkins, President & Head of ColorCreative, with panelists Crockett, Actor, Comedian, and Producer; Delmar Washington, Director and Producer; and Keesha Boyd, VP, Entertainment Products, Comcast and Executive Producer for the Black Experience on Xfinity. Enjoy a full episode screening and discussion centering on the creative process and collaborative work in bringing this 3-part stand-up comedy docuseries to life. Gain exclusive insights into the team’s process and goals to uplift emerging comedic talent and the partnership with Black Experience on Xfinity to further the mission of growing opportunities for Black storytellers and filmmakers. https://youtu.be/vwsvqL9LFgQ Check out all the new content showing at this year’s American Black Film Festival! “UnPrisoned” season two *world premiere - Join the world premiere screening of the second season of Hulu’s heartfelt dramedy “UnPrisoned,” starring Kerry Washington and Delroy Lindo, followed by a fireside chat with executive producers Washington and Tracy McMillan. In season two, the Alexander family is still a mess. Paige’s therapy practice is in trouble, Finn’s anxiety is through the roof, Edwin is still figuring out how to get his life together outside of prison, and their relationships are more complicated than ever. The family needs help, and it’s time to call in a professional – OTHER than Paige. The Alexanders turn to a “family radical healing coach,” who throws out all the rules to free them of the issues, old wounds and family secrets holding them back. Catch the Queens of R&B, Xscape and SWV on The Sherri show this Wednesday, May 22nd. "Shining Bright" in The Gospel Spotlight is Coko of SWV. Coko appeared inside the Gospel Spotlight with host HJ Ellison. https://www.gospel-spotlight.com/coko_intvw.htm Aaron Lindsey is a multiple Stellar and Grammy Award winning producer songwriter, musical director and pianist. Aaron adds “solo artist” to his list of titles with the release of his cover of the classic “We’re Blessed” featuring gospel legend, Fred Hammond. Originally recorded by Fred Hammond and Radical For Christ, this singles' promotion includes the launch of Multi Ethnic Records in partnership with Integrity Music / Integrated Music Rights, the launch of Believe LA in Calabasas (Believela.org/) , and Aaron’s presence in the gospel radio market. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2bWQmKTmPY On the heals of their #1 single, "The Promise," The MISSISSIPPI MASS CHOIR returns with the song that is sure to become an immediate standard. ONLY ONE WAY HOME is the choir bop we all need. Get ready to roll. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVEFTre-poE Chet Hanks had to school his famous father Tom Hanks about the beef between rapers Drake and Kendrick Lamar. As PEOPLE reports, Chet shared a screenshot of their conversation on his Instagram Stories. In one text message, Hanks asked his son … “Big Main, can you explain the Drake/ Kendrick Lamar feud to me?” Chet responds, “Yeah, so Drake and this other dude J Cole been saying they along with Kendrick are the ‘Big 3’ in rap. Then Kendrick put out a song saying, ‘F— the Big 3, it’s just big ME initiating the beef.” He continued by noting that Lamar called the Canadian rapper a “dead beat dad” and a “pedophile.” “But literally like 30 seconds later Kendrick put out a diss overshadowing Drakes diss where he pretty much methodically dismantled Drakes entire psyche and called him a pedophile for flirting with young girls and revealing Drake had another kid that he was hiding from the world, which turned out to be false,” Chet wrote. One person has died and at least 71 others were injured on board a Singapore Airlines plane that encountered severe turbulence on a flight from London to Singapore. The Boeing 777-300ER plane diverted to Bangkok, according to a post on the Singapore Airlines Facebook page. It said 211 passengers and 18 crew were on board. The company said initially in a post that 30 passengers had been hurt in the mid-air disruption and were being treated in hospitals, while other travelers were receiving outpatient care at the airport. The one person who died was a 73-year-old British man, identified as Geoff Kitchen. “Preliminary investigations indicate that the deceased suffered from a heart condition,” the General Manager of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport Kittipong Kittikachorn said Tuesday, adding that the autopsy process was still ongoing. https://youtu.be/tJ2xzR8lKRM Some injured passengers were sent to the nearby Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital, Kittikachorn said, adding that almost 200 travelers were waiting to take onward flights to their destinations. A Singapore Airlines plane carrying 131 of the 211 passengers later departed Bangkok for Singapore, he said. The hospital said in an update that at least 71 people had been injured, including citizens from Malaysia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Spain, the United States and Ireland. It also said six people are severely injured. Earlier, Kittikachorn had said seven people were critically injured. https://youtu.be/X7lkS3e0x98 The remains of Jamilla Smith, who was reported missing in December 2023, were found in a wooded area of South Carolina in May after a months-long investigation. The cause of death of the 30-year-old mother has been revealed, PEOPLE reports. According to Aiken County Coroner Darryl M. Ables, Smith died of gunshot wounds to the head. During the police investigation, Smith’s ex-boyfriend, 34-year-old Daniel G. Harmon, was arrested and charged in connection with the case, according to WLTX. Smith went missing after placing a 9-1-1 call claiming Harmon was chasing her and ran her over. As TooFab reports, during the call, the woman is heard screaming before the line goes dead. Smith’s body was recovered May 10 in a wooded area of Aiken, per USA Today. https://youtu.be/pT5zpxMWGWs In a stunning first look at A24’s upcoming drama “The Smashing Machine,” fans of Dwayne Johnson will be left doing a double take. Johnson, known for his imposing physique and unmistakable charisma, appears nearly unrecognizable in his riveting transformation into legendary MMA fighter Mark Kerr. This gritty biopic, directed by Benny Safdie in his solo feature directorial debut, also reunites Johnson with his “Jungle Cruise” co-star Emily Blunt. Blunt takes on the role of Dawn Staples, Kerr’s supportive yet struggling wife. Johnson’s portrayal of Kerr features drastic changes to his usual appearance. The actor and producer is seen with facial prosthetics, a wig to replace his natural bald look, and the notable absence of his iconic tattoos. This physical transformation is a testament to Johnson’s dedication to authenticity, as he steps into the shoes of Kerr, a celebrated yet troubled figure in the world of mixed martial arts. Kerr’s journey from a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion to battling addiction and personal turmoil forms the core of the narrative. Benny Safdie, who is known for his previous collaborations with brother Josh Safdie on acclaimed indie hits like “Good Time” and “Uncut Gems,” takes on a solo directorial role in “The Smashing Machine.” The project initially began in 2019 but faced delays due to the pandemic, reconnecting Johnson with Safdie and Blunt years later. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/uFNfG72L61M?feature=share Catch the cast of "Good Times" on Sherri this Tuesday May 21! WATCH THE CAST OF GOOD TIMES....https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flsNmO3lMG8 The 9th Annual Black Music Honors took place at the renowned Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, GA on Saturday, May 18th. Black Music Honors is an annual event that celebrates the illustrious achievements and exceptional contributions of Black music icons. Musical icons in attendance included Ceelo Green, MC Lyte, Marsha Ambrosius, Chrisette Michele, Next, Mr. Talkbox, J. Brown, After 7, Jekalyn Carr, Mali Music, Ruben Studdard, Kim Burrell, BLK ODYSSY, Donald Lawrence, Kevin Lemons & Higher Calling, Ricky Dillard, MonoNeon, Shanice, The Chi (Carl Thomas, Dave Hollister & Syleena Johnson), Tone Stith and David & Tamela Mann. The ceremony was co-hosted by singer and actress LeToya Luckett alongside comedic actor DeRay Davis and honored Johnny Gill, Patrice Rushen, Bootsy Collins , Hezekiah Walker and included a surprise salute to MC Lyte. In a candid and emotional video posted on Instagram, Sean “Diddy” Combs apologized for his actions captured in a 2016 surveillance video. The footage, which surfaced two days earlier on CNN, showed Combs physically assaulting his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, at the now-closed InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles. “My behavior on that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video,” Combs confessed in his statement via Instagram. “It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, but sometimes you got to do that,” he said. “I was f***ed up. I hit rock bottom — but I make no excuses. My behavior on that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video, I’m disgusted.” Combs added: “I was disgusted then when I did it. I’m disgusted now. I went and I sought out professional help. I got into going to therapy, going to rehab. I had to ask God for his mercy and grace. I’m so sorry. But I’m committed to be a better man each and every day. I’m not asking for forgiveness. I’m truly sorry.” The apology came after Combs had previously denied Ventura’s allegations of assault, which were the basis of a federal lawsuit filed by Ventura in November. The lawsuit, now settled, painted a grim picture of their tumultuous relationship. https://youtu.be/m13ku-ECGyI The surveillance video, compiled from multiple camera angles, documented a disturbing sequence of events. On March 5, 2016, Ventura is seen exiting a hotel room and walking towards the elevators. Combs, wearing a towel around his waist, runs after her, grabs her by the neck, and throws her to the floor. He then kicks her twice as she lies motionless. Combs briefly drags Ventura by her sweatshirt before walking away. Ventura, visibly shaken, eventually stands up and tries to use a hallway phone before Combs returns, shoves her, and throws an object at her. Despite the assault being evident on video, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office stated they could not press charges due to the statute of limitations. The LAPD confirmed they were aware of the video but had no open investigation involving Combs. Ventura’s attorney, Douglas H. Wigdor, expressed deep dismay over the video, lauding Ventura’s bravery in coming forward. https://youtu.be/vJ5MUScUAiw The relationship between Combs and Ventura, which lasted from 2007 to 2018, was fraught with allegations of repeated abuse. According to Ventura’s lawsuit, Combs was often physically violent and exerted significant control over her, using his power and influence throughout their professional and personal relationship. Ventura also alleged that Combs forced her into various sex acts with other men and that he paid the hotel $50,000 for the surveillance footage. https://youtu.be/RaR7_mMDYNY Following the release of the video, additional lawsuits emerged against Combs, accusing him of sexual misconduct and other illegal activities. Combs denied all allegations and stated he would fight to clear his name. His attorney, Aaron Dyer, criticized the federal investigation and searches of Combs’ homes, calling them an “unprecedented ambush” and a “witch hunt.” In his Instagram apology, Combs stressed his commitment to change, acknowledging the need for professional help and expressing deep remorse for his actions. “I’m committed to be a better man each and every day,” he reiterated, emphasizing his journey towards personal growth and accountability. https://youtu.be/PAFNHtdvGG0 Diddy’s recent apology video for his brutal 2016 assault of ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura has reignited public discourse, drawing varied reactions and backlash from prominent figures and fans alike. The video, meant to address his past actions and offer a public apology, has not soothed all wounds, with some finding it insincere and insufficient. One notable response came from gospel singer Kelly Price, who has a long history with Diddy, having collaborated with him and the late Notorious B.I.G. in the ’90s. https://youtu.be/-yu0CjNvzGA In other related developments, Bishop T.D. Jakes, who has been named in producer Lil Rodney’s controversial sexual assault lawsuit against Diddy, addressed the broader issue of male abusers in his Sunday sermon. As TMZ noted, without naming Diddy or Cassie directly, Jakes condemned male abusers, making his stance clear without delving into specifics. https://www.instagram.com/theshaderoom/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=aaed0a44-77cd-4b5a-b4d7-51b99a008c0e Former employees The hotel surveillance video from March 2016 leaked last week and captures Diddy nearly nude/dressed in a towel chasing Cassie down a hallway to the elevator bank. He then grabs her by the neck, slams her to the ground, kicks her, and drags her. The hotel surveillance video from March 2016 leaked last week and captures Diddy nearly nude/dressed in a towel chasing Cassie down a hallway to the elevator bank. He then grabs her by the neck, slams her to the ground, kicks her, and drags her. Revolt posted a statement saying, “We are deeply saddened and disturbed by the recent video circulation of our former chairman, Sean “Diddy” Combs,” It added, “Even with his recent separation from REVOLT, it is still our duty to address this matter, and recognize the direct impact it has on our staff, our audience, and the culture we represent.” Last year, Puff Daddy stepped down as Chairman of the company after Cassie filed a sexual assault lawsuit against him in November. https://www.instagram.com/p/C7J4iUFRGUk/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Minneapolis is going to party like it’s 2004. For the first time in two decades, the Minnesota Timberwolves are back in the NBA Western Conference finals. Also, the Indiana Pacers are headed to the Eastern Conference Finals. The T-Wolves, who trailed by as many as 20 points in the third quarter, stormed back to dethrone the defending champion Denver Nuggets in Game 7 on Sunday night, 98-90. In the process, they overcame a 15-point halftime deficit, the largest such comeback in a Game 7 in NBA playoff history. With Minnesota’s 22-year-old breakout star, Anthony Edwards, struggling through a 6-for-24 shooting night, Wolves four-time All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns turned in the most impressive performance of his nine-year career. Towns’ dominant play and clutch scoring in the fourth quarter fueled the Timberwolves’ remarkable rally. https://youtu.be/kja7OuYz5Qs “Every game, every moment, we believed we could do it,” Towns said in a post-game interview. “This is for the fans, for the city. We’ve been waiting for this moment.” The Wolves will face the Dallas Mavericks for the right to represent the West in the NBA Finals. Minnesota will host Game 1 on Wednesday. The Timberwolves open as -150 favorites to win the series over the Mavericks, who check in at +130, per ESPN BET odds. https://youtu.be/UxDp8cwmu8g Meanwhile, in another stunning Game 7 on Sunday (05-19-24), the Indiana Pacers set a playoff record in their rout of the New York Knicks. In a road game at Madison Square Garden, the Pacers had one of the greatest shooting halves in the 77-year history of the NBA. When the stunned Knicks tried to recover with a second-half push, the Pacers’ superstar and their super-sub delivered the final blows. The result was a 130-109 Pacers victory, eliminating the Knicks by finishing off four victories in five games after falling behind 2-0 in the series. The Pacers shot 67.1% overall, the highest field goal percentage for a playoff game in NBA history. Adding to the Knicks’ misery, star guard Jalen Brunson suffered a broken left hand during the third quarter. https://youtu.be/BSORNOP1ZpA The Pacers will head to Boston to open the NBA Eastern Conference finals against the Celtics on Tuesday. “Well, we’re the uninvited guest,” coach Rick Carlisle said after the Pacers completed their second consecutive series win over a higher seed. “Here we are. When you win a Game 7 in Madison Square Garden, you’ve made history. It’s very, very difficult to do.” https://youtu.be/TDT3peqL7OI President Joe Biden touted his administration’s efforts to place Black Americans into the highest echelons of political power during a Sunday commencement address at Morehouse College, while also acknowledging the anguish simmering among young people across the US over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The president, speaking to graduates at a preeminent college for Black men, delivered a forceful call for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza paired with the release of Israeli hostages – while urging a long-term political solution to the crisis. https://youtu.be/X18AnAEibTk “What’s happening in Gaza and Israel is heartbreaking: Hamas’ vicious attack on Israel, killing innocent lives and holding people hostage; innocent Palestinians caught in the middle of all this – men, women and children killed or displaced and in desperate need of water, food and medicine,” the president said. Biden faced a delicate balancing act ahead of his speech at Morehouse, where some students and faculty members opposed the president’s presence on campus because of his stalwart support for Israel’s campaign against Hamas. The White House worked for weeks to quell concerns, and it hoped the address would give Biden an opportunity to better connect with young Black men, a group that has been increasingly moving away from the president, according to recent polls. https://youtu.be/TZh2y7caX2U Master P wants to join the coaching staff of the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans. The rapper is confident that his mentorship could lead his hometown team to their inaugural championship. “I think we got a great team. I just think that maybe we got to wait a couple more years,” he told TMZ. “We love our city.” Master P added, “Y’all need to put me on the coaching staff next year and we gonna win the whole thing.” As Vibe reports, Master P’s NBA journey includes participating in training camp rosters for both the Charlotte Hornets and Toronto Raptors, notably scoring 8 points in a 1999 preseason game for the latter. Master P’s history with the NBA is well-documented. He joined training camp rosters for the Charlotte Hornets and Toronto Raptors. He has also coached and mentored numerous NBA stars before they embarked on their professional careers. https://youtu.be/GCi7juF1wIk Actress Kristin Chenoweth is praying for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs after the disturbing video was leaked last week showing him violently abusing his ex-girlfriend Cassie. The hotel surveillance video from March 2016 captures Diddy, dressed in a towel, chasing Cassie down a hallway to the elevator bank. He then grabs her, slams her to the ground, kicks her, and drags her. Chenoweth turned to social media to admit she was triggered by the footage because she is a survivor of domestic abuse, TMZ reports. She wrote…. “Never wanted to come out with it, but here we go. Several years ago i was severely abused. It took me therapy and prayer to understand i deserved better.” As TMZ reports, Chenoweth didn’t call out her abuser directly but “did say the abuse was the “lowest” she’s been in her life … admitting it’s been hard to forgive her abuser,” the outlet writes. She’s sharing her story now, hoping it might help someone facing a similar situation. “It’s like moving on,” said Jazz guitarist Gregory Goodloe about the meaning of the title of his new single “Groovin On” (Hip Jazz Records) which was released this month. “It’s moving forward…keeping the music going.” Gregory is a #1 Billboard chart-topper and Grammy nomination-qualifying guitarist who has performed with such iconic people as Norman Brown, John P. Kee, and Shirley Caesar. The Bishop College graduate in business also plays the drums. As a guitarist, he is also fluent in R&B and Gospel. We’re releasing another song after this one,” Goodloe added. Gregory debuted in 2016 with the single “All The Way” (Hip Jazz Records). He went on to release a collaborative single “Stylin’” with Grammy-nominated saxophonist Darren Rahn; the “Cool Like That” single with Bob Baldwin; “Somewhere Out There” with Billboard chart-topping guitarist Adam Hawley, and “Step’N Out” with Barbadian saxophonist Elan Trotman. Gregory Goodloe’s third single release garnered him that #1 Billboard position. Today he is a highly sought-after guitarist in the Jazz circuit. “I was performing in the service,” said the Army veteran when I asked about his debut. “In 2019 I received the #1 Billboard on the Jazz Chart, the next year a #4.” https://youtu.be/9u-FZG9NEfM John Legend and his wife, Chrissy Teigen, allegedly kicked a woman and her friends out of a photo booth at the Sports Illustrated 60th Anniversary Party this month. The viral clip shows popular TikToker Winta Zesu and her sister Vicky posing in a photo booth at the event, mamamia.com reports. The women claim they waited 30 minutes to use the picture booth. The footage shows Legend disrupting the group, telling the women that he Chrissy are going to “sneak in” to the booth and he basically boots them from the space. After Winta Zesu uploaded footage of the incident to her Instagram and TikTok, commenters labelled John and Chrissy “rude” and “entitled.” It’s not clear why she ultimately deleted the video from her TikTok, but it remains on her Instagram, according to Mamamia. https://twitter.com/i/status/1791891624349343980 Joe Budden is speaking out about omitting a segment from his podcast showing the graphic video of Diddy beating Cassie. The hotel surveillance video from March 2016 was leaked last week. In it, Diddy appears naked, wearing only a towel, while chasing Cassie down a hallway to the elevator bank. He grabs her by the neck and slams her to the ground, before kicking her and dragging her back down the hallway. As TMZ reports, Budden told viewers he would discuss it in the viral clip on The Joe Budden Podcast, but “he never touched on it … completely editing out the segment. Upset fans demanded answers, and JB organized a discussion on Twitter Spaces to address the controversy,” the outlet writes. Budden stated that he and his podcast crew initially addressed the issue but were advised to release an alternative version as the original was insensitive. Cassie’s lawyer issued a statement in response to Diddy’s apology for violently beating the singer in 2016. As we reported earlier, the hotel surveillance video from March 2016 leaked last week and shows Diddy, wearing only a towel, chasing Cassie down a hallway to the elevator bank. He then grabs her by the neck, slams her to the ground, and kicks her. Late last year, Cassie filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit against the music producer, which was ultimately settled out of court. The lawsuit encouraged more victims to come forward about their violent encounters with the music mogul, though he has declared his innocence regarding all allegations. On Sunday, Diddy responded to the brutal assault video. “It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life. Sometimes you gotta do that. I was fucked up,” he said in the clip uploaded to his Instagram account. Burger King announced that it will be rolling out its popular BK Melts nationwide. The fast food giant is also bringing back two beloved classics for a limited time. According to Delishably, beginning May 16, customers can get a “Classic BK Melt with two flame-grilled Whopper Jr. patties topped with American cheese, caramelized onions, and Royal Sauce sandwiched between toasted bread,” the outlet writes. Bacon lovers can opt for the Bacon BK Melt, “which is made the same as the classic but with lots of crispy bacon,” per the report. Burger King is also serving up the new Philly Melt, which consists of two burger patties, peppers and onions, Swiss cheese, and “Royal” sauce on toasted bread. Jeremy Schneider reviewed the sandwich for nj.com and wrote, “I tried to forgive how messy the burger looked upon unwrapping — it’s a melt after all, right? But the thing started to fall apart before I even took a bite. And it somehow tasted worse than it looked. The cheese, sauce and veggies all congealed to create a weird texture and an even worse flavor. Combine that with the artificial smokey flavor that comes with Burger King’s patties — some love this, I find it off-putting — and this was one of the worst burgers I’ve had in recent memory.” Simone Biles had had enough. The relentless noise from trolls about her husband (Jonathan Owens) had finally pushed her to the edge. Over the weekend, after Owens’ appearance at her competition in Hartford, Connecticut, the gymnastics star took to Instagram with a clear and emphatic message for the haters: “F*** off.” The backlash against the NFL safety had been brewing since he jokingly referred to himself as “the catch” in their relationship during an interview on “The Pivot” this past December. The joke, innocent in its intention, had become a source of constant criticism. https://twitter.com/i/status/1792005655055720468 When Owens was shown on TV as “Simone Biles’ Husband” at the event, social media erupted once again with negative comments. Biles, who had dominated the competition, could no longer stay silent. “I’m going to quickly address this,” she wrote on her Instagram Stories. “The joke was never a joke! Y’all are blatantly being disrespectful to my relationship & my husband. So I’m gonna go ahead and say this one time. Respectfully, f*** off.” She made it clear that any further negativity would be met with swift action. “If you keep commenting or tweeting at me, I’m just going to block you. Simple as that.” https://www.instagram.com/simonebiles/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=89777b74-414a-4f38-8e06-012957fe80c8 Kendrick Lamar reportedly invested $40 million to acquire a Los Angeles mansion. According to The Wall Street Journal, the rapper is moving his family to a lavish estate in Brentwood. Per Hip Hop DX, “The farmhouse-style home includes nine bedrooms and 15 bathrooms. Amenities include a wine cellar, gym, media room, spa and an elevator. There is also a swimming pool and 925-square-foot guest house,” the outlet writes. https://youtu.be/T6eK-2OQtew The report also notes that Lamar can afford the massive mortgage thanks at least partly to his feud with Drake. The artist is cashing out from streaming sales of his Drake diss tracks. According to Hip Hop DX, the songs have “generated over $725,000 in the last week, although it’s unclear how much of that goes directly into his pocket,” the outlet writes. https://youtu.be/_sJ79aDQTeQ Cassie’s husband, Alex Fine, shared his thoughts online about the leaked footage showing Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs beating the brakes off his wife. As we reported earlier, the hotel surveillance footage was captured in 2016 and shows Diddy, dressed in a towel, chasing Cassie down a hallway to the elevator bank. That’s when he grabs her by the neck, slams her to the ground and kicks her. The footage aligns with the wild accusations Cassie made in her lawsuit late last year against Diddy. Fine went on his Instagram to share a lengthy post about supporting victims of domestic violence, Complex reports. His post included a letter in which he wrote: “Letter to women and children: Men who hit women aren’t men. Men who enable it and protect those people aren’t men. As men, violence against women shouldn’t be inevitable. Check your brothers, your friends, and your family.” The Kings of R&B, Dru Hill, are celebrating by touring across the country. Over the last 25+ years, Dru Hill has received multiple awards, performed across the world, topped the Billboard Music charts multiple times, and has sold over 40 million records worldwide. Recording new material and continuously performing at sold-out venues around the globe, Dru Hill continues to solidify its legacy as one of the greatest groups of all time. Most recently, Dru Hill was the recipient of the Urban Music Icon Award presented by Black Music Honors. Founded in 1992 as “14K Harmony,” the group, discovered by manager Kevin Peck, evolved to become “Dru Hill” in 1996, engraving itself into the legacy of R&B music and bringing a dynamic sound to the ever-changing industry. Known for hits like“Tell Me,” “In My Bed,” “Never Make a Promise,” and “How Deep Is Your Love,”the group has given the world music for the ages. CeCe Winans latest album, More Than This, has made a resounding impact, debuting at the coveted #1 position on both the Top Gospel Album and Top Christian Album Billboard Charts. This extraordinary achievement not only signifies the album’s widespread acclaim but also solidifies CeCe’s position as a powerhouse in the gospel music scene. Remarkably, this tags CeCe’s 10th time debuting at #1 on the Top Gospel Album Chart, a testament to her enduring influence and the unwavering support of her dedicated fanbase. Winans’ response to the success of her second live recording, “I’m humbled beyond words and so grateful to hear the way that listeners are being impacted by these songs. This album isn’t just about the goodness of our God, it’s about God’s greatness. It’s amazing to see this project encouraging lives around the world. All praise to God for what he has done!” The momentum doesn’t stop there. The album’s lead single, “That’s My King,” is quickly becoming a CeCe Winans classic as it moves up both Gospel and Chirstian radio charts faster than almost every single CeCe has released in her career. More Than This is not just another album, it’s a testament to CeCe’s musical prowess, spiritual depth, and unwavering commitment to spreading the message of faith and inspiration through her music. Winans continues to elevate the genre, touching hearts and souls with her unparalleled talent and unwavering devotion to her craft. In addition to dropping a new album, CeCe Winans is performed in the American Idol grand finale that aired live on ABC this past Sunday, May 19. Winans joined other guests such as: Jon Bon Jovi, Nick Fradiani, New Kids on the Block, Jason Mraz, Hootie and the Blowfish, Wynonna, Seal, Cody Johnson, Bishop Briggs and James Bay. Alethea Crimmins, the globally acclaimed"positivity queen" and self-proclaimed "international hype girl," has become a beacon of inspiration with a colossal online following exceeding 1.6 million followers on TikTok and 1.1 million followers on Instagram. Renowned for her daily motivational mantras, including empowering phrases like "Be Great In Their Face" and "Have A Good Day On Purpose," each punctuated with her signature "Ya'Welcome," Crimmins has established the influential brand and podcast "Pimpin’ Positivity," dedicated to uplifting millions across the globe.Recognized and reposted by influential figures such as Madonna, Viola Davis, and Rihanna, Crimmins is not just a motivational speaker but a global influencer shaping a movement of empowerment, self-love, and positivity. Featured for her activism to promote body positivity as a plus size woman, she has been celebrated by The Advocate, News 15 KLAF, The Daily Advertiser LGBTQ Nation, The Jennifer Hudson Show, and 97.7 The Dawg Radio, among others. Now, the Louisiana-based creator is consistently doing work to level up her viral brand. Zhe Scott, Founder of The SEO Queen and Digital Marketing Instructor at UCLA Extension, Center by Lendistry, Simplilearn, SCORE, and the LA South Chamber, is thrilled to announce that registration for her highly anticipated course, SEO + AI Masterclass, is now open. Since the launch of The SEO Queen in 2017, her company has helped generate $250,000,000 in revenue for her clients online by using Google SEO. This comprehensive program equips businesses and marketing professionals with the latest strategies and techniques to dominate search engine results pages (SERPs) by leveraging the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and great SEO. https://youtu.be/gm49sbvMVQw It’s an exciting time for the Tankard family as they get ready to kick off Season 4 of their hit reality show, Thicker Than Water: The Tankards. The show had a very successful three-season run with the Bravo TV Network; however, this time around, they are branching out as Executive producers and owners of their own show under the CJC Network. Ben Tankard, patriarch of the family, known globally as the Godfather of Gospel Jazz, has touched hearts and blessed the ears of the masses for over three decades. With a plethora of honors and awards to his name, Tankard recently garnered another #1 song on the Billboard Smooth Jazz National Airplay Chart with his unique and captivating rendition of Marvin Gaye’s song, “Just Like Music” from his album SHINE. “I am elated about the tremendous response we have had at radio and retail for this new CD and equally geeked about the new season of our show,” Tankard says. "Shining Bright" in the Gospel Spotlight is Ben Tankard. He appeared inside the Gospel Spotlight with HJ Ellison. https://www.gospel-spotlight.com/bentankard_intvw.htm “In today’s digital landscape, SEO and AI are no longer optional – they’re essential for achieving online visibility and success for all brands,” says Scott. “This masterclass is designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to stay ahead of the curve and outrank your competitors.” The SEO + AI Masterclass offers four tiers to cater to different needs and budgets. Each tier features group coaching. If you want more than 5 hours one on one with Zhe Scott, who is the lead instructor and MIT Alumnus, you can take advantage of getting more. In addition, there are Masterclass tiers that also include Digital PR as well. The ultimate outcome of this course is that you will understand what Google SEO is, how to implement it effectively on your website, and how to use the best tools to reach your goals. Now, more than ever it is important for Businesses to stay on top of the changes in the Google Algorithm and consumer psychology to continue to sell products and services. This course will show you exactly how to get your website more attention from your best prospects, and also how to convert those website visitors into paying customers. Google is the most popular website on the planet and it is important for you to have the skills and tools available for you to win online. https://youtu.be/b36ItNiXyu8 Ghana-based artist Joseph Awuah-Darko took to his Instagram account over the weekend to accuse renowned artist Kehinde Wiley of sexually assaulting him on two occasions. Awuah-Darko claims the first attack occurred on June 9, 2021, and the second incident occurred on an undisclosed date. In his post, Awuah-Darko states, “To Kehinde: I thoroughly invite you to leverage your supposed credibility, your influence, your loyalists, and everything you have to gag those of us who come forward. Because I assure you, you will need it.” Awuah-Darko said that he is seeking “legal action” against Wiley, best known for his official portrait of Barack Obama in the Smithsonian. As ArtNews reports, in the post, Awuah-Darko wrote … “On 9th June 2021 – I was sexually assaulted by @kehindewiley. It almost destroyed me. I hope my words and opennness about my painful experience empower others to come forward. I hope all that unravels creates a path towards not only accountability but recompense and collective healing for other victims.” A damaging video has gone viral showing Sean “Diddy” Combs violently assaulting his ex-girlfriend Cassie. In the clip, the Bad Boy Records mogul grabs, drags, and kicks the former singer during an altercation. The abuse aligns with the allegations she made against him late last year in a now-settled federal lawsuit. Per CNN, Ventura’s attorney, Douglas H. Wigdor, said: “The gut-wrenching video has only further confirmed the disturbing and predatory behavior of Mr. Combs. Words cannot express the courage and fortitude that Ms. Ventura has shown in coming forward to bring this to light.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1791520834428780900 In recent months, Puff Daddy has been linked to multiple sex trafficking allegations. As we reported earlier… two women leveled accusations of sexual abuse against the music mogul a week after Diddy settled a $30 million lawsuit with singer Cassie in November last year. The following month, another woman accused Combs of gang rape when she was 17 years old in 2003. A male music producer filed a lawsuit last month alleging that Puff Daddy sexually assaulted him. https://www.instagram.com/theshaderoom/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=db49ee53-40a9-48a0-ae07-ea4c01b88b80 Even before law enforcement raided his homes, and today’s revelation of a video showing him violently assaulting former girlfriend, Cassie – rapper, producer, and businessman Sean “Diddy” Combs faced a host of legal issues. Since November 2023, he has faced five separate civil lawsuits accusing him of a range of sexual misconduct and other illegal activity. One of those cases has already been settled, but the others remain active. Several of the lawsuits allege misconduct was captured on video. In addition, some were filed under the New York Adult Survivors Act, which created a one-year window for adult victims to file a lawsuit against their alleged abusers and the institutions that enabled them, regardless of statutes of limitations. This one-year window ended on November 24, 2023. Authorities searched Diddy’s homes on March 25, 2024, because he is a target of a federal investigation carried out by a Department of Homeland Security team that handles human trafficking crimes, according to a senior federal law enforcement official briefed on the investigation. The investigation stems from many of the same sexual assault allegations put forth in the civil lawsuits, according to a second law enforcement source familiar with the searches. The music mogul’s attorney, Aaron Dyer, issued a statement calling the searches a “gross overuse of military-level force.” https://youtu.be/2magXCdfMHc Whoopi Goldberg has turned to the type 2 diabetes medication Mounjaro for weight loss. “I’m doing that wonderful shot that works for folks who need some help and it’s been really good for me,” she told host Kelly Clarkson on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” May 13, TODAY reports. “The View” co-host, who was previously 300 pounds, said, “I’ve lost almost two people” — referring to her weight. During the conversation, Clarkson confirmed that she used an unnamed medication to help with her own weight loss journey. Whoopi and the ladies of “The View” defended Clarkson after she received backlash for confirming that she’s taking a weight loss drug. https://youtu.be/mJ8sHsG4b10 “Kelly is getting backlash over this from people who say she previously claimed she was losing weight by walking,” Goldberg said, New York Post reports. “But here’s a point about that. A lot of people are taking the shot because they need it … There’s lots of reasons.” She continued, “She has been walking, but this has helped. They kick her behind when she’s bigger, they kick her behind when she’s lost the weight and now they’re kicking her behind because she said it out loud. Maybe she was more comfortable hearing somebody say that’s what I did.” https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GNihHtEWAAAoZ5m?format=jpg&name=900x900 ABC News employees attribute the controversy surrounding DeMarco Morgan’s suggestive Instagram photos to a series of layoffs last year. According to The Post, executives responsible for overseeing the social media presence of the network’s on-air personalities were among those affected, and these key positions were not filled. We reported earlier that Morgan’s provocative images show him wearing skin-tight biker shorts, which left little to the imagination and created an uncomfortable situation for ABC’s family-friendly corporate parent, Disney, sources told the NY Post. The IG snaps of the GMA3 co-host, who replaced TJ Holmes after being fired due to his scandalous affair with co-host Amy Robach, sparked heated discussions among top ABC brass. “Executives at the highest levels of ABC have flagged the photos internally,” a source said. “It leaves very little to the imagination.” A “Game of Thrones” prequel series is in the works that will debut next year. HBO boss Casey Bloys announced during Warner Bros. Discovery’s upfront presentation on Wednesday that the HBO drama series titled “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight,” is slated for a 2025, TheWrap reports. The series is set a century before the events of Got, centering on Ser Duncan the Tall and his diminutive squire, Egg, as the two unlikely heroes wander Westeros. Peter Claffey will star as Ser Duncan the Tall, while Dexter Sol Ansell stars opposite Claffey as Egg. Per TheWrap, the official logline for the series is as follows: “Set in an age when the Targaryen line still holds the Iron Throne and the memory of the last dragon has not yet passed from living memory, great destinies, powerful foes and dangerous exploits all await these improbable and incomparable friends.” https://youtu.be/YN2H_sKcmGw Freeform’s newest docuseries, “Royal Rules of Ohio,” offers an intimate look into the lives of the Agyekum sisters, three royal descendants from Ghana navigating their 20s in Columbus, Ohio. The series captures the unique journey of Brenda, Nana, and Thelma Agyekum as they blend their rich cultural heritage with the challenges of modern American life. https://youtu.be/jXWpWpsieKI “We are just trying to figure out life, love, and all these royal rules, but we cannot risk ruining the family name,” explains Brenda Agyekum. Roughly 25 years ago, the Agyekum family moved from Ghana to Ohio, bringing with them traditions and expectations of royal behavior. Brenda, the eldest sister, adds, “My sisters and I are trying to figure out these royal rules.” Nana Agyekum, the middle sister, balances respect for their heritage with the desire to carve out her own path. “We play by our parents’ rules because the culture has really instilled in us how to navigate this world,” Nana says. “But also, we’re kind of creating our own rules. We are in our 20s. This is the time you’re supposed to discover what you like, and what you dislike.” https://youtu.be/DLb1Nt6yTAE Apple intends to roll out a new feature allowing users to control their iPhones and iPads with their eyes. Apple announced that the “Eye Tracking” feature, designed for users with physical disabilities, will use Artificial Intelligence and won’t require additional hardware. It utilizes the front-facing camera to track a user’s eye movement as they navigate “through elements of an app.” “We believe deeply in the transformative power of innovation to enrich lives,” CEO Tim Cook declared in the media release. “We’re continuously pushing the boundaries of technology, and these new features reflect our long-standing commitment to delivering the best possible experience to all of our users.” The release date for the “Eye Tracking” enhancement has not been announced, but The Verge reports that it’s “likely to debut in iOS and iPadOS,” which are slated for release this year, per The Post. Kel Mitchell’s ex-wife, Tyisha Hampton, responded to his wild allegations that she repeatedly cheated on him during their marriage, became pregnant by other men, and had several abortions. This is the same ex who claims she once busted Kel and Nick Cannon engaged in some sexual role-playing freak session in their family home. Cannon, according to Hampton, was wearing a cheerleading outfit during their kinky intimate encounter. “This man is lying about abortions. Just the fact that you’re even lying about abortions is crazy,” Hampton said in a TikTok video Wednesday, Page Six reports. “That’s really crazy work. But then also to state that because of these fake abortions, because of cheating you wanted to — because of me cheating — this man said he wanted to kill himself,” she added. “Just think about how narcissistic that sounds.” Hampton added, “Kel’s math is not mathing. He is not talking about me,” she said in a separate TikTok video. “I am not the one that is pregnant. It’s not even physically possible.” https://youtu.be/q2DTFHk4LEM The Jamie Foxx-produced Luther Vandross documentary “Never Too Much” has been acquired by CNN Films in partnership with the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). Dawn Porter directed and executive produced the documentary film, which premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival and will debut in 2025 on CNN and OWN before streaming on Max, IndieWire reports. https://youtu.be/AzjM7HdxVwg “I wanted him to be able to tell you his story as much as possible, so how do you do that with someone who’s not with us?” Porter told The Hollywood Reporter. “A lot of that was thinking about the lyrics. [On] ‘Any Love,’ he was just endlessly frustrated with the absence of a romantic partner in his life,” she explained. “So through his lyrics, I think you get to know a little bit more about him.” “Luther: Never Too Much” explores Vandross’ musical legacy and influence. His former label, Sony, is on board with the project and some of the “Stop to Love” hitmaker’s former bandmates and collaborators. Those interviewed for the doc are Vandross’s musical partner Marcus Miller, Mariah Carey, Nile Rodgers, Clive Davis, Valerie Simpson, Richard Marx, and Jamie Foxx. https://www.instagram.com/dawnporter/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=f5f46a6e-bc86-4926-a35b-bf6e83d51723 Despite endorsing Joe Biden in 2020, Cardi B sparked outrage among fringe liberals this week when she announced that she won’t be voting in this year’s presidential election. In a new interview with Rolling Stone, she said, “I don’t f*ck with both of y’all niggas,” referring to Biden and Trump. Cardi said she has experienced “layers and layers of disappointment” with the current administration. She noted that many Americans feel “betrayed” by the high living expenses, inflation, low wages, and Biden’s support of the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. As The Cut reports, last November, the hip-hop star said she would never endorse a political candidate again. “I’m not endorsing no f*cking presidents no more, because how is there a $100 million budget cut in New York City for f*cking schools, library, police safety, and sanitation?” while Biden funds “two wars.” https://www.instagram.com/iamcardib/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=2385c341-7c44-40cc-8085-bae5a5e9f55f A Boogie Wit da Hoodie released a new studio album, Better Off Alone, today, with 21 tracks featuring Young Thug, Future, Lil Durk, Fridayy, Cash Cobain, and Mariah The Scientist. According to a news release, the rapper is hitting the road for his 2024 Better Off Alone North America, making stops in Houston, Miami, and San Diego. He recently added new dates that go on sale next week. The tour will feature special guests NLE Choppa, Luh Tyler, and Byron Messia on select dates. Tickets to the new dates will be available starting with a Citi presale. The general sale will be on Wednesday, May 22, at 10AM Local Time on ABoogieHBTL.com. Entertainment News site MadameNoire highlights viral TikTok videos in a series called Tales From TikTok. The latest installment features a video uploaded to the Military TV TikTok account on Oct. 14, 2023. In it, soldiers undergo taser training to demonstrate the device’s effectiveness. According to Military Times, soldiers must attend taser training, but being shocked by the device is voluntary. “When you say ‘voluntary’ in the military, if you have very much experience with us, we tend to laugh at that word because ‘voluntary’ kind of turns into ‘voluntold’ or ‘highly encouraged,” United States Air Force Lieutenant Col. Melissa Brown told Military Times. “We do explain to them that it is good for them to understand exactly what it’s going to do and give them confidence that if they’re in a situation where they are going to use it, that it is going to work very effectively for them — but we don’t put any pressure beyond that for them.” In the post’s comments, one person wrote, “i laughed way harder that I should have on the last one.” https://www.tiktok.com/@militarytv.com/video/7289972295764921642?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Ftiktok-videos-show-soldiers-undergoing-painful-taser-training%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7289972295764921642 Another US tourist (Sharitta Shinese Grier) was arrested Monday in Turks and Caicos after being accused of carrying ammunition into the islands. That makes this the fifth arrest in recent months of a US national on ammunition possession charges in the British Overseas Territory, a chain of 40 islands located in the tropical Atlantic Ocean southeast of the Bahamas. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force said in a news release that Grier, 45, of Orlando, Florida, was charged with one count of possession of ammunition after a routine security search at the Howard Hamilton International Airport on the island of Providenciales on May 13. The search found that Grier had ammunition in her possession, the news release said. Grier appeared in the Turks and Caicos Magistrate Court on Thursday and remains in custody until her next court appearance on July 5, police said. CNN has not been able to determine whether Grier has an attorney or to reach her family for comment. https://youtu.be/aV6-N4fH0dY The California African American Chamber of Commerce partnered with the California African American Action Fund to host its annual “Honorable Gwen Moore California Legislative Reception.” The event took place on May 7 at the Sutter Club in downtown Sacramento. Check out an exclusive clip of this week’s episode of the new reality series “The Barnes Bunch,” which airs on Friday (May 17) at 10 pm ET on WE tv. In our preview of the upcoming new episode, Anansa finds out Matt invited his sister to their Christmas photoshoot without her knowing. Per the news release: “The Barnes Bunch” follows NBA champion and successful Podcaster, Matt Barnes, alongside his fiancée, model and reality personality, Anansa Sims, as they navigate love, forgiveness, and personal growth while reconciling their past. Both incredibly active and supportive parents, they are often aided by Sims’ mother, supermodel and New York Times Bestselling author, Beverly Johnson. Amid their chaotic lives with a blended family of six kids, now they confront the challenge of conquering their complex history to forge a future together and build a lasting union. The stakes are even higher as they navigate co-parenting, family dynamics, fame, and their growing empire.” https://youtu.be/P0z3yjDcn_0 Chrisean Rock finds herself entangled in legal proceedings after being served lawsuit documents related to an alleged altercation involving Tamar Braxton’s backup singer, James Wright Chanel. According to RadarOnline, the “Baddies” star, 24, (whose real name is Chrisean Malone) was reportedly served with legal documentation in person on May 4 while she was attending football practice at Cathedral High School in Los Angeles. We reported earlier that Wright is suing Rock for allegedly punching him repeatedly in the face backstage at a Tamar Braxton concert at the Novo club last November in Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Times reports. After the violent attack, James shared a video on social media of him at the dentist getting his teeth fixed that Rock allegedly knocked out. He sustained multiple face lacerations and two broken teeth. “She hit him multiple times in the face for no reason at all. We were surprised that she was able to leave the facility that night,” said Wright’s attorney, Kevin Anderson, per the LA Times. “She had on rings that were pretty much equivalent to brass knuckles.” https://www.instagram.com/tamarbraxton/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=9aefae77-7f0f-4e8e-b6a7-1f4765126146 The 16-year-old suspect (Christopher Bouie Jr.) accused of opening fire at a club in Florida last month, injuring 10 people including NFL Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell, is being charged as an adult in the shooting, officials said. Dell, who sustained a minor wound, was caught in the middle of the shooting in Sanford and had no connection to the gunman, Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma said at a news conference Monday afternoon. Sanford is about 20 miles north of Orlando. A judge moved Bouie Jr., from juvenile to adult circuit court on Monday, according to a news release from the Office of the State Attorney for the 18th Judicial Circuit. Bouie is charged with five counts of attempted second-degree murder while discharging a firearm and one count of possession of a firearm by a minor in connection with the shooting, court records show. Lemma said nine of the 10 people who were shot have been released from the hospital with minor wounds. The last victim should be released soon, he said. https://youtu.be/t0mbHG5yU3k Love & Marriage: Huntsville star Melody Shari continues to establish herself as a confident, no-nonsense businesswoman and influencer who’s also a singer with a hit song called “Nobody’s Business.” However, it may now make sense to add “chess player” and “marketing genius” to the list of descriptors. As rumors and trash-talk swirl within the reality TV blogosphere regarding current events in her personal life, Melody has maintained her silence…until now. Over Mother’s Day weekend, Melody hosted a free brunch for mothers in Huntsville, AL sponsored by her beauty brand, Seventh Avenue Beauty. Then, she released her hot new single, “Nobody’s Business,” which was immediately followed up by the official music video on YouTube. Within six hours the track surged to #1 on the iTunes R&B chart. “Nobody’s Business” is all about karma, addressing the infidelity Melody endured during her marriage, as well as the bizarre antics and smear campaigns aimed at her following divorce, which played out in the press and before a national audience on Love & Marriage: Huntsville. “One of the biggest things I have tried to master when it comes to my self-worth is learning to control my emotions and release them when I want to, how I want to. It has taken a lot of work on my part because my clapback game is strong,” Melody Shari said. “I made up my mind that music is going to be my outlet. To know that me sticking to my plan put a song at number one with no label, no backing, not working with some big producer – that just comes to show obedience is better than sacrifice.” https://youtu.be/eX0j4_l7xFk Utah GOP Sen. Mitt Romney said that if he were President Joe Biden he would have “immediately pardoned” former President Donald Trump. “Had I been President Biden, when the Justice Department brought on indictments, I would have immediately pardoned him,” Romney told MSNBC’s “The 11th Hour with Stephanie Ruhle” in an interview set to air Wednesday. “I’d have pardoned President Trump. Why? Well, because it makes me, President Biden, the big guy and the person I pardoned a little guy.” Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, faces 88 charges over four criminal indictments in Georgia; New York; Washington, DC; and Florida — with the latter two being federal cases prosecuted by Special Counsel Jack Smith. While the longtime Trump critic disagreed with Biden’s handling of the federal cases, Romney also criticized Trump’s attacks on the courts and called out Republicans who are trying to curry favor with the former president amid his hush money trial in Manhattan. The former president, who has pleaded not guilty to all charges, has repeated the baseless claim that Biden has weaponized the Justice Department against his 2024 presidential election rival. He has also continuously attacked the judges overseeing his cases, giving rise to security concerns with some receiving threats. “I think it’s a terrible fault for our country to see people attacking our legal system, that’s an enormous mistake,” Romney stated. Bachelorette star Rachel Lindsay has criticized her estranged husband, Bryan Abasolo, in court documents for allegedly disclosing her financial information amid their contentious divorce proceedings. According to RadarOnline.com, the reality star urged the court to seal specific sections of Bryan’s recent support motion. Abasolo filed for divorce on January 1, 2024, and wants Rachel to pay him monthly spousal support. The 44-year-old chiropractor claims he needs the money to afford his own place. Bryan still lives with his ex at their home in Los Angeles, where she pays most of the bills. According to Radar, Bryan declared in his court filing, “Neither of us wants to continue to live together.” He added, “Our current living situation is very awkward and strained. We generally do not even talk to each other and try to avoid each other. Rachel has security cameras outside our home. Only Rachel has the credentials to the security cameras, and Rachel can monitor my comings and goings.” https://youtu.be/ylcFjWTP704 Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are reportedly headed for a divorce, with insiders claiming Ben has “moved out” of the home they share. “The writing is on the wall – it’s over,” one insider tells In Touch. “They’re headed for a divorce – and for once, [Ben’s] not to blame!” The tea spiller claims Affleck “decided to call it quits” on the marriage. “He’s focusing on his work and his kids now,” the insider adds. “Ben already moved out and they’ll likely have to sell the dream house they spent two years searching for. They’ll never stop loving each other, but she can’t control him, and he can’t change her. There’s no way it could have lasted.” Lopez and Affleck tied the knot in Las Vegas in 2022 at the famous Little White Wedding Chapel. In a lively interview with actress Tiffany Boone, we unpacked the captivating new series “The Big Cigar,” which premieres globally on Friday (May 17) on Apple TV+. Inspired by the magazine article penned by Joshuah Bearman, known for his work on “Argo,” the show embarks on a thrilling journey into the convergence of Hollywood and social upheaval. Set against the backdrop of real-life events, the series unfolds the audacious tale of Black Panther founder Huey P. Newton’s daring escape from the clutches of the FBI to find sanctuary in Cuba. With the assistance of famed producer Bert Schneider, the escapade takes on the guise of a fake movie production, leading to a cascade of misadventures. As Boone reveals, the series’ allure lies in its dramatic flair and grounded portrayal of a largely true narrative, albeit with its own twists and turns. The upcoming limited drama series, starring André Holland as Black Panther leader Huey P. Newton, will debut with the first two episodes and then air new episodes every Friday through June 14. Per the news release, multiple-award winner Don Cheadle directed the first two episodes. https://youtu.be/d0t0QL7ba1U TidalWave Comics is adapting Janet Jackson’s life story into a comic book, part of their Female Force series. Titled Female Force: Janet Jackson, the comic, written by Michael Frizell and illustrated by Ramon Salas, “will begin with her origin as the youngest sibling of the iconic Jackson family to the 2004 Super Bowl debacle and the history she made along the way and beyond,” per Vibe. The official press release states: “Female Force: Janet Jackson” presents an enthralling 22-page narrative. Available in both digital and print formats, this comic can be easily accessed across various platforms, including Amazon. Fans have the option to enjoy the softcover and hardcover editions, featuring a cover designed by the renowned Pablo Martinena.” “You know what’s cool about writing about Janet Jackson? It’s like telling a story of triumph and creativity. Her legacy isn’t just about hits; it’s about breaking barriers and unapologetically herself.”,” said Frizell. According to the release, in the “Female Force” series, “TidalWave showcases an impressive lineup of distinguished figures, encompassing authors, business tycoons, entertainers, journalists, politicians, and activists.” charmingly fails. Entertainment News site MadameNoire highlights viral TikTok videos in a series called Tales From TikTok. The latest installment is a March 19 clip of a cheeky toddler named Ny Ny who attempts to give her grandmother the middle finger but charmingly fails. A video of the moment was shared to the @NyNy_Granny20 account, showing the child “being dragged out of the house by the hood of her coat during a feud with her grandmother,” MadameNoire writes. “Leave me alone,” the little girl shouted as her grandmother pushed her out the front door. “Don’t come back no more, baby!” granny clapped back. Social media users apparently find the moment funny and adorable. https://www.tiktok.com/@nyny_granny20/video/7348186616923524395?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fcheeky-tot-attempts-to-mimic-rude-gesture-towards-grandma%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_pause_share&referer_video_id=7348186616923524395 A high-ranking official at Florida A&M University resigned following her involvement in accepting a record-breaking donation for the institution. The gift swiftly crumbled under scrutiny, raising doubts about its true worth. Politico reports that trustees launched an investigation into the acceptance of the gift from a Texas hemp farming executive, questioning how it was approved without their prior knowledge. We reported earlier that Florida A&M University (FAMU) received a historic $237.75 million contribution from the Issac Batterson 7th Family Trust. Gregory Gerami, CEO of Batterson Farms Corp, presented the generous donation to FAMU during the recent commencement ceremony at the Al Lawson Center. However, following an emergency FAMU Foundation Board meeting last week, FAMU President Larry Robinson stated that the university would pause any further action until it could assess the value of the stock options contributed by Gerami, a trustee of the Isaac Batterson Family 7th Trust. The donation to the university has drawn praise and skepticism from FAMU staffers and alumni alike. Some expressed concern about Gerami’s background and financial history, which cast doubt on his portrayal as a wealthy hemp farmer and entrepreneur. The Mirage Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip, and its instantly recognizable volcano, is soon shutting down after more than three decades in business. The 3,000-room resort will cease operations on July 17 as it undergoes a three-year renovation that wipes away any markings of the Mirage and its tropical theme. Opened in 1989 by casino mogul Steve Wynn, the Mirage ushered in a era of luxe resorts for the Strip and was the first resort to have a sidewalk attraction with its volcano, prompting the Bellagio and Venetian to imitate the Mirage with its dancing fountains and canals, respectively. “We look forward to the beginning of an exciting journey into a new era as Hard Rock Las Vegas will ignite the Strip with entertainment, innovation and world-class hospitality,” the Mirage said on its Facebook account, which has been flooded with memories in the comments. In addition to the volcano, the Mirage was also home to other quintessential Las Vegas features like the Siegfried and Roy’s white tigers show and a Cirque du Soleil show set to Beatles music. https://youtu.be/mNo5kqR7tc0 We can kinda understand why ABC News executives are in a frenzy over a series of provocative photos posted on Instagram by “Good Morning America 3” co-host DeMarco Morgan. The images, which show Morgan in skin-tight biker shorts, have left little to the imagination and created an uncomfortable situation for ABC’s family-friendly corporate parent, Disney, sources told the NY Post. The IG snaps of Morgan, who replaced TJ Holmes after his scandalous affair with co-host Amy Robach, have sparked heated discussions among top ABC brass. “Executives at the highest levels of ABC have flagged the photos internally,” a source said. “It leaves very little to the imagination.” https://youtu.be/X4rvR8FNeTk Actress Robinne Lee wrote the beloved novel on which the hit film is based. Lee is best known for her roles in Deliver Us From Eva, Being Mary Jane, Hav Plenty, and the Fifty Shades franchise. Speaking to Variety, Lee said, “I thought it was important that people knew that a Black woman wrote this book. Because if it inspires one other little girl out there with a journal and a pen to say, ‘I can do this. I can write a story that eventually becomes a movie with a big Oscar-winning actor,’ then I want to be the person for that kid.” Per the official synopsis: The film centers on Solène, a 40-year-old single mom who begins an unexpected romance with 24-year-old Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galitzine), the lead singer of August Moon, the hottest boy band on the planet. When Solène must step in to chaperone her teenage daughter’s trip to the Coachella Music Festival after her ex bails at the last minute, she has a chance encounter with Hayes and there is an instant, undeniable spark. As they begin a whirlwind romance, it isn’t long before Hayes’ superstar status poses unavoidable challenges to their relationship, and Solène soon discovers that life in the glare of his spotlight might be more than she bargained for. https://youtu.be/V8i6PB0gGOA Lee said she spent six years writing a book before writing “The Idea of You,” which she “could not sell.” “Right before The Idea of You, [I wrote a book] that I could not sell. It was a Black protagonist. There was a white love interest. And one of the responses I got from an editor at that time was, ‘Oh, well, no, we already have an interracial relationship that we’re putting out this year,’” she shared. “When I thought about this book, I was like, ‘Okay, I’m gonna sell this book. Nothing’s gonna keep me back.’ If I have to make two white characters, I’m going to make them two white characters, but I’m going to make them very personal and specific to me.” https://www.instagram.com/primevideo/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=43cd31d1-0824-431a-b570-1d2a8cc6183e And the da drama continues. In a candid and emotional interview on “Club Shay Shay,” actor Kel Mitchell shared intimate details of his tumultuous marriage and rise to fame with host Shannon Sharpe. itchell opened up about the profound personal struggles he faced behind the scenes. The actor recounted how his then-wife Tyisha Hampton became pregnant multiple times by other men during their marriage. “We had the abortion, but then we had a baby, and she ended up telling me that the baby that was aborted wasn’t mine,” the “Good Burger” star revealed, reflecting on the early days of their relationship. When Sharpe asked if the marriage was ever the same after that, Mitchell replied, “No, this is the beginning. This started at the beginning. Within that process and that being known… now I’m on TV. I don’t have time to really process that.” The former child star who got his start in 1994 on the kids’ show “All That” detailed the harrowing experience of Hampton nearly dying in the hospital while giving birth to their first child, Wisdom, in 1999. Despite the crisis, Mitchell was expected to return to work immediately. He also disclosed that his wife became pregnant again during their marriage but said, “It wasn’t me.” https://youtu.be/q2DTFHk4LEM “Yeah, I stuck around,” Mitchell told Sharpe, emphasizing the gradual unveiling of these painful truths. He revealed that they stopped being intimate once he became aware of her infidelity. Mitchell recounted a particularly heartbreaking incident when he found his wife at a hotel with a “friend” while he was working long hours. “I got in the whip, went driving around, saw her whip. I saw it at the hotel. I go to the lobby, turns out dude just come walking down the lobby about to go to the car. My car that she was driving. I’m like, ‘Oh, OK, what’s up? Take me upstairs.” Mitchell described confronting his wife, who appeared surprised and tried to explain. However, he chose to walk out of the room, realizing the gravity of their situation. “I’m going back up there, cops came, everybody came up at that point. I remember this cop told me, he said, ‘I seen this, this type of woman. This situation, you need to get out of this situation.’” https://twitter.com/SikiraT/status/1608317487032205312/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1608317487032205312%7Ctwgr%5E1d94923f76c0549a7fe73bac1e99309323efdde8%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fkel-mitchell-details-painful-marriage%2F In an exclusive conversation with musician Brittany Howard, the creative force behind the new Netflix animated film “Thelma the Unicorn,” explore the whimsical world of Thelma, a humble pony with dreams as big as her heart. Directed by Jared Hess of “Napoleon Dynamite” fame and Lynn Wang (“Unikitty!”), the film follows Thelma’s extraordinary journey from obscurity to global fame after a magical transformation turns her into a unicorn. However, as glittering as her newfound stardom may seem, there’s more to Thelma’s story than meets the eye. https://youtu.be/BOEMUudvYAw Earlier this month, the sun shone brightly over the campus of Arizona State University, casting a warm glow on the excited faces of graduates at the spring commencement ceremony. Among them was Dorothy Jean Tillman II, a 17-year-old Chicagoan who had just achieved an extraordinary feat: walking in her graduation ceremony after earning her doctoral degree in integrated behavioral health from ASU’s College of Health Solutions. Dorothy’s journey was nothing short of inspiring. She was homeschooled in her early years, which allowed her to progress at her own pace. Her academic prowess became evident when she entered college at just 10 years old. By 2020, she had already earned a Master of Science degree. The following year, at 15, she was accepted into the Doctorate of Behavioral Health Management program at Arizona State University. https://youtu.be/xnhbR7taXTs In December 2023, Dorothy successfully defended her dissertation, officially earning her doctoral degree. She turned her dissertation into a journal article focused on reducing healthcare stigma and improving student access to health services. Her innovative ideas and dedication impressed Dr. Lesley Manson, a clinical associate professor at ASU who oversaw her dissertation. Dr. Manson described Dorothy as an “inquisitive” and “innovative” student, emphasizing her rare and unique accomplishments. Dorothy’s passion for education was deeply rooted in her family’s legacy. She credited her grandmother, a Civil Rights movement participant, for instilling the importance of education and lifelong learning. https://youtu.be/Q39yspViJNI Transgender influencer Sidney Starr enlisted her close friend Darius McCrary to spark online controversy and get folks to subscribe to her OnlyFans account. Sidney posted a video of herself and Darius grinding and kissing. The post generated mixed reactions on social media, with one X/Twitter user writing, “Eddie Winslow been freaky. This is nothing new. He has children by….. And sat here years ago doing an interview saying he was the real superhead. He said he was the real eater in all his relationships so…” Another person wrote, “Eddie Winslow f*cking with Sidney Starr on her OnlyFans was not on my bingo card…2024 is really off the chain.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1790825502761975976 Former Obama campaign worker Peggy Moore and her wife were killed in a car crash in Southern California last Friday. According to NBC Bay Area, Moore, 60, and her spouse, Hope Wood, 48, were riding as passengers in a Jeep pickup truck that crashed into a Chrysler sedan on Highway 76 near Fallbrook in San Diego County. The 60-year-old driver of the Jeep and the Chrysler’s driver also perished. One additional passenger in the Jeep survived the accident. “Many of her friends and family are shocked by– somewhat comforted by the idea that they went immediately. That they went instantaneously without pain and that they went together,” Former Oakland mayor Libby Schaaf said, according to KRON4. “She had been the state director of Obama and she agreed to the campaign manager for a one term council member who was challenging the incumbent this was back in 2013 – 2014,” said Schaaf. Moore and Wood first met while campaigning for Barack Obama in 2008. In 2019, the Oakland community leaders co-founded Hope Action Change, a consultancy and coaching firm dedicated to promoting diversity and equity, per NBC Bay Area. https://youtu.be/ZaFU3ZAgLRo President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have both accepted an invitation from CNN to debate on June 27, a historically early showdown that will set the tone for the final months of the 2024 campaign. “I’ve received and accepted an invitation from @CNN for a debate on June 27th. Over to you, Donald. As you said: anywhere, any time, any place,” Biden said in a post on X. Trump later told CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, “The answer is yes, I will accept.” Later Wednesday morning, both men said they had accepted an invitation from ABC to hold a second debate on September 10. The news is the latest development in a quickly escalating tit-for-tat over debates between the two political rivals. Biden’s campaign earlier called on Trump to join him for two presidential debates hosted by news organizations and formally informed the Commission on Presidential Debates that the president will not participate in its previously scheduled fall debates. The former president quickly said he was on board with earlier debates and told radio host Hugh Hewitt that he would accept any moderator. https://youtu.be/o6msnQHTXA4 A woman is taking legal action against DJ Akademiks, alleging he and two other men sexually assaulted her in 2022. Fauziya “Ziya” Abashe filed the civil lawsuit in New Jersey Tuesday, accusing Akademiks, whose real name is Livingston Allen, of rape and defamation. She claims he showed her surveillance footage of the alleged attack on the pool deck of his home and texted her to “get tested” after the incident. Abashe watched the video of her being assaulted by the two men, and “she looked like she was just lying there lifeless, which did not sit right with her,” read the lawsuit, Complex reports. She claims she initially opted to stay silent and refrained from pressing charges. However, she later reversed her decision after the allegations resurfaced towards the end of 2023. Per USA Today, Tyrone Blackburn, Abashe’s lawyer, said in a statement, “Litigation is always the last resort. After several unsuccessful attempts to resolve this case privately, Ms Abashe was left with no choice but to file. Mr. Allen’s hubris will be his downfall.” According to the lawsuit, Abashe first encountered DJ Akademiks in 2021 and briefly dated thereafter. During a visit to his home in 2022, the woman alleges that she was surprised to find two men present whom she had not anticipated. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0urY9zulBf/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=4fac9555-265d-4973-8613-5a492b2a49b0 Per Complex, Abashe claims she possesses a “recorded wire call” where the media personality “graphically” recounted details of the “sexual intercourse” and “even going so far as to describe her vagina.” The alleged victim claims Akademiks defamed her by “accusing her of voluntarily having an orgy with his friends at his home while maintaining that he never participated at all.” The woman’s attorney is the same man who is representing Rodney Jones in his lawsuit against Diddy. In a Rumble livestream Tuesday, DJ Akademiks said he is an “innocent man who has not ever been charged with anything of the sort that has to do with any deviancy or anything like that. Hasn’t been charged, will never be charged. That’s a fact.” https://youtu.be/xkLpIQ_tS6s Angel Reese and her fellow Chicago Sky players still rely on commercial flights as they kick off the 2024 season. This comes as the league works on ironing out the details of its fresh partnership with Delta Airlines to provide private planes for teams. “Just praying that this is one of the last commercial flights the Chicago Sky has to fly …” the ex-LSU star said on her Instagram Story, TMZ reports. At an Associated Press sports editors meeting, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said the league would initiate full-time charter flights starting this season. “The WNBA will begin charter travel for all 12 of its teams this season “as soon as we logistically can get planes in places,” Commissioner Cathy Engelbert told sports editors at a league meeting Tuesday afternoon, confirming a report on X by USA TODAY sports columnist Christine Brennan,” Engelbert said, per USA TODAY. “We intend to fund a full-time charter for this season,” Engelbert continued. “We’re going to as soon as we can get it up and running. Maybe it’s a couple weeks, maybe it’s a month … We are really excited for the prospects here.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1790110221001490576 In Los Angeles, a collective dubbed the Squatter Squad is dedicated to evicting individuals who trespass and break in on private properties. “We offer fast and effective squatter removal and prevention services throughout Southern California,” the group’s website states. “Our job is to save our customers from all of the wasted time, money, stress, and headaches that come from squatters overtaking your property.” Kimrey Kotchick told FOX 11 that squatters “are actively educating themselves on platforms like YouTube, learning how to seize control of someone’s home, just as we are witnessing today.” Kotchick and Thomas Lando were tasked with removing multiple individuals who had unlawfully entered an apartment on Menlo Avenue in Los Angeles. In the clip above, they explain the situation to the news station. https://youtu.be/PzFrunsdsnA The hit Broadway musical “Wicked” makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Grande portrays Glinda, a popular young woman gilded by privilege and ambition who has yet to discover her true heart, and Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba, a young woman misunderstood because of her unusual green skin who has yet to discover her true power. Per the synopsis: The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West. https://youtu.be/6COmYeLsz4c The first teaser trailer for the thrilling second season of Prime Video‘s “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power“ has dropped. According to Prime Video, Season 2 will follow Sauron’s rise to evil power: “Cast out by Galadriel, without army or ally, the rising Dark Lord must now rely on his own cunning to rebuild his strength and oversee the creation of the Rings of Power, which will allow him to bind all the peoples of Middle-earth to his sinister will.” The Rings of Power premiered on Prime Video on September 1, 2022. The series is set hundreds of years before the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” (“The Hobbit”). Amazon reportedly spent $250 million on the rights for the adaptation of Tolkien’s writings about “The Second Age” of Middle Earth, on which the series is based. The first season reportedly cost $462 million to produce. As we reported earlier, EUR’s Ny MaGee got a chance to speak to the cast and producers during the 2022 Television Critics Association Summer press tour about what will surprise longtime “Lord Of The Rings” fans about this new tale. https://youtu.be/TCwmXY_f-e0 The road to recognition as a premier Director of contemporary music videos has been a decade in the making for Cameron Dean, now he’s the Artist’s Choice. Without formal training or mentors, Dean has realized his childhood dream of making music videos through the time-honored tradition of trial and error – earning the trust and respect of the creative community along the way. While it remains early in his career, clips for and featuring Chris Brown & Jack Harlow, Ty Dolla$ign, Saweetie, 6lack, Leon Thomas & Benny The Butcher, and masked singer RMR populate his vitae. His latest is a multi-million streamed celebration of mesmerizing melanin for international superstar Burna Boy. “The ‘Tested, Approved, and Trusted’ music video by Burna Boy came about really quickly. We only had three days to plan the video” shares Dean. “That was my first time having to do something like that! – Cameron Dean. The humble artist who earned his chops on set rather than in the hallowed halls of film school shared “The lighting in the party was about showing how beautiful brown skin is, and how gorgeous and dynamic we are. I remember being on set and just being mesmerized. I think the video came out beautiful.” https://youtu.be/bGsKQxIwEeQ The Seattle native who was drawn to creative pursuits as a youngster in church, began to make a name for himself during his High School years as a choreographer. Never truly desiring to be in front of the camera, Dean was inspired by all of the behind-the-scenes roles that make the stars; the Creative Directors, Producers, and Songwriters whose names appear in the credits. The artists behind the artists make a career flourish. Later, while attending American Jewish University in Los Angeles, Dean began his professional journey as an Intern first at Interscope and then at Def Jam where he caught the eye of legendary A&R Max Gousse whom Dean had become familiar with from his credits with Beyoncé and Destiny’s Child. https://www.instagram.com/c.ameron_dean/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=1314ec8d-2628-4519-9495-8985d7d438aa A day after OpenAI impressed with a startlingly improved ChatGPT AI model, Google showed off an equally stunning vision for how AI will improve the products that billions of people use every day. The updates, announced at its annual Google I/O developer conference, come as the company is trying to push beyond its core advertising business with new devices and AI-powered tools. Artificial intelligence was so top of mind during the event, Google CEO Sundar Pichai said at the end of the presentation the term “AI” was said 120 times – as counted by none other than its AI platform Gemini. During the keynote, Google showed how it wants its AI products to become a bigger part of users’ lives, such as by sharing information, interacting with others, finding objects around the house, making schedules, shopping and using an Android device. Google essentially wants its AI to be part of everything you do. Pichai kicked off the event by highlighting various new features powered by its latest AI model Gemini 1.5 Pro. One new feature, called Ask Photos, allows users to search photos for deeper insights, such as asking when your daughter learned to swim or recalling what your license plate number is, by looking through saved pictures. https://youtu.be/5puu3kN9l7c He believes the reception of the new tools will be an indicator of how well Google can adapt its search product to meet the demands of the generative AI era. “To maintain its competitive edge and satisfy investors, Google will need to focus on translating its AI innovations into profitable products and services at scale,” he said. As the company grows its AI footprint, it said it will introduce more protections to cut down on potential misuse. Google is expanding its existing SynthID feature to detect AI-generated content. Last year, the tool added watermarks to AI-generated images and audio. Google said it is also partnering with experts and institutions to test and improve the capabilities in its new models. https://youtu.be/sG9nDN5M72Q “God told me to,” said seven-time Grammy-nominated Vanessa Bell Armstrong about why she is releasing a new album after a long absence. “I’m 70 years old! But I obeyed…” The Gospel pioneer obeyed God and on June 21, 2024 the Stellar Award winner releases her 14th album “Today” (Shanachie Entertainment). With 40 years behind her, she begins another chapter. Known for successfully combining traditional Gospel with modern Gospel, Vanessa spent a lifetime spreading the Gospel, which is a message of love. “It’s been 14 years…I’m back,” she said with a laugh. “(Doing) Whatever God wants me to do.” A native of Detroit who started singing professionally at the age of 13 with a solo on the single “I’m So Glad” (Savoy Records) in 1967 on an album of Mattie Moss Clark’s Southwest Michigan State Choir. She debuted as a solo artist in 1983 with an instant hit single, “Peace Be Still” (Onyx Records) with an album of the same name. The next year in 1984 she released “Chosen” which reached #1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Chart. Vanessa Bell Armstrong went on to perform in Broadway’s “Don’t Get God Started” (1991), the Spike Lee-directed miniseries “The Women of Brewsters Place,” and the NBC sitcom “Amen.” https://youtu.be/Cxpo2TvSK68 Armstrong went on to release many other hits such as “You Bring Out the Best in Me” (Jive Records) in 1987 which included hit single “Press On.” In 1988 she released “Wonderful One” (Jive Records), which offered the hit single “Something Inside So Strong.” In 2001 “Brand New Day” (Tommy Boy Gospel) was released. In 2004 Vanessa Bell Armstrong received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Gospel Superfest. Then in 2007 “Walking Miracle,” (EMI Music) produced by Smokie Norful was released, which offered the single “Til the Victory’s Won” produced by Fred Jerkins, III, and Rodney Jerkins produced the title track. https://youtu.be/2Z4DHZZkUi4 NBCUniversal has outpaced TNT in securing the broadcast rights to the NBA through a successful bid. Bill Simmons has publicly stated that the deal has been finalized for a few weeks, but the league is probably waiting until the end of the playoffs to make the announcement. “One of the funniest things ever is that we’re all pretending the TV deal wasn’t done like a week-and-a-half ago… I think it’s done,” said Simmons on the latest episode of his. “I think Warner already lost it. I don’t know why we’re waiting til after the playoffs. Maybe that’s how they have to do it, but it’s a wrap. NBC’s getting it.” TNT’s popular Inside The NBA show, with hosts Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, and Ernie Johnson, will likely end after next season following the media rights deal. “I think it’s the greatest show on television, but it didn’t cure cancer,’’ an industry source said, per Sports Business Journal. “Guess what else ended? Sopranos is off the air. Friends. Mash. Seinfeld. All great shows do come to an end. Sometimes it’s time to go.’’ A video of a man named Kavi went viral after he explained to a 7-year-old girl why he beat up her father. The man elaborates on how the young girl had been bullying his daughter, and despite his efforts to address the matter appropriately, the situation persisted, leaving him with no further recourse, Ice Cream Convos reports. The man teamed with his brothers to confront the girl’s father. In the clip, Kavi continued by noting that since the child was too young to catch a beatdown, her father had to bear the consequences of her actions. https://twitter.com/i/status/1790150911102255289 In a follow-up video, Kavi explained why he enlisted his brothers’ help to fight the girl’s father. Since going viral, Kavi claims he has been inundated with hate messages from angry fathers across the country. https://www.tiktok.com/@selfrighteous__/video/7368593100903566635?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Ffather-justifies-attacking-7-year-old-bullys-dad-in-viral-video%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7368593100903566635 In the Instagram video, Kavi says “full-grown men” have been hitting up his inbox, threatening to fly to his state to beat him up in response to the beatdown he served on the little girl’s dad. https://www.instagram.com/dredayxix/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=647c5ed8-1cb4-4b10-a146-e2ff35b2efd2 Kenya Moore, Porsha Williams, and Drew Sidora are returning to “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” for season 16. As PEOPLE reports, author/podcast host Brittany Eady, restaurateur and Food Network alum Kelli Ferrell, and Angela Oakley, wife of NBA great Charles Oakley, will join the cast. Shamea Morton Mwangi has been promoted to full-time Housewife. Supermodel Cynthia Bailey, a cast member from seasons 3-13, will return in a “friend” role. Shereé Whitfield, Kandi Burruss, Marlo Hampton, and Sanya Richards-Ross will exit RHOA. Hampton said in a statement, “My contract with Real Housewives of Atlanta ended when season 15 wrapped. This break from RHOA is a fresh start, allowing me the space to participate in new creative entertainment projects focused on my future, and not reliving my past.” Burruss is leaving after 14 consecutive years on the hit Bravo series. Civil rights leader and MSNBC host/commentator Rev. Al Sharpton, 69, has been dating fashion designer Aisha McShaw, 42, since 2017. Despite their seven-year relationship, Sharpton has remained private about their romance, while McShaw openly acknowledged their status. “I’m his girlfriend,” McShaw said when asked by the NY Daily News to define their relationship. Sharpton, however, refused to elaborate on their dealings and avoided questions about the length of their relationship. Sharpton separated from his wife, Kathy, in 2004 after 24 years of marriage. A publicist at the time explained that the couple had simply grown apart. Recently, McShaw’s fashion prowess was on full display at The Met Gala, where she unveiled her men’s line, worn by Sharpton himself. McShaw, too, turned heads in a timeless gown of her own design. Their appearance garnered significant media attention, with major publications such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, ESSENCE, and W Magazine highlighting their looks. Ebony magazine praised the couple as among the best dressed, noting McShaw as one of the few Black designers on the red carpet. This moment has solidified McShaw’s reputation as a designer to watch in 2024. Fans of 90s R&B are having a time to remember. Music producer Eric “E Will” Williams announced his latest project … a collaboration with two of R&B’s most iconic voices, Coko from SWV and K-Ci Hailey of Jodeci and K-Ci & JoJo. Their new single, “Crazy For Your Love,” promises to capture the essence of their classic sound while adding a fresh, modern twist for 2024. Coko, known for her vocals and timeless hits with SWV like “Weak” and “Right Here/Human Nature,” brings her signature smooth and sultry sound to the track. Her voice, which has defined a generation of R&B, seamlessly blends with the soulful tones of K-Ci Hailey who made waves in the 90s with Jodeci’s anthems like “Forever My Lady” and “Come & Talk to Me,” and later with K-Ci & JoJo’s “All My Life,” adds an unmatched intensity and passion. The anticipation surrounding “Crazy For Your Love” is palpable. Fans eagerly await a song that will remind them of the golden era of R&B while offering something fresh and new. E Will, known for his ability to bridge different musical eras and styles, is excited about the project. “This project represents a fusion of timeless talent and creative energy, and I believe it will resonate deeply with fans old and new,” he exclaimed via SoulTracks. The production is slick, with a beat that nods to the past but feels distinctly modern. As the chorus hits, K-Ci’s voice rises, powerful and raw, delivering a heartfelt plea that complements Coko’s soulful crooning. https://youtu.be/HgXiZuefo8Q Stevie Wonder was granted Ghanaian citizenship on his 74th birthday. The milestone occurred after the singer revealed in 2021 his plans to make Ghana his permanent residence. Vibe reports that the music icon participated in a ceremony at the Jubilee House on May 13, where he swore the Oath of Allegiance and was presented with his Certificate of Citizenship. “First of all, give all praise to God. Since I was a little boy, I always believed in my heart that there was nothing impossible. The spirit of the most high, our God, and for years since about 1972, I talked about coming to Ghana […] For over 50 years, I’ve talked about being a citizen in this country,” Wonder said at the event. “The truth is I’m committed to—now as Ghanian citizen—being apart of fulfilling the dream we’ve had for so many years of bringing people of Africa, those of the diaspora, together,” he continued. “The only way the world will come together is that we unite as a united people of the world,” said Wonder during the ceremony. https://youtu.be/mw_CGg1yOJ4 Media personality Charlamagne Tha God, NAACP Image Award nominated journalist and television host Joy Reid, and Academy Award and Emmy Award-winning actress Viola Davis, have teamed up with co-founders David A. Wilson (creator of media platform, The Grio) and tech leader Brandon John-Freso in launching ALTR (pronounced “alter”), an innovative personal development app that offers powerful short-form audiobooks by Black luminaries and authors. ALTR is currently open for early access sign-ups ahead of its highly anticipated late 2024 launch. Developed in partnership with Davis and husband Julius Tennon’s JuVee Productions, the app boasts a diverse array of audiobook titles that cater to the distinct life obstacles faced in the Black community. “There is power in our collective knowledge. Life becomes easier when you can learn from those who’ve been there before,” explained Davis. “Julius and I are excited to take part in building a platform that will enable millions of people to find guidance for personal growth and see themselves in a space where we’re not usually represented.” ALTR is designed to provide answers and uplift the Black community in spaces where they are disproportionately impacted by challenges such as mental well-being, feelings of isolation, financial stability, spirituality and personal relationships, among other categories. Embedded within the company’s mission is a recognition of the thriving audio market and the significant demand for self-help content, particularly among Black audiences. Remarkably, the Black population, especially Black women, stand as the largest consumers of self-help material, yet they face a substantial shortage of content tailored to their experiences. This void is what propelled the co-founders Wilson and John-Freso to create ALTR. habits,” said co-founder John-Freso. Singer Van Hunt shared a nude photo of his girlfriend Halle Berry in a Mother’s Day tribute post on social media. In the photo, Berry is standing fully nude on a balcony, with her backside showing. Hunt captioned the image: “Happy Mother’’ day from the bottom…of my heart,” Van penned. “…Oh shit, i wasn’t s’posed to post that! butt…u hav to admit thassa badass… mutha right there!” Check out the sexy image. The couple started dating in 2020, and the following year, Berry gushed about her lover while promoting her MMA film “Bruised.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C64VJUtP-u7/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=e4871fea-40b2-4f46-903f-5c035838b752 In a recent interview, Rashon Khan, former bodyguard to Richard Pryor and Flip Wilson, claims Hollywood harbors a nefarious agenda aimed at draining the wealth of prominent Black celebrities. Speaking to Comedy Hype last month, Khan claimed to have observed the rapid depletion of Flip Wilson’s wealth following his death in 1999. “White people literally took everything. They took Flip’s children’s clothes. They took everything,” Khan said, MadameNoire reports. “…You think while you young, you making this money, you got it. They not waiting while you young, they waiting for you to get sick and you dead,” he added. In a recent interview, Rashon Khan, former bodyguard to Richard Pryor and Flip Wilson, claims Hollywood harbors a nefarious agenda aimed at draining the wealth of prominent Black celebrities. https://youtu.be/vbTHwYiqRA8 Kendrick Lamar’s Drake diss track “Not Like Us” debuted atop the Hot 100 as the No. 1 song this week. On the track, Lamar accuses Drake of being a pedophile and calls the biracial artist a “colonizer” with the lyrics: “Say Drake, I hear you like ‘em young / You better not have to go to Cell Block One,” and “You run to Atlanta when you need a few dollars/ You not a colleague, you a fuckin’ colonizer/ The family matter, and the truth of the matter/ It was God’s Plan to show you’re a liar.” Earlier this month, Lamar released the diss track “Euphoria,” days after Drake took aim at the rapper in “Push Ups” and “Taylor Made Freestyle.” Throughout the 6-minute song, Lamar calls out Drake’s racial identity and sexuality and accuses him of being a bad parent to his minor son. https://youtu.be/T6eK-2OQtew Wendy Williams‘ penthouse in New York City has been sold by her court-appointed guardian. According to RadarOnline.com, the three-bedroom, three-bathroom property fetched $3.75 million, a notable decrease from the $4.5 million Williams paid back in July 2021. “Wendy’s dream has always been to live in Manhattan in a dream apartment but never got a chance to do so. It is a very unfortunate situation,” an insider shared with The Post. Wendy’s team recently revealed that she was diagnosed in 2023 with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia. In recent years, the former talk show host has been contending with a range of health challenges, notably Graves’ disease, which ultimately led to the conclusion of her career in June 2022. In related news, we reported earlier that the producers of the controversial Lifetime docuseries “Where Is Wendy Williams?” recently confirmed that Wendy viewed the film and expressed her approval. https://youtu.be/OjJDhf5ll70 McDonald’s aims to lure customers back with wallet-friendly deals amidst nationwide inflation. The renowned fast-food giant faces profit declines amid economic challenges. To counter this, McDonald’s is eyeing a solution: a $5 meal option may soon grace menus nationwide, as reported by CBS News, aiming to reignite consumer interest and foot traffic. Pending franchisee approval, the proposed $5 meal would feature a selection of a McChicken, a McDouble, or four-piece chicken nuggets as the main entrée, paired with fries and a drink. According to The Blast, at the April 30 earnings call, McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski said, “Consumers continue to be even more discriminating with every dollar that they spend as they face elevated prices in their day-to-day spending, which is putting pressure on the industry.” “It’s imperative that we continue to keep affordability at the forefront for our customers,” he added. https://youtu.be/yAEvlgnDSVs Entrepreneur and TV/Film producer Tiffany Y-esha Griffin believes it’s time to restore a sense of community and revive positive and uplifting programming for black audiences. That is exactly why she launched The ACE Network, a new platform that aims to amplify the voices of emerging artists and creatives, and also provide an array of content that entertains, educates, and empowers viewers. Growing frustrated with the prevalence of negative and often stereotypical images flooding TV screens and social media apps, the Atlanta-based visionary decided that instead of waiting for someone else to do something about it, she would. “Our focus is to create something of impact where people truly have a voice that is not altered and manipulated, and where people can see diverse and authentic representations of black people and our interests,” Griffin said. The ACE Network will feature music videos, documentaries, scripted and unscripted shows, short films, and movies covering genres from comedy and action to drama and sci-fi. “When I was growing up, I watched shows like 106 & Park, Teen Summit, Rap City Tha Basement, TRL, Family Matters, Martin, Real World, Road Rules, and Dawson’s Creek,” she said. “We had networks like TGIF and UPN. So, I want to bring that vibe and sense of community from the 1990s and early 2000s into the present day for this generation.” While many people spent last weekend celebrating Mother’s Day, the mother and family members of Senior Airman Roger Fortson were planning his funeral after, the 23-year-old was shot and killed by an Okaloosa County sheriff’s deputy in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. It’s the latest incident where a law enforcement officer has come under scrutiny for a fatal shooting in the line of duty. The deputy, whose name has not been released, was put on administrative leave. And Fortson’s family hired civil rights attorney Ben Crump to represent them. The general consensus among people who have viewed the cop cam video is the deputy was wrong and should be held criminally liable. What role, if any, did Fortson play in his own demise? Retired FBI Agent Dwayne Gibson answers these questions and more, including the do’s and don’ts of being Black in America while legally carrying a firearm. https://youtu.be/Zhd4N-R5Co4 This Week’s Political Playback kicks off news of the Weingart Foundation Names Crystal Crawford Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships: The Weingart Foundation, a private, non-profit grantmaking organization focused on racial justice, has named Crystal Crawford its inaugural Director of Strategic Partnerships. In the role, Crawford will oversee strategic partnerships and manage relationships with various stakeholders. “Crystal Crawford is an experienced and strategic leader who has demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing justice and equity for vulnerable communities across California,” said Joanna S. Jackson, interim President and C.E.O. of the Weingart Foundation. “As a nationally recognized leader in fighting poverty and advancing health and well-being, particularly in communities of color, she will be a tremendous addition to the Weingart team. We look forward to working with Crystal to cultivate meaningful partnerships that will help us strengthen our work serving communities most impacted by systemic inequities,” Jackson added. Currently, Crawford serves as Executive Director of the Western Center on Law & Poverty, a legal and advocacy organization focused on bringing systemic and structural change to government. https://youtu.be/PAPKPvsYMcs Mary J. Blige, the iconic Grammy award-winning singer and songwriter, found inspiration in the depths of her own struggles. It was the turmoil of her divorce from ex-husband and former manager Kendu Isaacs that fueled her 2017 LP, “Strength of a Woman.” “When I made that album, I was pissed off because I was paying alimony every day,” Blige, 53, shared. “I was in the middle of a terrible divorce. But, you know, I always speak things into existence — even when I’m going through a bad time — and I had to speak strength into myself.” Her resilience transcended personal hardship into a powerful movement. Blige transformed her pain into empowerment with the Strength of a Woman Festival & Summit, an event that took over New York City on Mother’s Day weekend. As a newly crowned 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Blige epitomizes strength and resilience, qualities echoed throughout the festival. The festival, a collaborative effort between Blige, Pepsi, Live Nation Urban, and MVD Inc., aimed to inspire and create opportunities for Black women and people of color. Through workshops, panels, and performances, attendees delved into topics ranging from mental health to financial literacy. Issa Rae and her management and production company ColorCreative, will collaborate with Tubi to mentor emerging filmmakers. According to Vibe, three creatives will be crowned as Stubiorunners after joining Tubi’s “Stubios” program, which is described as a fan-driven studio and audience-centric platform dedicated to aspiring filmmakers and their supporters. Per the press statement, “Stubios passes the camera to anyone who has a story to tell and puts the power to greenlight in the hands of the viewer.” “Tubi is free entertainment for the cordless generation, and we’re committed to a programming strategy that resonates with younger and diverse audiences,” said Anjali Sud, CEO of Tubi. “Tubi has the unique advantage of the world’s largest library of movies and TV series, and the insights we gain from viewers telling us what they want to watch. Stubios is a way to give creatives with invested fanbases an opportunity to tell stories that may not otherwise be greenlit in Hollywood, and it will enable Tubi to ensure our programming reflects culture as it is happening.” Drake created his own security firm four years ago to protect his Toronto home after he was “freaked out” by constant fanatic visitors. According to CBC News, Drake’s Jungle Lion Security was incorporated on Jan. 30, 2020, and the firm exclusively protects his property in Canada. “Everyone knows where he sleeps, where he eats and that has really freaked him out, us out, and we need heavy security outside,” Brad Rafauli, vice-president of Ferris Rafauli Architectural Design Build Group, told Toronto’s North York Community Council on Sep. 16, 2019. According to Rafauli, scores of uninvited fans show up at all hours to the home, hoping to meet Drake. The Source reports an individual was arrested recently after trespassing on Drake’s home. It was the third incident at the mansion in three days. https://youtu.be/T6eK-2OQtew We bet when you woke up today you didn’t expect this news. Ya ready? In a shocking twist, beloved “CBS Mornings” co-anchor Gayle King found herself gracing the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition. Yes, you read that correctly. On the brink of her 70th year on the planet, King was swept off her feet with an astonishing disclosure during a live broadcast on Tuesday. Mid-interview with SI Swimsuit icons Hunter McGrady and Kate Upton, the conversation veered into unexpected territory when King’s colleague, Nate Burleson, teased, “Kate and Hunter aren’t the only cover luminaries present,” gesturing towards Oprah’s cherished confidante. “There she is!” exclaimed Upton, unveiling King’s cover edition, sparking applause and joyful exclamations from King herself, who was astounded: “I’m the cover star? I thought my feature was inside!” https://youtu.be/WDIdvP4Iwt8 McGrady joined the excitement, proclaiming, “Yes girl, you absolutely nailed it!” She further celebrated King’s feature, declaring, “Beauty knows no age or size,” and hailed King’s appearance as “a beacon of inspiration for women everywhere.” King took a moment to commend Yu Tsai, the gifted photographer behind all the SI Swimsuit covers, including her own landmark and the special legends issue. https://youtu.be/gnCEQdz6nkU King disclosed her candid chat with Sports Illustrated about avoiding digital enhancements, humorously noting her indulgence in a cheeseburger the day before her photoshoot. “They asked about retouching, and I said, ‘Keep it minimal.’ Maybe smooth out a few thigh dimples, but that’s it,” she shared with the group. https://youtu.be/WDIdvP4Iwt8 This year, King joins a stellar roster of 2024 SI Swimsuit cover models, including model and culinary entrepreneur Chrissy Teigen and 23 other iconic figures, marking the franchise’s 60th anniversary with a special legends edition. The lineup this year also stars Chanel Iman, Christen Harper, host Kamie Crawford, Katie Austin, and LSU gymnastics phenom Olivia “Livvy” Dunne. Fresh faces like Brittany Mahomes, Jena Sims, and Lori Harvey, and collegiate athletes Alexa Massari, Jasmine Williams, and Jillian Hayes also grace the roster. On the SI Swimsuit portal, editor-in-chief MJ Day remarked on King’s participation, asserting she “powerfully reiterates that women are boundless and masters of their fates.” Reflecting on the experience, King shared with People magazine: “It was never a dream, but it became a standout moment among my myriad achievements. I had never imagined such a possibility.” Ok, now that we know what Gayle’s workin’ with, one can’t help but ponder: Is the world ready for an Oprah-themed edition? https://youtu.be/GIzfgYBHj14 Diddy’s son Christian Combs released a diss track aimed at 50 Cent titled “Pick A Side.” “Police raid the crib like they think we selling crack, but we out here selling tracks / Multimillion dollar plaques,” the 26-year-old raps in one verse. In another verse, he references Homeland Security agents raiding Diddy’s homes in March. Christian raps: “Knock these doors down like them feddy boys running both our cribs / Too bad they ain’t know we bought the one next door cause that’s the one they missed.” Another verse mentions 50 Cent, “When all they had was 50 Cent who put this city on the map? Stop lyin’ / Pops been hated on by many men and that’s fine/ They gon’ try to stop these M’s and they gon’ die tryin’,” he continues, citing 50 Cent’s song “Many Men” and album “Get Rich or Die Tryin.'” 50 Cent turned to social media to respond sarcastically in an Instagram post. He captioned a photo of Christian (AKA King Combs) and Diddy: “I feel so threatened by the things Christian is saying on his record. I’m afraid for my life, please don’t hurt me guys. I never mentioned or posted anything about puffy’s kids because KEEFE D said he killed 2Pac. LOL.” https://youtu.be/rAwlvWAM2hY Christian has found himself caught up in the same sexual assault allegations currently shrouding his famous father. A woman is taking legal action against him, alleging Christian’s involvement in drugging and assaulting her. The same lawyer representing Rodney ‘Lil Rod’ Jones’ lawsuit against the Bad Boy Records mogul reportedly handles the unidentified woman’s case. https://www.instagram.com/50cent/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=72d0b081-2cae-4f1b-8a35-2b212470bdf5 Struggling Red Lobster is abruptly closing at least 48 of its restaurants around the country, according to a leading restaurant liquidator. TAGeX Brands is conducting an online auction of Red Lobster restaurant inventory, including kitchen equipment, furniture, tables and chairs. The auction begins Monday and continues through Thursday, according to company founder Neal Sherman. Red Lobster locations in Buffalo, Orlando, Jacksonville and other cities were listed as “temporarily closed” on Red Lobster’s website, according to local news reports. Red Lobster did not respond to CNN’s requests for comment. The company has around 650 locations. https://youtu.be/JEOVU96cSBo In 2020, Thai Union, a longtime supplier to Red Lobster, took an undisclosed financial stake in the chain, becoming a key shareholder. Under Thai Union’s direction, Red Lobster has cycled through four CEOs and an all-you-can-eat shrimp deal last year that slowed down table service and cut into Thai Union’s profitability. The promotion has been a tradition at the chain for more than 18 years, but Red Lobster made endless shrimp a permanent fixture on the menu. “We need to be much more careful,” Thai Union CEO Thiraphong Chansiri said in November of the shrimp deal. Thai Union said earlier this year it would divest from Red Lobster and take a $530 million loss on its investment. “I’m going to stop eating lobster,” Chansiri said. https://youtu.be/vWdcjWXfbdM MC Lyte revealed that she will release her first album in nearly a decade this summer. “I got a new record,” the hip-hop icon told MC Sha-Rock and Grandmaster Caz during her May 10 appearance on their Rock The Bells show That’s The Joint, Vibe reports. “I’m working on it right now. The new single is out. It’s ‘Woman.’ The new record is coming,” MC Lyte added. “We’ll have another single coming in June for Black Music Month, which is going to be spectacular. Of course, I’ve got some winning folks on this album, now I gotta talk to Major.” “The album comes out August 9, and the next single comes out June 9,” she said. This project will be Lyte’s first album since her 2015 LP Legend. https://youtu.be/0SOpCV3TxD8 If you’re an avid lover of all things related to the love and care of animals and wildlife, check out National Geographic’s new critically acclaimed documentary special BILLY & MOLLY: AN OTTER LOVE STORY. Directed by distinguished photographer and filmmaker Charlie Hamilton James and produced by Emmy and BAFTA Award-winner Jeff Wilson of Silverback Films, the movie revolves around the special connection forged between a man and an otter. https://youtu.be/W5n2UJ63hA0 The Miami Beach PD‘s new Rolls-Royce patrol vehicle has sparked criticism online, with many calling it a waste of taxpayer money. According to the Miami New Times, the MBPD collaborated with car dealership Braman Motors on the luxury patrol vehicle. The department recently unveiled its new Rolls-Royce, apparently aimed at beefing up recruitment efforts. It will serve as a promotional vehicle for the department’s recruitment team. “This vehicle represents our commitment to innovation and our dedication to recruiting the best and brightest individuals to serve our community,” Chief Wayne Jones said in a press release. Chicago-based Central City Productions announces additional performers for the 9th Annual Black Music Honors set to take place at the renowned Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, GA on Saturday, May 18th. Black Music Honors is an annual event that celebrates the illustrious achievements and exceptional contributions of Black music icons. Joining the previously announced honorees are performers: Ceelo Green, Total and 702, MC Lyte, Marsha Ambrosius, Chrisette Michele, Next, Mr. Talkbox, J. Brown, After 7, Jekalyn Carr, and Mali Music. Previously announced performers include: Ruben Studdard, Kim Burrell, BLK ODYSSY, Donald Lawrence, Kevin Lemons & Higher Calling, Ricky Dillard, MonoNeon, Shanice, The Chi (Carl Thomas, Dave Hollister & Syleena Johnson) and Tone Stith with a Special Appearance by: David & Tamela Mann. The ceremony will be co-hosted by singer and actress LeToya Luckett alongside comedic actor DeRay Davis and will honor Johnny Gill, Patrice Rushen, Bootsy Collins and Hezekiah Walker. RCA Inspiration celebrates 15 nominations for the 39th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, with nominations across 12 categories including Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year, Producer of the Year, Traditional Album of the Year, and more. Albums and singles by Donald Lawrence, Melvin Crispell, III, KB (RCA Inspiration/Provident Entertainment), Kelontae Gavin, Kierra Sheard (RCA Inspiration/Karew Entertainment), Kirk Franklin (Fo Yo Soul/RCA), and Koryn Hawthorne garnered nominations for their releases this past year. James Fortune offers a new single to radio "For A Long Time". James Fortune has been a mainstay in Gospel music for 20 years and he is commemorating that milestone this year. With a reunion release event and album to celebrate some of his greatest songs and offer some new classics. "For A Long Time" is a testament to the goodness that God has been showing His people throughout the ages. Its a declaration of praise and encourages listens to chant "You've been good for a long time, faithful for a long time, healing for a long time...". https://mnrk.dashboard.audiosalad.com/share/iWq40Z9x3PjQbOvVcqqC Malik Books, a well-respected, Black-owned independent bookstore in Los Angeles, is thrilled to announce an exclusive book signing and discussion event with the trailblazing media mogul, entrepreneur, philanthropist, wife, mother, and culture-shifting producer Shaunie Henderson. The event will feature the release of Henderson's highly anticipated memoir, Undefeated: Changing the Rules and Winning on My Own Terms (Gallery Books, a division of Simon and Schuster) offering readers a glimpse into her journey of overcoming challenges and achieving success. Shaunie Henderson is a force to be reckoned with as a TV personality, producer of multiple hit reality shows, entrepreneur, philanthropist, mother of five children, First Lady of The Lighthouse Church (Houston, Texas), and role model. Beyond her professional and maternal roles, Henderson proudly supports her husband, Mega Church Pastor Keion D. Henderson, founder and Senior Pastor of The Lighthouse Church in Houston, Texas. Together, they exemplify a harmonious blend of entrepreneurship, family, and spiritual leadership. Henderson emerges not only as a force in the media industry but also as a beacon of inspiration for those who seek to balance success, family, and community values. Tyscot Records, the oldest operating African American owned gospel label in the land, and its affiliated artists have bagged six nominations in the forthcoming 39th annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards. John P. Kee, known for classic hits “Jesus is Real” and “Standing in the Need,” is nominated for a project close to his heart. He convened an all-star troupe to honor his musical mentor and spiritual father, Bishop Rance Allen, who passed away in 2020. The six-song, Tribute to a Legend: Rance Allen, Chapter One (Kee Music Group), features performances from Kelontae Gavin, Deitrick Haddon, and Gene Moore. Allen’s signature song, “Something About the Name Jesus” was redone with Zacardi Cortez, Melvin Crispell II, Lewis Sky, and a sample of Allen. The set earned Kee nominations as Traditional Male Artist of the Year and Special Event Album of the Year. Anthony Brown & group therAPy’s 6th album, Affirmations (Key of A / Fair Trade), earned two nominations in the categories of Duo/ Chorus Group of the Year and Contemporary Duo/Chorus Group of the Year. The project’s first single “Speak Your Name” peaked at No. 1 on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart and the current single “Up Up Up” is up to No. 18 on this week’s chart. Louisiana native Bri Babineaux is hard at work on her first album in three years. The first single from the soon-coming project is the Billboard No. 1 Gospel Airplay hit, “I Will Wait” (Bri Babineaux Music, LLC ). The music video earned a nomination for its director Avery Henley. Michael Jordan’s new health clinic launched on May 7 in his hometown of Wilmington, North Carolina. The NBA legend attended the grand opening event and became emotional while addressing the crowd. “It’s good to be home, first and foremost,” Jordan said, FadeAway World reports. “That’s what this clinic is about, when the families are not able to support, we’re there to support. Doesn’t have any money, doesn’t matter, we’re going to do whatever we can to support you because that’s what happened to me. That’s where I got it from,” he continued. “So, we did it in Charlotte and now we’re going to do it here in Wilmington,” Jordan added. “Which makes it even more special because this is where I came from and no matter how you see Michael Jordan, this is where I started, this is where I’m always going to be a part of.” The Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic is located on Greenfield St. https://twitter.com/WUTangKids/status/1789011487312216372?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1789011487312216372%7Ctwgr%5Ede9c376b27f9916d2a5446e104bcdf84a89da0ad%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fmichael-jordan-launches-hometown-clinic-in-wilmington%2F A 62-year-old man (Rick Slayman) has died months after becoming the world’s first living recipient of a genetically edited pig kidney transplant, hailed as a medical milestone. Slayman received the kidney at Massachusetts General in March after he had been diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease last year. The hospital emphasized there is no indication his death was a result of the transplant. After undergoing the four-hour surgery at the recommendation of his doctors, Slayman, a manager with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, was discharged from the hospital in April. After the surgery, doctors said they believed the new kidney could last years but acknowledged there are many unknowns in animal-to-human transplants. “Mr. Slayman will forever be seen as a beacon of hope to countless transplant patients worldwide and we are deeply grateful for his trust and willingness to advance the field of xenotransplantation,” Massachusetts General said in a statement. https://youtu.be/juKjuqZdPdk Nobody has anything nice to say about Michael Cohen. The former fixer and lawyer for Donald Trump is expected to take the stand Monday (05-13-24) as the key witness in the Manhattan district attorney’s case against the former president, prepared to give testimony connecting to Trump the $130,000 hush money payment Cohen made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. Through three weeks of testimony, jurors have already heard plenty about Cohen through numerous witnesses, who have painted an unflattering portrait of an aggressive, impulsive, and unlikeable attorney. David Pecker, former head of National Enquirer parent company American Media Inc., said Cohen was “prone to exaggeration.” Former Trump aide Hope Hicks said Cohen liked to call himself a “fixer” – a role she said was possible only because “he first broke it.” And Daniels’ former attorney Keith Davidson said he only worked with Cohen because he was a “jerk” whom Daniels’ then-manager Gina Rodriguez – along with everyone else – didn’t want to deal with. “Gina called me up to tell me that: ‘Some jerk called me and was very, very aggressive and threatened to sue me. And I, um, would like you, Keith, to call this jerk back,’” Davidson testified in the third week of the trial. https://youtu.be/KSR1NxH_-5s Prosecutors have waited to call Cohen until the end of their case, after introducing phone records, emails, text messages and bank records that they hope bolster his credibility with the jury. They have not tried to hide from the jury that he and other witnesses have plenty of problems. “We are going to be very up-front about the fact that several of the witnesses in this case have what you made might consider to be some baggage,” Steinglass told a panel of prospective jurors during jury selection. The testimony will pit Trump against Cohen, who once said he would take a bullet for the former president. They last saw each other when Cohen testified in Trump’s New York civil fraud trial last fall. Cohen’s testimony was brief, but the showdown was tense. https://youtu.be/q7oDevbMapo Babes shines a light on best friends and motherhood life! If a woman has ever had a best friend that feels like a sister, she will surely relate to this film. A new outrageously funny comedy starring Michelle Buteau (Eden), and comedian Ilana Glazer (Dawn),will make women feel seen. Two childhood best friends are navigating two stages in their lives. Dawn is a pregnant mother of a toddler and a dentist who’s settled down in life with her husband. Her sister-friend Eden, on the other hand, is a single, carefree spirit and teaches yoga from her apartment. Eden meets a seemingly perfect man that appears to be her match made in heaven. A one-night stand with the perfect guy leaves her pregnant and needing answers. Eden now has to navigate motherhood without a baby’s father, and hopefully with her bestie, Dawn. https://youtu.be/E2ReABAgaDA In a move that highlights the intersection of urban transit and local culture, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has announced a special edition MetroCard featuring Bronx rapper Ice Spice, an emblem of New York City’s vibrant music scene. https://youtu.be/35Ah9NBivuw This limited edition MetroCard launch coincides with the debut of Ice Spice’s album “Y2K,” marking a significant moment in her rising career. The MTA’s decision to honor a local artist on the MetroCard not only celebrates the city’s cultural diversity but also connects everyday commuters with the dynamic arts scene that thrives in New York. Starting Monday, May 13, 50,000 of these unique MetroCards will be available, infusing a regular subway ride with a touch of star quality. https://youtu.be/LP2ejzwQNRs The suspect involved in a choking and sexual assault case in New York City that was caught on camera is now in police custody after his mother turned him in. Kashaan Parks, 37, was arrested for the brutal attack and rape of a woman in the Bronx. https://twitter.com/HANKonX/status/1789324085593272483?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1789324085593272483%7Ctwgr%5Ec21e54261bf8be422d02e68ecc782535ac61c672%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fmother-of-nyc-belt-attack-victim-turns-in-suspect-in-to-police%2F Parks used a belt to ensnare the 45-year-old victim behind, rendering her unconscious, before dragging her between two cars to carry out the assault. “He choked me with a belt because he wanted to demand s*x with me in exchange for money. And I said no, and I kept moving,” the woman told NBC NY. “So he grabbed from behind with a choking belt and dragged me to the ground over there by the cars and r*ped me,” she added. “I got up and I talked to some neighbors so they can give me some advice on what to do. https://twitter.com/i/status/1789370733010858082 Shaunie Henderson reacted to a quote from her newly released book, “UNDEFEATED: Changing the Rules and Winning on My Own Terms,” that she feels was “taken out of context.” As we reported previously, in the book, Henderson admits to being more infatuated with the lifestyle of her ex-husband, NBA star Shaquille O’Neal, and the concept of marriage than with him as an individual.As PEOPLE reports, O’Neal and Henderson wed in 2002 before calling it quits in 2009 due to Shaq’s alleged infidelity. They share four children together. “Looking back, I don’t know that I was ever really in love with the man, but I was in love with the idea of being married to the man I had a family with,” Henderson wrote, per Essence. “I was in love with the idea of building a life together. I truly did enjoy spending time with him. [NBA] road trips allowed me to be with my husband and experience the NBA life for a little while,” she continued. https://static.cdninstagram.com/rsrc.php/v3/yb/r/UsSR4Cvo4Px.png Whoopi Goldberg said she’s not interested in getting married for the third time — but does enjoy the occasional booty call. “I am fundamentally a selfish person and I’ve found that because I have a wonderful kid and a son-in-law and three grandkids and one great-grand[kid], that I don’t have time for a whole lot of other people coming into my life,” Goldberg shared on Thursday’s episode of “The Don Lemon Show.” “Hit and runs are great, I don’t mind those,” Goldberg admitted. “But, you can’t spend the night.” When Lemon asked the 68-year-old if her hookups “still happen,” she replied, “Oh, yeah.” https://youtu.be/3Xa85Xvss4E Ice Cube’s Big3 basketball league scored big with its first team sold in a $10 million deal to investment firm DCB Sports. As Bloomberg reports, the team, based in Los Angeles, marks a shift as Big3 moves to a city-based format, putting all 12 teams up for sale. In the new city-centric format, Big3 games will take place in home market arenas, allowing teams to cultivate their own fan bases. “We need to plant our roots in cities so we can be more than a rolling all-star game coming through,” Ice Cube said. “It’s really about growing the sport and the league.” Previously, the league owned and operated all Big3 teams. Now, four additional groups will each own a team, with announcements expected in June, coinciding with the new season’s start. The league aims to include London and Toronto teams. According to Bloomberg, ownership for all teams is slated for completion by summer 2025. Additionally, Big3 is contemplating expanding to 16 teams by the following year. Former heavyweight title winner Deontay Wilder is concerned that Mike Tyson could be seriously injured if he fights Jake Paul. As we reported earlier via CNN, Paul, 27, will face the 57-year-old heavyweight legend in an exhibition boxing match on July 20. The event will be broadcast exclusively on Netflix and held at the 80,000-seat capacity AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys. Tyson last fought professionally in June 2005 and boasts a 50-6 career record. “I think it’s bad the commission has licensed Mike Tyson because he hasn’t been active in 20 years, so they should not just license him because of who he is, that’s how people get hurt – God forbid he gets hurt,” Wilder told Sportsbook Review. “People can get hit in the wrong place and at the wrong time, there’s lots of examples where guys have been hit into a coma. It’s easy to do. He’s too old for this. https://youtu.be/cXfEgtLsnmE Fans of Anita Baker turned to social media to slam the singer after her concert in Atlanta on Mother’s Day weekend was canceled. Concertgoers were left angry and critical of Baker’s repeatedly “unprofessional” behavior after the 7 pm show at State Farm Arena was canceled at 6:54 p.m. “Due to late, unforeseen circumstances, tonight’s ‘An Evening with Anita Baker’ event featuring eight-time Grammy Award–winning superstar Anita Baker set to take place at State Farm Arena has been cancelled,” the email sent by the organizers read, The Hindustan Times reports. “Refunds will be returned at the point of purchase,” the email continued. Many fans promptly took to social media to criticize Baker for abruptly canceling her performance without a reason. https://twitter.com/MarissaMFOX5/status/1789426306800615537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1789448994495537156%7Ctwgr%5E19e76ee5bf4b1a4136c5be08d663949ca6680ca9%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fanita-baker-criticized-for-concert-cancellation-in-atlanta%2F On X/Twitter, one person wrote, “Anita Baker… Cancelled that concert in Atlanta, last minute& it’s Mothers Day Weekend and still ain’t give her fans an explanation? That’s NASTY WORK.” Another X user posted a video of one woman’s rant about the canceled concert. and captioned the video, “yall the aunties are down at the Anita Baker concert pissed, omg.” “Speaking honestly and respectfully, I see why Anita Baker didn’t tour for so many years because perhaps, she shouldn’t have been. It’s not just today, but there have been multiple cancelled, postponed, or late shows since her tour started,” a third person captioned a video of fans exiting the arena. https://twitter.com/i/status/1789463029173621037 Former “Saturday Night Live” star Maya Rudolph returned to the long-running sketch comedy show to host this week’s new episode. Rudolph kicked off the show with a Mother’s Day monologue and rap, with the cast joining to joke around with their moms. Maya noted that the moment was “extra special because I am a four-time mom,” she said. “That’s right, I have four beautiful kids…that I know of,” she added. Rudolph and director Paul Thomas Anderson are parents to four children: Pearl, 18, Lucille, 14, Jack, 12, and Minnie, 10. In 2018, the actress discussed with PopSugar how motherhood altered various aspects of her life. https://youtu.be/ldgTyotFpLY She explained, “I used to take on a lot more than necessary, and when it’s you, you’re sort of your own worst enemy in life, you take on a lot more than is necessary.” During her SNL appearance on May 11, Rudolph did her best impression of Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter era while eating hot wings for an episode of Hot Ones — watch the clip below as well as additional sketches from Maya’s SNL episode. https://youtu.be/9YUWYopsw_E Checkout this SNL skit: https://youtu.be/xMI66kpo9Tw Checkout this SNL skit: https://youtu.be/Ttska8oXZP4 Checkout this SNL skit: https://youtu.be/9MDF68rM3VM Checkout this SNL skit: https://youtu.be/bXCYwp883GI The new season of the critically acclaimed series Anne Rice’s “Interview with the Vampire” premiered May 12 on AMC and AMC+. Series star Eric Bogosian said he did things on the show this season “unlike anything I’ve done before on film or in front of a camera,” the actor shared during the February TCA/CTAM Winter Press Tour in Pasadena, California. “They took me to places emotionally and acting-wise, just great stuff,” he added. The series stars Jacob Anderson, Sam Reid as the Vampire Lestat, Assad Zaman, Delainey Hayles, and Ben Daniels. https://youtu.be/4wT4QihIavo David Sanborn, a revered American alto saxophonist known for his significant contributions to jazz, instrumental pop, and R&B music, has passed away at the age of 78. https://youtu.be/KY-UNDCLQbI Sanborn succumbed to complications related to prostate cancer on May 12, leaving behind a legacy marked by six Grammy Awards and numerous chart-topping albums. Sanborn’s journey in music began in his youth when he took up the saxophone as part of his recovery from polio. His resilience and passion for music propelled him into a career that flourished in the 1970s, establishing him as a sought-after session musician. He worked with a host of legendary artists such as David Bowie, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, James Taylor, and the Rolling Stones. https://youtu.be/etvAa6OL9SQ His solo projects also received acclaim, with albums like “Taking Off,” “Hideaway,” and “Backstreet” achieving significant commercial success. Beyond his recording achievements, Sanborn was known for his soulful and piercing saxophone style that became a defining sound in both the jazz and pop music scenes. He also contributed to the music industry as a host and musical director for television shows like “Night Music” and “Legends of Jazz with Ramsey Lewis.” https://www.instagram.com/davidsanbornofficial/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=090975ed-285d-4b66-956d-c41e183b192a Michael Cohen, former President Donald Trump’s onetime lawyer and fixer, faced the man he simply called “Boss” as he began testifying in the Manhattan Trump trial on Monday. It was the most important day yet in what had already shaped up as the trial of the century.Cohen was one of the first witnesses I interviewed as part of the first Trump impeachment, as I was investigating the 2016 alleged election interference now at issue in the former president’s hush money criminal trial. I expected someone very different from the person I met, who turned out to be candid, likable, and believable. As we began his keenly anticipated appearance Monday, I think he exceeded expectations in how he presented to the jury, at least so far.That’s no accident. The District Attorney’s Office had methodically bolstered Cohen’s testimony beforehand with a series of credible witnesses and corroborating documents, gradually narrowing the universe of uncorroborated evidence that Cohen would need to provide. https://youtu.be/_y5c824Acoo Filmmaker and historian Tariq Nasheed has new groundbreaking documentary “Microphone Check.” The film aims to unpack hip-hop’s origins and foundational narrative — shedding light on the untold stories and overlooked aspects of this influential cultural movement. According to the press release, “Microphone Check” offers a unique opportunity to hear from an incredible ensemble of early hip-hop pioneers. The project includes commentary from Coke La Rock, Trixie and Sasa, Sha Rock, Melle Mel, Grandmaster Caz, and many more. They each share their firsthand accounts and insights into the birth and evolution of hip-hop. The film aims to dispel myths and offer a comprehensive and accurate account of hip-hop’s history through compelling interviews, rare footage, and historical context. https://youtu.be/FDFR_yd-YUc Some familiar faces are ready to reveal a lot more of themselves. Anthony Anderson, Taye Diggs, NFL All-Pro Chris Jones and James Van Der Beek are among the men set to go “The Real Full Monty” with striptease performances in an upcoming TV special. “The Real Full Monty” is inspired by the 1997 movie “The Full Monty,” about a group of regular guys who form a male striptease act. The two-hour special is aimed at raising awareness for prostate, testicular, and colorectal cancer testing and research and will air this fall on Fox. “Don’t die of embarrassment. Get checked! That’s the message behind The Real Full Monty special,” Anderson said in a press announcement. “I am honored to lead the charge of rallying these fearless men to bare it all, in order to provoke, inspire, and in this case, beg you to get screened for cancer. That’s our goal … so what are you waiting for?” Anderson also serves as an executive producer on the special. Howard University celebrated its class of 2024, including the College of Nursing and Allied Health Services, in a special graduation ceremony at the Capital One Arena. During the event, Howard’s President Dr. Ben Vinson III addressed the graduates, acknowledging the difficulties they faced on Thursday (05-09-24: “We apologize for the events you endured this week, but we stand here to salute you.” The ceremony, lasting three hours, marked the graduation of the largest class in the university’s history. Among the graduates was Justice Hodges, who expressed relief and surprise at being able to participate. “After Thursday, I did not think I was going to walk, and it was a terrible experience.” https://youtu.be/nRynXdLM424 The week had been marred by chaos during an earlier attempt at a graduation event, as described by Hodges’ mother, Mylove Tetterton, who traveled from New Jersey. She recounted the disruption to WUSA: “Three minutes into it there was a fight already on the other side, the inside. It was total chaos in there.” She observed people frantically banging and kicking on the doors of the auditorium, trying to gain entry, and graduates leaving the stage upon noticing their family members couldn’t get inside. Tetterton also shared her fears about her son’s graduation prospects, exacerbated by past disappointments due to COVID-19: “No, I didn’t think so, because of COVID, his high school graduation. He missed it.” At the Saturday ceremony, Dean Gina Spivey Brown reminded the graduates of their resilience, “I told you Thursday night that you were unstoppable, did I not?” She highlighted the intense desire of friends and family to support the graduates: “We prepared so many students of excellence, you all, that there was an overwhelming support of family, friends and loved ones. They wanted to get in so bad that they were breaking down the doors because that’s what we do at Howard.” https://youtu.be/vsl7SdLIfbA Following the cancellation of Thursday’s ceremony, Dean Brown quickly arranged a contingency plan that allowed all 280 graduates of the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences to receive their degrees and awards on the big stage. Hodges felt validated by this decision. “She said okay, after commencement, we’re going to give you your degrees and all of your awards and we’re going to let you guys walk. I feel very happy, I feel like our voices were heard and we were accommodated well. I thank Howard for that.” Tetterton expressed gratitude for the university’s response and the extra support provided. “We stayed a little bit longer, but they showed them that extra support and sympathy for the other day, so I was happy about it.” https://youtu.be/Mmy2NKGi0aA Families in war-torn Gaza are finding hunger relief with a $2 million pledge from The Weeknd. Billboard reports the “Blinding Lights” singer, who currently operates under his real name, Abel Tesfaye, made the pledge to the World Food Programme’s humanitarian response efforts via his XO Humanitarian Fund. A statement released on April 29, revealed Tesfaye’s money will be used to provide more than 1,500 metric tons of fortified wheat flour. The flour will be used to make more than 18 million loaves of bread to feed more than 157,000 Palestinians for a month. The $2 million donation marks Tesfaye’s latest effort to provide aid to Gaza. The famed United Nations World Food Programme Goodwill Ambassador generated headlines in December 2023 with a $2.5 million donation to the WFP’s Gaza response, Billboard noted, adding that the amount is the equivalent of four million emergency meals. A statement acknowledging the first pledge mentioned the funds provided 820 metric tons of food parcels to more than 173,000 Palestinians for two weeks. To date, the efforts of Tesfaye, his partners and fans have resulted in more than $6.5 million raised for the Fund. The entertainer provided $4.5 million of that amount, which went to relief in Gaza. Building off his efforts, Tesfaye is asking his fans to donate to WFP’s efforts in Gaza. According to experts, more than one million displaced Palestinians at the location face dire food shortages. The circumstance comes six months into Israel’s punishing response to Hamas’ deadly attack. The terrorist group murdered more than 1,200 Israelis and kidnapped more than 250 men, women, children and elderly citizens. For any entertainers, encounters with fans come with the job. For Mo’Nique, a recent encounter with a fan will remain with her in a unique way. During an episode of “The Roseanne Barr Podcast,” the former “The Parkers” star brought her creepy experience to her “soulmate,” the podcast’s host Roseanne Barr, Madame Noire reports. The pair were discussing being a successful woman in Hollywood when Mo’Nique mentioned a comedy show she did in New York City. It was there that the Oscar-winning funny woman noticed an audience member sitting in the front row. The kicker was the showgoer was wearing shades in the building, a fact that had Mo’Nique confronting the man during her set over his choice of eyewear. “This guy had on sunglasses in the front row,” the “Precious” entertainer” recalled as she told the man, “‘I need to be able to see you.’” The guy laughed off Mo’Nique’s remark, she told Barr. From there, the encounter took a chilling turn when Mo’Nique asked the stranger later in the comedy show to take his shades off. https://youtu.be/aex95c8WsmQ Summer and the rest of 2024 looks to be quite busy for Martin Lawrence. He plans to hit the road for the “Y’all Know What It Is!” national arena tour which he will headline. LoveBScott reports the tour will kick off July 20 at the Gila River Casino in Chandler, AZ. The outing, which wraps up on April 5, 2025 in Little Rock, AR, arrives in nearly 40 cities across the U.S., including Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Dallas, Brooklyn, and Washington, D.C. A press release for the “Y’all Know What It Is!” tour described the event as “an all-new stand-up show and fresh one-hour set where Martin brings the real talk and finds the funny in everything from family to culture as only he can.” Special guest comedians personally hand-picked by Lawrence will vary by city. Among the guest humorists will be Adele Givens, B. Simone, Chico Bean, DC Young Fly, Deon Cole, Desi Banks, Gary Owen, Jess Hilarious, Mojo Brookzz, Ms. Pat, and Rickey Smiley. “Comedy gives me that instant gratification,” Lawrence voiced in the release. “Seeing the fans up close and in person, making people laugh, doing what I love most, this is what it’s all about for me. But hey…y’all know what it is!” https://youtu.be/mggw7ykX8to News of the Y’all Know What It Is! The tour comes as Lawrence invades the big screen with the upcoming release of “Bad Boys: Ride or Die.” The highly-anticipated feature, which reteams the “Martin” star with Will Smith, is the fourth film in the “Bad Boys” franchise and the sequel to 2020’s “Bad Boys Life.” Smith and Lawrence reprise their roles as Miami detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett in “Bad Boys: Ride of Die.” as they investigate corruption within the Miami PD when their late Captain, Conrad Howard, is posthumously accused of being involved with drug cartels. Lowery and Burnett find themselves as fugitives after being set up. As a result, the pair are forced to work outside the law to solve the case. https://youtu.be/RV4VtBH8sQ4 For any man, a good woman is hard to find. For Marlon Wayans, a good woman can’t compare to his mother, Elvira Wayans. With that in mind, the “Wayans Bros.” star opted to stay away from jumping the broom, under the belief that the matriarch would be jealous of his wife, according to Sandra Rose. “I never got married, because I never wanted my mother to be jealous of a woman. I never wanted my mother to feel second to any woman,” Wayans told The New York Times, adding his mother was “one of five reasons” he never tied the knot. The funnyman currently shares two sons, Kai and Shawn, with his former longtime partner Angelica Zackery. Elvira was a fixture in Wayan’s life until her death at the age of 81 in 2020, a moment he admits hit him hard. “My mother’s death broke me,” the 51-year-old actor/comedian confessed. “It shattered me into a million pieces, because that was my girl.” https://youtu.be/n4qxv6_Nf6w Prior to Elvira’s passing, Wayans recalled her being “very needy.” In their final moments together, the pair discussed his unmarried status before he imparted his last words to his mother. “I told my mother on her deathbed, ‘I never got married because I always wanted you to be my No. 1 girl.’ Those were my last words. I said, ‘Take that to heaven with you,’” he shared. Elvira Wayans’ death came three years before Wayans lost his father, Howell Wayans, in March 2023 as well as 58 other loved ones in recent years. Describing the loss of his parents as “biblical,” the funnyman mentioned how the tragedies served as inspirations for his latest comedy special, “Good Grief.” The Amazon Prime event is set to premier on June 6. https://youtu.be/oYW_fqM-aTs In the dynamic world of social media, few communities have garnered as much influence and cultural significance as Black Twitter. Now active on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, this vibrant collective continues to shape discussions around societal issues, culture, and entertainment. Black Twitter’s presence is a testament to its resilience and enduring relevance in a digital era marked by rapid change and increasing social awareness. One recent example of Black Twitter’s impact can be seen in the hip-hop realm, specifically the beef between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. This event became a cultural spectacle on X, with Black Twitter dissecting every lyric and beat through a flood of memes and sharp commentary. This kind of engagement is quintessential Black Twitter — blending entertainment with a keen insight that cuts to the core of cultural and musical expressions. However, Black Twitter’s role extends far beyond entertainment. It has been a critical platform for addressing serious social justice issues, shedding light on the systemic inequalities that persist in American society. The tragic stories of Michael Brown and Trayvon Martin are poignant examples. Brown and Martin became symbols of a much larger conversation about race, policing, and justice in America—a conversation that Black Twitter helped to propel into the national and global consciousness. This platform has not only provided a space for mourning and outrage but has also mobilized activism and demands for change. https://youtu.be/3-qkb4RCvSo “We’ve had three… #1 singles,” Jazz guitarist Blake Aaron told me when asked about the new album. “We’re working on (promoting) a sixth single which also went #1 ‘Feel So Right.’” All the singles are off his seventh album release “Love & Rhythm” (Innervision Records). Aside from the #1 singles (“Dreamland,” “She’s the One,” and “Feels So Right”), this project has a #2 Billboard single (“She’s the One”) and a #3 (“Crush”). “Just got back from New York. I go to Spaghettini’s this weekend,” he said about his current tour which is promoting the new album. “I have a lot of stuff (dates) coming up.” The “Love & Rhythm” album features assistance from David Mann, Trevor Neumann, Donald Hayes, Michael Stever, Bob Mintzer, Jimmy Reid, Andrew Neu and Nick Lane on horns; Mannings, Tateng Katindig and Carnell Harrell on keyboard; Eric Valentine, Tony Moore and Will Kennedy on drums, and Mel Brown, Alex AL and Hussain Jiffry on bass. The project was produced by Aaron, Adam Hawley, and Greg Manning. “These are people I’ve worked with over the years. A couple came up as I was producing it – Bob Mintzer (on sax) and Ben Kennedy (on bass),” Blake informed me. https://youtu.be/Cg1r4YYUcZA Sony Pictures' AFFIRM Films, Provident Films and the beloved Kendrick Brothers release their official trailer today as they gear up to launch their newest film, THE FORGE, exclusively in theaters nationwide beginning August 23rd. THE FORGE is a bold, inspirational drama about the power of mentorship that takes place in the same cinematic world as WAR ROOM, their 2015 hit film that claimed the #1 spot on the North American box office charts. Brent Jones, Grammy and Stellar Award-winning recording artist, once again captivate audiences with his upcoming new release "Live Your Best Life", available on May 17th in retail stores and digital platforms worldwide through JDI Entertainment/Sony The Orchard Distribution. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kBzVy-JSLFGyD6Ig_A3xNTMOCIDujy1OQ The world-renowned Gospel Heritage Worship & Arts Summit will be returning after a brief hiatus at The River Church in Durham, NC May 16-18! This three-day intense gospel music industry bootcamp will provide aspiring gospel singers and musicians with the opportunity to learn from some of the industry’s leading professionals. Originally founded by industry veteran Dr. Teresa Hairston-Jackson, this year’s workshop will be hosted by Gospel Heritage President and 7x Stellar Award-winning gospel artist, VaShawn Mitchell. This year’s summit is sure to be an epic experience unlike any other year prior. This year’s special honorees include Dr. Judith McAllister, the group Men of Standard, and gospel music legend Pastor Shirley Caesar. Special guest speakers of the summit will also include Bishop William Murphy, Dr. Valerie Moore, and Bishop Ronald L. Godbee. Other special guests include Gospel Heritage Vice President Dr. John Paul McGee, Anthony Brown, Tonya Baker, Meachum Clarke, Pastor Ruth Ann Wynter, and Todd Garlberth. Before nearly 800 delegates and hundreds of observers, Bishop Tracy S. Malone, resident bishop of the East Ohio Conference, recently took the mantle as the new president of the Council of Bishops (COB) of The United Methodist Church. In so doing, she became the first Black woman in the history of the global denomination to ascend to the pinnacle of episcopacy leadership. Bishop Malone accepted the gavel from outgoing President Bishop Thomas Bickerton to a standing ovation at the General Conference of The United Methodist Church, which is taking place at the Convention Center in Charlotte, N.C. “I am honored to serve as the President of the Council of Bishops in the midst of these challenging and hope-filled times in the life of our beloved United Methodist Church,” she said. “Fresh winds of God’s spirit are moving across the Church and creating missional pathways for the next visible expression and witness of The United Methodist Church.” Bishop Malone was elected as president during the COB meeting at Lake Junaluska in November last year. She will lead the COB for two years. The family of a U.S. Air Force officer who was shot and killed last week by a police officer in Florida claims the bodycam footage from the deadly incident contradicts the initial police narrative and leaves more questions than answers. The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday released the video footage to the family of U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Rogert Fortson, who was killed in his own home last Friday. The police claim the deputy responded to a reported “disturbance,” but a witness claims the police showed up at the wrong address before shooting Fortson six times. Initial reports provided by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office claimed the deputy acted out of “self defense” because Fortson was armed with a gun. The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office also said the deputy opened fire only after he “identified himself as law enforcement.” But Fortson’s family suggested in a statement after watching the bodycam video of the shooting that those claims were not entirely true. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/family-air-force-airman-23-fatally-shot-florida-sheriffs-deputy-demand-rcna151452 New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has publicly apologized for her comments regarding Black kids in the Bronx earlier in the week. On Monday, Hochul addressed the backlash she received for comments that she made about Black children in the Bronx during a panel discussion. Hochul was being interviewed by Washington Post columnist and MSNBC host Jonathan Capehart on stage during a discussion hosted by the Milken Institute in Los Angeles. In discussing the state’s “Empire AI” initiative that will provide supercomputer access in the Buffalo area, Hochul said “Right now, we have young Black kids growing up in the Bronx who don’t even know what the word ‘computer’ is,” adding, “They don’t know, they don’t know these things. I want the world opened up to all of them.” Almost three years after the tragic series of events at Travis Scott’s Astroworld Festival left 10 attendees dead, Live Nation has settled nine of the 10 wrongful death lawsuits related to the catastrophe. Terms of the settlements are confidential. What now remains is a lawsuit filed by the family of Ezra Blount. A trial date for the Blount lawsuit has not yet been set, remains, according to the Associated Press. Of the 10 victims, one was just nine years of age, and the news of the deaths sparked outrage and anger towards Scott. In his initial responses to the event, Scott showed remorse during a past interview and said he wasn’t aware of what was happening in the crowd during the performance alongside Drake. The May 8th announcement is just the latest in three massive settlements surrounding the catastrophe. In late 2022, a $750 lawsuit filed by Tony Buzbee on behalf of the family of victim Axel Acosta and more than 120 other plaintiffs was settled confidentially. That same year, a lawsuit from the family of victim Brianna Rodriguez was also confidentially settled in 2022. https://youtu.be/CYwmbE8JRmI Oprah Winfrey said on Thursday evening that she has long played a role in promoting unhealthy and unrealistic diets. “I want to acknowledge that I have been a steadfast participant in this diet culture,” she said during a live event broadcast on YouTube in partnership with WeightWatchers. “Through my platforms, through the magazine, through the talk show for 25 years and online. I’ve been a major contributor to it. I cannot tell you how many weight loss shows and makeovers I have done and they have been a staple since I’ve been working in television,” she said. Winfrey admitted that through her focus on weight, she “set a standard for people watching that I nor anybody else could uphold.” https://youtu.be/79-91OrvvmM Richard Williams may be known for molding his two daughters Venus and Serena into tennis legends, and now the patriarch is reportedly raising his 11-year-old son on his own. In an interview with RadarOnline, Williams’ oldest son Chavoita Williams provided an update on his father’s failing (2nd) marriage to his estranged wife Lakeisha Graham-Williams. According to Chavoita, Lakeisha is not doing a thing to help raise his little brother Junior Williams, the son she shares with Richard. The only thing she is doing is being active in spending Richard’s money. “Every time I turn around, she’s doing the dumbest stuff…She comes to the house; she uses Junior as a pawn and then he’ll end up giving her his card or something,” Chavoita told Radar. “It’s his fault to a degree because he allows her to get the card…I tell him ‘Okay, if she says you can’t see Junior then you just can’t see Junior for a while, and we will go through the courts and deal with it’…He stays with my dad seven days a week. My dad takes him to school and picks him up, my dad would tell you this himself.” Chavoita’s comments come after Lakeisha’s request to dismiss divorce documents filed by Richard Williams was recently granted by default. According to The Jasmine Brand, the divorce filing was thrown out after Richard Williams did not appear for a deposition and a court date. Chavoita stated his father’s nonappearance in court happened because his Richard is “terrified” of legal proceedings due to speech impairments brought on by several strokes. Richard’s non-appearance resulted in the judge reportedly agreeing to hear the case again once he and Lakeisha “figure out the next steps” to refiling. A teacher on TikTok has stirred a storm of opinions on professional boundaries and the nature of student-teacher interactions after posting a video where his students assisted in removing his braids in the classroom. In the trending video, which amassed over 2 million views and 500,000 likes, a middle school science educator known as “thilluminatin1” on TikTok, can be seen getting help from several female students to undo his braided hair shortly before school let out on a Friday. He argued that the act was solely about grooming and wouldn’t be considered inappropriate if he were a female teacher. JaQ Lee, the teacher behind the username, explained he had scheduled a haircut right after school and needed the braids removed. He selected students he referred to as “best friends” to help out during a little downtime and rewarded them for their exemplary performance that week. Only those who had finished their assignments from his and other classes were allowed to join in. Despite understanding that some viewers might see the activity as “too intimate,” Lee maintains that there was nothing improper, emphasizing “It’s literally just hair.” He believes such interactions contribute to “authentic relationships” with students, which are crucial for effective teaching. The video ignited a broader discussion about setting proper professional limits between teachers and students. Some critics argue that involving students in personal grooming crosses a boundary, creating an overly familiar setting. https://youtu.be/yokcQPzo7m4 With a catalog of hit sitcoms (“The Steve Harvey Show,” “The Soul Man,” “The Neighborhood”) and movies (“The Original Kings of Comedy,” “Johnson Family Vacation” and the “Barbershop” film series) under his belt, it’s safe to say Cedric the Entertainer knows something about comedy. Knowing his fame and the power of it, the “Last O.G.” fixture is making a point to give back with the Cedric the Entertainer Charitable Foundation, which has funded outreach programs and hundreds of student scholarships in his home state of Missouri; Cedric the Entertainer Celebrity Golf Classic (benefiting L.A.’s Kyles Family Foundation and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Camarillo), his ComedyPays.com project with producer Aaron Kaplan (which gives a little boost” to up-and-coming talent) and recently hosting “Dodgers Comedy Night” at the Orpheum Theatre as part of the Netflix Is a Joke Festival. Chatting with the Los Angeles Times, Cedric opens up about his involvement with Netflix Is a Joke’s “Dodgers Comedy Night and helming his stand up directorial debut. Craig David is two years celibate. And a better man for it creatively. Referencing Page Six, LoveBScott reports the “Fill Me In” entertainer dropped the bombshell during a recent appearance on the “The TMZ Podcast.” According to David, his celibate status has been active for the last two years, with him reaching his creative peak as an artist. “When I did the first album, ‘Born to Do It,’ I was 17-years-old. So these were all aspirations,” said the 42-year-old British vocalist. David’s celibacy stems from him opting to “park” his sexual appetite so he could explore what his life would be like without the added pressure of being physical with any partners. Although celibacy was not the intent, David considered it a welcome bonus in improving his work status. The result. A full recharge for his creative side. https://youtu.be/1mm_B04qzxI Legal drama for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is nothing to celebrate, according to the embattled hip-hop mogul’s longtime rival Suge Knight. TMZ cites its new documentary “TMZ Presents: The Downfall of Diddy” as the place where Knight shared thoughts on Combs and his current troubles from prison. During the interview, the Death Row Records co-founder and former CEO revealed he felt sympathy for Combs. So much so that his thoughts turned to the Bad Boy Records hitmaker’s children and the negative impact Combs’ sexual assault allegations and developing scandals related to it have on hip-hop culture. “The Downfall of Diddy,” streaming now on Tubi, chronicles Comb’s legal troubles, which centers on a series of sexual assault lawsuits and allegations connected to Combs as his beef with Knight and the raid on his Los Angeles, New York, and Miami properties by the Department of Homeland Security in March. In addition to Knight, the documentary features TMZ founder Harvey Levin as well as Aubrey O’Day, a former member of the Bad Boy Records girl group Danity Kane; music producer Stevie J, a member of Bad Boy’s production team The Hitmen and journalist/activist Marc Lamont Hill. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-04-26-042624-diddy-promo-suge-1819291-233/ Knight’s sentiments towards Diddy are a far cry from when the two battled for music supremacy in the ‘90’s. During that time, Death Row featured a legendary roster comprised of Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Tha Dogg Pound, the Lady of Rage and Tupac Shakur, among others. For Combs, his Bad Boy imprint contained iconic competition in the form of the Notorious B.I.G., the Lox, Craig Mack, Faith Evans, 112, Ma$e, Carl Thomas, and Combs himself, who was a regular fixture in his artists’ music videos. Both labels were known for churning out classic material as the rivalry co-existed with the East Coast West Coast beef that gripped hip-hop at the time. During the 1995 Source Awards, Knight fanned the flames of the beef with a not-so-subtle diss many felt was aimed at his chief competitor. “Any artist out there that wants to be an artist and want to stay a star, and don’t have to worry about the executive producer trying to be all in the videos, all on the record, dancing…come to Death Row!” Knight said. https://youtu.be/mv2OMXngkEs By the end of winter 2024, the return of Donald Trump to the top of the GOP presidential ticket has revealed a surprising trend in the former president’s base of support: his increasing popularity among Black and Latino voters. Several polls suggest as many as 23% of Black voters and 46% of Latino voters could cast their ballot for Trump. If the polls are right, these numbers represent a far cry from the 6% of Black and 28% of Latino voters who supported Trump in 2016 and the 8% of Black voters and 32% of Latino voters who voted for Trump in 2020. Given Trump’s long record of racist and xenophobic comments, the question, then, is why Trump’s support among voters of color has increased over the years. A ‘racial realignment’? Two explanations have emerged to explain Trump’s growth in support among voters of color. The first is based on the faulty assumption, made by some Democratic strategists that the increasing racial and ethnic diversity of the U.S. electorate would automatically benefit Democratic candidates. This assumption rests on the idea that voters of color are inherently progressive on issues such as education, social services, health care and criminal justice reform. While Donald Trump is currently on trial in New York for allegedly paying hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels and falsifying business records to cover it up, MAGA World defendants are still working hard at derailing another criminal case against the ex-president and his cohorts in Georgia, where Trump and more than a dozen other defendants have been accused of election interference. As usual, their prime target is Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, and, on Wednesday, a Georgia appeals court agreed to review the bid to get Willis disqualified from prosecuting the RICO case. As we previously reported in March, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee ruled earlier this year that a relatively brief romantic relationship between Willis and the special prosecutor she appointed to the case of Trump-and-pals, Nathan Wade, didn’t amount to the ethical misconduct and conflict of interest that was asserted by an attorney for RICO defendant Michael Roman, who argued Wade, Willis and her entire office should be barred from prosecuting the case because Willis and Wade were involved in an inappropriate romantic relationship, that Willis paid Wade large sums of money for his work and that she benefitted when he paid for lavish vacations. Dr. Umar Johnson may feel a way about Black nail techs, but his view is clearly not shared among those who have stepped up to defend the women who service their hands and feet. In a video posted online, Johnson is seen discussing Black nail techs and pedicure with Aristotle of Aristotle Investments. During the chat, Aristotle cites Black nail techs who prefer to perform as many manicures as possible instead of working on feet. Aristotle goes on to share that many nail techs refuse to do feet, due to the “nasty” hygiene of customers, Madame Noire reports. This mind state is not a profitable one, according to Johnson and Aristotle. Both men feel marks a loss for Black nail techs as Asian nail artists capitalize on the lack of foot care in a major way. “You just gave them control of the entire foot market,” Johnson said when making his controversial comments that Black nail techs are “lazy” and “selfish” and aren’t “humble enough to serve another sister that looks just like you.” The Pan-African expert reinforced the loss generated by refusal with remembering times during desegregation when Black people transitioned from being plumbers, mechanics, and architects to enlisting in a white man’s university. For Johnson, it the missed opportunity sabotages the e “economic growth as a people.” https://www.instagram.com/trebellanailspa/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=8602fbbf-8d2a-44f6-82c0-674b88a98be8 Man vs Bear. That’s the topic of the moment after a viral TikTok video triggered a debate among women, with one question. “Would you rather be stuck in a forest with a man or a bear?” Tracing the clip back to its April 10 posting by Screenshot HQ, Madame Noire noted the video is bringing awareness to the severity of violence Black women face, with several ladies weighing in on the controversial question, with 7 of 8 women preferring to be stuck in a forest with a carnivorous bear over a man. Needless to say, the video struck a nerve, generating 2 million likes, nearly 15 million views and more than 66,000 comments. Among those sharing thoughts on the post was Franchesca Ramsey, a TV writer and actress who brought a different angle to the discussion by centering on the connection between violence to the responses of the women in the man vs. bear video. https://www.tiktok.com/@screenshothq/video/7356208240008498465?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fviral-man-vs-bear-tiktok-video-brings-social-media-spotlight-on-violence-against-women%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7356208240008498465 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black and Indigenous women are murdered at a higher rate than any other race. The issue hit home for Madame Noire, which posted a story under the headline, “Twins stabbed, one fatally in Brooklyn deli after refusing man’s advances, sources say.” The site mentioned 19-year-old twin sisters Sanyia and Samyia Spain. The siblings’ experience inside a New York deli turned fatal after reportedly rejecting the advances of a disgruntled man on March 17. Samyia died at the hospital. Days later, the killer, identified as 20-year-old Veo Kelly, turned himself into the police. He was charged with the murder of Samyia as well as other weapon possession counts. https://www.instagram.com/chescaleigh/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=ed8b2042-ee8b-499a-b4f1-e3c97e315bd6 Taking to TikTok, Black users of the platform voiced their own takes surrounding the fear women have of some men. Big Swave, a Black male TikToker, reposted another man’s list of pros and cons of women being in a forest with a bear rather than a man. In his eyes, the social media user could see why women chose the animal. “I completely understand the logic of women saying, ‘I would rather be in a forest with a bear that’ll just kill me than me being in a forest with a man that will probably rape me repeatedly and then… possibly kill me,’” Big Swave argued. https://www.tiktok.com/@biggestswave/video/7361519264496422186?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fviral-man-vs-bear-tiktok-video-brings-social-media-spotlight-on-violence-against-women%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7361519264496422186 It’s that special day that moms everywhere look forward to – Mother’s Day 2024 will be celebrated on May 12. Way.com presents some amazing destinations to head to for a momcation – a much-needed break from the demands of motherhood. https://youtu.be/SKZbt3bdIHs If you’re looking for a momcation on a budget, look no further than this quiet city with a storied history in the American South. This one’s for moms who prefer a quiet getaway, with an itinerary that includes museums, art, and culture. Beaufort is located on the eastern coast, on one of South Carolina’s Sea Islands. Apart from the coastal climate and the island attractions, the city is also known for its antebellum architecture. It is also a designated National Historic Landmark. https://youtu.be/JJjdSGbb_gs FAMU President Larry Robinson announced Thursday that the university would “pause” a historic $237 million donation. “With regards to the gift and the processing of it … We’ve already decided that it is in our best interest to put that on pause,” Robinson said, the Tallahassee Democrat reports. We reported earlier that Florida A&M University (FAMU) received a staggering $237.75 million contribution from the Issac Batterson 7th Family Trust. Gregory Gerami, CEO of Batterson Farms Corp, presented the generous donation to FAMU during Saturday’s commencement ceremony at the Al Lawson Center. This record-breaking donation is earmarked to bolster student success programs and enhance athletics at the esteemed institution. However, following an emergency FAMU Foundation Board meeting on Thursday, Robinson stated that the university would pause any further action until it could assess the value of the stock options contributed by Gerami, a trustee of the Isaac Batterson Family 7th Trust. https://twitter.com/i/status/1788717723112914971 A California man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Atlanta on charges of threatening Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis because she prosecuted former President Donald Trump, the Justice Department said Friday in a release. Marc Shultz, 66, of Chula Vista, California, made his initial appearance on Thursday in federal court in San Diego. He was indicted on April 24 and will be arraigned in Atlanta in June, according to the release. According to prosecutors, Shultz allegedly posted multiple comments to two separate YouTube videos in October that threatened Willis with violence and murder, saying she “will be killed like a dog.” “Sending death threats to a public official is a criminal offense that will not be tolerated,” US Attorney Ryan Buchanan said in a statement. “Our office will continue to diligently coordinate with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to help protect public officials while performing their duties and who deserve to do so free from threats of harm and intimidation.” The case against Schultz was investigated by the FBI. It was not immediately clear whether he had legal representation. Ex-NBA star Glen “Big Baby” Davis received a 40-month prison sentence from a federal judge on Thursday for his role in a scheme to cheat the league’s health care benefits plan, dating back to November 2023. He also faces three years of supervised release, which includes mandatory drug treatment and a financial management class. In this high-profile fraud case, 22 individuals, 18 of them former NBA players such as Terrence Williams and Keyon Dooling, were implicated for submitting bogus claims to the NBA Players’ Health and Benefit Welfare Plan. Despite his persistent claims of innocence since the October 2021 indictments, the 38-year-old Davis was convicted of multiple counts of fraud and conspiracy to make false statements, culminating in an $80,000 restitution order. Williams, tagged as the mastermind of this “wide-ranging scheme to steal millions,” was handed a 10-year sentence last August by the Southern District of New York U.S. Attorney’s Office. Yet, Davis received the second harshest sentence among his peers; last month, ex-guard Will Bynum got 18 months, partly for perjury, per ESPN. Silence from Davis’ lawyer, Sabrina Shroff, and the Southern District’s press office followed the sentencing. As the highly anticipated second half of “THE CHI” season 6 approaches, airing May 10, we caught up with Jacob Latimore and Luke James, who teased tantalizing hints about what’s in store for fans of the hit series. “THE CHI” season six returns Friday, May 10th, streaming on Paramount+ With Showtime. Created and executive produced by Emmy winner Lena Waithe, “The CHI is a timely coming-of-age story centering on a group of residents who become linked by coincidence but bonded by the need for connection and redemption. Explores the humanity behind the headlines sensationalizing the South Side of Chicago,” per the official synopsis. James told us that the first half of season six “left you off on a great cliffhanger” and noted that Latimore’s character ‘Emmett’ has “got himself in something tremendously terrible that Victor (James), in a way, feels he has to step in because he has this superhero complex that only he can get the job done to ease us from this pain that has been plaguing our community,” he explained. “We are watching that challenge. This second half, you will watch people, the rise and fall. People are trying their best to hold onto power and there are also people trying their best to hold onto safety and protection and be freed of the turmoil,” James said. https://youtu.be/6kzJIubITSs While the intense rivalry between Kendrick Lamar and Drake has captivated the hip-hop world, Questlove remains unenthused, as is Ice Cube, surprisingly. Questlove, The Roots’ renowned drummer, expressed his discontent in an Instagram post, calling into question the very lifeblood of hip-hop. He took issue with the personal nature of their lyrical joust, which involved family members and baseless, salacious claims within their diss tracks. “Nobody won the war. This wasn’t about skill. This was wrestling match-level mudslinging and takedown by any means necessary — women & children (& actual facts) be damned. Same audience wanting blood will soon put up ‘rip’ posts like they weren’t part of the problem. Hip Hop truly is dead,” Questlove remarked. Continuing his critique, Questlove questioned the moral direction of the artists, provocatively captioning: “Here We Are Now…Entertain us?” The feud between Lamar and Drake has been marked by acrimonious exchanges, with Drake targeting Lamar’s personal life and Lamar retaliating with serious accusations against Drake, casting a shadow on his moral character. https://www.instagram.com/questlove/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=0734fbfe-79d4-4f25-840d-0786dd0c9dfd Congratulations to Alicia Keys for collecting more than a dozen 2024 Tony Award nominations for her Broadway musical “Hell’s Kitchen.” Vibe reports the critically acclaimed production, inspired by the “Keys’ personal coming-of-age story in New York City scored 13 nominations in all. Among the nominations are those for Best Musical, Best Direction of a Musical, and Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical. Directed by four-time Tony Award nominee Michael Greif, “Hell’s Kitchen” chronicles the journey of its lead character, Ali, whose rebellious spirit is maintained by her overprotective single mother. “Ali is lost until she meets her mentor: a neighbor who opens her heart and mind to the power of the piano,” according to a description of the play from its official website. Shoshana Bean, Brandon Victor Dixon, Kecia Lewis, Chris Lee and Maleah Joi Moon star in the musical, which features choreography from Tony Award nominee Camille A. Brown as well as a book by Pulitzer Prize finalist Kristoffer Diaz. Chris Brown explained in a new interview why he began investing at age 17 and what encouraged him to make franchise investments early in his career. “I was 17 when I started trying to invest in certain things, just ‘cause I knew… You don’t know how long you going to be successful, and it’s not like every artist can make it look like they getting money,” Brown said during an appearance on “The R&B Money Podcast” with hosts J. Valentine and Tank, Complex reports. “If you’re not a touring act, if you’re not doing stuff, you need an exit strategy,” Brown added. “My investments were, like, into Burger Kings and stuff like that just so I could have a portfolio of, you know, constant income. That was my first step.” Brown previously told US Weekly that he owns 14 Burger King restaurants. According to the company’s franchising website, “Burger King® charges a flat franchise fee of $50,000 USD for a franchise agreement with a term of 20 years.” According to AFROTECH™, the singer’s estimated wealth of $50 million comes from his music career, investments, and endorsements. https://youtu.be/loVqFTn0bQo Today, Glasshaus Presents is proud to announce Grammy-winning artist Bilal on Live at Glasshaus, a mid-career retrospective featuring a supergroup of Questlove, Common, Robert Glasper, and Burniss Travis. The live record presents Bilal with an ensemble of luminaries to reimagine standouts from his classic repertoire. Live at Glasshaus, out June 14 during Black Music Month, sees Bilal at the peak of his powers, pushing the boundaries of a genre-defying catalog including 1st Born Second, his famously unreleased sophomore album, Love For Sale, Airtight’s Revenge, Common’s seminal Like Water for Chocolate, as well as the premiere of Humility. Surrounded by an intimate studio audience of 100 fans, the project was recorded, filmed, and livestreamed from Glasshaus in Brooklyn, NY. With stripped-down arrangements and ecstatic performance, Bilal wove fresh interpretations of beloved catalog favorites spanning 23 years of recorded output. The album’s first single and video is “Something To Hold,” originally recorded during the height of the Soulquarian era. Now Bilal takes a raw approach with the live format, capturing his unparalleled talent and highlighting his artistic evolution: https://youtu.be/ZeylQF-5OSE Gary Owen’s ex-wife, Kenya Duke, is speaking out after the comedian got candid about their divorce and his estranged kids on Club Shay Shay. The famed comic confirmed during his conversation with Shannon Sharpe he recently welcomed twins with his fiancée, Brianna Johnson. Owen said it’s been nearly four years since he spoke to the children he shares with his ex Kenya, claiming their relationship is nonexistent since the ex-couple’s divorce. He told Shannon that his kids have not yet met his 9-month-old twins. “Didn’t think I wanted to be a father again….not having a relationship with my [other] kids…you know….I hate that thing of like ‘Imma do it right this time’ cause…I don’t think I did it wrong the first time,” Owen says on Club Shay Shay, The Jasmine Brand reports. https://youtu.be/6gtHTgw0bns In a milestone celebration of hip-hop culture and innovation, HOT 97, New York’s foremost station for hip-hop, announces a female rapper-dominated lineup for its iconic Summer Jam concert series. This is the first concert in the nation where the spotlight shines most brightly on the number of female rap artists commandeering the stage. Scheduled for June 2nd, 2024, at the UBS Arena, this year’s Summer Jam promises to be a monumental event, paying homage to HOT 97’s legacy of shaping and influencing the hip-hop community. Leading the pack are chart-topping female sensations Doja Cat, Drake favorite Sexxy Redd, Lola Brooke, and up-and-coming fan favorite Dynamic 41 (Kyle Richh, Jenn Carter & Tata), Def Jam’s Connie Diiamond, 310 Babii, and Honey Bxby. Today the beloved and renowned R&B vocal group The Spinners® released Full Circle on all streaming services. An additional CD release will be available May 25. Full Circle is the first release distributed by Reservoir Recordings, an imprint of Reservoir. This latest release from The Spinners marks the 70th Anniversary of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame group’s formation and is notably the final album from the last original member, Henry Fambrough album with members, Curtis CJ Jefferson, Marvin Taylor, Jessie Peck, and Ronnie Moss. The album was executive produced by Bernard Grobman and features 10 brand new tracks produced by Grobman, including two new singles “Easy on Me” and “After Hours”. “Easy on Me”, led by Fambrough (scroll down to listen), is a Spinners stellar and classic love ballad while “After Hours” with its hip, rocking dance pace, engages the five vocal harmonies and intermixed vocals, the ultimate Spinners sound. Starting this May, The Spinners will embark on a North American tour in support of Full Circle. Visit https://www.thespinners.com/ for a full list of dates. The Spinners are one of the most iconic and enduring groups in R&B history. With a towering legacy spanning over six decades, The Spinners have never lost their universal appeal. Officially formed in 1954, the group helped define Philadelphia Soul, earning six Grammy nominations and 18 Platinum and Gold Albums, and selling millions of records worldwide in the process. In recognition of their numerous achievements, The Spinners earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, and were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. https://youtu.be/7j2uTxMm0dM Charlie Wilson’s newest track, “Superman,” is at the top of Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart. According to Billboard, the track “jumps from No. 3 after an 8% increase in plays that made it the most-played song as U.S. monitored adult R&B radio stations in the week of April 26-May 2, according to Luminate,” the outlet writes. “Superman” marks Wilson’s 10th No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay. “I am incredibly grateful and humbled by the overwhelming support for ‘Superman’,” Wilson said in a press release. “To have another [No.] 1 hit on the Billboard Adult R&B chart is truly an important achievement to me, especially with a song so personal highlighting my wife’s endless love and support of me. She truly put the cape back on my back after very rough times. I want to thank my fans for their unwavering loyalty and love throughout my career. This song is also for all women, their strength, love and support is appreciated more than they know,” Wilson added, per Billboard. https://youtu.be/Wj-YAjrBz84 The legendary singer has shared the mic on recording projects with many other iconic performers. In 2010, he collaborated with Kanye West on his album “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.” That led Wilson to work with Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross, Rihanna, and Common. https://youtu.be/jXGkKVzfTWo As if the Kendrick Lamar beef wasn’t enough, a new one’s popping off. We’re talking about a clash of titans: Shaquille O’Neal versus Shannon Sharpe. The spectacle unfolded after the “Inside the NBA” team awarded the NBA’s Most Valuable Player to Joker (Nikola Jokic) on their Wednesday broadcast. During the festivities, Shaq praised the Nuggets star as the top player in the league, yet he controversially opined that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander should have snagged the MVP award this year. This prompted Sharpe to air his thoughts on his “Nightcap” podcast alongside Chad Johnson and Gilbert Arenas, where he hinted at jealousy on Shaq’s part toward Jokic’s recent successes. “Shaq should have five MVPs,” Sharpe remarked. “He sees someone like Nikola Jokic, who isn’t as dominant, snag three in four years. When you’re historically great, they mention you as a phenomenal player, the GOAT, and Shaq is seldom included.” https://youtu.be/He3vjFzCuH4 Sharpe continued, “I think a part of him is envious of that… it’s tough for me to consider someone a GOAT with just one MVP. If Shaq had my work ethic, he would have scored 40,000 points.” Shaq, clearly ruffled, responded vehemently on Instagram, lambasting Sharpe for what he deemed sensationalist remarks, asserting his support was purely for SGA. The exchange escalated quickly, with Shaq asserting that Sharpe was the one green with envy. “Don’t forget I know what you did to get here,” Shaq retorted. “Sounds like you’re the jealous one. You’re trying to stay relevant by stirring drama on your podcast… 4 rings, three finals MVPs, top 50 and top 75. Google me. And frankly, despite your newfound success, you’re still beneath me,” he concluded. https://youtu.be/He3vjFzCuH4 The tension didn’t end there. Shaq proclaimed his overall superiority in wealth and reputation, to which Sharpe shot back defiantly: “He can throw all the shade he wants. Sure, you have more money, more fame, and you’ll always be wealthier than me, but no one will ever accuse me of being lazy or shortchanging myself.” The feud reached a boiling point as Shaq headed to the studio to release a diss track aimed directly at Sharpe. https://twitter.com/i/status/1788996683667230824 Hulu premiered director Prentice Penny’s three-part documentary series “Black Twitter: A People’s History” on May 9th. Penny collaborated with Onyx Collective on the project that is based on Jason Parham’s WIRED cover story “A People’s History of Black Twitter.” Per the official synopsis, the series “charts the rise, movements, voices, and memes that made Black Twitter an influential and dominant force in nearly every aspect of American political and cultural life.” The doc features commentary from TJ Adeshola (former head of Global Content Partnerships, Twitter), W. Kamau Bell (comedian; director, “We Need to Talk About Cosby”), Kid Fury (TV writer and host, “The Read”), Roxane Gay (author; cultural critic, The New York Times), Jemele Hill (author, journalist), Luvvie Ajayi Jones (New York Times bestselling author), Van Lathan (cultural critic; host, “Higher Learning”), comedian/actress Amanda Seales, and many more cultural influencers. https://youtu.be/ILVP23Y60vE “For me, it was important to have the ‘professor types’ along with regular people because Black Twitter is a level playing field, which is rare for Black people in this country. To me, Black Twitter is the hang-out in the quad in college or the stoop in your neighborhood. Famous or not, everybody can get these jokes. It’s the cookout where we’re all cousins.” Per Vibe, “The docuseries celebrates the power Black people have on and offline and provides insight into just how that influence circulates globally.” “We’re just beginning to see the ways in which it’s impacted the world, and I think there’s so much more that it will continue to do,” Penny told Vanity Fair about the power of Black Twitter. “But [with the documentary], I hope people can see how dope we were—how dope we still are—and just how creative we could be.” https://youtu.be/iAMuT_bwqqo A bride took to social media to share her frustrations over a guest bringing her children to the wedding without asking. Anyone else deal with ridiculous RSVPs? I guess I should have been more clear but for a back story, this is a family friend on my fiancé’s side,” she captioned a Facebook post, the New York Post reports. When the family friend accepted the wedding invite, she increased her allotted four seats to “4 + baby” on the form and noted dietary restrictions. “Don’t worry about [my husband] with his celiac disease. He’ll eat before the wedding — and baby will eat from my plate,” they wrote. The bride wrote in the Facebook group, “She has kids from three different men including her current husband. So I asked her how many she thinks are coming and she told me four — including her one-year-old baby.” Here is an exclusive clip of We tv’s “Love During Lockup” series, which airs Friday night (May 10). If you’re a newbie to the show, the docuseries introduces viewers to six couples navigating romance challenges in the prison system. https://youtu.be/IYstz4GLMhw STARZ released the high-intensity trailer and key art for the fourth and final season of “Power Book II: Ghost,” which debuts on Friday, June 7. The trailer comes weeks after the network released new images of new cast members Michael Ealy as “Detective Don Carter,” and Golden Brooks as “Janet,” who join the cast this season. The news release states that the final season “promises to be explosive, with high-adrenaline twists and turns as everyone hunts for revenge.” Season four sees the return of series stars Michael Rainey Jr. and Gianni Paolo as “Tariq” and “Brayden,” who are on the run after starting a war with Noma in the season three finale. The cast also includes Mary J. Bligeas “Monet Tejada,” Cliff “Method Man” Smith as “Davis MacLean,” Alix Lapri as “Effie Morales,” Larenz Tate as “Rashad Tate,” Caroline Chikezie as “Noma,” and LightSkinKeisha as “Brushaundria Carmichael.” https://youtu.be/ZUmTlGMt4SI Chart-topping Nigerian chanteuse, lyric weaver, and musical architect Tems announces her inaugural voyage into the global concert arena with the “Born in the Wild World Tour,” celebrating her eclectic debut album slated for a June 7 reveal. Garnering both a Grammy and an Oscar nomination, Tems is set to grace the stage in London with her melodious rhapsodies starting June 12, at the renowned Eventim Apollo. Her musical odyssey promises to enchant audiences through Europe’s crème de la crème venues, with performances set to unfold across the tapestry of France, Norway, Germany, and the Netherlands. The sonic spectacle will cross the ocean to North America, kicking off in Miami’s lauded Fillmore Miami Beach on August 22, before winding its way through cities like Boston at the Agganis Arena, Los Angeles at the iconic Greek Theatre, and New York’s legendary Radio City Music Hall. The crescendo of her tour will echo through Africa and reach its final note down under at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion on November 15. https://youtu.be/n8twy7b_6D0 On Sunday, May 5, 2024, the 39th Annual Lucille Lortel Awards, presented recipients with Outstanding Achievement Off-Broadway in sixteen categories, with three special honors. Held at the NYU Skirball Center in New York City, the honorary awards were bestowed to Ruben Santiago-Hudson for a Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Phylicia Rashad; Dominique Morisseau, the Playwright’s Sidewalk Inductee was presented by Kamilah Forbes; and Ars Nova, honored for their Outstanding Body of Work with a presentation by award-winning director Anne Kauffman. Kimora Lee has stepped into the light to share her take on the buzz surrounding her daughter, Aoki Lee Simmons, 21, and her out-of-nowhere fling with the seasoned restaurateur Vittorio Assaf, 65. Like a scene scripted for Hollywood, the fashion maven found herself fielding questions from a TMZ video person yesterday (05-09-24). She was questioned about the recent sighting of Aoki sharing tender moments with Assaf during what appeared to be an idyllic escape steeped in romance. Kimora Lee with her characteristic blend of charm and candor, confessed to feeling “a little embarrassed” about the entire ordeal, yet remained playfully dismissive of the fleeting romance she likened to a kiss with a “toad.” “I don’t think she had an ‘anything,’” she began. “She’s a young, pretty girl, you know? I think that we don’t think that the toads we may kiss are gonna be broadcasted. And I personally feel like she was set up, which is why I try and teach the girls.” https://youtu.be/ALgJvDspw1g Kandi Burruss’s fans are praising her acting prowess. In a single skit, she seamlessly portrayed both a big-breasted fashionista named Pla$tik and her prison bae. As MadameNore reports, the skit begins with Kandi wearing a red leather bra with a phone nestled between large fake breasts. As a make-up artist works on her face, Pla$tik gets a collect call from her prison bae. That’s when the scene shifts to Prison Bae, where Kandi sports a full-body suit of abs and gets her hair braided by a fellow inmate. “I ain’t got no more visitation days,” Prison Bae tells Pla$tik. After murmuring, “I love you,” to Pla$tik, the cellmate erupts in a jealous rage, confronting Pla$tik with all the sordid details of his liaisons with Prison Bae. Prison Bae attempts to compensate for his deceit by persuading his cellmate named Kev to serenade with R. Kelly’s “Bump n’ Grind.” https://www.instagram.com/kandi/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=ead4e2d1-3342-42e6-8939-1e14cf756300 Jaleel White is a newly married man! Meanwhile, White will release his new memoir “Growing Up Urkel,” on Nov. 19. According to publisher Simon and Schuster, the tome is described as, “An incisive and insightful memoir by one of the most beloved icons of nineties television Jaleel White, the actor who portrayed Steve Urkel on the hit sitcom Family Matters.” The description continues, “In this wise and witty memoir, Growing Up Urkel takes you on a memorable journey through the peaks, valleys, and plateaus of fame and fortune.” https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6wlMmwPRrp/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=67ed37ae-df93-4fe9-bd1c-f099d7dc9f62 Today the beloved and renowned R&B vocal group The Spinners® released Full Circle on all streaming services. An additional CD release will be available May 25. Full Circle is the first release distributed by Reservoir Recordings, an imprint of Reservoir. This latest release from The Spinners marks the 70th Anniversary of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame group’s formation and is notably the final album from the last original member, Henry Fambrough album with members, Curtis CJ Jefferson, Marvin Taylor, Jessie Peck, and Ronnie Moss. https://youtu.be/7j2uTxMm0dM Savannah James, wife of NBA star LeBron James, opened up about how she disciplines her kids in a new episode of the Everybody’s Crazy podcast. James and her co-host, April McDaniel, led a conversation on Mom Guilt, highlighting how younger children often evade the discipline given to their older siblings. Savannah and LeBron share three children: sons Bryce and Bronny and their little sister Zhuri. McDaniel asked on the podcast, “Did you discipline Bryce, Bronny, and Zhuri differently?” “Yes, I did. Zhuri ain’t never got a whooping before by me, a day in her life,” Savannah said. https://youtu.be/Db-wbwJv-Po Tyrese Gibson claims he is still living in fear of his ex-wife, Norma Mitchell due to their ongoing legal dispute. “Just to name a few….Still living in fear of my ex [ Norma ] and what new vile sh-t she’s going to once again say or accuse me of in response to my 167 pages filed in the courts [ link in bio ],” the wrote on social media, The Blast reports. Last month, Tyrese said he filed court documents against Norma, claiming that he was tired of “living in fear” while she slandered his name. “I’m finally addressing because I have to… I’ve read your comments, so here’s my response… The days of me suffering in silence and living in fear are over…. 167 pages filed in the Los Angeles courthouse 111 Hill Street,” he wrote on Instagram. The “Fast & Furious” star said he’s still experiencing emotional distress related to his issues with Norma. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6qg_lYO5hg/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c181f28f-b853-425f-aa4e-4719cf872b15 Khloé Kardashian revealed recently that she made her baby daddy, Tristan Thompson, take three paternity of their son, Tatum Thompson, who was born through a surrogate because he acts like her late father and looks like brother Rob Kardashian. During her appearance on the SHE MD podcast, the reality TV Star said she made Thompson take multiple paternity tests after she realized their one-year-old son didn’t look like herself and Tristan. “Because he was an IVF baby or surrogate baby, I was like, ‘Rob, have you ever donated sperm somewhere?” she told Dr. Thais Aliabadi and Mary Alice Haney in the video above. “I made Tristan do three DNA tests for Tatum. He was so offended, and I’m like, ‘He doesn’t look like me.’” She joked, “‘He could have been my brother’s by accident!'” https://youtu.be/aJeQOaPX5EM “In this family, that would not surprise me but that would be so disgusting. But I remember [my doctor] was like, ‘You’ve already done a DNA test!’ I go, ‘I need to do another one, I need to figure it out,’” Kardashian added. “My son is one-and-a-half, and he’s sarcastic. My dad had a really dry, silly, just crazy sense of humor and there’s glimmers of my dad in Tatum and I’m like, ‘This is so freaking weird.’ But it’s just how God works and I love it.” Kardashian previously admitted that she had trouble bonding with the baby due to all of Thompson’s cheating drama during the surrogacy. During the podcast conversation, Khloé noted that Tristan is an “incredible father” to Tatum and their six-year-old daughter, True. “He did make mistakes, but … he’s the nicest guy, and we get along so well now,” she said. https://www.instagram.com/khloekardashian/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=b1ecc09c-0424-4f6d-8871-dd1496962366 Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre venture into the noir genre in HARDY’s short film “Gin & Juice (Another Shot From Dr. Dre),” offering a fresh take on their iconic 1993 single. Country singer HARDY linked up with the hip-hop duo to help promote his reimagined version of the iconic 90’s hip-hop song “Gin and Juice. The short film features actress Nicola Peltz Beckham and was made in collaboration with Gin & Juice By Dre & Snoop, the rap duo’s first ready-to-drink product from their new premium spirits company. Per a press release, HARDY said: “The entire ‘Gin & Juice’ process has been a dream for me. I recorded the song and in a few short weeks I was on set with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. It didn’t feel real until I showed up and I saw the names on the trailers. I spent two days with them and I can honestly say they are two of the coolest, most genuine people and they made me feel right at home. I am so thankful for the experience and I’m looking forward to hanging with those guys again.” https://youtu.be/wTMfZGyqQQc A Florida sheriff’s office publicly released bodycam footage from a deputy who fatally shot a Black airman (Roger Fortson) in his home last week, and disputed claims from the victim’s family that the deputy had gone to the wrong apartment. Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden showed the video during a Thursday news conference, shortly after an attorney for the 23-year-old airman’s family called for its public release. The victim, an active-duty senior airman, according to attorney Ben Crump, said at an earlier news conference Thursday the family was set to view the bodycam video early this afternoon. Crump had called for the public release of the bodycam footage, saying a witness believed the deputy was at the wrong apartment. “The circumstances surrounding Roger’s death raise serious questions that demand immediate answers from authorities, especially considering the alarming witness statement that the police entered the wrong apartment,” Crump said in a statement, citing the account of a person who was on FaceTime with Fortson at the time of the shooting. https://youtu.be/VWB4p9Zt-J0 But the sheriff disputed that claim. CNN has reached out to Crump for comment. “Those statements are inaccurate,” Aden said. “What we do know at this time is that the deputy did announce himself, not once but twice. Mr. Fortson’s comments indicate that he did acknowledge it was law enforcement at the door and he arrived at the door with a firearm in his hand. The deputy knocked on the correct door, he did not cover the peephole or otherwise obscured its view in any way.” The sheriff said he has asked the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Division to handle the criminal investigation, as is required. “While this is a criminal investigation, no determination has been made as to whether the deputy’s actions were justified or not,” Aden said. https://youtu.be/CKLxdAnhXSM The bodycam footage, dated May 3, begins at roughly 4:28 p.m. with a deputy arriving at what appears to be an apartment complex. A woman at the complex is heard telling the deputy there was a disturbance in apartment 1401 and that it was “getting out of hand.” The same woman tells the deputy she previously walked by the apartment and heard yells and “a slap,” but added she wasn’t sure where it came from. The deputy takes the elevator to the fourth floor and knocks on a door three times. The apartment number “1401” is visible in the footage. He announces himself twice, saying, “Sheriff’s office, open the door.” There is nothing heard in the footage from inside the apartment. Within seconds of the apartment’s door opening, the deputy says “Step back” and is then seen firing his weapon. Fortson is seen standing at the door with his hands down and what appears to be a lowered firearm in his right hand. He immediately falls to the floor as the deputy fires. At least five shots are heard. https://youtu.be/CLQV8yZeNPI AspireTV’s latest culinary series, “Hustle, Sizzle, and Smoke,” pits everyday home kitchen masters against each other in an intense barbecue competition. Per the official synopsis: “In Hustle, Sizzle and Smoke, dive into the heat of the ultimate competition where everyday masters of the home kitchen, emerging restaurateurs, and food entrepreneurs face off in a fiery barbecue showdown. Each episode introduces two grilling experts from diverse backgrounds battling to win a fast-paced barbecue showdown, bringing their own personal journeys, techniques and cooking secrets to the table.” https://youtu.be/E3EYWw3FWQA Today, the 2024 American Black Film Festival/ABFF‘s Opening Night Announcement exclaims it will open its 28th annual Miami festival with the prestigious HBO Short Film Award Showcase and the lineup of this year’s Series, Voices of Culture, and Spotlight Screenings. In past years, the HBO Short Film Award Showcase has launched the careers of some of the most successful filmmakers such as Ryan Coogler, Reinaldo Marcus Green, Rashaad Ernesto Green, Frankie Flowers, Steven Caple, Jr., and more. “We are thrilled to partner with our founding sponsor, HBO, and kick off this year’s festival with the iconic HBO Short Film Award Showcase,” said NICE CROWD President Nicole Friday. “This year’s HBO Short Film Award Showcase, Spotlight Screenings, Series, and Voices of Culture lineups present even more talented Black creatives, and we are delighted to share such diversity in our programs for all audiences to enjoy.” A major Japanese food supplier has recalled more than 100,000 packs of a popular brand of sliced white bread after rat parts were found inside some loaves. The latest scare adds to a raft of food safety scandals plaguing Asia’s second-biggest economy, which has a longstanding reputation for the reliability of its food exports. In a statement on Wednesday, Pasco Shikishima Corporation said it was investigating how parts of “a small animal” found its way into two packets of sliced bread, adding that no one has fallen sick so far after consuming the product. It later confirmed to CNN that the remains belonged to a rat. They were found in a batch of white “chojuku” bread — or super fermented bread, known for its extra chewy texture — manufactured by a factory based in western Tokyo prefecture, according to the company. https://youtu.be/a8O3oI6575Y In this episode of Underground Magnolia Podcast, we shine a spotlight on Nyla Choates – an inspiring youth activist, entrepreneur, and author. The 19-year-old founded the nonprofit My Roots Are Rich as a high school student in Milpitas, California. The organization takes a proactive stance against systemic racism by conducting a variety of self-pride and literacy workshops across the nation. In 2021, Nyla demonstrated her commitment to social justice by organizing a peaceful Black Lives Matter protest in her hometown, which is in Silicon Valley. A year later, she self-published a children’s book titled after her nonprofit that encourages young readers to embrace their heritage and take pride in their roots. Currently, Nyla is a junior at the historically Black women’s college, Spelman, where her leadership prowess has earned her numerous awards in business and entrepreneurship. Her journey exemplifies resilience, passion, and the power of using one’s voice to effect positive change. Social media influencer Kai Cenat will not be prosecuted on charges of inciting a riot and unlawful assembly connected to a chaotic giveaway he promoted in New York City’s Union Square last year, which resulted in dozens of arrests, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office said. Cenat posted a public apology to social media and has agreed to pay $55,000 in restitution after the riotous crowd of thousands of people damaged landscaping in Union Square, prosecutors said. The district attorney’s office said it will officially dismiss the case after the apology has been on social media for 24 hours. Last August, Cenat announced during a Twitch stream that he would be hosting a “huge giveaway” of computers, Play Station 5s, gift cards, and other prizes in Union Square. At the time, he had more than 6.5 million Twitch followers – a following that has only grown since. https://youtu.be/kSAEQSJiP8c American history sometimes gets it wrong. The great accomplishments of American history somehow end up with Caucasian faces, overshadowing the monumental achievements of people of color. Ruth P. Watson, author, historian, and educator explores the journey of financial genius Maggie Lena Walker, in her book, “A Right Worthy Woman,” on the first female banker in the United States, who, by the way, was an African-American woman. Her novel, based on the real-life journey of financial genius Maggie Lena Walker, the first female and African-American banker to establish and preside over a bank in the United States, has the backdrop of the Jim Crow era in Virginia. Ruth found Maggie doing research for another project and Maggie’s story has found a way into all of Ruth’s works. “I sort of stumbled on her some years ago, about 14 years ago when I was doing research for another book,” said Ruth P. Watson. “She (Maggie Lena Walker) started as a laundress’s child, she took in laundry for White people, and her mother was a former slave. Watson continued: “She (Maggie) became an educator and she was always interested in economics. She taught her students how to count. And she encouraged her students.” https://youtu.be/dCeTWEMhAtM While the intense rivalry between Kendrick Lamar and Drake has captivated the hip-hop world, Questlove remains unenthused, as is Ice Cube, surprisingly. Questlove, The Roots’ renowned drummer, expressed his discontent in an Instagram post, calling into question the very lifeblood of hip-hop. He took issue with the personal nature of their lyrical joust, which involved family members and baseless, salacious claims within their diss tracks. “Nobody won the war. This wasn’t about skill. This was wrestling match-level mudslinging and takedown by any means necessary — women & children (& actual facts) be damned. Same audience wanting blood will soon put up ‘rip’ posts like they weren’t part of the problem. Hip Hop truly is dead,” Questlove remarked. Continuing his critique, Questlove questioned the moral direction of the artists, provocatively captioning: “Here We Are Now…Entertain us?” The feud between Lamar and Drake has been marked by acrimonious exchanges, with Drake targeting Lamar’s personal life and Lamar retaliating with serious accusations against Drake, casting a shadow on his moral character. https://www.instagram.com/questlove/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=9c24edb6-a035-4215-a82c-0372745e2e43 In 2016, Ashleigh Johnson became the inaugural Black athlete to join the U.S. Olympic water polo team. Today, she’s using her platform to advocate for youth empowerment, especially in underserved communities. After making history with the U.S. Olympic water polo team, and clinching a gold medal, she secured another gold in the Tokyo Games four years later. Now at 29, Johnson is universally recognized as the top player in her position globally. “The longer that you play a sport, the less it becomes about you,” Johnson said, NBC News reports. “I remember when I was young on this national team and just starting to find my footing, I didn’t understand why it was important for me to be here. But I understand now,” she continued. “As a Black woman of Caribbean descent in this sport, I definitely feel a special obligation to be a light for little Black and brown girls — and boys — who may be interested in swimming and water polo. That’s really special and is a priority for me. https://youtu.be/iiCy7m8hONk As NBC News points out, interacting and bonding with children continues to be one of Johnson’s cherished experiences in her athletic journey. “It’s so cool to see how inspiring the sport can be,” Johnson said. “These kids sometimes share their experiences, their struggles, and the chances are I’ve been through something like they have been and [I’m] able to give them some words of encouragement,” she added. “We’re all unique in some way, but we’re all so similar in other ways. And getting to have these experiences with the kids makes us all really strong,” Johnson continued. Throughout her journey, Johnson has encountered and overcome challenges and adversity, often stemming from racism. Her Jamaican mother, Donna Johnson, was unaware of her daughter’s conflicts. https://www.instagram.com/maggie.steffens/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=207b2f29-f93b-4d04-b4b0-537f3a07b669 Netflix’s Roast of Tom Brady garnered significant press due to Kim Kardashian getting booed at the event, but the streamer’s Netflix Is a Joke festival with Katt Williams attracted more viewers. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Netflix’s internal measurement for April 29-May 5 reveals that Katt Williams: Woke Foke, streamed live on Saturday, May 4, garnered 4 million views worldwide. This surpasses the 2 million views for the Brady roast. Both specials secured spots in the global top 10 rankings. Additionally, Woke Foke achieved a higher ranking in the United States than “The Roast of Tom Brady.” “Woke Foke” streamed live during the “Netflix is a Joke Comedy Fest” in Los Angeles, which runs from May 1 to May 12. Katt’s performance was filmed at the YouTube Theater in Inglewood, California. In a press release, Netflix said Williams would “let loose in real time” during the hour-long set. The project marks Williams’ third comedy special for the streaming platform and comes four months after the comedian’s controversial appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast. https://youtu.be/TozX3UUPVt4 Shaquille O’Neal responded to his ex-wife Shaunie Henderson’s confession in her new memoir that she didn’t love him during their relationship. In her latest book, “Undefeated: Changing the Rules and Winning On My Own Terms,” Henderson admits to being more infatuated with the NBA star’s lifestyle and concept of marriage than with him as an individual. As PEOPLE reports, O’Neal and Henderson wed in 2002 before calling it quits in 2009 due to Shaq’s alleged infidelity. They share four children together, including sons Shareef and Shaqir and daughters Amirah and Me’arah. “Looking back, I don’t know that I was ever really in love with the man, but I was in love with the idea of being married to the man I had a family with,” Henderson wrote, per Essence. “I was in love with the idea of building a life together. I truly did enjoy spending time with him. [NBA] road trips allowed me to be with my husband and experience the NBA life for a little while,” she continued. https://www.instagram.com/iamshaunie/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=f0457f48-377d-463e-b88d-30008a7e4380 MSNBC’s Joy Reid hosted an exclusive two-part interview with WNBA star Brittney Griner on May 6. During the conversation, Griner shared her firsthand account of time in Russian detainment in 2022, and subsequent release from a brutal penal colony, as outlined in her new book, “Coming Home.” The two-time Olympic gold medalist said the conditions were frigid and took a toll on her health, USA Today reports. “The mattress had a huge blood stain on it and they give you these thin two sheets, so you’re basically laying on bars,” Griner said. “We had spiders above my bed, making a nest. My dreads started to freeze. They would just stay wet and cold and I was getting sick. You got to do what you got to do to survive.” https://youtu.be/0F0Aye8AjVY Louisiana has recently become the 28th state to adopt Constitutional Carry, joining others in embracing permitless carry. Governor Jeff Landry signed Senate Bill 1, granting discretionary concealed carry licenses. Under this new law, individuals aged 18 and older can carry a concealed handgun without a permit. This decision signifies a significant victory for Second Amendment advocates and legislation supported by the NRA. “Today, we join 27 other states in passing Constitutional Carry. I promised the folks of Louisiana that I would champion Constitutional Carry into law, and within two months, I have honored that commitment,” Republican Gov. Jeff Landry told Fox News Digital. “It’s fundamentally clear — law-abiding citizens should never have to seek government permission to safeguard themselves and their families. Today, we have secured an incredible victory for liberty in Louisiana. I want to thank Louisiana’s NRA members for their great work.” https://youtu.be/KD40LAvk-7c An enthusiastic, multicultural crowd was in attendance for the kickoff celebration leading up to the annual Day of the Ancestors: Festival of Masks. The celebration was held on Saturday, May 4, from 12-2:00 pm in Leimert Park, on the People’s Street and KAOS Network. The kick-off was free for all ages and featured engaging, interactive art activities, free healthy food treats, community conversations, and live music and dance! The theme for 2024 Day of the Ancestors: Festival of Masks is Bese Saka, Our Wealth is Our Togetherness. The day began at noon with Bese Saka arts activities hosted by Maria Elana Cruz, Ronieka Pinkney, and Ayisha Sinclair. Today’s “Tamron Hall” features a convo with “Basketball Wives” creator Shaunie Henderson telling why she doesn’t regret her marriage to Shaquille O’Neal. Plus, her current hubby, Pastor Keion Henderson speaks on his viral moment of hushing a church member while preaching. But FIRST, Tamron opens the show telling the hilarious and all too real story of why she was not present at Usher’s Met Gala afterparty last night. https://youtu.be/dJsABZbGdhU “No one writes this manual of how to do life. I wish! I own my space. I own my decisions. I own the fact that I was in complete denial and saw things right in front of me but just like – I was protecting myself, I was protecting my kids. I have this family, right? I didn’t want to be a failure and to me losing my marriage was failing.” Tamron referred to a passage from the memoir that reads, “Looking back, I don’t know that I was ever really in love with the man, but I was in love with the idea of being married to the man I had a family with. I was in love with the idea of building a life together.” Henderson replied, “Absolutely. I was in love with the partnership that I never got. I didn’t experience a partnership in a relationship until now. But you know, Shaquille and I have a great relationship now and beautiful children. I would not change any part of my story. Not one part of my story, no matter how depressed, how sad, how much of at the bottom I felt. I would not change one part of it because I feel like my reward is now.” https://youtu.be/IVOHRdmbEGo Tamron shares why she didn’t end up going to Usher’s Met Gala afterparty:“Last night, the Met Gala, just a few blocks from here…So I stayed up and I watched – Tyla! My goodness, did they just carve her from heaven? Everyone looked amazing! So here’s the deal, I was not invited to the Met Gala and that’s okay because I did get an invitation to Usher’s afterparty. But here’s the truth – so I was like, ‘I have two shows today. We’re live and we do a second show. Let me map it out.’ My husband and I – okay, put the baby to bed. Got the sitter, okay. I said, ‘We will eat dinner at 9:30pm so we can stay up because if I go to sleep, I won’t wake up.’ The party didn’t start ‘til 11:00pm. I gotta be here [at the studio] and up at like 5:30, 6am. So I’m mapping it all out like a 53-year-old mom does. So I’m like, ‘Okay, we got it!’ So we go to this place called The Monkey Bar. I get my burger. I get a glass of wine because I know I have to, I’m going night night. So I have a glass of wine. We’re on our way to the party… I don’t want to miss out. We drove up to The Edition in Time Square and I was like, ‘Man, we gotta go to bed.’ I didn’t get out of the car! Usher, I’m so sorry! Chris Chambers, your team – thank you! But I pulled up and I was like, ‘I’m so sleepy and I have to go live.’ I did it for you all! It’s you! So if y’all weren’t my family, I would have been at Usher’s. So it’s your fault I am here at work!” https://youtu.be/l7maXzbzegU Boy Scouts of America announced Tuesday that it will change its name to Scouting America next February, to emphasize its commitment to inclusion. The youth organization said the new name is meant to help everyone, including boys and girls, feel welcome. The change will go into effect on February 8, 2025, the organization’s 115th anniversary, the Boy Scouts of America said. “While this may be a surprise to some of you, for us this is a straightforward evolution and the next natural step in ensuring all American youth feel welcomed and recognized in an organization that is meant to serve all Americans,” Roger A. Krone, president and chief executive officer of the Boy Scouts of America, told reporters during a Tuesday news conference. Krone said the rebranding won’t change the organization’s mission of preparing “young people over their lives to make ethical and moral choices by instilling the scout oath, and the scout law. America’s values are scouting values.” Girls were first able to join the Cub Scouts, the organization’s program for children 7 to 10 years old, in 2018. The following year, the organization welcomed older girls, 11 to 17 years old, to its flagship program Scouts BSA, CNN previously reported. https://youtu.be/WUnL9spDKR8?list=RDNSWUnL9spDKR8 Nicolas Cage and FKA twigs are set to star in “The Carpenter’s Son,” a horror film that delves into Jesus’s childhood. According to Deadline, Cage, 60, will portray the Carpenter, while British singer FKA Twigs, 36, will play the Mother. Noah Jupe, 19, will play the Boy. Per the official synopsis, the film “tells the dark story of a family hiding out in Roman Egypt. The son, known only as ‘the Boy’, is driven to doubt by another mysterious child and rebels against his guardian, the Carpenter, revealing inherent powers and a fate beyond his comprehension. As he exercises his own power, the Boy and his family become the target of horrors, natural and divine.” A release date for “The Carpenter’s Son” has not yet been announced. Production begins this summer. Meanwhile, you can soon catch FKA Twigs and Bill Skarsgård in the Rupert Sanders-directed remake of “The Crow.” https://youtu.be/djSKp_pwmOA In the first Despicable Me movie in seven years, Gru, the world’s favorite supervillain-turned-Anti-Villain League-agent, returns for an exciting, bold new era of Minions mayhem in Illumination’s Despicable Me 4. Following the 2022 summer blockbuster phenomenon of Illumination’s Minions: The Rise of Gru, which earned almost $1 billion worldwide, the biggest global animated franchise in history now begins a new chapter as Gru (Oscar nominee Steve Carrell) and Lucy (Oscar nominee Kristen Wiig) and their girls —Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier) and Agnes (Madison Polan)—welcome a new member to the Gru family, Gru Jr., who is intent on tormenting his dad. Gru faces a new nemesis in Maxime Le Mal (Emmy winner Will Ferrell) and his femme fatale girlfriend Valentina (Emmy nominee Sofia Vergara), and the family is forced to go on the run. The film features fresh new characters voiced by Joey King (Bullet Train), Emmy winner Stephen Colbert (The Late Show with Stephen Colbert) and Chloe Fineman (Saturday Night Live). Pierre Coffin returns as the iconic voice of the Minions and Oscar® nominee Steve Coogan returns as Silas Ramsbottom. https://youtu.be/-js9Z6DBXIE Nicki Minaj’s Sweet 16 date with Sean ‘Diddy’ Cobs’ son Justin was a moment to remember for the rapstress. Looking back on the moment, Minaj mentioned how the embattled mogul and Justin’s mother, Misa Hylton, were less than thrilled with her for showing up late to the young Combs’ star-studded 16th birthday party. So much so, the “Starships” entertainer claimed the former couple blew up at her for showing up late and making Justin wait. “What was that like, me being your Sweet 16 date?” Minaj asked Justin, who popped into the comments section while she reminisced about the situation. “I know I was mad late, and I can’t remember much, but I felt like I just knew that Puffy and Misa were so mad at me; I could feel it,” she said. “I was so mad at myself, because all of the dresses that I had been trying on that day, I hated every single one… I felt really horrible. But, I can’t believe, to this day, that I went with him to his Sweet 16.” “And I remember he was trying to get cute in the limo, y’all, and I was like, who is you talking to, boy?” Minaj added. “But yes, I had a great time, and he was so fun, and funny, and very cute, too.” It’s hard to imagine two more different days at trial than Monday’s dry but necessary accounting evidence and Tuesday’s consistently gripping — and at times lurid and even out of control — testimony from Stormy Daniels. This long-awaited witness in the Manhattan criminal trial of former President Donald Trump ultimately checked important boxes for both sides — though more for the prosecution. This was to be expected, as they called her to the stand. Daniels, the adult film actress who received a $130,000 hush money payment in 2016, is a witness to the heart of the felony false business records case against Trump. Prosecutors allege that the documents were falsified to cover up Trump’s payment to suppress her story of a sexual encounter with him (which Trump denies happened). They claim the payment was, among other things, made with the intent of illegally influencing the presidential election. https://youtu.be/ot9Vm3cDK9U The American Cancer Society said Tuesday that it is seeking participants for what may be the largest national study of its kind, one that aims to solve the mystery of why Black women have the lowest survival rate of any racial or ethnic group in the US for most cancers. Thanks to new medicines and better detection, cancer deaths in the United States have been declining since a peak in 1991, but Black women have the highest death rate for most cancers, according to the Society. The racial differences are especially stark with certain types of cancer, research shows. For example, Black and White women are equally likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer, but Black women are almost 40% more likely to die from it. Black women are also twice as likely to be diagnosed with stomach cancer as White women and 2.3 times more likely to die from it. https://youtu.be/9npvtkHg6J0 Unprecedented numbers of American men are choosing to exit the workforce. According to Newsweek, this trend does not stem from a lack of job opportunities but from a conscious decision to step away entirely. Recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that only 89 percent of working-age men are employed or actively seeking work. Experts warn of far-reaching economic and societal consequences with fewer men financially supporting themselves. “The U.S. has a major issue of prime-age men giving up and permanently exiting the labor force,” Robin Brooks from the research firm the Brookings Institution and the former chief economist at IIF, wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “What’s striking about this is that it doesn’t get talked about at all, not in the mainstream media and not by economists, even though this obviously feeds political radicalization,” Brooks added. Fulton County attorney Nathan Wade, who lost his prosecutor position in the Donald Trump election fraud case due to an affair scandal with District Attorney Fani Willis, acknowledged their romance in a new interview with ABC News. “Workplace romances are as American as apple pie,” Wade told the outlet, SandraRose.com reports. “It happens to everyone. But it happened to the two of us.” Wade acknowledged that the timing of his workplace romance with Willis was less than ideal. However, he emphasized that it did not negatively impact the Trump case. Wade’s relationship with Willis came to light during his contentious divorce proceedings with his ex-wife, Joycelyn Wade. “I regret that that private matter became the focal point of this very important prosecution,” he told ABC News. “This is a very important case.” https://youtu.be/3kGD8WyRZ9M Brian McKnight’s estranged son Niko slammed Tyrese Gibson for involving himself in the latest McKnight family drama. As we reported earlier … McKnight’s son is airing the singer’s dirty laundry after he called his children “products of sin.” The R&B crooner shares sons Brian Jr. and Nikolas “Niko” McKnight with ex-wife Julie McKnight and daughter Briana with ex Patricia Driver. The Jasmine Brand reports that Tyrese defended McKnight after fans slammed the R&B crooner for publicly shaming his children. Tyrese said, “I do not know what that man and that woman or his kids or anything about anything…it is not fair to act as if relationships between men and their children can’t fall apart.” “Love is sweeter the second time around,” said #1 Billboard chart-topping bass player Christian de Mesones about the meaning of the title of his new solo album “You Only Live Twice.” The “You Only Live Twice” project features assistance from Eddie Baccus Jr. and Jaared Arosemena on sax, two-time Grammy-winning David Blamires and Nes Powers on vocals, and Bill Dickens, Brendan Rothwell, Andrew Gouche, and Vail Johnson on bass. The project is produced by Christopher Valentine and written by Valentine and de Mesones. “He’s a guest on one of the songs,” said Christian about Grammy-winning Bob James when I asked. “My brother produced it. Bob was introduced to my music by a fellow producer in the UK.” The de Mesones single “Hispanica” is the one that features two-time Grammy-winning Bob James which garnered a #1 Billboard chart-topper. “It always comes down to the melody…and depends on the groove could be considered R&B,” said de Mesones. “In Hard-Rock there is no rhythm.” https://youtu.be/7-ngiGKITY0 “My whole life I played music in different bands and on projects,” he pointed out. “From New York to Los Angeles. I went to a music school at 18.” “I’ve been doing this for a long time,” Christian added. “…and only had this level of success since 2020. The last four performances the places have been high-profile venues and sold out!” “My first full-length debut was in 2020 when Covid hit,” he said. “Before that release, I was releasing singles on my own. My first single was in 2015. My 3rd single ‘Spirit’ was in 2018 and it charted on Media Base…900.000 streams. I was very excited.” “My dream was to be in Hard Rock. I was touring with different bands,” the Brooklyn native said. “I gave myself time. I worked for my brother’s record store in New York, Willie Records. It sold R&B, Hip-Hop and Jazz. I started to gravitate towards Jazz – from Hard-Rock to instrumental Jazz.” https://youtu.be/mQ6jsY2e7g8 After 12 seasons portraying Wallace Boden on the hit NBC series “Chicago Fire,” Eamonn Walker is stepping back as a series regular. Deadline reports that although the Boden character remains integral to the show, Walker is anticipated to make future appearances in a recurring capacity. Fans will gain insight into the future of Boden’s storyline in the Season 12 finale, “Never Say Goodbye,” which is scheduled to air on May 22. “Chicago Fire,” executive produced by Dick Wolf, the man behind the “Law & Order” franchise, follows firefighters and paramedics at the firehouse of Engine 51. The show quickly became a hit when it premiered in 2012. “It doesn’t matter where I go now because ‘Chicago Fire’ is in almost every single country in the world, Walker said in 2017 during a press event. “And so most people go, ‘Hey Chief!’ wherever I go.” When the cast celebrated the 100th episode in December 2016 with a show appropriately titled “One Hundred,” Walker said he’s “very-very proud” of the crossover shows (“Chicago Fire,” “Chicago Med,” and “Chicago P.D.”) and noted “the precedent that was set with this cast and crew.” This summer, the epic studio disaster movie returns with an adrenaline-pumping, big-screen thrill ride that puts you in direct contact with one of nature’s most wondrous—and destructive—forces. From the producers of the Jurassic, Bourne and Indiana Jones series comes Twisters, a current-day chapter of the 1996 blockbuster, Twister. Directed by Lee Isaac Chung, the Oscar® nominated writer-director of Minari, Twisters stars Daisy Edgar-Jones (Where the Crawdads Sing), Glen Powell (Top Gun: Maverick) and Anthony Ramos (Transformers: Rise of the Beasts) as equal forces, with opposing motivations, who come together to try to predict, and possibly tame, the immense power of tornadoes. Edgar-Jones stars as Kate Carter, a former storm chaser haunted by a devastating encounter with a tornado during her college years who now studies storm patterns on screens safely in New York City. She is lured back to the open plains by her friend, Javi (Ramos) to test a groundbreaking new tracking system. There, she crosses paths with Tyler Owens (Powell), the charming and reckless social-media superstar who thrives on posting his storm-chasing adventures with his raucous crew, the more dangerous the better. As storm season intensifies, terrifying phenomena never seen before are unleashed, and Kate, Tyler, Javi and their crews find themselves squarely in the paths of multiple storm systems converging over central Oklahoma in the fight of their lives. https://youtu.be/r2UeC2i-daA 50 Cent is taking legal action against his ex, Daphne Joy, after she alleged he raped her. In March, Joy took to Instagram to publicly allege that the rapper sexually and physically abused her, a claim 50 Cent vehemently denies. As we reported earlier, he asserts that her accusations are a retaliatory strike in response to his pursuit of full custody of their 11-year-old son, Sire. “I am tired of upholding and protecting an image to our son that you have never even earned,” Joy posted. “Let’s put the real focus on your true evil actions of raping me and physically abusing me. You are no longer my oppressor and my God will handle you from this point on. She added, “You have permanently damaged the last hope I had for you as a father to preserve our family with these last and final false claims made against me. You have broken our hearts for the last and final time.” 50 Cent wants custody of Sire after Joy was named as one of Diddy’s “sex workers” in the lawsuit Rodney Jones filed against the iconic hip-hop music producer. Panera Bread is eliminating Charged Lemonade from its menu, the caffeinated beverage that has sparked multiple lawsuits and caused a public relations nightmare for the company. The Charged Lemonades will come off the menu in the next two weeks, according to Bloomberg, which first reported the news. The chain declined to comment to CNN on the timeline of the drinks’ removal. Panera has faced at least three separate lawsuits over the lineup of controversial drinks in recent months, claiming that the high levels of caffeine in the product have led to the deaths of two customers and irreversible health complications in another.A Panera spokesperson said new drinks will replace it, including low-sugar and low-caffeine options, including a new blueberry lavender lemonade, pomegranate hibiscus tea, citrus punch and a tropical green smoothie. The lineup of Charged Lemonades was introduced in April 2022, tied with the release of its beverage subscription program that let people get as many soft drinks and coffees as they wanted each day for $10.99 per month. (The price has since increased to $14.99 per month.) https://youtu.be/jfY6gX5Grn8 Marlon Wayans shared his struggle with depression after mourning the loss of nearly 60 family members and friends within a three-year period. “When you talk about real-life pain, like parents passing, and you can get through that set and you can still be irreverent, edgy, crazy, silly, thought-provoking, and vulnerable, I think that’s growth,” Wayans told The New York Times, The actor admits to experiencing a delicate mental state after losing his parents, Howell Stouten at 86 in 2023 and Elvira Wayans at 81 in 2020. “I miss my parents dearly, but I’m a different human with my parents gone than I was when they were here. Now I’m a man. I don’t have parents anymore, so I live differently. I understand the quality of life,” he continued. “I pray more, because when I pray I feel like I’m speaking to my parents and that they’re listening. I let them know what’s going on,” Wayans added. Former hip-hop artist Gillie Da Kid suggests that young Black men in the streets should pray for jail because the experience can save lives. “All the young boys out here in the streets, if you believe in God, ask God to send you jail…because when it go down, it’s going to go down and I rather you be in jail than go to heaven,” he noted in a recent social media post, according to Moguldom. He added, “A lot of you ni**ers need a 5 to 10…they act like jail is such a bad thing, but it saved a lot of ni**ers’ lives….So, if you believe in God, ask then pray he send you to jail. There’s no coming back heaven….There’s no coming back from heaven.” Black Twitter reacted swiftly to his remarks, with one user writing, “I’m not saying pray to God for jail vs hell but understand he talking to kids who probably won’t change at all. Unfortunately a lot of kids won’t never changed their ways until it’s over. Some people need to hit their face before learning it hurts. Another X user added, “How bout get out the streets.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1784288992873054510 Attorney Antonio Moore breaks down the sugar and spice play being made around race and inequality being brought to light through the Kendrick Lamar and Drake rap beef. Moore ties in Drake, Barack Obama, Nikole Hannah Jones, Issa Rae, Kamala Harris, and others. He uses them to explain making a deep connection between the avoidance of African American lineage and a possibility of hyper-selectivity of Black aberrations by those pulling the levers of society. Then connects it all back to why the rap beef between Drake and Kendrick took on its own larger-than-life place in the American pop culture dialogue. https://youtu.be/o8_-njyNnko TikTik Food Critic Keith Lee recently visited Southfield, Michigan, and gave a scathing critique of Lillie Bell’s Cuisine. Lee told his followers that he received a direct message urging him to sample food at the restaurant, so he spent $90 to sample the offerings at Lillie Bell’s Cuisine, Yahoo reports. He ordered three plates for his family: turkey chops, chicken wings, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, and greens. However, when he sampled the greens, Lee gaged and immediately spat them out. “To be honest with you, that’s one of the worst things I’ve had in a long time. It’s extremely pungent, it’s strong, it’s a taste that don’t taste like greens,” Lee explained in his video review. “I’ve no idea what that is, to be honest with you. I don’t mean no harm, but that’s a zero out of ten if you ask me. To be honest with you, I don’t really have an appetite to try anything else.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1786230838901752175 Pastor Keion Henderson, the husband of Shaunie Henderson, the ex-wife of Shaquille O’Neal, had gone viral silencing a ‘loud’ church member. It sparked debate online about the proper way to worship in church. During a recent service, Pastor Henderson led a prayer followed by a song. As he sang, a woman in the choir shouted, almost drowning out his voice. Henderson briefly stopped singing, snapped his fingers at the woman, and told her to “shh” before continuing the worship song. “Silence in the name of Jesus,” Henderson said. In the comments of The Shade Room’s post of the clip, the reactions were mixed, with one person writing, “No he wasn’t wrong because back in the day when a person started shouting they were ushered out of the sanctuary.” Another commented, “Silence in the name of Jesus” is how I’m shutting folks down all the rest of 2024.” https://www.instagram.com/theshaderoom/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=e70e3644-274b-4779-a6aa-4c4629b50d5f Pastor Henderson and Shaunie were guests on “Tamron Hall” yesterday and of course, Tamron asked him about the incident. https://youtu.be/IVOHRdmbEGo Tiffany Haddish once had a major crush on actor Hollywood hunk Henry Cavill and wanted to have sex with him — until she met him, and they allegedly had an awkward exchange. “I used to really want Henry Cavill. I think he’s so hot. But I met him, and he was so awkward. It was like, ‘This would be weird,’” Haddish told the Los Angeles Times. “Or, maybe he’s just never had a black woman be like, ‘What’s up? What’s your credit score? How you like spaghetti? I’ll cook for you. Are you afraid of South Central or not?’ But he’s still beautiful,” she continued. As Page Six reports, Haddish theorized that the “Superman” star, an avid video game player, would “be more comfortable” talking about playing “Dungeons and Dragons.” Meanwhile, the standup comedian recently elaborated on her decision to embrace celibacy, People reports. Cuba Gooding Jr. is speaking out about being named in a lawsuit against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs. During an appearance on the PBD Podcast with Patrick Bet-David, the actor responded to being mentioned in Rodney ‘Lil Rod’ Jones’ assault lawsuit against the Bad Boy Records mogul. Jones accuses Gooding of sexual harassment and assault in the lawsuit. “Mr. Combs had dominion and control over the actions of Cuba Gooding Jr. and failed to step in and stop Cuba Gooding Jr. from sexually assaulting Mr. Jones,” the suit alleges. “I wake up in the morning, I turn on The Today Show, ‘Actor Cuba Gooding Jr.’—I was like, ‘Excuse me?! Pulling me into this?” Gooding said on the podcast, Complex reports. “I think, whatever he’s dealing with… He’s on his journey, man.” https://youtu.be/djuUGTfzPJY Nearly 60 years after Atlanta native and engineer Ronald Yancey overcame barriers to become Georgia Institute of Technology’s first Black graduate, he presented his granddaughter with her diploma as she followed in her family’s footsteps. Deanna Yancey, who is among a few of her relatives to have attended the public research university also known as Georgia Tech, graduated with a master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering at Friday’s spring commencement ceremony. As she walked across the stage at the university’s McCamish Pavilion, she greeted her grandfather with a smile and a hug, and he handed her the hard-earned diploma, an Instagram clip from Georgia Tech shows. The elder Yancey’s June 1965 achievement was recognized on-campus with a sculpture of him dedicated in 2019, according to Georgia Tech. https://youtu.be/VtSfn5htMYU Ronald Yancey was rejected twice from Georgia Tech in the 1960s, and he and his family were told he “did not fit the Tech model for success,” according to a 2015 news release from the university. In the meantime, he attended Morehouse, a historically Black college/university. “Morehouse did not have an engineering program, though, so in the spring of 1961, Yancey again applied to Tech,” the release stated. He was accepted upon the condition that he retook the SAT and passed a summer class, according to Georgia Tech. “Once on campus, (Ronald) Yancey was cautioned against using public transportation or attending any athletic events for his own safety,” the news release said. “He endured isolation; no one would sit near him in the classroom. He never had a lab partner. He did all of his papers and exams in ink so he could not be accused of cheating or have his work tampered with.” https://youtu.be/ocArF3SLA24 Ronald Yancey also had to complete graduation requirements not asked of other seniors, who were exempt from taking final exams. He, however, spent his last three weeks at Georgia Tech taking 18 exams across five classes, according to the university. “To ensure that he made the grade, he requested and was given an additional six-hour exam for extra credit. He also had to write a 30-page paper on transistor theory,” the release stated. Ronald Yancey defied the odds and earned his electrical engineering degree from Georgia Tech 59 years before his granddaughter would achieve a similar feat. “We are extremely proud that Deanna took the initiative to select her field, to quietly and quickly apply, arrange her curriculum, and follow through with the completion of her matriculation,” the elder Yancey said in the news release. “Deanna’s graduate degree is truly an impressive achievement.” https://youtu.be/qp4QotuAGVE Former Georgia Republican Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan on Monday said he will vote for President Joe Biden in November, arguing former President Donald Trump “has disqualified himself through his conduct and his character.” “Unlike Trump, I’ve belonged to the GOP my entire life. This November, I am voting for a decent person I disagree with on policy over a criminal defendant without a moral compass,” Duncan, a CNN contributor, wrote in an opinion piece published in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Duncan told CNN’s Laura Coates Monday night that Trump “is not a Republican” and “doesn’t represent our brand.” “Donald Trump’s not a Republican. He doesn’t represent our brand. He doesn’t represent our future. He’s a horrible human being at this point, we’re watching that play out hour by hour in the courtroom,” Duncan said. “It’s time to move on. If we’re going to heal as a party and truly get back to doing the things that we should do – and that’s being conservative but not angry or crazy or liars – we should turn the page immediately from Donald Trump.” https://youtu.be/Xg_uCqFnkw0 “Trump has shown us who he is. We should believe him. To think he is going to change at the age of 77 is beyond improbable,” Duncan later added. Trump’s attempt to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia caused Duncan and other Georgia GOP election officials, including Gov. Brian Kemp and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, to push back against Trump’s claims of fraud in the state. Duncan was president of the Georgia state Senate when Rudy Giuliani and other Trump allies spread conspiracy theories about the 2020 election before Georgia state lawmakers in meetings he said at the time he did not “sanction.” Last year, he testified in front of the Fulton County grand jury that would later indict Trump and others for their attempts to overturn the election in the state. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all criminal charges he faces. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ym-Evc-8hrE?feature=share Two of hip-hop’s biggest stars have beef and people are taking sides. Kendrick Lamar and Drake have been engaged in a lyrical battle in recent weeks that escalated over the weekend. The two artists each released songs about the other, in one case Lamar did not even wait a full hour before he dropped a track in response to one of Drake’s. Here’s what you need to know about the verses that have been a hot topic of cultural conversation. Drake told Billboard of the verse, “I didn’t really have anything to say about it.” https://youtu.be/4Hnenu36Ltg “It just sounded like an ambitious thought to me. That’s all it was,” Drake said at the time. “I know good and well that Kendrick’s not murdering me, at all, in any platform. So when that day presents itself, I guess we can revisit the topic.” The pair have continued to take shots at each other on tracks over the years, but this latest skirmish appears to have begun in October 2023, when rapper J. Cole collaborated with Drake on the song, “First Person Shooter.” On the track, Cole refers to himself, Lamar and Drake as the “Big three” in rap. Drake likened his own popularity in the game to the stardom of the late singer Michael Jackson. Lamar seemingly took exception to the comparisons and hit back on a collaborative track with Future and Metro Boomin that caught fire in March 2024, titled “Like That.” https://youtu.be/59DETubOfes Lamar, known also as K.Dot, responded with multiple volleys. First, there was “Euphoria,” which is now as famous for the insults lobbed at Drake as it is for making the general public aware that the rapper was also an executive producer on the hit HBO drama. (HBO is owned by CNN’s parent company.) https://youtu.be/NPqDIwWMtxg Within days, Lamar followed that with “6:16 in LA,” which many interpreted to be making fun of Drake’s penchant for titling songs with times and locations. https://youtu.be/MabjUIUj6uo In recent weeks, California’s mostly tranquil college quads have erupted into epicenters of pro-Palestine and anti-Israel activism. At Stanford’s White Plaza, dozens of tents have sprung up, while UCLA’s Royce Hall was tagged with the graffiti message “Free Gaza.” Students are demanding divestment from companies linked to Israel and calling for a U.S. government-brokered ceasefire in the ongoing Israeli-Hamas conflict. https://youtu.be/NQAdSt4QPHY A Groundswell of Support, But Tensions Rise This wave of protests and student encampments reflects a surge of support for Palestinian civilians in Gaza which has ignited tensions on campuses. As the protesters try to stand their ground, daily disruptions to campus routines including affecting graduation ceremonies, clashes involving students with and against non-student agitators, trespassing, and acts of vandalism underscore the issue’s complexity and its profound impact on university communities. The student protests have posed a formidable challenge for administrators who must balance respecting free speech and the right to protest with maintaining safe and stable conditions on campus for students to pursue their studies, while also ensuring staff can perform their jobs effectively. https://youtu.be/UQos6NyV0c8?list=RDNSUQos6NyV0c8 Missed the dazzling array of outfits at Monday night’s Met Gala in Manhattan? No worries, we’ve got you covered. Celebrities rocked the red carpet in earthy tones inspired by decay and fairytales. The dress code, “The Garden of Time,” draws from a 1962 short story by J. G. Ballard, featuring a garden filled with mystical, time-manipulating flowers. This Ballardian theme is in line with The Costume Institute’s exhibition, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” slated to enchant visitors at the Metropolitan Museum of Art from May 10 through September 2. https://youtu.be/GbkC7uoJwNc Headlining the event as co-chairs were A-listers Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny, and Chris Hemsworth, alongside the iconic Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of American Vogue. Lopez, in a stunning nude illusion Schiaparelli gown, expressed her gratitude at her co-chair role, speculating it might be her last stint. https://youtu.be/g4-6YCFu_T0 “I think that’s it for me,” she mused. Zendaya, known for her style prowess, caught eyes with not one but two incredible looks on the cream-colored carpet. From a nature-inspired Maison Margiela ensemble to a vintage chic sourced from Lily et Cie, she embodied the garden theme with flair. While the night’s fashion chatter mostly revolved around women’s looks, male celebrities like Donald Glover, Ed Sheeran, and Jack Harlow put their unique spins on suits and tuxedos, subtly nodding to the garden-inspired theme. https://www.instagram.com/goodmorningamerica/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=418adb53-e474-4862-bb0b-b0e03538d6f4 Amidst the kaleidoscope of colors, some stars opted for sleek all-black ensembles, including Juliana Canfield, Rosalía, Cardi B, and Dua Lipa. Rosalía shared her vision of channeling lady Dior through the perspective of designer Maria Grazia Chiuri, christening herself “a black tulip.” Notably missing from the guest list this year were Met Gala favorites like Rihanna, Blake Lively, Kate Moss, Beyoncé, Solange, and Taylor Swift, leaving fashion enthusiasts longing for their unique interpretations of the Garden of Time.https://www.instagram.com/teyanataylor/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=0f4360c0-55be-40ef-bd23-41b725eabea8 Missed the dazzling array of outfits at Monday night’s Met Gala in Manhattan? No worries, we’ve got you covered. https://www.instagram.com/icontips/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=8e62c4d0-cdf8-4db8-82f2-1b600ed7a242 Dazzling array of outfits at Monday night’s Met Gala in Manhattan? No worries, we’ve got you covered. https://www.instagram.com/theshaderoom/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=685d2200-ac5a-408f-8653-939ca2f7618a Dazzling array of outfits at Monday night’s Met Gala in Manhattan? No worries, we’ve got you covered. https://static.cdninstagram.com/rsrc.php/v3/yb/r/UsSR4Cvo4Px.png Dazzling array of outfits at Monday night’s Met Gala in Manhattan? No worries, we’ve got you covered. https://www.instagram.com/fashionbombdaily/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=20c83840-e009-4667-bcbb-12559182ba85 “Did Campus Protests Go Too Far?” Before we try to answer that, keep in mind that parents spend the first part of a child’s life teaching them to walk and talk. They spend the next part of their childhood telling them to shut up and sit down! A lot of politicians and college administrators are in the ‘Shut up and sit down’ stage right now, after all the Israeli-Palestinian war protests that erupted on college campuses last week from California to New York. Using more forceful tactics against campus protesters than Capitol Police used against January 6th insurrectionists – who clearly showed deadly force and acted with malice – says more about some of these right-wingers than it does about campus protestors. If some people had their way, protestors with student visas would be deported, others would be barred from receiving federal funds, and they all would be placed on a ‘no hire’ list. Click the video above to find out more about college campus protestors. https://youtu.be/8VKu5fFL3vk Dr. George C. Fraser, the mastermind behind the revolutionary PowerNetworking Conference, stands as a beacon of innovation and empowerment within the African American community. As the dynamic founder and CEO of FraserNet Inc., Dr. Fraser has transcended his corporate beginnings to become a venerated author, speaker, and mentor whose impact reverberates through generations. From his early days mopping floors on midnight shifts at LaGuardia Airport to overcoming personal and business bankruptcies, Dr. Fraser’s journey is a profound testament to the resilience and tenacity of the human spirit. His narrative is not just about surviving; it’s about thriving against the odds and creating a legacy of influence and achievement. Through FraserNet Inc., Dr. Fraser has ignited a cultural movement that champions networking as a vital tool for economic and personal growth. His PowerNetworking Conference has grown into an essential gathering, drawing thousands of Black professionals eager to connect, learn, and lead. This event isn’t just a conference; it’s a transformational experience that equips attendees with the tools to prosper and drive change within their communities. https://youtu.be/k7euAhVFWds DJ Vlad asserts that he harbored no malicious intent when he sought to have a Black woman terminated from her position at Princeton over the weekend. As we reported earlier, it all started over Vald’s criticism of Kendrick Lamar’s latest Drake diss, “Not Like Us.” On X (formally Twitter), he wrote, “Kendrick’s ‘Not Like Us’ needed a better mix. It takes away from the song.” As Ice Cream Convos reports, Morgan Jerkins, a Princeton professor and the niece of music producer Rodney Jerkins, responded to Vlad, writing, “You are WHITE. This is a BLACK FOLK AFFAIR.” Vlad responded: Wait, so a professor at @Princeton is telling me that a white person shouldn’t be allowed to voice their opinion about Hip-Hop? Is that how you interact with your students? Morgan replied, “What I’m saying is that you put your opinion in a discussion that’s not needed. This conversation is and should center on Black people, not you. And by the way, my students have more cultural competency than you. They actually know how to read the room.” https://eurweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/dj-vladdrama.jpg A potentially fatal incident unfolded during a Sunday service at Jesus’ Dwelling Place church in North Braddock, Pennsylvania. During the sermon on May 5, a gunman, posing as a member of the congregation, approached the pulpit and aimed a firearm at Pastor Glenn Germany. Miraculously, the gun jammed, allowing a brave congregant to swiftly intervene, and with the pastor’s help, they tackled the assailant to the ground and disarmed him. The chilling moment was captured on the church’s live stream. The gunman was identified as 26-year-old Bernard Polite. According to CBS News, no injuries were reported. https://youtu.be/2OeQEJwzfEE A video of Houston Pastor Keion Henderson has sparked debate online about the proper way to worship in church. As Baller Alert reports, during a recent service, Pastor Henderson led a prayer followed by a song. As he sang, a woman in the choir shouted, almost drowning out his voice. Henderson briefly stopped singing, snapped his fingers at the woman, and told her to “shh” before continuing the worship song. “Silence in the name of Jesus,” Henderson said. In the comments of The Shade Room’s post of the clip, the reactions were mixed, with one person writing, “No he wasn’t wrong because back in the day when a person started shouting they were ushered out of the sanctuary.” Another commented, “Silence in the name or Jesus” is how Im shutting folks down all the rest of 2024.” https://www.instagram.com/theshaderoom/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c317281b-0a7a-4046-8768-190c5375d223 As Beyonce’s cowgirl era continues, she rocked all-gray chaps in a photo shared on Instagram. Per Harper’s Bazaar: “Beyoncé’s monochromatic look included a stone-gray bodysuit, which she layered under a fluffy fur coat and matching infinity scarf from Chloé. She kept the lighter color scheme consistent up top, where she accessorized with a smoky-toned cowboy hat and large silver hoop earrings. Also, she added a pair of round sunglasses, Alexander McQueen rings, and black boots to complete the look.” One of Bey’s Renaissance dancers, Honey.Balenciaga, shared the photos on IG along with the caption: “MY GIRL POSE IS NASTYYYY 🫦🫦😍” In the comments, Khloe Kardashian wrote, “Damn! Damn! Damn!!! Stunning.” Rapper Shawnna added, “Them chaps is CHAPPING!!” But one critic noted, “Can we get something new I’m tired of seeing you half naked in cowgirl cosplay.” https://www.instagram.com/beyonce/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=d7f4971c-9fce-4e72-ab00-e89a7e80ae53 Raunchy rapper Sexyy Red made a surprise appearance onstage with country music artist Zach Bryan during his concert at the Enterprise Center on May 3rd. However, their collaboration faced criticism from some fans, who deemed it exploitative, as it primarily featured Sexyy Red twerking onstage. On X/Twitter, one critic wrote, “twerking on stage to a country song by a yt artist with a predominantly yt crowd is crazy. they didn’t even give her a mic, she was just there to twerk. there’s definitely an agenda.” Another person added, “#SexyyRedd makes her handlers proud after she joins #ZachLaneBryan on stage, bends over, and twerks her ass in front of a crowd of wyt people.” A third X user posted, “With Beyonce making an impact on Country Music at least in the eyes of the media, all of a sudden we have this happen. Why wait for more Black Americans like @Beyonce to join Country Music when they can weaponize Sexyy Redd to further DESTROY our image. This is WS 101.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1786641203141767569 The 2nd annual Juneteenth Film Festival returns to Kansas City on Wednesday, June 4th. This year’s festival will primarily feature films written, directed and produced by Kansas Citians including Oscar-winning filmmaker Kevin Willmott. All films will be screened at the Screenland Armour Theater in North Kansas City. Curated by award-winning Fox 4 News film critic Shawn Edwards, the 2nd annual Juneteenth Film Festival will showcase feature films, documentaries and shorts produced by Black filmmakers. “As we celebrate Juneteenth, one of the most important days in African American history, I felt it was important that we include groundbreaking cinema that embodies the spirit of the holiday,” said Edwards. “Kansas City has one of the longest running Juneteenth celebrations in the country. Now we have one of the only film festivals in the country that honors the holiday by celebrating Black filmmaking.” This year’s film festival is sponsored by the Black Movie Hall of Fame, Celebration of Black Cinema and Telev. In a report published on EUR in 2017, it explored the primary cause and additional factors contributing to Black Americans being twice as likely as whites to suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease. In an update on LA Focus News, the outlet writes, “The reasons for these disparities seem to be linked to a tapestry of socioeconomic inequalities such as lack of healthy food options, limited access to healthcare, and high rates of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.” Alzheimer’s disease refers to a disorder of the nervous system that causes abnormalities in the brain, leading to memory loss and cognitive decline. It starts mild but worsens over time. In a survey by the Alzheimer’s Association, 65% of black Americans report knowing someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Additionally, 55% perceive significant cognitive decline or memory loss as a natural aspect of aging rather than a disease, while only 35% express concern about Alzheimer’s, per LA Focus News. The report also notes that Black individuals encounter more obstacles in accessing medical care. Fifty percent of Black Americans report experiencing discrimination while seeking care for a person living with Alzheimer’s. A video of Houston Pastor Keion Henderson has sparked debate online about the proper way to worship in church. As Baller Alert reports, during a recent service, Pastor Henderson led a prayer followed by a song. As he sang, a woman in the choir shouted, almost drowning out his voice. Henderson briefly stopped singing, snapped his fingers at the woman, and told her to “shh” before continuing the worship song. “Silence in the name of Jesus,” Henderson said. Watch the moment via the Instagram clip below. In the comments of The Shade Room’s post of the clip, the reactions were mixed, with one person writing, “No he wasn’t wrong because back in the day when a person started shouting they were ushered out of the sanctuary.” Another commented, “Silence in the name or Jesus” is how Im shutting folks down all the rest of 2024.” https://www.instagram.com/theshaderoom/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=3aced320-8110-4382-94b3-4e9da3abe6bc Jordan Peele is making a documentary series about Black cowboys, with his 2022 thriller “Nope” serving as inspiration. Peele is producing the untitled series through his Monkeypaw Productions with Universal Television Alternative Studio. The doc is part of his overall deal with Universal Studio Group, Deadline reports. Jordan will executive produce for Peacock, with the series aiming to dismantle “the whitewashed mythology of the cowboy.” Per the official description: “The untitled Black cowboy docuseries will rewrite a foundational piece of American history, unmasking the forces that erased the identity of the Black cowboy from frontier history and present. Stories of real cowboys will take viewers on a thrilling odyssey that connects to the heart of the resurgence of Black cowboy culture that we see today across music, art, fashion and film in a three-part series to premiere on Peacock.” Keith McQuirter (By Whatever Means Necessary: The Times of Godfather of Harlem) is attached as showrunner, executive producer, and director of the documentary. “Nope gave a nod to the deep history of Black cowboys in America, and this docuseries offers a full exploration of their lives and contributions to today’s cultural landscape,” said Pearlena Igbokwe, Universal Studio Group chairman. https://youtu.be/In8fuzj3gck Comedian Tiffany Haddish went on a wild rant when she took the stage for the 2024 Netflix Is A Joke Festival over the weekend. During her standup performance, Haddish called out the protests happening on college campuses against the Israel-Hamas war. As The Jasmine Brand reports, Haddish isn’t supportive of the protests. When discussing the topic onstage, she said, “I don’t give a f*ck about that sh*t. I never went to college, why would I care about college.” After receiving pushback from someone in the audience, she continued, “There’s not genocide at the college. I give a f*ck about what’s going on, on the other side of the world, but why would I give a f*ck about the college?… This the sh*t I’m talking about, stupid motherf*ckers at the college. Ain’t never worked a godd*mn day in your life.” Addressing the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Haddish stated: “Do you remember 9/ll, b*tch?…What the f*ck did we do, America?…We went the f*ck over there [and] we f*cked they *ss up, didn’t we?” https://www.tiktok.com/@tomasmier/video/7365001210274827562?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Ftiffany-haddish-addresses-remarks-regarding-university-protests%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7365001210274827562 A potentially fatal incident unfolded during a Sunday service at Jesus’ Dwelling Place church in North Braddock, Pennsylvania as the pastor survived a shooting attempt. During the sermon on May 5, a gunman, posing as a member of the congregation, approached the pulpit and aimed a firearm at Pastor Glenn Germany. Miraculously, the gun jammed, allowing a brave congregant to swiftly intervene, and with the pastor’s help, they tackled the assailant to the ground and disarmed him. The chilling moment was captured on the church’s livestream. The gunman was identified as 26-year-old Bernard Polite. According to CBS News, no injuries were reported. https://youtu.be/2OeQEJwzfEE In our exclusive conversation with Orion Jean, TIME Magazine’s 2021 Kid of the Year, we explore his newest project: a children’s book titled “Race to Kindness.” At just 13 years old, Orion has captivated audiences with his remarkable advocacy for compassion and empathy through his Be K.I.N.D. initiative, created in 2020. Now, through his new book, he inspires young readers to embrace kindness as a powerful force for positive change. “Race to Kindness” showcases rhyming and lyrical text that delights readers of all ages, inspiring them to engage and propagate kindness through simple acts. Per the news release: With illustrations by Darshika Varma, the book is inspired by Orion’s accomplishments, including getting over half a million books donated to children and collecting over 100,000 meals for the food insecure in his community and across the country, all beginning when he was nine years old. https://www.instagram.com/orion_monaco_jean/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=47dec950-8baf-4b2d-8728-01dce9ad3662 Conservative news outlet “The Daily Wire” is said to have obtained a gag order against its former host, Candace Owens, allegedly without her awareness. The move came as the company was publicly negotiating to arrange a public debate between Owens and the outlet’s co-founder, Ben Shapiro, according to the Independent. We reported earlier that Owens challenged Shapiro to a debate about the Israel-Hamas war and the current definition of antisemitism. Shapiro accepted the challenge, but Owens said she would not debate him on The Daily Wire platform. She also suggested a neutral moderator, such as Joe Rogan or Lex Fridman, who accepted the offer to host a debate. Jeremy Boreing, CEO of The Daily Wire, preferred to host the debate on the platform in Nashville, with “no ads on the video and no charge to watch it. No one cashes in,” he said. According to journalist Glenn Greenwald, however, the company engaged a private arbitrator to prevent Owens from publicly criticizing the company, citing her request for a debate as an example of such behavior. The Zeus Network hosted the official red-carpet premiere for its highly anticipated original series “BADDIES Caribbean,” in Century City over the weekend. Network founder, Lemuel Plummer along with cast members Natalie Nunn, Asian Doll, The Clermont Twins, Biggie, Mariah Lynn, DJ Sky High, Rollie and more were in attendance. Network executives in attendance included: Janeisha John, LJ Plummer, Jason Tolbert, Kiana Rene and Shane Norman. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GuW2TZopj8&rco=1 "Shining Bright" in the Gospel Spotlight is CECE WINANS "That's My King" from the MORE THAN THIS album! New album debuted #1 on both the TOP GOSPEL ALBUMS chart and the TOP CHRISTIAN ALBUMS chart! Cece's last album, Believe for It, amassed over half a billion U.S. streams, and in 2023 alone, her entire catalog garnered over two billion impressions on YouTube. CeCE Winans appeared inside the Gospel Spotlight with HJ Ellison in a Fallback interview. gospel-spotlight.com/cecewinans.mp3 Gospel legend CeCe Winans stops by to talk about her new album, More Than This and the Generations Live! 2024 Women's Conference Mother's Day Weekend, May 10th & 11th. Other guests featured on the show is the cast of "UnPrisoned" - Kerry Washington, Delroy Lindo, Faly Rakotohavana, Jee Young Han, Marque Richardson and Jordyn McIntosh - are in the studio! Let’s get straight to the point. Kim Godwin is out as the President of ABC News … stepping aside in a move sparked by an earlier corporate shake-up that had considerably diminished her power in the organization. In a missive brimming with somber resolve, shared with the ABC News family, Godwin announced: “I have decided to retire from broadcast journalism. Anyone who’s passionate about what we do knows there’s no other business like it, so this was not an easy or quick decision. But after considerable reflection, I’m certain it’s the right one for me as I look to the future and prioritize what’s most important for me and my family.” Her departure stirs the air with questions, as the network has yet to unveil a successor to her throne—a seat she claimed back in the halcyon days of 2021. The precursor to Godwin’s retirement – as we reported earlier – was a February maneuver that recalibrated the ABC News power dynamics, ushering in a new era under Debra OConnell’s stewardship. OConnell, a seasoned navigator of the Disney milieu, has now been installed as the overseer of the parent company’s news syndicate, her reputation preceding her as one who’s rigorously engaged with the media conglomerate’s many arms. Political analyst and media commentator Earl Ofari Hutchinson in a wide-ranging interview on national politics, Trump, Biden, and the presidential race on LA Currents. He gives an in-depth analysis of why national politics has reached a crisis point and why the issues of race, class, gender, aging, personal attacks, and compelling domestic issues have never been more paramount in national politics. In addition, host Anita Bennett discusses the issue of ageism in politics with Hutchinson who talks about his new book which deals with the stereotypes and stigma of aging, and the fact that age and ageism are both features of the current election cycle. Hutchinson is an author, and columnist and has been a frequent political issues commentator on Fox, MSNBC, CNN, and a range of other national and local media outlets. https://youtu.be/UWEaBgV9jhI Chloe and Halle Bailey may have the spotlight with standing out in Hollywood, but don’t count their brother, Branson Bailey, out.As the youngest member of the Bailey, Branson (born Oct. 3, 2005) isn’t in front of the camera like his famous sisters, but his presence is visible in many ways. From red carpet events to his choice of girlfriend to just being the brother they love, Branson is a certified bright spot for Halle and Chloe as well as the oldest Bailey child, his sister Ski Bailey. The current LA resident shares a close relationship with his siblings and ended 2023 with a transition n to the role of uncle to Halle’s son, Halo, back in December of that year, People noted. As with any brother, Branson has no shortage of love with his family. Especially on his birthday. In October 2020, Chloe and Halle sent birthday wishes to their little brother on social media, emojis and all, while voicing how much he means to them. “you are truly the calm to our storm ..we would be lost without you,” Chloe and Halle wrote on their joint music account on X (formerly known as Twitter). https://www.instagram.com/theshaderoom/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=5005277d-3e64-4a53-a149-09ac498ff57b When Julia Wanjiku put her son Isaac to bed last Sunday after a day celebrating his third birthday, she didn’t realize she was also saying goodbye. In the early hours of Monday morning, Wanjiku awoke after hearing screams from her neighbors. A ferocious river of muddy water had blown through a blocked tunnel and was swept into the town of Mai Mahiu, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) north of Kenya’s capital, Nairobi. As the water hit, her partner tried to hold on to their son but was overwhelmed — Isaac was swept away. “We still don’t know where our son is,” Wanjiku told CNN. She was among the survivors gathering at Ngeya Girls High School in Mai Mahiu on Tuesday. Supported by her mother and her aunt, she wept as she said she was at least grateful she survived. Isaac’s father was too devastated to speak. The flooding in Mai Mahui has claimed the lives of at least 52 people, 18 of whom were children. It’s a tragedy echoed across swaths of Kenya, including Nairobi and parts of the famous Maasai Mara wildlife reserve, after weeks of intensely heavy rainfall triggered flash floods that have killed at least 210 people, left more than 90 missing, and displaced 165,500. https://youtu.be/sbvbnOFS0K0 Despite the huge toll the floods have already taken, the worst may be yet to come as rain keeps falling onto already saturated land and swollen rivers. “Meteorological reports paint a dire picture,” Kenyan President William Ruto said Friday. The country is also braced for the impacts of what would be its first cyclone, Hidaya, as it moves toward the coast of neighboring Tanzania. Life has been upturned for many. On Thursday, Kenya’s interior cabinet secretary, Kithure Kindiki, announced 178 dams and reservoirs “may spill over any time,” ordering people living near them to leave their homes within 24 hours or risk being forcibly removed. About 100,000 people are affected, said government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura. Schools, which have been closed during the flooding, will remain shut “until further notice,” Ruto announced Friday. Some are being used as shelters for those displaced. People in informal settlements are particularly hard hit, said Mark Laichena, chief strategy officer at Kenyan grassroots organization Shining Hope for Communities, which works in urban slums. “Their clean water has been contaminated, healthcare is scarce, and their food supply has been washed away or spoiled,” he told CNN. “These floods are on a scale of destruction that we haven’t seen in recent years.” https://youtu.be/UwVg5AdVMTo Kenya, a country firmly on the frontlines of the climate crisis, has swung from a devastating, multi-year drought — which scientists said was made at least 100 times more likely by climate change — into deadly flooding. “When people are still reeling from one extreme weather event, it makes them highly vulnerable to another,” said Joyce Kimutai, a researcher at Imperial College London’s Grantham Institute. This vulnerability is starkly clear in Mai Mahiu. The town is still littered with remnants of the disaster: tangled heaps of furniture, twisted sheets of metal ripped off the roofs of houses, SUVs flung upside down and wedged into the ground. They are still trying to pull bodies from the mud. The people here are mostly subsistence farmers and market traders. Many, like Githukuri Makau, a goat herder who is sheltering at Ngeya Girls High School, escaped the flooding with nothing more than the clothes they were wearing. Makau said his house was flattened in the floods. He doesn’t know what he’ll do when the school reopens and he needs to find a new place to stay. “I’m now left destitute,” he said, “there’s nowhere to go, there’s no one to turn to.” https://youtu.be/l7hQpMrVobA Davina Hamilton stands as a beacon of inspiration and empowerment in the vibrant world of children’s literature. With captivating tales that resonate with young hearts everywhere, Hamilton’s stories weave together imagination, encouragement, and life lessons in a tapestry of words and illustrations. Hamilton’s journey as a children’s author began with the enchanting tale of “Riley Can Be Anything.” Published in 2017, this delightful story follows young Riley on a journey of self-discovery guided by the wisdom of his cousin Joe. Through imaginative adventures, Riley learns the boundless possibilities that await him. Following the success of her debut, Hamilton continued to inspire young minds with “Riley Knows He Can.” Released in 2018, this empowering rhyming tale centers on Riley’s journey to overcome self-doubt and embrace his potential with the guiding light of his sister, Ella. In 2020, Hamilton again enchanted readers with “Ella Has A Plan.” Through the endearing character of Ella, Hamilton teaches valuable lessons of empathy and resolution as Ella strives to mend familial bonds amidst a quarrel between her cousins. But Hamilton’s literary prowess doesn’t stop there. With “Riley Finds His Beat” (2023), she introduces young readers to the world of music, teaching them the importance of practice, patience, and perseverance in pursuing their passions. https://youtu.be/Q48rODWBN_0 Popular YouTuber DJ Vlad is catching heat on Twitter after he threatened to get a Black woman fired from her job at Princeton over a tweet. It all started over Vald’s criticism of Kendrick Lamar’s latest Drake diss, “Not Like Us.” On X (formally Twitter), he wrote, “Kendrick’s ‘Not Like Us’ needed a better mix. It takes away from the song.” As Ice Cream Convos reports, Morgan Jerkins, a Princeton professor and the niece of music producer Rodney Jerkins, responded to Vlad, writing, “You are WHITE. This is a BLACK FOLK AFFAIR.” Vlad responded: Wait, so a professor at @Princeton is telling me that a white person shouldn’t be allowed to voice their opinion about Hip-Hop? Is that how you interact with your students? Morgan responded, “What I’m saying is that you put your opinion in a discussion that’s not needed. This conversation is and should center Black people, not you. And by the way, my students have more cultural competency than you. They actually know how to read the room.” Floyd Mayweather is still in Dubai despite a TMZ report claiming he was spotted at a Los Angeles Clippers game last week, where he allegedly gave a homeless man $30,000. We reported earlier that Gervonta “Tank” Davis claimed Mayweather was detained in Dubai over an unpaid debt. After TMZ ran its story about Floyd being spotted in LA passing out money to homeless people, the boxing champ posted images on Instagram showing that he’s still in Dubai. He also shared a video seemingly confirming he has not touched down on the West Coast. After Davis alleged that Mayweather was held captive in Dubai due to unpaid debts, Floyd’s longtime nemesis, 50 Cent, offered financial assistance. On social media, he wrote, “Me and Champ be beefing, but he my brother. I got some money if he need it!” https://youtu.be/_dBUEeU9BEw Meanwhile, Sandra Rose reports that according to boxing promoter Rick Glaser (via X), Mayweather can’t leave the country until he pays what he owes. “Just got off the phone with my guy in Dubai, he told me that #Floyd #Mayweather is definitely being held by the Government court system there as he owes a substantial amount of money in Dubai. They take indebtedness over there very seriously. Was told the debt is #unassociated with #Boxing. Floyd’s desperately trying to work things out, to no avail so far. So @Gervontaa #TankDavis is correct that Floyd’s being held there!!!” However, Mayweather can move around Dubai as much as he’d like. Rumors suggest that Mayweather’s debt isn’t boxing-related but allegedly stems from accusations of misconduct towards a woman abroad, leading to a financial settlement (that he apparently can’t pay) to avoid legal repercussions. https://www.instagram.com/floydmayweather/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=104d829b-c1a3-4d63-86f1-71cc8b46705a Florida A&M University (FAMU) was recently bestowed with a staggering $237.75 million contribution from the Issac Batterson 7th Family Trust, alongside Chief Executive Officer Gregory Gerami. This generous donation is earmarked to bolster student success programs and enhance athletics at the esteemed institution. “This gift is breathtaking in its generosity and its scope. It changes the narrative about what is possible for FAMU. I cannot thank Gregory Gerami and the Issac Batterson 7th Family Trust enough. Their names are now etched into the annals of Florida A&M University in perpetuity,” said FAMU President Larry Robinson, Ph.D. “This donation will have a far-reaching impact on our academic and athletics programs. It will greatly enhance our ability to provide scholarships for students and also give us a boost in recruiting top students, and recruiting and retaining top faculty.” Gerami, founder of Batterson Farms Corp, champions sustainable agriculture and biodegradable hemp products in Texas. Inspired by his own childhood physical challenges, he supports programs like CeDAR, aiding students with disabilities. He overcame adversity to excel in the hemp industry, pioneering premium hemp seeds, per the university’s news release. “FAMU has become like a family to our Trust, our company and to me. Our morals and our mission are in line with FAMU and FAMU’s mission,” said Gerami, who made the announcement Saturday afternoon during the third of three spring 2024 commencement ceremonies. “It’s also about making sure that we set FAMU on the path to being the top HBCU in this country.” https://pbs.twimg.com/card_img/1786831683821416449/H-M9GtO6?format=jpg&name=small Brian McKnight’s Detroit concert slated for June 9 was canceled amid backlash for criticizing his oldest children and calling them “evil.” The promoter announced the cancellation on Instagram but deleted the post hours later, according to SandraRose.com. Apparently, the singer’s Detroit fans have been dragging him on social media for sparring with his estranged kids online. As we reported earlier … McKnight’s son is airing the singer’s dirty laundry after he called his children “products of sin.” “In order to live a life that you love, you have to get rid of the evil and the negativity, even if that evil and negativity is related,” McKnight posted on social media. The R&B crooner shares sons Brian Jr. and Niko with ex-wife Julie McKnight and Briana with ex Patricia Driver. https://twitter.com/Phil_Lewis_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1786578724525126115%7Ctwgr%5Eb237dac589e973f2f2bff51a3d52f6ef7fab20ee%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fbrian-mcknight-concert-cancelled-after-calling-his-children-evil%2F Whoopi Goldberg opens up about overcoming her cocaine addiction in her upcoming memoir, “Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me.” “I had stayed pretty far away from drugs, except for pot, after getting cleaned up in the early 70s,” she writes in the tome, Page Six reports. “I was invited to parties where I was greeted at the door with a bowl of Quaaludes from which I could pick what I wanted,” the Oscar winner, 68, recalls. “Lines of cocaine were laid across tables and bathroom counters for the taking.” Goldberg said cops were known not to raid the homes of the rich and famous, so these drug-fueled pirates were “very relaxed,” and “everyone partook.” Goldberg, who went to rehab before she was famous, explained how she believed she could “handle” cocaine because it didn’t appear “dangerous” since everyone was doing it. But once she began feeling like the drug “started to kick [her] ass,” and she was having hallucinations, she knew she had to quit the habit — and it wasn’t easy. https://www.instagram.com/whoopigoldberg/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=32058b74-7bae-4593-9c16-a7c7bb62aa8f Former MLB pitcher Jonathan Papelbon labeled ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith a “racist” after Smith criticized Mike Trout over a knee injury that he suffered. The Angels center fielder is facing surgery on his left knee to address a torn meniscus, raising uncertainties regarding Trout’s timeline for returning to the sport. Smith’s comments about the setback were not well-received. Last week, Papelbon, a NESN analyst, blasted him for being “xenophobic” and a “fake person.” “That’s not what the game needs,” Papelbon said while appearing on “Foul Territory” on Thursday, the New York Post reports. “Everybody wants to tune into the media, I get it. But at the end of the day, you have to be responsible for the s–t that you say. And unless ESPN holds him accountable for the stupid s–t that he says, guess what? He’s going to keep doing it.” Papelbon later asserted that he was informed that Smith had been barred from the clubhouse for allegedly snooping through the manager’s office and the trainer’s room. “I’ve always looked at this guy like a complete joke, and really shady,” Papelbon said. “When you get kicked out of a major league clubhouse, you should never be able to be a journalist ever again.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1786158041697771595 Beverly Hills, CA – Prominent civil rights attorney Areva Martin, who has two daughters graduating from Columbia Law School, expressed dismay at the cancellation of Columbia’s main commencement ceremony. Columbia announced it will replace its longstanding university-wide commencement ceremony with smaller, school-based celebrations after weeks marked by protests and arrests. Martin will serve as a speaker at a May 14 commencement event hosted by the Columbia Black Law Students Association. “I share in the profound disappointment of the students who will be denied the opportunity to have their traditional, time-honored graduation ceremony,” said Martin. “I am dismayed and upset as a practicing civil rights attorney as well as the parent of two daughters in the joint JD/MBA program. These students began their law careers in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic and will now have their hard-won success marred by the compounded disappointment of the administration denying them the graduation experience. I was honored to be asked to speak at one of the graduation events, especially given the significance of these ceremonies in the aftermath of COVID-19, when the students had to endure a very attenuated, isolating college campus community. Martin added: “The school’s security concerns strain credulity because they are continuing to permit other celebrations. This is a large, leading university accustomed to hosting major events with heads of state, presidents, vice presidents, members of Congress and others. By all appearances, the university is trying to insulate the administration from public displays of criticism — not a just reason to deny tens of thousands of students, parents and loved ones of the most important events in their lives.” Tracy Morgan has a new show from Paramount+ that is expected to debut next year. Today, the network announced a new series order for “CRUTCH,” a half-hour comedy starring Morgan. The series will be set in the world of CBS Networks’ hit comedy “The Neighborhood.” According to the release, the series centers on its titular character, Francois “Frank” Crutchfield (Morgan) – or “Crutch” to those that know him well – a Harlem widower whose empty nest plans are put on hold after his millennial son and free-spirited daughter move back home. Hailing from Cedric The Entertainer and his production company, A Bird and a Bear Entertainment, the series is produced by CBS Studios and is slated to begin production later this year. “I’m excited to be expanding our ‘The Neighborhood’ universe, by producing a show with the legendary comedian Tracy Morgan,” said Cedric The Entertainer, who serves as an executive producer along with Owen Smith, who wrote the premiere script and will also serve as showrunner. “Attention all entertainment aficionados! If you’ve been eagerly anticipating your next binge-worthy obsession, look no further than the electrifying AMC drama “Parish” starring Giancarlo Esposito. “Parish” is based on the hit U.K. series “The Driver,” created by Danny Brocklehurst and Jim Poyser. AMC’s six-episode limited series premiered in March, and the finale aired on Sunday (May 6). In case you missed it, “Parish” unfolds with gripping twists and turns, and now’s the perfect moment to dive headfirst into this immersive world. In “Parish,” Esposito stars as Gracian “Gray” Parish, a family man and proud owner of a luxury car service in New Orleans. After his son is violently murdered and his business collapses, an encounter with an old friend from his days as a wheelman resurfaces old habits, sending Gray on a high-stakes collision course with a violent criminal syndicate, per the official synopsis. In a recent interview with Tamron Hall, Esposito shared the real-life circumstances that affected how he played this role. “For this character, there was a time in my life when I was bankrupt, losing my house, losing my marriage, not identifying with people who wanted to help me, thinking I could do it all on my own, everything was failing, what is my way out?” he recalled on the daytime talk show. “I was 45, 50 years old. For me, I had four children and how can I help them survive and have a good life so the feeling that Gracien Parish, Gray Parish, in this is feeling that he is not a man because he’s not able to provide and then he’s not present because he’s lost a son so he’s in deep traumatic turmoil,” Esposito continued. To combat the rising tide of mental health struggles and cultivate positive social communities, Coloan Brands and Psych Me Out are proud to announce the launch of its new social media campaign, “#NoBadEnergy Practices of Life” during Mental Health Awareness Month and beyond. Founded in 2022 by Dr. Garrick I. Beauliere and Dr. Alexis N. Ferguson, Psych Me Out is a grassroots organization that aims to bridge the gap between Black generations and all things mental health from Black millennial experts in psychology. The vision for Psych Me Out is to improve the Black community’s quality of life by inspiring individuals of all ages to care for their mental health. Dr. Ferguson recently became a licensed psychologist in New Jersey and Dr. Beauliere is in the process of obtaining his license as well. The campaign for “No Bad Energy Practices of Life” will feature engaging visual content, personal stories, expert advice, resources, and inspiration for individuals to cultivate positive mental health practices. The interactive Instagram campaign (@psychme.out and @coloanbrands) aims to empower individuals to prioritize their mental well-being and build healthy daily habits. To ignite positivity and encourage individuals to embrace their unique potential, founder and creative director Brennan Williams’ Coloan imprint has released its latest collection of #NoBadEnergy merchandise via the company’s apparel website, MerchByColoan.com. Coloan Brands is an award-winning, one-stop-shop agency for audio-video production, cultural programming, design, and brand merchandising. “Surrounding yourself with positive influences and cultivating healthy habits to uplift your spirits are some of the daily principles we live by at Coloan Brands,” says Williams. “The No Bad Energy approach isn’t about ignoring problems, but rather fostering mental resilience and maintaining a positive outlook on life. Page Six obtained a copy of a VHS tape showing the many celebrities invited to attend Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ 29th birthday in 1998. The nearly six-minute was sent out as an invitation to the mogul’s celebrity pals and features “Oprah, Donald Trump, Derek Jeter, Ellen DeGeneres, Chris Rock, Mariah Carey, Magic Johnson, Will Smith, Ben Stiller, Joan Rivers, Wyclef Jean, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, Tommy Hilfiger, Clive Davis, Ronald Perelman, Penny Marshall, Robin Leach and Stephen Baldwin, among others,” the outlet writes. The recipients of the video take “turns to hype the bash, encourage the recipients to RSVP and to goof off for the camera,” per Page Six. The video shows Danny Devito lying on a sofa under a blanket, saying, “That’s right, Puff Daddy is having a party, and this is Puff Daddy inviting you to come! Let’s have a ball!” Trump refers to Puff Daddy as “The legendary P Diddy.” https://youtu.be/EBi675anOkY TMZ’s new documentary “The Downfall Of Diddy” has raised more questions about embattled hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, with interesting revelations coming to light. Revelations dropped during the 68-minute film included Suge Knight voicing sympathy for Combs, thinking of his kids and the negative cloud the Bad Boy hitmaker’s situation has placed over hip-hop. In addition to Knight, “The Downfall Of Diddy” included legal experts and journalists who offered their views on Combs’ situation as they looked at the “I Need a Girl” rhymer’s downward spiral since former girlfriend Cassie brought a lawsuit against him in November 2023. Former Bad Boy artists Mark Curry and Aubrey O’Day shared their experiences with Combs as well as producer Stevie J. and journalist/activist Marc Lamont Hill. https://youtu.be/sUgryB4VN7A The list of major rejections for Sean “Diddy” Combs continues to grow, with the famed Met Gala among the entrants. Sources confessed to RadarOnline that the Bad Boy Records founder/rapper, who was once on the must-invite list for the annual event, has been shunned by the fashion world. The blind eye stems from multiple sexual assault lawsuits Combs is facing amid a federal sex trafficking investigation. The “Hello Good Morning” entertainer has denied all accusations against him. As a result of the situation, an insider claims the coveted invite will reportedly not be sent to him. Considered to be the world’s most prestigious and glamorous fashion event and social gathering, the Met Gala is an annual fundraising event that is held every year in New York City. Money raised from the benefit goes to the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. In addition to attracting news coverage, the Met Gala is a magnet for a who’s who of movers and shakers in the worlds of fashion, entertainment (film, television, music, theater), business, politics, sports, and social media. Prior to the sexual assault allegations and investigation, Combs was a fixture at the Met Gala with his Sean John clothing line and hitmaker status in the music industry, among others. Citing the National Enquirer, LoveBScott mentioned a source who weighed in on the hip-hop mogul’s current struggle. In a dramatic incident at a South Florida airport, Jim Jones found himself in the heat of a tussle over the weekend and of course, TMZ has video of it. The rapper from Harlem was filmed riding an escalator alongside two companions at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport when a scuffle broke out with another individual, resulting in a tumble down the steps and an ensuing brawl. The altercation escalated to the point where Jones and his opponent ended up on the ground at the escalator’s base, prompting the intervention of a group of officers to quell the violence. One individual was left bloodied in the aftermath. Reflecting on the incident, Jones was quoted in a statement to TMZ saying, “I was minding my business and defended myself. They got what they were looking for.” https://youtu.be/wRFLhq8TiDw Jones has been at the center of numerous headlines this year. In March, he stirred controversy by taking aim at Sean Diddy Combs in his On The Radar freestyle. In a pointed verse, he rapped, “I seen you rap btches and rap n****s inside that n***a’s house. Now, you acting different. I should air you n****s out.” These lyrics emerged in the wake of multiple individuals accusing the Bad Boy mogul of misconduct. Despite the allegations, Diddy has maintained his innocence throughout the unfolding events. In a more positive turn of developments, Jones recently celebrated his longtime partner Chrissy Lampkin’s birthday. As the airport situation unfolds, it remains uncertain whether any arrests have been made in connection to the incident. https://youtu.be/Z1pOVdWxT3I Coi Leray lives this reality and has decided that enough is enough, decisively disconnecting from her father, Benzino, after he endorsed the notorious R. Kelly. This unraveling of familial threads was triggered by Benzino’s interview on the “We In Miami” podcast, where he was questioned about the potential for R. Kelly’s societal reentry. ‘Zino, advocating for grace, suggested that second chances are a universal right, reaching into history to juxtapose Elvis Presley’s infamous relationship with the youthful Priscilla Beaulieu as an argument in Kelly’s favor. While Benzino refrained from endorsing sexual interaction with minors, he harbored doubts about the fairness of a three-decade-long sentence for R. Kelly. Coi Leray, in sharp contrast, aligned with the collective voice of dissent against her father’s sentiments. “I want everybody to know I want nothing to do with anything my father has going on,” Coi expressed emphatically in her social media revelation. Her words drew a line in the sand, emphasizing a personal disassociation that had spanned over a year from her father’s public positions and interviews. “I don’t respect his decisions and I really want nothing to do with him please don’t even think of me when you see him.” https://youtu.be/xuJd6GzB91w In the golden afterglow of his performance on the legendary Stagecoach stage, the son of South Georgia’s red clay, RVSHVD (say it like a hushed secret, RA-SHAD), has dropped a heartfelt homage to a hip-hop anthem—his unique spin on Tupac’s soul-stirring “Dear Mama.” “There’s a thread that weaves through Tupac’s rhythms that’s found its way into the tapestry of my own life,” RVSHVD confides. “Dear Mama” is more than a song—it’s a lifeline that millions, myself included, have clung to, recognizing the tireless love of those who’ve shaped us. https://youtu.be/cjsFYXQMDy8 This piece… it’s a part of me. As I navigate the bends of my burgeoning career, I carry a torch ignited by Tupac’s spirit, yearning to illuminate paths as his has done for me.” Once a teenage beat-maker, swaying to the pulse of hip-hop, RVSHVD found his world spun into a new orbit by the strum of Keith Urban’s “Sweet Thing.” Embracing the narrative heart of country, he found his truth in the twang, proclaiming, “Country music is where my soul bares its teeth—where I can echo the truths of life without a mask.” https://static.cdninstagram.com/rsrc.php/v3/yb/r/UsSR4Cvo4Px.png “Raised Up” was the anthem that etched RVSHVD’s name into the infinite playlist of rising stars. This track—a cocktail of country’s rustic tang with the anchored narratives of life’s ebb and flow—highlighted common threads in the human tapestry: love’s touch, adversity’s test, and the personal march toward tomorrow. RVSHVD isn’t a stranger to the crossroads of hip-hop beats and country storytelling. His rendition of Roddy Ricch’s “Ballin’” skyrocketed, capturing the zeitgeist on streaming platforms, a digital wildfire that notched his musical cachet up to the hundreds of millions. https://youtu.be/3zRb1-CmBKY What do you need to pack for a cruise? When it comes to this upcoming nude cruise from tour and travel company Bare Necessities, the answer appears to be very little. The nudist cruise specialist is teaming up with Norwegian Cruise Line to launch an 11-day voyage from Miami to the Caribbean, scheduled to set sail onboard the 295-meter Norwegian Pearl in February 2025. With destinations like The Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and St. Maarten on the itinerary, “The Big Nude Boat” promises a “once-in-a-lifetime experience” for those who get on board. https://youtu.be/8-FhoQx_Kx4 Bare Necessities has also banned lingerie, “fetish wear,” as well as taking photos or videos of other cruisers without their consent. The “11-Day adventure back to Bare-adise” is scheduled to depart from Miami on February 3 and return on February 14. “Our mission is to provide relaxing, entertaining, and health-conscious vacation opportunities that offer non-threatening, natural environments where the appreciation, wonder, and compatibility of nature and the unadorned human form can occur,” says Bare Necessities. https://www.instagram.com/cbsmornings/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=9ed27bd5-6965-45ea-990d-2ac2259af50b As the calendar flipped to 2024, Katt Williams seized the national spotlight, launching the year with a three-hour comedic marathon on Shannon Sharpe’s “Club Shay Shay” podcast, which left Netflix pondering: Could there be a more fitting maestro for the apex of live comedic acts on its platform? As Netflix‘s humor-filled festival — the second “Netflix is a Joke Fest” — unfurled, the world eagerly anticipated the “Katt Williams: Woke Foke” special. In a landmark move for Netflix, and a first for Williams, his latest comic foray was broadcast live for global audiences on a breezy Saturday evening, the 4th of May, 2024. https://www.instagram.com/netflix/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=effc3ea7-c307-4d1e-aca9-d5d646447f26 Rather than reigniting previous feuds sparked earlier that January, Williams sailed through the hour, sparing none as he playfully lambasted icons from various spheres — cue Nick Cannon to politicians and beyond. In usual Katt-fashion, he lightens the tone with an early quip about his stint on “Club Shay Shay,” jesting, “I tried to be incog-Negro but thanks to Shannon Sharpe’s loudmouth ass, the gig is up. Everybody knows I’ll tell. But I don’t do no snitching! Y’all know my job. In my spare time, I infiltrate the Illuminati. Look for their secrets. Run back. Tell y’all. And they’d kill me if they could, but I’m too fast, and the Lord keeps blessing me.” Then there’s the sweet melody of a young girl singing the Nationwide Insurance jingle, a simple sound that, according to Williams, elevates his spirits. Not to forget his theatrical remake of the Alabama dock scuffle that had Williams so amused he couldn’t help but share a dramatic narration with his audience. https://youtu.be/-z1T5J6wXeg Williams’s passionate discourse on reparations captured the audience as the “Woke Foke” metaphorical curtain drew to a close. With his razor-sharp analysis, he weighed the massive financial aid sent to Ukraine against the enduring struggle for equality among African Americans, invoking the need for empathy and action. Clearly, the experience of watching Williams unravel in his unique, lofty comic stratosphere was something of a wonder—a necessary cultural indulgence. Yet, amidst the fanfare of effects and timely quips, one wonders if the immediacy of this (“Katt Williams: Woke Foke”) special will allow it to endure, to be relished through time as his previous works have been. Nonetheless, this was an hour with Katt Williams, and that alone meant it was an hour to be remembered. So what are YOUR thoughts about the “Katt Williams: Woke Foke” comedy special on Netflix? Scroll down and tell the world what’s on your mind. https://youtu.be/AqShdoMsPF4 Kenan Thompson and the “Saturday Night Live” cast took on one of the top news stories of the past week on its latest episode, when cast members played concerned parents of New York City college kids involved in protests in the cold open over the weekend. On Saturday’s episode – which was hosted by Dua Lipa (who also acted as a musical guest) – Michael Longfellow played a talk show host who welcomed parents played by Heidi Gardner, Mikey Day, and Kenan Thompson. Longfellow remarked that it’s been a worrisome time on university campuses throughout the country, and sought comment from his guests. While Gardner and Day’s characters expressed concerns about their children’s activities in the protests against Israel’s war against Hamas, Thompson said he was supportive of the efforts. “Well I think it’s just great, it’s wonderful,” he said. “Nothing makes me prouder than young people using their voices to fight for what they believe in.” https://youtu.be/D3sJBQpd1hc The back-in-the-day notion of spanking your kids has come back on reality TV stars Martell and Melody Holt. Ice Cream Convos reports the “Love & Marriage: Huntsville” star and his ex-wife have been barred from spanking their children. Taking to social media, Martell Holt broke the news, which he said stems from allegations of abuse. “Have I ever abused my children? NO. Have I ever spanked my kids? Yes. But, I haven’t spanked them in quite some time,” Martel Holt confessed. He added: “I just hate that this narrative is going around and bloggers picking things up. And certain people are trying to destroy me. But, it’s not going to happen. I’m not going to allow it to happen. https://www.instagram.com/livebitez/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=ac87fbe0-1e16-4cd3-a068-6f1df0bc4ef5 A small historically Black college in New Orleans is making big moves for the future of the University. According to AP, Xavier University has signed an agreement with Ochsner Health to establish a medical school for the university. The Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine will be the fifth historically Black medical in the country, joining Howard University College of Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, and the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. Maryland’s Morgan State University is also working to establish a medical school. “With the establishment of the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine, Ochsner and Xavier aim to address long-standing health disparities and foster stronger, healthier communities in pursuit of the mission to promote a more just and humane society gifted to Xavier nearly 100 years ago by our foundress, St. Katharine Drexel and her Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament,” Xavier President Reynold Verret told AP. There is no confirmed opening date for Xavier’s future medical school, but officials believe the school will take about three years to gain proper accreditation. After the school becomes accredited, it can start recruiting its initial class of 50 students. Dr. Leonardo Seoane, the executive vice president and chief academic officer of Ochsner Health, has been named the school’s founding dean. The medical school will be located near the Superdome in the BioDistrict portion of the city. According to AP, BioDistrict New Orleans is a section of the city dedicated to economic development and jobs in biological sciences. There were mixed responses along political, ideological and sociological lines after President Joe Biden’s administration announced that it would be instituting yet another delay in its plans to move forward with banning menthol cigarettes. U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra announced the update on Friday and said the decision about proposed rules to ban menthol cigarettes and other menthol-flavored tobacco products “will take significantly more time” than previously expected. The move came as Biden and his surrogates have been courting the support of Black voters. Data shows that racial minorities like Black people are more likely to smoke menthol cigarettes. As such, the pending ban has divided certain leaders within the Black community in a rift that was apparent among reactions to Becerra’s announcement. Gwen Carr, whose son Eric Garner was choked to death by a gang of NYPD officers who accused him of selling loose, untaxed cigarettes in public in 2014, welcomed the delay. “I worked diligently trying to avoid the menthol ban because it was personal to me. My son, Eric Garner, died as a result of police crackdowns on the sale of loose cigarettes. I realized this ban would only create more unintended law enforcement consequences like the very ones that lead to my son’s death,” Carr said in a statement. Tuesday, the Justice Department announced that it had taken a step towards the decriminalization of marijuana. Actually, scratch that—the Justice Department announced Tuesday that it had recommended taking a small step toward the decriminalization of marijuana that would fall short of total decriminalization and would fall even shorter from what should be done, which is legalization. According to the New York Times, the department has recommended that marijuana be re-classified as a Schedule III drug, which would put it on par with like Tylenol with codeine, instead of its current Schedule I classification its been under for more than 50 years that had it on par with Heroin, LSD and ecstasy. (To put things in even more perspective, fentanyl, methadone and opium are all Schedule II.) Changing the scheduling of marijuana would ease criminal and manufacturing restrictions at the federal level, which, of course, does next to nothing to affect the existing state laws, which is one of the reasons some experts don’t believe the move will make much of a difference. There’s a reason why there are so many people, especially Black people, who believe the entire system of policing in America needs to be thrown away. It’s not just about racist cops. And it’s certainly not about reducing the problem to “a few bad apples.” It’s about an entire rotten orchard full of police departments protecting cops from accountability, giving them a near-infinite benefit of the doubt, and, of course, rehiring them after they lost their jobs over racism, gross misconduct or both. Meet Greg Marohn. In March 2022, Marohn was hired as an officer of the law by the Holly Police Department in Michigan, according to ABC 7 Detroit. Less than a year-and-a-half before being hired by that department, he had “resigned in lieu of termination” from another one, Michigan’s Oakland County Sheriff’s Department. Why was Marohn forced to resign before getting fired? Well, it’s hard to say. Maybe it was because of his “poor driving history,” as he told Holly Police Chief Jerry Narsh at the time he was hired. Or maybe it’s because he admitted to purchasing Schedule II drugs without a prescription while he was on duty. Or maybe it was because he accidentally recorded himself slinging racial slurs at Black citizens just for existing in his proximity. Maybe it was for all of those reasons. The real question is—how TF did he get rehired as a cop after all of that? Donald Trump recently sat down for an interview with Time magazine, during which he repeated a sentiment often echoed by white-and-aggrieved America, which insists that it is white people who are facing racism and discrimination in a country where white people still represent the overwhelming majority. Trump was asked about polls that show his supporters believe “anti-white racism” is now a greater problem in America than racism suffered by Black people and people of color, to which the former president responded, “There is a definite anti-white feeling in the country, and that can’t be allowed either.” (It shouldn’t be lost on anyone that a so-called champion of American freedom is now telling Americans how they’re “allowed” to feel.) Here’s a question that I often ask but have never received a plausible answer to: In a country that is more than 60% white and where white people dominate every important entity in Western society — from the corporate world to state and federal governments to all aspects of the justice system — and are the only overwhelmingly represented racial group in popular culture (TV, film, broadcasting, and, up until recent years, advertising, etc.), who exactly are white people being oppressed by? Last week, I reported on Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen telling the state’s Board of Regents that her school is complying with the state’s newly adopted law requiring public colleges to overhaul (read: eliminate) their DEI programs on campus. “So one of the first things we did was establish learning communities so that a young man, young white man, from rural Iowa, could come and be in a learning community and find the place where they could belong,” Wintersteen said. The 2024 presidential election is just months away, and Donald Trump, is on a mission to pry away Black and Latino voters from President Joe Biden, but his plan is still the purest of jigs. The Associated Press reports that former disgraced president Donald Trump wants to hold some sort of big campaign event at Madison Square Garden featuring Black hip-hop artists (probably Afroman) and athletes. Trump also wants to visit places like Chicago, Detroit, and Atlanta and meet with local leaders of color, according to his aides, in hopes of flipping Democratic constituents. Five months from what will be one of the most consequential Presidential elections of our lifetime, Trump and his sorry a** team have not done any outreach to the Black and Latino voters. They also made some decisions that indicate the Trump campaign could care less about connecting with Black and Brown voters. The Gospel Music Association recently hosted the ceremonial construction kick-off of the brand-new Christian & Gospel Music Museum at The Dove Center. The Christian & Gospel Music Museum at The Dove Center's location will be 400 Commerce Street in downtown Nashville. Attending the event and providing special remarks included Tennessee's Governor Bill Lee and Nashville's Mayor Freddie O'Connell showing their support for this historic moment. Dove Award and GRAMMY® Award-winning artist Michael W. Smith and Dove Award-winning artist Jekalyn Carr provided special music. BHERC is an organization that promotes short films created by Black women. The organization conducts screenings and dialogues that provide a platform for emerging African American female directors to showcase their skills, talent, and vision through film screenings. These events also allow the audience to view and discuss the artistry, passion, and sacrifice that goes into the independent filmmaking process. The primary goal of BHERC is to highlight the significant roles that Blacks have played and continue to play in the film and television industry. To achieve this, BHERC organizes annual film festivals celebrating and promoting Black history and culture. These festivals showcase the richness and power of young filmmakers who will lead the struggle for positive and quality Black films in the new millennium. www.bherc.org. BIPOCALYPSE is a stand-up comedy show dedicated to elevating and spotlighting BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ comedians. The show was born out of a global pandemic when the world as we knew it ended, and society had given us a new name: BIPOC. Since 2021, this queer Black woman-owned venture has self-produced and sold out shows across Los Angeles, making it the hottest inclusive contender in stand-up — burning down institutionalized stereotypes & forging its path in the LA comedy scene. May 5th at The Miracle Theater | Showtimes 4:00 PM & 7:30 PM "Shining Bright" in the Gospel Spotlight is new music from former Out of Eden singer, Lisa Nicole. Brand new buzz single, “Just To Be Close To You” is available today. https://youtu.be/he6E3UIB0uE?si=wPyrIUKeK8Y-Str- Silence the Shame, a community voice in mental health advocacy, is proud to announce an innovative partnership with the largest vendor of computer software in the world, Microsoft, to develop and launch a revolutionary mobile app dedicated to mental health awareness, education, and support. This meaningful collaboration and commitment will deliver technology that provides mental health resources, accessible in a personalized way, to individuals and groups facing mental health challenges, available on National Silence the Shame Day, May 5th during Mental Health Awareness Month. "Two years ago Darrell Booker and his team at Microsoft included Silence the Shame in their global hackathon and here we are now with this beautiful application ready to hit the market on our big day - May 5th! This is an exciting moment not only for our organization, but more importantly for communities to have more access to mental health resources and healthy ways to cope," says Shanti Das, CEO/Founder Silence the Shame. Silence the Shame and Microsoft invite communities worldwide to join in a collective effort to raise awareness and understanding o prominent mental issues. Everyone is encouraged to download the app, participate in National Silence the Shame Day activities including, and explore the wealth of resources available. Let it be known that Lupe Fiasco’s pen is ready for battle. According to HipHopWired, the “Kick, Push” rhymeslayer punctuated his set at Coachella with a notice to fellow MC’s that he has an appetite to demolish the competition, no matter who wants to get in the ring. During a pause at his set at Coachella, Fiasco addressed the crowd as only he could and let off a profanity-laced barrage by saying that under no uncertain terms can any rapper on the planet take him out when it comes to rhyming. “Hear me clearly when I say this and I mean it from the bottom of my heart. When it comes to this art, and I quote, I will battle any motherf*cking rapper. Anywhere. Any motherf*ckin’ time,” Fiasco told the crowd in a profanity-filled moment between performing hits at the annual music gathering. News of the entertainer’s hunger for verbal combat comes after Kendrick Lamar fully ignited a long-simmering beef with Drake and J. Cole after dropping an uncredited verse on Metro Boomin and Future’s “We Don’t Trust You” album track, “Like That.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1780001797702086808 The global jazz community celebrated Jazz Appreciation Month in various ways during April. International Jazz Day is another noteworthy event. International Jazz Day was celebrated all over the world on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. In the LA area, the Dymally International Jazz Festival exemplifies International Jazz Day which brings together countries and communities on all seven continents to honor the international art form of jazz, highlighting its important role in encouraging dialogue, combating discrimination, and promoting human dignity. November 2011. UNESCO officially designated April 30 as International Jazz Day to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role in uniting people in all corners of the world. Brittney Griner has detailed the mental anguish she suffered during her time in Russian detention, saying in a new interview on ABC’s “20/20” that she considered taking her own life on multiple occasions. The WNBA star spent almost 300 days in custody in Russia having been detained in February 2022 and sentenced to nine years in prison after authorities found cannabis oil in her luggage. The US State Department deemed that Griner had been wrongfully detained and she was released in December 2022 in a prisoner swap involving Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. “I wanted to take my life more than once in those first weeks. I felt like leaving here so badly,” Griner said in the ABC interview which aired on Wednesday. https://youtu.be/Jzjr4dBDRvY The Los Angeles home where boxing legend Muhammad Ali resided between 1979 to 1984, is poised for auction by Concierge Auctions. Bidding for this iconic property, priced at $13.5 million, commenced on April 26 and will conclude at 7 p.m. on May 15. As of Wednesday morning, the leading bid is $7.75 million. According to the New York Post, the 10,500-square-foot estate was constructed in 1915 by architect John C. Austin and boasts a stone staircase, stained-glass windows, imported Italian marble, and original French crystal chandeliers. The mansion also encompasses a semi-circular solarium and a pergola walkway. Furthermore, there is a separate one-bedroom guest house and a spacious garage that can accommodate up to five vehicles. https://twitter.com/TopTenRealEstat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1785752792251891795%7Ctwgr%5E8df4f52361f35c05871d2ef10c338bd6a601a42b%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fmuhammad-alis-la-home-up-for-auction%2F Cher doesn’t date men her age because she said they are “terrified” to approach her. “The reason I got with young men is because men my age or older — well, now they’re all dead,” she said during an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, EW reports. “Before, [men my age] just never, they were always terrified to approach me, and younger men were the only ones that —” “They’re bold,” Jennifer Hudson chimed in to add. “Yeah, raised by women like me,” Cher, 77, agreed. https://youtu.be/BK3Z33-CzKU H.E.R. made her feature film debut with last year’s “The Color Purple” musical drama, and she’s teaming up with the film’s producer, Oprah Winfrey, once more on an upcoming majorettes-inspired project set up at 20th Century Studios. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the dance movie set at a fictional Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in Atlanta. The outlet writes, “fascinated by the majorettes and their impact on Black culture, H.E.R. approached Winfrey and Sanders with this project after working with them on Color Purple.” Winfrey and Scott Sanders will produce with H.E.R., Carla Gardini, and Mara Jacobs. Lauren Ashley Smith (A Black Lady Sketch Show) is penning the script. Here’s the official description: The story follows an introverted ballet dancer from L.A. who defies her parents by putting her thriving dance career on hold to go to college. There, she joins her HBCU’s struggling majorette team and attempts to overcome culture shock, her stuffy dance background, and fierce rivals to help return the team to its former glory.text Taraji P. Henson, Tiffany Haddish, and Jill Scott will join Mary J. Blige’s Strength of a Woman Summit and Festival which kicks off May 10 in New York City. According to the Associated Press, the three-day event during Mother’s Day weekend “will feature concerts, comedy shows, a gospel brunch, panel discussions along with workshops focusing on technology, beauty, entrepreneurship and financial literacy,” the outlet writes. The list of panel speakers includes Henson, Marsai Martin, Method Man, Larenz Tate, Tasha Smith, Michael Rainey Jr., Angie Martinez, and Pinky Cole. Comedian Jess Hilarious and podcaster Gia Peppers will host the event. “We’re teaching each other, holding each other and uplifting each other,” said Blige in a recent interview, per the AP. “We’re helping each other to sustain in our businesses and sustain in the mental health and everything.” “I’m so excited to bring our Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit to my hometown, New York City, a place that has always been a huge source of inspiration for me,” said Blige in a statement. “P-Valley” star Shannon Thornton teased fans ahead of the Season 3 debut by sharing a photo with the cast on Instagram. “A few things: 1) I just love this photo & it needed its own moment. 2) The answer is yes. 3) I know we can “keep it,” but we’re doing it anyway!” Thornton captioned the photo. In the comments, one person wrote, “Just drop the damn season I have nothing else to watch!!” Production on season three of the gay strip club drama series was postponed amid the Hollywood strikes last year. At the time, creator and showrunner Katori Hall said, “We will not be filming until a fair deal is reached.” “Like many of my fellow showrunners, I feel as though my writing and producing duties are inextricably linked,” Hall added, Deadline reported. “I am also a member of the DGA whose AMPTP contract begins negotiations today. Overlapping issues abound and we shall see how these stories end. As a writer I strike with a sense of radical dignity — that our work must be valued for the magic it is.” https://www.instagram.com/shannonthornt_n/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=86ecc02e-406e-4ba1-9e8f-d70b53312f21 The producers of the controversial Lifetime docuseries “Where Is Wendy Williams?” recently confirmed that Wendy has viewed the film and expressed her approval. According to Entertainment Tonight, Mark Ford and Erica Hanson have ben in touch with Williams’ family, “and the story’s not over. I could say that much,” Ford shared while attending An Evening With Lifetime: Conversations On Controversies at The Grove in Hollywood on Wednesday. “We’ve continued to be in touch with them and they’re very supportive of the project.” “I think, you know, this isn’t the end of this story. There’ll be more,” Ford suggested. “I don’t think the world has seen the last of Wendy Williams.” The duo discussed with ET’s Deidre Behar the significance of potential recognition at the Emmys for their work. “Oh, that would mean, I think, the world. Not only to us, but to Wendy,” Hanson shared. “I can’t even imagine the impact that would have on her.” https://youtu.be/OjJDhf5ll70 Her detainment highlighted the salary limits WNBA players face in the US, pushing athletes to go overseas to earn more during the offseason. The Phoenix Mercury star is entering her 11th WNBA season having returned to the team in May last year. Earlier this month, Griner and her wife Cherelle announced that they are expecting their first child, while the 33-year-old is also in contention for a spot on the US team for this year’s Paris Olympics. https://youtu.be/c0EazcCNNwM It’s not like NBA fans and Lakers fans, in particular, didn’t already suspect it was coming, but it’s now official. The axe finally fell on Darvin Ham. The Los Angeles Lakers waved farewell to their head coach after a tumultuous two-season tenure, promptly following the Purple and Gold’s unceremonious exit from the 2024 playoffs. Speculation about an impending coaching shift surfaced immediately following LeBron James and company’s defeat to the Denver Nuggets, with fingers pointing squarely at Ham’s perceived shortcomings in leadership and adaptability. Despite the setback, Ham’s coaching stint had its silver linings, notably the team’s commendable playoff run the previous year and their triumph in the inaugural In-Season Tournament last December. https://youtu.be/VbaXFrw-PDg Lakers GM Rob Pelinka, in a carefully worded statement, expressed gratitude for Ham’s contributions, highlighting the team’s achievements while reaffirming the organization’s steadfast commitment to delivering championship-caliber basketball. “We all want to thank Darvin for his dedication and positivity. While this was a difficult decision to make, it is the best course of action following a full review of the season. This organization will remain unwavering in its commitment to deliver championship-caliber basketball to Lakers fans around the world.” https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-05-03-050324-patrick-beverley-1822838-806/ Meanwhile, in a saga fitting his reputation, Patrick Beverley let his frustrations run wild following the Milwaukee Bucks’ playoff exit. In a straight-up display of a-hole-ness, Beverley flung a basketball not once, but twice, at Pacers fans during a fateful Game 6. (Watch it above via the TMZ player.) The bizarre spectacle, captured on camera, left spectators bewildered and incensed, overshadowing the Pacers’ resounding victory, according to TMZ Sports. Postgame, Beverley’s antics took a bizarre turn as he ejected a reporter from his impromptu press conference for failing to subscribe to his podcast (watch above via X/Twitter player). https://twitter.com/i/status/1786240849841443173 T.I. and Tiny Harris’ daughter Heiress recently revealed which of her siblings is her favorite during an appearance on “The Morning Hustle” As Lip Stick Convos reports, Heiress named big brother Major Harris. https://www.instagram.com/morninghustleshow/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=aebb7843-dbe9-4a29-ac5a-b6d697161e1a She said, “Okay…no offense. But, I think…I think…this is just what I think…okay? I think…I like Major because first of all…he helped me with my computer. https://www.instagram.com/therealvanvan_/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=67df3965-7422-44ec-a736-e837dc991bc0 And then he also helps me get Robux when my mom’s out of town. The 8-year-old stopped by the program with VanVan (Savannah McConneaughey) to promote their new single, “Be You.” https://www.instagram.com/therealvanvan_/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=3747961f-29df-459d-ab50-c086c0f87613 In a post on X/Twitter, proud papa T.I. shared a photo of the girls standing outside the iHeart Radio building along with the caption: So proud of our baby girl #Heiress on her first ever press day with @Therealvanvan_ today for their single #BeYou she woke up before me hustling @TinyMajorMama https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GMCgHaTWAAE9GPQ?format=jpg&name=small Today marks a significant milestone for R&B aficionados worldwide as Tanya Nolan‘s newest single, “Like Water,” makes its debut in the prestigious R&B playlist on Apple Music (listen via the player above). Released on May 3rd, this soulful track promises to captivate audiences with its smooth melodies and heartfelt lyrics, setting the stage for a forthcoming music video that is sure to dazzle. Tanya Nolan is renowned for her soul-stirring vocals and captivating songwriting, and “Like Water” is no exception. Inspired by the allure of summer and the depth of desire, the track seamlessly blends sophistication with sensuality, creating an immersive experience for listeners. With its infectious rhythm and evocative storytelling, “Like Water” has earned its place among the best in R&B music. https://youtu.be/VI-EywwAwmc Tariq Nasheed’s latest documentary, “Microphone Check,” aims to set the record straight about hip-hop’s origins and foundational narrative. According to the press release, “Microphone Check” offers a unique opportunity to hear from an incredible ensemble of early hip-hop pioneers. The project includes commentary from Coke La Rock, Trixie and Sasa, Sha Rock, Melle Mel, Grandmaster Caz, and many more. They each share their firsthand accounts and insights into the birth and evolution of hip-hop. The release states that the film’s goal is to dispel myths and offer a comprehensive and accurate account of hip-hop’s history through compelling interviews, rare footage, and historical context. https://youtu.be/FDFR_yd-YUc Beyoncé is among the 40 individuals newly included in the French encyclopedic dictionary Petit Larousse Illustré. According to TMZ, the superstar is listed as a proper noun in the dictionary, and described as an “American singer of R&B and pop.” The other notable people included in the 2024 dictionary are both French and foreign and include Cate Blanchett, LeBron James, and Christopher Nolan, among others. The new entries “reflect concerns, developments or strong movements this year,” Carine Girac-Marinier, head of dictionaries and encyclopedias at Larousse, told French outlet Le Point. Meanwhile, Beyonce and her daughter Blu-Ivy lend their voices in Disney’s “Mufasa: The Lion King” live-action prequel movie. https://youtu.be/MjQG-a7d41Q Disgraced former singer R. Kelly is now serving his prison sentence in North Carolina, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. And for some reason, Benzino feels the need to defend him. Following his conviction for child sex crimes in June 2022, Kelly was handed a harsh 30-year sentence in a New York federal court. Just last week, a federal appeals court reaffirmed the 20-year term for the despicable acts of child pornography and exploitation that were pinned on the fallen artist. As of mid-April, Robert Sylvester Kelly, the 56-year-old former R&B star, took up residence at the Federal Correctional Institution Butner Medium I in Granville County in North Kakalaki, with his release date shrouded in mystery, pointing towards a grim possibility of remaining behind bars well into his late 80s. And for what it’s worth, the Butner prison is a medium security federal correctional institution, according to its website. https://twitter.com/i/status/1785748363679240208 As Cassius.com dissects Benzino’s statements, it becomes apparent that his argument lacks coherence, especially considering the age of consent complexities that crop up in different states. Annnnd if he thinks the horrific crimes Kelly was convicted of are so “sick,” why is he going out of his way to advocate for the perpetrator of such “sick” crimes?” Critics are quick to condemn Benzino’s stance, questioning why he is championing someone like Kelly, given the disturbing history of sex crime allegations that have shadowed the artist for years. From marrying a 15-year-old Aaliyah to the infamous accusations, the public sentiment against Kelly is resoundingly negative. As the public chimes in on Benzino’s troubling, err, idiotic defense, the magnitude of the backlash should be enough to discourage him from delving into the comments section. https://twitter.com/i/status/1785763465568641158 Back in the day, Christopher Williams sang about talking to himself, but the “New Jack City” actor/singer found an audience of more than one when sharing views on Sean “Diddy” Combs and Jaguar Wright. Ice Cream Convos cited the 2024 Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage as the place where Williams didn’t hold back on the controversial hip-hop mogul during a performance. “Don’t start that Nino Brown s—! Pretty mothaf—!” the entertainer said while interacting with fans and asking someone to fix his hair. “I done said, ‘No Diddy!’ That punk a— n—! “ Bringing Wright into the interaction, Williams wasn’t short on words for her as he labeled the outspoken songstress a “crackhead.” “They talking about…that I gave that punk a— n— some head! Jaguar Wright is a crackhead. But, I’m going to pray for her anyway,” he said. https://youtu.be/j9ydIsUrSpY Williams blasting Wright and Combs comes after Wright claimed in an interview that an entertainment attorney who worked at Bad Boy Entertainment allegedly walked in on Williams servicing Diddy in exchange for a demo deal. Needless to say, the commentary got way under the “Promises, Promises” singer’s skin. And for the jail-free folk who don’t know what a Maytag is (and that includes us), Ice Cream Convos defined the word as a “jail term for an inmate who has been ‘used and abused’ by other inmates.” got way under the “Promises, Promises” singer’s skin. https://youtu.be/m51i4HbsI8k O.J. Simpson may no longer be with us, but his children are living a peaceful life away from the spotlight. Bottom line. O.J. Simpson’s kids are “doing really well.” In an interview with People, David Brobeck, godfather to Simpson’s youngest child Justin, revealed he and his sister Sydney have found a “good life” years after the murder of their mother, Nicole Brown Simpson. “They’ve grown up, and they have their own families now, and they’re doing really well,” Brobeck told People days after O.J. Simpson’s April 2024 death. “They’re solid solid people and parents, and we just wish them all the best and give them lots of love.” Justin and Sydney are two of Simpson’s five children. The former NFL standout shared three children, Arnelle, Jason, and Aaren, with his first wife, Marguerite Whitley. In the ‘90’s Simpson’s family was became regular conversation fodder as the patriarch stood trial for the murder of Nicole and her friend Ron Goldman, who died in June 1994. Dubbed “The Trial of the Century” by many legal experts, the 11-month trial ended on Oct. 3, 1995, with 100 million people in the U.S. alone watching as Simpson was acquitted on both counts of murder. Simpson died on April 10, 2024, from metastatic prostate cancer. He was 76 years old. News of the athlete’s death was announced via a statement posted by his family on his X (formerly known as Twitter) account. Amid a pro and ant-Palestine demonstration at Ole Miss (University of Mississippi), an unnamed Black female stood in vigil, her camera poised amidst the throng. Yet, instead of camaraderie, she was met with a barrage of insults, predominantly from white men, targeting her appearance with vicious references to Lizzo, interlaced with derogatory slurs. The tension simmered, a clash of words with no physical altercation. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-05-03-050324-mississippi-protest-v2-1823313-221/ From a distance, one man, adorned in a light blue shirt, contorted his visage into a grotesque mimicry of a monkey, his arms flailing in mockery. The echoes of his actions were echoed by another figure, clad in blue and yellow, emitting similar simian sounds. The reprehensible display ignited a storm of condemnation, with many decrying it as a deliberate act of bigotry masquerading under the guise of protest. Videos capturing the scene only reinforced this sentiment, painting a damning picture of intolerance. “Incredibly racist gesture,” a voice of reason amid the chaos, as backlash surged against the perpetrators, accusing them of using the protests as a platform for bigotry. https://twitter.com/i/status/1786254906296615310 A Noise Within Theatre Company completes its run of August Wilson’s “King Hedley II.” Under the direction of Gregg T. Daniel, the cast creates unforgettable moments and compelling performances that capture every layered nuance written by the late two-time Pulitzer Prize winner. Aaron Jennings leads in the title role of King. Aaron is raw, uninhibited, and completely available as he transforms every fiber of his being into the newly emancipated King. Christian Kenley is a showstopper as the swindler’s sidekick and comic relief. King Hedley II is anchored by strong, textured, and outspoken women. Veralyn Jones is the spicey Ruby and Kacie Rogers is the sprightly and tenacious Tonya. Both delivered stellar performances. Ben Cain’s portrayal of Elmore is slicker than a can of oil. Cain ignites the stage with infectious charm. King Hedley’s closing night performance treated the audience to the dutiful theatrical gifts of Tony Winters, who stepped in to play the delicately witted Stool Pigeon with regal sophistication and sagacious flair. Gerald Rivers performed the role previously during the run, which began on April 6 and closed on April 28, 2024. The epic “Lovers & Friends” festival in Las Vegas featuring a lineup that included Alica Keys, Mary J. Blige, Janet Jackson, Gwen Stefani, and a whole lot more was canceled on the eve of its opening due to high winds.According to the festival’s official website, “organizers have been monitoring the weather for several days and proactively preparing for a windy Saturday. https://youtu.be/UdY9IndV9ks However, the National Weather Service has now issued a High Wind Warning, including dangerous 30-35 mph sustained winds with gusts potentially more than 60 mph.” “Following advice from the National Weather Service and in consultation with local public officials, we must make the safest decision for our fans, artists, and staff, and cancel tomorrow’s Lovers & Friends Festival,” the statement posted on Friday continued. https://youtu.be/QCII_AslZ-U It’s time again to raise your wine glass for a great cause! Atlanta icon, radio legend, award-winning music producer, and philanthropist, Frank Ski, has tapped Jay “Jeezy” Jenkins to host The Frank Ski’s 20th Annual Celebrity Wine Tasting and Live Auction to be held on Sunday, May 5th from 3-7 pm at Factory Atlanta, Ga. Montana Fishburne, the daughter of former “Black-ish” star Laurence Fishburne Us Weekly reports Montana was sentenced to 24 months of probation for her part in the incident. Police records in Florida detail the January 2022 arrest by Broward County sheriffs. The records reveal Montana called 911 about an ex-boyfriend allegedly stalking and threatening her. After arriving on the scene, police officers found no one home. The police records further noted Montana allegedly yelling at authorities “that no one helped her” from the sidewalk near the reported address and approached them, with police telling her “multiple times to back up,” Us stated. The outlet referenced the police report on the incident, which mentioned how the 34-year-old adult film star slapped one of the deputies on the side of his head. As a result, the officer’s ear sustained swelling and redness. Although Montana was charged with battery on a law enforcement officer, she changed her first not-guilty plea to the felony charge to no contest on April 10. Montana’s sentencing marks the latest in a series of legal situations for the porn star. In 2017, Montana was charged with three misdemeanors for a DUI. She was released the following day after posting a $2,500 bond. The legal representation for the family of Frank E. Tyson, the Ohio man who passed away while in police custody has been secured, and as the bodycam footage emerges, parallels to George Floyd’s tragic demise are uncanny,” observed a commentator. Tyson’s final words, echoing Floyd’s haunting refrain, “I can’t breathe,” have stirred fresh outrage and sorrow. Tyson’s encounter with the Canton police on April 18 escalated from reports of him fleeing a crash scene and damaging a utility pole, to a fatal confrontation, according to WKYC in Cincinnati. “The sequence of events leading to Tyson’s demise paints a distressing picture,” noted a legal analyst. https://youtu.be/wbHq-WrFkHE Attorney Bobby DiCello’s statement reflects the family’s quest for accountability in the face of tragedy. “The echoes of George Floyd’s death reverberate in Tyson’s final moments, demanding answers and justice,” remarked a legal scholar. Mayor William Sherer II’s pledge for transparency underscores the community’s demand for accountability. “In times of crisis, transparency is paramount,” noted a community leader. The officers involved (Beau Schoenegge and Camden Burch) in the April 18 incident have been placed on administrative leave, pending investigation by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. “The wheels of justice must turn swiftly to address the grave questions raised by Tyson’s tragic demise,” urged a civil rights advocate. https://youtu.be/PyMTyEA-Qy4 Sunny Hostin slammed Donald Trump during Wednesday’s episode of “The View” for “farting up a storm” in court during his hush money trial. Hostin suggests that Trump’s courtroom behavior could potentially deter voters as the 2024 presidential election draws near. “I’m so shocked that’s all the Republican party had to offer,” she said. “I do think that people are paying attention to the fact that he’s been fined $9,000 for violating a gag order, that he’s just losing, and he’s farting up a storm in the courtroom, everyone’s writing about that,” Hostin added, RadarOnline reports. “He’s sitting there falling asleep, he’s now ‘Sleepy Don,’ there’s no ‘Sleepy Joe’ anymore,” Hostin continued, “I think there’s a lot of good stuff happening in the courtroom.” https://youtu.be/V9UsRQViFVY An Alabama woman’s lively retelling of her eyewitness experience of a shooting at an apartment complex has captured the internet’s attention. On April 26, according to a report by WTVY News 4, police in Dothan received emergency calls regarding a shooting at a residential building. The victim, who sustained a gunshot wound to the chest, was initially treated at the scene before being transported to a nearby hospital. Amidst the chaos, a woman present at the scene provided a vivid account to the news station, quickly gaining viral traction because she credited Lil’ Kim for saving her life. “I’m getting to the car,” she recalled. “I hear…at least about 7 rounds,” the witness explained. “So I’m ducking, I’m dodging, I’m ducking, I’m dodging, I’m ducking, doing Lil Kim, trying to get my baby in the car,” she continued while moving in a manner similar to the rapper’s signature dance. https://youtu.be/xlRKuE7tGh4 Mo’Nique again targeted Oprah and Tyler Perry during her set at Katt Williams‘ latest comedy tour stop. A viral clip of the moment shows her shouting “F*** YOU OPRAH WINFREY, F*** YOU TYLER PERRY!,” while getting to crowd to repeat the phrase. She also called Tyler and Oprah “coons.” She told a man in the audience to bring Oprah “back to Black” by having sëx with her before declaring that Oprah and her best friend, Gayle King, are lovers. “Who is loving Oprah and Gayle King? Each other. But we can’t say that **** out loud,” she said. “I’m too motherf***ing old to be scared of this b!tch. I’m too old to be intimidated by this b!tch. I’m too old to hold the motherf***ing truth,’ Mo said about Oprah, calling her “simple-minded” and a “raggedy b!tch.” https://www.instagram.com/theneighborhoodtalk/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=87f48a26-47be-4f2f-81ae-5bc518719495 The rift between them ignited when Mo’Nique asserted that Oprah and Tyler had marginalized her in Hollywood following her refusal to participate in promotional events for their 2009 film, “Precious.” Meanwhile, Katt Williams will stream a live comedy special on Netflix this month titled “Woke Foke.” “This is the truth right here,” Williams tells the audience in the trailer. “I don’t give a f**k… It’s gonna be some s**t!” Troy Miller helms “Woke Foke” and will stream live during the “Netflix is a Joke Comedy Fest” in Los Angeles, which runs from May 1 to May 12. The performance will be filmed at the YouTube Theater in Inglewood, California. Netflix said Williams will “let loose in real time” during the hour-long set. The project marks Williams’ third comedy special for the streaming platform. https://youtu.be/TozX3UUPVt4 Angel Reese, Sha’Carri Richardson, and Naomi Osaka are featured in a new Beats Solo campaign. As Hip Hop Wired reports, the latest addition to its lineup of wireless headphones, the Solo 4, recently launched and is priced at $199. It boasts an impressive battery life of up to 50 hours. Reese, Richardson, and Osaka donned a headset in the campaign video. The Solo 4 headphones come in Matte Black, Slate Blue, and Cloud Pink and launched on May 2. An all-new line of Beats Solo Buds comes in four colors: Matte Black, Storm Gray, Arctic Purple, and Transparent Red, retailing at $79.99 and arriving in June. “Our newly expanded Solo line delivers remarkable value, offering exceptional sound quality, battery life and comfort in our most portable designs,” stated Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of Apple Music, Apple TV+, Sports, and Beats. “Beats Solo 4 takes our bestselling headphone to the next level with outstanding performance upgrades, and the all-new Beats Solo Buds pack impressive power in our smallest product yet.” https://www.instagram.com/beatsbydre/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=57682b93-8d79-457c-ac34-76b816a057ce One strong selling point is that they are compatible with Android and iOS. Check out some of Sha’Carri’s campaign images via the Instagram post. https://www.instagram.com/shacarri._daily/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=f76ba3bb-02f5-47c2-a897-d05eadf40848 Live Nation has announced the return of Concert Week, now in its 10th year. The event offers fans $25 tickets to more than 5,000 shows across the U.S. and Canada. According to the news release, the limited-time ticket offer runs from May 8-14, and includes some of today’s biggest acts across various genres. Participating tours include 21 Savage, Bryson Tiller, Gunna, Sean Paul, Xscape & SWV, New Kids on the Block, Alanis Morissette, Pink, Janet Jackson, Missy Elliott, The Smashing Pumpkins, and Maxwell. Concert Week features venues of all sizes, from clubs and theaters to amphitheaters and arenas. Tickets will only be available while supplies last on LiveNation.com/ConcertWeek. Per the release, Concert Week tickets cost $25 flat, covering all associated costs upfront. However, any applicable taxes will be added during checkout, varying depending on the specific city, state, and venue regulations. During a new episode of “Get Some” on YouTube, comedian Gary Owen revealed that his ex-wife, Kenya Duke, asked him not to speak about their divorce during his upcoming appearance on Club Shay Shay. “You must be crazy,” he allegedly told her in response, ENSTARZ reports. “The biggest podcast on earth you don’t want me to do?” According to Gary, Duke responded, “It’s not going to help with [his] relationship with the kids.” Owen has previously revealed that his relationship with his kids, Emilio, 33, Austin, 23, and Kennedy, 21, remains strained following his separation from their mother. Duke confirmed last year that the kids hadn’t spoken to their father in almost three years due to turmoil from the couple’s divorce. International actor Jimmy Jean-Louis gains a new global following with the release of director Blessy’s hotly anticipated feature THE GOAT LIFE based on one of the best-selling Indian books in history. THE GOAT LIFE recounts the life of Najeeb, an abused Keralite migrant worker, who was forced to survive herding goats alone in the Saudi Arabian desert. Najeeb is played by Indian star Prithviraj Sukumaran. Jimmy Jean-Louis stars opposite Sukumaran in the role of Ibrahim who joins Najeeb on a life-or-death quest for freedom in the Arabian desert. THE GOAT LIFE opened on March 28, 2024, and continues to sell out. According to Indian box office tracker Sacnilk, Aadujeevitham – The Goat Life continues to perform well with the box office currently at ₹150 crore (US$19 million) The worldwide release includes theaters in Canada and 100 screens across the United States. https://youtu.be/qvsiJKdDxPs Russell Hornsby, known for his portrayal of Charles Flenory in the Starz hit series “BMF,” delves into the complexities of his character’s journey in season three. Hornsby offers insights into Charles’ mental state, his relationships with his sons Meech (Demietrius Flenury Jr.) and Terry (DaVinci), and the turmoil within his family. “He’s a little crazy, a little out of sorts,” Hornsby revealed when asked about Charles’ mental state in season three. Hornsby adds: “He’s looking for a change of pace, you know, he’s looking to find new avenues for himself. Having endured the breakdown of his marriage and threats to his life, he embarks on a quest for redemption and renewal.” “I was just in the studio vibing,” said Afrobeat superstar Young Jonn aka Jiggy about his newest single “Big Big Things” off of his debut album “Jiggy Forever” (Chocolate City Music) – released this month. “ …was sent the beats, and that was the vibe.” Young Jonn is a highly sought-after Nigerian music producer. In 2015 he garnered a Producer of the Year nomination at the Nigerian Entertainment Awards. He then earned African Producer of the Year in 2017 at the SoundCity MVP Awards. Jiggy, as a music producer, has worked on projects for Olamide (2014-2016), Lil’ Kesh (2016, 2017, 2021), Davido (2016), Flint Boyz (2022), and Mountain Men (2022). He was prompted to release his own music by his manager, and as they say, ‘the rest is history.” Young Jonn, born John Saviours Udomboso, is best known for his single “Da Da” from his 2022 EPs “Love is Not Enough (Vol. 1) and (Vol. 2)” (Chocolate City Records) and it has a remix with Afrobeat sensation Davido as a featured artist. Young Jonn is also an Afropop and HipHop artist making him very versatile. His music videos are so outstanding that I had to ask if he had any input and he said, “Yes, a lot of times! Because I know what I want to do.” Young Jonn attended GOF International School and the University of Ibadan majoring in communications law. His YouTube channel has accumulated 77,000 subscribers with 245,000 views. Jiggy was in the U.S. when we talked about prepping for his album release event in New York. https://youtu.be/NsPqutGyvDM Check out an exclusive clip of this week’s episode of the new reality series, “The Barnes Bunch,” airing on Friday (May 3) at 10 pm ET on WE tv. Per the news release: “The Barnes Bunch” follows NBA champion and successful Podcaster, Matt Barnes, alongside his fiancée, model and reality personality, Anansa Sims, as they navigate love, forgiveness, and personal growth while reconciling their past. Both incredibly active and supportive parents, they are often aided by Sims’ mother, supermodel and New York Times Bestselling author, Beverly Johnson. Amid their chaotic lives with a blended family of six kids, now they confront the challenge of conquering their complex history to forge a future together and build a lasting union. The stakes are even higher as they navigate co-parenting, family dynamics, fame, and their growing empire. https://youtu.be/KS8RFt4j-yE In the rich tapestry of hip-hop’s illustrious history, few names gleam as brilliantly as Kurtis Blow, a luminary whose rhythmic cadences and infectious melodies wove the very fabric of a genre. Kurtis Blow’s influence resonates across epochs, captivating music aficionados worldwide. Yet, beyond the pulsating rhythms and lyrical prowess lies a saga of extraordinary resilience and triumph—a testament to the indomitable spirit of a veritable icon.Born Kurt Walker in the vibrant precincts of Harlem, New York City, Kurtis Blow’s odyssey into the realm of music commenced at a tender age. Nurtured amidst a kaleidoscope of cultures and artistic fervor, he was drawn inexorably to the pulsating cadences and electric fervor of the nascent hip-hop scene burgeoning in the Bronx streets. Possessing an innate gift for rhythm and verse, Kurtis swiftly found himself ensconced in the world of MCing and DJing, refining his craft on the turntables and penning verses that mirrored the ethos of urban life. https://youtu.be/3spjLwQ8ADA Director Barry Jenkins responded to criticism on social media this week regarding his involvement in the Disney live-action prequel “Mufasa: The Lion King,” defending his involvement in the project. After Jenkins posted the trailer on X (formerly Twitter), a user commented, “Barry, You’re too good and talented for this Iger’s soulless machine,” referring to Disney CEO Bob Iger. “There is nothing soulless about ‘The Lion King,’” Jenkins replied. “For decades children have sat in theaters all over the world experiencing collective grief for the first time, engaging Shakespeare for the first time, across aisles in myriad languages. A most potent vessel for communal empathy.” Another commenter said he interviewed Jenkin when his acclaimed film “Moonlight” premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2016 and noted: “that Barry Jenkins wouldn’t have said what you just said.” “You can do a Disney movie for the check, in order to work on your passion projects at a later time, but you don’t have to shill like this,” the X user continued, to which Jenkins replied, “Bruh what kind of logic is that? How about this, here are a few videos from the ‘same Barry Jenkins who premiered “Moonlight”’ (as you put it) showing some of the things I was doing in my spare time AT THE SAME TIME I was writing ‘Moonlight.’” https://twitter.com/midereres_k?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1784960376502911136%7Ctwgr%5Ecd1b336c5538c3197edb96b03759b1ce4d7abd99%7Ctwcon%5Es2_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fdirector-barry-jenkins-responds-to-criticism%2F Whoopi Goldberg said “The View‘s” executive producer Brian Teta gave her the side-eye after she promised not to speak about the Israel-Palestine protests on air. “Obviously, and let’s be very clear about this, no one supports any antisemitic hate speech and students fearing for their safety,” Goldberg said during a recent broadcast, Decider reports. “But do they have the right to peacefully protest about ending violence? Isn’t this part of being an American and also standing up when you see something that’s wrong?” She then appeared to Teta (who is off camera), “I haven’t said anything. I’m sorry, I do have to do this.” Goldberg continued, “It is one of the great rights as an American to stand up and say something’s wrong — regardless of what your color is, if you’re a woman, a man, it doesn’t matter. And we must teach our people how to be on the lookout.” She added, “You see the same posters or you see the same people. But you don’t see the folks who are doing peaceful stuff and saying, ‘Here’s what we want to do.’ I would caution the media to be very careful about what they’re doing and how they’re handling this.” https://youtu.be/busFJyzasgY Conservative panelist Alyssa Farah Griffin said the trial could steer voters toward the presidential hopeful. “Here’s what I fear,” Griffin explained. “My initial thought was that him being on trial in a courtroom and not on the campaign trail was going to hurt him. I’m starting to think that it doesn’t in the same way because he’s not out there saying crazy things.” Despite reports that he is farting and falling asleep in the courtroom, Griffin said Trump could “very well may be president in seven months.” https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-05-01-050124-sunny-hostin-1821783-540/ Kendrick Lamar's new song “Euphoria” is littered with numerous flaws and contradictions. It’s a masterpiece of flagrant hypocrisy and reverse racism. In the song, he spends 6 minutes taking several jabs at his rival, Drake, a Canadian-born rapper who isn’t black enough to be accepted in hip-hop culture, and the black community at large. That’s the narrative Lamar is presenting to the public. It’s the gist of what he raps about in Euphoria. Lamar argues that Drake’s bi-racial heritage and middle-class background disqualify him from being a legitimate black man in America. It’s low-hanging fruit perpetuating a color divide that’s been ongoing since the days of slavery. I get it – Lamar is the field negro, Drake is the house negro. Lamar is the nappy-haired overachiever who emerged from the mud to become a household name. Drake is the “silver spoon half-breed” who isn’t invited to the cookout. How could Drake participate in this culture? He was birthed from the canal of a Jewish woman. He didn’t grow up in a neighborhood where gunshots ring like doorbells. https://youtu.be/_sJ79aDQTeQ The Black Women on Broadway Awards will return to New York City for their third annual event this summer. The ceremony will be held at Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers on June 10. The BWOB Awards were established to support Black actresses in the Broadway community. Deadline reports that Irene Gandy, Aisha Jackson, and DeDe Ayite will be honored this year. The event was launched in 2020, led by Oscar and Tony nominee Danielle Brooks, Amber Iman, and Jocelyn Bio. The ceremony is an offshoot of their Instagram account “Black Women on Broadway,” which celebrates the history of Black women in theater. “We are thrilled to be able to host the third annual Black Women on Broadway Awards Celebration. It is our goal as an organization to honor and celebrate the achievements of Black women in theater both on and Off Broadway each season,” the co-founders said. “This year, we are proud to honor Aisha Jackson, Dede Ayite and Irene Gandy – three incredibly hardworking women in theater whose achievements deserve to be celebrated,” they continued. https://www.instagram.com/broad.stream/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=4973eaee-d736-4413-83b1-9cbd66b7a23a According to The Daily Meal, frying eggs in BBQ sauce is a delicious way to elevate your breakfast. The outlet writes, “When combined with an egg and cooked down in a frying pan, the condiment becomes caramelized and thickens, creating crisp edges and delivering on all those sweetly tangy notes for an undeniably delicious finished product. While it may be an unconventional addition, it’s undeniable that barbecue sauce gives fried eggs an unexpected boost.” You should “add butter to your pan before layering in your sauce,” this will prevent the eggs from sticking to the pan. If you don’t prefer fried eggs, this tip is also applicable to over-easy enthusiasts. If you prefer scrambled eggs, you can blend the sauce directly into your mixture and cook as usual. https://youtu.be/84HBNzJ-Ysc The Broadway revival of The Wiz is officially open! “It’s a legacy, not a show” gushes director Schele Williams. The original landmark Black classic musical first opened almost 50 years ago. Many of the original cast members, including Stephanie Mills who played Dorothy, Andre De Shields, the Wiz, and Ken Page, the lion, were there to welcome the incredible new cast of the iconic musical. The original “The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical “Wonderful Wizard of Oz” won 7 Tony awards and the cast is hoping to repeat that accomplishment. Late music icon Prince allegedly wrote his hit song “When Doves Cry,” for Vanity 6/ Apollonia 6 member Susan Moonsie, I Love Old School Music reports. The outlet writes, “Susan was the ‘shy persona’ of the trio, and Prince actually created Vanity 6 around her when he put the group together. He allegedly wrote the song about their up-and-down relationship and it’s also alleged that Prince wrote the song, “Private Joy,” about Susan Moonsie as well.” Another popular 80s song from Timex Social Club, their hit song “Rumours,” included a line about Susan, per the report. The lyric was: “Did you hear that one about Susan, some say she’s just a tease. In a camisole she’s six feet tall. She’ll knock you to your knees.” https://youtu.be/UG3VcCAlUgE Those who were close to Prince and Susan say their relationship was rocky– they’d break up, then make up…and then break up again, but they allegedly loved each other deeply. Like we said, Prince and Susan were high school sweethearts first – before the fame and money – so maybe that’s why their love was so unbreakable. Unsurprisingly, their relationship often had issues because of Prince’s alleged relationships with a few other singers who came onto to the scene after Susan. In related news, director Ryan Coogler is working on a feature musical about the late-great Prince for Proximity Media. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the project has been under development since 2018 and features a script penned by Bryan Edward Hill. Coogler will produce the musical for Universal Pictures. Apparently, the lead singer of the group previously confirmed that Moonsie was the inspiration behind the verse. https://eurweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-01-062053.jpg Kendrick Lamar released a new Drake diss track, “Euphoria,” on Tuesday, and it comes days after Drake took aim at the rapper in “Push Ups” and Taylor Made Freestyle.” Throughout the 6-minute song, Lamar calls out Drake’s racial identity and sexuality and accuses him of being a bad parent to his minor son. He also claims Drake has ghostwriters and that he acquired his abs surgically. “I hate the way that you walk, the way that you talk / I hate the way that you dress / I hate the way you sneak diss, if I catch flight, it’s gon’ be direct,” Lamar said of Drake on the track. “We hate the bitches you fuck, ‘cause they confuse themselves with real women / And notice, I said ‘We,’ it’s not just me, I’m what the culture feelin’.” Additionally, the song accuses Drake of sending a cease-and-desist to prevent the song “Like That” from releasing. https://youtu.be/NPqDIwWMtxg Drake used AI to generate Tupac’s voice to diss Kendrick on “Taylor Made Freestyle.” The song was removed last week after Pac’s estate sent a cease-and-desist letter to Drake. USA Today reports that the estate of Pac and his mother, Afeni Shakur, called it “a blatant abuse of the legacy of one of the greatest hip-hop artists of all time.” The estate said it’s “deeply dismayed and disappointed by your unauthorized use of Tupac’s voice and personality in the ‘Taylor Made (Freestyle)’ record.” The letter continues, “We demand that you immediately cease and desist from any further publication and exploitation of the Record, and that you immediately take ALL NECESSARY steps to remove it from all platforms where it is publicly available.” https://youtu.be/0-Lef69UP3I Missy Elliott has joined the cast of Pharrell Williams’ untitled musical project for Universal. The previously announced cast includes Halle Bailey, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Brian Tyree Henry, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph in the coming-of-age musical set in the summer of 1977 at Virginia Beach. The tale is inspired by Atlantis Apartments, Williams’ childhood neighborhood. Michel Gondry will direct the project based on a script by Martin Hynes (“Toy Story 4,” “The Magician’s Elephant”) and Steven Levenson (“Tick, Tick…Boom,” “Fosse/Verdon”). Williams, Mimi Valdés, and Gil Netter will produce. Meanwhile, Missy Elliot is hitting the road this summer with Busta Rhymes, Ciara, and Timbaland. Missy’s debut headline tour, OUT OF THIS WORLD — The Missy Elliott Experience, kicks off a 24-city run on July 4 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, making stops across North America in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Brooklyn, and more, before wrapping up in Rosemont at Allstate Arena on August 22. Savannah James and her close friend, April McDaniel, have launched a fresh podcast titled “Everybody’s Crazy,” where they transform their candid girl talk into a collective experience for listeners. The debut episode dropped on Apil 30, and during one segment, they took calls on their 888-601-CRZY (2799) hotline. An Atlanta woman dialed in to ask, “Is it crazy that I purchased my wedding dress before I was proposed to?” As Love B. Scott reports, McDaniel responds, “A little bit.” “It was a little crazy, but it’s not too crazy,” McDaniel added. “I feel like…I also believe in manifesting, so it’s a teetering line there. There is that manifesting piece, but then there is that piece that’s like, [a] little cuckoo. But I’m on the verge.” https://youtu.be/mZaWPBZMdtQ Paramount+ has unveiled the trailer, and the celebrity guest judges are appearing on “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” Season 9. Per the news release, “… eight fan-favorite queens return to use their drag superpowers for good, competing to win a supersized donation of $200,000, provided by The Palette Fund, for a charity of their choosing. The Palette Fund is a private foundation dedicated to breaking down barriers and advancing social change in communities that are under-resourced and facing significant challenges.” The Season 9 description notes that this is the “first time in franchise herstory where the queens are competing for charity and harnessing their drag skills to win money for a variety of organizations.” The eight queens returning to RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE ALL STARS and the charities they have chosen to compete for are Angeria Paris VanMicheals (Season 14) for the National Black Justice Collective, Gottmik (Season 13) for Trans Lifeline, Jorgeous (Season 14) for the National Alliance of Mental Illness, Nina West (Season 11) for The Trevor Project, Plastique Tiara (Season 11) for The Asian American Foundation, Roxxxy Andrews (Season 5, ALL STARS 2) for Miracle of Love, Shannel (Season 1, ALL STARS 1) for the Anxiety and Depression Association of America and Vanessa Vanjie (Season 10, 11) for the ASPCA, per the release. The fresh episodes begin streaming Friday, May 17, with two all-new episodes featuring Palmer and Hsu as guest judges. https://youtu.be/iolFLcFQjqY UFC fighter Michael Chandler has come under fire for revealing how he parents his two adopted sons, who are both Black. Chandler appeared recently on a YouTube podcast and addressed the controversy, stating, “I’m not raising black children, I’m raising children.” He added, “Whether you are black or you are white, no matter what race that you are, there are certain things about being a man and being a good man when it comes to character and integrity and safeguarding the helpless and sticking up for those who need it,” the former Bellator champion said, Essentially Sports reports. Social media star Tristan Tate came to his defense amid uproar over the comments. Tate, brother of controversial influencer Andrew Tate, said in a tweet: “Adoption isn’t for everybody but kids out there need parents. Nothing but respect for @MikeChandlerMMA, no idea how anybody can clown a man for being heroic.” https://youtu.be/e7y2-i9t3Pw On social media, users have mixed reactions to Chandler’s stance on raising Black boys. One X/Twitter user wrote, “Why do white ppl adopt black children? There are white children with no white parents and they always pick the black kids. I think they believe they’ll get some love or perhaps a pass. Idk. Sh*t is weird.” Another person added, “I think his heart is in the right place but I HOPE he doesn’t have to learn the hard way that raising children of color is different. Yes you should raise them to be honest, upstanding men/women but all it takes is one incident w/someone/ppl who are not such and all that stuff goes out the window because it’ll boil down to the color of their skin. A lot of white ppl are oblivious to this, doesn’t mean they’re bad or don’t care but if you are white and are raising children of color it is your responsibility to understand,educate yourself, and if need be talk to black fathers”. A third commented, “No. I just listened to 5 minutes and 30 seconds of fantasy and wishful thinking. He is raising black children and they need to understand what it means to be black, not just in America, but in this world.” https://twitter.com/ArtOfDialogue_/status/1784382060641005950?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1784382060641005950%7Ctwgr%5Ea507bc957ab836b39a733549593e84512a4534ff%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fwhite-ufc-fighter-faces-backlash-over-adopting-2-black-boys%2F Here is a clip from the premiere season two episode of the empowering makeover docuseries “My Mane Problem.” The show chronicles celebrity stylist Dr. Boogie, who is back giving renewed hope and self-confidence to real people confronting very personal hair journeys, per the press release. Here’s the series synopsis: My Mane Problem A bad hairstyle can look, feel and be life-ruining, but celebrity stylist Dr. Boogie is back giving renewed hope and self-confidence to real people confronting very personal hair journeys. Season two features even more inspiring transformations, as the industry vet rescues clients struggling with deeply affecting hair trauma. These eight new, half-hour episodes chronicle real people confronting challenges such as chemical burns, traction alopecia, balding due to extensions and wigs, and much more. From empowering individuals to embrace their natural hair to restoring confidence in those struggling with hair-related trauma, every episode promises to be a testament to the transformative power of self-love and acceptance. https://youtu.be/gwWFggh6s0g A former high school friend of Kobe Bryant called him “a piece of sh*t” during a recent podcast appearance. Kevin Sanchez spoke to the host of Blood on the Razor Wire, and opened up about his friendship with the former Lakers star. Sanchez remembers reaching out to Kobe for financial assistance upon his release from prison but did not receive any support. It seems that Sanchez still harbors bitterness over this matter. “Look man, I don’t want no hand-outs, I don’t want no money, I don’t want sh*t,” Sanchez allegedly told Bryant. “Here’s what I need you to do…all I want to do is go back with you, you get me out there in LA somewhere, put me with somebody where I can make my own money, you just get me in and I’m working for somebody on something, a business, anything to benefit myself. I don’t want nothing free, I don’t want to do nothing but work for it,” he continued. Sanchez said he and Kobe “was super tight,” but when he attempted to follow up with the NBA great, the number Bryant gave him led to an assistant, and he never spoke directly to Kobe again. https://twitter.com/i/status/1785059424760959077 Michael Colyar, the legendary comedian whose journey from homelessness and addiction to sobriety and stardom has inspired millions is making history and giving back to the homeless again. Colyar is returning to where it all began nearly four decades ago – the iconic Venice Beach. Colyar will be at the world-famous locale to film his historic one-hour comedy special titled “The KING of Venice Beach” on May 17, 2024. Yep, the old man still thinks he’s funny. When Colyar won “Star Search” for $100,000 back in the 90s he promptly gave $50,000 to the homeless. And, Colyar’s commitment to giving back remains unwavering.For nine years straight, Michael Colyar graced the vibrant sands of Venice Beach with his magnetic presence, captivating audiences with five one-hour shows a day, every weekend. With starring roles in iconic films like “Blackish,” “House Party III,” “Norbit,” and “The Princess & The Frog,” as well as his memorable portrayal of Mr. Whitaker on the beloved television series “Martin,” Colyar carved out a place for himself in the annals of entertainment history. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=281977369081681 North West, Kanye’s daughter, took the director’s chair for the latest music video accompanying the rapper’s track “Talking” featuring Ty Dolla $ign, from their Vultures album. The first half of the video features the 11-year-old reciting her popular line, “It’s your bestie, Miss-Miss Westie,” while the second half features Ty singing. North spoke about her forthcoming debut album during her first on-camera interview at the Rolling Loud music festival in California on March 14. The middle schooler chatted with 13-year-old Jazlyn “Jazzy” Guerra from Jazzys World TV after her onstage performance during Kanye’s set at Hollywood Park in Inglewood, Calif. North said her upcoming album, “Elementary School Dropout,” is “gonna be great.” https://youtu.be/owO44MQkgX0https://youtu.be/owO44MQkgX0 North West, Kanye’s daughter, took the director’s chair for the latest music video accompanying the rapper’s track “Talking” featuring Ty Dolla $ign, from their Vultures album. The first half of the video features the 11-year-old reciting her popular line, “It’s your bestie, Miss-Miss Westie,” while the second half features Ty singing. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GI9ICLrWkAAJpMh?format=jpg&name=smallhttps://pbs.twimg.com/media/GI9ICLrWkAAJpMh?format=jpg&name=small North spoke about her forthcoming debut album during her first on-camera interview at the Rolling Loud music festival in California on March 14. The middle schooler chatted with 13-year-old Jazlyn “Jazzy” Guerra from Jazzys World TV after her onstage performance during Kanye’s set at Hollywood Park in Inglewood, Calif. North said her upcoming album, “Elementary School Dropout,” is “gonna be great.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1769712555814261035https://twitter.com/i/status/1769712555814261035 Byron Allen’s Black news platform, TheGrio, has initiated a restructuring process resulting in the layoff of numerous staffers, including eliminating the managing editor’s position. “The axe is falling at TheGrio,” an individual with knowledge of the situation told TheWrap. Members of the podcast and video team have also been laid off along with managing editor Christy Oglesby, an insider spilled, TheWrap reports. In 2016, Allen Media Group acquired TheGrio and established it as the biggest Black news site. The media mogul also owns 27 network affiliate broadcast television stations across 21 U.S. markets. Earlier this year, Allen submitted a $30 billion offer to buy Paramount Global’s outstanding stock, existing debt, and equity. Bloomberg News first reported that Allen made a $14.3 billion offer to buy Paramount Global’s outstanding shares. Supermodel Selita Ebanks talks about her latest reality series, “Grand Cayman: Secrets in Paradise,” which debuted on Freeform on April 9 and is also available for streaming on Hulu. “Sexy and sizzling with secrets, this seductive new docusoap follows a group of uber-rich and on-the-rise locals and expats as they navigate the rocky waters of their relationships, friendships, and careers in the paradise that is GRAND CAYMAN,” the synopsis states. “Grand Cayman: Secrets in Paradise” also stars Elizabeth Chambers, Courtney McTaggart, Craig Jervis, Julian Foster, Aaron Bernardo, Cass Lacelle, Victoria Jurkowski, Chelsea Flynn, Teri Bilewitch, Trevor Coleman, Dillon Claassens, and Connor Bunney. In a new interview with PEOPLE, Ebanks said she “wasn’t prepared for the tequila intake” with the cast. “I tried really hard not to be Mama Selita,” she added, “because I didn’t want to be Debbie Downer. I wanted everybody to have a good time — just responsibly.” https://youtu.be/02rPW2pey-E Sen. Bernie Sanders is taking aim at the high prices of the blockbuster drugs Ozempic and Wegovy. The Vermont senator, an independent who has long called out drug manufacturers for their costly products, is launching an investigation into the “outrageously high prices” Novo Nordisk charges for the drugs. “The scientists at Novo Nordisk deserve great credit for developing these drugs that have the potential to be a game changer for millions of Americans struggling with type 2 diabetes and obesity. As important as these drugs are, they will not do any good for the millions of patients who cannot afford them,” Sanders, chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, wrote Wednesday in a letter to the drugmaker’s CEO. “Further, if the prices for these products are not substantially reduced, they also have the potential to bankrupt Medicare, Medicaid, and our entire health care system.” Sanders is asking Novo Nordisk to answer whether it will “substantially reduce” the prices of the medications as well as to provide information on how much it makes from selling the drugs, how much it spent on research and development and how it determined the prices. https://youtu.be/bj4UPfRXz1c Sean “Diddy” Combs is reportedly seeking revenge as he’s facing multiple accusations of sexual abuse. According to RadarOnline, Combs is allegedly preparing to confront his A-lister pals who have distanced themselves from him amid his slew of lawsuits. “He’s nursing a grudge against collaborators who’ve gone silent amid his legal battles,” a source told The National Enquirer.“Questions linger over the whereabouts of stars he helped elevate, like Jennifer Lopez, Usher, and Justin Bieber, who have distanced themselves from him,” the tea spiller added. Meanwhile, Diddy (and his son Christian Combs) are accused of sexually assaulting and drugging young women. In December, the hip-hop mogul denied all of the allegations. 50 Cent has entered the ongoing beef between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Gervonta Davis. Davis recently threatened violence against his former mentor. The online feud recently intensified, with Davis alleging that Mayweather is held captive in Dubai due to unpaid debts. Floyd’s longtime nemesis, 50 Cent, has offered financial assistance. Per Essentially Sports, Mayweather previously said, “A lot of times what these fighters are looking at – they’re looking Floyd with the cars, they’re looking at Floyd being flashy. Man listen, I made so many sacrifices. Y’all are looking at the end results.” Davis took this as a diss, saying: “He said, “N**** say all this bull**** but in Dubai and can’t leave becuz he been taking n***** money and not doing what they paid him to do..n**** a f****** hater,” in an Instagram story.” Davis added, “If I’m lying tell him to go live right now. He’s been stuck over there for a minute too.” Rihanna shared new details about her long-awaited album and its inspiration in a new interview with Extra TV. “It’s gonna be amazing,” she said of the album. “It has to be—that is the only reason it’s not out yet,” RiRi added. “If I’m not feeling it and I’m not feeling like it represents the evolution, the time I spent away,” she continued. “There should be a show of growth, right? I want to play, and I feel like music is a playground, and I want to have fun with it and show truly where I am at.” Rihanna said the project “has to be very intentional, so I’ll know when I have the record.” Janet Jackson recently revealed that she passed on playing Storm in the first “X-Men” film before the role ultimately went to Halle Berry. In a recent episode of “The Drew Barrymore Show,” Jackson said she had to pass on the opportunity to play the superhero because she was touring. “I was just embarking on the Janet Tour,” Jackson said before noting that she would love to dabble in acting again. Check out her surprise appearance on the daytime talk show via the YouTube clip. https://youtu.be/IRL275xFhFo Tamar Braxton claims she wasn’t dissing K. Michelle when she said certain artists shouldn’t be singing “Black Country Music” because they sound “awful.” Braxton recently appeared on the “We Sound Crazy” podcast, where she praised Beyoncé’s new country album, Cowboy Carter. “There was a couple of people who should not have been singing country Black music…that was awful. And it was concerning for me,” she said in the X/Twitter clip. As Ice Cream Convos reports, fans immediately assumed she was referred to her long-time nemesis K. Michelle. Braxton addressed the speculation on social media and said she “absolutely was not” shading the artist. “I said a FEW artists! I paid homage to Beyonce 4bringing positive attention to country music,” Tamar added. “There are people who i don’t address n don’t mention/shade to keep mess away… where was all this chatter when my song went #1. I mind my business and go to work.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1784401857621733444 A Newsone article claims White people once attempted to reclaim the word “cracker” in the same way Black people have reclaimed the N-word. Meanwhile, it’s unlikely that on any given day, you’ll hear white people use the term as often as we hear the N-word, as it is so loosely used within urban communities and in pop culture/hip-hop music. The article notes that many historians claim the term “Cracker” likely emerged in America, predominantly in the Southern region. Newsone writes: “Initially, “Cracker” referred to poor, white farmers and laborers, particularly those of Scotch-Irish descent, who worked in the agricultural fields of the Southern states like Virginia, Georgia and Maryland. The term possibly derived from the word “whip cracker,” in reference to individuals of that particular community who would frequently move livestock using whips as a form of labor.” “Over the course of time it came to represent a person of lower caste or criminal disposition, in some instances, was used in reference to bandits and other lawless folk,” said historian, writer and author Jelani Cobb, in an interview with NPR. Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” has taken over the No. 1 spot from Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em” on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. Per Billboard, “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” surged by 95% to 20.9 million official U.S. streams; 1,202% to 170,000 radio airplay audience impressions; and 48% to 14,000 sold April 19-25, according to Luminate,” the outlet writes. Shaboozey, a Black male country singer, appears on two tracks on Beyoncé’s new country album “Cowboy Carter”: “Spaghettii” (also with Linda Martell) and “Sweet * Honey * Buckiin’.” “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” is the lead single from Shaboozey’s album “Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going,” due May 31. He recently told Billboard that he’s “so happy to have such a powerhouse of an artist that chose to take this journey to country, so it’s amazing to be a part of that.” https://youtu.be/t7bQwwqW-Hc Sexyy Red is giving current-day music fans shades of the old school with an R&B remix to her hit song, “Pound Town.” Citing Defiant Digital‘s Instagram page, Sandra Rose detailed the caption on the post, which read: “Gramma used to play this record all day! Simpler times.” Upon hearing the Hotown Records-released remix, social media weighed in with feedback. On Instagram, users say the song has a ’60s nostalgia sound that reminded them of the good ol’ days. https://www.instagram.com/whoingodsname/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=1623731f-b39a-409a-9828-075e8b535d30 Back in the day, FUBU was among the who’s who of brands that made a noticeable way in a fashion world not ready to fully embrace hip-hop. Yet, despite a rough start, it emerged as a global force to be reckoned with. During an appearance on “Drink Champs,” FUBU founders Daymond John, Keith Perrin, and Carlton Brown remembered that rough start, which included a time getting from under the shadow of homophobia. “When we were coming up and we were doing clothing, hip-hop was very homophobic,” John said via Revolt. “And before us coming out — of course Karl Kani, Cross Colours — prior, the idea of a clothing designer was some flamboyant person in Europe. So, we were being almost harassed by some of our friends like, ‘Yo, [I] see y’all doing that clothing s**t. Yo, y’all alright?’ And so we came up by ourselves because nobody wanted to talk to us.” Despite the silent treatment and harassment, a foundation was being built as FUBU’s critics could not deny the success that was coming from John and his crew, who charted a new path while growing up in New York. “Imagine you out there, one of our boys is moving kilos, the DMX of Belly, and we up there talking ‘bout, ‘Yo, I’m about to go make this strawberry pattern, son. You gotta see this hoodie it’s gonna make.’ We came up realizing nobody wanted to mess with us for a while until they started to hear we were doing $350 [million] a year,” John said. https://youtu.be/mQhnDu5yudw Blavity noted highlights in FUBU’s history is its association with rap icon LL Cool J. The “Headsprung” MC sported FUBU while rapping in a 1997 commercial for Gap. The moment was undeniable, with Perrin summing it up to say, “He changed the game with that one.” Fast forward to current times and FUBU is making a mark in fashion with young artists supporting the longstanding brand. “You’ll see a lot of the young artists, they have a silent message,” John said (per Yahoo), while naming a pair of very notable FUBU supporters. “I know Drake supports it a lot. SZA supports it all the time. [Lil] Yachty. So, a lot of artists today are doing their LL Cool J.” Looking towards the future, the FUBU founders are driven to stay on course with their goal to appeal to people of different ages and backgrounds. https://youtu.be/JRK5pgfD_z0 Method Man was performing on Tom Joyner’s 2024 Fantastic Voyage cruise when he reacted to the cancellation of “Power Book II: Ghost.” “It sucks that the s— got canceled, but all good things must come to an end,” the rapper said. The Hip Hop icon stars as Davis MacLean in the series. The fourth and final season premieres June 7 on Starz. “The only reason why we got that far was because of most of y’all watching the show,” he told the crowd. The network’s news release states that the final season “promises to be explosive, with high-adrenaline twists and turns as everyone hunts for revenge.” Recently, Starz revealed first-look images of the final season. https://www.instagram.com/icecreamconvos_/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=943b8df4-7234-428d-9cd3-89ff6b389037 Amanda Seales responded to Gilbert Arenas‘ opinion about her being single, attributing it to her academic background. During her appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast last week, Seales shared her own opinion as to why she’s single. While speaking on the episode with Sharpe, Arenas weighed in on Amanda’s romantic life. “As educated as she is, there’s a standard of a man that she’s looking for. If they’re not on the same education level as her, she’s gonna look down on [him],” Arenas said of Seales. “If they’re more educated than her, then they’re talking down to her. So these are the type of women that will typically be single because they can’t find the equal partner to who they are.” https://youtu.be/Q9fRHyEidvY This Mother’s Day, present a gift as unique and soulful as The Queen of Soul, with the release of Aretha Cool: The Intimate Portraits, available both in limited-edition and the standard version. Captured by renowned celebrity, fashion, and beauty photographer Matthew Jordan Smith, both editions provide an unparalleled glimpse into the last chapter of Aretha Franklin’s life, celebrating her legendary artistry and her virtuosity as a music icon. The limited edition of Aretha Cool: The Intimate Portraits celebrates the monumental legacy of Aretha Franklin with a luxurious and exclusive tribute. Limited to one hundred copies, with only forty-seven remaining, this edition is a rare collector’s item and is available exclusively at ArethaCool.com. Each limited-edition book in this series is a testament to exclusivity and luxury, making it a perfect and thoughtful tribute this Mother’s Day for the special and extraordinary woman or woman in your life. The limited edition promises a deeper, more personal connection to Aretha’s legacy, encapsulated in a beautifully crafted package that reflects her spirit and style. Hulu has dropped the trailer for the new drama series “Queenie” from Onyx Collective. The series is based on the 2019 best-selling novel by Candice Carty-Williams, who serves as an executive producer on the show. Here’s the synopsis: Queenie Jenkins (Dionne Brown) is a 25-year-old Jamaican British woman living in south London, straddling two cultures and slotting neatly into neither. After a messy breakup with her long-term boyfriend, Queenie seeks comfort in all the wrong places and begins to realize she has to face the past head-on before she can rebuild. The series is based on the best-selling novel by Candice Carty-Williams. “Queenie” also stars Bellah as Queenie’s childhood friend Kyazike and Samuel Adewunmi as Frank, Kyazike’s older cousin. https://youtu.be/_yUW-bQ3buY R&B superstar PartyNextDoor is hitting the road this summer for the PARTYNEXTDOOR: Sorry I’m Outside Tour. Produced by Live Nation, the 20-city tour kicks off on Wednesday, June 19th at The Van Buren in Phoenix making stops across the U.S. and Canada in Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, Atlanta, Montreal, New York City and more before wrapping up in Chicago at The Salt Shed on Thursday, August 15th, per the news release. The artist will also visit Toronto for a special show, the date of which will be announced later. TICKETS: Tickets will be available starting with various presales on Tuesday, April 30th. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on sale beginning on Friday, May 3 at 10am. PartyNextDoor released a new album, PARTYNEXTDOOR 4 (P4), last Friday, along with the music video for the standout track “For Certain.” The highly anticipated literary event of the year returned to the campus of the University of Southern California (USC). The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books continues to get bigger, better, and more popular each year. The highly anticipated literary event of the year returned to the campus of the University of Southern California (USC). The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books continues to get bigger, better, and more popular each year. A large diverse, multicultural crowd gathered on the beautiful, tree-lined campus of USC to explore indoor and outdoor events including over 200 conversations and performances, book signings, readings, discussions, cooking demos, poetry readings, bilingual programming, and more. The Festival of Books featured engaging, educational, and entertaining activities for the entire family. The 29th Annual Festival of Books was held on Saturday, April 20, and Sunday, April 21, 2024. The festival convenes more than 550 writers, experts, and storytellers, alongside hundreds of exhibitors, on the sprawling 226-acre campus on a beautiful, sunny weekend in Southern California.wd gathered on the beautiful, tree-lined campus of USC to explore indoor and outdoor events including over 200 conversations and performances, book signings, readings, discussions, cooking demos, poetry readings, bilingual programming, and more. The Festival of Books featured engaging, educational, and entertaining activities for the entire family.ks got underway on a rousing note. Trojan Marching Band performed to the delight of all in attendance. Priya Girishankar, Los Angeles Times Executive Vice President, and Samuel Garrison, USC Senior Vice President of University Relations welcomed the large group of attendees to the event. WriteGirl poets Rhiann Sheffie, Katie Chung, and Kai Aldia read one of their poems during the Festival Kickoff Ceremony. Artificial Intelligence may have music lovers (and the rest of the world) caught up between the genuine and the computer-generated, but real vocalists are finding an ally with Beyoncé. According to TechCrunch, the former Destiny’s Child vocalist’s new album “Cowboy Carter” looks to be the weapon of choice as the site notes how the release is making ” an unexpected statement against the growing presence of AI in music.” Speaking on her latest album, Beyoncé touted the experience of putting “Cowboy Carter” together the old-fashioned way with real instruments. “The joy of creating music is that there are no rules,” the “Texas Hold ‘Em” singer said. “The more I see the world evolving the more I felt a deeper connection to purity. With artificial intelligence and digital filters and programming, I wanted to go back to real instruments.” Noting the rarity of Beyonce’s interviews, TechCrunch mentioned that the “Dreamgirls” entertainer’s comments and her take on AI “isn’t just a throwaway comment made in conversation with a reporter. It’s deliberate.” The Biden administration moved Tuesday to reclassify marijuana as a lower-risk substance, a person familiar with the plans told CNN, a historic move that acknowledges the medical benefits of the long-criminalized drug and carries broad implications for cannabis-related research and the industry at large. The US Department of Justice recommended that marijuana be rescheduled as a Schedule III controlled substance, a classification shared by prescription drugs such as ketamine and Tylenol with codeine. “Today, [Attorney General Merrick Garland] circulated a proposal to reclassify marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III,” Xochitl Hinojosa, the DOJ’s director of public affairs, said in a statement. “Once published by the Federal Register, it will initiate a formal rulemaking process as prescribed by Congress in the Controlled Substances Act.” The formal rulemaking process is lengthy, typically includes a public comment period, and could take months to complete. https://youtu.be/16LucV_imTY?list=RDNS16LucV_imTY Although marijuana has a “high prevalence of non-medical use” in the US, it doesn’t seem to elicit serious outcomes, compared with drugs such as heroin, oxycodone and cocaine, the researchers said. “This is especially notable given the availability” of products that contain very high levels of Delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary active compound in cannabis. https://youtu.be/SW95fjN-63E The Mumbai-born, California-raised R&B/Pop singer Kru, brings together the cultures of both her Indian and US influences for her delicate signature sound: a fusion of her ethnic roots, American roots, R&B, Pop and Kpop. Classically trained in opera as well as traditional Indian Bharathanatyam dance, she has been described as Aaliyah meets Ariana Grande. With over 2 million streams worldwide, almost 3 million views on YouTube, and over 6 million views/1 million likes on TikTok, Kru has quickly amassed a following that recognizes her shining vocal prowess, eye-catching dance moves, infectious collaborations, and powerful presence. Kru is gearing up to release a collaboration with the Multi-Platinum Korean music producer Cha Cha Malone, “Masteplan (feat. Junoflo)” on May 17, 2024, ahead of her EP INEVITABLE, fully produced by Malone. Chase Vincent Malone, more commonly known as Cha Cha Malone, is an American singer, music producer, songwriter, composer, and member of b-boy crew Art of Movement (AOM). The Seattle, Washington native is widely known for his work with Korean-American artist, Jay Park – a music partnership that began in 2009 and has produced numerous multi-platinum hits. Chicago continues its long standing tradition of great choirs with the new addition of Wardell Campbell and Global Fellowship Choir. No stranger to Gospel music. Wardell comes from a long line of great singers and musicians. A composer, arranger, minister of word and song and an accomplished piano virtuoso, Campbell shares music from his intimate time with God that resonates with people from all walks of life. We are sure your listeners will love I Had A Talk With Jesus! According to legal analyst Jonathan Turley, the evidence against Donald Trump in his hush money trial is “insane.” After an inquiry conducted by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, Trump was formally charged in March 2023 for allegedly falsifying records connected to hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels during his 2016 presidential campaign, Newsweek reports. Daniels claims she had an affair with Trump in 2006, an allegation he denies. Trump claims the case is politically driven. He entered a plea of not guilty to all charges. Over the weekend, Turley hit up X/Twitter to share a link to his article on The Hill titled “On Alvin Bragg and the art of not taking the law too seriously.” The column unpacks the first week of Trump’s trial and the alleged hush money payments to Stormy. “The Hill is out with my column on the first week of testimony in the Trump trial. The premise of the prosecution always had that Rube Goldberg feel, but the actual evidence used to propel this ball through the machine is truly insane,” Turley wrote in his column. https://twitter.com/Chicago1Ray?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1782470246219006456%7Ctwgr%5E10d9cd3a53f8d839ea1c33d62e6f716ddaf0e89d%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Flegal-analyst-slams-evidence-against-trump-in-hush-money-trial%2F TV anchor Sage Steele has taken over the role previously held by Candace Owens in the voice cast of The Daily Wire’s forthcoming animated sitcom, “Mr. Birchum.” Deadline reports that Steele will play Deena in the series created by Adam Carolla. Owens was initially tapped to play the role, but she is no longer involved with the project after exiting The Daily Wire last month amid accusations of being anti-Semitic. The voice cast includes Carolla, Megyn Kelly, Brett Cooper, Roseanne Barr, Danny Trejo, Rob Riggle, Patrick Warburton, Tyler Fischer, Alonzo Bodden, Kyle Dunnigan, and Jay Mohr. “When I got the call from Adam and the Daily Wire team to be part of Mr. Birchum, it was a no-brainer for me!” said Steele. “I’m a huge fan of everyone involved and am honored to be included in such a powerhouse lineup of comedians,” she added. “In this insane cultural moment, it’s more important than ever to speak the truth, even when it’s unpopular. Mr. Birchum does this in such a hilarious fashion, and I’m thrilled to be part of such a fun, unapologetic project.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1783898160374415725 Here’s the official synopsis: Meet Mr. Birchum, the no-nonsense teacher, navigating Teddy Roosevelt Junior High with his family — Wendi, Eddie, and stepdaughter Jeanie. Partnering with his friend, Gage, Mr. Birchum faces off against the dynamic advocate for change, the fanatical social justice warrior, Karponzi. The show premieres Sunday, May 12, on DailyWire+. https://twitter.com/i/status/1731785864970219665 Gucci Mane fans are not feeling his latest track, “TakeDat,” in which he takes shots at Sean “Diddy” Combs. According to Billboard, the rapper utters Diddy’s name on the track 119 times. The outlet writes, “No Diddy is a phrase that has gone viral on social media since the myriad of sexual assault and misconduct allegations have been levied against Diddy.” Gucci’s visuals for the track recreate The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Big Poppa” music video, where Diddy is famously seen drinking champagne in a bathtub alongside his baby/fashion icon Misa Hylton. Gucci Mane’s wife, Keyshia Ka’Oir, portrays Hylton in the “TakeDat” video while he mocks DIddy. In a social media post, Gucci called the track the “Hardest song of the summer.” https://youtu.be/2pHZddAJWxs As MadameNore reports, social media users slammed the track on Instagram. “Using Diddy as promo is insane mane,” wrote one user. Another critic said, “The song is weak!” A third chimed in, “Your sense of awareness is fucked Gucci no offense brotha.” Meanwhile, Diddy is facing a slew of allegations that he sexually assaulted and drugged young women. In December, the hip-hop mogul denied all of the allegations. https://twitter.com/ComplexMusic/status/1783291168551301143?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1783291168551301143%7Ctwgr%5E38232a603ce4d92be9152850e39073de9b788ff5%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fgucci-mane-disses-diddy-on-new-takedat-track%2F The showrunner of Netflix’s animated revival of the iconic sitcom “Good Times” has come to the defense of the series following harsh criticism. We reported earlier that Netflix’s animated reboot of the 1970s sitcom “Good Times” hails from Carl Jones, Seth MacFarlane, and NBA star Stephen Curry. The original sitcom aired for six seasons on CBS from 1974 to 1979. It was television’s first African American two-parent family sitcom. Norman Lear produced the show, which centered on the Evans family, who lived in a poor, black neighborhood in inner-city Chicago. According to the news release, Jones modernized the setting, transitioning the Evans family from the 1970s to the 2020s. Curry and “Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane are executive producers on the adult-animated series. https://youtu.be/BMA2Kc7TiO0 A year-old video detailing how McDonald’s burgers are made have come people calling it a “propaganda” video. In the 9-minute clip, a crew of butchers meticulously examines and prepares premium beef cuts, with the narrator noting that the goal is to eliminate any surplus fat, gristle, or bones from the meat. Subsequently, they grind beef cuts and season the minced mixture. The narrator adds, “McDonald’s uses a perfect blend of beef cuts, including chuck, round, and sirloin, to create the perfect balance of flavor and texture.” The narrator details how the fast food chain employs a technique known as “portioning and forming” to guarantee uniformity in size, juiciness, and thickness for every patty. https://youtu.be/yKCmBcRbxk0 Fans of singer/actor Luke James have taken to social media to praise his terrifying performance in Prime Video’s horror anthology series Them: The Scare. This second installment will consist of eight episodes and premiered on Thursday, April 25, 2024, in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. https://twitter.com/xclusivestories?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1784029340201635856%7Ctwgr%5Ebafc583a0d9679ffd7f7239e956fa074a6e2c709%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fluke-fans-react-to-luke-james-performance-in-them-the-scare%2F Per the news release: THEM will once again be set in Los Angeles (the first installment, subtitled Covenant, took place in Compton circa 1952 but will move the time frame forward to 1991). The story centers on LAPD Homicide Detective Dawn Reeve, who is assigned to a new case: the gruesome murder of a foster home mother that has left even the most hardened detectives shaken. Navigating a tumultuous time in Los Angeles, with a city on the razor’s edge of chaos, Dawn is determined to stop the killer. But as she draws closer to the truth, something ominous and malevolent grips her and her family… https://twitter.com/i/status/1783740484390948894 The series cast includes Deborah Ayorinde (Riches, Harriet) as “Detective Dawn Reeve,” Pam Grier (Foxy Brown, Bones, Ghost of Mars, Jackie Brown) as “Athena,” Grammy-nominated musician and actor Luke James (The Chi, Insecure) as “Edmund Gaines.” Rounding out the cast are Joshua J. Williams (Cloak & Dagger, Mudbound), Jeremy Bobb (The Continental, God’s Country), Wayne Knight (Seinfeld, Narcos), Carlito Olivero (This Is Me… https://twitter.com/_Bushum?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1784350475715772906%7Ctwgr%5Ebafc583a0d9679ffd7f7239e956fa074a6e2c709%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fluke-fans-react-to-luke-james-performance-in-them-the-scare%2F Now, Escape Room: Tournament of Champions), Charles Brice (Homeland, The Blacklist, Watchmen), and Iman Shumpert (The Chi). Luke’s character is a pizza shop worker aspiring to become an actor. As Ice Cream Convos reports, he grapples with a multitude of internal demons that manifest in unexpected and unfathomable ways. https://twitter.com/i/status/1783746167131587055 Ne-Yo marked his Tiny Desk debut on April 26, delivering a medley of his beloved soulful hits. “I’ve written a couple songs since I’ve been doing this thing, some of them you may know,” Ne-Yo said before serving up rendition of songs he’s penned for artists such as Rihanna and Beyoncé. “Matter of fact, I’m gonna jump into some of the ones that I’ve written, that you may or may not know.” As Billboard reports, the R&B crooner treated the crowd to covers of Rihanna’s “Take a Bow,” Bey’s “Irreplaceable” and Mario’s “Let Me Love You.” Ne-Yo also debuted a new track titled “Two Million Secrets,” which he said “took a little bit of growth on my part to even write, and even more to sing.” https://youtu.be/vR6_ZVKEhJ4 Residents at a downtown apartment are on high alert after an Amazon driver was sexually assaulted and robbed Friday morning. Metro Nashville Police said she was delivering packages at LC Sobro when a man identified as Carl Hamilton allegedly forced her into the mailroom and attacked her. After the attack, Hamilton allegedly drove her around for an hour until they arrived at an ATM where she was forced to withdraw money. Following that transaction, the 25-year-old was released, and he was later taken into custody after being spotted by officers at the apartment building, leaving residents like Ryan Griffeth shaken. “It kind of worries me is he going to come back and try it again ’cause he knows how to get into our building, he knows how to bypass the security measures that are there,” Griffeth said. https://youtu.be/PzxrSj_O4d4 Actor and Entrepreneur, Ro Brooks was recently feted by his hometown of Baltimore. We’ll have more about that prestigious honor shortly. But first, some background. Brooks was born Jerome Curtis Brooks Jr., known by you, his Bmore family as Rome, is known for his dramatically compelling role as Michael during his three-season story arc on Own/Tyler Perry’s most successful drama series “The Haves and the Have Nots.” Ro is equally known for his most recent work in his very first thriller, a Tubi Original – The Caregiver. He has had the honor and privilege of starring in several other popular projects such as Mysterious Ways, FX’s Sons of Anarchy, NBC’s Brooklyn Nine-Nine, BET’s The New Edition Story, and Showtime’s Shameless, among his extensive list of acting credits. Ro has always had a love for music and the arts. At the tender age of 17, he began to manage local rap and R&B groups from his residence, teaching them stage performance, how to write rap songs and dance routines, not to mention booking local talent showcases. In 1987, Ro joined the local rap group “Twice As Nice” (T.A.N.). In 1990, six busloads of hometown supporters, family and friends alike, would travel to The Big Apple, New York City, with Ro and his former rap group to witness and cheer loudly as they performed live on the Harlem famed stage of “Showtime at the Apollo.” https://youtu.be/OVcUJyF-n6k The relatives of Ralph Yarl, a Black teenager who was shot by a white homeowner last year after mistakenly approaching the wrong residence, are taking legal action against the shooter, Andrew Lester. ABC News reports that the family recently filed a civil lawsuit in Missouri on behalf of Yarl’s mother, Cleo Nagbe. It names Lester and the Highland Acres Lakeside Heights Homeowners Association in the Kansas City neighborhood where the shooting occurred. We reported previously via CNN that on April 13, 2023, Lester allegedly shot Ralph – who was 16 at the time – in the head and arm after he rang the man’s doorbell. Police and Ralph’s family said the teen attempted to pick up his siblings but went to the wrong address. “The homeowner opened fire through a locked glass door without any words exchanged because he thought the teen was trying to break in and was “scared to death” due to the boy’s size, according to statements in a probable cause document,” per CNN In a 911 call, Lester told a dispatcher he shot Ralph because he believed the teen was trying to break in, according to CNN affiliate KMBC. Vertical has unveiled the debut trailer for its upcoming supernatural horror movie, “The Exorcism,” from director Joshua John Miller and starring Russell Crowe and Chlöe Bailey. Per Deadline, “The Exorcism follows Anthony Miller (Crowe), a troubled actor who begins to unravel while shooting a supernatural horror film. His estranged daughter (Ryan Simpkins) wonders if he’s slipping back into his past addictions or if there’s something more sinister at play,” the outlet writes. The cast also includes Sam Worthington (Avatar: The Way of Water), Adam Goldberg (The Equalizer), and David Hyde Pierce (Frasier). https://youtu.be/P9oKo2rNdfw The final trailer for the new ‘IF‘ movie is out now! From writer and director John Krasinski, ‘IF’ is about a girl who discovers that she can see everyone’s imaginary friends — and what she does with that superpower — as she embarks on a magical adventure to reconnect forgotten IFs with their kids. “IF” stars Krasinski, Cailey Fleming, Ryan Reynolds, Fiona Shaw, and the voices of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Louis Gossett Jr., and Steve Carell alongside many more as the wonderfully unique characters that reflect the incredible power of a child’s imagination. The Paramount Pictures live-action animated fantasy will only be in theatres and Dolby cinema on May 17th. https://youtu.be/-9WZvb1-T6E Go behind the scenes and meet the voices of IFs and celebrate International Dance Day with your IF on Snapchat or TikTok! Executive produced by John J. Kelly, George Dewey, and Kimberly Nelson LoCascio. Produced by Allyson Seeger, p.g.a., John Krasinski, p.g.a., Andrew Form, p.g.a., and Ryan Reynolds. https://youtu.be/IY1LDhhk5NQ In the shadows of Atlanta’s glitzy film and television industry, a tale unfolds that echoes the timeless wisdom: “Secrets buried in darkness are destined to surface.” At its center stands Ryan Millsap, once hailed for championing diversity and inclusion in the city’s entertainment scene. Yet, beneath his public facade lies a discordant reality, revealed through private messages unearthed in a courtroom drama. It’s all exposed in a rather scathing report by ProPublica and the AJC. Court transcripts unveil a startling contrast to Millsap’s public image, portraying him in a damning light. For the founder of Blackhall Studios, his text exchanges, unveiled by his former attorney, John Da Grosa Smith, paint a troubling picture. From disdainful remarks aimed at African Americans to derogatory slurs against Jewish individuals, the messages lay bare a disturbing truth. The bulk of these communications dates back to 2019, a period coinciding with Millsap’s tenure as CEO of Blackhall Studios, a venture he nurtured from inception to an 850,000-square-foot powerhouse. His IMDb profile depicts him as the architect of the studio’s strategic vision, immersed in daily operations, and steering its course. Millsap’s ascent to prominence in Atlanta was fueled by his purported commitment to diversity. Projects like HBO’s “Lovecraft Country” and YouTube Premium’s “Step Up: The Series” underscored his collaborative efforts with African American talent. https://youtu.be/t482IVMedWM Cher, Keyshia Cole, Madonna, and Kris Jenner are just a few of the well-known female celebrities in romantic relationships with much younger men. Now, is rapper Lil Kim the latest to boo up with a youngin? Ever since the fashion and music icon posted a sweet happy birthday on Instagram to her new artist Tayy Brown, the internet has been buzzing that the 24-year-old is her new love. In the birthday post in February, she penned to Brown: “I know this post is a little late but I was blessed enough to spend our whole birthday with U and we’re still celebrating,” the 49-year-old began. “Our bond is so perfectly matched in the most organic way. I know it was God that brought us 2gether. https://youtu.be/DDBIDSc1RsQ If ppl only knew how big of a role u play in my life and in my career. If they only knew ur a big part of the reason the beehive is getting new music right now.” She also called Tayy her “motivation” and the “voice that is always cheering me on.” In their first interview together, the Queen Bee and her artist chop it up with radio/TV personality Jazmyn Summers about their new music collaboration and more. They aren’t confirming their union but check out the video above and see what you think. Is it giving love vibes?https://youtu.be/bWGw7t2MSPs Everybody has seen the energy of hip hop on a surface level like money, cars, and b*tches But I just want to show what its like to be lit in the industry and be genuine in real life, You want muthaf***kas to hear that sh*t and feel it in their heart. That’s what music is missing right now the real soulful sh*t that’s hitting people in their hearts They aint making that music no more The music lost its magic. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C563uc0PT8w/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=618f268f-e3ec-48f1-9839-52b374b084b1 Beyoncé and her daughter Blue Ivy Carter are no longer just family – they’ve become co-stars. A new trailer for Disney’s upcoming “Lion King” prequel “Mufasa” was released on Monday (04-29-24), revealing that both the singer known for “Texas Hold ‘Em” and her 12-year-old daughter will be lending their voices to the film. Although the teaser doesn’t provide a glimpse of the mother-daughter duo’s voice acting, it does showcase a series of vibrant animated scenes depicting Mufasa’s journey from lion cub to ruler of all that the light touches. The trailer ends by introducing the main cast, including Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison, Jr., John Kani, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Mads Mikkelsen, and Thandiwe Newton, followed by the mention of “Introducing Blue Ivy Carter with Beyoncé Knowles-Carter.” In the movie, Beyoncé, who also has twins Rumi and Sir with husband Jay-Z, will be reprising her role as Nala, which she initially played in the 2019 3D remake of Disney’s original 1994 animated film, The Lion King. Blue Ivy, on the other hand, will voice Kiara, the daughter of Nala and King Simba, portrayed by Donald Glover. https://youtu.be/XNTeT0Jzazw Issa Rae has tapped Keke Palmer and SZA to headline her new comedy movie. The plot is under wraps, but the flick was inspired by Palmer and SZA’s recent appearance on Saturday Night Live, Deadline reports. The movie originated from the CoCre lab at Sony Pictures, a partnership between ColorCreative and Columbia Pictures that nurtures original concepts from diverse screenwriters for major studio productions.Lawrence Lamont, the director of Rap Sh!t, will lead the project, while Syreeta Singleton, the series showrunner, will write the screenplay for TriStar Pictures. A release date has not yet been announced, so we’ll keep you updated as more information about this project becomes available. In the meantime, we reported earlier that Palmer is set to release a new memoir, “Master of Me,” noting in an Instagram post that this seems “like the right time to put my thoughts to paper.” https://www.instagram.com/keke/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=4e24e6eb-dc38-4b88-a6f2-efeec386caa1 Ron Brewington is the host, producer, and writer of “The Actor’s Choice,” (TAC) a weekly podcast talk show, focusing on actors, actresses, and all persons associated with the theatrical world. The program first aired on December 7, 2015, with actor Ernest Harden, Jr. as the first guest. TAC celebrated its 400th episode today, April 29, 2024, with Dancer, Producer Pamela Najera; Actress Kelley Dorney; and Producer, Director Kokayi Ampah as the guests. Brewington was a host and producer of ActorsE Chat, a daily international television talk show for nearly 3 years. The program was seen by more than 6 million persons worldwide via Internet and cable and aired since 2009 with over 1,400 guests. ActorsE Chat features live interview conversations with persons in the entertainment industry. https://youtu.be/MQov9B9d2HU Today, NICE CROWD’s American Black Film Festival (ABFF) and Walmart’s Black & Unlimited announced their continued collaboration to highlight the role of Black men within their families and communities through the second annual Black & Unlimited Fatherhood Project content creators’ competition. After a successful launch at the 2023 ABFF in Miami, the unprecedented program included screenings, panel discussions, and experiential activations. The Black & Unlimited Fatherhood Project will spotlight emerging directors in a creator’s competition to champion independent filmmaking while providing a platform to showcase a wide range of stories about Black men as fathers. Attorneys for embattled musician and producer Sean “Diddy” Combs are asking a New York court to throw out portions of a civil suit accusing the rapper and mogul of sexual assault and revenge porn. In a motion filed Friday in the State of New York courts, Combs’ attorneys raised procedural issues with a suit filed last year against the artist and his company Bad Boy Records by Joi Dickerson-Neal, who said she was “intentionally drugged” by Combs and sexually assaulted when she was a college student in 1991. Around the time, she had appeared with Combs in a music video, per the suit. The lawsuit also alleged Combs had filmed the sexual assault and shown it to others, claiming that days after the alleged assault, a male friend revealed to Dickerson he had viewed video of it. In response to the initial suit, a spokesperson for Combs said the allegations are “made up and not credible,” discrediting the accusations as “purely a money grab.” https://youtu.be/1NIOp35Qpmg An initial investigation led to a man (Othello Larenzo Holmes) being charged with attempted indecent assault for putting his private parts into food, but it soon escalated to several charges of possession of child pornography. “The things that I have seen and the behavior that I have seen — it is very disturbing,” Constable Alan Rosen said about the case involving Holmes, 27, who was a cook at Kulture restaurant in downtown Houston (TX). The video showed Holmes engaging in lewd acts with food items at the restaurant, prompting his arrest on attempted indecent assault charges. He mentioned having urges and a history of sexual offenses when questioned by investigators. “We found child pornography and we are fearful that he potentially may have at some point molested young children,” Rosen stated after digital forensics revealed disturbing content on Holmes’ phone. https://youtu.be/12DBBO8Ngkc In light of the heinous acts that Holmes undertook while cooking food at its establishment, Kulture sent this statement to KHOU 11 TV: “We took immediate action by shutting down our establishment, cleaning the entire space, discarding all existing inventory, and contacting the Police to have the employee arrested immediately. Additionally, we worked with our security team to enhance our camera systems. These actions were implemented within one hour of the incident being brought to our attention, ensuring that the matter was addressed before the business opened again.” Holmes, facing five counts of possession of child pornography, was described as a predator by authorities. Other videos on his phone involved inappropriate behavior in the presence of a child. During his court appearance on April 25, it was revealed that Holmes lives with his amputee mother and is currently unemployed. The judge set his bond at $100,000 for each charge. https://youtu.be/ZBoyvmICG-4 Despite changing his life in a non-musical way, Shyne’s past with Sean “Diddy” Combs still looms over him. The former Bad Boy Records artist revisited his time with the controversial mogul recently while speaking with media in native Belize. It was there, Shyne touched on the infamous club shooting that occurred at a New York City nightclub in 1999. At the time, the rapper-turned-politician was with Combs and his then-girlfriend Jennifer Lopez for a night out. From there, things took a turn for the worse, with Natania Reuben being shot in the face. Despite facing time behind bars with gun possession and bribery charges, related to the incident, Combs was acquitted of all charges. Lopez, who was present that night, was not charged or accused of any crime. Although the former power couple emerged unscathed, Shyne (real name: Moses Michael Levi Barrow) took the fall over the situation as he was convicted for the shooting and served about eight years in prison. Looking back over the incident, Shyne maintains his innocence, saying he took to the fall for someone else, according to TMZ. In his eyes, that someone was not Combs. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-04-18-041724-shyne-1813975-025/ Nick Cannon has a lot going for him with a slew of ventures (and kids) under his belt. But it looks like the “Wild ‘N Out” host has met his match with someone who has more young ones than him. That someone, for the curious folk, is none other than dancehall reggae icon Elephant Man. Referencing Hot 97, Vibe reports the Jamaican entertainer surpassed Cannon, who has 12 offspring, revealing he has more than 30 children of his own. “I have 38 pickneys, start from mi a 17,” Elephant Man shared during a recent Instagram Live session. “Mi might ugly and all of that, but the gyal dem like mi bandy legs.” No question, 38 children are more than a lot. But to hear Elephant Man tell it, he is open to bringing more kids into the world, confessing to DJ/ producer Noah Powa that he does not use condoms. “You nah sex your woman inna nuh condom, You ever go to your woman inna her house inna condom, yuh inna trouble,” the Pon Di River vocalist continued before touching on his relationship with his children and their mothers. https://youtu.be/NGhqJxaMNs0 Ice Cube’s Big3 alliance with Caitlin Clark was far from reality, due to his belief Clark’s agents for the undermined her deal with the popular basketball league. According to HotNewHipHop, Cube is furious over Clark’s agents interfering with his offer for the women’s basketball sensation to join the Big3. The offer was made prior to Clark being drafted. Allegations made by Cube and his business partner Jeff Kwatinetz include Clark’s management team deliberately undermining the Big3 deal, in addition to the “Barbershop” film series actor saying Clark was not even presented with the offer he sent. The Big3 deal reportedly included a $10 million contract to go with added perks. Feeling slighted, Cube and Kwatinetz believe their offer was not given the proper consideration it deserved. “We have reason to believe these male agents and executives controlling the sport never even shared our trailblazing offer with Caitlin let alone facilitated Caitlins meeting with the of BIG3 to discuss the opportunity,” Kwatinetz said in a statement. Renowned actor and musician Jamie Foxx is making waves in the spirits industry with the launch of his latest venture BSB Whiskey. This ultra-smooth blend, infused with the enticing flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar, promises a taste sensation like no other. The official launch event for BSB Whiskey took place this month at General Admission sports bar, coinciding with the excitement of round one of the NBA playoffs. Guests were treated to an afternoon filled with specialty drink mixes, food, games, and exclusive branded merchandise, making it an unforgettable experience for whiskey enthusiasts and party-goers alike. BSB Whiskey stands out for its unique combination of flavors. The aromatic spice of cinnamon intertwines seamlessly with the comforting sweetness of brown sugar, creating a harmonious blend that tantalizes the taste buds with every sip. However, with a robust 70-proof content, this whiskey demands respect. At the launch event, attendees had the opportunity to sample BSB Whiskey in various cocktail creations expertly crafted by mixologists. From classic whiskey cocktails like the BSB Expresso martini with a twist to innovative concoctions like the BSB cinnamon roll, which featured Bailey’s Irish cream and showcased the versatility of BSB, there was something to suit every palate. The taboo connection between Black men and their mothers (mother-son enmeshment) is getting a spotlight for discussion, courtesy of Ashley “Ley” Pointer. According to the psychotherapist, the unhealthy and out-of-the-norm connection may have a far-reaching impact on Black men who struggle with adult romantic relationships. Pointer cites her experience with Black male clients as the reason behind her findings. Bringing her views onto social media, Pointer detailed how emotional support sought by Black mothers from their sons potentially harms their child’s future as an adult when they are involved in romantic relationships. “Men struggle in romantic relationships because they’re still in one with their mothers,” the Infinity Noire founder and lead therapist stated in a clip posted on her Instagram page. “Because Black women often– we settle as being single or with someone who does not meet our emotional needs, we end up training our sons to be a companion, and we compliment him for all how he’s meeting our needs.” “Like, ‘you shole take care of your mama. You shole love your mama.’ And so we end up psychologically training our sons to be in emotional relationships with us,” Pointer continued. https://www.instagram.com/authentic_ley/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c85f114e-51d6-4a6a-a0d9-98988b802697 While discussion can be created from the issue of enmeshment between a mother and son, it has to be said that reports and statistics on the number of Black men who have been sexually abused may be inaccurate, due to many unreported cases. “In many homes and social circles, the topic is still avoided — it’s taboo,” Robin D. Stone, a licensed New York City mental health counselor and childhood sexual abuse survivor, according to Counseling Today. “In some cases, men haven’t shared with anyone that they’ve had this experience, that they have this history.” Although it wasn’t discovered until they are romantically involved with someone, some Black men are not aware of the sexual abuse. Yet, psychological scars remain with the silence. https://youtu.be/Z2QcH8Mb6HM The 2024 NFL Draft has kicked off with the Chicago Bears selecting USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the first overall pick on Thursday night. Bears fans at the event applauded Williams as he walked onto the stage to share an embrace with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. This year’s draft could well be be a blockbuster one, with heaps of highly-touted quarterback talents, a potentially all-time wide receiver group and overall value throughout. It’s the first time in NFL history five quarterbacks were selected in the top 10, and there are plenty more teams searching for an answer at the position. With teams loaded on veteran players, the draft allows the 32 franchises to stock up on young prospects before heading into training camp to fine tune their rosters ahead of the opening of the new season in September. https://youtu.be/iOmyxJM4sgU There are some years where the crop of quarterbacks coming out of college football isn’t awe-inspiring. This is not one of those years. There are a number of potentially franchise-changing signal-callers in the 2024 class, and chief among those was USC’s Williams. https://youtu.be/FBwyVQmhVr8 For all the husbands out there, how much do you love your wife? Enough to give her first class if that and coach were the only seats available on a flight? While most husbands would give their better half the seat, “Preachers Of L.A.” fixture Bishop Ron Gibson won’t be found in that group. Gibson was not shy in letting his fellow holy men know his preference in a clip from the reality show’s 10-year reunion. Needless to say, his opinion wasn’t a hit as Gibson got serious heat from the looks and judgment of his castmates. “Let’s say you’re going from New York to LA,” Pastor Noel Jones posed to Gibson. “And both of you walk on the jet, and there was only one first-class seat, and somebody had to go to coach. Somebody had to sit in first. How would you arrange that? After an initial pause, Gibson set off the controversy, answering “Brother, if I was on a desert island, and it wasn’t nothing but a box of peanuts. Do you think I’m giving her a whole box of peanuts?” https://www.instagram.com/bc_ellsworth/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=7ccda6de-1c1e-4917-84e3-5c412b047ab5 “We had a vision…as young parents,” said Justin Brim co-owner of the JOOLS TV YouTube network along with his wife Patrice Brim, which airs “The Brim Family” animation made specifically for children. “We didn’t know anybody in animation. We went back and forth until we found the right person.” The Chicago-based network has over 500,000 subscribers, which includes the children of Cardi B, Missy Elliott, Russell and Ciara Wilson, and Michael B. Jordan. Launched in early 2020 the JOOLS acronym stands for “Js Of Our Lives.” Their eldest son is named JJ for Justin, Jr. and their second birth was a son and they named him Jaxon. They went on to have two more sons Jett and Jhy. https://youtu.be/cDnRQp23v1E I expressed my amazement at the number of subscribers in only four years and Justin said, “It showed us there was a vow to be filled.” On the JOOLS TV network, you will find their “The Brim Family” animation which takes the viewers through all the stages their kids go through, plus other animated shows such as Hip-Hop Songs Remix; Trapery Rhymes; Calm Fireplace background sounds for reading ambience; Nursey Rhymes likes Baa Baa Black Sheep and Ten in the Bed; The Family Wiggle; Dino Dance; Sing Along Playlist; If You’re Happy and You Know It, and so many more shows. “The boys are ours; the girls are my cousins’ kids,” said Patrice when I asked about the animated characters. “…and we have a newborn!” https://youtu.be/81tNboOdVGk On “Tamron Hall,” friend of the Tam Fam and hip hop legend, Mary J. Blige joined the show for her first talk show appearance following Sunday’s announcement that she will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this year. Blige shared her excitement for being honored, reflected on what it’s like to be referred to as an “icon” and revealed that, despite her Starz series, “Power Book II: Ghost,” coming to an end, she plans to continue her acting career. Also, in an exclusive “Tamron Hall” announcement, Blige revealed her “Strength of a Woman Community Fund” in Yonkers, NY in partnership with Pepsi. https://youtu.be/LRIAT5O96I0 Mary J. Blige on the future of her acting career: “Yeah, of course, I’m still acting. This is not the end for me, just because it’s the end of ‘Ghost.’ It’s not the end of my acting career. But I just try to take things, I want to do everything. I’m working on my craft still. I still believe I need work.” Tamron asked, “What are you doing?” “Classes, like acting classes,” Mary answered. “Before I do a movie I do a class.” https://youtu.be/FQ9FRT60dW4 “[Pepsi has] a commitment of $100K to support women in Yonkers and their initiatives and their programs. I grew up in Yonkers, and when this whole movement is about what this whole thing is about, I always wanted to help women. I didn’t know how I was going to help women. I didn’t know I had to become everything I saw and go through all the hell I did to support women the way I do, but here we are, you know, I can relate to every woman from all age groups.” https://youtu.be/hv8Eq3aCZvg Yvette Nicole Brown is speaking out about finding love and getting engaged at age 52. In a new interview, the actress explained that she hopes other women don’t feel compelled to accept situations (and relationships) they are not entirely content with simply because of their age, PEOPLE reports. Brown and her fiancé, Anthony Davis, discussed their upcoming nuptials on Getting Grilled with Curtis Stone. “To be my age, to be single as long as I was single and to have waited — you know, I didn’t just grab a guy, I waited until I found the guy my heart loves, that’s a testimony and that’s also aspirational and inspirational to women that are in my position,” Brown shared. “I would love for a 40-something or a 50-something woman to see this story and go, ‘Okay, it’s right for me to wait for the right one, or to not just marry whoever asks me first if I don’t feel it.’ It is still possible,” Brown continued. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koBzkCHhalI Pastor Michael Todd introduces the first collective from REPRESENT Records, TRANSFORMATION WORSHIP. Birthed out of the Transformation Church in Tulsa, OK, Transformation Worship seeks to represent God, with a kingdom sound, for transformation in Christ. Lifted from the forthcoming EP, OVERFLOW, is the brand new track "Yahweh." "Yahweh" is available now across all streaming platforms. For more information on Transformation Worship, follow @WeAreTransformationWorship on all platforms. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHn3feS2kME GRAMMY Award winning singer and songwriter, Joe L. Barnes unlocks a new track “Hide & Seek” lifted from Barnes’ forthcoming LP, The Good Shepherd, available Friday, June 14th. Joel Barnes, known as Joe L, a Kentucky native, is a songwriter and worship leader at The Shepherd’s Tent in Covington, Georgia. He not only has a passion for song writing, but also burns to teach and equip others with the tools needed to create and release their sound of authenticity. In April of 2020, Joe L, alongside Maverick City released the song, “Promises,” which has now been viewed over 140M times on YouTube. As a songwriter, Joe L has co-written “In Spite of Me” by Tasha Cobbs Leonard, “Not Holding Back” by JJ Hairston, and “Ruins” with Maverick City. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXxStlE__ig In a cinematic whirlwind that pokes fun at the likes of”Madea Goes to Jail” and “Why Did I Get Married,” “Not Another Church Movie” emerges as a rib-tickling parody comedy, offering a raucous ride through the ambitious endeavors of the lead character Taylor Pherry, played by Kevin Daniels, and his divine mission to share his family’s tales while stirring inspiration in his community. The plot thickens when Hoprah Windfall, Luc Ashley. grappling with plummeting ratings and the need for fresh content on her talk show, beseeches divine intervention from none other than the Almighty. Miraculously, Taylor Pherry emerges as the chosen one to revitalize her show. However, lurking in the shadows, the Devil, Mickey Rourke, concocts a devilish scheme to throw a wrench into the divine plan. As Taylor juggles his myriad of jobs, primarily centered around aiding his endearing yet dysfunctional family, he receives a celestial mandate from God Himself to assist Hoprah in her quest by penning a movie. https://youtu.be/9HZuafmpwzE Jeannie Mai claims she was a victim of abuse from estranged husband Jeezy in new court docs amid their divorce. Mai’s allegations of domestic violence were part of the most recent submission in their divorce case, USA TODAY reports. The talk show host claims she was subjected to several incidents of domestic abuse and that Jeezy neglected their minor child. According to PEOPLE, Mai alleges that the rapper has “explosive outbursts, excessive drinking, and domestic violence.” In response to the allegations, Jeezy shared a statement on Instagram denying the allegations. On April 25, he wrote, “The allegations are not only false but also deeply disturbing, especially coming from someone I loved.” https://www.instagram.com/jeezy/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=21edce93-d9c1-4fdf-8e15-443158ef3f5c Former Olympic swimmer Michael Gunning claims the Paris 2024 Olympics could have the most ‘out’ athletes at an Olympic Games this summer. The openly gay athlete has been appointed as an ambassador for Pride House-Paris 2024 ahead of the summer Olympics. Speaking to Attitude, Gunning said he is “so happy that more and more elite athletes feel comfortable in being their true selves,” adding, “We’ve come a long way, and LGBTQ+ representation really matters in elite sport.” Per Attitude: “A Pride House is a dedicated venue set up at major sporting events, with the goal of celebrating and supporting LGBTQ+ athletes, fans and the wider community. It hosts a variety of programmes, including workshops and sports-related activities. Previous ambassadors have included Stephen Fry, Ben Cohen, and David Furnish,” the outlet writes. https://www.instagram.com/michaelgunning1/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=9ec9ef14-f3be-4519-8b75-b8c356c0229f Tupac Shakur’s estate sent a cease-and-desist letter to Drake after he used AI to generate the late rapper’s voice in a new diss track, “Taylor Made Freestyle.” USA Today reports that the estate of Pac and his mother, Afeni Shakur, called it “a blatant abuse of the legacy of one of the greatest hip-hop artists of all time.” In a letter sent to Drake’s team, the estate said it’s “deeply dismayed and disappointed by your unauthorized use of Tupac’s voice and personality in the ‘Taylor Made (Freestyle)’ record.” The letter continues, “We demand that you immediately cease and desist from any further publication and exploitation of the Record, and that you immediately take ALL NECESSARY steps to remove it from all platforms where it is publicly available.” Drake posted the “Taylor Made” audio on his Instagram last week, but the post is no longer there as of Thursday. Lyndell “Lynn” Price, co-founder of Turkey Leg Hut in Texas, faces allegations of assaulting an unidentified man during a bar fight earlier this year. According to the Houston Chronicle, the altercation occurred days before Nakia Holmes, Price’s former business and estranged wife, terminated him in February. A warrant was issued for his arrest for the fight, which police said left a man unconscious and with a knee injury. The assault occurred at the Tipsy Lounge, located near the Turkey Leg Hut in the Third Ward. Last week, Price was charged with misdemeanor assault. Price made a court appearance on April 23, during which the judge set his bail at $1,000 for the misdemeanor charge and mandated that he stay away from the Tipsy Lounge. In February, Price announced on Instagram that the Turley Leg Hut fired him, and he’s not allowed back on the premises. The post included an email from Key Synergies, a brand consulting firm, confirming Price was let go. The Jasmine Brand reported on X that the email was sent to half the staff. https://www.instagram.com/unwinewithtashak/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=5f2e9ab7-7669-4d48-9292-66f174ccfc41 Spelman College announced Thursday that Angela Bassett will deliver remarks at its 2024 commencement ceremony. 11 Alive reports that the Oscar-winning actress will also receive an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree alongside Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. “Spelman College is honored to have acclaimed actress and director Angela Bassett to bring words of inspiration to our graduating Class of 2024,” Spelman College President Helene D. Gayle said in a statement making the announcement. “Her work has had a tremendous impact both on and off the screen and serves as an example for our students to lead in their own spaces,” the statement continued. The commencement starts at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 19, at the Georgia International Convention Center. Social justice advocate Rev. Dr. Yvette Flunder will address the graduates at the Baccalaureate Ceremony at 10 a.m. on May 18th. https://www.instagram.com/spelman_college/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=5661b27a-0f1f-4d9c-87a0-f05d1045986e Former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst’s new memoir, “By the Time You Read This,” was released Tuesday. The book, which was completed by her mother, April Simpkins, explores Kryst’s experience competing for Miss USA and Miss Universe and her battle with high-functioning depression before her suicide in January 2022. Per Business Insider: “The term, which is not an official medical diagnosis, describes depression among people who maintain, or even appear to thrive in, happy-looking, productive lives, experts told Business Insider,” the outlet writes. https://www.instagram.com/chesliekryst/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=58c9a9df-15df-49e7-8480-499c3201384d Sony Pictures’ AFFIRM Films, Provident Films, and the Kendrick Brothers have released the official trailer for their newest film, “The Forge,” which debuts exclusively in theaters nationwide on August 23. Per the news release, the title is a bold, inspirational drama about the power of mentorship set in the same cinematic world as WAR ROOM, their 2015 hit film that claimed the #1 spot on the North American box office charts. “We made this film to inspire, challenge and motivate viewers to follow Jesus wholeheartedly,” said director Alex Kendrick. “Our hope is that audiences around the world will recognize the pivotal role that Godly mentorship plays in shaping the next generation.” https://youtu.be/s4aCsaDvagw ”The Talk” is breaking new ground by featuring guest comedians on the program for the first time. As Deadline reports, “Stand Up At The Talk” debuted on April 26 and continues every Friday thereafter. Hosts Sheryl Underwood, Natalie Morales, Jerry O’Connell, Akbar Gbajabiamila, and Amanda Kloots will watch from the sideline as the set is converted into a comedy club, allowing the featured comedians to perform a 5-minute set in front of a live audience. The transformation follows reports that the Emmy-winning daytime talker show will end after 15 seasons in December. “I am excited to bring two things I love together — standup comedy and The Talk,” fellow comedian Sherly Underwood shared with Deadline. “This is the first time The Talk has done a standup series, but it won’t be the last. See you every Friday!” https://youtu.be/2ROU4uZmhZs Wendy Liebman kicked off the series on April 26, followed by Preacher Lawson (May 3), Zarna Garg (May 10), and Brad Upton (May 17), per Deadline. Word on the street is that CBS’ forthcoming all-Black soap opera, “The Gates,” will take over “The Talk’s” timeslot. The drama series is slated to premiere in January 2025. “The Gates” is a soap opera about a wealthy Black family living in a posh, gated community. George Cheeks, CEO of CBS and chief content officer for news and sports at Paramount+, recently unveiled the genesis of “The Gates” and the team behind it. https://www.instagram.com/thetalkcbs/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=dfc83ce5-b35f-4a17-820d-7715f0f52ec5 Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is gaining momentum in her reelection bid with positive poll results for the upcoming Democratic primary. Despite attacks amid her high-profile prosecution of former President Donald Trump, Willis’s support among Democrats remains strong, with the latest survey by political consultant Fred Hicks indicating an expansion in her backing since her 2020 election, Newsweek reports. The survey, conducted from April 20 to 23 and polling 1,000 Democratic voters, reveals that 79 percent intend to support Willis in the primary, with 9 percent favoring Wise Smith. Per Newsweek, “the poll had a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.” We reported earlier that Willis received support from attorneys and ethics experts in her battle to remain involved with Trump’s election interference case. Hip-hop luminary Jim Jones reveals his upbringing in poverty on Medicaid, championing healthcare justice in New York. Partnering with iconic radio brands, Jones joins the chorus advocating for Medicaid equity, shedding light on disparities. In a collaborative effort with 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, media giant MediaCo’s radio stations, HOT 97 and WBLS, intensified their call for Medicaid equity. Prompted by a poignant plea from 1199SEIU President George Gresham, personalities like Ebro Darden, TT Torrez, and Funk Flex rallied alongside Jones, igniting a fervent dialogue. Growing up reliant on Medicaid, Jones intimately understands the crucial role hospitals play in marginalized communities. He stresses the necessity for government intervention, urging policymakers to reinvest in Medicaid payments, an issue that hits close to home for the rapper. https://youtu.be/y9ok9xf7lzI?list=PLPGAJpDPtoueahfDMhVa-06yikg1lJEy- Two-time Dove Award winner and Stellar Award-nominated Christian hip-hop artist, singer, songwriter. Aaron Cole has released his latest album Sorry, I Changed. This powerful 13-track album resonates with themes of self-love, trusting in faith, and overcoming life's challenges. Featuring previously released singles “Have Your Way,” “Proof,” “I Love It,” and “Tables Turned,” the album includes collaborations with Kirk Franklin on “SBTN” and DOE on “Infinity.” Additional standout tracks include “Refuge” and the closing track “Prayed 4 Me.” His first album release with RCA Inspiration, Aaron Cole’s third full-length album takes listeners on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth. Sorry, I Changed, showcases Cole's growth not only as an artist but also as an individual who’s been navigating new paths in adulthood. He has written on every track, taking his pen to reflect on dealing with major changes in his career and life over the past few years, which include getting married and losing some loved ones. Bringing together the creative agility he’s known for, rapping and singing against a blend of sounds encompassing hip-hop, R&B and the Contemporary Christian genres, the album shows Cole striving for joy and positivity through his deep faith and embracing change. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_LJg6jh0_I Kim Kardashian joined Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House on Thursday for a roundtable to discuss pardons issued by President Joe Biden – the latest inroad the reality star has made into national criminal justice policy. The conversation came a day after the president issued pardons for 11 people and commuted the sentences of five others who had been convicted of non-violent drug offenses. The forum included several people who were pardoned on Wednesday – Jason Hernandez, Bobby Darrell Lowery, Jesse Mosley, and Beverly Holcy – who discussed their experiences with the justice system. All four started businesses or non-profits in their communities after their incarceration. “I’m a big believer in the power of redemption,” Harris said at the event. “Is it not the sign of a civil society that we allow people a way to earn their way back and give them the support and the resources they need to do that?” https://youtu.be/J19kFBD3o1w The New York Court of Appeals on Thursday overturned the sex crimes conviction against Harvey Weinstein, the powerful Hollywood producer whose downfall stood as a symbol of the #MeToo movement, and ordered a new trial. The court, by a 4-3 vote, ruled the testimony of “prior bad acts” witnesses should not have been allowed because it “was unnecessary to establish defendant’s intent and served only to establish defendant’s propensity to commit the crimes charged.” Weinstein, 72, was convicted in 2020 of first-degree criminal sexual act and third-degree rape, and he was sentenced to 23 years in prison. He has maintained his innocence and denied any nonconsensual sexual activity. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office said it plans to retry the case. “We will do everything in our power to retry this case, and remain steadfast in our commitment to survivors of sexual assault,” said Emily Tuttle, deputy director of communications and senior advisor for the office. https://youtu.be/nrsJ3v_PIRU At the time, Weinstein was one of the most powerful men in Hollywood and helped produce movies such as “Pulp Fiction,” “Clerks” and “Shakespeare in Love.” The revelations led to a wave of women speaking publicly about the pervasiveness of sexual abuse and harassment in what became known as the #MeToo movement. Yet, #MeToo has had mixed success in the courtroom, and this is the second high-profile case to be overturned on appeal. The comedian Bill Cosby was convicted in 2018 of drugging and sexually assaulting a woman, but a Pennsylvania appeals court overturned the conviction in 2021, saying his due process rights were violated. https://youtu.be/yu522Uuog_A Some artists draw inspiration from the depths of their experiences, channeling emotions and life’s twists into breathtaking masterpieces. Dunnie O, a Nigerian-American artist who moved back to Maryland from Los Angeles, following a traumatic experience, exemplifies the journey of transformation and overcoming adversity. I had the privilege of sitting down with Dunnie O to dive into her remarkable story, her growing artistic career, and her role as a passionate art educator. Dunnie O’s path to becoming a prominent artist in the DMV is a true testament to her faith. Her journey took a turn when heartbreak led her back home to Maryland in 2018. In the midst of healing, she reignited her love of art; asking God to lead her path and give her a year to prove to herself that she is truly walking in her calling. Through each paint stroke and completed canvas, she found a means of self-expression and healing that transcended what she could’ve imagined for herself. “I use glass, crushed glass, broken glass in a lot of my pieces…I use it as a visual reminder that beauty can still come from brokenness,” said Dunnie. https://youtu.be/gYAO0Qc3ab4 James Fortune offers a new single to radio "For A Long Time". James Fortune has been a mainstay in Gospel music for 20 years and he is commemorating that milestone this year. With a reunion release event and album to celebrate some of his greatest songs and offer some new classics. "For A Long Time" is a testament to the goodness that God has been showing His people throughout the ages. Its a declaration of praise and encourages listens to chant "You've been good for a long time, faithful for a long time, healing for a long time...". Gospel music sensations Anthony Brown, Bri Babineaux, Deitrick Haddon and Pastor Mike Jr., are set to tour across the nation on the all-new concert series, I GOT AWAY, in partnership with McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration® Gospel Tour. Kicking off April 26th, the tour will make stops in 30 cities across the United States, including Houston, Dallas, Orlando, Queens, Chicago and more before wrapping up in Atlanta on June 29th. Through this first-of-its-kind partnership, general admission tickets are FREE for this nearly sold-out concert experience, courtesy of McDonald’s USA. Fans can get in on the action by registering now for limited general admission or paid VIP tickets at IGotAwayTour.com. According to former bank teller and financial planner Michael Ashlet, there are three times you should avoid asking for $100 bills at the bank. First, Ashley advises avoiding visiting banks at peak hours. “I would advise against requesting $100 bills at a bank branch during peak hours, particularly during busy mornings or lunch rushes,” he said, gobankingrates.com reports. “Such times typically witness a high volume of transactions and customer inquiries, leading to longer wait times and potential frustration for both customers and staff.” Ashley, founder of the personal finance site Richiest, spent years working as a bank employee at Wells Fargo and Citi. He suggests avoiding banks on Saturday mornings and paydays on the first and last of the month. Secondly, Ashley said avoiding banks with low cash supply is best. Former professional athlete Shannon Sharpe will receive the Webby Advocate of the Year Award at the 28th annual Webby Awards for his contributions to the digital landscape. According to a press release, the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences (IADAS) announced the Winners for the 28th Annual Webby Awards, which include: Adam Driver, Apple, Barbie The Movie, Bowen Yang & Matt Rogers, Conan O’Brien, Emerson Collective, First We Feast, GLAAD, Google, Gretchen Whitmer, Gucci, Jason and Travis Kelce, Jay-Z, Jimmy Fallon, Jon Batiste, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Laverne Cox, Letterboxd, Megan Thee Stallion, Michelle Obama, NASA, National Geographic, Netflix, New York Times, NPR, Notion, Olivia Rodrigo, ŌURA, Reddit, Runway, Ryan Gosling, Saturday Night Live, The Sphere, Shopify, Spotify, Snoop Dogg, Sydney Sweeney, Taylor Swift, Timothée Chalamet, TLDR, Trixie Mattel, UNICEF, Vote.org and Yoko Ono. These honorees will be celebrated for excellence on the Internet. Sharpe, 55, is recognized for his significant impact in sports commentary, advocacy for racial equality, education and health, and his wildly successful podcast, Club Shay Shay. The Webby Advocate of the Year Award is a recognition chosen by a committee led by the NAACP and IADAS. Sharpe’s Katt Williams episode won the Webby Award for Featured Guest, Individual Episodes (Podcasts). Additionally, the interview on “Club Shay Shay” is nearing a record as the most-watched YouTube video interview ever. Claire Graves, president of the Webby Awards, explained, “This year’s Webby Winners represent work at the cutting edge of creativity and innovation.” https://youtu.be/8oRRZiRQxTs Check out an exclusive clip from the premiere season two episode of the empowering makeover docuseries “My Mane Problem.” The show chronicles celebrity stylist Dr. Boogie, who is back giving renewed hope and self-confidence to real people confronting very personal hair journeys, per the press release. Here’s the series synopsis: My Mane Problem A bad hairstyle can look, feel and be life-ruining, but celebrity stylist Dr. Boogie is back giving renewed hope and self-confidence to real people confronting very personal hair journeys. Season two features even more inspiring transformations, as the industry vet rescues clients struggling with deeply affecting hair trauma. These eight new, half-hour episodes chronicle real people confronting challenges such as chemical burns, traction alopecia, balding due to extensions and wigs, and much more. From empowering individuals to embrace their natural hair to restoring confidence in those struggling with hair-related trauma, every episode promises to be a testament to the transformative power of self-love and acceptance. https://youtu.be/gwWFggh6s0g Dr. Boogie is an industry veteran whose clients include Taraji P. Henson, Eve, and Vivica Fox. “My Mane Problem” showcases him working with individuals to offer real solutions, hair care treatment, and, ultimately, a new lease on life through his empathetic consultations. In our preview of tonight’s debut episode, Dr. Boogie tells a client that hair needs to be shaved for a fresh, new start. Season 2 of “My Mane Problem” kicks off Thursday, April 25 on Allblk. https://youtu.be/70ENzo160lE GSN-Sean “Diddy” Combs may have lost allies amid his current legal troubles, but the hip-hop mogul has found one artist who wants to work with him. Citing a new interview with Fox 5 New York, Complex revealed that former Bad Boy Records artist G. Dep is ready to enter the studio with Combs. So much so that he’s throwing a cloud of doubt over his former boss’ situation. “I’m like, ‘When? When did that happen?’ You know what I mean?” G. Dep voiced about Combs’ alleged misconduct. “We were in the studio for months on end with each other. So I don’t know where this is coming from.” “People should give people the benefit of the doubt,” he continued. If somebody just saying that you did something, you know, people can say anything.” Despite being locked up, Complex notes G. Dep has remained active musically with writing hundreds of songs. As a result, he is not shy about reigniting the hitmaking magic he had with Combs. https://youtu.be/-i1DP2Dx7YY In the first interview since his release, the rapper confided that he never received a visit from Combs while serving time. “He reached out to me inadvertently,” the Harlem native told The Art of Dialogue. “Like videos, a couple of interviews, I heard him shout me out. … I couldn’t expect too much from anybody—that wasn’t what type of time that was. I went in there with my own volition.” https://youtu.be/OKaVUOZBQ1U Travelers are increasingly switching their flights to avoid flying on Boeing aircraft following a series of recent safety incidents connected to the aircraft maker. This trend is becoming apparent through various social media posts. Following these accidents, individuals are resorting to taking anti-anxiety medication for their flights, as reported by NBC News, and some are restructuring their traveling plans and sharing their tips on TikTok. One TikTok user, Christian Grossi, with over 1.4 million followers, uploaded a video on March 14 explaining how to specifically avoid Boeing planes when making flight bookings online. Grossi walked his audience through the steps, highlighting how he avoids Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft, notably the model involved in two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019. By utilizing filters on flight search websites like Kayak, travelers can opt out of flying on those particular planes. The video has since garnered tens of thousands of views. The avoidance of Boeing aircraft also coincides with recent incidents, including one on March 15 when a United Airlines Boeing 737-824 had to ground because of the loss of a panel midflight. This event closely follows another incident where a Boeing 787 Dreamliner suffered a malfunction, injuring passengers, and both follow an episode in January where an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-MAX 9 lost a panel mid-flight, triggering a national investigation. https://www.tiktok.com/tag/boeing?refer=embed Get ready to turn up the heat this spring as celebrated R&B singer and songwriter Tanya Nolan announces the release of her highly anticipated single, “Like Water” (click HERE to listen), accompanied by a scintillating music video. With its captivating water-themed visuals and irresistibly sultry sound, “Like Water” is poised to make waves across the music scene and set the standard for seductive summer anthems. Known for her ability to captivate audiences with her smooth vocals and provocative lyrics, Tanya Nolan is no stranger to pushing boundaries and creating buzz-worthy moments. With “Like Water,” she takes her artistry to new heights, delivering a track that is as infectious as it is alluring. “We wanted to create something that would really grab people’s attention and leave a lasting impression,” says Tanya Nolan. “With ‘Like Water,’ we’ve crafted a song and video that are both visually stunning and musically compelling. It’s a perfect blend of sensuality and sophistication, and I can’t wait for everyone to experience it.” The 9th annual Black Music Honors is back for another year. The event showcases revolutionary artists and musicians who have made a significant impact on African American music. As in previous years, Central City Productions, a Black-owned television programming, production, sales, and distribution company, will produce the show. This year’s celebration will take place at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, GA, on Friday, May 18th, and will be co-hosted by LeToya Luckett and DeRay Davis. The event honors urban music achievements, with the first wave of honorees including Johnny Gill, Patrice Rushen, Bootsy Collins, and Bishop Hezekiah Walker. “Black Music Honors has supported talented artists for 9 years. This year’s honorees are trailblazers deserving of recognition. We are proud to highlight these icons whose impact on black music has resonated globally,” expressed founder and Executive Producer Don Jackson. We (The Glenn Miller Orchestra) have this album…been working on it for a while,” said Erik Stabnau, music director of The Glenn Miller Orchestra, about their latest recorded project “The Glenn Miller Orchestra: 80th Anniversary of The Army Air Force Band” (Hindsight Records) featuring Grammy-winning Crystal Gayle (Grand Ole Opry member). “The Glenn Miller Orchestra…” project offers 15 classic tracks which include “Sentimental Journey” featuring Crystal Gayle (“Brown Eyes”). The Glenn Miller Orchestra reached a milestone when awarded a Gold Record in 1942 for “Chattanooga Choo Choo.” Miller’s orchestra is the only Big Band-era orchestra still on tour. The orchestra performs over 100 dates a year. “The producer got in touch,” Erick said when I asked how they came to have the Hollywood Walk of Famer Crystal Gayle on the album. “He has some kind of connection or relationship. They are both based in Nashville.” Miller was an American patriot who brought the country together during the darkest hours of World War II. He was a well-known big band conductor, arranger, composer, trombonist, and recording artist at the time (Glenn Miller and His Orchestra from 1939 – 1942) when he decided to serve in World War II as an officer of the US Army Air Forces. While serving Glenn Miller formed the Major Glenn Miller Army Air Forces Orchestra. Just two years later in 1944, he disappears when his transport plane to Paris never arrives. A year later in 1945, he was declared dead.“It took a little over a year or more in the studio,” Erik said about the making of the 80th anniversary album. “We recorded Crystal’s vocals on top. She sang beautifully!” https://www.youtube.com/shorts/CI36xyazlgo?feature=share Keke Palmer is set to drop a new memoir, “Master of Me” – noting in an Instagram post that this seems “like the right time to put my thoughts to paper.” “Oh yes, the Virgo speaks. I’m not sure the next time I’ll write a book but this seemed like the right time to put my thoughts to paper,” Palmer captioned the unveiling of the book cover. She also admitted… “Writing this book scares me.” “When you write a book you are sharing who you are and what you are going through at that time. I’ve learned so much about myself this past year and though we don’t know each other and live unique lives, I feel we experience more of the same themes than we know.” Palmer added, “Our life doesn’t always work out the way we think it will. I’m excited to share the next chapter of my ever-growing journey in life with you all. I get real; the pain, the joy, the triumph, I’m not the same person anymore. I look at everything differently and that’s okay, we are the first generation with documented evidence of us growing in real time. The fear and awareness of that can be quite crippling, but I’m not afraid to check the temperature in every era.” https://www.instagram.com/keke/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=8379e7f2-a764-4fbc-84b6-6af3301dcbfa Actress/comedian Amanda Seales dropped by Club Shay Shay this week and chopped it up with host Shannon Sharpe about a myriad of hot topics, including her long-rumored beef with Issa Rae. In the interview, Seales explained that Rae’s publicist, Vanessa Anderson, provoked the perceived issues with Issa. Seales also noted that she has always felt compelled to “protect” Issa while the feeling wasn’t reciprocal. “So I’ve never talked about this publicly because it has always been incredibly important to me to protect Issa. Because I know that Issa is doing something within this business that so few people get to do. And it’s not something I desire to do,” she said. “I’m not interested in getting a $100 million production deal. That’s not a life that I want for myself. But I know that her role is very important.” https://youtu.be/Q9fRHyEidvY Julez Smith, the 19-year-old son of Solange Knowles, is speaking out about loving fashion and navigating the modeling industry in a new interview with Vogue. The profile comes two months after he made his New York Fashion Week debut. In the issue, Smith describes his mother as “one of the best-dressed people in the world.” “Growing up, my grandma was doing costumes for my auntie (Beyoncé) and my mom, and I think my mom is one of the best-dressed people in the world. I just wanted to be fly and keep up with them—but I wanted to be on the modeling side,” Smith told the publication. Before joining Next Management, Smith disclosed that he initially harbored aspirations of becoming a professional athlete in the NBA. “I played basketball growing up, so that was always a big factor when picking a school. I always wanted to play for the school that had the best team. I was really a hooper—I thought I was going to the NBA,” he explained. https://www.instagram.com/iamjulezjsmith/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=5a51990f-e7ee-4b1f-9ba3-dd109d265216 According to Julez, his road to fashion came “naturally.” His breakthrough came in February 2024, with his Luar debut. “I was actually interning with them for a couple of months, and maybe like a week before the show they were just like, ‘Come to the casting.’ So I went to the casting and I got it,” Smith recalled. “I’ve been wanting to model for a couple of years, it just never really worked out. Luar was really my breakthrough. I was actually interning with them for a couple of months, and maybe like a week before the show they were just like, ‘Come to the casting.’ So I went to the casting and I got it.” https://www.instagram.com/iamjulezjsmith/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=1ee4d663-a267-414c-9c82-53e4a0737520 He attributed his unwavering dedication to modeling to observing the work ethic of Solange and Beyoncé. “Growing up, my mom and aunt were doing photo shoots every other week, and I saw how jam-packed and busy it was. It’s good to already understand, ‘Okay, you’re going to have to get up early, be on time, and work long hours.’ And everything moves really fast. It’s work, but I like it,” said Smith. https://www.instagram.com/iamjulezjsmith/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=2b8d9c67-db41-418b-be4e-2ccf550b35e7 Following her selection by the Chicago Sky as the No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, Angel Reese swiftly acquired a new Mercedes-Benz. The former LSU All-American forward showcased her AMG G-Class SUV on her Instagram Story Tuesday. The New York Post reports that the luxury vehicles have a starting price of $183,000. “New city. New beginnings. New big body Barbie Benz,” Reese captioned the post. As The Post reports, Reese signed an NIL deal with Mercedes-Benz of Baton Rouge and received her first Benz for her 21st birthday in May 2023. Her current NIL valuation is $1.8 million. We reported earlier that after LSU’s NCAA champion win, Reese became among the highest-paid women’s college basketball players. WNBA star Brittney Griner is opening up about her harrowing detainment in a Russian prison in a new interview with GMA’s Robin Roberts. Griner’s 2022 arrest in Russia on drug charges sparked diplomatic drama between the US and the Kremlin that played out alongside Russia’s war in Ukraine. She was sentenced to nine years in prison and was moved to a penal colony before being released in a prisoner swap four months later. “I was just so scared for everything, cause it’s just so much unknown,” a tearful Griner tells Roberts in the GMA interview set to air on ABC May 1. “I didn’t think I could get through what I needed to get through,” she added. Watch the teaser via the YouTube clip. https://youtu.be/ovmtrgsjwYA Griner triumphantly returned to the WNBA last year after being released from a Russian penal colony in December 2022. Brittney and her wife, Cherelle Griner, most recently announced they are expecting their first child together. The same-sex couple announced the news on Saturday (April 13) via Instagram, sharing a photo of them holding hands next to an ultrasound image of their baby. The caption on the post reads, “Can’t believe we’re less than three months away from meeting our favorite human being🤍 #BabyGrinerComingSoon #July2024”. This will be Griner’s third child. In 2015, she welcomed twin girls with her ex-wife, Glory Johnson. After they separated, Griner said she had no responsibility to the twins, Ice Cream Convos reports. She was ultimately ordered to pay child support but it’s unclear if the WNBA star is actively involved in their lives. https://twitter.com/i/status/1782753226476904816 Check out an exclusive clip of this week’s episode of the new reality series, “The Barnes Bunch,” airing on Friday at 10 pm ET on WE tv. Per the news release: “The full-court series follows NBA champion and successful Podcaster, Matt Barnes, alongside his fiancée, model and reality personality, Anansa Sims, as they navigate love, forgiveness, and personal growth while reconciling their past. Both incredibly active and supportive parents, they are often aided by Sims’ mother, supermodel and New York Times Bestselling author, Beverly Johnson. Amid their chaotic lives with a blended family of six kids, now they confront the challenge of conquering their complex history to forge a future together and build a lasting union. The stakes are even higher as they navigate co-parenting, family dynamics, fame, and their growing empire.” https://youtu.be/1nKtNkseSy4 Sports commentator and all-around clown, Jason Whitlock, unleashed a scathing critique on Simone Biles after her candid revelations regarding her decision to step back from the 2021 Tokyo Olympics spotlight. The I-wish-I-was-white writer somehow came to the twisted conclusion that the gymnastic GOAT is “pretending” to be as famous as new WNBA star Caitlin Clark. Diving deep into her psyche on the Call Her Daddy podcast, Biles reflected on the harsh limelight of social media and its role in her Olympic intermission. “America hates me. The world is going to hate me. I can only see what they’re saying on Twitter right now,” Biles confided. “Usually if you go to the Olympics and flop or whatever it is, you get people on their couch eating those little chips. “I thought I was going to be banned from America, ‘cause that’s what they tell you: ‘Don’t come back if not gold. Gold or bust. Don’t come back.'” Taking no prisoners, Whitlock disparaged the gymnastic powerhouse’s notoriety by juxtaposing it with Caitlin Clark’s, who soared to the zenith of the WNBA Draft as Indiana Fever’s premier choice. https://twitter.com/i/status/1781352059536658756 “So they build up this importance of themselves. And then they start doing things to make themselves appear important. “But in the grand scheme of things she is not important. She didn’t cut through the way Caitlin Clark goes anywhere, people recognize her. That’s not the same for Simone Biles. “It is a by-product of these young people and this new era we are living in where Twitter is their reality. It distorts reality.” In the universe of gymnastics, Biles is tipped to grace the U.S. Classic in Hartford, Connecticut with her presence next month.As for the Parisian Olympics with its inaugural fanfare slated for July 26, the jury’s still out on Biles’ participation. https://youtu.be/IJowDyEHuWs You won’t be surprised to know that Simone Biles’ fans and just plain ol’ people with functioning brains had a lot to say about Whitlock’s comments. https://twitter.com/WhitlockJason/status/1781352059536658756?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1781671830580863308%7Ctwgr%5Ea1fe3475ccdde829ce7823649a395c6a3d79774c%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fjason-whitlock-claims-simone-biles-is-a-caitlin-clark-pretender%2F Last week, a charming TikTok video featuring a 2-year-old boy from the Philippines went viral as he affectionately referred to Beyoncé as his friend and inquired if he could visit her, tugging at the heartstrings of viewers worldwide. In the clip, the boy’s mother, Bea Fabregas, tells her son Tyler that it’s impossible to visit the superstar singer because she doesn’t know Bey personally and is “not her friend.” “She’s our friend,” Tyler insisted. “Beyoncé is my friend … I want to meet her.” The adorable video has received over 11 million views and caught the attention of the music icon. https://www.tiktok.com/@beafabregas/video/7358714761829190918?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fbeyonce-sends-flowers-to-boy-2-who-wants-to-visit-her%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7358714761829190918 “For the record @beyonce and Tyler are now actually, officially friends!” wrote Fabregas on IG. “Through the power of Queen B’s internet (millions of views and likes it’s crazy!) she saw the video and sent over some of her favorite blue flowers, a new animal best friend for Tyler and the sweetest message that our family will now always treasure.” “In her note (which she started out with ‘To my friend Tyler’ ) she said, ‘I see your halo, Tyler,’” the proud mom added. “Thank you so much for thinking of our little family @yvettenoelschure @beyonce 🥹 I mean with the amount of mentions and videos Beyonce gets everyday, it still blows our mind to know time was set aside to send this sweet gift over.” Fabregas continued, “My mama heart😭 Thank you to everyone who shared it, commented, liked it. Tyler maybe (sic) too young to remember all this, but i’ll always remind him to dream big and shoot for the stars!! BEYONCE SENT MY BABY FLOWERS!!!!” https://www.instagram.com/beafabregas/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=52ae5d42-7fa9-4986-93a3-03aad1090985 The industry was surprised when independent white rapper, Skitz Kraven, a name not known to many hip hop fans, dropped his new album “Do You Hear Them Too.” Kraven is known for his horrror-core rap, a subgenre of hip hop based on horror themed and often dark lyrical content and imagery. The shock was over Kraven pushing popular artists Metro Boomin and Future down to number 3 on the iTunes Hip Hop Charts. “Do You Hear Them Too” came in number two! The Wisconsin-born rapper whose unique macabre aesthetic has attracted a loyal fan base describes himself as “A mix of Eminem, Lil Wayne, Gucci Mane, and Stephen King, with a little bit of Tim Burton.” Many of his songs have drawn upwards of 7 million streams. Skitz chopped it up with radio/TV personally Jazmyn Summers about his dark horror movie style brand, white privilege, and his mental health journey. https://youtu.be/aR1DXjxe7P0 Just a few years ago if you were independent, people wouldn’t even want to give you attention. The media wouldn’t even want to talk to you. But when they start seeing the cult following, I’ve been steadily building since 2015, and when I hit tours, I’m doing numbers like major label artists, they start to notice. For me it’s not flashy outfits, flashy cars, it’s not the fun music videos, it’s really how does music help people get through certain things in their life, whether it’s physical injuries or mental health injuries. I’m an open book since day one., I talk about all the issues I deal with, and I think a lot of people on this earth deal with similar issues and think similar things. https://youtu.be/olfjUfxk8tA I was diagnosed with intermittent explosive disorder, depression, bipolar, and anxiety. It was very hard to control my emotions. It was tough dealing with but I found music and writing as the most healthy lifesaving therapy. I felt like the medication always made things worse, and that’s why I truly try to push people to, if they don’t have to go on medication, find healthy outlets naturally that will help like writing music or finding a hobby and you won’t need to depend on a psych medicine to help you. https://youtu.be/cCnXwqic-M8 I feel like it’s the opposite for me. It’s easier for Harlow than me because he’s talking about some sweet stuff to the ladies. I’m talking about chopping up bodies. I feel like I got to prove myself in hip-hop specifically. But white privilege might help me be able to sell tickets a little easier to certain demographics because I’m a white rapper. I used to get laughed out of the f***ing cafeteria when I would join these freestyle sessions, but I don’t have a chip on my shoulder for that. I just am who I am. Whoever gravitates towards my music gravitates towards it. https://youtu.be/aR1DXjxe7P0 White nationalist Nick Fuentes claims Kanye West turns up his “blackness” when he’s around other Black people. Fuentes made the remarks during a recent Rumble livestream, noting that Ye is the opposite of the typical “gang banger” persona in the rap game. He described the hip-hop star as having the “soul of a white autist.” “He would have to kind of tone up the Blackness when he was with other Black people. I noticed this. When he was with the Black people, he would kind of tone up how Black he was acting,” Fuentes said during the Runble broadcast. https://twitter.com/i/status/1782224312109506745 “When he knew he was safe when he knew it was a judgment-free zone, and he could be himself, that’s when he realized his mom was a professor. And he didn’t come from Chicago, he came from Hyde Park. Big difference. “He came from the campus of [the] University of Chicago. He liked art, he liked poetry. You know, he’s like a white autist in many ways. He’s got the soul of a white autist,” Fuentes continued. “That’s what fuels his genius; not playing into this gang banger, ‘I f**ked your bi**h’ or whatever.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1782310338089697370 CeCe Winans, the unstoppable, multiple award-winning gospel artist, is once again ready to captivate audiences with her unparalleled talent and devotion to worship. Her latest offering, More Than This, is set to release on Friday, April 26th, through PureSprings Gospel/Fair Trade Services, LLC. This live album promises to continue the wave of worship initiated by her previous record, Believe for It. With her track record of success, Winans’ newest release is highly anticipated by fans and critics alike. The first single from More Than This – “That’s My King,” is gaining traction at radio and is seeing streaming popularity along with two other new songs from the album, “Come Jesus Come” & “Holy Forever.” “I pray that this new album, More Than This, will remind people of God’s greatness, not just his goodness. I want God to give us more of Himself and in return we give Him all He deserves,” says Winans. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AB-3Av8RYo8 Get ready for all new episodes of TV One’s original and longest-running series "UNSUNG" and "UNCENSORED" this Sunday, April 21 at 9 PM ET/8 PM C. "UNSUNG" leads with a DJ Special at 9 PM ET / 8C followed by "UNCENSORED", which features Irv Gotti, at 10 PM ET / 9C. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t46pu2M9OHA "UNCENSORED" explores the lives of some of today’s most notable personalities as they provide first-hand accounts of their success and the obstacles they faced throughout their careers. This week's episode highlights Irv Gotti. He rose from Hollis DJ to A&R at Def Jam and founder of his own record label. Tune in as he details his journey creating Murder Inc., launching hip-hop stars, and becoming a force in music, film, and television. Don’t miss an all-new episode of Uncensored on Sunday, April 28 at 10 PM / 9C only on TV One. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9qazt6rq9E Sony Pictures’ AFFIRM Films, Provident Films and the beloved Kendrick Brothers release their official trailer today as they gear up to launch their newest film, THE FORGE, exclusively in theaters nationwide beginning August 23rd. THE FORGE is a bold, inspirational drama about the power of mentorship that takes place in the same cinematic world as WAR ROOM, their 2015 hit film that claimed the #1 spot on the North American box office charts. The cast of THE FORGE includes familiar faces such as Priscilla Shirer (WAR ROOM), Cameron Arnett (OVERCOMER), Karen Abercrombie (WAR ROOM) and newcomer Aspen Kennedy. Also starring T.C. Stallings (WAR ROOM), BJ Arnett, Ken Bevel (COURAGEOUS), Former NFL star Benjamin Watson, Jonathan Evans, Jerry Shirer and Tommy Woodard (FAMILY CAMP). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4aCsaDvagw Vanessa Bell Armstrong is a Gospel legend who for four decades has scored gospel hits, won Stellar Awards and earned multiple Grammy nominations. The dynamic artist has also garnered crossover success and appeared on Broadway. A vocal powerhouse, Vanessa Bell Armstrong has managed to bridge the gap between “old school” Gospel and contemporary music. Shanachie Entertainment is pleased to release, “Today,” the first single from her forthcoming album Today, scheduled for release on June 21, 2024. Vanessa Bell Armstrong’s highly-anticipated new and fourteenth album (not including compilations), is her first in more than a decade. It captures all facets of Vanessa’s artistry, ranging from classic Gospel song to praise and worship and inspirational message music. "This new album is so special to me because it’s a long time coming," confides Vanessa. "God allowed me to finish it just before my father passed and went to heaven. I dedicate this album to him.” Johnson” is a dramedy on Hulu in its fourth season and has had a slow burn of acclaim. Its popularity is on the verge of exploding on the cusp of its new season. The show stars Dejai LaRay, Thomas Q. Jones, Phillip Smithey, Derrex Brady, comedians Earthquake, D.L. Hughley, and a multitude of familiar household names. “Johnson” takes an honest look at four lifelong friends who share the same last name. The story follows the main characters as they deal with the myriad of issues that Black men face in their daily lives; love, financial, mental health, and fatherhood. “These are four different guys,” said Jones. “Typically, there are stereotypes around Black men in general, and there are stereotypes around individual Black men. A specific type of Black men and also plays a part in the culture and how Black men are seen and how certain men are respected or disrespected. You see four different Black men, four different essences, four different complexions, four different energies, four different life ambitions. You see how they all fuse. The name Johnson is synonymous with the Black male experience. That’s why all the characters have the last name Johnson.” President Joe Biden signed a bill Wednesday that could lead to a nationwide TikTok ban, escalating a massive threat to the company’s US operations. Congress passed the bill this week as part of a wide-ranging foreign aid package meant to support Israel and Ukraine. It was approved by the House on Saturday, and by the Senate on Tuesday. The legislation poses the most serious risk to TikTok since US officials began raising concerns about the app in 2020. Under what is now US law, TikTok is forced to find a new owner within months or be banned from the United States entirely. https://youtu.be/44a5BXQ0ig8 OWN’s new reality dating series, “The Never Ever Mets,” brings online love into reality. Per OWN, “This 10-episode series features seven couples who have been virtually dating for some time and believe they may have found lasting love – only they have never met each other in person! Now, they’re meeting face-to-face for the very first time and sharing a house together for three weeks to see if their internet love can survive off the screen and in real life.” The “couples in-person connections are put to the test as the group participates in a series of fun and flirty relationship activities, couples therapy and for some, a trip to the “boom boom room.” Viists from discerning loved ones, meddling opinions and tension from others in the house will challenge the couples’ bonds even further. At the end of their stay, some will go home together…and some will be signing off for good,” the description continues. Per OWN, Jones is a voice of reason for the group, checking in with the couples week to week to see how their time together is going, addressing relationship concerns and facilitating fun team exercises. https://youtu.be/GzUmWzK1bRo Reggie Bush is reclaiming his Heisman Trophy almost 14 years after relinquishing the coveted prize, according to a report by ESPN on Wednesday. The former USC running back, who clinched college football’s most prestigious accolade in 2005, surrendered the honor in 2010 amidst university sanctions, stemming from an extensive investigation that concluded he had received impermissible benefits as a student-athlete. “Personally, I’m thrilled to reunite with my fellow Heisman winners and be a part of the storied legacy of the Heisman Trophy, and I’m honored to return to the Heisman family,” Bush remarked in a statement to ESPN. “I also look forward to working together with the Heisman Trust to advance the values and mission of the organization.” The dynamic shifts within college athletics played a pivotal role in the deliberations of the Heisman Trust. https://youtu.be/bHyv8CFynHw “We are thrilled to welcome Reggie Bush back to the Heisman family in recognition of his collegiate accomplishments,” expressed Michael Comerford, president of The Heisman Trophy Trust, in a statement. “We considered the enormous changes in college athletics over the last several years in deciding that now is the right time to reinstate the trophy for Reggie. We are so happy to welcome him back.” The decision comes approximately three years after the NCAA granted student-athletes the ability to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). Bush showcased his talents at USC from 2003-05 before being drafted as the No. 2 overall pick by the Saints in the 2006 NFL Draft. Now 39, Bush expressed his gratitude on Wednesday for being “honored to return to the Heisman family.” https://youtu.be/WSPN87SjkA8 Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Sam Pollard received this year’s Trailblazer Award during Black Public Media’s PitchBLACK forum on Wednesday, April 24 and 25, at The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space in New York. Per the news release, Black Public Media’s PitchBLACK is the nation’s largest pitch competition for independent filmmakers and creative technologists focused on works about the Black experience will be held next week. Sponsored by Netflix and PBS, the event draws a who’s who of public media, commercial television, documentary filmmaking, immersive technologies and funders to see creatives compete for up to $150,000 in film project funding and up to $75,000 in immersive project funding. This year all film projects are about climate. Winners will be announced at the PitchBLACK Awards on Thursday, April 25, at the Stanley H. Kaplan Penthouse at Lincoln Center, where Pollard will be presented the BPM Trailblazer Award. The acclaimed director-producer-editor and educator is known for his work on films and series like Eyes on the Prize, MLK/FBI, Lowndes County and the Road to Black Power and Mr. SOUL! and his editing of several iconic Spike Lee films. Baltimore comedian Sir Alex will host the awards ceremony, which will see Pollard in conversation with radio personality and journalist Brittany Luse of NPR. https://www.instagram.com/blackpublicmedia/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=8c32a02f-cc3b-4212-967d-679bfc67bf43 Stephen A. Smith apologized for offending Black people with his recent commentary on Donald Trump. We reported earlier that when Smith appeared recently on Fox News alongside Sean Hannity, he came to Trump‘s defense following the ex-president’s assertion that Black Americans empathize with him because of his legal troubles. The NAACP slammed Smith after his comments on Trump’s legal troubles, and Smith clapped back at the organization on social media. “This is absolutely, positively, sad that you — @NAACP — would misrepresent my comments like this. I was asked what Blacks WHO SUPPORT TRUMP are thinking as to why they support him. I answer THAT question. Sad! But you’re entitled. Good luck. Maybe that will beat Trump, since little else seems to be working — which was my overall point. We shall see,” Smith wrote on X/Twitter. On Monday (April 22), Smith apologized on his YouTube channel while claiming that the Black community misinterpreted his words. https://twitter.com/i/status/1782549415246315978 Seventeen-year-old Christian Miller, a senior at Creekside High School in Florida, has made headlines with his astonishing performance at the Pure Athletics Invitational in Clermont, Florida. Miller clocked an impressive time of 9.93 seconds in the 100 meters, marking not only a personal best but also a world-leading time for his age category. “I feel great, it feels like all the work I put in finally came together,” Miller said post-race in an interview with FitzRoy Dunkley. In a remarkable feat, Miller surpassed Trayvon Bromell’s U.S. U20 100m record, solidifying his position as one of the country’s most promising sprinters. Miller now claims the third spot on the all-time world U20 list, trailing only behind Issam Asinga and Letsile Tebogo. https://www.instagram.com/fitzdunk/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=860f01c7-71f7-4671-924a-f09c3ada4604 Today, the 28th annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) announced its lineup of the narrative and documentary features. This year’s festival, which takes place live in Miami Beach June 12-16, followed by an online segment June 17-24 on ABFF PLAY (abffplay.com), spotlights incredible emerging creatives in the film-making space. ABFF has become a cornerstone for diversity in Hollywood showcasing Black creativity and stories through a one of a kind platform for mainstream audiences and beyond. The 2024 festival will encompass diverse narrative and documentary filmmakers from the USA, Nigeria, France and Canada. In addition, the narrative features lineup includes an array of programming across genres – action, psychological thriller, romance, biography, drama, comedy, and coming-of-age stories that also depict culturally relevant themes such as mental health, trafficking, homelessness, gang violence, gentrification and LGBT advocacy. Marvel Studios released a new trailer for the highly anticipated “DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE,” starring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman. The superhero actioner, directed by Shawn Levy, features Emma Corrin, Morena Baccarin, Rob Delaney, Leslie Uggams, Karan Soni, and Matthew Macfadyen. Reynolds co-wrote the script and also serves as producer along with Levy, MCU boss Kevin Feige. The synopsis states: “In Marvel Studios ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’, Wade Wilson is confronted by the TVA, which pulls him from a seemingly quiet life and results in Deadpool being unleashed.” “DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE” opens in U.S. & Canadian movie theaters on July 26 and will be available in IMAX, RealD 3D, Dolby Cinema, 4DX, Cinemark XD, and premium screens everywhere. https://youtu.be/73_1biulkYk The Philadelphia City Council’s ban on ski masks is doing more harm than good for Black and brown youth, with troubling consequences on the way, according to a recent op-ed from Teen Vogue. Weighing in on the issue, writers Kristin Henning and Vic Wiener cite comments made by youth advocates who labeled the ban as an attack on culture. “In stark contrast, there have been no similar efforts to ban the neck gaiters, khaki pants, and polo shirts prominently worn by far-right neo-fascist groups like the Proud Boys and the Patriot Front,” the pair voiced. “Whatever the justification, by dictating what young people can wear, fashion bans may violate the First Amendment right to freedom of expression. The op-ed comes months after the ban was made official after the City Council passed a bill in December 2023 prohibiting the use of ski masks in parks, schools, public transit or other city-owned buildings, according to CNN. Although the move was praised for helping police solve crimes, it has come under fire from Philadelphia teens and civil rights advocates who feel it will criminalize people of color. Under the bill, which was signed into law by Mayor Jim Kenney, offenders will be fined $250 for each offense, and up to $2,000 if a mask is worn during the commission of a crime, CNN noted. https://youtu.be/CnkF-6zuYcU “Even though Philadelphia’s ban carries a civil fine rather than a criminal penalty, it allows police to stop, question, and frisk youth without reasonable suspicion that the young person is engaging in criminal activity — the level of suspicion the Constitution requires for police to justify a stop,” the scribes voiced. “Police interactions cause and exacerbate trauma, especially for the youth of color. Further, police interactions with youth can go from 0 to 100 in a second. Youth who experience or witness excessive or aggressive police contact in their community may become anxious, evasive, and even defiant toward the police. An officer who misinterprets a child’s fear, attitude, “back talk,” or physical resistance as a threat may tackle and restrain the youth, handcuff them, and charge them with a crime far more serious than wearing a ski mask. Overall, the writers feel crime will continue, regardless of the ski mask ban. To truly make an impact and reduce the crime rate, Henning and Wiener suggest an approach that benefits everyone. “If we really want to reduce crime, let’s invest in children, families, schools, and communities instead of criminalizing teenagers and their fashion.” https://www.youtube.com/shorts/vIv_Ix91lI4?feature=share A former employee has filed a lawsuit against Megan Thee Stallion, alleging that the rapper subjected him to sexual harassment. According to court documents, Emilio Garcia, who worked as Megan’s personal camera operator, alleged that he witnessed the rapper engaging in sexual activity with another woman in a moving SUV while on tour in Ibiza, Spain, in June 2022, Fox News reports. The next day, Stallion reportedly questioned Garcia about whether or not he had been in the SUV the previous night. Upon confirming his presence, Stallion allegedly instructed him, “Don’t ever discuss what you saw.” Stallion also “berated and directed her fat-shaming comments towards” him during the trip to Spain. She allegedly called him a “fat b—-” and told him to “spit your food out,” and that “you don’t need to be eating,” the legal docs stated. Garcia, who worked with Stallion since 2018, claims he was “purposefully misclassified” as an independent contractor, and his hours of employment were not properly recorded. “As a result of misclassification, Plaintiff was not permitted to take rest and meal breaks,” docs stated. Candace Owens recently announced her conversion to Catholicism, describing it as a “decision to go home.” “There is of course so much more that went into this decision and that I plan to share in the future. But for now, praise be to God for His gentle, but relentless guiding of my heart toward Truth,” Owens tweeted on April 22. One supporter wrote in the post’s comments, “Welcome home @RealCandaceO. We are delighted to have you as part of Spiritual Family. Deo gratias!” Another X user added, “Welcome Home @RealCandaceO! The road ahead is tough, both without and within the Church. May we all persevere to the end in the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church!” thrd person said, “Welcome home, @RealCandaceO! Such joyful and glorious news! I wrote on April 9: “Candace Owens is right: Christ is King. Let us pray that she will soon join her Catholic husband in the one true Church…” https://twitter.com/RealCandaceO/status/1782490242026459349/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1782490242026459349%7Ctwgr%5Ea44acb8414e5b3f8df4fe04b3d6e74786a8f133f%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fcandace-owens-announces-conversion-to-catholicism-going-home%2F In a new Instagram video, Beyoncé flaunts her long, luxurious locks — appearing to address speculation and “misconceptions” about whether she wears a wig. The superstar promotes her hair care line Cécred in the clip, giving fans a glimpse of her haircare routine using the brand’s products. “Now that Cécred is known for the quality and what it does for your hair, I think it’s about time I show y’all what it does for my hair,” she said in a voiceover. “I love the lather. It’s very soothing, the smells.” Queen Bey made a point to address the “misconception” that she typically wears a long platinum blonde wig due to damage to her natural hair. “The stigma and misconception is that people who wear wigs don’t have long and healthy hair,” she said. “That’s some bulls*** because it ain’t nobody’s business.” https://www.instagram.com/beyonce/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c786874c-862c-49c4-8588-92d70c41c952 Ye is speaking out about having to lay hands on the man who allegedly assaulted his wife, Bianca Censori, at the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles last week. A rep for Ye told TMZ … “‘Grabbed’ is grossly inadequate as a description of what happened. Bianca was physically assaulted. The assailant didn’t merely collide into her. He put his hands under her dress, directly on her body, he grabbed her waist, he spun her around, and then he blew her kisses. She was battered and sexually assaulted.” The LAPD is investigating the incident. During his appearance on Justin LaBoy’s new podcast The Download, Ye admitted that he punched the man who assaulted his wife. https://youtu.be/ENer_AZ1s4I British actor David Harewood said white actors should be able to portray Black characters. “We’re at this strange point in the profession where people go: ‘Oh, you can’t play that role because you’re not disabled, or you can’t play that because you’re not really from there.’ The name of the game is acting,” he said in an interview with The Guardian, Deadline reports. “Yes, we’ve got to be representative, but I do think we have to be careful … That even extends to Othello in blackface. I say, if you want to black up, have at it, man. It’d better be f***ing good, or else you’re gonna get laughed off the stage. But knock yourself out! Anybody should be able to do anything.” Harewood portrayed CIA agent David Estes in “Homeland.” More recently, he starred as J’onn J’onzz in the CBS series “Supergirl.” His comments come on the heels of over 800 renowned Black actors writing an open letter condemning the racist harassment directed at Black actress Francesca Amewudah-Rivers following her casting as Juliet in a West End production of “Romeo & Juliet.” Pam Grier is teaming up with Cardi B on a new movie, but fans must wait at least two years to watch it because the rapper is teaching her how to pole dance. “I’m doing, presently, my biopic as a series. As soon as I finish that, I really want to work with her,” Grier said on the April 17 episode of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, MadameNoire reports. “It could be in maybe two years at the theater ’cause I’m now learning how to pole dance.” She added, “And it’s taking a minute, but it’s a lot of fun. It’s a wonderful story. I don’t want to give it away, but it’s perfect for her because she’s a great mom,” Grier said. According to MadameNoire, Grier mentioned her collaboration with Cardi B in 2022. “I’m writing something for me and Cardi B,” Grier stated. “I love Cardi and ‘WAP.’ She [Megan Thee Stallion] and Lizzo and Nicki Minaj and some of the others, they know — you gotta make your own style. You get to hire people later. But you come up with your own stuff, then you just draw people like a magnet, so collaborators make you greater and greater.” https://www.instagram.com/hollywoodunlocked/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=4d7d485f-f630-4501-888a-67a4305a20a0 New York’s AngelicVoices, New Jersey’s Kah’Ni Rich, and Baltimore’s Anthony Jenson are the top three winners of the 25th annual Baltimore “Uplifting Minds II” Entertainment Conference’s National Talent Competition held virtually this past weekend. AngelicVoices performed his new Hip-Hop/Gospel single “Who Do You Think You Are” featuring rapper Asim I.I. and won 1st Place. Actress Kah’Ni Rich performed a monolog of the Maya Angelou poem “Still I Rise” winning 2nd Place, and dancer Anthony Jenson performed various Hip-Hop moves winning 3rd Place. All three winners receive the ULMII Award, a cash prize, and over $20,000 in products and services. Celebrating 25 years, the “ULMII” Entertainment Conference was hosted by Stellar Award-winning radio personality Dr. Doresa Harvey (1500Radio.com) and moderated by ULMII founder Dr. Eunice Moseley (ThePulseofEntertainment.com). The ULMII Entertainment Conference also offered a professional showcase where Pop’s Michele Vreeland (Xyla Records, LLC) performed her latest single “Wild Horses”, and R&B/Soul’s Antoine Dunn (Harvey Marie Records) performed the titled track to his latest album “Everything.” The cause of Louis Gossett Jr.’s passing has been disclosed. The Hollywood icon, who passed away at the age of 87 in Santa Monica, Calif., on March 29, succumbed to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as indicated by his death certificate, PEOPLE reports. We reported previously via CNN that Gossett became the first Black man to win an Oscar for a supporting role in 1983 for his work as the tough drill instructor, training a character played by Richard Gere, in “An Officer and a Gentleman.” “Lou was a sweetheart. He took his job very seriously. He did his research. He stayed in character the whole time,” Gere said in a statement to CNN in March. “He was the drill sergeant 24 hours a day, and it showed clearly in his performance. He drove every scene he was in. A tough guy with a heart of gold.” His family announced Gossett’s death in a statement on March 29. https://youtu.be/TVBpq1pIyVA Kodak Black has achieved a significant legal victory as his drug possession case has been officially dismissed, according to multiple outlets. The rapper had an evidence tampering charge tossed out by a judge on April 17. The ruling came as prosecutors failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove that Kodak Black had disposed of evidence by placing oxycodone in his mouth. The only remaining issue in the case is a traffic violation, The Jasmine Brand reports. Earlier this year, Black’s drug possession charges were dismissed. According to The Associated Press, the charge was dismissed on February 9 after prosecutors failed to “confirm, or refute, whether the rapper Bill Kapri had a prescription for oxycodone,” Hip Hop DX writes. Katt Williams will stream a live comedy special on Netflix this spring titled “Woke Foke.” “This is the truth right here,” Williams tells the audience in the trailer. “I don’t give a f**k… It’s gonna be some s**t!” Troy Miller helms “Woke Foke,” and it will stream live during the “Netflix is a Joke Comedy Fest” in Los Angeles, which runs from May 1 to May 12. The performance will be filmed at the YouTube Theater in Inglewood, California. Netflix said Williams will “let loose in real time” during the hour-long set. The project marks Williams’ third comedy special for the streaming platform. “Woke Foke” streams live on Netflix on May 4 at 7 p.m. PT/10 p.m. ET. The comedy special comes four months after Williams’ controversial appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast. https://youtu.be/TozX3UUPVt4 A mother (Lakesha Woods Williams) accused of leaving her young children home alone for a week to go on a cruise remains in hot water. KHOU 11 reports a $25,000 bond issued by the judge in the case was recently upheld on April 15. The site further detailed the judge’s thoughts on the case, which centered on Williams, a 29-year-old Houston, TX mother of two. According to court records, Williams is charged with child abandonment with intent to return after leaving her 6 and 8-year-old children home alone for nearly a week. Although deputies attempted to contact Williams, court records go on to state the matriarch was not cooperating and kept changing her whereabouts. Child Protective Services was also called about the situation as well as the Houston Fire Department. The fire department was called to make sure the children were not injured or malnourished, KHOU noted while citing court record which revealed the children were released to the custody of their aunt. The judge’s decision to uphold the bond comes days after Williams received it when she appeared in court on April 12. The mother was arrested on April 11. https://youtu.be/y_lHfPP_6xI Deflecting who is to blame, Williams’ defense attorney mentioned that although his client paid her cousin to watch the kids, he took off with the money. As a result, Williams’ children were left alone. “You left your child unattended for four days. Let’s say you leave the country out on a trip, and the cousin doesn’t go to take care of the children. If this is really a plane flight like she says it is, wouldn’t you as a parent be on the first plane back immediately?” Assistant District Attorney Keegan Childers asked. On April 9, police conducted a welfare check after getting word from a witness that neighbors in a luxury high-rise apartment complex on Katy Freeway voiced concern about the children’s safety from being home alone, according to court documents. Williams was seen by neighbors on April 4, leaving with luggage around noon. KHOU went on to mention that no one ever saw Williams’ return. https://youtu.be/JNxcvLt9YAs Brian McKnight is catching the eye of social media for reasons outside of his music. Instead of a new song, the 54-year-old crooner is attracting attention again for family drama. This time, the drama finds McKnight favoring his new family over his biological children (sons Brian Kelly McKnight Jr. and Niko McKnight and daughter Briana McKnight), whom he labeled as “evil” and “products of sin.” “In order to live a life that you love, you have to get rid of the evil and the negativity, even if that evil and negativity is related,” posted the singer, who shares Brian Jr. And Niko with ex-wife Julie McKnight and Briana with former flame Patricia Driver. McKnight’s post is the latest in a series of developments involving his biological children. Over the past few months, the entertainer has publicly disowned his sons, according to Bossip. The estrangement came after the drama leaked onto social media after McKnight married his current wife, Leilani McKnight, in 2017. The “Back at One” vocalist is a father to two stepchildren, Julia and Jack McPhee. The couple followed their marriage with the arrival of their first son, Brian Kainoa Makoa Jr., in 2022. The newest fuel to the fire came at the end of 2023, when the elder McKnight reignited talk of his biological kids after taking to Instagram to honor his stepdaughter, Julia, for earning her master’s degree. https://www.instagram.com/icecreamconvos_/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=ad02a588-fdcd-47a7-947c-7120fefdb4e5 Close to 30 years after its release, “Friday” remains one of the funniest and most beloved movies of all time. A big reason for its success stems from Chris Tucker, who broke through in a major way by playing the weed-smoking lead character Smokey. Unfortunately for fans, Tucker’s appearance on “Friday” was only a one-shot, as he moved on to headline another successful movie franchise in “Rush Hour.” Reminiscing over his breakthrough role and time making “Friday,” Tucker revealed he only took home $10,000 for playing Smokey, Moguldom noted. Considering how well-received the stoner comedy was, with its memorable scenes and lines, it may surprise folks who felt his performance was worth way more than what he was paid. Yet, the experience of making “Friday” and doing what he does best made it time well spent, in Tucker’s eyes. “That’s one of those things; it was just a small movie. We filmed it in 20 days and I get but about $10,000 for it or whatever. I didn’t care. I wanted the opportunity,” Tucker confessed to Shannon Sharpe during an appearance on NFL icon’s “Club Shay Shay” podcast on Jan. 27. According to the funnyman, “Friday” had a budget of $2 or $3 million, with actors permitted to only film two takes for scenes or risk getting their roles cut from the film. “It was that small of a movie, but that was the beauty of it because it allowed me to get into character,” Tucker shared. “It wasn’t no big distractions like big movie sets. You got light people and sound people and everybody wanna be a star. But that movie was just a camera and me and Cube on the porch. Magic came out of it, thank God.” https://youtu.be/SxbbZkBKcuk “Sometimes when God bless you man, He bless you more than what you can even dream,” Tucker said. As for working with Love and Mac, it was nothing but laughs and appreciation all around for the comedic fixtures. “The beauty about the scene with me and Big Worm, with Fasion Love. We were best friends so we clowned around all day, every day,” Tucker said. “It was so easy to work with him, but we were laughing a lot. Faizon would laugh all the time because he looking at me like, ‘Look at him trying to be serious.’” “And Bernie Mac, of course, he’s one of my heroes,” “The Fifth Element” star said about his late co-star. I was fanning him. So everybody I had a connection with … every time I was with them, I was excited and it was just easy to do. https://youtu.be/PDiCcQyQVnI Bernard McKinley is proof that hard work pays off. Even in prison. The 39-year-old, who went behind bars at age 19, is making history after his December 2023 release by being accepted into the prestigious Northwestern Pritzker School of Law in Chicago. The achievement is notable personally and professionally for McKinley, the first person from the Northwestern University Prison Education Program (NPEP) to be accepted into any law school. The Guardian notes the 4% acceptance rate for the School of Law. As a result, McKinley enters a new phase of his life without the weight of his past hindering him from making his dream of being a lawyer a reality. “Just months ago, I was still behind prison bars, and not knowing exactly how the future of going to law school would turn out. So to be home and know I’m going to law school … is an amazing feeling,” he told the Guardian. McKinley’s entry into law school is the result of years of hard work that goes back 22 and a half years to the start of his prison sentence. While incarcerated at the Statesville Correctional Center in northern Illinois, he earned his bachelor’s degree last year via the NPEP. The Northwestern program is noted for being among a handful of US-based efforts that offer a college-level education to incarcerated people. https://youtu.be/G8x75EJE1Ps Though it all, McKinley stayed focused. Reflecting on his experience, he mentioned how transformative the NPEP program was in elevating himself. “It allowed me to reflect on who I thought I was, who I wanted to be, and where I wanted to go,” he said, adding that classes taught him how social ills, such as systemic racism, manifest in society. Nowadays, McKinley is making his mark as the first person in his family to attend college, particularly seeking further education in a school of law. With that comes the hope of becoming a civil rights lawyer and opening his own legal aid clinic to help other marginalized communities. “It feels amazing. I’m definitely a positive role model for the future generation and my family. So you know, I have a job to do,” he said noting the responsibility that comes with coming far from where he was with his accomplishments. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/OZ1YLmVK9uo?feature=share Ahead of his high-stakes clash with Devin Haney amid a whirlwind of a promotion, Ryan Garcia‘s readiness for combat came under scrutiny, amplified by Garcia’s unpredictable outbursts. Stepping into the ring on Saturday at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn as the underdog, Garcia’s (25-1, 20 KOs) chances seemed slim. Yet, with a dazzling, potent left hook, Garcia altered the course of the fight, knocking Haney down three times to clinch the victory by way of a majority decision. While one adjudicator tallied the fight as a 112-112 draw, the other two favored Garcia with 114-110 and 115-109 scores. Nevertheless, Garcia was precluded from seizing Haney’s WBC junior welterweight championship due to tipping the scales at 143.2 pounds the preceding day, breaching the 140-pound limit. Haney retained his title in defeat, yet the night belonged to Garcia, who notched a monumental triumph. “I don’t give a damn about the chatter regarding me. I faced the blaze, held my ground, toppled freaking Devin Haney, and, believe it or not, I still indulge daily,” Garcia, 25, proclaimed. “I’m not exactly proud, but make no mistake, it was a declaration—a clear message that I’m beyond your reach.” https://youtu.be/lPuGVHsTMn0 As the fight commenced, Garcia immediately sent a warning with a fierce left hook that staggered the defending champion. Haney (31-1, 15 KOs) gathered himself and proceeded to outmaneuver Garcia in successive rounds, even shaking Garcia in the third with a commanding right. Garcia, however, landed the crucial left hook in the seventh round, sending Haney to the mat for the first time in his 32 professional bouts. A subsequent powerful right hand from Garcia was marred by a point deduction for hitting on the break, as Harvey Dock, the referee, enforced the rules. “It was abysmal officiating,” Garcia remarked. “Haney clung to me desperately, and when my hands were unbound, I saw the chance to swing. I landed a solid hit, and then he deducts a point for my strike. Meanwhile, Haney wouldn’t stop clutching… What happened was outrageous. I’ve never witnessed anything like it.” Garcia’s potential two-point gain was negated, but it was inconsequential. He toppled Haney once more in the tenth with a mighty right hand, duplicating the wobbling effect from the sixth round. In the eleventh, Garcia’s signature left hook once again found its mark, hurtling Haney backward onto the canvas. Despite the damage, Haney recovered and lasted until the final bell in what would be remembered as an unusually shocking and riveting fight. https://youtu.be/CwyT09IVA_Q Reflecting on the fight, a 25-year-old Haney acknowledged, “I’m let down by my own showing. Still, I demonstrated true champion grit, battling on after being downed.” “He blindsided me early on; I underestimated him and his left hook caught me off-guard,” he conceded. “I had given him an opportunity, and it’s only fair he reciprocates.”..In a controversial move, Garcia, known for a shoulder roll that left him vulnerable, had promised to discard the technique after its ineffective use in a December knockout victory over Oscar Duarte. Yet once more, the defensive maneuver faltered, though Garcia still managed to counter Haney’s formidable jab. Haney, still confident, had managed to clinch his undisputed lightweight title with a close-cut unanimous decision over renowned Vasiliy Lomachenko back in May. Moving up a division, Haney triumphed in a match against Regis Prograis, marking his junior welterweight debut with a clean sweep decision, even downing the champion for a new title. https://youtu.be/aVZ0Co7aGew On this fated Saturday, while Haney entered as ESPN’s top pick at 140 pounds, Garcia, having previously faltered at the elite level with a seventh-round defeat by Gervonta Davis, returned to astonish and demonstrate his ability to take down the elite, possibly fueled somewhat by the tumultuous promotion. “This kind of chaos can be what some fighters need,” Oscar De La Hoya, the Hall of Famer and Garcia’s promoter, noted earlier. “There are those who thrive amidst the turmoil, as it shields you from reality.” https://youtu.be/FdPoXK0Thx8 Prior to the match, Garcia was mandated by the New York State Athletic Commission to pass a mental health check, which he cleared. Despite being candid about his struggles with anxiety and depression, Garcia had expressed earlier that he felt the requirement was unjust and belittling. “Once, I’ve stepped back from a fight,” Garcia admitted. “I know my limits and when there’s a real issue.” https://youtu.be/Bvm1CYHsgNA A graffiti artist takeover? Climbing up abandoned, unfinished floors and tightropes walking across balcony ledges, backpacks clanging with cans of alkyd and acrylic, a collective of Los Angeles graffiti artists have transformed their craft beyond urban aesthetics to champion community issues. Their choice of canvas: Oceanwide Plaza in Downtown LA. Occupying over a full square city block, the plaza was imagined as a vast mixed-use building project, offering city residents over 500 lavish condominiums, a five-star hotel, retail spaces, restaurants, and a private 2-acre park. However, construction on the $1 billion project, which began in 2015, was shelved after the Chinese-backed contractor Oceanwide Holdings ran out of funding in 2019 — and it has lain unfinished ever since. The plaza’s status — and potential — as an eye-catching venue for their work spread by word of mouth within the graffiti community in recent months. Security at the site was known to be lax, an important detail as accessing the plaza’s towers and other buildings constitutes trespassing. (The Los Angeles City Attorney confirmed to CNN that, as of April 3, criminal charges have been filed against 23 individuals, for violations including trespassing and possession of vandalism tools.) https://youtu.be/i5jMxC0q_nw Transformed in part into an art installation, Oceanwide became an opportunity for the graffiti artists to leave a message to the city below and a call-out to policymakers who leave buildings to rot. “Graffiti shows you where the city hurts,” Roger Gastman, owner and founder of the LA-based arts organization Beyond the Streets, told CNN. Renowned for its large-scale exhibitions, immersive educational programs, pop-up events and partnerships, Beyond the Streets works to educate and celebrate the diverse dimensions of graffiti as a medium. To him, the mission of graffiti is clear: to challenge, educate, and redefine public perception of the medium. Earl Ofari Hutchinson, president of The Los Angeles Urban Policy Roundtable, a nonpartisan public policy forum for civic participation and education, sees the abandoned towers as amplifying the social issues of the community they are situated in, connecting the graffiti-laden structures to the urban blight that surrounds them in LA’s Skid Row. https://youtu.be/CgSG385I-EQ But to Gastman, graffiti is a powerful form of expression, and a call to action — particularly for those who emanate from struggles within home life, gang life, or societal turmoil. Graffiti culture can offer an unexpected support system for those the city has abandoned, Gastman said. It becomes a platform for them to make their voices heard. “In graffiti culture, a lot of us know each other. We’re all friends. We have the same mentality — we’re just trying to get up. We’re just trying to get noticed,” explained ENDEM. Amid an addiction that led to his rock bottom, graffiti became his lifeline, he explained. “I was at my lowest of lows, still trying to stay sober, I needed some type of outlet,” he told CNN. “Graffiti is something that you can hold on to. It’s bigger than me, it’s everyone, it’s a community.” https://youtu.be/JVt6l0rFlwk This weekend a re-imagined Dracula’s Daughter flew into theaters! “Abigail” stars Melissa Barrera, Kathryn Newton, Dan Stevens, Angus Cloud and Alisha Weir as the nominative offspring of Mr. De Ville. The under-creature horror flick follows a crew of criminals who kidnap the ballerina daughter of a powerful Netherworld boss. The Universal Pictures film is directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillet. https://vimeo.com/937355341 Cloud delivers a naturally comical, charming and stellar performance. In the final credits of “Abigail,” there is a dedication to him, so we asked the directors how it felt to have worked with the actor in one of his last films. https://youtu.be/3PsP8MFH8p0 Luther Campbell, also known as Uncle Luke, is considering a challenge against Democratic Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick. Newsweek reports that the Miami-based artist revealed his potential congressional run in a recent interview with The Bulwark, published on March 29. The 2 Live Crew frontman will formally decide his candidacy by Florida’s April 26 qualifying deadline. He expressed his belief in having “the opportunity to bring something back to the community.” “And I get to fight these mother*******,” Campbell, 63, told the publication, noting that he was referring to “Matt Gaetz, Donald Trump, and all these crazy-a** Republicans who want to divide us.” Gaetz responded to Campbell’s remarks in a statement to Newsweek: “The last time Uncle Luke ran for office he came in fourth in a mayoral race. He did lame radio ads for the even lamer Phil Levine for Governor campaign too. He says he wants to fight me but I’ve won all my elections. Uncle Luke has Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick in an undercard bout before he’s even a contender.” The Coalition of Concerned Freedmen™, comprised of members of the descendant community of U.S. chattel slaves, descendants of free Negroes, unaffiliated Negro descendants of slaves to Native American tribes (collectively “Freedmen”), and allies, extend sincere condolences to all affected by the tragic loss of life and distress caused by the catastrophic collapse of Baltimore Maryland’s Francis Scott Key Bridge. Thankfully, President Biden has promised that federal money will fund the bridge rebuild. Immediately after the Key Bridge crumbled, business interests (including the immigration lobby) positioned themselves to receive special consideration for this public works project. And while some civil rights groups demand that the bridge is no longer named after the writer of our Star-Spangled Banner (Francis Scott Key), little attention has been given to the question of who will rebuild this critical infrastructure. Now is not the time for opportunism and yet another erasure of American historical figures! The Coalition of Concerned Freedmen demands that the Biden administration not expedite work permits for illegal aliens to source labor for the bridge rebuild. This weekend, as thousands of Black college students flocked to Tybee Beach, Georgia’s largest public beach on Tybee Island for an annual spring bash, they were met with a significant police presence and barricades blocking off neighborhood streets. Despite the beach remaining open, officials restricted access to nearby parking. Tybee Island, located east of Savannah, has grappled with the April beach party dubbed Orange Crush for over three decades, initiated by students at Savannah State University, a historically Black institution. Residents have frequently voiced concerns about the disruptive noise, littering, and public indecency associated with the event. Tensions escalated a year ago when a record-breaking crowd of over 100,000 overwhelmed the small island, straining law enforcement with numerous emergency calls reporting incidents ranging from gunfire to traffic congestion. Mayor Brian West, elected last fall, expressed determination to end Orange Crush, citing safety concerns and the strain it places on the community. “This has to stop. We can’t have this crowd anymore,” West told the AP via NBC News. “My goal is to end it.” https://youtu.be/iE2BmSpQgYM Nigerian chess champion and child education advocate Tunde Onakoya has broken the record for the longest chess marathon after playing for an extraordinary 60 hours nonstop under the bright lights of New York City’s Times Square. The Guinness World Record organization has not yet confirmed Onakoya’s attempt, which can sometimes take weeks, but for many Nigerians, the 29-year-old is already considered something of a national hero. Onakoya is attempting to raise $1 million for a charity to support education for children across Africa. He had aimed to play for 58 hours but continued until hitting the 60-hour mark in the early hours of Saturday morning, surpassing the previous record of 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds set in 2018 by Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad of Norway. https://youtu.be/OXzyfXZQavQ The match drew significant attention in Nigeria and was broadcast across multiple locations in Lagos, the country’s largest city, featuring watch parties and digital billboards. Onakoya founded Chess in Slums Africa, which seeks to empower children in underprivileged communities by using chess to enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills, in Lagos. https://youtu.be/Gb6UdXsLejQ In February this year, the chess master captivated the global chess community with his viral performance at the Digital–Life – Design conference in Berlin. After overcoming visa challenges, he showcased his skills by playing (and winning) simultaneous matches against 10 players, including distinguished Bulgarian scientist and politician Solomon Passy. Onakoya also sits on the board at The Gift of Chess, founded by US chess coach Russell Makofsky, which hopes to distribute one million chess sets to communities worldwide by 2030. https://youtu.be/JvpTZCie3Yg ”Dream with your eyes open” is a golden nugget Seth Towns heard from his mentor while studying at Harvard, and he has shown us all that he’s been dreaming with his eyes wide open ever since. Seth Towns is an impressive young Black intellectual who has accomplished far beyond the average 26-year-old. He has earned a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University and a Master of Science from Ohio State all while being a Student-Athlete. Seth has had a very successful career on and off the court, and through many trials and tribulations, he came out on the other side maintaining resilience. After earning his Master’s degree he still had one year of eligibility left to continue his NCAA collegiate basketball career. Seth chose to use his last year of eligibility at none other than the illustrious Howard University. He is currently a Small Forward on the Howard University Men’s Basketball team and a student once again. Upon first glance, you may see a guy who is 6’8 and plays basketball, but there is much more to Towns than meets the eye. Towns learned a lot from his time at Harvard and Ohio State, but three lessons were prominent. Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker recently addressed rumors of an impending divorce. In an interview with Us Weekly, Burruss, 47, recounted learning about the divorce rumor via a blind item from her 21-year-old daughter Riley, whom she shares with her ex, Russell Spencer. “Riley actually sent it to me. She was like, ‘Why do people keep saying that y’all about to get divorced?’ I was like, ‘I don’t know,’” Burruss said. Burruss believes her husband’s YouTube channel prompted the speculation. “I think it came from Todd and I on his YouTube. We were doing this thing called Todd and the Glam Squad where I would get my hair and makeup done [and] he would sit and we would talk about hot topics or relationship issues,” she explained. Rapper Chingy was featured on Sunday’s episode of TV One’s hit series, “Unsung,” and he recalled how Sidney Starr, a transgender social media model, lied and derailed his career. You might remember the viral photo from 2009 featuring Chingy posing with Starr. As Ice Cream Convos reports, Starr would go on to falsely claim she and Chingy dated “on and off” and were involved in a sexual relationship. Starr’s devious assertion about dating them tarnished Chingy’s career and reputation. “I was in the works with Interscope on a record deal,” Chingy said during the “Unsung” episode. “That lie was so big on social media I lost a whole record deal and so much other stuff from that,” he added. https://www.instagram.com/theneighborhoodtalk/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c9a6741d-6e23-4d21-89b5-31006c07815d “Couple of months later, same individual go crying on camera talking about how they lied for 15 minutes of fame because they wanted a reality show,” Chingy said. “These things that they wanted happened, while things I was doing…died. It was a heavy blow. It took years to recover from. I’m talking about years, probably over a decade.” https://youtu.be/1cM_PvauNXE GRAMMY nominated and Stellar Award-winning Jekalyn Carr celebrates her 27th birthday today, just as she also completes her critically acclaimed performances on the nationally sold-out ONE HALLELUJAH TOUR. Known for her self-designed fashions on the tour, and her thematic birthday photo shoots - her latest creation, pays homage to a select few of the musical legends who have inspired her career. In celebration of her 27th birthday, Carr recreated the iconic album covers of GRAMMY winners Shirley Caesar, Yolanda Adams, Cece Winans and Dorinda Clark Cole - all shot by famed photographer Marcus Owens. Liz Camerote is on a mission with her pet waste removal service. You can also think of it as a stinky sort of treasure hunt. “It’s almost like Easter eggs, but with dog piles,” she said while laughing. Camerote knows picking up poo is a task many don’t want to do, especially foraging for frozen feces. “I’m sure there’s a lot more hiding in the snow,” she said. “It will come out when it starts melting.” However, Camerote is anything but down in the dumps. “It’s an easy, wonderful job to do, like I couldn’t get any better,” she said. Camerote is a pet waste technician with Poop Genie, one of the growing number of businesses that scoops pet poop for clients through either a year-round subscription or an a la carte clean. Owner Keith Brandt said this weather has been welcome. “We start getting phone calls in January,” Brandt said. “This year is going to be pretty good because everything is pretty frozen. Who wants to scoop in the snow?” https://youtu.be/WMFXGu8XnAo So if you ever wondered, is there a job for that? Yup, that’s the poopy scoop. Poop Genie isn’t the only business servicing clients in the cold. The owner of Poop 911 out of Drexel Hill said the company has seen a spike in customers due to snowy weather as well. Yard Pawtrol in Bucks County said its biggest business happens during the first thaw in the spring. https://youtu.be/LHx6SmleUoY In an interview with Attitude magazine, “Doctor Who” star Ncuti Gatwa opens up about facing backlash for his role as the show’s first Black lead while “white mediocrity” is always “celebrated.” “We’re trained to be like, ‘If I’m not exceptional, I won’t be loved.’ Certainly, I think that was my thing,” Gatwa shared, per THR. “So, yeah, I think I’m just learning now like, ‘Oh, you are allowed to be loved.’ You don’t have to be excellent or aspire to that term, ‘Black excellence’. What the hell?” He continued, “There’s so much white mediocrity that gets celebrated, and Black people, we have to be absolutely flawless to get half of [that] anyway. So, I’m slowly training myself out of that and being like, ‘No shit. You deserve love just for existing.’ And that has taught me to be a lot more loving as well, in a weird way.” Last month, Disney+ released the trailer for the upcoming “Doctor Who” season, starring Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor and Millie Gibson as his companion Ruby Sunday. Here’s the new season synopsis: “The Doctor and his companion Ruby Sunday travel across time and space, with adventures all the way from the Regency era in England, to war-torn future worlds. Throughout their adventures in the TARDIS — a time-traveling ship shaped like a police box — they encounter incredible friends and dangerous foes, including a terrifying bogeyman, and the Doctor’s most powerful enemy yet.” https://youtu.be/xhL5ihOUUcs Last week, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson introduced his G-Unit Studios in Shreveport, Louisiana, signaling his commitment to further developing his film and TV ventures. “As someone who has always believed in the transformative power of music, film, and television, I’m beyond excited to introduce the expansion of my G-Unit Film & Television through the launch of G-Unit Studios right here in Shreveport,” Jackson told Billboard. “We are thrilled that G-Unit Studios will plant its roots in Shreveport,” Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux told Billboard. “This city’s rich culture and talent provide the perfect backdrop for this endeavor. We are eager to collaborate with Mr. Jackson and G-Unit Film & Television to bring captivating movies and entertainment to Shreveport and Caddo Parish.” Mayor Arceneaux honored Jackson with a celebratory day and presented him with a key to the city. https://www.instagram.com/gunitstudios/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=017b737d-019e-485c-af98-05e206668670 The celebration of cannabis culture this weekend launched in New York, the birthplace of hip hop, with the nation’s first BUD DROP concert, headlined by the powerful duo Method Man and Redman. The hip-hop legends electrified a New Year’s Eve-style celebration, culminating in the midnight “BUD DROP,” echoing the iconic NYE ball drop but counting down to 4/20, the high holiday of cannabis culture. Radio/TV personality Jazmyn Summers was in the building for you. The evening kicked off with an array of talented acts. Girll Codee had the crowd chanting 4/20-themed slogans, and a moment of remembrance was observed for the late DJ Mister Cee. Kyah Baby graced the stage, paving the way for the main acts. Yonkers legend Styles P delivered a high-octane performance, treating fans to hits like “F*** You” and “Wild Out.” Fellow Lox rapper Sheek Louch joined him for a rendition of “Wild Out” and paid homage to the late DMX with a heartfelt performance of “We Gonna Make It.” DC Young Fly, the comedian whose former partner, Jacky Oh!, tragically passed away due to complications from cosmetic surgery, faced a challenging moment on stage in Atlantic City, New Jersey, during the “We Them Ones Comedy Tour” alongside Mike Epps, DeRay Davis, Chico Bean, and Lil Duval. In a viral TikTok clip, DC, dressed casually in a shorts set, shared candid anecdotes, including his struggle with cocaine addiction and its spiritual repercussions. His mention of blaming God for not reaching the NBA due to distractions prompted some audience members to voice their disapproval with boos “They’re booing him,” remarked a voice behind the camera. “They’re booing him. Oh my God, DC is getting booed.” Undeterred, DC reflected on his journey, emphasizing how his trials ultimately strengthened his faith. “This is where the story gets real,” he continued. “When I got hooked on cocaine… My relationship with God got started. Now this is what I had to go through in order to find a close relationship with God. I think I turned out pretty good.” https://www.tiktok.com/@sassymason31/video/7360311274196176174?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fdc-young-fly-booed-in-atlantic-city-says-bbls-trigger-jacky-oh-memories-watch%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7360311274196176174 DC’s heartfelt remarks underscored the importance of emotional support within relationships, especially in the wake of tragic events like Jacky Oh!’s death from surgical complications. https://youtu.be/8xUBMoGMpMY Freddy P, a former member of Diddy’s Da Band, claims he left the group after the Bad Boy mogul threatened him, In a recent conversation with The Art of Dialogue, Freddy recalled a heated discussion with Diddy where the latter said he could buy the entire block the Florida rapper lived on and cut off electricity, warning anyone who stepped outside would be in danger. “One day, I was waking up, and I was in a mood. I’m in the studio, I’m snapping or whatever. I didn’t even want to be fucked with,” Freddy recalled in the YouTube clip above. “You know when you around a bunch of goofies and you a street n***a, sometimes you don’t want to be around the nerds. So I’m in that bitch; I’m just frustrated with a lot of shit going on.” He continued, “Anyway, we get into a situation. We in front of everybody, n***a like, “Man, what you think you bout it or something?’ He was like, ‘N***a, I’ll buy every house on your block, shut every light off in that bitch, and every time you come out that bitch you’ll get popped.’ When he tell you some shit like that, you go to picture him purchasing every house, you going to picture every light going off, and that shit silenced me.” https://youtu.be/IBYR2CcYbYg A man was apprehended by Milwaukee police after the discovery of a missing woman’s body in the trunk of a vehicle. Tomitka Stewart‘s tragic demise is believed to be linked to domestic violence. “My momma been fighting for her life for a long time,” shared Lawrence Lejon-Jurnett, Stewart’s son, emotionally. Lejon-Jurnett, 22, stood surrounded by loved ones at a candlelight vigil in front of his late mother’s residence, expressing, “You’re never supposed to hurt a woman.” He grieved for the woman who was always there to support everyone else. In a heart-wrenching plea, he said, “If I could say something to my momma right now, I would say that, ‘I love you and I care about you, mom, and I want you back.’” https://youtu.be/6eQQh57hEgg Stewart, 41, had last been seen near her home on Sunday. Her absence raised concern when calls went unanswered, according to WTMJ-TV in Milwaukee. “I never would have thought that I would have to go to the police station and fill out a missing report,” Lejon-Jurnett shared. On Wednesday, following a public appeal for information on the missing woman, Stewart’s body was found in the trunk of a vehicle near 29th Street and Ruby Avenue. A 41-year-old man was apprehended, with authorities linking Stewart’s death to domestic violence. “He knows he was the wrong person to do that,” Lejon-Jurnett expressed. “He knows this won’t sit right with him at all.” https://youtu.be/YHpDD-JC18U The official trailer for “The Watchers,” from producer M. Night Shyamalan, written and directed by his daughter Ishana Night Shyamalan, has dropped weeks after the teaser debuted. Based on the novel by A.M. Shine, the film stars Dakota Fanning as Mina, “a 28-year-old artist stranded in an expansive, untouched forest in western Ireland. When Mina finds shelter, she unknowingly becomes trapped alongside three strangers who are watched and stalked by mysterious creatures each night,” per the synopsis. “You can’t see them, but they see everything.” “The Watchers” also features Georgina Campbell (“Barbarian,” “Suspicion”), Oliver Finnegan (“Creeped Out,” “Outlander”) and Olwen Fouere (“The Northman,” “The Tourist”). The film is produced by M. Night Shyamalan, Ashwin Rajan and Nimitt Mankad. The executive producers are Jo Homewood and Stephen Dembitzer. https://youtu.be/dYo91Fq9tKY Flavor Flav is moving through life these days like he’s got no time to waste. In recent months, he’s been spotted backstage at a Bruce Springsteen concert, opening for U2, speaking at Harvard, gushing over Cher and Donny Osmond, and trading friendship bracelets with the Swifties at an “Eras Tour” show. The ultimate hype man, however, is no stranger to fame himself. Flav’s own career kicked off in 1985 when he co-founded the rap group Public Enemy. He went on to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and starred in several early aughts reality shows, including “The Surreal Life” and “Flavor of Love.” He hasn’t lost his enthusiasm for life, his fellow artists – or his signature clock necklaces – along the way. https://youtu.be/8LcfHer4yVk Now 65, Flav’s next project is a reality series that will focus on his pursuit to obtain a high school diploma. CNN recently caught up with Flav to see if we could bottle some of his seemingly endless enthusiasm. Our discussion, which touched on his hopes to meet Megan Thee Stallion and stay more humble than King Kong, follows. It has been lightly edited for clarity and length. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/JsRwtto1x-Y?feature=share Bill Cosby’s past and current troubles may have scarred his legacy, but his wife Camille is doing just fine on her own. Examining Camille Cosby’s net worth, HotNewHipHop, via Eric-Singer.com, found she’s been making her own longstanding money smart and influential moves in the entertainment industry, as well as giving back and practicing regular philanthropy. As it stands now, Cosby’s net worth is estimated at $20 million in 2024.The worth stems from her work as a television producer for varies series, including “The Cosby Show.” The classic sitcom, which starred her husband Bill, Phylicia Rashad, Malcolm Jamal-Warner, Keisha Knight Pulliam, Tempest Bledsoe and Lisa Bonet, is noted for being one of the best shows to come out during the 80’s. Working behind the scenes for the shows she was attached to, Camille established her reputation for great storytelling and successfully navigating the business side of television production. In addition, Camille ‘s financial achievements were an asset as it illustrated her “influence in shaping a narrative that has left a lasting impact on American culture.” Beyond the bright lights of entertainment, Camille’s power can be felt with her philanthropy. Alongside Bill Cosby, she is known for donating millions to educational institutions in an effort to support Black American arts and education. Her $20 million donation to Spelman College is a notable example, in addition to multiple causes to uplift communities. while providing opportunities for the underprivileged. All in the name of a deep-seated belief in social change resulting from the power of education and arts she fights hard for. Bronx music producer AngelicVoices (AngelicVoicesMinistry Music) makes a cameo appearance in the new Shaquille O’Neal music video for the single “Rolling” featuring Cory Gunz (Young Money Records). The scene with AngelicVoices was shot in Brooklyn. The “Rolling” music video is being shot by LikeVisions. Visions, who shoots AngelicVoices’ music videos, invited Angelic to be in Cory Gunz’s part of the video. The “Rolling” single is another upcoming project of Shaquille O’Neal who recently came back to the rap game in 2023. AngelicVoices is still riding the wave of the success from his last music video for the single “Why Not” (Symphonic) featuring Brooklyn rapper Asim I.I. The “Why Not” single debuted at #3 on 4M.TV’s Music Block World’s Top 10 Best Artists. Based on votes alone, the LikeVisions produced video ranked on the World chart above Ne-yo’s “Linked Remix” music video featuring Fabolous. Also known as AngelicVoicesMusic, Angelic recently won the Beat Suite Producers’ Competition. A virtuoso in music production with a focus on Hip-Hop Gospel, Angelic is fluent in producing most genres. As an actor Angelic has appeared in the blockbuster movie Malcolm X starring Denzel Washington. Rapper Saweetie is stepping further into the world of acting with her role as Keeya in the third season of the highly acclaimed Starz series “BMF.” She gave us a glimpse into her character and what it’s like to transition from the music scene to the screen. Keeya is no ordinary character, as Saweetie described her. “I feel like she’s a different type of female character that’s being introduced to the season, very tomboy,” Saweetie explained. “She’s very much in the boys club and can hold her own.” Keeya brings a fresh dynamic to the series, embodying the essence of a confident, sassy, and outspoken young woman. For Saweetie, taking on this role was a departure from her usual musician roles. “Typically, I’m cast for musician roles. But I told my agent, no more musician roles. I’m a musician every day. So I was really excited to play this character.” https://youtu.be/UvW7HwQq9J0 In the latest internet sensation, a video is circulating like wildfire, capturing the extraordinary moment when a Philadelphian found himself being arrested by none other than his identical twin brother. In the viral footage making its rounds, the scene unfolds with the arrested man exuberantly celebrating while his doppelgänger sibling, clad in uniform, places him in handcuffs and escorts him away. Details regarding the alleged crimes of the man in question remain scarce. However, the arresting officer’s grin during the apprehension suggests a peculiar blend of seriousness and perhaps familial jest… or does it? Speculation has it that the officer voluntarily assumed the role of apprehending his own flesh and blood, as he happened to be the sole law enforcer present at the time. SBut wait. It gets even crazier with some even insinuating that the officer might have been the informant leading to his brother’s capture. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1ZimelSRqL0?feature=share Reactions to the arrest footage have been as diverse as they come, according to DreddInfo. “It’s like we’re living in a real-life BET movie,” remarked one observer. Another pondered, “Proof that it’s the choices we make, not our genetic makeup, that determine our fate.” Yet, amidst the levity, a somber undertone pervades. “This is more tragic than humorous, imagine having to incarcerate your own twin,” lamented one commentator. “It’s like something straight out of a Tubi movie,” quipped another, capturing the surreal essence of the situation. https://www.tiktok.com/@44vatox/video/7359349830734318878?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fman-arrested-by-his-twin-brother%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7359349830734318878 Sexyy Red is giving current-day music fans shades of the old school with an R&B remix to her hit song, “Pound Town.” Citing Defiant Digital‘s Instagram page, Sandra Rose detailed the caption on the post, which read: “Gramma used to play this record all day! Simpler times.” Upon hearing the Hotown Records-released remix, social media weighed in with feedback. On Instagram, users say the song has a ’60s nostalgia sound that reminded them of the good ol’ days. https://www.instagram.com/whoingodsname/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=021b3fb3-36ef-4a50-83b8-1c32603fc274 The Broadway revival of The Wiz is officially open! “It’s a legacy, not a show” gushes director Schele Williams. The original landmark Black classic musical first opened almost 50 years ago. Many of the original cast members, including Stephanie Mills who played Dorothy, Andre De Shields, the Wiz, and Ken Page, the lion, were there to welcome the incredible new cast of the iconic musical. https://eurweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/VID-20240418-WA0005.mp4?_=1 Some of the celebs who were in attendance at the opening included Common, Hillary Clinton, Anna Wintour, Ben Vereen, Peppermint, Sherri Shepherd, Tamron Hall, Elvis Nolasco (Godfather of Harlem) Leslie Uggams, P Valley’s Brandee Evans and writer Amber Ruffin. https://youtu.be/K8BYi-2cSvA In the shadows of Atlanta’s glitzy film and television industry, a tale unfolds that echoes the timeless wisdom: “Secrets buried in darkness are destined to surface.” At its center stands Ryan Millsap, once hailed for championing diversity and inclusion in the city’s entertainment scene. Yet, beneath his public facade lies a discordant reality, revealed through private messages unearthed in a courtroom drama. It’s all exposed in a rather scathing report by ProPublica and the AJC. Court transcripts unveil a startling contrast to Millsap’s public image, portraying him in a damning light. For the founder of Blackhall Studios, his text exchanges, unveiled by his former attorney, John Da Grosa Smith, paint a troubling picture. From disdainful remarks aimed at African Americans to derogatory slurs against Jewish individuals, the messages lay bare a disturbing truth. The bulk of these communications dates back to 2019, a period coinciding with Millsap’s tenure as CEO of Shadowbox Studios, a venture he nurtured from inception to an 850,000-square-foot powerhouse. His IMDb profile depicts him as the architect of the studio’s strategic vision, immersed in daily operations, and steering its course. Millsap’s ascent to prominence in Atlanta was fueled by his purported commitment to diversity. Projects like HBO’s “Lovecraft Country” and YouTube Premium’s “Step Up: The Series” underscored his collaborative efforts with African American talent. https://youtu.be/t482IVMedWM It’s 420 or “weed day,” and people around the world will be paying homage to their favorite guilty pleasure: marijuana. Currently, 24 states, two territories, and the District of Columbia in the United States have legalized marijuana for recreational use, making it that much easier for people to take a toke or pop an edible at 4:20 p.m. on April 20 (if not all day). But not everyone joins in on the 420 festivities. Some scientists who study weed have become increasingly concerned about the potential harm cannabis can do to the body, especially when smoked or vaped. “When you burn something, whether it is tobacco or cannabis, it creates toxic compounds, carcinogens, and particulate matter that are harmful to health,” Dr. Beth Cohen, professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, told CNN previously via email. https://youtu.be/XHtZYkYILsg Marijuana smoke may even be more harmful than tobacco because users hold the hot smoke in their lungs longer to maximize their high, Cohen said. A March 2021 study found teens were twice as likely to report “wheezing or whistling” in the chest after vaping marijuana than after smoking cigarettes or using e-cigarettes. “I’m in Colorado, and on 420 the smoke billows out of places where people gather to celebrate — it’s like a factory smokestack,” said Robert Page II, a professor of clinical pharmacy and physical medicine at the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in Aurora. “I worry when people are in an enclosed space because new data is beginning to show that secondhand marijuana smoke may be just as dangerous as the primary smoke,” Page said. “Like tobacco, cannabis affects the central nervous system, and there are side effects which tend to primarily be cardiovascular in nature.” https://youtu.be/61hYHQqe7gc Despite these health concerns, the majority of American adults still believe smoking or vaping marijuana smoke or breathing secondhand smoke from a joint is safer than tobacco smoke, even if children are present, according to an August 2023 study. It’s not. “If a person is in a closed space with marijuana smokers, they can test positive for cannabis in their urine. They can also get some of the other physical effects of marijuana, including an increased heart rate and feeling ‘high,’ ” Carol Boyd, founding director of the Center for the Study of Drugs, Alcohol, Smoking and Health at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, told CNN in an earlier interview. https://youtu.be/yNYUnOMzb9s There’s more: Weed users are nearly 25% more likely to need emergency care and hospitalization, according to a 2022 study, and overuse of marijuana can lead to complications when in surgery. Weed users have more heavy metal in their bodies. Serious traffic accidents are on the rise in areas where weed is legal, a 2023 study found. Potency of weed has skyrocketed, which can heighten health risks and is leading to a global rise in marijuana addiction as well as marijuana use disorder. “Approximately 3 in 10 people who use marijuana have marijuana use disorder,” according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Experts say this condition comes with a higher risk of mental disorders, cognitive deficits, use of psychiatric services and violent behavior. https://youtu.be/Rchep9LG4nY Meagan Good’s sister has had it up to here with Hollywood overlooking the “Think Like a Man” fixture. Taking to social media, La’Miya Good made it known that Meagan is long overdue in getting her props from Tinseltown. “I am so motherf***ing sick of it. This industry owes her so many awards,” La’Miya, a singer and actress, stated during a recent Live session. “I am so sick of seeing this industry not giving her her props.” Taking note of Meagan’s career, Madame mentioned numerous nominations she has collected over the years, including nods for notable performances in “Harlem” and “Buying Back My Daughter” While Meagan is known and highly regarded by La’Miya and her fans, her sibling sees consistent snubs directed at her famous sibling for major awards. In La’Miya’s eyes, her sister is more than worthy of the accolades befitting someone who has regularly put the time and effort into being among the most established in the Hollywood landscape. Yet, some feel Meagan’s work hasn’t reached the level of universal acclaim among those in the entertainment industry. Madame Noire cites Meagan’s work in classic films such as “Stomp the Yard” and “Eve’s Bayou” as examples demonstrating range and depth as an actor. https://www.instagram.com/theybf_daily/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=967f8925-c1d0-4e2a-a010-dfa6f3df5171 Red Lobster is reportedly considering filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to facilitate the restructuring of its finances and operations. According to Bloomberg, Red Lobster is receiving counsel from the law firm King & Spalding, which is advising the popular seafood eatery to file for bankruptcy. This move aims to renegotiate challenging leases, address other long-term contracts, and manage increasing labor costs. As Fox Business reports, General Mills acquired Red Lobster in 1970, aiding its rapid expansion across the U.S. and Canada. Over two decades later, it became an independent entity, Darden Restaurants. Darden sold Red Lobster to Golden Gate Capital in 2014. In 2020, Thai Union, previously holding a one-fourth stake, bought out Golden Gate’s stake. Thai Union intends to divest from its investment and incur a write-off. This decision came after the company stated in a regulatory filing that the restaurant chain’s “ongoing financial requirements no longer align with Thai Union’s capital allocation priorities.” Last month, Red Lobster appointed Jonathan Tibus as its new CEO. Tibus is known for his expertise in revitalizing struggling restaurants and retail and hospitality businesses. In a recent interview with DJ Akademiks, Donald Trump Jr. described Diddy’s relationship with the late Kim Porter as “weird.” Trump Jr. said his ex-wife, Vanessa Kay, was friends with Porter during her modeling days. Porter allegedly spilled the tea to Kay about her toxic relationship with the Bad Boy mogul and was extremely “afraid” of him, according to Trump Jr. “My ex-wife was a model in NY, and she was really good friends with Kim Porter, who was Diddy’s wife, the one who died at 47 from ‘pneumonia,’” Trump Jr. told Akademiks. “When [Kim died], she called me…like, ‘Something is up with that.’ I said, ‘What do you mean?’ She said, ‘Kim used to tell me it was a bad—there was a lot of bad sh*t.’” He continued, “I didn’t even know but [Kim and Vanessa] would do photoshoots together, they were friendly. We would hang out when we see them downtown. Not so much with Diddy [but] she was really afraid of him, this goes back years, and [Kim] was having these conversations with my ex.” https://youtu.be/IowjBtbBhHQ Rapper GloRilla was arrested on Tuesday in Georgia on suspicion of driving under the influence. Video footage of her failed sobriety test has emerged online. According to a police report obtained by TMZ, officers stopped GloRilla over a traffic violation. She allegedly made a U-turn at a red light. When officers approached her vehicle, they detected the odor of marijuana and alcohol emanating from it. At one point during her interaction with the police, Glo asked, “Do you know who I am?” However, the officer made clear she was unaware of her identity. The police bodycam footage shows the hip-hop star confessing to consuming alcohol and failing a field sobriety test. Additionally, she allegedly refused to undergo a breathalyzer test and accidentally exposed her breasts. The Suwanee Police Department arrested her, and Glo was later released after posting bail of $1,956. https://youtu.be/XiTpXkOL5Ok Kay’La’s comment relates to Glo meeting Lillard at a Milwaukee Bucks game earlier this year and subsequently showing interest in him online, Vibe reports. “Who ni**a dis is? Cause I want him,” Glo captioned a picture of her meeting the NBA star. “Whoever she is can’t whoop me so I really dgaf,” she added. https://www.instagram.com/theneighborhoodtalk/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=960d9f9a-f9f5-4c3d-992e-2b4e2cdf640c After facing cancellation and a reversal, the CBS action-drama series “SWAT” has been renewed for an eighth season. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the network initially “billed this season of SWAT as its final one after negotiations with Sony over licensing fees and a reduced episode order,” the outlet writes. CBS recently labeled the May 17 episode of SWAT as a “series finale.” However, the series is now slated to return in the 2024-25 season. “Here at CBS, we always ‘stay liquid’ and love a good dramatic twist, especially when it leads to an eighth season of SWAT,” said Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment. “The show continues to resonate with viewers thanks to our talented cast led by Shemar Moore and our amazing writers and producers who keep the show relevant and action-packed,” Reisenbach continued. “We’re very pleased to renew it again and incredibly grateful to our partners at Sony and CBS Studios and Shemar for working so closely with us to bring it back for next season.” Ne-Yo has expressed his views on having multiple partners, advocating that individuals should be free to marry more than one person. TMZ caught up with the singer/actor recently while walking along the street holding hands with two partners. Ne-Yo clarified that he’s all about polygamy, which is when you simultaneously have more than one long-term partner. However, Bigamy, marrying multiple people simultaneously, is illegal. “I feel like in the realm of love and romance you should let people do whatever the hell they wanna do, can’t see how it’s hurting anybody,” Ne-Yo told the outlet. “To be honest I don’t need the government to tell me what it is I can and can’t do, coming into my personal life,” he explained. “I’m not going to let it ruin my day. The people I love know I love them.” https://youtu.be/uwBMxgpm1PE Jeezy has reversed his decision to seek full custody of his and Jeannie Mai’s 2-year-old daughter. Page Six reports that the rapper now wants to split custody of daughter Monaco, according to court documents obtained by TMZ. We reported earlier that Jeezy filed legal docs seeking to be Monaco’s custodial parent. According to TMZ, the rapper initially wanted the “judge to toss out the current custody and parenting time arrangement he hashed out in mediation with his estranged wife … and requesting that his daughter be allowed to live with him full-time,” the outlet writes. Jeezy and Jeannie reportedly reached a parenting arrangement schedule for their daughter during mediation. However, according to new documents, the hip-hop star said he wants full-time custody of Monaco due to Mai’s busy schedule. He’s now backtracking on the request. Police in Brazil have detained a woman suspected of wheeling a dead man, who she said was her uncle, to a bank to withdraw a four-figure loan. Footage of the woman’s encounter with the bank has sparked a nationwide discussion in Brazil after going viral on social media. It appears to show the woman at the counter of a Rio de Janeiro branch of Itau Bank, propping up the head of an elderly man in a wheelchair and trying to get his hand to clasp a pen. According to police, she was attempting to take out a loan equivalent to $3,000, which had already been approved by the bank but still needed the elderly man’s sign-off. But the elderly man in the video – filmed by a bank attendant – remains unresponsive. His arm is limp and his head keeps falling back as she talks to him. “Uncle, are you listening?” she asks him. “You need to sign. If you don’t sign, there’s no way. I can’t sign for you, it has to be you. What I can do, I do.” “Sign it so you don’t give me any more headaches, having to go to the registry office. I can’t take it anymore,” the woman continues. https://youtu.be/ReYzqbvwWgo As times continue being hard and folks are fed up with the way things are, a fun new dance is helping to lighten things up in New York City. Known as the “Reemski,” the dance is making its viral presence known, with more than 1 million views and counting on TikTok and X (formerly known as Twitter). Although he could not have predicted how popular his creation would be, Kareem Gadson is happy for it to catch on in a big way. Chatting with HipHopWired, Gadson detailed how the “Reemski” came to be. For him, it was a creative way to counter the dances that he got tired of doing in 2016. “I just got tired of doing the dances that I was seeing out here. So I just decided to do my own,” explained the aspiring rapper, who named his dance the “Reemski” due to its leg movements being like the moves of downhill skiers. “As you getting low you have to move sideways like you’re skiing.” https://youtu.be/1FvR1pLpbXc In the ever-evolving landscape of the global economy, mastering the art of business while sustaining personal fulfillment is a significant challenge. Lindsay Wilson, renowned as the “World’s Most Sought-After Sales Coach,” (Mindvalley) stands at the forefront of this journey. She has carved a niche as a visionary entrepreneur and spiritual leader. In the dynamic landscape of today’s global economy, navigating the intricacies of business while maintaining a sense of purpose and fulfillment can be a daunting task. Enter Lindsay Wilson, “World’s Most Sought After Sales Coach” (Mindvalley) – a visionary entrepreneur and spiritual leader. Lindsay Wilson’s innovative web show emerges as a pivotal platform for empowerment, blending thought leadership, mentorship, and business coaching into a seamless narrative of transformation. This show isn’t just a program; it’s a revolutionary experience that transcends the conventional, steering individuals toward unparalleled growth in all life’s spheres. “The Show,” spearheaded by Lindsay Wilson, brings together a constellation of luminaries from various fields, each contributing their unique insights and expertise to guide viewers on a journey of self-discovery and growth that will take their life and business to another dimension. Detroit and Tribeca — Pioneering Detroit techno music producer and DJ Carl Craig is Tribeca-bound. The Tribeca Film Festival (June 5-16, 2024) has officially selected Desire: The Carl Craig Story, the new documentary feature from Jean-Cosme Delaloye (Harley) celebrating the Detroit techno legend to screen in the Festival’s Spotlight+ section. Desire: The Carl Craig Story follows Carl Craig’s genre-defying career, from his middle-class roots to global acclaim, as the producer faces challenges that could keep him away from the dance floor. The film, which wrapped production in February, will have its world premiere at Tribeca on June 12, 2024, at 8pm at The Indeed Theater at Spring Studios. Tribeca will also host a press and industry screening on June 13 with subsequent Festival public screenings on the 13th and 15th. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=336750122731532 PETA issued a response to Halle Berry’s revelation about skinning a squirrel for her role in the upcoming thriller “Never Let Go.” The organization said the Oscar-winning actress did not harm animals but instead worked with realistic props, Vibe reports. “While moviegoers may squirm in their seats at the sight of a squirrel being skinned, Alexander Aja’s use of movie magic, instead of a thinking, feeling being in Never Let Go, once again proves that technology is the key to modern, humane movie production,” said PETA’s Director of Animals in Film and Television, Lauren Thomasson. The statement continued, “PETA is happily rushing delicious squirrel-shaped vegan chocolates to Aja and Halle Berry to applaud this responsible choice, and we urge other filmmakers to commit to making their productions positive for animals by using only props, computer-generated imagery, and other special effects.” Directed by Alexandre Aja, “Never Let Go” is a psychological thriller that “centers on a family of three haunted by an evil entity. Whenever they leave the safety of their cabin to venture into the woods, they are bound by rope to the home. The family’s safety and surroundings come into question when one of the boys asks if the evil is real.” During his Thursday appearance on Fox News alongside Sean Hannity, Smith stirred controversy as he came to Donald Trump‘s defense following the ex-president’s assertion that Black Americans empathize with him because of his legal troubles. Trump’s remarks, made at a Black Conservative Federation gala in February, boasted about his multiple indictments, claiming that Black people support him because they understand discrimination. “And then I got indicted a second time and then a third time and a fourth time!” Trump exclaimed to the audience. Two months later, Smith doubled down on defending Trump’s words, expressing indignation over the ongoing criminal trials against him. On Hannity’s show, Smith braved potential backlash. “Dare I say something that might–will probably be termed the most uncomfortable thing that I’ve ever had to articulate out of my mouth from a political perspective.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1781168991433633798 Smith’s unexpected defense of Trump showcased his willingness to confront uncomfortable truths, even at the risk of alienating his audience. Whether this signifies a lasting change in his political views remains to be seen, but it certainly raised eyebrows in the political arena. Stephen A. Smith is entitled to his opinion, but we’re calling BS on him for this. https://youtu.be/ymjdmzh9BEA Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on “American Idol” in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47. “We can confirm that yesterday Mandisa was found in her home deceased. At this time we do not know the cause of death or any further details,” the post reads. “We ask for your prayers for her family and close knit circle of friends during this incredibly difficult time. Mandisa was a voice of encouragement and truth to people facing life’s challenges all around the world.” Mandisa resided in Nashville, according to The Tennessean. CNN has reached out to her representative for comment. Born Mandisa Lynn Hundley in Citrus Heights, California, she got her start singing in church. Music became an integral part of her life. https://youtu.be/1-Dvgw-TWQ8?list=RDNS1-Dvgw-TWQ8 “Overcomer” earned her the Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album in 2014. Along with success, there were also some tough times that challenged her faith. According to Mandisa’s website, “After the prayers of a multitude didn’t stop her dearest friend from succumbing to cancer, Mandisa withdrew, wrestled with God, and fell into a deep depression.” “To be honest, that’s not how I thought things were going to happen. I was disappointed with God,” she said of the death of her friend Kisha. “I was mad because as I prayed for her, I believed that God was going to heal her. I’m not the kind of person who shakes my fist at the Lord and yells and screams. I just shut down and started turning to food again for comfort.” https://youtu.be/z29olPjFbqg Mandisa documented her mental health struggles in her 2022 memoir, “Out of the Dark: My Journey Through the Shadows to Find God’s Joy” with the hope of helping others. “I want to encourage the people who may have a loved one who is maybe in the middle of a mental health issue,” she said in an interview shared on Instagram in 2022. “Don’t think that even if your messages are not being responded to that they don’t hear them.” https://www.instagram.com/mandisaofficial/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=b77187b7-aabc-43e0-8520-62ad0df2ea83 Simone Biles claims she “broke down” over the viral interview with her husband, Jonathan Owens, on the Pivot podcast last year, in which he bragged about being “the catch” in their relationship. Owens also claimed he didn’t know who the decorated gymnast was before they started dating. His comments sparked online backlash, which Biles admitted took a serious toll on her mental health, Page Six reports. “One night, I broke down, and I’m like, ‘Why are you guys talking about my husband like this?’” Simone, 27, shared in an April 16 Call Her Daddy podcast episode. Biles previously expressed annoyance on X (Twitter), asking if folks were done debating her marriage to Owens: “Are y’all done yet?” In December 2023, the NFL player said he was more of a “catch” than the seven-time Olympic champion. https://youtu.be/h8VLIC2dTqY Former rapper Shyne, who is now the head of the Belize United Democratic Party, is speaking out about being Diddy’s “fall guy” in the infamous 1999 nightclub shooting. His comments come weeks after Natania Reuben, a victim of the shooting also involving Jennifer Lopez, said that she would be willing to have bullet fragments removed from her face to prove that the Bad Boy mogul was the one who shot her. We reported earlier that Reuben has for years asserted that it was Diddy, not Shyne, who shot her during an altercation between the rap mogul and Club New York patron Matthew Allen, resulting in injuries to three individuals, including herself. Lopez was arrested and released, while Diddy was acquitted of all charges. Shyne, however, served an eight-year prison sentence. In 2011, Diddy settled civil suits with the victims, paying over $2.3 million. Reuben recently posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) in which she appears to respond to music producer Rodney Jones’ lawsuit against Diddy. As The Jasmine Brand reports, Reuben noted in the video that Jones claims in the lawsuit that Diddy threatened him and admitted that he “shot up the club in New York back in 1999 and let Shyne take the fall for it.’” https://youtu.be/TjakqHJO_fA In a shocking turn of events, a man (Max Azzarello) took dramatic measures on Friday near the New York City courthouse, where the trial of former President Donald Trump unfolded. Igniting himself with an accelerant, he became a fiery spectacle. https://youtu.be/19LjyOzNmqk Meanwhile, deep within the Lower Manhattan courthouse, Trump himself was shielded from the blaze, the culmination of jury selection settling around 1:30 p.m. Identified by the vigilant NYPD as Azzarello, 37, hailing from St. Augustine, Florida, this enigmatic figure had only recently graced the streets of New York. His arrival stirred little attention until his fiery act. Venturing into the precincts of Collect Pond Park, a nexus for both dissenting voices and the curious public, Azzarello added another layer of intrigue as he scattered pamphlets into the air like confetti. https://youtu.be/bXJj_njHTpY “We’re very concerned,” voiced Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, his tone echoing the gravity of the situation. The NYPD vowed to scrutinize its security measures, recognizing the weightiness of the ongoing Trump trial in the city’s political and social fabric. https://www.instagram.com/dipshit_secrets/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=6e380d09-57c0-4465-be01-171c7e548e0c In a move that’s about as surprising as a Monday morning, the Grammy darling Taylor Swift takes a swipe at Kim Kardashian in her latest album, “The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology.” In the track “thanK you aIMee,” Swift serves up some spicy lyrics about a certain “bronze, spray-tanned” antagonist who’s earned her mom’s not-so-loving wishes. Eager-eyed fans wasted no time decoding the track’s title, which conveniently spells out the reality star’s first name in a subtle jab. “taylor dropping a kim k diss track was not on my 2024 bingo card but i’ve never been happier,” one gleeful Swiftie announced. Another echoed the sentiment, declaring, “taylor said i do not forgive you kim kardashian.” https://youtu.be/-GlV3IrU_LY In her lyrical battlefield, Swift paints a vivid picture of her foe “stomping across” her metaphorical resting place, lamenting the unfairness of their long-standing spat, PageSix reports. “While you were busy throwing punches, I was busy constructing greatness,” she croons. “But I can’t shake off the sting of how you made me feel.“Screamed ‘F—k you, Aimee’ to the starlit sky, blood flowing freely, but I can’t overlook the way you pieced me back together.” Page Six has thrown the gauntlet, reaching out to Kardashian’s camp for a retort that’s sure to be as juicy as the feud itself. https://www.instagram.com/theneighborhoodtalk/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=1bfe7ae8-2bcf-46e4-b225-b84ec0487f6e Giancarlo Esposito admits in a new interview that he once considered arranging his murder due to financial desperation, hoping to provide for his children. During a recent interview on SiriusXM’s Jim & Sam Show, Esposito recounted a moment in 2008 when he felt overwhelmed by personal challenges, prompting him to contemplate the possibility of his children benefiting from life insurance in the event of his demise. He had discussions with his then-wife Joy McManigal regarding potential insurance scenarios. “She had no idea why I was asking her this stuff,” Esposito said. “I started scheming. If I got somebody to knock me off, death by misadventure, [my kids] would get the insurance. I had four kids. I wanted them to have a life. It was a hard moment in time.” The “Breaking Bad star said he considered “self-annihilation” so his “kids could survive.” “That’s how low I was,” he admitted. https://youtu.be/y2q8hMXCKGo In an exclusive discussion with the executive producers of the gripping new series “SUGAR” featuring Colin Farrell, Simon Kinberg and Audrey Chon lauded the actor’s performance and dedication to the Apple TV original. Created by Mark Protosevich, the eight-episode series stars Farrell as John Sugar, an American private investigator on the heels of the mysterious disappearance of Olivia Siegel, the beloved granddaughter of legendary Hollywood producer Jonathan Siegel. As Sugar tries to determine what happened to Olivia, he will also unearth Siegel’s family secrets; some very recent, others long-buried. https://youtu.be/twvPGxuEOEA Today Universal Pictures “Abigail” leaps into theaters! The re-imagined of Dracula’s Daughter follows a crew of criminals who kidnap the ballerina daughter of a powerful netherworld boss. The under-creature horror flick features Melissa Barrera, Kathryn Newton, William Catlett, Kevin Durand, and Alisha Weir as the nominative offspring of Mr. De Ville. https://youtu.be/3PsP8MFH8p0 A Los Angeles Police Department officer (William Jones Jr.) will not face criminal charges in the 2021 fatal shooting of a 14-year-old girl killed inside a department store when police fired at a man suspected of attacking a woman, California prosecutors said Wednesday. Valentina Orellana-Peralta and her mother were holding one another and praying in the dressing room of the Burlington Coat Factory in North Hollywood, California, after a man began attacking customers in the store on December 23, 2021, police previously said. When police arrived and confronted the suspect with gunfire, an officer’s bullet pierced through the wall and fatally struck Valentina, who was pronounced dead on scene. Police also fatally shot 24-year-old suspect Daniel Elena-Lopez. https://youtu.be/w8YlFF2c4xQ An 81-year-old Ohio White man (William Brock) pleaded not guilty to multiple counts of murder and other charges Wednesday related to the shooting death of a Black Uber driver (Loletha Hall) he mistakenly believed was working with a scammer attempting to extort him, according to the Clark County prosecutor. Brock was previously arraigned on a murder charge for purposely causing Hall’s death. On Monday, a grand jury indicted him on that charge, as well as two new counts of felony murder, according to court records. The two felony murder counts accuse Brock of causing Hall’s death as a result of committing or trying to commit another underlying felony: felonious assault and kidnapping, respectively. In addition to the three murder counts, he was also charged with kidnapping her and felonious assault. In all, he faces five charges. CNN has reached out to Brock’s defense attorney, Paul Kavanagh, for comment. https://youtu.be/AIA3Gg9Dyqk?list=RDNSAIA3Gg9Dyqk An ex-PBS producer alleges he was terminated from Al Roker’s cartoon series after raising concerns that the show failed to uphold its DEI policy. According to TheWrap, William “Bill” Schultz, a television producer, initiated legal action against Al Roker, his entertainment company, and executive producer Lisa Tucker. Schultz was allegedly terminated for opposing the “denigration” of the network’s DEI policy program. The initiative aimed to incorporate BIPOC writers into Roker’s forthcoming animated children’s series “Weather Hunters.” “Weather Hunters has been a labor of love and a passion project for more than a decade and I cannot think of a better partner than PBS Kids to make this dream come true,” Roker said in a 2023 statement. “When it comes to ‘Weather Hunters,’ I predict increasing animation with downpours of family-friendly storytelling and a rising understanding of weather and climate on your local PBS station, pbskids.org, and the PBS Kids Video and Games apps.” In the legal complaint, Schultz alleges he “was wrongfully and illegally targeted, leading to the illegal termination of an agreement that he had with Defendant WHI and its alter ego Al Roker Entertainment in retaliation for Plaintiff standing tall as a whistle blower and complaining of: illegal racial bias and discrimination against African Americans and other Black, indigenous and other people of color (‘BIPOC’ people) in the workplace and for objecting to the denigration and wholesale deconstruction of a diversity, equity and inclusion (‘DEI’) program intended to bring minority writers onto a PBS television production.” Schultz further stated that Al Roker Entertainment executives ignored the DEI requirements and objectives by assigning scripts to BIPOC writers that non-BIPOC writers had already written. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite on the go or indulging in a late-night craving, a visit to McDonald’s often means convenience and efficiency. However, beyond just satisfying your hunger, there’s an important reason why you should always remember to ask for a receipt. That seemingly mundane slip of paper can hold significant value, offering benefits ranging from ensuring order accuracy to participating in valuable promotions and feedback programs. So, before you discard the receipt, consider why that small but mighty piece of paper is worth keeping. According to Taste of Home, here’s why you should always ask for a McDonald’s receipt: It might sound funny, but it has to do with how McDonald’s employees are trained. Employees are on the lookout for secret shoppers or mystery shoppers. These customers are paid to order from McDonald’s and give them reviews on the quality of food (mostly the bestselling menu items) and customer service. And this is isn’t something that only happens once in a while—it’s a few times a day! https://youtu.be/poFYE0PTfmw Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass wants wealthy residents to fund a new homelessness campaign. NBC News reports that Bass unveiled the LA4LA campaign, an initiative to facilitate funding for affordable housing. On Monday, she expressed the need for contributions from corporate executives and philanthropic groups to purchase properties for the homeless. “LA4LA can be a sea change for Los Angeles – an unprecedented partnership to confront this emergency,” Bass said. “An example of disrupting the status quo to build a new system to save lives.” Darci Niva, CEO of Westside Coalition, highlighted the growing trend of seniors facing eviction due to rising rents in the city. The senior population in Los Angeles is anticipated to surpass 1 million by 2030. https://youtu.be/wm5n0UEL8kQ Toni Braxton was advised to conceal her 2008 diagnosis of autoimmune disorder lupus. “I was told to hide that I had lupus. Like, ’Don’t tell anyone,’ ” the singer, 56, shared during an appearance on the April 16 episode of SHE MD podcast, PEOPLE reports. Braxton explained that her management team advised her to hide her diagnosis because “people get scared around sick celebrities. Nobody gets insured, and I couldn’t get insured.” Rheumatologist Dr. Daniel Jeffrey Wallace diagnosed Braxton with lupus and appeared on the podcast with the superstar. “I was president of the Lupus Foundation of America and our problem was we had all these celebrities with lupus but none of them would come out,” said Wallace. https://youtu.be/hih5NYTB4dc National Geographic will air two new specials this summer that honor the contributions and sacrifices of overlooked Allied soldiers of color. The four-part docuseries ERASED: WW2’S HEROES OF COLOR, executive produced and narrated by Idris Elba, will premiere on Monday, June 3, at 9/8c. THE REAL RED TAILS, a one-hour documentary narrated by Sheryl Lee Ralph, will precede the premiere at 8/7c. Both specials will stream the next day on Disney+ and Hulu. Per the news release: The Real Red Tails tells of the astonishing discovery of a P-39 airplane in Lake Huron, Michigan, reigniting a story lost to time and triggering one of the most important WW2 archeological missions in the Great Lakes. On the morning of April 11, 1944, Tuskegee pilot 22-year-old Second Lieutenant Frank Moody perished in what should have been a routine training mission when his plane malfunctioned and took a nosedive into the chilly waters. With unprecedented access, the one-hour special, narrated by Ralph, will take viewers on a journey to uncover the 80-year-old mystery of how and why Moody’s plane ultimately went down. The special enlists teams of underwater archaeologists to recover parts of the downed plane for the first time and weaves in firsthand accounts from fellow airmen along with underwater footage from the wreck to give a final answer to the mystery. Meanwhile, the four-part series ERASED: WW2’S HEROES OF COLOR sheds light on the immense contributions of over eight million individuals who fought heroically for the Allied forces and whose stories have largely gone untold.” https://youtu.be/InQMoBvzQeY Nelly and Ashanti are expecting their first baby together. Ashanti confirmed the exciting news in a video shared to her Instagram on April 17, PEOPLE reports. The 43-year-old R&B songstress also revealed to Essence that she and Nelly, 49, are engaged. “This new year of my life is such a blessing full of love, hope and anticipation,” Ashanti told the outlet. “Motherhood is something that I have looked forward to, and sharing this with my family, fiancé and loyal fans, who have been so supportive of my career, is an amazing experience,” she continued. https://www.instagram.com/ashanti/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c1080f0c-051a-490f-b361-49f16252d8a1 “The dirt will come out in the wash,” said Arthur Muhammad, a film writer and director, about the storyline of his new film Twelve is about. “Skeletons.” Filmmaker Arthur Muhammad was inspired to write Twelve from his own life, finding out that he had a brother. The film Twelve, airing on Fandango at Home (Vudu), is a horror/comedy that stars Ted Lange (The Love Boat) as the family patriarch who passes away; Lance E. Nichols (NCIS: New Orleans), Tiffany Black (P-Valley), and Norman Nixon, Jr. (Grey’s Anatomy). “Me and my dad played dominoes a lot, that’s the reason for the concept,” Arthur said about the inspiration for the film. “In researching dominoes I learned they were originally made with bones, which connected (skeletons in the closet).” The veteran filmmakers said 12 starts the game of dominoes, and that there are 12 zodiac signs, 12 months in a year, 12 days of Christmas, and 12 notes in a music scale. In the film as the family gathers because of “Pops” death, they start playing dominoes as they talk about his life. They become trapped in the house and the only way to get out is to find the family secrets. The number 12 shows up throughout the film. “I’ve done 16 feature films. My films are on Tubi, Amazon Prime, BET and Netflix. My first film release was on VHS,” he told me when talking about how long he has been making films. https://youtu.be/W4s7wsIItw8 "UNCENSORED" explores the lives of some of today’s most notable personalities as they provide first-hand accounts of their success and the obstacles they faced throughout their careers. This week's episode highlights singer Raz-B. He came onto the scene as a teen heartthrob in supergroup, boy band B2K. Now, he’s reflecting on his rise to fame, struggles with the music industry and getting the group back together. Don’t miss an all-new episode of Uncensored this Sunday, April 21 at 10p/9c only on TV One! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GH59tB4e6dA Get ready for all new episodes of TV One’s original and longest-running series "UNSUNG" and "UNCENSORED" this Sunday, April 21 at 9 pm ET/8 pm CT. "UNSUNG" leads with Chingy at 9 p.m. ET / 8C followed by "UNCENSORED", which features Raz-B, at 10 p.m. ET / 9C. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjKiCPq5Ha4 A rep for Halle Bailey denied rumors she and her boyfriend DDG have called it quits. “This is fake news. Not true at all,” the rep shared with RadarOnline. We reported earlier that rumors of a split between the couple began swirling after fans noticed they stopped following each other on social media. According to RadarOnline.com, Bailey and her baby daddy no longer follow each other on Instagram. Fueling speculation, the duo has seemingly removed most of their couple photos from their respective accounts. DDG was noticeably absent at Halle’s Coachella performance this past weekend. DDJ and Halle made their Instagram debut as a couple in March 2022. They welcomed their first child, a son, in December 2023. “I wouldn’t choose no other person in the world to have a child with,” DDG recently gushed about co-parenting with Halle. “We learning. She’s a great mom. Like it’s crazy. She’s amazing,” he added, Radar reports. New episodes of the groundbreaking docuseries “Behind the Music” will premiere exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S. and Canada next month. This latest season profiles Bell Biv DeVoe, Trace Adkins, and Wolfgang Van Halen, and remastered episodes of 50 Cent, Bobby Brown, Ice-T, Milli Vanilli, The Notorious B.I.G. and Sinead O’Connor. The new episodes will debut on Wednesday, May 1st, and May 2nd in the UK, Australia, Latin America, Brazil, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. https://youtu.be/NfEkWEGIMa0 Actor Josh Hartnett is making a comeback as a creepy father with a dark past in director M. Night Shyamalan’s latest thriller, “Trap.” The story centers on a man (Hartnett) attending a pop concert with his daughter, where they realize they’re at the center of a sinister event. “Trap” also stars Ariel Donoghue, Saleka Shyamalan, Hayley Mills and Allison Pill. As PEOPLE reports, at a “Trap” preview event in Los Angeles on April 16, Shyamalan spoke about his casting process and said he’s always “looking for someone that’s willing to just let go completely, give themselves … to the movie and leap, leap, leap.” https://youtu.be/hJiPAJKjUVg College football player Amitral “AJ” Simon died just one week before potentially realizing his pro-ball dreams, his former university announced Wednesday. Simon, 25, transferred to the University of Albany where he played as a defensive lineman with the Great Danes for the 2022-2023 season. The school said in a statement on social media that Simon will be "profoundly missed." "AJ was a tremendous young man and even better teammate throughout this time at UAlbany," the school said."He was a role model both on and off the field, serving as a pillar to this program over the last two years. A cause of death was not disclosed. Simon was eligible for next week's NFL Draft and, according to NBC Sports, had made a recent visit to New England. He announced his decision to enter the draft in December, once his time on the team ended. He described his collegiate career as a Great Dane as "pivotal" in shaping his path to the NFL Draft, making him into a better person both on and off the field. “Abigail” follows a crew of criminals who kidnap the ballerina daughter of a powerful netherworld boss. The under creature horror flick features Alisha Weir as the nominative offspring of Mr. De Ville, Melissa Barrera, Dan Stevens, Kathryn Newton, William Catlett, Kevin Durand, Angus Cloud, and Giancarlo Esposito. https://youtu.be/3PsP8MFH8p0 The new Sony Pictures Classic film, “We Grown Now,” is a poignant narrative capturing the essence of childhood in Chicago’s Cabrini Green in the early 90s. The film takes viewers on a journey through the lives of two 10-year-olds, Malik (Blake Cameron Jones) and Eric (Gian Knight Ramirez), as they navigate the complexities of friendship amidst the challenges of urban life. The film also stars Jurnee Smollett and Milton “Lil Rel” Howery as Jason, Eric’s father. As a Chicago native, Howery seeks to see Chicago presented in a true and honest light. In an interview with us, he shared insight on the project and its significance to the soul of Chicago. https://youtu.be/FK8jW-pGWaY LaKeith Stanfield sparked excitement on his Instagram account when he joined his wife, Kasmere Trice, in performing the popular “Dump Truck” TikTok dance. In the comments, R&B songstress SZA wrote, “Not y’all adorable as hell” Another IG user commented, “He ate her up I’m afraid,” to which another person added, “You ain’t have to eat her up like that!” A third person added, “Had to be his idea bc he ate her up.” The 2024 Living Legends Foundation Honorees, Top Row (l-r) Donnie Simpson, Joi Brown, L. Londell McMillan; Bottom Row (l-r) Chris Chambers, Gwen Franklin, Mike Kelly (Photos Courtesy of the Living Legends FoundationThe Living Legends Foundation, Inc. (LLF) today announces its 2024 Annual Awards Dinner and Gala. This year’s event will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024, at Taglyan Cultural Complex, 1201 N. Vine Street, Hollywood, CA. The red carpet and cocktail reception begin at 6:30 p.m. with the awards dinner at 7:30 p.m. GRAMMY nominated and Stellar Award winning, Deitrick Haddon, is set to release his 12th solo album, ONE NIGHT IN CALIFORNIA, on Friday, May 17th, 2024. ONE NIGHT IN CALIFORNIA will feature sixteen songs of transparency telling the true story of Haddon hearing from God concerning the calling over his life, during a time in which his mental health was being tested. ONE NIGHT IN CALIFORNIA is an eclectic genre-blending mixtape featuring viral international artists and Haddon's signature vocals. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19fsNDEi1qM Deitrick Haddon earned the name, "the new face of Gospel," after his album Church on the Moon debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top Gospel chart. The Detroit native is known for his progressive, urban style of gospel music, but he is also the founding pastor of Hill City Church in California. He is also a former cast member on Oxygen's reality television show Preachers of L.A. Christmas 2020, Haddon teamed up with super-producer Zaytoven to create what they consider to be their best body of work to date, on the holiday EP “Greatest Gift.” Additionally, Haddon penned three songs on Usher’s album, “A.” As an actor, Haddon starred in the original TV One film, SINS OF THE FATHER and the ALLBLK film, THE FALLEN. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCVjfLJmKxo STELLAR AWARD WINNING CRYSTAL AIKIN SETS DATE FOR FIRST-EVER LIVE RECORDING, SATURDAY, JUNE 29 IN NASHVILLE, TN https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2a9q8WESZI Centricity Music and Centricity Publishing sign exclusive agreements with America’s Got Talent, BET’s Sunday Best alum and singer/songwriter, Bay Turner, who is represented by BrickHouse Entertainment and Platform Artists for management and booking respectively. With his team in place, and after being discovered by millions on Season 17 of America’s Got Talent and Season 10 of BET’s Sunday Best, Turner is poised to release new music following a remarkable journey seasoned with successes as well as health issues that threatened to end his career in music. Wholly captivated by the soulful sounds of artists like Donny Hathaway, Luther Vandross and Stevie Wonder when he was a young man, Turner’s voice blossomed while in college. After earning his undergraduate degree, he became a rising star in young artist programs affiliated with major opera houses around the world. As his faith became more of a central force in his life, he discovered, and began leading worship alongside, the iconic Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Silence the Shame, a community voice in mental health advocacy, is proud to announce an innovative partnership with the largest vendor of computer software in the world, Microsoft, to develop and launch a revolutionary mobile app dedicated to mental health awareness, education, and support. This meaningful collaboration and commitment will deliver technology that provides mental health resources, accessible in a personalized way, to individuals and groups facing mental health challenges, available on National Silence the Shame Day, May 5th during Mental Health Awareness Month. "Two years ago Darrell Booker and his team at Microsoft included Silence the Shame in their global hackathon and here we are now with this beautiful application ready to hit the market on our big day - May 5th! This is an exciting moment not only for our organization, but more importantly for communities to have more access to mental health resources and healthy ways to cope," says Shanti Das, CEO/Founder Silence the Shame. Silence the Shame and Microsoft invite communities worldwide to join in a collective effort to raise awareness and understanding of prominent mental issues. Everyone is encouraged to download the app, participate in National Silence the Shame Day activities including, and explore the wealth of resources available. ESPN Films is producing a new 30 For 30 documentary focusing on legendary SportsCenter anchor Stuart Scott. Deadline reports that director Andre Gaines (The One and Only Dick Gregory) is in production on the Scott project. The release date has not been announced. Scott was one of ESPN’s most cherished anchors in the network’s history for over twenty years. He died at age 49 in 2015 after a cancer battle. “Stuart Scott transcended broadcasting, journalism, sports and culture in ways that we’re only beginning to really understand and appreciate now,” Gaines told Deadline. “He made his mark on so many people, especially young black men, and his legend has only grown since his passing,” Gaines added. The opportunity I’ve had now to examine his life, visit his home, get to know his daughters Taelor and Sydni, and understand how incredibly vast and rich a life Stuart lived, I can only hope that audiences find the same catharsis I’ve already experienced in making this film.” https://twitter.com/FOS/status/1779223528727879768/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1779223528727879768%7Ctwgr%5E6846a80b0516b8ab0ed0f793e01a7a1407cb7eb5%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fnew-30-for-30-doc-chronicles-late-broadcaster-stuart-scott%2F TIME revealed the 2024 TIME100 on Wednesday, its annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. The issue has four covers, each highlighting a member of the TIME100: singer-songwriter Dua Lipa, football quarterback Patrick Mahomes, actor Taraji P. Henson, and Yulia Navalnaya, a leader of Russia’s opposition movement. Per the news release, the list includes pairings of the honorees and the guest contributors TIME selects to write about them. The twenty-first annual list features: Alex Rodriguez on Patrick Mahomes, Burna Boy on 21 Savage, Maren Morris on Jack Antonoff, Blake Lively on America Ferrera, Kate Hudson on Leslie Odom Jr., Michelle Obama on Thelma Golden, Jon Huntsman on William Lai, Naomi Watts on Tory Burch, Tom Brady on A’ja Wilson, Mark Zuckerberg on Jensen Huang, Ryan Reynolds on Michael J. Fox, Richard Branson on Jigar Shah, Joe Biden on Shawn Fain, and more. On actor Taraji P. Henson, Mary J. Blige writes: “Even before I knew her, I already felt like Taraji P. Henson was my friend. She was an actor I loved to watch, and I always felt like I could relate to her because she perfectly embodied who we are as women. I couldn’t wait to meet her. And when I finally did, it was on and popping from there. Taraji fit right into my crew.” Blige continues: “What I love most about her is that she is unapologetically herself. Taraji is a real woman—she doesn’t bite her tongue, and she’s not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. She’s always true and authentic, and she’s just as fearless onscreen, which is why she’s one of my favorite actors. Watching her commit 1 million percent to whatever character she’s portraying is amazing. Her courage really sets her apart, in Hollywood and in real life.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C53K10CMiBf/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=a7c3ed4c-5d63-439d-be77-9cbd8360362c Maryland civil rights groups unanimously petitioned to rename the Francis Scott Key Bridge due to its namesake’s history as a slave owner. The group is calling on the Maryland state government to rename the bridge because Key, author of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” was a slave owner, NBC News reports. The bridge was destroyed by a cargo ship last month, and Federal and state officials are discussing strategies for reconstructing it. The Caucus of African American Leaders, comprising organizations such as the NAACP and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, calls upon Governor Wes Moore and the General Assembly to reassess the bridge’s current name. According to NBC News, they propose renaming it in honor of Rep. Parren J. Mitchell, Maryland’s first Black representative elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1970. She passed away in 2007. “He spent a life, his entire life, creating a bridge between the African American community and literally the larger society,” Carl O. Snowden, the convener for the Caucus of African American Leaders, told NBC News. We reported via CNN that the Key Bridge collapsed after a container vessel called Dali collided with one of its supports on March 26. Dali is operated by Singapore-based Synergy Group but had been chartered to carry cargo by Danish shipping giant Maersk. https://twitter.com/i/status/1772663041445724654 Zendaya admits she is unsure when “Euphoria” Season 3 will begin production. “If it’s right for the characters and everything turns out the way it should, of course,” Zendaya told Variety at the “Challengers” premiere in Los Angeles Tuesday night. “But it’s beyond me.” We reported earlier that “Euphoria” season 3 is anticipated to debut in 2025, following numerous delays since the airing of its second season in 2019. HBO announced postponing the third season on March 25 but noted that series creator Sam Levinson is “committed to making an exceptional third season.” According to Teen Vogue, season 3 of “Euphoria” has not started filming because it is still being written. Two legendary music groups, The Commodores and The Pointer Sisters are heading out on a co-headline tour: An Evening of Icons. Produced by Live Nation and represented by Seth Shomes at Day After Day Productions (DADP), the first tour leg kicks off on July 11th at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre in Tinley Park, IL. It will make stops in Wantagh, Raleigh, Tuscaloosa, Tampa, and more before wrapping up in Primm, NV, on November 30th. The Spinners and El DeBarge are the special guests on select dates. “I grew up on the classic songs of The Commodores, The Pointer Sisters, The Spinners, and El DeBarge,” said Shomes, “So to create a tour concept with them as their agent is a bucket list item for me! I couldn’t be prouder to have Day After Day Productions represent their touring careers and it will be a thrill to see so many fans singing along with every word in 2024!” Tickets will be available starting with presales beginning on Wednesday, April 17th, ahead of the general on-sale beginning Friday, April 19th at 10am local time at LiveNation.com. After 14 seasons in the NBA, Blake Griffin announced his retirement from basketball in a statement released on social media Tuesday. “I never really envisioned myself as the guy who would have a ‘letter to basketball’ retirement announcement,” Griffin wrote on April 16, Vibe reports. “And I’m still not going to be that guy. But as I reflected on my career, the one feeling I kept coming back to and the one thing I wanted to express was thankfulness,” he continued. “I’m thankful for every single moment — not just the good ones: the wins, the awards, the dunks, and the memorable times spent with family, friends, fans, teammates, and coaches,” Griffin wrote. “I could continue on about the people in my life who have contributed immensely to my career, but in this short non-letter, I have to acknowledge my parents, Tommy and Gail, and my brother, Taylor, for their unconditional support and guidance. Lastly, my agent Sam Goldfeder, who has been a steadfast voice of reason and my wartime consigliere — thank you.” When you think of a Doula, it’s traditionally a role held by women. Doulas are trained to support pregnant women. James and Shunquita Hogue became new parents three years ago. They used a midwife, and after extensive research, decided they wanted a natural home birth. “About six to eight weeks prior to our scheduled due date, my wife experienced complications; gestational diabetes, preeclampsia,” James Hogue said. Preeclampsia is a serious form of high blood pressure that is 60% more common in Black women than in white women, according to the Preeclampsia Foundation. “It happens more often than not and it was like, ‘What could we have done differently?’ It’s not much we could have. There’s the saying ‘Things happen the way it happens,'” Shunquita Hogue said. An expectant mother never wants to have to change to a Plan B for their first baby, but it was the safest option for Shunquita and their son. Highly successful playwright Mark Hunter debuts new stage play “What’s a Man to Do” starring Willie Taylor (“Love & Hip-Hop”) and Monifah Carter (“R&B Divas”). The heart-stirring stage play is about a single father who is dealing with life’s complexities. “What’s a Man to Do” will be at the Flagstar Strand Theatre (12 N. Saginaw Street, Pontiac, MI 48342) Saturday May 18, 2024 at 3pm and 8pm. Produced by ReMARKable Productions, “What’s a Man to Do” is written by Mark Hunter (ReMARKable Productions) and directed by Shawnta McDougle (Sin’derella, Your God, My Enemy). The gripping stage play delves into the life of a single father who is going through personal turmoil at the same time he is dealing with a family secret. Produced by ReMARKable Productions, “What’s a Man to Do” is written by Mark Hunter (ReMARKable Productions) and directed by Shawnta McDougle (Sin’derella, Your God, My Enemy). The gripping stage play delves into the life of a single father who is going through personal turmoil at the same time he is dealing with a family secret. In a momentous turn of events, Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III, successor to Rev. Jesse Jackson as leader of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, announced his resignation from the presidency, citing a challenging financial landscape. The news, though unexpected, underscores the profound commitment to social justice that has defined the organization’s ethos for decades. Dr. Haynes, in his resignation statement released on April 16, expressed his unwavering dedication to the cause of social justice while honoring the illustrious legacy of Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. He affirmed, “I remain committed to honoring the rich history of RPC and the legacy of its esteemed leader, the incomparable Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Sr., and, most significantly, to the calling and pursuit of social justice.” Sources close to RPC revealed that financial woes had plagued the organization, contributing to Dr. Haynes’ difficult decision. While neither Dr. Haynes nor Rev. Jackson could be reached for comment, their silence speaks volumes about the gravity of the situation. Despite stepping down from his role at RPC, Dr. Haynes continues to serve as the Senior Pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas, embodying his unwavering commitment to uplifting communities and advocating for change. https://youtu.be/KZHAW3dZiJU Founded in 1971, RPC has been a stalwart champion of civil rights, endeavoring to level the economic and educational playing fields while promoting peace and justice worldwide. The organization traces its roots back to the Southern Christian Leadership Conference’s Operation Breadbasket, a movement spearheaded by the iconic Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and led by Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. Dr. Haynes’ installation event earlier this year was a testament to the widespread support and admiration he garnered within the community. Revered figures such as Roland Martin, Rev. Al Sharpton, and Vice President Kamala Harris lauded his leadership and dedication to the cause of justice. Rev. Sharpton, delivering a powerful keynote address at the event, underscored the urgency of the moment, calling for a renewed commitment to the fight for justice. Vice President Harris, echoing similar sentiments, expressed confidence in Dr. Frederic D. Haynes’ ability to navigate the challenges of the present moment and uphold the values of the organization. https://youtu.be/D7QnxACzgbE Queen Bey is giving Levi’s brand a lift. Beyoncé’s hit country album “Act II: Cowboy Carter,” which features the song “Levii’s Jeans” with rapper Post Malone, has lyrics like “denim on denim on denim on denim.” At the same time, she posted an image on Instagram of her wearing a pair of jeans with a denim shirt and a denim bag. All of which has sent fans flocking to Levi’s for denim jeans, denim jackets, and Western clothing since the album was released on March 29. Visits to Levi’s stores increased 20% during the week of Easter Sunday compared to the average for Easter week over the past three years, according to data from Pass_by, which measures customer foot traffic to retail stores. Levi’s did not share any sales data about Beyoncé’s effect. https://youtu.be/6dO5iXZWkrA Levi’s has made its own moves to capitalize on Beyoncé namechecking the brand and the extra attention it’s receiving. It temporarily changed its name on Instagram to “Levii’s” to recognize the song. “Denim is having a moment and the Levi’s brand is having a powerful moment around the world,” Levi’s CEO Michelle Gass said on an earnings call with analysts this month. “I don’t think there’s any better evidence or proof point than having someone like Beyoncé, who is a culture shaper, to actually name a song after us.” “Act II: Cowboy Carter” has also led to a rise in Western boot sales. The album included Western-themed songs such as “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages.” Sales for Western boots increased by 24% the week that Beyoncé released the album, according to data from market research firm Circana. Sales spiked another 45% the following week when “Texas Hold ‘Em” reached the top of Billboard’s Hot 100 chart, Circana said. https://www.instagram.com/beyonce/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=2eeffc52-18fb-4592-856c-f332decb3c72 “We can expect a resurgence in western style this year as a result of the aesthetic playing a prominent role in pop culture – on the stage with Beyoncé and Taylor Swift,” who also wore cowboy boots on her Eras album tour, Beth Goldstein, a footwear and accessories analyst at Circana, wrote in a research note. Beyoncé has also lifted Western boot sales at Calares, a women’s shoe and accessories chain, said Dana Telsey, a retail analyst at Telsey Advisory Group. Beyoncé has made history as the first Black woman to come in at No. 1 on the Top Country Albums chart with her “Act II: Cowboy Carter,” according to Billboard. The new collection also tops the Billboard 200 Albums chart, marking Beyoncé’s eighth time doing so. Beyoncé’s concerts and music tours have been an economic driver for brands, fashions and even local and regional economies over the years. Etsy last year reported a 25% increase in searches for disco hats and a 25% increase in searches for silver blouses and corsets after Beyoncé made a last-minute request for fans to wear silver at the Renaissance tour in honor of her birthday. https://youtu.be/esnhbIbQHgM In an exclusive interview, Babs Olusanmokun offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into his role in Guy Ritchie’s “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare,” shedding light on the character development and the excitement of working on the highly anticipated project. Best known for his role in “Star Trek,” Babs recently appeared in “Book of Clarence” and is now one of the leads in Ritchie’s action-packed adventure that stars Henry Cavill (Justice League), Alan Ritchson (REACHER), Eiza Gonzalez, and Henry Golding (Crazy Rich Asians). The feature is based upon recently declassified files of the British War Department and inspired by true events that are detailed in the book “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare: How Churchill’s Secret Warriors Set Europe Ablaze and Gave Birth to Modern Black Ops” by Damien Lewis. https://youtu.be/zvwDen1Wrx8 Amid the dazzling opulence of Los Angeles, the 10th annual Breakthrough Prize ceremony epitomized a breathtaking fusion of Hollywood glamour and scientific achievement. Branded as the “Oscars of Science,” this illustrious gathering pays homage to the intrepid scientists whose pioneering discoveries reshape our understanding of the universe, life, and technology. Also present at the event was the one and only Elon Musk who was intrigued by our “breakthrough” question which led to him expounding on the challenge of Artificial Intelligence/AI. Meanwhile, against the backdrop of the prestigious Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, luminaries from both entertainment and innovation spheres converged, including Robert Downey Jr., Kim Kardashian, Jessica Chastain, Brie Larson, Elon Musk, Glenn Close, Olivia Wilde, Margot Robbie, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Katy Perry, Orlando Bloom, Venus Williams, Alicia Keys, Lizzo, Ed Norton, David Foster, and a constellation of other notable figures. Central to the Breakthrough Prize ethos is a profound reverence for research that propels the frontiers of knowledge, pushing the limits of human comprehension and inspiring generations to come. https://youtu.be/x0t4QB--P2c GRAMMY-winning rapper Future and GRAMMY-nominated music producer Metro Boomin have announced dates for the We Trust You Tour, presented by Cash App and Visa. Produced by Live Nation, the arena tour run kicks off on Tuesday, July 30, in Kansas City, MO, at T-Mobile Center, per the news release. It will also hit up Detroit, Atlanta, Brooklyn, Houston, Toronto, Las Vegas, Inglewood, Seattle, and more before wrapping up in Vancouver, BC, at Rogers Arena on September 9. The 27-date tour also features a festival performance at Lollapalooza in Chicago, IL, on August 3. Per the release, the tour supports Future and Metro Boomin’s most recent collaborations, WE DON’T TRUST YOU, which was released March 22, and WE STILL DON’T TRUST YOU, which dropped April 12. https://www.instagram.com/metroboomin/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=a58b1c9c-8732-4c27-abe3-0b2206e9085f GSN-Acclaimed actor Michael Douglas steps into the shoes of Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s most iconic founding fathers, in the new Apple TV series, “Franklin.” The first three episodes of “Franklin” are now available to stream on Apple TV Plus. The next episode will premiere on Friday, April 19. The cast includes Noah Jupe (A Quiet Place) as Temple Franklin, Thibault de Montalembert (Call My Agent!) as Comte de Vergennes, Daniel Mays (Line of Duty) as Edward Bancroft, Ludivine Sagnier (Lupin) as Madame Brillon, Eddie Marsan (Back to Black) as John Adams, Assaad Bouab (Call My Agent!) as Beaumarchias, Jeanne Balibar (Irma Vep) as Madame Helvetius, and Theodore Pellerin (There’s Someone Inside Your House) as Marquis de Lafayette. https://youtu.be/YPG4I2jPSRE Talk about giving Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet” a facelift/reimage; well, how about moving it from Denmark to somewhere in the South, and instead of a royal family, you have a bar-b-que empire. What about making Hamlet a fat, Black, gay man named Juicy? Yep, that is “Fat Ham,” the James Ijames written, Pulitzer Prize-winning, Tony Award-nominated stage play, which is being performed now through May 5, at the beautiful Geffen Playhouse in Westwood, CA. Rust” armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was sentenced to 18 months in prison for the 2021 fatal on-set shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. On Monday (Apr. 15), Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer in New Mexico handed down the maximum penalty sentence for Guiterrez-Reed’s role in the tragedy, Complex reports. Hutchins was shot in the chest by a prop weapon during a gunfight scene in the Joel Souza-directed film. Guiterrez-Reed, 27, was accused of not properly inspecting the gun. The firearm, utilized by actor Alec Baldwin, was intended to be loaded with inert rounds. The jury convicted Guiterrez-Reed of involuntary manslaughter but did not find her guilty of evidence tampering. In a statement, she expressed her disappointment with her portrayal in the media following the shooting. https://youtu.be/lzpkmguQJqk The NBA has banned Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter from the league after an investigation found that the 24-year-old had violated betting rules. The league announced in March it had opened an investigation into anomalies involving bets about Porter after unusual betting patterns around the player emerged. The NBA said its investigation found that Porter had “violated league rules by disclosing confidential information to sports bettors, limiting his own participation in one or more games for betting purposes, and betting on NBA games.” “There is nothing more important than protecting the integrity of NBA competition for our fans, our teams, and everyone associated with our sport, which is why Jontay Porter’s blatant violations of our gaming rules are being met with the most severe punishment,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “While legal sports betting creates transparency that helps identify suspicious or abnormal activity, this matter also raises important issues about the sufficiency of the regulatory framework currently in place, including the types of bets offered on our games and players,” added Silver. “Working closely with all relevant stakeholders across the industry, we will continue to work diligently to safeguard our league and game.” https://youtu.be/5mpwXQUeXWc The NBA also found that Porter affected his own participation in games to influence bets on his performance in Toronto games. Additionally, the league also found that Porter placed at least 13 bets on NBA games between January and March this year. The bets totaled $54,094, ranging from $15 to $22,000, with the total payout being $76,059, resulting in net winnings of $21,965. While Porter was not involved in any of the games in which he bet on, there was a series of bets on a Raptors game in which he predicted that Toronto would lose. All three bets were unsuccessful. In 26 games this season with the Raptors, Porter averaged almost 14 minutes and just over four points per game. https://youtu.be/LOAe_if7SCk Tyler Perry has inked a new multi-year deal with BET Media Group. The agreement includes renewing eight of his shows for the network and its streaming platform BET+. Per Variety, “BET has renewed “Tyler Perry’s Sistas” for its eighth season, “Tyler Perry’s The Oval” for Season 6 and “Tyler Perry’s Assisted Living” for a sixth season. Also renewed is “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” for its sixth season on BET (and 12th overall, having previously run in syndication and TBS),” the outlet writes. BET+ will stream “Tyler Perry’s Zatima,” “Tyler Perry’s Ruthless,” Tyler Perry’s Bruh,” and “All The Queen’s Men.” Additionally, the network has commissioned a new scripted series from Perry, “Route 187. According to Variety, the project is a drama about violence on a bus route. NBA player Rudy Gobert shared his experiences with racism as a child in an essay published by The Players’ Tribune. The Minnesota Timberwolves star disclosed that the racial encounters started during infancy and involved close family members. In the essay, Gobert recalls a conversation between his mother, who is white, and members of her family who did not welcome him to a “big Christmas dinner” when he was a boy. “It’s a painful memory, but one that I need to share,” he wrote of the moment, which occurred in his home country of France. “You see, every year, my mom’s side of the family had this big Christmas dinner at a certain person’s house. My mom is white. My dad is Black. He’s from Guadeloupe, and he was playing basketball professionally in France when they met. My mom already had two white children from her previous relationship, and then I came into the world,” he wrote, “And for some people, that was a problem.” Gobert’s father returned to Guadeloupe in the Caribbean to play professional basketball when Rudy was two. https://www.instagram.com/playerstribune/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=5359f3c1-d08c-43a1-98f2-0ad207fd86a9 We take you to Miami International Airport (MIA) , Not for air travel, but to check out a guy having free reign to go through the luggage at the unclaimed baggage area to ‘shop’ for clothes. https://eurweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MIA-unclaimed-baggage-shopper.png According to Madame Noire, viral footage of the situation was captured by a woman and shared on an Instagram account, AFlyGuyTravels. “I have never in my life seen nothing like this,” the astonished woman said while filming and watching the unnamed man, who had a couple of suitcases near him. The woman mentioned the man had sifted through four bags. “This man is going through people’s luggage,” she said. “This is ridiculous.” https://www.instagram.com/aflyguytravels/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=14f5eb17-d8cb-4d07-a1b9-065c22c6ec57 Here is an exclusive clip of We tv’s captivating new show, “Love During Lockup.” The news release states that the docuseries introduces viewers to six couples navigating romance challenges in the prison system. Here’s the series synopsis: Love During Lockup reveals the fascinating moments that happen when people look for love and begin relationships with inmates. The captivating docuseries introduces viewers to six couples navigating the challenges of romance in the prison system. Each person has a unique strategy for finding love behind bars. Some are completely obsessed with finding the prisoner of their dreams and their daily lives revolve around this pursuit. For others, this may be their first time reaching out and embarking on such an unconventional relationship. These couples face unique challenges from sending money, first video dates and visits, to the heartbreak and frustration of the prison system, but is it true love or just a con? https://youtu.be/DJPXqlT4-AE Rumors of a split between Halle Bailey and rapper boyfriend DDG are swirling after fans noticed they stopped following each other on social media. According to RadarOnline.com, Bailey and her baby daddy no longer follow each other on Instagram. Fueling speculation, the duo has seemingly removed most of their couple photos from their respective accounts. DDG was noticeably absent at Halle’s Coachella performance this past weekend. DDJ and Halle made their Instagram debut as a couple in March 2022. They welcomed their first child, a son named Halo, in December. “The Little Mermaid” star kept a low profile during her pregnancy and remained coy when fans pressed her on social media about pregnancy rumors. After Beyoncé’s repeated snubs in the Album of the Year showdown, she’s trading her pop diva crown for a Stetson and moseying on down to the heartland of country music. Who knew all it would take was a cold shoulder from the Grammy’s to spark a full-blown honky-tonk transformation? Janet Charlton, the gossip guru, has tongues wagging with whispers from the grapevine that country tunes have bewitched Bey – wife to Jay-Z and mother of Blue, Rumi, and Sir – coaxing her to set aside her pop anthems for something with a little more twang. “Act II: Cowboy Carter,” her homespun homage to Country music/Nashville, is lording over the Billboard charts like it bought some prime real estate up there—which, coincidentally, isn’t far from the truth. https://youtu.be/7xYXNKjavk4 “Beyoncé is going all in on her re-branding as a country music star. Not only is her debut country album ‘Cowboy Carter’ topping the charts, but now Beyoncé and Jay-Z are shopping for a mansion in Nashville and looking to open up a music venue there as well,” writes Charlton. But hold your horses—Beyoncé isn’t just flirting with a country crooner career; she’s reinventing herself as the queen of the prairie. Not content with just topping the charts, she and her main man, Jay-Z, are supposedly scouring for a sprawling estate and looking to become Nashville royalty by opening a music venue. That’s right, folks, the Carter clan is about to turn Music City into their own little empire. https://youtu.be/MmSMXd1wLh8 Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is pressing for expanding work permits to cover long-term undocumented immigrants, citing economic advantages. Johnson urged President Joe Biden to grant work permits to around 500,000 undocumented immigrants in Illinois. Mayor Johnson wants to provide economic opportunities for all immigrants. During a recent roundtable with urban business leaders, he noted that undocumented individuals could potentially enhance life in Chicago, according to Fox News. “I want to make this emphatically clear: Chicago will never turn its back on people who wish to call the city of Chicago their home,” Mayor Johnson stated, Moguldom reports. “We need the president to extend the same economic opportunities to our long-term undocumented brothers and sisters,” Johnson told business and immigrant advocates, per the Chicago Sun-Times. https://youtu.be/-pJC-gy5KsI When 19-year-old Sade Robinson didn’t show up for her shift at a Wisconsin pizza restaurant on April 2, her co-workers immediately suspected something was wrong. The evening before, Robinson had planned a first date with Maxwell Anderson, 33, at a local seafood restaurant, according to a criminal complaint against Anderson. He is now facing charges of homicide, mutilation of a corpse, and arson in connection with Robinson’s death. The young college student had been looking forward to the date, even telling a worker in her building how excited she was, the complaint said. She texted Anderson she was “feeling seafood” and headed out to meet him at a seafood restaurant where he used to work, wearing ripped jeans and a white shirt, according to the complaint. Robinson was a vibrant, extroverted presence at the Pizza Shuttle, Manager Justin Romano described her to CNN affiliate WDJT-TV as “very outgoing, she would talk to everybody here. She was always there to lighten the mood.” Not showing up for work the next day “wasn’t like her at all,” Romano, the manager on duty at the Pizza Shuttle the day Robinson disappeared, told WDJT-TV. “We kind of knew something was up; we had been calling her all day.” One of Robinson’s friends called the police that night, saying she had not returned her calls or shown up for work, the criminal complaint said. Police visited Robinson’s apartment for a welfare check but did not find her there. https://youtu.be/rMeqNNdG34k?list=RDNSrMeqNNdG34k Since evolving away from tennis, Serena Williams has become a prolific investor inside and outside the sporting world with stakes in soccer club Angel City FC and golf franchise Los Angeles Golf Club (LAGC) alongside her other ventures. And the 23-time grand slam champion told CNN’s Amanda Davies she is “super interested” in adding a WNBA team to her portfolio. “I absolutely would be (interested). With the right market, I would definitely be super interested in that,” she said, acknowledging the “moment” that women’s basketball is having after a successful NCAA tournament that broke all kinds of viewing records. The WNBA Draft takes place on Monday in which Caitlin Clark is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick is only sustaining that interest. Even before she moved away from tennis, Williams’ company Serena Ventures had invested in 66 startups, including 16 unicorns – companies valued at more than $1 billion. She has also sought to champion traditionally underrepresented entrepreneurs – 78% of the startups in which Serena Ventures had invested were started by women and people of color. Baby Dove has announced the launch of its Expecting Care campaign, which aims to build on its continued commitment to help close the Black maternal care gap. The new campaign features five Black Birth Equity Fund recipients in an impactful portrait series designed to increase awareness of the importance of lifesaving doula care, per the news release. Research shows that Black women are 3-5x more likely to die of pregnancy-related causes than white women – with 60% of these deaths being preventable, the release states. However, a recent study found that expecting moms are 2x less likely to experience birth complications and are more likely to experience overall positive health outcomes when supported by a doula. The Baby Dove’s Black Birth Equity Project was launched in 2021. The initiative has provided over $650,000 in grants to help over 500 Black moms access doula support. “After receiving a grant from Baby Dove in 2023, I was able to hire a doula who acted as my personal advocate leading up to my due date and in the delivery room,” says Jazzmine Hall, a Black Birth Equity Fund Recipient featured in the Expecting Care campaign. https://www.instagram.com/babydovecare/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=45d9a5f3-8c5c-4c75-8f08-a87a834fd44a “It made me so much more confident in my journey, and I was able to enjoy my pregnancy more knowing I had someone who would be there to help me through the labor process,” she continued. “I’m so happy that Baby Dove is helping to bridge the equity gap and thrilled to be included alongside other Black expectant moms to advocate for the importance of doula care,” Hall added. https://www.instagram.com/babydovecare/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=2003cdf7-9c06-466f-ab32-abd0fd871180 After eight seasons, Robyn Dixon is leaving Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Potomac” Dixon announced on the newest episode of her podcast Reasonably Shady that the “network did not invite me back” for another season, People reports. I was fired,” she told co-host Gizelle Bryant, her RHOP co-star. “Yes, I will not be returning for season 9 of The Real Housewives of Potomac,” Dixon said. “It’s reality. The network did not invite me back. I was fired, for lack of better words. I will not sugar-coat the situation the situation and say, ‘Ooh I am walking away and this is a break’ or anything like this. This is a network decision.” Dixon expressed contentment with her departure from the popular series. https://www.instagram.com/robyndixon10/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=1fa8722b-a3b5-48e1-8108-1d58014e0356 South Carolina Senator Tim Scott is targeting the increasing demographic of Black voters open to voting for Trump in the presidential election, as indicated by recent polling data. We reported earlier that Scott has launched a weekly video series, “America’s Starting Five,” featuring five Black Republican congressional lawmakers. The aim is to elevate Black conservatives’ visibility and engage with Black voters. The first episode of the series, “America’s Starting Five,” challenged the stereotype that Black individuals are inherently aligned with the Democratic Party, The Hill reports. “In the first episode, the group discusses Joe Biden’s ‘you ain’t Black’ comments, what it means to be a Black Republican, and the growing coalition of Black Republicans,” the video caption reads. “Sen. Scott recognizes that he can draw people into the party, particularly Black men,” said a source familiar with the series’ planning, NBC News reports. This is an effort to highlight that.” https://youtu.be/yWPuzDFU_Go Faith Ringgold, the pioneering artist and author best known for her narrative quilts that interwove art with activism, has died at 93. Ringgold’s death, at her home in New Jersey on Saturday, was first reported by the New York Times. “Faith leaves behind an impactful legacy of activism and advocacy for diversity and inclusion that has left a lasting mark on the art world, inspiring countless others to use their voice as a tool for social change,” said Dorian Bergen, President of ACA Galleries, which had represented Ringgold for nearly three decades, in a statement provided to CNN. “We will miss her deeply, and remain committed to continuing this legacy by sharing her work, philosophies, and life with the world.” Ringgold, born in 1930 in Harlem during the Harlem Renaissance, drew inspiration from the tumultuous social realities she lived through. As a student, her formal initiation in the arts was almost curtailed by the City College of New York’s regulations of the time, which restricted women to specific majors — art not being one of them. However, Ringgold’s adamancy led her to strike a deal with a school administrator: Her art studies were contingent upon primarily enrolling in the school of education, where women were allowed. After earning her bachelor’s degree in fine art and education in 1955, Ringgold began teaching art in public schools while developing her own art. She later received a master’s degree in art from City College in 1959. Her early work was influenced by civil and racial unrest and had patent and profound political and social tones. https://youtu.be/1NlyAaKesJc Clarence “Frogman” Henry, one of New Orleans’ iconic R&B singers, passed away on April 7 at age 87. The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation confirmed his death on social media but did not disclose the cause. According to Rolling Stone, Henry experienced declining health over the past few years and had recently undergone an unspecified surgery. “It is with profound sadness that we share the news of Clarence “Frogman” Henry’s passing. A beloved icon of New Orleans music, he passed away at the age of 87 on Sunday night, surrounded by friends and family,” the organization tweeted. Henry’s hits in the 1950s and ’60s included “Ain’t Got No Home” and “(I Don’t Know Why) But I Do.” He attained modest success with renditions of “You Always Hurt the One You Love” and “Lonely Street.” https://youtu.be/TdZ2PO33P94 In 1964, Henry joined the Beatles during their American tour. He later told OffBeat magazine that he was paid $750 weekly for the tour. Following a lull in his career, Henry’s income was significantly boosted when “Ain’t Got No Home” was featured on the soundtracks of several films, including “Forrest Gump.” In a 2022 interview, he reminisced about crafting his infamous frog-like croak in high school. He achieved this signature vocal style by singing and inhaling simultaneously. Henry attributed the nickname “Frogman” to disc jockey Poppa Stoppa, who coined it in homage to Fats Domino’s moniker, the “Fatman.” “We do a variety of music,” he told John Broven, the author of Walking to New Orleans (1974), The Guardian reports. “We don’t cater to one style of songs. We do Dixieland, pop, the classics, you know. We don’t do opera, though. The only thing we do is soap opera.” https://twitter.com/Jazznheritage/status/1777403390554767647/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1777403390554767647%7Ctwgr%5Eaaaacfc7b57c299f14726b19bbaf602d89645241%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fclarence-frogman-henry-passes-away-at-87%2F “Tar Beach,” which chronicles the story of a young Black girl in Harlem during the Great Depression, has been criticized for its raw portrayal of African American life and faced attempts to have it removed from elementary school libraries. “I hope people will be inspired by my art and find the courage as I did to do whatever they feel moved to do,” Ringgold told Wallpaper magazine in 2022, “It takes courage to be free and express one’s own vision. Everyone is important and has a unique story to tell.” https://youtu.be/RscpfkvVaP4 In the span of four films, Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler have carved a successful pattern of collaborations. From critical independent film success (“Fruitvale Station”) to reigniting interest in the Rocky franchise (“Creed”) to cementing the Black Panther character’s place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (“Black Panther” and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”), Jordan and Coogler = film industry success. As the duo gets set to work on their next project, fans look forward to another level reached. If things go right, that will be the case. According to ScreenRant, little is known about the pending effort, other than it will be a historical period piece involving a vampire story. Despite their successful track record, the feature would find Coogler and Jordan in uncertain waters with the period piece. Yet, things could swim another way, demonstrating the range of the productive duo, making them even more well-rounded and appealing for those searching for a solid pair to helm whatever project they have in mind. “Not only is the collaboration exciting because it sees the two deviate from their usual subject material, but it can also reflect their range in a way not yet seen,” ScreenRant expressed while acknowledging the impact of the film’s distributor, Warner Bros. Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark, Cameron Brink, and Kamilla Cardoso were among the top first-round picks at the WNBA draft on April 15 at Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn, New York. Reese has officially joined the Chicago Sky. The WNBA team selected her as the seventh pick. The league’s commissioner, Cathy Engelbert, presented Reese with her No. 24 jersey, marking her transition from the former LSU Tigers star to a professional player. Joining Reese on the Chicago Sky is Kamilla Cardoso, the draft’s third overall pick. Earlier this month, Reese announced in a story for Vogue she is leaving LSU for the WNBA. She also shared her decision on Instagram. “I’ve done everything I wanted to in college,” Reese said in the Vogue story. “I’ve won a national championship, I’ve gotten [Southeastern Conference] Player of the Year, I’ve been an All-American. My ultimate goal is to be a pro – and to be one of the greatest basketball players to play, ever. I feel like I’m ready.” Kendrick Lamar and Dave Free teamed with “South Park” creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone for a comedy film that hits theaters next year. According to Variety, the movie is slated for release on July 4, 2025, via Paramount Pictures. While Kendrick Lamar’s involvement in front of the camera remains uncertain, the report notes his and Dave Free’s roles in the production. Discussing Film describes the feature as a musical that follows “a young Black man interning as a slave reenactor at a living history museum who discovers that his white girlfriend’s ancestors once owned his.” Meanwhile, Kendrick’s reps have clarified that the currently untitled film is not a musical. Lamar and Grammy winner Dave Free will produce the film through pgLang, their multidisciplinary communications company. Assemblymembers Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles) and Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) last week added their names to a growing list of California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) members who have introduced legislation aimed at addressing the state’s retail theft problem. Jones-Sawyer and McCarty appeared with Attorney General Rob Bonta, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, legislative colleagues, district attorneys, business leaders, and law enforcement personnel to introduce seven bipartisan bills at the Capitol Annex Swing Space on April 9. “The Assembly is moving forward with a comprehensive, balanced, and bipartisan legislative package that seeks to strengthen public safety, and protect shoppers, and business owners across California,” Rivas said. Jones-Sawyers introduced Assembly Bill (AB) 1802 – the Retail Crime Force Sunset Extension. The bill would eliminate the expiration date on another Jones-Sawyer bill, AB 1065, which was passed in 2018. AB 1802 would require the California Highway Patrol and the California Department of Justice to create regional property crimes task forces to assist local law enforcement with resources to fight retail theft in affected parts of the state. Currently, the CHP property crime task force has conducted 1,225 investigations, made over 1,800 arrests, and recovered almost a half million items of stolen merchandise valued at more than $21 million in areas across California, according to information provided Jones-Sawyer’s office. World-renowned legendary award-winning Gospel recording artist, Lillian Lilly will make history as she prepares to do the filming of her first music video on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at Christ Tabernacle Church in Jackson, MS where Rev. Hosea J. Hines is the pastor. This will be a historic milestone in Lilly’s career in the Gospel music industry. It will be hosted by Emmy-nominated and award-winning news anchor, Kayla Thompson of WJTV News 12. The music video taping marks another accomplishment for the anticipated release of Lilly’s new single, At the Center of Grace by Xpress Music Group, Inc., a new independent record label in Atlanta, Georgia. The taping begins at 3:30 PM CST and is open to the public. Doors will close at 3:15 PM CST. According to Xpress Music Group, the production will be directed by Texas Gospel Music Excellence Award winner James C. Birdsong, Jr., three-time Stellar Award nominee and multi-award-winning femcee Miz Tiffany, and Emmy Award-winning videographer Justin M. Burks. It is described as a live performance setting with additional scenes in a storyline. Keyshia Cole confirmed on social media Monday that she is dating drill rapper Hunxho. The 42-year-old songstress sparked dating rumors with the 24-year-old artist when they were spotted holding hands at a club in Atlanta earlier this month. On Monday (April 15), Cole hit up X/Twitter to write, “@hunxho mine.” All Hip-Hop reports that Hunxho responded with a heart emoji. One person called on Hunxho to break Cole’s heart and provide her with new material for her music. “I hope he don’t,” Cole responded. “God bless.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C5eQxfWu7xJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=4aa99546-f642-47ab-98d7-e1638226ad58 An incident in Ohio has led to an 81-year-old man being charged with the fatal shooting of an Uber driver under the troubling belief that she was part of a complex fraud scheme. The man, identified as William Brock of Clark County, allegedly shot Loletha Hall, aged 61, at his residence on March 25, purportedly suspecting her role in a scam that targeted him for ransom money. Recently, Brock became a target for scammers who initially tricked him into believing a relative was incarcerated and required thousands for release, eventually escalating their demands to resemble a kidnapping ransom situation, leaving him disconcerted. Lt. Kristopher Shultz of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office told NBC News that Brock had received a “scam call” earlier that day from a person “purporting to be someone from our courts who informed him a family member was incarcerated and that he had a bond of a significant amount of money.” Simultaneously, in what appears to be either a cruel coincidence or a coordinated scam, Hall also received deceptive instructions from scammers to retrieve money from Brock’s home. Upon her arrival, video footage from Hall’s vehicle dashcam reveals a tense scenario with her screaming for help as Brock, armed with a gun, approaches. Despite Hall’s attempts to escape, audio indicates Brock fatally shot her. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-04-16-041624-uber-driver-shot-1812406-264/ O.J. Simpson’s longtime attorney has changed his stance on payments to the parents of murder victim Ron Goldman. Malcolm LaVergne, an attorney and executor of Simpson’s will, affirmed his commitment to honoring any claim made by the Goldmans to recover the millions awarded to them in a 1998 civil judgment against O.J. “I can tell you in advance, Fred Goldman’s claim will be accepted. And his claim will be handled in accordance with Nevada law,” LaVergne, who has represented Simpson since 2009, told THR. LaVergne previously told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that he opposed Ron Goldman’s family obtaining funds from the estate. “Within an hour of knowing that O.J. died, he started talking sh*t,” LaVergne told THR about Fred Goldman. Former NBA player Nate Robinson says he doesn’t have long to live if he can’t get a kidney replacement. Robinson has been searching for a new kidney for the past four years following a diagnosis of renal kidney failure. He stressed the urgency of his situation in a new interview, stating that without a kidney replacement, he fears for his life. “I know that I don’t have long if I can’t get a kidney,” Robinson told the Daily Mail Sports. “I know I’m not going to have long to live. So I just want to make the best of it as much as I can,” he added. Robinson relies on a dialysis machine for his longevity and survival. The former guard said he would have a “week or two” to live without it. https://twitter.com/i/status/1778123468694827187 “It’s serious, can’t miss a day,” Robinson said. “I go in for four hours, three days a week, four hours a day,” he shared. “And they clean my blood to get my toxins out. And they help me out a lot because that’s how I’m living.” “So I’m just enjoying the times where I do feel healthy. I try to get out there with my kids, see my family and play basketball, do the things that I love,” Robinson added. Robinson detailed his over-a-decade-long battle with kidney disease in a 2022 documentary. https://youtu.be/TFwUkOQF56w A member of a White supremacist group wrote a racist letter addressed to members of the California Legislature and Attorney General Rob Bonta claiming deaths of Black mothers and children during childbirth are God’s will. Earlier this month, the Assembly Committee on Health voted 12 to 2 to advance Assembly Bill (AB) 2319, the California Dignity in Pregnancy and Childbirth Act, legislation crafted to address the high infant mortality among Black women. Opposing that decision last week, a person claiming to be a member of two racist White Supremacist organizations sent a letter to the office of Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City). Wilson, Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), is the author of AB 2319.“I submit this letter in strong and vehement opposition of AB 2319,” the letter obtained by California Black Media stated. “We believe that every non-White birth in this state is a drain on the taxpayers and that any miscarriage or complication that results in death or defect of the mother, or the child, is God’s way of ensuring population control among Blacks and other minorities.” Wilson said she and her staff were shocked by the raw hatred expressed in the letter. https://youtu.be/r0uA-SYpubY Tyrese Simmons, the man accused of firing into a Dallas apartment and killing a 9-year-old girl in a feud with another rapper, could get a plea deal. Simmons’ criminal trial began last week. It ended in a mistrial and now sources tell CBS News Texas that prosecutors are considering a plea deal. Simmons is facing life in prison if convicted. Court documents show he will be back in a Dallas County courtroom on Monday for a plea hearing. “[It] makes me very angry, very angry,” said Vaneta Andrews. “And I don’t think he should be getting off!” https://youtu.be/hGigRlznWHI In August of 2019, the murder rate in Dallas was approaching a high not seen in a decade. But Brandoniya’s murder still struck a nerve. Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson spoke at her funeral, vowing “We cannot, I cannot allow her death to have been in vain.” Police later identified Simmons as the suspect. According to detectives, Simmons was feuding with another wannabe rapper over lyrics. And mistakenly fired into Brandoniya’s apartment instead of the rapper he was targeting. https://youtu.be/J9Wi6n6YiQI Reggaeton sensation J Balvin basically freaked out his Coachella crowd in awe when he brought out Will Smith on Sunday (04-14-24). Smith joined the Colombian singer on stage for a rendition of his iconic 1997 track, “Men In Black,” famously associated with the movie of the same name. The surprise cameo seamlessly fit into Balvin’s otherworldly-themed performance, complete with a colossal alien head and a mock UFO. Dressed in the signature black suit and sunglasses of his “Men in Black” character, Smith made a dramatic entrance onto the stage from a rising platform, exclaiming, “Coachella!” The man in black then delivered the rap while surrounded by backing dancers clad in alien attire and black suits, according to The Independent. https://youtu.be/zwvPGbfpz7U As the song concluded, Balvin was whisked off-stage by the suit-clad dancers, while Smith brandished a “Neuralyzer,” the iconic memory-wiping device from the film franchise. To cap off the performance screens around the stage displayed the message “Dance in your Darkest Moments.” This electrifying moment came shortly after Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, shared a series of photos on Instagram showcasing their enjoyment of the festival alongside their daughter, Willow, who performed at Coachella in 2023. The caption, “A great show and old friends,” seemed to allude to a final snapshot featuring Pinkett Smith embracing popstar Justin Bieber while Smith beamed in the background. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/uZzpARixriA?feature=share As clips of the unexpected collaboration circulated online, fans expressed their astonishment. “What’s happening at Coachella?” one bewildered fan wrote. “Are we living in a simulation?” pondered another. “Brought out the Fresh Prince for real?” remarked a third, referring to another iconic Smith character. This appearance marked a rare public outing for Smith, who has maintained a relatively low profile since his headline-making incident at the 2022 Oscars when he slapped Chris Rock. Nonetheless, Smith’s portrayal of Richard Williams in “King Richard” earned him the Best Actor award at the ceremony. Fans can anticipate Smith’s return to the silver screen in the upcoming “Bad Boys 4.” https://www.instagram.com/jadapinkettsmith/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=f7c44e3d-8151-4d19-afe9-56c83e1d3e0f Overall, Coachella’s performances were full of surprise guests this weekend, including Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, Shakira, Paris Hilton, and Kesha, the latter of whom changed the lyrics to her hit song “Tik Tok” to say “F*** P. Diddy” during her performance with Reneé Rapp, reports The Desert Sun. https://youtu.be/avnQx8BojG8 World-renowned photographer Matthew Jordan Smith is celebrating 37 years of an illustrious photography career with a special online webinar dedicated to the legacy of the incomparable Gordon Parks and Aretha Franklin. The international, free online tribute is scheduled on Wednesday, April 17, at 10:00 a.m. ET will also give insights into the shoots that defined Smith’s role as a photographer of celebrities, fashion, and beauty. Reserve your spot for this once-in-a-lifetime webinar. Since his breakout assignment in 1992 with lawyer and educator Anita Hill for Essence magazine, Smith has risen to fame capturing the intimate nuances of stars like Oprah Winfrey, Zendaya, Halle Berry, Samuel L. Jackson, George Lucas, Angelina Jolie, and of course, The Queen of Soul. His ability to distill the aura of such icons into a single frame has garnered him international praise and solidified his place as a stellar figure in portrait photography. Hip-hop artist Fredro Starr from the rap group Onyx has some simple advice for struggling artists: Get a real job. “Get a f*cking job! Let me keep it real,” the veteran artist said in a new interview with BagFuel. During the conversation, Starr reflected on his path and the moment he was noticed by the late Hip-Hop icon Jam Master Jay of Run-D.M.C., who initially confused him for a drug dealer. “When Jay met me, you know what he asked me? He asked me if I sell drugs. You know why? Because I was making money,” Starr continued, Moguldom reports. https://youtu.be/F7DMDpK3XJE Earth, Wind & Fire will kick off a new Las Vegas residency at The Venetian Theatre inside The Venetian Resort Las Vegas this fall. The festivities will launch Oct. 9 — Oct. 19, with performances starting at 8:30 p.m. PT. As Vibe reports, this will be the band’s fifth run at The Venetian after hosting residencies in 2018, 2021, 2022, and 2023. General tickets for the new shows are on sale now for as low as $59.95. Meanwhile, the group will begin the second leg of their tour with Lionel Richie on May 13 – June 16. Additionally, the R&B icons will join veteran rock band Chicago this summer for their Heart & Soul tour, which begins in July and concludes in September. https://www.instagram.com/earthwindandfire/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=af574035-181a-486e-8ddb-2a8d50081aca After 15 seasons, CBS has decided to conclude the long-running daytime chat show “The Talk.” Variety reports that the network announced that the “celebratory sendoff” episodes will air in December. For months, rumors about the show’s impending end have been circulating widely amid reports that panelists feared their jobs were on the line as CBS prepares to debut the first Black soap opera in over three decades. According to RadarOnline, an insider told the National Enquirer… “Behind the scenes, tension on The Talk is at an all-time high” between co-hosts Akbar Gbajabiamila, Amanda Kloots, Natalie Morales, Jerry O’Connell and Sheryl Underwood. CBS officially confirmed the show’s conclusion to the cast and crew last week. https://www.instagram.com/p/C5q3-JTPhz6/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=61f5335f-2100-4acb-bc7b-912a4fe7238f LA-based model Jerzey Saint Wilson is gaining viral attention after a video of his participation in a “trans man realness” competition resurfaced. Many social media users are unaware that Jerzey is comedian Tommy Davidson’s son, Dreddsworld reports. According to The Pink News, the “trans man realness” competition contest occurred during The Main Attraction Arcade Ball, a video-game-themed drag ballroom event held in LA’s fashion district in 2023. Davidson recently showcased Jerzey (also known as Saint St Laurent) on Instagram, prompting admiration from women who claim the female-to-male social media star is stunning. According to DreddsWorld, one woman wrote, “If we try real hard I’m sure he can get me pregnant.” “So hear me out…..does he still hv a coochie,” another person wondered. https://www.tiktok.com/@rybproductionsinc2/video/7356673523860999466?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Ftommy-davidsons-transgender-son-goes-viral%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7356673523860999466 The video of Jerzey at the transman competition went viral on TikTok. It was reposted on X/Twitter and amassed 3.5 million impressions. Watch the clip above. According to The Pink News, Wilson competed in the “Private Security” category, described as: “Being security for a building is one thing. But you work for one of the biggest gaming executives of all time. You got the job because you fit all the criteria. One you’re ready for anything and the look of intimidation to match. In a nice clean look of your choice come and show why the boss made the right choice.” https://www.instagram.com/westside.jerzey.saint/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=47e49938-822b-4aa6-adf2-7fa2d8ef92a6 Jerzey is Tommy’s son with his first wife, a Black woman named Desiree Davidson. The IG post shows Jerzey as a little girl with his mother. https://www.instagram.com/westside.jerzey.saint/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=26def7e4-2606-48e7-b007-0083843e60c2 Jerzey shared the picture in 2018 along with a lengthy caption that said in part: “I pray everyday that he gives me second chances to right my wrongs with you. I pray that he helps me to grow into someone as giving and as selfless as you. I pray that he uses me as long as I’m here to be strong enough to carry you through your darkest days. I pray that he shows me how to be more and more like you.” https://www.instagram.com/reel/CsZYyTnMZhh/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=096f56b6-c1ac-43a4-a7c6-f9f03ef89eac The FBI is investigating New York City Mayor Eric Adams for receiving complimentary flight upgrades. RadarOnline.com reports that Adams received complimentary upgrades from Turkish Airlines, elevating him to first-class status. The New York Times reports federal investigators are scrutinizing Adams’s mayoral campaign, mainly focusing on free airfare upgrades. Adams is at the heart of a broader corruption inquiry involving his aides and a Turkish Airline executive, with investigators examining possible political favors in exchange for donations from Turkey. Adams’ involvement with Turkish Airlines allegedly extends beyond typical customer interactions. In November, the feds raided the mayor’s home and seized his phones and electronic devices. Per RadarOnline, “Investigators have also searched the homes of former Turkish Airline executive Cenk Öcal, as well as Adams’ top fundraiser Brianna Suggs and the mayor’s office director of protocol for international affairs, Rana Abbasova,” the outlet writes. Trey Songz has settled with a woman who accused him of sexually assaulting her at a Los Angeles party in 2016. We reported earlier that the woman (identified as Jane Doe) initially filed a $20 million lawsuit in 2022, but it was dismissed after Songz’s team successfully argued that her claim was past the statute of limitations. According to Rolling Stone, she refiled the case a year later and recently settled with the singer. Jane Doe claims Trey sodomized her inside his home in 2016. She claims they initially had a consensual sexual relationship, but Songz became a “savage rapist” on the day of the alleged attack, the lawsuit states, Complex reports. At the time, a representative for the R&B artist denied the allegations in a statement to TMZ. “Earlier today, the attorney who drafted this suit was credibly accused of trying to pay a woman to falsely accuse Trey,” the rep said. “Hours later, that same attorney has filed this suit on behalf of an anonymous client. It isn’t hard to see what’s happening here, and it is a shame for genuine victims of sexual assault. The lawsuit leveled accusations of sexual assault, gender violence, intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress, and false imprisonment against Songz. RadarOnline reports that Trey has settled the suit for an undisclosed amount. The court date that was scheduled for September 16 will be vacated. Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, attended the Royal Salute Polo Challenge to benefit Sentebale in Wellington, Florida, on April 12. After the match, Meghan and her husband, Prince Harry, snapped photos with players and their friends Ignacio “Nacho” Figueras and his wife, Delfina, at the Grand Champions Polo Club. The haters are outraged over footage circulating on social media of Markle refusing to let a Black woman, identified as the head of Sentebale, stand next to Harry for a picture to celebrate his polo team’s win. As the woman attempts to stand beside Harry, Markle asks, “Do you want to come over here?” She smiles while motioning for the woman to stand on her left side instead. One Instagram user commented, “Meghan could have moved a side and let the lady stand next to him but then meghan only thinks about herself and what she wants and is scared he is going to escape…” Another critic added, “Why did Meghan Markle push the beautiful Black lady around?” https://www.instagram.com/sussexroyal_hm/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=6f9d9a13-ebce-4a9d-91d4-6dd99f0119d0 WNBA star Brittney Griner and her wife Cherelle Griner are anticipating the arrival of their first child together. The couple announced the news on Saturday (April 13) via Instagram, sharing a photo of them holding hands next to an ultrasound image of their baby. The caption on the post reads, “Can’t believe we’re less than three months away from meeting our favorite human being🤍 #BabyGrinerComingSoon #July2024”. This will be Griner’s third child. In 2015, she welcomed twin girls with her ex-wife, Glory Johnson. After they separated, Griner said she had no responsibility to the twins, Ice Cream Convos reports. She was ultimately ordered to pay child support but it’s unclear if the WNBA star is actively involved in their lives.Brittney and Cherelle tied the knot in June 2019. Griner triumphantly returned to the WNBA last year after being released from a Russian penal colony in December 2022. https://www.instagram.com/p/C5tr9V6vjXN/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=0b632bd9-b036-4a54-a2b0-2b8d49985e5d Rihanna appeared at CinemaCon around this time last year to announce that she will voice the character of Smurfette in Paramount Animation’s “The Smurfs Movie.” “I tried to get the Papa Smurf role but It didn’t work out,” she said at the time, Variety reported. We reported earlier that the mother of two will serve as a producer on the project and write and record original music for the feature. During CinemaCon 2024, Paramount head Brian Robbins hailed RiRi as “the most legendary Smurfette ever.” During the studio’s panel on April 11, he also announced the star-studded cast set to appear in the Chris Miller-directed animated movie. MadameNoire reports that the voice cast includes Octavia Spencer, Nick Offerman, Natasha Lyonne, JP Karliak, Dan Levy, Amy Sedaris, Nick Kroll, and James Corden. https://youtu.be/X4S153IkCnA The reign of “King Charles” on CNN has reached its conclusion. Yep, the news giant is bidding farewell to what was supposed to be its prime-time gem featuring the dynamic duo of Charles Barkley and Gayle King, just shy of five months since its grand debut. The curtains closed on the CNN limited series in its final episode last week, as the co-hosts shared heartfelt thanks for the dedicated team behind the scenes and exchanged warm compliments. “I must admit, Charles, it’s been an absolute pleasure working alongside you. And something tells me, this isn’t our final act together,” King declared. “Keep that phone handy, Gayle,” Barkley teased in response. “To our viewers, until we meet again, whenever that may be, thank you for joining us over the past half-year. We’ve had a blast,” King bid farewell to the audience. https://youtu.be/ZX_dFwCaX-4 When CNN first unveiled the show last April, Barkley made it clear that it would steer clear of political divides. “We’re steering clear of labels like liberal, conservative, Republican, or Democrat. Those divisions have already tainted the airwaves,” he emphasized. A CNN representative reiterated that the show was always intended as a limited series, with its final bow scheduled for spring 2024. “King Charles has gracefully reached the conclusion of its scheduled run, as we announced from its inception last autumn. It proved to be a noteworthy addition to CNN’s lineup, capturing the attention of the youngest, most affluent, and most diverse audience within its cable news time slot,” the spokesperson affirmed. Conceived by former CNN CEO Chris Licht, the program paired his ex-CBS News compatriot, King, with the renowned and outspoken Barkley to dissect the week’s events. Despite early episodes struggling to resonate with viewers, CNN proudly highlights the show’s appeal to a youthful, affluent, and diverse audience. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/GfjHdQehDzw?feature=share In the annals of legal history, O.J. Simpson‘s 1994 murder trial remains a contentious saga, with his exoneration stirring debate even now. Yet, Attorney Carl Douglas, a member of his celebrated defense team, dubbed the Dream Team, staunchly defends their trial tactics. Among their bold strategies, the utilization of the “race card” stands out, a move vigorously supported by Douglas, according to TMZ. He contends that the racial dimension was inevitable, asserting that both sides were cognizant of its significance in the proceedings. Douglas rebuffs accusations of mere manipulation, insisting they merely presented the evidence at hand. The trial occurred against the backdrop of heightened racial tensions post-Rodney King, injecting further complexity into an already charged atmosphere. Critics lambasted Simpson’s legal counsel for exploiting the schism between the Black community and law enforcement, alleging a calculated bid to secure a favorable verdict for their high-profile client. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-04-12-041224-carl-douglas-1811255-811/ In the latest episode of “Real Time with Bill Maher,” which aired last night (03-12-24) the provocateur-in-chief once again stirred the pot with gusto with his take on the not guilty verdict of O.J. Simpson was seen as “Payback.” Beneath the studio lights on Friday evening, Maher, alongside Piers Morgan, delved into a discussion spurred by O.J. Simpson’s recent passing from cancer—a conversation that treaded over well-worn ground with the subtlety of a freight train. They revisited that day in ’95 when Simpson’s not guilty verdict sent shock waves around the world, a verdict that Morgan decried as a mockery of justice. Morgan was captivated by the public’s willingness to acknowledge the possibility of Simpson’s guilt while also regarding the verdict as a symbolic victory against a flawed justice system. A travesty it seemed, yet all too complex. But Maher, assuming the cloak of sagacity, countered with the suggestion that the verdict wasn’t misinterpreted; rather, it was a moment of acute awareness for the Black community, who Maher claimed knew of Simpson’s guilt but found reason to cheer his victory in a historically biased system. The point—hardly a fresh take—was that Simpson’ https://twitter.com/i/status/1778981851371040857 Echoing the sentiments of Charles J. Ogletree Jr., who once remarked how Simpson was embraced not as a hero or sports icon, but as a symbol of what so many felt in the African American community—a victim of a system ready to steamroll the less privileged, save for the intervention of the likes of Johnnie Cochran. Maher didn’t dodge the fact that Simpson—the same man who had once pled no contest to spousal abuse—was an imperfect vessel for such a profound moment. (“I mean, of course.”) https://twitter.com/i/status/1778981851371040857 The Biden administration said Friday that it is using existing student loan forgiveness programs to cancel another round of student debt, totaling $7.4 billion for 277,000 borrowers. Under President Joe Biden, the Department of Education has made it easier for some specific groups of borrowers, like public sector workers, to qualify for loan forgiveness. It also launched a new repayment plan that creates a shorter pathway to loan forgiveness for many low-income borrowers – and is at issue in at least two legal challenges from Republican-led states. In total, the Biden administration has authorized the cancellation of $153 billion in student loan debt for nearly 4.3 million people. That’s more than 9% of all outstanding federal student loan debt. As the November election approaches, the Biden administration has been eager to show how much student loan debt it has canceled, making new announcements about debt relief roughly once a month and sending emails directly to eligible borrowers. Earlier this week, Biden announced a new group of student debt relief proposals that could possibly go into effect this fall. https://youtu.be/0TjKOAJ43Ww Biden’s student loan forgiveness efforts have been sharply criticized by many Republicans, who argue the president is transferring the cost to taxpayers who chose not to go to college or who already paid for it themselves. They also say he is circumventing the Supreme Court, which knocked down Biden’s signature student loan forgiveness program last year. In the past few weeks, two groups of Republican-led states have sued the Biden administration over the income-driven repayment plan launched last year. Known as SAVE (Saving on a Valuable Education), the plan offers the most generous terms for low-income borrowers. About $3.6 billion of the student debt relief announced Friday will be delivered to people enrolled in the SAVE plan. “Republicans in 18 states want to prevent their own constituents from benefiting from the SAVE plan. They want to end SAVE, make their constituents’ payments go up and keep them under mountains of loan debt with no end in sight,” said White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on a call with reporters Thursday. https://youtu.be/QrOoX8ltnWo Almost 20 years after portraying Michael Jackson in the controversial 2004 biographical drama “Man in the Mirror: The Michael Jackson Story,” Flex Alexander is still explaining his involvement in the film. Taking to social media, the former “One on One” star shared his reasoning behind his decision to play the King of Pop. For Alexander, it was the business of doing what he needed to do to take care of his family, when he was approached to take the role. “So I sat down at this table and these producers they said, ‘Man, you do this, you’re gonna be a big star! Bigger than Will Smith, Bigger than Denzel [Washington]!” the funnyman recently said on his daughter Imani’s TikTok account before getting serious on the topic. https://www.tiktok.com/@imaniaaliyahhh/video/7355298710416395563?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fhes-still-living-it-down-flex-alexanders-desperate-reason-for-playing-michael-jackson-watch%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7355298710416395563 In a dramatic turn of events at the Skowhegan, Maine courthouse, chaos erupted on Friday (04-12-24) as a member of the victim’s family lunged across the courtroom, resulting in a scuffle and subsequent arrest. The tense atmosphere unfolded shortly after 20-year-old Jason Servil received a hefty 45-year sentence for the tragic killing of Alice Abbott back in July 2022, despite pleas from Abbott’s relatives for a harsher punishment. As legal discussions were underway among the attorneys, the victim’s brother breached the courtroom barrier in a desperate bid for justice, only to be subdued by a swift response from a county corrections officer armed with a stun gun, reports WABI-TV. Servil had confessed to the murder of the young Abbott and also admitted to assaulting another individual at a Skowhegan residence. https://youtu.be/bI2264I5bLE Shannon Sharpe will have a common interest with the students selected for his Shay Shay Media Social Media Internship. ClutchPoints reports that Daryl Green and Natayja Smith are the recipients of the internship. The duo, who attend Sharpe’s alma mater, Savannah State University (SSU), will be a part of the Shay Shay Media team, assisting the football legend with his “Club Shay Shay” and “Nightcap” podcasts. Green, a junior majoring in Mass Communications, shared his joy of being a Shay Shay Media intern while noting his hope of his experience benefiting other SSU students. https://www.instagram.com/hbcupulse/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=a452b838-9b20-4966-baf2-238e5a6da2ee “It feels great, the Mass Communication Student Association and National Association of Black Journalists member told ClutchPoints regarding his selection for the Shay Shay media internship. “To be one of the students who was selected this is something that I’ve prepared for since I got here at Savannah State. All of the classes, all of the extracurricular activities that I’ve participated in. Just really equipping me with the skill set to be even mentioned as a candidate and ultimately getting this role and working with the team at nightcap. So this is something that I’ve worked for and it feels great as a student.” “I want [the internship] to showcase what we have here at Savannah State,” he said. “Even though right now I’m in this role helping the team at Nightcap, I feel like we have a lot of people who can also fulfill roles like this. I wanna show off not only my skill set, but a lot of the things Savannah State has helped me with and just what we have here at this HBCU.” https://youtu.be/TdTkQhclhDc Google initiated a trial on Friday by excluding certain California news websites from the search results of some users. This trial serves as a preemptive measure in response to potential legislation that would compel the tech giant to compensate media companies for linking to their content. In a blog post on Friday, Google announced this trial, describing it as a “short-term test” affecting a small percentage of users. The purpose is to assess how the proposed legislation would impact the user experience. Additionally, Google stated it would halt new investments in the California news industry, including partnership initiatives with news organizations and product licensing programs. Jaffer Zaidi, Google’s vice president for global news partnerships, emphasized in the blog post that facilitating access to news stories assists publishers in expanding their audiences without incurring costs. Zaidi argued that the proposed legislation would disrupt this model. “By helping people find news stories, we help publishers of all sizes grow their audiences at no cost to them. (This bill) would up-end that model,” Zaidi wrote in the blog post. https://youtu.be/CRhL3jor3lI Curtis Jack, from the Atlanta suburb of Hampton, now faces the consequences of his attempt to poison an innocent baby with antifreeze, an act that transpired four years ago. Following his conviction on charges of first-degree cruelty to children and attempted murder, Jack has been sentenced to 50 years, with 40 to be served behind bars. South Fulton Police took to Facebook to announce his sentencing. According to a statement from the department, on October 1, 2020, Jack retrieved two bottles of breastmilk from the mother of his child, who was hospitalized after recently giving birth to their daughter. In a disturbing turn, Jack had pressured the woman to terminate her pregnancy. Subsequently, he delivered the breastmilk to the child’s grandmother, who was also caring for the newborn and her sibling. https://youtu.be/Z0i-RU3tMaI Iran has launched a wave of strikes toward Israel in retaliation for last week’s deadly Israeli strike on an Iranian embassy complex in Syria, in an unprecedented move by Tehran that could further widen the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Several dozen drones were launched from within Iran on Saturday, a senior US administration official told CNN, while an Israeli military officer put the number at “more than 100.” Iran state media confirmed that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had “launched extensive drone strikes against targets in occupied territories,” referring to Israel. Iran has also launched missiles against Israel, according to Israeli and Iranian media. In response, tens of Israeli fighter jets are now airborne on a “defense mission in Israeli airspace,” according to an Israeli military official, who said Israeli forces aim to intercept the drones before they reach Israeli skies. https://youtu.be/MOhF6V_nJKg Rico Wade, a vital figure in Atlanta’s music scene as a member of Organized Noize and an early collaborator with Outkast, has passed away at the age of 52, as confirmed by Killer Mike‘s Instagram post and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The cause of his death has not been disclosed. In a statement sent to EURweb, the family of Wade expressed their profound sorrow at the sudden loss of their son, father, husband, and brother. They requested privacy as they grieve the departure of a gifted individual who had a significant impact on many lives. “We are deeply saddened by the sudden and unexpected passing of our son, father, husband, and brother Rico Wade. Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of a talented individual who touched the lives of so many. We ask that you respect the legacy of our loved one and our privacy at this time.” – The Family of Rico Wade. Organized Noize, comprised of Ray Murray and Sleepy Brown alongside Wade, emerged in the early 1990s, contributing significantly to the rise of artists like Outkast, TLC, and Goodie Mob. Their distinctive blend of classic R&B and hip-hop helped shape Atlanta’s music landscape, setting the stage for the city’s prominence in the hip-hop world for years to come. https://youtu.be/YUY8X5cfJ1w Rico Wade’s studio, known as “the Dungeon,” located in Atlanta’s East Point neighborhood, served as both a creative hub and a backdrop for numerous hits of the era. His influence extended beyond music, as he was instrumental in fostering a sense of community within the Dungeon Family, which included notable artists like Killer Mike and Big Rube and his cousin, rap superstar Future. https://youtu.be/cX94e5yXCEc Speaking of Killer Mike, in a heartfelt tribute, expressed his deep sense of loss and gratitude for Wade’s mentorship and friendship. The legacy of Rico Wade lives on through the music he helped create and the lives he touched. “I don’t have the words to express my deep and profound sense of loss,” Killer Mike wrote. “I am praying for your wife and children. I am praying for the Wade family. I am praying for us all. I deeply appreciate your acceptance into the Dungeon Family, mentorship, friendship, and brotherhood. Idk where I would be without y’all.” https://youtu.be/tounM1Kd9Cg UFC fighter Jon Jones is under investigation amid accusations that he assaulted and threatened a sports doping agent. According to Albuquerque news outlet ABQ RAW, the Albuquerque Police Department received a complaint from the drug tester who was taking samples from Jones at his home. The drug tester, Crystal Martinez, a Drug-Free Sport International sample collection worker, filed the complaint last week over the incident that occurred in March. Martinez claims Jones appeared to be “extremely intoxicated” when she and another agent arrived at his home, and he allegedly threatened to kill them for unknown reasons. According to police, Martinez claims Jones initially cooperated but couldn’t provide a urine sample. The situation allegedly escalated when Martinez suggested a blood test, prompting Jones to threaten legal action and seize her phone to record a video. The complaint describes him as being confrontational and uttering threats, causing the drug testers to fear for their safety. Jones posted to Instagram on March 6, denying the accusations and accusing the agents of “unprofessionalism.” https://www.instagram.com/jonnybones/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=55091abe-6244-422c-9452-22fe58007f58 Disgraced “Cheer” star Jerry Harris must pay restitution to his victims after being sentenced to 12 years in prison in 2022 for soliciting sex from minors. RadarOnline.com obtains documents revealing that the 24-year-old faces a restitution judgment of over $136k to be paid immediately to five victims. One of the minors will collect $124,348.76, while the other four will each receive $3k, per the order. If Harris cannot pay the restitution in a lump sum now, 10% of his future earnings after his release will be deducted from each paycheck. Harris must complete eight years of a court-supervised release after his release from prison. https://youtu.be/9jfdwR-rTzY Harris was arrested in 2020 on child pornography charges. The U.S. The Attorney’s Office released sexually explicit evidence at the time to support the case, including photos and screenshots of messages from Harris to his victims. Harris reportedly admitted to exchanging photos and videos with underage boys (upwards of 15 boys) and repeatedly soliciting them to connect in person. Prosecutors said Harris had been “grooming” one victim since he was 13. Once the boy turned 15, Harris allegedly sexually assaulted him in an unlocked public restroom during a cheer event in 2019. Harris was sentenced to 12 years in prison in July 2022 after pleading guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of traveling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. According to RadarOnline, he must contribute $35k to the AVAA crime victims fund and $10k to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act. Harris is serving his sentence at Lexington FMC in Kentucky and is scheduled to be released in 2031. https://youtu.be/dhXRx_lva18 Living the life of a reality TV star can really take a toll on your body. For Marlo Hampton, the toll came physically with an addition to Ozempic. In an interview with Carlos King, Hampton confessed to being addicted to the diabetic weight loss drug, saying bluntly, “I had got addicted to it, b—!” “I had lost 30 pounds, sample sizes, everybody was sending me clothes, I was like, ‘Yes! Yes!’” the “Real Housewives of Atlanta” fixture told King. Despite enjoying her slimmer figure, Hampton noticed the effect Ozempic had on her body, with noticeable changes she detected. “Then, I was like, ‘Alright, b—! Your menstrual acting funny, you getting a lil breakout, this s— is messing with my body.” she said while revealing that constipation followed. https://youtu.be/veEyPo1gUxs For those who insist racism is dead, all you need to do is read this. An Indiana State University student’s racist comments about Beyoncé and her “Cowboy Carer” album have sparked protests from those who found the video after it went viral. Members of the ISU community are speaking out. Here’s the deal. An ISU nursing student posted an anti-Black video to social media, saying that Black people cannot be “country.” She continued her rant, referencing slavery, the student said, “I’m sorry, if you’re Black, you’re not country.” “I know you were raised in the country, or your grandparents were,” she continued. “But they was picking. They wasn’t planting. Keep that in mind. They wasn’t making money. They was getting sold for money.” https://www.tiktok.com/@miscasmr/video/7355947328550849835?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fisu-students-racist-beyonce-comments-condemned%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7355947328550849835 According to the Indiana Statesman, students held a protest on April 8 in response to the video. The Statesman reported the group demanded repercussions for the student’s behavior. ISU’s Black Alumni Network released a statement, saying they “stand united in our shock and condemnation” of the video. The group called ISU’s response ‘grossly inadequate,’ and demanded President Deborah Curtis address the issue ‘immediately and publicly.'” “Indiana State University’s response to this vile display of bigotry has been, to say the least, disheartening,” the Black Alumni Network said. “Such a response is a slap in the face to every student, alumni, faculty and staff member who looks to ISU to uphold principles of inclusivity, respect, and dignity for all.” https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/434849685_805494868275620_1320133614084635136_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_p403x403&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5f2048&_nc_ohc=pkbRZgAEN_QAb7a52Z6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&edm=AN6CN6oEAAAA&oh=00_AfDwZnnuV_aFmiUca9zCw12HNRvEydPyKc_fxRZiSQLTFg&oe=661FC8DC Written and produced by Winans, “Father In Heaven (Right Now)” debuted April 12 and recounts how he has witnessed and felt God’s hand on his life, the news release states. The ballad serves as a reminder of celebration and testimony. Along with the song, Winans is serving up a new music video, which was filmed over the course of four sold-out performances across South Africa in January 2024. The official clip captures Bebe on stage, bringing his unique blend of Gospel, Soul, and R&B to thousands of fans, per the release. “I must say this song speaks to the core of my being,” the singer said of the new song. “I’m so grateful to my Heavenly Father for everything. I hope it moves listeners to the point of surrender when it is released on April 12, 2024,” Winans added. Written and produced by Winans, “Father In Heaven (Right Now)” debuted April 12 and recounts how he has witnessed and felt God’s hand on his life, the news release states. The ballad serves as a reminder of celebration and testimony. Along with the song, Winans is serving up a new music video, which was filmed over the course of four sold-out performances across South Africa in January 2024. The official clip captures Bebe on stage, bringing his unique blend of Gospel, Soul, and R&B to thousands of fans, per the release. “I must say this song speaks to the core of my being,” the singer said of the new song. “I’m so grateful to my Heavenly Father for everything. I hope it moves listeners to the point of surrender when it is released on April 12, 2024,” Winans added. https://youtu.be/LeL7fSK0uWM Apple TV+ has unveiled the trailer for its new sci-fi thriller “Dark Matter” starring Joel Edgerton and based on the blockbuster book by New York Times bestselling author Blake Crouch. The new nine-episode series also stars Jennifer Connelly, Alice Braga, Jimmi Simpson, Dayo Okeniyi, and Oakes Fegley. Per the synopsis: The series will follow Jason Dessen (played by Edgerton), a physicist, professor, and family man who — one night while walking home on the streets of Chicago — is abducted into an alternate version of his life. Wonder quickly turns to nightmare when he tries to return to his reality amid the mind-bending landscape of lives he could have lived. In this labyrinth of realities, he embarks on a harrowing journey to get back to his true family and save them from the most terrifying, unbeatable foe imaginable: himself. Crouch serves as creator, executive producer, showrunner, and writer alongside executive producers Matt Tolmach and David Manpearl for Matt Tolmach Productions. Edgerton also serves as executive producer. https://youtu.be/j6ucGt_Xp14 After the social-media blowback that greeted the “Good Times” trailer, Netflix opted to premiere the show without making it available to critics. But the animated series that dropped on April 12 merely underscores the pitfalls of leveraging a familiar title without a clear reason for doing so, yielding an edgy comedy that likely would have come and gone with scant notice without the weight of that name. In addition to the late Norman Lear – who fared considerably better with a “One Day at a Time” reboot – the roster of producers here includes Seth MacFarlane (“Ted,” “Family Guy”) and NBA superstar Stephen Curry. The series was created by Ranada Shepard and Carl Jones, with the latter having worked on “The Boondocks.” “Good Times” is hardly the first show to try capitalizing on a recognizable title, but the connection has seldom felt more tenuous. https://youtu.be/BMA2Kc7TiO0 The original show broke ground in 1974 by depicting a two-parent Black family, reflecting the clout Lear possessed as a producer at the time. He spun the show off from “Maude,” which itself was a spinoff of “All in the Family.” To say the TV world has changed since then would be the height of understatement. Yet the bottom line for reboots is whether the new show brings anything fresh or distinctive to the material while providing enough of a relationship to the source, beyond mere nostalgia, to justify the process. “Good Times” ultimately flunks that test on both levels. With apologies to the original theme, the result doesn’t keep its head above water, much less make a wave. “Good Times” is streaming now on Netflix. https://youtu.be/EA4s7TJ3X88 The sci-fi/horror-thriller returns the phenomenally successful “Alien” franchise to its origins in ‘Alien: Romulus.’ While scavenging the deep ends of a derelict space station, a group of young space colonizers come face to face with the most terrifying life form in the universe. The film is set between the events of “Alien” (1979) and “Aliens” (1986). “The way we crafted it is if you haven’t seen any of them, I’m jealous because you’ll have an incredible experience,” director Fede Alvarez told THR. “You’ll have all these worlds of Alien coming at you, and you’ve never experienced any of this. You don’t know how the creature is born, and you don’t know any of these things. That’s fantastic. You’ll have a blast. The film stars Cailee Spaeny (“Priscilla”), David Jonsson (“Agatha Christie’s Murder is Easy”), Archie Renaux (“Shadow and Bone”), Isabela Merced (“The Last of Us”), Spike Fearn (“Aftersun”), and Aileen Wu. https://youtu.be/GTNMt84KT0k Jeezy wants to be the custodial parent of his two-year-old daughter, whom he shares with his estranged wife, Jeannie Mai. According to TMZ, in newly filed court docs, the rapper asked to be awarded primary custody of Monaco Mai Jenkins. Jeezy is “asking a judge to toss out the current custody and parenting time arrangement he hashed out in mediation with his estranged wife … and requesting that his daughter be allowed to live with him full-time,” the outlet writes. Jeezy and Jeannie reportedly reached a parenting arrangement schedule for their daughter during mediation. However, according to new documents, the hip-hop star now wants full-time custody of Monaco, citing Mai’s busy schedule as the reason. Jeezy filed for divorce in Atlanta, Georgia, in Sept. 2023, after two-and-a-half years of marriage. According to People, the filing states there is “no hope for reconciliation.” Jeezy and Jeannie married in March 2021 and welcomed their daughter the following year. Jeezy’s divorce docs state that Mai acts “as a gatekeeper” when it comes to him “exercising parenting time with [Monaco].” Nathan Wade, who lost his prosecutor position in the Donald Trump election fraud case due to an affair scandal with District Attorney Fani Willis, is now citing financial hardship to avoid paying alimony to his estranged wife, Joycelyn Wade. We reported earlier that Jocelyn accused Wade of contempt of court in a new divorce filing. According to the Daily Mail, she asserts she’s unable to cover the bills on her own since Wade ceased child support payments for their two children. Fulton County DA Fani Willis appointed Wade to oversee the prosecution of Donald Trump for attempting to overturn his 2020 election defeat. Nathan is in the midst of a contentious divorce case, where it emerged he had a sexual relationship with Willis. The scandal led to his resignation as top prosecutor in the Trump case. After stepping down from the Georgia case, Wade claims he cannot fulfill the terms of a recent temporary agreement with Jocelyn. “With the income from [Wade’s] employement as the Special Prosecutor no longer coming in, and with income from [his] private practice being diminished, [he] is no longer able to … meet the financial obligations set forth in the temporary order,” Wade’s divorce lawyer M. Scott Kimbrough wrote in papers filed Monday, New York Post reports. A Texas teacher and her son have been arrested after allegedly recruiting minor students for prostitution. FOX26 Houston reports that Klein ISD teacher Kedria Grisby, 42, and her son Roger Magee, 22, are charged with three counts of trafficking a child and three counts of compelling prostitution on juveniles. The three underage victims, aged 15, 16, and 17, were reportedly runaways and students where Grisby taught. According to police, Grisby helped her son take in troubled juveniles from a local high school and provided them with a hotel where illegal sex acts allegedly occurred. Several teens have reported that Grigsby attempted to recruit them at school. Magee was arrested in November 2022 and remains in a Harris County jail, according to FOX26. In court, text messages were presented as evidence showing him discussing Zelle with one of the complainants to process payments. Magee and his mother are each facing prostitution and sex trafficking charges. Grisby’s bond was set at $750,000. As part of her release conditions, she is prohibited from contacting witnesses and having unsupervised contact with minors. https://youtu.be/bs9hOxRz8Jc Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network convention in NYC celebrated prominent women at the Sheraton in NYC on Thursday, including Mika Brzezinski, Stacey Abrams, Lisa Price, Michelle Stoddart, and Dr. Valerie Daniels-Carter, with Alicia Keys as a surprise honoree. The night before this event, Sharpton recognized Whoopi Goldberg with NAN’s Keepers of the Dream award. Page Six reports that Sharpton described Keys as “a young lady who appeals to all of our women and men.” The singer added, “I’m so grateful to be surrounded by powerful women… One of the secrets of the sauce is making sure that powerful women are uplifted and that we are at the table.” In related news, 16-time Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys wrote the original song “Kaleidoscope” for the new musical HELL’S KITCHEN. https://youtu.be/YuBkslWrFQE Tia Mowry is set to star in a new reality show for WEtv that chronicles her post-divorce life. Vibe reports that the forthcoming unscripted series “Tia Mowry: My Next Chapter” will follow the “Sister, Sister” star as she navigates life and motherhood following her divorce from actor Cory Hardrict. “I am excited to share more about myself, both personally and professionally. Having been in the public eye for most my life, things often get misinterpreted, or people get misled. I am excited to pull back the curtain on this next chapter of my life,” said Mowry in a statement. Tia and Cory were married from 2008-2023 and share two minor children. The actress star admitted in a recent podcast interview that dating after her divorce is “exhausting.” Fans are urging the actress to reconcile with her ex, but Mowry said that is not an option. She hit up Instagram late last year to shut down speculation about her love life as a single mother. https://www.instagram.com/tiamowry/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=4d61247a-3f3e-4073-9f5c-e37d57256104 James McAvoy stars in the Blumhouse remake of the 2022 thriller “Speak No Evil” from director James Watkins. The new trailer was unveiled this week during Universal’s CinemaCon presentation, and many social media users are not impressed that the studio invested in a remark of the acclaimed 2022 Danish original. One X/Twitter user wrote, “For those who don’t want to wait… this exact movie was made 2 years ago.. (literally scene by scene copy). Solid movie with decent twists.” Another critic wrote, “… they really put the twist in the damn trailer. What a shame.” The film tells the story of “a family invited for a weekend at an idyllic country house–a dream holiday that warps into a snarled psychological nightmare.” McAvoy stars alongside Mackenzie Davis, Scoot McNairy, and Aisling Franciosi. Per Deadline, Watkins said about McAvoy’s character, “Part of Paddy is a charming gregarious friend, host, and father, and on the other hand, he’s well, not that at all.” https://youtu.be/FjzxI6uf8H8 This story, unfortunately, is horrible. An investigation is underway by the Los Angeles Police Department into a tragic case where a couple and their 8-month-old baby have been found dead in what appears to be a murder-suicide. The deaths of the baby and the couple, which were discovered at three separate locations in Los Angeles County, began when the woman allegedly stabbed her boyfriend to death, reported ABC7. According to authorities, it seems that at around 3:40 a.m., 34-year-old Danielle Cherakiyah Johnson fatally stabbed her live-in boyfriend at their apartment in Woodland Hills. After the incident, she left with her two daughters, who had witnessed the murder. In a horrifying turn of events, Johnson is believed to have pushed her two daughters out of her vehicle while on the 405 Freeway in Westchester. “The older girl, a 9-year-old, was holding the 8-month-old when they were ejected from the SUV and hit the roadway,” stated the investigators. During this traumatic incident, the 8-month-old was subsequently hit by a passing vehicle and declared deceased at the scene. https://www.tiktok.com/@veezraw/video/7356375981575261483?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Flos-angeles-woman-kills-self-boyfriend-and-baby-daughter%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7356375981575261483 The sequence of tragic events continued with Johnson driving to Redondo Beach, where she lost her life after her Porsche SUV collided with a tree at a considerable speed. Johnson, who sold so-called “aura cleanses” on her website described herself as a “divine healer.” Interestingly on Monday, she posted that the impending total solar eclipse in North America was “the epitome of spiritual warfare.” “Get your protection on and your heart in the right place,” is what she wrote on X last week under her online pseudonym Danielle Ayoka. It has been disclosed by sources that Johnson was in a relationship with 29-year-old Jaelen Chaney for several years and was divorcing another man. The question of whether Chaney was the biological father of the infant casualty has not been confirmed by the authorities. https://youtu.be/YHiuHyfhnmQ A laundry hack for those averse to ironing involves tossing a few ice cubes into the dryer with wrinkled garments; as the ice melts, the steam helps to smooth out the wrinkles, leaving your clothes fresh and wrinkle-free. According to Daily Mail, the TikTok account @mommylifesquad first shared the trick in 2022. To effortlessly eliminate wrinkles from your laundry, simply toss a few ice cubes into the dryer along with your clothes at the end of the cycle. In a video post, the TikTokers told viewers: “Stop ironing your clothing. When you throw your clothes in the wash, at the last 10 minutes of the cycle, throw in some ice cubes. “Now, when you take your clothes out of the dryer, they will be wrinkle-free – no more ironing needed.” The video ended with them showing off a freshly washed shirt with no creases. It is recommended that the ice cubes should be added 10 minutes toward the end of the tumble dryer cycle. https://www.tiktok.com/@mommylifesquad/video/7167068867926232362?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Ftiktok-laundry-hack-ice-cubes-in-dryer-for-wrinkle-free-clothes%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_pause_share&referer_video_id=7167068867926232362 Dr. Rosie Milligan brings the largest Black cultural event for Southern California—Black Writers On Tour (BWOT) + Business + Tech Expo—showcasing authors and business owners from across the country—under one roof. You will learn “The New Way of Doing Business in the AI (Artificial Intelligence) Era.” This powerful, one-day event will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. at the Carson Community Center located at 801 E. Carson St., Carson, California 90046. Come join our Round Table Discussion, “The Future and Marketing Strategies for Black Authors.” Dr. Bill Releford takes on a major sponsorship role in bridging the technology gap for African American children and adults. Other sponsors and BWOT partnerships include My Tech Academy, The Pasadena/San Gabriel Valley Journal News, PACE News, and City National Bank. The theme for 2024 is “Literacy is Everybody’s Business—Literacy + Entrepreneurship + Technology Changes Lives.” There will be authors and business owners on hand displaying their products and services. Writers and business owners will learn how technology can enhance their literary works and businesses. COVID-19 brought about a shift in cultural consciousness; Black Americans, now more than ever, seek to do business with Black-owned businesses. Writers and business owners must seize the moment. This year’s Expo connects writers with readers, and businesses with consumers. Throughout the day, workshops and seminars will be held for writers/aspiring writers, business owners, and aspiring entrepreneurs. With dedication and a heart of compassion, BWOT founder Dr. Rosie Milligan says: “Empowering ourselves through equality in literacy, business opportunities, and technological literacy is not just beneficial—it’s imperative for our collective progress and prosperity.” A Grammy winning singer, a Billboard chart-topper, a Broadway singer, a manager of a Pop group, an entertainment consul, a veteran artist manager, a radio host, a veteran music producer, and a multi-award winning SAG/AFTRA actor/filmmaker to speak on the panel of the 25th annual Baltimore “Uplifting Minds II” Entertainment Conference Saturday, April 20, 2024, virtually, powered by Zoom, between 1-3pmEST/10-12noonPST. More thaMore than 800 Black actors are denouncing backlash aimed at actor Francesca Amewudah-Rivers, who was cast to play Juliet opposite Tom Holland in an upcoming stage production of “Romeo & Juliet” in London’s West End. After Amewudah-Rivers’ casting announcement, online backlash was fierce, even prompting the Jamie Lloyd Company – which is behind the theater production – to issue a statement on social media earlier this month, condemning a “barrage of deplorable racial abuse online directed towards a member of our company.” While the company’s statement did not mention Amewudah-Rivers by name, an open letter in support of Amewaduh-Rivers, who is known for her work in the series “Bad Education,” followed. “When news of Francesca Amewudah-Rivers’ casting in Jamie Lloyd’s production of Romeo and Juliet was announced so many people celebrated and welcomed this news,” the letter, organized by playwright Somalia Nonyé Seaton, stated. “But then what followed was a too familiar horror that too many of us visible Black dark-skinned performers have experienced.” “The racist and misogynistic abuse directed at such a sweet soul has been too much to bear,” the letter continued. “For a casting announcement of a play to ignite such twisted ugly abuse is truly embarrassing for those so empty and barren in their own lives that they must meddle in hateful abuse. Too many times Black performers – particularly Black actresses – are left to face the storm of online abuse after committing the crime of getting a job on their own.” https://youtu.be/HkElcS_QZ4U The 2024 Disney Dreamers Academy, is an educational mentorship program created and hosted by Walt Disney World Resort, to broaden career awareness and create exclusive opportunities for high school students from underrepresented communities across America. The five-day program includes a hands-on career workshop known as Living Laboratories, based on the student’s career interests. EURweb was in Orlando and spoke to dreamers Jayden Watkins, Noelle Nelson, and TeLario Watkins II about their mock “Shark Tank” lab with Daymond John and Ramona Washington. During the entrepreneur lab dreamers were divided into teams and used the elements of a film, to create vendor companies that service the film’s needs and marketing companies that promote the finished product. https://vimeo.com/933045597 O.J. Simpson has passed away after battling cancer, his family confirmed on Wednesday. “On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer,” the family wrote on X on Thursday. Simpson, known for his infamous ’90s murder trial, passed away in Las Vegas, New York Post reports. “He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace,” the statement added. We reported in February that the former football star was diagnosed with prostate cancer and undergoing chemotherapy in Las Vegas. https://twitter.com/TheRealOJ32?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1778430029350707380%7Ctwgr%5Ec56e75fe0138ba49a1dec42fecdffa0dba882ccd%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Foj-simpson-dead-at-76-after-cancer-battle%2F Despite rumors of being in hospice care, Simpson clarified on X (Twitter) that he was not in such a situation. Simpson also posted a video clip that showed him laughing about the situation. He said he laughed because the reports of him being frail and in hospice care were not accurate. https://youtu.be/pmXGVPwDi9Y Secretary of State Antony Blinken has appointed Zakiya Carr Johnson as the new Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer (CDIO). The move aims to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within the State Department. The announcement comes after a ten-month vacancy in the position amidst heightened scrutiny and restrictions on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. As NEWS.MEAWW reports, one DEI critic responded to the announcement on X, writing: “A ‘DEI Officer’? A blatantly racist and sexist position in our government that we’re paying for? This is ridiculous. Definitely one of the first positions to be removed when Trump is sworn in.”Another X user added, “We should go back to hiring people based off of their skills, qualifications, and experience instead of their race, gender, and sexual preferences.” https://youtu.be/pZvrBt563tY A Kalamazoo couple is charged with involuntary manslaughter for the December 2023 death of their 6-month-old daughter, Faith Hope Roldan. WOOD-TV reports that Jose Antonio Roldan Jr., 40, and Ladesha Ann Powe, 29, confessed to heavy drinking and marijuana use before falling asleep while their child smothered to death. According to the court documents, Faith’s death was captured on a living room camera. The footage shows Roldan falling asleep on the couch and Powe nodding off while holding the baby. Faith slipped out of Powe’s arms, landing between Roldan, who weighs around 300 pounds, and the couch. According to court documents, Powe woke up at one point and searched for the baby but eventually gave up and went to her bedroom. Roldan woke up briefly and readjusted the baby but dozed off again as the child became smothered in the cushions. The video shows Faith crying and kicking her feet until she dies. https://youtu.be/4uWhHzdSv6o Bruno Mars will headline the summer grand opening of the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, the new home of the Los Angeles Clippers. The back-to-back opening night shows are slated for Thursday, Aug. 15, and Friday, Aug. 16. Tickets go on sale Thursday, April 11, at 10 a.m. PT via Ticketmaster. “We are thrilled Bruno Mars will open Intuit Dome,” said Gillian Zucker, CEO of Halo Sports and Entertainment, THR reports. “Bruno, who has a strong connection to Inglewood, will undoubtedly deliver an iconic performance that is worthy of this moment and will leave a lasting impression on everyone who attends these two shows,” Zucker continued. Usher and Billy Joel are also scheduled to perform at the Intuit Dome this year. https://youtu.be/mlIfKj6DnXA During Lionsgate’s panel at CinemaCon Wednesday, the studio presented the forthcoming Michael Jackson biopic trailer. According to The Hollywood Reporter, producer Graham King revealed the project titled Michael would be “long” and include more than 30 songs. Some reports clock the run time for the biopic at 4 hours. King said the film aims “to do the music star’s story justice,” THR writes. “Behind the unrelenting scrutiny and the accusations and the blinding media spotlight, he was simply a man. A man who lived a very complicated life. The movie will get into all of it,” King said. We reported previously that Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson stars as the King of Pop in the biopic, “and in the trailer has a strong resemblance to his uncle and appears to have captured his dancing and stage presence,” per THR. Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International have also cast several new key roles in the highly anticipated film from director Antoine Fuqua. A recent poll indicates that Donald Trump is unlikely to receive substantial support from Black voters in the November presidential election. According to new research from the Pew Research Center, 83 percent of Black voters favor the Democratic Party, Newsweek reports. Meanwhile, 12 percent of Black voters support the Republican Party. The Pew Research Center conducted its annual survey with 10,124 participants. However, the study focused solely on party preferences and did not inquire about specific candidates. “Middle age and older Black women seem to take a better than Trump lesser of two evils posture,” Mary Frances Berry, historian at The Pennsylvania State University, told Newsweek in January. “But nobody I know is excited about reelecting Biden,” she continued. “They like Kamala Harris, but lots of folks will probably stay home unless some unexpected positive change in economic prospects or civil rights occurs.” Beyoncé’s tax trial was postponed after the superstar filed a motion for continuance earlier this month. RadarOnline reports that the trial date has been removed from the calendar. We reported previously that Beyoncé is challenging the IRS over $2.7 million in tax liability. Forbes reported that the married mother of three filed a petition last year asking the U.S. Tax Court court to redetermine her multi-million dollar tax liability for 2018 and 2019. Bey allegedly owes $161,170 in penalties and $805,850.00 in taxes for the taxable year 2018. Additionally, $288,549.40 in fines and $1,442,747.00 in taxes are due for 2019. The IRS charged interest for both years. Bey claims the IRS disallowed millions of dollars of deductions for insurance, management fees, legal and professional services, utilities, taxes, and depreciation. She is contesting the disallowance of $868,766, attributed to a charitable contribution carryover reported in 2018. According to Consumer Reports, schools should stop offering Lunchables as part of their lunch menus due to lead contamination. Consumer Reports urges the Department of Agriculture to eliminate Lunchables from the National School Lunch Program. “Lunchables are not a healthy option for kids and shouldn’t be allowed on the menu as part of the National School Lunch Program,” said Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at Consumer Reports, which launched a petition to the USDA, in a statement. Ronholm added, “The Lunchables and similar lunch kits we tested contain concerning levels of sodium and harmful chemicals that can lead to serious health problems over time. The USDA should remove Lunchables from the National School Lunch Program and ensure that kids in schools have healthier options.” https://youtu.be/eaAaXkpyYQU “A fan said…he could get the tape,” said Jazz guitarist Chieli Minucci about his band Special EFX’s live performance in Hungary being released by GR1193 Records in March as ”Return to Budapest with Love.” “We knew it was being recorded they were involved in the concert. There were a lot of people at the shows.” On March 8, 2024 Grammy nominated Special EFX featuring Chieli Minucci released “Return to Budapest with Love” (GR1193 Records/Chieli Music) a lovely recording of their performances in Hungary which features co-founder of the band Hungarian percussionist George Jinda. The live recorded performances took place in 1990 and 1992 at the famed Petofi Csarnok. It was recorded by a Hungarian radio station and is now available on both CD and digitally. It was Jazz Fusion group Djabe’s bandleader and guitarist Attila Egerhazi that came up with the idea to release the archived recording. “Maybe, we’ve been touring a lot. You know we play two of George’s songs to honor him.”,” Chieli said when I asked if Special EFX was coming back to Spaghettini, which is near me in Seal Beach, California. The Special EFX band at the time included Chieli, George, Chiele’s frequent songwriter Bela “Szakesi” Lakatos on piano, Lionel Cordew on drums, and Gerald Veasley on bass. Minucci is the only surviving founding member keeping the Special EFX legacy going after 42 years. Lenny Kravitz decided to blur the lines between the gym and the stage in his latest social media flex. Because why change when you can just keep the rockstar vibe alive? In a video posted on TiKTok, Lenny K showed off his gym routine, looking like he was prepping for a concert rather than a workout session. Leather pants, mesh shirt, and shades indoors? Bold move, Lenny K, bold move. As he pumped iron and did sit-ups, Lenny made sure to remind us all that there are no shortcuts to success, accompanied by a sprinkle of motivational quotes. Gotta love the dedication, even if it means sweating it out in leather pants. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-04-10-041024-lenny-kravitz-1809126-739/ Flavor Flav is going beyond the dating scene with coming back to reality TV. According to Vibe, the Public Enemy hypeman is thinking education, trading the pursuit of love in for a high school diploma. “Some more reality TV coming up for [me] but no dating shows! It’s not the dating show thing, man,” Flav told TMZ. “I’m going back to high school to get my diploma! That’s what my show is going to be about. Flavor Flav goes back to high school to get his diploma and I’m getting it for real. Not a GED, bro. I want my diploma.” Pursuing a diploma ca come as a lofty goal. Especially for a celebrity used to having things done for you. For Flav, it’s a matter of doing what is necessary to actually earn his diploma and graduate from high school. “If I want that diploma, it’s just something that I ain’t got no choice but to adapt to,” the “9” entertainer added. https://youtu.be/ArETFXbZi_8 A joyous and jubilant group gathered at Lavender Blue Restaurant Lounge, 3310 W. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood, California on a cool, overcast day, Thursday, April 4, 2024. The group of influencers (movers and shakers) is known for creating magic at events. The group consisted of chefs, photographers, videographers, designers, media, event planners, limousine services, caterers, wizards of decor, and productions, as well as local elected officials and longtime patrons of Lavender Blue Restaurant Lounge. The occasion was Lavender Blue Restaurant Lounge’s 11th Anniversary. Marsha Tekeste, venerable owner of Lavender Blue Restaurant Lounge held a special weekend celebration, Thursday, April 4-Sunday, April 7, 2024. The celebrations commenced with the launch of “Mixin’ Vixen” a unique and innovative mobile bar service, showcasing the spirit of ingenuity and excellence that Ms. Tekeste embodies. Comedian Bobb’e J. Thompson claims Tracy Morgan grabbed him by the collar and reprimanded him at age 7 for stealing scenes during his time on “The Tracy Morgan Show.” Morgan played his father on the 2000s sitcom, and Thompson claims he’s still traumatized by the incident. He recalled the experience during his appearance on the web series Comedy Hype, Complex reports. “I remember being a kid, bro, on a certain set, bro, and the star of this certain project that I was working on, the n***a got mad at me,” Thompson said without mentioning Morgan. “I’m just a 7-year-old kid just doing my job, bro. He got mad at me, bro, grabbed me by my collar, and was like, ‘Who the f*ck is on that sign, my n***a?’ That’s how he handled me.” Thompson said the actor warned him to stop “hamming it up” in scenes, adding that when Morgan later did an interview, he “acted like it was all good, like, ‘Oh yeah, if he’s stealing a scene, then that’s what it should be. I only want the best,'” Thompson recalled. “But, n***a, that’s cap, that ain’t the truth, that ain’t how you felt for real, because you took me, as a 7-year-old child, and made me feel bad for doing my job well.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1777879259161190791 Warner Bros released the first teaser trailer for the hotly anticipated “Joker: Folie à Deux,” the sequel to the 2019 box office smash starring Joaquin Phoenix and co-starring Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn. Todd Philips directed the musical drama, which is set around Arkham Asylum. The cast includes Catherine Keener, Brendan Gleeson, Jacob Lofland, Harry Lawtey, and Zazie Beetz. The storyline centers on Joker and Harley Quinn’s encounter at a psychiatric ward, leading to their wildly dysfunctional joint adventure. https://youtu.be/xy8aJw1vYHo Comedian, Actress, and Producer Patricia “Ms. Pat” Williams extends her partnership with BET as “The Ms. Pat Show” returns for a fourth season on BET+, on May 23, as the hit courtroom series “Ms. Pat Settles It,” is renewed for a second season on BET (linear). The projects serve as anchors in Williams’ multi-year overall deal with BET Media Group under which she will produce and perform in new series and other projects across the network. “The Ms. Pat Show,’ which lifts from Williams’ life experiences covered in her memoir “Rabbit: The Autobiography of Ms. Pat,” tells the story of a former drug dealer and convicted felon turned suburban mom. An updated version of the traditional TV comedy format, the series portrays a modern, multi-generational African American family navigating life’s twists and turns against the backdrop of current cultural chaos with an unfiltered realness. Complete with R-rated language and controversial episode topics including non-binary pronouns, abortion, black hair, school shootings, drug addiction, racism, and child abuse, “The Ms. Pat Show” is a rethinking of the American sitcom. Since its launch in August 2021, the series has resonated with fans and critics alike and has been praised for being unapologetically real, unapologetically Black, and unapologetically hilarious. The series which hails from Imagine Television and Lee Daniels Entertainment, and is executive produced by Brian Grazer, Lee Daniels, and Jordan E. Cooper, alongside Williams, earned two consecutive Emmy nominations for Mary Lou Belli, for Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series (2022 and 2023). https://youtu.be/59m14njFKqI In season one of “Ms. Pat Settles It,” Ms. Pat assembled a jury comprised of her closest friends, family members, celebrity guest stars, and comedians and they tackled real cases where genuine relationships hung in the balance. In the second season of “Ms. Pat Settles It,” each case will continue to revolve around family and relationship dynamics. Viewers will witness everyday people grappling with real-life problems who willingly accept Ms. Pat’s verdict as binding. Each case traverses the fine line between intense drama and uproarious comedy, mirroring Ms. Pat’s own life experiences. The “Jury of Her Peers” will preside over a wide array of cases, encompassing financial disputes, romantic entanglements, roommate quarrels, neighborly conflicts, and a myriad of other issues. Ms. Pat and her jury continue their mission to set things right. Although real cash settlements are at stake, the core of every case is an underlying issue that has driven the litigants to their breaking points. https://youtu.be/5JQrRmRj1AA Comedian Rip Michaels, known for his infectious humor and quick wit, is proving that laughter truly is the best medicine. Despite facing a life-threatening heart attack last November, another one in February, and his wife leaving him, Michaels is bouncing back. A few days ago, he produced and headlined a sold-out, star-studded April Fools Comedy Jam in Brooklyn, New York at the Barclays Center. Reflecting on the healing power of comedy, Michaels expressed his excitement to continue sharing laughter with the world. “This year’s April Fools Comedy Jam was more than just laughs,” Michaels remarked. “Comedy has the power to heal, and I’m excited to keep sharing that power with the world.” The lineup included Tracy Morgan, who spent a lot of time flexing about what he says are superhuman sexual oral skills, comic legend Bruce Bruce, fellow Wild N Out cast member Justina Valentine, Loni Love, Jess Hilarious, Nephew Tommy and DL Hughley among others. Young Jeezy and GloRilla added some turnt-up performances to the show. Good Times” star BernNadette Stanis has addressed criticism of the “Good Times” animated reboot’s perceived stereotypes. We reported earlier that an animated reboot of the 1970s sitcom “Good Times” is coming to Netflix from Carl Jones and executive producers Seth MacFarlane, and NBA star Stephen Curry. The original sitcom, which aired for six seasons on CBS from 1974 to 1979, starred Stanis, Esther Rolle, Jimmie Walker, Ralph Carter, and John Amos. It was television’s first African American two-parent family sitcom. Norman Lear produced the show, which centered on the Evans family, who lived in a poor, black neighborhood in inner-city Chicago. According to the news release, Jones modernized the setting for the new adult-animated series reboot, transitioning the family from the 1970s to the 2020s. “Jimmie Walker did contact Norman’s [Lear] office in 20202 and he pitched a Good Times cartoon which would include all of us except for Esther Rolle and we didn’t hear anything back from them,” Stanis told TMZ. “At least six months later they came up, and somebody said they had a cartoon coming.” https://youtu.be/BMA2Kc7TiO0 Hailing from Brooklyn, singer-songwriter Bonita Jalane has been captivating audiences since 2012. Now it’s EUR’s turn to introduce her to you. But what you need to know before we go any further, is that this young lady has the kind of voice that immediately makes you ask, “Who is That?!” Not only has she graced the stage alongside musical powerhouses like Chris Brown, Monica, and Fantasia, but her vocals have also enriched recordings by artists like Cam’ron. Now residing in Atlanta, GA, Bonita continues to make waves. She’s known for selling out local shows at renowned venues like City Winery. Her talent has garnered recognition from major media outlets like FOX News, Upscale Magazine, and Huffington Post. Get ready to be swept away by her latest single, “So High,” produced by Gregory ‘Grams’ Moore. This fan favorite is quickly gaining momentum, and a captivating music video is on the horizon. https://youtu.be/45_Ves3_jhY Earlier, we relayed the news that O.J. Simpson, a name synonymous with controversy due to his ’90s murder trial, has passed away after a fight with cancer. Needless to say, various parties associated with Simpson are reacting. Las Vegas was the final setting for the retired NFL player, with his 76-year life coming to a close as confirmed by his kin. Reacting to the news was Caitlyn Jenner, formerly tied by marriage to Kris Jenner, who was a close confidant of Nicole Brown, Simpson’s former spouse whom he was famously cleared of killing. Echoing a sense of apathy, the Ron Goldman family stated Simpson’s departure from this world is “no great loss.” “Good Riddance,” the storied athlete and celebrity penned. https://youtu.be/uyXMn5uB8gQ In a previous chapter of her life, Jenner (then known as Bruce Jenner) shared vows with Kris Jenner, who after their union was once married to Robert Kardashian, the high-profile defense attorney in Simpson’s court saga. Speaking to NBC News on Thursday morning, Fred Goldman, father to Ron Goldman – whom Simpson was also accused of killing – remarked on Simpson’s passing as if it were but a shadow, not a substance of any world-altering weight. “All it does is remind us that Ron has been absent all these long years,” Fred Goldman remarked. “Simpson’s death? It’s no great loss. Rather, it’s a haunting echo of the son I lost.” https://twitter.com/nypost/status/1778443510527431057/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1778455902368022642%7Ctwgr%5Ef16afbafad2d58655c4d9a1150a813ff84f4bc12%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Foj-simpson-cancer-death-reactions%2F David Cook, representing the Goldmans legally, has been in pursuit of a civil judgment against Simpson since 2008 and offered a stern remark to the Associated Press about Simpson’s end, saying, “OJ died without penance.” Simpson will be recalled for his gridiron glory days and forays into film and television, yet his real claim to enduring notoriety is the harrowing highway pursuit in his white Bronco and the courtroom drama that unfolded in 1995. On “The View,” just as the day’s broadcast was kicking off Thursday morning, Whoopi Goldberg stood before her audience with breaking news: “We’ve just learned that O.J. Simpson has passed, in the midst of his battle with cancer,” she informed the crowd. “It was information too current, too fresh for us not to share.” https://youtu.be/135dtHG_2Js Even though Beyoncé may have proclaimed that “Cowboy Carter,” her latest project “ain’t a country album,” someone forgot to tell the charts that. The superstar has made history as the first Black woman to come in at No. 1 on the Top Country Albums chart with her “Act II: Cowboy Carter,” according to Billboard. The new collection also tops the Billboard 200 Albums chart, marking Beyoncé’s eighth time doing so. In February, she also made history when one of the debut singles from the album, “Texas Hold ‘Em,” captured the top spot on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. The accomplishment comes at a time when there has been debate over the fact that Beyoncé herself is not a country music artist. While her newest album is genre-defying, as it blends pop, country, R&B, zydeco, and other sounds, Bey definitely has the receipts to claim country music. https://youtu.be/KnNd0s2tyCE?list=RDNSKnNd0s2tyCE Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) has released a series of new videos spotlighting five Black Republican congressional lawmakers. The first episode of the series, “America’s Starting Five,” challenged the stereotype that Black individuals are inherently aligned with the Democratic Party in their voting patterns and political affiliations, The Hill reports. The series features a roundtable discussion with Scott and Reps. Burgess Owens (Utah), John James (Mich.) and Wesley Hunt (Texas). Rep. Byron Donalds (Fla.) is part of the series; however, he did not participate in the roundtable discussion in the inaugural video that aired on Friday. “In the first episode, the group discusses Joe Biden’s ‘you ain’t Black’ comments, what it means to be a Black Republican, and the growing coalition of Black Republicans,” the video caption reads. The episode also featured a clip of Biden saying that “poor kids are just as bright and just as talented as white kids.” https://youtu.be/yWPuzDFU_Go The village of Dolton in Illinois has approved a resolution to enlist former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot to investigate allegations of taxpayer fund misuse and other corrupt practices against its leader, Tiffany Henyard, known as the “Dolton Dictator.” Lightfoot expressed feeling “honored” to undertake the investigation, New York Post reports. According to Fox 32, she will reportedly be compensated $400 per hour for her services. “As someone who has made good governance the cornerstone of my career in public service, I recognize that maintaining the trust of those you serve and making decisions in their best interests is essential,” Lightfoot said in a statement. “The residents of Dolton deserve nothing less than a government that is fully accountable, responsive, transparent, and effective stewards of taxpayer dollars.” Lightfoot noted that her tenure as mayor of Chicago would enable her to offer impartial findings and recommendations. She suffered a landslide defeat in last year’s re-election bid. Music producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones Jr. has submitted new allegations against Sean “Diddy” Combs in a sworn statement to the court. We reported earlier that Jones claims in his lawsuit that Combs possesses explicit videos involving celebrities, rappers, and music industry executives. Jones is seeking $30 million in punitive damages, accusing the Bad Boy Records founder of sexually harassing, drugging, and threatening him for more than a year. He served as Comb’s videographer from September 2022 to November 2023. Throughout this period, he allegedly documented extensive evidence of Combs, his associates, and additional individuals participating in significant unlawful activities. The lawsuit claims Diddy covertly recorded celebrities during his “freak off” parties. According to All Hip Hop, Jones recently presented the court with a recording alleging to feature Combs boasting about involvement in violent and illegal activities. A literature review published in the Journal of AOAC (the Association of Official Analytical Chemists) International concludes that THC or its metabolites in blood, breath, urine, or saliva does not reliably predict behavioral impairment. Researchers associated with the University of California at Davis confirmed that there is “no direct correlation between impairment and THC concentrations” in bodily fluids. This conclusion aligns with the viewpoints of various traffic safety organizations, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the American Automobile Association. “Current methods that focus on THC and/or metabolite concentrations in blood, saliva, urine, or exhaled breath can lead to false-positive results for recent use due to the persistence of THC well outside of the typical 3-4-hour window of potential impairment following cannabis inhalation,” the researchers noted. The authors of the study concluded that traffic safety laws in states that criminalize drivers testing positive for minimal THC levels in their blood are “not scientifically supported.” Such laws pose the risk of unjustly incriminating drivers who are neither impaired nor have recently used cannabis. Meanwhile, we reported earlier that if you’re feeling uncomfortably high after smoking cannabis, there are several steps you can take to help mitigate the effects. Aoki Lee Simmons is featured in BCBG’s New York capsule campaign for Spring 2024. The fashion brand released the following statement: Embodying BCBG New York’s essence of modern femininity and the harmony of day-to-night style, Aoki showcases the captivating duality of her lifestyle of fashion and post-graduate life, bringing a unique blend of elegance and intellect to the visuals. The campaign announcement follows the 21-year-old daughter of Kimora Lee Simmons and Russell Simmons, addressing her social media followers who believe she has an eating disorder. She urged them to refrain from labeling her as “anorexic” in the comments of her posts, citing the negative impact on her modeling career. As Ice Cream Convos reports, in an Instagram Live, she said: “Hey guys, can you please stop saying I’m anorexic on the internet? Because I’ve been getting fired from modeling jobs because people think that I’m a bad influence and I’m just really not. I eat a lot of food. So can you stop saying that because I’ve been getting in trouble? Thank you. Cool. Please stop.” https://www.instagram.com/livebitez/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=769f49e3-5599-4907-a521-429fb92427c7 In related news, Aoki Lee has ended her romance with 65-year-old multi-millionaire restaurateur Vittorio Assaf. “Of course, I’m not with him. I was never with him,” Simmons said, according to a source, per Page Six. “He’s always loved younger beautiful women. He’s gotten older, but his taste hasn’t changed,” one insider said about Assaf. After photos surfaced last week of Aoki and her sugar daddy kissing in St. Barts, her father, Russell Simmons, told TMZ he has “advice and unconditional love” for his daughter. https://www.instagram.com/bcbgmaxazria/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=cd919917-2f2b-4979-b8e4-0ba764cd2d3c “I’m not gonna kick and scream about her choices,” Simmons told TMZ. Check out Aoki’s BCBG’s New York campaign. https://www.instagram.com/bcbgmaxazria/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=9966ed8b-4e21-4adf-adcd-71a7ff1f2d41 Hennessy selected Teyana Taylor and Damson Idris to headline its new “Made For More” campaign. The campaign showcases the actors transforming classic cocktails like the margarita, mojito, and highball with Hennessy twists. “Hennessy is well known everywhere but people don’t always know about how versatile it is – how it brings more flavor, depth, and complexity to all kinds of cocktails. Our new ‘Made for more’ campaign is bringing to life this notion of 1+1=3, showcasing the unlimited possibilities and introducing another side of the brand with beauty, fun, and open-mindedness,” explained Julie Nollet, Global Chief Marketing Officer, Hennessy in a statement. “It shakes up the brand perceptions and builds on its legacy for a new generation.” The campaign features five mixing films and five cocktails, demonstrating how Hennessy can elevate any drink or occasion. https://www.instagram.com/teyanataylor/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=9e3951e6-e819-4f88-998c-1e6767301012 “One time, for the love of all things anew, and we all love new things. With that being said, I’m super excited to embark upon this journey with my favorite Cognac, Hennessy. Destination: fresh, bright, and invigorating, like any good cocktail should be,” shared Taylor. “The chance to work with such an iconic brand was one I just couldn’t say no to. When I think of Hennessy I think of my three older brothers, I think of amazing memories. The visuals are stylish, the films are fun, it’s magic. It’s cinema,” added Idris. Take a look at the campaign via the Instagram post. In related news, Damson covers Essence Magazine’s inaugural ‘Sexiest Men Of The Moment issue’ issue. “The Foundation of a man. He stands 6’1, with deep auburn skin and a 4K pearly smile that glistens like ultraviolet rays off charcoal mines in the deepest sands off the coast of Nigeria. Yes, it’s that deep,” Essence wrote of its cover star on Instagram. “His charm is tangible. His infectiousness is palatable. His future is limitless. https://www.instagram.com/p/C5ivmYfuxvJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=3330653f-abb2-408d-8d49-e2657e57a834 JUST EATS WITH CHEF JJ returns to CLEO TV tonight, April 10 at 9 P.M. ET/8C. In this episode, it’s all about the perfect dinner for two. Chef JJ starts with tender and juicy pork chops and gravy served with collard greens and roasted baby potatoes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRG8TOskdA8 Popular cooking show, NEW SOUL KITCHEN is back with all-new episodes this Wednesday, April 10 at 9:30 P.M. EST/8:30C on CLEO TV. Chef Jernard Wells returns with even more robust recipes in the series' extended, 30-minute format. Chef pays tribute to his mom and the things she taught in the kitchen. First, it’s homemade banana pudding. Then, its cast iron creamed corn, followed by super crunchy southern fried chicken cooked to perfection. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6QefgNf9Js Popular YouTuber Tasha K has reportedly presented new evidence in her case with Kevin Hart, who accuses her of attempting to extort him for $250k in exchange for not publishing an interview with his ex-assistant Miesha Shakes. Hart is taking legal action against Shakes after she allegedly made “false and defamatory” statements about him during her interview with Tasha K. According to court documents obtained by RadarOnline.com, Tasha submitted a declaration from her assistant, Jason Wilson, in the court battle filed by Hart. We reported earlier that in legal documents obtained by TheBlast, a representative of Tasha K was accused of contacting Hart’s team in November, claiming to have had an explosive interview with Shakes. The blogger allegedly threatened to publish if she wasn’t paid $250,000. Hart refused to Pay, and Tasha was served a cease-and-desist letter stating she had no right to broadcast his personal business. Tasha ignored the cease-and-desist letter and published the interview on her YouTube channel, “Unwine with Tasha K,” on December 22. During the conversation, Shakes claimed Hart cheated on his wife, Eniko, and that he had a gambling problem. Rihanna is opening up about her friendship with rapper A$AP Rocky before they became romantically involved. The pair first met in 2012 when they collaborated on a remix of Rihanna’s single “Cockiness (Love It)” but didn’t start dating until 2019. Speaking to Interview, RiRi said, “We saw fashion the same. We saw creative the same. We ended up in the same circles a lot. And past that, when we grew up, we ended up supporting each other’s brands and products and creative all the time. I would wear his s—, he would show up to my launches.” She added, “I’ve seen him in relationships. He’s seen me in relationships. We’ve seen each other outside of relationship. We knew what we’re capable of, and the trouble that we could bring to each other’s lives. We can make or break each other’s hearts. And so, we started dating with a lot of caution,” she explained. “I just let whatever was supposed to happen, happen. It was just, ‘This is a flower. It’s either going to die or blossom. But I’m going to let it decide itself,'” the global superstar said. https://www.instagram.com/interviewmag/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=1dbc34ce-500a-425d-9d26-67f7914fa732 Several renowned Black actors have penned an open letter condemning the racist harassment directed at Francesca Amewudah-Rivers following her casting in a West End production of “Romeo & Juliet.” We reported earlier that the Duke of York Theatre in London is defending Amewudah-Rivers after racist trolls labeled her as too “ugly” to portray Juliet in their latest production, “Romeo & Juliet.” Amewudah-Rivers’ casting alongside Tom Holland as Romeo in the forthcoming theatrical production of “Romeo and Juliet” has created social media buzz, with many calling it “the worst casting ever for Juliet.” The theater company reacted to the haters in a statement: “Following the announcement of our ‘Romeo & Juliet’ cast, there has been a barrage of deplorable racial abuse online directed towards a member of our company. This must stop. We are working with a remarkable group of artists. We insist that they are free to create work without facing online harassment. We will continue to support and protect everyone in our company at all costs. Any abuse will not be tolerated and will be reported.” The Duke of York Theatre announced last month that Amewudah-Rivers will play Juliet alongside Holland as Romeo in the play which opens on May 23. https://www.instagram.com/franarivers/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=9af6f81d-2568-465f-b4da-af95a83b943e HBO’s Jon Snow spinoff series, much to the disappointment of “Game of Thrones” fans, is no longer in development. Kit Harrington confirmed that the planned spinoff centered around his beloved character has been shelved indefinitely, as writers could not find the right story to tell. The actor told Screen Rant that the creative team examined “every angle” to “see whether it’s worth it.” “Currently, it’s not,” he added. “Currently, it’s off the table, because we all couldn’t find the right story to tell that we were all excited about enough. So, we decided to lay down tools with it for the time being.” “I hadn’t really ever spoken about it, because it was in development,” Harrington shared. “I didn’t want it leaked out that it was being developed, and I didn’t want the thing to happen where people kind of start theorizing, getting either excited about it or hating the idea of it, when it may never happen.” https://youtu.be/DTB8lATvXkw Independent presidential candidate Cornel West announced fellow academic Melina Abdullah as his vice presidential nominee in an interview Wednesday on “The Tavis Smiley Show.” “She has a record of deep commitment and investment in ensuring that poor and working people are at the center of her vision,” West said of his running mate. “I wanted to to run with someone who would put a smile on the face of Fannie Lou Hamer and Martin Luther King Jr. from the grave.” West’s selection of Abdullah, a Muslim Black woman and a member of the board of directors for Black Lives Matter Grassroots, could further advance his outreach to Muslim Americans and Black Americans disenchanted with President Joe Biden. A pan-African studies professor at California State University, Los Angeles, Abdullah said she enthusiastically agreed to join West’s campaign and was drawn to his platform of “truth, love and justice.” “I regard (West), and many of us regard him as one of the most brilliant people to walk this earth, and so I’ve been following him and had been really enthusiastic about his candidacy,” Abdullah said on Smiley’s show shortly after she was announced as West’s running mate. https://youtu.be/cT7wEwN7Eko Here is an exclusive clip of the upcoming thriller “Sting,” which arrives in theaters on April 12. The eagerly awaited creature feature revolves around a 12-year-old girl named Charlotte who befriends a stray spider. Per the official website: “After raising an unnervingly talented spider in secret, 12-year-old Charlotte must face the facts about her pet—and fight for her family’s survival—when the once-charming creature rapidly transforms into a giant, flesh-eating monster.” https://youtu.be/WwzOR4xEIJA Regimen Records is proud to announce the highly anticipated single release, video and “One Night Only” performances from Award Winning Contemporary Gospel legend Bebe Winans. On April 12, the Detroit native will deliver his newest offering appropriately titled “Father In Heaven (Right Now)." Written and produced by Winans, "Father In Heaven (Right Now)" recounts the many ways in which he has witnessed and felt God’s hand on his life. The ballad serves as a reminder of celebration and testimony. Along with the song, the Gospel great is set to deliver a new music video which perfectly conveys the essence of the song. Filmed over the course of four sold out performances across South Africa in January 2024, the official clip for “Father In Heaven (Right Now)” captures Bebe Winans on stage bringing his unique blend of Gospel, Soul and R&B to thousands of fans. “I must say this song speaks to the core of my being,” the singer says of the song. “I'm so grateful to my Heavenly Father for everything. I hope it moves listeners to the point of surrender when it is released on April 12, 2024.” In addition to the new single, Bebe Winans is ramping up towards the announcement of a series of special live shows taking place in July 2024. Inspired by a recent performance at New York City’s renowned Apollo Theater, the singer/songwriter and radio personality will be appearing in Chicago - Country Club Hills Amphitheater on July 13, Washington, DC - Kennedy Center on July 24, and Westbury NY - Westbury Music Fair on July 27. Tickets will be made available on Thursday, April 11, 2024 via Ticketmaster. Additional cities and venues will be announced soon. Dr. Lisa Bellamy is a passionate Gospel, Jazz, and Inspirational artist, songwriter, vocal coach, and motivational speaker. With a vocal range that covers five octaves, her sound is a sweet, soothing experience for the soul and ear. After her successful 2023 album SHARE THE LIGHT, Lisa delivers a new single, "Joy," that is fresh and inspiring. “Joy" is produced with steppers and roller skate fans in mind while rooted and grounded in the word. The throwback groove of "Joy" will take you on a reflective journey but quickly remind you that the world can not give you joy and the world can not take it away. It's the Greatest night in Gospel! The Stellar Awards Gospel Music Show is the first and oldest televised awards show honoring Gospel Music for over 38 years. The “Love Mountain” movie delivers "Don't Give Up" The first song from the movie soundtrack featuring gospel artist Earnest Pugh, Love Mountain, written and directed by Lee Shelton, is a compelling love story with some remarkable twists and turns within the family dynamic that produces the resilience that it takes to survive life’s challenges and win. The film includes appearances by some of Gospel Music’s brightest stars such as hip hop emerging artist Jevon Dewand, James Fortune, Pastor Mike, Jr., and Zacardi Cortez. https://gospelairplaynow.disco.ac/playlist-new/16393837?date=20240322&user_id=668306&signature=xMo9tSFDU0EfRgr-zImu5nXEOuo%3Aigr1x98J "Shining Bright" In the Gospel spotlight is Kierra Sheard-Kelly’s newest single, “All Yours feat. Anthony Brown”! This album title track is a sweet ballad about being deeply devoted to the Lord. “When you radically stand for the Lord, there's a sound He'll give you. He will also give you innovation, strategy, and ideas that become game-changers. That’s what He did for me. There's a song for everyone on this album encouraging them to walk with the Lord.” “All Yours feat. Anthony Brown” goes for adds May 17th! https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/e378yhu76ww0qayu1twt1/All-Yours-Radio-Edit.mp3?rlkey=jivujcxps68p1q15j6rub4d4c&dl=0 Bishop Leonard Scott drops "Jesus Saves" featuring VaShawn Mitchell. https://spaces.hightail.com/space/o1qvlEtzIi/files/fi-00bd6ffb-dbda-4264-a821-e73d2d723ee8/fv-fd93e305-9025-4199-bd87-a2129636abc7/320%20-%20Jesus%20Saves%20Radio%20Edit%20mp3.mp3 Rapper Flavor Flav “has no interest” in participating in the “Flavor of Love” reboot. The reality show ran for three seasons from 2006 until 2008. It featured twenty different ladies competing for Flavor Flav’s heart as they lived together in a mansion in Encino, California. The reruns are currently streaming for free on Tubi. https://t.co/JTj4c7VGOF Deadline reports that a reimagining of the series is in the works. “We’re in the process of working with Flavor Flav to reimagine what Flavor of Love can feel like in this in this decade, which is very different,” said Julie Pizzi, president of Bunim/Murray. Flav hit up social media and made clear that he is not involved in the show. https://www.instagram.com/flavorflavofficial/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=06b09fd5-b7e4-428c-8ec7-fed50f304943 Terrence Howard donned a bizarre wig during a recent interview on the podcast Straight Talk with Daphne Phaneē to discuss his ongoing lawsuit against the Hollywood agency CAA. The actor is pursuing legal action because he was not adequately paid for his work on all six seasons of the Fox drama “Empire.” “This is a man who was the lead actor to, once again, one of the most successful television shows in network history where Fox was making over $125 million a year in just ad revenue alone. This man was being underpaid time and time again,” Howard’s attorney, James Bryant, with the Cochran Law Firm, said previously. We reported earlier that Howard’s attorneys claim CAA convinced the performer that his salary was fair for his acting work on the show. Howard alleges his “white counterparts” from the network were paid more than him. In December, he announced he was suing the agency over his salary. https://youtu.be/6zuufDIfzsI Ernie Isley, the iconic guitarist and member of The Isley Brothers, was presented with a lifetime achievement award by The Guitar Center Music Foundation at their second annual benefit concert and fundraiser held at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel on April 4th. “It’s such an honor to be a part of this because Ernie’s influence has been truly unrecognized for a long time,” said award presenter and fellow guitarist-songwriter Vernon Reid of the rock band Living Colour, Billboard reports. Reid added, “It’s so long overdue that it’s ridiculous. So this is a measure of justice as well. As a kid, I used to get guitar magazines and I’d see Duane Allman on a cover. I’d see Dicky Betts on a cover. Or I’d see Rory Gallagher, who I love, on a cover. But the one person I didn’t see on those magazines was the person who had the most influence on me. And that’s Mr. Ernie Isley.” In his speech, Ernie made reference to his Isley Brothers siblings. “We’ve been blessed with longevity and the music. This is a highly distinguished honor and privilege. I really don’t have the words to describe it. Just thanks,” he said. In a video clip, his brother Ronald noted, “Didn’t I tell you that you’d be the greatest; the one to represent the family. That’ you’d be one of the greatest guitar players there is and one of the greatest songwriters? You know I love you. Congratulations, son. You finally made it!” If you were a fan of the 1991 cult classic, Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead, you’re in for a modern-day twist on this classic film! The newly reimagined version is directed by actor and writer Wade Allain-Marcus (Insecure, French Dirty, Waist Deep), and boasts a Black cast starring Nicole Richie (The Simple Life, Good Burger 2) and Simone Joy Jones (Bel Air). Tanya Crandell (played by Jones) is obligated to stay home with her siblings and cancel her summer trip to Spain after her mom (comedian Patricia “Ms. Pat” Williams) decides to indulge in a wellness retreat in Thailand. After the death of their older babysitter (hilariously played by June Squibb), Tanya takes on a position working for Rose (played by Richie). We conversed with some of the cast and the director. https://vimeo.com/930908433 Richie felt similarly. Her character in the movie is a staple that the audience will remember well. “Never in my life did I think I’d get the opportunity to play Rose,” she said. Richie admits that she has always connected with Rose. “I quote her all the time just in my regular life with my gay friends, just like on a Tuesday.” Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead will open in theaters on April 12. https://youtu.be/hBpyMNj_QI0 Jamie Foxx appears to be returning to his old self after a break from the spotlight last year when he suffered a mysterious medical setback. In a recently circulated viral video, Foxx is seen seated at a piano, serenading his Wing Stop order over the phone and engaging the staffer on the other end in the delightful moment. The actor orders 400 lemon pepper wings, 200 BBQ wings, 100 mango wings, and three large orders of fries. “You gon’ be surprised when I come up there,” Foxx tells the woman taking his order. https://twitter.com/i/status/1777457173775208827 McDonald’s is bringing back breakfast bagels to all 14,300 US outlets later this year. The Daily Mail reports that the popular menu item has already returned in California, Pennsylvania, Nashville, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Florida, Tennessee, Iowa, West Virginia, California, North Carolina, Ohio, Alabama, and New York. McDonald’s added breakfast bagels to their menu in late 2019, but they were discontinued amid the 2020 COVID pandemic. There are four varieties: Bacon, Egg & Cheese Bagel, Sausage, Egg & Cheese Bagel, Steak, Egg & Cheese Bagel which features grilled onions, and vegetarian customers have the Egg & Cheese bagel option. https://youtu.be/g7gSDxv5T_U The official trailer has dropped for the final season of the fan-favorite and critically acclaimed original series EVIL on Paramount+. According to the press release, the series will premiere Thursday, May 23, exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S. and Canada and on the following day in Australia, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. The 14 new episodes will premiere weekly. The series stars Katja Herbers, Mike Colter, Aasif Mandvi, Michael Emerson, Kurt Fuller, Andrea Martin, Christine Lahti, Brooklyn Shuck, Skylar Gray, Maddy Crocco and Dalya Knapp. https://youtu.be/MjTirgBzLjc A 22-year-old woman from Georgia (Taylon Nichelle Celestine), during her departure from a motel in Holmes County, declared to the staff that a supernatural force had compelled her to enact a violent rampage on the coming Monday, the day of a solar eclipse, targeting travelers on a bustling Florida thoroughfare. The motel relayed the alarming declaration to Holmes County Communications, introducing the authorities to the menace posed by Celestine, who claimed she was instructed by a higher power to unleash terror due to the celestial event, as recounted by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). In a rapid succession of events, Washington County Communications was alerted to the reality of the threat when reports emerged of Celestine engaging in gunfire at passing cars along Interstate 10 (I-10), reports WTVY-TV. In a moment of violent encounter, one motorist’s journey was shattered by flying glass and a close brush with death as a bullet skimmed his arm, following Celestine’s multiple rounds discharged toward his car from her violet-hued Dodge Challenger. Miraculously, he managed to maneuver to the safety of I-10’s edge, away from the ensuing danger. https://youtu.be/oW2qqzgvvjk Caitlin Clark’s last dance in the NCAA dominated conversation ahead of Sunday’s women’s national championship game. Could the Iowa star cap off her historic time in college basketball with the final and so-far elusive accolade: a national title? But standing in the way of the unstoppable force that is Clark was the immovable object in the form of the South Carolina Gamecocks. Unbeaten throughout the season and obliterating all that came against them, Dawn Staley’s squad is the dominant team in the women’s game. https://youtu.be/NHQreXCQHZc And Sunday’s game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio, was more proof of the juggernaut Staley has built in Columbia, with South Carolina vanquishing Clark and Iowa 87-75 to finish the season as undefeated NCAA national champions, the 10th team in women’s college basketball to achieve the feat. “Although we haven’t been the most talked-about team in this whole women’s basketball year,” Staley acknowledged in an interview with CNN on Monday, “we’ll be talked about a lot in the off-season. “I’d much rather have it that way after having won another national championship.” It’s the program’s third national title – all of which have come with Staley at the helm – and one that vaults the former six-time WNBA All-Star into the bracket of the legendary women’s college basketball coaches. https://youtu.be/9juGCjBkdAk Owners of the Tennessee Titans want a new $2.1 billion football stadium in Nashville, but they want to pay for it with OPM – other people’s money. So we have to ask: should taxpayers fund NFL Titans stadium? Those ‘other people’ include taxpayers in Nashville and throughout Tennessee, which could amount to more than $1 billion, nearly half the cost! The NFL and the owners of the Titans are millionaires. A majority of Tennessee residents are not. That’s the first issue I have with this plan. The second issue: For the past 25 years (at least) Tennessee legislators have underfunded Tennessee State University – my alma mater – by more than $2 billion. For a long time, it’s been evident the supermajority Republican legislature DGAF about Black people in general and TSU in particular. It’s time to let them know TSU’s influence reaches far beyond 615 and 629. We are calling all area codes. https://youtu.be/Aj6Eq37Gkaw Eric “EWill” Williams, the legendary music producer known for his groundbreaking contributions to the music industry, is set to release a highly anticipated single titled “Crazy For Your Love” in June 2024. This unprecedented project features the vocal powerhouses K-Ci, of the legendary R&B group Jodeci, and Coko, of the history-making group SWV. “Crazy For Your Love” is a mid-tempo track poised to captivate audiences with its infectious groove and soulful melodies. With K-Ci and Coko lending their unparalleled talents to the project, the single promises to be a surefire hit, showcasing the exceptional musical synergy between these iconic artists. “I am thrilled to collaborate with two legendary figures in the R&B world, Coko of SWV and K-Ci of Jodeci, on our upcoming single ‘Crazy For Your Love.’ This project represents a fusion of timeless talent and creative energy, and I believe it will resonate deeply with fans old and new. Together, we’ve crafted a track that captures the essence of soulful music while pushing boundaries and delivering something fresh and exciting. I can’t wait for listeners to experience the magic we’ve created,” Eric “EWill” Williams says. In a galaxy far, far away from common sense, Billy Dee Williams boldly declares his support for actors donning blackface, because, in his universe, anything goes in the name of “craft.” During a recent episode of “Club Random” with Bill Maher, the ‘Star Wars’ legend served up his thoughts like a questionable dish at a spaceport cantina. Singing praises for Laurence Olivier’s blackface gig in “Othello,” Billy Dee finds humor in a performance that most find cringe-worthy. “When he did Othello, I fell out laughing,” Williams said of Olivier, who wore blackface in the 1965 screen adaptation of “Othello,” the Shakespearean tragedy. He stuck his ass out and walked around because Black people are supposed to have big asses,” the “Star Wars” actor went on, prompting Maher to jokingly reference the controversy Bradley Cooper received for wearing a prosthetic nose to play composer Leonard Bernstein in “Maestro. I thought it was hysterical. I loved it.” https://youtu.be/jEWNzLJJ0Jo When Maher dares to suggest that perhaps blackface has been relegated to the trash compactor of history, Billy Dee Williams’ reaction is as baffling as trying to navigate an asteroid field blindfolded. “Why not?” he muses, as if societal progress is just another Sith conspiracy. Their exchange feels like watching two speeder bikes collide in slow motion, with Billy Dee and Bill Maher careening through the wreckage of common decency and cultural sensitivity. In the end, Billy Dee Williams’ parting shot about avoiding a “victimhood mentality” lands with all the grace of a bantha stampede. But fear not, citizens of the galaxy, for while Lando may be chill with the idea, the rest of us are content to leave the blackface parade parked in the Mos Eisley junkyard where it belongs. Meanwhile, as you can imagine, Billy Dee’s comments are not finding favor with a lot of folks. One in particular is former Ghetto Boys rapper and podcaster Willie D, who reacted by calling Williams a hypocrite, among other things. https://youtu.be/gFgt9m9JBr8 Jerrod Carmichael is speaking out about his interracial sex fetishes, admitting he’s into “race play” with his white boyfriends. According to the Urban Dictionary, “race play” is an “avant-garde form of role play used by two consenting adults that incorporates racist, hurtful, & derogatory terms and comments regarding the others race, to fulfill and reach sexual pleasure.” In the latest episode of the Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show on HBO, Carmichael revealed he’s addicted to sex and that he cheated on his long-distance boyfriend. “Sometimes, I joke to him that our relationship is like that of a slave and a master’s son who teaches me how to read by candlelight,” the openly gay comedian explains to the disapproving audience, Vibe reports. “Yeah, he groans too because he’s a good person. He doesn’t like the f**king joke. I like that joke. That’s my burden. I think that’s shit’s hilarious. ‘Yes, sir? Maria Antoinette, sir? I don’t know what that is!’ That’s a joke for me!” On social media, many users are giving Jerrod the side-eye for publicly disclosing his disturbing slave-play sex kink. One X/Twitter user wrote, “it’s bad enough that the top gay black male celebs won’t date anyone darker than a paper bag – but to admit and joke about being a slave in the bedroom for you white partner – in a documentary with a primarily white audience…. is gross?” https://twitter.com/His_Majesty13/status/1777060373624971501?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1777060373624971501%7Ctwgr%5Ec37cb68b2b8422d90707720fa0f0fe4913582ce6%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fjerrod-carmichael-talks-racial-sex-fantasies%2F Elsewhere in the episode, Carmichael talks about being molested by “older kids” when he was a toddler and that he has had at least “1,000” sexual partners. “I was a very sexual child since probably I was three or four, with older kids,” Carmichael explains. “I definitely had experiences with boys that I hid and my teenage years into my twenties, beginning secret sex with guys…Sex offers me power and control. It’s an escape. I use it to escape,” he said. https://youtu.be/KkTqP_prC8I The investigation into allegations that actor John Amos was neglected by his caretakers has been closed, as authorities informed TMZ that they found no evidence of wrongdoing. The outlet writes: “We’re told cops concluded the entire ordeal stemmed from an ongoing family dispute … and they put the matter to bed, officially.” As we reported … Law enforcement sources previously informed TMZ that a case was opened to investigate claims made by Amos’ daughter, Shannon. She called Adult Protective Services to allege her father’s health issues were not being addressed adequately by her brother, K.C. APS received a report based on Shannon’s claims and forwarded it to the LAPD, prompting an investigation. The LAPD is reportedly familiar with Shannon and K.C.’s ongoing disputes, but the investigation focused on Shannon’s new allegations. Award-winning actress, comedian, speaker, and host Kim Coles will host "A Different World" HBCU College Tour, which will take place at Howard University on today. This event will reunite the original cast of the popular NBC show and give fans a chance to relive some fond memories on campus for Hillman Day. The event will include a panel discussion at Cramton Auditorium, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., exclusively open to Howard University students.Hillman Day at Howard University is a part of a celebratory movement. The event will commence at 1:00 p.m., with activities outside of Cramton Auditorium. This will include Howard student DJs, the Divine Nine sorority and fraternity step show and stroll competition, 80s/90s themed karaoke, "A Different World" character costume contest, and viewing of clips from the top 10 episodes. "This is not just about looking back at the cast past," said Kim Coles. "This tour is about inspiring a new generation to choose HBCUs as their academic homes. I want to show students that these institutions offer so much more than just education – they offer community, culture, and opportunity." After a group of would-be criminals kidnap the 12-year-old ballerina daughter of a powerful underworld figure, all they have to do to collect a $50 million ransom is watch the girl overnight. In an isolated mansion, the captors start to dwindle, one by one, and they discover, to their mounting horror, that they’re locked inside with no normal little girl. From Radio Silence – the directing team of Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett behind the terrifying modern horror hits Ready or Not, 2022’s Scream and last year’s Scream VI – comes a brash, blood-thirsty new vision of the vampire flick, written by Stephen Shields (The Hole in the Ground, Zombie Bashers) and Guy Busick (Scream franchise, Ready or Not). https://youtu.be/3PsP8MFH8p0 The film produced by William Sherak (Scream franchise, Ready or Not), Paul Neinstein (Scream franchise; executive producer, The Night Agent) and James Vanderbilt (Zodiac, Scream franchise) for Project X Entertainment, by Tripp Vinson (Ready or Not, Journey 2: The Mysterious Island) and by Radio Silence’s Chad Vilella (executive producer Ready or Not and Scream franchise). The executive producers are Ron Lynch and Macdara Kelleher. https://youtu.be/xtAL2x58hns Fantasia Barrino and live event producer and artist manager Yvonne McNair have joined forces to establish Rock Soul Productions, an entertainment company headquartered in Charlotte, NC. This venture encompasses divisions dedicated to management, production, and various entertainment ventures, positioning itself as a full-service operation in the industry. With Fantasia serving as CEO and McNair as president, Rock Soul aims to significantly impact the entertainment world, offering opportunities for artists and creators to thrive under its guidance and support. Per Variety, Rock Soul seeks to be “the intersection where creativity and excellence in entertainment meet.” “The formation of Rock Soul feels like a natural progression for me personally. It is the manifestation of my evolution as an artist, a creative and a businesswoman,” said Fantasia. Akon recently addressed Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs drama and the music mogul’s multiple civil lawsuits over alleged sexual assault. “I would like to say just pray for the man,” Akon told TMZ when the outlet caught up with him at Los Angeles International Airport. “God knows best, whatever’s happening, God’s dealing with it and that’s the best thing to say,” the singer added, Complex reports. “But it is very unfortunate that things in this business are always being exposed in some ways and I think things could be done differently.” Akon noted that 2024 “is the year of truth.” “I think this is a matter for God and he’s continue to deal with it how he’s been dealing with it,” he said, telling TMZ that “things are gonna be exposed.” https://youtu.be/QUZQc5RZmkM Following the public display of affection between Aoki Lee Simmons and Vittorio Assaf during their recent trip to St. Barts, insiders close to the 21-year-old have confirmed that the pair have called it quits. According to sources, Simmons herself has denied any romantic involvement with the wealthy restauranteur, who is 44 years her senior. “It’s over,” a close associate of Simmons revealed to Page Six on Monday. “There’s absolutely no relationship between them.” Reportedly, Aoki Simmons reiterated her stance to a friend, stating, “I’m definitely not with him. I never was.” Another source close to Vittorio Assaf provided insight into the 65-year-old’s dating preferences, describing him as an “older man with youthful charm” who has always been drawn to younger, attractive women. “He may be aging, but his taste remains the same,” the source disclosed to Page Six. “It wouldn’t surprise me if he’s out with another young woman tonight!” https://youtu.be/v3NcCuo9LeE Within the Pasadena, California Police Department, the gears of innovation are turning as they entertain the idea of acquiring cutting-edge equipment that would revolutionize their approach to oversight. The concept revolves around a system that springs into action, automatically activating nearby police body cameras whenever an officer draws their handgun from its holster. With over 230 sworn and armed officers in its ranks, such a move could herald a new era of accountability for the department. Should city officials give the green light, Pasadena would join a select few California police departments embracing this advanced technology. The proposed investment, tagged at $4.5 million, is slated for discussion at the Pasadena City Council’s upcoming April 29 assembly, according to an LA Times report. In the current landscape, body-worn cameras are already commonplace among police departments nationwide. However, their activation typically relies on manual input from officers during critical moments, guided by department policies. https://youtu.be/-RMr9ryDtpA With 306 out of 316 body cameras already deployed, the new equipment, branded as Axon Signal Sidearm, is earmarked for 235 officers. Similar systems are already operational in several California cities, including Huntington Beach, Anaheim, and Glendale, with Sacramento adopting the technology back in 2022. According to Lisa Derderian, city spokesperson, the comprehensive contract is estimated at $4.5 million, encompassing not only hardware upgrades but also a sophisticated software suite providing detailed analytics across various law enforcement tools and activities. Before the City Council’s verdict, the Pasadena Police Department plans to furnish the city’s Public Safety Committee with a comprehensive report, outlining the potential impact and benefits of this transformative initiative. https://youtu.be/Si4OrzSdA5o A Houston-bound Boeing 737-800 plane operated by Southwest Airlines returned safely to Denver International Airport on Sunday after an engine cover fell off and struck the wing flap, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The agency said it will investigate. In recorded air traffic control audio, one of the pilots said that “several passengers and flight attendants heard something loud hit the wing.” In a statement to CNN, Southwest said passengers would take another plane to Houston and would be approximately three hours behind schedule. “We apologize for the inconvenience of their delay but place our highest priority on ultimate Safety for our Customers and Employees,” the statement said. Southwest said no injuries were reported. https://youtu.be/O95m0GUSQmI People across the United States will be looking to the sky on Monday to witness a total solar eclipse. Others will be listening to it. And to Harvard University astronomers working to transform the rare sight into sound, the eclipse should create a symphony. “We mapped the bright light of the sun to a flute sound,” said Allyson Bieryla, an astronomer at Harvard. “Then it goes to a midrange, which is a clarinet, and then during totality, it kind of goes down to a low clicking sound, and that clicking even slows down during totality.” The scientists designed a boxy device — a bit larger than a cell phone — that converts light into audible tones in a process called sonification. The sounds change based on the intensity of the light, allowing people with blindness or low vision to follow the progress of the eclipse. The device is called a LightSound, and hundreds of them will be at eclipse-viewing events on Monday. “That image of totality is breathtaking and so it is visual, but that doesn’t mean that’s the only way you can interpret things or experience them,” said Bieryla, who runs the LightSound Project. “And for someone without sight, they need a different sense to experience it.” https://youtu.be/-VgubrqBl7E Kerry Washington has revealed why she used to hide her engagement ring in her undergarments. “I loved my ring so much, so I would sleep in it at night, and then in the morning, I would pin it to my undergarments so that nobody knew we were engaged,” she said during a recent appearance on SiriusXM’s This Life of Mine with James Corden, Marie Claire reports. The “Scandal” star explained that she wanted to keep her engagement and wedding to NFLer Nnamdi Asomugha private, so she “used to ping my engagement ring to my undergarments,” she shared. “He had a groundbreaking, record-breaking contract that he had just walked through, and he had been in three or four Pro Bowls, you know,” she explained. “When I met him, he was on the cover of Sports Illustrated, and I was on this hit show.” Washington wed Asomugha in 2013, and she told Corden that “there was a lot of public energy around our careers,” so she decided to hide her engagement ring. My grandmother, the oldest of 14 siblings, passed away in 2018. She gave birth to seven children. Out of that lineage, none of them had a will. Luckily, all her children get along. Today, one of my aunts lives in my Grandma’s house. And her siblings are supportive of that. Yet, for many, that is not the case. However, because she passed intestate, the question that me and my cousins often ask is: What’s next for Big Mama’s House? In Texas—and many other parts of the country—this experience is far too common. Take my family, for example. You have seven siblings with an equal birthright to my Grandma’s house. Upon their passing, the birthright will be given to their children if they do not leave a will or instructions regarding what to do with their property. As an example, my mother owns one-seventh of my Grandma’s house. If it passes without a will, then that one-seventh is now split between me, my older brother, and my younger sister. As was the case with my aunts and uncles, each of us would also become owners of the property. Now, instead of seven people owning the property, you have nine with me and my siblings. That’s two additional decision-makers. To further illustrate the problem, what if my aunt, who lives in the house, were to pass in the same way – without a will? She has two children. Her daughter still lives in the same city but has her own house. However, her son, who unfortunately passed away, had three children. https://youtu.be/84fAOtIA6Zc Now you take one-seventh that my aunt owned, and you give one-half of that one-seventh to her daughter. But because my cousin passed (also without a will), his three children now become owners of the same property. You have to take his one-half of one-seventh and divide according to the Texas Estate’s code in threes to each of the children who may not own the same percentage. You may now see the problem many of our families face. And this pattern will continue as others pass away. Unfortunately, so many Black families are in similar places.That’s why the National Bar Association, the nation’s oldest and largest association of Black attorneys, judges, and law professionals in the country, and the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, the oldest association of Black real estate professionals, are working together to educate Black families about property transfer. It plays a significant role in the creation of generational wealth. Too frequently, Black people have lost their property and suffered from gentrification because of the exact problem I described. And I believe that for years, we have not provided the same inheritance toolkits with comprehensive information that our white counterparts have relied on to grow intergenerational wealth for decades. https://youtu.be/CqLsd2G3L7c One of the things I always say is that talking about death doesn’t beget death. It doesn’t bring about death. It puts a family in a position to retain Black generational wealth. If the most prized possession you own is your house, and if you spent your life toiling to ensure that you could have that house, why wouldn’t you do everything you can in life or death to protect it? And it’s not to say that this is a failsafe and a magic wand to protect the Black community or that this will ensure we manage and maintain property within our communities. But it does provide a safeguard from what I will call “The Vultures,” the capitalists that come into our communities scheming and finding ways to gain control over the low-hanging fruit that are prized possessions for us. https://youtu.be/t_co-d9AUqQ “Project Islamic Hope and a coalition of Los Angeles civil rights and faith leaders have requested a meeting with Reed Hastings, Netflix co-founder, and executive chairperson, to discuss delaying the airing of the new “Good Times” animated series until our coalition of leaders can view the scheduled episodes. “Based on the ‘Good Times’ animated trailer that has been released. We have serious concerns that the characters are among the worst stereotypical negative depictions of African Americans and our culture in the history of television,” expressed Najee Ali, Director of Project Islamic Hope in a statement emailed to EURweb.com. The original “Good Times” family show that premiered in 1974 and ended in 1979 was a show that detailed the struggle of a close-knit African American family living in the inner-city Chicago projects called Cabrini Green. The new Good Times animated series on Netflix, based on the trailer that has been released, makes a mockery of African American family life and our culture. https://youtu.be/BMA2Kc7TiO0 Seth Mac Farlane, one of the producers of the “Good Times” animated series also has an animated series called “Family Guy” on Fox and one of the characters on that series is a white baby named Stewie Griffin voiced by Mac Farlane who’s smart and clever. In Netflix’s “Good Times ” animated series the trailer depicts an African American baby as a drug dealer who sexualizes a grown African American woman. “The ‘Good Times’ animated series trailer promotes the worst stereotypical images of African Americans and our culture. An African American drug dealing baby is nothing to be laughed at or celebrated. It is a clear double standard of which we are aware. We are speaking out against it and will encourage our community members to be aware of it and speak out against it too,” advised Ali. Najee Ali added: “The original ‘Good Times’ cast members John Amos and the late Esther Rolle battled with the white producers and writers for their ‘Good Times’ show to stop depicting African Americans as buffoons. The buffoonery in the trailer of the new ‘Good Times’ animated series is everything that Amos and Rolle fought against. Our coalition of African American leaders is continuing the fight that Amos and Rolle battled against concerning Good Times.” https://youtu.be/-rhslcguw9o “Good Times” was an immensely popular sitcom back in the 70s during a critical time and an ever-changing climate for this country particularly in the Black community. There were challenges, lessons, temptations, adversity, and obstacles to overcome. As we witnessed, the right decision was made in many cases to keep the family with hopes of a brighter and more productive future. For Ali, this new “Good Times” animated trailer is not only disgraceful but disrespectful of African Americans. It perpetuates negative stereotypes of African Americans. “As part of the coalition of civil rights leaders, and Western Regional Director of the National Action Network founded by Rev Al Sharpton, we support the request for a meeting with Netflix Co-founder Reed Hastings to discuss not only delaying the airing of this “Good Times” animated atrocities but also canceling the showing of this project,” shared Pastor Jonathan Moseley Western Regional Director of National Action Network. https://youtu.be/bCYmdMpyMJ8 Music icon Missy Elliot is hitting the road this summer with Busta Rhymes, Ciara, and Timbaland. Missy’s debut headline tour, OUT OF THIS WORLD — The Missy Elliott Experience, kicks off a 24-city run on July 4 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, making stops across North America in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Brooklyn, and more, before wrapping up in Rosemont at Allstate Arena on August 22. https://www.instagram.com/missymisdemeanorelliott/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=9d7fc435-b884-40c4-a98b-b936ec245b19 We reported earlier that Aoki Lee Simmons, the 21-year-old daughter of Russell Simmons and Kimora Lee Simmons, is dating Vittorio Assaf, a 65-year-old restaurateur and co-founder of the famous Italian chain Serafina. Simmons went viral after she was seen kissing Assaf, whom she called her “boyfriend” in a new Instagram Live video. In the clip, Assaf, who is off camera, is heard in the background telling Aoki that singer Mary J. Blige once wanted to date him. “Last day in St. Barts. I’m so sad but I’m very happy,” Simmons told her followers in the clip. “When I return home, everyone who knows me will be getting a happier, more chilled out version of me.” “Would you like to share your favorite thing about the trip?” she asked Assaf, who did not appear on camera. “You … [being] with you,” he is heard saying. “I am a big Bvlgari person,” Aoki said, mispronouncing the fashion brand’s name. “I just want to make that very clear. You know what I also like a lot: Cartier,” she told her sugar daddy. https://www.instagram.com/theshaderoom/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=3906b1e5-0412-4a4a-baf7-3a5bef6d29ad Don Lemon married his longtime fiancé Tim Malone at Ralph Lauren’s Polo Bar on Saturday. Lemon, 58, and Malone, 40, posted a picture on Instagram of themselves in wedding tuxedos, beaming with smiles as they stood on the church steps, accompanied by three adorable dogs. “Just married!” read the caption of the post. Lemon and Malone shared several photos and videos of the ceremony. RadarOnline reports that Lemon was “being a bridezilla” and was “micromanaging everyone” ahead of his wedding at Ralph Lauren’s Polo Bar in New York City on Saturday, April 6. “They are a box of nerves right now and Don is kind of being a bridezilla because he has wanted this picture-perfect fairytale marriage, and he is micromanaging everyone,” the insider revealed. https://www.instagram.com/p/C5cDpotPbUF/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=fb4f8abc-1712-482a-8a72-09d7063b4399 “They are both going to wear matching suits with different lapels. It won’t be a very religious ceremony, but they have written vows they will read to each other,” the source added. “Tim was joking with coworkers that he would use ChatGPT to write his.” “Several of Tim’s co-workers from Douglas Elliman are going to be there. Their dogs are also expected to be a part of the ceremony just as they were a part of their engagement.” Lemon and Malone tied the knot eight years after they began dating. They publicly announced their relationship with a New Year’s Eve kiss on CNN’s 2018 broadcast. A day before the weekend wedding, Malone shared the milestone moment of their 2019 engagement on Instagram, writing: “#fbf to April 6, 2019. When @donlemonofficial and I got engaged. And tomorrow April 6, 2024 we make it official. It’s getting so real ❤️ #weddingweekend”. https://www.instagram.com/p/C5ZTl3wulYm/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=a2a33933-96b5-4f04-ad1f-0c2b11fc3992 The ‘Bearded Lady,’ known as Harnaam Kaur, holds the Guinness World Record for being the youngest female with a full beard as of 2017. As SandraRose.com reports, Kaur suffers from PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), which causes unwanted facial hair in women. Due to her Muslim religion, she is not allowed to shave the beard — and even if she did, the hair would grow back thicker. In a Facebook video, Kaur reveals that she’s attracted to masculine men yet finds that only feminine men are interested in her. “Really feminine men message me, but that’s not who I am attracted to,” she said. “I like masculine men. I’m very soft. I’m so different to what you see on TV… At home I’m very quiet. I’m very feminine. I’m very soft. People don’t get to see that side of me.” According to Guinness World Records, Harnaam was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome when she was 12 years old. The condition affects millions of people around the world. https://youtu.be/J08LgL6OrGE Controversial conservative commentator Candace Owens challenged her former Daily Wire colleague Ben Shaprio to a debate about the Israel-Hamas war and current definition of antisemitism. Shapiro accepted the challenge but said she would not debate him on the Daily Wire platform. She also suggested a neutral moderator, such as Joe Rogan or Lex Fridman, who accepted the offer to host a debate. Jeremy Boreing, The Daily Wire co-founder, offered to host the debate on the platform in Nashville, with “no ads on the video and no charge to watch it. No one cashes in.” Owens reminded him that she is in London and could not commit to appearing in the city for an in-person showdown with Shapiro on April 8, and offered to do the debate virtually. Boreing agreed that The Daily Wire doesn’t need to be involved, but said Ben will not participate if there is a moderator, nor do it virtually. Owens accepted. https://twitter.com/RealCandaceO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1776429291821019499%7Ctwgr%5E459dd13b747cf708ffb7e2be833b74465c3c409e%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fben-shapiro-accepts-candace-owens-debate-challenge%2F Last month, Boreing spoke out about why the company parted ways with Owens after she used the phrase “Christ is King.” We reported earlier that according to Boreing, who is Jewish, that phrase is anti-Semitic. The precise reasons behind Owens’ exit from the media company remain uncertain. However, her departure follows online harassment by two attention-seeking rabbis who falsely accused the media personality of harboring anti-Semitic sentiments. https://twitter.com/RealCandaceO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1776417779752546705%7Ctwgr%5E459dd13b747cf708ffb7e2be833b74465c3c409e%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fben-shapiro-accepts-candace-owens-debate-challenge%2F As the sun dipped below the horizon at the enchanting Walt Disney World Resort, a jubilant exclamation marked the zenith of a fantastical journey for a hundred spirited teenagers. They celebrated their graduation from the Disney Dreamers Academy amidst a cascade of sparkling confetti and cherished Disney melodies, framing an exhilarating crescendo to their week-long voyage of courage, creativity, and boundless fun. Like stars descending from the sky, a constellation of luminaries from the realms of fame, academia, business, and community stewardship lent their brilliance to the five-day odyssey of mentorship. Amongst the galaxy of guiding lights were Daymond John of ‘Shark Tank,’ Dara Reneé from ‘High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,’ Lance Gross of ‘House of Payne,’ and Sanya Richards-Ross of ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’, each igniting the ambitions of these youthful visionaries. The evening preceding this grand finale was kissed by destiny for Kyla Marie Griffith, an aspirant DJ from Laurelton, NY. DJ Big Tigger, a maestro of rhythm, orchestrated a private symposium for her, an encounter etched in the stars. He bestowed upon her the honor of playing co-DJ, spinning tunes together at the event’s ultimate celebration. Mohamedamin Abdirisek Ibrahim, a Somali refugee, is facing murder charges after strangling to death his pregnant Swedish girlfriend in an honor killing. The prosecutor claims that the motive for the atrocious deed was rooted in fears of dishonoring his conservative Muslim family., News18 reports. Ibrahim reportedly strangled to death Saga Forsgren Elneborg with a lamp cord. According to reports, he was too ashamed to introduce her, a white woman, to his Muslim family, as they would disapprove of the interracial relationship. Prosecutors claim Ibrahim was raised in a household where dating a “white” woman was frowned upon. He allegedly concealed his two-year relationship with Saga due to his family’s disapproval. Elneborg, 20, was found dead at her home in the Swedish city of Örebro on April 28, 2023. She was seven months pregnant, and the unborn child died in her womb. https://twitter.com/JoeyMannarinoUS/status/1775874719218008187/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1775874719218008187%7Ctwgr%5E1608f95616449c5b4be4f89a6fadd4b1772e091a%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fsomali-refugee-commits-honor-killing-by-strangling-girlfriend%2F Actor Jonathan Majors was sentenced to a 52-week mandatory in-person domestic violence prevention program for the assault and harassment of his former girlfriend during a domestic dispute, a New York criminal judge ruled Monday. Meanwhile, his “victim,” Grace Jabbari is not thrilled with the sentence/outcome and expressed her feelings to the court. Scroll down for more from her. Majors will have to give DNA as it’s his first conviction, and pay a separate $250 surcharge, Judge Michael J. Gaffey explained. There were no punishments in connection with the non-criminal violation of harassment in connection with the incident, and the assault misdemeanor was conditionally discharged. Judge Gaffey ultimately said the probation report indicated jail is not necessary, but Majors could face jail time if he violates the rules of his sentencing. https://youtu.be/VUYNgH8x9FE Majors did not look up from the table as Jabbari spoke. She exited the courtroom before sentencing. His attorney, Priya Chaudhry, said it has “been the most challenging year of Jonathan Majors’ life” adding her client “accepts this painful experience” to “emerge stronger, healthier and with a deeper understanding of himself.” Majors did not make a statement in court, citing ongoing litigation between him and Jabbari. CNN has reached out to his attorney for comment. The domestic violence program must be approved by the county of Los Angeles probation department in California. https://youtu.be/q4rzlUZVG14 Pharrell Williams released a new album on Friday that is only available to purchase via his Black Yacht Rock website.Fans can cop the album at BlackYachtRock.com. As Complex reports, the project titled Black Yacht Rock, Vol. 1: City of Limitless Access comes with ten songs. The new album comes amid the legal battle between Pharrell and his producing partner Chad Hugo, over name rights to The Neptunes. We reported earlier that Williams and Hugo are entangled in a legal tussle over the group’s moniker. Hugo accuses Williams of attempting to seize sole control over the trademarks, branding it as “fraudulent.” “Throughout their over thirty-year history, [Hugo] and Williams agreed to, and in fact, have divided all assets,” wrote Hugo’s attorney Kenneth D. Freundlich. “By ignoring and excluding [Hugo] from any and all applications filed by applicant for the mark ‘The Neptunes,’ applicant has committed fraud in securing the trademarks and acted in bad faith.” The panelists on “The Talk” reportedly fear their jobs are on the line as CBS prepares to debut the first Black soap opera in over three decades. According to RadarOnline, an insider told the National Enquirer… “Behind the scenes, tension on The Talk is at an all-time high” between co-hosts Akbar Gbajabiamila, Amanda Kloots, Natalie Morales, Jerry O’Connell and Sheryl Underwood. According to the tea spiller, the network no longer prioritizes the daytime talk show. The advertising budget was allegedly reduced amid tanking ratings. The insider explained that “The Talk” could be canceled if the forthcoming new Black soap “is a hit.” We reported that CBS is developing “The Gates,” a soap opera about a wealthy Black family living in a posh, gated community. https://www.instagram.com/thetalkcbs/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=f2838f65-36a5-4e6c-9221-2b3e6896cb10 Fatal Attraction returns on Monday, April 8 at 9 PM ET. A loving nurse and mother are found bludgeoned to death in her home with evidence suggesting the killer is someone she knew. When police learn of her involvement with multiple men, an act of jealousy seems likely. Find out tonight at 9 PM ET. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGANGHE5sPk Critically acclaimed show PAYBACK returns tonight, April 8. When young expectant parents are found gunned down outside an apartment complex, Memphis police are shocked when the father-to-be’s family members theorize the couple’s deaths are the result of a dispute over bundles of hair. Find out what happens tonight at 10 PM ET. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llrPcgioJtY J. Cole said he already regrets releasing a Kendrick Lamar diss track amid his ongoing beef with his fellow musician. Videos posted on social media showed Cole talking to the crowd at Dreamville Festival on Sunday, two days after releasing his new album “Might Delete Later,” and apologizing for one of its songs, titled “7 Minute Drill.” “I’m so proud of (‘Might Delete Later’), except for one part,” he said. “It’s one part of that sh*t that makes me feel like, man that’s the lamest sh*t I did in my f**king life, right?” He added: “I damn near had a relapse … I ain’t gonna lie to y’all. The past two days have felt terrible. It let me know how good I’ve been sleeping for the past 10 years.” https://youtu.be/A9nj69cVpJc “I want to say right now tonight, how many people think Kendrick Lamar is one of the greatest motherf**kers to ever touch a f**king microphone?” he said, while the audience cheered. The two have worked together before as, along with Drake, they have emerged as among the most influential hip-hop artists of their generation. All three have won multiple Grammy Awards, while Lamar received the 2018 Pulitzer Prize, making him the first non-classical or jazz musician to win it. https://youtu.be/uPmqetYCFz0 The Duke of York Theatre in London is defending Black actress Francesca Amewudah-Rivers after racist trolls labeled her as too “ugly” to portray Juliet in their latest production, “Romeo & Juliet.” Amewudah-Rivers is best known for the show “Bad Education. Her casting alongside Tom Holland as Romeo in the forthcoming theatrical production of “Romeo and Juliet” has created social media buzz, with many calling it “the worst casting ever for Juliet.” The theater company reacted to the haters in a statement: “Following the announcement of our ‘Romeo & Juliet’ cast, there has been a barrage of deplorable racial abuse online directed towards a member of our company. This must stop. We are working with a remarkable group of artists. We insist that they are free to create work without facing online harassment. We will continue to support and protect everyone in our company at all costs. Any abuse will not be tolerated and will be reported.” The message continued: “Bullying and harassment have no place online, in our industry or in our wider communities. Our rehearsal room is full of joy, compassion, and kindness. We celebrate the extraordinary talent of our incredible collaborators. The Duke of York Theatre added, “The ‘Romeo & Juliet’ community will continue to rehearse with generosity and love, and focus on the creation of our production.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C5Dr0gXInPW/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=69c136e2-9723-4483-a1eb-a8e7ea63ba5b Amewudah-Rivers shared her excitement about her Juliet role on Instagram. Several people slammed her appearance in the comments and mocked her for seemingly having a mustache. Some people are convinced she’s transgender (male to female), further fueling the criticism over the play’s casting. The haters take issue with a Black woman playing Juliet. Amewudah-Rivers posted an announcement about the play, and in the comments, actress Susan Wokoma came to her defense, writing, “Posting my love again because I am SEATED for you! I hope all the racists and misogynists are rattled and haunted by our visibility every single day their f-ing useless lives. This happens to me *every time* I’m cast in anything. WE ARE NOT GOING ANYWHERE. May every Juliet be black. One fan added, “standing with you fully against this sickening onslaught of anti-blackness and racism. a caring reminder that the white-walker’s opinions don’t matter have never mattered and never ever will no matter how many of them decide to congregate.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C5DsSU0IoNf/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=f54e1c48-001b-4717-ad12-de21685a7869 In a celestial announcement that set fans ablaze, Netflix released the official companion EP for the much-anticipated film “Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver,” the next chapter in visionary filmmaker Zack Snyder‘s interstellar odyssey. Titled “Rebel Moon – Songs of the Rebellion,” the EP is making its intergalactic debut on all digital streaming platforms ahead of the April 19th premiere of the film on Netflix. “Rebel Moon – Songs of the Rebellion” boasts an eclectic lineup including Jessie Reyez, Tainy, Tokischa, TOKiMONSTA, aespa, Black Coffee, and Kordhell. Each composition is tailored exclusively for the film, with every note resonating with the essence of a lead character who served as its muse. The EP’s launch event was headlined by the illustrious Black Coffee, (Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo) the South African DJ, record producer, and songwriter whose accolades include eight South African Music Awards, four DJ Awards, two Metro FM Awards, and a Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic Album. On January 24, content creator Pelumi Nubi, who grew up in London, set off on a solo drive from the UK capital to Lagos, Nigeria in her beloved purple Peugeot 107. Over two months and a terrifying car crash later, the 29-year-old received a hero’s reception as she arrived in the West African country’s largest city on Sunday after traveling through around 17 countries, including France, Morocco, Senegal and Sierra Leone. “It’s been an incredible adventure, filled with beautiful surprises,” she said in a statement shortly before completing the epic journey. Nubi, who was born in Lagos, explains that it’s long been her goal to “showcase that travel can be easy, safe and doable,” particularly for Black female solo travelers like herself. https://youtu.be/iXWDqHGYdo0 The women’s NCAA basketball tournament has been full of star power, with Iowa’s Caitlin Clark front and center. But there wasn’t a team as loaded as Dawn Staley‘s South Carolina. For the third time, the Gamecocks are national champions, defeating Iowa 87-75, completing a perfect 38-0 season, and preventing Clark from having the perfect end to her college career. The win also avenges South Carolina’s loss to Iowa in last year’s Final Four, the team’s only loss that season. The Gamecocks are now 109-3 in the last three seasons. South Carolina is now 3-0 in national championship games. The other titles came in 2017 and 2022, all under head coach Dawn Staley. https://youtu.be/HKeiTLw3zTQ For the second year in a row, Iowa and Clark have come up short in the national championship game, losing to LSU a year ago. https://youtu.be/CKfTWc4WrDo This was Clark’s final game in an Iowa uniform before heading to the WNBA. She’s expected to be the top pick in the draft April 15. https://youtu.be/6MeJG502u6U On Sunday at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio, the best team beat the team that had the best player. Clark, despite all the accolades she’s received, will leave for the WNBA as a two-time national runner-up. https://youtu.be/y-tevuljaZw?list=RDNSy-tevuljaZw Sean “Diddy” Combs once traced his success back to a pair of shoes. One day, when he was a child, he asked his mother for a new pair of sneakers, but she couldn’t afford them. He recalled in a 2016 CNN interview that his mother almost began to cry upon hearing his request. That day, he said, “my hustle was born.” The man who famously once rapped about being a “bad boy for life” had it pretty good for a long time, thanks to that hustle and his entrepreneurial successes. Buying new shoes may not be a problem anymore but he has bigger ones — especially lately. This week, authorities conducted searches on two of Combs’ homes as part of a federal investigation carried out by a Department of Homeland Security team that handles human trafficking crimes, according to a senior federal law enforcement official briefed on the investigation. https://youtu.be/xaF1Upcplv4 Attorney Antonio Moore delves into recent news around Aoki Lee Simmons and the sons of rapper Puff Daddy. Moore looks at the recent story that surfaced that showed Russell Simmons’ daughter kissing a 65-year-old white man on a beach. He also connects it to the rapper Diddy’s sons being brought out of their family home in cuffs during a federal sting last month investigating Sean Combs for accusations of sex trafficking. Moore uses all of it to ask the question what happened to all of the hip-hop wealth that was to supply some form of financial security for the progeny of these hip-hop millionaires? https://youtu.be/N8zJQ6y4i7I Aoki Lee Simmons, 21, is dating restaurateur Vittorio Assaf, 65. https://t.co/egSFCf8s93 Think being Muslim is limited to a certain group of people? Think again. As a brother and sister show, Islam knows no bounds. Taking to social media, the duo highlighted misconceptions they’ve heard about Puerto Rican Muslims. “I’m Puerto Rican and Muslim; of course, everybody thinks I’m an Arab,” TikToker Tim said in a video posted on Feb. 6 before the clip went to his sister, Ally. “I’m Puerto Rican and Muslim; of course, the first thing they’re going to ask me is if I converted for a man,” Ally stated, while highlighting that folks assume Puerto Rican Muslims can’t speak Spanish or Arabic. “I’m Puerto Rican and Muslim. Of course, I’m trying to convert my parents,” Tim stated. https://www.tiktok.com/@timburgandy/video/7332640561591078190?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fwell-this-is-different-brother-sister-tiktokers-expose-misconceptions-theyve-experienced-as-puerto-rican-muslims-watch%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7332640561591078190 Commenting on Tim and Ally’s video, some social media users relayed how their dealings with similar things added their own experiences, while others confessed they didn’t know Hispanic Muslims existed. Check out the shared thoughts, via Madame Noire: “My kids are Puerto Rican and Arabic. Of course, everybody’s confused about what they are.” “Wow, I didn’t realize until this video that I actually never saw/noticed a Hispanic female Muslim before.” https://www.tiktok.com/@timburgandy/video/7333373019487866154?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fwell-this-is-different-brother-sister-tiktokers-expose-misconceptions-theyve-experienced-as-puerto-rican-muslims-watch%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7333373019487866154 “I’m Puerto Rican and Muslim. Of course, my family doesn’t understand why I can’t kiss my cousins on the cheek.” “I’m Puerto Rican and Muslim. Of course, they think I converted when I went to jail.” “I’m Puerto Rican and Muslim. Of course, other Puerto Ricans ask me why I have that thing on my head.” Although one commenter pointed out how their parents looked Muslim, Madame Noire noted Tim’s clarification, stating that while his and Ally’s mother “accepted Islam Alhamdulilah” his father was “a bit of a hard head.” Tim and Ally’s video is the latest in a series of clips highlighting the misconceptions they face as Puerto Rican Muslims. Among the misconceptions are those with the belief that Ally’s husband has four wives. #Facts, that belief is not truth. In addition, Ally shared that people always asked her if she was hot because of her hijab. https://eurweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Puerto-Rican-Muslim-brother-and-sister1.jpg For Ally and Tim, the conflict goes further with critics coming out to “go back” to where they came from, despite being born in the United States. “I’m Muslim; of course, they tell me to go back to where I came from. And I was born here!” Tim exclaimed. Chronicling Tim and Ally’s struggle, Madame Noire cited a Feb. 10 video the pair made that featured claims they made about people assuming they were brainwashed into becoming Muslim. The haters further told the siblings they were going to hell for not being Christian. “I’m Puerto Rican and Muslim. Of course, the Puerto Ricans don’t claim me,” Ally added. https://www.tiktok.com/share/video/7328080757476429087?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fwell-this-is-different-brother-sister-tiktokers-expose-misconceptions-theyve-experienced-as-puerto-rican-muslims-watch%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_card_play&referer_video_id=7334114283518758186 Close to a decade after commenting on NOT being an African American, Raven-Symoné is still haunted by what she said and the backlash that came with it. According to the Daily Mail, the former “The View” co-host’s remarks stemmed from an October 2014 interview with Oprah Winfrey. Raven-Symoné recalled the situation on ‘We Need to talk…,’ the latest episode of her Tea Time With Raven and Miranda podcast on April 2, revealing she has been ‘haunted’ by the comments ‘since 2014.’ ‘When that aired, I felt like the entire Internet exploded and threw my name in the garbage,’ the 38-year-old Atlanta native told her co-host and wife Miranda Maday on April 2. As the chat progressed, Raven-Symoné stated she remembered the 2014 controversy when Bill Maher brought up her past comments during a segment on Real Time With Bill Maher. The segment in question and the “That’s So Raven” star’s remarks focused on Idris Elba’s opinion that people ‘are obsessed with race.’ “He is commenting on something I said to Oprah back in 2014,’ Raven-Symoné told Maher. After Winfrey asked, “’So you don’t want to be labeled gay?’ The former child star responded, saying, “I don’t want to be labeled gay.” The Reverend Cecil L. “Chip” Murray, a towering figure who led the First African Methodist Episcopal (FAME) Church for nearly three decades, passed away at the age of 94. He served as a beacon of calm during the tumultuous 1992 Los Angeles riots and left an enduring mark on the community he served. Murray’s impact stretched far beyond the walls of the church. During his tenure from 1977 to 2004, he transformed FAME from a modest congregation to a powerhouse of over 18,000 members, drawing luminaries like former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, reports NBC4LA. After retiring, Murray embarked on a new journey as an educator and advocate at USC, where he founded the Cecil Murray Center for Community Engagement. His “Murray Method” empowered over a thousand faith leaders to address community needs head-on. In the wake of the 1992 riots, Murray’s leadership was instrumental in calming tensions and rebuilding South Los Angeles. He famously remarked on the root causes of the unrest, drawing attention to systemic injustices that ignited the flames of discontent. https://youtu.be/UuqkHG1ZKl4 President George H. W. Bush honored Murray’s contributions by designating FAME as the “177th Point of Light,” underscoring his significance in fostering community spirit and empowerment. Murray’s journey from Lakeland, Florida, to the pulpit of FAME was marked by service and dedication. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched and the communities he uplifted. As we bid farewell to a remarkable leader, let us remember Reverend Cecil “Chip” Murray for his indomitable spirit, unwavering compassion, and tireless pursuit of justice. https://youtu.be/_XE8DcT1GkQ They say age is just a number, but in this case, that might be stretching things quite a bit. And on top of that, it’s NOT a good look. Anywhoo, a barely legal Aoki Lee Simmons, aged 21, is stepping into the limelight, albeit with a hint of mystery, following her recent public display of affection with restaurateur Vittorio Assaf, aged 65. Assaf, renowned as the mastermind behind the Serafina Restaurant Group, including the iconic Serafina in NYC, has found himself entangled in gossip alongside Aoki, and deservedly so. Captured by paparazzi lenses during their beach escapade in St. Barts, Aoki, the offspring of former model and entrepreneur Kimora Lee Simmons and the embattled businessman and music mogul Russell Simmons was photographed sharing a tender moment with Assaf. Before the paparazzi shots surfaced, according to Essence, Aoki had innocently posted a beachside photo of herself on social media, oblivious to the storm it would stir. Since then, the internet has been buzzing with opinions on their companionship, particularly given Aoki’s father’s age proximity to Assaf and their strained relationship. Some have even drawn parallels to her parents’ controversial romance, which began when her mother was 18 and her father was 35. https://youtu.be/PlpoCQ_t_fI Despite the scrutiny, Aoki appears unfazed. Sharing another beach photo on her Instagram Story with the caption, “Happy, healthy, did some beach,” she seems content amidst the whirlwind of speculation. Addressing the rumors, Aoki took to her Instagram Stories again, posting a photo with the caption, “Errr well now I know why folks were calling me,” subtly acknowledging the chatter without divulging much. https://www.instagram.com/aokileesimmons/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=974d2715-220a-4d22-b240-a555cd7c30cf This isn’t the first time Aoki has found herself at the center of controversy regarding her romantic life. Previously, she faced criticism for her interracial relationship, a situation she candidly addressed, recognizing the outdated attitudes that fueled the backlash. https://www.instagram.com/p/C5ZI2GSOddj/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=e9cc0979-66b9-4b82-98fb-7671882a5b5f Caitlin Clark’s final game in an Iowa uniform will be with a national championship on the line. And it’s going to come against a team potentially on the verge of a dynasty. We’re talking Iowa vs. South Carolina! No. 1 Iowa narrowly advanced to the women’s NCAA tournament national championship game after surviving a scare from No. 3 Connecticut, 71-69, in the Final Four at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio, on Friday. The Hawkeyes will face undefeated and No. 1 overall seed South Carolina in Sunday’s title game. The Gamecocks, powered by their center Kamilla Cardoso and a strong third quarter, defeated No. 3 NC State 78-59 in the earlier semifinal of the night. In 2023, Clark and the Hawkeyes came up short in the national title game, losing to Angel Reese and LSU 102-85. This time, Clark – in a record-breaking season – could end her college career as a champion and give Iowa its first national title in women’s or men’s basketball. https://youtu.be/kwyk_tykOTQ?list=RDNSkwyk_tykOTQ Despite being the top overall seed, the lone women’s college basketball team undefeated, and a roster with depth, No. 1 South Carolina has seemingly flown under the radar throughout the NCAA tournament. Perhaps that will change Sunday. With the win against NC State on Friday, South Carolina is now 37-0. To get to 38-0, the Gamecocks will have to take down Clark and the Hawkeyes. In Friday’s Final Four win, South Carolina’s Cardoso, who on Monday announced she would enter the WNBA draft, finished with 22 points, going 10-of-12 from the field, to go with 11 rebounds. The 6-foot-7-inch center started the game 6-for-6 from the field and led all scorers with 16 in the first half. https://youtu.be/--x5ZHjg_WM Ashlyn Watkins pulled in 20 rebounds to go with eight points, while Raven Johnson had 13 points and five assists. Te-Hina Paopao added 10 points and six assists. This has been an NCAA tournament full of star power, with Iowa’s Clark, UConn’s Bueckers, LSU’s Reese, and USC’s JuJu Watkins, just to name a few. Meanwhile, South Carolina just keeps winning. For NC State, a dream season ends at 31-7. This was the Wolfpack’s second trip to the Final Four and the first since 1998. Aziaha James led NC State with 20 points. https://media.nbcconnecticut.com/2024/04/DIT_RSN_WFinalFourRecap_040524_BF.png?resize=850%2C478&quality=85&strip=all “I heard someone holler! I’ll take it,” said Aaron Akins with a little chuckle to his audience during his “When Do We Love” release concert at the Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood, California. The show was a stop on his tour to promote the upcoming release of his “When Do We Love” EP. Akins invited me to hear his title track “When Do We Love” live. An intimate setting with attentive waiters, and elegant ambiance awaited me. It had been so long since I heard a live band. The Keiko Matsui concert in 2023 was the last time I had the pleasure. His band arrived on stage at the same time as Aaron giving us in the audience enough time to focus on our meals and settling back for the show. Aaron had previously told me that after a previous performance of “When Do We Love,” Walter and Wallace Scott (The Whispers) came to him after the show and complimented him on the song. This after-show meeting ended with Aaron re-recording the single with Walter and Wallace as featured vocalists. Their version will be included on the “When Do We Love” EP. https://youtu.be/s1MtHS5hQW8 Today, ABC’s ‘Shark Tank’ investor and successful businessman Daymond John left an aspiring young entrepreneur speechless when he surprised the student during the Disney Dreamers Academy at Walt Disney World Resort with a personal invitation to join him on the set for a taping of ‘Shark Tank.’ Te’Lario Watkins II, 16, from Blacklick, OH, thought he was in the middle of a media interview Saturday morning during Disney Dreamers Academy when John made a surprise appearance and delivered the personal invitation to visit the ABC show set in Los Angeles. For Watkins, it was a magical dream come true moment. Since he was seven years old, Watkins has run his own small business, Tiger Mushroom Farms, which cultivates gourmet mushrooms and sells dry mushroom products. Additionally, he is the founder of a non-profit called the Garden Club Project, which addresses food insecurities in his community. John is one of several celebrities taking part in Disney Dreamers Academy, the Walt Disney World Resort mentoring program that runs through Sunday. Olympian Sanya Richards-Ross, Hollywood veteran actor Lance Gross, Disney actress Dara Renee and other TV and movie stars are serving as mentors and speakers. In the latest episode of “What the Hey-all?!,” we go to church, only to find a brotha-man preacher/singer going viral with his teeth unexpectedly leaving his praise party. Madame Noire reports the funny business came when the preacher was captured mid-song passionately singing a soulful hymn. As he reached the high point of the tune, his artificial chompers must’ve caught the spirit as they tumbled out of his mouth. Once social media users caught a glimpse of the preacher’s moment, it automatically gained thousands of views and laughs via TikTok and Instagram, among other social media outlets. Reaction to the clip ranged from outright laughs to heartfelt support for the teeth-less preacher. “He should have used gorilla glue, not Elmer’s,” the text overlay of the video read in the user’s suggestion of better material to keep his teeth in his mouth. https://www.instagram.com/34lovejones/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=dbae3de3-0a4c-492d-919d-3bc86463bb83 That’s right brother don’t let the devil steal your praise 😂🤣, 🙏🏿🙏🏿,” remarked one user, highlighting the preacher’s resilience in the face of adversity. And there was this classic: “Today’s sermon: Bridging the Gap! Amen.” As if that weren’t enough, check out another video of the same thing happening to a melenan-less preacher. Another sign of the universal nature of a good laugh. You gotta love it. It’s alright to laugh in church. Ain’t no shame in laughing in Jesus’ name. https://www.tiktok.com/@ginaluc25/video/7308090191980350750?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fpreachers-praise-and-tee-fusses-go-their-separate-ways-in-hee-larious-viral-videos-watch%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7308090191980350750 As season three of Starz’s “BMF” unfolds, viewers are introduced to Cynthia Bailey‘s character, Gloria Bryant, who finds herself embroiled in the turmoil surrounding her son, Kevin, played by Jerel Xavier Austin. In a recent interview with EURweb, Bailey and Austin shed light on their characters’ emotional journeys and the impact of loss and grief on the show. This interview contains spoilers. Bailey, known for her role in “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” steps into the shoes of Bryant, Detective Von Bryant’s ex-wife, who becomes increasingly concerned about her son’s precarious situation in jail. Reflecting on her portrayal of Gloria, Bailey draws parallels between her character and her own experiences as a mother. “As a mother, it was obviously very easy for me to tap into this role because I am the mother of a 24-year-old daughter, Noelle,” Bailey explained. “I’m always coming from a place of love and protection.” https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=693803012923154 In the symphony of legal battles, Universal Music Group/UMG is facing a Lawsuit in New York’s federal court, allegedly for an unauthorized sample in Mary J. Blige‘s 1992 hit, “Real Love.” “‘Real Love’ uses part of the Honey Drippers’ often-sampled 1972 funk song ‘Impeach the President’ that it did not clear,” revealed New York-based Tuff City Records to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Representatives for UMG remained silent, prompting Tuff City’s attorney, Hillel Parness of Parness Law Firm, to stay mum. Tuff City, boasting ownership of a musical treasure trove, from Blues to Hip-Hop, insists on proper acknowledgment, reports Reuters. In a harmonious twist, Tuff City accuses Universal Music Publishing of evading negotiation, juxtaposing their stance against UMG Recordings’ prior agreement on a separate “Real Love” sample license. Mary J. Blige’s “Real Love,” a cornerstone of her debut album “What’s the 411?,” ascended to the seventh spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1992, echoing her enduring legacy. https://youtu.be/OSmGu5LBs7E Meanwhile, in the realm of social media, Blige’s cryptic revelations ignite a wildfire of speculation among fans, particularly regarding her ties to Sean “Diddy” Combs, whose properties faced federal scrutiny coincidentally. As fans dissect her words, reminiscing about her intertwined history with Combs, one voice resonates: “Mary said… the Feds asked and I spoke… I’m not going down with you guys…” – an enigmatic proclamation that leaves followers captivated, poised to witness the unfolding drama. https://www.instagram.com/p/C48ZrdpLD3V/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=a9cd840f-e5ff-48c6-a43a-82c02f812d02 Love songs aren’t meant to be aspirational. They’re meant to be honest. We learn this the hard way. As kids, we imagine how thrilling it would be to have a rival for our beloved’s affection. How scintillating to love someone so much that we’d kill for them. How bewitching we’d look after a night spent tossing and turning over a broken heart, our hollow eyes the windows to our tortured but worldly souls. Just me? Never mind. My point is that as soon as we experience love — and its twin sister, heartbreak — the lyrics we once replayed over and over because they were catchy take on a painful depth. Adult romances, so alluring when viewed from the safety of childhood, are peppered with occasional magic, but more often than not turn out to be exhausting and fraught with compromise. Like so many grown-up experiences, they involve far more work than we bargained for. This was the spirit in which, after a dozen or so listens, I embraced Beyoncé’s reimagining of Dolly Parton’s 1970s classic “Jolene.” It’s the 10th song on her expansive, 27-track country-flavored album “Cowboy Carter,” and it upends Parton’s plaintive classic, recasting the narrator as a powerhouse who’s not only not intimidated by Jolene — she’s mocking her. Where Parton pleaded, “I’m begging of you please don’t take my man,” Beyoncé purrs, “I’m warnin’ you, don’t come for my man.” Where Parton yielded, “I cannot compete with you, Jolene,” Beyoncé menaces, “You don’t want no hеat with me, Jolene.” https://youtu.be/x9XHMK3nWr4 The woman who previously filed a lawsuit against Vin Diesel in December 2023 for sexual battery is now suing screenwriter John Ridley for discrimination. According to Deadline, Asta Jonasson claims that after complaining about being overlooked for promotions at ABC, she was terminated in 2022 after more than a decade with the company, allegedly in retaliation. In the lawsuit, Jonasson, a former director of development, said she was underpaid and overworked. Asta alleges that Ridley consistently passed over her for new opportunities, showing preference towards white men and women. She also noted “the hypocrisy of his public positions on civil rights,” as they do not align with how he treated her in the workplace. “On multiple occasions, Jonasson complained to Ridley about the hypocrisy of his public positions on civil rights and his private failure to pay Jonasson, a woman of color, commensurate with her skill, effort, and responsibility,” the lawsuit states. “Ridley’s hypocrisy continues to this day, with the premiere of his film Shirley, a biographical film based on the life of Shirley Chisholm: the first black woman to be elected to the United States Congress and a vocal proponent of equal pay and women’s rights.” Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has decided to approach this year’s presidential election differently. This time he’s refraining from publicly endorsing any candidate like he did for Joe Biden four years ago. Johnson a/ka/ The Rock, told Fox News’ Will Cain, about his decision to keep his political views private this time around. “The endorsement I made with Biden years ago was what I felt was right for me at that time. However, I’ve decided not to repeat that in this election. My aim now is to unite this country.” The actor, who has flirted with the idea of a presidential run himself, expressed concerns about the divisiveness he perceives under the Biden administration, echoing sentiments often embraced by Fox News regarding “cancel culture” and “woke culture.” https://youtu.be/1yGgpLtk6CA Yvette Nicole Brown is speaking out about the criticism of the forthcoming series “Good Times” animated series. We reported earlier that an animated reboot of the 1970s sitcom “Good Times” is coming to Netflix from Carl Jones, Seth MacFarlane, and NBA star Stephen Curry. The original sitcom aired for six seasons on CBS from 1974 to 1979. It was television’s first African American two-parent family sitcom. Norman Lear produced the show, which centered on the Evans family, who lived in a poor, black neighborhood in inner-city Chicago. Jones modernized the setting, transitioning the Evans family from the 1970s to the 2020s, according to the news release. Curry and “Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane are executive producers on the adult-animated series. Brown, who voices the wife and matriarch, Beverly Evans, said in a Netflix post that the animated series is “edgier and more irreverent than the Good Times of our childhood.” https://youtu.be/BMA2Kc7TiO0 The announcement of the new “Good Times” animated series sparked backlash due to concerns about preserving the original show’s legacy and the portrayal of Black stereotypes in 2024. Brown said the series is “still a show about family, fighting the system, and working to make things better despite where you start out in the world.” “I’ve spent my whole life shining a light on the things that matter & calling out the systems that keep a boot on our necks,” she explained to fans and critics of the new series in a message on social media. “At times, I take parts in projects that do the same — even if they are irreverent or risky. Coming for me as if that’s wrong is a fool’s errand.” In another post, the actress added, “You don’t have to like the projects I choose, agree with my decision to do them or support me now or going forward. But your displeasure will not stop me from doing the projects I think have merit despite them being tough to swallow for some, at first. “Now get out there & write your screeds about a show you’ve seen just a two-minute trailer for. Go off as if you know the fullness of the journey or the message we’re trying to share about the systemic barriers WE still face no matter our station in life.” https://twitter.com/YNB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1773091851664281915%7Ctwgr%5E17b07a4fbb90e6cc71cd8e5cbda4ee1d856eb68a%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Factress-responds-to-criticism-of-good-times-animated-series%2F Today, Lance Gross showed his support for the Disney Dreamers Academy students at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida! The Howard University alumni said his dad was his greatest mentor. “My father was my superhero…I would watch him. And I had mentors from afar, people I didn’t really know but I studied them. Like Denzel Washington and Jeffrey Wright, and many more,” expressed Gross. “I looked at their career paths and I modeled mine after theirs. Everybody has their own path. I chose what worked for me.” He added: “Mentorship is important because you need a blueprint. One of my mentors now is Tyler Perry. Everything he touches turns to gold. He has one of the most amazing blueprints I’ve ever seen. Mentorship is super important because once you see it, you know it’s possible. Sometimes it takes people to push you.” https://eurweb.com/2024/lance-gross-disney-dreamers-at-2024-ddadisney-video/ Leveling Lincoln is an edifying documentary about the events that sparked desegregation in New Rochelle, New York. Producer Arden Teresa Lewis captures the spirit of a community that refused to be marginalized by sub-par education. She has harnessed a history lesson and a teaching tool. Separate but unequal conditions were promulgated by class, race, and covert real estate & banking practices well into the 1960s. The problem was complex without a quick and simple solution for the New Rochelle neighborhood school crisis. The local school for blacks was Lincoln Elementary. It required massive renovations and lacked adequate teachers and textbooks. In 1961 the issue of unfair and ambiguous zoning did not allow New Rochelle’s black students to attend a neighboring school with better accommodations. https://youtu.be/yczcFV17_ig More than a decade after being rejected as too controversial, Malcolm X will finally receive an official day of recognition in the state where he was born, for his contributions to the Civil Rights Movement. MSN reports the moment came via a bill that was passed March 28 by the Nebraska Legislature. The bill, introduced by Omaha Sen. Terrell McKinney — one of two Black members of the Legislature, declared the iconic leader will be recognized every May 19 in Nebraska. The state and day hold a personal connection to Malcolm X, considering he was born Malcolm Little in Omaha, Nebraska, May 19, 1925. McKinney brought the bill to the Legislature in an effort to declare the day a state holiday but fell short of the goal. According to MSN, the failure was mainly due to objections to the more than $500,000 a year projected cost to declare a state holiday, which comes from holiday pay for state workers. Despite the rejection, McKinney approached his objective in a different way by adding an amendment to a bill that declares Oct. 17 as Missing Persons Day. The amendment, which recognizes May 19 as El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, Malcolm X Day, will allow Nebraska schools to highlight the former Nation of Islam leader via exercises that will be held in his honor. The day of recognition will take place in the same year a ceremony will be held in May to observe Malcolm X’s induction into the Nebraska Hall of Fame, which occurred in 2022. A bronze bust created by Lincoln, NE artist Nathan Murray will be unveiled during the event and displayed among the busts of other inductees in the halls of the Nebraska State Capitol. The “stigma” of creative industries not doing serious business in Africa is something Idris Elba is out to eliminate. The actor believes Africa’s creative youth are a “significant driver of economic growth.” In his eyes, the continent’s youth are key to an increased global awareness of African art. Semafor Africa notes Elba’s view of it being a case of worlds colliding, mentioning the impact of streaming services in the awareness increase by providing more access than ever to African art. Sharing his thoughts recently with Semafor Africa, Elba acknowledged the situation as he believes the opportunity is right to there to capitalize on Africa’s creative community in a profitable and powerful way. ”On the other hand, there’s an outpouring of creativity from African countries where most of the populations are aged under 25 — “a time when your brain is at its most creative,” the site added. “There’s a stigma attached to creative industries as not being serious business,” Elba told Semafor, in comparison to industries like mining or agriculture. https://youtu.be/XmUl7xbm2K4 Former Marvelactor Jonathan Majors’ conviction on assault and harassment charges will stand after the judge in the case rejected a bid to set it aside. The charges stemmed from a domestic dispute involving Majors and his former girlfriend, Grace Jabbari. Through his attorney, Majors denied the allegations against him in a statement to CNN in August. In December, a New York jury found Majors guilty of one count of reckless assault in the 3rd degree and a non-criminal charge of harassment as a violation. He was acquitted on another assault charge and one count of aggravated harassment. Majors’ attorney filed a motion in February asking Judge Michael Gaffey to set aside the verdict and acquit him of the charges. https://youtu.be/26dUH-iApUo A 4.8 magnitude earthquake rattled buildings across parts of the Northeast Friday morning, according to the US Geological Survey, with tremors felt from Washington, DC to New York City to Maine. It was the third-largest earthquake recorded in the area in the last five decades and the strongest in New Jersey in more than 240 years, the USGS said. The rare quake was felt by millions of people across hundreds of miles, disrupting work and school life and jolting nerves momentarily before an early spring day seemed to return to normal. In a region unaccustomed to earthquakes, stunned residents across large swaths of the Northeast described initially thinking of a passing tractor trailer or freight train before realizing it was something more. With authorities reporting little or no damage, and minimal travel disruptions, people soon resumed their everyday lives. “At first I thought it was a big truck driving down a nearby road or the oil burner shaking inside my house,” said Jeanne Evola, who described her whole house shaking in Franklin Square on Long Island. https://youtu.be/ewLjXt7uZPE There were six minor aftershocks in the immediate area of the original temblor, the largest a magnitude 2.2 that was recorded at 1:32 p.m., according to USGS. “New Yorkers are not accustomed to having earthquakes in our state,” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul told reporters. “Everyone should continue to take this seriously.” NYC Department of Buildings Commissioner James Oddo asked for the “cooperation” of construction professionals for reports of damage to the city’s 1.1 million buildings. In New Jersey’s Hunterdon County, where the Lebanon Township is located, there were no reports of injuries or evacuations in the area around the epicenter, according to county officials. https://youtu.be/uQHGwvQVXc8 Tennis icon Serena Williams ventures into the beauty industry with her new makeup brand, designed for an “active” lifestyle. Williams announced Wyn (pronounced “win”) Beauty on Thursday, with 91 shades across ten distinct products in the face, lip and eye categories, per the news release. “I’m so excited to introduce WYN BEAUTY to the world,” said Williams. “To me, beauty has always been about self-expression and stepping into the best version of myself. Throughout my career, I was always searching for makeup that looked good after hours on the court, mixing products myself and creating my own formulas while traveling the world,” she continued. “As I evolved and remained active both on and off the court, I needed products I could apply at 7am before a full day of meetings, spending time with my kids, making time for the things I love and still look good at the end of the day. I needed makeup that could truly move with me. That’s the intention behind WYN BEAUTY – for people to live in it every single day of their lives and enhance the beauty they already have,” Williams added. https://www.instagram.com/wyn/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=d3668da9-1ef4-415e-8a25-ee2cd2f65e80 Thursday, 100 high school students from across the country participating in Disney Dreamers Academy had the ride of their lives in a magical parade at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. They were joined in the colorful parade at Magic Kingdom Park by actress Dara Reneé of ‘High School Musical: The Musical: The Series’ and the upcoming ‘Descendants: The Rise of Red.’ Reneé is serving as the program’s “Dreambassador” acting as mentor and advocate for the students. Additionally, the parade included popular Disney characters, such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Princess Tiana. The parade kicked off the 17th year of Disney Dreamers Academy, a five-day, transformational, mentoring program designed to broaden career awareness and create opportunities for Black high school students and teens from underrepresented communities across America. The 100 students are selected from thousands of nationwide applicants for a once-in-a-lifetime mentoring program at Walt Disney World. The program, supported by sponsors AT&T, Sprite and Delta Airlines, is designed to assist young people in identifying and pursuing their dreams. Along with a parent or guardian, the students receive an all-expense-paid trip to Walt Disney World to participate in the program, which features career-oriented workshops, leadership seminars and presentations by celebrities, community leaders, educators and Disney executives. Among this year’s celebrities are Daymond John (‘ABC’s Shark Tank’), Hollywood actor Lance Gross and reality TV star Sanya Richards-Ross (‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’). Members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) announced plans to introduce a package of bills this year designed to address the recommendations the California Reparations Task Force made last year in its final report. Certain advocacy groups and individuals say the legislative package the lawmakers announced on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 does not go far enough. They criticize the absence of direct cash payments, an element they campaigned for as a centerpiece to any compensation due to the descendants of people who endured slavery in the Deep South and more than a century of social, economic and political injustices after abolition. Chris Lodgson, a member of the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC), released a statement after CLBC members made the announcement during a press briefing with reporters held on Jan.31. “As we’ve communicated to elected officials directly for some time, we believe Any reparations package must be targeted explicitly and exclusively to California’s 2 million Black American descendants of persons enslaved in the U.S. (American Freedmen),” Lodgson said in a letter obtained by California Black Media. “In addition, a true reparations package must include timely, tangible benefits (i.e. direct monetary payments). Our team will continue to review the proposals announced (Jan. 31 and Feb. 1) and any related bill/resolution language as they become available. But the time for strong, bold Reparations is now, not later.” Meta’s AI image generator is coming under fire for its apparent struggles to create images of couples or friends from different racial backgrounds. When prompted by CNN on Thursday morning to create a picture of an Asian man with a White wife, the tool spit out a slew of images of an East Asian man with an East Asian woman. The same thing happened when prompted by CNN to create an image of an Asian woman with a White husband. When asked to create an image of a Black woman with a White husband, Meta’s AI feature generated a handful of images featuring Black couples. The tool also generated images of two Asian women when asked to create an image of an Asian woman and her Caucasian friend. Moreover, a request for an image of a Black woman and her Asian friend resulted in snaps of two Black women. https://youtu.be/d8yolMGKg14 Let’s just call it what it is. The air is thick with animosity, no, HATE, as British singer-songwriter Lily Allen takes a not-so-subtle dig at Beyoncé‘s perpetual youthfulness. In her “Miss Me?” podcast alongside co-host Miquita Oliver, Allen, 38, suggested that Beyoncé, 42, might be availing herself of some assistance in maintaining her beauty. During the discussion, as reported by Page 6, Miquita praised Beyoncé’s timeless appearance, remarking on how she inspires anticipation for one’s 40s. To this, Allen interjected with her observation, “Yeah, but she’s getting some help.” Miquita quickly defended Beyoncé, stating adamantly, “She has not had any work done if that’s what you’re implying.” https://youtu.be/loQCiyhWJ94 Allen is known for her outspoken nature. In a recent interview on the “Radio Times Podcast,” she humorously acknowledged that having two children hindered her chances of becoming a major pop star. “My children ruined my career,” she jokingly said, before explaining, “I mean, I love them, and they complete me, but in terms of, like, you know, pop stardom, totally ruined it.” Despite this setback, Allen expressed satisfaction with her decision to prioritize her children over her career, highlighting the importance of being present in their lives. “It really annoys me when people say you can have it all because, quite frankly, you can’t. Some people choose their career over their children, and that’s their prerogative,” she remarked. Reflecting on her own upbringing and the absence of her parents, Allen emphasized her commitment to raising well-rounded children, even if it meant sacrificing her ambitions. WATCH her interview on the “Miss Me?” podcast. https://www.instagram.com/lilyallen/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=85999cb0-75f0-4d6c-b81f-01fb04efa4b5 Natania Reuben, the victim of the 1999 nightclub shooting involving Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, rapper Shyne, and Jennifer Lopez, said that she would be willing to have bullet fragments removed from her face to prove that Diddy was the one who shot her. We reported earlier that Reuben has for years asserted that it was Diddy, not Shyne, who shot her during an altercation between the rap mogul and Club New York patron Matthew Allen, resulting in injuries to three individuals, including herself. As Vibe reports, Lopez was arrested and released, while Diddy was acquitted of all charges. Shyne, however, served an eight-year prison sentence. In 2011, Diddy settled civil suits with the victims, paying over $2.3 million. Reuben recently posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) in which she appears to respond to music producer Lil Rod’s lawsuit against Diddy. As The Jasmine Brand reports, Reuben noted in the video that the lawsuit “… said something very specific,” she said, adding, “As a means of threatening him, Puffy said, ‘That’s why I shot up the club in New York back in 1999 and let Shyne take the fall for it.’” https://twitter.com/i/status/1773836468567294121 Bronny James has declared for the 2024 NBA draft, he announced on Instagram Friday. Bronny is the oldest child of NBA all-time leading scorer and Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and recently finished his freshman season for the University of Southern California Trojans. “I’ve had a year with some ups and downs but all added to growth for me as a man, student and athlete,” James said on Instagram. “I’ve made the decision to enter the NBA Draft while maintaining my college eligibility, and will also be entering the NCAA transfer portal. “Thank you to USC for an amazing Freshman year, and as always thankful for my family, friends, doctors, athletic trainers and fans for their support.” https://youtu.be/qnEJk1o2pp0 First look at innovative audio-animatronics figures that will be featured in the new attraction coming to Walt Disney World this summer and later this year at Disneyland Resort. Walt Disney Imagineering is unveiling audio-animatronics of memorable Mama Odie, lovable musician Louis the Alligator, Prince Naveen’s nephew Ralphie and also more of Tiana in her adventure wear! You can see them and more in Walt Disney Imagineering’s all-new series, “We Call It Imagineering” that launched today. The first video of the series reveals a look at new Audio-Animatronics figures coming to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Imagineers are thrilled to take fans behind the scenes to share what they have in store for the next decade and beyond! More details can be found in the blog on disneyparks. Celebrities, business influencers, and community leaders descended upon the Biltmore Ballrooms in Atlanta on Saturday for edition IV of Mimosas with Melody hosted by Reality TV Star and businesswoman Melody Shari Rodgers. The luxurious black-tie affair, themed “A Time for Change,” was punctuated by an appearance by actor, author, and U.S. Senate candidate Hill Harper, who is campaigning for a senate seat in the state of Michigan. The event also served as a fundraiser. Among special guests were actress and model Claudia Jordan, businesswoman Courtney Adeleye, actress and singer Drew Sidora, who received the “Woman on the Rise Award”, businesswoman Dr. Chanita Foster, beauty and hair mogul Tamika Gibson, who received the “Woman on Purpose Award,” product developer and podcaster Queen Sheba Darling, celebrity stylist J. Bolin, celebrity publicist Ivan Thomas, financial investor Chris Sain, and other community and business leaders. Discussion topics centered on how to improve unity within the black community, relationships, entrepreneurship, and leveraging the power of the black dollar, among other topics – moderated by Claudia Jordan. For the first time in the Mimosas with Melody series, there was both a women’s and men’s panel. However, the highlight of the evening was the keynote speech by Harper. Rodgers, known as the star of OWN’s #1 show Love & Marriage: Huntsville, was excited about the small change to the programming. “It is typically an event about inspiring women, but this time I believed it was time to inspire our entire race,” she said. “My good friend Hill is running for the U.S. Senate, so this year I made it a co-ed event to include our first ever men’s panel. It’s all about like-minded people coming together to show support and unity.” A manager at Randy Moss’s Crisppi’s Chicken restaurant in downtown Huntington, West Virginia, says sales are poor because the establishment is Black-owned. SandraRose.com reports that the restaurant was opened by the NFL Hall of Famer four months ago to much fanfare. However, all the Black employees were allegedly fired. A manager named “Kurt” claims they quit due to an inability to handle the demands of hard work and punctuality. Kurt asserts that the community’s lack of support stems from the restaurant’s ownership. In a Facebook video, he said, “Great energy, great food. Randy Moss took his time out, invested his money… Since we’ve been here for the past few months it has been nothing but negativity from the community.” Kurt continued: “The entire community is filled with negativity. Being an African American company, this is what we deal with on a regular basis… Unfortunately, we’re not the other color, which is unfortunate to you guys. Because if we were the other color, I’m sure there would be a lot more respect.” https://youtu.be/0mQN8GLlBXI Federal investigators have their sights set on Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, with speculation pointing to his ex-girlfriend, Cassie, potentially playing a pivotal role as a witness in the investigation. The former singer has reportedly informed the feds of her willingness to cooperate in the ongoing investigation into the music mogul. In November 2023, Diddy settled a $30 million dollar lawsuit with Cassie after she accused him of rape, sex trafficking and domestic violence. The pair had a decade-long relationship before they called it quits in 2018. She later tied the knot with Diddy’s former trainer, and they have two children. According to TMZ, Cassie has collaborated with investigators for several weeks. Meanwhile, 50 Cent is trolling Diddy again amid new reports about Cassie’s alleged cooperation in a federal investigation. He shared a screenshot of the TMZ story with the caption, “… it’s not looking good for the Diddler.” Charlamagne Tha God criticized workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts as “garbage” during his guest host appearance on “The Daily Show.” “The truth about DEI is that although it’s well-intentioned, it’s mostly garbage, okay?” he said, Daily Wire reports. “It’s kind of like the black little mermaid. Just because racists hate it doesn’t mean it’s good. And you know I’m right because everyone one of you has sat through one of those diversity training sessions and thought, this is some bull****.” There’s pushback on DEI initiatives in the workforce due to concerns about perceived tokenism, fear of reverse discrimination, and skepticism about the effectiveness of such programs in achieving genuine diversity and inclusion. Some argue that DEI efforts may lead to resentment and division rather than fostering true equity. “Over 900 studies have shown that DEI programs don’t make the workplace better for minorities. It can actually make things worse because of the backlash effect,” Charlamagne stated. “The biggest failure of DEI is that the number of black people in power at big companies [is] basically the same as it was five years ago,” he continued. “In fact, maybe the only thing that DEI has accomplished is giving racist white people cover to be openly racist.” https://youtu.be/VRGT7AjkdU8 Dejaune Anderson is charged with the murder of her 5-year-old son, discarding his body in a suitcase and dumping it on a dead-end road in Sellersburg, Indiana. Anderson, who evaded authorities for two years following her son Cairo’s death, was apprehended in March 2024. In court this week, she opted to represent herself and claimed the government and Space Force are surveilling her. According to TooFab, the boy’s cause of death was determined to be “electrolyte imbalance,” likely caused by a “viral gastroenteritis” or dehydration. Anderson was arrested on charges of murder, neglect of a dependent resulting in death, and obstruction of justice. During her bond hearing Tuesday, Anderson appeared to be working on her insanity defense by claiming her name was Princess before noting that she was there “representing the entity Dejaune Anderson.” https://youtu.be/zONfjTVhuWg Jocelyn Wade, the estranged wife of Fani Willis’ special prosecutor Nathan Wade, claims he refuses to pay $4,400 of her medical bills. According to the Daily Mail, Jocelyn has accused Wade of contempt of court in a new divorce filing. In court papers filed Wednesday, Jocelyn asserts she’s unable to cover the bills on her own since Wade ceased child support payments for their two children. “Defendant urgently requires medical procedures, namely an endoscopy, colonoscopy, and ultrasound, due to severe physical symptoms she has been enduring,” the filings state. “These symptoms have significantly impacted her ability to consume most foods, leading to a substantial weight loss.” Fulton County DA Fani Willis appointed Wade to oversee the prosecution of Donald Trump for attempting to overturn his 2020 election defeat. Nathan is in the midst of a contentious divorce case, where it emerged he had a sexual relationship with Willis. The scandal led to Nathan’s resignation as top prosecutor in the Trump case. https://youtu.be/YBzWCu0cy04 A recent study reveals the presence of cancer-causing substances in numerous bandage varieties, including popular brands like Band-Aid and Curad. Mamavation and Environmental Health Sciences investigated bandages from retailers like CVS, Walmart, Rite Aid, Target, and Amazon. They found PFAS chemicals (known as forever chemicals), commonly used in adhesives, absorbent pads, and adhesive flaps, Complex reports. 65% of the tested products, including 63% of bandages tailored for darker skin tones, contained toxic PFAS chemicals. “Because bandages are placed upon open wounds, it’s troubling to learn that they may be also exposing children and adults to PFAS,” said Linda S. Birnbaum, former director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and National Toxicology Program and scholar at residence at Duke University, Care Doctor reports. “It’s obvious from the data that PFAS are not needed for wound care, so it’s important that the industry remove their presence to protect the public from PFAS and opt instead for PFAS-free materials.” Scott Belcher, associate professor with the Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS at North Carolina State University, said, “Fluoropolymers, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), are extremely common forms of PFAS that could be contributing to the organic fluorine found in bandages. https://youtu.be/sZHuZkUUYM4 Actor Sterling K. Brown was studying lines for an upcoming project when he took a break to dance to Beyoncé’s latest track, “Sweet. Honey. Buckiin” from her album Act II: Cowboy Carter. “Okay. I’m memorizing lines but I had to take a study break. Wait for it,” Brown said before the chorus kicked in. Watch the moment via the Instagram clip. In the comments, one fan wrote, “All those in favor of naming SKB President of the Hollywood Hive, say AYE!” Another IG user added, “This album got everyone in a chokehold.” A third commented, “Yooo I didn’t need another reason to love you. You married a Soror, and then acted the hell out of Randall, but this video right here tops the list of reasons I love you! Ha!!! 🤠 #cowboycarter #actii.” https://www.instagram.com/sterlingkbrown/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=48f5ffbc-a28d-420b-be09-e4fdd4498df1 Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice was driving the speeding Lamborghini involved in a six-car crash in Dallas on Saturday in which two people were hospitalized with minor injuries, his attorney Royce West said Thursday. Rice is fully cooperating with police and answered all the questions asked of him about the crash, the attorney said. The NFL receiver also expressed a willingness to help the others involved in the crash, West said. “But for the grace of God, someone could have been injured – seriously injured,” West said. “He understands that he appreciates that, that’s why he wanted to come out and say he’s going to be responsible for making certain that the victims are made whole as best as possible.” The news conference came days after a Corvette and a Lamborghini crashed in the far-left lane of the North Central Expressway, according to Dallas Police spokesperson Kristin Lowman. https://youtu.be/fINNTx1DRgY The Apollo Theater has for over 90 years served as a beacon of Black culture in the heart of Harlem, New York. Earlier this week, a historic evening of hip-hop was held hosted by Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum-selling artist Fat Joe who announced he was doing this for his love of community and the culture. “I started out at the Apollo Theater. I was winning the Apollo every week and I couldn’t understand how. I had to sit back and think how I kept doing it. People just loved me and they went crazy every time I came out. My first single ‘Flow Joe’ was performed there.” The popular radio personality and podcast host Angie Martinez told the crowd “Joe ain’t making any money off this, it’s all about love.” Renowned for his unparalleled lyrical prowess and magnetic sta ge presence, Fat Joe’s Bronx roots have shaped him into a hip-hop icon. The Bronx native went down memory lane saying his passion for hip-hop began early. “In my projects, I would see Melly Mel and Scorpio all the time. These guys were the biggest rappers on earth so for the first ten years of hip-hop, everyone that was popping was born in the Bronx. One day I watched Melly Mel playing basketball and the next day I see him at the Grammys with Chaka Khan. It was so unreal but I was blessed to be born in the Bronx, the birthplace of hip-hop.” Spirits incubator WES Brands reunites with award-winning actor Jamie Foxx for the exclusive launch of Brown Sugar Blend (BSB) Whiskey.The press release states that the brand dedicated two years to designing and developing the new look and flavor, Brown Sugar Blend, affectionately dubbed “BSB.” Foxx joined the company as a brand owner and creative director. “Life is precious, so I’ve always tried living it to the fullest. As an avid whiskey drinker, owning a brand that is sippable and unlike any other has been a life goal of mine; with BSB, I’m finally making that happen,” said Foxx, BSB Owner & Creative Director. “BSB is an ode to my personal philosophy – it’s about bringing people together to celebrate life and have fun.” Capturing the spirit of boldness, strength, and excellence, BSB Whiskey offers a 70-proof blend that artfully combines the aromatic spice of cinnamon with the comforting sweetness of brown sugar. Presented in innovative packaging, BSB Whiskey reflects the dynamism of its contents. “Last year was a record year for flavored whiskies. U.S. depletions reached 18.25 million cases in 2023, up from 14 million cases in 2019*,” said Lauren Kiyak, SVP of Marketing at WES Brands. “We knew we had an incredible opportunity on our hands. With Jamie’s creative lead, BSB now sits at the intersection of fashion and sports, a modern tribute to nostalgic tech and delicious flavors.” Chance The Rapper, Chancelor Johnathan Bennett, has called it quits with his wife of five years, model and influencer Kirsten Corley. The pair took to Instagram on Wednesday to share a joint statement that began, “After a period of separation, the two of us have arrived at the decision to part ways. We came to this decision amicably and with gratitude for the time we spent together.” Their statement also included their intent to co-parent their two daughters, Kensli, 7, and Marli, 4. “God has blessed us with two beautiful daughters who we will continue to raise together. We kindly ask for privacy and respect as we navigate this transition,” they wrote. The announcement comes nearly a year after fans started speculating about the couple’s relationship status. At his 30th birthday party in Jamaica last April, Chance, 30, was filmed dancing with another woman, and after the footage went viral, many fans called him out for his “inappropriate” behavior. https://youtu.be/jDTDd9RZj1w LSU star forward Angel Reese recently spoke out about the ongoing online abuse she’s been enduring since gaining stardom over the past year. The Bayou Barbie spoke of her experiences during a press conference Monday night after the LSU Tigers lost to Iowa’s Hawkeyes in the Elite Eight level of the NCAA tournament. “I’ve been through so much,” she said, Complex reports. “I’ve seen so much. I’ve been attacked so many times, death threats, I’ve been sexualized, I’ve been threatened, I’ve been so many things, and I’ve stood strong every single time.” Reese added, “I just try to stand strong for my teammates because I don’t want them to see me down and not be there for them… I’m still a human.” https://youtu.be/ie-cIrx_C5Y Reese said the death threats began after the Louisiana State University women’s basketball team won the national championship in 2023. “All this has happened since I won the national championship, and I said that the other day I haven’t been happy since then,” she told reporters, adding, “and it sucks, but I still wouldn’t change anything, and I would still sit here and say I’m unapologetically me. I’m going to always leave that mark and be who I am and stand on that.” Reese’s LSU teammate, Flau’jae Johnson, called Reese a “strong” person. “Everybody can have their opinion on Angel Reese, but y’all don’t know her,” Johnson said. “I know the real Angel Reese, and the person I see every day is a strong person, is a caring, loving person. But the crown she wears is heavy.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1774983546765008941 Meanwhile, Reese revealed in a Vogue exclusive that she’s entering the WNBA draft. https://www.instagram.com/theshaderoom/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=a22b1a3b-edf7-4ebe-8a18-6cef6e34e08f An ex-drug lord from New York City is suing 50 Cent, claiming the rapper stole his life story and turned it into the hit “Power” series on Starz. Cory “Ghost” Holland Sr. filed the ten-figure lawsuit against 50 Cent, showrunner Courtney Kemp, and Starz, claiming “Power” is based on his life as a New York drug kingpin. According to FanSided, Holland is representing himself in the court battle against 50 Cent, Kemp, Starz, and Lionsgate. He is seeking a motion for a preliminary injunction that could halt the promotion of the forthcoming spinoff, “Power: Origins.” “Holland fears that the spinoff’s relentless marketing campaign could taint potential jurors, compromising his right to a fair trial,” FanSided writes, noting that “50 Cent’s legal team vehemently opposes the motion, citing its potential impact on the “Power” universe and the network’s bottom line.” Holland claims he created a cautionary tale about his life as a drug lord in 2007, burned it onto CDs, and distributed them to at-risk children. He also asserts that he met with Courtney Kemp’s father in the early 1990s to discuss his life story as he sought to leave the drug trade. He claims 50 Cent ultimately received a copy of the CD and turned his life story into a scripted drama series. Kevin Hart is taking legal action against ex-staffer Miesha Shakes after she allegedly made “false and defamatory” statements about him during her interview with popular YouTuber Tasha K. We reported earlier that in legal documents obtained by TheBlast, a representative of Tasha K was accused of contacting Hart’s team in November, claiming to have had an explosive interview with Shakes. The blogger allegedly threatened to publish if she wasn’t paid $250,000. Hart refused to Pay, and Tasha was served a cease-and-desist letter stating she had no right to broadcast his personal business. Tasha ignored the cease-and-desist letter and published the interview on her YouTube channel, “Unwine with Tasha K,” on December 22. During the conversation, Shakes claimed Hart cheated on his wife, Eniko, and that he had a gambling problem. Hart denied the allegations and sued Tasha and Miesha for defamation and civil extortion. He recently submitted evidence in court showing Shakes signed an NDA during her employment from August 2017 to October 2020. Hart noted in a new filing obtained by RadarOnline.com that Shakes made inaccurate claims about him when she said he had “a secret video recording of a romantic encounter I had in Las Vegas 2017 and that I faced criminal charges regarding that surreptitious recording.” A Black-owned skincare brand said influencers on a recent trip to France experienced racism and Islamophobia at a spa in the French Alps. The skincare company Topicals said 20 “Black and Brown” creators from the UK and US were discriminated against and harassed at QC Terme Spa, Business Insider reports. One of the influencers, Nella Rose, said staff singled out the two Muslim creators for wearing modest swimwear. On X/Twitter, Topicals said the group “experienced discrimination, harassment, and were threatened to have law enforcement called on.” The company wrote in a March 31 post, “This past weekend, we hosted our third brand trip in Megève, France with a group of Black and Brown creators from the UK and US. At one of the establishments on our itinerary, we experienced discrimination, harassment, and were threatened to have law enforcement called on us.” In a follow-up tweet, Topicals wrote, “Experiencing racism and Islamophobia in this magnitude as a group of Black and Brown creators was horrific to say the least. Nonetheless, our guests and team are good. And in true Topicals fashion, we took our business elsewhere — quick, fast, and in a hurry.” https://www.tiktok.com/@nellarose/video/7353176223192747296?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Ftopicals-brand-trip-to-france-marred-by-racial-harassment%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7353176223192747296 “As a Black-owned brand, we will not allow this to stop us. We will continue to place Black and Brown creators at the forefront of our branded experiences. Discrimination cannot and will not stop us,” the thread continued. Nella Rose revealed on Instagram that staff barred them from the pool area because the two Muslim women were wearing Modest swimsuits known as burkinis. The women were directed to a gift shop selling bikinis. Later, employees further confronted the group, citing discomfort among spa attendees. https://www.instagram.com/melaninbeautiesunite/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=a943498c-e1e7-4ea5-8c0e-b32579ca1763 Have you ever wondered about those unsightly black residues on your beloved cast-iron skillet? While they may not be harmful, they certainly detract from its appeal. You might have even noticed tiny black specks in your food and wondered if they were safe to eat. They’re usually harmless carbon deposits resulting from overheated oils. Taste of Home writes, “Using an oil with a low smoke point will carbonize at high temperatures and cause residue from the pores of your pan to rub off onto your food.” Meanwhile, here are some common cast iron cooking mistakes. https://youtu.be/5bTDwi-ddjM ”Amanda Seales hit up Instagram to address online attacks after speaking out about not being recognized in Black spaces and award shows. The actress posted a video response to a recent opinion article on The Grio, titled ‘Amanda Seales Is Not A Victim Of Anything But Her Own Hubris.’ The op-ed piece follows statements Seales made last month about not being recognized in Black events such as Essence Women In Hollywood, NAACP Image Awards, Black Girls Rock, and the BET Awards. In the video, Seales expresses her frustration with critics who attempt “to break me down” for supporting the Black community through activism and her online commentary about social and political issues. “You people, who are continuing to attempt to break me down – you will not break me! You cannot break me!,” Seales says in the video. “I am loved. I am anointed. I am touched. I am working through the blood of our ancestors. You will not break me! https://www.instagram.com/amandaseales/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=191c44ac-3790-47f8-892f-84745b94dc1b Seales said she wasn’t invited to the NAACP Image Awards, despite receiving a nomination. “So I just wanna thank y’all for always reminding me that I really am valuable because the game and the industry I’ve been in has never let me know,” she told fans and followers. “I don’t think there’s anything crazy for wanting to not be left out of the celebratory spaces of those spaces,” Seales said. In the comments, ESSENCE responded: “ We hear you and we love you. We will do a better job at showing up for you and showing you that love is real. Happy to offline to see where we can show up for you.” https://www.instagram.com/amandaseales/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=67dd6b28-7063-4b16-9dfe-7d72a2d4e1fa During a recent episode of Raven-Symoné’s “Tea Time With Raven & Miranda,” podcast, the actress addressed her prior statement to Oprah Winfrey about being “an American, not an African American.” The former child star stated that her controversial comments were misunderstood, the Daily Beast reports. “I wanna talk about something that has haunted me since 2014,” Symoné said on the podcast before playing video of her conversation with Oprah in which she said, “I don’t want to be labeled gay. I want to be labeled a human who loves humans. I’m tired of being labeled.” Symoné said people “threw my name in the garbage” after she made those remarks. https://youtu.be/laaWnlBtmLY In a new interview with Esquire, openly gay comedian Jerrod Carmichael addresses his beef with fellow comic Dave Chappelle. Variety reports that the tension started in June 2022 when Carmichael criticized Chappelle amid backlash for making jokes about the transgender community. “Chappelle, do you know what comes up when you Google your name, bro?” Carmichael asked during a GQ magazine profile at the time. “That’s the legacy? Your legacy is a bunch of opinions on trans shi*t? It’s an odd hill to die on. And it’s like, ‘Hey, bro. Who the f*ck are you? Who do you f*ck? What do you like to do?’” He added, “Childish jokes aside, who the f*ck are you? It’s just kind of played. But he’s choosing to die on the hill. So, alright, let him.” Carmichael came out as gay in his April 2022 HBO special “Rothaniel,” and it earned a backhanded compliment from Chappelle. In his new Esquire interview, Jerrod said Dave “referred to it as the bravest special for 1996.” https://youtu.be/KkTqP_prC8I Jay-Z’s annual Made in America festival has been canceled for the second consecutive year. The festival, usually held in Philadelphia during Labor Day weekend, was announced as canceled on social media and its official website on Wednesday. No specific reason was provided for the cancellation, the Associated Press reports. “As purveyors of change, the Made In America executive production team is reimagining a live music experience that affirms our love and dedication to music and the work we do. We promise an exciting return to the festival,” the statement read, without providing a timeline for the festival’s return. The festival was set to return this summer after being pushed back last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “2020 is a year like no other,” a statement issued on Made in America’s website stated at the time. “We are in a pivotal time in this nation’s history. Collectively, we are fighting parallel pandemics, Covid-19, systematic racism and police brutality. Now is the time to protect the health of our artists, fans, partners and community as well as focus on our support for organizations and individuals fighting for social justice and equality in our country. Therefore, the Made In America festival will be rescheduled for Labor Day Weekend 2021.” No, Lizzo didn’t quit music. She would like to issue a clarification. Last week, the singer caused a stir among her loyal social media followers after she posted a statement to her Instagram page in which she said she was “tired” of the criticism often directed her way “by everyone in my life and on the internet.” She ended by saying, “I quit.” The post spurred speculation that Lizzo was done with her music career, but the “About Damn Time” singer now says her statement was misinterpreted. “When I say ‘I quit,’ I mean I quit giving any negative energy attention,” she said in a video posted to her Instagram page on Tuesday. “What I am not going to quit is the joy of my life, which is making music, which is connecting to people because I know I’m not alone.” Lizzo continued to say that she knows she’s not the only person who “is experiencing that negative voice that seems to be louder than the positive” and that she hopes to empower others to “stand up for themselves and say they quit letting negative people win, negative comments win.” https://youtu.be/XfWSeN0DAac Inmates at New York’s Woodbourne Correctional Facility are suing the state Department of Corrections over a mandatory lockdown that coincides with a solar eclipse on April 8. According to the lawsuit, the plaintiffs contend that the lockdown robs them of the opportunity to witness the rare event, constituting a violation of their constitutional religious rights, Complex reports. The most recent solar eclipse was witnessed in 2017. The inmates, including a Muslim, a Baptist, a Seventh-Day Adventist, two Santería believers, and an atheist, share a common belief that “April’s solar eclipse is a religious event that they must witness and reflect on to observe their faiths.” Per the lawsuit, inmate Jeremy Zielinski said the eclipse celebrates his atheistic belief in “science and reason.” https://youtu.be/kPA_AVjfSTk More and more people are going hungry in Haiti, warn aid workers, doctors, and missionaries with increasing urgency, as the Caribbean nation struggles to find its way out of the political deadlock and an epidemic of deadly gang violence. One American missionary whose organization delivers food and water to the needy in gang-controlled areas in the capital city of Port-au-Prince told CNN that he had already met people who hadn’t eaten in a week. In some areas of the city, there is no more food to buy, and none to bring to market for those whose livelihoods depend on small-scale trading, said the missionary, who requested anonymity for his own safety. “One by one, items disappear for good. There’s no supply chain, so when flour, sugar, salt, rice, etc. run out, they’re out.” Following the resignation announcement of Prime Minister Ariel Henry last month, the country’s political leaders have not yet formed a new government, and a long-awaited multinational security mission has stalled amid the confusion. Meanwhile, gangs have cut off Port-au-Prince from the rest of the world, making it “virtually impossible” for help to reach at least 58,000 children suffering from the most dangerous levels of malnutrition, according to UNICEF. https://youtu.be/x-NQnVW3exI Fox Sports analyst Emmanuel Acho faces online backlash for his critical comments regarding LSU star forward Angel Reese’s emotional post-game interview. Reese recently addressed the ongoing online abuse she’s been enduring since gaining stardom over the past year. The Bayou Barbie spoke of her experiences during an emotional press conference Monday night after the LSU Tigers lost to Iowa’s Hawkeyes in the Elite Eight level of the NCAA tournament. “I’ve been through so much,” she said, Complex reports. “I’ve seen so much. I’ve been attacked so many times, death threats, I’ve been sexualized, I’ve been threatened, I’ve been so many things, and I’ve stood strong every single time.” Reese added, “I just try to stand strong for my teammates because I don’t want them to see me down and not be there for them… I’m still a human.” https://youtu.be/ie-cIrx_C5Y King Charles reportedly has two years to live following his cancer diagnosis. According to In Touch, funeral plans have been made in anticipation of his passing during his cancer battle. We reported via CNN that Buckingham Palace confirmed in February that Charles, 75, has a “form of cancer” that is not prostate cancer but did not specify further. The palace said, “His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties.” “Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual,” it added. https://youtu.be/igYmSzom8YE A Manhattan criminal court judge has rejected Jonathan Majors‘ request to overturn his conviction in his domestic violence case. Majors could spend up to a year in prison following his 2023 conviction for assault and harassment against his ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari. His sentencing is scheduled for Monday, April 8. The actor was convicted of third-degree reckless assault, a misdemeanor, and second-degree harassment, a violation, per The Hollywood Reporter. Majors was found not guilty of third-degree intentional assault and not guilty of second-degree aggravated harassment. He faces up to a year in jail on the two counts. When rejecting Majors’ bid to overturn his conviction, Judge Michael Gaffey stated that “there was sufficient evidence to suggest that the Defendant behaved recklessly” during the March 2023 incident with Jabbari. Legal experts say that Majors is not likely to get jail time. https://youtu.be/efnnTY4Y1GQ Grab your popcorn and settle in for the latest episode of “Flight Fiasco Follies,” starring a woman who apparently took her cues from Looney Tunes. In a performance that would make Bugs Bunny proud, she decided to throw a tantrum of epic proportions on a Spirit Airlines flight out of Las Vegas. As the video circulates faster than Spirit’s flight delays, we witness the drama unfold. It’s a classic case of “What happens in Vegas should’ve stayed in Vegas,” but alas, here we are. The scene opens with cops attempting to wrangle her while she channels her inner drama queen. But wait, there’s more! As TMZ reports, just when you thought the spectacle couldn’t get any more bizarre, she decides to name-drop George Floyd. Because, you know, comparing your cartoonish meltdown to a tragic moment in history is the height of rationality. As the chaos ensues, bystanders can’t help but chuckle at the spectacle. Even the cops seem to be suppressing laughter at her theatrics. Bravo, madam, bravo. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-04-03-040324-woman-arrested-spirit-airlines-1805564-478/ Following the heart-wrenching incident in Victorville, California, where Ryan Gainer a 15-year-old boy with mental health issues was shot and killed by sheriff’s deputies, Areva Martin, a noted civil rights attorney and fervent advocate for mental health and disability rights, has released a statement demanding immediate action and underscoring the necessity for profound systemic reform. “In a grievous continuation of violence, we mourn the loss of another young life in Southern California. Coming in the wake of the tragic shooting of Ryan Gainer, a 15-year-old autistic boy, this recent incident further exposes the critical shortcomings in our approach to mental health crises and law enforcement’s role in them. “The loss of a 17-year-old boy, who found himself in a moment of profound distress, to law enforcement intervention is not just a family’s tragedy but a societal failure. The recurring theme of inadequate de-escalation tactics and the resort to lethal force, especially in situations involving individuals with mental health challenges, calls for immediate and unequivocal reform. https://youtu.be/B-np_mNEi0w LSU basketball star Angel Reese has announced that she is leaving school for the WNBA. Reese posted the announcement Wednesday on Instagram, and her decision was also detailed in a story in Vogue. LSU lost to Iowa in the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament Monday, a rematch of last year’s national championship game. ESPN, the network that aired Monday’s game, announced Tuesday that it was the most-watched women’s college basketball game in history. “I’ve done everything I wanted to in college,” Reese said in the Vogue story. “I’ve won a national championship, I’ve gotten [Southeastern Conference] Player of the Year, I’ve been an All-American. My ultimate goal is to be a pro – and to be one of the greatest basketball players to play, ever. I feel like I’m ready.” The WNBA draft takes place on April 15. Reese, a 6-foot-3-inch forward, is projected in mock drafts to be a top-10 pick. https://youtu.be/wlR9oFaeEgk A year ago, Reese and LSU won the program’s first women’s basketball national championship, upending Caitlin Clark and the Hawkeyes in the final, 102-85. Reese, named last year’s Final Four Most Outstanding Player, famously waved her hand in front of her face toward Clark and then pointed to her ring finger as LSU closed in on the national title, stirring debate about trash talking’s place in the game. On Monday night in the Elite Eight, Clark and Iowa avenged last year’s loss, beating Reese and LSU 94-87 to advance to the Final Four for the second consecutive season. In Reese’s final collegiate game, despite rolling her ankle in the second quarter, she had 17 points, 20 rebounds, four assists, three blocks and two steals before fouling out with 1:45 left in the game. It was Reese’s 10th consecutive double-double in the NCAA tournament, tying the tournament record. In 33 games this season, she averaged 18.6 points and 13.4 rebounds. https://youtu.be/o8crXxdMjLY It continued to be a celebration of all things Bey on Monday at the iHeartRadio Music Awards in Los Angeles, where Beyoncé was awarded the prestigious Innovator Award. Legendary artist Stevie Wonder took the stage to present the “Texas Hold ‘Em” hitmaker with the accolade, giving a summary of her unparalleled accomplishments thus far, which include being the “first African-American woman to headline Coachella” as well as having the distinction of having a number one hit across all four decades since the 1990s. And that’s not to mention arguably her buzziest career moment yet, which of course was the drop of her eighth studio album “Cowboy Carter” on Friday, her unofficial entry into country music (but not only), as well as the second act in her “Renaissance” trilogy which began with that aptly titled record in 2022. Queen B came out wearing a black leather motorcycle jacket and now-trademark cowboy hat to accept her trophy, first addressing Wonder: “Thank you for making a wave for all of us,” Beyoncé told the “Isn’t She Lovely” singer. “I’m honored to receive this recognition from you.” https://youtu.be/a--C9lyvq-k Lawrence Hilton Jacobs entered the world of acting in 1969, kickstarting an illustrious career that would leave a lasting impact on both large and small screens. After graduating from the High School of Art and Design in 1971, Jacobs pursued his passion for the stage with stints at Wilkes University, the Negro Ensemble Company, and the Al Fann Theatrical Ensemble. In 1975, Jacobs shot to stardom with his endearing portrayal of Freddie “Boom Boom” Washington on Welcome Back, Kotter, captivating audiences with his charm and talent. He continued to impress with roles in Cooley High and Roots, showcasing his range as an actor. Jacobs also made waves in commercials, notably starring in an iconic ad for The United Negro College Fund. Throughout his career, Jacobs embraced diverse roles, from his role as Sgt. Dobbs in Alien Nation to his haunting portrayal of Panda Thomas (#1) in 31. A highlight of his career came in 1992 when he mesmerized audiences as Joe Jackson in The Jacksons: An American Dream miniseries. Jacobs also showcased his musical talents by lending his vocals to Rick James’ Street Songs album. https://youtu.be/FFId1qYH4OE It looks like the age-old metaphor, “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” just might be appropriate here. That’s because of the ongoing saga surrounding music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. His son Christian “King” Combs finds himself under a cloud of serious allegations. Renowned attorney Tyrone Blackburn, known for his high-profile cases, is poised to file a lawsuit implicating Christian in a grave matter. The lawyer’s client, Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones, has already targeted Diddy with explosive claims of sexual trafficking, gun running, and drug dealing. Adding fuel to the fire is a new accuser, Jane Doe, who intends to sue Christian for alleged sexual assault, according to allhiphip.com. While the specifics of the lawsuit against Christian remain undisclosed, Blackburn hints at accusations involving drugging and sexual assault. These allegations emerge amidst a stormy period for the Combs family, marked by federal raids on Sean Combs’ properties and a $30 million lawsuit against him. https://youtu.be/_GqknxtCYOU For Christian, a rising figure in rap and fashion, the timing couldn’t be worse. Known for his nearly seven-year relationship with Breah Hicks, his current involvement with model Raven Tracy has already made headlines, notably with her recent tattoo of his name on her backside. Despite the legal turmoil, Tracy publicly supports King Combs, sharing affectionate photos amid the raids and subsequent backlash. However, her solidarity with him has attracted significant online criticism as the allegations unfold. https://www.instagram.com/soooraven/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=b1fd62a6-752b-4353-8050-deb8f455af1f “I missed a flight…wanted to write a really good song while I waited,” said Hard Rock’s Kurt Deimer about his new single “Dance,” which is accompanied by a recently released music video. “It’s about life’s curve balls…the good and bad…and how you have to dance your way through life.” Kurt is currently on tour promoting the new single until June 2024. His Kurt Deimer Tour started March 12th in Nashville, TN with TESLA and ends June 11th in Denver, CO with TESLA. TESLA is a California-based Rock band that has sold over a million albums in the U.S. alone. Deimer, a native of Cincinnati, directed the music video for his new single “Dance” with Los Angeles as the backdrop. The single is from his highly anticipated album “And So It Begins…”. “It’s a double album…’And So It Begins…’,” Kurt informed me when I asked. “The artwork is dark, then there is light…I look up to the light.” https://youtu.be/0s_guIeSuiQ In late 2021, Donald Trump and Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG) announced the company would be launching the former president’s Truth Social platform. It was supposed to be the future of conservative social media—a digital gathering place for right-wingers to spread white nationalist nonsense in a white nationalist echo chamber without getting banned like on other platforms, or as Trump Media put it, the platform would “stand up to the tyranny of big tech. Well, it appears that all Truth Social has done for the company is cause its stock to plummet because it turns out the social media brainchild of the guy MAGA minions purportedly elected because he’s such a savvy businessman is an absolute revenue killer. According to CNN, TMTG shares plunged Monday after the company disclosed that it lost more than $58 million and that its revenue numbers from last year were quite pitiful. Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suggested Monday that President Joe Biden is a bigger threat to American democracy than former President Donald Trump. Now, whether you’re a supporter of Biden or not, any reasonable person must be asking themselves how the president who has not led a propaganda campaign to delegitimize a legitimate election in order to remain in power or instigated an insurrection to further that same agenda is more of a threat to democracy than the president who did do those things—and that would be a great question to ask. “I can make the argument that President Biden is the much worse threat to democracy, and the reason for that is President Biden is the first candidate in history – the first president in history that has used the federal agencies to censor political speech, so to censor his opponent,” RFK said during an appearance on CNN’s Erin Burnett OutFront. Well, OK, that makes sense. I mean, obviously, if Biden is having federal agents take his political opponents out into the street and publicly flog them or worse just for saying things he doesn’t like then that’s not only a threat to democracy, it’s an all-out threat of fascism. How can any person call themselves the leader of the free world and engage in such violent and oppressive censorship of American citizens? Nah, I’m just messing with y’all—RFK thinks Biden is a bigger threat to democracy because he got banned from social media platforms. Paths are currently being cleared to get ships past the wreckage at the Key Bridge collapse site to the Port of Baltimore. U.S. Coast Guard Captain David O’Connell shared with CBS News that two auxiliary channels are planned to open Monday: one along the northeast section of the channel and one running along the south. The north side would accommodate boats requiring 10 feet of water or less to operate, while the south side would accommodate boats requiring up to 14 feet. Additionally, there is pre-existing debris along the south side of the channel that the Coast Guard is working to remove. https://youtu.be/IM4ibUV8JOo In an exclusive discussion with NewsOne, Black Voters Matter Fund co-founder, LaTosha Brown explains why the right-wingers have gone after TSU–and how that has larger consequences for us all. Responding to the right-wing attack that has disrupted leadership and funding at an HBCU, Tennessee State University (TSU), students convened civil rights leaders including Bishop William J. Barber II, Rev. Dr. Frederick Douglass Haynes III, Tamika Mallory and Latosha Brown for a major press conference yesterday morning. The gathering at the Rotunda at the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville, Tennessee, was instigated by Tennessee Republican Gov. Bill Lee’s decision to suddenly remove most of TSU’s Board–eight of the 10 trustees–and put his own people in place. But the attacks on the University that educated Oprah Winfrey are longstanding–and part of a larger right-wing assault on HBCUs that can be characterized as deeply racist. Indeed, the Biden administration conducted a study that found that TSU alone is owed over $2.1 billion in state funds, a debt that has accrued since 1987. Yet, without any reasonable evidence, TSU has been subjected to incredible levels of scrutiny–which bore no fruit—and wrongfully labeled as financially reckless. The Black Southern Women’s Collaborative (BSWC) is a network and advocacy organization committed to empowering Black women serving as executive directors in the Southern United States. Established in 2021, BSWC assembles a team of dynamic Black women executives to address pressing issues like economic justice, political empowerment, healthcare access, and social equality, which disproportionately affect Black women in the South. The organization offers resources, support, and a platform for Black women to advocate for themselves and their communities. Through strategic partnerships, campaigns, and community engagement, BSWC endeavors to foster a positive and safe environment, empowering Black executives to drive change and amplify the voices of Black Southern women. The organization boasts a diverse leadership team, including Kendra Cotton, CEO of the New Georgia Project; Nsombi Lambright, executive director of One Voice in Mississippi; Ashley K. Shelton, founder and president of the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice; Reverend Rhonda Thomas, executive director of Faith in Florida; and Tameka Greer, executive director of Memphis Artists for Change. Since its inception, BSWC has allocated over $7 million to Black women-led organizations across the South, prioritizing leadership development and training programs for Black women. https://www.instagram.com/blacksouthernwomenscollab/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=5457fc84-4777-4db8-acd3-589cb124416f Jekalyn Carr – internationally acclaimed and award-winning artist/author/actress/speaker/entrepreneur – has announced the 2024 plans for her fourth annual Jekalyn Carr’s You Will Win! Conference. The event will be held June 21 – 22, 2024 in Atlanta, GA at the Georgia International Convention Center. Registration is now open and available at www.youwillwin.org. Jekalyn Carr’s You Will Win! Conference is a natural extension of Carr’s ministry - designed for conscientious entrepreneurs and serves as a tool to empower people to break molds, shatter social & economic barriers, and to win in every aspect of their lives. The conference is the ideal incubator for those with the will to win. During this two-day conference, Carr will equip attendees with lessons from all sectors of the industry with knowledgeable experts, instructors, entrepreneurs, influencers, label executives, film, health, music, business owners, and more, who are leaders of their industry. The family-friendly conference will feature live music and panels like “Winning in the Marketplace,” “Winning in Entrepreneurship,” “Winning in Faith,” “Winning in the Family,” and “Winning in Health.” All are invited to take part in this life-changing weekend, which is guided by prayer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTa6mz8VzvY JUST EATS WITH CHEF JJ returns to CLEO TV tonight, March 27 at 9 P.M. ET/8C. Chef JJ shows off for Rapper Freeway with a quick and easy BBQ meal that you can prepare indoors. He lays out BBQ brisket sliders, smokey baked beans, and simple coleslaw that helps bring the BBQ feel right into your home. Chef JJ Johnson is a James Beard Award-winning chef, TV Personality and Author best known for his barrier-breaking cuisine informed by the Caribbean flavors of his upbringing. Chef JJ’s signature cooking style combines culturally relevant ingredients and classical technique with a global point of view. At FIELDTRIP, his made-to-order rice bowl shop in Harlem, Chef JJ highlights rice as a hero ingredient and showcases it in recipes sourced from around the world. Among many other partnerships, Chef JJ is also a Mastercard Ambassador. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pp6Z2d-iuIE Popular cooking show, NEW SOUL KITCHEN is back with all-new episodes this Wednesday, April 3 at 9:30 P.M. EST/8:30C on CLEO TV. Chef Jernard Wells returns with even more robust recipes in the series' extended, 30-minute format. If you love seafood, then stay tuned for what Chef Jernard is cooking up today. Its BBQ shrimp cocktail with pineapple salsa, then he lays out Crab stuffed salmon, that is seasoned just right. Acclaimed chef, cookbook author, and family man Chef Jernard Wells is showing up and showing out in NEW SOUL KITCHEN. Chef Jernard brings his arsenal of cooking know-how to the viewers while offering our Cleo audience some fresh new delicious recipes! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2J3DiMPHWNY In China, a 21-year-old named Ma Jinghui from Yunnan province has become a sensation by impersonating Kobe Bryant. According to SandraRose.com, Ma amassed over 600,000 followers on Douyin, China’s equivalent of TikTok. In his videos, he wears dark makeup (blackface) and Bryant’s No. 24 jersey. He allegedly earned $12,000 within ten days through live-streaming sessions. Identifying himself as the “Chinese Kobe Bryant,” he interacts with his followers in English. As SCMP.com reports, Ma said he was “pleasantly surprised” by his fame. “I hope to earn more money, buy a car for my dad and get my sister a new phone,” he said. Rapper Latto teamed up with TLC’s Chilli and T-Boz at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards on Monday night (April 1), where she filled in for their late bandmate Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes during a performance of some of their most iconic hits. Latto delivered Left Eye’s verse during “Waterfalls. Lopes was killed in a car crash in Honduras in 2002, and the remaining TLC members continued as a duo after her death. The four-time Grammy winner’s most recent release was the self-titled “TLC” in 2017. During the iHeartRadio Music Awards, Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas and Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins accepted the Landmark Award. https://youtu.be/uQMrvN_fMy4 The Impact Network is set to air the 5th Annual Pink Awards on April 30th. This iconic event is a tribute to breast cancer survivors and exemplifies the network’s dedication to providing inspiring and uplifting programming for the Black community. Hosted by actors Malik Yoba (BET’s “First Wives Club”) and Carl Anthony Payne (“Martin”). The ceremony will take place in Atlanta, Georgia. The Impact Network airs the 5th Annual Pink Awards on April 30th at 8 pm ET/PT. The iconic Pink Awards celebrates Black excellence through performances, celebrity guest appearances, and heartfelt tributes. Viewers will witness stirring testimonies from those who have championed the fight against breast cancer. The event will also uplift those who have been warriors in their battles against the disease. The Pink Awards were founded five years ago by cancer survivor April Love. April created the celebration to honor survivors, caregivers, and advocates within their respective industries and surrounding communities. Tuesday, voters in the small city of Enid, Oklahoma, will decide whether or not a white supremacist will remain on the city council. Yes, that would be a weird sentence to read if you’re of the belief that we’re currently living in a post-racial America where systemic racism is a thing of the past (or never existed to let certain delusional Republicans tell it). After all, in a totally not racist country like the U.S.A., how could it come to be that a proven neo-Nazi became an elected official? As we previously reported, City Commissioner Judd Blevins managed to get himself elected last year just before it became widely known that he was one of the hundreds of tiki torch-wielding white supremacists who participated in 2017’s deadly Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, and that he was at one point a leader of Identity Evropa, one of the largest white nationalist and neo-Nazi groups of the alt-right. Blevins is a veteran who ran on conservative Christian values, and surprisingly (to people who aren’t paying attention) it turns out that conservative Christian values have a tendency to align with the values of racist white supremacists. Anyway, once it became widely known and undeniable that Enid had elected a bonafide neo-Nazi (who reportedly still has plenty of support in the city, by the way) into office, concerned citizens began the process of getting him recalled. Despite all of the statistical evidence that supports the idea of systemic racism in America, there are those (the unrelentingly white and fragile) who refuse to believe it’s real. But if the U.S. isn’t a systemically racist country, why is it that up until a few years ago, a racially biased organ test was keeping Black people from receiving kidney transplants in a timely manner? According to the Associated Press, recently, more than 14,000 Black kidney transplant candidates got their wait times moved up on the priority lists for patients who need new kidneys. Some of them had their dates moved up literal years, such as 29-year-old Jazmin Evans, who was put on the transplant list in 2019, even though she should have been added in 2015, according to a letter she got from her healthcare provider. “I remember just reading that letter over and over again,” Evans told AP. “How could this happen?” This year, the women’s NCAA tournament has drawn more headlines than the men’s. But it has also come with some negativity from people who still don’t think women’s sports are as compelling as men’s, the scrutiny of every move made by LSU star Angel Reese and Iowa’s Caitlin Clark, and the swirling controversy over the as-yet-unpublished story on LSU head coach Kim Mulkey. But one of the biggest stories was when University of Utah coach Lynne Roberts revealed that while the team was in Idaho for the first and second rounds of the tournament, they encountered blatant racism. She says that as they were walking to a restaurant in Couer d’Alene with members of the band and cheerleading squad, they heard someone revving the engine of a white truck, before yelling the N-word at them and speeding off. “We all just were in shock, and we looked at each other like, did we just hear that? … Everybody was in shock — our cheerleaders, our students that were in that area that heard it clearly were just frozen,” Charmelle Green, Utah’s deputy athletics director who is Black, told KSL.com. “We kept walking, just shaking our heads like I can’t believe that.” If that wasn’t bad enough, after dinner, two trucks awaited the team, calling them the N-word again before taking off. Utah was playing at the McCarthey Athletic Center in nearby Spokane, and were staying in Idaho about 35 minutes away because Spokane was short on hotel rooms. Dawn Staley’s journey from the courts of her childhood to the pinnacle of basketball is one defined by perseverance, talent, and an unyielding dedication to the game. She’s been a trailblazer both on and off the court, blazing an incredible path as a WNBA basketball star and as a coach with the South Carolina Gamecocks. Born on May 4, 1970, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Staley’s passion for basketball was evident from an early age. Despite facing numerous obstacles, she rose to become one of the most influential figures in women’s basketball history. Staley’s basketball career began to take shape during her time at Dobbins Technical High School, where she quickly established herself as a standout player. According to the Pennsylvania Center of The Book, Staley led her team to three consecutive public league championships, and by her senior year, she had earned the prestigious title of USA Today’s National High School Player of the Year. Staley’s exceptional passing skills and athletic prowess caught the attention of college recruiters across the nation, with many vying to secure her talents. Ultimately, she made the pivotal decision to join the ranks of the Cavaliers at the University of Virginia (UVA). During her collegiate career, Staley’s talent and leadership were undeniable. She led the Virginia Cavaliers to three Final Four appearances and was named the ACC Player of the Year three times. Staley’s impact went beyond statistics; her fierce competitiveness and ability to elevate the play of those around her set her apart as a true leader. In a recent conversation Kirby, delved into the intriguing new noir series “Sugar” on Apple TV+ starring Colin Farrell. From its mysterious premise to its talented cast and immersive cinematography, “Sugar” promises to be a captivating journey into the world of crime, corruption, and deception – with a surprise twist. Created by Mark Protosevich, the eight-episode series stars Farrell as John Sugar, an American private investigator on the heels of the mysterious disappearance of Olivia Siegel, the beloved granddaughter of legendary Hollywood producer Jonathan Siegel. As Sugar tries to determine what happened to Olivia, he will also unearth Siegel family secrets; some very recent, others long-buried. https://youtu.be/twvPGxuEOEA Get ready for all new episodes of TV One’s original and longest-running series "UNSUNG" and "UNCENSORED" this Sunday, April 7 at 9 pm ET/8 pm CT. "UNSUNG" leads with Blaque at 9 p.m. ET / 8C followed by "UNCENSORED", which features Christian Keyes, at 10 p.m. ET / 9C. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZZlXFQ-o5o UNCENSORED" explores the lives of some of today’s most notable personalities as they provide first-hand accounts of their success and the obstacles they faced throughout their careers. This week's episode highlights talented actor Christian Keyes. The actor, singer, and author gets uncensored as he shares his journey from a troubled childhood in foster care to Hollywood success. Don’t miss the all-new episode this Sunday at 10p/9c only on TV One. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-c503vspMI The nation's largest African American-led mentoring organization, 100 Black Men of America, Inc., announced today the launch of its "Real Men Vote" campaign and 14-city tour. The tour kicks off in Cleveland, Ohio on April 1st at Premier Barbershop, and this effort is focused on delivering critical voter education and engagement ahead of the 2024 Presidential election. Milton H. Jones Jr, Chairman of the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. said "We are an organization with more than 4,000 members, all of whom are registered to vote in the upcoming national and local elections. Further, all of these men are committed to helping men and women in their communities register to vote, learn about the election issues, and see the importance of casting their ballots at every opportunity to vote." In addition to a critical Presidential election, there are 435 seats in the House of Representatives and over 30 Senate seats up for election this year. Ahead one of the nation's most consequential election seasons, the "Real Men Vote" campaign is dedicated to combating an onslaught of misinformation and voting dissuasion campaigns. The goal of the tour is to equip Black men across the country with accurate information about issues and policies at the federal, state and local levels. The world-renowned Gospel Heritage Worship & Arts Summit will be returning after a brief hiatus at The River Church in Durham, NC May 16-18! This three-day intense gospel music industry bootcamp will provide aspiring gospel singers and musicians with the opportunity to learn from some of the industry’s leading professionals. Originally founded by industry veteran Dr. Teresa Hairston-Jackson, this year’s workshop will be hosted by Gospel Heritage President and 7x Stellar Award-winning gospel artist, VaShawn Mitchell. This year’s summit is sure to be an epic experience unlike any other year prior. This year’s special honorees include Dr. Judith McAllister, the group Men of Standard, and gospel music legend Pastor Shirley Caesar. Special guest speakers of the summit will also include Bishop William Murphy, Dr. Valerie Moore, and Bishop Ronald L. Godbee. Other special guests include Gospel Heritage Vice President Dr. John Paul McGee, Anthony Brown, Tonya Baker, Meachum Clarke, Pastor Ruth Ann Wynter, and Todd Garlberth. Pastor Shirley Caesar, also known as “The First Lady of Gospel Music”, has won 11 Grammy Awards, 14 Stellar Awards and 15 GMA Dove Awards throughout her career and currently has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She has also released +40 albums, participated in over sixteen compilations and three musicals. The sequel didn’t have the exact same cast as the original. College basketball doesn’t work that way. But the two prominent stars from the NCAA women’s basketball tournament a year ago – Iowa’s Caitlin Clark and LSU’s Angel Reese – remained front and center in the sport. Monday night, they both lived up to the hype, but it’s the sharp-shooting Clark who gets to play on in the Final 4. Clark had 41 points – including going 9-of-20 from three-point range – to go with 12 assists and seven rebounds, and No. 1 Iowa topped No. 3 LSU 94-87, a rematch of last year’s NCAA title game, to advance to the Final Four for the second consecutive season. In the Final Four, Iowa will face either No. 1 USC or No. 3 UConn, who are playing in the regional final in Portland, Oregon. “Job’s not finished,” Clark said on the court to ESPN after the win. The women’s Final Four is set to happen Friday at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio, and the national championship game is scheduled on Sunday. https://youtu.be/kdUmWou4TfY Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the women’s bracket, undefeated and top overall seed South Carolina will face No. 3 NC State in the Final Four. Those two teams clinched their spots with wins on Sunday. Clark, who has the most career points in Division I history for women and men, is a generational talent. The 22-year-old is projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft on April 15. But before the WNBA, she has one last shot at a national title. After the game, the Iowa superstar shared a moment on the handshake line with Reese and LSU head coach Kim Mulkey. https://youtu.be/hqh_B6K_30A “(Clark) just told me, ‘Continue to be a great player,’ and I told her continue to be a great player, as well, and keep elevating the game and go win it,” Reese said. “What did I say to her? I said, ‘I sure am glad you’re leaving,’” Mulkey said. “I said, ‘Girl, you something else.’ Never seen anything like it.” Was revenge on Iowa’s mind after what happened last year? “To be honest, no,” Clark said. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/9WzP_56VVYw?feature=share Teyana Taylor alleges that her estranged husband, Iman Shumpert, has caused their young daughter emotional distress by introducing other women to their children. The singer/actress, 33, has filed a court motion in her ongoing divorce proceedings against Shumpert, 33, alleging that he has jeopardized their daughter’s mental health. According to a report from Radar Online, Taylor claims her ex had a woman staying overnight during his visitation days with their daughters Junie, 8, and Rue, 3. In the filing, Taylor reported that Junie felt “confused” upon witnessing her father sharing a bed with the woman. Shumpert allegedly explained to the child that his “friend” was staying the night because her house was “broken.” Taylor is requesting the court to permit a child psychologist to testify in their divorce case regarding the long-term impact such actions can have on young children. Iman and Teyana were married for seven years before she filed for divorce in January. Her attorney reportedly noted in a court filing: “Much to the [Taylor’s] dismay, [Shumpert] appears to want to drag out this case through trial instead of working to resolve the divorce amicably with [Taylor].” According to recent court documents obtained by RadarOnline.com, Taylor’s legal team wants a list of items they’d like Shumpert to produce after he disclosed Taylor’s substantial earnings in court. https://youtu.be/kdjVbimsDqI Hall of Famer Warren Sapp has joined Deion Sanders’ coaching staff at the University of Colorado. Sanders’ son shared a video showing Sapp introducing himself to the Buffaloes. According to reports, Sapp will serve as a senior quality control analyst under Sanders. “Senior quality control analyst, it’s a mouthful, and you’ll hear me before you see me most of the time,” Sapp told the players. “But what we gonna do is, big fellas — stance, alignment and assignment . . . We’re gonna pour concrete because you know I like nice stuff. And we’re building mansions here, so that’s why I’m here — to help you build your mansion.” In a statement, CU told BuffZone: “Warren Sapp successfully completed all of the necessary steps required of anyone who is employed at CU Boulder, including a background check. Furthermore, Athletic Director Rick George personally met with Warren to clearly articulate the department’s standards and expectations, to which he acknowledged and agreed.” https://youtu.be/ASsDnbeRBE8 The California Black Chamber of Commerce is the largest African American non-profit business organization in the state. Our primary mission is to empower Black-owned businesses to succeed because special interests are eyeing ways to profit from those small businesses. Our Chamber spends countless hours nurturing relationships with our members and advocating for sensible policy changes that help businesses, communities, and families thrive. This work is undermined when we encounter groups with no relationship to our members or our cities, posing as advocates for the business community for their gains. One such group that has made its presence more widely known in California recently is the Digital Restaurant Association (DRA). The DRA advertises itself as a nonprofit coalition of small businesses advocating for transparency between restaurants and the third-party apps they use for delivery. It appears, however, that the DRA is being used by the former CEO of Uber and current CEO of CloudKitchens, Travis Kalanick, to collect data and turn a profit. Using the DRA name, the group seeks to convince policymakers that they represent small businesses while pushing for legislation that ultimately benefits their bottom line. A piece published by the Financial Times provides further insight into the group’s tactics. The YSL RICO trial involving Young Thug could last several additional years because of the many witnesses who were called to testify in the case. According to Law and Crime, attorneys representing Yak Gotti (real name Deamonte Kendrick), one of Thug’s co-defendants, contend that calling an additional 360 witnesses could prolong the trial until 2027, potentially confusing jurors. In their argument, the defense claims hundreds of potential witnesses “would cause undue delay, would be a waste of time, and would amount to needless presentation of cumulative evidence,” the motion read. The attorneys urge Judge Ural Glanville to limit the number of witnesses the state can summon to testify. “The state, after originally proposing a witness list of over 700 witnesses, has a list of over 400 witnesses it intends to present at trial. To date, the State has presented approximately 40 witnesses since the presentation of witnesses began at the end of November,” the motion read. https://youtu.be/uBI7iJ8o3R8 Oprah Winfrey appeared on the “Sherri” show recently and recalled the time a guy she was dating during her younger years cheated on her. The media mogul told host Sherri Shepherd, “I followed him all the way to his other girlfriend’s house. I saw it with my own eyes and then when I said, ‘I saw you…I saw you!’ He said, ‘You gonna believe me or your lying eyes?’ His reaction surprised Sherry, prompting Oprah to respond, “Really! And then, I’m like, ‘Well, maybe that wasn’t his car.’ It was bad.” https://www.instagram.com/sherrishowtv/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=0d2026ef-b53a-44ae-a5d2-48a5bb5ca44e Kobe Bryant’s 2000 NBA championship has set a new sports memorabilia record, fetching nearly one million dollars at Goldin Auctions. Bryant’s first championship win was the ring, which he won when the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Indiana Pacers in 2000. Kobe gifted the ring to his father, Joe, who reportedly put it up for auction. It recently sold for $927,200 USD. Goldin Auctions announced the record-breaking sale, now holding the title for the most expensive NBA championship ring sold, HypeBeast reports. In a statement, Goldin said, “Obtained directly from the Bryant family, this ring is a true one-of-a-kind, and we can confirm that it is the only championship ring ever given by Kobe to his father.” As we reported, Bryant’s parents received significant criticism from fans across social media for auctioning off his first championship ring. https://twitter.com/GoldinCo/status/1774270996955935222/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1774270996955935222%7Ctwgr%5E700013f129a8ad0006e2414b046712f7724e8d7c%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fkobe-bryants-championship-ring-fetches-nearly-1m-in-auction%2F The Lakers unveiled a statue of Bryant wearing the No. 8 uniform at Crypto.com Arena in February. Bryan’s widow, Vanessa Bryant, said there will be two other statues, one with him wearing No. 24 and with daughter Gianna, who was killed with the Lakers star in a helicopter crash in 2020, ABC 7 reports. The other two statues were not displayed at the ceremony. “Because fans all over the world and the City of Angels loved Kobe so much, he will have three statues in front of the arena – also known as the house that Kobe built,” Vanessa said during the tribute. “For the record, Kobe picked the pose you’re about to see,” she said. “So if anyone has any issues with it, tough (expletive). It is what it is.” According to Vanessa, Kobe chose the pose years before he died. It “represents a moment from his stunning 81-point game against the Toronto Raptors in 2006, the second-highest point total in a single game in NBA history,” ABC 7 writes. Five NBA championship trophies surround the base of the statue. It is engraved with “Kobe Bean Bryant” and his nickname, “Black Mamba.” https://youtu.be/7fM5UJvk9qI Caleb Williams, widely anticipated as the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, is addressing the viral attention surrounding his pink nails, lip gloss, and pink iPhone. The football star drew widespread attention for his appearance while supporting his fellow USC athletes during the USC-Kansas women’s NCAA Tournament. As cameras captured him dancing in his seat to Earth, Wind & Fire, fans took note of his pink-painted fingernails and his pink phone, sparking a frenzy on the Internet. https://twitter.com/i/status/1772457446428037368 The quarterback responded to the chatter in a video posted to X Thursday. In it, Gavin Morris, USC’s assistant athletic jokes to Williams, “It’s been a long week for you. Let’s see what that phone look like, what the phone look like?” Morris asked. Showing the phone to the camera, Williams said, “The phone is pink, the case is clear.” He then held up his and added: “Nails are clear.” “Lips are pink — your girl love ‘em!” Williams continued as Morris laughed. https://twitter.com/i/status/1773470720426938509 The Cherokee Nation aims to amend a 140-year-old federal law concerning criminal jurisdiction for tribal citizens based on “blood quantum.” This challenge to the federal Major Crimes Act coincides with the tribe accepting descendants of formerly enslaved Black individuals as citizens. The law discriminates against “Cherokee citizens of Freedmen descent who may be tried in state court with other non-tribal members,” Axios writes. In 2020, a Supreme Court ruling expanded the Indigenous reservation in eastern Oklahoma, barring state authorities from prosecuting offenses committed by Native Americans on tribal land. According to The New York Times, some Black tribal members continue to face prosecution due to their lack of “Indian blood.” Axios reports that the Cherokee Nation has around 15,000 enrolled citizens of Freedmen descent. In an interview with the outlet, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said the tribe is urging Congress to overhaul the 1885 federal law centered on “Indian blood,” a racial classification. https://youtu.be/NgNNkD9eI8c The Multicultural Media & Correspondents Association (MMCA) hosted its exclusive 2024 Sheroes in Media Awards reception on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at the National Press Club near the White House, with leaders in media, philanthropy and communications gathered to uplift extraordinary women who exemplify diverse media excellence. Following the success of the inaugural virtual ceremony in 2021, this year’s event added two special award categories: the Lifetime Achievement Award, given to Margery Kraus, Founder and Executive Chairman of APCO, and the Luminary Award, given to Janet Yang, award-winning Hollywood producer and President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Emceed by Reena Ninan, a television journalist and founder of Good Trouble Productions, the Sheroes in Media Awards ceremony was co-created by MMCA president David Morgan and trustee Hannah Kim, former deputy assistant secretary for public affairs at the US Department of Health and Human Services, who also presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Margery Kraus. The event was produced by Green Gigz, Inc., Global Strategy Group and powered by the BIPOCXChange. A very pissed-off Misa Hylton unveiled footage exposing the “overtly militarized” tactics deployed during the raids on Sean “Diddy” Combs‘ residences, where their son, Justin Combs, reportedly faced the chilling sight of “beams from firearms pointed at his chest.” If Hylton, 51, thought she was going to get some empathy or sympathy, it doesn’t appear to be the case based on the reaction we’re seeing. In a poignant Instagram post, she condemned the “overzealous and overtly militarized force” targeting sons, Justin and Christian, deeming it “deplorable.” (Diddy shares Christian Combs with the late Kim Porter.) “If these were the offspring of a non-Black celebrity, they wouldn’t have faced such aggressive treatment. The attempt to shame and intimidate these innocent young BLACK MEN is utterly reprehensible!” she exclaimed. https://youtu.be/ftEFcgT4OmI Hylton questioned the necessity of subjecting her son to “several laser beams from firearms pointed at his chest” and her other son, Christian, to have “a gun pointed at the back of his head while he was handcuffed.” “Countless times have we witnessed young UNARMED BLACK MEN not survive such encounters??” she continued. The fashion designer declared that her son’s attorney, Jeffrey Lichtman, is probing the “excessive use of force,” branding it as “unnecessary and certainly not warranted by this search warrant.” “We’ll pursue justice using every resource available. I’m not buying into the propaganda!!!!” the mother of three concluded. The previous Monday, Diddy’s residences in Los Angeles and Miami underwent Homeland Security raids due to a potential link to an ongoing sex trafficking probe. https://www.instagram.com/misahylton/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=e1ed6265-088f-4e1e-8c93-10584ef25880 In footage obtained by Fox 11, multiple individuals, including the sons of the Bad Boy Records founder, Justin, 30, and Christian, 26, were led out of the home in handcuffs. So does Misa Hylton have a (legitimate) point about the way Justin and Christian were treated by the feds? Below, via Lipstick Alley are various responses. Most of them don’t agree with Hylton. And that’s putting it mildly. https://youtu.be/qxVQMpsdn8Q ”Star Trek: Discovery” stars Mary Wiseman, Wilson Cruz, and Blu del Barrio offered tantalizing insights into the fifth and final season of the series in an exclusive interview. Their palpable enthusiasm for the show was evident as they teased the thrilling developments and surprises awaiting fans as the series approaches its conclusion. “I think this season Hugh continues to ask existential questions, big questions about our existence and the world and the universe and our place in it,” said Wilson about his character. “He’s given the opportunity to really step up and be a part of the team in order to solve this mystery that we’re all coming together to solve,” Wilson added. “But he, once again, has an opportunity to really step up and be there for his crew mates, but at the same time puts himself in a position to, once again, ask these big questions and perhaps even be okay with not getting all of the answers.” The series finale finds Captain Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green) “and the crew of the U.S.S Discovery uncovering a mystery that will send them on an epic adventure across the galaxy to find an ancient power whose very existence has been deliberately hidden for centuries. But there are others on the hunt as well … dangerous foes who are desperate to claim the prize for themselves and will stop at nothing to get it,” per the official synopsis. https://youtu.be/6Fi7ZePgh8k Tia Mowry and Jackée Harry took to social media to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the beloved sitcom “Sister, Sister.” Tia starred on the show with her real-life twin sister, Tamera Mowry-Housley. Together, they portrayed Tia Landry and Tamera Campbell. In the series, the “twins separated at birth who learn of each other’s existence and come together as teenagers. Ray Campbell, Tamera’s adopted father, is very different from Tia’s adopted mother, Lisa Landry, but the twins don’t want to be separated, so Ray and Lisa end up living together,” per IMDB.com. “Today is the 30th anniversary of Sister, Sister and I’m so grateful for this show and the experiences it has given me,” she captioned the image. “It was the first time I really believed in myself and my dreams. I remember being on a press tour in New York when the show premiered, feeling like all my hard work and prayers had paid off,” Tia continued. “My sister and I faced rejection when our show wasn’t initially picked up, but we didn’t give up. We prayed and were later told the show would be a mid-season replacement. A Mid-season replacement is a show that replaces a show that didn’t do well in the Fall. We were back up.” The actress continued, “Whenever I feel like I get to a place where I want to quit, I go back to that moment and remember that dreams do come true and to keep going and keep believing.” https://www.instagram.com/tiamowry/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=6e0c56be-cdc6-4793-9a97-a419f312ee90 As of Monday, about half a million fast food workers in California are making at least $20 per hour, $4 higher than the overall state minimum wage. The new rate applies to restaurant chains with more than 60 nationwide locations and is a result of a years-long fight by workers to establish better wages and working conditions, specifically in California’s fast-food industry. The law also creates a fast-food council, a first of its kind in the US, with representatives from both the restaurant industry and workers, who can increase the wage annually for the rest of the decade, in pace with inflation or up to 3.5%, whichever is higher. This council can also recommend standards for fast-food worker safety and work with existing state agencies to investigate issues like wage theft. “I definitely think it’s a very big deal,” said Jaylene Loubet, who works as a McDonald’s cashier. “What we’re fighting for is not unreasonable. We’re just asking for what’s fair.” https://youtu.be/QlWkRM4gb5Y?list=RDNSQlWkRM4gb5Y Pharrell Williams and producer Chad Hugo, the dynamic duo behind The Neptunes, are now entangled in a legal tussle over the group’s moniker. Hugo accuses Williams of attempting to seize sole control over the trademarks, branding it as “fraudulent.” Before Williams skyrocketed as a solo sensation, The Neptunes churned out a cascade of chart-toppers in the early 2000s. Hits like Nelly’s “Hot in Herre,” Snoop Dogg’s “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” Gwen Stefani’s “Hollaback Girl,” and Justin Timberlake’s “Rock Your Body” cemented their legendary status. Childhood pals, they even earned their place in the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2022. However, in a recent legal maneuver, Hugo’s legal team alleged that Pharrell and his company disregarded their longstanding agreement. The pact, they claim, entailed an equal split of all assets. Kenneth D. Freundlich, Hugo’s attorney, minced no words, accusing Pharrell of fraudulent behavior and bad faith in attempting to monopolize The Neptunes trademarks. “Throughout their over thirty-year history, [Hugo] and Williams agreed to, and in fact, have divided all assets,” wrote Hugo’s attorney Kenneth D. Freundlich. “By ignoring and excluding [Hugo] from any and all applications filed by applicant for the mark ‘The Neptunes,’ applicant has committed fraud in securing the trademarks and acted in bad faith.” https://youtu.be/kcbBHCwXhBw In Dallas, authorities are reportedly looking to have word or two with Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice after two luxury cars were involved in a high-speed crash and the occupants of the vehicles walked away from the scene. Rice is cooperating with authorities “and will take all necessary steps to address this situation responsibly,” according to his attorney, Royce West. “On behalf of Rashee Rice, his thoughts are with everyone impacted by the automobile accident on Saturday,” West said in a statement, NBC News is reporting. Officers were called to North Central Expressway in Dallas at 6:25 p.m. Saturday after two speeding drivers lost control and crashed, “causing a chain reaction collision involving four other vehicles.” https://youtu.be/A6q1KzBKWFA Police told The Dallas Morning News on Sunday that the drivers were in a Corvette and a Lamborghini and that the Lamborghini veered onto the shoulder and hit the expressway’s median wall. The Morning News reported that one of the cars is leased or registered to Rice and that a Dallas police call sheet seen by the newspaper lists Rice as the person who authorities believe was behind the wheel of the Corvette. “The occupants of the Lamborghini and the Corvette all ran from the scene without stopping to determine if anyone needed medical help or providing their information,” police told the newspaper. No major injuries were reported, according to police, but two people were treated at the scene, and two others were taken to a local hospital. Video posted on social media by Kayla Quinn, who said she was in one of the cars that was hit, appears to show the damage to the driver’s side of her vehicle. A Facebook post from someone who said she is Quinn’s mother said Quinn’s 4-year-old son was in the car. https://twitter.com/i/status/1774565508987121828 A video taken by a bystander and shared on social media by Quinn’s mother shows several people walking away from the scene. The bystander asks them whether they are all right and whether they are “just gonna leave it.” The NFL declined to comment on the crash. The Chiefs have not responded to a request for comment. In an interview on “Mundo in the Morning” on Kansas City radio station KCMO, Chiefs president Mark Donovan said the team will “react accordingly” after all the facts are gathered. “In all these situations you have to wait until you have all the facts, and frankly, we don’t have all the facts at this point,” Donovan told Pete Mundo on Monday. “The one comforting fact that we do have is that there was a multi-car crash in Texas, in Dallas, and fortunately, it doesn’t appear that anyone was hurt, and we should be grateful for that. We’ll get to the bottom of it, we’ll gather the facts, and we’ll react accordingly.” So what do two veteran/ex-NFLers have to say about the actions of Rashee Rice and his crew? Via the video below of Shannon Sharper and Chad Ochocinco Johnson, find out. https://twitter.com/i/status/1774912579766464908 Lost Marvin Gaye tracks have surfaced in Belgium, marking a discovery four decades after the passing of the iconic R&B singer in 1984. The news comes from Belgian musician Charles Dumolin, who once hosted Gaye at his Ostend home. Dumolin allegedly possesses a never-before-seen collection of costumes, letters, notebooks, and dozens of Gaye’s unheard recordings, New York Post reports. “We can open a time capsule here and share the music of Marvin with the world,” Alex Trappeniers, a Belgian lawyer and a business partner of Dumolin’s family, told the BBC. “It’s very clear. He’s very present.” According to the BBC, Gaye left the items in Belgium with Dumolin’s family. The collection includes 66 demos of new material across 30 tapes. “Marvin gave it to them and said, ‘Do whatever you want with it’ and he never came back. That’s important,” Trappeniers said. https://youtu.be/rjlSiASsUIs Doja Cat’s natural hair is featured in the cover art for her forthcoming single “MASC,” and her non-Black fans are comparing the texture to pubic hair. Doja hit up on Instagram Live to respond to the criticism, as it appears some people have forgotten that she is a mixed-race Black woman who does not have European-textured hair. “My hair is 4C hair, which a lot of you don’t care, that’s fine, but I’m seeing a consistent pattern in my comment section of people saying is my hair pubic hair, is it carpet or is it sheep’s wool,” Doja said in a video statement. “We gotta move forward. Let’s move forward. Let’s grow.” The critics flooded the comments section of Doja’s “MASC” cover art post, which she captioned: “ ASC 4.5.24.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1774110421986816344 Media mogul Jason Lee, founder of the popular entertainment platform Hollywood Unlocked, maintains a substantial lead over his five opponents three weeks after the California primary election. “I’m extremely humbled to see that the overwhelming majority of voters who participated in the primary put their faith in me to lead District 6,” Lee told FOX40.com. Lee is campaigning for a city councilman position in his hometown of Stockton, California. He’s up against incumbent Kimberly Warmsley, the vice mayor. According to results disclosed by San Joaquin County as of March 26, Lee commands 47.70% of the total votes tallied, FOX40 reports. Warmsley trails behind with 30.62% of the total votes. Following closely behind in the Stockton City Council District 6 race: Satnam Singh at 7.80%, Zobeyda Moreno at 7.19%, Ralph White at 7.01%, and Ronnie Murray Sr. at 5.68% of the votes, per FOX40. For Lee, his lead doesn’t come as a surprise. Gov. Gavin Newsom announced last week that the California Highway Patrol will install hundreds of cameras around Oakland to help crack down on crime in the city. The state has partnered with a private company to install 290 cameras on Oakland streets, and 190 will go up along freeways traversing the city and its environs, KGED reports. The cameras will capture license plates and categorize vehicles based on their make, model, color, and distinctive features. “This investment marks another step forward in our commitment to bolstering public safety and tackling organized crime and roadway violence in Oakland and across California,” Newsom said in a statement. Newsom said the 480 high-tech cameras will equip “law enforcement with the tools they need to effectively combat criminal activity and hold perpetrators accountable — building safer, stronger communities for all Californians.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1773698779020996676 Comedian Jerrod Carmichael, who publicly came out last year, has been attempting to secure a date with Tyler, the Creator for years, but the rapper has consistently declined his invitations. Carmichael revealed in the premiere episode of his new show, “Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show,” that the artist called him a “stupid bitch” after he confessed his feelings to Tyler in 2021. Carmichael also asked Tyler to be his date at the Emmy Awards, but he was turned down. Although Carmichael harbors “unrequited” feelings for Tyler, the hip-hop star clarified during their conversation that he does not share the same sentiments for Carmichael. According to Tyler, hearing Carmichael has feelings for him was “a lot to download.” “Getting news like that and then avoiding it is a way to avoid change,” Tyler said. “I didn’t think brushing that off and continuing regularly would be such a dent. I don’t know.” https://youtu.be/KkTqP_prC8I The fifth and final season of “Star Trek: Discovery” premieres on April 4, and we caught up with the remarkable Sonequa Martin-Green to discuss her character’s transformative journey. The series finale finds Captain Michael Burnham (Martin-Green) “and the crew of the U.S.S. Discovery uncovering a mystery that will send them on an epic adventure across the galaxy to find an ancient power whose very existence has been deliberately hidden for centuries. But there are others on the hunt as well … dangerous foes who are desperate to claim the prize for themselves and will stop at nothing to get it,” per the official synopsis. During our conversation with Martin-Green, we explore her emotional journey as she reflects on the final season. “I feel grateful. I feel grateful that we were able to tell the story that we did over the course of the entire show, and then especially how we ended,” Martin-Green shared with EUR exclusively. “I think that people will be moved. I think they’ll be touched, I think they’ll be satisfied, and I think that they will be left with hope. It’ll be the sort of final fragrance that they take in on the way out.” Martin-Green also provided insight into her character’s evolution throughout the series and teased what fans can expect in the upcoming season. https://youtu.be/6Fi7ZePgh8k Days before its streaming premiere on Netflix, the animated remake of “Good Times” is generating a very negative response from viewers. According to Sandra Rose, the unhealthy buzz comes after the trailer for the new series was released by the streamer. Executive produced by Seth MacFarlane, NBA icon Stephen Curry and Norman Lear, the “Good Times” remake features the voice talents of JB Smoove, Yvette Nicole Brown, Jay Pharoah, Gerald Anthony “Slink” Johnson, Marsai Martin, and Wanda Sykes as descendants of the Evans family. https://twitter.com/i/status/1772986937462178021 The original “Good Times” took place in the ’70s and featured a live-action cast comprised of John Amos, Esther Rolle, Bern Nadette Stanis, Ralph Carter, and Jimmie Walker as the Evans family. Despite Lear’s involvement with the remake, the reaction among the masses contrasts with the reverence given to its predecessor. Instead of positive feedback, Sandra Rose labeled the remake as a “farce,” going as far as to call it “a disrespectful mockery of the Black community that no one asked for.” Among the minuses for the remake are drug dealing baby, profanity, shootouts, gangbangers, prostitution, dice games, alcoholism, rat-infested streets, a crack house, and every other Black stereotype,” the site noted. Needless to say, social media hasn’t been kind to the new “Good Times,” which is set to debut on Netflix on April 12. Although they touch on different ways the show is offensive, the feedback is united in giving “Good Times” a solid thumbs down, based on the trailer. https://twitter.com/i/status/1772986937462178021 In an exclusive interview, Maya Rudolph and Joel Kim Booster talk about the much-anticipated second season of the acclaimed series “Loot.” The pair provided insights into their roles and the show’s evolution, and Rudolph revealed some of the exciting guest stars this season, including actor O-T Fagbenle (The Handmaid’s Tale). According to the press release: “Loot” season two kicks off a year after Molly Wells (Rudolph) settles her very public divorce from tech billionaire John Novak (Adam Scott), and we find her thriving in her role as the head of her philanthropic organization, the Wells Foundation.” The description continues, “Focused mainly on her charity work, Molly has sworn off any new relationships with men and embarks on a wellness journey. Fabulously single but not particularly independent, Molly keeps her trusty assistant Nicholas (Booster) by her side. He diligently caters to her every whim … and occasionally feeds her a kale smoothie spiked with gin.” https://youtu.be/8TWjRYzwjHI Al B. Sure!, the biological father of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ stepson Quincy, insinuated on Friday that the renowned hip-hop tycoon might be linked to the enigma of the coma that he endured in 2022. Under the gleaming lights of the Equal Justice Now Awards in Los Angeles, the voice behind “Off on Your Own” caught the audience off-guard with talks of a personal revelation—a project delving into the chapters of his own saga, with veiled references pointing to Combs. “We’re going to be producing the Al B. Sure! life story,” he announced, in a clip circulated by TMZ. “So hold on to your britches, and you’ll really understand how I ended up in a coma. You’re really gonna need to call Homeland Security.” The summer of ’22 saw Al B. Sure! experiencing a health scare that plummeted him into a deep, two-month coma, the catalyst of which remains cloaked in secrecy. His invocation of Homeland Security at the gathering seemingly mirrored recent events—federal agents swarming Diddy’s domiciles in a high-profile sex trafficking investigation confirmed by the Department of Homeland Security. https://www.instagram.com/hollywoodunlocked/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=f451fe02-68e4-4b3e-bf86-7d98bfeafaba Vontae Davis, the former NFL cornerback who made two Pro Bowls with the Indianapolis Colts and memorably retired at halftime of his final game, was found dead by police at his home in South Florida, according to authorities. Officers were called to the home in Southwest Ranches by a house assistant and found Davis dead, according to the Davie Police Department. Preliminary information suggests foul play is not involved, and the investigation is active, police added. Davis, 35, played in 121 games over a 10-year career with the Miami Dolphins, Colts and Buffalo Bills, totaling 22 interceptions and 97 pass deflections. He played college football for Illinois and was selected by the Dolphins with the 25th pick of the first round in the 2009 NFL Draft. He played three seasons with Miami before he was traded to the Indianapolis Colts for a second-round pick. The HBO show “Hard Knocks” was following the Dolphins team at the time and captured the tense conversation between then-general manager Jeff Ireland and Davis about the trade, which offered insight into the personal stakes of the league. https://youtu.be/CWpwNrkCoxQ DNA evidence has linked two brothers (Jeffrey Briney and David Briney) to multiple unsolved rape cases around metro Atlanta in the 1980s, the DeKalb County District Attorney announced this week. Jeffrey Briney, 59, and David Briney, 62, have been indicted on a slew of charges ranging from rape, kidnapping, aggravated sodomy, armed robbery and aggravated assault, according to indictment documents. Jeffrey was indicted on 30 charges and David on 19, documents show. Jeffrey Briney was taken into custody on February 27 by deputies of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit, and David Briney was arrested by the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit the same day, according to a news release from DeKalb County District Attorney, Sherry Boston. Both brothers are currently in jail without bond. An attorney for Jeffrey Briney declined to comment, however, “attorneys and investigators are reviewing the indictment and preparing a thorough, effective defense,” a spokesperson for the Georgia Public Defender Council told CNN. https://youtu.be/T5JAZcrpAIU Earlier this week, Memphis was the spot as leaders from states far and wide gathered for the groundbreaking Black Mayors’ Coalition on Crime. Initiated by the visionary Memphis Mayor Paul Young in collaboration with the esteemed African American Mayors Association, this coalition is on a quest for insightful discussions and innovative solutions to fortify public safety. “In our unity lies our strength and determination. While national crime data may suggest a decline in overall crime statistics, our focus today is on the essence of feeling safe, for without it, numbers hold no significance,” articulated Mayor Young. From traversing the avenues of Memphis and Shelby County to refueling at gas stations, or simply seeking solace in one’s abode, every individual deserves a sanctuary of safety wherever their journey leads. “We pledge amongst ourselves that this gathering marks but the genesis of our ongoing commitment; we shall persist in our collaborative efforts,” echoed Jackson’s Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba. https://youtu.be/Ww_LXHE8fQA Rampant vehicle thefts notably contributed to this spike, with more than 14,000 vehicles reported stolen in Memphis last year alone. Mayor Paul Young singled out Charlotte’s audacious “Operation SCARLET” as a prospective model to emulate in Memphis. Exemplified by the recovery of 180 stolen luxury vehicles worth over $11 million along with contraband during the operation, culminating in the pursuit of federal charges. “People crave rapid solutions; an immediate halt to ongoing crimes today with a vision for preventing crimes of tomorrow,” emphasized Mayor Young, harboring an unwavering commitment to continued dialogues and collaborative. https://youtu.be/r7TUuLeCi-Y Three major sports broadcasters, Disney’s ESPN, Fox Corporation, and Warner Bros. Discovery, are joining forces to launch a new super-platform for streaming sports content. This groundbreaking collaboration marks a significant shift in the industry away from traditional television to streaming services. The service, planned for release in the fall, will offer a diverse range of sporting events including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, FIFA World Cup games, NASCAR races, UFC matches, and PGA TOUR Golf tournaments. While pricing and the official name have yet to be revealed, more details are expected to be announced closer to the launch date. https://youtu.be/7AdjRga_s_A This spring, the City of Philadelphia will honor the legacy of Frankie Beverly, who began his decades-long musical journey with the Butlers, then Raw Soul, the latter would become Frankie Beverly and Maze. The celebration will be in the form of a street renaming ceremony – a presentation of Councilperson Cindy Bass and the Philadelphia City Council with Maze Management. The ceremony is also being sponsored by the Black Promoters Collective – a coalition of six of the nation’s top independent concert promotion and event production companies. It is a 100% Black-owned business whose mission is to be the world’s leading producer and provider of culturally relevant live entertainment experiences. The event will take place on Saturday, May 18th, 2024, at 12noon, in the East Germantown area of Philadelphia on North Norwood Street, between Church Lane and West Godfrey – the neighborhood where Frankie Beverly was raised. Beverly is known for classic hits such as Joy & Pain, We Are One, Southern Girl, Happy Feelin’s as well as the unofficial theme for summertime cookouts and celebrations, Before I Let Go. The founder/leader/chief songwriter of Maze will retire from touring this summer. https://youtu.be/UPU8tcnz0Hc Suge Knight predicts challenging times for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs following Homeland Security’s raids on his homes in Los Angeles and Miami this week. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson stated that the search was part of an ongoing investigation carried out with support from multiple law enforcement agencies. We reported earlier that the investigation purportedly stemmed from civil suits filed by five accusers accusing Combs of sexual assault or abuse. Combs’ attorney, Aaron Dyer, characterized the search as an “unprecedented ambush.” “There is no excuse for the excessive show of force and hostility exhibited by authorities or the way his children and employees were treated,” Dyer’s statement read. “Mr. Combs was never detained but spoke to and cooperated with authorities. Despite media speculation, neither Mr. Combs nor any of his family members have been arrested nor has their ability to travel been restricted in any way.” Meanwhile, during a recent broadcast of the Collect Call with Suge Knight podcast with Dave Mays, the incarcerated Death Row Records co-founder reacted to the raid and called it “a bad day for hip-hop…for the culture…Black people, because if one looks bad, we all look bad,” Knight said. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-03-28-032824-suge-knight-1801815-650/ Reality TV personality Lisa Vanderpump returns with a new spinoff of “Vanderpump Rules,” filmed in an exclusive French chateau. Scheduled to premiere on Hulu next month, the series is titled “Vanderpump Villa.” According to the press release, “each day at the Chateau brings nonstop heartfelt, humorous, and heated moments, from staff and guests alike.” The series follows Lisa as she assesses whether this team can turn her “pop-up” experience into a permanent fixture and contribute to her expanding empire. The official synopsis for the Hulu Original states: “Decadence and debauchery collide in “Vanderpump Villa,” a new unscripted docu-drama following Lisa Vanderpump’s hand-selected staff as they work, live, and play at an exclusive French estate: Chateau Rosabelle.” The description continues, “Each scintillating episode follows the elite staff as they try to provide luxurious, once-in-a-lifetime, Vanderpump-curated experiences for guests while dealing with rivalries, romances, and raucous misadventures that come from living and working together 24/7.” https://youtu.be/_wTYEP-MaFw The battle against wokeness and Critical Race Theory has reached new heights as the latest sheriff has strolled into town. Now many in the Black community are wondering if DEI is the new n-word. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are programs and initiatives that work to address unequal representation in education and the workplace. These programs aren’t particularly new, but misinformation about false threats are being circulated by many Republican leaders. As Americans started their Tuesday morning, they were greeted with news of a bridge collapse in Baltimore, Maryland. In 2020, the predominately Black city elected Brandon Scott as their new mayor. One Twitter user who has grown a following by sharing inflammatory posts sometimes referred to as “Rage Bait” (content designed to elicit a reaction from viewers) called Scott a “DEI Mayor.” Many were quick to address the blatant racism the user expressed, with one writing, “DEI is basically just a stand-in for the n-word now.” Of course, a DEI mayor cannot exist because voters must elect candidates for the position. https://youtu.be/pY6HQyvUug4 Dolly Parton’s wish has come true. During a 2022 interview with “The Daily Show,” Parton was asked about the hundreds of cover versions of her 1973 country classic “Jolene” and the one artist yet to record the song who Parton hoped would do so, Beyoncé. “I don’t know if she’s even got the message, but wouldn’t that be killer? I think she’s fantastic and beautiful and I love her music.” Parton said. “I would just love to hear ‘Jolene’ done in just a big way, kind of like how Whitney [Houston] did my ‘I Will Always Love You.’ Someone that could take my little songs and make ’em like powerhouses. That would be a marvelous day in my life if she ever does ‘Jolene.” Done and done. Beyoncé includes a version of Parton’s hit on her “Renaissance” sequel, “Act II: Cowboy Carter.” https://youtu.be/x9XHMK3nWr4 The song is introduced by Parton herself. “Hey miss Honey B, it’s Dolly P. You know that hussy with the good hair you sing about? Reminded me of someone I knew back when, except she has flamin’ locks of auburn hair,” Parton says, referencing Beyoncé’s lyrics from “Sorry.” “Bless her heart. Just a hair of a different color but it hurts just the same.” Beyoncé’s version of “Jolene” follows. While it holds true to the original melodically, Bey puts her own spin on the lyrics. For example, instead of “I’m beggin’ of you, please don’t take my man,” Beyoncé sings, “I’m warning you, don’t come for my man.” Parton fully approves. “Wow, I just Jolene,” Parton wrote in a statement on social media on Friday. “Beyoncé is giving that girl some trouble and she deserves it! Love, Dolly P.” https://youtu.be/wi1BGPhUK1E?list=RDNSwi1BGPhUK1E NYC Mayor Eric Adams criticized a defense lawyer labeled as “woke” by the NY Post for downplaying the tragic death of Police Officer Jonathan Diller as an isolated incident while emphasizing instances of police-involved fatalities. This exchange occurred during an interview with anti-police activist Olayemi Olurin on iHeartMedia’s “The Breakfast Club.” Olurin attempted to accuse Adams of indifference towards alleged police brutality, prompting Adams to assert the significance of honoring the life of an innocent officer. The conversation escalated when Olurin mentioned recent deaths involving NYPD officers, including a 19-year-old in a mental health crisis. Adams expressed dismay at Olurin’s minimizing of Diller’s death and reiterated the importance of recognizing the loss suffered by law enforcement. https://youtu.be/bPziwCrFRMk Olurin then drew attention to deaths at Rikers Island, to which Adams cautioned against appearing dismissive of Diller’s tragedy. Despite Adams’ efforts to clarify, Olurin remained steadfast, prompting Adams to question her empathy towards officers’ families. The discussion further delved into Adams’ portrayal of subway safety and crime rates in New York City. Olurin challenged Adams to reconcile his assertions about the city’s safety with his emphasis on transit crime, which she argued fuels public anxiety. Charlamagne Tha God echoed her sentiments, suggesting that increased police presence in subways implies a problem. Adams countered, citing commuter feedback supporting the notion that visible officers enhance safety perceptions. The conversation also touched on the city’s response to the migrant crisis, with Adams defending the decision to provide asylum seekers with prepaid debit cards for food purchases due to federal funding constraints. Adams emphasized the city’s limited authority in addressing immigration issues and acknowledged public frustration with the situation. https://youtu.be/ygNe0arsAug Set against historical intrigue and feminist rebellion, “Renegade Nell” promises to captivate audiences with its unique blend of wit, adventure, and empowerment. In this action-adventure fantasy series from creator Sally Wainwright, Louisa Harland (“Derry Girls”) stars in the leading role of Nell Jackson, “a quick-witted and courageous young woman, finds herself framed for murder and unexpectedly becomes the most notorious outlaw in 18th-century England. But when a magical spirit called Billy Blind (Mohammed) appears, Nell realizes her destiny is bigger than she ever imagined, per the official synopsis. Harland leads an ensemble cast that includes Frank Dillane as “Charles Devereux,” Kremelberg as “Sofia Wilmot,” Ényì Okoronkwo as “Rasselas,” Jake Dunn as “Thomas Blancheford,” Bo Bragason as “Roxy Trotter,” Florence Keen as “George Trotter,” with Joely Richardson as “Lady Eularia Moggerhangar” and Lester as “Robert Hennessey, Earl of Poynton.” Pip Torrens as “Lord Blancheford” and Craig Parkinson as “Sam Trotter” also star. https://youtu.be/u9OmmeE_gZc Willie “Bill” Davis, a 70-year-old African American grandpa, author, and speaker, is on a mission to transform lives through his debut book, “Saving Grandpa Bill.” In the book, he reveals his journey from nearly 400 pounds to 150 pounds, and how he was able to accomplish this without fad diets, surgery, or medical procedures. Through laughter, and maybe even a few tears, Willie talks about the failings of the typical American diet, the dangers of losing yourself in the American Dream, and the triumph of transforming your life by reclaiming and renewing your mind. Endorsed by industry giants such as Mr. Will Dabish, co-founder, President and CEO of Powerhouse Gyms International, as well as Grammy award-winning Pastor Marvin L. Winans, Sr., Willie has intricately woven with his dedication to family, community, church, and personal growth into this book. Iowa Hawkeyes superstar Caitlin Clark was asked about a much-publicized offer to join the Big3, a 3-on-3 professional basketball league founded by Ice Cube, featuring several former NBA players. She spoke to the media ahead of her team’s Sweet 16 Saturday matchup with Colorado in Albany, New York. “To be honest, I found out about the Big3 thing at the exact time you all did, and my main focus is on just playing basketball,” Clark said of the multimillion-dollar offer. “I honestly don’t talk about those things with really anybody. I have other people that deal with it, and they haven’t said a word to me about it. My main focus is on this team and helping us find a way to beat Colorado and hopefully win another one after that.” https://youtu.be/l5MfyWPPAp4 The Big3’s offer, worth a reported $5 million for a single season, would still allow the NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer to play in the WNBA, where she’s projected to be the first pick in April’s draft. “We intended the offer to remain private while Caitlin Clark plays for the championship,” Ice Cube said in a statement provided to CNN on Wednesday. “But I won’t deny what’s now already out there: BIG3 made a historic offer to Caitlin Clark. Why wouldn’t we? Caitlin is a generational athlete who can achieve tremendous success in the BIG3. … With our offer, Caitlin Clark can make history and break down even more barriers for women athletes.” https://youtu.be/rRPl25G8tT0 Joie Chavis is fully embracing the third time entering the mother zone, letting the masses know about her current pregnancy. Taking to social media, Chavis revealed she is pregnant with child number three. The news comes as the 35-year-old dancer enjoys her relationship with her boyfriend, Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs. Chavis is a mother to her 12-year-old daughter Shai, 12, whom she shares with rapper/actor Bow Wow, Page Six noted, adding her second child, a five-year-old son named Hendrix, is fathered by “Mask Off” rhymester Future. In her posting, the Joie In Life founder used Maxwell’s 2001 hit “This Woman’s Work” to nail her revelation into the minds of social media users while displaying her growing baby bump for all to see. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4gX9HCvgG8/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=cb3d84a1-f7fc-4b67-a932-49bb7bc15416 Christena Cleveland spent much of her childhood in an evangelical church surrounded by traditional images of a porcelain-skinned and flaxen-haired Jesus. But one day she came across a portrayal of Christ that was so astonishing that she gasped. It was a painting of a resurrected Jesus surrounded by his awe-struck disciples, including “Doubting Thomas” touching the wound in Christ’s torso. The painting looked like an ancient relic discovered in some long-forgotten desert monastery in the Holy Land, a Byzantine-styled fresco filled with sharply contoured figures, bursting with colors of deep blue and blood orange. But it was another color in the picture that caught her eye. Jesus was depicted as a man of color — somewhere between brown and Black — and so were his disciples. Cleveland, who would go on to become a theologian and social psychologist, realized she had always pictured a Nordic-looking Jesus who looked like Thor. https://youtu.be/ITRNdsUNG1U “When I see the Easter story, I see Jesus being a victim of state-sanctioned violence. I see Jesus surrounded by Black and brown people who wish they could do something, but had no power in the moment,” says Cleveland, author of “God Is a Black Woman.” “And I see people being victims of a system that can’t see their full humanity and assumes the worst of them. And yet there’s hope in the end,” she says. “The universe does bend toward justice, even though the arc is long.” As Christians worldwide celebrate the resurrection of Jesus today, Cleveland’s story points toward an uncomfortable truth: The true face of the historical Jesus looks nothing like the one many still see in their church’s stained-glass windows, in Hollywood movies, or in the image many carry in their minds. https://youtu.be/skR7FvtnyLs Lizzo is done. Through. With something. At least that’s what she is saying. In a heartfelt outpouring on Instagram, the 35-year-old, whose birth name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson, expressed feelings of exhaustion over the negativity she faces. The Grammy-awarded artist conveyed a sense of frustration at being constantly criticized and ridiculed online and in her personal life, stating: “I’m getting tired of putting up with being dragged by everyone in my life and on the internet.” Lizzo’s passion for her craft comes through as she states her simple desire: “All I want is to make music and make people happy and help the world be a little better than how I found it.” Despite this, she indicated feeling unwelcome, confronting “lies being told about me for clout & views…being the butt of the joke every single time because of how I look.” https://youtu.be/FUEmuESaiUI A recent Nicki Minaj show turned into a moment for Jesus, courtesy of one of the rapper’s Barbz. Madame Noire reports the fan was in the audience on March 24 during the “Moment 4 Life” entertainer’s Pink Friday 2 World Tour in Nashville, TN. Minaj and her backup singer and vocal coach Keisha Renee sang the rapper’s hit “The Night Is Still Young” before Minaj abruptly stopped the song to hand the mic to her fan. “This lady—beautiful lady—she looked me in the eyes. I believe her. She said she could sing,” Minaj said. “I’m actually shouting out to Jesus today because it’s Palm Sunday (the start of the Holy Week),” the lady, who attended the show with her sister, stated. “And he died on the cross for everybody in here. Everybody!” Upon hearing the fan’s testimony, Minaj smiled and invited the other Barbz to clap for her, nodding in approval. After she shouted out the Lord, the fan bragged on her sister, who she said had been practicing for a month to sing the solo, Madame Noire noted. Although the woman attempted to give her sister, the opportunity was lost when she led Minaj to think she was going to sing, but the woman lost that chance the minute she led Minaj to think she was going to sing “The Night Is Still Young.” https://www.instagram.com/nickiminaj/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=b349064c-6ac9-42df-ac6a-d4b0036b7136 Beyoncé knows how to get people talking, and her new album “Cowboy Carter,” had tongues wagging long before its release date on March 29. With star power as ubiquitous as hers, every little detail of new work is going to be embraced and dissected, especially since Beyoncé is also known for serving up enticingly intertextual visuals alongside her music. It’s no wonder the art around her latest country project has already spawned deep socio-political discourse about American symbolism, Blackness, justice, and reclamation. Cowboy Carter” is the much-anticipated follow-up to her 2022 album “Renaissance” and her 2016 album, “Lemonade,” both of which injected the culture with paradigm-shifting art and symbolism. It also marks an official foray into country music, a space rich with meaning for a Black artist in a sparse yet influential company. Now that “Cowboy Carter” is finally coming to the masses, here are some of the conversations people are having about the music icon’s next big era. https://www.cnn.com/videos/entertainment/2024/03/29/beyonce-country-album-cowboy-carter-cnc-contd-vpx.cnn New York’s panel to address reparations from slavery is starting on the wrong foot. According to the Daily Mail, members of the new organization are being blasted for calling black Republican senator Tim Scott “Uncle Tim,” in addition to blaming white people for climate change and criticizing Israel before HAMAS attacked the country on Oct. 7. Regarding Scott, comments from reparations panelist Ron Daniels have resulted in calls for Governor Kathy Hochul to fire him after past tweets were found, branding the South Carolina politician a frontman for white supremacy and calling him “Uncle Tim.” ‘Uncle Tim’ Scott, Who Picked Cotton On the Plantation, Is ‘Still On the Plantation,’ the Black World 21st Century founder and president posted in a 2021 tweet in his description of Scott. “Picked to Be the ‘Black Face’ To Suppress/Black Power/Black Freedom On Behalf of White Supremacy/White Power and That’s ‘The Cotton Picking Truth’ #BewareofUncleTim.” In addition to blasting Scott, Daniels’ old tweets promoted more controversy by touching on climate control. In his eyes, “white folks” are to blame for the issue, with black people stepping in to “save the planet.” ‘White Folks Messed Up the Weather = Black Folks Save the Planet,’ Daniels tweeted three years ago. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3IiagBO90L/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=91e18472-ee2e-425f-9725-316104a78bcc As we commemorate the 37th Annual Celebration of Women’s History Month, the Multicultural Media & Correspondents Association (MMCA) hosted its exclusive 2024 Sheroes in Media Awards reception at the historic National Press Club in Washington, DC, on Thursday, March 28, 2024. The esteemed group of leaders in media, philanthropy, and communications, gathered to uplift extraordinary women who exemplify diverse media excellence. LSU star Angel Reese revealed the ruckus during the handshake exchange following the Tigers’ 78-69 triumph over UCLA in the Sweet 16 game on Saturday sprouted from an assistant coach “getting a little too animated” and “talking a little crazy.” The broadcast of the women’s basketball NCAA Tournament game seized the tense instance when Reese seemed to engage in dialogue with a member of the UCLA contingent. Initial conjecture proposed Reese had a verbal altercation with Bruins’ head coach Cori Close, who seemed displeased with something Reese uttered toward the UCLA bench upon her exit from the game with only 30 seconds on the clock due to fouls. Nonetheless, Reese clarified that her remarks were aimed at an assistant coach. “Oh no, she told me ‘good game,’” Reese elucidated when questioned about the incident during LSU’s postgame press conference. “It was another coach getting a little too animated.” “It was another coach talking a little crazy.” When probed to expound further, Reese retorted with “Next question.” https://www.youtube.com/shorts/oXpifghhLFg?feature=share Esteemed broadcast journalist and acclaimed author Esther Dillard has been honored with the prestigious 2024 Gracie Award by the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF). This significant recognition marks a notable achievement in Esther’s distinguished career spanning nearly 15 years in the media industry. The feature Esther won for was the direct inspiration for the book “Raising An Autistic Young Adult,” authored by Esther Dillard herself. Some of what was shared in that four-part series was included in the book. The book expanded on those conversations. Founded in 1951, the Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) is dedicated to advancing women in media through networking, education, and celebrating achievements. The annual Gracie Awards, now in its 49th year, were established to honor individuals and content that embody the roles, stories, and priorities of women. Ceremonies for this year’s Gracie Awards are scheduled for May 21 at the Beverly Wilshire (A Four Seasons Hotel) and June 18 at Cipriani 42nd Street. Esther Dillard’s recent accolade solidifies her status as an esteemed figure among accomplished women in the media industry. Her heartfelt dedication to shedding light on crucial issues has not only inspired a groundbreaking book but also fostered meaningful connections within her professional community. https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1248-black-information-network-89094154/?keyid%5B0%5D=Black%20Information%20Network%20Interviews&keyid%5B1%5D=Special%20Report%3A%20%22Black%20Autistic%20%26%20Safe%22&sc=podcast_widget DeVon Franklin’s marriage to Meagan Good may have damaged his heart, but he is not calling the failed union a mistake. During a recent appearance on Nick Cannon’s Counsel Culture podcast, Franklin addressed how he healed from his split with Good. The couple were married close to a decade after jumping the broom in June 2012, according to Essence. Franklin filed for divorce from Good in 2021, with the breakup finalized in June 2022. Irreconcilable differences were cited as the reason for the pair’s split. Voicing his feelings over his failed relationship, Franklin opened up about the situation with an honest assessment. “I wouldn’t say that it didn’t work. I wouldn’t say it was unsuccessful,” the ordained minister told Cannon. “Because maybe it did exactly what it was trying to do. That also was a perspective that I had to kinda learn as I went through my healing.” “I wouldn’t necessarily say that I came out of it feeling like a failure. But I felt a little bit vulnerable. I felt like my belief system had been shaken,” Franklin admitted, noting the four months of pre-engagement counseling he and Good did as well as 10 months of premarital counseling and therapy throughout their marriage. https://youtu.be/xD4j28H31Pg Anthony Mackie is one of the most talented actors to appear on the big screen. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he’s one of the good guys, right? Apparently not in real life, according to a TikToker who had a less than positive experience with the “Captain America” Brave New World” entertainer. Ice Cream Conversations cited the TikToker, Laci Kole, who mentioned running into Mackie at a gas station in New Orleans. Despite wanting to let him know how much of a fan she is, it looked like Kole got the cold shoulder from Mackie, who she said stuck out his hand, and simply said, “No” when she approached him. Noting the “8 Mile” star’s reaction, Kole brought her reaction to social media, saying: “SO, I JUST MET ANTHONY MACKIE AND LET ME JUST SAY…RUDEST HUMAN BEING ALIVE.” https://www.tiktok.com/@lacikolee/video/7350430167631793450?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Ftiktoker-labels-anthony-mackie-rudest-human-being-alive-watch%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7350430167631793450 Kole seemed to aim her post towards sympathetic ears, but she got the opposite from her fellow social media users. To hear them tell it, Mackie is not the one to make a memory with as he’s known for being unreceptive to random folks invading his personal space. https://twitter.com/i/status/1772592230303166933 Real Housewives of Atlanta” (RHOA) star Porsha Williams‘ denials behind what stemmed the split with Simon Guobadia have proven true. RadarOnline cites court documents it obtained that reveal Guobadia’s questionable immigration and “criminal history” was what led to the breakup. As a result, Williams is requesting a judge deny Guobadia’s plea for exclusive access to the Georgia-based home they shared. https://youtu.be/Io0OoiYmWtc The new claims counterarguments Williams made stated that the prenup they signed before their wedding stated Guobadia would vacate the marital residence within 30 days of a divorce being filed. Williams admitted he refused. Responding to Williams’ argument, Guobadia claimed the reality TV fixture brought two armed men to the home and he was forced to call the police to “maintain the peace.” Williams then accused her former better half of changing the locks on the home and attempting to block her access to the home — despite Guobadia currently being in Dubai. https://youtu.be/oWwtT5XP4O8 Leave it to Smokey Robinson to title his most recent album simply GASMS which is defined as “an intensely explosive or pleasurable experience or thing” as Smokey talked about in recent interviews. Growing up in Detroit it was all things Motown – for one, they were THE local powerhouse; and second, the artists were like family. We listened to every new record as their voices developed to meet the challenge of the rhythmic intensity and urgency of the Motown beat. Sometimes they pushed through the hoarseness, they growled, they screamed, or did some kind of inflection or nuance that impelled the soul to respond – thus, soul music! The music was a call to action especially during the turbulent civil rights movement. https://youtu.be/YST_0AXjRCQ GASMS, released in 2023, has some nice surprises. Conceived and developed over 20 years, this album very well could have been a follow-up to his 1974 Pure Smokey album. The title track sets the tempo and context for everything that follows. “How You Make Me Feel” and “If We Don’t Have Each Other” are upbeat radio-friendly tracks. “I Keep Calling You” seems to sum up the whole set where he goes in and out from introspection to extrospection. Although his vibrato showcases his vocal stamina in some areas of the songs, it’s more effective and sounds better in a lower register like on the song “You Fill Me Up.” “I Fit In There” is a great suggestive dance track! GASMS is a gas! Keep on smokin’ Smokey! https://youtu.be/YG7jOZM_WMg LeBron James announced the launch of his new hair and skincare products. The collection, The Shop, is inspired by the NBA star’s award-winning TV talk show of the same name. The seven-set collection was created in partnership with James’ longtime business partner Maverick Carter, PEOPLE reports. “There was no aha moment, there was more of a feeling,” Carter told PEOPLE about creating the barbershop-inspired brand. The products are crafted to suit all men, and includes: Exfoliating Face Wash, Hydrating Face Lotion, Soothing Shave Cream, Aftershave Toner, Conditioning Beard Cream, 2-in-1 Moisturizing Hair Wash and Hair Styling Pomade, per PEOPLE. https://www.instagram.com/theshopun/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=1bc4083e-be1f-434e-a215-9b8cdb22cfdc James’ “The Shop” TV series debuted on HBO in August 2018. It is filmed within a barbershop ambiance and is airing its seventh season. “Through filming The Shop and through some of those conversations, we started realizing there may be an opportunity,” Paul Rivera, co-creator of “The Shop” series, told PEOPLE. “And to Maverick’s point, it just felt very authentically connected to the brand, The Shop experience.” Rivera noted that James “was very clear on what he’d like to see in a product.” “I can remember like it was yesterday, going into the first barbershop I’ve ever been to,” James said in an exclusive video clip shared with PEOPLE. “Going into the shop, there’s a certain aura,” he continued. “That’s what heaven is all about. You just feel… untouchable.” “We want to deliver that feeling through the products,” Carter told PEOPLE at the launch event for the collection. https://youtu.be/gYkxnf4-MJ4 Popular Food Critic Keith Lee, who travels the country eating at different restaurants, will return to Atlanta for his 2024 Redemption Food Tour. “We decided as a family, we’re gonna do a redemption tour,” Lee said in a TikTok video. “Last year, we went to about 10 states on a family food tour. This year, we went to about three so far. And we discussed as a family that it’s only right to do a redemption tour, because the states we did this year were different rules, different categories and different structures.” Lee claims he received death threats late last year after reviewing various soul food restaurants in Atlanta with his family. As SandraRose.com reported, Lee appeared on the “Ryan Cameron Uncensored,” podcast and said he won’t return to Atlanta because “People there put a hit out on me.” Lee said his future visits would involve being accompanied by armed and licensed individuals as part of his revised security measures. “We come in peace — with that being said, we will be protected,” Lee said in the video. “There will be people with us who are legal and licensed. We don’t want to have to use them, but we will. My family will get home safe.” https://www.tiktok.com/@keith_lee125/video/7352024046286015775?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fkeith-lee-returning-to-atlanta-for-redemption-food-tour%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7352024046286015775 Louis Gossett Jr., who won an Academy Award for his performance in “An Officer and a Gentleman” and an Emmy for the groundbreaking miniseries “Roots,” has died at age 87, according to a statement from his family. “It is with our heartfelt regret that our beloved father passed away this morning. We would like to thank everyone for their condolences at this time. Please respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time,” the family’s statement, shared by Gossett’s longtime publicist, read. https://youtu.be/TVBpq1pIyVA Gossett became the first Black man to win an Oscar for a supporting role in 1983 for his work as the tough drill instructor, training a character played by Richard Gere, in “An Officer and a Gentleman.” “Lou was a sweetheart. He took his job very seriously. He did his research. He stayed in character the whole time,” his co-star Richard Gere said in a statement to CNN. “He was the drill sergeant 24 hours a day, and it showed clearly in his performance. He drove every scene he was in. A tough guy with a heart of gold.” https://youtu.be/Dc7uzsa5MrY Universal Music Group (UMG) CEO Sir Lucian Grainge is gearing up for a legal war with the lawyer of Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones, who is suing Sean “Diddy” Combs for $30 million in a sexual assault case. Grainge is named in Jones’ lawsuit and accused of enabling Diddy’s penchant for allegedly drugging and having sex with minors. All Hip Hop reports that Diddy is signed to Motown, a unit of UMG. We reported earlier that Jones alleges in his lawsuit that Combs possesses explicit videos involving celebrities, rappers, and music industry executives. Jones is seeking $30 million in punitive damages, claiming the Bad Boy Records founder sexually harassed, drugged, and threatened him for more than a year. He served as Comb’s videographer from September 2022 to November 2023. Throughout this period, he allegedly documented extensive evidence of Combs, his associates, and additional individuals participating in significant unlawful activities. The lawsuit claims Diddy covertly recorded celebrities during his “freak off” parties. John Amos has disclosed that his life nearly ended while vying for the role of Kunta Kinte in the “Roots” miniseries. In an interview with the Television Academy nearly a decade ago, Amos reminisced about pursuing the role and the peril it brought him as he perfected an African accent. I Love Old School Music reports that Amos said, “I knew I had the handle on it [the African accent], not because of ego, but one time when I was living in Liberia I was out drinking with some friends of mine –local guys– and we went to one of the local shebeens, which is just a bar in somebody’s house where they make homemade brew or whatever. And my friend, Charles Mitchell –an indigenous Liberian– said to me, ‘John!’ I said ‘What Charles?’ …I had my back to the crowd…Charles is facing me and I see a look of alarm on his face. ‘I said ‘Charles what’s wrong?!!’ He said, ‘Oh John, one bad guy [with a machete] coming for us.’ I said, ‘WHAT?!!’” The “Good Times’ star continued, … “ and there’s a guy, [he] gets up from the table and sure enough he’s got his machete out, and he’s with two or three of his friends –and they’ve got they’re machetes or clubs. … The guy looked at me and said, ‘I know you! I told you when you were in Bowman Hill Diamond Mine, that I coming for you one day and now the day!’” Amos clarified that the individual had wrongly identified him as a former security guard who mistreated him during his time as a captive worker at a diamond mine. https://youtu.be/Hpw2KA4JfLw 50 Cent seems to regret flirting with Vivica A Fox at the 2003 BET Awards. The pair had a short-lived relationship in 2003. The rapper recently shared a throwback video on social media of him winning the Best New Artist award at the ceremony. During his acceptance speech, Fiddy flirted with Fox, who was sitting in the audience. “I’m just happy to be present with all of these beautiful people in here… I want to thank Vivica Fox for wearing that dress too,” 50 Cent said at the awards show. In the post’s caption, he implied his regret for acknowledging the actress. “I look back 👀at some of the s— that I did 🤨I gotta learn to shut the f— up. Look at that look at end that’s trouble. 😆 WTF @bransoncognac @lecheminduroi,” 50 Cent wrote. https://www.instagram.com/50cent/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=394f9ff8-5828-48a7-94e5-808eda2d3afa Critics and fans alike are crazy in love with Beyoncé’s latest country-inspired album, “Cowboy Carter,” which dropped Friday. The album includes duets with Miley Cyrus and rapper Post Malone, as well as covers of Dolly Parton’s classic hit “Jolene” and The Beatles’ “Blackbird.” Legendary country singers Willie Nelson and Linda Martell are also featured. Page Six critic Nicholas Hautman said Bey’s eighth studio album is “the revival that country music so desperately needed.” The Guardian’s Alexis Petridis said “Cowboy Carter” demonstrates the singer’s “ability to bend musical styles to her will.” The 27-track project was released on March 29, with Petridis noting that it “might have worked better split into two separate albums.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C4s6Zr7rlwA/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=ad3cff5b-db13-4718-98e6-a485b7a3aac8 Bill Maher has launched Club Random Studios, a podcast network focused on promoting “authenticity from unfiltered celebrity voices.”The entertainment hub features Maher’s own podcast as well as new shows from NBA Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett, former ESPN host Sage Steele, and rock stars Billy Corgan and Fred Durst, NBC News reports. “The Sage Steele Show” debuted March 27, and upcoming guests include Dana White, Howie Mandel, Sharon Osbourne, Jillian Michaels, Drea DeMatteo, Adam Carolla, Reggie Watts, and Steve Garvey. “She’s the perfect choice to be our first new host because, like me, she pissed off Disney. There’s a certain poetic symmetry to that,” Maher said of Steele’s show in an interview with THR. According to NBC News, Club Random will acquire Garnett’s podcast “KG Certified” and develop new shows in-house. Billy Corgan will host his own podcast on Club Random, while Fred Durst’s show will focus on UFOs and conspiracy theories. Starz has renewed “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” for Season 5. The series is currently filming its fourth season in New York. The series explores the early life of the fan-favorite character “Kanan Stark,” initially played by 50 Cent in the flagship series, and shows his evolution from naive teenager to cutthroat villain. The third season aired its finale in February. All episodes from seasons one through three are available to stream on the STARZ app and all STARZ streaming and on-demand platforms. “We know that our fans can’t get enough of ‘Raising Kanan.’ As the inevitable evolution of this young man into a killer plays out, we knew we had much more backstory to share in this ever-escalating family saga,” said Kathryn Busby, president of original programming for Starz. “As we continue to expand the storytelling within the ‘Power’ universe, we’re looking forward to how this story may intersect with other Power characters during this prequel era,” Busby continued. Kevin Flournoy‘s upcoming independent debut album, titled “Vers•a•tility,” encapsulates the multi-talented keyboardist/producer’s ever-evolving artistry and his remarkable ability to create inspirational magic across a spectrum of genres. With a career spanning three decades as a visionary force in pop, R&B, and contemporary jazz, Flournoy’s transition to a recording artist in his own right is fueled by a vibrant spirit of collaboration. On the album’s latest lead single, “To The Water,” Kevin collaborates with Amanda Cole, a versatile veteran vocalist, on a poignant ballad narrating the journey of a dying person preparing to cross over. Scheduled for release on April 5th, the track resonates with emotional depth reminiscent of classic 80s-90s R&B/pop ballads, evoking the powerhouse vibes of Whitney Houston. https://youtu.be/jVU50hqcEPA Amanda Cole, renowned for her versatility, has traversed various musical genres throughout her illustrious career, from country and R&B to rock and classical. With extensive experience sharing stages with icons like Destiny’s Child and Mary J. Blige, Amanda brings a wealth of musical diversity to the collaboration. The genesis of “To The Water” occurred during Flournoy’s collaborative sessions with Amanda for her solo project. Written by Matt Simons, the song felt timely, capturing the essence of reflection in the post-COVID era. Rather than reserving it for Amanda’s project, Kevin envisioned it as a perfect fit for the stylistic blend of Vers•a•tility. Drawing upon his expertise in pop/R&B and his proficiency in arranging strings, Flournoy enhanced the track with orchestral elements, recorded in studios across different locations. Amanda’s vocal sessions, including a notable redo capturing a grand vocal performance, further enriched the collaborative effort. “Vers•a•tility” also includes three previous singles by Kevin, showcasing his range as an artist. From the smooth urban jazz instrumental “Smooth It Over” to re-imaginings of classics like “Tell Me If You Still Care,” Flournoy’s musical journey is marked by innovation and homage to his influences. https://youtu.be/EU_nWSoesHM A 94-year-old nonverbal man was left unsupervised in a whirlpool for nearly an hour, despite requiring round-the-clock care. Tragically, he suffered severe burns to the point where his skin melted off, ultimately leading to his death. According to the Daily Mail, the incident occurred at the state-run Hopemont Hospital in Terra Alta, West Virginia, located in Preston County. The man tragically boiled to death in a whirlpool bath due to staff negligence, as the hospital failed to address a $250 repair to a broken thermostat. Left unattended, he endured scalding 134-degree water for 47 minutes, resulting in his untimely demise. Four nurses were dismissed from their positions after the January incident. “Even if he screamed out in pain, he couldn’t be heard. His skin melted off,” said Mike Folio, legal director of Disability Rights West Virginia. On “Tamron Hall,” beloved actor Giancarlo Esposito stopped by to discuss his starring role in the AMC crime-thriller series “Parish,” his acclaimed career, family life, and more. During the conversation, Esposito reflected on his iconic role in AMC’s “Breaking Bad” and explained why he’s called “the master of intensity” on screen. Also on today’s show, Grammy-nominated gospel singer Koryn Hawthorne performed her hit single “Look at God” from her new album “On God” and discussed comparisons to Beyoncé and Christina Aguilera and reaching #1 on Christian and Gospel charts on Apple Music and iTunes. https://youtu.be/znnRDBnkbQA Giancarlo Esposito on his iconic role in “Breaking Bad” and being “the master of intensity”: “It was special because the writing was really stellar. It was excellent writing but for me, I wanted to stop playing stereotypes a long time ago and so my questions for Vince Gilligan [creator of “Breaking Bad”] were, ‘What do you see this guy as?’ I didn’t want to play a guy who’s a stereotypical criminal mastermind. I wanted to play someone who’s a human being. I believe human beings are light and dark and sometimes we exist in the gray area. It depends on what your intention is and my intention for playing Gustavo Fring was to be a human being who fell from grace because he didn’t get what he wanted and then started a force and imposed himself on all the rest of us and I recognize that for me, I have some control issues. I want to control how it goes and sometimes we can’t control how it goes. My daughters have taught me, my family has taught me, people I work with have taught me that the more I’m collaborative, the better it is. But then you have to trust! If you don’t trust that someone can do a collaboration with you and if you don’t listen to criticism or suggestions, then you’re your own island and you think you know better.” On being called the “master of intensity,” he said, “I think it really relates to how I focus my energy. We are what we think. We are what we do. Love is action so if I’m really focusing my energy in the right place and being completely present, that sometimes appears to people as being intense but to me, it appears to me as being connected.” https://youtu.be/hTYbRXz7OrU Koryn Hawthorne on Pharrell comparing her to Beyoncé and Christina Aguilera: “It’s nerve-wracking! It’s crazy, that’s insane not going to lie. You’re making it super surreal, I don’t know why! You are making me feel the pressure! I think it’s just crazy. I think what you said, I think about just being so young, I’m 26 right now, but I’ve been singing since I was seven. I did ‘The Voice’ when I was 16 so I think for me, it’s just accomplishing so much at a young age, it just sets the bar that much higher for yourself and I just try to not psych myself out and always be like ‘You know what? This is my purpose, this is my journey.’ I’m flowing but the pressure is there because you always just want to grow and be great.” https://youtu.be/zdVhII6WajU Mo’Nique turned to social media to express gratitude to fans who advised her to get her thyroid examined due to her noticeable neck swelling.As LipStick Alley reports, Mo confessed in a video statement that she initially dismissed the concerns, attributing her bulging neck to simply having a “fat neck.” However, she eventually heeded the advice and visited a doctor and learned that there was indeed an issue with her thyroid. The Oscar-winning actress and comedian said, “For the people who kept bringing it to my attention, I want to say thank you.” The thyroid condition seems to have affected her voice, as numerous fans observed that she sounded different in the video. Some even speculated that AI might have generated her voice. In the Instagram clip below, Mo urges other women not to postpone seeking medical attention when they feel unwell. https://www.instagram.com/p/C5ByGGJuMES/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Every week,Cynthia George connects with her granddaughter and great-grandson on video calls. The 71-year-old retiree reads the news on her MSN homepage and googles how to fight the bugs coming from her drain in Florida’s summer heat. She hunts for grocery deals on her Publix app so that her food stamps stretch just a little further. But the great-grandmother worries her critical lifeline to the outside world could soon be severed. She fears she might soon have to make a difficult choice: Buy enough food to feed herself — or pay her home internet bill. George is one of millions of Americans facing a little-known but fast-approaching financial cliff, a catastrophe that policy experts say is preventable but only if Congress acts, and quickly. By as soon as May, more than 23 million US households risk being kicked off their internet plans or facing skyrocketing bills that force them to pay hundreds more per year to get online, according to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). https://youtu.be/ZXbYZEQYR4c When renowned veteran R&B/jazz singer/songwriter Gene-o launched his genre-defying Classic Twist concept in 2023, the vision was twofold – to draw on his lifelong passions for pop and rock and later country to both write empowering anthem-like songs centered on and driven by our collective potential for change and put his trademark, emotionally soul-searing “Gene-o” vocal spin on classic pop and rock songs from the 70’s and 80’s. His latest track – and the second lead single from Classic Twist’s highly anticipated upcoming debut album – is a stunning re-imagining of Simply Red’s “Holding Back the Years,” featuring explosive harmonies and a powerhouse solo by Marietta, GA-based saxophonist J. Henry, a former winner of Showtime at The Apollo, who in recent years toured with the comedic legend Sinbad. “Holding Back the Years” continues the momentum Gene-o has following the first two Classic Twist singles – the inspiring call to action song “Time for Change” and a special updated rendition of his earlier warmhearted solo holiday single “Just Like Christmas Before.” https://youtu.be/8A6wH5uzKto Country artist Hater, err, Hardy, known for his outspoken nature, isn’t holding back. He’s pointing fingers at Beyoncé and her latest venture, the country-inspired “Cowboy Carter” album, suggesting it lacks authenticity. Following his performance at the Houston Rodeo, Hardy took to Instagram with a pointed observation: “Didn’t spot Beyoncé at the rodeo.” This remark ignited a mixed bag of reactions online, with some nodding in agreement while others rallied to Beyoncé’s defense, reports WideOpenCountry. Among the responses, one commenter quipped, “‘Paint him red and black & call him jumper cables cause he’s startin’ s—t,” while another expressed bewilderment at the practice of tearing down fellow artists instead of focusing on one’s craft. A dissenting voice chimed in, suggesting that Beyoncé’s Texan roots don’t automatically grant her a claim to country music dominance. Hardy’s critique follows Beyoncé’s subtle jab at the CMAs, hinting at past discrimination as fuel for her “Cowboy Carter” album’s creation. https://youtu.be/_KNZX0fC88w Amidst the whirlwind of events, entertainment mogul Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson finds himself at the epicenter of drama and controversy which is nothing new. Today’s narrative unfolds with intensity as he plunges into a legal battle with the mother of his son, Daphne Joy. The accusations flew as she took to the ‘Gram to publicly allege rape, a claim vehemently denied by 50 Cent, who asserts it as a retaliatory strike in response to his pursuit of full custody. The tangled web extends further, entwining with a lawsuit involving Diddy. In a twist of fate, allegations emerge, painting Daphne as more than just a bystander in Diddy’s world, sparking 50 Cent’s attention. His reaction on social media ignited a fiery exchange, with accusations of past abuse and exploitation hurled back and forth. https://youtu.be/TPINjtu2Aww In the eye of this storm stands Sire, 50 Cent’s twelve-year-old son, whose well-being becomes the focal point of his father’s determination. With resolve, 50 Cent declares his unwavering commitment to safeguarding his son amidst the chaos of legal maneuverings and personal vendettas. Yet, amidst the turmoil, 50 Cent’s vendetta against Diddy persists, intensifying with each passing moment. Past romantic entanglements between Diddy and Daphne only serve to stoke the flames of 50 Cent’s ire, leading to further public scrutiny and accusations. In response, Daphne vehemently denies the accusations leveled against her, vowing to pursue legal action against those tarnishing her reputation. The stage is set for a legal showdown as attorneys prepare to battle it out in a custody dispute tinged with allegations of misconduct and character assassination. https://www.instagram.com/theshaderoom/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=f1acf8b0-315c-4802-9ac3-81c94001c5a7 Beverly Buck Brennan, daughter of the renowned St. Louis Cardinals broadcaster Jack Buck, filed a lawsuit against Harris-Stowe for racial and gender discrimination, and she emerged victorious. In a decision favoring Brennan, a former professor at Harris-Stowe State University, a St. Louis jury concluded that she had suffered from a hostile work environment and awarded her $750,000 in compensatory damages, Riverfront Times reports. Brennan, a white woman, taught speech and theater classes at the historically Black university from 1993 until 2017. But her dream job seemingly became a nightmare in 2010, when Lateef Adelani became the dean of the College of Arts and Science and Dwayne Smith the provost for academic affairs. In the legal complaint, Brennan alleged that her department’s budget was redirected to other units, and her classes were scheduled less frequently and at less favorable times. Additionally, she was prohibited from teaching theater classes at the school’s theater. https://t.co/qUnAxIt9lr Here is an exclusive clip from actor/director Steve Buscemi’s new thrilling drama, “The Listener,” starring Tessa Thompson. Thompson stars as Beth, “a helpline volunteer who is part of the small army that gets on the phone every night across America, fielding calls from all kinds of people feeling lonely, broken, and hopeless. Over the last year, the tide has become a tsunami. As Beth goes through her shift, the stakes rise: is this the night she will lose someone? Save someone? Eventually, Beth’s own story comes to light, revealing why she does it. All along we remain with her: listening, comforting, connecting – patching the world back together, one stitch at a time,” per the official synopsis. https://twitter.com/i/status/1575955748147716098 Speaking about the movie to Deadline, Buscemi said, “Alessandro Camon’s screenplay for The Listener resonated with me on many levels. I loved the journey our lead character Beth bravely takes each night, assessing and navigating each call, figuring out in real time how she can best be of help to the unknown voices in her ear who are in need of guidance, reassurance, sympathy, or simply to be heard.” He also noted that “Tessa Thompson’s nuanced and powerful performance as Beth is the heart of the film, and I’m grateful to her and our stellar cast of callers who provide the richness and subtleties of everyday people’s desire for connection. For me, the exquisite exchange between caller and listener is nothing short of heroic.” https://youtu.be/d7YxhsYUizY ”Diarra From Detroit,” the newest original series on BET+, premiered on March 21st and promises viewers an immersive experience with its gripping storyline and captivating performances. Starring series creator Diarra Kilpatrick, the show “follows a divorcing schoolteacher who refuses to believe she’s been ghosted by her rebound Tinder date. Her search for the missing man pulls her into a decades-old mystery involving the Detroit underworld. As the case unfolds, her co-workers, friends, and lovers become unlikely allies as she falls down a dangerous rabbit hole,” per the official series synopsis. Kilpatrick leads a cast that includes Morris Chestnut, Phylicia Rashad, DomiNque Perry, Claudia Logan, Bryan Terrell Clark, Shannon Wallace, and Jon Chaffin. Kenya Barris, known for his work on “Black-ish,” takes on the role of executive producer for the project created by Kilpatrick. https://youtu.be/kaJxCnQjabw Spooky season is starting early this year with the release of “The First Omen.” “The First Omen” is a prequel to the horror genre cult classic “The Omen.” The original film was released in 1976 and saw much success. The film received two Oscars nominations along with other nominations and awards. Due to that success, the film spawned a franchise with two sequels and a remake in 2006. With the film’s popularity and a fan base that has spread over generations. This franchise should get an origin story. Almost 50 years since the first film’s release fans are now getting the back story of the birth of Damien, the demon child who wreaked havoc for decades. As a fan of horror films writer Ben Jacoby wondered what the story of Damien’s birth would look like. What took place before the Thorn family adopted him? He decided to create that story in hopes others shared the same curiosity. “I am a massive massive fan of the original “Omen” and of all those sorts of 70s horror psychological thriller movies. I had my idea for basically answering some of the questions that went unanswered in the movie,” said Ben Jacoby. https://vimeo.com/928650990 Set against historical intrigue and feminist rebellion, “Renegade Nell” promises to captivate audiences with its unique blend of wit, adventure, and empowerment. In this action-adventure fantasy series from creator Sally Wainwright, Louisa Harland (“Derry Girls”) stars in the leading role of Nell Jackson, “a quick-witted and courageous young woman, finds herself framed for murder and unexpectedly becomes the most notorious outlaw in 18th-century England. But when a magical spirit called Billy Blind (Mohammed) appears, Nell realizes her destiny is bigger than she ever imagined, per the official synopsis. https://youtu.be/u9OmmeE_gZc NYC Mayor Eric Adams criticized a defense lawyer labeled as “woke” by the NY Post for downplaying the tragic death of Police Officer Jonathan Diller as an isolated incident while emphasizing instances of police-involved fatalities. This exchange occurred during an interview with anti-police activist Olayemi Olurin on iHeartMedia’s “The Breakfast Club.” Olurin attempted to accuse Adams of indifference towards alleged police brutality, prompting Adams to assert the significance of honoring the life of an innocent officer. The conversation escalated when Olurin mentioned recent deaths involving NYPD officers, including a 19-year-old in a mental health crisis. Adams expressed dismay at Olurin’s minimizing of Diller’s death and reiterated the importance of recognizing the loss suffered by law enforcement. https://youtu.be/bPziwCrFRMk GRAMMY®-nominated gospel singer Koryn Hawthorne visits Tamron Hall - she opens up about her mission to move people with her music, her recent engagement, and performs “Look at God” from her new album, On God. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmC3Q13826g Koryn Hawthorne and "Look at God” from her new album, On God. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odfECDINfHY Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith are closing down their charitable foundation, and the move appears to stem from Will’s infamous Oscar slap. According to TMZ, citing Variety, the superstar couple is shuttering the Will And Jada Smith Family Foundation following a notable decline in donations. The foundation’s tax records reveal that major contributors, such as CAA and American Airlines, withdrew their support following Will’s violent encounter with Chris Rock at the 2022 Academy Awards. Per TMZ, “the foundation went from bringing in over $2 million in 2021 to less than $400K in 2022,” the outlet writes, adding, “Variety says the Smiths were planning on ending the foundation before the Oscars drama because they wanted to focus on making private charitable donations.” Meanwhile, Will’s career has managed to withstand the fallout from the backlash. As TMZ reports, the actor currently has at least 4 active projects in pre-production, including the “I Am Legend” sequel. Most recently, the trailer for the fourth ‘Bad Boys’ film co-starring Martin Lawrence dropped. https://youtu.be/hRFY_Fesa9Q Rapper Yung Miami faces allegations of transporting “pink cocaine” (AKA “tuci”) for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, according to a revised lawsuit brought forth by producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones Jr. The “pink cocaine” is a blend of cocaine with ecstasy, as stated in Lil Rod’s amended lawsuit, filed on Monday, March 25, per Ice Cream Convos. He claims the drug was provided by Diddy’s alleged mule, Brendan Paul. In the recently submitted paperwork, Jones offers additional insight into what he purportedly observed during his tenure with Diddy while collaborating on “The Love Album.” Jones alleges he witnessed Diddy doing cocaine, claiming the hip-hop mogul has a fondness for “tuci.” According to the lawsuit, in instances where Brendan Paul neglected to procure “tuci,” Diddy’s personal assistant Kristina Khorram contacted Yung Miami (AKA Caresha Brownlee), who transported it personally on a private jet from Miami and delivered it to Diddy. The lawsuit names Yung Miami among those identified as Diddy’s sex workers, alongside Daphne Joy, the mother of 50 Cent’s youngest son, Sire Jackson, per Ice Cream Convo. Former Death Row singer Danny Boy spoke to Vlad TV a few years back and revealed that he had sex with Mary J. Blige when he was a teenager and she was in her twenties. During the interview, Danny Boy recalled his introduction to Blige and Puff Daddy’s baby mama, Misa Hylton, during the 1995 Source Awards in New York. In the video above, the former artist recounted hanging out in Suge Knight’s hotel room after the award show. Danny Boy said Hylton, Mary J. Blige, and DeVante Swing’s baby mama were in the suite. When he left the festivities, Suge called him back to his room and said, “Ol girl wanna see you.” Once Danny Boy returned, only Blige and Hylton were in the room. “I get up there to the room. Suge’s in his room and Misa’s sitting in the bed with a sheet wrapped around her…and Mary’s sitting on the couch,” Danny Boy stated. “So I know the girl he in the bed with don’t want me, so he closed the door and I sit down and I start talking to Mary.” https://youtu.be/ArFmnHX4T5I Samyia Spain tragically lost her life after being stabbed outside a deli in Brooklyn, NY, when a “drunk” male attacked her for refusing to follow him on Instagram. The event unfolded in the presence of her twin sister, Sanyia, on March 17. Sanyia, in an attempt to shield her sister, was also stabbed in the arm. Now, she bravely speaks out about the circumstances leading to the tragic incident. According to Sanyia, she, her sister, and their brother were on their way to a nearby bodega at approximately 2:20 AM when they spotted a young man from a party earlier in the day trailing Samyia, the Daily News reports. “I grabbed her phone and I was like, ‘Come with me, come with me,’” Sanyia explained to the news outlet. “I was like, ‘Why are you talking to that boy?’ She said, ‘I don’t want to talk to that boy.’” https://youtu.be/R6RYylcmoxU Sanyia devised a plan to deter the assailant. She recounted that her sister chose to provide the individual with her Instagram handle yet declined to follow him back. “She said she wasn’t going to follow him back,” Sanyia continued. “That’s it. She said no.” That’s when the unidentified assailant became furious and argumentative inside the deli. “He pushed little Samyia, and then I pushed him,” she explained. “And then everybody else started pushing him out the door.” According to Sanyia, a store employee ejected the intoxicated male and his companions from the premises before locking the door. However, upon exiting after purchasing their snacks, he was waiting for the girls, and they couldn’t seek refuge inside the store. https://www.instagram.com/dailymail/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c95691e0-9a04-4eae-a323-62aa081af203 Porsha Williams, star of “Real Housewives of Atlanta,” has accused her estranged husband, Simon Guobadia, of having late-night rendezvous with multiple women inside their marital home. The allegations surfaced in court documents filed by Porsha following Guobadia’s claim that the reality star brought two armed men to their home, leading him to contact the police. In a rebuttal obtained by RadarOnline.com, Porsha accused Guobadia of attempting to tarnish her reputation by involving the police amid their divorce proceedings. The reality star claims she fears his unpredictable conduct and the possibility of encountering one of the women he brings to their residence. “Wife has returned to the residence on various occasions to retrieve various personal items belonging to Wife and her minor child, as well as to secure various items, after learning that Husband had at least three women in the marital residence on different evenings, Porsha’s renowned attorney Randall M. Kessler stated in court documents, per Radar. “Husband has called law enforcement for no legitimate reason, other than to push a false narrative that he hopes will garner him public attention at the cost of Wife’s reputation,” Kessler noted. “When Wife first returned home on March 7, 2024, she brought her personal security for her own safety in light of Husband’s erratic behavior, including hosting multiple strangers who were unknown to Wife.” Memphis Mayor Paul Young, in partnership with the African American Mayors Association (AAMA), announced the launch of the Black Mayors’ Coalition on Crime (BMCC), an initiative to harness the collective power of black mayors across the nation to fight crime. The inaugural meeting will take place in Memphis on March 27-28 and will host 21 mayors and their proxies from Washington D.C.,IN, TN, MO, MS, LA, AR, GA, AZ, CA, and NC. Young has received support from big-city mayors, including Mayor Eric Adams from New York City and Mayor Karen Bass from Los Angeles. “For the first time in history, we have an unprecedented number of black mayors in some of our biggest cities: Mayor Adams in New York City, Mayor Bass in Los Angeles, and Mayor Johnson in Chicago, to name a few,” said Young, “not to mention hundreds of others, like myself who represent millions of Americans in small-to-medium and large-sized cities across the country. Many of these leaders come from the communities most affected by crime, so they have a unique perspective on solving it.” “Across our great and diverse country, there’s one thing that every city has in common: public safety is the prerequisite to prosperity,” said New York City Mayor Adams. “As a former police officer, I know firsthand that public safety is not just about keeping people safe — it is also about making sure people feel safe. I applaud Mayor Young for convening the Black Mayors Coalition on Crime to have an honest conversation around protecting our cities and delivering peace of mind at a time when our communities need it most.” Dr. Russell Wigginton, President of the National Civil Rights Museum (NCRM), will facilitate the two-day event. It will include a keynote by the Council on Criminal Justice (CCJ) on crime trends and perspectives in the U.S. Cities will also present case studies on successful crime-fighting initiatives, including “Operation SCARLET” (Stolen Car & Recovery Law Enforcement Team) from Charlotte, NC, and “Operation Good” from Jackson, MS. As the largest majority-minority city in the United States, Mayor Young presides over a city, like most cities in America, wrestling with the issue of crime. Young has been outspoken about his approach to crime since entering office on January 1, 2024. He will spearhead the high-profile national initiative because he believes these issues can be solved if mayors can collaborate and provide a powerful, unified voice representing millions of constituents. According to a recent Gallup poll of Americans, worry about crime in the U.S. is at its highest level since 2016, and according to government national crime data, the U.S. homicide rate is at its highest point in 25 years. As Knix’s new Global Brand Ambassador, Gabrielle Union advocates for women’s health through her new campaign with the brand. In the campaign, Gabrielle rocks Knix’s latest innovation: Leakproof UltraThin No-Show underwear. “Leakproof UltraThin No-Show underwear is made with Knix’s patented 360 LeakSealTM technology, providing leakproof protection without the bulk. Designed for comfort and confidence, it feels just like regular underwear, moving with you throughout the day,” per the press release. Knix is introducing a new tagline: “Knix for Life.” This reflects the brand’s commitment to creating comfortable and innovative products that support women through every stage of life.“The great thing about Knix and the great thing about where I’m at in life is that I want open communication, love, acceptance, resources and answers at every stage of my life, not just when I’m young and shiny,” Union told PEOPLE about the partnership. “We need brands that are going to grow with us as we change and our bodies change and as life changes. And Knix is one of those companies, they are uniquely qualified to stay with us for the long haul.” https://youtu.be/3DddJISW8vc A Nigerian woman (Chioma Okoli) who wrote an online review of a can of tomato puree is facing imprisonment after its manufacturer accused her of making a “malicious allegation” that damaged its business. Okoli, a 39-year-old entrepreneur from Lagos, is being prosecuted and sued in civil court for allegedly breaching the country’s cybercrime laws, in a case that has gripped the West African nation and sparked protests by locals who believe she is being persecuted for exercising her right to free speech. Okoli, a small-scale importer of children’s wear, told CNN that on September 17 she asked her 18,000 followers on Facebook to share their opinions about a tomato puree she bought in place of her usual brands, saying she found it too sweet. Her post, accompanied by a photo of an opened can of Nagiko Tomato Mix, produced by local company Erisco Foods Limited, sparked varied reactions from commenters, one of whom replied: “Stop spoiling my brother’s product. If (you) don’t like it, use another one than bring it to social media or call the customer service.” https://youtu.be/NPBCfMO9xrY If found guilty, she could face up to three years in jail or a fine of 7 million naira (around $5,000), or both. Okoli was separately charged with conspiring with two other individuals “with the intention of instigating people against Erisco Foods Limited,” which the charge sheet noted was punishable under Section 27(1)(B) of the same act. She risks a seven-year sentence if convicted of this charge. https://youtu.be/fV9eoBO6K0M If you missed it, on “Tamron Hall,” iconic 90s pop star Mel B discussed the updated version of her memoir, “Brutally Honest,” and opened up about her abusive relationship with her ex-husband and her journey to recovery, which included moving in with her mother during the pandemic. The Spice Girl opened up about her relationship with her fiancé Rory McPhee and teased a potential reunion for the girl group. Mel B also reflected on Kate Middleton’s recent cancer diagnosis. https://youtu.be/4W8fFeX_Tfc Mel B reflects on recent headlines surrounding Kate Middleton’s health: “I am so sorry for her. She was literally, you know, going through what she’s going through behind closed doors. Sounds like she was forced to make a statement when she’s going through a horrible diagnosis. I felt so bad. So bad.” https://youtu.be/9B5v6OYP-I8 Mel B addresses rumors surrounding a potential Spice Girls reunion: “It’s my life and I love being a Spice Girl…I mean us five have been talking together and we are gonna announce something pretty soon.” Tamron asked Mel B why she’s confident a reunion will happen, to which Mel B responded, “Because, girl power. We need more of it in this world.” https://youtu.be/YqdzCiJjyhk Wednesday (03-27-24) marked a long-awaited moment of recognition for Motown luminary Martha Reeves, lead vocalist of the beloved ensemble Martha and the Vandellas, as she was bestowed with the 2,776th star on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame. Reeves, 82, is renowned for chart-toppers such as “Dancing in the Street,” “Nowhere to Run,” and “(Love is Like a) Heatwave,” stood among the titans of Motown history as she received her well-deserved honor. Motown’s visionary, Berry Gordy, graced the ceremony alongside luminaries like Stevie Wonder and Smokey Robinson, joined by William “Mickey” Stevenson, the man who first recognized Reeves’ talent by hiring her as a secretary in the label’s early days. Reflecting on the profound impact of music in dismantling segregation, Reeves shared a poignant memory from a Southern performance, where their shared rhythms brought together audiences irrespective of race, transcending the barriers that once divided them. “We go on stage and unsegregated the audiences, when everybody got up and did The Monkey,” she recounted of one performance in the South during that era. “They took down the barrier that separated the Whites from the Blacks.” https://youtu.be/E4pSZkRxzGk In an exclusive interview, we had the privilege of delving into the world of “Renegade Nell” with the series’ stars, Louisa Harland and Nick Mohammed. Set against historical intrigue and feminist rebellion, “Renegade Nell” promises to captivate audiences with its unique blend of wit, adventure, and empowerment. In this action-adventure fantasy series from creator Sally Wainwright, Nell Jackson (Harland), a quick-witted and courageous young woman, finds herself framed for murder and unexpectedly becomes the most notorious outlaw in 18th-century England. But when a magical spirit called Billy Blind (Mohammed) appears, Nell realizes her destiny is bigger than she ever imagined, per the official synopsis. Harland leads an ensemble cast that includes Frank Dillane as “Charles Devereux,” Alice Kremelberg as “Sofia Wilmot,” Ényì Okoronkwo as “Rasselas,” Jake Dunn as “Thomas Blancheford,” Bo Bragason as “Roxy Trotter,” Florence Keen as “George Trotter,” with Joely Richardson as “Lady Eularia Moggerhangar” and Adrian Lester as “Robert Hennessey, Earl of Poynton.” Pip Torrens as “Lord Blancheford” and Craig Parkinson as “Sam Trotter” also star. https://youtu.be/u9OmmeE_gZc Michael Jackson’s son and mother may have stood united over legal affairs involving the late King of Pop’s estate, but no more. TMZ reports Blanket Jackson is not good with his grandmother, Katherine Jackson using money from the estate to pay attorney’s fees for an appeal of a previous ruling. The ruling in question involves a case regarding a business transaction between the estate and Sony. TMZ cited recent reports when mentioned the unspecified transaction may relate to a deal the estate made with Sony to sell about half of Michael Jackson’s famed music catalog for $600 million. At the time, Blanket and Katherine worked together to stop the executors of Michael’s estate, John Branca and John McClain, from moving forward on the deal. Despite presenting arguments opposing the venture, the court ruled against them in April 2023. In December, Katherine filed motions asking that the estate pay for the legal bills she incurred in making her objections, including the ongoing appeal. Earlier this month, Branca and McClain voiced strong opposition to Katherine’s request to pay for what they called her “failed objection” and “meritless appeal,” Billboard noted. Blanket accepted the court’s ruling, but Katherine felt the opposite way as she decided to appeal the ruling. As it stands now, the appeal is still pending. Singer/DJ Al B. Sure! has arrived in the digital arena with a heartfelt message tailored for his son, Quincy (Brown) to “Come Home.”Sure! took to social media in the wake of reports and footage of Homeland Security conducting raids on Sean “Diddy” Comb‘s residences in Los Angeles and Miami. In the early hours of Thursday (March 28), Sure! shared what appeared to be a nostalgic photograph of himself standing behind Quincy. However, it was the accompanying caption that stirred a flurry of reactions. Using the hashtag “#LettertoMySon,” Al B. Sure! wrote, “Come Home. The doorway to safety is wide open. You’re embraced here, my son! With love, Popz, Your biological.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C5DoWULO53F/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=d0fccadb-b3c8-4b5b-8072-e89a6a058bd8 The conversation centered around his new book, “The End of Race Politics: Arguments for a Colorblind America,” and his advocacy for “colorblindness” in the United States, Fox News reports. “The reason I wrote this book is because, in the past 10 years, it has become to, in the name of anti-racism, teach a kind of philosophy to our children, in general, that says your race is everything,” he said during the segment. “And I think that is the wrong way to fight racism and that’s why I wrote this book at this time.” Hughes believes everyone should make a concerted effort to “treat people without considering their race.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1773306222352990584 Hughes informed the hosts that he has never voted Republican and identifies as an Independent. “I would vote for a Republican — probably a non-Trump Republican if they were compelling,” Hughes, a CNN analyst, told “The View” panel. “I don’t think there’s any evidence I’ve been co-opted by anyone and I think that’s an ad-hominem tactic people use to not address, really, the important conversations we’re having here.” Hughes told Hostin, “No one is paying me to say what I’m saying.” Hostin challenged his assertion that class socio-economics was a superior indicator in identifying who is disadvantaged. “When you say that socio-economics picks out people in a better way than race, when you do look at the socio-economics, you see the huge disparity between White households and Black households. You see the huge disparity between White households and Hispanic households,” Hostin said. “I’ve read your book twice, because I wanted to give it a chance. Your argument that race has no place in that equation is really fundamentally flawed.” https://youtu.be/0xwEq38aL9M ”Bob Marley: One Love” and the Netflix film “Shirley” debuted in the Top 10 viewing charts at home this week. IndieWire reports that “One Love” is #1 at Fandango and #3 on iTunes. The movie celebrates the life and music of reggae icon Bob Marley, who inspired generations through his message of love, peace, and unity. https://youtu.be/ajw425Kuvtw Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green and starring Kingsley Ben-Adir, InideWire reports that the biopic’s three-day total opening weekend last month was about $27.7 million against a $70 million production cost. The outlet writes, “Reviews were not good (43 Metacritic), but it has an A Cinemascore and two weeks with little competition. It could become the first domestic $100-million grossing film of 2024.” https://youtu.be/hjBeKNHIdMY For sale: A brand new luxury electric SUV for the holy-grail price of $25,000. There just might be a slight catch. The California-based electric SUV company Fisker faces a real possibility of bankruptcy, and its stock is hovering just over 2 cents a share, far below its 2021 peak of $28.50. https://youtu.be/pkGCqACUmuw And even though production has halted, the company still has SUVs to offer, so it’s having a sale. Prices for Fisker’s Ocean SUV have been cut by as much 39%. The catch, however, is that the car has received critical reviews rather than wide acclaim. And getting it serviced may not be easy. The base sticker price for the top-of-the-line Fisker Ocean Extreme has been cut from about $62,500 to $37,5000. Prices for the Sport trim level have been cut from $39,000 to $25,000. In announcing the price cuts, Fisker billed the move as a strategic shift rather than a fire sale. “Fisker is strategically positioning the all-electric Ocean SUV to be a more affordable and compelling EV choice, competitively available to EV buyers in the broadest possible market,” the company said in announcing the price cuts. https://youtu.be/qBzJwdFTLAQ BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) celebrated the best in Gospel music today at the 2024 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards held at Flourish in Atlanta, GA. Gospel legend and world-renowned evangelist Dorinda Clark-Cole, of the acclaimed Clarke sisters, was honored as a Trailblazer of Gospel Music in recognition of her illustrious career spanning over 50 years and incomparable influence on the genre and beyond, and Jonathan McReynolds received the BMI Champion Award, the first time this accolade was presented at this ceremony, for his exceptional artistry and impact on Gospel music. BMI’s Gospel Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Publisher of the Year and the Top 25 Gospel Songs of the previous year were also announced at the private ceremony hosted by BMI’s President & CEO, Mike O’Neill and Vice President, Creative, Atlanta, Catherine Brewton. The inspirational luncheon began with a celebration of music and joyful worship, with Tim Bowman, Jr., performing his BMI award-winning song “Jesus,” with Kim Burrell and Faith City Music, co-written with Le’Andria Johnson and VaShawn Mitchell. Zacardi Cortez brought the house down with his BMI award-winning song “You’ve Been Good to Me,” before moving to the event’s main honorees and award-winners. Get ready for all new episodes of TV One’s original and longest-running series "UNSUNG" and "UNCENSORED" this Sunday, March 31 at 9 pm ET/8 pm CT. "UNSUNG" leads with Donald Lawrence at 9 p.m. ET / 8C followed by "UNCENSORED", which features R&B sensation Tamela Mann, at 10 p.m. ET / 9C. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=362dLkU01G4 "UNCENSORED" explores the lives of some of today’s most notable personalities as they provide first-hand accounts of their success and the obstacles they faced throughout their careers. This week's episode highlights talented Gospel singer and actress Tamela Mann. Known for her soul-stirring performances and uplifting spirit, Tamela Mann gets uncensored as she shares her journey from humble beginnings to Grammy-winning success. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BI9FyOz1MmM JUST EATS WITH CHEF JJ returns to CLEO TV tonight, March 27 at 9 P.M. ET/8C. Chef JJ is giving his recipes a little kick with some spices that are good for any dish. On the menu is a rigatoni with spicy sausage and spicy apricot ginger wings that are perfect for any occasion. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGJ825I1lVQ The Smollett sibling duo returns to CLEO TV tonight at 9:30 p.m. ET/8C with hit series, LIVING BY DESIGN WITH JAKE AND JAZZ. This season, Jake and Jazz will continue to share beautiful home makeovers, prepare delicious family recipes, and create once-in-a-lifetime memories for a lucky group of homeowners. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8a4wIH7zDOI Last month saw former NFL and Texas Longhorns star quarterback Vince Young embroiled in a tumultuous scuffle at a local watering hole, a saga that concluded with a solid punch landing squarely on his mug, rendering him momentarily unconscious. The ruckus unfolded within the confines of Tokyo Joe’s Shot Bar in Houston, Texas, as the clock neared 9 PM on February 4th, with the entire drama captured on camera, courtesy of TMZ Sports. In the footage, Young, sporting a white hat, black shirt, and shorts, engages in a verbal altercation with another patron, escalating swiftly into physical confrontation. While the exact exchange remains shrouded in mystery, the former Heisman Trophy contender is depicted shoving multiple individuals before the situation escalates into outright violence. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-03-25-032524-vince-young-1799910-559/ Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has divested all his shares in Revolt TV and is now unaffiliated with the company as an owner or in any capacity. Per TMZ: “Sources familiar with the deal tell us Diddy recently sold off all of his shares to an interested buyer for an undisclosed sum — but we’re told the company remains Black-owned … upholding its original connection and dedication to furthering the culture,” the outlet writes. Since resigning as Chairman last November following Cassie’s sexual assault lawsuit against him, Diddy has had no involvement with the network. According to TMZ, “Revolt’s CEO Detavio Samuels and Chief Brand Officer Deon Graham will remain in their current positions and assist the owner while the ink dries on the contract,” the outlet writes. Revolt TV employees can expect no significant alterations in staffing or production. Reports of Diddy selling his company shares surface following FBI raids on his homes in Los Angeles and Miami on Monday. We reported earlier that his attorney, Aaron Dyer, issued a statement in response to the Department of Homeland Security raid on his properties. “There is no excuse for the excessive show of force and hostility exhibited by authorities or the way his children and employees were treated,” Dyer’s statement read. “Mr. Combs was never detained but spoke to and cooperated with authorities. Despite media speculation, neither Mr. Combs nor any of his family members have been arrested nor has their ability to travel been restricted in any way.” The investigation purportedly stemmed from civil suits filed by five accusers accusing Combs of sexual assault or abuse. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson stated that the search was part of an ongoing investigation carried out with support from multiple law enforcement agencies. Dyer characterized the search as an “unprecedented ambush.” An animated reboot of the 1970s sitcom “Good Times” is coming to Netflix from creator Carl Jones, Seth MacFarlane, and NBA star Stephen Curry. The original sitcom aired for six seasons on CBS from 1974 to 1979. It was television’s first African American two-parent family sitcom. Norman Lear produced the show, which centered on the Evans family, who lived in a poor, black neighborhood in inner-city Chicago. Jones modernized the setting, transitioning the Evans family from the 1970s to the 2020s, according to the news release. Curry and “Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane are executive producers on the adult-animated series. Per the news release, executive producers include Lear, Brent Miller (Act III Productions), Erick Peyton and Jeron Smith with Unanimous Media, and Erica Huggins (Fuzzy Door). Sony Pictures Television produces. https://youtu.be/BMA2Kc7TiO0 If you’re feeling uncomfortably high after smoking cannabis, there are several steps you can take to help mitigate the effects. Some people find relief by relaxing in a safe and comfortable environment and allowing the effects of cannabis to gradually wear off over time. Others engage in calming activities like listening to music or meditating. In more extreme cases, medical assistance may be required. In the clip above, per Business Insider, neurosurgeon Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains why marijuana users sometimes get “bad trips.” His documentary “WEED” explores the effects of cannabis on our bodies and the benefits of medical marijuana. Depending on your circumstances, you may seek to sober up and quickly reduce the effects of being high after smoking weed. https://youtu.be/omB80tcCNOg The bridge collapse that has indefinitely halted the flow of ships in and out of the Port of Baltimore could hurt the local economy, strain supply chains and scramble deliveries along the US East Coast. The Key Bridge collapsed after a container vessel called Dali collided with one of its supports. Dali is operated by Singapore-based Synergy Group but had been chartered to carry cargo by Danish shipping giant Maersk. The Port of Baltimore said in a post on X that vessel traffic was suspended until further notice, but trucks were still being processed at its terminals. Seven container vessels were scheduled to arrive in Baltimore through Saturday, according to Judah Levine, head of research at logistics firm Freightos. “We are omitting Baltimore on all our services for the foreseeable future until it is deemed safe for passage through this area,” Maersk said in a statement. It said it would discharge cargo destined for Baltimore in other ports nearby, but Maesrk warned customers that could mean delays. https://youtu.be/7JDeBPuFQS0 Closer to the Midwest than any other port on the East Coast, Baltimore is a major hub for vehicles, containers and commodities. Baltimore ranks first among US ports for autos and light trucks, handling a record 850,000 vehicles last year. “Last year, we received, processed and shipped approximately 100,000 vehicles through Baltimore for US dealers located in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic U.S,” VW said in a statement. “We do not anticipate any impact on vessel operations but there may be trucking delays as traffic will be rerouted in the area.” https://youtu.be/YVdVpd-pqcM While many of the 30,000 to 35,000 cars and trucks that used the Key Bridge daily can be rerouted through the two nearby tunnels, that will cause traffic delays. Hazardous materials that are not allowed in the tunnels will be diverted on a longer detour. Rerouting cargo to Philadelphia, Norfolk or the Port of New York/New Jersey could push up trucking and rail prices if the volumes are significant, and could cause some congestion at those alternative ports, said Levine. “If some congestion does develop, and vessels are kept waiting, it could cause delays for importers using these ports. Congestion could also put some upward pressure on Asia – US East Coast and transatlantic freight rates,” he added. Freight rates on transatlantic routes are roughly back at 2019 levels following a spike in shipping costs during the pandemic. But prices for trips heading from Asia to the US East Coast are more than double their March 2019 level because attacks on shipping in the Red Sea have forced vessels to divert around Africa rather than sailing through the Suez Canal. https://youtu.be/zdhCj41FWEg There’s a reason it’s called March Madness. Besides the mad enthusiasm (and heavy betting) of partisan fans, the madness of underdog teams posting upset after upset to advance as far as the Final Four or even the championship game makes for compelling theater. Who doesn’t love an underdog or, in March Madness parlance, a Cinderella? ATS.io compiled a ranking of the most surprising men’s March Madness champions since 1982 (when “March Madness” was coined) using Sports Reference data. Each team was ranked according to their lowest position in the final Associated Press poll conducted before that season’s March Madness. Ties were broken using Sports Reference’s Simple Rating System. “Blue blood” teams—the elite of the elite, including Connecticut, Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Villanova—routinely land near the top of the AP and SRS rankings. The AP poll, updated weekly, is an ordered list of 25 teams based on the opinions of sports media, while the SRS combines average point differential and strength of schedule. During March Madness, viewers relish watching blue bloods lose to unheralded teams, which are often programs with small student bodies and recruiting budgets. It happens surprisingly often, much to the delight of fans. The exception, of course, is when a blue blood alma mater loses to a Cinderella. That really makes a fan’s blue blood boil. The National Women’s History Month theme for 2024, is “Celebrating Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.” The theme recognizes women throughout the country who understand that, for a positive future, we need to eliminate bias and discrimination entirely from our lives and institutions. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced the resignation of the chair of the Illinois Prisoner Review Board following criticism for approving the release of a violent male who fatally stabbed his ex-girlfriend’s young son a day after being released. Donald Shelter, the board chair, and LeAnn Miller, a board member, resigned on Monday after Crosetti Brand, 37, fatally stabbed 11-year-old Jayden Perkins on March 13, CBS 2 reports. Perkins was stabbed in the chest while defending his mother, Laterria Smith, 33, after Brand ambushed the woman in the doorway of her residence, New York Post reports. According to reports, the mother and son were leaving the home when she opened the door and was startled to see Brand standing outside the house. The attack occurred less than 24 hours after he was granted parole from the Stateville Correctional Center. The mother endured a neck stabbing but survived the assault. Last month, Smith sought an order of protection against Brand. At the time of the filing, he was serving 16 years in prison for home invasion and aggravated assault, according to The Post. https://youtu.be/TKmDsY9Nt_A A legal scholar argues that the eligibility criteria for the George Floyd Scholarship discriminate based on race. According to The College Fix, a legal watchdog alleges that North Central University’s George Floyd Memorial Scholarship violates federal civil rights law by exclusively targeting black students. The private Christian university established the scholarship in June 2020. According to the information page, it is open to students who are “Black or African American, that is, a person having origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa.” The Equal Protection Project of the Legal Insurrection Foundation filed a complaint with the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights after claiming the Michigan-based university “engages in invidious discrimination on the basis of race, color and national origin,” through the scholarship. The College Fix reports that the complaint claims a breach of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which forbids educational institutions from engaging in racial discrimination. In hip-hop, few stories resonate as deeply as that of Maino, born Jermaine Coleman. From his beginnings in the streets to his rise in the rap game collaborating with heavyweights like T-Pain and Lil Wayne, Maino’s journey has been one of resilience, determination, and raw talent. Maino’s recent collaboration with Young Thug, a fellow artist grappling with legal challenges, highlights not only his artistic prowess but also his unwavering support for his peers. Beyond the glitz and glamour of the stage, Maino’s journey has been marked by profound adversity, including a significant stint behind bars during his formative years. Yet, he was determined to not let his circumstances define him and it is precisely these experiences that have shaped him into the formidable artist and individual he is today. https://youtu.be/k5v81OGQwAs Pastor T.D. Jakes is mentioned in a recent lawsuit involving disgraced music producer Sean “Diddy” Combs. We reported earlier that music producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones alleges in the lawsuit that Combs possesses explicit videos involving celebrities, rappers, and music industry executives. Jones is seeking $30 million in punitive damages, claiming the Bad Boy Records founder sexually harassed, drugged, and threatened him for more than a year. Jones served as Comb’s videographer from September 2022 to November 2023. Throughout this period, he allegedly documented extensive video and audio evidence of Combs, his associates, and additional individuals participating in significant unlawful activities. Jones’ lawsuit claims Diddy covertly recorded celebrities during his “freak off” parties. Jones lodged a federal lawsuit in the Southern District of New York, alleging that Combs and several of his associates were involved in a “sex-trafficking venture.”According to the Dallas Morning News, Jones claims he has “irrefutable evidence” of “Mr. Combs detailing how he planned to leverage his relationship with Bishop T.D. Jakes to soften the impact on his public image of Cassie Ventura’s lawsuit.” The pastor has not responded to the latest lawsuit but last December, a spokesperson for T.D. Jakes addressed reports that the famed bishop attended many of Diddy’s kinky gay sex parties. “Recent claims circulating on pockets of social media about Bishop T.D. Jakes are unequivocally false and baseless,” Jordan A. Hora, executive director of public relations and communications for the T.D. Jakes Group, T.D. Jakes Ministries and The Potter’s House, told The Christian Post. Comedian Michelle Buteau is set to become the first woman to tape a comedy special at Radio City Music Hall. “I have another special coming out. We’re going to be filling it at Radio City Music Hall [on] June 6,” she said at the 2024 NAACP Image Awards about her untitled project that will begin filming this summer, Vibe reports. “I will be the first woman and woman of color to be taping a special there, so that’s why I’m saying these things [representation] matters,” Buteau added. “You got to lay the groundwork for other people to come and think they can do it and know that they can do it.” In related news, Buteau recently teased what fans can expect from her character, Mavis Beaumont—in season two of Netflix’s “Survival Of The Thickest.” “It’s bigger, Blacker, bustier, bi**hier than before. All the B-words. It’s adulting next level,” she said at a pre-NAACP Image Awards event, per Vibe. “So, I feel like whatever you connected to, I just can’t wait for you to see what has happened.” Candace Owens’s former boss, Jeremy Boreing, the CEO of The Daily Wire, is speaking out about why the company parted ways with Owens after she used the phrase “Christ is King.”According to Boreing, who is Jewish, that phrase is anti-Semitic. The precise reasons behind Owens’ exit remain uncertain. However, her departure follows online harassment by two attention-seeking rabbis who falsely accused the media personality of harboring anti-Semitic sentiments. As Mediaite reports, The Daily Wire accused Owens of “quoting Scripture like Satan does in the Bible.” “The rumors are true— I am finally free,” Owens wrote Friday on X after Boreing confirmed her departure. “There will be many announcements in the weeks to come,” she added. TheGrio’s highly anticipated fourth season of MASTERS OF THE GAME, hosted by renowned cultural critic Touré, returns Friday, March 29th at 8PM ET on theGrio Television Network.The series “delves into the minds of some of the world’s most influential figures for an impactful hour as they share their journey and explain how they became masters of their crafts.” per the news release. We have an exclusive clip from the season 4 premiere episode featuring Oscar®-nominee Jeffrey Wright (AMERICAN FICTION). In it, the actor shares his perspective on the impact of awards and whether or not the honor can significantly boost an actor’s career or open doors to new opportunities. Somebody had to say something. On Tuesday, Sean “Diddy” Combs‘ attorney, Aaron Dyer, issued the first public statement regarding the mogul in response to Monday’s Department of Homeland Security raid on his properties in Los Angeles and Miami. In a statement, Dyer asserted Combs’ innocence and criticized the search conducted on his residences as an “excessive use of military-level force.” “There is no excuse for the excessive show of force and hostility exhibited by authorities or the way his children and employees were treated,” Dyer’s statement read. “Mr. Combs was never detained but spoke to and cooperated with authorities. Despite media speculation, neither Mr. Combs nor any of his family members have been arrested nor has their ability to travel been restricted in any way.” Dyer emphasized that Combs was not detained but cooperated with authorities, and neither he nor any family members were arrested or had their travel restricted. Despite speculation, no charges have been filed following the search, which reportedly was part of a sex trafficking investigation according to sources cited by the Associated Press and Los Angeles Times. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson stated on Monday that the search was part of an ongoing investigation, conducted with assistance from various law enforcement agencies. The search followed civil suits filed by five accusers alleging sexual assault or abuse by Combs, including claims from his ex-girlfriend, singer Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura, in November. While Ventura settled her suit quickly, the other four remain unresolved. Dyer characterized the search as an “unprecedented ambush” and criticized the media presence surrounding it, portraying it as a premature judgment of Combs. He labeled the situation as a witch hunt based on baseless civil accusations, stressing that no criminal or civil liability has been established. Dyer affirmed Combs’ innocence and pledged to continue fighting to clear his name. https://youtu.be/lO3ySsgRzT0 NBC News on Tuesday ousted former Republican National Committee chair, Ronna McDaniel, just days after her hiring as a paid political analyst sparked intense backlash from the network’s top television anchors over McDaniel’s role in subverting the 2020 election and attacks on the press. “There is no doubt that the last several days have been difficult for the News Group,” NBCUniversal News Group President Cesar Conde said in a memo to staff. “After listening to the legitimate concerns of many of you, I have decided that Ronna McDaniel will not be an NBC News contributor.” “I want to personally apologize to our team members who felt we let them down,” Conde continued. “While this was a collective recommendation by some members of our leadership team, I approved it and take full responsibility for it.” Ahead of the network’s decision, McDaniel spent the day Tuesday interviewing attorneys in preparation for a potential legal battle with NBC, a person familiar with the matter told CNN. Creative Artists Agency, the talent agency that brokered McDaniel’s deal with NBC, also parted ways with her, the person said. https://youtu.be/uILK7Rou98M The reversal comes after journalists and anchors at both NBC and its cable news sibling MSNBC publicly denounced the decision to hire McDaniel as a paid analyst in a stunning and unprecedented on-air rebuke of network brass that has embarrassed the Peacock Network. McDaniel, who recently stepped down from the RNC under pressure from former President Donald Trump, was involved in attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 election. As head of the RNC, she was involved in a phone call in 2020 to pressure Michigan county officials not to certify the vote from the Detroit area, where Joe Biden had a commanding lead. McDaniel told the officials, regarding the certification: “Do not sign it. … We will get you attorneys.” In the years since, McDaniel continued to claim that the election had “problems” and that Biden did not legitimately win the election, fanning the flames of election denialism. https://youtu.be/UY-82Cb_3cw The Living Legends Foundation (LLF) presents its 11th Annual A.D. Washington Scholarship Golf Tournament on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the Crystal Lake Golf & Country Club, 100 Crystal Lake Boulevard, Hampton, Georgia, located in the Greater Atlanta area. Registration is scheduled from 8:00 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.; shotgun starts at 9:30 a.m. Following a teaser on socials that left fans in rousing anticipation, the legendary groups XSCAPE and SWV have reunited for The Queens of R&B Tour with support from MÝA, Total, and 702. The Queens Of R&B Tour is a testament to the power of what can be accomplished when women come together with respect, admiration and undeniable talent. It is a celebration of passion, power, resilience and unstoppable ability to exceed expectations. The Queens Of R&B Tour will be an unforgettable experience filled with timeless R&B music and stellar performances that are set to captivate audiences across 30 cities nationwide. Produced by Monami Entertainment and Live Nation and represented by Seth Shomes through Day After Day Productions (DADP), the tour will kick off on June 27th in Concord, CA, at the Toyota Pavilion at Concord and continue its journey across the country, making stops at prestigious venues such as Madison Square Garden in New York City and the Kia Forum in Los Angeles. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loSLDNZjKaU Steve Harvey is partnering with Dr. Phil’s Merit Street Media to offer various broadcast-related services. Variety reports that Merit Street Media has a programming schedule through a collaboration with the religious media company Trinity Broadcasting. Steve Harvey will assume an equity partnership in Merit Street as part of the new agreement. Merit Street has secured over 300 episodes of Harvey’s syndicated daytime talk show, “Steve,” which aired from 2017 to 2019. “Steve and I have been personal friends for over a decade, and it’s always the best experience when we work together,” said McGraw, in a statement. “It’s easy to say that he’s the funniest human I’ve ever met,” he added. “But his kindness and his passion to help others are really unmatched.” Harvey will serve as a co-executive producer for a special that delves into the mentoring initiative he oversees for young men in Georgia, Variety reports. 50 Cent hit up social media Monday to react to the FBI raiding the Los Angeles and Miami homes of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs. The media mogul shared screenshots from Fox 11’s live news segment on his Instagram Stories along with the caption: “Sh*t just got real.” In the image, Diddy’s sons, King and Justin Combs, are handcuffed and detained at the Los Angeles home. “The Fed’s in all the cribs, damn they got the kids in cuffs,” 50 Cent added, Complex reports. 50 Cent captioned a second screenshot, “Now it’s not Diddy do it, it’s Diddy done. They don’t come like that unless they got a case.” “Earlier today, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York executed law enforcement actions as part of an ongoing investigation, with assistance from HSI Los Angeles, HSI Miami, and our local law enforcement partners,” HSI said in a statement, CBS News reports. “We will provide further information as it becomes available.” In recent months, Combs has been linked to multiple sex trafficking allegations. Federal agents raided Combs’ home on Monday amid an ongoing sex trafficking investigation. Candiace Dillard Bassett is leaving “The Real Housewives of Potomac” after six seasons. “As I embark on a new chapter after six remarkable years with The Real Housewives of Potomac, I am filled with gratitude for the enriching friendships, personal growth and moments of introspection that have defined this journey,” she said to People., “With a whirlwind of new opportunities and responsibilities on my plate, I have decided to take a break from RHOP,” Bassett continued, Too Fab reports. “This is not a farewell, but a ‘see you later.'” She added, “Your unwavering support has been my guiding light, and I look forward to the exciting adventures that lie ahead — and more importantly, sharing them all with you!” The season 8 finale recently aired, with the multi-part reunion set to kick off this weekend. The season 8 cast includes Karen Huger, Ashley Darby, Wendy Osefo, Gizelle Bryant, Robyn Dixon, and Mia Thornton. Joining the ladies for the current season was newcomer Nneka “Neco” Ihim, a Nigerian-American lawyer who is newly married to a plastic surgeon. https://youtu.be/vTfz5NiFM-Q Josephine Wright, the South Carolina woman who made national headlines for fighting developers over property that has belonged to her family since the end of the Civil War, died earlier this year at age 94. Two months after her passing, her fight concluded with Bailey Point Investment, the construction company seeking her land. The Guardian reports that the company settled with Wright’s family members, ending the dispute that began with a lawsuit for ownership last year. According to South Carolina Public Radio, the settlement confirms that the family retains ownership of the property within Bailey Point’s proposed 29-acre neighborhood. The company is prohibited from contacting the family regarding the purchase of the land, and a privacy fence will be installed between the property and the construction of a new residential development. Wright’s story caught Tyler Perry’s attention, and before her death, he promised to build her a new house on the property. The movie mogul hit up social media to express condolences after Wright’s passing in January. “I am so heartbroken to hear about the passing of this warrior. Ms. Josephine Wright, even though we spoke by phone, I was so looking forward to meeting you in person next month to hand you the keys to your new house, but God had other plans,” Perry explained in a post on Instagram. “My prayer is that you rest in peace knowing that I will honor the commitment that I made to you. I know you will be watching over us all as I hand those same keys to your family.” https://youtu.be/vu89cuxTao4 In an unprecedented event in the world of lotteries, two jackpots (Mega Millions and Powerball) are now nearing a combined total of nearly $2 billion. The Mega Millions prize is estimated at $1.1 billion, while the Powerball jackpot sits at an estimated $800 million, marking the first time both major national lottery games have reached such staggering heights simultaneously. These astronomical figures are the culmination of months passing without any jackpot winners. However, the allure of these immense prizes continues to draw more players, increasing the likelihood that someone will finally strike it rich. The excitement begins with the Powerball drawing on Monday night, followed by the Mega Millions drawing on Tuesday night. If no winners emerge, the next opportunity for Powerball comes on Wednesday night, with Mega Millions drawing again on Friday night. https://youtu.be/m7spzdTvhJs Although previous lottery prizes have exceeded the current jackpots, this is the first time both games have offered prizes of $800 million or more since their inception. The prolonged absence of jackpot winners is evident in the 30 consecutive Mega Millions drawings without a grand prize winner since December 8th and the 35 consecutive Powerball drawings without a major winner since January 1st. The Mega Millions grand prize now ranks as the 8th largest in U.S. lottery history, trailing the record-breaking $2.04 billion Powerball prize claimed in November 2022. Gretchen Corbin, president of the Georgia Lottery Corporation and lead director of the Mega Millions Consortium, notes the nationwide excitement when both jackpots soar simultaneously. https://youtu.be/uUEx3mALc58 Rachel Maddow, the host of MSNBC’s prime time show (“The Rachel Maddow Show”), strongly criticized her own network for hiring Ronna McDaniel, the former Chair of the Republican National Committee, as a political commentator. Maddow called the decision to have McDaniel on the payroll at NBC News “inexplicable,” comparing it to hiring a mobster to work in a DA’s office or a pickpocket as a TA screener. The announcement of McDaniel’s hiring has sparked backlash within the network, with well-known hosts and anchors openly revolting against the decision. Maddow expressed her hope that NBC News would reverse their choice to hire McDaniel, particularly highlighting her involvement in former President Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Maddow emphasized that the issue at hand is not about party politics but about protecting democracy and the system of government. She urged NBC News and its parent company to show strength by admitting the mistake of hiring McDaniel and ending their agreement with her. https://youtu.be/CqassXP6HAU Leave it to TMZ to do what it does best: Get timely video on a high-profile celebrity that’s making news. The celeb in question, of course, is Sean “Diddy” Combs. We all know the entertainment mogul is in the crosshairs of the feds who raided both his homes in Los Angeles and Miami earlier today. Here’s the thing, though. If you thought the vid would show him in cuffs, you’d be wrong. Instead, dude is seen casually strolling around the premises. However, to us, he does look like he’s got a lot on his mind. The video, captured around 3 PM PT at the Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport, depicts Diddy and his entourage being intercepted by federal agents shortly after the raids commenced. Witnesses recount seeing Diddy outside a Customs office at the airport, seemingly free and unencumbered. According to an eyewitness, Diddy was patiently awaiting the rest of his party, who were also subjected to questioning by the authorities. However, the identities of these individuals remain unconfirmed. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-03-26-032524-diddy-saunter-1800257-215/ Although Diddy was intercepted at Opa Locka and seemed to be associated with a separate private jet, Homeland Security arrived without handcuffs, suggesting that he was neither under arrest nor attempting to evade authorities. This scene aligns with earlier reports indicating that Diddy isn’t currently facing arrest. Nonetheless, the simultaneous raids in L.A. and Miami, coupled with ongoing sex trafficking allegations, have thrust him into a legal maelstrom. Meanwhile, footage aired by FOX11 depicted Diddy’s sons, Justin Combs and Christian ‘King’ Combs, in handcuffs outside their Beverly Hills/LA residence, adding another layer of intrigue to the unfolding saga. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-03-26-032524-diddy-plane-1800259-586/ Despite Diddy’s repeated denials, federal officials are actively investigating claims of sex trafficking and other allegations brought forth by multiple plaintiffs. Interviews with witnesses have already commenced, with more expected shortly, as the legal saga surrounding Diddy continues to unfold. https://eurweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/King-Combs-and-Justin-Combs-in-cuffs-Fox11-screenshot.jpg On Tuesday, Sony Pictures released the official trailer for the hotly anticipated “Bad Boys: Ride Or Die,” starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. Directed by Adil & Bilall, the fourth installment in the beloved action franchise is slated for a June 7 theatrical release. Smith and Lawrence lead the cast, which includes Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Paola Nuñez, Eric Dane, Ioan Gruffudd, Jacob Scipio, Melanie Liburd, Tasha Smith, Tiffany Haddish, and Joe Pantoliano, per Deadline. https://youtu.be/hRFY_Fesa9Q Smith and Lawrence were spotted filming “Bad Boys 4” in 2023, and production photos were quickly circulated on social media. As EUR reported previously, the Instagram account @atlantafilming shared images from the Atlanta set of BB4, and one image showed Smith and Lawrence filming on a rooftop. Will and Martin confirmed last year that they’re reprising their roles as detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett. At the time, they shared a video on Instagram with the caption: “IT’S ABOUT THAT TIME!” Per the news release, here’s the official “Bad Boys 4” synopsis: This Summer, the world’s favorite Bad Boys are back with their iconic mix of edge-of-your seat action and outrageous comedy but this time with a twist: Miami’s finest are now on the run. Smith took to Instagram in February 2023 and shared a video of him getting into a car and telling fans… “Yo, I’ve got an announcement. Y’all better stop scrolling. Seriously.” He then headed to Lawrence’s house, where the actor opened the door and asked, “It’s about that time?” Both stars then said in unison, “Bad Boys 4 Life”. https://www.instagram.com/willsmith/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=dc7514a4-de2a-493e-b707-6b3e1d8cfa64 Diddy didn’t know. Dude was clueless. Yep, unbeknownst to Sean “Diddy” Combs, he found himself thrust into the spotlight of Uncle Sam’s scrutiny as federal agents burst into his domain. This dramatic entrance was particularly perplexing given the gravity of the accusations looming over him. Insiders with privileged information divulged to TMZ that the impresario and his entourage were blindsided by the events unfolding on Monday. Homeland Security orchestrated simultaneous raids on both the West and East Coasts, catching Diddy off guard in Los Angeles and Miami. Despite speculation that Diddy might have been tipped off, especially after an encounter at a Miami airport, sources insist this was not the case. Reports indicate he was with his family at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport, gearing up for a Spring Break getaway with his high school-aged children when the agents descended upon them, abruptly halting their plans. Adding to the intrigue, news helicopters hovered above Diddy’s Los Angeles property even before the federal intervention, hinting at a covert operation in progress. Clearly, Diddy was oblivious to the unfolding drama, dispelling any notions of evasion that some have hastily drawn. https://youtu.be/WJMxxeHkOQA?list=RDNSSkgos6Z4RZg A year after Motown singer Martha Reeves campaigned for a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, she will finally receive the honor on Wednesday, March 27.We are very proud to honor Martha Reeves with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It is wonderful to see that her legacy and contributions to the music world will be recognized,” Walk of Fame Producer Ana Martinez stated, MadameNoire reports. “Being a Motown great, it is fitting that her star will be on the strip where many iconic Motown acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations and The Miracles have also been honored with their own stars,” Martinez added. We reported earlier that honorees are expected to launch private and public fundraising efforts for a Walk of Fame Star. As her two-year nomination window was set to expire in June 2023, Reeves faced challenges in securing the necessary funds. Per the Detroit Free Press, a star comes with a $55,000 price tag “to cover installation and other costs,” the outlet writes. The fee is typically covered by a movie studio, record label, or fans of the artist who help raise the money. https://www.instagram.com/p/C4yTbtHRKfE/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c1c28e4f-dc5f-4f38-9353-38f11bc710ee Usher responded to an Instagram user who said the singer “almost thanked the devil” during his acceptance speech at the NAACP Image Awards.Mark Hanalla posted a clip showing the R&B crooner stumbling over his words after accepting the President’s Award. The caption read, “Did #Usher almost just thank the #Devil for his #NAACP award? 🤨💡”As Ice Cream Convos reports, Usher responded with a lengthy comment on social media, telling Hanalla: “Get the hell outta here!!! GOD is my lord and savior … the DEVIL is a lie!! You got me f—ed up!!” The post continued, “Not today sir…I never have time for this type s— but today, you gon hear this. So I was a bit nervous and jumbled my words when speaking from my heart…hate teleprompters and they started to rush me because I was getting a bit long winded…. everybody gets nervous, especially in this position.” Usher wrote. Mark Hanalla posted a clip showing the R&B crooner stumbling over his words after accepting the President’s Award. The caption read, “Did #Usher almost just thank the #Devil for his #NAACP award? 🤨💡” As Ice Cream Convos reports, Usher responded with a lengthy comment on social media, telling Hanalla: “Get the hell outta here!!! GOD is my lord and savior … the DEVIL is a lie!! You got me f—ed up!!” The post continued, “Not today sir…I never have time for this type s— but today, you gon hear this. So I was a bit nervous and jumbled my words when speaking from my heart…hate teleprompters and they started to rush me because I was getting a bit long winded…. everybody gets nervous, especially in this position.” Usher wrote. https://youtu.be/sJmfAZwsYsY Vice President Kamala Harris was captured on video accidentally applauding a protest song directed at her during her visit to Puerto Rico on Friday.Harris’ visit to the Goyoco community center turned into a chaotic scene when demonstrators expressed their disapproval of her presence through songs, The Blast reports. “We want to know, Kamala, what did you come here for? We want to know what you think of the colony,” the protestors sang in Spanish, adding: “Long live Free Palestine and Haiti, too.” Harris applauded along, seemingly unaware that the song was about her until an aide brought it to her attention. That’s when she stopped smiling and lowered her hands. https://twitter.com/i/status/1771562067494830531 The 2024 Los Angeles Builders Ball,® held at the prestigious Beverly Wilshire Hotel on Thursday, March 21, marked Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles' biggest night of the year! Presented by City National Bank, the annual fundraising event gathered esteemed guests, celebrities, and community leaders to raise awareness and funds to empower families and build strength and stability in local communities through homeownership. The evening is a celebration of philanthropy and community impact, honoring individuals and companies who are instrumental in transforming the landscape of Los Angeles. MLS Cup Champions, the Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC), received the prestigious Dream Builder Award for their vital role in creating safe play spaces for kids, accepted by President Larry Freedman. Karla Torres accepted the Foundation Builder Award on behalf of Ring, the leading name in home security, for their unwavering commitment to home safety and community support. Real estate giant Lowe was honored with the Builder of the Year title, with Mike and Robert Lowe accepting the award for the company's remarkable 13-year journey with Habitat LA in making dream homes a reality. https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001vMgEDHggp1nO_y6YdLNAAL8VydQVEoCxwOYp48P6ka2IOYX89krxdR4lSvn43R9AnZdmB_heVCSj2UXKQBvuMZ0CUd-ykolc9i2SsOwsWPg3yhIXKOy_hqIGHjyNFeOAr0uqGmGRfF0LwNoglEh3WwU-Zsq59eCTs0l1Bu051JU=&c=QuYnsuqUe7s3YIezLc7OvzAtw8gSq2TuU2_jQQly7nz2I2mAT6OpPg==&ch=37s_nnflC5KRderD90Umpb_2MsSecF0RTKJVjMhxbzF3eCV0xOL-tw== As Women's History Month comes to a close CEO, Branding Specialist & Business Mogul Blair Monique continues to inspire and blaze a trail in the entertainment field. The Rochester born creative has already inspired millions through her personal testimony. In 2017, Blair faced a formidable challenge when she was diagnosed with uterine cancer. However, amidst adversity, she found a beacon of hope as she discovered she was pregnant, defying medical expectations and welcoming her son, Noah Alexander Walker, into the world. Her public transparency about her journey became a inspirational viral story shared worldwide. This miraculous turn of events inspired Blair to release the uplifting single "Miracles Can Happen," which resonated deeply with audiences and reaffirmed her unwavering faith. Blair Monique is also the CEO of The BMO Experience (A Full Branding And Marketing Firm). Since its 2014 inception, BMoDesigns has become a go-to destination for expert graphic, interior design, and marketing services, catering to a diverse clientele ranging from celebrities, recording artist, entrepreneurs to stay-at-home moms. Blair's innovative vision and dedication have earned her numerous accolades such as Dove Awards & Stellar Awards Nominations, including designing Grammy-nominated projects such as 'Round Midnight by Adam Blackstone & Jazmine Sullivan and the NAACP Image Award-Nominated album LEGACY by Adam Blackstone. A few of her celebrity clients include (Actress/Comedian) Tiffany Haddish, (Actor) Christian Keys and (Comedian) Cedric The Entertainer. Blair has also made a guest appearance on the national syndicated Tamron Hall Show. Renowned percussionist and gospel singer Sandra Crouch, known for her illustrious career in music and ministry, passed away on Sunday, March 17, at Northridge Hospital in Northridge, California, following complications from radiation treatment for a non-cancerous brain lesion. Born on July 1, 1942, in Los Angeles, Sandra and her brother Andraé emerged from a deeply rooted musical and ministerial family. Together, they embarked on a musical journey, forming The COGICS in the 1960s, blending their talents with church influences. https://youtu.be/RFjKrcoMgVM While Andraé formed Andraé Crouch & The Disciples, Sandra carved her path as a sought-after percussionist in Hollywood, contributing to iconic albums such as The Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back” and Janis Joplin’s “Pearl.” In the 1970s, Sandra joined forces with her brother, enriching gospel music with hits like “Jesus Is the Answer.” Their collaborative efforts extended to supporting Michael Jackson and working on acclaimed film soundtracks. https://youtu.be/vsAEuO8Zr9w Sandra’s solo career shone brightly in the 1980s, with three Grammy-nominated albums, including the award-winning “We Sing Praises.” Her musical legacy continued through her co-pastorship at New Christ Memorial Church, defying convention in the COGIC denomination. https://youtu.be/TWlNk8tP-F4 Powerball players will be vying for a colossal $800 million jackpot Monday night – the second time the prize has swelled so large this year. The Powerball jackpot was last won on January 1 by a ticket in Michigan with an estimated $842.4 million prize. If the prize is won Monday it would be the sixth-largest in the game’s history. A winner would have the option of receiving an estimated $800 million in annual payments or a lump sum payment of $384.8 million – both before taxes, according to Powerball. There have been 35 consecutive drawings with no grand prize winner. The odds of winning any prize are 1 in 24.9, but the odds of snagging the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million, according to the lottery. https://youtu.be/u2co6nnSUEE A Florida-based pilot recently disclosed the optimal seating location on a plane to minimize turbulence.In a TikTok video viewed more than 1.6 million times, expert pilot Joey Miuccio shared where the best place to sit on the plane is to avoid turbulence. “I’ll tell you what, you definitely don’t want to sit at the back. The back is the worst spot,” he said in the clip, according to Daily Mail. Miuccio explained, “Usually the center of gravity is a little bit forward so it’s not as bad in the front and around the wings.” He added, “You can see that the back of the plane is getting freaking rocked. The front’s not so bad. The whole plane is getting bounced around but it is worse further from the center of gravity.” Talent agents, film producers, and directors to host the Imagination Lunchbox Virtual Open Call Auditions on Sunday, September 29, 2024, from 1pmEST to 3pmEST, powered by Zoom. The auditions are part of the activities offered at the 8th annual Imagination Lunchbox International Film Festivals September 21 – 29, 2024 online and at various places in Baltimore, Maryland. The Virtual Open Call Auditions are presented in partnership with Talent Concierge Artists Agency (TCAA) and ReMARKable Productions. It is sponsored in part by A&B Productions and Face Plant Films. Attendees get a chance to audition along with specially invited artists. The Imagination Lunchbox film festivals include the Imagination Lunchbox International Film Fest and the Imagination Lunchbox International Children’s Film Fest. Screening and awarding for both festivals will be held virtually on Saturday, September 21st. The Imagination Lunchbox/Eubie Blake Filmmaking Workshops are on Sunday, September 22nd at the Eubie Blake Cultural Center in Baltimore. Private screenings at various schools in Baltimore from Monday, September 23 to Friday, September 27th. The Imagination Lunchbox Basketball Tournament of Games community event will be held Saturday, September 28th at the Druid Hill Park Courts in Baltimore, and the ILIFFs end Sunday, September 29th with the Virtual Open Call Auditions. Launched in 2015 by SAG/AFTRA multi-award winning actor (PBS, DreamWorks) and filmmaker with over 20 awards for his projects (Imagination Lunchbox, LLC) Anthony Michael Hobbs (www.Anthony-Michael.com), the film fests provide young filmmakers with a platform to screen and be honored for their projects. The community event has expanded in an attempt to meet the demands of the community. As a brown-skinned Black woman, Candiace Dillard Bassett from “The Real Housewives of Potomac” says she is concerned about the possibility of having fair-skinned children with her white husband. “I do have a fear of having light-skinned children,” she said during a recent episode of the Breakbeat Media podcast Don’t Call Me White Girl, ESSENCE reports. “I want my kids to be brown. But they’re probably not gonna be brown. And I’m like, becoming okay with it. I want my kids to be brown. But if they’re not, it’s fine,” she said. Dillard Bassett is married to chef Chris Bassett. When they first started dating, she didn’t consider the possibility that their children might have lighter skin. She stated on the podcast, “I didn’t think about [that] when I was falling in love and like ‘Oh this is my husband. Oh wait I’m gonna have these swirly babies.’” Maxwell is going on tour later this year, and he’s taking Jazmine Sullivan and rising singer-songwriter October London with him. The three-time GRAMMY Award-winning multi-platinum artist announced dates for The Serenade 2024 North American Tour, which will kick off September 14 at Hard Rock Hollywood. According to the press release, the expansive 25+-date tour will see the soul singer return to legendary arenas, such as Barclays Center in Brooklyn, Kia Forum in Los Angeles, and more. Tickets for tour will go on sale on Friday, March 29 at 10AM local time via musze.com. Exclusive meet & greet and VIP ticket packages are available. Jazmine Sullivan and October London will join the R&B crooner on the road this fall. Ice Cube clapped back at accusations of being associated with “white supremacists,” particularly Elon Musk, after revealing his 3-on-3 pro basketball league is coming to X (formally Twitter). Cube recently announced that The Big 3 League, which is set to kick off its seventh season on June 15th, will be streaming on X, Hip Hop DX reports. Fans criticized Ice Cube’s decision to collaborate with X owner, Elon Musk, whom he had clashed with in the past. “Love and respect Cube but his alignment with a white supremest [sic] is all we need to know. I get it money matters so do you my guy. Just keep it 100 and don’t Trojan horse for them. White Supremacy is who you are and represent. Enjoy!!,” one fan commented on X, per Hip Hop DX. Ice Cube responded, “Shut yo bitch ass up! I ain’t aligned with nothing, punk. I draw my own fuckin lines.” In September, Cube sparred with Musk on X/Twitter after the billionaire tech mogul trolled him on the platform. In a letter written by his chief of staff, Milo Yiannopoulos, Kanye West insists that media outlets and music industry entities adhere strictly to West’s new name, Ye. West’s appeal follows the October 2021 approval of his official name change by a Los Angeles judge. In the letter, the rapper draws parallels between himself and the Pope. “He didn’t take the decision to change his name, potentially sacrificing some of the immense value captured by the brand ‘Kanye West,’ lightly,” the letter reads. “The change was made fully, legally, and permanently. This is who he is now. His name is Ye.” Yiannopoulos added, “He has on several occasions referred to it as his slave name. Ye is a black man in America who wants the right to full self-determination just like everyone else.” https://youtu.be/UXpShDCK0L0 ”Real Time” host Bill Maher is urging Democratic candidates to refrain from “pandering” to Black and Latino voters as a campaign strategy to avoid potentially losing the presidential election to Donald Trump. “So let my people, the Irish, lead the way because again the Irish think, ‘I don’t give a s***.’ But I do give a s*** about who wins the next election. And outdated racial pandering is one reason Democrats lose elections,” Maher said on his popular HBO show during the “New Rules” segment, Washington Examiner reports. “It’s not working for them or for us. Democrats are hemorrhaging the very voters they think they’re pandering to,” Maher added.A recent USA Today poll shows that 63% of black voters support Biden, despite historical trends suggesting a larger majority for his party. In Arizona and Nevada, Biden and Trump are nearly deadlocked among Latinos, according to a poll from the American Principles Project. https://youtu.be/5Gb5MalUjvI Donald Trump received both a lifeline from the courts Monday and a trial date for the first criminal trial of a former president in US history, a pair of rulings that hit home the legal whiplash constantly surrounding him. The twin rulings Monday, which came roughly within an hour of each other, hit the intersection of challenges to Trump’s image and his famed business empire as he seeks a second term in the White House. Trump’s historic criminal trial in the New York hush-money case against him will begin with jury selection on April 15, Judge Juan Merchan said Monday, after a dispute over the late production of documents caused the judge initially to push back the start date. For Trump, however, the more significant ruling Monday may have been a New York appeals court allowing him to post a reduced $175 million bond to appeal the $464 million New York civil fraud judgment against him, his adult sons, and his company. Trump told reporters he will cover the bond using cash as collateral. https://youtu.be/KDigCapdoAg Barring another unforeseen hiccup, never something to rule out when Trump is involved, the former president will face a jury on criminal charges for at least one of his trials before the November election. Monday’s hearing was to consider Trump’s motion to dismiss the charges and sanction the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office after the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York turned over tens of thousands of documents earlier this month related to the 2018 federal prosecution of Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer and fixer. Before noon, Merchan had already dismissed the allegations from Trump’s attorneys, ruling there were no violations and that the trial will begin with jury selection on April 15. https://youtu.be/YVcBqdg1dI0?list=RDNSwu5er6qLtNg A third-party inquiry was conducted after the January suicide of Candia-Bailey, a Black woman and a university alum. We reported earlier, citing HBCU Buzz, that she took her own life on January 8 due to distress from being “unsupported, disregarded, and abused after countless attempts to speak out on the bullying and harassment she experienced in her role from President Moseley.” Moseley, a white male, faced calls to resign amid protests from the Jefferson City community. He allegedly failed to support Bailey during her “cries for help.” Students at the HBCU said Moseley should “no longer be allowed to lead.” They created the #FireMoseley hashtag to increase awareness about Candia-Bailey’s suicide.“There is not a lot I can say about the independent report and its findings, but I am grateful to the Board of Curators for their faith in me and their vote of confidence,” said Moseley in a statement Thursday, ABC News reports. https://twitter.com/HBCUBuzz/status/1745554652739866931/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1745554652739866931%7Ctwgr%5E7853ed7fe5dd1156bd750e61a705e91843b202fb%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fhbcu-president-reinstated-following-suicide-of-administrator%2F “The Board advised me of the report’s findings a week ago, and I’ve had time to reflect and to discuss my future and that of the University with my family and members of the Lincoln University community,” Moseley added. ABC News obtained a Jan. 8 letter addressed to Moseley in which Candia-Bailey said she experienced months of harassment and bullying from her white colleagues while under Moseley’s leadership. https://twitter.com/jonthemarq/status/1745570571356950831/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1745570571356950831%7Ctwgr%5E7853ed7fe5dd1156bd750e61a705e91843b202fb%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fhbcu-president-reinstated-following-suicide-of-administrator%2F Director Ryan Coogler is working on a feature musical about the late-great Prince for Proximity Media. According to The Hollywood Reporter, “Coogler will produce an untitled jukebox musical of Prince songs for Universal Pictures,” the outlet writes. The project, which has been under development since 2018, features a script penned by Bryan Edward Hill. Meanwhile, we reported earlier that Coogler and actor Michael B. Jordan are teaming up again for an untitled feature film, and details about the project are under wraps. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Cooler will write and direct the film with Jordan set to star. Per THR, “The project is operating under such a veil of secrecy that little is known about it,” the outlet writes. Ma$e has no regrets about leaving the rap scene at the height of his career in the late 90s. The ex-artist retired from the industry in 1999 to pursue ordainment as a minister. During an episode of his It Is What It Is, with co-host Cam’Ron, Ma$e reflected on his departure from Diddy’s Bad Boy label. He also recounted how he managed to evade the difficulties encountered by his fellow artists.Bad Boy artist Shyne spent nearly nine years in prison for a shooting that Diddy allegedly committed. As Hip Hop DX reports, in 2013, rapper Loon was sentenced to prison on drug charges. We reported earlier that Puff Daddy is currently facing multiple sexual assault lawsuits. “Everything now that we see playing out was all the things I escaped,” Ma$e said in the clip above before mentioning Shyne, the Loon, Diddy, and late rappers Craig Mack (who died at age 37) and Biggie Smalls (fatally shot at 24). https://youtu.be/UP80OVcyf5U As we continue to celebrate Women’s History Month, celebrity, fashion, and beauty photographer Matthew Jordan Smith honors the late Aretha Franklin today with a new coffee table book titled, “Aretha Cool: The Intimate Portraits,” on what would have been her 82nd birthday. The beautifully crafted 256-page book takes the reader through a journey from 2005 to 2018, highlighting the unique relationship between Smith and Franklin. The photographs illustrate not only the musical genius of The Queen of Soul but also her profound influence on culture, women’s empowerment, civil rights, and history. Aretha Cool is more than a book; it’s a celebration of a voice that resonated across generations and continents, a tribute to the emotional depth and impact of Aretha’s music. The photographs illustrate not only the musical genius of The Queen of Soul but also her profound influence on culture, women’s empowerment, civil rights, and history. Aretha Cool is more than a book; it’s a celebration of a voice that resonated across generations and continents, a tribute to the emotional depth and impact of Aretha’s music. Federal agents have raided the home of Sean “Diddy” Combs in Los Angeles and his residence in Miami as part of an ongoing sex trafficking investigation, U.S. officials confirmed Monday. “Earlier today, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York executed law enforcement actions as part of an ongoing investigation, with assistance from HSI Los Angeles, HSI Miami, and our local law enforcement partners,” HSI said in a statement, CBS News reports. “We will provide further information as it becomes available.” FOX11 posted a video showing Diddy’s sons, Justin and King Combs, in handcuffs near the property. Two women leveled accusations of sexual abuse against the music mogul a week following Diddy settled a $30 million lawsuit with singer Cassie in November last year. In December 2023, another woman accused Combs and two other males of gang rape when she was 17 years old in 2003. A male music producer filed a lawsuit last month alleging that Combs sexually assaulted him. https://youtu.be/2vI1uyGZPCI The situation between Simon Guobadia and Porsha Willims is getting messier and messier. Some would argue that “dangerous” would be a better descriptor. You see, Simon has launched a fiery response to Porsha’s divorce petition, alleging in fresh legal documents that the “Real Housewives of Atlanta” luminary ushered in an “armed individual” into their shared abode. According to the documents acquired by Page Six, Guobadia contends that Williams “abandoned” their residence momentarily, only to reappear accompanied by a man conspicuously armed, the motives behind which remain elusive to Guobadia’s comprehension. The entrepreneur asserts that Williams repeated this concerning behavior on two separate occasions. Guobadia recounts an incident on March 21, necessitating his summoning of law enforcement to “safeguard the tranquility.” Additionally, he accuses Williams of enlisting “third parties” to harass him and others relentlessly, aiming to coerce their departure. https://www.instagram.com/iamsimonguobadia/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=bf99b43f-5db1-4c64-be2f-fa24ddb5f6cc Acapella group Take 6 made a rare Los Angeles appearance, and anyone lucky enough to be among the diverse audience to witness them perform at the beautiful Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts (The Wallis), in Beverly Hills (CA), on Saturday, March 23, can attest that Take 6 is deserving of the slew of Grammy (10), Dove (10), NAACP Image (2) and Soul Train awards they have received, as well as their induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. The virtuosic sextet, who have been around for nearly four decades, hit the ground running, all in white pants, but different jackets, with LTD’s “Back In Love Again,” and never looked back. The vocals were clear, crisp, harmonious, and melodious, the choreography was on point and the message that Take 6 came to bring it came through loud and clear, because they brought it, from start to encore to finish. Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International have cast several new key roles in the highly anticipated film “Michael,” the Michael Jackson biopic, from director Antoine Fuqua. Larenz Tate joins the previously announced cast which includes Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, and Emmy Award-winning actor Colman Domingo as MJ’s father, Joe Jackson. MJ’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, portrays the late King of Pop, making his acting debut in the biopic. According to the news release, Tate plays Motown Records founder and impresario Berry Gordy. Other new prominent roles include Kat Graham as the legendary Diana Ross. Jessica Sula plays Michael’s older sister La Toya. Liv Symone will play Gladys Knight, and Kendrick Sampson will portray producer Quincy Jones. Fatal Attraction returns on Monday, March 25 at 9 PM ET. A small business owner was an immigrant living the American dream in Washington, D.C. When he’s murdered in his own pizza mart, it seems like a robbery gone wrong. However, an unlikely suspect emerges with a shocking tale of lies and betrayal. Find out tonight at 9 PM ET. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYD4TFHU3uA Critically acclaimed show FOR MY MAN returns tonight, March 25. A young woman dedicated to her boyfriend offers to help with an easy errand. When the task doesn’t go according to plan, her man decides to seek reparations. His plan inevitably wraps her into an investigation. Will she find herself at a dead end? Find out what happens tonight at 10 PM ET https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axYEYT19aAo The NAACP Image Awards wrapped with Usher being honored with the President’s Award for Entertainer of the Year. Oprah Winfrey made a surprise appearance to present the honor. “My kids, I love you guys so, so much, I hope that I’m an example, I’m a dad who’s just trying to get it right every day,” Usher said. Usher then went on to thank his mother (who was his manager at the start of his career). Taraji P. Henson won big for “The Color Purple”. During her acceptance speech, she took the opportunity to thank those who stood by her during the press tour for the movie when she initially called out the pay inequality that exists in Hollywood. “I just want to thank you guys so much for showing up for me all the time, not just to the box office or watching what I’m in but y’all saw what happened and y’all showed up, you showed out, you showed me love,” Henson said during her speech. “It’s a scary thing to speak your truth but I urge you all to speak your truth because at the end of the day that’s all we have.” Queen Latifah, who hosted the Awards show, cosigned saying “Thank you for standing up for all of us.” https://youtu.be/ywbvqhJW0P8 Controversial activist Shaun King has been having a rough go of it ever since he publicly announced that he and his wife converting to Islam right at the start of Ramadan “in solidarity with Palestine,” which many people perceived as an opportunistic grift from an activist with an unfortunate reputation for alleged opportunistic grifting. (Basically, if King wanted people to stop calling him “Talcum X,” converting to Islam was exactly the opposite move to aid his cause.) King was recently booked as a keynote speaker for a Minneapolis fundraising dinner organized by a local branch of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. But that invitation has just been rescinded by CAIR in response to the community backlash that erupted after the event was made public. https://twitter.com/i/status/1768773799602692429 In honor of Women’s History Month, Serato unveiled its “Women To The Front” series of short-form visualizers to celebrate and tell the stories of fearless, barrier-breaking female DJs and producers. Read more and watch the series inside. Each week in March, our family over at Global Grind continues to highlight the women who are making waves in their industry. This week thanks to Serato we spotlight three skilled artists, who are making women feel safe and seen in music and dance culture. “Women to the Front” spotlights three talented artists. Esteemed NYC-based DJ & Producer Natasha Diggs, Chicago-based DJ and multi-hyphenate artist King Marie, and NYC-based, Dominican-American DJ and Producer Dana Lu share their inspirational journeys in an effort to highlight a new wave of inclusivity and talent in their respective industries. Serato released the lead visualizer, which features all three DJs and later debuted their individual artist spotlight videos. Through each short film, Serato dives deeper into the stories of these artists, celebrating the tales of resilience, creativity, and empowerment that define women’s journeys in music. “I just want women to feel empowered to be themselves,” Natasha Diggs said in the lead visualizer. https://youtu.be/8w4lfdBDlTQ HipHopWired got the exclusive opportunity to talk with the filmmakers behind the highly anticipated Hulu documentary, Freaknik: The Wildest Story Never Told. For those in the know, Freaknik was not just a party that gathered nearly every Black person down in Atlanta, Georgia, every spring, but it was a veritable cultural moment. When word broke late last year that there would be a documentary about Freaknik, many immediately wondered if it would focus only on the wildness that came to be associated with the event. But in Freaknik: The Wildest Story Never Told, we get a clear-eyed and compelling account of Freaknik in all of its aspects thanks to testimony from numerous people including Jermaine Dupri and Luther “Uncle Luke Campbell” (who are executive producers), Lil Jon, 21 Savage and more. HipHopWired got the chance to talk with producers Jay Allen, Nikki Byles and executive producer Terry “TR” Ross about their perspective on Freaknik and their experiences making the documentary as it made its premiere on Hulu on Thursday. https://youtu.be/48jmE2J05OY Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis said Saturday that “the train is coming,” referring to her team’s preparation for the case against former President Donald Trump and his 14 co-defendants and whether she was slowed down by attempts to remove her from the case. Willis, who avoided being disqualified from the election subversion case after more than two months of hearings and court action over her romantic relationship with her lead prosecutor, told CNN she was still working on the case during that time. “While that was going on, we were writing responsive briefs, we were still doing the case in a way that it needed to be done. I don’t feel like we’ve been slowed down at all. I do think there are efforts to slow down this train, but the train is coming,” she said while attending an Atlanta-area Easter basket giveaway. “We’re not going to miss or skip a beat because of all the noise or distraction on one case. We’re going to continue to do our work,” Willis said. But the DA’s office still faces legal hurdles in the case over alleged efforts to overturn the former president’s 2020 electoral defeat. On Wednesday, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee granted requests from Trump and his co-defendants to appeal the decision to allow Willis to continue prosecuting the case. https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2024/03/23/fulton-county-da-fani-willis-exclusive-intv-nr-vpx.cnn Wendy Williams‘ son could find himself without a luxurious apartment to live in. Page Six, citing court documents it obtained, revealed that Kevin Hunter Jr. received an eviction notice from his Miami-based apartment. The notice stems from the younger Hunter’s failure to pay his rent for February. As a result, the notice, filed at the end of February, revealed that Kevin owes the building more than $4,317.08 in back rent. In addition, Kevin Jr.’s lease, which began on Sept. 15, 2023, and stated he was obligated to pay $3,713 per month in rent after paying more than $7,000 for a security deposit. Subsequent court documents filed on March 5 show the case against Kevin Jr. had been dismissed. As a result, Page Six noted how it appears that the 23-year-old club promoter settled the debt. The outlet’s report comes after the first report on the eviction notice by The US Sun. https://youtu.be/w9DjaKWAOgI During his life, Kobe Bryant had a less-than-loving relationship with his parents. With his passing, that relationship has reached a new low with a severe backlash from his father, Joe, and mother, Pamela, auctioning Bryant’s very first championship ring. Chronicling discord between Bryant and his parents, Vibe mentioned that Kobe won the initial ring when the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Indiana Pacers in 2000. The moment marked the first of five NBA championships Kobe obtained in his pro sports career. While the basketball legend gave Joe Bryant the original ring as a gift, he gifted a replica of the 14-karat gold 40-diamond jewelry to Pamela. Upon hearing about the auction, Kobe’s fans were more than happy to express how ticked off they were, with one labeling Bryant’s parents “disgraceful.” while another noted. “Kobe would have never sold it. Wow sad,” another user noted, as a third user felt the initial ring should “stay in the family” or Kobe’s wife, Vanessa Bryant, buy it and “keep it safe.” https://youtu.be/qKfmhuCRqUQ Tyrese has got some legal splaining to do when it comes to traveling expenses vs. child support. Referencing court documents, RadarOnline detailed claims made by the “Lately” vocalist that he paid next to nothing for recent trips overseas. Tyrese’s claims are the latest development in his ongoing child support case with ex-wife Samantha Lee. The former couple have been at war since last year, when Lee accused Tyrese of refusing to pay the $10,000 a month in child support he had been ordered to pay in full. With Tyrese’s recent trips, Lee is trying to have the “Baby Boy” actor found in contempt. Tyrese is fighting the effort, stating he is unable to pay the full amount. The pair share a 4-year-old daughter named Soraya. The back and forth between Tyrese and Lee is nothing new. Lee has gone on record with claims the singer paid her less than half of the required amount of child support in December 2023 and January 2024. “I wanted to keep it simple,” said Smooth Jazz saxophonist Jeff Sparks about his new project and title track “Wave At Me.” “Smooth Jazz…to wet the whistle. It’s in the DJ record pool in Chicago.” Sparks was born in Chicago but is now based in Atlanta. He is a graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston and plays the clarinet as well. This is Sparks’ fourth album. “The album is not complete, we dropped the single to see how it does,” said the Billboard chart-topper when I asked about the release date for the album. “I’m still dotting the ‘I’s and crossing the ‘T’s, but it’s a game changer. God gave it to me.” “We are going to pace it out,” Jeff said about the singles to be released before the album. “A single now and continue until Christmas.” https://youtu.be/ARjgzidKaZE Reparations for Barbados are long overdue, according to the country’s Prime Minister, Mia Mottley. Speaking during a lecture at the London School of Economics, the national leader mentioned that $4.9 trillion in reparations is owed to Barbados for slavery. “We’re not expecting that the reparatory damages will be paid in a year, or two, or five because the extraction of wealth and the damages took place over centuries. But we are demanding that we be seen and that we are heard,” Mottley said on Dec. 6. Mottley’s comments come after she met with British Foreign Minister David Cameron on Dec. 5, BET via the British newspaper The Independent reports. Although she kept mum on whether she asked Cameron about a reparations payment to Barbados, Mottley did reveal she expected “the foreign secretary will take his lead from his majesty.” Mottley’s recent comments mark the latest development in the long-running debate over reparations. The issue has been a source of debate domestically in the United States as well as internationally in various countries, with little progress made in finding a resolution. https://youtu.be/cgN82VBSa8A According to the BBC, efforts to make a move towards reparations were halted in April when British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak dismissed a Parliament member’s call to apologize and commit to reparatory justice. “No,” Sunak responded, adding, “trying to unpick our history is not the right way forward.” For her part, Mottley is known for being a leading voice in the African Diaspora reparations movement. As such, she has brought the issue to the mainstream. Putting weight on her argument for reparations from the UK, Mottley stated the country owes $24 trillion in reparations to 14 countries affected by British slavery. According to a study Mottley referenced that calculated how much the United Kingdom and other European countries owe in reparations. https://youtu.be/hO-qFuvYvXM Spain owes $17.1 trillion, France owes $9.2 trillion and The Netherlands owes $4.86 trillion. “These numbers, if taken out of context, can appear to be staggering,” she explained. “But in relation to the total wealth accumulated over a period of time, the numbers are actually minuscule.” Reuters notes that Barbados was first occupied by English settlers in 1627 under British control. During that time, the settlers developed a sugar plantation economy. Although the UK abolished slavery in 1834, the island remained a colony until it gained its independence in 1966. In November, African and Caribbean nations agreed to establish a Global Reparations Fund, to redress great wealth accumulated by Europeans and the ongoing consequences for their descendants, BET mentioned. The nations are currently united in demanding compensation from countries that have benefitted from slavery and colonialism. https://youtu.be/ehsWF2CXcqk Years after news broke about Netflix’s animated revival of the classic sitcom “Good Times,” the streamer is ready to bring its latest series to the masses. What’s On Netflix reports “Good Times” is set to arrive on Netflix with an April 12, 2024 debut. On board for the show will be the voices of Jay Pharoah as Junior, Marsai Martin as Grey, Yvette Nicole Brown as Beverly, Gerald Anthony ‘Slink’ Johnson as Dalvin and JB Smoove as Reggie. Jessica Mikayla, Venus DeMilo Thomas, and Rashida “Sheedz” Olayiwola round out the cast. Created by Eric Monte and Mike Evans, “Good Times” premiered in 1974 and ran for six seasons before ending its run on the small screen in 1979. The series, which the late Norman Lear developed, centered around a struggling family living in a poor black inner-city Chicago neighborhood and the real-life issues they faced. Stars of the long-running sitcom included John Amos, who played James Evans, Esther Rolle as his wife Florida Evans, Bern Nadette Stanis as James and Florida’s daughter Thelma, Ralph Carter as the couple’s youngest son Michael, Ja’Net DuBois, who played Florida’s best friend Willona Woods, Johnny Brown, who played Nathan Bookman and Jimmie Walker as James and Florida’s oldest son J.J. Sandra Crouch, Grammy® Award winning twin sister of gospel legend Andraé Crouch, and an artist in her own right, passed away on Sunday, March 17, 2024 @ 12 PM PST at Northridge Hospital in Northridge, CA. She was 81. She died of complications from radiation for a non-cancerous brain lesion. Crouch was an integral partner in her brother’s trailblazing career as the most popular crossover gospel artist of the 1970s and co-wrote one of his biggest hits, “Jesus is the Answer.” She was also a percussionist and/or vocal conductor on recordings by artists such as The Jackson 5, Madonna, Neil Diamond, and Janis Joplin. In the 1980s, Crouch stepped into the spotlight on her own with a trio of Grammy® Award-nominated albums that produced modern church standards such as “He’s Worthy,” “Completely Yes,” and “We Need To Hear From You.” Since 2015, she’s been the Senior Pastor of New Christ Memorial Church in San Fernando, CA. Celebration of Life Services Scheduled for April 16-17, 2024 At New Christ Memorial Church in San Fernando, CA. New Birth Missionary Baptist Church is thrilled to announce its Easter weekend of activities, packed with massive community outreach and renowned gospel artists. Dr. Creflo Dollar, a global faith leader and senior pastor of World Changers Church International (WCCI) and World Changers Church-New York, will join the New Birth congregation for a special Good Friday service on March 29 at 7:30 p.m. at 6400 Woodrow Rd. in Stonecrest. In partnership with DeKalb County Government, Bojangles and others, New Birth will launch its "Easter Dinner on Us" outreach on Saturday, March 30, from 10 a.m. to noon. With a goal to provide 2,000 free boxes of food to local families, New Birth will advance its efforts to combat food insecurities in Georgia. To date, New Birth's King's Table food pantry has fed more than 1.2 million people since the pandemic. All food boxes will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. The “Love Mountain” movie delivers "Don't Give Up" The first song from the movie soundtrack featuring gospel artist Earnest Pugh, Love Mountain, written and directed by Lee Shelton, is a compelling love story with some remarkable twists and turns within the family dynamic that produces the resilience that it takes to survive life’s challenges and win. The film includes appearances by some of Gospel Music’s brightest stars such as hip hop emerging artist Jevon Dewand, James Fortune, Pastor Mike, Jr., and Zacardi Cortez. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7u_gQicpNqQ Singer, songwriter and acclaimed vocal producer Rick Dorn uses his own life experiences to deliver a passionately invigorating message intertwined with lush harmonies and soulful music interpolations. The end result is POWER, his new single hitting digital outlets and streaming platforms just in time for this resurrection season. He convincingly conveys there is POWER in the blood of Jesus, and your audiences will love every minute of this song. We are going for immediate adds. https://rgmc-impact.disco.ac/playlist-new/16338969?date=20240315&user_id=885555&signature=v9xKgIbhGac4SQNTUEfgw2b_P0Q%3AcVG54Wws Prince Harry and Meghan Markle a/k/a The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have extended their wishes for “health and healing” to Kate Middleton a/k/a Catherine, Princess of Wales, following her cancer diagnosis. Prince Harry and Meghan expressed their desire for Kate and her family to undergo healing “privately and in peace.” As we reported earlier, Middleton acknowledged the news via a pre-recorded video, describing it as a “huge shock” after enduring “an incredibly tough couple of months.” She assured, however, that she is “well” and “getting stronger every day.” Although the specifics of the cancer have not been disclosed, Kensington Palace affirms the princess’s confidence in a full recovery. https://youtu.be/ABAaN_sHWoY Middleton underwent abdominal surgery in January, unaware of the cancer at the time. Subsequent tests revealed its presence. https://youtu.be/TI70xn6KL9k Disney+ released the trailer for the upcoming season of “Doctor Who,” starring Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor and Millie Gibson as his companion Ruby Sunday. The trailer reveals a first look at Indira Varma’s (“Game of Thrones”) character, the Duchess. According to the press release, the additional guest cast includes Anita Dobson, Yasmin Finney, Michelle Greenidge, Bonnie Langford, Jinkx Monsoon, Jemma Redgrave, Lenny Rush, and Angela Wynter. Here’s the season synopsis: The Doctor and his companion Ruby Sunday travel across time and space, with adventures all the way from the Regency era in England, to war-torn future worlds. Throughout their adventures in the TARDIS — a time-traveling ship shaped like a police box — they encounter incredible friends and dangerous foes, including a terrifying bogeyman, and the Doctor’s most powerful enemy yet. https://youtu.be/xhL5ihOUUcs Regina King’s spot-on performance as Shirley Chisholm outshines the movie devoted to the political trailblazer in “Shirley,” a laser-focused look at the first Black congresswoman’s 1972 presidential campaign that might have benefited from more biographical detail and less obsessing about amassing delegates. Providing only a hasty introduction, writer-director John Ridley (whose recent credits include “Five Days at Memorial”) launches directly into Chisholm’s longshot bid for the White House, repeatedly heeding her own instincts that drove some of her advisers (played, mainly, by the late Lance Reddick, Brian Stokes Mitchell and Terrence Howard) crazy. Specifically, Chisholm provides detailed responses on hot-button issues like school bussing and abortion, in a way that, even in the pre-Internet era, are too nuanced, she’s told, creating the risk of alienating constituencies she needs to win over. https://youtu.be/hjBeKNHIdMY Before Lifetime’s controversial documentary on Wendy Williams‘ health and addiction struggles aired in late February, A+E Networks faced a legal battle with her court-appointed guardian, alleging she sought to block the film’s release due to its negative portrayal. The New York County Supreme Court recently unsealed documents revealing this dispute. Sabrina Morrissey, Williams’ guardian since 2022, filed a lawsuit on Feb. 22 against A+E Networks to halt the release of “Where Is Wendy Williams?” The unsealed records suggest Morrissey acted only after realizing the documentary might criticize her role in Williams’ life. “Only after seeing the documentary’s trailer and realizing her role in Ms. [Williams’] life may be criticized did Ms. Morrissey enlist the courts to unconstitutionally silence that criticism,” A+E Networks attorney Rachel Strom wrote in a petition to vacate the order, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Williams, under financial guardianship since 2022, contested the appointment, claiming improved health. Allegations of financial exploitation stemmed from purchases made by her son, Kevin Hunter Jr., addressed in the documentary. https://youtu.be/OjJDhf5ll70 Common is known and revered for his way with rhymes. But the “Go!” MC’s reputation as a lady’s man looks to be a red flag for elevating his relationship with Jennifer Hudson’s past dating status. In addition to Common’s past flames (tennis legend Serena Williams, singer Erykah Badu, actor Taraji P. Henson, political activist Angela Rye, and comedian Tiffany Haddish), Radar Online reports that Hudson’s hesitancy stems from past heartbreak from her 2017 relationship with former pro wrestler David Otunga. Before splitting in 2017, the pair were engaged for close to a decade and parents to their 14-year-old son, David, Jr. “After her engagement went south, Jennifer was adamant she would never marry — that it just isn’t in the cards for her,” a friend of Hudson’s told the National Enquirer. “But then Common came into her life and swept her off her feet!” Although Hudson and Common shared a longtime friendship, the romance between the pair didn’t exist until they worked together on the upcoming sci-fi thriller “Breathe.” From there came sightings of Common and Hudson displaying PDA, as Hudson downplayed talk surrounding their love. Rappers are often accused of stretching the truth. The question is did Lil Wayne actually lie to get approval for a pandemic-era loan? The notion is at the center of accusations against the rhyme slayer over his well-known use of marijuana. Alluding to an article from Business Insider, Complex detailed the report, highlighting information the government received from Lil Wayne and his team about the “A Milli” entertainer’s company, Young Money Touring Inc., being a drug-free workplace that warned their staff about using drugs. Lil Wayne’s situation was part of the Insider’s story investigating loans the “Go DJ” lyricist and other artists, including Post Malone, took out in 2021. The loans, the report mentioned, were set up to help independent artists. Lil Wayne’s efforts worked on his behalf. Young Money Touring received a check for $8.9 million that was approved by the Small Business Administration (SBA). The loan may have been approved, but Lil Wayne’s longtime open use of marijuana was something the Insider could not ignore. Armed with a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit against the SBA, the publication investigated the loan approval. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/iO3Q-R4zgdc?feature=share In a nostalgic look back, the late, and indelible Whitney Houston, a force to be reckoned with even in her absence, threw subtle shade at MTV for its lack of representation of Black artists in a vintage interview. Transporting us to the year 2001, Houston’s rendezvous with MTV News saw her reminiscing about her earliest encounters with the network. The conversation took a pointed turn when the songstress candidly pointed out the network’s reluctance to showcase her music, deeming it “too R&B” amidst its predominant focus on album-oriented rock, Madamenoire recalls. “I recall the struggle,” she mused, punctuated by a wry chuckle. “It was a breakthrough of monumental proportions for African American performers to grace the MTV stage, given its rock-centric ethos. I distinctly remember Michael Jackson’s breakthrough moment, and later Tina Turner, Bobby Brown, and myself—all pivotal figures in the MTV landscape.” Reflecting on her own journey to MTV stardom, Houston revealed the hurdles faced in getting her music heard, particularly her early hit “You Give Good Love,” which failed to gain traction on the network due to its perceived R&B leanings. However, with the explosive success of “Saving All My Love For You,” MTV was compelled to relent. “There’s a certain satisfaction,” she quipped, “in leaving them with no choice.” https://www.instagram.com/whitneyxbobby/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=250df956-831b-4a4b-954b-f5872de67d9f The backdrop of MTV’s inception in 1981, characterized by a roster dominated by white AOR acts like David Bowie, Duran Duran, and Tom Petty, starkly contrasted with the sparse inclusion of Black artists such as Michael Jackson and Prince. This disparity didn’t escape the notice of artists or historians. In 1983, Bowie himself challenged MTV’s lack of diversity, highlighting the absence of Black artists during non-peak viewing hours. The issue extended beyond mere representation, as Houston raised concerns about the content aired on MTV, particularly its impact on impressionable young minds. Expressing her reservations, she barred her daughter Bobbi Christina from indulging in the network’s explicit fare, opting to shield her from premature exposure to adult themes. In essence, Houston’s words echoed not just the struggle for recognition within the music industry but also the broader societal discourse on representation and responsibility in media consumption. Through her candid commentary, she left an indelible mark on the ongoing dialogue surrounding diversity and influence in the entertainment landscape. https://youtu.be/dY7PmX6Oz58 Guilty as charged! Cecil Whitmore, spouse of Dr. Simone Whitmore from “Married to Medicine,” has just given Hulu viewers a nod of confirmation regarding a Freaknik question. On March 21, a keen-eyed viewer posted this query: “Hey, Mr. Cecil, is that you at Freaknik?” Accompanying the inquiry was a snapshot showcasing a younger Whitmore amidst two companions. In a twist of fate, a new documentary, masterminded by Jermaine Dupri, delves into the “untold tale” of the iconic Atlanta gatherings that surged in popularity during the ’90s. Transporting audiences back to the genesis, the documentary chronicles how “Freaknik” initially emerged as a spring break bash conceived by Black college students at an Atlanta HBCU in 1983. The erstwhile IT whiz verified his presence. “Caught me red-handed!!! This is OG Freaknik, pre-’90s era, just for the record. @eugeneharrislll and I are brewing up some tales for our podcast—stay tuned!!!” he quipped. The snapshot in question was captured at the 1988 barbecue, which, back then, remained a collegiate affair. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GJOVP4OW8AAiazV?format=jpg&name=small Dr. Simone and Whitmore have been a legal 2-some since 1997, weathering storms and savoring triumphs along the way. During the Season 5 “Married to Medicine” reunion, Dr. Simone startled fans by revealing plans for a divorce from Cecil. Nevertheless, nearly 30 years on, the couple’s bond remains unbroken. The pair crossed paths as college students almost 35 years ago at Morehouse and Spelman College in Atlanta. Together, they’ve raised two children, Miles and Michael. Regarding “Freaknik,” the HULU documentary shares the “untold story” surrounding the popular Atlanta parties that swelled to popularity in the ’90s. Taking viewers back to the roots, the documentary details how “Freaknik” started as a spring break picnic created by Black college students at an Atlanta HBCU in 1983. https://twitter.com/CecilCWhitmore/status/1770973438439485572/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1770973438439485572%7Ctwgr%5E212db083f59a775d0725f057a5f011a48ce2363a%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Foop-cecil-whitmore-partner-to-dr-simone-validates-presence-at-freaknik-festivities-photo-receipts%2F GloRilla, the “F.N.F” wordsmith stopped by CNN to recount her recent venture to the White House, honoring Women’s History Month in the esteemed company of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Inquisitive CNN anchor Laura Coates probed Glo about potential endorsements or voter advocacy from the POTUS. “That’s not my melody,” GloRilla quipped. “I’m just grooving to life’s rhythm, golden like Jill Scott’s anthem.” “I steer clear of political debates, but love? Love transcends,” she affirmed. “At the close of day, unity prevails.” GloRilla’s White House rendezvous lit up her Instagram feed, a mosaic of moments shared with Biden, punctuated by mutual affirmations, perhaps a melodic nod to her own track. Her social media chronicle painted a vivid tableau of camaraderie with Biden and Harris, advocating for a stance of measured silence in the face of uncertainty. https://twitter.com/i/status/1770974299974693068 Mike Mayden, a former major-league baseball scout and now the Founder of A League of Our Own (ALOOO), the only Black-owned independent baseball league in the United States, is inviting Black-owned businesses to take advantage of available sponsorship opportunities. In September 2024, the 501(c)3 non-profit organization will schedule 30 games in 30 days and is looking to develop a network of boosters, financial supporters, donors, sponsors, and/or underwriters to help sustain and cultivate the league’s future growth. Smith comments, “We are appealing directly to Black entrepreneurs, community and church leaders, and the people of the black community to make themselves a committee of one and make a financial donation to help support the longevity of our league.” He continues, “Since 1986, we have afforded inner-city baseball players, the opportunity to play baseball in: New York, Ohio, Missouri, Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Kentucky, Indiana, Virginia, West Virginia, Minnesota, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Florida, Canada, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and Hawaii etc. After being caught cramming numerous migrants into illegal shelters, Ebou Sarr, a small business owner in Queens now claims to have a new plan to house them lawfully. Despite Mayor Eric Adams’ upcoming visit to the southern border, Sarr is determined to show he can provide legal housing for African migrants in his four-bedroom rental in Queens. Moving away from the illegal operations in the Bronx and his furniture store’s basement, Sarr now accommodates 12 migrants who pay a monthly rent of $300. While some neighbors were unaware and are now worried, Sarr insists his intentions are purely humanitarian, reports CBS News New York. https://youtu.be/AfBCQC97kEw Mathew Knowles penned an open letter to Destiny’s Child, the beloved girl group he used to manage, for Women’s History Month. The thoughtful message to daughter Beyoncé and group members Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams comes as the 20th anniversary of their album “Destiny Fulfilled” nears. “It is hard to believe that it has been almost 25 years since we began this journey this June,” Knowles wrote in an Instagram post. “You were just young teenagers with a dream to be the best in the world and you accomplished your dream. I thank you for your trust that you gave me to help create and facilitate your amazing journey.” Knowles continued, “Beyoncé, Kelly, and Michelle, on this Women’s Month, I wanted to take a moment to express my admiration for the incredible talent, hard work, and dedication that each of you have poured into your craft. Your relentless pursuit of excellence and unwavering trust in each other have undoubtedly propelled you to become the number one female group of all time. The music manager clarified that Destiny’s Child never broke up, noting that he is “immensely proud” of all the group “achieved individually and collectively,” he wrote. The GOP nominee for superintendent overseeing North Carolina’s public schools and its $11 billion budget (Michele Morrow) has a history marked by extreme and controversial comments, including sharing baseless conspiracy theories and frequent calls for the execution of prominent Democrats. Morrow, a conservative activist who last week upset the incumbent Superintendent of Public Instruction in North Carolina’s Republican primary, expressed support in 2020 for the televised execution of former President Barack Obama and suggested killing then-President-elect Joe Biden. In other comments on social media between 2019 and 2021 reviewed by CNN’s KFile, Morrow made disturbing suggestions about executing prominent Democrats for treason, including Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Hillary Clinton, Sen. Chuck Schumer and other prominent people such as Anthony Fauci and Bill Gates. “I prefer a Pay Per View of him in front of the firing squad,” she wrote in a tweet from May 2020, responding to a user sharing a conspiracy theory who suggested sending Obama to prison at Guantanamo Bay. “I do not want to waste another dime on supporting his life. We could make some money back from televising his death.”In another post in May 2020, she responded to a fake Time Magazine cover that featured art of Obama in an electric chair asking if he should be executed. “Death to ALL traitors!!” Morrow responded. "https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/13/politics/trump-obama-obamagate-russia?cid=ios_app Mogul, VoiceOver Artist, and Hip-Hop legend MC Lyte honors Women’s History with a hard-hitting anthem to women across the globe with her new single “Woman.” Produced by Warryn Campbell, this track is a bold, lyrical celebration of womanhood featuring fellow hip-hop pioneers SALT of Salt-N-Pepa and Big Daddy Kane along with R&B crooner Raheem DeVaughn. Grammy award-winning producer Warryn Campbell lends his incredible talent as Executive Producer of this highly anticipated single from the upcoming MC Lyte project. WOMAN is set to be released on Friday, March 22, 2024, through a joint venture between My Block Records Inc. and Sunni Gyrl, Inc. with distribution by Vydia. https://soundcloud.com/mclytenow/woman-mp3 After Iman Shumpert disclosed Teyana Taylor’s substantial earnings in court, she insisted that he provide copies of his tax returns and bank statements amidst their estrangement. Iman and Teyana were married for seven years before she filed for divorce in January. Her attorney reportedly claimed in a court filing, “Much to the [Taylor’s] dismay, [Shumpert] appears to want to drag out this case through trial instead of working to resolve the divorce amicably with [Taylor].” According to recent court documents obtained by RadarOnline.com, Taylor’s legal team is requesting a list of items they’d like Shumpert to produce. Taylor is seeking details concerning Shumpert’s recent acquisition of a Bentley SUV, as well as documentation regarding the 20 vintage cars he purchased. She also wants records associated with his criminal arrest in Texas in 2022 for possession of marijuana and his 2016 DUI arrest in Georgia, per Radar. Additionally, the singer wants “Any and all audio and video recordings, or written notes or summaries of any conversations or communications that you have had with Petitioner, or any unprivileged third party, relating to any issue in the above-styled action from January 1, 2016, through and including the date of the final hearing in this case.” Wendy Williams’ son, Kevin Hunter Jr., reportedly works as a party promoter to make ends meet after his mother’s financial support was reduced by a court-appointed guardian who controls Wendy’s finances. RadarOnline reports that the 23-year-old has had to cut back on expenses and take a low-profile job in Miami, where he throws parties to make ends meet. Apparently, Kevin no longer has the financial support of his mother amid her ongoing mental health issues. Williams allegedly set up a plan for her son to access pre-set funds accessible to him while he is enrolled as a full-time student at Barry University. According to court documents, Williams’ Wells Fargo account was frozen after her financial adviser said the former daytime talk show host is of “unsound mind.” As Radar reports, in 2022, the bank effectively petitioned a New York court to establish a temporary financial guardianship for her. Ray J calls for his sister Brandy and singer Monica to join forces for a co-headlining tour. Last week, during Monica’s Instagram livestream, Ray made his request in the comments section, Vibe reports. “BRANDY/MONICA TOUR – PLEASE LETS MAKE HISTORY, ONE RUN FOR THE FANS. 100M plus for you both,” he wrote. Crooner. https://www.instagram.com/p/C4l_awQvcIK/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=0c9e803d-84f0-4828-940e-d5df973455b9 As Vibe reports, neither Brandy nor Monica has responded to his suggestion. As you know, the singers famously collaborated on the track “The Boy Is Mine.” We reported earlier that producer Dallas Austin revealed that Monica punched Brandy back in the day amid their beef. https://youtu.be/cDAUUGspacs Azealia Banks hit up social media this week to slam Beyoncé’s foray into country music, calling it “white woman cosplay.” After Beyoncé’s Cowboy Cover album cover was revealed this week, Banks took to Instagram Stories to launch a scathing accusation, claiming that the superstar singer was pandering to white audiences, Complex reports. “Wow we didn’t even try to put even a little effort into a more artistic title? Sis I live for whiteyounce Donatella Bianca Bardot DOWN, but I’m kind of ashamed at how u switch from baobab trees and ‘Black Parade’ to this literal pick me stuff,” Banks wrote. Banks continued, “There was so much pertinent cultural commentary to be made here. I don’t get why you have to be in white woman cosplay to make – (what’s really folk/bluegrass/adult contemporary) facsimile ‘country’ music.” The rapper/singer describes Beyoncé as “boring and pretty all the time” and suggests that Cowboy Carter is Jay-Z’s idea, writing that his “strategies are corny and Beyoncé has better ideas.” Comedian Ms. Pat revealed she has never dated outside her race, citing the belief that white males do not prefer larger women. “White men only like fat women if the couple is extremely poor. White people with money don’t want no out-of-shape white fat bitch,” she said in the Nov. 22, 2023, episode of the TigerBelly podcast with Bobby Lee.As MadameNoire reports, the discussion began when Ms. Pat proposed that white males invented “eating vagina” to compensate for areas where they lacked success sexually, contrasting it with Black men’s prowess in penetration. Ms. Pat could not confirm this theory via personal experience with white males because she believes they don’t date fat women. “They give [their] fat women to Black men, or they kill them,” Ms. Pat said. “You don’t watch Madlock? ‘Bitch, I said lose weight!’ And hits ’em in the head with a brick.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C4OX1yXv87Y/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again The cast is gearing up for the Geffen Playhouse’s West Coast premiere of the Broadway production of five-time Tony Award nominee and 2022 Pulitzer Prize for Drama winner Fat Ham, written by James Ijames (Kill Move Paradise, The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington). The Geffen Playhouse West Coast premiere of Saheem Ali’s (Merry Wives, Goddess) Broadway production of Fat Ham will be directed by Sideeq Heard (The Hot Wing King, A Curious Thing), who also served as associate director for the Broadway production. The cast of Fat Ham includes Nikki Crawford (The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington, Stormy Weather) as Tedra; Chris Herbie Holland (White Noise, The Box) as Tio; Billy Eugene Jones (Purlie Victorious, A Soldier’s Play) as Rev/Pap; Adrianna Mitchell (Snowfall, What to Send Up When It Goes Down) as Opal; Marcel Spears (The Neighborhood, The Mayor) as Juicy; Benja Kay Thomas (Halfway Bitches Go Straight to Heaven, Bootycandy) as Rabby; and Matthew Elijah Webb (YELL: a “documentary” of my time here, A Raisin in the Sun) as Larry. Previews for Fat Ham begin Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in the Gil Cates Theater at the Geffen Playhouse at 10886 Leconte Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90024. Opening night is Thursday, April 4, 2024. Here is an exclusive clip of this week’s new episode of WE TV’s reality series “Bold & Bougie,” which follows Crystal Smith, Malaysia Pargo, Tameka Foster, Gocha Hawkins, and Princess Banton-Lofters. Per the official series synopsis, “The women of Bold & Bougie have spent their entire lives being cheerleaders for others. Now, it’s their turn to be the center of attention as they support each other and form an unbreakable sisterhood. In each hour-long episode, witness the growing pains that come from love, loss – and hangovers, because they still know how to have a good time. As they celebrate milestones, the women showcase their vibrant personalities and zest for life. However, this sisterhood isn’t without its challenges.” The description continues, “From career aspirations to personal relationships, each faces unique challenges and triumphs. Some must confront and mend strained relationships, while others lean on each other during both the highs and lows of their journeys. Above all, these women have one common mission: To survive in this dog-eat-dog world, they’ll need to change their narrative and how they have previously been perceived by those around them.” https://youtu.be/VHgm6AHXsvU The US Justice Department and more than a dozen states filed a blockbuster antitrust lawsuit against Apple on Thursday, accusing the giant company of illegally monopolizing the smartphone market. It’s the largest in a recent string of Big Tech companies to face antitrust complaints from the US government, which is cracking down on the massive industry, whose power has gone largely unchecked over the past several decades. The complaint, said Attorney General Merrick Garland at a news conference, alleges that ”Apple has maintained monopoly power in the smartphone market not simply by staying ahead of the competition on the merits but by violating federal antitrust law.” “Consumers should not have to pay higher prices because companies break the law,” he added. https://youtu.be/MEIZ3x94Ayg The long-anticipated lawsuit, which was filed in the US District Court for the District of New Jersey, comes after years of allegations by critics that Apple has harmed competition with restrictive app store terms, high fees and its “walled-garden” approach to its hardware and software: Apple famously makes its tech easy to use, but it achieves that by tightly controlling – and in some cases, restricting – how third-party companies can interact with the tech behemoth’s products and services. In some cases, Apple may give its own products better access and features than its competitors. The company said it denied the lawsuit’s allegations and would fight them and added that the lawsuit could empower government “to take a heavy hand in designing people’s technology.” But Garland on Thursday said Apple’s actions have wide-ranging effects. “Monopolies like Apple’s threaten the free and fair markets upon which our economy is based. They stifle innovation. They hurt producers and workers and increase cost for consumers,” Garland said Thursday. “If left unchallenged, Apple will only continue to strengthen its smartphone monopoly. But there’s a law for that,” he added. https://youtu.be/MI1TlBfPjQs Yesterday, in Atlanta multi-platinum recording artist and philanthropist, Jay “Jeezy” Jenkins, joined entrepreneur and founder of Cam Kirk Studios, Cam Kirk, for a one-on-one chat to discuss his New York Times Bestseller, Adversity For Sale: Ya Gotta Believe. The memoir explores his rise within the music industry, battling depression and his mental health struggles. Following the chat, which discussed overcoming personal obstacles and defying odds to achieve success, Jeezy met with attendees at the sold out event and signed copies of his memoir – including actor and comedian Desi Banks. https://vimeo.com/925975712 Beyoncé unveiled the artwork for her upcoming Cowboy Carter album, which depicts her wearing a sash that reads, “Act ii BEYINCÉ.” Fans quickly questioned if the spelling of her name was a mistake, but journalist Brooklyn White-Grier pointed out on X (formerly Twitter) that “Beyincé” is the surname of the singer’s maternal family, Complex reports.“A lot of people don’t know that Beyoncé is my last name. It’s my maiden name,” said Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles, on a 2020 episode of the In My Head with Heather Thomson podcast, per People. “My name was Celestine Beyoncé, which at that time was not a cool thing to have that weird name. I wanted my name to be Linda Smith because those were the cool names.” Due to a clerical error, certain family members bear the surname spelled as “Beyincé.” As Complex reports, historical discrimination against Black people prevented the correction of their last names on legal documents. “It’s interesting — and it shows you the times — because we asked my mother when I was grown. I was like, ‘Why is my brother’s name spelled B-E-Y-I-N-C-E? You know, it’s all these different spellings,'” Knowles added. https://www.instagram.com/p/C4vnPyIRusq/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=6d0dac91-5e71-41b1-b4ae-62b33e42df22 One year following her diagnosis of stage 3 cervical cancer in February 2023, popular YouTuber Jessica Pettway has passed away. This diagnosis came after she was previously misdiagnosed with fibroids.TooFab reports that Reyni Brown, the sister of beauty influencer Jessica, confirmed her passing in a post on Instagram that has since been made private. “It’s my birthday today, and the only thing I could ever wish for is for God to bring you back on this earth. I lost my beautiful big sister 2 days ago and my heart has never felt pain like this,” Brown wrote, sharing a photo of herself and the mom of two, according to E! Online. Brown said her sister brought her “so much wisdom, prayed for me, and helped me become a better mother.” She added, “Life will never be the same without her crazy laugh, pranks, or jokes. Loosing [sic] a sibling feels like a connection between us was destroyed. I love you with all my heart.” https://youtu.be/K7Jm7lW9ghI Larsa Pippen and Marcus Jordan have reportedly ended their relationship once more after dating for over a year.TMZ writes, “… we’re told all signs are pointing to it being a permanent split this time around.” The pair pumped the brakes on their relationship in February but got back together days later. According to TMZ Sports, Scottie Pippen’s ex-wife and Micahel Jordan’s son have been broken up for a couple of weeks now … and “there’s no hope of patching things up in the future,” the outlet writes. We reported earlier that Pippen and Jordan met at a party in Los Angeles in 2019. In August 2023, they denied engagement rumors after Jordan appeared to speak about wedding venues in a previous interview. Pippen and Jordan were spotted together on a Valentine’s Day date days after reports that they broke up. The couple were spotted in Magic City with Pippen showing off a massive diamond ring on that finger. At the time, it was unclear if they were engaged, Page Six reported. If you missed it, in a daytime exclusive interview on today’s “Tamron Hall,” journalist and former CNN host Don Lemon addressed his recent sit-down with former business partner Elon Musk. Lemon’s hour-long interview with Musk marked the premiere of “The Don Lemon Show,” which Musk had planned to stream on his social media platform “X”, formerly known as Twitter. Lemon addressed some of the contentious moments from the interview and reacted to Musk’s decision to pull his show from X following the interview. In addition to discussing the failed deal with X/Musk, Lemon reveals his plans for his upcoming wedding with fiancé Tim Malone. Then, in another daytime exclusive, actress Nicole Eggert reveals her journey with a recent breast cancer diagnosis and how she continues to have a positive outlook for her fight ahead. https://youtu.be/5RAwVbD28gg Don Lemon addresses misconceptions about his business partnership with Elon Musk: “He was a distribution partner. Just like your show [“Tamron Hall”] is distributed on different networks and different platforms. He was just a partner in that and that was just one thing, but originally it’s always been our intention for the show to go to as many places as possible on YouTube, on iHeartRadio, on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, and on and on. So wherever you get streaming content, or wherever you get podcasts, you can get the show, and thank you all for tuning in and signing up.”https://youtu.be/7eO93L8tVkU Don Lemon on his hesitancy to partner with the ‘erratic’ Elon Musk: “As they say in the South, ‘You knew I was a snake before you picked me up,’ right? So again, I’m not saying he’s a snake but I’m saying I knew what I was dealing with. It was a person who is a bit erratic. So, yes, I knew that, but what I wanted to do was, they said they wanted to bring some credibility to the platform. He said, ‘I want to have voices from all different perspectives.’” https://youtu.be/l42bqQ9EYL8 Lemon on asking Musk about his ketamine use and his own experience with antidepressants: “This is a journey because that was one of the things that we agreed upon, and his answer was good, but it took him a while to get to it and people said, ‘why did you keep following up?’ I was like, because he has talked about this and I was waiting for him to get to that and finally he got to it, but let me share something with you. I have suffered from depression, right? I take an antidepressant now, it’s Wellbutrin or something like that. So I’m very transparent about that. It helped me get through the summer, you know, after losing a job, being fired. So, I do talk therapy now, but my doctor has also done guided therapy with me on drugs. I don’t know if it’s ever been ketamine but he says, you know, you should try other things. Then SSRI. Also, I don’t know if you’ve done it. It has helped people with PTSD when you use those drugs, but you have to do it under a doctor’s care. He said it was very personal. I said, well, the only reason I’m talking about this is because you put it out into the public domain.” https://youtu.be/bsyjC30Syvw Don Lemon reveals his plans for his upcoming wedding with fiancé Tim Malone: “We’ve picked out our songs. There will be some people you know at the wedding, and it was very important – we’re getting married in a church. The religion part was very important to me because I grew up religious. I’m a believer, right? I’m a Christian. So I believe in that. Tim is a Catholic. We couldn’t get married in the Catholic Church for obvious reasons, but also the legal part is very important to me as well because I didn’t think my relationship would ever be public. But I also never thought that I would be able to get married. I picked up my marriage license and the person who is going to officiate our wedding, it’s gonna be someone… It’s going to be legal. Real, real, legal!”https://youtu.be/sPD0T3qCihM Nicole Eggert on how she feels “amazing” despite her cancer diagnosis: “Well, it is the irony because people say, ‘how are you feeling?’ and I say, ‘I feel the best I’ve ever felt.’ But for me, it was about controlling the controllable right, and what can I do? I’m gonna give chemo its day and it’s respect and what can I do to help my body along and for me, that was mind, body, spirit. Have faith in whatever that is for you, doing the research on what foods to fight cancer, and what foods contribute to the growth of cancer. Keeping my mind in a really healthy place has been everything. And all of these things came together with all this love and support. And the irony is I feel amazing.” https://youtu.be/yfTskq2RU5I A pastor of two historically Black churches in Chicago is speaking out about another pastor’s claim that Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. “was not a Christian.” We reported earlier that John MacArthur — an 85-year-old white male pastor of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California — made the remarks about MLK during a sermon last month, LGBTQ Nation reports. In his commentary, he criticized a group of evangelical pastors known as Together for the Gospel [T4G], for honoring King several years ago, Right Wing Watch reported. “[T4G] bought into the deceptiveness of the woke movement and the racial baiting that was going on a couple of years ago, and it literally put them out of existence,” MacArthur said. “The strange irony was a year later, they did the same thing for Martin Luther King, who was not a Christian at all, whose life was immoral.” MacArthur continued, “I’m not saying [King] didn’t do some social good, and I’ve always been glad he was a pacifist or he could have started a real revolution. But you don’t honor a non-believer who misrepresented Christ and everything about the gospel.” https://www.youtube.com/shorts/dAHjtFE19G4?feature=share A former NYPD aide is suing New York City Mayor Eric Adams, alleging he sexually assaulted her in 1993 while they both worked for the Transit Bureau when he demanded sexual acts in exchange for helping her get a promotion she was previously denied, according to a lawsuit filed Monday. The plaintiff in the lawsuit alleges that Adams, who at the time was working in the New York City Police Department’s transit division and was then with the Guardians Association, a fraternal order of the police department, used his position to proposition her. The suit follows a summons filed in New York County Supreme Court in November under the state’s Adult Survivors Act. Adams has denied the allegations and said he does not know the accuser. The plaintiff is also suing the NYPD Transit Bureau and the NYPD Guardians Association. CNN has reached out to the parties for comment. https://youtu.be/Dn_kukLmn5Y Starting Monday, YouTube creators will be required to label when realistic-looking videos were made using AI/artificial intelligence, part of a broader effort by the company to be transparent about content that could otherwise confuse or mislead users. When a user uploads a video to the site, they will see a checklist asking if their content makes a real person say or do something they didn’t do, alters footage of a real place or event, or depicts a realistic-looking scene that didn’t actually occur. The disclosure is meant to help prevent users from being confused by synthetic content amid a proliferation of new, consumer-facing generative AI tools that make it quick and easy to create compelling text, images, video and audio that can often be hard to distinguish from the real thing. Online safety experts have raised alarms that the proliferation of AI-generated content could confuse and mislead users across the internet, especially ahead of elections in the United States and elsewhere in 2024. YouTube creators will be required to identify when their videos contain AI-generated or otherwise manipulated content that appears realistic — so that YouTube can attach a label for viewers — and could face consequences if they repeatedly fail to add the disclosure. https://youtu.be/metzj5fsBlQ The platform announced that the update would be coming in the fall, as part of a larger rollout of new AI policies. When a YouTube creator reports that their video contains AI-generated content, YouTube will add a label in the description noting that it contains “altered or synthetic content” and that the “sound or visuals were significantly edited or digitally generated.” For videos on “sensitive” topics such as politics, the label will be added more prominently on the video screen. Content created with YouTube’s own generative AI tools, which rolled out in September, will also be labeled clearly, the company said last year. YouTube will only require creators to label realistic AI-generated content that could confuse viewers into thinking it’s real. https://youtu.be/8WWKmgtuWtk “I got into the indigo color,” said R&B/Jazz keyboardist Jeff Logan about the meaning to the title to his upcoming album release “Indigo” (Fire and Ice Network) to be released April 12, 2024. “It’s metaphoric for my life.” The new Jeff Logan album is produced by Grammy-winning Paul Brown (Boney James, Norman Brown) and offers 10 selections. “The first single ‘Let It Go’ came out in January, it was on the charts,” said Jeff. “In Spain, its already gone from 87 to 9!” The project features assistance from Paul Brown (guitar), Shane Theriot (bass, drums, guitar, and keyboards), Gorden Campbell (drums), Roberto Vally (bass), Ron King (horns), and Greg Vail (sax). “The response has been overwhelming,” said the Maryland resident. “I approached Paul Brown about producing a project…I wanted to concentrate…let others bring their skills.” https://youtu.be/N_c4kMXiCrs Dr. Dre was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Tuesday (March 19). Dre’s hip-hop pals, Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, and Eminem, were in attendance as the hip-hop mogul officially received the 2,775th star. “Growing up in Compton, I never imagined that I would one day be represented here among some of my childhood heroes,” Dre said at the star-studded event, Billboard reports. “I’ve been fortunate enough to make a living doing exactly what I love to do. How about that? Isn’t that the dream?” Dre asked the crowd. “Over the course of my career, I’ve had the privilege of finding and nurturing new talent as well as pushing the boundaries in hip-hop both in content and substance.” Dr. Dre’s star will live next to Snoop’s in front of Jimmy Kimmel’s studio on Hollywood Blvd. https://youtu.be/4bNLs1hxVp8 Share Our Strength, the organization behind the award-winning No Kid Hungry campaign, has launched a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing the root causes of childhood hunger in the United States. Recognizing that it takes more than food to end hunger, Share Our Strength is investing $6.7 million across 28 organizations in 12 states to help families, particularly single mothers with lower incomes and their children, achieve financial security. Through advocacy for policy change and programmatic strategies, partners are working on three high-impact areas: removing barriers to increased incomes and wages, reducing the cost burden of food, and shifting the narrative around single mothers experiencing poverty. Despite being consistently employed, single mothers and their children face extraordinary levels of food and financial insecurity due to intersecting barriers, including limited access to living wage employment, high costs of basic needs, and social stigmatization. These barriers make it challenging to meet daily needs such as food, childcare, and safe housing options, perpetuating a cycle of generational poverty and hunger. Of the nearly 8.5 million single mothers in the U.S., 61% are considered low-income and according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the increase in food insecurity in 2022 was most pronounced for households with children headed by single women with 33.1% living with hunger. Don Lemon expressed his desire for Elon Musk, the head of SpaceX, to catapult him into orbit for the inaugural outer space podcast adventure. Lemon allegedly presented Musk with a wishlist that outlined his desire for a free Cybertruck and included various demands during contract negotiations with X before his abrupt dismissal last week, The New York Post reports. During negotiations to host a show on Elon Musk’s social media platform X, the former CNN anchor submitted a wishlist to Musk. His demands allegedly included “a free Tesla Cybertruck, a $5 million upfront payment on top of an $8 million salary, an equity stake in the multibillion-dollar company, and the right to approve any changes in X policy as it relates to news content, according to a document reviewed by The Post,” the outlet writes. Lemon also requested a private jet flight to Las Vegas, accommodations for himself and his fiancé in a suite, and the company to cover their expenses for day drinking and massages. Here is an exclusive clip from an all-new episode of the Audible Original interview podcast series, “Your Mama’s Kitchen” featuring political activist Nicole Avant. In the clip, “Avant — daughter of legendary music mogul Clarence Avant and well-known philanthropist Jacqueline Avant – opens up about her childhood, growing up with a front row seat to some of the most powerful civil right leaders in the middle of their mission and how it shaped her as a human. She also reflects on the loss of her mother and shares tips for consoling someone experiencing deep grief,” per the press release. This conversation continues a month of compelling conversations with female thought leaders timed to Women’s History Month. https://soundcloud.com/audible Actor Carl Anthony Payne II, from the hit ‘90s sitcom “Martin,” sat down with Tamron Hall on March 10 for his first-ever talk show appearance and reflected on his reunion with his former castmates at the Emmy Awards. During the conversation, Payne dropped a bombshell when he revealed that he has been raising Bobby Brown’s biological son, Landon Brown, since he was 5. The actor is married to Melika Payne, the mother of the boy who shares Landon with Brown, MadameNoire reports. “He used to come over all the time, and I’d be like, it’s your turn to take him to school,” Payne said of Brown. “I’m sleeping in today,” he stated. Elsewhere in the conversation; he also reflected on reuniting with his “Martin” co-stars during the Emmys in January. https://youtu.be/AD7vDjzrKvc Megan Thee Stallion has announced dates for the “Hot Girl Summer Tour,” a 31-city trek produced by Live Nation that will feature GloRilla as a special guest. According to the news release, the tour will kick off on May 14 in Minneapolis and make stops at several major cities across the United States—including New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Houston—before wrapping up in Las Vegas on June 22. The international leg of the tour will begin in Glasgow, Scotland, on July 4, with additional shows in England, France, Germany, and Ireland. Tickets will be available starting with a Citi presale on Wednesday, March 20. The general onsale will begin on Friday, March 22, at 10 a.m. local time on store.megantheestallion.com. Fans can also purchase VIP Packages. In related news, Planned Parenthood announced plans to honor Megan with the organization’s Catalyst for Change Award at its annual gala in New York City on April 16, per the news release. A federal appeals court has halted a Texas law empowering state law enforcement to arrest suspected illegal border crossers. The move came Tuesday evening, hours after the Supreme Court allowed the law, SB 4, signed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R), to take effect. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a stay before Wednesday’s oral arguments, The Hill reports. The conservative majority on the Supreme Court dismissed an emergency application from the Biden administration, contending that the law infringes on federal authority. Liberal justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson expressed concern that the statute would exacerbate “further chaos and crisis in immigration enforcement.” Per CNN, “The law makes crossing the border illegally a crime in the Lone Star State and enables local law enforcement to arrest those suspected of crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, before facing deportation to Mexico or jail time,” the outlet writes. Justice Sotomayor wrote in her dissent that the law “upends the federal-state balance of power that has existed for over a century, in which the National Government has had exclusive authority over entry and removal of noncitizens.” https://youtu.be/7tLZvHSxgMo In their ongoing pursuit for recognition of tribal citizenship rights, the Black Creeks have taken their legal battle to new heights, submitting a fresh brief before the Muscogee Nation Supreme Court.The plaintiffs, Rhonda Grayson and Jeff Kennedy, call on the Muscogee Nation Supreme Court to confront the issue of selective enforcement of treaty obligations and denying fundamental rights to descendants of Freedmen, TAG 24 reports. The Muscogee Creek Freedmen were of African descent and resided among the Muscogee Creek Nation in various capacities: some were enslaved by Creek members, others lived as free individuals, and others were recorded as interracial Creeks, per TAG 24. The Creek Treaty of 1866 stipulated that Freedmen and their descendants were entitled to “have and enjoy all the rights of native citizens.” However, citizenship rights and benefits were revoked from Blacks with the adoption of a new constitution by the Muscogee Creek Nation in 1979. This sparked a legal battle that persists to this day. In September, Muscogee Nation District Judge Denette Mouser ruled in favor of Grayson and Kennedy, who filed a lawsuit against the tribe’s citizenship board for denying their membership. However, Muscogee authorities appealed the decision and successfully obtained a stay on the ruling. https://www.instagram.com/p/C2fAeyxOHKt/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=962c78cf-96f7-4189-8055-0a1b0bd75a55 In its 14th celebratory year, the nationally syndicated Café Mocha radio show’s Salute HER Awards 2024 shined a light on Black women who have made history and have excelled beyond odds in honor of Women’s History Month. The sold-out event took place at the historic Alhambra Ballroom in Harlem, NY recently. https://youtu.be/rpLGAJbzw8A Hosted by Café Mocha co-hosts Angelique Perrin and hip-hop icon Yo-Yo with pop culture icon Jawn Murray, the evening was treated to an exceptional musical performance by Grammy-Award-winning duo Louis York. The esteemed group of seven honorees includes: Ann Tripp, news icon and news director at WBLS-FM and the nationally syndicated Steve Harvey Morning Show, who was the recipient of the Broadcast Legacy Award; DeDe McGuire, national media personality, philanthropist, and host of the nationally-syndicated “DeDe In The Morning Show”, was the recipient of the Media Innovator Award; Melba Moore, Legendary singer, and award-winning actress, was the recipient of the Legend Award; Flo Anthony, famed celebrity journalist, was the recipient of the Media Legend Award; Alicia Reece, Hamilton County Commission President and founder of the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame, was the recipient of the Creating the Legacy Award; Jotaka Eaddy, widely-respected social impact activist, was the recipient of the Champion for Change Award; Melba Wilson, well-known Harlem restauranteur and founder of Melba’s, was the recipient of the Business Legacy Award. https://youtu.be/uTAmaGJeIKU Evening dinner opened with a prayer led by Cheryl Polote-Williamson, 2019 Salute Her Award honoree and CEO of Cheryl Polote Williamson, LLC. Each honoree gave touching and inspirational acceptance speeches that captured the true essence of the mission of the Salute HER Awards to inspire others and make a difference in their respective fields. https://youtu.be/5z7GUrm6yME Get ready for all new episodes of TV One’soriginal and longest-running series "UNSUNG" and "UNCENSORED" this Sunday, March 24 at 9 pm ET/8 pm CT. "UNSUNG" leads with Candi Stanton at 9 p.m. ET / 8C followed by "UNCENSORED", which features R&B sensation Jasmine Guy, at 10 p.m. ET / 9C. The seven-time NAACP Image Award-winning series "UNSUNG", spotlights entertainment’s most talented, versatile, and influential music artists. This week's episode explores the success of the queen of southern soul, Candi Staton. Candi Staton rose to fame with a string of iconic disco groove hits. Behind her success, Candi faced numerous challenges and personal struggles. "UNCENSORED" explores the lives of some of today’s most notable personalities as they provide first-hand accounts of their success and the obstacles they faced throughout their careers. This week's episode highlights talented actress Jasmine Guy. She is loved for her portrayal of Whitley Gilbert on the beloved sitcom, A Different World, but she is uncensored as she explains her 30 year journey as a performer is much bigger than one role. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAKLmG_UbZI Radio Host, & coffee connoisseur Angela Yee stops by for cocktails and conversations. JJ makes an expresso martini, along with pan seared chicken with pollo guisado ragout. He serves it with a mixed green salad topped with sherry dressing. Chef JJ Johnson is a James Beard Award-winning chef, TV Personality and Author best known for his barrier-breaking cuisine informed by the Caribbean flavors of his upbringing. Chef JJ’s signature cooking style combines culturally relevant ingredients and classical technique with a global point of view. At FIELDTRIP, his made-to-order rice bowl shop in Harlem, Chef JJ highlights rice as a hero ingredient and showcases it in recipes sourced from around the world. Among many other partnerships, Chef JJ is also a Mastercard Ambassador. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkZfaGNNbQA The Smollett sibling duo returns to CLEO TV tonight at 9:30 p.m. ET/8C with hit series, LIVING BY DESIGN WITH JAKE AND JAZZ. This season, Jake and Jazz will continue to share beautiful home makeovers, prepare delicious family recipes, and create once-in-a-lifetime memories for a lucky group of homeowners. Jia wants to celebrate her girly, athletic daughter with a revamped bedroom. For her love of sports, Jake makes a pink basketball hoop, Jazz adds pops of pink, and plush accessories. On the menu, Lobster pasta & sugar cookie cups. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dAY1x4J_BQ As Georgia plans to carry out its first execution in more than four years (of Willie Pye, later today/tonight), the condemned inmate’s attorneys argue he should be spared because of an intellectual disability and a troubled upbringing, evidence of which was never heard by his jury at trial. Indeed, three of Willie Pye’s jurors are now opposed to his execution, citing factors in the inmate’s background that were not presented by what his clemency petition says was an overworked and ineffective public defender. The state parole board, however, was unconvinced: After meeting Tuesday and “thoroughly considering all of the facts and circumstances of the case,” it denied clemency, according to a news release. Pye still has litigation pending that could potentially halt his execution, records show. It’s not uncommon for death row inmates to pursue efforts to avoid execution up to the last minute before they are put to death – some that reach the US Supreme Court. If Pye’s execution by lethal injection proceeds as planned Wednesday evening, it would be Georgia’s first since January 2020, according to the non-profit Death Penalty Information Center. Executions were halted there as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the American Bar Association has said. https://youtu.be/3QE6a49oxJI Pye, 59, was convicted of malice murder, kidnapping with bodily injury, armed robbery, burglary, and rape and sentenced to death for the 1993 killing of Alicia Lynn Yarbrough, with whom he had an on-again, off-again romantic relationship, according to court records. Pye’s clemency petition argued instead for a life sentence, pointing in part to the ineffective assistance of his trial attorney, who died in 2000. At the time, that attorney “was responsible for all indigent defense services” for Spalding County, Georgia, through a contract for which he was paid a lump sum, the petition says. https://youtu.be/L2JCzYOFyOE Jermaine Dupri prefers a woman that is keen on accompanying him to strip clubs. But if she is not into adult entertainment venues, she may not be the right match for him. “If [a woman I’m dating] came to Atlanta, and I said ‘We going to Magic City tonight’ and she was like ‘Well, you know I don’t really f*ck with no strip clubs.’…At that point you, you have broke our synergy,” the music producer said during a recent interview on The Breakfast Club, The Jasmine Brand reports. “You flew to Atlanta to stay at my house? While I go party with my homeboys?” He continued: “As a woman, her mind’s going to start doing this [rotating motion]…I asked you to come with me so that your mind wouldn’t do that, but you want to stay at home and wait till I get back… and then come back possibly smelling like the strip club, all these questions…then we going to have a beef.” Dupri dated Janet Jackson from 2002 – 2009, but he never took her to the strip club. https://youtu.be/4TEotr-YJ6I “I was thinking like, ‘Oh, if I take her in there one of them girls going to tap me on my shoulder that I done been with and she going to know…I was thinking about all the bull sh*to,” he said about Jackson on The Breakfast Club. Jackson and Dupri broke up due to his cheating. Elsewhere in the interview, JD promoted the upcoming “Freaknik” documentary. The music mogul teamed Uncle Luke to executive produce the project for Hulu. https://youtu.be/48jmE2J05OY Is this the greatest week ever for Dr. Dre?! Well, from the outside, it sho’ nuff looks like it. That’s cause the good doctor is on cloud nine this week as the renowned producer was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. To celebrate, he was joined by his famous friends Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and 50 Cent in a hee-larious spoof/skit parodying “Grey’s Anatomy” on “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” Last night (03-19-24), in the skit titled “Dre’s Anatomy,” Dr. Dre plays the role of an ER doctor alongside his buddies, examining Jimmy Kimmel’s “situation” in a comedic manner. What’s also worth noting is that they all stay in character throughout, making for a truly memorable performance. As the skit turns into a wild party with Dre on the beat machine and Snoop enjoying some questionable vapor, a new show called “EM” featuring Eminem is teased, leaving viewers wanting more. https://youtu.be/mUBXUyRoQco P. Frank Williams, a recipient of an Emmy and eight NAACP Image Awards for his work in television and film production, has launched his multimedia production company, For The Culture By The Culture Media Inc. (@FXCXC). This venture comes on the heels of his recent success directing and executive producing the highly-anticipated “Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told,” set to premiere on HULU this Thursday, March 21. Williams has produced and directed several acclaimed projects centered around Black culture and music. These include TV One’s renowned documentary series “Unsung” and “Unsung Hollywood,” BET’s award-winning series “American Gangster,” “Hip Hop Homicides” executive produced by 50 Cent and Mona Scott-Young and films such as “Wu: The Story of the Wu-Tang Clan,” “A Hustler’s Ambition” by Universal/Def Jam Records, and award shows such as BET Awards and BET Hip-Hop Awards. Williams explains, “After working in newspapers, magazines, TV, and film for over 25 years, producing content for major networks and streamers, I noticed a recurring issue: stories about people of color were often not being produced by people of color themselves. For The Culture By The Culture aims to fill that void by ensuring representation both in front of and behind the camera. Specializing in Black culture, hip-hop, sports, true crime, and music, @FXCXC is a unique one-stop content studio that handles everything from idea generation to production, editing, and delivery. @FXCXC stands out as one of the first global culture content companies led by individuals who are deeply rooted in the culture they represent.” https://youtu.be/48jmE2J05OY Jeffrey Wright has joined the cast of Spike Lee’s remake of Akira Kurosawa’s “High and Low,” released in 1963. The film is loosely based on the 1959 novel King’s Ransom by Ed McBain. The story follows an executive of a Yokohama shoe company who becomes a victim of extortion when his chauffeur’s son is kidnapped by mistake and held for ransom, per IMDB.com. Coming Soon reports that Wright joins Denzel Washington in Lee’s new film version, described as a “reimagining” of Kurosawa’s movie. The actor recently earned an Oscar nomination for playing Thelonious “Monk” Ellison in 2023’s American Fiction. https://youtu.be/i0MbLCpYJPA Fab Morvan of Milli Vanilli wants the court to terminate spousal support for his estranged wife, Kim Marlowe.According to court documents obtained by RadarOnline.com, Morvan responded to Marlowe’s divorce petition and noted that he doesn’t agree with her on the length of the marriage. Fab is contesting the separation date. In her filing, Marlowe cited the marriage date as December 3, 1998, and the separation date as January 2, 2024. Morvan countered, stating the marriage lasted two years, from 1998 to February 2001, whereas she argued it spanned 26 years. The former couple do not have children. Marlowe listed the reason for the separation as “irreconcilable differences.” She wants to former singer to pay her monthly spousal support. Reports suggest that actor-producer Vin Diesel is livid over Universal executives halting the $250 million budget he’s pushing for “Fast 11.”The forthcoming movie continues the storyline established in “Fast X,” and is the final film in the “Fast & Furious” franchise. Diesel and Dwayne Johnson are reuniting in the film, with a release date reportedly set for April 4, 2025, ScreenRant reports. After appearing in “Fast Five” in 2011, Johnson starred in three other Fast movies before co-starring with Jason Statham in “Hobbs & Shaw” in 2019. He walked away from the film franchise after falling out with Vin but they ultimately settled their beef. In a June 2023 Instagram post, Johnson wrote, “Last summer @vindiesel and I put all the past behind us. We’ll lead with brotherhood and resolve – and always take care of the franchise, characters & FANS that we love.” He added, “Despite having our differences, we’ve been like brothers for years.” Angel Studios, the platform empowering filmmakers with full creative control to crowdfund and create, is announcing today the release of CABRINI—the second Angel Studios release from SOUND of FREEDOM Director Alejandro Monteverde. CABRINI will launch in theaters nationwide on March 8, 2024. “Francesca Cabrini is one of the most inspiring and influential figures in modern history, and yet few know her story. Faced with seemingly insurmountable life obstacles, Cabrini chose instead to focus on how she could change the status quo in her time, and her impact on the world is still felt today,” said Liz Ellis, Chief Operating Officer at Angel Studios. “We’re thrilled to be able to share her unbelievable story in theaters this Spring. This will be our second collaboration with SOUND OF FREEDOM Director Alejandro Monteverde—and the Angel Guild gave this film even higher ratings than SOUND OF FREEDOM. Our community has high expectations for this project.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuFkt3w-7kI The cast of the new BET dark comedy drama series “Diarra from Detroit” recently graced the panel at Essence Hollywood House, sparking an engaging conversation that was as enlightening as it was entertaining. The panel featured the stars of the show, Diarra Kilpatrick, Claudia Logan, and DomiNque Perry, alongside Stephanie Dunivan, Essence’s VP of Branded Solutions and Video. In a new interview, Dr. Dre called Eminem the “best emcee ever.” “I think he’s the best emcee ever,” Dre shared during a recent appearance on SiriusXM’s The Life of Mine With James Corden, Complex reports. “Point blank, period. Of course, there are going to be arguments about that because he’s a white guy. I don’t think anyone that’s rapping can touch Eminem on that microphone.” Dre went on to describe his initial studio session with Eminem. “I’m not sure if anybody knows this, but I think the first four albums was just me and him and his writing and his delivery and his imagination is off the charts and I don’t think anyone would disagree with that,” Dre explained. He added, “I was playing with the MPC and I hit play on it and he just went, ‘Hi, my name is.’ It happened that fast. No bullshit, and then we went from there and that was the beginning of this relationship.” https://www.instagram.com/j_corden/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=b7c8f337-b777-435a-8326-403624186ab8 The M7 highway in Ireland boasts a Barack Obama-themed gas station called the Barack Obama Plaza. It features bronze statues of the former President and First Lady Michelle Obama and offers souvenir coins, magnets, mugs, and cardboard cutouts of Obama, Indy100 reports. The gas station opened in 2014, as a tribute to Obama’s visit to the nearby town of Moneygall, where his great-great-great-grandfather was born. The service station’s presence was widely uncovered thanks to Emily Howard, whose TikTok post has since gone viral. Speaking to The Daily Dot, Howard said: “I thought [visiting the Barack Obama Plaza] would be a hilarious surprise for my fiancé, and it was made better that he fell asleep in the passenger seat, and when he woke up, he was greeted by the statues of the Obamas in front of the Plaza. https://www.tiktok.com/@artdazenc/video/7345203202712669470?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Firish-gas-station-dedicated-to-barack-obama%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=71929435%2C121374463%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7345203202712669470 TikTok - Make Your Day MGM Resorts responded to reports about Bruno Mars’ alleged gambling debt with the Las Vegas casino. A rep for the company said “he has no debt with MGM,” and noted that its relationship with Bruno Mars is one of “mutual respect,” The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports. We reported earlier via NewsNation’s “The Scoop” newsletter that Mars, 38, allegedly owes MGM millions due to his gambling addiction. The insider disclosed, “He’s in hock to MGM for millions.” According to the grapevine, his debts have ballooned to a staggering $50 million. “He’s essentially beholden to them,” the Vegas source added. Ninety percent of all commercial airline pilots in the United States are white men. So, recent comments from airline executives about the need for more diversity among pilots have led some to believe standards will be lowered in favor of DEI initiatives. In case you think airline companies allow unqualified pilots to fly airplanes just to fill a DEI mandate you are wrong! There are several qualifications pilots-in-training must pass just to be considered for a position with a commercial airline. Flight hours, simulator training and instrument certifications are just a few of the challenges that await anyone who wants to join the ranks as a commercial airline pilot. It takes years of preparation. Two people who made the sacrifice, and passed the tests, but still have to fight through negative stereotypes about Black men and women in the flight deck were my guests on a recent episode of my podcast. https://youtu.be/Z11MMIKf-Uo Michael Jenkins and Eddie Parker said they were often not believed when they tried, for months, to tell people about the grueling violence and torture they endured at the hands of six White law enforcement officers, culminating in Jenkins being shot in the mouth. Now, more than a year later, the men – both of whom are Black – and their attorney say justice may finally come as the White officers who tortured them for nearly two hours are set to be sentenced in federal court this week. Five of the officers face a maximum of 20 years in prison while the sixth could face a maximum of 30 years behind bars. “I’m here for a reason,” Parker said in a tearful interview with CNN on Monday. “I’m still here fighting and I’m gonna fight.” Details from the January 24, 2023, incident eventually came to light after the two men filed a federal civil rights lawsuit in June. Many of the claims were later borne out by federal prosecutors in August as the six former Mississippi officers pleaded guilty to a combined 13 felonies in connection with the torture and abuse of the two men. “The day of justice has finally come for the Rankin County ‘Goon Squad,’” Malik Shabazz, lead attorney for Parker and Jenkins, said Monday. “It’s an important day, not only for Mississippi, but it’s an important day for accountability, for police brutality all across America.” https://youtu.be/4QVbKzYPAKE It’s been nearly 13 years since “The Oprah Winfrey Show” came to an end, but for viewers of her weight loss special on Monday night, it likely felt like Winfrey’s talk show was back. “An Oprah Special: Shame, Blame, and the Weight Loss Revolution” featured Winfrey doing what she proved for 25 seasons on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” she can do better than just about anyone else: bring people together and get them talking – and listening – to each other. “I wanted to do this special for the more than 100 million people in the United States and the over 1 billion people around the world who are living with obesity,” Winfrey said as she introduced the program. “Maybe that’s you or maybe that’s somebody you love.” “In my lifetime I never dreamed we would be talking about medicines that would be providing hope to people, like me, who have struggled for years with being overweight or with obesity,” Winfrey continued. “I come to this conversation with the hope that we can start releasing the stigma and the shame and the judgment – to stop shaming other people for being overweight or how they choose to lose or not lose weight – and more importantly to stop shaming ourselves.” https://youtu.be/67mbbSDm9vs First-Gen homebuyer have a problem. With that said, according to the California Association of Realtors 2023 buyer snapshot, 36% of homebuyers were first-time buyers. However, only 3% of homebuyers were African Americans. Nationally, as of last year, the homeownership rate for Black households was 45.9%. This figure is 28.6 percentage points lower than the rate for Whites, at 74.4%. Historically in America, homeownership has been one of the pillars for building generational wealth. That fact has led some advocates in California to argue that the alarmingly low home purchasing rates for Blacks signify a need to develop more programs and opportunities to expand access to home loans and down payments. To that end, the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) is rolling out the California Dream for All Shared Appreciation Loan Program for qualified Californians. The program is specifically focused on including first-generation homebuyers in traditionally underserved communities. https://youtu.be/KLOrMmTP6FQ Elon Musk is the first guest on Don Lemon’s new web-based show on YouTube, which debuted Monday. They sparred over the billionaire’s stance on aviation-industry DEI during the conversation. Business Insider reports that in recent months, Musk has publicly opposed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts within private companies. He continues to assert that non-white and non-male pilots are receiving preferential treatment, citing responses on X to reinforce his argument. “There’s no evidence that standards are being lowered when it comes to the airline industry,” Lemon said in response during their conversation. Musk then told Lemon to “watch the replies” on his social media for evidence. https://youtu.be/hhsfjBpKiTw Wendy Williams’ son, Kevin Hunter Jr., and her former manager, Will Selby, reportedly made significant earnings from the new Lifetime docuseries. NewsNation writes, “While there are no specifics about exactly how much Selby and Hunter Jr. got paid, sources told me it was likely “seven figures.” This would explain why Selby insisted on shooting – even after it was clear they wouldn’t be filming a “comeback” show as initially promised to Williams.” According to the outlet, sources claim Selby became upset when Williams was unfit for filming. “She was afraid of her manager, her management at the time,” Williams’ publicist Shawn Zanotti told NewsNation’s Elizabeth Vargas. Williams grapples with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, conditions that affect both her behavior and cognitive abilities. We reported earlier that Sabrina Morrissey, the court-appointed guardian of Wendy, alleges that the former talk show host was not in a fit mental state when she signed a contract to participate in the controversial new Lifetime docuseries “Where Is Wendy Williams?” https://youtu.be/OjJDhf5ll70 Rapper Waka Flocka wants a judge to seal the court records regarding his divorce from ex-wife Tammy Rivera. According to court documents obtained by RadarOnline.com, he’s also requested an order preventing either party from discussing the case publicly. Earlier this month, the hip-hop star (real name: Juaquin Malphurs) asked the judge to order all parties “to refrain from discussing the proceedings and any aspect of the proceedings in the media to include but not limited to social media, print media, internet, radio, and or television media.” Per Radar, “The motion comes as Tammy and Waka’s new girlfriend have been going at it on social media. The feud escalated and Tammy’s daughter even called out Waka’s new partner for appearing to criticize her mother,” the outlet writes. A judge has yet to rule. In an era where empowerment and resilience are more than just buzzwords, Dr. Michelle McKinney Hammond’s D.I.V.A. Principle Conference emerges as a beacon of hope, transformation, and divine inspiration. Set to take the cities of Atlanta and Chicago by storm this April and May, the conference is designed to be a life-altering journey for women ready to EMERGE into their fullest potential. The D.I.V.A. Principle Conference is far from your ordinary assembly. With events scheduled for April 26-27, 2024, at Metro City Church in Atlanta, Georgia, and May 3-4, 2024, at Park Community Church in Chicago, Illinois, this conference promises an environment that fosters personal growth, spiritual enrichment, and the empowerment of women. But what sets it apart is its heart and soul, embodied by the visionary Dr. Michelle McKinney Hammond. Dr. Hammond, celebrated for her profound impact as an author, speaker, life coach, and entrepreneur, emphasizes that this conference is unlike any other: “It’s very intimate and a safe environment to share. Women leave here saying, ‘I got way more than what I came for.’ We are not just people talking at you. We are there with you, helping you shift and change and be better – for life.” https://youtu.be/MW1gLz94yUc Cardi B teamed with popular TikTok food critic Keith Lee to review his favorite restaurant in Los Angeles, Easy Street Burgers. In a video posted to social media, Cardi said, “Alright guys, so you know how I feel about L.A. food; it’s not my favorite, but I got a good recommendation about this place […] You know what? Since this person recommended this place, if I don’t like it, I want to tell them to their face.” That’s when Lee walked into the frame, and they sampled several burgers from the popular eatery together. Watch the moment via the Instagram video. Vibe reports that Lee was in L.A. for the 2024 NAACP Image Awards, as he was nominated for Outstanding Social Media Personality of the Year. We reported previously that Lee boasts 18 million followers on TikTok, and his food reviews have been featured on major news programs, including Inside Edtion. He has reviewed The Real Milk & Honey, Juci Jerk, Atlanta Breakfast Club, Lil Baby’s The Seafood Menu, and Kandi Burruss’ ‘Old Lady Gang’ restaurant. https://www.instagram.com/worldstar/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=1065360a-c6a6-4d30-b38b-bb94da21f764 Some lower-income Americans are rejecting McDonald’s and opting to cook at home instead, the fast food chain’s chief financial officer said at an investor conference on Wednesday. “It’s a challenging consumer environment,” said Ian Borden, McDonald’s CFO, noting that many consumers are trying to manage inflation, higher interest rates and dwindling savings. Inflation’s sting has pushed Americans to cut back on small luxuries. That includes their spending on food at restaurants such as McDonald’s, fast-food restaurants that historically prize value and affordability as core business values. Dining out has become more of a luxury. According to February inflation data in the Consumer Price Index, food at home prices grew 1% year over year, while restaurant prices rose 4.5% over the last year. But the current surge in restaurant prices has flipped the script from a year ago, when it was cheaper to dine out. https://youtu.be/SMslf5albGs McDonald’s has faced financial troubles internationally as well. For example, the fast-food chain has noted that turmoil in the Middle East has weighed on sales in the region. Sales in its licensed markets business, of which most of its Middle East locations are a part, grew just 0.7% in the last quarter, far worse than the more-than 4% growth in the United States and other international businesses. Whether a customer is grocery shopping or eating out, prices are looking better than they have in years since the onset of the pandemic. Food inflation overall is rising at its slowest pace since May 2021, according to CPI data. Price hikes at the grocery store are at their lowest level since June 2021, while food inflation at restaurants is up by the least amount since July 2021. Consumers have also pulled back on their spending at discount chain Family Dollar, whose parent company said Wednesday it will close nearly 1,000 stores. Company executives said decades-high inflation has kept customers away, impacting its profits and exacerbating its competition with Dollar General and Walmart. Family Dollar also faced years of mismanagement and poor conditions in stores. https://youtu.be/YvAkU5rmpc8 North West spoke about her forthcoming debut album during her first on-camera interview at the Rolling Loud music festival in California on March 14. West chatted with 13-year-old Jazlyn “Jazzy” Guerra from Jazzys World TV after her onstage performance during Kanye West’s set at Hollywood Park in Inglewood, Calif. The 10-year-old daughter of Ye and his ex-wife Kim Kardashian told Jazzy that her upcoming album, “Elementary School Dropout,” is “gonna be great.” When asked when the project will drop, North said, “I don’t know.” She also played coy when asked if her famous father would appear on the album. “Maybe,” she responded. “We don’t know yet,” she added. https://twitter.com/i/status/1769712555814261035 We reported previously that North announced plans to release an album during the “Vultures 2″ listening party at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, on March 10.“Hi, it’s Northie, and I’ve been working on an album for a long time,” she told the crowd. “And it’s called Elementary School Drop Out.” The album’s title is a nod to Ye’s debut album, “The College Dropout.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1768526289705615713 “I’m going to do art on the side,” she told i-D in a November, E! Online reports. “When I’m, like, 13, I want to walk dogs, to make money to buy art supplies, because everything around here is so expensive. So a rapper, a basketball player, and I’m going to make artwork that I sell.”https://twitter.com/i/status/1767056398704398393 RCA Inspiration congratulates the latest winners at this year’s 55th NAACP Image AwardsⓇ, with a double win for releases in the Outstanding Gospel/Christian categories by Kirk Franklin (Fo Yo Soul/RCA) and Kierra Sheard (RCA Inspiration/Karew Entertainment). Kirk Franklin’s latest solo album FATHER’S DAY won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album. Released in October 2023, FATHER’S DAY is the thirteenth studio album from the chart-topping artist, songwriter and producer, and follows his NAACP Image Award win for Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album in 2023 together with Maverick City Music, for their 2022 joint live album Kingdom Book One (Tribl Records/Fo Yo Soul/RCA Inspiration). Kierra Sheard won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song for “All Yours” (feat. Anthony Brown). The title track featured from her latest solo album, the chart-topping artist, songwriter, actress and author released ALL YOURS in March 2023, which marked her seventh studio album. You can catch Kierra Sheard and Kirk Franklin performing live this spring on Kirk Franklin’s Exodus Music & Arts Festival. The two-day festival spotlights gospel music and culture with a host of superstar performers, with Kierra performing on May 25th and Kirk on May 26th at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory in Irving, TX. CBS is developing “The Gates,” a soap opera about a wealthy Black family living in a posh, gated community. George Cheeks, CEO of CBS and chief content officer for news and sports at Paramount+, recently unveiled the genesis of “The Gates” and the team behind the series. The new soap will be a collaborative effort between CBS Studios/NAACP production venture and P&G Studios, a division of Procter & Gamble. Emmy-winner Michele Val Jean will pen the series and assume the role of showrunner. Jean has worked on over 2,000 episodes of daytime TV.Cheeks told Vulture that “The Gates” is being developed with Sheila Ducksworth, president of the CBS/NAACP Production Venture, which develops content for the CBS Television Network and increases the visibility of Black artists. “When we hired Sheila Ducksworth to run the NAACP venture, she and I had multiple meetings talking about what different genres she was going to lean into, and we talked a lot about daytime,” Cheeks explained. https://youtu.be/lRDqpkmau50 The “Texas Hold ‘Em” singer on Tuesday unveiled a new image for “Cowboy Carter,” which she has dubbed as the “act ii” album to her hit 2022 record “Renaissance,” writing in the caption that her latest project “was born out of an experience that I had years ago where I did not feel welcomed…and it was very clear that I wasn’t.” “But, because of that experience, I did a deeper dive into the history of Country music and studied our rich musical archive,” Beyoncé continued, without providing specifics about the experience to which she was referring. In addition to the two singles off of “Cowboy Carter” she released last month during the Super Bowl – “16 Carriages” and “Texas Hold ‘Em” – the Houston native has previously infused country sounds into her other work, including her 2016 track “Daddy Lessons.” Beyoncé performed that song with the Chicks at the CMA Awards that year, and later received racist backlash. “The criticisms I faced when I first entered this genre forced me to propel past the limitations that were put on me,” the Grammy-winner wrote in her post on Tuesday. “act ii is a result of challenging myself, and taking my time to bend and blend genres together to create this body of work.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C4s6Zr7rlwA/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=ad54fdcd-4a62-4997-acd9-089d9414314b Jonathan Majors, the troubled actor is now facing legal trouble as his ex-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari, has filed a lawsuit against him for alleged assault, battery, and defamation stemming from incidents that occurred between 2021 and 2023. Majors was convicted last December of harassment and assault against Jabbari during a March 2023 altercation in New York City. Jabbari filed her lawsuit in New York federal court, alleging assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, malicious prosecution, and defamation. The defamation claim is based on Majors’ statements in a “Good Morning America” interview where he denied ever harming a woman. In the trial, Majors’ lawyer characterized Jabbari as untruthful about her injuries. The couple met in 2021 during Majors’ work on “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” in London and began dating, later living together during Majors’ filming of “Loki” Season 2 in 2022. Jabbari’s lawsuit details instances of physical and emotional abuse and claims Majors would threaten self-harm if she ended the relationship. One incident described in the lawsuit occurred in Los Angeles in 2022, where Majors allegedly pinned Jabbari against a shower door, threw her into a wall, and reacted violently when she tried to escape. Another incident in London the same year involved Majors physically restraining Jabbari and threatening her life. In an exclusive interview with New York Times best-selling author Linsey Davis, we delved into the inspiration behind her latest book, “Girls of the World: Doing More Than Ever Before.” With inspiring, motivating rhymes and whimsical illustrations by bestselling artist Lucy Fleming, Davis sheds light on the extraordinary achievements of young girls across the globe. Written by Davis, together with co-author Michael Tyler, “Girls of the World encourages children to use their voices, talents and intelligence to help the world and raise awareness of girls and all the amazing things they do! An inspiration for readers of all ages, Girls of the World: Doing More Than Ever Before calls attention to the truth that it’s never too soon to become aware of and speak up about things that are important to you. Now is the perfect time for girls to show the world just who they are and what they’re capable of,” per the press release. The book fosters courage, strength, and curiosity in young girls, empowering them to confidently explore their place in the world. In our exclusive interview with Davis, she elaborates on her aspirations for the book’s influence on young readers, particularly girls. Carrying lunch into the office from home can be one way to save money — except, perhaps when it is stored in Pharrell Williams’ Louis Vuitton sandwich bag costing over $3,000. Record producer and designer Williams, who was named men’s creative director of the French luxury fashion house last February, has seemingly drawn inspiration from the classic paper sandwich bag for one of his latest designs, reimagining it as a high-fashion accessory. Instead of paper, the large clutch bag — seen tucked under the arms of models on the runway during Williams’ debut collection on the Pont Neuf in Paris last June — is made of cowhide leather “in the same color as the house’s famed (paper) shopping bags,” the label said. The comparisons don’t end there. Precisely folded to resemble its more quotidian counterpart, the accessory also features the iconic Louis Vuitton lettering as well as a blue fastening, evoking the grosgrain handles of the house’s bags, to keep sandwiches — or more likely, something more precious — secure. https://youtu.be/YgfXR4J2H24 Flavor Flav gifted singer Billie Eilish a personalized clock chain on Oscars night, claiming the move wasn’t a PR stunt. In the clip above, Flav explains to TMZ that he wanted to honor her music career, so “he surprised her with a personalized Rock N Stones clock after the 22-year-old became the youngest 2x Oscar winner … courtesy of her “Barbie” track, “What Was I Made For?” winning Best Original Song,” the outlet writes. Additionally, the Public Enemy rapper reportedly gave Taylor Swift a customized clock chain because he’s a massive fan of the pop star. The rapper caught up with Swift at the Grammys this year and later told the Los Angeles Times that he finally “got to get some Taylor time” at the awards show. The hip-hop star attended the singer’s Eras Tour show last year, PEOPLE reports. https://youtu.be/ArETFXbZi_8 Additionally, the Public Enemy rapper reportedly gave Taylor Swift a customized clock chain because he’s a massive fan of the pop star. The rapper caught up with Swift at the Grammys this year and later told the Los Angeles Times that he finally “got to get some Taylor time” at the awards show. The hip-hop star attended the singer’s Eras Tour show last year, PEOPLE reports. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C28z4XvLLV5/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=d70e5a86-5089-4690-b658-98c7e3cceba7 Contrary to reports, Bill Cosby is not working on a tell-all memoir. However, his longtime publicist, Andrew Wyatt, is. According to RadarOnline, Wyatt stated that his project aims to present Cosby’s perspective on his legal troubles and allegations of sexual assault. An insider told the National Enquirer that Cosby considers the book “his final opportunity to set the record straight and share his perspective on the events that have led to his downfall.” Meanwhile, we reported earlier that insiders claim Cosby is scared to leave his home because he “fears for his life.” A source previously told RadarOnline that Cosby is “scared to leave the house” because he believes someone will try to kill him “for fame.” Angela Bassett recently appeared on an episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and reacted to a video of Keke Palmer impersonating the actress. “You know who loves you? Our pal Keke Palmer. We love Keke. She came on our show, and she did an impression of you,” said Fallon before playing the clip of Palmer impersonating Bassett as Katherine Jackson. The veteran actress portrayed the mother of the late King of Pop in the 1992 miniseries “The Jacksons: An American Dream.” “That’s awesome,” Bassett replied to the clip. “That’s my baby,” she added. “She requested me to be her mom in Akeelah and the Bee. So I was like so touched. I’m so proud of her.” https://youtu.be/4tMR5CC5r50 A rapper rarely takes residency in a president’s mind, but Snoop Dogg managed to do just that in the final days of Donald Trump’s presidency. Highlighting Rolling Stone’s coverage of the situation, Complex detailed Trump’s preoccupation with Snoop, which goes back to a beef between the pair that spawned in 2017. During this time, Trump was in the early days of his initial stint as commander-in-chief when Snoop blasted him in a music video for his single “M.A.C.A. (Make America Crip Again).” In the clip, the “Deep Cover” lyricist is seen aiming a toy gun at a clown resembling Trump. Upon laying eyes on the video, Trump was reportedly infuriated and took his beef to social media. “Can you imagine what the outcry would be if @SnoopDogg, failing career and all, had aimed and fired the gun at President Obama? Jail time!” #45 posted at the time on Twitter. https://youtu.be/fQ19-iavNGQ After Trump saw Snoop in the documentary, he shared his appreciation for the rhyme slinger’s praise and ordered Harris’ name to be added back to the pardon list. A day later, on the last day of Trump’s presidency, Harris was a free man, Complex noted. Others making the list included Lil Wayne, Steve Bannon, Kodak Black and Elliott Broidy. News of Snoop’s previous beef with Trump conflicts comments “The Underdoggs” star made in January 2024, when he expressed, “I have nothing but love and respect for Donald Trump.” Despite the comment, the Atlanta Black Star mentioned no official endorsement of Trump for president in 2024 has been made by Snoop. https://youtu.be/ir9pkhE6w98 Meghan Markle has revealed her latest business venture with the launch of her brand-new lifestyle enterprise, American Riviera Orchard. The Duchess of Sussex debuted her new website and Instagram page that “will reflect everything that she loves — family, cooking, entertaining and home décor.” Meghan’s new lifestyle and cookery brand will be integrated with her upcoming cooking show on Netflix. “She is excited about her latest, personal venture,” the source added. “This is something she’s been wanting to do for a while. She is excited to share her style and things that she loves.” As for the brand’s name, the insider said, “Meghan finds the name American Riviera Orchard perfect. It feels authentic to her. She can’t wait for the website to launch.” Sexyy Red hit up social media to brag about being detained in Mexico over the weekend while trying to enter the country. “We’ve been stuck at the border all day. I had too much bands on me, they couldn’t handle that shit,” Sexyy explained to fans via her Instagram Stories on Sunday, Complex reports. “Too much jewelry on me, they couldn’t handle that shit. Had a fur coat on, they wasn’t fucking with your girl. They told me I look like Griselda Blanco,” she continued. “Y’all hoes can’t say y’all went to Mexico and had to get stopped at the border ’cause y’all had them fucking racks on y’all, ’cause I had jewelry on y’all. Y’all hoes can’t say that,” the hip-hop star added. “Too many buckers. Where my fingers at?” The raunchy rapper traveled to Mexico for a show and thanked fans who stayed late to see her perform. https://twitter.com/i/status/1769452516687982780 Kanye West‘s presence at Rolling Loud reportedly ignited a chaotic brawl involving an individual identified as transgender, who endured severe physical harm. Footage from Ye’s Thursday performance has circulated widely, capturing a confrontation between the alleged trans woman and another attendee, escalating into a full-scale altercation engulfing the crowd in a frenzied melee reminiscent of a violent mosh pit. Despite enduring relentless blows to the face, the individual persisted, exhibiting remarkable resilience amidst the tumult. Amidst the chaotic scene, bystanders vacillated between passive spectators and active participants, with some goading the combatants while others attempted to intervene, reports TMZ. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-03-18-031824-transgender-woman-mosh-pit-kanye-1795052-906/ After Covid-19 lockdowns, 2022 was a year of marriages, according to new data. The number of marriages dived from the start of the pandemic, numbers show. For the past two decades, the number of marriages stayed around 7 to 8 per 1,000 people a year, according to new data released by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics. But in 2020, the marriage rate was down to 5.1 per 1,000 people, the data showed. The rate started to climb the next year, and by 2022, the number of marriages had reached 6.2 per capita and over 2 million in a year, according to the report. Growth in marriage rates may be due to more than just rescheduling, said Marissa Nelson, a licensed marriage and family therapist in Washington, DC. Being in lockdown together gave many couples a unique hurdle to overcome, one that made them get intentional about how they approached important things like finances, compromise and autonomy. Many people walked out of that experience with a better sense of what they need in a life partner, Nelson said. https://youtu.be/Y1WZc8DxV68 A bizarre end to the game overshadowed the Golden State Warriors’ 128-121 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday at Crypto.com Arena, as a broken shot clock and controversial call overruling a LeBron James three-pointer conspired to add a 23-minute delay to the game’s final two minutes. With less than two minutes remaining and the Lakers trailing the Warriors by just four points, the latest chapter in their rivalry seemed to be heading toward a thrilling conclusion. But James’ three-pointer was scratched out after he netted it when officials ruled that he had stepped out of bounds, increasing the Lakers’ deficit to seven with just 1:50 remaining. Then, the shot clock malfunctioned and after several attempts to restart the game and fix the clock, referees eventually determined that the arena PA announcer would announce the time left on the clock at five-second intervals in real-time. https://youtu.be/FHGc-zaWJqk It had been a finely poised game throughout even after the Lakers had lost Davis and his defensive nous, which allowed the Warriors to attack more from inside the paint, racking up points in that area of the court. But the game’s “flow” was interrupted following the challenge to James’ three-pointer, Kerr said afterward, adding he would “love to see that rule go away.” “We’re trying so hard to get everything just right at the expense of the flow. Who cares if the guy’s foot is half an inch (over) … is that worth going back 45 seconds and changing everything?” James, however, defended the decision, adding that while it was “unfortunate what happened,” the referees “have a job to do, and they have to do it the best they can.” https://youtu.be/MejyNUugCuk Attorney Antonio Moore delves into the respective political backgrounds of Vice President Kamala Harris and rapper Fat Joe after their drug policy meeting in Washington DC. Moore shows how Harris’ hard-on crime record as a prosecutor should disqualify her from being the champion of progressive prosecution. And he also skewers rapper Fat Joe for being allowed in the meeting by the Biden Administration as a moderator or expert. https://youtu.be/CgPBnrN5UKo Tiffany Haddish is opting for sober status with motivations of “trying to get pregnant. Co-hosting Elton John’s star-studded AIDS Foundation Oscar party, the “Girls Trip” fixture was noticeably avoiding the good stuff. When asked about her anti-booze mind state at the annual event, an attendee revealed to Page Six that Haddish simply answered, “I am trying to get pregnant.” Although it is unclear whether the funny woman’s response was her comedic way of dealing with scrutiny surrounding her sobriety after being arrested late last year for a DUI, another source mentioned that “It didn’t feel like [she was joking]. She said it numerous times.” Countering the claim, Page Six noted comments from a source close to Haddish. According to the Haddish source, the “Back on the Strip” entertainer’s reply “was likely a joke,” despite her desire to be a mother. “She is serious about her sobriety,” the source confessed to Page Six. “She’s kept it, and is very into her health right now. She’s going through her changes and is doing amazing.” Natasha Brown-Wainwright, the Founder and CEO of Natasha’s Just Brittle established B’More Made with Pride Commercial Kitchen & Café in 2017 to provide small businesses, like hers, the opportunity to venture into the culinary industry. The establishment is licensed both with the State as a small batch processing plant and with Baltimore City as a commercial kitchen. The journey wasn’t easy initially, especially after an appearance on QVC, which led to a significant surge in orders for Natasha’s Just Brittle. Despite selling out on QVC, there were challenges in scaling the business due to space and staff constraints. With no external support, the CEO leased a facility and established her processing plant to meet the demand, resulting in the birth of Natasha’s Just Brittle processing plant. In 2018, recognizing the need for a shared kitchen space for other food businesses, the CEO decided to obtain licensing as a shared kitchen, leading to the creation of B’More Made with Pride Commercial Kitchen. It stands out as one of the only kitchens with an attached café, open Tuesday to Saturday from 9 A.M. to 4 P.M., featuring a breakfast menu, scratch desserts, and Natasha’s Just Brittle treats. Natasha’s Just Brittle/B’More Made with Pride takes pride in nurturing new businesses. Some of the incubator’s success stories include Blondie’s Doughnuts in Fallstaff Shopping Center, The Brunch Gods (now a brick-and-mortar spot in Windsor Mill), and Arepi (opening a brick-and-mortar in Fells Point this Spring). A container carrying essential items for newborn babies and their mothers – including resuscitators and other critical supplies – was looted in Port-au-Prince on Saturday, aid agency UNICEF said in a statement, as gang violence and a humanitarian crisis worsen in the Haitian capital. In addition to maternity and neonatal supplies, the looted container also held “early childhood development and education and water equipment,” UNICEF said. More than 260 humanitarian-owned containers at the port are now controlled by armed groups that breached the main port last week, the UN’s child agency added. The theft of the supplies “occurs at a critical moment when children need them the most,” said UNICEF representative Bruno Maes in Haiti. “Looting of supplies that are essential for life-saving support for children must end immediately and humanitarian access must remain safe,” Maes added. “Depriving children of vital health supplies amidst a collapsing healthcare system is a violation of their rights.” https://youtu.be/N-vjIR9IwWs Don Lemon continues to target Elon Musk after his partnership with the tech mogul was abruptly terminated last week. Lemon’s new web-based show was dropped from the X social media platform hours after he interviewed Musk for the debut episode. During the conversation, Musk appeared annoyed when pressed about hate speech on X (formally Twitter), which the billionaire purchased last year. In a new interview with People, Lemon said Elon is “not used to being held to account.” “He’s not used to having to answer to anyone, especially someone like me who doesn’t share his worldview, who doesn’t look like him,” Lemon added. “You know what I’m saying?” https://youtu.be/hhsfjBpKiTw Reparations activists are calling for tax breaks for Black people. During a recent episode of “Native Land Podcast,” Tiffany Cross, political advocate Angela Rye, and former Democrat politician Andrew Gillum explained why Black people should be exempt from taxes as reparations, New York Post reports. They cited a quote from actor Terrence Howard, who reportedly said it is “immoral for the United States government to charge taxes to the descendants of slaves.” Cross noted that Howard “was making a legitimate point.” She said, “We have never been paid. We have never had any reparations. We’ve never seen the benefits.” “I don’t know how we would make this happen, but I would be completely down for some sort of policy that says, ‘Yes, you are exempt from paying taxes,’” Cross added in the clip. https://youtu.be/9dp996MeWhE Wayne Brady came out as pansexual last year, and he has since been inundated with d–k pics in his Instagram DMs. “My DMs are popping and it’s amazing,” Brady told E! News on March 14 at the 2024 GLAAD Media Awards, which he hosted. “I’ve never gotten an eggplant in my inbox. It’s shocking,” he added. “Much respect to women, I’m sorry, I know you feel when a random guy just goes, ‘Hey, I like you so much, I’ma show you my junk.’ Like, no bro, that isn’t necessarily the calling card that I want. But I’m flattered, thank you.” Brady previously told PEOPLE, “In doing my research, both with myself and just with the world, I couldn’t say if I was bisexual, because I had to really see what that was, especially because I really have not gotten a chance to act on anything,” he shared. “To me, pan means being able to be attracted to anyone who identifies as gay, straight, bi, transsexual or non-binary. Being able to be attracted across the board.” https://youtu.be/QeoI3w5CcyA “My DMs are popping and it’s amazing,” Brady told E! News on March 14 at the 2024 GLAAD Media Awards, which he hosted. “I’ve never gotten an eggplant in my inbox. It’s shocking,” he added. “Much respect to women, I’m sorry, I know you feel when a random guy just goes, ‘Hey, I like you so much, I’ma show you my junk.’ Like, no bro, that isn’t necessarily the calling card that I want. But I’m flattered, thank you.” Brady previously told PEOPLE, “In doing my research, both with myself and just with the world, I couldn’t say if I was bisexual, because I had to really see what that was, especially because I really have not gotten a chance to act on anything,” he shared. “To me, pan means being able to be attracted to anyone who identifies as gay, straight, bi, transsexual or non-binary. Being able to be attracted across the board.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1768684226889834588 In October 2023, the KisSingers, a contemporary gospel band from Bad Kissingen, Germany, performed a rendition of “Stomp” by God’s Property featuring Kirk Franklin and Cheryl James. The choir’s “bland” rendition prompted many online users to mock the performance. The lead singer even attempts Franklin’s ablibs on the song, and the moment is quite hilarious. On Instagram, one user wrote, “What in the potato salad with raisins, is this?” Another IG user commented, “Where’s the Garlic Powder? Old Bay? Oregano? They didn’t put they foot in it? No salt or pepper even. Might’ve boiled it instead of frying. Smh.” A third person noted, “She studied Kirk words and still couldn’t get it ….” “The Bible says to MAKE. JOYFUL NOISE didn’t say that NOISE had to be harmonic ..I aint mad at them,” another person commented. https://youtu.be/fS-oduy5RoA Kraft Heinz has announced Oscar Mayer’s first-ever plant-based hotdog is coming to retailers this year. The company teamed with TheNotCompany to create “mouthwatering plant-based foods for all,” the news release states. “The Kraft Heinz Not Company’s Oscar Mayer NotHotDogs and NotSausages offer the savory and smoky experience that brand fans have known and loved for more than 140 years,” per the release. “At The Kraft Heinz Not Company, our goal is to create mouthwatering, plant-based foods that are delicious and accessible for everyone – from the devoted vegan to the plant-based curious,” said Lucho Lopez-May, CEO of The Kraft Heinz Not Company. https://youtu.be/tZ6iKPbtedI Despite a grand unveiling and all eyes on the monument, a statue honoring the late Kobe Bryant is coming under fire for a series of typos. According to TMZ, four typos were detected this week on the base of the monument which sits outside Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. It is there that an image of a signed box score from Bryant’s legendary 2006 game is found. The same game where Bryant furthered his reputation as one of the best basketball players of all time with 81 points scored. Noticeably visible on the scarred box score are misspellings surrounding the names of two players from the Toronto Raptors’ standouts Von Wafer and Jose Calderon. Instead of “Von Wafer” the statue has his name spelled “Vom Wafer.” https://youtu.be/heR6PEILUyc In a candid revelation, Dr. Dre has shed light on his recent health ordeal. The renowned music mogul and rapper, who encountered a harrowing brain aneurysm in 2021, disclosed that he endured three strokes in the aftermath of the alarming event. Reflecting on his experience during an episode of This Life of Mine with James Corden on SiriusXM, Dre, whose real name is Andre Romell Young, described the unpredictability of his health crisis, stating, “It’s just something that you can’t control that just happens, and during those two weeks, I had three strokes.” The genesis of his concern for his well-being traces back to January 2021, when Dre awoke with discomfort in one of his ears. Initially dismissing it, he attempted to carry on with his day, only to be urged by his son’s friend to seek medical attention. “I got up and I went on about my day, and I thought that I could just lay down and take a nap,” he recalled. “My son had a female friend that was there and was like, ‘No, we need to take you to the hospital.'” Upon arriving at urgent care, Dre received sobering news about the severity of his condition. “Next thing you know, I’m blacking out,” recounted the 59-year-old. “I’m in and out of consciousness, and I ended up in the ICU. I was there for two weeks. I’m hearing the doctors coming in and saying, ‘You don’t know how lucky you are.'” https://youtu.be/UD_gG-vDzuY Damon Dash has a problem with Steve Stoute’s version of what led to Jay-Z severing ties with him. In an interview with Shannon Sharpe, Stoute aired his thoughts on the situation, attributing the split between the Roc-A-Fella Records cohorts to Dash’s ego. “Jay grew up, you know, Jay wanted more. I think Jay seen Dame’s ceiling and I think that’s want it was. Jay seen Dame’s ceiling…he wanted more,” Stoute said, adding, “ [Dame’s] far from stupid, he’s very smart, very talented, [but his] ego is through the roof. So there was no working with him. No one wanted to work with him.” Once the interview hit the online radar, Dash brought his reaction to social media, sharing a clip of Stoute’s interview. “This is the reason I had to smack the sh*t out of @stevestoute a couple of years ago…because he’s always speaking on other men’s business,” Dasha captioned under the video, which was posted on Instagram. “good thing I’ve evolved #staytuned @clubshayshay #culturevulture,” the post added. https://youtu.be/eM0nEzw3s4s If you missed it, on “Tamron Hall,” Oscar-winning actress Angela Bassett joins the show to discuss her hit show “9-1-1” and her new Netflix film “Damsel.” Bassett also teases her potential return to Broadway. Actor Carl Anthony Payne II, from the hit ‘90s sitcom“Martin,” joins “Tamron Hall” for his first-ever talk show appearance and reflects on his reunion with his former castmates at the Emmy Awards. Also, Eyewitness News reporter Sandy Kenyon opens up about his sobriety journey following the announcement that he will step away from his role at WABC for a broader ABC Stations consulting role this year. https://youtu.be/GncQfySClIc Angela Bassett on filming underwater scenes for her hit show “9-1-1”: “I’ve been in water before, in ‘Wakanda.’ This one (on “9-1-1”), this is rising water. Now I know it may be six minutes on camera, but it takes a good 12-14 hours a day.” Tamron asks if her experience filming these scenes was as challenging as filming similar scenes in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” Basset answers, “It was, they started low, then they go high, almost drowned, they wanted me to go under the water – I draw the line!” https://youtu.be/PVsWBEey_kA Carl Anthony Payne II on reuniting with his “Martin” castmates at the Emmy Awards: “I was looking for my check. Yeah, I thought we was about to go to work again. It feels great because once we did the reunion, that was the first time that we were all in the same place in the same space at the same time in over 30 years. That was incredible because you have all these memories and all these feelings and everything starts rushing back in. We picked up like we never left.” https://youtu.be/swpRaDN2jWg Sandy Kenyon discusses his sobriety journey for the first time publicly: “I have to tell this audience and the audience at home that when I told you that you created such a safe space for me to talk about it personally, one on one, that I always knew that if I ever talked about it on TV, which I haven’t until today, you would be the one. That’s the truth. I turned 32 years clean and sober, free of drugs and alcohol on March 1. It’s been a sweet 19 years at Eyewitness News and sweet marriage because both were done in sobriety” https://youtu.be/nE1qpZFWbKM Former Vice President Mike Pence on Friday said he “cannot in good conscience” endorse presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump, a stunning repudiation of his former running mate and the president he served with. “Donald Trump is pursuing and articulating an agenda that is at odds with the conservative agenda that we governed on during our four years. That’s why I cannot in good conscience endorse Donald Trump in this campaign,” Pence said on Fox News. The former vice president, after ending his presidential bid in October, withheld an endorsement in the 2024 Republican primary, but he previously vowed to back the eventual GOP nominee. Trump had said after Pence dropped out that his former vice president should endorse him, saying, “I chose him, made him vice president. But … people in politics can be very disloyal.” https://youtu.be/ibBNhhhTgMk While he said he is “incredibly proud” of the record of the Trump-Pence administration, Pence argued that the former president has walked away from conservative issues, pointing to Trump’s stance on abortion and US national debt and his reversal on TikTok. “During my presidential campaign, I made it clear there were profound differences between me and President Trump on a range of issues. And not just our difference on my constitutional duties that I exercised January 6th,” Pence said on “The Story with Martha MacCallum.” https://www.youtube.com/shorts/0nrZwGbf55w?feature=share Due to objections regarding a state law mandating age verification to deter minors from accessing the site, Pornhub has disabled its services in Texas. It seems PornHub wants your children so bad they got mad about it and left Texas. In a statement, the popular pornography site noted that it made the “difficult decision” to “disable access” in Texas, Complex reports. “As you may know, your elected officials in Texas are requiring us to verify your age before allowing you access to our website,” reads the message displayed to users in the state. “Not only does this impinge on the rights of adults to access protected speech, it fails strict scrutiny by employing the least effective and yet also most restrictive means of accomplishing Texas’s stated purpose of allegedly protecting minors.” Earlier this year, Pornhub blocked access in North Carolina and Montana over bills regulating access for underage users. The site is also unavailable in Mississippi, Utah, and Virginia. https://youtu.be/jkjKNwRIIuU In another episode of “What the Damn Hell,” a Dunkin’ customer is holding the doughnut chain accountable for alleged injuries sustained from an exploding toilet. On Jan. 3, Paul Kerouac filed a lawsuit in Orlando, claiming he was faced with a toilet that exploded while in a restroom during a visit to Dunkin’s Winter Park, Florida location last year. Citing the Associated Press, Complex reports that Kerouac is seeking more than 100,000 for suffering from “severe and long-term injuries.” The suit details the Orlando, Fla. Man requested help from Dunkin’ employees and the store’s manager after being covered in feces, urine, and debris upon leaving the restroom. Although an employee told Kerouac they were aware of a “problem with the toilet” due to previous incidents, the employee didn’t provide him with any more information about the explosion. https://youtu.be/F9EHfLn2-NU Justin Timberlake performed at the Tiny Desk as part of NPR Music’s ongoing concert series. His band, The Tennessee Kids, backed him. The Tiny Desk came just days after the singer surprised an LA audience with an *NSYNC reunion. On Friday (March 15), JT released his sixth solo album, “Everything I Thought It Was.” In a recent interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1, Justin revealed that he recorded 100 songs for his “incredibly honest” new album. “I worked for a long time on this album and I ended up with 100 songs,” Timberlake told the radio host, PEOPLE reports. “So narrowing them down to 18 was a thing.” Timberlake added, “I think every artist probably says this, but it is my best work.” https://youtu.be/cMIJsoaxRjk Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer Jody Watley made a dazzling appearance on The Tamron Hall Show on March 14, 2024, leaving fans and music enthusiasts in awe with her remarkable performance. Renowned for her groundbreaking contributions to music, video, fashion, and style, Watley once again proved why she remains an icon in the entertainment industry. Jody Watley commented, “Appearing and performing on The Tamron Hall Show was an absolute honor and thrill for me. It’s always a joy to share my music and stories with such a diverse and engaged audience. Tamron Hall’s warmth, insight and celebration of my longevity and influence in this business in particular because it’s Women’s History Month made the experience even more special. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love what I do while inspiring others while continuing to keep pushing boundaries in music and entertainment.” With a career spanning decades, Watley has consistently pushed the boundaries of creativity, earning her a well-deserved reputation as a true trendsetting pioneer. https://youtu.be/-wuBCNT1-wQ During her appearance on The Tamron Hall Show, Jody Watley treated viewers to a special performance of her newest single, “EVERLASTING,” a track that has recently soared to the top of several international charts. Notably, “EVERLASTING” secured the #2 spot on the prestigious UK Soul Chart, where it has remained for an impressive two-week stint. The song’s infectious beats and soulful melodies perfectly showcase Watley’s enduring appeal and musical prowess. As the host of Sirius XM’s The Jody Watley Show, which was recently renewed for another year, Watley brings a wealth of experience and insight to the table. Viewers of The Tamron Hall Show were treated to an engaging and enlightening conversation as Watley shared her secrets to success and longevity in the entertainment industry. https://youtu.be/ccHTx0vtOoo Andre Gordon, the man accused of killing three people in Falls Township, Pennsylvania, Saturday morning is in custody, according to police.“He’s in custody. No one else was injured,” said Trenton, New Jersey, police director, Steve Wilson. The 26-year-old suspect allegedly killed three people at two different homes in Pennsylvania before carjacking a driver and heading for New Jersey. Authorities in Trenton, New Jersey, who were looking to apprehend Gordon, initially believed he was barricaded inside a home, prompting a perimeter of the area to be set up, Wilson said. https://youtu.be/trEh5Ed7CHo “Apparently, before the perimeter was completed, the suspect was able to get out of the location unseen.” “However, our information was that he was still in there,” Wilson added. “The suspect was actually walking on New York Avenue,” Wilson said. “He was stopped and identified and taken into custody.” Gordon was taken into custody without incident, Wilson said. https://youtu.be/uCKYD-4u7PM President Joe Biden, via the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded $3.3 billion in grants to marginalized communities for vital infrastructure enhancements in 41 states. The Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods (RCNP) pilot grant program offered through the U.S. Department of Transportation announced its latest round of recipients this week. Allocations will be used for transit improvement projects whether it is driving, walking, or designing trails for biking in neighborhoods. Areas receiving funding were disrupted or inconvenienced by “man-made” damage such as railroad or highway construction. Historically these developments blocked access to opportunities for Black people, seeded gentrification and eventually caused Black neighborhoods to completely vanish and squelched Black affluence for generations. The grants are a part of Pres. Biden’s Investing in America agenda stems from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and will benefit 130 communities that have traditionally been left out of attaining federal investments. Biden committed to include minorities in his policy-making when he took office. The proliferation of this program is a fulfillment of that commitment with lasting benefits. https://youtu.be/x8crQohxJJY Mark Kaye, the Jackson, Fla.-based radio station host responsible for unleashing AI-generated pictures of former president Donald Trump with Black “supporters” has been “fired.” News of the parting came via News4Jax, which received word of the development from Cox Media. The company terminated Kaye before he was thrust into the spotlight with the controversial image, which is striking a nerve with voters who are familiar with efforts from the two major political parties to attract African American ballot caster. There are polls where a record number of African Americans are responding to pollsters that they’re interested in supporting President Trump. Does President Biden still hold the advantage? Yes,” Conrath, a political science teacher at Florida State College of Jacksonville, told News4JAX. The outlet added that Cox Media released Kaye before his connection to the AI photo of Trump. Although he denied News4JAX’s request for a statement, Kaye did speak to the BBC about his situation, saying, “I’m not a photojournalist…I’m not out here taking pictures of what’s happening. I’m a storyteller.” “I’m not claiming it is accurate,” he continued. “I’m not saying, ‘Hey, look, Donald Trump was at this party with all of these African American voters. Look how much they love him!’ If anybody’s voting one way or another because of one photo they see on a Facebook page, that’s a problem with that person, not with the post itself.” https://youtu.be/KcFuLPMBHok The apple is not falling far from the legendary tree as Shaquille O’Neal’s daughter Me’Arah gears up to follow in her father’s path with playing in this year’s McDonald’s All-American game. The former Los Angeles Laker was on hand to honor his daughter during a special segment of “Inside the NBA”, according to Vibe. “First of all, I want to say I’m so proud of you, and I love you,” Shaq said as he honored Me’Arah’s achievements, along with handing her a bouquet. “And I wanted to present you with this.” It was then that O’Neal revealed Me’Arah’s No. 24 jersey to wear for the McDonald’s All-American game. The event is noted for showcasing the best high school basketball prospects in the country. Me’Arah’s upcoming appearance in the game comes exactly 35 years since her father played in the McDonald’s All-American game in 1989. With her selection and commitment to play basketball at the University of Florida, Vibe notes that signs point to her taking the same path as O’Neal. https://youtu.be/hqHHSXgK_pg Behind every great man is a great woman. Or in Nelly’s case, a great mother. The St. Louis rhymesayer opened up about his matriarch, Rhonda Mack, during an appearance on The Shop” podcast, recalling how he retired his mother after more than 30 years working in the fast-food industry. Behind every great man is a great woman. Or in Nelly’s case, a great mother. The St. Louis rhymesayer opened up about his matriarch, Rhonda Mack, during an appearance on The Shop” podcast, recalling how he retired his mother after more than 30 years working in the fast-food industry. Via Mack, Nelly’s ‘hustler’ mind state was born during his teen years, as he witnessed her balancing jobs in fast food and landed his first job at age 14. At the time, Mack worked as a manager at the McDonald’s in Clayton, MO, while her famous son saved up to attend his high school’s homecoming. “She said, ‘Yo, I can’t give you a real job, but on the weekends they got a truck… She said, ‘I can give you a job there.’ I said, ‘Oh, I’ll take it.’ And the owner would pay me $25… I wound up getting about $140 by the time homecoming came,” Nelly said. In high school, Nelly’s hustle proved fruitful with working at the grill at McDonald’s by working at the grill, he told Access Hollywood. Although a career at McDonald’s would’ve been interesting, Nelly’s uncle is the one who shifted his focus to music, courtesy of his uncle. The result was a “love affair” with music, which was highlighted with Nelly’s country music-flavored material. With years under his belt in the music industry, Nelly’s hard work paid off upon the release of his 2000 album, “Country Grammar.” Despite generating attention and with hit after hit, Nelly made sure to give back to his mother in a big way. a manager at the McDonald’s in Clayton, MO, while her famous son saved up to attend his high school’s homecoming. “She said, ‘Yo, I can’t give you a real job, but on the weekends they got a truck…https://youtu.be/jBNbUmOTg44 Nathan Wade, the prosecutor leading the election subversion case against Donald Trump and his allies in Georgia stepped down following a scathing ruling from the Fulton County judge overseeing the criminal case, according to a letter obtained by CNN. Wade wrote to Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis that he was “proud of the work our team has accomplished in investigating, indicting, and litigating this case.”“I am offering my resignation in the interest of democracy, in dedication to the American public, and to move this case forward as quickly as possible,” Wade wrote in his resignation letter. Willis accepted the resignation on Friday, praising Wade for his “courage to accept the role, even though (he) did not seek it.” Judge Scott McAfee ruled the romance created an appearance of a conflict of interest, insisting that the entire district attorney’s office must be sidelined unless Wade leaves. https://www.usatoday.com/videos/news/politics/2024/03/15/fani-willis-stay-trump-election-fraud-case-removes-aide-nathan-wade/72985326007/ Judge Scott McAfee is allowing Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to continue on the election subversion case against Donald Trump – but first she’ll have to fire special prosecutor Nathan Wade after an embarrassing two months that put Willis and Wade on trial themselves over their romantic relationship. It’s a technical legal win for Willis since she will have the option to continue, along with her full office, prosecuting Trump and 14 others. But McAfee’s 23-page opinion was a scathing rebuke of the district attorney’s actions, and it remains unclear if Trump will face trial before November on his actions after the 2020 presidential election. McAfee ruled that either Wade or Willis would have to leave the case, as an “odor of mendacity remains” over the circumstances of their relationship. https://youtu.be/3d9xQCaQ70Y?list=RDNSBAb0EQ0TM1c The first trailer dropped for “The Crow,” starring Bill Skarsgård and singer FKA Twigs. The Rupert Sanders-directed remake arrives three decades following the 1994 film, featuring the late Brandon Lee, son of late martial artist and actor Bruce Lee. Brandon was age 28 when he died in an accidental shooting on set during production in 1993. “Obviously, it was a terrible tragedy, and it’s definitely something that we’ve always had in mind through the making of the film,” Sanders’ told Vanity Fair. “Brandon was an original voice and I think he will always be synonymous with ‘The Crow,’ and I hope he’s proud of what we’ve done and how we’ve brought the story back again. His soul is very much alive in this film. There’s a real fragility and beauty to his version of the Crow, and I think Bill feels like he is a successor to that.” Skarsgård stars as Eric in the new version, a man who is resurrected from the dead to bring justice to those who murdered him and his fiancée (FKA Twigs). https://youtu.be/djSKp_pwmOA Comedian Lil Rel Howery appeared on “Club Shay Shay” recently and addressed his beef with fellow comic Katt Williams. Williams previously slammed Lil Rel during his infamous V-103 interview in 2018. Lil Rel responded when he chopped it up with Shannon Sharpe this week.“If we were both two regular n—s in the mall and he has the perm and mustache and I walk in like this with my regular s—… who the f— you think the women gone talk to?” he stated on Club Shay Shay. “That’s the only irritating thing about that for me. Other than that it’s like, Katt, brother…if I’m an ugly n— thank God. Cause that’s why nothing ain’t happen to me,” Lil Rel added. https://youtu.be/kSG7CrUqq_0 Starz has announced the cancellation of “Power Book II: Ghost,” confirming that the upcoming fourth season will be its final installment. The beloved crime drama series will be split into two parts, debuting on June 7 and September 6. Deadline reports that the cancellation is part of the network’s plan to curb costs on existing series and prioritize the creation of new shows. “You look at the [Power] map and say, ‘OK, if I take one of those characters out and spin one of those out, I can bring that on to replace the Power show at half the cost.’ Now I’m putting a lot of money right to the bottom line,” said Starz CEO Jeffrey Hirsch. “And I’m really not losing anything in terms of acquisition costs and subscriber viewership, because we know what those demos want. And we know how to line those up. And so that’s really the core of getting to that 20% [margin] — turning that slate over with fresh content to drive the business.” https://youtu.be/uiGzLrJSk8E It seems the cast learned about the cancellation at the same time we did, as series star Michael Rainey Jr., who portrays Tariq, took to Instagram to share his surprise. He wrote on his Instagram story, “Don’t ask me nothing idk what’s going on in them offices lmao they Trippin. Final season otw tho I guess.” Rainey also reposted TV writer L. Darian’s tweet about how he “ain’t hear from STARZ or Lionsgate once about the show.” Series producer 50 Cent responded on social media, sharing a screenshot of a TMZ report about Raney’s reaction with the caption, “Yeah because @michaelraineyjr don’t answer his phone [shrug emoji].” https://twitter.com/i/status/1768363301203791925 Jeff Bezos has reclaimed the title of the richest person on earth, surpassing Elon Musk, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. The Amazon founder’s net worth was $200 billion, while Musk followed at $198 billion. Musk has lost about $31 billion over the past year, while Bezos has gained $23 billion, according to the index. Tesla shares had tumbled more than 7% on Monday. Musk reclaimed the title of the world’s richest person in May 2023, edging out LVMH (LVMHF) CEO Bernard Arnault, who runs one of the world’s biggest conglomerates and includes brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dior and Celine. The three centibillionaires — Musk, Arnault, and Bezos — have been in competition with each other for the top spot for months. Arnault had held the title as his wealth climbed due to a boom in luxury goods sales that helped drive up LVMH’s stock price. Earlier this year, a Delaware state court judge threw out Musk’s 2018 pay package — worth more than $50 billion — that helped to make him one of the richest people in the world. Tesla shares also tumbled about 24% year-to-date. In an exclusive interview, Lovie Simone sheds light on her role in the captivating new series “Manhunt,” now streaming on AppleTV+. Simone shared insights into portraying Mary Simms, a key figure in this thrilling production. As audiences prepare to unpack “Manhunt,” Simone offers a tantalizing glimpse into what viewers can expect from this compelling series. Per Apple TV+, “Manhunt” is a conspiracy thriller about one of history’s best-known but least understood crimes: the astonishing story of the hunt for John Wilkes Booth after Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. Starring alongside Simone and Linklater in the seven-part true crime limited series are Antony Boyle, Tobias Menzies, Will Harrison, Brandon Flynn, Damian O’Hare, Glenn Morshower, Patton Oswalt, and Matt Walsh. https://youtu.be/VFT-b8eKdSo Haiti’s Prime Minister Ariel Henry announced his resignation following a meeting of regional Caribbean leaders, bowing to the inevitable as law and order in the country collapsed and international pressure grew for him to step aside. Henry has been in the US territory of Puerto Rico since last week, unable to return to Haiti from a visit to Kenya as violence swept the country in his absence. In Henry’s place, a transitional council will be established and endowed with some powers of the presidency – including the ability to name a new interim prime minister. The resulting government would be expected to eventually hold elections in the country for a complete political reset. It is unclear how long it could take to establish a transitional council to begin the transfer of power, though Haiti’s former PM Claude Joseph told CNN that it could be created within 24 hours. https://youtu.be/G2ZWLSKwkqo According to a statement by the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM), the council will include representatives of various political factions as well as non-voting observers from religious and civil organizations. A senior US State Department official said Tuesday the seven political factions have 24 hours to let CARICOM know who their representative to the transitional council will be. The big question is whether these changes can bring calm to Haiti, and put a stop to the terrible violence tearing apart Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince. Haiti has been under a state of emergency since groups attacked the country’s largest prison in Port-au-Prince earlier this month, killing and injuring police and prison staff and allowing some 3,500 inmates to escape. https://youtu.be/t6TFi_nEa4o?list=RDNSt6TFi_nEa4o A Texas attorney sent a “threatening and harassing letter” to a Black federally appointed judge, and he was subsequently fired from his law firm. According to the Houston Chronicle, Ben Aderholt, a Houston-based attorney, called Judge Erica Hudges a “political animal” in the letter. “Who do you think you are? Running against a Democrat, a highest rated judge,” Aderbolt wrote, the Black Information Network reports. “Political animals who treat our judiciary as political games should be soundly defeated.” Hudges, who is running for Houston’s 151st Judicial District, told FOX 26 she was “shocked and surprised to receive that letter.” https://youtu.be/oYXEzCy8fiA Sabrina Morrissey, the court-appointed guardian of Wendy Williams, alleges that the former talk show host was not in a fit mental state when she signed a contract to participate in the controversial new Lifetime docuseries “Where Is Wendy Williams?” Morrissey filed a lawsuit on February 20 to prevent the docuseries from airing four days later. PEOPLE reports that the lawsuit was unsealed this week. In it, Morrissey claims the project “shamelessly exploits [Williams] and portrays her in an extremely demeaning and undignified manner.” The legal filing also alleges that Lifetime “incorrectly states that she is ‘broke’ and cruelly implies that her disoriented demeanor is due to substance abuse and intoxication.” Morrissey points out that the docuseries contains privately filmed footage of the talk show that A&E Television Networks, Lifetime’s parent company, failed to get approval to use for distribution. The documents additionally assert that prior court and guardian authorization was required for all contracts before the documentary could be publicly aired. Morrissey alleges that Williams could not consent to the terms of her contract with the network. https://youtu.be/OjJDhf5ll70 For any singer covering a hit song, it must be just as good, if not better than the original version. Especially if the tune is done in front of the singer who made the tune a classic. For Madaí Chakell, the test came recently when she confidently stepped up to sing Katy Perry’s “I Kissed A Girl” during an episode of “American Idol.” In addition to Perry herself, Chakell charmed and auditioned in front of Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. As Chakell sang “I Kissed A Girl,” TooFab noted that Perry appeared “somewhat stunned and, at times, almost uncomfortable by contestant’s performance. Nevertheless, the “Fireworks” vocalist was taken enough by Chakell’s confidence and voice that she requested a simpler tune to sing, like “Happy Birthday. Turns out, “Happy Birthday” was the right choice for the 22-year-old “Idol” hopeful, with Perry taking even more notice. “I appreciated ‘I Kissed A Girl’, that was wild and colorful. But if you could mix it with what you just did,” the “Wide Awake” hitmaker told Chakell after she changed her tune. https://youtu.be/dlLAdnwIwgk Regina King’s favorite role has been that of being a mom. King spoke with “Good Morning America” in an interview that aired Thursday, her first since the death of her 26-year-old son Ian Alexander Jr., who died by suicide in January 2022. The actress has dedicated her forthcoming film, “Shirley,” about activist and politician Shirley Chisholm, to her late son and said much has changed since his passing. “I’m a different person, you know, now than I was January 19 [2022 before her son died],” King told “GMA’s” Robin Roberts. “Grief is a journey. I understand that grief is love that has no place to go.” She said she wishes to honor Ian in the “totality” of who he has been, speaking about her son in the present tense because “he is always with me.” https://youtu.be/e9nFYCO7tBU Lawyers will tell you it’s hard to prove a good boss/bad boss employee complaint unless you have solid evidence and/or irrefutable documentation. So, in the case of former president Donald Trump, during his term in office, he would ordinarily go down in history as either a good president or a bad president. However, when you look at the totality of egregious things he’s said, done, or attempted to do, especially after he lost the 2020 election, one has to wonder how in the world did America allow Trump to get this far – to become the republican front-runner for the presidency again? In the Black community, folks grumble “If it had been President Obama he would have been put in jail by now, or worse!” In the June 2023 POLITICO staff report “Tracking the Trump Criminal Cases” they wrote: “For the first 234 years of the nation’s history, no American president or former president had ever been indicted. That changed this year. Over five months, former President Donald Trump was charged in four criminal cases. In Washington, D.C., he faces four felony counts for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election. In Georgia, he faces 13 felony counts for his election interference in that state. In New York, he faces 34 felony counts in connection with hush money payments to a porn star. And in Florida, he faces 40 felony counts for hoarding classified documents after he left office and impeding the government’s efforts to retrieve them.” Since then, Trump has been adjudicated as a rapist and ordered to pay the plaintiff millions of dollars. California lawmakers proposed a bill this week banning the sale of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos in state public schools. According to CBS News, Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino) introduced A.B. 2316 on Tuesday, legislation that would ban “7 harmful chemicals linked to serious health concerns including DNA damage, cancer, hyperactivity, and neurobehavioral issues from food served to students,” he said in a press release. Additives like blue 1, titanium dioxide, brominated vegetable oil, and red 40, present in Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and Takis, are now subject to regulation. Additionally, foods that contain the dyes blue 1, blue 2, green 3, yellow 5, and yellow 6 would also be prohibited. Gabriel noted that these ingredients are currently banned in Europe. “This legislation will not ban any specific foods or products,” Gabriel said, ABC 7 News reports. “The goal here is to encourage companies to make minor modifications to products sold in California if they want their products to be sold in California public schools, and let’s be clear, that’s a big market.” Dr. Dre will receive his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame next week, and it will be installed next to Snoop Dogg’s star. The ceremony will take place on Tuesday, March 19. Media personality Big Boy will host the event, and Snoop will speak alongside Interscope Records co-founder Jimmy Iovine, Yahoo reports. Dr. Dre’s contributions to the music industry are undeniable and have left an indelible mark on popular culture,” said Ana Martinez, producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, in a statement. “As a producer, rapper, and entrepreneur, Dr. Dre has continuously pushed boundaries and set new standards for excellence. It is with great pride that we honor his incredible career and extraordinary impact by awarding him a star on the Walk of Fame,” the statement continued. Martinez added, “Dr. Dre’s star will serve as a lasting symbol of his immense talent and enduring legacy in the world of music.” Dre’s star will live in front of Jimmy Kimmel’s studio on Hollywood Blvd. Karrueche Tran clapped back at fans who criticized her for selling pictures of her feet on the subscription-based platform OnlyFans. Critics mocked the actress for turning to a service used primarily by sex workers who produce pornography. Many fans accused the model of “going broke,” and Tran hopped on social media to set the record straight. “I have a team that helps with the page, so they’ll be able to eat from this as well,” Tran wrote. “There’s a stigma around OF but there’s literally chefs, musicians, yoga instructors, etc. on there,” she added. Her OF subscription fee is $24.99 a month. If you have a severe foot fetish, Tran is also offering a three-month bundle for $52.48 and $104.96 for six months. She intends to donate a percentage of her OnlyFans revenue to local charities in Los Angeles. Pi Day isn’t just about showing off how many numbers you have memorized. Restaurants from Burger King to California Pizza Kitchen are offering deals and discounts on Thursday, March 14. Pi Day occurs on March 14 each year because the date is written as 3.14 in the United States. Pi is the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter, or approximately 3.14 (its exact value is infinite and can’t be calculated). March 14 also happens to be Albert Einstein’s birthday. With eating out becoming more of a luxury, restaurants use such deals to help draw customers to fast casual and fast food chains. Pi Day has also become synonymous with pizza pie (and other round foods). https://youtu.be/h4Zsvhdd4E4 STARZ has announced that they have given the green light to “Down in the Valley,” a documentary series inspired by the world of “P-Valley,” set to air in 2024. The six-half-hour episode series, hosted and executive produced by Nicco Annan (“P-Valley”), will offer viewers a glimpse into the Deep South, showcasing its poignant, joyful, and magical aspects. Annan, best known as “Uncle Clifford” in STARZ’s acclaimed drama series “P-Valley,” will delve into the people, sensuality, music, culture, and stories of the South. From strip clubs to sex workshops and ancient hoodoo rituals, Annan, along with the audience, will explore it all. “Down in the Valley” will unveil the intriguing people and places that make the Deep South a land of possibilities and surprises. Candace Owens is convinced that France’s first lady, Brigitte Macron, is a man, and she has presented compelling receipts to support this theory. Earlier this week, she dedicated much of her Daily Wire podcast to the controversy in an episode titled “The BIGGEST Political Scandal In Human History.” Brigitte has a couple of concerning issues going on. First, she gives off pedo vibes because the 70-year-old met and “fell in love” with 46-year-old President Emmanuel Macron when he was 15 and she was his school teacher. Secondly, she favors her “missing” brother, whom many French people believe is not missing at all, but is actually posing as the country’s first lady. Owens noted in her podcast that Brigitte was born Jean-Michel Trogneux before eventually transitioning at age 30. https://youtu.be/v81g1tldi4c ScHoolboy Q and Amber Rose join Anderson .Paak for Episode 3 of .Paak House Radio on Apple Music 1. ScHoolboy Q performs “oHio” and “Am I Wrong” from his acclaimed new album “Blue Lips” and talks to Anderson .Paak about the meaning behind his album title, studio dynamics, what artists he plays his music for before releasing it, and how having a teenage daughter has changed the way he presents himself. He also shares the story about the first time they ever met and reveals his first impression of him. https://youtu.be/q9wsMn6Kl5M Episode 3 of .Paak House Radio premiered today, March 13 on Apple Music 1 at apple.co/PaakHouse – or watch on Apple Music TV (available on the Apple TV app) https://youtu.be/6VI18aFjmrE Attorney Antonio Moore discusses the recent litigation brought by rapper 50 Cent accusing his liquor distribution partner of embezzling millions. Moore also ties in similar recent claims by rappers Diddy and Jay Z in recent years involving liquor sales. Looking back Jay Z had claimed to need access to the location of bottles for his liquor. And Diddy claimed racial discrimination with Diageo. He also ties in the problems with sports gambling through Draft Kings & Shannon Sharpe. As well as Joe Budden & Prize Picks. https://youtu.be/zXpr2mXEMV8 Tangela Parker, an award-winning African American global marketing executive, joined an elite group of female C-Suite leaders when President Joe Biden awarded her the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. The annual awards honor a select few who “exhibit outstanding character, work ethic, and dedication to their communities.” Recipients of the award must have completed a minimum of 4,000 hours of volunteer service. The President’s Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honor in the President’s Volunteer Service Award program. Parker was honored with the award based on her 24-year marketing and public affairs career at leading Fortune 500 companies, where she has supported underserved communities and developed programming to improve their quality of life. Don Lemon said Wednesday that his partnership with Elon Musk went down in flames, hours after the former CNN anchor conducted an interview last week with the erratic billionaire for the debut episode of his new independent web-based show. “Elon publicly encouraged me to join X with a new show, saying I would have his ‘full support,’” Lemon said in a statement, adding that he took Musk at his word that he was “interested in working directly with diverse voices.” In an interview with CNN’s Erin Burnett on Wednesday night, Lemon spoke about his exchange with Musk and shared video excerpts from the 90-minute sit-down, in which Lemon asked Musk questions on an array of topics. Lemon said he pressed Musk about the rise in hate speech on X since the billionaire took over the social media platform last year, asking him if he believed that he and the company had a responsibility to moderate hateful content. https://youtu.be/pgVZnVTKqMw Here is an exclusive clip of this week’s new episode of WE TV’s reality series Bold & Bougie, which follows Crystal Smith, Malaysia Pargo, Tameka Foster, Gocha Hawkins, and Princess Banton-Lofters. Per the official series synopsis, “The women of Bold & Bougie have spent their entire lives being cheerleaders for others. Now, it’s their turn to be the center of attention as they support each other and form an unbreakable sisterhood. In each hour-long episode, witness the growing pains that come from love, loss – and hangovers, because they still know how to have a good time. As they celebrate milestones, the women showcase their vibrant personalities and zest for life. However, this sisterhood isn’t without its challenges.” https://youtu.be/O0a30FNECyE Pharrell Williams reportedly ended his F1 post-race performance in Saudi Arabia due to safety concerns with the unruly crowd. The artist and Louis Vuitton’s latest Men’s Creative Director delivered a stern message to the audience after several people hurled objects on stage. “This is the liveliest city right now on the planet but we have also got to be the safest,” Williams said to the crowd, Hip Hop Wired reports. “I know you guys are excited and I know you are wanting to throw your wrist gadgets and lights and all that, but you can’t as the girls are dancing. And me? I love women. How about you?” He continued, “We must protect our women, so if you want to throw them lights, you have to throw them the other way, not at the stage. Who understands what I’m saying?” Despite his caution, fans persisted in tossing their wristbands onto the stage. The New Orleans Police Department is facing a rat infestation so severe that the rodents are consuming some of the drugs stored as evidence — and getting high.According to NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick, the decaying NOPD headquarters are riddled with mold and overrun by rats. These rodents have even infiltrated the evidence room, where they consume some of the stored marijuana, per NOLA. Kirkpatrick voiced concerns about the conditions during a meeting with the City Council’s Criminal Justice Committee on Monday, March 11th. “The rats are eating our marijuana,” Kirkpatrick said, Complex reports. “They’re all high.” https://youtu.be/Arfx2aGYHvs A United Airlines round-trip ticket from Denver to Dallas in late March is advertised for $91. But checking one bag at the airport both ways will cost an extra $80 — nearly as much as the flight. Checked bag fees are hitting record highs as airlines up the ante. Bag fees are lucrative revenue for airlines and a way to save on taxes, airline experts say. Last week, American Airlines said it was raising luggage fees by $5. American will charge $40 for customers who don’t first prepay online and $35 if they do. United, JetBlue and Alaska Airlines have also announced fee increases this year. (Southwest is the only airline that does not charge for checking bags. Delta charges $30 for a first checked bag, but has not raised its prices since 2018.) Luggage fees feel like they’ve been around forever, but they are a relatively new phenomenon. In 2008, American became the first major US airline to charge customers for checking a bag, instituting a $15 fee. Airlines also charge extra for bags that weigh over a certain threshold, often 50 pounds. https://youtu.be/nzcD9zbkLo0 Inglewood’s first and only wine bar, 1010 Wine and Events unveiled a sneak peek of their new dynamic menu created by Le Cordon Bleu Pasadena graduate, Chef Mo Marvel! Founders Leslie and LeAnn Jones recently hosted a night of food tasting that included salmon crudo, Piri Piri chicken, Prime Beef bavette along with a host of other delicious servings. The well-rounded variety of dishes were each paired with select Black-owned wines, hand-picked by LeAnn herself. Each plate brought to the table held it’s own deeming of sophistication that appeared to be more like fine-dining, but tasted along the lines of food for the soul. Before deep-diving into each dish, Chef Mo appeared and announced the names and fresh ingredients with all the passion a master chef could muster up. He listed the variety of fresh, roasted, and caramelized vegetables like molasses brown butter carrots, brussel sprouts with cucumber yogurt, and braised chard. https://youtu.be/Rdl2j8JKEwI Ranchy rapper Sexyy Red wants a guest starring role on “Abbott Elementary.” “How I get on Abbott Elementary?” said the rapper in a post on X (formerly Twitter), Uproxx reports. The show’s creator, Quinta Brunson, has not responded to the hip-hop star. According to Collider, the upcoming slate of guest stars on Season 3 includes Lana Condor, Keegan-Michael Key, Cree Summer, Tatyana Ali, and Karan Soni. Brunson plays elementary teacher Janine in the series and recently appeared on Hot Ones to eat hot wings and discuss her Emmy-winning sitcom. “She’s a girl who doesn’t quite know what to do with her hair and wardrobe yet but she’s proud of herself regardless and that’s what I wanted people to take away with that kind of character,” Brunson said about Janine. https://youtu.be/uBSQ3yOt3Fk SZA is opening up about having her breast implants removed due to concerns about her family history of breast cancer. SZA’s mother battled breast cancer, and her aunt had a mastectomy. On a recent episode of the S.H.E. MD podcast, the R&B songstress noted that she has a 53% lifetime risk of developing the disease, PEOPLE reports. She didn’t fully comprehend the risk until she contemplated getting breast implants and experienced fibrosis — which the Mayo Clinic describes as the “scarring and thickening of the tissue around and between the air sacs called alveoli in the lungs.” “When I got my boobs done, my doctor took out some of my fibrosis, but, there was so much fibrosis, it was crazy,” SZA said on the podcast hosted by former fashion designer and entrepreneur Mary Alice Haney and board-certified OB/GYN Dr. Thais Aliabadi. “And he took it out. And so, when I went back, a lot of the concerns were gone,” the Grammy winner added. “I like seeing somebody spiritual about it, specifically the breast cancer situation and the marker before I had the results of the biopsy and all that, I had talked to somebody, because I was like, I got to figure out what’s going on in the higher realms.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C11rps6LYzz/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=a3235982-42ee-435c-93aa-f347844bd199 In an inspiring portrayal, Oscar-winner Regina King takes on the role of political icon Shirley Chisholm in the upcoming Netflix film “Shirley,” chronicling Chisholm’s groundbreaking run for president in 1972. The film, written and directed by John Ridley, highlights the audacity and boundary-breaking campaign that marked Chisholm as the first Black candidate to seek a major presidential nomination. Regina shared insights on portraying Chisholm, emphasizing the importance of showcasing the humanity behind the political figure. “It was important to bring out the humanity,” she stated. “We often view these larger-than-life figures as almost deities, but they are also daughters, wives, and women. Understanding all these facets helps us grasp the magnitude of what Shirley achieved.” Reflecting on the historical context, Howard drew parallels between Chisholm and other influential figures like Mother Teresa. He highlighted the importance of recognizing the strength and support behind such figures, shedding light on the unsung heroes who contribute to their success. Howard remarked, “Regina has all those same qualities, and it’s interesting to be a part of watching history repeat itself.” https://youtu.be/hjBeKNHIdMY South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem’s promotion of a cosmetic dentist’s services in a video shared on social media has garnered attention. In the video posted on X, Noem mentions that she lost all her front teeth in a biking accident years ago. She recounts her experience with Smile Texas, a cosmetic and implant dental practice in Houston, which restored her smile. “I love that my bite is better, that my teeth are a better shape, that they feel better in my mouth and that I can be confident when I smile at people,” Noem said in the video, per Newsweek. She added, “It has been a gift to be here at Smile Texas.” Noem explained that she decided to undergo cosmetic dentistry because she was concerned about her teeth after entering politics. Watch her full commentary in the X/Twitter clip. Social media users questioned why Noem shared what seemed to be an advertisement for a Texas-based business. https://twitter.com/i/status/1767392635944059202 Is this some kind of surreal twist? MLB sensation Aroldis Chapman seems to be quite handsy and attached to his mama, as evidenced by a rather peculiar video that emerged recently. In the clip, the Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher can be seen getting cozy with an older lady—presumably his mother. The two-time World Series champ shared this eyebrow-raising moment on his Instagram story. It’s a scene where he’s lounging on a couch with a woman who bears a striking resemblance to his mom, Maria Caridad De La Cruz, reports TMZ. Chapman, sporting a grin from ear to ear, is noticeably hands-on in the video, playfully squeezing the woman’s breasts while she casually pats his back. https://twitter.com/LanceZierlein/status/1767931300290142434/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1767931300290142434%7Ctwgr%5Ea4ab20cbf0c1a065d47ce24cf3bbcccfca11e6e0%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fwhy-is-this-mlb-star-groping-this-older-womans-boobs%2F The Missouri teenager whom a fellow classmate violently assaulted in a viral video is in critical condition with brain damage. The victim was “left alone on the ground to convulse” after her attacker slammed her head numerous times against the pavement, according to a GoFundeMe page. We reported earlier that the St. Louis County Police Department in Missouri confirmed the arrest of a 15-year-old Black girl involved in a violent assault. The unidentified minor is facing assault charges and is currently detained in the St. Louis Family Court, Washington Examiner reports. The altercation was recorded on video and quickly spread across social media platforms over the weekend, garnering viral attention. The clip shows the girl repeatedly slamming the head of a white teenager named Kaylee on the concrete, leaving her on the ground convulsing. The incident occurred on Friday near Hazelwood East High School in Hazelwood, a suburb of St. Louis. According to the family’s fundraiser, the victim has a skull fracture and damage to her frontal lobe. She remains in critical condition with significant brain bleeding. 50 Cent announced this week that he’s explaining the “Power” universe that will unpack the origin story of Tommy and Ghost. “You asked, I answered. Young Ghost and Tommy coming your way,” Fiddy wrote in an Instagram post about the forthcoming series titled “Power Origins.” The original “Power” series centers on wealthy New York City nightclub owner and drug kingpin James “Ghost” St. Patrick (played by Omari Hardwick). His longtime friend Tommy (played by Joseph Sikora) helped distribute the narcotics. The show was created by Courtney A. Kemp and executive produced by 50 Cent and spawned three spinoff series. “As we approach the 10-year anniversary of Power it is incredible to witness the enormous connection our fans have with the ‘Power’ universe,” Kathryn Busby, President of Programming for Starz said in a statement to Deadline. “We can’t wait to see how Origins will further evolve this dynamic franchise while bringing fresh, gripping, and expansive storytelling to our audience.” Meanwhile, we reported earlier that production has begun in Chicago on season three of STARZ’s action-packed drama series “Power Book IV: Force.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C4dccigOxux/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=70950c43-93c9-447e-92d7-ce9d53793cd8 The world-renowned Gospel Heritage Worship & Arts Summit will be returning after a brief hiatus at The River Church in Durham, NC May 16-18! This three-day intense gospel music industry bootcamp will provide aspiring gospel singers and musicians with the opportunity to learn from some of the industry’s leading professionals. Originally founded by industry veteran Dr. Teresa Hairston-Jackson, this year’s workshop will be hosted by Gospel Heritage President and 7x Stellar Award-winning gospel artist, VaShawn Mitchell. This year’s summit is sure to be an epic experience unlike any other year prior. This year’s special honorees include Dr. Judith McAllister, the group Men of Standard, and gospel music legend Pastor Shirley Caesar. Special guest speakers of the summit will also include Bishop William Murphy, Dr. Valerie Moore, and Bishop Ronald L. Godbee. Other special guests include Gospel Heritage Vice President Dr. John Paul McGee, Anthony Brown, Tonya Baker, Meachum Clarke, Pastor Ruth Ann Wynter, and Todd Garlberth. Check out the fake Sir Charles, “Saturday Night Live” legend Kenan Thompson, as he explains how he does his impression of the real Sir Charles, the one and only, Charles Barkley.On Wednesday’s edition of CNN’s “KingCharles,” with Gayle King and Barkley, a nervous (acting) Thompson dished to Gayle how he nails the Chuckster every time. “Some people strike you funny… you have a very specific tone,” Thompson said before slipping into his Barkley persona easily. “It’s just down in here, you know? It’s just a very Southern baritonal, ‘I’m a very tall person, so that’s how I talk.'” Barkley was so awed discovering his impressionable manner of speech, that he immediately said, “It’s a tremendous compliment.” https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/240313234504-keenan-thompson-charles-barkley-split.jpg?c=16x9&q=w_250,c_fill In an exclusive interview, we chatted with Hamish Linklater, who portrays Abraham Lincoln, and Anthony Boyle, who embodies John Wilkes Booth, in the highly anticipated new APPLETV+ series “MANHUNT.” Delving into their respective roles as pivotal figures in one of history’s most significant events, the actors provided unique insights into their characters. With the series poised to explore the gripping narrative of Lincoln’s assassination, Linklater and Boyle offer a glimpse into the intense emotional journey and dynamic storytelling awaiting audiences in this compelling drama. Per Apple TV+, “Manhunt” is a conspiracy thriller about one of history’s best-known but least understood crimes: the astonishing story of the hunt for John Wilkes Booth after Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. https://youtu.be/VFT-b8eKdSo In a heart-stopping display of precision and skill, Logan Holladay, stunt driver for Oscar® nominee Ryan Gosling’s character in Universal Pictures’ new 87North film, The Fall Guy, shattered the GUINNESS World Records title for most cannon rolls in a car, achieving an astonishing eight and a half rolls during the film’s 2022 production on the beaches of Sydney, Australia. This groundbreaking feat in blockbuster director David Leitch’s latest film surpassed the previous record held by stuntman Adam Kirley, who achieved seven cannon rolls during the filming of 2006’s Casino Royale. https://youtu.be/vyM_QMFcFvA GRAMMY® nominated and Stellar Award-winning, Jekalyn Carr, earns her eighth #1 single as a writer and producer with “Live Again” as performed by Kelontae Gavin. “Live Again” earns #1 status on the Billboard National Gospel Airplay Chart and Mediabase Gospel Airplay chart. “Live Again” is lifted from Kelontae Gavin’s current album, TESTIFY. Jekalyn Carr’s current self-titled offering, JEKALYN, is available for streaming and purchase at all major digital retailers now. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FP1SnmHHngM The album, JEKALYN, is preceded by the Billboard Gospel National Airplay #1 single, “I Believe God,” and is available now wherever music is sold and streamed. JEKALYN, marks Carr’s first-full release in four years and features outstanding collaborations with Tauren Wells, Kierra Sheard, Papa San, Tim Bowman Jr., Kirk Franklin, Pastor Mike Jr., Mike Teezy, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Blanca and Elevation Rhythm. JEKALYN contains Carr’s seventh Billboard Gospel National Airplay #1 single, “I Believe God.” The brand new single, “You Carried Me” by Jekalyn Carr is impacting radio now. Get ready for all new episodes of TV One’s original and longest-running series "UNSUNG" and "UNCENSORED" this Sunday, March 17 at 9 pm ET/8 pm CT. "UNSUNG" leads with Chuckii Booker at 9 p.m. ET / 8C followed by "UNCENSORED", which features R&B sensation Ginuwine, at 10 p.m. ET / 9C. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZSatqePpVQ Jenifer Lewis is speaking about a near-death experience during a trip to Africa in 2022. In a new interview with ABC’s Robin Roberts, Lewis, 67, said she experienced a 10-foot fall from a hotel balcony during a trip to the Serengeti. The “Black-ish” actress recounted how she ventured out to the deck towards an infinity pool, only to stumble off the edge due to the darkness, unaware of the drop. “I’m walking and all of a sudden, I had fallen 10 feet into a dry ravine full of boulders and stones and sharp rocks,” she said. “There was a space that was not sectioned off, and there was no sign that said ‘caution, 10-feet drop.” Lewis suffered multiple injuries in the fall and recalled being “in shock” and unable to move her body. While in the ravine, she found herself surrounded by wild animals, USA Today reports. https://youtu.be/y6iZzioF1og Mike Epps admits to grappling with “survivor’s remorse” and guilt about his success, particularly when considering the struggles of his less fortunate friends. “I’ve been through hell… I did most of the movies on cocaine…” said Mike on a recent podcast episode of the “All the Smoke” podcast, Essentially Sports reports. He also reminisced about his experience working on the “Friday” sequel alongside co-star Ice Cube, recalling a moment of vulnerability when he found himself in tears in his trailer. Cube offered consolation and words of encouragement during that difficult time. “I’m sitting there wiping myself because I had survivor’s remorse,” Epps revealed. https://youtu.be/lHvZQmMpf-0 Doctors in Florida discovered tapeworm eggs within the brain of a man who had been eating undercooked pork. The 52-year-old man sought medical treatment due to severe headaches, PEOPLE reports. A CT scan revealed a mass initially believed to be “congenital neuroglial cysts,” according to a report published in the American Journal of Case Reports. Further examinations, including an MRI, confirmed that the masses were the larvae of tapeworms. He informed his physicians about his history of consuming soft, undercooked bacon, suspected to be the source of his infection. According to the CDC, the condition, known as neurocysticercosis, can result in seizures and, in severe cases, may even lead to death, PEOPLE reports. The physicians stated, “It can only be speculated, but given our patient’s predilection for undercooked pork and benign exposure history, we favor that his cysticercosis was transmitted via autoinfection after improper handwashing after he had contracted taeniasis himself from his eating habits.” https://youtu.be/l403_H3yOyw The rap world is mourning the loss of Bo$$, whose untimely death at age 54 has shocked fans and fellow artists alike. Bo$$ was the first female rapper to sign with Def Jam and is best known for her only studio album, “Born Gangstaz,” released in 1993 and featuring the singles “Deeper” and “Recipe of a Hoe.” Boss (born Lichelle Marie Laws) left an indelible impression with her potent lyrics and pioneering role in the predominantly male hip-hop landscape of the early 1990s. The record label confirmed news of her passing with a statement Tuesday. “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Lichelle Marie Laws, also known as Bo$$,” the statement on Instagram read. “Bo$$ will be remembered as a pioneer in hip hop, being one of the first female rappers signed to Def Jam in the early 1990’s. We extend our prayers and condolences to her family and loved ones during this difficult time.” Details about her death are not widely known, but Billboard reports that Bo$$ struggled with various health issues throughout the years, which included renal disease and a stroke in 2017. Several fans and artists have paid tribute to her on social media. Hip-hop pioneer Kurtis Blow wrote to his Instagram: ” The Hip Hip Hip Alliance is saddened by the passing of our Beloved ‘BO$$.’ First Detroit Female Gangsta rapper signed to Def Jam. She will never be forgotten and will live in our hearts forever. We send our sincere condolences to her family, friends, Detroit, and the entire world. RIP legend.”Rapper Bun B shared a photo of Bo$$ with the caption: “Rest in peace to my big sis Lichelle Laws AKA Boss. One of the best female MCs and a dear friend. Give Rick Royal a hug for me. Long Live The Org!” DJ Premier revealed he and Bo$$ created a remix for “Deeper,” but Def Jam never released it. https://www.instagram.com/p/C4bUWFagGUf/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=bb7e45e2-7fc7-4512-86b5-6a82f1959b77 Lenny Kravitz, a musician, actor, and fashion icon, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Tuesday. Kravitz rose to fame in the 90s, winning four Grammy awards and releasing 11 albums. He has also been nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year. During Tuesday’s ceremony, Kravitz reminisced about his teenage years spent strolling along Hollywood Boulevard, idolizing his favorite stars. “I used to walk these very streets because the action and the grit that I was missing in New York was right here in Hollywood.” “As a teenager, I spent a lot of time walking up and down Hollywood Boulevard seeing the names of all my idols,” he continued. “I never dreamt about having a star. I was usually just looking for a place to crash. But I did dream about making the music I wanted and doing my own thing. To see my name, Lenny Kravitz, permanently engraved on the same streets I used to walk is a surreal, indescribable feeling.” https://youtu.be/pxrGal9hdPM Pizza Hut has collaborated with Yeastie Boys, a bagel food truck concept from Los Angeles, to combine the flavors of bagels and pizzas in the limited-edition Big New Yorker Pizza Bagel. Per the news release, “The Big New Yorker Pizza Bagel will debut at Rolling Loud in Los Angeles on March 15-17. Then, two trucks will roll out in New York City over the following weekend from March 22-23 and Los Angeles from March 22-24. At each truck location, the Big New Yorker Pizza Bagel will be available for FREE while supplies last with a limit of one per customer. Additionally, select Pizza Bagels will come with a scratch-off that includes codes for Pizza Hut gift cards up to $25 or custom Yeastie Boys x Pizza Hut swag items.” In the fall of 2019, I received an e-mail from a group of Parsons Fashion Design and Society MFA students who had been given the assignment to make a collection of clothes for “seniors,” as part of a course that involves creating designs that focus on disabled, plus-size, transgender and aging people. The students were divided into four teams, with each team charged to find a muse/collaborator within their respective category — to ensure primary research and a meaningful outcome. The students asked me for an interview, hoping that I might become their muse. The students had gone around to senior centers, asking what older people wanted in their clothing. The answers — focused more on issues of fit, comfort, and disguising signs of age — had discouraged them. Though these elements are important, the students seemed to want an aesthetic of age that could inspire them; they want to make old age high fashion, something beyond just function. (I think to myself that these fashionable young people want to design clothes they can see themselves in when they grow old.) But as we speak together, the fluid internal experience of aging, the memories held, and the desire to evoke them in what we wear are topics they become animated and excited about. Along with their tutors, these students and I begin our work together. Former professional baseball player Darryl Strawberry recently revealed a harrowing health scare, disclosing that he suffered a heart attack on Monday evening. However, thanks to the swift actions of medical professionals, his life was spared, and he is currently recuperating in a hospital. The incident took place in the St. Louis area, where the three-time World Series champion found himself in the grips of a cardiac emergency, according to TMZ. While Strawberry (NY Yankees / NY Mets) did not delve into intricate details surrounding the ordeal, he did mention that doctors intervened with a stent procedure to address his ailing heart. Expressing gratitude for the medical intervention, he shared that the process resulted in the complete restoration of his heart function. Taking to social media – Strawberry, who now lives in O’Fallon, Missouri – conveyed his appreciation for the outpouring of support and requested prayers for his ongoing recovery, ending his message with a heartfelt acknowledgment of divine grace. https://www.instagram.com/p/C4ZjAOEOH8w/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=021bb95d-2f8c-47fc-83a8-5105cfc013be Actor Tyrin Turner has firmly refuted rumors that he and Jamie Foxx are in a secret romantic relationship. The speculation initially arose when Suge Knight mentioned the two men on his jailhouse podcast, SandraRose.com reports. Reggie Wright, former head of security for Death Row Records, appeared on the “Bomb 1st” podcast and corroborated the allegations. Reggie asserted that Tyrin (“Menace to Society”) once relied on Foxx for support and lived with the comedian. “I don’t know if Jamie used KY jelly on him,” Reggie said on the podcast. According to Reggie, Tyrin is trying to overcompensate for being gay. https://twitter.com/i/status/1765171894683140241 “Generally, guys that are homosexuals, they have to overcompensate for theyself [sic] and like to be tough… Every interview that he’s doing, he’s beating up people or got into a fight with somebody,” Reggie said.Tyrin, 52, denied the allegations in an interview on the “The Art Of Dialogue” podcast. “Me and Jamie have been like brothers and best friends for years. What people don’t understand is that we do a lot of business together. So you may have seen us a lot,” the married father of two children explained, SandraRose reports. He added, “When you’re dealing with people, people want to throw the little gay rumor [on you]. Somebody always gotta be gay in the world. I know what I like.” https://youtu.be/-z7txcUSW0I During a recent FDNY promotion ceremony, New York Attorney General Letitia James faced pro-Trump chants during her speech. The department is currently seeking to admonish those responsible for the disturbance. James attended a ceremony at the Christian Cultural Center in Starrett City, Brooklyn, to honor “65 uniformed members from Fire and EMS Operations and the Bureau of Fire Investigation, 29 members of the Bureau of Fire Prevention, and 34 civilian employees receiving promotions,” the New York Intelligencer writes. The event also marked the appointment of Reverend Pamela Holmes as the FDNY’s first Black woman fire chaplain. The audience began booing as soon as James was announced, and the jeers persisted as she started speaking. “Oh, come on. We’re in a house of God,” James said to calm the crowd. “First … simmer down. Thank you, thank you, thank you for getting it out of your system.” The heckling eventually escalated into chants of “Trump.” https://youtu.be/tkGiqwSXKhU Don Lemon’s partnership with Elon Musk went down in flames Wednesday, hours after the former CNN anchor interviewed the erratic billionaire for the debut episode of his new independent web-based show. “Elon publicly encouraged me to join X with a new show, saying I would have his ‘full support,’” Lemon said in a statement, adding that he took Musk at his word that he was “interested in working directly with diverse voices.” https://youtu.be/HbDwCwx-NOc Lemon said the sit-down he conducted with Musk for the first episode of “The Don Lemon Show,” which will be released Monday on social media platforms including X and YouTube, was “respectful and wide ranging” and that “there were no restrictions on the interview that he willingly agreed to.” “His commitment to a global town square where all questions can be asked and all ideas can be shared seems not to include questions of him from people like me,” Lemon added. https://youtu.be/iWwAKoDCplY Asked by a user on X what led to the decision, Musk attacked Lemon and CNN, which is not involved in Lemon’s new venture. “His approach was basically just ‘CNN, but on social media’, which doesn’t work, as evidenced by the fact that CNN is dying,” Musk wrote. “And, instead of it being the real Don Lemon, it was really just [former CNN chief] Jeff Zucker talking through Don, so lacked authenticity.” But a spokesperson for Lemon told CNN that the media personality expects Musk to honor the financial terms of the agreement. “Don has a deal with X and expects to be paid for it,” the spokesperson said. “If we have to go to court we will.” https://youtu.be/UpALdixETww Last year, Musk endorsed an antisemitic conspiracy theory, which resulted in droves of advertisers fleeing X. Only then, days afterward, did Musk publicly express remorse for his actions. Lemon was ousted from CNN last year, in a decision that the longtime anchor said left him “stunned.” No specific reason was given by CNN for Lemon’s dismissal, but it came after he was widely criticized for making sexist comments about then-GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley. Lemon apologized for the remarks at the time, saying, “When I make a mistake, I own it. And I own this one as well.” https://youtu.be/L9eaiRUX1EM “I have multiple things going on with Santana,” said Cindy Blackman, drummer for the Carlos Santana Band, about her upcoming projects during a talk with The Pulse of Entertainment. “We start up in May. HOB (House of Blues) for a summer tour….and he’s (Carlos) is working on a new release.” Cindy is a Jazz/Rock drummer who has played for many artists and musicians. She is known for playing with Lenny Kravitz from 1992 – 2007, 2014, and 2015. She met Carlos in 2010 when she replaced his drummer Dennis Chambers and became the regular drummer for the Carlos Santana Band. That same year she and Carlos married. https://youtu.be/JGgiN1YNoQ4 Kevin Hunter, Wendy Williams’ former spouse, insists that the celebrity cover two years’ worth of overdue divorce payments. According to court filings, Hunter is seeking the resumption of payments that were suspended before Wendy was placed under guardianship in 2022. The payments are outlined in the Marital Settlement Agreement he and the former talk show host entered into, The U.S. Sun reports. In the filing, Hunter stated that attempts at out-of-court mediation had proven unsuccessful, prompting him to return the case to the court again. “I rely on the severance pay for my living expenses and having been without this income for twenty-three months has affected me greatly,” Hunter told the court. Hunter wants Wendy to “immediately pay all severance payments which may be due and owing at the time of this Court’s Order.” Maybe—and I’m just spitballing here—but maybe the anti-woke movement is really just more pro-white, anti-POC racism. Take the subject of racial diversity in Hollywood for instance. Maybe white people are only calling Hollywood “woke” because, in their minds, W.O.K.E is an acronym for “Whiteness Over Knee-grow Entertainment,” or something to that effect. Maybe the truth is white people are so used to seeing themselves overwhelmingly dominate the entertainment industry that when the pendulum swings even an inch in a direction that prioritizes racial and cultural diversity, all they can see is reverse Jim Crow for white Hollywood and the implementation of woke supremacy. In other words, white privilege is a hell of a drug, so much so that white people go into withdrawal when they see anyone else enjoying the representation they have always enjoyed, and, apparently, taken for granted. On Monday, billionaire white man Elon Musk bemoaned the 2024 Academy Awards by declaring, “Winning an Oscar now just means you won the woke contest.” Charges have been dropped against 40-year-old Twyla Stallworth, the Black mother who was violently arrested and detained for more than 12 hours in Andalusia, Alabama, after her neighbor called the police on her over a noise dispute on Feb. 23. In fact, not only have charges been dropped against Stallworth — who was arrested for refusing to present an officer with ID, which she was within her legal right to do since she was in her own home — but Andalusia Mayor Earl Johnson also issued an apology to her on Friday. However, Johnson — who is white — immediately addressed the allegations that Stallworth’s arrest was “racially motivated,” which is to say, he dismissed them outright based on the cop not explicitly displaying racism in video footage of the incident. “On behalf of the City of Andalusia and the Andalusia Police Department, I would like to apologize to Twyla Stallworth for her arrest in February. All charges against Ms. Stallworth are being dropped,” Johnson said. https://youtu.be/CNNpJzeSDYk The unexpected announcement of U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Marcia Fudge’s forthcoming resignation paved the way for President Joe Biden to name the person who will fill the future vacancy in his cabinet. Adrianne Todman, who is currently the Deputy HUD Secretary, will become acting HUD Secretary once Fudge’s resignation takes effect on March 22. Todman is described in her official HUD bio as someone who “has dedicated her career to improving people’s lives and strengthening neighborhoods through housing and strong community development.” Prior to joining HUD, Todman was CEO of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) from 2017 until her confirmation as Deputy HUD Secretary in 2021. Todman was confirmed unanimously nearly three months after she was nominated for the position. https://youtu.be/HbcSPe1PQMI Black women-led reproductive justice organization that raises awareness of issues at the intersections of race, gender, class, sexual orientation and gender identity has launched a new campaign aimed at educating Black voters on reproductive issues ahead of the 2024 election.In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda kicked off its I Am A Reproductive Justice Voter campaign last week. The new initiative aims to involve, educate, and mobilize Black women voters across a dozen states and drive turnout to advocate for policies that advance reproductive justice, which is defined by In Our Own Voice as “the human right to control our sexuality, our gender, our work, and our reproduction.” https://twitter.com/BlackWomensRJ/status/1766191934874189965/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1766191934874189965%7Ctwgr%5E8ec8692cc9eb9c84e6791b3e9d56dc7d8a85ca5a%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewsone.com%2F5072088%2Freproductive-justice-voter-campaign%2F Here’s a question: What if conservatives are lying about the negative impact learning about racism in class has on their children? What if white parents are really just projecting their own racial resentment onto their children when they’re filling the school board room meetings to complain about the psychological damage done to their kids after they heard the words “systemic racism” or white privilege?” After all, when Republican legislators are making bold claims that critical race theory teaches white students that they’re inherently racist and to hate their country—which CRT absolutley doesn’t teach—it’s not like they ever provide any studies or any evidence at all that indicates said students actually feel that way. On the other hand, there are numerous studies that show both students and educators alike benefit greatly from anti-racist curricula in terms of racial awareness and academic prowess. As the country prepares for national, state and local elections, racial justice and sexual violence remain two pressing issues that affect a vast majority of American citizens yet seem to get lost during this season. Over the past seven years, two of the largest protest movements greatly impacting the politics and culture of the country have addressed the scourge of sexual violence and persistent structural racism, respectively. While it’s often portrayed as if these are two separate issues living in their own silos, the reality is that they are profoundly interconnected. For this reason, Black Voters Matter and me too. International are joining forces to boldly declare that survivor justice is racial justice. Last week, we reported on Alabama Sen. Katie Britt and her rebuttal to President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address. Actually, media outlets and folks on social media were so focused on Britt’s absurdly dramatic performance in her rebuttal video, which weirdly appeared to be taken from her kitchen, that much more time was spent focusing on her Karen-esque D-list overacting that wouldn’t be fit for a Tubi production than was spent focusing on how truthful she was during her speech. Well, it turns out, a central part of Britt’s speech, which largely focused on the border crisis, was based on a misleading anecdote about a sex-trafficking victim whose story Britt appears to have exploited in order to bolster a narrative against Biden’s immigration policies, which would be fine if it weren’t for the fact that the trafficking victim she was speaking about was trafficked during the administration of Presiden George W. Bush, which also doesn’t matter since the victim was trafficked within Mexico, not the U.S. “I traveled to the Del Rio sector of Texas,” Britt said following Biden’s address Thursday. “That’s where I spoke to a woman who shared her story with me. She had been sex trafficked by the cartels starting at the age of 12. She told me not just that she was raped every day, but how many times a day she was raped. The cartels put her on a mattress in a shoe box of a room, and they sent men through that door over and over again for hours and hours on end. We wouldn’t be okay with this happening in a Third World country. This is the United States of America, and it is past time, in my opinion, that we start acting like it. President Biden’s border policies are a disgrace.” https://youtu.be/5h00ygHcQgs Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Marcia Fudge was being showered with praises and gratitude by Black leaders in particular after she announced Monday her unexpected resignation from President Joe Biden’s cabinet. The resignation is set to take effect nearly three years to the day when she was confirmed. It was not immediately clear why she plans to resign from HUD. Fudge, 71, a Democrat who represented Ohio in Congress from 2008 to 2020, is one of a handful of Black cabinet secretaries Biden handpicked following his historic election. She is also just the second Black woman to lead the government agency. Last night, the NAACP kicked off night two of the “55th NAACP Image Awards” by announcing the second round of winners in the non-televised award categories, which included Outstanding Variety Show, Reality Program, Reality Competition or Game Show, Children’s Program, and more. The awards were announced tonight during the NAACP Virtual Image Awards’ Show sponsored by Wells Fargo, Google, Bank of America, Gushers, FedEx, Airbnb, Amazon, Diageo, Denny’s, Alaska Airlines, and American Airlines at naacpimageawards.net. Tonight’s winners included DC Young Fly for Outstanding Host in a Reality/Reality Competition, Game Show or Variety (Series or Special) – “Celebrity Squares,” Leslie Jones for Outstanding Performance in a Short Form Series – “The Daily Show After the Cut,” Kyla Pratt for Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Television) – “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder,” Issa Rae for Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Motion Picture) – “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” Eboni K. Brown for Outstanding News and Information Podcast – “Holding Court with Eboni K. Williams,” and more. The House voted with bipartisan, overwhelming fashion on Wednesday to pass a bill that could lead to a nationwide ban against TikTok, a major challenge to one of the world’s most popular social media apps. The bill would prohibit TikTok from US app stores unless the social media platform — used by roughly 170 million Americans — is spun off from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. It’s not yet clear what the future of the bill will be in the Senate. The House vote was 352 to 65, with 50 Democrats and 15 Republicans voting in opposition. Lawmakers supportive of the bill have argued TikTok poses a national security threat because the Chinese government could use its intelligence laws against ByteDance, forcing it to hand over the data of US app users. The push to pass the bill came up against headwinds from several different political directions: former President Donald Trump, who was once a proponent of banning the platform, has since equivocated on his position, while Democrats are facing pressure from young progressives among whom TikTok remains a preferred social media platform. TikTok creators and Beijing have responded angrily to the upcoming vote, with China’s foreign ministry calling it an “act of bullying.” https://youtu.be/EDRFPvWRoRY?list=RDNSEDRFPvWRoRY In recent comments to reporters, Wisconsin Republican Rep. Mike Gallagher, who chairs a House select committee on China, rejected characterizations of the bill as a TikTok ban. “It’s not a ban,” he said. “It puts the choice squarely in the hands of TikTok to sever their relationship with the Chinese Communist Party. As long as ByteDance no longer owns the company, TikTok can continue to survive. … the basic ownership structure has to change.” TikTok has pushed back on claims from lawmakers that the legislation would provide options for the app. “This legislation has a predetermined outcome: a total ban of TikTok in the United States,” the company wrote in a post on X. “The government is attempting to strip 170 million Americans of their Constitutional right to free expression. This will damage millions of businesses, deny artists an audience, and destroy the livelihoods of countless creators across the country.” TikTok’s CEO, Shou Chew, has attempted to schedule 11th-hour meetings with members of Congress. The company also sent letters to multiple House lawmakers on Monday accusing them of mischaracterizing TikTok’s call-to-action campaign, saying it is “offensive” for lawmakers to dismiss the views of constituents who have overwhelmed congressional offices with phone calls. https://youtu.be/2ugl3UChXsQ Adidas has slumped to a rare annual loss, hit by the fallout from its costly break-up with rapper Ye, falling sales in North America, and a huge tax bill. The German sportswear giant posted a net loss of €58 million ($63 million) in its core business in 2023, as revenue was hurt by lower sales of Yeezy-branded clothing and sneakers, while its tax burden shot up. “We didn’t have a great year in 2023,” chief financial officer Harm Ohlmeyer told journalists Wednesday. Shares in Adidas fell almost 4% in early trade, before paring most of those losses by 9.40 a.m. ET. https://youtu.be/cVpy0cxrsQA Black Women Film Network (BWFN), the longest-running organization of its kind championing and supporting Black women in film and television, proudly announces its 2024 class of honorees to be celebrated during the awards luncheon at its ninth annual BWFN Summit – powered by Cvent – on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at the Loudermilk Conference Center (40 Courtland St NE) in Atlanta, GA. This year’s honorees are: Lena Waithe (Emmy-winning writer, Hillman Grad founder, producer, actress: “The Chi,” “Master of None,” “Twenties,” “Boomerang,” “Queen & Slim,” “Kokomo City”)- TrailblazHER, Mona Scott-Young (Monami Productions CEO, “Love & Hip Hop” franchise creator)- RainmakHER, Gail Bean (actress: “P-Valley,” “Snowfall”)- Black Woman Rising, Raamla Mohamed (creator/showrunner/EP “Reasonable Doubt”)- StorytellHER, Amber Rasberry (senior executive film development, production, acquisitions, Amazon Studios)- PowerbrokHER In a world where productivity often precedes rest, getting enough sleep cannot be overstated. Sleep is vital in maintaining physical health, cognitive function, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. Adequate sleep is not merely a luxury; it’s a fundamental necessity for optimal functioning and longevity. From enhancing memory consolidation to supporting immune function, the benefits of sufficient sleep extend far beyond feeling well-rested in the morning. Understanding and prioritizing adequate sleep is crucial for promoting overall health and vitality. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, experts advise that adults aim to sleep between 7 and 9 hours per night. Adults who sleep fewer than 7 hours per night may experience more health problems than those who sleep 7 hours or more. According to the CDC, “Signs of poor sleep quality include not feeling rested even after getting enough sleep, repeatedly waking up during the night, and experiencing symptoms of sleep disorders (such as snoring or gasping for air). Improving sleep quality may be helped by better sleep habits or being diagnosed and treated for any sleep disorder you may have.” https://youtu.be/SrIWN2sm9_Q JUST EATS WITH CHEF JJ returns to CLEO TV tonight, March 13 at 9 P.M. ET/8C. Chef JJ’s family favorites are front and center in this episode. He starts out with a fried catfish sandwich that’s golden brown and delicious. It's served with another favorite, fried plantains. Yum! Chef JJ Johnson is a James Beard Award-winning chef, TV Personality and Author best known for his barrier-breaking cuisine informed by the Caribbean flavors of his upbringing. Chef JJ’s signature cooking style combines culturally relevant ingredients and classical technique with a global point of view. At FIELDTRIP, his made-to-order rice bowl shop in Harlem, Chef JJ highlights rice as a hero ingredient and showcases it in recipes sourced from around the world. Among many other partnerships, Chef JJ is also a Mastercard Ambassador. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1EOsQTe2yQ The Smollett sibling duo returns to CLEO TV tonight at 9:30 p.m. ET/8C with hit series, LIVING BY DESIGN WITH JAKE AND JAZZ. This season, Jake and Jazz will continue to share beautiful home makeovers, prepare delicious family recipes, and create once-in-a-lifetime memories for a lucky group of homeowners. Hairstylist Tasia needs her at home salon revamped. Jake refurbishes a glass shelving unit, while Jazz adds bold black and silver salon accessories. The reveal meal is fried chicken, corn bread, collard greens and sweet potato pie. https://vimeo.com/922655889/0231bee933?share=copy The legendary R&B group, The Whispers, known for classic R&B tracks such as “Keep on Lovin’ Me,” “Rock Steady” and “And the Beat Goes On,” have released a new gospel track, “In The Name of Jesus 24” (Kingdom Records). The track attracted 40,000 first week digital streams and is available at the platforms listed here: https://ingrv.es/in-the-name-of-jesus-sg2-w Convicted! Lamor Whitehead, dubbed the “Bling Bishop,” was found guilty during his Manhattan trial on Monday. He was convicted of stealing the life savings of a parishioner’s mother. Along the way, he falsely claimed that Mayor Adams had bestowed upon him “the key to the city” to facilitate his fraud. After a few hours of deliberation in Manhattan Federal Court, jurors found 46-year-old Whitehead guilty on five counts, which included wire fraud, attempted extortion, lying to the FBI, and related charges arising from three distinct schemes. Dawn Florio, Whitehead’s lawyer, briefly stated, “We are appealing the verdict.” Whitehead, a pastor who has attracted media attention and whom Adams has referred to as a mentee, had pleaded not guilty to all charges. He was unavailable for immediate comment but had delivered an emotional speech the day before the verdict, reports the NY Daily News. https://youtu.be/BdknL4dmTkA Get ready to dive into the drama, tears, and triumphs of the latest season of “Teen Mom: Family Reunion!” The MTV series is returning for season 3 on March 13th at 8 PM ET/PT. The new season includes Maci and Taylor McKinney, Catelynn and Tyler Baltierra, Jade Cline and Sean Austin, Cory Wharton and Taylor Selfridge, Cheyenne and Zach Davis, Kayla Sessler and Ryan Leigh, Mackenzie McKee and Khesanio Hall, Briana Dejesus, Leah Messer, and Kiaya Elliot. https://youtu.be/ZUIom02L8Z0 Angie B, the rising artist in the R&B scene, is ready to make an impact with her newest single, "Stay." Marking her first release in two years, this R&B/soul track, was released on October 27th, to captivate listeners with its downtempo instrumentation and the enchanting vocals of Angie B. "Stay" is a compelling showcase of Angie B's musical prowess and message-heavy lyricism. From the moment the play button is pressed, listeners will be drawn into a world of emotion and introspection. The seamless fusion of Angie B's evocative vocals and the soul-stirring instrumentation creates an emotional aura that is nothing short of magical. Angie B's euphoric harmonies and powerful vocal range leave an indelible impact, making "Stay" a must-listen for anyone craving an inspirational and soulful experience. This single carries a message that resonates with the heart and soul, making it an anthem for those who seek strength and hope. Stellar Award-winner Lucinda Moore will be recognized with her first BMI Award for her hit song, “Lord I Hear You” at this year’s BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards ceremony. Having garnered +10 million streams and earning a #1 spot on the Media Base chart and #3 on Billboard, it is truly deserving of the prestigious honor. The heartfelt and uplifting track has struck a chord with audiences and has solidified Moore’s reputation as a powerhouse in the music industry. When asked about receiving the award, Moore says, “I have been a member of BMI since the early 2000s, and for the first time, I am honored that a song I wrote will be recognized as one of the top songs of the year!” She continues, “When I write songs, I write out of experience. The lyrics of this song was written in 2015 while lying in ICU. I had a cyst the size of a watermelon on my spine. The doctors did surgery and my heart stopped on the table. In my recovery, I began to pen the lyrics of this song and Grammy Award winner, Cedric Thompson co-wrote it with me. I am happy and overjoyed. Thank you BMI!!!!” LeBron James was at the center of controversy with Lakers president Jeanie Buss during Friday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks. The NBA star didn’t suit up for the game, but a video of him sitting courtside and speaking with Buss and Lakers executive director of special projects Linda Rambis caused quite a stir online. In the video, James appears to say something exciting to both women, which prompts Buss to rest her head on his shoulder. Rambis also can’t keep her hands off the superstar athlete. Social media buzzed over the weekend with speculation on James’ remarks and conjecture about his wife, Savannah James’ response to the video. According to Clutch Pulse, in “leaked” audio, James appears to praise Buss and Rambis for being two powerful women in sports. https://twitter.com/i/status/1766579672442179736 In Texas, a federal judge has mandated that a U.S. agency serving minority-owned businesses extend its services without regard to race. According to The Hill, Judge Mark T. Pittman of the Northern District of Texas contended that the Minority Business Development Agency’s (MBDA) eligibility criteria violated the Fifth Amendment’s equal protection guarantees. The agency aids minority-owned businesses in securing financing and government contracts. The judge’s ruling favors white business owners who believe the program is discriminatory. The Hill reports that the MBDA assisted businesses in raising over $1.2 billion in fiscal 2022. The ruling marked a significant triumph for racist white conservative activists aiming to create roadblocks for race-conscious programs following the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to dismantle affirmative action programs in colleges. https://youtu.be/plwHwE9oVTQ The Bobbi Kristina Serenity House Gala, hosted by R&B Legendary Singer Bobby Brown and Alicia Etheredge-Brown, took place on Monday, March 4, at the Taglyan Complex Center in Los Angeles, CA. The evening was a remarkable celebration of resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment to end domestic violence. The gala was graced by esteemed guests, such as boxing legend Mike Tyson and comedians Cedric The Entertainer, Chris Spencer, and Michael Blackson, alongside notable figures like Apollonia and Larkin Arnold, former Vice President of Capitol Records, while the evening was illuminated by captivating performances from talents like Shalea, Howard Hewett, Mike Phillips and Eric Benet, supported by the dynamic sounds of The Unit. The event commenced with a heartfelt introduction by R&B Legend Bobby Brown, who shared the mission and origins of the Bobbi Kristina Serenity House. Named in honor of his beloved daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown, the organization stands as a beacon of hope and support for those affected by domestic violence. Alicia Etheredge-Brown, co-founder of The Bobbi Kristina Serenity House, delivered a powerful message, highlighting the prevalence of domestic violence globally and the urgent need for prevention and support services. Melissa Rauch and John Larroquette lead the cast in the rebooted classic “Night Court,” which debuted in January 2023. Now well into its second season, with only a few episodes left, Nyambi told in an exclusive interview that he’s a longtime fan of the original series, so starring in the reboot is a dream come true. Speaking to NBC Insider about the reboot and her character Abby’s journey in Season 2, Rauch said, “The first season we had a little bit more country mouse vibes from Abby as she was experiencing New York for the first time. I think she’s got a little bit more savviness to her this year…She’s trying now to figure out what she wants wants herself, so it’s the fun and games of seeing Abby try that on for the first time.” Larroquette, who reprises his role of Dan Fielding from the original, told TV Insider, “Let me really be honest, I am 40 years older than when I began that part, so getting in his shoes was difficult because my feet are swollen. Luckily, I had Melissa to play against, and it fell into place easily.” British actor Idris Elba, perhaps best known for roles including Stringer Bell from “The Wire” and John Luther from the eponymous TV show, has ambitions beyond the screen. For his latest role, he wants to build a “smart eco-city” that runs off wind power on an island in the West African country of Sierra Leone. Sherbro Island is known for its pristine beaches which are a nesting ground for green sea turtles. Sherbro Alliance Partners, co-founded by Elba in 2019, is collaborating with the government to develop a special economic zone on the island to attract people from around the world to live, work, invest, and play. The actor was brought up in London, but his mom is from Ghana, and his dad is from Sierra Leone. He has acted as a brand ambassador for the latter country and is a strong advocate for building up the African creative arts economy. Last week, during a talk at the Investopia investment conference in Abu Dhabi, Elba championed the creative industries and called for more investment to support innovation and growth. There, he spoke with CNN’s Becky Anderson about his big ideas for the future and looked back at some big hits from his past. Monica is touring with Nicki Minaj, and her boyfriend, Anthony Wilson, is reportedly accompanying her. The R&B singer recently shared some photos with Anthony on Instagram. However, one fan criticized Monica for moving on from her previous relationship, a ten-year marriage to Shannon Brown from 2010 to 2019. “Y’all don’t believe in staying single and cleansing the last man out your [cat emoji],” the fan commented, Hot New Hip Hop reports. “My last one couldn’t even get no damn [cat emoji],” Monica clapped back, “& that was 2.5 yrs ago !!! this is why it’s better to speak what you know or just MYMFBB,” she added. https://www.instagram.com/p/C4XHKzFOahs/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c2c841f3-df07-4af9-b96d-e28014667566 Iman Shumpert refutes allegations of cutting off utilities at the family home he shared with his estranged ex-wife, Teyana Taylor, and their children. Taylor alleged that Shumpert disconnected the WiFi, cable, and water at their Georgia residence amid divorce proceedings. According to RadarOnline, Taylor’s motion detailed, “On January 23, 2023, the Petitioner discovered that the cable and Wi-Fi at the marital residence was no longer working. Petitioner attempted to obtain additional information from the cable and Wi- Fi service provider regarding this matter, but to no avail as the account is listed in Respondent’s name. Then, on the morning of January 24, 2024, the parties’ minor children discovered that the water had been disconnected at the marital residence.” The complaint continued, “[Shumpert] has willfully and with no regard for the parties’ minor children, violated said STANDING ORDER by causing the disconnection of water, cable and Wi-Fi at the marital residence where the minor children reside.” The legal docs noted that Taylor “anticipates that the gas and electricity at the marital residence will be disconnected next.” H.E.R., Megan Thee Stallion, and Usher were among the winners on the first night of the NAACP Image Awards during Monday’s virtual event. Khleo Thomas hosted the first night of the NAACP Virtual Image Awards show. The non-televised awards in other categories will be distributed in virtual shows on Tuesday and Wednesday, per THR. We reported earlier that Queen Latifah is set to return as host of the 55th annual televised NAACP Image Awards, airing LIVE on Saturday, March 16, at 8:00 PM ET/PT on BET. She emceed the ceremony for the first time last year. During Monday’s virtual event, Usher took home the award for outstanding male artist, H.E.R. won for outstanding female artist, and Megan Thee Stallion was named outstanding hip-hop/rap song for “Cobra.” THR reports that other winners included Victoria Monét, Tems, Kirk Franklin, and Chris Brown. Kobi Libii, the writer/director, and Justice Smith, the star of the new Focus Features film “The American Society of Magical Negroes,” delved into the inspiration behind this satirical comedy that explores the complexities of the magical Negro trope and the nuances of the black experience in an interview. Libii shared that the film’s genesis was his response to the magical Negro trope, a character often seen as a Black supporting role without an internal life, existing solely to support a white lead. “I watched a run of movies with that character growing up, and they always agitated me. I wanted to first and foremost respond to them, but also really use them as a way to talk about my own particular Black experience and some defense mechanisms I had learned in response to systemic racism and, hopefully, a way past them.” Justice Smith, who plays “Aren,” discussed the process of creating a character derived from Libii’s experiences. He watched the development of the script for three years; Smith revealed that the character’s arc closely mirrored his own experiences growing up in a predominantly white environment. The actor shared the journey of learning to stand up for himself, respect his boundaries, and embrace his identity, making the portrayal surprisingly easier for him. https://youtu.be/gizIbhk5Eu4 Dak Prescott filed a countersuit against the woman who is suing him for $100 million for an alleged sexual assault. Per CBS News, the unidentified woman filed the lawsuit in Jan. 2024, and stated she “is willing to forego pursuing criminal charges, along with disclosing this information to the public, in exchange for compensating her for the mental anguish she has suffered. Damages are valued at the sum of $100,000,000.00.” According to Prescott’s lawsuit, the purported assault took place around February 2, 2017, following his rookie season with the Dallas Cowboys. The woman alleges that Prescott invited her and two members of his “entourage” and other women to a venue in Plano. Later, while in an SUV, Prescott allegedly exposed himself and “used physical force” to assault her sexually. Prescott has denied the allegations, with his lawyers noting that the accuser allegedly said she would not press charges if the athlete gave her $100 million. According to Dax’s legal team, the woman’s allegations are “patently false.” https://youtu.be/C9YIon8TrE0 Black activists, political leaders, and supporters of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs are urging Black student-athletes to boycott colleges and universities in states that have promoted or passed anti-DEI policies. Their calls come as 81 anti-DEI bills that target programs at colleges have been introduced in 28 states and in Congress since the start of 2023, according to a tally by the Chronicle of Higher Education. Eight have been signed into law, in states, including Texas and Florida. After the Florida Board of Governors banned public colleges from spending state funding on all DEI programs in January, the University of Florida made sweeping changes. Earlier this month, the state’s flagship university announced that it had closed the office of its Chief Diversity Officer to comply with the Board of Governors’ directive. https://youtu.be/cMduBHiAV1E The St. Louis County Police Department in Missouri confirmed the arrest of a 15-year-old Black girl involved in a violent assault on another teenage girl. The unidentified minor is facing assault charges and is currently detained in the St. Louis Family Court, Washington Examiner reports. The altercation was recorded on video and quickly spread across social media platforms over the weekend, garnering viral attention. The clip shows the girl repeatedly slamming the head of a white teenager on the concrete, leaving her on the ground convulsing. The incident occurred near Hazelwood East High School in Hazelwood, a suburb of St. Louis. The Hazelwood School District made a statement about the incident, saying, “It is a tragedy anytime children are hurt. Bullying and fighting in the community is an issue for which we all need to take ownership and work towards a resolution for the sake of our children. The Hazelwood School District offers our sincerest condolences to everyone involved, and will offer additional emotional support from our support and crisis team to those in need.” The school district added, “We look forward to continuing to partner with our community for the sake of our children. Please be kind and respectful of the families involved during this difficult time and pledge to help work toward the betterment of our entire community.” https://twitter.com/WesleyBell4MO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1766965179504275748%7Ctwgr%5Ec07a3865d6c6ceeefc371fed3d1d2fb16954307c%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fmissouri-teen-arrested-after-brawl-video-goes-viral%2F “Saturday Night Live” started with a take on the State of the Union this weekend, along with a response from a surprise guest. Scarlett Johansson – otherwise known as Mrs. Colin Jost – made a cameo appearance during the show’s cold open, playing Alabama Sen. Katie Britt in her much-talked-about GOP rebuttal to President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address on Thursday. With one hand firmly raised, Johansson dressed as Britt called out Biden’s “performative” qualities (while fervently denying any performance of her own), delivering her remarks from her kitchen. ”You see, I’m not just a mother,” Johansson said. “I’m a wife, a mother, and the craziest b—h in the Target parking lot.” The end of the skit saw a well-placed spoof of Jordan Peele’s Oscar-winning racial satire “Get Out,” when Johansson took out a teacup and stirred it, causing Kenan Thompson to freeze with a tear falling down his face. https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/4522170-scarlett-johansson-parodies-katie-britt-sotu-rebuttal-snl-cold-open/ Soul singer/songwriter Antoine Dunn to perform at the 25th annual Baltimore “Uplifting Minds II” Entertainment Conference on Saturday, April 20, 2024, during the Professional Showcase between 1 and 3 pm EST. The Top 15 Billboard chart-topper is currently promoting his newest single “October 7th” (Harvey Marie Records). The ULMII Entertainment Conference consists of a professional panel of entertainment industry executives, musicians, and artists who will be on hand for a Q&A Session and to act as judges for the ULMII National Talent Competition where the top three scored performances will win the 2024 “ULMII Best Artist Award” and over $20,000 in cash, products, and services. Dunn is a multi-instrumentalist. The music video for the “October 7th” single has a cameo appearance from Hollywood actor Monte Bell (Bank Heist). Antoine has performed at the Beacon Theatre, SOBs in New York, Chrysler Hall, Constitution Hall, and the Greek Theatre and has performed several times for radio personality Frank Ski. https://youtu.be/UaKGKdO18EA A British woman’s singing cockatiel has amassed 3 million followers on TikTok. TMZ reports that the pet bird named KiKi can sing ’70s soul music such as Earth, Wind and Fire’s “September.” Evidently, the bird’s behavior frustrates its sleep-deprived owner, who is frequently awakened by its singing. The woman captioned one video, “Send help plz where’s the off button on parrot.” https://www.tiktok.com/@kiki.tiel/video/7343558809702386976?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Kanye West’s daughter North West, is working on an album titled “Elementary School Dropout.” The 10-year-old made the announcement at the “Vultures 2″ listening party at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, on March 10. “Hi, it’s Northie, and I’ve been working on an album for a long time,” she told the crowd in the X/Twitter clip below. “And it’s called Elementary School Drop Out.” The album’s title is a nod to Ye’s debut album, “The College Dropout.” https://youtu.be/maVAtF1cgQA This ain’t Texas, but it is country music and we may be about to witness one Queen paying tribute to another. On Tuesday, Beyoncé announced via her site and social media that her forthcoming album is “Act II: Cowboy Carter” and is set to arrive on March 29. In a recent interview with Knox News, Dolly Parton was asked about speculation Beyoncé has recorded one of Parton’s hits for her new album. “Well, I think she has! I think she’s recorded ‘Jolene’ and I think it’s probably gonna be on her country album, which I’m very excited about,” Parton said. The queen of country music has great admiration for Queen Bey. https://twitter.com/ThePopTingz/status/1767608286402978259/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1767608286402978259%7Ctwgr%5E38884f01f3b0e58e69fda7c83d1eacb0badd3e5f%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fbeyonces-upcoming-album-is-cowboy-carter-and-dolly-parton-believes-she-has-covered-jolene-for-it-watch%2F The Frank Ski Kids Foundation calling on young scientists to enter its 2024 Planet Green Science Expedition, a unique opportunity for kids ages 13-15 in Georgia, Washington, D.C. Metro Area, and all across the rapidly expanding Frank Ski Radio Network, per a news release. In celebration of its 20th Anniversary, The Frank Ski Kids Foundation is gearing up for an extraordinary adventure with its 2024 Planet Green Science Expedition. Ten fortunate winners will have the incredible opportunity to accompany the foundation on an all-expenses-paid journey from June 17th to June 26th. “Study the Effects of Climate Change on The Great Barrier Reef in Australia. All costs, including passports, flights, meals, lodging, and apparel, are provided to each student at no additional cost,” the release states. Arthur the King” tells the story of Mikael Lindnord, an over-the-hill endurance racer who puts together an elite team of athletes to compete in the Adventure Racing World Championship in the Dominican Republic. “Arthur the King” is based on the book “Arthur: The Dog Who Crossed the Jungle to Find a Home” written by Lindnord. Mark Wahlberg stars in the lead role of Lindnord – and is also one of the film’s producers. We discussed the film with co-stars Nathalie Emmanuel, Simi Liu, and Ali Suliman, who star as members of Mikael’s handpicked endurance team. https://youtu.be/wjDJNEPghNY Oscar® nominee Dev Patel (Lion, Slumdog Millionaire) achieves an astonishing, tour-de-force feature directing debut with an action thriller about one man’s quest for vengeance against the corrupt leaders who murdered his mother and continue to systemically victimize the poor and powerless. Inspired by the legend of Hanuman, an icon embodying strength and courage, Monkey Man stars Patel as Kid, an anonymous young man who ekes out a meager living in an underground fight club where, night after night, wearing a gorilla mask, he is beaten bloody by more popular fighters for cash. After years of suppressed rage, Kid discovers a way to infiltrate the enclave of the city’s sinister elite. As his childhood trauma boils over, his mysteriously scarred hands unleash an explosive campaign of retribution to settle the score with the men who took everything from him. Packed with thrilling and spectacular fight and chase scenes, Monkey Man is directed by Patel from his original story and his screenplay with Paul Angunawela and John Collee (Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World). https://youtu.be/_1PuVDh14h4 Shannon Sharpe has disclosed that his Club Shay Shay interview with Katt Williams earned him more money than any NFL season. “Everybody was talking ’bout, ‘well how much money [he] made doing the Katt Williams interview;’ I just got the check,” Sharpe told Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson during an episode of their Nightcap podcast, Vibe reports. “Put it like this here, I made more money on Katt Williams alone than I made in any year I played in the NFL.” Vibe reports that Sharpe “earned an NFL career-high of $5 million in 2000 during his first season with the Baltimore Ravens,” the outlet writes. Sharpe didn’t disclose the exact figure earned from the controversial sit-down, but hinted that the total surpasses at least $6 million. “So whatever you think I made, 3x it. So if you think I made five hundred thou, 3x it. If you think a million, 3x it,” he continued. “If you think I made $2 million, 3x it.” https://twitter.com/ClubShayShay/status/1747432982892486688/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1747432982892486688%7Ctwgr%5E0c778e67b8916d6f4336365639cf843c6e568f44%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fshannon-sharpes-katt-williams-interview-outearns-nfl-season%2F Sharpe hit up Twitter earlier this year to highlight the reach of the Jan. 3 interview with Katt. He captioned the post with a direct quote from the comedian, who said at the top of their conversation: “Club Shay Shay is going to be in a dimension it’s never been. The greatest thing floating in 2024. Mark the words. In a whole different realm of business. Oprah coming next! Once I establish this as a place of truth, oh yeah. Watch! God’s people ain’t that few.” We reported previously that the bombshell interview garnered over 46 million views in 10 days across social media and over a million audio downloads. Sharpe’s social media following also significantly increased due to “The Katt Williams Effect.” https://youtu.be/8oRRZiRQxTs Travis Kelce is set to produce an upcoming documentary about late artist Jean-Michel Basquiat titled “King Pleasure.”PEOPLE reports that Basquiat’s estate has given the Kansas City Chiefs player and his producing partners, Ray Maiello and Mike Field, access to his archives. “King Pleasure” will include “never-before-seen home movies, notebooks, photographs, animation, and interviews,” according to ArtNews. Basquiat gained fame during the 1980s. Jordan Wynn, president of Boardwalk Studios, described him as “one of the most electric artists of all time.” Wynn told Deadline that Basquiat’s estate “granted us such incredible access to their trove of materials and we are excited to collaborate with Quinn who has a dazzling vision for an intimate and emotional portrait of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s life.” Filming for the movie commences this summer, with Quinn Wilson, Lizzo’s former creative director, serving as director, PEOPLE reports. https://t.co/fpak9ebRit Tank announced on Instagram that he’s going on tour with Keri Hilson and Carl Thomas. “‘THE R&B MONEY TOUR’ Tank x Keri Hilson x Carl Thomas Brought to you by @livenationurban R&B MONEY,” Tank captioned a video posted to his Instagram on Friday (March 8), about the tour. He directed fans to the official website to get “early access” to the dates and times. In the post’s comments, one fan wrote, “You done brought Carl Thomas and Keri Hilson out of retirement! I’m ready!” Another person jokingly added, “I see a spike in pregnancies because of this tour.” Lionsgate released the trailer for “The Strangers: Chapter 1,” the prequel to the 2008 cult-classic horror thriller. The film is the third in the horror franchise, directed by Renny Harlin. Per ScreenRant, “The film follows a young couple who move to the Pacific Northwest to start a new life. However, their new life gets off to a terrifying start when a broken-down vehicle forces them to stay at a remote vacation home, leaving them to be stalked relentlessly by three masked murderers,” the outlet writes. “We felt it was central to the movie that the masks are the same,” Harlin told Entertainment Weekly last year. https://youtu.be/3pZUQmZdOi4 Sunday night (03-10-24) at the Oscars L. Marie Charles was holding it down in the press room and asked a question so salient that other sites like Deadline and Variety could not resist using it as well. Well, our query was directed to Cord Jefferson who took home the award for Best Adapted Screenplay for “American Fiction” which he also directed. Watch the video above for Jefferson’s response. https://vimeo.com/922195344 The stage is set for a Senate showdown between Adam Schiff and Steve Garvey in November, as Katie Porter and Barbara Lee step down from their congressional positions. Lee, who finished fourth in the Senate race, expressed gratitude to her supporters and outlined her future political aspirations. “I extend my heartfelt thanks to all my supporters and dedicated volunteers who tirelessly made calls, knocked on doors, and engaged in remarkable grassroots efforts to connect with communities statewide. Our collective voices and principles resonated strongly: Californians deserve fair wages, an inclusive economy, housing and healthcare as fundamental rights, equitable treatment across racial and economic lines, public safety for all, and decisive action on climate change. “We also delivered a resounding message on the imperative of advocating for a permanent ceasefire and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza,” Lee emphasized, contrasting her views with Schiff, who opposes a ceasefire.https://youtu.be/D3XiWLZz8D4 Draya Michele must have been aware that she would face harsh feedback; if she wasn’t, she quickly learned. Responding to criticism of being labeled a “predator” for her pregnancy with 22-year-old NBA player Jalen Green, the 39-year-old mother of three took to Instagram to address the situation. In her Instagram Story, she wrote, “Get comfortable being misunderstood… Most High sees you clearly – let that be enough.” Acknowledging that motherhood is a woman’s purpose, Draya expressed her joy in bringing new life into the world: “As women, we navigate through so much… It’s my superpower… It’s the privilege of bringing another woman into existence.” She continued: “We are overjoyed to share our love for you, little girl. I’m excited to speak words to the daughter I never thought I’d have. We are anxious about your arrival, but take your time — this world can be tough. #28weeks #7months #comingMay2024 #girlmom.” Expressing anticipation for her daughter’s arrival, Draya emphasized the love, security, and care the baby will be welcomed into: “Know you are being brought into a space of love, security, and adornment.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C4Qvguzxu_C/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=9f8564d0-f4c5-48ba-8d35-4fd4354bee84 Donald Trump’s $399 limited-edition sneakers may not be winning over his targeted black audience but count Fat Joe among those with a pair of the infamous footwear. Despite taking criticism for owning the sneakers, the “What’s Luv?” MC is defending his decision to get the shoes anyway. In his eyes, Trump’s shoes are a worthy addition to his shoe collection. “Why? If you collect art, do you really know what [Jean Michel] Basquiat was into? You love the art, so you get it,” Fat Joe recently said via livestream video. “I had to get my hands on Trump’s [sneakers].” The Terror Squad member’s honesty for obtaining the Trump shoes comes days after the former commander-in-chief made a surprise appearance at Sneaker Con in Philadelphia on Feb. 17 to launch his new line of sneakers. Despite the high price, Fat Joe wasn’t the only one to be among the first to get a pair of the controversial shoes. Sandra Rose noted one man who paid $9,000 for an autographed pair of Trump’s high-top sneaks. https://twitter.com/i/status/1762508712743256314 The golden “Never Surrender High-Top Sneakers” are very limited, with only 1,000 of them available in Trump’s online store. Trump’s objective with the sneakers is seen by many as an attempt to pay legal fees surrounding current cases, he is involved in around the country. In Trump’s eyes, the sneakers represent a way of getting support from Black voters who will participate in the 2024 presidential election. With his dominant showing in the primaries, Trump is coasting towards being the Republican nominee for president, with a rematch against President Joe Biden in sight. Although he admitted to getting Trump’s sneakers, Fat Joe made a point of saying his is not a “Trumper” and would never vote for the MAGA movement leader. Instead, the “All the Way Up” rhymesayer harped on the shoes being more of a collector’s item for him than proof he is in Trump’s corner.m https://www.msnbc.com/the-reidout/watch/trump-won-t-attract-more-black-male-voters-with-sneakers-or-rappers-attention-205241413907 via @msnbc D.L. Hughley is not in a forgiving mood with Mo’Nique after old wounds were opened following “The Parkers” star’s recent appearance on “Club Shay Shay.” Chatting about the situation on “The Jason Lee Show,” Hughley detailed how Mo’Nique’s viral interview with Shannon Sharpe reignited a rift between him and his oldest daughter Ryan Nicole Shepard. https://youtu.be/CXeP6rq8oQs According to Vibe, Shepard’s split with Hughley stems from her 2022 sexual assault. In the ‘Club Shay Shay” interview, Mo’Nique claimed “Original Kings of Comedy” funnyman did protect his daughter at the time. “Here’s what I will say, whatever was said wasn’t for me,” Hughley told Jason Lee. “Whatever was said opened up a wound in my daughter that we’re arguing about right now. I’ve never had money all my life, but the love of my children I’ll always have. And when something jeopardizes that, I could never forgive you for it.” “I love my children, and to feel like I couldn’t protect them and then that plays out over and over — it’s something I won’t forgive you for,” he continued. “My daughter is so angry with me she hasn’t spoke to me in weeks.” https://youtu.be/QSAaix4iC28 Burna Boy surprised his Atlanta concert audience on Saturday night (03-09-24) with a special guest appearance by music legend Toni Braxton. Together, they captivated the crowd with a performance of Burna’s hit song “Last Last,” causing fans to go wild. Observers couldn’t help but notice Braxton’s excitement on stage, sparking playful comments about her potential longtime dream to perform alongside Burna. It is interesting to note that “Last Last” cleverly samples Braxton’s popular 2000 track, “He Wasn’t Man Enough.” While Burna’s version reached No. 44 on the Billboard Hot 100 and dominated various music charts, Braxton’s original song peaked at No. 2 and achieved the 10th spot on the 2000 Year-End chart. Burna’s incorporation of classic R&B elements into his music is evident, as demonstrated by his previous use of a Brandy sample in “Sittin’ On Top Of The World” last year. Their joint performance showcased the magic of “Last Last,” a song deeply influenced by Braxton’s 2000 hit. It is important to remember that Burna, who is 32 years old, has openly acknowledged Braxton’s significant 60 percent share in royalties from the sample, underscoring his admiration for the Grammy Award-winning artist. https://www.instagram.com/p/C4V-fc3RHHK/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=4864553f-d06e-4cdd-9312-3e5568d613a7 When it comes to making her mark, Tanya Hill-Holliday‘s small size has nothing on her giant-sized ambitions and faith. The Morgan State University alum is Women’s History Month personified, with elevating from scrubbing toilets at McDonald’s to owning 12 of the iconic franchise’s locations on Philadelphia’s Main Line. Chatting recently with CBS News Philadelphia, Hill-Holliday detailed her journey from crew member to corporate executive, a testimony that proves hard work does pay off. “I was told I wasn’t supposed to be here. I was called every name but my name,” the West Philadelphia-raised businesswoman said. “You are in my very first McDonald’s that I purchased in 2005, that’s the Rosemont McDonald’s right next to Villanova University.” Hill-Holliday’s history with McDonald’s goes back to her days with Morgan State. It was during this time she landed her first job at the Golden Arches after seeing a listing for McDonald’s after flipping through the Yellow Pages. From there, Hill-Holliday started from the bottom as a Baltimore, Maryland-based McDonald’s crew member. Despite days filled with cleaning up after customers, she had no problem, as she visualized a future beyond entry-level work. https://youtu.be/ekK77MAkkrI A government agency that was created some 50 years ago to aid the development of minority-owned businesses has been ordered by a federal judge in Texas to stop being reverse-racist against white business owners by doing what the agency was created to do, which is lend its aid where it’s needed most. It would be nice if these conservative cowards had the courage to be honest about what they’re doing here: preserving white supremacy and calling it equality. Truthfully, for all things to be equal between racial groups in America, they would need to have always been equal. Instead, for the overwhelming majority of America’s existence, only white people had full access to the so-called “American dream.” Republican legislators would have you believe it’s all some great coincidence that the only racial group that, for generation upon generations, was allowed to work, start business and build generational wealth unfettered by things like slavery, Jim Crow and other legally sanctioned forms of racial discrimination is also the same racial group that dominates every major industry in the country. They want you to believe America’s white supremacist history has nothing to do with the fact that Black and Hispanic-owned businesses are statistically less prevalent, less rich in resources, and ultimately less successful than white-owned businesses, which “made up the greatest share of classifiable firms (85%) and their revenue (93%) in 2021,” according to the Pew Research Center. In January, we reported that the Republican-led Senate in Idaho advanced a bill that would redefine domestic terrorism solely as terrorist activity committed in connection with “foreign groups.” In fact, the bill would essentially define all terrorism as terrorist acts committed by foreigners or citizens who collaborated with foreigners. The state Senate voted 27-8 to pass Senate Bill 1220, which means an overwhelming majority of GOP legislators in Idaho were dead serious about passing a law that would make violent home-grown white supremacists ineligible to be classified as domestic terrorists. Fortunately, House legislators in the state had a bit more sense and the legislation failed to get the support it needed to make it to the House floor when committee members voted on it last week. Supporters of the bill have vehemently denied that it’s a partisan bill meant to protect white American terrorists or conservative groups, but there are several indications to the contrary. Facts and data have been thrown to the wayside in the GOPropaganda battle to scrub DEI from the face of the Earth because it isn’t about reality, it’s all about the racial resentment that erupts in the hearts of white conservatives whenever it’s suggested that America’s deep and thoroughly documented history of pro-white, anti-Black racism has resulted in a country that is still systemically racist. And that white fragility has been the catalyst for the striking down of affirmative action, the legally sanctioned whitewashing of Black history, the blind rejection of CRT, the politicized condemnation of Black Lives Matter, and much more. Now, that same white and fragile energy is standing in the way of a promotion for a highly decorated, highly qualified and highly praised officer with the U.S. Air Force, all because the veteran once penned an opinion piece calling out systemic racism and white fragility in the military and beyond. In July 2020, Col. Benjamin Jonsson, who is white, wrote an article for the Air Force Times titled, “Dear white colonel … we must address our blind spots around race.” As white colonels, you and I are the biggest barriers to change if we do not personally address racial injustice in our Air Force,” Jonsson wrote. “Defensiveness is a predictable response by white people to any discussion of racial injustice. White colonels are no exception. We are largely blind to institutional racism, and we take offense to any suggestion that our system advantaged us at the expense of others. That I addressed this letter to white colonels made many of you uneasy, and we have seen similar white defensiveness play out in many of our conversations since the murder of George Floyd.” Christian Keyes will sit down on TV One’s Uncensored for a wide-ranging interview. The actor, producer and model will be featured on the April 7 episode of the interview series, TV One recently announced. News of the booking comes three months after Keyes made headlines for alleging that he was sexually harassed “for years” by a “billionaire” Hollywood mogul. Keyes created and co-stars on the BET+ original series All the Queen’s Men. He also executive produces the drama alongside Tyler Perry. On Dec. 15, Keyes posted a since-deleted video on Instagram, and said he suffered “trauma” due to the harassment. The actor did not name the alleged “predator,” but said he recorded interactions with the mogul via hidden devices. He added that the individual has a very recognizable voice. https://youtu.be/hZNAFUAUWzg Joe Budden’s upcoming interview with conservative firebrand Candace Owens isn’t sitting well with Peter Rosenberg. The new media/podcast fixture made his opinions known via social media as he touched on polarizing figures who are given platforms to speak their peace. “So sick of the idea that conversations need to be had with bigots, trolls, and immoral a-holes,” Rosenberg expressed on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Feb. 27, adding, “Exchanging ideas among smart good people is useful… hearing a hateful hack babble on about hate is not worth anyone’s time.” Rosenburg’s comments come after Owens’ appearance on The Joe Budden Podcast was announced the same day he posted his reaction to the news. According to Vibe, news of the interview was shared via a series of social media posts. https://eurweb.com/2024/candace-owens-goes-in-on-plantation-supervisor-peter-rosenburg-over-upcoming-joe-budden-podcast-interview/ President Joe Biden delivered a raucous third State of the Union address, one that could be among the most important speeches he gives during his presidency as he turns toward reelection. His list of objectives was long: Tout his accomplishments in office, look ahead to a second-term agenda, allay concerns about his age and fitness, and provide a contrast with Republicans, including his rival Donald Trump. The result was a fiery speech that bore little resemblance to States of the Union’s past. Intent on displaying his energy and eagerness to engage with Republicans, Biden delivered a starkly political speech that his aides hope can ease Democratic jitters about his political prospects. Former GOP Rep. George Santos, who was expelled from the House last year, announced Thursday night that he’s running for Congress again — this time to challenge a Republican congressman in New York. “Tonight, I want to announce that I will be returning to the arena of politics and challenging Nick for the battle over #NY1,” Santos wrote on X, referring to GOP Rep. Nick LaLota. “I look forward to debating him on the issues and on his weak record as a Republican. The fight for our majority is imperative for the survival of the country.” The former congressman, who had represented New York’s 3rd District, made his announcement during President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address Thursday — during which he was spotted at the US Capitol. https://youtu.be/-dT8rlCUQv0 In response to President Joe Biden‘s 2024 State of the Union address, the third of his increasingly troubled presidency, ambassadors with the Project 21 black leadership network noted that the President’s take on the State of the Union doesn’t align with reality. “The title of tonight’s State of the Union address should have been, ‘Who are you going to believe, me or your lying eyes?'” said Project 21 ambassador and radio talk show host Christopher R. Arps. “The President boasts that ‘Bidenomics’ is working, but prices are up, wages are down and our southern border is wide open resulting in an unprecedented number of illegal aliens invading our major cities — and in too many instances — harming and murdering our citizens.” “The President’s self-proclaimed successes seem disconnected from reality, but what would you expect from a president who has attempted to shake hands with invisible people and who claims he has recently spoken with long-dead foreign leaders?” added Arps. “Biden’s State of the Union address was more of a far-left manifesto than a governmental report,” said Project 21 ambassador Michael Austin. “It began as a Zelensky infomercial, only to spiral into a reelection tirade. And let’s talk about his performance — with constant yelling, more coughing than a pack-a-day smoker, and rants as decipherable as a toddler’s tantrum; this wasn’t a State of the Union Address but a political ‘Get off my lawn.'” For three years, President Biden and his Administration have claimed the border was “safe and secure.” Yet now, he says illegal immigration is indeed a problem, but it is not his fault. Project 21 members note the damage illegal immigration is causing in black America, and offer sensible recommendations, in the recently published What Immigration Policy Means for Black America, as well as in comments on the State of the Union address. United Airlines made headlines in San Francisco on Thursday when one of its flights experienced a tire malfunction shortly after takeoff, causing the tire to fall onto parked cars at SFO Airport. Video footage captured the moment the Boeing 777 departed for LAX with 249 passengers, only for the landing gear to retract and release the tire above an employee parking lot. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported on the ground, but some vehicles were damaged. The damaged plane was able to land safely at LAX due to its design with multiple tires on each landing gear. All passengers were transferred to a new aircraft for their journey to Osaka later that evening. https://youtu.be/mmT9ATMOVUM TV mogul Oprah Winfrey is preparing to address a significant issue in America in her upcoming TV special … namely, the impact prescription weight loss drugs are having on society, including herself. Winfrey states she will discuss medications and their relation to the weight loss revolution in her new ABC primetime special, “An Oprah Special: Shame, Blame and the Weight Loss Revolution” — scheduled to air in a couple of weeks. Oprah’s special follows shortly after her separation from WeightWatchers, ending a nearly 10-year partnership, amidst criticism for openly admitting her use of a weight loss drug. As previously reported … Winfrey acknowledges dropping 40 pounds last year, with the assistance of doctor-prescribed medication, although she has not disclosed the drug’s name. Recall, Oprah’s use of weight loss drugs stirred controversy as she had previously criticized medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro as an “easy way out” — yet, she later began taking them … although it’s uncertain which drug she is using. https://youtu.be/y22dVx0ucM0 Keith Sweat, the King of New Jack Swing returns with the sensational new single titled Lay You Down. The long-awaited return of the R&B legend has finally arrived in the form of new music and new product ventures. Lay You Down hit the music circuit on Valentine’s Day and has been gaining momentum since then. The Atlanta-based soul singer emerges from a three-year hiatus from recording music. However, Sweat’s legendary chart-topping hits “I Want Her,” “Make It Last Forever,” and “Make You Sweat” keep him in the spotlight! Amid his creative process of producing and recording, Keith has also expanded his business ventures with the launch of Platinum Status, a luxury bag collection, available at platinumstatusbags.com. https://youtu.be/ez9_x0IL1F0 YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul is set to face heavyweight legend Mike Tyson in an exhibition boxing match on July 20. The event will be broadcast exclusively on Netflix and held at the 80,000-seat capacity AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys. “Iron Mike,” 57, last fought professionally in June 2005 and boasts a 50-6 career record, with 44 of his victories coming by way of knockout. The former world heavyweight champion is widely considered one of the best boxers in history. The 27-year-old Paul, meanwhile, has transitioned from YouTube to professional boxing and has won nine of his 10 fights. His only defeat came against Tommy Fury, the younger half-brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, in February 2023. https://youtu.be/0BpgsRdWoEo A powerful House committee advanced a bill on Thursday that could lead to a nationwide ban against TikTok on all electronic devices, renewing lawmakers’ challenge to one of the world’s most popular social media apps and highlighting unresolved fears that TikTok may pose a Chinese government spying risk. The measure that sailed unanimously through the House Energy and Commerce Committee would prohibit TikTok from US app stores unless the social media platform — used by roughly 170 million Americans — is quickly spun off from its China-linked parent company, ByteDance. If enacted, the bill would give ByteDance 165 days, or a little more than five months, to sell TikTok. If not divested by that date, it would be illegal for app store operators such as Apple and Google to make it available for download. The bill also contemplates similar prohibitions for other apps “controlled by foreign adversary companies.” https://youtu.be/mtptFuBAg9Q Now that it has cleared the committee, the TikTok legislation will head to a floor vote next week, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said in a post on X Thursday evening. Its fate is less clear in the Senate, where there is no companion bill and the Democratic chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, Washington Sen. Maria Cantwell, has made no firm commitment to advance the proposal. “I will be talking to my Senate and House colleagues to try to find a path forward that is constitutional and protects civil liberties,” Cantwell said in a statement to CNN. House lawmakers voted unanimously in the same session Thursday to advance a second bill, one that would limit US companies’ ability to sell Americans’ personal information to foreign adversaries. US officials have cited the widespread commercial availability of US citizens’ data as another source of national security risk. The US government and other domestic law enforcement agencies are also known to have purchased US citizens’ data from commercial data brokers. https://youtu.be/LztW3Zi-Y3M The C. Parker Gallery in Greenwich, Connecticut presents the new exhibition Roberto Juarez: Crossing Five Decades (Works Created Between 1983 and 2023), on view February 28 – April 15. “This is the first time an exhibition chronicles five distinct eras of artmaking by Roberto Juarez,” says Tiffany Benincasa, the owner and curator of C. Parker Gallery. Benincasa adds: “We are honored to present this group of exquisite paintings, illuminating his position in the canon of art history in the New York art world, for our tenth anniversary season.” The gallery is located at 409 Greenwich Avenue, near Manhattan (just a 40-minute train ride from Grand Central Terminal, where one of Juarez’s public commission murals majestically holds court in the Station Manager’s Office. Nick Cannon hopes to see Barack Obama on “The Masked Singer.” “I always want to see Barack Obama behind a mask,” Cannon revealed, according to Too Fab. “That’s who I’m hoping for every season because we know he can sing, we know he’s a lovable guy,” he added. “Anybody in the Obama family, the daughters, Michelle, somebody just pull up and sing a song for us,” “The Masked Singer” host continued. Speaking of the Obama family, earlier this year, Malia Obama premiered her directorial debut, the short film “The Heart,” at the Sundance Film Festival. The son of Rev. Ike has penned a book about his impact on the Blach church titled “Reverend Ike: An Extraordinary Life of Influence” with the motivational speaker Mark Victor Hansen. Religious News reports that Rev. Ike described himself as “the first Black man in America to preach positive self-image psychology to the Black masses within a church setting.” Reverend Ike’s son, Xavier Eikerenkoetter, started writing the book several years after his father passed in 2009. It delves into how the reverend’s early years in Southern Baptist Black churches influenced his theological perspective. “His story needed to be told, and people who love him, and were his followers, and were inspired by him really wanted to get his full life story,” Eikerenkoetter said, Religious News reports. https://youtu.be/yO91_Vqv1fM Dame Dash expressed his displeasure with Steve Stoute’s discussion of his rift with JAY-Z during his interview on Club Shay Shay. Stoute offered his viewpoint on Dash and why individuals eventually distanced themselves from the entrepreneur. “Dame wouldn’t change,” he told Club Shay Shay host Shannon Sharpe, Vibe reports. “The way he spoke to people, the way he treated people. He was angry. He was angry because he had a strong perspective about his business philosophy.” The music executive asserted that Dash was unaware that his wild lifestyle drove people away. In the interview, which aired on Wednesday, Stoute told Sharpe that the people around Dash during his heyday at Roc-A-Fella “wanted to meet with other people.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C4MdcnTIso_/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Kate Middleton’s uncle Gary Goldsmith appears on the latest season of “Celebrity Big Brother U.K.” and wasted no time slamming Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. During Tuesday night’s episode, Gary spoke about Prince Harry and his wife to housemates Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne, blaming Meghan for changing the family dynamic, Daily Mail reports. “I have an opinion that Harry was really, really really loved and when they were a threesome, so Kate, William and Harry they looked really comfortable together, and then suddenly there’s an extra dynamic that comes in, puts a stick in the spokes and creates so much drama that I don’t genuinely think is there, and rewrote the history, saying how unhappy he was and I just don’t think that’s fair,” Goldsmith stated. “I mean you can’t throw your family under the bus in such a dramatic style, then write books about it and expect to be invited round for Christmas,” the 58-year-old businessman added, admitting he hasn’t met Meghan. “I think it’s really sad. At some point, I think he is going to come back and be a part of the gang again. He might need to,” he added. We are a very forgiving nation; it would be nice if he did.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1764780535853809850 Jamie Foxx and his daughter, Corinne Foxx, are set to return as hosts of the seventh season of “Beat Shazam” on Fox. Deadline reports that the game show will premiere in May. “Beat Shazam” is built around the popular song-identifying app Shazam. It consists of teams of two that race against the clock and compete against each other as they attempt to identify the biggest hit songs of all time. In the end, the team with the highest score will go against Shazam for the chance to win $1 million in cash prizes. “Jamie and Corinne are the heart and soul of Beat Shazam,” said Allison Wallach, Fox Entertainment’s President of Unscripted Entertainment. “As our undeniably dynamic father-daughter hosting team, they bring a relationship like no other to a show like no other, and it’s wonderful having them back on set this season.” “Beat Shazam” returns to Fox on May 28. Megan Thee Stallion shocked fans on TikTok when she sampled Habushu, a traditional strong liquor native to Japan, with a dead snake inside the bottle. The hip-hop star presented at the 2024 Crunchyroll Anime Awards in Japan, and while in the country, she had a memorable culinary experience. Megan filmed herself sampling a shot of Habushu. “This gon’ kill me?” she asks in the clip. “He looking at me!” she said of the dead snake in the bottle before taking a sip of the shot. “That’s tough, that’s strong,” she continues. “Who knew a snake had a taste. That taste like a snake.” Habush is an alcoholic beverage from Okinawa, Japan. It is crafted with habushu liquor and features a preserved pit viper known as a habu. https://youtu.be/5BOFML7_PLs The props keep coming for Grammy-nominated New Edition. The veteran R&B group is set to join the prestigious ranks of the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame during the 55th installment of the awards on March 16. The ceremony, known for its celebration of multicultural excellence, will be hosted by Queen Latifah. The NAACP Image Awards aims to uplift values of equality, justice, and progressive change while honoring artists committed to these principles. Past inductees include Eddie Murphy, Stevie Wonder, Oprah Winfrey, and others. Additionally (as reported by Variety), renowned R&B singer-songwriter Frankie Beverly will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award on March 14 for his significant contributions to civil and human rights alongside his impact on the entertainment industry. Derrick Johnson, the president and CEO of the NAACP, expressed honor in celebrating New Edition and Frankie Beverly, acknowledging their enduring influence on Black excellence in the arts. New Edition, one of the most successful male singing groups, has entertained audiences worldwide for over four decades. The group has sold over 30 million records and launched the solo careers of several members. BET+ has announced new cast additions for its New Orleans spinoff of the popular series Carl Weber’s “The Family Business.” Brandon T. Jackson is set to star in the series and will be an associate producer. The additional cast lineup includes Lela Rochon, Ben Stephens, Pooch Hall, Quincy Brown, David Banner, Yvette Nicole Brown, Orlando Jones, Nicole Galicia, Erica Hubbard, Sarah Carter, Stan Shaw, Bern Nadette Stanis, Nayirah Teshali, Sacaiah Shaw, Jenson Atwood, AzMarie Livingston, Deric Augustine. Kayla Nicole, Nicholas Turturro, and Brandon T. Jackson in a starring role, according to the press release. Some of the cast, including Stephens, Stanis, Stan Shaw, Teshali, and Sacaiha Shaw, made guest appearances in the original series’ fourth season, which concluded in October 2022. Rochon also serves as an associate producer on the forthcoming spin-off, per the release. Natania Reuben, the victim of the 1999 nightclub shooting involving Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, rapper Shyne, and Jennifer Lopez, is once again speaking out about the incident amid the Bad Boy mogul’s latest lawsuit. For years, Reuben has asserted that it was Diddy, not Shyne, who shot her during an altercation between the rap mogul and Club New York patron Matthew Allen, resulting in injuries to three individuals, including herself. As Vibe reports, Lopez was arrested and released, while Diddy was acquitted of all charges. Shyne, however, served an eight-year prison sentence. In 2011, Diddy settled civil suits with the victims, paying over $2.3 million. Over the years, Reuben has publicly addressed the matter, and she recently took to social media to speak out once more. Last week, she posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) in which she appears to be responding to music producer Lil Rod’s lawsuit against Diddy. As The Jasmine Brand reports, Reuben noted in the video that Lil Rod’s lawsuit “… said something very specific,” she said, adding, “As a means of threatening him, Puffy said, ‘That’s why I shot up the club in New York back in 1999 and let Shyne take the fall for it.’” https://twitter.com/i/status/1763125899258720667 ”Euphoria” actress Nika King says she was only joking about being unable to pay her rent during her recent viral stand-up performance. We reported earlier that King quipped about her inability to pay rent for months, attributing it to the show’s uncertain status. The eagerly awaited premiere of “Euphoria” season 3 is slated for 2025 after facing several delays since the airing of its second season in 2019. “Don’t ask me [when Season 3 is coming out]. I don’t fucking know. Don’t ask me, I don’t know,” she said during the stand-up show over the weekend. King shared a clip on her TikTok account. “People are like, ‘We need Season 3,’ and I’m like, bitch, I need Season 3! I haven’t paid my rent in six months.” Zendaya, star of the Sam Levinson-created series, is currently promoting her new film “Dune: Part Two.” King, who plays her mom in “Euphoria” joked that the actress is holding up the show’s third season. “And Zendaya’s over in Paris at Fashion Week. I’m like, ‘Bitch, come home! I need you. Mama needs you.’” King said. https://www.tiktok.com/@iamnikaking?refer=embed Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has launched a skincare line for men called Papatui. PEOPLE reports that the collection features “skin, hair, body and tattoo care products made with cleaner ingredients and focused on performance,” the outlet writes. The products are available for under $10 on the brand’s website, at Target stores, and on Target.com. “I found over the years as men, we can have these great conversations about working out, recovery, ice baths, saunas and we can talk about trucks and cheat meals and tequila and our favorite movies, but every conversation I would have regarding skincare, I was always pulled to the side privately like, ‘Hey, can I ask you a question? What do you do for your skin?'” he told PEOPLE. “So many times I would say, ‘Dude, why are we whispering [about skincare]? It’s okay. We should be able to have this open conversation.’ Papatui has allowed me to encourage just a more open, greater conversation about skincare and grooming.” Originally designed with men in mind, every product is unisex. https://www.instagram.com/p/C4N1IibLL6R/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Halle Bailey kept her recent pregnancy private for good reason. “The Little Mermaid” star was one of the honorees at Thursday’s 2024 Black Women in Hollywood Awards and gave a speech explaining why she protected her pregnancy and the birth of her first child, son Halo, from public scrutiny. “We are Black women in entertainment, and although we signed up for the challenges of the spotlight, in this current climate, that spotlight burns brighter, hotter, and uninterrupted, whereas the scrutiny of its magnification leaves no concealment,” Bailey said, according to People. Bailey, who shares Halo with boyfriend DDG, took to Instagram in January with the news they had welcomed their son, writing alongside a picture of the newborn’s hand, “Even though we’re a few days into the new year, the greatest thing that 2023 could have done for me, was bring me my son. Welcome to the world my halo.” On Thursday, Bailey said her role in “The Little Mermaid” changed her career, but “it cannot compare to the biggest joy of my life. And that was becoming a mom to my perfect little angel Halo.” “The Family Business” series is based on Weber’s New York Times best-selling crime drama series and follows the Duncans, an upstanding tight-knit family that, by day, owns and operates an exotic car dealership in New York. By night, their business activities are more illicit. A Royal Caribbean cruise employee was arrested for installing hidden cameras in passenger bathrooms to spy on young girls. On February 25th, a woman traveling with her sister and mother aboard the Symphony of the Seas cruise ship discovered a camera in her bathroom, NBC News reports. The guest found the hidden camera when reaching under the sink for a toilet paper roll. The device was “affixed to the counter underneath the sink,” per the probable cause affidavit. Following the response of ship security to the room, Arvin Joseph Mirasol, 34, an attendant responsible for cleaning cabins, was apprehended on March 3. Mirasol, a citizen of the Philippines, was detained on the ship until it docked at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. https://youtu.be/jWMjIrhRxF0 Streetwise but struggling, Clarence (LaKeith Stanfield) is trying to find a better life for himself and his family, make himself worthy to the woman he loves, and prove that he’s not a nobody. Captivated by the power and glory of the rising Messiah and His apostles, he risks everything to carve his own path to a divine life, a journey through which he finds redemption and faith, power and knowledge. Tristar Pictures' Hollywood Biblical epic film The Book of Clarence is available to rent or buy now. The film also stars Omar Sy. Anna Diop. RJ Cyler. David Oyelowo. Micheal Ward. Alfre Woodard. Teyana Taylor, Caleb McLaughlin, Eric Kofi-Abrefa, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, James McAvoy and Benedict Cumberbatch. The Hollywood era Biblical epic was produced by Jeymes Samuel, Shawn Carter, James Lassiter, Tendo Nagenda, and executive produced by Garrett Grant. https://youtu.be/vKFYUCgv5rw The Living Legends Foundation, Inc. (LLF) today announces its two newly elected officers to the music and entertainment organization. Following the recent passings of industry legends Varnell H. Johnson and Kendall A. Minter, Esq., and their longtime commitment and service to the organization since its inception, 33 years ago, the LLF is continuing to expand its mission to serve the ever-evolving business of music. Music Industry Veteran Azim Rashid was appointed to president, replacing Varnell H. Johnson, and longtime entertainment attorney Dr. Denise J. Brown was appointed to general counsel, replacing Kendall A. Minter. Legendary Radio Executive Skip Dillard moved from the advisory board to the board of directors, where he has served between both boards for nine years. “During the past few years, the board has been in discussion about how to best move the foundation forward, how to bring younger music executives into the organization, and how to expand our reach beyond the foundation’s initial mission from radio and records to a 21st-century multimedia organization,” says David C. Linton, chairman of the Living Legends Foundation. Linton adds: “Fortunately, many of these discussions included both Varnell and Kendall, and I am profoundly grateful for their input, knowledge, expertise, and passion through the years.” Reality TV star Joseline Hernandez recently shared images of herself wearing cocaine-inspired merch. In a post shared on X/Twitter, the star of Joseline’s Cabaret is seen sporting a sweater emblazoned with “Cocaline,” a clever nod to both “cocaine” and her own name, alluding to lines of coke. She also donned matching slip-ons reminiscent of Crocs, Vibe reports. Hernandez’s former Love & Hip Hop co-star, MariahLynn, was triggered by the post and recalled her mother’s past addiction. “I honestly don’t find this sh*t cute,” she stated in TNT‘s comment section. “I thank god every day that my mother has 4 years clean ’cause lord knows what I went through as a daughter watching my mother almost self-destruct and not be here to meet my kids. I understand living in your truth but come on now, people are dying from fentanyl overdoses and all types of sh*t. Yall can eat me up in the comments but idc I said what I said.” Get ready for all new episodes of TV One’s original and longest-running series "UNSUNG" and "UNCENSORED" this Sunday, March 10 at 9 pm ET/8 pm CT. "UNSUNG" leads with Cold Chillin' at 9 p.m. ET / 8C followed by "UNCENSORED", which features iconic rapper Ja Rule, at 10 p.m. ET / 9C. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f863BoVOczg It’s almost time for tipoff! While fans are busy researching teams for brackets, getting their gear ready, and prepping their watching schedule, Wendy’s® – on the heels of its recent surge pricing fiasco – is fueling the fandom with March Madness® deals all month long! To celebrate the biggest basketball tournament of the year, Wendy’s fans can score a $1 Dave’s Single® or a $2 Dave’s Double® with Wendy’s app offers*. Basketball fans can get a $1 Dave’s Single and a $2 Dave’s Double in the Wendy’s app all March Madness long to fuel their college basketball fandom. Beautiful and talented dancer Ashton Bray has been a featured performer in the Las Vegas show Fantasy since 2012. Recently, Bray was promoted to the position of performance director at Fantasy. The female revue takes place nightly at the Luxor Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. In an interview with Chris Yandek of CYInterview and businessman Rob Gill, the Las Vegas entertainer discussed how she is living her dream in Las Vegas. She expressed her contentment with her current situation, stating: “I have achieved my dream. I adore my home and my life. I never thought I could keep dancing for so long, but now that I am here, I want to hold on to it with all my might. I used to believe that around 30 or 35, I would need to stop dancing, but now that I’m here, I wouldn’t give it up. You’ll have to drag me off stage with a cane.” https://youtu.be/tM8qCtklG3k Here is an exclusive clip of this week’s new episode of WE tv’s reality series, “Bold & Bougie,” which follows Crystal Smith, Malaysia Pargo, Tameka Foster, Gocha Hawkins, and Princess Banton-Lofters as they live unapologetically on their own terms and rewrite their narrative. Per the official series synopsis, “The women of Bold & Bougie have spent their entire lives being cheerleaders for others. Now, it’s their turn to be the center of attention as they support each other and form an unbreakable sisterhood. In each hour-long episode, witness the growing pains that come from love, loss – and hangovers, because they still know how to have a good time. As they celebrate milestones, the women showcase their vibrant personalities and zest for life. However, this sisterhood isn’t without its challenges.” https://youtu.be/m17SQX3XshY Last night CNN’s “King Charles,” Charles Barkley responded to criticism about his recent comments on Black Trump voters. “First of all, I’m just gonna say this,” he stated on the “King Charles” primetime show. “If I see a Black person walking around with a Trump mugshot, I’m gonna punch him in the face.” When co-host Gayle King noted that Barkley would be arrested for assault, he said, “I’m gonna bail myself out and go celebrate.”Barkley addressed the backlash to his comments on last night’s “King Charles” broadcast, CNN reports. He stated, “Well, let me say, is this my camera right there? I want to make sure people can hear me. Number one, obviously, I’m not going to go around punching random strangers in the face, first and foremost. Secondly, people can vote for who they want to. People can vote for who they want to. The point I was trying to make — no, the point I was making, I wasn’t trying to make it, when Donald Trump compares his plight with that other black person, that is what I had a problem with.” Bronny James may not have made ESPN’s 2024 NBA mock draft, but the way his legendary dad sees it, he will be worth the wait.Taking to X (formerly known as Twitter), LeBron James had something to say to those looking down the road to speculate about Bronny’s pro basketball career. The NBA all-star is confident that his son’s work ethic ” will ultimately do the talking” when it comes to his future. In the meantime, LeBron would like folks to just chill and “please just let the kid be a kid and enjoy college basketball.” “The work and results will ultimately do the talking no matter what he decides to do. If y’all don’t know he doesn’t care what a mock draft says, he just WORKS! Earned Not Given!” the Los Angeles Lakers fixture wrote on Feb. 26 in a now-deleted X post, People reports via USA Today. “And to all the other kids out there striving to be great just keep your head down, blinders on and keep grinding,” LeBron continued. “These Mock Drafts doesn’t matter one bit! I promise you! Only the WORK MATTERS!! Let’s talk REAL BASKETBALL PEOPLE!” The four-time NBA champion’s comments come after Bronny was removed from this year’s mock draft. As a result, USA Today, TMZ, and the New York note the 19-year-old USC freshman is projected to be picked in 2025. Michelle Williams jokes about people not knowing who she is in a new commercial for Uber One Australia. In the funny clip, Williams is sitting on a park bench checking her phone for her Uber and Uber Eats savings as an Uber One member. “OK, OK, my Uber One membership savings don’t disappoint,” says Williams, who is sitting next to a woman who doesn’t recognize the singer/actress is a famous superstar. “You know what is disappointing? I was in one of the most iconic girl groups, and no one recognizes me,” she adds. https://youtu.be/e484MJk-IL0 When she hears a man call out for his dog named “Michelle,” Williams responds, “Who calls their dog Michelle?” The woman beside Williams asks, “Sorry, but are you Michelle Williams?” Williams smiles and confirms but looks disappointed when the woman says, “Dropped your wallet.” “At least my Uber One savings don’t disappoint,” Williams says. In a video posted on her Instagram, Williams called the “hilarious” Uber One commercial “hilarious.” “I get to be in on the jokes. Certain jokes y’all know I don’t care too much about, especially 24 years later. There are just certain things I don’t care about anymore,” she said. https://www.instagram.com/p/C3VwhHMvT4a/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=de1e7b89-ca23-49fe-b912-547ce9ebf6dd Nike plans to unveil a new store in Philadelphia dedicated to its Michael Jordan-branded sneakers and apparel. The retailer intends to open a Jordan World of Flight store in a historic 7,000-square-foot building, Sports Illustrated reports. Nike introduced the Jordan World of Flight concept in Milan, Italy, when the first store opened in December 2022. The retailer described the stores as “the future of Jordan retail”: a destination celebrating the legacy and future of basketball culture.” The second Jordan World of Flight opened in Tokyo in 2023. Third is located in Dubai. The newest “World of Flight” store in the U.S. will reportedly occupy a two-story building in Philly located at 1617 Walnut St., constructed in 1921. https://twitter.com/SoleRetriever/status/1759666608899834293/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1759666608899834293%7Ctwgr%5E1fe21f436fa09022d64fe15f0519c2f103c8c3e5%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fnike-announces-plans-for-first-michael-jordan-branded-store-in-u-s%2F The TikTok user known as Reesa Teesa, who went viral with her 52-part “Who TF Did I Marry?!?” series, in which she exposed her “pathological liar” ex-husband, has signed with Creative Arts Agency for representation.TMZ reports that CAA signed Reesa, whose real name is Tareasa Johnson, after her “Who TF Did I Marry?!?” TikTok videos reached 400 million impressions in three weeks. Her tale will likely be turned into a movie-of-the-week for a cable network. As we reported earlier, Reesa’s nearly 8-hour video series was picked up by mainstream outlets such as the Washington Post, Rolling Stone, and Time magazine. “It’s entertaining, I know it’s gone viral, but it is not easy telling this story,” Reesa Teesa says in Part 44 of the series. “I made a decision to share my story, what I went through in [the] hopes that it helps just one person.” https://youtu.be/4vf9IxGD2AI “So when I was texting you, and I was terrified, and texting you that I’m in pre-op at Northside Hospital and I’m so scared because I just don’t know what’s gonna happen, and David text me back, there came a moment where once I discovered all the lies, that I realized, you really left me hanging when I needed you the most,” she explained on the daytime talk show. “And on so many levels, I can honestly sit here and tell you that is the one thing that I struggle to forgive because it’s already hard.” Reesa revealed to Hall that she endured a miscarriage while alone in the hospital. She believed David to be Legion’s assistant, but it was another of her ex’s alleged lies. “I take myself back to when I discovered there was no David,” she continued. “So, you were pretending to be someone else, texting me when I was in pre-op telling you I’m scared, I love you, I text all this.” https://youtu.be/T6rPwFkwVxE Terry Crews appeared on a recent episode of Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay and recalled fighting his father after he beat up his mother. “That was the darkest day,” Crews shared with Shannon around the 1:59:00 mark of the YouTube clip above. “You got to understand the context of that situation is he had just hit my mother. I wasn’t there, but I got a phone call. ‘Oh, your daddy just hit your mama.’ Now, I’m a grown-ass man, post-NFL, I already played the league. Like, ‘Hey man, what? I’m 245. I ain’t five, you ain’t talking to a five-year-old boy.'” Crews continued, “Dude, he knocked her tooth sideways, it was crooked,” he said of his father, also named Terry Crews, Complex reports. “Hit her dead in the mouth, she bleeding. I said, ‘Didn’t I tell you?’ Now bruh, everything came out at that one time. It wasn’t that I didn’t see him as a father anymore, it was, I’m five, and you’re that dude that I was so scared of and I gotta get rid of this right now. Now you gonna get what you’ve been giving,” Crews explained. https://youtu.be/BvA_AinclK8 “I beat his ass, and I felt nothing,” he said. “I thought I was going to feel, ‘Oh this is great, this is wonderful, now finally it’s all straight.’ Felt worse. ‘Cause now I just beat up the man that brought me into this world.” Sharpe inquired about what his dad said following the incident, but Crews said he was too “ashamed” to make eye contact with him. “I was ashamed,” he said. “A man is never meant to attack his parents. But let me tell you, we did have a great moment about ten years later because I left and never came back for a long time.” Crews eventually contacted his father “during my therapy sessions,” he shared with Sharpe. https://twitter.com/i/status/1765172946522566742 During a recent episode of Nick Cannon’s podcast, Dr. Iyanla Vanzant discussed the sexual and emotional abuse she experienced in her childhood. The life coach explained that her father’s absence of love profoundly impacted her perception of love.“I was so unloved. I was just unloved. I felt unloved,” she told Cannon on the Feb. 26 episode of the Counsel Culture show, MadameNoire reports. “Never in my life, I have not one memory of my father kissing me, hugging me or telling me he loved me,” she added, noting that she was age 30 when her father committed suicide. https://youtu.be/KgEqUoYl380 According to Iyanla, she was sexually abused by an uncle who was “a functional alcoholic.” “The uncle who raised me, who I lived under his roof, who was a functional alcoholic, who probably said 10 words to me in his entire life, ‘You know I love you’ being one of them,” Vanzant continued. “So, when he raped me, I thought that was a demonstration of his love,” Iyanla told Cannon. “So, I was on the other end of being promiscuous, A. wanting to feel loved. And, number two, because I was shuttled around to so many…my job was to make people happy. To please people.” Iyanla said her father “never kissed me, never told me he loved me.” So she ultimately married “the first thing hobbling along on the crutch.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C3n0ijUv5ee/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again The teenager who was shot by police during a massive brawl that broke out inside Six Flags Over Georgia on the park’s opening day is reportedly in critical condition. According to the Cobb County Police Department, about 500 to 600 teenagers ran “through the park” on Saturday and engaged “in altercations.”We reported earlier that officers responded to calls about an “unruly” crowd at the amusement park on the evening of March 2nd, The Blast reports. Several angles of the brutal melee were captioned on camera and posted on social media. During the violence, police shot and injured one teenager whose condition was initially unknown. However, Complex reports that the 15-year-old remains in critical condition at Grady Hospital in Atlanta. https://youtu.be/rxyoenW7p_c “Last night a violent mob stormed the Six Flags in Georgia. Chaos erupted involving 500-600 teens that viciously beat and stomped out one another,” one person shared on X/Twitter, per The Blast. “The mob then began to shoot at the police.” “At some point, multiple people began shooting, hitting an unoccupied CCPD (Cobb County Police Department) marked patrol car,” said the Georgia Bureau of Investigation in a statement. “As officers identified where the shots were coming from, they ran after people who had run into the woods. During the incident, one CCPD officer fired his weapon.” Six Flags Georgia responded to the shooting, claiming that the incident did not occur on the theme park’s property. “It is incredibly disappointing that our community is disrupted at public events throughout the region by groups of underaged youth,” Six Flags Over Georgia said, The Blast reports. https://twitter.com/i/status/1764275626469441718 This election cycle, a delegation running either for the California State Senate or the Los Angeles County Supervisor seats staged a town hall meeting in the unincorporated Willowbrook community, located just west of Compton. The panel discussion organized and hosted by John Davis and the staff at Magic Johnson Park, took place on Wednesday, February 21, 2024. The moderator was Kevin Gatewood. The first panel consisting of those running for the senate – Lamar Lyons, Michelle Chambers, Jennifer Trichelle-Marie Williams, James Spencer, Albert Robles, Laura Richardson, and Alex Monteiro – fielded questions from the moderator for a little over 90 minutes; which left no time for the audience (about 130 attendees) to ask questions. The second panel running for the county supervisor seat – Daphne Bradford, Katrina Williams, and Holly Mitchell – discussed more of the same, which indicated to me that they all know the topics of homelessness and affordable housing are big concerns in our neighborhoods. There was much talk from both panels about homelessness and affordable housing, but nothing about what caused the surge of homelessness in the first place. Are the financial institutions and mortgage firms being held accountable to help mitigate the homelessness crisis? Busta Rhymes was scheduled to kick off his 24-date “Blockbusta” tour, but it has been called off according to updates on Ticketmaster.com. Each concert, starting from the March 13 kickoff in San Francisco to the April 21 finale in Rhyme’s hometown of Brooklyn, has been marked as canceled on the ticketing platform. With no official explanation provided for the tour’s cancellation, speculation has arisen online suggesting either insufficient ticket sales or concerns regarding the rapper’s health. Previously, Rhymes had participated in 50 Cent’s The Final Lap tour, which concluded in December. Before embarking on that tour, Rhymes discussed in Men’s Health magazine his journey of shedding 100 pounds to enhance his health after experiencing what he described as an “asthma-like” episode. Rhymes disclosed further weight loss while on tour with 50 Cent, as reported by Complex in November 2023 during the promotion of his “Blockbusta” album. https://youtu.be/Ef76nYxOK0Y The rapper, songwriter, record producer, and actor renowned for hits like “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See” and “Woo-Hah!! Got You All in Check”, was recognized with a lifetime achievement award at the BET Awards in June 2023. Additionally, he performed at a joint event hosted by The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and Spotify, benefiting Musicians On Call (MOC), at the newly inaugurated venue, The Atlantis, in Washington DC. Ticket holders for Rhymes’ tour should expect updates from Ticketmaster regarding rescheduled dates or refunds. In related news, last month, during celebrations for French Montana’s new mixtape, Mac & Cheese 5, Rhymes was involved in an altercation with up-and-coming rapper Nizzle Man, reports The Source. The incident took place at Harbor nightclub in New York City, where footage surfaced showing 23-year-old Nizzle Man being pulled down a flight of stairs. Busta, 52, then confronts the rapper before further pushing occurs. https://twitter.com/i/status/1761486085069082660 “The time has now come to suspend my campaign. I said I wanted Americans to have their voices heard. I have done that. I have no regrets,” Haley said during remarks in Charleston, South Carolina, following a series of losses in GOP nominating contests on Super Tuesday. Haley congratulated Trump in her address but did not endorse him. “I have always been a conservative Republican and always supported the Republican nominee, but on this question, as she did on so many others, Margaret Thatcher provided some good advice when she said, ‘Never just follow the crowd. Always make up your own mind,’” the former governor said. “It is now up to Donald Trump to earn the vote – those in our party and beyond it, who did not support him. And I hope he does that,” she said. Sources familiar with her plans told CNN prior to her speech that Haley’s approach appears to leave room for her to endorse Trump ahead of the general election. The renowned program “Reading Rainbow” is currently being honored with a feature documentary titled “Butterfly in the Sky.” Arriving in select AMC theatres on March 17, the documentary will delve into the inception and production of Reading Rainbow, a beloved program that aired from 1983 to 2006, featuring LeVar Burton as its host. Per the press release: “For 26 seasons, Reading Rainbow met young viewers in their living rooms, whisking them away on far-off adventures into the boundless world of books. Inspiring and nostalgic, Butterfly in the Sky takes audiences behind the scenes of this beloved PBS children’s series and tells the story of its iconic host LeVar Burton, giving an inside look at the challenges he and the show’s creators faced in cultivating a love of reading through television. Reliving the show’s legacy is a refreshing return to the written page. But you don’t have to take our word for it.” After the initial limited release on March 17, the doc’s full run kicks off in New York and additional cities. It will be available on TVOD (including iTunes & Amazon) starting April 30th. Reading Rainbow” received 26 Daytime Emmy Awards for categories including outstanding children’s series and outstanding performer in a children’s series for Burton’s motivational performance, per PEOPLE. https://vimeo.com/908452580 Halle Bailey’s boyfriend, rapper DDG, clapped back at right-wing commentator Elijah Schaffer over his offensive comments about the “The Little Mermaid” star. On Saturday (March 2), Schaffer, a white male, tweeted a photo of Bailey with the caption, “When exactly did Hollywood become flooded with ugly people?” In a separate post, he compared Bailey to the E.T. alien in the Steven Spielberg movie. When Bailey’s boyfriend caught wind of the remarks, he dragged Schaffer’s mom, who passed away in 2020 from a rare form of cancer. He also posted an edited picture featuring Schaffer’s mother superimposed onto a blunt. In an X/Twitter post, DDG responded, “I’m smokin’ on yo’ dead a** mama. That dumb b**ch should’ve got a better doctor.” https://twitter.com/FearedBuck/status/1764527493111775299/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1764527493111775299%7Ctwgr%5E0cbbf5d8ca14c349b40ed38eebc18b85507524d5%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fhalle-baileys-boyfriend-criticizes-elijah-schaffers-late-mother%2F An unprecedented number of African nations are represented by 28 contestants and countries this year in the Miss World pageant, taking place on March 9. The 3-hour program broadcast will air exclusively in the U.S. on The Africa Channel Inc. (TAC). The Africa Channel proudly partners with the Miss World organization to help shine a light on the bright future that contemporary Africa offers the world. Each contestant from Africa is a positive role model for young women from the continent globally, and each carries the weight of presenting a positive narrative for her country. Contestants will compete in a total crowd of 120 young women all of whom won national beauty contests in their countries from across the globe in the “Beauty with a Purpose” themed contest. The 28 African contestants and countries include Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Cote D’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This past year, The Africa Channel exclusively premiered the Miss World South Africa pageant in the U.S. The winning contestant, Claude Mashego, is a medical doctor who uses her platform to advocate for social change and joins the other contestants on the final leg of the prestigious Miss World 2024 competition. Mashego is now an Africa Channel Ambassador who embodies our mission of bridging cultural gaps between Africa and the diaspora. https://www.instagram.com/p/C31pds3ttka/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=4ade04fb-ae14-4ad9-b474-eda5a638dfea All contestants have gathered in India for the 30-day lead-up to the seminal pageant and crowning of this year’s winner later this March. The 71st Miss World Final will premiere live from Mumbai, India at the Jio World Convention Centre. The three-hour broadcast is a unique same-day premiere in India at 7:30 pm India Standard Time and in North America exclusively on The Africa Channel at 7 pm Eastern Standard Time. Munish Gupta, advisor to the Miss World Organization in India says the event will “showcase the rich tapestry of India’s culture, traditions, heritage, arts and crafts, textiles, cuisine, [and] tourism to a massive global audience.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C3xva2ip__S/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again The premiere of “Euphoria” season 3 is anticipated for 2025, following numerous delays since the airing of its second season in 2019. Nika King, a cast member, recently quipped about her inability to pay rent for months, attributing it to the show’s uncertain status. “Don’t ask me [when Season 3 is coming out]. I don’t fucking know. Don’t ask me, I don’t know,” she said during a recent stand-up show. King shared a clip on her TikTok account. “People are like, ‘We need Season 3,’ and I’m like, bitch, I need Season 3! I haven’t paid my rent in six months.” Zendaya, star of the Sam Levinson-created series, is currently promoting her new film “Dune: Part Two.” King, who plays her mom in “Euphoria” joked that the actress is holding up the show’s third season. “And Zendaya’s over in Paris at Fashion Week. I’m like, ‘Bitch, come home! I need you. Mama needs you.’” King said. https://www.tiktok.com/@iamnikaking/video/7342217956299918634?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Feuphoria-star-cant-pay-rent-amid-season-3-delay%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=71929437%2C121374463%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7342217956299918634 Renowned producer and TV personality Carlos King is taking his podcast on the road with special guests joining him for his ongoing “Reality with the King” Live Tour. According to the press release, the “Reality with the King” Live Tour will hit Jersey City, NJ with guest Teresa Giudice; Atlanta with Tamar Braxton; Irvine, CA with Tamra Judge & Teddi Mellencamp; and Washington, DC with the cast of “Love & Marriage: D.C.” The release states: “Reality with the King” takes listeners behind the scenes of some of the biggest and most iconic series ever on television, with King dissecting and rehashing shocking betrayals, hilarious interactions and dramatic scenes from such series as The Real Housewives, Love & Marriage, The Kardashians, Selling Sunset and more. The fan-anointed “King of Reality TV” is often joined by his celebrity friends – including NeNe Leakes, Teresa Giudice, Megan McCain and more – to spill the tea for “Reality with the King” listeners, also known as “Reigndrops.” “I love engaging with my audience,” King previously told EUR about his creative process. “I call them the raindrops. I love them, and I love the engagement with them.” King added, “Now, look, I don’t listen to everything they say now, chile, because I know what I’m doing and I know you got to take things with a grain of salt, but there’s always some truth and honesty within the tweets, that I’m like, “Oh, that’s an interesting take on this situation.” So, I love engagement, and it’s fun, and it’s a way for the audience to feel like they’re in on the process by having this relationship with the creator of their franchise and hearing them out and responding to them and engaging with them. I know that’s important.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C4Lp3F1Lhc6/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=8e1597e2-d3c6-449d-9cd6-afa1c1d93bc8 Russell Westbrook has vowed to construct 180 affordable homes in the South Los Angeles community where he grew up. The NBA star recently revealed his involvement in revitalizing an area that was devastated during civil unrest following the beating of Rodney King by Los Angeles Police Department officers in 1992, Essence reports. Westbrook is bringing retail businesses to a new South Los Angeles community, writing on social media: “Proud to be investing in my community, South Central LA. We’re building 180 affordable housing units, surrounded by community centered businesses and anchored by @target. Real LA native,” he captioned two photos on Instagram. Target is a key partner in the Evermont Project initiative, which aims to offer affordable housing and incorporate community-focused businesses. In an Instagram video, Westbrook said, “Evermont stands tall as a beacon of collaboration between the city, county, local, and business communities. This represents a thriving example of what happens when we come together, fostering empowerment and driving the positive change that this community has been waiting for.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C33wD3mP9Rl/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=a440648f-b058-4e5e-8911-febb0b397f7f&img_index=1 The filmmakers behind the new captivating film “Black Girls,” which is airing exclusively on Comcast’s Black Experience on Xfinity Channel and Xumo. Per the press release, “There are films that expand our emotional capacity and then some that move us from bystanders toward action. Black Girls aims to do both. The riveting film serves as an exposè by highlighting how necessary it is to invest in Black stories if we dare to create a world that honors each other in unprecedented ways.” The doc features recounts from Allyson Felix, the most decorated athlete in Olympic History in her sport, Marley Dias, the teen visionary behind the #1000BlackGirlBooks movement featured on ELLEN and interviewed by VP Kamala Harris, among others, per the release. Watch the trailer above. “Black Girls” illuminates Black women’s powerful narratives and experiences. Through intimate interviews, the film explores Black women and girls’ challenges, triumphs, and contributions, offering a platform for voices often marginalized in mainstream media. https://youtu.be/VNaF716Ul1E Jonathan Majors and his alleged girlfriend Meagan Good attended the African-American Film Critics Association Special Achievement Awards Luncheon in Los Angeles on Sunday. Their red carpet debut comes a month before the disgraced actor is scheduled for sentencing for misdemeanor assault and harassment on his ex, Grace Jabbari. As TMZ reports, Majors told reporters at the event that he and Meagan are “in love,” with the actress adding, “We’re doing great. God’s good.” Good supported Majors during his assault trial with Jabbari that ended in December. https://youtu.be/8MXDlbfnESw Meta’s platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, went down for thousands of users on Tuesday, because of what the company called a “technical issue.” The outage was resolved within around two hours.As many as 500,000 Facebook users had reported issues logging in or accessing the site as of mid-morning Eastern Time on Tuesday, according to outage tracker Downdetector. Around 50,000 outage reports had been issued regarding Instagram and another 10,000 for Facebook Messenger, although the number of reports had already begun to fall within an hour after they began. Some users found they had been logged out of their Facebook accounts. Others got notifications on Instagram that “something went wrong” and their feeds could not be loaded. Threads, Meta’s competitor to Elon Musk’s X, also went down and showed users a popup that said “Something went wrong, please try again later” in place of their feed. https://youtu.be/YTTLGwbPWTo This is my passion,” said Jazz guitarist Reza Khan about his music coming first before his career at the United Nations. “This comes first. I’ve been doing it for 50 years.” https://youtu.be/eSoMkjKLsCo March is Women’s History Month. With so many notable women who deserve to be celebrated, it’s even more important to acknowledge the next generation of achievers who strive for that number-one spot in their respective fields. Shenita Lawson is one of those women. This college sophomore is making a name for herself as a standout wrestler throughout the Midwest. She’s so good, her winning streak could lead to the 2024 Summer Olympic trials. That means Lawson could be among the group of athletes who qualify to represent the United States in Paris. How did Lawson get hooked on wrestling, what will it take for her to qualify for the Olympic team and what are her plans after the Olympics? https://youtu.be/UMZiFZcwDeY It has often been said that success is nothing without someone you love to share it with. Shaquille O’Neal is proof this statement carries weight, as he reminisced over his failed marriage and the loss of his family over making what he labeled ‘a lot of dumbass mistakes.” The topic was among those discussed during (now-retired) Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce’s recent appearance on “The Big Podcast with Shaq.” During the episode, Kelce touched on the idea of retiring as he considered life after football. It was then that O’Neal gave the football fixture a bit of advice as he looked back at his own life. “My advice to you is if you are going to retire, accept it, enjoy your family brother,” he said. https://youtu.be/wv_RRmtxGm4 JUST EATS WITH CHEF JJ returns to CLEO TV tonight, March 6 at 9 P.M. ET/8C. It’s all about small bites tonight! On the menu is marinated grilled chicken skewers served with a citrus flavored mojito. Then, he makes a seafood ceviche paired with a sweet and smooth margarita. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-Eb1O7mJV4 The Smollett sibling duo returns to CLEO TV tonight at 9:30 p.m. ET/8C with hit series, LIVING BY DESIGN WITH JAKE AND JAZZ. This season, Jake and Jazz will continue to share beautiful home makeovers, prepare delicious family recipes, and create once-in-a-lifetime memories for a lucky group of homeowners. Tonight, Jake reconditions a pre-owned dresser set to make the bedroom feel fresh. Meanwhile, Jazz brings modern designs and vibrant colors that adds just the right touch. On the menu are jerk tacos and coconut creme brulee. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qdv59YNuzew In the current landscape of the entertainment industry, it’s not exactly a bold move, but it’s an interesting one, nonetheless,” CBS is in the process of developing “The Gates,” a soap opera about a wealthy family that could become the first daytime TV drama with a predominately Black cast since 1989. “The Gates,” will delve into the lives of a wealthy Black family living in a posh, gated community. The new soap will be a collaborative effort between CBS Studios/NAACP production venture and P&G Studios, a division of Procter & Gamble. The series will be penned by Emmy-winning daytime veteran Michele Val Jean (“The Bold & The Beautiful”), who will also assume the role of showrunner, having authored over 2,000 episodes of daytime TV. NBC’s short-lived “Generations,” which premiered in 1989, and Fox’s 2015 hit “Empire” were the last notable Black-centric soaps. Note: “Emjpire” aired in prime-time. https://youtu.be/lRDqpkmau50 Queen Latifah is set to return as host of the 55th annual NAACP Image Awards, airing LIVE on Saturday, March 16, at 8:00 PM ET/PT on BET. “We are thrilled to collaborate with groundbreaking megastar Queen Latifah and are elated to welcome her again as this year’s host. We also look forward to honoring changemaker and poet Amanda Gorman for her tremendous cultural impact,” said Connie Orlando, EVP of specials, music programming and music strategy at BET. “Queen Latifah, NAACP and Pastis have been such incredible partners in amplifying Black culture, excellence, creativity and ingenuity, and this year’s unforgettable show will be no different,” Orlando added. “The NAACP Image Awards is an important celebration for our community and industry every year. We get the opportunity to highlight the major accomplishments of artists, writers, entertainers, activists and other changemakers that push Black excellence forward in a powerful way,” said Derrick Johnson, NAACP president and CEO. Queen Latifah emceed the ceremony for the first time last year. https://twitter.com/naacpimageaward/status/1765061594508075438/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1765061594508075438%7Ctwgr%5E6ae3202c4f18de96514406652af6fada4916f0f6%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fqueen-latifah-to-host-naacp-image-awards%2F A week after Zionfield Baptist Church Pastor Clemmie Livingston Jr. was shot at church by a car thief, his son, Rev. Keith Livingston, called the shooters “thugs.” Livingston Jr. was shot in the mouth by carjackers as he prepared for morning service at his church in Memphis, Tennessee, The Christian Post reports. “Now I’m sure by this time everyone knows that this [past] weekend [has] indeed been a trying week for our family. … It’s been a tumultuous week for all of us. It has honestly been one of the most challenging things that I can say that I’ve ever had to go through,” Rev. Keith said from his father’s pulpit on Sunday. “I can honestly say through all … this struggle that’s going on in our life, with God’s help, we’ve been able to come through,” he added. https://youtu.be/VSZ9IL3-vqI Only one-third of Black millennials own their homes, in contrast to two-thirds of white Americans. An NPR article that attributed racism for the reason Black families struggle to own homes. “Over the last 15 years, Black homeownership has declined more dramatically than for any other racial or ethnic group in the United States,” the NPR article states. “In 2019, the Black homeownership rate was about as low as in the 1960s, when private race-based discrimination was legal,” the report adds. Newsweek reports that the 2008 financial crisis, induced by the housing market, has made it more challenging for current millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, to obtain home loans. As one of the mainstays of Starz’s popular crime drama “Black Mafia Family (BMF),” Lil Meech has struck a nerve portraying his father, former drug kingpin Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory. As the show’s third season, which premiered March 1, takes root on the network, fans are still reeling from the tease given, with hopes a little more of the younger Meech will be seen. The tease in question came courtesy of a sex scene in a private room between Lil Meech and an exotic dancer looking to get her tuition paid. The pair’s relations were intense, but it was the presence of what seemed to be Lil Meech’s genitals that got social media users hot and bothered with speculations on whether the entertainer’s exposed member was the real deal or a very real-looking prosthetic. “So y’all all gone act like y’all don’t know that was fake? Be fr. It was way too high up on his stomach for one. For two, it looked fake,” a “BMF” fan voiced at the time on Instagram about Lil Meech’s penis. https://youtu.be/3IEomrNTY8A With prescriptions for semaglutide drugs, including Wegovy and Ozempic, on the rise, food sellers are increasingly fielding questions about the possibility of a significant shift in how — or how much — people eat. The increasingly popular drugs generally work by reducing patients’ appetites. With 1.7% of America’s population prescribed a semaglutide drug in 2023 — up 40-fold in the past five years — that could spell serious trouble for the food industry. For now, they seem to be thinking about these drugs the way they do food fads: Keeping a sharp eye on consumer behavior and thinking about ways to capitalize on trends. But they may need to take the rise of this class of drugs more seriously than fad diets, some industry analysts say. During a Thursday call with Wall Street analysts, Conagra CEO Sean Connolly said that the company will adjust as needed if customers eat less or want different types of food. https://youtu.be/k6iixRPmo4g “Let’s say they go to smaller portions, then we evolve the innovations, and we design smaller portions,” Connolly said. “If they switch to different types of nutrients … we switch to different types of nutrients,” he said. “If they change the kind of pack sizes they snack on, we’ll change that.” Conagra has a wide portfolio of food brands, including Healthy Choice, Duncan Hines, and Marie Callender’s. This type of approach is nothing new. Big food companies are constantly evolving their products to adapt to consumer trends. And with wellness top of mind for many — not just people taking semaglutide drugs — companies have already tweaked their products in an effort to appeal to health-conscious consumers. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/3DYuyQNLKoE?feature=share Critics are saying that Rihanna‘s performance lacked effort at a pre-wedding bash for Indian billionaire Anant Ambani, despite her reportedly earning over $6 million for the 90-minute appearance. One critic claimed, “She simply doesn’t care,” while another noted, “Ri is the least energetic performer out there! Even Taylor Swift brings more enthusiasm.” Adding to the critique, another voice suggested, “She collected her payment and decided to do only what was necessary.” At the event, Rihanna sang a medley of her famous hits, including “Umbrella,” “We Found Love,” “Stay,” “Rude Boy,” “Diamonds,” and “Work.” https://youtu.be/Vp1CVbCGljA During her time on stage, the Fenty Beauty CEO addressed Anant and Radhika, expressing, “I’m here tonight in honor of Anant and Radhika. Thank you for having me here. God bless your union. I wish you all the best. Congratulations.” In case you’re curious, Ambani’s father has a current net worth of $113 billion and is the head of the company, Reliance Industries. By the way, the pre-wedding party is a three-day event and is set to continue into Monday, March 4. According to the Daily Mail, the event cost over $120 million. https://twitter.com/i/status/1763893702324265063 A slew of negative publicity is not doing anything to keep Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs on the good side of the news. So much so that Jemele Hill is taking notice and claiming the hip-hop mogul is damaging his legacy by “sinking everything he’s been attached to.” “I think once the floodgates were sort of opened with his ex Cassie coming out with the allegations that she did, which were very serious, very, you know, they were d*mning. … and to be totally honest, I think as we see the pattern with all of these cases, it takes one person. That person has the bravery and the courage to come forward and then suddenly you hear many stories or you have many allegations that surface.” Hill said during a recent podcast interview. “I know that in general when it comes to these accusations finally coming to light, they have been the subject of whispers for many many years…. You may now be finding out the gory, awful, tragic, horrible details. But there’s always been a lot of whispers around some of these people that when we finally sort of understand the depth of what the allegations are against them, it can be jarring to a lot of people.” Hill’s comments come amid troubling times for Combs. Chronicling the Bad Boy Records founder’s low points, The Jasmine Brand referenced the November 2023 lawsuit from his ex-girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura, the first of five directed at Combs since late last year. In that suit, Ventura accused Combs of rape, sex trafficking, and physical abuse. The lawsuit was ultimately settled between the pair one day after Ventura’s claims became public knowledge. https://twitter.com/i/status/1762922577763225710 It’s no secret that Beyonce is a hit with human beings. But as Kevin Bacon and his wife Kyra Sedgwick can confirm, the “Halo” vocalist’s songs carry weight with their farm animals. https://www.instagram.com/p/C30fOt7PHzP/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again According to Madame Noire, the couple posted a video on social media of them serenading their farm animals with a cover of Queen Bey’s Country hit “Texas Hold’ Em.” Sporting a red plaid shirt, cowboy hat, white tee, jeans and sneakers, Bacon is seen strumming the tune on his guitar as Sedgwick recorded him with a cell phone. “This ain’t Texas,” Bacon began to sing, as Sedgwick joined her better half in as he went through the first verse of “Texas Hold’ Em.” As he danced to the song, “The Closer” star supplied ad-libbed background vocals to the popular ditty. “Monday morning serenade. @beyonce #texasholdem,” Bacon captioned the Instagram post. https://www.instagram.com/p/Chz8JlDJC8S/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again “Ricky Stanicky” is an irreverent buddy comedy starring Zac Efron, John Cena, Jermaine Fowler, Andrew Santino, and Lex Scott Davis. It tells the story of a group of friends who have been telling a lie for 25 years. That lie is of an imaginary best friend who the trio conjures up whenever they need to a cover for their childish behaviors and shenanigans. His name is Rick Stanicky. However, things go awry when the trio gets trapped by their own deception and are forced to seek out an actor to play the role of Stanicky when their most recent lie is threatened with exposure. That’s when Cena steps in as Ricky Stanicky. Davis plays Erin, the intelligent and supportive wife of Dean, played by Efron. “Ricky Stanicky” is directed by Peter Farrelly who, along with his brother Bobby, has carved out a name as a great director of classic comedies and dramas like, “Green Book,” “Dumb & Dumber,” and “The Greatest Beer Run Ever.” https://vimeo.com/914602259 Tyler Perry has seen Hollywood’s future. And it looks like AI. For better or for worse. Chatting with The Hollywood Reporter, Perry cited the constantly changing evolution of artificial intelligence, particularly OpenAI‘s new video tool Sora, as reason to fall back with expanding his Tyler Perry Studios production company in Atlanta. “I was in the middle of, and have been planning for the last four years, about an $800 million expansion at the studio,” the entertainment mogul told The Reporter. “All of that is currently and indefinitely on hold because of Sora and what I’m seeing.” What Perry saw was the latest development in AI. Earlier this month, OpenAI launched Sora to a limited group of creators, as well as experts working to improve AI safety, noted Business Insider. According to the site, Sora can “generate videos up to a minute long from text and image prompts” as well as “extend existing videos by filling in missing frames.” https://youtu.be/YKYFhUrmM3o The LAPD is looking into allegations of neglect regarding the care of ‘Good Times’ star John Amos and the investigation is just getting started. Law enforcement sources tell TMZ that a case has been opened to investigate claims made by Amos’ daughter, Shannon. She recently called Adult Protective Services to allege her father’s health issues were not being properly addressed by her brother, K.C. Sources indicate that APS received a report based on Shannon’s claims and forwarded it to the LAPD, prompting an investigation. The LAPD is reportedly familiar with the ongoing disputes between Shannon and K.C., but the focus of the investigation will be on these new allegations. Back in July 2023, EURweb reported that Shannon’s representative stated K.C. had been removed as John’s medical power of attorney. Shannon also demanded that her brother cease making false statements that harmed her reputation and business. https://youtu.be/nhRvqE6dooM Longtime NFL reporter and ESPN journalist Chris Mortensen died on Sunday morning, the network announced. He was 72. Specifics of his death are not yet known, though Mortensen had been battling cancer for years. ESPN is very sorry to have to share this devastating news. Award-winning journalist Chris Mortensen passed away this morning at the age of 72. https://twitter.com/i/status/1764412272095494444 A new West End play has set aside two nights expressly for theatergoers who “identify” as Black, offering them the opportunity to experience the “Slave Play” production “free from the white gaze.” “Slave Play” will run at the Noël Coward Theatre in London from June 29 to September 21, and co-star Kit Harington (Game of Thrones). According to the UK Independent, two nights have been dubbed “Black Out” nights for an “all-Black identifying audience” on July 17 and September 17. A dangerous winter storm has arrived in California and will unload feet of snow, powerful winds, and rare blizzard conditions in the mountains through the weekend. The storm will bury California under its biggest snowfall of the year posing a significant danger to travelers – but provide a huge boost for the state’s water supply and tourism. Winds gusted over 140 mph in the highest peaks of the Sierra Nevada alongside heavy snow Thursday. Gusts there topped 150 mph on Friday as blizzard conditions kicked into overdrive. Nearly 2 feet of snow has already fallen with extreme snowfall to come. Snowfall rates are expected to reach 3 to 5 inches an hour from Friday through Saturday – especially along the Sierra Nevada. The prolonged extreme snowfall means 6 to 12 feet of snow could bury parts of the mountains in just a matter of a few days. https://youtu.be/Zq5yk0gC86c The most extreme conditions are unfolding at the highest elevations, with wind gusts over 100 mph on the highest peaks of the Sierra in addition to feet of snow. Winds are blowing so hard that it may be difficult to measure snow accurately with the potential for huge snow drifts. Winds started to roar Thursday with widespread gusts of 60 to 80 mph reported for elevations above 3,000 feet. Twenty inches of snow fell from Thursday to Friday morning at Donner Peak while a foot or more buried other parts of the Sierra. Heavy snow and roaring winds are expected to combine to produce rare and long-lasting blizzard conditions for much of the Sierra and parts of the northern ranges. Visibility plummeted to near-zero, meaning it’s impossible to see farther than a few feet – or at all – early Friday. https://youtu.be/7xzTQr1JkV4 “Dune: Part 2,” directed by Denis Villeneuve, does the unimaginable. It defies the odds. Very, very few sequels are better than their predecessors. But this sequel surpasses the first. Based on Frank Herbert’s bestselling novel, “Dune,” “Dune: Part 2” is the follow-up to 2021’s six-time Academy Award-winning “Dune.” The film operates on all its powerful cylinders– great performances, breathtaking cinematography, and exciting action scenes. Interestingly, “Dune 2” is released during Women’s History Month. Timothee Chalamet has no qualms about being cast against strong females. In “Wonka,” Noodle (Calah Lane) taught the iconic Willie Wonka (Chalamet) how to read, and later became his business partner. Lane is a 2024 NAACP Image Awards nominee for “Outstanding Youth Performance in a Motion Picture” (“Wonka”). In “Dune 2,” Paul Atreides (Chalamet) tells Chani (Zendaya), “I would very much like to be equal to you.” https://youtu.be/Way9Dexny3w Next year looks to be a great year for the real-life Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory. The former drug lord will be released 32 months early, setting up a life after prison that kicks off in 2025, according to Sandra Rose. The news came after a judge recently approved Flenory’s release. The 55-year-old Detroit native was sentenced to 30 years behind bars after being indicted on drug trafficking charges in 2003, media sources noted. In addition to his days as a drug lord, Flenory is best known for establishing BMF Entertainment in Atlanta, Ga. with his brother, Terry Lee “Southwest Tee” Flenory. Although the company was set up as a promotion agency and record label for hip-hop music, federal agents say the agency was a front for money laundering and a nationwide cocaine distribution enterprise. While trafficking cocaine, BMF reportedly made more than $270 million. In 2005, Flenory’s Atlanta and California-based Black Mafia Family (BMF) drug-trafficking operation ended when members were indicted by the DEA. https://youtu.be/3IEomrNTY8A Don Lemon’s time with CNN has officially ended, with the former primetime anchor netting a hefty sum for his trouble. According to The Wrap, Lemon agreed to a separation deal with CNN for approximately $24.5 million. The amount is the full pay from Lemon’s final contract with the network, which extended 3.5 years from his departure. CNN’s payment to Lemon marks the conclusion of a saga that began 10 months ago, when he made controversial remarks about Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley during an episode of “CNN This Morning.” Speaking with his female co-hosts, Kaitlan Collins and Poppy Harlow, Lemon implied the 51-year-old former South Carolina governor was past her prime. “Nikki Haley isn’t in her prime, sorry,” an “uncomfortable” Lemon explained while discussing Haley’s age. “When a woman is considered to be in her prime — in her 20s, 30s and maybe her 40s.” The comment resulted in Lemon’s dismissal from CNN after the show. A move the 57-year-old described as a termination. “It is clear that there are some larger issues at play,” Lemon wrote on social media. Terrence Howard, probably best known for his role in Fox’s “Empire” and movies like “Hustle & Flow” and “Iron Man,” has found himself in hot water with the IRS. Last year, the federal government filed a complaint against Howard for allegedly owing hundreds of thousands of dollars in back taxes. The IRS claimed that Howard had not paid his taxes for five years, from 2010 to 2019, resulting in a hefty bill of $578,000. Despite multiple attempts to contact him and resolve the issue, Howard failed to respond or appear in court to defend himself. As a result, a federal judge recently ruled in favor of the IRS, ordering Howard to pay $903,114.72, reports TMZ. This amount includes the unpaid taxes, penalties, and interest accrued over the years. It is unclear why Howard ignored the federal complaint and failed to address the issue. While he remains active on social media promoting his projects, he has not publicly commented on the tax evasion case. https://youtu.be/jXOfgZseLyA A man (Amari Pollard) was sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to opening fire outside a Virginia high school graduation ceremony and killing a graduate last year, the prosecutor told CNN. Pollard pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony in the murder of Shawn Jackson on Thursday, Commonwealth’s Attorney Colette Wallace McEachin told CNN by email Friday. Jackson, 18, and his stepfather Renzo Smith, 36, were shot and killed outside Richmond’s Altria Theater after the Huguenot High School graduation ceremony in June 2023, where hundreds of graduates and guests had gathered. The attack was targeted, as Pollard, then 19, had an ongoing dispute with Jackson, police said at the time. https://youtu.be/dLHob4W4O0w “I think there was an interaction, and then it appears that the suspect went to his car to retrieve the gun and then returned,” Police Chief Rick Edwards said in June 2023. The shooting happened just before 5:15 p.m., and responding officers indicated there was a barrage of gunfire that stopped quickly. Chaos emerged after the gunfire began, Edwards added. “People were having panic attacks, falling on the ground screaming,” Edwards said. “Some people fell. One child was hit by a car.” The child hit by a car was Jackson’s 9-year-old sister, who had minor injuries from the incident. The shooting left five others injured, police said at the time. https://youtu.be/9tns7omTook A video capturing students participating in a bizarre toe-licking activity during a high school fundraiser has gained viral attention online, sparking widespread concern among parents and prompting an impending investigation. The incident occurred during a recent fundraiser at Deer Creek High School in Oklahoma, where students were observed licking peanut butter off each other’s toes while lying on the basketball court. The video, initially obtained by Fox 25, has stirred controversy across social media platforms, with many individuals criticizing the organizers for allowing such a spectacle to take place, TMZ is reporting. Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters has expressed dismay over the incident, announcing via Twitter that his agency will be launching an investigation to determine the full extent of the situation. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-03-02-030224-foot-licking-1786887-581/ This situation is straight out of a Hollywood action/thriller movie, but it’s a real-life event. A semi-truck driver found himself in a dangerous scenario on a Kentucky bridge, teetering on the edge of disaster. The truck cabin and part of its trailer were hanging over the Ohio River after a collision on the Clark Memorial Bridge. Louisville emergency crews swiftly acted, risking their own lives to rescue the driver, according to WSAZ-TV. The dramatic rescue involved a crew member rappelling off the side of the bridge like a superhero. The driver was successfully removed from the vehicle and brought to safety on the bridge by 12:45 PM. Fortunately, no one else was injured in the incident, and the bridge is now closed as authorities complete the rescue operation and clean up the scene. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-03-01-030124-bridge-rescue-1786514-445/ BET’s “Comic View” is returning to BET+ on March 14 after a 16-year hiatus, according to a press release. Produced by Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat, Mike Epps will host the reboot of the iconic stand-up comedy franchise, featuring an all-star lineup of comedians, including Brandi Denise, Jayski, DC Young Fly, Tony Roberts, Navv Greene, Bresha Webb, Tommy Davidson, Lavar Walker, Tacarra Williams, rapper, Tip “T.I” Harris. Earlier, we reported that T.I. will make his televised standup debut on the reboot series. Hart rebooted BET’s “Comic View” as part of a four-day weekend celebrating his 44th birthday in Las Vegas from July 6-9, 2023, Variety reported. The episodes were taped in front of a live audience. Per the news release: “The original series debuted in 1992 on BET, and featured a mix of new and veteran comedians from across the country in their element: entertaining the masses with their side-splitting comedy. It’s been hosted by legendary comedians D.L. Hughley, Cedric The Entertainer, Kevin Hart, and Sommore, amongst others. Its final episode ran in December 2008.” BET’s “Comic View” is returning to BET+ on March 14 after a 16-year hiatus, according to a press release. https://youtu.be/p95XVR8LrcM After a long investigation, the Justice Department announced this week that it has found conditions at three Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) facilities violate the 8th and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. According to a 60-page report by the DOJ, the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility, South Mississippi Correctional Institution, and Wilkinson County Correctional Facility routinely violated the constitutional rights of people incarcerated by failing to protect them from widespread physical violence. The report alleged that the facilities did not adequately supervise the incarcerated population, control the flow of contraband, adequately investigate incidents of serious harm, or provide adequate living conditions. Due to chronic understaffing, “gangs operate in the void left by staff and use violence to control people and traffic contraband,” the report read. Ayesha and Steph Curry are expecting baby N0. 4. The couple announced the big news with a photoshoot for the cover of Ayesha’s magazine, Sweet July. Curry shows off her baby bump in the magazine’s first digital edition called “The Village Issue.” Ayesha and Sweet July shared the image on March 1 on Instagram, with the caption: Magazine’s first digital issue explores the gamut of our most cherished relationships. Introducing, The Village Issue, an appropriate theme for Founder Ayesha Curry who excitedly announces her growing family. Through recipes, reflections and community roundups, we’re spotlighting the indelible impact of chosen family. Link in bio to read through #TheVillageIssue! In the comments, comedian Loni Love wrote, “Remember when we were filming your show and I looked at you and said.. you need another and Steph was like Tell her!!!! I’m so happy!!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C3-q7XIxjJX/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=47e2de53-da7a-44fd-99cb-313d3b795439 Get ready for the highly anticipated return of TV One’s original and longest-running series UNSUNG and UNCENSORED, with season debuts of both docu-series starting Sunday, March 3 at 9 pm ET/8 pm CT. UNSUNGleads with Bobby Caldwell at 9 p.m. ET / 8C followed by UNCENSORED, which features veteran actress Vivica A. Fox, at 10 p.m. ET / 9C. Each episode will be published on TVOne.TV and TV One’s social media platforms. The seven-time NAACP Image Award-winning series UNSUNG, spotlights entertainment’s most talented, versatile, and influential music artists. The season premiere explores the life and career of singer, songwriter and musician Bobby Caldwell. Caldwell released several albums spanning R&B, soul, jazz and adult contemporary. His catalog is best known today for its sampling by several prolific hip hop and R&B artists. https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=CVw4Uf0FfzO3cJOs&v=O3DhnI68qcY&feature=youtu.be While death is an inevitable part of life, that fact doesn’t make it any easier when it is reported that someone has died. That was true on Wednesday when it was reported that former professional wrestler Mike “Virgil” Jones had died. He was 61. Wrestling referee Marck Charles III posted the news about Virgil’s death on Facebook. “My dear friends, it is with great sorrow that I bring news from the Jones family of the passing of our beloved Michael Jones, whom we know and loved as Virgil, Vincent, Soul Train Jones and more,” Charles wrote. “Virgil passed peacefully at the hospital this morning and I ask that you pray for him and for his family. May his memory be eternal!” https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GHcRNAlXAAAR_9X?format=jpg&name=small As you know, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has been subjected to a hearing to determine whether she should be disqualified from prosecuting the RICO case in Georgia against former President Donald Trump and more than a dozen remaining co-defendants accused of election interference. Willis’ opponents have been scrambling hard to turn her apparently short-lived adult consensual relationship with Nathan Wade, whom she appointed as special prosecutor in the case. Since Willis and Wade’s relationship came to light, Republicans have been working overtime to find a scandal that just doesn’t seem to be there—much like they did while spreading propaganda about non-existent election fraud in 2020, which is what got us here in the first place. Anyway, on Wednesday, Trump posted a meme on social media that implied Willis is a whore for being a single woman having a consensual relationship with a single man—as if he has completely forgotten about his own history of infidelity as well as that of his father. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GHXfmFAWIAAvD79?format=jpg&name=900x900 Georgia investigators are searching for answers after the body of a Black man was found hanging from a tree last week along a hiking trail in North Georgia. According to Fox 5, the body of Trevonte Jamal Shubert-Helton was found by Georgia deputies Feb. 21 in the Swallow Creek Wildlife Management Area, located near Indian Grave Gap Road near Hiawassee.The Sheriff’s officer immediately posted about the incident on Facebook, confirming that deputies had found the man hanging from a tree. The Georgia Bureau Of Investigation, which was asked to help local law enforcement with the investigation, identified the body on Thursday morning as 29-year-old Trevonte Jamal Shubert-Helton from the town of Sautee Nacoochee. According to GBI, Shubert-Helton’s death seemed to be an isolated incident based on their preliminary investigation, but investigators are still waiting on the autopsy by the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office. A spokesperson for the GBI told Atlanta Black Star that no additional information will be available until the autopsy report is completed. A historically Black college (HBCU) in South Carolina is taking steps to beef up its campus security weeks after a shooting in an academic building left a student facing charges of attempted murder. South Carolina State University is making a significant investment in keeping its community safe by adding a gun-sniffing dog to the ranks of its campus security team. The announcement comes after Global K9 Protection Group, the company providing the dog, put on a demonstration on campus to show the capabilities of a dog that can detect firearms via their vapors. The demonstration included a dog quickly indicating the presence of guns, including one that was placed on a fire hydrant. In Olympia, the Washington State House of Representatives made a crucial move to address the risks associated with hog-tying, four years after the death of Manuel “Manny” Ellis. By passing Senate Bill 6009, lawmakers hope to rebuild trust between community members and law enforcement and to create clear guidelines that will help safeguard lives. On Feb. 28, Senate Bill 6009, proposed by Sen. Yasmin Trudeau and Rep. Sharlett Mena, passed through the Washington State House chamber with a resounding 89-7 vote, according to House Democrats. The bill will ban the use of hog-tying, an inhumane restraint tactic that has led to tragic consequences. Despite its deadly outcomes, some law enforcement agencies in Washington continue to employ this method. The bill not only bans hog-tying but also classifies it as excessive force, mandating officers to intervene and report any colleagues who utilize it. Honestly, both Barack and Michelle appear to be living rent-free in the Oval Office that resides in the minds of prominent white conservatives, but the fact that they still appear to be so pressed and obsessed with the Obama who wasn’t even president is just weird, and, at this point, a clear indication of their deep misogynoir. Earlier this week, has been politician Newt Gingrich crawled out of whatever hole newts crawl into and decided it was his turn to come for Obama. For months, Republicans have been expressing their paranoia that Michelle Obama is going to replace President Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee for president in 2024, despite the fact that she has said multiple times that she’s not running, and despite the fact that even if she was planning to run, she would be pretty damn late kicking off her campaign. Not only did Gingrich arbitrarily speculate about what Michelle’s presidential run would look like—even after acknowledging that she wasn’t going to run—but he appeared to take issue with the pride she takes in being a Black woman. https://pbs.twimg.com/card_img/1762536776923480064/3elKAvLN?format=jpg&name=small Black Enterprise returns to Las Vegas to honor extraordinary business trailblazers at its 2024 Women of Power Summit. This Women’s History Month, the premier Black-owned digital media brand continues to provide resources for African Americans through its 18th Annual Women of Power Summit. Read more details inside. Black Enterprise will provide business, investment, and wealth-building resources for African Americans at the Women of Power Summit. It’s a leading professional development gathering that creates space for women executives of color to reflect, rise, and act. At the culmination of Women’s History Month, the conference returns to the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas to celebrate the achievements of remarkable women and mark a significant milestone with Accenture (NYSE: ACN) as the event’s new title sponsor. This year’s Summit promises to be an unforgettable experience, featuring inspiring sessions, thought-provoking panel discussions, and unparalleled networking opportunities. The Summit is carefully curated to propel attendees toward intentional goal-setting and to ignite inspiration by showcasing remarkable leaders who have left an enduring mark on their respective fields. Two women are suing Jeffrey Osborne, claiming the R&B icon “embarrassed” and “humiliated” them during a concert at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles last year. People reports that Danielle Buchanan and Maneva Currie filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California on Tuesday, claiming they were subjected to discriminatory behavior during Osborne’s concert on May 6, 2023. The controversy arose when Osborne, seeking an audience member to sing a portion of his 1986 hit “You Should Be Mine (The Woo Woo Song),” led to his team selecting Buchanan and giving her a microphone camera was directed at Buchanan, “which broadcast her face to the two large screens on either side of the stage, according to the complaint obtained by PEOPLE,” the outlet writes. Buchanan was prepared to sing while her friend Currie captured the moment on her phone. But Osborne allegedly said he wanted a “White person” for the performance. His comment left Buchanan and Currie “shocked, embarrassed, and humiliated,” per the lawsuit. People reports, citing the complaint, that Osborne’s team took the mic away from Buchanan and searched for someone else to sing the section. https://youtu.be/Rgg1Yczq4vI Terry Crews has responded to Terrence Howard’s criticism of the low pay he received for “Hustle & Flow.” EUR’s Chris Richburg reported that Howard recalled playing aspiring Southern rapper Djay in the Oscar-winning film during an interview on “Live at 9”. While prompting his new action-comedy “Showdown at the Grand,” Howard revealed what he made for “Hustle & Flow.” “I made $12,000 for doing Hustle & Flow,” Howard told WREG’s Alex Coleman, Complex reports. “What Paramount did, instead of putting my name as ‘Terrence Howard’ performing the songs, they put ‘performed by Djay.’ Well, they owned Djay.” Howard performs the rap songs in the film but claims he never received proper residuals. “So now, I’ve got to send them a letter to say, ‘Hey, you guys owe me about 20 years’ worth of residuals and performance royalties,’” the former “Empire” star continued. https://youtu.be/Wv1Mo8ZL5vk Ja Rule is devastated after he was denied entry into the U.K. days before his new Sunrise Tour started. The rapper was scheduled to perform his first show on March 1, 2024. Ja broke the news to fans on social media that he was denied entry due to his criminal record, People reports. Ja Rule served two years in prison on gun and tax evasion charges. He was released in May 2013. “I’m so devastated I can’t believe the UK won’t let me in I’ve spent a half million dollars in production of my own money to put this tour together only to be denied entry DAYS before my shows this is not fair to me or my fans these venues are 85% sold and now I can’t come… In a follow-up statement, Ja wrote, a Rule is devastated after he was denied entry into the U.K. days before his new Sunrise Tour started. https://www.instagram.com/jarule/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=b2478f28-1b5d-41a6-b890-df3ec47cbb6f If you haven’t heard, the Denver Police Department has successfully recovered the stolen bronze artwork from the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. monument at City Park. Watch the video for background on the theft and watch the video below for the story behind the recovery and the difficulty in reassembling the pieces that were stolen. Last Friday, the large bronze plaque, church angel, and unity torch were all found, with the plaque being cut into four pieces. The DPD is now seeking the public’s help in locating and apprehending the responsible individuals. Although two suspects are believed to be involved, according to CBS News Colorado, only one has been identified as 67-year-old Herman Duran, and neither of whom is currently in custody. https://youtu.be/OsDJhfvQkc8 After six years of being engaged, wedding bells will finally be heard for Robin Thicke and his fiancé April Love Geary. The 46-year-old “Masked Singer” fixture broke the news to People, while attending Bilt Rewards’ Casino Royale Party at the NMHC annual meeting in San Diego, The Daily Mail reports. According to Thicke, he and his 29-year-old significant other will tie the knot this year. ‘Wedding plans are a priority, we’re looking at 2024 and we’re very excited,’ he told People. “My relationship with April continues to grow beautifully as we’ve matured into three-time parents together.” ‘She’s really the most amazing woman a man could ask for,’ Thicke added. Thicke’s upcoming wedding to Geary comes more than half a decade after popping the question to her on Christmas Eve 2018. The pair share three children: daughters Mia Love, five, and Lola Alain, four, and son Luca Patrick, three. In addition to the trio, Thicke and Geay are co-parents to his son Julian Fuego, 13. Julian’s mother is the “Lost Without You” vocalist’s ex-wife Paula Patton. Kelly Rowland says she rushed home to her husband after shooting the sex scene in her new Netflix thriller “Mea Culpa.” Rowland stars in the Tyler Perry film that “follows a criminal defense attorney who, in the hopes of becoming partner, takes on the case of an artist who may or may not have murdered his girlfriend,” per the synopsis via Deadline. Rowland also produced the film, which hit #1 since its release on Netflix on Feb. 23. Essence writes, “The scene getting the most play is one where the stars, Rowland and hunky actor Trevante Rhodes who plays Zyair in the movie, have a steamy encounter with paint.” Rowland discussed the scene during a recent visit to Shan Boodrams’s podcast Lovers and Friends. https://youtu.be/Dcp5jUctOMw Hulu has released the official trailer for the highly anticipated documentary “Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told.”As earlier reported, Jermaine Dupri and Uncle Luke teamed up to executive produce the project that chronicles the “rise and fall of a small Atlanta HBCU picnic that exploded into an influential street party and spotlighted ATL as a major cultural stage,” per Hulu’s description, as reported by Variety. “Can the magic of Freaknik be brought back 40 years later?” The first Freaknik picnic was held in Atlanta in the mid-’80s for students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The Associated Press once denounced the event, citing “sexual assaults, violence against women, and public safety concerns.” The outlet even called on the Atlanta Committee for Black College Spring Break to publicly oppose the festival in 1998. “We cannot support events that bring lewd activities, sexual assaults, violence against women, and public safety concerns, [as well as] firetrucks not being able to reach victims and ambulances not being able to reach hospitals in a timely manner,” committee Chairman George Hawthorne said at the time. https://youtu.be/48jmE2J05OY Tyler Perry is reportedly helping actress and comedian Cocoa Brown buy a new home after her Georgia residence was destroyed in a fire. TMZ reports that the Hollywood media mogul offered Brown $400,000 for a new home.Sources tell TMZ … “Cocoa believes a lit candle may have fallen into some clothes in the house — and by the time the fire alarm went off … CB ran to the room, but it was quickly becoming an inferno,” the outlet writes. Brown lived at home with her 12-year-old son, Phoenix. Before the property was engulfed in flames, Cocoa and her child escaped the fire. Brown launched a GoFundMe to raise funds for “resources such as shelter, clothing, and other necessities as Cocoa and Phoenix work to rebuild their lives,” the campaign states. https://www.instagram.com/p/C3pGE1QObU6/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=e4e36bfb-3531-430c-848f-c5432568b459 After his internet-breaking sit down with Shannon Sharpe on “Club Shay Shay,” Katt Williams has now shown some love to Joe Rogan and in the process, blown his mind. The Katt man has got Rogan scratching his head after suggesting that transgenderism originates from the demon Baphomet and that Hollywood has been pushing us toward occult themes for decades: “Show me one person that ever wore a dress in Hollywood unsuccessfully. https://twitter.com/i/status/1763301358927560931 That’s how you understand what a ritual is. 20 years ago I knew that transgenders was going to be a thing, I had gotten so much information that I understood… I understood that the earliest I had seen the word transgender was from Baphomet the transgender.” Katt adds: “I knew in the ritual of Baphomet the transgender, to show allegiance to him you had to kiss his ring. I knew that both of those things would become popular. I knew that somehow calling people the GOAT would be normalized over the sheep being always the most popular reference.” https://youtu.be/1zb2SuW-jug Black cowboys played a major role in the settling and shaping of the American West. In honor of Black History Month, 2 News talked to twin brothers from Tulsa who’ve spent their entire lives making sure that part of history is told while being successful rodeo cowboys for many years. Being a cowboy was Ronnie and Donnie Stephens‘ childhood dream. When I was a kid, I would draw pictures of guys I knew who roped, and I would draw a horse here and a rodeo area in the back and said my brother and I are going to have a place like this someday when I walk in the backyard,” Donnie said. And that’s exactly what they did. Three years after graduating high school, the Stephens bought land in north Tulsa and built a barn and an arena. For 10 years, they held twice-a-year rodeos, packing the place. “My mother, she used to run concession, it was a family affair,” Ronnie said. “My daddy was the gate man for people who came to the gate.” Being Tulsa firefighters, the schedule allowed the Stephens to travel across the country to compete in rodeos — collecting prize money, championships, and countless stories. Theirs is chronicled in a chapter of the bestselling book “Black Cowboys of Rodeo.” A happier life after getting married may not just be in fairy tales. It’s in the data, too. Adults who are married report being far happier than those in any other relationship status, according to a Gallup Poll published Friday. “Any way you analyze those data, we see a fairly large and notable advantage to being married in terms of how people evaluate their life,” said poll author Jonathan Rothwell, principal economist at Gallup. From 2009 to 2023, more than 2.5 million adults in the United States were asked how they would rate their current life, with zero being the worst possible rating and 10 being the highest. Then the researchers asked respondents what they anticipated their happiness level would be in five years. To be considered thriving, a person had to rank their current life as a seven or higher and their anticipated future as an eight or higher, according to the survey. https://youtu.be/46-DKaHn1b4 Two women previously identified as minors in Diddy’s most recent sexual assault lawsuit have come forward, asserting they are of legal age, according to Diddy’s attorney. The two women are mentioned in producer Rodney Jones’ controversial lawsuit, claiming Diddy sexually harassed, drugged, and threatened him for more than a year. The complaint also details how Diddy allegedly engaged in sexual acts with underage girls. Jones included photos in his lawsuit depicting Diddy and his son Justin Combs partying with women who he claims are minors. However, Diddy’s lawyer, Shawn Holley, contends that the women feel “grossly mislabeled.” Holley revealed that one of the women is a 33-year-old woman named Chelsea. As previously reported, Jones claims he served as Comb’s videographer from September 2022 to November 2023 while traveling with him. Throughout this period, he documented extensive video and audio evidence of Combs, his associates, and additional individuals participating in significant unlawful activities. Kodak Black is celebrating the arrival of his fourth child, even taking on the role of delivering the baby himself.The girlfriend of the Florida rapper, Maranda Johnson, announced the birth of their second child together on February 27, Hip Hop DX reports. “2/27 a prince was born,” Johnson wrote on social media, adding: “Our midwife really let bill deliver our son himself.” Kodak and Marandan share a two-year-old daughter, and the rapper has two other children from previous relationships. The hip-hop star, whose real name is Bill Kapri, was recently released from jail following his arrest on charges of drug possession, evidence tampering, and improper parking. https://twitter.com/i/status/1734455937182634087 Wendy Williams’ publicist slammed the new Lifetime documentary “Where is Wendy Williams?”; described as “unparalleled access granted by Wendy to film with her and her family for nearly two years, what was captured was not what anyone expected,” per the press release. The four-and-a-half-hour, two-night documentary event debuted on Saturday, February 24 and 25, and fans immediately took to social media to rip the producers for taking advantage of Williams amid her fragile mental state. Shawn Zanotti, who became Williams’ publicist in 2021, slammed the producers of the project in an interview with NBC News. “I felt that (Williams) was being exploited,” the author told NBC News. “She thought we were focusing on the comeback of her career. … She would be mortified. There’s no way you can convince me that she would be OK with looking and seeing herself in that way.” We reported earlier that Williams’ medical care team announced last week that she was diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). https://youtu.be/OjJDhf5ll70 Two Irish brothers have gone viral for step-dancing to Beyoncé’s country hit ‘Texas Hold ‘Em.’ According to Upworthy, Michael and Matthew Gardiner are professional Irish-American step dancers, and their TikTok video has been viewed over 17 million times. In the video’s comments, one person wrote, “Never thought I’d see Irish step dancing while Beyoncé sings country. My life is complete.” Another added, “So happy Beyonce dropped this song and exposed my timeline to diversified talent.” A third TikTok user commented, “Beyoncé out here, bringing the world together with country dance.” https://www.tiktok.com/music/TEXAS-HOLDEM-7334542274145454891?refer=embed Wendy’s is retracting plans of implementing surge pricing. The company’s CEO said it would begin experimenting with “features like dynamic pricing” in 2025. Wendy’s later said its dynamic pricing wouldn’t raise prices but solely provide discounts. “Beginning as early as 2025, we will begin testing more enhanced features like dynamic pricing and daypart offerings along with AI-enabled menu changes and suggestive selling,” CEO Kirk Tanner said in the company’s fourth-quarter earnings call. As news of the surge pricing circulated, social media users expressed disappointment over the potential increased prices on burgers and fires. A key witness in the push to disqualify District Attorney Fani Willis from the Georgia election case against Donald Trump had a much deeper involvement in the effort than was previously known, according to hundreds of text messages obtained by CNN. The 413 texts between Terrence Bradley and Ashleigh Merchant, an attorney for one of Trump’s co-defendants, reveal months of communications between the two, underscoring the extent to which Bradley assisted Merchant’s pursuit of evidence to back up claims Willis and her top prosecutor, Nathan Wade, engaged in an improper romantic relationship. On Tuesday, Bradley reluctantly testified for more than two hours about the romantic relationship between Willis and Wade, Bradley’s former law partner and one-time client. The text messages raise questions about Bradley’s credibility and the degree to which Merchant appeared to rely on his claims that she was then unable to substantiate elsewhere. They also shed new light on his testimony and how it failed to meet the expectations of defense attorneys who had billed Bradley as the star witness in their bid to disqualify Willis. Wade and Willis have admitted to being romantically involved, but both have testified their relationship started after Willis appointed Wade lead prosecutor in the Trump case. Merchant has alleged their relationship amounts to a conflict of interest and that there is evidence they lied about when it began. “I’m a theatre nerd,” said Phil Richardson, an actor/dancer/singer/rapper/songwriter, who is starring in the Broadway production of The Wiz as the Tinman. Phillip Johnson Richardson is a multi-talented artist who was on tour with The Wiz cast traveling around the country promoting it, in a sense, for the Broadway run in March when I talked to him. The Wiz was in Los Angeles where he also performed at The Moroccan Lounge. The audience at his show got to see him be himself…a singer and rapper. “The story is different…rewritten,” Phil said about the current Broadway run of The Wiz. When I asked if his acting – body movements and singing are trying to mimic a “tin man” he said, “I sing the way I sing in my shows. I bring myself to the role.” Phillip Johnson Richardson is a multi-talented artist who was on tour with The Wiz cast traveling around the country promoting it, in a sense, for the Broadway run in March when I talked to him. The Wiz was in Los Angeles where he also performed at The Moroccan Lounge. The audience at his show got to see him be himself…a singer and rapper. “The story is different…rewritten,” Phil said about the current Broadway run of The Wiz. When I asked if his acting – body movements and singing are trying to mimic a “tin man” he said, “I sing the way I sing in my shows. I bring myself to the role.” The More Than a Fraction Foundation (MTAFF) partnered three-day event 1872 Forward: A Celebration of Virginia Tech receives the Anthem Award – a bronze medal in the Education, Art & Culture: Community Engagement category. The 1872 Forward event held by Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) was selected from 2,000 submissions from 44 countries by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Science. The 1872 Forward: A Celebration of Virginia Tech was held March 22-24, 2022 by the Council on Virginia Tech History in partnership with the MTAFF. The MTAFF sponsored this three-day event with grants from Virginia Humanities and the Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation. The 1872 Forward: A Celebration of Virginia Tech was in celebration of its 150-year history. The More Than a Fraction Foundation is affiliated with the descendants of Africans enslaved on the Smithfield and Solitude plantations, which is now the grounds of Virginia Tech and Virginia State University. SINGLE BLACK FEMALE 2: Simone’s Revenge premieres Saturday, March 2 at 8p/7c on Lifetime. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJtDTN6M_eE&t=3s From Executive Producers Luke Campbell, Jermaine Dupri and 21 Savage, and masterfully crafted by Mass Appeal & Swirl Films, Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told is a celebratory exploration of the boisterous times of Freaknik, the iconic Atlanta street party that drew hundreds of thousands of people in the 80s and 90s, helping put Atlanta on the map culturally. What began as a Black college cookout, soon became known for lurid tales of highway hookups and legendary late-night parties that ultimately led to the festival’s downfall. At its height, Freaknik was a traffic stopping, city-shuttering, juggernaut that has since become a cult classic. Rooted deep in its history of Civil Rights, thriving Black leadership, and focus on the uplifting of Black culture and education, Atlanta became the only place a festival like this could grow and thrive. Though it ceased over two decades ago, the infamous legacy still resonates through nostalgia and a new generation’s longing for a care-free platform that celebrates and promotes Black excellence, joy and fortitude. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48jmE2J05OY Russell Wilson has disclosed that he felt divinely guided to embrace the role of raising Future and Ciara’s son as his own. The singer and NFL star met in 2015 at a University of Wisconsin basketball game. Wilson popped the question a year later and the pair tied the knot in July 2016 in a ceremony at the Peckforton Castle in Liverpool, England. The couple share two daughters, Sienna Princess and Amora Princess, and a son, Win Harrison. They are also parents to son Future Zahir Wilburn, whom Ciara shares with her ex, rapper Future. During an interview with Brandon Marshall on the I Am Athlete podcast, Wilson reflected on when he first met Ciara and was introduced to her son Future. “When I walked in the room and I saw, you know, little Future — he’s nine months at the time or whatever — he crawls in my lap and it was like, you know, this is going to be my responsibility,” said Wilson. https://youtu.be/KxvcglIWjVY Dr. Phil appeared on “The View” Monday and provided insight regarding the adverse effects of COVID lockdowns on schoolchildren. Dr. Phil dropped by the show to promote his new book “We’ve Got Issues: How You Can Stand Strong for America’s Soul and Sanity.” The book takes readers on a journey “on how to come home to our core values, fortify our families, and re-embrace self-determination and self-governance,” per the official synopsis. “In We’ve Got Issues: How You Can Stand Strong for America’s Soul and Sanity, Dr. Phil employs his signature no-nonsense approach to analyze America’s cultural crisis and offers practical, empirically based, action-oriented strategies to restore and support our country’s collective mental health,” the book’s description continues. As The Blaze reports, Dr. Phil believes smartphones have contributed to high levels of “depression, anxiety, loneliness, and suicidality” among children and teenagers because users “stopped living their lives and starting watching people live their lives.” During his visit to “The View,” Dr. Phil elaborated on why he believes COVID lockdowns worsened those issues, noting that the governmental agencies responsible for monitoring these challenges among American youth were the same ones that “shut down the schools for two years.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1762521324717559857 A coalition of Los Angeles civil rights leaders is urging Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell to introduce a reward motion to apprehend the Latino gang members involved in the brutal hate crime assault of a 16-year-old African American teen. The victim endured racial and homophobic slurs during the unprovoked attack. Frankie, the mother of the teen, declared on her GoFundMe page: “I’m reaching out to the community for any support for my son was brutally beaten and stabbed multiple times, resulting in a punctured lung, as well as a host of other injuries-this took place at Dockweiler Beach on February 10th-any, and all donations no matter the amount is greatly appreciated-our goal is to move as soon as possible out of fear of retaliation being that we have fully cooperated with law enforcement. Thank every one of you who donated or simply took the time out to give attention.” “We will not tolerate racism and hate in our city. Join us at the upcoming march and rally, LA vs Hate on Saturday, March 9 at 10:00 am at Dockweiler Beach,” stated Najee Ali of Project Islamic Hope. “The vicious beating of this young African American teen captured on video that has now gone viral was one of the most brutal beatings I have ever witnessed. To see him kicked and stomped repeatedly in the face was horrific,” said Cedric Farmer, Senior Organizer at LAM. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=706553781360188 It’s hard to believe that Black History Month celebrations are a wrap. There was an array of memorable events that were held throughout the greater Los Angeles area, and the nation as a whole. The More Than a Fraction Foundation (MTAFF) partnered three-day event 1872 Forward: A Celebration of Virginia Tech receives the Anthem Award – a bronze medal in the Education, Art & Culture: Community Engagement category. The 1872 Forward event held by Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) was selected from 2,000 submissions from 44 countries by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Science. The 1872 Forward: A Celebration of Virginia Tech was held March 22-24, 2022 by the Council on Virginia Tech History in partnership with the MTAFF. The MTAFF sponsored this three-day event with grants from Virginia Humanities and the Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation. The 1872 Forward: A Celebration of Virginia Tech was in celebration of its 150-year history. The More Than a Fraction Foundation is affiliated with the descendants of Africans enslaved on the Smithfield and Solitude plantations, which is now the grounds of Virginia Tech and Virginia State University. Oprah Winfrey is leaving the board of WeightWatchers, ending a nearly decade-long stint as a director of the beleaguered company that has faced sudden competition from Ozempic. Winfrey notified the company of her decision earlier this week, telling them she won’t be standing for re-election at its annual shareholder meeting coming up in May. A reason wasn’t revealed, but a WeightWatchers regulatory statement said that her “decision was not the result of any disagreement” or “any matter relating to the company’s operations, policies or practices.” “Oprah is an inspiring presence and passionate advocate both for our members and for society at large, in elevating the conversation around weight health,” said Sima Sistani, CEO of WeightWatchers, on a call with investors this week. “While I and the rest of our directors will certainly miss her in our board meetings following the end of her current term, she remains a strong strategic voice and collaborator with WeightWatchers.” Winfrey will also be giving away her sizeable stake in the company: She said in a statement that she’s donating all of her stock to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. https://youtu.be/TYVr5IxnMxA Production has begun on season three of STARZ’s action-packed drama series “Power Book IV: Force” in Chicago. The third spinoff in the “Power” franchise stars Joseph Sikora (“Power,” “Ozark”) as “Tommy Egan,” who is trying to stake his claim as the sole drug distributor in Chicago. “The fan response to this action-packed season of Force has been incredible,” said Kathryn Busby, President of Programming for STARZ, previously in a statement. “They’ve made it clear that they need more Tommy and we’re thrilled to deliver. Christmas has indeed come early!” Season 2 saw Tommy chart his territory, capitalize on his competitors’ weaknesses, and “make his play at becoming the sole drug distributor in Chicago,” per the news release. Showrunner Gary Lennon said last year that if the series returns for a third season, he has “a story in my mind where I will bring back a character from our Power OG world to intersect with Tommy Egan,” Lennon explained in an interview with The Messenger. Wendy Williams’ brother, Tommy Williams Jr., claims she is demonstrating “significant progress” during her stay at an undisclosed treatment center. As we reported earlier, Williams’ medical care team confirmed last week that she was diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). According to a press release, Williams, 59, was officially diagnosed last year. She has been contending with various other health challenges, including Graves’ disease, lymphedema, and alcohol abuse. “When I speak to Wendy, she sounds fine. Wendy has improved,” Tommy told Us Weekly. “I know my sister from where she was to where she is now, and she has a substantial amount of improvement.” Tommy added, “It’s dialogue and conversation, topics, content, speech pattern, everything.” The “Soul Food” cast reunited to show their support during Black History Month while celebrating its 27th anniversary this year since the movie premiered on September 26, 1997. “Soul Food” is now streaming on Hulu as part of Hulu’s “Black Stories Always” campaign. Per the press release: As part of Hulu’s “Black Stories Always” campaign, explore our extensive film and TV content showcasing talents of Black creators. Titles include FX’s “Snowfall,” Andscape’s “Cypher,” Onyx Collective’s “Reasonable Doubt,” fan-favorites including “The Bernie Mac Show,” “My Wife and Kids,” “The Wonder Years,” the beloved film “Soul Food” and many more. This year marks the iconic anniversaries of “Family Matters” (35 years), “Sister, Sister” (30 years) and “Black-ish” (10 years), as well as the 10th anniversary of the Academy Award-winning film “12 Years A Slave.” https://youtu.be/S4iwZ_7AWtM Panera’s recent attempt to boost sales with a bigger, more high-end menu isn’t working. So it’s getting back to basics, acknowledging that customers in a world of high inflation are looking for less-expensive food. Although the company doubled down on dinner offerings as recently as a few years ago, the new menu reverses course. It focuses on attracting more breakfast and lunch customers as the company reportedly tries to go public again. Beginning April 4, eaters will see nine new menu items and “recipe enhancements” to 12 existing salads and sandwiches, the chai said in a press release, its menu grew unwieldy in recent years as it tried to attract dinner guests. Panera didn’t release a full list of the menu items that are getting the axe, other than confirming that the flatbreads it introduced in 2019 are being eliminated. https://youtu.be/95fPcIg1bSI The Supreme Court agreed Wednesday to decide whether Donald Trump may claim immunity in special counsel Jack Smith’s election subversion case, adding another explosive appeal from the former president to its docket and further delaying his federal trial. The court agreed to expedite the case and hear arguments the week of April 22. The move puts the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination on track for another high-stakes date with the high court, which earlier this month heard arguments in a separate case questioning whether Trump disqualified himself from running for a second term under the 14th Amendment’s “insurrection ban.” Meanwhile, the Supreme Court arguments could come while Trump is on trial in New York on criminal charges of falsifying business records as part of a cover-up to conceal hush money payments before the 2016 election. (Trump has pleaded not guilty.) https://youtu.be/KvVkO7D375Y Lionsgate along with Universal Pictures International (UPI) announced today that eight actors have been cast to play Michael Jackson’s brothers in the Jackson 5 – Jermaine, Marlon, Tito, and Jackie – as the characters age in the upcoming epic Michael Jackson biopic “Michael.” The actors are: Early Years Later Years Michael Juliano Krue Valdi Jaafar Jackson Jermaine Jayden Harville Jamal R. Henderson Marlon Jaylen Lyndon Hunter Tre Horton Tito Judah Edwards Rhyan Hill Jackie Nathaniel Logan McIntyre Joseph David-Jones “The truly epic nature of this film required a total of ten actors with the talent to portray the Jackson 5 through the years,” said King. “I’m thrilled to bring this extraordinary group of actors and performers to worldwide audiences in this film.” https://youtu.be/Y-bFGVGi-sQ Brooklyn preacher Lamor Whitehead asked God to smite one of his parishioners while refusing to return his mother’s life savings, jurors heard in witness testimony at the controversial religious leader’s Manhattan fraud trial on Tuesday. “I know he was berating Rasheed in [a] text and he was basically asking God to exact vengeance on him,” Pauline Anderson said in Manhattan Federal Court on the second day of Whitehead’s trial. Anderson said the threats came more than six months after Whitehead convinced her and her son, Rasheed Anderson, to empty her retirement savings in late 2020 — promising he’d use the funds to buy her a fixer-upper home — and then disappeared with the cash, according to a NY Daily News report. Federal prosecutors say Whitehead, a flamboyant figure and friend of Mayor Adams, ripped off Pauline Anderson, drew up fake bank documents, tried to extort a businessman, and lied to the FBI, charges he denies. Anderson, who’s separately suing the pastor, said that she got involved with Whitehead when her son informed her of services at his church, Leaders of Tomorrow International Ministry in Canarsie, Brooklyn, helping congregants improve their credit scores. She said Whitehead presided over Rasheed’s wedding and introduced him to contacts who helped him secure his own home. https://youtu.be/RPZzackrkmY Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones Jr. is suing Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs for $30 million, claiming the Bad Boy Records founder sexually harassed, drugged, and threatened him for more than a year. Jones claims he served as Comb’s videographer from September 2022 to November 2023 while traveling with him. Throughout this period, he documented extensive video and audio evidence of Combs, his associates, and additional individuals participating in significant unlawful activities. One of the allegations is that Combs coerced Jones into arranging sex workers and insisted on his involvement in unwanted sexual acts with them and others. Additionally, it’s claimed that Combs provided spiked alcoholic drinks to guests at his parties. The new lawsuit comes three months after Diddy settled a $30 million dollar lawsuit with Cassie after she accused him of rape, sex trafficking and domestic violence, NBC News reports. Diddy is facing several more lawsuits with similar accusations. Jones’ new 73-page suit from names Diddy’s son Justin Combs, Lucian Grainge, Ethiopia Habtemariam, Kristina Khorram, Chalice Recording Studios, Love Records, Motown Records, Universal Music Group, and Combs Global Enterprises, per Complex. Jones claims he served as Comb’s videographer from September 2022 to November 2023 while traveling with him. Throughout this period, he documented extensive video and audio evidence of Combs, his associates, and additional individuals participating in significant unlawful activities. One of the allegations is that Combs coerced Jones into arranging sex workers and insisted on his involvement in unwanted sexual acts with them and others. Additionally, it’s claimed that Combs provided spiked alcoholic drinks to guests at his parties. https://twitter.com/i/status/1762830222141825421 The price of a Wendy’s Frosty could soon fluctuate throughout the day as the chain looks to introduce Uber-like surge pricing on its menu. The practice, known as “dynamic pricing,” will begin testing in 2025, Wendy’s recently revealed in an earnings call. It’s part of a $20 million investment in new digital menu boards at its US restaurants that enable them to change prices depending on demand. Few details were released about the change, but Wendy’s CEO Kirk Tanner said the new menus will let the fast food chain test “more enhanced features like dynamic pricing and day-part offerings along with AI-enabled menu changes and suggestive selling.” “We expect our digital menu boards will drive immediate benefits to order accuracy, improve crew experience and sales growth from upselling and consistent merchandising execution,” Tanner said on the call. https://youtu.be/7CkZNumGYmk?list=RDNS7CkZNumGYmk In a statement Wednesday, Wendy’s clarified that “dynamic pricing” will include new menus that could offer discounts at slower times of the day, denying the company will raise prices during peak demand.“We have no plans to do that and would not raise prices when our customers are visiting us most,” Wendy’s said in a blog post. “Any features we may test in the future would be designed to benefit our customers and restaurant crew members.” Wendy’s said the new digital menus could be used to “change the menu offerings at different times of day and offer discounts,” rather than change prices.The menus were first shown in a mockup of a redesigned Wendy’s unveiled in 2022 that featured new pick-up windows, a more technologically advanced kitchen, and a spruced-up interior. The new menus have already been rolled out at some drive-thrus, with some TikTok users showing them powered by an automated voice, instead of a human worker, with suggestions for add-ons featured onscreen. Surge pricing is common with sports and concert tickets and for ride-hailing apps, with services like Ticketmaster and Uber using sophisticated dynamic pricing algorithms that change minute by minute, based on demand. However, there hasn’t been widespread adoption from restaurants because of the labor it takes employees to change menus. https://youtu.be/q5sLdzc7v0Q Donald Trump’s insinuation last Friday that Black people support him because of his numerous indictments was sharply criticized. ABC News President Kimberly Godwin described it as “as racist as they come” in an email to staff the following day, according to a report by Semafor on Tuesday. Godwin, who is Black, expressed her incredulity, stating, “No matter one’s politics, the fact that a person running for President of the United States made these remarks period—but also to a public crowd—and with so many black people present—and that they stand with him—is mind-blowing. Shocking.” Trump, facing indictment for 91 felonies in four jurisdictions, made similar claims at a South Carolina gala hosted by the Black Conservative Foundation, suggesting that his mugshot in a Georgia RICO case has bolstered his appeal to Black voters. A network spokesperson informed Semafor that Godwin’s characterization of Trump’s comments was “part of a larger editorial conversation” about their coverage. https://youtu.be/P_TJidU98uk Grammy Award-winning singer Jody Watley made a dazzling appearance on the latest episode of “The Sherri Show” on FOX, captivating audiences with her unparalleled style and insightful discussion. A true trendsetting pioneer in music, video, fashion, and style, Watley brought her signature flair to the screen, leaving viewers in awe. In this exclusive episode aired on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, Watley and host Sherri Shepherd engaged in a candid conversation, delving into the empowering message behind her latest single, “Everlasting.” Fans and viewers were treated to a behind-the-scenes look into Watley’s creative process and the profound themes she explores through her music. Reflecting on her experience as a guest on “The Sherri Show,” Jody Watley shared, “Being on ‘The Sherri Show’ was an absolute delight! Sherri’s infectious energy and genuine spirit made it such a joy to be a part of the conversation. It was an honor to share the inspiration behind my music and connect with viewers on such a personal level.” https://youtu.be/CNJc9KSywSo AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the world’s largest HIV/AIDS service organization, has added R&B singer, actor, and activist Eric Benét as a headliner for the 19th Annual Florida AIDS Walk & Music Festival, an annual spring break event that attracts more than 2,000 attendees and raises $2 million for 13 local nonprofit organizations providing HIV/AIDS services in the South Florida community. Lupita Nyong’o revealed in October that she and her boyfriend, Selema Masekela, had ended their relationship. Now the actress is speaking out about the heartbreak that followed. “I was living in a lot of pain and heartbreak,” Nyong’o, 40, said in a new interview with NET-A-PORTER’s digital title PORTER. “I looked at the environment of my social media and thought I don’t want to be a part of this illusion that everything is always coming up roses. Surely there is a lesson for me to learn in this, and I just want to be real about it.” She also explained why she told fans about the breakup on social media. “It was because I felt sure about it,” Nyong’o said. “That was very, very sage of me. I’m going back to those days, by the way.” The “Black Panther” star confirmed her breakup with Masekela in an Instagram post in December 2022. In a lengthy explanation, she wrote in part: “There are much more important things going on in the world right now, and my thoughts are with those who are deeply suffering. At this moment, it is necessary for me to share a personal truth and publicly dissociate myself from someone I can no longer trust…I find myself in a season of heartbreak because of a love suddenly and devastatingly extinguished by deception. I am tempted to run into the shadows and hide, only to return to the light when I have regained my strength enough for me to say, “Whatever, my life is better this way.” But I am reminded that the magnitude of the pain I am feeling is equal to the measure of my capacity for love. And so, I am choosing to face the pain, cultivating the courage to meet my life exactly as it is, and trusting that this too shall pass. New York and Atlanta families came together on Saturday, February 24th, for an exclusive screening of Apple TV+'s "Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin" at AMC Theaters. Both screenings featured heartwarming introductions of Franklin Armstrong, the first Black character introduced in the iconic "Peanuts" universe. Now, nearly 55 years later, we celebrate the wonderful journey of Franklin as he stars in his very own animated special, "Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin" presented by Apple TV+. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrMX591wZKQ Stellar Award-winning, Grammy® nominated artist/composer/producer, Calvin Bridges says, “No Weapon” can prosper, is for such a time as this! Bridges' Chicago Praise Ministries invited singers for a Workshop weekend culminating in a powerful live concert! Composing for Choirs has a special place in my heart! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DD36kUrOW18 Wendy Williams‘ ex-husband alleges that her sister embezzled almost $15 million from the ex-talk show host. Kevin Hunter Sr. believes the new Lifetime docuseries, “Where is Wendy Williams?,” failed to capture crucial narratives, such as his claim that Williams’ sister Wanda took advantage of her, Hot New Hip Hop reports. “What I guess they left out was that while she was in Florida getting recovery 3 yrs ago there were the secret calls her SISTER would set up with DEMBAR MERCURY (MORT & IRA). With false pretense that she would be getting show back. That was a lie and broke s**t more than anything,” he wrote on his Instagram Story. “They only were trying to get her there to satisfy an insurance claim so they could obviously replace losses and the money that they were STEALING (5-15mil),” Kevin continued. “They wanted CONTROL her SISTER was trying to get ultimate control herself and was medical proxy @the time. But her naiveté allowed her only to be PLAYED and once she got back to NY they kicked her sister out and she spiraled WORSE. I was involved @ the time… blood on ALOTTA HANDS.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C30JyKagpRL/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=dd4e3c93-388d-400b-b90d-a3e2aabf9448 STARZ’s hosted a VIP advanced screening of episode one of season three of “BMF. To celebrate the season three premiere of the original series “BMF,” STARZ and Cam Kirk Studios present “BMF: A History In The Making,” an immersive pop-up experience commemorating the world of BMF. Ahead of the public opening, on February 23rd, curators celebrated with a star-studded, private event at the Underground Atlanta with attendees from the cast; Demetrius “Lil Meech” Flenory (DEMETRIUS FLENORY) Jr., Da’Vinchi (TERRY “SOUTHWEST T” FLENORY), 2 Chainz (STACKS), Cynthia Bailey (GLORIA), Sydney Mitchell (LAWANDA), Tre’ Rogers, and Jason Louder. Other attendees include Kandi Burruss, Big Tigger, Zaytoven, Reginae Carter, Zonnique, Da Brat, Jessica Harris-Dupart, Big Tigger, Omeretta The Great, and more. Former ESPN analyst Mark Jackson is starting his own podcast, the self-titled Mark Jackson Show. According to Awful Announcing, Jackson will host the podcast alongside his son, Mark Jackson II, on the Come and Talk 2 Me YouTube channel. “Launching this podcast with my son is an incredible thrill, especially on the Come and Talk 2 Me network,” Jackson said. “Discussing the NBA with him brings me true joy, and being part of a network that caters to our specific audience feels like the perfect fit. Brace yourselves for captivating stories, expert analysis, and a unique perspective as we explore basketball and beyond.” The Come and Talk 2 Me YouTube channel hosts the Cam’ron and Ma$e show It Is What It Is. According to Awful Announcing, the pair are longtime supporters of Jackson. https://youtu.be/NIdEEpUP33E Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell will step down as GOP leader in November, the Kentucky Republican announced on the Senate floor Wednesday, marking the end of an era on Capitol Hill and setting up a high-stakes race for his successor. McConnell, who turned 82 last week, said, “The end of my contributions are closer than I prefer.” “As I have been thinking about when I would deliver some news to the Senate, I always imagined a moment when I had total clarity and peace about the sunset of my work,” he said. “A moment when I am certain I have helped preserve the ideals I so strongly believe. That day arrived today” McConnell has long been a towering figure in Washington, DC, and has made history throughout his political tenure. https://youtu.be/bdxdNIAdOSE?list=RDNSbdxdNIAdOSE In 2018, McConnell reached a key milestone, surpassing former Sen. Bob Dole of Kansas to become the longest-serving Republican leader in the chamber’s history. McConnell said his decision to step down came following the death of his wife Elaine Chao’s youngest sister, Angela, in a traffic accident earlier this month. “As some of you may know, this has been a particularly difficult time for my family. We tragically lost Elaine’s younger sister, Angela, just a few weeks ago. When you lose a loved one, particularly at a young age, there’s a certain introspection that accompanies the grieving process. Perhaps it is God’s way of reminding you of your own life’s journey to reprioritize the impact of the world that we will all inevitably leave behind,” he said. He thanked his wife of 31 years, calling her the “love of my life” and that “I’m eternally grateful to have her by my side.” https://youtu.be/9hSh737D19I The Black Girls Rock! Awards will return to television later this year after a five-year break. Black Girls Rock! aired on BET from 2010 to 2019. This year’s event will be recorded live in Atlanta on June 27 and air later this fall on Lifetime. The award show “has been dedicated to inspiring, elevating and celebrating Black women and girls since 2006 through content, advocacy and events which elevate women’s voices and engage Black girls in critical conversations,” per a press release. Black Girls Rock! honors the contributions of “trailblazers, entertainers, icons, community activists, pioneers, business moguls, thought leaders and rising stars.” “I created Black Girls Rock because I recognized that the condition of black girls could only change when we are the authors of our own stories,” Black Girls Rock! founder Beverly Bond wrote on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/C3olIyBuglc/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Luther Vandross’ estate reached out to Madonna asking that she remove the late singer’s photo from the AIDS tribute portion of her Celebration tour. According to Page Six, Luther’s image was included in a montage set to Madonna’s “Live to Tell” performance at a tour stop in Sacramento, Calif. Vandross’ estate contacted Madonna’s management to get the image removed. “Luther Vandross passed away in 2005 due to complications from a stroke suffered two years earlier,” a rep for his estate told Page Six. Their statement continued, “While we appreciate Madonna’s recognition of those lives lost to AIDS, Luther was NEVER diagnosed with AIDS or the HIV Virus. We’re not sure where she or her production team received false medical information claiming otherwise.” Meanwhile, Jamie Foxx and Colin Firth are producing a documentary on Vandross. Tennessee House Republicans passed a measure on Monday to prevent expelled lawmakers from being reappointed to office. Despite constitutional concerns, lawmakers voted 69-22 in favor of House Bill 2716, preventing local legislative bodies from reinstating former members to office following expulsion, Tennessee Outlook reports. “Our framers did not intend that someone expelled from this House would be considered replacing themselves,” said the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Johnny Garrett, R-Goodlettsville. Garrett presided over the 2023 House hearing where Republican lawmakers voted to expel Reps. Justin J. Pearson, D-Memphis, and Justin Jones, D-Nashville (both of whom are Black), for their leadership in a gun violence protest on the floor. “Less than a week later, the Metro Nashville Council and Shelby County Commission voted to return Jones and Pearson to the Legislature, and they won special elections over the summer,” the Tennessee Outlook writes. “The Republican-led supermajority of the Tennessee General Assembly sought to have a political lynching of three of its members because we spoke out of turn against the status quo of the government, after the tragic deaths of six people in the shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville,” Pearson said last year at an Easter Sunday service at The Church of the River in Memphis, per CNN. Porsha Williams, who signed a prenuptial agreement upon marrying Simon Guobadia, is now petitioning the court to enforce it amidst their divorce proceedings. According to Radar Online, Williams noted in her divorce petition that their date of marriage was November 25, 2022, and she and Simon are currently “living in a bona fide state of separation.” We reported earlier via People that Williams officially filed for divorce from her spouse of 15 months in Atlanta. The timing of this announcement has fueled speculation, with swirling rumors regarding Guobadia’s U.S. citizenship status. However, a source has clarified to PEOPLE that the reason for their separation is an “ongoing matter” and is “unrelated to recent allegations involving Simon’s past.” Per Radar, the petition said Porsha was “entitled to a divorce from Husband on the grounds that the marriage is irretrievably broken … and there are no prospects for a reconciliation.” Chrisean Rock is now subject to a bench warrant for violating her four-year probation sentence after the alleged assaults involving singer James Wright and social media star Woah Vicky. According to RadarOnline.com, Rock “also failed to complete her 120 hours of community service for her Oklahoma drug charges case,” the outlet writes. Authorities now want her jailed for 30 days. Vicky pressed charges against Rock last year after Rock allegedly assaulted her while filming the reality show “Baddies East.” Wright is suing Rock for allegedly punching him repeatedly in the face backstage at a Tamar Braxton concert at the Novo club on Nov. 10 in Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Times reports. Braxton previously said James “got assaulted at my show and it was by Chrisean. But, there were a lot of events that I believe were misconstrued.” The collaboration between R&B sensation Tanya Nolan and Grammy award-winning artist Raheem De Vaughn continues to set a new standard in the music industry, delivering hit after hit that resonates with audiences worldwide. Their latest masterpiece, “HONEY,” written by Tanya Nolan and Raheem DeVaughn and produced by Karl Powell Jr. (KP The Colleagues) and Timothy L. Jordan, made good of its promise to deliver a fusion of passion and soul, leaving an indelible imprint. “The song is a blend of raw emotion, sensuality, and an unapologetic celebration of love. Music fans can enjoy a musical journey into passion and desire and a different side of me,” shares Tanya. “HONEY” released on February 16th was celebrated with a massive billboard in Times Square, New York, further solidifying the duo’s impact on the music scene. https://youtu.be/_GslbLS_EDs A Georgia lawyer who had been billed as a star witness in the effort to disqualify Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis did not deliver damaging testimony Tuesday on her romantic relationship with prosecutor Nathan Wade. Instead, the lawyer, Terrence Bradley, said he did not recall when asked a number of key questions during the two-hour hearing in Atlanta. Most notably, he said he did not know when the relationship began – and whether it began after Willis hired Wade to spearhead the prosecution of Donald Trump and his allies. Bradley said he was speculating about the timeline. Trump and over a dozen others are charged with conspiring to subvert the results of the 2020 presidential election in Georgia. They have pleaded not guilty. https://youtu.be/mP2-kpHgy8k BLKFAM, the first and only Black-owned, Black-focused family streaming platform, launches today. BLKFAM entertains, educates, and celebrates Black American family-friendly content, sharing authentic, inclusive stories incorporating radical diversity, equity, inclusion and empowerment, with compelling original series, animation, syndicated shows, documentaries, and more. Founded by digital media veteran Larry Adams, the ad-supported, free streaming service launches with equity partner Whoopi Goldberg. BLKFAM fills a major gap in the streaming market: Recent Nielsen data reveals that despite being the demographic that consumes the most media and TV, Black audiences still feel misrepresented or underrepresented in mainstream media. The report reveals that Black Americans are more likely than the general population to access three or more streaming services: Black audiences are underserved consumers, despite over-indexing for using free streaming services compared to the total market. BLKFAM addresses this underserved market by bringing family-friendly, data-backed unbiased content to streaming. https://youtu.be/kxAPWZIC7fk Kanye West urges fans not to buy the “fake Yeezys” from Adidas. The hip-hop star posted a video on social media calling out the brand for using his name to sell unapproved colorways. “Anybody who loves Ye would not buy these fake Yeezys I never made these color ways I’m not getting paid off of them and adidas is suing me,” West wrote on Instagram. “All these celebrities and the public will stand against a T shirt or the color of my hat but when yall see me have my children hidden from me or see an actual Fortune 500 company rape one of your heroes in real life don’t nobody say nothing or do nothing,” the post continued. “As far as the system goes What yall gone do now Take my album down again Freeze my accounts again Threaten people to not work with me again All the new non approved 350’s are cooorny,” Ye wrote. In a follow-up video, West further explained his issue with Adidas. https://www.instagram.com/p/C30bJPiIUmj/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Actress Gabourey Sidibe is expanding her family by two! At 39, she’s expecting twins with husband Brandon Frankel, as she announced on Instagram Tuesday. In a series of Instagram photos, the actress sported a bright pink dress and posed with her husband, tenderly cradling her baby bump. Among the snapshots was one of the couple pushing twin strollers together and another where they admired themselves in the mirror. Accompanying the images, she wrote, “I’m pregnant! We thought it was time to give our cats some responsibility, so we’re giving them each a baby to take care of! Double the babies, double the cats, double the fun!! Twin Delivery coming soon! https://youtu.be/c3cYFUsZNfg The trailer for “The Watchers,” from producer M. Night Shyamalan, written and directed by his daughter Ishana Night Shyamalan, has dropped. Based on the novel by A.M. Shine, the film stars Dakota Fanning as Mina, “a 28-year-old artist stranded in an expansive, untouched forest in western Ireland. When Mina finds shelter, she unknowingly becomes trapped alongside three strangers who are watched and stalked by mysterious creatures each night,” per the synopsis. “You can’t see them, but they see everything.” “The Watchers” also features Georgina Campbell (“Barbarian,” “Suspicion”), Oliver Finnegan (“Creeped Out,” “Outlander”) and Olwen Fouere (“The Northman,” “The Tourist”). The film is produced by M. Night Shyamalan, Ashwin Rajan and Nimitt Mankad. The executive producers are Jo Homewood and Stephen Dembitzer. https://youtu.be/CrhrNS0JFyg We’re nearing the end of Black History Month and, unfortunately, we just couldn’t get through it without someone vandalizing a statue erected to commemorate one of America’s most renowned civil rights leaders, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. According to CBS News, an MLK “I Have a Dream” memorial in Denver, Colorado, was vandalized overnight earlier this week and discovered Wednesday morning with visible damage, and, most noticeably, a missing 200-pound bronze plaque. Also missing from the statue, which resides in Denver’s City Park, is a pair of bronze torches that accompanied the plaque, which referenced a period during slavery when Black soldiers were fighting in wars for a country that regarded us as property, not human. University of Denver alum Edward Dwight, the artist who designed the statue, called the senseless vandalism “an absolute disaster and heartbreaking.” “It’s not so much the physical part of it, but it’s kind of the spiritual part for me that somebody would violate this thing… and for what?” asked Dwight, who told CBS that, unfortunately, the molds for the plaques on the statue no longer exist. He also noted that he has created 132 Black memorials around the country and about a quarter of them have been vandalized. https://twitter.com/CBSNewsColorado/status/1760371707167256611/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1760753385265926270%7Ctwgr%5Eaa5e9e996ecb7820309d1af1a100cbb1c7a316af%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewsone.com%2F5030686%2Fmlk-memorial-denver-vandalized-gofundme%2F MAGA Republicans are banking on racist Black stereotypes to attract Black voters for Donald Trump. It started with Fox News hosts and other assorted white conservative Black friend solicitors speculating that Trump’s mugshot from his RICO indictment in Georgia would attract Black support because Black people love things associated with criminality, and more recently, a Fox News contributor who claimed Trump’s 45 sneakers would bring all the Blacks to the yard because “Black people love sneakers.” Well, on the same day that op-ed was published, Trump was speaking at the Black Conservative Federation Gala in South Carolina, where the guy who spearheaded the propaganda-reliant attack on critical race theory—an academic framework to examine systemic racism in America—said Black voters will align with him because he too has faced injustice at the hands of our legal system. https://twitter.com/Acyn/status/1761213226220757347?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1761491582123983122%7Ctwgr%5E722c8bf25b0e060cef06e1e4f6a5e024cd7eca38%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewsone.com%2F5037465%2Ftrump-racist-stereotypes-black-conservative-gala%2F From the moment Letitia James assumed office in January 2019, she made it clear that she would not shy away from confronting powerful figures who take advantage of the law, regardless of their stature. Her commitment to justice and accountability has led her to take on some of the most high-profile cases in recent memory. https://twitter.com/NewYorkStateAG?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1758602156599369914%7Ctwgr%5Ee3a583247908ba6e333d6c8aeabdb83dff64a900%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewsone.com%2F5038129%2Fletitia-james-court-battles%2F James’ pursuit of Donald Trump has been relentless and multifaceted. In 2022, she spearheaded investigations into various aspects of Trump’s financial dealings, ranging from tax fraud, deceptive business practices, and other potential legal violations connected to his businesses. The lawsuit aimed to hold Trump and his organization accountable for years of financial fraud and illegal conduct and in early February, the New York Attorney General was delivered a big win. https://twitter.com/NewYorkStateAG?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1758602156599369914%7Ctwgr%5Ee3a583247908ba6e333d6c8aeabdb83dff64a900%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewsone.com%2F5038129%2Fletitia-james-court-battles%2F Brooklyn pastor, who over the years has flaunted his lavish lifestyle, is set to go on trial Monday over charges that he allegedly stole retirement savings from a parishioner and extorted a businessman. According to AP, the jury section in the trial against Lamor Miller-Whitehead will begin this week, two years after a grand jury decided the preacher should face charges of wire fraud, attempted wire fraud, attempted extortion and making false statements to federal law enforcement officials. Prosecutors claim Miller-Whitehead looted a church member’s retirement savings to pay for his flamboyant and expensive lifestyle, as well as lying to a business associate whom he told he could parlay his connections with New York City officials into millions of dollars. Lamor Miller-Whitehead was arrested in December 2022 and has been free on $500,000 bail since his arrest. After his arrest, the Rolls Royce-driving pastor pleaded not guilty to all charges. “Bishop Lamor Whitehead is not guilty of these charges,” defense lawyer Dawn Florio said after his arrest. “He will be vigorously defending these allegations. He feels that he is being targeted and being turned into a villain from a victim.” According to the grand jury indictment, Miller-Whitehead is accused of swindling money from his constituents with false promises of big investment returns. He then allegedly took the money “with no intention of investing it, returning it, or enriching the victims,” the indictment read. Miller-Whitehead was sued last year for allegedly defrauding a church member out of $90,000 in retirement savings. According to the lawsuit, Miller-Whitehead falsely promised to use the money to help the member find a home and invest in real estate. Prosecutors claim he took the money and used it to buy thousands of dollars worth of luxury goods and clothing. Civil rights lawyer and scholar Sherrilyn Ifill speaks on the ongoing fight for civil rights on Small Doses with Amanda Seales. Over this incredible two-part episode, Ifill provides a detailed look at the current evolution of the civil rights movement. She explains why voting matters—”despair is not an option”—and how ordinary people can resist attempts by the Far Right to dismantle hard-won progress. Ifill defines civil rights as the cornerstone of first-class citizenship. “The kinds of things that allow you to participate as a citizen are civil rights,” she tells Seales. “They’re critically important because otherwise you are a citizen in name only. So that bundle of rights and our definition of it—which expands and contracts depending on where we are—is what we think of as our civil rights.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C3dh_vPObif/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Two men were found guilty of murder Tuesday in the 2002 killing of Jam Master Jay, the pioneering DJ of the groundbreaking hip hop trio Run-DMC, in a case that for decades frustrated detectives and music fans alike. Ronald Washington, Jay’s childhood friend, and Karl Jordan Jr., Jay’s godson, were convicted of murder while engaged in narcotics trafficking and firearm-related murder. A fight nearly broke out in the courtroom after the verdict was announced. “Y’all just killed some innocent people. Get me outta here,” Washington said as he got out of his seat. Jordan looked at his supporters and said “I love y’all.” Their supporters began shouting as both men were rushed out of the courtroom. The federal jury first began deliberations last Thursday, but after a juror was dismissed and replaced by an alternate, they began deliberations anew on Monday at 1 p.m. In total, the jury deliberated for about 10 hours. Jam Master Jay, born Jason Mizell, was fatally shot at a recording studio in Jamaica, Queens, on October 30, 2002. For years, no one was arrested in the killing, leaving one of the most shocking shootings in music history unsolved. Beyoncé‘s mother, Tina Knowles, announced the passing of her older brother, Rowland Martin Buyince, at age 77 on Instagram. “My Beautiful big brother Butch went to be with God this weekend,” Ms. Tina captioned a photo of her bother. “I will miss him so much,” she added. She continued, “He was a career Airforce man . He loved riding Motorcycles was a black Belt in Karate and had the most beautiful green eyes and good looks . He was a great story teller. He had an incredible wife Jeanette and devoted daughter Dana two beautiful grandchildren Yvette and Roland. He was greatly loved. Sail on Butch❤️❤️Rowland Martin (Butch) Buyince’ June 1946 – Feb 2024 RIP.” Tina’s celebrity pals posted condolences in the comments, including supermodel Beverly Johnson, Viola Davis, Yvette Nicole Brown, and Tina’s ex-husband, actor Richard Lawson. Actress Holly Robinson Peete wrote, “Rest Well to your gorgeous big bro…what a full life he lived…sending you and your family love…” https://www.instagram.com/p/C3zIgkArQUa/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=00492710-f763-404a-a638-6c904db654c2 In the highly anticipated season three of Starz’s “Black Mafia Family” (BMF) fans can expect a fresh wave of characters, intricate alliances, and the challenges of navigating uncharted territories. Shaffer “Ne-Yo” Smith, who portrays a new character named Greenie, and Demetrius “Lil Meech” Flenory provide insights into their characters. Greenie will be a pivotal character and upon arriving in Atlanta again, he is introduced as one of the first individuals Meech encounters. Smith described Greenie as a “multifaceted personality – a businessman, a club owner, a pimp, and an entrepreneur. Greenie’s allegiance can sway, depending on the circumstances, making him a character filled with nuances.” https://youtu.be/3IEomrNTY8A Due to fan demand, Usher has extended the European dates for his upcoming USHER: Past Present Future tour. The move comes weeks after the R&B superstar extended his North American dates to almost 60 sold-out nights, adding multiple shows, according to the press release. Six dates were initially announced for London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin. Six more were added after 170,000 fans bought tickets for 12 sold-out shows, per the release. Tickets go on sale this week for Usher’s 2025 European trip – a seventh show in London, The O2 on April 11, the second in Paris at the Accor Arena on April 16, and a fourth night at Amsterdam’s Ziggo Dome on April 26. In a statement, Usher said, “It’s been a minute, Europe! I’m as hyped as you are to be back. The love for these shows has been incredible, and I’m truly blessed and thankful for each and every one of you. Seven epic nights in London, four in Amsterdam, two in Paris and Berlin and counting… get ready for an A-TOWN takeover!” Comedian Donnell Rawlings will debut his first stand-up special, “A New Day,” for Netflix on February 27 — produced by his long-time friend Dave Chappelle. “It’s a new day, and Donnell Rawlings is feeling good. Dressed in a bl ue suit, red socks and lotioned ankles, he’s here to discuss toxic relationships, traveling to New Zealand, aging, co-parenting and much more,” reads the special’s synopsis. In our exclusive interview with Rawlings, the comic known for his sharp wit and infectious humor offers a candid insight into his creative process and the excitement of bringing laughter to fans. He also explains why he and Dave filmed the special three times. “I’ve been doing this a long time, and comedians like Donnell are not only friends but have inspired my own career,” Chappelle said in a statement, per Variety. “Anyone in the comedy community knows these names and knows their time to shine is long overdue. I am proud to be a part of this moment.” A former producer who worked on Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ latest album is suing the Bad Boy Mogul for sexual assault. The new lawsuit comes three months after Diddy settled a $30 million dollar lawsuit with Cassie after she accused him of rape, sex trafficking and domestic violence. In this latest lawsuit filed in New York Federal court, Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones, 54, claims that for more than a year, Combs sexually harassed, drugged, and threatened him, NBC News reports. Jones claims he served as Comb’s videographer while traveling with him from September 2022 to November 2023. Throughout this period, he documented extensive video and audio evidence of Combs, his associates, and additional individuals participating in significant unlawful activities. One of the allegations is that Combs coerced Jones into arranging sex workers and insisted on his involvement in unwanted sexual acts with them and others. Additionally, it’s claimed that Combs provided spiked alcoholic drinks to guests at his parties. https://www.instagram.com/p/C31ZjR0NBrZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again For Morgan State University professor Darryl Green, the healing journey was rocky and winding. Thirty-five years ago, his younger brother Ruben Cotton was stabbed to death over a pair of tennis shoes at a bowling alley in Edgewood, Harford County. The tragedy unfolded just six days after Cotton’s 17th birthday. “He was a gentle giant, a great young man who was going to do some amazing things. He had a beautiful heart,” Green said. “When this first happened, you couldn’t talk to me about forgiveness. You couldn’t talk to me about healing. You couldn’t talk to me about reconciliation. What I knew then was revenge and retaliation.” For years, he was consumed by anger until he realized the only way to take away that pain was to forgive his brother’s killer. “I was dying inside of unforgiveness, so when I chose forgiveness, I asked God to take the anger off of me and give me something else,” Green said. “I didn’t know what he was going to give me, but he gave me forgiveness. Once I forgave, I was free.” https://youtu.be/EHTGlgsbofA The ugly history of her home state is not lost on Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor. The Mississippi native is very familiar with it and is not afraid to put it on blast for those who are not as familiar with it.During a recent interview with Indie Wire, Ellis-Taylor confessed to walking out of a Hattiesburg, Mississippi-based restaurant after seeing the Old Mississippi Confederate flag on one of its walls. “I wanted some catfish,” recalled the “Origin” star, who is noted for protesting the use of the flag, which symbolized white supremacy and Mississippi’s glorification of the Civil War. Until 2021, the flag was the only state flag in the U.S. to incorporate the Confederate battle flag into its design, People noted. The flag’s removal stemmed from a bill signed into law in 2020 by Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves that removed and replaced the controversial item. Upon seeing the retired flag in the restaurant and questioning the cashier about its presence, Ellis-Taylor stated they “just tried to evade any culpability.” “I said, ‘You have people in this restaurant now who are Black, who are eating your food, who are working in this restaurant, and you have the flag of the Confederacy, the flag of the Ku Klux Klan on your walls.’ And sitting under the flag were two Black men eating. I got up out of there and I had to get catfish from somewhere else,” Ellis-Tate said. Donald Trump is still bitter about Prince Harry marrying a Black woman. In a new interview, Trump suggested that he would deport the prince if he were elected president again. “I wouldn’t protect him. He betrayed the Queen. That is unforgivable. He would be on his own if it was down to me,” Trump told the Daily Express. “I think they have been too gracious to him after what he has done,” said Trump, referring to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Last year, Trump said he wanted to debate Harry’s wife, Meghan Markle, to address “the way she dealt with the Queen,” the former president told radio host Hugh Hewitt. Producer Mark Ford is speaking out about production on the new Lifetime documentary, “Where Is Wendy Williams?” and addressing claims that the creative team exploited the former talk show host amid her battle with dementia. As we reported earlier, Williams’ medical care team announced last week that she was diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD).“Wendy is still able to do many things for herself,” the team said, People reports. “Most importantly she maintains her trademark sense of humor and is receiving the care she requires to make sure she is protected and that her needs are addressed. She is appreciative of the many kind thoughts and good wishes being sent her way.” According to a press release, Williams, 59, was officially diagnosed last year. She has been contending with various other health challenges, including Graves’ disease, lymphedema, and alcohol abuse. Meanwhile, in a new interview with THR, Jones explains why his cameras documented Wendy’s “increasingly fragile state,” the outlet writes. https://youtu.be/OjJDhf5ll70 A mother and daughter were killed after being run over by a speeding car while leaving a Drake concert in St. Louis on Feb 14. The tragic moment was caught on video, showing Laticha Bracero and her daughter Alyssa Cordova, 21, walking through a crosswalk when “a car comes flying into frame, blowing through a red light and sideswiping another car before running them over,” TMZ writes. The 22-year-old driver, Monte Henderson, reportedly ran a red light while speeding at over 70 MPH, causing the fatal crash. He was located and arrested shortly after the incident and released on $20,000 bail. The Cordovas traveled from Chicago to St. Louis to attend the Drake concert. The family launched a GoFundMe to help pay for funeral arrangements. https://twitter.com/CollinRugg/status/1762505275586867367?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1762505275586867367%7Ctwgr%5Eadfb75e1a53f07701dfc2f4622a96b5a641b2fb1%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fmother-daughter-killed-after-leaving-drake-concert%2F Two men involved in the fight with Cam Newton during his C1N 7 v 7 Tournament are speaking out about what led to the altercation. We reported earlier that in footage of the fight, the former Auburn football standout and Heisman Trophy winner is grappling with three individuals, reportedly a part of the “TSP Crew,” before another joins in with a right hook. The 18-second clip lacks significant context, leaving viewers curious about the circumstances leading to the altercation. Well, now, two opposing football coaches, TJ and Steph Brown, “say Newton’s actions throughout the weekend ultimately led to the physical skirmish that started with him grabbing Steph first before TJ threw a punch,” Fox News writes. “It just should never have gotten to that,” TJ told Fox News Digital. https://youtu.be/oJhI5IhkrYQ Phaedra Parks’ ex-husband Apollo Nida will appear at the “Married to Medicine” Season 10 3-part reunion, set to air on March 3. We reported earlier that Parks joined Dr. Jackie Walters, Dr. Simone Whitmore, Dr. Heavenly Kimes, Toya Bush-Harris, and Quad Webb on the new season, which premiered in November 2023. Parks joined Season 10 as a “holistic healer” of a new wellness center. The center focuses on energy healing, known as reiki therapy. Nida did not appear this season, so Parks’ costars were shocked when he showed up at the reunion taping in January in New York City, People reports. According to a source, Nida was invited to the taping to discuss co-parenting with Parks. The ex-couple share two minor sons. https://youtu.be/3_GO8DDIvyA Keyshia Cole made a surprise appearance at the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, and the exciting moment was captured on video that went viral over the weekend. In the footage, students perform Cole’s hit 2005 song “Love” when Ron Clark, founder of the academy, interrupts the lead singer to encourage him to do better. https://v16m-default.tiktokcdn-us.com/8d5fe80189ffb05c7ea2fcd7632fa296/65deb1ec/video/tos/useast5/tos-useast5-ve-0068c004-tx/o82AWBiqB6BYRPg6eB7riOaDf2SQblEEsgIkLa/?a=1988&ch=0&cr=3&dr=0&lr=tiktok_m&cd=0%7C0%7C1%7C&cv=1&br=2168&bt=1084&bti=NDU3ZjAwOg%3D%3D&cs=0&ds=3&ft=4bBsyMzm8Zmo0WtVi94jVOL.dpWrKsd.&mime_type=video_mp4&qs=0&rc=Njs1OWk1Z2c4OmVoOzU0NkBpM3Q1bHA5cmxkcTMzZzczNEAtMy82Ni5gXy8xNGEvMmEzYSNfa3AtMmRjcmFgLS1kMS9zcw%3D%3D&l=202402272206085267AA3DA72F72044F9E&btag=e00098000 “No, no. You’re not doing it right,” Clark tells the kid. “You gotta do it better, buddy. I want more depth, more heart, more soul, I want more Keyshia Cole. Sing it like this.” That’s when Cole appears at the top of the stairs and continues singing, sending the students into a frenzy. She’s wearing the same red hoodie and sweatpants as the minors. Clark shared the video on TikTok on February 17. https://v16m-default.tiktokcdn-us.com/0818b1e5084008f0aa86b6f791e3900a/65deb1a1/video/tos/useast5/tos-useast5-ve-0068c003-tx/ow9kZ0USB4HiZicEqV4AqRIWaE3BqcLgdPQ9v/?a=1988&ch=0&cr=3&dr=0&lr=tiktok_m&cd=0%7C0%7C1%7C&cv=1&br=3654&bt=1827&bti=NDU3ZjAwOg%3D%3D&cs=0&ds=3&ft=4bBsyMzm8Zmo0WtVi94jVsGWdpWrKsd.&mime_type=video_mp4&qs=0&rc=ZTUzaDZnPDNpZjs0Zjg5O0BpamVzN3c5cm9kcTMzZzczNEA0Mi8xNi1iXzAxYy9iMzVjYSMwbF5uMmRrNWFgLS1kMS9zcw%3D%3D&l=20240227220608A50A2D034C4730048705&btag=e00090000 Multi GRAMMY®-winner Cory Henry has released CHURCH, his latest solo album. Released on February 25th, the dynamic new album is the first-ever Gospel album from the acclaimed singer, songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist and keyboard master, who’s created a 23-track experience that celebrates his musical roots and delivers a powerful dose of inspiration, joyful praise, and soulful reflection. Cory - a musical prodigy who got his start at age two learning organ from his mother Marie Henry, a choir director and multi-instrumentalist – harkens back to growing up in Brooklyn, New York’s Unity Temple Church. From performing before his church congregation to his journey touring around the world for international audiences, Cory has brought his classic gospel roots and his modern sensibilities together on CHURCH. With a musical versatility from new singles like “Burdens Down” featuring renowned blues-rock guitarist Eric Gales, “Go to God in Prayer” featuring Dr. Janice McDonald, Cory’s Grandmother, and more, to his creative new arrangements on beloved classics like “Amazing Grace” with a very special posthumous appearance from his late mother Marie Henry, “How Great Thou Art” featuring gospel star Kierra Sheard, the record also features appearances from Raphael Saadiq, The Tone3s, Robert Randolph, Charlie Bereal, gospel legends Donnie McClurkin, John P. Kee, Kim Burrell, and another special posthumous appearance, by the late Bishop Carlton Pearson on two tracks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAhTkGrcCpc As Black History Month draws to a close, don't miss this historic evening of inspiration and entertainment, the "Super Bowl Soulful Celebration 25th Anniversary," which ushered in its quarter-century milestone with an epic show taped during Super Bowl LVIII week in Las Vegas. Hosted by the dynamic duo Cedric the Entertainer and Tichina Arnold, the program was an electrifying fusion of faith, fellowship, and football. Following its successful debut on CBS Television Network, the one-hour special is now available to stream on-demand via CBS.com and Pluto TV for a limited time. The show features performances from a stellar lineup of artists, including Earth, Wind & Fire, T-Pain, Mickey Guyton, Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, Robin Thicke, Rachel Platten, and The Players Choir. Southern University’s HBCU Band Drumline, also known as the “Human Jukebox,” helped open the star-studded event, showcasing the rich talent and cultural pride of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), a wonderful way to highlight Black History Month. The Super Bowl may have been played, but this music special unites the spirit of football and cultural pride in a way that fans can enjoy long after the last touchdown of the season. BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) will pay tribute to the songwriters and publishers behind the best in Gospel at the 2024 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards, held at Flourish Atlanta on Thursday, March 28th. Gospel legend and world-renowned evangelist Dorinda Clark-Cole will receive the evening's highest honor as a Trailblazer of Gospel in recognition of her illustrious career spanning over 50 years and incomparable influence on the genre and beyond. Jonathan McReynolds will receive the BMI Champion Award for his exceptional artistry and impact on Gospel music, marking the first time this accolade has been presented at this ceremony. The private event will be hosted by BMI President & CEO Mike O'Neill and BMI Vice President, Creative, Atlanta, Catherine Brewton. Christian hip-hop artist, Aaron Cole, has just released his latest single “I Love It,” the third single from his upcoming full-length album set to release later this year. A visualizer is now available on YouTube. This new single, follows his recent multi-single release Signing Bonus, which featured the first two singles, “Have Your Way” and “Tables Turned.” The chart-topping lyricist and singer reflects on themes of personal growth and resilience, set to contemporary melodies and bass beats on the new track. With its message advocating for self-love and spiritual conviction in life's challenges, Cole encourages listeners to view obstacles as opportunities for growth, making positive declarations of embracing joy in life through faith and distancing oneself from negativity. “I Love It” continues to build upon the inspirational messages that Cole has shared through his first two singles “Have Your Way and “Tables Turned,” in speaking gratitude about God’s way and living authentically with renewed purpose and strength. “Have Your Way,” which contains a sample of Carl Thomas’ R&B hit “I Wish” is the lead single out at Gospel radio now. The music videos for “Have Your Way” and “Tables Turned” are also out on YouTube. One of Christian music’s most incomparable voices, Jason Nelson, has scored his best first-week digital streams tally with the new song, “Yahweh,” (Jaelyn / Tyscot / Fair Trade). The worship ballad features the dynamic GRAMMY® Award nominated vocalist, Melvin Crispell III, and has garnered over 123,000 first week digital streams. By contrast, Nelson’s 2021smash, “Residue,” earned 61,000 first week streams. “Yahweh is a song that speaks to how God created humanity and as a result breathed life into us,” Nelson says. “it speaks to the core theme of the entire album, which is revival and life with God. Once everyone is able to hear the full project, they’ll understand why Yahweh is a great introduction.” “Yahweh” is the first radio single from Nelson’s forthcoming album, You Belong (Jaelyn Song Music / Tyscot/ Fair Trade). The You Belong project was recorded live at World Overcomers Christian Church in Durham, NC last August. The project is his first live recording in six years. Over the last two decades, Nelson’s smooth and incomparable tenor has distinguished itself on gospel radio hits such as “Nothing Without You,” “Residue,” “Shifting the Atmosphere,” “I Am,” “Forever,” and “It’s Not Over (When God Is In It).” Marlo Hampton has confirmed that she won’t be part of Season 16 of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.” Having made her debut in Season 4 and becoming a full-time cast member in Season 14, Hampton explained her departure in a statement. “My contract with Real Housewives of Atlanta concluded at the end of Season 15,” her statement outlined. “Taking this break from RHOA marks a new chapter for me, providing space to explore fresh creative ventures focused on my future rather than dwelling on the past.” Hampton emphasized her familial responsibilities as another factor behind her decision, stating, “My nephews are entering critical stages of their educational journey, and I am committed to being a positive influence in their lives, while also showcasing my diverse interests in philanthropy, fashion, and lifestyle.” Expressing appreciation for the platform RHOA provided, Hampton acknowledged its role in spotlighting her work in foster care advocacy, her non-profit organization Glam It Up, Inc., and her fashion showroom, Le Archive. “I anticipate maintaining my relationship with Bravo and NBC Universal. I extend my best wishes to Truly Original and the RHOA cast,” she concluded. https://youtu.be/g2PuT76_-hk Hampton isn’t the sole “RHOA” member to announce their Season 16 status before the show’s return. Kandi Burruss, a fixture since Season 2, disclosed her departure to Variety during the 66th Grammy Awards on Feb. 4, after almost 15 years on the show. “I’ve made the decision not to return this year,” she stated during the interview, highlighting the prolonged decision-making process despite Season 15 airing in May 2023. Burruss added, “During that time, I began working on several other projects, and I have some exciting endeavors in the pipeline.” Addressing potential future involvement with the show at the 2024 People’s Choice Awards, Burruss remained open but focused on her current pursuits. “I hold a great deal of affection for my Bravo family… never say never, but at present, I’m deeply invested in other ventures,” she remarked. https://youtu.be/2feUYaVtx9E Since Gov. Gavin Newsom presented his 2024-25 budget to the State Legislature on Jan. 10, lawmakers — including members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) — have been sharing their initial reactions to potential cuts. Those stakeholders have also been examining the Governor’s $291 billion spending plan to get a clearer sense of how funding adjustments may impact families as the state faces a deficit estimated at tens of billions of dollars. At the top of the list of concerns for some lawmakers are cuts the governor is proposing to balance the budget, as required by California’s constitution. A day after Newsom announced his budget, Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley), reacted with a post on his Facebook page. “Yesterday’s budget proposal for human services programs causes me to be alarmed for our most vulnerable populations particularly in our CalWorks, Development Disability, and Foster Care programs,” wrote Jackson, who is a member of the CLBC. https://youtu.be/FAZRIJOWl3M Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas recently made headlines by hiring a law clerk who’s faced allegations of sending racist text messages, as reported by The New York Times. As we thought. Nobody’s hand went up. The clerk in question, Crystal Clanton, a graduate of the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University and former national field director for Turning Point USA, is set to work with Justice Thomas during the 2024-2025 term. Clanton came under scrutiny in a 2017 article by The New Yorker, which detailed allegations that she had sent racially charged text messages to fellow members of Turning Point USA. One of the messages reportedly stated, “I HATE BLACK PEOPLE. Like f**k them all…I hate blacks. End of story.” Despite the accusations, Clanton has claimed she does not recall sending such messages. https://youtu.be/4siUr1I7lnM Normani is speaking out about pausing her music career after both her parents were diagnosed with cancer. Today reported previously that the singer was age 5 when her mother, Andrea Hamilton, was first diagnosed with breast cancer. After being disease-free for 19 years, the cancer returned in 2020. “I was in Los Angeles when I found out my mom had been diagnosed with breast cancer again. My family was back in Houston. Three weeks earlier, when I was visiting my mom at home, she’d fallen into my arms, expressing how scared she was,” Normani wrote in a 2022 op-ed for Elle magazine. “She had a gut feeling about the results. I felt incredibly helpless because I wasn’t able to cure her,” she added. Normani’s father, Derrick, was diagnosed with cancer a year after her mother’s cancer returned. Normani was preparing to drop her debut album last year but was ready to step back from her music career to care for her parents. https://www.instagram.com/p/C3nvr2EPLGI/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=068a79ab-6274-4994-94e8-28067119b2cc The cast of “A Different World” will reunite for a 10-city HBCU tour to celebrate the show’s 35th anniversary. "A Different World” is a spin-off from “The Cosby Show” and ran on NBC for six seasons, from 1987 to 1993. The series centered on Denise Huxtable (Lisa Bonet) and her fellow students at a fictional HBCU called Hillman College. According to People, the cast confirmed to appear on the HBCU tour are Darryl M. Bell, Charnele Brown, Jasmine Guy, Kadeem Hardison, Dawnn Lewis, Cree Summer, Glynn Turman, and Sinbad. “The cast of A Different World has come together to celebrate our 35-year legacy and make more history with today’s HBCUs and tomorrow’s leaders!” Bell told People. “Our mission goes beyond nostalgia. We’re on a quest to raise awareness and enrollment for HBCUs nationwide,” he continued. “By leveraging the star power and cultural impact of A Different World, we aim to inspire a new generation to choose HBCUs as their academic homes. We’re not just telling a story; we’re rewriting the narrative.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1422379466005700613 Edwin Hodge has been starring on FBI: Most Wanted, one of several highly-successful shows from Dick Wolf Productions on CBS. But Hodge has been acting for nearly 30 years. The older brother of Aldis Hodge, Edwin has appeared as a regular character actor on such network favorites, The Good Sun, Classified and Mayans M.C., and on the big screen in The Tomorrow War, Purge: Election Year and Bumblebee. Hodge discussed why shows like FBI: Most Wanted continue to resonate with viewing audiences from across the globe. “Shows like FBI: Most Wanted, Law & Order and shows of that nature, the material is grounded in reality,” said Hodge. “These are things that are really happening. These are stories that are either picked from headlines or your local news that maybe people have never heard of before. You might hear about it when the situation is really amplified, but we never hear about the smaller cases or the cases that don’t make headline news. So, in that sense, I think it resonates with everybody because it’s real. It’s scary to think we live in this kind of world where people are doing these things. But, at the same time, it is education.” The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) celebrated its 15th annual awards ceremony on February 21 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills. This event not only honored the best in film but also recognized individuals who have made significant contributions to black culture. Comedian and Emmy-nominated documentary producer Roy Wood Jr. returned as the host for the ceremony, adding his hilarious touch to the event. AAFCA President and co-founder Gil Robertson expressed deep admiration for the exceptional talent and dedication of Misty Copeland, George C. Wolfe, and Jeffrey Wright, stating that their contributions have profoundly impacted our culture and continue to inspire generations. Misty Copeland, the first African American Female Principal ballet dancer, was honored with the Innovator Award presented by Nissan for her groundbreaking contributions to dance and her production company, Life In Motion Productions, which focuses on bringing representative stories of artists past, present, and future, and normalizing the art experience. Ray J and Princess Love‘s marriage are on the outs again, with Princess Love pulling the trigger on their marriage for the fourth time. The onetime “Love & Hip Hop” star officially filed for divorce in Los Angeles County, adding another juicy chapter to their ongoing saga of love gone wrong, according to TMZ. While the specifics of Princess Love’s divorce demands remain a mystery for now, one thing is crystal clear – she’s had enough. With minor children in the mix and the inevitable battle over money looming, it looks like this marital rollercoaster is careening toward its final destination. In a predictably heartfelt Instagram post, Princess Love poured out her feelings, stating that after deep contemplation, discussion, and probably a truckload of tissues, they’ve realized that it’s time to call it quits. She goes on to paint a rosy picture of co-parenting harmony and newfound beginnings, all wrapped up in a neat little bow of privacy pleas. https://youtu.be/U-XaMaypPJ8 Jodie Turner-Smith is speaking out about her divorce from “Dawson’s Creek” star Joshua Jackson. “Sometimes things we really want to work just don’t end up working,” the British beauty, 37, told The Times. “And that’s OK. The most important thing is that you choose what’s healthiest for you and your family and definitely your children.” Jodi and Joshua met at a party in 2018 and got engaged months later. They were married for four years before sparking breakup rumors in September 2022. We reported earlier that Turner-Smith initially pulled the plug on the marriage, citing “irreconcilable differences.” The former couple share a 3-year-old daughter, Juno Rose Diana. “I don’t think it’s a failure,” she told The Times of her marriage to Jackson. “We obviously had such a beautiful moment together. And now it’s time for a new moment for both of us. And how exciting!” Elon Musk claims he will make things right with a San Jose bakery after Tesla placed a pie order that cost thousands of dollars and was canceled. NBC Bay Area reports that Tesla ordered 4,000 mini-pies from “The Giving Pies” in San Jose’s Willow Glen neighborhood for $16,000, only to cancel at the last minute. Voahangy Rasetarinera, the bakery owner, said her staffers worked additional hours, and she purchased extra ingredients and supplies to fulfill the order. Now she’s out of $16k after Tesla unexpectedly canceled the order via a text. Musk posted on his social media platform “X” Friday that he “will make things good with the bakery.” So far, he has not yet reached out to the bakery owner, Rasetarinera said. https://youtu.be/n-PJWjqsmh4 Jackson Soul Food opened a third location at Miami International Airport last week. The restaurant’s roots trace back to 1946, embodying the Black heritage of Miami-Dade County, SimpleFlying reports. The first location opened in the historic neighborhood of Overtown in Miami-Dade County. The second location is in Opa-Locka, near Miami Gardens. The menu features traditional soul food favorites like fried catfish and chicken, savory mac and cheese, and ribs. Mayor Daniella Levine Cava joined Jackson Soul Food Owner Shirlene Ingraham for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Miami airport on February 20. https://youtu.be/AUg47NHzbX4 KFC has rolled out its version of a pizza entree called the “CHIZZA.” According to a news release, the Chizza is two fried chicken filets topped with zesty marinara sauce, melty mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni. The new limited-time pizza is available at KFC’s nationwide beginning Monday, Feb. 26. You can enjoy the Chizza on its own or get the combo meal, which includes Secret Recipe Fries and a medium drink. Also returning to KFC restaurants nationwide temporarily is Blackberry Lemonade. Per the release: “KFC customers can use the KFC app to order their Chizza ahead of time and skip the line to pick it up on KFC’s dedicated Quick Pick-Up shelf and sign up for KFC Rewards to start earning rewards on digital orders and unlocking FREE KFC.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1761047232973824499 “Fried chicken and pizza collaborated to create something even better—the Chizza,” Nick Chavez, CMO KFC U.S, said in the press release. “The fan-favorite mashup is finally available in the U.S. after making its way around the world—try it while you can!” The online reaction to the Chizza is mixed, with one person writing, “This is like KFC told a group of elementary school kids to come up with a new meal item.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1761064760387461484 During the University of Southern California Trojans game against the University of California Bruins on Saturday in Los Angeles, Bronny James was met with “overrated” and “who’s your daddy” chants. On X/Twitter, one user said of the wild reaction, “The classy thing to do would have been to cheer the kid on for fighting back from a heart condition that almost killed him. Bruins will be bruins.” Another X user posted, “Disrespectful and is disgusting fan behavior…UCLA needs to address this.” A third person wrote, “Taunting is a part of basketball. Man up or go join the figure skating team.” The Trojan’s guard, who is the son of NBA icon LeBron James, suffered a cardiac arrest five months ago. There were doubts at the time that Bronny would be unable to return to the sport. We reported earlier that Bronny was attending an informal team workout last July when he collapsed, and 911 was called. A statement released the following day from his team said that Bronny suffered a cardiac arrest and was treated by USC’s medical staff before being taken to the hospital. He spent time in the ICU before eventually being stabilized and released days later. https://twitter.com/i/status/1761593338413940854 A viral video of former Disney star Orlando Brown shows him bragging about “making love” to several male music stars, such as Drake, Usher, Busta Rhymes, Bow Wow, and more. “You smashed Drake?” the person behind the camera asks Orlando. “I didn’t smash anything,” he responded “We made love,” the “That’s So Raven” alum said. Brown listed the men he’s allegedly had sex with, including Katt Williams, Terrence Howard, and Usher. “Usher is a gusher,” he said. https://www.instagram.com/p/C3p5b9eOT1r/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Tyler Perry is “a little annoyed” that Disney seems to be dragging to start production on “Sister Act 3” starring Whoopi Goldberg. “I’m a little annoyed with how long this has taken me. It’s taking so long — like, I’ve done four movies since we started talking about this,” Perry told Entertainment Tonight. “When I’m outside producing with … you know, Disney’s a huge, wonderful company, but I really want to get this movie and Whoopi really wants to get this movie,” he continued. Disney confirmed in 2022 that “Sister Act 3” is in the works, almost 30 years after the last movie. The original “Sister Act” centers on a singer (Goldberg) who hides as a nun after witnessing a crime. The film premiered in 1992 and was a massive hit at the box office, grossing over $231 million against a $31 million budget. The sequel, “Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit,” was released the following year. Country music icon Dolly Parton hit up Instagram to praise Beyoncé for tapping into the genre. On Thursday, Parton took to Instagram to congratulate Bey after the singer’s new song “Texas Hold ‘Em” debuted in the top spot of Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart on Tuesday, Marking her first-ever No. 1 single on the country charts, CNN reported. Per the outlet, Beyoncé’s other new country song, “16 Carriages,” ranks No. 9 on the chart. “I’m a big fan of Beyoncé and very excited that she’s done a country album,” Dolly wrote. “So congratulations on your Billboard Hot Country number one single. Can’t wait to hear the full album!” In 2022, Parton appeared on “The Daily Show” and shared her hope that Queen Bey would cover her song “Jolene.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C3rDaAGOmu4/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=14a51b6d-e71e-454c-94bd-69cd9e3a576c “I don’t know if she’s even got the message, but wouldn’t that be killer? I think she’s fantastic and beautiful and I love her music,” Parton said, per USA Today via Complex. “I would just love to hear ‘Jolene’ done in just a big way, kind of like how Whitney did my ‘I Will Always Love You,’” she continued. “Someone that can take my little songs and make ’em like powerhouses. So, that would be a marvelous day in my life if she ever does do ‘Jolene.’” Bey’s two new country tracks appear on her eighth solo studio album, “Renaissance Act II,” out March 29. https://www.instagram.com/p/C30hnt1uUGI/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=8fe16626-0565-4f5f-acf2-d26d2547e1db Tarron Nelson is an 11-year-old student at Northview Elementary School with a unique talent. The 5th grader can complete a Rubik’s Cube in less than 2 minutes with a record time of 43 seconds. “You don’t need to be smart to solve a Rubik’s Cube. All you need to know is the algorithms,” says Rubik’s Cube kid Tarron Nelson. Nelson is being celebrated for his ability to quickly come up with ways for all six sides of the cube to display one color. https://youtu.be/QejQZtUANMo When it comes to the greatest U.S. presidents to hold office, Barack Obama and Donald Trump are nowhere near each other on the list. Citing Desert News, Yahoo detailed the 2024 Presidential Greatness Project Expert Survey, reporting that Obama cracked the top 10 at #7 with an average rating of (73.8). Michele’s husband was highest among recent presidents on the survey, which found Abraham Lincoln at the top with 93.87. Rounding out the top five were Franklin Delano Roosevelt, second (90.83); George Washington, third (90.32). Teddy Roosevelt, fourth (78.58), and Thomas Jefferson fifth (77.53). Commissioned by political scientists Brandon Rottinghaus from the University of Houston and Justin S. Vaughn from Coastal Carolina University, the 2024 Presidential Greatness Project Expert Survey asked 154 political scientists and other experts to rate each U.S. president on a scale of 0 to 100 for their overall “greatness,” Yahoo noted, adding that the totals for each president were averaged then ranked. With the rest of the top 10 itself, the list ranked Harry Truman sixth with 75.34, Obama, seventh (73.8), Dwight Eisenhower, eighth (73.73), Lyndon B. Johnson, ninth (72.86), and John F. Kennedy, 10th, (68.37). Notable greatest president rankings included current U.S. President Joe Biden, 14th (62.66), Ronald Reagan, 16th (61.62), George H.W. Bush, 19th (58.54), and his son George W. Bush, 32nd (40.43) 32nd. https://youtu.be/9ZfiaueoR9c As for Trump, he ranked lowest at 10.92. Despite the loss in the “greatness” category, #45 did score a win as the most polarizing of the ranked presidents with a 1.64 average (1 is a “most polarizing” ranking, according to the survey) https://youtu.be/KcMSbtaZud0 Former Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman was arrested in King County, Washington, on Saturday on a suspicion of a DUI charge, the Washington State Patrol confirmed to CNN. Sherman was stopped by the Washington State Patrol for going 79 mph within a 60 mph zone at about 2 a.m. local time in Bellevue, according to a first appearance document, from which a District Court judge found probable cause for DUI. Sherman told authorities he had two margaritas when asked if he’d had any alcohol to drink, according to the document, and he also agreed to a voluntary test. The document also notes that Sherman’s eyes were bloodshot and watery and that there was an “odor of intoxicants.” https://youtu.be/joXd4Z_-bMg Shannon Sharpe is living a grand post-football life. With a popular podcast, let alone a solid spot alongside ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, among other things, the former tight end and NFL Hall of Famer has rebounded strongly since the end of his playing days with the NFL. So much so that Sharpe finds himself at the top of Complex’s Most Entertaining Sports Media Personality list above notables such as Smith, Charles Barkley, Pat McAfee, and Shaquille O’Neal, among others. Chatting with the publication, the Club Shay Shay podcast host touches on “moving differently” because of social, with Barkley being his blueprint and his ultimate goal. On the heels of Donald Trump’s totally expected GOP presidential primary win over Nikki Haley on Saturday (02-24-24), his new line of sneakers will be a great tool for winning black voters, according to Fox News contributor Raymond Arroyo. In his eyes, the $399 shoes are a great way for the former commander-in-chief to connect with black voters and, ultimately triumph in his bid to win the 2024 presidential election. Needless to say, Arroyo’s logic is not fact-based. HuffPost notes It stems from racist stereotyping as he insists the footwear will connect with Black folks who plan on exercising their right to choose the next president. https://youtu.be/yWSaEV059ks Arroyo’s backing of the sneakers may work for him, but it generated a skeptical vibe from his fellow panelist, Tomi Lahren, who wasn’t on board with Trump being reelected by people who might like his shoes. Still, Arroyo stood his ground, saying, “Anybody willing to put 400 bucks down for a pair of sneakers? Yeah, I think that’s commitment and love. It’s something,”https://twitter.com/BmbEmpower/status/1760553042699583534?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1760686629352796643%7Ctwgr%5E517182e668c78c57787ef3ba3f06ea13058a0525%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Ffox-news-pundit-is-convinced-that-trump-sneakers-will-bring-black-voter-support-watch%2F As expected, Arroyo’s stance was not a hit with social media users who voiced their opposition on X (formerly known as Twitter). Scroll below for a few reactions to Arroyo’s belief that Black people will automatically come with the Trump sneakers. https://twitter.com/i/status/1760691231519092951 Heartthrob Billy Dee Williams, renowned for his portrayal of Lando Calrissian in the original “Star Wars” trilogy, remained puzzled by inquiries about his sexuality during the 1970s. In a convo with Page Six addressing the rumors that could have jeopardized his career, he remarked, “I’ve been called a ‘Closet Queen.’ But, I don’t pay important attention to any of that.” Earlier this month, the actor unveiled his lively biography “What Have We Here?” detailing not just his seven-decade career but also encounters with luminaries like Marlon Brando, James Baldwin, Laurence Olivier, and Angela Lansbury. Reflecting on his roots in Harlem and nearing his 87th birthday in April, Williams reminisces about his comfort mingling with members of the LGBTQIA community, even participating in clandestine gay gatherings in the Metropolitan Opera’s basement during his early days as an extra. “It all sounded veritably normal to me,” he shares. “I was around it all of my life, so I never really gave it important study.” https://youtu.be/cQNHYofNm94 THE SPINNERS: STILL SPINNING THE MOTOWN MAGIC! –By Larry Buford. In Alhambra, a city just east of Los Angeles made up of about 86,000 people; the city where producer Phil Spector resides; Motown’s legendary Spinners performed at the 2008 Summer Jubilee (7/19/08). The sun had already set on this outdoor venue as the Spinners took to the stage, and the minute they walked on, the audience knew something very special was about to take place. Dressed in immaculate lavender suits, their cool presence was like having an ice cream cone on a warm summer night. They opened with “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love” with the effervescent Bobby Smith on lead vocals. The group’s every step and hand gesture were synchronized to near perfection except the bass singer Pervis Jackson who, for health reasons was seated on stage as he sang his parts (man does he have a deep voice!). Followed by “It’s A Shame” then a rendition of the Willie Nelson tune “Funny” that offered first tenor Spike Bonhart a chance to showcase his vocal range at the end of the song (that last note threatened to shatter glass!). https://youtu.be/ZeTycs9ffBU Michael Akinkunmi, also known as MikeyMuzik, hails from Southeast London. Alongside his partner Moses Samuels, they’ve made a significant impact as record producers, songwriters, and engineers. Their journey has been marked by global success, leading them to work on music projects for top music artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Stormzy, and Justin Bieber, to name a few. “I thought if they like it, they might be on it,” said Aaron Atkins about his new single “When Do We Love” featuring The Whispers. “I performed it live and The Whispers were at my show. When I got off stage The Whispers ran up to me and said they loved the whole show! They asked if I wrote that last song (‘When Do We Love’)…they said God wrote that song…the greatest compliment.” The Whispers liked the song so much that, as Atkins thought, they agreed to be on the single for his new EP of the same name. Aaron is a Jazz/R&B singer who performs and sounds like a Broadway veteran. Bringing the audience in with his body language and moves. He has sung for the Pope at the Vatican and is also an actor whose credits include Switched at Birth, Emmy-winning Netflix’s “I Think You Should Leave,” and David. Atkins is a Broadway nominated artist because of his performance in his “Into the Cole” Show where he honors the works of Nate King Cole. “My first acting job I was lead,” Aaron told me when asked about his acting portfolio. The “When Do We Love” single released on February 23, 2024, and on March 20th you will find Aaron Atkins performing from his “When Do We Love” EP at the Catalina Jazz Club. Videos showing Cam Newton engaged in a physical altercation surfaced during his C1N 7 v 7 Tournament, quickly gaining viral attention on February 25. In the footage, the former Auburn football standout, and Heisman Trophy winner, is seen grappling with three individuals reportedly a part of the “TSP Crew” before another joins in with a right hook. The brief 18-second clip lacks significant context, leaving viewers curious about the circumstances leading to the altercation. Details regarding the altercation’s origin are expected to emerge in the following days. You would think that attempting to engage in a physical confrontation with the 6-foot-5, 245-pound former NFL player seems ill-advised. Newton will likely address the incident, potentially on his podcast “4th & 1,” especially if the video continues to circulate widely. Fortunately, it appears that no serious injuries were sustained by any parties involved. The incident has prompted questions about what precisely occurred and the factors that led to such a volatile situation involving the seasoned football star. https://twitter.com/i/status/1761857443284324703 Kristen Adele Calhoun’s new play Black Cypress Bayou opens at The Geffen Playhouse for the world premiere. Ms. Calhoun is the recipient of the Edgerton Foundation New Play Award and thanks to the Geffen Playhouse, Los Angeles audiences are the first to witness this layered drama about a Texas matriarch, her daughters, and the secrets revealed on a hot summer night. Black Cypress Bayou stars Kimberly Scott as Vernita Manifold, Amber Chardae Robinson as Taysha Hunter, Brandee Evans as Ladybird Manifold, and Angela Lewis as RaeMeka Manifold-Baler. He’s seemingly led an extraordinary double life. Quincy Promes is a successful soccer star, playing as a forward with major European clubs Ajax Sevilla and now Spartak Moscow, as well as representing the Netherlands at the international level.Promes played 50 times for the Netherlands and, according to the respected website Transfermarkt, at one point in his career had a transfer value of $26 million. Away from the pitch, Promes has recently been convicted of drug trafficking by an Amsterdam court. His conviction comes against the backdrop of the Netherlands’ wider war on drugs. Earlier this month, Dutch prosecutors successfully argued that Promes was central to a drug trafficking operation involved in smuggling some 1,360 kilograms of cocaine from Brazil to the Netherlands through the port of Antwerp in Belgium in 2020, in two separate incidents. “It is particularly bad that the suspect [Promes] normalizes and almost romanticizes the large-scale cocaine trade,” said Dutch prosecutors. “The suspect profiles himself that way to the outside world, while he is an example for young people who look up to him,” the prosecutors added. https://youtu.be/SKUzajsBMow It's the premiere of "ORDINARY ANGELS" this weekend, hitting theaters everywhere starting TODAY! This remarkable true story is set to captivate audiences with its powerful message of finding purpose and making a difference in the face of adversity. Starring a stellar cast including Hilary Swank, Alan Ritchson, Tamala Jones, and Nancy Travis, "Ordinary Angels" follows the journey of Sharon, a resilient hairdresser, who embarks on a mission to save the life of a critically ill young girl and her family. Directed by Jon Gunn and brought to you by the creators of "WONDER" and "JESUS REVOLUTION," this film promises to inspire and uplift. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BRBqyYzl9U "Shining Bright" in The Gospel Spotlight is Doe. Check out the new music video for “Breathe” by DOE available now. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13z9A5kuKkI Zak Williams and 1/Akord a Philadelphia-based choir. https://gospelairplaynow.disco.ac/playlist-new/16116465?date=20240220&user_id=668306&signature=D1vx6DP17Ah_MmWQu-qJhXHUV6A%3ACof2amwH Moviegoers may have James Gunn’s vision of Superman in sight for next year, but a Black doppelganger for the traditionally white superhero could arrive in the not-too-distant future. Hiptoro reports that famed author Ta-Nehisi Coates is set to helm a movie featuring a Black Superman. As it stands now, nothing is definite, other than the announcement of the feature back in 2021, with J.J. Abrams on board as a producer. Media sources report no release date has been set for the movie, which will include a Black actor as the Last Son of Krypton. Speculation on the film centers on it being “a 20th century period piece” that will introduce of a new and different version of the iconic hero. This version plans on “crafting a Kal-El in the vein of the original Superman comics and will have the protagonist hail from Krypton and come to Earth,” according to reports. In 2023, Gunn stated that while a white Superman will headline his film, “Superman: Legacy,” there is still room for a world featuring the first Black Man of Steel. “Those two things are totally unrelated,” Gunn told io9. “That’s an exciting movie. I know that Chantal Nong, who is the executive on that project, is extremely excited about it. So if it comes in and it’s great, which I haven’t read the script, and if the timing is right, that could absolutely happen. That’s totally unrelated. It would be an Elseworlds tale like Joker.” https://youtu.be/bf5B9VOSgm0 Three Little Birds narrates the adventures of gregarious sisters Leah and Chantrelle, who hail from the St Anne’s district of Jamaica, and their virtuous, bible-loving acquaintance Hosanna, as they board a ship heading for a new life in Great Britain. Written by Sir Lenny Henry, this life-affirming six-part drama is inspired by Henry’s mother’s stories of leaving Jamaica in the 1950’s for Great Britain, which became her lifelong home and where she raised her family. Global Grind’s Sr. Content Director Janeé Bolden spoke with Saffron Coomber who stars as Chantrelle and Yazmin Belo, who plays Hosanna ahead of the series’ US premiere. Coomber spoke to us about her portrayal of Chantrelle, who has big Hollywood dreams of becoming an entertainer like Dorothy Dandridge. “She’s just such a delight,” Coomber told Globala Grind. “I think the heartbreaking thing is that I’m able to live the dream that she wanted. Because I am born now, I’m afforded privileges that she wasn’t. There’s no reason why Chantrelle couldn’t have done what she wanted to do, apart from the world she was born into and the time, but what was so joyous about her, particularly in the beginning when you meet her, is her unbridled positivity, self-assurance that this was gonna happen. ‘Do you know who I am? I am Chantrelle.’ She doesn’t have my insecurities, self-doubt. That kind of invigoration, inspiration and absolute decadent kind of consummation that she has towards like Shakespeare and the movies and Mae West and all of these starlets. It was that almost childlike joy. It was such a wonderful playing experience.” While the “Star Spangled Banner,” America’s national anthem, has been the official song of the U.S. for more than two centuries, many African Americans throughout the years have sung a much different tune. Lift Every Every Voice And Sing,” a poem written by literary pioneer James Weldon Johnson, is often dubbed “The Black National Anthem.” The poem was originally performed in honor of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday on Feb. 12, 1900, and was later set to music in 1905 by Johnson’s brother John Rosamond. Monday marks the 124th birthday of “Lift Every Every Voice And Sing.” For many African Americans, singing the song was their way of showing patriotism and hope for the future, considering the plight of racism they greatly faced. Deep symbolism was found in its lyrics, allowing African Americans to subtly speak against racial bigotry. It is heavily performed at predominately African American venues, especially in Black churches across the nation. In 1990, singer Melba Moore released a modern rendition of the song, which she recorded along with others including recording artists Anita Baker, Stephanie Mills, Dionne Warwick, Bobby Brown, Stevie Wonder, Jeffrey Osborne, Howard Hewett BeBe & CeCe and The Clark Sisters. Today the song is an integral piece of Black patriotism. https://youtu.be/sQ0B7cF3DQk Writer Anoa Changa suggested such a move could ultimately betray the true and original intentions of the song. “Clyburn’s suggestion isn’t about what is better for Black people; it’s about what will make whiteness comfortable,” Changa wrote in response to Clyburn’s proposal in 2021. “Leaders should be using this moment to unequivocally stand firm against the rise of fascism and white nationalist violence coupled with agenda-setting to help uplift communities across the country.” John Legend is performing his rendition of “Lift Every Voice And Sing” during the virtual commencement exercises hosted by Morehouse School of Medicine in May 2020. https://youtu.be/9k0xz6mKCJM Bridge building, political positioning and transparency were the backbone of the Pride in Politics Fireside chat that opened Pride In The Pews’ two-day “State of The Black Church Symposium” at Spelman College in Atlanta last weekend. Bearing a wealth of concerns about the political and religious protections of the LGTBQ+ community, attendees heard honest and tactical takes from panelists, Florida State Sen. Shevrin Jones and Florida State Rep. Michele Raynor. During the conversation moderated by journalist Gerren Keith Gaynor, the two elected officials shared the layers of their advocacy efforts, battles on the political frontlines, powerful testimonials about the connections between their sexuality and political plights and their hopes for future leaders. Jones emphasized the need for proactive and not reactive measures from those in and out of political office and stressed the responsibility we all bear in moving the needle toward more political representation and protections for the Black LGTBQ+ community. With a record of more than 510 anti-LGTBQ+ bills being introduced in 2023, Don Abram — founder and executive director of Pride In The Pews, a nonprofit group empowering the Black LGBTQ+ community — echoed Jones’ sentiments and stressed a sense of urgency in response to recent statistics. “LGBTQ+ folk are under attack, and I believe people of faith and conviction should have something to say about that…we are seeing that black, queer, LGBTQ+ Christians have always had something to say in the public square, and this conversation is indicative of that,” Abram said. Just like every year, there were a number of memorable things that happened Sunday during Super Bowl LVIII. (That would be the football game that was going on before and after the Usher concert, in case some of you were wondering.) One of those moments came on the sidelines when Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce was seen shoving, shouting at and essentially squaring up on his head coach Andy Reid, presumably because Kelce was wide open when the play that was called sent the ball to running back Isiah Pacheco, who fumbled it. https://twitter.com/i/status/1756838695821312351 Now, to be fair, Kelce’s behavior did spark a moderate amount of outrage, even from those who typically reserve their ire for the Black National Anthem, or anyone kneeling during their old, stale counter anthem with the racist lyrics that have to be omitted before the song can be sung in public. But what little outrage did exist after the display waned quickly when Reid gave his star athlete a pass by laughing it off and calling his assailant “passionate,” as opposed to violent, thuggish or any of the other things Black athletes get called after showing anything that even resembles poor sportsmanship. https://twitter.com/i/status/1757055470026756482 There were a lot of Black people who saw the same altercation white football fans saw. But because we know Kelce got a softer reaction because the only thing Black about him is his haircut, Black people have been having an entirely different conversation about Taylor Swift’s boyfriend’s behavior. https://twitter.com/i/status/1757036297888178463 Danai Gurira unpack the return of her beloved character Michonne in the new “Walking Dead” series titled “The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live,” starring Andrew Lincoln. The new series finds Lincoln and Gurira return as the beloved TWD characters “Rick Grimes” and “Michonne” in the highly anticipated next series in the Walking Dead Universe, premiering Sunday, February 25 at 9:00 pm ET on AMC and AMC+. Per the official synopsis, “The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live presents an epic love story of two characters changed by a changed world. Kept apart by distance. By an unstoppable power. By the ghosts of who they were. Rick and Michonne are thrown into another world, built on a war against the dead… And ultimately, a war against the living. Can they find each other and who they were in a place and situation unlike any they’ve ever known before? Are they enemies? Lovers? Victims? Victors? Without each other, are they even alive — or will they find that they, too, are the Walking Dead?” The series also stars Pollyanna McIntosh, Lesley-Ann Brandt, Terry O’Quinn, Matthew August Jeffers, Craig Tate and Andrew Bachelor. https://youtu.be/xT1LXJRCrbQ John Boyega is taking a path already traveled by Denzel Washington, by signing on for a prequel to the hit 2010 film “The Book of Eli.” According to Ice CreamConvos, the prequel will come to the small screen. Boyega will play a younger version of the title character Eli, a lone wanderer in a desolate, dystopian future. Washington portrayed an older version of Eli in the film. Released on January 15, 2010, “The Book of Eli” centered on Eli and his journey with a sacred book that he believes holds the key to saving humanity. Traveling through the barren landscape to the U.S. West Coast, Eli encounters multiple challenges that range from ruthless gangs to a power-hungry warlord named Carnegie, played by Gary Oldman. As the mysterious nature of Eli’s mission and the significance of the book gradually become known, a climactic and thought-provoking conclusion results. https://youtu.be/kAMUv22y1og Lawyers representing the Fulton County district attorney’s office are forcefully pushing back on allegations from former President Donald Trump and his co-defendants that cellphone data suggests the relationship between Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and her top prosecutor in the Georgia election subversion case started before the time they both testified to last week, according to a court filing Friday evening. The DA’s office, responding to an earlier motion filed by Trump’s lead attorney in the Georgia case, said the cited phone records “do not prove anything relevant” and should not be considered as evidence in proceedings to decide whether Willis should be disqualified. “The records do nothing more than demonstrate that Special Prosecutor Wade’s telephone was located somewhere within a densely populated multiple-mile radius where various residences, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and other businesses are located,” the prosecutors wrote in the Friday night filing. “The records do not prove, in any way, the content of the communications between Special Prosecutor Wade and District Attorney Willis; they do not prove that Special Prosecutor Wade was ever at any particular location or address; they do not prove that Special Prosecutor Wade and District Attorney Willis were ever in the same place during any of the times listed.” https://youtu.be/IaKw3xz4qHk Dolton, Ill. Mayor Tiffany Henyard is at the center of trouble regarding a lack of transparency over her spending of the village’s funds. According to NBC Chicago, concerns stem from unpaid bills. Officials tell the outlet that late loan payments could result in six cars being repossessed, along with six more vehicles from the Public Works department. Commenting on the situation Village Trustee Brittny Norwood said the mayor has been evasive in terms of opening the village’s books. The last time they were able to see the information, the picture wasn’t pretty, she added. “A few months ago, we were $7 million in debt,” Norwood revealed. Henyard’s response to the situation has amounted to months of dismissing questions on how she has spent taxpayer dollars. In addition, a separate lawsuit finds her at war with Dolton’s former police chief, who alleges he was improperly terminated. https://youtu.be/ZC90XK2UgT8 Tune in to OWN: the Oprah Winfrey Network for an exclusive one-hour special airing on Saturday, March 2 at 9pm ET/PT. This special episode of OWN Spotlight features Oprah Winfrey engaging in a compelling conversation with Angela Bassett, the esteemed recipient of the 2024 Honorary Academy Award. Together, they delve into a retrospective exploration of Bassett’s remarkable career spanning over four decades. Filmed at The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Oprah and Angela delve into the significance of Bassett’s recent honorary Academy Award. They reflect on her journey from recognizing acting as her calling to her impactful roles across television and cinema. Oprah revisits the memorable moments from Bassett’s heartfelt acceptnce speech, underscoring the profound influence of her legacy on future generations. They explore the iconic female characters Bassett has portrayed and the profound lessons they’ve imparted. Beyond her achievements on screen, Bassett opens up about her roles as a dedicated mother and spouse, sharing poignant anecdotes from her parenting journey alongside her husband, actor Courtney B. Vance. Together, they discuss Bassett’s aspirations for her children and the enduring legacy she hopes to leave behind. https://youtu.be/RmNUM3El35M Before and even after his death, James Brown was nothing short of the blueprint for many an entertainer. As a new single from the iconic vocalist proves, he’s still making an impact, 18 years after his passing. The song, titled “We Got to Change,” is a funky anthem recorded on August 16, 1970, at Criteria Studios in Miami. Fast forward 54 years and the track finds new life by being released on Feb. 16, 2024, by Republic/Universal Music Enterprises. According to AL.com, “We Got to Change” features “a strong social message, calling for people to come together, trust and love one another.” “Although indicative of Brown’s work, it languished in the vaults until now.” the site noted. In addition to Brown’s vocals, a press release promoting the “We Got to Change” noted assistance from legendary bassist Bootsy Collins, his brother, guitarist Phelps “Catfish” Collins, drummer Clyde Stubblefield, and singer Bobby Byrd. https://youtu.be/fqpVk8GAG0o “James Brown always leaned into the social tip,” Bootsy Collins said via the press release. “He always was trying to keep the youngsters informed and the people informed on what’s going on. The new breed was coming in and certain things were going out. He loved to inform people on what was coming and what was going to be because he felt like he was part of it, and he was.” The release of “We Got to Change” comes amid the airing of “James Brown: Say it Loud,” a new four-hour docuseries highlighting the music influencer’s life and career. A life that ranged from being a seventh-grade dropout to being arrested and jailed at 16 for breaking into a car in the Jim Crow-era South to becoming one of the greatest entertainers ever, with undeniable talent and perspective to back it up. The two-part special, which premiered in two hour-long episodes on Feb. 19 and continued with additional episodes on Feb. 20 on A&E, includes “footage of interviews and performances by Brown, as well as interviews with Collins, Mick Jagger, Questlove, LL Cool J, the Rev. Al Sharpton and more,” reported AL.com. https://youtu.be/iqaTuMpS09s Wendy Willaims may be out of the daytime TV spotlight, but the former talk show host remains in the minds of those concerned about her health and happenings. During an appearance on “The View,” Williams’ niece, Alex Finnie spoke of her famous aunt and the reason why Williams wanted to personally make sure her story was told right in Lifetime’s upcoming documentary “Where is Wendy Williams?” “It’s complicated and it’s so layered…it was hard at first as a family member to grasp, ‘Oh, Wendy why do want to do this?’ You know, you have clearly some health issues that need to be addressed a long road ahead of you,” Finnie said on the episode, which aired Feb. 22. “And she was adamant that she wanted to control the narrative of her story. One thing we know about my aunt, she has never shied away from saying it like she means it, as we know.” Once the notion of taking charge of the documentary was cemented, there was no convincing Williams to let anyone else at the project. “And despite conversations I’d had with her this is what she wanted to do,” Finnie continued. And we saw it all play out publicly in the blogs and everywhere and her ultimate decision was that, ‘Everybody’s telling my story, no matter how painful it is, I want to tell it.’ And so, it went from there.” https://youtu.be/HYALJQWmJBo Wendy Williams has opened up about her dementia diagnosis, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of love and support she’s received. However, amidst her acknowledgment of the support, she notably skirts around the medical/mental issue that many are eager to hear about. In a statement released on Friday (02-23-24), the former talk show host, who has been largely absent from the public eye due to personal challenges, addressed her recent diagnosis of aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), as relayed by her team. She expressed profound appreciation for the overwhelming response she has received since sharing her health struggles with the public. “I want to say I have immense gratitude for the love and kind words I have received after sharing my diagnosis of Aphasia and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). Let me say, wow! Your response has been overwhelming,” Williams shared. https://youtu.be/dbK85RRqZb8 Wendy Williams’ medical care team has announced that she was diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). “Wendy is still able to do many things for herself,” the team said, People reports. “Most importantly she maintains her trademark sense of humor and is receiving the care she requires to make sure she is protected and that her needs are addressed. She is appreciative of the many kind thoughts and good wishes being sent her way.” According to a press release, Williams, 59, was officially diagnosed last year. She has been contending with various other health challenges, including Graves’ disease, lymphedema, and alcohol abuse. The Mayo Clinic reports that aphasia “typically occurs suddenly after a stroke or a head injury. But it can also come on gradually from a slow-growing brain tumor or a disease that causes progressive, permanent damage (degenerative).” Per the release, “Aphasia, a condition affecting language and communication abilities, and frontotemporal dementia, a progressive disorder impacting behavior and cognitive functions, have already presented significant hurdles in Wendy’s life.” https://youtu.be/OjJDhf5ll70 Family members of Wendy Williams are speaking out about her health ahead of Lifetime’s new documentary, “Where Is Wendy Williams?” Wendy’s sister, Wanda Finnie, and niece, Alex Finnie, tell People that Williams is “in a wellness, healing type of environment.” to address cognitive issues. Wendy’s medical care team announced today that she was diagnosed last year with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). “I spoke with her yesterday and I speak with her very regularly when she reaches out to me. She is, from what I understand, in a wellness, healing type of environment,” Wanda said, per People. “We cannot reach out to her, but she can reach out to us. And she is in a healing place emotionally. She’s not the person that you see in this film.” Wanda and Alex also shared their thoughts on the upcoming raw and compelling Lifetime documentary filmed between 2022 and 2023. “Where is Wendy Williams?” chronicles Williams’ journey after her hit talk show was unexpectedly canceled. https://youtu.be/OjJDhf5ll70 50 Cent hit up social media on Wednesday to troll Floyd Mayweather for his comments about Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ sexual assault allegations. Mayweather appeared on The Pivot Podcast and explained why he refuses to criticize Diddy following rape accusations. “I’m not gonna speak bad about P. Diddy,” the retired boxer said, Hip Hop DX reports. “‘Cause he still a Black man. Mistakes happen. And I can’t say if it is or not a mistake, but things happen in life. And P. Diddy’s business is P. Diddy’s business. It’s not my job or anybody else’s job to go on the internet and stomp him and kick a man while he’s down. “My take on it is: it’s not my business. I don’t think it’s right at all and I don’t condone it. Even if that happened to my daughter, I would be hurt but that’s a choice that my daughter made,” Mayweather added. 50 Cent shared a video of Mayweather’s comments on Instagram and captioned the clip, “[palm on face emoji] they didn’t even ask him about this, Champ, is you stupid or is you dumb? Get me the fuck out ya head, you sound like a hater. DIDDY DO IT ? COMING soon.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C3nJCAsuz5z/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again WE TV’s newest reality series from producer Carlos King, “Bold & Bougie,” premiered February 15. The unscripted series features Atlanta-based women, including Malaysia Pargo, Tameka Foster, Gocha Hawkins, Princess Banton-Lofters, and Crystal Smith. Per the official synopsis, “The women of Bold & Bougie have spent their entire lives being cheerleaders for others. Now, it’s their turn to be the center of attention as they support each other and form an unbreakable sisterhood. In each hour-long episode, witness the growing pains that come from love, loss – and hangovers, because they still know how to have a good time.” The series description continues, “As they celebrate milestones, the women showcase their vibrant personalities and zest for life. However, this sisterhood isn’t without its challenges. From career aspirations to personal relationships, each faces unique challenges and triumphs. Some must confront and mend strained relationships, while others lean on each other during both the highs and lows of their journeys. Above all, these women have one common mission: To survive in this dog-eat-dog world, they’ll need to change their narrative and how they have previously been perceived by those around them.” https://youtu.be/jlS7DyGG_H8 Ex-NBA star and current NBA TV analyst Charles Barkley dropped a mini bombshell Wednesday night when he informed Nikki Haley that he was just itching to cast his vote her way – until she made the bold declaration that America is as racially innocent as a newborn lamb. “I was dying to vote for you,” bemoaned Barkley. “And that hurt me.” The drama unfolded as the former South Carolina Governor and self-styled 2024 Republican presidential contender found herself in the hot seat, facing a merciless grilling from none other than Gayle King and Barkley on their “King Charles” show on CNN. Their target? Haley’s audacious assertion that the good ol’ U.S. of A. isn’t a breeding ground for racism. “America has never been a racist country,” is the exact quote that came out of Haley’s mouth last month, King reminded her. https://youtu.be/QbpxLZGLMGs It’s been restored, but AT&T’s network went down for many of its customers across the United States Thursday morning, leaving customers unable to place calls, text or access the internet. By a little after 3 pm ET, roughly 11 hours after reports of the outage first emerged, the company said that it had restored service to all impacted customers. “We have restored wireless service to all our affected customers. We sincerely apologize to them,” AT&T said in a statement. The company added that it is “taking steps to ensure our customers do not experience this again in the future.” The Federal Communications Commission confirmed Thursday afternoon that it is investigating the outage. The White House says federal agencies are in touch with AT&T about network outages but that it doesn’t have all the answers yet on what exactly led to the interruptions. https://youtu.be/jAF2Wm41Foo Although Verizon and T-Mobile customers reported some network outages, too, they appeared far less widespread. T-Mobile and Verizon said their networks were unaffected by AT&T’s service outage and customers reporting outages may have been unable to reach customers who use AT&T. Thursday morning, more than 74,000 AT&T customers reported outages on the digital-service tracking site DownDetector, with service disruptions beginning around 4 am ET. That’s not a comprehensive number: It tracks only self-reported outages. Reports had been rising steadily throughout the morning but leveled off in the 9 am ET hour. By 12:30 pm ET, the DownDetector data showed some 25,000 AT&T customers still reporting outages. By 2 pm ET, fewer than 5,000 customers were still reporting issues. Earlier Thursday, AT&T acknowledged that it had a widespread outage but did not provide a reason for the system failure. https://youtu.be/EUedytqvYSE On Feb. 21, the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) held a press conference at the State Capitol organized to introduce a package of reparations legislation the lawmakers call “a starting point” to atone for the state’s legacy of discrimination. All 12 members of the CLBC were present to explain their efforts to rectify the damages caused by the systemic discrimination against Black Californians detailed in the 1,100-page report by the first-in-the-nation California reparations task force. The nine-member panel submitted the recommendations on June 28, 2023. CLBC chairperson Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City) said it may take three to seven years to pass legislation aimed at implementing the task force recommendations. The package the CLBC members presented consists of 14 legislative proposals, each designed to address different aspects of systemic racism and inequality. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=921269556336409 A new $2.5 million endowed scholarship has been established at Morehouse College by philanthropists Yolanda and Dale E. Jones '82, Chief Executive Officer of Magna Vista Partners, to help juniors and seniors who are struggling to pay for college in their final years. The scholarship will provide the upperclassmen with access to the resources they need to graduate. The gift to Morehouse was inspired in part by the financial challenges that Jones and his twin brother faced as first-generation college students 42 years ago. Months after the end of their popular Showtime series, The Kid Mero is revealing the reason for his split with his former partner Desus Nice. According to the media fixture, the parting came amid Mero (born Joel Martinez) realizing that he and Desus (born Daniel Baker) were in “two different places” in life, HotNewHipHop noted. For Mero, it was a matter of putting his family and ways to support them first. “I’ma keep it a buck. At first, I was upset. It’s the business. There are no friends in the business. I got four kids and two mortgages, you know what I’m saying? You know where I live, Joe, the taxes are cr*zy. I got real-life situations going on,” the patriarch explained recently on the “7PM In Brooklyn” podcast with co-hosts Carmelo Anthony and Joe Budden. https://www.instagram.com/p/C3Yisy1RwTC/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again “I work with kids helping them find their path,” said philanthropist/filmmaker/author Nicole Butler about the reason for publishing her new book “Imagine Becoming a…” (A&B Productions). “The book is based on what I do with the kids at my nonprofit. After training…I find a platform to showcase their talents. They grow up and further that education.” A&B Productions is the nonprofit that she mentors children through, as she mentors her children. “Somebody has to create hope,” she said about what motivates her. “The book vision, God gave it to me in 2020 when we were locked in (Covid). People had given up…I was thinking we can’t give up…Jesus said stay busy until I return.” Nicole Butler has stayed busy. The grandmother of 17, Butler’s youngest child Ben Foster was a prodigy with a filmmaking talent. She guided him into producing and directing short films that were screened all over the country, and that is when I met them. Centricity Music’s reigning Gospel Music Association New Artist of the Year, Katy Nichole, released her fourth radio single, “My God Can (feat. Naomi Raine),” which is already Top 15 and climbing on the Mediabase Christian Airplay chart along with multiple other charts internationally. Available at digital and streaming outlets globally via https://fanlink.to/MyGodCan, the song is also featured on the Jesus Changed My Life Deluxe edition of Nichole’s Dove Award-nominated debut album that is set to release March 15 and will be available to preorder March 1. Meeting for the first time at the 2023 GMA Dove Awards, where they both received trophies, Nichole and Raine, who is part of the five-time GRAMMY Award winning Maverick City Music collective, connected to record “My God Can” and will record a concept music video together for the song next month. Remarkably, the song’s YouTube lyric video that released last month has received over 1,500,000 views. “This song is so special because I got to write it with some of my closest friends,” says Nichole, referencing co-writers Josh Havens (The Afters), Jordan Mohilowski and Grammy®-nominated Ethan Hulse. “And I got to collaborate with the beautiful and talented Naomi Raine, which was such an honor. “I’m standing in the confidence that even though I can’t, my God can!” continues Nichole. “And I hope this song is an anthem that gives you the confidence to trust fully in God.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQATwkAklYw The Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) continued with a special occasion on Thursday, February 15, at the Directors Guild of America in Los Angeles. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of The Ja’Net DuBois Lifetime Achievement Award to actor and director Bill Duke, alongside the red carpet world premiere of the Ethiopian war film “For the Love of the Motherland.” Four-time NBA Champion John Salley expressed deep admiration for Bill Duke’s remarkable career and his commitment to showcasing diverse narratives as both an actor and filmmaker. The event attracted many Hollywood notables, including Haitian actor Jimmy Jean-Louis, and casting director Robi Reed. In response to what he enjoyed most about PAFF, Jimmy Jean-Louis shared, “Pan African Film Festival is one of those film festivals where, as a black person, you really have choices. It’s a good way to educate yourself, it’s a good way to see people who look like you, [and] stories that speak to you.” Here is an exclusive clip from National Geographic’s “GENIUS: MLK/X” starring Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Aaron Pierre as Malcolm X. This latest installment of the award-winning ‘GENIUS’ franchise focuses on Dr. King and Malcolm X and how their dueling philosophies helped usher America through the Civil Rights Movement, per the press release. The eight-part series premiered Feb. 1 on National Geographic and streams on Disney+ and Hulu. The highlighted clip above underscores that despite the president’s signing of the Civil Rights Act, the process of registering to vote doesn’t unfold as smoothly as anticipated. We reported earlier that Ambassador Shabazz (producer, writer, diplomat, and eldest daughter of Dr. Betty Shabazz and Malcolm X Shabazz) served as consulting producer for the series. https://youtu.be/lSAI6alby18 Tiffany Haddish is facing backlash for taking an “educational trip” to Israel amid the Hamas conflict, which has left over 30,000 Palestinians dead. Haddish had a Bat Mitzvah at 40 when she learned she was Jewish. She went live on Instagram during a 16-hour flight to Israel and told fans she was traveling to “learn and see with my own eyes.” “I’m gonna go meet my future man out there. I’m out. I’m going to the Holy Land. I suggest you all do it,” Haddish added. “On my way to Tel Aviv, then to Jerusalem. Then I’m going to the Dead Sea and goin’ get me some. Gonna have some fun, yeah. It’s gonna be great. Then I’m gonna learn about the politics, ay,” the comedian shared. When a fan asked about visiting Gaza, Haddish replied, “Who said I wasn’t going to Gaza? I said I’m going to go see with my own eyes. Gotta go to Israel first.” https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-02-21-022124-tiffany-haddish-intv-1780988-073/ For the first time in history, one of the most extensive plantations associated with a slave revolt in Louisiana is now Black-owned. More than two centuries ago, numerous enslaved individuals fled a plantation in LaPlace, embarking on a march along the Mississippi River toward New Orleans. Today, the site of this uprising is owned by The Descendants Project nonprofit, WWL Louisiana reports. Officials from The Descendants Project recently revealed that they acquired the 1811 Kid Ory Historic House. “This is an extremely important historic site to this legacy of resistance,” said Joy Banner, co-founder of The Descendants Project, during a livestream of the announcement on Feb. 15. https://youtu.be/v2to3S0iabE The Descendants Project was established to safeguard the Black descendant community in Louisiana’s River Parishes, WWL Louisiana reports. “Throughout St. John the Baptist Parish, important sites like this one were in danger of being erased,” Joy Banner said. “We believe that preservation of these sites is more important than ever because of the attacks on Black history in our education system in particular. Sites like these will have to be the ones telling these stories.” Joy and her twin sister and fellow founder, Dr. Joy Banner, hope to use the space as a “cultural institution of education” and also for doing “archaeological and genealogical projects on plantation grounds, where they said they believe historical artifacts and information could still be found.” On the future uses of the plantation, the Banners will seek input from the Black community. https://youtu.be/Qdfrb6Yx99o Black entrepreneur Silas White owned the land where the Viceroy Hotel in Santa Monica now stands. He died in 1962, four years after the city acquired the property through eminent domain. White’s descendants now call on the city to return the land to the family. NBC Los Angeles reports that White purchased the site in 1957 “and the former Elks Lodge building that sat on it, just two blocks from the beach, with hopes of turning the space into the Ebony Beach Club, a place where the local Black community could come together and socialize,” the outlet writes. A year later, the city exercised eminent domain to acquire the property and demolished the building. “We were all silent about it, and Milana even lived with my mom for a while and she mentioned that my mother never said anything about it,” said Connie White, Silas’ daughter, per NBC Los Angeles. https://youtu.be/HG9d1p3d8hU Former NBA player Matt Barnes is out as an analyst for the Sacramento Kings television after he had an incident with a student announcer. The move comes weeks after Barnes confronted a student play-by-play announcer at a high school basketball game in Los Angeles, Awful Announcing reports. The incident occurred while Barnes attended his son’s game with Crespi Carmelite in a match-up against Harvard-Westlake. Barnes was upset when his son was hit with a technical foul and yelled at the referees. A viral video shows him walking to the scorer’s table and putting his hand on the shoulder of a student announcer, Jake Lancer. Lancer said he was announcing a delay due to Barnes cursing out the refs, and that’s when Matt threatened to “slap the s*** out of” him. On X/Twitter, user @jpoliva626 wrote, “What you all are failing to report is Barnes going up to our broadcaster, a high school senior, grabbing his shoulder while questioning what he’s saying on the livestream after he calls the ref a B**** multiple times because his son got a tech.” https://youtu.be/RvGTg6EExfc Angel Reese’s request to trademark her “Bayou Barbie” nickname was denied by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, citing a conflict with the Mattel-owned Barbie doll brand. An attorney for the LSU star, Darren Heitner, said they would not appeal the decision.“We discussed internally and determined that it was in Angel’s best interest to not unnecessarily instigate Mattel,” Heitner told On3’s Pete Nakos. “While initially it seemed worthy to obtain the registration, Angel has pivoted away from selling Bayou Barbie merchandise. As such, the appropriate business decision was made to simply let the application abandon.” We reported earlier that Reese became one of the highest-paid women’s college basketball players after LSU’s NCAA champion win. According to the New York Post, her NIL (name, image and likeness) valuation reached $1.6 million last summer. The All-American forward is securing six-figure NIL deals with brands across beauty, fashion, sports, fitness, and lifestyle — such as Calvin Klein, Bose, Coach, Raising Cane’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Leaf Trading Cards, Bleacher Report, Outback Steakhouse, Playstation and the artificial intelligence company Caktus AI. An adult high school that opened up in Baltimore late last year is exceeding expectations. It’s a huge opportunity for the estimated 80,000 Baltimore residents who don’t have their high school diplomas. In just three months after opening its doors, the Goodwill Baltimore Excel Center has already reached maximum capacity and has extended the day classes to go until 6. They break down barriers that prevent some of these students from finishing school. Pick up your pencils and get ready to learn, term three has started for adult high school at the Baltimore Excel Center. https://youtu.be/95FHcDGXBq4 Funded through Goodwill and the state of Maryland, the program allows adults ages 21 and up to take the necessary classes left to earn their high school diploma. “Students with a variety of backgrounds and credit loads so we’ll get their transcripts from them and whatever credits they earned in high school they get to keep,” said Sherry Defrancisci who is the Director of Adult High School at Excel Center. Then it’s just about making up the remainder of credits to graduate. But if you’ve never started high school you start from the beginning. “You’re on an 8th-grade reading level and you come to us it will take you two years to complete four years of high school work,” said Defrancisci. Opening the door to opportunity the program has a 70 percent passage rate. https://youtu.be/1VoI5Np8a_Y On Tuesday’s “Today” episode, Hoda Kotb addressed reports that Kelly Rowland allegedly walked out of a scheduled interview because the dressing room was not up to her standards. Kotb confirmed the superstar singer bailed on her but clarified that no love is lost between her and Rowland. Rita Ora was tapped to fill in for Kelly at the last minute. “I just want to say this: I have great love and admiration for Kelly Rowland,” Kotba said on the show, TooFab reports. “I adore her and I want her to come back on our show and I want her to host again.”Co-host Jenna Bush Hager said Rowland “is welcome any time!”“Of course she is!” Kotb added. “She can share my dressing room. We’ll be in it together!” https://twitter.com/i/status/1759963530550190520 Kelly Rowland’s dressing room controversy pulled into Sherri Shepherd’s daytime talk show on Monday, where she received proper A-list treatment from the host. Shepherd posted a clip from the segment on her Instagram page, and one person commented, “I guess her dressing room was acceptable,” and Shepherd replied, “oh we gave her a gorgeous room!” The talk show shared a video of Rowland’s dressing room on Instagram. “A TIME WAS HAD with the legendary Kelly Rowland at the Sherri Show,” read the caption. Rowland reportedly walked out of a scheduled “Today” interview with Hoda Kotb last Thursday because the dressing room was not up to her standards. As a result, Rita Ora joined Kotb for the segment. On Tuesday’s “Today” episode, Kotb confirmed that the R&B superstar bailed on her but clarified that no love is lost between her and Rowland. https://www.instagram.com/p/C3iYruIL19n/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Brittney Griner’s alma mater, Baylor University, retired her No. 42 jersey on Sunday at Ferrell Center in Waco, Texas. The move comes 14 months after Griner was released from a Russian prison after being convicted of drug smuggling. “Just full of emotion,” Griner told ESPN during the Bears’ game against Texas Tech. “As soon as (the jersey) started to go up, that’s when I started to break.” Griner is the seventh women’s basketball player from Baylor to have her jersey number retired. “I’m honored to return home to Baylor and celebrate where so much of my journey started,” Griner said last month when her jersey retirement ceremony was announced. “I’m grateful to Coach Nicki (Collen) and the entire Baylor community and am looking forward to the opportunity to be back on campus, spend time with the team and have my family beside me to share in this incredible moment. Sic ’Em Bears.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1759344601045819827 Stephen A. Smith called out Newsweek writer Kira Davis for a recent column in which she implied that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis was hired because of DEI practices (diversity, equity, and inclusion). Smith clapped back at Davis’ column in a video posted Sunday on X/Twitter.“ This woman should be ashamed of herself,” Smith said of Davis, “because no matter what Fani Willis may have done wrong, it has absolutely nothing to do with diversity, equity, and inclusion.” Smith added, “It has absolutely nothing to do with DEI. The office that she has, no one is disputing that she’s qualified for it. You may not like her and her personal choices — having a relationship with a contemporary. I get that part; but to sit up there and to say it’s a DEI issue just because she’s in her position is utterly ridiculous.” In the column, Davis (a Black conservative woman) called Willis “sour,” “angry,” and “stupid,” and Smith said the writer needs to pump the brakes on the stereotypical characterizations. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/jFZCZ99Fo7U?feature=share Two men (Lyndell Mays, of Raytown, and Dominic M. Miller) were charged with murder and other felony charges for their roles in the mass shooting after a Kansas City Chiefs championship rally last week, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said Tuesday. Mays, of Raytown, and Miller, of Kansas City, were both charged with second-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon, and two counts of armed criminal action, the prosecutor’s office said. They are being held on $1 million bond. According to the investigation, Mays was in a verbal argument with another person that escalated, and Mays then drew a handgun. Almost immediately, Miller and others pulled their firearms, leading to the shootout, Baker said. The two did not know each other before that day, Baker added. Both defendants have been hospitalized and in custody since the shooting, she said. https://youtu.be/RLBU6r4dY9w?list=RDNSRLBU6r4dY9w Though they were both charged with murder, Miller’s firearm was the one that fatally wounded Lisa Lopez-Galvan, a 43-year-old mother of two and local DJ and radio host. These defendants are separate from the two teenagers who face gun-related and resisting arrest charges and are in secure detention at the Juvenile Detention Center, according to Baker. Additional arrests are possible, Baker said. The charges come a week after the deadly shooting that left Lopez-Galvan dead and wounded more than 20 others, including nearly a dozen children. The shooting outside Union Station sparked chaos and put a tragic end to what had been a euphoric day of celebration for the back-to-back Super Bowl champions. Police initially said Wednesday they detained three people after the shooting, but one was later “determined to not be involved.” https://youtu.be/ccae4ZfI_AU 50 Cent hit up social media to wish Dr. Dre a happy birthday and teased that they have “some New Heat coming.” “Happy Birthday to my boy Dre, we got some New Heat coming,” 50 captioned a throwback photo of him and Dre. In the post’s comments, one fan called 50 and Dre “One of the greatest Duos ever.” Another added, “We need a whole album produced by Dre and Em.” Complex reports that 50 Cent commemorated the 20th anniversary of “Get Rich Or Die Tryin'” last year by acknowledging Dre and Eminem’s contributions to the album’s success. “When you have a team like this it’s hard to lose, I’m so blessed to have worked with the best ever,” 50 wrote on Instagram at the time. “You can re-write a book, you can re-write a song but you can’t re-write history. The 3 headed monster EM, DRE and 50cent. Boom.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C3gBAZ9u33p/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=656feb14-1131-4349-aabc-9f94c3bd13b8 A Washington, D.C. resident is taking legal action against Powerball and the D.C. Lottery for failing to honor a $340 million prize last year. John Cheeks claims his numbers matched those on the D.C. Lottery’s website. Lottery officials, however, denied his prize after claiming the numbers on the website were erroneous, NBC News reports. Cheeks purchased the Powerball ticket on Jan. 6, 2023, for the Jan. 7 drawing. When he checked his numbers on Jan. 8, he was stunned to see they matched. “I got a little excited, but I didn’t shout, I didn’t scream,” Cheeks said. “I just politely called a friend. I took a picture as he recommended, and that was it. I went to sleep.” Unfortunately for Cheeks, the numbers displayed on the D.C. Lottery website did not match the ones drawn in the Powerball lottery on January 7th. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GGrQo9-WwAAv9kH?format=jpg&name=small Naimah Muhammad was first introduced to gymnastics at the age of nine when her parents signed her up for a community gym in Rochester, New York.Muhammad said she became passionate about the sport, competing locally and statewide with other gymnasts. But over the years, Muhammad said one thing consistently stood out with every team and competition: she was one of the few Black girls participating. “It was hard,” she said. “I always looked up to the older girls who were doing gymnastics but there weren’t a lot of older girls wo looked like me.” Muhammad said she was inspired to keep competing after watching Gabby Douglas become the first Black gymnast to win the Olympic gold individual all-around title during the 2012 London Olympics. https://youtu.be/J_S6zVThxjY While Biles and Douglas’ triumphs on the Olympic stage have inspired many, athletes and coaches say there is still more work to be done to make gymnastics more inclusive at the collegiate and community level. In 2020, Black women made up roughly 9% of student-athletes in NCAA Division I women’s gymnastics programs, up from 7% in 2012, according to the NCAA demographics database. But Tarver said there are still NCAA teams that are all-White or only have one Black gymnast. “Is it better than it was? Yes,” Tarver said. “Are we moving at a rate that we should be? That’s debatable.” Muhammad said at times she struggled to be the lone person of color in a majority White space and felt insecure as a young gymnast because she had a different hair texture than her White teammates. Her White teammates also had different interests, such as going to the tanning salon together, she said. https://youtu.be/DQjr6nkDeUw Due to the critical nature of the situation, today’s canvas and press conference for Sanai Makayla Singh has been canceled. However, there is relieving news to share: the Ebony alert – issued by the LAPD & CHP yesterday – on behalf of Sanai Singh was successful, and she has been found safe. “Adrienne Hutchinson, the mother of Sanai Singh, and her family members want to express their heartfelt gratitude to the community members, media outlets, and law enforcement agencies whose concerted efforts led to Sanai’s safe return,” stated family spokesperson Najee Ali. While details regarding Sanai’s situation remain undisclosed, the primary relief stems from knowing that she is now out of harm’s way. For those who may have missed the original story, below is a recap of the events leading up to Sanai’s safe return. https://youtu.be/GpcHja72gmc Collaborating with a who’s who of music royalty over three decades, it’s a safe bet that Kid Capri knows a thing or three about making a great alliance.And his latest endeavor is no exception. The Grammy-winning DJ / producer has linked up with underground rap sensation The Hoodies for the group’s latest album, “Hidden Gems.” The 12-track opus highlights Capri’s skills composing beats as well as lyricism from Hoodies members Eben “E-Class” Nettles and Umar “Young Poppa” Abrams. Although “Hidden Gems” marks the first time Capri and The Hoodies have worked together, the project is a long time coming. According to the mixtape legend, E-Class and Young Poppa hit the ground running with natural chemistry and a common willingness to rhyme over any given beat. “When they walked in, they did the first four beats I gave them,” Capri told EURweb. “I did the first record and they did the next four beats I gave them. They just came and had rhymes ready. They didn’t complain about they didn’t like the beat or they want a different track or none of that. They just did it. So that was one thing that made me fall like right in line with them.” https://youtu.be/G4z3r_VPTyM “… remember these are young dudes. They could have been in the street doing crazy shit, coming up in upstate New York,” Capri explained. “Where they come from, it’s very easy to fall into things. But they went a different route. That was one thing I looked at. I looked at how they love each other, you know, how they work, how fast they work, if they had an ego. …that’s more to me than the talent because you could deal with the talent,” he added. “And later on, when the talent gets big, they give you they ass to kiss, you know what I’m saying? So if you don’t have that straight in the beginning, if they don’t have their heart in the right place, then I don’t really wanna work with artists like that, no matter how good you are.” https://youtu.be/9qVE3RV2Jpw With their underground following, lyrical talent, positive attitude, and dedication to the culture, Capri sees a bright future ahead for The Hoodies. “I see them being different. I see them being really big and on top of that, right now they’re going through the grind, man. This is their first album; you know what I’m saying? They’re going through the grind and people love the album.” https://youtu.be/_7m9unIruTQ Although the reaction has been positive, Capri notes The Hoodie’s independent status as promotion of “Hidden Gems” is active without a big record label pushing the project. “So we have to go with how we gotta go,” he said. “We don’t have any big machine behind us. But in the time right now, where everybody’s coming out and everybody is out and there’s so much music out there, you can get lost in it. So that’s why we do it the way we do it. We ain’t looking for any handouts. We work hard and stay on it. And with me being who I am, I’m not gonna co-sign anything that I don’t believe in, you know what I’m saying? So I believe in these dudes and I think they’re gonna go all the way to the top.” Led by the single “I’m Hot” and its accompanying remix, “Hidden Gems” offers different sides of The Hoodies to the listener. Whether it’s drill music (“Top of New York”), dance music (“I’m Hot” remix), or something for the ladies (“Ride With You”), Capri wanted a diverse musical plate fans could taste, in seeing what the group is capable of. “This is their first album. So I didn’t want them to be in a box. I didn’t want them to be considered boom-bap rappers because you know them to do a lot of freestyles, a lot of boom-bap beats, and a lot of different things like that,” he said. https://youtu.be/_7m9unIruTQ Amazon MGM Studios Presents released a new trailer for filmmaker Luca Guadagnino’s “Challengers” starring Zendaya. The romantic sports comedy film follows “three players who knew each other when they were teenagers as they compete in a tennis tournament to be the world-famous grand slam winner and reignite old rivalries on and off the court,” per the official synopsis. Zendaya stars as Tashi Duncan, “a former tennis prodigy turned coach and a force of nature who makes no apologies for her game on and off the court. Married to a champion on a losing streak (Mike Faist – West Side Story), Tashi’s strategy for her husband’s redemption takes a surprising turn when he must face off against the washed-up Patrick (Josh O’Connor – The Crown) – his former best friend and Tashi’s former boyfriend. As their pasts and presents collide, and tensions run high, Tashi must ask herself, what will it cost to win,” the description states. Guadagnino previously praised Zendaya for learning tennis skills for the role in “Challengers.” https://youtu.be/VobTTbg-te0 “I mean, wow. We edited the movie and we almost actually don’t use any of her double. She’s so good,” he continued. “They spent like three months working very hard,” Guadagnino shared. “Everybody – technically, athletically.” https://youtu.be/MDnVk5jIJr0 Unlimited Entertainment and Baron Jay Enterprises present “When A Woman’s Fed Up” stage play, coming to the Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts in Detroit, Michigan March 3rd through 9th 2024. Late playwrights David T. Payton and Annette Campbell delve into the tangled web of love, lies, and deception and prove that hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. Last year, Black staffers at ABC News spoke to Disney CEO Bob Iger about the company’s treatment of network president Kim Godwin. Several employees reportedly expressed frustration over the network’s lack of support for Godwin, the first Black person to run a network news division. According to the Wall Street Journal, Iger aimed to reassure the Black staffers that he and Disney Entertainment co-chair Dana Walden were committed to Kim Godwin’s success. After Disney announced last week that they would be restructuring, she was effectively demoted.Godwin was demoted despite getting her contract renewed, the New York Post reports. In an article titled “Staffers cheer ABC News shakeup as President Kim Godwin’s days could be numbered: sources,” Alexandra Steigrad writes: “The Disney-owned network elevated veteran exec Debra OConnell on Wednesday to helm a new division that would encompass ABC News — putting Godwin under her — amid softening ratings at top-ranked shows ‘Good Morning America’ and ‘World News Tonight with David Muir.’” HIV/AIDS activist Hydeia Broadbent has passed away of natural causes at age 39.Essence reports that Broadbent died in her sleep on February 20th. Her father confirmed the sad news in a Facebook post. An earlier EUR report noted that Hydeia was age six when she captivated millions with her message of hope for those living with HIV/AIDS. She appeared on national talk shows such as “The Oprah Winfrey Show” at age 12, as well as PSA’s for MTV, BET and VH1. “By age 12, Broadbent was the face of the AIDS movement, appearing on national programs like the Oprah Winfrey Show and speaking at the Republican National Convention (1996). Broadbent would go on to win numerous awards and recognitions, and receive the key to her city, Las Vegas.” https://youtu.be/MJv5fELStqQ Closing arguments in the Jam Master Jay murder trial are set to begin Tuesday at a federal court in Brooklyn. Karl Jordan, Jr. and Ronald Washington are accused of killing Jam Master Jay, Jason Mizell, after he allegedly cut them out of a drug deal. Prosecutors have tried to paint the two men accused in Jay’s death as calculated killers who bragged about killing years after his death. Meanwhile, the defense has tried to point to the lack of evidence as to why the two men should be acquitted. Last week a former roommate of a man accused of killing Jam Master Jay told the court that he heard the accused shooter say he wanted to “kill him again” about two years after the murder. According to the Daily News, witness Cherubin Bastien told the federal court that when he lived with accused killer Karl “Little D” Jordan, Jay Master Jay’s name came up in conversation twice during the nine months they were roommates. Bastien admitted to the court that he was an avid drug user and drove a cab in Queens when he moved in with Jordan. On the weekends, he would drive Jordan and two friends to upper Manhattan. On one of those trips, Bastien said that Jam Master Jay came up in conversation and that Jordan said, “If I got to kill him, I’ll kill him again.”On another accusation, Bastien heard Jordan threaten a woman during an argument in the driveway of their Hollis home. “He said, ‘I’ll do you like him, like Master Jay,’” Bastien recalled. A North Carolina high school has been reprimanded by its school district for having a pair of doors inside the building “decorated” as being “colored” and “white” entrances last week in a Black History Month commemoration gone wrong. A photo of the doors at Charlotte West High School shows a makeshift sign above them reading “Sears Department Store 1930.” The image went viral and has been widely shared on social media. https://www.instagram.com/p/C3iNzeUOrRD/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=e3bb1dff-1163-4f66-9cf5-5132b24cd4e2 She might’ve played your favorite character in a handful of classic Black TV shows and movies over the past few decades — shoutout to 1999’s The Wood and five great seasons of Soul Food on Showtime — but seasoned actress Malinda Williams has recently become our personal fave due to her entrepreneurial efforts in helping to usher in the next wave of melanated female computer programmers. Together with her non-profit Arise And Shine Foundation Inc., Williams has launched an initiative called the E.S.T.E.A.M. Project aimed specifically towards women attending HBCUs. https://www.instagram.com/p/C3gi00exl4b/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=5571d057-8de0-48da-b009-559b779bca37 What does the relationship between Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and special prosecutor Nathan Wade have to do with Donald Trump? As you all know, Willis appointed Wade to prosecute Trump and more than a dozen co-defendants accused of election interference in Georgia’s 2020 election. The case—which the whiny minions of the MAGA world were already treating like it was Jim Crow for right-wing politicians—came under even more scrutiny after an attorney for defendant Michael Roman motioned to have Willis and Wade dismissed over an alleged romantic relationship they had, which Willis eventually admitted to. Now, Republicans across the country are acting like they’ve uncovered some huge bombshell that destroys Willis’ entire narrative and case against Trump. Don’t get me wrong, appointing an attorney Willis had a love affair with as special prosecutor in a high-profile and heavily scrutinized case like this one was, to say the least, unwise, but, ultimately, what has changed for Trump or any of the other defendants in this case? On Monday, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution published an op-ed written by Kelly Loeffler, the former Republican U.S. senator from Georgia who was unseated in 2020 by Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock. The op-ed appears to be aimed at calling on Judge Scott McAfee to remove Willis from the case, which, of course, is pretty pointless considering there is already an ongoing hearing to determine whether she should be removed. “Willis’ conflict of interest shatters any notion that the case against Trump has been prosecuted fairly. Her scheme is disqualifying,” Loeffler wrote. Here’s the thing about conservatives: For all of their blustering about how untrustworthy the “fake news” media is, they sure do seem to take every media headline they come across at face value so long as what’s being reported is exactly what they want to believe. Meet Denton Loudermill. You might already know Loudermill as the illegal immigrant who was recently arrested in connection with the deadly Feb. 14 shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs parade celebrating the team’s Super Bowl win. Tennesse Congressman Tim Burchett (R) alerted the masses to Loudermill’s ghastly crime and arrest tweeting, “One of the Kansas City Chiefs victory parade shooters has been identified as an illegal Alien.” Burchett’s post, which reportedly reached more than 25 million people, was left up for days while his followers blasted Loudermill as an evil, violent foreign terrorist who proves the clear and present threat migrants pose to the U.S. Of course, there’s only one problem with the entire narrative: Denton Loudermill is not an illegal immigrant, and his brief detainment during the parade had nothing to do with the shooting. It’s been 59 years since the assassination of Malcolm X, and the conspiracy surrounding his untimely death still weighs heavy on a culture missing one of its greatest leaders. Attorney Ben Crump is doing his part to continue the fight for truth and justice in the murder of Malcolm X. The nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury attorney will host a news conference on Feb. 21, the day Malcolm was assassinated, to introduce two new witnesses who offered evidence in the alleged conspiracy case. It will take place at the Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center in New York City. According to a press release sent to NewsOne, two elderly witnesses were security associates of Malcolm X, arrested a week before his assassination, and had never spoken before publicly. The family of Malcolm X will also be present, as well as co-counsel on the case, Ray Hamlin and Flint Taylor. Attorney Flint Taylor, from the People’s Law Office, represented the family of Black Panther leader Fred Hampton, who was assassinated in 1969 at the age of 21. The day Malcolm X was assassinated will be etched in the history books forever. When we talk about his death, we usually have the same conversations. We talk about the Nation of Islam and how many believed the organization that took him in was the same one responsible for his death. A public celebration of the life and legacy of Harry Belafonte has been announced nearly nine months after the actor, activist and legendary singer died. The details of the event were revealed to the media on Tuesday. Belafonte’s family is holding the “Celebration of Life” event on March 1, which would have been his 97th birthday. The celebration is set to be held at the iconic Riverside Church in New York City. The public celebration is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m., with doors to the church opening at 5 p.m. Belafonte’s close friends and family are expected to give remarks and musical performances both in person as well as via video, according to a press release. “Star is returning. As reported by Blex Media, Lee Daniels has hinted at the revival of “Star” for the small screen. Daniels responded to an Instagram post by @Iamzoie, where the latter expressed their fervent desire for the show’s comeback. In his response, Daniels expressed gratitude for the support and revealed that the project is in progress, albeit delayed due to his involvement in other endeavors. “Love you for this. It is being written. I appreciate everybody’s love! It’s just taken me FOREVER cause I have other projects…It’s crazy, I had NO IDEA when I created this show the response would be like this. #grateful.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C3k5GA8Mvyb/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is installing fast-charging stations in underserved communities to make electric vehicles more accessible. The initiative will mostly impact south and east L.A. and the San Fernando Valley. Working-class residents can receive a $4,000 rebate on used electric vehicles as part of the program, LA Focus reports. LADWP wants to connect with local partners, particularly landowners, who want to help the city meet its carbon-free energy goal by 2035. Several local churches have agreed to help with the expansion plans. “We realized each one of our churches has property,” said Bishop Noel Jones, senior pastor at the City of Refuge Church. “So that when we put together the EV stations, we wouldn’t have to buy the property and church folk can come and get charged while they’re in church.” Jones added, “We are extremely glad to be a part of the partnership that is being put forward by not only our mayor but by LADWP. And I guarantee you that with their support, and our support, we’re going to make things happen and change things.” Monica has addressed rumors surrounding a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), citing her delicate health as a deterrent from such procedures. During a livestream clip on Monday (February 19), a fan jokingly inquired about her “BBL doctor,” prompting the “So Gone” singer to respond. She quipped, “Oh, y’all are joking today too!” before explaining, “My health is far too fragile for that kind of play.” Displaying a pair of Spanx shorts, she revealed them as her sole form of support, dismissing any notion of cosmetic enhancements. https://twitter.com/i/status/1759993433723371532 Lionsgate has new production BORDERLANDS starring Kevin Hart, Cate Blanchett, and Jamie Lee Curtis.Synopsis: Lilith (Blanchett), an infamous bounty hunter with a mysterious past, reluctantly returns to her home, Pandora, the most chaotic planet in the galaxy. Her mission is to find the missing daughter of Atlas (Ramírez), the universe’s most powerful S.O.B. Lilith forms an unexpected alliance with a ragtag team of misfits – Roland (Hart), a seasoned mercenary on a mission; Tiny Tina (Greenblatt), a feral pre-teen demolitionist; Krieg (Munteanu), Tina’s musclebound protector; Tannis (Curtis), the oddball scientist who’s seen it all; and Claptrap (Black), a wiseass robot. Together, these unlikely heroes must battle an alien species and dangerous bandits to uncover one of Pandora’s most explosive secrets. The universe’s fate could be in their hands – but they’ll be fighting for something more: each other. Based on one of the best-selling videogame franchises of all time, welcome to BORDERLANDS. https://youtu.be/lU_NKNZljoQ JUST EATS WITH CHEF JJ returns to CLEO TV tonight, February 21 at 9 P.M. ET/8C. Chef JJ trades stories and shares delicious recipes with sports anchor Khristina Williams. The night's menu consists of lamb shanks with sweet potato polenta. JJ's custom cocktail is a delicate champagne infused with mango and ginger beer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJXwON4dDvI The Smollett sibling duo returns to CLEO TV tonight at 9:30 p.m. ET/8C with hit series, LIVING BY DESIGN WITH JAKE AND JAZZ. This season, Jake and Jazz will continue to share beautiful home makeovers, prepare delicious family recipes, and create once-in-a-lifetime memories for a lucky group of homeowners. Tonight, Jake and Jazz create an office space for a hard-working millennial woman in Bedstuy. Jake refurbishes a desk to look brand new and Jazz designs with earth tone colors to incite creative, unique space. The reveal meal is mouthwatering catfish bites with grits and fried cream filled cookies. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6BpFeFLPwI One of the messy disagreements among Black comedians came to a head over the weekend when Donnell Rawlings confronted fellow comic Corey Holcomb at a comedy club in Los Angeles. The confrontation stemmed from an insult related to Dave Chappelle that was directed at Rawlings by Holcomb. According to reports, the incident occurred at the Laugh Factory, where Rawlings performed a set followed by Holcomb, who reportedly made derogatory remarks about Rawlings and Dave Chappelle. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-02-19-021924-corey-holcomb-1779758-646/ Rawlings, feeling the need to defend his friend, whom he had previously worked with on “Chappelle’s Show,” confronted Holcomb. A video of the argument obtained by TMZ shows Rawlings angrily addressing Holcomb, who in turn taunts Rawlings, questioning his credibility and comedic skills. The situation, unfolding in front of the audience, must have been quite intense. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-02-19-021924-corey-holcomb-sub-1779756-426/ A Haitian judge has charged former first lady Martine Moïse, as well as the nation’s ex-prime minister and police chief, about the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. These three are among 51 individuals implicated in the case, which includes former Colombian soldiers, close aides of the slain president, and other Haitian government officials and politicians as reported by the Wall Street Journal. The indictment alleges that Martine Moïse, who sustained serious injuries in the attack, played a role in her husband’s assassination. The judge noted inconsistencies in her statements and some evidence suggesting she may have been aware of a plot against the former president. Testimony from two co-defendants indicated that she expressed interest in running for president post-assassination. Investigating Judge Walther Voltaire’s accusation did not provide proof that Martine Moïse directly participated in the conspiracy to kill President Moïse. Moïse’s attorney based in Florida, Paul Turner, did not respond to requests for comment. An arrest warrant was issued in Haiti in October after she failed to comply with a summons for questioning. Her current location is unknown. Following the attack, she received medical treatment in the U.S. and criticized Haiti’s judiciary system as corrupt on social media. https://youtu.be/I8LF7b6jcrQ Paramount’s “Bob Marley: One Love” could be the first $100 movie of 2024. Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green and starring Kingsley Ben-Adir, InideWire reports that the biopic’s three-day total is about $27.7 million against a $70 million production cost. The outlet writes, “Reviews were not good (43 Metacritic), but it has an A Cinemascore and two weeks with little competition. It could become the first domestic $100-million grossing film of 2024.” We reported earlier that “Bob Marley: One Love” earned a remarkable $51 million over six days. With a four-day total of $33.2 million, “Bob Marley: One Love” accomplished what’s expected of musical biopics about legendary figures. For context, the acclaimed “Bohemian Rhapsody” debuted with a three-day opening of $51 million. The film has amassed a global total of $80 million to date. https://youtu.be/ajw425Kuvtw Forty years ago, the Bill Pickett Rodeo was established to showcase the heritage of Black Cowboys in America. Fort Worth considered the birthplace of the West, serves as the perfect setting to commemorate this history during Black History Month. “I’ve been involved in rodeo my whole life,” shared Marcus Verser, a seasoned cowboy from Spencer, Oklahoma. For Verser, rodeo symbolizes more than just competition. Participating in the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo at the Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth on a Saturday night, he emphasized, “I appreciate the excitement, enjoyment, and the crowd. The prize money is a nice bonus, but my passion lies in the essence of rodeo.” This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Bill Pickett Rodeo, established in 1984 to raise awareness about the significant presence and contributions of Black Cowboys in shaping the American West, reports CBS News Texas. https://youtu.be/f977QlFNwtk The Bill Pickett Rodeo offers a platform for Black cowboys and cowgirls to demonstrate their talents in various events, such as barrel racing and bull riding, captivating audiences from Memphis to Oakland and, of course, in Fort Worth. Attending the rodeo with his family, Owen Moore expressed, “The camaraderie, the thrill from the crowd, and the remarkable abilities displayed by these cowboys and cowgirls are truly inspiring.” Marcus Verser, a seasoned competitor in rodeos nationwide, clinched the top spot in the bronc riding competition, showcasing his prowess and celebrating his rich cowboy heritage. https://youtu.be/JJR_zfnsLtI When I watched Fulton County DA Fani Willis’ testimony during her hearing on misconduct allegations, the lesson she said her father taught her (staying ready with cash) was all too familiar. I grew up as the only child of a single mother. My mother imparted a lot of lessons, including the one about always having enough money to pay your way home, just in case things don’t go as planned. So, whether I’m on the other side of town – or the other side of the world – if I don’t have the money to pay my way back home, I need to stay at home. Another lesson my mother taught me: ‘You teach people how to treat you!’ So, when I learned that Kelly Rowland walked off the set of the ‘Today Show,’ and the reason why, I had to speak on it. https://youtu.be/l9-v-bPOIj4 Producer Jeffery Seller and Broadway in Hollywood proudly announce that HAMILTON will return to the Hollywood Pantages Theatre for a limited engagement running September 4 – October 13, 2024. This will mark the third engagement of HAMILTON in Los Angeles at the Pantages in the show’s touring history. HAMILTON will be available as a season add-on to all who purchase the soon-to-be-announced 2024-2025 Broadway in Hollywood Season at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre. The new season will be announced on Friday, February 23rd. Current Broadway in Hollywood Season Ticket Holders with renewable packages will have PRIORITY access to HAMILTON beginning Monday, March 18, 2024, once renewed. Theater fans who purchase NEW 2024-2025 season packages will also have priority access to HAMILTON beginning Monday, March 18th, before any single ticket presales. Individual tickets for HAMILTON will go on sale to the public at a later date, yet to be announced. In our exclusive interview with executive producers Todd A. Kessler and Lorenzo di Bonaventura, the creative minds behind the highly anticipated Apple TV series “The New Look” delve into the intricacies and inspirations driving this groundbreaking production. “The New Look” is a visually arresting historical drama series by Kessler, starring Emmy Award winner Ben Mendelsohn as ‘Christian Dior’ and Academy Award winner Juliette Binoche as ‘Coco Chanel.’ https://youtu.be/lXN5Ws7LxkA The Roots and Live Nation Urban have announced the “Roots Picnic” lineup 2024, going down June 1 and 2 at The Mann in Fairmount Park in Philadelphia, Pa. According to the news release, Lil Wayne will headline the festival with The Roots. Other artists confirmed to perform are André 3000, Victoria Monét, Gunna, Nas, Tyla, Sexyy Red, Babyface, Cam’ron, Fantasia, Muni Long and more. Jill Scott will co-headline the festival which also features Sexyy Red, Smino, Adam Blackstone featuring Fantasia & Muni Long, Wale, Robert Glasper featuring Yebba, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, and more. Ernie Hudson stars in the “Quantum Leap” two-hour Season 2 finale airing Feb. 20 at 9 p.m. The science fiction series is a revival of the 1989 show created by Donald P. Bellisario. Hudson stars in the reboot as Herbert “Magic” Williams, a no-nonsense career military man who helms the highly confidential Quantum Leap accelerator operation. Per the Season 2 series synopsis, “It’s been nearly 30 years since Dr. Sam Beckett stepped into the Quantum Leap accelerator and vanished. Now, a new team, led by physicist Ben Song (Raymond Lee), has been assembled to restart the project in the hope of understanding the mysteries behind the machine and the man who created it.” The description continues, “Everything changes, however, when Ben makes an unauthorized leap into the past, leaving the team behind to solve the mystery of why he did it. At Ben’s side throughout his leaps is Addison (Caitlin Bassett), who appears in the form of a hologram only Ben can see and hear. She’s a decorated Army veteran who brings level-headed precision to her job.” https://youtu.be/eo4eB6rZeeE In “Constellation” on Apple TV+, Noomi Rapace portrays an astronaut who comes back to an Earth that’s subtly altered. Created by Peter Harness and directed by Emmy Award-winner Michelle MacLaren, the conspiracy-based space adventure stars Rapace as Jo – an astronaut who returns to Earth after a disaster in space – only to discover that key pieces of her life seem to be missing. The action-packed space adventure is an exploration of the dark edges of human psychology, and one woman’s desperate quest to expose the truth about the hidden history of space travel and recover all that she has lost, per the news release. The series also stars Jonathan Bank, James D’Arcy, Julian Looman, William Catlett, Barbara Sukowa. and introduces Rosie and Davina Coleman as Alice. https://twitter.com/i/status/1758221049676652664 “Because an accident happens up there, she managed to get herself back to Earth to reunite with her baby, her daughter, which is really the core and the heartbeat in the series for me and that’s kind of what I wanted to come in and explore,” she added. “… this one has a subject matter that I could relate to as a mother,” Rapace shared. “And her being trapped in this horrible situation of looking at this girl and her body and her primal instinct, her gut feeling is saying that this is not my baby, but she looks like my baby and no one believes me, that kind of journey she goes on to figure out what is going on and at the same time, the desperation to find her daughter to reunite, that drive just made this so special and rare and emotional.” Catlett added, “I think for myself, it’s the raw emotions that every human being deals with, like regret and grief and how do you get through it? And I believe “Constellation” will — not only are you watching it, it’s going to actually watch you.” https://youtu.be/4dAaLbsQSzI Miami Beach is intensifying its efforts against rowdy spring breakers. The city is implementing stringent measures to reduce the violence that has tainted previous festivities. The New York Post reports that the city launched a new campaign declaring: “Miami Beach is breaking up with spring break.” “Expect curfews, security searches and bag checks at beach access points, early beach entrance closures, DUI checkpoints, bumper-to-bumper traffic, road closures and arrests for drug possession and violence,” city officials announced. “Come here, enjoy, but don’t come here looking for trouble,” said Mayor Steven Meiner. “We’ve had enough.” The recently enacted regulations, approved by the city last month, are expected to affect businesses that depend on the influx of thousands of spring breakers during March. ABC News president Kim Godwin has been demoted despite getting her contract renewed, New York Post reports. In an article titled “Staffers cheer ABC News shakeup as President Kim Godwin’s days could be numbered: sources,” Alexandra Steigrad wrote …. “The Disney-owned network elevated veteran exec Debra OConnell on Wednesday to helm a new division that would encompass ABC News — putting Godwin under her — amid softening ratings at top-ranked shows ‘Good Morning America’ and ‘World News Tonight with David Muir.‘ . . .” Per journal-isms.com, Stephen Battaglio at the Los Angeles Times, wrote: “The division’s signature shows, ‘ABC World News Tonight With David Muir’ and ‘Good Morning America,’ remain the most-watched morning and evening news programs on television but have seen their audiences erode with the decline of linear TV due to the migration to online video. Both programs have lost more than 20% of their viewers in the 25-to-54 age group that advertisers target, more than its competitors at CBS and NBC.” The family of actress Cocoa Brown launched a GoFundMe after her Georgia home burned down.Sources tell TMZ … “Cocoa believes a lit candle may have fallen into some clothes in the house — and by the time the fire alarm went off … CB ran to the room, but it was quickly becoming an inferno,” the outlet writes. Brown lived at home with her 12-year-old son, Phoenix. Before the property was engulfed in flames, Cocoa and her child escaped the fire. Brown is now raising funds for “resources such as shelter, clothing, and other necessities as Cocoa and Phoenix work to rebuild their lives,” the campaign states. The page’s fundraising goal is $50,000, with fans already raising nearly $40,000 by Tuesday morning. https://www.instagram.com/p/C3hw_EJhBq7/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=74513cde-262b-47ce-afeb-f943c1bfe39b Beyonce’s mother, Tina Knowles, reacted to a TIME video highlighting that the superstar “has always been country.” “I just came across this video on my IG feed! We have always celebrated Cowboy Culture growing up in Texas,” Ms. Tine wrote, Complex reports. “We also always understood that it was not just about it belonging to White culture only.” She continued, “In Texas there is a huge black cowboy culture. Why do you think that my kids have integrated it into their fashion and art since the beginning. When people ask why is Beyonce wearing cowboy hats? It’s really funny, I actually laugh because it’s been there since she was a kid ,we went to rodeos every year and my whole family dressed in western fashion. Solange did a whole brilliant Album and Project based on Black Cowboy Culture. @. It definitely was a part of our culture growing up.” Queen Bey released two country songs on Super Bowl Sunday, “Texas Hold ’Em” and “16 Carriages.” However, not everyone seems to be a fan of her foray into the genre. John Schneider, of Dukes of Hazzard fame, compared Beyoncé to a dog marking a territory, per TMZ. https://www.instagram.com/p/C3dXVCfuAtY/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Republicans in Tennessee are showing their racist hand once again after blocking a resolution honoring Black Grammy winner Allison Russell but approving one for Paramore. The group, however, refused the honor.Tennessee Rep. Justin Jones (D-Nashville) offered resolutions to honor the two Tennessee-based musical acts recently winning at the Grammy Awards. Paramore won Best Rock Album and Best Alternative Music Performance, and Russell earned her first Grammy for Best American Roots Performance for the song “Eve Was Black.” There was no opposition to the resolution to recognize Paramore, a white rock back; however, House Republican Caucus Chair Jeremy Faison, R-Cosby, killed the resolution for Russell, who is a queer Black woman. Paramore’s lead singer addressed the controversy, telling The Tennessean, “For those that don’t know, Allison Russell is an incredibly talented musician and songwriter. Her music spans genres with strong ties to the Folk/Americana scenes.” Williams added, “Oh, she is also Black. She’s a brilliant Black woman.” https://youtu.be/aCyGvGEtOwc Stylist Tameka Foster is speaking out about going into cardiac arrest while undergoing liposuction in 2009.“I went in an attempt to have liposuction and I went into a cardiac arrest with the anesthesiologist,” Foster told People in a new interview, Page Six reports. “The doctor never even entered the room.” The harrowing incident motivated Foster to find healthier alternatives for weight loss. “I still care about looks and vanity, but I plan to do it the natural way. That’s all,” the “Bold & Bougie” star explained. “[The health scare] made me be a little less lazy about getting to my goals, and I just changed my diet and now I do intermittent fasting and things like that,” Foster said. Usher chopped it up with The Breakfast Club about his Super Bowl halftime show and also addressed a resurfaced clip of him smacking Nicki Minaj’s butt at the 2014 VMAs. “Usher, have you seen some of your old moments like when you [were] on stage with Nicki Minaj and you [were] headbutting her ass?” host Charlamagne tha God asked the singer during his February 19 appearance on The Breakfast Club. “Why [were] you so unhinged in that moment, Usher?” At one point during the pair’s collaboration on the song “She Came To Give It To You,” Usher playfully smacked Nicki’s butt. “It was me playing my bass so I probably would have bumped my shoulder or my hands, you know what I’m saying?” he said, Us Weekly reports. “I had my bass in my hands so I just kind of bopped off her body a little bit.” https://youtu.be/xJqLUGBBTkU Usher admitted, however, that he “shouldn’t have smacked her butt.” Meanwhile, following his halftime performance, Usher caught heat from fans for wrapping his arms around Alicia Keys as they collaborated on “My Boo.” “It was literally about having fun because of a song that me and Alicia made many years ago,” he said. “And we celebrate it because of the legacy of it. And no disrespect to anybody or anything.” Keys’ husband, producer Swizz Beatz, slammed fans for criticizing Usher. https://youtu.be/4WJGFPC9xvc “Y’all talking about the wrong damn thing !!! y’all don’t see that amazing dress covering the entire stadium,” he wrote via Instagram after the halftime show. “Tonight’s performance was nothing but amazing with 2 amazing Giants! Congrats @usher and my love @aliciakeys that song is a classic. We don’t do negative vibes on this side we make history .” https://www.youtube.com/shorts/bJGE7TurB1E?feature=share Beyoncé’s new song “Texas Hold ‘Em” debuted in the top spot of Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart on Tuesday, the publication announced. Beyoncé’s other new country song “16 Carriages” ranks No. 9 on the chart. Marking her first-ever No. 1 single on the country charts, Beyoncé becomes the only other solo woman with no accompanying artists to achieve the feat next to Taylor Swift, whose songs “Love Story (Taylor’s Version)” and “All Too Well (Taylor’s Version)” hit No. 1 in 2021, according to Billboard. She is also the first woman to have topped both the Hot Country and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts since the lists began in 1958. Morgan Wallen, Justin Bieber, Billy Ray Cyrus and Ray Charles are the only other artists to have reached No. 1 on both charts. https://youtu.be/ycwtqqhV6UE Both “16 Carriages” and “Texas Hold ‘Em” were released on Feb. 11 after Beyoncé teased the release of new music in a surprise Super Bowl ad for Verizon, accompanied by eye-popping visualizer videos on YouTube. The ad spot, titled “Can’t B Broken,” featured “Veep” actor Tony Hale challenging Beyoncé to break the cellular service company’s 5G capabilities, and she accepted the challenge gloriously. At the very end of the spot, the star is heard saying, “Ok, they ready. Drop the new music,” after she is seen going through various outlandish attempts to “break” Verizon’s network. Moments later on her official website, the Grammy-winner and Texas native posted a clip of “Texas Hold ‘Em” and full versions of both songs were then released on music streaming platforms, along with the announcement that her eighth solo studio album “Renaissance Act II” would be released on March 29. https://youtu.be/hhKNjTb6U1Y Better Brothers Los Angeles (BBLA), in partnership with The DIVA Foundation, founded by Emmy award-winning actress and activist Sheryl Lee Ralph (Abbott Elementary), are thrilled to announce the honorees for the 10th Annual Truth Awards. As we celebrate a decade of excellence, this year's award show promises to be an unprecedented affair spanning two unforgettable evenings - a groundbreaking first in the history of the Truth Awards. ACT I Friday, March 29th, the theme for this invite-only event at the is aptly named 'Passing the Torch.' As we gather, we pay homage to the next generation as we celebrate three extraordinary emerging leaders who exemplify excellence in their respective fields. ACT II The celebration of excellence continues on Saturday, March 30th, at the renowned Beverly Hilton Hotel at 5:30 pm. More awards, more performances, and an afterparty not to be missed. Sheryl Lee Ralph expressed her excitement about this year's Truth Awards weekend, stating, "This is not just another glamorous red-carpet event but a testament to greatness within our community." She added confidently, "The individuals we are honoring have made exceptional strides in their respective fields, inspiring others and positively impacting the perception of Black LGBTQ+ representation." The 6th annual “URBAN ONE HONORS: Best in Black” event premieres this Sunday, February 25, 2024 at 8/7C, on TV One and simulcast on CLEO TV. This year’s distinguished recipients include Mary J. Blige, named the Entertainment Icon Honoree; Dionne Warwick, recognized as the Lifetime Achievement Honoree; Chlöe, celebrated as the Generation Next Honoree; Frankie Beverly, honored as a Living Legend, and Donald Lawrence, acclaimed for his Inspirational Impact. Teyana Taylor, Summer Walker, Bebe Winans, Damon Little, Angie Stone, October London, alongside a reunion featuring KeKe Wyatt, Chanté Moore, and Nicci Gilbert (cast of R&B Divas) rounded out the star-studded lineup of performers and presenters. GRAMMY Award-winning singer and actress LeToya Luckett returns to host the event’s “Backstage Pass,” featuring exclusive interviews with the show’s honorees, performers, and presenters. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2laRdwCNCYU Fatal Attraction returns on Monday, February 19 at 9 PM ET. A young father who was excited to watch his sons grow up is fatally stabbed on Thanksgiving weekend. When detectives uncover a love triangle, they question the motive behind his murder and find a killer determined to have their pie and eat it too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gl4JBhDJu7w Critically acclaimed show FOR MY MAN returns tonight, February 19 at 10 PM ET. When a young woman starts a family with the man of her dreams, everything seems perfect. After an argument with a neighbor goes too far, she’ll be faced with protecting her man or risking everything she holds dear. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpLPPnLqtd4&feature=youtu.be A team exceeded the 200-point mark for the first time in NBA history as the Eastern Conference won the All-Star Game for the first time since 2014, beating the Western Conference 211-186 on Sunday in the annual showcase of the league’s premier talents. The star-studded rosters featured some of the sport’s biggest names such as LeBron James, Steph Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokić, and Kevin Durant. The scoring frenzy broke an array of records, per the NBA. The East’s point total was the highest ever, eclipsing the 196 set by the Western All-Stars in 2016, while the combined total of 397 surpassed the previous record of 374 set in 2017. The Eastern All-Stars also made a whopping 42 three-pointers to beat the record of 35 set in 2019. “Everybody was asking what the record was,” Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard said. “We found out and went after it.” https://youtu.be/2DZbfCZTXJ8 This year’s All-Star Game also saw the return of the traditional East vs. West format. From 2018 to 2023, team captains (the two players with the highest amount of fan votes from each conference) drafted players from an All-Star pool, regardless of team or conference. The East was led by 39 points from Lillard, who capped off a highly successful weekend by being named All-Star Game MVP, after retaining his title in the Three-Point Contest earlier on Sunday. Some of his makes during the showcase game were from well beyond the arc. “Me and Kawhi (Leonard) was in awe of him shooting from the halfcourt line like it’s a free throw … strength, power, muscle memory,” said 14-time All-Star Durant. Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics added 36 points while Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, playing in his home arena, scored 32. Minnesota Timberwolves big man Karl-Anthony Towns, coming off the bench for the West, led all scorers with 50 points in under 28 minutes. Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – a contender for the regular season MVP award – dropped 31 to fuel the West. https://youtu.be/3VG_NCzI-ao Netflix is offering a sneak peek into the upcoming film “Shirley” by unveiling a gripping trailer on Monday. The preview showcases Regina King‘s powerful portrayal of Shirley Chisholm, the trailblazing figure who became the first Black congresswoman and made history as the initial Black woman to run for U.S. president. Set against the backdrop of Chisholm’s groundbreaking 1972 presidential campaign, the movie is written and directed by John Ridley, acclaimed for “12 Years a Slave,” while Regina King and her sister Reina King serve as producers. The stellar cast includes Lucas Hedges, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Christina Jackson, Dorian Crossmond Missick, Amirah Vann, André Holland, Terrence Howard, and the late actor Lance Reddick. “Shirley” promises to bring to life the inspiring journey of a true trailblazer in American politics. https://youtu.be/hjBeKNHIdMY Bow Wow detailed his heavy addiction to lean while chatting with The Art of Dialogue, recalling the time it put him in the hospital and almost cost him everything. “I was sipping lean,” Bow Wow confessed. “I was sipping so much syrup. I said this after Mac Miller died. I spoke on this sh**. I was drinking that sh** like crazy. If you go back and watch The Road to Platinum series on BET, you’ll see so many white Styrofoam cups. I was losing my f***ing mind. That lean shit had me f**ked up. I was just always irritated.”Bow Wow’s addiction dominated him, with being set off by any little thing after consuming lean whenever he wanted. The craving was so severe that the 36-year-old entertainer was on it while working with Omarion on their 2007 collaborative album “Face Off.” Add in a “baby bottle given to him by Lil Wayne to get his fix and lean was all Bow Wow wanted to know. According to Complex, things ultimately came to a head when Bow Wow collapsed following a performance. The former “CSI: Cyber” star was on tour with Chris Brown at the time when the situation went down. “We were on our tour, I was co-headlining with Chris Brown and the opening night was in Cincinnati and when I got off stage, I collapsed,” Bow Wow recalled. “I went straight to Cincinnati University Hospital. My stomach was so f***ed up that I ended up going back home to Atlanta after the first show. https://youtu.be/Vp-VHzpHDvo Porsha Williams’ husband, Simon Guobadia, was recently denied U.S. citizenship due to his reported criminal past. According to Hollywood Unlocked, Guobadia’s past crimes allegedly include “numerous felonies for bank fraud, credit card fraud, identity fraud, and more,” the outlet writes. Williams and Guobadia had two wedding ceremonies last year, and she called it “a dream come true.” “The weddings were a dream come true,” Williams previously told People while promoting season 3 of “The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip.” “It really was. It was all of me and all of Simon represented that day. And all the people who love us and support us were there for us,” she added. “And it was a true combining of family. A lot of his family from Nigeria and all over the world flew in for the traditional ceremony.” Sony Music Entertainment is taking legal action against four companies behind the making of the 2022 biopic “Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody” due to unpaid music licenses. The lawsuit accuses the producers of dishonoring the contract “after they failed to pay for their licenses to 24 Houston classics including “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” “How Will I Know,” and “I Will Always Love You,” Reuters reports. Film financer and production company Black Label Media is one of the companies named in the lawsuit and said it was “one of many investors in this film, should not have been named in the lawsuit, and looks forward to being dismissed from it promptly.” According to Sony Music, Anthem Films licensed Houston’s music for use on a biopic and soundtrack in 2022. Reality TV star Bethenny Frankel injected herself into Kelly Rowland’s business after the singer allegedly walked out of the “Today” show because the dressing room was subpar. “I’ve co-hosted with Hoda [Kotb] and I’ve arrived there and the makeup area that you touch up in is often a drop cloth, like, a black drop off,” Frankel said in a now-deleted TikTok video. “And then your dressing room is the size of a closet and you’re trying to fit all your people in the clown car. And you know what? You’re so excited. You’re so gracious,” the “Real Housewives of New York City” alum added. “You’re co-hosting on the ‘Today’ show, an institution in entertainment, a news organization that is not about fancy dressing rooms,” she continued. https://twitter.com/i/status/1758900540291895324 Amber Rose is pumping the brakes on reports that she’s dating Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud. Frankel accused Rowland of having “diva expectations.” Hear the criticism directly from Bethenny via the X/Twitter.Us Weekly reports that the former stripper has clarified that she is not dating Stroud despite being spotted leaving the Cactus Jack charity game on Friday together. “We literally don’t know each other and only met yesterday at a softball game,” Rose wrote via her Instagram Story on February 16. “The sprinter [van] left me and he was nice enough to give me a ride to my hotel.” Rose, 40, and Stroud, 22, both attended the charity game at Houston’s Minute Maid Park, hosted by Travis Scott’s nonprofit, per Us Weekly. According to a news release, “the Astros Foundation and Minute Maid Park hosted the second annual Cactus Jack HBCU Classic, a round-robin collegiate baseball tournament highlighting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and their baseball programs, on opening weekend of Division I college baseball from Feb. 16-18.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1758862762556420276 As the Michigan Democratic primary approaches, Rep. Rashida Tlaib is urging Democrats to vote against President Joe Biden. “If you want us to be louder, then come here and vote uncommitted,” Tlaib said in a new video posted to X (formally Twitter), NBC News reports. Progressive activists have called on Michigan voters to vote “uncommitted” in the Democratic primary against Biden on Feb. 27. As a Palestinian American, Tlaib is frustrated with the Biden administration’s handling of the war between Israel and Hamas. Tlaib has been openly critical of Biden’s role in what many are calling a genocide of Palestinian people. At a press conference in December, Tlaib urged Biden to call for a “cease-fire now.” https://youtu.be/Gs8eAxIuUTY Chris Brown revealed in a new post on social media that the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game disinvited him because of his controversial domestic violence incident with his ex-girlfriend Rihanna.“I was asked by the NBA to play in the all star game this year! Only for them to call later and say they couldn’t do IT because of their sponsors like RUFFLES,” Brown shared on his Instagram Stories on Saturday, Page Six reports. “At this point I’m sick of people bothering me and I’m tired of living in the f–king past. I POSTED THE EMAILS SO YALL COULD SEE. The NBA still was tryna get me to come and sit court side… NOT F–KING HAPPENING,” Brown continued. The R&B crooner added, “I ONLY GO WHERE IM APPRECIATED.” The NBA All-Star game kicked off Friday in Indianapolis. Brown shared email screenshots of his correspondence with an alleged representative of the NBA, showing his “travel and “logistics” for the event before he was officially disinvited. Tyler James Williams’ TV past with “Everybody Hates Chris” reflects his small screen present with “Abbott Elementary.” In a very good way. After all, both shows are long-running favorites, Emmy-nominated and/or winning, and prime examples of the art of Black comedy. And let’s not forget, to shine a worthy spotlight on Williams. Yet despite a slew of iconic TVi offerings (“Good Times,” “The Jeffersons,” “A Different World,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “Martin,” “Family Matters,” “Living Single,” and “Girlfriends,” among so many), proper respect has eluded these shows and their respective casts. As he enjoys his current successful run with “Abbott Elementary,” Williams shared thoughts on returning to work after the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, the lack of recognition for black shows and the honor of just being nominated at the 2024 Emmys. https://youtu.be/8uWpsJIjoIA Esteemed broadcast journalist and author Esther Dillard proudly announces the release of her impactful book, “Raising An Autistic Young Adult: A Parents’ Guide to ASD Safety, Communication, and Employment Opportunities to Empower Black and Brown Caregivers and Their Families.” Released on February 15, 2024, this comprehensive guide aims to assist families in navigating the distinctive challenges of raising an autistic young adult within Black and Brown communities. Dillard’s groundbreaking book takes a significant step by addressing the intersection of “The Talk” and autism, providing invaluable wisdom and strategies for safety and success. Drawing on her extensive background in journalism and education, Dillard sheds light on the unique experiences of these communities, emphasizing the necessity of personalized approaches to education and care for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Two storms, including another long-lasting atmospheric river event, will drench much of California this weekend and well into next week, raising the risk of flooding and landslides. The state is still recovering from a particularly potent storm that brought record-breaking rain and hundreds of mudslides to Los Angeles and other parts of Southern California in early February. The two storms aren’t forecast to be as devastating as early February’s, but the repeated rounds of rain and the slow-moving nature of the second storm will bring a significant threat for flooding. As a result, more than 27 million people are under flood watches stretching from Northern California south to parts of the Los Angeles area. The first storm is expected to be weaker than the second, but “will act as a primer, increasing soil moisture and causing the streams and rivers to rise before the heavier rain on Sunday” from the second storm, the National Weather Service said. It will march into the Northern California coast early morning Saturday and spend the rest of the day soaking the region with 1 to 2 inches of moderate rainfall. Only light rain is expected in the Central Coast and Southern California. https://youtu.be/yKV4Ns55SAQ Emergency management officials in Santa Barbara County issued evacuation warnings in some parts of the county on Saturday ahead of the expected storm. The second, more potent storm will arrive on Sunday afternoon and stall near the coast into early next week, increasing the potential for excessive precipitation through Wednesday across much of the state. The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for the county beginning Sunday afternoon and lasting through Wednesday morning. Impactful weather in the northern part of the state will mostly occur on Sunday, with 1 to 3 inches of rain in the lowlands and 3 to 5 inches expected in higher elevations. “Soils around the Bay Area are near saturation, so the rainfall will run quickly and likely contribute to numerous shallow landslides along areas of steep terrain,” the National Weather Service office in San Francisco said. https://youtu.be/sZ09VnaD_rE?list=RDNSsZ09VnaD_rE “It’s my third album, third chapter of a musical book,” said World Music artist Jahna Sebastian about her new album “Revelation Ships” (Multivizion Music). “I’m creating the story as I go…when writing songs and when engineering. This is the information age…reveals history…ancient history.” Jahna does it all, a prodigy child who grows up perfecting an abundance of talents. Aside from being a singer/songwriter, she is also a pianist, percussionist, arranger, and domra player. Born in Russia as Zhanna Andrianova, and residing in London, Jahna was instrumental in bringing the Hip-Hop culture to her native country Russia. “Domra is an ancient instrument, it’s in the same family of string instruments as the violin. It has three strings,” Sebastian added when I asked about the instrument. “I started a new sub-genre, specifically for the UK called Grime,” she pointed out. A multi-talented lady, Jahna was classically trained as a pianist. She is fluent in Pop, Rock, Folk, and Electric music, and she also raps! She has even produced songs for Russian rapper Oxxxy Miron. Steph Curry and Sabrina Ionescu are great three-point shooters. But this weekend, we got to find out who is the best. Curry narrowly defeated Ionescu Saturday when the two sharpshooters faced off during All-Star Weekend in the first NBA vs. WNBA three-point contest to settle a long-running debate. The Golden State Warriors star scored 29 points to the New York Liberty star who scored 26. Ionescu said on the TNT broadcast she was excited to “change the narrative” between NBA and WNBA players. “That was amazing,” Ionescu said. “Just to be able to have this be the first of this kind of event and come out here and put on a show but understanding what this means. Excited to change the narrative and be able to do it alongside the greatest to ever do it.” https://youtu.be/AwBlRsIHtSQ The traditional three-point Contest saw Malik Beasley, Jalen Brunson, Tyrese Haliburton, Damian Lillard, Lauri Markkanen, Donovan Mitchell, Karl-Anthony Towns and Trae Young vie for the crown. In the end, Lillard, the Milwaukee Bucks All-Star guard, successfully defended his three-point contest title, becoming the first player to win back-to-back crowns since Jason Kapono did so in 2007 and 2008. All-Star Weekend will culminate in the All-Star Game on Sunday from the Indiana Pacers’ Gainbridge Fieldhouse, which sees the best-of-the-best compete against one another. The game has reverted to the traditional Eastern Conference vs. Western Conference format for this year, with many of the league’s biggest stars lining up in Indianapolis. https://youtu.be/YVo1K0SzF9Y Beyonce has caused a major stir by announcing that her upcoming full country album (Act II) will be released in March You probably won’t be surprised that not everyone is on board with the idea. During a recent interview, John Schneider, famed for his role in “The Dukes of Hazzard” 70-80s TV show and his country music career, likened Beyonce’s move to “a dog peeing on a tree” to assert her dominance in the genre. In a conversation with One America News Network, the actor and singer, now recognized for his conservative viewpoints, echoed agreement with the segment’s host. They discussed the online uproar triggered when a Beyonce fan alleged that an Oklahoma radio station had declined to play her new country song, “Texas Hold ‘Em,” following a specific request. Clarification from the station revealed that the song had not been officially sent to country radio by the record company. According to Schneider on OAN, Beyonce’s entrance into country music represents a perceived intrusion of liberal elements into the genre. https://youtu.be/238Z4YaAr1g “The left-leaning folks in the entertainment industry just can’t resist meddling in every sphere, can they?” the segment host inquired in the video. Schneider – who also had a role on Tyler Perry’s “The Haves and The Have Nots” – responded with a corny azz analogy about dogs marking their territory, humorously illustrating the situation. “They’ve got to make their mark, just like a dog in a dog walk park,” Schneider replies, wryly grinning at his own analogy. “You know, every dog has to mark every tree, right? So that’s what’s going on here.” In a Twitter excerpt, Schneider differentiated external influences entering the country genre from artists like Shania Twain transitioning into different musical styles, emphasizing his expertise in country music. https://youtu.be/hhKNjTb6U1Y The discourse sparked by Schneider’s comments elicited various reactions, including one person highlighting the Black roots of country music creation. Beyonce’s latest music release has ignited discussions regarding the origins of country music and the contributions of Black musicians in shaping the genre, explored in Ken Burns’ documentary, Country Music. The documentary delves into how African and African-American musical elements played a pivotal role in the genre’s evolution, with historian Bill C. Malone emphasizing the significant African American influence. “African American style was embedded in country music from the very beginning of its commercial history. You can’t conceive of this music existing without this African American infusion. But then, as the music developed professionally, too often, African Americans were forgotten,” historian Bill C. Malone says in the documentary. https://twitter.com/i/status/1757932780632076523 Beyonce unveiled her new country album, Act II, through a Verizon commercial during Super Bowl 58, premiering two new songs: “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages,” with the full album scheduled for March 29. Country music’s historical link to conservatism and the current portrayal of liberals encroaching on the genre is challenged, as diverse political views have been embraced by iconic country artists throughout its history. Schneider, known for his portrayal of Bo Duke in The Dukes of Hazzard, embarked on a successful country music career starting in 1981 with his chart-topping hits. When it’s all said and done, we think the video report and the X/Twitter announcement below perfectly illustrates what really scares Schneider and his ilk: https://youtu.be/b4rUK6a-FfU From 2001 to 2004, Usher and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas were a match made in hip-hop soul heaven. That is until the pair opted to split rather than elevate with marriage. Twenty years later, the former It couple have different significant others and continued longevity doing what they love as music icons. Yet, the romance is still remembered by Usher, who retraced his journey to stardom while encased in a deep love with Chilli. After releasing his sophomore album “My Way” in 1997, the then 18-year-old met the TLC member, who was seven years older than him. As a dedicated fan, it was a dream come true for Usher. “If I am to be honest, I was her No. 1 fan, and she was my superstar,” the entertainer told People. “At the age of 8, I put her poster on my wall and said, ‘Man that girl is so beautiful. One day I’m going to meet her.’” And so it began. But to the surprise of fans, Usher and Chilli’s relationship ended in late 2004, the year his fourth album, the multiplatinum “Confessions” was released. Despite visions of spending the rest of his life with Chilli, Usher stated that “specific rules” she had would have to be followed for their relationship to continue. A point the younger vocalist was unable to honor. Killer Mike is not shy about airing his thoughts on sociopolitical topics. Interracial marriage is no different, with the GA rhyme slinger voicing his support of black men only taking black women to be their wives. Referencing an episode of The Breakfast Club that aired on Feb. 14, HipHopDX detailed Mike’s response after host, Charlemagne Tha God asked him to elaborate on a quote he made on the same show in 2019. “I married a Black woman; a lot of my critics did not,” Killer Mike said. Explaining the comment, the Grammy winner alluded to the late economist, commentator, and academic Walter E. Williams, who died in 2020. The syndicated columnist and author was known for his classical liberal and libertarian views as well as guest hosting the Rush Limbaugh radio show when the controversial host was unavailable. "Walter E. Williams said there’s only one case he agreed with in terms of segregation. He says: ‘That’s when it comes to marriage — you should marry a Black woman,’” Killer Mike told Charlemagne while detailing his support of Williams’ view. https://youtu.be/3j4fZ2JzPYA Renowned gospel artist, CeCe Winans, is once again gracing the music scene with her unparalleled talent. Her latest single, “That’s My King,” another Pure Springs Gospel and Fair Trade Services collaboration is the first glimpse into her upcoming album, More Than This, scheduled for release in the Spring. A new song for the new year. On the “That’s My King” track Winans unleashes a powerful declaration to her King accompanied by an uplifting arrangement beautifully produced by Kyle Lee. This is the perfect song for worship leaders to share with church congregations around the world. "This song brings me so much joy. You can’t sit still while listening to ‘That’s My King’ – It ushers in the power of God and puts us in the right posture of looking up and remembering that He is the King of kings!” says Winans. https://youtu.be/AB-3Av8RYo8 This weekend, Paramount’s “Bob Marley: One Love” is set to reach great heights with a remarkable $51 million over six days, projecting a $27.7 million three-day total. Surpassing Paramount’s “Rocketman” ($25.7 million) from the pre-pandemic summer of 2019, “Bob Marley: One Love” isn’t far behind Warner Bros.’ 2022 release “Elvis,” which opened at $31.2 million. With a four-day total of $33.2 million, “Bob Marley: One Love” accomplished what’s expected of musical biopics about legendary figures. For context, the acclaimed “Bohemian Rhapsody” debuted with a three-day opening of $51 million. The film has amassed a global total of $80 million to date. The post-production team of “Bob Marley: One Love” deserves recognition for their efforts in preparing the film for its Valentine’s Day release, initially scheduled for MLK weekend but postponed due to an actors’ strike. Paramount Domestic Distribution Chief Chris Aronson noted that the Valentine’s Day release resonated well with the film’s themes of love, hope, and unity, epitomized by Bob Marley’s music and his relationship with his wife, Rita. “My family and I are honored with the amazing response to Bob Marley: One Love. Like my father’s music, this movie is meant for the people, and his message of peace, love, and unity is clearly connecting with audiences around the world,” producer Ziggy Marley told Deadline. “We thank the people for embracing this film, and in so doing, helping to highlight the message of one love.” https://youtu.be/ajw425Kuvtw If you are like most people, you are surprised at how fast January rolled through. An equal number of people are excited and glad for February! Love is in the air, now that the rain has subsided in Los Angeles. Cinephiles, artists, and cultural enthusiasts are in for a memorable experience during the 32nd annual Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF). PAFF has returned to the Cinemark Baldwin Hills and XD and the adjacent Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza to host its renowned fine art show featuring over 100 established and emerging fine artists and quality craftspeople from all over the Black Diaspora. This year’s film festival features over 200 films from 54 countries, in 28 languages, including 68 World and 25 North American premieres. Of the films selected for the festival, 49% are helmed by female, queer or non-binary filmmakers. For 12 days PAFF will take over the Crenshaw District and make it the center of Black Entertainment in Los Angeles by bringing some of Hollywood’s top Black actors, producers, directors, and influencers to the Cinemark Baldwin Hills and XD Theater. The family of Sanai Singh, a 19-year-old African American woman grappling with mental health challenges, is dealing with the anguish of her disappearance since last Thursday morning. Sanai vanished from her residence in South Los Angeles, leaving her parents and relatives deeply distressed. In their desperate search for answers, Sanai’s parents have diligently filed a missing person’s report with the LAPD, fervently seeking assistance from the community to help locate their beloved daughter. Despite their fervent efforts, the family’s plea for an Ebony alert—an urgent notification system designed to aid in the swift recovery of missing individuals from minority communities—has not yet been heeded by the LAPD. They were disheartened to learn that LAPD detectives handling missing person cases do not operate during weekends, leaving them in an agonizing limbo. In response to the perceived lack of urgency and resources devoted to cases involving missing Black women, the family, joined by community leaders, is demanding increased attention from the LAPD. They are advocating for a more robust allocation of resources and personnel to address the disproportionately high number of cases like Sanai’s within the community. Somaya Reece, the Afro-Latina recording artist, is poised for a monumental comeback with her latest single, “Witness Glory.” In a recent interview, she passionately described the track as an unfiltered expression of her journey, infused with raw emotion and gritty realism. With a steadfast commitment to infuse the industry with impactful music, Somaya seeks to resonate with individuals who have weathered the storms of struggle and battled with depression, offering a beacon of hope in today’s turbulent times. “Witness Glory” transcends mere reintroduction; it stands as a testament to Somaya’s prowess in crafting irresistibly catchy tunes that not only captivate contemporary audiences but also inspire triumph over adversity. “My music embodies the spirit of female empowerment,” she asserts, highlighting her unwavering dedication to uplifting women through her artistry. Somaya’s distinctive fusion of singing and rap, seamlessly transitioning between English and Spanish, positions her as a trailblazer on a mission to inject depth and substance into the music landscape. https://youtu.be/VcrkxDkzcZs The signature collection to recall Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao officially started on Saturday, with organizers kicking off the campaign in Jack London Square. Supporters of the recall blame the mayor for the rising crime. Oakland police said robberies, burglaries, and violent crimes all of went up by double digits in 2023 compared to 2022. Meanwhile, many businesses shut down citing crime, especially along the Hegenberger corridor. “This specific area used to thrive on game day, whether it was the Raiders, the A’s, or the Warriors. It was amazing,” said East Oakland native Duane Tatum, who lives near The Coliseum. “It’s frustrating because you start thinking about all the economic activity you’re losing.” With businesses gone, so are the jobs and tax revenue. https://youtu.be/mB3mpUPNlFg In “KEMBA,” Smith is a sheltered college student whose life takes a dramatic turn when she falls in love with a man named Khalif. As she delves deeper into their relationship, Kemba discovers Khalif’s true identity as a drug kingpin, leading to a cycle of abuse and manipulation. Despite never being involved in his illegal activities, Kemba finds herself unjustly sentenced due to her association with Khalif. However, with unwavering support from her parents and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Kemba embarks on a journey to appeal her sentence and fight for justice.“Once those prison doors opened and it took the President [Clinton] to open those prison doors, It was incumbent upon me to continue to speak out for those that are left behind in prison who I felt deserved a second chance as well,” said Kemba. https://youtu.be/511BdMgC7uE According to Bishop Reginald Jackson, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis woke up on Thursday morning “ready to testify” after they prayed together before the hearing. Bishop Jackson shared with CNN that he met with Willis earlier in the morning to “offer her words of encouragement” and they prayed together. Reflecting on their conversation, Jackson said, “She seemed comfortable. She seemed eager to address (the issues).” “I had the feeling this morning that she was ready for this. It’s been going on for over a month, these efforts to destroy her reputation,” he added. “She wanted to meet it head-on.” https://youtu.be/ENlsA9mg2aA The Georgia election subversion case against Donald Trump and 14 of his allies took a stunning turn Thursday when prosecutors Fani Willis and Nathan Wade testified under oath about their romantic relationship at a hearing triggered by allegations of self-dealing that have the potential to derail the entire effort. The all-day hearing escalated steadily throughout the day, culminating with Fulton County District Attorney Willis taking the witness stand for a combative brawl with defense attorneys that drew several rebukes from the judge. Judge Scott McAfee convened the hearing after some of Trump’s co-defendants surfaced allegations of a relationship between Willis and Wade, whom she hired in 2021 to join the prosecution team. Trump and his co-defendants want the judge to disqualify Willis’ team from the case – or throw out the charges – because of a possible conflict of interest. There was talk of cash exchanging hands from Willis to Wade, where they store their money at home, CashApp usage, and their spending habits – all to get to the question of whether Willis benefitted financially from putting him on her staff. https://youtu.be/N6y8kiChWzI The hearing will continue on Friday with Willis still on the stand. The judge said he does not plan to issue a ruling on Friday. Here are takeaways from the hearing that was at times jaw-dropping, awkward, and strikingly personal. The district attorney had fought efforts to make her appear, both in Wade’s ongoing divorce proceedings and in the hearing on Thursday, up until the moment she came into the room to take the stand. She said at the beginning of her testimony that she was “very anxious” to defend herself, “so I ran to the courtroom.” “You think I’m on trial,” Willis said, in her sharpest pushback of the day. “These people are on trial for trying to steal an election in 2020,” she added, pointing toward the table of attorneys representing defendants in the criminal case. “I’m not on trial, no matter how hard you try to put me on trial.” She later slammed the defense attorneys, calling them “confused” and “intrusive.” “Ms. Merchant’s interests are contrary to democracy, not to mine,” Willis said, attacking the attorney for Trump campaign attorney Michael Roman, who is accused of playing a leading role in the multi-state “fake electors” plot to subvert the Electoral College. https://youtu.be/m8ADROE0QZc Creative Jenius Report – the innovative industry resource, platform, and hub for Black behind-the-scenes creative professionals – hosted the third installation of its exclusive NYFW party experience, BLACKSTAGE celebrating the contributions of Black Icons in Fashion last night at the chic DUMBO House in Brooklyn. This year’s BLACKSTAGE event featured a collective of Black creatives who are pushing boundaries and who have made a significant impact on cultural trends, breaking new ground in fashion including male supermodel Alton Mason; Harper’s Bazaar Style Director at Large Carlos Nazario; celebrity hairstylist Sir John; and celebrity hairstylist Jawara Wauchope. Additionally, guests partied to the sounds of international DJs Wemi and Khalil. Music and entertainment industry mogul Vassal Benford is feeling grateful. The R&B/jazz keyboardist wrote and produced a new single, “Dedication Song,” that captures his feelings of appreciation. The Benford Jazz Label release mixed by Billboard hitmaker Greg Manning is the most added new single on Billboard’s Mediabase chart two weeks running. Benford has played a role in the creation of more than 58 platinum-selling records as a Grammy-nominated producer, songwriter, musician and record executive in pop, R&B, hip-hop, rock and dance music. He’s worked with a veritable who’s who list of superstars, yet jazz remains his humble muse and he’s determined to put his distinctive imprint on the genre. Playing piano to foster feelings of intimacy and emotional connection, “Dedication Song” plays like a danceable and sensual R&B groove. https://youtu.be/OxrBmkdkdWM Popular YouTuber Twomad has died at the age of 23 from a suspected drug overdose. During a welfare check at his home, the LAPD discovered his body. The Blast reports that the death of Twomad, whose real name was Muudea Sedik, is still under investigation. According to sources, his untimely passing could be the result of an overdose, as paraphernalia for drugs was found at the scene. https://youtu.be/OYnp5RcC2WU The welfare check was reportedly conducted after Sedik missed multiple appointments and was MIA for several days. According to a TMZ report, “Twomad had caused concern among his fanbase in recent weeks — including some strange, one-off tweets he was posting last week … not to mention a bunch of photos of firearms,” the outlet writes. https://twitter.com/i/status/1758237847352492475 “You know exactly what you did,” Goldibell responded. “You were groping me as I was crying trying to leave your f–king house then stalked me for months afterward. I genuinely hate you more than anyone on this planet you ruined my f–king life.” Goldibell claimed Twomad pressured her into doing things she “never wanted to do.” According to TMZ, Twomad was embroiled in controversy before his death and was off the radar for a while. His last video across all three social media channels was five months ago. https://twitter.com/i/status/1758237847352492475 Usher is reflecting on his past marriage to ex-wife Tameka Foster and fan reaction to their romance. The R&B crooner married the stylist in 2007 and immediately faced backlash from the colorists in the Black community who disapproved of the relationship. “I think I became very closed and then felt attacked in many ways,” Usher said in a new People interview. “It was a bit unconventional in a time when I felt like my female fans were judgmental of the woman that I chose,” he added. Usher also noted that Foster, who’s seven years his senior, “was a dark-skinned woman, and maybe they didn’t want to love her in a way because of maybe some reason that had to do with themselves,” he continued. Larsa Pippen and Marcus Jordan were spotted together on a Valentine’s Day date days after reports that they broke up.The couple were spotted Wednesday in Magic City with Pippen showing off a massive diamond ring on that finger. It remains unclear if they are engaged, Page Six reports. Earlier this week, a source confirmed to People that Pippen, 49, and Jordan, 33, are no longer together after breakup rumors began swirling Sunday. Fans were quick to notice when the reality TV star unfollowed Jordan on Instagram and deleted all photos of him. Pippen, the ex-wife of NBA icon Scottie Pippen, shared a poll on her Instagram Story, asking her followers, “Should your friends unfollow your ex?” Pippen and Jordan met at a party in Los Angeles in 2019. In August 2023, they denied engagement rumors after Jordan appeared to speak about wedding venues in a previous interview. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GGbQkgWWgAADaHN?format=jpg&name=small A country music station in Oklahoma has responded to the outage to their initial decision not to play a new single from Beyoncé’s forthcoming country album. Queen Bey released two new country songs, “Texas Hold ’Em” and “16 Carriages,” on Sunday. As the BeyHive celebrated the new tracks, one fan on social media, user @jussato, accused KYKC 100.1 FM of rejecting their request for them to play “Texas Hold ’Em.” This individual hit up X/Twiter to share a screenshot of the email exchange with the radio station, writing, “I requested ‘Texas Hold ’Em’ at my local country radio station (KYKC) and after requesting, I received an email from the radio station stating, “We do not play Beyoncé on KYKC as we are a country music station.” “This station needs to be held accountable for their blatant racism and discrimination against Beyoncé,” @jussato added in a separate post. The radio station’s response immediately drew accusations on social media of “blatant racism.“ https://www.instagram.com/p/C3WTOvgRkFf/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Porn star Moriah Mills is warning women to watch their backs while traveling alone in Atlanta’s Hartsfield Airport. In a TikTok video, Moriah, 32, said she encountered a fan at the airport who asked her for her Instagram handle. After giving him her social information, because “That’s what I am, a social media influencer,” she said, the man began following her around the airport. “I stopped to get some coffee and different things, and I noticed that this guy that asked for my Instagram kept following me all over the freaking airport,” she continued. When the man tried to get on an elevator with her, she alerted security, but they advised her that the man was gone by the time they intervened. In the video, she told women traveling alone at Atlanta’s airport to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings. https://www.tiktok.com/@moriahmilly/video/7335082864515632430?embed_source=71929437%2C121374463%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&refer=embed&referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fmoriah-mills-urges-women-to-be-vigilant-while-travelling-alone%2F&referer_video_id=7335082864515632430 Jennifer Lopez is hitting the road this summer for the This Is Me… Now the Tour. The 34-date trek across North America supports her new ninth studio album, This Is Me… Now. According to People, the tour kicks off June 26 at the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida, making stops in Miami, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Detroit, Toronto, Boston, Philadelphia, New York City, Nashville, and New Orleans. The This Is Me… Now the Tour wraps Aug. 31 at the Toyota Center in Houston. A presale for Citi cardmembers and Verizon Up runs from Feb 20 at 10 a.m. local time to Feb. 22 at 10 p.m. local time. JLo Fan Club members can cop tickets beginning Feb. 20 at 10 a.m. local time through Feb. 23 at 10 a.m. local time, when the general sale begins, per People. GRAMMY®, Dove and Stellar Award-nominated artist Melvin Crispell, III has released a new single with “He’s Never Failed Me Yet.” Available on all digital music providers, Melvin performs a powerful ballad of celebration in this new arrangement of the CeCe Winans song “He’s Never Failed Me Yet.” Delivering hope and encouragement, Melvin’s luminous vocals shine praise on God’s constancy, finding comfort in God who is always there, and a source of light and strength through trying or sad times. "He's Never Failed Me Yet" (Official Lyric Video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBNoJgeUDE8 Prime Video has released the official trailer and key art for “Giannis: The Marvelous Journey.” The feature-length documentary unpacks the journey of Milwaukee Bucks mega-star and two-time NBA league MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo. According to the news release: “Giannis: The Marvelous Journey is an intimate portrait of a global superstar and one of the NBA’s most dominating performers, a two-time league MVP who led the Milwaukee Bucks to a championship in 2021. But his path began a world away from the spotlight, on the streets of Athens, where he was raised on the margins of society, alongside three brothers, by parents who’d immigrated from Nigeria in search of a better life.” https://youtu.be/z7GbDaCYChw Zendaya hit the red carpet for the London “Dune 2” premiere, wearing a vintage Thierry Mugler futuristic robot suit. According to her stylist Law Roach, the stunning shiny outfit was from Mugler’s fall-winter 1995-96 couture collection. Speaking about his approach with the superstar actress, Roach told Harper’s Bazaar, “I think of it as method dressing, kind of like method acting.” We reported earlier that “Dune: Part Two” will explore the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a path of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee, according to the press release. https://youtu.be/cbuVmhLqzII The big-screen epic continues the adaptation of Frank Herbert’s acclaimed bestseller Dune with returning and new stars, including Oscar nominee Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar nominee Josh Brolin, Oscar nominee Austin Butler, Oscar nominee Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista, Oscar winner Christopher Walken, Léa Seydoux, Souheila Yacoub, Stellan Skarsgård, Oscar nominee Charlotte Rampling, and Oscar winner Javier Bardem. Denis Villeneuve directed from a screenplay he co-wrote with Jon Spaihts based on Herbert’s novel. The film was produced by Mary Parent, Cale Boyter, Villeneuve, Tanya Lapointe, and Patrick McCormick. The executive producers are Joshua Grode, Herbert W. Gains, Jon Spaihts, Thomas Tull, Brian Herbert, Byron Merritt, Kim Herbert, with Kevin J. Anderson serving as creative consultant. https://youtu.be/U2Qp5pL3ovA Wary airline passengers already on guard for unruly passengers and even real-life snakes on planes might have one more thing – however improbable – to add their slate of possible in-flight disruptions. And it’s an icky one: Maggots. Yep, those creepy creatures that thrive on fetid foods and waste have joined the pantheon of things that can cause a flight to change course and ruin travel plans. On Tuesday, Delta Air Lines Flight 133 departed Amsterdam, Netherlands, bound for Detroit, Michigan. But one hour into the flight, the Airbus A330-300 had to turn back to Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport after maggots reportedly fell onto a passenger from an overhead bin, according to Detroit TV station FOX 2 (WJBK). https://youtu.be/6cYF9WrhgMA The station interviewed passenger Philip Schotte, a Netherlands native now living in Iowa, who said he saw about a dozen of the creatures on a woman sitting next to him. “She was freaking out. She was just trying to kind of fight off these maggots. … I don’t really know what was going through my mind. I was trying to process it – disgust is one thing of course. We had to wait there for help to actually come,” Schotte told the station. Schotte said the flight crew eventually traced the maggots to a passenger’s bag, which contained rotten fish wrapped in newspaper. He told the station that the bag was moved to the back of the plane, and it was announced the plane was going back to Amsterdam. Schotte told FOX 2 that he took another flight to the US a few hours later. https://youtu.be/fx41MBe14yc A woman named Kira Davis who says she’s Black and is a conservative has written an “opinion” piece for Newsweek titled “Fani Willis Is an Embarrassment to Black People. She’s the Proof That DEI Only Hurts Us.” Needless to say, it’s got a lot of people in their feelings or more directly, “hot under their collar” as the old saying goes. You can also count this writer as one of those not thrilled with Davis’ “opinion” of Fani Willis’ testimony on the stand in Atlanta yesterday. Davis’ title says it all and says a lot about HER. First of all, there was ZERO embarrassment about Fani Willis’ actions on the stand. Also, how the hell is a woman who was ELECTED to public office a DEI recipient? To us, this Davis person sounds like your typical conservative age-old bootlicker out to find ways to make master happy. https://youtu.be/ot9hAbePg5k As a Black woman and working professional, I’ve never been a huge fan of affirmative action and the recent rise of critical theory, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives has only bolstered my resistance. While it may seem necessary to some in order to right the wrongs of the past, I can sum up why these measures are an unmitigated disaster for hard-working Black Americans in two words: Fani Willis. Willis is the prosecutor in one of the nation’s major cities and most high-profile cases against former President Donald Trump. Her position and the historic nature of the case she is prosecuting put her in an elite class most Black people will never even dream of reaching. One would expect such a person to be polished and classy, and able to remain so even while responding to an uncomfortable barrage of questions on the witness stand. https://youtu.be/gS-Vka4ho8k In a surprise move, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis will not testify for a second day against claims she had an ‘improper’ affair with Nathan Wade, a lawyer she hired to help prosecute former President Trump and others accused of conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election. https://youtu.be/EU1bCKr4LMg Usher is teaming with UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group, to develop a drama series about Black love in Atlanta. According to Variety, here’s the official logline: “Black love in Atlanta and individuals looking to find a place to call home. The series will explore music, style, sex, romance and secrets that threaten to tear relationships apart.” In a statement, Usher said… “I’m happy to be working with UCP to bring the music to life. I hope the series resonates with you the way my music continues to.” Selwyn Seyfu Hinds, Katie Zucker (Mad Massive Entertainment) and Kenny Meiselas (KMei Productions) serve as Executive producers on the forthcoming series. It remains unknown if the R&B crooner will appear on the show. Usher, fresh off his Super Bowl Halftime Show, released his ninth studio album, “Coming Home,” on February 9. The 8-time Grammy award-winner has also extended his massive 2024 North America tour, USHER: Past Present Future, to more cities and additional shows in Atlanta. EURweb is featuring the inspiring stories of individuals who are making history during Black History Month. One of these remarkable individuals is Sue Taylor, affectionately known as “Mama Sue.” When asked how she is doing, she enthusiastically responds, “Oh, I’m incredibly well!” Mama Sue, a cannabis entrepreneur from Berkeley, CA, is determined to ensure that people of her generation can also experience such well-being. Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign’s new song “Good (Don’t Die)” from their “Vultures” album has been removed from Spotify following a complaint from Donna Summer’s estate for “copyright infringement.” https://youtu.be/VW5igbqkQQQ Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign’s new song “Good (Don’t Die)” from the “Vultures” album has been removed from Spotify following a complaint from Donna Summer’s estate for “copyright infringement.” “Good (Don’t Die)” sampled elements of Summer‘s 1977 hit “I Feel Love.” While the electro-pop song is available on other streamers such as Apple Music, Spotify yanked it on Feb 14, Billboard reports. “Kanye West… asked permission to use Donna Summer’s song I Feel Love, he was denied… he changed the words, had someone re sing it or used AI but it’s I Feel Love… copyright infringement!!!” Summer’s estate wrote in an Instagram Story. Meanwhile, rockstar Ozzy Osbourne also denied West’s request to sample one of his tracks. “We get so many requests for these songs,” Ozzy’s wife/manager Sharon Osbourne told Billboard. “And when we saw that request, we just said no way… We’ve been in touch with his team … And it’s also an issue of having respect for another artist.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lb8kt0sDsco&feature=youtu.be A White Republican lawmaker spoke at the Feb. 1 NAACP meeting in Kentucky, where she claimed her father was a slave. “My father was a slave, just to a white man and he was white,” said Kentucky State Representative Jennifer Decker while discussing an education bill she is sponsoring that would ban diversity, equity, and inclusion (DIE) programs, The Courier- Journal reports. Decker said her father’s mother “was the illegitimate daughter of a very prominent person who then was kind enough to allow them to work for him as slaves.” She added, “So, if you’re asking, did we own slaves? My father was a slave, just to a white man and he was white.” https://twitter.com/BagdMilkSoWhat/status/1642092180582940673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1642200681791537157%7Ctwgr%5Eae26ec0a4f96a81258dd48e4ba15ee02bb863f73%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fwhite-kentucky-lawmaker-claims-her-father-was-a-slave%2F Another commenter added, “Who are the people voting her in? I mean, she didn’t crash the party, she was voted into her position, yes?” A third wrote, “There is a case for coal miners to be compared to serfs. Other jobs certainly. Not paid in real money. Poverty conditions, etc. but he wasn’t a literal slave.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8xZqdGCt2c&feature=youtu.be Well Go USA, the studio behind Triple Threat, Train to Busan, and the IP Man franchise, has released the trailer and key art for the upcoming thriller “Sting.” The film stars Alyla Browne (The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart), Ryan Corr (House of the Dragon), and Jermaine Fowler (Coming 2 America), and it is exclusively in theaters this spring. Here’s the synopsis: “One day a mysterious object falls from the sky…it’s an egg and from this egg discovered by Charlotte Browne), a rebellious 12-year-old girl obsessed with comic books. Despite her stepfather Ethan’s (Corr) best efforts to connect with her through their comic book co-creation Fang Girl, Charlotte feels isolated. Her mother and Ethan are distracted by their new baby and are struggling to cope, leaving Charlotte to bond with the spider. Keeping it as a secret pet, she names it Sting.” Usher is speaking out about creating his ninth album, “Coming Home,” released on Friday amid the celebration of his 30-year career. The 20-track album features collaborations with Latto, Burna Boy, The-Dream, Pheelz, BTS’ Jungkook, 21 Savage, Summer Walker, and H.E.R. The R&B crooner also reimagined Billy Joel‘s “Uptown Girl” for a new track called “A-Town Girl”. The 8-time Grammy award-winner has extended his massive 2024 North America tour to support his new album. The USHER: Past Present Future tour added more cities and additional shows in Atlanta. Produced by Live Nation, the 51-date tour will kick it all off in Atlanta, making stops in Seattle, Las Vegas, Vancouver, and more before wrapping up at Toyota Center in Houston on November 27, per the news release. The inaugural 2024 Fool in Love Festival lineup has been announced. Billboard reports that Lionel Richie and Diana Ross will headline the August 31 gig at Sofi Stadium-adjacent Hollywood Park in Los Angeles. The other confirmed artists are Al Green, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, the Isley Brothers, Charlie Wilson, the O’Jays, Smokey Robinson, Dionne Warwick, the Stylistics, the Chi-Lites, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Zapp, Kool & the Gang, Rose Royce and Morris Day & the Time, among many others. Register here for an access code to the presale on Friday (Feb. 16) at 1 p.m. The general sale will follow at 5 p.m. ET if any tickets remain. https://www.instagram.com/p/C3TjGfZP_fJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=cfbb73d1-7693-41bf-b9a7-d3b7b6f390c7 Nkechi Diallo, formerly known as Rachel Dolezal (a white woman who claims she is transracial/Black), was fired from her teaching job in Tucson, Ariz., after the school district learned of her OnlyFans account.We only learned of Ms. Nkechi Diallo’s OnlyFans social media posts yesterday afternoon,” Julie Farbarik, a spokeswoman for the Catalina Foothills Unified School District #16, said in a statement to People. “Her posts are contrary to our district’s ‘Use of Social Media by District Employees’ policy and our staff ethics policy. She is no longer employed by the Catalina Foothills School District,” the statement continued. According to NBC affiliate KVOA, Diallo was an employee at the Catalina Foothills School District. After popular social media blog Libs of TikTok exposed her explicit OnlyFans account, Diallo was let go. https://www.instagram.com/p/CLK1y08Bj__/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Shaquille O’Neal hit up social media to tell Kanye West to “man up” and “stop bi**hin and snitchin” after the rapper credited Dov Charney, Jonah Hill, and Jon Rafman for inspiring his apology for his previous antisemitic remarks. West wrote: “DOV CHARNEY IS MY BROTHER AND ME AND MY WIFE’S BUSINESS PARTNER WHEN JAMIE SALTER AND EVERYONE ELSE WOULDN’T TAKE MY CALLS HE LET ME SLEEP AT HIS FACTORY DOV CHARNEY JONAH HILL AND JON RAFMAN ARE 3 PEOPLE WHO INSPIRED MY APOLOGY.” In response, Shaq wrote, “Who cares stop bi**hin and snitchin. I kno u saw me at the Super Bowl i was waiting for u to say something smart,” the NBA icon added. “Man up. Nobody wanna see u cryin, man up lil boy.” O’Neal and Ye allegedly have had beef since 2022 when Kanye criticized the former Los Angeles player for slamming Kyrie Irving amid the Jewish community’s fake outrage over a pro-black documentary he shared on X (formally Twitter). As Fadeaway World reports, Shaq previously slammed Ye for being narcissistic and not accounting for his actions. https://eurweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/ye-went.jpg Police are working to determine who opened fire and what motivated a shooting that killed one and wounded more than 20 others at the end of the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory rally, sending fans clad in red jerseys running, taking cover or tending to others on the ground as law enforcement swarmed the area, confetti still blowing in the wind. An estimated 1 million people had gathered just steps away from Union Station in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, for the parade and rally to mark the Chiefs’ repeat championship win Wednesday, with players still on the stage when chaos erupted to the sound of gunshots. Multiple people were shot, including children, authorities said. Three people were detained as officers converged on the scene, according to Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves, who added that guns were recovered at the scene but didn’t specify how many. No charges had been announced as of Wednesday night and no suspects had been named. https://youtu.be/X5KnNPGJ86Y Headed by Cameka Smith, The BOSS Network, an online community of professional and entrepreneurial women who support each other through digital content, programs and event-based networking, has announced awarding $50,000 each in grants and scholarships in partnership with Sage ($250,000 in total) to the Divine Nine sororities—including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated; Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated; Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated—the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Incorporated, and the Chicago Urban League. Led by CEO Dr. Cameka Smith, this investment is a part of The BOSS Network’s yearlong celebration highlighting its 15th anniversary milestone year. Four women from each organization will receive a $10,000 grant from the BOSS Impact Fund and a scholarship to BOSS Business University (valued at $2,500). https://youtu.be/mToDKu-SiZs Set against the World War II Nazi occupation of Paris,, “The New Look” offers a fresh perspective on the lives of iconic fashion designers Christian Dior, Coco Chanel, and their contemporaries as they navigate the tumultuous era of conflict and creativity. Here’s the official synopsis, “As Dior rises to prominence with his groundbreaking, iconic imprint of beauty and influence, Chanel’s reign as the world’s most famous fashion designer is put into jeopardy. The interwoven saga follows the surprising stories of Dior’s contemporaries and rivals from Chanel to Pierre Balmain, Cristóbal Balenciaga and more; and, provides a stunning view into the atelier, designs and clothing created by Christian Dior through collaboration with the House of Dior.” https://youtu.be/lXN5Ws7LxkA If we had a “koo-koo for Cocoa Puffs” section, this story would be posted there. An irate woman confronted social activist Dr. Umar Johnson during a recent event at the New Black Wall Street Market in Atlanta. Cell phone video shows the woman stomping to the stage and throwing a bag at Johnson. Another woman approached the stage behind her, also yelling at Johnson. Sensing trouble, Johnson’s bodyguards rushed to the stage to stop the women. https://youtu.be/M2m5QeP2Q8A “Brothas and sistas, clap it up for the ancestors,” he told the crowd. “Clap it up for Black excellence,” he continued, as the audience clapped and cheered. “Clap it up for positivity,” Johnson said, while the woman fought with his guards. As the woman stripped off her top, Johnson said, “We gon’ stay focused.” “We gon’ stay focused. No weapon formed against us shall prevail!” https://youtu.be/ZGJIXzuLiiA Warner Brothers has released the trailer for their latest film, GODZILLA x KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE, premiering March 29 only in theaters. Per the press release, the synopsis states: “The epic battle continues! Legendary Pictures’ cinematic Monsterverse follows up the explosive showdown of “Godzilla vs. Kong” with an all-new adventure that pits the almighty Kong and the fearsome Godzilla against a colossal undiscovered threat hidden within our world, challenging their very existence—and our own. “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” delves further into the histories of these Titans and their origins, as well as the mysteries of Skull Island and beyond, while uncovering the mythic battle that helped forge these extraordinary beings and tied them to humankind forever.” https://youtu.be/qqrpMRDuPfc The non-profit organization, Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) is thrilled to announce its continued partnership with the global brand IKEA. The two came together to amplify the creative brilliance of Black artists from around the world as they unveil the 3rd installment of “All Artists Have a Seat at the Table” a unique campaign that not only shines a light on fine Black Art but also inspires collaboration in unlikely places while showcasing artists behind the work. The 2024 campaign launched February 8, at 6:00 pm with a red carpet opening and reception at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, 2nd floor, inside the Museum of African American Art. This glamorous event marked the official unveiling of the “All Artists Have a Seat at the Table” furniture presented by IKEA including a panel discussion by some of its featured artists. The annual event boasts an array of art lovers, film enthusiasts, and some of Hollywood’s top A-listers observing the beautiful artwork, and shopping for unique pieces to add to their collections. Two juveniles have been detained in connection with Wednesday’s shooting following the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl celebration rally, which left one dead and more than 20 wounded, police said. At least 23 victims have been identified, including Lisa Lopez-Galvan, a 43-year-old woman who died, police chief Stacey Graves said at a news conference Thursday. The other 22 victims range in age from 8 to 47, Graves said, adding that half are younger than 16. The shooting appears to have been a “dispute between several people that ended in gunfire,” Graves said, noting there is no indication of a “nexus to terrorism or homegrown violent extremism.” On Wednesday, Graves said three people had been detained, and an unspecified number of guns recovered by police. Later Wednesday, a Kansas City police spokesperson told CNN one person who was in custody was “determined to not be involved.” Two juvenile teens remained in custody for further investigation, police said. https://youtu.be/hbF2JZ20CMU Sports journalist Stephen A. Smith is defending Megyn Kelly against criticism that she is racist after the conservative commentator slammed Andra Day’s performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” (aka the Black National Anthem) at the 2024 Super Bowl. “The so-called Black National Anthem does not belong at the Super Bowl. We already have a National Anthem and it includes EVERYONE,” Kelly wrote on X/Twitter. Her post received backlash, with some accusing her of racism. Smith made time on Monday’s episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show to defend Kelly. “I’m sick and tired of folks out there — particularly in the Black community — being so quick to throw out the word ‘racism.’ When you throw out the word ‘racism,’ do me a favor,” he began, per The Hill. “Have more evidence before you do it, so it can’t be dismissed via plausible deniability or something else.” Smith then urged critics to educate themselves on why the Black National Anthem is significant to the Black community. “I don’t know you, I just know what you’ve been as a journalist and I respect the hell out of you. I respectfully say to you, could you do one or two things? Could you have a more thorough understanding of Black history, what provoked the existence of the Black national anthem and speak to that reality? Or simply stomach it?” https://youtu.be/sQ0B7cF3DQk On Saturday, April 20, 2024 entertainment executive Michael Ochoa, manager of the Urban Pop group MAKO Girls, serves on the Professional Panel at the 25th annual Baltimore “Uplifting Minds II” Entertainment Conference. The ULMII Conference is powered by Zoom and consists of a Professional Panel Q&A Session, a Professional Showcase, and a National Talent Competition where the top three performances win over $20,000 in products, services, and cash. Camberwell is home to many influential people from the Black community, past and present with a new walking tour around the area introduced. The self-guided tour starts at the lectern on Camberwell Green but can be picked up anywhere along the route. Local historian Stephen Bourne penned The Camberwell Black History Walk. The route pays tribute to people like feminist broadcaster Una Marson medical pioneer Harold Moody and Star Wars actor John Boyega. The plaques at each site along the route were paid for by Southwark Council and the Camberwell Society and people can scan the QR code for an audio guide voiced by young actors from Theatre Peckham of which John Boyega is a patron. The map features the work of artist and “illustrious son of Camberwell,” Tayo Fatunla having had a long career working on projects and workshops in Camberwell and he has also worked as an Editorial cartoonist for the Pan African weekly, West Africa magazine on Coldharbour lane in Camberwell as well. Efforts to bring Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to downtown San Francisco are now official. NBC Bay Area reports the city’s mayor London Breed joined city and business leaders on Feb. 2 to announce the San Francisco Human Rights Commission-led initiative, called Black 2 San Francisco. In a statement regarding the effort, Breed highlighted the benefits of HBCUs as well as its overall impact on San Franciso and its residents. In addition to city and business leaders, Black 2 San Francisco will include contributions from the University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and the University of California at San Francisco to bring an HBCY to the city. “In San Francisco, we are working to build partnerships that strengthen our leadership as a center of education, innovation, and opportunity,” he said. “By bringing HBCUs to our City, we can not only create a connection to empower our next generation of leaders, but we can also contribute to the revitalization of our City.” The Mayor added: “I want to thank all of our private sector supporters, as well as USF, UCSF, and SFSU for their partnership in this work and continued commitment to San Francisco’s future.” In the captivating realm of entertainment, few names evoke as much intrigue and admiration as John Malkovich. Renowned for his unparalleled talent and versatility, Malkovich has graced both stage and screen with his mesmerizing presence for decades. Recently, I had the extraordinary opportunity to chat with this legendary actor to delve into the depths of his latest venture: the Apple TV+ series, “The New Look,” a new, gripping historical drama series from Todd A. Kessler, starring Emmy Award winner Ben Mendelsohn as ‘Christian Dior’ and Academy Award winner Juliette Binoche as ‘Coco Chanel.’ “Inspired by true events and filmed exclusively in Paris, “The New Look” centers on fashion designers Christian Dior, Coco Chanel and their contemporaries as they navigated the horrors of World War II and launched modern fashion,” per the news release. https://youtu.be/lXN5Ws7LxkA At least 10 people have been shot and two armed individuals are in custody after a shooting that took place at the end of the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl parade. “Anyone nearby needs to leave the area as quickly and safely as possible to facilitate treatment of the shooting victims. Please avoid the Union Station parking garage area to allow first responders through,” police said. An estimated 1 million people were in downtown Kansas City on Wednesday celebrating their team’s back-to-back championship, and the area where the shooting took place was steps away from where the Chiefs held a pep rally for thousands of fans after the parade took place. It’s a heartbreaking end to what had been a raucous day of celebration for Chiefs fans, including many children as school districts in the Kansas City metro area had canceled classes to allow students to attend. At last report at least 20 + were injured and 1 dead. https://youtu.be/XRk0R6j5h2Q Usher’s halftime show at Super Bowl LVIII reportedly drew in more viewers than Rihanna and Dr Dre’s performances. According to Samba TV, 30.1 million households watched Usher serve his classic R&B hits, up 5 percent from Rihanna‘s 2023 Halftime Show, Vibe reports. As a result of the big game, Spotify streams of Usher’s music increased by 550 percent. In 2022, the Super Bowl’s halftime show featured for the first time an exclusive hip-hop lineup of artists such as Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, and 50 Cent. According to Samba, 29 million U.S. households watched the show. “The powerhouse performances from Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and 50 Cent rocked the ratings on Sunday night, shattering last year’s halftime audience drawing in millions of more viewers across both linear television and streaming,” said Cole Strain, head of measurement at Samba TV, in a statement at the time. Usher released his ninth studio album, “Coming Home,” on February 9. The 8-time Grammy award-winner has also extended his massive 2024 North America tour, USHER: Past Present Future, to more cities and additional shows in Atlanta. Frankie Beverly & Maze, the R&B legends, will be embarking on their final tour together. Named the “I Wanna Thank You Farewell Tour,” the tour will kick off on March 22nd, 2024, at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, GA. Following the concert in Atlanta, there will be an after-party event for Frankie Beverly and Maze, with more details to be announced soon. The “I Wanna Thank You Farewell Tour” by Frankie Beverly and Maze will visit the following cities, dates, and venues: March 22nd, 2024 – State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA, April 6th, 2024 – Mobile County Fairgrounds, Mobile, AL, April 13th, 2024 – Toyota Arena, Houston, TX, April 27th, 2024 – United Center, Chicago, IL, May 12th, 2024 – KIA Forum, Los Angeles, CA, July 6th, 2024 – Dell Center, Philadelphia, PA Frankie Beverly, after more than 50 years of creating and performing classic hits, will retire later this year. The farewell tour is being produced by the Black Promoters Collective (BPC), a coalition representing six of the nation’s top independent concert promotion and event production companies. The BPC has successfully organized several major urban tours over the past two years, including those featuring Maxwell, New Edition, and Mary J. Blige. Frankie Beverly’s final tour is a testament to his remarkable career, and the BPC’s reputation for putting on shows with musical legends and contemporary superstars aligns perfectly with his legacy. Recently, Frankie Beverly was honored with the Urban One Living Legend Honor by TVOne, alongside Dionne Warwick, Mary J. Blige, gospel music super producer Donald Lawrence, and Chloe. After completing the tour with major stops across the country, Frankie Beverly will make his way to Philadelphia for a street renaming ceremony. This is the city where Beverly and his group, originally called Raw Soul, launched their extraordinary musical journey. https://youtu.be/JbcGIL3Zih0 Wayne Brady is set to star in the revival of “The Wiz” on Broadway, with Tony-nominated producer Kandi Burruss and her husband Todd Tucker serving as producers of the production. Brady stars in the title role along with Nichelle Lewis as Dorothy, Deborah Cox as Glinda Melody A. Betts as Aunt Em and Evillene, Kyle Ramar Freeman as the Lion, Phillip Johnson Richardson as the Tinman, and Avery Wilson as the Scarecrow, Deadline reports. Kandi and Todd produce with Kristin Caskey, Mike Isaacson, Brian Anthony Moreland, and Ambassador Theatre Group. In an interview with TheWrap, Burruss admitted that she knew from the outset that a revival of “The Wiz” would be met with harsh criticism from the Black community. “We knew from the jump that we were going to be under a microscope from our community, from the culture, about who did these roles because these roles are iconic,” Burruss said. “We made sure everybody in this show could sing down!” Comedian David Lucas said, “Getting canceled ain’t that bad,” in an Instagram post announcing his upcoming shows. Lucas is catching heat online after several Black audience members walked out of his stand-up comedy performance at the Funny Bone Comedy Club in Manchester, Connecticut when he made a tasteless joke about the 2020 police killing of George Floyd. Lucas seemingly mocked Floyd’s death while trading insults with a heckler. “And you want to show them the reason why George Floyd got his neck kneeled on,” Lucas said, prompting the audience to gasp in shock. “Don’t ‘Ooh’ at that joke. It’s just a joke, man. I would’ve never kneeled on George Floyd’s neck. I would’ve shot that n***a,” he added. https://youtu.be/baWCF8bdr2I Later in the video, as several audience members leave due to the insensitive remark, one attendee tells Lucas… “You need to know about George Floyd before you get yo ass up there talking about him. You really stoop low to be funny don’t you know that.” Viral video of the moment shows Lucas doesn’t seem phased by the Black attendees leaving, and he shouts, “I’m just warming up.” “I like Kyle Rittenhouse, too,” he shouted. https://www.instagram.com/p/C3N7pQxP6az/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Jess Hilarious announced on “The Breakfast Club” this week she and her boyfriend Chris are expecting a baby. Chris called into the show to share his excitement about their “little bundle of joy.” As Rap-Up reports, Chris said, “Hey, baby. It’s your man. I wanted to call and say, ‘Happy birthday.’ I know it’s a special day for you. I can’t wait to see you. I’m so proud of you. I love that you’re staying divine all the time, and you’re such an amazing woman. I can’t wait to see you later, and I’m so excited for our little bundle of joy, babe.” Jess confirmed she’s pregnant with her second child, as she has an 11-year-old son from a previous relationship. Some fans noted in the comments of The Breakfast Club’s clip of the segment on Instagram that Jess appeared to be caught off guard by her boyfriend’s announcement, and perhaps she wasn’t ready to make this reveal. In the comments, one IG user wrote, “Getting a new job and immediately telling them you bout to go on maternity leave is crazy!!” https://eurweb.com/2024/jess-hilarious-reveals-shes-pregnant-with-second-child/ Check out Apple’s all-new Peanuts special, “Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin,” which spotlights its first Black character. “As the origin story for one of Peanuts’ most beloved characters, the special follows Franklin Armstrong as he moves to a new town and navigates new friendships,” per the series synopsis. Executive produced by Craig Schulz, co-written by Franklin’s namesake and cartoonist Robb Armstrong, and directed by Emmy Award-winner Raymond S. Persi, “Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin” follows Franklin as he moves to a new town and navigates new friendships. https://youtu.be/GrMX591wZKQ R&B singer Ashanti previously confirmed that during her days as a demo singer, her vocals were passed off as Lopez’s in remixed tracks “I’m Real” and “Ain’t it Funny.” Lopez and Ayo filmed the Feb. 3 episode of “Saturday Night Live” together, where Edebiri hosted, and Lopez was the musical guest. https://youtu.be/LpRL3qvSYzc In an interview with Variety, Lopez said “The Bear” star apologized to her during the taping. “She came to my dressing room and apologized with tears in her eyes, saying how terrible it was that she had said those things,” Lopez said. “She felt really badly and loved my performance because we had just done my soundcheck and she actually got to hear me perform. She was just like, ‘I’m so f–king sorry, it was so awful of me,’ ” she added. https://youtu.be/PRe9iNMlhcU Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have launched a new Sussex.com website offering the latest news about the royal couple’s philanthropic endeavors. The updated site also links their Archewell Foundation non-profit and Archewell Productions. The new site’s homepage features a photo of Harry and Meghan and text that reads: “The office of Prince Harry & Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.”Page Six reports that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are catching heat online for using their royal titles and the coat of arms on the new website. The couple resigned from their duties four years ago. The previous website, SussexRoyal.com, redirects visitors to the new address. A pop-up message reads: “This site was established in 2020 and sets out the work streams of Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex prior to their move to the United States. https://youtu.be/X1d9ObVWKkg Esther Howland isn’t a household name for most Americans. But those who’ve studied the history behind the intricate, hand-crafted (Valentine’s Day) cards she started making some 175 years ago argue that she should be. "She was the Martha Stewart of her day. She would have killed it on Etsy,” says Vanessa Bumpus, exhibit coordinator at the Worcester Historical Museum in Massachusetts. Howland lived in Worcester and built a business in the central Massachusetts city that brought fame and fortune in her lifetime, and a nickname that lasted long after her 1904 death: “The mother of the American valentine.” Howland didn’t invent valentines or bring them to the United States. But she’s credited with sparking the spread of the ornate cards that became a staple of Valentine’s Day celebrations here and eventually blossomed into a multi-billion-dollar industry. https://youtu.be/eKRvhnmGeVo It’s February 14, Valentine’s Day, and love is in the air…and at sea! Carnival Cruise Line and Shaquille O’Neal are celebrating the y in a big way once again by inviting couples sailing on its ships to take part in its largest-ever vow renewal at sea. Virtually officiated by Chief Fun Officer Shaq, the fleetwide ceremony is even bigger than last year – since two new ships – Carnival Venezia and Carnival Jubilee – are allowing even more guests to reaffirm their commitment to each other. An onboard reception follows each ceremony, including a DJ and a champagne toast to celebrate the newly renewed couples. And to add to the fun, there is an onboard kiss-cam spotlighting couples on the big screen of the Seaside Theater. Several conservatives turned to social media to complain about Andra Day’s performance of “Lift Every Voice And Sing” ahead of the LVIII Super Bowl. “They’re desecrating America’s National Anthem by playing something called the ‘Black National Anthem,’” Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz said, according to Vibe. Conservative pundit CJ Pearson added, “Before tonight’s Super Bowl, as a young black man and proud American, let me make myself clear: There is only ONE national anthem,” he wrote. “As there is only ONE United States of America. And it’s for EVERYONE – white, black, yellow, and even maroon. The Left’s agenda of division isn’t just needless; it’s exhausting.” Republican lawmaker Rep. Mike Loychik also remarked about Day’s performance on X/Twitter, writing, “There’s no such thing as a black national anthem. We are all AMERICANS, united by our great and beautiful Star Spangled Banner. The Super Bowl is supposed to bring us together. It’s a disgrace that the NFL decided to push the politics of racial division again.” “It’s a huge moment,” Day told The Associated Press ahead of her big game performance. “I don’t want to just do well, but I really want people to encounter the spirit.” Last month, Day revealed to Entertainment Tonight how she was prepping for the performance. “I was so nervous but very, very excited. Grateful. And also, just an honor. It’s an honor to be singing the Black national anthem,” Day said at the time. “I think I got the call in November when they let me know that like, yes, we’re greenlit to do it and I remember having a very peculiar feeling,” the “Rise Up” songstress shared. “I was like, ‘Why do I feel like it was, like, visceral?’ I was like, ‘Why am I nervous?’ Terrified. I had butterflies in my stomach in November for something that’s gonna happen in February.” Awesome job! https://youtu.be/sQ0B7cF3DQk According to Kansas City Fire Department spokesperson Michael Hopkins, one person has died and several others were injured in a shooting that occurred at the end of a rally celebrating the latest Chiefs Super Bowl win. Hopkins reported that three patients were in critical condition, five were in serious condition, and one had non-life-threatening injuries. Additionally, five more victims sought medical attention for injuries sustained at the event, although it is unclear if they were gunshot victims. Four wounded individuals and eight injured individuals were taken to University Health Truman Medical Center, as confirmed by hospital spokesperson Keith King. This shooting is another tragic example of gun violence disrupting American life in locations that were once considered safe. Previous incidents have occurred at churches, schools, grocery stores, outlet malls, hospitals, college campuses, and house parties. In June 2023, two people were shot as fans were leaving a celebration for the Denver Nuggets’ NBA title. The celebration in downtown Kansas City had an estimated attendance of 1 million people, and the shooting took place near where the Chiefs held their victory rally after the parade. This heartbreaking incident disrupted what had been a joyous day for Chiefs fans, including many children who were given the day off from school to attend. https://youtu.be/8euqy9jvwdg Chiefs fans tacking and apprehending one of the two suspected shooters: https://twitter.com/i/status/1757872459905225087 A video of the two teen shooter suspects: https://twitter.com/i/status/1757865477789933569 The NFL caused a stir on Monday as speculation arose that a recording of Alicia Keys‘ halftime performance during Usher’s Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show had been pitch-corrected before being released on YouTube. During her performance, Keys captivated the audience with her rendition of “If I Ain’t Got You,” seated at a red piano with a grand cape behind her. At the song’s beginning, some fans noticed a vocal crack in Keys’ voice. Clips of this moment quickly circulated online. However, when the official performance recording was uploaded to YouTube, the vocal stumble appeared to have been edited out, leading fans to believe that it had been pitch-corrected. Numerous fans shared side-by-side comparisons of the live show and the pitch-corrected recording as evidence of the alteration. The Hollywood Reporter reached out to representatives for Keys and the NFL for comment but did not receive an immediate response. https://youtu.be/-OjgSMUEWzo Check out an exclusive clip of this week’s episode of “Bold & Bougie,” WEtv’s new reality series, which follows Crystal Smith, Malaysia Pargo, Tameka Foster, Gocha Hawkins, and Princess Banton-Lofters as they live unapologetically on their own terms and rewrite their narrative. Per the official synopsis, “Bold & Bougie promises viewers an exhilarating journey following a group of extraordinary and fearless women who refuse to let societal expectations or age define them. Instead, they embrace their individuality and empower one another to live life to the fullest – well into adulthood.” https://youtu.be/svCRDj8j7J4 The Academy Museum welcomes you to join them in celebrating Black History Month with a special slate of screenings and events spotlighting the many contributions of Black creators and artists in film. In celebration of Black History Month this February, explore quick and entertaining videos built to educate viewers about the contributions of Black people in American history, created by legendary producer-director Neema Barnette and filmmaker Reed R. McCants. Join museum educators in the Netflix Lounge on Fridays in February at 1pm for this interactive experience, where you can explore as many mini docs as you’d like. These short videos will include iconic figures such as Diana Sands, Frank Silvera, Frederick Douglas, Gordon Parks, Hazel Scott, Josephine Baker, Sammy Davis Jr., Woody Strode, Dorothy Dandridge, Jim Kelly, Ruby Dee & Ossie Davis. Sheriff’s deputies in Houston repeatedly shot at a woman (Eboni Pouncy) after mistaking her for an intruder inside her friend’s apartment, body camera footage released over the weekend shows. Pouncy was shot five times during the February 3 confrontation and her attorney, Ben Crump, has since called for the release of the two deputies’ body camera footage. Authorities say Pouncy was holding a gun when they opened fire. Following the release of the edited footage by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office on Saturday, Crump said in a release that the video is “evidence of the unnecessary and excessive force used against her.” Crump later told CNN’s “The Lead with Jake Tapper” that it was a miracle Pouncy survived. “Over two dozen bullets (were fired) and she lived,” he said Tuesday. Pouncy was hit in the chest, abdomen, thigh, leg, and foot, Crump said. She will be OK, but she requires physical rehabilitation, the attorney also said. https://youtu.be/zjIcj1drNP8 Crump said Pouncy didn’t hear the announcement and didn’t know law enforcement officers were at the door. She was shot as she moved to the door, intending to defend the property with a gun she was “within her rights to own,” Crump told CNN Tuesday. A deputy “saw a female approaching the door holding a firearm,” the sheriff’s office said in its release. Soon after, one deputy begins yelling at the person inside to “drop the” gun or weapon, then it appears one or both deputies open fire before the command is complete. They both shoot repeatedly, and at least one deputy continues firing after reloading. After the deputies performed “life-saving efforts” on the woman they shot, she was taken to a local hospital, where she was in stable condition. according to the release. “Deputies conducted a safety sweep and did not locate anyone else inside the apartment,” the release said. A handgun was found inside the apartment, which authorities believe is the one seen by the deputy before they began shooting, it added. https://youtu.be/y63nagX-mIY Kanye West denies claims that Taylor Swift had the rapper removed from the Super Bowl game on Sunday. Forbes reports that NFL player Brandon Marshall explained what happened in his podcast Paper Route, claiming Swift had her rival booted from the big game. “So Kanye West pulls up to Super Bowl… Kanye West buys a ticket right in front of Taylor Swift’s booth,” Marshall said. In his opinion, Kanye may have done this in order to ensure that “any time they were going to be showing [Swift], Kanye’s face was going to be there.” Marshall noted that Yezzy “had a mask on,” and that his appearance “pissed off” Swift. As a result, he believes Swift made “a call or two, everybody’s involved,” and “[Kanye] gets kicked out of the stadium.” A rep for Kanye tells TMZ … “This is a completely fabricated rumor. It is not true.” https://youtu.be/cQ8L6qOSytw Check out an exclusive clip of this week’s episode of “Bold & Bougie,” WEtv’s new reality series, which follows Crystal Smith, Malaysia Pargo, Tameka Foster, Gocha Hawkins, and Princess Banton-Lofters as they live unapologetically on their own terms and rewrite their narrative. Per the official synopsis, “Bold & Bougie promises viewers an exhilarating journey following a group of extraordinary and fearless women who refuse to let societal expectations or age define them. Instead, they embrace their individuality and empower one another to live life to the fullest – well into adulthood.” The series description reads: “The women of Bold & Bougie have spent their entire lives being cheerleaders for others. Now, it’s their turn to be the center of attention as they support each other and form an unbreakable sisterhood. In each hour-long episode, witness the growing pains that come from love, loss – and hangovers, because they still know how to have a good time. As they celebrate milestones, the women showcase their vibrant personalities and zest for life. However, this sisterhood isn’t without its challenges.” https://youtu.be/svCRDj8j7J4 Kanye West posted a video statement on Instagram in response to fans criticizing him for posting photos of his scantily-clad wife. Yezzy posted the same clip of his wife, Bianca Censori, 29, three times on Monday. https://www.instagram.com/p/C3Q8vdIvowx/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again In the video, she is wearing only an upon-like outfit at a party, and her breasts are barely covered. One fan commented, “Remember when he used to get mad at Kim for showing too much of her body?” Another noted, “Bro’s wife is just a prop at this point 😭 3x is crazy.” “I just wanted to tell everybody I posted my wife three times on purpose,” Ye said in a clip of him and Bianca walking in an airport. “What I’m saying is I delivered the album. People still in my comments talking about ‘Why you post your wife?’ ‘Cause she make me happy. That’s why y’all happy with the music cause I’m happy, you understand?” he added. The rapper continued, “So don’t ever say nothing negative. If you don’t like my page and don’t like what I’m posting, go f*ck yourself. Seriously. Leave me— leave the king the f*ck alone. I don’t care, bro. I’ma post my wife as much as I want, go post your wife on your f*cking Instagram.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1757462436615950840 With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, stores are relying on procrastinating romantics to make a last-minute dash in stores and online to help clear out the supply of the special-occasion candy. If you’re among them, don’t be fooled by the smorgasbord of cutely packaged candy adorned with hearts and cupids in all shades of rosy hues. Those sweet treats might leave a bitter taste if you do some math on how much more you’re paying for them. Some special Valentine’s Day editions of popular candies, such as Sour Patch Kids, Jolly Ranchers, and Haribo appear to be priced higher than the regular versions of those sugary treats for roughly the same quantity.The price difference caught the attention of Veronica Fletcher, co-founder and publisher of the food and cooking website Pantry and Larder. Fletcher, a former data analyst with the supermarket industry, looked at the cost of a few Valentine’s Day-themed candies at retailers this year, such as Walmart, and compared them to regular versions of the same candies (using the price for ounce metric) and noted a hefty premium. https://youtu.be/LJAgvO1Ed8s “Is it an unreasonably high price for seasonal products? It sounds like it,” said Edgar Dworsky, former assistant attorney general in Massachusetts who is a consumer advocate and editor of the website ConsumerWorld.org. “It almost gets to the greedflation issue, where some companies are taking advantage of a situation where consumers have come to expect higher prices on everything because of inflation,” said Dworsky. CVS, in an email to CNN, said “prices of Valentine’s Day candy may vary based on cost or quantity.” https://youtu.be/cpCZiGJ3Wv4 Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre are serving up a new alcoholic beverage inspired by the Grammy-nominated 1994 classic song “Gin & Juice.” Gin & Juice By Dre and Snoop comes in four flavors: Citrus, Melon, Passionfruit, and Apricot, according to the news release. “The canned cocktails are premium gin-based cocktails, crafted for an innovative experience with packaging designed by Ini Archibong,” the release states. The drink is distributed through Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits. “Together, we always try to create magic, we’re having fun being creative, and everything about this product is really us,” Dr. Dre said in a statement. “There’s passion behind it, and friendship and love and a culture. We’re shooting to make everything we do magnificent, and fortunately, most of the time we hit the target,” Dr. Dre added. Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pan-African Comic Book Entertainment Company Kugali’s all-new series “Iwájú.” streams on Disney+ beginning Feb. 28! Set in a futuristic Lagos, Nigeria, the exciting coming-of-age story follows Tola (voice of Simisola Gbadamosi), a young girl from a wealthy island, and her best friend, Kole (voice of Siji Soetan), a self-taught tech expert, as they discover the secrets and dangers hidden in their different worlds. Kugali filmmakers—including director Olufikayo Ziki Adeola, production designer Hamid Ibrahim, and cultural consultant Toluwalakin Olowofoyeku—take viewers on a unique journey into the world of “Iwájú,” bursting with unique visual elements and technological advancements inspired by the spirit of Lagos. Produced by Disney Animation’s Christina Chen with a screenplay by Adeola and Halima Hudson, “Iwájú” also features the voices of Dayo Okeniyi, Femi Branch and Weruche Opia. https://youtu.be/mB5efZKWIrU Jonathan Majors continues to be caught up in legal drama. The latest setback for the actor involves two ex-girlfriends accusing him of physical and emotional abuse. Citing a report from Rolling Stone, LoveBScott detailed the accusations made by Emma Duncan and Maura Hooper. The women, who were in overlapping relationships with Majors, revealed their respective situations to The New York Times, alleging he was physically and emotionally abusive towards them during their respective times with him. Hooper — who dated Majors from 2013 to 2015 – claimed the “Creed III” actor was deeply controlling, stating she “was not allowed to speak to anyone about their relationship.” Majors’ attorney Priya Chaudhry countered Hooper’s claims, saying her client was “young and insecure” during that time period and “is embarrassed by some of his jealous behavior.” https://youtu.be/l7iHQ-IbjtQ Universal debuted the first trailer for the hotly anticipated “Twisters“ sequel starring Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones and Anthony Ramos. The feature is a follow-up to the 1996 box office hit featuring Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton. The sequel, from director Lee Isaac Chung, stars “Edgar-Jones stars as Kate Cooper, a former storm chaser haunted by a devastating encounter with a tornado during her college years who now studies storm patterns on screens safely in New York City. She is lured back to the open plains by her friend, Javi (Golden Globe nominee Anthony Ramos, In the Heights) to test a groundbreaking new tracking system. There, she crosses paths with Tyler Owens (Powell), the charming and reckless social-media superstar who thrives on posting his storm-chasing adventures with his raucous crew, the more dangerous the better,” per the news release. https://youtu.be/wdok0rZdmx4 The first teaser trailer for “Wicked: Part One” premiered during Super Bowl LVIII on Sunday, giving fans of the long-running musical their first look at pop star Ariana Grande as Glinda and Emmy, Grammy, and Tony winner Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power. https://youtu.be/F1dvX9Vs0ns Despite persistent rumors that the Democrats will draft Michelle Obama for President, “she is not someone who likes politics,” says David Axelrod, a CNN political analyst. “I would be floored if she would consent to that. They feel that they gave ten years of their life to this,” adding, “I have as much chance of dancing in the Bolshoi Ballet next year.” Yes, it’s a fantasy the Republicans won’t let go of. In a Politico OpEd on the subject, writer Rich Lowry quotes Texas’ Republican Ted Cruz, giving voice to a popular theory, told Sean Hannity last September, “I think the odds are very significant that next summer at the Democrat[ic] National Convention that the Democrat[ic] Party will jettison Joe Biden and will throw him off the ticket, and they will parachute in instead, Michelle Obama to be their candidate.” https://youtu.be/CAxp8JYxhx4 Since political conservatives made something out of nothing as far as hating on the Kansas City Chiefs because their star tight end, Travis Kelce‘s girlfriend, superstar Taylor Swift will probably endorse Joe Biden over Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential election, they had to witness Taylor and Travis swap spit because the Chiefs beat the San Francisco 49ers to win Super Bowl XLVIII. Sorry conservatives, San Francisco (the city that’s usually your whipping boy ’cause you hate its liberal ways and you suddenly fell in love with) lost to Taylor and Travis. Oh well. Now you’ll have to create something else to whine about. Anyway, as TMZ noted, “Swift just planted one on Kelce and it was a smooch for the ages, ’cause she and TK were wrapped up in each other for a while.” OK, now that we’ve got that out of the day, the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday became the first team to win back-to-back Super Bowls in 19 years, downing the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 in overtime in Las Vegas. Led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs have won Super Bowls in three of the past five seasons. Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes, voted Most Valuable Player in two previous Super Bowl victories, was 34 of 46 for 333 yards with two touchdowns – including the game-winner – and one interception. Mahomes also had 66 yards rushing, including a 19-yard scramble on the game’s final drive. https://youtu.be/za0N-IB09A0 49ers quarterback second-year quarterback Brock Purdy looked calm and collected in the pocket and was 23 of 38 for 255 yards and one touchdown. All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey had 80 yards rushing and 80 receiving. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings became the second person in Super Bowl history to throw and catch touchdown passes. Veteran tight end Travis Kelce, who only had one catch for one yard in the first half, finished with nine receptions and 93 yards but didn’t find the end zone. 49ers kicker Jake Moody kicked three field goals, including one that temporarily held the Super Bowl record as the longest, but he missed an extra point in regulation when it was blocked. The game was a rematch of the Super Bowl four years ago when the Chiefs pulled away in the fourth quarter to win 31-20. https://youtu.be/RfykQF4lM14 Herbert Wigwe, the CEO of a major Nigerian bank, along with his wife and son, were among six people killed in a helicopter crash in the Mojave Desert near the California-Nevada border late Friday night. Wigwe, the Access Bank chief executive died in the crash, the bank confirmed in a statement on X. Wigwe’s wife and son and the former group chairman of the Nigeria Stock Exchange, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, were also killed in the crash, World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said in a post on X. Authorities said both of the helicopter’s pilots were also killed. https://youtu.be/OH8cRCXo6W4 The Billie Holiday Theatre, one of the nation’s preeminent arts and culture organizations, will commemorate Black History Month with the launch of “Sky’s The Limit: Music is My Resistance,” a unique visual art exhibition experience exploring the concept of Black resistance through music. Launching on February 15, the exhibition will be anchored by renowned visual artist Sherwin Banfield’s larger-than-life sculpture of hip hop icon Christopher “The Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace (AKA Biggie). Originally unveiled in DUMBO in 2022 to much fanfare, the piece – named “Sky’s the Limit in the County of Kings” – will make its way to Biggie’s own Bed Stuy neighborhood where the nine-foot statue will take centerstage in The Billie’s lobby and gallery hall. Additionally, a selection of Banfield’s smaller sculpted pieces will be on display. During Sunday’s Big Game, Marvel Studios released the first trailer for the highly anticipated “DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE,” starring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman. The superhero actioner, directed by Shawn Levy, features Emma Corrin, Morena Baccarin, Rob Delaney, Leslie Uggams, Karan Soni, and Matthew Macfadyen. Reynolds co-wrote the script and also serves as producer along with Levy, MCU boss Kevin Feige, and Lauren Shuler Donner with Louis D’Esposito, Wendy Jacobson, Mary McLaglen, Josh McLaglen, Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, George Dewey, Simon Kinberg and Jonathon Komack Martin serving as executive producers. “DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE” opens in U.S. & Canadian movie theaters on July 26 and will be available in IMAX, RealD 3D, Dolby Cinema, 4DX, Cinemark XD, and premium screens everywhere. https://youtu.be/uJMCNJP2ipI Kodak Black will reportedly remain in federal prison in Florida after his drug possession charges were dismissed last week. According to The Associated Press, the charge was dismissed on February 9 after prosecutors failed to “confirm, or refute, whether the rapper (real name Bill Kapri) had a prescription for oxycodone,” Hip Hop DX writes. The rapper was allegedly in possession of oxycodone when he was arrested in December, which caused his bond in a separate federal matter to be revoked. The rapper, whose real name is Bill Kahan Kapri, was also charged at the time with tampering with physical evidence and improperly stopping or parking his vehicle. He is currently housed at the Miami Federal Detention Center. We reported earlier that the parole violation is related to a 2019 case in which the artist pleaded guilty to lying on a background check form when buying handguns. He was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison in 2019. Former President Donald Trump commuted his sentence just before he left office.According to The Associated Press, the charge was dismissed on February 9 after prosecutors failed to “confirm, or refute, whether the rapper (real name Bill Kapri) had a prescription for oxycodone,” Hip Hop DX writes. The rapper was allegedly in possession of oxycodone when he was arrested in December, which caused his bond in a separate federal matter to be revoked. Twenty-one years ago, the National Football League would not allow Super Bowl ads from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority because it didn’t want even a whiff of gambling associated with the sport. On Sunday, the NFL will hold its first Super Bowl in Las Vegas, a city built on gambling. Even in 2003, gambling was as much a part of the NFL as tailgating, helmets, and shoulder pads. Fans have been making bets on football since it was a semi-pro sport a century ago when it was garnering far less attention than horse racing or boxing. https://youtu.be/r_TjvEwJYTw And with the wagering on football came a boost in visibility and, indirectly, revenue. Despite moving its big game to Vegas, and partnering up with the companies focused on sports gambling, the NFL is still trying to keep the appearance of some distance between the sport and gaming. Players can be fined or even suspended if they place a bet at one of Nevada’s many casinos or if they bet on league games, which was the case in June 2023. https://youtu.be/Xp8Oamk3GDY Antoine Fuqua will direct a documentary about Nelson Mandela titled “Troublemaker: The Story Behind the Mandela Tapes.” Variety reports that “the doc will use newly discovered audio interviews with Mandela himself to deliver an “honest, accurate and definitive depiction” of the man who remains a global symbol of justice, hope and universal human dignity,” according to a press release, the outlet writes. Fuqua teamed with Mandela’s close friend and former cellmate Mac Maharaj on the project, and Maharaj will serve as an executive producer. Wendy Williams’ ex-husband, Kevin Hunter Sr., is concerned that the upcoming Lifetime documentary about the beloved talk show host will negatively impact her legacy. The documentary “Where is Wendy Williams?” chronicles Wendy’s comeback journey after her hit talk show was unexpectedly canceled. Per the news release, the synopsis reads: The documentary provides a raw, honest and unfiltered reality of Wendy’s life after she was placed under financial guardianship, shedding light on the vulnerabilities that has turned Wendy into the Hot Topic herself. Suffering mental and physical issues, Wendy’s delicate state of mind, erratic behavior and declining health were all captured by the cameras. Where is Wendy Williams? is the story of Wendy’s journey to resurrect her career, and what filmmakers discovered along the way. But many questions remain – who truly has Wendy’s best interest at heart? Is she healthy now? And Where is Wendy Williams? https://youtu.be/OjJDhf5ll70 Judge Greg Mathis is calling for Black entertainers to end public feuds following Katt Williams and Mo’Nique’s bombshell interviews on Club Shay Shay. “Stop going after each other in public like this. You’re embarrassing yourselves, [and] you’re embarrassing our community,” Mathis said in a video statement shared on social media, Revolt reports. https://www.instagram.com/p/C3MeojOs4Dg/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again “I know many times you have to defend yourself about what’s being said, but why can’t we do it directly? And I just want you to know, I believe that we’re being laughed at by all the major studios and by their executives seeing us in public, Black folks, going at each other,” said the television court show host,” Mathis added. His remarks came on the heels of Mo’Nique’s appearance on Club Shay Shay, during which she slammed Tiffany Haddish, D.L. Highley, Oprah, and Tyler Perry. In a video response, Hughley mocked Mo’s weight and her husband and noted that she barely has a relationship with her adult children. https://www.instagram.com/p/C3EUT_TpfG6/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Beyoncé, the queen of surprises and musical mastery, graced her fans with electrifying news on Super Bowl Sunday. With a burst of excitement, she unveiled her long-awaited musical venture, “Renaissance: Act II,” across various platforms, igniting a firestorm of anticipation and joy. https://youtu.be/qYgxJ0AMQ90?list=RDNSiwKJb0wC8Fo In a digital symphony of announcements, Beyoncé’s official website and social media accounts pulsated with enigmatic energy. A Verizon ad, cleverly crafted to captivate, showcased Beyoncé at a lemonade stand—a nostalgic nod to her iconic 2016 album bearing the same name. https://youtu.be/-fV37wdHG8U The ad playfully transformed her name into “Barbey,” evoking images of a vivacious Barbie doll, and “BOTUS,” teasing the idea of her becoming the first female president. Such charisma and wit left fans yearning for more. Delving deeper into this melodic revelation, Beyoncé unveiled Part 2 of her critically acclaimed 2022 “Renaissance album.” Whispers of the project forming a trilogy have swirled for years, akin to an artistic secret waiting to be unraveled. https://youtu.be/238Z4YaAr1g Sony Music Group has acquired half of Michael Jackson’s publishing and recorded masters in a deal valued at $1.2 billion. Billboard reports that Sony will pay at least $600 million for the late King of Pop’s music catalog stake.According to reports, the deal is the biggest ever for the assets of a single music artist. Variety writes, “Sources confirm to Variety that the complex deal also includes assets from Jackson’s legendary Mijac publishing catalog, which includes multiple titles by Sly & the Family Stone as well as hits written or performed by Jerry Lee Lewis, Jackie Wilson, Curtis Mayfield, Ray Charles, Percy Sledge, Dion and others. However, it does not include royalties from the “MJ” Broadway musical and other theatrical productions featuring the musician’s music.” Sources confirm to Variety that Primary Wave Music still owns 10% of Jackson’s publishing assets. Taylor Swift fans claim Kanye West is obsessed with the singer after mentioning her name in his new song, “Carnival,” which appears on his album “Vultures 1.” In the song, West claims he “made six Taylor Swift.” No one knows what that means, but the Swifties are enraged over the lyrics. “Taylor Swift was his target twice and has successfully moved on from both events and thrived. Meanwhile, Kanye feels the need to name drop her everytime he needs clout and attention,” one fan argued on X, per Page Six. “Says a lot about how desperate he is to be relevant right now,” the fan added.A second Swift fan wrote, “kanye west still unironically thinking he made taylor swift famous is so.. like if you’re the one using her name in songs TWICE because you’re desperate for attention, i don’t think you’re as relevant as you think you are.” Ye first infuriated Swift’s fans in 2009, when he stormed the stage at the MTV Video Music Awards during her win for best female music video. At the time, the rapper said the teen artist didn’t deserve the award, as it should have gone to Beyoncé instead. A Georgia man suffered severe injuries in a chemical spill at his job last summer, and now he’s speaking out about how his then-fiancée stayed by his side during the harrowing ordeal.Preston Cobb, 34, was badly buried 22 days before his wedding, People reports. Per the family’s GoFundMe campaign, “32% of his body was burned, and he has lost 9 toes along with 4 fingers being amputated on his right hand, and 4 fingers on his left hand partially amputated as well.” So far, “Preston has had 8 surgeries and will have 1 surgery every week the next month in preparation for skin graft surgery on both legs and arms due burns he has received,” the fundraiser states. Speaking to People, Cobb said he initially told his fiancée she could back out of their wedding following his freak accident on the job. “I wouldn’t blame her,” Cobb shared with People. “She looked at me like I was crazy.” Former football star, actor, and acquitted murder defendant O.J. Simpson, 76, has been diagnosed with cancer, according to news reports. Simpson has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and is currently undergoing chemotherapy in Las Vegas. Despite rumors of being in hospice care, Simpson announced on X (Twitter) Friday that he is not in such a situation. He plans to host “a ton of friends” for the Super Bowl on Sunday. Simpson also posted a video clip on social media that shows him having a good laugh about the situation in his car in ‘Vegas. He says he laughing because the reports of him being in hospice care are not true. In that announcement via X on Friday, the Juice said, bottom line, he is not in a hospice amid reports that he was frail and sickly. https://youtu.be/pmXGVPwDi9Y As the release of the biopic “Bob Marley: One Love” draws near, Bob Marley’s former mistress is generating headlines with a post on what would’ve been the late singer’s 79th birthday.Taking to Instagram, Cindy Breakspeare celebrated Marley on his special day, voicing her love for the reggae icon and their son Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley as well as the memories they shared. “Bob, on what would have been your 79th Birthday, I celebrate the incredible impact you’ve had globally, cherish our amazing son Damian, and reminisce about the beautiful times we shared–from 56 Hope Road to your mother’s home in Delaware and Miami, New York, Oakley Street in London, The Bahamas, Trinidad, and beyond,” Breakspeare wrote on Feb. 6, under multiple throwback pictures. “The memories are countless, but our love for you is endless. Happy Birthday to the people’s hero loved and revered by all,” she wrote in a caption from the post. Breakspeare’s emotional message comes more than four decades after Marley’s death. The “Uprising” entertainer died in 1981, four years after being diagnosed with skin cancer (melanoma) in 1977. Before his passing the cancer reportedly spread to Marley’s lungs and brain. He was 36. https://www.instagram.com/p/C3AwV3nuH1F/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=be32d85c-645a-459e-bff1-483f3623c01e As a longstanding fixture in Hollywood, Garrett Morris has seen a lot and done more to secure his name among the comedy greats. “I went to alcoholics anonymous,” Morris told People. “And they give you a sponsor. And that guy calls you all day long, but it works. Within six months to a year, I felt like I could stay sober forever.” Cocaine addiction wasn’t the only obstacle Morris encountered over the years in showbiz. Racism was consistent in his dealings at “SNL” via resistance among producers who weren’t in favor of a black cast member. Not included in that group was “SNL” creator/producer Lorne Michaels. In Morris’ eyes, Michaels “doesn’t have a racist bone in his body.” “Some producers didn’t want a Black cast member but Lorne Michaels knew the show needed one,” Morris, who started on “SNL” as a writer, shared. “I dealt with some racism there, but never with Lorne. He doesn’t have a racist bone in his body.” The racism at “SNL was among the experiences Morris had throughout his time in Hollywood. Despite the negativity, here he is, still standing and thriving. On Feb. 1, Morris celebrated his 87th birthday as the recipient of star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Though it marks a notable moment, Morris would not have lived to see it if he hadn’t survived a gunshot wound he sustained during a robbery attempt in 1994. It’s called ‘Roses.” Play it stream it,” said Divine, one of the three members of the R&B group Final Draft (Divine, Lucky, and Voice), about their new single titled “Roses” (Blackground 2.0) that released February 9, 2024. Member Lucky starts to sing the “Roses” single. Final Draft went viral with their performances of hit songs. The producer of “America’s Got Talent” noticed them, and the result was Final Draft performing on the show. “‘America’s Got Talent’ seen the videos,” Divine pointed out when I asked. “We were on there before Covid.” Final Draft started releasing performance videos for Black History Month of old-school songs. “AGT” saw their videos and it resulted in their appeared on the show. Then the COVID pandemic hit, but Final Draft continued to perform. https://youtu.be/Bd1RXbZVHlg When Super Bowl Sunday rolls around each year — whether it’s in Miami, New Orleans, Los Angeles or Minneapolis — Las Vegas still draws the crowds. Football fans make a long weekend out of the event, they see some shows, eat some food, place some bets, lose some bets, and settle in front of one of countless TV screens to watch the game. Come this Sunday, for the first time, that Big Game will be in Sin City itself. With one of the biggest shows on Earth now in its backyard, the city of spectacle and excess is hoping to hit it big. https://youtu.be/L_ji6ykvNlQ The Obamas may have a lot of collective and individual accomplishments to their credit, but believe it or not, they are just like ever married couple with good days and bad days.In a recent interview on the Jay Shetty Podcast, former First Lady Michelle Obama got candid with discussing her marriage to former president Barack Obama and how they managed to stay together for more than three decades. When asked if she and Barack said anything they later regretted, The Jasmine Brand noted Michelle’s response. “What… in my marriage? Of course! Yesterday. [laughs], “she said. “You know, that’s the practice of relationships, right? After thirty-one years, yeah, we still do it, but you know it quicker. And then you apologize. You know? You learn how to say, ‘My bad.’” In addition to marital regrets, Mrs. Obama touched on her efforts to create a safe space for chats about relationship struggles. In her eyes, communication is an asset in overcoming those struggles. https://youtu.be/X2vNGwMCw-M The fictional R&B group Butta from Power Book III: Raising Kanan has become an increasingly central part of the storyline from the beginning of Season 3 which just concluded. Now, it looks like young actresses Aliyah Turner and Liv Symone will be central parts of season 4 as well. As we said, the season finale of Power Book III: Raising Kanan is upon us, and with it comes the realization that we will all have to wait a while to see what the outcomes are. https://youtu.be/dskkJQlrpzI It’s barely two months into 2024 and social media is already blasting a questionable prediction. Citing a TikToker named J. Stanza, Madame Noire noted “predictions” made by the user at the close of 2023. Among the items in the user’s forecast was an increase in age-gap dating in 2024, a notion Stanza claimed he called out first, with it affecting mature white women and young black men. “In 2024, older women are only going to date younger men. Straight up,” Stanza said in his Dec. 21, 2023, post. “It’s going to be out in the open. Ain’t going to be no hiding this shit.” “In 2024, you’re going to see older white women with young hood niggas. I promise you,” he continued. I’m not talking about no ratchet white women. I’m talking about women who live in good neighborhoods, nice neighborhoods. Women who just divorced their husbands. When the kids go off to see their dad, she going to be chilling with a young hood nigga, I promise you.” As he expounded on his prediction, Stanza detailed the type of black men that would catch the eyes of experienced white women. Those men included ones who smoke blunts while sporting ski masks and puffy jackets. https://www.tiktok.com/share/video/7312127821747473670?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Ftiktokers-2024-prediction-older-white-women-seeking-hood-brothas-watch%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=71929438%2C121374463%2C121351166%2C71838018%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_card_play&referer_video_id=7314911815719243038 Meanwhile, others generally consider a May-December relationship to range from 10 to over 50 years. Notable May-December relationships include Def Jam Records co-founder Russell Simmons and Baby Phat founder Kimora Lee Simmons (14-year age gap) and Jay-Z and Beyonce (12-year age gap). Through the years, social media has embraced May-December relationships. Stanza is no different with his support of it on TikTok and the common sight of it throughout the entertainment industry. In its annual study predicting the following year’s dating trends, the dating app Bumble discovered that after surveying more than 26,800 users globally, 63% of users removed age from the equation when finding love for 2024. In addition, the study found that 59% of the women on Bumble are more accepting of dating someone younger. https://youtu.be/qfXlw_agKA8 Norelle, who has participated in two Super Bowl halftime shows as a background vocalist, recently shared her thoughts on Usher’s upcoming performance in Las Vegas. During an interview with Chris Yandek and Rob Gill (of CYInterview), she expressed her confidence in Usher’s talent and professionalism, expecting nothing less than the best from him. “Usher is a professional. He’s been doing this for a very long time. He is one of our greatest talents that we will ever lay eyes on. They’ve got it. They’ve been shutting Vegas down for years now. I don’t expect anything less than the absolute best. I know they’re gonna kill it. It’s gonna be phenomenal and I cannot wait to watch what an amazing show they put together.” The singer also reflected on her experiences working with music superstars Rihanna, Shakira, and Jennifer Lopez. https://youtu.be/lUvC-21wupY In a TikTok video, Lee said that scammers began targeting local businesses after his plans to attend the NBA All-Star game in Indianapolis leaked. “I would rather not make this video, but it’s come to my attention that people are scamming on my behalf, and I don’t want nobody falling victim to it,” Lee said in the clip. “Apparently, food influencers that live in Indianapolis are going around to restaurants and charging these restaurants a fee and guaranteeing them that we’re coming and we gon’ try the food and there’s gon be a line out the door,” he added. “That’s not true. We going to Indianapolis for the game and the game only.” Lee noted that he will never “charge small restaurants for anything.” Lil Nas X is the subject of a new HBO documentary that unpacks his rise to fame. Directed by filmmakers Zac Manuel and Carlos López Estrada, Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero is set against the backdrop of the pop star’s first headlining 60-city tour. “I think we always knew that we wanted it to be something personal and something very diaristic,” Manuel told Blavity’s Shadow and Act in a recent interview. “We didn’t want it to be this kind of retrospective or this kind of full-scope picture of his complete rise and telling that whole part of the story,” he added. “We wanted to engage it and we wanted to talk about how far he had come in just a relatively short amount of time, but we did want this story to be really relegated to this period of 60 days and look at how does an artist transform over two months while embarking on their first-ever tour and doing something that they had never done before, and what are the anxieties that are kind of implicit within that? What are they excited about? How are they finding joy? How are they changing as a person? And so those were kind of the things that we were looking at when we started filming.” Manuel said he first became intrigued with Lil Nas X after hearing his hit song “Old Town Road” when it came out in 2019. https://youtu.be/_dzoB-tC8Bo The trailer has dropped for “A Quiet Place: Day One,” the third film in the thriller franchise starring Lupita Nyong’o and Djimon Hounsou. The official synopsis states, “Experience the day the world went quiet.” “A Quiet Place: Day One” is the latest entry in the film series from filmmaker John Krasinski. The story takes place on the first day of the alien invasion that plunged the world into silence. The Paramount Pictures release opens in theaters on June 28. https://youtu.be/YPY7J-flzE8 It’s National Pizza Day – so let’s wrap ourselves in the warm, gooey embrace of cheese, settle into a heavenly array of toppings and chomp down on some delectable crust. The celebration comes every February 9, but it’s hardly the only pizza-positive spot on the calendar. Still to come: National Cheese Pizza Day (September 5), National Pepperoni Pizza Day (September 20), National Pizza Month (October) and National Sausage Pizza Day (October 11). There’s no doubt about it — folks do love their pizza in all its It's National Pizza Day! https://youtu.be/SUVD9io5Ohg In this case, we’re not being absurd. It’s perfectly doable to make your own delicious pizza dough at home. If you’re feeling daunted by the idea, Stanley Tucci, the host of CNN’s “Searching for Italy,” guides the way. https://youtu.be/lkhw5c0Ami8 Super Bowl weekend is upon us, bringing the big game and a soulful celebration marking its 25th anniversary. The Super Bowl Soulful Celebration is a star-studded event hosted by the dynamic duo of Cedric the Entertainer and Tichina Arnold, promising a night of music, laughter, and inspiration. https://vimeo.com/911641217 Broadway in Hollywood and Producers Kristin Caskey, Mike Isaacson, Brian Anthony Moreland, Ambassador Theatre Group, Kandi Burruss, and Todd Tucker are pleased to announce that the long-anticipated pre-Broadway L.A. premiere engagement of THE WIZ will arrive at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre for three weeks only; February 13 – March 3, 2024. Attorney Antonio Moore looks closer at the recent Shannon Sharpe Club Shay Shay interviews of Katt Williams and Monique and gives a deep dive analysis on why there might be heavier interest in Black celebrities in Black America than other groups in the country. Moore likens the state of Black Generation X to being “stuck in a celebrity time machine” from 25 years ago. https://youtu.be/7HdQE2sTuLc Amid Black History Month, a petition campaign has been launched by a coalition of Michael Jackson supporters, calling for Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass to declare a Michael Jackson Day in Los Angeles. The petition aims to honor the King of Pop, for his philanthropic work and humanitarian aid worldwide. The organizer of the petition, Ron Pia, states that Jackson’s cultural significance as an influential figure in music, dance, and fashion, along with his generous donations of over $500 million to various charities, warrant the establishment of a dedicated day in his honor. Najee Ali, Director of Project Islamic Hope, supports the initiative and emphasizes that Los Angeles, where Michael lived and tragically passed away, should commemorate its own cultural and philanthropic icon. “Michael was born in Gary, Indiana along with all his siblings but he lived the majority of his life in Los Angeles with his family members where he also tragically died. Los Angeles should have a Michael Jackson Day in memory of its own cultural and philanthropic icon,” stated Najee Ali Director of Project Islamic Hope. Beyoncé has revealed she will be launching a hair care line on February 20. The 29-time Grammy winner announced on Instagram, posting a cryptic video featuring apparent home movie footage of her mother’s salon Headliners, in Houston, Texas — where Beyoncé had her first job sweeping hair. A makeshift projector screen shows snippets of childhood videos; Beyoncé in a pink tracksuit wandering the salon floor, Tina Knowles dressed up for the evening, waving to the camera with her young daughter in tow, sporting a flourishing afro. “Hair is sacred,” read Beyoncé’s caption as she revealed the brand name, Cécred. Intermixed with her family’s archival footage are clips of hair washing, braiding, and silk presses. Tina Knowles’ influence on her daughter’s career has been far-reaching — one of the first music videos Destiny’s Child shot was for their first number-one hit “Bills, Bills, Bills,” (1999), a tale of a disillusioned, independent woman triumphantly cutting off the deadweight of her boyfriend. “There is power in community, and I saw that growing up the daughter of a salon owner,” Beyoncé told Harper’s Bazaar in 2021. “I was exposed to so many entrepreneurial women that I admired. Doctors, business owners, artists, teachers, mothers — they all came through my mom’s salon. I saw firsthand how a salon can be a sanctuary for women.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C3CCkjyLBSY/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again While details about what products Cécred will offer are yet to be shared, a trademark request filed in the summer of 2022 clears the company for the production of hair care preparations, candles, vitamin supplements, electric hair styling tools, combs, hair accessories, pillowcases, and four other goods and services categories. While the launch date is now imminent, keen fans of Beyoncé may recall that she teased this venture in May last year, telling her followers on Instagram about how she watched her mother at work: “Having learned so much on my hair journey, I’ve always dreamt of carrying on her legacy.” Beyoncé is not the first celebrity to recently enter the world of hair care. In 2019, Tracee Ellis Ross launched Pattern, a now-award-winning natural hairline focused on “curl-conscious and textured” customers. Two years later, “Friends” star Jennifer Aniston – whose shiny, face-framing layers became known as “The Rachel” haircut on TikTok – launched a line of vegan and cruelty-free hair products called LolaVie. https://youtu.be/Ia71-RfWiCk Music managing mogul Deb Antney will star in a new reality show that finds her on the hunt for the next female rap star. The upcoming “Deb’s House” series will debut on AMC’s ALLBLK this summer. Per the news release, the unscripted show will feature eight up-and-coming female artists who move into Deb’s House, competing to become her next rap protégé. “Ms. Deb is seeking women with unwavering dedication and the willingness to make sacrifices on the road to hip-hop stardom. Completely stripped down to their raw potential, the competition unfolds as a fierce test of sisterhood, resilience, and talent, where only the most tenacious can be crowned as Ms. Deb’s “chosen one.” Who will shoot to the top of the charts and who will crumble under the pressure? Find out this season on Deb’s House,” AMC’s news release stated. “I envisioned a competition show that deviates from the norm-one centered around personal growth and self-competition,” Antney said in a statement. “Collaborating with (co-creator and co-EP) Rasheed to bring this vision to life has been an incredible journey. Witnessing the music industry veer away from artist development towards a focus on superficiality and explicit content prompted my desire to return to the core values of true lyricism and mentorship,” she continued. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3BmLxdrtqE/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=6c742ea5-3742-47e7-bd39-6ee78928b6d2 NFL star Travis Kelce has addressed the backlash to a New York Times article that credits him for popularizing the “fade” haircut that Black males have been rocking since before the athlete was born. Jemele Hill was the first to slam the article for suggesting the Kansas City Chiefs tight end invented the “fade.” “The NYT thinks that Travis Kelce invented the fade,” Hill stated on social media. “When you have zero cultural competency on your staff, this is how you end up with stories like this.” Several Black media commentators, including retired football legend Shannon Sharpe, reacted to The Times report, People reports. “The New York Times began Black History Month by referring to the fade as the Travis Kelce,” Sharpe said on his “Nightcap” podcast. The segment was titled: “Did the fade just get gentrified?” https://www.instagram.com/p/C3BQ_GhuVhl/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Broadway in Hollywood, Sadler’s Wells, and Universal Music UK welcome the U.S. Premiere performances of MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE, a new dance theatre production by Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist Kate Prince, set to the music of 17-time Grammy Award-winning artist Sting. MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE plays at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre for a limited engagement through February 11th 2024. Opening night thrilled the audience with spellbound performances and some of the best choreography to ever hit the stage! The Kate Prince dancers leaped, thrust, twirled, lunged and morphed their bodies into lyrical expressions of every beat and word of Sting’s iconic music. The songs told the story. The dancers’ bodies were the narrators of a beautiful, fluid and deeply moving experience. Vincent Edward “Bo” Jackson, the renowned sporting legend, was recently granted a monetary award of slightly over $21 million by a Cobb County, Georgia judge. This ruling is a result of his civil extortion case against his niece and nephew, whom he accused of persistent harassment and intimidation. The judgment was issued on February 2nd, accompanied by a permanent protective order that prohibits siblings Thomas Lee Anderson and Erica M. Anderson, also known as Erica Anderson Ross, from engaging in any further bothersome contact with Jackson, 61, and his immediate family members. According to the order, the Andersons must maintain a distance of at least 500 yards from the Jacksons, their residences, workplaces, and schools. Additionally, they are required to remove any content related to the Jacksons from their social media platforms. In Jackson’s complaint, filed in April, Jackson identified Thomas and Erica Anderson as his niece and nephew. The lawsuit alleged that these individuals, who reside in Cobb County and Texas respectively, attempted to extort $20 million from the former professional baseball and football player. USHER’s reign continues with the release of his highly anticipated album, COMING HOME out now via mega/gamma. This is the GRAMMY Award-winning entertainment icon’s ninth studio album with features from Burna Boy, Summer Walker, 21 Savage, Pheelz, Latto, H.E.R., and The-Dream. The album includes “Good Good” featuring 21 Savage and Summer Walker which debuted at #1 on Billboard’s R&B Digital Song Sales Chart upon release and led all three of Billboard’s major R&B/hip-hop airplay charts: Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay, R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay and Adult R&B Airplay — his eighth No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay chart. “Good Good” was also featured on the cover of Spotify’s Are & Be for 1 week, on Apple Music’s R&B Now for 2 consecutive weeks, and peaked at #1 on Shazam in Atlanta, Memphis, San Francisco, New Orleans, Philadelphia, and more. Subsequent single “Standing Next To You (USHER Remix)” is #24 at the Top 40 and “Risk It All” is Top 10 at R&B and Top 20 at Urban Radio. To celebrate the release of COMING HOME, throughout the day on February 9, iHeartRadio’s entire network of Hip-Hop and R&B stations will participate in a National World Premiere, broadcasting a 25-minute takeover featuring five new tracks from COMING HOME and custom audio from USHER sharing the journey of making the album and the inspiration behind the music. https://youtu.be/jKZc_iuA55g A majority of Black Americans feel at least somewhat successful but feel financial pressures regardless of income, according to a new survey released Thursday by the Pew Research Center. The survey of more than 4,700 Black Americans sought their views on what constitutes success — how they define it, how they view themselves in that context, and the concerns they have in achieving it. “Most Black Americans (66%) consider themselves at least somewhat successful,” Pew researchers wrote in their analysis. They noted that a quarter (26%) of people surveyed characterized themselves as “extremely” or “very successful.” Those with the highest incomes were most likely to fall in this category. When asked what was essential to feel successful, a majority of respondents said being able to provide for their family (82%); being happy (80%); having enough time to do things they want (65%); having a job or career they enjoy (56%); owning their own home (52%) and using their talents and resources to help others (50%). Henry Fambrough, the last original surviving member of the group The Spinners, has passed away at 85 from natural causes. Rolling Stone reports that the vocalist died Wednesday at his Virginia home following a month in hospice care. Born in Detroit in 1938, Fambrough co-founded The Spinners in 1954 with Pervis Jackson, Billy Henderson, Bobby Smith, and C.P. Spencer. The group launched numerous pop chart. They created hits such as “Could It Be I’m Falling in Love,” “It’s a Shame,” “I’ll Be Around,” and “Then Came You,” with Dionne Warwick. Fambrough’s final public appearance was in November alongside fellow member John Edwards as The Spinners were inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame. “He got to experience those accolades. He was able to bask in the accomplishment, and that was something he was really happy about,” the Spinners’ spokeswoman, Tanisha Jackson, told the Detroit Free-Press. “He was glad to represent the ones who had gone before him.” Walmart has responded to Snoop Dogg and Master P’s lawsuit that the company sabotaged the sales of ‘Snoop Cereal.’ The rappers are suing Walmart and food manufacturer Post Consumer Brands, accusing “both companies intentionally left their cereal product off shelves and hid it in stockrooms,” Civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump is representing Broadus Foods LLC, founded by Calvin Broadus (Snoop Dogg) and Percy Miller (Master P), alleging “unfair business practices and breach of contract in connection with the launch and distribution of its flagship product, Snoop Cereal,” according to a news release. “Post Foods and Walmart allegedly collaborated to prevent Snoop Cereal from reaching consumers, despite its popularity among consumers,” the news release states. The lawsuit also “alleges that even in instances where Walmart stores did place Snoop Cereal on the store floor, a pattern emerged in which the product was strategically positioned away from the cereal aisle. Instead, Snoop Cereal was reportedly placed in unconventional sections, including the baby section and clearance areas, where it was sold at heavily discounted prices. The complaint suggests that such deliberate actions, allegedly directed by instructions from Post Foods and determined at Walmart’s corporate headquarters, deprived Broadus Foods of the expected profits and compensation from the sale of Snoop Cereal. This alleged concerted effort to hinder the visibility and accessibility of the product raises concerns about the fair treatment of minority-owned businesses within the retail landscape,” per the release. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv6GFRJJMIl/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=83779d9c-19f3-482d-aa60-5ff80160211d The Los Angeles Lakers unveiled a statue of Kobe Bryant wearing the No. 8 uniform at Crypto.com Arena on Thursday.Bryan’s widow, Vanessa Bryant, said there will be two other statues, one with him wearing No. 24 and with daughter Gianna, who was killed with the Lakers star in a helicopter crash in 2020, ABC 7 reports. The other two statues were not displayed at the ceremony. https://youtu.be/7fM5UJvk9qI John Boyega will star in and executive produce a prequel series to Denzel Washington’s post-apocalyptic action film “The Book of Eli.” Deadline reports that Boyega will portray a younger version of Washington’s Eli in the project, with the Hughes brothers directing and executive producing. The plot details are unknown, but “I hear it is set 30 years prior to the events in the film, which would put it around the time of the nuclear event or its immediate aftermath,” Deadline’s Nellie Andreeva writes.Screenrant reports that Hollywood wants to expand Washington’s franchises, and a prequel show for “The Equalizer” could be next. https://youtu.be/VNPaYCIklD4 Most people can think back to the car they wanted as a kid. Nick Cannon can think of a few! However, we usually don’t think to learn of the best-selling car from the year we were born. Ahead of the release of his new reality TV series “Nick Cannon’s Big Drive,” we sat down with the car enthusiast. He opened up about the different cars he considered his favorites as a child. “First it was probably a fire truck,” he said. Cannon delved a bit deeper into his early fascinations. “I always was fascinated with like, Lamborghini’s and Ferrari’s. And then I liked big vehicles, like monster trucks. Nick added: “Literally…what I drive day to day is like a big, giant truck, off-road style. So, I’ve always had a fascination for big vehicles.” https://youtu.be/MbsYErlkbZQ DeSean Jackson, a former NFL wide receiver, claims his ex, Kyla Phillips, abandoned their sons.According to The Blast, Jackson says Phillips has become brainwashed by a religious cult called “The Most High,” and he now wants sole custody of their children DeSean, 8, and Jace, 5. Jackson and Phillips lived in Florida for three years before parting ways in 2020. After Jackson moved back to California, he returned to Florida to bring the children back to the West Coast for a visit in February 2023, “but when it was time for the visit to end, I called the [Phillips] to make arrangements for the children’s return and [Phillips] gave me a later date to return the children,” the lawsuit states. However, she ultimately “stopped calling me about the children’s return, so I enrolled the children in school here in Los Angeles and the children have been living with me since.” The Blast reports that Jackson claims Phillips is “dating a man with cult-like behavior” and says she has “become a member of a religious group called ‘The Most High.'” https://www.instagram.com/p/CcYMGoDrT-5/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=4af99ecd-4e12-4d5c-910e-14ae62394edc Music producer/songwriter Rico Love claims Usher initially passed on recoding the hit single “Yeah,” featuring rappers Lil Jon and Ludacris. During a recent interview with DJ Hed on the “Home Grown Radio” podcast, Rico Love recalled how producer L.A. Reid had to force Usher to sing the 2004 song written by Sean Garrett. The track appears on Usher’s “Confessions” album. “I remember being in the room and they played it, I was there when they played it for Usher and I fell on the floor laughing. I thought it was terrible. By the way, Sean Garrett is one of the greatest. …I’m listening to the words and I’m like – and then you hearing Sean’s voice singing, what does that even mean? … I laughed because I thought it was hilarious,” Rico Love said. “Usher was like ‘I’m never singing that.’… I remember hearing L.A. Reid on the phone saying, ‘I don’t give a f*ck what you gotta do, you better sing that f*cking song,’ and hung up. And I just remember leaving, I’m thinking, ‘Oh, Usher not singing that song,’” he continued. https://youtu.be/GxBSyx85Kp8 “Understanding the power to hear a hit is a gift,” Rico Love added, “and some people don’t understand how to hear a hit. It’s something that I had to learn.” In related news, Usher will perform during the Super Bowl Halftime Show on Feb. 11 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, where the Kansas City Chiefs take on the San Francisco 49ers.His latest album, “Coming Home,” was released today (Feb. 9,) and this week, he announced dates for a 24-city tour across North America to support the project. According to a news release, the USHER: Past Present Future tour will kick off August 20 at Capital One Arena in Washington DC, making stops in Brooklyn, Los Angeles, Toronto, Atlanta, and more. The live shows will wrap in Chicago at the United Center on October 29. https://static.cdninstagram.com/rsrc.php/v3/yb/r/UsSR4Cvo4Px.png Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was named the National Football League’s Most Valuable Player on Thursday night, becoming the 11th player in league history to have won the award more than once. The 27-year-old, who also was MVP of the 2019 season, accepted this season’s award at the NFL Honors ceremony in Las Vegas. “I want to thank my organization, the Baltimore Ravens, for finally getting a deal done,” Jackson joked while accepting the award, nodding to a contract-negotiation saga that saw him requesting a trade in March before signing an extension ahead of the season. “My offense man, my offensive line. Can’t thank them enough for what they’ve done. I’m not out there blocking, catching the ball, you know, doing everything. It’s my team, it’s a team thing for these awards, and I want to thank my family at home.” https://youtu.be/a2pf6QjBp7E Cori Broadus took to social media to share the warning signs she experienced before suffering a severe stroke in January.In her Instagram Story, Broadus, the daughter of rapper Snoop Dogg, said that before the stroke, she had blurry vision, nausea, fatigue, and “really bad headache pain,” People reports. “All my symptoms a day before the stroke. Listen to your body foreal,” she wrote. “I’m glad I’m still here and able to tell my story.” Broadus also noted that her blood pressure was extremely high prior to the health scare. “So before my stroke my blood pressure was like 170, then it started going down slowly,” she shared with fans on IG. “I’ve been trying to just keep data of everything.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C3GjB6HPrwk/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=db94ad5a-279e-425e-ae08-88f9c465006c Actor/comic London Brown, who plays Marvin in the hit series “Power III Raising Kanan,” delves into his journey, dating life, and his role on the hit STARZ drama. https://youtu.be/R0PkDqqrV1w WHAT’S NEXT FOR LONDON? I’m really getting on the comedy scene in New York which is exciting. https://youtu.be/y0J5reMDvxE Catch the full interview. There’s a few surprises in it you won’t see coming. https://youtu.be/R0PkDqqrV1w THE SUPER BOWL SOULFUL CELEBRATION 25th ANNIVERSARY prepares to illuminate screens nationwide for its Silver Anniversary broadcast as a special one-hour program on CBS Television Network* on Saturday night, February 10, at 8 pm ET/7C. Taped in front of a live audience tonight, Wednesday, Feb. 7 at Pearl Concert Theater, Palms Casino Resort during Super Bowl LVIII week, this milestone event is hosted by the dynamic duo of Cedric the Entertainer and Tichina Arnold, stars of the CBS hit series “THE NEIGHBORHOOD.” Anchored in the theme of "Just Believe," the show features performances from artists T-Pain, Rachel Platten, and Mickey Guyton, who join previously announced acts Earth, Wind & Fire, Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, Robin Thicke, and The Players Choir in the blockbuster talent lineup. JUST EATS WITH CHEF JJ returns to CLEO TV tonight, February 7 at 9 P.M. ET/8C. Thick, flavorful and delicious is the only way to describe Chef JJ’s Down home gumbo. He is joined in the kitchen with New York’s famous foodie Dominek, better known as “Dom N’ the city”. Chef JJ Johnson is a James Beard Award-winning chef, TV Personality and Author best known for his barrier-breaking cuisine informed by the Caribbean flavors of his upbringing. Chef JJ’s signature cooking style combines culturally relevant ingredients and classical technique with a global point of view. At FIELDTRIP, his made-to-order rice bowl shop in Harlem, Chef JJ highlights rice as a hero ingredient and showcases it in recipes sourced from around the world. Among many other partnerships, Chef JJ is also a Mastercard Ambassador. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPSrRjLcQ78 The Smollett sibling duo returns to CLEO TV tonight at 9:30 p.m. ET/8C with hit series, LIVING BY DESIGN WITH JAKE AND JAZZ. This season, Jake and Jazz will continue to share beautiful home makeovers, prepare delicious family recipes, and create once-in-a-lifetime memories for a lucky group of homeowners. It's a bedroom that will make your guests want to stay! Jake makes an original headboard with rattan and Jazz adds lamps and nightstands that match. On the menu is a manicotti casserole and a Mississippi mud pie. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ijg_WdHYpvE TV One invites all fans of laughter, love and the Evans family to join in the celebration of 50 years of the iconic series “Good Times.” Starting Friday, February 9 at 8/7c and continuing through Sunday, February 11, the “Good Times 50 Still Golden” marathon extravaganza features exclusively curated content by TV One, including interviews with series stars Jimmie Walker, Bern Nadette Stanis and Ralph Carter. https://vimeo.com/910190001/fedd6eacbb?share=copy Nate Battle said he had avoided doctor’s visits for most of his life until 2014 when his insurance company began incentivizing preventive health screenings. Battle, who is Black and was 49 at the time, said he made an appointment, thinking it would be routine and harmless. But the results from a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test led to a series of other procedures that ultimately revealed Battle had aggressive prostate cancer. Battle told CNN that he was able to have his prostate removed and that he’s thankful the cancer was caught early. “At my follow-up appointment, the doctor said, ‘You had another six months before things were going to get really bad for you,’” Battle recalled. “That was really scary to hear.” https://youtu.be/A72hCjLN3gE One in six Black men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime, according to the advocacy organization ZERO Prostate Cancer. Research from the American Cancer Society shows Black men are more than twice as likely to die from the disease than their White counterparts. The stark racial disparity has spurred health advocates like Battle to sound the alarm and urge Black men to consider getting prostate cancer screenings. https://youtu.be/g3h42oi9fjU Courtney Bugler, president and CEO of ZERO Prostate Cancer, said she has spoken with some Black men who had no idea they had a family history of prostate cancer because no one ever discussed it. “What we find is, because men are not always interacting with their health care providers in a regular fashion and because they don’t realize they are at risk for the disease, they don’t know to be more vigilant,” she said. ZERO Prostate Cancer has spent more than two decades working to raise awareness of the disease. Bugler said the organization is also lobbying Congress to pass the PSA Screening for High Risk Insured Men Act. The measure would require health insurance companies to offer prostate-specific antigen screenings for Black men or men between ages 55 and 69 who have a family history of prostate cancer without co-pays, deductibles or co-insurance. https://youtu.be/g3h42oi9fjU Although Battle knew that there were men in his family with the disease, he said he still refused to go to the doctor for years. He blames toxic masculinity and stubbornness, which he said can also play a role in preventing Black men from getting screened for prostate cancer. “It’s ingrained in us that we are supposed to be strong,” Battle said. But this mindset is only contributing to the high prostate cancer death rates in the Black community, Battle said. “It’s about putting your pride aside,” Battle said. “And asking yourself, is your pride more important than your life?” https://youtu.be/-Gyv4BJMJwA On Jan. 24, the members of the Los Angeles County Delegation (LACD) to the California Legislature elected Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) as the group’s chair. McKinnor, who is a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus, will lead the 39-member body, which is comprised of 15 State Senators and 24 State Assemblymembers representing various areas of Los Angeles County. As LACD chair, McKinnor succeeds Assemblymember Luz Rivas (D-San Fernando Valley). “I am grateful for the trust legislators from the Los Angeles County Delegation have placed in me to serve as its next Chair,” said McKinnor in a statement. Hartbeat, the global media company creating entertainment at the intersection of comedy and culture, will further expand its ongoing investment into the sports content and experiential space by launching two live events at Resorts World Las Vegas during Super Bowl weekend. Starting Thursday, February 8, 2024, Hartbeat will deliver special live tapings of “Cold As Balls” – the hit sports interview series hosted by Kevin Hart – in collaboration with The Giving Back Fund and the Inspiring Children Foundation’s “Big Game Big Give” fundraising event Hartbeat and Shaquille O’Neal’s Jersey Legend Productions will also present the return of Shaq’s All-Star Comedy Jam at Resorts World Theater. Cold As Balls (Presented by Old Spice Total Body Deodorant) Kevin Hart and a star-studded lineup of athletes and sports personalities will take center stage at the annual “Big Game Big Give” fundraising event for back-to-back afternoons of laughs with live episode tapings of the internet’s biggest sports interview series, Cold As Balls (Presented by Old Spice Total Body Deodorant). Watch Kevin Hart interview his guests about their careers as they take the plunge into the “post-game” cold tub. Guests to be announced. https://youtu.be/mSYdGeSAJh4 Kevin Hart and a star-studded lineup of athletes and sports personalities will take center stage at the annual “Big Game Big Give” fundraising event for back-to-back afternoons of laughs with live episode tapings of the internet’s biggest sports interview series, Cold As Balls (Presented by Old Spice Total Body Deodorant). Watch Kevin Hart interview his guests about their careers as they take the plunge into the “post-game” cold tub. Guests to be announced. https://youtu.be/bZlh6x29bUc Tuesday, February 6, 2024 is going down as the day social media encountered the BIG ONE. Specifically, that would be an alleged viral video of rapper/singer/actor Drake‘s you-know-what. The video was released on X/Twitter and it allegedly shows the Canadian entertainer slinging a monster (code for his man-meat) in a video. As you can imagine, social media reactions to the video swift and have not stopped coming. https://youtu.be/wCFKrzp0Q-M If by chance you have not witnessed it, Madamenoire describes it this way: “On Feb. 6, X account @Campusnightchat posted the footage of a light-skinned man recording himself, sitting spread eagle, holding his impressive yet semi-flaccid penis while the cellphone blocked his face.” The video has since been deleted, but other reports say it keeps getting re-added by enthusiastic fans. https://youtu.be/9QwAWHSQP0w Just seen the Drake video https://twitter.com/i/status/1754833238231777552 Drake Bro in leak video https://twitter.com/i/status/1754833238231777552 Nothing bro I just found out why Drake is trending https://twitter.com/i/status/1754871169444934063 Imagine a packed church house vibing to an incredible church band, hand-waving, and dancing from parishioners to some of their favorite gospel songs. That’s “GOSPEL. The evening was a concert, hosted by gospel artist Erica Campbell and historian, Henry Louis Gates, Jr. In the evening hours of late October 2023, churchgoers and fans alike came out to experience a night full of praise and worship featuring artists Anthony Hamilton & The Ton3s, LaTocha, Tauren Wells, Sheléa, and more! Viewers can look forward to it on February 9, as the kickoff concert begins. It is the accompanying concert to ‘GOSPEL‘, a four-hour docu-series that probes the history of Black spirituality and its direct connection to gospel music utilizing sermons and songs from executive producer, host, and writer Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. We live in times when younger generations are leaving the church. The emergence of televised docu-series such as ‘GOSPEL’ can be a breath of fresh air. https://youtu.be/nmEIZ7sVs-0 Oxygen True Crime will explore the tragic killing of Mexican-American cultural icon Selena Quintanilla Perez in a new limited series, “Selena & Yolanda: The Secrets Between Them.” Selena was 23 when she was fatally shot by her fan club’s president Yolanda Saldovar in 1995. According to the news release, the convicted murderer and her family members reveal new information about the friendship between the two women and the days leading to the Tejano superstar’s death nearly 30 years ago. Saldivar is eligible for parole next year. The official series description: “Selena & Yolanda: The Secrets Between Them” marks the first time in over two decades that Saldivar has been interviewed extensively in English and on camera. In a series of wide-ranging interviews from prison, Saldivar details her working relationship and friendship with Selena, and she’s not alone. For the first time, members of Yolanda’s family discuss the two women and share never-before-revealed documents and recordings in an effort to show there was more to the tragedy than the public knows. https://youtu.be/hhpLRnDmIBw Boxing legend Mike Tyson is the new brand ambassador for Rabona, a leading iGaming and online sports betting site. According to a news release, as the brand ambassador, Tyson will bring his trademark intensity to host live streams, share exclusive stories and boxing predictions on their Twitch and Kick channels. He will also be offering a special “Iron Bonus” for players. “Through this partnership, players will be offered exclusive Tyson-branded bonuses and streams that blend the boxing legend and casino thrills. This endorsement is subject to territorial restrictions,” per the news release. Americans who visit the site are greeted with the message: This internet site is not accepting visitors from your country. “Rabona stands out with it’s commitment to offering an adrenaline-packed gaming journey,” Tyson said. “Just as I gave my all in the ring, I’m excited to bring that same intensity and spirit to the online gaming world with Rabona. Get ready for a gaming experience that packs a punch!” Michael B. Jordan is speaking out about his “love language” and working with director Ryan Coogler in a new interview for WSJ. Magazine. The self-described workaholic also revealed that he’s trying to make the perfect pasta sauce. “I’ve been experimenting a shit ton in the kitchen,” the “Creed” star told the publication, noting that he also enjoys “ironing.” “Ironing is something that is very soothing to me. And I love driving. Driving helps me clear my mind. Cooking is something that I find peace at. I love cooking for people—it’s a universal love language,” Jordan explained. “You can not speak the same language, be from a different country, but the food is good. You sit around that table and share a meal and know exactly what the other person’s feeling.” Fani Willis admitted she was sleeping with lead prosecutor Nathan Wade in charge of Fulton County, Georgia’s RICO case against Donald Trump and 18 other co-defendants. Now Trump is using this to claim the Fulton County District Attorney’s office colluded against him. So, he is using that information to request all charges against him get dismissed…as if there’s not a whole audio recording of him pressuring Georgia election officials to help him cheat his way back into the White House. The entanglement was revealed in court transcripts by Wade’s (now ex) wife when they were in the process of getting divorced. https://youtu.be/Kn5wl9k6ZOk The stars of the Paramount+ Korean thriller series “A Bloody Lucky Day” discuss this gripping and intense ride through the gritty underbelly of crime. The series debuted on the streaming platform on February 1st, starring Lee Sung-min (Reborn Rich) as Oh Taek, Yoo Yeon-seok (Narco-Saints) as Geum Hyuk-soo and Lee Jung-eun (Parasite) as Hwang Soon-gyu. In “A Bloody Lucky Day,” Oh Taek is a down-on-his-luck taxi driver having an uncharacteristic streak of good fortune when he agrees to drive a mysterious man named Geum Hyuk-soo to a faraway city in exchange for an exorbitant fare. But when the passenger reveals himself to be a serial killer, confessing to grisly crimes in his past and murdering others on the highway, the taxi driver must play mind games to ensure his lucky streak doesn’t come to a deadly end. “A Bloody Lucky Day” is based on the Naver Webtoon “A Day of Bad Luck” by Aporia. The ten-episode series is directed by Pil Gam-seong (Hostage: Missing Celebrity) and written by Kim Min-sung and Song Han-na. https://youtu.be/W7CoDdHtrNc Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas shared his legislative priorities and vision for the future of California during a luncheon hosted by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) in downtown Sacramento. Titled a “Conversation with Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas” for PPIC’s 2024 Speaker Series on California’s Future, the 44-year-old Democrat lawmaker from Hollister, who represents the 29th Assembly District, is the 71st speaker of the Assembly. The discussion at the Sheraton Hotel took place about two weeks after Gov. Gavin Newsom presented his $291 Billion January budget proposal. “These are going to be difficult times,” Rivas said of the task of balancing a budget that has been estimated separately by the Department of Finance and Legislative Analyst’s Office to have a deficit between $38 billion and $68 billion. Rivas added: “It’s certainly the highest priority when you look at the state budget deficit. It’s going to underpin everything we get done this year. It’s going to impact everything.” These days — in an era of above-average inflation — it can feel like everything from groceries to new cars has gotten more expensive. But one living room staple has managed to defy rising prices and even got less expensive over time: the television. Today, you can snag a 32-inch TV for under $100. So, why is a big new TV cheaper than ever? Did television makers lower the prices out of the kindness of their hearts? Hardly. Several factors have contributed to cheaper TVs, some of them manufacturing-related and others more about marketing. There’s increased competition, a more efficient production process, plus the proven drawing power of deals. At brick-and-mortar stores like Best Buy and Target, and online retailers like Amazon, some 55-inch TVs are retailing for under $250 — at full price. But perhaps most importantly, there’s a new lucrative revenue stream for TV manufacturers: selling information about you. Today, most TV makers are data brokers, profiting off the information they collect from their internet-connected customers. https://youtu.be/bNV2dnOGP64 The uses of television sets have changed and so have their appearance. What was for decades once a bulky piece of furniture, sometimes inlaid in carved wood, is now a thin, glossy black panel that can be popped into your shopping cart and hung on your wall. Some current models are even designed to look like a picture frame. As the materials used to build television sets have changed, so too has the manufacturing process. One of the biggest improvements to that process is a scientific development called “mother glass,” which is what has helped to produce ever-larger TV screens. https://youtu.be/Q-rudzrfwyI Sacramento police have partnered with a national television show to raise attention to the death of an area football coach, Greg Najee Grimes. This week, the Sacramento Police Department identified 29-year-old Tahje Michael as a suspect in the death of Grimes. The 31-year-old was shot and killed in July 2022 while outside a nightclub in Downtown Sacramento. Grimes played football at Inderkum High School for four years, later going on to play at Boise State before returning to Inderkum as a coach and instructor. His mother, Deborah Grimes, hopes this new interest in the case through the show “America’s Most Wanted” can help bring her family closure. https://youtu.be/dbYH6zrMt-0 “You better believe we are going to catch that person, and in that while we will continue to build on our son’s legacy,” Deborah said. The Grimes family has worked closely with investigators to solve Najee’s’ murder, and they hope this also opens more opportunities for families and victims of gun violence. “The struggle is real but they can do something to make certain that their loved ones don’t pass in vain,” Deborah said. https://youtu.be/gm9cHBm3-Zc Tina Knowles, mother of Beyoncé and Solange, shared a viral video on her Instagram page of a toddler cursing at his dancing toy cactus. The video was initially posted by a TikToker Melanie Leeson on Dec. 5, 2023. In it, a boy named Levi yells “You motherf*cker” repeatedly at the toy while choking it. Knowles shared the video with her followers and captioned the clip: “Disclaimer: I do not and have never condoned cursing by little kids, but this is hysterical. Sometimes I feel just like this. Don’t you? Apparently, all kids hate this thing!” https://www.instagram.com/p/C2czexmR9Ye/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again A convicted drug dealer claims Jam Master Jay sold cocaine to make ends meet. Ralph Mullgrav testified about the alleged drug dealing at the federal murder trial over the DMC’s 2002 death. We reported earlier via CNN that the DJ of the hip-hop group Run-DMC was fatally shot in a recording studio in New York City in 2002. Mullgrav claims he sold Jam Master Jay, born Jason Mizell, “maybe 1 or 2 kilos, here or there” of cocaine. “Jason wasn’t a drug dealer. He just used it to make ends meet,” Mullgrav told jurors. More than two decades after the killing, two men, DMC’s godson, Karl Jordan Jr., and his childhood friend Ronald Washington, are on trial for the murder. The defendants pleaded not guilty to murder in a case. https://youtu.be/K5tWuy7EyA8 Today, NAACP unveiled the full list of “55th NAACP Image Awards” nominees with Netflix and Amazon leading the pack with 55 and 27 nominations respectively. The winners will be revealed during the two–hour LIVE TV special, airing Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 8:00 PM ET/ PT on BET and CBS. Colman Domingo leads the nominations across the motion picture categories with three nominations. Ayo Edebiri received the most nominations in the television and streaming categories with two for Abbott Elementary and The Bear. Victoria Monét and Usher received the most nominations in the music recording categories, earning six and five nods, respectively. RCA Records received an impressive 20 nominations, the most across record labels. HarperCollins Publisher and Penguin Random House lead nominations across literary categories seven and four nods, respectivel. Renowned gospel artist, CeCe Winans, is once again gracing the music scene with her unparalleled talent. Her latest single, "That's My King," another PureSprings Gospel and FairTrade Services collaboration is the first glimpse into her upcoming album, More Than This, scheduled for release in the Spring. A new song for the new year. On the "That's My King" track Winans unleashes a powerful declaration to her King accompanied by a uplifting arrangement beautifully produced by Kyle Lee. This is the perfect song for worship leaders to share with church congregations around the world. "This song brings me so much joy. You can't sit still while listening to 'That's My King' - It ushers in the power of God and puts us in the right posture of looking up and remembering that He is the King of kings!" says Winans. The renown Chicago Mass Choir closed out 2023 with an exciting and successful 22-day trip to Spain. Throughout the month of December, the multi-award winning Choir toured 14 cities and performed 15 concerts in cities like Andorra, Madrid, Las Palmas De Gran, Canaria, Vitoria and Salamanca. This tour marked the first since 2019 for the two-time Grammy and Dove Award finalist, and came just prior to the upcoming release of a brand new recording on the New Haven Records label. He’s A Wonder is set to release March 22, 2024. According to New Haven President, Ken Harding, the debut single from their 2024 project will be released to radio in the next few weeks. “The new single, He’s A Wonder, is classic Chicago Mass Choir. We know their supporters and radio will be thrilled with this release. Chicago Mass Choir’s unique style of traditional Gospel music is loved nationally, as well as internationally,” Harding continues. “Their December tour of Spain was just the most recent in a series of concerts aboard including Italy, Switzerland, Croatia and Greece, just to name a few. The timing of this tour couldn’t be better with the release of their first single from their new album project Greater Is Coming, that will also be released later this year,” Harding states. The December trip abroad marked the 17th time Chicago Mass Choir has traveled internationally, but the first since 2019 due to the worldwide pandemic. “We were truly blessed to return to touring abroad,” states Dr. Feranda Williamson, President-CEO of Chicago Mass Choir. “God has truly blessed us, and I am so thankful to God for opening doors for us to tour abroad again.” Killer Mike spoke to Big Tigger on his radio show Monday to discuss his encounter with police at the Grammys on Sunday. In a clip that went viral amid the awards show, the rapper is seen handcuffed and escorted by Los Angeles police out of the Crypto.com Arena after allegedly physically assaulting avenue-security-guard, The Jasmine Brand reports. Mike, whose real name is Michael Render, won three Grammy awards before his arrest. He was booked for misdemeanor battery “on a citizen’s arrest” and ultimately released on his own recognizance. According to The Associated Press, Mike has a court date in Los Angeles on Feb. 29. Killer Mike won Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Album, and Best Rap Song at the 2024 Grammys. “The only thing that limits your age is not being truthful about your age or what you’re doing,” he said backstage at the Grammys, per The AP. https://twitter.com/i/status/1754299537039208794 During his appearance on the Big Tigger Morning Show, the rapper and activist denied reports that he was “carried out” of the ceremony following an alleged assault on an area staffer. “I wasn’t carried out of nowhere,” he said. https://www.instagram.com/p/C2980SAL8Kp/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again “The View’s” Alyssa Farah Griffin claims JAY-Z stole Taylor Swift’s spotlight at the Grammys on Sunday while the rapper accepted the 2nd annual Dr. Dre Global Impact Award. During his speech, Jigga questioned the voting process and called out the Recording Academy’s voting members over Beyoncé’s lack of Best Album wins. Swift became the first person in history to win four Album of the Year awards during the ceremony, and Griffin criticized Jay for distracting from her historic night. https://youtu.be/W6dBQ2UM6JI Mathew Knowles, Beyoncé’s father and former manager, is speaking out about his superstar daughter’s Album of the Year snub at the Grammys. Beyoncé has the most Grammy wins, with 32, but has never won Album of the Year. Speaking with TMZ, Mathew claims Beyonce’s record label, Columbia Records, does not lobby on her behalf for awards when it comes to voting. He cited the 2017 Grammys when Bey and British singer Adele, who is also signed to Columbia, were both nominated for Album of the Year — and Adele won the award. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-02-05-020524-mathew-knowles-1771161-813/ A Black woman named Henrietta Wood was born into slavery in Kentucky between 1818 and 1820. After being passed from one family to another, she ultimately sued one of her enslavers and won. As Business Insider reports, Wood was first enslaved with the Tousey family in Kentucky. She was sold about a decade later for $700 to an abusive merchant named Henry Forsyth in Louisville. Wood was a teenager when she was sold again to a French immigrant, William Cirode, in New Orleans. https://youtu.be/2RN6mxkB4Ms The Colorado city of Aurora said Monday it has reached a $1.9 million settlement with a Black family who had guns drawn on them in a stolen vehicle mix-up in 2020. “The Aurora Police Department remains committed to strengthening the relationship with the community through accountability and continuously improving how it serves the public,” city spokesman Michael Brannen told CNN Monday. “The city can confirm that an agreement has been reached.” https://youtu.be/fxL4hV-qgO8 In August 2020, Brittney Gilliam was taking her 6-year-old daughter, 17-year-old sister, and 14- and 12-year-old nieces to get their nails done when Aurora police officers stopped them in a parking lot and ordered them at gunpoint to get out of their vehicle. The settled lawsuit says officers ordered them on the ground and Gilliam, her sister, and the 12-year-old were handcuffed while police verified the car she was driving was not stolen. At the time, Aurora police were told to handle stolen vehicles as a high-risk stop, authorities said then. https://youtu.be/OuiLfWVTuaY Martin Lawrence stars alongside Hall of Fame football player Shannon Sharpe in a new Super Bowl commercial.In the 30-second Oikos yogurt commercial, Lawrence and Sharpe’s golf game goes left when their cart rolls into a pond. “Lawrence shows off his strength to the muscle-bound, retired NFL player who watches in awe as the comedian walks into the pond, picks up the cart and carries it out,” The Associated Press writes. Lawrence told The AP, “It was cool to hook up with Shannon and sort of switch roles in the muscle area.” https://youtu.be/z-FU2UXF8PM DJ Envy addressed false reports that comedian Jess Hilarious was fired as the new third co-host of “The Breakfast Club” before she started the gig. “I think one of the funniest theories was when we got back from vacation… they said [Jess] worked one day and got fired that day,” Envy told Page Six. He added, “Mind you, she did not work at all. She hasn’t been to the city and won’t be until Feb. 5. We are hearing a lot of fake news, and these hating comments.” iHeart radio confirmed on Jan. 29 that Jess was joining longtime hosts DJ Envy and Charlamagne the God on the popular morning radio show, replacing Angela Yee. Jess confirmed she was joining the show in December, but SandaRose.com later reported she was out after a no-call/no-show on her first day earlier this month. There’s been an update on Jonathan Majors‘ domestic assault case. The actor’s sentencing has been delayed … again. Majors was supposed to receive his sentencing today (02-06-24). In late 2023 he was convicted of assaulting and harassing his ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari. He could face up to a year in jail. Now he won’t learn his fate until April 8. That’s because of motions filed by his legal team to set aside the verdict. The judge in the case, Michael Gaffey, said the new date would give prosecutors time to respond to the motion, which was filed on Monday. Majors didn’t attend Tuesday afternoon’s hearing in person and instead appeared virtually because he lives out of state. A Manhattan jury found the Marvel actor guilty of two misdemeanor counts of harassment and domestic assault but acquitted him on two other counts stemming from an incident that occurred last March. https://youtu.be/AoU2HNirqC0 The Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) Music Maker Dinner, hosted by legendary producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, set the stage for a star-studded evening in LA on January 31, 2024. The event, dedicated to supporting the economic empowerment of Black music entrepreneurs, artists, producers, and songwriters, brought together industry leaders and celebrated artists in a show of unity and support. Among the stars in attendance were Victoria Monét, Jermaine Dupri, Babyface, Muni Long, Flavor Flav, Teedra Moses, Mondaii, Kenny Burns, and other Black music industry power players. The evening commenced with Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, BMAC Co-Founder and CEO, delivering opening remarks that emphasized the importance of paying it forward and guiding the next generation. “This is not a conversation that we’re just here to have, but it’s actually a moment that we need all of you to join us in to make a true movement,” said Prophet. With a successful career on and off the screen, Keke Palmer has more than made her mark in Hollywood. Her past and present are in good standing and the “Nope” star is looking into what the future holds. A future that includes possible retirement. “I don’t know. I think the timer has started,” Palmer recently told Teen Vogue. “I think it’s because I just haven’t felt it yet. But the timer, I know that it’s around the corner. I don’t know when exactly, but it’s around the corner.” Although talk of retirement may disappoint her fans, Palmer has laid the groundwork to go out on a high note with her legacy established. The entertainer recently garnered headlines by winning an Emmy for Outstanding Host for a Game Show for her role on NBC’s “Password.” In doing so, she made history as the first woman in 15 years to receive that honor. https://youtu.be/mS6bT1Z8F6A On the first day of Black History Month, Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III was formally installed as the President and CEO of Rainbow PUSH Coalition on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at 7 PM at the Black Academy of Arts and Letters. The sold-out installation event featured VIP program participants and attendees from all over the country, including Roland Martin, Rev. Al Sharpton (NAN), Shavonne Arline-Bradley (NCNW), Dr. Michael Sorrell, Dr. Amos Brown, and Dr. Ron Daniels, among others. Tashara Parker, 4X Emmy award-winning journalist, served as the mistress of ceremonies. A nanny is suing LaKeith Stanfield and his wife, Kasmere Trice, for creating a toxic work environment.According to court documents obtained by The Blast, the couple is accused of not paying the woman for services following an eight-day trip. They also worked her to the grind, with “no breaks to use the restroom, eat, or even shower.” The woman’s name has been withheld, but The Blast reports that she is a traveling nanny who began working for the Stanfields in October 2023. The couple paid a $500 daily fee for the nanny to supervise their infant 24 hours daily. According to the legal complaint, LaKeith and his wife seemingly dumped the kid with the woman during her employment. During the employment, the woman claims she typically “worked all day and night” as Stanfield and his wife seemingly had little involvement with the baby while under the nanny’s care. Mo’Nique announced on social media that she chopped it up with Shannon Sharpe for a Club Shay Shay interview. Mo’Nique posted photos of herself posing with Shannon and captioned it, in part, THE TRUTH, THE WHOLE TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH!!!! She added, @shannonsharpe84 YOU ARE A REAL ONE!!! See Mo’s original post below. She did not reveal when her episode will air. In the comments section of her IG post, reality TV star Tami Roman wrote, “Can’t wait for this.” Another added, “Katt Williams first week of January now Mrs. Monique, the first week of February.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C23OPFtvDsn/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=e7d7000a-5204-405c-974c-6d646c368350 An intense, long-lasting atmospheric river is moving across California — bringing widespread power outages and the potential for mudslides and life-threatening flooding as it dumps heavy rain and snow. Follow our live coverage here. This is what’s happening: Rare high flood risk persists: A firehose of rain has parked over Southern California, including Los Angeles, worsening the high risk of flooding throughout Monday, with rain lingering into Tuesday. The forecast predicts an additional 1 to 3 inches of rain, with up to 6 inches possible in parts of Southern California, according to the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center. Serious flash and urban flooding are likely to be seen across Los Angeles. https://youtu.be/9REFf1_uGFc Chart-topping artist, songwriter, and producer Kirk Franklin (Fo Yo Soul/RCA) celebrated a winning night at the 2024 GRAMMY® Awards, as his #1 hit song “All Things” won the GRAMMY Award for Best Gospel Performance/Song. During the GRAMMYs Premiere Ceremony, Franklin also delivered a potent live performance with a high-octane medley comprising his hits “All Things,” “Melodies from Heaven,” and “I Smile.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=girWSeNsw24 Composed by Kirk Franklin, “All Things” marks his 20th GRAMMY Award win of his career, making him the most decorated GRAMMY-winner in gospel for his works as an artist, songwriter, and producer, both for his own songs and collaborations with others. It’s his fourth consecutive GRAMMY Award after winning three at the 2023 GRAMMYs, for the Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin joint live album, Kingdom Book One Deluxe (Tribl Records/Fo Yo Soul/RCA Inspiration) and two of its songs. “All Things” is featured from Franklin’s latest solo album Father’s Day, which was released on October 6, 2023. The musical trailblazer garnered new milestones with this 10-track studio album. Father’s Day marked his 14th #1 album on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart, setting a record as the artist with the most #1 albums on that chart. The single “All Things” also set a #1 record on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=girWSeNsw24 Next up, catch Kirk Franklin performing on The Super Bowl Soulful Celebration 25th Anniversary, which will air on Saturday, February 10th at 8 pm ET/PT on CBS, and stream on Paramount+. Taping on Wednesday, February 7th in Las Vegas, live from the Pearl Concert Theater at the Palms Casino Resort, the special will be hosted by Cedric The Entertainer and Tichina Arnold, feature additional performances by Earth, Wind & Fire, Mary Mary, Robin Thicke, and The Players Choir, an all-player ensemble of NFL talent, and celebrate various honorees for their inspiring service and achievements. For tickets and more information, visit https://superbowlsoulful.com/. TV One invites all fans of laughter, love and the Evans family to join in the celebration of 50 years of the iconic series “Good Times.” Starting Friday, February 9 at 8/7c and continuing through Sunday, February 11, the “Good Times 50 Still Golden” marathon extravaganza features exclusively curated content by TV One, including interviews with series stars Jimmie Walker, Bern Nadette Stanis and Ralph Carter. "Good Times" transcended the label of a mere sitcom; it became a cultural phenomenon resonating across generations. Created by Eric Monte and Mike Evans, the show authentically depicted the struggles and triumphs of a Black family in Chicago, breaking barriers and paving the way for diverse storytelling on television. From moments filled with laughter to poignant reflections, “Good Times” broke new ground in portraying the African American experience with nuance and dignity, remaining a touchstone of African American culture and inspiration. https://vimeo.com/910190001/fedd6eacbb?share=copy Democrats in South Carolina headed to the polls on Saturday as the Palmetto State’s primary was held. Not only is the primary in South Carolina the first time registered Democrats will have their voices heard in what is shaping up to be a highly consequential election year, but it is also largely seen as the first chance for Black people to participate in the democratic process this year following the Republican primary in New Hampshire and the Iowa Caucuses last month. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GFaShP1W0AAFEAG?format=jpg&name=small One of the leading organizations raising awareness about the stakes surrounding the South Carolina primary as well as the 2024 general election is Black Voters Matter (BVM), which has hit the road to educate and empower people to cast ballots across the country.BVM’s “We Fight Back” initiative includes a bus tour and three-day conference in Charleston to unite with local activists, social justice advocates and students from historically Black colleges and universities in an effort to help and support Black voters before and during the election season. The conference also served as a think tank for attendees to come together and discuss issues impacting Black communities nationwide. That’s what happened last week when Tiffany D. Loftin, the National Director of the NAACP Youth and College Division at the NAACP, led a wide-ranging conversation with young people in North Charleston that covered important topics to help shape and better inform opinions on voting. https://newsone.com/4954297/black-voters-matter-we-fight-back/ Last year, the American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia (ACLU-GA.) issued a report on overcrowding in the Fulton County jail. We found that on Oct. 26, 2023, nearly 400 people were in jail simply because they did not have the money to pay bail. This is the story across Georgia: People charged with minor offenses and who may even be wrongfully accused are jailed awaiting trial because they have no money. Or, when they do have money, it is needed for food, rent or other bills for their families. This practice does not make communities safer. Last week, the Georgia Senate took a big step backward against yearslong criminal justice reform efforts in the state with the passage of Senate Bill 63 (SB 63), which expands the requirement for cash bail to more low-level offenses including criminal trespass, failure to appear for traffic citations and even possessing more than an ounce of marijuana, which is legal in nearly half of the United States. The greatest racial disparities are found in these lower-level offenses. For example, 90% of the people arrested for simple possession of marijuana in Atlanta were Black, before the ACLU and other advocates got the penalty changed to a ticketed offense. https://twitter.com/ACLUofGA/status/1753080069591843279/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1753080069591843279%7Ctwgr%5E5af2187a2e93d0a06b1e4dbaf5616e6cb8cd99c4%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewsone.com%2F4981507%2Fgeorgia-cash-bail-bill%2F New data suggests that Black women who experience high blood pressure before the age of 35 may be at risk of having a stroke during middle age. A new study conducted by Boston University associate professor, Dr. Hugo Aparicio, found that Black women with high blood pressure under the age of 35 were three times more likely to develop a stroke by the time they reached middle age, NBC News reported. https://www.instagram.com/p/C2tvz-ELO4j/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=29d2ec73-0da6-4ae8-ab2f-9867a6d676af Issa Rae isn’t mincing words regarding her take on the entertainment industry’s recent changes. The cancellation of her TV series “Rap Sh!t” by Warner Bros. Discovery has fueled her frustration, highlighting what she sees as a shift away from creativity and inclusion in Hollywood. “You’re seeing so many Black shows get canceled, you’re seeing so many executives — especially on the DEI side — get canned. You’re seeing very clearly now that our stories are less of a priority,” Rae said. “It’s made me take more steps to try to be independent down the line if I have to.” Looking back on the challenges faced during the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes and the cancellation of “Rap Sh!t,” Rae emphasizes the impact of financial considerations on decision-making in the industry. “I’ve never seen Hollywood this scared and clueless, and at the mercy of Wall Street,” Rae said. “I’m sorry, but there aren’t a lot of smart executives anymore. And a lot of them have aged out and are holding on to their positions and refusing to let young blood get in.” Despite these setbacks, Rae remains resilient and has ambitious plans for 2024. Actively developing two new projects for HBO and working on establishing a studio campus in South L.A., she is determined to forge ahead. However, the lessons learned from recent experiences linger, especially regarding the perceived shift in priorities. https://newsone.com/4978949/issa-rae-criticizes-hollywood-diversity-inclusion/ One of the most universal challenges that US citizens face is the struggle to make decisions. Between the fear of missing out or the urgency to avoid pitfalls, the journey to make a choice can leave people with a high level of anxiety that affects their day-to-day lives. Whether it involves making decisions at work, ending romantic relationships, or making a big purchase, the tension that exists in decision-making can leave you feeling lost and confused.On a recent episode of the Small Doses podcast, Amanda Seales shares how to find your flow and the importance of using your intuition to figure out when to redirect or let go. https://www.instagram.com/p/C2s_RUat2Tk/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again As Republicans’ desperate quest for Black friends continues, a GOP pollster is putting the message out that a “Republican victory in 2024” is dependent on the party’s to bring Black voters to MAGA Land. The pollster demonstrated that sentiment with photos that show Black men in what look like MAGA hats engaging with potential Black voters who appear very interested in getting down with the GOP. Of course, it appears that the pollster was unable to find actual Black people to pose for photos that purport to illustrate racial diversity in the GOP electorate—so he used images generated by artificial intelligence instead. (And he did it on the eve of Black History Month no less.) A Dallas catering company is being harassed after being mistaken for a local restaurant reviewed by popular TikToker Keith Lee. According to the Dallas Morning News, the owners of Seasoned Street Food are speaking out after receiving a slew of negative reviews from people mistaking it for the Dallas food truck Sweetly Seasoned. It all started when Lee visited Sweetly Seasoned and gave a $4000 tip. He told the owner to divide the money evenly among employees, but she allegedly kept it all to herself. When word spread about this, Lee’s loyal supporters took action but misdirected their fury at the wrong people. Seasoned Street Food got caught up in the mess, and its Google page is being hit with one-star reviews. https://twitter.com/essessacheee/status/1752925180148535426?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1753148383202550025%7Ctwgr%5Ed7f8e1b5b140f7e39eda4808ddf47f5d7a21190b%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fkeith-lee-fans-target-wrong-dallas-food-truck%2F “We live and die by our reviews, and a one-star review is really damaging,” Seasoned Street Food owner Jonathan Evola explained to the Dallas Morning Sun. “Someone who might want us to cater their wedding, if they see negative reviews for us, they won’t consider hiring us. I know I wouldn’t.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1753607647260016851 As hard-working Americans struggle to make ends meet in Joe Biden’s economy, NYC Mayor Eric Adams announced plans to distribute $53 million to city migrants on pre-paid credit cards.The Daily Mail reports that recipients must sign an affidavit promising to use the card for food and baby supplies. The cards can only be used at bodegas, grocery stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores. A family of four will get a card loaded with $ 1,000 a month, The New York Post reports. Cards get refilled every 28 days. A company called MoCaFi, founded by former Wall Street financier Wole Coaxum, is running the program. “MoCaFi looks forward to partnering with New York City to disburse funds for asylum seekers to purchase fresh, hot food,” Coaxum said. “MoCaFi’s goal is to expand access to financial resources for individuals excluded from banking, such as asylum seekers, while helping the local economy,” Coaxum added. https://youtu.be/X3eDrIY3Sb4 Auburn forward Johni Broome apologized to Morgan Freeman for smacking his hand after thinking the actor was a fan. NBC News reports that Freeman, an Ole Miss fan, sat courtside at The Pavilion for Saturday’s Rebels’ game against Auburn. During the second half, Broome lost his balance as he tried to save the ball from going out of bounds. Two fans grabbed him in an attempt to help him get back on his feet, including Morgan. But Broome swatted his hand away, unaware that it was the Academy Award winning actor. “I kind of got his hand off,” Broome told reporters after the game. “I saw who it was and I’m a big movie guy. I probably watched one of his movies on the plane coming here. https://youtu.be/5nGQ5BrjjZ0 But I realized it was him and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m a big fan. I’m sorry.’ He said, ‘Just keep playing.’” In the course of the game, Broome went back over to Freeman and apologized. “I’m just like, ‘I’m sorry, again,’” Broome said. “He said, ‘You all good. Just keep playing.’ He’s a very good guy. Love him.” The Tigers defeated Mississippi 91-77. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/EPph9slikJk?feature=share During his acceptance speech at the 2024 Grammys, JAY-Z called out the Grammys over Beyoncé’s lack of Best Album wins. The hip-hop artist questioned the voting process while accepting the 2nd annual Dr. Dre Global Impact Award.“We want y’all to get it right. At least getting close to right. And obviously it’s subjective. Y’all don’t gotta clap at everything. Obviously it’s subjective because, you know, it’s music and it’s opinion-based,” Jigga stated, People reports. “But, you know, some things — I don’t want to embarrass this young lady, but she has more Grammys than everyone and never won album of the year,” he stated, presumably referring to how wife, Beyonce. “So even by your own metrics, that doesn’t work. Think about that. The most Grammys, never won album of the year. That doesn’t work.” https://youtu.be/W6dBQ2UM6JI TMZ will explore the impact that Kanye West’s antisemitic remarks have had on his career in a new investigative series set to air Monday night. “TMZ Investigates: Kanye West: Unhinged” will feature exclusive interviews from people such as d Bill Maher, The Game and Angela Yee, who do not believe the hip-hop star will ever be canceled. The special examines “how the legacy of one of the most influential hip-hop artists of all time has been impacted by his hateful remarks and public outbursts,” according to TMZ. Next TV reports that the special will also unpack whether Ye’s ex-wife Kim Kardashian can deny West access to their four kids. “For Kim, I think that she would try to make sure that her kids understand that some of the things that come out of your father’s mouth is not appropriate, is not acceptable,” Dr. Kevin Cokley, Professor of Psychology at the University of Michigan, says in the special. “You can love him, because he is your father. But that does not mean you have to approve of everything he says.” https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-02-02-013124-tmz-investigates-kanye-cancel-1770159-019/ West is not interviewed in the hour-long special that airs on Fox on Monday, February 5. It will be available to stream on Hulu on February 6. TMZ Investigates is executive produced by Harvey Levin and has previously profiled Michael Jackson, Richard Simmons, and Britney Spears. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-02-02-013124-kanye-promo-20-monday-1769868-328/ Patrick Mahomes Sr. was arrested Sunday in Smith County, Texas on suspicion of “driving while intoxicated 3rd or more,” according to court documents. Those same jail records show Mahomes Sr. was arrested for a second DUI offense back in 2018. https://youtu.be/4EpqRfNnhPk The bond for this arrest was not listed on the jail website. Mahomes Sr. is the father of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs play the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas on Sunday, Feb. 11. https://youtu.be/Toz9-euYIWg An escaped 17-year-old inmate (Kimmy Dauntain Jr.) who was being held on attempted murder charges in Louisiana was turned in by his parents and is now back in custody, bringing a three-day manhunt to an end, authorities said Sunday. Dauntain Jr., who is from Orleans Parish, escaped from the custody of state officials while on an escorted trip on Friday in Franklin, Louisiana, according to the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office. The escapee’s parents turned him into Louisiana State Police custody Sunday morning, according to a news release from the Office of Juvenile Justice. The teen was being held on charges of simple battery, illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile, attempted first-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder (accessory after the fact), according to the sheriff’s office. The latest evasion of police custody comes after inmates in Pennsylvania and Arkansas briefly fled police custody in recent weeks before being captured. https://youtu.be/FkLT9HQDTcQ AMC Theatres is offering $5 tickets for Black History Month. The screenings of select movies run until Feb. 29 at over 100 AMC locations. During the $5 Fan Faves program, moviegoers can watch films starring or created by Black people. Two screenings of the movies will take place daily at the theaters. Here is the schedule: Week of Feb. 2– “The Equalizer 3” Week of Feb. 9 – “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” Week of Feb. 16 – “The Color Purple” Week of Feb. 22 – “Soul” AMC rolled out a similar program last year, Variety reported. The 2023 Black History Month screenings included “The Woman King,” “Devotion,” “Till,” and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” Taylor Swift made history, SZA brought tears and hugs to the stage, while Fantasia had people on their feet at the 66th Grammy Awards on Sunday. Recording Academy voters, the organization behind the Grammys, recognized a range of top artists with Golden Gramophone trophies in the top four awards; Swift became the first artist to win the Grammy for Album of the Year four times with “Midnights,” Miley Cyrus won for record of the year for “Flowers,” Billie Eilish won for song of the year for “What Was I Made For?” and R&B singer/songwriter Victoria Monét won best new artist. https://youtu.be/NpeSh4Z1lDc ALBUM OF THE YEAR Boygenius – “The Record” Janelle Monáe – “The Age of Pleasure” Jon Batiste – “World Music Radio” Lana Del Rey – “Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd” Miley Cyrus – “Endless Summer Vacation” Olivia Rodrigo – “Guts” SZA – “SOS” Taylor Swift – “Midnights” – *WINNER BEST RAP ALBUM Drake & 21 Savage – “Her Loss” Killer Mike – “Michael” – *WINNER Metro Boomin – “Heroes & Villains” Nas – “King’s Disease III” Travis Scott – “Utopia” https://youtu.be/mkIzWpItQro BEST NEW ARTIST Victoria Monét - *WINNER https://youtu.be/k9GhN19eItE The 66th Annual Grammy Awards Trevor Noah opening https://youtu.be/DH_UWjIeZPg Backstage at the Grammys https://youtu.be/enZeCejmcrc California Pauses to Promote Racial Healing and Justice – On Jan. 16, a day after America celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day, California Attorney General Rob Bonta hosted a conversation with a diverse group of state leaders to commemorate the National Day of Racial Healing. “The National Day of Racial Healing is typically observed each year in January, and it is intended to be a time to reflect on our shared values – what brings us together and what unites us,” said Bonta. “It is also an opportunity to discuss the real lasting and present harms of racism in our society,” continued Bonta. “But more importantly, it is about healing. That takes acknowledgment of the pain and harm. It takes accountability, and it takes justice-oriented solutions.” The panel’s participants were Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell; California reparations task force members Don Tamaki and Cheryl Grills; Orange County Human Relations Commission Chair Jo-Anne Matsuba; and Asian American Senior Citizens Service Center Executive Director Jennifer Wang. How do you begin Black History Month? The artistic ecosystem called Common Hymnal is stepping strong into Black History Month by adding another musical work to their music catalog of praise and protest. Their latest release, "God of Color," is a song that is an unapologetic and full-throttled celebration of the melanated Christ. "God Of Color" is written by the collaborative aggregation of Jalen Seawright, Rev. Otis Moss, III, Gustaf Emil Sydhage, Royce Lovett, and JonCarlos Velez. Seaux Chill, Vincent Charlow, and Tommy Sims are the genius league of producers for the track. Sims is one of music's most notable producers behind a deep catalog of award-winning projects and artists, including CeCe Winans, The Judds, Eric Clapton, Smokie Norful, Israel Houghton, and Amy Grant. The phenomenal trio of artists delivering the vocal performance on "God of Color" are Jalen Seawright, Bianca White, and Royce Lovett. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2DfUo3OpCo Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid is set to undergo surgery to deal with a left knee issue, the team announced on Sunday. “Joel Embiid will have a corrective procedure this week to address an injury to the lateral meniscus in his left knee. An update will be provided following the procedure,” the team said in a statement. Embiid has spent time out of the Philadelphia lineup this season as a result of persistent injury issues and has missed 14 out of the 76ers’ 48 games. He was made inactive for Philly’s marquee matchup against Nikola Jokić and the Denver Nuggets on January 27 and was out for a road loss against the Portland Trail Blazers two days later. He returned to the lineup the following day against the Golden State Warriors but appeared to suffer a knee injury in the fourth quarter when Dubs forward Jonathan Kuminga fell on his legs during a scramble for the ball. Embiid headed to the locker room shortly after and did not return. https://youtu.be/FtzYa9x4tiI A visit from TikTok food critic Keith Lee can make a hella difference in the fortunes of a mom-and-pop restaurant. Just ask Nikki Jackson and her employees at “Absolutely Edible Cakes & Catering” in Dallas’ Rowlett community. For Jackson, the Keith Lee effect is real. She took no chances on him paying her a visit. “I willed Keith here,” Jackson said. “I had a whole Keith Lee support group, but we had a whole plan–every day at this hour. I need 100 of you guys to email him.” Jackson worked her two-week audacious approach to reach Lee. The bakery and catering company owner posted videos and enlisted the support of others to kindly encourage Lee to come to her business, where she’d be in a custom t-shirt for his arrival. Check out the video report above for the full story on food critic Keith Lee’s visit to “Absolutely Edible Cakes & Catering.” https://youtu.be/5VaiUnU4CFU In movies, there’s an undeniable power when storytellers draw on personal experiences to infuse authenticity and depth into complex character roles. The recently released Peacock film, “Bosco,” starring Vivica A. Foxx, leans into this, delving into the real-life prison break saga of Quawntay “Bosco” Adams. In 2006, over two million Americans were incarcerated, but somehow, Bosco was the only one who managed to escape a federal maximum-security wing while under 24-hour surveillance. He plans his escape with the help of a lonely Missouri woman whom he meets by replying to a personal ad. “Oh my god! I had no clue about Bosco’s story. One of the managers on my team brought me the script. And he had served a few years in prison,” Joseph revealed. This personal connection adds a layer of commitment and responsibility to the portrayal of Bosco, as he aims not only to capture the character authentically but also to shed light on the man behind the bars. https://youtu.be/Pz7s3YPS7nk Singer. Actor. Businessman. These are a few of the labels describing Usher.As he prepares to take the stage at the 2024 Super Bowl Halftime Show, the “U Don’t Have to Call” entertainer will elevate to a new level with 12-15 minutes to perform and dazzle the crowd and viewers who will catch him on the small screen. With thoughts turning to the big game, it’s worth noting that Usher comes into the Super Bowl with a slew of success under his belt. As Marca noted, the 45-year-old crooner carries a net worth of $180 million, along with an estimated annual income of $15 million. Key to that success are albums such as “My Way” and “Confessions, which brought Diamond status with more than 10 million copies sold. Outside the music industry, Usher has dabbled in acting with roles on “Moesha,” “The Faculty,” and “In the Mix” as well as a stint as a judge on “The Voice.” On the business side, he co-founded RBMG Records, the record company that introduced pop superstar Justin Bieber to the world, Marca mentioned, adding his investment in Liquid I.V. and co-ownership of the Cleveland Cavaliers to the mix. A visit from TikTok food critic Keith Lee can make a hella difference in the fortunes of a mom-and-pop restaurant. Just ask Nikki Jackson and her employees at “Absolutely Edible Cakes & Catering” in Dallas’ Rowlett community. For Jackson, the Keith Lee effect is real. She took no chances on him paying her a visit. “I willed Keith here,” Jackson said. “I had a whole Keith Lee support group, but we had a whole plan–every day at this hour. I need 100 of you guys to email him.” Jackson worked her two-week audacious approach to reach Lee. The bakery and catering company owner posted videos and enlisted the support of others to kindly encourage Lee to come to her business, where she’d be in a custom t-shirt for his arrival. Check out the video report above for the full story on food critic Keith Lee’s visit to “Absolutely Edible Cakes & Catering.” https://youtu.be/5VaiUnU4CFU For the first time, African music will have its own category at the Grammys. The Recording Academy will showcase three new categories for this year’s awards, including “Best African Music Performance” — featuring some of Afrobeats’ global superstars.“By introducing these three new categories, we can acknowledge and appreciate a broader array of artists,” said Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr., in a press release last year to announce the categories, which also include Best Pop Dance Recording and Best Alternative Jazz Album. “We are excited to honor and celebrate the creators and recordings in these categories, while also exposing a wider range of music to fans worldwide.” The addition of the Best African Music Performance category follows a meteoric rise in the global popularity of Afrobeats. On Spotify alone, Afrobeats streams have grown over 550% since 2017, according to the streaming platform, making it one of the “fastest growing genres.” Ahead of the 2024 Grammy Awards on February 4 in Los Angeles, here’s what to know about the five Best African Music Performance nominees poised to make history. https://youtu.be/f67x767TudI Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, known as Ayra Starr, is nominated for her hit “Rush,” on her debut studio album “19 & Dangerous.” The song charted globally, went viral with a dance challenge on TikTok, was listed on former US President Barack Obama’s annual playlist for 2022, and currently has over 300 million streams on Spotify and almost 300 million views on YouTube. Signed to Mavin Records, the 21-year-old Afropop singer has collaborated with Kelly Rowland, Stormzy, and fellow Nigerian stars Tiwa Savage and Wizkid. https://youtu.be/KYn3k8dpRJI Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, is up for a total of four Grammys this year for Best Global Music Album, Best Melodic Rap performance, Best Global Music Performance and Best African Music Performance — and will perform at the awards. No stranger to the awards circuit, he won the Best Global Music Album Grammy in 2021 for his album “Twice as Tall.” Burna Boy ended a historic 2023 at No. 1 on the Billboard Year-End US Afrobeats Artists Chart, as well as one of the 10 most streamed male African artists on Spotify. Back in 2021 he told CNN how much the music he makes means to him. “I’m not a musician who is just giving you vibes or giving you nice beats and talking whatever, just so you can dance,” he said. “Every one of my songs is basically part of my soul.” https://youtu.be/bWxyVF1LJAo “African music has become so large that including it in the World Music category would be a disservice to its diverse genres. Afrobeats, in particular, has eclipsed many genres globally. This new category provides an opportunity for all African music to be recognized as a solitary entity.” Sheila Okonji-Ashinze said that when she moved to the US in 2017, she created the first-ever nationally syndicated Afrobeats show. “Coming from England, where Afrobeats was massive, I wanted to introduce it to the US. The show gained recognition from different record labels, helping us pave the way for this Grammy category.” Love encouraged artists from the continent to become voting members of the Grammys. https://youtu.be/_n-Hx8bY-Xs For Black History Month We’d like to point our reader’s attention to a special and unique Black architect who designed a center for the blind in Los Angeles. The Blind Children’s Center (BCC), a Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization founded in 1938, is currently undergoing renovations to its historic Hollywood building designed by renowned architect Paul R. Williams. The philanthropy for “Aid to the Blind” was born and developed from the Delta Gamma Fraternity’s 1936 convention. UCLA’s Dr. Lillian Ray Titcomb led the charge of Southern California alumnae volunteers who founded the Nursery School for Visually Handicapped Children in 1938 – the first of five founded under Delta Gamma’s “Service for Sight” initiative. With hits like “Pony,” “In Those Jeans” and “So Anxious” Ginuwine easily comes to mind for many people when thinking of tunes to soundtrack an episode of hot sex. But when it comes to his own lovemaking playlist, the singer is quick to say he doesn’t include his own music when handling business between the sheets.“ No, absolutely not,” Ginuwine laughingly told journalist Shirley Ju, via TMZ Hip Hop. For him, “old school” hits are the sounds he prefers for sex-filled episodes, citing Marvin Gaye and Jodeci among the artists he has on deck to hear. As Ginuwine’s chat with Ju continued, the 53-year-old entertainer touched on his Timbaland-produced cover of Prince’s classic hit “When Doves Cry.” The tune, featured on Ginuwine’s debut album, Ginuwine…The Bachelor” peaked at number 16 on the Billboard Rhythmic chart. Even more memorable for Ginuwine was the approval of the cover by Prince himself. “[It] definitely felt amazing for me because he was one of my biggest inspirations when I was coming up doing music—him and Michael Jackson,” the vocalist told Ju. For him to check it and say it was good, it made me feel good about doing it while I’m doing shows.” https://youtu.be/r4HJmhGgy74 During its time on the small screen, Marvel Television’s “Luke Cage” was a bright spot among fans of Netflix’s Marvel Knights programming. Yet, in the eyes of one fan, the series had one major flaw he could not get past. A lack of white villains resulted in the character taking on more villains of color. “Obviously, Luke Cage was created in the 1970s, but did y’all [peep] how the Marvel series depicted him having to fight more Black people to save Harlem than white villains?” the fan wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter), adding, “I did.”Taking note of the criticism, “Luke Cage” creator Cheo Hodari Coker responded jokingly to the fan, saying, “I was trying to keep Black people gainfully employed. LOL. Just saying.” Coker may not have planned it, but his tweet struck a nerve with X users who made their approval known, according to Complex. As of Feb. 1, the former music journalist’s post generated 100,000 likes and 11 million views. https://youtu.be/19K8npOFwdE As a celebrity, Tony Gonzalez is no stranger to folks who are not what they seem to be asking for a hook-up.But it turns out, Gonzalez has a legit relative in Whoopi Goldberg. According to People, the former Kansas City Chiefs tight end discovered he and “The View” co-host are of the same family earlier this month, courtesy of “Finding Your Roots’” Henry Louis Gates. Gates found and revealed to Gonzalez that he and Goldberg are “distant cousins,” with them sharing DNA on Gonzalez’s mom’s father’s side. As fate would have it, the cousins met for the first time recently on “The View.” Gonzalez recently appeared on the daytime talk show to promote his role on Amazon Prime Video’s new film, “The Underdoggs.” The Charles Stone III-directed sports comedy-drama, which premiered Jan. 26, stars Snoop Dogg as Jaycen “Two-J’s” Jennings, an arrogant former football player who is ordered to perform community service in his neighborhood after his involvement in a major car accident. Seeing an opportunity to rebuild his brand, Two-J’s coaches a struggling youth football team, whose roster includes the son of a former flame. Despite his initial rough treatment, the athlete connects with the team, inspiring its members to do better. https://youtu.be/xSAfBZJzRa0 Goldberg had no problem supplying Gonzalez with the money. The kicker was the athlete found himself with a chance to honor a favor with a favor in helping the “Ghost” star secure a ticket for this year’s Super Bowl. The big game, featuring Gonzalez’s Kansas City Chiefs against the San Francisco 49’ers, is set to go down Feb. 11, with Usher on hand to headline the event’s halftime show.“Julia Roberts was here, maybe a couple of weeks ago, and we were talking about the Super Bowl ’cause she wants to go. She says she’s never been,” Goldberg recalled, before hinting to Gonzalez, “And I said, ‘Well, maybe I could help you get in…’ ” “I just want to say, it’s all great for Taylor Swift, but Julia Roberts is pretty hot too!” The “Sister Act” entertainer continued. “And I wondered, ’cause it’s in Vegas and I figure you might be going, you might be hanging, if you decide that you need a couple of people to go with you, maybe Julia and I would go with you.” As family goes, the flavor was a no-brainer for Gonzalez, who welcomed Goldberg and Roberts, if the “Pretty Woman” star is game. “I got you cousin. I got you, cousin,” he said. “You come with me as your guest, bring Julia too. The more the merrier.” https://youtu.be/Qbpo-updoX4 Atlanta rapper/activist Killer Mike was having a spectacular day at the Grammys in Downtown LA and then he wasn’t. That’s cause he was led out of the event in cuffs by the LAPD. We’re still trying to get the whole story, however, a writer for The Hollywood Reporter posted a video to X showing Big Mike being escorted by police away from the venue with his hands behind his back (watch it below). Supposedly it has something to do with an alleged physical altercation. The good news (if you can call it that) is that the Run the Jewels musician, 48, seems to be unconcerned as he’s being led away. We assume that based on the way he’s chatting amicably with a man who is walking alongside him and the police before saying hello to someone else in a tuxedo. https://twitter.com/i/status/1754299537039208794 Kandi Burruss has announced that she is putting “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” in her rear-view window, so to speak. The Atlanta-based celebrity has been a fixture on the Bravo reality series since 2009. Burruss was on the Grammy red carpet on Sunday (02-04-24) when she revealed her decision with Variety‘s Marc Malkin. “I’m not really keeping up right now,” when asked about the show. “I’m not keeping up. I already said it, so I’ll tell you. I decided I’m not coming back this year. It’s been 14 seasons, and they allowed us to sit around for a little too long, but during that time I had started working on a lot of other things, and I got some nice big projects coming soon, so I’m super excited about those things. “But it’s not just that,” she continued. “It’s just like after you really have time to think, and a friend of mine was like, ‘Why do you keep doing it?’ And I was like, ‘Well, I think because I’ve just been doing it for so long, it feels weird to think not to do it?’ So I was just like, You know what? I’m going to take a break, I’m going to take a moment… I’m not coming back this year.'” Even though she’s put in 14 seasons of drama on the show, it’s easy to forget she was not a part of the original cast/season. The singer/songwriter/actress joined during the series’ second season which, on the other hand, makes her the longest-serving cast member. https://www.instagram.com/hollywoodunlocked/p/C28cN9bvIHd/ Ben Shapiro is raising eyebrows and questions by topping iTunes with his No. 1 song “Facts.”The question for those opposed to the controversial right-wing political commentator’s views is how he managed to have the top song, over tracks by music fixtures Justin Timberlake, Megan Thee Stallion, and Jack Harlow. Diving into the notion of “Facts” finding success, The Washington Post looks at the tune and Shapiro’s rise as one of the artists behind it. The other being Canadian rapper Tom MacDonald. Lyrically, “Facts” is Shapiro’s first rap song. It features content harping on talking points floated frequently from far-right wing influencers and media outlets, the Post reports. Shapiro’s critics are in the crosshairs of the man himself as he aims at said critics, the culture wars, and rap as a music genre. Particularly Lizzo and Nicki Minaj. “Let’s look at the stats, I’ve got the facts/ My money like Lizzo, my pockets are fat,” Shapiro raps about the “Truth Hurts” singer. For those wondering, “Facts” takes its name from a catchphrase Shapiro uses, “facts don’t care about feelings.” The phrase is common language for Shapiro, who uses it frequently to argue ideas mainstream listeners might find offensive. “They call me offensive, controversial / There’s only two genders, boys and girls.” MacDonald rhymes, adding, “They claim that I’m racist, yeah, all right I’m not ashamed because I’m White / If every Caucasian’s a bigot, I guess every Muslim’s a terrorist, every liberal is right.” In his eyes, MacDonald believes “Facts” “presents an alternative [to] the manufactured, overproduced, wrapped-in-plastic mainstream product.” “I feel like not only did this song encourage high moral standards… it also is a legendary troll on the music industry. It’s a bit of revenge to enter their arena and beat them at their own game,” he added. Although she has been criticized by Shapiro, Minaj brought a bit of love to him via social media after the release of “Facts.” https://youtu.be/wonp0Y8vyD0 Black history in the United States is a varied and rich chronicle of enslavement and liberty, segregation and accomplishments, oppression and progress. From the racist legacy of slavery during the Civil War to the spurring movements of resistance, through it all, Black artists, writers, and leaders have emerged to shape the identity and character of the nation.Every February, Black History Month is observed throughout the US to commemorate the achievements that African Americans have accomplished, both for themselves and their country—to remind ourselves that Black History is American History. In the midst of yet another Black History Month, let’s honor our past by remembering the heroes who paved the way for the success of the Black community and showed us the meaning of what it’s like to truly embrace your identity. https://youtu.be/7ncTKBP-V8A Long before there was Black History Month, Carter G. Woodson created Negro History Week in 1926. The son of formerly enslaved people, Woodson was well aware of the hardships faced by African Americans and seemed filled with purpose from a young age. His parents instilled in him the value of education, which inspired his future work. At 19, having taught himself arithmetic and English fundamentals, Woodson entered high school, where he completed the four-year curriculum in two years. He went on to earn a degree in literature from Berea College and later got his doctorate from Harvard University. Throughout the years, his commitment to education only grew. As a school supervisor, principal, and teacher, Woodson noticed the absence of Black History in the curriculum. He believed that the black experience was simply too important to be left untouched, and in an attempt to change that, he established the Association for the Study of Negro Life and Culture in 1916. The goal of the organization was to promote the accessibility of black history to a broader audience. “A race with no history stands in danger of being exterminated.” https://youtu.be/f2-qjMiTQqw As Black people continued striving for racial equality in America, Martin Luther King quickly became one of the most prominent figures during the American Civil Rights Movement of 1960. He was an American Baptist minister and social activist who dreamt of a nation free from racism and segregation and adopted a nonviolent resistance policy to achieve this aim. However, his aspirations were abruptly ended due to his unfortunate assassination on April 4, 1968, at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee, while standing on his room’s balcony. King’s untimely death caused havoc amongst Black Americans and played a pivotal role in empowering them against the year-long discrimination against them. There was colossal unrest and a series of urban uprisings following King’s passing, calling for justice and equality. https://youtu.be/waxW-R_fFSQ These continued struggles eventually bore fruit as the Fair Housing Act was officially signed on April 11, 1968. It was an extension of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It aimed to protect individuals from any housing or rental discrimination based on race, religion, or nationality and diminish practices such as Black voter suppression. Another landmark moment during the post-civil war period was when Shirley Chisholm, a Black woman, was elected to the US House of Representatives on November 5, 1968. Chisholm also became the first Black person to run for President in 1972 on a Democratic ticket and the first Black woman to win delegates during a presidential election by a major party. https://youtu.be/0MFdNTryTdg Florida A&M’s athletic director has responded to accusations that student Shamoria Johnson was booted off the university’s bowling team for choosing academics over athletics. According to MadameNoire, Johnson, a sophomore English major, claims she was kicked off the team by first-year head coach Capri Howard because she wanted to be excused to study for final exams. FAMU released a statement from Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Tiffani-Dawn Sykes on X (formerly Twitter), responding to Johnson’s accusations. According to Sykes, Johnson’s dismissal was supported by NCAA rules. “In December of 2023, Coach Howard dismissed a student from the bowling team for reasons supported by the NCAA bylaws,” Sykes wrote. ”Though it’s always challenging to see our student-athletes dismissed, I support the decision by Coach Howard as the proper procedures were taken before dismissal.” https://youtu.be/B2ZrfU7NwxU In response to Johnson’s removal, teammates Emilia Sturk, Anna, and Fransecsa Olay left the team. According to Sykes, all former members “have been awarded their athletics aid for the remainder of the academic year.” Meanwhile, Florida A&M bowler Eva Holmes addressed the issue in an Instagram post, the Tallahassee Democrat reports. “We have a young head coach, but so do various other sports across the country. It is not impossible for a program to function with such new leadership,” said Holmes. “Without a chance to even begin shaping the future of our program, our coach was called names and disrespected regardless of her head coach status. This clearly reached a breaking point when the final, extremely disrespectful email was sent. Had any other athlete in any other sport sent their head coach an email like that, they’d be dismissed from the team as well, and their teammates would understand why,” Holmes continued. https://twitter.com/FAMUAthletics/status/1748833645480026133/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1748833645480026133%7Ctwgr%5E363358de3b8a868c32c26c72743d91d2a77c1992%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Ffamu-student-kicked-off-bowling-team-for-prioritizing-academics%2F Rapper Plies is slamming the NFL for “forcing” Taylor Swift on football fans. Swift has been spotted at several Kansas City Chiefs games to support her boyfriend, tight end Travis Kelce, and her influence on football is undeniable. Complex reports that the pop star has brought $331 million in value to the NFL since she started attending games. According to a recent survey by LendingTree, Swift is reviving interest in the sport among young viewers. 13% of Americans said they’re interested in football because of the Grammy-winning artist. CBS News reports that 16% of American consumers said the singer influenced them to spend money on football. Ace Showbiz reports that Plies took to X/ Twitter on January 28 to call out the NFL for excessively highlighting the pop star. He wrote, “Dear @NFL Media: Can U Please Stop Forcing Taylor Swift On Football Fans!” https://www.instagram.com/p/C2qX0D2slcf/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=5015db2d-1c1d-4c78-891c-21c5e526747a Mike Tyson and MMA star Daniel Puder are teaming up to open a first-of-its-kind school in the U.S. TMZ reports that Mike and Daniel “opened a school in Arizona called Tyson’s Transformational Technologies Academy … it’s an extension of Daniel’s prep schools, the first emotional and belief intelligence-based school system in the nation,” the outlet writes. The fighters explain to TMZ that “the school is all about teaching life skills like financial literacy and resume building … topics that don’t fall into traditional curriculum,” the outlet continues. In a statement, Target said the chain “will no longer be selling this product in stores or online. The company also made the book publisher “aware of the errors.” The book’s errors went viral after TikTok user @Issatete urged the retail giant to pull the product from shelves. “I don’t know who’s in charge of Target but these need to be pulled off the shelves immediately,” she said in the clip. https://v16m-default.tiktokcdn-us.com/20475939d234083273d44849a994d11c/65bdb3ab/video/tos/useast8/tos-useast8-ve-0068c003-tx2/okyPZymoiIkEVAibvREiKIMt5ZSQ7AwlBBAAi/?a=1988&ch=0&cr=3&dr=0&lr=tiktok_m&cd=0%7C0%7C1%7C&cv=1&br=3612&bt=1806&bti=NDU3ZjAwOg%3D%3D&cs=0&ds=3&ft=4bBsyMzm8Zmo0G4HW94jV9gDdpWrKsd.&mime_type=video_mp4&qs=0&rc=aWczaWlkZDo1PDNnNWg1PEBpajt4NWo5cnVqcDMzaTczNEBjYl5fYDAwXjYxYTQ1LzMwYSNmMWltMmQ0LnBgLS1kMTJzcw%3D%3D&l=20240202213059A89CC3A70DE271062AE9&btag=e00088000 As We kick off Black History Month, Tyrese Gibson is celebrating Latino culture on social media. The “Fast and Furious” star took to Instagram recently to announce that he wishes he was born Latino. His unusual remarks came as he posted a video of a man receiving a new truck from his adult children. “Sometimes I wish I was born Latino,” Tyrese wrote in a lengthy caption, SandraRose.com reports. “I mean the Latin community is grounded in family, loyal, entrepreneurs, businessman, and women literally represent the dream, the grind the hustle doing whatever it takes to stick together against all odds.” He continued: “I’ve learned a lot from the Jewish community sticking together eating dinner every Friday together. I’ve learned a lot about the Muslim community throughout all my travels in the Middle East. They have a father structure where they honor their fathers…” https://www.instagram.com/p/C2wkBo3OvW8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Carl Weathers, who came to fame as Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” movies and proceeded to appear in dozens of movies and TV shows from “Predator” to “The Mandalorian,” has died, according to his manager Matt Luber. Weathers was 76. The actor “died peacefully at home” on Thursday, Luber told CNN. No cause of death was available. “Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life,” his family said in a statement provided to CNN. “Through his contributions to film, television, the arts, and sports, he has left an indelible mark and is recognized worldwide and across generations. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend.” Weathers was a former football player who had never boxed when he auditioned for the role in “Rocky,” proceeding to appear as Apollo Creed in the Oscar-winning film and the next three sequels. https://youtu.be/oUEl04JkksE?list=RDNS5WluTUk8iOI Weathers has also directed episodes of several TV series, including “Chicago Med,” “Law & Order” and “Hawaii Five-O.” Born in New Orleans, Weathers played college football at San Diego State and briefly played professionally with the Oakland Raiders and in the Canadian Football League. He gave up football in the mid-1970s and began to pursue acting, earning roles in two blaxploitation movies before his breakthrough with “Rocky.” Weathers was married three times and is survived by two sons. https://youtu.be/9obUhIYRG8I The official trailer for BET+’s new original series “Diarra From Detroit” has dropped, starring series creator Diarra Kilpatrick and Morris Chestnut. “The new series follows a divorcing schoolteacher who refuses to believe she’s been ghosted by her rebound Tinder date. Her search for the missing man pulls her into a decades-old mystery involving the Detroit underworld. As the case unfolds, her co-workers, friends, and lovers become unlikely allies as she falls down a dangerous rabbit hole,” per the official series synopsis. Kilpatrick and Chestnut lead a cast that includes Phylicia Rashad, DomiNque Perry, Claudia Logan, Bryan Terrell Clark, Shannon Wallace, and Jon Chaffin. Additional recurring characters include David Zayas (Dexter), Harry Lennix (The Blacklist, Billions), Paul Ben-Victor (The Wire, In Plain Sight), and Bechir Sylvain (Claws), as well as Kash Doll (BMF), John Salley (Bad Boys, LA’s Finest), Icewear Vezzo, and Julio Macias (On My Block), in guest starring roles. From BET Studios and Khalabo Ink Society, Kilpatrick serves as an executive producer on the upcoming new series along with Miles Orion Feldsott, Darren Goldberg, Kenya Barris, and co-EPs Ester Lou, Mark Ganek.“Diarra From Detroit” premieres exclusively on BET+ on March 21. https://youtu.be/kaJxCnQjabw Cardi B stars in a Super Bowl ad for cosmetics company NYX, promoting one of the brand’s latest lip products. According to the press release, the Feb. 11 ad will feature Cardi and other women as they “tackle the traditionally male-dominated football industry.” “Featuring the brand’s latest viral product, Duck Plump High Pigment Plumping Lip Gloss,” the release continues, “The spot aims to flip the script on male stereotypes with a humorous look at the extreme plumping sensation of the gloss, which will leave audiences laughing.” “NYX is a brand that I’ve used since high school and that’s why it’s so special to partner with them for this campaign,” said Cardi B. “NYX has always made the best, affordable products, and that’s why I still use them today. We had a lot of fun making this over-the-top, hilarious commercial and I can’t wait for everyone to see.” https://youtu.be/6wg0IM7as34 A casual look at the last year of superhero films reveals that the genre is in desperate need of revitalization. Outside of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, it was the weakest year for the genre since the first Avengers took the box office by storm. From The Flash, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Blue Beetle (which high key banged), Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, and The Marvels, superhero films flopped left and right. As a result of both the middling financial returns and the prolonged effects of the dual Writer’s Guild and SAG-AFTRA strikes, both Marvel and DC have used this year to recalibrate their plans for their franchises. With the DC universe set to relaunch next year, and Marvel in desperate need of change, I’m hoping that one of the changes we see is better treatment for their Black superheroes. To be completely fair, Marvel has done a fairly decent job with its heroes of color. We have Ryan Coogler’s phenomenal Black Panther series, they’ve got the upcoming Blade with the always great Mahershala Ali, Anthony Mackie is the new Captain America, and they’ve made great strides with Ms. Marvel and Echo. Yet, many of the Black heroes are often there as sidekicks for the white leads. While Sam Wilson is now Captain America, he started as Cap’s sidekick. War Machine started as Iron Man’s buddy, and Monica Rambeau stays helping white women in both WandaVision and The Marvels. There’s nothing wrong with helping white women, mind you, I just wanna see her do more. Like many of DC’s films, their approach to representation. Here’s the thing the GOP and white conservative America refuse to understand: They don’t know what they’re talking about when it comes to literally any other culture outside of their own. (I know, “What culture?” right?) Conservatives really don’t understand the traditions, values, languages, colloquialisms, slang, or cultural context of anything that exists outside of the white, Christian, and proudly American paradigm and that’s why they always get it wrong when trying to interpret or properly assess anything else. Right now, Republican legislators and their constituents are calling for the resignation, censuring and even the deportation of U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, all because they didn’t understand the language she was speaking to a Somali audience at the Minneapolis Hyatt Hotel last weekend, and they relied on a wrong (and probably white) misinterpretation of what she said. https://youtu.be/S_dMf7bpj7Y The U.S. Secretary of Defense urged Americans and particularly Black people to take steps to ensure their health while making his first public comments following the fallout from his recent hospitalizations after he had been diagnosed with cancer. Lloyd Austin on Thursday morning led a press briefing at the Pentagon that was punctuated by apologies for the lack of disclosure about his health condition, including keeping President Joe Biden unaware the secretary had even transferred his power to his deputy while receiving treatment for prostate cancer. https://twitter.com/i/status/1753083362300817835 Austin, 70, rejected claims that he kept “secret” his diagnosis, cancer surgery and subsequent hospitalization for complications from the procedure. But he also said that he had regrets for not being more vocal about his diagnosis and pointed to data showing how many other Black and aging men face the same health challenges. After briefly recognizing and offering thoughts and prayers to the American soldiers killed Sunday morning in a drone attack in Jordan, Austin — the first Black person to serve as Secretary of Defense — explained why he was not immediately more forthcoming about his cancer diagnosis. “I was being treated for prostate cancer. The news shook me, and I know that it shakes so many others, especially in the Black community,” Austin said. “It was a gut punch, and frankly my first instinct was to keep it private.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1753118180443074793 Joe Madison, the award-winning radio legend and social activist also known as “The Black Eagle” whose eponymous live morning show helped bring attention to pressing human and civil rights issues, died Tuesday following a yearslong battle with prostate cancer. He was 74. Madison was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2009. It went into remission following treatment. But he announced in December that the cancer had returned last year. People like Vice President Kamala Harris and fellow media veteran Roland Martin were among notable individuals fondly recalling Madison’s life and offering condolences in a series of tributes on social media. https://twitter.com/i/status/1753235220382249083 Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and Nathan Wade, her lead prosecutor on the 2020 election case, both acknowledge in court papers that they have a “personal” relationship but strongly pushed back on claims that she financially benefitted from hiring him. The filing from Willis, who is spearheading the Georgia criminal case against former President Donald Trump and his allies over efforts to overturn the 2020 election, includes an affidavit from Wade, who says that in 2022 he and Willis “developed a personal relationship in addition to our professional association and friendship.” Wade denied that his earnings on the case have been “shared with or provided to” Willis. “The District Attorney received no funds or personal financial gain from my position as Special Prosecutor,” he said. https://youtu.be/WxjjrgjMgMM?list=RDNSWxjjrgjMgMM “Black Ink Crew: Chicago” star Ryan Henry posted a domestic violence PSA in honor of his sister and niece, Nova Henry and Ava Henry Curry, who were murdered 15 years ago. Ryan took to Instagram on Jan. 24 to recount the day Chicago attorney Fredrick Goings murdered Nova, 24, and 10-month-old Ava on Jan. 24, 2009. At the time, Frederick and Nova had been in a two-year relationship, the Chicago Tribune reported. According to Ryan, the pair were “broken up and separated” when Goings showed up at Nova’s home and said he wanted to see her because it was his birthday. In the post, Henry noted that Fredrick “had a gun on him” and “ knew what he intended to do.” Nova was shot six times, and Ava was shot twice — once in the head. MadameNoire reports that Goings was convicted in 2013 of two counts of murder and sentenced to life in prison. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2ft1-CuHCi/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=30eb26cf-35f1-4804-a9bb-f4804b762c74 Rick Ross is warning “delusional” voters about putting Donald Trump back into the White House. The hip-hop star is pushing back against friends and voters who claim Trump had people “eating” when he was President. “I just got off the phone with one of my homies — and let’s make it clear: you vote for who you want to vote for, it’s fine with me — but one of my homies was like, ‘Boy, I can’t wait for Trump to get back in, he had a n-gga eating!’” Ross said in a video shared on Instagram, Hip Hop DX reports. “I just don’t want nobody to be delusional, you can’t be a delusional n-gga. Did he have you eating or was it a nationwide, worldwide pandemic and you n-ggas stole the money?” he asked, referring to the PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) loans issued to businesses during COVID. The Hip Hop Wolf shared Ross’ video on Instagram, and one person wrote in the comments, “Ross WRONG. Trump had economy booming before the pandemic hit.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C2k08ZZRuj_/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again A Las Vegas judge faces a formal ethics complaint after posting a hot tub photo and other unprofessional images on her social media accounts. Clark County District Court Judge Erika Ballou went viral over one post that shows her in a hot tub with two public defenders. She captioned the image, “Robson is surrounded by great t*ts.” The Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline cited the April 2022 post in the formal statement of charges against Ballou, Fox News reports. “Judge Ballou posted a photograph of her Facebook page of herself in a hot tub with two public defenders, Shana Brouwers and Robson Hauser, with the caption, ‘Robson is surrounded by great t***,’” according to the formal statement of charges. The commission also pointed to another selfie post on Instagram from Sept. 2021, that Ballou captioned: “Life is still beautiful, despite the fact that Billie Eilish doesn’t start for 30 minutes and I have an 8:30 calendar tomorrow.” The post included the hashtags “Vacatethe[Explitive]OuttaOutofCustodyCases” and “WhereInTheWorldisCarmenSanDiego.” https://eurweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/8yuhiok.jpg Here is an exclusive of this week’s new episode of WE tv’s smash hit spinoff series “Life After Lockup.” Per the official synopsis: “Couples from “Love After Lockup” face parole, restrictions and temptations in “Life After Lockup.” Will they break the rules or break old habits? There are still plenty of firsts to tackle in their new lives together. With new jobs, new children, family drama and sobriety, the stakes have never been higher in the fight to stay free. Now that they’ve left prison, will they be able to survive the real world and stay out of prison for good?” In our preview of this week’s episode, Sonia tells Shavel she does not want Quaylon to adopt her granddaughter. Watch the moment via the YouTube clip above. Elsewhere in the episode, Chance exposes his shocking truth to Tayler; Mi’elah’s grandmom lays down the law. Melissa and Louie surprise each other. Family loyalty again divides Britney and Kerok. Joynomi faces a tough decision. Blaine hits his boiling point. https://youtu.be/p_3HhS0y_S0 February is Black History Month; the time when the history of Black excellence is recognized and celebrated. The 2024 Black History Month theme is “African Americans and the Arts.” Meet Dashon Burton, a man with a rich pulsating bass-baritone voice that begs to be heard.There is a twist. Mr. Burton is in a minority; more so than just being Black. He is a Black man who sings classical (orchestral) music and will be performing music by Bach with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO) on February 3 at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, CA, and on February 4 at the Huntington, Rothenburg Hall in San Marino, CA. https://youtu.be/nKzOTyyn0aw Media personality Angela Yee responded to comedian Jess Hilarious officially taking her place on “The Breakfast Club.” Earlier this week, we reported that Jess officially joined “The Breakfast Club” as the newest co-host of the popular NYC-based radio show, iHeart Radio, announced on Jan. 29. She joins current longtime hosts Charlamagne Tha God and DJ Envy on the daily morning program. The announcement comes weeks after Jess confirmed joining the show in December. Yee, who departed the radio show in 2022, showed Jess some love on the latest episode of her podcast Way Up with Angela Yee, Complex reports. “Shout out to Jess Hilarious, they just announced that she is the new third host of The Breakfast Club,” Yee said. “We love Jess Hilarious, so congratulations.” Later in the broadcast, Yee praised Jess for hosting “her own podcast” as a successful comedian. “We know her from Wild ‘N Out, we know her from her ‘Jess With the Mess,’” she added. Lawmakers in California have revealed a sweeping set of legislative proposals aimed at providing reparations for state residents who are descendants of enslaved Africans. The California Legislative Black Caucus announced the 2024 Reparations Priority Bill Package on Wednesday (01-31-24) The package lists 14 measures, including providing a formal apology for “human rights violations and crimes against humanity on African slaves and their descendants.” The package also proposes creating a state-funded grant program to decrease community violence in Black neighborhoods and requiring advanced notification about grocery store closures in underserved and at-risk communities. State lawmakers said in a news release Wednesday that some of the legislation has already been introduced in the state’s General Assembly, or will be introduced during the current legislative session. Lawmakers said some of the measures that have already been introduced include expanding the state’s CROWN Act to ban hair discrimination in sports, creating a grant program that increases high school and college enrollment in STEM-related programs, and prohibiting book bans in prisons without review and oversight from the state’s correctional facilities. https://youtu.be/RmrpMA-iFgc The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA), representing the largest group of Black film critics globally, is thrilled to announce its groundbreaking partnership with Delta Air Lines to curate a unique collection of films celebrating Black History Month. This in-flight collaboration marks a historic first for AAFCA and promises to bring diverse stories representing the Black cinema experience to Delta customers. The films featured in this curated collection have been selected by AAFCA members, working closely with Delta’s In-flight Entertainment team and BOLD, Delta’s Black Community Business Resource Group, to encompass a wide range of genres and narratives that showcase the richness and depth of Black-themed stories in film. Customers traveling on most Delta aircraft will have the opportunity to enjoy these cinematic gems, fostering a greater understanding of different cultures and experiences from around the world. The collection is scheduled to debut in early Feb. and will be available throughout the month. Award-winning journalist Mariana van Zeller discuss National Geographic’s Trafficked Underworlds with Mariana Van Zeller, a suspenseful docuseries that takes viewers inside the inner workings of the most dangerous black markets on the planet. “In each episode, Mariana investigates a different underworld — from the trade in body parts and hired assassins to sextortion and the smuggling of brides — to meet the players, learn the business, and better understand the world’s multi-trillion-dollar shadow economy,” per the news release. https://youtu.be/7Mqq4yGdDfc Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry and New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu are set to go head to head in the very first NBA vs. WNBA three-point contest later this month. The battle between the sharpshooters will be held on February 17 at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis during All-Star Weekend and will be aired live on TNT. Both players are well-known for their scoring abilities from deep and will finally be able to settle a long-running debate. The pair had called each other out earlier this year and now the stage is set to find out which player is the best three-point shooter in basketball. https://youtu.be/4gUdUJ96rY8 Conservatives are going into self-exile. The movement that once championed small, business-friendly government is now led by far-right media forces hoping to cash in on attention from raging culture wars, sealing off its adherents from the rest of society. From a bird’s eye view, the state of affairs among MAGA Media diehards as it sits today is remarkable. A subset of America purports to boycott Disney, the world’s preeminent entertainment company; Bud Light, once America’s most popular beer; Target, the quintessential brick-and-mortar shopping destination; Pfizer, the pharmaceutical company that produced life-saving COVID-19 vaccines; Major League Baseball, the nation’s favorite pastime; and now Taylor Swift, a generational icon and one of the most successful musical artists of all time. https://youtu.be/M-g6OZBO6T4 “Something is striking about watching the far-right tying itself in knots and attacking Swift and [her boyfriend] Travis Kelce that demonstrates how badly the far-right media has alienated itself from most of society,” Charlie Warzel, a staff writer at The Atlantic who covers the intersection of politics, technology, and culture, told me Tuesday. “They’ve built out this alternate universe and reality of grievance and it feels like instead of using it to wage an effective culture war, they’re fully lost in it and can’t see that they’ve chosen as their primary enemy the person with the literal highest approval rating in American life right now.” https://youtu.be/O6VjxRoYZDA “This isn’t the first time it’s happened,” Warzel added. “The far-right is systematically alienating itself from many of the institutions and people that normal Americans frequent, like, and associate themselves with. And I don’t think they can see how exhausting and off-putting that is to people who don’t spend their days mainlining Fox News or on X.” F https://youtu.be/WwFFg7oNoeo “My father’s voice became my voice,” said Country/Rock artist Michael Botte about his music. “He sang more than he spoke!” A native of Philadelphia, Michael Botte is a chart-topping singer/songwriter who started a band during the COVID pandemic in his hometown. In a time of confusion, he wanted to use his music to evoke a positive atmosphere. The DRiP Espresso coffee shop in Sacramento, in partnership with the California Health Care Foundation (CHCF) and the California Black Health Network (CBHN), hosted a community conversation about Black mistrust of medicine and how to educate and empower patients so they have better interactions with the health care system, especially for Black communities. The atmosphere of the coffee shop and its growing reputation as a go-to community space made it an ideal location for this discussion. The meeting was one of a series of community conversations supported by CHCF as a result of its landmark Listening to Black Californians survey. The survey, spearheaded by CHCF Senior Program Officer Katherine Haynes, and conducted by EVITARUS, a Black-owned LA-based research firm, was one of the largest studies of this kind in state history. https://youtu.be/ZoeLEnCYqq8 “What I encourage people to do is be open enough with your health journey to exchange what’s working with other people,” Brown said. “You have to build a community in your health practice. Information sharing is highly beneficial.” The second speaker was Mo’Nique Campbell, a Black trans woman and health educator who is a Trans Service Program manager at San Francisco Community Health Center. Her work centers on medical and mental healthcare. Campbell says she encourages patients to learn as much as they can about their practitioner and develop long-lasting relationships with healthcare providers. “It’s not an interview where I am giving you, like, a simple job. This is my life. My body is my fortress and I’m leaving you responsible for it,” Campbell said. “So, I need to know your experiences and how I can help you. I know that I am going to be sitting there as a patient and an educator.” https://youtu.be/THPSwmkS9rk Newly released videos from the city of Memphis, Tennessee, appear to shed light on the reason why Tyre Nichols was initially stopped by police last year – an encounter that eventually led to his death and sparked fresh protests over how police in America treat people of color. Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, was violently and repeatedly punched and kicked by officers following a traffic stop and brief foot chase on January 7, 2023. He later died from blunt force trauma to his head. In police body-camera footage released Tuesday, then-officer Preston Hemphill tells other officers Nichols was initially pulled over on suspicion of speeding. In a conversation captured on the body-worn cameras of two officers, Officer Samuel Lively asks Hemphill why Nichols was originally stopped, and Hemphill replies, “Speeding, and an improper lane change.” https://youtu.be/5hF02jwd_cw “We were telling him ‘get on the ground!’” Hemphill says, adding Nichols replied, “‘OK officers I’m getting on the ground.’ But he wasn’t doing sh*t,” Hemphill says. Minutes later, Hemphill’s body camera was recording as Lively and another officer asked him if Nichols might have been on anything because of his strength. “Hell yeah, he was strong. It took the three of us and we could barely get him to the ground till I persuaded him to kneel,” Hemphill says in the video. According to the bodycam video, an hour after the initial traffic stop and about 15 minutes after an ambulance had taken Nichols to the hospital, Nichols’ parents approached Hemphill at the intersection where he was first pulled over and where his car was still sitting to ask what had happened. “We tried pulling over your son. He ran from us. We found him at this red light and pulled him over again. He started fighting with us and took off, he got pepper sprayed and took off running,” Hemphill tells Nichols’ mother, RowVaughn Wells, and his stepfather on the bodycam video. https://youtu.be/2isnbLksapc Cedric The Entertainer is set to star in Affion Crockett’s new comedy, “A Hip Hop Story.”Crockett will produce and star in the music-focused feature along with Damaine Radcliff, Jevin Smith, Damien Dante Wayans, Lil Rel Howery, Wayne Brady, Lil Mama, and Norm Nixon, Jr., Deadline reports. According to the outlet, the film centers on a “pioneer of the culture joins forces with a few of rap music’s elite performers to attempt to save Hip Hop and provides social commentary on the state of Hip Hop culture,” Deadline writes. An Alabama family of a deceased inmate wants answers after his body was returned without organs. According to ABC News 7, Kelvin Moore died in July 2023 at the Limestone Correctional Facility from a fentanyl overdose, according to a report from Andscape. He was 43. Moore’s body was initially sent to Birmingham University, which conducts autopsies for the Alabama Department of Corrections. But when his remains arrived in Mobile, the family’s mortician discovered that most of his internal organs were missing. The university’s medical school has reportedly been doing autopsies for the state’s prison system since 2006. Per ABC News, “This is the third case in the past two months where families have reported organs missing from their loved ones’ bodies while in the custody of the Alabama Department of Corrections,” the outlet writes. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GFMXkK9X0AEevkH?format=jpg&name=small Nikki Haley appeared on “The Breakfast Club” radio show on Wednesday and blamed former President Barack Obama for the racial and gender divide in America. At approximately the 10:09 mark, when the hosts asked the Republican presidential candidate her thoughts about the Obama administration, Haley said, “I think with Obama, that was, if you go back, that’s when we really started to feel the division.” “That was because of the white supremacists,” co-host Charlamagne the God added. “No,” Haley responded, “I think it was, it was everything. Everything was exaggerated with the Obama administration. It became more about gender. It became more about race. It became more about separating Americans instead of bringing them together.” https://youtu.be/8JDyV4lHR68 Tyrese Gibson’s ex-wife is taking him back to court for unpaid child support. According to RadarOnline, Samantha Lee filed for contempt of court against the “Fast and Furious” star, claiming he has defaulted on his court-ordered child support of $10,690 for their 4-year-old daughter, Soraya. Lee’s motion asks not only for Gibson to be held in contempt but also for her attorney fees to be covered. She is also seeking interest on the unpaid portion of child support.Meanwhile, we reported earlier that Gibson wants his ex-wife to drop his last name after she blasted him for discussing their marriage during a podcast interview late last year. Tyrese spoke about his divorce from Lee when he appeared on the Joe Budden Podcast. The ex-couple tied the knot in 2017 and announced their divorce in December 2020. During the Budden interview, Lee took issue with some of Gibson’s remarks and clapped back on Instagram, Complex reports. TikTok food critic Keith Lee returned to Dallas this month for another food tour. The Houston Chronicle reports that Lee hit up a few hot spots in Dallas. He stopped at Terry Black’s Barbecue, Hutchins Barbecue, Thunderbirds Pizza, and Halal Fusionz. He ranked some dishes with a 1/10 and others with a 9/10. Lee gave the mac and cheese at Austin-based chain Terry Black’s a 1/10, and the jalapeño cheddar sausage also got a 1/10. According to the Chronicle, he gave high scores to some of the menu items at Halal Fusionz, with the chipotle kheema taco receiving a 9.3 score. Lee praised Hutchins Barbecue’s peach cobbler, giving it a 9/10 rating. In December, Lee listed eight cities he visited in 2023, and Houston ranked second behind first-place winner New Orleans. https://www.instagram.com/p/C2uTrfFO2to/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again “Speaking of almost every spot we visited being delicious, Houston was one of those places,” Lee said at the time. “It was one place that carried Houston for me — The Puddery.” Lee claims he received death threats late last year after reviewing various soul food restaurants in Atlanta. As SandraRose.com reported, Lee appeared on the “Ryan Cameron Uncensored,” podcast and said he won’t return to Atlanta because “People there put a hit out on me.” As expected, Atlanta placed 8th on Lee’s list. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0QG7wWsQNe/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Rajon Rondo, a former Kentucky basketball star, was arrested on Sunday during a traffic stop in Indiana. He was initially pulled over for driving recklessly on I-65 South, but when the trooper caught the odor of marijuana, he searched the car and found a weapon and drugs. Rondo was arrested on misdemeanor charges of possession of a firearm, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to a news release from the Indiana State Police. Due to a protection order against him, Rondo cannot possess a firearm. The case is related to a 2022 incident in Louisville where woman said Rondo threatened her, The AP reports. She asked a judge to order Rondo to anger management classes and a mental health evaluation. Following his recent arrest, Rondo was taken to the Jackson County Jail and ultimately release on bond. There was a juvenile passenger in Rondo’s car at the time he was detained, and he was reportedly released to a family member. In 2022, Rondo allegedly pulled a gun on the mother of his children and threatened to kill her in front of their kids. Universal Music Group will no longer license music on TikTok. The major music label is removing all songs from the platform by songwriters and artists like Taylor Swift, Drake, and BTS starting Wednesday (Jan. 31). In an open letter released, UMG said its music licensing agreement with TikTok expires on Wednesday, and new terms have not been negotiated. According to the label, TikTok accounts for about 1% of UMG’s revenue. “In our contract renewal discussions, we have been pressing them on three critical issues—appropriate compensation for our artists and songwriters, protecting human artists from the harmful effects of AI, and online safety for TikTok’s users,” the open letter stated. “TikTok proposed paying our artists and songwriters at a rate that is a fraction of the rate that similarly situated major social platforms pay,” it continued. “Ultimately TikTok is trying to build a music-based business, without paying fair value for the music.” A Jackie Robinson statue that was cut off at the ankles and stolen last week from a Little League baseball field in Wichita, Kansas, has been found in a trash can at a different park – burned and in pieces, police say. Officers responded to a call Tuesday morning about a trash can fire in Garvey Park, Wichita Police Department spokesperson Andrew Ford said at a Tuesday news conference. “Shortly after extinguishing the fire, the fire department saw what appeared to be pieces of the Jackie Robinson statue, which is not salvageable at this time,” Ford said at the news conference.League 42, a nonprofit that provides low-cost baseball registration for children, had raised $50,000 for the life-sized statue at its field, according to CNN affiliate KLBY. The league was named after Robinson’s jersey number, honoring the legendary athlete who broke the Major League’s color barrier as a Black player. The theft occurred shortly after midnight Thursday, police have said. https://youtu.be/P4UBVQ_hQHY National Geographic’s Genius series returns with “Genius: MLK/X” the tale of two of America’s greatest icons, Martin Luther King Jr and Malcolm X. The Genius is an autobiographical dramatization of those who have been influential in our society. Now in its fourth season, “Genius: MLK/X” focuses on the lives of both Martin and Malcolm simultaneously. Although the two only met once and never worked together during the civil rights movement, there were many parallels to their lives, including their strong family unit held together by their wives. Coretta Scott King and Betty Shabazz became just as influential as their husbands. These women were also activists and leaders in their own right. Halle Bailey chose to keep her pregnancy out of the public eye last year – despite rampant speculation on social media – but now that she’s openly shared news of her son’s arrival, things have gotten heated. The singer and actress, who last starred in “The Color Purple” and “The Little Mermaid,” recently fought back on social media against accusations that she lied about her pregnancy. “I’ll never understand why you are mad I protected my peace, wouldn’t you do the same?” Bailey wrote on X in response to one critical comment. “And I’m gonna share my pics now if i want to because my son is here safely.” She added that if people are not interested in that content, they should “just keep scrolling.” Bailey welcomed her son Halo with her boyfriend rapper DDG roughly one month ago. https://youtu.be/U7htsuyIDGU Before her public statement, there was speculation that the 23-year-old was pregnant because of her recent use of voluminous outfits and her general absence during the press tour for “The Color Purple.” She did attend the premiere. On January 6, she posted a photo to Instagram that showed what appeared to be her and DDG holding their new son’s hand. “Even though we’re a few days into the new year, the greatest thing that 2023 could have done for me, was bring me my son,” she wrote. “Welcome to the world my halo. The world is desperate to know you.” Since then, she’s shared content identifying herself as a new mom, including her underwater pregnancy photo shoot. https://youtu.be/2kUZdK_KQac The “Double Cross” fifth season premiere kicked off on Jan. 18 on ALLBLK, and we caught up with series star Jeff Logan to discuss the series finale. After the shocking reveal of their true biological father in last season’s finale, the vigilante “Wonder Twins” are back with a vengeance,” per the official synopsis. “Ashley A. Williams and Jeff Logan reprise their roles as crime fighters Erica and Eric Cross, respectively, and continue their crusade against child trafficking, no matter the cost,” the description continues. “This season, the Cross crew is faced with a case hitting extremely close to home, when Eric’s newborn son is kidnapped. Meanwhile, the twins discover a bus with elementary school children has mysteriously vanished. With the stakes higher than ever, it will take a village to get everyone home safe.” https://youtu.be/9OXbIgtX2C0 Beyond his success, his personal life, especially his children, remains a subject of interest among fans. Explore the heartwarming bond of the Denzel Washington family. Discover insights into his life, love, and legacy. Denzel Washington, along with his wife Pauletta and four kids, turned showbiz into a family affair. The kids of Training Day star Denzel Washington have all entered the entertainment world. Despite his fame, Denzel emphasizes their normal lives, giving credit to his children for keeping him grounded. https://youtu.be/drktCEHqxSE MSNBC’s Joy Reid dropped an F-bomb on a hot mic during Monday’s broadcast of “The ReidOut.” Reid unintentionally uttered the expletive while discussing President Joe Biden’s border crisis. At one point, she slammed Republican leaders who voted against Biden’s policies but claimed credit for positive outcomes. “Case in point– fixing what they say is a crisis at the border with congressional negotiators continuing work on a bipartisan deal to tie border policy changes to funding for Ukraine,” she said, Mediaite reports. “Over the weekend, President Biden said he’s ready to take action if Congress is serious about solving the border issue,” she continued. https://youtu.be/nrD4pi5rweQ Reid came back on air about a moment after her mic was cut. Later in the show, she apologized to viewers. “Before we go, I just want to apologize very quickly,” Reid said. “I was chatting during a clip that was playing, and you know, we try to keep this show very PG-13, so I just want to apologize to anyone who was listening to my ‘behind the scenes’ chatter. I deeply, deeply apologize for that.” https://youtu.be/gFGMmUyKxqw Project Description: Veteran TV producer Dr. Topper Carew reached out to let us know that his Little Light of Mine payload has been launched into space. And yes, it is named after the inspirational song that many people know. The Little Light Space Payload will be transported by a Space-X rocket up to The International Space Station (ISS). The Payload will broadcast a film of children’s choirs from around the world singing “This Little Light of Mine” back to Earth. It will circle the Globe 16 times a day for 30-45 days where during which the recording will be downloaded periodically throughout the mission and hosted on the This Little Light of Mine in Space website at ThisLittleLightofMineinSpace.com. On the website, you can also track the film as it circles the Globe. And, you can also see the ISS space to earth version and the originally made version of the film. The project is financed by Carew with monies he earned as a Co-Creator of the long-running “Martin” television series. It is a way of giving something back to supporters and fans of the show. https://youtu.be/h7fjTS9enJY Orlando Brown was reportedly kicked out of a restaurant in Los Angeles for acting erratic.According to TMZ, the incident occurred at TAO, and the video shows the “That’s So Raven” star yelling at the staff before security escorts him out. The Jasmine Brand reports that Brown initially began screaming insults at other customers before employees intervened. Brown filmed his wild response to the confrontation on his cell phone. “Satan, you got to go Satan! Yeah, doing your job by making your f*ck*ng customers feel uncomfortable! Satan! Child molester! F*ck*ng demon! You f*ck*ng demon! You f*ck*ng demon! Child molester!” Brown is heard shouting in the clip. He continued, “Get behind me Satan! I’m Jesus! Get the f*ck out of here Satan!” https://twitter.com/i/status/1752074577486721291 ”Three Little Birds” is a captivating and poignant drama series created by UK National Treasure, actor, comic legend, and co-founder of Comic Relief, Sir Lenny Henry. The contemporary historical drama revolves around the lives of three diverse protagonists, each facing unique challenges, and how their paths intertwine unexpectedly, per the news release. https://youtu.be/BAfHosdUdMU The series is inspired by the stories of Henry’s mother and aunties. This 1950s-set drama captures the resilience and sacrifices of previous generations and their extraordinary voyage from Jamaica to Great Britain during the Windrush migration. “Three Little Birds” stars Rochelle Neil (Amazon’s Das Boot, HBO’s The Never’s) as Leah; Saffron Coomber (Steve McQueen’s Small Axe) as Chantrelle and Yazmin Belo, making her screen debut as Hosanna. The supporting cast includes Javone Prince, Bobby Gordon, Arthur Darvill, Tierney Turner, and Malachi Hall. https://youtu.be/5dSk7FQt850 Issa Rae could go the independent route as major networks cancel more and more Black shows. “You’re seeing so many Black shows get canceled, you’re seeing so many executives – especially on the DEI [diversity, equity and inclusion] side – get canned. You’re seeing very clearly now that our stories are less of a priority,” the Emmy-winning writer/producer/actress told PORTER. Rae’s comments come amid the recent cancellation of her comedy-drama “Rap Sh!t” on Max. As Deadline reports, in a statement, a Max spokesperson called “Rap Sh!t” a “one-of-a-kind comedy with compelling social commentary that reached viewers in a way only Issa’s talents can accomplish. “Rap Sh!t” stars Aida Osman and KaMillion as Mia and Shawna, two Miami rappers whose storylines were inspired by City Girls hip-hop duo Yung Miami and JT. The half-hour comedy follows two estranged high school friends who reunite to form a rap group, Deadline reports. The show’s second season premiered in November 2023, and the finale episode aired on Dec. 21. Rae’s reality television show, “Sweet Life: Los Angeles,” was also canceled, as was the Rae-produced “A Black Lady Sketch Show,” Complex reports. Nathan Wade, the embattled special prosecutor in Donald Trump’s sprawling Georgia election interference case, has settled his divorce – a day ahead of a scheduled hearing where he was expected to be asked about an alleged affair with Fulton County (GA) District Attorney Fani Willis that has become a sticking point in the former president’s criminal prosecution. By entering into a temporary divorce agreement Tuesday, Wade no longer has to testify in a Wednesday hearing in which he may have had to answer questions about allegations that he had an improper romantic relationship with Willis and used money he earned on the case to take her on lavish vacations Trump and two of his co-defendants are seeking to disqualify Willis’ office and to have the case dismissed, claiming that the alleged affair and financial ties amount to a conflict of interest. “The Wade v. Wade hearing scheduled for January 31, 2024, has been removed by consent of the parties, a Consent Temporary Order has been entered by Judge Thompson,” Thomas Davis, staff attorney to Cobb County Judge Henry Thompson, emailed CNN on Tuesday. An order signed by Thompson indicates the parties have entered into a “temporary agreement addressing all issues” and that the parties agreed the terms of the agreement will not be filed in court. https://youtu.be/2aac7D8zGz0 Nia Long will portray Katherine Jackson in the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic “Michael,” directed by Antoine Fuqua. Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International have slated the worldwide release on April 18th, 2025. The film is now in production, according to a press release. We reported earlier that Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson is set to star as the late King of Pop. Jaafar, the son of Jermaine Jackson and Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza, will make his acting debut with “Michael.” “There was such a spiritual connection when I first met Jaafar, who has a natural ability to emulate Michael and such a great chemistry with the camera,” Fuqua told Variety. Rep. Jamaal Bowman on Tuesday said he regretted authoring blog posts years ago that pushed unfounded conspiracy theories about the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The New York Democrat, who was censured by the House last year after triggering a fire alarm despite there being no emergency, wrote in a statement Tuesday that he regrets the posts he made, “having since learned how misinformation spreads.” The blog posts had been deleted but were recently unearthed by the Daily Beast. “Well over a decade ago, as I was debating diving into a doctoral degree, I explored a wide range of books, films, and articles across a wide swath of the political spectrum and processed my thoughts in a personal blog that few people ever read,” Bowman wrote. https://youtu.be/A_NH8vx1_As Web archives show that Bowman shared political and personal poems and short essays in an online journal, Relentless-Strongback.Blogspot.com, through 2014. One poem titled “Recapitulate” contemplates decades of history before spiraling into 9/11 conspiracy theories, including the disproven belief that Building 7 fell in a planned demolition. “2001/Planes used as missiles/Target: The Twin Towers,” one stanza read. “Later in the day/Building 7/Also Collapsed [sic]/Hmm…/Multiple explosions/Heard before/And during the collapse/Hmm…” In another section, he falsely asserts “minimal damage” was done and “minimal debris” was found from the strike on the Pentagon, which killed 125 people within the building and all 95 people on board, and from flight 93, which crashed in Pennsylvania and killed all 44 on board, again ending the stanza with an inquisitive “Hmm…” “We blamed Osama/Went to war in Iraq/Captured Saddam/Killed him,” Bowman’s poem continued. “Bin Laden is Afghan/So we went to war there too.” He pointed to “Loose Change,” a viral documentary that asserts the US government carried out the attacks, and “Zeitgeist,” a 2007 film that proposed outlandish conspiracies, as sources of his disproven assessments. https://youtu.be/CT9JapItga4 The Biden administration announced $6 billion in funding for two separate high-speed rail projects that will whisk passengers from Southern to Northern California — and from Los Angeles County to Las Vegas — on electric trains traveling 200 mph or faster. https://youtu.be/NJBlsJbZVco “Thank you to President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg for their recognition of the importance of high-speed rail to California and to our Nation. This funding was awarded to California from a competitive national grant program under the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure and Appropriations laws passed by Congress in 2022. When complete, that rail line will take travelers from Los Angeles, through the Central Valley, all the way to San Francisco, in less than three hours. Today, the journey can take eight hours by bus or car. “Think of how this train will transform California’s Central Valley with new businesses, new residents, visitors, economic opportunities, or what it will mean to folks who live in inland towns and commute to work in Californian coastal cities,” Biden said of that project. https://youtu.be/Uw-Wgiuypu4 The federal government has authorized $3 billion in funding for the 218-mile project. “The rail project reduces carbon emissions the same as taking 3 million vehicles off the highway,” he added. On Dec. 5, U.S. House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi announced that another project, The California High-Speed Rail (CHSR) project, is set to receive $3.1 billion in federal funding to support construction of a two-track electrified high-speed passenger bullet train connecting the cities of Merced, Fresno, and Bakersfield. “An electrified high-speed rail network will dramatically improve the quality of life in the Central Valley and up and down California,” Pelosi said. https://youtu.be/YvQsLvAFqJ0 It’s an ironic twist. You see, while rental markets on a national level are cooling off, the cost of renting is doing just the opposite. In the “good ol’ days” of the pandemic, there were funds from the government to ease the pain. As they say, that was then. This is now. https://youtu.be/eyvo0eDh7KQ Check this out. In 2022, half of all U.S. renters were spending at least 30% of their income on housing and utilities — a threshold that researchers consider “cost-burdened,” reports WGBH.orgThat figure went up by two million in just three years to a record high of 22.4 million, according to “America’s Rental Housing,” a study by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University. https://youtu.be/_E8QnDqbVxE Byron Allen has submitted a $30 billion offer to buy all of Paramount Global’s outstanding stock, existing debt, and equity, Allen Media Group said in a statement on Tuesday.Bloomberg News first reported that Allen made a $14.3 billion offer to buy Paramount Global’s outstanding shares. “Mr. Byron Allen did submit a bid on behalf of Allen Media Group and its strategic partners to purchase all of Paramount Global’s outstanding shares,” the statement said, according to THR. “We believe this $30 billion offer, which includes debt and equity, is the best solution for all of the Paramount Global shareholders, and the bid should be taken seriously and pursued.” Rapper Future is reportedly set to drop over $7.5 million at Dezer’s Bentley Residences in Sunny Isles Beach, Fla.According to The New York Post, the 6,000-square-foot pad boasts a private pool and a 1,500-square-foot, four-car “sky garage” on the same floor. “The Dezervator [a patented elevator] takes you and your car straight to your unit — you can see the cars from your living room, thanks to a glass divider from the garage,” said Gil Dezer, CEO of Dezer Development, which built Porsche Design Tower. “It’s a unique system, and it’s what sold many people on buying. In other buildings, the valets know who is coming and going. This is more private.” Kim Kardashian is gearing up to produce and star in a docuseries about Elizabeth Taylor. According to a press release, BBC Arts announced that Kardashian will executive produce the series, tentatively titled “Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar,” alongside Kari Lia and Hamish Fergusson. “Elizabeth Taylor was unapologetically herself, a fighter,” Kardashian said of Taylor in a statement. “She is proof that you can keep evolving and changing and have different chapters in your life – and she paved the way for all of us who came after her with that blueprint.” Per People, the series “will feature privileged access to those who knew her best, including members of Elizabeth Taylor’s family, friends, and colleagues from throughout her stellar career,” the announcement said. Kardashian will star in the project because she was the last person to interview Taylor before she died at 79 in 2011. Presenters have been added to the lineup for the 66th Annual Grammy Awards® and taking the stage will be Christina Aguilera, Samara Joy, Lenny Kravitz, Maluma, Lionel Richie, Mark Ronson, Meryl Streep, Taylor Tomlinson and Oprah Winfrey. Previously announced Grammy® performers include Burna Boy, Luke Combs, Billie Eilish, Billy Joel, Dua Lipa, Joni Mitchell, Olivia Rodrigo, Travis Scott, SZA and U2. Additional performers will be announced in the coming days. About the Show: Live from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and hosted by Trevor Noah, Music’s Biggest Night will be broadcast live on Sunday, Feb. 4 (8:00-11:30 PM, live ET/5:00-8:30 PM, live PT) on the CBS Television Network, and will be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.The 66th Annual Grammy Awards® will be produced by Fulwell 73 Productions for the Recording Academy® for the fourth consecutive year. Ben Winston, Raj Kapoor and Jesse Collins are executive producers. For more information on the broadcast of the show, visit Paramount Press Express. Justin Timberlake performed two new songs from his upcoming album “Saturday Night Live” this past weekend. https://youtu.be/zLC8XiBxV1k The Jan. 27 appearance marked the singer’s fifth time performing as a solo artist on the long-running NBC sketch comedy show. Billboard describes the first track, “Sanctified,” as “gospel-flavored,” featuring Houston rapper Tobe Nwigwe. The album is scheduled to drop on March 15. https://youtu.be/ZCKqeaR1CgE Lifetime’s new series tells the unbelievable true stories of women who were completely unaware they were pregnant…until they are just about to give birth! A phenomenon known as cryptic pregnancies, one in 2,500 women experience pregnancies that go unnoticed until delivery. With personal videos, photos, and gripping first-hand accounts, these unsuspecting moms-to-be share their unexpected journey to motherhood that leave everyone wondering just how in the world they could have missed the signs a baby was coming. https://aenetworks.app.box.com/s/uehpouu5z5f9sd83gpa1vq94u7b61wou The three US soldiers killed in the drone attack on a US military outpost in Jordan were identified Monday as Sgt. William Rivers, 46, of Carrollton, Georgia; Specialist Kennedy Sanders, 24, of Waycross, Georgia; and Specialist Breonna Moffett, 23, of Savannah, Georgia, according to the Defense Department. They were all assigned to the 718th Engineer Company, a US Army Reserve unit based out of Fort Moore, Georgia, Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh said at a briefing. More than 40 were injured in the attack, according to Singh, a number that could increase. The drone hit a housing facility on the base where many service members were asleep in the early morning hours, leading to a high number of casualties, she said. Singh said Monday that eight personnel who were medically evacuated were taken to Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center. Three of those service members will be transported to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center for follow-on care and the other five are expected to return to duty after being assessed for mild traumatic brain injuries. A US official previously told CNN that all eight had been evacuated to Landstuhl. https://youtu.be/Mi3AZ3uEKrw The drone approached the US military outpost, Tower 22, around the same time an American drone was returning to the base, which led to uncertainty over whether it was hostile and caused a delay to the US response, two US officials told CNN. The enemy drone followed the American drone as it approached, but it is not clear whether the enemy drone intentionally followed the American one or if it was a coincidence, one of the officials said. The enemy drone also flew low, which may have allowed it to evade the base’s air defenses, officials said. US officials are also still assessing the drone’s point of origin. The attack on Sunday marked a significant escalation after roughly 165 attacks on US and coalition forces since October 17, further raising concerns over a broader conflict breaking out in the Middle East while the US and its allies navigate rising tensions on multiple fronts. A US official told CNN that there have been six attacks since Friday, including Sunday’s drone attack and a multi-rocket attack on Patrol Base Shaddadi in Syria on Monday morning. https://youtu.be/cAPvJ_HDKq4 A homeless family of 18 living on the streets of Westlake for four months now has shelter thanks to the help from a local nonprofit that works to find housing solutions for the most vulnerable. The family is from Honduras and includes five adults and 13 children (and toddlers). They had been living in a small tent on Alvarado Street near MacArthur Park since September, ABC 7 reports. “To use the restroom, if we didn’t have money, we couldn’t use it, and we had to beg people to let us use it,” said Ana Madrid. “It’s a very sad situation.” The family fled Honduras five years ago due to the violence. According to ABC 7, they ended up in Austin, Texas, but lost their home due to issues with work permits. Once family members came to Los Angeles, they attempted to work with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority but had difficulty finding residency due to the size of the family. https://youtu.be/vdXOZrO7fgU Shannon Sharpe believes Beyoncé would not have the same impact on the NFL as Taylor Swift, who is dating Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs. Complex reports that the pop star has brought $331 million in value to the NFL since she started attending games to support her man. During the latest episode of the Nightcap podcast, Sharpe and his co-host Chad Johnson debated over who has the most vital star power, Queen Bey or T. Swift. Shape called Beyonce “Phenomenal” but said Swift is “a different animal.” “The attention that she brings and the people, the eyes, that she brings that don’t even watch the game of football… it’s crazy what she’s been able to do for the NFL,” Johnson said. https://twitter.com/i/status/1751951568386056427 Jody Watley, the legendary GRAMMY-winning artist celebrated for her pioneering contributions to music, video, and fashion, adds another jewel to her illustrious discography with the release of her latest single, ‘EVERLASTING.’ https://www.youtube.com/shorts/UWClokof2qw?feature=share This contemporary R&B/Soul track, co-written and produced by Watley and her longtime collaborator, jazz musician Rodney Lee, with additional production by the renowned Italian DJ/Producer Alex Di Ciò, is now available for music enthusiasts worldwide. The surprise release of ‘EVERLASTING’ follows the successful premiere of Season 2 of “The Jody Watley Show,” captivating listeners with its soulful melody and empowering lyrics. The commercial release date on January 30 marks the beginning of another exciting chapter in Jody Watley’s extraordinary career, spanning the 80s, 90s, 00s, 10s, and now the 20s. Watley’s latest offering not only showcases her continued artistic evolution but also delivers a powerful message of resilience and perseverance, setting the tone for the new year. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/cc18YUrvVxg?feature=share Speaking about the track, Watley shares, “More than just a song, it’s a reflection of life’s journey of lessons, resilience, self-belief, and never giving up. I’m excited to share its empowering message because it’s really to remind everyone to keep moving forward and embrace the timeless strength within us all – to stay EVERLASTING, I am an example of that.” Following the critical acclaim of her recent releases, including the Top 5 UK Soul releases ‘Winter Nights EP’ and ‘Renderings: The Alex Di Ciò Mixes,’ Jody Watley continues to push artistic boundaries with ‘EVERLASTING.’ Heartfelt and inspiring, the song encourages listeners to persevere through life’s challenges, embodying the spirit of resilience and steadfastness – ‘EVERLASTING.’ Jody Watley invites fans to connect with her on all social media platforms @jodywatley and experience the allure of ‘EVERLASTING,’ available on all digital download platforms starting January 30. https://youtu.be/gljionqfhNo A Walmart employee was fired after posting a video of a seemingly mentally ill woman and her child, who was dressed only in a diaper in below-freezing temperatures while inside the store. Felecia Darling told WLBT News she was fired for violating company policy by sharing the now-viral video on social media. In the clip, several shoppers confront the mother about her two-year-old son’s lack of clothing in frigid temperatures, prompting her to put a jacket on the child (according to witnesses in the video). At one point, she tossed a bag of frozen vegetables on the boy sitting in the shopping cart. The young woman also twerked in the aisle as observers called out her poor parenting. The mother, named Kambria Darby, 26, is seen in the video walking around the store with her nearly nude young son sitting in the shopping cart while shivering from the cold. Police were called to the scene at the Walmart store in Byram, Mississippi, on January 17, and Darby was arrested. She is now facing a child neglect charge. https://www.tiktok.com/@clat88/video/7327803091691277614?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fmother-arrested-for-taking-son-shopping-wearing-only-diaper%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=71929437%2C121374463%2C121351166%2C71838018%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7327803091691277614 Meanwhile, Darby’s great-aunt, Marie Darby Pickens, 69, claims her niece is not a lousy mother. She also suggested that the woman is not on drugs. “Everything I’ve seen with her and the kids has been positive,” Pickens, a retired social worker, told The New York Post. “I don’t condone what was done and it was right to be reported but we don’t know both sides of the story. Sometimes kids can be difficult not wanting to put their clothes on, or taking them off and maybe she was in a rush to pick up some things.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1752029744105730221 A Pennsylvania woman was arrested for torturing animals and posting the footage on YouTube. Anigar Monsee, 28, a Liberian immigrant living in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, allegedly admitted to torturing animals for clout, ABC 7 reports. In several videos, Monsee mutilates a pigeon, rabbit, frogs, and a live chicken. “During the video, she is soliciting more likes and more viewers. And once she gets to the point where she is satisfied with the number of viewers, she then proceeds — over the course of 10 minutes — to harm and ultimately kill that chicken,” Upper Darby Police Superintendent Timothy Bernhardt said. According to Bernhardt, investigators were tipped off about the abuse from animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). https://youtu.be/CVc6DMBeaBY Jasmine Guy has revealed that she secretly housed Tupac Shakur after he was shot in New York in 1994. Guy appeared on the Jan. 25 episode of “SHERRI” and told host Sherri Shepherd she supported Tupac after he was shot in the lobby of Quad Recording Studios in New York’s Times Square. The Messenger reports that Tupac received surgery at Metropolitan Hospital Center and checked out to go to Guy’s home because “he didn’t feel safe there,” according to the actress. “He didn’t feel safe there. He did just get shot,” Guy told Shepherd. “He felt like a sitting duck. And because I had a low profile and they didn’t know we were friends… It kinda felt like The Diary of Anne Frank because I couldn’t tell anybody that he was there.” Guy said Shakur was cared for by his mother, Afeni Shakur, and a private doctor at her home for several weeks following the shooting. https://youtu.be/So_HGTGAguE Oprah Winfrey celebrated her 70th birthday on Monday with a run on the beach, and she shared the moment in a video on her official Instagram page. “Celebrating 70 with a run on the beach. #healthisthebestgift,” she captioned the post. “Thank you for all the birthday love.” On Monday, Winfrey’s bestie, Gayle King, posted a video on X/Twitter of Winfrey with King’s grandson during a recent holiday getaway. “While Favorite grandson Luca is too young to understand how special this moment was during Christmas vacation, it’s not lost on me,” King captioned the post. She also revealed how Oprah wanted to celebrate her big day. Kign said, “When asked how she wanted to spend her birthday, she said, ‘No gifts, no parties, no surprises!’ Her preference was to sit by the fire with a good book and savor the fragrance of her life! Happy birthday Oprah!!” https://static.cdninstagram.com/rsrc.php/v3/yb/r/UsSR4Cvo4Px.png Kanye West snatched the phone of a TMZ (staffer acting as a) reporter who asked the rapper if his wife Bianca Censori had “free will.” The incident occurred Monday, January 29, in Hollywood, while Ye attended Charlie Wilson’s Walk of Fame ceremony. “People want to know if Bianca has her free will. Some people say you’re controlling her,” the female reporter said to the rapper. According to TMZ, Kanye immediately grabbed her phone and berated the woman for several minutes — watch the moment via the YouTube clip above. “Don’t come asking me that dumb ass sh*t, I’m a person,” he said. “You think ‘cause you a white woman that you can walk up on me like that and ask me some dumb ass sh*t like that? Ask me about my wife?” According to insiders, Bianca finally came to her senses regarding Kanye’s “controlling ways.” “Everyone is just glad that they finally were able to get through to Bianca,” a source told MailOnline. “Her friends let her know exactly how they feel and they told her that she needs to wake the f*** up,” the tea spiller shared. “She knows that she has shut out those close to her and she is also starting to see through the smoky mirrors of her marriage,” the insider told the outlet. “She is aware of Kanye’s controlling ways and she is starting to see things from an outside perspective.” West allegedly has set strict rules for Censori, which include “never speaking.” https://youtu.be/vfke5NntRQE Mayor Karen Bass and the City of Los Angeles are gearing up for a momentous celebration of African American Heritage Month. The Our Authors Study Club, Inc., is proud to present the awards ceremony on Friday, February 2nd at 11:00 am on the front lawn of LA City Hall. This highly anticipated event will honor remarkable individuals who have made significant contributions in media, entertainment, arts, academia, business, medicine, government, and the nonprofit sector. Hosted by Ashley McKay from ABC 7 Eyewitness News, this year's African American Heritage Month celebration promises to be a memorable occasion filled with joy and appreciation for the rich African American heritage. After a challenging year marked by virtual events due to the pandemic restrictions, it brings great excitement that this celebration has returned to its in-person format. Among those slated for recognition are prominent figures such as Kim Coles—an accomplished actress known for her comedic prowess—and Freda Payne—a renowned vocalist and author whose talent has captivated audiences worldwide. Additionally honoring Mamie Hansberry—an esteemed artist whose work speaks volumes—this event is set to leave an indelible mark on attendees' hearts. A trio of Black Atlanta business women have just launched Twerkingo™, an interactive dance game exploring the history of the African diaspora and trending dances from each region. The game is a new way to celebrate the quickly approaching Black History Month! The game starts with a certified Twerk Technician instructor teaching moves from the game card, with step-by-step instructions for beginners and advanced variations for seasoned twerk-a-holics. Next - play the moves you learned! There are four different ways you can win Twerkingo and we have prizes for them all. Players can come to Twerkingo Game Nights in Atlanta, join online through Zoom, or click here to purchase the digital and physical board games. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXIahQ-uskY&feature=youtu.be In Prime Video’s “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” Donald Glover (John Smith) and Maya Erskine (Jane Smith) are newbie spies posing as a married couple in a romantic action drama series that may surprise fans of the movie by the same name. Based (loosely) on the 2005 film, these two are going to have to figure out their spy work and their “marriage.” https://youtu.be/AsaMWxppznk Snoop Dogg is speaking about when Michael Jackson asked him to stop blowing weed smoke in his vicinity. “Me and Michael was family,” Snoop recalled during a recent appearance on Sirius XM show Radio Andy, Complex reports. “We never had issues. Only issue me and Mike had was, we was at … Ed Hardy—Christian Audigier, he had an event in [Las] Vegas. He had Michael Jackson perform, Snoop Dogg perform,” the rapper told host Andy Cohen. “But where he messed up: he put Michael Jackson dressing room right next to Snoop Dogg’s. So Snoop Dogg was doing this,” Snoop continued. “They like, ‘You know Michael Jackson dressing room next door.’ Like, ‘No it ain’t.’ They like, ‘Yeah it is.’ I’m like, ‘Hold on.’” Snoop opened the door while taking another puff of his blunt and blew out the smoke. “[Michael was] right there looking at me. He said, ‘Snoop, don’t do that,’” Snoop added. https://youtu.be/uWhqMGXFnKE Amazon Prime members today may notice something looks a little different when they watch Prime Video: They’ll have to watch ads unless they want to pay a little extra. Starting today (01-29-24), Prime Video will feature “limited” advertisements in its shows and movies. Customers will have to pay $2.99 a month more to avoid ads. Amazon first announced the change in September. “This will allow us to continue investing in compelling content and keep increasing that investment over a long period,” Amazon said in an email to Prime members in December. “We aim to have meaningfully fewer ads than linear TV and other streaming TV providers.” Amazon is hardly alone in making the change. Prime Video joins most other streaming services by inserting ads into its programming and raising prices on ad-free tiers. That’s because streaming services are no longer chasing subscribers. Still, rather investors are pressuring them to make money off the services, even if it comes at the expense of losing subscriptions. As a result, they are selling ads or hiking monthly prices. https://youtu.be/_X3vmFevvY8 John David Washington is reportedly being considered to replace Jonathan Majors as Kang The Conqueror. The news comes from Daniel Richtman, the same Hollywood insider who recently claimed Oscar-nominee Colman Domingo tops the list of frontrunners to take over the Kang role, Complex reports. As we reported, Marvel dropped Majors as Kang the Conqueror after he was found guilty in December 2023 of assault and harassment involving his ex-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari. He appeared as the supervillain in “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” in Feb. 2023 and the “Loki” series on Disney+. Complex reports that Kang is slated to appear in 2026’s “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty,” titled “Avengers 5,” according to Hollywood Reporter. “When it comes to Marvel and DC, I’m like, ‘I think I’m ready now.’ I’m worked out, fit, I think I want to play a villain,” Coleman told AwardsWatch. “I just want to be the villain. I don’t want to be the good guy. I actually want to do some really nasty, dirty work.” https://youtu.be/4lBqMhZ3NBg Musically speaking, Marvin Gaye ranks among the best of the best. Classic songs {“I Heard It Through the Grapevine”, “What’s Going On”, “Let’s Get It On,” “Mercy, Mercy Me (The Ecology),” “Sexual Healing”). Classic albums (“What’s Going On,” “Let’s Get It On,” “Here, My Dear”) and a voice that spoke and continues to speak to music lovers the world over. To this day, Gaye’s legacy is an influencer for rookie vocalists and those who have sung tunes for decades.And while Gaye is primarily known for music, in another universe he could have excelled in a different medium. According to Soul Tracks, that scenario played out for real when Gaye’ tried out for the Detroit Lions. https://youtu.be/gL_Md1u0j9E R&B icon and singer Charlie Wilson, is now the latest recipient of a prestigious star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Wilson, of course, is also known as the Grammy-nominated co-founder and lead singer of the Gap Band, as well as an outspoken activist who urges Black men to be tested for prostate cancer. Under sunny skies and mellow SoCal weather, the ceremony, on Hollywood Blvd and MC’d by music producer/artist Jimmy Jam Harris, fell on the same day as Wilson’s 71st. “It’s truly an honor to stand before you as I accept this prestigious star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame,” Wilson said during the ceremony. “This recognition holds a very special place in my heart as it symbolizes a journey that started many, many years ago.” https://youtu.be/quIg194Gmog On hand to give “Uncle Charlie” his props were Wilson’s manager and president/CEO of P Music Group Michael Paran, Grammy winner Babyface, and Wilson collaborators Kanye West and Snoop Dogg. A native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Wilson and his brothers – Robert and Ronnie – often performed at their father’s church and later joined forces to create the Gap Band. The band’s first album was in 1974. Some of their best-known hits included the raucous and funky “You Dropped a Bomb on Me,” “Oops Upside Your Head,” “Burn Rubber” and Early in The Morning.” The Gap Band eventually released 15 albums before the end came in 2010. But in 2000 Charlie Wilson had already launched a solo career, starting with his first album “Bridging the Gap.” https://youtu.be/jXGkKVzfTWo Even with the success of the Gap Band, Wilson became addicted to drugs and alcohol and found himself living on the streets of Hollywood in the mid-1990s. “It was during those challenging times that I realized that God had a plan for me. He broke me down to build me up again, and I am forever grateful for that experience,” Wilson said. It was during his stint in rehab that Wilson met Mahin Tat, a social worker. Apparently, meeting her was just what he needed. They married in 1995. “She played a pivotal role in turning my life around. Today, I stand before you as a man who has been sober for 29 years. … I owe it all to her unwavering support and love,” Wilson said. As we noted earlier, the legendary singer has shared the mic on recording projects with lots of other iconic performers. In 2010 he did a collabo with Kanye West on his album “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.” That led Wilson to work with Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross, Rihanna, and Common, among others. https://youtu.be/waEluJVkkx0 Some people make love look easy. They capture seemingly perfect photos in romantic places with lots of #hashtags. Yet, we forget these captions and photos are fleeting moments. Relationships take time and effort. Just showing up on Valentine’s Day with gifts and sweet sentiments won’t create the intimacy that sustains healthy relationships. Knowing your significant other’s ‘love language’ is important too. Find out why understanding your love language is important and get helpful tips to create intimacy in your relationship every day. https://youtu.be/BGG02uE10Ls Snoop Dogg’s beef with Donald Trump appears to be over now that the rapper has changed his perspective on the former president. “He ain’t done nothing wrong to me. He has done only great things for me. He pardoned Michael Harris,” Snoop said in an interview with The Sunday Times. “So I have nothing but love and respect for Donald Trump.” As The Huffington Post reports, Harris co-founded Death Row Records, which released Snoop’s “Doggystyle” album in 1993. Before his sentence was commuted, Harris served 30 years of a 25-to-life sentence for conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. Snoop was initially down with Trump after connecting on “The Apprentice” in 2007. But the hip-hop star was critical of him during his term in the White House. Snoop shared with Billboard at the time a list of issues he had with Trump as president. “The [Muslim] ban that this motherf–er tried to put up; him winning the presidency; police being able to kill motherf–kers… and get away with it (and) people being in jail for weed for 20, 30 years,” Snoop said. Better Brothers Los Angeles (BBLA), in partnership with The DIVA Foundation, led by Emmy award-winning actress and activist Sheryl Lee Ralph (Abbott Elementary), are thrilled to announce the honorees for the 10th Annual Truth Awards. This prestigious event will occur on Saturday, March 30th, at the renowned Beverly Hilton Hotel, from 5:30 pm to 11:00 pm. As we celebrate a decade of excellence, this year's awards show promises to be an unprecedented affair spanning two unforgettable evenings - a groundbreaking first in the Truth Awards History. Friday night's theme for this invite-only event is aptly named 'Passing the Torch.' As we gather, we pay homage to three extraordinary individuals who exemplify excellence in their respective fields. Shar Jossell (Award-winning Journalist) will receive the prestigious Passing The Torch Award for her outstanding work as a journalist covering topics vital to both the LGBTQ+ community and society at large. Reflecting her unwavering dedication towards amplifying queer voices in media, Bre-Z (All American) will be bestowed with the Breakout Star Award for her captivating portrayal of complex characters that challenge stereotypes in mainstream television. Additionally, Tobias Gilbert (IndigoWave Tech & Yoga) will be recognized with the Social Influencer Award. Amongst this year's esteemed Truth Awards honorees is Niecy Nash-Betts, an Emmy-winning actress known for her outstanding talent and dedication to her craft. Nash-Betts will receive the Media & Arts Award for her remarkable achievements within the entertainment industry. Lena Waithe, an Emmy-winning writer whose groundbreaking work has shattered barriers and opened doors for countless aspiring artists, will be honored with the Culture & Arts Award. Waithe's commitment to bringing diverse stories to life has reshaped representation within mainstream media. Currently riding high on the release of the contemporary anthem “What Will It Take” – her first solo recording in 20 years – and the release of the movie musical “The Color Purple” featuring songs she co-wrote for the hit stage musical, Grammy-winning and Tony Award-nominated singer/songwriter Brenda Russell breaks new ground with her upcoming first-ever appearance at The Roxy on Sunset Strip, in concert with the Hollywood Jazz Orchestra. https://youtu.be/y8tBcQTwvWA A 61-year-old grandfather filed suit against Sunglass Hut’s parent company EssilorLuxottica and retailer Macy’s after he was wrongfully arrested and jailed based on facial recognition software that identified him as the man who robbed a Sunglass Hut store. While he was being held, the man was sexually assaulted at the Harris County Jail. Though native to Texas, Harvey Eugene Murphy Jr. was living in California at the time of a January 2022 armed robbery at a Sunglass Hut store on West Gray in Houston. Two robbers pointed a gun at a store manager and got away with thousands of dollars in cash and sunglasses. While Houston police were investigating the crime, the head of loss prevention for EssilorLuxottica said the company, working with its retail partner Macy’s, positively identified Mr. Murphy as the robber through the use of facial recognition software. He was arrested and jailed when he returned to Texas and renewed his driver’s license. The Harris County District Attorney’s office later agreed Mr. Murphy was not involved in the holdup. But before he could be released, Mr. Murphy was sexually assaulted by three men in a jail bathroom, leaving him with lifelong injuries. “Mr. Murphy’s story is troubling for every citizen in this country,” said attorney Daniel Dutko of Rusty Hardin & Associates, who along with attorney Leah Graham represents Mr. Murphy. “Any person could be improperly charged with a crime based on error-prone facial recognition software just as he was.” https://youtu.be/h9nqnEEU4P4 Attorneys say problems with the investigation included the use of error-prone facial recognition software in conjunction with low-quality cameras that increased the possibility of error. They also believe the EssilorLuxottica loss prevention team may have tainted the investigation by meeting with a Sunglass Hut employee before she identified Mr. Murphy in a police photo lineup. Mr. Murphy has a criminal record dating back to the 1980s and 1990s, but none of his offenses involved violence, and in the last 30 years, he has built a new life. The case is Harvey Eugene Murphy Jr. v. EssilorLuxottica USA Inc., et al. Cause No. 202403265-7 in the 125th District Court in Harris County. Rusty Hardin & Associates, LLP, has built a solid reputation for taking on the causes of its clients and obtaining favorable results in commercial litigation, white-collar criminal defense, plaintiffs’ personal injury (or cases), appellate matters, and general civil and criminal litigation. https://youtu.be/HWq7DNf4SLI Colman Domingo will direct and star in a biopic about legendary singer Nat King Cole. According to Variety, the project is a movie musical from a script Domingo co-wrote. The film will also mark his feature-directing debut. “I’ve been working on it quietly for a few years,” Domingo said during a Variety Awards Circuit Podcast episode. “It’s something I’m looking forward to putting together with some great partners.” The news follows reports that the actor was cast as Joe Jackson in the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua. “Colman has such incredible range – he puts in the work to deeply inhabit his characters and understand their true essence and motivation. I’m grateful to be working with an actor with his passion and ability to portray the many sides of Joe Jackson: a husband, a father and a manager,” said Fuqua in a statement. https://youtu.be/EuZ-UONInl4 Joe Cobb, the man behind the signature “Soul Train” call out heard at the introduction to the show, is taking legal action over royalties. The 80-year-old Chicago native is suing for $75,000 in back royalties, according to The Chicago Sun-Times. Cobb was 22 when he first met “Soul Train” creator Don Cornelius at the Black radio station WVON in the 1960s. Cornelius launched “Soul Train” in 1971, and at the time, Cobb voiced the now-famous “Soooooooul Train” scream heard at the start of the TV dance show. “I was just pranking,” Cobb told The Chicago Sun-Times, but Cornelius liked it and had Cobb introduce “Soul Train, which ran from 1971 to 2006. Cornelius died in 2012 at age 75. https://youtu.be/NB8PPhQglwo An American Airlines flight bound for Texas had to turn back to Arizona due to a passenger’s aggressive farting. According to Fox 17, the incident occurred on Jan. 14 during a flight from Phoenix, Arizona to Austin, Texas. Reddit user lamgalatx wrote that an unidentified man “was audibly disgruntled about something, maybe hungover.” “I overhear him loudly say, ‘You thought that was rude? Well how about this smell’ and farted,” lamgalatx wrote. “Idk what provoked that comment, and while kinda funny to overhear, it was uncalled for especially coming from a grown man on an airplane nonetheless.” During the flight, while people were eating, lamgalatx said “fartman” blurted out, “yeah, everybody let’s just eat the smelliest food possible all at the same time.” Deion Sanders’ sons have gifted him a multi-million dollar mansion, and he shared the moment with fans online. A video posted to Deion Sanders Jr.’s YouTube account, “Well Off Media,” shows Sanders, the Colorado Buffaloes’ head coach, touring his luxurious new home with sons Shedeur and Deion Jr. (aka Bucky). https://youtu.be/3vZ-F8SmGHg Shedeur, who plays quarterback for the Buffaloes and safety Shilo, reportedly dropped $3 million for the property. “My three sons had the thought process that they wanted me to see this,” Deion said in the video. “That’s unbelievable. It almost provokes a tear.” https://youtu.be/fbE8k_sZbYk Your life’s complete now, man,” Shedeur tells his father. “We’ve got to win,” Deion said, shaking his head. “That’s when it’s complete.” According to USA Today Sports, the mansion includes an indoor movie theater, an outdoor pool, and a wine cellar. Meanwhile, earlier this month, Shedeur and Shilo walked the catwalk for Louis Vuitton’s Men’s Fall/Winter 2024 Show in Paris on Jan. 16. https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/1751334122617032859?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1751334635894608203%7Ctwgr%5E0d2e6653698898c6a5a604a1e07014f6ef4c28d1%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fdeion-sanders-sons-gift-him-luxurious-mansion%2F Shannon Sharpe’s Katt Williams interview on his “Club Shay Shay” podcast on YouTube reportedly netted about $660,000, so far. We reported that the bombshell interview garnered over 46 million views in 10 days across social media and over a million audio downloads. Sharpe’s social media following also significantly increased due to “The Katt Williams Effect.” The interview is now at 55 million views, The Root reports. According to the outlet, Sharpe has earned over half a million dollars (and counting) via YouTube’s revenue-sharing program. Sharpe recently hit up Twitter to highlight the reach of the Jan. 3 interview (watch it here in case you missed it). He captioned the post with a direct quote from Katt, who said at the top of their conversation: “Club Shay Shay is going to be in a dimension it’s never been. The greatest thing floating in 2024. Mark the words. In a whole different realm of business. Oprah coming next! Once I establish this as a place of truth, oh yeah. Watch! God’s people ain’t that few.” https://youtu.be/8oRRZiRQxTs Comedian Earthquake has reacted to Katt Williams’ claim that he’s illiterate and cannot read. “Why Earthquake not in movies?’ Cuz he’s illiterate. He can’t read. And they found that out when they gave him a show and then put the cards in front of him,” Williams said during his controversial Club Shay Shay interview earlier this month. Earthquake responded during his recent appearance on The Breakfast Club, noting that Katt’s remarks confused him. “Personally speaking, me and him was cool, so I didn’t know where that came from. Certain things he said about me, half was true, half was a lie. But to each his own,” he shared with hosts DJ Envy and Charlemagne tha God, Vibe reports. “I’m the type of person [where] if I have a problem with you, Charlamagne, I’ma call you. We’re either gonna talk it out, we’re gonna duke it out, but we’re gonna handle it man-to-man,” he added. As we reported previously, Katt’s Club Shay Shay interview garnered over 46 million views in 10 days across social media and over a million audio downloads. Sharpe’s social media following also significantly increased due to “The Katt Williams Effect.” https://youtu.be/uG5NlxPW34Y “I don’t talk behind people’s backs and that’s what social media is: if you go onto a platform and talk about a person without you addressing them yourself when you have opportunities to get in contact with them and let it be known.” Regarding Williams’ claim that he can’t read, Earthquake said, “First of all, its a lie….I used to [do radio at WBLS]. Everybody in radio wants to be like y’all and be syndicated. But if you’re not syndicated and you just got one godd**ned station, [the] only way you get some money [is] off live reads!” https://www.instagram.com/p/C2kfNqlLzQ2/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again NYC councilmember Yusef Salaam, one of the exonerated “Central Park Five,” is speaking out after police pulled him over for no apparent reason. “Last night, while driving with my wife and children and listening in to a call with my Council colleagues on speakerphone, I was pulled over by an NYPD officer in my beloved Village of Harlem within the 28th Precinct. I introduced myself as Councilman Yusef Salaam, and subsequently asked the officer why I was pulled over. Instead of answering my question, the officer stated, ‘We’re done here,’ and proceeded to walk away,” Salaam explained in a statement released Saturday morning, NBC New York reports. Salaam was on a call on speakerphone with other council members discussing police stops when he was pulled over. USA Today reports that the NYPD defended the officer’s actions during Friday’s traffic stop, saying Salaam was pulled over for tinted windows. The department posted a statement along with the body-cam footage, saying, in part, “As the video shows, throughout this interaction, the officer conducted himself professionally and respectfully,” the department statement said. Teyana Taylor called out TMZ for the outlet’s “misleading headlines” about her pending divorce from former NBA player Iman Shumpert. “If you’re going to keep leaking my documents, show it all [and] come correct,” tweeted Taylor after TMZ published an article titled “Iman’s leaving me, kids in the cold! Says he cut house utilities.” In response to the implication that she and her two daughters lack utilities, the singer/actress clarified that “me and my kids are never going to be sitting ducks.” “Stop taking bits and pieces and putting 10s on 2s! I’ve been very graceful, cordial and protective of all parties involved in this whole process,” Taylor told TMZ directly in a statement shared online, Revolt reports. “Sadly, that energy has not been reciprocated at all!” she added. Comedian Jess Hilarious has officially joined The Breakfast Club as the newest co-host of the popular NYC-based radio show, iHeart radio announced on Jan. 29. She joins current longtime hosts Charlamagne Tha God and DJ Envy on the daily morning program. The announcement comes weeks after Jess confirmed she was joining the show in December, but SandaRose.com later reported she was out after a no-call/no-show on her first day earlier this month. Envy and Charlamagne also suggested they were still looking for a third co-host to replace Angela Yee, whose last broadcast was on December 2, 2022. On January 10, Envy and Charlamagne spoke about their search for a third co-host. “You know what I’m so confused by? We spent all last year rotating guest co-hosts, and I thought we were rotating guest co-hosts before we let God decide who’s supposed to be in here,” DJ Envy explained during the ‘Rumor Report’ segment. “Now, it’s 2024 — do we just say, ‘F-it, there’s not going to be another co-host?’” Charlamagne added, “No, it was never supposed to be a couple of months,” he said. “…I said it’s gon’ take at least a year… Angela Yee, I’ve always said, is irreplaceable. So the person coming here is not replacing someone — if there’s somebody coming here. That’s my whole point of having this conversation. What the hell happened?” https://www.instagram.com/p/C2r80RPLbzn/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Terry Killens is set to make his mark in football history. When the NFL referee steps on the field at Super Bowl LVIII, he will be the first person to both play in a Super Bowl and serve as an official in the Super Bowl. The NFL announced this week that Killens will be part of the Super Bowl LVIII officiating crew. This will be Killens’ fifth season as an NFL official and his first Super Bowl assignment. Killens played for the Titans in their Super Bowl XXXIV loss to the Rams. A backup linebacker, Killens made one tackle in the game, on special teams. The 49-year-old Killens was a third-round pick of the Houston Oilers out of Penn State in 1996. He stayed with the Oilers/Titans until 2000, then spent two seasons with the 49ers and one with the Seahawks. Before becoming an NFL official he worked at the college level in the AAC and at the pro level in the Alliance of American Football. There have been other Black history being made leading up to the Super Bowl next month — the last four head coaches hired to lead NFL teams have all been Black. The Atlanta Falcons have hired now-former Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris to be its new head coach. Morris was officially hired on Thursday, making him the Falcons’ first-ever full-time Black head coach. Earlier this month, we reported that Michael Roman, a former Donald Trump campaign official and co-defendant in Trump’s election interference RICO case in Georgia, filed a motion in court seeking to disqualify Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, her office and Special Prosecutor Nathan Wade based on allegations that Willis had an inappropriate affair with Wade and that she engaged in misconduct by hiring him and by spending taxpayer money on lavash vacations with him, among other accusations. Weeks later, certain things about this story haven’t changed. Roman still hasn’t presented any evidence that the allegations against Willis and Wade are true, and Willis still hasn’t responded to the allegations publicly in an unambiguous way. What has changed, albeit predictably, is that Trump is now getting in on the strategy to get the case dismissed, and his council is accusing Willis of playing the race card. (As previously reported, she spoke at a Black church in Atlanta and implied Wade was being called unqualified because he’s Black—and all the anti-DEI crusaders got offended by that for some reason.) Skin cancer is often thought of as a health concern linked to people with fair skin. However, this misconception has led to a lack of awareness within the Black community about the risks associated with skin cancer. One prevalent myth is that individuals with darker skin tones are naturally protected against skin cancer due to having higher levels of melanin, a substance in the body that produces hair, eye and skin pigmentation. Melanin works wonders for Black people because it can block harmful UV rays from penetrating our skin. The darker you are, the more melanin you have, which can help to thwart off pesky UV rays. A study conducted by the CDC found that between 2000 and 2010 around “13 percent of Black women” experienced sunburn compared to “9 percent of Black men.” That’s low in comparison to white men and women. Around “66 percent of white women and just over 65 percent of white men” were victims of sunburn during the same period. BLK Dating App, the world’s largest dating and lifestyle app for the Black community, has officially launched its empowering campaign for the new year. The uplifting initiative entitled “New Year, Real You: #RealNotPerfect” was created to inspire and embolden Black women, encouraging them to embrace and proudly exhibit their authentic selves across every area of their life, including dating, community, education, and the professional arena. https://youtu.be/1fHXS66VdyY In recognition of the pivotal roles played by Black women as the backbone of our society— leading families, shaping communities, influencing policy, and making indelible marks in on contemporary culture — the “New Year, Real You: #RealNotPerfect” campaign confronts prevailing societal expectations. BLK Dating App is committed to dismantling these constraints, forging a safe space where Black women can express their true selves without the fear of judgment or prejudice. https://youtu.be/EJzE1ztJWVs The focal point of this transformative campaign is a visually captivating brand video featuring four extraordinary Black women in various stages of their lives. Moderated by BLK’s esteemed Relationship and Intimacy Expert, Marissa Nelson, these transparent and authentic conversations will delve into the challenges faced in 2023 when striving for authenticity, their personal commitments to embracing their genuine selves in 2024, and how BLK is creating a safe space for Black women to show up as the most authentic versions of themselves. https://youtu.be/GsO2ROIlTOw The impactful brand video will be reimagined into four shorter, compelling segments, each highlighting the individual journey of each of these remarkable women. Unveiled on BLK’s social media platforms during the month of January, these social videos are designed to ignite engagement and drive conversation within the app’s female community, fostering a deeper sense of connection and shared experiences. https://youtu.be/kyb6w-H2D2k Frank Farian, the German producer & songwriter who made Milli Vanilli one of pop music’s most famous (and infamous) acts, has died at the age of 82. His family confirmed to BBC News on Tuesday (Jan. 24) that Farian passed away at his home in Miami. A cause of death was not given at press time, but he did receive a heart valve transplant in 2022. Farian first rose to prominence with 70s disco-pop group Boney M., co-writing, promoting and singing lead vocals on many tracks. The group’s biggest hit was 1979’s “Daddy Cool,” which peaked at #6 on the UK charts and #65 on the US Hot 100. https://youtu.be/FYGTT7YhywA Farian also produced albums for artists such as Meat Loaf and Stevie Wonder, selling an estimated 800 million records. However, his biggest impact (and scandal) came with the formation of Milli Vanilli in 1988. Consisting of Fabrice “Fab” Morvan and Rob Pilatus (on-screen, anyway), the group had a string of hits, including three #1 singles. The group became one of the biggest pop acts of the late 80s and early 90s, eventually winning a Grammy in 1990 for Best New Artist. https://youtu.be/RdSmokR0Enk Serena Williams is ready to get back on her fitness and dominate in the gym! After becoming a mother of two in August 2023, the 42-year-old athlete has been taking it easy on her body and slowly rebuilding her workout routine. To document the process, Williams has started sharing her routine with her 17 million Instagram followers, recording videos of herself getting back into the gym at a comfortable pace. In her latest video, the tennis champion showed her followers how she tackles squats now while using lighter weights than usual, telling viewers, “Alright, I’m getting back into the swing of things. This is not my usual weight, but it’ll do until I get back to where I need to be.” Dressed in all-black workout gear with her golden blonde locs pulled back into a high ponytail, Williams showed off her new workout routine over the soundtrack of Do’s “My Name Is” before telling viewers that the squats “feel good.” https://static.cdninstagram.com/rsrc.php/v3/yb/r/UsSR4Cvo4Px.png Wendy Williams is an American icon and her legacy should never be questioned. But over the last few years, the media icon has been rarely spotted in public, which her fans have started to notice. The photo above of Wendy Williams, captured in NYC by veteran celebrity photographer Johnny Nunez, was taken around this time last year and showed the once-in-demand media maven in good spirits following a very tumultuous and trying few years prior. However, this February 2023 photo proved to be one of the last public appearances to date by the former daytime TV queen. Since then, fans and those simply concerned with her whereabouts have only been updated via a small handful of unverified sources, talking heads in the media and, ironically enough, rumor reports in the news. It appears we’ve now received the latest life update on Wendy Williams, and the first of 2024, by way of fellow veteran radio personality, Miss Jones, who says her industry colleague has packed up and moved to Florida to be with family. https://www.instagram.com/p/C1vszJTrVnW/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Super Bowl LVIII will feature a new dynasty facing off with an old one as the Kansas City Chiefs meet the San Francisco 49ers in Las Vegas on February 11 after each was victorious in Sunday’s NFL conference championship games. The Chiefs, the defending Super Bowl champions, are headed to the big game for the fourth time in five years after downing the Baltimore Ravens 17-10 in the AFC championship game on Sunday in Baltimore. The five-time champion 49ers rallied from a 17-point halftime deficit in the NFC championship game, scoring every time they had the ball in the second half – except at the end when they were trying to kill the clock. They came away with a 34-31 win. https://youtu.be/QpO9aTCKPu4 The Chiefs on Sunday were in familiar territory, making their sixth straight AFC title game appearance with quarterback Patrick Mahomes at the helm. Across that stretch, he’s racked up two Super Bowls titles, two Super Bowl MVP awards, and two league MVP awards. Needless to say, the Mahomes era has been defined by winning when it matters most. Mahomes faced intense questions coming into the playoffs on whether he would be able to duplicate his past postseason performances now that he’d have to travel away from Arrowhead Stadium for games. Mahomes has taken his team to the AFC championship game or further in each of his six seasons as a starter and – as wild as it sounds – he had never played a road playoff game until the Chiefs beat the Bills in Buffalo last week. Compounding the situation was the Chiefs struggled at times this year. “It truly is special. Just to do it with these guys after what we’ve been through all season long, the guys coming together, it is special,” Mahomes said at a postgame news conference. “I told them, the job’s not done. Our job now is to prepare ourselves to play a good football team in the Super Bowl and try to get that ring.” Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce caught 11 passes – nine in the first half – and had one touchdown as Kansas City dominated the time of possession battle, using three long scoring drives and a tough defense. https://youtu.be/tQ3o4xDBPS0?list=RDNStQ3o4xDBPS0 Searching for Taylor Swift on X, formerly known as Twitter, showed an error message Saturday after pornographic, AI-generated images of the singer were circulated across social media last week. X’s search function only displays results for Swift under its “Media” and “List” tabs. However, Swift is still searchable using several boolean operators. Inputting “Taylor Swift” with quotation marks, as well as “Taylor AND Swift” yields normal search results under all of X’s search function tabs. The search function error message does not appear on either Instagram or Reddit. The fake images of Swift — which show the singer in sexually suggestive and explicit positions — were predominantly circulating on X, and were viewed tens of millions of times before being removed from social platforms. Like most major social media platforms, X’s policies ban the sharing of “synthetic, manipulated, or out-of-context media that may deceive or confuse people and lead to harm.” https://www.youtube.com/shorts/aaEVys6x7fQ? “This is a temporary action and done with an abundance of caution as we prioritize safety on this issue,” the company told CNN in a statement Saturday. Digitally manipulated pornographic images of celebrities are nothing new on the internet and have been circulating online since the advent of software like Photoshop. However the rise in mainstream artificial intelligence software has heightened concerns due to its ability to create convincingly real and damaging images. The incident comes as the United States heads into a presidential election year, prompting fears misleading AI-generated images and videos could be used in disinformation efforts. And it’s not just public figures with massive online presence who fall victim to this type of harassment. https://youtu.be/BRIjBHimzyM The Greek philosopher Heraclitus is credited with a well-known truism about life on planet Earth – that the only constant in life is change. Taking this to heart, with the hope that more enlightened attitudes and behaviors are possible, the concept of change is a driving force in the ever-evolving creative world of Gene-o, a veteran musical artist and first-time novelist who is currently expressing his heartfelt belief that we are all capable of doing much better via two projects showcasing different sides of his artistry. https://youtu.be/1gl-PCo815M Season 2 of the popular BET+ series ‘Kingdom Business” returned with more excitement, drama, and, of course, Gospel music. Yolanda Adams’s character Denita runs Kingdom Records and is the label’s biggest star. Adams shared what she loves about the character and some of her favorite battles in season two. https://youtu.be/fdiTZx6wjlk It’s 2024 and Beverly Johnson remains aware of the racist activity against her, despite breaking barriers as the first Black model on the cover of Vogue magazine. Chatting with Page Six, Johnson remembered when she found out about a hotel draining its swimming pool after she took a dip. All of that is because of the color of her skin. “I did not know until we all went to the Eileen Ford’s 90th birthday party,” Johnson recalled. Ford, a famed modeling agent, died in 2014 at age 92, Page Six noted. “All the models were there, and the very rich people and one girl said to me, ‘Remember when they drained the pool?’ When you got in the pool at the so-and-so hotel?” Johnson said. “I was like, ‘They did?’ And she said, ‘You didn’t know that?’” https://youtu.be/FhpUiIifNYY Despite the revelation, Johnson didn’t name the hotel where the incident occurred. “This was during the ’80s, I would not say the name of the hotel because I don’t want to get sued,” the fashion legend added. “So you get a lot of that. People draining pools, it was racist. As a model, different kinds of things would happen to me because I was Black.” Johnson’s remembrance comes as she celebrates the 50th anniversary of her iconic Vogue cover in 1974. In addition to Vogue, “The Face That Changed It All: A Memoir” the author carved her own historic niche in fashion by making the cover of Glamour 15 times, among other things. And while she conquered, some denied Johnson the respect she deserved. Yet, Johnson found support and advocacy in the “it girl” of the time, Lauren Hutton. https://youtu.be/pEYAgmyAYqM Ariana Grande’s relationship with her “Wicked” co-star Ethan Slater has brought the doctor out of Candace Owens, who claims the pop star suffers from a form of “random hoe disorder.” According to Madame Noire, Owens went full in on Grande, tackling talk surrounding the “Side to Side” singer stealing Slater from his wife shortly after the birth of the couple’s son. She pointed her wrath at Grande during the Jan. 16 episode of the Candace Owens podcast. The right-wing, married mother of two blasted the “Rain on Me” entertainer over rumors the singer stole Slater from his wife shortly after the couple welcomed a son. “He was married to his high school sweetheart — her name is Lilly Jay — and they had just had their first child. After being together for almost a decade. But that, of course, didn’t stop Ariana Grande,” Owens said during the Jan. 16 episode of her Candace Owens podcast. https://youtu.be/16HnMGJSgEU “Why do we care? [Because] we don’t want to picture you sleeping with Ethan Slater,” Owens argued. “We want to acknowledge, the general public, that her behavior is absolute filth. We just want to be able to read you for the trash that you are.” As the episode continued, Owens continued her brutal assessment of Grande, voicing her support for “following hoe culture” as well as hopes to open a “rehab for hoes” one day. Her first patient would be the songstress. “I am very much in favor of following hoe culture,” the firebrand commented. “I’ve been fascinated by hoes — the hoe apocalypse that we’re facing. It’s amazing to follow these women and the way they think. And chief among them right now is Ariana Grande.” https://youtu.be/EVmPUz_PnBw Earlier this week on “Tamron Hall,” actress and comedian Luenell returned to the show following her Broadway debut in “Chicago.” If you missed it, earlier this season, Tamron surprised the comedian by making her lifelong dream come true – hooking her up with the opportunity to perform on Broadway. https://youtu.be/uVjp1Il8YQs On the show, Luenell spoke on her experience and was surprised by her “Chicago” co-stars Michael Scirrotto and Kimberly Marable, as well as her daughter Da’Nelle Campbell and her supportive friends and family. Also, Luenell responded to her friend Katt Williams’ recent viral interview on “Club Shay Shay.” https://youtu.be/Uwr7iUPf8cg Luenell also shared what it was like to be back on a theatrical stage. “It feels like going back to see if the boyfriend you really used to love still loves you.” https://youtu.be/47V6LoTHmdw Crystal Nicole, the illustrious Grammy award-winning songwriter and singer, is set to captivate audiences with her latest single, ‘COLORBLIND,’ scheduled for release on February 2nd, just in time for Black History Month. Watch the video of this empowering anthem, crafted by Crystal Nicole for her daughter, transcends the boundaries of a typical song, serving as a profound ode to life and love. The heartfelt lyrics convey a mother’s wish for a world where people can love beyond the boundaries of color, embracing the beauty found in diversity. “I wish that I could make you color blind before the shame ever starts. Before you’re ever told that you’re not beautiful because your skin is dark. There’s so much I want to show you. But, there’s some things you never knew.” https://youtu.be/gdtxWWiKLVI Days after a video captured her hushing a churchgoer singing with her during a recent church service performance, Kim Burrell is speaking on what took place. The gospel vocalist, who encountered severe backlash over the incident, addressed the incident via video, saying her solo performance was part of her ministry. “I’m in the middle of ministry and you know how you close out a sermon? And I’m singing ‘thank you, lord,’ I’m thinking I’m singing a solo, and you always got that one that has to join in, and I heard her, y’all. She was singing and I was going, ‘thank yo…ma’am,” Burrell said while recalling the viral incident. “I was operating in things of the spirit. Sometimes when I operate publicly, everybody doesn’t understand the dispensation of what I’m operating in, they just see me as Kim the singer that’s not being ‘the singer,’ who is not always the singer. I’m the preacher, I’m the person with the gift of prophetic..but anyway. https://youtu.be/ZATAvFio6_c Needless to say that fanned the flames further for critics put off by the entertainer’s language. “The way I would’ve cursed her smooth out, and apologized to the church afterward, then told the pastor & church ima gone head and go because my spirit is NOW not of God!” a person posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) https://twitter.com/i/status/1750259434847109421 On Instagram, the feedback continued, with a user weighing in with, “That’s One rude saint I tell ya,” and another stating,” Do not sing a congregational song and expect the congregation not to join in. She comes across as very mean-spirited and folks let her get away with it because she can sing.” As she went into her remarks on the mask the woman wore, Burrell stated it was a reminder that COVID is still an issue that was present. “COVID is starting to rise again, just like I told her, let that mask work for you!” she explained. https://twitter.com/i/status/1750210910637945262 President Joe Biden brought his presidential bully pulpit to the pulpit of St. John Baptist Church on Sunday, quoting scripture and heralding the promise of the Black American church as he tries to convince a core constituency that he is worthy of their support this November. https://youtu.be/1Dyh0MtAuVo In today’s episode of Racists Defending Their Racism By Being More Racist, Turning Point USA’s head white nationalist in charge, Charlie Kirk, has outraged the non-white supremacist portion of the internet once again by saying confidently that if he sees a Black pilot, he’s going to assume they’re unqualified. Of course, like most delusional white conservatives, Kirk is claiming this sentiment is borne not from racism, but from DEI initiatives, which conservative white people erroneously believe is essentially Jim Crow for Caucasians. “I’m sorry. If I see a Black pilot, I’m going to be like, ‘Boy, I hope he’s qualified,” Kirk said during a recent episode of The Charlie Kirk Show. Actually, let’s begin with Kirk’s producer’s assertion that Kirk’s clear and unmistakable racism stems from a “reality the left has created” through affirmative action and DEI—because that’s the lie white racists keep telling themselves. They’ve lured the nation into this absurd “What came first, the chicken or the egg?” debate regarding DEI and white racism when the answer is obvious and observable throughout American history: White racism came first. Affirmative action and DEI are products of white supremacy. Efforts to diversify largely white male spaces came after decades upon decades of non-white exclusion in academia and the workforce. It came after decades upon decades of white men in power deciding white men were the only ones qualified to be in power. For the overwhelming majority of America’s existence, affirmative action exclusively for white men was the default. That’s the only reason DEI became necessary in the first place. So, no, this isn’t a “reality created by the left,” it’s a reality created by traditional American white supremacy, which is absolutely conservative in nature, which is why right-wing white people are still the ones looking at Black people with jobs and assuming they’re unqualified. https://twitter.com/i/status/1749945917791490343 Texas superintendent is defending the decision to suspend a Black student over his locs hairstyle in a Houston Chronicle newspaper ad. According to The Messenger, Barbers Hill ISD superintendent Greg Poole defended the school district’s position to repeatedly suspend Darryl George for how he wore his locs. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GD0RQyeX0AAgy08?format=jpg&name=900x900 “Being an American requires conformity with the positive benefit of unity,” wrote Poole, discussing George’s case. He continued, “We have taken the highly unusual step of seeking a declaratory judgment in state district court to verify our interpretation.” Poole also said in the letter that Darryl George moved to the district from a place that allows longer hair and that the decision is up to local officials. “Ultimately, this is an issue of local control and deciding who should be setting the policies, goals, and expectations of our school district,” Poole wrote. https://twitter.com/bklynborn1210/status/1732867206482973135/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1732867206482973135%7Ctwgr%5E2ade7bd5141c8a16d1a04c2b1f891b7381b572cf%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewsone.com%2F4954033%2Ftexas-superintendent-full-page-ad-darryl-george%2F Video footage appears to show dozens of white supremacists brazenly evading fare for public transportation in New York City without any scrutiny from law enforcement for a crime that typically results in the disproportionate arrest of Black and brown people. The footage of the so-called Patriot Front group members was recorded on Saturday at the Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) station at the World Trade Center in downtown Manhattan. It was posted to social media in the context of the white supremacists having difficulty understanding how to access the PATH via turnstiles through which riders must pass only after paying their fare first. “Many thousands of #nyc commuters use these turnstiles correctly every day. But these white nationalist demonstrators who marched here on Saturday seemed to struggle with it,” photographer Ben Von Klemperer wrote on the social media app formerly known as Twitter. https://twitter.com/i/status/1749103151574036813 When someone responded to the post asking if the Patriot Front members were actually evading fare and not paying, Von Klemperer said he “didn’t see any valid permission granted” to the white supremacists. The footage showed a clearly confused bunch of Patriot Front members unsure how to proceed through the turnstiles as bumbling apparent leaders passed around what appeared to be fare cards. Seemingly fed up with the apparent frustration building at being unable to figure it all out, a group of the Patriot Front members all began filing through one turnstile – which is likely illegal since the machines are geared to accept individuals passing through, not groups of people. One Patriot Front member even decided he was just going to crawl under a separate turnstile. “Fare evasion is punishable under the laws of New York and New Jersey,” the PATH website says. “Offenders are subject to summons or arrest.” A message sent by NewsOne to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey seeking comment about the Patriot Front video footage was not immediately returned. The group later marched freely in the streets of Manhattan alongside a light police presence. https://youtu.be/BAzHhoyAV6c Amazingly, despite the existence of a whole police station in the World Trade Center station and more police officers reportedly being assigned to patrol New York City’s subways, the video footage didn’t show any evidence of the presence of law enforcement surveilling a group that has been tied to criminal violence. Of course, that kind of hands-off treatment has been nonexistent when it comes to Black and brown people being accused of the same crime, statistics show. “Arrests and summonses for fare evasion have disproportionately fallen on Black and Latino New Yorkers, who, according to Stolper’s research, accounted for nearly three of every four people arrested and given summonses for fare evasion among incidents in which the police reported race or ethnicity,” the New York Times reported back in June. In an example of that truth, a nonviolent Black teenager was manhandled roughly out of a Brooklyn subway station over alleged fare evasion in 2020. https://twitter.com/i/status/1225509923251015681 That came one day after a viral video showed NYPD officers willingly allowing identifying members of the Proud Boys — a hate group aligned with racists — to ride the subway without paying their fares. When the person filming the footage also attempted to walk through an emergency exit to gain access to the subway, an NYPD officer stopped them and told them to pay. https://twitter.com/i/status/1609705212398260226 Swifties: Are you ready for it? The Kansas City Chiefs are going to the Super Bowl, and Taylor Swift was on hand in Baltimore on Sunday to help boyfriend Travis Kelce celebrate the team’s second consecutive trip to the Super Bowl. After the game, which aired on CBS, Swift was seen on the field embracing and kissing Kelce, who helped his team best the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship playoff game. During the game, Swift watched from a suite at M&T Bank Stadium alongside her friend and wife of actor Miles Teller, Keleigh Teller, and model Cara Delevingne. The friends were shown multiple times. Sunday’s playoff game marks the 12th Chiefs game that Swift has attended to support Kelce since she first showed up at Arrowhead Stadium in September. https://youtu.be/Ba_jv5U9rsQ While it’s a sure thing that the Chiefs are heading to Las Vegas on February 11 to play in the NFL’s biggest game of the year, Swift has not publicly said if she will be attending. https://youtu.be/t_69XL7bk4s She is scheduled to perform four “Eras Tour” concerts in Tokyo starting on February 7. Her final show on that leg is set to take place on February 10 with a 6 p.m. local time start, according to ticketing sites. Swift’s shows run about three hours, there’s a 17-hour time difference between Tokyo and Las Vegas and it’s roughly a 12-hour flight between to the two locations. https://youtu.be/8ekivgfeZXw The point of this headache-inducing SAT math problem? It wouldn’t be out of your wildest dreams to see Swift on the Super Bowl sidelines. https://youtu.be/IgGowR918HQ Dave Chappelle has responded to Katt Williams for exposing their fellow Black comedians during an interview with Shannon Sharpe earlier this month. Chappelle was among those comedians named by Williams during the appearance on the Club Shay Shay podcast. During an appearance at a California comedy club on Friday, Chappelle took aim at Williams for only going after Black comedians during the interview. “What part of the game is this? He only ethered n*ggas. He didn’t say anything about any of these white boys. None of these white boys function like that,” Chappelle said as shown in a video recorded by the audience at the Hollywood Improv. “Katt is one of the best painters in the game. So why are you drawing ugly pictures of us? Stop.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1748665625562726829 “Man, give him (Lamar Jackson) the trophy now and his (flowers).” Praise from fellow members of any sporting alumni always holds value – even more so coming from one of the greatest of all time. So when NBA superstar LeBron James posted his compliments to Lamar Jackson on social media following the quarterback’s superb Week 17 five-touchdown performance to likely seal his Most Valuable Player (MVP) award-winning season, it felt like a new defining moment for the 27-year-old. Jackson’s throwing ability paired with his elusiveness and speed – evoking memories of Michael Vick when he first entered the league – has almost singlehandedly changed the way the game is played, and arguably has led to an influx of running quarterbacks from college to the NFL. Jackson’s future as a quarterback was questioned upon his arrival in the NFL, but he quickly proved the naysayers wrong as he won the MVP award in his second season after setting countless records. He’s had some up-and-down years through injury and offensive woes, but this season Jackson has been back to his best, leading a No. 1 seed Baltimore Ravens to the playoffs, the AFC championship game, and likely his second MVP award. https://youtu.be/LC5EeYTzf2k But, after months of theorizing, Jackson inked a five-year, $260 million contract to remain in Maryland. The contract averages out to $52 million per year, the highest yearly average in NFL history at the time. “To be honest with you, I really didn’t care for other teams, really,” Jackson told reporters during his signing press conference. “I just really wanted to get something done here.“I wanted to be here. I was like, ‘Man, OK, other teams [are] cool, but I want to be a Raven.’ … I really wanted to get this done before anything, before my time up and branch off somewhere else.” With a revamped wide receiver core at his disposal and a new offensive coordinator calling plays, Jackson has consistently delivered standout performances, helping the Ravens surge to the No. 1 seed in the AFC and the best record in the NFL. https://youtu.be/y0k8sWT0Bbk Natalia Bryant rang in her 21st year on planet Earth in a memorable way with a star-studded birthday bash. The event which took place on Jan. 19, featured a bevy of famous faces in attendance, including Winnie Harlow, Kelly Rowland, Ciara and Russell Wilson, and Pau Gasol, the former Los Angeles Lakers teammate of Natalia’s late father, basketball Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant. Among those posing for pictures with Natalia were Aoki Lee Simmons and WNBA Star Sabrina Ionescu, according to Madame Noire. Capturing her daughter’s special day via social media on Jan. 20, Vanessa Bryant posted a video collage featuring a photo of her smiling warmly alongside Natalia, who was grinning. “Some sweet pics from last night, 21! @nataliabryant,” Vanessa captioned the collage, which also included throwback photos of Natalia with Kobe and her siblings Bianka, 7, Capri, 4, and Gigi, who was 13 when she passed away with Kobe in 2020. https://youtu.be/XjMKRuP7e78 “Happy birthday, 21st birthday @nataliabryant !!! We love you so much!!!! You are what every parent hopes and prays for. You are such a beautiful, strong, smart, loving young woman with the kindest soul, and I am so proud to be your mommy! I love you, mama!” Vanessa added on Natalia’s actual birthday. The young model and budding filmmaker weighed in in the comments of Vanessa’s Jan. 20 post, thanking the matriarch for the birthday party, saying she had the “best time.” https://youtu.be/svWYtvTal5Q It’s been a while since any news surrounding Wendy Williams surfaced, but the former daytime talk show queen’s living status has now been uncovered. According to Sandra Rose, New York radio host Miss Jones broke the news that Williams has moved from New York and lives in Florida with her son, Kevin Hunter Jr. During her radio show, Jones mentioned a visit she paid to Williams at her apartment building in Manhattan. Upon entering the building, a doorman told Jones she was too late to see Williams. "‘You’re a couple of months late. She moved,’” Miss Jones quoted the doorman. https://youtu.be/X48JeFNmgZk It’s been more than 30 years since Dr. Dre’s classic debut album “The Chronic” was released. And while that marks a milestone, Daz Dillinger is wanting payment for his contributions to the Death Row Records album. According to Complex, Dillinger acknowledged the 31st anniversary of “The Chronic” via Instagram. In addition, he questioned Dre over unpaid royalties he said are still owed to him. Songs featuring contributions from Dillinger on “The Chronic” include “Bitches Ain’t Sh*t,” “The Day The N***z Took Over,” “The Roach (Outro),” and “Deeez Nuuuts.” Noting how the rights to his material would revert to him, Tha Dog Pound rapper is giving Dre four years to pay him the royalties or he will not clear any of his work moving forward. https://www.instagram.com/p/C05Z6SOLVOR/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=64f6a014-bca9-4c65-ab73-c16daf4283c1 Special Victims detectives with the Metro Nashville Police Department arrested 31-year-old Tanner Patterson on Wednesday night who is accused of assaulting and raping two women in separate incidents in Nashville in January. According to MNPD, a woman initiated an online conversation with Patterson and eventually agreed to meet him at his apartment on January 14. During the encounter, the woman said Patterson brandished a handgun and hit her with it several times when she tried to leave. She told police he sexually assaulted her and took money from her purse before she managed to escape, the report states. In a separate incident, Patterson began chatting online with a woman through the social networking app, Monkey Run, according to the arrest affidavit. The woman let Patterson call her a car to bring her to his apartment. He met her outside his apartment around 12:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 24. “We encourage users not to disclose any of their personal data,” says a Spokesperson for Monkey Run. https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nashville/man-charged-after-sexually-assaulting-2-women-at-his-apartment/ The report states that Patterson even took a picture of the woman’s ID and her mother’s social media profile and threatened to find her and her family if she went to the police. Patterson called her a car to leave and the woman told the driver to pull into a gas station at 14910 Old Hickory Blvd. so she could call the police, according to the report. Detectives had already identified Patterson as a suspect in the first case on January 14 and confirmed his involvement in the second incident through a photo lineup with the victim, authorities said. Patterson was arrested on Wednesday night and booked on aggravated kidnapping, aggravated rape, and aggravated robbery charges. He remains in custody on a $310,000 bond. Patterson is currently on supervised federal release for bank robbery. https://youtu.be/hd9NhE_q8Vg Christiane Amanpour speaks with writer-director Ava DuVernay about her new film “Origin,” based on Isabel Wilkerson’s bestselling book “Caste,” its journey to the screen, and why she felt it had to be released before the 2024 election. https://eurweb.com/category/news-2/cnn/https://youtu.be/zkw3W1Ou3ck Megan Thee Stallion’s Planet Fitness ads are getting a giant thumbs down from Lindsay Lohan‘s father. According to HotNewHipHop, Michael Lohan lashed out at the “Body” rapstress on social media, comparing her physical form to his famous daughter’s. “I’m sorry, but you’re going to compare this… to this… in the “fitness” industry. Lol.. really?” Michael Lohan recently posted on Instagram. The post itself includes pictures of Lindsay from her Planet Fitness commercials alongside photos of Megan from the company’s latest ads. HotNewHipHop noted Lindsay’s past affiliation with Planet Fitness, highlighting the “Freaky Friday” actor’s stint as an ambassador and spokeswoman for the company. During that time, Lindsay was featured in commercials for Planet Fitness, including one that aired during the Super Bowl. In the clip, Linsey mocks her controversial past. At this time, Liindsay has yet to comment on Megan’s Planet Fitness ad campaign. The rhymer’s ads feature her transforming into Mother Fitness., a character who protects Planet Fitness gymgoers from some of the most toxic parts of gym culture. https://www.instagram.com/p/C2Nl4lpv3xv/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=d447dd78-3fda-4b50-b3f6-b6b7a66c5562 Planet Fitness’ collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion marks the company’s latest celebrity collaboration. As expected, Michael Lohan’s comments did not go over well with Megan’s fans, who let the patriarch have it online. “Being skinny doesn’t mean you’re fit,” one person wrote as other commenters issued a more humorous response. “One was on drugs & one was on cornbread so of course,” one comment read. “Comparing Kraft Mac & Cheese to baked Mac & Cheese is wild” another response read. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GDaTzCAawAA0X1a?format=jpg&name=900x900 Former NBA standout Sebastian Telfair is making his views known about NBA wives. During an interview with DJ Vlad, Telfair stated that 90% of the women married to NBA players are gold diggers. As for who is to blame, the ex-basketball star put it on the players themselves, those who tie the knot with women who are only interested in their money. As a result, Telfair said these women are easily accessible. “It’s because dudes is dumb and no one’s speaking up. No one advocates for athletes,” the ex-Oklahoma City Thunder star said. “They look at the athlete like, oh, you’re the ones with the money and no one advocates for the athlete.” “Athlete can’t even say nothing,” continued Telfair.” I’m like, what, that’s bogus. Everyone don’t got LeBron money. LeBron live in a different community than the rest of the players. Yeah. I’m saying 178 players only make one to four million.” https://youtu.be/nbPJveEQqms Back in 2008, Barack Obama made history as the USA’s 44th President, becoming the first African American to lead the nation. After Barack Obama‘s eight years as president, it might seem like we know all about his family: Michelle, Malia, Sasha, and even Craig Robinson (brother-in-law). Yet, beyond this immediate circle, Obama’s extended family includes his siblings residing both in the United States and worldwide. Behind the charismatic leader known to the world lies a network of siblings who have played a profound role in shaping his journey. Here is a compilation of information about Barack Obama’s siblings. https://youtu.be/5ZOUnKb4s-E She also talked about the legacy of their shared mother, who consistently showed courage in loving people with great differences. Despite her older brother becoming the President of the United States, Maya and Barack Obama have kept a close and affectionate bond. In both the 2008 and 2012 presidential campaigns, Maya actively campaigned for brother, even speaking at the Democratic National Convention both times. https://youtu.be/sYmjpAj1fuQ In 2007, she came back to Kenya to work with CARE International, a group dedicated to fighting poverty globally. After 3 years, she established the Sauti Kuu Foundation, focusing on helping underprivileged children, girls, and youth. As per a CNN interview, Barack Obama and Auma met when they were in their twenties after he invited her to Chicago. They traveled side by side, delving into their family history, as recounted in Barack’s memoir Dreams From My Father. During Barack’s presidential campaign, Auma actively supported him. Though she primarily emphasizes her foundation in public, she occasionally uses her link to her famous brother to aid needy people. She is a social activist, sociologist, and author. Over the years, she has been actively involved in various charitable and social initiatives, working towards community development and empowerment. https://youtu.be/YVns-hIP7js Her commitment to humanitarian work and dedication to combating global poverty has undoubtedly influenced Obama’s values of service and social responsibility. The bond with his half-brothers, Malik, Mark, David, and George, further adds depth to the support system that has been integral to Obama’s personal and professional growth. Their shared experiences, perspectives, and familial ties have contributed to the resilience and determination seen throughout his political career. Growing up with a family dispersed across continents and cultures, he gained a unique perspective that informed his approach to leadership. These half-siblings, while having different life paths, have contributed to Barack Obama’s broader perspective and have played roles in shaping his experiences and understanding of family dynamics. The unwavering support and shared experiences within this extended family have contributed to the resilience and determination that characterize Barack Obama’s remarkable trajectory in both public service and global influence. https://youtu.be/tku39flORLY When a Japan Airlines airplane collided with a coast guard aircraft at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport earlier this month, the JAL A350 aircraft was swiftly engulfed in flames, and terrifying images of the runway fire spread across social media. Former Japan Airlines flight attendant and cabin safety officer Mizuki Urano saw the photos of the airplane inferno and “assumed the worst,” expecting “a very big disaster.” But while five people on the Japan Coast Guard Dash 8 plane were killed in the crash, to Urano’s – and the world’s – surprise, all 379 people on board the JAL aircraft survived. A phrase was soon being thrown around, both in the media and online: “It’s a miracle.” This thought initially crossed Urano’s mind, but then the former flight attendant reflected and changed her perspective. “I know the Japan Airlines cabin crew members’ training manuals and training contents, and their concepts for safety and their passion for safety,” Urano tells CNN Travel. “I thought, ‘Oh, this was not a miracle. It’s the natural result of their efforts.’” https://youtu.be/Ab9AReZsMd4 Power 106 host Bryhana Monegain is taking legal action against 50 Cent for injuring her with a microphone that he hurled into the crowd during his Final Lap Tour set at the Crypto.com Arena back in August. It was reported that he threw the microphone into the audience after being triggered when it malfunctioned. The mic struck Monegain in the face and wrist … “resulting in severe and permanent injuries,” per TMZ. Monegain was hospitalized following the incident. According to TMZ, “Bryhana says she suffered a concussion and a forehead laceration, among other bumps and bruises,” the outlet writes. “A source connected to 50 says the woman wasn’t supposed to be in the restricted area … but unlike the mic, that argument doesn’t fly,” TMZ writes. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2023-08-31-083123-50-cent-1686228-046/ Whoopi Goldberg has responded to criticism about the Oscars shutting out “Barbie” actress Margot Robbie and director Greta Gerwig from nominations this year. Ryan Gosling (nominated for playing “Ken” in the movie) reacted to the snub, as did former US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton. Gosling addressed the issue in a letter calling out the Academy committee, writing in part, “There is no Ken without Barbie, and there is no Barbie movie without Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie, the two people most responsible for this history-making, globally-celebrated film. No recognition would be possible for anyone on the film without their talent, grit, and genius.” Clinton expressed a similar view on X, in a tweet that read: “Greta & Margot, while it can sting to win the box office but not take home the gold, your millions of fans love you. You’re both so much more than Kenough. #HillaryBarbie.” Meanwhile, in the latest episode of “The View,” Goldberg slammed the outrage towards the Oscars committee. https://youtu.be/1Mnvh41195A Comedian Corey Holcomb won’t be winning any Father of the Year awards after calling his daughter a “bit*h” during a rant on his podcast. “My motherf**king daughter was talking sh*t the other day,” Holcomb told cohosts Darlene Ortiz, Kraig Smith, and Marcus Smith on The Corey Holcomb 5150 Show that aired on Tuesday (Jan. 23), Vibe reports. “I was like, ‘Bi**h, I don’t know you.’” Holcomb spoke about his daughter, who he did not name, as if she’s a foreigner in his life. During the podcast discussion, he also revealed that he and the child’s mother, Maya Holcomb, aren’t on the best terms. “I brought it up because she tried to run a game on me like she was brought up by her mama, instead of realizing I got away from her mama ’cause I don’t speak to her mama. She be like, ‘I know you hate mama.’ I be like, ‘Bi**h, I ain’t got time to hate nobody,’” Holcomb continued. https://youtu.be/m4rqLgILQUk Raheem Morris is making history as the new, full-time head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. Morris, a Black man, served as the Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator over the past three seasons. In 2009-2011, he was head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and interim coach of the Falcons in 2020. As a head coach, Morris has a 24-38 record, Los Angeles Times reports. Morris, 47, is the third Black coach hired this off-season. Jemele Hill hit up X/Twiiter on Thursday to react to Morris’s hiring, noting that last year, DeMeco Ryans was the only African-American coach hired out of five openings. https://youtu.be/UxAMuip7pzI “Last NFL offseason, DeMeco Ryans was the only Black coach hired out of 5 openings. This offseason, 3 Black coaches have been hired as head coaches already. It’s giving progress?” Hill wrote. Morris was hired the same day the Carolina Panthers hired Mexican-American Dave Canales as their new head coach. “With 26 years of experience in the NFL, including the last three in an outstanding organization that has won our league’s championship in that time, Raheem emerged from a field of excellent candidates and is the right leader to take our team into the future,” Falcons owner Arthur Blank said in a statement. “His time in LA has given him an enhanced perspective on everything from personnel, team operations, game planning, working with an outstanding offensive staff and many other things that has helped him develop into an even more prepared coach in all aspects of the game,” Black continued. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GEuCjdDXsAEXj1Q?format=jpg&name=900x900 Senator Tim Scott is catching heat after stating on “The Ingraham Angle” that former President Trump achieved “more for minorities” than President Joe Biden. The Hill reports that the South Carolina Republican said, “Think about the fact that Donald Trump put more money in historically Black colleges and universities than any other president.” Senator Scott praised Trump for allegedly lowering unemployment and raising awareness about sickle cell anemia, a blood disorder that disproportionately affects Black people. Scott added, “Guess what? He’ll help white people and Black people and brown people. I mean, he likes everybody.” Meanwhile, after Trump defeated South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley in New Hampshire’s GOP primary, Scott joined him on stage. https://youtu.be/ykuEtKJ2D7A “You must really hate her,” Trump told Scott, referring to Haley. Scott replied, “I just love you!” The Rev. Al Sharpton reacted to the moment on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe, calling Scott “humiliating” and noted that Scott’s reaction “bothered me all night.” “It was humiliating to watch what Tim Scott did as a sitting senator,” said Sharpton. “It’s not a good thing in my life to watch Tim do that,” Sharpton said. “He has a right to be Republican; he has a right to do Donald Trump. But to do it in such a way that is so humiliating was troubling.” https://youtu.be/MaKgaUpW_RQ Meanwhile, Ingraham asked Scott about sharing the spotlight with Trump, “Was it uncomfortable up there? Nikki Haley’s your buddy. These things are uncomfortable. You’re sitting up there and he’s pretty tough on her last night. I mean, it was pretty tough. The dress, I probably wouldn’t have recommended that he go after the dress. I mean, that’s Trump. But was it uncomfortable for you because of your friendship with her?” Scott responded, “Listen, she served our state well as a conservative governor. She has decided to be a moderator Republican presidential candidate.” https://youtu.be/6c2j_PTUWlA South African gospel singer Kelly Khumalo broke her silence after a Gauteng High Court heard bombshell evidence this week accusing her of orchestrating the murder of her baby daddy, football star Senzo Meyiwa. In 2014, Meyiwa was shot to death while protecting Khumalo from armed robbers. Six years later, five suspects were arrested in 2020. The lead investigator, Bongani Gininda, told the court during the trial of the accused on Wednesday that Khumalo was the mastermind behind “a contractual assassination or hit” on Meyiwa, BBC reports. Khumalo’s attorney initially told local media the artist had “no knowledge” of the five suspects but two of the accused said Kelly hired them to kill Meyiwa. https://youtu.be/6VZc1Yzx6YE Meanwhile, Khumalo’s spokesperson told the BBC they “trust in the legal process.” The Netflix documentary “Senzo: Murder of a Soccer Star” was released in 2022 and examines the killing of the late Bafana Bafana goalie. Fans have been divided over the murder and discuss the case on social media. One person recently shared a message of support with Khumalo, writing, “My prayers and support go to Ms @KellyKhumaloZA. May God protect you, and give you strength to continue with your amazing professional work in music. All the best, and many more happy returns …” https://eurweb.com/2024/kelly-khumalo-accused-of-killing-senzo-meyiwa/ It’s mostly Chiefs fans in the metro, but there are members of the Ravens “flock” here too. Day and Joseph Adams Sr. know a thing or two about that. You could say it’s an NFL house divided. Day is a Chiefs fan, born and raised in Kansas City. “For me, it is very sentimental,” Day Adams said. While Joseph Sr. is a Ravens fan, born and raised in Baltimore. “I’ve been jealous. Extremely jealous. Our neighbors shoot off a firework or something after every single game, it’s like every time I hear that firework, that was like they won again,” said Joseph Sr. https://youtu.be/jeKvJmBZYuc It’s a supportive marriage. “It’s good for our family and each other to have something to cheer for,” said Joseph Sr. As they watch Lamar Jackson take on Patrick Mahomes, the love will still be there come Sunday, even though right now it’s an NFL house divided. “Teamwork makes the dream work,” they said to each other. https://youtu.be/Wxkiw0w7uI0 The 6th American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Honors announced the honorees of its annual awards ceremony recognizing excellence in the film and television industry. This year’s event will salute Taraji P. Henson, Jeffrey Wright, Garrett Morris, and Mara Brock Akil. Presented by NICE CROWD, the 2024 ABFF Honors will take place on Sunday, March 3rd, at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA, hosted by actor and comedian Tommy Davidson. Per the news release, actor, comedian, writer, singer, and first Black cast member of Saturday Night Live, Garrett Morris, will receive the Hollywood Legacy Award. Jeffrey and Taraji will receive the Excellence in the Arts Award, while screenwriter and producer Mara Brock Akil (Girlfriends, The Game, Being Mary Jane) will be recognized with the Industry Visionary Award. Nominees for the fan favorite award are: “A Thousand and One,” directed by A.V. Rockwell; “American Fiction,” directed by Cord Jefferson; “Origin,” directed by Ava DuVernay; “The Color Purple,” directed by Blitz Bazawule; “They Cloned Tyrone,” directed by Juel Taylor; and “The Equalizer 3,” directed by Antoine Fuqua. Zoë Kravitz’s upcoming directorial debut “Pussy Island,” has undergone a title change. Amazon MGM Studios is now calling the feature film “Blink Twice,” and it will debut in theaters on Aug. 23, People reports. According to Deadline, the story centers on a young waitress who infiltrates a philanthropist and tech mogul’s private island, which has more to it than meets the eye. The logline, per THR, reads, “There is something wrong with this place. She’ll have to uncover the truth if she wants to make it out of this party alive.” Kravitz’s fiancee, Channing Tatum, portrays billionaire tech mogul Slater King, who invites friends to a mysterious private island. “As a woman in general, and a woman in this industry, I’ve experienced some pretty wild behavior from the opposite sex,” Kravitz previously told Deadline about the project. “The title was kind of a joke at first, this place where people would go, bring women, party, and hang out. The story evolved into something else, but the title wound up having multiple meanings. And it alludes to this time and place we claim to not be in anymore, in terms of sexual politics.” As expected in the E. Jean Carroll defamation case, it didn’t go well for Donald Trump. The ex-president has been ordered to pay $83.3 million to Carroll for defamatory statements he made against her in 2019, a jury determined on Friday. The total is more than eight times what Carroll asked for in her initial lawsuit. https://youtu.be/2A1KjGTT7R8 The former president — who has been splitting his time between the courtroom and the 2024 campaign trail — was not present as the verdict was read, having departed the Manhattan courthouse at 4 p.m. ET. https://youtu.be/kxC4iBq-xsA Trump also walked out of the courtroom earlier today as Carroll’s team was giving its closing arguments, according to CNN. https://youtu.be/WGs9Fmbp3A0 Justin Timberlake appeared on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” Thursday and announced he’s hitting the road this year. Timberlake will kick off the 22-city The Forget Tomorrow World Tour on April 29 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, Canada — making stops in major cities such as Seattle, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, and New York. The tour will hit up Europe and the U.K. and wraps up in July at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky, Yahoo reports. A unique code will be emailed to fan club members to access presale tickets starting Monday, Jan 29. Citi cardmembers and wireless carrier Verizon customers will have presale access from Tuesday, Jan. 30 at 10 a.m. local time until Thursday, Feb. 1 at 5 p.m. local time. The general public tickets go on sale Friday, Feb. 2 at 10 a.m. local time at justintimberlake.com. https://youtu.be/a_YIvdIUaFU Cory Haywood and Smart Fitness, LLC was recently announced as one of two service organizations commissioned by the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA). As a result, Cory showcased his expertise as a stretch therapist at the 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Festival in observance of the MLK Day of Service. Cory Haywood is now an official DCA-commissioned healing artist. Hundreds of people from the community enjoyed festivities, exhibits, great food, and music at the Freedom Festival. Thanks to the Los Angeles DCA Performing Arts Division, they got to experience Cory’s Stretch Lab, where he demonstrated techniques to improve range of motion, and flexibility, reduce muscle tension, and increase blood flow. Stretching was presented as science-based, therapeutic, and healing art. A Kansas teenager was impaled by a pair of pliers after slipping on ice while shoveling snow. “Well, I got up and noticed my pliers weren’t in my pouch,” Joey Zeman, 15, told KWCH, “And I looked down and they were inside me.” The incident occurred outside the family’s home in WaKeeney on Saturday, New York Post reports. The boy’s mother, Alicia Zeman, shared gory images of her son’s injuries on social media. “It tried to pull them out a couple times when I first saw they were in there,” Joey told KWCH. “They didn’t come out. I called Mom and told her that I was on my way to the ER ’cause my pliers were inside me.” https://youtu.be/IlXFIWgGKu4 Former attorney for Pras Michel, David Kenner, pleaded guilty this week to a contempt of court charge for leaking confidential federal grand jury files to two reporters in 2023. Per Billboard, citing a court filing Thursday, prosecutors told a federal judge that Kenner leaked “swathes of sensitive internal government records” to reporters and plead guilty to a misdemeanor over “agreed to accept responsibility for violating the court’s protective order.” The leaked files contained information about the fraud trial involving Kenner’s former client, rapper Pras of The Fugees. Kenner admitted to violating court rules by sharing the sealed documents with reporters before the high-profile trial. “Unfortunately, former attorney David Kenner failed at every turn to competently represent Pras over the course of this lengthy legal battle,” said Erica Dumas, spokesperson for Pras Michel. Another year, another record for basketball star LeBron James. The Los Angeles Lakers forward was named to his 20th NBA All-Star Game on Thursday, passing NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for most of all time. Less than a year ago, James broke Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record. James, 39, is joined in the Western Conference starting lineup by Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic, Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant, and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. James, who is in his 21st year in the league, is averaging 24.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game this season. Earlier this season, James reached another significant milestone, becoming the first player in the history of the NBA to score 39,000 career points. https://youtu.be/ZnvVFUjnohw Watch GRAMMY Winner, Kierra Sheard, on SHERRI, in a daytime exclusive, in which she introduces her babygirl, Khloe-Drew to the world, discusses her brand new book, KiKi Finds Her Voice, album, ALL YOURS, and shares the news of a brand new Spring tour, I GOT AWAY TOUR. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Z0VoXHk274 Years after Florida military officials say they were first notified about potential graves of a former Black cemetery on the grounds of what is currently MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, 121 possible graves have now been located. In 2019, the Tampa Bay History Center reached out to the MacDill Air Force Base after finding archival evidence about there possibly being a former Black cemetery on land now occupied by the base, MacDill Air Force Base Deputy Chief of Public Relations Terry Montrose told CNN on Saturday. The military base was officially activated on April 16, 1941, according to its website. The base hired a contractor and for two years, they searched for additional burials, Montrose said. https://youtu.be/SwtNQynPBmQ With the help of ground penetrating radar and cadaver dogs, Montrose said 11 possible graves were found “in an area that indicated that there might be a cemetery.” The MacDill Air Force Base held a memorial service and dedicated a plaque for those buried there in February 2021. After 2021, Montrose said they kept searching, and as of this week, they have discovered 63 possible graves and 58 probable graves which, according to city records, were part of what was once Port Tampa Cemetery. Port Tampa Cemetery was a segregation-era burial site for area Black families and “was one of several African American cemeteries in the area that had been forgotten or purchased for redevelopment,” according to a historical marker at the base. “What we didn’t realize at the time was that we weren’t over the top of where we really needed to be,” Montrose said. “So, we decided to keep looking, and so we pushed out way farther, 300 meters west, and that’s where we found most of the bodies over the past two years,” he said. https://youtu.be/QUntv8KUBaQ As of Jan. 1, California became the first state in the nation to disaggregate data for its Black population by ethnic lineage. Thanks to a bill authored by Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena). Holden is a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus. A California Department of Human Resource (CalHR) questionnaire requests newly or rehired employees to voluntarily self-identify their race, ethnicity and gender for the state to track and evaluate equal employment opportunities and non-discriminatory employment practices more accurately. “For the first time, the descendants of our ancestors, people in my family and the families of over 2 million Californians, the overwhelming majority of Black California, will see our community represented and counted among the very important data our state collects, starting among current and future state employees,” said Chris Lodgson, a member of Coalition for Just and Equitable (CJEC). 21 Savage has confirmed that his American Dream trailer is “parody” art. We reported earlier that the rapper released a new music video-style trailer for “American Dream: The 21 Savage Story,” and many assumed it was a teaser for an upcoming biopic. The video unpacks the Grammy-winning artist’s experience of being detained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in 2019. “American Dream” features Donald Glover as 21 Savage, and “Stranger Things” star Caleb McLaughlin portrays the younger version of the rapper. A Lionsgate logo appears ahead of the trailer, and the end teases a release on “Independence Day.” As it turns out, the footage is not part of a larger project. “Nah, that was a parody,” 21 Savage told Shannon Sharpe on Wednesday’s episode of the Club Shay Shay podcast. https://youtu.be/Na8i-SnGfqc “I feel like it could be one day,” 21 said of a potential biopic about his life,” he added. “They would hate on it now though. Because they gon’ be like, ‘What the fuck 21 Savage deserve a story for, a movie about him for? What he did?’ You know how they do.” ICE officials detained the hip-hop star (real name She’yaa Bin Abraham Joseph) five years ago for living in the US illegally for years on an expired visa. Per TMZ, “Authorities later claimed the rapper threw out a bottle of codeine during that ICE arrest … and they say a handgun was also found in his vehicle,” the outlet writes. “His whole public persona is false. He actually came to the U.S. from the U.K. as a teen and overstayed his visa,” an ICE official said about 21 Savage in 2019, according to SandraRose.com. https://youtu.be/_fT7xi8cJPU Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles, responded to accusations that she shaded Janet Jackson’s VIP ticket prices for her current tour. TMZ reports that Knowles liked a post criticizing the sky-high VIP ticket prices for Janet’s concerts. In a video response shared on Instagram, Knowles denied being messy and called Janet the “queen of production.” “First of all, being on the other side of that, I know better than anyone what a great production cost,” she said in the clip. “It’s expensive. And I would never criticize another artist, let alone Janet Jackson who is the queen of production.” Knowles made clear that she has much love for the Jackson family. “I stay away from negativity,” she continued. “If you follow me then you know that I’m not involved in the mess. What I am guilty of is liking posts, going through when I’m in a big hurry and I don’t have time to really read and liking things because I trust that these are people that I follow. That was a big mistake. I will never do that again.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C2eCKuiSwNV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Freaknik goes wrong in the new BET+ original series, “Perimeter,” written and directed by Armani Ortiz (Maxine’s Baby), and starring Ava Mone’t, Tatyana Ali, Donovan Christie Jr., Malcolm Xavier, and Wes Montez. According to the official press release, the series takes viewers back to Atlanta in the 1990s and follows a complex web of personal stories. Here’s the description: “In Atlanta, in the 1990’s a complex web of personal stories unfolds. Paige, a promising Spelman sophomore, veers off her path to success when she falls for a “bad boy” just before the pivotal “Freaknik” event. Adulthood disrupts their lives, pulling Paige, her long-term boyfriend Malcolm, and newcomer Romeo into a series of challenges. Amidst Atlanta’s global Olympic spotlight, eventual mayor Robert Dawn’s rise to power comes at the price of personal sacrifices and moral dilemmas. These interconnected stories set off a transformative chain reaction in the city, echoing Dante’s words: “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” https://youtu.be/7FIbWy7TizA “The second single is released February 9,” said Country/Rock’s Will Wesley about his upcoming project “Ready to Ride.” The single is from his much anticipated, yet-to-be-titled, album. Wesley’s vocal sound is traditional Country, and his guitar playing brings that Rock vibe to his material. The first single from the new album was “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” a cover of Brenda Lee’s holiday classic. “I’ve always been traveling…and backing other bands guitar playing,” he said when I complimented him for all the performance days he has coming up. “I was playing the Blues when I was a kid. Landed a job as music director for (Grammy-winning Blues artist) Grady Champion…we traveled all over the US and Europe.” Will is the winner of the New Orleans International Blues Challenge. He has also toured with Larry Garner and collaborated with producer Phil Chandler on the “Both Sides of the Tracks” album featuring the popular single “Attitude.” He has also collaborated with Swiss Rocker Florian Fox. “I started building my own name in Switzerland…touring with a friend who was popular in the area. His manager had ties in Asia,” Will added. Kenya Barris is developing a reimagining of two classic Hollywood movies, “The Wizard of Oz” and “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Barris is also developing a biopic about comedian Richard Pryor, slated to be a 10-part limited biographical TV series. “It is my baby. I love it. He is my comedy god. A super flawed guy, but who everything, to this day, the comedy that we remember — even including [Dave] Chappelle — is derivative of what he started,” Barris said of Pryor at the Variety Studio during Sundance Film Festival, Complex reports. “That honest, reflecting, observational look at what the world is and the differences between us that actually make us more similar than we are apart. I think telling his story and letting people see things that they didn’t know about him is something that I’m super excited to bring to life,” Barris continued. Meanwhile, Barris said his reimagining of “The Wizard of Oz” will portray Dorothy as a young woman from Inglewood, California, who dreams of a better life. https://youtu.be/Tm5KMle65Ls Torrei Hart is speaking out about her controversial decision to tour with Katt Williams, claiming she is not shading her ex-husband, Kevin Hart, who has beef with the comedian. We reported earlier that Torrei will join Williams on multiple dates for his upcoming The Dark Matter Tour. She’ll appear in Charlotte on Jan. 27, Orlando on Feb. 2, and Tampa on Feb. 3., with more dates expected to be announced. Several social media users called Williams messy for inviting Torrei on tour with him, especially after he described Kevin as an “industry plant” during his viral interview with Shannon Sharpe on the Club Shay Shay podcast earlier this month. https://youtu.be/hSenQgcaKzU TMZ Hip Hop caught up with Hart’s ex-wife this week to get her reaction to the critics, and Torrei noted that she and Williams have been friends for years. “That’s my boy, we’ve known each other for years,” Hart told the outlet. “It’s only right. I’ve opened up for Katt before, he’s given me plenty of opportunities, we’ve shot a movie together, and we’re close. We’re so close Katt has watched my dog before.” “We’re friends,” she added. “We’ve known each other 20 years. This isn’t something that just happened.” Hart continued, “I’m coming from a place of ‘It’s my time.’ I’ve been doing the work for years and now it’s my time. So yeah, definitely, it is helping me emerge out of the shadows. A lot of people don’t know I’ve been doing comedy for almost 15 years. This isn’t new. I’ve been putting in the work from chicken shacks to the main stages. I tell jokes anywhere, I don’t care.” Hart clarified that her current career moves with Katt are “no shade at all to Kevin.” https://youtu.be/lJZWThdu9-Q Amazon’s Ring will no longer let police and other government agencies request doorbell camera footage from within the company’s Neighbors app, in what privacy advocates are hailing as a long-awaited victory for civil liberties. Authorities seeking Ring surveillance videos must now submit a formal legal request to the company, rather than soliciting footage directly from users through the app, Ring said in a blog post Wednesday. “Public safety agencies like fire and police departments can still use the Neighbors app to share helpful safety tips, updates, and community events,” the blog post said. On January 31, law enforcement will no longer be able to make new posts asking users to submit footage, though Ring users may continue to respond to existing police requests on the app until February 29, a Ring spokesperson told CNN. https://youtu.be/vueLN8AvPCI The suspect wanted in the robbery of Bishop Lamor Whitehead was fatally killed by police in New Jersey on Wednesday. The New York Daily News reports that Shamar Leggette, 41, was one of three men who robbed Whitehead and his wife of more than $1 million while he was preaching at the Leaders of Tomorrow church on July 24, 2022. Three armed thieves entered the church and removed the jewelry the pastor and his wife wore. “I got women and children there. As I got down, one went to my wife and took all her jewelry, and had the gun in front of my 8-month-old baby’s face,” White previously said in the aftermath of the robbery. “Took off my bishop’s ring, my wedding band and took off my bishop chain, and then I had chains underneath my robe, and he start tapping my neck to see if (there was) anything else — so that means they knew, they watched and they knew that I have other jewelry,” he added. “My church is traumatized.” https://youtu.be/tJp1wFwi6ck The viral “Brick Lady” has turned herself in to police after being charged for allegedly lying about being attacked by a man after she refused to give her phone number to him. Roda Osman, 33, used the incident to raise more than $42,000 on GoFundMe. Osman went viral late last year after claiming a Black man cold-clocked her in the face with a brick. She was charged last week for fabricating parts of the story and profiting off her lies. In a video shared online and posted on Instagram by the shade room, Osman (also known as Rho Bashe) can be heard saying, “Y’all, this man just hit me in my face with a brick and all these Black men just watched. This man…grabbed a rock and hit me in my face because I wouldn’t give him my number.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C2OGlERAK1K/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again 50 Cent recently filed a Writ of Execution against reality tv star Teairra Mari as part of the 5-figure judgment that she owes him related to a revenge porn case. As we reported earlier, Mari has been trying to avoid paying 50 Cent for years. For starters, she incurred the debt following an unsuccessful revenge porn lawsuit against 50 Cent and her ex-boyfriend. She took 50 Cent to court specifically for sharing an explicit image from her leaked sex tape. RadarOnline reports that she still owes him a total of $50,476. 50 Cent was initially awarded $30k in legal fees and $5k in sanctions and other fees. The “Love & Hip Hop” alum admitted she couldn’t afford to pay the debt, so interest for $14k was added to the bill. According to the Radar report, Fiddy recently filed a Writ of Execution against Teairra Mari in Sacramento County, California. Per the outlet, “The Writ was addressed to the Sheriff’s Department and directed officers to “enforce the judgment” which grows with “daily interest,” RadarOnline writes. Mary J. Blige teased that she’s no longer single in a new interview with Big Tigger for Audacy Check-In. “I’m not single. I’m happily doing what I’m doing,” the 53-year-old said on Audacy Check In. As Vibe reports, the R&B songstress didn’t spill any additional tea about her romantic life, but she appears to be boo’d up six years after finalizing her divorce from ex-husband Kendu Isaacs. Blige told Elle in a 22 interview that she didn’t feel beautiful until she split with Isaacs after 13 years of marriage. “I didn’t feel beautiful-like for real for real, not just ‘Hey, I’m pretty’ but actually believing it-until about 2016,” the superstar shared at the time. “If you’ve been beat down mentally by someone, you’re never pretty enough. You’re never smart enough. Nothing’s ever good enough.” https://youtu.be/RjF0g5RFY2Q Emmy Award-winning actor Colman Domingo will portray Joe Jackson in the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic Michael from director Antoine Fugua. The film is now in production from Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International, with the worldwide release scheduled for April 18th, 2025. Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson will star in the tile role, with Oscar winner Graham King/GK Films producing from a script by three-time Oscar® nominee John Logan, per the official press release. “Few actors present themselves with Colman’s screen presence and force of will,” said King in a statement. “We’re so fortunate to have an actor with his undeniable talent portraying Joe Jackson on screen. We couldn’t be more excited to have him join us on this journey.” Fuqua added“ Colman has such incredible range – he puts in the work to deeply inhabit his characters and understand their true essence and motivation. I’m grateful to be working with an actor with his passion and ability to portray the many sides of Joe Jackson: a husband, a father and a manager.” “Hightown” star Monica Raymund discuss the explosive third and final season of the hit STARZ series. Series creator Rebecca Cutter previously described Raymund’s character on the show as a “queer female Fisheries Service Agent who’s kind of like Don Draper as a woman with these real appetites and unapologetic and really tough. And I just kind of knew that her and a crime story and a sobriety story would be a good TV show, and I went from there,” she told CBR. Raymund portrays Fishery Service Agent Jackie Quiñones on “Hightown,” and she starts season three with a bang! https://youtu.be/Z1FPCvwZVkk It’s known as a classic Chicago pastime – good old-fashioned roller skating. You may have visited a neighborhood roller rink, even CBS News personnel took a few spins around recently. However, a lot of them have closed, but there’s a movement to keep the art form alive. It’s made its way into schools, and on Tuesday a South Side elementary school along with a Chicago roller skating guru joined forces to keep Chicago rolling.Myesha McCaskill, also known as Smooth Goddess, has been described as a master, a legend; an all-around guru of the art of skating. “I would say that I am community-based. I’m about love, I’m about diversity, and bridging the gap for all humanity,” she said. https://youtu.be/Wtubver9L08 CBS today announced performances and player honorees for THE SUPER BOWL SOULFUL CELEBRATION 25th ANNIVERSARY, (previously known as the “Super Bowl Gospel Celebration”), airing Saturday, Feb. 10 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ (live for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on demand on Pluto TV and CBS.com the day after the special airs)*. Cedric the Entertainer and Tichina Arnold of CBS’ THE NEIGHBORHOOD will host. It was announced today on CBS MORNINGS that their co-host, Nate Burleson, will be honored on the special with the “Lifetime of Inspiration” Award. The honor will celebrate Burleson’s substantial impact on the NFL and people of faith, as well as recognize his contributions to media, sports, philanthropy, and business. This accolade has been bestowed six times in the event's 25-year history, recognizing truly exceptional individuals in football who embody excellence, resilience, gratitude, and inspiration, both on and off the field. Previous recipients include Tony Dungy (2009), Ray Lewis (2013), Tim Brown (2015), Troy Vincent (2017), and Deion Sanders (2022). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iT15YgHY4Y The star-studded lineup for the Loves & Friends tour has been announced, with Usher slated to headline the event scheduled for May 4 at Las Vegas Festival Grounds. The headliners include Janet Jackson, Backstreet Boys, Lil Wayne, and Snoop Dogg. Additional performers are Gwen Stefani, Alicia Keys, Nas, Mary J. Blige, Ludacris, Nelly Furtado, Akon, T-Pain, Ja Rule, and M.I.A. The other R&B and Hip Hop stars slated to hit the various stages at the festival are Eve, Ashanti, Ne-Yo, Nelly, Brandy, Monica, Kelly Rowland, Robin Thicke, Jeezy, Method Man and Redman, Tyrese, Craig David, Sean Paul, Keyshia Cole, Kelis, Mya, JoJo, Cam’ron, Twista, and others, per Revolt. Registering on the festival’s website gives presale ticket access beginning Jan. 26 at 10 a.m. PT. General sales will follow via Ticketmaster. https://www.instagram.com/p/C2dKCrZyil4/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=9535dbd5-b3cb-4a9d-bada-2a265a7f017a The Los Angeles Times is cutting 115 jobs amid projections that the paper will lose another $30 million to $40 million this year. More than 20% of the newsroom is being slashed, with young journalists of color hit the hardest, according to the Los Angeles Times Guild. Watch The Times’ report about the layoffs via the YouTube. https://youtu.be/bTf-_SD5JiI Former GMA anchors Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes continue to unpack the aftermath of losing their jobs over their affair. The couple now host a podcast together and admitted on the most recent episode that they miss working together on television. As reported, ABC News booted Robach and Holmes in January 2023 after their affair was publicly revealed. The network parted ways with the couple because their relationship had become “an internal and external disruption,” ABC News president Kim Godwin told staffers in a call in December 2022, per Variety. Holmes was in a 10-year marriage with ex-wife Marilee Fiebig when he began dating Robach. Robach was married to actor Andrew Shue during her affair with Holmes. Meanwhile, according to USA Today, the ex-spouses of Holmes and Robach are allegedly dating. Page Six reports that Shue, 56, and Fiebig, 46, have been trauma bonding for over six months. “REVIVAL” by Jules Juda fused all the elements of the American Black Music experience, Gospel, R&B & Hip Hop, was one of the top performing songs at the Inspirational format in 2023, reaching top five and over 1.1 million streams to date. “Revival Remix” ventures into the World Music space with its high energy, Afro-Caribbean influence rhythms, featuring the eccentric Mali Music and the soulful vocal stylings of Tasha Page-Lockhart. https://gospelairplaynow.disco.ac/playlist-new/15798312?date=20240124&user_id=668306&signature=a_6FDtaCBXLGytWwc2-tRxGQBBk%3A3iZMuhA5 On Tuesday Tracee Ellis Ross stopped by “The Talk” where she reacts to recreating Lucille Ball and speaks on “American Fiction” receiving Oscar nominations for best picture and her co-stars Jeffrey Wright and Sterling K. Brown. https://youtu.be/P8VbatXc5bQ Natalie Morales asks, “What would you like to say [to them]?” Tracee Ellis Ross: “Well, I sent the text this morning. First of all, I think they should win all the awards. But the truth, their performances are extraordinary, but the treat and the gift of this movie has been meeting and making new friends… we didn’t all get to work together but the press (film’s promotion) process after, we’ve all really gotten to sit and hear each other and they are amazing human beings…what a cast.” https://youtu.be/RrnaeVj7QP0 NBA veteran Doc Rivers has accepted an offer from the Milwaukee Bucks to be the team’s next coach, a source with knowledge of the conversations told CNN. The Bucks fired first-year head coach Adrian Griffin after 43 games earlier on Tuesday, saying they were “working immediately” to hire their next head coach. Griffin had been with the team since June 2023. https://youtu.be/bxBlAW9Eh8s Rivers coached the Philadelphia 76ers for three seasons before the team announced they were parting ways with him last May following three Eastern Conference Semifinals losses. At the time, Sixers President of Basketball Operations described Rivers as “one of the most successful coaches in NBA history.” The 62-year-old has also served as the head coach of the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Clippers and Boston Celtics, who he led to an NBA championship in 2008. During TNT’s “Inside the NBA” Tuesday night, co-host Shaquille O’Neal said he is “happy for Doc.” “He does have championship experience. He does have experience with dealing with large-name individuals, superstars,” O’Neal said. “For so long, he’s just been surviving off that one championship so I would like to see him get another one.” In a November interview with CNN’s Poppy Harlow, Rivers said he begins each coaching season by telling his players, “I am human and I’m going to do my best, but I’m going to make some mistakes here.” Bucks General Manager Jon Horst said in a statement that Griffin’s firing was a “difficult decision to make during the season.” CNN has reached out to the Bucks for comment. https://youtu.be/PmkpYElp2Xs The Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC) is a statewide organization comprised of various associations, community groups and individuals united by a commitment to fight for reparations and reparative justice for the descendants of enslaved Black American men and women. In 2020, CJEC worked alongside California Secretary of State, Dr. Shirley Weber, when she was an Assemblymember representing the 79th District in San Diego, to author and enact Assembly Bill (AB) 3121. That bill, now state law, created America’s first-in-the-nation Task Force to Study and Develop Reparations Proposals for African Americans. https://youtu.be/K8a1ZJlrNyg The biggest challenge and opportunity our organization faced over the last year was raising awareness about California’s Reparations efforts. Does your organization support or plan to get involved in the push for reparations in California? Absolutely. We are California’s first, only and leading state-wide grassroots organization born specifically for lineage-based reparations and reparative Justice. How can more Californians of all backgrounds get involved in the work you’re doing? https://youtu.be/K8a1ZJlrNyg Atlanta rapper YFN Lucci pleaded guilty Tuesday to violating Georgia’s Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, according to court documents. The rapper, whose real name is Rayshawn Bennett, was facing several charges including murder and racketeering. Bennett was sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by 10 more on probation as a condition of his plea agreement, according to court documents. Bennett turned himself in to authorities in 2021 after facing a murder charge. He has remained in jail as he awaited trial and could be eligible for parole in as early as four months from now, according to a statement from his lead attorney, Drew Findling. https://youtu.be/SC3pVsoL6Jw Bennett will not cooperate in any other case as a condition of his plea, Findling said. According to the indictment against him, Bennett was associated with a faction of The Bloods street gang. Prosecutors allege the particular faction Bennett was associated with had come into conflict with the YSL gang, which stands for Young Stoner Life or Young Slime Life. Several alleged YSL members, including Grammy-winning rapper Young Thug, are also currently on trial facing racketeering and murder charges. Prosecutors also alleged members of YSL had discussed getting Young Thug’s permission to kill Bennett, CNN previously reported. https://youtu.be/3gIJ4xHf2uE The Cavaliers have issued a 25-game suspension to Tristan Thompson for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy. ABC News reports that the 32-year-old backup center was suspended without pay after testing positive for “ibutamoren, a growth hormone, and SARM LGD-4033, commonly used by bodybuilders and weight lifters for muscle enhancement,” the outlet writes. Thompson will be eligible to return on March 16 when the Cavs face Houston. https://youtu.be/VPdNj8mre18 Comedian Jess Hilarious recently took to her Instagram Story to call Charlamagne Tha God and DJ Envy “trash.” The move comes after Charlamagne and Envy spoke about their continued search for a third ‘Breakfast Club’ after it was (unofficially) announced last month that Jess would be joining the team. We reported earlier that she was allegedly set to replace Angele Yee on the long-running morning radio show alongside Charlamagne and Envy. Yee announced her departure in August 2022. Jess seemingly announced her ‘Breakfast Club’ gig at an event in her hometown of Baltimore on Dec. 23. Since then, she hasn’t appeared on the program. Jess was allegedly dropped after prematurely announcing the job before contract negotiations had been finalized. SandraRose.com reports that she was a no-call/no-show on her first day on the job on January 8. Meanwhile, Power 105.1 FM in New York never confirmed Jess was joining the team. Most recently, Jess reacted to a clip of DJ Envy calling R&B singer SZA “this generation’s Mary J. Blige.” According to Ice Cream Convos, she hit up her Instagram Story to react to the comparison, writing: “These n— trash. Envy shut up!” https://www.instagram.com/p/C2crOSgLORC/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Yesterday, Kingston rolled out the red carpet to welcome “Bob Marley: One Love” with a hometown Jamaica premiere hosted by Fae Ellington! In attendance were the film’s stars; Kingsley Ben-Adir, James Norton, Aston Barrett Jr., Anna-SharéBlake, Gawaine “J-Summa” Campbell, Naomi Cowan, Alexx “A-Game” Gallimore, Quan-Dajai Henriques, David Kerr, Hector Roots Lewis, Abijah “Naki Wailer” Livingston, Brian Todd Boucher, Cornelius Grant, Sheldon Shepherd, Wilfred Chambers (aka Ricky Chaplin), Nia Ashi and Sundra Oakley with director Reinaldo Marcus Green, producers Robert Teitel, Jeremy Kleiner, Ziggy Marley, and Rita Marley and executive producer Orly Marley. “Bob Marley: One Love” will be in theatres February 14, 2024. MC Lyte shared a photo of her new man on social media, and the move comes a year after she finalized her divorce from ex-husband John Wyche. According to The Jasmine Brand, the hip-hop legend is dating Aaron Johnson, 43, a professional in the tech industry. The couple reportedly met a year ago while attending a philanthropic event. Lyte recently posted a photo on Instagram of them wearing 49ers gear along with the caption: “My boo, my love Super Bowl, let’s go!!” She was previously married to Wyche for three years before they called it quits. MC Lyte got to keep her music catalog as part of their prenuptial agreement. In a prior interview, the music superstar admitted she was “very distraught” after her short-lived marriage to Wyche ended in divorce in 2020. https://www.instagram.com/p/C2WZShzOsqN/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=26004330-e432-4f52-b287-784689445b36 NeNe Leakes believes some of the “Real Housewives of Atlanta” cast members should be booted to save the show amid bleak ratings. TMZ caught up with the former RHOA star, and she shared her thoughts about casting for Season 16. Leakes departed the show in 2020, and the cast has since struggled to capture longtime viewers. She told TMZ that the show needs a fresh start. “If they’re going to keep those same girls over and over … it’s not a good look,” she said they should go.” https://youtu.be/yPp1i7iByfU Shaquille O’Neal is gearing up to host his annual pre-Super Bowl party, Shaq’s Fun House, for the sixth year. According to the news release, “O’Neal is bringing Shaq’s Fun House 2024, his larger-than-life personality, and over-the-top music festival experience to Big Game Weekend Las Vegas. Shaq’s Fun House will offer a legendary fan experience that includes an immersive carnival with rides and games, incredible live performances including Lil Wayne, Diplo, and the big man himself, DJ DIESEL.” The event will go down at Las Vegas’ XS Nightclub at Wynn on Feb. 9, two days before the Big Game. Tickets start at $99.99 and can be purchased online at WWW.SHAQSFUNHOUSE.COM, and VIP tickets are also available. “I’m a jealous competitor. The reason why we’re doing Shaq’s Fun House? I want people to say that’s the best party ever,” the retired NBA icon explained in a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter. Models Eva Marcille and Toccara Jones are speaking out about their experience on “America’s Next Top Model.” The pair competed in ANTM season three, which air 2004, and Marcille made history as the first Black model to win the title. At the time, Jones was the first plus-size model to appear on the series. Marcille and Jones recently appeared together on the “Big Tigger Morning Show” and revealed how they finessed their way on to the show, The Jasmine Brand reports. “I went to a fake call-back. I slid to a call-back when I wasn’t at the initial audition to even be called back to,” Marcille said. According to Eva, the initial casting call was held in Atlanta, but she missed it due to work obligations. https://youtu.be/_czAXzgBVEU In a recent exclusive interview, actress Maya Erskine and showrunner Francesca Sloane provided exclusive insights into the highly anticipated Prime Video series, “Mr. & Mrs. Smith.” Diving into the intricacies of the characters’ relationships and the delicate balance between spy escapades and personal connections. Erskine and Sloane offered a glimpse into the creative process that brought this iconic spy couple back to life. The series stars Erskine and Donald Glover as two strangers who land jobs with a spy agency that offers them a life of espionage, wealth, and travel – with a catch, new identities in an arranged marriage. Sloane and Glover are the visionaries behind the series. The two have previously worked together on the hit FX series, “Atlanta.” Sloane shared her excitement about showcasing the “B side of a tape of a spy show.” She emphasized the focus on intimacy. https://youtu.be/Zm1_DV_AV2E What a family tree Niecy Nash-Betts apparently has! The actress (and recent Emmy winner) took to social media on Tuesday to congratulate her cousins, Sterling K. Brown and Danielle Brooks, on their Oscar nominations. “Both of my COUSINS are OSCAR NOMINATED,” Nash-Betts wrote in the caption of a photo featuring the three of them on her Instagram, adding by way of clarification, “Yes! We are blood-related! REAL cousins!” “I’m so proud of my fam!” the “Claws” star added, concluding the caption with, “I’m rooting for you!” While it’s unclear exactly how the three are related, a publicist for Brooks confirmed that she and Nash-Betts are cousins. https://youtu.be/gCWsuORHp7s Brooks and Brown are each nominated in the supporting actor categories at the Academy Awards this year. Brooks is nominated for her role of Sofia in “The Color Purple,” while Brown received his nod for his work in “American Fiction.” https://youtu.be/Jvrhr5ntxXM It turns out, Nash-Betts also has another famous relative. Last year she appeared on an episode of the PBS series “Finding Your Roots” and discovered that the activist Angela Davis is a distant cousin. CNN has reached out to reps for Nash-Betts and Brown for further clarification. https://youtu.be/DNi2tg8kX8Y Nash-Betts’ recent Emmy win was for outstanding supporting actress in an anthology series, for her role in Netflix’s “Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.” https://youtu.be/2wrA_aicxdg Apple TV+ has dropped the trailer for the action-packed psychological thriller “Constellation,” starring Noomi Rapace and Jonathan Banks. Created by Peter Harness and directed by Emmy Award-winner Michelle MacLaren, the new conspiracy-based space adventure stars Rapace as Jo – an astronaut who returns to Earth after a disaster in space – only to discover that key pieces of her life seem to be missing. The action-packed space adventure is an exploration of the dark edges of human psychology, and one woman’s desperate quest to expose the truth about the hidden history of space travel and recover all that she has lost, per the news release. The series also stars James D’Arcy (“Agent Carter,” “Oppenheimer”), Julian Looman (“Emily in Paris,” The Mallorca Files”) William Catlett (“A Thousand and One,” “The Devil You Know”), Barbara Sukowa (“Voyager,” “Hannah Arendt”), and introduces Rosie and Davina Coleman as Alice. The action-packed space adventure will premiere globally on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, with the first three episodes, followed by one episode weekly, every Wednesday through March 27 on Apple TV+. https://youtu.be/4dAaLbsQSzI Jennifer Hudson and Common may have just confirmed they have a lot more in, yes, common, than just being two Chicago-raised, highly celebrated musicians. The pair hinted that they’re dating each other during Monday’s episode of Hudson’s talk show “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” where Common appeared – armed with a large floral bouquet – as one of her guests. “I’m a host, so I have to ask you this question,” Hudson said, going on to ask, “Are you dating anyone?” Without naming names, he said that he’s in a relationship with “one of the most beautiful people I ever met in my life. She’s smart, she loves God, and she has something really down-to-earth about her. But I set my standard kind of high because she had to have an EGOT, she had to win an Oscar on her first movie… she had to get her talk show,” Common teased. https://youtu.be/KSEQgjWMPJc As a reminder, Hudson earned her coveted EGOT status in 2022. She also won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar in 2007 for her role in “Dreamgirls,” her first feature film, and she hosts her talk show. Seems pretty obvious who he’s talking about. Hudson went on to say that she, too, is dating someone that she’s “very happy” with. The pair have been romantically linked since they were seen holding hands together in New York in November. Days later, Hudson told Gayle King during an appearance on “CBS This Morning” that she’s in a relationship, but stopped short of revealing with whom. https://youtu.be/0TZo5uuhrPY Bob Marley was more than a musician! Per the synopsis: the “Bob Marley: One Love” biopic celebrates the life and music of an icon who inspired generations through his message of love and unity. On the big screen for the first time, discover Bob’s powerful story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music. Produced in partnership with the Marley family and starring Kingsley Ben-Adir as the legendary musician and Lashana Lynch as his wife Rita, “Bob Marley: One Love” will be in theatres February 14, 2024. https://youtu.be/pdf7142SSCA Cori Broadus, daughter of hip-hop icon Snoop Dogg, recently shared an update on social media after suffering a severe stroke. We reported previously that Cori shared minor details about her health scare via Instagram on Thursday morning. In multiple posts, Cori included images inside a hospital amid treatment, but she did not explain what led to her having the stroke. It’s worth noting that she was diagnosed with lupus at six. “I had a severe stroke this A.M. I started breaking down, crying when they told me,” she wrote on an image showing her lying in a hospital bed. “I’m only 24 what did I do in my past to deserve all of this,” Cori shared on IG. https://eurweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Cori-Broadus.webp If you could work from home and earn $250k a year like Funky Dineva was purportedly earning, would there ever be a good reason to walk away from it?Social media has made it possible for people to earn that much money with a Wi-Fi connection and an engaging personality. YouTube creator Funky Dineva is one of those people. He co-hosted a talk show (TEA G-I-F) on the Fox Soul streaming channel. Earlier this month he quit the virtual job that reportedly paid him a quarter of a million dollars! What did he do to get chosen for the job, and was it a dumb move to quit? https://youtu.be/EB9xSONnj8Q In the words of W. E. B. Du Bois, a trailblazer in the founding of the NAACP, “The power of the ballot we need in sheer self-defense — else what shall save us from a second slavery? Freedom, too, the long-sought, we still seek — the freedom of life and limb, the freedom to work and think, the freedom to love and aspire.” These profound sentiments have been a guiding force throughout my journey, one that has taken me from an elected official in the California State Legislature to a member of Congress proudly representing the 12th Congressional District, to my current candidacy for the U.S. Senate. The NAACP’s commitment to justice and equality has been a constant influence, shaping my perspective on democracy and inspiring me to champion these principles at every stage of my career. https://youtu.be/ONyPBqR6Yes The deposition of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has been put on pause in the divorce proceedings of her lead prosecutor in the Georgia election subversion case, a judge decided Monday. Willis’ testimony is being sought by the wife of special prosecutor Nathan Wade, who was hired by Willis several years ago to pursue the criminal case against former President Donald Trump and his allies over efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Allegations of an improper romantic relationship between Willis and Wade first came to light in the Trump case as part of an effort to get that case dismissed. The alleged affair also has been raised in Wade’s divorce from Joycelyn Wade, who is seeking more information about Nathan Wade’s finances. Judge Henry Thompson said during the hearing in Cobb County Superior Court on Monday that “it seems to me that Mr. Wade would be the first and best source of what his income has been and how he’s been spending it, and that he would have firsthand knowledge of whether he is engaged in an extramarital affair.” “Only after I hear what Mr. Wade has to say do think I can determine whether the proposed opponent has any unique knowledge about these issues,” Thompson said of Willis’ potential testimony. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GDh1Q8hXIAAMPLT?format=png&name=small Dave Chappelle is disappointed that fellow comedian Katt Williams didn’t call out “these white boys” during his now-infamous interview on Club Shay Shay. According to Deadline, Chappelle performed at comedian DeRay Davis‘ MonDERAYS event at the Hollywood Improv on January 19th, where he slammed Williams for dissing Black comics. “What part of the game is this? He ethered n**gas. He didn’t say anything about any of these white boys. None of these white boys function like that,” Chapelle told the audience. He added: “Katt is one of the best painters in the game. So why are you drawing ugly pictures of us? Stop. Hurt people hurt people, but I am a hurt person that never hurt people, and he does it all the time.” Meanwhile, as we’ve reported, Katt’s bombshell interview with Shannon Sharpe on his Club Shay Shay podcast garnered over 46 million views in 10 days across social media and over a million audio downloads. Sharpe’s social media following also significantly increased due to “The Katt Williams Effect.” https://youtu.be/8oRRZiRQxTs South African Popstar Tyla has reached platinum status with her hit song “Water.” The Sammy Soso-produced track was released in 2023 and has sold over one million equivalent units, marking the singer’s first award from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). On Spotify, “Water” has amassed over 338 million streams. The song is nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best African Music Performance category. “Water” appears on Tyla’s upcoming self-titled debut album, out March 1. https://youtu.be/XoiOOiuH8iI Jeannie Mai wants the court to delay enforcement of Jeezy’s prenup because she claims she doesn’t know what’s in it. TMZ reports that the talk show host alleges she had little time to thoroughly review the prenuptial agreement before she signed it five days before their wedding three years ago. Court docs show that Mai alleges she had a small window to review the paperwork, which “raises significant concerns about the adequacy and thoroughness of the due diligence process.” Jeezy filed for divorce in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sept. 14, 2023, after two-and-a-half years of marriage. According to People, the filing there is “no hope for reconciliation.” The ex couple married in March 2021 and welcomed a daughter, Monaco, the following year. According to Jeezy’s divorce filing, the rapper wants to share joint legal custody of the child. The stars of “Good Times” reunited on January 20 at the 2024 Urban One Honors. Jimmie “JJ” Walker, Bern Nadette Stanis, and Ralph Carter came together to celebrate 50 years of the iconic 70s sitcom created by Mike Evans, Eric Monte, and Norman Lear. Check out the trio on the red carpet via the Instagram post below. “Good Times” debuted in 1974 and ran for six seasons and 133 episodes. The series starred the late Esther Rolle as the matriarch of a family in Chicago’s Cabrini-Green public housing project. John Amos, who portrayed the father, made headlines last year due to controversy over his health care. At the time, Stanis publicly voiced her support for the TV star amid allegations of elder abuse. Amos was hospitalized last summer after allegedly suffering “elder abuse and financial exploitation” at the hands of a caregiver, according to his daughter Shannon Amos. She claims the 83-year-old was placed in intensive care but did not disclose what exactly happened to him. Shannon set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for her ailing father. https://www.instagram.com/p/C2VliilvGXY/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Mona Scott-Young hosted a special screening of Netflix's new limited series, GRISELDA, starring Sofia Vergara. The series premieres on January 25. The intimate screening included special guests: Eva Marcille, Yandy Smith and Mendeecees Harris, Kirk and Rasheeda Frost, and more. Mona Scott-Young shared with guests episode 1, and spoke on the power of Sofia's performance in the series, and what it means to be a BOSS (La Jefa), "I think watching this series, you will see we are all pushing our own kind of product...but what she [Griselda] also had was determination and passion and commitment to what it was she was doing. And she did it against all odds. And she did it in a world that was dominated by men. " https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcF0A-Gy-Ng&t=1s Black History Month honors the achievements and legacy of African Americans throughout U.S. history. This year’s theme is African Americans and the Arts spanning the many impacts Black Americans have had on visual arts, music, cultural movements, and more. On February 13, in 800-theaters across the country, audiences can pay tribute to musical icon and disco legend Gloria Gaynor whose contributions have inspired millions with her powerful song “I Will Survive,” for a one-night-only theatrical release of the riveting documentary from Director Betsy Schechter, GLORIA GAYNOR: I WILL SURVIVE. Following the screening, guests will participate in a once-in-a-lifetime singalong of the song that has inspired millions “I Will Survive.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCvHkWCRWLo The Baltimore Ravens’ winning streak has significantly influenced renewed interest in Cheryl Lynn’s 1983 single “Encore” since November. On Nov. 7, Spotify streams of the song spiked to 30,000 in 24 hours, Afrotech reports. In TikTok videos, Ravens fans use Lynn’s “Encore” to show off their victory dances. The song is the unofficial soundtrack for the team’s success during the NFL playoffs. When Lynn caught wind of the trend, she noted on social media that for the past 35 years, she has owned the masters of her music. https://twitter.com/i/status/1749854460065497522 “Brings me joy. 50 years of musical service I’ve given, and to see it pour out into people that genuinely enjoy it, there’s no better feeling. Thank you 41 years later, y’all still killing it to this jam. XOXO,” Cheryl Lynn wrote on X/Twiter about the TikTok clips featuring “Encore.” In the comments, one fan wrote, “You are a Legend. Your artistry and heavenly voice have blessed us in songs from your duet with Luther to Encore, to Got to be Real. I just wanted to send you your flowers and thank you for sharing your talent and excellence with the world!” https://twitter.com/KentThaDon/status/1748863210894082156?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1749118830784221285%7Ctwgr%5E1fb45beb3d2a7de32f25f9f0b0ad009dd9cc2a3c%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fcheryl-lynn-reacts-to-encore-surging-on-spotify%2F A third Cheryl Lynn fan noted, “Good music stands the test of time! Thank you for that, Cheryl.” In a separate post, the music pioneer said she was “rooting for the Ravens,” along with the hashtag #RavensFlock. “Let the Encore continue,” Lynn added. https://youtu.be/wACbMWv1UYE The nominations for the 2024 Oscars were announced this morning, with a few surprising snubs, and people of color are mentioned in every acting category. Lily Gladstone is making history as the first Native American nominated for best actress for her role in Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon.” Colman Domingo is the first Afro-Latino nominated for Best Actor for his performance as “Rustin” in the Netflix civil rights drama. Jeffrey Wright was nominated in the same category for “American Fiction,” while his co-star Sterling K. Brown was nominated for Best Supporting Actor. Domingo joins Jodie Foster, Best Supporting Actress nominee (“Nyad”), as the first two openly gay actors nominated for playing queer characters. Meanwhile, Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” led the 2024 Oscar nominations, while “Barbie” director Greta Gerwig and film star Margot Robbie were shockingly shut out. Lily Gladstone is making history as the first Native American nominated for best actress for her role in Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon.” Colman Domingo is the first Afro-Latino nominated for Best Actor for his performance as “Rustin” in the Netflix civil rights drama. Jeffrey Wright was nominated in the same category for “American Fiction,” while his co-star Sterling K. Brown was nominated for Best Supporting Actor. Domingo joins Jodie Foster, Best Supporting Actress nominee (“Nyad”), as the first two openly gay actors nominated for playing queer characters. Meanwhile, Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” led the 2024 Oscar nominations, while “Barbie” director Greta Gerwig and film star Margot Robbie were shockingly shut out. As part of his defamation lawsuit against YouTuber Tasha K, Kevin Hart reportedly divulged the non-disclosure agreement signed by his former assistant at the center of the case. The comedian’s former employee, Miesha Shakes, is also named in Hart’s defamation lawsuit against Tasha K (real name: Latasha Kebe). We reported that in legal docs obtained by TheBlast, a representative of Tasha K allegedly contacted Hart’s team in November, claiming to have a damning interview with Shakes. The blogger is accused of threatening to publish if she wasn’t paid $250,000. Tasha K was served a cease-and-desist letter stating that she had no right to broadcast Hart’s business. “You have already engaged in criminal conduct and tortious acts that would entitle Mr. Hart to monetary damages against you should he elect to commence civil litigation regarding this matter,” according to Hart’s lawsuit against Tasha K. “To the extent that you do not cease and desist now, your liability for such monetary damages will increase, as will your exposure to criminal penalties.” Tasha ignored the cease-and-desist letter and published the interview on her YouTube channel, “Unwine with Tasha K,” on December 22. During the conversation, Shakes claimed Hart cheated on his wife, Eniko, and that he had a gambling problem. Hart’s gambling addiction was so bad he was allegedly unable to pay his employees, according to Shakes. https://youtu.be/xNQxRc5Oatk Migos rapper Offset has announced his first solo headline tour, which is set to kick off in March. The 17-city SET IT OFF TOUR is produced by Live Nation and celebrates Offset’s album of the same name, which was released in October 2023 with guest features from Travis Scott, Don Toliver, Future, Cardi B and Latto. The SET IT OFF TOUR kicks off on March 10th at The Fillmore in Philadelphia, PA, making stops in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and more before wrapping up in his hometown of Atlanta at Coca-Coca Roxy on April 10th, according to the news release. “’SET IT OFF’ is more than a phrase, it’s a vibe we’re creating together. This tour is not just a series of concerts, it’s a journey into my mind. I’m ready to hit the road on my first solo headlining tour, bringing the heat and most importantly, giving the fans a new way to experience my music,” said Offset. Tickets for the U.S. tour dates will be available for presales beginning Wednesday, January 24th at 10 am local time. The general sale begins Fri., January 26th at 10 am local time at LiveNation.com. The man suspected of killing eight people in Chicago-area shootings, Romeo Nance, has died after turning a gun on himself following a confrontation with federal law enforcement, police said. Nance, 23, was found Monday by US Marshals near Natalia, Texas – more than 1,000 miles from where seven victims were found shot to death Sunday in two homes in the south Chicago suburb of Joliet, according to the Joliet Police Department. Authorities believe Nance is also linked to a Will County, Illinois, shooting that left a 28-year-old dead, Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans said Monday. Nance shot himself with a handgun after being confronted by officials, police said. Investigators have yet to determine Nance’s motive, but the suspect knew seven of the victims, who are believed to be from the same family, Evans said. The victims have not been publicly identified. https://youtu.be/kh3rbADClfQ After a third straight season with an early playoff exit, it appears there is a bit of familial in-fighting among those near and dear to some Cowboys stars. Amid rumors of chemistry issues between wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott, Leta Ramirez, Lamb’s mother, appeared to take to Facebook to shade the Cowboys quarterback in the fallout of Dallas’ disappointing 48-32 wild-card loss to the Green Bay Packers. “DAK ISN’T IT!!!” the account with Ramirez’s name wrote. “It’s guys on that team [that] wants a RING! They work [too] hard,” the account wrote in a third comment. And it wasn’t just Ramirez expressing her frustration on social media. Tad Prescott, Dak’s brother, lashed out at Cowboys fans on X about the “drama” surrounding his sibling in Dallas. “Cowboy fans why continue to DM me TRUST ME, if I could get Dak to leave Dallas I would,” he wrote. “I too want him out of Dallas. The city and organization have been great to he and our family, but done with drama and the so called fans, but he loves this team, and wants to bring it rings.” https://twitter.com/PHLEaglesNation/status/1748528185069781069?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1748528185069781069%7Ctwgr%5Ea813d30c8303ac80033091466b3096f8b7b21979%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fblackchristiannews.com%2F2024%2F01%2Fceedee-lambs-mother-agrees-with-daniel-whyte-iii-that-dak-prescott-does-not-have-the-fire-in-his-belly-to-lead-the-team-to-a-championship%2F The Dallas Cowboys picked the worst possible time to lose their first home game in almost two full seasons, and they didn’t just lose, they were outright slaughtered. In one of the most embarrassing games in franchise history, the Cowboys were completely outmatched in Sunday’s 48-32 playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers, and honestly, the fact it was even that close is deceiving. Dallas’ defense, led by popular coaching candidate Dan Quinn, had a meltdown in this game. How so? Well, the Packers found the end zone on every drive except for one (before garbage time), and did so while averaging 7.7 yards per play. Perhaps the epitome of Dallas’ defensive “performance” came when Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love found tight end Luke Musgrave without a single defender in his zip code for a 38-yard touchdown late in the third quarter. https://twitter.com/i/status/1746683832005529866 The only In-N-Out burger in Oakland, California, will close next month due to crime and safety concerns for customers and staff. Several businesses have closed in the last year, citing crime as the reason, CBS News reports. Councilwoman Treva Reid, who represents the area, said her district is “in crisis.” “We’re in a state of emergency,” she said. “I’m definitely frustrated. Because if it’s not In-N-Out, it’s something else tomorrow,” said Oakland resident Jenny Goeppner, per CBS News. “These are people’s jobs, and it’s essential to have jobs so we can spend money in the community,” said Oakland resident Darryl Brown, CBS News reports. The In-N-Out is located at 8300 Oakport St., near the Oakland International Airport. Per CBS News: “The San Francisco Chronicle reported since 2019, police have recorded 1,335 incidents in and around the fast food restaurant, more than any other location in Oakland. Most of the reported incidents were car break-ins targeting visitors coming through Oakland International Airport,” the outlet writes, noting that employees have seen “armed robberies of customers.” “It’s terrifying, because it also puts us in danger,” said In-N-Out worker Daisy Nunez-Valenzuela. Morocco Vaughn and Skee Franchise, two Chicago natives, know that if there is one thing their hometown is renowned for, it’s world-class food. Like many from the south and west sides of the city, one of their favorite go-to destinations was the historic and popular Harold’s Chicken – which is why they decided to team up and introduce the restaurant to different areas across the country. On Saturday, February 3rd, they, along with some of metro Atlanta’s Who’s Who, will celebrate the grand opening of their hip new location at 3061 George Busbee Pkwy, Kennesaw, GA. BET+ is teaming with rapper Ludacris to develop a scripted series inspired by his upbringing and journey in Atlanta as DJ Chris Lova Lova. According to the press release, the half-hour dramedy will be written by Noah Gardenswartz and the hip-hop star serves as an EP on the project. Per THR, BET+ said the series is inspired by Ludacris’ “experience coming up in the competitive music scene in Atlanta as DJ Chris Lova Lova, the series follows the misadventures of a sharply drawn ensemble who are willing to do anything and everything to bolster ratings at their hip hop radio station.” Malcolm D. Lee and Larry Wilmore are executive producers on the series along with Ludacris, who also serves as the music supervisor. The untitled project hails from Universal Television and Disturbing Tha Peace, Luda’s label that he launched with his manager Chaka Zulu. This year’s search trends on Google reflect the dynamic and evolving landscape of popular culture, societal conversations, and influential figures within the Black community. Google has become the most popular search engine for several reasons, including enhancing user convenience and encouraging continued engagement. The company has solidified its position as the go-to search engine for millions of users worldwide. As users across the globe turn to Google to stay informed and engaged, many compelling topics emerge as the most searched trends within the African-American community. Google has compiled a comprehensive snapshot of the prevailing interests that resonate globally in Black culture this year. Black Celebrities Search interest in “famous black couples” grew +110% in the last two weeks compared to the same time last year, globally Most searched Black celebrities in the last two weeks, US Katt Williams Kanye West Dave Chappelle Drake Rickey Smiley Michael Jackson Nicki Minaj Barack Obama Beyoncé Dwayne Johnson Top trending Black celebrities across film, TV and music in past month, US Andre Braugher Katt Williams Dave Chapelle Rickey Smiley Christian Keyes Dionne Warwick Denzel Washington Black-owned businesses Search interest for “Black-owned beauty products” decreased 60% in the last two weeks compared to the same time last year Distinguished climate activist and founder of the HBCU Green Fund, Felicia Davis, took center stage at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, making groundbreaking announcements that underscore the organization’s commitment to global climate action and youth empowerment. In a momentous press conference, Davis announced the official opening of the HBCU Green Fund’s new Africa office in Senegal and revealed plans for the third annual Pre-COP Africa, African American Youth Climate Summit, set to take place in Dakar in June 2024. “Establishing a significant presence in Africa positions HBCU Green Fund to give voice to people most impacted by climate change and help to cultivate innovative youth leadership,” Davis commented. Cheikhou Thiome, HBCU Green Fund’s Africa director adds, “Our Pre-COP29 summit will bring young leaders, activists, and innovators from the United States and across Africa together in Dakar, Senegal to engage in constructive dialogues, share insights, and ignite climate action.” https://youtu.be/GF5-G-mdJJQ Applebee’s now has a subscription date night pass for $200. The pass will cover roughly a year of weekly date nights, according to the company. Starting February 1 — about two weeks before Valentine’s Day — and ending on January 31, 2025, the pass is valid 52 times. However, the pass only covers up to $30 of food and non-alcoholic beverages per usage. That can cover two servings of all-you-can-eat boneless wings, riblets, and shrimp – but the cost of margaritas will have to come out of your pocket. Spending on dates is up 40% from the past decade, according to a 2022 survey by Match — the owner of dating apps Tinder, Hinge, and Plenty of Fish. Some singles are forgoing first dinner dates for cheaper options like a walk in the park or a coffee. With the price of dining out rising, the chain has seemingly leaned into its reputation as an affordable destination to eat out. https://youtu.be/NDBzyr1t0_E Earth, Wind & Fire, Kirk Franklin, and Mary Mary will perform during the “Super Bowl Soulful Celebration 25th Anniversary” special, which will air on CBS on Feb. 10. Comedian Cedric the Entertainer and actress Tichina Arnold will host the one-hour event, which will be taped on Feb. 7 at the Pearl Theater in the Palms Casino Resort during Super Bowl LVIII week in Las Vegas, Billboard reports. The Super Bowl Soulful Celebration 25th Anniversary will honor Dallas Cowboys quarterback Rayne “Dak” Prescott, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, and Dallas Cowboys linebacker Markquese Bell for their achievements on and off the field, per Billboard. This annual event, launched in 1999 during Super Bowl XXXIII, was formerly known as the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration. Past performers have included Snoop Dogg, Pharrell Williams, Fantasia, and Gladys Knight. Malia Obama recently premiered her directorial debut, the short film “The Heart,” at the Sundance Film Festival. Obama is credited as Malia Ann on the comedy-drama that “follows a lonely man named Josh, portrayed by Tunde Adebimpe, as he grapples with the sudden loss of his mother, Anita, played by LaTonya Borsay. The plot takes an unexpected turn with Anita’s peculiar request in her will for her son to preserve her heart organ and care for it after her passing,” per blexmedia.com. During a Q&A session at Sundance, Obama described the project as an “allegorical little poem story.” You can watch “The Heart” from January 25 to 28 as part of Sundance’s short film program. Donald Glover’s production company is reportedly behind “The Heart.” https://youtu.be/xTuP-YOZCAY Shannon Sharpe has responded to the Saturday Night Live spoof of his now-infamous Katt Williams interview. “I can’t believe Saturday Night Live fooled ya boy, Ocho. The dude had a brown tracksuit on just like I had,” Sharpe told his Nightcap co-host, Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, in the clip. “You famous now, man,” Johnson responded. “You know what’s the next step after Saturday Night Live? You might be hosting the Oscars.” The SNL parody features Ego Nwodim as Williams and Devon Walker as Sharpe. https://youtu.be/Sz-pH6VcAQs Sharpe recently hit up Twitter to highlight the numbers from the January 3rd interview with Katt on his Club Shay Shay podcast (watch it here in case you missed it). He captioned the post with a direct quote from Katt, who said at the top of their conversation: “Club Shay Shay is going to be in a dimension it’s never been. The greatest thing floating in 2024. Mark the words. In a whole different realm of business. Oprah coming next! Once I establish this as a place of truth, oh yeah. Watch! God’s people ain’t that few.” As it turns out, Katt was right, as his bombshell interview garnered over 46 million views in 10 days across social media and over a million audio downloads. Sharpe’s social media following also significantly increased due to “The Katt Williams Effect.” https://youtu.be/p5174L4TZu4 A TikToker who bragged about living in a storage unit has been kicked out of the space after self-snitching on social media. Complex reports that Leland Brown Jr., 28, posted a video of himself detailing the benefits of illegally living in a storage unit with his 21-year-old girlfriend. Brown is homeless, allegedly works at a hotel, and has been documenting his journey on TikTok. “Me and my baby will live here as long as we need to until we can get the shelter that we want,” he said in one clip, according to Complex. “Because we’re living here, now we can save up more money to get what we really want. We’re in it for the long haul.” Brown Jr. explains in a video that he lives “in a storage unit because it’s cheap in comparison to an apartment.” He added, “Living here is actually really comfortable I get a lot of things that I need and want to get done here.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C2TSDKRMxH9/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Kanye West’s fans are calling him out for sharing racy photos of his wife online. The series of images shows Bianca Censori, 29, scantily clad and with her derriere exposed. The Blast reports that one fan commented on Ye’s Instagram page, “When you post [things] like this, it negates all your preaching and gospel albums you say you live by. Which one is the lie?” Many of Ye’s IG followers accused him of “degrading” his wife. In one of the photos, a nearly nude Censori is wearing PVC headgear while seemingly eating Cream of wheat cereal. West captioned the image, “Cream of wheat.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C2UtPkLLSak/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=545f75fb-11e2-4727-9123-09518403c2a3 West allegedly blames Censori for not being pregnant yet with their first child. The rapper and the model tied the knot a year ago, and insiders claim he’s ready to start a family with the Kim Kardashian clone. A source reportedly told the National Enquirer that Ye is frustrated with the Yeezy architect for not giving him baby #5. The hip-hop star shares four minor children with ex-wife Kim Kardashian. “Kanye’s all about projecting an image he’s a virile, baby-making stud — but that’s far from the truth,” the source told the Enquirer. “Sure, he parades his wife around like some sex toy. But most nights, she goes to bed alone — and he’s up until sunrise surrounded by all his yes men!” The source added, “… instead of realizing where he went wrong, he’s blaming her” and forcing Censori to have in vitro fertilization (IVF). https://www.instagram.com/p/C2UtTFPLnM-/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=3a7318cc-d792-44b7-bc94-9178e455ff98 Meanwhile, Tyrese Gibson posted a sultry video of his girlfriend in response to Ye’s photo dump of his wife. In the caption, the actor/singer wrote, “Just loving on my carmel chocolate @zelietimothy #AllLove.” A text over the clip reads, “Dear Kanye, All wheat, hold the cream.” https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2WUkrluB-L/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=76132602-e881-41d9-a3ae-a4663b9d7e24 Nick Cannon has advice for rapper/comedian Zeddy Will, who went viral for impregnating five women at the same time. The 22-year-old New York native held a joint baby shower for the women, SandraRose.com reports. When Cannon, a father of 12, caught wind of Zeddy, he offered the following advice, “Get some sleep. Rest up. Get into therapy ASAP. We all need therapy,” Cannon said in a video obtained by TMZ. Cannon previously revealed that he spends $200,000 a year on trips to Disneyland with his children. “Do you know how much money I spend at Disneyland a year?” he asked the hosts “The Breakfast Club” radio show last month. “Every birthday and Christmas, I’m literally at Disneyland at least once a month, and to move around Disney, like, I’m probably spending $200,000 a year at Disneyland,” Cannon said, Fox News reports. https://twitter.com/i/status/1747621797023859134 In a new interview with People, Cannon was asked about the most challenging aspect of parenthood. “My entire life is challenging. I don’t live a normal existence, but I embrace it. I love challenges,” he said. “I wouldn’t say there was one specific thing that stands out more than another,” Cannon added. “Every day, there’s a new challenge, and I accept it.” https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-01-19-011924-nick-cannon-1761386-126/ Dexter Scott King, the youngest son of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., has died, according to statements from his family and the King Center. The Center confirmed in a statement the 62-year-old civil rights activist died Monday. The third child of Dr. and Mrs. Coretta Scott King was married to Leah Weber King in 2013. Weber King said in a statement from the King Center, “He transitioned peacefully in his sleep at home with me in Malibu.” She added, “He gave it everything and battled this terrible disease until the end. As with all the challenges in his life, he faced this hurdle with bravery and might.” King’s older brother Martin Luther King III said, “I am deeply saddened to share that my brother, Dexter Scott King, has passed away. The sudden shock is devastating. It is hard to have the right words at a moment like this. Please keep the entire King family in your prayers, and in particular Dexter’s wife, Leah Weber.” The Rev. Al Sharpton said he was “heartbroken to hear that Dexter King left us this morning, but I was comforted by the knowledge he is reunited with his parents and sister.” Dexter’s mother, Coretta Scott King, died in 2006. His sister Yolanda Denise King died in 2007. https://youtu.be/um1BycnDJBk Taraji P. Henson is speaking out about the alleged chaos surrounding “The Color Purple” production and promotion. Henson wants fans and movie lovers to embrace the film and not focus on the reported behind-the-scenes drama involving Oprah Winfrey. “I hope they can focus back onto this film, because right now, to me, it feels like what I said is now becoming louder than this beautiful film,” Henson said in a statement to TODAY.com. “And that’s not fair to me, or anybody in the film,” Henson continued, adding, “because the film deals with women who are oppressed — who live in an oppressed system. Men and women. And all the characters in that film except for the white people. So that movie is about healing. That movie is about sisterhood.” We reported earlier that executives at Warner Bros. allegedly blame Henson and Oprah Winfrey, who serves as an executive producer on “The Color Purple,” for the film’s box office failure. https://youtu.be/zTnircQsMaM Singer T-Boz responded on social media after fans expressed concern about her health following the cancellation of TLC’s Australia/New Zealand tour with En Vogue and Busta Rhymes. The Jasmine Brand reports that the group’s official Instagram page announced that the forthcoming tour was canceled, and fans quickly speculated that this was due to T-Boz’s battle with sickle cell anemia. “To our incredible Australian and New Zealand fans, with heavy hearts, we regret to announce the cancellation of our upcoming tour,” the message on TLC’s Instagram page states. “Unforeseen circumstances have made it impossible to proceed, and we sincerely apologize for any disappointment. to our fans. Your support means everything, and we promise to make it up to you. We can’t wait to be back in your beautiful countries soon. Thank you for your understanding and love,” the statement continued. According to The Jasmine Brand, T-Boz shared an update in the comments section of the outlet’s IG post about her fans, writing, “Thx, but I’m JUST FINE!!! Great actually! Just bcuz I hv Sockle cell doesn’t mean I’m SICK all the time!!! My name was no where in that article! It was for business reasons ONLY!” Peacock’s latest venture “In the Know,” is a unique addition to the ever-expanding world of animated series! Created by Mike Judge of “Beavis and Butt-Head” and “Silicon Valley” fame, the show takes a humorous look behind the scenes of an NPR show hosted by the third most popular host, Lauren Caspian, who also happens to be a stop-motion puppet. Each episode offers a glimpse into the making of Lauren’s show, featuring in-depth interviews with real-world human guests, including notable figures like former heavy-weight champ Mike Tyson and comedian and actress Nicole Byer. What sets this series apart is its cast of puppet characters who, like Lauren, are well-meaning but delightfully hypocritical nimrods. https://youtu.be/Ci_PnX7kegM Cardi B’s legal team claims popular YouTuber Tasha K is hiding money in secret offshore accounts. Tasha K (aka LaTasha Kebe) lost a $4 million defamation lawsuit to Cardi B, and last year, she allegedly told the court that she couldn’t afford to pay the judgment. As RadarOnline.com reports, Tasha declared bankruptcy after informing the court of her dire financial situation. “Clearly [Tasha] does not have the ability to pay the [Cardi] judgment in full,” Tasha’s lawyer previously said in court, per RadarOnline. Cardi B sued Tasha K for defamation after she created videos accusing the hip-hop star of being a drug addict and former prostitute with an STD. Cardi B testified during the 2023 trial that she suffered extreme emotional distress and that her marriage to Migos rapper Offset was affected. A Georgia jury ultimately found Tasha K liable on four counts and awarded Cardi $4.05 million in damages. The 1950s and ’60s girl groups – epitomized by acts like The Ronettes, The Crystals, The Shirelles (featuring Beverly Lee), The Supremes, and The Vandellas – revolutionized American pop music and energized the civil rights movement. Their story is told in “But Will You Love Me Tomorrow?: An Oral History of the ’60s Girl Groups.” Emily Sieu Liebowitz and co-author Laura Flam are lifelong fans of the girl group sound. They feature over 100 subjects who made the music, from singers to songwriters to their agents, managers, and sound engineers. Liebowitz told EURweb the women were inspiring. “We talked to so many people from varying backgrounds, and their lives have gone in all kinds of directions,” the award-winning author said. “Some continued in the music business, some had families, some had wild, unbelievable public success, others got solid jobs and created community wherever they landed, some died young, and some are still with us today. Liebowitz added: “It was a real honor to have so many elders sharing their lives with us. To say it’s not something we value enough in society is an understatement.” https://youtu.be/A15PvJ-if0Y?list=RDA15PvJ-if0Y She vividly recalls performing before an all-White audience at a college in South Carolina. There was no trouble, but she’ll never forget the expressions on the people’s faces when they saw the young Black girls. “When we got there, if you could have seen the look in their eyes.” Lee added that being there “opened the door for other artists to come in.” During the ’60s British invasion, several artists from across the pond professed their love for the soulful sounds of girl groups. According to George Harrison, the Beatles were large admirers: “We always loved those American girl groups, like the Shirelles and the Ronettes, so yeah, we developed our harmonies from trying to come up with an English, male version of their vocal feel.” https://youtu.be/h-6PVDsIA58 A Pennsylvania is facing murder charges after killing his neighbor who complained about his loud snoring. Christopher James Casey, 55, was arrested Thursday after fatally stabbing 62-year-old Robert Wallace on Jan. 14. The tragedy unfolded following an argument about Casey snoring too loud, Complex reports. Police noted in an affidavit that Wallace attempted to diffuse the heated moment by offering to help pay for Casey’s nasal surgery to correct his snoring. “Casey said he did not believe Wallace’s intention of ‘try to work this out’ and ‘shake hands’ and try ‘to fix this situation’ was genuine,” police wrote in the affidavit, per Complex. “As a result, Casey decided to ‘surprise him’ by stabbing Wallace with a knife.” On the day of the stabbing, Wallace confronted Casey at his home, and Casey attacked with a large, military-style knife. He reportedly stabbed the victim in the chest multiple times. https://twitter.com/JoeSkurzTV/status/1749243003623924133?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1749243003623924133%7Ctwgr%5E6442e533cf5b3d5d03e04a22d403ddbc6e175cff%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fpennsylvania-man-stabs-killing-neighbor-over-snoring%2F Jury selection began Monday (01-22-24) in New York in the trial of two men charged with the murder of Run D-M-C’s Jam Master Jay. Ronald Washington and Karl Jordan are charged with shooting the hip-hop pioneer — whose real name was Jason Mizell. It happened in 2002 at Mizell’s recording studio in NYC. For years — his death lingered as a cold case — with witnesses reluctant to speak up. A third person — Jay Bryant — was also charged in the murder. His lawyer successfully argued for his case to be severed from the other two. All three have pleaded not guilty. https://youtu.be/NVFNb0hBXW4 Last November, we reported the all-too-familiar story of a cop who vehemently hates Black people while patrolling streets where he consistently encountered Black people—until he shot one of them. Last year, now-former San Jose, California, police officer Mark McNamara resigned after he became the subject of an internal police investigation that resulted in the release of 10 pages of text messages that put on display his wide range of bigotry, most of which was leveled at Black people. Most of the text messages, which were released by San Jose Police Chief Anthony Mata, included the n-word. One of them read flat out, “I hate Black people.” Another expounded on that sentiment saying, “I hate black people more than I hate being a cop.” And one appeared to be a reference to the 2022 shooting of Black man K’aun Green, who had reportedly broken up a fight and wrestled a gun away from one of the assailants. Although, that’s not the way McNamara allegedly told it. “N—-r wanted to carry a gun in the Wild West. Not on my watch,” he said of Green, who survived the shooting. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F-IfV-waYAAQGBC?format=jpg&name=360x360 Pharrell Williams’ non-profit initiative, Black Ambition, awarded 36 entrepreneurs with over $3 million to fund their businesses in November 2023. Tendaji Inc., one of Black Ambition’s $20,000 HBCU prize winners, has become a business to watch for fashion mavens. Founded by Daryl Riley, Stanton Ridley, and Jordan Wells, Tendaji Inc. has the vision of redefining convenience by designing clothing and accessories equipped with state-of-the-art technology. In addition, the founders are creating jackets with built-in wireless phone-charging capabilities. Although Tendaji Inc.’s plans are ambitious for any fashion company, the trio has already put the wheels in motion via Black Ambition’s priceless resources. That said, fashion mavens have a lot to look forward to in 2024. The Republican governor of New Hampshire shrugged off the significance of South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott endorsing Donald Trump for president and laughed at the suggestion it even mattered. Gov. Chris Sununu reacted with cynicism and then some on Friday when a reporter asked for his opinion of Scott’s endorsement of Trump just days ahead of the New Hampshire presidential primary next week. “If anyone cared about Tim Scott he’d still be running for president,” Sununu said through a grin before punctuating his true feelings with a shoulder-shuffling laugh: “Nobody cares.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1748464146536898728 Scott even went so far as to predict that Trump — who stands indicted four times for trying to overthrow an election and inciting a deadly riot at the U.S. Capitol — would restore law and order in the U.S. https://twitter.com/i/status/1748682557074346148 Throughout his criticism, Sununu didn’t make any mention of Scott’s apparent hypocrisy in endorsing Trump. After all, it wasn’t that long ago when Scott was disavowing Trump’s response to white supremacists participating in a deadly right-wing march in Charlottesville, Virginia. Nearly six years later, the same man said out loud that he was “so excited” to endorse Trump. https://twitter.com/i/status/1748477738862944292 Daytime talk show “The View” invited Vice President Kamala Harris to speak on behalf of the Biden Administration and how they are handling the Israel-Hamas conflict. Media personality Sunny Hostin asks the tough questions and Harris shares her answers. The conversation begins with Hostin sharing the views of a very important part of the Democratic voter base. She said that voters from 18-29 disapprove of how the Biden administration is handling the Israel-Hamas conflict. https://youtu.be/ogQek4_IGjY Marlon Wayans will star in a sports horror movie under Universal Pictures and Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw banner. The upcoming film, Goat, follows “the greatest of all time” athlete. Wayans will star in the film and Justin Tipping (“Black Monday,” Nani) is on board to direct. Peele, Win Rosefeld, Ian Cooper and Jamal Watson are producers on the upcoming horror film with David Kern and Kate Oh as executive producers. According to Deadline’s exclusive report, the film is based on a spec by Zack Akers and Skip Bronkie. Goat centers on a promising young athlete invited to train with a team’s retiring star. As for Wayans, he reached a milestone with his first stand-up comedy special titled Woke-ish, which premiered on Netflix in 2018. His third comedy special for HBO Max, Marlon Wayans: God Loves Me, was released in March 2023. His overall deal with HBO Max included performing a stand-up special and hosting a multi-act special, which resulted in his specials Marlon Wayans: You Know What It Is and Marlon Wayans Presents: The Headliners. The actor and comedian also appeared as a guest host on a week of “The Daily Show” last March, which was deemed a success. Eve is happy to have had children later in life and encourages other women to pace themselves and live on their own terms. The Philly-born rapper said as much during a new interview with BBC radio. “I have a lot of things that I think I would have definitely unintentionally passed on because I believe in that familial breaking of things,” Eve said while sitting in a crisp white button-down shirt with brown and blonde micro braids. “I do believe in all that, and I feel that I needed to shed some things before I had a kid.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C2NVA8mIsx_/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again All eyes were on Chloe Bailey tonight as she graced the 6th Annual Urban One Honors: Best in Black red carpet in Atlanta. The “In Pieces” artist was in the Peach City to receive Urban One Honors’ Generation Next Award. Chloe was one of several Black changemakers honored at the event. Each year, Urban One Honors highlights individuals whose achievements and contributions have left an indelible mark on society. Looking like the gorgeous winner she is, Chloe rocked a sheer gown with a halter neckline, nude sheath underlay, and rhinestone stripes from Retrofete. The rhinestones adorned Chloe’s body from head to toe.Her hair – which keeps many of us up at night – was styled in hip-length individual braids (masking her signature locs). Chloe’s makeup was equally glamorous, with dramatic lashes, bronze cheek highlights, and a pink nude lip. While we love Chloe’s fabulous look, we couldn’t help but get a slight case of style déjà vu. Chloe and her sister Halle rocked similar gowns when attending the Global Citizen Event 2021. Wearing matching sheer and rhinestone gowns, Chloe X Halle stunned photographers with their sophisticated yet stunning shimmery look. In a momentous step into the directorial realm, Academy Award-winning actor Daniel Kaluuya, alongside co-director Kibwe Tavares, unveils a groundbreaking work of art – “The Kitchen.” Not merely a film, but an exploration of the complex layers within a dystopian London, the innovative film promises to redefine British cinema. Scheduled to drop on Netflix today the movie transcends genre boundaries, offering a narrative that challenges societal norms. Kaluuya, in a conversation with radio/TV personality Jazmyn Summers provides a glimpse into the creative process, emphasizing the duo’s vision to blend imaginative storytelling with the familiar landscapes of London. The goal is clear – to weave a universally resonant narrative within the fabric of a future world that is both recognizable and distinct. https://youtu.be/GgT5cEV5Qt0\ Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who entered the Republican presidential primary as Donald Trump’s greatest threat, announced Sunday that he is ending his White House bid and endorsing the former president. His announcement, made in a video posted on X, comes after a disappointing second-place finish in last week’s Iowa Republican caucuses. “If there was anything I could do to produce a favorable outcome, more campaign stops, more interviews, I would do it, but I can’t ask our supporters to volunteer their time and donate their resources if we don’t have a clear path to victory. Accordingly, I am today suspending my campaign,” DeSantis said. He then touted his support for Trump: “While, I’ve had disagreements with Donald Trump, such as on the Coronavirus pandemic and his elevation of Anthony Fauci, Trump is superior to the incumbent Joe Biden. That is clear.” https://youtu.be/Cdg6_gGvdEY?list=RDNSCdg6_gGvdEY More yet remain convinced that there was nothing DeSantis could have done to wrestle the party from Trump’s loyal and sizable followers. “DeSantis has run the playbook to a T,” Steve Deace, a well-known conservative radio commentator and supporter of the Florida governor, told CNN in recent weeks. “It’s just as simple as: when they started indicting Donald Trump, people weren’t ready to move on from him. And for DeSantis, it wasn’t quite his time.” For his part, DeSantis has blamed his performance on a host of challenges, including Iowa’s weather, conservative media’s loyalty to Trump and the unprecedented barrage of negative ads against him. One thing he hasn’t faulted was his main pitch to voters – his record of accomplishment in Florida – which he continued to feature in speech after speech until his final moments as a presidential candidate. https://youtu.be/vkSj9J1L0qE Despite a recent video raising concerns over his physical well-being, Morgan Freeman is “in fine health.” RadarOnline detailed the clip, which shows the 86-year-old entertainer looking unsteady while walking around New York City. Freeman struggled with every step while crossing a sidewalk to reach a waiting SUV. The actor was eased into the backseat of the vehicle by an attendant. Speaking with the National Enquirer, a source shared Freeman’s situation, saying, “Morgan’s health has been deteriorating to the point where he can barely walk on his own — and when he does it’s measured steps.” “He’s clearly in a lot of pain and everyone is concerned for his welfare,” the insider continued. “But Morgan isn’t one to complain. He gets through it somehow with a grimace. And he never forgets to wave at fans.” “But the fear is he won’t be able to take much more of this. He’s in constant agony and trapped in his own body,” the source added. “It must be horrible for him.” https://youtu.be/TEE0pAE0zsc R. Kelly may have believed he could fly back in the day, but the former hitmaker has “grade schooler’ issues that have kept him from soaring to greater heights. Court documents dated November 2, 2023, shed further light on Kelly’s reasons for denying any responsibility regarding a million-dollar lawsuit filed against him. Among the revelations is the “Bump and Grind” vocalist admitting he can’t read beyond the level of a “grade schooler.” “I would not have been able to understand the lawsuit or distinguish it from the many other legal documents that I received. It all looks the same to me,” Kelly stated. “I rely on my lawyers to explain things to me because I cannot read or understand words beyond that of a grade-schooler.” The revelation marks the latest development surrounding the lawsuit, which involved accusations that Kelly and his former manager Donnell Russell attempted to stop the 2018 New York City screening of the Lifetime docuseries “Surviving R. Kelly” with a mass shooting threat. In August 2023, a judge awarded $10.5 million to the six women behind the suit, reports The Blast. Citing the R. Kelly affidavit, The Blast noted the singer’s lengthy rebuttal of the charges from the women. According to Kelly, he did not know the suit, given his incarceration in Butner FCI, North Carolina. Niecy Nash-Betts is having a good season, with her work on the big and small screen getting well-deserved recognition. The best part about it all is she’s doing it her way, staying true to self. That means rooting for the success of friends, even it she is auditioning for the same role. May the best woman win. “Before I was even cast in ‘Getting On’ on HBO — I had not even gone in yet — I called every actress I knew and was like, ‘This is going to be something. Get in on this,’” Nash-Betts shared during the latest episode of the “Just for Variety” podcast. “My daughter was like, ‘Why are you telling all these girls? Somebody’s going to get your part,’ and I said, ’No, my part is my part. If it’s my part, it was meant to be. And if it’s not, how wonderful is it that I was a conduit for one of my friends getting a job?’ No, there’s room. We can all get in there.” Reminiscing over a notable audition, Nash-Betts told listeners about the time she and some of her peers auditioned for the lead role in “Scandal.” The memory came in clearly while attending an event honoring the woman who eventually won the role of Olivia Pope, Kerry Washington, according to Variety. One scene, in particular, struck a nerve with Nash-Betts, who confessed to seeing her fellow auditioners recite a scene highlighted in a video montage of Washington’s work on the classic hit show. https://youtu.be/GLTo3csA3b0 Marlena Shaw, the incredibly gifted singer whose biggest string of hits came in the 60s, 70s, and 80s has passed away. Shaw, known for her sassy, sophisticated approach to jazz and R&B/Soul, was 81. Marlena’s daughter Marla Bradshaw shared the news in a video posted on social media. The cause of the singer’s death, which occurred Friday, January 19, however, was not revealed. “It’s with a very heavy heart that for myself and my family I announce that our beloved mother, your beloved icon and artist Marlena Shaw has passed away today at 12:03,” Bradshaw said. “She was peaceful. We were at peace. … She went listening to some of her favorite songs.” “I just want to thank you all for being on her page. Thank you for being a part of her life. Especially these last three years, which made her very happy,” she added. https://youtu.be/OMxGhLzREmQ Born on Sept. 22, 1939, in New Rochelle, New York, Shaw began her music career in the 1960s and went on to influence several musical genres, including jazz, soul, disco and R&B. In total, the vocalist released 17 albums with eight different record labels throughout her career. Two of Shaw’s biggest hits are our two favorites by her. Of course, we’re referring to her hits, “California Soul” and “Go Away Little Boy.” https://www.facebook.com/100083534130712/videos/918915826620304/ Marlena Shaw was first introduced to music by her uncle Jimmy Burgess, a jazz trumpet player. In an interview with The New York Times, she told the reporter: “He [Jimmy Burgess] introduced me to good music through records – Dizzy [Gillespie], Miles [Davis], a lot of gospel things, and Al Hibbler, who really knows how to phrase a song.” In 1952, Burgess brought her on stage at the Apollo Theater in Harlem to sing with his band. Shaw’s mother did not want Marlena to go on tour with her uncle at such a young age. Shaw enrolled in the New York State Teachers College in Potsdam (now known as the State University of New York at Potsdam) to study music but she later dropped out. https://youtu.be/XQS29IrFcDE Dr. Claudine Gay’s tenure as President of Harvard lasted only six months. Why was she forced to resign? The top-reported line is her plagiarism (which has been conceded) and her not-so-robust statements to a Republican-led U. S. House of Representatives committee against antisemitism on Harvard’s campus. But are there more sinister and diabolical reasons lurking beneath the surface? Dr. Gay’s appointment was historic. She was the first Black person (of Dominican descent) and only the second female of the 27 presidents. She represented only 3.7% of the members of that prestigious office of the elite Ivy League institution founded in the 1600’s. Was she qualified? Some of her critics claim she was an “affirmative action” hire. This comes as no surprise from a country steeped in a history of racial bias and hung up on white supremacy. It is a well-worn cry whenever a white male is not chosen over an even more qualified person of color, especially a woman. Her supporters (family, friends, colleagues, former students, and supervisors) paint a completely different picture. They characterize her as smart, prepared, knowledgeable, probing, succinct, and very helpful to fellow academics and students. Despite opening doors for black models by being the first African American to grace the cover of American Vogue in 1974, she was not immune to the low points that came with her profession. Chatting with Page Six as reported by theJasmineBrand, Johnson touched on these low points, as she remembered the height of her fame during the 70’s and the hidden drama that came with it. To maintain her slim figure during that time, Johnson revealed her diet was very minimal. “We were led to believe that cocaine was not addictive. We didn’t know cocaine was addictive. Everyone used drugs back in the day, but that particular drug for models was used because we did not eat,” Johnson shared with Page Six. “I remember eating two eggs and a bowl of brown rice a week. I would be shaking in a cab and say pull over because I have to get a bag of M&Ms.” Unfortunately, Johnson’s food intake fell in line with the unrealistic and unacceptable norm for models back in the day. As she continued with her diet, the physical effect on her soon took over as she noticed the cost of going to extremes to be accepted in the fashion industry. Wednesday, the Louisiana Senate passed a new congressional map that would create a second majority-Black voting district in the state. Senate Bill 8 will now advance to the House chamber for debate. Black voters in Louisiana have long argued that the current congressional map discriminated against Black voters, who make up one-third of Louisiana’s population. Notably, both Democrats and Republicans have supported this bill, but some conservatives voted for the map reluctantly. “Unfortunately, we must pass this map before us instead of giving the pen to a heavy-handed, Obama-appointed judge who seeks to enforce her will upon us,” Sen. Jeremy Stine, R-Lake Charles, told the Louisiana Illuminator. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GEFxwneXkAA0oZm?format=jpg&name=small The family of a local deacon tased to death by a now-former Atlanta police officer is planning to sue the city and the disgraced ex-cop in a lawsuit demanding accountability for yet another instance of law enforcement killing of an unarmed Black driver. Johnny Hollman Sr.’s family on Thursday afternoon is expected to be joined by their attorneys and community supporters to address the lawsuit that stems from the fatal encounter last summer in which the deacon allegedly told the officer “I can’t breathe” multiple times. The civil rights lawsuit is expected to name the city of Atlanta and former Atlanta Police Officer Kiran Kimbrough as defendants. According to the family, on Aug. 10, 2023, Hollman, 62, had just finished bible study when he left his daughter’s home and was on the way home to take his wife to dinner. Shortly afterward, Hollman was involved in a minor car accident and called 911. After waiting for more than an hour, Kimbrough arrived on the scene, decided that Hollman was at fault and issued him a traffic ticket. Hollman, upset at the ticket, asked to speak to Kimbrough’s sergeant, but his request was ignored and he was instead threatened with jailing if he didn’t sign the ticket. Hollman’s family says he told Kimbrough he would sign the ticket, but the officer still grabbed him, took him to the ground and began tasing him. Ever gotten the feeling that Karens, Klansmen and Kops were in cahoots? That’s how Trevon Morgan must have felt when he was arrested last August in San Francisco after being tailed and taunted by a slur-slinging racist and then approached by a white bystander who called the police on him for, well, generally just existing. According to KRON 4, Morgan was acquitted in San Francisco County Superior Court of felony attempted robbery after roughly 45 minutes of jury deliberations, which begs the question: How did we get here in the first place if it was such a no-brainer to acquit Morgan? Here’s an alternative way to tell this story: Morgan, 21, was minding his own business when a random white supremacist who might have been mentally ill and homeless started stalking him while being blatantly racist, which is what he was whether he also suffered from mental illness or not. A fellow Caucasian took up the Caucasian cause of minding black people’s business while engaging in the Caucasian practice of immediately siding with their fellow Caucasian and calling the police on the Black man with zero evidence that he had done anything wrong. Perhaps Karen didn’t hear the racial slurs being shouted by the assailant—or maybe he was just speaking her love language. The SF Public Defender’s Office said in a statement that Morgan was acquitted “after just 45 minutes of deliberations of a baseless felony charge of attempted robbery of a man’s reading glasses,” and that the bystander called the police and “claimed Morgan had threatened him and his property, which was not corroborated by any evidence.” Deputy Public Defender Ilona Yañez took things even further and called the incident out as the clear display of racism it appears to be. Urban One will launch the One Vote – Represent The Vote, a multimedia campaign that will be broadcast on all Urban One, Inc. assets – TV One, Reach Media, iOne Digital and 64 local urban radio stations to increase Black voter registration and turnout in the 2024 elections. The One Vote – Represent The Vote campaign will be designed to educate and engage the media companies’ vast Black and urban audience on critical political issues through the use of entertainment and events. It is an example of how collaboration, technology and movement can work together to empower and inspire communities to be better civically engaged within their communities. Urban One will also be partnering with Politiscope, which exists to instill confidence in voters by educating them with factual, reliable and easy-to-understand political information in a central location. Their main goal is to change the perception of politics and reshape the way political information is sought out and consumed. The campaign will start with four months of voter awareness centered around the primaries, followed by information on how and where you can register to vote. Below is information to help you better understand the primary process as well as voter registration links. Black women are more likely to have a Black spouse, according to a new Pew Research report p ublished on Jan. 18. Inside the new data-driven report that examines key factors about Black Americans living in the United States, Pew Research revealed that 87% of married Black women are more likely than 79% of married Black men to have a spouse who is Black. According to the data, this includes spouses who are single-race Black, multiracial Black and Black Hispanic. This contradicts the belief that Black women are not marrying Black men. The new report also shared interesting data about the rate of marriage and divorce among Black men and women in the United States. Around 32% of Black adults are currently married across the nation. That figure is small compared to 53% of adults who are not Black. Among Black adults, 36% of men are married, compared with 29% of women. According to the report, Black women are more likely to get divorced than Black Men, 14% to 10% respectively. The number is slightly smaller for Black men and women who are widowed (8% vs. 2%). Additionally, the report found that 17% of married Black adults are married to someone who is not Black. “This includes 21% of married Black men and 13% of married Black women,” the report states. It’s important to note that the data only considers those who are married and whose spouses live in the same household, but the numbers are interesting and signal that interracial relationships and marriage have become more widely acceptable over the years. Here’s a question asked again and again and again: Why is it so common for today’s Nazis and Klan members to identify politically with the GOP and vice versa? Republicans never pass on an opportunity to pull out their historical Cliff Notes and point out that Democrats approved of slavery and started the KKK, but they’re the ones fighting to preserve Confederate memorabilia, constantly having to explain their connections to KKK photos and having to distance themselves from fellow Republicans who have defended both slavery and the Ku Klux Klan. Why can’t Republicans stop neo-Nazis from marching on their behalf? Why do arrested white supremacists keep turning out to be Trump supporters? Why can’t the GOP seem to escape their ever-present neo-Nazi problem? On Tuesday, North Carolina’s State Board of Elections voted unanimously to keep a Republican candidate for the state House on the ballot despite some local Republicans wanting him gone because he’s a felon who allegedly has ties to a neo-Nazi group. (I’ll give you one guess which of those things the GOP takes the larger issue with.) https://twitter.com/885wfdd/status/1745445572352303261?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1745445572352303261%7Ctwgr%5E227d577030a24c941b481c500cbc4d81e1d28cac%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewsone.com%2F4942453%2Fjoseph-gibson-republican-candidate%2F Uher’s Vogue cover has left fans puzzled as to why he appears in the magazine with model and actress Carolyn Murphy. The cover shot is a direct homage to his upcoming Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show performance in February. On Wednesday, Vogue posted a picture from the “Love in this Club” crooner’s new cover story, in which he could be seen smiling from ear to ear alongside adorable members of the Nevada-based Jr. Gaels 6U football team. Murphy, 49, wore a black Miu Miu jacket, skirt and sandals as she smiled at the star interacting with the youth football players. Inside the feature, Murphy can be seen in most of the photos posing in lavish garments as Usher flaunts fashionable threads made by high-end brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Ami and Alexander McQueen. Oddly, Vogue never states why she’s included in the story. Netizens on X, formerly Twitter, were also baffled by the model and actress’s presence, which some described as “random.” Understandably, fans were confused as to why Usher wasn’t given his own cover story. Some urged for Vogue to go “back to the drawing board” and conceptualize another feature for the Grammy Award-winning artist. A few netizens said they had no clue who Murphy was. Some were under the impression that she was the singer’s longtime girlfriend, Jenn Goicoechea. https://twitter.com/voguemagazine/status/1747616301248360596?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1747616301248360596%7Ctwgr%5E32b6e691343073b8770ba986adc7773800dad78c%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fhellobeautiful.com%2F4071353%2Fusher-vogue-cover%2F Halle Bailey is speaking out about why she kept her pregnancy private. The singer and star of “The Little Mermaid” welcomed her first child earlier this month, a baby boy named Halo, with her boyfriend, rapper DDG. Bailey kept a low profile during her pregnancy and remained coy when fans pressed her on social media about pregnancy rumors. Bailey recently hosted a Q&A on Snapchat, and one fan asked, “Was the [sic] blogs and cameras stressful while pregnant?” As Complex reports, Bailey replied, “So this is a good question. I mean, a little bit, but honestly I stayed off of all social media. I really tried to, just to keep myself sane and okay.” She continued, “I know that there was a lot of people who would always, like, comment and be like, ‘We know, girl, we know.’ And I’m like, ‘Okay, that’s great that you know. But I’m gonna just chill, you know, and that’s wonderful if you support me, and if not, that’s okay too. I hope you have a wonderful life.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C2LDVJJAOMe/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Bailey recently shared a video of her underwater maternity shoot. She captioned the post: “missing my belly already 💜but i obviously had to do underwater pics.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C2IVnOtPoBu/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Bailey previously posted a photo showcasing her newborn son’s hand wearing a gold bracelet with his name, “Halo,” engraved on it. Even though we’re a few days into the new year, the greatest thing that 2023 could have done for me, was bring me my son,” Bailey captioned the image. “Welcome to the world my halo,” she wrote. “The world is desperate to know you.” https://youtu.be/k3HSpn92YTQ Renowned Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter, Alvin Garrett, has finally released his highly-anticipated album, “SFTY.” Garrett’s latest offering is a powerful new project inspired by the struggles of real individuals, creating an emotive musical journey that transcends traditional boundaries. “SFTY” is more than just an album; it’s a concept born from Garrett’s engagement with previously incarcerated individuals while partnering with The Dannon Project, a prison reentry program in Birmingham, AL. “SFTY”, which is pronounced “Safety,” is an acronym for “Songs For The Yard. https://youtu.be/wERUS9UwkTU Garrett says, “I believe that this new project is the soundtrack for the quest for freedom, healing, and safety that we are all on in some way.” The musical concept of The Yard represents that precious moment of free time when individuals seek liberation from emotional and mental incarceration. Garrett’s carefully curated track list of 11 songs is encapsulated by a diverse range of soulful and introspective tracks; each serving as a chapter in the profound journey through the interwoven tapestry of human experience. The opening track, “I’m Still Here,” sets the tone for the album, reflecting on resilience and authenticity while embracing one’s true self amidst life’s challenges. “Free Time” explores the desire for personal space and moments of reflection, and it captures the universal need for self-care in a hectic world. https://youtu.be/qggnHsqBrus Addressing the pressures of life, “Bottled Up” delves into the emotional strain of internalizing struggles while yearning for release. “Til I Get Back To You,” tells the story of the heart that longs to be connected beyond the borders of life’s issues. “Beyond The Cage” is about the struggle to find inner peace despite external rejection of one’s quest for redemption. “Hopefully Heaven” delves into the complexities of seeking spiritual solace, while questioning the nature of hope in the face of desperation. https://youtu.be/SkNep8cFiyY Mrs. Netta’s response comes amid her ongoing relationship with her boyfriend Charles. The pair, who have been together for years, are mainstays on YouTube. Sandra Rose notes that Mrs. Netta set up a channel on the platform as a vehicle to highlight her serving and pleasing Charles. Despite her joy in the relationship, Mrs. Netta’s treatment of Charles has attracted female viewers who are angry at the YouTuber because they feel she is submissive to her beau. https://youtu.be/dvHQqEvxdro No matter the reaction, it looks like there are no signs of Charles being unhappy with Mrs. Netta. Nor is it likely he will be leaving her. So, what do you think? Do you see a problem with Mrs. Netta’s relationship with Charles? Is there a reason to even be concerned about the couple if they are happy and not harming themselves or anyone else Scroll below and weigh in. https://youtu.be/7OxkwnAV_tI The 5000 Role Models of Excellence held their 31st annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Breakfast on Monday where they also inducted rapper Rick Ross as a mentor. Held annually on Dr. Martin Luther King Day, the Role Models of Excellence breakfast honors the partnership between the men in the community and the young male students in Miami-Dade and Broward County schools. They all wear signature red ties, with connected hands signifying their relationship. "Ever since I put this tie on, it’s been lights camera action,” said Miami Central High senior Jarvis Jones. https://youtu.be/yUbuHKNvde8 Let’s journey to uncover the incredible world of Search Engine Optimization (SEO), a force that can transform Black-owned businesses into digital powerhouses. Here is a mind-blowing fact: according to Fortune.com, there are a whopping 3.12 million Black-owned businesses in the US, generating an impressive $206 billion in annual revenue and providing jobs for 3.56 million people. Now, let’s dive into the magic of SEO and how it can change the game for you! https://youtu.be/ogHXlveTbP0 The Geno Jones Show on Star 99.7 FM in Charleston hit us up to let us know they recently sat down with President Joe Biden for an exclusive interview. Scroll down to listen. The convo with Joe, err, the president (who wanted to speak to African American voters) was recorded on Monday, January 8, 2024) at Hannibal’s Soul Food Kitchen. Hannibal’s is one of Charleston’s legendary Black-owned businesses if you’re not from the area. Biden made a stop earlier at the Mother Emanuel AME Church. The conversation aired on the Star 99.7 morning show (with Savannah J, Steven St. James, and Geno Jones on Friday, January 12, 2024). Geno Jones conducted the sit-down conversation The Democratic Presidential primary in South Carolina is on February 3rd, 2024. https://soundcloud.com/eurnews/pres-joe-biden-intv-with-geno-jones-star-997-in-charleston-sc?utm_source=clipboard&utm_campaign=wtshare&utm_medium=widget&utm_content=https%253A%252F%252Fsoundcloud.com%252Feurnews%252Fpres-joe-biden-intv-with-geno-jones-star-997-in-charleston-sc After a two-week manhunt, a Los Angeles man has been arrested for shooting and killing his ex-girlfriend’s puppy. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed in a press release that David Sumlin, 32, was arrested Monday. Sumlin allegedly had a heated argument with his ex on Jan. 2 and threatened to shoot her or the dog, People reports. “Sumlin held a pillow over the victim’s dog and pointed a firearm into the pillow. Sumlin then stated, ‘It’s either you or the dog,’” the LAPD said. Sumlin shot “two rounds into the pillow, striking the 4-month-old puppy,” police said. After being transported to an animal shelter, the pet died. It remains unclear what breed of dog it was. https://youtu.be/WahrnTYvB5w S pelman College has received a historic $100 million gift from billionaire couple Ronda Stryker and William Johnston. ABC News reports that this is the largest-ever single donation to a historically Black college or university. “It’s a transformational gift to any institution, period,” trustee Lovette Russell said. According to the Associated Press, Spelman intends to use $75 million to endow scholarships. The remaining funds will be used to improve student housing and develop an academic focus on public policy and democracy. https://youtu.be/JxQhxr98ypw The lineup for Coachella 2024 has been announced, with Lana Del Rey, Tyler the Creator, and Doja Cat tapped as headliners. Popular 90s ska band No Doubt is also set to reunite for the first time in ten years at the event, which is North America’s largest music festival. The group hasn’t played a show together since 2015. On Tuesday, lead singer Gwen Stefani teased their headlining performance on No Doubt’s X page. Stefani posted a video of a virtual call with her bandmates – Tony Kanal, Tom Dumont, and Adrian Young — watch the clip below. Other notable artists confirmed for Coachella 2024 include Peso Pluma, Blur, J Balvin, Ice Spice, Sublime, Lil Uzi Vert, Grimes, Victoria Monet, Jon Batiste, Bleachers, Justice, Deftones, and Lil Yachty. The 23rd Coachella Festival occurs over two weekends — April 12-14 and April 19-21, 2024. https://twitter.com/i/status/1747393329921499505 Michael Vick’s former talent agency is suing him for over $100,000 he allegedly owes the company. According to The Blast, the legal case was filed in Los Angeles County Courts for money that the former NFL star allegedly owes from a case in Georgia. The filing is known as a “sister-state judgment,” the outlet reports. Vick allegedly owes the talent agency over $130,000. He initially agreed to a payment plan, but the agency is “alleging he has either failed to keep up with his monthly payments, or they want to make sure he continues to pay if he lives in Los Angeles,” per The Blast. As we reported, Vick was selected by the Atlanta Falcons with the first pick of the 2001 draft and played with the team for six seasons. After his prison stint for running a dog fighting operation, Vick returned in 2009 with the Philadelphia Eagles for five seasons. He served as a backup for the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers. Vick officially retired in 2017 after 13 NFL seasons. https://youtu.be/CJ0X0U96Gr0 Max has canceled Issa Rae’s comedy series “Rap Sh!t” following a two-season run. The creative team behind the series is speaking out after news broke Thursday that the show is ending. “A real ass group of people,” showrunner Syreeta Singleton captioned an Instagram video post of the show’s writing staff. “The best writers room ever. I will cherish this experience forever and ever. #seduceandscheme for life.” Series co-star Daisy Fernandez commented on the post, “Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this incredible show. I am forever grateful to y’all! I can’t wait to see what amazing things you do next.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C2QKxkevSoB/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again The use of dresses in comedy has evolved, from minstrel shows to modern-day comedy skits. Flip Wilson‘s character “Geraldine” was a fixture on his iconic television show. While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, “Wanda,” played by Jamie Foxx is portrayed as an unattractive woman looking for love, only to find men to avoid her. Sheneneh was one most popular characters on Martin and we don’t even need to discuss how Tyler Perry‘s “Madea” helped turn him from a fledging playwright to a billionaire.However, the use of dresses by black comedians has come under scrutiny for perpetuating harmful stereotypes. Some argue that black men wearing dresses reinforces the idea that black men are not masculine enough or that they are trying to be women. This can also be seen as a form of transphobia, as it suggests that wearing dresses is unnatural and only acceptable as part of a comedic performance. Comedian Katt Williams‘ recent comments on Club Shay Shay re-ignited the comments around comedians and dress controversy. Williams told host Shannon Sharpe that he was offered a co-starring role in “Big Momma House 2” with Martin Lawrence but it came at a price that he was unwilling to pay: Wearing a dress. https://youtu.be/qcQQishcSco Williams says that Martin told him, “Come on, man, it’s just comedy. It’s not that serious. It’s not like you’re really a woman.’ I said, ‘No, man, I’m not doing it. I have principles and I have dignity. I don’t want to disrespect myself or my people.’ He said, ‘Well, you’re missing out on a big opportunity. You could be a star.’ I said, ‘I’m already a star. I don’t need to wear a dress to be funny.” One of Williams’ targets, Rickey Smiley, dismissed criticism for wearing a dress while performing and said he was disappointed at the comments. Williams, like many fellow comedians, believes that wearing the dress is Hollywood’s agenda to emasculate black men and make them look terrible. But you cannot understate the impact of characters like Wanda, Geraldine, and Sheneneh and how it affected the careers of the actors who wore the dress. https://youtu.be/M-EDQNKu7YY Marlon Wayans & Shawn Wayans https://youtu.be/aeVkbNka9HM Kevin Hart https://youtu.be/LsBc197QguA Dave Chappelle (Maybe) https://youtu.be/o-eyliNfF7I Eddie Murphy https://youtu.be/iB25eDhWImc Rickey Smiley https://youtu.be/jXvp71c7Vqw Jamie Foxx https://youtu.be/jjMu4oKUaO4 Miguel A. Núñez Jr. https://youtu.be/LKYdFVziw14 Chris Tucker https://youtu.be/poxW5pFQVEw Wesley Snipes https://youtu.be/ZJdThnwSrfQ Martin Lawrence https://youtu.be/a9biNJwX3OA Arsenio Hall https://youtu.be/pANSpaEZSdc Tyler Perry https://youtu.be/MvokzsiEtis Flip Wilson https://youtu.be/koyx2RmFe7M Following their smash debut of Change (No Cap), Jevon Dewand and the Trap Starz serve up another dose of rhythm, hip hop and praise in their new single, "Without You," Jevon, Jazze Pha and Gasner the Artist team up with Stellar Award winner and Grammy Award nominee Zacardi Cortez. Get ready to wave your hands, dance and testify in this powerfully personal song of adoration to God! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceNTli9oY10 Former MSNBC host Tiffany Cross is speaking out about “constant criticism” she faced from white network executives. We reported previously via Variety, citing MSNBC sources, that Cross, who hosted the weekend program “The Cross Connection,” was canned in 2022 after her relationship with the network had “becoming frayed” as executives grew “concerned about the anchor’s willingness to address statements made by cable-news hosts on other networks and indulging in commentary executives felt did not meet the standards of MSNBC or NBC News,” per Forbes. Cross spoke about her experience on the latest episode of her podcast, “Native Land Pod,” and said, “… every single week from the start of my show to the very last show I did, it was a battle,” she told co-hosts Angela Rye, a former CNN contributor, and former Florida gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum. “It was a battle to cover things that I wanted to talk about. The network’s philosophy was Trump, Trump, Trump. They wanted me to be part of the echo chamber.” Tyrese Gibson is dropping his million-dollar lawsuit against Teddy Pendergrass’s widow. Gibson sued Joan Pendergrass, whom he accused of refusing to extend the option for the rights to the late singer’s life story. In 2019, it was reported that Gibson would portray the R&B crooner in a biopic by Lee Daniels, Deadline reported. Warner Bros. acquired the life rights of the late artist, and Joan was set to executive produce the biopic with Little Marivn attached initially to pen the screenplay. Gibson’s Voltron production company was slated to oversee the production. RadarOnline reports that he took legal action against Joan for allegedly attempting to derail the project. In her complaint, Joan claimed the “Fast and Furious” star is “incapable of getting a movie made.” “Sadly things had to come to this….Another Philadelphia legend Lee Daniels is attached direct me as Teddy. This has been 13 years+ in the making this man embraced me when he was on this earth and shared to me “No one can play me in my biopic but you Tyrese I’m sure of it”…. -TP,” Gibson said previously in an instagram post. Comedian Kountry Wayne wants his ex-girlfriend Jess Hilarious to keep his name out of her mouth during interviews. During his recent interview on “Club Shay Shay,” Wayne said, “Jess, like I always told her, she never tells the 100 percent truth and I let her do that,” he shared. “But, I texted her the other day, I said, ‘Jess, man’…and I got kinda pissed…I said, ‘You got to get more going on in your career so they can stop bringing up my name in your interviews.’ Cause when I come…Netflix special and book – this going on and that going on – we don’t got to down each other,” he explained. “That’s been five years ago. If that’s the main question in your interview…we gotta put some work in!” Wayne said. His comments come after Jess Hilarious appeared on Cam Newton’s Funky Friday podcast and spoke about her relationship with Wayne. https://www.instagram.com/p/C2N5ZEjyDey/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Ryan Coogler and actor Michael B. Jordan are teaming up once again for a feature film, and details about the project are under wraps. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Cooler will write and direct the film with Jordan set to star. Per THR, “The project is operating under such a veil of secrecy that little is known about it,” the outlet writes. Jordan and Coogler previously worked together on “Black Panther,” “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” and “Creed.” The upcoming new project is described as a “genre” feature, per THR. Jordan is also set to star in the sequel to Will Smith’s “I Am Legend,” according to The Hollywood Reporter. nWe reported previously that filmmaker Akiva Goldsman said the sequel would follow the first film’s “alternate ending,” which appears on the DVD, where Smith’s character doesn’t die; instead — he’s brought back to life. Comedian and former SNL writer the hilarious Sam Jay is on tour fresh off of her successful HBO special “Salute Me or Shoot Me.” She also had an HBO series “Pause” and a Netflix special “3 in the Morning.” The innovative comedian is a pioneer as the first Black Lesbian to write for “Saturday Night Live.” She sat down with radio and TV personality Jazmyn Summers to talk about her career, her love with her fiancée, and investing in Earth Club Market, a new business. She was joined by its founder Tiffany Padilla. Earth Club is online now and will open its first restaurant in New York on February 3rd. https://youtu.be/DAUQ0Urb2WU The three former Washington state police officers who were cleared in the 2020 death of Manny Ellis will receive payments to leave the Tacoma Police Department, according to AP. On Tuesday, the city released copies of the “voluntary separation” which revealed ex-Tacoma Officers Matthew Collins, Christopher Burbank and Timothy Rankine will receive $500,000 to leave the Tacoma Police. Police Chief Avery Moore also said that findings showed that none of the officers violated the use-of-force policy, which was put into effect the day Manny Ellis was killed. Ex-officer Collins was found to have only violated a policy concerning courtesy. More also told the media that the use-of-force policy has been updated because the old one, “failed to serve the best interests of the police department or the community.” Tacoma Officers Matthew Collins and Christopher Burbank were both charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter in the March 3, 2020 death of Manny Ellis. Timothy Rankine was also charged with manslaughter. In December, a jury cleared the officers of all criminal charges Rosa Osman, the TikToker who went viral late last year after claiming a Black man cold-clocked her in the face with a brick, has been charged for making up the entire story. In a video shared online, and posted on Instagram by the shade room, Osman (also known as Rho Bashe) can be heard saying, “Y’all, this man just hit me in my face with a brick and all these Black men just watched. This man…grabbed a rock and hit me in my face because I wouldn’t give him my number.” The video shows Osman yelling at the crowd of men and saying, “I want you to be a man and do something. You gonna let a man hit me in my face?” Osman is seen in a follow-up video wearing a hospital gown and her face swollen. She claims the crowd watched a brick hit her and let the man who assaulted her flee in a car. “How is this OK?” she asked. Her video garnered millions of views on social media, and she allegedly raised over $40k on GoFundMe by lying to the internet. She became known as the viral ‘Brick lady.’ https://www.instagram.com/p/C2OGlERAK1K/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again The Baltimore Police Department (BPD) has been fulfilling the terms of its federal consent decree stemming from the in-custody death of Freddie Gray that sparked riots and Black Lives Matter protests in the Maryland city nearly a decade ago, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Tuesday. The DOJ’s announcement followed its filing of a motion on Tuesday that paves the way for BPD to be completely free of its content decree if it maintains its current trajectory of complying with the terms of the agreement signed in 2017. “We are pleased the Baltimore Police Department has successfully implemented the reforms needed to safely transport detainees in its custody,” Kristen Clarke, assistant attorney general of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, said in a statement. “Injuries during transport have become extremely rare, and BPD now has in place the equipment, training, policies and practices to maintain this safety record. The Justice Department is committed to collaboratively working with the Baltimore Police Department and the community to ensure constitutional, fair and nondiscriminatory policing for all Baltimore residents. The citizens of Baltimore deserve nothing less.” Ernest Radcliffe, a man who has dedicated his life to helping young people through sports has now found himself victim to several young people – after they robbed him of his car. The coach said he is now looking over his shoulder after he was carjacked just feet away from the place he has called home for nearly two decades. “Success” is the keyword in the dictionary for Ernest Radcliffe – a football and baseball coach to many across the city’s South Side. Coach Radcliffe talked with CBS 2’s Jim Williams back in June 2021 about his personal mission – guiding young men to productive lives through sports. At the time, Radcliffe and his team were celebrating 12 baseball players who had received college scholarships. https://youtu.be/3XfSqSOsg1w Former President Barack Obama had stopped by a practice of Radcliffe’s Southside Wolfpack football team earlier that same month in Jackson Park. “I want to save every kid if I can. I want to take the kids they say are bad. I want to take the kids they say can’t learn,” Radcliffe said at the time. “I believe that once they get into a program and given the proper structure, then we can turn things around.” But nearly three years later, Radcliffe spoke to us again – this time talking to CBS 2’s Darius Johnson in his home after being the victim of a carjacking. “Saturday was a tough night,” Radcliffe said. https://youtu.be/yuSdvLobqE4 Martin Lawrence‘s reps say he’s doing just fine after fans hit up social media to express concern about his health following his appearance at the 75th Emmys on Monday. Lawrence reunited with his “Martin” co-stars during the ceremony, and fans noticed that his speech appeared slurred while the cast presented the award for Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. Per TMZ, “… sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ … ML’s totally fine — in fact, we’re told he just recently finished filming the latest “Bad Boys.” Not just that, but our sources say he’s also hitting the road this summer for his latest comedy tour. In other words, tip-top shape,” the outlet writes. According to the report, “… some thought he may have been slurring his words and taking long pauses during the Emmys Martin reunion, this was actually because of a technical glitch with the teleprompter.” https://youtu.be/gh9suXESF2w MSNBC host Joy Reid is catching heat for her remarks about White Christians while covering the results of the Iowa caucuses. During the on-air segment, Reid ranted about Iowa being “overrepresented by white Christians.” She also recalled her conversation with Robby Jones of the polling company Public Religion Research Institute. “He said the following to me: Iowa is about 61% white Christian. The country as a whole is approximately 41% white Christian. And in Iowa, we’re talking about Evangelical white Christians,” Reid stated. According to Reid, Jones said white Evangelical Christians “see themselves as the rightful inheritors of this country, and Trump has promised to give it back to them.” Trump won the Iowa caucuses with 51% of the overall vote and 53% of the white Evangelical vote. Per The Christian Post, Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, wrote a letter to MSNBC President Rashida Jones and Comcast President Michael Cavanagh Wednesday. “Why have there been no repercussions regarding the anti-Christian remarks made by MSNBC guests and hosts?” Donohue asked. “Bigotry against any demographic group should never be given air time on television.” Like others with a functioning brain, Charles Barkley knows that Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley is not a serious person. How can she be when she straight up says the US “has NEVER been a racist country.” That ludicrous statement came after she was flame-broiled for refusing to say the Civil War was fought over the issue of slavery. Barkley gives his thoughts on Haley’s claim about America never being a racist country during a Fox News interview. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/C66_45U3ENY?feature=share Barkley wasn’t the only pundit reacting to Haley. Check out Charlamagne tha God who awarded her “Donkey of the Day.” https://youtu.be/9rLGaF78yyY LeVar Burton received some startling news while tracing his family’s ancestry on the hit PBS series “Finding Your Roots.” On the Jan. 16 episode, Burton learned that his great-great-grandmother on his mother’s side, Mary Sills, descended from a Confederate soldier. Burton knew Sills when he was a young boy. As Today.com reports, the show reveals that Sills thought the man who raised her was her biological father, but he wasn’t. Her father was a white farmer named James Henry Dixon. “Were you expecting that? Did you have any idea you had a white ancestor?” host Henry Louis Gates asked Burton. “No, no. I had no idea. So Granny was half white. Wow,” the actor said. Burton was also shocked to learn that Dixon served in the Confederate Army as a teenager. https://youtu.be/GyZqSI6IlBQ Cori Broadus, the 24-year-old daughter of Snoop Dogg, Calvin Broadus. Has revealed that she’s currently hospitalized after suffering a severe stroke. She announced the serious news via Instagram on Thursday morning. Cori said she broke down in tears when doctors told her what had happened. And who could blame her? In multiple posts, Cori included images inside a hospital, so it appears she’s still receiving treatment after getting the shocking news. It’s obvious the stroke episode is wearing on mentally as well because she wrote in one IG story, “I’m only 24 what did I do in my past to deserve all of this.” https://youtu.be/XguUjf4q6MY In none of her IG posts did Cori explain what led to her having the stroke, however, she was diagnosed with lupus at six. Cori Broadus’ journey also included a 2021 suicide attempt. However, things were looking much better for her just last year (2023) in September after taking a holistic approach to her health. Here’s what she told People: “I’ve been good, better than I’ve ever been. I stopped taking all of my medication like five months ago. I’m just doing everything natural, all types of herbs, sea moss, teas.” “I started working out, drinking lots of water. So now I think my body’s like, okay, this is the new program, and she’s getting used to it,” she added. Cori went on to explain that the transition after the longtime use of medications made her “feel like I was going insane.” https://youtu.be/aaKgBF_mYGk The parents of a Milwaukee kindergartner are speaking out after the child was left behind on a school bus, and police were slow to aid in a search for the missing boy. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinal, 5-year-old Cameron Smith was left on a GO Riteway school bus Monday after he fell asleep. Chenequa Byers-Smith, the boy’s mother, said she initially called the school and bus company when her son wasn’t home by 5 p.m. but couldn’t reach anyone by phone. She then contacted the police, who insisted on searching the family home to gather more information. That’s when family members decided to take control of the situation and launch their search for the boy. While the police were at the house, Byers-Smith’s mother and two brothers traveled to the bus company and found the child still on the bus in the parking lot. Cameron was honking the horn for help when his family found him Monday evening. https://youtu.be/rBa1w47mmKs If you rent your home and your heat goes out, you do have protections from the city – but you will want to know those rules before you call 311. CBS 2’s Jermont Terry reports. https://youtu.be/pLNZP6FDWa4 Nicki Minaj has added more shows to her global tour, Nicki Minaj Presents: Pink Friday 2 World Tour. Per a news release, the additional North America dates are in Atlanta, Boston, Brooklyn, Chicago, Nashville, and Toronto, along with global stops in Amsterdam, Cologne, Copenhagen, Glasgow, Manchester, Paris, and Stockholm. A total of 13 additional dates have been added, with even more regions expected to be announced throughout the year, according to the release. The presale for North American tickets is happening at citientertainment.com. The general onsale begins on Friday, January 19 at 9am local time at NickiMinajOfficial.com. The presale is also underway for Europe/UK tickets. The general onsale begins on Friday, January 19 at 9am local time at NickiMinajOfficial.com. KENNY LEWIS is back. This is his follow-up to his massive 2022 Number 1 hit (He's Been Good ft. Charles Jenkins). This song will uplift and encourage listeners to "Call on the Name of Jesus" in every circumstance and situation. It's a sure hit to get listeners stomping their feet and singing along. https://gospelairplaynow.disco.ac/playlist-new/15730008?date=20240118&user_id=668306&signature=K1r8mJtv9EAsRkkLU-ZzlQJJGeU%3AYxBcuqU9 A New Orleans native, Anthony Hall emerges as an artist with his music roots in Jazz, Funk and R&B. His father being locally renowned jazz artist Emile Hall, Jr., afforded Anthony the opportunity to grow up surrounded and influenced by a wide expanse of music. In turn, he has created a unique sound within infusions of both Modern and Classic R&B, Funk and Soul. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPj-izgJed0 Actress Ellia English‘s recurring role as Auntie Rae on Curb Your Enthusiasm is back for season 12, premiering on February 4, 2024, © on Home Box Office (HBO). Starring Larry David as an over-the-top version of himself, the iconic Emmy® and Golden Globe®-winning comedy series Curb Your Enthusiasm offers a tongue-in-cheek depiction of the writer/producer/comedian’s fictionalized life. Ellia’s role as Auntie Rae began in 2007 as a member of the “Black” family, a family of hurricane evacuees who take refuge in Larry’s house upon his wife Cheryl’s invitation to adopt a family. Other members of the Black family are Leon (J.B. Smoove), Loretta (Vivica A. Fox), and her children Daryl (Nick Nervies) and Keysha (Carla Jeffery). While a majority of Americans of all races see the end of affirmative action as “mostly a good thing,” there is a generational split among Black adults over the impact on higher education and their racial group, according to a new Gallup Center on Black Voices report. Black adults’ views on last year’s Supreme Court ruling that colleges and universities can no longer consider race as a specific basis in granting admissions are split, the survey found, with 56% of those 40 and older viewing the decision negatively and 62% of younger adults viewing it positively. The findings released Tuesday were based on a Gallup Panel survey with a sample of 12,443 adults living in the United States. The survey was conducted online between October 25 and November 9. When asked about the ruling’s impact, about half of Black adults said the ruling would mostly or slightly hurt higher education across the country, 17% said it would have no impact and 33% said it would have a slightly or mostly positive impact, the survey found. But similar shares of Asian, Hispanic, and White adults – nearly 50% – said the ruling will have a slightly or mostly positive impact, Gallup found. https://youtu.be/ExKqvynH-uU “The Book of Clarence” gives an overdue new look to biblical films! The cast includes LaKeith Stanfield (Clarence), Anna Diop (Clarence’s love-interest), David Oyelowo (John the Baptist), Teyana Taylor, and Alfre Woodard.”The Book of Clarence” will take viewers through an emotional roller coaster as they watch Clarence’s journey of self-discovery. https://youtu.be/aTMqRPOqkGs Doja Cat’s mother has filed for a temporary restraining order against the rapper’s older brother, claiming he is physically and verbally abusive. As Page Six reports, Doja’s mom, Deborah Elizabeth Sawyer, filed the documents on Jan. 12 in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleging her son, Raman Dalithando Dlamini, 30, knocked the pop star’s teeth out. Sawyer noted in the filing that Doja, 28, (real name Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini) needs protection against her brother after he roughed her up and gave her cuts and bruises on her body. “Raman has verbally assaulted her in a very degrading and demeaning manor [sic],” the filing reads, claiming he has made his sibling feel “unsafe and traumatized.” Sawyer also alleges that her son has been abusive toward her “several times” and threatened to kill her. https://www.instagram.com/p/C2O1gijumn5/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=b9846d71-8f12-4634-91a6-30d7b5c4aa75 Sawyer was granted restraining orders against her son multiple times, but they expired. Her latest request for temporary court-ordered protection was granted pending a hearing for a permanent restraining order. However, her request for Doja was denied as the judge said the artist must file her own request for a restraining order against her brother. The news comes on the heels of the release of the trailer for “Doja Cat: The Scarlet Tour in VR,” premiering in VR on Saturday, January 20th at 5:00pmPT exclusively in Meta Horizon Worlds, produced and directed by The Diamond Bros, in partnership with Meta, according to a press release. https://youtu.be/tepGMwzqcVQ Executives at Warner Bros. allegedly blame Oprah Winfrey and Taraji P. Henson for the flop of “The Color Purple” movie musical. As Forbes reports, the film adaptation of the stage musical had an “$18 million domestic opening—the largest on Christmas Day in over a decade—before falling to a $7 million gross on day two and $3.8 million by the third day,” the outlet writes. The movie saw a 74.1% earnings drop after the first week of release, according to Box Office Mojo. Per Media Take Out, one studio executive explained, “The studio will only get about $24M, the other half will go to the theater that showed the film.” “The Color Purple” movie musical reportedly had a $100M plus marketing, but the film has, so far, lost at least $75M, per MTO. One insider told Media Take Out, “Executives blame Taraji Henson for derailing the promotional efforts of the film and using it as a selfish opportunity to change her personal narrative as an ‘aging and underpaid’ actress.” Ari Lennox is threatening to sue Joe Budden after he criticized her for complaining about her experience on Rod Wave’s “Nostalgia Tour.” “I was never comfortable. I just remember every show, racing to get off stage, racing to get through my set,” Lennox said aout the tour during an Instagram Live. As reported, it wasn’t Wave who was the source of her unhappiness. It was the audiences she encountered at tour stops for the rapper’s Nostalgia tour. “I started trying to communicate with the audience and then I realized they were getting angry at me affirming them,” Lennox recalled. “You’re getting angry that I’m affirming you? This is not my crowd. And it’ll never be. And that’s alright,” she added. https://www.instagram.com/p/C2NAvrFrgYj/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again During an episode of “The Joe Budden Podcast,” the former rapper said: “Anybody that could tour – it’s a blessing. So, don’t think that we’re kicking your back in….But, if you don’t want to do that show don’t f— tell us!” As Ice Cream Convos reports, Budden added, “Tell your team and the people that talk to you for months about this tour coming up with Rod Wave who is selling out arenas nationwide.” He continued, “I just don’t like you grabbing your phone to tell the audience how miserable you were when you didn’t tell your team or told them and they didn’t really care.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C2NJ8BcrBXL/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Writer and director Ava DuVernay has masterfully created another film, “Origin,” starring Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor that will pull at your emotions while delivering transformative information. DuVernay’s “Origin“ tells the story of author Isabel Wilkerson and her journey of writing her New York Times bestseller Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents. Wilkerson is a Pulitzer Prize-winning Journalist and author. During the aftermath of the Trayvon Martin case, she was approached by an old editor requesting her to write a piece about the events. https://youtu.be/pAweg5PaMuw “Basketball Wives” star Brittish Williams was detained by police on January 12th after she failed to surrender to authorities to begin serving her 4-year prison sentence. According to RadarOnline, hours before her scheduled surrender, Williams asked the court on January 2 to reduce her 4-year prison sentence to 2.6 years. She allegedly managed to postpone her prison check-in from December to January 3 but was apprehended nine days later for not surrendering to police. Per The Jasmine Brand, “She argued, as she did in her first appeal, that the ruling was excessive due to her being a celebrity and decided not to appear for the surrender because the decision of the new appeal could immediately impact her prison stay,” the outlet writes. We reported previously that Williams will spend the next four years in federal prison after being convicted for tax fraud, bank fraud, and PPP loan fraud. “Brittish Williams was getting paid to portray her celebrity lifestyle on Basketball Wives when in fact she was a typical fraudster,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Jay Greenberg said in a press release. “After today’s sentencing, her reality is now a life of a felon.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C1NdFKNukoF/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=a01baefb-bfd5-4242-b54b-ca940c821d5a&img_index=1 Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has reached a settlement with the spirits company Diageo. Additionally, according to reports, he will no longer be a joint owner of the tequila brand DeLeón or have any ties to Cîroc vodka. As RadarOnline.com reports, Diddy and Diageo released a joint statement, saying, “Sean Combs and Diageo have now agreed to resolve all disputes between them. Mr. Combs has withdrawn all of his allegations about Diageo and will voluntarily dismiss his lawsuits against Diageo with prejudice. Diageo and Mr. Combs have no ongoing business relationship, either with respect to Cîroc vodka or DeLeón tequila, which Diageo now solely owns.” We reported via CNN that Diageo cut ties with Diddy last summer, ending a lucrative 15-year partnership culminating in a racial discrimination lawsuit. Combs accused Diageo of racial discrimination in May 2023, which led to the end of their business relationship. The Bad Boy Records founder took legal action against Diageo, charging that the company “had neglected and underpromoted his DeLeón tequila, dismissing it as an “urban” product in its marketing,” CNN writes. As Complex reports, Diddy filed a new lawsuit in the New York Supreme Court in October, accusing Diageo of “unlawful retaliation by a powerful international corporation.” He accused Diago of doing “all it can to retaliate” and blackball him in the spirits industry. From Katt Williams spilling the tea on “Club Shay Shay” to Yasin Bey, aka Mos Def, calling Drake’s music “shopping with an edge,” we’ve kicked 2024 off with conversations that are making others the butt of the joke. While that is a part of comedy, what happens when our entire culture is fueled by being mean? “In this world of mendacity, which is meanness, it is revolutionary to choose kindness” – Amanda Seales. As the world gets meaner, it almost feels as though there is no room for kindness or that being kind will be seen as a weakness and prevent you from getting where you want to be. On the latest episode of the Small Doses podcast with Amanda Seales, Emmy-nominated actress Yvette Nicole Brown, known for her roles in hit shows like “Community,” “The Mayor” and “Drake & Josh” joins the show. https://www.instagram.com/p/C1-Q_bXL-BD/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Sekou Odinga, a leading member of the Black Panther Party (BPP) and Black Liberation Army (BLA) who managed to free political prisoner Assata Shakur before becoming one himself and spending decades behind bars, died Friday. He was 79. https://twitter.com/mxmovement/status/1746110122114396452?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1746110122114396452%7Ctwgr%5E16acd8fc6667f33c10160fe2c063fe86deb90f1d%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewsone.com%2F4939559%2Fsekou-odinga-dies-79%2F Instead of traveling to California to join the movement out west, Odinga said he stayed to “help build the BPP in New York” and became a leader in the city’s Bronx borough with an office in Harlem. But Odinga said he went “underground” after the murders of two UCLA students who were also BPP leaders and subsequently being told he was wanted by law enforcement “in connection with a police shooting.” He would stay “underground” for more than a decade, including a brief stint in Algeria organizing for BPP, which Odinga said became “split” because of COINTELPRO, a controversial surveillance program the FBI tried to pass off as only spying on Communists but turned out to be an anti-Civil Rights Movement initiative. Odinga eventually returned to the U.S. to continue his work. But in 1981, he was arrested and charged with the attempted murder of police officers in a shootout stemming from the robbery of an armored truck transporting cash three days earlier. “I was charged with six counts of attempted murder of police, for shooting over my shoulder while being chased and shot at by police,” Odinga wrote. He was convicted in 1984. Odinga was just 39. https://youtu.be/bbnMax4UYBM It’s clear that presidential hopeful Nikki Haley didn’t learn much from her viral inability to say flat-out that slavery was the cause of the Civil War. Perhaps it’s because she knows her audience only pretends to care about accurate American history when all they really want is the “shining city on the hill” lie that makes America out to be the noble, racially neutral nation that just so happened to be governed solely by white men for most of its existence. Throughout their campaigns, Haley and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, who dropped out of the race last November, ran with the strategy of being the “minorities” in the Republican party who insist that America is not a racist country, despite all of the statistics that indicate otherwise. On Tuesday, Haley took historical revisionism in the name of white fragility to a whole new level by insisting that not only is America not racist, but it was “never” a racist country. https://twitter.com/i/status/1747665904891023801 Dr. Tosha Rogers answers vital questions about pain management and countering the harmful impact that systemic racism has had on Black health. The HIV education advocate and OB-GYN sits down with host Ericka Dunlap to discuss how patients can approach healthcare despite deep-rooted biases about Black health. The Advil Pain Equity Project is shedding light on this matter and working toward equitable and accessible pain relief for Black communities. “There’s a myth that still exists today that Black people have a higher threshold for pain than others,” says Dunlap. “And with maternal death rates being highest for Black women in the U.S., it’s a myth that needs to be dispelled and treated with urgent attention.” Chrisean Rock appeared on the online dating show 20 vs 1 and the taping erupted into violence when Youtuber Noluvmar and his crew showed up, got in a fight, and pistol-whipped someone on set. Hip Hop DX reports that 20 vs 1 is a popular YouTube series that features a celebrity in a speed dating game. During Rock’s episode, some of the potential male suitors fought on the set, and one of them came strapped. Rock hopped on Instagram Live to discuss the incident, and in the video, she showed the blood on the set’s floor. “This is probably the last time I ever do a ’20 v 20′ [sic]. Motherf*ckers came in here with guns, bro. I ain’t gonna tell who it is ’cause I ain’t no snitch,” said Rock in the clip. “They just pull up, they said what they said. Bro wasn’t listening.” According to the rapper/reality TV star, one of the males assaulted one of the contestants and pulled a gun on him. Rock claims “the man who was losing the brawl pulled out a gun and pistol-whipped his opponent,” Hip Hop DX writes. https://twitter.com/i/status/1747476518962438565 According to No Jumper, Noluvmar allegedly stole the footage because he wanted to be the first to drop a 20 v 1 Chrisean Rock video. https://twitter.com/i/status/1747692653322596748 Meanwhile, Hip Hop DX reports that Rock claims she has exited the ratchet reality show “Baddies” over a pay dispute. In a livestream earlier this week, she said: “I’ve already made it clear, I’m not going back to Baddies. I was going to but I’m starting to stick to if somebody not paying me my value or if you don’t want to pay the fee for me to pull up, that’s cool, I’m not pulling up. I hate that for us young Black women, we not really getting valued in this industry.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1747459724654584115 Sentencing for the former Mississippi officers who tortured and sexually assaulted two Black men has been postponed for a second time. According to ABC News, sentencing for Brett McAlpin, Christian Dedmon, Jeffrey Middleton, Hunter Elward, Daniel Opdyke and Joshua Hartfield has been postponed until March 19.In August 2023, the six ex-cops pleaded guilty to federal charges including conspiracy against rights, obstructions of justice, deprivation of rights under color of law, discharge of a firearm under a crime of violence, and conspiracy to obstruct justice after they brutalized, tortured and sexually assaulted Michael Corey Jenkins and Eddie Terrell Parker. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has been under constant attack by MAGA America ever since she oversaw the indictments of Donald Trump and 18 others accused of attempting to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia illegally. On Sunday, during a visit to the Big Bethel A.M.E. Church in Atlanta, Willis addressed allegations leveled at her by one of the 14 remaining co-defendants who accused her of having an improper romantic relationship with private attorney Nathan Wade, who is acting as a Special Prosecutor in the case, and who defense attorneys are alleging is unqualified to do his job. https://twitter.com/i/status/1746652976305803744 Season Opener is back with new episodes dropping every week. On Season 2 of this dynamic podcast series, host and noted sports analyst Monica McNutt showcases Black college athletes and explores their triumphs, challenges and aspirations along their sports journeys. In Episode 6, USC forward Vincent Iwuchukwu details his journey from globe-trotting military kid to playing USC basketball. He also reflects on returning to the court since suffering a cardiac event as a freshman and supporting teammate Bronny James through a near-identical experience. https://omny.fm/shows/szn-opener/vincent-iwuchukwu-from-university-of-southern-cali As 2024 begins, more Black mayors have emerged on the local political scene.This month Rev. Tassie York took office as Neptune, New Jersey’s first Black woman to be mayor in town history. According to the Asbury Park Press, the 63-year-old, handpicked by her fellow Township Committee members, won her first Township Committee election in 2021 after being involved in town politics for two decades. As mayor, York plans to address the town’s redevelopment of portions of the community, tackle parking problems, and champion police involvement among residents. “I am grateful to my colleagues for having that trust in me, having the confidence to know what I am all about,” York told APP. “I am in this for the people, not for the fame or fortune. I don’t need my name in lights, I just want to make sure I am doing what is right for the town.” York is one of 18 children and the first in her family to earn a double master’s degree. She also works as a family specialist for the state Division of Child Protection and Permanency. Before she became a staple in Neptune politics, she worked as a local hairdresser. York eventually earned her two master’s degrees from Kean University. The Neptune native also told APP the reason she got into politics was to give her community a voice. “The driving force was my concern for my community,” York said. “It didn’t seem like we had a voice or the people who represented us really weren’t representing us. I got into politics because of that because I wanted to make sure that my people had a voice. My people is my community, not just the Black people.” She continued, “The street I live on is the same street I grew up on. I could live anywhere, but I like this neighborhood because I love my community. There were Blacks, whites, Mexicans, everybody, but we were family.” https://twitter.com/INDems/status/1722084160150393219?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1722084160150393219%7Ctwgr%5E96bfcf44544eaa72a98893d61b9b15df083cc156%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewsone.com%2Fplaylist%2Fnotable-black-mayors%2F Black female excellence beamed at the 75th annual Primetime Emmy Awards on Jan. 15. The first two wins of the night went to The Bear star Ayo Edebiri and Quinta Brunson, who both made history with their Emmy Awards. On Monday, Quinta Brunson made history by winning an Emmy for Best Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. She is the first Black actress to claim victory in this category since 1981, when Isabel Sanford, star of The Jeffersons, achieved the same feat. Brunson snagged the award for her role as Janine Teagues on the hilarious ABC sitcom Abbott Elementary. She is also the creator of the famous series. https://twitter.com/i/status/1747066365066826025 Today would have been Aaliyah’s 45th Birthday. The Princess Of R&B was truly ahead of her time and her influence on the culture is without a doubt everlasting. The songstress, dancer, actress, and original influencer is still one of the most iconic faces of a culture seemingly obsessed with her style and confidence. It’s almost common to see teenagers of all races wearing t-shirts with her adorned smile. Her movies are still cult classics among millennials who have vivid memories of dancing to one of her many nostalgic hits. It would be an understatement to say the legacy of late R&B singer/actress Aaliyah has been in a state of duress in recent times. A year ago, many across social media were outraged over her placement on Rolling Stone‘s now-controversial 200 Best Singers Of All Time list, in addition to her name yet again being linked to a past abuser thanks to Lifetime’s Surviving R. Kelly. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm47r4zvGiK/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading We are saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Antionette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey, the former VP of Student Affairs for Lincoln University of Missouri. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends and community. She allegedly experienced bullying and harassment at work, and in the end, it was too much to bear. Prior to her passing, Candia-Bailey penned a heartfelt letter detailing what she had been experiencing at work. It was difficult to hear about and process the letter. One of the most tragic things about Candia-Bailey’s passing is that she was suffering and few came to her aid. I will never understand how people can see someone in pain and look the other way. Vice President Kamala Harris in a speech commemorating the annual Martin Luther King Jr. holiday challenged Americans to uphold the civil rights icon’s legacy by working to secure the freedoms are being rolled back in part by the U.S. Supreme Court. Delivering the keynote address on Monday at the South Carolina NAACP’s annual “King Day at the Dome” event, Harris referenced the ongoing so-called war on wokeness that has resulted in Republican- and conservative-led movements against schools accurately teaching Black history and last year’s dismantling of abortion protections by the U.S. Supreme Court. Rapper 21 Savage has released a new music video-style trailer for an upcoming biopic, “American Dream: The 21 Savage Story.” The project follows the Grammy-winning artist’s experience of being detained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in 2019. The “American Dream” video features Donald Glover as 21 Savage, and “Stranger Things” star Caleb McLaughlin portrays the younger version of the rapper. A Lionsgate logo is played ahead of the trailer, but it remains unclear if the footage is indeed part of a larger project, as Variety points out. The end of the trailer teases a release on “Independence Day.” Watch the music video above. ICE officials detained the hip-hop star (real name She’yaa Bin Abraham Joseph) for living in the US illegally for years on an expired visa. Per TMZ, “Authorities later claimed the rapper threw out a bottle of codeine during that ICE arrest … and they say a handgun was also found in his vehicle,” the outlet writes. https://youtu.be/Na8i-SnGfqc “His whole public persona is false. He actually came to the U.S. from the U.K. as a teen and overstayed his visa,” an ICE official said about 21 Savage in 2019, according to SandraRose.com. Recalling the moment of the arrest, the Atlanta-based artist said in 2019: “I was just driving. And I just seen guns and blue lights. And, then, I was in the back of a car. And I was gone. “They didn’t — they didn’t say nothing. They just said, ‘We got Savage.’ It was definitely targeted,” 21 Savage added. 21 Savage’s legal team said he “won his freedom” after he was released from ICE detainment. He discussed the ordeal in an exclusive interview with ABC News. https://youtu.be/Mvtx9SOJl-0 After hosting the 75th Primetime Emmys on Monday, Anthony Anderson told TMZ he’s ready to host the Oscars next. Meanwhile, ratings for the 2024 Emmy Awards hit a record-low this year, according to Variety. Per the outlet, the ceremony “delivered an audience of 4.3 million total viewers and a 0.85 rating among Adults 18-49,” Variety writes, adding, “For comparison, the 2022 show hosted by Keenan Thompson on NBC drew 5.9 million total viewers — which was the most recent record for the awards show.” We reported earlier via CNN that “The Bear” and “Succession” were the biggest winners, picking up six Emmy awards each during the broadcast, including best comedy and best drama, respectively. https://youtu.be/aaDcUzgGl88 Comedian D.L. Hughley and Luenell poured love into each other on social media by exchanging appreciation posts. As Ice Cream Convos reports, Luenell wrote: @realdlhughley is a REAL one. (Swipe and Listen) from his Stand Up Comedy to his acting roles to his podcast and interviews, DL stands ten toes down and Always HAS. Intelligent, educated and well read.” She added, “He doesn’t bite his tonguez Even before our Comic View days DL is one of the first comics I ever worked with professionally. Back when I was making only like $50.00. On this particular night, he shared with me some of his thoughts about me and gave me complements and praise that I rarely receive from my peers and definitely not face-to-face,” she wrote. https://www.instagram.com/p/C2K6qr7uFCd/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=54d24a67-41d8-44bf-8a0a-604a7b7de18f Lunelle continued, “I held back my tears because there were so many cameras in our face. DL, you are my friend and I love you. Keep pouring into people like me, because no matter how long I’ve been in the business, it matters.Hope to see even more of you in 2024.” D.L. Hughley responded, “My sister from another mister… you know how much I love you, but I’ll keep on saying it. There are some people that are just blessed with a natural ability to tell a story and make people laugh, the people that light up a room and “bring the crowd”; that is you my dear.” https://youtu.be/QxMn3YLBrtQ Branding 4 Success, LLC, led by Yolanda M. Smith, a renowned personal branding expert, corporate speaker, and coach, proudly announces the “5-Day Brand Domination and Business Challenge.” This event is a beacon for those looking to harness the power of personal branding in transforming their business landscape. The significance of personal branding in today’s market cannot be overstated. It’s a key differentiator in a crowded marketplace. Personal branding helps in establishing a memorable and impactful presence, crucial for long-term business success. Yolanda M. Smith, with her extensive experience as a certified brand analyst and thought leader, is set to guide participants through this transformative journey from February 12 – 16, 2024. “Personal branding is more than just a marketing tool; it’s the essence of your business identity,” said Yolanda M. Smith. “In this challenge, we will explore the top 10 reasons why a strong personal brand is vital for your business, providing tools and strategies to build and amplify your brand effectively.” BET celebrated the intersectionality of the Black and LGBTQ+ community with the second annual BET BLACK + ICONIC SOIREE in Atlanta, Georgia, over the Martin Luther King Jr. weekend. BET BLACK + ICONIC SOIREE extends the network’s commitment to uplifting the Black and LGBTQ+ community by acknowledging the individual impact and collective influence to contribute to society positively. This year, the event kicked off with the BET BLACK + ICONIC SOIREE Welcome Mixer presented by Gilead Sciences on Friday, January 12 at NOBU Hotel Atlanta, followed by the Soiree on Saturday, January 13 at FLOURISH. BET honored the impact of advocates, icons, and allies of the LGBTQ+ community with two events demonstrating its continued commitment to creating a platform and “home” for the Black LGBTQ+ community. The evening was hosted by award-winning actor, dancer and choreographer Nicco Annan, who along with BET honored four influential members across various sectors who identify as LGBTQ+. “I walked away after 30 years,” said veteran vocalist/songwriter Lynn Blythe Davis about her career in the music business which she discusses in her book “Above Circumstances” (edited by Cynthia Williams). “Dealing with people, music was changing, with no need for backup vocalists.” Lynn is a celebrity backup singer, backing such iconic acts as Mick Jagger, Madonna, Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, and Barbara Streisand. Davis is also a producer. The “Above Circumstances” nonfiction book is her testimony about her experiences in the music business, her transformation throughout the years, and her insight to help others steer through the industry. “It’s a testimony about my journey,” she told me when I asked. “It gives the real deal… It is not the glamour life. The biggest challenge comes not within the business, it’s about who you are and what the business requires from you.” Ava DuVernay’s newest film “Origin“ is a tearjerker that will leave you transformed by love! The film (featuring Niecy Nash) explores the differences and similarities between racism and a caste system, and the experiences we have in the Black community – the good and the bad. One of them is the relationship we have with our cousins. A relationship that doesn’t get enough credit. A relationship that can be just as strong and significant as a sibling relationship. This film is the adaptation of the New Times best-seller Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents written by Isabel Wilkerson. https://youtu.be/pAweg5PaMuw Katt Williams’ recent interview with Shannon Sharpe has amassed over 50 million views. Sharpe hit up Twitter to highlight the numbers from the January 3rd interview on his Club Shay Shay podcast (watch it here in case you missed it). He captioned the post with a direct quote from Katt, who said at the top of their conversation: “Club Shay Shay is going to be in a dimension it’s never been. The greatest thing floating in 2024. Mark the words. In a whole different realm of business. Oprah coming next! Once I establish this as a place of truth, oh yeah. Watch! God’s people ain’t that few.” As it turns out, Katt was right, as his bombshell interview garnered over 46 million views in 10 days across social media and over a million audio downloads. Sharpe’s social media following also significantly increased due to “The Katt Williams Effect.” Meanwhile, Sharpe recently responded to criticism over how he seemingly allowed Williams to slam fellow comedians, such as Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, Tiffany Haddish, Rickey Smiley, and Kevin Hart. “I never said I was a journalist. I’ve never professed to be a journalist. I’m an entertainer. If you want hard hitting questions, 60 minutes is a platform for you, Dateline, 48 hours, go to somebody that does that,” Sharpe said about the critics during an episode of Nightcap with co-host Chad Ochocinco. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GEAgD6KaAAAXrhq?format=jpg&name=small “Sometimes the only success they get to taste is taking a bite out of you,” Sharpe said, Complex reports. “When was the last time somebody sat down for a non-sporting event, two hours, 46 minutes, and five seconds and watched and listened?” https://twitter.com/i/status/1747432984620474381 Sharpe continued, “That’s a [Dallas] Cowboy game, that 27 million people. There’s some sporting events that don’t get watched by 27 million. That’s what you’re mad about. You not mad about I didn’t cut this man off. You’re not mad about that. ‘Oh, those are your boys and you let him talk about your boys,’ that’s not what you’re mad about. ‘Oh, you’re not even a journalist, he could have got so much more meat off the bone.’ You’re not mad about that.” https://youtu.be/8oRRZiRQxTs Check out an exclusive clip from “I Can See Your Voice” Season 3, the musical guessing game show hosted by Ken Jeong. In our preview of the Jan 17 episode, celebrity panelists Todrick Hall, Adrienne Bailon-Houghton, and more all have mixed reviews on the “Stay at home Mom” secret voice. Watch the moment via the YouTube clip above. Per the press release: “Hosted by Ken Jeong, permanent panelists Cheryl Hines and Adrienne Bailon-Houghton and a rotating panel of guest celebrity detectives must help one contestant tell the difference between good and bad singers, without ever hearing them sing a note. With $100,000 on the line, each contestant will attempt to weed out the bad “Secret Voices” from the good, based on a series of clues, interrogation, and lip-synch challenges,” the series description states. https://youtu.be/lBFKhuydQ-4 An unidentified Black woman who was recently fired from her job at the airport in Atlanta is going viral for fighting her managers as she was being canned. The viral video shows the woman refusing to leave the premises at a Harvest & Grounds coffee shop at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Saturday. In the video, she is held back by two male staffers, whom she kicks and violently assaults while screaming about wanting to retrieve her property from the employee area of the eatery. At one point, one of the males throws her to the ground, but that doesn’t slow her down. She is seen leaping over the counter to gather up her belongings. Eventually, she grabs her items and flees the scene. Per TMZ, “… cops are saying it all had to do with a disagreement between this woman and a coworker … who were apparently bickering about espresso shots, at least according to the police report obtained by the outlet 11Alive,” the outlet writes. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-01-16-011624-fight-1759579-307/ Martin Lawrence reunited with his “Martin” co-stars during the Emmys’ 75th anniversary on Monday. Lawrence was joined on stage by Tisha Campbell, Carl Anthony Payne II, and Tichina Arnold to present the award for Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, which Jeremy Allen White won for his role on “The Bear.” The “Martin” sitcom was one of the highest-rated shows during its run on Fox from 1992 to 1997. In the series, Campbell played Martin’s girlfriend, and Arnold played her best friend, Pam. Payne played Martin’s bestie, Cole. Co-star Thomas Mikal Ford, who played Tommy, passed away in 2016. During their appearance at the Emmys, Payne was ready to deliver an acceptance speech after believing the cast had won their very first Emmy, but his co-stars had to remind him to take a chill pill. https://youtu.be/gh9suXESF2w Janet Jackson will hit the road this summer for a 35-date North American tour slated to begin June 4 at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, CA. Billboard reports that the music icon will stop in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Boston, Detroit, Toronto, Brooklyn, Tampa, Orlando, Atlanta and New Orleans. Rapper Nelly will be the special guest. The tour will wrap on July 30 with a final performance at Footprint Center in Phoenix, AZ. Jackson hit the road last summer for a 33-city “Together Again” tour that kicked off in April and closed out in Seattle in June, making stops in New York City, Los Angeles, Austin, and Toronto. When Jackson announced her 2023 Together Again tour on Instagram, she shared a heartfelt message to her fans, saying, “You guys, I miss you so much; I am so excited to see you,” continuing, “You guys have no idea, I’ve missed you so much, so much, and I can’t wait to be with you. I’m so excited.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C2KraobrCXB/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson is set to star as the late King of Pop in a biopic coming to the big screen next year from director Antoine Fuqua. Lionsgate will release the project titled “Michael” on April 18th, 2025, in the U.S., with Universal handling international distribution, Deadline reports. “It’s incredibly exciting to watch Jaafar bring Michael to life,” Fuqua said in a statement to Variety. We reported earlier that a worldwide casting search was conducted to find the perfect actor to play Jackson, but producer Graham King ultimately settled on Jaafar. King said, “It was clear that he is the only person to take on this role.” “I am beyond thrilled that he has come on board to portray his uncle and cannot wait for the world to see him on the big screen as Michael Jackson,” King told Variety. "Shining Bright" in the Gospel Spotlight is Ricky Dillard as he drops his new Album "Choirmaster II and the single "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus" featuring Lisa Knowles. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O532hFMa7QY SOAR Radio, the Award-winning online radio station, has announced the lineup for the seventh annual SOAR Awards television taping. The star-studded event is scheduled for Monday, March 4, 2024, at 7 PM at The Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main Street, Rockford, IL. This celebration of gospel excellence has secured a major national television partner that will be announced in a few weeks. Multi-award-winning recording artist Todd Dulaney is set to take the stage as the host. The charismatic worship leader is known for his radio hits such as “Victory Belongs to Jesus,” “Your Great Name,” and “The Anthem.” The program will feature performances honoring pioneers from all genres of gospel music. One of the Caribbean’s premier music men, Sherwin Gardner, has gone viral on a global scale. He’s trending throughout the Caribbean, the United States, Africa, the United Kingdom, Australia, Western Europe, Canada, Indonesia, Venezuela and even the Philippines. A snippet of the Trinidad and Tobago native’s new release, “Blessings Find Me,” has sparked an astounding 80+ Million streams in two weeks mainly on TikTok and igniting on Instagram as well. https://sherwingardner.lnk.to/BlessingsFindMe Billboard chart-topping group, Kenny Lewis & One Voice just released their newest single, “Call His Name” featuring Kim Burrell both in radio edit and hymnal form. This is the first single released from their upcoming album, “The Healing Project”, which is set to be released later this year. Both versions of the song were written by Kenny Lewis and produced by Kenny Lewis and Ay’Ron Lewis. The full album is geared to have a strong focus on mental health within the Body of Christ. This is not the first collaboration between Lewis and Burrell. In 2022 they released the hit song, “Victory” that was a smash hit on radio and Billboard. “Call His Name” is a stylistically jazzy groove that highlights the vocal prowess of One Voice that fans adore. Once mixed with the soulful vocal stylings of Burrell, the result is a masterpiece. When asked about “Call His Name” Lewis says. On the court, he was larger than life and helped lead the Miami Heat to three NBA Championships. Now the team will honor the legacy of legend Dwyane Wade with a bronze statue. “Dwyane’s legacy is a towering one not only for the Miami HEAT but for Miami-Wade County. I can’t think of a better way to honor him than by memorializing that legacy,” said Heat President Pat Riley in a statement. On Sunday, Riley announced that an eight-foot statue of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee will be unveiled outside the Kaseya Center in the fall. The Heat commissioned sculptors Omri Amrany and Oscar León of Fine Art Studio Rotblatt Amrany to create the statue. https://youtu.be/fl2YFQ2YE34 Bruno Mars and his girlfriend of thirteen years, Jessica Caban, are reportedly “on the rocks,” according to insiders. Mars, 38, and Caban, 41, allegedly spent Christmas and New Year’s Eve apart, Daily Mail reports. A friend of the couple told The Sun, “Bruno and Jessica barely spend time together anymore — it is really sad.” The pair started dating in 2011 after meeting at a restaurant in New York City, RadarOnline reports. “They are living separate lives so it doesn’t bode well for their relationship. It feels like things are fizzling out between them,” the tea spiller added. “They have so much history together but we aren’t sure whether they will be able to save things this time,” the source continued. Mars, 38, and Caban, 41, allegedly spent Christmas and New Year’s Eve apart, Daily Mail reports. A friend of the couple told The Sun, “Bruno and Jessica barely spend time together anymore — it is really sad.” The pair started dating in 2011 after meeting at a restaurant in New York City, RadarOnline reports. “They are living separate lives so it doesn’t bode well for their relationship. It feels like things are fizzling out between them,” the tea spiller added. “They have so much history together but we aren’t sure whether they will be able to save things this time,” the source continued. Drake’s father, Dennis Graham, has been allowed back into Canada for the first time in over 15 years. On Monday, the pop star took to his Instagram Story to share a photo of his father and mother, Sandra, reunited. “First time in over 15 years they let the OG back into Canada,” the singer captioned the image. “Thank you to everyone that helped us out.” In a 2016 interview with Office Magazine, Dennis explained that he met Sandi at a nightclub when he made his first trip to Canada. “That’s where I met Drake’s mother. I was at the bar, asking the bartender where I could find cigarettes. So, she goes — Sandi, is her name — she goes, ‘Here, have one of mine.’ And that was it,” he told the outlet. https://eurweb.com/2024/drakes-father-allowed-back-in-canada/ Blac Chyna hit up social media to celebrate being sober for one year and four months. In a video shared on Instagram, the former stripper revealed the surprise waiting for her at home from her boyfriend, songwriter and rapper Derrick Milano. “I just walked in the house and look what Derrick put together for me. He put all these special notes for me for all the months of my sobriety,” Chyna said. “Today marks 1 year, 4 months of my sobriety. Sixteen months…ah!! I’m going for the two.” She also posted a screenshot from her Twelve Steps app tracker celebrating her sobriety. “Grateful for 1 year and 4 months of sobriety, 16 months of blessings. Thank you, God, for this journey to happiness,” she captioned the post. https://static.cdninstagram.com/rsrc.php/v3/yb/r/UsSR4Cvo4Px.png Origin, written and directed by Ava DuVernay, tells the story of journalist and author Isabel Wilkerson – as she navigates her personal and work life. As a writer Wilkerson’s goal is to answer questions about the world we live in. Her first book, The Warmth of Other Suns was an intricate look into the great migration of African Americans around the country. For Wilkerson, the Trayvon Martin case wasn’t just Black and white. She realized there was something deeper. How could this only be about race…when this happened between two people of color? The topic of Black men being viewed as a threat comes up in Origin in a conversation between Isabel (played by Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor), her mother, and her husband Bret, played by Jon Bernthal in the film. Bret is a white man and during this conversation, Isabel’s mom had a strong reaction to her feelings about white men claiming to be intimidated or threatened by Black men. In that moment Bret acknowledges her feelings while also addressing he can’t speak for or represent a whole race. This scene in Origin was very powerful because it showcased three different perspectives on one issue with everyone respecting the other’s views. https://youtu.be/pAweg5PaMuw New York City Mayor Eric Adams has raised more than half a million dollars for his legal defense fund as federal investigators continue a public corruption investigation into his 2021 campaign, the fund told CNN on Monday. “The Eric Adams Legal Defense Trust has drawn strong support in a short amount of time, raising more than $650,000 since it was formed just two months ago,” Vito Pitta, counsel to the fund, told CNN. The fund is required to disclose its first round of donations to the city’s Conflict of Interest Board by Tuesday. City employees are allowed to set up legal defense funds to raise money to pay for certain legal bills and expenses connected with their employment, according to guidance posted by the board. The New York Democrat’s legal defense fund will be required to report the names of all donors who give more than $100 during each reporting period, according to the board’s guidance. The investigation into Adams is focused on campaign money, possible favors and foreign influence, according to officials briefed on the probe. Although he has not been accused of any wrongdoing, Adams secured private legal representation at the firm WilmerHale shortly after it was reported that his campaign was under the scrutiny of federal investigators. https://youtu.be/fwut4ODZMrw Idris Elba‘s “Luther: The Fallen Sun” quietly made its mark on Netflix, becoming 2023’s second most-watched movie on Netflix. Referencing Netflix’s first-ever Engagement Report, Screen Rant reports the feature generated 209.7 million hours of viewing time among viewers in the first half of the year. That second place ranking for “Luther: The Fallon Sun” comes behind the streamer’s most-watched film, the Jennifer Lopez starrer “The Mother.” Overall, “The Fallen Sun” is the 20th highest-ranked title on Netflix’s chart, combining viewing totals for movies and television shows. The film’s success is a major win for Elba. The “Pacific Rim” actor stars in “The Fallen Sun” as troubled detective Chief Inspector John Luther. The feature is a sequel to the “Luther” crime drama, which starred Elba in the title role. The BBC series lasted five seasons between 2010 and 2019. “The Fallen Sun,” which premiered on Netflix in February 2023, centers on a new adventure for Luther, who breaks out of prison to pursue a dangerous serial killer. Luther: The Fallen Sun quietly became a massive streaming hit. The movie is a sequel to the BBC One crime drama Luther, which starred Idris Elba as the troubled Detective Chief Inspector John Luther and originally ran for five seasons between 2010 and 2019. Fallen Sun, which premiered on Netflix in February 2023, sees Elba return to the role for a new adventure that follows Luther breaking out of prison to track down a dangerous serial killer. https://youtu.be/fg9Wh0HjeHk Spend the night with your family and friends and experience Gloria Gaynor's story from Disco Diva to award-winning Gospel artist! Be inspired by her incredible resilience and magnificent second act. GLORIA GAYNOR: I WILL SURVIVE is the story of a Disco legend who, for five decades, has inspired millions with her powerful song, I WILL SURVIVE, but only understood the lyrics when she hit rock bottom herself. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCvHkWCRWLo Aurora police are changing their tune about the events that led to the death of Elijah McClain. During a news conference Thursday, Aurora Interim Chief Art Acevedo told reporters that the officers involved in McClain’s death went “hands-on” too quickly. “We don’t want our officers to go hands-on so quickly, unless there’s an actual threat to them,” Acevedo said during the news conference. Initially, the department cleared the officers of all wrongdoing. After McClain died in 2019, Former Aurora Police Chief Nick Metz told reporters, “I think overall the officers did a good job trying to calm Elijah down.” Chief Acevedo also addressed McClain’s mother during the press conference. “We failed Elijah McClain as a department, we failed (his mother Sheneen) McClain as a department, we failed our community as a department,” said Acevedo. “We also failed the officers that encountered him that night,” Acevedo said. “…They failed because of the attitude, the mindset of: ‘You ask someone to do something, you tell someone to do something and then you make someone do something.’ If you look at the approach to Elijah McClain, we went from ‘asking’ to ‘telling’ to ‘making’ very quickly, and we should not be going hands-on and making someone do something unless there is an immediate threat. It’s tragic.” When asked how he would make sure something like this never happened again, Acevedo pointed to communication between officers and their suspects. “There’s going to be a lot more talking,” he said. “It’s a consensual contact, right? We are going to discuss it, we are going to talk to him, and then if we don’t have legal cause to detain, we are training our people to get back in the car and do one of two things: leave, or just watch the person.” Reproductive justice groups expressed optimism while cautiously welcoming an Ohio grand jury declining to indict a Black woman who was previously facing criminal charges stemming from a pregnancy miscarriage that she suffered. Brittany Watts, 34, who was charged with abuse of a corpse after she gave birth to a non-viable fetus while using the bathroom in September, learned her fate in the case on Thursday when the grand jury declined to bring an indictment. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GDqE34aWIAAaX9_?format=jpg&name=small The recent brutal killing of a domestic violence activist by her partner has not only sparked an outpouring of condolences but is also spotlighting statistics surrounding the murders of Black women in domestic situations. Kelly Mays, who was known as a staunch advocate for survivors of domestic violence, became a victim of the very scourge she aspired to stop when her longtime domestic partner stabbed her to death at their suburban Detroit apartment on Sunday. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GDmM6BGWIAAvd-q?format=jpg&name=small Jackson, Mississippi officials notified residents to boil their water on Jan. 11 after traces of E.coli were found in the city’s water supply system, according to the Associated Press. Escherichia coli, also known as E. coli, is a type of bacteria that is commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. While most strains of E. coli are harmless and play a role in the digestive process, some strains can cause illness. Pathogenic strains of E. coli can lead to various infections, such as gastrointestinal infections causing symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever. Some strains produce toxins that can lead to more severe conditions. Officials from the Jackson State Department said that the presence of E. coli in the water could be due to human or animal waste. Citizens in Jackson and Flowood have been recommended to boil their water for one minute before usage. This precautionary measure is expected to remain in effect for a minimum of two days while authorities gather fresh samples for testing purposes. https://v16m-default.tiktokcdn-us.com/7e48b0ec5571abc0f1cbd7e6f5929ede/65a74221/video/tos/useast8/tos-useast8-ve-0068c004-tx2/ooFEeglCQuRDEhkEFbAh9IEDxAnVczhBUZfUXl/?a=1988&ch=0&cr=3&dr=0&lr=tiktok_m&cd=0%7C0%7C1%7C&cv=1&br=1254&bt=627&bti=NDU3ZjAwOg%3D%3D&cs=0&ds=3&ft=4bBsyMzm8Zmo0nnmU94jVikbdpWrKsd.&mime_type=video_mp4&qs=0&rc=OWZlNTZmOjlnNjczOzRkN0BpMzZ0M2w5cjt1bzMzaTczNEAyLWE1NDQtNjUxMC4yXmIvYSNeL19tMmRjZGxgLS1kMTJzcw%3D%3D&l=202401162056219749068BC668571156A5&btag=e00090000 Rep. Chip Roy of Texas is just the latest conservative lawmaker to misuse the words of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. to judge a person on character and not race. In the protracted battle to elect Rep. Kevin McCarthy as speaker of the House, Roy, a Republican, nominated a Black man, Byron Donalds, a two-term representative from Florida who had little chance of winning the seat. Considered a rising star in the GOP, Donalds has opposed the very things that King fought for and ultimately was assassinated for – nonviolent demonstrations and voting rights protections. Calling Donalds a “dear friend,” Roy noted the selection by Democrats of another Black man, Hakeem Jeffries of New York, and invoked King’s words. “For the first time in history, there have been two Black Americans placed into nomination for speaker of the House,” Roy said. “However, we do not seek to judge people by the color of their skin, but rather, the content of their character.” As a scholar who researches social movements, racial politics and democracy, I have seen the consequences of the misuse of King’s words play out everywhere from the halls of Congress to corporate diversity training sessions to local school board meetings. Darius McCrary, known for his role as Eddie Winslow on the ’90s hit series “Family Matters,” recently shared shocking details about the pervasive issue of inappropriate touching in Hollywood. In an explosive interview, McCrary echoed sentiments expressed by comedian Katt Williams, who claimed that high-level executives groom male talents, subjecting them to compromising situations for career advancement. McCrary emphasized that this issue is not limited to women, stating, “We’ve all been inappropriately touched in Hollywood. It’s just what it is … we have all been inappropriately touched in Hollywood, whether [the audience] realizes it or not.” Watch a clip from the revealing interview here. “I was inappropriately touched by a Hollywood executive, and I’m not going to tell on nobody,” he told paparazzi. “This happened when I was a young man. I’m not going to say, but that’s what it is. See, I’m not thirsty, so I ain’t gotta tell my business because I’m not thirsty.” Darius McCrary is a versatile American actor, rapper, singer, and producer. He gained prominence for portraying Edward “Eddie” Winslow, the eldest child of Carl and Harriette Winslow, in the ABC/CBS television sitcom Family Matters, which aired from 1989 to 1998. McCrary made his film debut as Scam in the 1987 comedy film Big Shots and lent his voice to the character Jazz in Transformers (2007). Life after “Family Matters” hasn’t been the smoothest for McCrary. https://www.instagram.com/p/C14VBcgLk6Q/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again A suspected white supremacist who was found to be in possession of a KKK flag and Nazi memorabilia was convicted this week of a federal hate crime for terrorizing Black and brown people, including using racial slurs and threatening to kill them on multiple occasions. Marian Hudak, 52, of North Carolina, was found guilty on Thursday when a jury rendered its verdict after hearing evidence about the defendant’s actions in two specific instances for which he was charged with willfully injuring, intimidating or interfering with individuals because of their race and color and, in one case, national origin, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced. The DOJ went into detail about the charges for which Hudak was convicted. Likely seizing on reports that President Joe Biden has been losing support among Black voters, the Democratic Party’s most loyal base, independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s campaign scheduled a roundtable discussion with Black women for this weekend. Specifically, Kennedy’s event slated for Saturday night in Atlanta was publicized to the media as one that would discuss “pressing issues facing Black America,” including “the Black maternal health crisis, media censorship, gender in sports, gun violence, and the advancement of Black-owned businesses.” Kennedy is expected to engage in discussion with Angela Stanton King, political spokesperson and founder of non-profit Auntie Angie’s House; WNBA star Angel McCoughtry; Alexia Adams, a former basketball player; influencer Tatiana Davenport; and media personality Shay McCray; Atlanta-based journalist and best-selling author Christal Jordan is set to moderate the discussion, according to a media advisory sent to NewsOne. The roundtable discussion seems to be among presidential candidates’ latest courting of Black voters, the coveted voting bloc that is credited for helping to decide the 2020 election in battleground states like Georgia, Michigan and Pennsylvania. Likely not coincidentally, Kennedy’s event comes weeks after polling found that Black voters are increasingly supporting third-party candidates in an effort to find alternatives to Biden and Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee. Twenty percent of Black voters expect to cast their ballots on Election Day for neither Biden nor Trump, according to a poll released earlier this month. The unusually high number of third-party candidates this year could spell doom for Biden’s reelection efforts. On Tuesday, Angela Bassett graced the red carpet in a stunning ensemble as she was bestowed with an honorary Oscar at the 14th Governors Awards in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the film industry. Academy President Janet Yang praised Bassett in a press release, stating, “Across her decades-long career, Angela Bassett has continued to deliver transcendent performances that set new standards in acting.” https://youtu.be/K-G8tAuuZOA Comedian Cookie Hall used to work for Katt Williams and claims she quit the gig because he allegedly abused women. “I’m not being messy when I’m telling the truth,” she said on the latest episode (Jan. 11) of the DC Curry Podcast, MadameNoire reports. “Didn’t he say this the year of the truth?” When asked if he ever laid hands on her, Hall said, “Hell motherf*cking no! Is that n***a still walking? I’d punch that n***a in the stomach like he was talking about Cedric [The Entertainer].” Hall said she had to “patch bitches up” after Williams physically brutalized them. https://youtu.be/32ox1JByhDc Controversial conservative activist Charlie Kirk used to praise Martin Luther King Jr. on MLK Day, but this year, he attacked the “myth” surrounding the civil rights icon. “Who was MLK? A myth has been created and it has grown totally out of control,” Kirk posted on X on Monday (Jan. 15), Newsweek reports. “While he was alive most people disliked him, yet today he is the most honored, worshipped, even deified person of the 20th century Today we are going to tell the truth and explain how this myth was born,” Kirk added. https://twitter.com/i/status/1747123362693013632 “Telling the truth about MLK should not be trampling sacred ground,” the post continued. “He was just a man. And a very flawed one at that. Worship God, not a mythological anti-racist creation of the 1960s,” Kirk continued. https://youtu.be/i8k8VzByCRc Groundbreaking Entrepreneur Desreta Jackson has acquired the Historical Goodman-Stark House in Louisiana, MO. Jackson, best known for her role as young Celie in the iconic opening scene of “The Color Purple” original movie (1985) is the new owner of the historic home located in Louisiana, Pike County, Missouri. The award-winning movie “The Color Purple” was Desreta’s introduction to entertainment. The intensity of the movie begins with the opening scene where two young girls are joyfully playing in the field of purple Cosmos only to reveal moments later that young Celie is pregnant with a child. In the movie, the character was portrayed as the underdog but proved to be someone who had the strength and intelligence to come out victorious in the end. https://youtu.be/bH7Ukt_fWrw Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis on Sunday defended her team, including Nathan Wade, in her first public comments after scrutiny over an alleged affair with the special prosecutor. Speaking to the congregation at Atlanta’s Big Bethel A.M.E Church Sunday, Willis said she’d assembled a diverse team that can accomplish “extraordinary things,” and questioned those who “attacked this lawyer of impeccable credentials,” alluding to allegations made by one of Donald Trump’s co-defendants in the Georgia election case that Willis improperly hired a romantic partner to help prosecute the case and has financially benefitted from Wade’s appointment. Noting Wade’s credentials, Willis said all three special counselors she appointed are “superstars” but asked, “Is it that some will never see a Black man as qualified – no matter his achievements? What more can one achieve? The other two have never been judges, but no one questions their credentials.” Willis also responded to those she says would accuse her of making an argument solely based on race. https://youtu.be/JFZdsR7w48I Michael Irvin is once again under investigation for misconduct. The incident occurred in Texas, but the Allen Police Department has not released any significant details, Complex reports. “There has been an allegation, but we are not prepared to release any details at this time due to our investigation being in its very early stages,” Allen PD Public Information Officer Jonathan Maness said in a statement. Irvin’s attorney, Levi McCathern, said his client “didn’t do anything wrong or inappropriate.” The lawyer told ProFootballTalk that there is “absolutely no truth” to this latest allegation. https://youtu.be/KA-jAyyS_a0 Rapper G Herbo received three years probation Thursday after pleading guilty to his role in an elaborate credit card scheme. G Herbo, Herbert Wright, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and making false statements to federal agents. The Chicago artist allegedly used stolen credit card information to pay for his hip-hop lifestyle, according to the Chicago Tribune. In December 2020, Herbo and five others were indicted for participating in a credit card scheme. Per court documents, prosecutors said G Herbo used the stolen funds “to travel to various concert venues and to advance his career by posting photographs and/or videos of himself on the private jets, in the exotic cars, and at the Jamaican villa.” G Herbo also spent thousands on designer puppies, according to the indictment. The 27-year-old was reportedly facing 20 years in prison, but last week a federal judge sentenced him to three years probation. He was also ordered to pay restitution totaling $139,968 and forfeit the same amount in assets, and a fine of $5,500. Angela Rye was left “stunned” when her former CNN colleague Chris Cuomo called her “tinsel crotch.” Rye was a regular guest on Cuomo’s now-canceled “Cuomo Prime Time” series. During the premiere episode of her iHeart podcast, “Native Land Pod,” the attorney and political commentator recalled the “humiliating” experience with Cuomo, Page Six reports. According to Rye, when she posted a bikini-clad photo of herself online on New Year’s Day 2021, Cuomo responded by saying, “Happy New Year tinsel crotch.” “It all began on New Year’s Day [2021] when I posted a picture of myself looking forward to the New Year in a gold sequin bikini on Instagram,” Rye explained to co-hosts Tiffany Cross and Andrew Gillum on the podcast, according to The Jasmine Brand. “Cuomo screen-shot the image and said, ‘Happy New Year, tinsel crotch.’ Stunned, I read and reread the message a dozen times, trying to understand if I somehow brought this on myself,” she continued. https://youtu.be/JEOWKYgVZjU Anderson .Paak and his pop star wife of 12 years, Jaylyn Chang, are calling it quits. Paak and Chang tied the knot in 2010 after first meeting while attending the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, where he worked as a teacher’s assistant, according to Daily Mail. The R&B singer reportedly filed for divorce from the South Korean-American singer (known as Jae Lin), but did not list a separation date, Complex reports. Paak was previously married, but he told The Breakfast Club that his marriage to Chang was “the one that matters,” as they faced homelessness together, among other challenges. “She’s the one who came from Korea, didn’t speak [any] English, she’s [the one who has] the balls,” he said. https://youtu.be/ZHkdOsycCA8 Today, Martin Luther King III, humanitarian and the son of famed civil rights leader, activist, and reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., announced his resounding endorsement of Congresswoman and candidate for U.S. Senate Barbara Lee. The announcement comes on the national holiday commemorating MLK Jr.’s life and legacy. King, a renowned human rights advocate, adds his voice to a powerful assembly of 90 Black religious leaders throughout California who echo support for Congresswoman Lee for prioritizing the most vulnerable members in society, and advancing policies that uplift their needs. Clergy like Reverend James Lawson of Los Angeles and Reverend Philip Lawson of Richmond, showcase the broad geographical reach of the faith leaders coalescing around Rep. Lee’s campaign. “Dr. King’s vision for our country did not end with desegregation — that was simply the first step towards a world without discrimination, poverty, and war. His conviction was guided by his faith, and was imparted into the family he loved dearly,” said Congresswoman Lee. “As a Black woman who grew up in a small, segregated town, to say I’m honored to have the support of purveyors of his legacy is an understatement. In the Senate, I will stand shoulder to shoulder with freedom fighters like Martin and this outstanding coalition of clergy to champion the ideology and action of Dr. King.” The endorsements of MLK III and the statewide alliance of faith leaders standing behind Rep Lee’s run is the latest demonstration of the deep resonance of her peace-driven record and distinct lens of racial, gender, and social justice with California’s communities of color. If elected, Lee will be the only Black woman serving in the United States Senate. https://youtu.be/HSrv0PATFbU Martin Luther King III reacted to Jonatha Majors’ recent comments about his mother, Coretta Scott King.Majors spoke about his controversial domestic violence trial on ABC News, he referred to Coretta twice while noting how he wanted his ex-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari (the woman at the center of the DV case), to support him similarly to how the late civil rights activist support her husband, Martin Luther King Jr. He also said his new girlfriend, actress Meagan Good, supports him “like a Coretta.” Over the weekend, MLK III appeared on CNN, and anchor Victor Blackwell asked about Majors’ remarks. “She was far more than just a prop,” MLK III said, echoing similar remarks that his sister, Dr. Bernice King, made on social media last week. “I think in the context of what was said, that plus the personification of all of the many things that mom did during her life with dad, and after dad’s life, the King holiday wouldn’t exist, we wouldn’t be talking about Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday if it had not been for the work that my mom did,” he added in the video. https://youtu.be/BGliaWifdG8 Gymnastics Olympian Simone Biles opens up about married life in a wide-ranging interview for Vanity Fair. Biles, 26, met her husband, Packers safety Jonathan Owens, in 2020 on the private dating app Raya. They tied the knot last spring, followed by a celebration in May in Mexico. When they first met, Owens claims he “had no clue” Biles was a celebrated gymnast. https://www.instagram.com/p/CrWGBcEOK9C/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=4f2490dc-78fe-4d61-b45c-13d2f38a49db “She doesn’t like to admit it, but she messaged me first,” Owens told Vanity Fair. “I just noticed her laugh. It was just contagious. We could talk all day and we’d stayed up late, and there just wasn’t an awkward moment.” He added, “A lot of people don’t believe me when I say I had no clue [who she was]. I never once was like, ‘Oh, let me check gymnastics out.’ After looking at her Instagram, I was like, man, she got a lot of followers, she must be pretty good.” Biles said she was initially drawn to Owens’ confidence. https://youtu.be/jfZvFyKxkVc The Supreme Court is currently reviewing whether homeless people have a constitutional right to camp on public property. The justices will review an appeals court ruling that found bans on homeless people camping on public property in California and the West violate the Constitution’s Eighth Amendment, Los Angeles Times reports. The Supreme Court will weigh decisions of the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which ruled denying shelter to homeless people with nowhere else to go is cruel. City attorneys noted that the rulings in cases from Boise, Idaho, and Grants Pass, Ore. will make it difficult for officials in California and the eight other Western states under the court’s jurisdiction to clear encampments. Several of the states have large populations of homeless people, but California is “home to half of the nation’s unsheltered population,” attorneys said in their appeal in Grants Pass vs. Johnson. https://youtu.be/QIS0UjpYjOg Passengers on board the Alaska Airlines flight that had a mid-air blowout earlier this month were offered $1500 in compensation and mental health resources following the harrowing incident. Alaska Airlines canceled 230 flights after a midflight door blowout onboard Alaska Airlines Flt 1282 on Jan. 5. Per CNN, part of the fuselage blew off shortly after takeoff. A boy’s shirt was sucked off his torso and out through the hole, passengers reported, leaving the mother holding the child. In a statement, the airline said it offered “24/7 access to mental health resources and counseling sessions” to the 177 passengers and will “continue to work with them to address their specific needs and concerns.” “Alaska Airlines provided a full refund to each guest on Flight 1282. As an immediate gesture of care, within the first 24 hours, we also provided a $1,500 cash payment to cover any incidental expenses to ensure their immediate needs were taken care of,” the airline said, People reports. https://youtu.be/e1YHyG6rxaA Chaka Khan is single a legal tune after Los Angeles-based property owner is suing the legendary songstress over allegedly violating a lease agreement and alleged incident involving her dog attacking a neighbor. Referencing court documents obtained by the Blast, Madame Noire detailed the suit, which alleges that Khan breached her contract with the property owner by “housing one or more pets on the property, contrary to the lease terms,” and that “the pet in question, a dog, chased and harmed a neighbor, who is now seeking recovery from (the owners.)” The suit goes on to mention claims from the Santa Monica, California-based property owner that say Khan “breached the lease by failing to vacate the property by November 1, 2023, [2] subletting the property to her son and other occupants in violation of the provision of the lease.” According to the lawsuit, the lease expired Oct. 31. In addition, the lawsuit alleges that Khan failed to “pay holdover rent” and changed “the lock and/or entrance codes to prevent (the owner) from having access to the property.” According to Madame Noire, the property owner claims to have been “damaged in court” behind the incident involving Khan’s dog.” Compensation from Khan for what was lost is being sought as well as coverage of all court costs and legal fees. Willie D is responding to accusations that he is “clout chasing” off Shannon Sharpe after releasing his interview with Katt Williams less than a week after the comedian’s now-infamous appearance on the Club Shay Shay podcast. https://twitter.com/i/status/1745867750734496117 Let’s say you got a Katt Williams interview in the can and somebody drop a video and the video go haywire. Millions and millions of damn views! What would you do with your interview?” Willie D said in a video posted to social media, Ice Cream Convos reports. “Would you sit there and wait and wait and wait – like I had planned to do initially? Or you go, ‘Know what? S— the wave is already in the water! Let me ride this damn thing!” he continued.“The wave is already in the water! Let me get on it! I have no shame for doing it! What would you have done as a businessman?” Willie D’s interview with Katt has received six million views at the time of this write-uup. https://youtu.be/PncfFg_YrOg Lionsgate’s exciting new western thriller, “The Night They Came Home,” is now streaming On Demand and digitally. The film centers on The Rufus Buck Gang, an outlaw of Native Americans whose members were Creek Indian and African American. Danny Trejo and Brian Austin Green lead the cast, along with Hollywood icon Robert Carradine and newcomer Charlie N. Townsend as Rufus Buck. The Rufus Buck Gang has served as inspiration for countless books and movies. Per History Defined: “The gang consisted of five members: Rufus Buck, Lewis Davis, Sam Sampson, Maoma July, and Lucky Davis. Rufus Buck was the leader of the gang and was considered quite dangerous.” https://youtu.be/p2zC-lM5IU4 “My first Grammy-nominated project … I toured with Tyrese for 6 or 7 years,” said singer/songwriter Kenyon Dixon about his career when I asked. “My first big writing placement was Tyrese’s album … a single called ‘Open Invitation.’” I requested an interview with Kenyon cause his credits are so impressive as a songwriter and vocalist. As a songwriter/producer, he has worked for Mary J Blige, Tyrese, PJ Morton, Ginuwine, Kirk Franklin, Coco Jones (“ICU Remix”) and Justin Timberlake (“Perfect For Me” – Trolls World). As a vocalist, he has worked with Nick Jones, Jill Scott, Kelly Rowland, BBC’s “That’s My Jam” for their House Band, and for the Oscars in 2017. https://youtu.be/c4cdju8zDFw Another hip-hop adjacent killing has gone down in Memphis this weekend. The person shot and killed was Anthony ‘Big Jook’ Mims, the brother of rapper Yo Gotti. The murder of Big Jook, Yo Gotti’s older sibling, took place after he attended a funeral service. Memphis Police (MPD) said he was killed and another man was injured outside of Perignons Restaurant and Event Center on the 6300 block of Winchester Road, according to TMZ. The other victim is in critical condition. Police claim to have surveillance footage of the shooting but have not been able to identify the suspect.Meanwhile, photos and videos are circulating online that supposedly show Big Jook bleeding on the ground with people attending to him. https://youtu.be/dwDaH9s1RQc Teyana Taylor’s divorce from her estranged husband Iman Shumpert entered a new phase with the former basketball star denying Taylor’s claim he is irresponsible with their daughters. Radar Online referenced court documents detailing the situation surrounding Taylor’s divorce petition. In the documents, the singer/actor claimed “blatantly and knowingly false statements” are contained in Shumpert’s answer to the petition. https://youtu.be/i38C-9AREM4 Taylor is demanding primary custody and child support of the couple’s two daughters, Junie and Rue. Among the revelations revealed are claims the daughters “appear to be disheveled” and “are not fed properly” while in Shumpert’s care. According to her, the former sports star has a “reckless disregard for the safety and well-being” of Junie and Rue by not being “attentive to their needs. “[Shumpert] asks for significant time with the parties’ minor children, but then leaves them with his parents or others for a majority of the time requested. [Shumpert’s] interest in the parties’ daughter is more like his chance for photo opportunities as opposed to [Shumpert] providing true parenting and care for the girls. [Taylor] further shows the Court that when [Shumpert] gets angry, he is irresponsible with the girls,” the petition read. Taylor goes on to claim Shumpert moved into “one of the parties’ fully renovated, turnkey homes while leaving” her and their kids “in the parties’ primary residence that has been under construction for the past three (3) years because the Respondent has failed to pay for his portion of the agreed upon renovations.” The move into the turnkey home came after Shumpert moved out of his marital home with Taylor, the singer claimed. https://youtu.be/Lb44DN1Tudo Residents in coastal communities in Queens woke up Saturday to flooded streets and basements. It is a scene all too familiar, and costly, for local families when high tide and and strong winds push water onshore. CBS New York spoke with residents who are hoping for a solution. Streets turned into rivers on Saturday. Basements of homes in Howard Beach and Hamilton Beach flooded. “We go through this all the time. We lost cars. When we know the flood is coming, we start panicking,” Hamilton Beach resident Sandra Smith said. Businesses took a hit, too. “It’s a shame that there’s nothing they can do about this. All these businesses in the neighborhood, they struggle every time the tide comes up like this,” Bobby McGuire said. https://youtu.be/9WNFcJx7ne8 For many singers, touring is the time to get closer to fans while proving how talented you are without studio interference. For Ari Lennox, her tour with rapper and singer Rod Wave will go down as a time when she was “never comfortable” on the road. I was never comfortable. I just remember every show, racing to get off stage, racing to get through my set,” Lennox recently shared during an Instagram Live while discussing her experience on tour and how she was treated during the 2 ½ month-long trek. According to the vocalist, it wasn’t Wave who was the source of her unhappiness. It was the audiences she encountered at tour stops for the rapper’s Nostalgia tour. “I started trying to communicate with the audience and then I realized they were getting angry at me affirming them,” Lennox recalled. “You’re getting angry that I’m affirming you? This is not my crowd. And it’ll never be. And that’s alright,” she added. https://twitter.com/i/status/1744117904927567913 Nicki Minaj is at the center of a new legal battle related to her husband, Kenneth Petty. A German security guard, Thomas Weidenmuller, is suing the entertainer and Petty for assault, The Jasmine Brand reports. Considering the couple’s lack of a response to his suit, Weidenmuller is asking the court to award him a default payment of $724, 000 in damages, the site stated, citing Radar Online. The security guards’ suit stems from an alleged incident that took place at one of Minaj’s shows in Germany in 2019. Weidenmuller claimed that while working the concert, a fan rushed the stage. The action seriously angered Minaj, Radar noted, adding that the person was notably removed immediately. Minaj, who was not harmed in any way, allegedly went backstage to start recording the incident while viciously reprimanding a female staff person. Seeing what happened, Weidenmuller intervened, choosing a more peaceful action. According to the suit, de-escalation was the last thing on Minaj’s mind as she became even more upset and eventually summoned Weidenmuller to her dressing room. It was there Petty allegedly struck Weidenmuller so hard that he underwent reconstructive jaw surgery. Despite the negative reception from the crowd, Lennox carried on and remained on tour. As she continued her Instagram Live, the entertainer remembered her most notable ordeal during the Rod Wave tour. According to HipHopDX, the incident centered around someone who pelted Lennox with a bottle while she performed during a show in Los Angeles in November. “It was tough and it was heavy on my soul, especially the day when the bottle happened because that side of the stage, like, I felt the energy … It was just all darkness — that was literally the energy that was coming from the left side,” she said. https://twitter.com/i/status/1744076011329773663 “I was on that stage and people would have shit on their screens saying ‘Next,’ and I can’t deal with sh*t like that. I’ll curse you out … What is this aggression? You’re that pissed? “It was a lot for two and a half months, like, getting my wardrobe stolen,” continued Lennox. It was just a very hard two and a half f**king months. Very lonely too. But I thought it would be a good idea.”Although the bottle missed her, the attempt was enough for Lennox to go on a rant and call out the person she believed threw the object. While the bottle missed her, the “Shea Butter Baby” star went on a rant at the audience and called out who she believed threw the object. B*tch, I’ll f**k you up! Who the f**k did it? Who the fuck did it?” Lennox voiced after cutting the music to her set. “I’ll f**k y’all ass up. ‘Cause I don’t play that, I don’t feel that bullsh*t. I will f**k y’all sh*t all the way the f**k up! Don’t you ever disrespect a beautiful Black woman on the stage like that! I’ma f**king f**k you up. That’s the f**k right. Who did it, b*tch?” https://youtu.be/fRuF2F2r3MU Attorney Antonio Moore evaluates the new iHeartmedia “Native Land Pod” podcast by Andrew Gillum, Angela Rye, and Tiffany Cross. He makes particular points about how the cover of the political podcast which appears to be a remake of a Destiny’s Child album cover from nearly 20 years ago. Moore digs into some of the backgrounds of each host. From Gillum’s scandal that found him in a South Beach Hotel “apparantly too ineberiated to talk” according to the Florida-Times Union, to Cross’ firing from MSNBC, and more. And Moore critiques what the show can actually bring to the political landscape before the 2024 election. https://youtu.be/MKXKJvNv5gE Larsa Pippen and Marcus Jordan may be a lot of things to folks on the outside looking in, but they can’t say their relationship lacks sex. Chatting with Andy Cohen, People reports the couple had no problem shining a light on their sex lives when the “Watch What Happens Live With Andy Coehn” host asked Pippen to defend comments she made at last year’s RHOM reunion. During the event famously boasted she’s “always had sex, like, four times a night,” even while she was married to her former NBA superstar Scottie Pippen. Pippen’s connection to Marcus comes via him playing alongside his legendary former teammate and Marcus’ father, Michael Jordan. “That’s facts,” Larsa said Jan. 10 during an episode of “WWHL,” before confirming the number has increased with Marcus. “I also have sex probably five times a night with the love of my life.”“I’m very competitive so I like to stay ready,” Marcus chimed in, saying it’s “way more than three times.” From there, Cohen asked if that was “to completion” and if Marcus was able “to complete yourself and then keep going,” Marcus responded, saying “Especially with Larsa as my partner, absolutely.” https://youtu.be/XDmJ461xDng The African American Film Critics Association (AFCAA) is proud to reveal its esteemed list of 2024 Special Achievement Honorees chosen for their prolific contributions to the entertainment industry. These outstanding honorees will be celebrated at the organization’s 7th Annual AAFCA Special Achievement Awards luncheon, taking place on Sunday, March 3rd in the Centennial Room at the Los Angeles Athletic Club in downtown Los Angeles. The intimate, invitation-only luncheon will bestow honors upon the feature film KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON, which will receive the Stanley & Karen Kramer Social Justice Award which shines a light on the true story of the infamous Osage Nation murders. Jamie Foxx and Datari Turner, the producing duo behind Foxxhill Productions, will be honored with AAFCA’s Producers Award for their exceptional work on three high-profile films released in 2023: “They Cloned Tyrone,” “Story Ave,” and “The Burial,” along with Foxxhill’s commitment to telling inclusive stories. Mo’Nique is speaking out on Taraji P. Henson‘s Hollywood pay situation as she came for Oprah Winfrey for not standing behind her “sisters.” As we’ve reported, in recent weeks Henson has been making headlines after raising issues regarding the way cast members were treated while working on “The Color Purple.” The issue has brought back memories of similar issues Mo’Nique dealt with a few years back. However, at the time she was basically dismissed by almost everybody. Flash forward to a few days ago at the Golden Globes ceremony where, during a Gayle King interview, Winfrey spoke on the controversy as a co-producer of “The Color Purple.” “Everything got handled,” she said of issues on set. “It’s so disturbing to me because why is my name even in this conversation? I’ve been the champion for everybody.” https://youtu.be/3c2Ggs4EBD4 Mo’Nique, via an interview with The Root, has responded to Oprah’s comments to which she – not surprisingly – totally disagrees. “Everything was, ‘Didn’t I champion for y’all?’ I was like, ‘Stop it. You didn’t champion for those Black women, for our sisters,” Mo’Nique said. “What [she] did was, ‘We can treat them like we always treat them, who gon’ check me boo? I’m Oprah Winfrey.'” She added: “You know everything should have been done when you showed up…Now when you hear our beautiful sisters saying, ‘yeah but it got fixed,’ it’s like we’re making it worse.” “So, when Oprah Winfrey sits at the helm and Taraji P. Henson says, ‘It’s an honor that we were hand-picked for this movie,’ Well if they were hand-picked for that movie, those women should have been taken care of from the moment go.” https://youtu.be/anXtfhmZNVA A vicious storm that smacked the central and eastern US Friday is continuing its assault Saturday with whipping winds and blizzard conditions, rain, snow and dangerous coastal flooding. Meanwhile, a brutal blast of Arctic air is spreading south and east through the central US and will bring snow and ice to the South. Here’s the latest. Historic storm surge hits Maine: Water levels on Maine’s coast hit a historic high on Saturday, inundating coastal communities already swamped by record-breaking surges on Wednesday. Flash flood warnings were issued by the National Weather Service in Gray, Maine, as the storm’s strong winds blew water from the Atlantic Ocean toward the shore on top of high tide Saturday morning and combined with falling rain to create a dangerous situation. The water level in Portland hit 14.57 feet just after noon, higher than the 13.84 feet hit on Wednesday, and higher than the previous record set in 1978, National Weather Service data shows. https://youtu.be/VV6zySQkT0M Portland police said on X that there were “too many” roads closed to list because of the flooding. Roads were also closed in coastal New Hampshire as water levels rose there, according to the state’s Department of Transportation. Moderate coastal flooding was also reported in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, NOAA data shows. Coastal flood alerts remain in effect for several spots throughout the day Saturday for lingering flooding, with most set to expire by the end of the day. Buffalo Bills playoff game postponed: The scheduled game between the Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers in Buffalo was moved from Sunday at 1 p.m. to Monday at 4:30 p.m. because of the “dangerous conditions,” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said on X Saturday. https://youtu.be/HE670NHUsm4 Usher is making sure he is at his best when he performs at this year’s Super Bowl. According to Ace Showbiz, the “There Goes My Baby” crooner has given up “all sugar and alcohol” before his performance at the 2024 Super Bowl Halftime Show. The Feb. 11 performance, which will take place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, is a long time coming for Usher, who is determined to be in the best shape possible for the occasion. “The Super Bowl has always been on Usher’s bucket list and he wants to be in the best shape to give the performance of his life to the 100 million-plus people watching. He has quit all sugar and alcohol and is rehearsing endlessly,” a source told the Sunday Mirror newspaper’s No Filter column. Joining Usher for the halftime show will be his 14-year-old son Naviyd, who will serve as the 45-year-old entertainer’s “musical director for the show. “The greatest list I received is actually from my son, Naviyd. He is my musical director. He has given me a curation of how much time in addition to the songs,” the “You Don’t Have to Call” vocalist said during an appearance on “Today With Hoda and Jenna.” https://youtu.be/QcRLTbQxgcI Despite things being very tense between Kevin Hart and Katt Williams, there was a time, believe it or not, when the “Friday After Next” star extended an olive branch to his fellow funnyman. According to Vibe, footage of the apology was captured on video via Spank Horton, a comedian and member of Hart’s Plastic Cup Boyz. In the 2016 clip, Williams is shown apologizing to Hart after apologizing to Big Tigger for an unnamed discretion. “I also owe a humongous apology to Kevin Hart…When I did a show at Philips [Arena] I kind of lost myself and I didn’t do my stand-up performance,” Williams stated.” I actually did an hour of talking to Atlanta ’cause I love Atlanta and made a lot of mistakes and said a lot of things that just be in Katt Williams’ head, but I was not talking to the world, I was talking to the city of Atlanta, and I should’ve never mentioned Kevin Hart’s name. That is the reigning king of comedy if you ask for popular consensus.” The discovery of Horton’s video comes more than a week after Williams raised eyebrows with heavy criticism of Hart, Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer and Michael Blackson. The revelations from Williams’ candid interview on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast has generated headlines as well as talk among comedy fans regarding the entertainer’s views on his iconic peers. Speaking about Hart, Williams called the “Central Intelligence” star the Cardi B of comedy, an “industry plant.” Realizing how divided the nation was at the time of the video, Williams examined his conduct towards Hart. Ultimately, Williams recognized he should not have attacked another black man, considering the state of the nation at that time. https://twitter.com/i/status/1744781740411965472 He just couldn’t handle it. We’re referring to famed TikTok food critic Keith Lee and his visit to the City by the Bay, San Francisco. His food tour where he rates local mom-and-pop restaurants came to a sudden and unexpected end. Lee did do a video to explain the suddenness of his cancellation in the Bay Area which he says did show him and his family a lot of love. “Unfortunately, the Bay Area stop on the Keith Lee and family food tour is officially over prematurely…I truly want to say from the bottom of my heart, I appreciate every single bit of love,” Lee said in his video. “The people of the Bay were absolutely amazing, And I’ll never forget the hospitality and the love that y’all showed me.” So if it wasn’t harsh treatment by the fine people of the area, what exactly was it that freaked him out enough to want to get out of Dodge? Well, one of the reasons according to Lee is that of safety. The Detroit-born reviewer, a retired MMA fighter, thinks the Bay is NOT “a place for tourists right now.” “The people of the Bay are just focused on surviving,” he added. “The amount of tents and living structures and burnt-out cars that we saw people living in was shocking, to say the least.” https://youtu.be/ePlQrzPUsd0 Embattled actor Jonathan Majors will no longer play basketball player Dennis Rodman in a proposed film project, multiple sources tell CNN. More than a year ago, Majors was cast to star as Rodman in the film, which would chronicle the basketball player’s infamous trip to Las Vegas during the 1998 NBA finals. While an individual close to the movie – working title “48 Hours In Vegas” – cautions that Majors has not yet officially been dropped from the film, the source says that the actor will not be part of the project. Last month, a jury found Majors guilty of assault and harassment of his former girlfriend, Grace Jabbari, during a domestic dispute. Majors – who maintains his innocence – was convicted of one count of reckless assault in the 3rd degree and a non-criminal charge of harassment as a violation. He was acquitted on another assault charge and one count of aggravated harassment. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/RUQo29QENRM?feature=share Lionsgate declined to comment. The talent agency WME — which currently still counts Majors as a client — also declined to comment. Majors parted ways with his management and publicist in April 2023 amid the accusations, and a representative who was working with Majors during his trial did not respond to CNN’s numerous requests for comment. Immediately after his trial last month, Majors was dropped by Marvel, which had cast him to star in two upcoming “Avengers” movies, and which likely would have cemented Majors’ status as a household name. Majors had already starred in last year’s “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” as well as the Disney+ series “Loki” as a version of the character he was set to portray in the “Avengers” films. Aside from the Marvel developments and the Rodman film, more of the actor’s projects are also in flux, CNN is told. Weeks before his arrest in March, Majors was also cast in a movie at Amazon, “Da Understudy,” from director Spike Lee. https://youtu.be/5l7S1w2USS0 A source close to that project says that when “Da Understudy” was announced in the press, the project was in such early stages that deals weren’t closed yet. Regardless of Majors’ legal issues, the film may have never come to light, just due to the nature of the long development process. “This film is in extremely early deep development where the recent trial wouldn’t have been a conversation,” the source familiar with the film tells CNN. A representative for Lee and a spokesperson for Amazon Studios declined to comment. Additionally, months before the accusations from Jabbari early last year, Majors received rave reviews at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival premiere of the drama, “Magazine Dreams,” a film in which he played a bodybuilder that was garnering early awards buzz and would likely have put Majors into the Oscars conversation. The film was planned to be released theatrically by Disney’s Searchlight in December, but in October, ahead of his trial, Disney pulled the film from its release calendar. No new release date has been set, and Disney did not respond to CNN’s request for comment. https://youtu.be/KB2avOvPjIs Supermodel Beverly Johnson joined SiriusXM’s Sway Calloway and co-hosts Heather B and Tracy G this week to discuss her new play “Beverly Johnson: In Vogue.” During her live appearance on SiriusXM’s Sway in the Morning, Beverly revealed that she and her longtime partner, Brian Maillian, officially tied the knot. “Two days before my birthday, October 13, he kept saying ‘What do you want for your birthday,’ ” Johnson recalled during the interview. “I sat up in the bed on October 11 and said, ‘I know what I want for my birthday.’ He said, ‘What?’ I said, ‘I want to get married,’ ” she continued. “He went, ‘Okay.’ And I went, ‘Did he say okay? Oh sh*t.’ And we got married… in Vegas.” “It was just the right moment. And I’m thinking the whole time, ‘Oh, we’re gonna get into a fight,’ ” she told Sway. “It’s most certainly on the spiritual level, as we get closer to our God, whoever that may be. Each day and moment becomes so precious and those moments with your grandchildren, everything becomes like awe.” https://youtu.be/v_R-JUTeIJE AMC Networks has released an all-new teaser for its upcoming drama, “Parish,” starring and executive produced by Giancarlo Esposito. The six-episode crime thriller will premiere on AMC and AMC+ in March. Per the news release, “Esposito stars as Gracian “Gray” Parish, a family man and proud owner of a luxury car service in New Orleans. After his son is violently murdered and his business collapses, an encounter with an old friend from his days as a wheelman resurfaces old habits, sending Gray on a high-stakes collision course with a violent criminal syndicate.” We reported previously that “Parish” was shot on location in New Orleans and is based on the hit U.K. series “The Driver,” created by Danny Brocklehurst and Jim Poyser. https://youtu.be/sN-SG8l-tO8 According to the press release, the ensemble cast includes Zachary Momoh (The Nevers, Harriet, Doctor Sleep) as New Orleans-based Zimbabwean gangster The Horse; SAG® Award-nominee Paula Malcomson (Watchmen, The Hunger Games, Ray Donovan) as Parish’s wife and mother to his two children, Rose; Skeet Ulrich (Scream, Riverdale) as an old acquaintance to Gray, Colin; Bonnie Mbuili (Invictus, Wallander) as Shamiso Tongai, The Horse’s smart and protective older sister; Ivan Mbakop (Hawkeye, Red Notice) as The Horse’s brother, Zenzo; Arica Himmel (Mixed-ish, Black-ish) as Gray and Rose’s daughter Makayla; and Dax Rey (The Good Fight, Chicago Fire) as The Horse’s son Luke. https://youtu.be/YcoR4hfKCl0 After nine to 10 years of putting up with Jason Whitlock, Stephen A. Smith has had enough. And he’s not shy about letting folks know how he feels about his friend-turned-enemy. On Wednesday, Smith released a teaser for his nearly 45-minute blasting of Whitlock on “The Stephen A. Smith Show.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C18WHRQsHtB/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Highlights included the “sharing how he warned ESPN and his family about Whitlock being in the crosshairs of vitriol he will spit toward him on his independent podcast. The pushback would be so severe that Smith took time to talk to his pastor and apologize for what he was about to say, Complex reported. Although Smith stayed silent for years, at least nine to 10 years, without saying a world about Whitlock directly, his tune changed after Whitlock fervently questioned the authenticity of his January 2023 book “Straight Shooter: A Memoir of Second Chances and First Takes.” It was then the 56-year-old chose the fighter route as he felt it was finally “necessary” to break his silence—with the caveat that it will “never happen again—he’s irrelevant, he’s not important, he’s insignificant, and he knows it.” Pulling out the receipts before going fully in at the 18:30 mark of his video, Smith referenced a 2015 Deadspin article. The article detailed how several ESPN employees, Smith included, refused to work with Whitlock. https://youtu.be/6CZuNuchnqk GOSPEL, a new four-hour docuseries that explores the rich history of Black spirituality through sermon and song from executive producer, host, and writer Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. The series reunites acclaimed Harvard scholar and documentarian Gates with directors Stacey L. Holman and Shayla Harris after recently teaming up on MAKING BLACK AMERICA: THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE. The series will also have a special companion concert premiering February 9. From the blues to hip-hop, African Americans have been the driving force of sonic innovation for over a century. Musical styles come and go, but there is one sound that has been a constant source of strength, courage, and wisdom from the pulpit to the choir lofts on any given Sunday: the gospel. The show premieres on February 12 and 13, 2024 on PBS, PBS.org and the PBS App. In GOSPEL, Gates, the Alphonse Fletcher University Professor at Harvard University and director of the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research, speaks with dozens of clergymen, singers and scholars about their connection to the music that has transcended its origins and now spreads “the good word” all around the world. The series features interviews with notable names including Dionne Warwick, U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock, Rev. Otis Moss III, professor Michael Eric Dyson, and awe-inspiring musical performances of Gospel favorites “Can’t Nobody Do Me Like Jesus,” “Total Praise,” and others from talents including The Belle Singers, Cory Henry, Celisse, and more. https://youtu.be/nmEIZ7sVs-0 “The Space Race,” a must-see documentary, will premiere on National Geographic on February 12, and stream on Hulu and Disney+ from February 13. The extraordinary film was shown at several festivals, including the Tribeca and Urbanworld Film festivals. I caught up with astronaut Leland Melvin, an executive producer of “The Space Race,” at the Urbanworld Film Festival and asked what was his greatest challenge putting together such a monumental movie. “I think it was getting all the Black astronauts that we wanted to put in the movie to buy into the story,” he said, “because I think many times there are so many people that come at you wanting to make a movie, a doc, or something but it’s not funded. Or you know, half-baked.” “But this was already pre-funded with Disney and Frank Marshall. We came in legit and this was a story that had never been told like this,” Melvin added. “The project brought us together even more. Now we have an email distribution, which we never had before. Now with the new technology and Zoom, we can have these conversations and say, ‘Hey, are you okay? What do you need us to do for your family while you’re in space?’ Letting them know we’ve got their backs.” Melvin, Guion Bluford, Charles Bolden, Ed Dwight, Victor Glover, Frederick Gregory, Bernard Harris, Leland Melvin, Ronald McNair, Arnaldo Tamayo Méndez, Jessica Watkins are among those featured in “The Space Race.” Bluford is the first Black astronaut to fly in space, and the first to receive the U.S. Air Force Command Pilot Astronaut Wings. https://films.nationalgeographic.com/the-space-race-2023-trailer The New England Patriots have hired Jerod Mayo as head coach, the team announced on Friday, a day after Bill Belichick announced he was leaving. The Patriots said that Mayo – the organization’s 15th in its history – has been hired and will be formally introduced at a press conference at noon ET on January 17. Mayo is a former New England player and has been working as an assistant on the team’s defense since 2019. Mayo played eight seasons for the Patriots as a linebacker, being voted to the Pro Bowl twice and winning the Super Bowl in 2015. He has been the linebackers coached for the New England since 2019. https://youtu.be/rlEj1TiFX20 According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport citing unnamed sources and The Athletic citing unnamed league sources, Mayo’s contract as linebackers coach reportedly contained a head-coach succession clause that allowed the team to make the move quickly for him to ascend to the top job. The decision to hire Mayo eradicates the team’s need to go through a lengthy hiring process for a new head coach, instead appointing the 37-year-old straight away. Mayo becomes the youngest head coach in the NFL, surpassing the previous youngest, Sean McVay, who has held the mantle since he was hired by the Los Angeles Rams in 2017. https://youtu.be/Q1lXGhzkbB4 From visionary writer and director Jeymes Samuel, The Book of Clarence is a bold new take on the timeless Hollywood era Biblical epic. Streetwise but struggling, Clarence (LaKeith Stanfield) is trying to find a better life for himself and his family, make himself worthy to the woman he loves, and prove that he’s not a nobody. Captivated by the power and glory of the rising Messiah and His apostles, he risks everything to carve his own path to a divine life, a journey through which he finds redemption and faith, power and knowledge. The Book of Clarence is in movie theaters nationwide now! The film also stars Omar Sy. Anna Diop. RJ Cyler. David Oyelowo. Micheal Ward. Alfre Woodard. Teyana Taylor, Caleb McLaughlin, Eric Kofi-Abrefa, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, James McAvoy and Benedict Cumberbatch. The Hollywood era Biblical epic was produced by Jeymes Samuel, Shawn Carter, James Lassiter, Tendo Nagenda, and executive produced by Garrett Grant. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntNS-ANoMyM "Shining Bright" in the Gospel Spotlight is 2X GRAMMY NOMINEE KORYN HAWTHORNE. She RELEASES A NEW TRACK "CUT EM OFF" AHEAD OF FORTHCOMING ALBUM, "ON GOD." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oep-l-tdBjo Rising music sensation Stevie Rizo is ready to set the stage ablaze with his latest release, "Go Jehovah." The artist, known for his distinctive sound and captivating lyrics, wrapped up 2023 with an impressive career milestone, accumulating over 9 million streams on Apple Music and Spotify, and 2024 promises to be another music-filled year. "Go Jehovah" is a testament to Stevie Rizo's musical prowess and artistic evolution. The track seamlessly blends genres, showcasing his versatility as an artist, writer and producer. With its infectious beat and thought-provoking lyrics, "Go Jehovah" is a standout addition to Rizo’s growing discography. Last year, his viral track “Esther” surpassed 2.2 million streams and landed on Instagram’s top 25 trending songs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MablYDC3uBA Steve Harvey hit up social media and noted that he “ain’t gotta say nothing” to “my haters” following Katt Williams’ remarks on the Club Shay Shay podcast. In a clip captioned, “You don’t have to address your haters,” the “Family Feud” host says, “No, you ain’t gotta tell nobody nothing. All you got to do is be it. You don’t have to open your mouth.” Harvey goes on to quote Psalms 23:5, saying, “‘He prepares a table in the presence of mine enemies’, he do it all the time. All my haters? I ain’t gotta say nothing to them.” He continued, “God is about to do something, and the devil is throwing in opposition,” Harvey continued before addressing an unnamed person who is “really attacking me right now,” he said. Many fans believe Harvey was responding to Williams’ comments on the Club Shay Shay podcast last week when he accused Harvey of stealing the concept of fellow comedian Mark Curry’s “Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper” for his sitcom “The Steve Harvey Show” that ran in the 90s. The same Steve that went to go watch Mark Curry do his whole sitcom and then stole everything Mark Curry had…Now Steve got a sitcom where he’s the principal and he wears a suit,” Williams told host Shannon Sharpe on the podcast. “You couldn’t be a movie star,” Williams said of Harvey. “There are 30,000 new scripts in Hollywood every year. Not one of them asked for a country bumpkin Black dude that can’t talk good … and look like Mr. Potato Head. There ain’t none. You have to have range.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1743940036515508366 Students at Lincoln University-Missouri are calling for the president, Dr. John Moseley, to resign after the vice president of student affairs, Dr. Antoinette Candia-Bailey, reportedly died by suicide after “bullying and severe mistreatment” by the school’s leadership. HBCU Buzz reports that Dr. Candia-Bailey took her own life on January 8 due to distress from being “unsupported, disregarded, and abused after countless attempts to speak out on the bullying and harassment she experienced in her role from President Moseley.” Moseley, a white man, is now facing calls to resign amid protests from the Jefferson City community. He allegedly failed to support Bailey during her “cries for help.” Lincoln University students and alum say Moseley should “no longer be allowed to lead.” Meanwhile, social media users are questioning why a white man was even hired to serve as president of a historically black university (HBCU). The #FireMoseley hashtag is trending on X/Twitter to increase awareness about Dr. Candia-Bailey’s suicide. https://eurweb.com/2024/lus-vp-of-student-affairs-commits-suicide/ The Gospel Spotlight has an exclusive clip of Lionsgate’s exciting new western thriller, “The Night They Came Home,” starring Danny Trejo, Brian Austin Green, Hollywood icon Robert Carradine, and newcomer Charlie N. Townsend as Rufus Buck. “Inspired by true events, “The Night They Came Home” chronicles the ruthless exploits of the Rufus Buck Gang, a group of outlaws who clashed with the Indian Territory of Middle America at the tail end of the 19th century. The combined force of local lawmen and Indian police aim to take down a coldhearted band of fugitives with vengeance on their minds,” per the official synopsis. Watch what happens when Rufus and his gang pull up on a ‘bootlegger’s cabin’ in our preview clip. Directed by Paul G. Volk, the film also stars Tim Abell, Jesse Kove, Kelsey Reinhardt, Kassius Marcil-Green and Charlie N. Townsend. https://youtu.be/0yJE6ErIsY0 In a film review, We Are Movie Geeks noted that “The Night They Came Home” is “one of the few westerns being made these days, and worth checking out for genre aficionados.” “The Night They Came Home” arrives in select theaters, On Demand, and Digital on January 12. https://youtu.be/p2zC-lM5IU4 Kevin Hart says he won’t host the Oscars again because award shows “aren’t comedy-friendly environments anymore,” he said in a new interview. “Whatever little hope you had, I want to destroy it right now. Those gigs aren’t good gigs for comics,” Hart told Sky News. “It’s no shot to the Oscars, no shot to the Globes or anything else. Those just aren’t comedy-friendly environments anymore. I think they got it right one year where it was like just a bunch of personalities acting as the hosts and that’s a nice thing,” he continued. “It’s a collaborative thing, different people get to be responsible for act one, act two, act three, but you know, the days of it being a room for a comic, those days are done,” the comedian explained. In 2019, Hart was tapped to host the 2019 Oscars, but when his old homophobic tweets resurfaced, he stepped down from the gig. "Shout out to those that have cracked the code and done it right early on, you know, the Chris Rock of the world, the Billy Crystals of the world, the girls we’ve had like Tina Fey, Amy Poehler. Ricky Gervais,” Hart said of the slew of comedians who have successfully hosted the Oscars ceremony. The official trailer has dropped for the next installment of National Geographic’s award-winning GENIUS franchise, which focuses on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, and how their dueling philosophies helped usher America through the Civil Rights Movement, per the press release. The eight-part series “Genius: MLK/X” will air weekly beginning Feb. 1 on National Geographic at 9/8c and stream the next day on Disney+ and Hulu. The first episode of the new season, “Graduation,” will simulcast on ABC Feb. 1 at 9/8c. The ensemble cast includes Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Aaron Pierre as Malcolm X, Weruche Opia as Coretta Scott King, and Jayme Lawson as Betty Shabazz. The series also marks one of the last roles for Emmy-winning actor Ron Cephas Jones (“This is Us”). Brian Grazer and Ron Howard’s Imagine Television serve as producers on the series, as well as Reggie Rock Bythewood and Gina Prince-Bythewood. Raphael Jackson Jr. and Damione Macedon are showrunners and executive producers, according to the news release. https://youtu.be/2O2JZ7ZYgYc Ambassador Shabazz (producer, writer, diplomat, and eldest daughter of Dr. Betty Shabazz and Malcolm X Shabazz) served as consulting producer for the series. https://youtu.be/SSwoGIaDn-E A woman (Eboni Marshall Turman) who interviewed for the position of senior pastor at Abyssinian Baptist Church in New York City is suing the church and a former chair of the search committee for gender discrimination, court documents show. Turman, an associate professor of theology and African American religion at Yale Divinity School and a former assistant minister at Abyssinian, says the decision not to hire her for the senior pastor position was motivated by gender discrimination, according to a complaint filed in US District Court in the Southern District of New York on December 29. A search committee interviewed Turman and dozens of other candidates for the position following the death of longtime senior pastor Rev. Calvin O. Butts III in 2022, according to the lawsuit. Last September, Turman said she was informed she wasn’t one of the five finalists for the position. All five of the finalists were male, the lawsuit states. https://youtu.be/6be1WtbE5Ys Hollywood Television veteran Mattie C. Caruthers is back with My Sisters and Me, a half-hour comedy about three generations of ageless and vivacious black sisters who must live under the same roof – without killing each other. My Sisters and Me will be released on the YouTube channel beginning Thursday, January 18, 2024. For thirteen (13) weeks, a new 3-minute webisode will be aired. My Sisters and Me is a show about family, love, and relationships, starring renowned actress Ellia English, who plays Ellia the naïve youngest sister, who has lived in the family home since birth and enjoys the quiet and comfortable life she’s made herself. When her bossy older sister Lena, played by Stephanie Spruill, and spoiled middle sister T-Ann, played by T-Ann Snaer, return to the childhood home they love and own together they disrupt Ellia’s quiet life with their shenanigans. https://youtu.be/no_TAJ8fPM8 We got to give props to 2 Black teens out of Gary, Indiana. They’ve accomplished something special. Something very difficult. Meet Abram Lewis, 17, and Khaya Njumbe, 15. What makes these two so special and why we are saluting them is the fact that they’ve already earned their college degrees while still in high school, reports WISH-TV. Yep, let that run through your mind a few times. That’s an extraordinarily big deal, to say the least. Their accomplishment was also celebrated this week in Indianapolis at a Martin Luther King Jr. ceremony attended by Gov. Eric Holcomb, among other state and local dignitaries. Both teenagers will receive a bachelor’s degree this spring. https://youtu.be/q6uze11yfkk Thursday (01-11-24) on “The Talk” Taraji P. Henson got a big surprise meeting artist C5 who recently posted a viral video of him rapping about the Award-winning actress. Moved to tears, she reacts, “I just want to thank you. It’s such a pleasure to meet you. I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Because, you know, sometimes it’s the fans that get me through. I could be going through a dark moment. They pray for me ya’ll, they make songs for me, for somebody to sit down and write some verses and some bars, that’s real love. And then, you had your baby with you. And that imagery, young man, is very, very powerful. And I said in my post to you, that you are a great representation of what humanity looks like. And the fact that you did that video holding your son means you are passing that down to your child. I ask that God protect you and your family, always, because you are special.” She goes on to joke, “If I was Cookie Lyon baby, you’d be signed!” C5 reacts, “Man, Taraji…thank you for everything you do. I just want to let you know we stand behind you. Keep inspiring and keep talking that talk because we hear you and we’re listening and it’s going in our spirits.” Taraji P. Henson Gets Emotional Over Standing Ovation; Thanks Oprah For Being ‘seen’ and ‘heard.’ https://youtu.be/365SldEFNzI Rihanna is letting the world know about her new collection of Savage X Fenty Valentine’s Day lingerie with a “Savage Confessions. The debut of the Valentine’s Day line for the brand happened yesterday (01-10-24), a month ahead of the romantic day. As you can plainly see from the pics above and below, the entrepreneur/entertainer is teasing, err, posing in a pink low-cut bra, panties, and garter plus sheer tights, all of which are now available to buy online here and/or in a store near you. We’re sure you’re not surprised to learn the sexy snaps were well-received by her fans, with one saying: “This should be album cover cuz it EATS.”Another said: “One thing I can count on is Rih eating the V-day shoot up every year,” while someone else joked: “No more lingerie and focus on the album now.” https://www.youtube.com/shorts/UR1hzC7hqXE?feature=share Thomas “Nephew Tommy” Miles returns as host of the new “Ready to Love” season, which returns on Friday, January 12 on OWN. This season finds 20 eligible singles exploring romantic connections in Fort Worth, Texas. Per the press release, the dating series explores the real-life romantic rollercoasters of successful Black men and women in their 30s and 40s as they search for authentic relationships. Each week, the series follows along as couples start budding romances with the hopes of turning those into lasting loves, all while navigating a variety of twists and challenges thrown out by Miles. “While some connections might be forming right now, you never know what might be coming around the corner next,” Miles says in a voiceover in the trailer. “It’s about to get tricky up in here.” https://youtu.be/PERU5__SEyU An Ohio woman who suffered a miscarriage and left the nonviable fetus at home will not be criminally charged, a grand jury decided Thursday. Brittany Watts, 34, of Warren, was last year charged with felony abuse of a corpse, Trumbull County court records show. In the days before her September miscarriage, Watts went to a hospital twice with severe bleeding and was told her fetus was not viable, a coroner’s office report states. The hospital staff notified the Warren Police Department, which responded to Watts’ home, the coroner’s office report says. The Grand Jury of the Trumbull County Common Pleas Court on Thursday returned a “no bill” for the charge, concluding insufficient evidence for an indictment against Watts, according to the Trumbull County Prosecutor’s office. While the decision means the case is – at least for now – dismissed, a grand jury’s vote against an indictment does not bar prosecutors from attempting to indict someone again at a later time, according to the Ohio ACLU. https://youtu.be/zp8Ck66iZwM CNN has reached out to Watts’ attorney and the Trumbull County Prosecutor’s Office for comment. “Ms. Watts suffered a tragic and dangerous miscarriage that jeopardized her own life,” her attorney, Traci Timko, told CNN last month. “Rather than focusing on healing physically and emotionally, she was arrested and charged with a felony.” Though a coroner’s office report said the fetus was not viable and had died in the womb, Watts’ case highlights the extent to which prosecutors can charge a woman whose pregnancy has ended – whether by abortion or miscarriage. After the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision overturning Roe v. Wade and the federal right to an abortion, a host of state trigger laws went into effect across the country that placed new restrictions or bans on abortion. In turn, some women carrying fetuses with fatal abnormalities have been barred from having an abortion in their home states. Other women with potentially life-threatening pregnancies have also been unable to get an abortion, as medical exemption clauses can be vague and medical providers fear severe legal consequences. https://eurweb.com/category/news-2/cnn/ The ninety-four-year-old South Carolina woman who was fighting developers over property that’s been in her family since the end of the Civil War has passed away. Josephine Wright caught Tyler Perry’s attention while battling the Town of Hilton Head Island to keep her family property. As we reported previously via CNN, Wright and her late husband, Samuel Wright Sr., moved from New York to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, nearly 30 years ago to seek peace and relaxation on a family-owned property. Wright acquired the deed to the land in 2012 after her husband died in 1998. The beloved land is at the center of a legal battle with a property developer looking to build a residential development next door. According to The Post and Courier, Georgia-based Bailey Point Investment, LLC plans to construct 147 homes. https://youtu.be/oUiy2rKy_3E It’s been speculated that he wouldn’t, but now it’s been confirmed that Sean “Diddy” Combs, who is nominated for Best Progressive R&B Album will NOT attend the 2024 Grammys. A rep for the music mogul says he won’t attend the Feb. 4 show, where he is nominated for his latest album while dealing with sexual assault allegations (which he has denied), the Hollywood Reporter says. The report noted the last time Combs’ music competed at the Grammys was 2004, and Combs, aka Diddy, won best rap performance by a group or duo — his third Grammy — for the thumping hit “Shake Ya Tailfeather,” featuring Nelly and Murphy Lee. The track appeared on the Bad Boys II soundtrack, which Diddy executive produced and released on his Bad Boy label. So, two decades later, his return to the Grammys, with a nomination for best progressive R&B album for his The Love Album: Off the Grid, is a big deal. Unfortunately, as we all too well know, less than a week after this Grammy nomination, singer Cassie lowered the boom and sued Combs, alleging he used his power to subject her to years of sexual and physical violence. Cassie and Combs settled two days later, but more lawsuits from women followed with claims of rape and sexual assault. Diddy/Combs has denied all of the allegations. Black people make up 5.4% of California’s population but accounted for nearly 13% of all traffic stops in 2022. An annual report compiled by California’s Racial and Identity Profiling Advisory Board for the first time includes data from all the state’s law enforcement agencies, ABC 7 News reports. Nearly 4.6 million vehicle and pedestrian stops were reported by 535 law enforcement agencies in 2022. Twenty-five other departments reported zero stops that year. Hispanic or Latino people accounted for nearly 43% of traffic stops in 2002, while white people accounted for over 32%, per the report. Jess Hilarious is apparently out as the new co-host of “The Breakfast Club” before she officially starts the position. We reported earlier that the comedian was set to replace Angele Yee on the long-running morning radio show alongside Charlamagne Da God and DJ Envy. Jess announced her new gig at an event in her hometown of Baltimore on Dec. 23. On X/Twitter, one user said her addition to the show is “Definitely a good fit.” But now comes word that Jess was allegedly dropped after prematurely announcing the job before contract negotiations had been finalized. Meanwhile, SandraRose.com reports that she was a no-call/no-show on her first day on the job on January 8. https://twitter.com/i/status/1738954540907483617 Charlamage noted that he doesn’t know what’s happening with the search for a third co-host. “I just don’t know what the hell’s going on. I’m not even joking with y’all,” he said. https://www.instagram.com/p/C191x71uR6F/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Former NBA star Dwight Howard has been awarded primary custody of his 13-year-old daughter, Layla. Last summer, Howard and his ex, Tiffany Render, reached a child support settlement after he requested a decrease in payments. According to court documents obtained by RadarOnline.com, the monthly payments were lowered from $12k to $3k. In his petition over child support, Howard noted, “there has been a significant change” in his income. Howard’s legal filing in family court late last year sought to terminate his $3,000 a-month child support and award him primary custody of Layla. On January 9, the judge agreed and issued a temporary order in the child custody case, Radar reports. The judge also terminated Howard’s child support obligations. https://www.instagram.com/p/CTidaqpHIDw/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=ffe1c5e8-1194-4b6c-a831-8db4c70ee10d A judge in New York has ordered former President Donald Trump to pay nearly $400,000 to cover The New York Times' legal fees from a now-dismissed lawsuit he brought against the paper, three of its reporters and his niece. Trump sued the New York Times in 2021, accusing the paper of conspiring with his estranged niece, Mary Trump, to obtain and publish his tax records. New York Judge Robert Reed dismissed the lawsuit against with the Times and its reporters in May 2023, ruling that they were protected under the First Amendment and ordering Trump to cover their legal fees. On Friday, Reed determined that $392,638.69 was "a reasonable value for the legal services rendered," given the complexity of the case and the attorneys involved. (A portion of the lawsuit against Mary Trump was allowed to proceed, and her request to be reimbursed for legal fees was denied in June.) In 2018, New York Times reporters Susanne Craig, David Barstow and Russell Buettner published an investigation into Trump's wealth and taxes, revealing details from tax filings the former president had been unwilling to release publicly, claiming they were under audit. The paper later won a Pulitzer Prize for its reporting. "Today's decision shows that the state's newly amended anti-SLAPP statute can be a powerful force for protecting press freedom," a spokesperson for The New York Times said Friday, referring to a law meant to discourage frivolous defamation cases aimed at silencing defendants. "The court has sent a message to those who want to misuse the judicial system to try to silence journalists." Jonathan Majors responded to backlash over him comparing his girlfriends to late civil rights icon Coretta Scott King. Coretta’s daughter, Dr. Bernice King, seemingly reacted to Majors’ comments about her mother. During his recent interview with “Good Morning America,” the actor said his girlfriend, Meagan Good, “held me down” like Coretta amid his domestic violence trial last month. Majors made similar remarks about how Coretta supported her husband (Martin Luther King Jr.) to his ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari in a recorded audio that was released during the ex-couple’s domestic violence trial in December. “My mother wasn’t a prop,” Bernice captioned a photo of Coretta on X/Twitter on Jan. 9. “She was a peace advocate before she met my father and was instrumental in him speaking out against the Vietnam War. Please understand…my mama was a force.” https://youtu.be/SAcY8use-oo You can tell Katt Williams put something in the air (besides his medication of choice, of course) when he went full “anybody can get it” during the viral (and that’s grossly understating it) interview with Shannon Sharpe on Club Shay Shay. Now, famed sports journalist Stephen A. Smith appears to have contracted the “let the choppa spray” virus Katt unleashed as the ESPN host, on Wednesday, took time on his show to verbally pulverize his long-time rival, professed MAGA minion Jason Whitlock. During an episode of the Stephen A. Smith Show podcast, Smith addressed Whitlock, who essentially accused him of lying in his memoir, Straight Shooter: A Memoir of Second Chances and First Takes. In Whitlock’s recent column for BlazeTV, he questions if Williams’ interview exposed Smith, which is odd because nothing Katt talked about had anything to do with the renowned sports journalist. Generally, Whitlock reached around the world to connect Williams’ beef with the comedy industry to his own beef with Smith. It just seems like a lot of people are trying to catch second-hand clout from that Club Shay Shay episode. (It’s also worth mentioning that Sharpe doesn’t like Whitlock either.) Anyway, Smith was having none of Whitlock’s wannabe-white nonsense and, after asking for his pastor and loved ones’ “forgiveness and understanding” for what he was about to do, he proceeded to spend the next 40 minutes or so going in on Whitlock. “I mean it from my soul when I say this is the worst human being I’ve ever known,” Smith said. “I don’t know of another human being worse than Jason Whitlock. He is a piece of s–t. He’s the dude that’s going to have a funeral and ain’t going to be no pallbearers.” Smith went as far as to say Whitlock isn’t even worth being called a “roach.” “Because that’s not my name for him,” Smith said. “My name for Jason Whitlock is religiously Cain: C-A–I–N.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1745466546405912616 “There is nothing good about him, absolutely nothing and I challenge anybody that knows anything about him to refute what I’m saying,” Smith continued. The sports commentator also said Whitlock has “napalmed” bridges instead of burning them throughout his career. Smith came with receipts when he referenced a 2015 Deadspin article that reported on numerous ESPN stars not wanting to work with their then-colleague. “While you were on BlazeTV, spewing that bulls–t to people, did you tell ’em that? Did you tell ’em how you stood outside of ‘First Take’ begging me to talk to you?” Smith said about the daily ESPN show he hosts. “Did you tell them that once this same article in Deadspin came out, weeks later, you wrote a lengthy apology to me in an email begging me to forgive you? Pointing out how you were betrayed by this particular writer so you know how I must feel that you betrayed me? Did you tell the folks that? You b—h. Did you tell ’em? You fat piece of s–t.” https://youtu.be/6CZuNuchnqk Lifetime’s six-hour documentary series “The Prison Confessions of Gypsy Rose Blanchard” about Gypsy Rose Blanchard premieres on Friday, with the first installment airing at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET. Blanchard, who conspired with an ex-boyfriend to kill her abusive mother in 2015, was released from prison in December 2023 following a 10-year stint in prison. Blanchard, 32, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in 2016 and was sentenced to a decade in prison as part of a plea deal. Prosecuting attorneys opted to go easy on Gypsy due to the years of abuse she experienced at the hands of her mentally ill mother, Clauddine “Dee Dee” Blanchard. In the US, Dee Dee is the most recognized case of Munchausen by Proxy, which Web MD describes as “a psychological disorder marked by attention-seeking behavior by a caregiver through those who are in their care.” “The Prison Confessions of Gypsy Rose Blanchard” features “unprecedented access to Gypsy Rose Blanchard, a victim of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy who suffered horrific abuse and made national headlines for her role in her mother’s violent murder. Gypsy’s shocking story has been told by many others but now she is finally ready to tell her truth before she becomes a free woman for the first time in her life,” per Lifetime. https://youtu.be/DodemljI_Q4 Gypsy testified during the murder trial that her mother forced her to undergo multiple unnecessary surgeries and use medical devices, such as a feeding tube, an oxygen tank, and a wheelchair. When asked during the press conference why family or professionals never stepped in and removed her from her mother’s care, Gypsy Rose explained, “I think a big part of it was there was people that had suspicions, family included, but nobody just wants to rock the boat,” she told reporters. “So it wasn’t brought up to other people, it wasn’t talked about. So people kind of kept their suspicious to themselves just for fear of upsetting my mom, and her ultimately pushing them away as friends or whatnot,” she continued. “I think that on the professional standpoint, I think that for those doctors that did have suspicions, I think it all has to do with money, honestly. And that’s just my opinion about it. They were making money off of me, and so I think that, in their profession, I think that that came first.” https://youtu.be/Bc9GdMDTf8g Meekness is not weakness. Consider the bridled horse: Although strong and mighty, it is controlled by the bit placed in its mouth. That’s power under control. (What does that have to do with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.? Read on.) Now if a horse gets spooked by a rattlesnake or a loud sudden noise, it will by nature ignore the restriction of the bit, rear up, and perhaps throw its rider in response as a defense mechanism to mitigate the threat of safety. Everyone wants to feel safe, right? In the same way, Dr. King who became a powerhouse in the civil rights movement, trumpeted non-violence with the “bit” of the gospel in his mouth. Like the horse, as a minister, he was restrained by that bit. Now, do you think he was not alarmed and frightened by cross-burnings (the rattle of human “snakes”) or the loud noises of gunfire and bombs? Well of course he was! It’s human nature. I once heard of an account where Dr. King was in a situation where he lowered his head to pray but kept one eye open. Democratic Texas congresswoman Jasmine Crockett is making a habit out of exposing House Republicans’ hypocrisy in spectacular fashion. And we’re here for it. The latest example came Wednesday just before House Republicans advanced their effort to hold Hunter Biden in contempt of Congress for ignoring a subpoena to testify at a deposition last month. In a soundbite that’s going viral, Crockett explained to Republicans why Biden likely didn’t comply with the subpoena. “Let me tell you why nobody wants to talk to y’all behind closed doors – because y’all lie,” Crockett said about House Republicans looking to depose Biden. “That’s just the bottom line.” Crockett said all House Republicans have done in the investigation into Biden is lie and “spin” the truth. “I don’t know how y’all are still standing right now because you should be quite dizzy from all the spinning that you’re constantly doing when it comes to spinning the truth,” Crockett added. https://twitter.com/i/status/1745133692354506794 Later, Crockett responded to South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace, a Republican, who accused the president’s son of using his “white privilege” to duck out on the deposition last month. “You are the epitome of White privilege” Mace, who is white, said to Biden during his brief attendance at the hearing. “Coming into the Oversight Committee, spitting in our face, ignoring a congressional subpoena to be deposed. What are you afraid of? You have no balls.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1745141842268635634 Following Mace’s comments, the House Oversight Committee’s ranking Democrat Rep. Jamie Raskin yielded his time to Crockett, who was ready. “I can’t get over the gentle lady from South Carolina talking about white privilege,” Crockett said about Mace. “It was a spit in the face, at least of mine as a Black woman, for you to talk about what white privilege looks like.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1745153493449781545 This is the legendary tale of O.T. Jackson and the Colorado Black ghost town of Dearfield. O.T. Jackson was born in Oxford, Ohio in 1862. His parents Hezekiah and Virginia Caroline Jackson were former slaves from Virginia who managed to escape the clutches of the Jim Crow South. Although not much is known about O.T.’s parents, who they named their son after says everything you need to know about them. O.T. was named after the great Haitian general François-Dominique Toussaint Louverture. Louverture was one of the most prominent and important leaders of the Haitian Revolution in 1791. The former slave helped lead the Haitian enslaved majority in rebel victories over the planter class and thousands of invading French troops. He was also able, through diplomacy, to keep Spain and England from invading the already ravished nation. Louverture was eventually able to conquer the Spanish side of Hispaniola, uniting the entire island and naming himself the governor, creating the world’s first sovereign Black state. Little did O.T.’s parents know, but naming their son after the Haitian general would guide him for his entire being. Like Toussaint, O.T Jackson was a trailblazer and a pioneer who wanted more for his people. He was also so much more. And as he grew into adulthood so did his legend. In 1882 the 20-year-old Jackson moved to Cleveland where he worked as a waiter and also wrote for the Cleveland Gazette which was at once one of the longest-running Black papers in the United States. Even though his parents gave him a forever idol who lived within his name, Jackson yearned to find his own–insert one Booker T. Washington. Washington had just founded the famous Tuskegee Institute and his teachings were very intriguing to Jackson but polarizing to some. In the late 19th century, Black America was at a crossroads intellectually. Some Blacks believed and followed the teachings of W.E.B Du Bois, and others followed Booker T. Washington. Both were two of the most influential Black men in American history. They each wanted and worked for civil rights for Blacks in America, but had two totally different approaches. (Similar to Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X.) The shocking revelation of an unsanctioned tunnel under a synagogue in Brooklyn, New York, and the peaceful response by police in the face of violence against them at an apparent crime scene is the latest evidence of a racial double standard, particularly when it comes to policing Black people suspected of doing far less, people critical of the situation said in a series of social media posts. In case you missed it, as many as 12 people rioting at Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters in the Crown Heights neighborhood were arrested on Monday after trying to stop an illegal tunnel from being sealed off. Video footage from the incident quickly went viral and showed a violent interaction with responding NYPD officers, including physically pushing law enforcement and flipping over tables in a scene with several dozen people present. https://twitter.com/rawsalerts/status/1744536722078044399?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1744601453791199391%7Ctwgr%5Ea916d34d09f025d5b46aea8c67fb178c03ba5bb3%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewsone.com%2F4922870%2Ftunnel-illegal-brooklyn-synagogue-chabad-lubavitch-update%2F An online crowdfunding effort to assist a mother whose two young sons died after falling through a Wisconsin pond’s thin ice last week is surging with contributions from people helping to pay for planned funerals and memorials for the elementary school students. People have been rallying around Kiana Sims and the GoFundMe account she created this week just days after her sons – Antwon “Junior” Sims Jr., 6, and Legend Loyal Sims, 8 – died from complications following their fall through an icy pond on Friday after school near the capital city of Madison. According to a Facebook post from The Black Men Coalition of Dane County, Antwon fell through the ice first and Legend tried to save him, ultimately resulting in both of their deaths. They were hospitalized in critical condition shortly afterward, but Legend died Saturday and Anton died Monday. “We are shocked to hear of the events that led to a tragic death – being dropped off by the school bus in front of a retention pond by Wild Woods apt. that had no protection around it,” the Facebook post said in part. https://scontent.forf1-3.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/416069524_777610804407704_1315059816064503851_n.jpg?stp=cp6_dst-jpg_p552x414&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=a0818e&_nc_ohc=ZkdSupcJKc8AX_t4PU6&_nc_ht=scontent.forf1-3.fna&oh=00_AfB6zvQIuEoOf_LOkPt3tnzUna1GKS1YI8ucRVaG-jxD7Q&oe=65A544E1 Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie announced Wednesday that he is ending his campaign for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, marking the exit of the most outspoken critic of former President Donald Trump in the GOP primary. “It is clear to me tonight that there isn’t a path for me to win the nomination, which is why I’m suspending my campaign tonight for President of the United States,” he said at a town hall in Windham, New Hampshire, just 10 days before the first-in-the-nation primary. He called it the “right thing for me to do” and promised that he would never “enable Donald Trump to become, to ever be president of the United States again.” Christie’s decision comes on the heels of a new batch of disappointing poll numbers, especially in New Hampshire, where he hoped a less conservative electorate would coalesce around his sharp opposition to Trump, whom he described as “devoid of character.” https://youtu.be/UBoEhlQe6bw?list=RDNSUBoEhlQe6bw A man (Ronnie Long) exonerated and freed after serving 44 years in prison for a crime he did not commit is to receive $25 million in the second-largest wrongful conviction settlement ever, Duke Law School’s Wrongful Conviction Clinic announced. Long, who is Black, was accused of raping a 54-year-old White woman and convicted by an all-White jury of rape and burglary in 1976. Long has now settled a civil lawsuit with the city of Concord and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation for a total of $25 million, according to a news release from the clinic. Long’s conviction was vacated in 2020 after “a trickle of post-trial disclosures … unearthed a troubling and striking pattern of deliberate police suppression of material evidence,” US Court of Appeals Judge Stephanie Thacker wrote in the decision. The suppressed evidence, which included semen samples and fingerprints from the crime scene that did not match Long, was deliberately withheld by law enforcement, Thacker said in the filing. https://youtu.be/YT3L8Md_OQM CNN has reached out to the Bureau of Investigation for comment. After Long’s conviction was vacated and he was released from prison on August 27, 2020, he was told he would receive $750,000 in compensation paid out at $50,000 a year, the maximum amount possible under North Carolina law. In 2021, Long told CNN he intended to fight that law. “The amount is wholly inadequate to compensate him after taking away more than 44 years of his liberty,” Lau previously told CNN. The large settlement and the public apology from the city are significant, said James E. Coleman, Jr., the clinic’s director. https://youtu.be/4gIm7j_XmJ4 At least a dozen Jewish students were arrested in Brooklyn, New York, after attempting to interfere with efforts to seal an alleged 50-foot-long tunnel underneath a historic synagogue. On Monday, the secret tunnel was discovered under the Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters in Brooklyn’s Crown Heights. A viral video shows law enforcement removing soiled kids’ mattresses from the tunnel. In other clips, children’s products are littered throughout the tunnel — prompting many social media users to suspect the space was being used for child sex trafficking. One clip shows construction crews were met with fierce resistance during tunnel seal efforts. “Upon arrival, officers were informed that a group of individuals unlawfully entered 770 Eastern Parkway by damaging a wall,” a police spokesperson told the Daily Mail. “At this time, it is known that a number of individuals were taken into custody. Charges are pending. No injuries were reported as a result of this incident.” It’s not clear when the tunnel was constructed or for what purpose. The Forward reports that the tunnel was first found in December 2023. https://twitter.com/i/status/1745145562675183966 Multiple arrests were made this week after dozens of Jewish men had a violent confrontation with police and crews during efforts to fill the tunnel. In a statement, chairman Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky called it an act of “vandalism” by “a group of young agitators.” “The Chabad-Lubavitch community is pained by the vandalism of a group of young agitators who damaged the synagogue below Chabad Headquarters at 770 Eastern Parkway Monday night,” the statement read. “These odious actions will be investigated, and the sanctity of the synagogue will be restored. Our thanks to the NYPD for their professionalism and sensitivity. We are grateful for the outpouring of concern, and for the support of our Chabad-Lubavitch institutions around the world.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1744532117298786482 Several social media users noted how officers at the scene were “gentle” in handling the rowdy students. One X/Twitter user wrote, “Amazing how gentle the NY cops are with these guys. Fixing hats, lifting tarps, moving slowly. The female cop was spacing out and looking into the distance.” “Baby high chairs, strollers and kids sized mattresses,” another commented. “Children and babies were kept there. Why?” Meanwhile, Motti Seligson, Chabad’s Director of Media, also reacted to the arrests. “Some time ago, a group of extremist students, broke through a few walls in adjacent properties to the synagogue at 784-788 Eastern Parkway, to provide them unauthorized access,” Seligson said. “Earlier today, a cement truck was brought in to repair those walls. Those efforts were disrupted by the extremists who broke through the wall to the synagogue, vandalizing the sanctuary, in an effort to preserve their unauthorized access.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1745196495421251700 In the upcoming film “Role Play,” Kaley Cuoco and David Oyelowo perform roles that defy expectations by offering a thrilling mix of mystery, marriage, and mayhem with an exciting dynamic. Oyelowo, playing Emma’s husband, Dave, emphasizes the depth of trust that the characters must navigate as the plot unfolds. “When we meet them at the beginning of the movie, they’re seven years into this marriage, and they clearly love each other; they love their kids,” he explained. “But things have gotten a little stale, and they’re trying to shake things up slightly.” As Emma’s secret life comes to light, Oyelowo delves into the mindset of his character. “I think you see at the beginning of the film that there’s enough love there, there’s enough dedication to each other, that it’s understandable why he decides to do everything he can to just get to the point where they can have a conversation about the craziness that’s going on.” The actor emphasizes that “Role Play” is not just about saving a marriage but reaching the point where couples can confront life’s challenges. “I think this film is partly about saving his marriage, but also getting to the point where they can go, ‘what’s going on,’ which I think every marriage hits that moment at some point or another,” he said. “Role Play” debuts on Prime video January 12. https://youtu.be/Bv67rkuWoMg Scholar Dr. Eunice Moseley launches book tour for “Journey to Success: A Systematic Review” (Dorrance Publishing) January 19 – November 30, 2024. The book tour will begin at the LibLearnX Book Show to be held January 19 – 22, 2024 at the Baltimore Convention Center (1 West Pratt Street, 21201). The nonfiction book uses experiences by the author overcoming obstacles and adversities to achieve success and supports her life choices with scientific data. The self-help book includes strategies Dr. Eunice has used for her clients at Freelance Associates, a business management and public relations strategy and consulting firm, that has been proven successful. Fani Willis, the Fulton County DA spearheading the Georgia racketeering case against former President Donald Trump and his associates stemming from their actions following the 2020 election, has been subpoenaed to appear as a witness in her lead prosecutor Nathan Wade’s divorce proceedings. https://youtu.be/WawRsmdYsT4 Speaking with Woods she alluded “Things aren’t really all they seem to be with us. And I think that’s going to be a great adventure to take the viewers on.” If you are a fan of shows like the “Power” universe then you should be familiar with Pierce’s work in this genre. Known as detective Williams Bunk on “The Wire,” it’s interesting to see him on the other side of the game. We spoke with Pierce about his experience playing both roles in his career. “As a police officer, I found that most African American police officers became police officers because they wanted to have an impact on their community. This is the other side of that same community. They decide to make a way out of no way,” said Pierce. He goes on to add how he views his character, not seeing him as a criminal. “Now as I’m playing one, it’s hard for me to even say criminal because I don’t look at myself as a criminal. I look at myself as a businessman,” said Pierce. Because he is a businessman. That is even more reason to believe Snaps and Pop are about to step back into their old lifestyle. We’re halfway through the season and like Woods mentioned the show is gearing up to take viewers on an adventure. “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” is streaming now on Starz. https://vimeo.com/900867362 Here is an exclusive clip of this week’s new episode of ALLBLK’s provocative drama series, “Hush,” starring Candiace Dillard Bassett, Joyful Drake, Caryn Ward Ross and TS Madison. “From the therapist looking to write her comeback story and a desperate housewife fighting to save her family to the baller’s wife playing with fire and a street-smart baddie making boss moves, the women of Hush are sexually empowered and driven to succeed no matter the cost. I’m thrilled AllBLK embraced this new twisty, sexy drama about four dynamic women who will stop at nothing to get who and what they want,” series creator and executive producer Angela Burt-Murray previously said when “Hush” was initially announced. The series “follows the story of top marriage and sex therapist, TV personality and best-selling author, Dr. Draya Logan who finds herself entangled in a web of lies, sex and murder that could cost her everything,” per the official synopsis. https://youtu.be/RrpUJWQ0E00 Michael Strahan’s daughter daughter, Isabella Strahan, revealed her brain tumor diagnosis in a new interview on “Good Morning America” on Thursday. People reports that the 19-year-old is undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with a common malignant tumor known as medulloblastoma. “I’m feeling good. Not too bad,” the college student said during the GMA interview with her father by her side. Next month, Isabella will begin chemotherapy at Duke Children’s Hospital & Health Center in Durham, North Carolina. “That’s my next step. I’m ready for it to start and be one day closer to being over,” she told GMA co-anchor Robin Roberts. “I’m very excited for this whole process to wrap. But you just have to keep living every day, I think, through the whole thing.” https://youtu.be/5o-z1HVJqoc Samuel L. Jackson is teaming up with Kevin Hart for Peacock’s true crime series “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist.” According to TheWrap, “Jackson will portray Frank Moten, an underworld kingpin named the “Black Godfather” by the NY tabloids,” the outlet writes. Per Peacock, here’s the official synopsis: “Based on the acclaimed true crime podcast, Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist tells the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life but an entire city’s destiny. The series follows the heavyweight fight and criminal underground heist that introduced the world to the city dubbed “the Black Mecca,” and the cop and the hustler at the center of it all.” Hart will star in and executive produce the series with Will Packer. A premiere date has not yet been announced. In related news, we reported previously that Hart will be presented with the 25th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor on March 24 in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. Kamala Harris, the first female, first Black and first Asian-American Vice President of the United States, has been under the spotlight since taking office. The Oakland, California, native entered the vice presidency amid high expectations and unprecedented challenges. With a raging pandemic and the economy in shambles, Harris’ historic 2020 election served as a symbol of hope for Americans across the country. Her advocacy for police reform, healthcare and climate change, struck a resounding cord with voters, but like many political figures, approval ratings for the first female Vice President have fluctuated over time. Initial enthusiasm surrounding her historic achievement gave way to the realities of governing in a complex and polarized political landscape. According to a poll updated by FiveThirtyEight on Jan. 10, around 55.5% of Americans disapprove of Kamala Harris’s performance in office, but some voters are still hopeful that the VP and President Biden can steer America back on track, 37.4% to be exact. However, the duo will have to do a lot of work to build trust with the American people. The approval rating for both Democrats has declined slightly since 2021, according to Gallop. Biden scored a 43% approval rating in 2021. That number has plummeted to 39%. Three years ago, Harris’ approval rating stood at 44%. Today, that number is down to 40%. Currently, Chief Justice John Roberts has the highest approval rating of U.S. government officials with a score of 48%, the poll, which was conducted between Dec. 1 to Dec. 20, noted. Here is an exclusive clip of this week’s new episode of WE tv’s smash hit spinoff series “Life After Lockup.” The third season kicked off Nov. 20 with 16 all-new episodes. Per the official synopsis, “The couples will face plenty of firsts in their new lives together – from new marriages to divorce, new homes to new children, all while living under the challenges of their parole. Possible restrictions abound: early curfews, random check-ins, drug tests, travel prohibitions, consorting with ex-cons combined with the temptations of alcohol and drugs, the stakes have never been higher. Will they stay together and stay out of prison?” In our preview of this week’s episode, with a baby on the way, Justine is upset that Michael’s screwup delayed their move to Las Vegas. https://youtu.be/1G56OzPAiDk “Life After Lockup-Lacey & Shane (Virginia Beach, VI), Lacey and Shane are expecting triplets and Shane has never even changed a diaper! He’s going to have to learn… fast. Will John’s release from jail spoil their new found happiness? Andrea & Lamar (Los Angeles, CA), Lamar enlists Priscilla to keep a secret from her mom, which goes well until Andrea finds out. Tennison fights the pressure from his mom to commit to a Mormon mission and Andrea may be losing the battle to keep her family’s Mormon values strong while living is Los Angeles. New episodes drop weekly on Fridays at 9pm ET / 8pm CT on WEtv. https://youtu.be/usjSteDWOZ0 The first time Leslie Jordan held her son, she didn’t recognize he was her child. “I didn’t know I had delivered. I was just like, ‘Is this my baby?’” Jordan recalled, adding the whole room was crying. Two days after her son’s birth, Jordan said she had a searing headache. She said the pain “felt like someone had set my body on fire, like I was literally burning from the inside out.” Jordan, who is Black, had been diagnosed with preeclampsia during her pregnancy, a blood pressure condition that can cause hypertension and other complications. Jordan said after her delivery she spent days on various pain medications that didn’t numb the excruciating pain. And then she had a stroke. “I was fully paralyzed. I couldn’t really see, walk or talk. I couldn’t move,” Jordan recalled. “I didn’t get a chance to go through postpartum because I had to fight for my life to survive so I could walk and talk and be here today to be a mom to my son.” https://youtu.be/9kpUWaXeMTk Wiz Khalifa wants you to know that he shows up to his son’s parent-teacher conferences high. As Page Six reports, the hip-hop star noted on Wednesday’s podcast episode of “Call Her Daddy” that he is “pretty sure” his 10-year-old son Sebastian “smells like weed” when he goes to school. “Hell yeah. I’m pulling up stoned. They expect it,” he said about attending his son’s parent-teacher conferences. “They know what’s up. It’s not like back in the day [where] you’re considered a bad parent if you smoke weed,” Wiz continued.“I don’t know because I can’t smell it but I’m pretty sure he smells like pot,” he joked. George Clinton will receive a Hollywood Walk of Fame star next week. The ceremony will take place at 11:30 AM PT on Jan. 19 in front of the Musicians Institute and will be streamed live on WalkOfFame.com. Guest speakers include Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, civil rights attorney Ben Crump, and songwriter Janie Bradford. “It feels good as s***,” the Parliament-Funkadelic mastermind tells Rolling Stone of the honor. “I’m trying to think of some jokes to say, but the truth is that I’m proud as hell.” Clinton will receive the 2,769th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6752 Hollywood Boulevard. The music icon will receive his star in the category of Recording. “George is a national treasure,” the Chili Peppers’ Flea tells Rolling Stone. “He is a cosmic light, and I have learned from basking in his glow, again and again. His records are an infinite gift that keep on giving, there is always something new to learn. His music transcends all human boundaries, and it will last forever. I love him.” Recently, it was announced that Hip Hop group NWA will receive the Grammy Life Achievement Award next month. While some are celebrating this honor, one NC activist, Paul Scott, is outraged. Scott, a Durham-based activist and minister is demanding that the Grammys cancel the award. “What exactly is NWA’s lifetime achievement, ” asks Scott, “sadistic misogyny, sending a generation of young Black men to early graves or making it socially acceptable for White America to use the N-word without getting a beatdown?” Scott accuses the group of being responsible for the current state of Hip Hop in 2024. “If there was no NWA, there would be no drill music, ” says Scott. “NWA ushered in an era of terror.” Scott, a Durham-based activist and minister is demanding that the Grammys cancel the award. “What exactly is NWA’s lifetime achievement, ” asks Scott, “sadistic misogyny, sending a generation of young Black men to early graves or making it socially acceptable for White America to use the N-word without getting a beatdown?” Scott accuses the group of being responsible for the current state of Hip Hop in 2024. “If there was no NWA, there would be no drill music, ” says Scott. “NWA ushered in an era of terror.” Also, troubling to Scott is the fact that the Grammy Awards show takes place during Black History Month and follows a year when the world was celebrating the birth of Hip Hop. “The contradiction of honoring one of the pioneers of the birth of Hip Hop (Kool Herc) while at the same time honoring the group that tried to kill the culture is mindboggling, ” says Scott. A community activist who walks through the hoods in his community passing out free Black history books to African American youth, Scott is also concerned about the effect of honoring NWA will have on them, especially the message it is sending young Black girls. Referring to NWA’s song “She Swallowed It,” Scott says, “Before Sexxy Red, NWA was glorifying 14-year-old girls giving head.” This month marks the fourth anniversary of the tragic helicopter crash that took the lives of nine people including Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna. In the years since, countless tributes have been created about what he brought to the sport and how much he loved being a father. One aspect of Kobe’s illustrious career that often goes unnoticed is his shrewd business acumen. While Kobe Bryant’s net worth grew immensely during his lifetime, one of his biggest financial successes came, sadly, after he passed away. After his passing, Kobe’s net worth was passed on to his wife, Vanessa Bryant. While Kobe initially intended to end his Nike partnership and launch his own sneaker company before he passed, Vanessa re-upped the contract in 2022 to continue the release of Kobe’s shoes that for fans have become synonymous with the athlete. She’s also used her family’s wealth for philanthropic endeavors to honor Kobe’s legacy. This includes opening a basketball court dedicated to her late husband in Compton’s Wilson Park. In 2022, she was awarded a $16 million settlement from Los Angeles County over unauthorized pictures taken of her husband’s fatal helicopter crash. Vanessa Bryant pledged all of it to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation, a charity dedicated to providing children in underserved communities access to sports. Sanaa Lathan will star in and executive produce a drama series about the infamous “psychic” Miss Cleo. The late Miss Cleo, whose real name was Youree Harris, and her psychic hotline were quite a sensation in the 1990s. Miss Cleo called herself a voodoo priestess and regularly appeared on the Psychic Readers Network, where she gained a cult following. She became especially famous for her trademark line “Call me now!” which she uttered with a Jamaican accent. The owners of the Psychic Readers Network were, in 2002, charged by the Federal Trade Commission with defrauding customers who called the company’s 1-900 numbers for paid psychic readings. After the Psychic Readers Network closed shop, Cleo bounced around to various jobs … including voicing a character in the video game, “Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.” https://youtu.be/kWjGHVGeXc0 Elon Musk reacted to a tweet Tuesday about the IQ levels of graduates from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The billionaire tech mogul endorsed a tweet suggesting HBCU students shouldn’t become pilots. His stance is linked to a United Airlines program that gives students at three historically Black universities – Hampton University in Virginia, Elizabeth City State University in North Carolina, and Delaware State University, the opportunity to train at the United Aviate Academy. In order to diversify the airline’s flight crew, the program aims to increase the pipeline of Black pilots. On X/Twitter, user @eyeslasho noted that the United program is dangerous, writing: “The mean IQ of grads from two of those United Airline HBCU ‘partners’ is about 85 to 90, based on the average SATs at those schools. (The SAT correlates reasonably well with IQ.),” @eyeslasho wrote. “The HBCU IQ averages are within 10 points of the threshold for what is considered ‘borderline intellectual impairment.’” The user added, “I’ll add that IQ is a well-studied and well-known predictor of job performance, especially for quick-processing and mentally-demanding occupations like major airline pilot,” @eyelasho said. https://twitter.com/eyeslasho/status/1744809674229100954?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1744821656990675184%7Ctwgr%5Eba2966a7da906494ad6f2b28b663f9e8217b70e3%7Ctwcon%5Es2_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Felon-musk-reacts-to-racist-tweet-about-hbcu-graduates%2F Kevin Merida is stepping down as the executive editor of the Los Angeles Times, he announced Tuesday. “Today, with a heavy heart, I announce that I am leaving The Times,” Merida wrote to the staff on Tuesday. “I made the decision in consultation with Patrick, after considerable soul-searching about my career at this stage and how I can best be of value to the profession I love.” Merida’s departure comes after a tenure of less than three years. We reported previously that Merida built a lengthy career in newspapers, including 22 years at the Washington Post before joining ESPN in 2015 to lead the sports culture show “The Undefeated.” He also worked at the Dallas Morning News and Milwaukee Journal. When he joined The Times in 2021, the newspaper’s owners, Patrick and Michele Soon-Shiong, said Merida “possesses a clear understanding of the rigor necessary for independent journalism and how to translate that journalism to multiple platforms.” A former police officer in Virginia was recently sued for the shooting of a Black man in the throes of a mental health crisis more than two years ago. On Jan. 4, 2022, Rice — who suffers from paranoid schizophrenia — was outside of a car dealership wielding an aluminum baseball bat and threatening workers, according to a 911 call reporting the incident. Wilson was among the first responding officers. According to the lawsuit, Wilson “advised” other officers “via radio” that Rice “appeared to be having a mental health crisis.” Rice “never threatened anyone or acted aggressively with the bat,” the lawsuit says. Sgt. Katherine Novak, identified in media reports but not named in the lawsuit, arrived after Wilson called for backup. When Novak approached Rice, the lawsuit says, he “raised the bat and rested it on his right shoulder,” which prompted “one to three of the officers on scene” to draw Taser guns. That’s when Wilson drew his gun and aimed it at Rice, the lawsuit says. Rice “still had not threatened anyone and had not shown any aggression towards officers or bystanders to this point,” the lawsuit says. But when Novak “continued approaching [Rice] and ultimately lunged towards him in an attempt to take the bat,” Rice “moved the bat from one hand to the other before swinging the bat at the sergeant with one hand, striking her in the head,” the lawsuit says. In response, Wilson “fired five shots” at Rice, striking him in his left thigh, right forearm and upper left chest. The lawsuit goes on to claim that Wilson, after shooting Rice, went to check on Novak instead of rendering aid to the person he just shot. Rice, who survived the shooting, was subsequently charged with malicious wounding of a law enforcement officer and trespassing. https://youtu.be/0CtDp52i1s8 Coretta Scott King‘s youngest daughter took to social media to clear up any potential misconceptions one day after disgraced actor Jonathan Majors invoked the name of Dr. Martin Luther King’s widow while addressing his girlfriend’s unwavering support during his recent domestic violence trial. Without mentioning Majors, Dr. Bernice King reminded her hundreds of thousands of followers on social media that Coretta Scott King “wasn’t a prop” and was a civil rights icon in her own right. “She was a peace advocate before she met my father and was instrumental in him speaking out against the Vietnam War,” Bernice King continued. “Please understand…my mama was a force.” For more evidence of those truths, Bernice King referred her followers — and possibly Majors — to a piece she wrote in the HuffPo several years ago with the headline: “A Woman Purposed To Be A King.” Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is being treated for prostate cancer and suffered complications that led to him being taken to hospital on New Year’s Day where he is still being treated, according to a statement Tuesday from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. https://youtu.be/JgfNpn7GO2g The statement revealed that the cancer was discovered in early December. He underwent a “minimally invasive surgical procedure” on December 22 called a prostatectomy to treat the cancer. “He was under general anesthesia during this procedure. Secretary Austin recovered uneventfully from his surgery and returned home the next morning. His prostate cancer was detected early, and his prognosis is excellent,” the statement read. On January 1, Austin was readmitted to the hospital due to complications “including nausea with severe abdominal, hip, and leg pain.” He was found to have a urinary tract infection, the statement said. https://youtu.be/qK8eBbTe-UE Biden was informed by chief of staff Jeff Zients about Austin’s condition Tuesday morning, Kirby said. It’s unclear why Austin did not inform Biden of the diagnosis on Saturday evening when the two talked while Austin was in the hospital. Despite the obfuscation of his diagnosis to the president, Kirby said Biden has “complete confidence” in his defense secretary and plans to keep him in his position through his term, while simultaneously acknowledging the situation was not ideal. “It is not optimal for a situation like this to go as long as it did without the commander in chief knowing about it,” Kirby said. https://youtu.be/mC9fROfQ-Wk The reasons for U.S. Department of Defense Lloyd Austin‘s reported surgery and subsequent hospitalization for which top Pentagon officials were initially unaware have been revealed. Austin, 70, underwent an operation stemming from his prostate cancer diagnosis and then was hospitalized days later after suffering complications during recovery, Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder told reporters on Tuesday. https://twitter.com/i/status/1744812981077016597 A wave of criticism on social media has questioned why President Joe Biden was “allowed” to give a speech courting Black voters at the site of a notorious white supremacist massacre while he has also supported the state of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza where thousands of Palestinians, including innocent children, have been killed. Biden denounced the “poison” of white supremacy during his speech Monday at the Mother Emanuel African Methodist Church in Charleston, South Carolina, where he was interrupted by protesters demanding he push for a ceasefire from the IDF, Israel’s military. https://twitter.com/i/status/1744425156372508900 The RICO trial for rapper Young Thug and five of his YSL associates resumed on Monday as Trontavious Stephens, YSL’s self-proclaimed co-founder took the stand. During Testimony on Monday, prosecutors questioned Stephens about the members’ use of gang signs and if could name three YSL members who allegedly committed crimes. According to FOX 5, Stephens told the court that he counted himself among the three people he was asked to mention who committed crimes for YSL. “Do you contend at this point that somehow you thought you constituted three or more members of Young Slime Life?” the prosecutor asked him. “Yes, I really thought that I could be … I really thought, because I’m in the indictment,” he said. “I’m indicted.” Defense attorneys questioned if Stephens actually co-founded YSL. https://twitter.com/i/status/1744517707196756114 In his testimony last week, Stephen was asked to explain to the court the term “snitching.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1744422098758426992 The RICO trial resumed at the top of the year after being put on hold because one of the defendants was stabbed in jail. The trial began in November after a grueling 10 months of jury selection. https://youtu.be/GSJKTDXuIe0 Residents of Harvey, Illinois, are distraught after a Black man says he was boarded up and locked inside his Chicago suburban apartment without him knowing. According to AP, 73-year-old Rudolph Williams claims his door and windows were boarded up in his apartment while he was still in it. “I didn’t know exactly what was going on,” Rudolph Williams told AP. “What the hell?” On Friday, a crew without logos of company branding on their clothing or vehicles began boarding up units at the complex. There have been conflicting accounts about what happened at the apartment building 30 miles south of Chicago. Residents say no one from the city or property management company warned them about their complex being boarded up. When residents tried to tell the crew that people were still in the building, crew members allegedly ignored them and kept working. “I feel sick,” resident Genevieve Tyler told AP. “I’m still sad.” Former CNN and MSNBC contributors Tiffany Cross, Andrew Gillum, and Angela Rye are assembling to bring more diverse voices to coverage leading up to the 2024 U.S. presidential election. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the trio will host “Native Land Pod,” the flagship show for Reasoned Choice Meda, iHeartMedia’s new political podcast network. Each episode will feature Gillum, a former politician and Tallahassee, Florida mayor; Cross, a TV personality, political analyst, and author; and Rye, a TV host, social justice advocate, lawyer, and commentator, addressing the news of the week through an unfiltered and unflinching lens. Set to launch later this year, Reasoned Choice Media is a joint effort with iHeartMedia and founders Rye, Charlamagne Tha God, and Loud Speakers Podcast Network CEO Chris Morrow. With announcing the arrival of “Native Land Pod,” iHeartPodcast’s president Will Pearson, voiced excitement with seeing the show empower “listeners with new knowledge and diverse perspectives.” https://youtu.be/CsN27C_DQBQ The 39th Annual Artios Awards will take place on Thursday, March 7th in Los Angeles. First held in 1985, the annual awards celebration honors the contributions of casting professionals in more than 20 different categories encompassing film, television (scripted and unscripted), commercials and theatre. Special honorees are selected for their contributions to the craft. Nominees and winners are voted on by members of the Casting Society of America (CSA). Last week (January 4th), CSA announced that acclaimed writer, director and producer Ava Duvernay will be presented with the Lynn Stalmaster Award for career achievement at the event. “Ava DuVernay is a visionary storyteller who has staunchly championed casting professionals and the art of casting throughout her impactful career,” said Destiny Lilly, CSA President. “Her passion for inclusive and progressive casting throughout her career has catapulted careers and made her a leader in the industry. We are thrilled to honor her with the Lynn Stalmaster Award at this year’s ceremony.” “In my film Origin, the process of casting became the primary brushstroke on the canvas. Working with my casting director Aisha Coley to surround our leading lady Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor was a joy and a thrill. Each of the actors in the Origin ensemble are stellar in their experience, energy, intellect and enthusiasm,” said Ava DuVernay. “They are the latest in a series of extraordinary casts that I’ve had the great honor of guiding over the years. To be recognized for those efforts by this esteemed organization is a true gift for which I’m abundantly grateful.” The nominees for the 30th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards were announced on Wednesday morning and it was a good day for one of the announcers. Succession” scored the most television nominations with five, while for films it was “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer,” each with four. Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani shared the list of nominees via Instagram Live, and he noted that two films Rae appeared in, “Barbie” and “American Fiction,” received nominations. The SAG Awards will stream live globally on Netflix – a first for the show and the streamer – on Saturday, Feb. 24. https://youtu.be/UP3nNDVf1aY The SAG Awards will stream live globally on Netflix – a first for the show and the streamer – on Saturday, Feb. 24. “The Crown” “The Gilded Age” “The Last of Us” “The Morning Show” “Succession” Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series “Abbott Elementary” “Barry” “The Bear” “Only Murders in the Building” “Ted Lasso” https://youtu.be/hOTZ5UkPqTQ The nominees for the 30th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards were announced on Wednesday morningSTUNT ENSEMBLE HONORS Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture “Barbie” “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” “John Wick: Chapter 4” “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” https://youtu.be/y6tqQAv7VBw CNN anchor Sara Sidner has been diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. The beloved journalist shared the distressing news on air Monday, telling viewers, “I have never been sick a day of my life. I don’t smoke, I rarely drink. Breast cancer does not run in my family. And yet here I am with stage 3 breast cancer. It is hard to say out loud.” Sidner noted that stage 3 breast cancer “is not a death sentence anymore for most women.” The anchor is undergoing chemotherapy and plans to have a double mastectomy. “So to all my sisters, Black and white and brown out there, please, for the love of God, get your mammograms every single year,” she said. “Do your self-exams, try to catch it before I did.” https://youtu.be/XSfTQ3ev_Q0 Vivica A. Fox wants you to know she can’t relate to Taraji P. Henson’s experience with pay inequity in Hollywood. During “The Color Purple” promo, Henson has been discussing her ongoing fight for proper compensation. TMZ caught up with Fox in NYC, and the reporter named Henson and Mo’Nique while asking about the pay gap for Black women in Hollywood. “You know, darling, to each his own,” Fox replied in the YouTube. “Do you know what I mean? I’m very happy, very blessed, and to each his own.” https://youtu.be/BRb3KSfP8ls Meanwhile, Henson told THR she’s been “fighting tooth and nail every project to get that same freaking [fee] quote.” “And it’s a slap in the face when people go, ‘Oh girl, you work all the time. You always working.’ Well, goddammit, I have to. It’s not because I wish I could do two movies a year and that’s that. I have to work because the math ain’t mathing,” she added. “And I have bills,” the Oscar winner explained. “Listen, I’ve been doing this for two decades and sometimes I get tired of fighting because I know what I do is bigger than me. I know that the legacy I leave will affect somebody coming up behind me,” Henson continued. “My prayer is that I don’t want these Black girls to have the same fights that me and Viola [Davis], Octavia [Spencer], we out here thugging it out,” she added. “Otherwise, why am I doing this? For my own vanity? There’s no blessing in that. I’ve tried twice to walk away [from the business]. But I can’t, because if I do, how does that help the ones coming up behind me?” https://youtu.be/GUzqD5UcLwo Millions of Catholic devotees flooded the streets of the Philippine capital Tuesday to honor the Black Nazarene, a centuries-old religious tradition that has returned after a three-year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic. At least 6 million people jostled along the 6-kilometer (3.7-mile) route as the black wooden statue of Jesus Christ was carried from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church in Manila, according to church officials. The procession started before dawn at around 4 a.m. and lasted 15 hours, church officials said. The turnout is comparable to pre-pandemic years but the longest procession on record was in 2012 when the Black Nazarene took 22 hours to arrive at the church. In 1767, the popularity of the icon was recognized by Christian leaders when the Black Nazarene was moved to the Quiapo Church and its devotees followed. Church historian Fr. Emilio Edgardo Quilatan explained that the statue was made of Mesquite wood, which darkens as it ages. ”It is not due to the candles of the devotees or because the ship that carries the image was burnt,” Quilatan told CNN Philippines, dismissing a popular legend about the statue. While this year’s procession was largely peaceful, more than 700 people sought medical attention for wounds, fainting, sprains and vomiting, the Philippine Red Cross said. About 3 million devotees took part in the last pre-pandemic Traslacion procession in 2020, which lasted some 16 hours, according to police. https://youtu.be/vcZ96_X3wdw Gayle King asked Oprah Winfrey about the feud rumors with Taraji P. Henson while on the Golden Globes 2024 red carpet. Winfrey appeared to address a viral video that shows the media mogul seemingly acting shady towards Henson during a promotional appearance at the Empire State Building. Some fans believe there is trouble between the actress and Oprah, and Henson is holding back tears in the controversial TikTok clip. Winfrey, one of the producers of “The Color Purple” movie musical, called the rumors “disturbing.” “It’s so disturbing to me,” Winfrey told King. “Why is my name even in this conversation? Why is my name in this conversation? ‘Cause I have just been the champion for everybody. “The thing that is so upsetting to me is that … something went viral where they’re analyzing us on top of the Empire State Building. We were cold! It was cold,” she continued. “That was the fourth thing we had done that day.” https://www.tiktok.com/@wtgsis/video/7315091915371138350referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Foprah-winfrey-responds-to-disturbing-feud-rumors%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121351166%2C71838018%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7315091915371138350 In a separate conversation with ET on the Golden Globes red carpet, Winfrey addressed the alleged tension with the cast. “I would just like to say about this whole Taraji thing… “People are saying that I was not supporting Taraji. Taraji will tell you herself that I’ve been the greatest champion of this film,” Winfrey Entertainment Tonight on Jan. 7, Vibe reports. Winfrey said she is “Championing not only the behind-the-scenes projection” on the film “but also everything that everybody needed,” she added. “So whenever I heard that there was something that someone needed, I’m not in charge of the budget because that’s Warner Brothers you know that’s the way the studio system works,” Winfrey said. https://twitter.com/i/status/1744426962544722019 In an interview with CNN’s Abby Philip, radio personality Charlamagne tha God expressed his frustration with President Joe Biden and called him a ‘sh*tty elected official.’ https://youtu.be/Gk_NhmFemBM On today’s episode of “Tamron Hall,” in a daytime exclusive interview, the multi-talented Teyana Taylor spoke about her incredible career, from the Oscar® buzz surrounding her critically acclaimed role in “A Thousand And One” to her newest project, “The Book Of Clarence.” Taylor opened up about the recognition she has received professionally including the love and praise from icons Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Ava DuVernay, and Regina King. Taylor also discussed the joys and hilarious moments of motherhood with her two daughters, Junie and Rue. Later, Taylor was joined by her co-star RJ Cyler as the pair dished about their new film, “The Book Of Clarence.” The duo shared how their familial chemistry came to life on screen and how the entire cast bonded over meals prepared by Taylor including a Thanksgiving feast. https://youtu.be/PU_FsNOupCo Teyana Taylor gets emotional talking about spending time with Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Ava DuVernay and Regina King: “It’s so crazy because they were having the screening and I just happened to be walking in the lobby because I was staying there and the way they loved on me and just embraced me was amazing. You know, I remember around a time when I retired, I would say little things like, ‘We always yell women empowerment, you know, what are we really empowering one another when a brunch is done?’ You know, we show up to these brunches and everybody’s like, ‘Oh, empower women! Women empowerment! Women empowerment!’ And then it’s just like the moment that brunch is over… it’s just not that, you know? So to walk into these rooms, whether it’s on purpose, or by accident, and to be loved on and appreciated and seen and heard, it means a lot. And it is genuine, you know. And it’s from women that I look up to that probably two years ago didn’t even know my name, you know, or who I was. What was crazy with this moment is I was like, ‘Oh my god, like I don’t want to walk up. I don’t want to invade anybody’s personal space’ and it was like Aunjanue was like, ‘OH MY GOD!!! TEYANA!!!’ And I was just really shocked because as badly as I wanted this picture to happen, I wasn’t gonna be the one to ask you know? Because I am the fan at this table so I don’t want to be that person. And I just remember Ava taking out her phone and she’s like, ‘Let’s get this moment for Aunjanue.’ You know what I am saying, it was a moment because I was like, ‘Yea girl! She asked me!’ Like I wanted this moment but I wanted to blend too. Like I’m the newest little diva let me like, blend in and you know,. But it was just amazing.” https://youtu.be/ddQ41ojh8Kk RJ Cyler on the natural chemistry between him and Teyana: “Just raw reality, to be honest. I think throughout the filming process, we got to learn to care for each other, you feel me, just as a cast. And so, in that scene, it was almost just like watching my actual sister, you know, go through something and me not want to let that happen. It’s like that protection of [one another], it became real. So with you watching those screeners, it’s just mutual care.” https://youtu.be/N59lsfdyxEU Teyana Taylor talks about her two girls Junie and Rue: “Yeah, it’s so crazy because earlier today I was on Twitter and saw [Junie] did a whole interview with ET that I didn’t know about on the carpet. It was like, ‘Exclusive! Junie on ET.’ I said, ‘Wait, what?’ Junie is crazy on the red carpet. She did an interview and she’s like ‘I hope my mom gets all of the awards because she’s very talented’ and then she proceeds to say, ‘And I just want to say, I love all of you guys, love my fans, I love my -.’ Honest to God, this is on Instagram. Junie is that girl!” Tamron steps in to ask “What is the lesson you think you’re meant to learn with Junie?” Taylor responds, “You know, having Junie and having Rue has definitely made me spare a few more apologies to my mom. ‘Cause I’m like ‘Girlllll! Girl, girl.’ https://youtu.be/zqAi0PCQ5jA “Country music was in my environment,” said Camille Parker when I asked about her vocal sound which seems to have a Pop/Traditional Country vibe. “My grandfather introduced me (to Country music).” In school, she was introduced to Pop music and there you have a fresh Country sound that is Camille Parker. Parker had just released her “After the Whiskey, Pt. 1” EP when we talked. The music video to the title track, only a month old at the time, had accumulated 14,000 views. “I can diffidently move,” she laughed a little when I asked if she could dance, because in the music video to “After the Whiskey Pt 1” it looks like she can really party. However, she pointed out “I’m inspired by Reba McIntire, even Whitney. I’m following the footsteps of all those women…carrying on Country.” So excited is the Country industry about Camille Parker that she has been invited to perform at the Grand Ole Opry in February 2024 as Country music’s new artist to watch -out for. Camille has been recognized as the CMT Next Women of Country and was featured on Apple TV’s “My Kind of Country.” Her debut single “The Flame” has over two million streams and it has reached Apple Music’s Top 10 Chart. Ending our talk about the EP, Camille Parker added “’After the Whiskey Pt 1’ came out October 20th (2023), and part two is coming out soon!” https://youtu.be/FRniTYL8SRc Yamaha, the world's largest manufacturer of musical instruments, today announced its lineup of dynamic performances that will energize the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage and the Yamaha booth at The NAMM Show. This three-night, awe-inspiring concert series will evoke the musical passion of all guests who have gathered to celebrate. Performances will begin Thursday, Jan. 25, with Night of Worship featuring the band Take 6, celebrating their 30th Anniversary as a Yamaha Artist, bringing remarkable sounds of live worship music to the stage. On Friday, Jan. 26, Yamaha will present An Evening With, featuring groundbreaking artist Lindsey Stirling. On Saturday, Jan. 27, the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage will light up again with American singer Jon McLaughlin & Friends, as he brings his signature blend of pop, rock, and soul sounds front and center for all to enjoy. Throughout the four-day show, attendees can stop by the Yamaha booth and check out performances from Troy Laureta, Justin Klunk, Jay Leonard J, Jason Gianni, Felix Pollard, and a few more special guests. Award-winning producer and director Chris Gero and the Yamaha Artist Relations Group produce the concert series and in-booth performances. “Haven’t we all made some bad choices? Some of us have been flat on our back from making a bad choice, going the wrong way, giving into self-will, or choosing our own way. I’m thankful for the grace and the mercy of God - He always meets us there. When we fail, the enemy whispers in our ear that it’s over, that we’re done, but that isn’t what God says. God says, “my grace is sufficient.” God doesn’t put you on the back burner or on the back pew - He puts you back on the front. There are no second rate citizens in the Kingdom of God. He loves us all the same - saints and sinners. The bible is full of where God has used some broken men.” One of Gospel and Christian music's most iconic voices, Kentucky-born Jason Crabb has been honored with two GRAMMY® Awards and 22 GMA Dove Awards, the latter including nods for Artist, Male Vocalist, and Song of the Year. He is the youngest member inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame, and his hometown of Beaver Dam, Kentucky, has paid tribute with a street in his name. Since his first solo release in 2009, he has performed on many of the world's most prestigious stages, such as Carnegie Hall, the Grand Ole Opry, the Brooklyn Tabernacle, and Billy Graham's final crusade. Crabb's electrifying stage presence, powerhouse vocals, and magnetic personality have endeared him to millions worldwide through extensive personal appearances, media coverage, and social media, including over 20 million views on YouTube. Multi-Grammy Award winning recording artist, Bill Gaither will kicks off the Moments To Remember Tour this Spring, as he brings his multi-award winning group, The Gaither Vocal Band to 16 cities during February, March, April and May. For nearly half a century, Gaither, a multiple Grammy and Dove award winner, has been a musical trailblazer. His reputation as a performer, songwriter and mentor for newly-discovered artists is known world-wide. His beloved series of Homecoming CDs and DVDs continues to top the sales charts and attract an ever-increasing audience. Honors and accolades have flowed his way in bunches, including his most recent Grammy nomination for Best Roots Gospel Album of the Year for the Gaither Vocal Band Shine recording. Taking the stage with Gaither and the Gaither Vocal Band, featuring Wes Hampton, Adam Crabb, Todd Suttles and Reggie Smith, will be popular female vocalist, Ladye Love Smith and talented male vocalist, Gene McDonald, as well as Gaither’s musical entourage, comprised of Kevin Williams, Matthew Holt and Michael Rowsey. The star of “Five Nights at Freddy’s” says a sequel is in the works after the first film’s massive success. The supernatural horror film from Blumhouse is adapted from the popular video game series of the same name. The film follows a troubled security guard (Josh Hutcherson) as he begins working at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. While spending his first night on the job, he realizes the night shift at Freddy’s won’t be so easy to make it through, per the studio’s press release. https://youtu.be/Z_T0o5uNrlY Hutcherson told Variety that fans can expect a second chapter as “they’re in the process right now of nailing down the story, and they want to get going as soon as possible,” he said. “Obviously, the fans are amazing and die hard. For me to be a part of it was so cool and phenomenal,” Hutcherson added. “We hoped it would connect with audiences,” he continued. “But I don’t think that anybody, even on our side of things, expected it to really connect the way that it did. I’m dying to get back on set. Emma Tammi, our director, was fantastic, and it was such a fun world to play in. I’m excited to see what they are doing next.” In 2021, producer Jason Blum spoke to Collider about the challenges of developing the script for the first film. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0ercAQJEXm/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Kevin Hart’s ex-wife, comedian Torrei Hart, is joining Katt Williams on multiple dates for his upcoming The Dark Matter Tour. “Come see me live with my good friend [Katt Williams] on the Dark Matter Tour,” Torrei, who shares two children with Hart, captioned a photo of herself with Katt in a post on Instagram. Torrei will be performing in Charlotte on Jan. 27, Orlando on Feb. 2, and Tampa on Feb. 3., and additional dates will be added soon, she said. Several social media users called Williams messy for inviting Torrei on tour with him, especially after he described Kevin as an “industry plant” during his viral interview with Shannon Sharpe on the Club Shay Shay podcast. “In fifteen years in Hollywood, no one in Hollywood has a memory of going to a sold-out Kevin Hart show, there being a line for him, [him] ever getting a standing ovation at any comedy club,” Williams told Sharpe, Complex reports. https://www.instagram.com/p/C13L-YXJA9W/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=7fa6f2ca-4635-4f58-8222-7a3a1600f250 “He already had his deals when he got here,” the funnyman added. “Have we heard of a comedian that came to LA and in his first year in LA, he had his own sitcom on network television? And had his own movie called ‘Soul Plane’ that he was leading? No, we’ve never heard of that before that person or since that person.” Williams continued, “He just did his documentary with Chris Rock where he shows you that his whole upbringing in comedy was on the East Coast. So how, simultaneously, was he here in Los Angeles doing the same thing?” In response to his remarks, Hart urged Williams to “get that anger up [out you], champ. https://youtu.be/8oRRZiRQxTs A Las Vegas judge has ordered rapper Blueface to pay $1 million in interest and $13 million in damages to the strip club where a shooting occurred in 2022. As TMZ reports, the troubled hip-hop star (whose real name is Johnathan Porter) was allegedly involved in a shooting outside the now-shuttered Euphoric Gentleman’s Club in October 2022. We reported previously that Blueface was arrested on Nov. 15, 2022, for the shooting that took place on Oct. 8, near Sunset Rd. and S. Las Vegas Blvd. In viral video of his arrest, his ex-girlfriend, Chrisean Rock, could be heard saying, “It’s okay daddy!” And “Can I at least get my money?” The “Thotiana” rapper was arrested on charges of felony attempted murder with the use of a deadly firearm or tear gas. As XXL reports, Blueface’s team got into a physical altercation inside the club with the shooting victim, Kentabius Traylor. The drama ultimately spilled outside the venue, where Blueface allegedly pulled out a gun and shot at Traylor’s vehicle, striking his hand. https://www.instagram.com/p/ClAHYESJxPu/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Danielle Brooks says filming the violent arrest scene in “The Color Purple” movie musical “really took a toll” on her physical well-being. “Because I ended up having to do that scene over the course of two days for multiple hours a day, and it pulled my back out,” the 34-year-old actress explained in an interview with IndieWire. “Swinging back and forth trying to get the mob off of me. Of course, we have an incredible stage combat leader [stunt coordinator Mark Hicks] and his crew were fabulous, but doing it over and over, that really took me out, where I had to do physical therapy and go to the chiropractor for a few weeks to recover while still having to work,” Brooks added. https://www.instagram.com/p/C17OuVwrs9o/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=9080e14c-2350-4c22-a193-d78cbf9e3b9e The new project reunites Steven Spielberg, Oprah Winfrey, and Quincy Jones as executive producers (from the original 1985 film) on director Blitz Bazawule’s new feature. Variety reports that the Warner Bros. movie musical is an adaptation of the Tony-winning Broadway musical by Marsha Norman, Brenda Lee, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker. We reported earlier that Spielberg’s 1985 film, which is not a musical, reportedly grossed $142 million against a budget of $15 million. The beloved drama feature has a 73% Rotten Tomatoes score from critics and 94% from audiences. https://youtu.be/wPwzBUui1GA A Las Vegas judge set bail at $750,000 for Tupac Shakur murder suspect Duane “Keefe D” Davis, who was arrested in September in connection with the 1996 murder of the rapper. Davis has been housed at Clark County Detention Center since his arrest after his wife’s Henderson home was searched in July as part of the ongoing investigation into the shooting. Shakur was shot and killed while leaving a boxing match on the Las Vegas Strip. His untimely death – the rapper was just 25 – has been the subject of conspiracy theories and a decades-long investigation. The former Compton Crips gang leader will be released on strict house arrest if he makes bail. Tupac’s stepbrother, Mopreme Shakur, previously said news of Davis’ arrest is “bittersweet.” https://youtu.be/s2Q47BHZLQc Kelly Price called out the “disgusting and despicable” gospel community as well as her fellow Sunday Best judges, some of whom she claims are adulterers and pedophiles. According to Vibe, it started when an Instagram follower wrote, “I was going to say, is this ‘Sunday Best’ judge, gospel singing Kelly Price??? Phewwww! Lord deliver.” The R&B singer responded, “Yes Lord, deliver us from pastor hoes and pedophiles”, Price wrote, according to a screenshot obtained by That Grape Juice. “The nerve you have. I was the only artist/judge on Sunday Best that wasn’t f**kin’ someone else’s spouse, fornicating, or messing with kids and boys but you have smoke for me? FOH you ignorant, church going brain dead a**hole.” The BET reality competition series “Sunday Best” featured a series of A-list judges searching for the best-undiscovered gospel talent in America. The judges included gospel singers Yolanda Adams, Kierra Sheard, Donnie McClurkin, Mary Mary, Bebe Winans & Cece Winans. Gospel singer Kim Burrell served as the on-screen mentor. “Sunday Best” ran from 2009-2020 and was hosted by Kirk Franklin. “I’m one of the very few artists who have been able to record and tour with both gospel and R&B artists, and the lives that are lived by the people that you worship are despicable and disgusting,” Price said in an Instagram Live video. https://youtu.be/qXMpkjcKIZw Netflix has released images of Regina King as political trailblazer Shirley Chisholm in the upcoming new film, “Shirley.” The film chronicles Chisholm’s groundbreaking run for president of the United States. Per Tudum, here’s the synopsis: “In 1972, Chisholm became the first Black candidate to seek a major party’s nomination for president. But she was already a pioneer: In 1968, the Brooklyn native made history as the first Black woman elected to the US Congress. Written and directed by John Ridley (also an Oscar winner for his 12 Years a Slave screenplay), Shirley tells Chisholm’s inspirational story.” Chisholm, who died at age 80 in 2005, represented New York’s 12th district from 1969 to 1983. According to a release from Netflix, “Shirley” chronicles Chisholm’s “audacious, boundary-breaking 1972 presidential campaign.” https://youtu.be/0MFdNTryTdg The 94-year-old Hilton Head Island woman who made headlines with her legal battle to keep her family’s ancestral land has died. Josephine Wright died “surrounded by family, loved ones, and prayers” on January 7, according to an update her family posted on their GoFundMe page. “It is with heavy hearts that the Wright Family announces the passing of our beloved matriarch, Mrs. Josephine Wright, who peacefully transitioned on January 7, 2024, surrounded by family, loved ones, and prayers. Her legacy as a pillar of strength, wisdom, and commitment to justice will forever remain etched in our hearts,” Wright’s granddaughter, Charise Graves, wrote on the fundraiser page. The family has used the page to communicate with the public for nearly a year since Wright’s legal battle with a property developer gained widespread attention. Georgia-based real estate developer, Bailey Point Investment, LLC, had wanted to construct a residential development next to the 1.8-acre parcel of land that had been in Wright’s husband’s family since the Civil War. https://youtu.be/qLPBCd2jQ3E Bailey Point sued Wright in February 2023 claiming her satellite dish, shed, and screened-in porch were encroaching on the developer’s land and delaying the construction of new homes. Wright remained committed to protecting her property, filing multiple counterclaims, and accusing the developer of harassing her and trashing her property. “I want to be left alone,” Wright told CNN in July. “I want to live on my property as I have always in peace and quiet.” Media mogul Tyler Perry, who had been a fierce champion of Wright in her fight against developers, said he was “heartbroken” to learn of her death in a tribute on Instagram. https://youtu.be/Ej07FuUZ2Zc “Ms. Josephine Wright, even though we spoke by phone, I was so looking forward to meeting you in person next month to hand you the keys to your new house, but God had other plans,” Perry said. Wright’s family revealed late last year on their GoFundMe page that Perry was helping after a tree fell and severely damaged her home. https://youtu.be/q3ciocbMY_g “Your 4 children, 40 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren will still be able to gather at YOUR house on YOUR land and tell the world what kind of fighter that you were. You have run your race and fought an incredible fight! Journey well my dear lady. You have inspired me,” Perry wrote. Wright’s funeral will be held on January 13 at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Hilton Head Island. https://youtu.be/2IVtjqxLs7Y The Tubman Till Foundation will present The First Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Harvest of The Dream Celebration on Monday, January 15, 2024, at 6pm at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, located at 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, CA 92886. Tickets ($125), sponsorships, souvenir magazine ads, and a GoFundMe campaign info are posted on TubmanTillFoundation.org. Dr. Eric J. Chambers, the foundation’s founder and president, is the visionary behind this event. “The purpose of this black-tie gala is to honor Dr. King’s life, legacy, and dream,” he said. Proceeds will go towards the development of the Tubman Till Museum and Media Center, which will tell the stories of heroes and sheroes, past and present, including Harriet Tubman, Emmett Louis Till, and Mrs. Mamie Till Mobley, who was Dr. Chambers’ surrogate grandmother. “I loved Mrs. Mobley and I’m still in awe that I spoke at her funeral. It was my greatest professional honor,” he exclaimed. “She was her mother’s only child, and Emmett was her only child. This is my way of making sure the world never forgets them. She was a brave woman and vital to the Civil Rights movement.” Water has often been a symbol of freedom, tranquility and recreation. However, for Black communities, water is connected to a troubled history of barriers, stemming from systemic racism, exclusion and limited access to pools and swimming education. According to a 2017 study conducted by the USA Swimming Foundation, 70 percent of African Americans do not know how to swim. The startling number is intertwined with America’s dark history of segregation. When recreational swimming became popular in the 1920s and ’30s, segregation prevented many Black families from learning the vital skill as a large portion of public pools were placed in white neighborhoods. The History Of American Swimming Pools. Segregation perpetuated the swimming stereotype in the Black community. Public pools and beaches were segregated, with Black communities often denied entry or relegated to poorly maintained facilities, if any at all. Denied access to proper swimming education, many Black individuals never had the opportunity to learn how to swim which perpetuated a cycle of limited water safety knowledge within the community. The site where rapper and producer Ye had plans to build his Christian school Donda Academy is reportedly deteriorating, according to some publications. In March 2023, the Grammy Award winner purchased the $1.5 million plot that was once home to Cornerstone Christian Church in Northridge, Los Angeles. The Chicago native reportedly had plans to move Donda Academy into the ranch style property, but community members petitioned against the hip-hop star’s proposal. Now, it’s unclear if Ye is moving forward with his vision for the school. In photos obtained by the Sun Dec. 19, the rapper’s property appeared to be crumbling and showed no signs of construction. The windows of the distressed building were boarded up with large planks of wood and debris was scattered outside of the former Church, according to the photos. “In one photograph, a blue trash bin was full to the rim with garbage situated near the gravel driveway,” the outlet noted. Neighbors who live nearby the seemingly abandoned building have also complained about the property’s lack of upkeep. “I had no idea Kanye bought it but … it’s not a good look for the neighborhood, he needs to clean it up, you don’t want a bum breaking in and living there,” one community member allegedly told the Sun. “I see someone come and check the property every few weeks to make sure it’s OK, but they haven’t done anything to it, it’s been empty for months,” another neighbor claimed. Speculation about the status of Ye’s troubled Donda Academy came just one week before the rapper apologized to the Jewish community for his long history of antisemitism. “I sincerely apologize to the Jewish community for any unintended outburst caused by my words or actions,” Ye penned in Hebrew in a since-deleted Instagram post. “It was not my intention to offend or demean, and I deeply regret any pain I may have caused.” https://twitter.com/HipHopDX/status/1737611636113072245/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1737611636113072245%7Ctwgr%5E2360377e6c092438359318be740198c7b4cd743e%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewsone.com%2F4285205%2Fkanye-west-donda-academy-los-angeles%2F The statement came just two weeks after the rapper was filmed making antisemitic remarks during a promo event for his upcoming album Vultures in Las Vegas. https://youtu.be/HUIK06tgEGg Today, Urban One announced that GRAMMY™ and EMMY Award-winning singer, OSCAR®-nominated actress and legendary Queen of Hip Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige will be recognized as the prestigious Entertainment Icon Honoree at “URBAN ONE HONORS.” The two-hour “URBAN ONE HONORS: Best in Black” event premieres during Black History Month on Sunday, February 25, 2024 at 8p/7c, on TV One and simulcast on CLEO TV. Blige joins previously announced esteemed honorees: Dionne Warwick, recognized as the Lifetime Achievement Honoree; Chlöe, celebrated as the Generation Next Honoree; Frankie Beverly, honored as a Living Legend, and Donald Lawrence, acclaimed for his Inspirational Impact. Teyana Taylor, Bebe Winans, Damon Little, Angie Stone, October London, alongside a reunion featuring KeKe Wyatt, Chanté Moore, and Nicci Gilbert (cast of R&B Divas) round out the star-studded lineup of performers and presenters. GRAMMY™ Award-winning singer and actress LeToya Luckett returns to host the event’s “Backstage Pass,” featuring exclusive interviews with the show’s honorees, performers, and presenters. https://vimeo.com/901159804/faa3db2714?share=copy Lifetime’s newest explosive docuseries Prison Brides follows seven women from around the world who believe they have found their soulmates in the most unexpected of places, American prisons. While they started off as prison pen pals, these women fell hard and found themselves willing to risk it all for love. The docuseries follows the women as they travel from their homes—many visiting the United States for the first time—to meet their prisoner fiancés, husbands, or partners, to chart their futures together. With the couples facing harsh judgment from friends, family and strangers, the women grapple with uncertainty and their ultimate decision to risk it all for true love. Prison Brides is produced for Lifetime by the UK’s Big Little Fish. Executive producers include Mark Procter and Peter Usher. Jack Tarantino showruns. Brie Miranda Bryant, Jonathan Partridge, and Nicole Vogel executive produce for Lifetime. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fL0gTaSr7s Democratic Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina said Sunday that President Joe Biden’s 2024 campaign isn’t breaking through the “MAGA wall.” “I have no problem with the Biden administration and what it has done. My problem is we have not been able to break through that MAGA wall to get to people to know exactly what this president has done,” Clyburn said on CNN’s “State of the Union.” His comments come just days after Biden kicked off his 2024 campaign with an impassioned argument that GOP frontrunner former president Donald Trump could destroy American democracy. “Donald Trump’s campaign is about him, not America. Not you. Donald Trump’s campaign is obsessed with the past, not the future. He’s willing to sacrifice our democracy, put himself in power,” Biden said. While polling has shown that democracy itself is a central issue for Americans ahead of November’s election, Biden still faces stubbornly low approval ratings, persistent questions and concerns about his ability to serve another term; and diminished support from some key components of his winning coalition from 2020. Watch New York Times best-selling author, Mike Todd, make SHERRI SHOW debut. Pastor Mike Todd brings his inspiring tips to be your best in 2024! https://youtu.be/NbA8YnMnCG4 Ja’Niece McCullough, the daughter of late comedy great Bernie Mac, is speaking out about the remarks Katt Williams made about her father during his interview on the Club Shay Shay podcast. During the episode, Williams claimed that Steve Harvey “hated” Bernie Mac and tried to steal Bernie’s role in the film “Oceans 11.” Veteran radio host Ed Lover co-signed Katt’s remarks during the Jan. 5 episode of his C’Mon Son! podcast. “The stuff that Katt Williams said about Steve Harvey calling to try to get Bernie’s role on Oceans 11, and that kind of stuff? Bernie told me out of his own mouth,” Ed Lover said. “I believe Bernie Mac when he said Steve Harvey hated on him.” In a video shared on social media, McCullough said… “I don’t know Katt Williams; [I] never met him. That’s one person I never did get to meet when my dad was alive, but from everything I’ve ever heard my dad, you know, say, he’s always seemed like a stand-up dude.” https://youtu.be/V9orq-KUZgA McCullough also called Katt’s conversation on Club Shay Shay “genuine.” “There are some people who have given my dad his flowers now that he’s dead that I’m looking at like, ‘Now, you know doggone well you wasn’t doing that when he was alive.’ And that’s not just famous people, just people all across the board,” she added. “I just really appreciate what I believe [is] genuine love and respect that Katt Williams showed my father,” McCollough continued. https://www.instagram.com/p/C1uzU_Vvwv4/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s media company, Westbrook, has reportedly struggled to land steaming deals and prominent financial backers following the infamous Oscars slap in 2022. Westbrook’s revenue fell to $100 million last year, forcing the company to lay off half of their employees, according to Semafor. Several of the company’s existing partners allegedly decided not to renew their contracts with Westbrook. Additionally, the Smiths are looking for a new home for Jada’s Emmy-winning Red Table Talk series after Meta dropped it from the Facebook Watch lineup. After the Oscar slap, Westbrook has been forced to scale back its large ambitions, Semafor reports. Wondering what ex-CNN anchor Don Lemon has been up to since his firing from the outlet, we’ve got the answer. Today he announced a deal with X/Twitter. “I’ve heard you… and today I am back bigger, bolder, freer!,” said Lemon. “My new media company’s first project is The Don Lemon Show. It will be available to everyone, easily, whenever and wherever you want it, streaming on the platforms where the conversations are happening. And you’ll find it first on X, the biggest space for free speech in the world. I know now more than ever that we need a place for honest debate and discussion without the hall monitors. This is just the beginning so stay tuned.” It was back in April of last year that Lemon was shown the door (via a telephone call) after 17 years at the network. One of the reasons he was let go, it’s speculated, was because in February he said that called Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley past “her prime.” As far as landing at another news network, either none of them want him or he isn’t interested in them. That’s where X, formerly Twitter, comes in. Elon Musk, who bought the site in 2022 has been a proponent of free speech on the website, as long as it benefits him, we might add. It seems Lemon is going to somewhat follow the trail/path laid down at X by another high-profile anchor who was given the boot by Fox. Yes, we’re referring to Tucker Carlson, who was fired the same day as Lemon. He went and launched a show on the social media platform titled “Tucker on X” in June of last year. The point is, given that Lemon is known for speaking his mind and saying things that the major news outlets find a little too dicey, Elon Musk’s X looks like the right place for him. Musk also welcomed Lemon to the platform on Tuesday with several posts. https://youtu.be/gRiO89UNzYg?list=RDNSgRiO89UNzYg Britain’s police chief says policing in the UK is “institutionally racist.” Gavin Stephens, the chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), calls for reforms of national policies to eliminate discrimination. Stephens told The Guardian that Black people disproportionately experience excessive use of force by officers, and an overhaul of policing practices across the country is necessary in tackling the issue. “It’s a leadership responsibility for us to describe to them what it (institutional racism) means and what it doesn’t mean. It doesn’t mean that all police officers are racist,” Stephens said. https://t.co/cOUP4V3F7v Mark Cuban and Elon Musk are sparring over their differing positions on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. As Forbes reports, Musk called the fellow billionaire a “racist” in a series of tweets on X/Twitter, for Cuban’s public support of DEI programs. Musk suggests Cuban’s approval of DEI in the workforce is due to his “ridiculous overcompensation regarding racism” and “if mental gymnastics were an Olympic sport, Mark Cuban would be a perfect 10.” The Tesla CEO also proposed a UFC-style cage match between himself and Cuban. “Discrimination on the basis of race, which DEI does, is literally the definition of racism,” Musk, the owner of X, noted on the platform. https://twitter.com/mcuban/status/1742690628465484204?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1742690628465484204%7Ctwgr%5Ec6b5253efe956e84b583e06089f65f11b62f5c23%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Felon-musk-calls-mark-cuban-racist%2F Draymond Green spoke about his indefinite suspension on “The Draymond Green Show” podcast. Green was suspended indefinitely following an on-court altercation in December. The 33-year-old was ejected during his team’s 119-116 defeat to the Phoenix Suns. During the third quarter, while being guarded by the center, Green spun around and struck Sun’s player Jusuf Nurkić in the face with his right arm, dropping him to the ground. The officials reviewed the incident and deemed it a flagrant 2 foul, which resulted in an automatic ejection from the game. The Golden State Warriors star kicked the new year off by breaking his silence about the incident. As The Blast reports, Green noted that he’s considering retirement. https://youtu.be/yDY-p-f6xog Comedian Gary Owen claims he made more money as a celebrity contestant on Deray Davis’s “Hip Hop Squares” than he did doing voiceover work on Steve Harvey’s former TV show. In the clip above, “Gary says he made 4 times more cash doing 3 episodes of ‘Squares’ than he did doing 2 weeks at SH’s operation!!!” per TMZ. His remarks come after Katt Williams’ bombshell “Club Shay Shay” interview, during which he noted that Owen hasn’t been able to reach crossover success because he hasn’t joined the Illuminati. Katt’s comments prompted Owen to recall his work on Harvey’s TV show, which Kelly Clarkson’s daytime talker replaced. Owen explained on his podcast that he hoped to partner with Harvey but ended up tucked away backstage doing voiceovers for the show. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2024-01-08-010824-gary-owen-1754006-814/ Owen also co-signed Katt’s negative comments about the energy that Rickey Smiley brought during the filming of “Friday After Next.” Additionally, Owen said he was sexually propositioned by a Hollywood executive linked to the MeToo movement. https://twitter.com/i/status/1742671901523059111 “I’ve been in an awkward situation one time. I can’t say 100% that this person was trying to get me to do something, a casting couch-type deal, but it felt like it,” he explained on his podcast. “I was like ‘is this that point where I’ve always heard would you suck a dick for a million dollars.’ I was in this room saying I’m about to answer this question and the answer was no.” Owen added, “I can’t say this is 100% that’s where this was going but it felt like it. You gotta be in the room to feel it and I was like this dude is really coming on to me. He will remain nameless but he was feeling me out. I made it very clear I like women.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1742672150568313040 The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) and the GRAMMY Museum® have announced a year-long collaborative program to spotlight the intersectionality between music and content created for film, television, and multimedia platforms. This innovative initiative will be held at the GRAMMY Museum’s state-of-the-art facilities, in downtown Los Angeles at LA Live, designed to celebrate the fusion of music and storytelling. The program event will offer various activities, including live musical performances, panel discussions, educational clinics, and inspiring Ted Talk-style lectures. It will bring together luminaries and entertainment, advertising, and marketing experts. The goal is to raise awareness of music’s pivotal role in shaping the narratives that influence audiences worldwide. “So many people are unaware of the role that music plays in so many of the things that we see and do each day,” says AAFCA Co-Founder Gil Robertson. “Through our partnership with the GRAMMY Museum, our goal is to highlight how music functions to tell stories that influence people around the world. Music is an essential driver in storytelling that has the power to either deepen or elevate the impact of a project’s core messages.” If you ever have wondered why some of the most talented people never get their chance to shine, it might be because that person refused to compromise themselves on the way to the spotlight. That Katt Williams interview on Shannon Sharpe’s Shay Shay podcast is being called one of the best, because it (seemed to be) unedited, authentic, and answered a lot of questions about what goes on in the entertainment industry behind the curtain. However, Sharpe is being criticized by some for not asking follow-up questions. https://youtu.be/XpIzJ8TzLRk Former first lady Michelle Obama said she’s “terrified” about the potential outcome of the 2024 election, listing November’s presidential contest as among the fears that keep her awake at night, in a podcast interview released Monday. “What’s going to happen in this next election? I’m terrified about what could happen because our leaders matter. Who we select, who speaks for us, who holds that bully pulpit, it affects us in ways sometimes I think people take for granted,” Obama told Jay Shetty on his podcast “On Purpose.” “The fact that people think that government — ‘eh, does it even do anything?’ — and I’m like ‘Oh my God, does the government do everything for us, and we cannot take this democracy for granted.’ And I worry sometimes that we do. Those are the things that keep me up,” she said. Her comments come as President Joe Biden begins to ramp up his reelection campaign, narrowing in on a message that democracy is on the ballot this year. https://youtu.be/B22CeTL353s Still, many Democrats have expressed concern that his message isn’t resonating, pointing to polls showing him in a close contest with former President Donald Trump. In the interview, the former first lady listed several other items that worry her, including: “Are people going to vote, and why aren’t people voting?” “Those are the things that keep me up because you don’t have control over them. And you wonder: ‘Where are we in this? Where are our hearts?’” she said. Later, Obama suggested there was a double standard when it came to Trump’s legal entanglements and what might happen if a similar predicament befell a Black man. “The bars are different for people in life. That I’ve learned,” she said. https://youtu.be/X2vNGwMCw-M The man who was captured on viral video attacking a female judge in Nevada was sentenced this week by the same judge for a separate battery case. Clark County Judge Mary Kay Holthus sentenced 30-year-old Deobra Redden to 19 months to four years in prison after he was charged with attempted battery with substantial bodily harm, CNN reports. We reported previously that Judge Holthus was attacked in the courtroom during a sentencing hearing on Jan. 3. Redden managed to jump high over the judge’s bench to assault Holthus after she denied his bail and began to sentence him to jail. But before she could finish, Redden rushes towards her, jumps over her bench, and attacks her. The judge falls to the ground, and district court Marshalls jump in to try and stop Redden. They struggle to contain him for a few seconds before the video ends. Holthus said she planned to impose the same prison sentence of 19-48 months in prison before Redden’s aggressive confrontation in court last week. https://twitter.com/i/status/1744463058783887624 Oprah Winfrey has shut down rumors that she and Taraji P. Henson are feuding amid the release of “The Color Purple.” Winfrey appeared to address a viral video that shows the media mogul seemingly acting shady towards Henson. Some fans believe the actress is holding back tears in the TikTok clip. “I would just like to say about this whole Taraji thing… “People are saying that I was not supporting Taraji. Taraji will tell you herself that I’ve been the greatest champion of this film,” Winfrey Entertainment Tonight on Sunday (Jan. 7) at the 2024 Golden Globes, Vibe reports. Winfrey said she is “Championing not only the behind-the-scenes projection” on the film “but also everything that everybody needed,” she added. “So whenever I heard that there was something that someone needed, I’m not in charge of the budget because that’s Warner Brothers you know that’s the way the studio system works,” Winfrey said. https://v16m-default.tiktokcdn-us.com/52628a888863c7fe6f0af7d6e354a36f/659e18e7/video/tos/useast5/tos-useast5-pve-0068-tx/oUAxDEnlSEdgaRrIwA1fBFLhUDIfEGQvLccOig/?a=1988&ch=0&cr=3&dr=0&lr=tiktok_m&cd=0%7C0%7C1%7C&cv=1&br=3220&bt=1610&bti=NDU3ZjAwOg%3D%3D&cs=0&ds=3&ft=4bBsyMzm8Zmo0-qQG94jVOxZdpWrKsd.&mime_type=video_mp4&qs=0&rc=NmRlZTs3PGU0Njs7NzY6OEBpMzh2N3E5cjo5cDMzZzczNEBfMGI2LS1gXy0xYF5hYGFhYSNkcDVlMmRjbC9gLS1kMS9zcw%3D%3D&l=202401092210112A5C8EB83B689A124159&btag=e00090000 50 Cent has weighed in on Terrence Howard’s legal battle against his talent agency. Howard claims racism as a factor in a lawsuit accusing CAA (Creative Arts Agency) of lowballing his “Empire” pay. The complaint alleges the agency prioritized their interests, and that of Fox and the show’s producers (including Lee Daniels) over his own, Variety reports. Per the outlet, Howard’s “complaint does not cite a specific dollar amount for damages but it does seek compensatory and punitive damages.” “Not only did it become abundantly clear that his agents led him on a path to rely on information that was misleading, he discovered that this was the result of the fact that CAA was not acting in his best interest, but in the in interest of their own financial benefit as well as the interest of the Production Companies and the producers, Daniels and Strong,” the complaint states, according to Variety. Howard claims he averaged $325,000 per episode for “Empire,” but the salary was less than some of his peers paid. The lawsuit names Jon Hamm, who earned around $500,000 an episode for the show “Mad Men,” and Kevin Spacey bagged the same amount for his leading role in “House of Cards.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C1shwreOUBn/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Jonathan Majors claims his girlfriend, actress Meagan Good, “held me down” like Coretta Scott King amid his domestic violence trial last month. Majors was found guilty of assault and harassment against his ex, Grace Jabbari, and he’s speaking out for the first time about the high-profile trial in a new interview with GMA. “She’s an angel,” he said of Good, whom he began dating last May after his arrest for allegedly assaulting Jabbari in March. Majors said Good has since “held me down like a Coretta [Scott King].” “I’m so blessed to have her. The relationship is still fresh. I think I found her,” he added. https://twitter.com/i/status/1744355502039916806 Majors made similar remarks to Jabbari in a recorded audio that was released amid the ex-couple’s domestic violence trial in December. “How dare you come home drunk and disturb the peace of our house when we have a plan,” the “Creed III” star is heard telling Jabbari in a conversation that reportedly took place months before Majors allegedly assaulted her in the backseat of a car in New York City. “I would like to get to the point where your friends know what job I’m on and go, ‘I think Grace is gonna be out of commission,'” he continued.“Do you understand that?” Majors asked. “‘Cause that team, that unit, right? Grace has to be in a certain mindset.” He continued, “Coretta Scott King. You know who that is? That’s Martin Luther King’s wife. Michelle Obama, Barack Obama’s wife.” Majors is facing up to a year behind bars. His sentencing is scheduled for February 6. https://twitter.com/i/status/1744355925551423613 As soon as the NFL’s regular season ends, all eyes are usually turned on Black Monday — the first Monday after the regular season ends. Coaches whose teams didn’t perform impressively during the season have reason to dread Black Monday. It’s the day traditionally set aside to fire underperforming coaches. But fortunately, for three Black head coaches, it doesn’t matter. Those three NFL coaches are resting easy, confident their jobs are safe: Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers; Todd Bowles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach; and DeMeco Ryans of the Houston Texans. By now, if you’re an NFL fan, you probably know their teams made the playoffs. Now, we shouldn’t play the race card everywhere, but there is a good reason their success here is significant and even ironic. As they celebrate this feat, for some racists at the NFL these might as well be the three of the four horsemen of the apocalypse. For starters, almost 60 percent of NFL players are Black but, curiously, over 90 percent of head coaches are White! It has been an ongoing debate for a while. Hall of Famer Ed Reed once addressed the matter on The Ringer’s “Slow News Day” podcast, pointing out that “It’s no secret how far this (hiring Black coaches at NFL) goes back on why African-American coaches are being treated that way.” Without mincing his words, he added “It’s because of the way African-American people are treated. This is bigger than just coaches.” https://youtu.be/YOKj91BmozQ He further said that in the few-and-far-between instances when black coaches get hired, they don’t have the full power they need to make critical decisions as managers. He should have added that the same powerless coaches are expected to take full responsibility when things go wrong. So, what is it that only White coaches can do better than their Black counterparts? Why would Blacks dominate the NFL, just not as decision-makers? What makes them good players and not good managers? Are they genuinely incapable of leading, or is it just blatant bias that disregards facts? Let’s find out. The NFL’s league office once asked its 32 teams why they don’t hire Black candidates as coaches. The reasons some of the teams gave are ridiculous, to say the least. For instance, some claim Black coaches lack the necessary experience to lead and are unsure of their ability to motivate veteran players. At the interviews, Black candidates “…didn’t look the part…seemed nervous throughout the interview process…” In short, the rejection starts even before the real interview because they “don’t look the part.” https://youtu.be/uDxHp5yHxkg These good reasons were presented to none other than NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent — himself Black! How he got his job in such an environment is in itself a mystery to many. For many teams, he might as well be the fourth of the four horsemen we just mentioned. According to the findings of an investigation by The Washington Post, Black coaches are usually as good as White coaches. Still, while White coaches enjoy many advantages and more opportunities at the league’s top coaching jobs, their Black counterparts have everything stacked against them: they walk narrower paths and generally serve significantly longer as mid-level assistants. Furthermore, they end up with only interim jobs instead of full-time ones and must maintain a higher standard to keep their demeaning jobs. They are also comparatively twice as likely to be fired. Finally, that only three Black coaches made the playoffs painfully reminds us that nothing has changed much since 2003 when the Rooney Rule was enacted. The rule stipulated that teams should interview “minority coaches” when hiring. But the rule hasn’t helped much; teams hardly take it seriously and that’s why there are so few Black coaches — otherwise, tens of Black coaches would have made the playoffs in the just-concluded NFL regular season. https://youtu.be/ZeF480UvU98 A door plug that reportedly detached from an Alaska Airlines plane midflight Friday, causing a section of the aircraft to blow out, has been found in Portland, Oregon. Alaska Airlines canceled 230 flights after a midflight blowout onboard Alaska Airlines Flt 1282 on Friday. We reported earlier via CNN that part of the fuselage blew off shortly after takeoff. A boy’s shirt was sucked off his torso and out through the hole, passengers reported, leaving the mother holding the boy. “It tore off her son’s shirt!” a man can be heard saying on video posted to Twitter by passenger Stephanie King. National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy announced at a news conference Sunday that the missing door plug was found in the backyard of a home in Portland. https://youtu.be/9AoHkzDKAW8 Former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron has been named CEO of the 1792 Exchange, a conservative organization that aims to challenge “woke capitalism.” According to its website, the non-profit group claims its “mission is to develop policy and resources to protect and equip non-profits, small businesses and philanthropy from “woke” corporations, to educate Congress and stakeholder organizations about the dangers of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) policies, and to help steer public companies in the United States back to neutral on ideological issues so they can best serve their shareholders and customers with excellence and integrity.” The 1792 Exchange publishes a “spotlight report,” which analyzes how likely a brand or company will “cancel a contract or client, or boycott, divest, or deny services based on viewpoints or beliefs.” “I’m honored to serve as the CEO of the 1792 Exchange, where I will continue meaningful work to put an end to the anti-American ESG agenda that threatens to take over our corporations and change the fabric of our country,” Cameron said in a release, USA Today reports. Cameron served as the attorney general of Kentucky until Jan. 1. In 2022, the Louisville Branch NAACP called on him to resign over his handling of the police killing of Breonna Taylor. https://youtu.be/I-Wy-2BsOzU N.W.A, Gladys Knight, and Donna Summer are among the artists to receive Lifetime Achievement Awards during the 2024 Grammys ceremony next month. Per Variety, Laurie Anderson and Tammy Wynette will also be honored during the Special Merit Awards ceremony, along with longtime producer/manager Peter Asher, hip-hop pioneer DJ Kool Herc, and veteran attorney Joel Katz. Meanwhile, we reported previously via CNN that nominations for the 2024 Grammy Awards were revealed in November, and SZA leads in total nominations with nine nods. Other top nominees include Phoebe Bridgers, R&B star Victoria Monét, indie group boygenius, Miley Cyrus, Billie Eilish, and Olivia Rodrigo. Taylor Swift made history by becoming the first to have seven nominations in the Song of the Year category with her hit “Anti-Hero.” The global superstar scored six nominations overall. Broken promises and emotional damage lie at the heart of the conflict between rapper/actor Childish Gambino (Donald Glover) and the Kenyan model featured on the cover of his third studio album, “Awaken, My Love!” The Jasmine Brand reports that Giannina Antonette Oteto recently called out Gambino for “years of lies.” The model’s face was featured on the cover photo for “Awaken, My Love!” The album, released Dec. 2, 2016, features the hit single “Redbone,” which won Gambino a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance. Despite a number five debut on the US Billboard 200 chart, positive reviews from critics, and nominations for Album of the Year, Best Contemporary Urban Album at the 2018 Grammy Awards, “Awaken, My Love”’s success has been seemingly overshadowed by Oteto’s issues with Gambino. In a post shared online, Oteto alleges she was underpaid for her work on the album cover picture. In addition, Oteto claims she and the team of Black women who helped make the cover popular were taken advantage of and lied to by the “This is America” entertainer, as they were promised residuals. At this time, the women have yet to receive residuals, The Jasmine Brand noted. The site further mentioned that Laura Wass, “a white woman who created the headpiece even though she was not on set” was the only person given residuals. Ice Cube is speaking out about Katt Williams’ recent remarks about Rickey Smiley and his work on the “Friday” movie franchise. We reported earlier that during the comedian’s appearance on the Club Shay Shay podcast, Williams accused Smiley of lying when he sat down with Sharpe on the podcast and said he auditioned to play the iconic pimp character Money Mike in “Friday After Next.” The role ultimately went to Williams, who claims he was never considered for any other role in the film. “This man told you he had Katt Williams’ role. He was going to be Money Mike, and Katt Williams was going to be the Santa Claus,” Williams told Sharpe. “We auditioned in Los Angeles. I was audition No. 201. Two hundred Black comedians auditioned for the role of Money Mike with me. You’re saying all 201 of us was auditioning, and you had already had the role and had already shot the role in four days?” Smiley insists he auditioned for the Money Mike role but ended up playing Santa Claus in the film. https://www.instagram.com/p/C1pl1qNPDWm/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again “Friday” writer/producer Ice Cube has clarified the issue, Ice Cream Convos reports. “When we bring in a new comedian, we do have them try out for different roles,” Ice Cube stated in a video shared online. “So, Rickey did give Money Mike a shot.” Cube added, “But, when we saw him, we kinda saw how he moved and how he was auditioning, we decided he’d be a better Santa Claus. Which was, to me, the perfect casting. When we saw Katt…when I saw him I just knew he was perfect for Money Mike.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1743377323976741309 Faizon Love claims Katt Williams once pulled a gun on him. According to Hot New Hip Hop, Love dropped the bombshell in a 2019 interview with VladTV, which was republished after Williams’ wild conversation on the Club Shay Shay podcast. Love claims that at the time of the gun incident, Williams owed him money, and when he tried to collect, things went left. As Hot New Hip Hop reports, Love said Williams urged Suge Knight to handle Love. “It’s hard to address lunacy, and hypocrisy, and downright ignorance. But it’s so funny how many people think this dumb, stupid motherf-cker is spittin’ truth,” Love said in a social media post following Williams’ candid conversation with Shannon Sharpe on his podcast last week. “But that’s the internet I guess, you guys want to believe in something so bad. Listen to what he’s saying, he’s actually calling for help. He’s calling for help. None of the sh-t he says lines up with nothing,” Love continued. https://youtu.be/bGJdlp9bxzM “I have watched all these low-brow comedians come here and disrespect you in your face and tell you straight-up lies.” “It was the saddest thing ever. We should be ashamed. When our people call out for help, we have to understand. We put too much pressure on Tyler Perry. He ain’t put nobody on. The people that’s been in his productions – they’re not famous.” “Martin tried to put me in my first dress… We get in the office and this fool pulls out Big Momma House 2. I almost died. And I gotta read this script in front of all these good white people.” https://youtu.be/8oRRZiRQxTs Rickey Smiley broke out in tears during a recent Instagram Live, and many fans believe the emotional moment was due to Katt Williams’ viral interview with Shannon Sharpe. During the comedian’s appearance on the Club Shay Shay podcast, Williams said Smiley lied when he sat down with Sharpe on the podcast and said he auditioned to play the iconic pimp character Money Mike in “Friday After Next.” The role ultimately went to Williams, who claims he was never considered for any other role in the film. “This man told you he had Katt Williams’ role. He was going to be Money Mike, and Katt Williams was going to be the Santa Claus,” he told Sharpe. “We auditioned in Los Angeles. I was audition No. 201. Two hundred Black comedians auditioned for the role of Money Mike with me. You’re saying all 201 of us was auditioning, and you had already had the role and had already shot the role in four days?” Smiley replied and insisted he auditioned for the Money Mike role but ended up playing Santa Claus in the film. “I guess the producers, Cube, and everybody saw something different,” he said. https://youtu.be/rf-5trh1POU Days after Williams’ pearl-clutching interview with Sharpe, Smiley went on IG Live and appeared sad while making a cup of coffee. He walked away a few minutes into the video and could be heard crying off-camera. Some social media users believe he was emotional about the fallout with Williams. Other fans, however, noted that Smiley could still be mourning the death of his son, Brandon, who died about a year ago from a drug overdose. https://twitter.com/i/status/1743782274167181623 LeBron James is the new face of Louis Vuitton’s Men’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection. WBLS reports that the fresh collection is now available at LV pop-up shops in New York and Los Angeles. “LOUIS VUITTON BRON! LV Men’s Spring-Summer 2024 coming soon! LET’S GO!!!!,” the NBA star announced on social media. James appears in LV’s new marketing and images, which started rolling out last week, including a video of the superstar athlete looking quite dapper. James is collaborating with the luxury brand as Pharrell Williams‘ first collection with the famed fashion house debuts in stores and online. The music artist is LV’s first creative director since the late Vigirl Abloh. https://www.instagram.com/p/C1p3m0zObc-/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=85530bd0-5c70-4618-8e39-adf09c2a3aba Pharrell spoke to WWD about his LV collab, “It’s a different vibe, and just sort of an opportunity to let people know that our job and our partnership and working together is about leveling up and not just a few steps, but floors up,” he said. “I am glad to welcome Pharrell back home, after our collaborations in 2004 and 2008 for Louis Vuitton, as our new Men’s Creative Director. His creative vision beyond fashion will undoubtedly lead Louis Vuitton towards a new and very exciting chapter,” said Pietro Beccari, Louis Vuitton’s Chairman and CEO. https://www.instagram.com/p/C1rWhQcNHGL/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Cher hit up X/Twitter on Saturday to post a photo of her straddling her boy toy, 38-year-old Alexander ‘AE’ Edwards. The 77-year-old pop star has been dating the much younger music executive since November 2022. There were reports that they split last spring, but according to Page Six, they reunited by the fall. “Love is Love,” Cher captioned the photo of her sitting on her man’s lap with one hand wrapped around his upper back and the other holding his chin. Edwards is beaming as he holds the music icon around her waist. In the post’s comments, one fan wrote, “You seem so happy and that’s the only important thing. I love seeing it! Sometimes happiness is so hard to find, you take it where you find it and don’t apologize for it. That’s one of the many things I love and respect about you.” https://twitter.com/cher/status/1743508965772947848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1743508965772947848%7Ctwgr%5Eb24599953aaf68279028b1ec84d7f499ee2a22fb%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fcher-straddles-young-boyfriend-in-photo%2F It's the 81st Golden Globe Awards Red Carpet. https://youtu.be/oQ6f7h0Fvn0 The 81st / 2024 Golden Globe Awards were a good night for “Barbenheimer.” Christopher Nolan’s three-hour biography about J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist behind the Manhattan Project, picked up several big awards, including Best Motion Picture Drama, Best Director (Christopher Nolan), and Best Drama Actor (Cillian Murphy). Composer Ludwig Göransson also picked up an award for best original score. “Oppenheimer” was a favorite heading into the night, as was “Barbie,” the toy-powered tale from Greta Gerwig. “Barbie” was the most nominated film ahead of Sunday’s ceremony, but in the end, picked up just two awards, including the inaugural award for cinematic achievement. During their theatrical runs, moviegoers were so enamored with both “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” that it gave way to the creation of the term “Barbenheimer,” the phenomenon that encouraged audiences to take in double features of the drastically different films. https://youtu.be/WfrK9cvusTQ In television, “Succession,” “The Bear” and “Beef” ruled the categories. Max’s “Succession” picked up the most awards of any television show, earning four statues. The series, honored for its final season, won for best drama series and three actors – Kieran Culkin, Sarah Snook and Matthew Macfadyen – won individual awards. FX’s “The Bear” picked up three awards, best TV Comedy category, Best Comedy Actor for Jeremy Allen White, and Best Comedy Actress for Ayo Edebiri. Netflix’s “Beef,” about a road rage incident gone haywire, won three awards as well, including Best Limited Series and individual honors for stars Ali Wong and Steven Yeun. https://youtu.be/FHZebLLbeQw Since it wasn’t televised live, you may not have been aware that the 2023 Creative Arts Emmys was held this past weekend on Saturday and Sunday. Among the winners were Barack Obama, Jay Z, and Keke Palmer among others. The show, originally scheduled for last September, was delayed because of the writers and actors strikes. Keke Palmer won an Emmy for Outstanding Game Show Host for NBC’s “Password” – the first time that the category has been part of the Primetime Emmys after moving from the Daytime Awards. By winning the award, Palmer made history by becoming the first Black woman to win in that category. “To be acknowledged at different levels is just awesome, was Palmer’s reaction to the win.” She added that she had wanted to broaden her career aside from acting and performing. The talented performer added that Jimmy Fallon had been an inspiration, and there was nothing greater for her than bringing people together. Palmer said, “I looked to him, and what he’s been able to do and just bring people together in a wholesome yet cool, fun way.” https://v16m-default.tiktokcdn-us.com/0f7f4f5eb10e06c3bb7b139ef132a2de/659cbd6c/video/tos/useast5/tos-useast5-ve-0068c002-tx/o0ORDEgfIslQ7AETEBaxpSFBimT7HDfhhpA1xb/?a=1988&ch=0&cr=3&dr=0&lr=tiktok_m&cd=0%7C0%7C1%7C&cv=1&br=3834&bt=1917&bti=NDU3ZjAwOg%3D%3D&cs=0&ds=3&ft=4bBsyMzm8Zmo0~YfG94jVYwbdpWrKsd.&mime_type=video_mp4&qs=0&rc=ZTs3NDxoODg6ZGZlNWc8OkBpajx5N2o5cnA0cDMzZzczNEAyYTAwMWI1NWExY2IzNWNgYSM2a19vMmRzbGFgLS1kMS9zcw%3D%3D&l=2024010821283722692E680C7351072E28&btag=e00088000 The Book of Clarence” starring LaKeith Stanfield, tells the story of a man trying to emulate and live a life like Jesus. In this film, you experience tales of two men with different agendas headed on the same path. “In The Book of Clarence,” Clarence is an ambitious and determined man. And like most people, is trying to find his way in the world. He knows he has gifts, he just has trouble making those gifts work for him. He sees Jesus’ power and notoriety and wants to gain what he has. To Clarence Jesus is just a man who learned how to manipulate people for his benefit. He doesn’t believe in Jesus’ true powers of healing and restoring. On Clarenece’s journey to become someone of importance, he learns a few hard lessons along the way. Along this journey with him is his best friend Elijah, played by RJ Cyler. https://youtu.be/aTMqRPOqkGs In the complex and ever-evolving tapestry of the American identity, Asian Americans have been compelled to deal with the myth of being the “model minority.” This widespread perception appears to have been hardwired into our collective consciousness. This seemingly commendable stereotype wrongly asserts that all Asian Americans uniformly excel in academics, employment, and societal roles, contributing to a narrative that inaccurately describes their diverse experiences and potentially serves as a racial wedge, particularly between Asians/Asian Americans and African Americans. The roots of the “model minority” myth can be traced back to the mid-20th century. The myth emerged highlighting the success of Japanese Americans and other Asian American groups as a counter-narrative to systemic racism allegations that were being raised as the civil rights movement gained momentum. The “model minority” stereotype obscures the rich diversity within the Asian American community, which comprises over 19.9 million people from more than 40 ethnic groups, speaking over 100 languages, each with their own unique cultures, languages, and histories. Despite 91% of Asian American adults maintaining distinct cultural practices, their values align closely with the broader U.S. population. This stereotype frequently overlooks the social and economic hardships experienced by groups like Southeast Asians, Pacific Islanders, and Asian refugees. The impact of issues like socioeconomic instability, unequal educational opportunities, reliance on public health insurance, housing instability, and health disparities are often downplayed due to this stereotype, making it difficult to address the unique challenges these communities face. https://youtu.be/PrDbvSSbxk8 The “model minority” stereotype contributes to the “perpetual foreigner” stereotype, implying that Asian Americans regardless of how long their family has been in the United States, are seen as perpetual outsiders. This feeling of always being seen as foreign fosters feelings of exclusion and alienation, hindering a number of Asian Americans’ full participation in American society. The Supreme Court’s recent decision to end affirmative action has elicited mixed reactions both in and outside of the Asian American community. The case against Harvard University, brought by the Students for Fair Admissions, argued that the university’s admission policies discriminated against Asian American applicants. The verdict, which doesn’t single out any racial or ethnic group, has raised concerns about its effect on diversity in elite educational institutions, particularly for underrepresented students like Black, Latino, and certain Asian American subgroups. Some Asian American groups and leaders have criticized the decision, arguing it exploits Asian Americans to undermine civil rights. It is essential to acknowledge and confront the strategic use of the “model minority” myth as a racial wedge, particularly between Asians/Asian Americans and Blacks. This myth, which contrasts the success of one minority group with another, can intensify tensions and perpetuate damaging stereotypes. Understanding the interconnected struggles faced by different minority communities is vital to fostering unity and dismantling divisive narratives that deepen racial divisions. https://youtu.be/Az17b7cdiY8 Jonathan Majors has broken his silence in his first extensive remarks since being found guilty of reckless assault in the 3rd degree and a non-criminal charge of harassment as a violation. The actor sat down for an emotional and exclusive conversation with ABC News anchor Linsey Davis that debuted on “Good Morning America” Monday. Majors said he was “shocked” and “afraid” when he was convicted. “I’m standing there and the verdict comes down,” Majors said. “I say, ‘How is that possible based off the evidence, based off the prosecution’s evidence, let alone our evidence? How is that possible?’” https://youtu.be/vnvz_e180QM Majors took responsibility for the situation which began after another woman texted him, but not for Jabbari’s injuries. “I shouldn’t have been in the car. I shouldn’t have stepped out of the relationship,” he said. “I shouldn’t have been in the relationship. If I’m not in the car, none of this is happening.” He said he plans to appeal. “It is not at all surprising that Mr. Majors continues to take no accountability for his actions,” an attorney for Jabbari told CNN in a statement. “The timing of these new statements demonstrates a clear lack of remorse for the actions for which he was found guilty.” ABC is owned by Disney, which also owns Marvel. Part of the fallout of the case included Majors losing his role as the villainous Kang in the upcoming “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty.” He appeared as Kang in the Marvel film, “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” which released last February. He also appeared in the Disney+ series “Loki,” which aired its second season in October. https://youtu.be/NZYzFPnKvrE Reality TV Star/entrepreneur Gloria Govan is commited to diversity and innovation in the cannabis real estate lending market. The busy wife and mother is the founder and president of RLNTLSS Brands, a full-service brand and management cannabis agency that partners with celebrity brands, retail collaborations, and business development. The company has partnerships with celebrities like Whoopi Goldberg and Gary Payton. “Cannabis is my passion and as a long-time entrepreneur working in the business, I know how challenging the barriers to entry can be for minorities and women,” Govan said previously in a statement. “Identifying women and minority-owned businesses will be a goal for me as general partner and together with Alta II, I hope to pave the way for a more diverse and inclusive future in cannabis,” she added. https://www.instagram.com/p/CwOWu5JvTD_/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=2571d24d-548b-4ffb-bc0a-5689b82941b4 Fani Willis the Fulton County DA whose office is prosecuting the Donald Trump election interference/RICO case, was accused Monday of having an “improper” romantic relationship with a top prosecutor in that case and may have also benefitted financially. Thanks to reporting by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution/AJC we know that the bombshell motion was filed on behalf of a Trump co-defendant Michael Roman, a 2020 campaign official charged alongside the former president. Roman’s motion alleges Willis benefited financially from her relationship with special prosecutor, Nathan Wade, a private attorney hired to prosecute Trump’s case. That’s because County records indicate that Wade has been paid nearly $654,000 in legal fees since January 2022. The DA (Willis) authorized his compensation. The motion also alleged Willis and Wade took vacations together during the period Wade was being paid by Willis’ office. Trips to Napa Valley and Florida, as well as a pair of Caribbean cruises by Willis and Wade, were listed. However, the filing did not include documentation of how those purchases were made. The filing also claims Willis and Wade were engaged in a romantic relationship before the special prosecutor’s appointment, and ever since “have been engaged in an improper, clandestine personal relationship during the pendency of this case.” The AJC also reports that Pallavi Bailey, a Willis spokeswoman, stated that the DA’s office will respond to Roman’s allegations “through appropriate court filings.” It goes on to note that at this time, it’s unclear if the accusations will blow up the validity of the indictment against Trump and the remaining 14 co-defendants or simply muddy the waters by questioning Willis’ professional ethics. Roman’s attorney, Ashleigh Merchant, said that the “motion is not filed lightly. Nor is it being filed without considerable forethought, research or investigation,” In a statement to the news outlet. Lisa Bonet has filed to divorce Hollywood hunk Jason Momoa after separating from the movie star in 2022. According to TMZ, the former “Cosby Show” actress is seeking physical and legal custody of their two kids, Lola and Nakoa-Wolf. “We have all felt the squeeze and changes of these transformational times… A revolution is unfolding ~and our family is of no exception… feeling and growing from the seismic shifts occurring,” Momoa previously said in a since-deleted statement posted on his Instagram page. “And so we share our Family news that we are parting ways in marriage.” The “Aquaman” star continued, “We share this not because we think it’s newsworthy but so that as we go about our lives we may do so with dignity and honesty. The love between us carries on, evolving in ways it wishes to be known and lived. We free each other to be who we are learning to become…” Bonet and Momoa began dating in 2005 and tied the knot in 2017. They signed a prenup, and neither wants spousal support, according to TMZ. On Sunday, the 81st annual Golden Globe Awards took place in Beverly Hills at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Film, TV, and music stars were in attendance, including Oprah Winfrey, Fantasia Barrino, Abbott Elementary stars Sheryl Lee Ralph, Cedric The Entertainer, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Taylor Swift, and others. https://eurweb.com/2024/golden-globes-red-carpet-with-lenny-kravitz-coleman-domingo-necessity-of-rustin-watch/ An Atlanta woman hit up TikTok to reveal that she went on a date with a “down to Earth” man whose boyfriend showed up, and things went wild at the restaurant. As SandraRose.com reports, TikTok user @realashtonb racked up nearly 5 million views with her viral video. During the outing, the woman claims her date’s “energy shifts out of nowhere” after he received a phone call. That’s when he started acting shifty and nervous and glancing around the eatery. “Are we safe? Is everything OK? Are we good?” she asked him. The TikToker explains that a group of males later entered and sat at the bar. She overheard one of them express his annoyance about her (whom he called a “bitch”) being on a date with “his man.” https://eurweb.com/2024/atlanta-woman-recounts-date-gone-wrong/ Fatal Attraction returns on Monday, January 8 at 9 PM ET. When a mother of four suddenly vanishes, her family fears the worst when they make a shocking discovery. There were several incriminating items left behind that caused investigators to question her disappearance. Find out tonight at 9 PM. Critically acclaimed show FOR MY MAN returns tonight, January 8 at 10 PM ET. A woman becomes part of the family when she falls in love with a widowed father. When the man’s youngest son goes missing, everyone is pointing fingers. Soon, the investigation uncovers a sordid tale of jealousy and betrayal no one saw coming. Find out just how far people will go for love tonight at 10 PM ET. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9stj7UIBXpI On Wednesday January 9, we're back with even more sitcom fun! Catch even more episodes of A Different World, The Jeffersons, The Cosby Show, and The Bernie Mac Show. For 15 years, I’d had the honor of working at the US Capitol and drawing inspiration from its magnificent Rotunda — a place so beautiful it took my breath away each day. Three years ago, in that same building that filled me with such awe, I was immersed for what felt like countless hours in a profane mix of sweat, screams, shrieks, anger, death, fear, blood, broken limbs, spit, hatred, horror, racism, and bigotry. The chaos and violence that unfolded on the grounds of the Capitol, a place I swore to protect, shook me to the core. The wounds experienced by me and my heroic fellow officers during that violent attack are still healing. But my commitment to ensuring the strength of our democracy has only deepened. It’s the reason I’ve decided to run for Congress. Capitol Police officers and Metropolitan Police officers engaged in desperate, hand-to-hand fighting with rioters on January 6, 2021, with the Capitol under full-scale siege. Those who took part in the assault against the Capitol used all kinds of weapons against the officers defending it: Flagpoles were used as pikes. Metal bike racks that they had torn apart became bludgeons. Some of the police officers who fought alongside me were screaming in pain from the injuries they suffered while battling the attackers. Many officers were temporarily blinded and coughing from chemical irritants being sprayed in their faces. Police officers like myself who were Black were verbally assaulted with racial epithets, in addition to the physical blows we endured. https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Former+US+Capitol+Policeman+Harry+Dunn+Commentary%3A+The+Brutality+and+Racism+I+Saw+on+Jan.+6+%7C+VIDEO&url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fformer-us-capitol-policeman-harry-dunn-commentary-the-brutality-and-racism-i-saw-on-jan-6-video%2F&via=EURweb The mother of Nate Dogg’s teenage son is taking legal action over her child’s monthly support payments. According to a report from RadarOnline, Shereda Williams was reportedly awarded $3,000 monthly from the late rapper’s estate after he died in 2011. Williams and Nate Dogg share a son, Jayden, 17, who is allegedly at risk of losing his payments. Williams filed a recent motion claiming that due to an error, the payments could end, and she wants a judge to intervene to have the income continue. Per The Jasmine Brand, her lawyers reportedly wrote in the filing: “After paying her own basic needs of food clothing and shelter, she has no money for the needs of the minor that includes school supplies, travel expenses, Basketball Camp, clothing, and a host of other miscellaneous expenses incurred for the minor as he is a senior in High School scheduled to graduate in 2024.” TMZ reported previously that Nate Dogg’s estate distributed $225,000 to his children after his death. Here’s how it was divided: Nate’s widow, LaToya Calvin, reportedly received $30,000. His son, Naijiel Dwoyne Hale, received $11,666, and his seven other family members allegedly received $8,333 each. https://youtu.be/MRwHd3PWgyo Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter, producer, and entrepreneur Jody Watley is set to captivate audiences once again as she launches the second season of “The Jody Watley Show” on SiriusXM The Groove. The popular show is scheduled to return on January 14, 2024, at 3 pm PST / 6 pm EST, tune in on Channel 50. Following the resounding success of its debut season in 2023, “The Jody Watley Show” has solidified its position as a standout platform in the world of radio. The show seamlessly combines classic R&B tunes with insightful conversations featuring special guests from diverse fields. Launched during Women’s History Month, “The Jody Watley Show” exemplifies Watley’s ongoing achievement and her remarkable ability to reinvent herself in the ever-evolving entertainment industry. The monthly two-hour broadcast promises a refreshing blend of classic R&B from the 70s and 80s, coupled with meaningful conversations that showcase Watley’s vision of positivity and inspiration. https://youtu.be/tR7uT2f32Y4 The short, terrifying journey of Alaska Airlines Flt 1282 on Friday could have been much worse. When a part of the fuselage blew off shortly after takeoff, a boy’s shirt was sucked off his torso and out through the hole, passengers reported, leaving the mother holding the boy.“It tore off her son’s shirt!” a man can be heard saying on video posted to Twitter by passenger Stephanie King. The flight had reached 16,000 feet after taking off from Portland, Oregon, bound for Ontario, California, about 5:07 p.m., according to FlightAware. It landed safely about 20 minutes later back at the airport, with no serious injuries among the 171 passengers and six crew members. One person was taken to a hospital. It was unclear Saturday morning exactly what plane part blew off, causing explosive decompression. Alaska Airlines temporarily grounded the rest of its Boeing 737-9 Max fleet. The Federal Aviation Administration on Saturday said it was grounding the model for inspections, affecting 171 jets used by airlines. https://youtu.be/9AoHkzDKAW8 “The flight attendant came over, too, and told me it was going to be OK,” Vu told CNN. “The fact that everyone was kind of freaking out and she took that time to kind of make me feel like I was the only passenger – honestly that was really sweet.” Passengers applauded as the plane landed, King’s video shows. Some passengers stood up. Flight attendants reminded them to remain seated. https://youtu.be/YhYvU9qcn2o Kid Capri is cancer-free! The good news is a welcome shot to end 2023 and begin 2024. The kicker is hip-hop icon’s medical status was classified until he announced the news via social media on Dec. 30. Capri’s clean bill of health came after a private year-long battle with cancer. The DJ and mixtape pioneer detailed his situation while giving thanks to God for positive results, reports HipHopDX. According to Capri, efforts to keep his cancer under the hat stemmed from a refusal to have his fans pity him and what he went through. “God is great! 3 days ago, I found out that I’m cancer-free! Been dealing with it all year while I was doing everything I was doing for hip hop 50,” the turntablist shared on Instagram. “I had 2 surgeries and never said anything publicly about what I was going through, I’m not an attention whore, so I didn’t want to say anything so that it didn’t look like i wanted pity.” “But now that it’s over, I figure I let my fans and friends know, I’m very happy, this year I did a lot, but come 2024, I’m getting even crazier than I did in 2023!! Thank you God! #kidcapri #partyking #therealLOVE #happynewyear #happyholidays,” he continued. https://youtu.be/lJ-A0ZlDlTg As the year 2023 came to an end, the entertainment world was jolted by tragic news of the unexpected passing of music, business, and social justice icon, Arthur Leon Burnette, affectionately known by many as “Mr. B.” The beloved visionary, event producer, and impresario who helped ignite the careers of renowned figures such as Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, The Brothers Johnson, L.A. Reid, Eric “ET” Thomas, and others, departed on Christmas Day at age 72. Family, friends, and industry leaders will gather to honor his life and legacy on Sunday, January 7 at Oakwood University Church, 5500 Adventist Blvd. NW in Huntsville, Alabama. To say Katt Williams is making news lately is an understatement. Shannon Sharpe says dude was beyond ready when he walked through the door and wishes he was set up to get what was coming out of Katt’s mouth then. With shots fired at fellow comedy icons Cedric the Entertainer, Steve Harvey, Michael Blackson, and Kevin Hart during a recent interview, it’s safe to say that Williams is taking up residence in conversations among his fans and those who enjoy the targets-in-question. Media sources report Williams let the comments flow about the entertainers during a recent interview on Sharpe’s “Club Shay Shay” podcast. Since then, the former NFL star has found himself in the conversation about his famous guest. Responding to the ruckus, Sharpe detailed how Williams’s appearance came as a pleasant surprise, despite being unsure he would agree to appear on “Club Shay Shay.” https://youtu.be/a4dqcIvj2IE Rumors of tension between Public Enemy‘s Chuck D and Flavor Flav have been exaggerated. During a recent appearance.on “TMZ Live” on Dec. 22, Flav put talk of a PE break up to rest, stating there could not be a reunion with members of the legendary group because they never broke up. According to the “911 is a Joke” rhymester, Public Enemy and its members merely took a long break. Although headlines over the years have been about drama between he and Chuck, Flav said things are good with him and there is “no beef.” “You know what? Let me tell you like this. A lot of people been asking me,’Hey, when is Public Enemy gonna reunite?’ But my answer is this. We never broke up to reunite, you know what i’m sayin’. We just took a long break, you know what i’m sayin’,” Flav stated.”And not only that, but you know me and Chuck, we never really was beefin’. There wasn’t no beef because I love my partner, man and I know he loves me, too, you know. A former Alabama police officer was charged with murder in the fatal shooting of a Black man (Stephen Perkins) outside his home, Morgan County District Attorney Scott Anderson said Friday. An Alabama grand jury indicted Mac Bailey Marquette, 23, on Thursday, Anderson said at a news conference. Marquette is one of three officers who were fired in connection with the September 29 killing of Perkins in Decatur as a towing company tried to repossess his vehicle, police said. A fourth officer was suspended without pay. Anderson said none of the other officers have been charged. Police shot Perkins, 39, after he allegedly “brandished a handgun” equipped with a light “towards an officer with the Decatur Police Department,” the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said two weeks before last month’s firings. https://youtu.be/kiClR-jKMRM “I listened to Country music while growing up,” said singer/songwriter Julia Poorman when I asked how a New York girl can end up embracing Country music. “I’m originally from Central New York, the South…farmland, very rural.” https://youtu.be/5iwh9BEZ5vQ Denzel Washington is a great role model for success in life. He’s a Hollywood powerhouse, starring in 60+ films and clinching 3 Golden Globes, a Tony, and two Academy Awards. However, his journey hasn’t been a walk in the park. His journey serves as a powerful testament to the impact of self-belief, determination, and hard work. This article explores how young Denzel Washington went from starting small to becoming a legendary Hollywood icon. https://youtu.be/lSllh1_hRio Denzel gave a strong and emotionally charged performance, portraying anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko, which earned him critical acclaim. This outstanding performance earned Denzel Washington his 1st Oscar nomination for the biographical drama movie Cry Freedom in 1987. Glory (1989) In the movie Glory from 1989, Denzel Washington played a fascinating role as Private Trip, a former slave who became a Union soldier in the American Civil War. Denzel Washington won his first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the movie. This groundbreaking role firmly established Denzel as a powerful presence in Hollywood. https://youtu.be/6i1rcCwJ_yw Training Day (2001) In the 2001 movie Training Day, Denzel Washington played a corrupt detective named Alonzo Harris, showing how versatile he is as an actor. The character was tricky because he had moral issues, but Denzel’s strong acting and powerful performance got him his first Academy Award for Best Actor. Denzel Washington also made history as the second African-American actor to win the Best Actor Oscar. This movie confirmed Denzel as one of the best actors of his time. https://youtu.be/Mj_O4mb0u50 Flight (2012) In the movie Flight, Denzel Washington plays a pilot dealing with personal problems and addiction. People liked his great acting, and the movie talks about overcoming difficulties and personal challenges. This movie was nominated for an Oscar in the category of Best Actor for Denzel Washington’s outstanding performance. https://youtu.be/Aqn2L6kQQt8 Fences (2016) In the 2016 movie Fences, based on August Wilson’s play, Denzel Washington played the main character, Troy Maxson, and also directed the film. His strong acting as the complicated and imperfect Troy got a lot of praise, and he got nominated again for an Academy Award for Best Actor. Fences highlighted Denzel’s skill not just as an actor but also as a director and storyteller. https://youtu.be/CItEtnp3nPY The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021) In The Tragedy of Macbeth, Denzel Washington takes on the iconic role of the ambitious and doomed Scottish general. His powerful portrayal and the film’s atmospheric storytelling create a compelling and haunting cinematic experience. Denzel Washington received a 2022 Oscar nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role for his work in the movie. This recognition is a testament to his outstanding contributions to the film. https://youtu.be/FZH7q2pIrZY Katt Williams revealed during his explosive conversation on the Club Shay Shay podcast that disgraced movie producer Harvey Weinstein offered to perform oral sex on him. The comedian claims he was propositioned in front of his reps at his agency. “They canceled me for talking about Harvey Weinstein before the thing came out,” Williams said, referring to the MeToo movement. “But he offered to suck my penis in front of all my people at my agency. What am I supposed to do? He did all of that, I’m thinking I’m the only Black person on the script—I get there, it’s three other Black guys on there. Whew—huh? I told him no, what y’all do?” https://youtu.be/8oRRZiRQxTs In 2020, Weinstein was sentenced to 23 years in prison after being convicted of first-degree criminal sexual acts and third-degree rape. As we reported, Weinstein was convicted of third-degree rape of Jessica Mann in 2013, and of first-degree sexual assault of production assistant Miriam Haley in 2006. Weinstein’s attorneys argued in court that a lengthy sentence behind bars would be “a death penalty.” Meanwhile, Williams’ interview with Sharpe has reached a whopping 15 million views on YouTube and is till climbing. https://twitter.com/i/status/1742607268271608163 A New Jersey family has welcomed twins who were born not only on different days but in different years. Around 6 a.m. on New Year’s Eve, Eve Humphrey woke up and told her husband, “Happy birthday, my water just broke.” Although his wife Eve’s due date wasn’t until January 26, Billy Humphrey said he was anticipating a perfect birthday gift: his twin boys being born on his birthday. The expecting parents met with Dr. Melissa Yurkanin, along with the labor and delivery team, at the Virtua Voorhees Hospital. “We had actually joked when I went into the room and said, ‘Oh, wouldn’t this be funny if you had two babies on two separate days, maybe two separate years,’” Yurkanin said. https://youtu.be/2qzmS2zSapU Twins make up about 3% of live births, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And Yurkanin said the odds of twins being born on different days is a rare phenomenon. “I will say that in my time practicing, I’ve never had twins born even on two separate days, let alone two separate years,” Yurkanin told CNN. Billy imagines the unique birth will bring joy to the twin brothers in years to come. “I’m thinking they will make jokes about it,” he said. If he was Ezra, “I would hold that over my brother’s head all day, ‘I’m a year older,’” Billy said. The birth of the twins was a continuation of celebrations in the Humphrey family. The parents celebrated their anniversary in early December, along with Eve’s birthday, and their 3-year-old son, Hezekiah, has a birthday on January 3. https://youtu.be/8zXp5gD4R6Q Ice T and his wife, Coco Austin, rang in the new year celebrating their 23rd anniversary. The old-school rapper posted a #throwback photo of himself with his longtime love, and he captioned it, “Today is Coco and my 23rd Anniversary!” he wrote. “Keep it fun, Keep it sexy, and by all means ‘Stay in LOVE!’ It just gets better every year.” A separate post shows the couple celebrating the new year. Ice-T captioned the sexy image: “Coco and I kept it Sexy as usual for NewYearsEve and our 23rd Anniversary! @treachtribe and I kept it Gangster.💥 I wish nothing but the BEST for all of you! Stay healthy and make 2024 your year.” Some social media users responded with hateful comments about Coco’s sexy attire in the images, prompting the “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” star to issue a statement on X/Twiter that read, “So far this New Year I’ve got nothing but Love from everyone! ❤️ Of course a couple a females Hating on Coco… I decided to just Block and not even acknowledge the miserable bitches…”Austin posted a picture from their 2011 vow renewal ceremony on New Year’s Day. She captioned the image: “Here’s to 23 years with this guy!! My rock! My diamond in the rough! Love you beyond #HappyAnniversary #HappyNewYear2024 #nowordscandescribe.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C1lFikkOcSY/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=01ef58a1-4aad-4a2c-b8fa-9e09da787195 In a candid revelation, R&B Billboard Charting Artist Tanya Nolan opens up about living authentically and fearlessly embracing her truth as she prepares to release her latest musical masterpiece, “Honey.” Tanya’s journey, both as an artist and an individual, reflects a commitment to authenticity and self-expression. As she navigates the R&B landscape, Tanya uses her platform to share narratives that resonate with her experiences, creating music that transcends boundaries. With “Honey,” she invites listeners into a world where passion meets vulnerability, promising an intimate glimpse into her soul. Tanya Nolan is not just releasing a new single; she is sharing a piece of herself, living boldly and unapologetically in her truth. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7pB67pRJZAo?feature=share A 10-year-old California boy who was arrested after allegedly fatally shooting another boy with a stolen gun he’d found in the car of his father (Arkete Davis) will not be charged, the Sacramento District Attorney’s Office told CNN in a statement Thursday. Davis, 53, appeared in court and was charged Wednesday with criminal storage of a firearm, two counts of child endangerment, and felon in possession of a firearm, among other charges, according to the DA’s office. “Based on the facts currently known, the sole criminal liability and responsibility for the child’s death (lies) exclusively with this Defendant,” the DA’s office stated. Authorities said Davis was legally prohibited from possessing or owning a gun, and the recovered firearm had been reported stolen in 2017, CNN previously reported. https://youtu.be/F6jNKd64iT0 Davis is being held without bail and is set to appear in court again on Friday for a bail review, the DA’s office said. He has not been assigned an attorney, Sacramento County’s Conflict Criminal Defenders told CNN. https://youtu.be/DgGtUEUKAUc Another actor was hired to dub Jeffrey Wright’s voice in director Ang Lee’s 1999 film “Ride with the Devil” after he refused to censor the N-word in a scene. In the film, Wright plays a former slave fighting on the side of the Confederacy. In one scene, his character says the N-word and the studio later asked Wright to censor the slur for the “airplane version” of the film. Wright explained why he refused the request during Entertainment Weekly‘s “Around the Table” series with his “American Fiction” co-stars. “I said, ‘Nah. Nah, it’s not happening,'” Wright states in the YouTube clip above. “And I headed out the door and to my car, and they found some other actor to come in and do that one word, apparently, so that the airplane folk would be comfy in the darkness of their own ignorance around the language of race.” https://youtu.be/2G7A4LpFQnQ Meanwhile, you can currently catch Wright in “American Fiction,” a film that “confronts our culture’s obsession with reducing people to outrageous stereotypes,” per the official synopsis, People reports. The satirical drama is based on Percival Everett’s 2001 novel “Erasure,” with Wright playing the character, Monk, described as “a frustrated novelist who’s fed up with the establishment profiting from ‘Black’ entertainment that relies on tired and offensive tropes.” “To prove his point, Monk uses a pen name to write an outlandish ‘Black’ book of his own, a book that propels him to the heart of hypocrisy and the madness he claims to disdain,” the synopsis continues. Directed by Cord Jefferson, the film also stars Tracee Ellis Ross, John Ortiz, Erika Alexander, Leslie Uggams, Adam Brody, Issa Rae, and Sterling K. Brown. “American Fiction” is currently in limited release and will expand in theaters this month. https://youtu.be/i0MbLCpYJPA Gay influencer Christian Walker is urging straight women to stop dating feminine males. “Men dating women right now want to be treated like women,” Walker said in a new video on his popular TikTok page. “We have an entire human history of men having to fight for women, earn women, prove themselves to a woman,” he continued, SandraRose.com reports. “We have countries where a man can’t even be in a room alone with a woman who isn’t his wife. But in America, in the West, we have men who say, ‘Well, I bought you flowers, so show me what you can do!’” According to Christian, American men are “spoiled brats.” https://v16m-default.tiktokcdn-us.com/9ca2d18d67a68c418ed054a331d5da83/6598ced8/video/tos/useast5/tos-useast5-ve-0068c003-tx/oEllS9PnE6ZeB8xEI2KVsDAYQRFyOSfGtgPD2E/?a=1988&ch=0&cr=3&dr=0&lr=tiktok_m&cd=0%7C0%7C1%7C&cv=1&br=2272&bt=1136&bti=NDU3ZjAwOg%3D%3D&cs=0&ds=3&ft=_G6uMBnZq8ZmoeaKgQ_vjSovsAhLrus&mime_type=video_mp4&qs=0&rc=OGhlZzc4Z2Q8OTYzOGg7Z0BpMzp5O3g5cmdzcDMzZzczNEBjYGM0LTNjNmExX2M2YGNhYSNzcGxwMmRrb15gLS1kMS9zcw%3D%3D&l=20240105215242E3414BC08ECA10193202&btag=e00090000 Walker uses his TikTok platform to offer dating advice to women. “You value yourself, you cherish yourself,” he told his female followers in one video. “You remember how your great great grandfather fought and earned your great great grandmother, and you don’t put up with this nonsense!” Walker also noted that “a problem with a lot of straight guys is they don’t like women.”“There have been wars fought over women,” he said in a TikTok. “There’s countries where a man can’t be in the same room with a woman who he isn’t related to. That’s how powerful and strong and desirable feminity and womanhood is. And men in the West are like, ‘Well, what am I going to get in return for holding the door open for you?’ You get to be around her,” Walker continues. https://www.tiktok.com/share/video/7159013658549374250?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2024%2Fchristian-walker-urges-women-to-stop-dating-feminine-men%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121351166%2C71838018%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_card_play&referer_video_id=7320291219056168234 Praise is pouring in from the Jazz community for the inaugural Jazz Music Awards, which had its broadcast premiere on January 1, 2024, on PBS Passport’s on-demand platform, as well as the nine PBS member stations of Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB). The two-hour program is the first global, full-scale music awards show dedicated to Jazz and the artists who create it. Hosted by Dee Dee Bridgewater, the three-time Grammy Award-winning artist, NEA Jazz Master, and Tony Award winner, with Delroy Lindo, the widely acclaimed stage and screen actor, Peabody Award winner, and Tony Award nominee, the show was packed with heartfelt tributes to special honorees as well as stunning live performances by some of Jazz music’s best performers. To view the promo reel of the award show. Columbus Short said Cedric The Entertainer is “b— made” kinda man, and his scathing remarks come on the heels of Katt Williams slamming Ced for stealing jokes. In a video shared on social media, Short recalled attending an event years ago with his wife, and Cedric had security remove the couple to the back of the room. Short said he confronted the comedian after the event and said, “Aye, bro! You from Missouri, bruh. Why you gone do me like that, bruh?You a b— made n—!” Short goes on to share the backstory about the beef with Cedric. In a nutshell, it comes down to Ced being salty that Short once slept with the same woman Ced was dealing with at the time. https://www.instagram.com/p/C1qYBmpLTi1/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=invalid&ig_rid=3e255e24-ded7-42b6-8c5b-12593c93e36d Deon Cole plays an unlikeable character in “The Color Purple,” and he took to social media to share how one audience member reacted to the role. “I was in the theater watching TCP and this woman I was sitting next to said to herself after my scene, not knowing I was sitting next to her, said “they should come together and kill him!” I slowly turned and looked at her, then I switched seats. The Color purple in theaters now,” Cole posted on X/Twitter. “Bro…I’m just now realizing this was YOU!!,” one person responded in the comments of the post, adding, “You did AMAZING!!” During an appearance on “The Talk,” Cole gushed about producers putting a “brand new spin” … “on this iconic film, we all came up on. So being a part of it is unreal.” “When I first found out about it me and Danielle Brooks and her husband [Dennis Gelin] and a whole bunch of us went out to dinner celebrating her getting a job. I think about three weeks later she called me and said, ‘Congratulations,’ and I was like for what?’ She was like, ‘The movie.’” https://twitter.com/i/status/1741872793552048376 Meanwhile, we reported earlier that director Blitz Bazawule’s new musical adaptation of “The Color Purple” has a Certified Fresh 87% score on Rotten Tomatoes. According to ScreenRant, the film’s 95% audience score surpasses Steven Spielberg’s 1985 adaptation starring Whoopi Goldberg as Celie, a Black Southern woman who struggles to find her identity amid decades of abuse in the early 1900s. The new project reunites Spielberg, Oprah Winfrey, and Quincy Jones as executive producers on Bazawule’s feature. Variety reports that the Warner Bros. movie musical is an adaptation of the Tony-winning Broadway musical by Marsha Norman, Brenda Lee, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker. Spielberg’s film, which is not a musical, reportedly grossed $142 million against a budget of $15 million. The beloved drama feature has a 73% Rotten Tomatoes score from critics and 94% from audiences. https://youtu.be/zTnircQsMaM Social media food critic Keith Lee has shared his list of the top 8 cities from his 2023 food tour. Lee ranked New Orleans the No. 1 spot, and Houston was second best on the list. “Speaking of almost every spot we visited being delicious, Houston was one of those places,” Lee said. “It was one place that carried Houston for me — The Puddery.” Lee claims he received death threats late last year after reviewing various soul food restaurants in Atlanta. As SandraRose.com reported, Lee appeared on the “Ryan Cameron Uncensored,” podcast and said he won’t return to Atlanta because “People there put a hit out on me.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1740599828994998759 Morris Chestnut will star in the new CBS drama series “Watson” for the 2024-2025 broadcast season. According to Deadline, the series is a medical drama “inspired by the characters from Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes mysteries,” per the outlet. Here’s the official synopsis: In WATSON, a year after the death of his friend and partner Sherlock Holmes at the hands of Moriarty, Dr. John Watson (Chestnut) resumes his medical career as the head of a clinic dedicated to treating rare disorders. Watson’s old life isn’t done with him, though – Moriarty and Watson are set to write their own chapter of a story that has fascinated audiences for more than a century. WATSON is a medical show with a strong investigative spine, featuring a modern version of one of history’s greatest detectives as he turns his attention from solving crimes to solving medical mysteries. “We are thrilled to feature such a beloved character from the world of Sherlock Holmes at the center of this series and have it brought to life by Morris Chestnut in a fresh and unexpected take on the immortal doctor,” said Amy Reisenbach, President, CBS Entertainment in a statement. “Craig Sweeny’s bold new vision for the complex Dr. Watson deftly interweaves rich character storytelling with edge-of-your-seat medical mysteries,” Reisenbach added. 2024 is starting off with a bang. Katt Williams set the internet on fire with his claims about several other Black comedians and Hollywood stars. Attorney Antonio Moore discusses how Katt Williams exposed several Black celebrities in Hollywood this week on Shannon Sharpe‘s “Club Shay Shay” show. Moore digs into the recent Club Shay Shay podcast and breaks down sections tying the show to larger political implications around Black celebrities. https://youtu.be/SQSexhPjKpA A few quotes by Katt Williams on Club Shay Shay: “I have watched all these low-brow comedians come here and disrespect you in your face and tell you straight-up lies.” “It was the saddest thing ever. We should be ashamed. When our people call out for help, we have to understand. We put too much pressure on Tyler Perry. He ain’t put nobody on. The people that’s been in his productions – they’re not famous.” “Martin tried to put me in my first dress… We get in the office and this fool pulls out Big Momma House 2. I almost died. And I gotta read this script in front of all these good white people.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1743029897449325018 On “Tamron Hall,” hip-hop icon Big Daddy Kane joined the show to discuss his illustrious career and shared a sneak peek at his new documentary “Paragraphs I Manifest.” Kane was later surprised by award-winning actress Erika Alexander who has publicly discussed her admiration for the artist. Alexander sat down with Tamron earlier in the show and spoke about her role in Hulu’s “Wu-Tang: An American Saga,” reflected on her early career and graciously spoke about the awards buzz surrounding her performance in her new film, “American Fiction.” https://youtu.be/Jp4iWZWfJeM In light of recent awards buzz for her new film, “American Fiction,” Erika Alexander reflects on the challenging experiences that shaped her perspective on success. At last year’s Independent Spirit Award, Alexander was dropped off at the wrong entrance and had to cross a busy road and pass porta-potties to get to the event: “I believe that if you’re a person that lives in a marginalized community, that’s kind of the cross, the burden you bear, is to walk across hot sand, past porta-potties to victory.” https://youtu.be/XhOqvhWMEiA Atlanta’s dReam Center Church is getting a lot of attention and scrutiny. It’s getting the attention due to a video of what went down at its New Year’s Eve services that went viral. All we can say is heated debate then ensued. Bishop William Murphy of The dReam Center Church of Atlanta played two rap songs during the New Year’s Eve service. “There’s a church that gets me, which was the whole point of the ministry,” Murphy told WSB-TV/Channel 2. https://youtu.be/plruGUMivqo The video showed people dancing to ‘Walk it Out’ by the rapper Unk and ‘Swag Surfin’ by Fast Life Yungstaz. On Wednesday, Murphy said he played the song as a reference to the Book of Acts, Chapter 3 in the Bible. In that chapter, a lame man gets help to get up and walk. “We were talking about 2024 being the best year of your life so far, but there was a responsibility to watch the prophet and then to work the prophesy and the will of God was to walk it out,” Bishop Murphy said. “And that’s why you saw people with their arms around each other. It was come what may, we’re walking this thing out together.” He added: “When people walk into our sanctuaries there should be something they can relate to.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C1mX_ipuZlQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again As you can imagine, not everyone was feeling the move. One person wrote, “There’s no way to justify it.” On the other hand, he got love from a woman who said, “This man is an awesome Bishop, and the younger generation gravitates to his church.” Oh yeah, if you’re wondering, Bishop Murphy said he played the clean version of each song. https://youtu.be/0SAyNf1p81s Gypsy Rose Blanchard hasn’t been out of prison for a week, and she’s already clapping back at trolls on social media. It seems the haters are jealous that Blanchard, 32, is happily married and enjoying a healthy sex life with her husband, Ryan Scott Anderson. She responded to negative comments on posts about Anderson, whom she met in 2020 and married in 2022, Complex reports. Many critics are convinced that he only wed her for clout. “Ryan, don’t listen to the haters,” Blanchard commented on a throwback Instagram post from Anderson. “I love you, and you love me. We do not owe anyone anything. Our family is who matters. If you get likes and good comments great, if you get hate then whatever because THEY DON’T MATTER. I love you💕 besides they jealous because you are rocking my world every night…yeah I said it, the D is fire🔥 happy wife happy life.” Anderson, 37, responded, “Who said I gave a damn about what these jealous people say anyway,” he wrote, adding, “now come get it Baby…” Blanchard pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in 2016 for her role in killing her abusive mother, Clauddine “Dee Dee” Blanchard. She was sentenced to 10 years in prison as part of a plea deal. https://twitter.com/TMZ/status/1742644689474380068?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1742644689474380068%7Ctwgr%5E96fafe72040d6cc4d19387795bcf1c3bbfbb1c69%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fgypsy-rose-blanchard-says-the-d-is-fire%2F Blanchard was released early from prison last week and instantly became an overnight internet star. “If I had another chance to redo everything, I don’t know if I would go back to when I was a child and tell my aunts and uncles that I’m not sick and mommy makes me sick,” Gypsy told People ahead of her early prison release. “Or, if I would travel back to just the point of that conversation with Nick and tell him, ‘You know what, I’m going to go tell the police everything.’ I kind of struggle with that,” she admitted. Gypsy testified during the murder trial that she was forced to undergo multiple unnecessary surgeries, and her mother made her use medical devices, such as a feeding tube, an oxygen tank, and a wheelchair, Complex reports. Dee Dee sought out doctors who believed her claim that Gypsy’s medical records were destroyed in Hurricane Katrina. She was able to capitalize off her deceptive and manipulative tactics financially. Dee Dee received donations from charities such as the Make-a-Wish Foundation and Habitat for Humanity. https://youtu.be/YYQQ6I4YVI4 When you resort to SHOOTING a 4-month-old puppy, you’ve crossed the line. That’s the definition of being an a**hole. And that’s why the LAPD is looking for him. The Los Angeles Police Department says the incident went down Tuesday morning. David Sumlin, the 32-year-old suspect was arguing with the dog’s owner when he put a pillow over the dog and Oh God … He apparently threatened the owner before shooting the dog through the pillow twice. Responding officers took the puppy to a nearby animal shelter where it died, according to an ABC7 report. As of this posting, additional details about who the dog’s owner is and the relationship between that person and the suspect were not available. Bottom line: Sumlin – who is said to be homeless- is now wanted for domestic violence and animal cruelty. Be on the lookout for him as authorities note that he’s often seen in the 7th Street and Stanford Avenue area in downtown L.A. https://youtu.be/WahrnTYvB5w FX has dropped the official trailer for Ryan Murphy’s “Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans,” starring Naomi Watts, Demi Moore, Calista Flockhart, Diane Lane, Chloë Sevigny, Molly Ringwald and Treat Williams in his final role. The upcoming limited series is the second installment of the anthology series from Murphy, based on Laurence Leamer’s bestselling book “Capote’s Women: A True Story of Love, Betrayal, and a Swan Song for an Era.” The series chronicles “In Cold Blood” author Truman Capote and his real-life betrayal of a group of socialites, whom he dubbed his “Swans,” by publishing a scathing short story about them called “La Côte Basque 1965” in Esquire in 1975. The eight-episode series shows Copote “befriending them and becoming their confidante, only to ultimately betray them by writing a thinly veiled fictionalization of their lives, exposing their most intimate secrets,” according to a show synopsis. https://youtu.be/YabKNs66eeg The third season of WE tv’s smash hit spinoff series “Life After Lockup” kicked off Nov. 20 with 16 all-new episodes. Per the official synopsis, “The couples will face plenty of firsts in their new lives together – from new marriages to divorce, new homes to new children, all while living under the challenges of their parole. Possible restrictions abound: early curfews, random check-ins, drug tests, travel prohibitions, consorting with ex-cons combined with the temptations of alcohol and drugs, the stakes have never been higher. Will they stay together and stay out of prison?” https://youtu.be/4kHasYdFyJw The mother of Nate Dogg’s teenage son is taking legal action over her child’s monthly support payments. According to a report from RadarOnline, Shereda Williams was reportedly awarded $3,000 monthly from the late rapper’s estate after he died in 2011. Williams and Nate Dogg share a son, Jayden, 17, who is allegedly at risk of losing his payments. Williams filed a recent motion claiming that due to an error, the payments could end, and she wants a judge to intervene to have the income continue. Per The Jasmine Brand, her lawyers reportedly wrote in the filing: “After paying her own basic needs of food clothing and shelter, she has no money for the needs of the minor that includes school supplies, travel expenses, Basketball Camp, clothing, and a host of other miscellaneous expenses incurred for the minor as he is a senior in High School scheduled to graduate in 2024.” TMZ reported previously that Nate Dogg’s estate distributed $225,000 to his children after his death. Here’s how it was divided: Nate’s widow, LaToya Calvin, reportedly received $30,000. His son, Naijiel Dwoyne Hale, received $11,666, and his seven other family members allegedly received $8,333 each. https://youtu.be/MRwHd3PWgyo Jonathan Majors will give his first post-trial interview with Linsey Davis of ABC News Live on Monday. Last month, the actor was found guilty of assault and harassment of his ex-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari, during a domestic dispute. We reported earlier that the controversial case derailed Majors’ film career. His acclaimed drama “Magazine Dreams” has been postponed indefinitely, and Marvel dropped him from the MCU. Disney pulled “Magazine Dreams” after it set for release on Dec. 4. Marvel dropped Majors as Kang the Conqueror after he was set to play the supervillain in “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty,” which is slated to premiere in 2026. He appeared as Kang in “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” in Feb. 2023 and the “Loki” series on Disney+. Majors’ army recruiting ads were also shelved following the Dec. 18 guilty verdict. Throughout January, individuals looking to kick off a healthy start to the new year and give back have the opportunity to “Get Fit for No Kid Hungry,” a month-long initiative that brings the public and the health and wellness community together to raise funds and awareness to end childhood hunger in America. All month long, individuals can join fitness and wellness classes offered at no cost by celebrity fitness trainers and influencers including Ron “Boss” Everline and Kyle Arrington and make charitable contributions to No Kid Hungry. As the issue of food insecurity impacts 13 million children nationwide and remains substantially higher than the national average (17.3%) for Black households with children (27.9%), every $1 donated to each participant’s “Get Fit” fundraiser for No Kid Hungry can help provide 10 healthy meals for kids. “Get Fit for No Kid Hungry” classes include yoga, body-building, HIIT workouts, nutrition, and more. The public can participate in ‘Get Fit for No Kid Hungry’ livestream events by joining each participant’s class hosted on their social channel or platform of choice and donating to their fundraiser. A California mother is speaking out after her 10-year-old son was fatally shot by another boy, age 10, who opened fire after losing a bike race. “I screamed for hours after I saw my child on that ground, because I could just see that he had no chance,” the child’s mother Brittani Frierson said, per NBC News. “I just knew that my child was gone.” The shooting occurred Saturday afternoon in Foothill Farms, located about 16 miles northeast of Sacramento. The juvenile killer shot Keith “KJ” Frierson using a stolen gun they found in Dad’s car. The grieving mother said another child told her that the shooter became angry when he lost the bike race and stormed off, only to return moments later with a gun. That’s when he shot KJ in the neck, Frierson said. https://youtu.be/HJ6zRC4xsq8 Claudine Gay will reportedly earn around $900,000 a year at Harvard despite her recent resignation as president. Gay was the first Black president in Harvard’s nearly 400-year history and the second woman. We reported earlier via CNN that she is resigning just six months into her position. Gay was forced to step down because of her responses about anti-Semitism at a congressional hearing last month, as well as the university’s plagiarism scandal. It is not known what Gay’s salary as Harvard’s president was, but she earned $879,079 in 2021, the Daily Mail reports. She will continue earning a high six-figure salary at the university after returning to a teaching role at the political science department. “It is with a heavy heart but a deep love for Harvard that I write to share that I will be stepping down as president,” Gay wrote in a letter to the Harvard community. “After consultation with members of the Corporation, it has become clear that it is in the best interests of Harvard for me to resign so that our community can navigate this moment of extraordinary challenge with a focus on the institution rather than any individual,” she continued. https://youtu.be/eXioPJ0Md1A Jimmy Kimmel threatened legal action against Aaron Rodgers after the four-time MVP said Kimmel’s name is on the list of people linked to pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. “For the record, I’ve not met, flown with, visited, or had any contact whatsoever with Epstein, nor will you find my name on any ‘list’ other than the clearly-phony nonsense that soft-brained wackos like yourself can’t seem to distinguish from reality,” Kimmel wrote in a post on X. “Your reckless words put my family in danger. Keep it up and we will debate the facts further in court,” Kimmel added. Rodgers made the shocking remarks about Epstein’s soon-to-be-released list while appearing on Pat McAfee’s ESPN show. “There are a lot of people, including Jimmy Kimmel, that are really hoping that doesn’t come out,” Rodgers stated. https://twitter.com/i/status/1742658015143305592 The US Mint released commemorative coins honoring abolitionist Harriet Tubman Thursday. The coins include $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins and half-dollar coins that commemorate the bicentennial of her birth. This is the first time the US Mint has honored Tubman with coins, according to the agency. “We all owe Harriet Tubman a huge debt of gratitude because I, and so many others, would not be where we are today if not for her heroism, her passion for freedom for our people and for her service to this country,” US Mint Director Ventris Gibson, the first Black director of the bureau, told CNN. “At the Mint, we like to say that coins are miniature canvases of art, and the Harriet Tubman coins are truly stunning works of art.” https://youtu.be/up_tqWrFmso Compton Councilman Andre Spicer reportedly received a $90,000 donation from hip-hop producer Dr. Dre. Dre supports Spicer’s proposed plan for becoming the city’s next mayor, 2urbangirls.com reports. His donation appears on the Spicer for Mayor 2026 campaign finance reports. In 2022, Spicer became the newest councilman to represent Compton’s second district amid an election rigging scandal. At the time, the Compton native said, “We have worked so hard and tirelessly to prove our case and represent for a community who needed it the most,” Spicer told Los Angeles magazine. “Today is a new beginning for not only myself but [the] 25,000 residents that have been pleading for change,” the entrepreneur added. “While I am on cloud 9 today, I am ready to get to work immediately to make change to a community I have loved and represented for so long already,” Spicer continued. https://www.instagram.com/p/CePzYOELdua/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=bdc41070-1965-4be3-9df5-0cde35f7c7d7 A “Black Panther” spinoff series is set to debut on Disney+ this year. According to ScreenRant, the series “Eyes of Wakanda” will span various time zones, following a diverse range of characters searching for dangerous vibranium artifacts. The cast has not yet been revealed. Here’s the logline: “Throughout Wakandan history, brave warriors have been tasked to travel the world retrieving dangerous vibranium artifacts. This is their story.” “Eyes of Wakanda” does not yet have a release date. https://youtu.be/YPwqtAeoPEI The partisan battle for Black voters’ support may not be as cut-and-dry this year compared to the build-up to presidential elections in recent memory. Instead of the traditional support from Black voters going to the Democratic nominee, the unusually high number of third-party candidates this year could flip that status quo on its head and spell doom for President Joe Biden, a major pollster said. That’s because 20% of Black voters – Biden’s most loyal base – expect to cast their ballots on Election Day for neither the incumbent nor Donald Trump, the presumptive Democratic and Republican presidential nominees, respectively, according to a new poll. The findings in the USA Today/Suffolk University Poll are the latest evidence that fewer Black voters plan on supporting Biden’s reelection efforts, giving a slight edge to Trump in the general election. To be precise, the poll found that nearly 25% fewer Black voters plan to support Biden this year than they did in 2020. On the flip side, Trump has managed to maintain the 12% support among Black voters that he got in 2020, which the polling suggests could prove to be the difference in November. “Although Trump hasn’t grown support among Black voters, he has closed the deficit because third-party voters come off of Biden’s support among Blacks,” David Paleologos, director of Suffolk’s Political Research Center, said about the new poll. “A young voter or a person of color voting ‘third party’ is a vote away from President Biden, and a vote away from President Biden is a vote for Donald Trump.” And while fewer young people are expected to vote this year compared to past presidential elections, the decline is “most pronounced” among Black voters, according to a poll released last month. At the same time, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. – the top-polling third-party candidate – is reportedly enjoying support among Black voters in battleground states at an unprecedented level. MSNBC reported that 28% of Black voters in battleground states plan to vote for Kennedy. While 50% of those same voters support Biden, 13% are expected to vote for Trump, recent polling shows. https://youtu.be/ItN0hvrR9TU The fight to get justice for 33-year-old Ricky Cobb II has continued as attorneys for the family of the slain Black man have filed a complaint with the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training about the events that led to his untimely death. Cobb’s family is represented by nationally renowned civil rights attorneys Bakari Sellers and Harry Daniels as well as F. Clayton Tyler. On July 31, 2023, 33-year-old Ricky Cobb II was pulled over by state troopers on Interstate 94 in Minneapolis. During the traffic stop, officers tried to arrest Cobb and take him into custody for allegedly violating a restraining order. As they tried to take him out of his vehicle, Cobb began to drive away and he was shot and killed by Minnesota State Trooper Ryan Londregan.Dash camera and body-worn camera video of the incident, which was released by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (MDPS), showed Cobb was pulled over for not having his rear lights on and, while three officers responded to the initial incident, Londregan was the only one to discharge his firearm. According to the family attorneys, MDPS has said that “At no point on available video” is Cobb holding a gun. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) also submitted its findings to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office in September. Kanye West (AKA Ye) allegedly blames his wife for not being pregnant yet with their first child. Ye and Bianca Censori tied the knot a year ago, and insiders claim he’s ready to start a family with the Kim Kardashian clone. A source reportedly told the National Enquirer that Ye is blaming his wife for not giving him baby #5. The hip-hop star shares four minor children with ex-wife Kim Kardashian. “Kanye’s all about projecting an image he’s a virile, baby-making stud — but that’s far from the truth,” the source told the Enquirer. “Sure, he parades his wife around like some sex toy. But most nights, she goes to bed alone — and he’s up until sunrise surrounded by all his yes men!” The source added, “… instead of realizing where he went wrong, he’s blaming her” and forcing 29-year-old Censori to have in vitro fertilization (IVF). In November, it was reported that Censori had briefly returned to her family in Australia after loved ones expressed concerns about her relationship with the rapper. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F5PcuVvXkAAdXe8?format=jpg&name=small With the 2024 Paris Olympics now just a few months away, the world’s biggest and best sports stars are starting to gear up for one of the globe’s most prestigious events, where they’ll be joined by a slightly unlikely face: Snoop Dogg. This summer, the rapper, actor and entrepreneur will be headed to Paris with NBC to take on a role as Special Correspondent for NBC’s primetime Games coverage alongside Olympics host Mike Tirico, the network announced. Beginning July 26, he will “explore the city’s iconic landmarks, attend Olympic competitions and events, and visit with the athletes, their friends, and families,” according to NBC. “I grew up watching the Olympics and am thrilled to see the incredible athletes bring their A-game to Paris. It’s a celebration of skill, dedication, and the pursuit of greatness,” the musician said in a statement. https://youtu.be/RqpAYXbqYXc Colman Domingo is reportedly being considered to replace Jonathan Majors as Kang the Conqueror in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. According to film insider Daniel Richtman, Domingo tops the list of frontrunners to take over the Kang role, Complex reports. “Colman Domingo as Kang would have me instantly bought back in,” one X/Twitter user wrote. “Colman is an exceptional human and talent, in my experiences. He is so versatile as an actor. No better choice and I hope this is true.” Another person added, “And he actually looks more like Kang. I can’t explain it. He just looks more fit for the role than Johnathan ever was, though John did do a fantastic job with He Who Remains in Loki.” Marvel dropped Majors as Kang the Conqueror after he was found guilty in December 2023 of assault and harassment involving his ex-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari. He appeared as the supervillain in “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” in Feb. 2023 and the “Loki” series on Disney+. https://youtu.be/4lBqMhZ3NBg Ciara has a connection to sports (hint: it’s Derek Jeter) that doesn’t have anything to do with her being married to Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson. During an appearance on the PBS series “Finding Your Roots,” the singer was reviewing her ancestry results with host Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. when she exclaimed, “What the world!” When Gates told her the person whose name she was reading was her “DNA cousin,” Ciara was shocked. “You are kidding me!” she said. “Derek Jeter!” https://youtu.be/MlFF7F1QqEc “I came in looking for work as a stuntman…I’m a helicopter pilot,” said Chuck Borden about the Triumph Donnelly Studios action film Vendetta Vette (VV), to be released in 2024. “DJ came to me…he was opened (about the films’ situation).” DJ Donnelly wanted Chuck to direct the film, Vendetta Vette. Vendetta Vette is on a mission to save the world with an all-female team. DJ also enlisted Chuck to complete writing the screenplay for the film after the original screenwriter passed away. At the time of my talk with Borden they were working on completing the trailer for the film, which is an ode’ to secret agent James Bond. Think James Bond as a female. “DJ trusted me. He had a female writer…she passed away…for an all-female cast,” Chuck said. When I asked about writing a script for a female cast, he said, “I came in thinking I can work from a girls’ perspective – taking my ego out of it. The finale car chase…writing that, it was fun.” Chuck Borden has been a stuntman for 37 years, before stepping into the shoes of a feature film director and screenwriter. His stuntman credits include Star Trek: Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space, Star Trek: Voyager, The Hitman’s Bodyguard, Fast & Furious, and Constantine. He is the stunt coordinator at SAG/AFTRA and NASCAR instructor for Richard Petty Driving Experience. Chuck has garnered a Dove Award nomination for producing and directing the music video “I Will” by Donna McAfee. With heavy hearts, the family of Carl E. Johnson, Sr. announces his transition from labor to reward on Tuesday, December 26, 2023. He was 88. Surrounded by his loving wife of 64 years, Christine Currin Johnson, devoted son Carl Everett Johnson, Jr., and doting daughter Cerise Johns, though saddened by their loss, they humbly submit to the sovereign will of God. Born in Memphis on October 2, 1935, and educated at Florida Elementary, Booker T. Washington High School, and LeMoyne-Owen College, Johnson earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. He received his Master’s in Education from Memphis State University with additional studies at Brooking Institute in Washington, D. C., and the U. S. 4th Army Medical Laboratory. Carl attained his teaching certification from the State of Tennessee in General Science, Biology, Physics, and Chemistry. These skills were applied at Carver High School and Southwestern College of Memphis (now Rhodes College). From 1979 to 1991, he held the position of Instructional Developer and Director of Government Relations at Shelby State Community College (now Southwest Community College). As an entrepreneur, Mr. Johnson was the owner of the Walnut Service Center Construction Group and consulted in the areas of education, housing, and government relations. Mr. Johnson held prestigious memberships and leadership positions on the NAACP Board of Directors, Smithsonian Institute, Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators, National School Board Association, Southern Region Minority Council, Boy Scouts of America Board of Directors, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Association of University Professors, the American Biology Association, Memphis Urban League and the Memphis Area Minority Contractors Association among many others. https://youtu.be/hoCEFy8EfVM The Southwest Ranches, Florida, home of Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill was badly damaged in a fire Wednesday, according to a fire marshal. The fire has been extinguished and officials are waiting to investigate to determine the cause of the fire, Davie Fire Rescue Fire Marshal Robert Taylor told CNN. Crews responded to the home in the town of Southwest Ranches Wednesday around 1:53 p.m. after receiving a 911 call from the residence, Taylor said. Everyone inside had evacuated by the time firefighters arrived, he said. Taylor confirmed the home belongs to Hill. https://youtu.be/2fWDpOX_oBw At least 20 units from the Davie Fire Rescue, Southwest Ranches Fire Department, and Broward County Sheriff’s Office Fire Rescue responded to the scene. The home was heavily damaged, Taylor added. Hill left practice early after he was alerted to the fire, according to multiple reports. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is unknown. Earlier in chopper video shot by CNN affiliate WSVN, Hill could be seen standing outside as firefighters worked to extinguish the flames. The Miami Dolphins said in a statement to WSVN, “Tyreek has been in communication with his family. Everyone is out of the house and safe at this time. He has also left practice to deal with the situation.” Southwest Ranches is about 23 miles west of Fort Lauderdale. https://youtu.be/0uJM0qtz-vE A Nevada judge was attacked in the courtroom during a sentencing hearing Wednesday (01-03-24). 30-year-old Deobra Redden managed to high jump over the judge’s bench. And it was all caught on video. You can see and hear the exact moment Judge Mary Kay Holthus denied Redden bail and began to sentence Redden to jail. But before the judge could finish redden rushes towards her. jumps over her bench and attacks her. You can see the judge fall to the ground and district court Marshalls jump in to try and stop Redden. They are seen struggling to contain him for a few seconds before the video ends. In a statement to KTNV Channel 13, the Las Vegas district court says Judge Holthus experienced some injuries and is being monitored at the moment. Additionally, a court marshal was transported to the hospital after sustaining some injuries. He’s in stable condition. https://youtu.be/cDvr7IDPq2U The statement then goes on to say: “We commend the heroic acts of her staff, law enforcement, and all others who subdued the defendant. the court remains committed to a safe and secure courthouse and courtrooms. we are reviewing all our protocols and will do whatever is necessary to protect the judiciary, the public, and our employees.” The judge had a full court docket on Wednesday but after the incident, Marshalls cleared the courtroom for the rest of the day. Redden now has a court appearance set for Thursday morning at 9:00 before a different criminal judge. Redden is now facing new charges stemming from the incident which include one felony charge of battery on a protected person resulting in substantial bodily harm and three other misdemeanor battery charges. https://youtu.be/YV_UKJnaX98 Four Rabbis kicked off the new year in petty mode when they taunted Kyrie Irving with pro-Jewish signs during Monday’s game at the Delta Center. As Complex reports, the rabbis sat courtside during the Utah Jazz/Dallas Mavericks match-up, holding “I’m a Jew and I’m Proud” signs. The rabbis are still carrying a grudge because last year, Irving shared a link to a documentary titled “Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America.” The rabbis attended Monday’s game to antagonize Irving but were asked to remove the signs. One of the men, Rabbi Avremi Zippel, spoke out about the incident because he’s convinced Irving complained to security about the signs. Irving’s rep denies the NBA star lodged a complaint. “During an out-of-bounds play in the first quarter of yesterday’s Jazz game against the Dallas Mavericks, there was a group sitting courtside whose signs sparked an interaction with a player that created a distraction and interfered with play of game,” the Jazz said in the statement obtained by The Salt Lake Tribune. “As the next step in standard security protocol, the fans were asked to take down their signs.” Zippe called Irving “vile and disgusting” for allegedly being anti-Semitic. https://t.co/jUzpvQ3sfi Cedric The Entertainer is clapping back after Katt Williams accused him of stealing jokes. When Cedric appeared on Shannon Sharpe’s podcast in 2022, he denied stealing one of Williams’ jokes. When Katt recently appeared on the Club Shay Shay podcast, he responded to Cedric. “He thought that I was just a no-name comedian and that he could take this joke and nobody would know,” Williams said. “The issue was that I had already done this particular joke on BET’s ComicView twice. It had done so well on BET’s ComicView that they made it part of the commercial.” Williams continued, “This is not just a random joke, this is my best joke and it’s my last joke and it’s my closing joke. 1998, I’m doing this joke; Cedric comes to The Comedy Store. He watches me in the audience; he comes backstage; he tells me what a great job I did and how much he loves the joke. Two years later, he’s doing that as his last joke on The [Original] Kings of Comedy and he’s doing it verbatim, he just changed my car into a spaceship.” Cedric wasted no time responding, calling Williams’ version “Revisionist History.” https://twitter.com/Phil_Lewis_/status/1742667149422792867?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1742667149422792867%7Ctwgr%5Ea6ed7b6320f457b1f3d9a35303e85f1c08e07363%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fcedric-the-entertainer-claps-back-at-katt-williams%2F Cedrick added, “… regardless of whatever Katts opinion My career can’t be reduced to One Joke Katt Williams claims as his,” the actor posted in comment section of the Club Shay Shay Instagram account. In a follow-up comment, Cedric seemingly addressed Williams claiming, “I would’ve bust Cedric’s stomach.” “And all that tough talk! Is corny af I’m grown ass man. And none of that sh*t gonna go like you think. You do you and I got this over here,” Ced commented. As The Jasmine Brand reports, Cedric The Entertainer previously stated: “That joke is over 30 years old, close to 30 something years old. I did The [Original] Kings of Comedy in 1999, probably had been doing that joke six-seven years before that. I don’t even know if Katt was doing comedy then…So again, he a talented brother. I have no idea what he talking about. I’ve never seen Katt do a space shuttle joke.” https://youtu.be/nARu4hfaQKc In the world of basketball, LeBron James stands as a towering figure, not just for his unparalleled skills on the court but also for his exemplary traits off the hardwood. Beyond his slam dunks and three-pointers, LeBron James is a man of many facets — a busy entrepreneur and a trailblazer for a legion of basketball stars coming up behind him. But James’ most important role is the one that he holds down at home as a father. LeBron, often referred to as “King James,” has captured the hearts of millions not just with his athleticism, but with the way he embodies dedication, leadership and compassion to his three children: LeBron “Bronny” James Jr., Bryce Maximus and Zhuri Nova. As a professional athlete, LeBron’s schedule is undeniably demanding. Despite this, he consistently prioritizes family time, showcasing the importance of balance between career and personal life. The doting dad rushed to be by his son Bronny’s bedside in July 2023, when his 19-year-old son suffered a cardiac arrest during a basketball workout at the University of Southern California’s Galen Center. The young athlete fell unconscious and was transported to the hospital at around 9:26 a.m. by medics on a Code 3 level medical emergency. By July 25, Bronny was in a stable condition and “no longer” in the ICU, but LeBron continued to stand by his son, asking fans for their love and prayers in support of the rising USC Trojans star. Now, his son is on track to be selected for the NBA draft. https://www.instagram.com/p/CyZkFy-u51O/ CBS presents THE SUPER BOWL SOULFUL CELEBRATION 25th ANNIVERSARY, (previously known as the “Super Bowl Gospel Celebration”), to air Saturday, February 10 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network and stream on Paramount+ (live for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on demand on Pluto TV and cbs.com the day after the special airs)*. Cedric the Entertainer and Tichina Arnold of CBS’ THE NEIGHBORHOOD are confirmed to host. “I’m thrilled to return to the Super Bowl Soulful Celebration stage in Vegas as co-host of the 25th anniversary broadcast on CBS with my dear friend and ‘The Neighborhood’ co-star, Tichina Arnold,” said Cedric the Entertainer. “A huge congratulations to Melanie Few for creating this amazing celebration of music, faith, and football." "Co-hosting the 25th anniversary Super Bowl Soulful Celebration with Cedric the Entertainer is a true highlight for me. Melanie Few's achievement in hitting this incredible milestone is a testament to her dedication and the event's cultural impact,” said Tichina Arnold. “I'm thrilled to be part of this historic event, and Cedric and I are geared up to bring our energy, laughter, and soul to this momentous occasion!" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iT15YgHY4Y Atlanta-based rapper T.I. and his wife Tiny, a singer, are not strangers to being accused of sexual assault and battery, etc (see videos below). We bring it up because they’ve been accused again. The two are the subject of a lawsuit filed by a woman who alleges the couple assaulted her “in or around 2005” after they met at a Los Angeles nightclub. The woman, only identified as Jane Doe, accuses T.I. and Tiny of drugging her and taking her to a hotel where she was allegedly assaulted. https://youtu.be/12hCcpK4MQM The couple is also being sued for negligence and false imprisonment, reports TMZ. “On the heels of positivity, negativity always rears its ugly head. This plaintiff has been threatening to file this lawsuit for THREE years,” T.I. and Tiny responded in a joint statement. “For THREE years, we have emphatically and categorically denied these allegations. For THREE years we have maintained our innocence and refused to pay these extortionate demands for things we didn’t do. For THREE years, we’ve maintained the same position while the claims in this story have changed time and time again,” the couple shared. The couple went on to add that they “look forward to our day in court. Our position is clear… We are innocent of these fake claims, we will not be shaken down.” https://youtu.be/2aTxYwFYyWk Jane Doe’s lawsuit alleges that the Harrises served her a drugged drink at an LA nightclub and took her back to their hotel room, where a nonconsensual sexual encounter ensued while she was incapacitated. The plaintiff said she filed the lawsuit now due to California’s Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act, which opens up a yearlong window for reviving claims that have exceeded the statute of limitations. https://youtu.be/NbRSeAroQcE “Not only are the claims bogus, but they missed the deadline to file the lawsuit,” T.I. and Tiny’s lawyer told TMZ. Back in 2021, the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed the musical couple was under investigation, but Los Angeles authorities declined to pursue criminal charges due to the statute of limitations, the NY Daily News noted. https://youtu.be/-e3j_Y37Ti0 “Without the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence being evaluated, the case is declined due to the expiration,” the district attorney’s office wrote in the charge evaluation. https://youtu.be/JqUI-v1ipOs A daring domestic violence escape was caught on the doorbell video camera of a mother and her child running for their lives in the middle of the night. Police say the 35-year-old woman and her 10-year-old son were held hostage by her ex-boyfriend on Terry Street in North St. Louis Wednesday evening into the morning. “He was serious. He was trying to get them,” says Marquitta Lewis, the neighbor who let them into her home. The pair escaped and knocked on Lewis’ door around 1 a.m. Thursday. https://youtu.be/HaubEYzpZjc First Alert 4 confirmed the mom and her son are safe. The community and organizations like Safe Connections are looking to put a stop to domestic violence and help survivors find a way out. “Pay attention to the red flags, gaslighting, if that person is trying to control or isolate you. Pay attention to the different signs, different things that are happening with that individual,” says Safe Connections Executive Director, Cynthia Danley. “It’s scary. It’s sad and something needs to be done about it quick,” Johnson-Jones says. If you or someone you know are in a domestic violence situation call 314-531-2003 or visit safeconnections.org. https://youtu.be/y7XD90vLxs8 YouTube personality Funky Dineva is speaking out about his future with Fox Soul’s “Tea-G-I-F.” The influencer revealed recently that he’s exciting the pop culture talk show due to financial conflicts. His replacement has not yet been named, and co-hosts Claudia Jordan and Al Reynolds will remain on the show. As Distractify reports, a day after Funky Dineva, Al, and Claudia shared their New Year resolutions last month, Funky announced he was exiting the show. “When Tea-Gif resumes, I, Funky Dineva Ross, will not be there,” he said on his popular YouTube channel. https://youtu.be/EFtOxEjsSHQ Young women from the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya, Africa, are allegedly exploited by European modeling agencies. An exclusive Sunday Times investigation published Oct. 8 highlights dozens of models from impoverished camps recruited by top fashion labels. “Some were still working in Europe, with varying degrees of financial success, while others had returned having not made anything,” The Times writes on its official Instagram account. According to the report, the Kakuma refugee camp is run by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). It is one of the world’s biggest refugee camps, home to 280,000 people, and more than half are from South Sudan. Select, one of the world’s leading agencies, uses a hotel outside Kakuma to scout for talent. Per The Times, Puglisi, the CEO of Select, said, “… models come for shows for three to four weeks. Then they return home.” The agency, he said, is not moving these models to Europe permanently. https://www.instagram.com/p/CyIV48Bs2wc/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=718d5151-9e50-44c6-95b1-8c0a22f60802 Charlamagne tha God explained in a new interview that he regrets voting for President Joe Biden and VP Kamala Harris. The popular radio personality said he initially supported Harris due to her stance on mental health — but after she was elected, she failed to follow through with her initiatives. “I’ve learned my lesson from doing that. Once they got in the White House, she … kind of disappeared,” Charlamagne told Politico, according to OK Magazine. “When I give people my word like: ‘Yo man, I think we should be supporting Kamala Harris for vice president … because she’s going to hold it down.’ When we say those things and people don’t see her holding it down, that causes issues,” he continued. “‘Damn, you told us to vote for [them].’ Do you know how many people say that to me all the time?” Charlamagne openly endorsed the Biden/Harris ticket in 2020. “I’m voting for Kamala Harris, I’ll tell you that in a heartbeat. I’m not necessarily voting for Joe Biden, I’m voting for Sen. Kamala Harris,” he said at the time, New York Post reports. “I believe she’s a political change agent, exactly the leader this country needs to lead us in the future. If she’s not, I’ll just be wrong,” Charlamagne said in 2020. “I’m just so tired of old White male leadership in politics.” Meanwhile, Biden famously told Charlamagne during the 2020 presidential race that Black Americans who do not vote for him “ain’t Black.” During his sit down with 2024 GOP presidential candidate Larry Elder last year, Charlamagne had his “ni*** wake-up call” for how he handled that moment with Biden. “I’m acutely aware Charlemagne that I am a Black person, just as you are a Black person, and when Joe Biden insulted you by saying ‘you ain’t really Black you don’t know whether or not you want to vote for me or vote for Donald Trump.’ Today, Urban One revealed the honorees for “URBAN ONE HONORS,” set to tape on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at the Coca-Cola Roxy in Atlanta, GA. This year’s two-hour telecast theme is “Best in Black” and premieres during Black History Month on Sunday, February 25, 2024, on TV One and simulcast on CLEO TV. “URBAN ONE HONORS” is the ultimate celebration of Black Excellence, acknowledging individuals whose remarkable achievements and significant contributions have left an indelible mark on the arts, media, music, and the community. This year’s distinguished recipients include Dionne Warwick, recognized as the Lifetime Achievement Honoree; Chlöe, celebrated as the Generation Next Honoree; Frankie Beverly, honored as a Living Legend, and Donald Lawrence, acclaimed for his Inspirational Impact. https://vimeo.com/899330689/0046941a2f?share=copy Blac Chyna is speaking out about her “painful” complications caused by cosmetic surgery. The former stripper explains in a new video that her health journey following breast implant reduction surgery last spring has been challenging. “Hey guys, Happy New Year’s,” she said in the clip posted on Instagram last month. “Yep, I did it again. Quick story time about the breasts.” “So, earlier this year, I was like, ‘You know what, I wanna take out my boobs. I’m over it. I’m kinda tired of the fake look,” Chyna continued. “They’re too big for my body, too big for my frame, and it just doesn’t fit me as a person anymore.’” The mother of two said her doctor advised her to go “smaller and smaller” so that she wouldn’t end up with sagging skin or deformed breasts. On December 21, she underwent a surgical procedure that led to complications. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cyw17c3Rq-j/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=9c91c2f4-cb3d-4977-a136-958e13ac831e&img_index=1 “My doctor told me if I don’t do some type of implant. Basically, my boobs are just gonna be mush,” she said. Watch her explain the issue in the IG video below. Blac Chyna debuted her “natural” look last year after undergoing several procedures to reduce her breasts and butt and dissolve her facial fillers. “I just want all the ladies out there to know, do not get silicone shots because you can get sick, you can die, have complications and all this other crazy stuff,” Chyna said in a video posted to IG in March 2023. “First of all, I’m tired of the look. And it’s just not flattering, it’s not what I look like. It totally changed my face, and I’m just ready to get back to Angela,” she said last May. https://www.instagram.com/blacchyna/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=469620ca-7182-44ed-a50f-26d435ef18cb Rapper Boosie Badazz is catching heat after revealing he walked out of “The Color Purple” movie due to the queer content. Boosie took his two minor daughters to watch the film and explained that he swiftly exited the screening during the lesbian love scenes. “I had to walk out this Color Purple movie ([and] two other older couples walked out also) because I had my little girls with me,” he wrote on Twitter/X. “It seemed like a [rainbow] love story!! Good acting, but whoever wrote the script is pushing the narrative hard!! As a parent, I will not let my little girl watch this film.” LGBTQ+ advocates are angry about Boosie’s stance, with trans influencer TS Madison writing, “Sir: the character you play in real life is MISTER, The Daddy, The pastor and all the other men who abused CELIE in that movie!! And have the nerve to finally be “concerned” about what a kiss would do to “influence” your daughter,” the TV star wrote. https://twitter.com/i/status/1742379097177649661 Conservative congressman Mike Lawler is a Michael Jackson superfan, according to The Daily Beast. One of Lawler’s Instagram posts highlights Jackson’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He has also cited one of Jackson’s 2001 live shows as one of his favorite concerts. “It’s true that Congressman Lawler—who is known to have performed the Moonwalk once or twice—is a fan of Michael Jackson’s music and even attended one of his last concerts at Madison Square Garden in 2001,” Lawler’s campaign spokesperson Chris Russell said in a statement to The Daily Beast. “As to any questions about the Congressman being a ‘super fan’, just beat it,” Russell said. Per The Daily Beast, entertainment reporter J. Randy Taraborrelli wrote in his 2009 biography “Michael Jackson: The Magic, The Madness, The Whole Story” that his friend Lawler is “an ardent Jackson admirer who had followed the proceedings so closely he knew the evidence better than even I did—had flown in from New York to attend the trial,” Taraborrelli wrote. https://www.instagram.com/p/X-Zgk3ByZ6/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=dff908be-a853-4e06-b802-c3a215a35982 Tamar Braxton posted footage of James Wright Chanel’s injuries after he was assaulted by Chrisean Rock. Braxton previously addressed the controversy with Rock, confirming that the troubled reality star assaulted Chanel at Braxton’s show in November. Braxton said at the time that James “got assaulted at my show and it was by Chrisean. But, there were a lot of events that I believe were misconstrued.” Braxton allegedly invited Rock to perform at the show, and viral videos show the struggle rapper was an annoying, drunken hot mess at the event. Rock denied punching James. However, Braxton’s newly released video shows the injuries James reportedly suffered after the attack. https://twitter.com/i/status/1742052097107824949 CLEO TV will air a new season of CULTURE KITCHEN, a fun, upbeat lifestyle show hosted by popular Chef Bren Herrera on tonight, January 3 at 9 P.M. ET/8C. With an infectious personality and Afro-Latina flair, D.C.-native Bren Herrera delights with her bright, flavorful recipes, and stories from her travels abroad. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATcnNMBh3HU The Smollett sibling duo returns to CLEO TV tonight at 9:30 p.m. ET/8C with hit series, LIVING BY DESIGN WITH JAKE AND JAZZ. This season, Jake and Jazz will continue to share beautiful home makeovers, prepare delicious family recipes, and create once-in-a-lifetime memories for a lucky group of homeowners. In this episode, Jake taps into the family’s love of nature and builds a live-edge coffee table. Meanwhile, Jazz accents the room in warm cozy earth tone colors. Tonight's reveal meal is delectable ramen with fish cakes, and a triple chocolate cake. Be sure to catch this evening's exciting premiere! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9nh6xuNHUk The footage comes amid the leak of a video showing Rock interrupting Braxton’s prayer circle hours before she attacked James. New Black Cinema Productions owner Keinon Pierre reportedly filmed the video but claims the footage was given to TMZ by one of Braxton’s former employees. Per The Jasmine Brand, Pierre wrote in part, “DON’T USE MY FOOTAGE TO STIR THE POT OF DRAMA especially if you distort the quality! @tamarbraxton I am deeply sorry that this footage got out and I would never do anything to tarnish you or your family’s brand and name.” James, meanwhile, shared a video in November of him at the dentist getting his teeth fixed that Rock allegedly knocked out. https://twitter.com/i/status/1724235923104452758 Bottom line: Black conservatives are stoked over news that Harvard President Claudine Gay announced her resignation today as Harvard’s first Black and second female president, making her the shortest-tenured president in Harvard’s history. During Gay’s recent testimony before Congress, when asked if antisemitic acts and calling for the genocide of Jews violated school rules, Gay replied that such acts were “context-dependent.” Following that testimony, accusations of antisemitism and racism have been made against Gay, along with dozens of allegations of plagiarism. Several ambassadors with the Project 21 black leadership network have responded to Gay’s resignation. https://youtu.be/eXioPJ0Md1A Project 21 Ambassador Dr. Brenda J. Thiam, who holds a doctorate in special education leadership: During the congressional hearing, Dr. Gay refused to condemn the idea that calling for the genocide of Jews violated Harvard’s rules of bullying and harassment. Not doing so is the reason why she should have tendered her resignation sooner rather than later. There’s no “depending on the context” that justifies such a statement. https://youtu.be/DI8nMAvOa9I Former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka made a winning return to tennis on Monday in Brisbane, Australia after spending over a year away from the sport prioritizing her mental health and then becoming a mother in July. The four-time grand slam champion beat Germany’s Tamara Korpatsch 6-3 7-6 (11-9) in the first round of the Brisbane International to kick off the new year in style. Osaka’s last match was at the 2022 Pan Pacific Open in Japan. Entering that tournament as defending champion, Osaka pulled out of the competition after experiencing abdominal pain. She had been expected to participate in the 2023 Australian Open, a tournament she has won twice, but withdrew when she announced her pregnancy. https://youtu.be/VyQXRSH3s3g Osaka, currently unranked after not playing competitively for 15 months, hit 36 winners in the match to 21 unforced errors, per the WTA. She held Korpatsch to 13 winners in the straight-sets victory. “The last couple of years that I played before I had my daughter, I didn’t return as much love as I was given,” Osaka said after the match. “I feel like that’s what I want to do in this chapter. “I just really appreciate people coming out and knowing me and cheering for me, because I feel like there was a time I was just a little kid trying to watch my role models play. So it feels really surreal sometimes to be playing on these courts.” Osaka’s powerful serve helped her through the match and she did not face a break point during the opening set. https://youtu.be/M0-8ci1YkO0 Television personality and “The Bachelorette” star Rachel Lindsay’s marriage to her husband of four years, Bryan Abasolo, is coming to an end. And interestingly the husband filed against the wife. On Tuesday, Abasolo filed a petition for divorce in Los Angeles Superior Court, according to a copy of the filing obtained by CNN. Check out the video above where Abasolo speaks out after filing for divorce from Lindsay. In the petition, Abasolo cited irreconcilable differences as grounds for divorce. He is requesting spousal support and for Lindsay to pay his attorney’s fees. The couple met in 2017 when Lindsay starred on the long-running ABC reality show “The Bachelorette.” They became engaged during the show’s finale and wed in 2019. https://youtu.be/9FMo9dAiHcw Planet Fitness has partnered with Megan Thee Stallion for a new “Mother Fitness” campaign just in time for the new year. The collaboration advocates for mental and physical health and also offers limited-edition “Big Fitness Energy” merch. Per the news release, as part of their partnership, “Megan takes on a new role as Mother Fitness, encouraging gym goers to leave behind the intimidation and high prices commonly found at other gyms and join Planet Fitness, home of the Judgement Free Zone, to find their Big Fitness Energy,” the release states. The “Big Fitness Energy” merchandise benefits Megan’s non-profit, The Pete & Thomas Foundation. The items, now available for purchase, include Crew neck sweatshirts, Bucket hats and water bottles emblazoned with ‘Real Hot Girl Fit’ and Sticker sheets, per the news release. “Working out is such an important part of my routine, so this partnership with Planet Fitness genuinely embodies my personal values,” the Grammy-winning artist said in a statement, Vibe reports. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0fWGZxPs0G/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c763951c-9ca8-4ebf-8024-a305452fc9ff A new California law requires major retailers to have gender-neutral toy aisles. The so-called “progressive” state became the first in the nation to adopt such a law, CNN reports. According to the bill, retailers with 500 or more employees across all department stores in the state that sell childcare items or toys must now sell these products in a gender-neutral section that’s “labeled at the discretion of the retailer … regardless of whether they have been traditionally marketed for either girls or for boys.” Retailers that fail to comply will be fined up to $500. The bill states, “Beginning on January 1, 2024, the bill would make a retail department store that fails to comply with these provisions liable for a civil penalty not to exceed $250 for a first violation or $500 for a subsequent violation, as provided.” https://youtu.be/iw656rZ9SzA The cause of death has been revealed for Keisha Whitaker, the ex-wife of actor Forest Whitaker. Keisha died of alcoholic liver disease, according to her death certificate obtained by TMZ. She passed away on Dec. 6 at age 51. True, Whitaker’s 25-year-old daughter, shared the heartbreaking news on her Instagram Story, writing, “Goodbye mommy. I love you 4ever and beyond. The most beautiful woman in the world … Thank you for teaching me every single thing I know. I’ll see you in my dreams and I’ll feel you in my heart.” Keisha was married to Forest for 22 years before he filed docs in December 2018, saying irreconcilable differences made it “impossible for the parties to live together as husband and wife.” Their divorce was finalized in 2021. The former couple met after playing on-screen lovers on the set of “Blown Away” in 1994. They married two years later in Montego Bay, Jamaica. They have two daughters, Sonnet and True, and Forest and Keisha each have a child from previous relationships. Lizzo hit up Instagram on Monday to show off her slimming waistline. The singer flaunted her physic in the new ultralight leggings and bra set from her shapewear line, Yitty. We previously reported, per @PaperMagazine, that YITTY provides undergarment support to women of all shapes and sizes. Ranging from sizes XS to 6X, Lizzo explained her concept behind launching YITTY. “Instead of thinking about size in this linear way, we’re thinking about it on a spectrum where everyone is included. It’s not high, it’s not low. It’s not big, it’s not small. It’s just your size. I was constantly being told through TV and magazines that my body wasn’t good enough. And, in order to be considered ‘acceptable’ I had to inflict some sort of pain upon it to fit into an archetype of beauty,” Lizzo said previously in a statement. In her new IG video, Lizzo said her product “snatches and lifts.” Carrie Bernans, a Marvel stuntwoman/actress is in bad, bad shape after being hit by a car while celebrating New Year’s Eve in NYC. On Monday, Carrie Bernans’ mother Patricia Lee posted pics of her daughter’s gruesome injuries which show her all bloodied up, while connected to machines. The elder Brenans says Carrie – who recently became a mother herself – had been walking with a friend when they stopped at a food truck, and a car careened into it … knocking Carrie unconscious and pinning her underneath. “She’s still in so much pain and can’t answer calls at this time, but appreciate the messages,” her mother wrote in the caption, “This was a traumatic incident. Please keep Carrie in your thoughts and prayers. She’s in so much pain but healing.” Lee continued about the incident: “She has a few broken bones, fractures, & chipped teeth but thanking God that she’s alive … Police caught him shortly after and arrested him. Amidst the chaos of the New Year’s incident, she’s holding onto an immense sense of gratitude for life itself.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C1kixmDu_wR/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=2a215bba-db1a-4006-bfb7-db4defd814c8&img_index=1 The crash which happened in Manhattan was so serious, it was declared a mass casualty incident — with 3 NYPD officers among 9 others who also were injured. The cops were called to the scene around 1:40 AM Monday, and the driver — a 44-year-old man — is now in custody at Bellevue Hospital, according to TMZ. The crash happened as a result of the driver fleeing from police after the initial incident. Despite the traumatic crash, Patricia Lee says her daughter is healing and holding onto an immense sense of gratitude for life itself. https://youtu.be/yZSMHlFk4lw “This setback hasn’t deterred her belief that something remarkable is still being crafted by God,” Lee continued. “Despite the injuries sustained in the collision caused by a hit-and-run in NYC, she’s filled with hope and faith in the unfolding of a beautiful new chapter. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers as she navigates this path toward recovery and new beginnings.” https://youtu.be/f8x3O_4Bkq0 Harvard President Claudine Gay announced Tuesday she is stepping down amid a firestorm of controversy at the university. “It is with a heavy heart but a deep love for Harvard that I write to share that I will be stepping down as president,” Gay wrote in a letter to the Harvard community. “After consultation with members of the Corporation, it has become clear that it is in the best interests of Harvard for me to resign so that our community can navigate this moment of extraordinary challenge with a focus on the institution rather than any individual.” Gay did not say when she plans to formally step down but she described the decision as “difficult beyond words.” “Amidst all of this, it has been distressing to have doubt cast on my commitments to confronting hate and to upholding scholarly rigor — two bedrock values that are fundamental to who I am — and frightening to be subjected to personal attacks and threats fueled by racial animus,” Gay wrote. https://youtu.be/vkmnFbCwP6k?list=RDNSvkmnFbCwP6k The Corporation said the search for a new president would “begin in due course,” but did not specify an exact timeline. Gay said in her letter she would return to a faculty position “and to the scholarship and teaching that are the lifeblood of what we do.” A spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment. https://youtu.be/IbAaVo8JnnY ”Former ‘Beverly Hills, 90210″ star Ian Ziering is speaking out after being attacked by a mob of urban bikers in Los Angeles on New Year’s Eve. The wild incident went down on Hollywood Blvd and was caught on camera — see the TMZ video below. The footage shows a group of people on mini-bikes surrounding Ziering’s vehicle. The “Sharknado” star exits the car and gets into a physical altercation with one of the bikers. That’s when other bikers join in, attack, and chase him through busy traffic. Ziering hit up social media after the attack to inform fans that he and his daughter Mia, 12, were not injured in the altercation. https://static.cdninstagram.com/rsrc.php/v3/yb/r/UsSR4Cvo4Px.png John Legend was roasted on social media after performing Nate Dogg’s part on the track “21 Questions” with 50 Cent during the singer’s 45th birthday celebration in New York City last week. Footage of the performance quickly went viral, with one person on X/Twitter noting that Legend “made it sound like a negro spiritual.” Another X user commented, “Nate Dogg in heaven like… “N*gga you could’ve called Joe.”A third person wrote, “On another note, I think Legend could play George Jefferson in a reboot. As Complex reports, one critic added, “Why would John Legend get on stage and sing with 50 cent like that ????” Another commented, “Bruh the video of John Legend and 50 cent really brings me to tears.” https://twitter.com/HipHopDX/status/1741179849669071348?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1741258985745879379%7Ctwgr%5Ef8f205ce8db85c1fd93db426d5e3d4be390bd82a%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2024%2Fjohn-legend-gets-roasted-for-performance-with-50-cent%2F Chaka Khan revealed in a new interview that she’s done with touring. “I got this rich-ass life. I’ve got great-grandchildren I want to get to know better. So I will not do another tour,” Chaka, 70, said in a new interview with Rolling Stone. “Riding on a bus, pissing in a little bathroom, waking up in the morning and you’re five hours from your hotel where you can take a proper bath or shower and go to bed like a normal human being. And then you got a gig that night. That’s friggin’ insane,” she added. “I’ll do dates, but it won’t look like a tour. They’ll be far enough apart that I can have time to sleep in between,” the soulful songstress said. Earlier this year, Khan told Entertainment Tonight, “I’ve done everything but kick myself in the back of the head… I feel like I’ve done a great deal. I’m wondering, you know, what’s next?” https://youtu.be/tbudWXQ-ym8 Police bodycam footage has been released of the moment a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy shot and killed a Black mother in a domestic dispute. Niani Finlayson, 27, called 911 on Dec 4 to report that “her boyfriend would not leave her alone and then screaming and sounds of a struggle could be heard,” the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD) said in a statement, according to The Guardian. The family’s attorney said Finlayson was inside her apartment in Lancaster with her nine-year-old daughter when her ex-boyfriend injured her. Deputies arrived to hear screaming from inside the unit, LASD said. LASD claims Deputy Ty Shelton opened fire because Finlayson had a knife and was threatening her boyfriend As ABC 7 reports, the sheriff’s department released the 911 audio, and Finlayson tells the dispatcher that the man inside her residence “won’t get of my house” and “he will not leave me alone.” https://abc7.com/video/embed/?pid=14242378 Kirk Franklin’s son Kerrion claims he was excluded from the family’s holiday photo. The gospel singer shared a photo of his wife, kids, son-in-law, and grandson on Instagram last Wednesday. Franklin captioned the photo, “Perfect father? No. Perfect husband? No. Perfect Christian? GOD NO. This picture is perfect because it’s gone through a process…. Filters, coloring, all the things to make it perceivable that’s how we always look. There are no perfect families, so this holiday season take that pressure off of yourself and love the flaws, failures and blemishes of your human family. I love mine, and I thank God that they love me through my process….perfectly. Merry Christmas.” Kerrion, 35, is noticeably absent from the family festivities, and he called out his father in a since-deleted post on his Instagram story. “I’m never invited to these pics. Let him enjoy his fantasy,” Kerrion wrote, Love B. Scott reports. Kerrion and Franklin’s relationship has reportedly been strained for years. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cmb3XLDrbpg/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=821d40f1-ffd1-4746-ae84-8a9cb7f8bd0b Boosie Badazz cites safety reasons for not wanting his son to wear the trendy balaclava ski mask, known as the Pooh Shiesty mask. “Why don’t you take that Pooh Shiesty mask off,” Boosie tells his son in a video posted on Instagram, Complex reports. “You done had it on about two days. You out here in the mountains, a bear going to think you something else, bear going to bite your fucking finger off.” Boosie associates face masks with violence. “Why don’t you take that Pooh Shiesty mask off,” Boosie added. “You done had it on about two days. You out here in the mountains, a bear going to think you something else, bear going to bite your f*cking finger off.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C1ckZORxPIO/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Michael Jackson’s mother, Katherine, wants her late son’s estate to pay the six-figure sum she incurred in legal bills while battling the executors over a proposed “secret deal.” According to court documents obtained by RadarOnline.com, the 93-year-old is seeking $561,548 for legal services provided by the law firm Glaser Weil Fink Howard Jordan & Shapiro (Glasser Weil). John Branca and John McClain are the executors of Jackson’s estate. Last year, they asked the court to approve a lucrative confidential deal that Katherine opposed. “The Estate was teetering on the verge of collapse, with more than $400 million in debt that encumbered Michael’s most significant assets and little or no liquidity or means to service that debt. Through creative thinking, hard work and business savvy—and, of course, Michael’s extraordinary creative legacy—the Executors transformed the MJJ Business into a profitable enterprise,” the executors said in a court filing, per Radar. Despite Katherine’s objections, the judge sided with the estate’s executors and allowed the deal to proceed. https://youtu.be/zUniG6F_RzY Jeannie Mai plans to teach her biracial daughter Monaco about her Vietnamese culture. “Traveling is a big thing for Monaco and I,” Mai said at Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve event, She Knows reports. “So, I’ve already taken her to about six different countries. This year, I want to take her to Vietnam ‘cause she’s never been and I wanna do some work out there. I wanna do some of my philanthropic work with anti-trafficking, and I wanna teach her about part of her heritage.” Mai shares Monaco with her ex-husband, rapper Jeezy. The former couple is embattled in a divorce case, with Jeezy claiming Mai is “gatekeeping” his visitations with their child. As we reported… Jeezy filed for divorce in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sept. 14, after two-and-a-half years of marriage. According to People, the filing says the marriage is “irretrievably broken” with “no hope for reconciliation.” “I think we as women specifically don’t hear it enough that there is no greater love in your life, even as a mom, that you will ever get from anybody other than yourself. That is the first love of your life, and that will be the last love of your life,” Mai, 44, shared with People in a new interview. https://static.cdninstagram.com/rsrc.php/v3/yb/r/UsSR4Cvo4Px.png It’s been more than a year since headlines generated from Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes‘ then-secret romance. The former “GMA3: What You Need to Know” fixtures are still together, but like many relationship goers, they have their share of arguments, or “hiccups” as they call them. Turns out, when Holmes and Robach have what they call “hiccups,” Holmes has his way of dealing with those situations. According to People, the “hiccups” come about once a week. “I am really, really bad about this. I don’t scream, I don’t yell, I don’t do anything. I don’t name-call, I don’t get aggressive. Nothing, but I will check out,” the 46-year-old ex-TV co-host explained in the latest episode of he and Robach’s “Amy and T.J.“ podcast. “I don’t need you to say ‘I’m sorry.’ I don’t need you to help me. I have to work through it, and I’m trying to get better at doing it quicker.” Although Holmes is working through his argument issues, apologies are something that strikes a nerve. Particularly when it comes to how long it takes for Robach to offer one. https://youtu.be/Z2Djp0taYJw “It drives me crazy. Why? Because ‘I’m sorry’ comes 24 hours late,” he continued. “It’s how you react in the moment that makes all the difference in the world because, in that moment, we have a chance to go this way or this way. And if you go that way, I’m out. I’m done. … I’m checked out for the day.” Robach admits she isn’t fond of Holmes stewing for so long, according to People, which noted it usually takes around two days. “It’s two days, at least,” Robach said. “I would rather have him yell at me than freeze me out for two days. … I’m like, I don’t know what to say, what to do, what he thinks.” Despite the weekly “hiccups,” Holmes and Robach remain an item. So much so that the M-word came up in their podcast last week as they addressed the possibility of marriage. “It’s under consideration,” the 50-year-old Robach said. “We did not enter this relationship for fun or for ‘Let’s see what happens.’ We entered this relationship because we intended on spending our lives together. So whether or not we have some sort of legal, you know, I don’t know, button on it.” https://youtu.be/gItpmq1KAJQ As the discussion continued, Robach admitted she and Holmes were in no hurry to jump the broom. “We both have two marriages under our belts and so it’s not something we’re racing to or rushing towards,” the 50-year-old former news fixture explained. “But there is something, I get it, it’s this thing that I can’t even explain why there’s this desire, but I want to spend the rest of my life with you, I can say that. It’s on the table. It’s on the table.” With a four-year difference, Holmes mentioned the age issue is a factor in him wanting to tie the knot. “I want to marry you, in part, because you’re 50 and I’m 46. And I’m very sick of introducing a 50-year-old woman as my girlfriend. That just sounds stupid,” he said. https://youtu.be/bgb8rd5bCX0 From the comedic mind of Tina Fey comes a new twist on the modern classic, MEAN GIRLS. New student Cady Heron (Angourie Rice) is welcomed into the top of the social food chain by the elite group of popular girls called “The Plastics,” ruled by the conniving queen bee Regina George (Reneé Rapp) and her minions Gretchen (Bebe Wood) and Karen (Avantika). However, when Cady makes the major misstep of falling for Regina’s ex-boyfriend Aaron Samuels (Christopher Briney), she finds herself prey in Regina’s crosshairs. As Cady sets to take down the group’s apex predator with the help of her outcast friends Janis (Auli’i Cravalho) and Damian (Jaquel Spivey), she must learn how to stay true to herself while navigating the most cutthroat jungle of all: high school. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFtdbEgnUOk A Mobile church is helping set a good example and spread positivity among youth in the community. PrayerHouse Ministries in Mobile held a father-son workshop to show young men the importance of working and how to be productive. The group of boys went to 15 different stations where they got to see demonstrations by several different businessmen from all walks of life. With the recent uptick in gun violence and spikes in crime rates, Pastor Billy King said he believes events like these can help young men be the positive impact they need. “We’ve been having so many murders of our young boys and many of them are under the age of 25. It’s something that we need to do and need to be in a hurry about doing it because they’re dying,” King said. https://youtu.be/fYuuX6O7FwQ Despite conquering the box office, “Barbie” was not among the films former president Barack Obama cited in his list of favorite movies for 2023. TooFab reports #44 released his compilation of favorite films on Wednesday (Dec. 27) via Instagram. Features making the cut include: “Rustin,” “Leave the World Behind,” “American Symphony,” “The Holdovers,” “Blackberry,” “Oppenheimer,” “American Fiction,” “Anatomy of a Fall,” “Monster,” “Past Lives,” “Air,” “Polite Society” and “A Thousand and One.” Although Obama’s list is diverse, he did admit that it was a bit “biased,” seeing that the first three movies in the collection were from Higher Ground, the production company he co-founded in 2018 with his wife, former first lady Michelle Obama. “I’m biased since these movies were produced by Higher Ground, but these are in fact three of the best films I saw this year,” Obama wrote, before listing “Rustin,” “Leave the World Behind” and “American Symphony” to kick off his 2023 favorites. Realizing the impact of the 2023 Writers Guild of America (WGA) and SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) strikes, the politician acknowledged the impact of the protests in his caption. https://www.instagram.com/p/C1Xuy55Pi2N/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=a13851bb-cc0c-4acf-a91a-5ac89304260d Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson says he was “disappointed and surprised” when head coach Sean Payton told him he would be benched for the team’s final two games of the NFL regular season. “I felt like we were doing something special and rolling,” said Wilson, speaking on Friday for the first time with the media since being benched. “We’ve had some tough games, some tough close ones, but we’ve still got a chance. At the end of the day, what God’s got for me, I’m going to keep trusting in him. “I’m going to keep putting my best foot forward every day and be as professional as I can be, no matter what the circumstances are. I learned that a long time ago,” added the 35-year-old quarterback. Wilson signed a five-year extension worth a reported $245 million in September 2022, which is set to kick in next season. According to ESPN, Wilson is “guaranteed $39 million in 2024 whether he is on the team or not,” as well as “another $37 million (his 2025 salary) guaranteed if he could not pass a physical on the fifth day of the new league year in March.” In his interview with media on Friday, Wilson said he was approached by the team after the Broncos’ Week 8 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs and told if he didn’t move back his injury guarantee in his contract that he’d be benched. “We beat the Chiefs. They came up to me at the beginning of the bye week — Monday or Tuesday — and told me that if I didn’t change my contract, my injury guarantee, I’d be benched for the rest of the year … I was definitely disappointed about it,” said Wilson. https://youtu.be/kmWcpbvpnWc “I understand all the speculation and everything that surrounds a move like that,” said Payton. “I can tell you we’re desperately trying to win. Sure, in our game today there are economics and all those other things, but the No. 1 push behind this — and it’s a decision I’m making — is to get a spark offensively.” Nine-time Pro Bowler Wilson, who is currently in his 12th season in the league, has helped lead the Broncos to a 7-8 record while throwing for 3,070 yards, 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions this season. Wilson was traded to the Broncos before the 2022 season after spending his first 10 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. Wilson helped lead Seattle to a Super Bowl XLVIII victory in 2014. https://youtu.be/FSH01rpKkT4 Recognized as “Queen Bey,” Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter is a prominent American songwriter, singer as well as a businesswoman. Standing as a 21st-century cultural icon, Beyoncé Knowles Carter is celebrated for her unparalleled and exceptional performances. Yet, her prowess transcends the confines of music, as she has left an indelible mark in the film industry as well as can be seen from the many Beyoncé movies that are out. Queen Bey is an incredible entertainer, captivating audiences with her astonishing performances and leaving a lasting impression with her memorable roles in movies. She truly knows how to command the stage and captivate the audience! Explore Beyoncé’s cinematic journey as we navigate through all the unforgettable film roles she has played. Let’s celebrate the versatile talent of Queen Bey on the silver screen. https://youtu.be/5MZiUVantjE Beyoncé’s debut film role in 2002 as Foxxy Cleopatra in Austin Powers in Goldmember not only marked her entry into the movie world but also earned her a Best Breakthrough Performance nomination at the MTV Movie Awards. Her portrayal of Foxxy Cleopatra highlights Beyoncé’s comedic talent and adds a playful dimension to her versatile skill set. https://youtu.be/SwB0ZJbwmpw Beyoncé shares the screen with Steve Martin, portraying the character Xania, a pop star in this comedy movie. Adding intrigue to the comedy, Beyoncé’s character, Xania, becomes the prime suspect in the unfolding murder mystery. https://youtu.be/-g4A_SkvJE0 Beyoncé portrays a prosperous businesswoman and wife whose life takes a tumultuous turn when a temporary employee develops a perilous obsession with her. This psychological thriller, Obsessed, highlighted her talent for captivating audiences, particularly in intense and demanding roles. A thrilling film packed with unexpected turns and twists! https://youtu.be/LFO-xqbWYpw In this remake of the classic Disney film, Beyoncé lends her voice to the character Nala. Beyoncé produced The Lion King: The Gift album in collaboration with other African artists to celebrate African music and culture’s beauty. https://youtu.be/civgUOommC8 This is a documentary concert film where Beyoncé takes on the roles of writer, director, and producer. The documentary follows the journey of the Renaissance World Tour, Beyoncé’s stadium tour in 2023, supporting her seventh studio album, Renaissance. You get to see behind-the-scenes clips, Beyoncé’s children’s videos, and amazing moments from the concerts. It’s like a special peek into how Beyoncé makes her music and on-stage performances. https://youtu.be/ByV3XWl8zWU In the lead-up to Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen‘s seventh New Year’s Eve special together, CNN’s Harry Enten asked some of New York’s finest comedians questions about the co-hosts. https://eurweb.com/2023/comedians-were-asked-to-roast-cooper-and-cohen-heres-what-they-said-watch/ Vanessa Bryant‘s spending habits are catching heat from controversial social media personality Dr. Umar Johnson. According to HotNewHipHop.com, Johnson accused Bryant of “not doing sh-t” to “uplift the Black community” during a recent appearance on “The Joe Budden Podcast. However, it’s Black folks who are defending. Umar referenced how Vanessa Bryant spent the money of her late husband Kobe Bryant while noting a “sports initiative” Vanessa recently started with six predominately white colleges to support his claim. The “initiative” Johnson referenced was the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation. The colleges in question are the University of Connecticut (UConn), the University of Southern California (USC), the University of Kentucky (UK), the University of Oregon (UO), Duke University, and Louisiana State University (LSU). In September, the foundation revealed partnerships with the schools. UConn was especially noted, given the college was the frontrunner in recruiting Kobe and Vanessa’s daughter, Gigi Bryant, before her death last year. Despite Johnson’s criticism, his views were largely rejected, HotNewHipHop mentioned. The site pointed to one person who argued that “there are plenty of angry Black wives who got a Black man’s money and didn’t do sh-t for the Black community.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1739798140117504429 Meanwhile, Vanessa Bryant is focused on other things, most notably a statue honoring Kobe. Earlier this year, Vanessa announced via video that her late husband and Los Angeles Lakers icon will receive a statue at Crypto.com Arena. “On behalf of the Lakers, my daughters, and me, I am so honored that, right here in the center of Los Angeles, in front of the place known as ‘The House that Kobe Built,’ we are going to unveil his statue so that his legacy can be celebrated forever,” she said in the video announcement. “Kobe Bryant was one of the most extraordinary athletes of all time and one of the most iconic individuals in the history of Los Angeles,” said Lakers team owner Jeanie Buss. “There is no better place for Kobe to be honored with a statue than here, at the center of our city, where everyone can celebrate him and be inspired by his incredible achievements.” https://youtu.be/v3OP6Lwx-pI The Kobe statue is a long time coming, HNHH noted, adding the venture had been in development for some time with Kobe himself having a hand in the initial design process. The will be the first in a “series of physical tributes to the basketball legend, who, along with Gigi, died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California in 2020. With the statue, Kobe will be the seventh Laker to be honored in such a way, joining an all-star group of statues featuring the likenesses of Elgin Baylor, Shaq, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Jerry West and Chick Hearn. https://youtu.be/P7HbLo7f1KE From his infamous “What the hell do you have to lose?” remark to his shallow “Platinum Plan” economic agenda for Black Americans, former President Donald Trump’s outreach to the Black community over the years has been little more than political theater, devoid of real substance. But the performance artist-in-chief might just have outdone himself. SiriusXM Radio host and author Clay Cane has some thoughts. Trump’s latest disingenuous stunt came last month with the boast about winning supposed backing from Black Lives Matter, a group he has disparaged in the past as “a symbol of hate.” In a Truth Social post last month in which he wrote that he had “done more for Black people than any other President,” Trump wrote that he was proud to have the backing of an individual who purported to be a leading member of a Black Lives Matter chapter in Rhode Island. Trump wrote that he had spoken to the man, Mark Fisher and that he was “very honored to have his and BLM’s support.” Trump touting alleged backing from BLM is eye-rolling, considering his years-long attacks on the group, including remarks a few years ago that Black Lives Matter is “bad for Black people.” The former President might have won Fisher’s endorsement, but Black Lives Matter wants nothing to do with either of them: Fisher is said by leaders of the group to have no current affiliation with the chapter in Rhode Island, which has denounced him as “an imposter.” Almost 60 percent of adult Americans struggle with at least one chronic condition, such as diabetes, heart disease, or stroke. These and other chronic illnesses are collectively responsible for most deaths and disabilities in the US. Likewise, they’re a primary contributor to the higher costs of healthcare. That’s why you need to know how holistic healthcare supports chronic disease management. Holistic care is a practical approach to managing chronic diseases. It represents a more comprehensive and personalized patient well-being perspective than traditional healthcare. This article will walk you through the basics of holistic healthcare and its significant role in managing chronic conditions. Vernette Kountz had given birth to four children in hospitals — including a set of surrogate twins — before deciding she was ready for a different experience like a birth center. Kountz said while her previous deliveries had all been healthy and smooth, she felt her hospital and medical office visits were rushed, routine, and impersonal. “When you’re in this medical model, you feel kind of shuffled around, told what to do, you have all of these assessments and ultrasounds,” Kountz said. “It feels more so transactional and less intimate.” So, in 2021, when Kountz found out she was pregnant with her fifth child, she decided to have the baby at the Atlanta Birth Center. The facility, she said, provided the holistic, personal, and intimate care she had longed for as a mother and she had a water birth to deliver her son, Hudson. Kountz said she valued the experience so much she’s preparing to deliver her sixth baby at the same birth center in January. https://youtu.be/EHLPt3m8BPA Buffalo Bills linebacker Von Miller said Thursday the allegations of domestic violence against him are “100% false” and “completely wrong and blown out of proportion” in his first public comments since he was accused of assaulting his pregnant girlfriend. “Me and my girlfriend, we have problems just like any other couple does, but there has never been any of those things that was alleged against me,” Miller said. “Hopefully over time, all of this stuff will get cleared up. Sometimes life just be life-ing. You’ve just got to keep pushing and keep moving. The people who know me and the people who have been around me know my character, they know who I am.” When asked what was not true about the allegations, he said, “All of it is incorrect.” Miller, who is originally from DeSoto, Texas, was in his home state during the Bills’ bye week when police responded to the alleged incident on November 29. Miller turned himself in to the Glenn Heights Police Department on November 30 and was released on $5,000 bond. “You know, it’s not a funny situation, but all of it is incorrect and all of it is untrue. The only thing that is true is we do have a third son on the way,” he said. https://youtu.be/EwG0zqvhYIg According to the arrest warrant affidavit from the Dallas Police Department, Miller has been accused of assaulting his pregnant girlfriend. The alleged victim told police Miller ordered her to leave the apartment they share in Dallas after a verbal argument. As she was gathering personal items to leave, the affidavit says, Miller “walked up to her and began to shove and push her, all while telling her to leave the unit.” Police say the woman informed them she is six weeks pregnant. In the report, the woman alleges that at one point Miller pulled out a chunk of her hair, which caused her to fall to the ground. She also told officers Miller twice “placed pressure” with his hand around her neck, although she was still able to breathe. Miller allegedly left the apartment after the woman said she was going to call the police. The police report says an officer “observed minor abrasions on the Complainant’s left hand along with bruising to her neck, injuries consistent with applied pressure to the neck.” Bruises were also later found on her abdomen and left arm. https://youtu.be/Lml9rYxveQ4 Paula Abdul is exposing Nigel Lythgoe for sexually assaulting of her multiple times. OK, now that we have your attention you’re no doubt asking who is Nigel Lythgoe. He was the producer of “American Idol” and “So You Think You Can Dance,” TV shows Abdul was famously known to be a judge on. On Friday (12-29-23) the pop star and dancer/choreographer filed a bombshell lawsuit under California’s Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act which gives accusers a one-year window to press claims beyond the statute of limitations. It expires Dec. 3. In the lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, the “Straight Up” singer alleges that in the early years of “American Idol” Lythgoe once cornered her in an elevator, tried to kiss her, and groped her breasts and genitals. https://youtu.be/viJ2B4Xi14w She also alleged that in 2015, after accepting an invitation to Lythgoe’s home shortly after she signed a contract to judge “SYTYCD” he threw himself on her and tried to kiss her. Years later – according to the suit – Lythgoe thought he could still play games with Abdul by taunting her, saying that “the statute of limitations had run” and inviting her to celebrate. “Lythgoe knew and was aware that his treatment of Abdul was inappropriate and even criminal,” the suit alleges. So far there’s been no response from Lythgoe, 74, to the lawsuit that also accuses several production companies of failing to protect her from Lythgoe. Abdul, now 61, also notes that she was paid less than the male judges. https://youtu.be/8ZoeOH8oCTw Patti LaBelle is the definition of a music legend. She still brings down the house, while continuing to demonstrate how it should be done. So much so that today’s singing sensations come to LaBelle when they need advice. “They do call me for information,” the “New Attitude” hitmaker shared during an interview with “Entertainment Tonight” while revealing her all-star list of advice seekers. “I’m the OG, I’m 79, and all my little girls like Ledisi and Fantasia and Ariana Grande and Beyoncé…they all call me for information about things they’re going through, that I’ve been through.” “So, I hope that I can always give information to my babies. Because that’s what I do,” LaBelle added. The entertainer’s revelation came amid honors she received at “CMT Smashing Glass: A Celebration of the Groundbreaking Women of Music,” according to Madame Noire. The event, which premiered in November, shined a light on women of all genres with a musical salute to, as CMT described “the incomparable women who smashed stereotypes, broke records and defiantly blazed trails for future generations of female artists.” In addition to LaBelle, “CMT Smashing Glass” recognized country legend Tanya Tucker and late music icons Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner and Sinead O’Connor. https://youtu.be/39W-xEoRrsQ Multiplatinum, 12-time Grammy® Award-winner John Legend shares a new single entitled “Don’t Need To Sleep” out today via Republic Records. Listen via the player above. It soars as a standout from the We Dare To Dream Soundtrack available on all DSPs. Executive produced by EGOT® superstar Legend and Academy® Award winner Angelina Jolie, the acclaimed 2023 Tribeca Festival selection and refugee sports documentary, We Dare To Dream, is now streaming exclusively on Peacock. Legend notably co-wrote “Don’t Need To Sleep” with Justin Tranter and Oak Felder—who also produced the song. On the track, soft strings unspool underneath striking and soulful verses punctuated by piano. It culminates in the climactic chorus as he reminds, “Don’t need to sleep to dream.” Be on the lookout for a powerful music video to accompany the song soon. It follows his 2022 double-album opus, LEGEND, out now. Stay tuned for more from John Legend. https://youtu.be/rQreCE71sPk Daniel Kaluuya is giving the world a different side of him as he goes behind the camera in his directorial debut, “The Kitchen.” According to Netflix’s synopsis of the film, which Kaluuya co-directed with Kibwe Tavares, “The Kitchen” is “A story of fatherhood and love for the community… Every city has a Kitchen. In a dystopian London, the gap between rich and poor has been stretched to its limits.” In the trailer for the sci-fi thriller, released Dec. 18, bike gangs (both motor and pedal-powered), and violence are featured in a London full of neon and riot cops, pristine lobbies and grubby alleys, hierarchies and have-nots. Izi (British actor and rapper Kane Robinson) looks for a way out of the Kitchen—until he encounters Benji (newcomer Jedaiah Bannerman), a boy who needs a family. As the trailer plays, it’s clear the duo needs each other in a world that doesn’t seem to have anything good in store for them. https://youtu.be/GgT5cEV5Qt0 The music video for the single “Why Not” (AngelicVoicesMinistry/Symphonic) by Gospel/Hip-Hop singer/songwriter/keyboardist AngelicVoicesMusic charts at #3 on 4M.tv’s Music Block World’s Top 10 Best Artists. The music video is produced by AngelicVoicesMinistry and Likevision and features Brooklyn rapper Asim I.I. (“The Christmas Song”). The “Why Not” music video tells the story of perseverance, despite life’s challenges. It highlights that through those challenges you should praise God because it could be worse. AngelicVoicesMusic and Asim I.I. performed the “Why Not” single during the 24th annual Los Angeles “Uplifting Minds II” Entertainment Conference, walking away with the ULMII Best Artist Award. Born Vanderbilt Evans, Jr., the Hip-Hop artist is busting with talent winning the Producers Challenge at the Live at Webster Hall competition. His “Why Not” music video also appeared on Billboards in and around the Bronx, courtesy of his record distributor Symphonic adding the AngelicVoicesMusic hype. https://youtu.be/2AxJeKRvLBs People often praise Oprah Winfrey for being a media mogul, philanthropist, bestselling author, and influential icon. Even though she’s achieved a lot, people are curious about her personal life, especially regarding her family and children. Oprah Winfrey kids may pop into mind. This article seeks to explore Oprah’s relationships with her family, partners, and close friends. Oprah Winfrey has actively supported various charitable initiatives dedicated to improving the well-being of children. In an interview with People Magazine’s “Women Changing the World” edition, the entertainment icon discussed contemplating marriage and children. Although she chose not to pursue either, she expresses no regrets. During her career, Oprah has become like a motherly figure to millions of people around the world, providing advice, assistance, and motivation through her TV show, education, and various media platforms. https://youtu.be/FF691KustIM They’d always made traveling a priority, and after settling down and having their first child, Courtney and Justin Orgias – now a digital nomad family – were keen to keep exploring the world as much as they could. While the couple, who both work in the tech industry, loved the idea of being able to log on remotely from exotic destinations, it wasn’t until the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 that they realized that a digital nomad lifestyle was a real prospect for their family. “Our jobs went fully remote,” explains Justin, originally from Toronto, Canada. “And I think it made us realize that we don’t have to settle on life in Atlanta. “It opened up the possibility of us working from the beach in Mexico. So we tried it for a couple of weeks and we really loved it.” They traveled back and forth from Mexico to the US for a while and quickly found that it suited them. https://youtu.be/17mEfTaTxdg A racist white woman assaulted a Black female Amazon driver while she was attempting to deliver a package at a Houston apartment in the River Oaks neighborhood. Red Rose Media shared video of the incident on Instagram. In the footage, the driver, Jamaiya Miller, is accosted by an elderly white woman who claims, “We’ve had thieves here, and you’re a thief.” “Excuse me. Please don’t touch me,” Miller tells the aggressor, who hits the worker with her cell phone. Another white woman is heard off-camera interfering and threatening to call security to escort Miller off the premises. “She’s attacking me!” the elderly white woman shouts, but the video clearly shows the opposite is occurring. https://www.instagram.com/p/C1ScM-jJ2LF/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Miller said her instructions were to deliver the package to a suite. The caption of the IG video reads, “This lady spewed racist tropes, like that I was a thief, & hit me several times. She even threw me up against a residents door, and eventually ripped the package I’m attempting to delivery out of my hand, all unprompted. I did not once hit or touch her back. As much as I wanted to, I knew she would weaponize anything I did to her against me. She even yells “she’s hitting me!” in the video as you can literally see her hitting ME. I’m pressing charges on her, and have already filed the police report.” According to The Neighborhood Talk, a doorman de-escalated the situation, allowing the 25-year-old to escape what likely felt like a near lying. https://www.instagram.com/p/C1XwktMpbWt/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again According to two studies, Black Americans are more likely than Asians, whites, and Hispanics to report seeing racist news coverage. A 2023 Pew Research Center survey on Black U.S. adults’ experiences with the media found “about four-in-ten Black Americans (39%) say they extremely or fairly often see or hear news coverage about Black people that is racist or racially insensitive,” the study states, noting that “(41%) say they sometimes see this kind of coverage.” A separate Pew Research Center survey suggested that “other racial and ethnic groups are less likely to say they often see racially problematic coverage of Black people.” Per the review: “Among White Americans, 21% report seeing this kind of coverage extremely or fairly often, while an additional 30% see it sometimes. And about three-in-ten Asian (30%) and Hispanic (27%) adults say they often see racist coverage of Black people.” Jermaine Jackson is facing a lawsuit for alleged sexual assault and battery of a woman in 1988. A woman named Rita Butler Barrett, 69, filed a complaint this week in Los Angeles County Superior Court, accusing the famed singer of sexual abuse, sexual assault, sexual battery, negligence and rape, People reports. According to court documents, Barrett had known Jackson for several years before he showed up at her home one day unannounced. After forcing himself inside the residence, he violently rapped her and then left when he was “satiated.” “During the assault, Plaintiff, a woman of faith prayed to God for help. During the assault, Plaintiff feared for her life,” the lawsuit reads, per People. A day after the sexual assault, Barrett claims she told Motown Records founder Berry Gordy about the incident, but he “withheld and concealed the acts” because he was “in a business and/or management relationship” with Jackson. Director Blitz Bazawule’s new musical adaptation of “The Color Purple” has a Certified Fresh 87% score on Rotten Tomatoes. According to ScreenRant, the film’s 95% audience score surpasses Steven Spielberg’s 1985 adaptation starring Whoopi Goldberg as Celie, a Black Southern woman who struggles to find her identity amid decades of abuse in the early 1900s. The new project reunites Spielberg, Oprah Winfrey, and Quincy Jones as executive producers on Bazawule’s feature. Variety reports that the Warner Bros. movie musical is an adaptation of the Tony-winning Broadway musical by Marsha Norman, Brenda Lee, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker. Spielberg’s film, which is not a musical, reportedly grossed $142 million against a budget of $15 million. The beloved drama feature has a 73% Rotten Tomatoes score from critics and 94% from audiences. https://youtu.be/zTnircQsMaM Mariah Carey‘s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” dominates the Billboard Hot 100 chart as we round out 2023. Billboard reports that the song has ruled the Hot 100 for over five holiday seasons. Meanwhile, Carey’s kids, twins Monroe and Moroccan, 12, recently joked on social media that they are sick of listening to their mother’s classic holiday tune. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” was initially released in 1994 on Carey’s album “Merry Christmas.” The track has since become a holiday anthem, and the global superstar reportedly earns around $3 million yearly from the song. Billboard reported in December 2022 that the track continues to top the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts. In 2021, the song received the Recording Industry Association of America Diamond Award. https://www.instagram.com/p/C1Q1E5xICQ5/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Cardi B and LL Cool J will perform Sunday at Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve party. The duo will hit the stage just before midnight on New Year’s from two separate locations. LL will perform in Times Square in New York City, while Cardi will be at Fontainebleau Miami Beach in Miami, People reports. Megan Thee Stallion, Jelly Roll, Sabrina Carpenter, and Tyla will also hit the stage in NYC. The live program will also feature Post Malone in Las Vegas, K-pop girl group NewJeans in South Korea, and Ivy Queen in Puerto Rico. Previously announced performers include Aqua, Doechii, Ellie Goulding, Green Day, Janelle Monáe, Loud Luxury x Two Friends with Bebe Rexha, Ludacris, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Paul Russell, Reneé Rapp with Coco Jones, and Thirty Seconds to Mars, per Audacy. https://www.instagram.com/p/C1XQETvLUKJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=e8bf091b-0602-4593-b9cb-78ab074dede7 Ryan Seacrest and singer Rita Ora will host the New Year’s Eve countdown from Times Square. TV personality Jeannie Mai will host from the West Coast. “My family and I watched Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve every single year when I was a little girl, because it was the root of the party. It was what we looked forward to, what we dressed up for. Everybody gathered around this little TV,” Mai recalled in a new interview with People. “And now, to be here on screen, my mom actually thinks my career counts. Now, it matters. Now, she’s proud,” she continued. “So this is a big moment for me.” “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2024” will air LIVE on ABC on Dec. 31, starting at 8 p.m. ET. https://www.instagram.com/p/C1XP2p1rok4/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=861e0fff-5d7c-43ef-934f-7d4f0d54e425 Rapper Trina is catching heat from fans of Nicki Minaj after calling Beyoncé the “Queen of rap.” Trina appeared at the One Music Festival in October and credited Bey for the rise in popular female rappers, Complex reports. “‘Cause she’s like the number one female rapper when she does rap,” Trina explained. “When you hear her do a song and it’s rapping involved, it’s just like, ‘Oh my god.’ It’s more inspiration.” Nicki Minaj fans were quick to clap back on social media. One X/Twitter user posted a clip of Trina rapping Nicki’s 2010 song “Moment 4 Life.” The person noted that the Miami-based artist was “doing Nicki tributes when Nicki was still a rookie.” When Trina caught wind of the criticism she hit up social media to announce in a post… “I really don’t give a rats ass how anybody feels, I said what I said.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1740056927231685095 Trina’s full IG post read: “Now that I have y’all undivided attention ‼️ I am actually late to the party bcuz I wasn’t aware of this nonsense happening today bcuz Im too busy minding my business. Let me just make myself CLEAR once again, since it’s a slow day for the blogs and bullshit, this interview was back in October at The One Music Festival.. I rlly don’t give a rats ass how anybody feel, I said what I said .. that’s the Queen Bey and I’m gonna STAN �� on that ��️��️��️ Beyonce is the Queen of rap (when she raps) and ALL genres of music when it comes to me ‼️ go argue with the IRS or somebody else idc ������ and that’s not up for debate over here. So run along and enjoy the rest of y’all day. https://twitter.com/i/status/1740432552392044878 Trina recently came to the defense of raunchy female rappers Sexyy Red and Sukihana, who face criticism over their oversexualized lyrics. “They are over 21, and they can do whatever they want to do,” said Trina in an interview at One Musicfest, adding, “this is a freedom of speech like we’re not locked up, we’re not chained down, say what you want to say, make music of what you feel like. If you don’t like it, don’t listen, that’s why we have ears,” she said, Complex reports. https://twitter.com/i/status/1740511689731117263 Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who conspired with an ex-boyfriend to kill her abusive mother in 2015, was released from prison on Thursday. Blanchard, 32, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in 2016 and was sentenced to 10 years in prison as part of a plea deal. Prosecuting attorneys opted to go easy on Gypsy due to the years of abuse she experienced at the hands of her seemingly mentally ill mother, Clauddine “Dee Dee” Blanchard. “If I had another chance to redo everything, I don’t know if I would go back to when I was a child and tell my aunts and uncles that I’m not sick and mommy makes me sick,” Gypsy told People ahead of her early prison release. “Or, if I would travel back to just the point of that conversation with Nick and tell him, ‘You know what, I’m going to go tell the police everything.’ I kind of struggle with that,” she admitted. There was a tendency for Dee Dee to publicly spread false rumors about her daughter’s alleged health problems. During Gypsy’s childhood, her mother claimed she suffered from numerous illnesses, including leukemia. Gypsy testified during the murder trial that she was forced to undergo multiple unnecessary surgeries, and her mother made her use medical devices, such as a feeding tube, an oxygen tank, and a wheelchair, Complex reports. https://youtu.be/YYQQ6I4YVI4 Angela Bassett has joined the A-list cast of Netflix’s upcoming limited series “Zero Day.” Robert De Niro also stars in the political thriller alongside an ensemble cast that includes Dan Stevens, Matthew Modine, Bill Camp, McKinley Belcher III, Lizzy Caplan, Jesse Plemons, Joan Allen, and Connie Britton — with Clark Gregg, Gaby Hoffmann, and Mark Ivanir in guest starring roles. The project marks De Niro’s first lead TV role of his career. The legendary actor will portray beloved former President Mullen, who leaves retirement to lead a commission investigating a potential world crisis. Bassett stars as President Mitchell, a brilliant and wise political tactician with an allegiance to Mullen. Per Netflix, here’s the show’s logline, “Zero Day asks the question on everyone’s mind: How do we find truth in a world in crisis, one seemingly being torn apart by forces outside our control? And in an era rife with conspiracy theory and subterfuge, how much of those forces are products of our own doing, perhaps even of our own imagining?” Read on to meet the key players in the new conspiracy thriller.” “Zero Day” is directed and executive-produced by Lesli Linka Glatter (Homeland). https://youtu.be/9eN_AGX8GXk Kanye West, Coi Leray, and Drake are among the artists on Variety’s Worst Songs of 2023 list. Coming in the #1 spot is “Try That in a Small Town” by country music star Jason Aldean. We reported previously that Aldean is accused of promoting gun violence and racism on the track. As reported byThe Jasmine Brand, the video was shot in front of the historic Maury County Courthouse in Columbia, Tennessee. This is where 18-year-old Henry Choate was lynched from a second-floor window in 1927 by a white mob after being accused of raping a white girl. After the music video’s release, social media users called the song a “pro-lynching” anthem and accused the artist of being racist. The second track on Variety’s list of Worst Songs of 2023 is “Vultures,” by Kanye West and Ty Dolla Sign, featuring Bump J. In it, Ye raps, “How am I antisemitic? I just f***** a Jewish b****.” Elon Musk responded to reports that one of his factory’s AI robots nearly killed a Tesla software engineer. The incident occurred in a Tesla factory in Austin two years ago but is only now receiving widespread media coverage. The engineer allegedly suffered severe injuries during the attack. Witnesses said the robot pinned the engineer with its metal claws into his back and arm, leaving a trail of blood on the factory floor. The engineer escaped when another worker pressed the emergency stop button, per The Information. The news site obtained an injury report submitted to federal officials and health authorities in Travis County. “Truly shameful of the media to dredge up an injury from two years ago due to a simple industrial Kuka robot arm (found in all factories) and imply that it is due to Optimus now,” Musk wrote in an X post on Wednesday after an X user shared a Daily Mail article about the terminator robot. https://youtu.be/cpraXaw7dyc Nikki Haley on Thursday sought to clarify her comments about the Civil War one day after a voter in New Hampshire called her out for not mentioning slavery as a cause of the war. “I mean, of course, the Civil War was about slavery,” Haley told radio host Jack Heath Thursday morning. “But what’s the lesson in all of that?” she continued. “We need to make sure that every person has freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom to do and be anything they want to be without anyone or government getting in the way. That was the goal of what that was at. Yes, I know it was about slavery. I’m from the South, of course, I know it’s about slavery.” Her comments come amid intense backlash inside and outside the GOP after Haley told a New Hampshire town hall crowd that the Civil War was about the government interfering in people’s freedoms. https://youtu.be/qa-9Ww-K2EM “I mean, I think the cause of the Civil War was basically how government was going to run. The freedoms and what people could and couldn’t do,” Haley had said Wednesday in a visit to Berlin — the first of five events in the Granite State as she attempts to close the gap with Republican front-runner Donald Trump ahead of next month’s primary. The former South Carolina governor then asked the voter who had asked her about the Civil War what he thought the cause was, to which the voter responded, “I’m not running for president.” “I think it always comes down to the role of government and what the rights of the people are,” Haley added. “I will always stand by the fact that I think government was intended to secure the rights and freedoms of the people. It was never meant to be all things to all people,” she added. The voter criticized her for not mentioning slavery in her answer. “In the year 2023, it’s astonishing to me that you answer that question without mentioning the word slavery,” the voter said. https://youtu.be/yg3du0ZilyM?list=RDNSyg3du0ZilyM Civil rights leader Bishop William J. Barber says he was kicked out of a North Carolina movie theater while attempting to see “The Color Purple” for trying to use his own chair in the disabled section. Barber, 60, said he tried to use the special chair he brought in the disabled section of the Greenville theater on Tuesday afternoon and was told by staff he couldn’t do that. The former NAACP North Carolina chapter president told CNN he has a medical condition that makes it impossible to sit in a regular chair. He said he walks with two canes and his assistant carries a special chair everywhere he goes. In video of the incident shared by Barber with CNN, the chair appears to be a stool-type chair with a backrest and no arms. Barber has a form of arthritis known as ankylosing spondylitis, which causes inflammation in the joints and ligaments of the spine, according to the National Institutes of Health. https://youtu.be/scvSqcXZB_w “I’ve used this chair everywhere,” Barber said. “Broadway, the White House, I’ve never had a problem,” he added. The Greenville Police Department confirmed officers arrived at the AMC Fire Tower 12 after receiving a call for trespassing. Officers said the caller stated a customer was arguing with employees and the employees wanted the customer removed. After a conversation with Barber, he agreed to leave the theater voluntarily and no charges were filed, according to a Greenville police statement. “I felt like I wasn’t being heard,” Barber said. “It felt as though they weren’t even trying to consider making accommodations for my disability,” he added. https://youtu.be/i9NpA6F9uoc Aaron Ellis, 43, has personally experienced the pain and animosity victims of hate incidents suffer. On Jan. 30, Ellis, an editor for a press release service and a Black resident of San Dimas, was dressed in his workout clothes and wearing a backpack filled with bricks to increase the intensity of his workout when as he started to walk around his Charter Oak neighborhood in the San Gabriel Valley, a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department cruiser pulled up and directed him to halt. Within moments, Ellis reported that the officer aggressively slammed him against the cruiser hood, frisked and handcuffed him, and tossed him in the backseat of the patrol car. Someone had accused Ellis of peeking into parked vehicles. Ellis, barely 10 minutes into his 45-minute workout, said he was dumbfounded and terrified. https://youtu.be/I0Xjr3gOvJA Burger King has been working to revitalize its brand over the past few years, redesigning everything from its logo to its packaging. The next step: is remodeling restaurants. Customers entering Burger King locations will “start to see something different in 2024,” said Tom Curtis, president of Burger King US & Canada. After working on it for over a year, the brand officially unveiled a new restaurant design called “Sizzle” during the company’s franchisee convention last week, Curtis said. Currently, there are two Burger King restaurants open that have been remodeled with the Sizzle decor: One in New Jersey, and one in Las Vegas. Another will open later this month in North Carolina, according to the company. The plan is for more updated restaurants to start opening next year. The new concepts feature digital ordering kiosks, plenty of Whopper branding, and streamlined drive-thru and pickup lanes. Moving forward, “we’re going to lean in where the most of our business comes in, which is the drive-thru,” Curtis said. A 23-year-old Florida woman was fatally shot by her teenage brother on Christmas Eve after an argument about presents. After Damarcus Coley, 14, killed his sister Abrielle Baldwin, the teenager was immediately shot and injured by his older sibling, 15-year-old Darcus Coley. According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, both males face multiple charges. Baldwin and her two brothers went shopping for gifts on Christmas Eve with their mother and Abrielle’s 11-month-old and six-year-old sons. When they arrived at their grandmother’s home, Damarcus, Darcus, and Abrielle got into a verbal altercation over Christmas gifts, according to a press release. “After Abrielle told Damarcus to stop arguing because it was Christmas, Damarcus told Abrielle he was going to shoot her and the 11-month-old she was holding in a baby carrier. Damarcus shot Abrielle in the chest while Abrielle was holding the child in the carrier,” the release continues. The baby was not injured, according to reports. “Shortly thereafter, Darcus exited the residence with another firearm and shot Damarcus because Damarcus shot Abrielle. Darcus then fled the scene, tossing his firearm into a nearby yard,” per the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. https://youtu.be/TiMwjPQoDRw Radio DJ Peter Rosenberg believes music executives pressured Kanye West to apologize to Jewish people ahead of the release of his new album “Vulture.” West returned to Instagram on December 26 to issue an apology in Hebrew. The message read, “I sincerely apologize to the Jewish community for any ‘unintended outburst.’ I did not intend to hurt or demean, and I deeply regret any pain I may have caused. I am committed to starting with myself and learning from this experience to ensure greater sensitivity and understanding in the future. Your forgiveness is important to me, and I am committed to making amends and promoting unity.” Rosenberg isn’t convinced the rapper is being genuine. “I thought, ‘I wonder what the sample is that Kanye needs to try to clear before Friday.’ We all know Kanye notoriously is late with handling album stuff,” he told TMZ. “I just wonder whether there was something getting held up. And someone said, ‘Hey, this sample does not get cleared if he does not issue an apology.’ Like you guys said, he just goes on chat GPT and boom we get a quote apology,” Rosenberg added. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2023-12-27-122723-peter-rosenberg-1749361-947/ After seeing a snippet of an interview with Kevin Hart‘s ex-assistant, he’s filed a lawsuit against infamous YouTube Blogger Tasha K. What we are surprised to learn though is that it’s an extortion lawsuit. Hart says Tasha K is trying to get $250,000 out of him in exchange for not releasing the full interview. In the legal docs first obtained by TheBlast, a representative of Tasha K, Latasha Kebe, allegedly contacted Hart’s team in November, claiming to have a damning interview with an ex-assistant. The blogger is accused of threatening to publish/post it if she wasn’t paid first. The story goes that Tasha K was served a cease-and-desist letter stating that she had no right to discuss Hart’s business. On top of that, the comedian/actor also let her know she was NOT getting any money. https://youtu.be/xNQxRc5Oatk ABC 7 New York reports that councilmembers introduced legislation this month to declare December 4 (the rapper’s birthday) a holiday, named “Jay-Z Day.” The bill would celebrate Jigga’s “legendary status as a masterful MC and lyricist and as an innovative entrepreneur.” “The global phenomenon that is Jay-Z—born Shawn Carter—is widely known as an artist, mogul, husband and father, wealth builder, and supporter of economic development and community causes,” said Councilwoman Farah Louis during the resolution meeting, per Complex. She continued, “Dec. 4 as Jay-Z Day announces to the world how this Brooklyn son can be all things, including loved by his community. In the spirit of celebrating Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary, establishing an annual celebration to recognize a homegrown hero while proclaiming our municipal support is fitting.” https://youtu.be/jbMqKdyXxu8 On Jan. 3, the council’s 2024 session will begin, during which the resolution will be discussed.Meanwhile, JAY-Z recently released his year-end playlist on TIDAL, dubbed the “Couple Songs of ’23,” including tracks from his wife Beyoncé, Nas, Drake, and Nicki Minaj. The playlist also boasts hits from Icewear Vezzo, J. Cole, Sauce Walka, Killer Mike, Babyface Ray, Mozzy, Young Nudy, and Gunna. Check out the entire playlist right here. Back in October, JAY-Z weighed in on the “$500,000 in cash or lunch with JAY-Z?” debate during a sit down with Gayle King for an interview on “CBS Mornings.” https://youtu.be/rXFK_-nXVJ0 Serena Williams recently revealed that she is donating her leftover breast milk to mothers unable to breastfeed. In a short clip online, Williams reveals a freezer full of frozen “super solider” milk bags. She captioned the footage: “On a recent trip to NY I had left over breast milk. After going through a screening I was able to donate it instead of taking the milk home. I know so many amazing women that adopt or are unable to make milk. It felt amazing. BTW Someone out there is getting some super soldier milk. “ The tennis champ says she’s “really excited” to donate “to people who really need it.” Several of Williams’ fans and celebrity pals reacted in the post’s comments section, with one person writing, “Somebody’s newborn is about to do handstands in their bassinet!” Another IG user added, “The kid will never hear the end of it. “I gave you Serena Williams milk and you only got a B+?” “I gave you Serena Williams milk and you only got the bronze medal?” “I gave you Serena Williams milk and you won’t do your chores?” Joking aside, that is a wonderful gift.” https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1F_LL_r2Q2/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=126e0b13-6eb2-4e2f-9042-3971082542d7 Eddie Murphy is speaking out about reprising his role as Axel Foley in the fourth installment of the “Beverly Hills Cop” franchise. The teaser trailer recently dropped for the upcoming “Beverly Hills Cop 4: Axel F,” which co-stars Taylour Paige stars as Axel Foley’s daughter, who teams up with her dad and his new partner (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) to “turn up the heat and uncover a conspiracy,” according to the synopsis, TheWrap reports. Per Netflix, “It’s been nearly 30 years since we last saw the fast-talking Detroit cop, but he’s finally heading out on a new case. Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F sees Axel on patrol back in Beverly Hills, with friends both old and new.” Murphy returns to the franchise ahead of the 40th anniversary of the hit 1984 film. “I did Axel Foley when I was in my 20s. I am not in my 20s anymore. It was an action movie. So it was a rough one. But we got through it,” Murphy told People in an interview. https://youtu.be/qBG3iyr5N70 Jordan Peele had two movies slated for 2024 release, but Universal removed both titles from the calendar. According to Deadline, the move is “strike-related,” and it’s unclear when both features will return. One of the projects is reportedly an untitled horror thriller set to debut in theaters on September 27, 2024, and the other feature was expected to drop on Christmas Day that same year. Both titles are under Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions, but he helmed only one of the projects. Peele’s last sci-fi movie, “Nope,” grossed $171.2M worldwide, per Deadline. When the Oscar winner appeared at Cinemacon in 2022, Peele discussed the meaning behind the title. https://youtu.be/In8fuzj3gck 50 Cent wants to work with Taraji P. Henson after the “Empire” actress spoke out recently about pay inequality. “They dropped the ball fvck em @tarajiphenson I’m ready to work let’s get it ! GLG GreenLightGang G-unit Film&Tv,” 50 wrote on the Instagram post. His remarks come days after Henson told THR that she’s “been getting paid and I’ve been fighting tooth and nail every project to get that same freaking [fee] quote.” The actress said, “… it’s a slap in the face when people go, ‘Oh girl, you work all the time. You always working.’ Well, goddammit, I have to. It’s not because I wish I could do two movies a year and that’s that. I have to work because the math ain’t mathing,” Henson added. “And I have bills.” Henson also unpacked the pay gap for Black women during a conversation on Gayle King‘s Sirius XM radio show. She became emotional when King asked if she plans to quit acting. https://www.instagram.com/p/C1U2c68u-eS/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=92f8a287-7578-4b10-912d-af757456ff9b “I’m just tired of working so hard,” said Henson, adding, “being gracious about what I do, getting paid a fraction of the cost. I’m tried of hearing my sisters say the same thing over and over. You get tired.” Henson said in a separate interview recently that she even had to fight for a proper salary to appear in “The Color Purple” movie musical, which opened on Christmas day. As THR reports, she earned an Oscar nod for her performance in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” and several Emmy nominations for playing “Cookie” in the hit series “Empire.” Despite the acclaim and accolades over her 20-year career, Henson is “fighting tooth and nail every project to get that same freaking [fee] quote,” she told THR. https://youtu.be/GUzqD5UcLwo Comedian Jess Hilarious has officially joined Charlamagne Da God and DJ Envy as co-host of “The Breakfast Club.” The social media star replaces Angela Yee, who departed the popular New York-based radio show last year. Jess announced her new gig at an event in her hometown of Baltimore on Dec. 23. On X/Twitter, one user said her addition to the show is “Definitely a good fit.” “I was wondering when this was going to be announced cause she was up there like every other week,” another person commented, referring to Jess guest hosting on the morning radio program. A third commented, “I’m so glad she got it because not one of those other girls fit the bill. You go @jess_hilarious.” https://eurweb.com/2023/jess-hilarious-joins-the-breakfast-club/ My mind… what I always wanted for The Breakfast Club was new talent constantly comes in and is a part of this… is under this umbrella of the club. So whether Angela Yee is there or I’m there or Envy’s there, the platform can still continue,” he added. https://twitter.com/SSZEXXYY/status/1735655249753366983?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1735655249753366983%7Ctwgr%5E72465f8cdd3ddab8558caf0eea944fd1bbfd9d06%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2023%2Fjess-hilarious-joins-the-breakfast-club%2F AS reported previously that Envy is named in a lawsuit against his business partner, Cesar Pina, alleging the duo defrauded multiple investors of millions of dollars. Pena’s wife, Jennifer, is also named in the suit Anthony Barone and Anthony Martini filed. The plaintiffs claim that the trio “utilized the invested funds to sustain or bolster their opulent lifestyles.” DJ Envy has denied the allegations, declaring that his inclusion in the lawsuit is only due to his celebrity status. https://www.instagram.com/p/C1HndtzrGOE/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_againhttps://www.instagram.com/p/C1HndtzrGOE/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Jeannie Mai says she is committed to putting herself first amid her divorce battle with her estranged husband, rapper Jeezy. “I think we as women specifically don’t hear it enough that there is no greater love in your life, even as a mom, that you will ever get from anybody other than yourself. That is the first love of your life, and that will be the last love of your life,” Mai, 44, shared with People in a new interview. “As women, we look to our partners, we look to our parents, we look to our jobs, way more than we do ourselves, me included. And this year, I am putting myself front row,” she added. Mai will co-host “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2024″ in Los Angeles on Sunday, and the gig comes as a welcoming distraction from her legal battle with Jeezy. As we reported… Jeezy filed for divorce in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sept. 14, after two-and-a-half years of marriage. According to People, the filing says the marriage is “irretrievably broken” with “no hope for reconciliation.” Comedian Mike Epps and his wife Kyra are renovating six properties they purchased in Indianapolis as part of a new HGTV series. It was reported previously that “Buying Back The Block” will follow the couple as they revitalize the street Mike grew up on. Epps, his wife, and their expert construction team have transformed an abandoned firehouse into their new family home. He also overhauled his grandmother’s house on the same block. “Kyra and I are restoring two homes on the block, one was my grandmother’s house from the 1960s,” Epps said in a news release. “Our kids will see us work firsthand, nail by nail, to rebuild these homes and our community. Our goal is to inspire legacy and family for generations to come,” he added. https://youtu.be/212nPYboovc During his recent appearance on “The Joe Budden Podcast,” Dr. Umar Johnson went on a wild rant about Kobe Bryant’s widow. Johnson expressed frustration with Vanessa Bryant, who is Mexican-American, for not using her late husband’s fortune to build up Black communities. “Vanessa inherited his wealth and guess what? Is Vanessa Bryant using any of that Black man’s money to do any good in the Black community? Absofu*kinlutely not,” Johnson stated on the broadcast. “Vanessa Bryant just started an initiative with three predominantly white colleges, some sort of sports initiative, with Kobe’s money and Kobe’s name. Didn’t choose a single HBCU with a Black man’s money,” he added. The Los Angeles Lakers perished in a helicopter crash in January 2020 along with his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others. Kobe and Vanessa were married for 19 years and had four daughters. Amazon emailed its millions of Prime members this week, alerting them to an upcoming change to the streaming service (Prime Video) that will leave customers with two options: pay more or watch ads. Starting January 29, Prime Video will feature “limited” advertisements, Amazon said in its email. To avoid ads, customers will have to pay $2.99 a month more. Amazon first announced the change in September. “This will allow us to continue investing in compelling content and keep increasing that investment over a long period of time,” Amazon said in its email to Prime members this week. “We aim to have meaningfully fewer ads than linear TV and other streaming TV providers.” Amazon is hardly alone in making the change. Prime Video is joining most other streaming services by inserting ads into its programming and raising prices on ad-free tiers. https://youtu.be/VLFpU9aqtXc The third season of “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” kicked off December 1. “Raising Canan tells the origin story of fan-favorite character Kanan Stark (MeKai Curtis), originally played by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson in the flagship “Power” series. According to the series synopsis: “This season delves further into his evolution from the devoted son of Raquel “Raq” Thomas (Patina Miller) into the eventual ferocious, amoral and pragmatic personality fans know from ‘Power,’” per the official synopsis. https://youtu.be/ZG6Jw5xgP9s Check out an exclusive clip from this week’s episode of WEtv’s “Love After Lockup: Innocent After Lockup,” which takes viewers inside the lives of exonerees falsely accused and convicted of crimes they did not commit. The three-episode special premiered December 15, and every “episode follows a different falsely accused exoneree who spent 15 – 22 years in a maximum-security penitentiary and were subsequently proven innocent,” per the official series synopsis. The description continues, “The exonerees are currently at various stages of suing the state or federal government for financial compensation for their time unjustly spent behind bars.” In our preview of this week’s episode, Ru-El and Amy ask their defense attorney to be a GodParent! https://youtu.be/7koKcRhzQ3E All Mariah Carey wanted for Christmas this year did not include Bryan Tanaka, a dancer and creative director. He shared on social media that he and the superstar singer have parted ways after seven years. “With mixed emotions, I share this personal update regarding my amicable separation from Mariah Carey after seven extraordinary years together,” Tanaka wrote in a statement posted on his verified Instagram account. Tanaka added: “Our decision to embark on different paths is mutual, and as we navigate these separate journeys, we do so with profound respect and an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the invaluable time we’ve shared. The memories we’ve created and the artistic collaborations are etched in my heart forever.” The 40-year-old is a former backup dancer who was part of Carey’s “The Adventures of Mimi Tour” in 2006. They reportedly started dating in 2016, had a brief split the following year, and then they later reunited. https://youtu.be/yYeypwmuqJ0?list=RDNSyYeypwmuqJ0 Dancing his way around the globe, an Inkster, MI native (Michael Manson Jr.) is taking the spirit of Motown from coast to coast and across seas one dance move at a time. “They call me ‘Mike Manson dat be Dancin’,” said Michael Manson Jr. “What I push is our native style, Detroit Jit, that’s what I’m known for.” Jit is a form of dance native to Detroit, blending elements of African dance, modern, jazz, and tap with fast moves and fancy footwork, and it’s taken Manson more places than ever imagined. “I taught in Bolivia, giving back to the community. I taught in Paris, giving back to the community,” he said. “D.C., Minnesota, it goes on. If I tell you every place I’ve been, you would think I’m stroking my own ego.” https://www.youtube.com/shorts/m6htq4J_3U8?feature=share Regardless of how far he’s traveled, his heart has always stayed true to home dancing for the Detroit Pistons, native Detroit rapper, Tee Grizzley, and even representing Detroit on the national stage as a contestant on a reality TV dance competition show. “That was a good move, and it was a dope experience,” Manson said. Aside from performing and teaching Jit across the globe on a mission to preserve its history and relevance, Manson is also a single father balancing his passion and parenting on a daily basis. “God, faith,” he said. “On the day-to-day, I don’t realize how hard it is, or I don’t focus on how hard it is, I should say, because I have to move with faith.” And with faith and a whole lot of footwork on his side, Manson said you haven’t seen the last of him yet because there’s so much more to come. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/D_kvr4rrcT8?feature=share Following a sold-out national tour – the next stop is January 15th in Denver, Colorado – Black thought leader 19 Keys sits down with Jazmyn Summers to chop it up about the spiritual message that has his popularity blowing up. He’s already amassed almost one million followers on Instagram. https://youtu.be/zwj_G9PZIGA This is not exactly the kind of holiday story we like to tell, but reality doesn’t pull any punches. The bottom line is that on Christmas morning, Beyoncé‘s childhood home in Houston’s Third Ward caught on fire. The Houston Fire Department says they received a call about the fire at around 2am local time on Monday. When firefighters arrived, the home’s second story was already fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters successfully contained the bulk of the fire within 10 minutes, HFD says. It also relayed that firefighters had to cut into the roof to deal with the attic and eaves, ensuring that the fire was fully under control. The Knowles Family moved out of the home decades ago, but it’s still considered an iconic landmark to fans of the Houston-born musician. https://youtu.be/HnRMxTug0MA The family that lives there now was home at the time, but according to the fire department, no one was injured. ABC13 spoke with the family, who were all still in their festive pajamas, some of them young children. Firefighters said they were able to put the fire out quickly before it could cause more damage: “They did a great job. I’m going to say in less than 10 minutes, we had a really good grip on this fire,” District Chief Justin Barnes said. Beyoncé’s parents, Mathew and Tina Knowles bought the three-bedroom, three-bathroom house with a spiral staircase leading up to a third-floor office, in 1981 for $64,000 – the same year the singer was born. For what it’s worth, TMZ notes that someone bought the 8,640-square-foot-lot lot next to the home for $310,000 in 2022. Meanwhile, the Houston Fire Department HFD is still trying to determine the cause of the fire. https://youtu.be/OG9bG7Vrrtg Black women, ranging from advocates for civil rights to musicians, authors, and influential figures in media, have left an enduring mark on culture and society. This article showcases impactful and famous Black women in history and their outstanding accomplishments. Against discrimination and systemic barriers, these resilient African American women broke down obstacles, inspiring others to pursue justice and equality. Every Black woman highlighted here has left a distinctive impact on both their communities and the world. Daisy Bates, a prominent civil rights activist, spearheaded the efforts to integrate the racially segregated Little Rock Central High School, Arkansas in 1957. As head of the Arkansas NAACP, Bates was instrumental in recruiting the ‘Little Rock Nine,’ the first 9 African American students to integrate the once all-white Central High School. Despite facing resistance, she remained dedicated to advocating for the Black students’ access to a quality education. Uncovering the horrors of racism in the American South was no easy task, but investigative journalist Ida B. Wells made it her duty. After her friend’s murder, she initiated a crusade against lynching in America and continued to raise awareness by documenting 728 lynching cases. Sister Rosetta Tharpe stands as one of the 20th century’s most influential artists. A songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist, Rosetta Tharpe played a groundbreaking role in shaping rock and roll music. By blending gospel, jazz, and blues, she crafted a unique and influential sound that left a lasting impact on the music industry. Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s musical contributions paved the way for countless musicians, and her enduring influence resonates in today’s music. Confronting prejudice and discrimination as a Black woman, her legacy as a trailblazer is firmly established in music history. Born into slavery in Maryland, Tubman gained her freedom after escaping in 1849. For the next 12 years, she dedicated her life to guiding hundreds of enslaved people to freedom, following a route now famous as the Underground Railroad. Tubman courageously risked life on numerous occasions, undertaking over 13 perilous journeys and liberating more than 70 enslaved people. In addition to her fight against slavery, Tubman advocated for the creation of schools and educational institutions for the Black community. She also actively participated in women’s rights activism. Rosa Parks, raised in Montgomery, Alabama, despised segregation rules. In the South, bus rules were harsh, with separate sections for white and black people. In December 1955, after work, Rosa, tired but determined, refused to give up her seat to a white passenger in the overflow section. Her arrest sparked national attention, leading Martin Luther King Jr. to call for a public transport boycott. The NBA All-Star revealed the impact the ridicule has had on his daughter, during an interview on The Pivot podcast. According to Paul, his daughter is being bullied at school, with her classmates piling on insults towards him.“[My daughter] at the age now where at school kids talk crazy to her,” the Phoenix Suns player said on the podcast. “She had a little boy at school that said some reckless stuff to her. He was like, ‘Your daddy ain’t never gon’ win no championship.” Despite making the NBA All-Star team 12 times, multiple times as a member of the All-NBA First Team and a history that includes being named Rookie of the Year after being drafted with the No.4 overall pick by the New Orleans Hornets in 2005, Paul has become a source of laughs with consistently coming up short in the playoffs, Blavity noted, via Vibe. The reality of going without a ring after 20 years in the NBA is something he deals with regularly. Especially when his family is affected and caught in the crossfire of attacks that do not seem to end. https://youtu.be/DiW3bBlvj28 Atlanta may be where Stephanie Synclair is based, but the American woman is finding happiness overseas with the home she purchased in Italy. Chatting with “CNBC Make It,” Synclair detailed how a trip to Palermo, Sicily on a whim resulted in her buying a home there for $62,000. “I knew from the moment I landed that I loved it here, and it was almost like home for me,” the LaRue 1680 tea company founder said about the port city. Although she loved Palermo, the thought of actually finding residence there seemed more like a fantasy than reality for Synclair. “I always said I could see myself living here, but it was more so in a dream way,” she said about her home away from home. “I never actually saw myself buying a house here. I don’t know that I really thought it was possible at the time.” https://eurweb.com/2023/atlanta-woman-stephanie-synclair-buys-dream-home-in-italy-for-only-62000-videos/ “It was very important for me to keep the architectural details in this house, like the historic floors, and to not try to change the walls or the arches,” Synclair shared. “This house is at least 500 years old that we know of. It was remodeled maybe 100 years ago, and the floors are at least 100 years old, and they’re still kicking.” Compared to Atlanta, looks like Synclair got the better deal. The matriarch, who makes $80,000 annually, shells out $2,635 for her three-story rental home, Wi-Fi and utilities in Atlanta and an additional $1,165 for car payments and gas. In Sicily, she revealed her living expenses are minimal with just under an estimated $1,400 total on utilities, food, subscriptions and insurance spent in Sicily, where necessities are less expensive. “I live more than comfortably on my current salary, even with Atlanta being a lot pricier than it is here in Sicily, because I live for almost nothing here,” Synclair said. With thoughts turning toward the future, Synclair is hopeful to one day settle down fully in Sicily and retire for much. Currently, she divides her time between the States and Europe, traveling overseas every 12 weeks or so. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cx1XBatLDSO/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again It seems to us that a lot of folks have spent a lot of unnecessary energy weighing in on what NFLer Jonathan Owens (A/K/A “Simone Biles‘ husband”) all because he said he was the “catch” in their relationship. Additionally, what also bothered some responders is that Owens swore up and down that he didn’t know who Biles was when they first met. Owens made the comments on an episode of the “The Pivot Podcast” which debuted a week or so ago. Also, what most don’t realize is that Biles was with him when he said what he said and has ZERO problems with it. Biles exposed her annoyance with all the chatter by posting on X (Twitter) by asking if folks were done debating her marriage to Owens: “Are y’all done yet?” https://youtu.be/h8VLIC2dTqY Hip-Hop’s Asim I.I. releases the music video to his holiday single “The Christmas Song” (AngelicVoices Music/Symphonic) featuring Keisha Martin and the Soyemi Sisters. The “Christmas Song” music video is produced by AngelicVoicesMusic (AngelicVoices Ministry), a video graphed by Likevisions, with Asim I.I. Robinson and Likevisions directing. Heavy with holiday scenes depicting the loving moments found all over the world this time of the year, the music video is heartwarming. “The Christmas Song” single is written by Asim I.I. and it showcases his rap skills and the soulful vocals of Keisha Martin and the Soyemi Sisters. The holiday single is released from the AngelicVoices Music record label, owned by Vanderbilt Evans, Jr., and Asim I.I. Robinson. The last music video released from the label was for the AngelicVoices’ single “Why Not,” which recently reached #3 on the 4MTV’s Music Block World Top 10 List (Ne-Yo was at #7). This milestone is a testimony to the quality of the music coming from AngelicVoices Music. https://youtu.be/-VL0EaXZElY Now it’s Method Man‘s turn to be accused of assault from back in the 90s. Well, at least it’s not a sexual assault (if that matters). Doing the accusing is model Jayden Steele.Via her TikTok account, this past Monday (12-18-23), Steele shared a story of physical abuse from a “very large rapper in the ’90s who’s actually now an actor.” And if you’re wondering why Steele is coming forward now in 2023, she also tells why she wasn’t able to get justice at the time. “Good day all. You guys wanna know the reason why all these people are coming forward now telling their stories and they didn’t do it in the past?” she says. “Well, being a model for over 12 years and being in this industry, I was physically attacked by a very large rapper in the ’90s who’s actually now an actor right now today. “This man attacked me, I defended myself,” she added. “10 squad cars were called to the hotel ’cause we tore that bitch up. 10 squad cars were called – there wasn’t one police report written about the incident. I had five officers come up to my room and take a statement. Not one police report was written.” When it comes to prenuptial agreements, the topic can be a deal breaker for married couples. But believe it or not, there is a benefit to them, according to Mrs. Dow Jones, a TikTok financial expert who is basing her support of prenups on the document created for Jay-Z and Beyonce. In 2008, the year the power couple tied the knot, they signed a prenup. Citing Business Insider, Madame Noire, detailed that the prenup ensured Beyonce’s and Jay-Z’s assets remained separate and required financial transparency. In the agreement, the former Destiny’s Child singer is granted $5 million per child she has with Jay-Z, $10 million if their marriage ends before two years, and $1 million for every year they stay married up to 15 years. In addition to the prenup, Jay-Z and Beyonce signed a postnuptial agreement addressing how their assets would be distributed and their children’s trust fund. Acknowledging people’s negative perception of prenups being an encourager of divorce, Mrs. Dow Jones compared the agreement to a health insurance. “Beyoncé and Jay-Z know that prenups are like health insurance,” she explained in a TikTok video posted on March 9. “You don’t get health insurance expecting or wanting to get sick, but having it means you’re protected in case it happens. Prenups are the same; they’re just marriage insurance. You want yours to last forever, but you’re protected no matter what.” https://youtu.be/Zb7IjlmUaJA The Pittsburgh Steelers’ three-game losing streak isn’t gaining them any new friends as the team and head coach Mike Tomlin are catching major heat from sports fans. While George Pickens has been a valuable asset for the team, the wide receiver’s recklessness has made a critic out of Shannon Sharpe. So much so that the NFL former tight end is holding Tomlin responsible for not holding Pickens and his fellow Steelers accountable for their unacceptable behavior on the field. Referencing the latest show of disrespect, Yardbarker.com noted the latest show of disrespect via Warren admitting to “taking a play off to avoid an injury.” The play in question occurred during the Steelers’ Week 15 game against the Indianapolis Colts. Instead of scoring a touchdown-saving block on a run play by Jaylen Warren, Pickens opted to give up halfway through the play. As a result, defender Pickens was on tackled Warren with no problem. Reacting to what happened Tomlin defended Pickens’ disregard for the Steelers, stating he is too valuable to the team to consider benching him. https://youtu.be/IE8xzzMpy9Y Roslyn Brock wants every generation of her family to see the musical remake of “The Color Purple.” So, she is renting out a theater in Dothan, Alabama, on Christmas Day for 165 of her relatives to watch the film together. Everyone, she said, has been asked to wear purple. “It’s just a great opportunity for us to introduce this cultural classic to a new generation and then to reintroduce it in a different way to those who have seen it before,” Brock said. As moviegoers across the country flock to theaters this holiday weekend, many Black Americans are hoping to reconnect with a story that has become a cultural touchstone in the Black community. In the four decades since author Alice Walker published “The Color Purple,” the novel has been adapted into a film, a Broadway show and now a movie musical. But fans and academics tell CNN it’s the story’s themes of sisterhood, women’s empowerment, and overcoming abuse and hardship that continue to resonate across the decades. https://youtu.be/wPwzBUui1GA “The Color Purple” has been equally praised and criticized for its raw portrayal of domestic abuse, sexual violence and queer Black relationships. Salamishah Tillet, author of the book “In Search of The Color Purple: The Story of an American Masterpiece,” told CNN the novel presents Black women as complex and nuanced and celebrates relationships that are deep and intense. “A lot of Black women can find some parts of themselves to cheer for, to identify with, to fall in love with, to hope for. We see parts of ourselves or see our mothers, our grandmothers, our sisters, our daughters in these characters,” she said. “Because (Walker) was able to see the richness of Black womanhood in the lives of these characters, we can see our breadth, our potential, our pain, our hope, as well.” https://youtu.be/Hdz5uAqH2VQ In 1983, Walker became the first Black woman to win the Pulitzer Prize in Fiction for the novel. “The Color Purple” also won the National Book Award in the same category that year. Director Steven Spielberg adapted the novel into a film of the same name in 1985, starring Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey and Danny Glover. The film received 11 Academy Award nominations but did not take home any awards. The film was also widely criticized at the time by some Black Americans for perpetuating harmful stereotypes such as Black men are violent towards women.There was also thinly veiled anti-LGBTQ criticism of the portrayal of Shug Avery and Celie’s relationship, which was seen by some as “undermining the unity of the Black family,” Tillet added. https://youtu.be/SuCQCE2MXYY Alice Randall, author and writer in residence for African American and Diaspora Studies at Vanderbilt University, told CNN despite the criticism of the film and novel, the story’s message is one of resilience as a form of resistance. “Celie endures so many hard things from so many directions. Sometimes our enemies are in our own houses,” Randall said. “And still, we have to rise. And still, we deserve joy … still at our best we connect with love and beauty. Not pretending it is where it isn’t, but finding it where it is.” The story, she said, is ultimately about finding yourself and balancing community with others. “That dual address is central to the heart of the lives of so many Black women. That balance, serving community, engaging with community, but maintaining individual identity – but not at the price of broken connection,” she said. https://youtu.be/p3nZRCOPjl4 For some, Walker’s novel wrote the experience of women and girls who have survived sexual and physical abuse into vivid distinction. Tillet said she first read the novel when she was 15 and later turned to the book as a source of healing after she was sexually assaulted while in college. “We have a character who kind of goes through the whole arc of experiencing trauma, finding her voice, redefining her sexuality, and then becoming part of this community. And in that process, she also helps other people heal,” she said. Celie’s story inspired Tillet to publicly write about the assault for her college newspaper. She later started a nonprofit with her sister called A Long Walk Home in 2003, which strives to use art to facilitate healing and to bring awareness to violence against girls and women. https://youtu.be/nC7qPZKPIBE Few luminaries shine as brightly as Cedric the Entertainer, a multifaceted artist whose charisma, humor, and talent have left an indelible mark on the world of comedy and beyond. Now the comedic maestro is adding music artist and producer to his resume with the release of “Soul of Christmas” an album described as a harmonious fusion of soul, R&B, and jazz. Now the comedic maestro is adding music artist and producer to his resume with the release of “Soul of Christmas.” Ced says the album is described as a harmonious fusion of soul, R&B, and jazz. https://youtu.be/9SY3dqxkA_c Cedric the Entertainer: My name is Ced, and it starts with a C, and I started thinking about what goes with that. And I’m thinking of course “Cheers” goes with laughter and so….Cheerio! I decided to go with that, and then … true story: General Mills sent a cease and desist letter basically telling me that wasn’t going to fly. So now it’s just Cedric but this album is something fun we did. We Love this time of year, and it’s full of great collaborations. Not only me, I’m singing on it and I got my kids on there. But then so many wonderful artists like DJ Romeo, Major, and Dave Koz. https://youtu.be/vIU7oKsthbo Nicki Minaj is making historical movies with her first No. 1 Gospel song, the Tasha Cobbs-Leonard-assisted single “Blessings.” According to Vibe, the tune, which is featured on the rapstress’ latest album Pink Friday 2,” topped Billboard’s Hot Gospel Chart, collecting 3.1 million official U.S. streams in the Dec. 8-14 tracking week. “It also sold 3,000 downloads and arrives atop both Gospel Streaming Songs (where its Leonard’s fifth No. 1 and Minaj’s first) and Gospel Digital Song Sales (marking Leonard’s 10th leader and Minaj’s second),” Billboard reported. “Blessings” marks the second collaboration between Cobbs-Leonard and Minaj. Their first pairing, Minaj’s first Gospel feature, was on the 2017 track “I’m Getting Ready” from Cobbs-Leonard’s album “Heart. Passion. Pursuit.” On the secular side, “Pink Friday 2” is bringing another success to Minaj’s record of accomplishment. The album, released on Dec. 8, the rapper’s birthday, took the charts by storm by breaking the record for the most songs on the Hot 100 chart at one time by a female rapper. Out of PF2’s 22 songs, 17 are charting, according to Chart Data. https://youtu.be/f8H7h1ytPS4 Rashard Mendenhall has had it up to here with “average white guys” who serve as analysts for the game of football. Although he did not name anyone in particular, the New York Post reports the former Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals running back took to social media a few hours after weighing in on criticism directed at Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and the Steelers team. https://youtu.be/RLIPKz2DQpE “I’m sick of average white guys commenting on football,” Mendenhall wrote in a post on X while suggesting a new replacement for the Pro Bowl. “Y’all not even good at football. Can we please replace the Pro Bowl with an All-Black vs. All-White Bowl so these cats can stop trying to teach me who’s good at football? I’m better than ur (sic) goat.” Before criticizing his former team, the Steelers and NFL analysts, The Steelers, Mendenhall, made his mark as an athlete with stints as a running back in college for Illinois before turning pro. Mendenhall’s tenure with the Steelers (2008 – 2012) included a Super Bowl victory against the Cardinals, followed by a final year in the pros with the Arizona Cardinals. The Steelers’ win at the Big Game marked Tomlin’s first Super Bowl championship. https://youtu.be/B3BiW7eFu4Q Ellia, who plays the recurring role of Auntie Rae, said the show is based on ad-libbing “You have to listen to everything other actors are saying.” The Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning HBO series stars Larry David (“Seinfeld”) and is about the comedian/writer/producer’s fictionalized life. The series launched in 2007 with Ellia English casted as a member of the Black family that takes refuge at Larry’s house, and is misplaced by a hurricane evacuation. The other Black family members include Leon Black played by comedian/actor J.B. Smooth (Spider-Man: Far From Home, Spider-Man: All Roads Lead to No Way Home); Loretta Black played by Vivica A. Fox (Independence Day, Soul Food); Daryl Black played by Nick Nervies (”The Soloist”) and Keysha Black played by Carla Jeffrey (“Southland”). Cheryl Hines (RV) plays Larry’s wife Michelle. Jeff Garlin (Toy Story 3 and Wall-E) plays his manager and best friend Jeff Greene and Susie Essman (Bolt) plays Jeff’s wife Susie. “Vivica has been there from the beginning,” English said when I asked. “JB Smoove, he came into the family after the show began.” “It’s unscripted with only outlines for plots,” said veteran actress Ellia English about the Home Box Office (HBO) comedy series “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” which airs its 12th season on February 4, 2024. https://youtu.be/4oXcXyVFh-g Days after Van Jones shined a not-so-flattering light on him, Vivek Ramaswamy responded to the criticism. According to The Hill, there was no censor on the presidential contender, who let Jones and the mainstream media know exactly how he felt about Jones’ views on him. “And then you get the mainstream media. You got this character, Van Jones, on CNN afterward saying, ‘This is the rise of an American demagogue, who’s going to live 50 years longer than Trump. This is dangerous. I am shaking.’ That’s what he says. Just shut the f‑‑‑ up. At a certain point, just shut the f‑‑‑ up. Van Jones at CNN,” Ramaswamy said Dec. 17 in a Turning Point USA conference speech. “We demand a government that tells us the truth again in this country. That’s what we require,” he added. “We can handle the truth. That’s what it means to be a citizen of this country,” Ramaswamy said. https://youtu.be/c4lgIgKgfDo Ramaswamy’s comments come after Jones called him despicable earlier this month. According to Jones, in Ramaswamy, America was seeing the “rise of an American demagogue that is a very, very despicable person.” At the heart of Jones’ criticism is Ramaswamy’s acknowledgment of the “Great Replacement Theory.” The Hill noted the term “a white supremacist conspiracy theory that posits that liberals and Jewish people are seeking to replace white voters with migrants.” “I was shaking listening to him talk because many people don’t know. That is one step away from Nazi propaganda coming out of his mouth,” Jones noted, regarding Ramaswamy’s referencing the Great Replacement Theory and several other far-right conspiracy theories at the last GOP presidential debate. https://twitter.com/i/status/1732736633223483676 Two paramedics were found guilty of criminally negligent homicide Friday in the death of Elijah McClain, a 23-year-old Black man who was subdued by police and injected with ketamine in Aurora, Colorado, in August 2019. Jeremy Cooper and Peter Cichuniec had pleaded not guilty to the felony charges. Cichuniec was also found guilty of a second-degree unlawful administration of drugs assault charge, and not guilty of second-degree assault resulting in bodily injury. He was immediately taken into custody. Cooper was acquitted on those charges. Prosecutors had argued the paramedics acted recklessly in administering a large amount of the powerful sedative ketamine to McClain, who had been violently subdued by police, despite not speaking with him or checking his vital signs. https://youtu.be/ZBgS3rcTmR4 An amended autopsy report released in 2022 listed McClain’s cause of death as “complications of ketamine administration following forcible restraint.” However, the paramedics testified during their trial they were following their training for treating patients experiencing “excited delirium,” a controversial diagnosis describing extreme agitation generally applied to people being subdued by police. “During our training, we were told numerous times that this is a safe, effective drug,” Cichuniec told the court. “That is the only drug we can carry that can stop what is going on and calm him down so we can control his airway, we can control him and the safety of him, get him to the hospital as quick as we can.” The use of ketamine by emergency responders to tranquilize people against their will has raised controversy and triggered investigations in multiple states. https://youtu.be/77r2fCXPu0Y It’s going to take more for Chris Brown to appear for a videotaped deposition than a scheduled date. According to RadarOnlne, the singer is refusing to comply with demands for his former housekeeper, identified as Jane Doe, to sit for the deposition. Court documents obtained by the site revealed Doe served Brown’s company Black Pyramid with a notice for his deposition. Days before the proceeding, Brown’s lawyers objected to the notice, claiming it was untimely served. The vocalist’s legal team also mentioned a default that was entered in 2022 against their client. They go on to state that Brown filed his official answer to the case after the default was entered by the court. Although Brown appeared and filed his response, Radar noted the initial default entered has yet to be vacated. Despite the entertainer’s efforts to have the default vacated, the housekeeper has refused to work with him on the issue. Until Doe agrees to set aside the default, Brown said he could not appear for a deposition. The deposition drama marks the latest development in Doe’s $71 million lawsuit against Brown. The housekeeper filed her complaint in July 2021, claiming to have worked at Brown’s Tarzana, California home on Dec. 12, 2020. Doe stated she was unaware the “Look at Me Now” crooner had “vicious, killer attack dogs” on his property. In a stunning and unprecedented decision, the Colorado Supreme Court removed former President Donald Trump from the state’s 2024 ballot on Tuesday, ruling that he is an ineligible presidential candidate because of the 14th Amendment’s “insurrectionist ban.” The 4-3 ruling will be placed on hold until January 4, pending Trump’s appeal to the US Supreme Court, which could settle the matter for the nation. The state Supreme Court decision only applies to Colorado, but the historic ruling will roil the 2024 presidential campaign. Colorado election officials have said the matter needs to be settled by January 5, which is the statutory deadline to set the list of candidates for the GOP primary scheduled for March 5. “President Trump did not merely incite the insurrection,” the majority wrote in its unsigned opinion. “Even when the siege on the Capitol was fully underway, he continued to support it by repeatedly demanding that Vice President (Mike) Pence refuse to perform his constitutional duty and by calling Senators to persuade them to stop the counting of electoral votes. These actions constituted overt, voluntary, and direct participation in the insurrection.” https://youtu.be/usM1BhR1Xa0 “We conclude that the foregoing evidence, the great bulk of which was undisputed at trial, established that President Trump engaged in insurrection,” the opinion added. “President Trump’s direct and express efforts, over several months, exhorting his supporters to march to the Capitol to prevent what he falsely characterized as an alleged fraud on the people of this country were indisputably overt and voluntary.” In addition, the court rejected Trump’s free speech claims, writing: “President Trump’s speech on January 6 was not protected by the First Amendment.” https://youtu.be/3sypo-AhSio For anyone who loves mythology, monsters, and mirth, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” is a watershed of fun. And since this is the season to be merry, it’s good to see brothers bond over a common threat. That threat is Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II). Having failed to defeat Aquaman the first time, Black Manta will stop at nothing to take Aquaman down and avenge his father’s death. This time Black Manta is more formidable than ever before, wielding the power of the mythic Black Trident, which unleashes an ancient and malevolent force. Needless to say, Aquaman will need all the help he can get to defeat the Black Manta, protect the kingdom, and save his family, and the world from irreversible destruction. https://youtu.be/FV3bqvOHRQo “Anyone But You” had the makings of being a sustainable rom-com. However, it was sidetracked with over-the-top gross scenes. One in particular is Bea (Sydney Sweeney) examining Ben’s (Glen Powell) derriere and crotch for spiders. However, some of the retorts throughout the film were funny. An admirable and interesting remark to be in a romantic comedy is that Australia—where the film takes place—has the same problems with its past as America. Neither wants to rightfully deal with its racist past. Also to the movie’s credit is the eye-catching opening restaurant scene. It brings to mind Edward Hopper’s painting, “Nighthawks,” but in a daytime setting. In “Anyone But You,” Bea and Ben have an amazing first date but miscommunications turn their fiery hot attraction ice cold. When they find themselves unexpectedly thrust together at a destination wedding, the gloves come off. https://youtu.be/S61xB-rE770 In the realm of business and education, Dr. Karwanna D. Irving stands as a luminary, guiding BIPOC women and minority entrepreneurs to new heights of success. As a government contracts strategist and an empowering business coach, she has carved a niche that transcends traditional business norms. Her recent book, “Don’t Duck The Government, They’ve Got Your Money,” and her initiative in launching Dream Achiever College University, exemplify her dedication to transforming the landscape of entrepreneurial success. Dr. Irving’s journey is a testament to her profound commitment to unlocking the potential of government contracting. Her book illuminates the path for businesses to access a portion of the U.S. Government’s substantial federal spending, which stands at upwards of $10 trillion annually. This figure grows even more considerable when state and local government spending are added, underscoring the immense opportunities available for disadvantaged small businesses. Dr. Irving’s insights are not just about accessing these funds; they are about leveraging unique positions to gain a competitive edge in securing government contracts. Her role as a motivational speaker and coach has allowed Dr. Irving to extend her influence beyond the confines of direct business coaching. Her presence on platforms like CBS, NBC, and FOX has broadened her reach, enabling her to inspire a wider audience. https://youtu.be/Fz_msbOzfpA Darien Harris, who was wrongfully convicted of murder on the testimony of a blind witness walked out of the Cook County Jail this week as a free man. Harris, now 30, had served 12-and-a-half years of his 76-year sentence before prosecutors decided not to move forward with their case and dropped the charges against him on Tuesday, his attorney, Lauren Myerscough-Mueller, said at a news conference. In April 2014, Harris was convicted of murder in the June 2011 fatal shooting of Rondell Moore and the attempted murder of mechanic Quincy Woulard at a Chicago gas station, according to his attorney and a court document. He was 18 and a week away from graduating high school at the time of his arrest, his attorney said. Myerscough-Mueller, who is with the Exoneration Project and joined the team representing Harris in June 2020, said Harris’ previous attorney shared new information with the county’s Conviction Integrity Unit in July 2018 – including the critical revelation that the prosecution’s star witness in the case was legally blind. https://youtu.be/StMlHSe0ESQ The topic of emotional dependency between a mother and son has social media users on alert, thanks to “Tonight’s Conversation” podcast co-host Ajna Surah. The podcaster made her views known during a Season 3 episode of the platform, stating that “a lot of times, single mothers do everything but [fuck] their sons.” “Tonight’s Conversation” is an outlet known for its focus on Black love, relationships, and dating. “That’s why a lot of the time I say a single mother is a ‘fuckboy factory,’” she explained in the episode before claiming that a fuckboy raised in a two-parent household was an “anomaly.” Madame Noire noted Surah’s claims, adding that the podcaster felt that many single moms become far too “emotionally dependent” on their male children. According to Ajna, women who “date” their sons “will convince themselves that they don’t need a man.” The reason, she continued, centered on the mothers placing their child in a romantic role. With this mindset, Surah argued that some women problematically treat their sons like their lovers because they struggle to navigate the realities of their loneliness, the site reported. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1LO8E-N1MA/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading Several hip-hop stars have been added to the lineup for Jazz In the Gardens in Florida next year. The event is slated for March 11 and 12 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. The festival aims to bring “together some of the brightest R&B acts past and present with a sprinkle of gospel,” per the official website. Jeezy, Scarface, and Maxwell will share the same stage as Babyface, October London, Tamia, Jaheim and Marsha Ambrosius. DJ Cassidy’s “Pass The Mic Live” will have a special set with surprise guests on day one of the festival. “BPC is thrilled to work alongside the City of Miami Gardens to enhance the already vibrant Jazz In The Gardens brand and take it to the next level,” Troy Brown, Black Promoters Collective Partner and CMO said about the event, per iHeart.com. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1F0Oc3LE33/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=f0d61dd4-be8e-4553-ac9e-c5c0934561ae When I Pose 360, an innovation brought to life by entertainment visionary Dr. Cheryl Cobb, is rewriting the playbook for 360-degree photo booths and red-carpet service. When I Pose 360 is not simply a 360 photo booth rental company; it’s an immersive journey that seamlessly marries fun, excitement, and cutting-edge technology. There’s a package that fits all budgets but the most engaging is the Hollywood package, where you become the star! The crown jewel of their offerings brings the magic of the movies to your special occasion, elevating it to a level of glamour and excitement by adding your very own red carpet experience, complete with a charismatic celebrity host who ensures every moment feels like a star-studded affair. What sets When I Pose 360 apart is its inventive drone technology, seamlessly bridging the realms of the ground and the sky. The result is a breathtaking aerial perspective that infuses each photo and video with an unparalleled sense of grandeur. More than 15,000 MSNBC viewers (and counting) have signed the PCCC’s petition to MSNBC urging the network to save Mehdi Hasan’s network and Peacock shows – which can be viewed and signed at StandWithMehdi.com. Washington Post columnist Perry Bacon Jr. published an op-ed today entitled: MSNBC should be careful not to become DNC-TV. He wrote, “The cancellation of Mehdi Hasan’s show is the latest in a series of recent moves by MSNBC that are pushing the network in the direction of being the television arm of the Democratic Party leadership, as opposed to a news outlet that upholds left-wing values and perspectives. The network should reverse its decision on Hasan and make clear that it embraces progressive criticism of President Biden and other Democratic leaders.” The PCCC’s petition, which was launched last Thursday, was endorsed over the weekend by former MSNBC host Keith Olbermann, who urged his followers to sign – joining Representative Maxwell Frost, who Tweeted on Thursday, “I just signed this petition and you should too!” The Nation highlighted the petition’s momentum over the weekend, following prominent coverage from the Washington Post and Politico last week. https://youtu.be/Lq0cctQ7i8I A Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy fatally shot a domestic violence victim who called 911 seeking help. The woman, 27-year-old Niani Finlayson, called 911 to report that “her boyfriend would not leave her alone and then screaming and sounds of a struggle could be heard”, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD) said in a statement, The Guardian reports. The family’s attorney said Finlayson was inside her apartment in Lancaster with her nine-year-old daughter when her ex-boyfriend injured her. When deputies arrived, they could hear screaming, LASD said. LASD claims Deputy Ty Shelton opened fire because Finlayson had a knife and was threatening her boyfriend. https://youtu.be/nfGemygwKQ4 “Hush personifies the mysterious, captivating and edgy programming our subscribers crave as we continue to push the envelope with our content offerings at AllBlk,” AllBlk said previously about the series, Deadline reported. Series creator and executive producer Angela Burt-Murray added, “From the therapist looking to write her comeback story and a desperate housewife fighting to save her family to the baller’s wife playing with fire and a street-smart baddie making boss moves, the women of Hush are sexually empowered and driven to succeed no matter the cost.” Candiace Dillard Bassett (The Real Housewives of Potomac) stars alongside Joyful Drake (P Valley), Caryn Ward Ross (ALLBLK’s Monogamy), and TS Madison (Zola, The TS Madison Experience). The series “follows the story of top marriage and sex therapist, TV personality and best-selling author, Dr. Draya Logan (Drake) who finds herself entangled in a web of lies, sex and murder that could cost her everything,” per the official synopsis. “This season, Dr. Logan is determined to clear her name and reclaim her fame. She must utilize her pawns to not only to help free her but cover up more than what they promised at whatever costs before the secrets of the penthouse are exposed,” the synopsis continues. https://youtu.be/5zuxvh69qWw Democratic mayoral hopeful Sheila Dixon was attacked live on air during an interview Wednesday when a person hurled objects at her. Fox45 anchor Patrice Sanders ended the conversation with Dixon as the unidentified male off-camera harassed and bullied the Baltimore politician while being interviewed via video, The Baltimore Banner reports. According to Newsweek, Dixon, who served as mayor of Baltimore from 2007 to 2010, was promoting a public safety town hall when she was asked about crime in the city. “So three things. One people don’t feel safe, people are afraid,” Dixon explained. “Carjackings, theft, stealing cars, and people want to see the presence of officers in their community engaged with them, walking the beat, talking to them, getting to know the residents and that’s not happening.” https://youtu.be/jM-Urxb34NQ T.D Jakes Enterprises has announced its first-ever holiday gift guide in conjunction with its national initiative, the Good Soil Movement. The Good Soil Gift Guide launched on December 1 to help shoppers support small Black and minority-owned businesses. You can now upload your listings if you are a Good Soil member. “Our mission with the Good Soil movement is to grow and impact one million businesses and for those businesses to also reach at least $1 million in revenue throughout their entrepreneurship journey,” said Michael Phillips, chief operations officer for T.D. Jakes Enterprises, in a statement. “Good Soil has grown to almost 20,000 members and we are proud of every single entrepreneur that has joined this movement. This list is a celebration of hard work and Black entrepreneurship,” Phillips added. According to the news release, the Good Soil Gift Guide is free to anyone other than Good Soil app users. The guide will remain continuously updated throughout the year, celebrating occasions like Small Business Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, Valentine’s Day, etc. Check out an exclusive clip from this week’s episode of WEtv’s “Love After Lockup: Innocent After Lockup,” which takes viewers inside the lives of exonerees falsely accused and convicted of crimes they did not commit. The three-episode special premiered December 15, and every “episode follows a different falsely accused exoneree who spent 15 – 22 years in a maximum-security penitentiary and were subsequently proven innocent,” per the official series synopsis. https://youtu.be/2WY0Lt9uz3c Killer Mike and T.I. have reportedly secured a 1.2 million dollar loan to renovate a popular seafood restaurant in Atlanta. The duo announced in 2019 their plans to resurrect the Bankhead Seafood Restaurant in northwest Atlanta. The eatery opened on Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway in 1968 and closed in 2018. “It’s been a part of my life as long as I’ve been on earth,” Killer Mike said previously. AfroTech reports that Greenwood lenders and Georgia Banking Co. (GBC) provided the $1.2 million boost for the restoration efforts. The funds will help support the expansion of Bankhead Seafood Restaurant and create job opportunities in the community.“Today’s investment serves as a profound testament to the broader vision we’ve cultivated at Bankhead Seafood,” T.I. said in the news release. “It’s exciting to join forces with leaders like Greenwood — whose commitment to uplifting the community echoes our same ethos. This is an exciting moment in our community’s work to foster a legacy of mutual prosperity and support.” An Oklahoma judge on Tuesday declared innocent a man (Glynn Simmons) who spent 48 years in prison for a murder he did not commit – believed to be the longest amount of time served by anyone wrongfully convicted in the United States. “This is a day we’ve been waiting on for a long, long time. It finally came,” Simmons, 70, told reporters, according to local news outlet KFOR, after the hearing where an Oklahoma County District Court judge issued an order formally declaring him innocent. “We can say justice was done today, finally,” he said. “And I’m happy.” Simmons served 48 years, one month and 18 days following his conviction, earning him a grim distinction: He served the longest wrongful incarceration of any exoneree in the US, according to the National Registry of Exonerations. https://youtu.be/tKHNcR8ZSLU?list=RDNStKHNcR8ZSLU The National Academy of Television Arts & Science (NATAS) announced the 2023 Gold and Silver Circle Honors on December 15 at the Daytime Emmy broadcast on CBS. The inductees are professionals who have performed distinguished service within the television industry, setting standards for achievement, mentoring, leadership, and professional accolades for 50 or 25 years, respectively. https://youtu.be/gduLdSn16XQ Actor Grantham Cole is “excited to join” the Power-verse as “Ronnie” for the third season “Raising Kanan.” “I’m excited to be a part of the story,” Cole said in our exclusive interview with the rising star. “I think people will definitely enjoy this season of Raising Kanan.” The third season of “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” kicked off December 1, and series star MeKai Curtis previously revealed to EUR that his character will “attempt to rebuild that in a certain way, but with a new spin.” “He’s going to have to deal with obstacles and re-directions and truth that he didn’t see coming and truth that he did see coming,” Curtis said of Kanan. https://youtu.be/ZG6Jw5xgP9s Last night, Beverly Hills' elite gathered in the home of Adrienne Maloof to celebrate the holiday season. The event benifitted the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles and the Amazing Grace Conservatory. Celebrity attendees included Stevie Wonder, Lala Milan, Jeannie Mai. Kita Williams, Jessica Betts, MAJOR., Ava DuVernay and more. Attorney Antonio Moore discusses why it made NO sense for Taraji P. Henson to CRY over unfair PAY for acting while promoting “The Color Purple.” Moore looks at the pay for Jonah Hill in “Wolf on Wall Street” with Leonardo DiCaprio for $60,000, and Jeff Daniels for co-starring in “Dumb and Dumber” for $50,000 in pay, while Taraji P. Henson got paid $150,000 for Benjamin Buttons with Brad Pitt. During the promotion of “The Color Purple,” Taraji P. Henson stated this in an interview with Gayle King: “I’m just tired of working so hard, being gracious at what I do [and] getting paid a fraction of the cost,” Henson said. “I’m tired of hearing my sisters say the same thing over and over. You get tired. I hear people go, ‘You work a lot.’ Well, I have to. The math ain’t math-ing. When you start working a lot, you have a team. Big bills come with what we do. We don’t do this alone. It’s a whole team behind us. They have to get paid.” https://youtu.be/v7rPm1NTVK0 Ne-Yo was the Season 10 “Masked Singer” winner after he was revealed as the Cow, and stunned with performances of songs by Janet Jackson and Rihanna. The R&B superstar previously appeared on the U.K. version, and he spoke to Entertainment Weekly after his big reveal on the U.S. show about the differences between the two music competitions. "Not much difference at all,” he said. “So I got to give much props and respect to the production of the Masked Singer because the security in that place, and I’m talking U.K. and US, is presidential. They are super adamant about nobody knowing who anybody else is.” Ne-Yo appeared on the U.K. version of “Masked Singer” as the Badger but didn’t win. https://youtu.be/npBT8EBC7GU 50 Cent continues to take jabs at Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, and now he’s dragging Method Man into the mess. On Thursday (December 21), 50 posted an Instagram clip of Method Man claiming he saw Kanye West sucking dick at one of Diddy’s kinky sex parties. “‘F### Kanye West. I hate that n####. Plus I seen that n#### at one of Puff’s parties sucking dick in the bathroom,’” the Wu-Tang Clan member appears to say in the video, All Hip Hop reports. 50 Cent captioned the clip: “This has not been confirmed, but ya see why I stayed away from the man’s party’s WTF.” The text across the shocking video read, “Method Man Says He Seen Kanye Do What At Diddy’s Party?” Method Man called the video “fake” in the comment section of 50’s post, writing, “This video fake 5.. you and Diddy keep me out of this s###. The real vid is on YouTube .. (method man bossip).. do your research .. yall fallin for the remix.” We reported that 50’s G-Unit Films and Television is developing a TV special on Diddy and his controversial legal drama. Keke Palmer’s ex-boyfriend, Darius Jackson, has filed a restraining order against the actress days after he reportedly filed a counterclaim accusing her of “abusive conduct.” According to the new legal docs, Jackson is requesting a domestic violence temporary restraining order against Palmer, claiming she has been physically abusive towards him during their two-year relationship, TMZ reports. Last month, Palmer was granted a temporary restraining order against Jackson after accusing him of physical abuse. She also received custody of their infant son Leodis. Palmer submitted evidence allegedly showing Jackson abusing her as part of a restraining order against him. Complex reports that Jackson recently filed a counterclaim with the Los Angeles County Superior Court. He claims the “Nope” star “repeatedly engaged in abusive conduct” and “acted as the primary aggressor” during their relationship. Jackson said Palmer “punched [him] in the face” in August 2021, “punched the windshield of [his] car” in January 2022, and “physically attacked [him] by choking and hitting [him]” in February 2022, per Complex. Former NFL player Mike Williams died from a rare form of sepsis related to dental health problems, according to a medical examiner's report released Friday. Williams, 36, died Sept. 12 after being hospitalized following a construction accident while working as an electrician. The wide receiver played four seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after he was drafted out of Syracuse in 2010. His best season was as a rookie when he led the team with 11 touchdowns and had 964 receiving yards. He also played for the Buffalo Bills and was on the Kansas City Chiefs' roster before leaving the NFL in 2016. Several Republican officials want President Joe Biden off state ballots for the 2024 election after the recent Trump ruling. It was reported previously via CNN that the Colorado Supreme Court removed former President Donald Trump from the state’s 2024 ballot on Tuesday, ruling that he is an ineligible presidential candidate because of the 14th Amendment’s “insurrectionist ban.” The 4-3 ruling will be placed on hold until January 4, pending Trump’s appeal to the US Supreme Court, which could settle the matter for the nation. The state Supreme Court decision only applies to Colorado, but the historic ruling will roil the 2024 presidential campaign. “Seeing what happened in Colorado makes me think — except we believe in democracy in Texas — maybe we should take Joe Biden off the ballot in Texas for allowing 8 million people to cross the border since he’s been president, disrupting our state far more than anything anyone else has done in recent history,” Lone Star State Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick told Fox News’ Laura Ingraham Tuesday night, New York Post reports. Rudy Giuliani filed for bankruptcy in federal court in New York on Thursday, just days after a jury ordered him to pay nearly $150 million to two former Georgia election workers for defamation. According to the filing, Giuliani listed debts between $100 million and $500 million, and assets worth up to $10 million. The bankruptcy declaration is another setback for the former New York City mayor, federal prosecutor, and one-time front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination, all stemming from his time as Donald Trump’s attorney after the 2020 presidential election. Giuliani lists nearly $1 million in unpaid taxes among his liabilities and hundreds of thousands of dollars owed to lawyers and accountants. He also lists pending lawsuits, including three defamation cases over his statements after the 2020 election that haven’t yet gone to trial and could add to his debt if he’s ordered to pay damages in those cases. “The filing should be a surprise to no one,” Giuliani political adviser Ted Goodman said Thursday. “No person could have reasonably believed that Mayor Rudy Giuliani would be able to pay such a high punitive amount. Chapter 11 will afford Mayor Giuliani the opportunity and time to pursue an appeal, while providing transparency for his finances under the bankruptcy court’s supervision, to ensure all creditors are treated equally and fairly throughout the process.” It comes a day after the federal judge who oversaw the blockbuster defamation case said the two plaintiffs – Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss – can begin trying to collect from Giuliani immediately. https://youtu.be/InrPwNS5O2Y Former NBA G League player Chance Comanche allegedly confessed to killing a woman in Las Vegas earlier this month. Comanche, 27, reportedly told investigators that he used an HDMI cord to strangle Marayna Rodgers, 23, on Dec. 6 after luring her to have “kinky sex” with him and his ex-girlfriend, 19-year-old Sakari Harnden, New York Post reports. Rodgers traveled from her home state, Washington, to Vegas with a friend “to engage in prostitution,” according to the Las Vegas police report. Harnden and Rodgers both worked as prostitutes in the Vegas area. When they linked up in Sin City days before the killing, drama allegedly ensued between the women. They reportedly argued over a Rolex, and things got especially heated after Harnden implicated Rodgers’ boyfriend in a double murder in California, for which he was arrested, the Post reports. Harnden allegedly enlisted Comanche to help kill Rodgers after the pair failed to hire a hitman for $3,000. The ex-couple reportedly discussed various methods, including poisoning, strangulation, and gunplay. They ultimately decided on death by strangling. https://youtu.be/6JXBlb_6yXE Rodgers was lured to her death by Comanche and Harnden, who explained that a “trick” wanted to pay her for “kinky sex.” As it turned out, that “trick” was Comanche. Harnden allegedly told the victim that he wanted to tie up both women before having sex and would “pay them for their services.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1737898905952747618 Montreal police are defending the actions of officers who pepper-sprayed American rapper Dave East and some of his fans outside his concert Tuesday night. A video showing part of the altercation that is circulating on social media has gone viral, with two million views and counting as of Wednesday evening. Christcella Nicholas runs the 514onlinemix website that covers the entertainment scene in Montreal. She was there to film the concert at Le Rouge Bar on Prince Arthur Street and said “it was painful to watch” the police resort to pepper-spraying the crowd. The 45-second clip shows East shouting at officers who were dealing with another group of people on the street when the officers deployed pepper spray on him and others. The 35-year-old rapper can be seen heading toward the sidewalk before he crouches down on his knees as onlookers rush to his side. https://youtu.be/5DDaaLRRdYs Legal experts say Jonathan Majors is not likely to get jail time after being found guilty Monday of assault and harassment of his ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari during a domestic dispute. The actor was convicted of third-degree reckless assault, a misdemeanor, and second-degree harassment, a violation, per The Hollywood Reporter. Majors was found not guilty of third-degree intentional assault and not guilty of second-degree aggravated harassment. “Since it’s the defendant’s first conviction, although technically he faces one year of jail, the judge will 99 percent give him three years probation, anger management and possibly some community service,” said Cary London, a Manhattan-based civil rights and criminal defense attorney at Shulman & Hill, per THR. Majors could spend up to a year in prison on the assault charge, but London said, “Mr. Majors is not getting jail time.”Several supporters of the “Creed III” star have noted the peculiarity of a misdemeanor case such as this one going to trial, which London called “extremely rare.” Vin Diesel is being accused of sexually molesting someone. In Diesel’s case, it’s his former assistant pointing the finger. Asta Jonasson says it says it happened in Atlanta at the St. Regis Hotel after a night of seemingly hard partying with hostesses he’d met at a nearby club, during the filming of “Fast Five” in 2010. He then fired her son in retaliation soon afterward. “Vin Diesel forcibly grabbed Ms. Jonasson, groped her breasts, and kissed her,” says the complaint filed today in LA Superior Court. “Ms. Jonasson struggled continually to break free of his grasp, while repeatedly saying no. Vin Diesel is physically larger and much stronger than Ms. Jonasson, and abused his position of authority as her employer, and was able to easily overpower Ms. Jonasson.” “Vin Diesel ignored Ms. Jonasson’s clear statements of non-consent to his sexual assaults,” the document went on to add. “Vin Diesel then escalated his assault, groped her body, dropped to his knees and pushed Ms. Jonasson’s dress up, groped her legs, and attempted to pull down Ms. Jonasson’s underwear. Terrified for her personal safety, Ms. Jonasson screamed and ran towards the nearby bathroom.” Filed under California’s Sexual Abuse and Cover Up Accountability Act that lifted statutes of limitations by attorneys from the Greenberg Gross law firm, Jonasson’s suit details how Diesel “pinned her against the wall with his body, and grabbed Ms. Jonasson’s hand and placed it on his erect penis.” The actor then masturbated as he held Jonasson “against the hotel wall,” Deadline reports as it quotes from the legal filing. https://youtu.be/vtT7Pd6ow4o IN THE BLACK NETWORK (ITBN), a streaming service that highlights Black voices and original stories that are culturally significant and relatable for all audiences, has announced its third FAST channel offering with content from UrbanflixTV, the premium TV & film streaming service specifically curated for an urban audience; expanding their content library with a fresh slate of scripted and unscripted original programming, as well as a wide array of high caliber multicultural content. UrbanflixTV content will be available on December 22, 2023, with the launch of a new FAST TV streaming channel airing 24/7 on ITBN. With ITBN’s new UrbanflixTV streaming channel, viewers can access a diverse range of content that reflects the real world with stories that resonate with Black and multicultural audiences. The 24/7 streaming channel will offer full-length and short-form films, scripted content, and a variety of other genre-bending content which will add to ITBN’s already existing diverse content. https://youtu.be/yyZC5p8Wrrw Harvard President Claudine Gay recently requested corrections for two of her academic papers, but she did not address even clearer examples of plagiarism from earlier in her academic history at the school, according to a CNN analysis of her writings. In response to accusations of plagiarism, the embattled Harvard president recently submitted corrections to two papers she wrote as a professional academic in 2001 and 2017. But a CNN examination of Gay’s published works documented that Gay committed other, clearer examples of plagiarism while she was studying for her PhD at Harvard in the 1990s. Those include an instance in her dissertation where she copied lines verbatim from another source without citation. In addressing the allegations of plagiarism, neither Harvard nor Gay has corrected or acknowledged these earlier instances from when she was a student. The instances were first reported by the Washington Free Beacon. The Harvard Corporation, the university’s top governing body, said in a statement last week it became aware of plagiarism allegations against Gay in late October. At Gay’s request, it then conducted an “independent review” of Gay’s published works and found a few instances of missing citations but “no violation of Harvard’s standards for research misconduct.” https://youtu.be/X-mqiKmgmtM Byron Allen, founder and CEO of Allen Media Group, is trying to acquire Paramount Global’s BET Media Group again. The media mogul is offering $3.5 billion to take over the entity, Variety reports. Earlier this year, he bid $2.7 billion when Paramount Global announced in March that it was exploring the sale of BET. At the time, bidders included Tyler Perry and Sean “Diddy” Combs. In August, however, Paramount Global backed away from the plan, saying the sale would not generate enough profits.“We made this decision because the benefits of maintaining a majority stake in BET Media Group creates more value for Paramount than any of the proposals we received,” a source from Paramount reportedly told New York Post, according to Vibe. During a Bloomberg Equality Summit in Atlanta, Perry said he was “disappointed’ with how Paramount handled the process. “I was disappointed about it for a number of reasons,” Perry said, as reported by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “The way it happened was disrespectful in a lot of ways.” On Tuesday, Allen offered $3.5 billion for BET Media Group, which includes the BET cable channel, VH1, BET Studios, and streaming service BET+. Per Variety, in the email to Paramount executives, Allen wrote, “You are pursuing an inside sale at a below-market price with management that will not yield the highest price for the stockholders. We believe it would be an egregious breach of fiduciary duty by the Paramount Global management team and board of directors if BET is sold for anything less than the highest price, particularly, in order to provide a sweetheart deal to an insider at the expense of public shareholders.” BET was founded by Robert Johnson in 1980 and was acquired by Viacom in 2001 in a deal worth $3 billion. Scottish supermodel Eunice Olumide claims her career in the fashion industry came crashing down after she spoke about racism on a daytime television show several years ago. As BBC.com reports, Olumide appeared on Jeremy Vine’s Channel 5 TV show to promote her book on fashion when the co-panelists “challenged” her personal experience with racism. Olumide’s response was later posted on the show’s YouTube page, and viewers reacted negatively in the comments. Olumide believes her appearance on the show damaged her career. “What was not in the clip, which brought about the discussion, is that Jeremy Vine initially asked me, ‘do you think being black impacted your career as a presenter?,” the 37-year-old told BBC Scotland News. “I don’t talk about race because I want to, it is because I am always being asked about it,” she added. Cameron Diaz is finally addressing reports that Jamie Foxx was “difficult” to work with on the set of their Netflix comedy “Back in Action.” Foxx suffered a medical emergency during the production of the action film and was hospitalized in April with a mysterious illness. After his release, Foxx spent several weeks at a Chicago-based rehab facility that specializes in strokes and traumatic brain injuries. “I really hate all of the things that were being said about our set at the time,” Diaz said recently on the Lipstick on the Rim podcast, Complex reports. “You just want to scream at the top of your lungs, like, ‘What are you talking about?’ Jamie is, like, the cheerleader for the entire crew. Everybody loves him. We have so much fun on the set with him and he’s just a professional on every level,” she added. As People reports, Diaz said she “had a blast” filming “Back in Action” with Foxx, with whom she previously co-starred alongside in “Any Given Sunday” and “Annie.” A popular wig influencer on TikTok was livestreaming when her husband dropped a bombshell and asked for a divorce. The woman known Sara/The Petrol Princess, a Black woman, posted an emotional video in which she thanked her 2.7 million followers for their support during this difficult time. One of her TikTok fans commented, “I’m so sorry for you. This door will close but another will open. I hope you both can get counseling. I really love your relationship.” Another person wrote, “My heart goes out to you I’m truly sorry for what you’re going through I hate to see people hurting like this.” A third follower noted, “Girl god has a better man for you be ready.” https://eurweb.com/2023/tiktoker-heartbroken-after-husband-asks-for-divorce/ The new Netflix film “Leave the World Behind” hasn’t been out long, but it’s already generating discussion among those at Fox News. In the eyes of the network’s hosts, the feature is an example of former president Barack Obama’s dislike of white people, according to The Daily Beast. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, “Leave the World Behind” stars Julia Roberts, Ethan Hawke, Mahershala Ali and Kevin Bacon. The film, produced by Obama’s Higher Ground Productions, is an adaptation of the 2020 bestselling book of the same name. It centers around a family who go on an impromptu vacation to a house they rent in Long Island. The vacation soon turns into anything but as the owner of the house and his daughter return unexpectedly. As the film continues, a situation emerges with the gradual shutdown of phones, television, and other extensively used technology, leading to dire circumstances/ Since its release, “Leave the World Behind” has received mixed reviews with some criticizing the thriller’s storytelling, pace and ending while others praised it overall. Among those criticizing the film are Fox News mainstays Kayleigh McEnany and JesseWatters as well as “Fox & Friends” co-host Steve Doocy and Lawrence Jones. At the heart of their criticism is a scene in “Leave the World Behind” where Ruth (played by Myha’la Herrold), the daughter of Ali’s character G.H., talks to him as it looks like society is fully collapsing. During the conversation, Ruth turns to her father, saying the following line: “Remember that if the world falls apart, trust should not be doled out easily to anyone, especially white people,” she tells G.H. “Even mom would agree on that.” https://youtu.be/cMVBi_e8o-Y Kanye West allegedly relocated to the Middle East and lives in Dubai and Saudi Arabia. The rapper may settle there for the long haul to build a self-sustaining city. In a new Tweet, Ye announced he’s building a 100,000-acre city in the Middle East called DROAM, reportedly in Phase 1 development. Ye’s post calls for project managers, engineers, architects, and contractors to join the team working on the city, which will be twice the size of Paris or New York City. He failed to include details on how potential candidates can submit resumes. This is the latest “big city” idea from the artist. In 2020, Yeezy said he was helping develop a smart city in Haiti similar to the one Akon is building in Senegal. “Just to be CLEAR: WE ARE IN ENGAGED WITH HAITI’s GOVERNMENT to make a transformational INVESTMENT to bring JOBS, DEVELOPMENT, HELP SUPPORT LOCAL FARMERS and FISHERMEN and Build a new « CITY OF THE FUTURE » in a very beautiful country,” Kanye tweeted at the time. Several of Taraji P. Henson’s celebrity pals turned to social media to praise the actress for getting candid about Hollywood pay inequality. “I’ve been getting paid and I’ve been fighting tooth and nail every project to get that same freaking [fee] quote,” Henson told THR’s co-editor-in-chief Nekesa Mumbi Moody. The actress stars in the hotly anticipated “The Color Purple” movie musical, opening on Christmas day. As THR reports, Henson earned an Oscar nod for her performance in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” and several Emmy nominations for playing “Cookie” in the hit series “Empire.” Despite the acclaim and accolades over her 20-year career, Henson is “fighting tooth and nail every project to get that same freaking [fee] quote,” she said. “And it’s a slap in the face when people go, ‘Oh girl, you work all the time. You always working.’ Well, goddammit, I have to. It’s not because I wish I could do two movies a year and that’s that. I have to work because the math ain’t mathing,” she added. “And I have bills,” she told The Hollywood Reporter. https://youtu.be/GUzqD5UcLwo Oprah Winfrey hosted an event Friday in Hollywood, California, to celebrate David Oyelowo’s work on the new series “Lawmen: Bass Reeves.” “If you’re going to ‘raise a glass,’ let’s raise lots of glasses,” Winfrey said to the crowd that included Gayle King, Mykelti Williamson, Lupita Nyong’o, Niecy Nash-Betts and the cast of the hit Paramount+ series, Variety reports. “So, we’re all here to raise a few glasses in honor of David, Yoruba Saxon and the vision this man has held for a decade for Bass Reeves,” Winfrey continued. “It has come to fruition and it is the number one premiering series on Paramount+!” Per Variety, citing Nielsen, “the first two episodes attracted a collected 7.5 million viewers in its first 7 days across Paramount+ and a special CBS airing on Nov. 12,” the outlet writes. Created for television by executive producer, writer, and showrunner Chad Feehan, the series “follows the journey of Reeves (Oyelowo) and his rise from enslavement to law enforcement as the first Black U.S. Marshal west of the Mississippi. Despite arresting over 3,000 outlaws during the course of his career, the weight of the badge was heavy, and he wrestled with its moral and spiritual cost to his beloved family. LAWMEN: BASS REEVES is an all-new, standalone anthology series and future iterations will follow other iconic lawmen and outlaws who have impacted history,” per the official synopsis. https://youtu.be/x3XFsQEoJZI Rihanna calls it a “turn on” watching ASAP Rocky fathering their two children. “I loved him differently as a dad. This is major, major like, it’s a turn on. It’s just like, ‘Wow! What a leader, what a great, patient, loving [dad],” she told Access Hollywood about the hip-hop star, with whom she shares two minor sons, Rza and Riot. “And my kids are obsessed with him,” she continued. “I’m just a background, I’m an extra. Yep! It happens,” Rihanna added. “It doesn’t matter if it’s girls or boys; they love their dad differently, and I love to see it.” We reported previously that insiders claim Rocky is willing to sign a prenup if RiRi agrees to marry him. Meanwhile, others whisper that the pair secretly tied the knot last year. “Rocky has been urging Rihanna to agree to marry for at least two years, and he’s happy to sign anything she wants as a show of faith,” a source spilled to the National Enquirer. “But for now, Rihanna is still hedging her bets.” According to RadarOnline, RiRi is in the billionaire girls club, while A$AP has an estimated net worth of $20 million. https://youtu.be/r6adOVCQZCU “GOSPEL Live! Presented by Henry Louis Gates, Jr.,” the companion program to the PBS four-hour documentary series “GOSPEL” is now available in the PBS Pressroom! Co-hosted by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Erica Campbell, the concert celebration features musical performances by John Legend, Anthony Hamilton and The Ton3s, LaTocha, Mali Music, Lena Byrd Miles, Sheléa and Tauren Wells. “GOSPEL Live! hosted by Henry Louis Gates, Jr.” Companion Concert Special Premieres on PBS on February 9, 2024. Docuseries “Gospel” hosted by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., to Premiere on PBS on February 12 & 13, 2024 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmEIZ7sVs-0 A friend and collaborator of the singer Cassie corroborated the singer’s claim that her ex, media mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, was physically and sexually abusive toward her. In an open letter to Diddy published in Rolling Stone on Thursday, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Tiffany Red said he “traumatized” her. Red’s piece follows Cassie’s lawsuit against Diddy, which was filed on Nov. 16 and privately settled less than 24 hours later. “I’m breaking my silence, freeing myself from haunting recollections, standing in solidarity with Cassie, and standing up for myself,” Red wrote. “I fear for my safety as her suit alludes to me, although not by name. I hope that revealing my identity to the public will afford me some measure of protection.” Red has written songs for Cassie, Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia, Tamar Braxton, Zendaya and more, according to her website. In the “Me and U” singer’s lawsuit, Cassie claimed Diddy repeatedly beat her, raped her and forced her to abuse drugs and alcohol. She also claimed he blew up the car of rapper-producer Kid Cudi when Diddy learned Cudi had a romantic interest in Cassie. Cassie also said Diddy would force her to do “Freak Offs,” a term he used to describe her having sex with multiple male sex workers as he watched, recorded and pleasured himself. In her letter, Red said she has memories of numerous instances of Diddy being abusive toward Cassie that have since “tormented” her. Red also claimed that everything in Cassie’s lawsuit was consistent with what she witnessed as Cassie’s friend. Jonathan Majors’ acclaim drama “Magazine Dreams” has been postponed indefinitely following the guilty verdict in his domestic violence trial this week. Disney has pulled the title from the release schedule after it was initially scheduled for a Dec. 4 release. Directed by Elijah Bynum, “Magazine Dreams” won the U.S. Special Dramatic Jury Award and the audience’s hearts at Sundance in January. Majors received glowing praise for his “powerhouse” performance as Killian Maddox, a troubled man who dreams of bodybuilding superstardom. Here is the Sundance Film Festival synopsis of the film: “Killian Maddox lives with his ailing veteran grandfather, obsessively working out between court-mandated therapy appointments and part-time shifts at a grocery store where he harbors a crush on a friendly cashier.” The description continues, “Though Killian’s struggles to read social cues and maintain control of his volatile temper amplify his sense of disconnection amid a hostile world, nothing deters him from his fiercely protected dream of bodybuilding superstardom, not even the doctors who warn that he’s causing permanent damage to his body with his quest.” SiriusXM is the target of a lawsuit from the New York attorney general’s office accusing the satellite radio company of trapping customers in subscriptions and finding ways to prevent them from canceling. On Wednesday, New York AG Letitia James announced she’s suing SiriusXM after an investigation discovered that the company “forces its subscribers to call or chat online with an agent to cancel a subscription, then deliberately draws out those interactions as part of its strategy” to prevent subscribers from canceling their packages. In a press release, James said that a company’s difficult cancellation process is illegal. “Consumers should be able to cancel a subscription they no longer use or need without any issues, and companies have a legal duty to make their cancellation process easy,” James said. “New Yorkers can trust that when companies like SiriusXM try to take advantage of them and violate the law, my office will step in to stop them.” SiriusXM said in a statement that upon “receiving and reviewing the complaint, we intend to vigorously defend against these baseless allegations that grossly mischaracterize” its practices, adding that it offers a “variety of options” for cancellations. Charleston White was arrested Monday in Texas on two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and one count of animal cruelty. The controversial social media personality was in custody at the Lon Evans Corrections Center in Fort Worth, Texas, before posting a $31,000 bond. According to All Hip Hop, the bond on each assault charge was $15,000, and the bond on animal cruelty charge was $1,000. After his release, White appeared on Instagram Live to discuss the issue. He revealed that he was at his mother’s house when the FBI confronted him. “And they said that I got Asian girls — now, this what the FBI said they said — they said I got Asian girls held hostage with Glocks, switches and bombs. What they did was, they was watching my Live! ‘Cause they watch my Live all the time,” he said, Complex reports. White could face prison time if found guilty on the charges. The Pasadena Police Department is facing a discrimination lawsuit from a Black female officer who claims she was retaliated against and put on paid leave without explanation. In the complaint, Taisyn Crutchfield, 28, recounts a public family dispute on Feb. 20 involving Carlos Towns, his minor brother, and their mother, Barsha Knox, MadameNoire reports. According to the officer, she attempted to de-escalate a heated dispute between Knox and another non-black officer at the scene. In the lawsuit, Crutchfield claims additional officers were called during an argument involving the siblings. The boys’ father, Charles Towns, was fatally shot by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies earlier this year. According to CBS News, Crutchfield’s attorney said that police were called when the juvenile was “understandably upset by the death of their father.” Police bodycam footage reportedly shows the male officer push Crutchfield away and repeatedly tell her, “Don’t do that,” after she touched his shoulder in an attempt to calm him during the hostile situation. Another officer had to intervene and advise the two cops to distance themselves, MadameNoire reports. DJ Envy has responded to Nicki Minaj calling him out for “blackballing” her music in 2018. “Remember how cocky DJ Envy was when he was saying he [blackballed] my music on the radio?” the “Queen” rapper recently wrote on X/Twitter. “Ask yourself how a DJ could get away w/that behavior.” As Vibe reports, Envy explained his reasoning on The Breakfast Club during the Dec. 15 broadcast, stating, “I ride for all the DJ’s. Nicki Minaj at the time got upset and said she was sending some Queens dudes up here to pretty much beat [DJ Self] up. That was wack. You can’t threaten that man for his opinion.” The popular radio host continued, “The DJ’s are always the ones that get picked on and that gets beat up. An artist never goes at the other artist, they always say ‘Well, why the DJ played the record.’ What I said was, ‘I’m not going to play Nicki’s record until they squash that beef.’” https://youtu.be/yeJaxYgH6yM Issa Rae, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Erika Alexander are the Jan/Feb ESSENCE cover girls amid the release of their new film “American Fiction” starring Jeffrey Wright. The trio unpacks Black Sisterhood in Hollywood for the ESSENCE cover story and the challenges Black women face in the industry. “I think the three of us are people who’ve made choices in our careers and have played roles in our careers where we do have a whole life and a whole story,” Ross explained, Revolt reports. “It is not easy as an actress — as a woman and as a Black actress — to find roles where you are not written in the context of something else.” She continued, “Where your identity is not because of something, or you’re just the setup for someone else, or you establish something, and then you’re gone, and just used in that way.” “Black women do a lot to thrive, but first, they have to survive. They have to survive society’s expectations and then their own ambition,” Alexander added. https://www.instagram.com/p/C1CYqZHM6Dj/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=5ab48bc1-d135-4695-b5fd-a41d4f2b415b According to the press release, “American Fiction is Cord Jefferson’s hilarious directorial debut, which confronts our culture’s obsession with reducing people to outrageous stereotypes. Jeffrey Wright stars as Monk, a frustrated novelist who’s fed up with the establishment profiting from “Black” entertainment that relies on tired and offensive tropes. To prove his point, Monk uses a pen name to write an outlandish “Black” book of his own, a book that propels him to the heart of hypocrisy and the madness he claims to disdain.” The film is now playing in theaters nationwide. https://youtu.be/i0MbLCpYJPA Black gay podcaster Rob Smith was heckled with racial and homophobic slurs on Sunday at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest event in Phoenix, Arizona. Smith, a Republican, posted a video of his interaction with a group of white supremacists, but the footage does not include the aggressors hurling the n-word, LGBTQ Nation reports. “Last night in Phoenix, I was confronted and surrounded by some White Supremacists that don’t like gays or blacks in the Republican Party,” Smith wrote in a December 18 post on X. “They shouted ‘n****r’ and ‘f****t’ at me to make their point. However, I served in Iraq. I never back down. Ever.” The video shows a group of white males surrounding Smith like a pack of wild animals and calling him a “faggot” and chanting, “Gay sex.” On X/Twitter, some conservatives apologized to Smith. Chaya Raichik, founder of the popular Libs of TikTok platform, called the video “sick.” Snoop Dogg has partnered with the Hill Beverage Co. to launch “Do It Fluid” hemp-infused beverages. The drinks are available in four all-natural flavors from DeathRowCannabis.co. “Been working on something special,” Snoop wrote on Instagram about “Do It Fluid.” The beverages are available at select stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee & Texas. “Beverages are going to be one of the first and most powerful mechanisms that really open up the industry to the masses,” Hill Beverage Co. Founder and CEO Jake Hill told Cannabis & Tech Today. “I think infused beverages are the one product that everybody would be willing to try.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C1C6mYuvlEu/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again LeBron James‘ situation with the national anthem is receiving further opposition, from Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) star Colby Covington. Fox News Reports the athlete did not hold back recently when he blasted the NBA fixture for USC’s arena (for his son Bronny’s first college game) during the national anthem and immediately taking a seat, an action that has earned James scorn among sports fans who feel he should have taken the traditional route and stood during the anthem. “If you hate America so much, and you don’t like this country that gave you a billion dollars, leave it. Or come deal with me. Go to China. Go to these sweatshops that you employ all these laborers and use these women and pay them pennies on the dollar to make your millions,” Covington said recently during a press conference. “F— you, LeBron James. You’re a coward. You’re a spineless coward and you’re a b—-.” Covington’s comments were made before the UFC mainstay’s welterweight bout against Leon Edwards at UFC 296 last weekend. https://youtu.be/YZKHC8bdqy8 Jeannie Mai denies “gatekeeping” the daughter she shares with her estranged husband, rapper Jeezy, amid their divorce. The estranged couple’s informal agreement regarding parenting their daughter Monaco isn’t working, so Jeezy wants the court to intervene, The Blast reports. The hip-hop star claims the former host of “The Real” acts like a “gatekeeper” whenever he wants to spend time with their child — but Mai denies this. According to court documents obtained by Page Six, Mai insists she “remains committed to facilitating and encouraging” Jeezy’s involvement in the 1-year-old’s life. “It is essential to clarify that Ms. Jenkins’ insistence on reasonable safety measures being put in place, such as safely securing and locking away all firearms that have been unsecure in the past, as well as having familiarity and properly trained caregivers is absolutely not gatekeeping, but rather a responsible effort to prioritize their daughter’s wellbeing,” the docs read. Kirk Franklin appeared on Club Shay Shay recently and claimed his former record label took 100 percent of the publishing for his first album. The label, GospoCentric Records, has fired back with a cease-and-desist order for spewing false information. “My very first recording contract at 23 years old, the label I signed with, they took a hundred percent of my publishing,” Franklin told host Shannon Sharpe on the Club Shay Shay podcast. “The people that had represented me didn’t know; it was new for everyone.” Attorneys for GospoCentric Records claim Franklin “received several million dollars in publishing revenues from tunes he’d written on his first recordings, including his breakout hit, “Why We Sing,” LA Focus News writes. “As you are fully aware whenever a song is created, two equal shares of royalties attach: (1) the songwriter’s share equal to 50% of the total publishing rights; and (2) the publisher’s share equal to 50% of the total publishing rights,” the legal documents states, per LA Focus News. The company claims both the songwriter and publisher (Lilly Mack Publishing) would have had to have been victims of theft for “any party to take “a hundred percent of [your] publishing,” the complaint states. R&B songstress Monica recently revealed C-Murder broke her heart amid their separation. Now, the incarcerated rapper has seemingly responded to her candid confession. “I don’t know why someone feels the need to publicly bash a person that’s fighting for their life??” he wrote in a post shared on Instagram, Complex reports. “I am a black male fighting and hoping for freedom one day,” C-Murder added. “Wanna speak on something?? Let’s talk about freeing us Louisiana inmates still held illegally and unconstitutionally by a racist Jim Crow law through a non-retroactive 10/2 non unanimous jury. Facts.” Earlier this month, Monica shocked fans when she confirmed her split with her longtime boyfriend, who has been imprisoned since 2009. On Dec. 5, the singer hit up social media to reveal her heartbreak over a convict. She wrote, “OMGGGGG I haven’t said his name in 2 yrs can yall follow my lead like yall did when I brought him up one band one sound,” she started, adding “Well , here it is in short ! I got my heartbroken (again) and that’s ok! I learned yet another valuable lesson! I went through it , got over it , now I can laugh about it ! Life continues ! I feel great that through it he has representation to one day be free ! Let’s move forward!” Monica wrote. The Internal Revenue Service on Tuesday announced it will resume mailing automated reminders of past due taxes to those who owe back taxes, something it had suspended doing in February 2022 due to pandemic-era backlogs. But it also said it would offer failure-to-pay penalty relief to 4.7 million individuals, businesses, and tax-exempt organizations, most of whom earn less than $400,000. Those are people who have previously received an initial tax collection notice, but not subsequent reminder notices. “As the IRS has been preparing to return to normal collection mailings, we have been concerned about taxpayers who haven’t heard from us in a while suddenly getting a larger tax bill. The IRS should be looking out for taxpayers, and this penalty relief is a common-sense approach to help people in this situation,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “We are taking other steps to help taxpayers with past due bills, and we have options to help people struggling to pay.” Those who are eligible for the penalty relief will not need to do anything. The IRS will automatically apply it. https://youtu.be/i33fOD58wnM Don Lemon’s departure from CNN will not stand in the way of the news network welcoming 2024 with a new duo. Variety reports Sara Sidner and Cari Champion will be on deck for CNN’s annual coverage of New Year’s Eve celebrations. The pair will occupy Auditorium Shores in Austin, Texas for their part of the show, which will start at 12:30 am ET, ahead of celebrations in the Central Time Zone. The location is noted for being where Lemon took part in the yearly broadcast. Sidner and Champion’s inclusion in the New Year’s Eve program in place of Lemon comes at an interesting time individually for the pair. Sidner’s stock at CNN has risen over the past year, due to anchoring the channel’s mid-morning show “News Central.” Champion, a former SportsCenter anchor for ESPN, is noted for her work with Vice and Amazon Prime Video since leaving the sports media giant in 2020. Although Champion had been slated to do a show with writer Jemele Hill for CNN+, it never aired broadly on the now-shuttered channel. CNN’s New Year’s Eve program with Sidner and Champion will mark a new chapter for the network, which memorably featured Lemon among those covering the occasion. Earlier this year, Lemon and CNN parted ways after the channel’s management attempted to move him from his prominent primetime show to its morning program. Here is an exclusive clip from this week’s new episode of ALLBLK’s provocative drama series, “Hush.” The series starring Candiace Dillard Bassett (The Real Housewives of Potomac), Joyful Drake (P Valley), Caryn Ward Ross (ALLBLK’s Monogamy), and TS Madison (Zola, The TS Madison Experience), “follows the story of top marriage and sex therapist, TV personality and best-selling author, Dr. Draya Logan who finds herself entangled in a web of lies, sex and murder that could cost her everything,” the the official synopsis. “This season, Dr. Logan is determined to clear her name and reclaim her fame. She must utilize her pawns to not only to help free her but cover up more than what they promised at whatever costs before the secrets of the penthouse are exposed,” the synopsis continues. In our sneak peek of Thursday’s episode, Syleena spots an old and dear friend while out at a function. https://youtu.be/yhIlWup5U20 The musical reimagining of “The Color Purple” will be in theaters on December 25. Before the film’s debut, Taraji P. Henson (Shug Avery), Phylicia Pearl Mpasi (Young Celie), and director Blitz Bazawule talked about the script, dreams, and Alice Walker. Taraji P. Henson said, I’ve done a lot of films about incredible Black people, but it was not told by Black people. That’s what I cherish the most because it’s us owning our narrative. A lot of times when there is a Black director, the studio won’t let us be. And Blitz …. fought for the story you see on that screen. He fought for every last one of these cast members. Often times when we have Black directors…studios won’t allow them the freedom to cast who they want. Hopefully, this sends a big message to Hollywood that once you hire the director, you have to give them the freedom to make the film they want to make. They have a vision, that’s why you hired them. You should trust him. https://youtu.be/wPwzBUui1GA In a stunning and unprecedented decision, the Colorado Supreme Court removed former President Donald Trump from the state’s 2024 ballot on Tuesday, ruling that he is an ineligible presidential candidate because of the 14th Amendment’s “insurrectionist ban.” The 4-3 ruling will be placed on hold until January 4, pending Trump’s appeal to the US Supreme Court, which could settle the matter for the nation. The state Supreme Court decision only applies to Colorado, but the historic ruling will roil the 2024 presidential campaign. Colorado election officials have said the matter needs to be settled by January 5, which is the statutory deadline to set the list of candidates for the GOP primary scheduled for March 5. https://youtu.be/usM1BhR1Xa0 “President Trump did not merely incite the insurrection,” the majority wrote in its unsigned opinion. “Even when the siege on the Capitol was fully underway, he continued to support it by repeatedly demanding that Vice President (Mike) Pence refuse to perform his constitutional duty and by calling Senators to persuade them to stop the counting of electoral votes. These actions constituted overt, voluntary, and direct participation in the insurrection.” https://youtu.be/3sypo-AhSio Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, the two Georgia election workers who won a nearly $150 million verdict against Rudy Giuliani for defamation on Friday, have sued him again, asking a federal judge to permanently prohibit him from lying about them. The lawsuit comes as Giuliani has continued to make false statements about their work as absentee ballot counters in the 2020 election. “Defendant Giuliani continues to spread the very same lies for which he has already been held liable,” the new lawsuit says. “Defendant Giuliani’s statements, coupled with his refusal to agree to refrain from continuing to make such statements, make clear that he intends to persist in his campaign of targeted defamation and harassment. It must stop.” Ted Goodman, an adviser to Giuliani, on Monday declined to comment on “any potential upcoming legal matters.” https://youtu.be/5bSzBv9q_2A The Biden administration is catching heat over Jill Biden’s White House Christmas video featuring Black and transgender tap dancers. The clip highlights performers from the New York City-based tap dance company Dorrance Dance, who channeled characters from The Nutcracker ballet. This year’s holiday theme at the White House is “magic, wonder and joy,” the Bidens stated.I don’t know how you feel, but I feel it’s just breathtaking,” the first lady said during an event unveiling the White House’s holiday decorations, per CBS News. “The holidays offer a time for reflection and a break from our hurried lives, a season to be fully present with our friends and our families.” Jill Biden added, “Children have something to teach us, if we are wise enough to listen. How to remain present, even as a busy world beckons us. How to open ourselves up to love and wonder and to marvel at every moment, no matter how ordinary.” Hip-hop icon KRS-One is speaking out about why he did not participate in The Grammys’ salute to Hip-Hop 50. The Grammys honored hip-hop legends of the past and present with a TV special featuring a star-studded lineup of performers including Black Thought, Bun B, Common, De La Soul, Jermaine Dupri, J.J. Fad, Talib Kweli, The Lady Of Rage, LL Cool J, MC Sha-Rock, Monie Love, The Pharcyde, Queen Latifah, Questlove, Rakim, Remy Ma, Uncle Luke, Yo-Yo and more.. More performers will be announced in the coming weeks, according to the release. The “A GRAMMY Salute To 50 Years Of Hip-Hop” live concert aired last month, and KRS-One claims he was invited to participate in the festivities but “turned them down,” he said in a recent interview. “I was asked about two months ago; they asked me to do it and I turned them down,” the Boogie Down Productions frontman said, Vibe reports. “With all due respect, LL COOL J himself called me, spoke to my wife and pretty much begged for me to be on the show but we turned him down,” KRS-One continued. “And reason being is because I know people don’t understand this — and I say this respectfully. KRS-One is a Hip-Hop extremist. I’m not violent, a violent extremist. I’m insane with this culture. I know I must have lost my mind in this.” KRS-One went on to unpack the exploitation of Hip-Hop culture. “I restrict myself in a certain way, because I know who I am in this culture. You’re in the temple of Hip Hop, this is our home. This place, this institution can never side with, come under, understand the exploitation of our culture,” the Bronx, N.Y. native added. “Never will you ever see me standing in the environment where our culture is being exploited,” he continued. “So when I got the call, I immediately said nah,” he revealed during the interview, Vibe reports. https://twitter.com/i/status/1736201128264471033 Popular TikToker Tabitha Brown won her first Emmy award over the weekend during the 2nd annual Children’s & Family Emmys. The North Carolina native won the Outstanding Host category for her online children’s show “Tab Time.” The New York Times bestselling author is a vegan food star with 4.3 million Instagram followers and 5.1 million followers on TikTok. During her acceptance speech at the second annual Children’s and Family Emmy Awards on Dec. 17, Brown explained why her kids’ show aims to teach children “how to always let love inside.” “If we all just let a little love inside, we never know what we’ll find,” she said, Blavity reports. “And so my prayer is always that–especially for children–we teach them how to always let love inside so that one day we grow up and we sit in here in comfortable dresses and things, and we still are excited to let love inside. And the hope is that we are changing the world a little bit at a time.” The North Carolina native won the Outstanding Host category for her online children’s show “Tab Time.” The New York Times bestselling author is a vegan food star with 4.3 million Instagram followers and 5.1 million followers on TikTok. During her acceptance speech at the second annual Children’s and Family Emmy Awards on Dec. 17, Brown explained why her kids’ show aims to teach children “how to always let love inside.” “If we all just let a little love inside, we never know what we’ll find,” she said, Blavity reports. “And so my prayer is always that–especially for children–we teach them how to always let love inside so that one day we grow up and we sit in here in comfortable dresses and things, and we still are excited to let love inside. And the hope is that we are changing the world a little bit at a time.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C0Uajm1RkX3/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=de4a00d1-bbfb-4079-a173-0a55b372487d In the dynamic world of reality TV, longevity is a rare feat. Dr. Simone Whitmore, a cornerstone of “Married to Medicine,” reflects on the challenges and triumphs as the show marks its 10th season. In an exclusive interview, she opens up about the show’s impact on her marriage, the recent additions to the cast, and the emotional rollercoaster of Lateasha “Sweet Tea” Lunceford’s wedding. “First of all, being on for ten years, there are so many things I love about our show,” Dr. Simone shares. “I love that America is seeing some real Black doctors on TV now — not make-believe, not through acting, but real Black doctors. We represent such a minority of doctors in this country, and that’s a blessing.” The reality TV veteran appreciates the platform for showcasing marriage’s highs and lows. “I love that we’re able to show marriage in its good but also its negative sense,” she adds. “A lot of times when we’re having problems, you feel isolated, like nobody else is going through this. But being on this platform helped save my marriage. And for that, I’m grateful.” https://youtu.be/aPUVmBfvpJs Fans of actor Christian Keyes are coming for Tyler Perry as they’re convinced he’s the influential entertainment figure who sexually harassed the actor. Keyes revealed in an Instagram Live session Friday night that he has been sexually harassed for years and even sexually assaulted by a “powerful man” whose name he did not reveal. “This person was sexually harassing me for years,” said Keyes, explaining that the “powerful man” bragged about having “multiple young Black men” on the payroll. “And they just had to show up when he requested them to be there,” Keyes said. “Clearly, that’s why it felt to him that it was OK to say these things.” Keyes is speaking out after being empowered by Cassie’s $30 million lawsuit against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs. He even threatened to release recordings of the man sexually assaulting him. After digesting Keyes’ lengthy rant, fans concluded that the mystery pervert is Tyler Perry. https://youtu.be/rQXVSBgtUgA According to Rhymeswithsnitch.com, Keyes’ fans called out Perry in his comments section on Instagram. One person wrote: “We will CANCEL TF OUTTA YOU IF YOU HARASSED THIS YOUNG MAN TYLER. So if it’s not you then you better start talking.” Another person commented, “Do these people have lives and are they getting paid to care? So what if it is TP? What are they gonna do about it? Sue him for second hand emotional distress of a fan? These folks are way too invested in other people’s drama and then have nothing to show for it when the dust settles.” A third noted, “Funny how someone can make an allegation without naming anyone, and get people all worked up like seals.” Meanwhile, The Neighborhood Talk reports that Perry might be clear as Keyes liked an online comment from a user who said, “I don’t believe it was TP.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C1AlZUSvrph/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=3001ef8f-d7f4-4446-ac71-96a1d77117ac Let’s get straight to it. Beyoncé vs Taylor Swift is less about them than it is about a larger discussion about erasure and ethnicity. Both women have been successful performers for decades, endorsing each other’s artistry along the way. But many of their supporters and cultural critics continue to compare their careers, along with how their work is received and acknowledged. The latest example was the reception this week of Swift being named Time’s 2023 Person of the Year. New York Times bestselling author and cultural critic Luvvie Ajayi Jones noted Beyoncé’s omission from the list of individuals considered. “Taylor being TIME person of the year while Beyoncé was not even nominated when they had VERY comparable years in terms of quantifiable impact is wild,” Ajayi Jones wrote on Instagram. https://youtu.be/7wKWOa8r26A The legacy of legendary trumpeter Roy Hargrove is celebrated with the release of “The Love Suite: In Mahogany,” a never-before-heard, one-time live performance now available on all digital streaming platforms. Hargrove, who passed away in 2018 at age 49, was considered “not simply one of the most dazzling jazz talents of his generation” but also “a visionary who worked to fully integrate jazz, hip-hop, and R&B,” per Pitchfork, according to a news release. “Unlike his genre-bending forbearer, the brooding Prince of Darkness Miles Davis, Hargrove possessed a lightness of spirit that permeated every note he played,” says Pitchfork. “The late trumpeter’s innovative work with D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, Common, and the RH Factor helped shape the modern musical landscape as we know it.” The Jazz at Lincoln Center (JALC) and the organization’s in-house recording label Blue Engine Records is celebrating the late musician through archives and a new animated video showcasing Hargrove’s 2016 interview with Honolulu, Hawaii radio host Dave Lawrence. JALC and Blue Engine Records marked Hargrove’s birthday in October with a special concert and dinner at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s Club in New York City. It’s holiday travel season and planes are going to be packed. Patience will be tried. Some level of aggravation is all but inevitable. Throw in a seat-kicker, a tipsy stranger, and someone who’s blissfully barefoot and the odyssey becomes a little more challenging. (Hint: You can help if you don’t put your bare feet on another passenger’s armrest.)Oh yeah, this year is poised to be a record-setter for air travel. https://youtu.be/P0qgIN8JkUI The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen more people this holiday season than any day in its more than 20-year history. It’ll all go more smoothly if every passenger brings some common courtesy along for the ride, so CNN Travel spoke with experts about the best approaches to airplane etiquette. The missing ingredient, in many cases, is self-awareness. People tend to get wrapped up in their journey and forget that there’s a whole planeload of other passengers. https://youtu.be/qgUMlbNoGr0 With 2023 soon coming to a close, Native Son – the leading organization championing Black gay and queer men – today unveiled its annual year-end Native Son 101 List highlighting a powerful collective of Black gay and queer men who made an incredible impact throughout the year. Now in its fourth year, the 101 List honors leaders, mavericks, and innovators in the Black gay and queer community who achieved unprecedented cultural heights and become historic firsts, and those who are using their platforms to break through barriers and glass ceilings in their respective roles, professions, and areas of expertise. The 2023 edition will also see Native Son once again partnering with The Cut for a second year. Conceived by Native Son Founder Emil Wilbekin, this year’s list features a range of social justice and social impact activists, media mavericks, politicians, visual and performing artists, entrepreneurs, fashion designers and stylists, actors, directors, authors, musicians, and academics. The 2023 class includes Emmy Award-winning and GRAMMY-nominated entertainer Wayne Brady who came out as pansexual earlier this year and opened up about his journey toward self-discovery; Tony Award-winning actor J. Harrison Ghee who is the first non-binary performer to win a Tony Award along with Alex Newell; and Maryland State Delegate Ashanti Martinez who became the first openly LGBTQ+ member of the General Assembly from Prince George’s County District 22 in the Maryland House of Delegates. Additional honorees include Emmy Award-winning actor Coleman Domingo; legendary stylist Law Roach; renowned journalist and anchor Don Lemon, NAACP Image Award-winning actor Nicco Annan, choreographer Sean Bankhead; former NFL player, author, and advocate R.K. Russell; Sandro, the breakout star of The Great British Bake Off; and Fabian Nelson, the first openly gay state legislator in Mississippi. https://youtu.be/O8N4CG0RQJg Producers Lia Vollack, John Branca, John McClain, and Broadway in Hollywood are thrilled to announce that the smash-hit play, MJ The Musical will play at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre for a limited six-week engagement this holiday season from December 20, 2023 – January 28, 2024. Ticket prices start at $39. Additional ticket information at www.BroadwayInHollywood.com. He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to Los Angeles as MJ, the multi–Tony Award®-winning new musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, begins a tour of its own. Created by Tony Award®-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status. Did Jonathan Majors blow up his career over a “snow bunny?” Well, that’s what folks are saying on social media now that Disney has dumped him. Majors was set to play supervillain Kang as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and made his onscreen debut with the studio in ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’ in Feb. 2023. He was also reportedly set to play Kang in ‘Avengers: The Kang Dynasty’ slated to premiere in 2026. Now, however, because he was found guilty of assault and harassment of his ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari during a domestic dispute, he’s been fired by Disney/Marvel. https://youtu.be/rCa_66l2PA4 “Power Book III: Raising Kanan,” which debuted Dec. 1 on STARZ. “Season three picks up right where season two ends. So you’re going to see her continuing her pursuit of proving that she is right about what she knows, and you see the consequences of her pursuit this season,” Caswell told us exclusively about her character, Detective Burke. “Most of her dynamic is with Detective Howard and the pressure between those two partners. And so we see that come to a head this season, from all those pressures,” she continued. According to the press release, season 3 of “continues to tell the origin story of fan-favorite character Kanan Stark (MeKai Curtis), originally played by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson in the flagship series, delving further into his evolution from the devoted son of Raquel “Raq” Thomas (Patina Miller) into the eventual ferocious, amoral and pragmatic personality fans know from “Power.” Season three picks up where we left off, in Southside Jamaica Queens with the Thomas family in turmoil and reeling from the Mob’s coordinated attack on Raquel, Marvin and Lou-Lou. After her close call, Raquel is looking to make a fresh start, but Kanan doesn’t trust her or believe it when she says she’s done. Can she really be out of the game?” https://youtu.be/ZG6Jw5xgP9s Lizzo’s legal team filed a motion to dismiss the discrimination lawsuit her former tour designer made. Touring for sexual and racial harassment and disability discrimination. AsTMZ reports, Daniels says she joined Lizzo’s tour in 2023 to work in wardrobe and was subjected to inappropriate working conditions, including retaliation and assault. According to the legal docs, Daniels, a Black woman, claims she was hired by Amanda Nomura, a member of Lizzo’s team who allegedly made “racist and fatphobic comments — allegedly calling Black women on the tour “dumb” “useless” and “fat,” TMZ writes. Daniels alleges that the overall tour experience left her with ongoing anxiety and PTSD. She also suffers from “migraines, ocular distortions, brain fog and fatigue,” per TMZ. GSN-Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has shared a humorous and positive update on his health after undergoing hip replacement surgery.“ You may have heard that Humpty Kareem had a great fall. It’s true,” the basketball Hall of Fame center wrote in his Substack on Monday. “I was at The Manhattan Transfer’s final public concert at Disney Hall, ready to read a letter from Kamala Harris and provide some praise of my own for a group I love and admire. But I fell and was carted off to UCLA Hospital with a broken hip. “I’d like to say I fell while trying to save a child from plunging over a balcony, but I just tripped. Hard for me to accept that a once world-class athlete just stumbled. “But age is the great equalizer and humbles us all. Now, I’m a world-class patient in a bed convalescing from a hip replacement like 450,000 other Americans every year.” https://youtu.be/yHYD7hAQ5_k GSN-“It is shameful that Navy Federal, an organization that prides itself in helping the families of men and women who served their country, does not give their Black and Latino customers the same opportunities as White customers,” Crump added. CNN’s study also revealed that Navy Federal approved a higher percentage of applications from white borrowers making less than $62,000 a year than it did from Black borrowers making $140,000 or more. “We hope this legal action will stop racial lending discrimination in its tracks and require Navy Federal to right their wrongs,” said attorney Adam Levitt. “Home ownership is recognized as the cornerstone of the American Dream. We will not sit by while that dream is denied to hard-working and deserving Americans based on discriminatory practices and algorithms.” Navy Federal denied CNN’s findings in a statement on Dec. 15. https://youtu.be/G2Xdp4Q2Bqs GSN-Community star Yvette Nicole Brown recently announced her engagement to fellow actor Anthony Davis. Brown was guest-hosting “The View” on Tuesday when she shared the exciting news, People reports. “I have some news, and I heard that The View is the place to announce things like this. I’m engaged,” Brown said while Davis watched from the audience.“You are one lucky man,” co-host Sunny Hostin told Davis. Brown, 52, explained that she first met Davis in her 20s, and he was married then. They reconnected in 2021 after her mother passed away. GSN-Comedian Jess Hilarious appeared on Cam Newton’s Funky Friday podcast and spoke about her relationship with ex-boyfriend Kountry Wayne. Jess claims she didn’t know the father of 10 was married during their courtship. The former couple dated in 2019, and Jess previously revealed that she learned he was married via social media. “That relationship was very short-lived but I will say, had I gotten to know Wayne, me and Wayne would still be great, great friends today,” she explained to Newton in the Instagram clip “That was the first relationship I was in where the guy put me on something like that,” she continued. “One of the things I always told him while we were together, ‘You are very corny, but you are rich for a reason.’” https://youtu.be/iz6e6-zzjfo GSN-Iconic singer, songwriter, and producer Jody Watley has reached another career milestone in 2023 with the resounding success of “The Jody Watley Show” on SiriusXM The Groove. Launched during Women’s History Month, the monthly two-hour broadcast has become a testament to Watley’s ongoing achievement and her knack for reinvention. The Jody Watley Show stands out as a unique platform in the realm of radio, offering a fresh perspective on music, culture, and life. With its commitment to celebrating diversity and excellence, the show remains a testament to Jody Watley’s enduring influence in the world of entertainment. As the host, Jody Watley infuses the show with her vision of positivity and inspiration, providing a welcome contrast to the prevailing themes of drama, controversy, and gossip. Reflecting on the success of her show, Watley remarks, “When offered the opportunity to do my own show, I knew that I wanted it to be reflective of who I am as a person. My special guests this year perfectly complemented what the show is about.” https://youtu.be/Kk2lEGagIlQ GSN-The LAPD is investigating Michael B. Jordan’s car crash after a video surfaced allegedly showing the actor’s Ferrari slamming into a parked vehicle. According to TMZ, officials suspect Jordan was racing his blue Ferrari at the time of the crash, which sparked the investigation. According to law enforcement, Jordan wasn’t under the influence during the “traffic collision” on Dec. 2 at Sunset Boulevard and Beachwood Drive in Hollywood. No one was injured, and an LAPD spokesperson said there was no evidence of reckless driving, Entertainment Tonight reports. The viral video shows Jordan seemingly racing a red Ferrari. The other car’s driver spoke to ET about the events that led up to the accident. Tenshi Angel says he was “vibing out” listening to music when the blue Ferrari pulled up next to him. At the time, he couldn’t see the driver and didn’t know it was Jordan. GSN-”The Burial” tells the true story of a funeral home owner, Jerry O’keefe (Tommy Lee Jones), who sues a larger funeral home corporation for not upholding their contract. One of Jerry’s lawyers seeks the help of Willie Gary, (Jamie Foxx), to take over the case. Because the case will be tried in rural Mississippi with more than likely a Black judge and mostly Black jury, Jerry’s lawyer Hal Dockins (Mamoudou Athie) feels hiring Willie will be beneficial to their case. https://youtu.be/ZOhIdaufd3Q GSN-Wu-Tang Clan has announced 2024 dates for the group’s first-ever Las Vegas residency. In an Instagram on Dec. 12, the group revealed that their Vegas stint will officially kick off at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas during Super Bowl weekend in February. “Are you ready? Wu-Tang Clan: The Saga Continues… The Las Vegas Residency,” Wu-Tang captioned the post. “The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas will be the home of the Wu-Tang experience starting Super Bowl weekend.” Wu-Tang will perform at Virgin Hotel’s theater on Feb. 9-10 and the following month for March Madness, on March 22 and 24. Takeoff is no longer here, but the late rapper’s mother could be held liable in a sexual assault lawsuit involving her son by an unidentified woman known only as Jane Doe. AllHipHop.com reports that attorneys representing the woman filed court papers demanding that Takeoff’s mother, Titiana Davenport, replace the late Migos rapper as the defendant in the suit. News of the filing comes more than two years after the woman initially filed her complaint in August 2020. The lawsuit stems from an incident that took place during a party on June 23, 2020. The suit details how Takeoff allegedly made several advances toward the woman on the night of the incident, according to AllHipHop. Despite making it clear she was not interested, the lawsuit alleges that Takeoff followed the woman into a bedroom and forced himself on her. Responding to the woman’s lawsuit, Takeoff vehemently denied the allegations. In addition, insufficient evidence resulted in no charges being pressed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office. Two years after the woman accused Takeoff of sexual assault, the entertainer was shot to death at 810 Billiards & Bowling Houston before the lawsuit could be resolved. Takeoff passed away on November 1, 2022. Written and directed by Academy Award nominee Ava DuVernay, “Origin” chronicles the tragedy and triumph of Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Isabel Wilkerson as she investigates a global phenomenon of epic proportions. Portrayed by Academy Award nominee Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (“King Richard”), Isabel experiences unfathomable personal loss and love as she crosses continents and cultures to craft one of the defining American books of our time. Inspired by the New York Times best-seller “Caste,” “Origin” explores the mystery of history, the wonders of romance and a fight for the future of us all. https://youtu.be/pAweg5PaMuw Actor Christian Keyes is going through something deep. We mean really deep and dark. It’s got him so emotionally tied up that he had to stop and share what’s on his mind via an Instagram Live session Friday night. Without naming names, Keyes said a very powerful entertainment figure sexually harassed him and he has proof. During his lengthy IG Live session, which has gone beyond viral, Keyes says he has been sexually harassed for years and even sexually assaulted by this “powerful man.”“This person was sexually harassing me for years,” said Keyes, explaining that the “powerful man” in question claimed and bragged about having “multiple young Black men” on the payroll. “And they just had to show up when he requested them to be there,” Keyes said. “Clearly that’s why it felt to him that it was OK to say these things.” The actor who starred in Tyler Perry’s “All the Queen’s Men” said, “I’ve done my best to forgive this person, but it happens. It happens. It’s not just women that have to deal with it. It’s also men sometimes.” https://youtu.be/rQXVSBgtUgA Needless to say, the reaction to Christian Keyes’ incredible revelation is off the charts on social media. https://twitter.com/i/status/1736136902049198510 Following renaming the former Vauxhall Service Area on the Garden State Parkway in honor of Whitney Houston, the New Jersey Hall of Fame joined The Estate of Whitney E. Houston and public officials on Thursday, December 14, 2023, to unveil the service area’s exhibits and other initiatives in her honor. At the newly redesigned service area, guests are now greeted by a captivating and towering image of Whitney Houston, accompanied by a biography and a display of the platinum record she earned for her timeless song, “I Will Always Love You.” The exhibit invites visitors to delve deeper into Whitney’s iconic career, showcasing not only her achievements but also quotes and compelling images on an interactive “Selfie Monitor,” where visitors can pose for a photo alongside Whitney Houston or explore profiles of numerous other celebrated New Jersey Hall of Fame inductees. https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/godxg3hatpy6wmuu6xhmo/NJHOF_WHSA_1.0-2.MOV?rlkey=8qk1wp051tknuoyouktd5ujip&dl=0 After 30 years as a powerhouse behind-the-scenes creative force for some of pop, R&B, at last, and contemporary jazz’s most iconic performers, multi-talented keyboardist, composer, and producer Kevin Flournoy is quickly building momentum as an emerging artist in his own right. When he decided, at last, to turn the spotlight on himself, one of his driving missions was to reach out to the influential greats he has worked with throughout his career and incorporate their trademark vibes into the fresh tracks he is creating. His latest release, the melodically and rhythmically infectious, perfectly titled “Smooth It Over,” marks a special reunion with one of these legendary collaborators, saxophonist Ronnie Laws. https://youtu.be/nACcyCJ8xfw You would be forgiven for referring to the 2023 NBA rookie cohort as the “Victor Wembanyama draft class.” Amen and Ausar Thompson have their own story to tell. After all, the 7-foot-4-inch teenager is the most hyped prospect since LeBron James. He is a walking cheat code who is unlike anything basketball has ever seen before, with 2014 MVP Kevin Durant among those already singing the Frenchman’s praises this season. But like we said, “Wembymania” is not the only unprecedented narrative from this draft. Amen and Ausar Thompson became the first siblings to be drafted in the top five of the same draft. They were even drafted back-to-back. https://youtu.be/oM5M3BbSH0I Amen was selected fourth overall by the Houston Rockets, while Ausar came off the board at No. 5 to the Detroit Pistons. “We really haven’t seen a pair of brothers like this in a long time, maybe ever in the NBA,” Kelly Iko, an NBA and Houston Rockets writer for The Athletic, told CNN Sport. https://youtu.be/6xqeZ7oIwgs It was only a matter of time before the #MeToo movement fully expanded into hip-hop, with some of the culture’s finest under fire. LL Cool J, MC Lyte and Bell Biv Devoe (BBD) are the targets of #MeToo supporters. Among the advocates is one who is taking the entertainers to task for spreading what she calls “grooming culture” in music. The questionable activity relates to claims that BBD, Lyte and Cool J spread a grooming and abuse culture in hip-hop that encouraged predators via their music, reports MediaTakeOut. The #MeToo supporter highlighted specific tunes from the trio in her claim, particularly Cool J’s “Big Ole Butt, Lyte’s “2 Young 4 What” and BBD’s “Do Me.” Released on July 7, 1980, “Big Ole Butt” is the third single from Cool J’s third album, “Walking With a Panther.” The rapper was 21 at the time when the song came out. In her post, the #MeToo advocate cited the second verse of “Big Ole Butt,” which found Cool J coming to a high school and meeting a teenage girl. https://static.cdninstagram.com/rsrc.php/v3/yb/r/UsSR4Cvo4Px.png The #MeToo supporter’s claims arrived after Bad Boy Records founder Sean “Diddy” Combs was hit with four separate sexual assault lawsuits last month. As a result, the rap mogul has faced a severe backlash, resulting in him stepping aside as chairman at Revolt and multiple companies ending their business relationship with him as well as scrapped plans for “Diddy+7,” a Hulu reality show with Combs and his family. For “2 Young 4 What” Media Takeout noted the advocate’s intent to prove how the toxic culture was spread by female artists as well as their male counterparts. The song, featured on Lyte’s 1991 album “Act Like You Know,” finds the then 21-year-old rapstress voicing her preference for “young boys” who are “about seventeen.” https://static.cdninstagram.com/rsrc.php/v3/yb/r/UsSR4Cvo4Px.png The advocate highlights BBD member Ronnie Devoe’s part of “Do Me,” which alludes to an encounter with an “underage” girl. Like Cool J and Lyte, she highlights the age of the group members when the song was released (Devoe, 23, Ricky Bell, 23, and Michael Bivens, 22) https://www.instagram.com/p/C0tJNakuuES/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again “There are 800 different languages here,” said Tarzzy Metta, vocalist/saxophonist/flutist, and percussionist of the band Ancient Dusk about Papua New Guinea where he is based. The Ancient Dusk band recently signed to BIG Records released the single “Laeso (Peace & Quiet),” and is planning for a 2024 worldwide album release. “New Guinea is a very diverse place. The different cultures influenced early missionaries and explorers – Australian natives.” https://youtu.be/Q1nt3QLAIMI At the unveiling of Oprah Winfrey’s new portrait at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery on Wednesday, she recalled a story about her grandmother once instructing her to boil clothes outside to get them clean. The family was so poor they had no running water, and her grandmother said Winfrey would one day have to do the same. But Winfrey noted that she knew at an early age her grandmother’s destiny would not be her own. “I could feel inside my being when I was very young, I think as early as four when I first started speaking in the church,” Winfrey said. “That’s where my broadcasting career began with ‘Jesus rose on Easter day [hallelujah, hallelujah] all the angels did proclaim.’ Y’all remember when we used to get Easter pieces?” https://youtu.be/CNU5-yL5EFk Over 200 reparations activists from 26 states, working on local and national reparations initiatives, gathered in Evanston, Illinois, for the 3rd Annual National Symposium for State and Local Reparations (held November 30 to December 2, 2023). The event was convened by First Repair, founded by Robin Rue Simmons. Simmons is the former 5th Ward Alderman for the City of Evanston, IL, where she led, in collaboration with others, the passage of the nation’s first municipally-funded reparations legislation for Black residents. Reparations activists from Chicago, IL; Evanston, IL; Detroit, MI; Atlanta, GA; Decatur, GA; Seattle, WA; Asheville, NC; San Francisco, CA; New York, NY; Denver, CO; Boston, MA; Tulsa, OK; Washington, DC; Greenbelt, Baltimore, and Waldorf MD, and other municipalities were in attendance at the convening. https://youtu.be/h5tm5f2YJ80 The mother of the Virginia 6-year-old who shot his first-grade teacher in January was sentenced Friday to two years in prison, according to the court in Newport News. Deja Taylor had pleaded guilty to a state charge of felony child neglect in August. Taylor’s attorney, James Ellenson, told CNN the Commonwealth had recommended a six-month sentence. He says they do not plan to appeal the state sentence. “I think it is excessive and harsh,” Ellenson said about the sentence from Circuit Court Judge Christopher Papile. In addition to the two-year sentence, Taylor is serving 21 months for two federal felony charges, the unlawful use of a controlled substance while possessing a firearm, and making a false statement while purchasing the firearm. https://youtu.be/OA3SbXBDYhM During his IG Live streamed presentation event on Friday (12/15/23) from Las Vegas for his studio project with Ty Dolla $ign called “Vultures,” he went left with a rant in which mentioned Drake, Jay-Z, Adidas and others for not supporting him this past year. He also noted that “Jewish n***as” will brush off his rant as another “episode.” Y’all ain’t stop that Adidas s**t,” West said, beginning his rant. “Y’all n***as let Adidas crash the richest n***a of all time. I put up one tweet and then Ari Emanuel put, ‘Oh we gotta drop this n***a,’ and all n***as just watched. The only n***a that had the Trump hat. The only n***a that went and got them billions. The only n***a that break through all kinds of ideas in fashion. I’ve been called a f**got so many times for tight jeans. I got n***as from Chicago that I take care of that still try to sell me.” And, there was this: “Who you think the old man call? When we put Drake on stage, who you think the old man call? You know what I’m saying. N***a, just ’cause I had a car, n***a. F**k everybody, n***a. That’s what I’m trying to say to you n***as right f**king now, n***a. Drake, this is what you been waiting for. Jay-Z, this is what you been waiting for. Adidas, this is what you been waiting for. Kim, this is what you been waiting for.” https://youtu.be/8snxdLrUurc It appears all is not well with Cardi B. That’s probably not a surprise when you consider that she recently confirmed that she and her estranged husband, Offset, the Migos rapper, had split up … again. Thursday night Offset celebrated his 32nd birthday at CoCo Miami Lounge in Miami. His special guest was, yep – you guessed it – London Perry. During Cardi’s IG Live session, she didn’t show her face, but she didn’t have a problem speaking her mind and sharing her pain. A m***a f**ka will play in your f**king face, over and over again, until you be like watch what I’m about to do, watch what I’m about to say. This m***a f**ka really like to play games with me when I’m at my most vulnerable time. When I’m not the most confident,” she admitted. https://www.instagram.com/p/C04fi5bK3ue/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Offset celebrated his 32nd birthday with London Perry, Check her out via her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CoDRt1cvNqo/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again In terms of influence, the Holy Bible knows few competitors. Unless you ask Dr. Boyce Watkins. According to him, the Good Book is not the tome to read for black children. So much so that he cites Dr. Claud Anderson’s “PowerNomics: The National Plan to Empower Black America,” as a “more important” book to spend time with. https://youtu.be/jB-eWs7a6mA Teresa Haley, the top official of the Illinois NAACP has been suspended, according to the organization, after a leaked video call with NAACP leaders around the state appears to show her comparing recent migrant arrivals to “savages” and saying “they’ve been raping people.” It’s worth noting that the suspension comes after Haley apologized for the comments. In a recording of the Oct. 26 call released by Patrick Watson, the former DuPage County, Illinois, branch president for the NAACP, Haley complains that incoming migrants are being treated more favorably than Black residents in need. She made the comments after another caller began discussing the topic of migrants. “Black people have been on the streets forever and ever, and nobody cares, because they say that we’re drug addicts, we’ve got mental health issues,” Haley said in the video. “But these immigrants who come over here, they’ve been raping people, they’ve been breaking into homes, they’re like savages as well. They don’t speak the language and they look at us like we’re crazy.” She added, “It’s the N-A-A-C-P. What do those letters mean to you? What does it really stand for? Yes, we can stand up for other people, but what are we doing for our own?” https://youtu.be/z8_yWcdRvMg NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was hospitalized Friday night after falling and breaking his hip, according to his longtime business partner. Abdul-Jabbar, 76, was scheduled to have surgery Saturday, Deborah Morales told CNN. The former Los Angeles Lakers star was attending a concert Friday night when he fell, according to Morales. “We are all deeply appreciative of all the support for Kareem, especially from the Los Angeles Fire Department who assisted Kareem on site and the amazing medical team and doctors at UCLA Hospital who are taking great care of Kareem now,” Morales said. The statement did not say what concert Abdul-Jabbar was attending when he was hurt. Abdul-Jabbar, 76, began his NBA career in 1969 with the Milwaukee Bucks, but is best remembered as a critical player with the Los Angeles Lakers during their dominant “Showtime” era in the 1980s. He led Los Angeles to five NBA championships. https://youtu.be/8S3TdgbZR3c Even as he’s now recording under his freshly minted moniker and multi-genre fusion concept Classic Twist, there’s no mistaking the stunning, emotionally impactful vocals of famed R&B/jazz singer/songwriter Gene-O on his dynamic new holiday single “Just Like Christmas Before.” The highly anticipated follow-up to Classic Twist’s uplifting call-to-action anthem “Time for Change” – which, true to the singer’s bold vision, incorporated elements of pop, R&B, country, and rock – the song is a classic-styled soul ballad about an exciting, heart-pounding reunion with loved ones after a long time apart, a true celebration of love during troubled times, and a spirit-filled commitment to recapturing the joyful fun of past seasons when Christmas was at its most magical. https://youtu.be/dYoB9PWy6y4 “Wonka” has all the ingredients that are needed for exciting entertainment. Most important is that audiences leave theaters feeling uplifted. Memorable music and catchy lyrics set the stage for impromptu bursts of singing. Not to mention, the story is universal and everyone can relate to it. The bonding chemistry between Willy Wonka (Timothée Chalamet) and Noodle (Calah Lane) is palpable. And last, but not least, the wit and humor puts a smile on your face. https://youtu.be/otNh9bTjXWg Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is really going far out of his way to prove he is a true-to-form member of today’s GOP. Like other Republican candidates, he vehemently defends Donald Trump despite the fact that he’s running against him for the presidency. He says things as if they’re widely accepted as true when, in reality, they’re thoroughly debunked as false. And, despite being a brown person himself, he apparently believes white people are intentionally being replaced by non-white people as part of an agenda by Democrats to boost their voting demographics. During Wednesday’s Republican primary debate, Ramaswamy appeared to solidify himself as the chief spreader of absurd conspiracy theories, racist dog-whistling and alarmist nonsense, which is actually pretty impressive given all the competition he had on that stage for that role. Ramaswamy kicked things off by defending Trump and attacking the other candidates for criticizing the ex-president because, apparently, Ramaswamy was hit with a sudden head rush of MAGA dopamine that caused him to completely forget how primary debates work. Then he went on to imply that the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol was the work of some nameless, faceless government insider. “Why am I the only person, on this stage at least, who can say that Jan. 6 now does look like it was an inside job?” Ramaswamy said. Before they took temporary jobs as election workers in Georgia, Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss were unknown citizens who worked, paid taxes, parented, enjoyed leisure time and generally lived as everyday people in everyday life. Donald Trump, on the other hand, was the sitting president of the United States and the most powerful clown in the GOP circus when he used his massive platform to target Freeman and Moss with election tampering claims that had no basis in reality whatsoever. As early as this year, Trump was still online harassing the mother and daughter even after they gave tearful testimony before the Jan. 6 Committee about the harassment they received due to Trump falsely and repeatedly claiming they were involved in election fraud that exists only in the minds of Trump and idiot followers. Donald Trump and his legal team continued the American tradition of sticking white mobs on Black families, and now, prosecutors are trying to hold him accountable for it. According to Newsweek, prosecutors in Trump’s fraud trial, which is set to begin in March 2024, submitted a filing Tuesday accusing the ex-president of subjecting Freeman and Moss to “vile and racist” threats from his supporters by calling the two Black women “monsters” who stole the election from him by using suitcases of ballots to add votes for President Joe Biden, which they did not do. The filing also accuses the commander-in-lying-and-losing of doubling down on his nonsense after Freeman and Moss’ Jan. 6 committee testimony. Multidisciplinary artist Laura Nsengiyumva is facing backlash for her character, Queen Nikkolah, an African female version of Sinterklaas. Hoping to free Belgium from “colonial ideology,” Nsengiyumva was scheduled to dress up as Queen Nikkolah and hand out gifts to children at a town hall event in Ghent, a port city northwest of Belgium, according to The Telegraph. She reportedly planned to wear the colors of the Palestinian flag during the Flemish gathering. Mathias de Clercq, the mayor of Ghent, canceled the event after several politicians expressed concern. “There is nothing wrong with Sinterklaas as we know him,” Mathias de Clercq said, according to The Guardian. “We shouldn’t try to turn him into something else.” Over 200 children were expected to attend the town hall Christmas event in Ghent. The jolly character typically appears alongside his companion, Zwarte Piet — also known as Black Pete — a controversial character who dons a black face, curly black hair and large red lips. Some anti-racism organizations have been calling for the end of Zwarte Piet because they believe the character perpetuates racism. However, Anneleen Van Bossuyt, a member of the Flemish separatist party N-VA, refuted the claims in a blog post published Nov. 27. “People see Queen Nikkolah as a threat but if I didn’t like this tradition, I wouldn’t have picked it up,” the Belgian-born artist of Rwandan descent explained. “It’s also a desire to be part of it.” Created in 2017, Nsengiyumva said that she designed the African character as a response to community members who were hurt by the legacy of Sinterklaas. She wanted to do something to change the narrative. “Not only people of color, but I think also white allies who needed an alternative to deconstruct the colonial myth around Sinterklaas,” the activist said. “At the root of it is that it is an Afro-descendent character who is at the service of Sinterklaas. I think it’s part of many childhood traumas for black Belgians, for Afro-Belgians, because you’re called out as Zwarte Piet, you’re compared to him,” the architect added. “It’s really about joy and positivity.” “American Fiction” may be the newest black film coming to theaters, but its director will be the first to tell you that his feature puts the spotlight on a longstanding issue. Speaking with the BBC, writer-director Cord Jefferson, described “American Fiction” as satire, with a serious message. The film, based on the book “Erasure” by Percival Everett, stars Jeffrey Wright as Monk, an author who becomes disillusioned with the way the publishers he wants to work with only seem interested in stereotypical black storytelling. https://youtu.be/E0VdfTkvLq8 Frustrated, Monk writes a book with black clichés, hoping it will be a complete failure. Despite the effort to deliver such a work, Monk’s book became an instant hit in the literary market. https://youtu.be/i0MbLCpYJPA A Washington, DC, jury has ordered Rudy Giuliani to pay nearly $150 million to two Georgia election workers for the harm caused by defamatory statements he made about them following the 2020 election. Ruby Freeman was awarded $16,171,000 for defamation and $20 million for emotional distress. Shaye Moss was awarded $16,998,000 for defamation and $20 million for emotional distress. The jury also awarded $75 million in punitive damages to both plaintiffs. Rudy Giuliani, the former New York mayor and onetime attorney to Donald Trump, watched intently as the verdict was read, using a stylus on a touch screen device, apparently taking down notes on the figures he’d been ordered to pay. After the proceedings ended, Freeman and Moss hugged each other tightly, and then every member of their legal team. A feeling of jubilation among the plaintiffs in the courtroom after Giuliani left, Freeman looked especially relieved after the jury forewoman read the numbers, spinning around slightly in her chair and closing her eyes briefly. https://youtu.be/nssIdNsL2DE Giuliani was found liable this summer for defamation against Freeman and Moss after failing to respond to parts of their lawsuit. The mother and daughter claimed in their case that they have suffered emotional and reputational harm as well as having their safety put in danger after Giuliani singled them out when he made false claims of ballot tampering in Georgia. During the trial, an attorney for Freeman and Moss showed videos and played audio clips in which Giuliani repeated false claims that the two election workers stuffed ballots and were caught on video allegedly passing a USB drive as part of a vote-stealing scheme. None of those claims were true, and the supposed USB drive was a ginger mint. In emotional testimony delivered over two days, Freeman and Moss described the flood of harassing and threatening messages they received after Giuliani and others, including former President Donald Trump, began attacking them. They told the jury how their personal and professional lives were upended by the lies, including through the loss of job opportunities, their communities, and, they said, their personal identities. https://youtu.be/ok-TD9GkdCc The widow of late singer Teddy Pendergrass claims Tyrese Gibson is a “poor businessman” amid their legal battle over a biopic about the musician. We reported earlier that Gibson is suing Joan Pendergrass, whom he accuses of refusing to extend the option for the rights to the late singer’s life story. In 2019, it was reported that Gibson would portray the R&B crooner in a biopic by Lee Daniels, Deadline reported. Warner Bros. acquired the life rights of the late artist, who rose to fame in the early 1970s as the lead singer of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes before achieving success as a solo artist. A near-fatal car crash in 1982 left Pendergrass paralyzed from the chest down, but that didn’t stop him from continuing to perform for two decades until announcing his retirement in 2007. He also established the Teddy Pendergrass Alliance to help those with spinal cord injuries before he died in 2010. Joan was set to executive produce the biopic with Little Marivn attached initially to pen the screenplay. Gibson’s Voltron production company was slated to oversee the production. As RadarOnline reports, he is now at war with Joan, who claims the “Fast and Furious” star is “incapable of getting a movie made.” The family of Kenneka Jenkins, a 19-year-old woman who died in an Illinois hotel’s walk-in freezer more than six years ago, has settled a lawsuit against the hotel for $10 million. The young woman’s body was found in the freezer in September 2017 after she attended a party at the Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare Hotel. After reviewing hours of surveillance video and interviewing party attendees, authorities said at the time her death was accidental and there was no reason to suspect foul play. A copy of the settlement order filed Tuesday in the Circuit Court of Cook County states Jenkins’ mother, Tereasa Martin, will receive approximately $3.7 million, while other parts of the settlement will go toward the payment of attorney fees, funeral costs and other expenses. Two other family members will also receive a combined $2.7 million of the settlement fund. A medical examiner in 2017 ruled Jenkins’ death was accidental, caused by hypothermia and “cold exposure in a walk-in freezer” as well as “ethanol and topiramate intoxication.” https://youtu.be/q8fD-osMcDc Topiramate is prescribed for a range of conditions, but is most commonly used to treat epilepsy and migraines. Jenkins’ family said she had not been prescribed the drug, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office. She also had blood alcohol levels higher than the legal driving limit. Authorities released surveillance video in 2017 that showed Jenkins staggering through the hotel’s hallways before she disappeared. She is seen exiting an elevator after 3 a.m., alone and visibly impaired. Minutes later, she is seen entering a kitchen, CNN has previously reported. The footage does not show her entering the cooler and freezer, where she was found nearly 24 hours later, because no cameras show the doors directly. In addition to the hotel’s owners, Jenkins’ estate named the hotel’s security contractor and the restaurant that managed the space where Jenkins was found dead, alleging they did not do enough to find the young woman after she disappeared. https://youtu.be/e4U3BXSMb3A Oprah Winfrey will celebrate her 70th birthday next month, and the billionaire media mogul says she has no plans to slow down anytime soon. “I will never be done until my last breath is done,” she tells People. Winfrey is gearing up for the Christmas Day release of “The Color Purple,” a musical adaptation of Steven Spielberg’s 1985 film and Broadway show. She serves as a producer on the film along with Spielberg, Scott Sanders, and Quincy Jones. Directed by Blitz Bazawule, the Golden Globe-nominated movie musical is based on Alice Walker’s acclaimed novel and stars Taraji P. Henson as Shug Avery and Fantasia as Celie. The ensemble cast includes Danielle Brooks as Sofia, Corey Hawkins as Harpo, singer H.E.R. as Squeak, and Ciara will play Nettie, Celie’s younger sister. https://youtu.be/zTnircQsMaM Nicki Minaj turned to social media this week to call out hip-hop journalist Elliott Wilson, the founder of Rap Radar. The hip-hop star accused Wilson of trying to “tarnish” her image after he commented about her appearance on Kai Cenat’s popular Twitch channel. During the conversation, the pair chatted about her new album “Pink Friday 2” and had a wild dance party. Wilson posted a screenshot of Nicki twerking and captioned it “Hip Hop Journalism.” Fans accused Wilson was being shady so Nicki responded and advised Wilson to “spit JayZ dikk out for one second.” She wrote, “Elliot if you’d spit JayZ dikk out for one second, you’d be able to be happy for the new comers. Isn’t that how y’all tried to tarnish my image? By saying I’m not welcoming new btchs in? Did songs with all of them tho. Why you not happy for a young black man like Kai. Tmrw btch.” https://twitter.com/NICKIMINAJ/status/1735464526353433029?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1735464526353433029%7Ctwgr%5E504a7477f72fe059dda3e6438d0f1d0068b2bb3e%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2023%2Fnicki-minaj-slams-dj-envy-elliott-wilson-and-kanye%2F Speaking of Kai, Minaj said of the popular influencer, “So let me just take this time to tell all 350,000 of you guys, first of all, I appreciate you for not only supporting me but for supporting this person right here.” Wilson, meanwhile, clapped back and made it clear he was not criticizing Minaj, writing on X, “Never dissed Nicki. Always said she’s the female rap 🐐. Over Lauryn, Missy, Kim and Foxy and all. I think Cardi B is dope too. …. Nicki is goat and best again. New album is dope.” In a separate post, Nicki Minaj took aim at DJ Envy and his real estate fraud controversy. As Complex reports, Envy previously admitted that he blackballed her music from Power 105.1. Minaj wrote on X/Twitter, “there are 4 companies that are still trying their hardest to bring [her] down.” She added, “Remember how cocky dj envy was when he was saying he black balls my music on the radio? Ask yourself how a DJ could get away w/that behavior,” she wrote. “Then I remember him selling them busted houses & I have to laugh… We prayed, envy 1 by 1… God will show y’all that you are NOT GOD.” https://twitter.com/NICKIMINAJ/status/1735456434362409186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1735456434362409186%7Ctwgr%5E504a7477f72fe059dda3e6438d0f1d0068b2bb3e%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2023%2Fnicki-minaj-slams-dj-envy-elliott-wilson-and-kanye%2F Democrat Rep. Ayanna Pressley and Republican Sen. Peter Welch have introduced a bill to allow convicted felons to vote in federal elections. According to the Associated Press, the Inclusive Democracy Act would guarantee “the right to vote in federal elections for all citizens regardless of their criminal record.” “With Republicans and the Supreme Court stopping at nothing to undermine voting rights and exclude Black and brown folks from participating in our democracy, we must protect and expand access to the ballot box — including for incarcerated citizens,” Pressley said in a statement, BET.com reports. “As someone whose family has been personally impacted by mass incarceration, I know how important it is for people to maintain ties to their community, including by voting,” Pressley continued. The lawmaker noted that current policies and court rulings “continue to disenfranchise voters from all walks of life — including by gutting the Voting Rights Act, gerrymandering, cuts to early voting, and more.” https://twitter.com/AyannaPressley/status/1735390321821798858?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1735390321821798858%7Ctwgr%5Eceac8647c77f6b86a5fa2c06e93667f0960dc949%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2023%2Fnew-bill-targets-felony-voter-disenfranchisement%2F Darius Jackson, Keke Palmer’s ex-boyfriend, claims he got baptized to save himself amid their custody battle. Palmer was granted a temporary restraining order against her baby daddy in November after accusing him of physical abuse. The “Nope” star also received custody of their nine-month-old son Leodis. The actress submitted evidence allegedly showing Jackson abusing her as part of a restraining order against him. Palmer claims her ex was abusive throughout their two-year relationship, according to US Weekly. She filed for a domestic violence restraining order in Los Angeles and included security footage screenshots allegedly showing Jackson hitting her over a sofa. Jackson turned to social media this week to announce he’s working on healing himself amid the drama with Palmer. “There’s A LOT I can say but not allowed to say. And at this point, don’t even want to say. I will say, however, that God is & will always be your greatest ally.” Palmer was granted a temporary restraining order against her baby daddy in November after accusing him of physical abuse. The “Nope” star also received custody of their nine-month-old son Leodis. The actress submitted evidence allegedly showing Jackson abusing her as part of a restraining order against him. Palmer claims her ex was abusive throughout their two-year relationship, according to US Weekly. She filed for a domestic violence restraining order in Los Angeles and included security footage screenshots allegedly showing Jackson hitting her over a sofa. Jackson turned to social media this week to announce he’s working on healing himself amid the drama with Palmer. “There’s A LOT I can say but not allowed to say. And at this point, don’t even want to say. I will say, however, that God is & will always be your greatest ally.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C01yLJ0xndm/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Rick Ross has offered 50 Cent $1,500,000 to buy the catalogs of G-Unit artists Young Buck, Lloyd Banks, and Tony Yayo. He also offered $500,000 for the group’s 2003 “Beg For Mercy” album. 50 Cent is producing a documentary on Diddy and the slew of rape allegations the Bad Boy mogul is facing. Fiddy said the profits will go to charity to support victims of abuse. In a teaser posted on Instagram, 50-Cent re-escalated his feud with Rick Ross by using the rapper’s song “U.O.E.N.O.,” which features lyrics about drugging and raping women. “I don’t condone rape,” Rick Ross wrote in a tweet in April 2013 amid backlash to the track. “Apologies for the lyric interpreted as rape.” “Before I am an artist, I am a father, a son, and a brother to some of the most cherished women in the world,” Ross later said in a statement at the time, according to Complex. “So for me to suggest in any way that harm and violation be brought to a woman is one of my biggest mistakes and regrets.” Recently, Rozay issued a message to 50 Cent in an Instagram reel, stating he heard Young Buck’s catalog was worth $725,000, Complex reports. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0iHjPFrb4q/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=7af12d3f-621a-4a2c-a163-2808d7bb0793&img_index=1 Named to TIME’s 100 Next list, Sarah Jakes Roberts’ sixth annual Woman Evolve will return to Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, September 26 – 28, 2024. As a follow-up to 2023’s sold-out conference, more than 15,000 women have already registered to attend Woman Evolve 2024—a conference that aims to empower women to progress toward the lives they desire to live. Woman Evolve 2023 was the fastest-selling women’s conference in Globe Life Field history as more than 40,000 women attended. Jakes Roberts’ conference had an overall economic impact of $30 million in the City of Arlington alone. The attendance and economic impact were on par with previous national touring events including concerts by Lady Gaga, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Elton John, Morgan Wallen and The Stadium Tour (Joan Jett, Poison, Motley Crue, and Def Leppard). https://youtu.be/gSXORzogoTM Emmy-winning actor Andre Braugher, who died earlier this week at age 61, had been diagnosed with lung cancer a few months before his death, his publicist Jennifer Allen told CNN on Thursday. The news was first reported by the New York Times. Allen stated at the time Braugher’s death was announced on Monday that he had suffered a “brief illness” and specified on Thursday it was lung cancer. Known for his Emmy-winning role on “Homicide: Life on the Street” and his comedic chops in NBC’s “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” Braugher was a beloved actor known to many. https://youtu.be/VvCv3vs_HJ8 The saga continues as award-winning filmmaker Denis Villeneuve embarks on “Dune: Part Two,” the next chapter of Frank Herbert’s celebrated novel Dune, with an expanded all-star international ensemble cast. The film, from Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures, is the highly anticipated follow-up to 2021’s six-time Academy Award-winning “Dune.” https://youtu.be/U2Qp5pL3ovA Classically trained flutist and soul-jazz phenomenon Ragan Whiteside is the winner of CBS Audition Spotlight, presented by That’s Voiceover Career Expo and the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences, which took place last week in Los Angeles. Whiteside was the winner of more than 1,800 submissions for the CBS Audition Spotlight. After her submission, she initially made it as a Top 40 finalist. Once she arrived at That’s Voiceover Career Expo, she was named one of the final six and won the grand prize, which also included a paid voiceover booking for CBS’ Los Angeles’ affiliate station, KCAL, talent representation by VOX Talent Agency, a Neumann TLM microphone and shock mount and a bunch of other swag gifts from Neumann, all to support her efforts on her journey as a voice actor. Classically trained flutist and soul-jazz phenomenon Ragan Whiteside is the winner of CBS Audition Spotlight, presented by That’s Voiceover Career Expo and the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences, which took place last week in Los Angeles. https://youtu.be/nTQsJ7qrNpE “Abbott Elementary” star Janelle James is being slammed online after a clip resurfaced from her 2021 standup routine showing her making jokes about playing with her young son’s genitalia. According to Decider, the cringy clip is from the Netflix special “The Standups,” in which the actress tells the crowd … “My youngest son got a d*** now. I didn’t know he had a d***! … They say you blink and you miss it — and it’s true.” James continues, “I was sitting on the edge of my bed and he ran by from the bathroom — I guess he forgot his towel — And I was like, ‘What the f–k was that?’” “You change the diaper, you play rhythm guitar on the pee-pee,” she added, referring to the boy’s penis. “That’s the best part about having a baby boy!” Fans online, however, were not amused. https://twitter.com/i/status/1734758757664690191 Miami Dolphins star Tyreek Hill is caught up in two paternity lawsuits. Both suits were filed separately in Broward County, Florida, Fox News reports, citing Daily Mail. Brittany Lackner, 30, filed her petition on Jan. 17, and Kimberly Kaylee Baker, 29, filed her petition on May 15. Both want Hill, who is married, to increase child support to more than the $2,500 per month he is currently paying each woman. According to Lackner, Hill demanded a second DNA test before he paid child support for their baby son Soul. Baker claims Hill has “abject unconcern” for their six-month-old daughter, Trae Love Hill. https://www.instagram.com/p/C04Sl9duKlP/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=26e0920f-142c-48d8-a362-d433a3e1c585&img_index=1 A white book author has lost book deals after creating fake profiles online to give negative reviews to authors of color. Cait Corrain claims she was battling mental illness during her recent Goodreads review bombing scandal, which saw her leaving negative reviews for BIPOC authors on Goodreads. This acronym stands for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. https://youtu.be/pFv90BAcpa4 Some of the authors she attacked were Molly Chang, Kamilah Cole, K. M. Enright, and Bethany Baptiste, Sky Pop reports. Corrain took to X/Twitter to apologize and reveal she’s been battling depression and substance issues since 2022. She said, “Since June 2022 I’ve been fighting a losing battle against depression, alcoholism and substance abuse… In late November, 2023, I started a new medication, and on December 2nd, 2023, I suffered a complete psychological breakdown… I boosted the rating of my book, bombed the ratings of several fellow debut authors, and left reviews that ranged from kind of mean to downright abusive.” https://twitter.com/thebookseller/status/1734614932547686606?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1734614932547686606%7Ctwgr%5E0290d9872e6145acd89c352980a4266fcbe7905d%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2023%2Fauthor-loses-agent-book-deal-after-review-bombing%2F A popular YouTuber named Sophiology is catching heat from her followers after gushing over her “Christian BBL.” As Complex reports, the woman (born Sophia Idahosa) shared a lengthy video detailing her cosmetic procedure involving liposuction and a fat transfer to her hips. Dr. Jung Money performed the surgery in Houston, and Idahosa likened the elective surgical enhancement to her Christian faith. “Don’t get me wrong. I get there’s people that are, like, pro-natural bodies, like ‘don’t do anything to yourself, don’t get veneers,'” she said in the video. “I’m not personally that person. I’m here for anything that makes you look better, feel better, have more confidence and just enjoy your life.” Idahosa continued, “Whatever choices I make in my life… have your disappointment and make a decision. Do you love me? Yes or no?” https://youtu.be/FA296JBuIcQ The 25-year-old Nigerian woman fired back at those who judged her decision to undergo Brazilian Butt Lift surgery. “I have never presented myself to be [a] holy, perfect example,” she said. “I’ve always vouched for the girls that love God and are not accepted by others.” Idahosa claims she received spiritual permission to undergo cosmetic surgery from God. This week, “Christian BBL” was a trending topic on X, with one user writing, “Lol. You don’t need to be a skeptic or an atheist to make a mockery of Christianity. Christians themselves do that for you everyday.” https://twitter.com/TrendingEx/status/1734831890123608387?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1734831890123608387%7Ctwgr%5E2b6ec50fa1bbfe83beaa372cb40b7b6888027290%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2023%2Fyoutuber-catches-heat-over-her-christian-bbl%2F Another commenter said, “People use Christianity to excuse their deliberate actions too much, what in the world is Christian BBl or Christian cleavage? Lack of accountability at its peak.” A third X/Twitter user added, “Christian BBL is trending because a YouTuber with a lot of Christian followers did a bumbum enlargement surgery. So, her Christian followers started castigating her for doing such an evil thing. To please them, she now said it is a ‘Christian BBL.’” https://twitter.com/i/status/1734702055279706339 Quantavious Eason, a 10-year-old Mississippi boy who was arrested for urinating in a parking lot has been placed on probation and ordered to write a book report. During a Tuesday hearing in the Youth Court of Tate County, Eason was given three months probation and assigned a two-page book report on the late NBA basketball player Kobe Bryant, but the incident will not go on his record, family attorney Carlos Moore told CNN. Eason was not declared delinquent or in need of supervision and was non-adjudicated, according to Moore. The boy was arrested and transported to the Senatobia Police Department in August after he decided to relieve himself on private property near his mother’s vehicle because signs said there were no public restrooms, CNN previously reported. https://youtu.be/Jd_9Hl96OYw The famous Chinese Theater hosted True Vision Media Group’s newest film,A Screenshot To Santa featuring Shai Moss. EURs Robin Ayers was on the scene to cover the red carpet to chat with the stars in attendance. “A Screenshot To Santa,” is directed by Monica Floyd, features Essence Atkins (Marlon, Ambitions, Are We There Yet), Tony Rock (Mann and Wife, Living Biblically, All of Us), Kennedy Stephens, Davida Williams, and newcomer Shai Moss. Stephens and Moss play two sisters at odds who are home alone before Christmas, and bond together to prevail over would-be intruders (Torrei Hart) in their home. Moss is likely known for her spirited choreographed dances on TikTok alongside her mom and professional dancer, Joie Chavis, or joking around with her triple-threat famous dad, Shad Moss. In a recent video uploaded to Chavis’ social media, she revealed that as talented as her daughter is, she just wants to ‘be a kid’. When asked about this at the premiere, Moss quickly affirms this sentiment. “Like a kid, I like playing soccer, I like volleyball, I like going to school with my friends. I like dancing too.” https://youtu.be/ADZ_ePgh9ic The massive success of her Renaissance world tour has put Beyoncé on the verge of becoming a billionaire. Forbes estimates that the singer’s net worth has increased by almost $300 million this year to $800 million. The publication reports that Queen Bey’s wealth results from her music catalog, business holdings, art collection, and personal assets and real estate she shares with her husband, Jay-Z. According to The New York Times, the 2023 “Renaissance World Tour” wrapped with an estimated $4.5 billion boost to the U.S. economy. “She’s the most precious gem of a person—warm and open and funny,” pop star Taylor Swift said of Beyonce in a new interview with Town & Country. “And she’s such a great disrupter of music-industry norms. She taught every artist how to flip the table and challenge archaic business practices.” Swift, who also launched a major tour this year, added, “There were so many stadium tours this summer, but the only ones that were compared were me and Beyoncé. Clearly it’s very lucrative for the media and stan culture to pit two women against each other, even when those two artists in question refuse to participate in that discussion.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C0iNHutRK3u/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Tiffany Haddish is charged with two misdemeanors for her DUI arrest in Los Angeles last month. Haddish was arrested (and later released) on suspicion of driving under the influence, according to the Beverly Hills Police Department. TMZ reports that the “Girls Trip” star was not involved in an accident but was found asleep in her parked vehicle with the car running in the middle of Beverly Drive. As People reports, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office confirmed Wednesday that Haddish was charged with “one misdemeanor count of driving under the influence of alcohol and a misdemeanor count of driving with .08% blood alcohol content,” the outlet writes. The comedian, 44, was arrested in the early hours of Nov. 24 after police responded to a call about a woman who was stopped in the street while the vehicle was running. https://youtu.be/U_q_TCJv0PM Shockingly, before a live audience and online, Brazilian gospel singer Pedro Henrique collapsed and died onstage as he was performing. The incident happened Wednesday evening. His record label, Todah Music, released a statement Thursday morning (12/14/23) confirming the news. Henrique, who was only 30, “There are very difficult situations in life for which we have no explanation,” said the label’s statement in Portuguese that was posted on Instagram. “We just need to understand that God’s will prevails! Pedro was a happy young man, a friend to all. An only son. A present husband and a super dedicated father. The Christian music sector is in mourning. The Todah Music family is in mourning. Heaven in chorus welcomes an illustrious son: Pedro Henrique! So long, dear brother! So long! May the Holy Spirit comfort everyone.” “Pedro was a happy young man, a friend to everyone. Only child. A present husband and a super dedicated father. There is no pastor or Christian in Brazil who says anything other than this: – Pedro is simple, he is a believer! What a smile! How nice! What voice! The kind of people that are great to have around,” the post continued. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2023-12-14-121423-musician-heart-attack-1743967-095/ The cause of death is not yet known, although there is speculation that a heart attack is the cause. “Everything leads us to believe it was a fulminant heart attack, but doctors have not yet given as certain the cause of death being a heart attack,” Todah Music’s Giovani Mandelli told Brazilian outlet Pipoca Moderna. “The cause of death is being investigated by the medical team,” the site reported. Henrique was singing “Vai Ser Tão Lindo” at “a religious event.” That song title translates to “It’s going to be so beautiful.” The artist was in the city of Feira de Santana, Bahia, to participate in a private event organized by influencer Lôise Abreu. Ironically, today (12/14/23) Henrique’s new single “Medley: Levanta / Não Fica Assim / Descendência (Ao Vivo)” was released. He was scheduled to perform in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro later this month. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cz1WcZirDl8/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=10383868-7185-47a3-ab79-af6a312e371c With inspiration from Prime Video’s Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Atlantans are one step closer to completing their mission to find their match! On Wednesday, Prime Video, alongside host and top relationship expert Dr. Stacii Jae Johnson, hosted a one-of-a-kind speed dating event themed after the much-anticipated new series. Atlanta’s influential singles gathered at 5Church in midtown for an evening of cocktails, lite-bites, and, of course, the mission of becoming the new Mr. & Mrs. Smith. The much anticipated eight episode series debuts on February 2, 2024. Mr. & Mrs. Smith stars Donald Glover, Maya Erskine, Alexander Skarsgard, Eiza González, Sarah Paulson, Sharon Horgan, Ron Perlman, Billy Campbell, Úrsula Corberó, Paul Dano, Michaela Coel, John Turturro, Parker Posey, Wagner Moura. https://youtu.be/dPhhRFkrNts Netflix has released the teaser trailer for “Beverly Hills Cop 4” starring Eddie Murphy. The fourth installment of the iconic franchise is titled “Beverly Hills Cop 4: Axel F,” and co-stars Taylour Paige stars as Axel Foley’s daughter, who teams up with her dad and his new partner (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) to “turn up the heat and uncover a conspiracy,” according to the synopsis, TheWrap reports. Per Netflix, “It’s been nearly 30 years since we last saw the fast-talking Detroit cop, but he’s finally heading out on a new case. Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F sees Axel on patrol back in Beverly Hills, with friends both old and new.” Director Mark Molloy tells Tudum: “Some of the funniest moments in Axel F are when Eddie’s improvising. For me, a big part of my job was to create the right environment, cast the right people around Eddie to allow him to do what he does best.” https://youtu.be/qBG3iyr5N70 Embattled Harvard President Claudine Gay has gained the unanimous support of the university’s board, Harvard’s highest governing body said in a statement Tuesday, giving Gay significant cover to remain in her position after a tumultuous week in which many donors and politicians have called for her ouster. “As members of the Harvard Corporation, we today reaffirm our support for President Gay’s continued leadership of Harvard University,” the statement from the Harvard Corporation said. “Our extensive deliberations affirm our confidence that President Gay is the right leader to help our community heal and to address the very serious societal issues we are facing.” The Harvard Corporation, the university’s top governance board, announced the decision Tuesday morning following the conclusion of the board’s meeting on Monday. The Harvard Crimson, the university’s student newspaper, was first to report the news Tuesday morning. https://youtu.be/XP90xEHFDtk Still, an outpouring of support for Gay Monday from hundreds of faculty and alumni could have tipped the board’s decision in her favor. More than 700 Harvard faculty members have signed a petition backing Gay. According to the 2023 Harvard annual report, the university has 1,068 tenured faculty plus 403 tenure-track faculty. The Executive Committee of Harvard University’s Alumni Association on Monday announced its unreserved support for Gay. And over 800 Black alumni have announced their “unequivocal support” for Gay and her efforts to “build a stronger, more inclusive community at our alma matter while balancing the critical principals of free thought and free speech.” “I’m glad the Corporation made their own decision to keep Claudine Gay rather than outsourcing it to others,” Harvard economic policy professor Jason Furman, who served as a top economic adviser to President Obama, told CNN in a statement Tuesday. “I also hope they are pressing Claudine Gay and schools to continue the process of fixing our mistakes and moving forward in a better way.” https://youtu.be/8AI02lH_zAE “I would hope that she would apologize for the remarks. I also think that people should recognize that immigrants to this country are all around us,” Pritzker said. “Thinking of the rich history of the NAACP as an organization – it’s the oldest civil rights organization in the country and to have an Illinois state president engage in that type of rhetoric and that type of speech, I can’t imagine — I could have never imagined I would have heard that from a civil rights leader,” said former NCAAP president Patrick Watson of DuPage County. Watson wants Haley to step down for taking an anti-migrant stance. https://www.wcia.com/top-stories/illinois-naacp-president-facing-calls-to-resign-after-anti-immigrant-remarks/?utm_source=t.co&utm_campaign=socialflow&utm_medium=referral EBONY FWD partnered with Coca Cola Zero Sugar to headlined award winning artist Chance The Rapper and R&B sensation Mariah The Scientist for the 2023 Art Basel in Miami to celebrate Black excellence in art, fashion, music, and epicurean delights. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0t6hBZgQMl/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again During the exclusive 2-day multimedia activation EBONY FWD highlighted thriving artists such as Michi Meko, Cheryl Fox, Charity Palmer, Jon Moody and others. Patrons were also introduced to the culinary skills of revered celebrity Chef Amaris as they gazed upon the numerous of brilliant compositions on display, according to The Hype Magazine. Celebrity guests such as Vivica A. Fox, Trinia, Lakeyah and Tyson Beckford also came through and made appearances during the eclectic event honoring an assortment of creativity. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0uxjudAM_A/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=9d7a6959-e3fe-4130-8d85-b460abf68e73 Up-and-coming artists will soon have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to record their collaborations with some of Hip Hop’s all-time greatest fallen icons. The ‘LEGACY’ Beats & Features pack, the latest innovative project by multi-platinum producer Anno Domini (50 Cent, Tech N9ne, The Game) and A&R Extraordinaire M-Eighty (Wu-Tang, Snoop Dogg, DMX), will deliver this unique chance. The duo worked closely with the heirs and estates of the late, great DMX, Nate Dogg, Big Pun, Sean Price, and Hussein Fatal of 2Pac’s group Outlawz, to source unreleased and rare, licensed vocals by the artists. These vocals will now be made available to independent artists to record their own collaboration tracks with the legends. Artists will be able to download the verses, pre-mixed on multiple brand new beats by the Anno Domini Nation production team, and then record, release, distribute, perform, and sell their songs with the features. To many, this will be an unprecedented moment to rekindle and honor the legacy of the greats, while building their own. https://youtu.be/oNcTvldvM1I On “Tamron Hall,” “Love is Blind,” fan favorites Lauren Speed-Hamilton and Cameron Hamilton stopped by with insights from their new book, “Leap of Faith: Finding Love The Modern Way.” Five years into their marriage, the pair reminisced with Tamron about their experience on the first season of the hit Netflix series and dished about their first visual impressions of one another after the big reveal. Later, Tamron welcomed Grammy® Award-winning gospel powerhouse Karen Clark Sheard, who treated the Tam Fam to a powerful performance of her highly anticipated new single, “Send It Down.” https://youtu.be/ueB2KwH6CiI Karen Clark Sheard rocks "Send It Down." On the Tamron Hall Show. https://youtu.be/SCHeG3degpo “It woke me up in the middle of the night 10 years ago,” said Electric Pop singer/songwriter Michele Vreeland about her latest single release “Wild Horse (Maxi-Single)” (Xyla Records). “Songs come to me in dreams. Sometimes…all at once. In this song, the lyrics came first. I wasn’t sure why, but then the melody came.” Michele released three versions of the “Wild Horse…” single. This is why the song is called a maxi-single because it has a radio-friendly acoustic version, an acoustic version with an extended verse, and a dance remix version that’s heavy on Native drums featuring The Wildhorse Singers, based in Los Angeles. “I’m an acoustic guitar player,” Vreeland added as we discussed her music. “I’m an Electric Pop lover.” https://youtu.be/PIEH8wRxF-U “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Kenya Moore hit up social media to gush about finalizing her divorce with Marc Daly. “After more than three years of litigation, I have finally been granted a divorce. I want to thank everyone who prayed for and uplifted me when I needed it the most,” the 52-year-old mother announced on social media, Ice Cream Convos reports. “I’m excited for this next chapter in my life and being the best mom I can be for my daughter, Brooklyn,” Moore added, noting that she still believes “my forever person exists and know I’ll have my happily ever after ending after all.” Moore and Daly called it quits on their marriage in 2021. She filed for and listed the date of separation as September 19, 2019, per Radar. At the time, the Bravo star said the marriage was “irretrievably broken.” The ex-couple attempted to mend their broken relationship but to no avail. “I didn’t get married to quit,” Kenya told PEOPLE in 2019. “I love my husband. I don’t doubt that he loves me. Let me be clear, I took my vows seriously. I believe in for better and for worse and I believe in trying it all before you walk away, especially when we do have a child and we are a family.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C0h8s2JPCby/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=4624df3f-1418-4179-b455-0246e67fb40d Reality TV producer Carlos King has announced his latest series, “Bold & Bougie,” is currently in production and will debut on WEtv next year Deadline reports that the unscripted series features Atlanta-based women, including Malaysia Pargo, Tameka Foster, Gocha Hawkins, Princess Banton-Lofters and Crystal Smith. Per the official synopsis, “Bold & Bougie promises viewers an exhilarating journey following a group of extraordinary and fearless women who refuse to let societal expectations or age define them. Instead, they embrace their individuality and empower one another to live life to the fullest – well into adulthood.” https://www.instagram.com/p/Ck06Hkjrr2U/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c3b88fd4-23f4-4cdf-a7f3-96b4018b8a7c Keke Palmer is sharing her personal struggles amid the domestic violence case and custody battle with her ex-boyfriend Darius Jackson. The actress and mother of one recently posted a photo on Instagram showing her cuddling with her baby son, Leodis, along with a somber caption. “When reality tv makes everyone believe all celebrities’ lives are just one big marketing strategy and scheme but my life is truly unraveling at the seams and I just wear trauma like a dolce gabana coat because Sharon didn’t raise no b—-,” she wrote across the video. Several of Palmer’s fans and celebrity pals commented on the post, with singer SZA writing, “… she’s an icon,” adding, “we praying and riding for you regardless !!” Teyana Taylor added, “… add a good good purseeeee to make the garments pop cause you in ya bagggggggggg sis!!!” https://www.instagram.com/p/C0pBsOUR_2B/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again SZA explains in a reflective new interview that she prefers to write “super embarrassing” songs. “I guess it’s because I get bored as f### writing about anything that isn’t, like, super embarrassing,” the R&B songstress told Variety. “And I feel like those things that I don’t want to say or acknowledge about myself are (songwriting) material – if it interests me to the point where it’s worth the risk.” SZA said her lyrics highlight “mad aspects to my life.” “But people don’t really know that because all I sing about are the hidden aspects that I think are more interesting,” she said. “Honestly, I could write about jet-skiing with my friends, but I don’t want to make a song about that, and I don’t want to hear a song about it either,” SZA added. https://youtu.be/zo_oBQZJOmc As the Super Bowl approaches, an active day awaits Nate Burleson, who will catch the eyes of sports fans young and old in front of the camera in the days leading to the Big Game as well as the day of the game itself. The former NFL stand-out will not only cover the popular event with his The NFL Today cohorts but also put viewers in game mode, co-hosting “CBS Mornings”, and Nickelodeon’s “Slimetime” show, Add in the upcoming Super Bowl Soulful Celebration and Burleson will be all over the TV landscape for the most watched event of the year. With the Soulful Celebration, it was an easy decision for the pro football fixture to attach himself to the event, considering he is a fan. “They reached out to me and without hesitation, I said ‘yes.’ I didn’t even go over the details, like when, what where why and where. I just said that I would absolutely get involved,” said Burleson, who cited deeper reasons for signing on as host of the Soulful Celebration, which was formerly known as the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration A discrimination lawsuit was filed against the country’s most prominent doctors’ cooperative because it offers Black doctors a $100,000 sign-on bonus. Per the website, Vituity is a “100% physician-owned, democratic partnership that provides care directly to patients when, where, and how they need it–without any conflict of interest.” The California-based co-op treats over 8 million patients a year. Vituity offers the $100,000 signing-on bonus under its Bridges to Brilliance program to attract more Black doctors to its 450 locations nationwide. However, the campaign group Do No Harm wants a Florida judge to declare the initiative racial discrimination under the Civil Rights Act, Daily Mail reports. Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act “prohibits intentional race discrimination in the making and enforcement of public and private contracts.” “Black patients want the best doctors and the best medical care, not doctors that are racially concordant,” said Do No Harm chairman Stanley Goldfarb, Daily Mail reports. The Critics Choice Association (CCA) announced today the film category nominees for the 29th annual Critics Choice Awards. The winners will be revealed at the star-studded gala hosted by Chelsea Handler, which will broadcast LIVE on The CW on Sunday, January 14, 2024 (7:00 – 10:00 pm ET – delayed PT, check local listings). “Barbie” leads this year’s film contenders, earning 18 nominations overall. In addition to Best Picture, Best Comedy, and Best Hair and Makeup nods, the film racked up several acting nominations including Best Actress for Margot Robbie, Best Supporting Actor for Ryan Gosling, and Best Supporting Actress for America Ferrera. Ariana Greenblatt is also up for Best Young Actor/Actress, and the cast garnered a Best Acting Ensemble nomination. Greta Gerwig earned a nod for Best Director and both Gerwig and Noah Baumbach are contenders for Best Original Screenplay. Rodrigo Prieto was nominated for Best Cinematography while Sarah Greenwood and Katie Spencer are up for Best Production Design, along with Nick Houy for Best Editing and Jacqueline Durran for Best Costume Design. Several of the film’s hit songs received nominations as well including “Dance the Night,” “I’m Just Ken,” and “What Was I Made For,” while Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt were nominated for Best Score. Also up for Best Picture are “Oppenheimer” and “Poor Things,” which each garnered an outstanding 13 nominations, along with “Killers of the Flower Moon” which collected 12 nominations. Rounding out the Best Picture category are “American Fiction,” “Maestro,” “Past Lives,” “Saltburn,” “The Color Purple” and “The Holdovers”. MC Hammer recently explained why he’s been missing from all the hip-hop 50th-anniversary celebrations this year. Last month, Hammer attended the 2Pac street naming event in Oakland, California, where he said he won’t participate in hip-hop 50 events because of all the “fakeness.” He also revealed that he doesn’t do interviews, so don’t expect him to spill any scolding hot tea on podcasts. He does, however, have a movie and memoir in the works, according to the artist. “You ain’t never heard me talk about no stories on nobodies platform, you ain’t heard me go to none of these Hip Hop 50 [events], and just for the record, I got invited to every one, but I really don’t have the patience for the fakeness,” the hip-hop icon said at the Pac event, Complex reports. “I’m really 60 years old, so I can’t get with the fakeness of it all. I can do it with a young cat, but I can’t come around old cats and still be pretending,” Hammer added. “What you want me to call you? Hey, six shooter? Come on, man, ain’t none of your bodies turned up yet. I just can’t do it but Pac got me out here today,” he continued. “My first Hip Hop 50 event that I said yeah to and the only one. To come out here and say how much I love Pac.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1734104793139044547 The multi-award winning Chicago Mass Choir is set to spend the Holiday Season in the picturesque country of Spain, as the renown musical entourage will tour 14 cities and perform 15 concert during December. This exciting tour marks the Choir’s first trip abroad since 2019 for the two-time Grammy and Dove Award finalist. According to CMC President Feranda Williamson, the 2023 Tour, which marks the group’s 16th trip abroad, will feature many songs made famous by the Choir over the years, as well as a special tribute to the late, great BB King. “It has been truly a blessing to be able to enjoy so many tours abroad,” Williamson states. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to share our music ministry with our supporters in Spain as we close out this year. We will pay tribute to BB King by including many of the spirituals he recorded in our repertoire. We are so thankful to God for another opportunity to share the music ministry of the Chicago Mass Choir, and we are looking forward to a wonderful trip.” Lecrae goes on the "Deep End" about Lil Nas X https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aso3wEC31VQ The Kirk Franklin Christmas Giveaway Sweepstakes are underway! Enter for a chance to win a signed “Father’s Day” CD and a signed vinyl copy of “Christmas with Kirk Franklin & The Family.” https://forms.sonymusicfans.com/campaign/kirk-franklin-holiday-giveaway-2 Gayle King and Charles Barkley’s new primetime show is off to a rocky start. According to RadarOnline, the hourly talk show “King Charles” premiered to fewer than 500,000 viewers, the lowest audience of any new CNN program this year. Amy Entelis, CNN’s executive vice president for talent and content development, said previously that the show offers a twist to the traditional news show format. “‘King Charles’ is different than anything we have on CNN’s lineup,” Entelis said in responses to questions provided by email, CNN reports. “It’s not a newscast, but rather a talk show centered around the news stories and cultural moments that Gayle and Charles are most interested in.” Insiders told the National Enquirer that King expects Barkley to remain quiet about what goes on behind the scenes of their talk show. As Radar reports, the tea spiller said, “There’s still some apprehension because she knows how Charles loves to gab and name-drop about his famous friends.” https://www.youtube.com/shorts/GfjHdQehDzw?feature=share Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green picked up yet another ejection after striking Phoenix’s Jusuf Nurkić during his team’s 119-116 defeat to the Suns on Tuesday. During the third quarter, while being guarded by the center, Green spun around and struck Nurkić in the face with his right arm, dropping him to the ground. https://youtu.be/x8T68yAU-qw The officials reviewed the incident and deemed it a flagrant 2 foul, which resulted in an automatic ejection from the game. Green asserted after the game that the hit was accidental. “I am not one to apologize for things I mean to do, but I do apologize to Jusuf because I didn’t intend to hit him,” Green said after the game. “I was just selling the call because he was grabbing me and pulling my hip, so I spun away and, unfortunately, I hit him.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1734796486150369579 This was Green’s third ejection of the season. He was kicked out of Golden State’s November 11 matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers after receiving two technical fouls before being involved in another high-profile incident three days later when he put Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert in a headlock. The 33-year-old was handed a five-game suspension as a result of the latter, with the length of the suspension being partly “attributed to Green’s history of unsportsmanlike acts,” the NBA said in a statement. Green was also suspended for one game in April after stepping on the chest of Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis. The former defensive player of the year now awaits a decision from league officials on whether or not he will be banned again. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2023-12-13-121323-draymond-green-1742741-390/ Doja Cat jokingly warned her white fans not to recite the N-word during her 2021 track ‘Ain’t Sh*t.” The track includes the lyric, “N-ggas ain’t sh*t, come up in your crib/ All up in your fridge, can’t pay rent.” A viral TikTok video shows the pop star performing the song during her Scarlet Tour stop in Omaha, Nebraska. Doja told the crowd, “Watch your mouth if you’re white.” Many people can be heard laughing in the clip. Before reaching superstardom, Doja Cat was famously known for engaging in racist jokes online in incel chatrooms, Hip Hop DX reports. She previously apologized for “upsetting and hurting” fans following backlash to her past social media activity. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSOpqlc3dXM JUST EATS WITH CHEF JJ returns to CLEO TV tonight, December 13 at 9 P.M. ET/8C. If you love crab cakes, then JJ’s Crab Cake BLT is for you. Tonight, JJ invites over his good friend, celebrity handbag designer Sherone Barber. He lays out a crab cake sandwich that’s filling and flavorful. Then, it’s a "JJ-style" Moscow Mule. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWaPrN0ZBCs CLEO TV's NEW SOUL KITCHEN REMIX is back tonight, December 13 at 9:30 P.M. EST/8:30C on CLEO TV. Chef Jernard Wells is back with the remix, as he serves up international cuisine in the series' condensed, 30-minute format. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvwZGRvExjE From quick ideas for a weeknight meal, to beauty tips that will get you out the door in a flash. Tia Mowry’s practical solutions and infectious personality inspire and inform audiences each week with her love for food, fashion, DIY/home, parenting & more! Catch the new episode this Thursday, December 14 at 9:00/8:00C. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vl_IZKE41iU Jonathan Majors’ domestic violence trial continued on Monday with testimony from the driver who witnessed the violent altercation between the actor and his ex-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari, on March 25. Through an Urdu interpreter, the driver testified Monday that Jabbari, a professional dancer, hit Majors during the altercation, The Independent reports. “The girl became very angry… the boy wanted to get rid of the girl and he opened the door,” the driver said, according to Courthouse News. “He was trying to get rid of her,” he continued. “He was saying ‘leave me alone. I have to go.’” The driver added: “He was not doing anything, she was doing it.” https://youtu.be/sK0QxtznHxM Opening statements began Monday in a trial to determine how much money former NYC mayor Rudy Giuliani will shell out to former Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Wandrea Arshaye “Shaye” Moss after a judge found that he defamed the mother and daughter with baseless claims that they were involved in non-existent election fraud in 2020. “Plaintiffs will seek a sum ranging from $15.5 million to $43 million, inclusive of special damages,” Freeman and Moss’ lawyers wrote in a court filing, adding that their clients will “ask the jury to award compensatory damages for the severe emotional distress caused by Defendant Giuliani and his co-conspirators between 2020 through the present in an amount to be determined by the jury, including based on Plaintiffs’ mental pain and suffering, fear, inconvenience, nervousness, indignity, insult, humiliation, or embarrassment that Plaintiffs suffered directly because of Defendant Giuliani and his co-conspirators’ conduct.” This is as good a time as any to point out that Giuliani has earned quite the reputation as a certified broke boy ever since he became a defendant in Donald Trump’s RICO indictment in Georgia. In August, it was reported that Giuliani was begging Trump to pay his legal fees, which probably had something to do with why his former lawyers filed a lawsuit against him a month later alleging that he had only paid a small fraction of the legal fees he owes, which amounts to nearly $1.6 million. It probably didn’t help matters that Giuliani was already drowning in litigation for lying about voting machines being rigged to favor President Joe Biden. A white woman in Texas visited an ex-plantation and was apparently surprised and horrified that the exhibits there were far more focused on enslaved people than they were on the white family that once owned the plantation and its workforce. Since this happened in Texas, the state that is only rivaled by Florida in its reputation for banning non-whitewashed Black history, one can easily guess what happened next. Haas is a graphic designer from Corpus Christi who the Texas Monthly described as an “amateur historian,” meaning she has no academic background in history. She does, however, have the only credentials needed to be the arbiter of historical fact in right-wing America: white fragility and an organization full of the equally white and fragile. https://pbs.twimg.com/card_img/1732893012466753537/5zJmjvbx?format=jpg&name=small A new study conducted by the Face Med Store, a medical supply retailer based in New York, found that social media users have a deep fascination with cosmetic procedures. According to the study, the Brazilian Butt Lift, also known as the BBL, was social media’s most viral cosmetic procedure, with TikTok users viewing it 4.8 billion times in the past three years. Creators used the hashtag approximately 225,313 times when posting about the popular cosmetic trend. The BBL also ranks the number one most-searched-for procedure in 24 states, with California having the highest average monthly search volume of 68,823, according to the Face Med Store’s new study. Residents in Massachusetts and New York were also infatuated with the booty-enhancing trend. https://www.instagram.com/p/CPovVMFB3NG/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Reggie Ray, the Black man captured on camera using a folding chair as a weapon during the infamous riverboat brawl in Montgomery, will avoid jail time. A GoFundMe campaign for Ray, 42, raised over $200,000 for his legal fees. He was charged with one misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct after using a folding chair to hit people during the melee on August 5. On Monday, Ray entered a conditional guilty plea and was sentenced to 50 hours of community service and a 90-day suspension, TMZ reports. Ray won’t serve any jail time if he completes the court-ordered requirements and pays $357 for court costs. The Montgomery Riverfront fracas began when a group of white people refused a Black dock worker’s request to move their pontoon boat from a space reserved for the city’s riverboat, which was carrying 227 passengers. Viral videos show the worker attempting to reason with the intoxicated group and one man punching him in the face. Several others joined in on the assault and reportedly hurled racial slurs at the innocent Black man. https://youtu.be/8JdLnCp17Jc Boosie, Torence Ivy Hatch Jr., recorded himself pleading with his son, who rakes in $1500/day, to stop trappin’ in Baton Rouge. One person dropped a truth bomb in the comments section, “If y’all not willing to let the hood go and the streets go? Why would your kids.” Another confused person wondered why so many young people want to adopt a criminal lifestyle when they are afforded the privilege of financial stability, “Why these lil niccaz want to be hood so bad. Ya daddy is a millionaire, u ain’t neva had to worry about a meal being missed. U ain’t neva had to stick up a bodega, because ya little sister needed diapers. Knock it off. Very low vibrating but whatever, there’s niccaz and then there is my melanated soul tribe.I just don’t understand why everyone who ain’t struggling want some attachment to struggle.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C0qA4bmOaev/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Comedian Chris Rock said, “Miss me with all of that,” and declined an invitation to host the January 7th Golden Globes awards show. Fellow comedians and actors such as Ali Wong, Will Arnett, Sean Hayes, Jason Bateman, Amy Poehler, and Tina Fey also chucked the deuces to hosting duties. A celebrity publicist admitted the position is a “thankless job,” and many others feel it’s “not worth it.” Another powerful publicist added, “There are a lot of politics. It’s not easy, and it’s not fun anymore,” according to The Blast. Organizers of the telecast are scrambling to sign on a hosting talent for the show. Good luck! https://www.instagram.com/p/C0uW7gQse9H/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=58d7216b-f2fb-45a4-a160-5231d818dfcd Jamie Foxx has a lot to be thankful for this holiday season. The Oscar winner joined the festivities and jumped head-first into the Christmas spirit by outfitting his mansion with lights, creating a winter wonderland. He captioned the video, “When I was a kid the only lights we could afford for outside the house was a red light bulb… I said when I’m finally blessed enough. I’m GON LIGHT IT UP!!! Murrrrrrkrima #welit #thecrib @taylorchien 🎥🔥🔥🔥🔥.” Social media influence and Dish Nation host Jessie Woo posted, “That Light bill finna be crazy.” One person reminded Jamie that “Jesus is the reason for the season everything you are everything you have everything you’ve done all of your skill sets talents and blessings they all come from Jesus won’t it be something when you bless him back in the future for all that he has done for you hallelujah.” https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0tKJrxOpLS/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=836b9878-f3dd-4196-837e-66a114a2d8fa Social media influencers and dancers Kendra “KO” Willis and Ceasare “Tighteyex” Willis posted a snippet of their Christmas-themed dance break. Many fans wanted the pair to expand their creativity display into a full-fledged presentation. Will Packer, Tyler Perry, Oprah, BET, or someone else, please give them some financial backing to bring their vision to fruition because we want to make Christmas Buck!!! https://www.instagram.com/p/C0UmuYmv7ln/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again The Golden Globes® announced the nominees of the 81st Annual Golden Globe® Awards, which will air live on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The nominations were announced by Cedric “The Entertainer” and Wilmer Valderrama who presented nominees for each of the 27 award categories. Multi-Emmy Award®-winning producing duo Glenn Weiss and Ricky Kirshner of White Cherry Entertainment (WCE) will serve as executive-producing showrunners for the 81st Annual Golden Globe Awards, with Weiss also set to direct. Produced and owned by Dick Clark Productions, the Golden Globe Awards has been viewed in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide and is one of the few awards ceremonies to include both motion picture and television achievements. Dave Chappelle and Netflix announced that the controversial comedian is dropping a new New Year’s Eve comedy special. Three years ago, his previous standup film, “The Closer,“ caused the LGBTQIA+ community to become heated regarding his biting commentary, and err’body and their mama wanted to cancel him. But Netflix said, “Imma stick beside him,” and fans are already anticipating that he’s coming to break more necks in 2024. “Cannot wait, he’s going to start off the new year pissing ppl off, hoping to be there front n centre 😂😂 love it,” wrote one person. Another said he was waiting with bated breath to hear Dave‘s perspective but hopes he doesn’t fold from outside pressure if his opinions are too pointed, “Excited for this. I just hope half of it isn’t him explaining or defending his jokes about groups. This is comedy no group or subject is special and off limits.” https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1314335785933152 Our sister from another mister got nominated for a Golden Globe for her Best Female Actor in a Motion Musical/Comedy for “The Color Purple.” Won’t HE Do IT!!!! Fantasia Barrino gave Oprah a shoutout for sending a private jet so she could get out of Los Angeles in the morning, she thanked Tyler Perry for supporting her financially and gave Taraji P. Henson her flowers for holding her down. One fan posted, “I looooove this for her!!! Yes, she won American Idol ANNNNDDDD there are many more wins to go!!! The sky is not even the limit & American Idol was just the floor……. It’s only up from here!! Everybody has a different pace of grace!!! Congratulations to Fantasia & all the others 💜 💜💜💜💜💜💜. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0uQaDcLYCj/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Paula Abdul and Fantasia had a reunion, and many people may not know the significance of their bond. Back in the day, Fantasia won season three of “American Idol” in 2004, and Paula, who served as a judge, saw immense potential in Tasia and spoke life into her. Fast forward to today, and those words were fulfilled. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0sYsAsIGHm/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=2a8e8ed3-ec0a-4457-904a-afc29248feaa Ciara and her greatest love, Russell Wilson, welcomed their newest bundle of joy, a baby girl named Amora Princess Wilson. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0umtuAtamX/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=ee0a8a09-ab58-4ed4-924a-319f6239dcd8&img_index=1 Raven-Symoné confirmed the sad news on social media that her younger brother passed away from colon cancer. Blaize Pearman died last month at age 31, according to the “Raven’s House” star. In a message to fans on her Instagram account, Raven thanked her followers for showing love on her 38th birthday, even though the celebration “was a little bittersweet,” she said in a video post. “Hard to fully celebrate knowing that I’m here and he is not,” she wrote. In the video message, she added, “It was a little bittersweet for me to be honest because last month I lost my brother, Blaize. He was battling colon cancer for about two years and he is in a better place now. He’s loved and missed and the emotions that have been weaving in and out of my body and mind and my family, have been a roller coaster.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C0t__Wkrt2m/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Barbie and Ken will likely grace the stage at the Golden Globes next month, but the show’s organizers have had a hard time finding someone with the “Kenthusiasm” to host the event. With Globe nominations being announced Monday morning, a search for the host is still underway, CNN has learned. Two-time Oscar host Chris Rock is among those to decline offers to host the January 7 ceremony, a source with knowledge of the conversations told CNN, as have at least four other A-list comedic actors. A representative for Rock declined to comment. Rock, who was also asked to host the previous Golden Globes, last attended a major award show in 2022 when he was famously slapped at the Oscars by Will Smith for telling a joke that referenced Jada Pinkett Smith’s battle with alopecia. Rock will likely be a nominee at the upcoming ceremony in the new category of best performance in stand-up comedy on television for his Netflix special, “Chris Rock: Selective Outrage.” https://youtu.be/fK-eHCAm9e0 Disney+ has released the teaser for the upcoming “Doctor Who” Christmas Special, which debuts on the platform on December 25! The teaser for the highly-anticipated episode titled “The Church on Ruby Road” features Ncuti Gatwa as The Fifteenth Doctor and Millie Gibson as his new companion, Ruby Sunday. Per the news release, here’s the synopsis: Long ago on Christmas Eve, a baby was abandoned in the snow. Today, Ruby Sunday meets the Doctor, stolen babies, goblins and perhaps the secret of her birth. Additional cast in the special includes Davina McCall (herself), Michelle Greenidge (Carla Sunday), Angela Wynter (Cherry Sunday), and Anita Dobson (Mrs. Flood). The Christmas Special will debut on Disney+ in the U.S. on December 25 at 9:55 a.m. PT / 12:55 p.m. PT. https://youtu.be/KB87uGgoKBg Netflix’s upcoming “Hannibal” movie with Denzel Washington has sparked controversy in Tunisia over the casting of the ancient Carthaginian general born in 247 BC. Several politicians in Tunisia, the home country of the historic military warrior, are pushing back on casting a Black actor to portray Hannibal, noting that he was of West Asian Semitic origin, NBC News reports. “There is a risk of falsifying history: we need to take position on this subject,” Tunisian parliament member Yassine Mami reportedly stated, according to French newspaper Courrier International. Meanwhile, Tunisian culture minister Hayet Ketat-Guermazi said that Netflix has the “right” to tell whatever story “they want” related to Hannibal. “It’s fiction. It is their [Netflix‘s] right to do what they want,” she said, according to French newspaper Le Monde, NBC News reports. Tracey Edmonds wants you to know that she initiated the breakup with Deion Sanders. Edmonds hit up Instagram on Sunday (Dec. 10) to clarify the reason behind their split after 12 years together. “I want to clarify that it was my decision to end the relationship, despite any different narratives being presented,” Edmonds posted, BET.com reports. “I’ve chosen to prioritize myself and my family, moving forward towards a future where I am valued, treated with honesty, and free to embrace the happiness and respect I deserve,” she continued. “I hate to have to respond to the media, but sometimes it’s necessary when the falsehoods get out of control!” the producer added. His film has already won over eight awards! Cord Jefferson‘s “American Fiction” is captivating festival audiences all over the world and will continue to win awards after its December 15th limited theatrical release by Amazon MGM Studios. The director, writer, and producer spoke to us about his satirical comedy following an author (Jeffery Wright) who writes an outlandishly stereotypical “Black” book out of spite and his unexpected lady friend Coraline (Erika Alexander). https://youtu.be/i0MbLCpYJPA World Children’s Day has come and gone. It’s UNICEF’s annual day of action for children. Celebrated in November every year, it was first established in 1954 as Universal Children’s Day to promote international togetherness, and awareness among children worldwide, and improve children’s welfare. The occasion also happens to be the Declaration of the Rights of the Child. It is also the date in 1989 when the UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child. African Children are victims of War (as it is in Israel Gaza and Ukraine) and victims of hunger and poverty, abuse, famine lack of good education, and more. The African child sometimes forgotten, should not be forgotten and be remembered. They grow up wanting to be a better person who can impact the society. With adequate education, tools, and facilities they can progress in life. Devin “The Dream” Haney showed us Saturday night why he deserves to be on the top of the pound-per-pound list by literally destroying former world champion Regis Prograis at the Chase Center in San Francisco. He picked him apart for twelve rounds and took him through a boxing clinic by using the jab, uppercuts, and excellent footwork throughout the fight, and was never in trouble. Prograis had no answers for Haney and couldn’t back up all the trash talk that we heard from him leading up to Saturday night. Haney dropped him in the third round with a thunderous right hand to the head and Prograis seemed surprised at Haney’s power. Folks, I have to tell you something Bill Haney should be characterized now as one of the best promoters in boxing after seeing how he hyped up this fight I don’t think that the great Don King could’ve done any better. Prograis talked a lot of trash about how he was going to F Haney, but at the end of twelve rounds, all three judges declared Devin “The Dream” Haney the winner and NEW WBC junior welterweight by unanimous decision. https://youtu.be/nvcDlMJKVpM Attorney Antonio Moore looks at the impact sports betting will have on American communities as it picks up over the next decade. Moore looks back at the Supreme Court decision that paved the way in 2018. And puts forth an opening salvo that due to the league’s ties with sports betting it may be time to stop supporting sports altogether. Moore also asks questions about gambling sponsorships in the Black community from Charles Barkley by Fan Duels to Joe Budden with Prize Picks. Addiction is a rising problem across the country. https://youtu.be/WGCj499hNNc In celebration of what has come to be known as “Galentine's Day,” Fathom Events proudly presents "Gloria Gaynor: I Will Survive," a story about the extraordinary life of two-time Grammy-winning artist and global legend Gloria Gaynor. In theaters nationwide for a one-night special event this Galentine's Day, February 13, the film explores the challenges and triumphs that shaped Gaynor's illustrious career. The film is also perfectly timed to celebrate Gaynor's contributions to music in honor of Black History Month. Gloria Gaynor, music icon and disco legend, inspired millions for decades with her words “I will survive.” But she only truly understood the profound meaning of her lyrics when she hit rock bottom at the age of 65. Facing a devastating divorce to her husband and manager of 25 years, financial ruin, and spiraling health concerns, Gaynor sought to not only survive, but thrive. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCvHkWCRWLo Tracey Edmonds wants you to know that she initiated the breakup with Deion Sanders. Edmonds hit up Instagram on Sunday (Dec. 10) to clarify the reason behind their split after 12 years together. “I want to clarify that I decided to end the relationship, despite any different narratives being presented,” Edmonds posted, BET.com reports. “I’ve chosen to prioritize myself and my family, moving forward towards a future where I am valued, treated with honesty, and free to embrace the happiness and respect I deserve,” she continued. “I hate to have to respond to the media, but sometimes it’s necessary when the falsehoods get out of control!” the producer added. https://youtu.be/e6vp6WQuRXU Jada Pinkett Smith initially thought Will Smith’s Oscar slap was a skit; now she’s calling it a “holy” moment. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Jada said Will slapping Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars “saved my marriage.” “That moment of the s-it hitting the fan is when you see where you really are,” she shared, Just Jared reports. “After all those years trying to figure out if I would leave Will’s side, it took that slap for me to see I will never leave him. Who knows where our relationship would be if that hadn’t happened?” The actress added, “I call it the ‘holy slap’ now because so many positive things came after it,” she explained. “We’ve been together 30 years so, even if someone new came along, neither of us is going anywhere,” she said. “We are a family that needs to look out for one another and always will be. Sometimes it takes a crisis for you to see that.” “Basketball Wives” alum Brittish Williams is speaking out about her gambling addiction in a new interview with reality TV producer Carlos King. Williams will spend the next four years in federal prison after being convicted for tax fraud, bank fraud, and PPP loan fraud. It seems her legal troubles began after receiving insurance money from her father’s passing and using the cash to repair her credit after losing tens of thousands of dollars to her gambling addiction. Page Six reports that Williams sought help from a financial advisor, who sold her an illegal credit privacy number (CPN). Scammers frequently mislead consumers into thinking the nine-digit number is the same as the social security number. Creating a false identity with a CPN is illegal. According to Williams, she acquired one to help reverse her financial hardship. https://youtu.be/au3K0W62Qfk Amidst fervent attempts by some to erase the true meaning of Christmas, singer-songwriter Daniel Ball's latest music video, "Cold Day in December," has defied these challenges, garnering over 1 million views within just a short time of its release. The song's powerful message about preserving the significance of Christmas and its roots in Jesus Christ has resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. https://www.facebook.com/danielballmusicpage/posts/pfbid02deArJYyesXXJ8CVa4WDb2Qtrfd6jUT7oP19En9kLU5JN2ma7XEz5wKA2TqVMm7rJl Former Destiny’s Child member LaTavia Roberson is shooting down longtime rumors that she and LeToya Luckett were ousted from the group because they were dating Jagged Edge members Brandon and Brian Casey. Roberson set the record straight with Carlos King on the Dec. 5 podcast, Reality with The King. As MadameNoire reports, Carlos discussed the speculation that the twin brothers attempted to poison the teens against manager former manager Mathew Knowles, claiming he “was giving special treatment and high pay to his daughter, Beyoncé, and the group’s other member, Kelly Rowland,” the outlet writes. “Can’t nobody get in your head unless there’s something to be gotten in your head about,” Roberson responded. “Me and my relationship had nothing to do with foul play being done. It had nothing to do with my relationship. I’m sick of people trying to say that and pin that on that. It’s ridiculous. It’s ludicrous. [I’m] tired of hearing it,” she stated, according to MadameNoire. “First of all, we all had boyfriends. Me and LaToya weren’t the only ones,” she added. https://youtu.be/vY4HBxYRa-w Doritos is betting on a new way to get people addicted to their tortilla chips: booze. The PepsiCo-owned brand is releasing a new spirit based on Doritos’ nacho cheese flavor that “tastes just like the real thing,” according to a press release. The food chips maker partnered with Empirical, a Danish company known for making custom spirits with creative flavors. Available only online, the limited-edition flavor goes on sale Wednesday in New York and California and costs $65 for a 750ml bottle. This isn’t the first zany food-adjacent product from a big brand. Recently, Kahlúa and Absolut Vodka made a fragrance that smells like an espresso martini and Dunkin’ turned its iced coffees and teas into canned cocktails. Also, Arby’s turned its curly and crinkle fries into a vodka, as well as created a smoked bourbon to be paired with its roast beef. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6wBZSjsnTtM?feature=share In the 1800s, a Black man from Alabama named John Benson escaped the thumb of slavery, traveled across state lines to save his sister, then became a wealthy man who founded a Black community on the same land where he was once a slave–but that’s just half the story. His son would continue his legacy by building a school as well as the first Black-owned railroad in the U.S. and you’ve probably never heard of either of them. The majority of this story is steeped in the truth. But because any remanence of the once flushing town was drowned under one of the largest lakes ever made, folklore prevails. Lake Martin, which is located In Tallapoosa, Elmore, and Coosa counties in Alabama, was created in 1926 after the construction of the Martin Dam. The enormous Lake has nearly 700 miles of shoreline and covers 41,000 acres. The dam is used to generate hydroelectric power for the Alabama Power Company. Because of its size, Lake Martin is a very popular tourist destination and it hosts events throughout the year. But before there was a lake there was John Benson and his small Black community near Kowaliga Creek. John Jackson Benson was born September 1850 on the shores of Kowaliga Creek in Alabama. His slave owner James Benson owned a plantation in Alabama near Kowaliga Creek. There is barely any mention of John’s mother or father, but there are a few things we know. If John was born a slave, then his mother was a slave. John also had a sister he was very fond of who was sold to a plantation in Florida. In the 1850s it was not uncommon for slave owners to birth children with the Black women they kept in bondage, then sell them to other plantations. We don’t know if James was John’s father, but it wouldn’t be far-fetched. Andre Braugher, an intense actor who won an Emmy for “Homicide: Life on the Street” and demonstrated his range in the comedy series “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” died at age 61 Monday due to a brief illness, his publicist Jennifer Allen told CNN. Braugher amassed dozens of credits in movies and television after a stunning debut as a sensitive soldier in the 1989 film “Glory,” about a unit of Black soldiers during the Civil War. He followed that by playing baseball great Jackie Robinson in the TV movie “The Court-Martial of Jackie Robinson” before landing his featured role in “Homicide,” an adaptation of David Simon’s book about Baltimore detectives, and winning a pair of Emmys for the NBC series as detective Frank Pemberton. Braugher remained much in demand after that series, co-starring in the thriller “Primal Fear,” as well as director Spike Lee’s “Get on the Bus” and the sci-fi thriller “Frequency” before starring in his series, “Gideon’s Crossing,” as a brilliant oncologist who trains young doctors. https://youtu.be/k0Aj2g_9_P0 Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger is reportedly “overwhelmed and exhausted” trying to rebuild the brand as the company’s “woke agenda” and content with political messages has caused quite the ruckus. According to Reuters, Iger recently announced that he intends to step down when his contract ends in 2026. American Insider reports that John Nolte of Breitbart News said, “Every single one of Disney’s problems comes down to its obsessive left-wing political, social, and sexual agenda, which is deliberately aimed at innocent little kids.” “Forbes points out that Disney’s failing streaming service, Disney+, has already lost two billion — with a “B” — dollars this year but doesn’t bother to point out why. We all know why. The content sucks,” he added. Less than a year after he retired, Iger returned to Disney as CEO in November 2022 to restructure the company. Still, insiders claim he struggles to get business back on track. There are also reports that he is running out of time to save Disney stock. https://twitter.com/nypost/status/1711757123955122374?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1711757123955122374%7Ctwgr%5E1404d55ea0fc829cadd8577280e62b23124b9551%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2023%2Fdisney-ceo-bob-iger-to-step-down%2F The details of the vicious jailhouse stabbing of YSL RICO trial co-defendant Shannon Stillwell have been revealed by Fulton County investigators. SOHH.com has learned Shannon Stillwell was stabbed in the back and stomach by a fellow inmate who said he was retaliating after being antagonized by Stillwell in the early hours of December 11th. An investigation is underway as to why Stillwell was outside of protective custody where he has been since being stabbed at this same jail in July 2022. https://youtu.be/BMQWzx5kVk0 A massive storm is delivering more severe thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and strong winds to portions of at least a dozen eastern US states Sunday – with snow still to come. The robust storm threatens to upend travel and knock out power through the start of the work week after spawning deadly tornadoes in Tennessee on Saturday. Rain and embedded thunderstorms stretched from the Southeast to the Northeast on Sunday afternoon as the sprawling storm reached peak strength. The flood risk from the storm is especially concerning, particularly in New England, but the threat of more tornadoes and damaging storms in parts of the Southeast will also be worth watching on Sunday. https://youtu.be/b_CkpYL_JEc The concern for flash flooding rose on Sunday afternoon in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts and prompted the Weather Prediction Center to upgrade the risk of excessive rainfall in these areas to a Level 3 out of 4. A slight risk, or Level 2 of 4, of excessive rainfall is in place across a broader area of New England on both Sunday and Monday, according to the Weather Prediction Center. Flash flooding is also possible in other parts of the Northeast, especially in poor drainage areas or where rainfall totals climb very quickly. Heavy rainfall could also cause waterways to rise, ponding on roadways and urban flooding. Gusty winds will accompany heavy rainfall, increasing the danger. Widespread gusts of 40 to 50 mph will slam portions of the mid-Atlantic and Northeast within about 150 miles of the coast. https://youtu.be/Q6XkgFShJ2A Warner Bros. has released a new trailer for “The Color Purple,” which will arrive in theaters on Christmas Day. Directed by Blitz Bazawule, the Golden Globe-nominated movie musical stars Taraji P. Henson as Shug Avery and Fantasia as Celie. The ensemble cast includes Danielle Brooks as Sofia, Corey Hawkins as Harpo, singer H.E.R. as Squeak, and Ciara will play Nettie, the younger sister of Celie, Entertainment Weekly reports. Per the film’s synopsis, “A story of love and resilience, THE COLOR PURPLE is a decades-spanning tale of one woman’s journey to independence. Celie faces many hardships in her life, but ultimately finds extraordinary strength and hope in the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood.” The film’s producers are Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders, and Quincy Jones. https://youtu.be/zTnircQsMaM According to the news release, the screenplay is by acclaimed playwright Marcus Gardley. His script is based on the novel by Alice Walker and based on the musical stage play, book (of the musical stage play) by Marsha Norman, music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray. We reported previously that the soundtrack, via Warner Warner Bros. Pictures, WaterTower Music, and gamma, features songs from Alica Keys, Mary J. Blige, Megan Thee Stallion, Jennifer Hudson, Keyshia Cole, Jorja Smith, Coco Jones, Ciara, Mary Mary, Usher, H.E.R., Missy Elliott, and Fantasia. “I am so immensely proud that the filmmakers and Warner Bros. Pictures chose us to collaborate on a hugely cultural album that musically brings to life this reimagined classic,” stated Co-founder & CEO of gamma, Larry Jackson, according to Vibe. “The Color Purple, in its many iterations, is unquestionably hallowed ground in black culture. Just as film director Blitz Bazawule has done a spectacular job in taking the film to another level artistically, we, too, wanted to bring an equally adventurous, creative take to this expanded soundtrack,” Jackson added. The first single from the soundtrack is “Lifeline” by Alicia Keys, which serves as a “heartfelt ode to the unequivocal comfort emanating from friends, family, and community that holds us up as we face life’s challenging moments,” according to a press release, Vibe reports. https://youtu.be/W0w_tIbkFiY New Edition is not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but if its performance at the organization’s annual induction ceremony is an indication, then anticipation will be high for its eventual entry. Paying tribute to one of their legendary predecessors, The Spinners, New Edition took the stage with the purpose of performing a three-song medley of classic Spinners material, according to Soul Tracks. Tunes comprising the medley included “I’ll Be Around,” “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love,” and “The Rubberband Man.” New Edition’s tribute to The Spinners was among the highlights at the Hall’s induction ceremony. The 38th annual event was held Nov. 3 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The Hall’s 2023 inductees included: – Kate Bush, Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliott, George Michael, Willie Nelson, Rage Against the Machine, The Spinners (Performer Category) https://youtu.be/5Y0k0qexgPE Track sensation Sha’Carri Richardson claims athletes aren’t receiving money donated to the Team USA Fund. On Dec. 6, Richardson called out Team USA on her Instagram Story for allegedly not paying its players. She wrote, “Do not donate. The athletes that need this money don’t see it.” Per Team USA, “100% of your donation goes to Team USA athletes and the high-performance programming that supports them.” “Team USA does not receive government funding. Instead, we rely on donations from family, friends and fans like you,” the website states. Richardson called out the organization days after being honored in Orlando, Florida, at the USA Track and Field’s Night of Legends ceremony, where she received the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Female Athlete of the Year Award. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0hNgYFOL1T/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=cf041cac-949f-4b18-a475-723edaa2129e&img_index=1 Fatal Attraction returns on Monday, December 11 at 9 PM ET. When a knock at the door lures a veteran to his death, police rely on his wife who heard the crime over the phone. Shocking workplace secrets generate a long list of suspects and local police race to uncover who took revenge in the cold-blooded murder. PAYBACK returns tonight, December 11 at 10 PM ET. Two months after a man is acquitted of a murder, he too becomes a victim of gun violence. While police are convinced the shooting was revenge, they, and the rest of the community, are shocked to learn his own cousin helped lure him to his death. What does it take to make a superstar? Basketball mothers Lucille O’Neal and Sonya Curry are ready to get the answers! See what it was like raising some of your favorite stars in the premiere of an all-new TV One series, Raising Fame, coming in March 2024! https://tvone.tv/videos/all-new-series-raising-fame-with-lucille-oneal-and-sonya-curry-coming-to-tv-one-in-2024/ Eighteen companies have pulled out of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ recently launched online marketplace Empower Global. The move comes as the music mogul faces a slew of sexual assault allegations, Rolling Stone reports. “We take the allegations against Mr. Combs very seriously and find such behavior abhorrent and intolerable,” said Annette Njau, founder of luxury bag, eyewear, and apparel company House of Takura. “We believe in victims’ rights, and support victims in speaking their truth, even against the most powerful of people.” Fulaba founder Haby Barry confirmed to Rolling Stone that the company is leaving Diddy’s platform for Black businesses and entrepreneurs. “Fulaba is all about empowering women and girls,” Fulaba founder Haby Barry said, according to Rolling Stone. “We will not associate with anything or anyone that is counter to our values.” The 2024 Golden Globe Awards nominees were announced on Monday. As expected, “Barbie” is leading the film categories with nine nominations, followed by “Oppenheimer,” with eight, and “Killers of the Flower Moon” garnered seven. “Succession” was the most nominated TV title, with nine nominations. Meanwhile, the show’s organizers are having difficulty finding an A-lister to host the event. According to CNN, several top comedians, including Chris Rock, have declined offers to host the January 7 ceremony live from the Beverly Hilton. The 2024 ceremony will be the first awards show since the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) was disbanded after the Los Angeles Times slammed the organization over the lack of Black members. A group of publicists blasted the HFPA, which presented the Golden Globes, for its “pervasive practice of discriminatory behavior, unprofessionalism, ethical impropriety and alleged financial corruption.” https://youtu.be/zrhXU2-eoXw A Tuskegee Airman who went missing in action nearly 80 years ago has finally been laid to rest in North Carolina. According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Second Lieutenant Fred L. Brewer Jr. disappeared while returning to Ramitelli Air Field in Italy in October 1944. Brewer joined the U.S. Army Air Forces from North Carolina and was a Tuskegee Airman and member of the 100th Fighter Squadron, 332nd Fighter Group. He was one of 57 fighters on a mission “over enemy targets in Regensburg, Germany” when he vanished in 1944. Several pilots reported seeing Brewer “attempting to climb his aircraft out of the cloud cover” before he “stalled out and fell into a spin,” the DPPA said. Fred was 23 years old when he disappeared. U.S. personnel recovered his remains from a civilian cemetery in Italy after the war. The body was exhumed in June 2022, and extensive tests and DNA analysis helped identify the remains as Brewer in August 2023. The remains were identified thanks to the DNA of Clement Brewer, Fred’s second cousin, Fred was recently buried during a military service at the Salisbury National Cemetery in Charlotte, according to ABC News and WSOC-TV. https://youtu.be/CWn6PPdmZ-M The trailer for Gloria Gaynor’s inspiring documentary titled “Gloria Gaynor: I Will Survive” has dropped. “For the last 40 years, I’ve been telling you ‘I will survive,’ but I never told you how,” the 80-year-old music icon says in the trailer. The doc chronicles the singer’s highs and lows, her faith and journey to self-love, as well as the making of her 2019 Gospel album “Testimony,” for which she earned a Grammy. “I want them to know how and why I survive, and that these elements of life, these uplifting, encouraging, inspiring, empowering elements of life are available to them as well,” Gaynor explained to People about what she hopes viewers take away from the film. https://youtu.be/BCvHkWCRWLo Claudine Gay, Harvard University’s embattled president, has faced a flurry of criticism over her handling of alleged antisemitism at one of the nation’s most prestigious universities. But her position is more secure than her University of Pennsylvania counterpart Liz Magill, who resigned on Saturday. Calls for Gay’s removal increased following her testimony before Congress last Tuesday, where she, Magill, and MIT’s president Sally Kornbluth failed to explicitly state whether calling for the genocide of Jews would necessarily violate their code of conduct. On Sunday, Harvard University police received a report of a mobile billboard truck near campus that demanded the firing of President Claudine Gay, a university spokesperson told CNN. The truck was seen parked outside one of the gates into Harvard Yard, the oldest part of the campus, the spokesperson said. It is not clear who organized this demonstration. https://youtu.be/R-X5zp2d0ZA?list=RDNSwy21x2PArXk But demands for Gay’s resignation have been tempered by the support of more than 700 Harvard faculty members, who signed a petition urging school officials to resist calls for Gay’s removal. “We, the undersigned faculty, urge you in the strongest possible terms to defend the independence of the university and to resist political pressures that are at odds with Harvard’s commitment to academic freedom, including calls for the removal of President Claudine Gay,” the petition said. “The critical work of defending a culture of free inquiry in our diverse community cannot proceed if we let its shape be dictated by outside forces.” Harvard legal scholar Laurence Tribe told CNN that, even though he previously slammed her testimony before Congress as “deeply troubling,” he signed the petition because “once external pressures, whether from ultrawealthy donors or politicians pursuing their ideological agendas, override the internal decision-making processes of universities, we are on the road to tyranny.” https://youtu.be/JKYCOuOXBsQ Texas state Sen. John Whitmire will be the next mayor of Houston, CNN projects, after winning a runoff Saturday over US Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee to lead the country’s fourth-largest city. “While this marks the beginning of the true challenge ahead, as you all know, my only reason for running was to make a difference. I’m fired up to get started,” Whitmire said on social media. Whitmire and Jackson Lee, both Democrats, were forced into the runoff after neither took more than 50% of the vote in last month’s crowded first round in the officially nonpartisan contest. Whitmire, 74, will succeed term-limited incumbent Sylvester Turner, a former Democratic state lawmaker who had endorsed Jackson Lee in the runoff. https://youtu.be/7B-k8ZM_oAo Georgia native Laneisha Shantrice Henderson was charged with second-degree arson after attempting to burn down the childhood home of Martin Luther King Jr. last week. According to Sportskeeda, the 26-year-old lived in Tallahassee, Florida, and enlisted in the Navy after graduating from Eufaula High School. Henderson served four years in the U.S. Navy and reportedly earned medals for good conduct. When she tried to burn down the historic MLK structure, her father said she was experiencing mental health issues. Fortunately, Henderson was stopped by two off-duty NYPD officers who had been visiting the center. They detained her until Atlanta police arrived. Henderson was arrested and charged with criminal attempt arson and criminal attempt interference with government property. https://youtu.be/IpQiS-tbOhM Julia Robert’s new apocalyptic drama “Leave the World Behind” is currently the #1 watched film on the platform. Directed by Sam Esmail, the sci-fi feature was produced by Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions. Roberts co-stars in the film along with Ethan Hawk, Mahershala Ali, and Kevin Bacon. “Leave the World Behind” is adapted from Rumaan Alam’s 2020 novel of the same name, and centers on a family whose “getaway to a luxurious rental home takes an ominous turn when a cyberattack knocks out their devices, and two strangers appear at their door,” per IMDB. Society unravels in the movie after technology and smart devices – such as phones, televisions, and EVs (Teslas), start failing. Tesla CEO Elon Musk complained about this “inaccuracy” in the film. The scene that prompted a response from the billionaire shows Roberts and Hawke (who play a married couple) chased by self-driving Teslas that end up crashing and causing a vehicle pile-up. https://youtu.be/cMVBi_e8o-Y Former DJ and WAND-TV reporter Scot England made his professional boxing debut last week in Nashville, Tennessee, at age 58 and was knocked out in five seconds. England became the oldest professional welterweight boxer during his first fight on Dec. 5. His opponent, 22-year-old Jashawn Hunter, sealed his victory in five seconds. “He’s three decades younger than me, he is stronger than me, he is faster than me, he has got more experience than me and he has a longer reach than me,” said England in an interview with Herald and Review newspaper before the fight. England was a passionate fan of Muhammad Ali as a child and ultimately became friends with the late heavyweight champ. “The first time I walked into Ali’s living room he said to me ‘Are you a boxer?’ And I said, ‘No, champ, I am not tough enough for that,’” England shared with Herald and Review. “But 40 years later I am tough enough.” Cardi B and her husband, fellow rapper Offset, have parted ways. In a recent Instagram Live shared on social media, Cardi said she’s been sharing clues that they are no longer a couple. “I’ve been single for a minute now, but I have been afraid to like… not afraid, I just don’t know how to tell the world. But I feel like today has been a sign,” she said. “The last time I got on Live, I kind of wanted to tell you guys. But I didn’t know how to tell you, so I changed my mind. But it has been like this for a minute now. I just took it as a sign.” The “sign” she was referring to was some online messiness in which Offset’s name was part of an allegation of infidelity that he has denied on social media. “I don’t think it’s true, I don’t care to find out,” Cardi B said of the chatter. https://youtu.be/AISk7hlMMDE The couple had a public engagement in October 2017 after he popped the question while she was onstage. It was later revealed that they had quietly married in his hometown of Atlanta in September of that year. The two are the parents of a daughter, Kulture, 5, and a son, Wave, 2. Cardi B. and Offset have split multiple times before, including in 2018 when he crashed her performance at the Rolling Loud Festival in Los Angeles to ask her to take him back. https://youtu.be/SWrkVzv5HJs A resurfacing video of Ma$e coming for Diddy‘s neck started trending on social media. Ma$e shot off some salient bullet points locked and loaded during his hip-hop monologue directed at Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs. The former Bad Boy artist, government name Mason Durell Betha, who often moonlights as a minister, made sure Diddy not only got a direct hit with his lyrical diatribe but also ate the strays. One person responded with shock, “damn he told us diddy entire personality & scheme in one song.. this gone get to millions of views after what just transpired with cassie, just wait.. it shouldn’t even be this low in views.” During his concert in Atlantic City, Ma$e performed “Oracle 2” and dropped the line “I’m haunted by the ghost of St. James, champagne king” causing one fan to inquire, “wanna know what Mase saw while in Harlem at the hotel that day that made him get outta the game asap and changed his life!” He also pointed out during his set, “God gave you daughters for what you did to Kim Porter!!” which made fans wonder why the police have not further investigated her untimely passing. Ma$e also admonished Diddy for not paying the mother of Biggie Smalls when he spat the line, “You just a ni–a who know how to market death, Go pay his momma what he’s really worth, ni–a.” Man, if what is done in the dark comes to light was a moment, this the one. Watching the destruction of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ legacy is not enjoyable, and no one should rejoice at his downfall. However, it serves as a lesson to do right by people in this life. https://youtu.be/1UKEllj9dvk Victoria Monét and Teyana Taylor had a time at the Doo Wop event the 2023 Art Basel. However, fans weren’t vibing with TT invading Victoria‘s space as she performed. ” 😭 I get she’s trying to be supportive but sissy this wasn’t the time. Hopefully she’ll recognize that in the future 🥹,” said one person. Another observer chastised how TT was throwing her tail feather back on Victoria, “She can never attend an event without Tossing her aszzz on another woman.” Fans wanted Victoria to have her moment and believed Teyana attempted to steal her shine, “I thought LiL Mama learned her lesson 😂. That’s all ego.. Yes we like you but they brought me out to sing.. She the Bestfriend that thinks everything is about her 😂😂.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C0tin03OdU6/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Social media influencer Galen J. Williams invoked the vocal stylings of the late great Dr. Maya Angelou and recited Victoria Monét‘s hit “On My Mama.” One of his followers posted, “Ms. Angelou would be so proud! 👏🏾 I typed Maya at first and deleted it because I remember how she gathered that one little girl in that talk show clip. 🤭“ Another concurred, “The precision in your tone, cadence, and phrasing is astounding. Such a beautiful way to pay homage to our great Dr. Angelou! I look forward to each and every one of these 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾.” Mother Angelou would be honored, no doubt. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cz37AOxvk5_/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Tracy Morgan made a surprising discovery, which he shared on the “Connect The Dots“ podcast. The 55-year-old comedian/actor found out that rapper Nas, Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, “go back like spinal cords and car seats,” and learned the Queensbridge hip hop legend is his third cousin. “Me and Nas is third cousins on my mother’s side,” Tracy said. “Me and Esco always been tight before that. I did a show years ago on Comedy Central, a special called One Mic. That was for Nas’ mom who had just passed away. I named my special One Mic.” He added, “So me and Esco always been tight but then when I found out on the Westside Highway, after I did the show, I called him up and I said “Yo Esco,” he said ‘what up Trey?’ I said, ‘Guess what?.’ He said, ‘What?’ I said, ‘I just did Find My Roots, me and you related.’ He started crying, I started crying and I said to him, ‘If you ever need me, I’m there cuz.’ He said, ‘Cuz, if you ever need me I’m there.’” We love and appreciate this story. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0pUSIrv1TB/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again This weekend’s decisive mayor runoff loss in Houston for U.S. Rep Sheila Jackson Lee is prompting urgent questions about the longtime incumbent Texas Congresswoman’s political future. Democratic state Sen. John Whitmire was quickly declared the winner on Saturday with just over half of the precincts reporting and twice as much support from voters than Jackson Lee, according to estimates from the Associated Press. Jackson Lee, also a Democrat, lost the runoff despite full-throated endorsements from name-brand members of the national Democratic elite, including Hillary Clinton, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. But all is not lost for Jackson Lee, who retains her seat representing Texas’ 18th Congressional District, over which she has presided on Capitol Hill since 1995. For now, at least. Because her current Congressional term ends next month, she didn’t have to resign to run for mayor. However, it is because her current Congressional term ends next month that she needs to hurry up and make a decision about what’s next. If Jackson Lee, 73, intends to seek a 16th term in Congress, the filing deadline to do so is Monday. Ellen Holly, whose role on ABC’s hit soap opera One Life To Live made her the first Black actor to lead a daytime TV show, has died at the age of 92. Holly’s rep confirmed to NBC News that she passed away on Wednesday at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx, New York. https://youtu.be/fDj_b69h82Y Holly’s character, Carla Gray (a.k.a. Carla Benari) was groundbreaking, as she was portrayed as a Black woman passing as white. Her main conflict on the show included a love triangle between two doctors – one white, one Black. This arc made One Life To Live one of the first soap operas to directly confront race relations. The Atlantic recalled how Holly’s role “wasn’t easy” but it was pioneering and trailblazing in many ways. https://youtu.be/xWwoFRkPNkw Congratulations are in order for our (as Rickey puts it) “Rickey Smiley Morning Show” son, Malik Smiley, as he joins the 2023 graduating class! Last weekend, Malik joined the ranks of notable HBCU graduates, including his father, Rickey Smiley, by graduating from Alabama State University, which is also his dad’s alma mater. https://youtu.be/EqgNViLSUf0 Not only has Malik finished school, but he did so with honors! Malik joined the “Rickey Smiley Morning Show” to thank his family, mentors and all who contributed to supporting and influencing his success. He said he dreams of going to graduate school, law school and eventually practicing injury and criminal law. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0UNc21MGG1/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again The last month of Hip-Hop 50 was meant to be spent celebrating those pioneers who helped shaped the genre into the commercial juggernaut that it’s become today. Instead, we’re left playing a guessing game of “Who’s Next” to fall from grace. So far, Bad Boy Records has taken the lead from defending champion R. Kelly now that Diddy has racked in a number of sexual assault allegations in just the past two weeks alone. However, many haven’t been quick to forget that it all really started with the scathing allegations of manipulation, coercion and brutal rape at the hands of once-celebrated hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons. Since 2017, the Def Jam Recordings co-founder has been accused by a handful of women of the aforementioned crimes, each with their own tale of Simmons’ sadistic behavior during their respective times working for him. He’s been adamant to deny all claims against him, quite possibly more vehemently than any person in his position accused of the same, and he decided to quadruple down on his innocence in a new interview via In Depth With Graham Bensinger. https://youtu.be/UKkX-cbRbYE?list=PLW5qT4HIAd1ZBlvJeHkhGHUEwzAOickcF Dr. Kwane Stewart — a veterinarian whose nonprofit, Project Street Vet, provides medical care to the pets of people experiencing homelessness — is the 2023 CNN Hero of the Year. Online voters selected him from among this year’s Top 10 CNN Heroes. “I’ve wanted to be a veterinarian my whole life since I was a child,” Stewart said when accepting the award. “I’m so lucky to be doing what I’m doing.” Stewart’s outreach on the streets started more than a decade ago. On a whim, the veterinarian stopped to examine the dog of a homeless man outside a 7-11 store where he got his coffee. https://youtu.be/p8sumAI6ucA Stewart treated the dog’s skin condition and the animal was transformed. But for Stewart, the man’s gratitude was a wake-up call: “Thank you for not ignoring me” were the words that Stewart says inspired his next chapter. “It doesn’t matter what your situation is … I see a pet in need, and I see a person who cares for them dearly who just needs some help,” Stewart said. As CNN Hero of the Year, Stewart will receive $100,000 to expand his work and will also be named an Elevate Prize winner which comes with $300,000 in unrestricted funding and resources from The Elevate Prize Foundation. He and the other top 10 CNN Heroes honored at Sunday’s gala all receive a $10,000 cash award along with donation-matching up to $50,000 from The Elevate Prize Foundation. The foundation will also provide organizational and capacity-building support to all of the honorees. https://youtu.be/yxJVLUxxwMc Since he started, Stewart and his volunteer teams have treated thousands of animals while giving their human parents hope and dignity, too. “I will say this about the people I’ve met who have pets on the streets,” he said. “They are some of the most remarkable pet parents I’ve ever met.” If you’re inspired to help, you can donate to Stewart and each of the Top 10 CNN Heroes’ causes. https://youtu.be/pkHd6R8j1QA The high cost of housing, predatory financing programs, and the temporary nature of a critical government assistance program are all factors making it harder for Black families in California to buy homes — or keep the ones they already own. Policy leaders, building industry organizations, and other concerned advocates are expressing concern that, if left unchecked, this crisis could worsen. “We have a massive housing shortage, and we should do everything we can to increase the production of housing throughout the entire state, not just infill areas,” said Cornelius Burke, Vice President of Legislative Affairs at the California Building Industry Association (CBIA). Advocates: Smarter Policy Could Increase California’s Housing Inventory Burke was speaking on Nov. 16, along with other CBIA officials — including the organization’s President and CEO Dan Dunmoyer — during a webinar on how the high cost of building homes affects Blacks and Latinos homeownership. According to Dunmoyer, the key to resolving the problem is effective policymaking. He said several current housing laws restrict construction even though the policymakers that introduced them may have had good intentions. Controversial comedian Charleston White was attacked on stage during a live performance in Crockett, Texas, on Saturday night. White was assaulted after talking smack about the 2020 NBA Finals when the Los Angeles Lakers won the championship over the Miami Heat. https://twitter.com/i/status/1733797692097118677 Two audience members weren’t happy with White’s questioning of the win’s validity, Complex reports. “I don’t give a damn about getting booed, n***a. I already got paid,” White told the audience. That’s when a man sitting near the front of the stage stands to reveal he is wearing a Kobe Bryant jersey. “You paid to see me, Lakers jersey wearing ass n***a,” White is heard telling the man in viral video of the moment. Taking a flower vase from the stage, White warned the Kobe fan, “Pull out some money. I’ll hit you on your god damn head, pussy ass n***a.” He then hurled the vase at the man’s head. https://twitter.com/i/status/1733861649101009025 Bronny James has a lot of work to do if he’ll ever come near matching the scoring records of his legendary father LeBron James, but he now has more points in college than his dad ever did. While his dad – whom it should be noted went straight from high school to the NBA – watched from the stands, Bronny James returned to the court for a game for the first time since suffering cardiac arrest this summer and being diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. https://youtu.be/0vipRdWq-XU In his first-ever college game, the younger James made one 3-pointer, and one free throw, had three rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block in 17 minutes as the University of Southern California lost to Long Beach State 84-79 in overtime. One of those steals came with 26 seconds left in regulation and the Trojans leading by one point. James then made one of two free throws but Marcus Tsohonis of Long Beach State made a tying jumpshot with three seconds in regulation. In July, the 18-year-old James, a freshman who was an All-American as a high school player, suffered a cardiac arrest during a basketball practice at the University of Southern California and was hospitalized. He was discharged a few days later to recover at home. https://youtu.be/lD5p0L9Z0BE Black folks have excelled in every field they have stepped into. They have made turnovers in the music industry, secured umpteenth Guinness World Records, thrived in fashion, and have contributed significantly to the cinema industry. Some famous Black male actors have turned Hollywood on its head. A few years back, if someone had asked what the world would look like without the Black community, the answer would be that it would resemble Hollywood. At its inception, white actors dominated the industry. They reigned over the silver screen, while Black actors were left with supporting roles. However, as we say, ‘time changes everything,’ Black actors came in and now are recognized (and loved!) by people all around the world. Their dedication and tremendous input forced the stereotypical culture of Hollywood to bow down in front of them.So, without further ado, let’s dive in and find out who the famous Black male actors of the fraternity are to date. Texas man who threatened several Georgia public officials online after the 2020 election was sentenced to two years in prison Wednesday. Chad Christopher Stark, 55, of Leander was charged, then pleaded guilty last year for a 2021 post to Craigslist entitled, “Georgia Patriots it’s time to kill [Official A] the Chinese agent – $10,000.” In the post, Stark calls on his “Georgia Patriots” to take back the state from “Lawless treasonous traitors.” “It’s time to invoke our Second Amendment right it’s time to put a bullet in the treasonous Chinese [Official A],” Stark wrote. “Then we work our way down to [Official B] the local and federal corrupt judges. It’s our duty as American Patriots to put an end to the lives of these traitors and take back our country by force we can no longer wait on the corrupt law enforcement in the corrupt courts. If we want our country back we have to exterminate these people. One good loyal Patriot deer hunter in camo and a rifle can send a very clear message to these corrupt governors.. militia up Georgia it’s time to spill blood…. we need to pay a visit to [Official C] and her family as well and put a bullet her behind the ears.” Starks continued, “Let’s be very clear to our local law enforcement who have stood down and watch BLM antifa destroy our country and kill our citizens yet you’ll step up to stop Patriot supporters you’ll enforce face mask and you’ll close American businesses??? We’re going to make examples of traitors to our country… death to you and all you communist friends.” In a statement, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland called the sentencing a warning for anyone thinking of threatening public officials. Jonathan Majors‘ ex-girlfriend’s testimony continued on Wednesday in the actor’s domestic violence trial stemming from allegations that he assaulted her in March. Similar to the day before, Grace Jabbari — under questioning from the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office — described Majors in violent terms. But Jabbari, 30, also said under oath that she never intended to have Majors, 34, be arrested. It was Majors, she testified, who called 911 and invited the police to respond after he found her sleeping in his apartment following their breakup the night before over suspicions of cheating, the New York Daily News reported. “I think just things he had told me in the past of not trusting police — and what they would do to him, as a Black man, and I didn’t want to put him in that situation,” Jabbari told the court. “He knows what he’s done,” Jabbari said later. “He’s cheated on me. He’s attacked me.” The FBI continues to look for the suspect in multiple Chicago bank robberies. They say has been going up and down the most iconic parts of Michigan Avenue robbing banks on multiple occasions in recent months. The most recent incident happened Friday morning. With the holiday shopping bringing out the big crowds, authorities say it is critical to catch the man before he hits again. The most recent robbery happened at 10:10 a.m. at the Citibank branch at 539 N. Michigan Ave. – between Ohio Street and the Grand Avenue overpass on the Magnificent Mile. The robber also hit three times a little farther south on Michigan Avenue, below the Chicago River. He carries a gun, and there is fear he may use the weapon next. https://youtu.be/TNF-NYJr1jw ATL-based rapper 2Chainz finds himself in a Miami hospital today because he was involved in a Saturday morning car crash on I-95. The rapper, Tauheed K. Epps, posted a video of himself in an ambulance on his Instagram story. The video shows 2Chains in the ambulance in front of a crashed Tesla. The Tesla driver struck Epps’s vehicle from the rear, leaving the musician with injuries to his neck “and possibly other injuries as well.” Epps is reportedly in stable condition at a Miami hospital and is expected to recover, according to TMZ. The reason for 2Chainz, 46, being in South Florida is for Art Basel Miami Beach 2023, an art fair/marketing whirlwind/massive VIP event. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2023-12-09-120923-2-chainz-1741008-236/ When it comes to Taylor Swift, Flavor Flav is not afraid to wave his Swiftie flag proudly for all to see. During a recent interview with Tamron Hall, Flav revealed why he is a loyal Swiftie, saying Swift “keeps it real” with those who appreciate her and her music. “I love Taylor Swift’s music,” the Public Enemy rapper confessed to Hall. https://youtu.be/RDeLV6VKa08 “Let me put it like this, I listen to her music real good, and she keeps it real with her audience. She writes about a lot of the things she goes through, and then when she gets out on that stage, a lot of people can relate to her.” Although Flav’s love for Swift may be hard for folks to believe, the “911 is a Joke” rhymesayer shared that he has been seen attending multiple shows on the pop superstar’s Eras Tour, wearing a beaded friendship bracelet like other Swifties have been known to do. “Anybody want to trade a bracelet with your boy?” Flav asked the Tamron Hall Show audience. https://www.instagram.com/p/CqT_nVbPU_g/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=ebec3b0d-f45c-4cf2-bb8d-5526a9b3cc7c Sean “Diddy” Combs is at the center of another situation following the ruckus raised from allegations made by his former artist Cassie. An effort is underway by women’s rights group UltraViolet to convince the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) to ban Combs from the 2024 Grammy Awards. In a statement, the group expressed its concern over a recent string of sexual assault incidents involving the Bad Boy Records founder. Most recently, a fourth woman has come forward, accusing Combs of sexual assault, reports AllHipHop.com. “We are deeply disturbed and concerned by the recent allegations of sexual abuse, sex trafficking of a minor, and domestic violence made against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs over the past three weeks,” UltraViolet said in its statement. “The gravity of the allegations against Combs underscore the ongoing need for accountability — and that the #MeToo movement is relevant and badly needed more than ever.” The UltraViolet statement is the latest development to come from backlash Combs sustained after Cassie filed a lawsuit against him in November. In that suit, the “Me & You” entertainer accused her former boyfriend of rape while detailing years of abuse during their relationship. Although the pair settled Cassie’s lawsuit out of court, legal action from several women spawned that same month, with them suing Combs for sexual assault in their respective cases. Tasha K is raising eyebrows yet again as she continues to keep Ashanti on her discussion radar. Tasha K is not buying the fact that Ashanti and Nelly are expecting a child. Her reason is simple. Ashanti is a “light-skinned, privileged woman” who should not be a “baby mama.” “She’s not pregnant. She’s not pregnant,” the “Unwine With Tasha K” founder and host claimed, adding that the timing for Ashanti’s pregnancy is off because of Nelly’s current status as a grandfather. “She ain’t pregnant ‘cuz he just had a baby… Let’s get to know that other baby first. Light-skin, privileged women deserve to be wives and not just baby mamas! I said what I said!” Tasha K’s current view on Ashanti comes after Nelly and the “Rock With You” singer teased fans at his annual “Black and White Ball” in St. Louis. It was there the couple rubbed Ashanti’s belly, playfully giving the impression that she is pregnant with her first child, Rolling Out noted. The site went on to speculate that if there was truth to the belly rub, it would spell a third time for Nelly in the father role. Tasha K’s colorism stance comes after she touched on the same issue when mentioning Ashanti having no children and ring at this time in her life. Friday (12-08-23) was not a good day for the defense in the Jonathan Majors domestic violence trial. That’s because Judge Michael Gaffey allowed previously sealed text messages related to a prior (physical assault?) incident in September 2022 to be revealed to the jury. Those texts appear to show the actor advising and discouraging Grace Jabbari, his accuser, from seeking medical treatment. The good news for the defense, if you can call it that, is that whatever happened in the 2022 incident won’t be allowed into evidence in this trial. But the texts themselves as read by Jabbari don’t make Majors sound like a good guy. Nope. Not at all. In fact, in one of the texts, he refers to himself as a “monster.” Here’s the first unsealed text she received from Majors: “You have no perspective of what could happen if you go to hospital. They will ask you questions, and as I don’t think you actually protect us, it could lead to investigation even if you do lie and they suspect something.” https://youtu.be/sK0QxtznHxM While reading the first sentence of her response, Jabbari started crying, saying: “I will tell the doctor I bumped my head if I go.” Jabbari was so emotional that Assistant DA Kelli Galaway had to take over while the accuser collected herself. “If I go, I’m going to give it one more day,” the rest of her response read. “But I can’t sleep and I need some stronger painkillers, that’s all. Why would I tell them what really happened when it’s clear I want to be with you?” “I feel like you want to be together, as in to not embarrass yourself to everything you said to your friends and family,” another text from Majors read. “Last night I considered killing myself versus coming home. Last night you said you needed love and I tried to put my feelings aside. But I need love too. Or maybe I’m such a monster and I should just kill myself. This way of existence is miserable.” mMajors then told Jabbari that she had not been “full of love at all” that morning. “You could have given me a hug,” he wrote before threatening suicide and calling himself “a monster” and “a horrible man” who is “not capable of love.” https://youtu.be/OJponbSsv4w “Jonathan you can’t say this,” was Jabbari’s response. “I’m going to have to call someone. I’m sorry for not hugging you this morning.” Near the end of the text, she wrote, “I love you. So much.” After reading the unsealed texts, the prosecution asked why Jabbari told medical professionals that she didn’t know how she got injured in the March incident. “I was scared of the consequences of it,” she said. “Still wanted to protect him I guess.” Jonathan Majors is being tried on two counts of misdemeanor assault and two counts of harassment for allegedly assaulting Jabbari, his now ex-girlfriend. The widely reported incident happened back in March of this year after Jabbari found texts on his phone from another woman. Specifically, NYC prosecutors say Majors twisted Grace Jabbari’s arm and hit her face, which resulted in a fractured finger and a cut behind her ear. Alternately, the defense is claiming that it was Jabbari who assaulted Majors. https://youtu.be/6GO86zaPe80 Last month in November, six Black men incarcerated at the Northwest Correctional Complex (NWCX) marched across the stage to receive their Bachelor of Science in Business degree from Lane College, an HBCU. Their educational trajectory is a continuation of historical and momentous strides made by the Tennessee Higher Education Initiative (THEI) to help educate men and women behind the wall. The graduates were the first to receive a bachelor’s degree in the facility’s history. To add to the list of firsts, the students were also the first in the state of Tennessee to receive degrees from a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) while incarcerated. THEI along with educational partners Lane College and the Tennessee Department of Correction celebrated the fortitude and commitment of the six men who have shifted the course of history in the state of Tennessee, by forging a path for others to follow. Each student is a testament to the indomitable spirit of resilience our brothers behind the wall possess when given opportunities to excel and engage with the transformative and liberating power of education that was paved with sacrifice. “They are coming home,” stated Dr. Laura Ferguson-Mimms, Executive Director of THEI. “We are breaking the cycle of recidivism that tells us that 47% will return to incarceration if we continue to do exactly what we have always done.” https://youtu.be/-GG_ZZLdMZs “It’s two albums…with bonus tracks,” said Grammy-nominated Country songwriter/singer Deborah Allen about her critically acclaimed RCA catalog albums released through Legacy Recordings titled “Let Me Be the First” and “Telepathy” whose title track is written and produced by Prince in 1987 (under the pseudonym Joey Coco). https://youtu.be/oXitx3waIdY Nicki Minaj’s Pink Friday 2 debuted on her 41st birthday. Nicki’s album has the most #1s by a female rapper on Apple Music Worldwide. One Barb tweeted, “After listening to Nicki Minaj’s Pink Friday 2 album, my honest opinion is that… Unfortunately, that Queen crown will remain on her head UNSHAKEN for the next 10 years if not forever.” Another fan wrote, “That’s impressive! Nicki Minaj continues to leave her mark on the music scene.” However, one naysayer gave a dissenting opinion, “Queen of quantity over quality wbk.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C0ZxAwTvCNr/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=958e7cba-dd9e-4e9d-9eb8-09323b98f24b&img_index=1 North West vibed out to Nicki Minaj’s Pink Friday 2. One person noticed NW blinged out ice, “I can’t believe Kim still had that Barbie necklace Nicki brought for north when she was first born 😩😍 💕.” Another person felt that NW is the most authentic celebrity kid on social media, “North my favorite celebrity kid. I be feeling like internet be forcing celebrities kids on us. North actually got it! Ready for TV for sure! Not just cause of who her parents are. Her personality shines!! ✨ One thing about Kanye West’s little twin is that she will give the people what they want, “I love North. She’s so tapped into culture authentically. We was doing the same thing to our fav artist at this age too.” https://www.tiktok.com/share/video/7289949893005921582?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2023%2Fnicki-minajs-drops-her-pink-friday-2-album-on-her-41st-bday-jennifer-lopez-shades-beyonce-more-picvideos%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121355058%2C121351166%2C71788790%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_card_play&referer_video_id=7310255587684650282 BeyHive believed Jennifer Lopez threw unnecessary shade at Beyoncé when asked who she considered Woman Of The Year. She hummed the melody of Bey‘s hit “Drunk In Love” and decided that Taylor Swift should be WOTY. One fan snapped, “While wearing a chrome breastplate and humming the Dubai riff mind u.” Another fan added, “Lol couldn’t even get the Beyoncé tune out her head for this answer.” Many fans felt JLo built her career on the backs of Black women but has a problem recognizing their contributions, “She never gives black women their 10s is what I noticed.” Girl, its so obvi JLo is so jealous of us, Lol! https://twitter.com/enews/status/1732489657596920218?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1732890483351785524%7Ctwgr%5E6f60849ac39c4505c89a4d9c820a533bde1c99bc%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2023%2Fnicki-minajs-drops-her-pink-friday-2-album-on-her-41st-bday-jennifer-lopez-shades-beyonce-more-picvideos%2F Kerry Washington said if there is a “Scandal” movie, it would be up to Shonda Rhimes, and fans are already on board with the concept. One fan excitedly posted, “Whew.. can you imagine the wardrobe!! And we want the original Fitz, Milly and Papa Pope!!” https://www.instagram.com/p/C0j5klBpS-m/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is really going far out of his way to prove he is a true-to-form member of today’s GOP. Like other Republican candidates, he vehemently defends Donald Trump despite the fact that he’s running against him for the presidency. He says things as if they’re widely accepted as true when, in reality, they’re thoroughly debunked as false. And, despite being a brown person himself, he apparently believes white people are intentionally being replaced by non-white people as part of an agenda by Democrats to boost their voting demographics. During Wednesday’s Republican primary debate, Ramaswamy appeared to solidify himself as the chief spreader of absurd conspiracy theories, racist dog-whistling and alarmist nonsense, which is actually pretty impressive given all the competition he had on that stage for that role. Ramaswamy kicked things off by defending Trump and attacking the other candidates for criticizing the ex-president because, apparently, Ramaswamy was hit with a sudden head rush of MAGA dopamine that caused him to completely forget how primary debates work. Then he went on to imply that the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol was the work of some nameless, faceless government insider. “Why am I the only person, on this stage at least, who can say that Jan. 6 now does look like it was an inside job?” Ramaswamy said. https://twitter.com/i/status/1732585595958919467 On this day in history, hundreds of African Americans were lynched for coming to the defense of the first Black sheriff in a Mississippi county in 1874. It is one of the more shameful aspects of American history that has seemingly been forgotten amid this country’s purported nationwide racial reckoning. https://pbs.twimg.com/card_img/1732618509782339584/0uEg4Hor?format=jpg&name=small A 26-year-old woman has been arrested on charges she attempted to set fire to the Atlanta birth home of civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., according to authorities. Around 5:45pm the female suspect was observed pouring gasoline on the city’s historic property at 501 Auburn Avenue. Fortunately, she was stopped by 2 off-duty NYPD officers who were visiting the home, according to a statement from the Atlanta Police Department. APD officers responded to the scene and arrested the woman. She is being held on suspicion of criminal attempted arson and second-degree interference with government property, police revealed. In a video obtained by 11Alive TV, what appears to be the woman standing on the porch of the home and pouring what appears to be gasoline on the house, can be seen. Also in the video, you can see what is believed to be the two off-duty NYPD officers detaining the woman until Atlanta Police arrive. https://youtu.be/0NoK2YgIcyE Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum added that the APD’s investigation revealed two other people – who were visiting Atlanta from Utah – had also seen the woman allegedly pouring gasoline on the porch of the home. “There were quick action. Saved the jewel of our city, something very important to Atlanta,” Darin Schierbaum, the Atlanta Police Chief, said. As of this posting, the suspect’s name or mugshot has been released. Additionally, no further details on the incident were provided. MLK Jr.’s birth home was acquired for preservation by the National Park Service from the King family in 2018 and had been open for public tours through last month when it was closed for an “extensive renovation project” that is not expected to be completed until November of 2025. https://youtu.be/Cj6xKbxKNX0 Rev. Al Sharpton has joined forces with singer Al B. Sure! and controversial former House Speaker Newt Gingrich to pressure the Biden administration to reverse Medicare cutbacks. Sharpton and Sure recently launched the Health Equity in Transplantation Coalition (HETC) to call for the rollback of coverage for blood tests that help detect early signs of organ rejection in organ transplant recipients, Fox News reports. Al B. Sure! was personally affected by the medicare cutbacks after receiving a life-saving liver transplant in 2022, according to the outlet. “This transplantation community is a community that has no prejudice because, you know, liver disease and things of that nature, or heart disease and kidney disease, there’s no prejudice,” Al B, executive chairman of HETC, told Fox News Digital. “This is not about politics,” the singer noted. Tiffany Red penned a lengthy open letter to Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs amid his mounting sexual assault cases. Red calls out Diddy’s abuse and claims she has been left “traumatized” after witnessing him abusing her friend Cassie. Red’s response comes weeks after Combs settled a $30 million lawsuit with his ex-girlfriend Cassie. Last month, she accused him of rape, physical abuse, and sex trafficking during their decade-long relationship. Details of the settlement have not been revealed. “Throughout my time knowing Cassie, I’ve seen many concerning instances,” Red wrote in the letter to Combs published in Rolling Stone. “There were occasions when I heard (Combs) yelling at her and making threats, observed her so high I was afraid of her overdosing at a party (Combs) threw for her in Malibu, and witnessed (Cassie and Combs) getting IVs after a different night of partying.” According to Red, she witnessed some of the “events detailed in my friend Casandra Ventura’s now-settled civil lawsuit.” https://static.cdninstagram.com/rsrc.php/v3/yb/r/UsSR4Cvo4Px.png Monica shocked fans this week when she confirmed her split with incarcerated rapper and longtime boyfriend, C-Murder. Several fans thought she was still in a rumored relationship with music manager Anthony Wilson, according to MadameNoire. However, on Dec. 5, the singer hit up social media to reveal her heartbreak over a convict. The R&B songstress wrote, “OMGGGGG I haven’t said his name in 2 yrs can yall follow my lead like yall did when I brought him up one band one sound,” she started, adding “Well , here it is in short ! I got my heartbroken (again) and that’s ok! I learned yet another valuable lesson! I went through it , got over it , now I can laugh about it ! Life continues ! I feel great that through it he has representation to one day be free ! Let’s move forward!” Monica wrote. Monica teamed with part-time legal assistant Kim Kardashian in 2020 to help free the No Limit rapper from prison. C-Murder, born Corey Miller, is serving life in prison for the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Steve Thomas in 2009. Miller, brother of rapper Master P, appealed after one of the jurors, Mary Jacob, revealed she (and other jurors) received “brutal” pressure to vote guilty. But his murder conviction was upheld by the court. Mariah Carey has released a new music video for her iconic holiday song “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” https://youtu.be/MyaZikRn0d4 People reports that the video features unseen footage from her “Merry Christmas One And All!” tour. MiMi’s 12-year-old twins, Moroccan and Monroe, also make an appearance. The songstress will release a mini-documentary on her YouTube channel on Dec. 17, giving fans an “exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the meticulous preparations and magical moments that define the tour,” per the news release, People reports. Meanwhile, Carey kicked off her “Merry Christmas One And All!” tour on November 15 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, and the sold-out show wraps on December 17. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0aBG53LKHc/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again You might think you’ve seen everything in sports. Well, that was until you saw the feat – or feet, if you will – that Rasheed Bello was able to achieve on Wednesday. He blocked a shot using his shoe! Midway through the game between the Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons and the University of Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles, Bello lost his right shoe in the middle of a play. Instead of stopping to put it back on and hampering his team’s efforts on defense, the guard picked up his fallen sneaker and remained in the play. And when Southern Indiana’s Jack Campion rose to attempt a shot from just inside the three-point line in front of Bello, the junior proceeded to use his stricken shoe – still held in his right hand – most unconventionally: to block Campion’s shot. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/FwyxN90S65U?feature=share A 70-year-old Uganda woman is making international headlines after giving birth to healthy twins. Women’s Hospital International and Fertility Center announced that Safina Namukwaya welcomed boy-girl twins at the Kampala facility on November 29. She has set the record for the eldest woman in Africa to give birth. The medical facility dubbed her “Africa’s oldest mother.” The mother and her babies are reportedly doing well after the delivery, and Namukwaya is breastfeeding and pumping her milk. Namukwaya’s fertility specialist, Dr. Edward, told TODAY.com that the babies were born prematurely at 31 weeks via C-section. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=880124993441406Y A 33-year-old Ohio woman is facing an “abuse of corpse” felony charge after she gave birth to a stillborn in the toilet of her bathroom. Brittany Watts is accused of trying to plunge the toilet after clogging it with the baby and leaving it there while “she went on with her day,” prosecutors said, New York Post reports. https://youtu.be/g8S-WsaNCXc Watts miscarried at 22 weeks, and forensic pathologist George Sterbenz testified during a recent hearing that the “fetus was too young to be delivered.” “It was going to be non-viable because she had premature ruptured membranes — her water had broken early — and the fetus was too young to be delivered,” Sterbenz added, WKBN reports. https://twitter.com/i/status/1730746601734373434 It is the most wonderful time of the year! Everyone is enjoying and experiencing the spirit of the holidays, especially the Honorable Diane E. Watson. This is also a special season for a special reason. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, the Honorable Diane Edith Watson was glowing brightly in the spotlight on the occasion of her 90th birthday. Metro officials, elected officials, family, friends, and community stakeholders were in attendance for the event in Leimert Park Village honoring the Honorable Diane Edith Watson. The Honorable Diane Edith Watson celebrated her 90th birthday on November 12, 2023, and all throughout the week; Los Angeles honored her illustrious career of public services. Kendrick Lamar has reportedly purchased a multi-million-dollar penthouse in Brooklyn. According to the New York Times, Lamar purchased the pad for $8.6 million. This condo is one of 106 units at Pierhouse, which was built in 2015 and spans two buildings. Lamar’s three-level unit is 2,000 square feet, boasting four bedrooms and a private rooftop with views of Brooklyn Bridge Park and the East River. Matt Damon and Amy Schumer also reportedly own condos in the building. Celebrity Net Worth reports that the listing for the spacious unit reads: “Every detail has been attended to in this superbly designed penthouse level home. This perfectly positioned residence is second to none with protected, unobstructed views of the Manhattan Skyline, Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty. Soaring 18 ft ceilings with oversized windows flood this home with light all day and create the perfect frame for these mesmerizing views.” Lamar’s condo can be seen in the YouTube video below, from when it was newly built in 2020. https://youtu.be/KMyiWINqgh4 The third season of “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” kicked off December 1. “He’s going to have to deal with obstacles and re-directions and truth that he didn’t see coming and truth that he did see coming,” Curtis said of Kanan. “It is all about how he puts one foot in front of the other and keeps his mind on his ultimate goal of finding the truth, which is finding who he’s right now,” the actor continued, adding, “because his sense of self and his sense of world has been shaken up, jumbled and destroyed in the last two seasons.” “Raising Canan tells the origin story of fan-favorite character Kanan Stark (Curtis), originally played by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson in the flagship series. According to the series synopsis: “This season delves further into his evolution from the devoted son of Raquel “Raq” Thomas (Patina Miller) into the eventual ferocious, amoral and pragmatic personality fans know from “Power.” https://youtu.be/ZG6Jw5xgP9s “ Russell Simmons discusses his ex-wife, Kimora Lee Simmons, in a new interview and claims she stole millions from him to use as bail money for husband Tim Leissner. The hip-hop mogul previously filed a lawsuit against the couple for allegedly using some of Simmons’ shares of his Celsius Energy Drink company as collateral for Leissner’s federal bond in his fraud and money laundering case. He ultimately pleaded guilty to criminal conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, Hip Hop DX reports. “I must’ve been a sh*t partner, from what I hear,” Simmons told Graham Bensinger in a viral new interview. “No. I was very generous and tried to be supportive,” he continued. “We were together 15 years, Kimora and I. And for eight years, we were married. And together for seven, before that. And then, I was best friends with Kimora throughout the entire raising of my children.” Simmons continued, “So, I tried to be flexible, and accommodating, and supportive. And sometimes, things don’t work out. You’ve seen the lawsuit. I had no choice. I think Jesus Christ, Lord Buddha, anybody would have sued. […] She gave what is now, today, based on the value of the stock, $800million to the government illegally, and now I’m fighting to get my half of it back.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1732842135236583544 Bad press is good press. Beyoncé continues to troll her naysayers by posting her Amex platinum blonde tresses. However, some fans still question her alabaster appearance and suspect she is bleaching her skin complexion with glutathione therapy. One person said, “my boo in her Micheal Jackson era 😍.” Another criticized the “Renaissance” artist by posting, “Beyoncé understands her success is due to her proximity to whiteness. Any darker and she’d just be another R&B singer, so she went in for the white re-up 🤷🏾♂️.” However, other Hive members were not standing idly by and quickly checked the Beyoncé slander, “This like the first time in her life she going buss down 613 and y’all coming for her like a platinum blond weave/wig hasn’t been the go-to slay for some years now. She a white woman now? Y’all tripping.” One social media user said in the comment section, “This woman is NOT bleaching her skin. She has always been light skin and y’all saying she was darker in the 2000s because the girl was tanning her skin to fit into her target market. If you google Beyoncé no makeup in the 2000s you’ll see she’s this shade light bright as hell. Y’all need to accept she been playing y’all and making y’all think she darker than she really is.” Hoopz, Nicole “Hoopz” Alexander, and Flavor Flav, William Jonathan Drayton Jr., had a mini-reunion. The two briefly dated after the conclusion of Flav‘s reality show “Flavor of Love.” One person on X tweeted, “Bruh better try to get that old thang back! It’s spin the block season.” Another reasoned, “If Nelly & Ashanti can rekindle, why can’t Hoopz & Flava Flav?” https://twitter.com/i/status/1732512253197406259 A fan of Robin Thede‘s female hotep character Dr. Hadassah Olayinka Ali-Youngman Pre-Phd from “A Black Lady Sketch Show” referenced the character to poke fun at Adele posing in a headscarf that many felt culturally appropriated the beauty and fashion exuded by Black women. Robin replied, “SEE, SEE, SEE… the ONLY Adele I recognize is Adele Givens! THIS Adele is just GIVENS us cultural appropriation! See, see, see…This white woman would have us Rolling in the Deep sunken place! Don’t fall for it my brothas and sistas!” https://www.instagram.com/p/C0kaJ8IvgPX/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=008005ca-6ea3-4759-9eb5-69618dcabea9&img_index=1 During a recent appearance on Showtime’s Thriller 40 documentary, will.i.am explained why Michael Jackson pioneered ad-libs on songs. As Hip Hop DX reports, the rapper/music producer played Jackson’s background vocals on 1982’s “Beat It” to support his point. “For all the new school cats that are going on record and ad-libbing, I’m sorry. Michael did that first,” will.i.am said. “Why was he yawning on a record though? It shows the freedom and how comfortable he felt in the studio without worrying about people’s judgment or like, ‘Yo what’s that?’ Because you know he was bringing the freaking skills,” he added. The Black Eyed Peas frontman continued: “You knew he was bringing ultra talent and imagination for him to be like, ‘You know what? I feel like yawning right here.’ And I listen to his ad-libs, he’s doing all that [beat boxes]. He’s doing all this rhythmic stuff.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1731882189191537009 Florida A&M Law Alumna Zsa’queria Martin recently went viral after passing the New York Bar Exam “with a score high enough to waive into any UBE jurisdiction!” she shared on social media. This means she can practice law in any of the 41 states under UBE jurisdiction, MadameNoire reports. The Uniform Bar Exam is administered nationwide and “is designed to test knowledge and skills that every lawyer should be able to demonstrate prior to becoming licensed to practice law,” the official website states. “It results in a portable score that can be used to apply for admission in other UBE jurisdictions.” Candidates who score at least 270 out of 400 can transfer their test scores to any state under UBE jurisdiction. “I made it over the minimum threshold to be able to transfer my score into different UBE jurisdictions,” Martin, a 2023 FAMU College of Law graduate, told MadameNoire. https://www.instagram.com/p/CylefAzLFum/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=294f4d5e-c784-4b0c-b844-3638c7b4cabb&img_index=1 It’s not clear if it’s going to help him in the court of public opinion, but Russell Simmons is speaking out regarding the many sexual assault allegations against him. He claims he’s taken nine lie detector tests since being accused by 18 women. Simmons, 66, made the comments during a new interview with the podcast “In Depth with Graham Bensinger.” He admitted to being “crude” and in “compromising situations” in his past but still denies he’s guilty of any violent allegations against him. In the interview, the Def Jam Records co-founder said he’s taken numerous lie detector tests since multiple women (over a dozen) have accused him of sexual assault allegations, including rape. “I took nine lie detector tests, people don’t know that,” Simmons said. “Nine separate — seven from the Chairman of the Polygraph Association. One for each and serious accusation.” https://youtu.be/KjGTkXcGdLk Former “106 & Park” host Terrence J. and his girlfriend Mikalah Sultan are engaged. The Shade Room reports that Terrence, 41, popped the question to his 25-year-old lady love on Dec. 3. An Instagram user named Troy Millings shared a photo of the beautiful moment, and Terrance reposted it. According to BET.com, Millings captioned the image: “Congratulations to my brother @terrencej & @mikalahstyles on their engagement,” she wrote, The Blast reports. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0aiiBsMLSi/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Social media users shared their reactions to the couple’s engagement. In The Shade Room’s comment section on IG, many were critical of their age gap. One user wrote, “Y’all don’t think it’s weird a 41 year old wants to marry a 25 year old? Is it just me??? Another said, “The age gap would be concerning to me if I had a 25 year old daughter being pursued by a 41 year old man. I wonder if her parents approve, especially her father, and if her parents are the same age as Terence. Maybe they have a large age gap, and they approve. It just feels gross to me when couples have large age gaps.” A third added, “Men brains don’t fully develop until like 43 to 45. So some be mentally immature. Also they look for fertility if they want kids. And look for these young chicks to pop kids out.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C0j8BssvA_c/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=20d6927b-ba8f-43da-80f3-fb4ea61772ff&img_index=1 Beyoncé, who usually doesn’t speak to her fans via social media, broke protocol and posted a lengthy caption thanking her BeyHive for their unending support for her tour and the subsequent film “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé.” The megastar writes, “I am so deeply thankful to AMC and every team member who worked so hard on this film. I just can’t thank all of you enough for your support. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done because of the short turn around time. I practically slept in the edit, color, and mix sessions. The race against time continued in order to get this film out so quickly. But it was so worth all the grind. I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of love from my Hive. And WOW! I am so touched and encouraged by the incredible reviews!!! I love seeing everyone all dressed up in their most opulent lewks in the theaters. The mute challenges still happening, even in the theater!! Y’all are cracking me up. Please keep that energy going. I can’t wait to see what else yall do 🙂 I also love seeing the positive take aways from people who were not my fans or didn’t yet know my story. The people who had no interest in seeing my shows who have now gained a deeper understanding and respect for all it takes to be a RENAISSANCE woman. I’m very proud that we launched the film on World AIDS Day in memory of my Uncle Johnny. I pray I continue to make something that lifts all of y’all up the way you continue to lift me up. While I’m often critical and feel my art is never finished, the pendulum swings. I feel gratitude. “We did it.” We have the #1 movie in the country! And a 💯 on Rotten Tomatoes 🍅 🥹 And it’s because of you and your support! I humbly thank you.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C0iNHutRK3u/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Former Destiny’s Child member LaTavia Marie Roberson sat down with Carlos King, who revealed his concept for a DC 5 reunion. However, fans weren’t feeling the lackluster interview due to Latavia skirting questions with vague answers. One person remarked, “Sis was still on MUTE, IM SORRY SHE did not GIVE US THE TEA!! SO MUCH SHE WASNT ALLOWED TO TALK ABOUT.” Another person added, “This interview was irritating to my soul!!!!! Like girl why did you even show up with them half a** answers 😒 and what’s with the attitude https://www.instagram.com/p/C0g5EpvLR_h/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again” Oprah, Taraji P. Henson, Halle Bailey, Fantasia Barrino, Ciara, Danielle Brooks, Alicia Keys, H.E.R., Andra Day, and Angela Bassett slayed the purple carpet for “The Color Purple” L.A. premiere. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0ido5WuNuR/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=2b395f36-a952-4897-9705-18e835ce9d9a&img_index=1 Aubrey O’Day has long held a vendetta against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs. The former Danity Kane member recently took to her IG Stories to post Sean Combs‘ statement declaring his innocence regarding a newly filed lawsuit, as Kanye West‘s “Jail” plays as audio. One person jeered, “Between her & 50 they haven’t took their foot off his neck yet 😩.” However, another poster warned Aubrey for stirring the pot too much, “Aubrey if this man offed his BM and the other friend then Kimora house caught fire. Bodyguard social media accounts are disabled don’t you think you should hush baby love.” While none of the accusations have been proven true in a court of law, Diddy is considered guilty in the court of people’s opinions. Aubrey spoke “Only Stans” podcast about Diddy giving some his artists back their publishing rights, “At the end of the day, we’re all just willing to turn a blind eye. Diddy is just literally known as a guy that doesn’t pay his artists, and it’s funny and then you move on and you like something that he did on TikTok ’cause he’s funny. But for people that worked for six years of their life and entered an industry where somebody made, what, 48 million dollars and we didn’t even see a penny of that? We were in thongs and five-inch heels for years of our lives on stage, and not not any of it did we see.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C0h6oPIp1VT/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Shedding light on its long-awaited and oddly secretive CosMc’s concept, McDonald’s on Wednesday finally shared more about the café pilot, which seems to be its answer to Starbucks. It was weirder than expected. Over the summer, McDonald’s teased the test of a new restaurant concept. https://youtu.be/9Uvwed6PWHE We knew then that CosMc’s is named for a little-known McDonald’s character, an alien. We also learned that CosMc’s “is a small format concept with all the DNA of McDonald’s but its own unique personality,” in the words of CEO Chris Kempczinski, who discussed the concept during an analyst call in July. On Wednesday, Kempczinski finally revealed more during an investor event. https://youtu.be/z0ENMvW1d_s The widow of Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss will join the judges’ table on the new season of “So You Think You Can Dance.” Allison Holker Boss, a professional dancer, met her late husband through the series. She will join Nigel Lythgoe, Maks Chmerkovskiy, and longtime host Cat Deeley when ‘SYTYCD’ Season 18 premieres March 4, People reports. The Fox show announced the new judging panel on social media, writing, “Meet us on the dance floor 🕺💃 #SYTYCD is BACK for Season 18 – Monday, March 4 on @foxtv and next day on @hulu!” “So You Think You Can Dance is television’s preeminent dance competition, and we are thrilled to bring the beloved show back for an all-new season,” Allison Wallach, President of Unscripted Programming at Fox Entertainment, said in a statement, per People. “Reuniting Cat, Nigel, Allison and Comfort and, welcoming Maksim into the SYTYCD family, is sure to make Season 18 bigger than ever for their legions of fans around the globe.” According to the network, contestants will “compete in new, intense dance challenges that will give them a real taste of the career, from performing in a music video or a football halftime show to going toe-to-toe on stage with a Broadway performer.” Beyoncé fans are reportedly dumping their “Renaissance” tour clothing at thrift stores struggling to resell them. As the New York Post reports, a Thrift store employee and TikToker named @mistervenus9 showed several of these items in a video captioned: “I have seen non stop silver for the last three months.” In the post’s comments section, one TikTok user wrote, “NYE parties are awaiting these outfits.” Another added, “The way i thrifted my outfit for the concert bc I knew if I at least didn’t wanna rewear it at least it was already created and thrifted.” A third commented, “my mom found renaissance merch sweatpants at the thrift store.” “They trippin bc im not giving a memory like that away no time soon,” another TikToker commented. https://www.tiktok.com/@mistervenus9/video/7307663445430766891?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2023%2Fbeyonce-fans-are-dumping-renaissance-clothing%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121355058%2C121351166%2C71788790%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7307663445430766891 Kodak Black is back behind bars at the Broward County Jail because he got busted for cocaine possession? We didn’t think so. The Sun Sentinel reports that Black – who was pardoned by former president Donald Trump – was arrested and charged with cocaine possession in Plantation, FL. The rapper, whose real name is Bill Kahan Kapri, was also charged with tampering with physical evidence and improperly stopping or parking his vehicle. Essentially, Thursday morning, they spotted his black Bentley SUV blocking a roadway with him inside asleep. It’s noted that his Bentley SUV was towed and cops say it looked like it had been in an accident, noting damage to the bumper and door. https://youtu.be/TJg-KiLasfU Kodak Black was accused of trafficking oxycodone and possession of a controlled substance in Fort Lauderdale in 2022. He was reportedly carrying nearly $75,000 in cash. He was released on $75,000 bond. In June 2023, an arrest warrant was issued for Kodak after he failed to take a routine urine drug test in February. Black would still be languishing in prison today if former President Trump hadn’t pardoned him in 2021. Black was serving time in prison for weapons charges. https://youtu.be/6G-Qi7_AgJg The ex-wife of actor Forest Whitaker has passed away at age 51. Complex reports that True, Whitaker’s 25-year-old daughter with his ex Keisha, shared the heartbreaking news on her Instagram Story, writing, “Goodbye mommy. I love you 4ever and beyond. The most beautiful woman in the world … Thank you for teaching me every single thing I know. I’ll see you in my dreams and I’ll feel you in my heart.” Keisha’s cause of death is unknown at this time, TMZ reports. She was married to Forest for 22 years before he filed docs in December 2018, saying irreconcilable differences made it “impossible for the parties to live together as husband and wife.” Their divorce was finalized in 2021. A Black Texas high school student (Darryl George) who has been repeatedly disciplined by his school over the length of his locs hairstyle, returned to regular classes Tuesday after spending 30 days at an alternative school. He was then suspended again for refusing to cut his hair to comply with a dress code policy his family says is discriminatory. On Tuesday morning, George, 18, briefly attended class at Barbers Hill High School before a school administrator referred him to in-school suspension, according to Candice Matthews, a spokesperson for the family. A copy of the school’s referral notice obtained by CNN states, “Darryl’s hair is out of compliance with the BH dress code when let down. If Darryl corrects his dress code violation he will be allowed to return to his regular classes.” https://youtu.be/0qrLdoy3X58 Three people are dead and one person is in stable condition following a shooting at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, police said on Wednesday. The suspected shooter is also dead. About the shooting: Authorities received a call of an active shooter at 11:45 a.m. local time near Beam Hall, the home of the university’s Lee Business School. Police responded to additional shots fired at the Student Union building Wednesday, which is right next to Beam Hall, according to a university alert. Students and staff and told them to evacuate to a safe area. By 12:37 p.m. local time, police said the suspect was dead. Authorities know the name of the suspect, but will withhold it until the next of kin is notified. The suspect was identified as a 67-year-old career college professor whose connection to UNLV is unknown at this time, a law enforcement source told CNN. Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend broke down in tears during her testimony to Manhattan jurors on Tuesday while describing their tumultuous relationship. Grace Jabbari, 30, testified that the “Creed III” star was volatile and controlling during their two years together. She also claimed he often threatened suicide after their fights. “It felt like I was walking around on eggshells,” said Jabbari, The Washington Post reports. “I had to be perfect.” Majors’ fits of rage ultimately led to him assaulting her in the backseat of a car in March. According to The Jasmine Brand, Jabbari played a recording on her iPhone of the actor demanding that she behave like Coretta Scott King or Michelle Obama. In other words, Majors wanted his White girl to cosplay as Black excellence Kenyon Martin reacted to LeBron James’ heated exchange with Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka on Saturday night. During the Lakers/Rockets matchup, Udoka said the word “b—-” several times, which got James’ attention. “We all grown men,” James said to Udoka. “That b—- word ain’t cool, don’t use it so loosely. Don’t use that word so loosely. Nah, don’t use it so loosely, though. Don’t use it so loosely.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1731787729699021032 James and Udoka received technical fouls as a result of the incident. This was Udoka’s second technical foul, so he was ejected., Lakers Daily reports. Martin believes James should have challenged Udoka for using the b-word on the court. For a coach to have those things to say, I think Bron should’ve taken it a little further in that moment. You callin’ people bitches out here, let’s see who your talkin’ about, dog?” Martin stated on Gilbert Arenas’ podcast. After the Lakers 107-97 win over the Rockets, James and Udoka did not clarify the situation. James told reporters that their conversation was about “Thanksgiving. How much we enjoyed Thanksgiving.” Udoka said, “We had some conversation, and they don’t like what they heard, the refs.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1731324171555127522 Famed television producer Norman Lear, whose wildly successful TV sitcoms including “All in the Family” and “The Jeffersons” fused comedy with trenchant social commentary and dominated network ratings in the 1970s, died Tuesday at his home in Los Angeles, his family announced on his website. He was 101. “Norman lived a life of curiosity, tenacity, and empathy. He deeply loved our country and spent a lifetime helping to preserve its founding ideals of justice and equality for all,” his family said. “He began his career in the earliest days of live television and discovered a passion for writing about the real lives of Americans, not a glossy ideal. At first, his ideas were met with closed doors and misunderstanding. However, he stuck to his conviction that the ‘foolishness of the human condition’ made great television, and eventually he was heard.” Beginning with “All in the Family” in 1971, Lear’s shows tackled fraught topics of racism, feminism, and social inequalities that no one had yet dared touch. The show – which won the Emmy for Outstanding New Series – focused on the white working-class Bunker family and its small-minded, irascible, prejudiced, and oddly likable patriarch Archie Bunker. https://youtu.be/CZbaOBQQlHA Lear lived long enough to become not only an elder statesman of the entertainment industry but to receive accolades that spanned generations, being presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Clinton in 1999, getting inducted into the Kennedy Center at its annual honors in 2017, and becoming the oldest nominee and winner of an Emmy, at 97, in 2019, then breaking his own record in 2020. Before his 100th birthday in 2022, Lear credited work, lox and bagels, the love of his family, and laughter for his longevity. “I like getting up in the morning with something on my mind, something I can work on … to some conclusion,” Lear said. He married three times, most recently to his wife Lyn in 1987, having six children in all, with a 47-year age gap between the oldest and youngest. In a 2020 interview with CNN, Lear reflected on the continuing relevance of the politically conscious comedy he pioneered. https://youtu.be/47Dyn-siZp4 Georgetown University and the University of Virginia have taken steps towards redressing admissions issues. Both universities developed reparations plans for American descendants of slaves. Here’s what Moguldom reports, “Georgetown provides preferential treatment to applicants descended from the 273 people who were once enslaved and sold by the Maryland Province of Jesuits,” the outlet writes. An optional essay at the University of Virginia asks applicants to describe their “personal or historical connection” with the institution, including being descendants of former staffers, ABC News reports. Universities nationwide are considering replacing affirmative action with reparations plans. Students across the nation are studying slavery and seeking symbolic or financial reparations. Moreover, this growing movement is calling for universities to identify and support students who are descendants of slaves. Serena Williams revealed in a TikTok video Sunday that she uses her leftover breast milk to help treat sunburn on her face. So I completely got burned under my eye,” Williams, 42, stated in the clip. The tennis champ recently gave birth to her second daughter and noted that her breast milk is good on her “sensitive skin.” “I was in the sun … long story. Anyways, I’m trying some breast milk. It works for my kid — they say put breast milk on everything and I have a lot extra, so I’m gonna try it for a week or so under my eye and see how it goes,” Williams explained, People reports. “I mean, it already feels better, because — it hurts!” the mother of two said of her sunburn. “All right, I’ll let you guys know how it goes.” https://www.tiktok.com/@serena/video/7308012812989648159?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Making an impact in the world by spreading love, and positivity, and encouraging people to embrace their uniqueness through fashion is one of the main goals for Blake Landon, founder of the clothing brand, BLEU. While this goal is certainly admirable for anyone to have, it is perhaps even more impressive for the seven-year-old entrepreneur and motivational speaker who until the age of four, was unable to speak a word. “We started BLEU because people were being mean to me because I didn’t sound like them,” he said. “When I was two years old I couldn’t speak. I was diagnosed with a phonological disorder and although I tried to speak the words would not come out.” It would take two and a half more years until Blake would experience a breakthrough. Due to the support from his parents and a speech therapist, he was finally able to express himself. Fast-forward to today and Blake can be found with his apparel engaging patrons at major conferences, expos, fashion shows, and festivals, as well as sharing inspirational messages on social media about success, perseverance, and the meaning behind BLEU. https://www.instagram.com/p/Czlr-jiOhKx/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again You can gift free pizza from Pizza Hut to delivery drivers this holiday season! Pizza Hut wants to say ‘thank you’ to ALL delivery drivers during the busiest time of the year with the new Reverse Delivery doormat. Each day from Dec. 6 through 10, Pizza Hut “will give delivery drivers a free box of pizza when they leave a box at your door. The mat, which will be available for free at shopatpizzahut.com, features a QR code that scans directly to shopatpizzahut.com where any delivery driver can have the opportunity to redeem a gift card code from Pizza Hut,” per the news release. Put the mat outside your front door or wherever the delivery people leave packages. The cast for the 16th season of the Emmy award-winning series “RuPaul’s Drag Race” has been revealed. The show returns Friday, January 5th at 8:00 PM ET/PT with 90-minute episodes on MTV. The 14 new queens will compete for the title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar” and a cash prize of $200,000 for the winner served by Cash App. According to the press release, the premiere episode “will be split into two parts and showcase the iconic talent show as the Maxi Challenge, which are separately themed as MTV’s Spring Break and the “Queen Choice Awards.” https://youtu.be/CwD-Y7lErMY Both episodes will feature a gag worthy twist following the talent show performances, where the queens will be tasked to “Rate-A-Queen” – ranking each other’s performances to determine the tops and bottoms of that week.” Additionally, “RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked” gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the backstage drama as the queens anxiously await their fate in the competition, per the news release. The Emmy-winning aftershow will premiere immediately following “Drag Race” on MTV. https://youtu.be/bK_ocBzYN4c Atlanta rapper Ralo may be out of prison, but social media won’t be a part of his life as a free man. The entertainer, who served a multi-year sentence for drug trafficking, celebrated his release with family and friends. Among those on hand for the celebration was fellow rapper Lil Baby who handed Ralo $50,000 cash in one video recently. Ralo was known for flashing up to $1 million in cash on social media before his arrest in 2016. As a result, the “Can’t Lie” rapper’s probation officer has banned him from accessing social media platforms to brag about his money, luxury, and jewelry. “We thought that we would be able to welcome Ralo home in peace. But he has been restricted from all social media platforms until he completes his program,” an Instagram post on Ralo’s official account reads. As for why he frequently displays photos of him with thousands of dollars of cash, Ralo stated, “I like for people to see it… all my fans say it’s motivation,” reports Sandra Rose. https://www.instagram.com/p/CwLWdXXxsw4/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=8388eebc-1db4-4d3e-89ba-6f1eda367a09 Famed 60s sunshine pop band 5th Dimension’s LaMonte McLemore’s additional enduring legacy is that of a photographer, contributing a weekly column “Beauty of the Week” to the renowned publication of African American pop culture, JET. Here, for the first time, is his selection of the column’s glory era. JET is an American magazine focusing on news, culture, and entertainment related to the African-American community. McLemore freelanced for JET magazine for more than four decades, principally shooting for its “Beauty of the Week” feature, which encapsulated Black joy, style, and beauty, During this time, he photographed over 500 Black women, most of whom were not professional models. The section, in which a woman was featured in a swimsuit along with her name, place of residence, profession, hobbies, and interests, became one of the most popular among the magazine’s audiences, as it showcased the everyday beauty and elegance of Black women, contributing greatly to what has been called the “first form of social media” by acclaimed contemporary visual artist, Mickalene Thomas. This photographic output serves as a living document of everyday Black fashion and elegance. Nick Cannon spends $200,000 a year on trips to Disneyland with his 12 children. “Do you know how much money I spend at Disneyland a year?” he asked the hosts “The Breakfast Club” radio show on Friday. “Every birthday and Christmas, I’m literally at Disneyland at least once a month, and to move around Disney, like, I’m probably spending $200,000 a year at Disneyland,” Cannon said, Fox News reports. Cannon said the expenses usually include hiring a chaperone and paying for hotel rooms. https://youtu.be/RpB_DNk2hCU Louis Vuitton has officially debuted a pair of prosthetic-looking boots. The optical illusion shoes resemble legs wearing black high heels and white socks. The knee-highs are available in two colors and styles, Illusion High Boot and Illusion Ankle Boot, and are priced at $2,470. The boots were described as “weird s—t,” according to fashion influencer Isabelle Allain, known as @izzipoopi on TikTok followers. “They were on the runway like a year ago and I knew that the second they would come out I had to get them,” she told her 1.4 million followers. https://www.tiktok.com/@izzipoopi/video/7305119134319217925?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2023%2Flouis-vuitton-debuts-creepy-prosthetic-looking-boots%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121355058%2C121351166%2C71788790%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7305119134319217925 Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes discussed their firing from “Good Morning America” on the premiere episode of a new iHeartMedia podcast. “The best way to sum us up, Amy and T.J., is that we’re the folks who lost the jobs we love because we love each other,” Holmes said on the premiere of the “Amy & T.J” podcast, which debuted Dec. 5, Variety reports. According to Variety, the lovebirds are expected to use the platform to address their relationship for the first time in a public forum. ABC News booted Robach and Holmes in January after their affair was publicly revealed. The network parted ways with the couple because their relationship had become “an internal and external disruption,” ABC News president Kim Godwin told staffers in a call in December 2022, per Variety. Robach said she and T.J. have “gone through a year of hell” since ABC axed them from “GMA.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CzGr8-vrYaL/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=a64903b8-5df9-4fc4-9ada-7d5845011f36 Looks like it was a good idea for Sean “Diddy” Combs to step down as the Chair/CEO of Revolt. That’s because, in addition to all of his (3) other sexual assault cases, he’s now got another one. According to a new complaint filed Wednesday, Combs is accused of sex trafficking and gang rape, among other allegations, naming him along with Harve Pierre, former president of Combs’ company Bad Boy Entertainment, as well as a third assailant. Combs, needlessly to say, is responding to this latest lawsuit with a denial via his representative Nathalie Moar: “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. For the last couple of weeks, I have sat silently and watched people try to assassinate my character, destroy my reputation and my legacy. Sickening allegations have been made against me by individuals looking for a quick payday. Let me be absolutely clear: I did not do any of the awful things being alleged. I will fight for my name, my family and for the truth.” This latest lawsuit is being brought by a woman referred to in it as Jane Doe. The complaint – filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York – states that when the alleged assault happened in 2003 she was only 17. https://youtu.be/Q2MFa0fpcYo Almost a year after it was established, Detroit’s reparations task force is in chaos after two members resigned and another passed away over the summer. One thing about political leaders (mainly Democrats), when it comes to the topic of reparations, they historically like to explore the conversion on its surface but never take meaningful, lasting action. So it should be no surprise that former members of Detroit’s reparations task force claim there’s been a “lack of progress” and “no broad strategic vision,” Daily Mail reports. “I think, collectively, that group of people has different ideas about what reparations is fundamentally and we didn’t get to a place where we had a broad strategic vision,” Co-leader Lauren Hood told the Detroit News. Hood leads the task force along with Michigan Democratic Black Caucus chairman Keith Williams. https://youtu.be/oFKukQoSa9I Lupita Nyong’o, 40, and “Dawson’s Creek” alum Joshua Jackson, 45, were spotted grocery shopping at Erewhon in Los Angeles. Both newly single actors are recovering from the end of their separate relationships and have taken comfort in one another. Lupita attempted to be incog-negro donning a fitted cap and wearing everyday attire. “The Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” actress even tried to pull back her passenger seat, ducking from prying eyes while riding in Joshua‘s whip, but sis, we see you!!! Y’all stop playing with the public and announce that you two go together. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0fYi9kRVBx/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=98270b63-6bf1-4b15-bd21-2d9edc3e7262&img_index=1 Marhershala Ali spoke about his excitement working with Julia Roberts, Ethan Hawke, Kevin Bacon, Myha’la Herrold, and Farrah Mackenzie during “Leave The World Behind” – Netflix Special Screening on December 4, 2023, in New York City. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0em7Lyr7Dx/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again A woman who goes by the social media handle @LegendandLegacy tried to support a Black-owned business, but they did such a shoddy job she had to post an IG video exposing their lack of professionalism. She said, “I might even write a review on yelp!” One person came to their defense and wrote, “These guys were interviewed and said your grass was not regular grass. In fact, it was all weeds and rocks. Some of the grass was a “lil nappy,” as I was told. If you read the fine print, you would have known their work schedule should be after snack time but before nap time, which may have been a result in the training difficulty and altercation. Assisted potty time may be required. I would ask you to reconsider the negative reviews of this Black Owned Business as they are hard-working guys with families." https://www.instagram.com/p/C0FMYcPg32q/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again The third season of “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” debuted on STARZ on Dec. 1 and continues to tell the origin story of fan-favorite character Kanan Stark, originally played by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson in the flagship series. Melanie Curtis stars as the devoted son of Raquel “Raq” Thomas (Patina Miller), and the third season “finds the Thomas family in turmoil and reeling from the Mob’s coordinated attack on Raquel last season,” per the official synopsis. https://youtu.be/ZG6Jw5xgP9s Angelic Voices Ministry has retained Freelance Associates as their Business Management/Public Relations firm to strategically guide them to the next level in the music business for their imprint Angelic Voices Music. Based in The Bronx, New York the conglomerate has many ventures under its Angelic Voices Ministry umbrella that consist of a recording studio, music video production, sneaker brand (AliveShoes.com/brand/AVM), music ministry, and soon-to-be-relaunched streaming network Angelic Voices Ministry TV Network on Tikilive.com Broadway in Hollywood is proud to announce that Dr. Seuss’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! The Musical will return to the Hollywood Pantages Theatre this WHOliday season for 17 performances only from December 6 – 17, 2023. Dr. Seuss’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! The Musical first made its Los Angeles premiere at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre 14 years ago during the 2009 holiday season. Tickets for Dr. Seuss’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! The Musical are available for purchase at www.BroadwayInHollywood.com or in-person at the Hollywood Pantages Box Office. Check the website for current box office hours. All prices are subject to change without notice. Dr. Seuss’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! The Musical features a family-friendly performance schedule at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre: Wednesdays through Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 10:30am, 3pm, and 7:30pm, Sundays at 1pm and 6pm, and a special weekday matinee on Thursday, December 14 at 3pm. Dr. Seuss’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! The Musical will also play a one-week engagement immediately following Los Angeles in Costa Mesa at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts from December 19 – 24. JUST EATS WITH CHEF JJ returns to CLEO TV tonight, December 6 at 9 P.M. ET/8C. Tonight, Chef JJ cooks up one pot pasta dishes that will become your super simple go to meals! He makes a chicken and penne pasta with a little cajun kick. Then, it’s pasta with shrimp in a creamy pesto sauce. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFx1fYNeKBE CLEO TV's NEW SOUL KITCHEN REMIX is back tonight, December 6 at 9:30 P.M. EST/8:30C on CLEO TV. Chef Jernard Wells is back with the remix, as he serves up international cuisine in the series' condensed, 30-minute format. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erBh4fmeXuo From quick ideas for a weeknight meal, to beauty tips that will get you out the door in a flash. Tia Mowry’s practical solutions and infectious personality inspire and inform audiences each week with her love for food, fashion, DIY/home, parenting & more! Catch the new episode this Thursday, December 7 at 9:00/8:00C. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttOhLA22VE0 The adoptive parents of NFL star Michael Oher claim he attempted to extort them after alleging he was robbed of $50 million. The retired athlete, whose life inspired the Oscar award-winning movie “The Blind Side,” sued Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy for profiting off his story and likeness. In court documents filed in Shelby County, Tennessee, probate court Oher alleges that the Tuohys tricked him into making the couple his conservators, reported previously. Oher’s 14-page petition to end the conservatorship “alleges that Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy, who took Oher into their home as a high school student, never adopted him. Instead, less than three months after Oher turned 18 in 2004, the petition says, the couple tricked him into signing a document making them his conservators, which gave them legal authority to make business deals in his name,” per ESPN. Oher claims he never received a dime for “The Blind Side,” but the Tuohys said he was paid $138K from the film’s proceeds, The Blast reports. He sent several text messages to Sean and Leigh claiming that he was robbed of $50 million, according to a recent legal filing. Per The Blast, Oher allegedly texted, “Before I moved in I was an All-American, do better guys.” According to the outlet, he added, “I was robbed of $50 million+, 10 million is my final offer.” https://youtu.be/gvqj_Tk_kuM Supposedly, the exes of disgraced former “GMA3: What You Need to Know” co-anchors T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach, Andrew Shue, and Marilee Fiebig are now dating, sources said to People. Do It! Do it! Do It! One person said, “These family reunions are gonna be AMAZING.” Won’t they though! Andrew and Marilee likely trauma bonded over their respective spouses engaging in adulterous affair. Observers are hoping and wishing that Andy and Marilee‘s relationship last longer than those other two. “I hope they get married, and their relationship lasts longer than TJ and Amy’s 😂,” said one well-wisher. Another social media user gave a great example of how such an arrangement may become a success, “Happened with Shania Twain. Her 1st hubby cheated with a close friend. She started seeing her friend’s ex hubby. She and the friend’s ex are now married and the other two cheats are no longer together. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0fDbBEP7TB/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=f2c9f5f8-e0fd-4fc2-8b69-daf35b543a34 Kimora Lee Simmons‘ home caught fire on Saturday, and she posted to IG saying she and her children were safe. “My house caught fire. The kids and I are all fine,” posted the 48-year-old entrepreneur. “I cannot express the deepest gratitude to the numerous battalions, ladders and units that attended to us for many hours today and quite possibly saved our lives,” she continued. “THANK YOU!❤️🥺.” Keeping Kimora and her babies lifted in prayer. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0cCDcnrlq4/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=ef4e5f6f-e3ec-402b-bed4-cba2ee4ab8ea&img_index=1 Reggaeton artist Daddy Yankee, real name Ramón Luis Ayala Rodríguez, concluded his farewell tour, La Meta (The Goal) on Sunday in Puerto Rico, by announcing he had dedicated his life to Jesus Christ. “My people, this day for me is the most important day of my life. And I want to share it with you because living a life of success is not the same as living a life with purpose,” said the 46-year-old artist to his screaming 18,000 fans at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico. “I have to confess that those days are over. Someone was able to fill that emptiness.” Daddy Yankee recited Mark 8:34-38, “What good will it be for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? That is why tonight, I recognize, and I am not ashamed to tell the whole world that Jesus lives in me and that I will live for him,” the singer said in Spanish. He continued: “All the tools that I have in my possession such as music, social networks, platforms, a microphone — everything that Jesus gave me — is now for his kingdom. Thank you very much, Puerto Rico, and I hope that you walk with me in this new beginning. To all the people who followed me, follow Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life,” he added. “Just like Jesus, with his mercy, allowed me to travel the world, in your mercy, Father, I hope you allow me to evangelize the world from Puerto Rico. Amen.” One person commented, “Ppl better open up their eyes. These entertainers are trying to be saved because they know something coming. GOD bless him!” We hope Daddy’s conversion is authentic and we have to keep in mind Acts 2:17, “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.”https://www.instagram.com/daddyyankee/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=2808df62-5dff-4e18-b192-5292b2d2a2ad Chase Young of the San Francisco 49ers wanted to celebrate his win with his family but dealt with an overzealous drunk fan who wanted his attention. Peep how his mama slapped the woman’s hand when she tried to grab Chase. https://twitter.com/NBCS49ers/status/1731479549303808286?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1731701930559217756%7Ctwgr%5E7c27e041ad4a7253c0b90d53913638fddfdf5425%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2023%2Fexes-of-t-j-holmes-and-amy-robach-reportedly-dating-reggaetons-daddy-yankee-dedicates-his-life-to-jesus-more-picvideos%2F BergenPAC, in association with Ray and Vivian Chew of Chew Entertainment, will ring in the New Year with a Joyful Celebration with a performance by Gospel Superstars Kathy Taylor, Hezekiah Walker, and Brian Courtney Wilson. The Joyful Celebration will occur on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, at 7:30 p.m., celebrating Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor Jr. and his 30 years of service as Senior Pastor of the Community Baptist Church in Englewood, New Jersey. The evening will feature performances by gospel legend Kathy Taylor, multi-award-winning Brian Courtney Wilson, and the incomparable Bishop Hezekiah Walker, plus The Community Baptist Church Choir of Englewood. The concert will be under the direction of Ray Chew and Community Baptist Church’s Minister of Music, Tyrell Belle. A Los Angeles man suspected of shooting to death three homeless men last week as they slept has been charged with murder for the killings of the men and another person at his home in San Dimas, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced Monday. Jerrid Joseph Powell, 33, has been charged with four counts of murder, one count of residential robbery, and one count of being a felon with a firearm. He also faces special circumstances including multiple murders and murder in the course of a robbery, according to the criminal complaint. Powell was arrested last week in connection with the fatal shooting of a man in nearby San Dimas during a robbery. Investigators using surveillance technology then linked him to the killings that same week of the three men in Los Angeles, the city’s Police Chief Michel Moore has said. Investigators recovered a gun authorities believe was used in the robbery, according to a Friday news release from police. https://youtu.be/aajmGZI_PnM Powell appeared in court Monday afternoon in a yellow jail jumpsuit, but his arraignment, when he will be asked to enter a plea, was postponed until January 8. He was denied bail. “As with every client, we are committed to presenting a vigorous defense for Mr. Powell and holding the prosecution to their burden of proof,” the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office said in a statement to CNN. https://youtu.be/IT_K6awOGvM Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) marked World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, with a critical call to action. The Congressmember, who is running for U.S. Senate, urged her colleagues to pass legislation that will reauthorize the PEPFAR program. This U.S. Government-supported global initiative provides lifesaving HIV medications to people in the United States and around the world who can’t afford to buy them. “World AIDS Day is an opportunity to celebrate the incredible progress we have made toward becoming an AIDS-free generation. In the past two decades we’ve saved 25 million lives, especially among the Black community globally, through transformative programs like PEPFAR,” said Lee’s statement. In 2003, with bipartisan support – and after vocal and extensive advocacy by members of the Congressional Black Caucus — Congress passed the law approving the program. Former President George Bush, who famously championed the program, signed it into law. On Nov. 30, Dr. Robyn Neblett Fanfair, Acting Division Director in the Division of HIV Prevention at the National Center for HIV and the Centers for Disease Control, said the AIDS crisis is at a crossroads. A White female Alabama officer with the Reform Police Department was suspended for using a stun gun on a handcuffed man – and the disturbing incident was caught on camera. In the clip, the unidentified cop in Pickens County was filmed on December 2 berating 24-year-old Micah Washington, a Black man, following his arrest on a trafficking fentanyl charge. The video shows Washington pinned against the hood of the police cruiser during the traffic stop. The two exchange words, at which point the man responds, “I ain’t doing s***, bro. I got a gun right there.” As soon as the officer pulled the gun from his pocket, she immediately deployed the stun gun on his back. “Do you want it again? Shut your b***h a** up!” the officer tells the man as he cries out in pain, TMZ reports. “She tased him in the back and she was holding it. She was just holding it there until he started crying,” said Jalexis Rice, Washington’s girlfriend, WVTM 13 Birmingham reports. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2023-12-05-120423-police-brutality-1738196-288/ Trevian Kutti, Kanye West’s former publicist, is among the 19 people who were indicted for attempting to overturn the 2020 presidential election in Fulton, Georgia, alongside former President Donald Trump. Kutti is now accused of threatening a witness in the case and could face additional charges, according to Newsweek. The incident occurred during an Instagram Live session on Nov. 28, where she responded to a man who said the evidence against her was strong, MeidasTouch.com reports. “There’s a woman sitting somewhere who knows this whole thing is a lie, who knows I never did anything to her, who knows she begged me for help,” Kutti clapped back, Fox5 Atlanta reports. “There’s a woman sitting somewhere who knows that I’m going to mess her whole life up when this is done.” https://youtu.be/IwKQ8zKkgSY LSU star Angel Reese claims she missed four games due to a mental health break. “It was a long two weeks to be away from the team,” Reese explained to reporters following LSU’s recent 82-64 victory over Virginia Tech, BET.com reports. “Taking time for yourself is really important. I just felt like that was something that was important, resetting and refocusing within the team,” she continued. “I’m just happy to be back and this place was amazing tonight. I’m just happy to be here with them,” Reese added. The “Bayou Barbie” said her 4-game absence was due to her prioritizing her mental well-being. Jeannie Mai recently appeared on Jennifer Hudson’s talk show and claimed she was blindsided when Jeezy filed for divorce. Sources close to the hip-hop star said this is false, as Jeezy’s estranged wife knew divorce was imminent, RadarOnline.com reports. Sources connected to Mai and Jeezy tell TMZ Hip Hop that the pair attended several sessions of marriage counseling before Jeezy decided their relationship was “irretrievably broken.” Jeezy filed for divorce in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sept. 14, after two-and-a-half years of marriage. According to People, the filing there is “no hope for reconciliation.” https://youtu.be/WzT8T4fNmDs Deion Sanders and Tracey Edmonds have called it quits after 12 years together. On Sunday night, Edmonds confirmed on social media that she and Coach Prime will not live happily ever after together, saying the decision to pull the plug on their relationship was mutual. “To EVERYONE who has been there for us, supported us, and shown us love,” she wrote, Sports Illustrated reports. “We have mutually decided that it is best for us to move forward in life AS FRIENDS and have made this decision with love in our hearts, respect for each other, and appreciation for the time we’ve shared together,” Edmonds added. “Please keep us in your prayers as we go through this transition. Thank you for being there for us ALL THESE YEARS! We love you and appreciate you SO MUCH!” In 2019, Edmonds announced she and Sander 's were engaged after eight years of dating. In a throwback image of the couple, she added the caption: “Sending LOVE to MY LOVE/MY FIANCÉ @deionsanders! ??? God is SO GOOD! We’re 8 years in, made it through the storms TOGETHER, and will be spending the rest of our lives TOGETHER! To all the couples out there… stay REAL with each other, LISTEN to each other, and MOST of all.. keep LOVE and GOD in your heart. When you do, you can make it through ANY storm!” https://www.instagram.com/p/CzXPn0Wr0bE/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=7f396957-a8c6-4ea2-9869-7388a5a31f7a Today, let’s honor the achievements of famous Black baseball players and the valuable contributions these home run heroes made on and off the field. Until Jackie Robinson broke the color line in Major League Baseball (MLB) in 1947, African American baseball players were limited primarily to the Negro Leagues. These leagues were a farm full of fresh Black talent, including the likes of Josh Gibson and Buck Leonard, to name a few. These pioneers of one of America’s favorite sports dealt with unimaginable pressure. From being ridiculed by their teammates to withstanding abuse and resentment from the crowd, they had their fair share of challenges. Yet they persevered, changing the face of the game and opening the gates of opportunities for other aspirants. Number 42 at first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers was how Jackie Robinson entered MLB. As the first African-American player on the team, the young man achieved many feats throughout his brilliant career. As he advanced, he won many awards, including Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year, and more. Considered one of the greatest baseball players ever, Josh Gibson was a prolific hitter whose size and strength made him a threat both at the plate and behind it. At just 18 years old, he had garnered attention from the media, particularly for his iconic 580-foot home run into the left-field bullpen. For years, fans claimed it was the longest drive ever hit in that ballpark. A baseball hero and the recipient of the Medal of Freedom, Hank Aaron was a force to be reckoned with. Aaron began his professional baseball career in 1952 in the Negro League. He shifted to the major league with the Milwaukee Braves, eight years after the color barrier was broken. His unparalleled skills and talent quickly established him among the top Braves’ players and got him the National League batting title in 1956. Season after season, Aaron turned in strong batting performances, slugging out at least 40 homers that got him the title “Hammerin’ Hank.” However, what got him the well-deserved praise and attention was when he broke Babe Ruth’s record of 714 career home runs. https://youtu.be/E0WqSd6o2-M Lil Nas X dropped a new “Christian” song, and Tyrese Gibson is not feeling it. The openly gay rapper told fans recently that he’s entering his “Christian era,” and his new reflective track includes the lyrics, “I’m trying hard to face my pain. Give me hope when I feel less.” Some fans can’t wrap their heads around a queer man embracing Christianity. “Free me from worry and wanting pity / Free me from all this envy in me / I don’t want these feelings / I don’t want these feelings / I call on angels / Im trying hard to face my pain, yeah / Give me hope when I feel / Give me hope when I feel less,” Nas X sings on the new single. “GOD IS NOT AN ERA. IT’S A LIFESTYLE,” one X/Twitter user commented before Tyrese responded to the song under The Shade Room‘s post about the song. “Y’all gone learn to stop playing with God … God is not to be played with … From shoes with devil signs and devils blood in the [shoe] sole?” Tyrese wrote. “We can all change I get it but I feel a way about people making a mockery about Jesus. Do you, life your life .. Do what makes you happy but yall better stop playing with Jesus out here.” https://twitter.com/lilnasxmajor/status/1730385091807862982?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1730389521714544670%7Ctwgr%5Ed350b0b2a70255f7f48e9601c2d95f13bdb6ca91%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2023%2Ftyrese-slams-lil-nas-xs-new-christian-era%2F A new trailer for the upcoming feature about late reggae music legend Bob Marley has dropped. According to the press release, “Bob Marley: One Love” celebrates the life and music of an icon who inspired generations through his message of love and unity. On the big screen for the first time, discover Bob’s powerful story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music. Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green and starring Kingsley Ben-Adir, the film, per What To Watch, “celebrates the life and music of an icon who inspired generations through his message of love and unity. On the big screen for the first time, discover Bob’s powerful story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music.” “There were a lot of reservations,” Ben-Adir, 37, tells EW about his initial reluctance to play Marley. Despite having portrayed Malcolm X and Barack Obama previously, the actor remained doubtful about his ability to take on the reggae superstar. https://youtu.be/ajw425Kuvtw Rumor has it that Ashanti, 43, and Nelly, 49, are expecting their first child together, according to US Weekly. Speculation arose when the pair attended Nelly‘s Black and White Ball in St. Louis. Ashanti and the “Get It Poppin” artist appeared to confirm that she was with child as Nelly jokingly and repeatedly touched her stomach. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2023-12-04-120423-nelly-ashanti-1737389-252/ Jeannie Mai told Jennifer Hudson she was blind-sided with the rest of the world when Jeezy filed for divorce. Many people weighed in and concluded Jeezy, government name Jay Wayne Jenkins, is a narcissist, except one fan, “after hearing about his childhood, honestly I don’t think he has the ability to trust and truly love any woman. I actually feel for him. She ignored every red flag from his previous relationships.” However, other critics are holding Jeannie’s feet to the fire for her past comments about Black men, “Well considering she said black men aren’t for marriage and she prefers to keep them on the side that’s what she gets,” said one person on X. https://youtu.be/WzT8T4fNmDs Social media influencer Asher Glean made a fatal mistake in introducing his lady to Ne-Yo who decided to serenade the lady away from Asher. “We are always the architect of our downfall 🤣…May God deliver us from evil,” said one fan. Asher captioned the video, “Ayo!!! @neyo chilll with those riffs!! Bro started singing his new song “Link up” like rent was due 😭😭😭 @lakikane.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CzlvydZNxgX/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Carlos King interviewed LaTavia Roberson about her years in Destiny’s Child and the events leading up to her being kicked out of the group. However, some fans are wary and intrigued about this sit-down and the energy the 2:40 is giving. One person posted, “It’s giving she still battling an addiction, It’s also giving she feeling some type of way about Beyonce and Kelly and it’s giving I believe she has some truth to feel how she feels…… I’m interested.” https://twitter.com/thecarlosking_/status/1731788507364852213?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1731801527151456739%7Ctwgr%5E66741dc5af08ee2199b449621eee86fbf1907f11%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2023%2Fashanti-and-nelly-seemingly-confirm-she-is-preggers-jeannie-mai-was-blind-sided-when-jeezy-filed-for-divorce-more-picvideos%2F “Candy Cane Lane” is a holiday comedy starring Eddie Murphy as Chris, who inadvertently creates Christmas chaos as he embarks on a mission to outshine his neighbors in the annual Christmas home decoration contest. Little does he know that a mischievous elf named Pepper, played by Jillian Bell, has plans to spice things up. Upon striking an unwitting deal with Pepper, Chris inadvertently triggers a magical spell that brings the 12 Days of Christmas to life, turning his quaint town into a festive battleground. Now, in a race against time, Chris, his wife Carol (Tracee Ellis Ross), and their three children must navigate through the chaos, break Pepper’s spell, and save Christmas for the entire town. https://youtu.be/Y9d2G3l3UO4 Attorney Antonio Moore looks deep into Revolt TV channel founded by Sean “Diddy” Combs and asks questions on its underpinnings. Why was it created? What is the channel’s funding? Who owns Revolt TV both in the past and present day? Moore pulls the layers back and he looks at the MOU agreement with Comcast signed by Al Sharpton, NAACP former President Ben Jealous, and Marc Morial President of the National Urban League which was a major step that allowed Comcast to acquire NBC Universal. Moore also reviews admission by Sean “Diddy” Combs of issues that he had with Comcast distribution and support of the channel. Connecting Revolt TV and Diddy to a larger critique of Black celebrities he has made prior framing it as Decadent Veil covering up the lack of Black American wealth. https://youtu.be/Esn6dHpndUk Jason Lee is making news on social media today because he’s … Jason Lee. In the court of public opinion, he’s been charged as guilty because he called Jennifer Hudson illiterate! Here’s the back story. Tuesday morning Lee served as guest host of “The Breakfast Club.” He was reporting on Jeannie Mai’s appearance on the “Jennifer Hudson Show” where she said she was blindsided by Jeezy’s divorce filing. Then, he adlibbed this: “She went on the ‘Jennifer Hudson Show’ because that’s where you go when you want to get your word across…I guess.” You could hear Charlamagne Tha God seemingly reacting to Jason Lee’s dig by saying, “Damn.” That’s when Jason added, “We all know Jennifer Hudson is illiterate.” https://youtu.be/cpmQ9MoVj1M If you’re not familiar, Jason Lee rose to fame when he appeared on 3 seasons of “Love & Hip Hop Hollywood.” Lee, who’s very, very openly gay, brought diversity to the show. It’s said that his time on the show helped open the door for more acceptance of homosexuality in the hip-hop community. On the other hand, as you can imagine, he’s got tons of haters, mainly due to his very messy behavior. And as a result of that messy behavior of his, social media is none too pleased with the words about JHud that came out of his mouth. https://twitter.com/i/status/1732103734484767016 Former BET program director Stephen Hill clapped back at Lenny Kravitz’s claims that he has never been invited “to a BET thing or a Source Awards thing,” the rocker said recently in an interview with Esquire. Kravitz told the publication, “And it’s like, here is a Black artist who has reintroduced many Black art forms, who has broken down barriers — just like those that came before me broke down. That is positive. And they don’t have anything to say about it?” “I have been that dream and example of what a Black artist can do,” he added. Kravitz claims BET has never invited him to an award show and that Black publications don’t celebrate his success. What he failed to note is that the team behind Black artists tends to ignore Black media and give preferential treatment to white outlets. The Source reports that Hill denied Lenny’s accusations in an Instagram post. He shared a photo of him and Kravitz with the caption: “#FlashbackFriday @lennykravitz and ya boy on the set of #106andPark on what I believe was his first, but I KNOW was not last visit to the show. One of my favorite musicians/performers of all time. Loved stretching the mold and programming his music on WILD-AM in the early 90’s, as well. Looking forward to his new music! Have a great day everybody!” https://www.instagram.com/p/C0UgiBoPl9o/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=7dcdb0a0-8f20-44f5-9f81-d169b55b5bab Jamie Foxx denied being a clone after suffering a health scare in April. The Oscar winner accepted the Vanguard Award for speaking at the Critics Choice Association’s Celebration of Cinema & Television: Honoring Black, Latino, and AAPI Achievements in Los Angeles on Monday. Jamie joked, “I know a lot of people who were saying I was cloned out there. Boy, y’all ain’t s—. Black people, when we almost die or go through something like that, there’s two phrases, one of two phrases we say,” he continued. “One is, ‘Lord, have mercy, Jesus. Lord, have mercy, Jesus.'” The actor gave an update on how he is feeling presently and also dropped an interesting detail he experienced during his ordeal, “It feels good to be here. I cherish every single minute now. It’s different. It’s different. I wouldn’t wish what I went through on my worst enemy, because it’s tough when you almost… When it’s almost over, when you see the tunnel,” he said.“I saw the tunnel. I didn’t see the light!” he added. “It was hot in that tunnel so I didn’t know where I was going. S—, am I going to the right place? I seen the devil goin ‘C’mon, now.’” https://youtu.be/i0ZGWMRLuHs While out making her media rounds promoting her new film, the musical adaptation of “The Color Purple” Taraji P. Henson told Tracy Smith of “CBS Sunday Morning” that she had to audition for her role as Cookie Lyon for the hit hip-hop melodrama “Empire.” Taraji revealed that while her co-star Terrance Howard did not have to audition for his role as Lucious Lyon, she had to undergo readings. So, in true Cookie fashion, Taraji slapped the heck out of T’s face during an audition. Sorry, not sorry. The Golden Globe winner also revealed how she still has to fight for equal pay because Hollywood still doesn’t respect the talent and labor of Black women. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0Wj81uuEcH/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Corey Hawkins, one of the stars of “The Color Purple,” spoke about how he championed Danielle Brooks to have the role of Sofia, popularized by Oprah Winfrey when she first played the character in the original 1985 film. Corey‘s kind words brought Danielle to tears because they were classmates at Juilliard who then struggled to break into the entertainment business and are now co-starring in one of the most anticipated films of 2023. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0F1wTrp9N3/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again The movie “Home Alone” needed: a nosy Black neighborhood because she would have clocked all the shenanigans. Check out the skit by comedian Mel Mitchell for a little holiday chuckle. https://static.cdninstagram.com/rsrc.php/v3/yb/r/UsSR4Cvo4Px.png When it comes to Black people in pursuit of building Black wealth in America, their plan most likely includes owning land, owning property then passing it to the next generation. Yet, that plan works only if the family members who have steward over the asset have a unified vision and understand the responsibilities that come with it. When I read about a Black family in Alabama, and their legal battle to retain 40 acres of land that have been in their family for generations I had to talk about it with a family who has worked together for the past 50 years to protect their land and homestead. Martin and Milford are two brothers in a group of nine siblings. They successfully have worked together on their parents’ shared vision. Click the video to hear how these brothers have passed that vision to the next generation. https://youtu.be/Bim4-cxo7Ys Quarterbacks Jayden Daniels of Louisiana State University, Bo Nix of the University of Oregon Michael Penix Jr. of the University of Washington, and Ohio State University wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. are the four finalists for the Heisman Trophy, organizers announced Monday. The trophy, which is awarded to college football’s most outstanding player, is voted on by 870 media members and 57 former winners. The winner will be announced at a ceremony in New York on Saturday night. Daniels, a senior, threw for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns in his fifth season – his second with the Tigers. He completed 72% of his passes. He also ran for 1,134 yards and 10 scores. Nix, a senior using his sixth year of eligibility, threw for 4,145 yards and 40 touchdowns. Nix, in his second year with the Ducks, completed 77.2% of his throws, tops in the nation. https://youtu.be/DkMAFKSmALw Latrice Pace is an extraordinary talent, seamlessly embodying the roles of Singer-Songwriter, Actress, and Serial entrepreneur. Hailing from Atlanta’s renowned First Family of Gospel, The Anointed Pace Sisters, Latrice was born and raised amidst a rich musical heritage. Her dynamic presence and remarkable versatility have propelled her to heights in the entertainment industry and as an entrepreneur. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrPTBOZBS7Q As a non-profit organization, The Impact Network seeks to connect with a diverse coalition of organizations and partnerships to improve and impact lives within the urban community and beyond. The Impact Network believes in community, making an impact, and highlighting those who serve the community. December 7-9, 2023, The Impact Network will present a live 3-day CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA honoring the legendary Dr. Bobby Jones. This spirit-filled broadcast event will feature Gospel music's most notable artists, including Kurt Carr, Ben Tankard, Vickie Winans, Jekalyn Carr, and more. THE CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA will take place at Impact Network Conference Center and Studios, Decatur, GA. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlJnukE_V4k The beloved Long Island medium Theresa Caputo is returning to television – this time for 20 episodes of Lifetime’s all-new series, Theresa Caputo: Raising Spirits. From Magilla Entertainment, the show follows Theresa as she explores the next phase of her personal life and embarks on a much-anticipated tour, including sold-out shows in London, for Theresa Caputo Live! The Experience. The three-time New York Times bestselling author will share her incredible gift with viewers while balancing new family dynamics like divorce and becoming a grandmother. Theresa Caputo: Raising Spirits will premiere in 2024 on Lifetime and no topic will go uncovered: from spending time as a devoted friend, mother, daughter, grandma, to many exciting first-time adventures. She’ll celebrate her son’s wedding, help her daughter adjust to motherhood, visit with her parents next door…and channel her share of spirits for others. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIEuDaryVl8 MSNBC is canceling journalist Mehdi Hasan’s one-hour weekly show as part of a new weekend lineup change. The news-based cable channel is launching “The Weekend,” a morning news show on Saturdays and Sundays, Deadline reports. Per Hip Hop Wired, “the news of Hasan’s show ending was met with dismay, considering that he was one of the journalists who had been asking hard questions of the Israeli government as their war against Hamas…,” the outlet writes . Hasan, who joined MSNBC in 2021, will remain a political analyst and fill-in host on the network. His Peacock series will also end. Per Deadline, Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) said it was “bad optics” for the network to axe Hasan’s show “right at a time when he is vocal for human rights in Gaza with the war ongoing.” https://youtu.be/HD-yRuTasHU The Weeknd has directed $2.5 million from his XO Humanitarian Fund to support emergency efforts in Gaza. The United Nations World Food Programme announced the musician’s (born Abel Tesfaye) initiative on Dec. 1, Billboard reports. Thanks to the donation, 1.8 million pounds of food parcels – equivalent to four million emergency meals – will be delivered to over 173,000 Palestinians for two weeks, per the report. “This conflict has unleashed a humanitarian catastrophe beyond reckoning. WFP is working round the clock to provide aid in Gaza but a major scale up is needed to address the desperate level of hunger we are seeing,” said WFP’s Director for the Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe Region, Corinne Fleischer. “Our teams need safe and sustained humanitarian access, and continued support from donors to reach as many people as we can,” Fleischer continued. “We thank Abel for this valuable contribution towards the people of Palestine. We hope others will follow Abel’s example and support our efforts.” Henry Kissinger, who died on Nov. 29, 2023, at age 100, exercised more than 50 years of influence on American foreign policy. I am a scholar of American foreign policy who has written on Kissinger’s service from 1969 to 1977 as national security adviser and secretary of state under the Nixon and Ford administrations. I have seen how his foreign policy views and actions played out for good and, mostly, for ill. When Kissinger entered government as Richard Nixon’s national security adviser, he espoused a narrow perspective of the national interest, known as “realpolitik,” primarily centered on maximizing the economic and military power of the United States. This power- and transactionalist-oriented approach to foreign policy produced a series of destructive outcomes. They ranged from fomenting coups that put in place murderous dictatorships, as in Chile, to killing unarmed civilians, as in Cambodia, and alienating potential allies, as in India. Usher got emotional during the final performance for his Las Vegas residency on Saturday. In the TMZ clip, the music superstar dropped to his knees on stage Saturday while singing “Without You.” Usher covered his face with his hands while surrounded by his dancers, other on-stage crew, and show collaborators, TMZ reports. After wiping away some tears, Usher said, “God bless you, I love you.” The singer’s “My Way” shows in Vegas started in July 2022 and wrapped on December 2 after a 100-concert run. He celebrated the final performance on X/Twitter, where Usher shared a clip of his interview with Trevor Nelson in 2004, discussing a potential residency in Sin City. “I am such a theatrical artist,” Usher said at the time, People reports. “I would love to be in a space… if I did decide to go to Las Vegas, it would be the most phenomenal thing you’ve ever seen in your life.” https://www.tmz.com/videos/2023-12-03-120323-usher-1737314-685/ Entrepreneur and violinist Joy Black recalls being teased and bullied constantly in school throughout her childhood. She had a different style and different interests than most of her peers – one being her passion for the violin. Despite never witnessing anyone who looked like her play the string instrument, when she first picked one up at the age of 13, she knew there wasn’t a bully or naysayer alive that could keep her from pursuing it as a career. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzzUv3JxIKQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again “I had a dream where I saw myself on stage performing in front of thousands of people. It felt so real, and it gave me a sense of hope and something to strive for,” said Black, 26. “I had never even seen or heard of a black woman who was a violinist, but I knew that’s what I wanted to do. The violin is the reason I made it through high school because my orchestra class was at the end of the day. No matter what I had to endure during the rest of school, I wanted to be there. That was my escape.” Black would struggle with an eating disorder as a teenager due to the frequent abuse she took from classmates. To make matters worse, before graduating from high school, she recalls a teacher telling her that she would never make any money as a violinist, and to pursue another endeavor. “Now I am traveling and getting booked for events across the country. That is why I tell people to never listen to doubters. Focus completely on your goals and you can do whatever you want,” she said. To date, Black has performed at numerous high-profile and corporate events, including for the Prince and Princess of Ethiopia, Gatorade, Delta, Essence, CBS, The New England Patriots, and the 2023 Alliance of Georgia Democrats. She has also written music for the Denver Youth Orchestra and appeared in a song and music video for rapper Latto. https://www.instagram.com/p/CwX4RlAox6S/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Harlem fashion designer Dapper Dan has teamed with GAP again for new hoodies just in time for the holiday season. Dapper Dan’s latest 18-piece collection for DAP GAP includes apparel and accessories for adults and kids. The line includes graphic hoodies, totes, baseball hats, socks, and ascots that boast the “DAP” motif. “This is exciting for me because we are now offering products for kids for the first time. I have a commitment to instilling hope in the young people who are coming up behind me, and I want them to see who I am and what I’ve accomplished, so being able to dress all generations, including the kids, is very meaningful to me,” Dapper Dan said in an interview with HIGHSNOBIETY. Sizes range from toddler 2T to adult XXXL, with prices starting from $25 to $128 USD. Take a look at the collection via the Instagram clip below. “A breakthrough is when people finally find their space in areas they have never been before, but a breakout is when you take the culture and the people who created it and bring it around the world. When Gap came to me, this partnership signified a breakout for the culture,” said Dapper Dan in a statement, HYBEBEAST reports. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0MoN6vJQde/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs faces multiple sexual assault allegations, and 50 Cent continues to troll him over it. Over the weekend, the rapper/actor took to social media to post a photo of the Bad Boy Records founder’s face merged with convicted sex offender R. Kelly. The post was backed by Kelly’s 1998 song “Did You Ever Think.” “Diddy do it?” Fiddy captioned the post, referring to accusations that the music producer sexually assaulted and abused multiple women, including his ex, singer Cassie. Combs recently settled a $30 million lawsuit with Cassie after she accused him of rape, physical abuse, and sex trafficking during their decade-long relationship. Details of the settlement have not been revealed. “No, he will be fine,” 50 Cent captioned an Instagram photo of Diddy, Complex reports. “He has so much money, when his corporate partners pull out, he will just reach in his pockets and make it happen. You saw how fast he paid Cassie. He’s a real Billionaire. He has f*ck you money, guys. So f*ck you!” https://twitter.com/i/status/1731339042590224776 Darius Jackson and Keke Palmer have requested that their domestic violence court date be postponed. Palmer was granted a temporary restraining order against her baby daddy in November after accusing him of physical abuse. The “Nope” star also received sole custody of their nine-month-old child, Leodis. We reported previously that the actress submitted evidence showing Jackson abusing her as part of a restraining order against him. Palmer, 30, claims Jackson, 29, has been abusive throughout their two-year relationship, according to US Weekly. She reportedly provided the court security footage from November 5th showing Darius “trespassed into my home without my knowledge or consent” and “threatened” her before “lunging for my neck, striking me, throwing me over the couch and stealing my phone,” according to the court docs. Keke also detailed “many instances of physical violence” with Darius that included “destroying my personal property, including diaries and prescription eyeglasses, throwing my belongings into the street, throwing my car keys to prevent me from driving away, hitting [me] in front of our son, spewing profanities about me to our son, threatening to kill himself with a gun if I left him, harassment, and other physical and emotional abuse.” She filed for a domestic violence restraining order in Los Angeles and included security footage screenshots allegedly showing Jackson hitting her over a sofa. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0VZv7ZupHp/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Aaron Hall has recently gone viral for a bizarre throwback interview with VladTV. The R&B singer has been roped into a new lawsuit that Sean “Diddy” Combs. Since the first lawsuit against Diddy from singer and former girlfriend, Cassie, reached social media, the media mogul has been hit with two more. He has since stepped down from his role as Chairman of REVOLT, the music-oriented digital media network he founded alongside Andy Schuon back in 2013. Combs’ newest complaint comes from an anonymous accuser, who alleges Combs and singer-songwriter Hall took turns raping the plaintiff and her friend in 1990 or 1991 – and that Diddy turned violent during a rage days later. These allegations lead us back to Hall’s history of bizarre behavior, starting with his wild interview with VladTV. If you haven’t watched Aaron Hall’s bizarre interview with VladTV, stop everything you’re doing right now and watch it. https://youtu.be/X3PrjTVgteM In 2009, Aaron Hall filmed an online vlog series called “Aaron Hall’s Dog Rehab.” https://youtu.be/pz2wwMd2crY Aaron Hall gives the “dog whisperer” Cesar Millan a run for his money. https://youtu.be/PkKa3QIlduk While dog training, Aaron Hall took a brief moment to educate women on how to take care of their men. https://youtu.be/MEnT77uruDs In 2010, Aaron Hall unleashed his fury on The-Dream, R.Kelly, and Trey Songz. Best quote in the video, “The-Dream is a good writer, but he needs to lose weight.” https://youtu.be/awiCqO-Ye2M The same year, Aaron released “A Day In The Life” webisode with his brother Damion Hall. https://youtu.be/6Y1qAz8JCf4 Aaron calls his former bandmate Teddy Riley a “square,” compares him to an “infection,” and sings all at the same damn time. https://youtu.be/lwhivbcAQ0w Michael B. Jordan had an oopsie doopsie on Saturday and totaled his $350k blue Ferrari by crashing into a parked Kia around 11:30 PM in Hollywood. “The LAPD responded and found no signs of Michael being impaired by drugs or alcohol. Cops did not perform a field sobriety test,” reports TMZ. The “Black Panther” actor walked away from the accident without a scratch but did not explain the mishap. https://youtu.be/EFrbvfjErFU Nicki Minaj hopped on Instagram Live with Monica and Keyshia Cole, sending the Barbz to Barbie heaven. The three friends goofed off and even tried to riff a song together. One person said, “Nicki remind me of the one kid who plays “school” with her friends, but she’s always the teacher. https://twitter.com/ONIKALIVE/status/1730875945286873185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1730948615793754609%7Ctwgr%5Eb103e41345bc8115f87fc181e9d65078d2149fc5%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2023%2Fmichael-b-jordan-crashes-his-ferrari-police-say-he-wasnt-impaired-nicki-minaj-monica-and-keyshia-cole-link-up-on-ig-barbz-were-hyped-more-picvideos%2F Twitter users said they could always count on the beige bandit Drake to follow the next It girl in the music industry. South African artist Tyla said on “Big Boy’s Neighborhood” radio show she expected Drizzy to hit that follow button. “I knew Drake was going to follow me on Instagram, I was definitely waiting for it and he did follow me,” said the “Water” artist. https://twitter.com/i/status/1730849426065801573 A young man named Derrick cheated on his girlfriend, and she returned the favor by cheating on him and garnished the relationship with a break-up. Derrick went to her home and tried to beg her to come back. He even tried enlisting his mother as his proxy to mitigate the tense circumstances. One person posted, “Please tell me this is a joke. Like I know it is, but I need to be sure cause that little tantrum was crazy 😂.“ https://twitter.com/i/status/1730965821126553688 The Season 2 teaser trailer for HBO’s “House of the Dragon” dropped, along with first-look images of the cast. Matt Smith returns as Daemon Targaryen along with Olivia Cooke, Emma D’Arcy, Eve Best, Steve Toussaint, Fabien Frankel, Ewan Mitchell, Tom Glynn-Carney, Sonoya Mizuno, Rhys Ifans, Harry Collett, Bethany Antonia, Phoebe Campbell, Phia Saban, Jefferson Hall and Matthew Needham, per Variety. The newbies joining the season 2 cast include Tom Taylor as Lord Cregan Stark, Clinton Liberty as Addam of Hull, Jamie Kenna as Ser Alfred Broome, Kieran Bew as Hugh, Tom Bennett as Ulf and Vincent Regan as Ser Rickard Thorne, Abubakar Salim as Alyn of Hull, Gayle Rankin as Alys Rivers, Freddie Fox as Ser Gwayne Hightower, and Simon Russell Beale as Ser Simon Strong, Variety reports. “House of the Dragon” is set 200 years before the events in “Game of Thrones” and chronicles the rise and fall of the Targaryen empire. The series is based on George R. R. Martin’s book “Fire & Blood.” Martin is the co-creator and executive producer of the show. https://youtu.be/HQ8H5gqGA34 Tamron Hall” hit the road to Atlanta for a broadcast exclusive interview with rapper and television personality Da Brat and her wife Jesseca “Judy” Harris-Dupart for an intimate look into their family life with their new baby, True Legend. Da Brat and Judy opened up about motherhood, what their life looks like now, and how they picked their son’s name. Plus, the couple gave a tour of baby True Legend’s closet! https://youtu.be/6HiPxzs6v4I Da Brat on motherhood and feeling like she has it all: “I love life right now. I love being his mommy. She’s his mama, I’m his mommy. And I don’t know, it’s just like a miracle and I’m just happy and elated every day and I just count my blessings every day. I just feel special like I feel like, you know, God granted me the blessing to have him. I’m tired a lot, I don’t get much sleep. I haven’t gotten used to the schedule but I just do what I have to do to be a great mommy…Like the full circle, I have everything now.” https://youtu.be/JzFhHvtbxZI Da Brat and Judy on picking their son’s name:Da Brat says, “So, I just, you know, I thought Legend was cool and asked her and she loved it but she said we should put something in front of it so we were just trying to figure out what to make the first part so it wasn’t just Legend and one day she was like, True Legend! And I was like, I loved it!” https://youtu.be/bAAeWIIHj5I The Rev. Al Sharpton got more than public recognition at theGrio’s second annual Grio Awards. as a years-long beef with media mogul Byron Allen is now in the past. The civil rights icon received the 2023 Justice Icon Award at the event, via the nationally televised “Byron Allen Presents theGrio Awards” on CBS. The award honored Sharpton’s five decades of activism in advancing civil rights and social justice (watch via the video above). Taking to social media, Sharpton voiced his appreciation for the recognition. “Truly humbled to receive the 2023 Justice Icon Award at The 2nd Annual Grio Awards,” the “PoliticsNation with Al Sharpton” host expressed in a tweet on X (formerly known as Twitter.” A heartfelt thank you to Byron Allen, @theGrio, John Legend, Spike Lee, Nick Cannon, and everyone who believes in the power of justice. Thank you to any and everyone who ever believed in me.” https://youtu.be/e5CQo8SfdhM As noted in his tweet, Allen was among the people Sharpton thanked for his Justice Award. The move marks a contrast to how things were between the two, who were on opposing sides as far back as 2015. During that year, Allen’s $20 billion racial discrimination lawsuit was reopened by a federal judge. The suit, filed by Allen’s Entertainment Studios Networks, Inc. and the National Association of African-American Owned Media (NAAAOM) against Sharpton’s National Action Network (NAN), Comcast and Time Warner Cable, centered on allegations that the defendants blocked equal access for Black-owned networks, according to a Moguldum report. https://twitter.com/i/status/1728876559296344165 Fatal Attraction returns on Monday, December 4 at 9 PM ET. When a 911 call reports an apartment fire, police arrive to find a young woman lying on her bedroom floor. As firefighters clear the area, they discover that it was no accident. Was it an unfortunate tragedy or a plan to cover up the truth? Find out tonight at 9 PM. PAYBACK returns tonight, December 4 at 10 PM ET. After a gunshot victim is identified as a recent suspect in an earlier killing, Northern Virginia police must determine if the crimes are somehow connected. Are the deaths random acts of violence, or a heinous act of revenge? Find out tonight at 10 PM. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29e99w9cQc8 New Music from Ricky Dillard! From Choirmaster II the new single "When I Think." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jt5H7ZcjBM Fantasia Barrino Taylor, Taraji P. Henson, and Danielle Brooks have more in common than just starring in the upcoming remake of the beloved classic The Color Purple. They all have compelling success stories rooted in the Hollywood dream and the strife they’ve overcome to achieve it. And better yet, maintain it. Fantasia, Taraji, and Danielle cover Elle’s Women In Hollywood December/January issue alongside Jennifer Lopez, Jodie Foster, America Ferrera, Lily Gladstone, Eva Longoria, and Greta Lee. Fantasia, whose star we watched rise from her beginning days on American Idol, is opening up about the pitfalls she endured during her career, including going broke thanks to diabolical management and past partners. “I gigged for 20 years straight. Can you imagine being onstage just about every day the way I perform? Why is it that I ended up broke, twice, with nothing? They took it all, they took it all,” she revealed in her Elle cover story penned by Danielle James. “And I was taking care of my whole family.” For Fantasia, life imitates art in The Color Purple. “I was out here vulnerable, thinking that every man that says they love me, loved me. I’m in abusive relationships, getting my ass whooped. I’ve been spit on. My life is so much like Celie’s,” she explained. Filming The Color Purple was a career-high for Taraji. P. Henson, who brings to life Suge Avery. While discussing the film in her Elle cover story, the TPH founder reflected on what it was like being on set. “I remember being on a set and looking around like, ‘Oh my God, I’ve never seen Black people look so beautiful.’ [The director Blitz Bazawule] took such great care and he allowed us to bring what we had to it. It wasn’t about trying to reinvent the wheel or trying to do what Oprah and [the original cast] did before us. He really allowed us to just make it our own. And that’s a scary thing to do because we’ve got big shoes to fill. I just think everyone came and showed up and understood how important this piece of literature is to our culture. We brought our hearts and our souls. We just left it on the set every day on this film, everybody. It was such a beautiful moment of my career.” If you didn’t have the pleasure of seeing Danielle Brooks’ scene-stealing performance in the Broadway adaptation of The Color Purple, you’re in for a treat because critics are raving about her performance in the remake. Brooks got candid about struggling with imposter syndrome, in her cover story. Brooks received life-changing advice from Oprah, who told her she has “everything I need within me, and that the ancestors are with me on my journey. They truly have been.” She added, “This role has called for a lot physically, mentally sacrificing, being away from my family for so long. So to know that I’m surrounded by love and support, not only from my earthly family, but from my spiritual family that have passed on—they’re with me. She reminded me that in moments where I felt like, ‘I do not know how I’m going to do this scene again.’ She was there picking up the phone, just available to me. So not only was I taught that lesson, but I also was taught to pass that on to someone as well. When it’s my time, and I’m in a position similar to hers, to make sure to give that same amount of grace, love, and support that she gave me.” “It was my first Broadway show. But, it brought a lot of pressure for me. I had this imposter syndrome and did not understand how, in my first Broadway show, I’m Tony-nominated. All of these things started creeping up of, ‘I don’t deserve this.’ But getting to sing ‘H**l No,’ the song that Sofia sings every night, and say h**l no to my fears, say h**l no to this voice that is putting doubt [in me] and saying that I’m not worth it—really was healing for me. Decorated U.S. Olympian and maternal health advocate Allyson Felix opened up about the death of her former teammate Tori Bowie during a televised interview on Sunday morning. The track star appeared on NBC’s “Meet the Press” and addressed Bowie’s pregnancy-involved death last year, her own struggles during childbirth and the overall topic of Black maternal health. Felix recalled her own experience of being compelled to “hide” her pregnancy from her main sponsor Nike because of contractual reasons, calling it “a really isolating and lonely time, instead of a really – a time that we could celebrate.” That tragic-turned-triumphant experience is in part what helped Felix become an advocate for maternal health, a topic she discussed and contextualized with her teammates’ complicated pregnancies as well as Bowie’s death in May of this year from complications from childbirth. Bowie was about eight months pregnant with a developed fetus when she was found dead, according to an autopsy. Officials have speculated that Bowie’s death could have been brought on by a condition called eclampsia, which is defined by the Mayo Clinic as “a complication of pregnancy” that “usually begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy in women whose blood pressure had previously been in the standard range.” Notably, it can be deadly if left untreated. Felix — with severe preeclampsia — gave birth to her son in 2018 after having to undergo an emergency C-section at 32 weeks. The life-threatening experience changed her life completely and now Felix looks to help others become aware of the maternity mortality crisis Black women face. DOMINIQUE SIDE makes her way back into the music industry as an artist with a Christmas Advent classic “O Ven, O Ven Emmanuel." This classical bilingual rendition was thoughtfully made to include as many as possible in experiencing holiday cheer especially during this pandemic. "O Ven, O Ven, Emmanuel" is available everywhere music is sold and streamed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1D3xLLghIY&feature=youtu.be&themeRefresh=1 Pinky Cole Hayes makes being nine months pregnant with her third baby, on a book tour, being a philanthropist, and running a multimillion-dollar business look easy. If it sounds like a lot, it is, but the founder of the meatless hamburger brand Slutty Vegan is so committed to being successful that she wants to spread that success to others as well. Cole has been serving as a judge on Revolt TV’s “Bet on Black,” a series that highlights up-and-coming Black entrepreneurs like Cole used to be. “This is my second season now and when I did it the first time, we had a ball,” she told CNN. “Then this season came back up again, and they reached out and said ‘We’d love to have Pinky on’ and I’m like ‘Okay, I’ll do it.’ Because this is my lane, entrepreneurship, and it was a cool way to be able to showcase my entrepreneurial expertise.” https://youtu.be/aFKCOgO7Gfw With Slutty Vegan, Cole has parlayed her past as a former producer for “The Maury Povich Show” into helming a massively successful restaurant chain. But she hasn’t stopped there. She’s also the author of “Eat Plants, B*tch: 91 Vegan Recipes That Will Blow Your Meat-Loving Mind” and the more recent “I Hope You Fail: Ten Hater Statements Holding You Back from Getting Everything You Want.” Not to mention her philanthropic work that has seen her pay off college students’ debt, and a development deal she’s working on in her hometown of Baltimore for a new retail area in a deal that’s supported by Under Armour founder Kevin Plank. https://youtu.be/QyslFvMTWsk “To look back at where my life has grown since 2018, I know that I’ve done a lot, but I still have a lot of work to do because I want to be the best,” she said. She has a great partner in her husband, Derrick Hayes, who is the founder and CEO of the extremely successful Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks. Yes – the founder of a vegan restaurant chain is married to the founder of a cheesesteak chain, but it helps that he too is committed to both his business as well as helping other entrepreneurs. Together, life can be hectic, with Hayes’ two daughters from previous relationships along with their two tots and soon-to-be third child. Cole laughs when she mentions that she has “been pregnant since 2020” and will now have three children under the age of three. It’s been challenging, she admits. https://youtu.be/IHznLi9oyf That mom guilt came from the fact that I was always traveling, always in business meetings,” she said. “And yes, I have my village and I’ve got the people that support us holistically, but you know, I was gone a whole lot.” She said she refuses to “be less of a mom because I want to be more of an entrepreneur, or vice versa.” “Now I’ve merged both of those worlds,” she said. “If I’m doing anything with business, nine times out of 10, you’re going to see me with my kids.” It’s all hard work, which is why Cole feels ideally suited to help advise other business owners. As Slutty Vegan is poised to open a location at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, she said she knows what it means to dream big. https://youtu.be/GDJCXjMOZcw Sheryl Lee Ralph’s new documentary short “Unexpected” examines how the new HIV epidemic is impacting straight Black women. HIV infection rates among Black women are 11 times higher than those among White women and four times higher than those among Latina women, according to the CDC, People reports. “So many people around the world have moved away from the conversation around HIV and AIDS,” Ralph said. “In 40 years, I have seen this narrative around this disease go from that they wanted to call a ‘gay white man’s disease’ to a ‘Black woman’s disease,’ especially the Black woman in the south of the United States,” she added. “It has become the burden of this group of women to continue to do the work of raising awareness, and that’s exactly what this film does,” Ralph said. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0VfkdqrvGB/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=35273f67-9f9e-4ebd-8be4-9b4ceb6de214 Blac Chyna inked a new partnership with Passes, a subscription-based, female-owned platform that offers “clean content,” and no nudity is allowed. The former stripper-turned-holy woman, 35, announced the collaboration Friday in a press release. The move comes weeks after Chyna confirmed she quit OnlyFans, an online subscription service used primarily by sex workers who produce pornography content. “I am so grateful to join Passes, a female-owned platform that lets me show my true self to better connect with my growing community,” Blac Chyna said. “The last year has been transformative for my mental and physical health, and I look forward to sharing more of that journey on Passes. My hope is that telling my story will help people feel less alone and more supported in whatever struggles they may be going through,” the mother of two added, per the release. It costs $9.99 monthly to subscribe to Blac Chyna’s account and includes access to her “day in the life” activities, workouts, and cooking sessions. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0UoT5Vvf_3/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Iconic singer, songwriter, and versatile creative force across music, video, dance, and fashion, Jody Watley, is set to infuse the holiday season with joy and musical magic on Sunday, December 10. As the luminary host of “The Jody Watley Show,” Jody Watley will curate a special festive episode, bringing her unique blend of classic and contemporary R&B to SiriusXM The Groove, Channel 51. With her distinct touch and artistic flair, Jody Watley is poised to create an unforgettable holiday experience for listeners, making “The Jody Watley Show” a must-tune-in destination to kick off the season with style and soul. Among the festive tunes, Jody Watley will showcase her mesmerizing rendition of “Christmas Time Is Here,” a captivating release from 2022. https://youtu.be/pfpI8GdSXxs Sha’Carri Richardson and Noah Lyles were honored over the weekend at the USA Track and Field (USATF) Night of Legends on December 3 in Orlando, Florida. The pair were named the 2023 USATF Athletes of the Year after winning gold medals at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest over the summer. Richardson was also awarded the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Athlete of the Year award. Her coach, Dennis Mitchell, was named Coach of the Year. “With the God that I serve, everything happens when it’s supposed to happen. So when I stand here today as the world champion, that’s because now was the time for that to happen. Now is the most impactful it would be, the most powerful it would be, and the most sincere it would be,” Richardson said in her speech, per Olympics.com. https://youtu.be/_gmJwwiQ_As “I understand the influence that I have, I understand the responsibility that I have to USATF and as a top female USA athlete, and to my country, and to my black family, to my beautiful women, to everybody that has been misunderstood for trying to be their best selves and not be put into a category because they do track and field and have been put in a bubble,” she added. Richardson won 100m and 4x100m gold and 200m bronze at World Championships in August, Olympics.com reports. Lyles also won 100m, 200m, and 4x100m at the event. Over the weekend, he received the Jesse Owens Male Athlete of the Year, award for the third time in his career. “I feel like I’ve shown that as long as you yourself, you work hard, you can display whatever it is that is you, and still get the job done,” the 26-year-old said in his speech. “I told my agent when we first met that I wanted to transcend the sport,” Lyles continued. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0YWpbBunSC/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Will Smith attended the third Red Sea International Film Festival on Saturday, where he discussed the sequel to “I Am Legend” with Michael B. Jordan. “I have a call with Michael B. Jordan tomorrow,” Smith said, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “I can’t tell you any more.” We reported previously that filmmaker Akiva Goldsman said the sequel would follow the first film’s “alternate ending,” which appears on the DVD, where Smith’s character doesn’t die; instead — he’s brought back to life. The events in “I Am Legend 2” occur years after the original. “This will start a few decades later than the first,” Goldsman said. “That will be especially visual in New York. … I don’t know if they’ll climb up to the Empire State Building, but the possibilities are endless.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1731029125165465701 Are you ready for the holiday shopping season? You’re not alone: More than 9 in 10 U.S. consumers plan to celebrate winter holidays and are collectively poised to spend around $960 billion, according to National Retail Federation data. The holidays are the most crucial time of year for many small businesses. Up to 65% of small business revenue comes during the holiday season, a 2022 Quickbooks survey shows. But NRF reports that just 1 in 4 U.S. holiday shoppers plan to do some holiday shopping at small businesses, which are typically defined as having fewer than 500 employees. These small but mighty companies comprise 99% of businesses in the U.S., produce about 40% of the country’s GDP, and employ nearly half of workers in the private sector. They’re also an important part of local communities, too. Research consultancy firm Civic Economics shows that about $53 of $100 spent at independent businesses circulates within the local community, compared to less than $14 of $100 spent at larger chains. With the average American intending to spend $875 on the holidays this year, there’s a lot of potential to reinforce the economic strength within communities if people shop small. To help people do this more intentionally, Next Insurance compiled tips and supporting data on ways to support small businesses this holiday season. This December, The Apollo will celebrate the holidays with events and programs for the entire family, with performances from BeBe Winans, Samara Joy, and Soshana Bean to Double Dutch Holiday Classic and the soul-stirring Kwanzaa: A Regeneration Celebration featuring Abdel R. Salaam’s Forces of Nature Dance Theatre. This year’s Holidays at The Apollo promises a remarkable array of live and in-person festivities that will celebrate culture, music, and community during the festive season. Holidays at The Apollo are part of the Apollo’s Fall 2023 season and is sponsored by Coca-Cola. http://www.apollotheater.org/holidays-at-the-apollo-2023/ Named to TIME's 100 Next list, Sarah Jakes Roberts' sixth annual Woman Evolve will return to Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, September 26 – 28, 2024. As a follow up to 2023's sold-out conference, more than 15,000 women have already registered to attend Woman Evolve 2024—a conference that aims to empower women to progress towards the lives they desire to live. Woman Evolve 2023 was the fastest-selling women's conference in Globe Life Field history as more than 40,000 women attended. Jakes Roberts' conference had an overall economic impact of $30 million in the City of Arlington alone. The attendance and economic impact were on par with previous national touring events including concerts by Lady Gaga, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Elton John, Morgan Wallen and The Stadium Tour (Joan Jett, Poison, Motley Crue and Def Leppard). Earlier this year, renowned artists and leaders, such as Brené Brown, Naomi Raine and Yvonne Orji, took the stage to deliver on the promise of an impactful weekend for the women attending the sold-out conference. The lineup for Woman Evolve 2024 has not been announced, but Jakes Roberts has big plans for Woman Evolve to continue to create a space for women to learn and grow together. An Illinois appeals court on Friday affirmed “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett’s disorderly conduct convictions for making false reports to the Chicago Police Department in 2019 that he was a victim of a hate crime. Smollett can appeal the decision to the Illinois Supreme Court. A jury found Smollett guilty in December 2021 of five out of six felony counts of disorderly conduct for making a false report to police. He was sentenced in March 2022 to 30 months of felony probation, including 150 days in jail, and ordered to pay restitution of more than $120,000 and a fine of $25,000 for making false reports to police. Smollett was released from jail less than a week later after an Illinois appeals court granted an emergency motion by his attorneys to delay his sentence and grant him bail until their appeal is resolved. https://youtu.be/45kznfB5ox4 The actor filed an appeal earlier this year arguing that prosecutors violated his due process rights, in part by not enforcing what his attorneys describe as a binding non-prosecution agreement. Smollett said he was subjected to double jeopardy, took issue with the appointment of a special prosecutor, and argued his sentence was excessive, among other things. As part of the appeal, his attorneys requested he get a new trial with a different judge. The court dismissed the challenges to the special prosecutor largely on procedural grounds. In its order, the court determined it had no jurisdiction over challenges to the special prosecutor because the appointment was the result of an order during the original case, which the court didn’t review. The order noted Smollett did not attempt to appeal the prosecutor’s appointment immediately, instead waiting six months and after he was reindicted. In reviewing the impact of the original decision not to move forward with charges – referred to as nolle prosequi – the court found the Cook County State’s Attorney did not agree to never charge Smollett. Instead, the court said, the process was effectively frozen and did not constitute a disposition. “Here, the State’s nolle prosequi of the indictment was not a final disposition of the case,” the court said. “Therefore, the State was not barred from re-prosecuting Smollett. After the nolle prosequi was entered, Smollett was free to go without entering into a recognizance to appear at any other time, which is the bargain Smollett made.” The court made a similar determination regarding Smollett’s claim the second indictment violated his right against double jeopardy. https://youtu.be/kLD1i0kPr_8 Teddy Pendergrass‘ widow, Joan Pendergrass, has set the record straight after Tyrese Gibson‘s Voltron Entertainment sued her for at least $1 million in damages over the abandoned rights to the late crooner’s life story. Joan asked a court to dismiss all claims brought by Gibson’s production company, according to court papers seen by reporters. Gibson’s lawsuit alleges that his company secured the rights to Pendergrass’ life story in 2011. At that time, Joan agreed to give Tyrese the rights to a book and a movie in exchange for him investing in the projects. He claims the singer’s widow signed off on the deal. Tyrese moved to court, claiming in the court papers that his production company has invested $450k in the project and has worked on it for nearly a decade. But in 2022, Tyrese says Joan refused to sign paperwork to extend the deal, reports Radar Online. https://youtu.be/VReUnowgnMc In other words, Tyrese sold his rights to Warner Bros, therefore Tyrese nor his company has any part in the deal now. “Voltron’s claims are barred because Voltron seeks to enforce an unenforceable agreement to agree,” Joan says in her filed response to the lawsuit. If what she says is true, then this will be a tough legal battle for Tyrese to win. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/8EC_FZCpzUQ?feature=share Aaron Hall’s dark cloud of controversy has expanded with new allegations against him from former video vixen turned podcaster Gloria Velez. Velez is accusing Hall and Miami-based rap legend Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell of preying on underage girls in the ’90s. Velez goes on to say she was a victim of grooming from the entertainers, according to a report from theJasmineBrand. ”If you don’t think Grooming Is happening in this business Your sadly mistaken It started in 1994 With Luke and a few others in this business. I was in high school,” Velez wrote in a post discussing the allegations on social media. Putting weight behind her claims, Velez shared a picture of her school ID, noting how she looks “like a baby.” https://youtu.be/vu4iermHBLM Despite Hall being quiet about Velez’s allegations against him, Campbell is doing the opposite by bringing his feelings about the situation to social media. The 62-year-old “Scarred” party starter denied the allegations, claiming he did not know what the term “grooming” meant. Relating to the issue at the heart of Velez’s situation, The Jasmine Brand cited the definition of “grooming” as: “when someone builds a relationship, trust and emotional connection with a child or young person so they can manipulate, exploit and abuse them.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1728781930357797231 Iyanla Vanzant has made a career out of helping people overcome personal issues that prevent them from living life to the fullest. Yet the famed life coach and author is finding herself on the other side of the situation when her youngest daughter Nisa transitioned. As any parent knows, losing a child is one of the hardest things to accept, let alone move forward despite an overwhelming feeling of sadness. But Vanzant, who lost her other daughter, Gemmia, from a rare form of colon cancer on Christmas Day 2003, is making this holiday season an occasion to honor her daughters while also taking time to fully enjoy herself during the most wonderful time of the year. When asked about handling grief over her daughters’ deaths, Vanzant viewed it as a “process of restoring wholeness” while coming to peace and being “whole within.” “First, I had to define what healing means. I look at it as the process of restoring wholeness. Wholeness of mind, heart, and body,” the “Iyanla: Fix My Life” host told Essence. https://youtu.be/h6wX7RTaBac “Healing also involves being present and aligned with what is instead of hoping and wishing it was different. There is no amount of hoping and wishing I can do that will bring my daughter back. So, I had to figure out how to come to peace and be whole within myself, knowing she’s never coming back. For me, that’s just spiritual practice. I have no intention of spending the rest of my life feeling bad. I’m willing to feel good now even though my daughter is no longer here. Healing is about accepting things as they are and realizing what you need from moment to moment to be whole again.” https://youtu.be/Z5u1lWkRUlI Despite efforts to keep her divorce from Iman Shumpert private, Teyona Taylor is less than thrilled over the public light shined on the proceedings. TMZ cites sources close to the estranged couple who say Taylor is incredibly disappointed and frustrated with Shumpert for making their identities public in a recent court filing in their divorce case. A private path to divorce was a way for Taylor to protect her kids from the spectacle as well as Shumpert. Hence, the entertainer used their initials when initially filing divorce documents in January. So much for that strategy. “We were able to keep this divorce matter private as Ms. Taylor requested for eleven (11) months in this case prior to Mr. Shumpert’s MOTION revealing the parties’ legal names and making the private matter public,” Taylor’s attorney, Tanya Mitchell, wrote in a legal document. Actress Patina Miller returns for the explosive third season of “Power Book III: Raising Kanan,” which debuts on STARZ on Dec. 1. This season “continues to tell the origin story of fan-favorite character Kanan Stark (MeKai Curtis), originally played by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson in the flagship series, delving further into his evolution from the devoted son of Raquel “Raq” Thomas (Miller) into the eventual ferocious, amoral and pragmatic personality fans know from “Power,” per the series synopsis. “Season three picks up where we left off, in Southside Jamaica Queens with the Thomas family in turmoil and reeling from the Mob’s coordinated attack on Raquel, Marvin and Lou-Lou. After her close call, Raquel is looking to make a fresh start, but Kanan doesn’t trust her or believe it when she says she’s done,” the series description continues. “Can she really be out of the game? Returning this season is Italian mob boss Stefano (Tony Danza), while new adversaries are introduced such as “Snaps” and “Pop” (Wendell Pierce and Erika Woods).” Miller told EUR exclusively that loyal “Power” franchise fans can “expect the unexpected” this season. https://youtu.be/ZG6Jw5xgP9s Megan Thee Stallion did the pretty girl rock at Paris Hilton‘s premiere party for her show “Paris In Love.” However, fans were conflicted about Megan associating with Paris due to the Hilton heiress’ past racist behavior. One person did not hold back her criticism of the reality star, “Why are we always so forgiving? When this alabaster trash wad at her peak she didn’t even associate with black people 🤷🏾♀️ I’m sure there are some financial benefits here but please gatekeeper the culture before they are wearing those damn velour sweatsuits she adored 🥴🤣.” Another fan felt Paris pretending to be besties with Megan was only for the cameras, “So Paris is rebranding as not racist. Interesting. Now she needs blk women 😂 the way the world has flipped.” A third critic noticed, “I find it so interesting that Paris has wiped the internet of her problematic and racist past. Esp right before her “I’m the victim of..” film to reinvent herself.” We guess, since Paris fell off as a fixture in pop culture she had to enlist the Blacks. There is a thought that people change and we should offer grace for growth, which is true. However, others believe once a racist always a racist. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0UYPJ3Lwsz/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=02864476-77ec-4cdd-904a-dbb11deb0a06&img_index=1 A TikToker @taibaybee describes how she thought a guy liked her and how he convinced her to call him ‘Master’ and allowed this menace to use the ‘N-word’ as a term of endearment towards her. She later discovered he never liked her and used their “relationship” as an inside joke with his friends. To quote racist pop singer John Mayer‘s song “Daughters,” fathers and mothers, especially of young Black girls, love and teach your daughters how to develop self-love and respect. https://twitter.com/i/status/1730317529418006695 Social media influencer @lovechanellenje asked, “Why is Maxwell’s intro so long?” https://static.cdninstagram.com/rsrc.php/v3/yb/r/UsSR4Cvo4Px.png Happy Bday Golden Brooks who turns 53 years young today. https://v16m-default.tiktokcdn-us.com/e6cd2583cea87ccd1edca04734ce6ec8/656c30e2/video/tos/useast5/tos-useast5-ve-0068c001-tx/6f559cbafce94ec7b79612e95225109f/?a=1988&ch=0&cr=3&dr=0&lr=tiktok_m&cd=0%7C0%7C1%7C3&cv=1&br=2348&bt=1174&bti=NDU3ZjAwOg%3D%3D&cs=0&ds=3&ft=_G6uMBnZq8ZmowM6cQ_vjI2dsAhLrus&mime_type=video_mp4&qs=0&rc=N2ZnPGg1OWhoODw7M2c2ZEBpamkzeDR2PHU0NTMzNzczM0BfLWBfMGFeNjUxNTY2Ly40YSM1YzNlbjZmYTJgLS1kMTZzcw%3D%3D&l=202312030139570300EEADD370B0306208&btag=e00008000 With sales of non-alcoholic beverages recently becoming a nearly half-billion dollar industry, even Target is becoming sober curious. The chain is partnering with Sèchey, an online retailer that sells alcohol-free spirits and wines, to add a selection of popular brands rolling out to 450 Target stores across the US ahead of the typically booze-filled holiday party season. Drinks in the lineup include two celebrity-backed companies: Kin Euphorics, a trendy brand co-founded by model Bella Hadid, and Katy Perry’s De Soi, which makes non-alcoholic apéritifs. Other brands include NOPE and Ghia, both of which produce non-alcoholic canned cocktails, and alcohol-free wine company Surely. Target said in a statement that it’s adding the selection for customers “to enjoy as they prepare to entertain for the holiday season and beyond.” The company regularly partners with external companies to lure in customers, and this holiday season added a collection from jewelry designer Kendra Scott. “Séchey is a great curator of non-alcoholic brands and will help Target to elevate its offer,” Neil Saunders, retail analyst and managing director at GlobalData Retail, told CNN. “This is good for the younger generations that Target already attracts, it’s also a sensible way of creating some interest in the grocery side of the business.” https://youtu.be/bz82dn5cvBE If you’re a Johnny Britt fan, you’ll be glad to know that his label, J-Jams Records, has announced the release of “Ocean Waves” the 3rd single from the “After We Play” album. This Quiet Storm gem follows up on Britt’s star turns with “Butterflies feat. Will Downing” and “Summer Love feat. Gerald Albright & Kashan.” Soul Jazz Singer/Trumpeter Johnny Britt is excited by the release of “Ocean Waves” which continues the momentum of the diverse album that spawned Britt’s first #1 single as a solo artist. “I’ve been looking forward to releasing this track, it’s such a vibe” shares Johnny. “Ocean Waves” features Kansas City’s bass phenom Blair Bryant and was written, arranged, and produced by Johnny Britt, mixed by Nils, and mastered by Ron Boustead at Resolution Mastering. The forthcoming companion music video for “Ocean Waves” was filmed in the Caribbean in the British Virgin Islands. https://youtu.be/v3DnZhDY_HE The inmate accused of stabbing Derek Chauvin, the former police officer convicted in George Floyd’s killing, has been charged with attempted murder, according to court documents. According to the federal complaint, at approximately 12:30 p.m. local time on November 24, Chauvin was in the law library at FCI-Tucson when John Turscak, 52, attacked him with an improvised knife and stabbed him approximately 22 times, causing serious bodily injury. “Federal corrections offices immediately responded and deployed OC spray to subdue Turscak,” the criminal complaint added. According to the complaint, Turscak told the corrections officers he would have killed Chauvin had they not responded so quickly. https://youtu.be/yO5ACD5eqQQ A white male high schooler in Kansas was charged with aggravated battery after he physically assaulted a fellow student and called her the N-word. The violent brawl occurred at Shawnee Mission East on Nov. 15 and was captured on cell phone video. The footage shows a Black female, Brey’anna Brown, confronting a White female classmate about her use of the n-word, which she denied using — and that’s when the white boy popped off, The Daily Mail reports. https://twitter.com/i/status/1729546630414680141 The House voted Friday to expel GOP Rep. George Santos, a historic vote that makes the New York congressman the sixth lawmaker ever to be expelled from the chamber. The vote brings an end to a scandal-plagued and tumultuous tenure on Capitol Hill for the freshman New York congressman. Expulsion is the most severe form of punishment for a lawmaker in the House. It is exceedingly rare and requires a two-thirds majority vote to succeed – a high bar to clear. Santos had survived prior attempts to oust him, but there was growing momentum for the latest effort after the House Ethics Committee released a long-awaited report, which concluded that the congressman had “sought to fraudulently exploit every aspect of his House candidacy for his own personal financial profit.” The resolution passed 311 to 114, with 105 Republicans voting with the overwhelming majority of Democrats in favor of expulsion. Two Democrats voted “no,” and two Democrats voted present. https://youtu.be/49pyT90i6-A Santos told CNN after the vote to expel, “It’s over.” “The House spoke,” Santos said. “That’s their vote. They just set a new dangerous precedent for themselves.” “To hell with this place,” he said. Santos announced that he would not seek reelection following the release of the ethics report, but he had refused to resign and denounced the investigation as “a disgusting politicized smear.” https://youtu.be/3VoEogUhfvU Funnyman Dave Chappelle says he was “tricked” by controversial GOP Congresswoman Lauren Boebert. Here is the deal. Chappelle said yes to taking a selfie with the Colorado rep at the Capitol on Thursday (11-30-23). Of course, he could’ve said no but he was just trying to be a nice guy. You see, what he didn’t know was that Boebert didn’t waste any time turning it into a political, anti-trans message on X/Twitter. The pic which also included Republica Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna was captioned by Boebert, saying: “Just three people who understand that there’s only two genders.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1730360863310168105 The comedian has not exactly walked away from accusations of embracing transphobia in his stage act, he is said to be perturbed with what Boebert wrote. Regarding the comic’s reaction to Boebert’s action, here is what a spokesperson told Huff Post on Friday that C happelle “can be ticked all he wants. That’s the reality of the situation. There are only two genders,” And for a little something extra on the situation, check out comic J-L Cauvin‘s hilarious take on the Chappelle-Boebert selfie situation: https://youtu.be/9wKdU2C2lts The new concert film from Beyonce is expected to have a global opening between $30 million and $40 million, according to Deadline. We reported previously that Queen Bey is bringing her Renaissance World Tour to AMC Theatres starting Dec. 1. This is the second movie to be distributed in wide release by exhibitor AMC following “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” — which opened this fall and had a worldwide box office of $250M, according to Deadline. “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé” will play in thousands of U.S., Canadian, and Mexican theaters (and Israel), with tickets available via AMC and Fandango. Deadline writes, “If the new movie, which is hot with Black audiences and older women, is lucky, it will be lead the box office with a $20M domestic start, and possibly $20M abroad.”“We hear that Renaissance presales at AMC and Regal theaters, which have a big footprint with Black moviegoing audiences, look very robust, while No. 3 circuit Cinemark does not,” the outlet continues. https://youtu.be/AqjPzq3uYXQ The national Black Lives Matter organization on Thursday dismissed as an “imposter” an activist (Mark Fisher) who identified himself as a leader of the movement in Rhode Island and declared he was backing Donald Trump for president. “This is a publicity stunt,” Black Lives Matter and Black Lives Matter Rhode Island PAC said in a joint statement to CNN. “The right-wing continues to use and amplify fringe Black voices to create an idea of broad support for their corrupt candidates.” Trump, in a social media post Wednesday, praised the activist, Mark Fisher, as a “great guy” and said he was “very honored to have his and BLM’s support.” Fisher said he is the co-founder of Black Lives Matter Rhode Island, which is separate from the Rhode Island group that condemned his Trump endorsement. Trump said he spoke to Fisher after Fisher had criticized the Democratic Party in an appearance on Fox News and said he’d be voting for the former president. Trump’s remarks represent a sharp departure after years of disparaging Black Lives Matter and blaming it for violence across the country. He has referred to the group as a “Marxist organization” that is “discriminatory” and accused it of being a “symbol of hate.” His comments also come as the current front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination lo https://youtu.be/ihbBiFkGntkoks to make inroads with minority voters, with polling showing Black support for President Joe Biden softening, particularly among young Black men. https://youtu.be/ihbBiFkGntk KeKe Palmer and actress DomiNque Perry have a few things in common — their baby daddies are brothers, and both are accused of being abusive toward women. Perry claims her “Insecure” co-star Sarunas Jackson, with whom she shares a minor daughter, choked her amid their legal battle over custody of the 5-year-old child named Zen. Jackson filed a “Petition to Determine Parental Relationship” in Los Angeles Superior Court earlier this year, seeking legal and physical custody of his daughter. Perry issued a response opposing the request, Ice Cream Convos reports. She claims Sarunas abused her physically and emotionally for over the past five years. In the legal filing obtained by RadarOnline, she detailed a March 2020 incident where Sarunas choked her out. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzeUsReOBrB/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=6372f928-274f-43d4-a38b-b7908d5caa29 Teyana Taylor told Jimmy Kimmel about her experience at the 2023 Met Gala and how she got stuck in her dress. The singer-actress-director told the late-night host how she snuck food into the event and that Jennifer Lopez tried to help adjust her dress so she could go to the lavatory. TT initially thought Anna Wintour would disinvite her from future galas because of Teyana‘s tendency to sneak in outside food, but she’s still on the VIP list. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0QgF-FOZZZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Victoria Monét appeared during Usher‘s Las Vegas Residency and gifted him a jacket with ‘Super Bowl LVIII’ etched on the back. Victoria posted on IG about the iconic moment, “What an unforgettable experience! A living legend and a real class act […] We smiled ALL night long and that’s the type of joy you bring to this world with your timeless, limitless art! And your heart is somehow even better than all of this.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C0RqDubrFc9/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again During her performance, Ari Lennox peppered a hater fan for hurling an object at her. Ari reminded everyone she is from PG County while on tour with fellow artist Rod Wave. Eventually, the sound team cut her mic, and her security had to escort her off the stage before the situation escalated. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0RjfLmMOuv/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Sarunas Jackson, who starred in “Insecure,” had some interesting things to say about Trey Songz and the singer’s interaction with Keke Palmer. Currently, DomiNque Perry, the mother of Sarunas‘ child, filed documents in California Superior Court to gain full custody, citing the actor’s propensity for engaging in mental and physical abuse. The actor’s brother Darius Jackson is also embroiled in a custody battle with his estranged girlfriend Keke Palmer after video images were released showing Darius abusing the “Nope” actress. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cbd04-Hturl/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Sports Illustrated (SI) revealed Deion Sanders, the University of Colorado Buffaloes head football coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer, as the 2023 Sportsperson of the Year. Sanders’s blend of unparalleled athletic accomplishments and transformative impact on the football program, school, and community of Boulder transcends sports and ripples throughout the culture. Over the past year, “Coach Prime” rebuilt Colorado, turning a team that won one game in 2022 into one of the country’s most popular programs and biggest audience draws. Online team store sales have skyrocketed, and every home game at Folsom Field saw a sold-out crowd for the first time in school history, boasting record-setting viewership. Off the field, the Prime Effect was felt in the Colorado admissions office—first-year, Black, and nonresident applications have all surged at the school—and in the Boulder community, where football success has sparked an economic boom for local businesses. https://youtu.be/giVl5jrrr2E The strides made in Boulder alone don’t fully explain why Sanders is SI’s 2023 Sportsperson of the Year. According to SI senior writer Pat Forde, his use of the transfer portal, his recruiting prowess and his embrace of NIL opportunities for his players are all changing the paradigm of what it takes to build a national-profile college football program. The Sanders journey is just beginning to remake the college football landscape. “Deion Sanders dominated the sports conversation in 2023 as a transformative figure not just in Colorado, but for the entire realm of college sports,” said Stephen Cannella, editor-in-chief of Sports Illustrated. “On and off the field, he represents a new model for the modern college coach. The Sportsperson of the Year honor, a distinction for some of the most legendary figures in sports over the past seven decades, is now enriched by the addition of Deion to its roster.” https://youtu.be/XlEkcJwMj6s Your holiday season is about to become brighter with all the new content coming to Netflix in December. As Teen Vogue reports, some of the titles arriving this month include Netflix Originals such as “May December,” starring Natalie Portman, season 2 of the horror series “Sweet Home,” the psychological horror film “Leave the World Behind” starring Mahershala Ali, Julia Roberts, and Ethan Hawke, part 2 of “The Crown” season 6, and Zack Snyder’s space epic “Rebel Moon.” Per Netflix, “Rebel Moon is about Kora (Sofia Boutella), a lone-wolf soldier who’s found community and connection on the quiet farming moon of Veldt. She’s a long way away from her former life fighting for the Imperium, the brutal interstellar royal empire bent on controlling the galaxy. But Kora’s violent past is dredged up when sadistic admiral Atticus Noble (Ed Skrein) comes to Veldt via a Dreadnought-class battle cruiser and stirs up deadly trouble on the orders of the Imperium’s tyrannical regent, Balisarius (Fra Fee).” He tells the Black girl, “Shut the f**k up,” and when Brown responds, “Who said that?” the young racist says, “Me, Ni**a. Me.” Then, the male aggressor charges down the hall and pushes and punches Brown repeatedly. Both students were suspended because Brown hit him back, sparking student protests and a walkout on Monday morning (Nov. 27). The students walked out chanting, “How many more times,” “We want change,” and “Have our backs,” the Kansas City Star reported. “This has been an ongoing issue with racism at East. There are multiple situations that have happened over and over again,” said senior Charlize Littlejohn, Atlanta Black Star reports. https://youtu.be/_rHLOXbFZtI Check out the comments from some fellas because Jalen has most of them hurting. Social media influencer @lantbo coined a new terminology, congratuHATE, because Jalen has proven to be the gold standard, and the men are Smokey Robinson green-eyed jealous. “A lot of people are liking this post SIMPLY because they seen @jalenhurts! Ain’t read the caption or nothing! Ol AUTOMATIC LIKE provider’aah . Ni**a inadvertently positively boosting my ratings. 😒,” wrote Phillip Benjamin Hudson, the original poster. Another disgruntled admirer of JH went in with his uplifting roast, “Man what …. Boy if he’ll get his Shemar Moore head ass 😂… y’all trippen 😂 I’ll roast his ass then lol.. fym lol.. young and the restless character looking ass lol.. I was a stunt double for a Tyler perry movie lookin ass 😂.. ion smile I grin lookin ass.. heart to heart conversations is great looking ass .. 😂 .. who ?!! 1999 Soul train host lookin ass .. i know I can, I know I can lookin ass.. y’all trippen Anybody can get it 😂😂… #gotstoseeitthrumyboy 😂. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0RT1fRAKZn/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Blue Ivy posed for the cameras at her London film premiere, “Renaissance,” featuring her mother, Beyoncé. Blue even hammed it up for the adoring fans before making their way into the theater because she felt cold. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0SJ6AZPtqy/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again The late great André Leon Talley once commented on the fashion industry, observing, “There is a famine of beauty.” Well, bay-by, if the famed fashion journalist were alive today, he would be overcome by the deluge of pulchritude that graced Elle magazine’s “Women in Hollywood” issue cover. Fantasia, Taraji P. Henson, and Danielle Brooks star in the anticipated musical “The Color Purple,” but the ladies did not come to play. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0RyNV6rdBs/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=5b4cddb8-e0a6-49cd-960e-9c6246b0022b Those company potlucks will be fast and furious now that we are in the full holiday season. But remember those employees who have cats, dogs, or other living creatures roaming their homes and position yourself to eat only the store-bought food. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cz9BiMtOL15/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Recent studies suggest that the economic picture for Black Californians is not looking rosy. Increasingly, the state is becoming more unaffordable for African Americans, leading many families to relocate to less expensive places both within and outside of the borders of the Golden State. “After pandemic-era declines, California’s poverty rate is on the rise. Expansions to safety net programs during the pandemic reduced poverty substantially, but these expansions had mostly expired by the end of 2022,” reads a report published by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) on Oct. 24. For Black Californians, the poverty rate at 13.6% is more than double the percentage of African Americans living in California, which currently stands at about 5.8% of the state’s population of nearly 40 million. “While economic growth throughout 2022 countered some of these program losses — by boosting family resources from work — the state’s overall poverty rate increased from 11.7% in fall 2021 to 13.2% in early 2023,” the PPIC report continued. 50 Cent revealed in a new interview that he initially offered his 2003 single “Magic Stick” to Miami rapper Trina before it went to Lil’ Kim. [“Magic Stick”] was written for ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin’. And then it didn’t make it. I wrote that record intentionally to work with Trina. I sent it to Trina,” 50 said on the Apple Music show, Complex reports. “They f*cked up the record, they sent it back. F*cked up. They had the lyrics and everything on it, and they messed it up,” Fif said of Trina’s team. “Then Gee Robeson came and got it from me, heard the record, and was like, ‘Yo, I need this. I need this for Kim. I need it,'” he added. “Magic Stick” appeared on her “La Bella Mafia” album. Fiddy said Kim took the song and “made a good record” reminiscent of the sexually charged lyrics on her debut album, “Hard Core.” https://youtu.be/Coav1tAY3H4 R&B artist Meli’sa Morgan is the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s SoulTracks Readers’ Choice Awards. The Queens, New York native is known for her memorable ballads with top Billboard hits like “Love Changes,” “Do Me Baby,” and “Do You Still Love Me,” and her mega mid-tempo dance hit “Fool’s Paradise.” Her latest release, “Footprints of An Angel” dropped in 2002, SoulTracks reports. “We are proud to present this Lifetime Achievement Award to an artist who has meant so much to SoulTrackers,” per SoulTraks. https://youtu.be/OnipZPAX5Sw In a post shared with fans on her official Instagram page, Morgan wrote, “I am so Honored to be chosen by @soultrackscom to receive “THE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT” Award for 2023! It is so nice to be recognized for The Body of Work I have and The Years I have Been in the Music Industry. I love what I do and I have so much more to Achieve! Thank you so much SoulTracks.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C0SwWkjtPt7/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=eeaea3eb-a389-4f45-ae56-141c3e5df304&img_index=1 As the star and brains behind OWN’s #1 hit reality TV show Love & Marriage: Huntsville, now in its 7th season, fans are well accustomed to the vivacious persona, business acumen, and talent of Melody Shari. The mogul and influencer has made her mark in many areas, and she now plans to add music to that list of achievements. Last week during the Thanksgiving holiday, Melody released her latest single – a steamy Christmas track entitled, Mrs. Santa, along with a music video. “The song just came to me. I literally hit up my engineer and manager and said I want to do a Christmas song,” Melody Shari said. “I love Christmas. It’s my favorite holiday. During that time, you think about your loved ones, spending time with the person you love, the fireplace, mistletoe, kisses…. all things positive, all things love, Christmas joy.” https://youtu.be/TBYCuaBaqqY Music producer Mickey “Memphitz” Wright announced that he is set to star in a new dating reality series based in Atlanta. He hit up social media earlier this week to post a flyer for the project to his Instagram Story, The Jasmine Brand reports. The announcement prompted criticism from women who recalled his abuse toward women, including exes K. Micelle and Toya Johnson-Rushing. Memphitz and Toya were married from 2011 to 2016. The two appeared together on “Marriage Bootcamp: Reality Stars” and got into a heated argument, which resulted in him tossing food and screaming at her. The ex-couple decided to participate in the program to help repair their relationship. At the time, he hit up Instagram to address his behavior, writing, “In Life, mistakes will be made & I’m kool with that. Not making the same mistakes twice is where I’m at with it these days. #marriagebootcamp… I never have & never will put my hands on any woman. #The End. ” Meanwhile, K. Michelle talked about his abuse when she appeared on “Love and Hip Hop,” and the music producer subsequently sued her and series producer Mona Scott Young for defamation. According to The Jasmine Brand, Memphitz lost the case partly due to his admission that he and the defendant had a physical altercation. https://static.cdninstagram.com/rsrc.php/v3/yb/r/UsSR4Cvo4Px.png Rapper Jeezy claims Jeannie Mai is “interfering” with his parental rights. The estranged couple’s informal agreement regarding parenting their daughter Monaco isn’t working, so Jeezy wants the court to intervene, The Blast reports.The hip-hop star claims the former host of “The Real” acts like a “gatekeeper” whenever he wants to spend time with their child, according to Jeezy’s legal filing, per The Blast. Jeezy filed for divorce in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sept. 14, after two-and-a-half years of marriage. According to People, the filing says the marriage is “irretrievably broken” with “no hope for reconciliation.”Mai and Jeezy are “currently living in a bona fide state of separation,” per the legal documents. Mike Epps says Ice Cube wants to turn the “Friday” movies into a touring stage play. “The last person I texted was Ice Cube. He wants to do the movie Friday; he wants to go out on tour, like as a play,” Epps said in a new episode of PEOPLE in 10.“He’s trying to get Chris Tucker to do church stuff in it, and Katt Williams,” Epps added. “[It’s] a little crazy, but if we can find these two dudes and get them in it, it’ll be really good.” Epps appeared in the second and third installments of the movie franchise, “Next Friday” (2000) and “Friday After Next” (2002). The original film starred Cube and Chris Tucker as two friends who smoke up a local dealer’s marijuana on a Friday and “must come up with $200 they owe” the “local bully, or there won’t be a Saturday,” per IMDB. https://twitter.com/icecube/status/1476202210501357575?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1476202210501357575%7Ctwgr%5E601d53b22518639439edf6d591ac9c26f9a1256d%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2023%2Fice-cube-wants-to-turn-friday-into-touring-stage-play%2F In the video, comedian-actress Josey James tearfully said, “I’m so f*cking tired of being alone. I’m so tired of trying to find love. I might not be pretty to somebody, but goddam, I’m pretty to me… I don’t understand why the f*ck I’m still living… I just wanna be somebody’s girlfriend, somebody’s wife, somebody’s something.” https://v16m-default.tiktokcdn-us.com/44e00b94b8e345e22a765991faa5c772/656ad324/video/tos/useast5/tos-useast5-ve-0068c003-tx/owa3UfAIQVMAtkFX85CfKKxAF9tHjIgxQeOI81/?a=1988&ch=0&cr=3&dr=0&lr=tiktok_m&cd=0%7C0%7C1%7C3&cv=1&br=3016&bt=1508&bti=NDU3ZjAwOg%3D%3D&cs=0&ds=3&ft=_G6uMBnZq8ZmoZ5XcQ_vjLqhsAhLrus&mime_type=video_mp4&qs=0&rc=PGZlZmU8OzY7ZThpZ2U5OUBpMzd5dXI5cjV4bzMzZzczNEBeL19eMWNfXzMxYWIyNDVhYSMyaXNqMmRrLWFgLS1kMS9zcw%3D%3D&l=2023120200451712CE3BE0E6EDFC08DA76&btag=e00010000 Jazminne — aka the “Target Lady,” caught wind of the clip and decided to pay it forward by offering the Target Lady a makeover. Jazminne and her glam squad are known for doing “wig installs on everyday people in the middle of an Atlanta-based Target,” per MadameNoire. Jazminne has a passion for “helping boost others’ confidence,” the outlet writes, so they showed some love to James. The host of “The Beauty Therapy with Jazminne” traveled to South Carolina to give James the ultimate transformation. https://www.tiktok.com/@china.trap/video/7303698889511734574?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2023%2Flonely-tiktoker-gets-glam-makeover%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121355058%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7303698889511734574 For much of the late 19th and early 20th century, Black athletes were subjected to severe racial, social, and economic challenges. But trailblazers like Althea Gibson and Jackie Robinson shattered those unjust barriers, opening up the floodgates for today’s stars to thrive. African-American athletes have since continued to break feats and dominate the world of sports in every way possible. Not only did these inspiring individuals excel in their respective sports, but they also stood up for their community and used their fame to push for more inclusion both on and off the field. This article showcases Black athletes who have played a significant role in shaping society and are considered the greatest of all time. https://youtu.be/ZRzPx86MTsw For much of the late 19th and early 20th century, Black athletes were subjected to severe racial, social, and economic challenges. A winner of seven Olympic Medals and twenty-five World Gymnastic Championship Medals – at just the age of 26 – Simone Biles is a great Black American athlete and role model – in the gym and beyond. Despite all her accomplishments in her early career, it hasn’t been smooth sailing for the gymnast, and she’s had her share of problems outside of the sport. In 2018, in the wake of the #metoo movement, Biles came forward alongside many of her teammates about being sexually abused by the former US gymnastics team physician. https://youtu.be/QQYoRoOQyvA For much of the late 19th and early 20th century, Black athletes were subjected to severe racial, social, and economic challenges. Multiracial tennis star Naomi Osaka remains at the top of the charts for holding the title of the highest-paid female athlete globally – twice in a row. But that’s not why she’s on our line-up. The legendary player has been making a name for her activism off the court. She has used her abilities in sports as a means of social change. Following the Black Lives Matter movement of 2020, she boycotted the Cincinnati Open as a stance against the police shooting of Jacob Blake. Then, at the US Open, Osaka made a statement with her black mask on the court, with each match wearing the name of a Black person who needlessly lost their lives to social inequality. “Before I am an athlete, I am a Black woman,” she stated on social media. https://youtu.be/6TzzIbFFySY For much of the late 19th and early 20th century, Black athletes were subjected to severe racial, social, and economic challenges. A charismatic and fearless boxing legend, Muhammad Ali, fascinated the world with his unmatched skills in the ring and unwavering compassion outside it. Ali started a different kind of fight in 1966 when he refused to serve in the Vietnam War and became a conscientious objector. He was arrested almost immediately and was stripped of his titles and boxing license. https://youtu.be/V2EfL1j4KYE One of Diddy’s former bodyguards confirmed that he had witnessed the music mogul brutalizing his ex-girlfriend, former singer Cassie Ventura. Diddy recently settled a $30 million lawsuit with Ventura after she accused him of rape, physical abuse, and sex trafficking during their decade-long relationship. Details of the settlement have not been revealed. A man named Roger Bonds is named in the lawsuit, as the legal docs detailed how he had to intervene several times to stop Diddy from violently assaulting Cassie and several other women. “There comes a time where you in a situation that may seem like a good situation but if you not waking up happy…or if you really don’t want to be around that person you’ll find every excuse to get out of there…and I got diabetes, so my excuse was I can’t be with you everyday…in reality it was I was sick, I was sick of you,” said Bonds in a video shared on social media, The Jasmine Brand reports. He added, “I was sick of everything that was going on around you. i was sick of having to cover up everything that you did…Cassie spoke on it, she said ‘yea I jumped on it, I jumped in between it’. That wasn’t the only time, it was other times and it was other people.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1729911806338933006 An arrest warrant has been issued for Buffalo Bills linebacker Von Miller, who has been accused of assaulting a pregnant woman, the Dallas Police Department said in a statement to CNN on Thursday. A police spokesperson told CNN the arrest warrant is active, meaning Miller is currently not in custody. The police department said that Dallas police responded to what it said was “a major disturbance call” on Wednesday around 11 a.m. local time. Police said a preliminary investigation determined Miller and the woman had a verbal argument and that Miller allegedly assaulted her. According to police, Miller left the scene before officers arrived and the woman was treated for minor injuries and not hospitalized. https://youtu.be/-r2ubSPgH30 “This morning, we were made aware of an incident involving Von Miller,” the Bills said in a statement. “We are in the process of gathering more information and will have no further comment at this point.” CNN has reached out to Miller for comment but had not heard back by the time of publication. When reached by CNN, a spokesperson for the NFL said the league is aware of the matter and has been in contact with the Bills but declined to comment beyond that. Miller, 34, is originally from DeSoto, Texas. He has won two Super Bowls – one with the Denver Broncos and the other with the Los Angeles Rams – and was named Super Bowl 50 MVP. https://youtu.be/pME3uFFD3RA Aretha Franklin’s sons will divide the late singer’s real estate properties after a judge cited a handwritten will from 2014 found between couch cushions. We reported previously via CNN that jurors found that the handwritten will, discovered by Franklin’s niece after the singer’s death, was signed by Franklin in 2014 and shows her intent. Franklin owned four homes when she died of pancreatic cancer in 2018. Months after her death, the discovery of the two handwritten wills led to a dispute between her sons regarding her assets. On Monday, the judge overseeing the estate awarded properties to Franklin’s sons. According to NPR, Franklin’s son, Kecalf Franklin, will a multi-million dollar property described by an attorney as the “crown jewel.” Another son, Ted White II, will receive the sale proceeds from a house in Detroit that the estate sold for $300,000. Edward Franklin, the third son, was also granted property. https://youtu.be/5sjHY-zB0VU Another property worth more than $1 million will likely be sold, and the proceeds will be shared among four sons, according to NPR. In August, it was reported that Franklin’s childhood home in Detroit was sold for $355k. According to TMZ, the 6000-square-foot property in Detroit’s La Salle Gardens neighborhood boasts 6-bed, 5-bath, fireplaces and an extra 1-bedroom unit upstairs. Franklin reportedly lived at the location from age 5 to 18. She revisited the house in 2011. https://youtu.be/3rdCsE7AwmU Black voters expressed their frustration with President Joe Biden in a new episode of the New York Times podcast “The Run-Up.” Astead W. Herndon hosted the conversation at his childhood home, where family members also joined him to discuss the 2024 presidential race, Business Insider reports. One Black voter said Democrats have failed Black males; another said Black people supported Kamala Harris during the 2020 presidential race because “she had that pearls-and-gym shoes thing and you saw all women from sororities coming together with their pearls and in their Chucks.” “They were like, ‘Oh, we’ve got someone that looks like us in there,'” the woman continued. “And they were hoping, like we said with [former President Barack] Obama … they were expecting her to do so much and we’ve seen nothing. And so now it’s like, who speaks for us?” Black voters helped Joe Biden secure the 2020 presidential win, and they typically Vote Blue No Matter Who. Some Democratic supporters, however, have become indifferent to the party, Herndon reported. “I think people were thinking that she would be it and that’s why we voted. And so now that we don’t have what we expected, it’s kind of like, okay, well there goes that,” one woman told Herndon, Business Insider reports. https://youtu.be/GbjNKG9kOuE SZA is Variety‘s Hitmaker of the Year and told the outlet how disappointed her song “Consideration” was taken from her and used as Rihanna’s Anti opener. “I was so frustrated and felt like I’d never make something that cool again…it was the centerpiece to my album at the time…In hindsight, it was so hard to accept. But now I’m so glad it happened. It cost me nothing, I gained so much from it,” said the songstress. However, fans called cap on her interpretation of events, “Sza also forgot to mention that she took the song to a literal writing camp where they [sell] songs and she played it for Rihanna, this girl just wants attention.” Another person did not hold back their disdain for SZA allegedly misrepresenting the facts, “she so annoying. She’s told this story in so many iterations. You’re being paid to be in this writing camp. It’s not to put you on, it’s to grow RIHANNAS BRAND. She plays what she thinks is the only fire she has in her arsenal for whomever and that gets chosen and she begins to regret it. Like what exactly did you want from playing them the song? Them to love it And decide to make you a big star and say f–k RIRI? She’s so frustrating but so talented so it’s like you gotta take the delusional with the talent. She also gave mix messages about Snooze. Leon Thomas and Baby Face had the song fleshed out. Leon went on Zane Lowe and said Sza did a drive-by in the studio and heard the song and liked it. Maybe she wrote some and edited some but the chorus and bridge were done . Maybe even the first verse (Leon has his own version online and it fits fantastic) but she felt the need to make a story on IG saying she wrote all of snooze and she takes her writing seriously. 🚩” Artists sometimes make up their own reality, but as she said, it all turned out well for her. https://twitter.com/ViralContentz/status/1730008075791139300?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1730008471284662508%7Ctwgr%5Edc84545f583cb4701d068d5bf733e6cf7bbbee9b%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2023%2Fsza-disappointed-her-song-was-given-to-rihanna-fans-say-shes-capping-beyonce-shuts-down-her-hater-wears-all-white-more-picvideo%2F Kevin Frazier hit up Eddie Murphy at the Los Angeles premiere of “Candy Cane Lane” (streaming Dec. 1 on Prime Video). Kevin asked the actor and comedian about his thoughts concerning Nick Cannon, who, like Eddie, has a brood of children. Eddie has ten kiddos, and Nick has edged him out with 12. The “Beverly Hills Cop” actor said he doesn’t have any advice for the “Drumline” star but punctuated his statement with a “Lawd have mercy” at the realization of Nick’s band of disciples. “Eddie turned into a southern black woman😂😂😂😂😂 lawd have mercy😂😂,” remarked one fan. “lol but my question is how is Nick and Eddie even in the same lane to give advice Eddie don’t have kids all over the place The majority of Eddie kids came from one woman. I think he does not have as many baby mamas as Nick. It’s the Lord have mercy for me! Love Eddie!!” added another person. https://youtu.be/ZEbVsFkUbWc Beyoncé gave a subtle dig at her critics who accuse her of whitewashing her skin complexion to appear like Becky with the good hair. Queen Bey twirled on her haters and posted pics wearing all white with her platinum blonde, ahh touché Beyoncé. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0QSf7ArjIy/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=1cfd83b8-b588-4e11-810d-0a2ea3cc6c61 Daniel Kaluuya lands on the cover of Rolling Stone UK. He hit them Europeans with that melanin. He also spoke about his projects, winning awards, and sports. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0O_bM9MBRf/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Several churches are reportedly planning services for the late Bishop Carlton Pearson. The megachurch pastor passed away on Nov. 19 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, after battling cancer. He was 70. Pearson’s 1980s television program on Trinity Broadcasting Network became one of the most-watched shows, and he rose to fame as pastor of the 5,000-member Higher Dimensions Family Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Netflix’s 2018 “Come Sunday” biopic explored his life and controversial religious views. A Facebook post confirmed Bishop Pearson died peacefully in his sleep. Before his death, Pearson described his ideal memorial service, including gospel musicians and Bishop Yvette Flunder’s eulogy, Religion News Service reports. “I want to see the excellence of what we are, what we do under the anointing with class,” he said in the YouTube video recorded from hospice and released by Larry Reid Live, per RNS. “I want to show diversity.” Flunder will not appear at the church service in Tulsa, nor the two reportedly planned in Atlanta. Shannon Sharpe is catching heat online for lusting over Megan Thee Stallion. Sharpe, 55, and his co-host on the Nightcap podcast, Chad “OchoCinco” Johnson, 45, reacted to accusations of sexual harassment over Sharpe’s comments about how he would have sex with the rapper if given the chance. “I’d have her stretched out like quarter to three,” Shannon said during a previous broadcast, MadameNore reports. “I keep that liquid on me. I’ll do it to her three ways — deep, hard and continuously… I’d have her opening up like saloon doors.” Chad added, “You got a bad hip, she’s got good knees — that’s a perfect match.” https://youtu.be/AI1oHDryB4o “I’ll tell you what. If Meg had a problem with anything I said, I’ll take the time to say, I’m sorry. I apologize,” Shannon said on the Nov. 28 episode of Nightcap. “You didn’t say anything wrong or disrespectful, though, Unc. You were just giving her praises,” Chad said. Meanwhile, Megan Thee Stallion recently revealed that while she loves to “f—k,” she’s now “turning over a new leaf.” “It’s like nobody be listening to my music,” she said on Instagram Live. “They be like, [gasp] ‘Megan Thee Stallion … I cannot believe she likes to have sex! I cannot believe Megan Thee Stallion f–ks!’” https://twitter.com/i/status/1727727154257867127 Fans of Serena Williams are concerned after the tennis champ revealed she is “not ok” in a recent social media post. In a Nov. 28 X/Twitter post, Williams, 42, wrote, “I am not ok today. And that’s ok to not be ok. No one is ok every single day. If you are not ok today I’m with you. There’s always tomorrow. Love you.” In the comments, one person responded, “I hope you feel better lady. You’re absolutely right. It’s ok not to be okay sometimes, and to acknowledge it. But, here’s the thing. Put on some feel good music and do the running man throughout the house. It just might lift your spirit”. Another X user added, “Millions need and needed to hear this. God bless you and yours.” A third fan wrote, “This spoke to me. Thank you for these energy giving words. I have prayed for you, you will be okay! I will be okay also.” https://twitter.com/serenawilliams/status/1729612290284986471 Elon Musk has a message for advertisers boycotting his X (formerly Twitter) platform… “Go f*ck yourself,” he said during a new interview. “What this advertising boycott is going to do is, it is going to kill the company,” Musk said Wednesday during a conversation with Andrew Ross Sorkin at the New York Times Dealbook Summit, per The Hollywood Reporter. “And the whole world will know that those advertisers killed the company.” Musk also responded to Disney and other brands’ decision to pull advertising from X. “Don’t advertise. If someone is going to try and blackmail me with advertising? Blackmail me with money? Go f*ck yourself,” Musk said. “Go f*ck yourself, is that clear? Hey Bob, if you’re in the audience,” said Musk to Disney CEO Bob Iger, a speaker at the summit. “That’s how I feel, don’t advertise.” Musk is accused of promoting antisemitic content via his personal X account, prompting several advertisers, including Apple, to boycott X. https://twitter.com/i/status/1729995954831470946 LSU star forward Angel Reese will rejoin the LSU Tigers for Thursday night’s game against Virginia Tech. Due to undisclosed reasons, Reese has missed four games, prompting rumors and speculation on social media. The Washington Post reports that Coach Kim Mulkey said Reese will play in the home game when the Tigers face off with Virginia Tech on Nov. 30. We reported previously that Reese became a bonafide star when the Tigers won the NCAA tournament in April. She was sent to the bench in the second half of LSU’s game against Kent State earlier this month, and she didn’t play in the match-up against Southeastern Louisiana. According to multiple reports, the young athlete had been suspended due to a low GPA, per KPEL965.com. On X/Twitter, Reese addressed this rumor, writing, “Please don’t believe everything you read.” Reese’s alleged GPA-related suspension was revealed when her mother, Angel Reese Webb, criticized LSU player Flau’jae Johnson’s poor grammar on social media. Johnson’s mother, Kia Brooks, clapped back, Outkick reports. https://twitter.com/MobzWorld/status/1725867791809450116?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1725867791809450116%7Ctwgr%5E582a70a742d11e501a1743c6d8ee0b29f0bdb344%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2023%2Fangel-reese-to-play-with-lsu-thursday-night%2F A new Atlanta-based luxury fashion brand called Brain Love wants you to love yourself. To do that, founder and CEO Archie Clay III says we need to destigmatize mental health. “How do you become better? Our initial idea was, OK, as a child, you have to grow your mind, you have to feed your mind, you have to feed who you are. And that’s essentially what Brain Love is – it’s feeding who you are,” said Clay. “It’s feeding your mind. It’s feeding your faith. And trying to get to the ultimate version of yourself at the end of the day.” https://youtu.be/xXGPOQ8LqYM Clay is no stranger to mental health struggles. His dad had a breakdown when he was 3 years old. Recently, his first fashion company (Wearbrims) ended in a severed relationship with a close friend and co-founder, forcing him to start over. https://static.cdninstagram.com/rsrc.php/v3/yb/r/UsSR4Cvo4Px.png It’s all part of Clay’s mission to change the world. “I think a lot of times, the brands that are truly impacting the world are the brands that are around for a long time. And we want to be around for a long time,” said Clay. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0POSK2rVnH/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again The California Fire Foundation hosted its 2023 Annual California Firefighters Memorial Ceremony and Procession Ceremony on Oct. 14 at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Sacramento. Gov. Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond attended the event organized to honor 35 firefighters who died in the line of duty. Among the honorees was Ronald Yale Wiley, an African American Deputy Fire Marshal Wiley from Richmond who died on duty in 2007. The state formally presented a U.S. flag to each of the families of those whose names are being added to the Fighter’s Memorial Wall in Capitol Park on the east side of the State Capitol. Changing lives with the impact of a storyline, is what playwright Ursula V. Battle (Battle Stage Plays) does, and this holiday her “Serenity House: From Addiction to Deliverance” production will change even more lives. The very popular play stars Randy “Fruity” Roberts (The Choir Boyz), Pam Jackson (Serenity), and Charisse-Caldwell-Bowen. Written by celebrity playwright Battle, directed by Dr. Gregory Wm. Branch, with music direction from Howard “Buddy” Lakins the “Serenity House” stage play delves into the societal problem of addictions. “Serenity House” will be held this holiday Saturday/Sunday, December 16 & 17, 2023 at 3pmEST on Saturday and 4pmEST on Sunday at Redeemed Christian Church of God Mercy Court (529 Walker Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21212). Back by demand the play, which was launched in 2017, is heart-wrenching, yet heart-warming, as it presents to the audience the impact of addiction. The holiday dates are part of the 2023-2024 “Serenity House” Tour. The addiction problem “Serenity House” focuses on is the opioid epidemic, however, the addiction and special issues presented on stage can cross multiple platforms such as eating disorders, prescription drug abuse, domestic violence, incest, and child sex trafficking. The fallout from Cassie’s sexual assault claims against Sean “Diddy” Combs has impacted the Bad Boy Records founder’s Revolt TV media company. Page Six reports that popular podcaster Dawn Montgomery will step down from her role with Revolt. Montgomery announced her departure via X (formerly known as Twitter) last week. “I won’t be signing on to do the [third] season of @revolttv’s ‘Monuments To Me’ podcast,” Montgomery posted while mentioning how her status as a sexual assault survivor impacted her decision. “I am a SA survivor [and] I cannot be a part of a show that’s supposed to uplift black women while [Diddy] leads the company,” she wrote, adding, “Believe Black women.” Montgomery’s departure comes after news of Cassie’s lawsuit against Combs became known. The 37-year-old “Me and You” singer (born Casandra Ventura) filed bombshell court papers alleging her nearly decade-long, volatile relationship with Diddy involved sexual assault, trafficking, and physical abuse. Other claims brought up in the lawsuit included Combs introducing Cassie to alcohol and drugs as well as him forcing her to have sex with male prostitutes, among others. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/yPz5q7tltRs?feature=share A day after the lawsuit generated headlines, a settlement was reached. Despite Cassie’s lawsuit capturing the attention of news outlets, Montgomery alleged efforts from Revolt’s leadership to speak out about the allegations were not made. “[Their silence] says a lot,” she wrote in her post. According to Page Six, Revolt has not reached out to Montgomery since she announced her exit and her post went viral. Although she tried keeping talk of her departure within her network, Montgomery told Page Six, “I said what I said.” The site also noted how it appeared that Revolt initially did not report on Cassie’s lawsuit against Combs, choosing instead to subsequently cover Combs’ response to the case after it was settled. https://twitter.com/_dawnmontgomery/status/1726708617297227995?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1726708617297227995%7Ctwgr%5E6df51958218ad44ff96dd8ae8a6ed84ec427e410%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2023%2Fcassies-sexual-assault-claims-spark-popular-podcasters-revolt-tv-departure%2F Jalen Hurts has caused Kayla Nicole to become a Philadelphia Eagles fan. She reposted a video clip of Jalen sitting courtside at an NBA game. “Fly Eagles fly,” Nicole wrote, referring to the clip. Fans were quick to notice Nicole was rooting for Eagles, a staunch rival of her ex-Travis Kelce’s team. She further tweeted, “Y’all have eyes too. 😂“ We do, sis, but remember that our good brother Jalen is spoken for; he’s in a committed relationship with his bae, the beautiful Bryonna “Bry” Rivera Burrows. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0NFudFMH7n/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=cddc150b-8ac1-45cf-9eb0-147d41da5edc Today is Don Cheadle‘s birthday as he is 59 years old. All we hear is Kevin Hart‘s “D*MN!” Don’t worry Donnie, Kevin‘s day will come too! But on the real, it’s a blessing to see 59, happy bday! https://static.cdninstagram.com/rsrc.php/v3/yb/r/UsSR4Cvo4Px.png Lupita Nyong’o paid tribute to her bestie Chadwick Boseman on his birthday. She captioned a throwback photo taken in Seoul, Korea, while promoting “Black Panther.” She wrote, “Marking the birthday of a heroic friend. I am blessed that his time on this earth coincided with mine. @chadwickboseman (Polaroid taken in Seoul, Korea, in 2018 while promoting #BlackPanther).” Chadwick‘s death still hurts many of his fans today and we send out tons of love in his memory. One fan wrote, “Never met the man. Only saw him on screen and socials, but he moved me sooo much that it baffles me what an emotional connection can do for a person. He was really a blessed being and will forever love on in our hearts. The original Black Panther.” Rest well King T’Challa. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0O_RqXrdLe/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=255604bb-721f-41c0-b34f-16ccf625118a Tokyo Toni seemingly comes for Hillary Clinton but with no added context. One person wondered, “Chile, not a stay tuned, cliff hanger.. she be watching too many YouTube conspiracy videos.. I bet.. 😂” Others speculated Tokyo may drop a bomb revealing she was Bill Clinton’s paramour back in the day. Another person added, “That’s How delusional I’m trying to Be okay now she got everyone wondering what’s the beef between her and Hilary 😂🤷🏾♀️gotta love this woman.” When y’all figure out what TT is gabbing about, let us know. https://twitter.com/i/status/1729900457001156841 It wasn’t enough for Beyoncé to command stadiums around the world this summer. Queen Bey is now coming to movie theaters. “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé,” a documentary about the artist’s record-breaking world tour, will be released Friday, gracing fans with an early Christmas gift. Beyond several trailers promoting the film, little has been said about what to expect. The trailers show Beyoncé on and off stage, juxtaposing her full-glam performance scenes with more everyday clips. In one, she stretches with her 11-year-old daughter Blue Ivy before a show; in another, she is make-up-free and talking right to the camera. Helmed by James B. Merryman, who also directed Shakira’s 2019 concert movie, and Mark Ritchie, who was the cinematographer for Beyoncé’s “Homecoming” film, the nearly three-hour experience is sure to be a visual feast. With the premiere date fast approaching, here’s everything you need to know about what to expect from the movie. https://youtu.be/AqjPzq3uYXQ Despite all the excitement, the “Renaissance” film has also left some fans conflicted. The movie will be shown worldwide, including in Israel. Some fans, angry with Israel over its campaign in Gaza, have called Beyoncé out for not pulling the film from theaters in Israel and not speaking up against the conflict. (The Taylor Swift concert film has also played in Israel in recent weeks.) “I love Beyoncé so much, she’s like one of my favorite artists of all time,” one person said on TikTok. “But her movie being distributed in Israel. https://youtu.be/kSCLTCYGvRg The producers of “M3GAN have announced their new supernatural thriller, “Night Swim,” based on the acclaimed 2014 short film by Rod Blackhurst and Bryce McGuire. A new trailer dropped this week featuring stars Wyatt Russell (The Falcon and the Winter Soldier) “as Ray Waller, a former major league baseball player forced into early retirement by a degenerative illness, who moves into a new home with his concerned wife Eve (Kerry Condon, The Banshees of Inisherin), teenage daughter Izzy (Amélie Hoeferle, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes) and young son Elliot (Gavin Warren, Fear the Walking Dead),” per the official synopsis. “Secretly hoping, against the odds, to return to pro ball, Ray persuades Eve that the new home’s shimmering backyard swimming pool will be fun for the kids and provide physical therapy for him,” the description continues. “But a dark secret in the home’s past will unleash a malevolent force that will drag the family under, into the depths of inescapable terror.” “Night Swim” is written and directed by Bryce McGuire and hails from Atomic Monster and Blumhouse. The film is produced by James Wan (Saw, Insidious and The Conjuring franchises) and Jason Blum. The producers of “M3GAN have announced their new supernatural thriller, “Night Swim,” based on the acclaimed 2014 short film by Rod Blackhurst and Bryce McGuire. A new trailer dropped this week featuring stars Wyatt Russell (The Falcon and the Winter Soldier) “as Ray Waller, a former major league baseball player forced into early retirement by a degenerative illness, who moves into a new home with his concerned wife Eve (Kerry Condon, The Banshees of Inisherin), teenage daughter Izzy (Amélie Hoeferle, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes) and young son Elliot (Gavin Warren, Fear the Walking Dead),” per the official synopsis. “Secretly hoping, against the odds, to return to pro ball, Ray persuades Eve that the new home’s shimmering backyard swimming pool will be fun for the kids and provide physical therapy for him,” the description continues. “But a dark secret in the home’s past will unleash a malevolent force that will drag the family under, into the depths of inescapable terror.” “Night Swim” is written and directed by Bryce McGuire and hails from Atomic Monster and Blumhouse. The film is produced by James Wan (Saw, Insidious and The Conjuring franchises) and Jason Blum. https://youtu.be/PhlLO3Nb3sY Sony Pictures has released the official trailer for the upcoming biblical feature “The Book of Clarence” starring LaKeith Stanfield.The project hails from Jeymes Samuel (The Harder They Fall) and follows Stanfield as a “Streetwise but down-on-his-luck Clarence, who is struggling to find a better life for his family, while fighting to free himself of debt,” per the official synopsis. “Captivated by the power and glory of the rising Messiah and His apostles, he risks everything to carve his own path to a divine life, and ultimately discovers that the redemptive power of belief may be his only way out.” Stanfield stars alongside Omar Sy, Anna Diop, RJ Cyler, David Oyelowo, Micheal Ward, Alfre Woodard, Teyana Taylor, Caleb McLaughlin, Eric Kofi-Abrefa and Marianne Jean-Baptiste, with James McAvoy and Benedict Cumberbatch. “The Book of Clarence” features new music from Samuel, JAY-Z, Lil Wayne, Kid Cudi and more. https://youtu.be/ntNS-ANoMyM For three seasons, we’ve followed the dynamic duo that is Da Brat and Jesseca “Judy” Harris-Dupart, through the ups and downs of their engagement, wedding, and pregnancy. Now, they’re taking us on their most intimate journey yet…bringing home their baby! Brat Loves Judy: The Baby Special, premieres Thursday, November 30 at 9pm ET on WE tv. In this five-part special, fans will get a front row seat for all the fun and chaos as Brat and Judy embark on the whirlwind journey of parenthood together. Sharing their most private moments through never-before-seen self-shot footage, social media clips, On-The-Fly interviews, and verité. Each episode is framed around a ‘story book’ chapter that they’ll narrate for their son so that one day he can look back on the first few months of his life (and hopefully get a good laugh). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wURlPcsh3D4 Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ partnership with Harlem’s Capital Preparatory Schools has ended amid his controversial legal drama. The disgraced hip-hop icon helped launch the school in 2016 and gave a $1 million donation in 2021 for its Bronx location, according to The Source. Dr. Steve Perry, Founder and Head of Schools, released a statement on November 28 regarding Diddy’s departure. “Following a comprehensive evaluation, a decision has been made to end the partnership between Capital Preparatory Schools and Sean Combs,” the statement said, per Ice Cream Convos. “While this decision was not made lightly, we firmly believe it is in the best interest of our organization’s health and future,” Perry continued. https://youtu.be/nIDlRXTsiKg Nardo Wick has responded to the viral video of a fan being assaulted by the rapper’s security guards in Tampa Sunday night. The shocking video shows two members of Nardo’s entourage violently assaulting George Obregon Jr., 20, who was attempting to get a photo with the artist. The incident occurred after Wick’s performance at Club Skye in Tampa, Fla., on Monday night. As he’s being punched, Wick can be heard telling the men to “chill.” According to TMZ, Obregon suffered a severe concussion and brain bleed. He is currently hospitalized, The US Mirror reports. Nardo has spoken out on X/Twitter about the incident. “I don’t condone what happened to my fan George after my show in any type of way, I expressed to him and his mama how sorry and concerned I was that it happened to him, multiple times before anything was even posted on the internet,” he said. https://twitter.com/i/status/1729862467260440786 The artist said he gave his number to George’s mom after members of his team punched her son. “I was even gone make a post to try to find out who he was before his mama text me. I can’t control another grown man actions, I ain’t know that was gone happen, and I was mad when it happened,” he added. “I tried to stop it as u can see in the video, and if somebody got the longer video you can see how mad I was, I love and appreciate all my fans and don’t condone what happened at all dat s*** ain’t gangsta or cool in no type of way.” Per TMZ, “A spokesperson for Tampa PD tells us “detectives reached out to the performer” … though a source close to Nardo Wick says the two sides have not yet spoken,” the outlet writes. Tampa police are asking for help identifying the men who punched George. https://twitter.com/i/status/1729552473856078234 DJ Envy is facing another lawsuit related to the alleged real estate Ponzi scheme with former business partner Cesar Pina. Pena and “The Breakfast Club host,” along with several others, are being sued by Derik Deangelo, Chamblin Group Real Estate Ventures LLC. and Reispec Developments LLC for allegedly using their “Flipping New Jersey” real estate seminars as “funnels” to scam money from unsuspecting victims, All Hip Hop reports. “During these private consultations and meet and greets, members of the Pina network attempted to ‘size up’ the financial resources of each attendee and solicited individuals with sufficiently high net worth to “partner” with Pina, DJ Envy, and other members of the network in real estate ‘joint ventures,’” the legal docs read, per All Hip Hop. Cesar allegedly partnered with DJ Envy in 2018 and created real estate seminars for people looking to break into the industry. In a separate lawsuit filed by Anthony Barone and Anthony Martini, Envy, Pina and his wife Jennier Pina, are accused of scamming the plaintiffs out of $1.5 million in investments for a planned 50-unit apartment project called Taylor Apartments. https://youtu.be/eEJECPwelDM There are wills in the Fulton County Probate Court dating back to before the Civil War that illustrate how slave owners passed their slaves and slaves’ children to relatives. “Here, people came to leave their last wishes and where they wanted their properties to go,” Judge Johnson said, and that property included slaves, WSBTV reports. “It is my will and I declare that negro slaves be divided into five lots,” Records Supervisor Candace Davis read from one will, per the news outlet. Several of the documents show how slaves and their children were treated as cattle. “I bequeath to my daughter Margaret Rebecca my Negro woman Gin. Of dark complexion and all of her children to her and her heirs forever,” Judge Johnson read from one of the wills. In a candid and insightful interview with TV and Radio personality Jazmyn Summers, multi-platinum award-winning R&B artist Omarion, opens up about his latest musical venture, Full Circle Sonic Book Two, and delves into the profound influences that shape his legacy and inspire his work. Omarion says that Full Circle Sonic Book Two, a follow-up to Full Circle Sonic Book One released earlier this year reflects a sense of liberation as he embraces his role as an independent artist. “This is monumental for me. I’ve always been under the guise of due dates and record companies, and now that I’m independent, I’m able to create the volume that I want. This is my first year putting out 2 projects in one year. ” https://youtu.be/0CYZ0LjrU7Q In the evolving tapestry of Omarion’s life and career, the threads of love, art, spirituality, and self-discovery intertwine to create a narrative that goes beyond the music. And as fans eagerly anticipate the release of Full Circle Sonic Book Two and the unfolding chapters of Omarion’s multifaceted career, the artist leaves them with a promise of great storytelling and a universe filled with love, growth, and soulful vibrations. https://youtu.be/NFwz1oDOjwQ NFL star Brandon Siler discuss his new book, “Definition of a Leader,” and the recent Netflix documentary series, “Swamp Kings.” Siler unpacks what it means to be a leader with his groundbreaking book, taking readers “deeper into his philosophy through personal anecdotes, insights from his NFL days, and revelations from his time amidst the swamps,” per the press release. “If you’re okay with being an average leader, this book will frustrate you. I’m not here to give you a cliche blueprint of what I’ve learned from others. And I’m not interested in comforting the average in you. I want to shock your system and motivate you because you can be great. The vision you see with your eyes closed, and the world that you’ll create requires you to be a great leader,” Siler said in a statement. As a sports fan and business leader, Siler has pioneered a wave of platforms that connect people around the globe. In addition to publicly sharing his personal testimony and success, Siler’s B. Siler Leadership Academy mentors people of all ages who want to develop skills to guide others professionally. He also manages 11 businesses and advocates for disabled NFL players and mental health awareness. Here is an exclusive clip from this week’s new episode of the gameshow “Snake Oil” featuring hip-hop icon Ice-T. In our hilarious preview from Wednesday night’s episode, celebrity advisor Ice-T is confused about whether MyGlo, lamps made out of mushrooms, is real or snake oil. David Spade hosts and produces the gameshow about entrepreneurs pitching products to contestants, who must determine which ventures are real with the help of celebrity advisors, Deadline reports. https://youtu.be/-AqNXZX8XYA CNN may not be the first thing to come to mind when thinking of Charles Barkley, but the network is putting stock on the NBA legend and Gayle King to shake up things for the better. Variety reports the pair will co-anchor a new one-hour weekly limited-run series called “King Charles.” According to Amy Entelis, CNN’s executive vice president for talent and content development, the show offers a twist to the traditional news show format. “‘King Charles’ is different than anything we have on CNN’s lineup,” Entelis said in responses to questions provided by email. “It’s not a newscast, but rather a talk show centered around the news stories and cultural moments that Gayle and Charles are most interested in.” The arrival of “King Charles” comes amid a time when cable news networks are creatively exploring new ways to keep and attract viewers who are moving toward on-demand streaming video. The creation of the show stemmed during the tenure of former CNN CEO Chris Licht. During his time at the network, Licht put a bit of emphasis on looking for non-traditional personalities to add perspective and color to the network’s programming. Variety notes the impact of the current landscape with advertisers who fear being called out for sponsoring opinioned hosts after years of being comfortable with the traditional news show format. https://youtu.be/u8S82HqneO4 A large crowd of kids and their parents were in attendance at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Mall, Saturday, November 25, 2023, for Santa’s Arrival and Holiday Giveaway. Anticipation and excitement filled the air as attendees came out to unwrap the magic of this busy Small Business Saturday in Southern California. Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Mall presented Santa’s Arrival & Holiday Giveaway. This joyous holiday season and the most wonderful time of the year was celebrated with an all-day festive program. Diwali is one of the major Asian Indian religious festivals observed in Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism. It celebrates the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.Known as “The Festival of Lights’ it is celebrated globally across diverse religions and cultures. This year, Diwali will fall on Nov. 12, and for most who observe it, celebrations will last five days. The date of the celebration changes every year because it is based on the Hindu lunar calendar. https://youtu.be/fdW6M9_degI The celebration of the holiday varies depending on regional customs and traditions. Among Hindus, the most widespread custom is the lighting of ‘diyas’, small lamps filled with oil, on the night of the new moon to invite the presence of Lakshimi, the goddess of wealth. In Northern India, the festival also celebrates the royal homecoming of Rama to the city of Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, the 10-headed king of the demons. California native Happy Uppal spoke with California Black Media (CBM) and shared how her family celebrated Diwali when they lived in India and how it has changed for them since coming to the US. https://youtu.be/74LTtXAlT2o I got with Dre and interviewed him,” said Dexter Tucker, executive producer of Wide Open: The Andre Rison Story recently released and now available on Tubi TV, Apple TV and Prime TV. “Finally got the budget. I had made several films during that time. Three of us got it done. We have major distribution and we’re in talks for international distribution.” Wide Open: The Andre Rison Story is one of those movies Tucker was motivated to make. The story of 5-time Pro Bowler Andre Rison, a Super Bowl XXXI Champion. The film is directed by Jerry D. May and written by Rison, May, Tucker, Derrick Handspike, and Lucious Robinson. https://youtu.be/ZWPoiozIt6w The Group Fire, acclaimed two-time #1 Gospel Billboard artists, have kindled the festive spirit with the release of their first-ever Christmas EP, “THE GIFT.” Comprising two sets of brothers – Terelle Cooper, Juwan Cooper, Justin Cooper, Tajohn Hill, and Al Hill – The Group Fire brings a harmonious blend of talent and infectious enthusiasm to unwrap a holiday gift for music lovers everywhere. This six-track project, which hit the airwaves on November 4, 2023, has swiftly become a contender for the best stocking stuffer of 2023, offering a soulful blend of classic Christmas tunes that promise to stand the test of time. As a departure from their usual gospel offerings, “The Gift” marks The Group Fire’s fourth studio project and their inaugural venture into the realm of Christmas music. https://youtu.be/JhU5jyxRgFA Insiders claim Jamie Foxx is still struggling seven months after his hospitalization from mysterious medical complications. “Jamie pulling out of another project has friends worried that he hasn’t recuperated as well as everyone thinks,” an insider told the National Enquirer, RadarOnline. “He’s struggling, but Jamie has been very private about what happened and his recovery. In August, Foxx shared an update on his health via photos of himself on Instagram. As CNN reported in an article that appeared on EUR, the Oscar-winning actor said he was starting to feel more like himself following a medical emergency. “You’re lookin’ at a man who is thankful… finally startin’ to feel like myself…” he wrote. “It’s been an unexpected dark journey… but I can see the light… I’m thankful to everyone that reached out and sent well wishes and prayers… I have a lot of people to thank… u just don’t know how much it meant… Foxx added: “I will be thanking all of you personally… and if you didn’t know… GOD IS GOOD… all day every day… #swipeleft #imbackandimbetter #nobaddays”. https://youtu.be/znzMB0pFod8 Chris Brown is clapping back at haters labeling him antisemitic after he was spotted in Dubai with Kanye West. Ace Showbiz reports that the duo was captured on camera jamming to Ye’s new song “Vulture,” which includes the lyric “How I’m anti-semitic? I just f**ked a Jewish b***h.” Ty Dolla $ign and several other artists were also spotted hanging with Ye and his wife, Bianca Censori. “What’s more sickening? The lyrics … Or the fact that both Kanye West and @chrisbrownofficial find it hysterical?” Jewish businesswoman Tanya Zuckerbrot posted on Instagram. “Sick, masochistic, antisemitic f**ks.” In the comments of the post, one person replied, “Wow.. This is how much hatred y’all have for people of color? If he said “kill n@ggaz” a million times you would say nothing.” Another IG user wrote, “These Jewish owned radio stations play demonic songs all day. Promote music to kill minorities. Have done this for years. One line has now caught your attention?” https://www.instagram.com/p/C0FNvioPtbl/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Actress Deborah Joy Winans of ALLBLK’s hit anthology series, “Terror Lake Drive: Summer Purge,” spoke to EUR about the new season and what fans can expect. The third season of the series premiered November 16 and airs weekly on Thursdays, exclusively on ALLBLK. Created and written by Jerry LaMothe and Kajuana S. Marie, this season takes place five years after the second installment, as a new South Georgia family mysteriously inherits a luxury vacation home on Lake Levi…luring them to the grounds previously known as (the haunted) Freeman Lakes, according to the series description. The press release states, “season three opens with the demolished Freeman Lakes transformed into a sprawling, glamorous lakefront summer resort, aptly named Lake Levi.” Busta Rhymes with his rich baritone voice; let it be known that Benzino has his number and could’ve called him about Busta‘s video “Luxury Life” with Coi Leray, Benzino’s daughter, which he found too provocative. Bus-a-Bus said on the “Way Up With Yee” radio show, that he felt there is a code of ethics that the founder of the Source magazine should adhere to instead of airing his grievances on social media. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0M_e-uJVZs/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Kevin Hart shared a video of Chris Brown because that’s how he perceives himself when he bust-a-moves. However, the comedian posted a video of himself actually getting jiggy with it, and let’s say it lacks a certain je ne sais quoi. Basically, it’s not giving and needs to be returned expeditiously. LOL, nah, we love you, Kev, you kinda understood the assignment but you remind us of a toddler trying to entertain the audience on amateur night at the Apollo. Retired NBA player Matt Barnes asked the comic in his comment section, “This ur stomp the yard addition tape?? https://static.cdninstagram.com/rsrc.php/v3/yb/r/UsSR4Cvo4Px.png André 3000, government name André Lauren Benjamin, wants to do another OutKast album but is not excited to make music using his old process. One fan decided to write an epistle in the comment section expressing his respect and disappointment with 3Stacks‘ stance regarding making a hip-hop album, “I love the album. I love good music and it was a perfect orchestra, he can pivot and go into another lane and give inspiration in another manner. I Encourage any other rapper or artists to do the same if that’s part of your purpose. But To say you aren’t inspired to rap and have nothing to say when there are wars, corruption, and so much more happening in this world right now? Ppl of color are still living in Kaos in this country but you got nothing to say? Nas got something to say, Black Thought got something to say, aren’t they older than him? He could have transitioned into another genre of music without downplaying the culture, & yea 3 stacks, I’d rather hear you rap about your colonoscopy than 70% of the regurgitated content of today’s rap music. Lastly, whatever you would have rapped about, it doesn’t have to follow today’s trends or societal preferences. You are Andre 3000! One of this culture’s most profound writers. Great album minus the rap slandering.” Another fan showed more grace, “I don’t want uninspired music from an uninspired artist. Clearly, his heart isn’t in it and what Biggie say, “only make moves when your heart is in it.” Outkast are legends that’s already given us classic albums from the 90s and early 2000s to listen to. They don’t have anything left to prove. If the love isn’t there I don’t want to hear it anyway.” He’s an artist, and he’s sensitive about his ish. Fans will have to remain patient until some true inspiration hits André. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0AeYbnpAZ-/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Mama Bear Tina Knowles had to address the critics who were talking recklessly about her daughter Beyoncé, accusing the megastar of bleaching her skin to appear more “White.” Miss Tina wrote a diatribe and unleased her ire upon Beyoncé‘s internet: “Came across this today and decided to post it after seeing all of the stupid ignorant self, hating racist statements about her, lightening her skin, and wearing platinum hair wanting to be white. She does a film, called the renaissance, where the whole theme is silver with silver hair, a silver carpet, and suggested silver attire and you bozos decide that she’s trying to be a white woman and is bleaching her skin? .. How sad is it that some of her own people continue the stupid narrative with hate and jealousy. Duh, she wore silver hair to match her silver dress as a fashion statement clown. . ALIEN Superstar duh! What’s really sad is that a white woman had the audacity to reach out to Neal Beyonce’s hairstylist she was from TMZ to say that the fans are saying that she wants to be white and she wanted to get a statement about it from Neal. Well that made, my blood boil , that this white woman felt so entitled to discuss her blackness. What’s really most disappointing is that the some Black people yes you bozos that’s on social media. Lying and faking and acting like you’re so ignorant that you don’t understand That black women have worn platinum hair since the Etta James days. I just went and looked at all the beautiful talented black celebrities who have worn platinum hair and it has been just about every one of them at one time or another. Are they all trying to be white? I am sick and tired of people attacking her. Every time she does something that she works her ass off for is a statement of her work ethic, talent, and resilience. Here you sad little haters come out the woodwork. Jealousy and racism, sexism, double standards, you perpetuate those things. Instead of celebrating a sister or just ignoring her if you don’t like her. I am sick of you losers. https://youtu.be/-0xh1ilvKtA Latto graced Forbes Under 30 and admitted she would like to collab with Bad Gal Ri Ri on music and securing business deals. “I just feel like she touched our generation in a whole different way. I feel like women like me who have like a little motion going on — she showed us that it’s possible for us to take it to a whole different level. So definitely Riri — what’s up Riri call me girl!” However, fans feel the pairing will be unlikely, “Girl, Rihanna won’t even collab with herself.” Another person brought up the feud between Latto and Nicki Minaj as to why any collaboration with Rihanna will probably never happen, “That is NOT happening. Rih and Nicki cool af. Like, kick it at each other’s home w/ the kids cool. That’s most def a DREAM 😴.” But many other comments believed that Ri Ri is not tied to Nicki and will make moves with anyone regardless of whether that person is falling out with Queen Barbz. https://youtu.be/iX7whyDOWoA Nene Leakes, Porsha Williams, and Cynthia Bailey had a girl’s trip in Dubai, and fans dubbed the trio “Destiny’s Peaches” and “Caresha, Porsha, and Whitney Houston,” causing a cacophony of cackling to ripple through the comment section. “I JUST SCRUMPT FROM THE MOUNTAIN TOP TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA‼️‼️😂😂😂😂😭😭😭🤭🤭🤭,” said one person. https://twitter.com/__Curtdoggg/status/1729287425451511858 Will Smith and Queen Latifah gazed over a picture book documenting the genesis of both their careers. One fan did pose an interesting question, “Why haven’t we got a Will Smith and Queen Latifah film, yet??!?!?! Wtf.” Yes, why hasn’t this happened? Big Willie and Queen did to rectify this expeditiously. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzZVwhbvFFn/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Before King Harris had a family kerfuffle where he had to prove he “was standing on business,” he sat down with his father T.I. for Complex Music‘s “GOAT Talk” to “crown their all-time greats.” T.I. did address the recent argument he had with Jr. and said he would ride for his family to heaven and hell. Tip says his family remains connected. https://youtu.be/wnlL5iz88K4 ESPN’s Malika Andrews‘ standing with Black men is taking another hit because of the Josh Giddey story. Well, ex-NFLer Dez Bryant is hot ’bout it. So stand by for more on that. Brothers all across the country called her out because at first, she didn’t have anything to say. Not a word. Giddey is the Oklahoma City Thunder star who is rightfully getting roasted for his improper relationship with a 15-year-old high school girl. https://youtu.be/HTq2Ymfd-uE Videos of Giddey, 21, and the underage girl – which featured vulgar language to describe their intimate relations in video captions – were posted to social media anonymously, reports SandraRose.com. Even though the videos have since been deleted, the NBA has launched an investigation. Meanwhile, Giddey is being allowed to play. When Andrews finally spoke on the subject, she showed what seemed to many, a lack of interest and “low energy.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1729289477296693470 Andrews pissed off royally is former Dallas Cowboys/Baltimore Ravens receiver Dez Bryant who came for her via X/Twitter for her alleged bias in covering Giddey. Bryant accused the “NBA Today” host of not only being biased about the incident but also delaying coverage compared to other players she’s reported on in a timely manner. Andrews reportedly spoke about the scandal on-air the same day Bryant sent out his sentiments. https://twitter.com/DezBryant/status/1729262878044438590?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1729262878044438590%7Ctwgr%5E70871ba6cd76ffec821904309b6f8b4279f7add5%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2023%2Fdez-bryant-comes-for-malika-andrews-over-josh-giddey-silence%2F Director Qasim Basir has an upcoming fourth feature, “To Live and Die and Live,” it's an ode to his late stepfather. According to a press release, the film was all the rage at the Sundance Film Festival ’23, garnering exceptional reviews and leaving audiences in awe at Park City. Per IMDB, the story follows Muhammad, troubled man who “returns home to Detroit to bury his stepfather and is thrust into settling his accounts, but Muhammad’s struggles with depression and addiction may finish him before he finishes the task.” The film does not yet have a release date, but Essence covered the Sundance screening earlier this year and wrote, “To Live and Die and Live is making a statement on the power of redemption and finding a way to both survive when you have to and thrive when you can.” . Per Deadline’s review, “… the film truly does make Detroit better than it ever has for a century, at least in the movies..” https://vimeo.com/889336366 Angel Taylor of the Grammy-nominated group, Trinitee 5:7, has just reached a career milestone with her first solo #1 Billboard single, “Speak”! This song has garnered lots of attention from radio DJs and fans alike and it is only the appetizer for the music that is to come. Released on Awspire Music and written by Donnie McClurkin and Travis Finlay, this up-tempo groove is the perfect example of what happens when powerhouse producers Chris-n-Teeb, Christopher Capehart, and Rockwilder collaborate to create history. The remarkable success of this empowering anthem marks a significant milestone in Taylor's career and establishes her as a formidable force in the music industry. "Shining Bright" in the Gospel Spotlight is Angel Taylor.!!! http://www.gospel-spotlight.com/angeltaylor_intvw.htm Bucket Listers (the popular media experience brand known for making everyday an adventure), is planning to rule the school with the announcement of their new Mean Girls Experience. Following the viral sold out success of the Malibu Barbie Cafe and Golden Girls Kitchen, the brand has set their sights on the most fetch concept yet, giving fans of the iconic film a chance to experience North Shore High School like never before. Officially set to open to the public in Los Angeles on January 12th and New York on January 19th, the limited-time runs will coincide with Paramount Pictures’ release of the new Mean Girls film on January 12th. “There was nothing more grool than the chance to bring the world of Mean Girls to life,” says Bucket Listers President of Experiences, Derek Berry. “It’s truly one of those movies that has stood the test of time and cult fandom. With the new film quickly approaching, there was no better time to honor this beloved classic and bring The Plastics’ world to life. Every day here will be October 3rd.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFtdbEgnUOk JUST EATS WITH CHEF JJ returns to CLEO TV tonight, November 29 at 9 P.M. ET/8C. In this episode, Chef JJ cooks up a healthy, hearty meal, with his vegan friends in mind. Pilar Scratch and Lexi Gonzales get a top notch and meatless treat. He makes a creamy vegan risotto. Then, he cooks up a black rice salad. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jL5QxXN2gYc&feature=youtu.be CLEO TV's NEW SOUL KITCHEN REMIX is back tonight, November 29 at 9:30 P.M. EST/8:30C on CLEO TV. Chef Jernard Wells is back with the remix, as he serves up international cuisine in the series' condensed, 30-minute format. Tonight, it's a salmon extravaganza as Chef Jernard serves sweet and tangy BBQ salmon. He pairs it with brown rice and broccolini sautéed in shallot, garlic, and lemon. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=em4ZxFoURsE From quick ideas for a weeknight meal, to beauty tips that will get you out the door in a flash. Tia Mowry’s practical solutions and infectious personality inspire and inform audiences each week with her love for food, fashion, DIY/home, parenting & more! Catch the new episode this Thursday, November 30 at 9:00/8:00C. Terrell and Tia are reunited again! Let’s see if they’re up for the challenge to cook a dish and leave it up to the judges to decide whose is better. The trial in the assault and harassment case against Marvel actor Jonathan Majors began today in New York City. The case stems from a March 25 domestic dispute involving Majors and his former girlfriend, Grace Jabbari. Majors has pleaded not guilty to charges of assault and aggravated harassment. Following his initial arrest, a Manhattan judge released Majors on his own recognizance and granted a limited order of protection prohibiting contact with Jabbari, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office told CNN at the time. Jabbari claims that Majors struck her “about the face with an open hand, causing substantial pain and a laceration behind her ear,” according to a complaint she filed in New York City in March. She also claims he “put his hand on her neck, causing bruising and substantial pain.” https://youtu.be/EYykFrN4roM?list=RDNSEYykFrN4roM In June, Majors filed a counter-complaint against Jabbari, claiming he was assaulted by her in the same March dispute, according to court filings obtained by CNN. Jabbari was arrested in New York City in October on suspicion of assault and criminal mischief stemming from Majors’ countersuit, but a spokesperson for the Manhattan DA’s Office told CNN in a statement that the DA has declined to prosecute the case against Jabbari “because it lacks prosecutorial merit.” Last month, a judge denied Majors’ motion to dismiss the assault case. Jabbari and her attorney have not publicly commented on the case. https://youtu.be/0bwsH30k02Y Majors’ attorney Priya Chaudhry denied the allegations against him in a statement to CNN in August, adding that Majors “has had his life, career, and reputation torn apart” as a result of the charges. CNN reported in October that Disney has removed “Magazine Dreams,” an upcoming film starring Majors that was due out on December 8, from its release calendar. He was also reportedly dropped by his PR and management teams in the wake of the allegations. Majors was featured in “Ant-Man: Quantumania” as one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s next major villains, and has portrayed a version of the character over both seasons of the Disney+ Marvel series “Loki.” The character, known as Kang, is also currently set to be featured in two upcoming “Avengers” sequels for Marvel, scheduled in 2026 and 2027. The trial is expected to last several days. https://youtu.be/Fx0RifLM4f8 ”Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Sanya Richards-Ross partnered with Wells Fargo to help support Black small business owners. “Wells Fargo has partnered with RICE, the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurship from the very beginning. Supporting specifically minority business owners to live their dreams,” Richards-Ross told The Blast. “They had this incredible event to kick off to kind of support their business owners right before one of the most important parts of their business cycle, right before the holidays. Hearing from some of these business owners and what they’ve been able to do has been so inspirational,” she continued. This holiday season, Wells Fargo, The Bank of Doing, and RICE will host pop-up markets featuring Black entrepreneurs’ products. Wells Fargo recently gave $1.5 million to RICE, a nonprofit focused on boosting Black entrepreneurship, The Blast reports. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzsHsoYIlgQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=bd64fa41-a3c5-4cec-b7ea-5fd39fd0d8dc From visionary writer and director Jeymes Samuel, The Book of Clarence is a bold new take on the timeless Hollywood era Biblical epic. Streetwise but struggling, Clarence (LaKeith Stanfield) is trying to find a better life for himself and his family, make himself worthy to the woman he loves, and prove that he’s not a nobody. Captivated by the power and glory of the rising Messiah and His apostles, he risks everything to carve his own path to a divine life, a journey through which he finds redemption and faith, power and knowledge. TriStar Pictures will release Legendary Pictures’ The Book of Clarence in movie theaters nationwide on January 12, 2024. The film also stars Omar Sy. Anna Diop. RJ Cyler. David Oyelowo. Micheal Ward. Alfre Woodard. Teyana Taylor, Caleb McLaughlin, Eric Kofi-Abrefa, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, James McAvoy and Benedict Cumberbatch. The Hollywood era Biblical epic was produced by Jeymes Samuel, Shawn Carter, James Lassiter, Tendo Nagenda, and executive produced by Garrett Grant. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntNS-ANoMyM Virginia State University is proud to announce that it has been chosen by the Commission on Presidential Debates to host a 2024 Presidential Debate. This is a momentous occasion for VSU, as it is the first Historically Black College or University (HBCU) ever selected to host a General Election U.S. Presidential Debate. The debate, scheduled for October 1, 2024, is the second of three scheduled general election presidential debates. “We are honored and grateful to have been chosen as a host for a 2024 Presidential Debate,” said VSU President Dr. Makola M. Abdullah. “This is a historic moment for our university and for HBCUs nationwide. Our university mantra is “Greater Happens Here,” and we look forward to welcoming the candidates, the Commission on Presidential Debates, and the entire nation to the GREATER at VSU.” The selection of VSU as a host for a 2024 Presidential Debate reflects the university’s commitment to shaping future leaders and cultivating political discourse. The debate will provide a platform for the candidates to present their policies, engage in constructive dialogue, and showcase their leadership abilities. While VSU recognizes that a tremendous amount of preparation goes into hosting a national debate, it is extremely honored and excited to be a part of meaningful conversations on important issues that impact the nation. The 3x GRAMMY® Award nominated, RIAA Gold-Certified gospel music supergroup with over 700 million digital streams, Anthony Brown & group therAPy, pulls a half million first week digital streams for their sixth album, Affirmations (Key of A / Tyscot / FairTrade). The new twelve-track set showcases their polished, soul-stirring grasp of contemporary gospel music with sly touches of Classical, Hip-Hop, Pop, Pentecostal, and Celtic flavoring. The first radio single, “Speak Your Name,” is No. 1 on both Billboard magazine’s coveted Gospel Airplay chart and the Mediabase Gospel Airplay chart. “Power of death and life is in your tongue, and you can speak and encourage yourself with the word of God, “ Brown says of the Affirmations album theme. “This project is a record full of things that you should speak over your own self every single day.” This spiritual therapy session closes with the inspiring “Together Again” as a comfort to those who have lost loved ones. “Tears flow now but Jesus will bring us together again,” they sing. “`We take joy in knowing this is not the end,’ they sing with joy instead of mourning.” "Shining Bright" in the Gospel spotlight is Anthony Brown. https://www.gospel-spotlight.com/anthonybrown_intvw.htm With Ice Cube‘s Big3 league approaching its 7th year in 2024, the impact made by the cultural icon-turned-businessman over the years in music, film, and sports is undeniable. Not only has his league filled a void in the market by creating a platform for past-their-prime hoopers to showcase their still remarkable skills on the hardwood, but he has also given back and continued to create access and opportunities for members of disadvantaged communities. These achievements have been noted by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, who have decided to partner with and honor the legend by creating the Ice Cube Impact Award, set to be unveiled during Martin Luther King Day weekend in Springfield, MA, the birthplace of basketball. Ice Cube, John Doleva, President of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, and Nancy Lieberman, former WNBA player, sports commentator, and Big3 coach (team Power) made the surprise announcement during a recent press conference held via Zoom. “As a person and a fan of the game, I can’t even put this into words,” said Ice Cube. “I felt the same way as a group with NWA going into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. I have been blown away ever since I knew that this award would really come to pass and become a reality. Never in my wildest dreams growing up loving the game, playing the game, and being a superfan of the game, did I think that I would ever have an award named after me in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.” https://youtu.be/fDv9nDgqiSc D.L. Hughley believes T.I. and Tiny‘s son, King Harris, embarrassed his parents with his meltdown during an Atlanta Falcons game.In case you missed it, the altercation between King,19, and his famous parents occurred while they attended Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium Sunday afternoon for the football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints. It’s unclear what prompted King’s shouting match with T.I. and Tiny, but the wild scene was caught on video. As Complex reports, at one point, King is heard repeatedly saying, “You cappin’, n***a … I know you though.” The footage also shows King shouting, “What’s wrong with y’all? Why ya’ll doing that to me? Y’all know me, you know I stand on business. Why would you let someone play with me like that?” https://youtu.be/PCEDhWWaMsQ Hughley was at LAX on Monday when he spoke to TMZ about the incident, calling King’s outburst “insulting” to Tip and Tiny. We reported previously that King revealed in a recent interview that he didn’t live with his parents while they filmed their hit reality series “T.I. Tiny: The Family Hustle.” King spoke to Funny Marco in October, telling the host, “What do you feel that they got on you that they shouldn’t have on you? ‘Cause I feel like [when] you grow up, it’s like you can’t be you.” As via VLAD TV reports, King stated, “Yeah, man, it’s a lot about that TV show, man, that [confuses] people. Because I live with my grandma. You know, we’ll go to the house on, like, the weekend.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1728950737185763573 Allison Holker, the widow of Stephen ‘twitch’ Boss, has sold the family’s Encino home and upgraded to an “ultra-modern farmhouse in L.A. last month for $5 mil,” per TMZ. The outlet reports that Allison listed the home she shared with her late husband for $3,795,000 and sold it for $3,525,000. Holker was granted half of Boss’s future earnings earlier this year. Previously, we reported that documents obtained by CNN show that a Los Angeles Superior Court judge granted Holker one-half interest in 100 percent of all shares of Boss’s company, Stephen Boss Productions, Inc., along with one-half of the interest earned in an investment account. Holker is also entitled to one-half of future earnings and royalties from entities relating to Boss’s professional pursuits as his surviving spouse. Holker filed the property petition earlier this year due to him not having a will at the time of his death. https://www.instagram.com/p/CQjhC1qBtmY/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=852dac61-65ad-4c49-bcc7-7e61294cbffa Busta Rhymes has announced dates for a North American headline tour in 2024! Produced by The Conglomerate Entertainment and Live Nation, the tour supports his new album BLOCKBUSTA. The 12-time GRAMMY® Award nominee will kick off the trek on March 13 at The Masonic in San Francisco, CA, and will hit up major markets for five weeks, concluding on April 21 with a homecoming at Brooklyn Paramount in Brooklyn, NY, per the press release. Special guests will join Busta in select cities. Tickets will be available starting with Citi presale beginning November 28th and run throughout the week ahead of the general on sale beginning Friday, December 1 at 10 AM local time at LiveNation.com. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cyy99l-LeF5/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=8f994d73-8e1f-4a26-9de7-6043da296acb “Mr. Big Stuff” singer Jean Knight has passed away at 80. The New Orleans native died Wednesday (Nov. 22) of natural causes in Tampa, Florida, the Associated Press reports. “Jean Knight’s legacy is not just a musical one; it is a testament to the enduring love between an artist, her hometown and the fans who adored her,” the singer’s family said in a statement. “Mr. Big Stuff” was a chart-topping track that reached No. 1 on Billboard’s R&B chart and No. 2 on the Billboard 200 pop chart, per the AP. The soulful song earned Knight a Grammy nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 1972. https://youtu.be/kXreM7KOKAs “‘Mr. Big Stuff,’ which became famous for the infectious refrain, ‘Who do you think you are?’, wasn’t just a chart-topping anthem; it was the product of soulful, syncopated melodies that echoed through the Crescent City,” Knight’s family wrote in the tribute, according to USA Today. Knight recorded several albums after the anthem’s success and formed her own record label. As well as performing on large festival stages, she spent years serving up live shows in more intimate French Quarter venues. “She was genuinely a nice person with a gentle spirit … whenever I saw her she was always smiling,” said Reginald Toussaint, an engineer for one of Knight’s albums and the executive director of production for the New Orleans Jazz Fest and Essence Music Festival, per the AP. Knight was known as a loving mother and grandmother who loved cooking and celebrating Mardi Gras in her community. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F_-W4q2W0AEGizN?format=jpg&name=small Apple TV+ has released the trailer for the upcoming three-part documentary series, “John Lennon: Murder Without A Trial,” narrated by Kiefer Sutherland. The docuseries “features exclusive eyewitness interviews and previously unseen crime scene photos, shedding new light on the life and murder of music and cultural icon John Lennon, and the investigation and conviction of Mark David Chapman, his confessed killer,” per the official synopsis. The series “includes exclusive interviews with Richard Peterson, a taxi driver who was witness to the shooting; Jay Hastings, a doorman at The Dakota who heard Lennon’s last words; David Suggs, Mark David Chapman’s defense lawyer; Elliot Mintz, a confidant to Lennon and Yoko Ono; and Dr Naomi Goldstein, the psychiatrist who first assessed Chapman,” the description states. Lennon was fatally shot in NYC in 1980. Chapman was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison. Last year, he was transferred to the Green Haven Correctional Facility in New York, Metro reports. https://youtu.be/dLUIEY2dDTk The first single from the soundtrack for “The Color Purple” movie musical is out before the film’s Christmas Day debut. The song “Lifeline” by Alicia Keys was released on Nov. 26 and serves as a “heartfelt ode to the unequivocal comfort emanating from friends, family, and community that holds us up as we face life’s challenging moments,” according to a press release, Vibe reports. The soundtrack, via Warner Warner Bros. Pictures, WaterTower Music, and gamma, also boasts songs from Mary J. Blige, Megan Thee Stallion, Jennifer Hudson, Keyshia Cole, Jorja Smith, Coco Jones, Ciara, Mary Mary, Usher, H.E.R., Missy Elliott, and Fantasia Barrino. “I am so immensely proud that the filmmakers and Warner Bros. Pictures chose us to collaborate on a hugely cultural album that musically brings to life this reimagined classic,” stated Co-founder & CEO of gamma, Larry Jackson, according to Vibe. https://youtu.be/W0w_tIbkFiY “The Color Purple, in its many iterations, is unquestionably hallowed ground in black culture. Just as film director Blitz Bazawule has done a spectacular job in taking the film to another level artistically, we, too, wanted to bring an equally adventurous, creative take to this expanded soundtrack,” Jackson added. “Complementing the fabulously infectious musical moments of the new film, we wanted to further celebrate the stories of the film’s protagonists with additional current, contemporary songs that thematically spoke to their relatable experiences and struggles,” he continued. “And deeply influenced by the great, iconic R&B/pop soundtracks of the 1990s, I’ve always wanted to make an ‘Inspired By’ soundtrack that had cultural legends and new artists of a genre come together for a piece of art that defines a moment in time.” https://youtu.be/wPwzBUui1GA There’s no doubt about it. Director Dale S. Lewis is on a hella winning streak! Lewis has signed with management/production outfit Alta Global Media and just wrapped the upcoming crime thriller entitled “INCISION.” The story is about a medical resident who discovers that her sister is caught in the web of an underground crime boss, she is forced to lend her talent to the black market of organ selling. However, when she removes the kidney of a very skilled hitman, the next 24 hours become a race against time to save the resident, her sister, and the hitman himself. Casting details are being kept under wraps. INCISION is coming hot on the heels of Dale’s work on two series for a total of 11 episodes in 2023, including: Season 3 of Cedric The Entertainer’s “JOHNSON” (Drama / Comedy) on Bounce Network, with Thomas Q. Jones, Deji LaRay, and Philip Smithey (3 episodes directed by Dale). Season 2 of “WICKED CITY” (Supernatural Drama) on AMC / ALLBLK (all 8 episodes directed by Dale). His second season on WICKED CITY, with Vanessa Bell Calloway, Taylor Polidore, and Shaquita Smith. Lewis was selected by the NBCU Directors Program in 2020 to direct segments and episodes on Season 2 of SONGLAND, THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW, and AMERICAN NINJA WARRIOR. This holiday season, its ALL ABOUT THE DANCE!!!! As Psalm 150 concludes, Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord, here comes a great dance number for all of creation. So join Digital Native, Jason Hendrickson and lets hit the floor. The KINGDOM has gone up with a SHOUT!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2T1NLqGSUWc Tiffany Haddish’s friends and family are concerned about her after her recent DUI arrest. “Tiffany likes to drink and have a good time, but her friends are noticing that she is drinking way more around the holidays,” a source told Page Six. “We think that she may be lonely and hiding behind a fake smile.” We reported previously (via CNN) that Haddish was arrested Friday morning in Los Angeles on suspicion of driving under the influence, according to the Beverly Hills Police Department. She was arrested and released shortly after. According to TMZ, the “Girls Trip” star was not involved in an accident but was allegedly found asleep in her parked vehicle with the car running. “It’s surprising because she has worked so hard to get to where she is,” the source told Page Six. Eddie Murphy received the 2023 Grio Icon Award, celebrating his 47-year career in show business. In true Eddie fashion, he roasted theGrio founder Byron Allen for not having the winner’s name inscribed on the award. But in the end, he was honored for the recognition. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0F7w4jN3yn/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Steve Harvey gave props to his wife, Marjorie Harvey after he received the Television Icon Award at the 2023 theGrio Awards. During the summer, cheating rumors emerged about the couple, and Steve made it known that the words of God had covered his marriage. Let the people know! One fan said, “Y’all can say whatever yall want about Steve but he praises and respects his wife in public.” But another person pretty much summed it up, “Uncle Steve said “keep my wife’s name out yo #! @*&% mouth.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C0HzyrAP2jT/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Tamar Braxton and her ex-fiancé Jeremy “JR” Robinson were chummy at the Falcons VS. Saints game in ATL. According to theybf, “This comes just a few weeks after her rival Tommie Lee hit up the Atlanta Hawks basketball game with Jeremy after Tommy and Tamar got into it on social media. 👀.” Tamartians took issue with their idol enjoying the company of Jeremy. One stated, “Somebody ain’t standing on bidness.” Another one harshly posted, “She being played like a fiddle. Sweetheart he is not a flex.” Fans continued on being brutal in the comment section, “She over there grinning from ear to ear like she won the prize.. Have several seats Sis! 🙄.” Maybe it’s not that deep, maybe Tamar is just playing petty games to get back at Tommie Lee. https://v16m-default.tiktokcdn-us.com/384391f5d1fe5530d0959248d1e53445/6566a8cd/video/tos/useast8/tos-useast8-ve-0068c001-tx2/osjC1LIvQwZe5fyO0Kl0A0qkmpIIEHfcGMZQIA/?a=1988&ch=0&cr=3&dr=0&lr=tiktok_m&cd=0%7C0%7C1%7C3&cv=1&br=2048&bt=1024&bti=NDU3ZjAwOg%3D%3D&cs=0&ds=3&ft=_G6uMBnZq8ZmoHWjaQ_vjBSGsAhLrus&mime_type=video_mp4&qs=0&rc=OGQ3aGdpZmY2Z2hoZGg3N0BpM2pzcHk5cmU5bzMzaTczNEBfMTZhYmAuXzIxLzItYWIuYSNuci5nMmQ0YWZgLS1kMTJzcw%3D%3D&l=202311282057209EE8690230CBE60AF0F0&btag=e00010000 Nick Cannon came to Beyoncé‘s defense after fans accused the entertainer of transforming into a White woman, trying to look like Kim Kardashian for her Renaissance premiere. Nick said, cut all that noise, and pointed out that Kimmie K has tried to look like Beyoncé. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0KuM_0xFxg/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Investors are buying up a 40-acre plot belonging to an Alabama woman, which could be worth $20 million. Once the sale is complete, Corine Woodson, 84, will be forced to sell the house she’s lived in for over 60 years. The residence is on the outskirts of Auburn, and several of her family members share the land on which the property sits, according to the New York Post. “I would like to ask them why. You know, why, but I don’t. I can’t figure it out. Thinking about it, wondering about it. It’s not easy. I can tell you that,” Woodson told WTVM. Dozens of her family members jointly own Woodson’s 40-acre plot. The value of the land is unknown, but it may be close to $20 million, the Post reports. Over the years, the Cleveland Brothers Inc. purchased several family members’ stakes in the land and now owns 49%. A court-ordered appraisal is being completed on the contested property, which may enable the company to purchase the entire plot. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzuDi_evgHM/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again A Texas mother and daughter have made a difference in a big way as they brought down a former substitute teacher who allegedly texted and groomed minors. Joshua Hockless was charged with online solicitation of a minor last month. https://youtu.be/ZRH-zwUT44U The 25-year-old substitute appeared in court on Oct. 9 and was released on a $40,000 bond. Authorities credit the trust-filled and comfortable relationship of a teenage girl and her mother for bringing Hockless to justice. It was the girl’s mother who reporter who reported him to the authorities. “I would say that, obviously, the type of rapport and relationship this mother and daughter had is why she was comfortable going to her mother,” Assistant District Attorney Dak Choen told ABC13. As part of his bond, Hockless must have a monitoring program embedded in all his electronic devices, Madame Noire noted. https://youtu.be/dpXa4r6yW7g Defense attorneys for rapper Young Thug accused prosecutors of misrepresenting evidence and ridiculed the idea that the Grammy-winning, world-renowned artist would be focused on running a small-time Atlanta street gang in opening statements of his racketeering trial Tuesday. He is not running this criminal street gang in the Cleveland Avenue area of ‘Bleveland,’ to gain property, money or power. Jeffery Williams did it on will and hard work and determination without anybody’s help except for the people from that area who he will not turn his back on,” attorney Brian Steel told jurors, referring to the rapper by his given name. “He’s not sitting there telling people to kill people,” Steel added. “He doesn’t need their money. Jeffery is worth tens of millions of dollars.” The defense’s opening statements come at the start of what’s expected to be a monthslong trial that will be a test of the state’s expansive Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, or RICO. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis similarly used the law to indict former President Donald Trump and 18 co-defendants in connection with their alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election. https://youtu.be/sojzvEG_g_k The trial is also a prominent example of the controversial prosecutorial tactic of using rap lyrics as evidence. Young Thug, 32, is one of the music industry’s most innovative and influential artists, pushing both musical and cultural boundaries – such as in his decision to wear a purple dress for the cover of his 2016 album, “Jeffery.” He had a featured appearance on Camila Cabello’s hit song “Havana,” has collaborated with leading artists including Travis Scott and Drake, and won the Grammy for “Song of the Year” in 2019 for co-writing the track “This is America” with Childish Gambino and Ludwig Göransson. Last May, he was among more than two dozen people charged under the state’s RICO act and accused of heading a criminal street gang. A number of the defendants have pleaded guilty, including the rapper Gunna, while others had their cases severed from this trial. Young Thug also faces drug and gun charges stemming from a search of his home. He has been held behind bars since his arrest last year and released his latest album, “Business is Business,” from jail over the summer. https://youtu.be/5IwZ266l564 He further said the prosecution’s use of Kendrick’s rap lyrics was “un-American” and violated his freedom of speech and association. “They want to present evidence that Mr. Kendrick is guilty by who he hangs out with, the color of the clothes that he wears, the symbols he makes with his hands and the beautiful lyrics that he writes and sings. Those aren’t actual crimes, that’s just free speech, and that is what is on trial here: the First Amendment of the Constitution,” Abt said. Stillwell’s attorney, Maxwell Schardt, delivered his opening statements Monday afternoon, saying his client was not guilty of murder and that his past work selling drugs was for his own benefit and “had nothing to do with YSL or anyone else involved in this case.” https://youtu.be/c3p1OGqq3QI Daryl Hall is taking legal action against his longtime music partner, John Oates, over a limited liability partnership they formed. Hall, 77, is attempting to block Oates, 75, from selling off his share, arguing that it would violate the terms of Hall & Oates’ business agreement. Hall filed a lawsuit on Nov. 16 in Nashville Chancery Court and obtained a temporary restraining order against Oates, People reports. The judge temporarily blocked the sale of Oates’ share of Whole Oats Enterprises LLP to Primary Wave IP Investment Management LLC amid a previously initiated arbitration in a separately filed case, according to the Associated Press. Hall & Oates formed in 1970 and became one of the most successful duos in rock history. Their ’70s and ’80s chart-topping hits include “Rich Girl,” “Kiss on My List,” “Private Eyes,” “I Can’t Go For that (No Can Do),” “Out of Touch,” and “Maneater.” https://youtu.be/yRYFKcMa_Ek Roc Nation rapper HDBeenDope unpack's his massive year and upcoming new music with GRAMMY-award-winning producer Pluss. In the past year, HDBeenDope has skyrocketed as a top artist to watch and had many partnership deals, including with MLB, NBA, and NFL for their Songs of the Season launch. The hip-hop artist collaborated with the LA Dodgers for a music deal and the Brooklyn Nets for their Crossover collection/campaign. In a 2022 interview, the New York native said his approach to music “comes from the place that everybody feels, you know, when you get to that point of, ‘All right yo, n-ggas got me fucked up,’” HD told HipHopDX. “When you get to that point, and that’s for whatever, somebody says something to you wrong at work, and it’s like, ‘Nah.’ You know what I mean? You’re at that point of telling people, ‘Stop playing with me,’” he added. https://static.cdninstagram.com/rsrc.php/v3/yb/r/UsSR4Cvo4Px.png Fantasia brought the good times and vibes as she performed “When I See You” with the Southern University marching band at the Bayou Classic halftime show. Fans were definitely feeling what Tasia was giving, https://www.instagram.com/p/C0FdJkExF97/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Jaleel White celebrates his 47th bday today, and in a throwback clip, he gives a bit of BTS tea regarding the “Family Matters” cast, the show that catapulted him to stardom. One wished him happy bday and thanked him for sharing his insights, “Happy Birthday!!! 🎁🎉🎂🎈 Very interesting and enlightening! Thanks for sharing the details that we never really thought about and/or knew. I loved the entire cast and to me each character made the show very versatile and unique!!” https://www.instagram.com/p/C0J1GZKMx4y/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Mary J. Blige hit dem angles and posted a word for her fans on Thanksgiving, “For What’s money without happiness or hard times without the people you love?? -J Cole Love Yourz Happy Thanksgiving bless up eat up enjoy !!!” Auntie never misses! Although thankful for the pics, fans were begging MJB to drop a boot line, “DROP A BOOTLINE MS MAAM. Puhleeeease. WE NEED A THIGH HIGH COLLECTION.” One person brought a dose of reality to the comment section no one asked for concerning Mary’s never-will-be boot line, “when Rihanna releases her next album, when She by Sheree comes out in September, when Rasheeda leaves Kirk.” https://www.instagram.com/p/Cz_-mFnrBA2/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=7ccaf74e-a729-4908-b090-3200aa578223 Plies gives a “Thanksgiving Leftovers Itinerary” that will have you in tears. Listen to his advice and ask yourself if it applies to you because nothing he said has anything to do with our household. https://static.cdninstagram.com/rsrc.php/v3/yb/r/UsSR4Cvo4Px.png Transgender influencer Jay Boogie is pleading for financial help after suffering a health crisis following cosmetic surgery. The Nigerian social media star (born Daniel Anthony Nsikan) suffered sepsis and acute kidney injury after undergoing a Brazilan Butt Lift and 360 Lipo procedures on Oct. 30. Boogie is desperately in need of financial assistance for post-op treatments. “Please help me have a second chance in life! If not for [me], then for my four siblings, for whom I’m the breadwinner and sole provider,” Jay Boogie wrote on Instagram to his 234k followers. Boogie’s surgeries were performed at CGE Healthcare in Lagos, Nigeria, where Dr. Chidinma Akpa is allegedly the owner, according to MadameNoire. Boogie shared photos and online footage documenting his quest for ultimate feminine beauty MadameNoire reports. “I don’t even know me anymore and I’ve been through struggles battling with acute kidney injury and more I have had a plasmapheresis yet I’m still unstable,” Boogie wrote in a Nov. 17 post, adding, “the test results state my health is deteriorating 😢 I honestly need sincere and genuine help.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CwaLwP5Msyj/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=ec6ee3af-342f-4fd6-bd50-515d4d26d3f0 As reported previously, patients seeking to enhance their derriere turn to Brazilian butt lift surgery, which is a procedure that harvests excess fat from other areas of the body through liposuction and transfers it to the buttocks. “Fat cells are removed via liposuction from the abdomen, hips, thighs, or lower back,” George Bitar, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Washington, DC, tells SELF. “The extracted fat is then purified and strategically injected into specific parts of the derriere to help patients achieve their desired size and shape.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CzdcaVEMD4H/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=476ac81a-1853-4ab9-9fe6-19719e5fa5b3 Two people involved in a melee at an Alabama riverfront dock that caught national headlines over the summer were sentenced, with one receiving jail time and the other ordered to go to anger management classes. Richard Roberts pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault for his part in the August brawl on a Montgomery river dock. He was sentenced to 32 days, which he will serve on weekends over the course of four months. Roberts will also have to perform 100 hours of community service and pay court costs. Another defendant, Mary Todd, 21, pleaded guilty to harassment as part of a prearranged plea agreement. She was sentenced to anger management classes and has 90 days to complete the classes and must pay court costs associated with her case. Three other defendants, Allen Todd, 24, Reggie Ray, 42, and Zachary Shipman, 26, had their cases continued. https://youtu.be/CridmiwygUI A 26-year-old TiKToker went viral after revealing why he married a 90-year-old woman when he was 19. After his wife died, she left him everything to spite her seemingly selfish and greedy grandchildren. As MadameNoire reports, the Black male Tiktoker, with the handle @cerosthegod, unpacked his relationship with Margaret in a series of videos. According to Ceros, he met Margaret at a hospital he was hanging around while homeless after his mother kicked him out of the house. “She shared her story, precisely about her antipathy for her money-hungry grandchildren waiting for her to kick rocks so they could get their grimy hands on her assets,” MadameNoire writes Margaret offered Ceros some of her belongings and asked him to marry her as she wanted to spend her final days with a handsome young man. https://www.tiktok.com/@cerosthegod/video/7297657924258663711?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2023%2Ftiktoker-explains-why-he-married-elderly-woman%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121355058%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7297657924258663711 When it hit the airwaves in 1993, the long-running NBC sitcom, “Frasier,” became a fan favorite, but so, too, did its catchy theme song written by Darryl Phinnesse. The unforgettable lyrics “Hey baby, I hear the blues ‘a-call in,’ Tossed salads and scrambled eggs” were part of the Zeitgeist of the 1990s, as it became one of the era’s most memorable and recognizable theme songs. The song became just as popular as the show itself. Music industry veteran Darryl Phinnessee is the man who wrote the memorable words. He has largely remained behind the scenes – until now surprising many who had no idea a Black man had written the lyrics for the timeless theme song. While his name has always been on the credits – people are now able to put a name to a face. “I’m really happy that people like the song,” Phinnessee said. “And, I think it’s great that they’re using the song for the new show.” With the reboot of “Frasier” on Paramount +, the theme song’s popularity has been revived, recapturing its original fan base while being introduced to a new audience. https://youtu.be/7NjfvvYInDU The meaning behind the show’s popular lyrics continues to be discussed. Just what is meant by “Tossed salads and scrambled eggs?” Who better to reveal the meaning of the lyrics than the man who famously wrote them? The song is experiencing a resurgence. “Yeah, it still appears to be popular,” said Phinnessee, an East St. Louis, Illinois native. “Of course, I’m pleased about that.” https://youtu.be/GpemacqzdtE The San Bernardino Branch of the NAACP is calling on the City of San Bernardino to investigate a racial incident (Race Hate) that occurred last month. A Black woman was called the N-word and B-word. During the public comments section of a council meeting on Oct. 18, Amy Malone, a Black resident of San Bernardino was interrupted by racial slurs from a commenter who was viewing the meeting remotely. The anonymous commenter told Malone to “go back to Africa” and called her the N-word. She was also called a “bitch.” Malone was shocked by the comments and insisted that they be addressed immediately. https://youtu.be/9frNJKmyXGc “You should apologize for what just happened,” said Malone to the city council members present. The local branch of the NAACP also reacted to the incident, calling it “disgusting.” “It is with a heavy heart that we must deal with racial insults being tossed at the Black community on 10/18/23 as they cautioned the mayor and council not to hire Mr. Charles Montoya as City Manager because of his public legal issues cause from being fired by the Mayor and Council from Avondale, Arizona,” wrote Chache Wright, NAACP San Bernardino Branch President. “A letter signed by Mayor Kenneth N. Weise (Avondale, AZ) lists these five alleged reasons for Montoya’s termination. 1. Montoya did not live in Avondale as required by his employment contract. 2. Demanding funds from the city he was not entitled to according to his contract. 3. Failing to make timely payments on a loan he had borrowed against his retirement account. 4. Receiving tuition reimbursement payments beyond what his contract allowed. 5. Refusing to repay vehicle reimbursement funds that he was paid in error,” the NAACP statement continued. https://youtu.be/CbmdfZ12g7A He’s been a featured soloist with the Norwegian Wind Ensemble & Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. He was also a featured vocalist in the films “This Is It,” “Annabelle: Creation,” “Save the Last Dance” (also as a composer), and “Dance Academy,” as well as “Under Suspicion.” He was an animated character in Hanna Barbera’s “I Yabba Dabba Do,” performing the theme song at Pebble’s and Bam Bam’s wedding. A Grammy Award-winner (Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Duo Or Group “Free Fall”), Phinnessee was also a vocalist on “Dancing with the Stars” from 2007-2013. He is currently working on a solo EP called, “The Dream.” https://youtu.be/iLFggMorCCQ Law enforcement at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport regularly seizes cash from passengers without an explanation, and getting that money back can be a long and arduous process. In a Channel 2 consumer report, Brian Moore Jr. told investigator Justin Gray that he had about $8,500 in cash while flying from Atlanta to Los Angeles to shoot a music video, but the money was seized by seemingly crooked police. Jerry Johnson was heading from Charlotte to Phoenix with $39,500 cash to buy a truck at auction when DEA agents snatched his money with no explanation. “There’s nothing different than being robbed. Somebody’s come up with a gun and take your money and then walk off,” Johnson said. https://youtu.be/Y0GGvr_2XOg Two people involved in the Alabama riverboat brawl are selling merchandise related to the incident. nReggie Ray and Tammie Howard launched the ‘Alabama Brawl Collection’ after they were exploited when other people capitalized on their likeness from the August 5 melee, according to TMZ. The “unisex items retailed at $12.99 to $59.99, the collection includes tees, sweatshirts, hoodies, caps, water bottles and mugs that read slogans like “Chairman for Justice,” “Fade in the Water,” and “Lift Every Chair and Swing,” Complex writes. Ray was captured on camera hitting white people with a folding chair during the Montgomery brawl. He was ultimately charged with disorderly conduct. He teamed with fellow brawl member Howard and attorney Jehan “J” Carter to start a line of merchandise inspired by the wild confrontation. The collection calls on customers to “celebrate the bravery of the Alabama Brawl.” https://twitter.com/shannonsharpeee/status/1688217322933432320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1688220213811314688%7Ctwgr%5E3765316e98e31a3ab24379cd4d4001b2eafb07f8%7Ctwcon%5Es2_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2023%2Fmontgomery-riverboat-brawl-participants-selling-merch%2F Jennifer Lopez has announced her new upcoming film and album, “THIS IS ME NOW,” will drop at the start of the new year. On February 16th, 2024, Lopez will release her long-awaited musical experience, “THIS IS ME…NOW,” with a new full-length album and film. The project marks her first studio album in nearly a decade and “celebrates the anniversary of its sister album, This is Me…Then, completing a 20 year journey,” per the press release. The album “effortlessly blends R&B, contemporary pop sounds and hip-hop beats, combined with her emotional signature vocals is Lopez’s most honest and personal yet,” the release states. https://youtu.be/r2lIJPWR34U “Lopez creates a genre-redefining immersive cinematic experience: an extravagant visual and sonic feast with impressive choreography, star-studded cameos, costumes, sets and blockbuster-worthy visuals,” the synopsis continues. “Although an astonishing, vivid spectacle, the film is ultimately a heartfelt ode to JL’s journey of self-healing and everlasting belief in fairytale endings. Audiences will be captivated and leave hopeful that true love can be more than a dream.” Amazon MGM Studios will release “This Is Me…Now: The Film” on Prime Video, while Nuyorican/BMG will distribute “This Is Me…Now: The Album.” The first single will be released on January 10, 2024, and is available to pre-save today on all major streamers. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0EkyEjL5i6/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Tiffany Haddish addressed her latest DUI arrest during a stand-up show at the Laugh Factory in Long Beach, California. In audio obtained by TMZ from Friday night’s show, when asked about her arrest, Haddish jokingly replied, “I had prayed to God to send me a man with a job, career, preferably in a uniform, and I answered my prayers,” she said, per the recording (listen to the clip above). We reported previously via CNN that Haddish was arrested early Friday morning on suspicion of driving under the influence, according to the Beverly Hills Police Department. She was arrested shortly after. According to TMZ, Haddish was not involved in an accident but was allegedly found asleep in her parked vehicle with the car running. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2023-11-25-112523-tiffany-haddish-sub-1734019-651/ Diddy’s former assistant, Capricorn Clark, is speaking out after Suge Knight revealed on his podcast that the Bad Boy mogul once brutally beat her. Diddy’s former assistant, Capricorn Clark, is speaking out after Suge Knight revealed on his podcast that the Bad Boy mogul once brutally beat her. In a message posted to her private Twitter account, Clark called Diddy “the devil” and noted: “Black women end up being the sacrifice for the f-ckery. Last 11 years of my life, I have had to deal with EVERYONES nonsensical allegiance to the devil. I pray that ends. I don’t think highly of any of you. Can’t keep your head down + pretend sh-t is cool no more. Do better,” she wrote, Hot New Hip Hop reports. The statement comes after Suge spilled more tea about Puff’s alleged violence towards women on the latest episode of his Collect Call with Suge Knight podcast, which the ex-Death Row CEO hosts from prison. He is serving a 28-years for a fatal hit-and-run incident. “What Puffy done, what Puffy did, or what Puffy do, is not a surprise — everybody know what it is,” he said, Hip Hop DX reports. “I mean, you gotta be able to that type of shit to a woman and to other women. But it’s not like it’s new news.” Suge claims Diddy assaulted Clark because she didn’t tell him about Cassie allegedly creeping around with Kid Cudi. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0HsaqNv5rw/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c31b2414-4219-48dc-bd68-26648245a923&img_index=1 Charlamagne Tha God discussed the future of the popular radio show program “The Breakfast Club” amid DJ Envy‘s legal drama. “The Breakfast Club is bigger than any of us as individuals. I’ve always felt like that,” Charlamagne said during a recent appearance on the Rap Radar podcast, Hip Hop DX reports. “My mind… what I always wanted for The Breakfast Club was new talent constantly comes in and is a part of this… is under this umbrella of the club. So whether Angela Yee is there or I’m there or Envy’s there, the platform can still continue,” he added. “I’ve never felt like The Breakfast Club was just a show about three individuals. That’s always where my mind was,” Charlamagne said. We reported previously that Envy is named in a lawsuit against his business partner, Cesar Pina, alleging the duo defrauded multiple investors of millions of dollars. Pena’s wife, Jennifer, is also named in the suit Anthony Barone and Anthony Martini filed. The plaintiffs claim that the trio “utilized the invested funds to sustain or bolster their opulent lifestyles.” “Same time he beat the sh*t outta muthaf*cking Cassie, he had an assistant by the name of Capricorn,” he continued. “He felt Cap was keepin’ this sh*t on the low about if she was messin’ with Cudi or not. Puffy beat the sh*t out that b*tch. “Not only did he beat the shit out of her, it was an Interscope person, an Interscope check, that paid her to settle so he wouldn’t go to jail.” Elsewhere in the conversation, Suge said, “Puffy, I don’t wanna see you go down, but if you need a celly, I’ma grant your ass my cell, boy! Have your cook game working. I don’t want no head, but you gon’ be cleaning toilets.” The comments come over a week after Diddy settled a $30 million lawsuit with his ex, Cassie, who accused him of physically abusing her and rapping her for years during their decade-long relationship. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0Ex1TROeWm/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again After nearly 10 months of jury selection, one of the country’s highest-profile trials is finally set to begin this week in Atlanta. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has alleged Grammy-winning rapper Young Thug is the co-founder of a criminal street gang (YSL) responsible for violent acts dating back a decade. Prosecutors say YSL – the acronym for the artist’s label, Young Stoner Life Records – also stands for Young Slime Life, an Atlanta-based street gang affiliated with the national Bloods gang. The artist was charged alongside more than two dozen other people under the state’s expansive Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act – known as RICO. https://youtu.be/vrm87uVSrmc It’s the same law Willis used to indict former President Donald Trump and 18 co-defendants in August in connection with their alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election. The blistering indictment naming Young Thug has turned national attention to the Atlanta courtroom where opening statements are due to begin Monday ahead of what could be a lengthy trial with a star-studded witness list. The case has also drawn fierce criticism over prosecutors’ use of rap lyrics as proof of the gang’s existence – a move some say is a racist violation of freedom of speech and artistic expression, and the latest instance of Black art being targeted. https://youtu.be/5WkCylxDl_4 Tyrese Gibson wants his ex-wife Samantha Lee to drop his last name after she blasted him for talking about their marriage during a recent podcast interview. Tyrese spoke about his divorce from Lee when he appeared on the Joe Budden Podcast. The ex-couple tied the knot in 2017 and announced their divorce in December 2020. During the Budden interview, Lee took issue with some of Gibson’s remarks and clapped back on Instagram, Complex reports. “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me,” Lee said in the video. You can learn a lot about people by how they respond/react to certain boundaries you set. The funny thing is, some people KNOW how they were doing you (probably worse than you even found out about in the moment) and yet you become the horrible person, the villain, in their story because you decided to set a boundary.” Tyrese responded in an Instagram post, calling on Lee to change her last name. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0Fn_nkOIvN/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Beyoncé reveals in her documentary titled “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé” how her daughter Blue Ivy reacted to the online criticism about her “lackluster moves” while on tour with her mother. “She told me she was ready to perform, and I told her no,” the global superstar said in the film, according to The New York Times. Blue Ivy, 11, made several appearances on the “Renaissance” tour during Queen Bey’s performances of “My Power” and “Black Parade.” After her debut in May during the Paris stop, social media criticized the child’s dancing skills. “But it thrilled her mother that instead of quitting, she decided to put in the work and train even harder for future stops,” the Times wrote. “I am truly amazed by the courage that this brave, talented, beautiful 11-year-old exhibited last night. There were almost 70,000 people in that audience,” Beyonce’s mother, Tina Knowles-Lawson, wrote of her granddaughter in a May 27 post on Instagram. “She danced with professional dancers, grown folks, she did complicated choreography and moves that they rehearsed for months. She rehearsed and learned this in a little over a week. She was so smooth with it.” https://youtu.be/xBcLo0Bc9Zs Kelly Rowland also gushed about Blue Ivy’s motivation to work hard in an August interview with E! News. “I’m very proud,” she said. “She works very freaking hard, period. But how could she not, you know? She sees her mother in action and she sees her father (JAY-Z) in action and how they apply everything, hard work to everything that they do.” We reported previously that Queen Bey is bringing her Renaissance World Tour to AMC Theatres in December. “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé” will play in thousands of U.S., Canadian, and Mexican theaters beginning Dec. 1. Tickets are available via AMC and Fandango. “When I am performing, I am nothing but free,” Beyoncé says in the film’s trailer. “The goal for this tour was to create a place where everyone is free and no one is judged. Start over, start fresh, create the new. That’s what the Renaissance is about.” https://youtu.be/AqjPzq3uYXQ Ludacris (Christopher Brian Bridges), is a consummate entertainer and innovative regarding his lyrics, visuals, and performances. The Atlanta rapper did a jaw-dropping performance rappelling from the roof of Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium of his hit “Move B*tch” during the closing of the third quarter of the Atlanta Falcons game versus the New Orleans Saints. His wife Eudoxie wrote, “A very @ludacris moment had me almost peeing my pants! 😂 but this is such a dope shot!! 🔥🔥. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0IGBubAvdb/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again T.I. kicked off the game shouting, “Bring ’em out, bring ’em out,” but incurred the microphone having a technical difficulty as the Falcons ran onto the field, according to Paste Magazine. https://static.cdninstagram.com/rsrc.php/v3/yb/r/UsSR4Cvo4Px.png Singer, actress, and host of the Soul Train Awards Keke Palmer gave a performance reminding folks her mic is always on! Some fans were unaware that Ms. Keke had vocal skills. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0IpvcEtqSz/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Coco Jones performed with Boyz II Men at theGrio Awards 2023 with Mariah Carey’s “One Sweet Day!” hit 🔥🎶. Singer Nicci Gilbert pleaded, “Can all the Awards Shows get back to moments like these…It’s Time for R&B to save the Entertainment Industry 🔥❤️.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C0F2Yl-tDJN/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Bill Cosby’s wife, Camille Cosby, reportedly refuses to fire the personal chef or staffers amid the couple’s “dire” financial situation. We reported previously that Cosby is said to be in “financial turmoil” and is “liquidating” assets to pay for legal fees related to civil lawsuits, according to RadarOnline. An insider claims Cosby, whose net worth was once estimated at $400 million, is “taking out second mortgages,” and he and his wife Camille are “selling off their artwork.” The couple is in a “bad situation financially” related to a slew of Cosby’s lawsuits brought on by women in several states, which has caused “major issues” for the couple, per Radar. “It’s never going to end,” the insider said of Cosy’s legal drama. “They are in financial turmoil right now,” the source added. Camille is allegedly in denial about their financial issues, according to Radar. A source told the outlet they “can’t live that lifestyle” anymore. Despite Cosby’s demands to fire some of their employees, his wife of 60 years is not having it. Meanwhile, Cosby is facing another sexual assault lawsuit from nine women that was filed in Nevada. A recent law in the state removed the statute of limitations for civil cases. As NBC News reports, the lawsuit accuses the 85-year-old of using his “enormous power, fame and prestige” to sexually assault each of the accusers. CNN may not be the first thing to come to mind when thinking of Charles Barkley, but the network is putting stock on the NBA legend and Gayle King to shake up things for the better. Variety reports the pair will co-anchor a new one-hour weekly limited-run series called “King Charles.” According to Amy Entelis, CNN’s executive vice president for talent and content development, the show offers a twist to the traditional news show format. “‘King Charles’ is different than anything we have on CNN’s lineup,” Entelis said in responses to questions provided by email. “It’s not a newscast, but rather a talk show centered around the news stories and cultural moments that Gayle and Charles are most interested in.” The arrival of “King Charles” comes amid a time when cable news networks are creatively exploring new ways to keep and attract viewers who are moving toward on-demand streaming video. The creation of the show stemmed during the tenure of former CNN CEO Chris Licht. During his time at the network, Licht put a bit of emphasis on looking for non-traditional personalities to add perspective and color to the network’s programming. Variety notes the impact of the current landscape with advertisers who fear being called out for sponsoring opinioned hosts after years of being comfortable with the traditional news show format. https://youtu.be/u8S82HqneO4 Derek Chauvin, the ex-Minneapolis police officer convicted of murdering George Floyd, has been stabbed. Chauvin was knifed Friday (11-24-23) at a federal prison in Tucson, Arizona, reports The Associated Press via a source. The attack happened Friday at around 12:30pm at the Federal Correctional Institution in Tucson. The AP’s report says Chauvin’s injury is serious. The source spoke on the condition of staying unidentified because they were not publicly allowed to share details of the incident. https://youtu.be/tpfzIHtfQPg Without naming the inmate, the Bureau of Prisons issued a statement to the AP saying that prison employees responded to an incident, contained the area, and performed “life-saving measures” on the inmate (assumed to be Chauvin), who was then transported to a hospital. It was last year in August that Chauvin was transferred to the Federal Correctional Institution in Tucson from a maximum-security state prison in Minnesota. He was given a 21-year federal sentence for violating Floyd’s civil rights. He also received a 22½-year state sentence for second-degree murder. George Floyd died on May 25, 2020, after he was forcibly held on the ground by Chauvin for 9½ minutes who pressed his knee on Floyd’s neck. A bystander fortunately recorded video of the incident and of Floyd saying “I can’t breathe.” His death led to protests around the world. https://youtu.be/AzreUZUJtVQ Jamie Foxx is maintaining he never sexually assaulted the model who recently sued him over an incident she claims happened in 2015. Foxx’s spokesperson told TMZ that the incident in question never happened. “In 2020, this individual filed a nearly identical lawsuit in Brooklyn. That case was dismissed shortly thereafter,” added the spokesperson, pointing to a different lawsuit. “The claims are no more viable today than they were then.” In the newest lawsuit, filed in New York, the woman alleges that Foxx groped her without her consent at a swanky NYC rooftop restaurant in August 2015. According to her, she asked Foxx for a photo and he told her, “Wow, you have that supermodel body” and “You smell so good.” Having praised her thus, he allegedly grabbed her arm and pulled her to a back area, and started touching her all over her body, including all her private parts. https://youtu.be/TI2RUNqLvUU Retail giant Macy’s will no longer carry Sean “Diddy” Combs clothing brand “Sean John.” An insider familiar with the details disclosed that Diddy’s “products are being removed” and “won’t be available on the site.” In essence, the musician’s brand won’t be featured on Macy’s retail website, ending a two-decade partnership. The insider added that Diddy’s “products are being removed” and “won’t be available on the site.” Macy’s has been offering the brand in select stores for years but now the brand is not been selling like it used to in the ’90s and early ‘00s. The insider pointed out that the retail stores are “always evaluating” and deciding “what’s relevant” to consumers. After a period of evaluation, Macy’s decided it was time to “phase out” the label because people were no longer buying Sean John. “As part of our ongoing review of our brand portfolio, the Sean John collection has started to phase out of assortment since early fall 2023,” the insider disclosed to RadarOnline.com on Wednesday. “It’s the course of business.” https://www.youtube.com/shorts/IpfQhwvHZd4?feature=share Tiffany Haddish was arrested early Friday morning on suspicion of driving under the influence, according to the Beverly Hills Police Department. Police were called at 5:45 a.m. PST on Friday morning and she was arrested shortly after. She remains in custody as of Friday morning local time, a public information officer told CNN. According to TMZ, Haddish was not involved in an accident but was allegedly found asleep in her parked vehicle with the car running. CNN has reached out to representatives for Haddish for comment. Haddish had reportedly performed at The Laugh Factory in West Hollywood on Thursday night for the comedy club’s 43rd annual free Thanksgiving feast for the community. The comedic actress was also arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in 2022 in Peachtree City, Georgia after she fell asleep at the wheel. She later addressed the incident that same month during an appearance on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.” “I can say this Jimmy, I’ve been praying to God to send me a new man, a good man,” said Haddish. “And God went ahead and sent me four in a uniform. I wasn’t expecting it.” https://youtu.be/U_q_TCJv0PM There was plenty of excitement last year when Zahara Jolie-Pitt enrolled at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. Videos of her and her mom, Angelina Jolie, visiting the campus went viral and sparked conversation about the importance of historically Black colleges and universities. The 18-year-old daughter of Jolie and Brad Pitt has now pledged the sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha, Incorporated, and it has once again stirred excitement and dialogue. Essence magazine shared a video on social media that showed a crowd on campus reacting enthusiastically as Jolie-Pitt introduced herself and shared that she was number seven among her line sisters pledging. https://youtu.be/yTJHOt20Gbc Alpha Kappa Alpha, Incorporated is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by Black college-educated women and has more than 355,000 initiated members in undergraduate and graduate chapters around the world. It was founded in 1908 at Howard University and is the subject of the documentary “Twenty Pearls.” The sorority also boasts plenty of high-profile members, including the current Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris. Many members proudly point to being part of the Divine Nine, a group of sororities and fraternities that were founded in the early 20th century during a time when racism and discrimination against Black Americans was pervasive. Jolie-Pitt was online and then crossed over as it is referred to once a person becomes a member of a Black sorority or fraternity, is notable to those who have observed Jolie-Pitt’s connections to her cultural roots. She was born in Ethiopia and adopted by Jolie and Pitt in 2005. When it comes to transracial adoptions in which children of color are adopted by white parents, there are some who express concerns that those parents may not be sensitive to what it means to live in a world that has deemed you a minority. https://youtu.be/XuQvdhe8QDo Such was the case in 2009, when there was debate about Jolie allowing her daughter to wear her hair, as Newsweek’s Allison Samuels referred to it as, “wild and unstyled, uncombed and dry. Basically: a ‘hot mess.’” “Now, I’m not going to jump in the middle of the raucous debate sweeping like wildfire through the internet; there’s been enough piling on from both sides of the issue without me adding to it (Should Zahara’s hair be wild and carefree?,” author and journalist Denene Millner wrote on her My Brown Baby site. “Should Angie take a black hair care class or two so she can “tame” Zahara’s hair? Why are we criticizing a 4-year-old’s hairstyle anyway?)” “But I will say that even as an African American mom, it’s not easy being in charge of two heads of kinky, curly hair — not including my own — with little information, great trepidation, and horrible memories of the Saturday night torture,” she added. So when Jolie came to Spelman in 2022 with her daughter, there was celebration that Jolie-Pitt would become a part of the famed liberal arts college for women. The actress fully embraced the choice, even being filmed during a campus visit getting a lesson in how to do the Electric Slide. https://youtu.be/KnuCBuZtM90 Everyone it seems is talking about Texans rookie quarterback CJ Stroud, but that doesn’t mean everyone knows him well. Many know his name, but not him. From just a contender for Offensive Rookie of the Year, Stroud has evolved into a potential Most Valuable Player (MVP) candidate, thanks to the endless impressive performance he keeps displaying. Stroud was born in Rancho Cucamonga, California. He is the youngest of four siblings, and also the most famous. There is sad detail in his story. Stroud’s father, Coleridge Bernard Stroud III, was sentenced to 38 years to life after pleading guilty to kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery related to a drug-related incident under California’s three-strikes law in 2016. The father has been incarcerated since CJ was in middle school and is currently serving his sentence at Folsom State Prison near Sacramento. That said, let’s now talk about Stroud himself. The 22-year-old National Football League player has perfected the art of working under pressure, making critical decisions in crucial moments. For his admirers, this has qualified him for the MVP consideration. https://youtu.be/oq73CsZKo64 Brandy (Brandy Rayana Norwood) shared pictures and her Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade performance on the Brach’s candy float. She captioned the images, “I pray everyone had a beautiful day of being thankful and remembering to count your blessings. Happy Thanksgiving.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C0BIvjMsjFB/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c64409e6-7202-4316-ba94-3e6915b9c9a2&img_index=1 Teyana Taylor requests her fans and blogs give her privacy as she works through her divorce from Iman Shumpert. “I mind my business, don’t bother nobody & y’all know I’ve never played about my children, family & our privacy,” she begins. “I have not spoken on this private matter to any media outlets or blogs etc. So everyone claiming ‘Teyana said’ didn’t get any statements directly from ME. These statements were taken from private court documents that were leaked to the public. It is very heartbreaking that someone would take the time to make such a private matter public for the world to see. However, Protecting my family is one thing I’ve ALWAYS done & for my children, I will continue to do so. Please if y’all love y’all play nieces Junie & Rue like y’all have shown, please allow myself & my family some privacy to resolve this matter in peace.” She ended her statement with “love y’all” followed by a heart emoji. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0Cu4bpuni_/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=061da7ac-d2c4-41ac-96af-9dfa580938dc Social media influencer @yesimprettyvee recreated a scene from “The Color Purple” but renamed it “The Color Pank” (1930s) 👢🍃. Vena E. gave an Oscar-worthy performance, with her fans tagging Tyler Perry to put her in his next movie. “What can’t you do!?!😂😂 @tylerperry please get Vee a movie or a whole damn show!!👏🏽👸🏽.” Another fan wrote, “Bravo… 👏🏾👏🏾 Can we talk about them “crickets” in the background too… They did they thing too and gone help you get that Oscar meanwhile they getting an Emmy for supportive role 😂😂. https://www.instagram.com/p/CyzLBMBpN3m/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Tia Mowry posed with her family and ex-husband Cory Hardict. A bunch of nosey Nancys noticed how Tia had a hand casually placed on her ex-bae’s knee. “That moment when you realize it’s nothing out here so you go back home to where you feel comfortable at,” observed one fan. “Just get back together, the dating scene is trash,” pleaded another person. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0Cp1CWP9KX/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=73314c1e-52c4-429a-8654-d01856d6a6ad&img_index=1 Tommie Lee, the reality TV star, posted clips of her with Tamar Braxton’s ex-fiancé Jeremy “JR” Robinson no doubt as an extension of the two women’s online beef days earlier. But some of those looking on point out that with this latest salvo, Tommie has taken the beef to another level no one saw coming. This is obviously meant to get back at the “Love and War” singer. In the clips, JR — the NOLA repping and Atlanta attorney — is wearing a leather Louis Vuitton jacket and is seated beside Tommie who is clad in a black jumpsuit. It’s not yet clear if this was a chance evening meeting or a date. The “Love & Hip Hop” star seems keener on flirting with JR in the clips. After he smiles sheepishly and leans close to speak with her, she lightly wraps her hand around his waist. It’s her recording the whole thing. Another clip shows JR’s face on the camera and he looks puzzled upon realizing she is recording things. One of the clips is captioned, “Last night’s game was all over the place.” https://youtu.be/q7S5GYw0LL4 While some commenters felt JR and Tommie being at the basketball game together was questionable and weird, others wrote that Tommie sank low by posting them and getting over-excited over the meeting. They said she has come out as needy and desperate. https://www.instagram.com/p/Czy3Nt9JvaU/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Jazzy Rita (LaRita Shelby), a Jazz singer/songwriter releases new single “Real Holiday Love” (SB Music) just in time for the holidays. The single provokes feelings of love, family, and giving – the kind of feelings felt around the world during the holiday season. Rita is a former radio personality (Armed Forces Radio) and television producer (“The LaRita Shelby Show”), heard in 57 countries. The “Real Holiday Love” single was written by Rita and Willie Daniels (Walk by Faith) and produced by Michael Wells (Wishing Well Studios). The “Real Holiday Love” single is her first-holiday project. Her last album was “A Date with a Song.” Born in Nashville and currently residing in Los Angeles, Jazzy Rita is also an author, producer, playwright, host, comedian, media personality, and screenwriter. She has her own band called “The 2 Jazzy Crew,” under the direction of Will Daniels. https://youtu.be/ia6L20GjUTw Fans came for Whoopi Goldberg‘s neck because she posted videos of cooking her Thanksgiving turkey without wearing gloves. The television host told people to chill and said she washed her hands, “We’re not dirty mofos,” she emphatically declared. One fan came to Whoop’s defense, “They Acting Like They About To Eat Her Food and MOST BLACK PEOPLE CONSTANTLY Wash / Rinse Our Hands While In The Kitchen Cooking.” https://www.instagram.com/whoopigoldberg/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=f3fc8987-4ca3-4f9f-862d-7ced618b4f1d Christina Milan gave her fans an inside look into her kitchen as she prepared yams aka sweet potatoes. Fans quickly transformed into social media Keith Lees and critiqued her culinary and hygienic skills. One inquired, “Did you boil them 1st sis!? Lol.” Another person immediately addressed the concern, “@pfrankshow no sir as a SOUL FOOD chef/caterer and Business owner raised in the kitchen by 2 great grandmother chefs and great aunts sorry to inform you but you do NOT have to boil a sweet potato.” But according to another fan, Christina committed a cardinal sin in the kitchen, touching her face and then touching the food, “When she wiped her nose and then started touching the sweet potatoes I knew then there was a problem!” https://www.instagram.com/p/Cz_ZJJit_0h/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=invalid&ig_rid=866c7747-6b9f-457e-9a0f-5d002b7aeffa Keyshia Ka’Oir announced on her IG page that her beloved Pepto Bismal color Lambo was found after being listed as stolen. She captioned the pictures showing her recovered vehicle, “Got my baby back! Thanks to everyone that assisted 🙌.” Gucci Mane‘s bae previously said she would offer a reward if anyone located her automobile. Fans sardonically wrote their opinions about her debacle, “Girl, ain’t nobody took your vehicle, you took it and damaged it yourself. You not gonna tell me, you got it without a tracker, then randomly just found it on the road. Girl Gtf. You better hope dummies work at the insurance company.” One person felt it was a hoax, “Probably was never missing, the materialistic queen with a stunt. 🤷🏽♀️.“ https://www.instagram.com/p/Cz_iYt3ujZp/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=979db9fe-7492-419b-afb6-fb50a2c78b6b Rick Ross went back to his Grandma’s neighborhood to feed the residents. https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cz9rpHbumlc/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=64b20ab8-5352-46f2-884c-8742f15d474f The Omni-American Future Project, a groundbreaking initiative committed to fighting racism and antisemitism in the United States through the unifying power of music and culture, is proud to unveil Straight Ahead: The Omni-American Podcast. The inaugural episode with Coleman Hughes aired on Thursday and is available on all major platforms. Straight Ahead features Omni-American Future Project co-directors Greg Thomas and Aryeh Tepper in conversation with leading figures from the arts, academia, business, and politics. By promoting a robust middle path in U.S. society and culture that celebrates human excellence no matter the source, Tepper and Thomas steadfastly oppose those who fuel racism and antisemitism by reducing people to essentialized identities. https://vimeo.com/885393199 Soul Train Music Awards 2023 taping was kind of all over the place, like the current state of hip-hop. Everyone’s talking about where music is headed, and the same can be said about the Soul Train Music Awards. Can Keke Palmer‘s move to switch up the venue save the day, or is it time to let the hippest trip in America rest in peace? Candidly speaking, the venue change to a mansion was pretty forward-thinking. It had beautiful views of the Hollywood hills, and the decor was on point. The lineup was nice, but there was just a lot going on for America’s new sweetheart and our favorite host to visit the carpet. Production had too much going on with this location (and the windy day didn’t make things any better). Maybe less is more next time around? Fingers crossed that we’re wrong, and the production blows our minds with select artist performances and edits. Eurweb was able to interview legendary artists such as David Banner, Bryan Michael Cox, and Nicci Gilbert, along with soulful singers like Eric Bellinger, Coco Jones, October London, and newcomers such as Honey Bxby, Ambre’, and Dante’ Bowe, which all provided a captivating perspective into the many spectrums of the music industry. Wild cards included the ever-charismatic Ray J, Kenny Burns, and the beautiful actress Serayah. We were able to interview legendary artists such as David Banner, Bryan Michael Cox, and Nicci Gilbert, along with soulful singers like Eric Bellinger, Coco Jones, October London, and newcomers such as Honey Bxby, Ambre’, and Dante’ Bowe, which all provided a captivating perspective into the many spectrums of the music industry. Wild cards included the ever-charismatic Ray J, Kenny Burns, and the beautiful actress Serayah. https://vimeo.com/887051590 More than eight months after 37-year-old Dexter Wade was fatally struck by a Mississippi officer in a police cruiser, his family members shared their final goodbyes as he was laid to rest Monday.The Jackson Police Department said Wade died after being struck by an officer on March 5 and investigators were not able to contact his family. His mother reported him missing on March 14, a little more than a week after the crash, but did not receive word he had been killed – and buried – until August 24, CNN has reported. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump said Wade was buried in a “pauper’s field.” His body was exhumed earlier this month. At his service Monday, Wade’s mother, Bettersten Wade, talked about her journey trying to find her son. “I begged Dexter to come home,” she said. “Dexter, you made it home.” https://youtu.be/YwcDigZF4VY An arrest has been made in connection to the fatal shooting of Mickey Cooper, the younger brother of former Los Angeles Lakers player Michael Cooper.Mickey, 64, was shot on November 18 in a park Pasadena, California. Two days later, police arrested Aaron Miguel Conell, 24, on murder charges after uncovering evidence tying him to Cooper’s killing. Pasadena Police Department said in a statement that Conell was “identified [as] a person of interest only a few hours after the homicide.” In an interview with ABC 7, Michael Cooper said his brother was deeply loved by his family despite living a troubled life and battling drug addiction. https://youtu.be/fqGc0U2iSI0 Mickey was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds in Pasadena’s Washington Park at 4 a.m. Saturday. Micheal said his bother “went about his life” and “didn’t bother anybody.” According to Newsweek, the siblings played basketball together in the same park when they were children. “For somebody to come take his life, [as if] that nobody loved him? He was loved by a lot of people,” Michael added. https://pbs.twimg.com/card_img/1726502191467581440/adAkD0Kv?format=jpg&name=small More details about Cassie Ventura’s tumultuous relationship with Diddy have surfaced, including allegations that the hip-hop mogul pressured her to get breast implants in 2009. According to The Blast, Diddy didn’t like the results of Cassie’s breast augmentation, so he demanded that the doctor reverse the procedure a day after she went under the knife. A witness to the abuse told the Daily Mail that “a tearful Cassie sat in silence as Diddy ordered Dr. Frank Ryan, a celebrity surgeon, to reverse the procedure,” The Blast writes. “Diddy thought they could go right back into surgery, like now, and take them out,” the source said. “And Dr. Ryan was like, ‘No way,’ trying to explain to him that we should wait at least six months to see how it heals because she was just opened up.” The source continued, “But Diddy was like, ‘No, they’ve got to come out, call who you need to call, they’ve got to come out.'” Ventura filed a federal lawsuit last week, accusing Combs of rape, physical abuse and sex trafficking. A settlement was reached a day after she claimed Diddy violently abused her for years. Details of the settlement have not been revealed. We reported via CNN that “Ventura’s lawyer said Combs offered her “eight figures” — or between $10 million and $99.9 million — to keep her from filing her lawsuit,” the outlet writes. Diddy’s attorney, Ben Brafman, said Diddy “vehemently denies” Cassie’s abuse allegations. “For the past six months, Mr. Combs has been subjected to Ms. Ventura’s persistent demand of $30 million, under the threat of writing a damaging book about their relationship, which was unequivocally rejected as blatant blackmail,” the statement read, per USA Today. “Despite withdrawing her initial threat, Ms. Ventura has now resorted to filing a lawsuit riddled with baseless and outrageous lies, aiming to tarnish Mr. Combs’ reputation and seeking a pay day.” Brafman also stated: “Just so we’re clear, a decision to settle a lawsuit, especially in 2023, is in no way an admission of wrongdoing. Mr. Combs’ decision to settle the lawsuit does not in any way undermine his flat-out denial of the claims. He is happy they got to a mutual settlement and wishes Ms. Ventura the best.” Keke Palmer stars in Google’s latest Black-Owned Friday campaign, now in its fourth year. Palmer’s film, directed by Andre Muir, includes a remixed version of Crystal Waters’ iconic 90s single “100% Pure Love.” The clip features 12 Black-owned businesses, 25 Black-owned brands, and 50+ individual products nationwide. The video sees Palmer making it a point to support Black-owned establishments on Black Friday.In a statement, the actress/singer said, “People know me as Keke “Keep A Bag” Palmer because I am all about taking care of business. I love supporting small businesses, and as an entrepreneur myself, I’m particularly invested in the support of Black-owned businesses. So when Google approached me for their fourth annual Black-owned Friday campaign my response was “100%.” Keke Palmer attends the Time100 Next at Second on October 25, 2022, in New York City. Muir said, “Supporting Black-owned businesses is not just a seasonal endeavor but a year-round Commitment.” https://youtu.be/S29xhu4QvSY A new upcoming podcast series will explore the story of “Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin, a Muslim leader who was convicted of shooting two sheriff’s deputies — one fatally —in 2000, outside a mosque in one of Atlanta’s oldest neighborhoods,” according to a news release. The podcast titled “Radical” spans the Jim Crow South, the Civil Rights Movement, the War on Drugs, and post-9/11 America, unraveling a story that transcends a murder trial to explore the impact on a community of Black Muslims in the South, revealing something deeper about violence in America,” per the release. Hosted by Mosi Secret, in collaboration with iHeartPodcasts, the series unpacks “a story that transcends a murder trial to explore the impact on a community of Black Muslims in the South, revealing something deeper about violence in America, and who deserves to be called radical,” the synopsis states. “Jamil Al-Amin was a crucial figure in Black history, and a vibrant leader who played an integral role in establishing a religious community in one of Atlanta’s oldest neighborhoods, yet many people do not know his story,” said “Radical” host Mosi Secret. https://i.iheart.com/v3/url/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cub21ueWNvbnRlbnQuY29tL2QvcHJvZ3JhbXMvZTczYzk5OGUtNmU2MC00MzJmLTg2MTAtYWUyMTAxNDBjNWIxLzgzOTVlMGRkLTY4NDItNDgwNi1iOWFhLWIwOGYwMTE0ODVkOS9pbWFnZS5qcGc_dD0xNjk5NTQyNzY4JnNpemU9TGFyZ2U?ops=fit(240%2C240) The album, released in 1972 as a 6-song single disc, became a multi-platinum-seller on the strength of not only its hit singles, “The Cisco Kid” and “The World is a Ghetto,” but also its immediate and long-enduring mystique as that rare flawless LP that could be played from beginning to end and take listeners on a hypnotizing, introspective journey. This was accomplished via stretched-out mood pieces “City, Country, City” and “Four Cornered Room,” the hand-clappin’ bounce of “Where Was You At,” and the mind-bending finale “Beetles in the Bog.” Now, The World is a Ghetto has received an astounding retrospective treatment that includes a remaster of the album as it was originally released on one disc, 6 previously unreleased tracks from the sessions on another disc, plus 3 additional vinyl discs that contain – on one side apiece – the box set’s true motherlode. Each side takes you on a journey through the evolution of a song from germination to its initial rough mix (i.e., before overdubs, sweetening, and final editing). All this music astoundingly reveals the collaborative magic of original band members Howard Scott on electric and acoustic guitars and lead vocals, Lonnie Jordan on piano, electric piano and organ and lead vocals, B.B. Dickerson on electric bass and lead vocals, Charles Miller on saxophones and flute, Lee Oskar on harmonicas, Harold Brown on drums and vocals, and Papa Dee Allen on congas and percussion. Nick Cannon is hosting yet another show! The “Masked Singer” host has a new series on VH1, “Future Superstars.” The show features episodes of upcoming artists’ journey to stardom. Cannon has been known to launch careers through his show “Wild n Out.” Several comedians have gotten their start on that show. He’s also played a role in the careers of some of today’s artists such as HER and Kahlani. Watching interviews about or with Cannon one can learn how influential he is behind the scenes in the entertainment industry. And now he is showing everyone the power of his impact with his new docu-series “Future Superstars.” Each episode follows a different artist telling their story. The show focuses on their path of following their dreams and showcasing their talents. This series is not only a way to get their names out there, but a way for viewers to get to know them and how relatable they are. We talked to Nick about this show and why it was important for him to use his platform this way. “It’s one of those things where I feel like it’s one of my gifts. So really it is a blessing to spot talent early,” said Cannon. Cannon has been in entertainment for over 20 years. And through his time in the industry, he has learned a lot about it and is willing to help others achieve success. Thanksgiving Day has looked different in recent years. This year, the turkey day falls on Thursday, Nov. 23. Here’s what’s open and closed on Thanksgiving Day 2023. Sights of people lining up at 5 pm Thanksgiving Day at large retailers to catch Black Friday deals are rare since the onset of the pandemic. Many stores opted to close their doors on Thanksgiving in 2020 to limit crowding and spread out the holiday shopping season — and made the decision permanent. Target is closed on Thanksgiving Day. The closure on Thursday began for the first time in 2020. “Once I heard from team members how much they appreciated that time with their families, it was an easy decision to make the policy permanent, and our store teams have had that time off ever since,” CEO Brian Cornell said in a statement in November. https://twitter.com/PopCrave/status/1727104455139549458 Mary J. Blige and Misa Hylton partied with Misa‘s daughter, Madison Star Brim, holding the camera wearing a mint green ensemble. The peanut gallery had much to say about the two ladies and relative silence about the recent Diddy scandal involving his ex-lover Cassie. “Mary knows everything about diddy madness but she will keep is secrets till the end of time. She has been friends for more than 30years she knows everything but isn’t her she doesn’t care, don’t expect her to say anything about him she will not that’s her best friend and she doesn’t care what he does to people she doesn’t care she doesn’t have anything to say about him. All this drama did you hear she said anything apparently not about him? These people are something else. I look at her differently from now on.????????,” said one person. One fan defended the Queen of Hip Hop Soul, “Mary had and probably still has her own addictions she has fault all her life she has also had her own DV situations/relationship, she fights her own demons so it’s no way she can speak on anyone else’s when she’s trying to heal herself.” https://www.tiktok.com/@_madisonstar/video/7303734005663305003?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2023%2Fdrake-debuts-miskeen-face-tattoo-fans-clown-him-viola-davis-drops-gems-about-self-love-and-relationships-more-picvideos%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121355058%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7303734005663305003 Oscar winner Viola Davis gave relationship advice to Buzzfeed while attending the Los Angeles premiere of the new prequel movie “Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snake.” Auntie V said, after gazing lovingly at her husband Julius Tennon, she teaches her daughter to love herself first to cultivate meaningful relationships. https://www.tiktok.com/share/video/7276100617305787694?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2023%2Fdrake-debuts-miskeen-face-tattoo-fans-clown-him-viola-davis-drops-gems-about-self-love-and-relationships-more-picvideos%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121355058%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_card_play&referer_video_id=7302517727246273834 Mashonda linked up with Alicia Keys to watch the opening night of Alicia‘s new off-Broadway musical “Hell’s Kitchen.” Mashonda captioned her pictures with Genesis Ali and Angela Bassett, “Big #NEWYORK ENERGY Hells Kitchen was phenomenal and premier night was a blast????Congratulations @aliciakeys. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cz62I8lusbS/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=fe9ecbff-7d9d-4084-91fa-c75fb937883a Rose admits she lets her 4-year-old son Slash drink coffee every morning before school. “He drinks coffee all the time,” Rose, 40, explained to “No Jumper” podcast host Adam22 and his wife, porn star Lena the Plug, Page Six reports. “Like, me and my kids sit and we drink coffee and we talk,” Rose added. The former stripper shares Slash with her ex, music executive Alexander “AE” Edwards, and 10-year-old son Sebastian with rapper Wiz Khalifa. Rose said Slash will “wake up and be like, ‘I want coffee and breakfast.’” https://youtu.be/WbZ3yMnHVk4 In a world often overshadowed by divisiveness, drama, and chaos, the simple act of embracing gratitude every day becomes a revolutionary anthem. Thanksgiving, an annual crescendo in the grand opera of life, invites us to collectively raise our voices in a harmonious celebration of gratitude. But what if we were to carry this tune in our hearts daily, allowing the chords of thanks to seamlessly weave into the fabric of our lives? I have journeyed through diverse landscapes of creativity. Navigating highs and lows, turning disappointments into lessons of personal growth, ever thankful that my parents raised me to understand there is always something to be thankful for – even in struggles we can turn tests into testimonies. My foundation in life is because of my parents and I’m thankful for their teachings. My Dad used to say ‘Don’t wait for special occasions to use your nice things (stop saving them for moments), to be kind, to be giving, and to be thankful.” I wrote my song ‘Like A Holiday’ to echo this sentiment. https://youtu.be/BqvdUIfLAic In the realm of artistic expression, the heartbeat of inspiration often resonates in quiet moments of reflection, in the whispers of gratitude that echo through the corridors of the soul. Music, much like gratitude, knows no boundaries. It has the power to transcend the mundane and elevate us to a higher plane of existence. Similarly, the act of being thankful transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, turning the routine into a sacred dance of appreciation for the rich tapestry of life. In the rapid cadence of our lives with technology often a distraction, it’s easy to overlook the beauty in the mundane—the simple joys, the fleeting moments that may be missed when viewed through a device, when strung together, compose the symphony of our existence. https://youtu.be/vc_5Gggwp44 Tyrese Gibson is facing a lawsuit over “excessive alterations” to an Airbnb property he resided in for six months starting in February. According to the Blast, Tiffanique Webb filed a $25,000 lawsuit against the actor/singer, accusing him of “property damage.” The filings state that “excessive alterations” made to the rental caused the owner to suffer “loss of use of property” and “loss of capacity of earning.” TMZ reports that the “Fast and Furious” star rented the 5-bedroom estate in Woodland Hills for $20,000 monthly. After moving in, he began making “excessive alterations” to the house, according to the lawsuit. Wolf claims Tyrese altered “electrical panels, adding electrical outlets that weren’t up to code, painting a marble fireplace in a shiny gold metallic color, closing off doors and windows, and causing damage to the HVAC units,” writes TMZ. Tyrese showed off some of the changes inside the house in a video obtained by the outlet. As a result of the alleged damages, Wolf is seeking compensation. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2023-11-16-111623-tyrese-gibson-damage-1729876-948/ Adele allegedly had sports agent Rich Paul sign a prenup before tying the knot to protect her estimated $220 million fortune. We reported previously that the Grammy-winning British singer, 35, recently revealed her newly married status at her pal Alan Carr’s comedy show in Los Angeles. One audience member told Deuxmoi: “I was at Alan Carr’s comedy show in LA tonight and Adele was in the audience. Alan asked the crowd if anyone got married recently and Adele shouted ‘I did’.” Another witness added: “When he asked if anyone got married recently she yelled ‘I did’. Super cute all around and was super sweet but dipped right before it ended.” Adele was previously married to Simon Konecki, with whom she shares a 10-year-old son, Angelo. According to The Blast, she gave up a chunk of her wealth after their divorce because there wasn’t a prenuptial agreement. According to an insider, the prenup did “cause some friction” between Adele and Paul. Charlie Wilson’s rep says the singer is “in amazing spirits and health” following reports that he is not doing well following back surgery. “Charlie is releasing a new single on December 8th and receiving his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on his 71st birthday, January 29, 2024,” the rep shared . The rep said a recent tweet from DJ Hollygrove claiming Wilson is hospitalized and “not doing well” is “absolutely incorrect.” Wilson, a 13x Grammy-nominated artist, kicked off Black Music Month this year with an NPR Tiny Desk Concert! https://youtu.be/J3jUEB7qmt8 Working during the holidays is not something one would normally choose to do. But depending on your situation working around the holidays, may just be therapeutic. The new film “The Holdovers” is a story about three unlikely people who must spend the winter break together. One of those people is Mary Lamb, played by Da’Vine Joy Randolph. Mary works as the head cook at Barton Academy, a boarding school in New England. She has chosen to spend her holiday at the school and cook for those who had to stay behind. She makes this decision after losing her son in the Vietnam War. The school is the last place she had her son were together. https://youtu.be/AhKLpJmHhIg Daryl Hall filed a lawsuit Thursday against former bandmate John Oates in Nashville’s chancery court, according to court records. The two musicians are famous as the members of the eponymous Hall & Oates rock duo that had tremendous success in the early 1980s with hits like “Private Eyes” and “Maneater.” The suit by Hall against Oates as an individual and Oates’s trust is listed as a “contract/debt” dispute, but the details of the case are sealed, court records show. On Friday, the court granted Hall’s motion for a temporary restraining order to take effect November 30, according to records. Because the file is largely sealed, the nature of the restraining order is not apparent. Such an order might typically be entered in a business dispute to keep one party from harming the other party’s economic interests. https://youtu.be/ccenFp_3kq8 CNN has reached out to representatives and attorneys of both Hall and Oates for comment and more information. The hitmakers met in the 1960s in Philadelphia, and according to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, had 29 Top Forty hits from 1976 to 1990. https://youtu.be/rlwrWOJ0Pno Nearly 300 guests gathered Thursday evening (11/16) at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City as DoSomething, the hub for youth-centered activism, celebrated its 30th Anniversary with a special edition of its annual gala – The Futures Ball. In addition to commemorating 30 years of youth-led impact, this year’s event ushered in a new, illustrious collective of changemakers – highlighting the next generations of young people who are transforming systems, creating change, and building a future on their terms. The 2023 Futures Ball kicked off with a festive reception followed by the dinner and awards ceremony hosted by Emmy-nominated multi-platform storyteller, producer, futurist comedian, and cultural critic Baratunde Thurston (Host and Executive Producer, PBS’ American Outdoors and Creator and Host, How To Citizen Podcast). A passenger onboard a Frontier Airlines flight caused a wild disruption when she began yelling and climbing over the seats. The viral video of the scene shows other passengers and flight attendants attempting to calm the disturbed woman. According to an Aviation News post on social media, the incident occurred onboard a flight from Houston to Denver. The plane had to land in Dallas after the seemingly troubled woman started hitting people. As TMZ reports, it’s unclear what prompted her outburst. One passenger said the unnamed woman was having a “demonic possession,” the outlet writes. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2023-11-21-112123-airplane-freakout-1732457-206/ Get ready for a skincare transformation as IKNOW Skincare Treatment Solutions unveils an exclusive Black Friday promotion for your nighttime regimen. Enjoy a special 25% discount on their carefully curated trio of essential products that will elevate your nighttime skincare routine. This transformative collection includes the hydrating R4 Nighttime Hydrating Cream, the rejuvenating Eyes Matter Instant Smoothing Eye Serum, and the game-changing Night Cap Retinol Moisturizing Cream. Crafted to work synergistically, these products ensure your skin receives the nourishment and care it deserves while you sleep. Each product in the collection is designed to work synergistically, ensuring your skin receives the nourishment and care it deserves while you sleep. Popeyes has rolled out hand-battered and breaded crispy chicken wings to locations nationwide. The new menu item comes in five signature flavors with varying degrees of kick- Honey BBQ, Roasted Garlic Parmesan, Signature Hot, Ghost Pepper, and Sweet N’ Spicy. According to a news release, Popeyes Wings are marinated in just the right amount of distinct Popeyes flavors and spices to add that extra flavor and juiciness. “At Popeyes, we like to challenge the status quo and are consistently redefining what’s expected from fast food brands,” said Sami Siddiqui, President of Popeyes North America. “Ghost Pepper Wings were an overnight success, followed by the addition of Sweet‘N Spicy wings, our best-performing product since the infamous Chicken Sandwich. We know our guests want even more bold Louisiana-inspired wing flavors to choose from and are excited to see our new wings line-up take flight.” https://youtu.be/BlEgK0TWNqc “It was time to work on a new album. He (God) had something He had to say,” said five-time Stellar Award nominated Kim Person to me during an interview about the birth of her latest album “Speak Life and Live.” “I was trying to decide whether to move forward or take a break. I never move on my own, I wait for the Holy Spirit.” https://youtu.be/RJTsJfuLBE4 After winning three gold medals at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Sha’Carri Richardson and Noah Lyles are the 2023 USATF Athletes of the Year. Lyles swept the 100m, 200m and 4x100m at the world championships in August. Richardson won 100m and 4x100m gold and 200m bronze at worlds, per Olympics.com. She was also named the 2023 Jackie Joyner-Kersee Female Athlete of the Year. Her coach, Dennis Mitchell, received recognition as the Coach of the Year, NBC News reports. Richardson and Mitchell will be honored at the USATF Night of Legends on December 2 in Orlando, Florida. Richardson is also one of 11 women nominated for the 2023 Women’s World Athlete of the Year award. The World Athletes of the Year nominees were released last month, and the nominations reflect some of the standout performances achieved at the World Athletics Championships Budapest 23, one-day meeting circuits, Label road races, and other events around the world, per the organization’s website. https://twitter.com/LylesNoah/status/1725179880252252354?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1725179880252252354%7Ctwgr%5Eab9e25c16f46be3a31a34b9328d9287bd0f7c155%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2023%2Fshacarri-richardson-and-noah-lyles-are-usatfs-athletes-of-the-year%2F The US Supreme Court on Monday rejected Derek Chauvin’s Appeal in George Floyd‘s Killing. Chauvin, who was convicted of murder in the 2020 killing of George Floyd. Chauvin was found guilty in April 2021 of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter in Floyd’s death. He was sentenced to 22 1/2 years in prison – which exceeded Minnesota’s sentencing guidelines range of 10 years and eight months to 15 years. Chauvin later pleaded guilty to federal charges of violating Floyd’s civil rights and was sentenced to 21 years in prison to run concurrently with his state sentence. Floyd’s killing while in police custody on a Minneapolis, street was caught on video and ignited prolonged protests in the community and across the country over police brutality and racial injustice. https://youtu.be/D_jI0JGLaFk Chauvin claimed in his appeal against conviction he had not received a fair trial because jurors in his case may have had a vested interest against acquitting, out of fear of instigating more street protests and violence. Chauvin’s lawyers have said there were various reasons to overturn his conviction, including a state district court depriving the former officer of his right to a fair trial by denying his request for a change of venue, despite “pervasive adverse publicity.” The Supreme Court rejected Chauvin’s appeal without comment or a recorded vote. CNN has reached out to an attorney for Chauvin, Floyd family attorney Ben Crump, and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison for comment. https://youtu.be/sltDtWQOQQM Vice President Kamala Harris Joins Gov. Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass to Announce Reopening of I-10 Freeway. On Nov. 19, Vice President Kamala Harris accompanied by Gov. Gavin Newsom, Mayor Karen Bass, and other state and city officials visited the I-10 freeway construction site in Los Angeles, which was previously the site of a freeway fire. At a news conference, Harris announced that the highway would be reopened before the morning rush hour on Nov. 20. Around 7:30 p.m. that same evening, the Governor’s office followed up with an announcement that the Department of Transportation had reopened the highway. “Traffic is now flowing on five lanes in each direction between Alameda Street and the East Los Angeles interchange, ahead of tomorrow morning’s commute and before the Thanksgiving holiday, reducing the disruption to Los Angeles commuters,” the announcement read. https://youtu.be/QiYKlFzyBmQ A$AP Rocky will stand trial on accusations that he fired a gun at A$AP Relli outside a Hollywood hotel in 2021. The hip-hop star, Rakim Mayers, insists he’s innocent and pleaded not guilty in August 2022 to two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. As The Jasmine Brand reports, Judge Villar reportedly stated during a preliminary hearing on Nov. 20 that there is sufficient evidence for Rocky to go to trial. We reported previously that Rocky is facing allegations of using a firearm during an altercation with former friend Terell Ephron, AKA A$AP Relli. He’s accused of allegedly pointing a semiautomatic handgun at the victim. During a separate confrontation with Relli, Rocky allegedly drew the gun and fired twice in the direction of the victim, according to prosecutors. As a result of the shooting, the victim suffered a minor injury. At the hearing this week, prosecutors reportedly played a video of A$AP Rocky holding a gun during a physical dispute with A$AP Relli, according to The Jasmine Brand. https://twitter.com/i/status/1726662938722021788 Tulsa Megachurch pastor Carlton Pearson has passed away after battling cancer. He was 70. Pearson’s 1980s television program on Trinity Broadcasting Network became one of the most-watched shows, and he rose to fame as pastor of the 5,000-member Higher Dimensions Family Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Netflix’s 2018 “Come Sunday” biopic explored his life and controversial religious views. A Facebook post confirms Bishop Pearson died peacefully in his sleep Sunday night. “His melodious voice and many sermons were for many years, a source of inspiration on TBN and elsewhere,” Bishop T.D. Jakes wrote in a Facebook post. “I grew up watching him on television when I was preaching in a storefront church in West Virginia. “I spoke with him a few short months ago upon hearing of his suffering. Even then, he was kind and jovial as possible. Though his voice was weaker, it was still radiant and resolute,” Jakes added. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=990089332472802&set=a.61676142980791&type=3&ref=embed_post Fans are holding vigil for Charlie Wilson on Twitter/X after news broke that he’s hospitalized and not doing well. The 70-year-old Tulsa native reportedly underwent back surgery and is not doing well in recovery, according to an insider. After initial reports of Wilson’s demise circulated on Twitter/X Monday morning, DJ Hollygrove tweeted: “I am happy to report he’s alive but he’s not doin well! Someone at the hospital he’s in leaked wrong info.” He added: “So I def can say I apologize but this ain’t just from some random person! This same person gave us the news about PnBRock.” An hour later, someone in Wilson’s camp updated his Twitter/X account with a portrait of Wilson praying. The text read: “Repeat after me #ImBlessed.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1726663245438816614 A 34-year-old Maryland mother is urging women to have regular breast cancer screenings after she was given five weeks to live following her cancer diagnosis. Kourtni Smith is speaking out after she was diagnosed with stage 4 invasive lobular carcinoma in April, Daily Mail reports. The married mom of five said her fear of doctors kept her from immediately consulting a medical professional amid initial health concerns. Her most recent visit with doctors revealed that the breast cancer had spread to her brain. Smith hopes her story serves as a teachable moment for others who may be afraid of going to the doctor, WUSA9 reports. “I feel like now I can save someone’s life,’ she told the station from hospice. After months of speculation, Adele has allegedly confirmed she and sports agent Rich Paul are married. The British singer, 35, revealed her newly married status at her pal Alan Carr’s comedy show in Los Angeles. One audience member told Deuxmoi: “I was at Alan Carr’s comedy show in LA tonight and Adele was in the audience. Alan asked the crowd if anyone got married recently and Adele shouted ‘I did’.” Another witness added: “When he asked if anyone got married recently she yelled ‘I did’. Super cute all around and was super sweet but dipped right before it ended.” Adele was previously married to Simon Konecki, with whom she shares a 10-year-old son, Angelo. Last year, she was spotted wearing a large diamond on her finger but denied being engaged. She has reportedly confirmed her marriage to the American sports agent, the founder of the management company Klutch Sports Group, which represents LeBron James. Ludacris (Christopher Brian Bridges), is giving the people what they want to see and hear and intends to release new music in 2024. In an exclusive interview with BET the “Money Maker” explains why he stepped away from making music, “You know, doing other art forms where I’m creative, where I’m putting my heart into that, I want to make sure that I leave a legacy on this earth. So it was just taking a step back and getting hungry again, living some life. ‘Cause when you put out music, in order for it to be organic and real, you gotta talk about what goes on in your life. So if I had like nine consistent albums, sometimes you gotta take a step back and live some life so that you have a lot more to talk about, and that’s what I was doing.” Luda also stars in a Will Packer production, “Dashing Through The Snow.” https://www.bet.com/article/zcd7hi/ludacris-talks-being-glossed-over-as-a-hip-hop-legend-i-feel-like-sometimes-the-flowers-arent-given-as-much?cid=BET__TW+___11864741721&linkId=249550190 Alexis Sky did a skit depicting a slice of life growing up in a Jamaican household. We’re not going to lie; the clip is so triggering because God must’ve eaten some Scotch bonnet the day He created Jamaicans because, whew, chile, flashbacks. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cz2rMgzu0Gh/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again A Lakers fan named Anthony had the opportunity to score 55k if he made the half-court shot. However, mid-way through his ascension to a financial windfall, he injured himself. At first, people thought he was joking because aren’t the Lakers known for flopping? One person teasingly pointed out, “It’s something about Anthony’s and that court ??.” Another user remarked, “He said if I miss I’m suing ….. I’m leaving here with something …” But it turns out the fan truly injured his lower leg. https://twitter.com/i/status/1726457716384858179 Ari Lennox took some time to hop on IG Live to open up about her insecurity about her nose. Ari said her insecurities increased when she became a singer, and people were in her ear to alter her body. But the tweet from messy TV host Maury Povich set her off when he decided to clown a man and his nose on social media. Lissen, sis God knew what He was doing when He created you, it’s the world that has to catch up. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cz2SAaYLMOV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Discover the inspiring story of young Oprah Winfrey, from her self-effacing beginnings in Mississippi to the early experiences that later transformed her into the iconic media mogul, philanthropist, and inspirational figure we all know today. Let’s look into Oprah Winfrey’s early life, the influence of her upbringing, and the early experiences that led to her incredible success journey! https://youtu.be/45D6LAUXExc Michael B. Jordan will helm a fourth “Creed” film, producer Irwin Winkler has confirmed. “We’re planning to do Creed 4 right now — it’s in the works — and we think we have a really good story, a really good plot,” Winkler said, Variety reports, noting that the pre-production was delayed “because of strike, like everybody else” but “probably a year from now we’re going for pre-production,” he revealed. Jordan made his directorial debut with “Creed 3,” where he also starred as Adonis Creed, the heavyweight champion from the Rocky spinoff films. Last year, During a press conference with Jordan, explaining why he chose to use the Adonis character as his pathway into feature film directing. “I finally got to this place in my career where I wanted to tell a story and not just be in front of the camera, not just execute somebody else’s vision And having a character that I’ve played twice before, it’s been seven, eight years living with this guy,” he said. “So to be able to tell a story of where I believe Adonis is at, and also at 35 years old, I had a lot to say as a young man, as a young Black man, just my life experiences and how I could actually share that, share a piece of myself with the world – through these characters and through this story,” Jordan explained. Photos surfaced of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs on social media, and the hip-hop mogul looked distraught while outside at his Star Island home in Miami, according to TMZ. The courts have dismissed Cassie‘s lawsuit against her ex-lover, Diddy, since the two parties settled the case for an undisclosed sum. Cassie stated, “I have decided to resolve this matter amicably on terms that I have some level of control. I want to thank my family, fans, and lawyers for their unwavering support.” Diddy also issued a statement, “We have decided to resolve this matter amicably. I wish Cassie and her family all the best. Love.” Diddy’s made sure to reiterate to the public, “Just so we’re clear, a decision to settle a lawsuit, especially in 2023, is in no way an admission of wrongdoing,” Ben Brafman, a lawyer for Diddy, said in a statement on November 20, reports Vulture. “Mr. Combs’ decision to settle the lawsuit does not in any way undermine his flat-out denial of the claims. He is happy they got to a mutual settlement and wishes Ms. Ventura the best.” The dismissal was filed with prejudice, which prevents the “Me and U” singer from refiling “the same claim again in that court.” https://twitter.com/MobzWorld/status/1726358858740715845 Diddy‘s current paramour hip hop star Yung Miami appeared unbothered by Cassie‘s allegations brought against Diddy. YM took her kiddos to the Miami Dolphins game and posted the short video clip to her IG stories. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cz4OKUoJbPr/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=514f2692-b235-4785-9699-b197e58e31c7 Rihanna nearly broke the internet with her platinum face card when she posted a pic from the F1 races in Las Vegas. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cz2iBFQAqBC/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=ced5e441-77d0-4187-95e4-febb66e6371a&img_index=1 Tami Roman and Tichina Arnold star in BET+ “So Fly Christmas” dropping November 23, 2023. The storyline follows two friends you promise to not fall in love and that is precisely when Cupid strikes, annoying little cherub. https://www.instagram.com/p/Czt0CL_Rc7a/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again It is the holiday season and the holiday films are rolling out! Director Alexander Paynes’ “The Holdovers” tells the story of three unlikely people who are forced to spend winter break together. Professor Paul Hunham (Paul Giamatti) has been voted the teacher who must stay back and chaperone those left behind. Of all the teachers Paul is everyone’s least favorite choice to spend this time with. He is the type of teacher who is stern, cold, and always by the book. We spoke with Giamatti about the role and if he’s encountered a teacher like the one he portrays. “I went to a school like that. Yes, there was one very particular biology teacher I had who was almost exactly this guy,” said Giamatti. https://youtu.be/AhKLpJmHhIg Author Leticia Padua detailed in a new TikTok video that younger Black males are hard to date because many are highly effeminate and lack ambition. Padua operates a private TikTok account under SheRa Seven. According to MadameNoire, in a recent live-stream, she outlined why she wouldn’t date Black men today if she were in her 20s. "They’re too feminine these days for me,” she said. “I like masculine, go get ‘em, ‘Imma pay for that baby’ type men, ok? ‘Where you wanna go on vacation?’ type men. That’s what I like.” Padua continued, “Y’all take too long to get y’all stuff together. Y’all want us to pay half the bills and sleep with you. No, can’t do that. I wouldn’t be able to do it.” She explained that non-Black males tend to be more ambitious than Black men. https://www.tiktok.com/@feminineclips/video/7300966725707664683?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2023%2Ftiktoker-explains-why-dating-black-males-is-out-of-style%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121355058%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7300966725707664683 “Yes, you can play basketball and football really good. You dominate the rap game, but the average non-famous Black man has less ambition. I like ambition,” she said, per MadameNoire. “Ambition leads to success. So, sorry.” She also clapped back at the notion that men from other racial groups have a financial headstart. “If you are ambitious, you don’t need a head start! If you good, you don’t need a head start,” she said. “[Black men] come up with every excuse instead of every solution. That’s your problem. You gonna sit here and say, ‘Oh, this. Oh, that.’ You gonna come up with ten excuses before you come up with half a solution.” https://www.tiktok.com/@feminineclips/video/7300983533190024494?referer_url=eurweb.com%2F2023%2Ftiktoker-explains-why-dating-black-males-is-out-of-style%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121355058%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7300983533190024494 Rent-to-own homes are a little-known option that may help first-time homebuyers get the house they’ve always wanted in a tough market. Essentially, rent-to-own homes offer an alternative pathway to homeownership for individuals who might not otherwise be in a position to buy a house outright. https://youtu.be/0v9yzFkesyE Rent.com has found that it’s a strategy that can represent the quintessential entrepreneurial mindset — seeing opportunities where others see only obstacles. A rent-to-own property arrangement, sometimes also called a lease option or a lease-to-own agreement, is a deal in which a person rents a home for a specific period of time, typically between one to three years, with the option to purchase the home at the end of that period. It’s a plan designed to facilitate homeownership for people who need time to save for a down payment, improve their credit or get their financial house in order. A portion of the monthly rent payment is typically set aside and used as a contribution toward the future purchase of the house. https://youtu.be/UfYcssBGttY Uber and Lyft drivers say being picky about riders can help them make more money. According to Business Insider’s interview with three ride-share drivers, being more selective about who they serve can boost their earnings. “I have seen a 50-mile trip that only $20 was offered,” Ken, a 36-year-old Uber and Lyft driver in Houston, told BI. “I wouldn’t be doing that.” “Last year, he earned a combined $25,000 driving for Uber and Lyft from about 2,000 trips, according to screenshots of earnings documents viewed by BI,” the outlet writes. Ken prioritizes trips that pay at least $0.80 to $1 a mile. Florida law enforcement officials are investigating a woman’s disappearance as a homicide after they say they found her body in a storage unit registered to her estranged husband, authorities said Sunday. Shakeira Yvonne Rucker was reported missing after her family told the Winter Springs Police Department that they last saw her on November 11, the department said in a Facebook post on November 13. Rucker’s family said she left her home for “an unknown destination,” possibly with her estranged husband, Cory Hill, at around 7:30 p.m. on November 11, police said. “The family has not seen or heard from Shakeira since that day and believes that she may be in danger,” police said in the social media post. The search for Rucker spanned four counties and included help from several law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, Winter Springs Police Chief Matthew Tracht said at a news conference on Sunday. https://youtu.be/fEuXeiCVZbM The sheriff added that officials believe the shooting happened at the storage unit, and a motive is still undetermined. Hill was booked in the Orange County Jail on November 13 for an unrelated shooting, Orange County Jail records show. Hill has been charged with four counts of attempted murder after allegedly shooting at a former girlfriend and her family on November 12, Mina said at the news conference. https://youtu.be/7GHNpu4EObk The girlfriend of NFL star Cam Newton is reacting to criticism over her decision to have a baby with a man who has seven other children. Page Six reports Newton, 34, has five kids with ex-fiancée Kia Proctor and two with La Reina Shaw. The former Carolina Panthers quarterback is also the father of Proctor’s daughter Shakira from a previous relationship. In a recent post, his girlfriend, comedian Jasmin Brown, listed her upcoming comedy tour dates and the title “Baby Momma 3.” Many fans and followers quickly slammed her for getting knocked up when Cam has so many other young kids. According to Essence, Brown also shared a video of Newton and his children playing hide-and-seek. She captioned the post: “Why would you ever be with someone with 5 young children?” she wrote along with an eye roll emoji and added, “5x the love. 5x the fun. 5x the positive impact I get to have on their lives.” Cam and Brown initially kept their relationship on the low after first being spotted together in 2021, Essence reports. https://twitter.com/TheShadeRoom/status/1722986297252302909 John Earle Sullivan, a self-proclaimed citizen journalist and activist who filmed the fatal shooting of Ashli Babbitt during the Capitol riots, was convicted Thursday on charges related to the insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021.Sullivan, 29, was convicted of seven counts, including felony obstruction of an official proceeding and civil disorder. According to court records, a federal prosecutor requested that Sullivan be detained pending his sentencing, and the judge ordered him remanded. During his trial testimony, Sullivan insisted that he was “observing” the mob on Jan 6. https://youtu.be/7rWgAhuv8xY Janet Jackson and Naomi Campbell have scrubbed images of their pal Sean “Diddy” Combs’ on Instagram after his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura hit him with a pearl-clutching sexual assault lawsuit. As Page Six reports, Jackson and Campbell shared photos online of them partying with Diddy in London last week as part of his 54th birthday celebration. But after the music mogul was accused of raping Cassie for years, Jackson and Campbell removed their posts. Ventura filed a federal lawsuit on Thursday, accusing Combs of rape, physical abuse and sex trafficking. A settlement was reached a day after Ventura accused Diddy raping and abusing her for years. Details of the settlement have not been reached. We reportedly previously via CNN that “Ventura’s lawyer said Combs offered her “eight figures” — or between $10 million and $99.9 million — to keep her from filing her lawsuit,” the outlet writes. “We have decided to resolve this matter amicably. I wish Cassie and her family all the best. Love,” Combs said in a statement Friday. Timbaland hit up social media on Friday to share an update about the hair transplant he received two months ago. “You see [Dr. Harold Siegel’s] work. Don’t say I didn’t tell you,” read his Instagram Story showing off his new hairline As Revolt reports, Timbaland opened up about the procedure in a social media post in September, stating: “Where I’m at, I want to make sure I take care of my hair as much as I can at an early stage before it starts to fade.” https://www.instagram.com/reel/CxI31u5u-Mf/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=e589e554-a913-458e-8898-5295aa37dd20 Check out the Virginia native’s latest video update via the Instagram clip below. In the caption, Timbaland wrote, “A BIG heartfelt thank you to @dr_haroldsiegel and his team over at @naturaltransplantsclinic for taking care of me and giving me that extra care and attention with my new hair. Taking care of your hair early AND with the right doctor is key ???? @naturaltransplantsclinic is where it’s at.” Timbaland’s post included the hashtag #alopeica… prompting fans to praise him for bringing awareness to the autoimmune disease that causes hair loss. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzytmCarpSg/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=bd724de9-f5d4-4eb8-9835-9357b6494a63 André 3000, half of the beloved rap duo Outkast and obscure flute aficionado, hasn’t released a proper solo rap song since he and Big Boi recorded their final album in 2006. André’s fans have relied on memorable but brief features (his verse on Beyoncé’s “Party”) or barely-there snippets (the two words he sings on Kanye West’s “30 Hours”) to hear the rapper’s velvety voice. Now it seems fans will have to keep waiting for Dré’s grand return to rap: In an interview with GQ tied to last week’s release of his instrumental flute record “New Blue Sun,” he said it sometimes “feels inauthentic for me to rap because I don’t have anything to talk about in that way.” “I’m 48 years old. Not to say that age is a thing that dictates what you rap about, but in a way it does,” he told GQ. “What do you talk about — I gotta go get a colonoscopy? What do you rap about — my eyesight is going bad?” Those who have followed the Atlanta favorite since Outkast’s first album nearly 30 years ago would undoubtedly be thrilled to hear Dré rap candidly about aging. But 48 is by no means rap’s retirement age. Genre stalwarts like Jay-Z, Eminem, Missy Elliott, the duos Black Star and Run the Jewels, and even former bandmate Big Boi have found material to mine well into their late 40s and early 50s. https://youtu.be/lDGmSCXoSRs Kerry Washington’s Hulu series “UnPrisoned” has been picked up for a second season as part of her renewed overall deal with ABC Signature. The series stars Washington as Paige Alexander, “a messy but perfectionist relationship therapist and single mom whose life is turned right-side-up when her dad gets out of prison and moves in with her and her teenage son,” per the synopsis. Delroy Lindo also stars as Edwin Alexander, Paige’s father, who has recently been released from prison. Washington and Lindo are executive producers on the series from Disney’s Onyx Collective and ABC Signature. “Kerry is the gold standard for a what a multihyphenate should be — passionate, prolific and endlessly kind,” said Tracy Underwood, executive vp creative affairs at ABC Signature, per THR. “She, Pilar and the Simpson Street team are incredible collaborators, and we’re so proud of our most recent Onyx Collective/Hulu series UnPrisoned and Reasonable Doubt, as well as our award-winning series Little Fires Everywhere. We look forward to many more years of their unparalleled creativity and talent,” Underwood continued. Dwyane Wade is praising Marlon Wayans for publicly supporting his transgender son. As you know, Wade is also the parent of a transgender male-to-female named Zaya Wade. During a recent “The Breakfast Club appearance,” Wayans said his 23-year-old trans son, Kai, inspired his next comedy special. “I talk about the transition, not their transition, but my transition as a parent, going from ignorance and denial to complete and unconditional love and acceptance,” Wayans told The Breakfast Club hosts. “I think there’s a lot of parents out there that need to have that message. I know, I’m dealing with it. It was a very painful situation for me.” Wade gave Wayans a shout-out at the GQ Men of the Year party at Bar Marmont in West Hollywood, Variety reports. “I think unconditional love allows us to step in and listen and learn of what we do not know and what we were not taught, especially in the Black community,” Wade said. “I salute Marlon for speaking out and speaking up about this experience with his child just the same way as I’ve done. We’re just the voices that are speaking for our kids right now before they get an opportunity to grab that microphone and speak for themselves. I salute him.” Wade continued, “This is his experience and what he’s dealing with. He’s coming out selling it from his point of view. It’s great for fathers especially to speak on them from their point of view and how they had to handle it and deal with it.” https://youtu.be/EfyXK1Qz-BE Snoop Dogg shocked fans last week when he announced he “decided to give up smoke.” Many assumed the rapper was referring to marijuana, but as it turns out, the Doggfather was teasing details about a different kind of smoke. “After much consideration & conversation with my family, I’ve decided to give up smoke. Please respect my privacy at this time,” Snoop Dogg posted on social media Thursday. Today, Snoop clarified that his announcement was about a collaboration with Solo Stove, the smokeless fire pit brand. According to a news release, Snoop Dogg is now the official “smokesman” for Solo Steve, supporting the company’s quest to eliminate smoke from backyards everywhere. “I love a good fire outside but the smoke was too much. Solo Stove fixed fire and took out the smoke. They changed the game and now I’m excited to spread the love and stay warm with my friends and family,” the hip-hop icon said. Kanye West has riled up the Jewish community once again, this time by claiming he had sex with a “Jewish b*tch” on a new track. According to TMZ, the track contains the lyrics: I just f***** a Jewish bitch,” and “How can I be antisemitic?” West has seemingly been laying low in Europe after allegedly taking a significant financial hit over his alleged anti-Semitic views last year. His net worth reportedly dropped by $1.1 billion when his Adidas partnership ended. The company parted ways with Ye in late 2022 amid his public rants about Jews who oversee the entertainment industry. In a statement, Adidas said they have “no tolerance for hate speech and offensive behavior, which is why the company terminated the Adidas Yeezy partnership.” https://www.tmz.com/videos/2023-11-17-111723-kanye-music-1730768-765/ The largest Black technology conference, AfroTech, returned to Austin, TX, for another year of innovation, music, culture, and opportunities. Over 20,000 people made their way to Austin from Nov 1st to 5th to soak up the AfroTech experience, making connections and shaping the landscape of diversity in the tech industry. The event brought together an impressive lineup of speakers, including Grammy Award-winning producer Timbaland, who delved into the intersection of music, technology, and entrepreneurship. Whether you came there to snag a new job, learn about the latest AI tools, or just wanted to vibe out, AfroTech had something for everyone. The conference dove into various areas of technology, with dedicated sessions covering artificial intelligence, fintech, media, engineering, entrepreneurship, and more. These discussions unveiled the potential of technology and showcased the transformative impact it holds. AfroTech 2023 embraced the theme of empowerment, exploring how individuals and communities can leverage this field to build media empires and create lasting influence. I had the opportunity to chat with Daylon Goff, President of Jet, who was a panelist at this year’s conference. “In our reinvention of what Jet is, and what Jet is going to be, leaning into technology is imperative because technology is the great equalizer in a lot of ways, and being able to create and tell our black stories… is Jet’s mission right now,” said Goff, when asked why he chose to be at AfroTech. Charlotte Hornets All-Star guard LaMelo Ball must cover a tattoo below his left ear. According to NBA rules, tattoos that expose commercial logos are prohibited, ESPN reports. Ball has the initials “LF” for LaFrance, his middle name, and his clothing brand. In a statement to ESPN, NBA spokesman Tim Frank said: “Per the [collective bargaining agreement], players are prohibited from displaying commercial logos or corporate insignia on their body or in their hair during games. We try to enforce the rule reasonably, in accordance with its purpose, and taking into account players’ efforts to express themselves in a non-commercial manner. But LaMelo Ball’s neck tattoo is in obvious violation of the rule and, accordingly, he’s required to cover it.” In 2018, Ball’s older brother Lonzo was also required to cover a “Big Baller Brand” tattoo. Despite several past players wearing corporate logos, the league noted they did not have endorsement deals with those companies. https://twitter.com/RocNationSports/status/1272530872881872896 The 2023 Billboard Music Awards honored the Queen of Christmas, Mariah Carey, with the Billboard Chart Achievement Award for her holiday classic “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Mariah‘s 12-year-old twins Monroe and Moroccan, whom she shares with ex-husband Nick Cannon, presented her with the achievement. “Billboard has been an integral part of my life for a very long time now,” Carey said in her acceptance speech. “Even though I don’t acknowledge time, I kind of have to admit that some of my most memorable times in my career are connected to Billboard and the BBMAs. One thing I really have to say that I’m really grateful for is the fact that my fans have been here with me through the hits, through the misses, the No. 1s and the Bubbling Unders.” Not Bubbling Unders, LOL, our five octaves Queen is so unserious. Check out what she had to say about the Billboard Awards and the surprises in store for her upcoming tour. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cz1pSFvvxLd/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Keke Palmer hosted the Soul Train Awards, which will be televised on Sunday, November 26 at 8/7c on BET. Despite being in the headlines for fighting with her baby daddy, Darius Jackson, Keke soaked up the spotlight on the red carpet, reminding everyone she is that girl! https://www.instagram.com/p/Cz2YJxasx8X/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Bad Gal Ri Ri designed the “Phatty Creepers” in partnership with Puma, available on November 30 in North America and globally on December 1. “And KEEP them restocked until I get my coin right,” posted shopshirma. Another added: “Baby this is what you came for! ?? I’m feeling my 2016 creeper era coming back yesss @badgalriri ????.” https://www.instagram.com/p/Cz33O0LtSee/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=ce1c9d4d-792d-480f-8125-c95b32c88383&img_index=1 Complex asked A$AP Rocky, “If he and Rihanna could work together at Puma… what would their best creation be? ??“ His response, the greatest collab with his lady (we melt when he says ‘his lady), was the creation of his two angels and gave a shoutout to God. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzxncJTuDiK/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again New Music from LaTocha! https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nxlwYV32WR8nNPH9TJUFgrWcmBa9yD96g Each year on the fourth Thursday of November, when many people start to take stock of the marathon day of cooking ahead, Indigenous people from diverse tribes and nations gather at sunrise in San Francisco Bay. Their gathering is meant to mark a different occasion – the Indigenous People’s Thanksgiving Sunrise Ceremony, an annual celebration that spotlights 500 years of Native resistance to colonialism in what was dubbed the “New World.” Held on the traditional lands of the Ohlone people, the gathering is a call for remembrance and for future action for Indigenous people and their allies. November is Diabetes Awareness Month so it’s the perfect time to learn about all the different types of diabetes. Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational Diabetes which is diabetes while pregnant, are the more common types that we hear about but there are many misconceptions surrounding each of them. https://www.instagram.com/tv/CzunYlpIYaJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading Cartoon Animation and Comic Art Festival ran from 14th Tuesday to 19th November and was hosted, sponsored, and supported by the Lagos Book and Art Festival, Committee for Relevant Art in Lagos Nigeria. Cartoonists Association of Nigeria CARTAN having launched its CACAFEST opening had a buzz of many wanting to meet some of their favorite Nigerian cartoonists who showcased their cartoons and artworks at the festival which took place at Freedom Park on Lagos Island. CARTAN had an impressive array of cartoons on serious subjects affecting the polity and the globe. The event was made up of works of Nigerian cartoonists in Nigeria and in the diaspora. The advantage of having cartoons on display generates interest, awareness, and closeness to cartoonists whose work people have been reading and seeing. and for collectors to collect. CACAFEST has been receiving guests viewing cartoons and some purchasing cartoons. Names of Nigerian cartoonists who had their work exhibited included, Kingsley Kalu Mba, Samuel Ojo, Gabriel Erapi, Kehinde Omotosho, Oladejo Akande, Kingsley Okoronkwo Kaycee, Mike Asukwo, Albert Ohams, Mustapha Bulama, Chino Obasi, Dada Adekola, Olufemi Arowolo, Ganiyu Jimoh Jimga, Ikogbode Sumaina, Leke Moses, Tayo Fatunla, Francis Odupute, Don Marvel Mudiaga, Jimoh Samsideen, Morak Oguntade, Olanrewaju Gafar, Olorunfemi Adedeji, Victor Asowata, Segun Awosiyan and Adewale Adebiyi. The art of Cartooning has come a long way in Nigeria which Akinola Lasekan started several years ago. Fatal Attraction returns on Monday, November 20 at 9 PM ET. When a charitable woman is stabbed to death by a panhandler, the city is left gripped with fear. As her husband calls for action, police begin to question the witness’s story. Was she killed by a stranger or by the people closest to her? Find out tonight at 9 PM. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiIrFdCsRU0 The mid-season two premiere of PAYBACK will air on tonight, November 20 at 10 PM ET. After a missing mother is found brutally murdered, all signs point to her on and off again boyfriend. Investigators must uncover whether her death is a random act of violence, or a tragic tale of romantic revenge https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KhgJqGaSR4 A significant Thanksgiving-week storm will deal a blow to travel this week, with rain, snow, and even severe thunderstorms set to impact a large portion of the US. This week is expected to be the busiest in years on the roads and airports could set new records – meaning this week’s headache-inducing weather could not come at a worse time. The havoc-wreaking system will track from the southern Plains into the Mississippi Valley on Monday and spread rain across much of the central US. Fortunately for any early week travelers, this rain is not expected to be heavy in most areas. But a different threat has emerged and could snarl travel for portions of the Gulf Coast late Monday afternoon as the storm moves east: severe thunderstorms, including possible tornadoes. Severe weather, while more common in the spring, can happen any time of the year if there’s enough warmth and moisture in the air. https://youtu.be/MvLePCZxFCQ Damaging thunderstorms fired up Monday afternoon in east Texas, where the atmosphere is primed with plenty of moisture and warmth. These storms will track across Louisiana, Arkansas and push into Mississippi from Monday evening into early Tuesday morning. Damaging winds and hail are likely within any of Monday’s severe thunderstorms. Several tornadoes are also possible, especially across Louisiana and Mississippi. https://youtu.be/Yhp49cFzAyk Despite the challenges of gun violence, Philadelphia is a city of resilience and hope. The award-winning film, Bad Things Happen In Philadelphia directed and produced by Kyra Knox tells the stories of those affected by gun violence, especially young people, as well as the grassroots efforts that are fighting back. With NBA legend Allen Iverson along with his childhood friends Cleon Lockett and Paul Taylor, Knox's film is a testament to the power of community and the human spirit. Advance showings of the film at several film festivals have resulted in multiple awards. The film will make its national broadcast premiere on Fox Soul and Prime Video December 2, 2023. The soundtrack album featuring such artists as Da’T.R.U.T.H., Jill Scott, Beam, Canon and YungDave67 among others, will be released by Shanachie Entertainment on December 1, 2023. The albums first two singles are available everywhere now: “Legacy,” featuring Da’ T.R.U.T.H., Jill Scott, Greg Cox and Adam Blackstone, and "Make It Out" featuring Canon. The soundtrack is executive produced by Stellar Award-Winning Producer Gabe Johnson, Cleon Lockett, Jerry Cox, Mark Mims and Naquis Brabham of Home Studios who also mixed and mastered the album. https://vimeo.com/826714416?share=copy Dashing Through The Snow” is the new Christmas film that introduces us to Eddie Garrick (Christopher “Ludacris” Bridges), an Atlanta social worker who lost the spirit of Christmas as a child and is currently going through a separation from his wife, Allison (Teyonah Parris). Eddie is trying to spend quality time on Christmas Eve with their daughter, Charlotte (Madison Skye Validum), and win back his wife. A chance meeting with Nick (Lil Rel Howery) starts an adventure that has shades of “Home Alone” and other Christmas classics like “Miracle on 34th Street.” The film was executive produced by Will Packer. He spoke with EUR about his love of the holidays and why he is the Prince of Christmas. Packer shared that although singer Mariah Carey is the Queen of Christmas, with his three-Christmas movie track record, he refers to himself as the Prince of Christmas. “I will claim Prince of Christmas status because Mariah is clearly undefeated, right? But this is my third Christmas movie. I love the genre. I love the holidays. I love them personally. But I also love what they stand for and represent. I love the symbolism. I love that the holidays are when we can get together with our most important folks, family, loved ones, and friends. Hopefully, it’s a time of being grateful for receiving and giving to others and being thoughtful to others,” said Packer, who also produced “This Christmas” in 2007 and “Almost Christmas” in 2016. https://youtu.be/DbOmSUSmISM If you’ve been following the Angel Reese saga the last few days you know she has been somewhat MIA. Literally and figuratively. Well, that kinda sorta changed today when Reese, who became a bonafide star when the Tigers won the NCAA tournament in April, went to X (Twitter) and posted six words that essentially said something and nothing at the same time. “Please don’t believe everything you read,” is what she wrote. Now for those that haven’t been following the drama, Reese was sent to the bench in the second half of LSU’s game against Kent State on Tuesday, and she didn’t play Friday against Southeastern Louisiana. https://youtu.be/R3naEVyd4MQ Her X post follows one she made on her IG story just 24 hours earlier where she added a photo of an LSU court with a cart filled with basketballs, the NY Post reported. Again, we’re left guessing her intent because there was no context provided. https://twitter.com/Reese10Angel/status/1726290223213240801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1726290223213240801%7Ctwgr%5E33b497bbc66190650b8471aaec93a6e7e26189b0%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2023%2Fangel-reese-posts-cryptic-tweet-about-her-lsu-playing-status%2F Maybe it meant she was practicing with the team. Maybe. After not playing in the Tigers game at Southeastern Louisiana, head coach Kim Mulkey was asked about the “Bayou Barbie” but she, too, didn’t have much to say. “It’s very obvious Angel was not in uniform,” was Mulkey’s response. She did add this, “Angel is a part of this basketball team and we hope to see her sooner than later.” Since her answer wasn’t quite satisfying, Mulkey was asked again about Reese, and said, “I’m not gonna answer anymore. That’s it. That’s all you need to know.” https://eurweb.com/2023/angel-reese-posts-cryptic-tweet-about-her-lsu-playing-status/ Police in North Carolina confirmed an officer who was involved in an initial encounter with a woman named Christina Pierre, who was later seen on video getting struck 17 times by a second officer, hit her in the face but claimed the woman assaulted him first. In a statement posted on X, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said Thursday evening an ongoing investigation shows Pierre striking the first officer “multiple times in the face as she is resisting arrest.” “We can now confirm based on interviews and witness accounts that an officer, in response to being physically assaulted, returned a strike to Ms. Pierre’s face one time,” the department said. “This strike occurred during the initial encounter at the bus stop with the responding officers prior to the struggle on the ground involving several other officers.” Police said two officers on patrol Monday afternoon saw two people smoking marijuana at a bus stop. The officers informed the two people, identified as Anthony Lee and Pierre, they were under arrest. Police said both Lee and Pierre resisted arrest, and in the struggle that followed “the female individual struck an officer multiple times.” https://youtu.be/QzoOPQONIN4 Pierre continued to resist arrest, lying down on her hands and ignoring verbal commands, according to police. An officer “struck the female subject seven times with knee strikes and 10 closed fist strikes to the peroneal nerve in the thigh to try to gain compliance. The officer was intentional about where the strikes were made,” police said, noting it was “consistent with training.” Police Chief Johnny Jennings said during a Wednesday news conference the officer’s body-worn camera was knocked off during the struggle, so the initial encounter is barely visible. He said there was a struggle between the initial responding officer and Pierre before backup arrived. When asked on about a photo showing an injury to Pierre’s face, Jennings said: “There’s nothing that shows that she was struck while she was on the ground in the head or face area.” Jennings said at the time he asked his staff to review all the videos from the incident to determine where Pierre’s facial injuries came from, but acknowledged it was “consistent with either a punch or an abrasion.” https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F_FtLGFXUAA3WrL?format=jpg&name=small Rosalynn Carter, who as first lady worked tirelessly on behalf of mental health reform and professionalized the role of the president’s spouse, died Sunday at the age of 96, according to the Carter Center. Rosalynn Carter passed away peacefully with family by her side at her home in Plains, Georgia, the center said in a statement. “Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished,” her husband, former President Jimmy Carter, said. “She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me.” The Carter Center announced Friday that the former first lady had entered hospice care. She was diagnosed with dementia in May. Her husband began home hospice care in February, following a series of hospital stays. https://youtu.be/UKJIa0G7DP4 Jimmy Carter was defeated in a landslide by Ronald Reagan four years after being elected. His single term in the White House included forging a rare peace agreement between Israel and Egypt that continues to this day, but it was also marked by soaring inflation and the Iran hostage crisis. Through it all, Rosalynn was by his side, and often whispering in his ear. The Carters redefined and revolutionized the post-presidency and, through their joint efforts, they worked on world peace and human rights on behalf of the Carter Center, a nongovernmental Atlanta-based organization founded to “wage peace, fight disease and build hope.” After leaving the White House, the couple traveled to hot spots around the world, including visits to Cuba, Sudan and North Korea, monitoring elections and working to eradicate Guinea worm disease and other neglected tropical diseases. Jimmy Carter won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. “The Carter Center is a shared legacy. She’s been there digging latrines right next to him,” said the Carters’ friend Jill Stuckey, a leader at Maranatha Baptist Church, where both Carters attended and where Jimmy Carter taught Sunday school. Rosalynn Carter’s most lasting individual legacy will be her efforts to diminish the stigma attached to people with mental illnesses and her fight for parity and access for mental health treatment. She also devoted her time to the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving at her alma mater, Georgia Southwestern State University, to help families and professional caregivers living with disabilities and illnesses. https://youtu.be/QyE-3erfBuU The North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church voted Saturday to accept the decision of 261 congregations to leave the denomination over a divide on LGBTQ issues. “I realize how sad this time is for many, including myself,” said Bishop Robin Dease, the leader of the conference. “I just hate that those who are leaving us, I will not have the opportunity to meet or to be with.” The churches are breaking from the UMC after a 2019 decision by the national United Methodist Church to allow congregations to leave by the end of 2023, “for reasons of conscience regarding a change in the requirements and provisions of the Book of Discipline related to the practice of homosexuality or the ordination or marriage of self-avowed practicing homosexuals.” As of early August 2023, over 6,000 congregations of just over 30,000 in the United States have been approved for disaffiliation since 2019, according to the UMC’s website. The 261 churches now leaving the North Georgia Conference of the UMC account for a sizable percentage of its nearly 700 churches, according to the conference’s website. https://youtu.be/GCH9D1xUB3M Their exit marked a “solemn day,” the North Georgia Conference of the UMC said in a news release. More than 100 congregations had sued the North Georgia Conference for the right to have their disaffiliation requests heard, and a Cobb County judge agreed “a church-level vote” must take place before the deadline. Factions have fought for decades about sexuality and Scripture at the General Conference, the church’s top legislative body. After the church strengthened its bans on partnered LGBTQ clergy and same-sex marriage in 2019, many Methodists argued a split was likely inevitable in the second-largest Protestant denomination in the US. In recent decades, several of the traditional mainline Protestant denominations have split up over homosexuality or related issues, including the American Baptist Churches USA, the Episcopal Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and the Presbyterian Church USA. https://youtu.be/hhqmJoKs5p0 Two people have been arrested in the largest seizure of counterfeit goods in US history, including knock-off designer goods with an estimated retail value of more than a billion dollars, officials in New York said. Adama Sow, 38, and Abdulai Jalloh, 48, were arrested Wednesday morning and charged with trafficking in counterfeit goods, according to indictments and a news release from the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. At a bond hearing Wednesday, a judge set Sow’s bond at $1 million and Jalloh’s bond at $500,000, court records show. CNN reached out to attorneys for both Sow and Jalloh but did not immediately hear back. https://youtu.be/c-dcG6bZDg8 Sow and Jalloh ran the trafficking operation out of a Manhattan storage facility from January to October, the news release from the attorney’s office said. Counterfeit goods were also found during searches of separate locations controlled by Sow and Jalloh, according to prosecutors. Approximately 219,000 counterfeit items with an estimated retail value of $1.03 billion were found during the seizure, including bags, clothes, shoes and other products, prosecutors said. “This is a testament to the commitment of this Office and its law enforcement partners to combat counterfeit trafficking in New York City,” US Attorney Damian Williams said. The trafficking charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, the attorney’s office said. https://youtu.be/WsISKXFNaNY The rent may be too damn high for Angela Simmons, but even she can’t avoid the consequences of not paying said rent. The social media fixture has been ordered by the court to pay nearly $50,000 in back rent to her former landlord. The court’s decision stems from a lawsuit an apartment leaser filed against Simmons for failing to uphold a contract. According to media sources, the suit goes back to October 2019, when Simmons began renting a penthouse in Randolph, New Jersey. https://youtu.be/G2RPKPe977s Details from the lawsuit reveal the landlord reportedly claimed that insufficient payments from the 36-year-old businessperson increased as she was only giving partial rent payments throughout her time living in the penthouse. The payments, which were often late, resulted in a major amount of late fees and unpaid rent. Although a lawsuit was filed, Simmons seemingly did not respond to it, the Jasmine Brand noted. A default ruling from a court judge ultimately arrived as Simmons was ordered to pay the leaser approximately $48,000 in “late fees, unpaid rent, repairs, and other housing costs.” As it stands now, it looks like no public response to the judgment has been given by Simmons, in addition to her reps, who have also been silent on the situation, reports the jasmine brand. https://www.instagram.com/p/Czaq62CuV5E/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=5b3c525e-d4b9-407a-8cf6-b7b1e0db4a69 ’Tis the season when the air becomes cold and crisp, welcoming the time when American households deck out their abodes with colorful lighting, assembling holiday evergreen trees, and wreaths to adorn both living rooms and front doors. Families indulge and imbibe on homemade eggnog garnished with nutmeg and cinnamon, which overflows the punchbowl because Christmas is here. In addition to the festive decorations and culinary delights offered during the holidays, many entertaining films and music will take over the airwaves, reinforcing the spirit of “good tidings of great joy.” Hope Media Group and Compassion International in partnership with KSBJ and WayFM present a new adaption of a quintessential yuletide tale, a podcast titled “Scrooge: A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cztg18JLyIi/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again If you haven’t heard, “Extreme Weight Loss” star Brandi Mallory was found dead in her car in a parking lot after she picked up food from Chipotle in Stone Mountain, Georgia, near Atlanta. The owner of a deli store nearby said he saw what he thought was a woman (Mallory) sleeping in a car and didn’t think much of it. ‘However, several hours later police were alerted and a deceased Mallory was found inside the vehicle. In a related twist to the story, the person who called 911 to notify authorities, told dispatchers he wasn’t going near the vehicle because, basically, dead people were not something he could handle. In the 911 call (below) obtained by TMZ you hear the dispatcher ask the caller if he’s with Mallory to which he quickly replies, reply, “Nooo, she’s in her car. I don’t do dead people.” https://www.tmz.com/videos/2023-11-17-111723-brandi-mallory-911-1730968-663/ “I was screaming, I’m on the radio,” said Anthony Williams during an interview about the release of the new single “Hallelujah” (BIG Records/Orchard/Sony) from his group Anthony & The Brothers in Christ, about the first time he heard one of his songs on the radio. “I was in a parking lot and nobody was there! Two days later my wife heard the song.” When discussing how he wrote his first hit song Anthony said, “I was trying to write something different. Something to get on the radio…something simple people can remember.” Eventually, Anthony got together with his brothers in Christ to form the group Anthony & The Brothers in Christ. The Atlanta-based group has garnered nominations from South Florida’s Gospel Music Award and Mobile Alabama’s Voices of Gospel Music Award. The current single “Hallelujah” has received over 112,00 streams and it’s only been a month. https://youtu.be/B4U7OedUIpI?list=OLAK5uy_naH4Uyf5YiSzJow5thN0UdbPBw2phfOt4 They may not be on the NFL’s active list, but Terrell Owens and Chad Johnson had more than enough playing time when it came to a mutual sexual experience. Taking to an Instagram livestream conversation, the pair reminisced about being intimate with more than a dozen women over a 12-hour period, according to Vibe. Kicking things off, Johnson asked Owens if he remembers “that time we was in the DR with them women. We had a lil orgy.” “Aw yeah, I had the big girl,” Owens replied in a clip captured by TNT. “I had to take one for the team…big girls need love too!” Johnson continued to recall the evening, sharing, “We went through about 17 women in, what, 12 hours?” https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzXW9SfNRFh/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=16e7f453-01df-449e-83b5-52fa1a2ed889 With decades filled with memorable work on the big and small screen, Terrence Howard knows the value of a good payday. Yet it may surprise folks that he made less than what he could have for playing aspiring Southern rapper Djay in the classic Oscar-winning film “Hustle & Flow.” In an interview on “Live at 9” to promote his new action-comedy “Showdown at the Grand,” Howard revealed what he made for “Hustle & Flow.” “I made $12,000 for doing Hustle & Flow,” Howard told WREG’s Alex Coleman. “What Paramount did, instead of putting my name as ‘Terrence Howard’ performing the songs, they put ‘performed by Djay.’ Well, they owned Djay.” Considering music from DJ was wrapped by Him, Complex noted Howard’s admission that the film production company exploited him out of receiving his due. “So now, I’ve got to send them a letter to say, ‘Hey, you guys owe me about 20 years’ worth of residuals and performance royalties,'” the former “Empire” star continued. https://youtu.be/GnEhfboKwPQ The success of “Hustle & Flow” expanded to Howard’s co-star Taraji P. Henson and Texas rap group Three 6 Mafia. The collective came up big at the Oscars by winning Best Original Song for their film and soundtrack contribution “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp.” Starring Howard and Dolph Lundgren, “Showdown at the Grand” centers on Howard’s George Fuller, a proud business owner who finds himself defending his family business — a lush historic movie theater — from corporate developers. After George discovers a corporate developer sent thugs to scare him into selling his theater, George is determined to fight the takeover. Among his allies are new usher Spike (Piper Kurda) and legendary action star Claude Luc Hallyday (Lundgren), who suddenly becomes the man who can save the day. https://youtu.be/KwkQwVlm5Yk When we think of artists, our minds automatically jump to the likes of Leonardo da Vinci, Barbara Hepworth, Vincent van Gogh, and Andy Warhol. Can you spot a theme within the list? None of them are Black artists. For many years, Black artists – famous and un-famous – have been shunned by the general art historical narrative, but that didn’t stop them from creating exceptional art pieces. These incredibly talented figures have shared powerful portrayals of the triumphs and struggles of African Americans through their paintings, photos, sculptures, and other artworks. Today, we are shining a long overdue spotlight on the century’s most outstanding Black artists who deserve to be celebrated for their significant contributions to the contemporary art scene. During a press conference Wednesday, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police Chief Johnny Jennings discussed a viral video circulating on social media of one of his officers beating a Black woman during an arrest. Jennings told reporters that he knew that the “optics are bad,” and questioned whether officers should have initiated the marijuana stop that led to the incident. In the video, Charlotte police officer Vincent Pistone can be seen striking the Black woman multiple times while four officers hold her down. As the woman is being beaten, bystanders can be heard yelling at the officers to stop. https://twitter.com/i/status/1724980608084934702 A funeral is set to take place for a Black man killed in March by a Mississippi police officer and secretly buried without notifying his family. Dexter Wade, 37, died after an off-duty officer ran over him more than eight months ago. Hinds County then took it upon itself to bury him without notifying his family, who only found out last month about the death that was kept secret. Wade’s mother, Bettersten Wade Robinson, last saw her son on March 5. Upon learning of the secret burial, Hinds County officials reneged on a previously agreed-upon time for Wade’s body to be exhumed. Preliminary autopsy results from a pathologist independently hired by Wade’s family found that his body was carelessly mishandled by officials, including not being embalmed and an amputated left leg. Perhaps most egregious, Wade was buried in pants that contained his wallet with identifying documents, including an ID card with his home address. After what proved to be a very interesting time in the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. George Santos (R-NY) has confirmed that he’s not seeking a second term in Congress. In a lengthy post on X (formerly Twitter), Santos made his announcement. In part, he writes, “I am humbled yet again and reminded that I am human and I have flaws, but I will not stand by as I am stoned by those who have flaws themselves.” Santos continues that he’s willing to serve as long as he is allowed but won’t seek a second term “as my family deserves better than to be under the gun from the press all the time.” https://twitter.com/MrSantosNY/status/1725182414769512783?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1725182414769512783%7Ctwgr%5E9ed2fdf85982fb7d29d7284fbe2db5697213bcca%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fhiphopnc.com%2Fplaylist%2Fsantos-no-reelection%2F This decision follows a jaw-dropping report from the House Ethics Committee, which was released following a months-long investigation into the GOP rep, who has been indicted on several charges, including fraud. The report reveals that Santos used campaign funds for personal purposes. Those personal purchases include purchases on OnlyFans and Sephora. He also allegedly used funds to pay down personal debts and for a $4,127.80 purchase at Hermes. https://twitter.com/Phil_Lewis_/status/1725179864787956110?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1725179864787956110%7Ctwgr%5E9ed2fdf85982fb7d29d7284fbe2db5697213bcca%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fhiphopnc.com%2Fplaylist%2Fsantos-no-reelection%2F The survival rate for childhood cancer has improved significantly over the years due to advances in modern-day medicine and early detection, but lifesaving treatment can be hard for Black and Hispanic children to access. According to a new report published by the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, childhood cancer death rates for Black and Hispanic children stopped improving after 2011. Between 2001 and 2011 declines in cancer death rates for Black, Hispanic, and white youth were similar, ranging from 15% to 17%. However, only rates for white youth continued to decline through 2021, the report published Nov. 16 noted. According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, in 2021, the rate for white children was 19% to 20% lower than for Black and Hispanic children. Elon Musk has publicly endorsed an antisemitic conspiracy theory popular among White supremacists: that Jewish communities push “hatred against Whites.” That kind of overt thumbs up to an antisemitic post shocked even some of Musk’s critics, who have long called him out for using racist or otherwise bigoted dog whistles on Twitter, now known as X. It was the multibillionaire’s most explicit public statement yet endorsing anti-Jewish views. Musk was responding to a post on Wednesday that said Jewish communities “have been pushing the exact kind of dialectical hatred against whites that they claim to want people to stop using against them.” The post also referenced “hordes of minorities” flooding Western countries, a popular antisemitic conspiracy theory. It’s the kind of post you can find easily on X these days, and likely would have gone unnoticed had Musk, with more than 160 million followers, not re-shared the post with the comment: “You have said the actual truth.” Gangsta rap pioneer Eazy-E will be posthumously honored with a street named after him in his beloved Compton. AllHipHop.com reports the City of Compton will officially rename Auto Plaza Drive South “Eazy Street” during a commemorative event to celebrate the name change. The event, which will be open to the public, will be held from noon to 3 pm PT on November 22 at the LA Crystal Hotel, according to Los Angeles Magazine. Among those attending the street naming ceremony will be Eazy-E’s son, Lil Eazy-E. The rhymesayer will perform with N.W.A.’s DJ Yella at the event, which will also feature fellow Compton native and Rodney O and Joe Cooley member DJ Joe Cooley. News of the Eazy Street naming comes after a unanimous vote by elected officials to make the street a reality. Officials voting in favor of Eazy Street included Senator Steve Bradford, Assemblyman Mike Gipson, Compton Mayor Emma Shariff, and County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, in addition to Compton City Council members Andre Spicer, Diedra Duhart, Jonathan Bowers, and Lillie P. Darden. “To hear our father Eric ‘Eazy-E’ Wright is being honored during the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop, it’s a testament to his impact and legacy in the genre,” Lil Eazy-E told AllHipHop, regarding the honor given to his father. “His contributions to Hip-Hop music and the entertainment business and culture continue to be recognized and celebrated, and we are truly grateful. We will continue to make sure our father’s charitable contributions will continue to be our goal thru our nonprofit, the Eric Wright Foundation. We truly appreciate the honor.” Check out an exclusive clip from this week’s new episode of “Love After Lockup,” which airs Friday night (Nov. 17) on WE tv. In our preview clip, Kerok and Britney fight and he says he may no longer want kids. Elsewhere in the episode, Redd goes MIA with his ‘bestie.’ Brittney plots her escape from Andy, Kerok drops a bomb; Sharae puts Anthony to the test, and Mikey is pulled in two directions while Melissa and Louie clash as Donna sees her opening. The new “Love After Lockup” season debuted in September with ten 90-minute episodes, also available on the popular AMC streaming service ALLBLK. https://youtu.be/8_k4dIIggNE Snoop Dogg says he’s giving up smoking marijuana, and Meek Mill and Coi Leray said they are following his lead. “After much consideration and conversation with my family, I’ve decided to give up smoke,” Snoop posted to his socials on Thursday (Nov. 17). He added, “please respect my privacy at this time.” As Rap-Up reports, Meek Mill said he is joining Snoop Dogg’s decision to quit smoking. On Twitter, he stated, “I’ma go to Dubai and completely stop smoking. I’ma follow Snoop. My doctor said I got a lil’ bit [of] emphysema in [my] chest. If I don’t stop smoking, it cuts my lifeline in half. I was addicted to the nicotine, and this new weed got too many chemicals and too risky to play with my mental!” A separate post read, “Snoop [started] the no smoking challenge; we gon’ follow up! It’s not healthy for me!” https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F_EhV1YbQAAYdN2?format=jpg&name=small Coi Leray also responded in support of Snoop’s pot ban, posting on her Instagram Story, “[Alright], I’ma start [on] Monday [Nov. 20]. Let’s do this!” In a follow-up message, she wrote, “I’ma quit after Thanksgiving [Nov. 23].” Only time will tell if the artists stay true to their word or go back to smoking. https://www.instagram.com/p/Czun1vfpNKd/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=d421621f-f002-4c45-9d3f-861f45aa2b58 Lionsgate has released a trailer and imagery for the upcoming horror title “Imaginary” about a spooky teddy bear from director Jeff Wadlow and producer Jason Blum for Blumhouse. Here’s the synopsis: “The genre-defining masterminds behind FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S and M3GAN, comes an original horror that taps into the innocence of imaginary friends – and begs the question: Are they really figments of childhood imagination or is something more terrifying lying just beneath?” “When Jessica (DeWanda Wise) moves back into her childhood home with her family, her youngest stepdaughter Alice (Pyper Braun) develops an eerie attachment to a stuffed bear named Chauncey she finds in the basement. Alice starts playing games with Chauncey that begin playful and become increasingly sinister,” the description continues. “As Alice’s behavior becomes more and more concerning, Jessica intervenes only to realize Chauncey is much more than the stuffed toy bear she believed him to be.” https://youtu.be/8XoNfrgrAGM On casting Wise, a Black woman, in the lead role, Wadlow explained, “DeWanda has been more than a star on this movie – she has been a full creative partner. So much of horror grows out of our most basic fears from childhood, and DeWanda taps into all of that. You know that old saying that the audience’s imagination is scarier than any movie? We’re going to put that to the test.” “Imaginary” hits theaters on March 8, 2024. https://twitter.com/i/status/1724840996767158615 Chuck E. Cheese is set to remove the animatronic bands from all locations except one in California. Renovations are underway at all 472 Chuck E. Cheese locations domestically and 86 abroad, CEC Entertainment CEO David McKillips said on Monday. The move comes amid the release of the supernatural horror film “Five Nights at Freddy’s.” The movie follows a troubled security guard (Josh Hutcherson) as he begins working at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. While spending his first night on the job, he realizes the night shift at Freddy’s won’t be so easy to make it through, per the studio’s press release. The animatronic characters come alive and try to kill him. During a press conference on Nov. 2, the titular character Chuck E. announced Munch’s Make Believe Band Residency at Northridge, California, near Los Angeles. “Speaking alongside fellow members of the Make Believe Band — featuring Mr. Munch on keyboards, Jasper T. Jowls on guitar, Helen Henny on vocals, and Pasqually on drums — Chuck E. revealed that they’ll be headlining an exclusive, permanent residency at the Northridge Chuck E. Cheese,” per the news release. https://youtu.be/Z_T0o5uNrlY “As an important part of the legacy of the brand, we know that the animatronic band holds a special place for many fans in their childhood memories,” McKillips, President and CEO of Chuck E. Cheese’s parent company, CEC Entertainment, said in the press release. “We want our fans to know that the decision to keep the band here is meant as a gesture of love and gratitude as our legacy continues to evolve in new ways.” https://youtu.be/53cTMqV4VeQ Black pastors are calling on Black Americans to support the US/Israel “genocide war” against Palestinian people. Black faith leaders are refuting claims that Israel is an apartheid state, according to The Christian Post. Meanwhile, across social media, members of the Jewish community continue to call out Black Americans for not being more vocal in support of Zionism. In a viral video post, “Stranger Things” star Noah Schnapp promoted stickers containing the phrases “Zionism is Sexy.” In an op-ed for The Christian Post, Michael Stevens said the Black church has remained silent on Hamas’ massacre of Israeli civilians on Oct. 7. https://twitter.com/i/status/1725307285109436495 “Pro-Israel organizations will engage the black community but not effectively empower the black community,” Washington, who formerly served as the diversity outreach coordinator for the over 10-million member Christians United for Israel, said Washington, per The Christian Post. Many Black Americans identify with the Palestinians because they see the conflict as a battle against racism, colonialism, and white supremacy — and we’re fighting this same never-ending battle in the U.S. Supporters equate the plight of the Palestinians to the Civil Rights Movement. Several U.S. religious leaders have called for a ceasefire in Gaza. Jewish actor Michael Rapport posted a video rant about how no one would call for a ceasefire if the hostages were Black Americans. https://twitter.com/i/status/1725200160072806666 The Daily Wire’s Candace Owens and Ben Shapiro are sparring online after Shapiro took issue with Owens’ criticism of Israel amid the Hamas conflict. Owens called Shapiro, a radical Jewish man and supporter of Israel, “emotionally unhinged” and “unprofessional” after he was filmed calling Owens “disgraceful” for her “faux sophistication” on the conflict, Forbes reports. “I think her behavior during this has been disgraceful, without a doubt,” Shapiro says in the clip. “I think that her faux sophistication on these particular issues has been ridiculous.” Conservatives and pro-Zionists have criticized Owens for taking to X/Twitter to post that “no government anywhere has a right to commit a genocide.” She recently responded to Shapiro, the co-founder of The Daily Wire, who urged her to quit the news outlet after she publicly quoted Bible verses. https://twitter.com/i/status/1724924211150389280 Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette has been let go from her position as president and CEO of the prominent art institution Newfields in Indianapolis. Burnette became Newfields’ first Black female director in August 2022. Fifteen months later, she’s been ousted, and a news release did not explain her departure. Burnette replaced the former Newfields CEO Charles Venable after he resigned amid “public outcry over an Indianapolis Museum of Art director job post that sought to maintain the organization’s “traditional, core, white art audience” while increasing the diversity of Newfields visitors,” per WFYI News. WFYI previously interviewed Burnette about “how she intended to address accusations that the art museum and its campus are not a welcoming place for all,” the outlet writes. “First of all, we embrace those accusations. I think it’s something that we can learn from. In Austin, Texas, which is where I was immediately before coming here, I was super engaged in that community to be able to address racial challenges that we had about, you know, becoming the anti-racist or becoming open, and open access to sensibility, diversity, sustainability,” Burnett said. https://youtu.be/9wpggXHFFNs The family of Shanquella Robinson intends to sue six of the people who traveled with her to the resort town of San José del Cabo for hindering the investigation into her death. We reported previously that Robinson was allegedly beaten to death by a “friend” in a Mexican villa in October 2022 while celebrating her birthday with a group of purported besties. The travel companions told Robinson’s mother that her daughter’s cause of death was alcohol poisoning. But the victim’s family was told a different story by Mexican authorities and the FBI. A disturbing video surfaced allegedly showing Daejhanae Jackson attacking Robinson in a bedroom while she was naked. A man who appears to be filming the assault is heard asking Shanquella, “Quella’ can you at least fight back?” Robinson attempts to get away, but she is slammed to the floor and punched in the head repeatedly. An autopsy found that the victim died of “severe spinal cord injury.” Mexican authorities launched a homicide investigation, but in April, the U.S. attorney’s offices in the Western District of North Carolina announced that they “concluded that federal charges cannot be pursued.” https://youtu.be/0ZdiMCUZjUY Will Smith believes he’s the target of a “smear campaign” after his former assistant said he caught the actor having sex with his close friend Duane Martin. Smith called the wild allegation “unequivocally false,” and Jada Pinkett Smith said they intend to take legal action against the former assistant, Brother Bilaal, who claims he busted the actor having sex with Martin in a dressing room, Hot Hip Hop DX reports. Speaking to popular YouTuber Tasha K on November 13, Bilaal explained: “I opened the door to Duane’s dressing room and that’s when I see Duane having anal sex with Will. There was a couch and Will was bent over the couch and Duane was standing up killing him, murdering him. It was murder in there.” According to the Daily Mail, Smith has known Bilaal for 40 years and threatened legal action against him for trying to tarnish his reputation. As SandraRose.com reports, Jada was asked about Will’s alleged gay sex scandal during her appearance on “The Breakfast Club.” In casual conversation reflecting upon Brenda Russell’s epic four-and-a-half-decade career as a multiple Grammy nominated singer/songwriter and Tony-nominated and Grammy-winning co-composer of The Color Purple musical, one of her songwriter friends casually uttered a phrase that captures the essence of her extraordinary multi-faceted artistry: Songpainter. Gearing up to record her highly anticipated first solo album in 20 years, Brenda knew that would be the perfect title – not only defining the impact her songs have had on the world over the years but forging a creative mission statement for all the dynamic works to come. The project’s first lead single “What Will It Take,” dropping November 17, is more than just another grand addition to her repertoire of infectious hit singles for herself and other iconic artists. Co-produced with Stephan Oberhoff, whose discography ranges from works with Burt Bacharach, Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, and Al Jarreau to Brenda’s 2000 release Paris Rain, the song is an uplifting and unifying, globally conscious anthem for our time. https://youtu.be/y8tBcQTwvWA Many are familiar with former NFL lineman Michael Oher’s story as told in the acclaimed book and blockbuster film, “The Blind Side.” The CNN FlashDoc, “Blindsided,” exposes the truth behind the Hollywood spin on Oher’s story that’s now streaming on Max. A new CNN documentary sheds light on the strained, complex relationship between former NFL player Michael Oher and the Tuohy family. Oher’s life and his time living with Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy, a wealthy White family from Memphis, Tennessee, was the subject of a book and the 2009 blockbuster, “The Blind Side.” The Oscar-winning movie charts the former offensive lineman’s rise from homelessness and poverty to becoming a star football player at college and in the NFL with the help of the Tuohy family. https://youtu.be/FovKYvj6NNc Moms of Black Boys United, Inc. (M.O.B.B. United), and M.O.B.B. United for Social Change, Inc. (MUSC), sister advocacy and support organizations dedicated to reshaping societal perceptions and policies concerning Black boys and men, has announced the appointment of Kimberley R. Alexander as its new Executive Director. In making the announcement, M.O.B.B. United Founder and Board Chair Depelsha McGruder expressed her excitement for this new chapter in the organization’s history and the depth of experience Kimberley brings to the role. She describes Alexander as a passionate advocate and distinguished leader who will propel its mission forward. “Kimberley R. Alexander embodies the core values of MOBB United and brings a focused dedication to our mission of empowering and advocating for Black boys and young men. Her personal journey and professional background, as well as her work to launch key initiatives including mental health and community wellness programs, uniquely position her to drive the change we envision,” said McGruder. With a remarkable 30-year career in healthcare, Alexander steps into her role as Executive Director with a multifaceted understanding of operations, management, and communications. Her experience as an Assistant Director of Nursing at East View Healthcare and Zion Healthcare, her tenure as an Assisted Living Manager at Brazos Towers Assisted Living, and her serving in significant roles of increasing responsibility at Texas Children’s Health Plan exemplifies her capacity to lead with compassion and efficiency. https://youtu.be/NUKkgnJGaNI Today, We Sound Crazy, the critically acclaimed podcast and radio show, premiered “You Bring the Love” featuring Grammy-nominated superstar Tamar Braxton on all major digital streaming platforms. Written and produced by We Sound Crazy co-hosts Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony, the holiday track is the first original song released under We Sound Crazy in partnership with Tamar Braxton Productions and MNRK. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVV7vWL05HU Damascus Road Productions in partnership with Eastern Sky Theatre Company, announces the premiere of the family-friendly film, “Bringing Back Christmas.” This fun for the whole family film premiered at a special Dream Center charity event in Los Angeles. The film is now available on global streaming platforms including Apple and Amazon Prime along with select theatrical showings on November 17 through Integrity Releasing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLtCkwd17JA T.I. and Tameka “Tiny” Harris have opened their first affordable housing complex in Atlanta. The development project boasts 143 apartments, with 25 units to house homeless youth. The hip-hop couple attended Tuesday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Intrada Westside complex, Baller Alert reports. “The arts and entertainment industry in this city has been able to collaborate and be, I guess, profitable enough to offer the community so many things that are much needed,” said T.I. The property sits across from Center Hill Park in northwest Atlanta. According to Baller Alert, T.I. was inspired to invest in the community where he grew up after seeing fellow rapper Killer Mike do so. “He says, ‘If everyone does a little, no one has to do a lot,’” T.I. shared during the ribbon-cutting.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1725309512532275294 Attorney Antonio Moore breaks down the civil rape and abuse allegations filed by singer Cassie in Manhattan NY on Thursday 11/16/23 against Sean “Diddy” Combs. Moore looks at the Adult Abuse Act that allowed Cassie to bring the civil claims and how the expiration was not far off. And how the act left the singer only days to file suit. https://youtu.be/jkHeNl6AyhQ Former “Love & Hip Hop” star BK Brasco is catching heat online over his views about why older men date younger women. Brasco, 45, unpacked his theory on the Nov. 10 episode of the One Thing About It! Podcast, during which he explained why single Gen X men prefer to date young women. When the podcast’s host, Amani Wortham, noted that women can’t be “trained” by males, Brasco replied, “Train up a child the way they should go.”“Some women — not all — [but] some women are pretty when they’re young [and] when they get older, they look bad,” he added, MadameNoire reports. “The older women don’t be fit. They don’t be friendly. They don’t be feminine. They don’t be cooperative, and they don’t be submissive.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CzecB-7Alhq/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Amani then questioned why young women would even consider “old” used-up manwhores with “community dick” to be viable dating options. No one wants to deal with a woman that is set in her ways and traumatized from 10 previous relationships.” “As a younger women, the only time i see older guys really dating my peers is when the girls have daddy issues. They pursue me, but once they even get a wiff of my very present father and his influence in my life, they go away. It’s very interesting to see.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CzomWQGO61E/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Fantasia looked like an award herself ?????? as she accepted Variety‘s Power of Women Presented by Lifetime honor on November 16, 2023. As she stood at the dias, ‘Tasia became vulnerable as she spoke about her life’s obstacles, “I’ve been through some things I haven’t been afraid to share. Sometimes we don’t want to share what we go through, but I knew that my tests were part of my testimony, and I knew that my testimony would help a lot of people.” During her touching address, the presence of Leonardo DiCaprio distracted her briefly, and she shouted him out. The Grammy-winner also revealed why she did not want to play the role of Celie again for the musical film adaptation of “The Color Purple,” after her run on Broadway concluded. “I want to thank Celie,” she said. “I didn’t want to play this role again, because I knew this role would bring up some certain things in my life that I thought I was over, but I think I just suppressed. So when they called me I said ‘I cannot do it. I’m married. I’m happy. No thanks.’ But I had to for every young lady who has been through some of the things that I’ve been through. Not even the young ladies, there are some ladies that are a lot older than me that say, ‘Thank you for sharing your story.'” Fantasia ended her speech by encouraging young girls and women to persevere through difficulty. https://youtu.be/KM-Vp0sAL5U Speaking of Leonardo DiCaprio, the Oscar winner celebrated his 49th bday last Saturday at a private residence in Beverly Hills. A Reddit Thread had much to say about his karaoke performance rapping the 1994 song “DWYCK” by Gang Starr and Nice & Smooth. Many internet users called his rendition “cringe,” citing his age, “Leo is literal proof that your growth gets stunted at the age you become famous,” posted one person. Really? Y’all making this assessment of his character because he wants to turn up for being alive another year? Weird flex, but ok. Other comments weren’t so judgy and ageist, “I don’t find this cringe. It’s his birthday party. He’s having fun, and everyone is enjoying themselves,” wrote one person. Another added, “I don’t understand the problem. I would love to turn 49 in a room packed full of people who want to celebrate me and have a good time singing, rapping, dancing, and acting a fool. He looks like he’s having a great time! Good for him.” https://www.instagram.com/p/Czjy-0uvBHa/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Megan Thee Stallion attended GQ‘s Men of the Year party, and a reporter asked the Grammy winner to rank the top anime. Megan has long professed her love of anime and felt that the list was unfair because she considered all of them top-tier. One fan made their own ranking list and listed them as such, “1. Attack on Titan 2.My Hero 3. Jujitsu Kaisen 4. Black Clover 5. Hunter X Hunter.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CzvKokeul9S/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Shaunie Henderson‘s daughter Me’Arah O’Neal, who she shares with former NBA player and ex-husband Shaquille O’Neal, celebrated her baby girl signing to the University of Florida to play women’s basketball. “My family was just there to support me. I was pressuring myself to make a decision, but I learned I had to be patient. And I did make this decision on my own,” O’Neal said, according to ESPN. “I went on the Florida visit, and I had a feeling that’s where I belonged,” she said. “And that I was going to be most successful if I went to go play at Florida. I felt like I connected with Coach Kelly more than I connected with any of the other schools that recruited me. She really cares about me, not just on the court but off the court. That’s important for me.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CzpFloUuAog/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=3a35d339-2a67-4095-a102-30cabb4d5ec5&img_index=1 The winners of the recent Los Angeles “Uplifting Minds II” Entertainment Conference’s National Talent Competition were recently announced. Winners in the highly competitive talent competition include New York Hip-Hop singer/songwriter/rapper Angelic featuring Asim with 1st place, New Jersey’s actress Kah’Ni Rich won 2nd place, and tying for 3rd place was Philippines-based singer Kim Hewitt and Washington, DC dancer Tiarah William. Ari Lennox‘s latest album, Get Close, drops 11/17/23, and social media influencer Hopeless Romantic Society got to ask her some off-beat questions about her love life. He asked Ari if she had ever written a song for a yt man and which vanilla prince she would consider engaging with to do the horizontal boogie. These GenZers are brazen with their inquiries; we couldn’t ask such questions with a serious face. One fan observed, “I love Ari. She’s so sweet and beautiful. I feel like she probably rides for the person she loves and can be passionate, but that passion might be a little too much for someone especially if she’s angry or feeling hurt. You can tell she probably has some trauma to deal with, but that’s ok, most of us do. I’m sure she will find someone to treat her well one day, when the time is right.” https://www.instagram.com/p/Czl0Cj9rQJi/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Carmelo Anthony was fighting for his life as a guest on “Hot Ones.” Melo knew he bit off more than he could chew when he uttered, “I see the road we about to go down after this one” https://www.instagram.com/p/CzujvZsAhAD/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Megatron metamorphosed into Mega-TYRONE after flaming two Universal Studios fans in Cali. He called out one lady and her homegirl about “net fronts” and told them he would clean up their “kitchens,” the DISRESPECT. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzXmSb6u0pX/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again As the holiday season approaches and the air is filled with a crisp, comforting chill, it’s only natural for us to take a moment to reflect on the blessings in our lives. Thanksgiving, in particular, has a unique way of reminding us of the importance of gratitude. It’s a time when families come together, tables are adorned with hearty feasts, and the spirit of togetherness fills the air. For me, this holiday season holds a deeper significance, as we prepare for the Second Annual “Food for the Family” Thanksgiving Event in honor of my beloved son, Bobby Brown Jr. Bobby Jr. was a remarkable soul, known for his vibrant spirit and boundless love for his family. He left an indelible mark on the world, not only through his love but through his legacy. His memory lives on through the love we share with our community. In honor of Bobby Jr., we have embraced the opportunity to give back through The Bobbi Kristina Serenity House, a non-profit Domestic Violence Safe Haven founded in 2015. Our mission is to provide support, shelter, and resources for survivors of domestic violence. The pain and suffering endured by survivors are real, and it’s our collective responsibility to create a world without domestic abuse. Emmy-winning actor Anthony Anderson spoke about his latest partnership with Charmin and his travel show with his mom, streaming on Peacock. Anderson said he was excited to partner with Charmin on their new toilet paper called “square-ish.” “Charmin has reinvented the square by replacing the traditional perforation line with a scalloped edge to provide a better, smoother tear, and launched Smooth Tear as part of the Ultra Soft category to offer a more enjoyable go,” per a news release. “This is something the toilet paper category hasn’t seen, and we’ve spent more than five years perfecting the technology and design behind it,” said Rob Reinerman, Charmin Vice President, Procter & Gamble. The new “squarish” innovation “aims to deliver an even and clean tear every single time, addressing multiple pain points that are experienced when using toilet paper. Charmin Ultra Soft Smooth Tear enables getting just the right desired amount, does not tear during dispensing and leaves a clean smooth cut,” per the release. Producer and musician Sean “Diddy” Combs was sued in federal court in New York City on Thursday by his former girlfriend Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, who alleges she was raped and subjected to years of physical and other abuse by Combs. “After years in silence and darkness, I am finally ready to tell my story, and to speak up on behalf of myself and for the benefit of other women who face violence and abuse in their relationships,” Ventura – an R&B singer who goes by the stage name Cassie – said in a statement to CNN. “With the expiration of New York’s Adult Survivors Act fast approaching, it became clear that this was an opportunity to speak up about the trauma I have experienced and that I will be recovering from for the rest of my life.” “Mr. Combs vehemently denies these offensive and outrageous allegations,” Ben Brafman, attorney for Combs, said in a statement emailed to CNN via Combs’ publicist. “For the past 6 months, Mr. Combs has been subjected to Ms. Ventura’s persistent demand of $30 million, under the threat of writing a damaging book about their relationship, which was unequivocally rejected as blatant blackmail. Despite withdrawing her initial threat, Ms. Ventura has now resorted to filing a lawsuit riddled with baseless and outrageous lies, aiming to tarnish Mr. Combs’ reputation and seeking a payday.” Combs, 54, founded the music label Bad Boy in 1993 and has gone by stage names Puff Daddy and Diddy. Credited with work that is regarded as instrumental in the growth of the hip-hop genre, Combs has won three Grammys in his career, along with 14 nominations. Arguably his most popular song is “I’ll Be Missing You” off the hit 1997 album “No Way Out.” Other hit tracks include “It’s All About the Benjamins” and “Bad Boy for Life.” While he achieved initial success with his music, Combs also became a notable producer as well as an entrepreneur. https://youtu.be/JyZfPx3WzVc Netflix has released the teaser trailer for the upcoming fantasy film “Damsel,” starring Millie Bobby Brown and Angela Bassett. The movie from Oscar-nominated filmmaker Juan Carlos Fresnadillo “flips the script on the traditional fairy tale as a princess whose happily ever after is brutally interrupted when her Prince Charming sacrifices her to a dragon,” per Netflix’s news release. “What I really loved in the script from Dan Mazeau was embracing the idea of a fantasy adventure and a princess and dragon story, but taking it into a place [where] it’s completely upside down,” Fresnadillo told Tudum. “It was a very intense journey that I was so excited to design and to develop. At the core, this is such a beautiful story about a young woman becoming a strong, independent, and empowered adult. Elodie doesn’t have any kind of support. It’s a real survival experience.” Here’s a brief plot description via Netflix: “Damsel sees Brown as a dutiful, well, damsel, who agrees to marry a handsome prince — only to discover it was all a trap: The royal family recruited her as a sacrifice to repay an ancient debt. She’s then thrown into a cave with a fire-breathing dragon, relying solely on her wits and will to survive. As Elodie fights to survive alone in the bowels of the monster’s lair, she is the audience’s eyes and ears.” https://youtu.be/9eN_AGX8GXk Kanye West’s wife Bianca Censori has reportedly returned to her family in Australia after loved ones expressed concerns about her relationship with the rapper. According to insiders, Bianca finally came to her senses regarding Kanye’s “controlling ways.” “Everyone is just glad that they finally were able to get through to Bianca,” a source told MailOnline. “Her friends let her know exactly how they feel and they told her that she needs to wake the f*** up,” the tea spiller shared. “She knows that she has shut out those close to her and she is also starting to see through the smoky mirrors of her marriage,” the insider told the outlet. “She is aware of Kanye’s controlling ways and she is starting to see things from an outside perspective.” Fulton County prosecutors asked a judge Wednesday to jail Harrison Floyd, who is charged in the 2020 election subversion case in Georgia, because of his alleged “effort to intimidate codefendants and witnesses,” according to court filings. This is the first time Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has asked to revoke someone’s bond in the case. Prosecutors highlighted Floyd’s recent social media posts about Georgia election officials who are likely to be called as witnesses in the case, as well as his recent comments on a conservative podcast about Jenna Ellis, who pleaded guilty and agreed to cooperate. “The Defendant’s actions demonstrate that he poses a significant threat of intimidating witnesses and otherwise obstructing the administration of justice in the future, making him ineligible for bond,” prosecutors wrote in the court filing. https://youtu.be/jYZ5RTxubyk Floyd’s legal team declined to comment to CNN, saying they have just begun reading the filing. Floyd, the leader of Black Voices for Trump, pleaded not guilty to three state felonies, largely tied to his role in an intimidation campaign targeting two Atlanta election workers in late 2020. Former President Donald Trump and his allies falsely accused the workers of massive voter fraud. Floyd is the only defendant who spent time in jail in connection with the case. He was incarcerated at the Fulton County Jail for one week in August before reaching a bond deal with prosecutors. Prosecutors point to more than a dozen public statements by Floyd they say violate the terms of his bond agreement, including ones directly targeting Georgia election worker Ruby Freeman, who is a witness in the case. “Since his release from custody, the Defendant has engaged in numerous intentional and flagrant violations of the conditions of release ordered by the Court,” they wrote in their filing.https://youtu.be/b6NTz3dznzk Michael B. Jordan just got his bedroom business put on front street by Bre Tiesi. This woman just told the world that Jordan was not “good” in bed during the Season 7 reunion of the hit reality show “Selling Sunset.” “Is Michael B. Jordan good in bed?” asked host Tan France while Tiesi was hooked up to a polygraph. “I’m going to be in so much trouble,” she replied, adding, “No.” “I’m sorry, babe,” the real-life and reality TV real estate agent said. “S–t! Crushed a lot of girls’ dreams today.” https://www.instagram.com/p/Czt6FZwPuTm/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=86f5243f-4efe-4982-84db-f421fc098747 The lie detector test confirmed that Tiesi, whose famous baby daddy is Nick Cannon, told no lies. On top of that, polygraph examiner John Grogan chimed in with a thumbs-up courtesy of the test results, adding, “That’s true.” Daaaayuuum! Somebody’s guilty as charged. As Page Six, reports, here’s how it all came about. During a recent episode of the Netflix show, Tiesi bragged about sleeping with the “Creed” actor, 36, while sharing a meal with co-star Amanza Smith, Chrishell Stause and Emma Hernan. https://youtu.be/ZUkkhyEelno New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, 1-800-TruckWreck, and V-103 are giving away Thanksgiving meal boxes and turkeys to more than 2,000 today from 6:00 a.m. - 12 p.m. (while supplies last) at 6400 Woodrow Road in Lithonia. The event is free and open to the community. Registration is not required. Tickets for the turkeys and meal boxes will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. THANKSGIVING FREE FOOD GIVEAWAY on Friday, November 17, 2023, 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm (while supplies last) Turner Chapel AME 492 North Marietta Parkway Marietta, GA Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green has been suspended for five games for “forcibly grabbing” Ruby Gobert around the neck during Tuesday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the NBA announced. https://youtu.be/-yndrhRKGU8 The altercation broke out inside the opening two minutes of the match when Warriors guard Klay Thompson and Minnesota forward Jaden McDaniels got into a scuffle, yanking on each other’s jerseys and swinging each other around as the teams made their way up the floor. Several players from both sides rushed over to get involved before Green barged in and put Gobert in a headlock. Green, McDaniels, and Thompson were all ejected from the game. The NBA said Green grabbed Gobert around the neck in an “unsportsmanlike and dangerous manner.” “The length of the suspension is based in part on Green’s history of unsportsmanlike acts,” the NBA said in a statement. This is Green’s fifth suspension in his career. Prior to this week’s punishment, Green was suspended for one game without pay after he stamped on the chest of Sacramento Kings’ Domantas Sabonis in the first round of the playoffs in April 2023. The NBA said Green’s latest suspension is without pay, meaning he will forfeit $769,970 as a result, per ESPN. https://youtu.be/u-ZFgmKt5r8 The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will honor Kevin Hart, 44, with its 25th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at a ceremony on March 24, reports The New York Times. Kevin released an official statement expressing his excitement about the prestigious recognition for his contributions to comedy as a comedian, actor, writer, and producer, “To be honored in this commemorative year feels surreal,” he added. “Comedy is my outlet for social commentary and observations on life — I am grateful to the Kennedy Center for recognizing my voice and impact on culture. I can’t wait to celebrate!” https://www.instagram.com/p/CzrYzhQr8VS/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=5492b4e1-4315-49fb-a254-6105d9ddb801&img_index=1 The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will honor Kevin Hart, 44, with its 25th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at a ceremony on March 24, reports The New York Times. Kevin released an official statement expressing his excitement about the prestigious recognition for his contributions to comedy as a comedian, actor, writer, and producer, “To be honored in this commemorative year feels surreal,” he added. “Comedy is my outlet for social commentary and observations on life — I am grateful to the Kennedy Center for recognizing my voice and impact on culture. I can’t wait to celebrate!” https://www.instagram.com/p/CzsCH1oJFZf/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again André 3000, government name André Lauren Benjamin, is entering another season of his life journey, and the artist he once was has evolved. As one part of the southern hip-hop duo Outkast, Three Stacks, now in his middle-age era, doesn’t feel he has anything potent to rap about as a 48-year-old artist. “I get beats all the time. I try to write all the time. People think, Oh, man, he’s just sitting on raps, or he’s just holding these raps hostage. I ain’t got no raps like that,” he tells GQ for its inaugural video cover story. Ice Cold will release his latest album New Blue Sun, which is filled with flute instrumentals. (Pauses and reflects) André 3K has inspired us also to become an afro-hippie playing flutes on the top laundry mats with a net worth of $35 million. https://www.instagram.com/p/CztcUrVOeNE/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again During the Essence GU Disruptor Summit, attendees were tested on the names of iconic Black singers and entertainers, and let us say if these were the children Whitney said would lead the way, we were all about being lost in the sauce. “This is what happens when your granny makes Alfredo & tacos & you don’t wake up on a Saturday because your mother is blasting Anita Baker because it’s time to clean the entire house. We’re losing recipes,” said social media user @blackgirlin. https://www.instagram.com/p/Czr9A_EuXh3/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Pharrell Williams believes investing in culture will reap big rewards, so he founded Black Ambition, a non-profit initiative that supports Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs. According to a news release, the foundation recently awarded $3.2M to 36 Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs. Williams believes investing in these communities will yield significant returns. “Where we are is where the profit is,” he said in a new interview with Forbes. “There’s no denying that. We influence it.” According to the release, Black Ambition “awarded $1 million dollars to Antoinette Banks, CEO and Founder of Expert IEP, a parent-facing app that optimizes existing Individualized Education Plans with predictive AI for children diagnosed with a disability, as the Grand Prize Winner of its 2023 Prize competition at the third-annual “Demo Day” event” held November 9th at Spring Studios in New York. https://youtu.be/gIUJIC8dpgc Today, Disney+ released the official trailer for the upcoming original series “Percy Jackson and the Olympians.” In the week leading up to today’s debut, fans were teased with easter eggs across the official social handles (@PercySeries) driving excitement and speculation across the fandom. In this latest look at “Percy Jackson and the Olympians,” Percy (Walker Scobell), Annabeth (Leah Sava Jeffries), and Grover (Aryan Simhadri) are put to the test on their adventure to restore order at Mount Olympus and save the world. The epic eight-episode series launches with a two-episode premiere on December 20 on Disney+, followed by new episodes weekly. https://youtu.be/uHb7au6Gmls Jada Pinkett Smith claims she and Will Smith intend to take legal action against the former assistant who claims he busted the actor having sex with close friend Duane Martin. According to Smith’s former friend Brother Bilaal, he once walked in on Smith and Martin having sex in a dressing room, Hot Hip Hop DX reports. Speaking to popular YouTuber Tasha K on November 13, Bilaal explained: “I opened the door to Duane’s dressing room and that’s when I see Duane having anal sex with Will. There was a couch and Will was bent over the couch and Duane was standing up killing him, murdering him. It was murder in there.” Bilaal also commented on Will and Jada’s sex life, claiming the actress is a size queen and seemed to suggest that Will is lacking in that area. “If a woman is used to something the size of a baby leg and you come in with a pinky toe, there is nothing you gonna do to please her. If she itching for that baby leg, she want that baby leg,” Brother Bilaal told Tasha K. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzmzIRDuxDB/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Smith’s rep also denied Bilaal’s allegations. “This story is completely fabricated, and the claim is unequivocally false,” she said in a statement, TMZ reports. Jada’s “Breakfast Club” interview. https://youtu.be/9lok-Vjqajs Azealia Banks may be trying to wipe the slate clean with Lizzo, but she seems to be starting a new slate of beef with Busta Rhymes. Referencing Uproxx, Love B Scott reports the outspoken rapstress went to social media to post a series of comments, apologizing for past comments made to the “It’s About Damn Time” vocalist about her body. “I was having a conversation last night and realized that I owe Lizzo a huge apology for popping so much sh*t,” wrote Banks wrote on her official Instagram page. Despite offering an olive branch to Lizzo, the action looks to be a one-time deal. In the post after her apology, Banks took aim at rap icon Busta Rhymes over the very thing she went at Lizzo over. Despite collaborating with the former Leaders of the New School member on her song “Taste State,” Banks did not hold back in taking Rhymes to task over his physique. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F-HO74OXQAAKgmY?format=jpg&name=360x360 “If hip-hop will a 55+ several overweight Busta Rhymes, who exhibits major signs of anabolic steroid abuse, adrenal gland failure, and constipation, and will also allow him to have a face full of blackheads and acne from what appears to be testosterone shot abuse… All whilst drinking molly water in 2023 and wearing cartoon-like neon yellow fake gold Slick Rick chains… We have absolutely no right to be trying to skewer a young Black woman for anything,” Banks wrote about the “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See” rhyme slayer. Busta is the latest entertainer to feel the wrath of Banks’ words. He joins a well-known list of targets that includes Joe Budden, Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, Doja Cat, Iggy Azalea and Lana Del Rey, among others. As a result, Banks’ remarks have put her social media accounts on suspension. Whether Banks’ comments on Rhymes result in the same fate remains to be seen. As of this posting, the rapper/actor and Lizzo have yet to respond to Banks and her remarks. https://youtu.be/QwHwcitqYnU “Drive with Swizz Beatz” is the new six-part docuseries dropping today on Hulu! The series is hosted by the legendary Swizz Beatz, known for his contributions to Hip-Hop culture, including production for artists like Beyonce, Jay-Z, and Drake, along with his oldest son Nasir Dean. The two will travel to car-loving destinations across the globe, including Houston, Japan, Los Angeles, and Saudi Arabia, where they will dive into the area’s signature car culture and other surprises. https://youtu.be/M8ZTyoD4HUU Mark Jackson denies a New York Post report that he was booted from his Knicks’ TV gig because the team refused to let him on their chartered flights.According to the former Knicks point guard, the truth is that he turned the team down instead, nj.com reports. “[On Wednesday], a report came out that I was fired or dismissed from calling Knick games,” Jackson wrote on social media. “Honored and privileged to have an offer bestowed upon me to back up the legend Walt Clyde Frazier, calling Knick games. “Over a week ago, I turned that job down. You heard what I said: More than a week ago, I turned the job down due to the fact that it wasn’t the ideal conditions, and it wasn’t the ideal time for me,” Jackson explained. “You never know what the future holds,” he added. https://twitter.com/i/status/1725011723378139519 Chicago natives Jennifer Hudson, Chance the Rapper, and Quincy Jones have teamed to reopen the city’s Ramova Theatre. The trio are co-owners of the venue located in the Bridgeport neighborhood on the South Side, which has been dormant for nearly 40 years, Variety reports. Ramova opened in 1929 and served as a movie theater until its closure in 1985. According to the Variety, the Ramova will reopen this fall “as a 1,500-capacity live music venue with a grill, beer garden, and brewery in partnership with Other Half Brewing,” the outlet writes. “I believe the cultural divides in our communities will always be bridged and uplifted by music and the arts,” said Jones. “With Ramova, I see a future where the rich cultural heritage of Chicago shines even brighter alongside the country’s most talented artists, which will inspire future generations to come and bring glory to America’s Second City.” According to a press release, “Ramova will also offer educational programs [and] workshops, and amplify community initiatives from local nonprofits.” A wedding party photo has gone viral because it shows one of the bridesmaids flipping her middle finger. As MadameNoie reports, the wedding photo was shared by “Wild N’ Out” cast member NickNack Pattiwhack, who married Kiara Randolph on Oct. 30 in Cancun, Mexico. Kiara shared the wedding photos on Nov. 3, along with the caption: “Our union was graced by the warmth of family, cherished loved ones, and our globe-trotting besties turned eternal companions. An extraordinary day woven with love, friendship and timeless elegance.” A bridesmaid named “Blizzy” was partially cropped out of the image, but the original photo shared by the couple’s friend, Stacy “Stace” Hoyte, shows the woman flipping the bird. The image was captioned: “If you want to stick your middle finger up like a [pigeon] at my wedding, that’s cool, but take your own individual photos and do that. Don’t do that in the group photos. Have some couth.” Stace deleted the photo at Nick’s request, MadameNoire reports. https://www.facebook.com/ShaninMaeWestGreen/posts/10232397166051998?ref=embed_post Sharon Osbourne claims Whitney Houston once asked if she was “trying to fu*k” Bobby Brown. Osbourne recalled the moment on a recent episode of “The Osbournes Podcast,” claiming she and the late R&B singer had a misunderstanding over Brown, Complex reports. Osbourne said the incident occurred during VH1’s “Divas Duets” taping 20 years ago. At the time, Houston was doing a sound check when she spotted Osbourne chatting with Brown and accused her of trying to seduce her then-husband. “I was hosting the [Divas Duets] for VH1, and I was at sound check, and Whitney was up on stage doing her sound check,” Osbourne said on the podcast, EW reports. “Her little girl [Bobbi Kristina] obviously liked watching The Osbournes and she came up and sat next to me,” she continued. “Gorgeous little thing. And then suddenly her dad came and sat [on] the other side of me, Bobby.” https://youtu.be/tH_sS-Fa-mQ MAXINE’S BABY: THE TYLER PERRY STORY film directors Gelila Bekele and Armani Ortiz were recently interviewed by film producer, actor and author DeVon Franklin. https://vimeo.com/885044365 Writer, actor, filmmaker, studio head and media titan, Tyler Perry, is America’s consummate multihyphenate. But underneath this entertainment behemoth is a man working humbly to heal his childhood trauma by transforming his pain into promise. Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story, a nod to his mother’s love, is a tender and intimate portrait of visionary and innovator Tyler Perry and his harrowing but faithful road to the top of an industry that didn’t always include him. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjXlidHoPyU Blacksmoke Music Worldwide recording artist James Grear and Company overflows with gratefulness as their radio single, "I Wanna Say Thank You" featuring Maurette Brown Clark takes the top spot this week on the Mediabase and Billboard Gospel Radio charts. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fS55gvj3qqA&feature=youtu.be GSN-"Look at what God has done!" exclaims James Grear “I Wanna Say Thank You” is the #1 Gospel song in the country this week! While my heart is full at this moment, I want to encourage someone to know that it’s never too late to accomplish what God has ordained for your life! I am SHOUTING CONGRATULATIONS to “The Company”, as well as the incomparable Maurette Brown Clark, the amazing songwriter Pharis Evans Jr., and our maestro producer, Darnell Davis. Special thanks to Kerry Douglas and the entire hardworking staff at Blacksmoke Music Worldwide and Kerry Douglas Radio Promotions (shout out to the very capable VP Ricky D). A HUGE thank you to Ronedy Ra Moore, for your consistency, dedication and determination, you are the absolute BEST, hands down! Thank you to every radio station & announcer across the country who continues to play this song and Thank you to everyone who played a part in this song going #1! GOD DID IT! " https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=fS55gvj3qqA The Gospel Spotlight's this weeks #1 song and Artists James Grear & Company. Congats!!! Let's "Fallback" to hear James Grear in his own words. http://www.gospel-spotlight.com/james_grear_intvw.htm "I Wanna Say Thank You" featuring Maurette Brown Clark is "Shinning Bright" as it takes the top spot this week. Maurette Brown Clark talks about the song with HJ Ellison inside the Gospel Spotlight. https://www.facebook.com/100000375930311/videos/3461447217431669/ Jada Pinkett Smith claims she and Will Smith intend to take legal action against the former assistant who claims he busted the actor having sex with close friend Duane Martin. According to Smith’s former friend Brother Bilaal, he once walked in on Smith and Martin having sex in a dressing room, Hot Hip Hop DX reports. Speaking to popular YouTuber Tasha K on November 13, Bilaal explained: “I opened the door to Duane’s dressing room and that’s when I see Duane having anal sex with Will. There was a couch and Will was bent over the couch and Duane was standing up killing him, murdering him. It was murder in there.”Bilaal also commented on Will and Jada’s sex life, claiming the actress is a size queen and seemed to suggest that Will is lacking in that area. “If a woman is used to something the size of a baby leg and you come in with a pinky toe, there is nothing you gonna do to please her. If she itching for that baby leg, she want that baby leg,” Brother Bilaal told Tasha K. Smith’s rep also denied Bilaal’s allegations. “This story is completely fabricated, and the claim is unequivocally false,” she said in a statement, TMZ reports. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzmzIRDuxDB/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Jada Pinkett Smith claims she and Will Smith intend to take legal action. Check out Jada’s “Breakfast Club” interview. https://youtu.be/9lok-Vjqajs Lauryn Hill stopped her performance to get her band’s mind right after they weren’t playing the right notes or chords. However, people on social media in the comment section kept referring to legendary pianist Robert Glasper‘s interview with The Madd Hatta Morning Show on 97.9 The Box. “She will go on tour with a band and in the city that they’re doing a show, she’ll hold auditions for her band,” recalled Robert. Fans of L-Boogie believe her shows would be better if she rehearsed more with her band and kept the same employees. https://v16m-default.tiktokcdn-us.com/378d705386bdd80f7efa305c6bb12beb/6556bcb1/video/tos/useast5/tos-useast5-pve-0068-tx/oEkCpNzA1AiD5SfcQg8jRffmIDHFSCEKAIGEhR/?a=1988&ch=0&cr=3&dr=0&lr=tiktok_m&cd=0%7C0%7C1%7C3&cv=1&br=3556&bt=1778&bti=NDU3ZjAwOg%3D%3D&cs=0&ds=3&ft=_G6uMBnZq8ZmorCaHQ_vjcG8sAhLrus&mime_type=video_mp4&qs=0&rc=OWlmZTk4OWQ0ZjU4NDU3PEBpMzZkZnk5cnEzbzMzZzczNEAtMjQyMGAxNWAxYGIyMzZgYSMwL3A2MmRzNjZgLS1kMS9zcw%3D%3D&l=202311161904253397A94A376D7F0BFB60&btag=e00010000 Holy Roller, Kirk Franklin almost had to call Jesus on the mainline after he peeped the attire of Austyn Tribbett, the daughter of Grammy-winning gospel artist Tye Tribbett. Kirk jokingly pointed out that Baptists dress like Austyn. One person came to the 21-year-old defense, “Austyn looks good; it’s age-appropriate, as long as she’s not out trying to impress nobody, around family, and covered by the blood. She’s fine.” Tye also sided with his daughter, writing his caption, “Ayy???? My brother @kirkfranklin came to my room in FULL uncle mode concerned but I don’t play about my daughter @austyn.tayy lol between God, her mother and me — she’s COVERED?????????.” Glory! Tye and Kirk are currently touring with David and Tamala Mann, Israel Houghton and The Clark Sisters. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzrzlvSAVrC/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Fantasia Taylor graced Variety magazine’s Power of Women issue and spoke about how she grew up watching the women in her life fight against adversity: “I grew up watching fighters,” Barrino says after settling into a corner booth. She’s not talking about boxers or brawlers. She’s describing the women in her life, specifically her mother, Diane Barrino, and her late grandmother, Apostle Addie Collins. “I watched them fall and I watched them get back up,” she explains. “They never quit. A lot of that is embedded in me. It’s in my blood. It’s in my DNA.” It’s been nearly 20 years since Barrino was crowned the “American Idol,” winning the third season of the singing competition in 2004 and becoming the first Black woman to claim the title. Suddenly she was a role model to a generation of Black girls who saw themselves in her. When she first appeared on the show, though, she was just Tasia, a 19-year-old single mom. “Didn’t know nothing about nothing, other than I loved to sing,” Barrino says. “I didn’t know all the things that came with it, the pros and the cons.” Fantasia stars in the anticipated “The Color Purple” musical due in theaters December 25. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzoeQS1s61-/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=87e39c00-2a66-414a-b4f8-73ee5b7a9ed5 Marcus Scribner and Cliff “Method Man” Smith star in “How I Learned to Fly,” dropping in theaters December 1st. The film centers around “two African-American teenage brothers who suddenly find themselves on their own after being mysteriously abandoned by their parents. Deeply haunted by the mental and physical abuse inflicted by their father (Wu-Tang Clan’s Cliff “Method Man” Smith), elder brother Daniel (Scribner) is determined to keep their lives from falling apart. He maintains a daily routine, works as a dishwasher, and does his best to keep a roof over their heads,” according to film critic Wilson Morales. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cze3lR-yS96/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again A group of teenage thieves was caught on cell phone video ransacking an Amazon delivery truck in broad daylight, and the helpless driver watched. The incident happened near Atlanta, GA, on Nov. 13. The female driver told police that she secured the truck before delivering a package to the Country Oaks Apartments in the Fairburn Mays neighborhood, but the thieves broke into the vehicle. Cell phone video shows about six Black youths grabbing items from the truck and quickly fleeing the scene. The driver exited the apartment complex as the madness unfolded and watched as the Amazon truck was raided. According to SandraRose.com, “Amazon and other package services won’t deliver to certain neighborhoods in Atlanta due to the high crime,” the outlet writes. https://youtu.be/P2y-iw-IFfI Gina Gauthier, the ex-wife of famed megachurch pastor Carlton Pearson, shared a message with his fans amid his battle with terminal cancer. In a statement on Facebook, Gauthier said Bishop Pearson is “moving toward making his way to the vibration of ‘Well done my good and faithful servant,'” she wrote, The Christian Post reports. Gauthier added, “People of God, I ask that you prepare your hearts. Prepare to release him such that as he moves through that tunnel toward the light, he can ascend as quickly as possible and not be pulled back into this 3rd dimension realm feeling the pull of those he loved so much. Love lets go.” Pearson was married to Gauthie from 1993 to 2019, and they have two kids, according to The Christian Post. Her update is over a week after he shared a final message with his followers. “This will be one of the last times you’ll see me like this,” Pearson said on a live broadcast earlier this month, L.A. Focus News reports. “I may be closing some things out, but I will never close you out in consciousness. I love you and wanted you to hear from my voice how deeply appreciative I am of who you are and that you are.” https://www.facebook.com/gina.gauthierpearson/posts/1521050212060498?ref=embed_post According to Pearson’s family, the bishop has a Stage 4 cancerous mass that is “inoperable and fatal.” In a statement, the family said: “Our dear Carlton was diagnosed with cancer in 2001 and was declared cancer-free shortly thereafter. Just recently, cancer has returned and has been a significant challenge, especially in the last 120 days—Carlton has asked that people pray that he would live out the “full number of his days.” The family previously announced that Pearson moved to “comfort care.” Pearson’s 1980s television program on Trinity Broadcasting Network became one of the most-watched shows, and he rose to fame as pastor of the 5,000-member Higher Dimensions Family Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Netflix’s 2018 “Come Sunday” biopic explored his life. https://youtu.be/hHxfJmIwJsI If someone had told Nadia Mohamed when she was a child that she would one day become mayor of the city where she grew up, she would have said, “You are lying.” But on Tuesday Mohamed achieved just that when she was elected Mayor of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, making her the first Somali American to win a general election for mayor. “It feels amazing,” Mohamed told CNN. “Honestly, I’m grateful, I am thankful to the voters of St. Louis Park for voting me in.” Mohamed said she and her family moved to the suburban city west of Minneapolis when she was 10 years old. Nearly two decades later, the 27-year-old celebrated an election night victory with her family and the community she loves. “I was thrilled and over the moon,” Mohamed said. “It’s been like a moment of a lifetime.” https://youtu.be/918pjc0lZ_4 Mohamed said she plans to dedicate her tenure to elevating and addressing the concerns of St. Louis Park’s roughly 50,000 residents. “I am somebody from the community,” she said. “I want to include people’s voices and highlight their stories – as I would have wanted somebody to do for me – regardless of their skin color and identity and religion.” In 2019, Mohamed was elected to the city council when she was 23 years old. After serving for four years, she decided to launch a bid for mayor. The campaign was hard fought, she said, and critics often hurled insults at her on social media for not only her young age but also her Somali heritage. “People are filled with hate and don’t want you to be a part of their neighborhoods or part of their community because they don’t want to share that,” Mohamed said. https://youtu.be/uwDfmyLVLqE Pasadena police have identified prospective UCLA football recruits as suspects in the alleged theft of personal items from the Colorado locker room at the Rose Bowl last month. No arrests have been made, but the alleged culprits attend Beaumont High School in Riverside County, California, according to a Pasadena city spokeswoman, USA Today Sports reports. The names of the juveniles have not been disclosed. We reported previously that the alleged theft happened during the Buffaloes’ game against the Bruins at the Rose Bowl on Oct. 28. As ESPN reports, Colorado Coach Deion Sanders called on the NCAA or the Rose Bowl to reimburse the athletes who were robbed of jewelry and cash from the Buffaloes’ locker room. According to reports, some stolen items have been returned. “Our kids got robbed during the game last week. I think that’s a travesty,” Sanders told reporters in Boulder, Colorado after the game. “I would expect the NCAA to do something about that,” he added. “This is the Rose Bowl. They said the granddaddy of ’em all, right? I’m sure granddaddy had some money. Grandpa should have some money to give these kids,” Sanders continued. https://youtu.be/VpTUTQNsGEA Bill Cosby is said to be in “financial turmoil” and is “liquidating” assets to pay for legal fees related to civil lawsuits. According to RadarOnline, a source revealed that Cosy, whose net worth was once estimated at $400 million, is “taking out second mortgages,” and he and his wife Camille are “selling off their artwork.” The couple is in a “bad situation financially” from a slew of Cosby’s lawsuits brought on by women in several states, which has caused “major issues” for the couple, per Radar. “It’s never going to end,” the insider said of Cosy’s legal drama. “They are in financial turmoil right now,” the source added. https://youtu.be/H34WiD0PMFA Tamar Braxton addressed the current controversy surrounding Chrisean Rock, confirming the troubled reality star assaulted James Wright Chanel at Braxton’s show on Friday night. Braxton said James “got assaulted at my show and it was by Chrisean. But, there were a lot of events that I believe were misconstrued.” Braxton allegedly invited Rock to perform at the show and viral videos show Rock was an annoying, drunken hot mess at the event. Ice Cream Convos reports that Braxton said: “I care about my team. They are all of my friends and we put this together for all of the fans.” “I’m not a clout-chaser. I don’t need that,” she added. “I didn’t have an opening act. I knew I didn’t need an opening act because I knew my sister (Toni Braxton) was coming in the middle of the show,” Braxton explained. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzmrUZ-rxuS/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Beloved fashion designer Vernest Moore died October 22 at age 62, and his homegoing service included a “Red Carpet Viewing” in Newark. Family and friends of Moore gathered to celebrate his life, but one model has gone viral for doing a runway walk on the red carpet leading to the open golden casket. https://youtu.be/GdCuUljcjK8 Model Erica L. Carrington reacted to the online hysteria over the runway show, writing on social media: “To say that this was one of THEE MOST CHALLENGING things I have had to do would be an understatement ????????. I CAN’T BELIEVE this would be my final walk for you??, so I WON’T????! From now on…even if I’m not walking FOR YOU, I’ll be walking WITH YOU, because I know you’ll ALWAYS be with me????????.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1724313476472926465 The Holiday season is basically now in effect. And to remind folks that when they’re hungry, Red Lobster has hooked up with none other than gospel great, Pastor Shirley Caesar to sing their praises, so to speak, regarding their new crave-able offerings. It’s all via a new commercial sung to the tune of her classic hit, “You Name It.” She talking ’bout, “Shrimp. Waiters. Potatoes. Sauces for Bosses. Cheddar Bay Stuffing – No Bluffing.” Go ‘head Pastor Shirley! WATCH it above. Also, scroll down for a look at the hilarious “You Name It” video remix. https://youtu.be/SS0QongTRk0 Starting today, and for a limited time, Red Lobster guests can enjoy a variety of entrées with two seafood favorites on one plate as part of Red Lobster’s NEW Lobster & Shrimp Celebration! The menu features delicious combinations infused with seasonal flavors. Guests can complement their meal with a side of NEW Cheddar Bay Stuffing – Red Lobster’s take on a holiday classic dish featuring savory brioche, Cheddar Bay, bacon, and mushroom. Additionally, Red Lobster is giving guests a reason to cheer with new, limited-time seasonal cocktails*, including the festive NEW Snowglobe Sangria, NEW Seaside S’mores Martini, and NEW Cinnamon Whiskey Sour. https://youtu.be/zttvhaxo7IU One of the most recognizable jingles in history is making a return. Chili’s is bringing back its “I want my baby back, baby back, baby back…ribs” jingle for a new advertising campaign promoting the dish that’s been a staple on the chain’s menu since the late 1980s. The chain has hired Boyz II Men to sing an updated version of the jingle, a nod to the misconception that many people might have thought the R&B group originally recorded it — around the same time their fourth studio album was released, “Evolution,” which sold two million copies in the US. The jingle, last used in the mid-2000s, became an earworm for anyone watching TV during the ’90s when it seemingly blanketed the airwaves nonstop. Chili’s is hoping that nostalgia will draw renewed interest in the restaurant chain that’s in the midst of a turnaround. https://youtu.be/JxKfZHRzAhs Chili’s is in a crowded field of chain restaurants all fighting for customers who aren’t particularly loyal to any one brand. Stale menu offerings sent diners searching for fresher options in recent years, although the company has managed to boost sales recently with a revised lineup. Hoping to double down on its momentum, Chili’s is ramping up its advertising this year. https://youtu.be/gTDLh7gNRYA Keke Wyatt hit up Instagram Tuesday to show off her new bald look. The 41-year-old songstress has seemingly ditched her natural locs, braids, wigs, and weaves to favor a clean look. Wyatt shared a video of her slick, bald head and captioned it, “OMGGGGGGG!!! Why do I feel SOOOO FREE????????? A must do!!!” “I like it. It says a lot about a woman to go bald. Fearless movement is coming,” one person wrote in the comments. Another fan added, “Shaved head, pregnant, weight gain, weight loss, makeup on or off, whatever… she’s the ONLY one who retains her fineness! She’s just FINE! PERIOD!!!” As MadameNoire reports, host Darlene Jackson wrote, “MY BAWHEADED STUSTAHHHH…. you’re BEAUTIFUL and can do whatever u want my love.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CzmqVifvvhw/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Joe Budden is speaking out about Kodak Black’s concerning behavior following his Drink Champs interview last month. In a new podcast clip, Budden expressed surprise that people took so long to notice something was seriously wrong with the rapper, Hip Hop DX reports. “Kodak Black looked like pure sh*t on Drink Champs,” Budden stated on the Joe Budden Podcast Friday. “And he looked like sh*t when he was wiggling around on the floor, talking to himself in the dark when his man was taping him … didn’t look the greatest when he dodged that bullet from two feet away that we all watched. “The internet pick funny times to be concerned about people. I’ve been concerned about him for the last year,” Budden stated. https://youtu.be/dhahd6wXRZI We reported that Ray J also took to social media to express concern for Kodak’s health following his recent Drink Champs interview. Kodak threatened to beat up Ray in response. In a comment on Akademiks’ Instagram page, Ray J claimed Kodak’s erratic behavior once upset former president Donald Trump. “Yo somebody need to grab bro and make sure he good,” Ray J wrote, according to Hip Hop DX. “This ain’t the interview Nore. We gotta help this dude. “I took him to Trump house and he did the most. They were not happy with the experience bc he had no guidance and respect. Yo @wack100 let’s figure out how we can help this guy instead of watching him self destruct.” Black clapped back on Instagram Live on October 29, during which he repeatedly called Ray J a “bi**h” and a “pu*sy.” https://youtu.be/UVuTPGPPXEw Kim Kardashian is the man. The reality star and entrepreneur has been named one of GQ’s Men of the Year, she announced on Instagram. Kardashian graces the magazine’s cover as more specifically, Tycoon of the Year, posing in a tie with a bag of Cheetos. She was joined by momager Kris Jenner, and sisters Kourtney and Khloé for the interview, which covered a wide range of topics from her SKIMS business to family and her late father, Robert Kardashian. Kardashian was given the “tycoon” title as SKIMS became the NBA’s official underwear and launched a men’s line. https://youtu.be/AuRmiaXDazE New research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology finds that anti-Black bias among White Americans is rooted in fear of Black males. The research was conducted across five studies and highlights the perception among White folks that Black males are a threat. In the first two studies, 213 White undergraduate students participated. In the third and fourth studies, 445 White undergraduates participated. Per the study: “All studies indicated that White Americans automatically associate Black men with physical threat. Study 3 indicated the association is unique to Black men and did not extend to Asian men as a general intergroup effect. Studies 3, 4, and 5, which simultaneously paired threat against negativity, indicated that the Black-threat association is stronger than a Black-negative association.” Here’s more from PsyPost.com: “Overall, the five studies consistently revealed that White Americans automatically associate Black men with physical threat. This association was found to be unique to Black men and did not extend to Asian men. The studies also indicated that this association with threat was stronger than the association with negative valence when these two concepts were paired in competition.” https://youtu.be/7phA_5CKg5s An online Black-owned retailer bamboozled cute patootie actor Christian Keyes by selling him a pair of fraudulent Jordans. Christian intended to buy his son, Christian Keyes, Jr., whom he affectionally calls the Sequel, a set of highly-priced athletic shoes for his bday. The actor captioned the video, “Please SHARE this!! Scamming people out of money and selling them counterfeit products, when they are trying to support “black-owned businesses “is not cool. ?? @philoveli ?? ???Sold me FAKE Jordan’s, that I was trying to get for my son’s birthday… I wonder how many other people are buying counterfeit products from him? I’m definitely getting the bank involved, this is FRAUD… I take it personally because I was trying to do something nice for my son. I will be making a video every week until they make this right. Please share this, so they don’t take advantage of anyone else. Put it on your page, repost it, or share it in your stories. It’s not OK to scam people. I will be back with another video next week, and every week after that until this is taken care of. I don’t care if it takes all of 2024.” Black-owned business owners don’t do that; we’re out trying to create a solid economic base within our community. Please don’t stop ripping off hard-working folks. Since Christian put the business owner on blast on social media, @philoveli‘s page is no longer available, shameful!!! https://p16-sign.tiktokcdn-us.com/tos-useast5-p-0068-tx/oUQOBfHRBBFyin5CJOiw1IEDpApIBCPw44IX7A~tplv-photomode-zoomcover:720:720.avif?x-expires=1700272800&x-signature=90dPcvzOFaKSyKfqw6bA1zQTHNI%3D North West is also on the scamming and scheming vibes; Kim Kardashian admitted to GQ how her daughter operates a lemonade stand and overcharges Kim‘s friends. “If a random person stops, she will charge them only $2. If she knows you, she will fully scam you. I’ll get calls from my friends saying she charged them $20 for a lemonade. She’ll grab their $20 and say, ‘I don’t have any change,” says Kimmie K. If we’re reading correctly, it appears North knows her value and understands today’s price is not yesterday’s price. “North is not scamming she’s adjusting for inflation,” wrote @ladidaix on X. Another encouraged the 10-year-old’s astute business methods, “this isn’t scamming. this is just knowing your billionaire mom has rich ass friends lmao.” One person enjoyed the idea of North scamming the wealthy unwary, “Robbing the rich>>.” https://twitter.com/PopCrave?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1724433277434425398%7Ctwgr%5E1738ef5c39017aa35ebcaf6673ca7eb3e6b5a7be%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2023%2Fchristian-keyes-blasts-online-retailer-who-sold-him-fake-jordans-rick-ross-posts-video-searching-for-experienced-flight-attendant-more-picvideos%2F Rick Ross is searching for an experienced flight attendant, “Yo wassup it’s the biggest boss in the game. Right behind me is Maybach air G550, and for the very first time, Ricky Rozay is looking for his own flight attendant. My own cabin attendant,” said the hip-hop star in a video to his fans. Rozay lists the requirements he is looking for in a new employee, “Paying anywhere from 85k to 115k annually. You gotta have experience, a positive vibe, prepare the cuisine, serve the cuisine.” The role also includes being well-versed in CPR due to Rick Ross‘ health issues, and also, the individual will be required NOT to fangirl out around Rozay’s prominent guests. “I’ve had a seizure on a plane before, you gotta be able to handle the CPR,” he says. “Of course let’s travel the world, let’s be about our business. Be professional. Be able to handle that cabin with guests. I’m gonna leave an email. Serious vibes only, serious inquiries only. I need a professional and amazing cabin attendant. I’m looking for you, I can’t wait to find you.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1724575912648229339 Tiffani Singleton and Taryn Delanie had a dance-off with the legendary R&B singer Johnny Gill. https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzPXYFCAT7M/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=9c84b073-c3fb-4391-a9ca-f74e1ab751be During the Los Angeles premiere, Viola Davis spoke about how she enjoyed playing the villainous character Dr. Volumnia Gaul in “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.” The Oscar winner said to The Hollywood Reporter, “Just seeing how many times you can make someone squirm — like Tom Blyth, oh man it was a joy because he was very receptive to it, so I was just so happy about poking him.” She continued: “Even in the scene when I had to inject him and give him stitches, I think, loved it.” Viola also pointed out one of the main reasons she took the role was to impress her 13-year-old daughter, Genesis. ‘Dem babies are a tough crowd, no doubt! https://twitter.com/i/status/1724277603790442520 Seven-time Grammy-nominated artist Victoria Monét performed Roundhouse, London, on November 12, 2023, and Janet Jackson came out to support. Ms. Jackson, if you’re nasty, captured a snippet of V‘s performance and posted it on her IG story with the caption, “Victoria, I’m so happy for you! Congratulations on all your success. May God continue to bless you and hold you close,” followed by a red heart emoji. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F-2Rbl6XgAAr78b?format=jpg&name=360x360 Chris Brown is really that dude. In October 2022, he posted a video clip of then-17-year-old Naledi Aphiwe singing on his Instagram stories, praising her for her “incredible” voice. Instantly, the young South African student became a trending topic on social media. One year later, Chris decided to bless her again by sampling her voice for his single “Shooter” on his 11th studio album 11:11, gifted her $3,000 (R56,207) to jump-start her career, and gave her writing credits, according to Times Live. “Chris Brown did what I would have never done. There are many people who are talented outside and he chose a child from a small city like mine. I appreciate him so much. People who didn’t know anything about Naledi Aphiwe today know her. It has changed my home situation. Everything is good now,” she told TshisaLIVE. “First I want to buy a new phone so I can carry on making content and push my music. I also want to go to my mom’s grave to fix it for thanksgiving since we weren’t able to do things the way we wanted when we buried her last year.” Naledi credits her teacher for filming her. Though she is doing well in school, the young singer aspires to work with artists such as Lwandukulu, Black Diamond, Cici, Qabe Twins, Sbahle, and others. We love this story! https://www.instagram.com/p/CzpBLF6Pb91/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Issa Rae hit ’em with the shoulders for her new spread in Marie Claire magazine to speak about her Viarae Wines and her show “Rap Sh!t” securing a second season. “While I haven’t won every battle, I try to fight as much as possible to get people those opportunities that I know I would want,” says Issa. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzouNp2xjIE/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Fantasia Barrino is speaking out about surviving her 2010 overdose in Variety’s ‘The Power of Women’ issue. The star of the upcoming movie-musical adaptation of “The Color Purple” was hospitalized for several weeks in Pineville, North Carolina, in August 2010. Barrino told Variety that she is in a much better headspace today. “I don’t care if it gets ugly again,” she said, Complex reports. “I don’t care if there’s storms. I realized I have the spirit of an eagle. They fly over storms.” Barrino said after she was revived in the hospital following the overdose, she was inspired to make better personal decisions when a nurse told her, “Don’t you come back in here no more. You fight” — and that’s what she was inspired to do. “I left that hospital and said, ‘I’ll never do that again, because I have purpose,’” she shared. “I’m going to speak into every young person’s life and tell them, ‘Don’t you dare give up.’” https://youtu.be/ndg_SfB48es Taping in Los Angeles, CA, the show reimagines the traditional award show ceremony as an intimate, unforgettable night celebrating the best in soul music and the iconic legacy brand. BJ The Chicago Kid, Coco Jones, Danté Bowe, Fridayy, Muni Long, SWV, and Keke Palmer are set to perform. “Soul Train Awards” 2023 premieres Sunday, November 26 at 8 PM ET/PT on BET and BET Her. “Keke Palmer is a globally recognized multihyphenate talent who embodies confidence and positivity and is one of the most engaging and lovable personalities working in entertainment today. We can’t wait to have her host the Soul Train Awards house party,” said Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy. “BET gave Keke her first talk show, where she made history as the youngest talk show host in television, and today we are honored to have her back on the ‘Soul Train Awards’ stage. As always, expect our star-studded slate of soulful artists and can’t-miss moments to illuminate your screens for a night dedicated to soul music.” Summer Walker, SZA, and Usher lead “Soul Train Awards” 2023 nominations with an outstanding nine nods, marking a historic three-way tie. https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzrQpRLJVgw/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=bdee5103-ed36-4425-aaa6-d292c1bac5f1 Check out an exclusive clip from this week’s all-new episode of ALLBLK’s hit supernatural drama series, “Wicked City.” The series centers on five witches who accidentally kill one of their own during a spell, so they use forbidden death magic to resurrect her, only to face new dangers when they bring back more than they bargained for. In our preview of this Thursday’s episode, Javi learns what he’s been working toward all these years. https://youtu.be/HZVX96dVs4w “This season, three months after failing to stop a magical slaver named The Handler (Karon Joseph Riley, Ambitions), the Atlanta coven find themselves broken and separated,” per the synopsis. “Jordan (Shaquita Smith, The Couch) – who now runs The Mystic Haven – and Angela (Chantal Maurice, P-Valley) try and fail to find Sherise (Chanel Mack, The Harder They Fall) who’s being held captive by The Handler. Mona (Mercedez McDowell, The Resident) has moved away, and Camille (Taylor Polidore, Snowfall) is put in permanent hiding by her birth mother, Claudette (Rhonda Redette Morman, Hush),” the synopsis continues. https://youtu.be/F4BxpUcCdmY JUST EATS WITH CHEF JJ returns to CLEO TV tonight, November 15 at 9 P.M. ET/8C. Tonight, Chef JJ has some special recipes just for the kids! He kicks things off with a pasta bolognese. Then, he lays out a ramen noodle dish that he promises is the best homemade ramen you will ever eat. Chef JJ Johnson is a James Beard Award-winning chef, TV Personality and Author best known for his barrier-breaking cuisine informed by the Caribbean flavors of his upbringing. Chef JJ’s signature cooking style combines culturally relevant ingredients and classical technique with a global point of view. At FIELDTRIP, his made-to-order rice bowl shop in Harlem, Chef JJ highlights rice as a hero ingredient and showcases it in recipes sourced from around the world. Among many other partnerships, Chef JJ is also a Mastercard Ambassador. CLEO TV's NEW SOUL KITCHEN REMIX is back ?tonight, November 15 at 9:30 P.M. EST/8:30C on CLEO TV. Chef Jernard Wells is back with the remix, as he serves up international cuisine in the series' condensed, 30-minute format. Tonight, Chef Jernard keeps it simple yet delicious with mussels and linguine cooked in a savory and perfectly spiced sauce. From quick ideas for a weeknight meal, to beauty tips that will get you out the door in a flash. Tia Mowry’s practical solutions and infectious personality inspire and inform audiences each week with her love for food, fashion, DIY/home, parenting & more! Catch the new episode this Thursday, November 16 at 9:00/8:00C. Don Samuels, a former Minneapolis City Council member, wants a rematch with Rep. Ilhan Omar after nearly defeating the congresswoman in last year’s Democratic primary. On Sunday, Samuels announced plans to challenge Omar – a Somali American and Muslim – in Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District, the AP reports. Jamaican-born Samuels plans to run on a public safety platform, and he’s also passionate about a “crisis in leadership” that he attributes to political extremists on the far right and far left. “Some people aren’t even watching the news,” Samuels told MinnPost. His campaign will try to convince voters that Omar lacks “a history of bringing people together.” “Our congresswoman has a predilection to divisiveness and conflict,” Samuels said in an interview with The Associated Press. https://twitter.com/i/status/1724435657034957030 Eating higher amounts of ultra-processed food raises the risk of being diagnosed with multimorbidity, or having multiple chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer, a new study found. “What is particularly significant in this large study is that eating more ultra-processed foods, in particular animal products and sweetened beverages, was linked to an increased risk of developing cancer along with another disease such as a stroke or diabetes,” said Helen Croker, assistant director of research and policy at World Cancer Research Fund International, which funded the study, in a statement. https://youtu.be/wIhbYA5QLEw However, the increased risk was modest, said Tom Sanders, professor emeritus of nutrition and dietetics at King’s College London, who was not involved in the study. “This paper reports a 9% increase in the risk of multimorbidity to be associated with higher intake of ultra-processed food,” Sanders said in a statement. https://youtu.be/Ssu3MR6ql4k Denzel Washington and Antoine Fuqua are reuniting again to develop the “Hannibal” drama for Netflix. The dynamic duo first teamed on “Training Day,” “The Equalizer” and “The Equalizer 2.” Fuqua will direct the “Hannibal” film based on a script by John Logan, with Washington also producing. It’s not yet clear what the actor’s role is in the movie based on the real-life warrior. Fuqua’s upcoming “Hannibal” film is part of his first-look partnership with Netflix. The director inked a deal with the streaming giant in 2021 after the success of the drama “The Guilty,” starring Jake Gyllenhaal. “Working with Netflix on The Guilty was such a rewarding experience, both from an artistic and collaborative point of view,” said Fuqua in a statement, per Deadline. “I’m beyond excited to continue this relationship and expand our slate of films with a partner that shares our vision at Hill District Media.” Netflix previously said, “Antoine is an impactful storyteller who believes art can create meaningful change in the world. We had a great collaboration with him on The Guilty and look forward to telling many more stories together in the future.” https://youtu.be/2GH1c50zcYc Will Smith was allegedly caught in the act of having his back blown out by his best friend, Duane Martin. According to Smith’s former friend and assistant Brother Bilaal, he walked in on Smith and Martin having sex in a dressing room, Hot Hip Hop DX reports. Speaking to popular YouTuber Tasha K on November 13, Bilaal explained: “I opened the door to Duane’s dressing room and that’s when I see Duane having anal sex with Will. There was a couch and Will was bent over the couch and Duane was standing up killing him, murdering him. It was murder in there.” Bilaal also commented on Will and Jada’s sex life, claiming the latter is a size queen. “If a woman is used to something the size of a baby leg and you come in with a pinky toe, there is nothing you gonna do to please her. If she itching for that baby leg, she want that baby leg,” Brother Bilaal told Tasha K. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzmzIRDuxDB/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again R. Kelly is taking legal action against the federal government, alleging his personal details were leaked by U.S. Bureau of Prisons staff during his stint at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago. Fox 32 reports that Kelly accuses numerous prison officers of leaking his private information. “He is a Grammy-award winning recording artist and a nationally recognized celebrity. As with all prisoners, but particularly because of Plaintiff’s status, the United States of America, through the BOP (Bureau of Prisons), had a duty to protect Plaintiff and his private and sensitive information to ensure that its employees did not exploit Plaintiff for financial gain or for any other reason … at least 60 BOP officers made unauthorized access to Plaintiff’s sensitive, confidential, and private information … Some of those BOP officers either shared and/or sold that information to third parties including members of the media and witnesses in Plaintiff’s criminal prosecution,” according to the lawsuit. “He had every right to be able to be confident, to think the BOP would protect his information and not exploit, but unfortunately, certain BOP officers did just that,” said Kelly’s attorney, Jennifer Bonjean, ABC 7 Chicago reports. The new lawsuit against the federal government and the Bureau of Prisons also names popular YouTube blogger LaTasha Kebe (AKA Tasha K), who is said to have obtained Kelly’s personal information during his sex crimes trial in Chicago. According to the suit, the leak impacted the singer’s ability to defend himself. The first trailer for the hotly anticipated “Baby Shark’s Big Movie” from Nickelodeon, Paramount+, and The Pinkfong Company has dropped. “Pinkfong’s Baby Shark” launched on YouTube in November 2015 and became the world’s first-ever video to hit 10 billion views on YouTube, making it the most-viewed video in the streaming platform’s history, per the news release. The forthcoming “Baby Shark’s Big Movie” is the first-ever feature-length original animated movie based on the globally beloved preschool property. “Baby Shark’s Big Movie” features guest voice actors, including actress, singer and producer Ashley Tisdale (Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against the Universe, High School Musical) as Stariana, a sharp-witted and manipulative, rising pop starfish who wants to take center stage with a splash hit; Aparna Nancherla (Mira, Royal Detective) as Gillie, a charmingly chaotic, bumbling boxfish and Stariana’s assistant; Ego Nwodim (Saturday Night Live) as Leah, a lantern shark and Mommy Shark’s best friend from college; Chloe Fineman (Saturday Night Live, Father of the Bride) as Lannie, Leah’s hyper, lovable daughter; ENHYPEN as an underwater powerhouse K-pop band of belugas; and Lance Bass as TV announcer Lance Bass. The new voice actors join the series regulars from “Baby Shark’s Big Show!,” including Kimiko Glenn (Orange Is the New Black) as Baby Shark; Luke Youngblood (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone) as William; Natasha Rothwell (Insecure) as Mommy Shark; Eric Edelstein (We Bare Bears) as Daddy Shark; Debra Wilson (MADtv) as Grandma Shark; and Patrick Warburton (Seinfeld) as Grandpa Shark. https://youtu.be/L10V_SQMO0E TMZ obtained cell phone footage and audio recording of Darius Jackson on the phone with Keke Palmer‘s mother, Sharon Palmer, cursing him out. Allegedly, he was trespassing and entered Keke‘s home while she was on the phone speaking with her mother. Sharon is heard threatening Darius with putting a bullet in his head. Darius‘ mother also sent Sharon a DM admonishing her for threatening violence upon her son. However, Sharon remained unfazed and fired back, recalling Darius choked out his own sister, and the mother should ashamed she raised a son who fights women. One fan expressed her disgust with the leaked footage, “Whomever “the source” is that is close to KeKe no longer needs to be close. To release personal and private information about someone close to you is some snake sh**! KeKe is going through a lot having a newborn, still in the postpartum stage, being abused, being famous, having to figure out the best next steps for her and her son, etc she is dealing with a lot. A very stressful, embarrassing, and emotional place to be in. But this too shall pass. I pray she has the support she needs. Momma is serious about her baby. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzmOuR7LMJ8/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=a2838d47-d808-465d-a14a-3ea1bdd19b9e Paparazzi caught KeKe Palmer at LAX after filing the restraining order against Darius Jackson and spotted the “Nope” actress holding her infant son Leodis. In comparison, Paparazzi photographed Darius at a friend’s home. https://twitter.com/i/status/1723594090024181927 Ciara had the belly out for a high fashion preggers photoshoot. “You’re so M O T H E R for this,” praised one fan. Yes, quite literally, she Mothered many looks and ate down and up, leaving no crumbs. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzmilQjP8kO/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=f3137c53-a4c2-4a03-b868-050bf17c6e8c A hilarious TikTok gave an example of when a person is at their lowest how raggedy bills show up with their hands out. One person said, “Bruuuuuuuuhh ?? ?? ?? my car started making noises and shaking ??…. just means my blessings are coming soon! https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzkvcaYN5oa/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=de157bd0-7235-4a23-8881-92709bdddb67 Tasha K is making news again as she finds herself at the center of a recent physical altercation. The incident happened earlier this month at the “We in Miami Podcast Influencer Party” in Miami. Tasha K was among those attending the event when she said a man disrespected her. A video later shared on social media captured the man, who got into it with Tasha K’s husband. The controversial YouTuber, wearing a green dress and heels, was held back by security. Despite security intervening and struggling with her, Tasha K pushed her way back to the man to kick him in the head while he was on the ground. Once he broke free, the man ran for safety, according to Ice Cream Convos. Although footage of the incident is present online, the infamous blogger has not publicly addressed what happened or the video. https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzUHceHL9pV/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=8ee90f73-9a77-4196-9283-2187e351f7c6 Responding to Tasha’s version of what went down, the man-in-question appeared on social media covered in tattoos and band-aids, saying he only gave Tasha a compliment and made a comment about her backside. The incident is the latest happening surrounding Tasha K. The social media fixture generated headlines a few days ago when she brought details to Instagram regarding a transgender woman who attacked her. At the time, Tasha K was hosting a “Deja Vu” Season 2 reunion show on NowThatsTV. Speaking on the attack, the popular host stated she was in a building getting ready to host the show when “these MFs came in the building fighting! “I have never in my life seen anybody fight the way that they were fighting,” the social media maven said. “When I tell you…my husband was fighting…my security was fighting…they even brought transgender women in to protect me from the transgender women that were there to beat my a—! I had them MFs sneaking me from every which way!” https://www.instagram.com/p/CzKh9brLR1T/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=4a758cfb-132d-4a25-abf1-08c527a1d2de Marlon Wayans is opening up about his trans son Kai in a new interview on “The Breakfast Club” radio show. “I talk about the transition, not their transition, but my transition as a parent going from ignorance and denial to complete unconditional love and acceptance,” Wayans said his eldest child, 23, who was born female but now identifies as a male with They/Them pronouns. “And I think there’s a lot of parents out there that need to have that message, and I know I’m dealing with it. It was a very painful situation for me,” he added. The father of two is sharing his journey to help families become more accepting of their trans children. “They know I love them,” Wayans said of Kai. “They see me trying. They’re like, ‘I’m happy.'” https://youtu.be/EfyXK1Qz-BE The comedian said he’s all about respecting the “wishes” of his children, including Kai’s 21-year-old brother Shawn. https://twitter.com/PageSix/status/1724069051016642814 Cuba Gooding Jr. hit his b-boy stance and lit up the dance floor with throwback 80s choreography. One fan said, “If you haven’t partied with Cuba at a club on a random night in NY you haven’t lived lmao that man is a great time !!!” Other fans made some real judgey observations, saying the Oscar winner was high off that nose candy. “ https://www.instagram.com/p/CzkXziVtZRm/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Danielle Brooks shared a tender moment with her mini-me to see “The Little Mermaid.” However, the trailer for her much-anticipated movie “The Color Purple” appeared in the movie theater, and Danielle‘s young daughter became transfixed when she realized her mother’s face on the silver screen. The Tony Award winner captioned the short video clip, ” A few months ago I took my daughter to her first movie theatre experience, The Little Mermaid. The trailer for @thecolorpurple began to play, and I knew I just had to capture this special moment of my daughter seeing her mother on the big screen for the first time. You all know I became a puddle of tears. Knowing that I get to leave my daughter something to always be proud of and remember me by is so special to me. So grateful for moments like these. ?? I hope you will come see this film on Christmas Day and create unforgettable moments with your loved ones as well. ??????“ Danielle, we’re going to the theaters 20 deep to ensure opening weekend box office numbers will make studios do the Birdman hand rub. https://www.instagram.com/p/Czl1BjEOHAs/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Social media influencer @go_rosie_grow did a reenactment of a scene from “The Color Purple” that had the comment section cackling. Taraji P. Henson who also co-stars in the movie commented, “OMGGGGGGGG NOT “KNOCKED HER ASS INTO NEXT WEEK.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CzepjAzvBUt/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Patti Labelle and Cardi B linked up to do a promo for their products Auntie’s Pattie Pies and Whip Shots. Social media influencer @sheisthe_t remarked, “???? Auntie Patty got Cardi feeling like a child. I know this feeling when you get around that safe auntie energy and you can finally just relax eat good and have fun. https://www.instagram.com/p/Czbs6KmpKYp/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Jeannie Mai is looking for a fresh start following her separation from rapper Jeezy. “She’s trying her best to get her new life in order and start fresh,” a source shared with The Messenger. “Jeannie is currently looking at buying her own home in Los Angeles.” As we reported, Jeezy filed for divorce in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sept. 14, after two-and-a-half years of marriage. According to People, the filing says the marriage is “irretrievably broken” with “no hope for reconciliation.” The estranged couple is “currently living in a bona fide state of separation,” per the legal documents. According to the insider, Mai spent most of the marriage in Atlanta with their daughter Monaco. She now wants to relocate to the City of Angels. https://youtu.be/YZhyxRv4CyE Black mothers are more likely to die due to complications from pregnancy and childbirth than pregnant women of all other races. This is a shameful injustice plaguing the Black community, one that is over 400 years in the making. Black women are 1.6 times more likely to experience more maternal mental health conditions, including prenatal and postpartum anxiety and depression, than women of other races, according to the American Hospital Association Institute for Diversity and Health Equity, These injustices are killing Black women who are well-resourced and educated like Olympian Tori Bowie, as well as those enduring economic hardship. It is also harming their babies. And although this crisis has attracted national attention, it remains unaddressed. https://youtu.be/FAPT8ywaCvA Results from a landmark clinical trial this summer suggested, for the first time, that Wegovy, a medication given for weight loss alone could reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke or heart-related death in people with cardiovascular disease, bolstering physicians’ excitement about an already-exploding class of new medicines. Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy, part of the booming group of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, was shown to reduce those people’s risk of another cardiovascular event by 20%, results that were confirmed in a presentation of the full dataset Saturday at the American Heart Association conference in Philadelphia. “Imagine a future where we’re treating obesity and, in effect, treating these other obesity-related diseases” like hypertension, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes, Dr. Ania Jastreboff, director of the Yale Obesity Research Center, who helped conduct the trial, said at a briefing Friday. “Treating obesity clearly improves health outcomes.” A key question about the initial results, though, remained not fully answered: Is the heart benefit from Wegovy attributable to how much weight people lose while using the medicine? Or is it because Wegovy has other effects as well? https://youtu.be/flTsFOMuRU8 For Black women, like me, who have experienced premature childbirth, the trauma and guilt of not being able to bring our babies full-term can be long-lasting. Those psychological scars exist along with other physical and mental threats to our health and well-being. Both of my children were born three months early, despite my best efforts. I had a steady job, decent income, post-graduate education, a good bill of health, and a stable relationship. Yet, my health and life were threatened in both of their births. One would think that such an experience would place me in a unique category. However, as a Black woman, it does not. https://youtu.be/zfBW2FVdGGQ To cardiologist Dr. Steven Nissen of the Cleveland Clinic, who wasn’t involved in the trial but is leading a similar one of tirzepatide, those effects are all evidence of the benefits of weight loss. “When you lose weight, a lot of things change,” Nissen said in an interview Saturday from the conference just after the Wegovy study presentation, which was given to a packed house with several rows of audience members standing at the back. “We now have, for the first time in history, treatments that can actually really [help patients] lose enough weight to make a difference,” Nissen said. Tirzepatide has shown greater levels of weight loss than semaglutide in clinical trials, leading many, including Nissen, to hope it will show even stronger cardiovascular benefits. https://eurweb.com/2023/trial-confirms-heart-benefits-of-wegovy-but-is-weight-loss-responsible-or-something-else/ AMC Networks has released a first-look teaser trailer and photos for its upcoming action-packed drama “Parish starring Giancarlo Esposito. Per the news release, “Esposito stars as Gracian “Gray” Parish, a family man and proud owner of a luxury car service in New Orleans. After his son is violently murdered and his business collapses, an encounter with an old friend from his days as a wheelman resurfaces old habits, sending Gray on a high-stakes collision course with a violent criminal syndicate.” Parish was shot on location in New Orleans and is based on the hit U.K. series The Driver, created by Danny Brocklehurst and Jim Poyser. https://youtu.be/YcoR4hfKCl0 Gospel singer Bobbi Storm served up an impromptu performance on a Delta flight after discovering she was up for two Grammy awards. However, it didn’t go over very well with a flight attendant. In a video Storm posted to Instagram, the flight attendant threatens to kick her off the flight after repeatedly asking the Grammy-nominated artist to take her seat after she got up to belt out a tune for the passengers, Daily Mail reports. “I sing for the Lord,” Storm declares in the clip. “I’m doing what the Lord is telling me to do.”“If you’re not able to follow my instructions, you will not be able to take this flight,” the flight attendant tells her. Once Storm returns to her seat, she refuses to be silenced and sings, “We Can’t Forget Him." https://www.instagram.com/p/Cze8gBvp4DA/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again André 3000 shared details about his forthcoming solo album in a new interview with NPR Music’s Rodney Carmichael. The former member of OutKast will drop his debut solo album, “New Blue Sun,” on Friday, Nov. 17th, according to a news release. The project marks André’s first full-length album in 17 years since OutKast’s sixth album “Idlewild.” “I didn’t know I’d be rapping,” André 3000 told NPR about his journey. “I didn’t know I’d start producing. I didn’t know I’d start singing. I didn’t know my style would go a certain way. I didn’t know I’d put a wig on. Like, I didn’t know none of this. So, I’m on the ride with y’all.” The musician is aware that his fans may give him a side eye once they hear his new music as it deviates from his usual style. So much so that the first song is titled: “I swear, I Really Wanted To Make A ‘Rap’ Album But This Is Literally The Way The Wind Blew Me This Time.” “I don’t want to troll people. I don’t want people to think, Oh, this André 3000 album is coming! And you play it and like, ‘Oh man, no verses.’ So even actually on the packaging, you’ll see it says, ‘Warning: no bars.’ It’s letting you know what it is off the top,” he explained. https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1197956035/1212182634# There are a lot of sporting superstitions involving clothing. Tiger Woods is well known for wearing red shirts on the final day of golf tournaments, while Michael Jordan is said to have worn a lucky pair of blue basketball shorts from his University of North Carolina days under his Chicago Bulls uniform. Apparently, NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes. The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback has admitted to wearing the same pair of red underwear on game days across his whole professional football career. Earlier this year, former Chiefs player Chad Henne, who served as the backup to Mahomes from 2018 to 2023, discussed the two-time Most Valuable Player’s off-the-field activities with ESPN and let this curious story slip. “Sunday, it’s the same pair [of underwear],” Henne said in February. “This has to be a superstition and good luck charm, for sure.” After a few months of speculation, Mahomes has finally confirmed the rumor in an appearance on ESPN’s ManningCast with Peyton and Eli Manning of the Denver Broncos’ 24-22 win over the Buffalo Bills on Monday night. The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback has admitted to wearing the same pair of red underwear on game days across his whole professional football career. https://youtu.be/I5itIi-6Cwg The Maryland State Athletic Hall of Fame has inducted Dominique Dawes as the first gymnast. “Being born and raised in Maryland, it’s always been great to know that since I was a kid in the spotlight, Marylanders have always had my back and cheered me on. That always gave me a great sense of pride and consolation,” Dawes told MCM in a new interview. The Silver Spring native was a “10-year member of the U.S. national gymnastics team, the 1994 U.S. all-around senior National Champion, a three-time Olympian, a World Championship silver and bronze medalist, and a member of the gold-medal-winning “Magnificent Seven” team at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta,” per Wiki. “Life comes full circle sometimes, thus being inducted into the Maryland State Athletic Hall of Fame. The lists of former athletes are filled with legends and I’m honored to be amongst these great names. The best part for me now is that I get to share this honor with my four young kids,” Dawes added. Dawes runs two gymnastics academies in Montgomery County and recently revealed on Instagram plans to open another branch of her Gymnastics & Ninja Academy in the Baltimore region. https://www.instagram.com/p/Czh9_2Zr3sl/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=b5092f87-2707-43c8-8b4d-f20741dfd54d “I am proud and humbled to share my induction into the Maryland State Athletic Hall of Fame, which comes after 18 years of sacrifice, hard work and dedication to the sport of gymnastics,” she wrote on IG. “It’s been a long and rewarding journey that began when I qualified for the 1992 Olympics at the Baltimore Arena and this past week to be inducted in the Hall of Fame in the Baltimore region was a full circle moment for me. Today, the journey is much sweeter with my family by my side,” she continued. Dawes added, “I’m proud to be an owner and founder of the Dominique Dawes Gymnastics & Ninja Academies in Rockville and Clarksburg, MD and I look forward to bringing to the Academy to the Baltimore region. Look out, B’more we plan to empower and nurture athletes in your area soon enough.” https://youtu.be/OpQMaE2BLbg “The Marvels” director Nia DaCosta reacted to criticism over her film that centers on diverse female superheroes. DaCosta told the audience at the Urbanworld Film Festival she initially considered passing on the flick, which opened this weekend with the lowest box office ever for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. “The Marvels was something I had to think about,” DaCosta said before noting that she doesn’t take the criticism personally, SandraRose.com reports. “I was a fan of many fandoms when I was young like Marvel, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Sailor Moon. So, I’m very use to that energy. About fandom, as a fan, people want what they want. But that doesn’t have much to do with me. I just have to finish the movie. I have another film that I am making literally as soon as the strike is over. I try to focus on the work and not the response. It’s immensely healthier that way.” DaCosta added, “But obviously this is a medium in which audience matters. It’s very important that they have fun. That’s why it was very important to me that this was fun, entertaining and also heartfelt. That’s what we aim for. And then the reaction and all that stuff, I try to keep myself separate from, because once you finished the film you kind of give it to the world and they what they make of it.” https://youtu.be/uwmDH12MAA4 Marilyn Mosby, Baltimore’s former top prosecutor who was thrust into the national spotlight after charging six police officers in the 2015 death of Freddie Gray, was found guilty of two counts of perjury for making false statements on loan applications for two Florida vacation homes, the Justice Department said. Mosby, 42, pleaded not guilty last year to two counts of perjury and two counts of making false statements after authorities said she applied for the loans to withdraw money from her retirement accounts, tapping a CARES Act provision intended for those hurt financially during the Covid-19 pandemic, prosecutors said. The former prosecutor is facing a maximum sentence of five years in prison for each of the two counts of perjury, the Justice Department said. Mosby is also charged with two counts of making false mortgage applications for the vacation homes in another federal case which will be tried separately. A date for that trial has not yet been set, federal prosecutors said. https://youtu.be/CoI7L7Q4YOM Within weeks, five of the officers sued Mosby, alleging false arrest, defamation, and other misdeeds. A federal appeals court ruled Mosby had immunity, and the US Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal, WBAL reported. Despite the failed prosecution, the case instigated a new push for stronger police accountability laws and set the precedent in Baltimore and in cities across the country for implementing police reform, CNN previously reported. As a result of the case, officers are now mandated to seat belt those in custody, call a medic when it’s requested, and intervene when fellow officers cross the line, Mosby told CNN in 2021. Additionally, all police vans must be equipped with cameras. In 2021, Mosby announced she would not prosecute drug possession and other low-level offenses, asserting there is “no public safety value.” For Black Americans, Mosby said, “These offenses can lead to a death sentence.” https://youtu.be/UTvX9xJl8dI Actress Nia Renee Hill, the wife of comedian Bill Burr, was caught on camera giving former President Donald Trump the middle finger at a UFC fight on Saturday night. The event occurred at Madison Square Gardens, where Trump attended to watch the featherweight fight between Diego Lopes and Pat Sabatini. As he entered the stadium, Hill is seen in the background giving him the double middle finger, RadarOnline reports. Social media users were quick to express their displeasure with Hill’s behavior. As RadarOnline reports, Libby Emmons, editor of The Post Millennial, wrote: “Donald Trump walked into an arena that holds 20,000 people, and 19,999 people were so happy. And then there was Bill Burr’s wife.” One X/Twitter user commented, “Considering she just pissed off half his fan base and made herself to look like a toxic wokester, I’d say it was pretty dumb on her part. She has every right to do it though.” The event occurred at Madison Square Gardens, where Trump attended to watch the featherweight fight between Diego Lopes and Pat Sabatini. As he entered the stadium, Hill is seen in the background giving him the double middle finger, RadarOnline reports. https://twitter.com/i/status/1723553201771683880 An Alabama repossession firm has triggered outrage in Decatur for seizing a Black father’s truck as he lay dying on the street after being shot by cops. The tow truck driver was attempting to repossess Stephen Perkins’ pickup truck on September 29 in the Alabama city when the 39-year-old allegedly pulled a gun on him, causing the driver to call 911, according to the Daily Mail. When officers from the Decatur Police Department arrived, they shot Perkins eight times outside his home. The surveillance footage shared by Decatur Daily shows the victim on the pavement as the tow truck driver makes off with his white GMC Sierra. Perkins’ family said the tow truck driver should not have involved the police as they claim Perkins wasn’t behind on his car payments. Surveillance cameras captured the moment Perkins was gunned down by responding officers. The police initially claimed Perkins was told to drop his weapon but refused to do so. Chief Todd Pinion later said Perkins had been ordered to “get on the ground” by officers, per the Daily Mail. https://youtu.be/31XeVhdifF0 Tracy Chapman continues to make history with her 1988 hit “Fast Car” after winning song of the year at last Wednesday’s Country Music Awards. Chapman was not present during the telecast, which took place at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, but country star and the category’s presenter Sarah Evans read a message on Chapman’s behalf after announcing her as the winner. “I’m sorry I couldn’t join you all tonight. It’s truly an honor for my song to be newly recognized after 35 years of its debut. Wow. Thank you to the CMAs and a special thanks to Luke (Combs) and to all of the fans of ‘Fast Car,’” Evans said on behalf of Chapman. https://youtu.be/Fr7oYjnt3bM The CMA win is a remarkable achievement given “Fast Car” debuted 35 years ago, and saw a resurgence in popularity in July after country star Luke Combs released a cover of the hit single. Combs’ cover went on to reach No. 1 on the Country Airplay chart, making Chapman the first Black woman to top the chart since it came into existence in 1990. https://youtu.be/YI0KJcUaFr8 Chapman, who is the sole writer of “Fast Car,” also reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Songwriters chart, thanks to the Combs cover. “I never expected to find myself on the country charts, but I’m honored to be there,” Chapman told Billboard in a statement at the time, adding, “I’m happy for Luke and his success and grateful that new fans have found and embraced ‘Fast Car.’” Combs also took home a CMA Award on Wednesday for his cover of “Fast Car” in the single of the year category. https://youtu.be/yvGfVdx-gNo “Fast Car” was the first single off Chapman’s self-titled debut album, and it earned her a Grammy in 1989 for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance as well as record and Song of the Year nominations. Tracy Chapman also won for best new artist and best contemporary folk album that year. The CMAs aired on ABC on Wednesday and were hosted by country singer Luke Bryan and former football player Peyton Manning. https://youtu.be/b7iLI5aWVyM Victoria Monét is up for seven Grammy nominations for the 2024 Grammy Awards — including one with her 2½-year-old daughter, Hazel. “I’m so proud of her, but she has no idea,” Monét told Billboard. The toddler’s vocals appear on “Hollywood,” Monét’s song with Earth, Wind & Fire. The track is up for Best Traditional R&B song. Hazel’s nomination beats out the previous record held by Leah Peasall of the Peasall Sisters, who was age 8 when she earned a Grammy nod for her work on the “O Brother, Where Art Though?” soundtrack. “She’s like, kind of panicking because she doesn’t know why we’re all screaming. I know I’ll be able to explain it to her when she gets older, and she’ll definitely appreciate it because she’s already into music and is starting to write songs unknowingly,” Monét said of her child. “She’s making potty songs and all that kind of stuff. So I’m super excited that this will be something that she has forever. I’m already thinking about her wardrobe for the Grammys,” she added. . https://www.instagram.com/p/CzfLHXAxsoZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Drake has announced dates for his 2024 U.S. It’s All A Blur Tour – Big As The What?, presented by Cash App and Visa and featuring J. Cole across many dates on the run. Produced by Live Nation, Drake and J. Cole will kick off the arena run with back-to-back shows in Denver at Ball Arena on January 18 and on January 19 before making additional stops in Oklahoma City, New Orleans, Nashville, St. Louis, Columbus, Memphis, and more; wrapping up on Wednesday, March 27 in Birmingham at BJCC’s own Legacy Arena, according to a news release. The tour will support Drake’s recently released his eighth studio album, “For All The Dogs,” via OVO Sound and Republic Records. Tickets will be available starting with a Cash App Card presale beginning Wednesday, November 15, followed by the general on-sale beginning Friday, November 17, starting at 11 am local time on drakerelated.com. https://eurweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Drake-JCole-1068x518.jpg RCA Inspiration celebrates two nominations for the 66th GRAMMY® Awards. Garnering nominations for the upcoming 2024 show in the category of Best Gospel Performance/Song are Kirk Franklin (Fo Yo Soul/RCA) and Melvin Crispell, III. 19-time GRAMMY winner Kirk Franklin (Fo Yo Soul/RCA) is nominated in the category of Best Gospel Performance/Song for his #1 hit single “All Things.” Marking his 31st career GRAMMY nomination, “All Things” is the lead single featured off his latest #1 solo album Father’s Day. The album was released in October, and both his single and album have hit #1 milestones on the charts this year. “All Things” became his 10th No. 1 song on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart, and Father’s Day garnered a new record as his 14th No. 1 album on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart. This month, Kirk also received two nominations in the category of Best Gospel/Inspirational Award for the 2023 Soul Train Awards, for his album’s singles “All Things” and “Try Love.” The Soul Train Award winners will be announced on Sunday, November 26. Catch Kirk performing live on The Reunion Tour with Tye Tribbett, Israel Houghton, The Clark Sisters, and David and Tamela Mann, which wraps up this month on Friday, November 24. 2-time GRAMMY nominee Melvin Crispell, III is nominated in the category of Best Gospel Performance/Song for his single “God Is.” “God Is” is featured off Melvin’s second solo album No Failure, which was released in June. Gospel singer Bobbi Storm served up an impromptu performance on a Delta flight after discovering she was up for two Grammy awards. In a video Storm posted to Instagram, a flight attendant threatens to kick her off the flight after repeatedly asking the Grammy-nominated artist to take her seat after she got up to belt out a tune for the passengers, Daily Mail reports. “I sing for the Lord,” Storm declares in the clip. “I’m doing what the Lord is telling me to do.” “If you’re not able to follow my instructions, you will not be able to take this flight,” the flight attendant tells her. Once Storm returns to her seat, she refuses to be silenced and sings, “We Can’t Forget Him” https://www.instagram.com/p/Cze8gBvp4DA/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Southern California drivers may face travel headaches this week after a large storage yard fire over the weekend shut down part of I-10 (Interstate 10), one of the major traffic routes for downtown Los Angeles, authorities said. A section of I-10, also known as the Santa Monica Freeway, was damaged and remained closed in both directions Sunday near Alameda Street in Los Angeles, a city well known for its traffic congestion issues. Shortly before 12:30 a.m. Saturday, the Los Angeles Fire Department received reports of a fire at a 200-by-200-foot storage yard “with pallets, trailers, and vehicles well involved in fire with buildings that were exposed,” Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said at a news conference Sunday. “Wind pushed the heat and the flames under the freeway, and across the street ignited a secondary storage yard,” Crowley said. https://youtu.be/j1QLSGV8nNo The span of the blaze covered about 80,000 square feet, according to the fire department. More than 160 firefighters responded, Crowley said. Several vehicles were also destroyed in the fire, but the fire department said they were able to save three nearby commercial buildings. Much of the fire was extinguished less than three hours into the incident, according to Crowley, who added there were no injuries. California Highway Patrol Officer Michael Masir told CNN the closed portion of I-10 “will remain closed until further notice, and there is currently no estimated time for reopening.” https://youtu.be/l-ZdFyFaOPE Actor Bryan Cranston is speaking out about bartending at Drake’s birthday party in October. As Hot New Hip Hop reports, producer BNYX posted an online clip of Cranston and his “Breaking Bad” co-star Aaron Paul working the bar for the event. The pair have their own alcohol brand, Dos Hombres tequila. The website describes it as a “unique blend of the finest Espadin agave, hand-selected from the hillsides of a small village in Oaxaca, Mexico.” https://www.instagram.com/p/Cyzkv24OFjJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=94f6374d-cf1a-4725-aef9-1a625ed43a64 Cranston explained to E! News that Miami-based restauranteur David Grutman invited him and Paul to serve as bartenders for Drake’s 37th birthday party on Oct. 2nd.“There’s a great restaurant in Miami run by David Grutman,” Cranston said. “So he called us and said, ‘Drake’s birthday is tomorrow night. Would you guys like to come?’ And we thought, we’re down there in Miami, yes! So we have to do it. So we did. And it was a surprise to Drake. He didn’t know. And he turned the corner, and he saw us, and I said, ‘Sir, can I mix you a drink?’ It was fun. He’s a cool guy. He’s a really fun guy.” Drake posted a photo of himself with Cranston and Paul on Instagram, which he captioned: “Pinkman, Walter White, and Walter Light…RIP to Mike but when it’s comes to records we breaking bad for sure…I’ll be back with more fuckery and responses to all your love. I’m getting fried tonight though…love you all dearly thank you for awarding me this honour to be a familiar voice in your lives.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1716694237184442845 “We had so much fun shooting it. Just getting back into those characters and seeing all the familiar faces,” Cranston added. “We fit like a glove,” he said of Paul. Watch Cranston discuss bartending at Drake’s party in the Twitter clip. https://twitter.com/i/status/1723810446589796521 RZA appeared on Hot 97 last week and surprised fans when he revealed the origin of Method Man’s name. “Method Man was Shakwon until he made that song — Shakwon the Panty Raider. Then, after he made that song, everybody in the hood called him Method Man,” the Wu-Tang Clan leader told host Peter Rosenberg, Hip Hop DX reports. The song appeared on the group’s debut album “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).” “That makes so much sense! Now that I think about it. See, RZA, this is something that to you is so built-in that it’s a nothing burger, whereas to us, it makes so much sense,” said Rosenberg. “It was always a little weird that there’s one song on the album named after a member. We thought it was named after the member, but that’s not what it was; it was the name of a song that then became the name of a member!” https://twitter.com/i/status/1722633508584088004 Kel Mitchell gave a health update on his IG page, assuring fans he is well and explaining how he ended up in the ER. He detailed how he was experiencing symptoms of a heart attack but later found out he had a bulging disc that was tapping on his nerve. Kel showed his appreciation to his fans, even the weirdos who suggested putting orange soda in his IV, referencing his character Ed from “Good Burger,” who was obsessed with orange bubbly. We’re happy he is in good health, and we continue to pray for his full recovery! https://www.instagram.com/p/CzflEruuexo/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Social media influencer Funny Marco had the chance to land a so-called interview with Chris Brown. Marco told the charismatic entertainer he had a sister named ‘Ashely,’ who wanted to have Chris Brown‘s baby, which was met by an immediate “Hell nah!” by the “Deuces” singer. Dang!!! The vibes turned awkward, as they often do with these interviews, and Marco looked hilariously crestfallen. We really hope he doesn’t have a sister because sis ouchea living unprovoked but still catching strays. Fans enjoyed the sit down between the two, with one fan remarking, “This whole interview had my side hurting! Chris played his part well as any of his guests.” https://v16m-default.tiktokcdn-us.com/bc4567e00c17c1bbd9858d9ea488ff87/6552f6d7/video/tos/useast8/tos-useast8-pve-0068-tx2/ocA31GmVRAqzTMAIqIfIevsLLgUjAnLSK2COEe/?a=1988&ch=0&cr=3&dr=0&lr=tiktok_m&cd=0%7C0%7C1%7C3&cv=1&br=850&bt=425&bti=NDU3ZjAwOg%3D%3D&cs=0&ds=3&ft=_G6uMBnZq8Zmojd_yQ_vjlh8sAhLrus&mime_type=video_mp4&qs=0&rc=aTg0ODppZjVlZWU4NzY3NEBpam1sZnQ5cjl1bzMzaTczNEBhYTI0Yy1iNmIxMzUzYy4xYSMta3BmMmRjbzNgLS1kMTJzcw%3D%3D&l=202311132225043F17584D5753C11089A3&btag=e00008000 Micheal B. Jordan said on the “Big Boy’s Neighborhood” radio show that he had to go to therapy after filming “Black Panther” after playing anti-hero Erik Killmonger. Michael said he became non-emotional in preparation for the role, and when shooting concluded, he had to re-acclimate himself to family and friends. We tip our green Tessa Fascinator to you, sir, for committing to your role, but please continue to maintain your mental health. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzkRXUQRtW8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Will Smith shared a video clip of the audio recording Will by Will Smith remembering the first of his firstborn child, “Willard Carroll Smith III was born on November 11, 1992 (who he shares with first wife Sheree Zampino). From birth we called him Trey, ’cause he was the third Willard Smith,” he said. The Oscar winner then busted out into a verse from his touching father-son bop, “Just The Two Of Us,” as photos whirled from Trey’s childhood. He continued: “That night I don’t think one wink I slept. As I slipped out of my bed, to your crib I crept. Touched your head gently, felt my heart melt. ‘Cause I know I loved you more than life itself. Then to my knees, and I begged the Lord please. Let me be a good daddy, all he needs. Love, knowledge, discipline too. I pledge my life to you.” Big Willie captioned the video clip, “Happy Bday, T-Ball. You are responsible for some of the highest experiences of my life. You introduced me to the true definition of Love! I met God in your eyes.” Happy belated bday, Tre! https://www.instagram.com/p/CzhEhKhPI3t/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Tisha Campbell recently discovered her late father’s pornography collection and she shared the hilarious moment online. Campbell’s dad passed away on Nov. 1, and the actress shared a video of the family sorting through his belongings, Complex reports. She was startled to discover her dad’s DVD collection of adult movies. In the video, Campbell shows fans the array of pornographic films with titles such as White Hole With Bros, Gaping Black Buttholes, and Hoochie Coochie Mamas. Tisha said her father always refused to throw out his television with the built-in DVD player. “The last time I was here, I said, ‘Dad, let’s get rid of this. Why do you even have this? Nobody even does DVDs anymore,'” she said in the video. “[He said], ‘Nope, you can not take my DVD player.’ Now we know why, you nasty ass. Look at this,” she said of his collection of porn titles. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzcFyPOu7p_/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Fatal Attraction returns on Monday, November 13 at 9 PM ET. When a mother, her two children and her husband mysteriously vanish, investigators assume they simply moved away. However, a chilling discovery in the basement of an abandoned home proves the family may not be so perfect after all. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uj7-rYGd-8g The season finale of Sins Of The City will air on tonight, November 13 at 10 PM ET. In 2023, tensions in Memphis exploded when 29-year-old Tyre Nichols died, allegedly at the hands of a rogue unit within the Memphis PD. Activists took to the streets, igniting a furious backlash to a problem that has plagued the city for centuries. The five police officers involved, all of whom are also Black, were fired and later charged with various state felonies, including second-degree murder. In September, the Justice Department announced that a grand jury had indicted the five men on federal civil rights, conspiracy and obstruction offenses. Don't miss the groundbreaking season finale tonight at 10 PM ET. https://vimeo.com/882536728/8a3a5856b4?share=copy Netflix has released a new trailer for Zack Snyder’s sci-fi epic, “Rebel Moon,” starring Sofia Boutella, Charlie Hunnam, Djimon Hounsou, Doona Bae, Anthony Hopkins, and Ray Fisher. Per Netflix, “Rebel Moon is about Kora (Sofia Boutella), a lone-wolf soldier who’s found community and connection on the quiet farming moon of Veldt. She’s a long way away from her former life fighting for the Imperium, the brutal interstellar royal empire bent on controlling the galaxy. But Kora’s violent past is dredged up when sadistic admiral Atticus Noble (Ed Skrein) comes to Veldt via a Dreadnought-class battle cruiser and stirs up deadly trouble on the orders of the Imperium’s tyrannical regent, Balisarius (Fra Fee).” Kora is “tasked with finding fighters who would risk their lives to defend the people of Veldt, Kora and Gunnar (Michiel Huisman), a tenderhearted farmer naive in the realities of war, journey to different worlds in search of the Bloodaxes, and assemble a small band of warriors who share a common need for redemption along the way: Kai (Charlie Hunnam), a pilot and gun for hire; General Titus (Djimon Hounsou), a legendary commander; Nemesis (Doona Bae), a master swordswoman; Tarak (Staz Nair), a captive with a regal past; and Milius (E. Duffy), a resistance fighter,” per the logline via THR. https://youtu.be/fhr3MzT6exg With a celebration of new talent, old favorites, and legends lost, the 2023 Country Music Association Awards hit a very clear note of inclusivity. “Things a Man Oughta Know” singer Lainey Wilson was named Entertainer of the Year, making her the first woman to win the honor since Taylor Swift in 2011. Luke Combs’ cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car,” which ignited a fascinating dialogue about race and artistic appreciation, won Song of the Year and Single of the Year. Two years after singer T.J. Osbourne of the Brothers Osbourne came out as gay, he and John Osbourne won Duo of the Year. In what was perhaps the night’s most viral moment, newly-minted Best New Artist Jelly Roll performed The Judds’ hit song “Love Can Build a Bridge” with K. Michelle, a rising Black country artist. https://youtu.be/z1EzK1vZAaw “Country Music’s biggest night” is clearly designed to showcase country at its best, and this year’s best looked like diverse collaborations, differing styles and a spectrum of stories united in the name of damn good music. But the question remains: Did it show country music as it is? Lainey Wilson, a 31-year-old Louisiana native with a massive TikTok presence and a discography full of songs that would make Tanya and Reba proud, is a household name for country fans. Her Entertainer of the Year win makes sense (as does the name of her upcoming tour: “Country is Cool Again”). The fact that Wilson is the first woman to nab the honor in 12 years, after an era of Carrie Underwoods, Miranda Lamberts, Hillary Scotts, Maren Morrises, and Kelsea Ballerinis, is hard to fathom. https://youtu.be/4wbqLI1Tr4c Lil’ Kim is confident that sales of her upcoming memoir will break the internet and even outsell the Bible. “When we post our pre-sales, we be surpassing the Bible,” the Queen Bee said during a recent Instagram Live session, Complex reports. “And that’s crazy. And the thing is, it’s like the Bible, like I don’t take that lightly. I already know that. But it’s like some crazy shit going on behind the scenes.” Lil’ Kim announced her “candid” memoir in 2021 titled “The Queen Bee,” and noted at the time that she’s “excited to finally get to tell my story after all this time,” the hip-hop icon told PEOPLE. “Many people have thought they knew the story of Lil’ Kim, but they have no idea,” she added. “The Queen Bee” will chronicle Lil’ Kim’s nearly 30-year career in the hip-hop game — and the obstacles she had to overcome — including her stint in prison. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzckMR9L1S3/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again The Critics Choice Association (CCA) unveiled the winners of the eighth annual Critics Choice Documentary Awards at a gala event in New York City. Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie took home five trophies in all including the top award of the evening for Best Documentary Feature. The film’s other victories were Best Director for Davis Guggenheim, Best Editing for Michael Harte, Best Narration for Michael J. Fox, and Best Biographical Documentary. The Critics Choice Documentary Awards recognize the year’s finest achievements in documentaries released in theaters, on TV and on major digital platforms, as determined by the voting of qualified CCA members. The 1619 Project won the award for Best Limited Documentary Series. 20 Days in Mariupol, and American Symphony, and The Deepest Breatheach took home two awards. https://youtu.be/GefRTXg16Vs Young Dolph’s life partner, Mia Jaye, is sharing her frustrations online regarding the investigation into the rapper’s killing. Dolph, born Adolph Robert Thornton Jr., was killed on Nov. 17, 2021, while shopping at Makeda’s Butter Cookies in Memphis. He was pronounced dead at the scene at age 36. We previously reported that Maurice Hill, the shop owner, told FOX13 that Dolph walked into the store to buy cookies when a vehicle drove up and fired at the bakery. The gunmen were caught on camera driving up to the store and firing shots at the father of two. The Memphis Police Department shared photos from security footage outside the bakery, showing two armed men with their faces partially covered, exiting a white Mercedes-Benz. “The suspects approached the victim while he was inside the business and shot the victim several times,” Memphis Police shared in a statement posted to Twitter at the time. “The suspects then fled the scene.” Hernandez Govan, Justin Johnson, Cornelius Smith, and Jarmarcus Johnson were ultimately arrested and charged in connection to Dolph’s murder. On October 27, 2023, Judge Lee Coffee was ordered to recuse himself from the trials of suspects, FOX13 reports. https://youtu.be/ncVWyIvkVdk Israeli tanks have surrounded a Gaza hospital, its director told CNN, as the territory’s largest healthcare facility came under a reported “bombardment,” heightening fears Friday that Israel’s military campaign is further endangering Gazan patients and medical staff. Mustafa al-Kahlout, who heads the Al Nasr Hospital and Al Rantisi Pediatric Hospital in northern Gaza, told CNN that they were surrounded and asked for the Red Cross to assist with an evacuation. “We are completely surrounded, there are tanks outside the hospital, and we cannot leave,” al-Kahlout said. The hospital complex is close to the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood and Al Shati camp, where ground fighting was reported by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Hamas separately. “We do not have electricity, no oxygen for the patients, we do not have medicine and water,” al-Kahlout said. “We do not know our fate.” His call comes after strikes were reported near several other hospitals in northern Gaza, including al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, the territory’s largest medical facility. https://youtu.be/LfGisoNNiQY A World Health Organization (WHO) spokesperson said Friday that al-Shifa was “coming under bombardment,” adding that 20 hospitals in the Gaza Strip were “out of action.” Asked about a potential Israeli airstrike on al-Shifa hospital on Friday, WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris said in a briefing: “I haven’t got the detail on al-Shifa but we do know they are coming under bombardment.” The Israeli military claimed late Friday that a misfired projectile launched from inside Gaza was responsible for the strike on the al-Shifa hospital. “Earlier today, the IDF received reports of a hit on the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. The Hamas-run media office in the Gaza Strip immediately claimed that this was a strike carried out by the IDF,” IDF spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Richard Hecht said in a statement sent to CNN. The IDF said that an examination of its operational systems had indicated that “a misfired projectile launched by terrorist organizations inside the Gaza Strip hit the Shifa Hospital.” https://youtu.be/PExlbDgUHro Hecht went on to claim that the projectile had been aimed at “IDF troops operating in the vicinity.” Several social media videos showed people injured in what was described as al-Shifa’s outpatient clinic. It is unclear what struck the hospital, but the videos show injured people lying on the ground of the outdoor clinic. Witnesses in the videos are saying it was strikes on the area. CNN could not verify it was strikes. In a Facebook statement, Al Awda Hospital in northern Gaza said that due to the “targeting (of) the vicinity of Al Awda Hospital… and the vicinity of the Indonesian Hospital” by Israeli forces, 10 of its employees were injured, infrastructure was hit and nine vehicles were impacted. This included “two ambulances that were completely damaged,” the hospital statement said. https://youtu.be/Qt9-kHtkj8M In a statement Saturday, Doctors Without Borders said it had lost contact with its staff inside Al-Shifa Hospital. “Over the last few hours, the attacks against Al-Shifa Hospital have dramatically intensified. Staff at the hospital reported a catastrophic situation inside,” the humanitarian group said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. The group said it was extremely concerned about the safety of staff and patients at the medical facility, some of whom were in critical condition and unable to move or evacuate. “There is a patient who needs surgery. There is a patient who’s already asleep in our department. We cannot evacuate ourselves and [leave] these people inside. As a doctor, I swear to help the people who need help,” the group quoted Dr. Mohammed Obeid, a surgeon at the hospital, as saying. At the Al-Quds Hospital in Gaza City, meanwhile, an imminent shutdown could lead to the death of patients, including babies, the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) warned in a statement early Saturday local time. “Al-Quds Hospital is at risk of closure in the upcoming 3 hours due to the depletion of fuel supplies and the non-arrival of aid,” the PRCS said. “500 patients and injured will be deprived from medical care. Those who are at the ICU and babies in incubators will lose their lives.” https://youtu.be/R0sWb4LGBwI Surprise! Look who showed up at the screening of Netflix’s “Rustin” at the inaugural HBCU First Look Film Festival Friday night in Washington, D.C. None other than Barack Obama and Michelle Obama. “It’s great to see even more of you since the strikes are over,” the former POTUS told the audience. “As somebody who cares a lot about the power of workers in this country and as the father of somebody who writes in film, I am glad that both the actors and the writers came to an agreement that recognizes their worth and their work.” As one of the opening day/night events for the new festival, which closes today (11-12-23), the “Rustin” screening was held at the National Museum of African American History. The festival -the brainchild of industry vet Shiela Eldridge – celebrates Black filmmakers and Black creatives in the entertainment industry. Also in attendance were students from Morgan State, Bowie State, and Howard Universities, as well as high-level political figures, including Obama’s former National Security Advisor Susan Rice and current White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. https://www.instagram.com/p/Czfc02UMSV3/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again “Rustin” is about a real person, Bayard Rustin, who was openly gay and an advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in a time period that was much more hostile to queer people than today. Even with that load to carry and deal with, it was Rustin who helped plan 1963’s momentous and historic March on Washington. “Rustin” is headlined by Colman Domingo (“Candyman”) as civil rights leader Bayard Rustin. And of course, it’s not just a coincidence that the Obamas were there because the film is their production via their production company Higher Ground. “I hope we all know about the March on Washington — we know about the huge crowds, the historic speeches — but the story of what went on behind the scenes is a little more hazy. We don’t know much about the folks who did the hard work,” Michelle Obama said in her address to audiences. “Bayard Rustin was the driving force behind all of that.” “And yet — his name is not synonymous with that history as so many others. An openly gay Black man did not easily fit in — even in the heart of a movement for civil rights and justice. And he wasn’t celebrated in our history, either,” she continued. “To us, this film is about painting that fuller story of our history — triumphs, complications, all of it.” https://static.cdninstagram.com/rsrc.php/v3/yb/r/UsSR4Cvo4Px.png The former president also had this to say about Bayard Rustin and the film. “[Bayard Rustin] is one of the seminal figures that changed the course of American history,” stated the former president. “Without him, I might not have been President and you might not be sitting where you are today.” Bruce Cohen, George C. Wolfe, and Higher Ground’s Tonia Davis serve as producers. Wolfe also directs the film. “Rustin” opened in select theaters on Nov. 3 and will start streaming on Netflix from Nov. 17. https://youtu.be/EuZ-UONInl4 Ask Terrence Howard about his latest film “Showdown at the Grand” and he’ll share his appreciation of the project as a whole as well as his co-star Dolph Lundgren. While he loved Lundgren’s performance, Howard was left wondering whether it was the “Expendables” actor he most interacted with or his character, Claude Luc Hallyday. “I was trying to ‘reach’ him because there was a distance there. He’s like George Washington, talking to you, but there’s still this God-like being in him. You just don’t expect someone to have that consistent radiance,” Howard told Movieweb about his efforts to bond with Lundgren. “I stayed there trying [to reach him] and thought, ‘Did I really get to deal with him, or did I deal with this character? Was he this person outside of it?’ But that was the toughest thing. I didn’t know who I was dealing with. And that was just him being a thespian. That’s just him being a professional. He literally was locked into Claude Luc Hallyday and would not come out of it.” Featuring Howard and Lundgren, “Showdown at the Grand” centers on Howard’s George Fuller, a proud business owner who finds himself defending his family business — a lush historic movie theater — from corporate developers. After George discovers a corporate developer sent thugs to scare him into selling his theater, George is determined to fight the takeover. Among his allies are new usher Spike (Piper Kurda) and, in what Movieweb described as a “groovy twist of fate, legendary action star Claude Luc Hallyday (Lundgren), who suddenly becomes the man who can save the day. George’s theater, considered a local treasure, is known for featuring vintage films, particularly those starring Claude Luc Hallyday. https://youtu.be/dLSr-ir9vlc Choirmaster B. Chase Williams and his Shabach choir are taking a new trip with a brand new album and hit radio single. After celebrating their 30th Anniversary this year, B. Chase Williams and Shabach released their album CHASing THE NEXT CHAPTER. The choir's energy and the synergy of this album have the Gospel music industry buzzing and fans clapping and singing along in praise. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcquZ8CJnhs While she may be promoting her forthcoming studio album “Pink Friday 2,” Nicki Minaj is on the cover of Vogue (US) in cream — a delicately draped Valentino couture gown, that is. Minaj has previously been featured on the covers of the Arabian and Japanese editions of Vogue (in 2018 and 2019, respectively), but the December issue of US Vogue marks her stateside debut. It’s a moment that also marks a milestone: after nearly 15 years of dominance in the rap industry, the performer sat down with Vogue to discuss her new album, the pressures of fame, and the challenges and joys of raising her 3-year-old son, who she publicly refers to as “Papa Bear.” (Minaj hasn’t otherwise officially revealed her son’s birth name.) “There’s a freeness that you have around you when you’re at your best when you’re doing your thing at your peak,” Minaj told the magazine. “But once you start knowing that you’re being judged, there’s no longer that free spirit. People who excel at something make it look easy, but they also deal with a lot of fear of letting people down and letting themselves down. Once you make it, it’s like anything you say can be used against you.” The fallout from the 2021 Astroworld tragedy continues to impact Travis Scott as the rapper is hit with another lawsuit. AllHipHop.com cites The Blast in reporting the lawsuit was filed against Travis Scott by Ceremony of Roses. In the suit, the company mentions “substantial financial harm” it allegedly suffered from the infamous festival. Ceremony of Roses, which provided carnival games and amusements for the Astroworld event, claimed it sustained a significant loss from its investment in the event. As a result, the company blamed Travis Scott for the event’s lack of safety, leaving the company with no way to recoup $700,000 in out-of-pocket expenses. “At the very minimum, Defendants owed COR a duty to exercise ordinary care in maintaining a safe and secure environment for COR’s business activities and Festival attendees,” the lawsuit stated. “Defendants negligently and willfully breached this duty in numerous respects.” With its lawsuit, Ceremony of Roses joins various families and friends in suing Travis Scott over the Astroworld tragedy, which resulted in the deaths of 10 people and hundreds injured. Attorney Antonio Moore details Whoopi Goldberg‘s educational background and her previous admission that she is a high school dropout (left in ninth grade) as he critiques her stating that millennials can’t get housing due to working only 4 hours a day. Whoopi’s “The View” cohost Alyssa Farah who is millennial-aged pushed back on her, stating that her generation was handed a housing crisis. But an unmoved Goldberg stood on her position as the segment continued. About dropping out of school, Goldberg stated the following at the Goodwin College commencement in 2018 according to the Hartford Courant: https://youtu.be/Lbsv13D7kCQ “The Marvels” directed by Nia DaCosta finished No. 1 at the box office on its opening weekend but grossed just $47 million in domestic sales, according to studio estimates on Sunday. According to data from Comscore, the latest Marvel project is also the studio’s lowest-performing one. It finished below 2008’s “The Incredible Hulk,” the previous record-holder, which opened at just over $55 million. But the Marvel Cinematic Universe was still finding its footing in the late aughts and, since then, Marvel projects have amassed a robust fan base and raked in historic numbers at the box office. In fact, “The Marvels” is only the third Marvel movie to make less than $60 million during its opening weekend, and the first since “Ant-Man” opened with $57 million in 2015. “Marvel has historically seen most of its films benefit from goodwill and the rolling nature of anticipation from chapter to chapter helps bolster successive box office performances,” said BoxOffice Pro chief analyst Shawn Robbins. “In a post-Infinity Saga world, though, their own standards mean audiences have higher and higher expectations.” Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Comscore, said the movie’s performance can serve as a moment of reckoning and reflection for the superhero genre. https://youtu.be/wS_qbDztgVY The debate over natural hair vs unnatural hair (wigs) has reached a holy level, thanks to a recent sermon given by a Nigerian female pastor. Referencing a viral video, Madame Noire reports the pastor caught the wrath of Instagram users for telling single women in her congregation to wear wigs to get a husband instead of their natural hair. Since it was posted, the clip has received thousands of comments on Instagram and become a trending topic of discussion on the Nigeria-based 24-hour broadcasting channel TVC. Commenters reacting to @its_onsite’s repost of the video had no problem blasting the pastor with personal attacks for berating women rocking their natural hair as well as accusing her of bleaching her skin. https://youtu.be/Nv3k4Nua0bw Critics of the Nigerian preacher’s views on hair are many. Among those disputing the pastor is Nigerian entertainer Simi. Taking to X (formerly known as Twitter), the former gospel singer made her opposition known as she characterized the pastor’s rhetoric as “self-hate.” “Even when you hide self-hate inside ‘good advice,’ it’s still self-hate,” Simi posted on Oct. 31. “This is why 90% of skincare products in countries full of beautiful dark skin girls/women are ‘whitening creams.’ And girls are told that the hair that grows out of their hair is not special enough. It’s not that you’re not good enough, it’s that they said you’re not good enough. She’s on the pulpit too. A role model. https://youtu.be/feTaLrf3FxY “Church girls who want husbands don’t have to adhere to Western ideals of beauty to get them,” Simi added. “Women shouldn’t be shamed for how they choose to present themselves — especially from other women and especially at church… Whether in wigs or without.” Realistically speaking, social media users came with other thoughts on the pastor’s sermon, including the following: “You can have natural hair, braids, a shortcut, or wig — they still gonna cheat on y’all… and what this gotta do with the lord? https://youtu.be/ijptH2MWAqE “I started during the pandemic,” said Rosa Pryor-Trusty, an entertainment columnist at The Baltimore Times, about her third book on the history of life in Baltimore titled Maryland Black History Stories: Who, What, When & Where? 1950 – 1980 (Page Publishing) to be published in 2024. “I was so bored, I couldn’t go out…no shows, no concerts. I started pulling out my files…to clean up. I saw photos I had never used.” Rosa’s books on black entertainment history in Baltimore have been photo books or books made mainly of photos. Her first book Black America Series African-American Entertainment in Baltimore (Arcadia) was published in 2003. Her second book African-American Community, History & Entertainment in Maryland (Xlibris Corp.) was published in 2013. Colleges have included her books in their required readings and her first book had book sales that were record-breaking. https://youtu.be/ctnu7lQnmDY Omarion’s dancing is putting a questionable spotlight on him. We’re referring to a viral video the artist posted recently as the source of comments questioning how skilled the former B2K member’s moves really are in current times. In the short clip, Omarion is seen skirting, jumping and spinning on the dance floor at Mihran K. NoHo in Los Angeles. The smiling entertainer’s song of choice for his freestyled performance of footwork and upper body movements was the Karen Nyame KG song “P.L.L.” https://www.instagram.com/omarion/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=573b440e-4ebe-44fd-aaaf-915328a5ae18 They’d never really had a solid tuba player. The legendary New Orleans music family, of course, had its trumpeters and trombonists, saxes and drummers. But the tuba – namely the circular kind called a sousaphone – is big. And it requires a lot of air. And it scares little kids. And it’s not exactly cool. Still, Revell Andrews, even as a shy young teenager, picked up on the need for the instrument’s stable foundation in the brass band arrangements his kin play virtually every day in their city’s streets and clubs and across the world. “For Revell, it was more like, ‘If this is a need in the family, I’ve heard it a few times, let me pick up the tuba,’” recalled his loving cousin, drummer Derrick Tabb. “And it just so happened to be the instrument that everyone needed.” There’s another thing about the tuba, though, Tabb said: “You immediately know the difference if you have one there and you don’t.” And now, stunningly, they don’t. https://youtu.be/FiykDnAS7h0 “Our little group was not naïve about the city and its sinister level of gun violence,” Reckdahl, a local journalist, wrote in a tribute to Revell in the city’s daily paper. “It was by design that they stayed home and out of the way. They wanted more in life. But at the most basic level, they wanted to live.” Andrews didn’t mind his son’s hours of video gaming, knowing it kept Revell, his girlfriend, and their pals safely indoors. He also knew his boy excelled in school – might even be headed for a college and its marching band. And he couldn’t say enough about the instrument Revell was working to learn. “We never had a sousaphone player,” Andrews said. As for a favorite song, Revell “was trying to learn them all.” “I know the sky was the limit for him,” he said later. Andrews and others also knew Revell – the second-youngest of four brothers – wasn’t a follower, they said. https://youtu.be/ARY97sxqrcY “That was one of the first things that impressed me about Revell,” said Tabb, who runs the Roots of Music program that serves hundreds of at-risk kids every year. “Most young musicians these days … plug in and immediately start playing; he went to other people’s gigs … and would be waiting” to be invited. Indeed, Revell was mature, humble, and quiet – “an old man in a young man’s body,” Reckdahl wrote. “I never even seen Revell, never saw him mad, never saw him get loud, fight nobody. I can’t recall one time,” Andrews said, baffled by how he met with such a violent end. But either way, “What, you’re gonna keep ‘em inside forever?” In the weeks after his death, Revell’s father collected from the mail acceptance letters from colleges that didn’t know their offers would no longer be of use, he said. In Revell’s room, Andrews found a pair of his son’s sneakers – Jordan 1s – and slipped in a toe. “It fits perfect,” he said of the 10 1/2s. “I didn’t even know his foot had got to that size.” https://youtu.be/8d7GZFDYLDg The ladies have spoken, choosing an episode of great sex over a 5-star meal. And the decision is final! The preference came after 856 Entertainment surveyed women to see what ranks higher: “Applebees with a guy who is going to take you to pound town or a five-star steakhouse with a guy who is going to give you mediocre di**.” The results of the Instagram survey revealed that the majority of women felt the pound town trek with a stop at Applebee’s is worth sacrificing the joy of a five-star meal at a steakhouse with a guy delivering a less-than-ideal time between the sheets. “I do like steak, but I’mma take the Applebees for sure,” a survey participant responded to the question, while fervently nodding in a video of the discussion on 856 Entertainment’s Instagram page. “Even though I don’t like Applebees, I don’t want no wack sex. I need that sh** popping,” another survey taker said. “Applebees and get my a** bust afterward.” On the flip side, there were a few ladies who preferred the opposite, with great food and mediocre sex over great sex. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzCKfnhJ1Of/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again In addition to women preferring great sex over a 5-star meal, the results of the 856 Entertainment survey come days after talk surfaced online after a viral video highlighting a list “of places women absolutely refuse to go on a first date to.” https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy0I6lPs6Qt/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=0d875d39-0c87-4299-9aff-5cd1fa409a15 FBI agents seized the cell phones of New York City Mayor Eric Adams as part of a federal investigation into campaign fundraising, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday. The agents seized the phones and an iPad earlier this week pursuant to a court-authorized search warrant, the person said. The seizure is a dramatic escalation of the federal probe into whether foreign money was funneled to his campaign, bringing it directly to the mayor, a Democrat. The investigation is being handled by the FBI and the US Attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York. Adams has not been accused of any wrongdoing so far, but he is the latest politician to come under scrutiny for ties to foreign governments – in his case Turkey. The seizure came days after the FBI raided the home of Adams’ chief fundraiser as part of the investigation to determine whether the mayor’s 2021 campaign conspired with a Brooklyn-based construction company to funnel foreign money into campaign coffers. https://youtu.be/Tyfg6V-PgDY Things may look fine for Steve and Marjorie Harvey, but the couple’s relationship continues to be under a social media microscope. According to Madame Noire, some Instagram users still believe the Harveys’ marriage is shaky. The users’ speculations stem from a post that Steve Harvey shared on Oct. 23. In the post, the “Family Feud” host appears at The Grio Awards to receive the Television Icon Award, posing for pictures with Marjorie, his son Wynston, and daughter Lori. Although he received compliments for his trimmed-down appearance and the suit he wore, doubting Instagram-ers still had thoughts/doubts about trouble in Steve and Marjorie’s marriage. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cyv-9UfLnzQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Harmony Bailey, media manager of the Howard University basketball team, recently interviewed NBA legend Alan Houston during his homecoming visit. Among the things they talked about was his new clothing line called FISLL, which was featured in the homecoming fashion show, and what it meant to Houston to see Howard students wearing his new clothing line. Houston emphasized that FISLL (pronounced fizzle) is an acronym for faith, integrity, sacrifice, leadership, and legacy, and the mission of his brand is to really promote these values. Houston went on to explain that homecoming week is fun at any school, but just to be at a Howard homecoming is really something special and a chance to really see what the school is really about, and just seeing people come together and show how Howard is special? Houston also talks about Howard basketball and the great job Coach Kenneth Blakeney did with the team, bringing home a MEAC championship last season because Howard University last won a championship back in 1992. https://youtu.be/5Wk9HZgR-sQ Houston said the team now knows what it takes to build a winning culture and that he was impressed with their character and their level of attention to the bigger picture in life, and that’s what colleges are about. Houston emphasized that now that the team has experienced recent success, they will have a target on their back, and he thinks the team knows how hard it was to get to the championship level, and now that they know what it takes, they will not want the feeling of going substandard anymore. In conclusion, Houston said how happy he was to continue his partnership with Howard University—not to just be there for a fashion show or walk around campus, but to really get to visit and hear from the hearts of the students. That’s what really makes him satisfied with having seven children of his own, and with his FISLL brand’s identity, he really wants to empower the youth to give them a pathway and to help them see what’s possible and have values, faith, and character that they can really stand on to give them success, not just for him to see it from a distance, but to get to experience it and grateful that Howard University can partner with his company to do that. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cwkx2_tuBkh/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=51b695bb-7db5-4e8a-8f25-f8606ef9bfd6 We live in an era where people are having honest conversations and challenging old modes of thinking. Avant-garde rapper, singer, and actor Jidenna, government name Jidenna Theodore Mobisson, spoke the truth and shamed the devil. “The Classic Man” artist revealed how manipulative he was to the prior women he dated, and now Jidenna is committed to “work hard at love” as he’s worked in his career. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzesAIoyuCV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again An X user (rolls eyes at Twitter’s name change) re-posted a video from Darius Jackson displaying tons of red flags regarding his mental state. The social media poster captioned the video clip, “I thought this post was very sinister from Darius Jackson a month ago. Now to read the details of what Keke has been going thru w/ this ninja I wanna fight!” https://twitter.com/i/status/1722813427989594501 “Insecure” cast member DomiNque Perry, the baby mother of Sarunas Jackson, stepped into the fray and issued a statement clarifying why she posted a popcorn-eating meme in response to Sarunas taking up for his brother Darius Jackson. The actor also defended his name by countering the claims made by Keke Palmer‘s mother, Sharon Palmer, who said Sarunas admitted to being abusive. Many fans took issue with DomiNque casual post, interpreting it as a dig at Keke Palmer‘s domestic dispute. Still, her response hints she also has experienced some mistreatment dealing with men, although she didn’t name Sarunas directly. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzeUsReOBrB/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=edcaaba4-b109-4085-a98a-28159ca233ef Lil’ Kim said her new book sales are surpassing the Bible. Her fans, who love Queen Bee dearly, said, “Aht, Aht slow your roll, you got too much dip on your chip,” believing her comparison to the Bible was out of line. One person brought the financial statements to the comment section, “Well here is what her numbers should ?? like: ?? 20 million bibles sold each year, 1.66 million bibles sold each month, 384,615 bibles sold per week, 54,945 bibles sold every day, 2,289 bibles sold per hour, 38 bibles sold per minute. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzckMR9L1S3/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Sports fans will get another helping of Ice Cube’s BIG3 basketball league as it gears up for a return to CBS for its 2024 season. Yahoo reports that CBS Sports will be the primary broadcast partner for the upcoming season with at least 20 Big3 regular season games airing on the network, in addition to the league’s playoffs, championship, all-star, and celebrity games. The seventh season of Ice Cube’s BIG3 league will start on June 15, 2024, and run through Aug. 18, 2024. “CBS feels like home for the BIG3, so it’s good to be back home,” the 54-year-old rap legend/actor said in reaction to the league’s return to CBS. “The best 3-on-3 basketball in the world on the best network in the world. It’s only right.” Echoing Ice Cube’s love of the BIG3, CBS Sports Executive Vice President, Programming Dan Weinberg noted the league’s growth in viewership, attendance, and popularity during the league’s six-season existence. “BIG3 continues to deliver an exciting brand of basketball to a passionate audience in addition to the work they do on behalf of players and the community,” Weinberg added. “We look forward to the BIG3 returning to our slate of action-packed summer programming on CBS and Paramount+.” https://youtu.be/0CGEVqDk1R0 Nia DaCosta is the first Black woman, and the youngest, to helm a “Marvel” movie. DaCosta, known for directing “Candyman,” produced by Jordan Peele, puts her stamp on “The Marvels,” in theaters Now. I caught up with DaCosta recently in New York at the 27th Annual Urbanworld International Film Festival. Asked about being hailed as the first Black female and the youngest to direct an MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) movie, DaCosta was not fazed by it all. She said her only concern was doing a remarkable job. “I wasn’t really thinking about all of that,” she said. DaCosta added: “It was the middle of the pandemic, and I was in quarantine. I didn’t have time to think about all that stuff. I had to figure out how to make this big-ass movie.” https://youtu.be/wS_qbDztgVY Isaac Hayes III’s Fanbase app has raised $4.5 million in equity crowdfunding — bringing its total to $10 million in funding, according to a press release. This is Fanbase’s third seed round, allowing the public to invest. “Equity crowdfunding is our way of inviting the Fanbase community to own a piece of the platform they believe in,” Hayes shared in a statement, per the press release. “We’re not just building a product; we’re growing a community-driven ecosystem where every voice, every creator, and every supporter shares in our collective success.” Fanbase allows users to monetize content and engage with various media features, “including photo/video, audio chat, live streaming, stories, short-form, and long-form video,” per the news release. “Fanbase offers the option for users to subscribe to each other through in-app purchases, fostering creativity and enabling all users to monetize their work directly via their Fanbase profiles.” https://youtu.be/RTDarJ6W2EE The artist with the most Grammy nominations this year, nine, is a Black woman. (That artist is SZA.) Here’s why that is significant. Back in 2017, there was a lot of discussion about the Recording Academy and race after Adele topped Beyoncé and three other nominees to win the prestigious Album of the Year Grammy. Beyoncé had been widely considered the favorite for her album, “Lemonade.” Even Adele thought Bey should have won, and said so, tearfully, in her acceptance speech. “The artist of my life is Beyoncé, and this album to me, the ‘Lemonade’ album, was just so monumental,” Adele said. https://youtu.be/TV47oG0AseM Jeezy is shifting into a confessional state of mind regarding his divorce from former “The Real” co-host Jeannie Mai. He’s also letting the public in on other personal issues that he’s been dealing with.Chatting with actress Nia Long, the “Put On” rapper addressed the dissolution of the couple’s relationship, revealing therapy was tried before his marriage reached its conclusion. “This has not been an easy journey. I can tell you that I’m saddened…I’m disappointed…I’m uneasy…God has put me on a different path and that path is going to entail for me to take care of myself. And love myself,” Jeezy told Long during a YouTube special titled, “I Might Forgive But I Don’t Forget,” “I can only be responsible for myself. I can only do what I can do. I can’t expect someone else to do what I’m doing,” he added. Jeezy’s comments mark the latest development for him and Mai, who are parents to their infant daughter Monaco. The Jasmine Brand notes the rapper filed for divorce from the 44-year-old television fixture in September after two years of marriage, citing the union was “irretrievably broken.” In addition to filing for divorce, Jeezy filed for joint custody of Monaco. https://youtu.be/YZhyxRv4CyE Independent Gospel sensation and proud South Florida native, Otis Kemp, is making a triumphant return to the forefront of the music scene with the debut of his latest single, “EVERYTHING.“ Collaborating with the soulful and captivating Lena Byrd Miles, Kemp brings forth a powerful musical expression that transcends genres. https://youtu.be/dpRSwCu6w9g Known for his rich cultural roots and unwavering commitment to his craft, Kemp’s “EVERYTHING” is set to be a soul-stirring anthem, showcasing not only his vocal prowess but also his ability to infuse heartfelt spirituality into every note. As the anticipation builds for this musical revelation, Otis Kemp is once again proving himself as a standout figure in the independent Gospel music landscape, ready to leave an indelible mark with his evocative sound and genuine passion for the art form. As the echoes of his triumphant #1 Billboard Gospel Airplay Chart hit, “Daily Bread,” still resound, Otis Kemp is set to captivate audiences once again with the release of his highly anticipated new single, “EVERYTHING,” on November 24, 2023. Following the unprecedented success of “Daily Bread,” Kemp’s latest offering is poised to not only solidify his standing in the Gospel music realm but also holds the promise of breaking barriers as it ventures into the mainstream. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzUYmBavAsd/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Upon reflection, the odd couple sensibilities that captivated viewers of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” were in place even before the cameras started rolling. The perfectly mismatched casting of Will Smith, then known as one half of a successful rap duo hailing from West Philadelphia, and James Avery, a classically trained Shakespearean actor, as nephew and uncle respectively made for a hilarious, if at times uneven, pairing in the early seasons of the show. There was nothing on air at the time quite like “The Fresh Prince.” The NBC sitcom told the story of a fictionalized version of Smith, a troubled teen who moves to California to live with wealthy relatives after getting into a gang fight in his hometown. Smith, and his character (also named Will Smith), hailed from the insurgent hip-hop generation whose bombastic music and style had created a burgeoning cultural movement in the United States. Avery as Philip Banks (or Uncle Phil), in contrast, represented the post-Civil Rights class of professional Black Americans who had come to harness their rage through more ‘respectable’ vehicles. “It was the perfect storm because the idea of showing urban youth on television was still quite a bit of a novelty,” said Elena Romero, co-curator of the exhibition “Fresh Fly Fabulous: 50 Years of Hip Hop Style,” on display earlier this year at the Museum at FIT at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. https://youtu.be/1nCqRmx3Dnw Former Baltimore state’s attorney Marilyn Mosby was convicted Thursday in a perjury case tied to a COVID-related loan application. Mosby was indicted on federal charges in 2022 after allegedly falsely claiming a COVID-19 hardship on applications to withdraw $90,000 from the city’s deferred compensation plan. Prosecutors claim she improperly accessed retirement funds to use as down payments to buy two homes in Florida. Mosby, who served two terms as state’s attorney for Baltimore, allegedly used the COVID crisis to get a distribution under the federal CARES Act, claiming she experienced “adverse financial consequences from the coronavirus as a result of being quarantined, furloughed, or laid off; having reduced work hours; being unable to work due to lack of childcare; or the closing or reduction of hours of a business she owned or operated.” The Feds charge that Mosby did not experience any financial hardships while she received her full salary of $247,955 from Jan. 1 through Dec. 29, 2020, per the report. According to Mosby’s lawyer, she was legally entitled to withdraw the money and spend the funds however she wanted, The Huffington Post reports. https://youtu.be/Y2hqMUFAOfQ Two Texas men were arrested for allegedly stealing over $1000 work of oxtails, steaks, and seafood from multiple grocery stores. According to MadameNoire, the carnivorous bandits made off with “almost 50 packs of expensive cuts of meat,” the outlet writes, but were busted at a traffic stop. Anthony Trevino, 30, and Robert Stevenson, 31, were arrested on Nov. 1 after being pulled over by police for unknown reasons near the freeway in Spring, Texas. Sergeant Amaya with Constable Mark Herman’s Office became suspicious after “discovering pounds of unbagged oxtails, steaks, briskets, lamb chops and shrimp in the backseat of the Cadillac,” per MadameNoire. According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Department, the men had 46 packs of meat totaling $1,129. Trevino and Stevenson nabbed oxtails, shrimp, lamb chops, and brisket from four stores – Walmart, H-E-B, Food Town, and Kroger, MadameNoire reports. The pair were charged with aggregate theft and booked at the Harris County Jail with a $2,500 bond. https://www.facebook.com/Precinct4/posts/725181892976864?ref=embed_post Nicki Minaj claims she was prescribed Percocet for her severe menstrual cramps but was not informed the drug “was a narcotic” and “addictive.” The hip-hop star is speaking out about being mindful of her drug and alcohol usage. In Nicki’s new cover story for Vogue, she discusses her father’s drug addiction and how it influenced her choice not to abuse drugs. “I feel like I will always consider myself to be just like my father,” she told the publication before recalling her past addiction to Percocet. She was allegedly prescribed the drug for severe menstrual cramping and was taking the pills when she wasn’t in pain. “No one told me that this was a narcotic and this was addictive,” she shared. “Luckily, I was able to ground myself. But—once an addict, always an addict. I feel like if you’ve ever experienced addiction to anything, which I have, you always have to think twice and three times about the choices that you make.” Minaj also noted that “some of our biggest celebrities” are susceptible to drug addiction, and many “fight silent battles, like Prince,” she said. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzbRwBnLGlw/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=860c2cb2-f92b-412f-9f3c-43299fb75ce4 “These are some of the greatest of all time. And one day they decided, ‘You know what? I’d rather self-medicate and be in my own world,’” she said, adding, “Should you keep on doing interviews and pouring out your heart so people can laugh? No.” Elsewhere in the Vogue feature, Minaj reacted to her industry reputation of being a “mean” girl. “When I hear the word mean, I think about the core of who the person is…I always tell people that the difference between being mean and being a b*tch is that b*tch passes,” she explained. https://youtu.be/WrN3Dx3EBVI Filmmaker David E. Talbert has launched the “HBCU Next” fellowship program in partnership with the USC School of Cinematic Arts. The program invites students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to participate in the USC School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) Summer Program to develop their skills in scriptwriting and filmmaking, Deadline reports. “Our overall objective is to foster an environment for students from HBCUs and USC to engage in cultural exchange, learning from one another’s experiences and backgrounds, and to provide access to an education conducive to giving Black storytellers a pipeline to the entertainment industry,” said Talbert, who created the program with his wife and producing partner Lyn Sisson-Talbert, per Black Enterprise. As part of the program, students will receive mentoring from Talbert, and HBCU graduates, including Forest Whitaker, Tim Story, Ruth Carter, JB Smoove, and Anika Noni Rose, will be invited to speak to HBCU Next scholars. “Having graduated from an HBCU, and working in the business for over 30 years, I understand it’s never the artistry or intellect, but the access, that keeps people of Color from finding their way in,” Talbert said. “HBCU Next was created to bridge that gap. Our Next is now.” Over the last weekend of October, one of the year’s biggest entertainment events – One Music Fest 2023 – took place in Atlanta, as a ground-shaking 100,000 spectators flooded Piedmont Park to experience their favorite artists in celebration of 50 years of Hip-Hop and the best of various other genres. Sunny skies and warm temperatures provided the perfect backdrop to the end of the festival season. With a total of three stages, Saturday afternoon kicked off with fan favorites like Tink, Fabolous, Jadakiss, Kodak Black, KRS-One, Big Daddy Kane, Coco Jones, T-pain, and Lil’ Kim. Day one was punctuated by electric performances by T-Pain, Megan Thee Stallion, and the iconic Janet Jackson. Sunday was another amazing day, featuring El Debarge, Nola Ade, Boosie, Waka Flocka, The Dream, Key Glock, Goodie Mob, T.I., Trina, Brent Faiyez, and ending with two brilliant sets from Tems and Kendrick Lamar. https://youtu.be/grqPEo5O0lY Nominations for the 2024 Grammy Awards were revealed on Friday morning and SZA slayed. The “Kill Bill” singer and songwriter leads in total nominations with nine nods. Other top nominees among a list that highlighted the contributions of young women in music include Phoebe Bridgers, R&B star Victoria Monét, indie group boygenius, Miley Cyrus, Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo. Taylor Swift made history by becoming the first person with seven nominations in the prestigious Song of the Year category with her hit, “Anti-Hero.” She also tied with Barbra Streisand for the most all-time nominations by a female artist with her album of the year nod with “Midnights.” Swift scored six nominations overall. https://youtu.be/wsHKiTwX2qY Keke Palmer filed a restraining order against Darius Jackson and is also seeking full custody of their 8-month-old son, Ledois, whom they share. Keke, 30, is alleging Darius, 29, has been abusive throughout their two-year relationship, based on court documents filed on Thursday, November 9, according to US Weekly. Ah, Hades NAH!!! The “Nope” actress stated she has November 5th security footage that showed Darius “trespassed into my home without my knowledge or consent” and “threatened” her before “lunging for my neck, striking me, throwing me over the couch and stealing my phone.” BOI have you lost yo’ mind!!!! Keke also details “many instances of physical violence” with Darius that included “destroying my personal property, including diaries and prescription eyeglasses, throwing my belongings into the street, throwing my car keys to prevent me from driving away, hitting [me] in front of our son, spewing profanities about me to our son, threatening to kill himself with a gun if I left him, harassment, and other physical and emotional abuse.” Nah, Darius, you’re out of order; Keke got a whole tribe behind her and will pull up on you! Update: Darius just tweeted, “I love you son. See you soon.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CzchbAppIi_/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=69102c9a-e3c9-4a14-870e-4268d38f095d Keke Palmer submitted security camera footage showing Darius Jackson’s abuse as part of a restraining order against him. The actress is also seeking full custody of their 8-month-old son. EUR’s Yolanda Baruch reported previously that Palmer, 30, is alleging Jackson, 29, has been abusive throughout their two-year relationship, based on court documents filed on Thursday, November 9, according to US Weekly. Palmer has security footage from November 5th showing Darius “trespassed into my home without my knowledge or consent” and “threatened” her before “lunging for my neck, striking me, throwing me over the couch and stealing my phone,” according to the court docs. Keke also details “many instances of physical violence” with Darius that included “destroying my personal property, including diaries and prescription eyeglasses, throwing my belongings into the street, throwing my car keys to prevent me from driving away, hitting [me] in front of our son, spewing profanities about me to our son, threatening to kill himself with a gun if I left him, harassment, and other physical and emotional abuse.” https://twitter.com/yashar/status/1722857573475577987?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1722857573475577987%7Ctwgr%5E97cf028764b3f4b05c26cd72a49dfeb359a85bf2%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2023%2Fkeke-palmer-has-receipts-of-darius-jacksons-abuse%2F LeToya Luckett! The songstress describes to Terrell Grice, how she felt when she was kicked out of Destiny’s Child and watched the group become more successful as she sat at home. Fans felt her pain and were happy to see she had moved past the ‘I’m A Survivor’ debacle, “It’s good she can laugh about it now!! Cuz baby I would have been out for blood! Like not you got Farrah reaping the benefits from my background vocals, and she ain’t said a word on a album ??????.” Another fan had a great gift for Beyonce to give LeToya, “Beyoncé bout to send a dozen of White Roses with a Dior head scarf. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzcPs5lPrqv/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Jeezy spoke about how God kept him safe and free and allowed him to become successful, but he didn’t give anything back to the Almighty to show his appreciation. Jeezy reveals to Nia Long how he lost his voice because of torn vocal cords and how he later developed Bell’s palsy. To date, their conversation on YouTube has hit one million views and counting. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzaDUZmxEDo/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Nicki Minaj graces the cover of Vogue magazine with her son, Papa Bear for the December issue. “There’s a freeness that you have around you when you’re at your best, when you’re doing your thing at your peak.” So says Nicki Minaj, who has been hard at work writing, recording, mixing, and re-mixing her fifth studio album, “Pink Friday 2,” out next month. For the best-selling female rapper of all time, now 13 years into her career, the new record represents a return to form. “When I look back at a lot of my music, I’m like, Oh, my God, where was the me in it?” Minaj says. “So for this album, I went back to the old game plan.” Muva Barbz also answered 73 rapid-fire questions with Vogue magazine’s Joe Sabia. https://youtu.be/WrN3Dx3EBVI Suge Knight revealed in a phone interview with Nick Cannon that he spent over a half million dollars on Deion Sanders’ rap career when he was “signed to Death Row” back in the day. “When Prime wanted to be a rapper … I spent over half a million dollars of my own money,” Suge explained in his jailhouse conversation with Cannon on his podcast, Complex reports. The former Death Row CEO is serving a 28-year sentence for manslaughter. “I put guys in the studio, I paid Dallas Austin, I did all these songs, did everything. Then one day he came to me and said, ‘Well, Prime’s deal with Nike and Death Row is a Black-owned company, and we don’t really want to deal with a Black-owned company, even though you paid for everything,” Suge added. “We signed to you, put us on the Interscope label brand.” He continued, “So I go to Jimmy [Iovine], say, ‘Look, I paid for everything. The contract’s with me but could you put him out on Interscope.’ They’re like, ‘Oh yeah, [I’ll] do that—anything for you Mr. Knight.’ And so if Prime performing somewhere, I’m taking a private plane to make sure everything’s good. But not one day did anybody give me a dollar back.” https://youtu.be/pfUeEhBX0Cg According to Suge, he’s still collecting checks from Sanders’ breakout song, “Must Be the Money.” Watch him elaborate on his history with Coach Prime via the Instagram clip. In related news, Suge refuses to testify against the man arrested for the 1996 killing of Tupac Shakur. We reported previously via CNN that Duane Keith Davis, aka “Keffe D,” was arrested in September in connection with the murder of the hip-hop icon. Suge was present during the 1996 shooting and questions the validity of the case against Davis. He also gives a side-eye to the widely held belief that Davis’s late nephew, Orlando Anderson, pulled the trigger. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzFM_u1rVrC/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again The fourth annual Essence Girls United (GU) Disruptor Summit, returns on November 11, 2023, in Atlanta, GA, the premier cultural & creative hub of the South and home to the largest consortium of HBCUs in the country. This year’s summit will be a safe space for young Black women, girls, and gender-expansive youth to come together and fellowship for a day filled with panels, networking, activations, and more. “The Era of Disruption” serves as this year’s theme, and an invitation to Zillenials to continue to use their voices to break the mold by utilizing their individual paths, ideas, and trends to celebrate all aspects of the Black experience. As the leading destination for young Black women, Essence Girls United, is bringing notable speakers, influencers creatives, and musical performers to the 2023 summit such as dynamic sister-duo Jordyn Woods and Jodie Woods, South African singer-songwriter Tyla, If Not for My Girls cast members BIA, Muni Long and Pretty Vee, alongside many more! This year’s GU Disruptor Summit will touch down in the ATL for a full day of conversations, workshops and on-site activities such as photo experiences throughout, the kick-off of GU Office Hours, speed mentoring sessions to get connected with key industry players, and the Soko Marketplace where attendees can shop & support a mix of Black-owned businesses. https://eurweb.com/2023/essence-girls-united-summit-enters-into-the-era-of-disruption-with-jordyn-jodie-woods-bia-muni-long-pretty-vee-intl-music-sensation-tyla-picvideos/ It was supposed to happen this past Summer, but as they say, the best plans can sometimes go astray. What we’re talking about is that The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) is letting everyone know that they’ve got a new date for its AAFCA TV Honors. The private, invitation-only event was postponed from August due to the Actors’ strike and will now be held on December 3rd at the Hotel Casa del Mar in Santa Monica, California. Presented by the African American Film Critics Association the AAFCA TV Honors recognize outstanding achievements in Broadcast Television and Streaming with a special emphasis on entertainment representing the Black diaspora. Previously announced winners include Quinta Brunson, the cast of “P-Valley,” Jessica Williams, Debbie Allen, Niecy Nash-Betts, “The 1619 Project” and many more. Special honorees include Jennifer Hudson, who will receive the We See You Award, Delroy Lindo, who will receive the Legacy Award, and five-time Emmy® nominee Marla Gibbs who will receive the Legend Award. The Apple TV+ show “Ted Lasso” will receive the Inclusion Award, and CBS’ “S.W.A.T.,” produced by Sony Pictures Television in association with CBS Studios, will receive the Impact Award. https://youtu.be/v0BkQBnJn7g Nicki Minaj appeared on Thursday’s episode of “The Run-Through with Vogue” podcast and admitted regret over having plastic surgery. “I guarantee you, if you change anything on your body and do anything surgical and all this, you’re going to — more than likely, not definitely, more than likely — look back one day and say, ‘I was fine just the way I was,’ ” Minaj explained during the broadcast, People reports. “And that’s what happened to me,” she said. “I could not believe even some of the photos that I didn’t love.” he hip-hop superstar admitted during the interview to being painfully insecure about her natural body before the breast and buttock augmentations. “I didn’t like the way I looked,” Minaj told podcast hosts Chioma Nnadi and Chloe Malle. https://youtu.be/WrN3Dx3EBVI Krispy Kreme is celebrating “World Kindness Day” on Monday by giving out an extra sweet promotion. But there’s a catch. The chain is giving away a box of a dozen glazed donuts for free with no purchase necessary. But only the first 500 guests that visit each participating Krispy Kreme store on Monday will be able to walk away with a free box of donuts. The promotion is taking place only in the United States. Krispy Kreme often gives away free or deeply discounted donuts to generate buzz on special occasions. Earlier this year, it gave free donuts to high school and college graduates. In July, a dozen of glazed donuts were sold for 86 cents to celebrate its 86th birthday. And it routinely gives out free donuts to all customers (not just the first 500) on National Donut Day. Promotions help to drive conversation around a brand and increase awareness. Free giveaways also can drive sales, because some customers who normally wouldn’t go to the store decide to make the trip and then make additional purchases, such as a cup of coffee. Limited-time deals and scarcity deals like the first-come-first-served donut box giveaway can drive even more interest. But they also can risk alienating customers who make the trip only to find that they’re all sold out. https://youtu.be/imqFK-YuRxc Keke Palmer caught Darius Jackson in 4K by submitting as evidence security footage of him abusing her to support her restraining order against Darius. “I am very concerned for Leo’s safety with Darius given his violent, volatile, and jealous nature, comments he has made which have caused me grave concern, and the lack of restraint Darius has already exhibited regarding his temper in front of our son,” reviewed and reported by Radar Online. “The abuse during our relationship was not just physical, but emotional and manipulative. Darius would “love bomb” me and make me feel like I was the most important woman in the world, only to get extremely distant and cold over a perceived insult to him,” reads Keke’s statement in the court documents. According to the “Nope” actress, Darius trespassed her home on November 5, 2023, before 11 am and barged into her bedroom demanding to see their son. When Darius stated he wanted to take their 8-month-old son, Ledois, to a football game, she disapproved. Darius became irate and screamed at her before he, “lunged at me, grabbing at my neck and face, knocked me backwards over the couch, stole my phone out of my hands, and then ran out of the house.” She also details another incident when Darius saw a bikini photo of her. “On the drive home, I was worried that we would get into an accident because of how angry he was. Darius spent the rest of the night yelling at me, not letting me sleep so he could keep yelling at me,” she said. “In the bedroom, he slammed me on the floor and slapped my head from side to side. The next morning, he was standing at the bottom of the stairs near the front door, screaming at me as I was coming down the stairs,” Keke said. “When I was almost at the bottom of the stairs, he grabbed me around the neck and body slammed me back onto the stairs.” A judge has approved her temporary restraining order. https://www.instagram.com/p/Czc2O9VAOfm/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c945298c-3d43-4cd5-8946-1bf7d0484699 Keke Palmer’s mother, Sharon Palmer, lit up on social media to speak out against Sarunas Jackson‘s tweets cryptically made to support his brother Darius. Sister Sharon said she knew of Darius‘ abuse of Keke and brought up the matter to Sarunas, who said: “I used to be like that too.” The “Insecure” actor immediately tried to clear his name in The Shaderoom comment section and posted, “Quote me: I NEVER ONCE SAID THAT to Sharon. NOT ONCE IN MY LIFE. I have NEVER been abusive to any of the women I ever been involved with. I’m not going to keep on with this circus. But Sharon, the world is about to hear YOUR VOICE. Very soon. And the threats you made to my family. Be well, everyone.. I know it’s easy to get caught up in this but make no mistake that all of this is VERY sad.” Amanda Seales, a former cast member of Sarunas from their hit show “Insecure” has spoken about her interaction with him, only replied to Sharon‘s video with an ellipsis, saying nothing but everything simultaneously. https://twitter.com/i/status/1722819393917235672 Fans were hit in the feels when Terrell Grice poured “affirmations, appreciation, and celebration” into LeToya Luckett and gave the songstress her flowers. One fan wrote on X, “This was the part that BROKE ME.. because she needed to hear this. You are MORE than just an original member of Destiny’s Child. https://www.instagram.com/p/Czd1n8RLCHM/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Chlöe Bailey dropped by the “Zach Sang Show” and confessed her past boo-thangs had cheated. She revealed the inspiration that led to the track “Cheat Back” with rapper Future on her debut solo album, In Pieces. “So, I got cheated on, right? I had COVID, I was all in my head… in my feelings. So, that’s why I was like [in the song], ‘I was never good enough for you, you said you didn’t believe in monogamy…’ all that stuff.” She continued: “It’s been a couple of times. You know, I feel like, no matter how bad of a b*tch you are, sometimes — n*ggas will cheat…“Any time I find out somebody cheats, I move on, and they don’t believe me. I’ll tell them in the beginning, I’m like… ‘You know, we’re imperfect humans, but [if] you cheat on me, I’m out.’ And they don’t believe me until their number’s blocked.” Chlöe said she uses “God + Instagram and Life” to discover if her partner is faithful. https://v16m-default.tiktokcdn-us.com/4e98d5d4e83df4048980089cf61c7aaa/654ee89d/video/tos/useast5/tos-useast5-ve-0068c001-tx/oEgza5UL5vAnBEJIc7PBZ3DnEi4dGiQI4Uvj2/?a=1988&ch=0&cr=3&dr=0&lr=tiktok_m&cd=0%7C0%7C1%7C3&cv=1&br=1020&bt=510&bti=NDU3ZjAwOg%3D%3D&cs=0&ds=3&ft=_G6uMBnZq8Zmo3W9LQ_vjntdsAhLrus&mime_type=video_mp4&qs=0&rc=ZzxoODc0NmRpZzo8NzlnOEBpanNma3A5cjZ3bzMzZzczNEA1Xy0vXjEyNS8xNi8vNTEvYSNwZWprMmQ0aTJgLS1kMS9zcw%3D%3D&l=2023111020351585A2BC4059A9570F2351&btag=e00008000 Tyler Perry stopped by “The View” this week to promote his upcoming documentary, “Maxine’s Baby.” This documentary is named after Perry’s mother, Maxine, who passed away in 2009 after a long illness. “Everything I did was about her. All the work was about her. I was never after money. It was always about making enough money to take care of her, to buy her medicine, to make sure we were never in poverty again,” Perry said in a recent interview with “CBS Mornings.” “No matter how much I had, it was never enough,” the filmmaker added. A camera crew followed Perry for ten years to make the documentary about his life and career journey, and he said he had no creative control. https://youtu.be/DjXlidHoPyU “Working on this film for the past decade has been a life-changing journey for the both of us. Getting intimately acquainted with the man behind the icon while witnessing the transformative impact of Mr. Perry’s work within various communities has been truly awe-inspiring,” said directors Gelila Bekele and Armani Ortiz in a joint statement. “We hope this film is more than a road to success story, but rather, a meditation on healing, unconditional love and an inspiration to audiences.” During his appearance on “The View,” co-host Sara Haines told Perry that through the film, she felt like she met Tyler’s mother, per Ice Cream Convos. Visibly emotional, Perry stated, “Wait a minute…Wow. You met my mother? You met my mother through it? Man, that’s…wow! Wow! Thank you. Oh, my God. Wow!” https://youtu.be/nN_2EG_jBkw Oprah Winfrey dropped her annual “Favorite Things” list with 112 products ranging from food to clothing and entertainment. “This year, lots of the terrific gifts come from small business owners — from family shops, best friends, dynamic duos, and local makers — so you’re not only discovering great gifts, but you are also supporting the people who stepped out on a dream to make them,” Winfrey shared in a release. Check out the list via the YouTube clip above, and you can view all of Oprah’s picks on the Oprah Daily site. Below are five items, all ranging under $100. https://youtu.be/_0Hd76BzN1o Today, singer, songwriter, and social media star Ariel Fitz-Patrick releases her new single– “God Love”-- to all streaming platforms. The song is her first to come from her new partnership with premier inspirational label Motown Gospel, which was announced earlier this year. This exciting drop builds on the viral momentum the Christian influencer’s song has gained recently on TikTok. "God Love" is available on all major digital streaming platforms. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PsBLkoTGLo China’s legislature has proposed changes to a law that if approved would allow authorities to fine and detain people who wear clothes that “hurt the nation’s feelings,” sparking new concerns over freedom of expression in the country. The National People’s Congress Standing Committee, which unveiled the proposal on its website earlier this month, is seeking to ban garments and symbols considered “detrimental to the spirit of the Chinese nation” – phrasing often used to denote patriotism or lack of. The wording of the draft amendment is reminiscent of language used by Beijing to rein in free speech at home or to hit back at perceived slights by foreign countries and businesses. It follows a series of clampdowns on personal style in recent years, including broadcast regulations aimed at banishing artists with “effeminate styles” from shows and an ongoing crackdown on tattoos. https://youtu.be/xZrYzG3fq7M If passed, the revised law would make it illegal to “wear or force others to wear” offending items in public places — though the draft document did not specify what type of garments might be outlawed. Transgressors could face detention of up to 15 days and fines of 5,000 yuan ($681). The draft amendment also targets speech, and would prohibit “producing, disseminating, publicizing, and disseminating articles or remarks” thought to damage China’s “spirit.” The rules are proposed amendments to the country’s Public Security Administration Punishment Law, which came into force in 2006. The existing measures already give police the power to detain suspects for weeks over a wide range of crimes, from vandalism to public order offenses. China’s rubber-stamp legislature said it will gather public feedback on the proposal throughout September. Online, some Chinese social media users expressed concern and called on others to oppose the draft. Several legal scholars have also questioned the implicit vagaries of the proposed amendment and the absence of specific guidelines. https://youtu.be/NyjfupDODdk “Who will confirm the spirit of the Chinese nation, and by what procedures?” wrote constitutional studies professor Tong Zhiwei, from East China University of Political Science and Law in Shanghai, on China’s Twitter-like platform Weibo. “If (the Standing Committee) passes this article according to the current draft, it will inevitably lead to law enforcement and the judiciary arresting and convicting people based on their leaders’ will, which will cause endless harm,” he warned. Criminal law professor Lao Dongyan, from Beijing’s Tsinghua University, meanwhile said the law could amount to an infringement of people’s rights. “State power directly interferes in the field of individual citizens’ daily clothing, which is obviously an overreaching intervention,” she wrote on Weibo. Lao also expressed concern that the amendment could fuel extreme nationalism and “may intensify antagonism with some countries, putting (our country in) a passive position diplomatically.” https://youtu.be/5nz2Jy1jU0g In the spirit of Thanksgiving, The Bobbi Kristina Serenity House, a non-profit Domestic Violence Safe Haven founded by Grammy award-winning R&B entertainer Bobby Brown and entrepreneur phenom Alicia Etheredge-Brown in 2015, has joined forces with Simply Wholesome to bless 100 families with a heartfelt holiday meal in honor of Bobby Brown Jr., on November 21st. This collaborative effort, “Feed the Family,” serves as a tribute to the memory of Bobby Jr. and aims to spread love and joy in the spirit of Thanksgiving. Bobby Brown Jr., the beloved son of the iconic R&B entertainer Bobby Brown, left an indelible mark on the world with his vibrant spirit and endless love for his family. In honor of Bobby Jr., The Bobbi Kristina Serenity House, established to provide support and refuge for survivors of domestic violence, is embracing the opportunity to give back to the community and make a positive impact. This year, the Brown family, including LaPrincia, Cassius, Bodhi, and Hendrix, have united their efforts to support the “Feed the Family” Thanksgiving event, underscoring their commitment to spreading love and compassion, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need. The California Faculty Association (CFA), the union representing faculty at California State University (CSU) schools has voted to authorize a strike if it cannot reach a deal with the 23-campus system’s administration. CFA represents approximately 29,000 professors, lecturers, coaches and other faculty across the state. “Cal State voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike, if necessary,” said Charles Toombs, a professor and former chairperson of Africana Studies at San Diego State University (SDSU) and the union’s president, during a virtual press conference Oct 30. “Members are emphatic that low pay, growing workloads, and systematic inequalities are not sustainable. The union pushed for 12% across-the-board increases this fiscal year, but CSU offered 12% over the next three years. When CFA refused to consider a multi-year offer, the CSU offered a one-year GSI of 5%. CFA then declared an impasse within 40 minutes of receiving this offer. Hollywood actors have reached a tentative agreement with the major film and television studios to end a strike, the actors union announced Wednesday. The strike had shut down production across the industry for nearly four months and raised existential questions over the future of the entertainment business. The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents the studios, had been negotiating with the union off and on throughout the year to reach a deal. “In a unanimous vote this afternoon, the SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical Committee approved a tentative agreement with the AMPTP bringing an end to the 118 day strike,” the actors union said in a Wednesday night announcement. The strike will officially end at midnight, the union said. The studios have not yet publicly acknowledged the resolution. https://youtu.be/MDlB_MtY9Pk Remember the Black co-captain in that infamous Montgomery Riverfront brawl last Summer who was seen being attacked by a group of white people? Well, in a shocking development, that man, Dameion Pickett, who was previously identified in court records as Damien Pickett, is now facing charges in connection to the incident. Even though anybody with eyes and a functioning brain saw Pickett being attacked by the white group, He’s somehow being charged with third-degree assault for his actions (defending himself) in the incident, according to a report from WSFA-TV. The altercation happened after Pickett approached the group to tell them to move their pontoon boat which was parked in the Harriott II’s parking space. The attackers, including Zachary Shipman, were seen punching and kicking Pickett. But now in a new complaint, Shipman alleges that he was simply defending himself during the brawl. Shipman also claimed he suffered a bruised cheekbone after Pickett (allegedly) punched him, which in our opinion, is why he’s bringing the bogus charge against the riverboat’s co-captain. Actually, Pickett did more than just approach the group about their illegally parked pontoon. He moved it so the riverboat could park and disembark its passengers. The chaos ensued after he did that. https://youtu.be/Irha-etL6Mw Viral videos clearly show the brawl began with Pickett, the co-captain of the Harriott II being attacked by Shipman. Then, two more white men joined in. Videos also showed Onlookers coming to Pickett’s defense. One of them was a teenager who became a meme when he swam across the river to help take on Pickett’s assailants. Arrest warrants were initially issued for 48-year-old Richard Roberts, 23-year-old Allen Todd, and 25-year-old Zachary Shipman — all white and of whom came from the private pontoon boat. Mary Todd, a white woman, and a black man, Reggie Ray, who used a folding chair a/k/a “Alabama Slamma” as a weapon in defense of Pickett, are also facing charges in connection to the brawl. Shipman, by the way, was charged with assaulting Pickett. He has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for trial later this month along with Todd and Ray. https://youtu.be/Efrr6_kgVuQ Actor Omar Dorsey jumped the broom with filmmaker Crystle Roberson. The newlyweds held their nuptials at Casa Del Mar. “Getting married means having a partner to navigate through life. Being with my best friend everyday, forever,” Omar said exclusively to People magazine before his wedding. “Being family. Taking care of one another. Hanging tight through the highs and eventual lows that will inevitably come. All the while knowing that we can get through anything together.” “Our wedding is a sacred dream come true,” he added. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzaEH1eRl62/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again The mother of 23-year-old Starquan Washington slammed his stepfather during the recent homegoing service for her son. Washington was fatally shot in October outside Barfield’s Bar and Grille in the Myrtle Beach area. The alleged gunman, Kvon Lawhorn, was the victim’s best friend, and he was arrested and charged in connection to the shooting. “Starquan was a forgiver, his heart was so pure. Always kept a smile on his face. Always,” Washington’s mother, Jamella Shontelle Washington, and his aunt, Cassandra Strothers said, WMBF-TV reports. In a clip Jamella shared on TikTik on Oct. 28, she called out her son’s stepfather and his family after they left Washington’s funeral,MadameNoire reports. https://youtu.be/2u85VXsx8co Yusef Salaam, one of the “Central Park Five” who was wrongly convicted and later exonerated for a 1989 attack on a white female jogger, will be a member of the New York City Council. Salaam won a Democratic primary earlier this year. USA Today reports that he emerged victorious in the election Tuesday without opposition. “I am really the ambassador for everyone’s pain,” Salaam told the Associated Press in an interview. We reported previously via CNN that Salaam was one of five teenagers accused of raping a jogger and pressured into giving false confessions. They were exonerated in 2002 when DNA evidence linked another person to the crime. The teenagers sued New York City and the case was later settled. In the wake of the crime in 1989, former President Donald Trump took out full-page newspaper ads that read: “Bring Back The Death Penalty. Bring Back Our Police!” https://youtu.be/6xky8LnbKYo Aurora police officer Nathan Woodyard was found not guilty by a Colorado jury Monday on all charges related to the death of Elijah McClain, an unarmed 23-year-old Black man who died after he was wrestled to the ground by police and injected with ketamine by paramedics in 2019. Woodyard had pleaded not guilty to charges of reckless manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide in connection with McClain’s death. The officer remains suspended from the department without pay, pending the outcome of the trial. The charges stem from the arrest of McClain on August 24, 2019, when officers responded to a call about a “suspicious person” wearing a ski mask, according to the indictment. The officers confronted McClain, a massage therapist, musician, and animal lover, who was walking home from a convenience store carrying a plastic bag with iced tea. In an interaction captured on body camera footage, police wrestled McClain to the ground and placed him in a carotid hold, and paramedics later injected him with the powerful sedative ketamine. He suffered cardiac arrest on the way to the hospital and was pronounced dead three days later. https://youtu.be/bdm8JTpXG_8 Former Arista executive Drew Dixon is taking legal action against Reid, claiming he assaulted her twice in the early 2000s. According to the lawsuit, Dixon alleges that whenever she “declined his advances, he retaliated against her professionally, causing her to miss out on signing or developing artists such as John Legend,” per Variety. Dixon is the same woman who accused Russell Simmons of raping her in 1995. She told the New York Times she is still evaluating her legal options regarding Simmons. “I have an opportunity now to seek some degree of accountability,” Dixon told the Times. “And that’s really what I’m trying to do.” Dixon’s lawsuit against Reid references several instances of his “sexualizing and harassing” behavior and details how he “retaliated against her by embarrassing her in front of others or otherwise being curt and unprofessional,” it states, according to Variety. Promotional and recording budgets were suddenly reduced dramatically or frozen altogether. Song demos and artist auditions were flatly rejected,” per the lawsuit. “It was very clear that I was being punished because I would not comply,” she told the Times. Variety reports that Dixon left Arista in 2002. Reid stepped down as chairman of Epic Records in 2017 after an assistant had accused him of sexual harassment. A West Oakland gas station was left an absolute mess after a wild burglary where thieves used a backhoe to tear into the storefront. The ampm gas station, off of 889 W Grand Ave., is the latest Oakland business targeted by smash-and-grab robbers. Workers said that a group of people used a backhoe to break into the store nearly killing one of them and stole money from their ATM machine. Brandon Barlow was born and raised in Oakland and goes to that gas station pretty often. “Oakland is doing way too much. It’s a problem out here, and it’s driving businesses away,” said Barlow. “This is stuff I haven’t seen since the 90s.” https://youtu.be/G4GKxKNSWxU He said hearing about a group of people using a backhoe to break the wall to steal cash from the ATM was disturbing. “It’s not shocking in Oakland,” said Barlow. “I have seen worse with the shootings, and all this materialistic stuff can be replaced. Lives can’t, so I rather see this than someone lying in the street.” According to Oakland Police the robbery happened on Monday at 2:15 a.m., and police found broken glass and the vehicle still partially through the front window. The burglars had left taking with them an unknown amount of cash from the ATM. The gas station is still currently open for business. https://youtu.be/EA5aBbzxD44 Missouri Democrat Cori Bush defended fellow ‘squad’ member, Democrat Rep. Rashida Tlaib, ahead of a House censure vote over the congresswoman’s anti-Israel rants. As Fox News reports, Bush accused her colleagues of targeting “Black and Brown people.” “It’s outrageous my colleagues are blatantly, blatantly attempting to silence the only Palestinian-American representative right here. It’s outrageous but it’s not surprising. Let me tell you, it’s not surprising because this place is where 1,700 members of Congress, this elected body, enslaved Black people,” Bush said. “It’s not surprising because they thought it was right. It’s not surprising because this is a place where members continue to claim the insurrection on the Capitol just appeared to look like a normal tourist visit,” she continued. https://youtu.be/XOQ1Jf2Wql0 The judge overseeing Young Thug’s historic gang and organized-crime-related trial in Atlanta ruled Thursday morning some of the rapper’s lyrics will be admissible in court. Fulton County Chief Superior Court Judge Ural Glanville held a hearing that began Wednesday and lasted throughout the evening on whether the lyrics could be used as evidence. Glanville ruled some of Young Thug’s lyrics can be used as evidence, but the judge said the lyrics are “conditionally” admitted. Defense attorneys have been arguing the rapper’s lyrics have nothing to do with his alleged crimes and that using the lyrics could sway the jury. Last week, Glanville was set to hear motions as to whether lyrics from hip-hop songs can be used against the rapper – real name Jeffery Williams – in his RICO trial. https://youtu.be/howpxkXLwcM But instead, Glanville and attorneys seated an actual jury, more than nine months since jury selection and screening began. “If you decide to admit your crimes over a beat, I’m going to use it,” Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has said. “I’m not targeting anyone. You do not get to commit crimes in my county, and then get to decide to brag on it, which you do for a form of intimidation and to further the gain and to not be held responsible.” “I believe in the First Amendment,” Willis has said. “It is one of our most precious rights. However, the First Amendment does not protect people from prosecutors using it as evidence if it is such. In this case, we put it as ‘overt, predicate act’ in the RICO count, because we believe that’s exactly what it is.” Williams is on trial in Fulton County in a massive RICO case involving himself and five other defendants. Prosecutors allege Williams and his co-defendants are members of the Young Slime Life (YSL) gang, while defense attorneys argue YSL is simply the name of a record label, Young Stoner Life. In 2022, Fulton County prosecutors included lyrics from the rapper, referencing drugs and violence, as evidence of an “overt act in furtherance of a (gang) conspiracy.” https://youtu.be/owvdOndYkv4 After yet another underwhelming performance on the Republican presidential primary debate stage by Tim Scott, eagle-eyed viewers wondered Wednesday night if the South Carolina senator – what with his low-polling campaign seemingly nearing the final nail in its unavoidable coffin – may have finally introduced his much-discussed alleged girlfriend. Scott, who during the third debate thought it was wise to tout his presidential plan for a national abortion ban less than 24 hours after voters in Ohio cast ballots to defeat such a proposition, was spotted with an unidentified woman following the event in Miami. The two of them smiled broadly while posing on the stage for photographers snapping away, as candidates typically do with their spouses after debates. As they left the stage, the woman appeared to reach for Scott’s hand. The speculation was instantaneous: Was this the “soft launch” of Scott revealing his girlfriend, a “lovely Christian” woman whose existence has already reached mythical status in mere months? Accompanied by a pair of emoji eyes, the Recount wondered whether the moment was the long-awaited “Tim Scott girlfriend reveal?”https://twitter.com/i/status/1722451250053071306 Donald Trump is a man-child. Worst, he’s a racist man-child. Trump has persistently run with a single narrative, one he has stretched from his election loss in 2020 all the way to the series of criminal and civil cases against him on the state and federal level. He’s only ever launched one defense: Everybody just hates Trump. Trump, the man-child, has used his platform exclusively to throw temper tantrums and cry about how everyone is picking on him and being big meanies. The man who is always on the attack and always bullying and leveling crass insults at his opponents is out here flooding the political playground with orangey-white baby tears while claiming every legal authority involved in every case against him is a bully trying to take his lunch money. On Monday, Trump testified in the civil fraud case brought against him by New York Attorney General Letitia James. In that case, Trump is alleged to have exaggerated the worth of his business and assets in order to secure loans and other financial benefits without revealing that he’s not actually balling like he says he is. During the hearing, he was repeatedly reprimanded by Judge Arthur Engoron “for waxing poetic about his business’s worth after being asked direct questions by prosecutors,” Mediaite reported. So, Trump did what he always does when things don’t go his way in a courtroom and took to his social media account to call judges and prosecutors corrupt and any Black official involved “racist” just because they’re Black, which easily demonstrates his own racism. More Black mayors have emerged as Election Day 2023 has come to an end. In High Point, North Carolina Cyril Jefferson defeated his opponent Victor Jones, becoming the city’s first Black male mayor, the youngest mayor, and only the second mayor of color in the city’s history. https://twitter.com/jefferson_cyril/status/1147325114356293632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1147325114356293632%7Ctwgr%5E5e5e064f270010cba08ce76429f97e0b48546331%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewsone.com%2Fplaylist%2Fnotable-black-mayors%2F According to WFMY, Jefferson received 1,000 more votes than Jones and will take the place of sitting Mayor Jay Wagner who declared he would not seek reelection. Before running for Mayor, Jefferson was a member of the High Point City Council, overseeing Ward 1 of the city. After his victory he addressed his supporters, expressing gratitude for his historical win. https://twitter.com/i/status/1722237540034367861 White people are terrified of becoming the minority. One writer shared an age-old theory with French origins known as the “Great Replacement Theory” (GRT), and how it’s been adopted by many here in the U.S. Read more about why White people are anxious about a new America. First, the Census projects that White folks will become a minority in America by 2045, so statistics prove that White people are, in fact, being replaced. With more interracial dating, marriages and cocreation, their bloodline is on the verge of being nonexistent. As the White population shrinks by percentage and number, the GRT becomes even more realistic for the American people. In the article published by Level, some White people are being bombarded with messages saying they are victims of reverse discrimination. Brown people are streaming across the U.S. Southern border and being handed voter registration cards, and affirmative action is depriving White and Asian students of opportunity. However, statistics show White women have historically been more favorable of these opportunities. The issue White people face today is that their privilege is dwindling. You can’t simply exist as a White person and survive in America. White people’s reality used to be that if you came from a well-off family and got an education, you had a reasonable expectation of success. You could surely inherit the family business or depend on nepotism and relationships to advance your career. Their only competition came from their peers as minorities were (read: are) systemically provided fewer opportunities, to which they now have more access. The article also cites certain moments throughout American history that made White people shiver with the fear of losing their beloved privilege in this country. A 14-year-old student from Fairfax, Virginia, Heman Bekele, has developed an innovative soap that holds promise in the potential treatment of skin cancer. He has named his creation “Skin Cancer Treating Soap” (SCTS), and he asserts that it can be produced for just $8.50, yielding 20 bars per batch. “People might not have the equipment or have the facilities to be able to treat this disease,” Heman told ABC News. “A bar of soap is just so simple, so affordable, so accessible in comparison to these modern new skin cancer treatments.” Heman, who immigrated to America with his family from Ethiopia, initiated this project during his 8th-grade year, driven by the understanding that skin cancer cells tend to weaken dendritic cells in the body, thereby hindering the immune response and allowing cancer to proliferate. SCTS, according to Heman, contains specific agents that may reactivate dendritic cells, potentially aiding in the elimination of cancer cells. https://youtu.be/7DeiffnsD30 Kim Kardashian is in hustle mode with a new line of Skims push-up bras that feature fake nipples. The new bra collection was announced last month via an Instagram video that featured Kardashian modeling her Ultimate Nipple Bra under a skintight seamless t-shirt, Sandra Rose reports. Under the post’s caption, the SKIMS founder described her latest product as, “The ultimate nipple bra. Perfect fullness with a built-in, faux nipple for shock factor.” “The Earth’s temperature is getting hotter and hotter, the sea levels are rising, the ice sheets are shrinking. And I’m not a scientist, but I do believe everyone can use their skill set to do their part. That’s why I’m introducing a brand-new bra with a built-in nipple,” Kardashian said in the Instagram video. “So, no matter how hot it is, you’ll always look cold. Some days are hard, but these nipples are harder. And unlike the icebergs, these aren’t going anywhere.” Those who celebrated Halloween (Oct. 31) were able to score the Ultimate Nipple Bra for the holiday, as it was on sale for $62 on the SKIMS website. Ten percent of sales from the bra will be donated by SKIMS to the 1% for the Planet organization, a global network that works with businesses and environmental organizations to help people and the planet, Sandra Rose noted. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy6H6RGR4aK/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Gearing up for the release of “Time for Change,” the infectious, insightful, and timely debut single from Classic Twist – the fresh, grooving, and innovative, multi-genre musical project, renowned R&B/jazz singer/songwriter Gene-O played the track for some industry movers and shakers in their home base of Southern California. Their response was auspicious – it reminded them of a modern version of “We Are the World.” If ever the planet needed a hopeful and uplifting new anthem to inspire us to look past our differences and come together in a spirit of love, the time is now. https://youtu.be/1gl-PCo815M Cal Green's former bandmate and music producer Joey Jefferson of The Joey Jefferson Band, spoke so enthusiastically of his latest recording project. Reading the liner notes, Cal’s history goes all the way back to his native Texas roots where he began playing guitar with the famous Hank Ballard & The Midnighters. As I continued to read the list of others he toured and played with like Jack McDuff, Lou Rawls, Ray Charles, Esther Phillips, and many others – I got to the part where Joey, with the sentiment, wrote that Cal “was gone.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6I_OCK6hls Kel Mitchell from “Kenan & Kel” and “Good Burger” had a health emergency and was admitted to a Los Angeles hospital on Tuesday night. A witness reports that the actor “appeared to be conscious and alert when he arrived,” according to TMZ. The cause of his hospitalization is still unknown as of Wednesday, and his reps have not issued an official statement. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzZ6oqoRnJj/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=258a0a6e-a4d6-4e73-9647-d1c52070c361 Remy Ma jumped on IG live, and fans immediately had some intrusive questions to ask the Terror Squad member, inquiring if she was preggers. Remy immediately shut it down and lifted her hoodie to show her flat “surgery stomach fresh.” Fans also peeped Papoose in the background and wondered if the couple were still together despite the Remy Ma cheating rumors. Dang, y’all are all in these people’s business (shakes head even though we watched the video several times trying to determine if they were, in fact, still together but didn’t ask any questions because we like to remain “judgey” of other people’s social media interrogation tactics while maintaining our personal investigation), anywho despite the alleged hiccup everything between the two seems to be kosher. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzXpT4NOZOV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Time to send a Shout out to SZA wishing her a happy 34th birthday! https://www.instagram.com/p/CxHG7jUOJ0U/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=4cf07ed4-d45c-4ce5-9ad7-601684936fea Kevin Hart recalls a moment when he was held up at gunpoint with his mother while leaving the laundromat. He tells how a solid ‘G’ his mother was as she stood up to the would-be robber who had the audacity to call her a broke b-tch when he couldn’t abscond with her ducats. “Imagine robbing somebody, and calling them broke cus they ain’t got no money. That is wild lol. ??????,” remarked one person. Another fan provided some location context for the setting of Kevin’s story, https://youtu.be/g3aF1mqRDys Damar Hamlin returned to Paycor Stadium over the weekend for the first time since he suffered a cardiac arrest at the facility earlier this year. The 25-year-old safety had a medical emergency in January after a routine tackle caused him to have a heart attack on the field during the Week 17 Monday Night Football game. Hamlin’s recovery became a national story, leading to his return to football this summer. At the time, he described his comeback as “super fun.” “It was a great experience. Just another milestone and a step up just getting back to myself as far as in the football space and in the NFL,” Hamlin told reporters during a post-game press conference in April, Yahoo reported. “I love this, like, I want to be here. I want to play, I want to do good. I want to be one of the greats,” he shared. “I want to be remembered as somebody who, you know, stood for something and who made a difference when I was out there on the field.” Hamlin’s Paycor Stadium return occurred when the Buffalo Bills played the Cincinnati Bengals. The NFL star didn’t play in the game but he made time to stand in the exact spot of his cardiac arrest. Watch the powerful and emotional moment via the Twitter clip. https://twitter.com/i/status/1721398209983963617 Nia DaCosta is the first Black woman to helm a project for the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the upcoming “The Marvels,” starring Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, Iman Vellani, and Samuel L. Jackson. The hotly anticipated title is loosely a sequel to 2019’s “Captain Marvel,” which surpassed $1.1 billion worldwide. DaCosta, 33, is also making history as the youngest filmmaker to helm an MCU release. Looper reports that she recently addressed criticism for leaving “The Marvels” in post-production before the project officially wrapped. DaCosta said her early departure was because the film’s release date kept getting pushed back, causing scheduling conflicts with other commitments. “[Marvel] knew the entire time that I had an obligation — a green-lit movie with people who were waiting for me,” she explained, per Looper. “I pushed that and then I pushed it again and then I pushed it again. Eventually, we all knew that if [‘The Marvels’] pushes again, I’m not going to be in LA to do the rest of this in person.” https://youtu.be/uwmDH12MAA4 Lesa Milan executed some top-tier shade when asked, “In The Reading Room,” at BravoCon which housewives are more likely to have fake designer duds in their closet? Lesa named Shereé Whitfield, causing the reality star to hop out of her seat and hobble over to Lesa with her injured toe to confront her for the dig. Fans were on the fence with Lesa airing out Shereé; one posted, “Even though she ate that comment up I would have said one of the white women never a fellow sistah!!! bc no shade… they be the ones with knock offs even when they have money!!!!!” However, one fan had to remind others that Shereé is also guilty of tearing down other Black women, “All this black empowerment in these comments and sheree degrades black women every episode of rhoa.” One person concluded that these games are nonsensical.“ https://youtu.be/ZOOBZ7PNlNM Kel Mitchell released a statement on his IG grid following his hospitalization at an LA hospital. ” https://www.instagram.com/p/CzadiEorjzR/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c0565d02-4746-4ac4-b7f7-9744961dde7f DJ Khaled, Khaled Mohammed Khaled, revealed he doesn’t have an accountant or business manager; instead, he prefers relying on himself to manage his coins. One fan agreed with Khaled’s financial approach, “???????? From my Business Professor many years ago ” You will need an ACCOUNTANT to watch the ACCOUNTANT, LAWYER to watch the LAWYER, a MANAGER to watch the MANAGER. Learn how to do it yourself.” Professor ain’t lying! During the sit down with Shannon Sharpe, Khaled dropped some barz which everyone should consider when it comes to money, “No way I’m giving someone the power to touch the hard work https://www.instagram.com/p/CzZoYDaL5zi/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again BET+ has released the trailer for season two of Carl Weber’s “The Black Hamptons,” which returns in December. Per the press release, the series is based on a novel by Weber and “highlights the glitz and gloss of the Black elite, while following the lives of the Brittons and the Johnsons and exposing the secrets of wealth and prestige. With a mix of legacy families, their friends, wannabes, and thirsty developers, the drama in Sag Harbor is never too far behind.” Lamman Rucker, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Elise Neal, Brian White, KaRon Riley, Mike Merrill, Angela ‘Blac Chyna’ White, Aaron Spears, Daya Vaidya, Cameo Sherrell, and Jennifer Freeman reprise their roles from season one. Here’s the official series description: “A family drama set in the quaint town of Sag Harbor, known as “The Black Hamptons,” follows the lives of the Brittons and the Johnsons where the difference between old money and new money is very apparent.”https://youtu.be/KR-fEBeoels Cardi B and Patti LaBelle have teamed up for the holiday season to promote Patti’s Good Life pies and the rapper’s Whipshots alcoholic whipped cream. “I’ve been her mother in my mind for a long time because she’s just all that and a bag of chips. And I’m all that and a bag of chips,” LaBelle said of Cardi in a new interview with People. Cardi B admitted to being star-struck to meet the R&B legend. “I feel like I’m not worthy; I just feel so shook!” the hip-hop star shared. “I’m super starstruck. I’m on my best behavior.” “Oh, don’t be on your best behavior with me because I’m really bad,” LaBelle joked, to which Cardi replied, “Miss Patti, I will be doing splits on these tables.” “You gotta trust me on this one,” Cardi B added. LaBelle’s Good Life Pies are available at Walmart, while Cardi B’s Whipshots can be found where most alcohol is sold. https://www.instagram.com/p/Czbt1wRus2t/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again The battle for control of the Virginia Legislature goes to the Democrat's, the first round of returns from Tuesday’s off-year elections delivered one clear message: abortion rights are popular, no matter when or where they are on the ballot. Voters in Ohio decisively said they wanted a constitutionally protected right to choose with the passage of a ballot measure doing just that – only a few months after they rejected another measure that would have made it harder for them to shield abortion rights. In Kentucky, the Democratic governor defeated his Republican challenger, Daniel Cameron, the state attorney general with close ties to former President Donald Trump and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, after a campaign in which abortion became a flashpoint. A victory in the Virginia state Senate would cap off a hat trick of invigorating results for Democrats, who have endured a dispiriting week with multiple polls, including a new one from CNN, showing President Joe Biden could face an uphill fight against Trump in case of a 2020 rematch in 2024. With votes still being counted, below are a few early election night takeaways on a strong night for Democrats. https://youtu.be/kVRbdeX2ob0 Government will look a little more like the governed after Tuesday night’s results are all in. To start, Democrat Gabe Amo is the projected winner of Rhode Island’s special congressional election. He will be the first Black person to represent the state in Congress. And in Philadelphia, former city councilmember Cherelle Parker will become the first woman to lead the City of Brotherly Love. She’ll be the city’s fourth Black mayor – and the 100th in its long history. https://youtu.be/Ty5M4RFi32o The Hennepin County Medical Examiner who conducted the autopsy on George Floyd listed his death as a homicide and determined that the cause was “cardiopulmonary arrest complicating law enforcement subdual, restraint, and neck compression.” But recent social media posts have falsely claimed that new court documents show Floyd died of a drug overdose, USA Today reports. Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, died in Minneapolis in May 2020 after a white police officer, Derek Chauvin, pinned his knee against Floyd’s neck for nearly ten minutes. Floyd’s death sparked global racial justice demonstrations. Chauvin was ultimately convicted of second-degree murder. During Chauvin’s 2021 trial, Hennepin County Medical Examiner Dr. Andrew Baker testified that Floyd’s heart disease and drug use were “contributing causes” but “not direct causes” of his death, per Politifact. “I would still classify it as a homicide today,” he said. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ey8Xpo9UYAETvnC?format=jpg&name=small Serial squatter Elizabeth Hirschhorn has finally moved out of a Brentwood rental property after a lengthy legal battle with the homeowner.We reported previously that Hirschhorn lived in Sascha Jovanovic’s mansion for 570 days rent-free and was demanding 100K in compensation to vacate the property. According to the Los Angeles Times, the woman rented the guest house more than two years ago via Airbnb and was meant to stay six months but refused to month out when the term ended. Jovanovic, a renowned dentist, initially agreed to a long-term lease outside the app but was forced to take legal action when she refused to move out. A Los Angeles judge said he had no right to remove the squatter because the guesthouse was not registered and had no certificate of occupancy. Per the Express, Jovanovic “had a shower built without a permit, meaning it’s not a legal rental and Hirschhorn should not have been charged rent from the beginning, according to the lawsuit,” the outlet writes. https://youtu.be/temvAzIiIL0 Check out an exclusive clip of this week’s episode of ALLBLK’s popular dramedy, “À La Carte” from Executive Producer Meagan Good. The new episode airs Thursday, Nov. 9th, and in our preview, Shyra wants to invite her mother to her graduation, but the conversation goes left. Watch the moment via the YouTube clip above. Season two of “À La Carte” kicked off September 14 and explores who Misha, Reign, and Shyra are as friends to each other without the friend that brought them all together, Mahogany, according to the synopsis. “Her absence will serve as a catalyst for comedy and drama within this new friend dynamic. In our mid-20’s, relationships of convenience are fickle, and in L.A. especially, they are not easy to sustain,” the synopsis continues. “The mistakes they make will bring them closer in some ways and push them further apart in others. This season, the cast will continue their independent and collective journey discovering and unraveling who they are through the lens of comedy, love, sex, fire, and trial & error.” https://youtu.be/e9psACpi6lA Tara Thomas is solidified as an industry insider, talent broker, and influencer. Her bottom line: She handles the business of hip-hop stars. Tara has worked closely with a roster of entertainment icons and emerging artists that include Teddy Riley, New Edition, DMX, King Harris, Diamond Atl, Roi Chip Anthony, and more. As the demand for her time and talent increased, she formed the Tara Thomas Agency, a full-fledged agency that serves as manager, publicist, producer, event coordinator, and content creator. When the New Edition Legacy Tour was announced, Tara Thomas was charged with manning the public relations. When Freaknik 2019 (aka Funk Fest ATL) came to fruition, there was one woman who was called upon to handle the mammoth PR logistics. https://youtu.be/RXymATwkgto Old school rapper Nikki D is speaking out about what she has coined the “prostitution era of rap.” “When I call it the prostitution era, it’s simply what I saw with the [Ice Spice] performance, right?” Nikki said in an interview with All Hip Hop. She is referring to Ice Spice dressing as the iconic cartoon character Betty Boop. The rapper sported a black bob and a risqué red dress that exposed her bootyliciousness throughout her performance at Power 105.1’s on Oct. 28 in Newark, NJ (see the clip below). However, many hip-hop fans were not impressed. As Vibe reports, Nikki D previously commented, “Oh come TF on!!! You mean to tell me, this is true talent.. the Female genre of hip hop today is the ‘prostitution era’, fight me!!,” she wrote on social media. Another critic wrote on Instagram, “Are you selling your music or a** cause I’m confused.” https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy961-1rFik/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Cher’s relationship with her boyfriend Alexander “AE” Edwards has seen its share of ups and downs, yet it still lasts. Even if references from the “Believe” singer go over his head. The 77-year-old icon’s comments come after she reunited with Edwards in September after some time apart in May, Love B Scott noted. The on-again, off-again duo looked to be solid as Cher gushed about dating her 37-year-old beau, saying, “I hate to talk about how happy I am, but no, we have a great time together.” “We can talk music. We can talk about everything. He’s got a great sense of humor, he’s got the cutest son in the world, ever … We just get each other,” she said about the guy she calls “a beautiful man.” “Alexander’s got diamond teeth, tattoos, white hair, and he’s way younger. He’s a beautiful man,” Cher told People, adding that she’s “not surprised” that her relationship with the much younger Def Jam Records vice president of A&R has gotten so much attention. “Also, I think it’s fun to be interested in somebody else’s love life,” she added. https://youtu.be/SB7h7_XX534 Page Six notes Cher and Edwards, a model and music producer, confirmed their on-again status upon their return to Paris Fashion Week this year. It was at this event the pair discovered their strong connection after meeting “for about 15 minutes” in the fall of 2022. A mutual friend of the pair had given Edwards Cher’s phone number. The singer was surprised at the “really shocking” action “because people just don’t give out my number.” “I had been telling all my friends, ‘We’re too old to go out with really younger men, and I will never fall in love on text.’ So I did what I said not to do!,” Cher said. “If you have happiness, you can’t think about how long it’s going to last. You have to think about ‘How does it feel?’ and live in the moment.” Fans can expect a treat on Cher’s first-ever holiday album, “Christmas,” with Edwards on board to collaborate with the “Strong Enough” vocalist. At this point in her life, Cher “just wants to be happy” amid the reconciliation, a source told Page Six. If media sources are to be believed, that happiness includes a lot of sex. Confiding to Radar Online, insiders reveal Cher is wearing Edwards out with her untamed sexual appetite, according to Sandra Rose. https://youtu.be/dZFDYH4FGJw Issa Rae and Syreeta Singleton chopped it up with “ET” about the new season of their hit series, “Rap Sh!t,” which premieres on Max this Thursday (Nov. 9).“Rap Sh*t,” co-created by City Girls hip-hop duo Yung Miami and JT, is a half-hour comedy that follows two estranged high school friends from Miami who reunite to form a rap group, Deadline reports. “I think this is just such a unique time in hip-hop, especially when it comes to female rappers, because there’s such an abundance, and it doesn’t feel like they’re all in competition with each other,” Rae previously said about the series to Harper’s Bazaar. “I’m a child of the ’90s, and there used to always be a tendency to put two women against one another. It feels like we’re in an era where there’s such a supportive environment now because of that abundance. All of that, combined with just my own story of coming up, became the next story that I wanted to tell.” Singleton told ET, “It’s really exciting and it’s encouraging ’cause it’s always just us talking about it over and over, you know? So, sometimes it’s a surprise when people are like, ‘I love that show!’ and I’m like, ‘Oh my God, you do?’” she explained. “Because I know we’ve cried over it and we, like, fought over it, we bled, you know what I mean? And so for it to resonate with people, it feels so good. It makes it feel meaningful.” Rae added, “In the first season, they were kind of dipping their toe in, they were aspiring. And in this season, they are fully in it, and they jumped into it really quickly and compromised a lot to get there.” https://youtu.be/jhwQrYVwt94 Check out an exclusive clip from WE tv’s newest reality series, “Keke Wyatt’s World,” which airs Thursday. “The six, one-hour episodes follow R&B artist, Keke Wyatt, as she navigates her demanding singing career along with being a wife, daughter, diva, friend, and mother to 11 children,” per the press release. “Having been in the music game for over a decade, Keke is ready to take her career in a new direction with her first new album in over six years while exploring challenges in love and as a mother. With a new baby added to her brood, Keke finds this new path far more difficult than ever before, unable to manage her way to superstardom the way her team would like,” the series synopsis continues. “As the pressures mount, she fights to keep it all from unraveling with the help of husband, Zackariah, a stay-at-home dad who manages the house; her mother, Lorna, who is her rock but also stirs up trouble in the family; and manager and BFF, Andrae, who struggles to keep her on track. Can Keke continue to balance motherhood and family life with the demands of her career and her fans?” https://youtu.be/N7k2344NoRY American company Pizza Hut has teamed up with a century-old Hong Kong restaurant to put a modern spin on a traditional dish, or more simply, snake on a pizza. The new offering combines shredded snake meat, black mushrooms and Chinese dried ham – all indispensable ingredients of an authentic snake stew and part of the Hong Kong franchise’s marketing plot to generate buzz online. Some diners in Hong Kong and around southern China have long enjoyed snake stew, especially during the colder months. According to a saying in the local Cantonese dialect, the best time to eat snake is “when the autumn wind begins to blow” – when they’ve fattened up to prepare for hibernation. Many believe that snake meat has medicinal properties, improving skin conditions and warming up the body. https://youtu.be/ED5MmwwaL80 JUST EATS WITH CHEF JJ returns to CLEO TV tonight, November 8 at 9 P.M. ET/8C. Tonight, JJ hits the kitchen with one of the food world's best and brightest Paola Velez. The duo whip up oxtails rice and beans. Then, Paola give JJ a lesson on how to make the perfect black and white cookie. CLEO TV's NEW SOUL KITCHEN REMIX is back ?tonight, November 8 at 9:30 P.M. EST/8:30C on CLEO TV. Chef Jernard Wells is back with the remix, as he serves up international cuisine in the series' condensed, 30-minute format. Tonight is all about a satisfying meal, and Chef Jernard delivers! Enjoy a perfectly seasoned skirt steak topped with creamy onion gravy. This dish is exactly what you want for an incredible dining experience. From quick ideas for a weeknight meal, to beauty tips that will get you out the door in a flash. Tia Mowry’s practical solutions and infectious personality inspire and inform audiences each week with her love for food, fashion, DIY/home, parenting & more! Catch the new episode this Thursday, November 9 at 9:00/8:00C. CHEF JJ VISITS 93.5 K DAY IN LOS ANGELES https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sg6upxXj1Ho The season finale of Sins Of The City will air on Monday, November 13 at 10 PM ET. In 2023, tensions in Memphis exploded when 29-year-old Tyre Nichols died, allegedly at the hands of a rogue unit within the Memphis PD. Activists took to the streets, igniting a furious backlash to a problem that has plagued the city for centuries. The five police officers involved, all of whom are also Black, were fired and later charged with various state felonies, including second-degree murder. In September, the Justice Department announced that a grand jury had indicted the five men on federal civil rights, conspiracy and obstruction offenses. As this tragic story rises to the surface again with the accused officers retracing their pleas, you won't want to miss this introspective look of this unnerving case this Monday, November 13 at 10 PM ET. https://vimeo.com/882536728/8a3a5856b4?share=copy Fans of actor Richard T. Jones are reportedly shocked that he and his wife of over two decades are no longer together. According to SandraRose.com, fans of the “Why Did I Get Married?” star accused him of cheating on his wife, Nancy Jones. The pair tied the knot in 1996 and share two adult daughters and two young sons. The couple reportedly separated about two years ago and Jones quietly remarried a woman named Kristy. Jones has been sharing photos of his new wife on his social media pages. In one Instagram post, he wrote: “Kristy Jones blesses my heart daily y’all. Love me some her !!!” Jones captioned a separate post: “I love my beautiful wife. Thanks for loving me Kris. You’re my heart.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CyzT_7ypKTp/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=008b2ec6-32aa-4d8f-8d73-d31fd1c5bf1f Rumor has it the reality star Kim Kardashian and NFL player Odell Beckham Jr. are allegedly dating. The temperature on social media concerning this supposed coupling was met with unenthused responses and people taking potshots at Odell. “So no one’s going to ask about the woman he just had a baby with?” one nosey Nancy inquired. One person threw in a crude remark, “Another body added to the list.” Someone else added, “If this is true, it’s only for Odell because he seeks attention !!!!!!” Other comments speculated that Kim K got jealous with all the publicity Taylor Swift was getting and decided linking up with Odell would cause some controversy, “she’s seen Taylor’s NFL publicity snf thought “That’s a bit of me” said one person. Another fan concluded. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F-W8qdMXgAA6Etg?format=jpg&name=360x360 Royce Reed explains how the “Basketball Wives” reality show created a false narrative about her. She sat down with Carlos King and explained how her manufactured image affected her family, how Shaunie O’Neal betrayed her trust, and how fickle the cast members were during her run on the show. https://twitter.com/JaysRealityBlog/status/1721944469518303643?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1722023901272650029%7Ctwgr%5Ee2fd9b2c2a5191a0423a23e51036d627e73a1995%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2023%2Fkim-kardashian-adds-to-her-list-allegedly-dating-odell-beckham-jr-timbaland-issues-apology-to-britney-spears-more-picvideos%2F Timbaland hopped on his TikTok live to give his ‘my bad’ for his statements about Britney Spears. During the short clip, he expressed such affairs regarding Britney confessing to aborting Justin Timberlake‘s child should be kept private but then backpedaled after he considered Britney‘s right to express her feelings. One person stated, “she don’t need to put a muzzle on sh**. her ppl kept her quiet & put up for so long that she literally went crazy! keeping sh** in does that to you. let that girl talk her sh** & speak her truth hell! go on Britney, we’re listening ????.” The apology fell flat for another social media user who reminded Timbaland of his creepy older man tendencies, “I expected nothing less from a man that publicly admitted to fighting his urge for wanting to get with an underage Aaliyah because he was in love with her when she was 16 and he was in his mid-twenties.” and this poster added, “SPEAK ON IT???? And let’s not forget he only married his now wife. Bc she favored Aaliyah.” Timbaland, they are not finished with you yet; they’re gonna R. Kelly you with the quickness, lay low. We can feel a documentary about Aaliyah coming soon, exposing all the men who lusted after her when she was a minor. https://twitter.com/i/status/1722071366147452936 Page Six caught up with Kandi Burruss at Bravo Con, and she came to Justin Timberlake‘s defense over accusations he used a ‘blaccent’ to appear ‘down’ with Black people in the entertainment industry, as Britney Spears writes in her memoir. Kandi, who has worked with Justin and his pop group NSYNC, said during the boy band era, they were all doing urban pop music, and no one at the time thought cultural appropriation was wrong. “I thought it was funny…I don’t want anybody to, like, [put] down Justin because you’ve got to remember the times that we were going through at the time. That era of pop and R&B, it was a lot of boy bands that did, like, urban music, urban routines and dancing, the whole image. That was in at the time, and nobody was passing judgment.” She added: “Right now I feel like everything we used to do back in the day people are getting canceled for now…at that time nobody knew it was like a problem.” Not everyone is convinced with Kandi‘s reasoning, “Trying to “act black” was never in – it was okay with timberland because Justin was his cash cow and made him money producing for him and there missing the point of what Britney was tying to convey. She was saying overall that Justin is never accountable for the stuff he does and is often protected or made to “look” like the good guy.” Another person cynically added, “Nah….. it was a problem then. Y’all just wanted that paper.” Many Black people are capitalists and will do what it takes to protect their interests. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzXEN_mBa4J/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Laurent Bourgeois, one-half of Beyoncé’s French dance duo Les Twins, responded to rumors that he fathered 37 children. As Distractify reports, a woman with the handle Lil_Curvy_ on TikTok shared a wild story about how Laurent and his brother Larry sleep with multiple women with the goal of fathering female twins. They are accused of exchanging girls and abandoning the women and the children born from these hookups. In the original post, a seemingly jilted lover wrote in French (which was translated): “This person with a profile wears out women, even if it means accumulating several relationships a day by promising and acting the same way with everyone in order to find a woman who will offer him twins.” https://v16m-default.tiktokcdn-us.com/bb3912ca119e61c7daecf3d2e0cb8ced/654c45a1/video/tos/useast5/tos-useast5-pve-0068-tx/oUi3wHKypAtJBiZQi2GBdIPApcIfEyTpCvHwIB/?a=1988&ch=0&cr=3&dr=0&lr=tiktok_m&cd=0%7C0%7C1%7C3&cv=1&br=612&bt=306&bti=NDU3ZjAwOg%3D%3D&cs=0&ds=3&ft=_G6uMBnZq8Zmo-J5vQ_vjf7dsAhLrus&mime_type=video_mp4&qs=0&rc=Ojg1ZmVkZWc2ZGdpOzk6OUBpajVma3A5cmY2bzMzZzczNEAxY2FfNWA1XzQxMzY1NWE0YSMwZ2ZrMmRzazFgLS1kMS9zcw%3D%3D&l=202311082032529A4949831931DB655706&btag=e00018000 According to Distractify, the post continued, “His family and his entourage are accomplices of these actions. You should know that he already has 37 children to his credit, whom he has totally abandoned.” The outlet also notes that in OP’s story (via @nosybystanders), she claims the twins share the same women because they want to have twin girls. https://v16m-default.tiktokcdn-us.com/1e2ae1f4fece4d68eaa30479c9ab80e4/654c458c/video/tos/useast5/tos-useast5-pve-0068-tx/ogHiNQEU4ggzsXAiBJIUIEAmP5Pr4CiQF6BiZ/?a=1988&ch=0&cr=3&dr=0&lr=tiktok_m&cd=0%7C0%7C1%7C3&cv=1&br=1346&bt=673&bti=NDU3ZjAwOg%3D%3D&cs=0&ds=3&ft=_G6uMBnZq8Zmo-J5vQ_vje3GsAhLrus&mime_type=video_mp4&qs=0&rc=ZTpoM2lpNTZkMzs2NDM8OUBpM3Jwb3Q5cjVkbzMzZzczNEAwMF8vXl9eNjExNGMuMjIzYSNnLm0vMmQ0bDFgLS1kMS9zcw%3D%3D&l=2023110820325293F46D4689FCF4624932&btag=e00018000 Lori Harvey and Damson Idris issued a joint statement Tuesday confirming they have pulled the plug on their relationship. In the statement, Harvey and Idris said, “We are at a point in our lives where our individual paths require our full attention and dedication. We part ways remaining friends with nothing but love and respect for each other and the time we shared together.” Lori recently deleted all photos of Damson from her Instagram account, prompting fans to speculate the pair broke up. Idris disabled his Instagram completely, according to RapUp. The outlet also reported that fans online noted how Harvey attended Kendall Jenner’s Halloween party alone, fueling rumors that the two are no longer dating. The Shade Room reported that Harvey and Idris attended Odell Beckham Jr.’s birthday party in NYC on Sunday night. They arrived separately and left the same way, according to the outlet. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzXw22dLJ08/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=49c0698f-7f1c-4ff4-996d-8e6691fca5e7 Sonja Norwood, the mother of Ray J and Brandy shared an update with fans following a health scare that required her to be hospitalized. According to The Jasmine Brand, Norwood received an at-home vitamin IV drip a few weeks ago that caused a bad reaction. She was rushed to the hospital and ultimately deemed “okay” and released. The longtime music manager took to Facebook on Nov. 6 to address the situation, writing in part: “I don’t usually address stories about myself, but I was quite surprised to wake up to a call from a long-time friend/publicist asking, “Sonja, are you in the hospital, and are you okay?” “What? Where is that coming from,” I asked. There was a TMZ story that I was not aware of. She sent the link, and when I looked at it, I frowned and said, “That was weeks ago.” and “They could have gotten my age right.” Then the floodgates of concerns just took over my phone.” Norwood continued, “Thank God I am not in the hospital. I’m doing great! I did have a negative reaction to an IV VITAMIN Therapy WEEKS AGO! It was not a big deal. I went to the hospital and got a big Grade A on my medical reports…That is about it! Nothing more or less! You guys are the best! Don’t be mad with TMZ.” According to reports, Norwood’s at-home IV drip was reportedly a mix of C and B vitamins, calcium, and magnesium — and caused her to feel light-headed. https://eurweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/norwood-screenshot.png Meanwhile, Brandy has released a new holiday single titled “Christmas Party for Two.” The track appears on her first holiday album, “Christmas with Brandy,” due November 10 via Motown Records. As we reported previously, the project features classic holiday covers and original material and marks Brandy’s first album since 2020’s critically acclaimed “B7.” “Christmas with Brandy” includes the songs “Someday At Christmas,” originally sung by Stevie Wonder, “Jingle Bells,” “Deck the Halls,” and “Christmas Gift,” featuring vocals by Brandy’s daughter Sy’Rai. https://youtu.be/kZcjCyZnMgA An 88-year-old Andover woman has been climbing several flights of stairs to bring her daughter to cancer treatment. This is happening because the elevator inside her Main Street apartment complex has been broken for two months. “I moved in here 25 years ago,” said Elaine Goodman. “It has been difficult because nothing has been done with the building when we have a problem.” Elaine’s daughter Laura was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of cancer. There are only four reported cases in the world. Several times a month Elaine goes with her to the treatment. It is getting hard for Elaine to make the trek up and down the stairs. “Even for me to walk up and down these stairs was tough. I know she wants to be there for my appointments, so I am not going to say don’t go,” explained Laura Goodman. “I feel like she is a prisoner stuck in her apartment.” https://youtu.be/uZNcU1lbAzs “I really try to use the stairs just once a day,” said Elaine. “I usually can go down the stairs, but going up the stairs is very difficult. I have to do one step at a time.” Gold Management Property was hired to manage the property in November of 2022. Elaine has seen several management companies during her time living there, but she says the old management was more responsive when the elevator broke down. “In the past, usually two weeks and it’s fixed. This has been two months,” said Elaine. The Goodmans reached out to the Gold Property Management group looking for answers. The Goodmans showed WBZ a long email chain of reasons and excuses for the delays. We reached out to Gold Property Management, but the Board of Trustees for the building has asked them not to comment. The Board may issue a statement in the future. https://youtu.be/mqD3MfOGChc The special screening of the second season of the BET+ original music/drama “Kingdom Business” presented by BET+ and Motown Gospel celebrate its highly anticipated return with the second season that sees Kirk Franklin back overseeing the music, along with Warryn Campbell and Marcus Carter. https://youtu.be/fdiTZx6wjlk The series stars Yolanda Adams, Michael Jai White, Louis Gossett, Jr., Michael Beach, Serayah McNeill, La’Myia Good, Chaundre A. Hall-Broomfield, and Tamar Braxton. The 2nd season will have appearances by Michelle Williams, Erica Campbell, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Israel Houghton, David and Tamela Mann, and Loretta Devine. https://youtu.be/7DnfITKD5O8 Tyler Perry became visibly emotional when ABC The View host Sarah Haines said she met his mother through his new documentary titled, “Maxine’s Baby,” named after his later mother. One person noted, “I don’t think she recognized the power of her words until seeing his reaction…” However, many people on social media took issue with Whoopi Goldberg making the touching moment awkward with her off the wall statement. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzWwrfUgJS-/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Yvonne Orji made her directorial debut at the 2023 Urban World Film Festival with a short film “Jamaal: A Day in the Life of a Black Man with no ADDITIONAL trauma,” which she wrote and directed. She worked with Paul Feig‘s company Powder Keg which allows comedic female directors an opportunity to direct a short centered around “a day in a life” story scenario. Yvonne shot her film within one day with leading actors Derrick A. King and Marija Abney. The “Insecure” alum tapped her former co-workers Jay Ellis, Prentice Penny and Melina Matsoukas for advice. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzUaTzCyfxs/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c491fd3c-d991-4f40-b0d4-119477ca7f72 During a panel at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, for “Sounds Architects: A Producer Conversation” on Oct. 30, 2023, the mega-producer was asked about Justin Timberlake‘s diss track “Cry Me A River” seeing a resurgence since the release of Britney Spears‘ memoir. “I wanted to call and say, ‘JT, you gotta put a muzzle on that,'” he dismissively joked. The comment sections on social media were not on his side, “I think you should apologise for that disgusting and disrespectful towards Britney Spears she has done nothing to you Timbaland you are in the f wrong mate no else,” tweeted on person. “After what #MuzzleTimbaland said about Britney. I really hope that other artists refuse to work with him. You can’t talk about women like that. https://twitter.com/PopBase/status/1721949641435169146?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1721968744547655981%7Ctwgr%5Ef24946d4851f0705ee4ac5d5ae8e24eeb3dced93%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2023%2Fyvonne-orji-makes-directorial-debut-at-2023-urban-world-film-festival-timbaland-says-justin-timberlake-should-muzzle-britney-spears-more-picvideos%2F Mike Epps and his wifey Kyra Epps host a new HGTV show called “Buying Back The Block.” The couple intends to buy back Mike‘s childhood neighborhood and build “up the community…while giving super killer designs.” The show debuts this Wednesday, November 8th. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzUijLtx-Gh/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=82350795-5537-4fd0-a91d-ce90cb81ac1b Yoav Peled says he has started wondering if the world has gone mad. He doesn’t understand why the world seems to be against Israel’s war in Gaza. Sitting outside the Kirya, Israel’s equivalent of the Pentagon in Tel Aviv, Peled was cutting pieces of yellow ribbon off a large wheel last Thursday, handing them out to strangers passing by. The bands symbolize solidarity with the roughly 240 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. It is this solidarity – and specifically whether it still extends beyond Israel’s borders – that Peled was questioning. “I used to consider myself part of the extreme liberals, whatever they call themselves. But when I see demonstrations with cries in support of Hamas and stuff like that, I doubt that the world understands complexity … and when they can’t understand complexity, they see this as a one-sided thing and their sense of justice is very simple. But it’s not simple,” he told CNN. “I think the governments understand this, but the people… I don’t know.” As global leaders continue to pile pressure on Israel over the mounting civilian death toll from its bombardment of Gaza and huge crowds gather for pro-Palestinian protests in cities like London, Washington DC, Berlin, Paris, Amman, and Cairo – almost all in support of civilians in Gaza, rather than Hamas – many Israelis are getting frustrated with what they see as unequal treatment. Dr. Torri J. Evans-Barton, the Founder & CEO of The Fatherless Generation Foundation Inc. (TFGF), is celebrating having reunited 8,400 fatherless children with 3,281 biological fathers. She says that she believes fatherlessness creates an identity issue along with a slew of other emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual issues. Dr. Torri J. herself grew up without her biological father finally reuniting with him when she was 31 years old. She comments, “Finding my biological father at 31 years old caused me to discover my identity and realize the significance of a father’s role in our lives. I believe, if possible, all human beings should have the same opportunity I was provided. By reuniting with my biological father I was positioned to heal from the trauma fatherlessness introduced!” Her reunification with her father has been the catalyst and the blueprint for helping fatherless children do the same. Her pain of growing up fatherless and healing from that pain is what led her to launch her foundation and reunite fatherless children with their biological fathers.“Fatherlessness is an indoctrination into trauma and dysfunctional behavior that is normalized within certain communities leaving children wanting a daddy so bad, but afraid to reunite with him,” says Dr. Torri J. Her foundation normalizes reunification, has a vision of Eradicating Fatherlessness Through Reunification, and helps its clients with a step-by-step action plan to getting the successful reunite the child within their desires. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy_r47IgUZV/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c3e1b80d-b06d-49b0-b39b-9ceb49a01bc2 Phaedra Parks seemingly shaded her former “RHOA” castmates during her appearance over the weekend at BravoCon 2023. Bravo hosted more than 160 Bravolebrities (and fans) at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas from Nov. 3 through Nov. 5. The event featured a mash-up of panels, fan photo experiences, meet and greets, activations, and host booths at the Bravo Bazaar shopping experience, per the news release. Parks hit the red carpet and talked to Access Hollywood about her past and present experiences with reality shows. “It’s been a great experience,” she said about joining the new season of “Married to Medicine,”The Blast reports. “These are obviously doctors, so they’re very smart, very intelligent.” https://youtu.be/yW5xxt9fkj8 Tiffany Pollard dragged “Apprentice” star Omarosa Manigault Newman on the latest episode of E!’s new reality series “House of Villains.” On the Nov. 2 episode, Pollard found herself on the hitlist of castmates up for elimination. When it came time for her to explain why she deserved to stay in the house, she shaded Omarosa with an epic read. “I’m the original, H-B-I-muthaf**kin’ C, and I deserve my spot here in the House of Villains. So I need y’all to keep me here. I don’t want a sympathy vote. I don’t need a sympathy vote. But I need y’all to understand the pecking order,” Pollard said, MadameNoire reports. “So you don’t want my sympathy vote, is that what you’re saying,” Newman responded, prompting Pollard to call the former White House staffer a “c*m-guzzling Republican c**t.” “Since I already said that, Omarosa. May I also say that I find you to be a cock-sucking, c*m-guzzling Republican c**t? And I sleep better at night knowing that you’re not in the White House,” Pollard stated bluntly. https://www.tiktok.com/tag/houseofvillains?refer=embed “House of Villians” finds reality TV veterans facing off under the same roof where they live and compete against each other to find out who is the ultimate “villain,” according to a press release. The contestants compete weekly in a battle royale challenge for the ultimate $200,000 cash prize. The challenge winner is safe from elimination, but one villain is eliminated at the end of the week. Per Urban Hollywood 411, “The villain who manages to out-scheme the rest of the group will win the cash prize and the title of “America’s Ultimate Supervillain,” the outlet writes. The “House of Villains” cast also includes “90 Day Fiancé’s” Anfisa Arkhipchenko; “Love is Blind’s” Shake Chatterjee; “Survivor’s” Jonny Fairplay; “Love & Hip Hop: Miami’s” Bobby Lytes; “The Bachelor’s” Corinne Olympios; “Vanderpump Rules’” Jax Taylor, and “Bad Girls Club’s” Tanisha Thomas. As MadameNoire reports, Pollard spoke exclusively to Page Six about why she was participating in the series. “When [my] agency called me and pitched it to me, I thought, ‘This sounds like old-school reality TV.’ [We’re] getting back to the roots, in a house living with people you don’t know, strategizing, conniving and backstabbing. It’s delicious.” GMA host Michael Strahan has been absent from the daytime talk show and will miss more tapings due to “personal family matters.” The former NFL star will be out for another week, The Blast reports. A spokesperson for the television network said: “Michael Strahan will not be with us this week as he is dealing with some personal family matters. We appreciate everyone’s thoughts and concerns.” Strahan has missed two weeks of tapings, and he’s been silent on social media since October 25. ABC anchor Linsey Davis is filling in until he returns. Strahan is an analyst on Fox NFL Sunday and has not taped the program for the past two weeks. https://youtu.be/lyG5uWmwwrE Strahan is a dad to four adult children from two separate marriages. Per People, he shares his two older kids, Tanita, 31, and Michael Jr., 28, with his first wife, Wanda Hutchins, and his 19-year-old twins, Isabella and Sophia, with his ex-wife, Jean Muggli. In 2021, Strahan took a trip to the edge of space with four other astronauts on board the Blue Origin. After the trek, he said, “I wanna go back.” “You got to get that perspective,” Strahan added.He also remarked on the darkness during the 10-minute flight. https://youtu.be/m19iiZ0M2tY Check out an exclusive clip from this week’s new episode of the gameshow “Snake Oil” featuring comedian JB Smoove.In our exclusive clip from Wednesday night’s episode, JB Smoove hilariously expresses his suspicion of “The Perfect Goatee” being a genuine product. David Spade hosts and produces the gameshow about entrepreneurs pitching products to contestants, who must determine which ventures are real with the help of celebrity advisors. Will Arnett serves as an executive producer, Deadline reports. Spade explains in this video that the “Snake Oil” contestants “must determine which products are real and which are a sham, all in a bid to win “life-changing money” (“almost a quarter-million dollars”),” per TV Line. https://vimeo.com/882069641 Samuel L. Jackson slammed Colorado coach Deion Sanders after the Buffaloes 26-19 loss to No. 16 Oregon State. As Sports Illustrated reports, Jackson was critical of the college football team’s game management and said Deion’s son, Shedeur Sanders, would soon be playing “wheelchair football.” “CU Buffs Football- Brain Farts all around, the OC can’t call 3 run plays to get off the field! The DC can’t get his guys to stop a baby carriage!! (Shedeur) can barely walk & is going to end up playing wheelchair football behind that OLine,” Jackson said, per SI.com. “My rage is better served watching villains in a good Bollywood movie!! “Shamshera”, here I come!!! No more Buffball tonight!!!!” Meanwhile, back in September, controversial internet troll Charleston White sparked outrage after offering $20,000 to any college football player who injures Shedeur Sanders, the son of coach Deion Sanders. Lori Harvey reportedly deleted all photos of boyfriend Damson Idris from her Instagram account, prompting fans to speculate the pair broke up. Idris has disabled his Instagram completely, according to RapUp. According to the outlet, many fans online noted that Harvey attended Kendall Jenner’s Halloween party alone, fueling rumors that the two are no longer dating. Harvey is known for her high-profile relationships. She’s been romantically linked to Future, Diddy, and Michael B. Jordan. As RapUp reports, when Harvey and Idris began dating, rapper Meek Mill tweeted, “Y’all let that gal f#%k anybody.” Meek later clarified that he was not referring to Lori. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzWxHihuPOi/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=4a0626ba-9cf5-47a4-b48b-1ffec7f95bad On November 3rd, the Soul of Santa “Do Good” Foundation released the first ever soundtrack for a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony – the “Soul of Santa Christmas Album,” featuring 12 songs all by Kansas City artists! The compilation executive produced by Shawn Edwards and curated by the foundation’s CEO Tucker Lott pays tribute to the metropolis’ jazz heritage while also incorporating the sounds of Kansas City’s Hip-Hop community and showcasing the city’s wealth of R&B talent with a mix of original music and covers of timeless holiday classics. https://youtu.be/DRPfeogUZAs Missy Elliott left social media gagging when she posted two pictures of her mother, Patricia Elliott. Fans were left befuddled at the youthful appearance of Missy’s Mom Dukes. “Mom?! Ain’t no way!!! I need to be going to the same church mama at! ??????,” tweeted one fan. Yep, God’s word comes through in the clutch, “Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagles. Psalm 103: 1-5.” Patricia is a faithful Jesus follower, and God has done well by her. The praises continued with others posting, “Yes! She’s always been fine fine! Google Patricia Elliot!! ??,” said another person. One fan couldn’t believe their eyes and wrote, “Naw this crazy cause missy in her 50s ain’t no way this 30-year-old woman is her momma.” Believe it, baby! One IG user posted, “Pharrell wasn’t lying when he said it’s “something in the water” because all these people from Virginia don’t age!” https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F-NqfFpXMAAy8xy?format=jpg&name=medium A fan of Rod Wave was so all the way hyped at one of his performances that the unidentified person jumped on stage. When security noticed the intruder, the fan quickly got on his ‘catch me if you can vibe’ and jumped back into the crowd. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzWPUI6sPoK/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=102e5d86-cfc3-452f-a436-068087734ca3 Kevin Hart and his sons, Hendrix, 15, Kenzo, 5, showed up and showed out with a dance declaring their loyalty to the Philadelphia Eagles; he captioned the adorable video, “@funnybullqull__ …. The Hart men have officially responded ?????????? E A G L E S ??’ ssssss …. Happy Sunday People!!!!!!! #Harts.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CzSDA9Jvjfy/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Shereé Whitfield attended Bravo Con 2023 but injured her toe before the event. The SHE by Shereé founder used a wheelchair because she found it too painful to walk. RHOC cast member Tamra Judge used Shereé‘s famous catchphrase with a twist while coming in with the assist. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzWeFR2rEmP/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=2251c1a2-362f-4c1f-a9b4-433d5e329a22 New Edition announced dates for their upcoming Las Vegas residency starting in 2024. New Edition: Las Vegas will kick off Feb. 28 at the Wynn Las Vegas Encore Theater, the AP reports. “We just caught lightning in a bottle,” said New Edition member Ronnie DeVoe. “We’re looking to touch that stage and continue on with the legacy,” he added. “This is going to more theatrical than our Legacy and Culture tours,” Bobby Brown said. “This will be a lot more intimate. We wanted it to be up, close and personal for our fans.” New Edition talk Vegas residency (L-R) Michael Bivins, Ricky Bell, Johnny Gill, Ralph Tresvant, and Ronnie DeVoe of New Edition at the 2017 BET Awards at Microsoft Square on June 25, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. The group, consisting of Michael Bivins, Johnny Gill, Ralph Tresvant, and Ricky Bell, hasn’t released an album since 2004 but has toured for the past couple of years, including two consecutive North American tours. “We have each other, we have our health, we have our families. Everybody’s still here,” said Bell, per the AP. “Our audience got a chance to see growth, bond, brotherhood,” Bivens said. “Sometimes that’s bigger than any record because people come to look for separation. But I think we’ll give them the glue.” In the lead-up to their residency, DeVoe said the group will likely release new music. “It makes sense,” he said. “I think it’ll be a great time to get in the studio and put our vocals on something new and fresh.” Meanwhile, we reported previously that Bivins’ life story is unpacked in a new documentary on the streaming channel ALLBLK. “The Hustle of @617MikeBiv” details the kid from Roxbury, Massachusetts’s Orchard Projects who dreamed of playing in the NBA, but, due to his popularity as a baller, was asked to join the legendary group New Edition. “I did what I had to do, and I did it by any means necessary,” Bivins says in the trailer. https://youtu.be/lV-K1RSDq6o While personalizing one’s vehicle is a long-cherished American tradition, the federal government is warning that one particular customization option can result in serious injuries in a crash. The little rhinestone bedazzled ring you’ve slapped over the manufacturer’s logo on the steering wheel has got to go. Car owners should not affix hard stick-on decorations to the center of a vehicle’s steering wheel, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in an announcement Monday. People should immediately remove any decorations they may have already put on their steering wheel, the agency said. Those decorations could become shrapnel-like projectiles in a crash, potentially causing serious, or even fatal, injury. “At least one driver suffered a serious injury that resulted in the loss of sight in one eye when an aftermarket emblem adorned with rhinestones became dislodged from the steering wheel in a crash and hit the driver in the face,” NHTSA said. https://youtu.be/8nJdtjSZNWk Last month, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed California’s new gun law legislation enhancing gun safety measures, further solidifying California’s position as a national leader in implementing controls on the use and distribution of firearms. Joined by Attorney General Rob Bonta, lawmakers, gun safety advocates, and gun wound survivors, Newsom introduced at a press conference several of the gun laws he signed. They included Senate Bill (SB) 2, authored by Sen. Anthony Portantino (D-Burbank), which reinforces the state’s public carry regulations; and SB 452, authored by Sen. Catherine Blakespear (D-Encinitas), which mandates the use of microstamping on handgun cartridges to help trace guns used in crimes. SB2 imposes new restrictions for obtaining a concealed-carry weapons (CCW) permit. According to Portantino’s office, the law ensures licensees are law-abiding citizens over 21 years of age; establishes an appeal process for denied CCW licenses; introduces gun handling, loading, unloading, and storage training requirements; and restricts locations where people can legally carry firearms. https://youtu.be/JIP0D0CvbH0 Gabriel shares the Governor’s perspective. “It’s shameful that gun manufacturers are reaping record profits at the same time that gun violence has become the leading cause of death for kids in the United States,” he said. AB 455, authored by Assemblymembers Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-Fullerton) and Diane Papan (D-San Mateo), keeps guns out of the hands of potentially dangerous individuals. Two more public safety laws, Newsom signed a deal limiting ghost guns and the “relinquishment of firearms.” AB 725, authored by Quirk-Silva and Papan, updates the definition of a firearm to include ghost gun parts. AB 732, authored by Assemblymember Mike Fong (D-Alhambra), simplifies the process for removing firearms from people who are prohibited from owning them. https://youtu.be/lFk-bKNaHik An NAACP chapter calls for the principal at Columbia Central High School to apologize after including Jason Aldean’s song “Try That in A Small Town” in a pre-game video montage honoring the football players. In the letter to Principal Michael Steel, local Maury NAACP representatives said it received complaints about the controversial song that many have blasted as being racist, The Tennessean reports. “The disturbed looks on many attendees’ faces visually expressed their disgust. Over the past couple of days, complaints and negative comments turned into a full week of disbelief,” the letter said. In response to the song choice, representatives from the organization requested an official meeting to discuss the Sept. 29 game and why the tune is triggering for many people, but Chapter president Terry Hannah told The Tennessean that Steele rejected the meeting. “This song has already been banned on several media outlets and social platforms across the nation,” Hannah states in the letter. “We want to go on record that as an organization we have received numerous complaints and calls voicing major concerns. https://youtu.be/b1_RKu-ESCY Andy Cohen addressed NeNe Leakes’ future with “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” during BravoCon Saturday. “I’m a nostalgic guy. She and I came up together and there’s always room in my heart for, you know, everybody,” he told a fan at the Las Vegas event, Page Six reports. Per video footage shared online, when the fan asked whether Leakes could return to the show after she accused Cohen and the network of racial discrimination, the executive producer replied, “Who knows? I mean, she asked me a few years ago to keep her name out of my mouth, so I try to respect that.” Leakes is an “RHOA” OG, appearing on the series from Seasons 1 to 7 and returning for 10 to 12 before departing the show in 2020. She filed a discrimination lawsuit in 2022 against Cohen, NBCUniversal, Bravo, and production companies True Entertainment and Truly Original, alleging they fostered a racist and hostile work environment, per Page Six. She ultimately dropped the lawsuit “without prejudice” — meaning she can revisit the case later. https://twitter.com/i/status/1720862720218825101 New Orleans is a city renowned for its vibrant musical heritage. The Crescent City hosted a new event (NOLA MusicCon) to make its mark on the bustling cultural scene. At the event to be interviewed was hip-hop legend Doug E. Fresh. A jubilant and joyous crowd of 300 people was in attendance for the inaugural NOLA MusiCon, a music conference aimed at connecting industry professionals, musicians, students, and enthusiasts. The awesome event closed out October’s Music Month. NOLA MusiCon is a significant milestone for the burgeoning music scene in the heart of the Crescent City. NOLA MusiCon was excited to be a part of the newly minted New Orleans Music Month, spearheaded by NOLA MusiCon Platinum Partner New Orleans & Company. “Our mission for NOLA MusiCon is two-fold: to inform and educate artists and music industry professionals, and to show that New Orleans not only has the best music in the world, it is also a great place to grow your music business.” Executive Producer, Melissa O’Brien. “This conference is a testament to the city’s cultural significance in the realm of music. Soulja Boy reflects on how some of the OG hip hop heads hated on his 2007 self-released debut single “Crank That.” Snoop Dogg and Ice-T were some rappers who told him his music “sucked.” One person posted, “His ain’t lyin idk y people don’t wanna give him his props for the feel-good fun music he had out that shit used to crank what’s the problem?????” Another concurred, “It’s too many people in the world to condemn his music. It’s not my taste but at the end of the day, he sold millions and had millions of fans. At the end of the day, he didn’t work outside of the music industry. I work a p***y ass job so I’d look like a clown to say his music sucks.” Soulja also took issue with J. Cole criticizing his artistry. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzRMCOerYcp/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Toni Braxton and Birdman still go together, real bad, causing a seismic shock on social media driven by fans scratching their heads. “This will always be the strangest combination to me,” said one person about the couple. “This one relationship I still don’t believe is real I’m sorry ????,” joked another fan. Another social media user cautioned, “Some of these “hood” ??’s are the sweetest most caring people you will ever meet lol don’t judge them by the tattoos and stuff.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CzR-kCLLYQD/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=ccca7066-8dda-45c3-96e9-5d22d0baf674 Jeezy and Nia Long have a heart-to-heart conversation and the full video will be available on Tuesday 11.7 at 3pm EST on YouTube. Jeezy captioned the video clip, “Your truth will set you free, but not until it’s finished with you. I Might Forgive, But I Don’t Forget one on one conversation with Ms. @iamnialong.” One fan stated, “This sh-t looks very good. it’s the conversion that’s most important for us brothers to have an outlet to express ourselves this is dope.” Webbies, will you be watching? https://www.instagram.com/p/CzUSkCxuH8G/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Missy Elliott is the first female rapper inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Check out her acceptance speech and her full performance. https://youtu.be/VhiPA1321SY Media mogul Tyler Perry appeared on “CBS Mornings” on Tuesday to discuss his new documentary “Maxine’s Baby” and the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike. Perry said a camera crew followed him for ten years to make the documentary about his career journey, and he had no creative control. “It’s not a story that I’m telling … It’s my life,” Perry told the “CBS Mornings” co-hosts. “If that happens, then it was all worth it for me.” This upcoming documentary is named after Perry’s mother, Maxine, who passed away in 2009 after a long illness https://youtu.be/DjXlidHoPyU Perry’s career as an actor, writer, producer, and director spans three decades, and his movies have grossed $1.5 billion at the domestic box office. In October 2019, the entertainment mogul opened Tyler Perry Studios on the site of a former 330-acre Confederate military base in Atlanta. He closed his studios to stand in solidarity with the unions amid the SAG-AFTRA actors’ strikes. “As we’re looking at all of this and as we’re negotiating, it is so important that [SAG-AFTRA president] Fran Drescher, [SAG-AFTRA chief negotiator] Duncan Ireland, the whole negotiating committee have done a fantastic job moving this forward … but it’s really important to know when we’ve won. This is only a three-year deal. In two years, two-and-a-half years, we’ll be renegotiating again,” Perry said. “So we have to know what have we won, and what have we won for now? That’s the thing. For now. … If I had ran my business trying to get everything at once, I wouldn’t be here. I’ve got as much as I can for now, so let’s see what we can do next.”. https://twitter.com/i/status/1721912730402038178 The Washington D. C. mother of a 12-year-old suspected carjacker turned him in to the police after his teenage accomplice was fatally shot by a cop. The boy’s mother called the police on October 31 after seeing a photo of her child the authorities shared in relation to the carjacking case, the Daily Mail reports. His alleged 13-year-old accomplice, a seventh grader named Vernard Toney Jr., was a suspect in a number of previous carjackings. Toney was shot and killed by an off-duty police officer during the latest incident. The other minor was not injured in the shooting. He was recently processed in a juvenile court, the Daily Mail reports. “(Toney) was known to the Metropolitan Police Department, and it’s just unfortunate that this particular incident happened on Saturday night that caused him to no longer be here,” said Acting Chief of Police Pamela Smith. According to a DC police detective, the officer was seated inside his vehicle and checking his phone when the two boys approached the car from behind. Surveillance video captured the boys approaching the car from behind. https://pbs.twimg.com/card_img/1721643713699663872/WJDqAZmb?format=jpg&name=small Taraja Ramsess, a stuntman, actor, and martial artist known for his work on the “Black Panther” and “Avengers” movies, is being mourned after he and three of his children were killed as a result of a car crash in Georgia last week. He was 41. Atlanta TV station WSB-TV reported that the crash occurred just before midnight on Halloween after the vehicle Ramsess and his children were traveling in collided with a tractor-trailer that had broken down in the left lane of an exit off the interstate. His mother, Akili Ramsess, a photojournalist who is executive director of the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA), announced his death and that of two of his daughters in an Instagram post. https://youtu.be/P4m-2ktludY She also wrote that two of Ramsess’ daughters survived the accident, with his three-year-old, Shazia, being hospitalized with his 10-year-old son, Kisasi, who she wrote was on life support. In a subsequent post, she shared that Kisasi had also died. His long-time friend and X3 Sports trainer Tony Tucci told WSB-TV, “When I first heard about it, I broke down. I had to sit down.”“He was always a family man,” Tucci said. “They would come and sit and watch him train, and they would jump in and start training too.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CzJKC73rBOz/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=4da4bb42-4f0c-465b-b4cc-68886f8eafe0&img_index=1 A Houston man will serve 22 years in prison after pleading guilty to killing a New Jersey single father in a “jealous ambush.” James Ray Lane, 24, pleaded guilty in August to murder for fatally shooting Gregory L. Moore on June 28, 2021. According to RadarOnline.com, Moore and three of his friends traveled for vacation from New Jersey to Texas in June 2021, where they stayed at an Airbnb in Spring, as Front Page Detectives reported. While there, Moore invited a woman he met out on the town to his Airbnb. At the time, she was dating Lane, who tracked her to Moore’s Airbnb via her cell phone location. Lane drove to the house and pistol-whipped Moore and his girlfriend before shooting Moore multiple times. The woman and Lane then left the scene together. Moore died at the scene. Detectives identified Lane as Moore’s killer days later, based on cell phone data and witness accounts. https://pbs.twimg.com/card_img/1719479110211133440/tFbs0ewh?format=jpg&name=small As a Black, queer woman, Leah Johnson always dreamed of being a storyteller. “When you can see yourself in fiction, where you can see your experiences reflected back to you, it is an assertion that there is nothing wrong with you. You are not alone,” she said. Johnson’s debut young adult novel, “You Should See Me in a Crown,” follows Liz Lighty, a Black teen who runs for prom queen to get a scholarship, only to fall in love with her classmate, Mack, who is also competing for the crown. Time Magazine named the book one of the “100 Best YA Books of All Time” and in 2021 Johnson won an honorary Stonewall Book Award for young adult novels that reflect the LGBTQ experience. https://youtu.be/jCrhybfjmvQ In 2022, the Oklahoma Attorney General’s office told local outlets it would review more than 50 school library books for alleged “obscene” material. Johnson’s novel was among the books challenged, according to a list obtained and published by The Frontier. The state’s Attorney General’s office later walked back its investigation, but for Johnson, an author who primarily writes about people of color and the LGBTQ experience, the damage had been done. This year, after her home state of Indiana passed a law that bans books deemed to be “obscene” or “harmful to minors” from school libraries, Johnson said she felt she had to act. “I was raised very religious. And one of the things I learned growing up is that when the spirit calls, you gotta answer – and I felt called to open the bookstore,” she told CNN. https://youtu.be/Rzt0Sah9gF8 “Shameful” Cal DOJ Report: Hospitals Ignored Racial Bias Training Mandated to Address Black Women’s High Maternal Death Rate is highlighted in today’s California Black Media Political Playback. Four years ago this month, Senate Bill (SB) 464, also known as California’s Dignity in Pregnancy and Childbirth Act, was signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom. The law, authored by LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, when she served in the State Senate, mandated that healthcare facilities implement training to address unconscious racial bias toward expectant mothers to address California’s high maternal death rate among Black women. However, a report released by the California Department of Justice on Oct. 27, four years after the law was enacted, found that most hospitals and clinics either failed to implement the training or instituted it late. “The disparity in maternal death rates in California reflects the deep and shameful racial inequities in our healthcare system,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta in a statement the DOJ released Friday. Baptist Academy situated in Obanikoro, Lagos, is one of the oldest schools in Nigeria founded in 1855. A school this writer attended and when the Baptist Academy Old Students Association United Kingdom (BAOSA UK) embarked on raising funds to install Smartboards in classrooms at the school, thus began a journey to achieve the digitalization of the school’s Classrooms and Laboratories.BAOSA UK is an organization set up to unite former students of Lagos Baptist Academy and to support the school via various “giving back” projects. The main focus is to continuously provide physical, financial, and moral support to the students and the school’s senior leadership team. Baptist Academy is affiliated to the Nigerian Baptist Convention. It is a sister school to Reagan Memorial Baptist Girls’ Secondary School, Yaba Lagos hence the involvement of activities together, home and abroad. The school was established by the American Baptist Missionaries. Trina has come to the defense of raunchy rappers Sexyy Red and Sukihana, who face criticism over their oversexualized lyrics. “They are over 21, and they can do whatever they want to do,” said Trina in an interview at One Musicfest, adding, “this is a freedom of speech like we’re not locked up, we’re not chained down, say what you want to say, make music of what you feel like. If you don’t like it, don’t listen, that’s why we have ears,” she said, Complex reports. Trina’s comments come after rapper Khia slammed fans for comparing her to Sexyy Red and Sukihana. “These h*es was raised by Trina,” Khia said in a live chat on YouTube on Oct. 23, referencing her long feud with the fellow Miami artist, XXL Mag reports. “I’m ’bout tired of y’all comparing me to these h*es…I said ‘My neck, my back, my p*ssy and my crack’ and still had my hair tied up like a queen. First day, I ain’t changed a bit.” “It ain’t eating no n***as a*s and sucking no n***as toes,” Khia added, referencing Sexyy Red and Sukihana, who wrote a song about “eating ni**as ass.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1720555386309103733 Kid Cudi has spoken out in support of Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas war that has reportedly killed thousands. Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, killing 1,400 people, according to Israeli officials. Israel subsequently launched airstrikes on Gaza –killing over 9,000 Palestinians, according to officials from the health ministry in Gaza, the AP reported. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has cut off supplies of food and fuel in Gaza, as well as water, electricity, and medicine. “I can’t watch what’s happening in the world and remain silent,” wrote Kid Cudi about the Israel-Hamas conflict on Instagram Sunday, Complex reports. “I can’t imagine the pain people are feeling. Seeing their entire neighborhoods bombed, losing generations of family members, parents crying over their children’s lifeless bodies, communities turning into mass graves, people digging through rubble of their homes in hopes of finding remains of their loved ones,” his lengthy statement continued. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzRY-1UR-sj/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=4d977425-1ed1-4983-a417-937bb266e644 Will Smith is allegedly planning to revive his hip-hop career. According to an insider, Smith is plotting his comeback after being blacklisted for slapping Chris Rock at the 2022 Academy Awards. “Heck, in the rap world, slapping a guy across the face for dissing his wife isn’t seen as a crime, it’s a badge of honor,” an insider told the National Enquirer, RadarOnline reports. “No one holds it against him and it makes Will feel that is where he can make his comeback.” Smith recently launched a new podcast called “Class of ’88,” which unpacks groundbreaking rap artists of that era. Will’s changed a lot since the old days,” said a close pal of Smith, per Radar. “He could go a little harder with his content now that he’s been kicked in the teeth!” The Gospel Spotlight's Ricky Dillard. He drops a new single "Hold On." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9GKqKEaXBM Variety is pleased to announce the first group of honorees for its seventh annual Hitmakers celebration. Topping the list as Hitmaker of the Year is SZA. The November 29 issue and accompanying event look back at the year in music and recognize the writers, producers, publishers, managers, and executives who helped make — and break — the 25 most-consumed songs of the year, as measured by Billboard and Luminate Charts. Hitmakers culminate with an invitation-only brunch held on Saturday, December 2, and presented by Sony Audio (Sony Corporation’s audio division) and its “For The Music” brand platform and campaign. “The goal of Hitmakers always has been to honor the top artists and songs of the year, and especially the people behind them,” said Variety Executive Music Editor Jem Aswad. “SZA, her ‘SOS’ album and tour, and her hits this year are not only a creative and commercial triumph but one with a reach that stretches far beyond the music world. We are so proud to honor her as our Hitmaker of the Year, and to honor Olivia Rodrigo, Metro Boomin, Maren Morris, and more.” At the event, Sony will celebrate the recent launch of “For The Music” by showcasing its 360 Reality Audio immersive music experience with an exclusive listening lounge. “For The Music” focuses on putting creator’s vision over everything to benefit music fans and empowering artists through its premier audio products and services. https://www.instagram.com/p/CwYhcFJv0XI/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Candace Owens’ online commentary about the Israel-Hamas war is receiving support from pro-Palestinian social media users. On Friday, Owens wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “No government anywhere has a right to commit a genocide, ever. There is no justification for a genocide. I can’t believe this even needs to be said or is even considered the least bit controversial to state.” Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, killing 1,400 people, according to Israeli officials. Israel subsequently launched airstrikes on Gaza, and more than 9,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war, according to officials from the health ministry in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has cut off food and fuel supplies, as well as water, electricity, and medicine in Gaza, Newsweek reports. Owens’ comment comes as pro-Palestinian activists accuse Israel of carrying out a genocide in Gaza. As Newsweek reports, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a Jewish nonprofit, said these claims are “not only inaccurate and misleading, but it serves to demonize the State of Israel and to diminish recognized acts of genocide.” https://twitter.com/SarahSamuel_/status/1721488940719288348?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1721521737764925852%7Ctwgr%5Efdb1c494be5e9b703fac0a3636d182d96faff384%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2023%2Fcandace-owens-slammed-over-genocide-tweet%2F Garcelle Beauvais sat down with Andy Cohen recently on “Watch What Happens Live,” and said she is still “recovering” after her teen son told her she hasn’t been present enough for him and his twin brother. https://youtu.be/U4QZnx-lTSo “I had to recover when it first happened, and then seeing the clips, now I’m recovering again,” she said of the moment with son Jax, 16, during the season 13 premiere of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” Urban Hollywood 411 reports. “It’s hard,” she told Cohen. “As a child, I would never … talk to my mom like that,” she added but noted she and Jax are in a better place. https://youtu.be/NQ-5KT1iQ-4 After facing backlash for selecting a white artist to create the Harriet Tubman statue, the city of Philadelphia is moving forward with a Black artist’s winning design. Alvin Pettit’s design for the permanent, 14-foot bronze Tubman statue shows the abolitionist with her fists clenched in prayer as she prepares for battle. “This woman was a soldier, a scout, a union spy, a military strategist, and a war hero,” said the Jersey City–based sculptor. “Therefore, I captured a moment in time that shows her as a conqueror.” According to the Associated Press, Pettit’s “A Higher Power: The Call of a Freedom Freedom Fighter,” will portray Tubman as a military leader. https://twitter.com/i/status/1720489263450747340 The work will be the first portrayal of a historical Black woman in the city’s public art collection. A white male artist was initially selected by the city to create the statue, but he withdrew his submission amid heavy criticism at the time. “As an artist, it’s hurtful and it is traumatizing,” artist Dee Jones told city officials during a meeting in June 2022, according to BIN. “If it was an open call, and Wesley was chosen, it would be fine. But because the process wasn’t open, that’s the big issue.” Following the backlash, Philadelphia’s Office of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy issued an open call for submissions. Members of Tubman’s family ultimately helped choose Petitt for the design process. Petitt’s Tubman statue is expected to be completed in 2025. City funds will be used to fund the project, which will cost $500,000, Art News reports. https://twitter.com/i/status/1719054065227714847 Lauryn Hill clapped back at criticism over her “tardiness” at shows during her current tour celebrating the 25th anniversary of her acclaimed debut album, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.” “Yo, y’all lucky I make it on this blood ras stage every night,” Hill told the crowd on Saturday night in Los Angeles, (which she was late to), Complex reports. “I don’t do it because they let me do it. I do it because I stand here in the name of God and I do it. God is the one who allows me to do it, who surrounded me with family and community when there was no support.” She continued, “When the album sold so many records, and no one showed up and said, ‘Hey, would you like to make another one?’ So I went around the world, and I played the same album over and over and over and over again. Because we are survivors, and we’re not just survivors, we’re thrivers.” The tour launched Sept. 8 in Minneapolis and features The Fugees as the opening act. “The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill is and was a love song to my parents, my family, my people, my musical and cultural forebears, my teachers, my loves, my Creator,” Hill previously shared in a press release. “I wrote love songs and protest songs–(still love songs) about the subjects and interests that inspired and moved me. I was confident that what inspired me would resonate with an audience that had been led to believe that songs of that kind could only live in the past.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1721223749532254519 Philosopher, civil rights activist, college professor, author, and former political prisoner Angela Davis put a lens on the deep-rooted damage domestic violence sows in the Black community, pulling from research she conducted for her 1999 book, “Blues Legacies and Black Feminism.” The book examines the careers of influential Black women blues singers Gertrude “Ma” Rainey, Bessie Smith, Ida Cox, Rosa Henderson, and Billie Holiday in historical, social, and political contexts. “I noticed that many of them sang about violence,” Davis said. “They sang about what was happening in their relationships.” On Oct. 30, Davis shared her perspective on domestic violence as part of a conversation that addressed the disproportionate impacts Domestic Violence has on Black women and families. The event, hosted by Blue Shield of California Foundation (BSCF) and the California Black Freedom Fund (CBFF), was held in Sacramento. CBFF is a five-year, $100 million initiative focused on Black power-building and ensuring movement-based organizations have the sustained investments they need to challenge systemic and institutional racism. As part of her Halloween costume, Ice Spice dressed as the iconic cartoon character Betty Boop. As part of her Halloween costume, Ice Spice dressed as the iconic cartoon character Betty Boop. The rapper sported a black bob and a risqué red dress that exposed her bootyliciousness throughout her performance at Power 105.1’s on Oct. 28 in Newark, NJ. However, many hip-hop fans were not impressed. “When the music is pure [trash can emoji] and the bars are beyond mediocre THIS is the last resort,” wrote one user on Instagram, per Vibe. Female hip-hop pioneer Nikki D added, “Oh come TF on!!! You mean to tell me, this is true talent.. the Female genre of hip hop today is the ‘prostitution era’, fight me!!,” she wrote. One critic commented, “… just be a stripper at this point Smfh,” while another IG user wrote, “Are you selling your music or a** cause I’m confused.” https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy961-1rFik/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Ice Spice recently teamed with Dunkin’ Donuts for her own limited edition beverage, and the commercial for the Ice Spice MUNCHKINS® Drink featured Ben Affleck. “I’ve always been a Dunkin’ girl!” she said. “Collaborating with Dunkin’ and Ben Affleck on this spot was a dream. The drink has a fun twist, a little something in the name for my fans, too. I can’t wait for everyone to try it.” “Pumpkin spice season has gotten a bit predictable lately, so we sought help from our friends Ben Affleck and Ice Spice to create a new pumpkin obsession that only Dunkin’ can offer,” said Jill McVicar Nelson, Chief Marketing Officer at Dunkin’, in a press release. “The result? The collaboration you never knew you needed: Pumpkin Munchkins and Frozen Dunkin’ Coffee, blended together to create the Ice Spice MUNCHKINS® Drink. It’s fun, it’s delicious and it’s not your ordinary pumpkin drink!” https://youtu.be/3HrQoNSDBHc La La Anthony, Alani Nicole “La La” Anthony, dropped some knowledge on “The Crew Has It Podcast” with Michael Rainey Jr. and Gianni Paola. The actress advised Gianni and Michael, “Do not send the same DM to girls that are friends.” La La explained girls will show their friends the messages, and it’s “giving copy and paste.” Rihanna paid $23,000 a week from 2018 to 2020 for a five-story, eight-bedroom house “built in 1844 by William Holme Twentyman and designed by royal architect John Shaw,” according to The Real Deal. The 6,300-square-foot property in London boasts such amenities as multiple dining rooms, and a gym, and plans to expand the pool and spa facilities, according to The Guardian. The luxurious abode went for sale in 2020 for $40 million and recently sold for a cool $33.4 million. De Beer diamond proprietor Daniel Francis was the person to own the home, boo! Ri Ri does own and rent other expensive accommodations. With a net worth of $1.4 billion, Forbes reports, the “Diamonds” singer spent $21 million on a Century City penthouse, “for herself, partner A$AP Rocky, and their two children. In February, she rented a Paradise Valley mansion for $500,000 a week ahead of her Superbowl Halftime show.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CzOciDtMlNr/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=fea97b34-0487-4f37-8fd6-24abf2696af3 Comedian and actor Donnell Rawlings admitted he is a Swiftie, and his favorite part of Taylor Swift‘s song “Anti-Hero” is the lyrics, “It’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me.” https://youtu.be/v0n6PNLLk6I Snoop Dogg wore matching diamond dripping crown rings with his Shante Monique Broadus for her bday. One person noticed, “She walked so all the other rappers’ wives and gfs could run ??.” They don’t call her Boss Lady for nothing. Happy belated burfday! https://www.instagram.com/p/CzPRWySyGil/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=9b3b34f2-994d-4084-b9de-2bb0caea8201&img_index=1c Kenan Thompson and his two daughters star in the latest commercial for Nintendo Switch. The holiday ad features the “Saturday Night Live” star and daughters Georgia, 9, and Gianna, 5, playing The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Party, and the newly released Super Mario Bros. Wonder, per Complex. https://youtu.be/ORJMi8HD0DQ GSN-“It’s pretty amazing to be on-set, shooting a new campaign, and to have that shoot be all about playing Nintendo games with your girls. I can’t ask for any more than that. And my girls loved it too,” said Thompson of the commercial. “We really tried to capture that in the video – how playing Nintendo games is a great way for people to have fun together and bond. My girls were really excited to play with me, but they definitely wanted to beat me too – we got pretty competitive!” https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F98PearasAAGCbo?format=jpg&name=small Meanwhile, Paramount+ has released the official trailer for “Good Burger 2,” starring Thompson and Kel Mitchell. The new original movie sequel to the iconic ‘90s feature film is based on the sketch from the Nickelodeon comedy series “All That.” Per the news release: “The highly anticipated film sequel follows Dexter Reed (Thompson) and original cashier Ed (Mitchell) as they reunite in the present day at fast-food restaurant Good Burger with a hilarious new group of employees. “Here’s the synopsis: “In Good Burger 2, Dexter Reed is down on his luck after another one of his inventions fails. Ed welcomes Dex back to Good Burger with open arms and gives him his old job back. With a new crew working at Good Burger, Dex devises a plan to get back on his feet but unfortunately puts the fate of Good Burger at risk once again.” https://youtu.be/X4zD1p8yp-I The Gospel music supergroup with over 700 million digital streams, Anthony Brown & group therAPy, will release its first full-length album in four years on November 3, 2023. Their sixth oeuvre, Affirmations (Key of A / Tyscot / FairTrade), is a dozen soul-stirring tracks that showcase the dynamic outfit’s polished grasp of contemporary gospel music with sly touches of Classical, Hip-Hop, Pop, Pentecostal, and even Celtic flavoring. The first radio single, “Speak Your Name,” an enthralling anthem of praise, rises to No. 4 on this week’s Billboard Gospel Airplay chart. https://fts.lnk.to/Affirmations Get ready for the brand-new radio single from Melvin Crispell III titled, “God Is”! From his brand-new album, No Failure. Originally written in 1976 by Robert J. Fryson, Melvin brings a fresh breath of air to this Gospel classic that will have listeners praising many of God’s attributes! Melvin took his rich musical legacy to the top when he won the ninth season of BET’s Sunday Best in 2019. No Failure, his live sophomore album, is an in-depth look into who Melvin is becoming as he navigates life’s ups and downs and pushes past his comfort zone to get to a place where God promised victory. Through his own journey of healing and overcoming, No Failure serves as a transparent message of hope and a reminder that “there is no failure in Him.” https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/o95xgwf5l348sbhch3dt3/h?dl=0&preview=Melvin+Crispell+III-God+Is+(Radio+Edit).mp3&rlkey=jrrebl0aw66banku0rbgp1fzh Keith Lee believes Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson is “completely entitled” to his opinions, even though Lee does not agree with some of them. The former football player took exception to Lee’s critiques of some Black-owned restaurants in Atlanta and expressed that during a recent appearance with former player/sports commentator Shannon Sharpe on an episode of “Nightcap with Unc & Ocho” YouTube series. Sharpe brought up some recent conversation about Lee’s reviews and Johnson expressed his dislike. “I don’t like the fact of what he’s doing. I don’t like the critiquing of our restaurants and having people, and talking bad about our god**** businesses,” Johnson said. “You know how hard it is for us to even get in the food industry and to have our own restaurants. What are we doing?” Lee, a popular TikTok food critic, went viral after posting a series of reviews on Atlanta restaurants that included information about how he was unable to get food at some of the establishments. https://youtu.be/IvvfYaINZaU Earlier today while Tye was packing for the West Coast run of The Reunion tour, he got in an accident and suffered a gash to his face that resulted in him needing to get stitches. Although the doctor has requested for him to rest, Tye with the help of his wife @ShanteTribbett https://twitter.com/TyeTribbett/status/1721006698083578338?cxt=HBwWxMe39aeen-IvAAAA&cn=ZmxleGlibGVfcmVjcw%3D%3D&refsrc=email Hallmark Movies & Mysteries will premiere a new holiday movie,?"Heaven Down Here" on December 14th 8pm ET/PT. "Heaven Down Here" features an all-star multicultural cast - Krystal Joy Brown (“Girlfriendship”), Tina Lifford (“Queen Sugar”), Juan Riedinger (“Riverdale”), Richard Harmon (“Game, Set, Love”), and Phylicia Rashad ("Creed III"). Inspired by Mickey Guyton’s song of the same name, “Heaven Down Here” tells the story of four disparate people who find themselves stranded in a local diner on Christmas Eve when a snowstorm hits the town. Imani (Brown) is a widowed mother of two who’s having trouble making ends meet and reluctantly agrees to work the Christmas Eve shift, where she clashes with her boss Dan (Harmon), who doesn’t exactly embody the Christmas spirit. Felix (Riedinger) is a local pastor desperately trying to secure food for parishioners while his faith is challenged by his alienation by his son. Clara (Lifford) is a hospice nurse with an obstinate patient (Rashad) and whose daughter is moving away, causing her to question her place in this world. Throughout the evening, these four bicker, bond and unwittingly provide each other with the answer to their respective prayers. Damascus Road Productions in partnership with Eastern Sky Theatre Company, announces the upcoming release of its latest family-friendly film, “Bringing Back Christmas.” This fun for the whole family film is slated to premiere at a special Dream Center charity event in Los Angeles, followed by availability on global streaming platforms including Apple and Amazon Prime along with select theatrical showings on November 17 through Integrity Releasing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLtCkwd17JA Have you ever wanted to travel abroad by yourself, but were afraid or didn’t know where to start? Issia Lee, founder of one of the nation’s fastest-growing travel agencies, Issia’s Traveling Co., can show you exactly how to do it. The Atlanta-based entrepreneur and influencer has a passion for solo travel and showing others the ropes by organizing detailed trips to their dream destinations for fun, safe, and affordable experiences. Since the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 25-year-old entrepreneur and visionary has successfully tapped into the trillion-dollar travel and tourism industry. She has solidified a reputation as a leader in securing luxury vacations for travelers at the best rates, providing upscale concierge services and specialty in hotels, vacation homes, cabins, car rentals, restaurants, and excursions. Recently, she has seen a growing number of bookings from people desiring to embark on solo trips. “My last three solo trips have been to Amsterdam, Medellin, Colombia, and Antigua, Guatemala. I had an amazing time at each of them, but Guatemala is probably my favorite so far,” said Issia Lee. “Most people wouldn’t even think to travel there. They tend to go to more typical locations like Cancun, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. So, I want to use my platform and my content to expose people to other great locations and to serve as a resource for those looking to travel alone.” Of course, as a young black woman, she frequently fields questions about the safety of taking these international adventures alone. Issia Lee maintains that while there are certainly potential dangers for any traveler who fails to take proper safety precautions, thorough research about the destination prior to departure can eliminate most, if not all issues. Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan on Friday accused President Joe Biden of supporting a Palestinian “genocide” and warned that Americans will remember when he’s up for reelection next year how he responded to the Israel-Hamas war. In a video posted to X, Tlaib, the first Palestinian American woman to serve in Congress, urged Biden to call for a ceasefire in the conflict – something the president and his administration has so far not done. “Mr. President, the American people are not with you on this one,” Tlaib said in the video, adding, “We will remember in 2024.” The video – which features images of protests with chants of “Free Palestine” and ‘From the river to the sea” across Michigan, California, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois and New York – ends with text that states: “Joe Biden supported the genocide of the Palestinian people,” “The American people won’t forget,” “Biden, support the ceasefire now,” and “Or don’t count on us in 2024.” https://youtu.be/ksQlnIfNoFs Biden has resisted calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, including at the United Nations, and instead has said he supports so-called humanitarian pauses to allow for the release of hostages held there. Israel has a “responsibility,” the US president has said, to defend its citizens from terrorism. Neither he nor anyone in his administration has come close to criticizing how Israel is conducting its offensive. The congresswoman recently faced a GOP-led resolution to censure her over comments critical of Israel and in support of Palestinians. The House ultimately tabled the resolution, introduced by GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, earlier this week, but it cited a protest on October 18 in the rotunda of the Cannon House office building where activists called for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. Demonstrations are not allowed inside congressional office buildings. A source familiar with the matter told CNN that Tlaib was not present at the protest in the Cannon building, but the congresswoman spoke at a rally in support of a ceasefire that took place outside of the Capitol that day. Responding to the censure resolution, Tlaib said in a statement, “Marjorie Taylor Greene’s unhinged resolution is deeply Islamophobic and attacks peaceful Jewish anti-war advocates. I am proud to stand in solidarity with Jewish peace advocates calling for a ceasefire and an end to the violence. I will not be bullied, I will not be dehumanized, and I will not be silenced. I will continue to call for ceasefire, for the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid, for the release of hostages and those arbitrarily detained, and for every American to be brought home.” https://youtu.be/I4UdDnC4POE A case involving an unclaimed son belonging to Jay-Z is bringing fraud charges against the legendary rhymesayer and the New Jersey court system. BlackNews.com is referencing activist Essie Berry as the one bringing the charges as she names 30-year-old Rymir Satterthwaite as the unclaimed son. According to Berry, Jay-Z was 23 years old when he and underaged 16-year-old Wanda Satterthwaite became parents to Rymir. Although Jay-Z refused to take a DNA test, Berry cited New Jersey law in her belief that the entertainer is still Rymir’s father. New Jersey state law states that refusal to take the test automatically makes Jay-Z Rymir’s biological father as long as he is a resident of New Jersey. The fraud charges come into play via Berry and Rymir’s Godmother, Dr. Lillie Coley. Coley stated that Jay-Z and his lawyers committed fraud by denying he owns residential properties in New Jersey. In addition to Jay-Z, Coley alleges fraud against the New Jersey court system, claiming it has been a challenge to successfully go against the “You Don’t Know” rhymer in a legal sense, in light of the court system protecting Jay-Z from being held accountable. “We are calling on President Joe Biden and the New Jersey Courts to make changes in our legal system to protect Black Americans’ rights,” Coley said. In Coley’s eyes, other African American mothers have dealt with the same situation when it comes to men fathering children and then leaving the state and/or defrauding the court system to believe that they never even lived in the state of New Jersey, Black News noted. https://www.instagram.com/p/CsBrS_JACr3/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=3a0e86c1-13cc-42d3-8f93-ea257f5a8877 Kim Kardashian is making it her business to provide a male influence on her 7-year-old son Saint. That we believe would be a “Manny.” Recapping the latest episode of “The Kardashians” via Complex, Love B Scott reports the 42-year-old mother of four voiced the challenge in disciplining her kids, considering her parents did not discipline her back in the day. “It’s really hard for me to be really strict and to discipline a lot,” Kardashian admitted, per People. “My parents weren’t strict at all and sometimes because I’m really busy, it would be amazing if I had a partner who would tap me out and take over and handle it but, you know, it can’t happen like that.” As a result of her soft stance and her household and family being what she described as “very female-dominated,” Kim felt inspired to hire a male nanny. “I really wanted a male around that would be picking them up and taking them to sports, and I was scared out of my mind to tell their dad that,” continued the reality TV fixture, who referred to the nanny as a “manny.” https://youtu.be/0unCnwooYUM We’re hearing that Hollywood power couple Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union might be going their separate ways due to marital strife. Reports of Wade and Union’s marriage being in trouble apparently started as a blind item in the gossip blog Deuxmoi. The outlet says Wade was seen in the company of another woman in a so-called “intimate” setting. But that’s not all, the gossip site also claims that their source believes Wade and Union are doing a Will and Jada as in living separate lives while still married. Who knows. There could be something to the report as they weren’t on the same page earlier this year when Union said they 50/50 on all their finances. He sat down with Shannon Sharpe on the “Club Shay Shay” podcast and spoke on Union’s viral quotes after reading “think pieces going around about me as a man.” Adding to the breakup chatter, some are noting that Wade and Union seem to be posting fewer photos of the two of them together online — instead focusing on photos of their kids. Wade, 41, and Union, 51 are parents via surrogate to daughter Kaavia who will be 5 on November 7. The ex NBAer, meanwhile, is father to Xavier, 9, son Zaire, 21, and Zaya, 16. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzHBngWOmgp/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c870e36d-4bad-47a8-a188-2afb2f4ae4e4 Donald Trump‘s adult children are taking the witness stand as a part of the Trump organization in his civil fraud case. It comes as no surprise that all three believe he is innocent. He allegedly inflated the value of his properties and net worth and forged bank documents to get loans. New York State Attorney General Letitia James is suing him for $250 million. The first to testify, Donald Trump, Jr. said he was not involved in the preparation of any of his father’s business dealings. He made a joke about not dealing with numbers since taking Accounting 101 in college. While under cross-examination by James’ attorney Colleen Faherty, the lawyer for the attorney general, he said he signed off on the documents. Both Donald Trump, Jr. And Eric Trump are named as co-defendants. Eric testified on Thursday after his brother finished. https://youtu.be/oWPTo656eLw Saturday November 11, 2023, the 24th annual Los Angeles “Uplifting Minds II” Entertainment Conference’s Professional Showcase lineup includes Hip-Hop R&B group MAKO Girls (“Lvls to This”) (pictured), veteran songwriter/singer John Ellison (“Some Kind of Wonderful”), and R&B’s Sheila (“Black Butterfly”). The ULMII entertainment conference offers a panel discussion with a long list of entertainment industry professionals that include talent agents, publishers, artist managers, musicians, legal advisors and more, then the professional showcase where the MAKO Girls, John Ellison, and Sheila will perform, and it ends with the national talent competition where three acts will win over $19,000 in products, services, and cash – along with the ULMII Best Artist Award. The MAKO Girls have been performing all over the world for over 10 years. They can dance, sing, and rap. They have performed as the opening act for Mindless Behavior (RCA Records). Signed to Sun and Sky Entertainment, the girls consist of Mimi, Kena, and A-Ni, who are currently promoting their EP “Lvls To This.” John Ellison (pictured below) is a Canadian-American Soul singer/songwriter signed to PopMi Music. He recently re-released his hit single “(She’s) Some Kind of Wonderful,” the 3rd most played song in the world, which he wrote in 1967. The hit single he will perform has been covered by over 70 artists. Sheila Wanamaker is an R&B singer/songwriter currently promoting her EP “Black Butterfly.” Her inspiration is her mentor, her youth choir director, Rev. John P Kee. Gorilla Glue may have generated headlines for Tessica Brown, but it’s love that’s got her on a new attachment. Gorilla Glue may have generated headlines for Tessica Brown, but it’s love that’s got her on a new attachment. TMZ reports Brown (aka Gorilla Glue Girl) is now engaged. The former viral sensation revealed she said “yes” to her boyfriend of two years, Brymon Brocks, earlier this month after he popped the question at her Violet, Louisiana home. According to the site, which noted the engagement happened on Brown’s birthday, the couple is “extremely happy” to be entering the next chapter in their relationship. Brown’s newly engaged status comes years after she caused a stir on TikTok when she said her hair was rock solid for a month after using Gorilla Glue instead of hairspray. At the time, the social media user voiced her embarrassment and stress over the incident, which resulted in her going to the ER and getting surgery to repair her scalp. https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzEQEcGOQIs/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=10593e19-6afe-49c5-b8fb-6d84b09bc375 If you’ve been hungry for some new music from Paul Wall, your timing couldn’t be better. The Houston-based rapper – now sportin’ gray hair everywhere – is back with “Bounce, Rock, Skate.” The smoothed-out track features guests Bun B and Chalie Boy. Wall, 42, has always been a force to be reckoned with in the rap scene, and his latest musical endeavor is poised to reaffirm his status as a true icon. The collaboration with fellow Texas heavyweights Bun B and Chalie Boy promises to be an instant classic, embodying the soul and grit of Houston’s unique culture. More than likely if you’re an old school had, the title, “Bounce, Rock, Skate” will immediately make you think of the late 70s roller skating classic of the almost same title (“Bounce, Rock, Skate, Roll“) by Vaughan Mason. But nope, even though Paul Wall’s “Bounce” has a vibe from back in the day, it’s totally different. And of course, he’s rapping and not singing. Check it via the player up top. https://youtu.be/ubDAlhK1JXU?list=OLAK5uy_mZmsrJI-7YqGzarcCCeBgLyCs-jtXWk1A A man brought his own brand of (street) justice to a thief he caught stealing from him. The neighbor’s weapon of choice? A belt. The alleged thief was captured on cell phone video receiving a spanking repeatedly with the belt outside an apartment complex.The incident attracted a crowd that made it worse for the thief by standing around the man and encouraging him to bring the old-school punishment to the perpetrator. Holding the thief while the man got the belt on him were two other men on the scene, according to Sandra Rose. “Turn the f*** around!” the man swinging the belt said. “That sh** hurts!” an onlooker yelled. https://twitter.com/i/status/1718680722976714851 The executive director of the North Dakota Republican Party has resigned after serving in his position for less than two weeks because it only took that long to discover he’s a racist and misogynist based on his online activity. Meet Dave Roetman. One look at Roetman’s X page and it’s clear that he’s your typical, generic, Bargain Basement brand white conservative: He’s a COVID conspiracy theorist and an anti-“woke” white grievance proselytizer who thinks “cancel culture” is an invention of “the left” despite right-wingers being the demonstrable “cancel culture” OGs. And, of course, he thinks President Joe Biden is a “pathological liar” while dry-humping the ex-president who tried to subvert (or “cancel”) democracy based on a “big lie” and gets fact-checked and found to be lying more than any other president in recent history. So, another white man whose entire social media presence is based around complaining about today’s America is telling Black people they should go back to a fictional part of Africa for—checks notes—complaining about America. And he also thinks women belong in the kitchen. All of this is just more proof that when Republicans say “make America great again,” they mean restore American society to a time when white men were in charge, women and Blacks knew their place and oppression was simply called “the American way.” The sad thing is he’ll most likely be replaced by someone who has the same opinions but is smart enough to be quieter about them. GSN-The United States Department of Justice says they are monitoring the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office after officers’ brutal September beating of 24-year-old Black man Le’Keian Woods. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F7c1ylNXIAAh-az?format=jpg&name=small The DOJ responded to a request from Woods’ attorneys, Harry Daniels and Marwan Porter, in early October to investigate his beating at the hands of police as well as JSO’s history of excessive violence, particularly against people of color. According to News4Jax, the Civil Rights Division of the DOJ responded Oct. 23 saying that they would look at Woods’ arrest and take appropriate action if they find a prosecutable federal criminal civil rights offense. https://twitter.com/i/status/1708622189564481631 The prosecutorial investigation into Michigan’s deadly environmental disaster widely recognized as the Flint Water Crisis is being unceremoniously “closed” without holding anyone criminally responsible for the mass lead poisoning that struck the majority-Black city of Flint. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office on Tuesday announced the latest developments in efforts to get any justice after the state supreme court refused to allow a criminal indictment to move forward against former Gov. Rick Snyder, a Republican who was in office during the Flint Water Crisis in 2014 and 2015.Nessel’s office said the Michigan Supreme Court’s ruling effectively ended their case. “At this time the Court has left us with no option but to consider the Flint Water Prosecutions closed,” the office said in a statement. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F9yatn2WkAAhnbV?format=jpg&name=small Ask any elderly Black person, and any Black historian in general, and likely they’ll tell you what a pivotal role the Black church played during the civil rights movement of the ’50s and ’60s. It was where protests were planned, where leaders congregated, where the community came to support each other, where resources were shared with Black people in need and it was often where the Black youth was educated in lieu of an American institution of education that was unwilling to teach anything that would empower any generation of Black Americans. And now there’s a certain loud and powerful segment of the U.S. that is bound and determined to “make America great again” by restoring mainstream American culture to one that ignores the nation’s deep history of racism and its effect on Modern-day America; one that oppresses and seeks the subjugation of the non-white, non-male, non-Christian, non-heterosexual and non-cis-gendered; one that moves to disenfranchise voters of color and one that is currently on a mission to uphold the whitewashing of American history to the benefit of white people and expense of everyone else. This means the Black church must, once again, take on the role of educating the communities they serve, and none of these churches know the importance of that like the ones in Florida. Now that Florida has approved teaching K-12 students that enslaved people benefited from slavery, approved classroom materials provided by PragerU—which was founded by a proud racist and produced “educational” videos teaching that Frederick Douglass would have agreed with America’s choice to prioritize white supremacy over ending slavery—and rejected an Advanced Placement course covering African American Studies, hundreds of Black congregations around the Sunshine State have taken it upon themselves to teach what America won’t. https://youtu.be/eewezvebtF4 Despite headlines created from her OnlyFans scandal, the wife of former NBA standout Joe Smith has not given up on her marriage. In an interview with “TMZ Live,” Kisha Chavis discussed the viral video of Smith finding out about her OnlyFans situation. According to Chavis, OnlyFans was one of a few things that led to her nearly 13-year marriage being on the rocks. In the clip, Smith holds nothing back, letting his wife know what he thinks about her having an OnlyFans account. “I can’t believe I’m sitting here just finding out you got an OnlyFans page,” Smith said. “Out of all these years, the disrespect that comes with it. You could’ve talked to me before you did it… That’s bulls**t. That’s f**ked up, Kish. I’m telling you, that’s f**ked up.” Issues the couple are dealing with include falling on tough times after Smith left the NBA and several money-making ventures Chavis created that fell victim to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. https://youtu.be/6A31QrUcXZg Salman al-Bashir, a journalist working for the Palestinian Authority’s TV channel, tore off his protective gear while reporting live on air after learning of the death of his colleague Mohammed Abu Hatab, according to Guardian News. The Palestinian news anchor in the studio could be seen crying. Bashir delivered an emotional report from outside the hospital where Hatab and his family were pronounced dead. As we said, the reaction from the news anchor in the studio was so emotional that she started crying at the news. Bashir added that journalists were not being protected and the protective vests and helmets labeled “press” were “merely a slogan.” Bashir said Hatab had been alive only 30 minutes before, adding that journalists reporting from Gaza were “victims live on television.” https://youtu.be/p3yDx_VWPd8 Aurora, Colorado police officer Nathan Woodyard ignored his training and repeatedly escalated his fatal 2019 encounter with Elijah McClain, a prosecutor said during closing arguments Friday in the suspended cop’s manslaughter trial. https://youtu.be/msJlMmoT-vE Woodyard, 34, has pleaded not guilty to reckless manslaughter and a lesser included charge of criminally negligent homicide. Woodyard, who remains suspended from the department without pay pending the trial’s outcome, is the third officer tried in connection with McClain’s death. Last month, a Colorado jury delivered a mixed verdict to the two other officers involved in the arrest. Randy Roedema, the senior patrol officer on scene who restrained McClain on the ground, was convicted of criminally negligent homicide and assault, while officer Jason Rosenblatt, who attempted an initial unsuccessful carotid hold, was acquitted of all charges. The case focuses on the events of August 24, 2019, when officers responded to a call about a “suspicious person” wearing a ski mask, according to an indictment. Officers confronted 23-year-old McClain, a Black massage therapist, musician, and animal lover who was walking home from a convenience store carrying a plastic bag with iced tea. He wore the mask because he was frequently cold, his family has said. https://youtu.be/htIMG08INXQ During a robbery at a convenience store, an employee hurled a 2-liter bottle of soda at an alleged shoplifter, knocking him out cold. The wild moment was caught on surveillance video that went viral last week. The footage shows a security guard confronting a male with a backpack filled with unpaid store items, SandraRose.com reports. The guard attempts to prevent the alleged shoplifter from exiting the store, so the culprit shoves shopping carts at him. That’s when a store employee throws a 2-liter bottle of soda at his head, rendering the man unconscious. Watch the Twitter clip below. It is unknown when and where the incident occurred. Meanwhile, retailers nationwide are fighting to contain an increase in store crimes. https://twitter.com/i/status/1719211721661796829 Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff recall their early days in music during the latest episode of Smith’s podcast “Class of ’88.” The duo discussed the pressure they faced during an album recording session in 1987. At the time, Jeff’s leg was in a cast, making it difficult to concentrate. Smith decided to use room-service butter knives to remove the deteriorating casting, The Blast reports. Will and Jeff were working on a new album for Jive Records in a London hotel room at the time and were “under pressure” to deliver the project “quickly.” “It had to be great. If we messed it up, we’d probably never get a chance to make another one. It was a big question back then if rap could really make money for record companies,” Smith stated. “Right before we left for London, Jeff broke his leg in a car accident. So when we finally arrived in our hotel, Jeff was in a full-length cast from his hip to his ankle,” Smith explained, per People magazine. It’s almost time for clocks to “fall back” one hour. On the second Sunday of March, at 2 a.m., clocks in most of the United States and many other countries move forward one hour and stay there for nearly eight months in what is called Daylight Saving Time. On the first Sunday of November, at 2 a.m., clocks fall back an hour to standard time. The current March to November system that the US follows began in 2007, but the concept of “saving daylight” is much older. Daylight Saving Time has its roots in train schedules, but it was put into practice in Europe and the United States to save fuel and power during World War I, according to the US Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Pro tip: It’s Daylight Saving Time, with singular use of “saving,” not “savings.” Reasons for Daylight Saving Time. https://youtu.be/vzm35tUQV64 During the energy crisis of the 1970s, we tried permanent Daylight Saving Time again in the winter of 1973-1974. The idea again was to conserve fuel. It was a popular move at the time when President Richard Nixon signed the law in January 1974. But by the end of the month, Florida’s governor had called for the law’s repeal after eight schoolchildren were hit by cars in the dark. Schools across the country delayed start times until the sun came up. By summer, public approval had plummeted, and in early October Congress voted to switch back to standard time.https://youtu.be/-H9zm0Tdpco The issue is that for every argument there is a counterargument. There are studies, for example, that show we have more car accidents when people lose an extra hour of sleep. There are also studies that show robberies decline when there is an extra hour of sunlight at the end of the day. We also know that people suffer more heart attacks at the start of Daylight Saving Time. But what about our mental health? People seem to be happier when there is an extra hour of daylight. Of course, there’s the economy, which pays for all that outdoor fun in the sun. Although saving energy was often put out as a reason to have Daylight Saving Time, the energy saved isn’t much — if anything at all. Instead, the lobbying effort for Daylight Saving Time came mostly from different sectors of the economy. In the mid-20th century, lobby groups for the recreational sports industry (think driving ranges) wanted more customers to come out after a day at the office. It’s easier to do so when there is more light at the end of the day. https://youtu.be/ctzEg_QR4ek North West is known to troll her mother, Kim Kardashian. On a recent episode of The Kardashians on Hulu, Kim told her sister, Kourtney Kardashian, how North prefers spending time at her father, Kanye West‘s apartment rather than Kim‘s lavish abode. “He has it all figured out,” Kim says. “He doesn’t have a nanny, he doesn’t have a chef, he doesn’t have security. He lives in an apartment.’ And she’ll start crying, ‘Why don’t you have an apartment? I can’t believe we don’t have an apartment.'” During her confessional segment of the episode, Kim reveals that Kourtney said North is her “lesson.” “Kourtney always says that North is my lesson on this planet,” Kim said in her confessional. “I’m supposed to learn even more about patience—she teaches me patience. She has taught me a lot about life. https://youtu.be/jpbcOrLAfhw Ubah Ali Hassan, a Somali-Canadian model, businesswoman, and cast member of the Real Housewives Of New York City, told Kelly Clarkson she loves to show off the men she’s dating because she usually gets “them hot, smart, and rich.” Hot dang, hold up, wait a minute, let us get our notebooks out ’cause sista’ is dropping barz!!! Ubah is currently dating Oliver Dachsel, a German investment banker, according to People. When the RHONY reunion episode aired, Ubah and Oliver became Instagram official when they went to the 2023 American Ballet Theatre Fall Gala.“It’s our first time on the carpet together,” Hassan said to People at the event. “We love it, it’s very beautiful. We just saw [George Balanchine’s] Jewels last month, it was my birthday present.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CzJn9aVu8jG/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Mary J. Blige critiqued TikTok singers, who are belting out their renditions of her song “Good Morning Gorgeous” from her fourteenth studio album. MJB praised one particular singer named Dawn and celebrated how she made the song her own. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzG48SJOBBX/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Usher put his mojo on Hoda and Jenna while discussing his upcoming 2024 Super Bowl halftime performance. Watch how the two hosts fangirled out when Usher presented roses to them. The “There Goes My Baby” crooner keeps making the ladies melt in his hands; check out all the giggling and sniggling. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzHPUCfxmiJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again GRAMMY award-winning R&B icon Brandy has released a new holiday single titled “Christmas Party for Two.” The track appears on her first holiday album, “Christmas with Brandy,” due November 10 via Motown Records. As we reported previously, the project features classic holiday covers and original material, and marks Brandy’s first album since 2020’s critically acclaimed “B7.” “Christmas with Brandy” includes the songs “Someday At Christmas,” originally sung by Stevie Wonder, “Jingle Bells,” “Deck the Halls,” and “Christmas Gift,” featuring vocals by Brandy’s daughter Sy’Rai. https://youtu.be/kZcjCyZnMgA Brandy’s new album will drop nearly a week before her Netflix film, “Best Christmas Ever,” debuts on the platform on November 16. The singer stars as Jackie, with Heather Graham portraying Charlotte, and the pair are old college friends who unexpectedly reunite for the holiday. “Every Christmas Jackie sends a boastful holiday newsletter that makes her old college friend Charlotte feel like a lump of coal,” teases an official plot synopsis, People reports. “When a twist of fate lands Charlotte and her family on Jackie’s snowy doorstep just days before Christmas, she seizes the opportunity to prove her old friend’s life can’t possibly be that perfect,” the synopsis continues. Directed by Mary Lambert, “Best. Christmas. Ever!” also includes Jason Biggs, Matt Cedeño, Wyatt Hunt, Abby Villasmil, and Madison Skye Validum. https://youtu.be/2deV7cUtS0E Check out an exclusive clip from this week’s new episode of “Love After Lockup,” which airs Nov. 3 on WE tv. The new season of “Love After Lockup,” the original groundbreaking installment of the popular franchise, debuted in September with ten 90-minute episodes, which are also available on the popular AMC streaming service ALLBLK. The reality series “follows seven new couples, including five fan favorites from “Love During Lockup” as they discover more love, new doubts and encounter unforeseen obstacles in their relationships,” per the series synopsis. “Our couples are as vulnerable and raw as ever, sharing their emotional journey as they continue to find true love beyond prison walls,” the description continues. https://youtu.be/TkO9rf3mKyM Meek Mill, Robert Williams, and Rick Ross, William Roberts, talk about their GOAT viral moments. Rozay‘s most memorable viral video was when he tried to dive into his pool during his pool party, and he “blew his jawns,” aka knees. Meek Mill attributed his viral moment when he fell down some steps and a pile of snow dropped on his head. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzMTwTZOX1L/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=86d0f3e7-9e6b-421f-bb49-dd3cb7554497 Anthony Broadwater, wrongfully convicted of the r-pe of author Alice Sebold, who wrote The Lovely Bones, which turned into a movie, is now free. Anthony served 16 years in prison for the 1981 attack and will receive a $5.5 million payment from the state of New York. “Alice failed to identify him in a police lineup, picking a different man as her attacker. Anthony was nonetheless tried and convicted in 1982 after Sebold identified him as her rapist on the witness stand, and an expert said microscopic hair analysis had tied him to the crime. That type of analysis has since been deemed junk science by the US Department of Justice,” reports The Guardian. Social media is demanding Alice‘s head, “I’ve thought about this more than a few times since the story broke and everytime I get heated. She’s so thoroughly unapologetic about the life she ruined. He deserves every penny of royalties she’s made on that book,” posted one person. Journalist Carolyn Hinds wrote, “She stole 16 years of his life. She knew it wasn’t him and went through an entire trial process and conviction and never took back what she said. https://twitter.com/i/status/1720323320959189476 Jimmy Kimmel read an excerpt from Britney Spears’ memoir The Woman In Me when the pop star recalled meeting Mariah Carey. Britney wrote about the “otherworldly light” emanating from her dressing room: “At an award show, I knocked on her dressing room door. She opened it, and out poured the most beautiful, otherworldly light. You know how people have ring lights? More than 20 years ago, only Mariah Carey knew about ring lights.” Mariah said Britney‘s description of her was “super sweet.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1720323320959189476 One of Ms. Jacky Oh‘s besties, Leticia Gardner, hosted an event with Jacky‘s family and close friends to honor her 34th birthday. Leticia invited the public to purchase Jacky‘s Legacy JNova Collections and the profits from the sales would go directly to her children. D.C. Young Fly led the group in a powerful prayer to remember his late partner. https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzMCYdQOLjl/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=4cc08189-4572-4872-8756-563ba3c21426 Queen Latifah has fired off a shady response to DJ Akademiks amid his beef with gay rapper Saucy Santana. Their feud first started when DJ Akademiks dissed City Girls’ rapper Yung Miami and called her “talentless” and a “one-trick pony.” He also accused her of being homophobic after she called him a gay slur — which he deemed “ironic,” considering bestie Santana is a gay man. “Akademiks, you keep talking about what the f**k Caresha said to you, but how she feel about you, is how she feel about you,” Santana responded in an Instagram Story, Hot New Hip Hop reports. “Me being her best friend, it don’t have nothing to f**king do with me. In the hood, and in a lot of urban cultures, when you see boys that are acting feminine, that are being messy, that are being extra and doing f*g sh*t, that’s what you address them as.” He continued, “Even as me being a gay man, I don’t move like a f*g. And it’s a lot of other gay boys that are feminine or whatever, but everybody don’t move like f*gs. You move like a f*g.” https://youtu.be/1ex4LlV0A5o DJ Akademiks issued an emotional response during a livestream this week and tearfully explained that he couldn’t speak candidly out of fear of being canceled. In a recent episode of his podcast, Akademiks slammed the City Girls’ music career. “I wanna talk about the City Girls, I’m gonna be honest with you man, I think the City Girls are completely over with,” he said. “They just did the most pathetic interview I just seen recently. And we need to hold some of these makeshift, chameleon, non-talented, lazy, non-passionate people accountable. You see the City Girls are the definition of people who have gotten to places in their career without ever really doing the work.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CzAcDN9r6LD/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Mariah Carey is being sued again for copyright infringement over her hit holiday single “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” We reported previously that Carey was sued in 2022 for apparently ripping off the single by country singer Andy Stone, who claims the songstress was inspired by his song and used the same title. Stone is suing Mariah Carey for copyright infringement and claims he co-wrote and recorded a song titled “All I Want For Christmas Is You” years before Carey dropped her legendary holiday hit. The lawsuit states Stone recorded the song in 1989 in Nashville, Tennessee, and that it was a hit at the time. The single even appeared on the Billboard chart in 1993 during the Christmas season, TMZ reported. https://youtu.be/yXQViqx6GMY Bishop Carlton D. Pearson appears to be nearing the end of his life amid a battle with cancer. “This will be one of the last times you’ll see me like this,” Bishop Pearson said to his followers on a live broadcast, L.A. Focus News reports. “I may be closing some things out, but I will never close you out in consciousness. I love you and wanted you to hear from my voice how deeply appreciative I am of who you are and that you are.” According to Pearson’s family, the bishop has a Stage 4 cancerous mass that is “inoperable and fatal.” In a statement, the family said: “Our dear Carlton was diagnosed with cancer in 2001 and was declared cancer-free shortly thereafter. Just recently, cancer has returned and has been a significant challenge, especially in the last 120 days—Carlton has asked that people pray that he would live out the “full number of his days.” blob:https%3A//www.facebook.com/3ad436fc-d360-407c-9002-c3b3f8d89cfb During his health battle, Pearson frequently posted updates to his Facebook followers, and his last speaking appearance was on Oct. 10. “We have to grow. We have to keep on growing because that’s what we’re called to do,” the televangelist said in his final message, according to LA Focus News. Pearson’s 1980s television program on Trinity Broadcasting Network became one of the most-watched shows, and he rose to fame as pastor of the 5,000-member Higher Dimensions Family Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His life was explored in Netflix’s 2018 biopic, “Come Sunday.” https://youtu.be/pVQFWvm_fbU In case you haven’t been paying attention, tonight’s the night that Willie Nelson, Chaka Khan, the late George Michael, and Missy Elliott will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. https://youtu.be/X4bjxyti8Ig Wille, George, and Missy are more than worthy of their awards and attention, but the focus of this article is Yvette Marie Stephens, better known to the world as Chaka Khan. She’s released 22 albums, sold over 70 million recordings and on top of that, she’s been recognized by the Recording Academy with 10 Grammys. Oh, and did we mention that 70-year-old timeless beauty, according to the Recording Industry Association of America/RIAA is also the recipient of nine gold or platinum singles. Ahead of the induction ceremony, scheduled for 8pm Eastern tonight Khan sat down with TODAY.com writer Randi Richardson to discuss all sorts of things including her Hall of Fame induction, her career and the multiple projects she has in the works, and a lot more including mental health. Read on for a few excerpts. https://youtu.be/UiEBocJ2-5Q Sexyy Red recently admitted that she’s never heard of the word “vulva.” https://twitter.com/SexyyRed314_/status/1719800788602474617 During a conversation with Caleb Pressley on Sundae Conversation on Oct. 29, the raunchy rapper schooled the host about the slang word for a woman’s genitals, “coochie,” “Is it a medical term?” the comedian asked, according to MadameNoire. “Na, that’s just something we say in the hood,” the pregnant hip-hop star replied. “What y’all be saying in your communities for coochies?” “We say vulva,” Pressley responded. https://youtu.be/OYQ6rRgrecI Sexy Red is currently on a sold-out tour, and she recently showed off her baby bump backstage with singer and songwriter SZA. In the image, SZA points to Red’s belly, and Red captioned the post: “Team boy or team girl.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CyZX7__vWTR/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=e1ce1002-24de-48cf-b479-6cd965180ecd Today, MNRK Music Group in partnership with JamesTown Music announce the new album JOY IS HERE, from GRAMMY-nominated, multiple Stellar Award winner, Billboard Music Award-winning, and Top Gospel Artist, JJ Hairston. Hairston releases his long-awaited first ever Christmas album, JOY IS HERE, recorded live in July 2023 at All Nations Worship Assembly (ANWA) Washington, DC. The album, JOY IS HERE, features a mix of holiday classics with Hairston's signature style as well as originals. JOY IS HERE is available now wherever music is sold and streamed. JOY IS HERE features stand out collaborations with Trina Hairston, Melvin Crispell, III, Brittney Wright, Jason Clayborn & Gathering Place Worship Choir and more. JJ Hairston will perform the album track, “Joy To The World” on Monday, November 6th on The Tamron Hall Show – marking his daytime television debut. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHm-ERGGUe4 Rick Ross and Meek Mill have teamed up to give away $50,000 through their Too Good To Be True Sweepstakes. The instructions are as follows: “Go to www.toogoodtobetrue.co for requirements and for a chance to win! Powered by @untouchblemmg?? #MMG #tgtbt #toogoodtobetrue Announcing the Too Good To Be True Sweepstakes. We’re giving away $50,000 to one lucky fan.Go to www.toogoodtobetrue.co for your chance to win. 1. No purchase necessary. Sweepstakes end 11/16/2023 at 11:59pm pst 2. One Entry Per Person. Must be 18 years old to enter 3. Input your 7 lucky numbers 4. Fill out the “Too Good To Be True” sweepstakes form & pre-save the album 5. 50k Cash Prize winner to be randomly selected. The drawing date to be announced on Instagram Powered by @untouchableMMG https://static.cdninstagram.com/rsrc.php/v3/yb/r/UsSR4Cvo4Px.png Ashanti surprised her bae Nelly with bday party at Rasheeda’s Frost Bistro in ATL. Nelly partied the night away, celebrating his 49th spin around the sun. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzKucUEADCt/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Tabitha Brown is now a two-time Emmy-nominated host for her show “Tab Time,” a YouTube Original series. She captioned the video, “Family look at what the Lord has done!!!!!! I just got the call ???? and you are looking at a 2X Emmy nominated Host of @officialtabtime ????????OOOHHH GOD I THANK YOU????????. Lord Jesus I’m in here working and fighting back these tears to not mess this makeup up???? but excuse me while I take off running ???????? I’m nominated for an Emmy again!!!????“ What is for you will always find you, https://www.instagram.com/p/CzKL3p_PKwQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Renowned menswear designer Miguel Wilson continues to expose the black community to the sport of polo, and he has done so in only a way that he can – by merging it with bold and inspiring fashion.On October 8th, he hosted his 6th Annual Atlanta Fashion & Polo Classic, this year taking place at the Horse Mansion at Bouckaert Farms. The event, which brought out the horses for a polo match, followed by music, performances, and a fashion show, drew influential community leaders and celebrities. Among them were Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, who was honored as a special guest, and others like rapper and businessman Jeezy, Cynthia Bailey (Bravo’s Real Housewives of Atlanta), Mimi Faust (VH1’s Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta), Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson (HGTV’s Married to Real Estate), Lamman Rucker (OWN’s Greenleaf), Demetria McKinney (Tyler Perry’s House of Payne) and Pastor Jamal Bryant (New Birth Missionary Baptist Church). Singers Q Parker and Lil G (of SILK) performed and actor Palmer Williams (Tyler Perry’s House of Payne) served as emcee of this year’s fashion show. “This year was the best year we’ve had by far,” Wilson said. Summer Walker, SZA, and Usher lead the nominations for the 2023 Soul Train Awards. The complete list of nominees and broadcast date was announced on Wednesday. Usher, SZA, and Summer earned a historic nine nods each — the first three-way tie, Entertainment Tonight reports. Rapper 21 Savage is up for eight awards, Coco Jones and Victoria Monét have six nominations, and Burna Boy, Chris Brown, Janelle Monáe, and October London, each have four. The Soul Train Awards will be taped from a new location in Los Angeles, CA, this year, and the traditional ceremony will be reimagined into a soulful celebration. “Soul, R&B, and Hip Hop continue to top the charts and drive culture forward. This year, we are taking inspiration from these genres to innovate and disrupt the award show format while celebrating the legacy of Soul Train,” said Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy, in a press release. “We are proud of this year’s list of esteemed nominees and look to deliver an unforgettable night of Soul with our new location, performances, and show moments,” Orlando continued. We weren’t White enough to be White. We weren’t Black enough to be Black,” she continued. “And I remember when I would get teased on the playground, and I would come home, my mom would always say your job is not to show them how you’re different, your job is to show them how you’re similar,” she shared. Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley spoke to “The Daily Show” guest host Charlamagne Tha God about why she doesn’t embrace “identity politics.” Haley is campaigning to become the first female president and the first female presidential nominee in GOP history. “Why don’t you play the identity politics game, though?” Charlamagne asked Haley on “The Daily Show” Wednesday, Fox News reports. “Because that’s something Democrats like to do. They always talk about how diverse they are. Why don’t you get into the identity politics game and play up being Indian more? Because a lot of voters just think you’re a White woman.” Haley recalled her youth and family being “the only Indian family in a small rural southern town in South Carolina.” https://youtu.be/bG2Gphe-Xws We weren’t White enough to be White. We weren’t Black enough to be Black,” she continued. “And I remember when I would get teased on the playground, and I would come home, my mom would always say your job is not to show them how you’re different, your job is to show them how you’re similar,” she shared. Hailey said the “lesson on the playground has played out throughout my life, whether it was in the corporate world, whether it was as governor, whether it was as ambassador,” she explained. “I think the problem is when you start labeling people, you’re assuming that they’re different than you. I don’t want to just be a woman. I don’t want to just be Indian,” Hailey added. “I don’t want to just be a mom. I don’t want to just be a Republican. I don’t want to just be all of those things. I’m more than that. And I think every person is more than that.” When Charlamagne asked, “Do you think being a woman will keep the GOP from fully supporting you?" https://twitter.com/i/status/1720443028085604705 One of the five former Memphis police officers accused in the January death of Tyre Nichols pleaded guilty Thursday to federal charges and agreed to plead guilty to related state charges as part of a plea deal with prosecutors. Desmond Mills Jr., 33, pleaded guilty to two of the four federal charges he was facing, according to the US Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee. He also agreed to plead guilty in state court at an upcoming hearing on charges related to Nichols’ death, according to the Shelby County district attorney. Mills pleaded guilty to civil rights and conspiracy charges, which included using excessive force and failing to intervene, as well as conspiring to cover up his use of unlawful force, the US attorney’s office said. s part of the agreement, he will be called to testify against the other defendants, according to prosecutors. He has also agreed to fully cooperate in the federal civil rights investigation into patterns and practices of the Memphis Police Department. Mills agreed to have both his state and federal cases resolved in exchange for his cooperation in the cases of four fellow ex-officers: Tadarrius Bean, Justin Smith, Emmitt Martin III and Demetrius Haley. They have all pleaded not guilty. Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said in a news conference that state and federal prosecutors will recommend to a judge that Mills serve 15 years in prison, though the decision is ultimately up to the judge. https://youtu.be/ezYZHj92qVE The daughter of Martin Luther King Jr. is speaking out after comedian Amy Schumer posted a video of MLK denouncing antisemitism. In the clip, the late civil rights activist can be heard saying: “Israel must exist and has a right to exist and is one of the great outposts of democracy in the world.” In another clip, King calls antisemitism “unjust” and “evil.” As NBC News reports, Bernice King offered clarity on what her father’s position would be on the current Hamas-Israel conflict. Amy: Certainly, my father was against antisemitism, as am I,” Bernice King wrote on the social media platform X. “He also believed militarism (along with racism and poverty) to be among the interconnected Triple Evils. I am certain he would call for Israel’s bombing of Palestinians to cease, for hostages to be released and for us to work for true peace, which includes justice.” She continued: “He said, ‘Justice at its best is love correcting everything that stands against love.’ We have much to correct.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1719154067170013601 In the world of storytelling, there are moments that go beyond entertainment; they resonate with the very core of our shared human experience. OWN's critically-acclaimed docuseries "Rebuilding Black Wall Street" has been one of those moments. "Rebuilding Black Wall Street" delves into the remarkable story of Tulsa's Greenwood District, a century after the tragic events of the 1921 Tulsa Massacre. In the first four episodes, the series has taken viewers on a transformative journey through history and community resilience. The series explores the personal journeys of descendants of the original Black Wall Street residents, highlighting the importance of uplifting communities through design and innovative solutions. As we approach the season finale with back-to-back episodes on Friday, November 4 at 9pm ET/8C & 10pm ET/9C, as well as its streaming debut on MAX on Saturday, November 4, there are abundant opportunities to cover this groundbreaking series. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqpyMFIsXuY Bernice encouraged Schumer to read her father’s book “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?” She also shared a clip of MLK talking about withdrawing from the Vietnam War. Schumer has been showing her support for Israel online amid the conflict with Hamas. “I mourn with all who are mourning,” Bernice King wrote. “I know that we can’t afford to diminish & dehumanize each other if we are truly committed to ridding humanity of the Triple Evils & to freedom from oppression for all.” eanwhile, Schumer was accused of “harassing” biracial actress and content creator Asia Jackson in a series of private messages on Instagram over Jackson’s opposing views on the Israeli-Palestinian war. https://twitter.com/soulbunni/status/1719749444353356236?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1719749444353356236%7Ctwgr%5E234b39ce1240d861b779dbe2d9df08b5786c5c4a%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2023%2Fmlks-daughter-responds-to-amy-schumers-video%2F Lil Nas X mocked women’s menstrual cycles by dressing up as a bloody tampon for Halloween. As SandraRose.com reports, one Twitter/X user noted: “Lil Nas X who ‘went into labor’ to promote his album, and released a song about worshipping Satan while giving the devil a lap dance, dressed up as a used tampon for Halloween. He’s a gross degenerate, desperate for attention.” Another person tweeted: “Gay men often think they can get a pass without realizing they can be equally misogynistic… it’s not up to cis men to make light of things like this.” The 24-year-old rapper shared a video that featured him walking down a sidewalk dressed as a menstrual product. Several social media users blasted Nas X for being misogynistic and making a mockery of women. He addressed the criticism in a post that read: “I [have] been silent for nearly 2 years, y’all are not finna pretend to be mad about a tampon costume. Let me at least get new music out first,” he wrote on X, All Hip Hop reports. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzG_UpVRX7c/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Jody Watley, the celebrated singer, songwriter, and iconic figure in the world of music and fashion, is delighted to announce a special guest appearance by Earvin “Magic” Johnson, the legendary basketball icon and accomplished entrepreneur, on “The Jody Watley Show” airing on November 12th. The show, exclusively on SiriusXM’s The Groove, has attained a huge mass appeal to its subscribers and dedicated fan base throughout the years. Earvin “Magic” Johnson, celebrated not only for his remarkable basketball career but also for his extraordinary success in the world of business, will engage in a captivating conversation with Jody Watley, promising an enlightening and inspiring discussion. Johnson’s exceptional journey is artfully depicted in the AppleTV+ project, “They Call Me Magic,” which became the top-selling documentary series per episode upon its release in 2022. “I am thrilled to welcome Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson as a guest on my show,” expressed Jody Watley. “His incredible achievements, both on and off the court, are a testament to his tenacity, business acumen, and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in our communities.” Earvin “Magic” Johnson, who successfully transitioned from the basketball court to the boardroom, now serves as the Chairman and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises (MJE). MJE specializes in providing high-quality products and services primarily to ethnically diverse and underserved urban communities. Former GMA hosts Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes will co-host a new podcast from iHeartMedia. According to Variety, the lovebirds are teaming with iHeartMedia for a podcast titled “Amy & T.J.,” set to premiere Dec. 5 on the iHeartPodcast Network. The duo is expected to use the platform to address their relationship for the first time in a public forum. On Instagram, Robach shared a new promotional photo of them cozied-up together along with the caption: “How’s this for instagram official? #silentnomore”. ABC News booted Robach and Holmes in January after their off-camera affair was publicly revealed. The network parted ways with the couple because their relationship had become “an internal and external disruption,” ABC News president Kim Godwin told staffers in a call in December 2022, per Variety. Last month, it was reported that Holmes and his ex-wife Marilee Fiebig had reached a divorce settlement less than a year after his relationship with Robach was exposed. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzGr8-vrYaL/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=247526e2-14d2-47a2-88be-fc0ddf776f00 The Napa Valley wine brand co-founded by Ayesha Curry and Sydel Curry-Lee released its first vintage as part of The Prisoner Wine Company Portfolio. Domaine Curry, a wine brand inspired by and dedicated to the strong women in their family, announced this week the highly anticipated reimagining of its 2021 vintage — the bold and balanced 2021 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and the Founders Blend. According to a press release, both have been crafted in collaboration with The Prisoner Wine Company. “The inspiration for Domaine Curry arrived during a family dinner in 2015, where Ayesha and Sydel toasted to the strong, graceful women in their family, qualities that were mirrored in the characteristics of the glasses of Cabernet Sauvignon in their hands,” per the release, “In that moment, they recognized the project that would tap into their shared passion for wine while honoring the incredible women in their lives.” Ayesha Curry said in a statement, “Throughout our lives, wine has always been a way to bring our friends and family together. We are fortunate to be surrounded by so many impressive women who inspire us each day, and we hope Domaine Curry will serve as homage to them while also empowering future generations.” Sydel Curry-Lee added, “Our partnership with The Prisoner Wine Company has allowed us to infuse our personal touches into the look and taste of these new wines, and we’re thrilled that more women will have the opportunity to enjoy them, just as our family does.” Ray J clapped back at Kodak Black after the rapper called him a “pu**y and a “b*tch.” Their beef started when Ray J took to social media to express concern for Kodak’s health following his recent Drink Champs interview. Kodak threatened to beat up Ray in response. In a comment on Akademiks’ Instagram page, Ray J claimed Kodak’s erratic behavior once upset former president Donald Trump. “Yo somebody need to grab bro and make sure he good,” Ray J wrote, according to Hip Hop DX. “This ain’t the interview Nore. We gotta help this dude. “I took him to Trump house and he did the most. They were not happy with the experience bc he had no guidance and respect. Yo @wack100 let’s figure out how we can help this guy instead of watching him self destruct.” https://youtu.be/fnuRPgtILyw Hulu has released the official trailer and key art for the upcoming automotive series, “Drive with Swizz Beatz.” The series debuts on the streaming service Nov. 16 and is produced by Jay Brown and Ty-Ty Smith of Ty-Ty and Jay Brown Productions, Raymond Garcia of Major TV, Emmet Dennis of Black Drive Originals, and Christian Sarabia of 51 Minds, per the news release. Here’s the official synopsis: In “Drive with Swizz Beatz,” hip-hop legend and car collector Swizz Beatz and son Nasir Dean (also known as Note Marcato) visit car-loving destinations, where they’ll examine the area’s distinctive car culture and bring together two otherwise disparate car clubs over a shared love of all things automotive and an appreciation for what it’s like to beat the odds through sheer drive alone. “Through six episodes, viewers are set to watch the father and son travel to Los Angeles, New York, Houston, Atlanta, Japan, and Saudi Arabia and learn about each respective scene. In its entirety, the unscripted programming examines the inventive and passionate world of car culture, where enthusiasts show off vastly different vehicles in a display not only of automotive ardor but also of their success,” the description continues. https://youtu.be/M8ZTyoD4HUU Kodak Black clapped back on Instagram Live on October 29, during which he repeatedly called Ray J a “bi**h” and a “pu*sy.” “Ray J, your little azz bi**h, homie. A n**ga don’t need no help, pu**y-azz b**h. I’m skraight, dumb-azz boy. F**k wrong with you, homie? I’ll beat your little azz,” he warned. Ray now claims he has evidence to support his story about Trump. The singer said Kodak had “no guidance and respect” during a visit to Trump’s home. “No, he don’t want no real fade,” Ray J said on Instagram Live on Oct. 30, Hip Hop DX reports. “He talking about he gon’ beat me up. Bro, if you don’t cut it out […] You a street n-gga, right? You’re a rapper? Well, let’s take the fade since you said you gon’ beat me up. Since you went all the way left with it. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy-C_BGN4y6/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again In the wealthy neighborhood of Mayfair in London, Gallery Fumi — a contemporary design space — is showcasing a new collection of furniture. This would be no surprise were it not for the incongruous material these chairs and tables are made from cardboard. Yes, high-end cardboard furniture! “Box” has been designed by British furniture designer Max Lamb, and utilizes cardboard boxes that had been building up in his studio. “I find it very difficult to throw things away”, he said, sitting on one of his creations. He finds beauty, he added, “in rubbish, or things that already exist and have already been disposed of.” Although it is one of the cheapest materials available, and often discarded, cardboard is increasingly being used to create both high-end and affordable furniture. While various designers are experimenting with the material to craft provocative pieces, others are harnessing its potential as a seemingly sustainable option for furnishing your home. Lamb cut, folded, assembled, and layered cardboard boxes, and also used the material to create layers of paper maché. What has resulted is an intriguing collection of furniture, that retains elements of cardboard box aesthetics — cubist forms and packaging logos — but develops them with unexpected sculptural molding, compositions, and earthy paints. Despite the material’s perception as flimsy, the pieces have been designed to withstand practical use. Their strength results from the way Lamb built up layers of corrugated cardboard — the most impact-resistant kind — and used a glue-like mix of wheat and water. https://youtu.be/TWfBdRV_6oE On a day-to-day basis, cardboard is used as an emergency shelter wherever we look. “We see cardboard on the streets; we see people using it as an insulating, protective material,” said Lamb, acknowledging how such use sits in contrast to his work. “Here I am just making bits of furniture in a gallery.” Although his works may be collectible design pieces (the prices are only available on request), he says the project is a critical reflection on being “a producer of stuff,” and hopes it will demonstrate “the beauty and permanence” of cardboard as a material. “It can be a permanent part of our lives,” he said. “We don’t have to discard things that are secondary to the thing we’re buying or valuing most.” https://youtu.be/Yui6Nkz3E4Y The convention featured a series of workshops and discussions organized to promote solutions for some of the most pressing issues impacting Black communities in California and Hawaii. The focus was on a range of topics, including next-generation leadership, environmental justice, housing, veteran’s affairs, labor, education, and more. “This is when we bring our branches to get them trained up and ready to go back into their communities ready to fight for what we’re fighting,” said NAACP Cal-Hi President Rick Callender. “What we are fighting, we’re fighting for criminal justice, environmental justice, equity in education, equity in the legislation, and trying to move the NAACP’s agenda forward.” This year’s event, themed “This Is How We Thrive,” was held from Oct. 27 to 29. Around 500 NAACP Cal-Hi leaders, delegates, elected officials, activists, organizers, faith leaders, and entertainers from across the state and Hawaii participated in the festivities. Comediennes Kim Coles, Kim Fields, Kim Wayans, and Kym Whitely may join forces for a “Kims of Comedy” tour. Coles teased such an event during a panel discussion at the Wilmington Library in Delaware on Oct. 27, MadameNoire reports. Fields hosted the free gathering where fans heard about the personal and professional journeys of the quartet. Coles hit up social media after the engagement to share a video of the ladies posing backstage. “These backstage moments are often not glamorous or fancy but are the times when we get to connect and reflect before being with all the beautiful people out there!” she captioned the image. “Thanks WILMINGTON library for hosting the “Kims of Comedy” event. One of us is really a Kym but you get the idea!” she continued. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy8m15iOqR_/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=b2fa39b5-1ddc-4cce-80c1-3008cbe4f4d3 “I think we need to put the show on the road,” she added, asking fans, “What city do you think we should bring it to next?” As MadameNoire reports, in the comments section, one fan wrote that they would love to see the “Kims of Comedy” perform in Philly. Another user added, “BALTIMORE, Lord knows we need some laughter!” A third wrote, “We need whatever y’all cooking up! We need this movie or series!!!” Fields also posted video highlights from the event on her Instagram page. “We had a time —Kym Whitley, Kim Coles, Kim Wayans — talking about physical comedy, timing, how we got in the business, what keeps us going, funny moments and memories,” she captioned the post. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy9oPxftS1w/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Colorado coach Deion Sanders is speaking out about his players being robbed of their personal items at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena last weekend. As ESPN reports, Sanders has called on the NCAA or the Rose Bowl to reimburse the athletes who were robbed of jewelry and cash from the Buffaloes’ locker room during the recent UCLA match-up. https://eurweb.com/2023/coach-deion-sanders-wants-players-reimbursed/ “Our kids got robbed during the game last week. I think that’s a travesty,” Sanders told reporters during in Boulder, Colorado. “I would expect the NCAA to do something about that,” he added. “This is the Rose Bowl. They said the granddaddy of ’em all, right? I’m sure granddaddy had some money. Grandpa should have some money to give these kids.” “Thank you again to everybody that showed up — and we showed out. Love you.” https://youtu.be/YCYfpbi995Y Thinking of skimping on a DoorDash tip? Do so at your own risk, warns a message being tested by the food delivery provider. If you try to place an order through the DoorDash app without leaving a tip, you may get this pop-up: “Orders with no tip might take longer to get delivered — are you sure you want to continue?” The note goes on: “Dashers can pick and choose which orders they want to do. Orders that take longer to be accepted by Dashers tend to result in a slower delivery.” In other words, tip your drivers, or prepare to wait a long time for a cold meal. Customers are then given the option to add a tip, or continue without one. As tipping screens have become more commonplace, Americans are balking at the ask — and wondering when they should tip, and when it’s acceptable to hit “no.” In this case, DoorDash is laying out the cons directly to the customer, and asking them to see the extra money as an incentive for good service, rather than a reward. https://youtu.be/-PIY3TDu7Go Federally, the tipped minimum wage is just $2.13 per hour (some states have higher minimums). Employers are required to make up the difference if tips don’t bring workers up to the federal minimum wage. https://youtu.be/eoE6dtWwsms Check out an exclusive clip from “Power Book IV: Force” premiering Friday, November 3, on STARZ. In the episode titled “No Loose Ends,” Tommy and Diamond suspect a snitch and put their inner circle to the test as the war between Miguel and Mirkovic comes to a head. The second season of “Force” debuted in September and “is filled with more power and more problems as a turf war takes shape and Tommy charts his territory, capitalizes on his competitors’ weaknesses, and makes his play at becoming the sole drug distributor in Chicago,” per the news release. Here’s the S2 synopsis: “Nothing stands in Tommy Egan’s way this season as he makes his play at becoming the sole drug distributor in Chicago. Alliances form and competitors become targets as a turf war heats up and Tommy must race to stay one step ahead of everyone. Meanwhile, a federal task force is zeroed in on him and he has an eye on a special someone, forcing him to decide what he is willing to sacrifice to claim Chicago as his.” https://preview-g.starz.com/p/promos/new/pbf2_1050539_010_pblt_2000k.mp4 Jamaican-born entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr. Trisha Bailey is sharing her success story in a new memoir that unpacks how she grew her medical supply business into an empire. Bailey’s “Unbroken: The Triumphant Story of a Woman’s Journey” chronicles her personal and professional tragedies and triumphs – from her humble beginnings in Jamaica to becoming a billionaire in America. According to the press release, in the book, Bailey — known as the richest Jamaican-born woman — recounts the challenges she faced after arriving in the U.S. from Jamaica with her family at age 13. She also examines the lingering effects of being a victim of sexual trauma and domestic violence. As NBC News reports, Bailey worked as a stockbroker on Wall Street and as a pharmaceutical sales representative after graduating from the University of Connecticut on a scholarship for track and field. A failed relationship with a man she was dating interrupted her professional success, resulting in a medical emergency that left her in a coma for eight days. “Overcome by life’s stressors, I felt like I was drifting away to an isolated place,” Dr. Bailey writes in the book. “I clung to a bottle, hoping it would offer an escape from all my problems. It all happened so fast, making everything moving through time seem like a blur. Honestly, it was like watching myself from outside my body, begging me to stop. But the silence was too overpowering to respond over. Before I knew it, my fingers were typing away at my laptop, pouring out my feelings and desires as if I might never return to this world again.” The two globally acclaimed musicians, Beyoncé and her husband Jay-Z (Shawn Carter), are known for their profound love for their sweet little family. Blue Ivy Carter is the eldest child, born on January 7, 2012, followed by the twins’ birth, Rumi and Sir Carter, in 2017. Beyoncé Knowles has openly expressed her love for three children ever since she became a mother. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzAELfcOxrV/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=3357e465-d70d-48be-9704-79d5383c3ba1 Although they have nannies and helpers to assist them, Beyoncé and her husband, Jay-Z, prioritize involving children in their endeavors whenever possible. Beyoncé’s firstborn, Blue Ivy, often accompanies her even during professional commitments. She affectionately referred to Blue Ivy as her “closest friend.” In 2016, Beyoncé expressed her desire for her child to experience happiness and good health, along with the chance to pursue her dreams, which she shared with Elle. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzBofmIuBJ_/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=9af7d4d1-ae4a-4c69-a85d-c434c367a403 The South Carolina couple accused of torturing the foster child they adopted from Uganda will pay a fine after pleading guilty to lesser charges. We reported previously that Nicholas and Mackenzie Spencer, both 32, were living in the country doing humanitarian work when they were accused of physical and emotional abuse of their 10-year-old foster son, Kayima John. The Spencers took in three foster children from a local Christian ministry in 2018, according to People. Ugandan police said in a statement that the couple allegedly kept Kayima John “barefoot and naked throughout the day,” and would sometimes force him to “squat in an awkward position.” https://youtu.be/KW66nmPIZ0I Police said the Spencers made the child sleep on a bare wooden platform without a mattress or bedding. The torture allegedly occurred between 2020 and 2022. A caretaker for the child reported the alleged abuse to police and told the local paper, The Daily Monitor, that Nicholas and Mackenzie kept the child confined to a small, tiled room. He wasn’t allowed to attend school, and a camera monitored him inside the home 24/7. https://youtu.be/alhHlO2-QMw Nipsey Hussle‘s brother Samiel Asghedom has finalized the work as administrator of the late rapper’s estate, according to Radar Online. Nipsey (real name Ermias Joseph Asghedom)‘s two children are his sole beneficiaries, Emani 14, with ex-girlfriend Tanisha Foster, and Kross, 7, whom he shared with then-girlfriend Lauren London. Kross and Emani will each receive 50% of the cash and non-cash assets, with an additional $113,000 for “health, education, and other matters.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CzG1uO2OFz2/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=1df06392-2c6f-4277-ac99-e3deba2b3594 Offset and Quavo both paid tribute to their fallen comrade Takeoff on the “one-year anniversary of his fatal shooting outside a bowling alley in Houston” on their IG pages, according to TMZ. Offset posted a video of clips of Takeoff during happier times and captioned it, “The times we spent is priceless what we built in this game they never wanted to give us our flowers we influenced the world…I Love you Take you still here with us I just know you are!!!! Migo 4Life!!!!!!” Busta Rhymes added in the comment section, “ROCKET TILL INFINITY!! ????????????????????????.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CzHPgdAuXfc/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Comedian DC Young Fly, government name John Whitfield, said he doesn’t get embarrassed when someone comes for him and admits he has no feelings. Therapist @antoniodanderson commented, “What DC is saying is code for us therapist. He doesn’t have any feelings because they have been numb because of the pain of losing the love of his life. He’s hurting bad while still trying to take care of his children.” The “Wild ‘N Out” star did clarify to Angela Yee that he is empathetic to someone’s situation. We know he’s mourning his partner, Ms. Jacky Oh who passed due to complications from cosmetic surgery on May 31, 2023. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy6mSbIJkAB/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Amy Robach posted a picture with TJ Holmes on her IG and captioned it, “How’s this for Instagram official? #silentnomore ?? “Amy & T.J.” December 5th. Listen on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard. @amyandtjpodcast.” (Insert Susie Carmichael from “Rugrats” bored look here). One person reasoned, “They want to trigger Black women so bad and I’m like ?? for Amy and TJ and I hope Andrew Shue and Marilee also move on happily.” Yeah, we don’t care, but it’s fun to see how they try to engage the public’s emotional involvement. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzGr8-vrYaL/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=f6ba1b0e-b708-41d2-93cd-bfb332f6f1b7 When it comes to Artificial Intelligence, said to be perhaps the most consequential technological advancement of our time, the potential of both the risks and rewards are vast and the reach spans the globe. The United States is poised to be a ring leader in keeping the use of technology safe for the nation and the world. Vice Pres. Kamala Harris has assumed the lead in corralling global leaders to move responsibly into an AI-driven future. In London the Vice President outlined the United States’ vision for governing Artificial Intelligence, following Pres. Joe Biden’s Executive order on AI Monday. The EO mandated that AI systems developers “share their safety test results and other critical information with the U.S. government.” No other government in the world has taken this step. At the U.S. Embassy in London Harris said it is the duty of leaders to guard their societies from the dangers of AI: “President Biden and I believe that all leaders from government, civil society, and the private sector have a moral, ethical, and societal duty to make sure that AI is adopted and advanced in a way that protects the public from potential harm and that ensures that everyone is able to enjoy its benefits.” https://youtu.be/WYMJEOiDVJc Sean’ Diddy’ Combs received a six-page cease and desist letter from Warner Brothers studio because of his Joker costume last year. “Breaking Halloween news: last year, after I did the Black Joker, I got a bunch of emails from the studio telling me to not be the Joker anymore, that I was breaching the trademark. So I don’t know what I’m going to be this year,” Combs said in an IG video. He told Jimmy Kimmel Live on Monday (October 30) he had something in store for the studio heads and head of legal. “Well do it again, then. Do it again!”, encouraged Kimmel. “So tomorrow… Warner Bros. lawyers, can you see me?” Diddy asked. “Put this camera on right here. The head of legal: Tomorrow, watch what I do.” On October 31, 2023, Combs debuted an elaborate video of himself dressed up as Batman for the spooky season, according to Hip Hop Wired. He created a scenario where he ended the actor’s strike by intimidating a studio CEO. Diddy lawyer up you know they gonna come for you. https://youtu.be/uL4iH-HLcXM Ashanti loves her man Nelly and bought him a ’64 Chevy Impala for his bday and presented it to him during his birthday party in ATL. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzGuNUFOBvF/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Mike Epps traveled to Iceland and took in the Northern Lights, but he felt something was missing. So he called Snoop Dogg, who hooked Epps up with his weed connect there. Unka Snoop is genuinely an international G. https://www.instagram.com/p/CytTJ1CRqFD/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again The audio from Erica Campbell‘s daughter Zaya (when she was six years old and now is 11) went viral after she sang her rendition of Nationwide Insurance’s commercial jingle. “Well, it looks like my sweet girl is going viral @Nationwide call me!” Erica captioned the throwback video. A few days after the video started trending on social media, Nationwide reached out to the Mary, Mary singer to schedule a sequel video. https://www.instagram.com/p/CyCm8cCOs5A/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again In the bustling city of Sacramento, a rhythmic pulse echoes through the airwaves, emanating from the heart of the community—97.5 FM KDEE. This isn’t just a radio station; it’s a cultural beacon that has been lighting up lives and connecting hearts for over 18 years. From the soulful serenades of R&B to the inspiring cadences of talk shows, KDEE’s programming is a mosaic of Sacramento’s vibrant culture. A subsidiary of the California Black Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the station was born from a mission to serenade Sacramento with the world’s most popular music and creative content. But it has done much more than just play hits; it has woven itself into the very fabric of the community it serves. The station stands as one of only three Black-owned radio stations in California, a testament to its uniqueness and commitment to the community. Founded by Aubry Stone with an ambition of economic empowerment, KDEE swiftly adapted to the digital age to maintain its relevance. Through the years, pivotal figures like Tristen Mayes and the late Marvell Reed have been instrumental in enhancing the station’s community engagement and programming diversity. Madeline-Michelle Carthen may be among the living, but in the eyes of the government, she is no longer with us. Cauthen, who was wrongfully declared dead more than 16 years ago, is still fighting to prove she is very much alive, according to Madame Noire. The 52-year-old St. Louis, Missouri woman’s dilemma dates to when she prepared to participate in a summer internship in Ghana in 2007. It was then that Carthen, a former Webster University entrepreneur and business technology student, discovered a glaring mistake. Her Social Security number was listed as deceased. On paper, the year of Carthen’s death is listed as 2007. The impact of the error changed everything for Carthen as she was denied financial aid for the Ghana trip. During an interview with NBC News affiliate KSDK-TV, Carthen remembered her reaction when she became aware of what happened to her. “I laughed,” she said. “I said, ‘What do you mean? I’m sitting right here. I’ve been at school for over a year and a half. How am I dead? Is this going to affect my international internship?’” https://youtu.be/cHEF8usdDgY To say Carthen has been fighting an uphill battle to get folks to see she is alive and well is a real understatement. The lack of a Social Security number is making it exceedingly difficult for HR companies to process payroll for her. Under normal circumstances, if a person suspects their Social Security number has been listed as deceased, they can bring an original copy of their passport, driver’s license, or other forms of identification to their local Social Security branch to have the error fixed. Despite going through the necessary steps, following all the recommended guidelines, and receiving an “erroneous death letter” to show her bank, doctors, and creditors that the death report was an error, Cauthen’s hard work has not made much of an impact. A legal name change from Madeline Coburn to Madeline-Michelle Carthen and a new Social Security number she received in 2021 still could not fix the issue. Issues with her old Social Security number being tied to her new one continue to persist. Yet, Carthen remains hopeful that things will work out and that she will get her life back on track without the misperception of her being deceased. https://youtu.be/an0_Oko9yiw Although Black and Hispanic Americans have accumulated more wealth in recent years, their median net worth still lags far behind that of White Americans. The net worth of the typical Black and Hispanic household in 2022 was $44,900 and about $61,600, respectively, according to the Federal Reserve’s latest Survey on Consumer Finances, a triennial report released this month that provides a comprehensive look at Americans’ financial circumstances. That’s up more than 61% for Black households and 47% for Hispanic households since the Fed’s last survey in 2019. Even with these gains, their wealth remains only a fraction of that of White households, whose median wealth was $285,000 last year, up 31% from 2019. https://youtu.be/ZMOIiPiDuBQ Asian Americans had the highest median net worth at $536,000, the first year their wealth was broken out in the survey. Edward Wolff, a professor of economics at New York University, said Asian Americans have higher incomes and much lower poverty rates than White Americans, which drives up their median wealth. The growth in wealth for typical Black and Hispanic households provides them more financial stability, Ana Hernández Kent, senior researcher at the Institute for Economic Equity at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, said on October 20. This means “these families are better able to weather a future downturn,” she said. “So, it’s extremely positive.” Overall, however, Kent called the changes in wealth between 2019 and 2022 “a mixed bag” because of the “incredible amount of wealth inequality in the US.” https://youtu.be/rg-o_gNleN8 The median wealth of White and Black Americans has now surpassed their earlier peaks, which were prior to the Great Recession, Wolff said. Hispanic households’ median net worth had already hit a record in 2019 and has since continued to rise. The growth in housing wealth – a home’s market value minus any outstanding mortgages or loans secured by the home – has fueled the overall rise in net worth among Black and Hispanic Americans, in particular, according to the Fed survey. Soaring home prices in recent years have boosted homeowners’ equity. Meanwhile, Wolff said, higher inflation also helped increase the net worth of Black and Hispanic households. Net worth consists of assets minus debts, so if the value of someone’s debt declines, their net worth increases. https://youtu.be/UjWOHMvouYU A pro-Palestinian protester has been arrested for tossing a box of rodents into a McDonald’s while shouting “Free Palestine.” Viral video shows mice painted black, red, white, and green – the colors of the Palestinian flag – being thrown into a McDonald’s location at Birmingham’s Star City Complex. Another video shows workers trying to get the rodents out of the store. A McDonald’s spokesperson said: “We are aware of an incident in our Birmingham Star City restaurant last night. The restaurant has been fully sanitized, and our pest control partners have been called out to conduct a full inspection.” Similar rodent-dumping incidents occurred amid protests in central London, calling for the Gaza conflict to end. A second video shows mice in a box at the McDonald’s in Perry Barr. A third video shows a group of masked people dumping a box of mice in a branch in Small Heath, BBC News reports. According to the BBC, a 32-year-old man has been arrested in connection to the Birmingham incident. https://youtu.be/5867kTioNjU Jeezy is leaving Def Jam after 20 years to continue his career as an independent artist. He will release a double album I Might Forgive…But I Don’t Forget, on November 3, through his CTE New World label and Stem Distribution, reports HipHopDX. The first part of the disc will feature 29 tracks with productions from ATL Jacob, Ricky Polo, Cubeatz, and Hendrix. The second side will be produced entirely by the J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League. “As you work on the album, y’know, you start talking about life, talking about music, experience and all that,” J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League’s Erik “Rook” Ortiz said to HipHopDX. “So it just became more songs and more songs and more songs, and then one day, [Jeezy] was like, ‘Y’know what? This gon’ be a double album.’” He added: “[The album is] very mature. He opens up about a lot of subjects — some things people might be curious about or never even knew about him. It’s very meticulously put together.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CzBoEjQOttE/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Usher is officially a menace to society. However, Marsha Ambrosius marched straight to the fire so Usher could roll up on her and serenade her Floetry hit, “Say Yes.” Mister, “don’t leave your girl ’round me,” decided to embrace Marsha while the songstress held up her wedding ring, mouthing “I’m so sorry” undoubtedly to her husband. The cutest part of the video is before Usher‘s magnetism completely hypnotized Marsha; she abruptly ends their interaction and heads safely back to her section. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzE_gBvuUqd/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Social media has dubbed Keith Lee as Martin Luther Keith for highlighting the lack of customer equity and service in most Atlanta restaurants. Of course, Black X came with the jokes. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzEwuwkP5uD/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=369d9624-46ce-45f5-9647-438ec47838a7 Popular TikTok Food Critic Keith Lee claims he is receiving death threats after reviewing various soul food restaurants in Atlanta. As SandraRose.com reports, Lee appeared on the “Ryan Cameron Uncensored,” podcast and said he won’t return to Atlanta because “People there put a hit out on me.” Lee boasts 18 million followers on TikTok, and his food reviews have been featured on major news programs, including Inside Edtion. He has reviewed The Real Milk & Honey, Juci Jerk, Atlanta Breakfast Club, and Lil Baby’s The Seafood Menu, and most recently, Kandi Burruss’ ‘Old Lady Gang’ restaurant. The Old Lady Gang, located in downtown Atlanta, is owned by Burruss and her husband Todd Tucker. As Rolling Out reports, in a now-viral TikTok video, Lee explained why his visit to the eatery did not go well. “Me and my family showed up, and we attempted to order before we got here. We called the number they had connected on Yelp three times… no answer. We tried to order through DoorDash, but it said it was temporarily closed. When we pulled up, I sent my family in to order for us. They said on the weekends, due to being busy, they don’t do any takeout at all.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1719655966843523185 SZA has responded to fans accusing her of lying about not getting various cosmetic surgeries. In a new interview with the Wall Street Journal, the singer called rumors about her alleged surgical facial enhancements “high-key offensive.” In a new interview with the Wall Street Journal, the singer called rumors about her alleged surgical facial enhancements “high-key offensive.” As The Blast reports, several fans responded online by comparing images of her nose and teeth, with one person posting a before-and-after comparison of SZA’s appearance over recent years. One Twitter user commented, “SZA been a serial liar like it’s so funny and lowkey concerning.” Another commented, “If it ever came down to a lying competition, I will never wanna go up against SZA.” Keyshia Cole‘s hit song “Love” transcends generations, and the students at Herman Middle School were singing their lungs out to the track. https://twitter.com/rxmsxy/status/1719000148083114338 Q-Tip will serve as the music producer and co-lyricist for an upcoming musical about Muhammad Ali. “Ali” will debut at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts in Ali’s Hometown, Louisville, in fall 2024, with plans for a Broadway debut in 2025, Variety reports. “His childhood in Louisville, Kentucky, along with love and unconditional support from his mother (and later from his wife Lonnie), set the stage for him to become the greatest boxer of all time. Ali was a formidable fighter. But the toughest battles he faced were often out of the ring,” reads a statement on the production’s official website. “Muhammad Ali has been an inspiration for me my entire life,” rapper/producer Q-Tip said, Variety reports. “I look forward to working with Teddy, Clint, Casey, Sean and the entire creative team in telling the great man’s story in this form.” Q-Tip joins the production led by producer Richard Willis, composer Teddy Abrams, director and author Clint Dyer, associate music producer Casey Benjamin, and music supervisor Sean Mayes, per Variety. Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS is now the official underwear for the NBA, WNBA, and USA Basketball.“Together, SKIMS and the NBA will connect people of all backgrounds through fashion, sport, and talent, and I look forward to seeing the partnership thrive,” Kardashian said in a statement this week, Complex reports. “We look forward to bringing NBA fans and SKIMS users unique experiences, new offerings, and premium products through our partnership,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzBjX0pr5rO/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=8128f6e4-cbc9-4906-9e82-f5140b3f2bab The new partnership follows the recent launch of SKIMS Mens. Kardashian founded the SKIMS brand in 2019 with Jens Grede. The company was valued at $4 billion as of July this year. We previously reported that after Kardashian announced plans to launch a line of shapewear called Kimono, she was accused of cultural appropriation by folks critical of the naming choice. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzBhvhkraAn/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=4fc36f94-0aca-4d8d-96a4-af82ed94eee2 In the vibrant world of hip-hop, where beats, rhymes, and culture collide, the University of Dope is making waves. This innovative card game, designed to explore your thoughts and knowledge about hip-hop, has become a hit sensation. It has been played by artists and DJs including Method Man, Raheem Devaughn, Chrisette Michele, D Nice, Peter Gunz, and Redman among many others. Radio personality and EURweb Spotlight host Jazmyn Summers sat down with the co-creator of the game, A.V “$upreme” Perkins, to discuss the significance of hip hop’s 50th anniversary and the inspiration behind the University of Dope. A Cultural Milestone: Hip Hop’s 50th Anniversary. What makes this game so significant in this year is that we are the children of hip hop. Like we don’t know life before hip hop,” A.V. Perkins remarked, highlighting the monumental occasion of hip hop’s 50th anniversary. She continued, “My business partner and I… to grow up in the genre and see our greats still able to contribute to the genre and us to create our game, and just have all of that synergy is mind-blowing.” https://youtu.be/0hw6wVrdX38 Rapper Flavor Flav is responding to criticism of his National Anthem performance on Oct. 29 during the Atlanta Hawks vs. Milwaukee Bucks basketball game. It may seem odd for Flavor Flav, a member of Public Enemy to do the National Anthem. But I had family that served in the United States military and I wanted to honor them,” he wrote on Twitter, Hip Hop DX reports. Flav continued: “I had family that fought in World War 2. My dad was in the army. They fought for the land that we live on, and some of them didnt make it back. So when I was singing it, I was thinking about them and the advancements we have made in our community that I can perform the anthem. [American flag emoji]” Several music fans mocked the hip-hop star’s rendition of the National Anthem, but Flav appears to be unmoved by the hate. “The anthem was a long time bucket list item … that was fun! I can’t live my life worried about what people might say about me,” he wrote on Twitter. “I won’t let that stop me from trying new things and doing things I wanna do. Some people might not like that. But a sure failure is if you stop trying.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1718771100002275631 Mariah Carey says it’s time to swap out one pagan holiday for another and did a promo celebrating the upcoming Christmas season or #MariahSZN, as she wrote in the caption. One unenthused poster wrote, “Un uh put her back in ???? we haven’t even had Thanksgiving yet.https://www.instagram.com/p/CzFtem_oImy/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Jada Pinkett Smith sat down with famed life coach Iyanla Vanzant to speak about her “healing journey” and her new bestselling memoir “Worthy.” “You know, being the heroine of my own story was me coming to terms with every aspect of it,” Pinkett Smith said on Vanzant’s podcast, The R Spot, Black Enterprise reports. “You know, being the heroine of my own story was me coming to terms with every aspect of it,” Pinkett Smith said on Vanzant’s podcast, The R Spot, Black Enterprise reports. “Coming to terms with my light and my shadow. I was just as much afraid of my light as I was of my shadow, to be honest. And realizing that it is my relationship with myself and the great supreme that is the most important, and was the thing that had been missing all along.” During the recent press run for her book, Pinkett Smith dropped several bombshells; most surprising was the reveal that she and Will have been separated since 2016. She also claims Tupac proposed to her, and Chris Rock once asked her out on a date. The memoir also touches on the infamous Oscars slap at the Academy Awards in 2022. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy064EhLVj6/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Bob Knight, the sixth-winningest coach in Division I men's college basketball history whose Hall of Fame career was highlighted by three national titles at Indiana -- one an undefeated season not since matched -- and countless on-court outbursts, died Wednesday, according to his family. He was 83. "It is with heavy hearts that we share that Coach Bob Knight passed away at his home in Bloomington surrounded by his family," the Knight Family said in a statement. "We are grateful for all the thoughts and prayers, and appreciate the continued respect for our privacy as Coach requested a private family gathering, which is being honored. We will continue to celebrate his life and remember him, today and forever as a beloved Husband, Father, Coach, and Friend." Knight became the youngest coach at a Division I school in 1965 when he broke in at Army at 24. But he made his mark in 29 years at Indiana, including winning a school-record 661 games and reaching the NCAA tournament 24 times in 29 seasons. Knight's first NCAA title came in 1976 when Indiana went undefeated, a feat no team has accomplished since. https://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=38796196 Missy Elliott tells Robin Roberts her mother has never seen her perform live due to the language used in her lyrics because Mom Dukes serves the Lord. However, Missy‘s mother intends to witness her talented daughter’s induction into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame. Missy, you’ll have to perform the Kidz Bop versions of some of your hits. Congrats! Watch the full interview on Thursday, 11/2, on “Good Morning America.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CzFFRsMxzF3/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Tamar snatched back a microphone she gave to a fan who didn’t know the lyrics to her song. T Marie posted on her IG, “Omgggg y’all I need y’all helpp!!!! Can y’all tag Tamar and tell her I was recordinggg!!!! I knew the words of YOU KNOW ME YK I KNEW THEM WORDS. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy7SmGoM0tr/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again French Montana was held up by Colombian authorities who searched his plane because they thought he was transporting that ya-yo. One person pointed out, “They heard you call y Former “Real Housewives of New York City” star Ramona Singer has been cut from BravoCon amid her N-word controversy. The network pulled Singer from the lineup hours after she texted part of a racial slur to a Page Six reporter, the outlet reported on Oct. 31. Bravo announced in August that 160 Bravolebrities will attend BravoCon, taking place Friday, Nov. 3 through Sunday, Nov. 5 at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas. Several of Bravo’s biggest names will participate in a series of show and mash-up panels, fan photo experiences, meet and greets, activations, and host booths at the Bravo Bazaar shopping experience with much more, according to a news release. Singer was expected to attend, but a source tells Page Six her appearance has been nixed following Vanity Fair’s exposé, which alleged she used the N-word during Season 13 while conversing with a Black crew member. “And the word I used was ‘NWord’ Not n-g…,” Singer texted to a Page Six reporter on Tuesday in response to the VF article. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cxt7ZDsO-3_/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Sean “Diddy” Combs appeared on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” this week to promote his new project, “The Love Album,” but the host grilled him about rumors that he wanted to fight Will Smith over Jennifer Lopez. “I saw a guy on the internet the other day. He said he used to be your security guard, who said that when you were dating J.Lo, Will Smith and Jada tried to pick her up on a threesome, and you were gonna beat up Will Smith. Is that true?” Kimmel stated, Too Fab reports. Diddy replied, “Yo, this show has gotten crazier since the last time I was here. No.” “It’s all about love though. That’s not true?” Kimmel replied. “You really heard that?” Diddy asked. https://youtu.be/uL4iH-HLcXM Diddy’s former bodyguard, Gene Deal, claims the hip-hop mogul wanted to fight Smith back in the day when the actor and his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, allegedly tried to hook up with his then-girlfriend Lopez. “We were at a birthday party that I think Matt Damon was giving for Ben Affleck. It was just a little gathering at the Four Seasons,” Deal recalled during his interview with “The Art of Dialogue,” Complex reports. “Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Jennifer Lopez, Puff, Will Smith, and Jada were sitting on [one] side of the room.” https://youtu.be/LKYOLBzbvdk The entire population of Gaza is “being dehumanized,” the chief of the main UN agency operating there told the UN Security Council Monday, as pressure intensified on the besieged strip with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ruling out to a ceasefire, saying “this is a time for war.” Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner general of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) told the Security Council that thousands of children killed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza in the past three weeks “cannot be collateral damage.” Major UN agencies are calling for a humanitarian ceasefire to allow deliveries of aid for more than 2 million civilians trapped with scarce supplies of food, water and medical equipment, and for the safe release of 238 hostages that Israel believes are being held by Hamas, the militant group that controls the enclave. “An immediate humanitarian ceasefire has become a matter of life and death for millions,” Lazzarini said. The director of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Lisa Doughten, told the Security Council that the “scale of the horror” being experienced by Gazans is “hard to convey.” https://youtu.be/MgX1IxZnx9U “We simply do not have enough essential supplies to provide for the survival of internally displaced people at this scale,” Doughten said. However, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu made clear on Monday that Israel would not agree to a ceasefire, as it responds with unrelenting force to Hamas’ October 7 terror attacks, which killed 1,400 people, mostly civilians, and saw hundreds taken hostage. Drawing parallels to the United States’ position after Pearl Harbor in 1941 and the September 11 attacks in 2001, Netanyahu said that while the Bible says there is a time for peace, he said “this is a time for war.” “Calls for a ceasefire or calls for Israel to surrender to Hamas, to surrender to terrorists, surrender to barbarism, that will not happen,” he said. https://youtu.be/8xtXH1Rzsy0 It appears the Hollywood actors’ strike is approaching its final scene. SAG-AFTRA, the union that represents more than 150,000 Hollywood actors, and the AMPTP, the trade group that represents the major studios, have made significant progress in negotiating sessions in recent days, arriving at tentative understandings on key components of a potential deal, according to people familiar with the matter.That progress has led to hopes that an agreement could be reached as early as this week or next week, the people said. Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA’s chief negotiator, told Variety on Monday from the picket lines, “There has been progress, and that’s the source of my continued cautious optimism.” While talks continue between the two sides to end the strike that has shuttered production for more than 100 days and pushed back film and television schedules, people familiar with the matter cautioned that there are still contentious matters that remain unresolved. One such issue, the use of artificial intelligence, has proved to be a sticking point between writers and studios and requires careful examination. Ultimately, erecting guardrails around the emerging technology that the actors have decried as an “existential threat” to their livelihoods has been one of the final items on the agenda during negotiations. https://youtu.be/etdWsBz8y5U There does, however, appear to be some momentum toward a deal, which could help the two parties solve for such issues. As with the writers’ strike that ended earlier this month after a 148-day standoff, the four big studio chiefs — Disney’s Bob Iger, Warner Bros. Discovery’s David Zaslav, Netflix’s Ted Sarandos, and NBC Universal’s Donna Langley — have been directly involved in negotiations.Warner Bros. Discovery is CNN’s parent company.SAG-AFTRA told its members early Monday that over the weekend it had “discussed all open proposals,” including A.I., with the studios. The union added that both parties would work independently on Monday before resuming talks together at the Sherman Oaks negotiating table. A deal can’t come soon enough for both sides. The studios need to resume production if there is any hope that the winter half of the television season can be salvaged. And thousands of actors are in increasingly dire need of a paycheck. If production is not resumed soon, those shortened television seasons will be scrapped, meaning sets will remain empty until next year, regardless of whether a deal is reached in November or December. That would mean actors, crews, and much of the Hollywood industry would have to endure the holiday season out of work. “I definitely feel that pressure — it’s why I feel such a sense of urgency to get things done,” Crabtree-Ireland told Variety. “That’s why we worked all weekend long, and we’re not taking any time off from trying to push this process forward.” https://youtu.be/HxlBC06iQb0 You probably have seen that list of restaurants where women do not want to go on a first date. Ok, let’s talk about unapproved first-date locations'. I’m not sure who these women are who were surveyed to come up with the list. I – for one – don’t agree with the entire list and I’m sure a lot of other women feel the same way I do. Why is it that outliers feel compelled to speak on behalf of the rest of us, making all of us look like unreasonable, money-grabbing women who are more interested in an image than in the character of the man we are dating?https://youtu.be/y9J7zQeydkA According to a new study, cardiovascular deaths related to extreme heat could triple over the next few decades, with Black people being the most vulnerable. According to a new study funded by the National Institutes of Health, heat-related deaths will increase significantly in the United States among Black adults and seniors age 65 and older. As People reports, Dr. Sameed A. Khatana — study author, cardiologist, and assistant professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, told CNN, “For people with pre-existing cardiovascular diseases, their heart might not be able to keep up with the increased demands on the cardiovascular system that temperature is causing.” Black adults and seniors are allegedly at greater risk of fatal heat strokes due to underlying health conditions and socioeconomic barriers. https://youtu.be/PQPb_GodZaA In life, despite all the hoopla, some things are just too pricy for their own good. For Tyler Perry, that thing was BET Media Group, which he expressed interest in buying at one point and time. As the entertainment mogul is now sharing his thoughts on obtaining the network, the subject of price comes into the conversation. “I was disappointed about it for a number of reasons,” Perry said recently as he commented publicly for the first time on why things didn’t work out in buying BET, calling the process “disrespectful.” “The way it happened was disrespectful in a lot of ways,” he added. “Don’t try to get me to pay for something that’s not worth anywhere near the value.” Perry’s remarks were made during an appearance at a Bloomberg summit on business equality, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. The appearance comes months after the Midea actor put his bid in to buy BET Media Group after Paramount Global put it on the market in March 2023. In addition to BET, BET+, BET Her, BET Digital, BET Studios, and VH1, Paramount Global owns a slew of media companies, including CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, Showtime, and Paramount Picture, according to Urban Hollywood 411. https://youtu.be/DJwG4YLSiDY Forbes reports that NBA Hall of Famer Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson has reached billionaire status. Johnson is the fourth professional athlete to reach the milestone following a lucrative post-basketball career that included investments in professional sports teams, movie theaters, Starbucks cafes, a PepsiCo bottling plant, and a health insurance company, per Forbes.com. Johnson, 64, owns a minority stake in the NFL’s Washington Commanders, as well as stakes in the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers, and the MLS’ LAFC. Based on his stakes in these teams, Forbes estimates his net worth to be $1.2 billion. The 12-time NBA All-Star also owns a 60% stake in Iowa-based life insurance company EquiTrust, which “makes up the largest portion of Johnson’s personal net worth—since the purchase, the Iowa-based company’s assets have skyrocketed from $16 billion to $26 billion, with annual revenues of roughly $2.6 billion,” per Forbes.com. Following the 1990-1991 NBA season, Johnson tested positive for HIV, which prompted him to announce his retirement and become an advocate for HIV prevention. https://twitter.com/i/status/1719026792562839930 Sean Paul was in the middle of an interview when an earthquake rocked the building he was in at the time … so he quickly fled the room. The rapper was in his native Jamaica while chatting with artist Tofu Jack and director/producer of Vice Documentaries. That’s when a 5.4 magnitude quake hit near Kingston, according to TMZ. In the clip above, you can see the room shake as the artist exits the room, and his entire feed disappears. As TMZ reports, no injuries from the earthquake have been reported. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2023-10-30-103023-sean-paul-1719550-096/ A beauty supply owner in South London was forced to sell his shop after a video went viral of him choking a Black female customer. “I have nothing in my pocket now, and I’m living off loans from my friends and family. Things are getting worse every day,” Sohail Sindho, 45, told MyLondon. Sindho was forced to sell his Peckham Hair and Cosmetics shop after the Sept.11 incident, which saw him physically assaulting a 31-year-old woman accused of trying to steal items from the store. As MadameNoire reports, the woman wanted a refund for her three wigs, but Sindho claimed he informed the customer that there were no refunds. Sindho allegedly offered the woman store credit, but she tried to flee the beauty supply with additional items. The shop owner was simply trying to detain the woman when he grabbed her neck and choked her. https://youtu.be/zLdGUjtQ0uw Sindho claims he lost everything after the video went viral. He and his children have been hiding out “in the countryside” amid protests outside the shop, with demonstrators demanding he be held accountable. “My kids haven’t had a warm meal in a month. They have been eating bread with jam and chocolate,” he said. https://youtu.be/Ii3X9kJgt-U Oscar-winning director Roger Ross Williams brings Dr. Ibram X. Kendi’s New York Times best-selling book Stamped From the Beginning to life! Williams uses vivid animations and leading female scholars to explore the history of anti-Black racist ideas. The film releases on Netflix November 20 and in select theaters on November 10. https://youtu.be/HMYLFQbyIu4 Kandi Burruss responded to a review from popular TikTok food critic Keith Lee of her ‘Old Lady Gang’ restaurant. The Old Lady Gang, located in downtown Atlanta, is owned by Burruss and her husband Todd Tucker. As Rolling Out reports, in a now-viral TikTok video, Lee explained why his visit to the eatery did not go well. “Yesterday, me and my family were at the One Music Festival. Somebody who worked with Kandi Burruss walked up to us and said they’ve been trying to reach us since we got to Atlanta. He said he’s been constantly emailing me and constantly DM’ing me for me to come to Old Lady Gang,” Lee explained, adding, “As you can see, I don’t have any bags in my hands.” Lee and his family left the establishment before ordering food due to poor customer service. “Me and my family showed up, and we attempted to order before we got here. We called the number they had connected on Yelp three times… no answer. We tried to order through DoorDash, but it said it was temporarily closed. When we pulled up, I sent my family in to order for us. They said on the weekends, due to being busy, they don’t do any takeout at all.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1718825009324441827 Meanwhile, Lee has also reviewed The Real Milk & Honey, Juci Jerk, Atlanta Breakfast Club, and Lil Baby’s The Seafood Menu. His reviews have been featured on major news programs, including Inside Edtion. In an interview with TODAY.com, Lee explained his journey to becoming a viral sensation. “It took two years to get to 1.6 million. It took three months to get to 11 million and within those three months, I started doing full reviews every day,” Lee said. “I’m a foodie. I think I brought back natural foodies in the space of food critics. Most of the critics are polished and they only go to certain restaurants and they go to certain spots. They only stay in a certain niche.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1719147179405877581 Kim Kardashian has turned her Hidden Hills mansion into a haunted house for Halloween. As TMZ reports, Kardashian gave her social media fans a tour of the house, which sits on more than five acres of land and 30,000 square feet of living space. “There’s a lot to marvel at here … be it the “cemetery” of plaster-molded hands, which are apparently made in the shapes of real people in her household — including her kids, and even her chef. That, or the two massive skull-plated pillars standing outside her front door,” the outlet writes. The interior features Halloween-themed candles, cobwebs, hooded dummies, and other decor — including a haunted guest house. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2023-10-28-102823-kim-k-haunted-house-1719043-686/ The mother of four shared images on Instagram of her and her daughter, North West, dressed up as characters from the film “Clueless.” Meanwhile, we reported earlier that experts from QforQuinn conducted research to identify the top Halloween costumes in 2023 that people are searching for, and Barbie takes the crown. The majority of sought-after Halloween costumes this year are inspired by iconic movie characters. QforQuinn examined the “pop culture trends + Halloween costume” search counts, and Barbie topped the list with a total of 549,000 people looking to dress up as the iconic character for Halloween. According to the researchers, the most sought-after Barbie set is the Cowgirl Barbie, which includes hot pink flare pants with a vest top, a white cowgirl hat, a pink bandana, and white boots with gold stars. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzDQM9nO22s/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=3503adcf-d88f-4f80-b137-0b5a23671552 The only Black-owned grocery store in the City of Detroit has officially opened its doors with the mission to help people get healthy. It’s called Neighborhood Grocery, and it’s a liquor store that was turned into a health food shop on the corner of Essex and Manistique in Detroit’s Jefferson-Chalmers neighborhood. The store is a six-year labor of love for Raphael Wright, the owner. We first spoke to the farmer and serial entrepreneur when his store was just a shell. But, his drive and vision were unyielding. “To build a community you have to have healthy food and healthy access to the food and the start is in grocery stores,” he said. “What is it like now seeing customers come in?” I asked him. “It feels good. We knew it was going to happen, now it’s just time to build and maintain,” he said. https://youtu.be/yjFXBPhEhFg Lucky for Wright, the community is buying in. One woman who goes by Ms. Rita grew up in the neighborhood and her family have lived there for four decades. She has witnessed many changes. “Really happy it’s a grocery store and not a beer and wine store,” she said. “Sunday we always need an onion, tomato and seasonings so its good to come back in the neighborhood and support.” The Neighborhood Store embodies its name. People in the community have a say in what’s on the shelves, and their names are part of the decor. Inclusion, health, and education are part of Wright’s mission. https://youtu.be/p4BrajNx9Gk “I’m from the neighborhoods I work in and I want to make them better. They were good at one point and I want to bring back that glory,” he said. “What I love about your interaction is that you sound so proud,” Ms. Rita told him. The Neighborhood Grocery is an equity crowdfunded store. If you would like to be part of the movement, you can visit their website. https://youtu.be/YaouAdmXgHs PBS is set to air a documentary that chronicles the early civil rights movement. “The Niagara Movement: The Early Battle for Civil Rights,” is an hour-long documentary by WNED PBS, that “delves deep into a national crusade that forged the civil rights landscape for the 20th century and beyond,” according to a news release. Per the news release: “The film explores the Black elite and intellectual society at the turn of the 20th century and examines the heated national debate and conflict three Black leaders — sociologist W.E.B Du Bois, publisher William Monroe Trotter and educator and orator Booker T. Washington — had about how best to foster equality and opportunity for Black Americans.” https://youtu.be/wZx4qfgYAwg Ray J expressed concern for Kodak Black’s health, and the rapper threatened to beat him up in response. In a comment on Akademiks’ Instagram page, Ray J claimed Kodak’s erratic behavior once upset former president Donald Trump. “Yo somebody need to grab bro and make sure he good,” Ray J wrote, according to Hip Hop DX. “This ain’t the interview Nore. We gotta help this dude. “I took him to Trump house and he did the most. They were not happy with the experience bc he had no guidance and respect. Yo @wack100 let’s figure out how we can help this guy instead of watching him self destruct.” Kodak Black clapped back on Instagram Live on October 29, during which he repeatedly called Ray J a “bi**h” and a “pussy.” “Ray J, your little azz bi**h, homie. A n**ga don’t need no help, pu**y-azz b**h. I’m skraight, dumb-azz boy. F**k wrong with you, homie? I’ll beat your little azz” the Florida rapper warned. https://youtu.be/fnuRPgtILyw Sean Paul was in the middle of a live interview on Twitch when an earthquake rocked the building he was in at the time … so he quickly fled the room. The rapper was in his native Jamaica while chatting with artist Tofu Jack and director/producer of Vice Documentaries. That’s when a 5.4 magnitude quake hit near Kingston, according to TMZ. https://twitter.com/i/status/1719056321591300531 Experience the music of Grammy-winning jazz saxophonist KENNY G live at Alex Theatre in Glendale, CA, on Thursday, November 2nd, at 8:00 PM. Enjoy the smooth sounds of Kenny G as he performs his classic hits and his newest songs. Hear the saxophone virtuoso in person and participate in a night of musical magic. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceoxolANYgc Zoë Kravitz is engaged to Channing Tatum after first being romantically linked last year. “He makes me laugh and we both really love art and talking about art and the exploration of why we do what we do,” Kravitz said about Tatum in a cover interview for GQ‘s 2022 Men of the Year issue. “We love to watch a film and break it down and talk about it and challenge each other.” As People reports, the couple was spotted leaving a Halloween party over the weekend. Kravitz and Tatum first met while she was casting her upcoming directorial debut, “Pussy Island.” “Whether it was making me tea or pouring me a drink or going to whip someone into shape or whatever — he really was my protector and it was really wonderful and sweet,” she shared. Kravitz added, “I think if you can do something like that together, it’s a good test. And we came out even stronger.” JASON SINGLETON... is the CEO of SingleTone Music Group, the Founder of Jason Singleton & Friends, and is an Artist, Musician, Preacher and Music Educator. Jason Singleton & Friends is an aggregation of singers whose mission is to spread inspiration and share The Gospel of Jesus Christ through Gospel Music. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvYxY83aHwY Da Brat and her wife, Jesseca “Judy” Harris-Dupart, have a new reality show premiering in November about their intimate journey with their first child together. The couple welcomed their baby boy named True in July. “Feels like a dream. He’s perfect in every way. [I’m] very appreciative for such a blessing of our bundle of joy. This journey has been more amazing than we could’ve ever imagined,” Brat, 49, admitted to People shortly after the baby’s arrival. “I can’t believe he came out of me!” Harris-Dupart added: “His name had been True Legend Harris-Dupart, but now that we’ve met him, we are tempted to name him Perfect.” https://youtu.be/wURlPcsh3D4 Rapper Waka Flocka Flame and comedian Desi Banks have a new podcast called “We Playin’ Spades.” The show features many celebrity guests who challenge Waka and Desi to a game of spades while sharing insights about their careers and lives. However, during the game, contestants risk losing their Black cards. Nekia Nichelle from “Just N Life“ spoke with the two hosts and buttered up the gents with her culinary skills, cheekily trying to get an invite on the show. https://youtu.be/e8ySqJVkGTc A’ja Wilson put out the clarion call that she wanted to link up with Usher, and bay-by did he answer. The Las Vegas Aces WNBA champ tweeted, “I am no longer A’ja Wilson..the 2x champ ..I am now A’ja Wilson..the girl usher was singing to …great! Moral of story: be careful what you ask for.” When she attended Usher‘s Las Vegas Residency, he put the sauce and his flirty charisma on her, and she quickly “folded like a lawn chair,” as one of her fans noted. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzBjvO8uofB/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=78787588-ff7c-4bc2-8a13-0ef0526f1861&img_index=1 Jermaine Dupri‘s youngest daughter Jalyn, 12, went nuclear on her pappy and asked him how he felt when her mother left him. AHHH!!! She cited that it was due to his age and other issues that must go unmentioned on Janet Jackson‘s internet. WHET?! Yo, these kids will humble you fast. JD captioned the video, “Anybody want a child ?? https://www.instagram.com/p/CzC7uizraUt/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again TikTok food critic Keith Lee shaking the restaurant tables in ATL while on a food tour with his family. He exposed the lack of customer service, how celebrities get preferential treatment, and the exorbitant rules that many restaurants have, which has caused the city’s residents to side with Keith. Even Cardi B came to his defense. Some restaurant owners such as The Real Milk and Honey tried to discredit him, and even Kandi Burruss tried to explain the reasons for specific rules in her restaurant, the Old Lady Gang, that Keith reviewed. https://twitter.com/i/status/1719259238659158165 The woman at the center of the disastrous “Cheesecake Factory date” is finally speaking out about why she acted like a pompous diva in the viral video.As we reported previously, the Atlanta woman identified as Alicia (previous reports said her name was Alice) went viral after refusing to get out of the car for a first date who took her to The Cheesecake Factory. According to the Daily Mail, the TikTok footage was shared online by a woman named Monique Santos. The clip shows Alicia complaining to her date that the chain restaurant was “embarrassing.” “He’s got me at The Cheesecake Factory,” the woman stated in the footage. When her date walks around to open the passenger door, Alicia locks the door and shakes her head at him. The woman rolls down the window and says to her date, “This is The Cheesecake Factory. This is a chain restaurant. Who takes someone that looks like this to a chain restaurant.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1712564473855422698 Jermaine Dupri is all the way up after being inducted into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia. He captioned the video, “Man!! I just got inducted into the @blackwalkoffame and it feels amazing !! A lady on the red carpet asked me does this mean Atlanta is the new Hollywood? No! This is Atlanta this is Black music and Black entertainment #SoSoDef30. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy4DWfSJU9b/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Fans are also in love watching Ashanti and Nelly rekindle their romance. The two lovebirds had an IG live battle, giggling and enjoying one another’s company. The fact that they both look like they are in their late 20s proves their love gives them an extra glow to their melanin drip. One admirer remarked, “Y’all are just so…cute the 2 of you have so..much fun together always laughing but when comes to business you both are always on point! Love Y’all. “They look so happy ???? them relationships hit different when you’re mature and truly connected to your soul mate ????,” (waves imaginary church fan), don’t they though? “I have never seen him smile so much until now. He looks sooo freaking happy,” said another fan. Nelly is with his Queen. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy_NhVErfSQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Nia Talita Long celebrates her 53rd bday, and girly is working life like a runway stage. Happy bday, Queen! https://www.instagram.com/p/CyfW0HpOpiK/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Eva Marcille celebrates her 39th bday; show her some love in the comment section. https://www.instagram.com/p/CfS2avYlCf0/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Nissin Foods USA is redesigning the packaging for Cup Noodles and will introduce a new paper cup design that will be microwavable. This historic change for the on-the-go cup of ramen noodles will come in early 2024, replacing the current polystyrene cup, per the news release. “Since its invention more than 50 years ago, Cup Noodles has become a cultural mainstay and a staple in households around the world,” said Michael Price, President and CEO of Nissin Foods USA. “And while Cup Noodles will continue to have that same satisfying taste and iconic look, we continue to find ways to evolve the brand to support the current needs of our consumers, the environment and the world.” Price added, “This updated packaging and the new paper cup marks an important milestone for Cup Noodles and a key step in our environmental commitment.” https://youtu.be/S2CD3bIBaY0 Joyce Logan, the Founder and CEO of Gospel International is retiring. Logan who is credited with helping many launch their careers shares this personal note: “ Just to let you know, I am retiring Welcome - Gospel International on November 1, 2023. I have had a long run in the industry. Many don't know that in 1993 I introduced Gospel International to the world wide web (internet) when consumers did not own computers. Our viewers came from major military posts around the world, corporations, colleges and universities. We had one of the first chat rooms on the internet prior to Facebook. Viewers were able to chat with us in real time and as a result organizations such as the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) began to experience delegations from Japan, France, the Netherlands and other countries who were reaching out to us for information about the gospel organization. We introduced the Stellar Awards to a broader consumer market via our print magazine and the website. Up until that time the Stellar Awards was known throughout the music industry but not by consumers on a broad scale. We helped to launch and further the careers of writers, producers and artists such as Deitrick Hadden, Kirk Franklin, The Winans, Yolanda Adams, Phyllis Caddell, Sanchez Harley and so many more by sharing them and the recording labels they were with, in our print and online publications to millions of readers and users across the world. We featured the very first gospel music radio charts covering every major city and key stations. Extensive radio and retail tracking was performed by us with direct contact with radio announcers and retail owners. The world knew who was doing what, when and where around the country. In a historic celebration of music, culture, and unity, the streets of Los Angeles came alive at the recent Taste of Soul L.A., the city's largest and most anticipated block party. The iconic streets of Crenshaw and Obama in Los Angeles witnessed an extraordinary musical phenomenon as Christian rap luminary Emcee N.I.C.E. and gospel trailblazer Canton Jones took center stage on the 102.3 Radio Free KJLH Delete the Divide stage opening with prayer and then setting the tone and delivering an electrifying performance that got the crowd ready for the day. With an astonishing 500,000 attendees, the event proved to be a momentous occasion. The highly anticipated event took place on October 21st, 2023, spanning several blocks along Crenshaw Boulevard. Taste of Soul L.A. is renowned for bringing together diverse communities and offering a rich tapestry of music, art, food, and cultural experiences. This year's event set a new attendance record, making it a historic gathering that truly showcased the power of music to unite and uplift. Emcee N.I.C.E., a chart-topping Christian and hip-hop legend, and Canton Jones, a dynamic and influential force and legendary in gospel and hip-hop music, opened up the main stage and lived up to the anticipation. Their performances were a mesmerizing fusion of faith, hip hop, gospel and that feel good energy that had some of the crowd dancing. Oct 7, 2023, will be known as Israel’s 9/11. Hamas terrorists crossed the Israel-Gaza border and indiscriminately slaughtered Israeli civilians in their homes and apartments. They killed nearly 300 young people at a music festival and took at least 200 hostages including 30 children. The atrocities they committed included massacres of entire families, the abduction of the elderly and young children, burning babies, and rapes of women. The horrific surprise attack by Hamas deserves universal and unequivocal condemnation. President Joe Biden called what Hamas did an act of sheer evil and pledged to defend the lives of Israelis and Jewish Americans. He said, “Let there be no doubt. The United States has Israel’s back. We’ll make sure the Jewish and democratic state of Israel can defend itself today, and tomorrow as we always have.” Hamas killed approximately 1400 people including 32 Americans. Citizens from 40 different countries including the United Kingdom, France, Mexico, and Thailand were killed or reported missing. https://youtu.be/IiLJPkHFkYI Signing the statement were 51 student organizations including those from Stanford, UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC Davis, UC San Diego, CSU Sacramento, and USC. Nationally, student organizations at Harvard, Columbia, the University of Michigan Law School and Northwestern issued similar statements that either directly or indirectly endorse or justify the actions of Hamas. A statement signed by 34 Harvard student organizations said, “We, the undersigned student organizations, hold the Israeli regime entirely responsible for all unfolding violence.” Many university leaders, where these students are enrolled, have been guilty of failing to unequivocally condemn Hamas and for inadequately addressing their students’ expressed support for Hamas. Several Stanford faculty members, including three Nobel laureates, condemned Stanford’s administrators’ weak response to acts of terrorism and the expression of pro-Hamas sentiments by students on campus. https://youtu.be/KvoTIeB8L3w The United Kingdom has a rich history. Black History being an aspect of it matters and needs to be celebrated. One way or the other, Black History Month UK is celebrated in October. The event which began in the US in the 1920s, was first celebrated in the UK in 1987. 36 years on, Black History Month is as popular and important as it was when it was first celebrated in the UK. There are more Black and Asian Britons making inroads into the mainstream UK entertainment industry and more. Black history celebration gives everyone the opportunity to share, celebrate, and understand the impact of black heritage and culture through creative arts and events for the young, old, and enthused. Mercedes-Benz has just unveiled new “close-to-production” concept vehicles that could outdo Tesla cars by going more than 466 miles on a single charge. That’s compared with a range of less than 380 miles for any Tesla model. The German automaker’s Concept CLA Class, revealed Sunday at the IAA Mobility auto show in Munich, comprises four new models: a sedan, a station wagon and two SUVs. The company did not specify when exactly they would enter production. The vehicles will each have a range of more than 750 kilometers (466 miles), versus Tesla’s (TSLA) Model 3 and Model S, which have the brand’s highest ranges and each can go for just under 375 miles off one charge. Meanwhile, BMW also made a splash at the show by revealing a new electric vehicle that boasts a longer range and faster charging, in further evidence of German automakers’ efforts to fend off growing EV competition. https://youtu.be/F3ebspXe8PQ Kanye West allegedly drew a swastika during his very first meeting with Adidas in 2013. According to a new report published by the New York Times, the incident occurred at the brand’s headquarters in Germany, where Adidas team members met with West to start “pitching ideas for the first shoe.” “The Adidas employees, thrilled to get started, had arrayed sneakers and fabric swatches on a long table near a mood board pinned with images,” the report claimed. “But nothing they showed that day at the company’s German headquarters captured the vision Mr. West had shared.” According to the Times report, the rapper allegedly drew a swastika during the meeting. “To convey how offensive he considered the designs, he grabbed a sketch of a shoe and took a marker to the toe,” two witnesses told the Times. “Then he drew a swastika.” https://youtu.be/t86V-1dmS6k A 22-year-old suspect named Tyrell Stephen Phillips has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder in a shooting on a crowded street in Tampa, Florida, early Sunday morning, leaving two people dead and 16 others injured, authorities said. The shooting started after a dispute between two groups broke out as hundreds of people were filing out of the bars and nightclubs in Tampa’s Ybor City neighborhood, just before 3 a.m. A 14-year-old boy and a 22-year-old man were killed, Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said. Of the 16 people injured, 15 were shot and one person had other serious injuries, Bercaw said. They were triaged at the scene and transported by Tampa Fire Rescue to nearby hospitals, Tampa police said in a statement. “Many of the additional victims, who ranged in age from 18-27 years old, have been medically treated and released from the hospital. Five remain in the hospital, recovering from their injuries,” the statement said. Police said earlier 18 people were injured in the shooting. Bercaw clarified two people were killed and 16 were injured. https://youtu.be/AA2uBcuRg4Y The famed ballet dancer Misty Copeland, legendary Wu-Tang rapper and filmmaker RZA, and Black astronaut Leland Melvin will join comedian and actress Yvonne Orji, writer Nelson George, and numerous directors, filmmakers, and actors at the 27th annual Urbanworld film festival in New York City, November 1-5th. Founded in 1997 by Stacy Spikes, the annual five-day celebration of diverse storytelling and innovation has since become a cornerstone event for both established and emerging filmmakers, as well as industry experts, looking to showcase their work, exchange ideas, and celebrate the power of cinema. The festival was established with the aim of redefining and advancing the presence and impact of the multicultural community in cinema and cross-platform media. Through its screenings, panels, and celebrations, Urbanworld continues to promote diverse voices and perspectives in the world of filmmaking. and showcase the power of diversity in storytelling. https://www.instagram.com/p/CyoQsDKOZPr/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=74ec7a85-5a1f-47fd-a3ba-8a1c1d15c7f2 Fatal Attraction returns on Monday, October 30 at 9 PM ET. When a mother of six and her cousin are murdered less than two hours apart, police wonder if it’s a coincidence, or if the cases are connected. Soon, the killer’s friend comes forward with a twisted tale of revenge they never saw coming.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MW7mcpMOwws Sins Of The City returns on Monday, October 30 at 10 PM ET. Long standing racial tensions in Brooklyn’s Bensonhurst neighborhood explode into months of protests. After Yusuf Hawkins, an unarmed Black teenager, is pursued and killed by a mob, it was determined that the act was to send a message to Black communities throughout New York. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tol7O6GNSLs It is with deep sorrow that we acknowledge the passing of Dave Dickinson, a titan in the broadcasting industry. Dave's contributions, dedication, and expertise in the world of radio have left an indelible mark, impacting countless lives and communities throughout his decades-long career. Dave's journey in broadcast began as a Talent/Music Director at WNHC in New Haven, CT, where he became known as "Dave D." His passion for music and commitment to his audience were evident in his programs, notably the revered "Whisper Softly," a program that resonated deeply with his listeners during the Quiet Storm era. His journey continued to ascend through various roles, from being the Operations Manager at Grambling State University's KGRM to taking the helm as Program Director at WHUR in Washington, DC, where his visionary leadership helped shape the station's programming and community outreach. Notably, Dave was a driving force in the evolution of SiriusXM Radio Inc., serving as a Programmer and Music Programmer for over a decade. His innovative work in shaping the format and playlist for SiriusXM – Silk and his success in negotiating live performances and interviews with record companies and artists was invaluable to the industry. Dave's impact extended beyond radio as he served as a Freelancer at Capital Jazz Productions Inc., contributed to media relations at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and created a music and entertainment-based social media outlet at KNOWWAX.com LLC. Sean “Diddy” Combs has unveiled the trailer for the movie “Off the Grid,” inspired by his chart-topping R&B album “The Love Album: Off the Grid.” Per the press release: the film “embarks on a journey, capturing the essence of escaping with a romantic lover into a world free of distractions and communications; it’s about immersing oneself in love with no phones allowed. The movie encapsulates the whirlwind of romance, infused with passion, drama, and the enduring spirit of love, while the unfolding drama on screen is underscored by powerful music, amplifying the impact of each scene.”Directed and written by Combs, “Off the Grid” features Ugandan actress Eva Apio in her acting debut. “Working with Eva Apio was an incredible experience; her talent and energy brought my vision to life,” said Diddy in a statement. https://youtu.be/xAov4Ak9BFI Power Book III: Raising Kanan” is returning for season three! Set in the early 90’s the show does more than hit the mark when it comes to recreating iconic 90s style. And that is all due to the talented head costume designer Tsigie White. White has been in the industry for years and has finally landed a role where she can not only showcase her talents but also show her own expression through her work. Starz recently held The Fashion Experience Power Luncheon to represent White’s work on the series. The Fashion Experience Power Luncheon was held at the Founders House in LA. The Founders House is a community of beauty and fashion entrepreneurs, and influencers. During the lunch, there was a panel discussion with White where she shared how she got started in the business and how she prepared for her role as the head costume designer for “Power Book III.” Flavor Flav sing the National Anthem at the Hawks-Bucks Game. One supportive fan posted, “You can tell he truly rehearsed this and sang to the best of his ability. Love it. So happy for him, go Flav!” Another cheered him on but demanded the resignation of the person who thought up the idea, “Glad he made it through w/o any serious embarrassment. Now fire whoever came up with this idea, asap.” We expect @remixgodsuede to do a fire remix to Flav’s rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner.” https://twitter.com/Bucks/status/1718771100002275631?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1718771100002275631%7Ctwgr%5Efdef8e98730903d719b5c0302e6b8867c021bad7%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurweb.com%2F2023%2Funfortunately-flavor-flavs-mic-was-on-sings-national-anthem-at-nba-game-janet-jackson-and-jermaine-dupri-hang-out-after-onemusicfest-more-picvideos%2F Social media comedian and influencer Wellington Ojukwu spit some major facts about Ice Spice‘s recent performance at the Power 105 Powerhouse concert, where she wore a Betty Boop costume or “Wetty Boop,” (as she named the look on social media). Wellington also pointed out a 9-year who went viral for his drill rap lyrics. SMH.“The general public has been promoting this type of behavior since Jerry Springer, using our most valuable commodity. Attention. We receive that which we pay attention to…. where attention goes, energy flows,” admonished one person. “They don’t sign people with talent anymore, they promote this trash to distract us,” added another. “This world is going up in flames anyways…day by day!,” pointed out one social media user. Wellington and another IG page are the only ones who have brought attention to the Congo holocaust, and we hope other Black media sites will start amplifying what is occurring there. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzAEvDAxEl7/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Usher got the crowd even more hyped during his performance when he highlighted Dr. Dre in the VIP section of his Las Vegas Residency. The vibe was palpable. https://www.instagram.com/p/CypBDETLKM8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Besties Janet Jackson and Jermaine Dupri hung out last night in Atlanta, GA. Janet performed her set at the OneMusicFest and invited J Cole and Jermaine Dupri on stage with her. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy_O-RVrW8f/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Track and field world champion Sha’Carri Richardson is one of 11 women up for the 2023 Women’s World Athlete of the Year award. The World Athletes of the Year nominees were released, and the nominations reflect some of the standout performances achieved at the World Athletics Championships Budapest 23, one-day meeting circuits, Label road races, and other events around the world, per the organization’s website. Richardson is being recognized for her standout performance at the World Athletic Championships, with gold in the 100 meter and bronze in the 200 meter. Other nominees for the Women’s World Athlete of the Year Award include Shericka Jackson, Tigist Assefa, Femke Bol, Faith Kipyegon, Haruka Kitaguchi, Yaroslava Mahuchikh, Maria Perez, Gudaf Tsegay, Yulimar Rojas, and Winfred Yavi. The winner will be announced on December 11th. Iconic rap duo Salt-N-Pepa recently spoke to Will Smith on his new podcast “Class of 88.” During the conversation, Smith recalled a time when he and Pepa (born Sandra Denton) went on a date, but she wasn’t really feeling him because Smith was far too “nice.”“Okay, you were very nice,” she recalled of the date that occurred after Smith’s first Grammy win in 1989. “This was the date you won and beat us out,” she added, referring to Salt-N-Pepa, who was nominated in the same category. “You was so happy. You was like let’s go celebrate,” Pepa continued, HipHopDX reports. “Then we were out and you saw a homeless person. You gave the homeless person $100. And it was so nice. Then, we went to the Hollywood sign,” she added. Smith noted that Pepa was on a break from her ex, rapper Treach, at the time, and the actor was afraid Treach was going to come for him. https://youtu.be/57VEgtS96h4 “I think you and Treach had been broke up for a minute. So, in my mind when I was like trying to spit my game but I ain’t really have nothing. Cuz my concern was I was gonna get killed,” said Smith. Pepa recalled touring with Smith back in the day in a 2009 interview with Global Grind. “I thought Will was really cute, and we would hang out a lot on the road. He liked to take care of me and never let me spend a dime. He was that kind of guy, real generous,” she revealed. https://youtu.be/Hlaq39GN1WQ “I sometimes kick myself when I think about what could have been. He was so nice to me, but I really wasn’t feeling him. I guess I couldn’t appreciate a nice guy like Will Smith. He wasn’t thug enough. I was attracted to thugs and hoodlums. Will was too nice to me,” Pepa added. https://youtu.be/pulIoITeROk It’s that time of year again when all things spooky come out to play. That’s why we’re bringing you a look at this year’s most popular (and relevant) Halloween costumes.Yep, Halloween, our annual celebration of the scary, has long been a showcase for ghost costumes and vampire teeth. This year, though, the most popular costumes might look a little different. Barbie, Spider-Man and Wednesday Addams (from “The Addams Family”) are among the most searched costume ideas in the US this year, according to Google Trends’ Frightgeist, which analyzes the most-searched costume ideas across the country. If you still haven’t found a costume idea, fear not. CNN has you covered with five topical, yet still popular, Halloween costume ideas guaranteed to stun. https://youtu.be/0wBPRMCA7vg In a new interview with Gayle King for “CBS Mornings,” JAY-Z spoke candidly about the constant criticism his and Beyoncé’s oldest daughter, Blue Ivy, is subjected to. “With Blue, what makes me super like, proud and like, you know, I still get goosebumps seeing her walk on stage is ’cause Blue’s been born into a life she didn’t ask for,” he said of Blue joining Queen Bey on stage during the “Renaissance” tour, Page Six reports. “So, since she’s been born — she’s been in like, scrutiny and [the] public eye and everyone having an opinion. You know, even a little girl and how she keeps her hair,” JAY-Z added. The father of three said Blue was able to “reclaim her power” by performing “My Power” alongside her superstar mom on tour. https://youtu.be/1tIseaBkTfI “And then watching her grow in it. You know, she came out — 80,000 people — she’s 11, so she’s nervous,” he continued. When King said Blue “didn’t look nervous,” during the tour, Jigga replied, “I know her, so I know how nervous she was. I know how frightened she was.” Elsewhere in the conversation, the Grammy-winning rapper, 53, said Blue relies on her parents for fashion advice. “She used to be frontin’ on me a little bit,” JAY-Z told King. “But [now] I catch her. I catch her in the corner, you know? Now she asks me, you know, if this is cool, if her sneakers [are cool].” The rapper and his wife of 15 years also share twins Rumi and Sir, 6. Jay told King that his eldest daughter’s name wasn’t initially going to be Blue Ivy. https://youtu.be/xBcLo0Bc9Zs Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has filed a new lawsuit against spirits maker Diageo for “unlawful retaliation.” We reported previously via CNN that Diageo cut ties with Diddy over the summer, ending a lucrative 15-year partnership that culminated in a racial discrimination lawsuit. Combs accused Diageo of racial discrimination in May, which led to the end of their business relationship. The Bad Boy Records founder took legal action against Diageo, charging that the company “had neglected and underpromoted his DeLeón tequila, dismissing it as an “urban” product in its marketing,” CNN writes. As Complex reports, Diddy filed a new lawsuit in the New York Supreme Court on Friday, accusing Diageo of “unlawful retaliation by a powerful international corporation.” His latest allegations accuse Diago of doing “all it can to retaliate” and blackball him in the spirits industry. Nick Cannon and La La Anthony are part of the lineup of speakers for Forbes’ inaugural ForbesBLK Summit, taking place in Atlanta on November 5-6, 2023. The theme for the event is The Future of Black Entrepreneurialism: Convening Culture, Creativity, and Community.The summit “will bring together business leaders, entrepreneurs and entertainers to ignite critical conversations around the future of Black capitalism,” per Forbes.com. The two-day event will be accessible virtually and include “discussions focused on creating more equitable economies; the future of Black media; how Black entrepreneurs are securing funding; how executives of color navigate the world of sports and beyond, all while championing the global community of Black trailblazers,” the outlet writes.In addition to Cannon and Anthony, the speakers also include NBA icon Isiah Thomas. Cam Newton’s girlfriend, comedian Jasmin Brown, is expecting their first child together. “Third times (sic) a charm tour coming to a comedy stage near you,” Brown, whose stage name is Watch Jazzy, captioned her Instagram post Friday, Page Six reports. In the post, Brown listed her upcoming comedy tour dates, along with the title “Baby Momma 3.” Brown later took to Instagram Stories to inform fans that the dates on the poster she shared were incorrect and that she would update them shortly. As Page Six reports, Newton, 34, has seven kids — five he shares with ex-fiancée Kia Proctor and two with La Reina Shaw. The former Carolina Panthers quarterback is also father to Proctor’s daughter Shakira, from a previous relationship. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy6HTVpuHk_/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=96e52c8c-e680-43eb-8333-048a027d2e49 Roc Nation kicked off the first of two informative community events for local Manhattan Plaza and Hell’s Kitchen residents around Roc Nation’s collaborative bid for a new, state-of-the-art gaming facility in Times Square.Officially catered by Melba’s, the restaurant took over the neighborhood venue, The Purple Tongue to provide free lunch and dinner meals to local attendees as a way to preview a taste of what the entertainment facility has to offer the neighborhood. Over lunch, guests were able to learn more about the bid’s extensive community programs powering the new project. The 10-year plan will invest $206 million in an elaborate network of security, sanitation, traffic mitigation, and Broadway plans to revitalize the area and all of New York City. $10M will be dedicated to student debt relief in partnership with members of Actors’ Equity and Local 802 while $20M is committed to extending childcare to the Broadway labor force in partnership with Bright Horizons and Actors Equity. Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez, IMPACT Strategies CEO Angela Rye, and New York music artist Fat Joe were in attendance to connect with residents over the neighborhood plans.“An interesting point to Roc Nation’s involvement in the bid,” Angela Rye reflects, “is there is an investment in daycare. There’s an investment in sanitation. Who doesn’t want more sanitation investment in New York? There’s an opportunity for job creation where there are 6,000 jobs and significant economic opportunity.” Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates has warned there is a ‘way above five percent’ risk the world has not yet seen the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The tech mogul and philanthropist said he did not want to sound ‘doom and gloom’ but warned there was a risk an ‘even more transmissive and even more fatal’ variant could be generated. ‘We’re still at risk of this pandemic generating a variant that would be even more transmissive and even more fatal,’ Gates told The Financial Times on Saturday. ‘It’s not likely, I don’t want to be a voice of doom and gloom, but it’s way above a 5 percent risk that this pandemic, we haven’t even seen the worst of it.’ It is not the first time he has made such a prediction. In December 2021, he warned his millions of Twitter followers to brace themselves for the worst part of the pandemic having previously cautioned in 2015 that the world was not ready for the next pandemic. Saturday night was a big deal in Washington because celebrities, journalists, members of Congress and top Biden administration officials, including the president and First Lady Jill Biden, showed up to a full house for the return of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner/WHCD. https://youtu.be/7L6R7zDOo5I In states like Florida, the intent to sweep Black voting power under the rug of white supremacy is clear. Gov. Ron DeSantis has said blatantly multiple times that he’s seeking to redistrict Florida’s congressional map to make it “race-neutral,” knowing it only affects areas where the populations are largely Black people and people of color, not where the non-race-neutral areas are predominately white. In Georgia, where the congressional map has already been recently rearranged (likely because it went blue in 2020), at least two Black communities are facing the very real possibility of being represented by none other than Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. If you’re a Peach State resident, you might be aware that the suburban communities in Powder Springs and Austell, Ga. are Black. According to the New York Times, shops and restaurants in Powder Springs are owned almost entirely by Black people. The city also elected its first Black mayor in 2015 and voted for Joe Biden by 14 percentage points in Cobb County, which used to be Republican-controlled. A teenage girl was filmed being viciously beaten by two other girls – one of them her best friend – after her supposed pal lured to a Texas park late at night, according to police and the shocking video. Maya Tremillo, 17, suffered a concussion, several cuts to her face and a sprained ankle after the shocking beating at Clifton City Park on April 18 by Savannah Walker, 17, and 17-year-old Ahliah Vestal, the Clifton Police Department said. The two girls were charged with aggravated assault. A third unidentified suspect, who filmed the beatdown and posted it to Snapchat, was also taken into custody and charges are pending. The girls attend the same high school in Clifton, about 35 miles northwest of Waco, and Maya was attacked by the other teens because of a spat over a boy, her distraught mother said. A funeral service was held Saturday for a teenager who was stabbed to death in Mount Vernon. The service for 16-year-old Kayla Green was held at the Macedonia Baptist Church. The cheerleader was stabbed on April 8 after a parade celebrating the basketball team’s state championship. Police say a 15-year-old girl stabbed her in the neck and side. https://youtu.be/BoNFeKZ-2LI 23-year-old Morgan Scott speaks out after surviving a horrific attack during her morning commute. Morgan is recovering after suffering life-threatening injuries from being hit and then run over 3 times in a road rage incident that took place in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The attack reportedly started when Scott and Vincent Jean got into a dispute over a minor traffic incident. As Morgan tried to take photos of Vincent’s license plate, his SUV suddenly went into reverse and went right at her multiple times. Morgan suffered a broken femur and underwent surgery to place a rod in her leg. Both of her knees were split open. Her ribs were broken on both sides, and her neck was broken in three places. Her liver is also lacerated, and she must shield her face from the sun to reduce scarring from road rash. The suspect, Vincent Jean, was arrested and charged with first-degree attempted murder and third-degree assault by auto. He is due back in court in June. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cc_W-bllcuf/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Oprah Winfrey criticized a court ruling earlier this month that lifted mask mandates for public transportation, saying ‘it’s too soon’ to remove certain COVID-19 restrictions and that she will continue to wear a mask inside planes. Discussing her new documentary ‘The Color of Care’ with the Los Angeles Times, the veteran talk show host revealed she was so fearful of becoming infected that she spent 332 days without leaving her home during the peak of the pandemic. Oprah, who quarantined at her ‘$40million’ mansion in Santa Barbara, California, told the outlet she is not quite ready just yet to let go of precautions. ‘I personally think it’s too soon to be removing masks from planes. But that’s what people choose to do. And if I were on a commercial plane, I would be one of the people who would still be wearing my mask,’ Oprah told the Los Angeles Times. She continued: ‘And I would be one of the people still wearing my masks in an enclosed building with people who I didn’t know if they were or were not vaccinated. But that is just me. And I certainly accept that there are other people who disagree. I’m OK with that as long as I can wear mine.’ A seven-month-old girl was shot in the chest and killed during a drive-by shooting in Toledo, Ohio, while she was sitting next to her father in his car. Desire Hughes was shot on Wednesday night and treated for at least one gunshot wound to the chest before succumbing to her injuries, the Lucas County Coroner’s Office reported. Her father, Jeremiah Hughes, 20, was grazed by a bullet in the shooting and has since been released from the hospital, mourning his daughter’s death. Cops believe the shooting to be drugs or gang-related. ‘I was a happy dad, you feelin’ me? She was gonna change my life, man,’ Hughes told the Toledo Blade after coming home on Thursday. ‘That was the one that was gonna change my life. ‘That’s why I’m so sick, I don’t even know what to do,’ he added. ‘My baby… they really took that girl from me.’ Remains discovered during a Houston-area search in December have been identified as those of Taylor Pomaski, the missing girlfriend of former NFL player Kevin Ware, authorities said Saturday. The identification was made by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, Harris County Sheriff’s Office Senior Deputy Thomas Gilliland said by email. “The investigation is still open and active and homicide investigators are diligent on bringing this case to a close,” Gilliland said. Pomaski, 29, was last seen April 25, 2021, at a party at her home in Spring, Texas, the sheriff’s office said. Her disappearance was described as suspicious. The remains were found Dec. 10 at a site in north Harris County that had been identified during the investigation, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said at at the time. Ware, former tight end for the San Francisco 49ers, was questioned about her disappearance in June, authorities said. The sheriff’s office has not named any suspects or persons of interest. The former player has been in Montgomery County Jail north of Houston, for 10 months, according to inmate records. His residence is in nearby Spring. Ware was being held without bail after allegedly violating conditions of bond for a case involving drug and weapons charges unrelated to the disappearance, according to NBC affiliate KPRC of Houston. More than 200 men in Harlem celebrated a huge accomplishment Saturday. https://youtu.be/zgNlD6X7Ro8 Netflix has dropped Meghan Markle’s animated series as part of a wave of cutbacks prompted by the streaming service’s drop in subscribers. Pearl, the working title for Markle’s show, has been officially cancelled, Deadline reported Sunday. The show, which was created by the Duchess of Sussex through Archewell Productions, was still only in the development stage. Markle and Prince Harry established Archewell Productions in autumn 2020 in an effort to create scripted series, docuseries, documentaries, features and children’s programming. Pearl was expected to be the first animated series created by the production company. Despite dropping Pearl, insiders allege Netflix remains optimistic about the Archewell deal and has a number of projects planned including a documentary series called Heart of Invictus, which follows the recent Invictus Games. The Walt Disney Company’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Geoff Morrell is throwing in the towel just months after taking on the position, according to reports. Morrell served in the role during a turbulent three-month period, after the company failed to condemn Florida’s controversial “Don’t Say Gay” bill. Disney found itself in hot water after initially failing to speak out publicly against the Florida legislation, which was signed into law by Gov Ron DeSantis on March 28. “It has become clear to me that for a number of reasons it is not the right fit,” Morrell wrote in an email to his staff, according to Fox News. “I have decided to leave the company to pursue other opportunities.” The touring company of the Tony Award-winning musical “Tootsie The Musical” has made its way to the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, where performances will run through May 15, 2022. I attended opening night and didn’t know what to expect from a musical created based off a climate that has changed since the original movie was made in 1982. https://youtu.be/EHCYFZNmYLQ The wait is finally over for Liberty quarterback Malik Willis, who was selected by the Tennessee Titans with the second of their two third-round picks in the 2022 NFL draft. The Titans moved up Friday night to select Willis at No. 86 overall after sending a third-round pick (No. 90) and a fifth-round pick (No. 169) to the Las Vegas Raiders. Willis was widely projected as a first-round pick and was invited to Las Vegas by the NFL to be on hand for the draft. That honor is typically reserved for a player that’s likely to be selected in the first round. Despite the wait, Willis remained in Las Vegas until he was selected and was elated when he heard his name called as he celebrated with his family. Willis said he didn’t pack a second suit so he and his group of 100 friends and family decided to go to a bowling alley to celebrate when he was selected. “I’m just blessed to have somewhere to call home and appreciative for the opportunity to play at the next level,” Willis said. “It hasn’t really been difficult. At the end of the day when you don’t have control over something, it’s not something that you can really get mad at. I’m just grateful to be here and to be a Tennessee Titan.” Legendary women’s basketball pioneer C. Vivian Stringer is retiring after 50 years and 1,055 wins as a head coach, she announced Saturday. Stringer, a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer, guided her teams to 28 NCAA tournament appearances and four Final Four berths across her storied career at Cheyney State, Iowa and most recently Rutgers. Stringer’s retirement will be effective Sept. 1. “My life has been defined by coaching and I’ve been on this journey for over five decades. It is rare that someone gets to do what they love for this long and I have been fortunate to do that,” Stringer said in a release. “After recently celebrating the first women’s Final Four team at Cheyney State University, where it all started, it sat with me that I have been at this for a long time. It is important to step aside and challenge others to step up and take this game forward. “This was the hardest decision of my life, but I thank God he has allowed me to do the thing I love most. I am ready to start my new journey and spending more time with my family, children, and grandchildren. I am truly blessed to have had so many wonderful people in my life.” The school said a national search for Stringer’s replacement will begin immediately. Charles Young, the first Black US Army colonel whose groundbreaking military career was hampered a century ago by the racism of the era, was posthumously promoted on Friday to brigadier general. Young’s promotion retroactively makes him the first Black American recognized with that rank, the Army said. The honorary designation, following years of efforts to posthumously promote him, was the focus of an official promotion ceremony at the United States Military Academy at West Point on Friday. After Young was passed over for promotion before his death in 1922, a Black service member wouldn’t join the general officers rank in the Army until Benjamin Davis Sr. was promoted to brigadier general in 1940. https://youtu.be/07robjEqIaM Looking for a juicy alternative to oat bran and milk? Tropicana is introducing a new cereal that’s made specifically for orange juice. Tropicana Crunch, a crispy honey almond cereal, will be available starting May 4, which also happens to be National Orange Juice Day. “Prepare your mind and cereal bowl for an unforgettable breakfast experience,” the juice company says on its website. The cereal box features a smiling orange holding a spoon and orange juice being poured into a bowl of almond cereal. It also comes with a paper straw. https://youtu.be/aHq1D25w27Q “I got my daughter together….and had my son record it” said Ellen Hayes about the title track to her new Christian album of the same name, “We Owe It All to You” (Song & Melodies Records). “I had songs I recorded in 2018…used a few of those songs on the album. The title song spearheaded the album. It was a song I had written in 2006. It was titled ‘I Owe It All to You,” because of the big healing that’s needed the Lord put the song back in my Spirit, so I changed ‘I’ to ‘We’.” https://youtu.be/Dos53qK5e88 Two-time GRAMMY®-Award winner Jason Crabb is known for being one of the most encouraging and inspirational voices in Christian music, sharing songs full of hope.Today, he continues encouraging the listener with the driving, hope-filled, new song, "Good Morning Mercy." Written by Crabb, Jay DeMarcus, Caleb Ward and Jordan Ward, the song reminds the listener that God is always working things out for our good - even the messes we make ourselves. https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=xcjzxo4-kSY&list=RDAMVMxcjzxo4-kSY DJ Kay was buried on April 24 after succumbing to Covid-19 complications a week earlier. However, his being laid to rest has not marked the end of his larger-than-life legacy. The Hip Hop star will continue to inspire many generations through his music, radio show Straight Stuntin’ Magazine, family and numerous friends. To ensure his contributions to the culture will always be remembered, Van Silk (veteran New York City Hip Hop promoter) has made several moves that will keep him relevant for generations. This is according to his promoter Jarrod “General” Whitaker, according to HipHopDx. Shaq is the latest guest on the new episode of “The Pivot,” and during the show, he opened up about his divorce from ex #ShaunieONeal, and took accountability for their breakup. He said, “I wasn’t protecting her and protecting those vows. Sometimes when you live that double life, you get caught up. So I’m not gonna say it was her, it was all me.” Shaq continued to explain that Shaunie did everything that she was supposed to in their marriage and that he was at fault for what went wrong. By now, ya’ll know both Shaq and Shaunie have both moved on in their romantic relationships after divorcing back in 2011.Shaunie is now engaged to Pastor Keion Henderson. https://www.instagram.com/p/CcieXXwlKKK/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again DL Hughley is NOT happy with the way folks on social media are coming for Megan Thee Stallion after her interview with Gayle King. “I got a chance to see Megan Thee Stallion and Gayle King‘s interview. I like everybody else don’t know what happened I wasn’t there I just speculate like everybody seems to be doing but there are some things I know for sure. One is that that young lady was shot. The other thing that I don’t understand is what are people so angry with her about I mean she is actually the victim.” https://youtu.be/nVPEhobyuhI Tyga finds himself in the middle of another lawsuit. This time, his sneakers’ creativity is at the center of confusion.? #Billboard reports that #NewYork based design studio MSCHF is going at it with Vans’ legal team to determine if the rapper’s “Wavy Baby” sneakers are illegal knockoffs. MSCHF is the same company responsible for Lil Nas X’s Satan blood-drawn shoes.? MSCHF claims the “Wavy Baby” shoes that look similar to the original Vans “Old Skool” collection are free speech, and Tyga is protected under the First Amendment.? Tyga says the shoes sold out within 10 minutes.? DaBaby is now facing criminal charges over an alleged attack on a man during a music video shoot. According to @tmz_tv, DaBaby has been hit with felony battery by the L.A. County District Attorney’s Office over the incident that went down in December last year. The alleged victim, Gary Pagar, was left with serious injuries. https://youtu.be/jVUHqaKu9yo The parents of Tyre Sampson — the teenager who fell to his death at a ride in Florida — now claim the 14-year-old should not have been allowed to get on board the “Free Fall” ride in the first place. Nekia Dodd and Yarnell Sampson have filed a wrongful death suit against ICON Park, via attorneys Michael Haggard (the managing partner of Harrard Law Firm) and Ben Crump. The suit is also against ICON Park’s pertinent associates and the operators of the free-fall ride itself. The parents claim negligence caused their son’s death, reports TMZ. According to the lawsuit details, the parents allege the park had height and weight restrictions that their son violated because he never saw the signs or the staff at the site never pointed out these. The parents say there were no signs to guide people and nobody working there said anything either, hence Tyre Sampson got in on the assumption all was safe. “You didn’t want to miss a dollar. But you stripped me of my son. So yeah, it’s disgusting,” Dodd said at a press conference, sitting with the lawyers. Gov. Ron DeSantis vowed on Friday that he would make Florida a so-called constitutional carry state, which would allow people to publicly carry firearms without permits. “The legislature will get it done,” DeSantis said during a news conference in north Florida. “I can’t tell you if it’s going to be next week or six months, but I can tell you that before I am done as governor, we will have a signature on that.” In Florida, people must obtain concealed weapon permits in order to carry hidden guns in public. About 2.5 million people have permits, more than any other state where they are required. The permit can be obtained by taking a gun training course and submitting proof of competency. In most cases, gun owners in Florida cannot openly carry firearms without permits, either, except in certain circumstances, like while hunting. https://youtu.be/DFINEAzqvWI In 1992, years of frustration and angst literally exploded to the surface in many of the Black communities of Los Angeles after the Rodney King verdict saw the four officers who violated the civil rights of King got off on all the most serious charges. A young man by the name of Keith O’Derek seized the opportunity to wade into the void of misinformation, fearmongering and general mainstream dereliction with nothing but his wits and a video camera. Like many, he did witness the looting, the burning, and the screams of despair. But unlike most of us, he was able to capture firsthand the deeper communal mindsets as articulated by the likes of Jesse Jackson, Denzel Washington, Ice Cube, Ice T, Dick Gregory, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, gang leaders representing most of the crews south of Wilshire, community activists in the streets and a myriad of other community leaders on the local, state and national level. The result of his works would become known as “Straight from the Streets” for the most obvious of reasons. https://youtu.be/0MkEmT2np6o Russia and the West are closer to nuclear war than during the Cuban Missile Crisis, the great-granddaughter of Nikita Khrushchev has said. Nina Khrushcheva, an academic whose great-grandfather was leader of the Soviet Union during the 1962 standoff, warned the conflict in Ukraine is more dangerous because neither side appears prepared to ‘back off’. Ms Khrushcheva said despite a ‘war of words’ during the period of Cold War brinkmanship, both President John F Kennedy and Khrushchev agreed to de-escalate as soon as there was a real threat of nuclear action. Speaking on the Today program, she said it was ‘clear’ the current conflict was a proxy war between the West and Russia in which Ukraine is ‘to some degree a pawn’. https://videos.dailymail.co.uk/video/mol/2022/04/30/2686731966760531362/640x360_MP4_2686731966760531362.mp4 Russian state TV has brazenly simulated how Vladimir Putin would launch a nuclear strike on three capital cities in Europe, declaring there would be ‘no survivors’, in response to comments made by the UK’s Armed Forces Minister supporting Ukrainian strikes on Russian infrastructure. Hosts on Channel One’s 60 Minutes programme announced the cities of London, Paris and Berlin could be hit within 200 seconds of nuclear missiles being launched, as tensions ramp up amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. It comes as ex-Nato chief Richard Sherriff warned the West must ‘gear itself up’ for a ‘worst case scenario’ war with Russia in Ukraine, amid reports the Russian president could use the country’s victory day parade on May 9 to declare ‘all-out war’ on its neighbor. On Thursday’s show the chairman of the nationalist Rodina party, Aleksey Zhuravlyov, pondered what would happen if Russia launched nuclear weapons against the UK, saying: ‘one Sarmat missile and the British Isles will be no more.’ In January, author and founder of Proverbs 31 Ministries Lysa TerKeurst announced she’d filed for divorce from her husband, Art. The couple married in 1992 and have been separated since November 2020. North Carolina, where the TerKeursts live, requires that a couple be separated for a continuous year before instituting a divorce proceeding. In February, Art filed a response to the petition for divorce, asking for post-separation support, alimony, an equitable division of property, damages, and the rescission of a post-nuptial agreement which he says was unconscionable and based upon fraud. According to the court filings, Art asserts the post-nuptial agreement was executed under duress at a time when he was suicidal and about to enter a treatment facility for alcoholism. He says, based on the harassment and demands of his wife, friends, and family, he signed the agreement without “the opportunity to consult with counsel.” After he finished the treatment, he and Lysa renewed their vows and Art claims he believed the post-nuptial agreement was invalidated as part of their “fresh start.” Oprah Winfrey spoke out about how medical racism and access to healthcare impacted her own life — including the time a doctor misdiagnosed a thyroid issue that caused heart palpitations. “And she said, ‘What was I gonna do? You’re Oprah Winfrey, and I wasn’t going to have you die on me without having done everything I thought I could do,'” Winfrey told The Los Angeles Times. Winfrey said she thought the doctor had acted “irresponsible.” “And I also thought, for the first time, ‘I can see now that when you show up and you’re a known person, although everybody seems excited to see you, they’re also nervous because they’ve got to also cover themselves,'” Winfrey said. Winfrey spoke about her experiences as a Black woman when dealing with the healthcare system. The 68-year-old talk show legend said being a celebrity accessing healthcare had its drawbacks, but also its advantages. “I noticed that things change for you when you are a person who is known. You get the doctor’s appointment. You don’t have to wait in line. You don’t have to deal with a lot of excess delays that other people have. And so I have lived this life of privilege and advantage, and then been exposed to the best of healthcare. P.F. Chang’s China Bistro is currently headed by a black CEO. Damola Adamolekun, 33, has been at the top of the US-based, popular Asian casual-dining restaurant chain since 2020. Damola has been instrumental in the success of P.F. Chang’s, one of the largest and most popular restaurant chains across many countries worldwide. He believes the company should not rely on its strong brand alone; instead, it should continue to embrace change to prepare for the uncertain future. Damola is a partner at Paulson & Co. that became one of the principal owners of P.F. Chang’s in 2019 after the latter was bought at $700 million. Additionally, he was part of the International Tower Hill Mines LLC board of directors. Adamolekun attended Brown University for his bachelor’s degree in economics and got his Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School. It is not an easy task pulling off a successful wedding on a budget, but one Los Angeles couple did just that. Kiara and Joel Brokenbrough devised simple ways to lower costs on their big day, managing to hold a reasonable wedding for only $500. According to a report by The Knot, a wedding-planning website, that is a fraction of the over $30,000 spent on most weddings nationally. “Our goal was to just be as minimal as possible,” the bride explained to “Good Morning America.” “And to spend the least amount of money as possible.” So why did they spend that less? They said they were able to have a less expensive wedding because they focused on not getting into debt while starting their marriage. Kiara, on her part, kicked off their low-cost wedding by going for an affordable wedding dress, which she found and bought on Shein’s website (digital fashion retailer) for just $47. https://youtu.be/aZMzCt7le7g Tyrese is getting candid about managing his grief following the death of his mother in February after a battle with COVID. In a lengthy Instagram post, the singer/actor also admits he’s still mourning the loss of his “Fast & Furious” co-star Paul Walker as well as director John Singleton, and songwriter LaShawn Daniels. His ongoing divorce battle with ex Samantha Lee is also weighing him down. “Paul I promise you I got you bro,” his IG post begins. “#FASTX I think I need more therapy I’m still not over losing my mom, Paul, John Singleton, and Lashawn Daniels. When people pass on? They just leave us all here to deal with it. That’s really painful stuff pray for me y’all….. lately I’ve e been unraveling, painfully processing this all… This divorce has to end she has dragged this all out for a year and 8 months. I just want peace and to be left alone.” Naomi Judd — the Grammy-winning country star and one half of the mom-and-daughter duo The Judds — has died … this according to her kids. Wynonna and Ashley Judd released a statement Saturday, saying … “Today we sisters experienced a tragedy. We lost our beautiful mother to the disease of mental illness.” They add, “We are shattered. We are navigating profound grief and know that as we loved her, she was loved by her public. We are in unknown territory.” ER actress Jossara Jinaro passed away on Wednesday, April 27, after a battle with cancer. Her husband Matt Bogado announced the sad news in a Facebook post along with a family photo. ‘With great sorrow, I announce the passing of my wife, Jossara Jinaro on this date, April 27, 2022,’ he wrote. She was 48-years-old. In a bitterly divided Congress, music brought together Republicans and Democrats to honor Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and lobby for laws to protect artists. “We are celebrating 20 years of advocacy. We passed a music omnibus bill that would make things better. During the pandemic, we pushed for health and Congress provided unprecedented assistance through the Save Our Stages Act, the biggest investment in the arts in American history. We’re all here united in our belief that music can change the world. It serves the hopeful, it brings people together providing the common language for justice and peace. Music has the power to unite, enrich, heal and change the world,” Mason declared. Fans of the Michael B. Jordan-produced superhero drama series “Raising Dion” will be sad to know that Netflix has canceled the series. The news comes less than three months after the series’ second season premiered, EW reports. “Sad to say that Raising Dion is CANCELED,” series star Sammi Haney announced on Instagram Tuesday. “Thank you for all of the amazing support we got from all of our wonderful fans! Season 2 was a success, equal to Season 1, even if just looking at how many people watched all of it and wanted a season 3!” https://youtu.be/CnORv97hCDM The “Jurassic Park” franchise is still going strong as the new trailer for “Jurassic World: Dominion” has arrived. Directed by Colin Trevorrow, the film picks up four years after the end of the previous movie and sees stars Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard joined by the original “Jurassic Park” cast Sam Neill, Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum. As reported by Complex, the trailer also gives fans a glimpse at the Giganotosaurus that terrorizes the team throughout the film. “I wanted something that felt like the Joker,” Trevorrow said of the dinosaur to Empire. “It just wants to watch the world burn.” Goldblum told PEOPLE recently that he and the original cast “fell back into step.” https://youtu.be/k-RY-1UPFgQ During a recent interview, Lizzo said she would be open to going head-to-head against Saweetie in a food-themed ‘Verzuz’ to let everyone know she is not to be played with. @Billboard reports, while appearing on Los Angeles radio station Power 106, Lizzo was asked by the show’s hosts if Saweetie could hang with her when it comes to her unusual food concoctions—and she made it clear that in reference to Saweetie, “We not the same!” https://www.instagram.com/p/Cc6O2mfFpno/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Rapper Coi Leray and her father, Source founder Benzino, have been sparring online recently, which spilled over into a war of words with 50 Cent and trans model Shauna Brooks. Leray and Benzino have put their dysfunctional father-daughter relationship on full display for public consumption, and the criticism to his style of parenting seems to have prompted Zino to take a social media break. https://www.instagram.com/p/CcrAfd5Jxm5/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Soon after Snoop Dogg took ownership of the Death Row Records catalog, he had all the music pulled off Spotify and the other streaming music services. His explanation was that he wanted to transform Death Row into the “first major label in the metaverse.” “Death Row will be an NFT label,” he said during a Clubhouse chat shortly after acquiring the label. “We will be putting out artists through the metaverse. Just like we broke the industry when we was the first independent [label] to be major, I want to be the first major [label] in the metaverse.” https://youtu.be/pggrScDSSrg A young man by the name of Keith O’Derek seized the opportunity to wade into the void of misinformation, fearmongering and general mainstream dereliction with nothing but his wits and a video camera. Like many, he did witness the looting, the burning, and the screams of despair. But unlike most of us, he was able to capture firsthand the deeper communal mindsets as articulated by the likes of Jesse Jackson, Denzel Washington, Ice Cube, Ice T, Dick Gregory, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, gang leaders representing most of the crews south of Wilshire, community activists in the streets and a myriad of other community leaders on the local, state and national level. The result of his works would become known as “Straight from the Streets” for the most obvious of reasons. https://youtu.be/0MkEmT2np6o Downton Abbey fans have revealed that they were left in ‘tears’ after watching A New Era, the much-anticipated sequel film to the period drama. Viewers flocked to Twitter to share their emotional reactions after watching the film, which was released in cinemas on Friday. Many fans admitted that they were left both laughing and crying as they went through a ‘rollercoaster of the emotions’, while others expressed their surprise at how ‘sad’ the storyline was. One fan wrote: ‘Just watched Downton Abbey A New Era. As expected – absolutely loved it! Such a feel-good film (a few tears too!)’ Another penned: ‘Just wow! There was laughter and there was tears. A new era indeed #DowntonAbbeyANewEra.’ A third tweeted: ‘Watched this evening laughter and tears thank you.’ And a fourth said: ‘Back with old friends from #DowntonAbbey tonight. South of France, Hollywood, laughter & tears…felt like the closing chapter of a beloved story. Bloody Marvelous!’ It’s been several years since Colin Kaepernick played in the NFL, but that has certainly not stopped those who still hope to see him back on the field one day—and that now includes the owner of one of the top teams in the league. Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis recently stated that not only would he love to have Colin Kaepernick be part of the team, but that he “deserves” it. @Deadline reports, while being interviewed earlier this week by NBC Sports, Raiders owner Mark Davis had extremely kind words and high praise for Colin Kaepernick—while sounding hopeful that he would one day suit up wearing the team’s black and silver colors. “I believe in Colin Kaepernick. He deserves every chance in the world to become a quarterback in the National Football League. I still stand by it. If our coaches and general manager want to bring him in or want him to be the quarterback on this team, I would welcome him with open arms,” he said. However, he wasn’t done speaking about Kaepernick, adding that he’s “misunderstood”: “I think Colin is a very misunderstood human being. I’ve gotten a chance to talk to him. I never really knew Colin, and I didn’t understand him. I didn’t understand the kneeling, what that meant initially. Over time, I have learned a little bit more about it. Before the Jaguars selected him with the No. 1 pick in the 2022 NFL draft, Georgia edge rusher Travon Walker was involved in a “serious” car accident in Athens, Ga., according to Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Walker crashed into two parked cars but sustained no injuries, per Rapoport, and no citations were issued. After being selected in the draft, he said the accident was a “fender bender” and took place two weeks ago. Walker shot up draft boards in recent weeks after it was believed for much of the offseason that edge rushers Aidan Hutchinson and Kayvon Thibodeaux would be selected with the first and second picks. The 21-year-old had six sacks and 37 total tackles on his way to a national title with the Bulldogs in 2021. A 71-year-old woman is behind bars after slapping a 17-year-old Little Caesar’s employee and calling him the n-word for not having any crazy bread. Rachel Scheuerman went to an Oklahoma Little Caesar’s in hopes of getting her hands on some crazy bread, but became crazy herself when the worker told her they were out. She then called him the n-word. When the worker was not phased by the slur, she got the car and smacked him in the face! https://youtu.be/ViQnh_Lb2Tw Snickers has responded to social media rumors that it removed the "veins” from the popular candy bar. The Mars-owned brand tweeted, “contrary to what’s trending on Twitter… THE VEINS REMAIN!” It seems rumors about the vein removal started when a photograph circulated on social media that showed a Snickers bar without its distinct “veins.” The fact-shaking site Snopes.com concluded that the smooth bar could possibly be due to a manufacturing error, and noted: “Mars has not removed a ‘dick vein’ from candy bars after being pressured by a ‘woke mob.’ In fact, we find no calls for this ‘vein’ to be removed.” "This song came from finite beings not having the verbiage or vocabulary to accurately describe an infinite and extraordinary being. What else could you call a move of God? He leaves us completely floored most times. He’ll tell you to go where no one else can or will. He’ll tell you to say something that may seem out of order, or do something that nobody, including you, will understand at the time. All for his intended purpose and design, and it always works out for the good of them who love God and are called according to His purpose. That’s CRAZY! He asks for your complete and utter devotion and commitment, and that in itself is deemed CRAZY by the world, but for believers it’s just our normal. It’s actually our necessity and the truth is that anybody who experiences what it is to be in relationship with Christ would rather be looked at as CRAZY for living for the King, than be outside of the Kingdom." It's another song "Shining Bright" in the Gospel Spotlight!!! The Walls Group "Crazy" https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/v0msu2a5b4sge2a6e552l/h?dl=0&preview=The+Walls+Group+-+Crazy.mp3&rlkey=slzfjepxdiazecg2tuq0p4yyl "OUTPOUR" is a song crafted for anyone who is expecting more from life and knows it will take something greater than them to provide it! Coming through a global pandemic, "Outpour" serves as a reminder that while rough times can touch us all so can the blessings of God! Here is another song "Shining Bright" in the Gospel Spotlight!!! GARY SWINDELL, JR. drops "Outpour" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49CIVT6OGmY Jehovah Jireh is one of the most widely used names for God. Jehovah Jireh means "the Lord will provide" and through faith, believers trust God on this promise. Stellar Award-nominated choir Zak Williams and 1AKORD (Zak & 1A) have given us a simple praise chant sweeping across the country called "Jehovah Jireh". His single is a steadfast reminder of this promise. The Gospel Spotlight is on Zak Williams. The rags to riches journey of R&B veterans SWV will be the focus of a biopic courtesy of Lifetime. An insider to the project said they are “working on the script,” according to The Jasmine Brand. Hailing from New York City, the Sisters with Voices consists of Cheryl “Coko” Gamble, Tamara “Taj” Johnson, and Leanne “Lelee” Lyons. As reported by MadameNoire, SWV released their first album, “It’s About Time,” in 1992. After they released their third album, “Release Some Tension,” they disbanded in 1998 due to personal issues within the group. The ladies reunited in 2005 and released the albums “I Missed Us” in 2012 and “Still” in 2016. https://www.instagram.com/therealcokoswv/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=2496548e-6748-41a2-9a65-3efdbda890ba Malcolm X reminded the world on May 22, 1962, “The most disrespected person in America is the black woman.” Nearly 70 years later, POLITICO has offered the latest confirmation of the civil rights icon’s truthful words by publishing an article not only having the audacity to question Vice President Kamala Harris‘ choice of treatment for COVID-19 but also for referring to the most powerful Black woman in the free world by only her first name. It was announced on Monday that Harris had tested positive for the virus. But it was also the latest disrespect shown to Harris, the first Black and woman vice president in the nation’s history, and carried on a very American tradition of doing discourtesies to Black women, to put it mildly. https://pbs.twimg.com/card_img/1519454344248274944/4fxk6ltA?format=jpg&name=small Some may think that’s a bit of an overstatement—there are white people who appear to get it for the most part, after all—but, by and large, trying to explain the nuance, the implicit and explicit ways in which systemic racism operates, is like tossing balls of styrofoam at a brick wall hoping to have an eventual breakthrough. That’s the only way to explain why Greg Kelly, a host at Newsmax, thinks the existence of interracial relationships disproves the existence of white supremacy. It might blow Kelly’s mind to know that interracial relations have existed throughout America’s history. Mixed race people who existed during slavery and Jim Crow weren’t cloned in some miscegenation lab, they existed because, at a time when systemic racism couldn’t plausibly be denied, Black people and white people were having relations (also slavers were raping slaves, but that’s another post for another day). So, Kelly thinks white supremacy is all a lie because negroes aren’t regularly getting lynched for hunching with the whites—but that only shows his understanding of systemic racism is as remedial as his understanding of race in general. https://twitter.com/i/status/1519296359484084232 The Supreme Court justices this week expressed sympathy for a white high school football coach who was fired from his job for kneeling and praying on the field following games, drawing a stark contrast to the country’s collective reaction to Colin Kaepernick‘s controversial kneeling protest before NFL games. While not exactly an apples-to-apples comparison, critics wonder what would have become of Kaepernick and his career had his plight to raise awareness about police brutality against Black people been viewed through the same empathetic filter that the Supreme Court employed on Monday, when it heard the football coach Joseph Kennedy’s case. Three Texas Black men were arrested and charged with felony drug possession in Clay County, Texas after police accused the men of having edibles in their car during a traffic stop. According to ABC 13 the men, Dandre and Dante Burroughs, and their roommate, Samuel Serrano-Griffiths, were driving home from Colorado after celebrating one of the boy’s 21st birthday when Clay County officers stopped them for speeding and making an unsafe lane change. The Clay County Sheriff’s Office has not released the exact amount of drugs they claim to have found in the vehicle, but the boys are each being held on a $50,000 bond. Raquel Burroughs, Dante and Dandre’s mom told ABC 13 that she believes the boys are good people and the punishment far outweighs the crime. A doorbell camera showed the moment a couple was chased into their home by a black bear while walking their dog in Apopka, Florida. The shocking occurrence took place on Tuesday night when the couple was walking their dog near a neighbor’s home when the angry animal approached them. According to the Daily Mail, local police weren’t notified about the incident. In the clip, the couple is seen running and yelling at their dog as the dog looks back and barks at the bear before entering the home. ‘We were letting the dog out to potty and a bear charged us from our next-door neighbor’s house. We made it safely into the house, and closed and banged on the front door,’” the woman said in an interview with Viral Hog. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cc7LivXDw9M/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Migos rapper Quavo is set to star in a new feature-length action thriller, “Takeover,” that has been greenlit for production by entertainment content and technology house Trioscope in partnership with Quality Films (Ice Cold, How High 2). In the film, penned by acclaimed screenwriter Jeb Stuart (Die Hard, The Fugitive, The Vikings) and directed by Trioscope Chief Creative Officer Greg Jonkajtys (The Liberator), Quavo plays Guy Miller, a recent parolee who’s attempting to rehabilitate his life, when circumstances propel him back into Atlanta’s thriving and dangerous takeover scene. He must live up to his reputation as one of the slipperiest street operators in a lethal, head-long race against time. Per press release, set and filmed in Atlanta, a hotbed of the street takeover car culture, “Takeover” will underscore the fascination and controversy surrounding “sideshows,” which Trioscope will bring to stunning life by fusing live-action performances with animation. https://www.instagram.com/quavohuncho/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=16821d43-ce1b-4997-b7f7-37a14d8b6e25 Simone Biles is ready to be a wife! The Olympic gold medalist chatted with Access Hollywood’s Scott Evans about planning her wedding with Houston Texans player Jonathan Owens! “So far the wedding process has been pretty seamless but now it’s getting towards the stressful part. I’ve already picked out my dresses and stuff. They are in production right now. It is kind of like whenever I met Jonathan. You had a feeling and you went with your gut. When I tried on the dress I had my Maid of Honor and Mom there with me, and we just started balling. I just knew. https://youtu.be/yU2mLepFp4A A former U.S. Marine was killed while fighting alongside Ukrainian forces after the private security firm he worked for sent him to war. The family of Willy Joseph Cancel, 22, of Orange County New York, confirmed that the husband and father of a seven-month-old son had died in the Ukraine fighting Russian forces on Monday, CNN reported. He is survived by his wife Brittany, who he married in July 2019, as well as the couple’s seven month-old son Anthony. Cancel’s mother, Rebecca Cabrera, said her son was working for a private military contracting company when he agreed to take up a job to fight in the Ukraine following Russia’s invasion in February. ‘He wanted to go over because he believed in what Ukraine was fighting for, and he wanted to be a part of it to contain it there so it didn’t come here, and that maybe our American soldiers wouldn’t have to be involved in it,’ Cabrera told CNN. The circumstances of Cancel’s death remain unclear, including how and where he was killed. His mother added that those fighting alongside Cancel were not able to retrieve his body during the conflict that killed him. LaDonia Boggs, 39, was found unresponsive by police in the doorway of her DC apartment around 3am on Wednesday with ‘an apparent stab wound.’ Carl Jones, 44, who shares a child with Boggs, reportedly stabbed her during a ‘domestic dispute,’ authorities reported. She was awaiting trial in November for allegedly killing the pair’s son Kyon Jones after accidentally rolling on top of him while high on angel dust. After discovering her son was dead, she allegedly wrapped him in a blanket and threw him in the trash. She was originally charged with murder and evidence tampering, but the murder charge was dropped after authorities were unable to locate the body. People who want South Carolina to become the 49th U.S. state to pass a hate crimes law have explained, bargained and begged Republicans in the state Senate to just hold a debate on the bill. On Wednesday, with just days left before the measure dies, they turned to one of the survivors of one of the most heinous racist attacks in modern America seeking to persuade senators to at least take a vote on the bill. They showed a two-minute video of Polly Sheppard to the Senate chamber, where the bill has been stuck for months with eight Republican senators objecting and only eight more legislative days to take action. The racist gunman who killed nine of Sheppard’s church friends in 2015 pointed his gun at the woman, but said he would spare her life so she could let people know he was killing Blacks because he hated them. One of the dead from the attack was Sheppard’s pastor, state Sen. Clementa Pinckney, whose portrait hangs in a place of honor in the Senate chamber. “Eight members of the South Carolina Senate are giving a safe haven to hate. Every time you look at senator Pinckney’s photograph, you should be reminded that hate killed him,” Sheppard said. NAACP President Derrick Johnson on Tuesday tweeted at Elon Musk, inviting him to an open conversation on the social media platform one day after the Tesla CEO purchased the site. “If you believe in free speech on your platform, let’s talk openly on Twitter Spaces. People have a few questions and a few recommendations,” Johnson tweeted. His invitation was in response to an earlier tweet from Musk on Tuesday saying that “the extreme antibody reaction from those who fear free speech says it all” after his acquisition of the site. “Let’s have a conversation about our democracy,” Johnson said in another tweet. The Tesla CEO on Monday reached an agreement with Twitter to purchase the company for approximately $44 billion. A Michigan man accused of terrorizing residents by leaving nooses and racist handwritten notes around his community to stop people from supporting Black Lives Matter has been charged with hate crimes, the Justice Department said Wednesday. Kenneth Pilon, 61, was charged with six counts of interfering with federally protected activities for incidents dating to June and July 2020, the height of nationwide protests following George Floyd’s death. Floyd, a Black man, was killed May 25, 2020, after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for more than 8 minutes. Authorities allege in an affidavit that Pilon went to stores in Saginaw leaving nooses attached to a note that read: “An accessory to be worn with your ‘BLM’ t-shirt. Happy protesting!” The messages were found in several places, including a Goodwill parking lot, inside a beverage cooler at a 7-Eleven and in a Walmart parking lot. He also left a noose and a note in a vehicle owned by Regina Simon and her then-husband, Donald Simon, according to the affidavit. Regina Simon said she thinks her family was targeted after Pilon drove by and saw her in her yard wearing a Black Lives Matter shirt her son made. They found the note and the noose the next day when her husband went to get coffee. Regina Simon is Mexican and white, and her ex-husband is Black. The former Grambling State University volleyball players who were cut earlier this month by the team’s new coach are telling their own stories in a new piece from USA Today. Chelsea Lucas was hired to coach the Louisiana school’s volleyball squad in February; she had come from the University of Arkansas at Pine-Bluff after posting a sub-.500 record after three seasons. That below-the-line performance didn’t dissuade her from feeling she needed to make big changes to her new roster, though. By the end of March, Lucas had cut all 19 players. Not only did that mean they no longer had a uniform or a role to play on the court, but they no longer had scholarships to pay for their education. The former players now tell USA Today that they felt something was off from the very beginning. Nothing makes Dyree Williams feel more like himself than his hair, which he has proudly worn in twists, braids and locks all his life — it’s part of his identity and a direct connection to his ancestors. But Williams’ locks became an issue after the 17-year-old moved from Cincinnati, Ohio, to East Bernard, 50 miles outside of Houston, Texas, in February. His new school’s dress code policy stated that “braided hair or corn rows will not be allowed,” a policy that went against his very sense of self. “Once you cut that hair off, you cut off your line to your ancestors, you cut off your lineage, you cut off everything,” Williams’ mother, Desiree Bullock, said. “And just it’s not an option … We don’t consider them dreadlocks because we don’t dread them we love them.” The school’s student handbook, where the district’s policy on hair is spelled out, states that “Boy’s hair may not extend below the eyebrows, below the tops of the ears or below a conventional standup shirt collar, and must not be more than one-inch difference in the length of the hair on the side to the length of the hair on top.” Bullock told CNN that having Williams change hairstyles to comply with the policy is not an option for either of them. Kim Kardashian’s ex-boyfriend Ray J is denying her claims that Kanye West retrieved a hard drive containing their infamous sex tape. On Thursday’s episode of The Kardashians, Kim, 41, was crying uncontrollably after claiming that ex-husband Kanye, 44, had got hold of ‘unseen footage’ from the 2002 incident preventing another leak. However, Ray J – real name William Ray Norwood Jr., who dated Kim for three years – has branded the whole narrative of the story as ‘lies.’ https://video.dailymail.co.uk/preview/mol/2022/04/28/194550279811514825/636x382_MP4_194550279811514825.mp4 The appeal of this song reminds us that no matter what we have done, no matter how broken we may feel, God will continue to come after us and love us with his redeeming, unconditional love. She wanted a song that conveyed how God is always fighting for us. The song’s lyrics remind us how we aren’t hidden, we aren’t forgotten, and we aren’t without hope. They share the message of how God hears the S.O.S. cries of our souls and will send out an army to find us even in the middle of the darkest night. When Kelly opted to sing this song on her show, the audience was stunned by her emotional and pitch-perfect performance. Kelly has also never shied away from sharing her faith on her daytime talk show and it’s easy to see how God is on the move, even in Hollywood. And what a beautiful way to reach others for Christ. https://youtu.be/WQs5mvPEe7M Kim Kardashian has been slammed as ‘disgusting’ and ‘unhinged’ for seemingly ‘darkening’ niece Stormi’s skin to match other niece True’s in a Disneyland snap which she recently admitted to doctoring. The reality star, 41, recently sparked outrage on social media after finally admitting she Photoshopped her niece True’s face onto her other niece Stormi’s body in a series at the theme park because it suited her Instagram ‘aesthetic’. But Kim now faces fresh controversy as eagle-eyed Reddit users have spotted that Kim went as far as altering Stormi’s hand with a darker tone to match True’s skin color, in a bid to fool people into believing that it was indeed Khloe Kardashian’s child in the snap. Taking a generous amount of Black excellence and mixing it with two parts fantasy, chef Nyanyika Banda managed to come up with an entire Wakanda cookbook. “The Official Wakanda Cookbook” is one of Marvel’s latest projects and was carefully crafted by the Malawian American chef over the course of three months. More than 70 recipes inspired by the superhero Black Panther’s fictional nation fill the book’s pages, which hit shelves on April 12. Banda dug deep into her imagination in order to whip up the flavorful lineup of dishes which include items like market food, desserts and even gluten-free and vegan meals. The experiences of panicked concertgoers who couldn’t breathe and had no clear path to escape a massive crowd surge at last year’s deadly Astroworld music festival in Houston are featured in a documentary set for release Friday. But lawyers for Live Nation, which is being sued for its role as the festival’s promoter, say they’re concerned that publicity from the documentary, “Concert Crush: The Travis Scott Festival Tragedy,” could “taint the jury pool.” A gag order has been issued in the case, but Live Nation’s lawyers say an attorney who filed lawsuits related to the tragedy also co-produced the documentary. Charlie Minn, the film’s director, said he believes he has made a balanced and fair film that tries to show the public what happened. “My job is to make the most truthful, honest, sincere documentary from the victim’s point of view … We need to know about these stories to prevent it from happening again,” Minn told The Associated Press. Around 500 lawsuits have been filed following the Nov. 5 concert headlined by Scott, a popular rapper. Ten people died and hundreds of others were injured during the massive crowd surge. Scott is also being sued. The documentary, opening in 11 Texas cities including Austin, Dallas and Houston, includes interviews with several people who survived the crowd surge. The film also features cellphone video shot by concertgoers in which people can be heard repeatedly screaming for help. “It’s hard to explain to friends and family what we saw and what we actually went through and I think (the documentary) will give a lot of people the opportunity, if you weren’t there, to understand,” said Frank Alvarez, who attended the concert but does not appear in the film. The film highlights what concertgoers experienced and what led to the tragedy, said Minn, who has also made documentaries about the deadly 2018 shooting at a suburban Houston high school and violence along the U.S.-Mexico border. The film suggests Scott could have done more. One of the cast members of the hit TV show Little People: Atlanta is in such poor health she is receiving professional care. Shirlene ‘Ms Juicy’ King Pearson, 50, has been placed in the ICU – the intensive care unit – in a hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, according to her agency which made a post on her Instagram page. It is not known what is ailing the reality TV star – who calls herself The Queen of Atlanta – but the news comes as a bit of a shock to her fans as Baby has been on a health kick lately, according to TMZ. Hailey Bieber has revealed how she underwent a procedure to fix a hole in her heart after suffering a ‘mini-stroke’ last month, while she was having breakfast with her husband Justin Bieber. In a new video, posted to her YouTube Channel on Wednesday afternoon, the 25-year-old supermodel recalled feeling a ‘weird sensation’ in her right arm and numbness in her fingertips before she was admitted to hospital. After explaining to her fans that she wanted them to hear about terrifying incident in ‘own words,’ the Vogue cover girl said her spouse noticed that something was off and repeatedly asked if she was okay. https://youtu.be/665iGAG-ZqU Talk show host Tamron Hall is entering May sweeps with a COVID-19 diagnosis. “I wanted to share the news with you that I have tested positive for COVID-19,” Hall informed her “Tamron Hall Show” staffers Tuesday in an email obtained by Page Six. “I am following CDC guidelines, staying home and taking every precaution to ensure everyone’s safety,” she wrote. Just days before, Hall, 51, was posting Instagram videos with Elmo and Cookie Monster to celebrate her son Moses‘ 3rd birthday. The family also welcomed a new dog, Exodus, whom they gifted the toddler for his b-day. Former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst is being honored by her family and loved ones. Kryst’s family has released a statement ahead of what would have been the Extra correspondent’s 31st birthday on Thursday. “On April 28, Cheslie would have turned 31 years old,” wrote parents April and David Simpkins. “As that date approaches, we are already experiencing a remarkable outpouring of love and support for our Cheslie, for which we are tremendously grateful.” “Many have asked how best to honor Cheslie’s memory on her birthday,” they continued. “This is an individual decision, and we would not presume to decide how any fan, friend, or former colleague should remember Cheslie or memorialize her on her upcoming birthday.” However, they noted there are only four “approved organizations that are set up to receive charitable donations in her honor.” Those organizations are Dress For Success – The Cheslie Kryst Women’s Advancement Fund; Wake Forest University School of Law – The Cheslie C. Kryst Social Justice Scholarship; University of South Carolina – The Cheslie C. Kryst Scholarship Fund; and The Dean’s List – The Cheslie C. Kryst Woman In Media Award. Her parents said no other groups are currently authorized to use Kryst’s name and likeness for advertising or trade, warning against those “seeking to profit improperly from our daughter’s memory.” Three-time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker was today jailed for two years and six months for flouting the terms of his bankruptcy by hiding £2.5million worth of assets and loans to avoid paying his debts. The former world number one tennis player was led to the cells at Southwark Crown Court in London as his girlfriend Lilian De Carvalho Monteiro blew him a kiss, after he was blasted by a judge for showing no remorse. Becker, 54, was declared bankrupt in June 2017, owing creditors almost £50million over an unpaid loan of more than £3million on his estate in Mallorca, Spain. The BBC pundit transferred around £390,000 from his business account to others, including those of his ex-wife Barbara Becker and estranged wife Sharlely ‘Lilly’ Becker. He also failed to declare his share in a £1million property in his home town of Leimen, Germany, hid a bank loan of almost £700,000 – worth £1.1million with interest – and concealed 75,000 shares in a tech firm, valued at £66,000. Becker – who got a two-year suspended sentence for tax evasion and attempted tax evasion worth £1.4million in Germany in 2002 – was found guilty on April 8 of four Insolvency Act offences between June and October 2017. Each count carried a maximum sentence of seven years in prison. This afternoon, Judge Deborah Taylor sentenced the six-time Grand Slam champion to 30 months’ imprisonment, of which he will serve at least half. The United States is out of the Covid-19 pandemic phase, said Dr. Anthony Fauci, President Joe Biden‘s chief medical adviser and the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. “We are certainly, right now, in this country, out of the pandemic phase,” Fauci said on PBS NewsHour Tuesday. “Namely, we don’t have 900,000 new infections a day and tens and tens and tens of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands of deaths. We are at a low level right now. So, if you’re saying are we out of the pandemic phase in this country? We are,” he said. Covid-19 cases in the US have tumbled dramatically over the past couple of months as the Omicron wave receded. Attorneys representing the families of Floyd and Amir Locke — another Black man who died at the hands of Minneapolis police — praised the findings as “historic” and “monumental.” “We hope this leads to placing the city and the police department under a state-ordered consent decree, which would give us assurance, at last, that real change in policing is possible, and Minneapolis can become a safer city for its Black residents,” said the statement from Ben Crump and co-counsel Antonio Romanucci and Jeff Storms. “We are grateful and deeply hopeful that change is possible and is imminent. We call on city, state, and Police leaders to accept the challenge of these findings and make meaningful change at last to create trust between communities of color in Minneapolis and those who are sworn to protect and serve them.”The Minnesota Department of Human Rights said on its website that it will “meet with community members, MPD officers, City staff, and other stakeholders to gather feedback on what should be included in a consent decree to address racial discrimination in policing in Minneapolis.” https://youtu.be/RVpUlQI-A7Q The federal government has labeled as “unconstitutional” Mississippi’s Parchman State Prison‘s treatment of inmates. In a 59-page report that calls out inadequate mental health treatment, failure to roll out sufficient suicide prevention measures, or protect inmates from prison violence, the Department of Justice blasted the state prison as much as Jay-Z and Yo Gotti had done. The report concludes Parchman’s conditions “violate the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.” The amendments bar state prisons from meting out cruel and unapproved punishment. https://youtu.be/zFkH-J7Baiw Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) has signed a bill forbidding the use of nonbinary gender markers on state birth certificates. People who are nonbinary do not identify with traditional male or female genders. Experts say it’s the first ban of its kind written into law in the nation. The new law made permanent an executive order from Stitt who last year blocked the Oklahoma State Department of Health from issuing nonbinary birth certificates. It went into effect immediately when the governor signed it on Tuesday. The bill followed a flap last year over the Department of Health’s agreement in a civil case allowing a nonbinary option. The birth certificate, in that case, was issued to an Oklahoma-born Oregon resident who sued after the agency initially refused the request. A 49-year-old woman in London has tied the knot with … her cat. Deborah Hodge has been forced to give up three pets — two Huskies and one cat — and she is refusing to do it again, according to the New York Post. To circumvent her landlord’s no-pet policy, the British woman has elevated her cat India from pet to spouse. She apparently has no religious qualms about the unorthodox union. “I do not want to lose another beloved pet,” Hodge told the South West News Service. “I vowed in sickness and in health, in death do us part, and I meant it. I don’t believe in organized religion; however, I do have faith. India always came back, even after losing a leg. I am her universe and that is why I married her.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1518684085337694211 Vladimir Putin has vowed to use nuclear weapons against any country that dares to ‘interfere’ with Russia’s war in Ukraine in his latest chilling threat to the West. The despot, addressing legislators in St Petersburg today, said his response to anyone who ‘threatens’ Russia will be ‘lightning-fast’ and deadly. ‘If someone intends to interfere in what is going on from the outside they must know that constitutes an unacceptable strategic threat to Russia. They must know that our response to counter strikes will be lightning fast. Fast,’ he said. https://video.dailymail.co.uk/preview/mol/2022/04/27/5914288705355102553/636x382_MP4_5914288705355102553.mp4 President Joe Biden is considering reneging on a campaign promise to cancel limited amounts of student debt, and is now mulling far more substantial coverage of the $1.6 trillion owed by 43 million people. Biden alluded to his plan during a meeting on Monday with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, where he told Rep. Tony Cardenas, a California Democrat, that he had plans that would please the group. The president previously supported canceling up to $10,000 of debt per student, but is now said to be open to forgiving a larger, unspecified amount. It also remains unclear exactly how many students could be affected, although Biden has indicated that he’d be willing to forgive debts owed to public and private colleges. The DeKalb County School Board fired Superintendent Cheryl Watson-Harris at a meeting on Tuesday. The board approved a separation agreement, effective immediately. No reason was stated for the termination. “I want to thank Mrs. Watson-Harris for her service to DeKalb County School District and we wish her the best in her future endeavors,” Board Chair Vicki Turner said during the meeting. A statement released after the meeting said the board’s relationship with Watson-Harris had been “deteriorating for some time to the point the association became irreconcilable.” “The Board lost confidence in Mrs. Watson-Harris’ ability to provide the leadership the district needs in the face of significant challenges,” the statement said. Nearly 60 years after his conviction on what he claimed were racist and retaliatory federal charges, the first Black U.S. Secret Service agent assigned to a presidential detail has been pardoned by President Joe Biden. Chicagoan Abraham Bolden, 87, who served on the security detail for President John F. Kennedy, was among 78 people granted pardons or commutations of their sentences on Tuesday as part of Biden’s first use of his executive clemency powers. Bolden, who’d warned about lax security practices around the president, was charged in 1964 with attempting to sell a copy of a Secret Service file to a ring of counterfeiters. His first trial ended in a hung jury, and after he was convicted in a retrial, key witnesses said they lied at the prosecutor’s request. A longtime resident of Chicago’s South Side, Bolden served about three years in federal prison. He has long maintained his innocence and wrote a book in which he argued he was targeted for speaking out against racist and unprofessional behavior in the Secret Service. Bolden on Tuesday recalled when Kennedy asked him to join his security detail. He said he was denied to see the president but Kennedy approached him, asking if there had ever been a “Negro” on the White House detail. President Joe Biden marked “Second Chance Month” on Tuesday (04-26-22) at the White House by issuing three full pardons and 75 commutations for non-violent drug offenders. The Biden-Harris administration also announced a comprehensive set of plans to support formerly incarcerated persons re-entering society. In a statement released by the White House, Biden wrote, “During Second Chance Month, I am using my authority under the Constitution to uphold those values by pardoning and commuting the sentences of fellow Americans.” He also stated, “As I laid out in my comprehensive strategy to reduce gun crime, helping those who served their time return to their families and become contributing members of their communities is one of the most effective ways to reduce recidivism and decrease crime.” https://youtu.be/EPunPRQ3v7Y R&B crooner Usher recently hit up Rockefeller Center to host the opening of Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace. Some of his celebrity pals also turned out for the event, including Mary J. Blige, Dr. Dre, Jermaine Dupri, Michael Strahan, Floyd Mayweather and Meek Mill, Page Six reports. “Ya’ll see me in the studio, yeah, yeah, yeah ya’ll see me in the studio and you also see me skating,” the singer told his fans on his Instagram live. “Ya’ll know what time it is, it’s getting that music right now so to get the buzz right, the energy. Ain’t nothing like skating ya’ll know this.”As reported by Yahoo, the performer has reportedly added skating to his Las Vegas residency concerts when he performs “Don’t Waste My Time.” “Now imagine how hard it is to skate and sing!” Usher told Essence. “But looking at artists like Gene Kelly as a kid, I managed to be able see these things that became inspiration to me. I don’t know if I could even see myself in those characters because they were white. But there was something amazing about what they were doing that made me say, one day I’ll have the opportunity to be that.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1516878535205433344 The Proud Family is back. The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder is streaming every Wednesday night on Disney+. Executive Producer Bruce Smith, creator of The Princess and the Frog, and Executive Producer Ralph Farquhar of the popular television series Moesha, starring singer and actor Brandy, and The Parkers starring comedian and actor Monique, teamed up once more to bring the updated version of The Proud Family into your living room. The animated series, which originally graced screens nearly 20 years ago, keeps the focus on the main character Penny Proud and her everyday adventures navigating family life and friendships. The series addresses issues that families face every day, including societal biases, the complicated dynamics of friendship and racial issues. Take for example a recent episode guest-starring Tiffany Haddish whose character is that of a homeless teacher. The debate surrounding teacher pay is an ongoing and unsettled issue for educators throughout the country. Megan Thee Stallion clapped back at critics who have too much negative to say about her new interview with Gayle King for CBS Mornings. during the conversation Megan addressed the 2020 shooting involving rapper Tory Lanez. Lanez pleaded not guilty to an assault charge related to the incident. Several fans of Tory take issue with Meg being able to discuss the case publicly, while Lanez has been prohibited by a judge from speaking on it. “Crazy how Meg gets to speak on whomever platform or song about the situation but tory or he goes to jail being its still an open investigation,” one hater tweeted. To which Megan responded: “So A man can shoot me, chop up horse legs in music videos to taunt me, pay blogs to spread false information from what’s happening in court, record studio albums and make diss tracks … but when I talk to gayle king that’s the last straw? F*CK YALL.” https://youtu.be/AtjzVI5bFao Andrew Woolfolk, a longtime saxophonist for Earth, Wind & Fire, has passed away at age 71. His death was announced Monday on social media by lead singer Philip J. Bailey. “We lost him today, after being ill of over 6 years,” Bailey wrote on Instagram, alongside a photo of the two. “He has Transitioned on to the forever, from this Land of the dying to the Land of the Living.” As reported by USA Today, it’s unclear what illness Woolfolk was battling. “Great memories. Great Talent. Funny. Competitive. Quick witted. And always styling. Booski… I’ll see you on the other side, my friend,” Bailey concluded his post. https://www.instagram.com/p/CcwT90tJPtH/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=0112f60c-a75b-4ea1-a407-f9bc656eb7ec Ne-Yo remarried his wife, Crystal Renay, Sunday night in Las Vegas. The couple’s wedding went down on the rooftop of the new Resorts World complex in Las Vegas, TMZ reports. The event comes two years after their brief separation. According to Page Six, wedding guests included former “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star NeNe Leakes and “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” alum Tammy Rivera. TMZ shared footage of Ne-Yo and Crystal dancing to Ne-Yo’s “Miss Independent” and Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud.” https://youtu.be/AvHFYTuCcRk Last week, Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton, California’s only Black D.A., joined the state’s Attorney General Rob Bonta and Acting Richmond Police Chief Louie Tirona to announce that they have identified the man who killed 28-year-old Meekiah Wadley in 1999. During an emotional news conference, a representative of the three agencies said Jerry Lee Henderson murdered the Contra Costa Community College student inside her Richmond home. Tirona said Henderson died 11 days after the killing. He was identified through DNA left at the scene. “I know it’s been a long 22 years since this heinous crime was committed, and justice doesn’t always come swiftly,” said Becton. “Today’s announcement is a major testament to the determination of our law enforcement partners, forensic scientists, and investigators who continued to work on this case for over 20 years and who never gave up the search for the truth.” Investigators solved the murder using California’s familial DNA search program. https://youtu.be/yLda_AzA60g Keke Palmer has a message for fans who feel entitled to harass her in public and film her without permission. “No means no, even when it doesn’t pertain to sex,” Palmer wrote on Twitter on Saturday. Her comments come after she had an unpleasant encounter with a fan who the actress said filmed her against her will after Palmer wouldn’t take a picture with her. Palmer explained in a post shared on Twitter that a fan she met at a bar wouldn’t take “no” for an answer. “I was at the bar the other day and this girl asked me three times for a picture and I told her three times nicely that I did not want [to] take one with her. She still preceded to film me against my will.” “If I went off on her I would’ve been wrong, so I just nervously laughed while my privacy was invaded upon,” the actress continued in a follow-up tweet. Palmer later noted in an Instagram post that she’s still “upset about it,” she wrote in the caption. “I hated that I smiled, but that is my defense mechanism to laugh or joke in an uncomfortable situation and it misleads people every time.” Today, multi-platinum, award-winning superstar Lil Nas X has unveiled that he will embark on his first-ever tour – check out the announcement video HERE. Produced by Live Nation, the Long Live Montero tour will make stops across North America and Europe this fall. The North American leg kicks off at The Fillmore in Detroit on Tuesday, September 6th, and will make stops in Chicago, Nashville, Los Angeles, and more before wrapping up in San Francisco, CA at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium on Sunday, October 23rd. The European leg begins Tuesday, November 8th in Amsterdam and concludes Thursday, November 17th in Barcelona, Spain. https://youtu.be/Awk5nTdt9rg Damon Thomas has one goal: reclaim his narrative. In an interview with VladTV, the award-winning songwriter and producer shared his side of the narrative of his brief marriage to #KimKardashian. He said he’s proud of Kim and her family, but also clarified that he had no knowledge or involvement in her allegedly being high on ecstasy when they eloped. Damon is Kim’s first husband. The pair eloped in Las Vegas in 2000 and divorced in 2004. In addition to calling her blanket statement “irresponsible,” he also labeled her comments “unfair,” especially now that they both have children. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cc0kmuSlJAW/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Netflix has canceled a number of animated shows and reportedly fired several executives following the company’s highly publicized subscriber loss. The streaming service recently announced a loss of 200,000 users over the first three months of 2022. It was reported earlier, via CNN, that the streaming giant, whose stock had already dropped more than 40% year-to-date, blamed the attrition on increased competition for viewers and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Netflix said its decision to pull out of Russia cost the company 700,000 subscribers. This has prompted Netflix to cancel certain animated shows, such as the highly anticipated adaptation of the “Bone” comic series. https://youtu.be/Llgg8dSkBiA The legendary and honorable Judge Greg Mathis, Sr. and his family are ready to share their unfiltered lives with the world. The Judge might rule the courtroom, but at home he is just “Dad.” Judge Mathis and his wife, Linda Mathis and their four grown children – Jade Mathis, Camara Mathis Webb, Greg Mathis, Jr., and Amir Mathis – along with their own careers, relationships, personalities, and off the wall dynamics are ready to take Los Angeles by storm. The family docu-series offers a rare look into the Mathis’ exclusive Hollywood lifestyle and family fun. “Mathis Family Matters” premieres with back-to-back episodes on Sunday, June 19 at 10:00pm and 10:30pm ET/PT on E!. https://youtu.be/99yoNvEMojM This video – viewed a whopping 14 million times in five days – shows a shrewd car owner using a handheld massager to whip up piles of hidden dirt in his car carpet. This video – viewed a whopping 14 million times in five days – shows a shrewd car owner using a handheld massager to whip up piles of hidden dirt in his car carpet. The video was shared on TikTok by netizens ‘Queenfirecrotch’, better known as Lanie Green, 19, from Houston in Texas, where it has been viewed 13.9 million times in less than a week. In the footage, Lanie’s boyfriend William Vaughan is seen using a massage gun to whip up huge amounts of hidden dirt in his car carpet before scooping it up with a vacuum cleaner. https://youtu.be/Og__uImKRpU Kanye West is turning his pain into art. The Yeezy founder, 44, seemed to compare himself to Jesus and referenced being away from his four children—North, 8, Saint, 6, Psalm, 2, and Chicago, 4—who he shares with ex-wife Kim Kardashian on Pusha T‘s newly released album, It’s Almost Dry. “Born in the manger, the son of a stranger/When Daddy’s not home, the family’s in danger,” Ye rapped on the track “Dreamin of the Past.” The lyrics echoed the Donda rapper’s sentiments from earlier this year when he called out Kim for allegedly keeping the children away from him. In March, he shared a picture of North’s backpack, which was decorated with three pins—one of her mother, one of an alien and one of her father. “This was on my daughters back pack when I was ‘allowed’ to see her last week,” he captioned the now-deleted post. “This is why I go so hard for my family I am wired to protect my family at all cost. As the priest of my home Don’t worry Northy God is still alive.” A clinical psychologist hired to review Amber Heard and Johnny Depp’s turbulent relationship told jurors the actress suffers from two personality disorders and ‘grossly exaggerated’ her PTSD after the couple’s bitter split. Depp’s legal team called expert witness Dr. Shannon Curry to the stand on Tuesday as the Hollywood star’s highly publicized defamation trial against his ex-wife entered its ninth day. The clinical and forensic psychologist told the court she concluded Heard had traits consistent with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD) – two conditions found in people with patterns of emotional instability and attention-seeking behavior. Dr. Curry testified that she was initially hired by Depp’s lawyers early last year to review files in the legal battle between the two feuding exes and identify behavior in their relationship that may be consistent with ‘intimate partner violence’. https://video.dailymail.co.uk/preview/mol/2022/04/26/7306313208823826398/636x382_MP4_7306313208823826398.mp4 Nicolina Bozzo stunned “American Idol” judges with her powerful performance of “Hallelujah” on season 20 of “American Idol.” The 18-year-old Canadian singer has been wowing viewers all season with her powerful vocals. But on Sunday, Bozzo reached new heights after singing a song with deep emotional meaning to her. Bozzo dedicated her performance of Leonard Cohen’s track “Hallelujah” to her grandmother who battled cancer. https://youtu.be/dU-Bq_3Irkc Alisha’s Testimony, is a new memoir written by author, Alisha L. Boykin that can start you on a healthy journey of healing in Jesus name! Followers of Christ know that Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy through any form of sin you are part-taking in. This inspirational Christian memoir chronicles spiritual encounters with demons, encounters with Jesus Christ, the testimony of turning away from sexual sin, asking for forgiveness and asking God to direct one’s path. Alisha hopes those who are believers in Jesus Christ or who want to believe in Him will learn from her mistakes. If you are living the sinful path she speaks about, she prays her past sins will encourage you to turn away from your current lifestyle and seek Jesus Christ because he can renew you like he did Alisha. D’Aundre Holmes-Wilfork pleaded guilty to theft of property greater than $300,000, according to court documents reported on by the Galveston Daily News. Holmes-Wilfork, the son of former Patriots defensive lineman Vince Wilfork, was arrested in 2021 on the charge of stealing valuable sports memorabilia from his father, including two Super Bowl rings Wilfork won playing in New England. Earlier in April, he pleaded guilty and received a deferred judgement. It means that Holmes-Wilfork will face five years of probation, with the promise that the conviction will be vacated if he avoids any violations in that time. District Court Judge Jared Robinson also ordered that Wilfork’s stolen property be returned to him. Beyond the Super Bowl rings, Holmes-Wilfork stole two AFC championship rings, a college football national championship ring (from Wilfork’s time at the University of Miami), and other jewelry. Lauren Bernett, a standout James Madison University softball player who helped the school to a historic run to the Women’s College World Series last year, died suddenly at the age of 20, officials said Tuesday. The death of the sophomore catcher, who was third on the team in home runs and second in RBI, was announced by JMU president Jonathan Alger. “Our hearts are aching, hearing the news of the loss of one of our student-athletes,” Alger said in a statement. “Lauren Bernett was a high-achieving member of our softball team and a great ambassador of JMU and our athletics program.” Here is an exclusive clip for the new episode of “Marriage Boot Camp: Hip Hop Edition,” airing Thursday, April, 28, at 9pm on WE tv. Per press release, this season stars Hip Hop superstar K. Michelle (K. Michelle: My Life) and Kastan, Rich Dollaz and Mariahlynn, (Love & Hip Hop: New York) Lyrica and A1, (Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood) and Gangsta Boo (First Female Member of Three 6 Mafia) and Emmet as they head to Marriage Boot Camp to face the music. Dr. Ish & Judge Toler help them confront lies, betrayal, and bitter rivalries, but when secrets are exposed, will their relationships survive? https://youtu.be/gzZHVXlescA Ja Morant exploded into life during the fourth quarter — including an acrobatic game-winning lay-up with one second remaining — to lead a dazzling comeback from the Memphis Grizzlies as they stunned the Minnesota Timberwolves 111-109 on Tuesday to take a 3-2 series lead in the first round of the NBA playoffs. The star guard scored 18 of his game-high 30 points in the fourth quarter and sealed the deal with his dramatic lay-up to wrap up the game. “‘Go get a bucket, Ja,'” Morant said when asked reporters what the plan had been ahead of the last play of the game. Ahead of her 50th birthday next month, actress Lavern Cox is reflecting on life. On Tuesday, the Orange Is the New Black star shared a sexy black and white video of herself to Instagram, wearing a cute lingerie set. Below the post, she wrote a lengthy caption about her life. The award-winning star said, “In a little over a month on May 29th I turn 50 years old. It’s hard to believe I’m still alive, that I’m almost 5 decades old. This body has been through so much, both inside and outside: traumas, transition, classical ballet, successes, failures, abuse, injuries, healing, weight gain, weight loss, illness, pleasure, ecstasy. This body has been through a lot of negative self talk about it from me. I’ve been cruel, abusive, punitive in the ways in which I have talked to and treated to this body.” https://www.instagram.com/p/Cc28iGuMO_i/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Central City Productions announces the 7th Annual Black Music Honors live tapping at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, May 19. The star-studded two-hour event will honor artists and musicians who have influenced and made significant contributions to American music. This year’s remarkable group of honorees include Multi-Platinum, Award-Winning Supergroup Dru Hill who will receive the Urban Music Icon Award; Five-Time GRAMMY Nominee Tevin Campbell who will be honored with the R&B Icon Award and Multi-Award-Winning; Gospel Duo Mary Mary will be presented with the Gospel Icon Award; NAACP Image Award-Winning Singer Karyn White will also be recognized with the Soul Music Award; Award-Winning Singer-Songwriter Keri Hilson will be honored with the Music and Songwriter Icon Award for her accomplishments penning songs for some of the biggest names in music and the Legendary R&B Group The Whispers will take home the Legends Award for their incredible nearly six-decade music career. Mobile carriers claim 5G technology is the preferred and most effective method to connect with everyone and everything. As reported by Qualcomm, 5G is the 5th generation mobile network “meant to deliver higher multi-Gbps peak data speeds, ultra low latency, more reliability, massive network capacity, increased availability, and a more uniform user experience to more users,” the outlet writes. https://youtu.be/_CTUs_2hq6Y Rick Ross hit up The Breakfast Club recently to dish about building his brand and he also shared details about his sex life. Ross claims no woman has ever faked an orgasm with him, as he explained to co-host Angela Yee. “Imma tell you this. I can’t tell you what somebody did, but when Rozay in the zone … You can’t fake that mess they make for Rozay! That splash! You woulda thought the fire alarm come on the way that splash come out. You can’t fake that. You feel me? That’s what I look forward to,” the rapper shared. He then asked Yee if she is a squirter. https://youtu.be/HWQd1Qb0SWY YOLANDA ADAMS AND SERAYAH HEADLINE THE NEW BET+ SERIES “KINGDOM BUSINESS” AVAILABLE MAY 19TH ON BET+ Michael Beach, Michael Jai White & Chaundre A. Hall-Broomfield Star As Series Regulars. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nMUOrrMKxE CLEO TV's new lifestyle series, Decor Remixed, continues on April 27 at 9 p.m./8C. Hosted by interior designer Dominique Calhoun, the hot new show shines a spotlight on the art of decorating and transforming dull spaces into new, fresh and innovative environments. In this episode, Dominique meets with her sister Christina, a realtor, to stage a client’s home, only to discover a tiny budget and short timeline. Challenged to be frugal and creative, Dominique’s ideas and unexpected discovery turn a dated home into a show-stopper. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBW3F1wLoY8 CLEO TV's new lifestyle series, Global Gourmet, is back on April 27 at 9:30 p.m./8:30C. Hosted by the renowned Chef Essie Bartels, the show highlights the joys of delicious food and stories of wanderlust travel. Essie gets in the kitchen in this episode and shows us a few recipes that she and her foodie friends love. She starts with a creamy and delicious Lobster Mac and Cheese. Then she cooks up tender and juicy Oxtail Curry, best described in one word “Yum!” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5WLv2sKTL4 As a continuation of a breakout year for TV One Networks, an Urban One Company, Austyn Biggers joins the network as the new Senior Vice President of Programming and Production. Before joining the TV One team, Biggers was the Head of Unscripted Programming at GET LIFTED FILM Company led by Emmy® and Tony® Award-winning producer Mike Jackson, EGOT recipient and award-winning producer John Legend, and CEO of Friends At Work, Ty Stiklorius. Before joining Get Lifted Film Co. in May of 2019, Austyn developed and produced a variety of shows for MTV, LOGO, & VH1 and from 2008 to 2016 served in various original series development and production roles at BET Networks. Julia VanTuyl has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Advertising and Sales for TV One and CLEO TV. VanTuyl has been a notable leader in the advertising, sales and marketing industries, joining TV One Networks in 2010 as a Sales Account Executive. Her trajectory then took her to Sales Director in 2014, advancing to Vice President of National Advertising Sales and Marketing in 2020. She is a four-time President’s Award recipient, an honor acknowledging her accomplishment of being the highest sales performer across Urban One. Prior to joining TV One, Julia held positions at NBCU Comcast and Universal McCann WorldWide. She earned her undergraduate degree in Business Administration from George Washington University. The French Quarter Festival presented by Chevron returned after a hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic. Boasting twenty stages, fest goers were able to immerse themselves into the full spectrum of music genres presented at the French Quarter Festival presented by Chevron: traditional jazz, jazz, R&B, hip-hop, New Orleans funk, brass bands, folk, gospel, Latin Jazz, Cajun and Zydeco and more. French Quarter Festival presented by Chevron offered the best of both worlds, good food, music and vibes. Pharrell Williams has announced the return of his summer music festival “Something in the Water,” produced by Redrock Entertainment and Live Nation. The festival will take place in Washington, DC on Juneteenth weekend (June 17-19) with the rapper and producer included on a lineup that also features Lil Baby, Chloe x Halle, Lil Uzi Vert, Tierra Whack, Run the Jewels, Pusha T, Dave Matthews Band, and more. The festival first opened its stages in Williams’ hometown of Virginia Beach back in 2019, however, the festival has since been relocated to Washington, D.C. In a press statement released last October, Williams shared that the festival would not take place in Virginia due to “toxic energy” from local authorities. The fallout was a result of the March 2021 death of Donovon Lynch, Williams’ cousin, who was killed by a Virginia Beach police officer, Solomon Simmons, not wearing an active body camera amid other alleged affairs. Rapper Trina was profiled on the recent episode of TV One’s original docu-series “UNCENSORED,” and revealed that her raunchy lyrics have complicated her love life over the years. Trina dropped her debut album “Da Baddest Bi–h” in 2000, and rose to fame with hit singles such as “Da Baddest Bi–h,” “Pull Over,” and “Here We Go.” As reported by Urban Hollywood 411, Trina explained how potential partners couldn’t separate her rap persona from her real personality. “The song is the streets, that’s what it is. But when I’m with you, it’s a whole different person. That’s the Katrina person. The song is my alter ego. You can lust and do all of those things with that, but when it comes to me, it has to be real,” she said. https://youtu.be/wmTqjg5O-Rc After Elon Musk purchased Twitter for $44 billion, former President Donald Trump says he will not return to the social media platform if his account is reactivated. Trump officially releases a statement after Elon Musk wins a $44 billion bid for Twitter In a statement provided to Fox News, Trump said he will not return to Twitter if his account is restored and plans to officially join his own social media platform, Truth Social. “I am not going on Twitter, I am going to stay on Truth, I hope Elon buys Twitter because he’ll make improvements to it and he is a good man, but I am going to be staying on Truth. The bottom line is, no, I am not going back to Twitter,” his statement reads. Last year, Twitter permanently banned Trump’s account after citing concerns about his influence surrounding the Jan. 6 insurrection of the Capitol building. Truth Social was originally scheduled to be released in February of this year but the app for iOS was temporarily unavailable for unknown reasons as reported by Tech Crunch. A community in northwest Atlanta has reportedly been littered with flyers claiming to be from the Ku Klux Klan. According to Fox 5 Atlanta, the flyers have appeared in numerous driveways, prompting the Atlanta Police Department to investigate the disturbing incidents. A community in northwest Atlanta has reportedly been littered with flyers claiming to be from the Ku Klux Klan. According to Fox 5 Atlanta, the flyers have appeared in numerous driveways, prompting the Atlanta Police Department to investigate the disturbing incidents. “I just didn’t think it would happen in 2022 let alone in our neighborhood,” resident Andy Zirger said, per the report. “It was really disheartening especially as a mom of two black boys. It really unsettled my nerves,” Lenice Williams said. https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/flyers-ku-klux-klan-in-atlanta-neighborhood Will Smith is said to be on a “spiritual tour” of India with his family amid the fallout from his Oscars slap. Per Page Six, the trip is part of Smith’s vow to do “the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason.” According to theJasmineBrand, the Smith family getaway to India had been planned before Will slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars last month. An insider tells the outlet that “Will and Jada have taken the family on [a] vacation that was already planned…There had been talk of canceling [the trip] but Jada insisted.” One insider tells Page Six, “Will’s ‘spiritual journey’ to India for yoga and meditation seems cynical and ridiculous, given that he hasn’t apologized personally to the one person he assaulted in front of millions. Russia’s top diplomat has warned that NATO is now fighting a proxy war with Russia in Ukraine and there is a ‘very serious’ risk the conflict could turn nuclear. Sergei Lavrov, speaking on Russian state TV last night, accused western leaders of risking a third world war by supplying heavy weapons to Ukraine with the goal of ‘wearing down the Russian army’ – an aim he described as an ‘illusion’. Accusing NATO and its allies of attempting to bully Russia on the international stage, Lavrov said that tensions between east and west are now worse than during the Cuban missile crisis at the height of the Cold War. Asked directly about the possibility of a nuclear war, he replied: ‘The risks are very significant. I do not want the danger to be artificially inflated [but] it is serious, real. It cannot be underestimated.’ https://video.dailymail.co.uk/preview/mol/2022/04/26/757147659882613531/636x382_MP4_757147659882613531.mp4 Mankind is set to face natural disasters on an increasingly frequent basis as a result of the impact humans are having on the earth, according to a UN report released Monday. The report, produced by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), said humanity has experienced between 350 to 500 medium or large scale disasters each year globally in the past two decades. But the UNDRR expects to see this number increase to about 560 catastrophes a year by 2030. By comparison, the world suffered just 90 to 100 medium to large scale disasters a year between 1970 to 2000. If the assessment proves to be accurate, it means disasters such as fires and floods, but also other hazards such as pandemics or chemical accidents, would occur at a frequency of 1.5 per day by 2030, putting millions of lives in danger. Climate change is causing more extreme weather events, the report said, adding that humans have made decisions which are too narrow in focus and have been over-optimistic about the risk of potential disasters, leaving them unprepared. The impact of disasters has also been heightened by growing populations in areas more prone to natural catastrophes. Vice President Kamala Harris has tested positive for Covid-19. Her press secretary Kirsten Allen said in a statement Tuesday that Harris – who is fully-vaccinated and double boosted – received positive rapid and PCR test results after returning from a week in California. ‘She has not been a recent contact to the President or First Lady due to recent travel schedules,’ Allen said. The vice president initially took two rounds of the Moderna vaccine and took her second booster shot on April 1. Harris, 57, is not currently experiencing symptoms. Her husband Doug Emhoff contracted the virus in mid-March. Harris returned from a week-long trip to her home state Monday night. The last time she was at a public event with Biden was at the White House Easter Egg Roll on April 18. It is unlikely the Senate will be able to pass anything this week without Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., who both also tested positive on Tuesday, and without Harris as the tie-breaking vote. Harvard University is setting aside $100million for an endowment fund and other measures to close the educational, social and economic gaps that are legacies of slavery and racism, the university´s president has said. The email from Lawrence Bacow included a link to a 100-page report by his university´s 14-member Committee on Harvard and the Legacy of Slavery. The panel was chaired by Tomiko Brown-Nagin, a legal historian who is dean of Harvard’s interdisciplinary Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study. The move comes amid a wider conversation about redressing the impacts of centuries of slavery, discrimination and racism. The report laid out a history of slaves toiling on the campus and of the university benefiting from the slave trade and industries linked to slavery after slavery was outlawed in Massachusetts in 1783 – 147 years after Harvard´s founding. The report also documents Harvard excluding Black students and its scholars advocating racism. Stymied in their calls for a renewed investigation into the killing of Emmett Till, relatives and activists are advocating another possible path toward accountability in Mississippi: They want authorities to launch a kidnapping prosecution against the woman who set off the lynching by accusing the Black Chicago teen of improper advances in 1955. Carolyn Bryant Donham was named nearly 67 years ago in a warrant that accused her in Till’s abduction, even before his mangled body was found in a river, FBI records show, yet she was never arrested or brought to trial in a case that shocked the world for its brutality. Authorities at the time said the woman had two young children and they did not want to bother her. Donham’s then-husband and another man were acquitted of murder. Make no mistake: Relatives of Till still prefer a murder prosecution. But there is no evidence the kidnapping warrant was ever dismissed, so it could be used to arrest Donham and finally get her before a criminal court, said Jaribu Hill, an attorney working with the Till family. “This warrant is a stepping stone toward that,” she said. “Because warrants do not expire, we want to see that warrant served on her.” There are plenty of roadblocks. Witnesses have died in the decades since Till was lynched, and it’s unclear what happened to evidence collected by investigators. Even the location of the original warrant is a mystery. It could be in boxes of old courthouse records in Leflore County, Mississippi, where the abduction occurred. A relative of Till said it’s long past time for someone to arrest Donham in Till’s kidnapping, if not for the slaying itself. “Mississippi is not the Mississippi of 1955, but it seems to still carry some of that era of protecting the white woman,” said Deborah Watts, a distant cousin of Till who runs the Emmett Till Legacy Foundation. Now in her late 80s and most recently living in Raleigh, North Carolina, Donham has not commented publicly on calls for her prosecution. Jeremiah Daniels IV may technically be the second in his class, but he made history as the first African American male to be named salutatorian at Boca Ciega High School. His mother, Brittney Daniels, says it’s something that he always wanted to do. “He told his father and I four years ago that he wanted to be the salutatorian and we knew that he could achieve, it in the end. For him to work at it, year after year, straight As, since third grade,” Daniels said. Jeremiah always had a propensity to learn. “He’s very academically inclined. As a kindergartner, he taught himself how to get on a laptop, get on a computer and go onto programs by himself,” said Daniels. Novak Djokovic will be eligible to defend his Wimbledon title after event organizers at the All England Club said players will not need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to compete at the 2022 tournament. In a press conference Tuesday, All England Club CEO Sally Bolton said that while vaccinations are encouraged, unvaccinated players can compete and will not need to quarantine upon arrival in England for the tournament, which begins June 27. “The requirements set up do not include mandatory vaccination,” Bolton said, per ESPN. “It will not be a condition of entry for the championships this year.” Djokovic, a 20-time Grand Slam winner and defending champion at Wimbledon, missed the Australian Open in January after being deported from the country because he had not received a COVID-19 vaccination. He also missed tournaments at Indian Wells and Miami because he couldn’t travel to the United States due to his unvaccinated status. All signs had been pointing to Ben Simmons making his Brooklyn Nets debut in Monday’s Game 4 against the Boston Celtics. But then the Celtics beat the Nets in Game 3 on Saturday night to go up 3-0, and all of a sudden, Simmons reported more back soreness and now won’t play in Game 4. This move has led to a cacophony of criticism across NBA Twitter and from major media personalities. TNT’s Reggie Miller went hard at Simmons, calling him out for lacking competitive fire. Fellow TNT analysts Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley also reacted to the Simmons situation, with Shaq blasting the decision as a “punk move” and Chuck agreeing with this sentiment: https://twitter.com/i/status/1518462075927900160 Viola Davis is aware that not everyone loves her portrayal of Michelle Obama in the Showtime series, “The First Lady.” She told BBC News that it is “incredibly hurtful when people say negative things about your work” but comes with the territory. “How do you move on from the hurt, from failure?” she said. “But you have to. Not everything is going to be an awards-worthy performance.” Some on social media have criticized Davis for her performance, focusing on what they viewed as her exaggerated facial expressions. Davis told the media outlet that “Critics absolutely serve no purpose. And I’m not saying that to be nasty either.” https://youtu.be/GA70FUpMXm4 The chief of police in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Monday identified Christopher Schurr as the officer who fatally shot Patrick Lyoya earlier this month. Lyoya’s shooting took place on April 4 after Schurr pulled him over for an allegedly unregistered license plate. Rev. Al Sharpton calls for authorities to release the name of the police officer involved in Patrick Lyoya’s death. Police Chief Eric Winstrom previously declined to release Schurr’s name, arguing the city had a long-standing policy not to release the names of employees under investigation even as the officer’s name was circulating publicly. Winstrom said he decided to identify Schurr “in the interest of transparency, to reduce ongoing speculation, and to avoid any further confusion.” Twitter co-founder and former CEO Jack Dorsey issued a statement regarding Elon Musk’s $44 billion dollar takeover of the company. Twitter co-founder and former CEO Jack Dorsey issued a statement regarding Elon Musk’s $44 billion dollar takeover of the company. Dorsey called Twitter the “closest thing we have to a global consciousness.” Per CNN, Twitter has agreed to sell itself to Musk in a deal valued at around $44 billion, the company said Monday. Under the terms of the deal, shareholders will receive $54.20 in cash for each share of Twitter stock they own, matching Musk’s original offer and marking a 38% premium over the stock price the day before Musk revealed his stake in the company. “The Twitter Board conducted a thoughtful and comprehensive process to assess Elon’s proposal with a deliberate focus on value, certainty, and financing,” Twitter independent board chair Bret Taylor said in a statement, calling the deal ” the best path forward for Twitter’s stockholders.” Comedian Kevin Hart reportedly raised $100 million from private equity firm Abry Partners to launch a new media company HARTBEAT. The new venture is a combination of his two production companies, Laugh Out Loud and HartBeat Productions, per The Hollywood Reporter. According to the outlet, Hart plans to use use the funding to grow the brand, hire more employees, and develop new content. “The creation of HARTBEAT and our capital raise with Abry represent a new era in comedy,” Hart stated. “This all started out with a mission to keep the world laughing together, and I’m so proud our teams have delivered on that, putting in the hard work to build the most innovative and inclusive comedic storytelling company.” Terry Crews claims Chris Rock “saved Hollywood” by keeping his composure after Will Smith slapped him at the Academy Awards last month. While promoting his new memoir “Tough: My True Journey to Power” in a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Crews also weighed in on the Smith/Rock dynamic and the fallout from the infamous Oscars slap. “Both Will Smith and Chris Rock are dear, dear friends of mine,” he told the THR. “I love them both as brothers, but there was a time in my life [where] I was Will Smith at that moment, and let me tell you, I’ve done worse than Will.” Crews went on to explain why Rock “saved Hollywood” after being slapped by another Black man in a room full of their white colleagues, on live television. “When I look back, by what Chris did, by just deciding to hold everything together, it actually, I think in a lot of ways saved Hollywood,” Crews explained to THR. “Because if there would’ve been a brawl on that stage, I don’t know if Hollywood would’ve ever gotten any respect again, you know? It’s hard to even imagine what would’ve happened.” Breakfast Club host Angela Yee is set to teach millennials and Gen Z about financial literacy via her new YouTube show. The new online series titled “The Up and Coming with Angela Yee,” was made in partnership with the saving and investing app Acorns, per Black Enterprise. https://pbs.twimg.com/card_img/1517618107837296640/8I4enljB?format=jpg&name=small Last week, the Biden Administration submitted its first National Drug Control Strategy to Congress, as the drug crisis continues to soar. The administration’s plan places a large emphasis on harm reduction tools and proper funding to help drug enforcement shut down trafficking in affected areas. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been nearly 100,306 drug overdose-related deaths in the United States for the 12-month period ending April 2021. That represents a 28.5 percent increase from the 78,056 deaths during the same period the year before. States like Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, and Wisconsin have been hit hard by the drug epidemic. A Jackson State University alum is paying it forward by empowering the next generation of scholars at his alma mater who will shape the world of business. Attorney Joe N. Tatum donated $50,000 to the institution’s College of Business. Tatum—who has practiced law for over two decades—graduated from JSU cum laude, earning a degree in accounting. After working in the industry at top firms throughout the city of Detroit, he transitioned into law and received his Juris Doctorate from the Mississippi College School of Law. Throughout his career, he’s worked on over 3,500 consumer bankruptcy cases and has provided counsel for medical malpractice and personal injury cases. He credits the Mississippi-based HBCU for helping him nurture his passion for serving others and equipping him with the skills to thrive in business and law. Tatum hopes his contribution will inspire other HBCU alums to invest in the colleges and universities that have transformed their lives. Beyond his music, lyricist Chance the Rapper is known for leading philanthropic efforts centered on supporting underserved communities within Chicago. In celebration of his birthday, the Grammy award-winning music artist—whose real name is Chancelor Bennett—distributed thousands of free meals in the city, People reported. Bennett hosted a food giveaway on April 16 through his organization, SocialWorks, a nonprofit that interweaves arts education and civic engagement. SocialWorks strives to eradicate socioeconomic issues that cause homelessness and food insecurity. The organization also ensures youth from impoverished communities have access to mental wellness and academic resources. SocialWorks teamed up with the Conscious Alliance, Taste for the Homeless, Gyrls In The Hood, Discover and Ben & Jerry’s for the effort. Acts of generosity like the one led by Bennett for his 29th birthday are needed as food insecurity remains an issue within the city of Chicago. Feeding America reported nearly half a million people in Cook County live in food-insecure households. Whether it’s cultivating youth empowerment initiatives through his Eat.Learn.Play. Foundation or backing historically Black colleges and universities, NBA star Stephen Curry has displayed his dedication to uplifting underserved communities and underrepresented groups. For his latest project, the Golden State Warriors guard has set out to diversify the world of golf. The sport has historically lacked representation and remains white-male dominated. Research shows that 9.5 percent of professional golfers are Black, and 14 percent are Latinx. Women account for only 8 percent of golf professionals. Cognizant of the racial and gender disparities and barriers to entry, Curry uses his lifestyle brand Underrated to make the sport more accessible. Through the company—which he founded in 2019—he’s leading a project dubbed Underrated Golf that is centered on creating pathways in the sport for youth through education and equity. Student-athletes who are part of the program will have access to exclusive golf courses and will have the opportunity to network and foster connections with power players and leading corporations to learn about career paths within the sport. The top youth golfers will compete in the brand’s upcoming Underrated Golf Tour for a Curry Cup. Called “Bookchella” by some, the L.A. Times Book Festival showcased authors from many different genres and communities. Scenes from the book festival showed a mixture of panel discussions and live book talks on the University of Southern California’s campus. The book festival brought together a meeting of minds and good vibes. A two-day event, the festival was the first major in-person event for some authors since the start of the pandemic. While virtual opportunities opened a new way for authors to connect with their audience, being in person with colleagues and readers offers a different experience for authors. The presence and energy of several Black authors stood out in the pictures and clips from the weekend’s festivities. Pictures from the festival’s official photo studio captured the radiant fierceness of Stuart K. Robinson, author of “It All Begins With I” and “Pleasantville” author Attica Locke. Singer, songwriter, and pastor William Demps is the manifestation of the living word. Demps is bridging the gap between the church and the people of deferred faith with the intention to call them back to love and the love of God. Through his music, Demps challenges his listeners to put hope before everything and love unconditionally to find themselves on the other side of adversity. Now signed to Los Angeles-based record label Legacy Music Group, Demps has released a fresh new single, "Alright" that conveys the hope of the Gospel with the bold, energetic sound of Urban Inspirational music. Here's another song "Shining Bright" in the Gospel Spotlight!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMIJi3UBMv0 Sing In Unity is a new Global choir created during the pandemic to unify, inspire, and promote peace. Dove nominated Japan Mass Choir director, Jenna, has formed this group of voices. Having created a buzz with the Japan Mass Choir and charting on the Gospel Sales chart at #3 with their "Powerful" EP, Jenna was poised to create another international movement. Sing In Unity will touch the hearts of Gospel music lovers. The new single “My Faith Has The Final Say” is available for pre-order wherever music is sold and will officially release for consumption on 4.29. It's another song "Shining Bright" in the Gospel Spotlight!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlRqt2mKfVg The deal caps off a whirlwind news cycle in which the Tesla and SpaceX CEO became one of Twitter’s largest shareholders, was offered and turned down a seat on its board and bid to buy the company — all in less than a month. Under the terms of the deal, shareholders will receive $54.20 in cash for each share of Twitter stock they own, matching Musk’s original offer and marking a 38% premium over the stock price the day before Musk revealed his stake in the company. “The Twitter Board conducted a thoughtful and comprehensive process to assess Elon’s proposal with a deliberate focus on value, certainty, and financing,” Twitter independent board chair Bret Taylor said in a statement, calling the deal ” the best path forward for Twitter’s stockholders.” https://youtu.be/oDIKXhV-8oY The father of USC Basketball recruit Aaliyah Gayles says she will return to the court despite being shot multiple times last weekend. Gayles, 18, was wounded by gunfire at a North Las Vegas house party on April 16 after someone started shooting. https://youtu.be/wMbwYiJBwws A New Jersey teacher has gone viral over a clip showing her saving the life of a third-grader who was choking on a water bottle cap. The incident occurred at East Orange Community Charter School, where veteran educator JaNiece Jenkins has been working for the last five years. As reported by Because of The We Can, one of her third-graders apparently attempted to open the bottle with his teeth and got the cap got lodged in his throat. Realizing he couldn’t get it out, he ran directly to Jenkins for help. Jenkins quickly sprang into action and potentially save the child’s life. https://youtu.be/qQqJIERZ_jY The family of a 24-year-old woman last seen in Houston on April 15, is pleading for help in finding her after her bloody cell phone was discovered near a park in West Houston following her disappearance. According to community activist Quanell X, who is the leader of the New Black Panther Nation in Houston, Felicia Marie Johnson traveled to Houston from California, hoping to gain employment at the Cover Girls Night Club. Johnson reportedly called an Uber after leaving the club, but when the Uber was taking too long to get there, a man at the club offered to give her a ride to where she needed to go, Quanell X said. “Felicia has not been seen since. No cell phone activity, no credit card activity, no social media activity. She has absolutely just vanished off the face of the earth,” Quanell X said at a press conference on Wednesday in Houston. Quanell X said his organization has been looking into the disappearance, along with a private investigator hired by the family. The Houston Police Department (HPD) says Johnson’s disappearance is considered a missing persons case, though they couldn’t say whether foul play is suspected. Police did not comment on the details about Johnson’s disappearance provided by Quanell, but said they have been in touch with Johnson’s family, and anyone with information about her disappearance is asked to contact HPD’s missing persons unit. Jill Scott shut down a recent conversation on Twitter that compared her to singer Lizzo. It all started when pro-Black conservative Charrise Lane tweeted a side-by-side photo comparison of Scott and Lizzo. She captioned the pic: “Your size isn’t the reason Men won’t date you. It’s the level of class you have. For instance, let’s compare Jill Scott to Lizzo. Men, which one would you date?” And with that — it wasn’t long before Jilly from Philly caught word of the comments under Lane’s post and responded as well. The late-great George Michael will narrate a documentary about his personal life that will premiere in theaters this summer. The singer-songwriter was “heavily involved and dedicated” in the production “George Michael Freedom Uncut,” making it “an incredibly special posthumous release and a poignant and moving tribute to his legacy,” reads the movie’s press release, per EW. The new documentary was narrated and co-directed by Michael before his death in 2016. The project will be released in theaters worldwide three days before his birthday on June 22. https://youtu.be/kDXtCEMPsEc Dark & Lovely’s virtual Masterclass, A Black Girl’s Guide To Mentorship, is taking place TODAY, April 25th at 5:30 pm ET. Per press release, the event will be hosted by Symone Sanders, author, advocate and host of the upcoming show, SYMONE on MSNBC and MSNBC’s streaming platform, Peacock. Dark & Lovely Brand ambassador, actress and producer, Storm Reid will offer key advice and takeaways for young Black women who are navigating their academic and career journeys, alongside NAACP Chief Strategy Officer, Yumeka Rushing. There will also be a musical set by DJ Kiss along with prizes and giveaways. The event is open to everyone and free of charge. Two white people who are said to be advocates for “diversity and inclusion” falsely accused the Scottsdale Unified School District’s Hopi Elementary PTA of hiring a DJ to perform in blackface at a charity event. As it turned out, the DJ named Kim Koko Hunter, 56, was actually a Black man, Black Enterprise reports. Per the outlet, Stuart Rhoden and Jill Lassen saw a photo online of Hunter with three white men at the ’70s-themed party and assumed the DJ was donning blackface. Lassen fired off an angry email to the PTA accusing them of hiring a DJ in blackface. “The DJ that the Hopi PTA hire[d] was, in fact a Black man,” Hopi PTA president Megan Livengood wrote in response, according to the report. “It is insulting that you feel myself or PTA condone racist behavior or encourage it by posting on social media.” https://youtu.be/pqlD-eZm1ck Cuba Gooding Jr., who recently pleaded guilty to forcibly touching a woman, has been hired by Sapphire strip club to host a party. The party is set to go down next month at the club’s location in Times Square, Page Six reports. Manhattan is the same city where the Oscar winner was charged with three counts of forcible touching after he grabbed a woman’s breast at the Magic Hour Rooftop. Gooding has been accused of inappropriately touching several women in Manhattan bars. The actor recently entered a plea of guilty to a misdemeanor charge of forcibly touching a woman at the LAVO nightclub in 2018. Gooding admitted to kissing the waitress at the club on her lips without consent. He also admitted to two other incidents of non-consensual contact in October 2018 and June 2019. https://youtu.be/b2ezHnn2liM It’s art with a purpose. Damon Lamar Reed has spent the past year creating vibrant murals of Black women and girls who have been missing from the Chicago area for some decades. One of them is Jerrica Laws, who has been missing now for six years. Her loved ones are still searching and hoping. The murals will be on display inside the Cultural Arts Center for two months. Basing the murals off family photos, the artist uses bright hues and distinct lines in an effort to honor the women and girls who have been missing.https://youtu.be/Igh9QVtJIBA Couples in crisis turn to the honorable Judge Lynn Toler for a life-altering decision to get married or break up for good in the new WE tv series, “Commit or Quit with Judge Lynn Toler,” premiering Thursday, May 12 at 10pm on WE tv. In the eight, one-hour episodes, eight couples are under Judge Lynn Toler’s microscope. Secrets are exposed, core issues uncovered, and those closest to them give shocking testimony. When it’s all said and done, ultimately, it’s up to the Judge to have them…Commit or Quit! New episodes become available on popular AMC streaming service ALLBLK, every Monday following their premiere on WE tv. https://youtu.be/MM0pkvXNa1o CNN+, the streaming service that was hyped as one of the most significant developments in the history of CNN, will shut down on April 30, just one month after it launched. CNN+ customers “will receive prorated refunds of subscription fees,” the company said. The decision was made by new management after CNN’s former parent company, WarnerMedia, merged with Discovery to form Warner Bros. Discovery earlier this month. Via the video below, CNN‘s Brian Stelter breaks down the decisions behind the CNN+ streaming service being shut down and how it ties into the streaming industry’s landscape. Donald Trump has said that the Queen should strip Meghan Markle and Prince Harry of all their royal titles. The former US president previously claimed the actions of both the Duke and Duchess of Sussex caused pain to the monarch. It comes after the royal couple flew from their home in the US and stopped off in England to visit the Queen before heading to The Hague in the Netherlands for the Invictus Games. Their attendance at a reception at the games marked their first public appearance together in Europe since quitting as senior working royals more than two years ago. In an upcoming interview, Piers Morgan asked Trump if the Queen should strip them of their titles, it was reported by The Sun. The hole in Sylvia Scarbrough’s living room floor appeared in a spot near the front door five years ago when Hurricane Harvey tore through Houston. It’s through this hole that a couple of feet of water came rushing into her home. In February, Scarbrough, who’s in her 70s, pointed at the hole. “Look at that down there, that’s the earth,” Scarbrough said. She keeps it out of sight by covering it with a brightly-colored rug. If you move a rug or peek behind a picture frame, remnants of the hurricane, which went down as the heaviest rainstorm in US history, can be found hidden all over Scarbrough’s home. Located in the residential Kashmere Gardens neighborhood of northeast Houston, Scarbrough’s home looks like an ordinary single-story three-bedroom home built in the 1950s. Wind chimes sing from her front porch. Inside, a golden portrait of Cleopatra hangs in her living room. There’s a warm and inviting ambiance. A few piles of paper and a large, clear filing cabinet are stacked on top of Scarbrough’s coffee table. They offer a window into what the last five years have been like for her. The papers include every document she submitted and all correspondence she’s had to secure money to fix her house. Up until now, she’s been awarded $1,800, which is a fraction of what she believes she’s entitled to. It’s also far less money than she needs to make all the repairs to return her home to its pre-Harvey state—which is why there’s still a hole in her living room floor. A former New England Patriots linebacker reportedly died in a car accident this weekend at the age of 62. Clayton Weishuhn, a longtime NFL linebacker, reportedly died in a car accident near his home town of Wall, Texas on Friday. The former Patriots linebacker was reportedly ejected from his vehicle in a one-car rollover accident, per the Texas Department of Public Safety. The San Angelo Standard Times first reported the news. Former MTV “Making The Band” star Chopper has been arrested as the feds accuse him of being a pimp! According to @tmz_tv, Chopper was arrested earlier this month in Maryland on drug trafficking charges. New legal docs obtained by the news site states that an undercover vice detective in Nevada posed as a sex worker and was talking directly to Chopper on Instagram. Apparently, he messaged them on IG with an apparent offer to make money through prostitution. The undercover cop says they searched Chopper’s IG account and noticed several posts related to prostitution and pimping, including posts where Chopper flaunted wealth and made references to being a pimp. Last week, Mayor Curtis Hayes, a Black recipient of an NAACP diversity award, signed a proclamation delegating April Confederate History Month in Livingston, Tennessee. During the announcement, mayor Hayes was joined by six white members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV). According to the Daily Mail, there is no party affiliation on record for Mayor Hayes. While the SCV’s website condemns racism while commemorating the history of the Confederacy, it is clear that the Confederacy fought loud and proud in support of slavery, sought to continue slavery, and left the U.S. after the inauguration of Abraham Lincoln. Southern states saw slavery as a material interest and were heavily dependent on a plantation system of enslaved Africans to pick cotton. The Confederacy suspected President Lincoln would free the slaves, which he ultimately did. Tennessee joins a larger body of states already commemorating the Confederacy. According to News4Jax, Apr. 26 legally remained Confederate Memorial Day in Florida last year. Georgia removed the holiday from its official state calendar in 2016 after the Charleston, S.C. church shooting—though it remains a state holiday. Recently, disgraced former national security advisor Michael Flynn—a man who, for various reasons, should be shutting up about all things Russia-related at this point—made an appearance on Emerald Robinson’s show on Mike Lindell TV where he was asked what he thought about Malcolm Nance. A snippet of the interview was posted on Twitter, and that clip is all one needs to hear to know that all Flynn did was reach into a bag of generic right-wing platitudes in denouncing Nance. https://twitter.com/i/status/1516881638948491266 A 21-year-old Zambian has been arrested in Russia for twerking in front of the World War II Memorial. She has been charged with “rehabilitating Nazism” under Part 4 of Art. 354.1 of the Criminal Code. Russian investigators termed her behavior “obscene” and “insulting.” The Zambian native is named Rebecca Ziba; she was caught after posting a video of herself on Instagram. In the video, she can be seen dancing near a World War II memorial in Khanty-Mansiysk. She shared it with a funny caption. The Glory Memorial honors servicemen who perished during the “Great Patriotic War” against Nazi Germany. “Shaking arse for the dead, I’m sure they’re resting soundly tonight,” her caption read. https://youtu.be/ae3ml0O4dY0 Women and children are among the scores of people killed in an explosion at an illegal oil refinery in a border town in southern Nigeria, authorities say. “The fire occurred in an illegal bunkering site situated at the boundary between Rivers State and Imo State,” the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) said in a statement sent to CNN on Sunday. It said the fire had led “to the death of men, women and children in the hundreds,” adding that the remains of some victims “were burnt beyond recognition.” According to local media reports, emergency response teams have counted 109 bodies, while others remain missing. https://youtu.be/J_AJUsSgTAU After declining for years, the First Presbyterian Church of Des Moines in Iowa, which has been in operation since 1848, will gather for its final collective hallelujah on Sunday, unable to rebound after the COVID-19 pandemic. “We were declining and the pandemic killed us,” Kathy Smith, who has been a member of the church since 1984, told the Des Moines Register. Already, the nearly 170-year-old church is offering up things for sale such as “hymnals, Bibles, communion sets, sanctuary furniture, choir music, tables, chairs, dishes, kitchen supplies” that will be available at the end of Sunday’s service, according to a notice published by the church. Some items will be available for pick up earlier. The church property is also expected to be sold to another church, business or commercial developer according to KCCI. Riz Nwosu was a huge fan of Tesla’s products and a big fan of Tesla owner Elon Musk. So much so that when Tesla released its Cybertruck in 2019, Nwosu began developing a backpack based on the vehicle. Nwosu developed the Cyberbackpack and even pitched it to Musk and Cybertruck designer Franz von Holzhausen. The Cyberbackpack comes with a bevy of features, including a TSA-approved lock, a USB charging port, and an extra-wide opening. https://youtu.be/gUsJqzDTdPE The judgmental world of social media can’t stop talking about Dwyane Wade’s daughter Zaya Wade openly kissing her boyfriend as seen through posted pics. The Wades shared highlights from their Easter celebration through a series of photos posted by Zaya and Gabrielle Union, Zaya’s stepmom. The two are close. Union helped Dwyane come to terms with Zaya, who was born a male, wanting to transition to living as a female. But social media is debating over the intimate photos Zaya posted with her boyfriend, who attended the Wade’s Easter festivities. Union was the first to share a family photo showing her and Dwyane smiling proudly next to their three kids and two plus-ones. Dwyane’s eldest son Zaire, 20, was seen cuddling alongside his girlfriend while Zaya, 14, did the same with her boyfriend. Little Kaavia James held onto Daddy Dwyane while beaming from ear to ear. Zaya followed up Gabrielle’s post with her own praising how she spent her Easter surrounded by love. The University of Wisconsin campus is mourning the death of a beloved track and cross country star. Sarah Shulze, 21, died by suicide on April 13, her family announced. “Balancing athletics, academics and the demands of every day life overwhelmed her in a single, desperate moment,” Shulze’s family said. “Like you, we are shocked and grief stricken while holding on tightly to all that Sarah was.” The California-born runner was a junior and member of the cross country, indoor track and outdoor track teams at the University of Wisconsin. Wisconsin officials released a statement Friday regarding the beloved student, who was described as a gentle soul and decorated student-athlete. Tomorrow (04/25/22) on CBS MORNINGS, music megastar Megan Thee Stallion sits down exclusively with CBS MORNINGS co-host Gayle King for her first TV interview addressing the 2020 shooting allegedly involving rapper Tory Lanez. Tory Lanez pleaded not guilty to an assault charge related to the alleged shooting. https://twitter.com/i/status/1518220810095316993 Chris Rock’s mother is breaking her silence on the Will Smith Oscars slap. In a new interview with South Carolina’s WIS 10 News, Chris’ mother, Rose Rock, a Carolina native, opens up about family life and her work as a motivational speaker, family and youth advocate and author. Nearly a month ago, the Chris and Will confrontation went down at the Oscars and set the internet on fire for weeks to come. Will eventually apologized to Chris, but only after the Academy of Motion Pictures condemned him and threatened to revoke his ‘King Richard’ Best Actor award and remove him from the Academy. Chris remained silent while his brother Tony Rock slammed Will and his wife Jada at his own comedy show in Raleigh, North Carolina. Meanwhile, another Rock brother, Kenny, spoke out in his brother’s defense as well. Chris eventually broke his silence on the incident, but only to say that he’s not saying anything until someone cuts the check for the exclusive. https://www.instagram.com/p/CctksicujJj/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Barack and Michelle Obama’s podcast contract with Spotify Technology SA is coming to an end in October, and they will not renew it. Bloomberg reports that Higher Ground, the Obamas’ production company, failed to strike an agreement with Spotify. The former First couple wanted the popular streaming service to expand coverage so that the show could reach a larger audience, but it seems Spotify is not willing to do that. Higher Ground signed a three-year deal with Spotify in 2019 but the terms of the agreement made it hard for the project to reach a wider audience. This didn’t go down well with the Obamas. For that reason, there will be no renewal of the contract. Already, their media company is reported to be in talks with other alternatives such as Amazon’s Audible and iHeartMedia, among others. https://youtu.be/vMtCIBJ4n1E Russell Wilson and Ciara have decided to sell their stunning lakefront home in Seattle now that the NFL QB has been traded to the Denver Broncos. The home is going for $36 million, according to a report by PEOPLE. The 6-bedroom, 5¼-bathroom estate sits on two acres and has been listed by Windermere Real Estate. The glamorous mansion is just meters away from Lake Washington and provides a perfect view of the city’s skyline as well as stunning views of the lake. The home was built in 2007. It has amenities such as a yoga studio, a professional gym, a play structure, and a sports court. A dock was constructed there three years ago. There is also a double Jet Ski lift, according to People. https://youtu.be/TtpGOg4vqvQ Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner is scheduled to appear in court on May 19, and the upcoming case could determine her fate in Russia. The two-time Olympic gold medalist is currently being held on drug charges in the war-torn country and if convicted, she could face up to 10 years in a Russian prison. Legal experts say that investigators may request to extend the basketball player’s time in detention in order to gather more evidence, while others speculate that Russian officials will formally bring charges against the 31-year-old. Back in March, Russian authorities opened up a criminal case against Griner stemming from her arrest at Sheremetyevo Airport in late February. The WNBA player was detained after the Russian Customs Service found vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage. Griner’s defense team will have the opportunity to object or request additional evidence in the case during May’s court appearance, according to Yahoo Sports. An official trial will be scheduled after. Thursday, Carlson went on live air to share a theory with his viewers about why traffic accident deaths rose in 2020 and why Black people were disproportionately represented in those deaths. His insightful conclusion? He thinks police officers stopped pulling over Black drivers because they were afraid of being accused of racism. https://twitter.com/i/status/1517295111910080513 The Independent Office for Police Conduct recently released a report on the stop and search tactics performed by the Met Police. According to Mirror, the police watchdog organization laid out a laundry list of discriminatory and racially biased police practices while warning that such practices are eroding public trust in London police. But perhaps the most disturbing revelation in the report revolved around a 17-year-old Black male who said that between February 2018 and May 2020, he was stopped and searched by police officers more than 60 times. So, basically, while he was between the ages of 14 and 16, he couldn’t walk to a corner store without wondering if another patrol car was going to pull up on him for walking while Black. Vice President Kamala Harris enjoyed a brief reprieve with family and friends over the Easter Holiday weekend. Stepping out in a stunning ensemble, Harris and her husband, second gentleman Douglas Emhoff joined the congregation at Kingdom Fellowship A.M.E. Church for Resurrection Sunday. Harris and Emhoff entered to cheers and applause from attendees. This is the first time the vice president was able to attend an Easter service in person due to COVID-19. “Never know what’s gonna happen in church,” Sr. Pastor Matthew L. Watley said. Tennis powerhouse Serena Williams has been a fierce advocate for equity within the realm of sports and beyond, and she’s furthering her efforts to ensure individuals from underrepresented groups have a seat at the table across different industries. For her latest project, Williams has joined forces with the cloud technology platform Karat to increase the representation of Black engineers in tech. The athlete and entrepreneur is supporting the company’s Brilliant Black Minds initiative. The program was cultivated to eradicate barriers that aspiring Black engineers often face when trying to launch their careers in the technology industry. After conducting research, Karat discovered Black developers lack access to practice interviews and the company has pledged to use its Interviewing Cloud technology to fill the gap. Through the project, Karat is providing engineers of color with free access to technical interviews, mentorship support from an ecosystem of experienced engineers and tech-focused career development workshops. A new poll shows most #Americans want people to wear masks on planes, trains and other forms of public transportation. Mask on, mask off? Back then, they didn’t want them. Now they’re protecting them, and they want to keep them. Since mask mandates have been implemented, people have been going back and forth between whether or not they want them to be required. Well, according to a new poll, most Americans want them, at least on transportive vehicles and aircraft. The poll was conducted by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Relations Affairs Research, and in it, they found 56 percent of Americans prefer having mask mandates on planes, trains and public transportation. Twenty-four percent were against mask mandates for those locations, and 20 percent said they were neutral on the matter. https://www.instagram.com/p/CcvOzLZDwLr/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Rick Ross is busy preparing to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in 2024. The rapper revealed this during an interview with the Full Send Podcast, where he was talking about his future plans. But why is he not climbing this year, or next year? He has a ready answer. “For the rest of this year I’m getting ready, prepared mentally,” he explained. “Next year I get prepared physically.” He added that he believed when he put his heart to something, he could do anything. “I make my mind up, it’s not really that big. I just gotta get it done. And what you gotta realize, if you notice I said 2024. So for the rest of this year, I’m getting prepared mentally, next year I get prepared physically.” https://youtu.be/AGMZeA-h-d0 The Rev. Al Sharpton on Friday demanded that authorities reveal the identity of the Grand Rapids police officer who fatally shot a Black man during a traffic stop earlier this month. “How dare you hold the name of a man who killed this man?” Sharpton said at the funeral for Patrick Lyoya, held at a crowded Renaissance Church of God in Christ in Grand Rapids, Michigan. “Every time a young Black man or woman is arrested in this town, you put their name all over the news. Every time we’re suspected of something, you put our name out there.” Both Sharpton and attorney Benjamin Crump, who has represented the families of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Michael Brown and other high-profile victims of police violence, called for justice for Lyoya during the service. Sharpton additionally called on the Department of Justice to investigate the shooting. Welcome to the Coachella stage, Harry Styles and Lizzo! While headlining weekend two of Coachella on April 22, Styles recruited Lizzo for a crowd-pleasing duet of Gloria Gaynor's “I Will Survive” as well as the One Direction calling card, “What Makes You Beautiful.” The best part? The pair hit the stage in matching hot pink outfits complete with oversized feathered coats. Underneath the campy outerwear, Styles wore a hot pink jacket, strawberry-embellished vest, and matching pants, while Lizzo paired her own lace-up fuchsia pants with a ripped t-shirt. For her beauty look, Lizzo opted for complimentary pink eyeshadow, a holographic lip, and adorable pink hearts affixed to her hair. In 1984, Tracey Meares was on her way to becoming her Illinois high school’s first Black valedictorian, with the highest academic ranking at Springfield High. Instead, she was declared “top student” – alongside Heather Russell, a white student. Thirty-eight years later, Meares is valedictorian at last, after she was finally presented with the title last Saturday after a screening of the documentary No Title for Tracey. Directed by Maria Ansley, an Illinois film-maker, it tells a story of systematic racism in America. For Meares, now a legal scholar at Yale College of Law, the hurt is still fresh. “It was incredibly upsetting when I was 17. I remain angry about it today, and sad,” she said. Meares recalls odd events in the lead-up to graduation. She says a white assistant principal was caught removing her file from a cabinet in the school counselor’s office. “I was called to my counselor’s office, and she told me what had happened. She said she put a lock on the file cabinet to keep anyone from getting in there again and tampering with my school record,” Meares has said. Several national law student associations are calling for Amy Wax, a University of Pennsylvania Law School professor who for years has espoused openly racist rhetoric, to be suspended from campus and prevented from speaking to students. The National Black Law Students Association, the National Asian Pacific American Law Student Association, and the North American South Asian Law Students Association jointly released a letter on Wednesday, shared first with NBC Asian America, condemning Wax’s comments. In recent interviews, Wax has said that the U.S. would be “better off with fewer Asians,” and that “Blacks” and Asians are resentful of Western success. “That Wax has been permitted to teach, supervise, and ridicule minority law students for over twenty one years is alarming,” the letter said. “Few understand how much more burdensome law school is for students who continuously receive the message that they are ‘less than’ or do not belong.” The message, co-written by student leaders, enumerates action Penn can take to remedy the situation, including removing Wax from all teaching duties and investigating if her grading of students of color has been fair during her two decades at the school. The investigation should be completely transparent to students, the letter says, and Wax should be suspended from campus grounds during the process. According to the law school’s website, she’s currently teaching two courses. Kurt Russell, a history teacher from Oberlin High School in Ohio, has been named the 2022 National Teacher of the Year. He was selected out of four finalists by the non-profit Council of Chief State School Officers. His students say he is known for emphasizing cultural relevance and representation through his classes. “He’s enthusiastic and relates his curriculum to real-world experiences,” Oberlin High School Senior Nia Mitchell said. “He does a really good job of fostering conversations where everyone can have a perspective,” another student said. Russell told “CBS Mornings” that he is proud of the school district he works for and that he gets his inspiration from his students. In December, Vice President Kamala Harris hosted the first federal Maternal Health Day of Action at the White House, where she issued a call to improve health outcomes for parents and infants in the U.S. Months later, she is still using the vice presidential bully pulpit to push for policy and structural changes aimed at saving lives. “In our nation, we are looking at the fact that more women are facing death because of childbirth than in any other developed nation,” Harris told journalists during a call on Thursday during Black Maternal Health Week. “We are looking at the likelihood that Black women are three times more likely to die in connection with childbirth, that Native women are twice as likely to die, that rural women are one and a half times more likely to die.” Black Maternal Health Week is an education and advocacy campaign founded and led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance that is observed each April. The White House officially recognized the designated week in 2021, and President Joe Biden issued a proclamation for it this year. In 2018, then-Senator Harris introduced the first congressional resolution recognizing Black Maternal Health Week, along with Rep. Alma Adams, D-N.C. In 2019, Adams co-founded the Black Maternal Health Caucus with Rep. Lauren Underwood, D-Ill., a nurse who recently said the issue should be elevated “as a national priority.” “The maternal health crisis demands urgent attention and serious action to save lives and advance birth equity across the country,” Underwood said. A 4-year-old girl in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has died after her grandmother forced her to drink whiskey, police say. The girl’s blood alcohol content was 0.680%, a “lethal dosage,” according to the arrest warrant. A level of .25% can cause alcohol poisoning, and anything higher than .40% can lead to a coma or death, according to a University of Notre Dame chart. Roxanne Record, 53, and the girl’s mother, Kadjah Record, 28, were booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison for first-degree murder, according to inmate records. It is unclear whether either woman has an attorney. The two women became angry with the child on Thursday because she “may have drunk from a Canadian Mist bottle” that was on a counter, the warrants said. The grandmother then forced the girl “to consume the remainder of the bottle which was possibly over half full while on her knees in the hallway,” the warrants said. The mother was present and didn’t try to intervene, according to police, according to police. A Black Kansas City police sergeant claims in a lawsuit that two officers racially profiled him when they stopped his car and falsely accused him of misconduct. Sgt. Herb Robinson, a 30-year veteran of the Kansas City Police Department, said the two officers yelled at him as they approached his unmarked police car on March 11, 2021. He alleges in the lawsuit that officers Cole Modeer, who is white, and Marco Olivas, who is Hispanic, stopped him because of his race, The Kansas City Tar reported. They let him go after he stepped out of his car and identified himself. Robinson, 59, who was a detective at the time he was stopped, is suing Olivas, Modeer and the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners, which oversees the department. “If they treat one of their own this way, I’m afraid to see how they are treating minorities who are not cops,” Gerald Gray, an attorney representing Robinson, said Thursday. The officers are also accused in the lawsuit of falsely accusing Robinson of misconduct and other violations, and urging others to do the same. Robinson said he reported the encounter to the police department but no action was taken. Capt. Leslie Foreman, a police spokeswoman, said the department generally does not comment on pending litigation. Florida’s Department of Health (DOH) has rebuked the guidance issued by the Biden administration on gender dysphoria treatment for children and adolescents, releasing its own guidelines instead. The Sunshine State said on Thursday that puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones should not be used to treat gender confusion in children. “The federal government’s medical establishment releasing guidance failing at the most basic level of academic rigor shows that this was never about health care,” State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo said in a press release. “It was about injecting political ideology into the health of our children. Children experiencing gender dysphoria should be supported by family and seek counseling, not pushed into an irreversible decision before they reach 18.” The department crafted the state’s new guidance using published and peer-reviewed data that calls into question the motives of the federal Health and Human Services Department. Guidance of this magnitude requires a full, diligent understanding of the scientific evidence, Florida’s DOH said. A middle school in San Marcos, Texas is hosting a “Queer Week” this week, encouraging students as young as 11-years-old to celebrate the four-day LGBTQ+ event, which could be in direct violation of Texas state law based on an assessment by the state’s attorney general. Doris Miller Middle School (MMS) is urging children as young as the sixth grade to dress in “pride” colors, wear nametags with preferred names and pronouns, and “protest” LGBT discrimination, according to The Federalist. “The goal of the week is to provide a school culture that values diversity, equity and inclusion,” MMS Principal Saumnya Hart told parents in a school email which was forwarded to the news outlet. According to the “Miller Queer Week” schedule, the school set aside four days in April “to provide support for students in the LGBTQIA+ community, their allies, and the greater student and staff body,” The Federalist reports. The night after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, Pope Francis lay awake in bed at the Vatican thinking about what he could do to prevent “one more death in Ukraine. Not one more,” he told the Argentine daily La Nacion in an interview published Thursday (April 21). The next day he jumped on a papal white utility vehicle to meet with the Russian ambassador to the Holy See to voice his concerns about the war in a last-ditch attempt to preserve the last remnant of peace in Ukraine. The war, of course, continues today, and the pontiff’s hope for a meeting between the pope and Russian Orthodox leader Patriarch Kirill of Moscow has been shelved. For all his peacemaking efforts, the media’s primary takeaway about Francis regarding the war is that he refuses to call out President Vladimir Putin directly as the aggressor. In his interview with La Nacion, the pope said: “I am willing to do everything” to prevent further bloodshed, explaining why he believed mentioning Putin was inappropriate. “A pope never names a head of state, much less a country, which is superior to its head of state,” Francis said. A California man threatened to bomb Merriam-Webster’s HQ over the dictionary’s definition of the word female as ‘a gender identity that is the opposite of male.’ Jeremy David Hanson, 34, of Rossmoor, California, faces a federal charge of interstate communication of threats to commit violence. Hanson’s alleged antics forced the firm to shutter its offices for five days. He could now face up to five years in prison and a fine of $250,000, and is also said to have been upset over the firm’s definitions of the words girl and woman. Woman is defined by the site as ‘an adult female person,’ while a girl is described as ‘a female child from birth to adulthood’ or ‘a person whose gender identity is female.’ In October 2021, Hanson is alleged to have sent threatening messages to the Massachusetts-based Merriam Webster headquarters over specific gender identity definitions through the site’s ‘Contact Us’ page, as well as in the comment sections for various words. And on October 2, 2021, Hanson allegedly used the handle ‘@anonYmous’ to write on the page for the word ‘female’: ‘It is absolutely sickening that Merriam-Webster now tells blatant lies and promotes anti-science propaganda. There is no such thing as ‘gender identity.’ The imbecile who wrote this entry should be hunted down and shot.’ As a child growing up in Richmond, California, the future held one of two possibilities in Darrell Jobe’s young mind: play for the NFL or become a microbiologist. But at 13, everything changed when he became homeless, dropped out of school and joined a gang. That he celebrates Earth Day on Friday as the owner of Vericool, which produces environmentally safe packaging products, speaks to his unpredictable journey. He says it also speaks to his never-wavering interest in protecting the earth, even after he’s served short stints in prison. “I love animals and if you do, you care about the environment because that’s how they live,” Jobe, 42, said. “All the stuff that went on in my life, that respect for the earth never left me. To get beyond all that and to be able to do something to protect the environment is rewarding.” He invented the world’s first recyclable or biodegradable ice chest cooler in 2017 and developed a compostable and recyclable thermal solution for shipping Covid-19 vaccines in place of environmentally unfriendly Styrofoam coolers. According to the latest updates on the airline beat down, the man Mike Tyson repeatedly punched on a JetBlue plane has lawyered up, and possibly looking to file a lawsuit. Attorney Matt Morgan from Morgan & Morgan, who reps Melvin Townsend III, tells @tmz_tv, “Our client is a big Mike Tyson fan. When Mike Tyson boarded the plane, he became overly excited. At first, their interaction was cordial.” He goes on to say, “At a certain point, Mr. Tyson clearly became agitated by an overly excited fan and began to strike him in an excessive manner. This situation could have been avoided simply by contacting the flight attendant. Our client denies throwing a water bottle prior to being struck by Mr. Tyson.” Tennessee is cracking down on drunk drivers and giving them more than just a prison sentence for fatal crashes caused by their incompetence! According to (news outlet) WGCL, the state has passed a bill requiring someone convicted of vehicular homicide due to intoxication to pay child support if they kill a parent. The Bill was introduced following a tragic case where Janet Hinds fatally struck police officer Nicholas Galinger as a result of driving while intoxicated. Although Hinds fled the scene, footage from the bar she visited that night, showed that she consumed 5 drinks. Galinger’s family and two children requested $50 Million in their wrongful death suit and it appears that the state understands. The money will be used to care for the children. House Bill 1834, will assure that other children forced to face this kind of tragedy, will be taken care of monetarily by the person who causes it. Thoughts? https://youtu.be/lioYatbygro Radio personality Angela Yee is lending her talents to a new show to teach millennials and Gen Z all about financial literacy. Dubbed “The Come Up With Angela Yee,” the YouTube show was made in partnership with the saving and investing app Acorns to normalize conversations around money and sharing diverse success stories. The series welcomes some of the biggest names in entertainment to have honest conversations about money, so everyone gets a little more comfortable talking about it on their come up. Each week, Yee will lead conversations with celebrities and industry professionals who will provide exclusive takes on financial literacy. Celebrity guests include comedian and TV Host Nick Cannon, rapper Remy Ma, and Vice President of Roc Nation, Lenny S, to name a few. https://youtu.be/sccia_2f4ZA Jasmine Guy Breaks Down in Tears as She Opens Up About Problems She Faced After Painful Divorce With Tamron Hall. Jasmine Guy knows first-hand that strength and love is what helps us get through our struggles. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=937557120477723 For T.C. Stallings, acting wasn’t always the plan. Known for his roles in faith-based movies like “Courageous” and “War Room,” Stallings has carved out a niche for himself in the entertainment industry. It wasn’t until he landed a very small featured extra role in the 2010 film “Secretariat,” though, that he even knew he wanted to make a career out of acting. Stallings’ original plan was football. But, as is often the case, God had something different in store. The 44-year-old actor explained this week on “The Prodigal Stories Podcast” that acting was something he was always interested in, but wasn’t sure it would pan out. Regardless, Stallings — a Christian — said his No. 1 priority is using his work, wherever it might be, as a vehicle to share his faith. “For me, when I read Scripture, I realize that’s why I’m here,” he said. “Once I realized that, I want to live out my God-given purpose — and I trade in what I want for what He wants — that’s why I just try to use all my gifts and talents for Him.” Acting, he continued, “just gives me an opportunity to reflect all the glory toward Him.” While Stallings is known for starring in faith-based films — including the upcoming Christian movie “No Vacancy” — he wasn’t raised in a devoutly Christian home, though his mother was a strong believer who kept him in church. Sinqua Walls will star in the remake of “White Men Can’t Jump” according to Deadline. He is set to take over the character originally played by Wesley Snipes. The original movie recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, and that’s why talk of a remake is in order. The movie’s original cast recently reunited briefly at the Oscars to present an award. Walls is having a busy schedule. He recently starred in “Resort to Love,” a Netflix movie. He will also appear in “Nanny,” a horror film by Nikyatu Jusu. He has also appeared in shows such as MTV’s “Teen Wolf,” BET’s “American Soul,” and VH1’s “The Breaks.” Most of the conversation surrounding the Oscars incident involving Will Smith walking on stage during the televised event and slapping Chris Rock after the comedian made a “joke” about Jada Pinkett Smith have considerably died down. Though, now people are hyper-fixating on Jada and Will amid new rumors that the two might be heading towards a rather ugly divorce. Following the Oscars incident, Will publicly apologized for his actions and was banned from the event for the next ten years. After some time, Jada also issued a statement regarding the slap, posting a simply graphic on Instagram, which read, “This is the season for healing, and I’m here for it.” However, it has been reported that following the altercation, Will and Jada have barely spoken to one another. In a statement to Heat Magazine, a source revealed that Will and Jada have not been getting along following the slap. “Ever since the Oscars scandal, the tension between them is palpable. There have been problems for years, but they’re barely speaking right now.” The source continued, saying the impending divorce would be incredibly messy. “If they were to split, Will has a fortune of $350 million that Jada would be entitled to under California law. It could be one of the ugliest divorces in showbiz history and drag on longer than Angelina [Jolie] and Brad [Pitt’s] did.” Will Smith was all smiles as he landed in India where he was seen for the first time since the infamous Oscar’s slap. Smith was pictured touching down in a private airport in Mumbai on Saturday where he was greeted by adoring fans who he took snaps with. Smith is reportedly in India to meet spiritual leader Sadhguru, who Smith and his family met with back in 2020 in Los Angeles. Dressed casually in a white t-shirt, dark grey shorts over white compression tights and a pair of Nike sneakers, Smith looked relaxed and happy after landing in the South Asian country. As staff helped him unload his things from his vehicle nearby fans excitedly scream ‘Will, Will Smith!’ Smith then takes a couple of selfies with security and turned to the fans yelling his name, giving them a wave while flashing a smile before continuing to take a few more selfies and entering a building where he gives someone a hug. This is the first time Smith has been spotted in public nearly a month after slapping master of ceremony and comedian Chris Rock on live TV and in front of his co-stars after he n made a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s buzzcut. The Grammy Awards host Trevor Noah says the Grammys can do more than entertain; It can address some serious issues such as what is taking place in the Ukraine right now. Noah believes some music artists will express their thoughts on what is taking place in the Ukraine along with other serious things through song. “It’s one of those interesting balances in life we try to achieve, which is acknowledging what’s happening in the world whilst allowing yourself the grace to celebrate some of the moments that are also going on,” said the comedian and host of “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah” on Comedy Central. Noah said most of his show’s coverage has focused on Ukraine, so he’s looking forward to an entertaining night at the Grammys — a place where world issues can be acknowledged as well. This will be his second year hosting the Grammys which will air live on CBS and Paramount+. Last year, the Grammys had a music festival vibe with parts of the show held outdoors in an intimate in- person setting with music artists mixed with pre-taped performances. But for the upcoming ceremony, Noah anticipates a hybrid model that includes fans at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Stephen A. Smith doesn’t want to hear anything about Colin Kaepernick‘s new attempts to rejoin the NFL. Smith says he is sick and tired of hearing about it. “…utter nonsense. I’m sick of it,” Smith said in an episode of his ESPN show “First Take.” Kaepernick is reportedly desperate to join NFL to the point he says he is willing to accept a backup quarterback position. In 2016, Kaepernick was so disappointed when he lost his QB position with the San Francisco 49ers that he refused to stand during the national anthem preceding the start of the game. https://youtu.be/8oItBT0yBz8 Kendrick Lamar is finally back after five years, and with a bang! He announced he is dropping a new album named “Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers.” Lamar revealed the album’s title and release date on his Oklama website link he tweeted. The 34-year-old rapper also shared the news on his Instagram with a “appreciate your patience” note. The new album is set for release on May 13. Lamar last released a full album in 2017, with his tracklist entitled “Damn.” Lamar is a native of Compton, California. He is partly well-known for the hit album “To Pimp a Butterfly.” https://youtu.be/AUEI_ep9iDs Around the United States in different locations, you can see statues of musical icons in their hometowns or cities where they have made a major impact. Musical legends like Elvis Presley (Tupelo, Memphis, Las Vegas, etc.), Louis Armstrong (New Orleans), Billie Holiday (Baltimore), Ray Charles (Albany), James Brown (Augusta), Jimi Hendrix (Seattle), and Michael Jackson (Las Vegas) have all been immortalized with statues bearing their likeness. So, why has this same honor not been bestowed upon her Royal Highness, the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, in the City of Detroit? Aretha Franklin is known to many, as the greatest singer that ever lived in any genre. She is worthy of being honored with a life-size bronze statue, in the City of Detroit, for all the world to see. A major push to make this a reality is coming from the Founder/CEO of the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame Foundation and American Basketball Hall of Famer, LaMont “ShowBoat” Robinson, who also has plans to build a state-of-the-art, permanent facility, dedicated to the legacy of rhythm and blues music. Coachella fans roared when hip hop icon Chuck D stepped on stage earlier today, making a surprise appearance during DJ Lord’s set. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer performed electrifying versions of his classics “Bring The Noise” and “Fight The Power” with DJ Lord, Public Enemy’s longtime turntablist, marking his first return to the festival since 2009. A solo artist in his own right, DJ Lord has been Public Enemy’s DJ for more than 20 years and was a member of Prophets Of Rage alongside Chuck D and former members of Rage Against The Machine and Cypress Hill. He has been a finalist in the DMC World DJ Championships twice and has embarked on over 100 worldwide tours. PushaT kept it crystal clear on where he stands with Drake since their 2018 exchanges, when Pusha T revealed that Champagne Papi fathered a child. Pusha T told #TheBreakfastClub that it’s “really good” that Kanye and Drake resolved their issues, but when it comes to him he’s “still outside.” “Me personally, I don’t really stand anything to gain from like squashing anything,” Pusha T said. “I’m not entertaining it, but there’s nothing I want from the situation. I don’t want to do a record, I don’t want to do none of that.” In his words, “there’s nothing to talk about” because they’ve “been through it and that’s just that.” He clarified that he’s really purposeful right now about his music and who he wants to work with and Drake doesn’t fall in those lines. https://www.instagram.com/p/Ccp9Js7Fn5g/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again A media watchdog is warning parents about the apparent ramping up of pervasive sex and inappropriate content on HBO’s hit show “Euphoria,” warning the second season is “more deranged than before.” The Parents Television and Media Council (PTC), a non-partisan advocacy group working to protect kids and families from violence, sex, and profanity in media, has been actively breaking down the most troubling content embedded in each episode of the show. And the results are nothing short of disturbing. PTC recently noted on its website reports indicating season two of “Euphoria,” which premiered Jan. 9, would be “darker” than season one — a point raising alarm bells with the organization due to the show’s younger audience. “When the dark, depraved, degenerate and nihilistic program ‘Euphoria’ first premiered, its creator, Sam Levinson, proudly proclaimed that ‘there are going to be parents who are going to be totally f***ing freaked out,’” PTC wrote. “His omen was correct, and unsurprisingly so, because Euphoria centers on the lives of high school children, and features a Disney Channel starlet as the lead actress.” PTC believes the series poses an “imminent threat to the health and well-being of children.” In the first few months of season two, PTC has tracked some truly shocking content, finding 13 instances of sex shown with nudity, 21 instance of male nudity, and 19 moments including female nudity. Netflix shares plunged this week after the platform reported its first subscriber loss in more than a decade. One factor the company pointed to as hurting revenue: widespread password sharing. It could mean that Netflix subscribers around the world may have to pony up to keep their kids, friends or colleagues on their accounts. For years, Netflix has allowed subscribers to share their passwords with little interference. In fact, the service admitted in its letter to investors Tuesday that the policy likely helped fuel its growth by “getting more people using and enjoying Netflix.” Yet that growth has severely stalled, and Netflix said Tuesday that it’s now looking into how “best to monetize sharing.” The company noted that of its 222 million paying households around the world, it estimates that “Netflix is being shared with over 100 million additional households.” Dwayne Haskins was laid to rest on Friday by his widow. The memorial service for the NFL star, who died after being fatally struck by two cars on April 9, was attended by friends, loved ones, teammates and coaches, including former teammate Ryan Shazier, former Ohio State University coach Urban Meyer and OSU’s current coach Ryan Day. Other guests included Steelers’ defensive tackle Cam Heyward, offensive coordinator Matt Canada, team president Art Rooney II, general manager Kevin Colbert and head coach Mike Tomlin. Haskins’ widow Kalabrya welcomed these attendees to the Allegheny Center Alliance Church in Pittsburgh, where Steelers chaplain and pastor Kent Chevalier delivered the eulogy, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. The Tribune-Review also reported that three white doves were released into the air at the conclusion of the service, and guests were handed yellow roses as they exited the church. Steelers beat reporter Noah Strackbein shared the program from Friday’s memorial. Guy Lafleur, a longtime Montreal Canadiens player, died on Friday at the age of 70, his family said in a statement on Facebook. The cause of death was not revealed but recently he had been struggling with lung cancer. “Guy I love you, you are done suffering we will miss you greatly,” his sister Lise Lafleur wrote on Facebook. Lafleur won the Stanley Cup five times between 1973 to 1979 with the Canadiens and was named of the “100 greatest NHL Players” in history by the league in 2017. He played 14 seasons for the Canadiens after being drafted as the first overall pick in 1971, and played there until his first retirement in 1985. He was inducted to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988 before coming back to the NHL the same year. He played one season for the New York Rangers and two seasons for the Quebec Nordiques before his final retirement in 1991. On a late summer night two years ago, Tiburon police asked Yema Khalif to prove he owned Yema, the local clothing store that bears his name. At the time, Khalif and his wife, Hawi Awash, were the town’s only Black business owners. The fallout from that August 2020 encounter shoved the quiet coastal enclave to the center of a racial justice moment that began just months earlier with George Floyd’s murder. But after initially threatening a $2 million lawsuit in federal court, the couple says they were able to achieve meaningful reforms by staying out of the courtroom and directly engaging with town officials. On Tuesday, the couple stood in front of their store in Tiburon’s casual but tony downtown to announce those reforms. Changes include police policy and training updates as well as the formation of a Citizen’s Advisory Panel to provide a forum between residents and police; one of the store owners is expected to serve as a member. The couple also received a $150,000 payment, a portion of which they say will go to a scholarship fund they run through the store. Khalif and Awash haven’t reached a settlement with the neighboring city of Belvedere, which also had an officer at the store that night. David Anderson, one of their attorneys, said Belvedere’s leaders weren’t up for the conversation that those in Tiburon were. A message left with the city manager wasn’t immediately returned Tuesday. Khalif said he and his wife never wanted to involve the courts. In 2011, former NBA star Al Harrington founded Viola, one of the nation’s leading producers and licensed wholesalers of premium quality cannabis products. Now he’s on a mission to create 100 millionaires in the industry. “Viola produces a range of cannabis products catered to individuals’ palates and needs. From cultivating premium flower to processing butane extracts, Viola manages every aspect of their production process, applying the latest and most proven technologies to ensure the consistency and quality of their products,” per press release. The cannabis industry generated $25 billion in legal sales last year, but only 2% of companies are Black-owned. Harrington is looking to change that now that marijuana is legal in some form in 37 states. Serena Williams and Lewis Hamilton have joined Martin Broughton’s bid to buy Chelsea. Their offer is one of three being considered by Roman Abramovich, club executives and the US bank Raine, which is overseeing the sale. Williams, the winner of 23 tennis grand slam singles titles, and Hamilton, a seven-times Formula One world champion, have pledged what are understood to be small sums of money relative to a bid of more than £200m. Broughton’s partners also include the World Athletics president, Sebastian Coe, and the owners of the Philadelphia 76ers basketball team, Josh Harris and David Blitzer. Harris and Blitzer also have stakes in Crystal Palace and they will need to sell those to become shareholders at Chelsea. U.S. Olympic figure skater Alysa Liu and her father Arthur Liu were among those targeted in a spying operation that the Justice Department alleges was ordered by the Chinese government. The father is a former political refugee. The Justice Department announced charges against five men accused of acting on behalf of the Chinese government in a series of brazen and wide-ranging schemes to stalk and harass Chinese dissidents in the United States. Arthur Liu said he and his daughter were included in the criminal complaint as “Dissident 3” and “family member,” respectively. China has denied these allegations saying it was “not aware of the specifics” and that China is “firmly opposed to the U.S. slandering by making an issue of this out of thin air.” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told reporters, “China always asks Chinese citizens to abide by the laws and regulations of host countries, and we would never ask our citizens to engage in activities that violate local laws. The so-called transnational harassment schemes are just trumped up.” The father said he agreed to let his daughter compete in the Olympics after receiving assurances from the State Department and U.S. Olympic Committee that she would be closely protected while competing in China, with at least two people escorting her at all times. He did this to show China that they will not “silence me from expressing my opinions anywhere.” “They are probably just trying to intimidate us, to … in a way threaten us not to say anything, to cause trouble to them and say anything political or related to human rights violations in China,” Arthur Liu said. “I had concerns about her safety. The U.S. government did a good job protecting her.” Former NBA player JR Smith has scored a name, image and likeness deal with apparel brand Lululemon that will make him the brand’s golf ambassador. Smith, who went straight from high school to the NBA in 2004, has been a walk-on on the North Carolina A&T golf team after returning to school in 2021. Smith currently is in the second semester of his freshman season at the HBCU. He is the first male golfer to sign a brand ambassador deal with Lululemon. And his standing as a 16-year NBA veteran has made him one of the most popular college athletes in the sport. In January, Smith signed with Excel Sports Management for NIL representation. Smith’s agent, Lance Young, told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski at the time that there was high interest from golf apparel and equipment manufacturers in sponsoring Smith. Last year was the first time college athletes could profit off their name, image and likeness via sponsorships. Number 1 songstress, KARIMA, returns with the new song “It’s Alright To Cry,” released to digital outlets today. The heartfelt ballad is KARIMA's follow-up to her DARE Records debut, chart-topping song “Redeemer.” “It’s Alright To Cry” showcases a different side of Karima’s artistry and ministry, giving listeners easy and effortless vocals. Here is another song that's "Shining Bright" in the Gospel Spotlight!!! https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=UDEok19kUIo&list=OLAK5uy_n_hmHD9uxI_aHap6pHszY99odyTQKGiSc SEMAJE releases his exciting new single "YOU." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ymNKzxAOTQ Diverse audiences with hearts focused on worship join together to experience the presence of God and the experience is captured in TRIBL NIGHTS. Jesus reigns supreme in "Never Lost" as the worshipers gather en masse declaring a secured victory based on track record, Jesus has never lost a battle and He never will. Here is another song that's "Shining Bright" in the Gospel Spotlight!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brnlnjYe52o Refreshing, bold, and innovative; “The Flow,” ReFresh Worship’s debut album takes listeners on a journey that inspires a deeper connection with God. Recorded live in New York, “The Flow” features a breakout single, “Cry Out” - a passionate declaration featuring GRAMMY award-winning artist Naomi Raine. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfz2g4WDB-M Lifetime's Seven Deadly Sins Anthology movie installment, Greed, from executive producers T.D. Jakes, Derrick Williams and Shaun Robinson continue this Saturday, April 23 at 8/7c. Based on the series of books by Victoria Christopher Murray, Greed: A Seven Deadly Sins Story is headlined by Monique Coleman (A Christmas Dance Reunion), LisaRaye McCoy (A House Divided), Eric Benét (Real Husbands of Hollywood) and Nathan Witte (Merry Liddle Christmas Baby). Below are the movie descriptions and premiere dates. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Gckr-jxcu0 3x Grammy Nominee, Brian Courtney Wilson stops by the Wendy Williams Show today to celebrate guest host Sherri Shepherd’s birthday! Wilson performed his #1 song “Still.” An all-new episode of TV One’s True Crime Mondays is back on April 25. This week's episode of FATAL ATTRACTION unpacks the mysterious death of a young woman on a busy highway. Watch the story unfold on Monday at 9 p.m. ET/8C. After a young woman is found dead on the side of a Nashville highway, questions swirl about who could have killed her. Was it an angry ex, a jealous love interest, or was greed the motive? An unexpected source will reveal the truth. Find out this Monday! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaCqhCoXGRM If Zendaya's goal when she attended the HBO Max FYC Euphoria event this week was to simultaneously freak us out and make us want to chop our hair off, well, achievement unlocked. On April 20, the actor, model, and all-around untouchably cool specimen of a human walked the red carpet at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures alongside her Euphoria costars Alexa Demie, Hunter Schafer, Maude Apatow, Barbie Ferreira, and Sydney Sweeney. Every last one of them was serving serious lookage—that Betty Boop hair on Demie, oh my goodness—but our jaws dropped when we saw the Dune star with what appeared to be significantly shorter hair than what she had during her last public appearance, at the Oscars and Vanity Fair after-party. It's not that we haven't seen Zendaya wear a short hairstyle before. Remember her red baby bangs and wavy bob at the 2018 Met Gala? Or when she went through a pixie phase in 2015? Hell, she even tricked us into thinking she'd chopped it off just last fall. It's just that we're so used to seeing it long—and friggin' stunning—lately thanks to Euphoria and Zendaya just generally existing in a perceptible way that it's a shock to the system when it seems to have been chopped off. All-new episodes of TV One’s original docu-series, UNSUNG Presents: The Decades and UNCENSORED, are back this Sunday, April 24. UNSUNG: The Decades leads with the influential music from the early 2000s at 9 p.m. ET/8C, followed by the season finale of UNCENSORED, which features female rap music pioneer, Trina at 10 p.m. ET/9C. Each episode will also be published on TVOne.tv and TV One’s social media platforms. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5-wC6xmXwA Pope Francis has said he has dropped plans to meet in June with Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin who has backed Moscow’s war in Ukraine. Francis, who has several times implicitly criticized Russia and Putin over the war, told Argentine newspaper La Nacion in an interview that he regretted that the plan had to be ‘suspended’ because Vatican diplomats advised that such a meeting ‘could lend itself to much confusion at this moment’. In Moscow, the RIA news agency quoted Metropolitan Hilarion, a senior Russian Orthodox Church official, as saying the meeting was postponed because ‘the events of the last two months’ would have created many difficulties in its preparation. Activist Pamela Moses will not face a second trial over illegal voting registration accusations, the Shelby County District Attorney announced Friday. Moses was sentenced to six years by a judge in January, after she was found guilty of making or consenting to false information on an election document. But that same judge later granted her a new trial, saying information about a previous conviction should not have been considered by the jury, and that a document from probation officials was not disclosed at trial. A trial had been set to start April 25. A Black Lives Matter activist has slammed New York City’s black mayor for his alleged failure to combat the city’s skyrocketing crime rates. ‘Let’s get back to Eric Adams. This mayor who’s a Democrat but he spews conservative and Republican talking points,’ Hawk Newsome, co-founder of BLM Greater New York, told Fox News Thursday morning. ‘At the end of the day, we have a name for someone like this, and this is someone we call a c**n.’ ‘He’s a white man in black face, and a very conservative minded white man, at that.’ Newsome blasted Adams’ efforts to combat crime in NYC, alleging the mayor’s new policing model was a ‘monumental failure’ and accused him of ‘deflecting’ by questioning BLM’s role in condemning bloodshed. ‘What we have is a man with hundreds of people on the city’s payroll, billions of dollars in budget and 40,000 police officers. He has 10 victims in one night. The night before he had 16 shooting victims on the train,’ the activist said. ‘[He’s asked] rd what are you going to do about policing and he says, “what about BLM?” Is America not smart enough to see him deflecting?’ Adams last week slammed BLM for failing to act after a series of shootings ripped across NYC, leaving two dead and 13 injured. All the victims were black. Rapper Archie Eversole was shot in the face and died before he could tell cops who killed him. Arthur ‘Archie’ Eversole, 37, who recorded We Ready, was found with a gunshot wound at a Chevron gas station just east of Atlanta on March 25, and died at a hospital April 3, DeKalb County police said. It is unclear how he got to the gas station from his bed or whether his home is nearby. Eversole’s brother, Alexander Kraus, 41, was arrested at a home near the gas station on assault charges before those were upgraded to murder, Lt. Shane Smith from DeKalb County police said. Kraus was also charged with possession of more than an ounce of marijuana. He is being held without bail at Dekalb County jail. A$AP Bari claims another member of the entertainment group snitched on A$AP Rocky, which led to his arrest at LAX earlier this week. A$AP Rocky was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport on Wednesday morning, fresh off his vacation in Barbados with pregnant girlfriend Rihanna. The hip-hop artist, 33, was detained at LAX by the Los Angeles Police Department and charged with assault with a deadly weapon (firearm) in connection to a November 2021 shooting, the LAPD said in a news release. As reported by thejasminebrand, in a recent Instagram story, A$AP Bari, 30, posted a picture on social media of the group’s video director, A$AP Relli, along with the caption: “This rat a** n****a told on rocky F****g rat” The passenger that was aboard the same flight as Mike Tyson, and seen on video bothering the boxing legend, has an extensive criminal record. The man, identified as Melvin Townsend III, has had a few encounters with cops. As @tmz_tv reports, Mr. Townsend has been convicted of fraud, grand theft, burglary, possession of controlled substances and trafficking in stolen property. The 36-year-old once broke into a property back in 2018 and allegedly stole a trailer that he hitched to his pickup. As for the drug possession offense, that was reportedly for oxycodone. Official docs don’t mention other specifics, TMZ notes. Now, it was said that he served time in the slammer… twice! One for 20 months and another time for 15 months. The parents of the late Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins say they will skip his funeral services in Pittsburgh on Friday after he was fatally struck on a Florida highway earlier this month, saying they’ve never met his widow and do not wish to under those circumstances. ‘We have never met or spoken to the wife, and we didn’t want our son’s funeral service to be the place we met her for the first time,’ Dwayne Sr. and Tamara Haskins said in a statement, referring to their son’s widow, Kalabrya Gondrezick-Haskins. The Haskins family will still honor their late son at a memorial service in his native New Jersey on Saturday and then again on Sunday in Potomac, Maryland, according to Scott Abraham of Washington DC’s ABC affiliate. DailyMail.com’s attempts to reach Dwayne Sr. and Tamara Haskins have been unsuccessful. Arabian Prince, a founding member of hip hop’s N.W.A. is reinventing the American healthcare system through the metaverse. The Compton, California native is building a “photo-realistic digital twin” of the U.S healthcare system, where patients can access affordable doctors, feedback from healthcare professionals as well as fill prescriptions, NFT Evening reports. “We didn’t want to do something that looks like the other metaverses, that looks very cartoony,” Arabian Prince, born Kim Renard Nazel, told MarketWatch. “And we knew with health care, you have to be serious about it. You can’t have somebody that looks like Luigi from Mario Brothers talking to you as a doctor.” Blac Chyna was questioned about her finances during her testimony for the ongoing trial between herself and Kardashian-Jenner family. On Thursday, Kardashians’ defense lawyer, Michael Rhodes grilled the former stripper about her taxes and Chyna (born Angela White) admitted she hadn’t filed since 2018 or 2019. She says the last filing was for her businesses — Lashed LLC, 88 Fin, and Blac Chyna Inc. … she tells Rhodes the last time she personally filed was back in 2015. She also said she doesn’t have any personal bank accounts. Chyna also revealed she’d made about $2 million in 2020, 2019 and 2018 … and makes money through celebrity appearances — like $25k for an upcoming celebrity boxing match. However, her main moneymaker seems to be OnlyFans, on which she claims she’s made $1 million. https://youtu.be/eQcUwobZXIE Trey Songz is being accused once again of sexual assault and this time the act was caught on camera. A woman is accusing the R&B crooner of forcibly removing her breast from her bikini top, and video of the incident has gone viral on social media. Per TMZ, the woman in the clip, Megan Johnson, says the incident occurred in August 2013 during a party at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut. A new letter from attorneys George Vrabeck and Ariel Mitchell on Thursday claims the R&B star came up behind Johnson, pulled the top, and chanted “titties in the open” four times. (The video appears to feature him saying “titty in the open.”) Her team says she was embarrassed by the incident and is seeking damages over lasting emotional distress and self-harm. Stephen Curry is putting down the basketball and picking up the golf clubs for a good cause. The professional basketball player is launching his own golf tour, aimed at providing access and opportunity to underrepresented student-athletes. The tour, called Underrated, announced the launch citing its commitment to balancing participation in the sport “to truly reflect our society.” “Our passion is rooted in statistics. Today there are only two Black men in the top 100 worldwide rankings and only one Black woman in the top 300,” Underrated Golf wrote on its website, adding, “Meanwhile, Tiger Woods, who is recognized as the most important golfer of all time, is of Thai, White, Black and Native American descent. Although his reign on the sport is celebrated, the number of professional golfers coming up in his shoes continues to be less and less.” Janelle Monáe wants you to know that she identifies as non-binary. The queer artist discussed her gender identity with Jada Pinkette Smith in the season 5 premiere of Red Table Talk, co-hosted by Jada’s daughter Willow Smith, and her mother Adrienne Banfield-Norris. “I’m nonbinary, so I just don’t see myself as a woman, solely,” Monáe told the hosts. “I feel all of my energy. I feel like God is so much bigger than the ‘he’ or the ‘she.’ And if I am from God, I am everything. I am everything. But I will always, always stand with women. I will always stand with Black women. But I just see everything that I am—beyond the binary.” https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=725592481787414 Rapper/actress Eve shared a new photo on Instagram of her cradling her 11-week-old son, Wilde Wolf, along with the caption, “Never been this tired. Never been this happy.” Last month, she shared a video of her newborn son with her husband Maximillion Cooper. The couple welcomed their first child together in February, and the footage shows her sleeping newborn cozied up on her chest. “Wilde, my precious baby,” Eve says in the clip. “This is heaven. This is heaven right here.” https://www.instagram.com/therealeve/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c6495038-a98b-4ab0-a02f-657568218437 The Russian army is planning to establish full control over the Donbas and Southern Ukraine and to ensure a land corridor to the Crimea, according to Rustam Minnekaev, deputy commander of the Central Military District. He also warned taking back control over Southern Ukraine will provide Russian troops with another outlet to Moldova’s pro-Russian breakaway region of Transdniestria, which borders Ukraine. Kyiv fears this could be used as a launching pad for new attacks. Minnekaev said at the annual meeting of the Union of Defense Industry Enterprises of the Sverdlovsk Region: “Since the beginning of the second phase of the special operation, it has already begun just two days ago, one of the tasks of the Russian army is to establish full control over the Donbas and Southern Ukraine. “This will provide a land corridor to the Crimea, as well as influence the vital facilities of the Ukrainian military forces, the Black Sea ports, through which agricultural and metallurgical products are supplied to other countries. “Control over the South of Ukraine is another outlet to Transnistria, where there are also facts of oppression of the Russian-speaking population. As Russian troops tighten their grip on the strategic port town of Mariupol, their strategy is finally becoming clear. Russian military commander Rustam Minnekaev now says the second phase of President Vladimir Putin’s “special operation” is focused on establishing a “land corridor” from the Donbas all the way to Moldova, which would cut off the rest of Ukraine from the sea. “One of the tasks of the Russian army is to establish full control over the Donbas and southern Ukraine. This will provide a land corridor to the Crimea, as well as influence the vital objects of the Ukrainian economy,” Minnekaev said Friday at a meeting with the Union of Defense Industries, as reported by the Russian state-owned Interfax. “Control over the south of Ukraine is another way out to Transnistria, where there are also facts of oppression of the Russian-speaking population.” Transnistria is a separatist region of Moldova that has so far not been officially involved in the war despite hosting a Russian military base since the 1990s. The general’s words suggest that Moldova’s sovereign borders would also come under threat from further Russian expansion. Phony efforts to protect Russian-speaking peoples have often foreshadowed Putin’s imperial invasions. In reality, Russian speakers have been struck down in the hundreds in eastern Ukraine during the brutal invasion. Pope Francis has said he has dropped plans to meet in June with Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin who has backed Moscow’s war in Ukraine. Francis, who has several times implicitly criticized Russia and Putin over the war, told Argentine newspaper La Nacion in an interview that he regretted that the plan had to be ‘suspended’ because Vatican diplomats advised that such a meeting ‘could lend itself to much confusion at this moment’. In Moscow, the RIA news agency quoted Metropolitan Hilarion, a senior Russian Orthodox Church official, as saying the meeting was postponed because ‘the events of the last two months’ would have created many difficulties in its preparation. Reuters reported on April 11 that the Vatican was considering extending the pope’s trip to Lebanon on June 12-13 by a day so that he could meet with Kirill on June 14 in Jerusalem. Kirill, 75, has given his full-throated blessing for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine since it began on Feb. 24, a position that has splintered the worldwide Orthodox Church and unleashed an internal rebellion that theologians and academics say is unprecedented. Francis, 85, has used terms such as unjustified aggression and invasion in his public comments on the war, and has lamented atrocities against civilians. This must be the most unlikely place you’d expect to see a member of her super-rich family, but pop star Janet Jackson has been spotted at a pawnbroker’s in Chelsea. The American singer, 55, who has an estimated fortune of £150million, was seen leaving Prestige Pawnbrokers where a Hermes handbag can cost up to £29,000 and is said to have become something of a regular there. Janet seen leaving clutching a blue jewelry box under a sign which read ‘Posh Pawn’ and got into a Range Rover parked outside – and apparently it wasn’t her first visit. Jada Pinkett Smith says her family is “focused on deep healing” in the aftermath of her husband Will Smith slapping comedian Chris Rock on the stage at this year’s Oscars. Pinkett Smith didn’t talk about the incident directly on her show Red Table Talk on Wednesday, but in the opening titles she hinted that the show would address the subject at a later date. “Considering all that has happened in the last few weeks, the Smith family has been focused on deep healing,” the title cards read. “Some of the discoveries around our healing will be shared at the table when the time calls. Until then… the table will continue offering itself to powerful, inspiring and healing testimonies like that of our incredibly impressive first guest.” That guest was singer Janelle Monáe. Shares of Netflix lost more than 35% of their value in New York on Wednesday, after the streaming giant announced it had lost more than 200,000 subscribers in the first three months of the year and said it and expects to lose 2 million more over the next quarter. The sharp drop wiped $50bn off Netflix’s value and comes as subscribers rethink their commitment to streaming services that grew their numbers sharply during the homebound months of peak lockdown. Netflix had anticipated it would add 2.5 million customers in the first quarter. A number of rival services, including Disney, Warner Bros Discovery and Paramount, often with deeper content libraries to draw on, have also entered the market. Netflix stock, which was already down 40% for the year, has now dropped from $700 in November to $244 when the market opened, a fall approaching two-thirds. The company said on Tuesday that it had experienced “revenue growth headwinds”. It recently raised subscription prices despite signs that consumer growth was slowing, with a basic monthly package now costing US customers $15.49. Duane Chapman, star of the A&E series, Dog the Bounty Hunter sang a touching rendition of Amazing Grace to the surprise of many of his fans. Chapman recently performed on the Fox series, The Masked Singer, dressed as an armadillo. https://youtu.be/JSgZvfT2vh4 A Texas junior college baseball conference has suspended a pitcher for four games after he tackled an opposing batter after a home run, and the batter also was suspended for two games because he was ejected for taunting. The North Texas Junior College Athletic Conference announced Thursday it suspended both players and many more from both teams due to the resulting brawl. Online video of the play showed North Central Texas College’s Josh Phillips rounding third after his sixth-inning home run, only to have Weatherford College pitcher Owen Woodward charge off the mound and level him with a violent blow to the midsection. Several players then charged on to the field. Weatherford officials have said Woodward could face expulsion from school as the play caught widespread online attention. But the league office handed out most of its punishment for the North Central Texas program because of the players who ran onto the field after the hit. The league suspended for two games ‘all team members for NCTC that were in the dugout or bullpen’ and any assistant coaches who stepped onto the field. It also suspended four additional Weatherford players and assistant coaches for two games. It was reported today that CNN’s new paid streaming service, CNN Plus will be going bye-bye after just a few weeks (3, actually) of life. The news of the service’s demise comes via m Variety and The New York Times, which cited multiple anonymous sources. The New York Times reports that the service will shutter on April 30. CNN Plus launched on March 29: For $5.99 each month, the service offers access to a library of new and old shows starring well-known faces from the cable news channel. Thirteen women who were sexually abused by disgraced former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar each filed claims against the FBI for $10 million, saying the agency failed to properly investigate his crimes. Attorney Jamie White, who is representing the women, said the FBI’s mishandling of the Nassar case is ‘a law enforcement failure of historic proportions,’ with the women’s claims totaling $130 million. White says agents ignored early reports of Nassar’s abuse, and left him free to continue molesting victims on an industrial scale. ‘We spend so much energy and resources encouraging children to come forward when they have been abused, so the fact that people came forward to the most powerful law enforcement agency in the world and were rebuffed – it’s a slap in the face,’ White said. ‘This is the largest failure on the part of law enforcement in the history of the world as it pertains to the protection of children, and there must be institutional accountability to make sure this doesn’t happen again.’ Nassar was convicted and sentenced to 40 to 125 years in prison in 2018 for sexually abusing hundreds of young female athletes, with many of the victims, including gold medalist Simone Biles, slamming the FBI in a series of hearings last year for allegedly turning a blind eye to his abuse since 2015. The Kardashians’ attorney requested that she not be allowed in court due to “veiled physical threats” against them online. “She can’t be in the courtroom,” the famous family’s attorney Michael Rhodes said ahead of opening statements that day. Chyna’s lawyer, Lynne Ciani, then argued that while she has no control over Tokyo, she also told the mother that the behavior was “unacceptable:” “I can’t control her mother,” Ciani said. “My client wants a fair trial. I already told her it was unacceptable, and she can’t be in the courtroom.” In a series of videos, Tokyo Toni talked about how she felt and in one clip, she shared her displeasure with the judge: “I’m gonna get that judge,” Tokyo said. Now, this could be a problem for Tokyo because even a small threat against a judge is taken seriously by law enforcement,TMZ reports. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cck1DsmAXXF/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again The Center Theatre Group presents Blues For An Alabama Sky, now playing at The Mark Taper Forum. Opening night brought out the usual galaxy of stars, Debbie Allen, Norm Nixon, Dawn Lewis, Kiki Shepherd, Susan Kelechi Watson (This Is Us) and many more. As the lights rose, the audience was transcended to Harlem, New York in the 1930’s due to the clever writing of Pearl Cleage. The characters in the story weave a delicate balance of ambition, danger and reality. Angel (played by Nija Okoro) dreams of being a famous entertainer and has swapped seeking love in lieu of any man who can support her ambitions. Guy (played by Greg Alverez Reid) dreams that his fashion designs will finally be admired by Josephine Baker, to whom he has been writing in Paris. The demure but strong-willed Delia (Kim Steele) is on the front lines for women’s rights and family planning. Meanwhile Leland Cunningham (Dennis Pearson) and Sam (Joe Holt) anchor the story as two men with opposing values of faith, family and women’s reproductive choices. An entertaining relational debacle ensues as each moment unfolds thanks to the skillful eye of director Phylicia Rashad. NeNe Leakes is taking legal action against Bravo, Andy Cohen and the production companies behind “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” accusing all of racism and fostering a hostile work environment. “NBC, Bravo and True foster a corporate and workplace culture in which racially-insensitive and inappropriate behavior is tolerated — if not, encouraged,” the complaint alleges, which was filed in an Atlanta federal court, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Leakes, 53, names the Bravo network, her former boss Cohen, NBCUniversal and production companies True Entertainment and Truly Original as defendants. She also notes that her former costar and friend Kim Zolciak-Biermann, 43, often made racist comments which were largely ignored by Cohen and the most white Bravo executives. Leakes claims when she complained about Kim’s racism, she herself was punished. A&E Network has announced the documentary series “Origins of Hip Hop” will explore the rags-to-riches journey of some of the genre’s most celebrated stars. Per press release, the series, produced by Mass Appeal (“Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men,” “Rapture”), will unpack the origins of Busta Rhymes, Eve, Fat Joe, Grandmaster Flash, Ice-T, Ja Rule, Lil Jon, and Uncle Luke as they reflect on their personal and artistic journey. “’Origins of Hip Hop’ expands our boundary-pushing nonfiction programming slate and celebrates the artists and sounds that have helped define a genre and culture,” said Elaine Frontain Bryant, EVP and Head of Programming for A&E. “Alongside our partners at Mass Appeal, we are excited to elevate the voices and stories of this incredible group of artists who helped create and continue to shape the genre today.” According to @tmz_tv, Mike Tyson lost his cool on his flight from San Francisco International Airport to Florida when a fan allegedly kept annoying him. The news site reports that the incident between him and another passenger went down at around 10:30 PM PT. A witness shared that Tyson was initially cool with them and the other passengers, and even took selfies with a few of them. However, one passenger got a little too excited and kept trying to talk to the 55-year-old fighter as he sat behind him. It was said that Tyson eventually got super frustrated with the guy behind him who kept talking in his ear off and even asked him to chill. When the man didn’t, that’s when the witness said Tyson started to throw several punches at the man’s face. https://www.instagram.com/p/CcncW8LLL0x/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Former First Daughter Sasha Obama got herself a new beau. He’s none other than Clifton Powell Jr. He is the son of veteran actor Clifton Powell and he’s also a former college basketball player. Sasha, now 20, apparently hooked up with Powell Jr., 24, after she made the switch to USC last fall from the University of Michigan, where she had been a student for two years. That’s according to The Daily Mail, which broke the story. Powell Jr., a former hoops star was awarded a four-year basketball scholarship at the University of California at Santa Barbara … he’s now jumped into the world of commercials … working with big brands like Peloton and Nike. GSN-Thandie Newton is said to be smitten with a young musician amid the split from her husband of 24 years. According to The Post, Newton has a close friendship with 23-year-old musician Elijah Dias, who goes by the name Lonr. Per the report, the LA-based artist is only two years older than Newton’s oldest daughter, Ripley. His song “Save My Love” appears on the soundtrack for Newton’s 2021 film “Reminiscence.” “From the relatively short time I’ve been fortunate to spend with her, I know Thandie and Oliver care deeply about the welfare of their children,” Lonr. told The Post. “That’s all I care about right now.” Shahid Khan, the billionaire who has been financing the Black News Channel since 2018, will loan the network funds so the media outlet can keep operating. The Black News Channel/BNC has run desperately low on funds and is on the verge of shutting down entirely. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and is now operating on a smaller scale. The BNC had a staff of 230 — a vast majority of whom are people of color — and most are now out of work. Many of them still haven’t been paid for work done just before the bankruptcy, Bloomberg reports. During a hearing Tuesday, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Karen Specie said the television network can borrow about $1.6 million from an entity affiliated with Khan while it searches for a buyer. The cash will let BNC pay vendors and a few remaining employees. Prior to this latest development, Khan (the owner of the NFL Jacksonville Jaguars) reportedly decided to stop investing in the news outlet. Omarosa Manigault Newman — a former staffer on Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign who then worked for Trump’s White House — was awarded more than $1.3 million in attorney’s fees and costs this week after previously prevailing in a dispute over whether she had violated a Trump campaign non-disclosure agreement. The award was handed down Tuesday and determined by Andrew Brown, of the American Arbitration Association, who had served as the arbiter in the dispute. The Trump campaign filed the lawsuit in arbitration in August 2018, on the same day of the release of Manigault Newman’s book “Unhinged: An Insider's Account of the Trump White House,” her behind-the-scenes look at working for Trump. https://youtu.be/tl3KzFw4Egg Stevie J has officially been dropped by his legal team amid his divorce from his estranged wife Faith Evans. Per RadarOnline, court documents show that Stevie J’s now-former attorney Kimia Klein of Fox Rothschild LLP filed a motion to no longer represent him. Attorney Klein wrote in the motion that there was a breakdown in the relationship between the two parties and they couldn’t reach a resolution. “There has been an irremediable breakdown in the attorney-client relationship such that a genuine conflict has arisen between Fox and Steven,” said Klein. “Despite several attempts by my office to informally resolve the issues with Steven, we have been unsuccessful in resolving the issues.” Kid Cudi wants fans to know he’s done making music with former friend Kanye West. West and Cudi fell out earlier this year allegedly because of Cudi’s friendship with Pete Davidson, who is allegedly dating Kanye’s ex-wife Kim Kardashian. Cudi’s remarks come amid the release of Pusha T’s new album “It’s Almost Dry,” produced by Pharrell Williams and West, which includes a song titled “Rock N Roll,” featuring Kid Cudi alongside Ye. Cudi took to Twitter on Tuesday (April 19) to clarify that he and Ye are still not on good terms and that the song will be the last the two make together. Apple TV+ has landed “Hijack,” a new seven-part thriller starring Idris Elba, who will also serve as executive producer. The series marks the first project under Elba’s first-look deal with Apple TV+. According to Deadline, Elba will produce global series and feature films for the streaming service through his Green Door Pictures production company. The company is behind such titles as Ricky Staub’s Concrete Cowboy, the comedy In The Long Run, and Quibi’s Elba vs Block. Green Door also produced the Netflix comedy series Turn Up Charlie, per complex. Lil’ Wayne has settled an ongoing legal case involving a nightclub doorman who says the rapper assaulted him after the BET Awards in 2016. The alleged victim filed a battery report with LAPD. The bouncer, Andrew Nunemacher — who is white — was working the door at Hyde nightclub on Sunset, where Weezy and 2 Chainz were hosting an after-party. Law enforcement sources said things got heated when several members of Lil Wayne’s entourage were turned away at the door. Per TMZ: “We’re told Wayne and the bouncer started arguing about who was getting in, and the bouncer says that’s when Wayne uncorked a punch to his face. The Hyde staffer went to a hospital for treatment, and called police.” Wayne’s camp denied the punching, and said there was “a brief altercation, but only because the bouncer mistakenly grabbed Wayne by the arm … not realizing who he was. He later apologized, according to our Wayne sources,” the outlet writes. https://www.instagram.com/liltunechi/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=ff3827c6-84aa-4eb5-a82a-ac44063e7586 With the premiere of “Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story” arriving soon, the cast is discussing all things, Mahalia! Ledisi, Keith David, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Janet Hubert, Corbin Bleu, and Columbus Short, all star in “Remember Me” portraying the life events of Mahalia Jackson’s career. n the film, David plays a label executive who in the beginning wants the best for Jackson but as time goes on, becomes worried about the label and making money or the lack thereof. “He has his own best interest at heart,” said David. “I think initially he cares about Mahalia as someone who can be nurtured through but once she decides she’s only going to sing spiritual music – and that’s not selling – he’s like, ‘I’m not interested.’ Because he’s interested in numbers and the money.” David also shared his love for Jackson, even as a child, when his father would play her music. https://youtu.be/VXyLBHcJ1MY Last week, in Redlands — a San Bernardino County city about 63 miles east of Los Angeles — U.S. military vets joined Assemblymember James Ramos (D-Highland) at a rally in support of Assembly Bill (AB) 1623. The legislation would implement a statewide tax exemption for military retirees. Jeff Breiten, a Marine Corps veteran who lives in Redlands, says this bill would be a way to give back to service members. “California’s military retirees appreciate the fact that Assemblyman Ramos has stepped forward to carry this bill,” said Breiten. “This legislation will not only provide a well-earned benefit to those who served our country for 20 years or more, it will also help retain and attract to California these retirees who will lend their skills during second careers in a variety of key industries and professions across the great state of California.” Ramos, who is the only Native American in the California Assembly, introduced the bill in January along with Assemblymember Kelly Seyarto (R [1] Murrieta). https://youtu.be/yKOo9bk3X7Y Blac Chyna took the stand today in her case against The Kardashians. She said she was joking when she pointed the Glock at Rob Kardashian’s head…and wrapped (an) iPhone cord around his neck. Blac Chyna detailed the night from her view. She said she and Rob were celebrating their show being picked up for a second season. They were fooling around doing some lil ratchet stuff in the house…having fun. Blac Chyna’s lawyers showed the jury a clip from the night she allegedly put the paws on him, which showed Rob with a lil’ torn shirt on. Despite years of lofty commitments and massive pledges to diversify the tech industry, not only has progress not been made but in some cases, previous gains have been undone, according to a new report from the non-profit Kapor Center and the NAACP. “Unfortunately, it didn’t shock me,” Rachel Goins, Director of Implementation at the Kapor Center and a co-author of State of Tech Diversity: The Black Tech Ecosystem, told The Plug. Russian state TV hosts giggled uncontrollably as they discussed nuking New York City with one of Vladimir Putin’s new intercontinental ballistic missile. The television hosts laughed as they talked about striking the US city of eight million people with the Sarmat missile, also known as Satan 2. A presenter laughed on a state-owned Russian television channel Russia 1 as he spoke of how New York would be ‘completely gone’ if Moscow decided to launch the nuclear weapon. https://video.dailymail.co.uk/preview/mol/2022/04/21/3437728861201911583/636x382_MP4_3437728861201911583.mp4 Queens mother Orsolya Gaal and her lover had been having an on-off affair for two years before he murdered her with a kitchen knife in her basement last week while her 13-year-old son was upstairs. David Bonola, 44, was arrested on Thursday in the early hours of the morning. He was spotted by police on Wednesday night and brought in for questioning then confessed to murdering Gaal in her home on April 16 shortly before 1am. As he was put in a police car on Thursday in front of journalists asking why he killed her, he screamed: ‘F**k you motherf****r!’ The pair started seeing each other in 2020 after he worked in the family home where Gaal lived with her husband Howard and two sons. It was an on-off relationship which they rekindled in April, but which had recently ended again. On Friday night, not long after midnight, Gaal let Bonola into her home. It’s unclear if she had invited him over, or if he showed up unannounced. They went inside and down to the basement because her youngest son, Leo, was upstairs at the time. Her husband Howard and oldest son Jamie were out of town looking at colleges. A pastor’s wife faces life in jail after she was convicted of hiring a hitman who’s said to be her toyboy lover – to kill her husband after tiring of his demands for orgies. Kristie Evans, 48, admitted the March 2021 first-degree murder of her husband David Evans at a court in Ada, Oklahoma, on Monday. The killer – who has a grown-up daughter with her late husband – will be sentenced in August. Evans was arrested in March 2021 along with Kahlil Square, 26. Square had threesomes with Evans and her late husband David, 50, at David’s behest. David, the late pastor of Harmony Free Will Baptist Church in Ada, is said to have branded his wife a ‘frigid bitch’ for her inability to match his voracious appetites for group sex. Evans allegedly asked Square to shoot David dead to free her from the domestic violence she says he’d inflicted. She and Square had their own affair behind David’s back. Square has denied charges filed against him, with his lawyer saying there are no plans to amend the plea until Evans is sentenced. Kristie is now at risk of facing a maximum sentence of life incarceration but her lawyer, Joi Miskel, said on Monday that the mother-of-two ‘understands there has to be accountability for her actions’ but that she also ‘wants the court and the public to know the reasons behind her actions.’ The effects of a deepening pension scandal that has rocked the nation’s oldest Black church group are still being assessed by local church officials, though they’re hopeful that a federal investigation could help recoup about $90 million missing from its pension fund. Experts are concerned the African Methodist Episcopal Church’s pension problems could become the norm for many nonfederally protected pensions as the aging population retires in larger numbers. In early March, the AME Church suspended its pension payments to retirees after new leadership found significant financial irregularities. News of the pension crisis has spread to AME churches across the country, including in Chicago, where church leaders say they’re waiting to receive more information about the pending investigation. John F. White, presiding bishop of the AME’s Fourth Episcopal District, headquartered in Bronzeville, said he has not heard from any area retirees hurt by halted pension payments, but expressed confidence church leadership that took over last year will fix the problem. Veteran actor and Mad Men star Robert Morse has died at the age of 90. Morse’s son Charlie confirmed his father’s death to ABC7 on Wednesday, and declined to reveal a cause of death. He died in Los Angeles, where he owned a $1.8 million three-bed, three-bath bungalow situated in the leafy Sherman Oaks neighborhood that Morse bought in 1992. The actor’s talent agent, David Shaul, told Entertainment Weekly that the actor died ‘peacefully at home yesterday after a short illness.’ Rich Sommer, who played Harry Crane on Mad Men, was among the first to pay tribute. He tweeted: ‘Just about every person working at MM came down to watch him do this. ‘We were all a mess. It was beautiful and strange, and so was he. RIP Bobby.’ Sommer had attached a video showing Morse singing and dancing to The Best Things in Life are Free during his final appearance on the show. Morse’s acting career spanned six decades on stage and screen. Born on May 18, 1931 in Newton, Massachusetts to father Charles, who managed a chain of movie theaters and mother May, a pianist. Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins was struck by at least two vehicles, and not just a single dump truck, when he was killed along a Florida highway in the early hours of April 9, it has been revealed. In addition to the dump truck, which was previously reported to have collided with Haskins, the 24-year-old was also ‘partially’ struck by a Subaru Outback, according to a crash report provided to DailyMail.com by Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). The dump truck struck Haskins in the center lane of the highway, sending him into the path of the Subaru, which hit him in the left-hand lane, the report explains. One witness told FHP investigators that a third vehicle may have also been involved. Haskins was declared dead on the scene minutes after being struck. Both drivers stopped immediately after striking Haskins, according to investigators. Neither driver was tested for drugs or alcohol. Investigators determined that Haskins was improperly in the roadway and did not find the drivers culpable. It’s not yet clear why Haskins was walking alongside the highway, but a FHP investigation is ongoing. The wife of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins called Florida 911 dispatchers shortly after he was fatally struck by a dump truck earlier this month, saying his car had run out of gas and she was worried because he wasn’t answering the phone, according to recordings released Wednesday. Kalabrya Haskins, who was calling from Pittsburgh and unaware of the accident, told a Florida Highway Patrol dispatcher on April 9 that her 24-year-old husband had called from near Fort Lauderdale to say he was walking to get gas and would call her back. When the former Ohio State star didn’t, she told the dispatcher she tried to call him but he wasn’t answering. “I just want somebody to go in the area and see if his car is there and if he’s OK and if anything happened to him,” she said, her voice breaking. “It’s not like him” to not call back, she said. The highway patrol had already received numerous panicked calls about the accident that happened about dawn on Interstate 595 near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. But the dispatcher did not appear to know yet that paramedics had arrived and found Haskins dead. He had been in South Florida training with Steelers teammates. Carolina Panthers linebacker Damien Wilson was arrested in Frisco, Texas, last week after his ex-girlfriend said he threatened to kill her, according to the Dallas Morning News. Wilson, 28, who was signed last month by the Panthers, faces a charge of assault with bodily injury of a family member, Frisco Police Sgt. Stephen Byrom said in an email to the newspaper. Wilson’s attorney, Toby Shook, denied the allegations. “Damien Wilson did not commit any type of assault,” Shook told the newspaper. “We look forward to all the facts coming out so his name can be cleared.” Byrom said he had no information about on whether Wilson had bonded out. Jerry West’s legal team wants an apology and retraction for his portrayal in HBO’s Los Angeles Lakers-focused series Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty. In a statement obtained by ESPN, which the outlet states was sent to the network and executive producer Adam McKay, representatives for the former Lakers player, coach and general manager said the series “falsely and cruelly portrays Mr. West as an out-of-control, intoxicated rage-aholic.” The series, centering on the Showtime era of the storied Lakers franchise during the 1980s, includes Jason Clarke as West and John C. Reilly as then-team owner Dr. Jerry Buss. “The portrayal of NBA icon and LA Lakers legend Jerry West in Winning Time is fiction pretending to be fact — a deliberately false characterization that has caused great distress to Jerry and his family,” said the statement from attorney Skip Miller of law firm Miller Barondess, LLP. “Contrary to the baseless portrayal in the HBO series, Jerry had nothing but love for and harmony with the Lakers organization, and in particular owner Dr. Jerry Buss, during an era in which he assembled one of the greatest teams in NBA history.” West’s team is asking that the show issue a retraction within two weeks, according to ESPN. “Jerry West was an integral part of the Lakers and NBA’s success,” the message continued. “It is a travesty that HBO has knowingly demeaned him for shock value and the pursuit of ratings. As an act of common decency, HBO and the producers owe Jerry a public apology and at the very least should retract their baseless and defamatory portrayal of him.” Ron Summers wants you to believe what the scriptures say. So he's penned a fun feeling song of actualization. It is So features the vocals of Elements and the incomparable Tasha Page Lockhart. Its a bold testament to what God will do when we align ourselves with the Word. We are going for adds today. This song is "Shining Bright" in the Gospel Spotlight!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUvOY0gh7cg An independent autopsy performed by a world-renowned forensic pathologist not only confirmed that Patrick Lyoya died from being shot in the back of his head by a police officer but also that the officer “pressed” his gun into the unarmed Black man’s head before firing the “contact shot” in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Dr. Werner Spitz said Tuesday during a press conference in Detroit that Lyoya, a 26-year-old Congolese refugee, was also “conscious and aware that a gun was being held to the back of his head” at the moment before he died on that fateful morning of April 4. Those findings based on scientific evidence only bolster claims that lethal force was used in a situation in which it was not merited because the officer clearly had control over Lyoya, civil rights attorneys said during the press conference. https://www.cbsnews.com/video/patrick-lyoya-shot-in-back-of-head-independent-autopsy-confirms/ Monday, a federal judge gave a group of Georgia voters the Greene light to move forward with legal efforts to disqualify congresswoman and sentient (white) trash compactor Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene from running for re-election. Now, there are plenty of reasons why Greene shouldn’t be anybody’s lawmaker. She’s racist, outwardly Islamaphobic, and transphobic, and she has at least subliminally threatened Democrats with deadly violence, which she got called out for after she went full KK-Karen on Jimmy Kimmel for his Will smith joke, which she erroneously claimed amounted to “threats of violence” against her. She’s also a serial misinformation spreader and a QMoron conspiracy theorist whose relationship with reality is akin to Donald Trump’s relationship with comprehensive sentence structure (also his relationship with reality). But, according to the New York Times, none of that has much of anything to do with why the group represented by Free Speech for People—which describes itself as “a national non-profit non-partisan organization,” and “a catalyzing leader in the country challenging big money in politics, confronting corruption in government, fighting for free and fair elections, and advancing a new jurisprudence grounded in the promises of political equality and democratic self-government”—is seeking to bar Greene from running for re-election. Instead, the group is claiming she played a role in the Jan 6 Riot at the U.S. Capitol. Rapper A$AP Rocky was taken into custody Wednesday morning at Los Angeles International Airport in connection with a shooting in Hollywood last year, authorities said. The performer, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, was detained on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, the Los Angeles Police Department said in a statement Wednesday. Mayers, 33, was wanted in connection with a Nov. 6, 2021 shooting after an argument escalated, authorities said. Mayers is accused of firing a handgun at an acquaintance, who sustained a minor injury and later sought medical treatment, police said. Mayers and two other men ran after the gunfire, police said. Officers were also seen outside of his LA home, smashing into the gate with a battering ram, before apparently raiding the property. Detectives seized multiple boxes of evidence from the house. Mayers was taken to LAPD headquarters for questioning and will be booked soon, according to TMZ. He is said to have requested the presence of his lawyers. The LAPD issued a statement saying officers ‘worked to diligently’ to investigate the November 2021 shooting, which left the victim with minor injuries, and ‘identify the suspect(s) involved.’ If convicted, Mayers could face up to one year jail time, a $1,000 fine and misdemeanor probation, per California Penal Code. If he received a felony assault with a deadly weapon conviction, Mayers could spend up to four years in state prison, be fined up to $10,000 and have mandatory probation. The rapper was arrested shortly after he arrived at LAX on a private plane, NBC News first reported. He was returning home from a vacation in Barbados with his pregnant girlfriend, Rihanna. The couple recently denied rumors of a split and cheating. Do you remember Maurice Symonette? The Black guy who used to stand behind trump at all his rallies holding the sign “BLACKS FOR TRUMP,” while dawning a T-shirt imprinted with the words, “TRUMP & Republicans Are Not Racist.” (Some folks said he was in a cult.) On Sunday, April 17, a 22-year-old man was killed while attending an Easter party at the Florida home of Maurice Symonette. According to Newsweek, one man was shot dead and three others were wounded after a confrontation over a cell phone. One of the wounded was a 14-year-old, who was hit by shrapnel. About 50-60 people attended the event. Symonette claims that although the Jet Ski party was at his house, it wasn’t his event and if it was he would have had better security. “If I was throwing a party, I would have security, first of all. We wasn’t throwing anything, people just came to the house. It was Easter,” said Symonette in an interview with Local 10. Symonette uses his Miami-Dade home, which is known as the ‘Boss Mansion,’ to regularly host parties that he says are to promote racial harmony. Florida lawmakers have voted to strip Disney of its special status as a self-governing area as the war between Governor Ron DeSantis and the company rumbled on. The Republican-led Senate decided to end the Reedy Creek Improvement District, meaning the firm will no longer be able operate as a self-contained government. They backed the measure by 23-16 and it will go to the state House before being passed to the governor – with it potentially coming into effect on June 1, 2023. It rips up the 55-year-old deal that allowed Disney to regulate land, enforce building codes and treat wastewater – and could cost the company millions in lost local taxes. But it could also see two Florida counties saddled with $1billion of debt currently owed by Walt Disney World. Orange and Osceola counties may end up shouldering the huge sum amid the toxic fallout between DeSantis and the firm over the Parental Rights in Education bill. It comes amid claims Disney could turn to former CEO Bob Iger to steady the ship, which has become increasingly turbulent under Bob Chapek. If you thought now-former MSNBC foreign-policy analyst Malcolm Nance was just going to sit back where it’s safe and report the news about the Russian invasion of Ukraine—then you don’t know Nance. On Monday, the combat veteran-turned-journalist revealed that he has returned to his roots as a soldier and left the world of news reporting in order to join the fight against the Russian forces. Nance, who served as an intelligence collections operator for the Navy, made the announcement during an interview with Joy Reid on The ReidOut saying that he joined Ukraine’s international legion about a month ago. “The more I saw of the war going on, the more I thought, ‘I’m done talking, all right? It’s time to take action here,’” Nance said while suited up in full uniform and gripping an assault rifle. “I am here to help this country fight… what essentially is a war of extermination. This is an existential war and Russia has brought it to these people and they are mass murdering civilians, and there are people here like me who are here to do something about it.” https://twitter.com/Acyn/status/1516194469967659009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1516205215267102724%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewsone.com%2F4322473%2Fmalcolm-nance-joins-fight-in-ukraine%2F The man who fatally shot #Jacqueline Avant, wife of famed music executive #Clarence Avant, was sentenced to life in prison. #AarielMaynor, 30, of #LosAngeles, pleaded guilty in March to one count each of murder, attempted murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm, and two counts of residential burglary with a person present. An L.A. County judge handed down his sentence Tuesday. Maynor opened fire on the 81-year-old philanthropist after breaking into the Beverly Hills home last December. https://www.instagram.com/p/CcizKiEDRot/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again The Justice Department has reached a settlement to settle four lawsuits by protesters who were forcibly cleared out of Washington’s Lafayette Square during a racial justice protest outside the White House in 2020. The US Park Police and the US Secret Service have agreed to revise their policies toward demonstrations and crowd control, according to a settlement filed in DC’s federal court. “The federal government is committed to the highest standards for protecting civil rights and civil liberties in any federal law enforcement response to public demonstrations,” Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta said in a statement Wednesday. “These changes to agency policies for protest responses will strengthen our commitment to protecting and respecting constitutionally protected rights.” https://youtu.be/AeZ1inTSzOs The killer who stabbed Queens mother Orsolya Gaal left a ‘sloppy’ crime scene which suggests he did not plan the attack, police sources revealed. The murderer stabbed Gaal in a frenzy in her home in Forest Hills, puncturing her neck, torso and arm 58 times before eventually killing her. He then stuffed her body in a bag and dragged it less than a mile through the quiet neighborhood where she lived, before dumping it on the side of a road to be found the next day. It left a trail of blood that police sources followed back to her home like a ‘trail of bread crumbs’. As crime scene investigators work through the scene, processing DNA evidence and gathering tips, sources say it’s likely they will find a match to the suspect through what was left in the house. ‘He left a blood trail for five blocks from the house. It was like a trail of bread crumbs. ‘If you want to kill somebody, you try to make it a little cleaner, be a little more prepared. He didn’t go with something to move her body. He took something from the house. A growing band of Kremlin insiders fear their Russian leader will resort to nuclear weapons to defeat Ukraine and halt a palace coup, reports say. Some elite members in Moscow are also questioning President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of its neighbor and its economic and political impact. Putin’s critics are spread across senior positions in government and state-run business, according to Bloomberg who cited ten sources with direct knowledge of the situation. Putin’s opponents believe the war against Ukraine has been a terrible blunder and will set Russia back decades. The sources shared the concerns previously expressed by US intelligence officials that Putin could use tactical nuclear weapons against Ukraine. During an interview on Tuesday, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov didn’t give a direct answer to repeated questions on whether Russia might use nuclear weapons in Ukraine. Michelle Obama’s brother Craig Robinson, and his wife Kelly, have filed a lawsuit against an elite private school in River Hills, Milwaukee, alleging racial bias in the curriculum. The lawsuit claims the University School of Milwaukee expelled the couple’s two sons after the Robinsons called out the racial and socioeconomic bias in the school’s curriculum and the conduct policies, per Blavity. “As a lot of parents, we heard what was going on in the classroom because of COVID and there were repeated use of racial and ethnic stereotypes that were in actual assignments,” said Craig on “Good Morning America” this week. “The use of the word plantation and things of that nature. In addition to the racial and ethnic stereotypes, there was an insensitivity to socio-economic status and as well as a disregard for the children who weren’t physically in the classroom,” he explained to host Robin Roberts. https://twitter.com/i/status/1516385714895740937 For the 30th anniversary of the LA riots Tavis Smiley and Dominique DiPrima will co-host a special on KBLA Talk 1580 live from Los Angeles. “Historic anniversaries, to my mind, are only worth pausing to commemorate if our reflections are instructive, informative and empowering for how to make America a nation as good as its promise,” said Smiley, as reported by Radio Facts. “We want to take this opportunity to amplify the voices of the African American community in this moment of solemn reflection and continue the quest for accountability,” added DiPrima. The police-involved beating of Rodney King in 1991, and the subsequent acquittal of four LAPD officers on charges of assault — ignited the Los Angeles riots that lasted for days. Nearly 100 people were reportedly killed during the riots, more than 2,000 people were injured, and more than 11,000 were arrested. The civil disturbances occurred in Los Angeles County from Apr 29 to May 4, 1992. Shaquille O’Neal opens up about his divorce, relationship with Penny Hardaway and what really went on between him and Kobe Bryant in a rare look back into his life as he shares with the guys what keeps him up at night. For the most part, Shaq says how he’s lived life his way but as he’s become older, he looks back with a couple of regrets, the main one being his divorce and the other never reaching out to Kobe after they finished playing together. As Ryan leads the conversation about family and all of them making mistakes at one point or another over the years- the men discuss the point of coming to a realization that sometimes mistakes become decisions that can be difficult to come back from. The conversation takes a somber tone as Shaq shares how he is to blame for his marriage ending and the struggles he faced after not having his family with him everyday. Channing lightens the mood, by talking shit with Shaq about his reputation of missing free throws, his eyes being close together and can’t resist asking about the sexual challenges Shaq faces by being such a large human and curious to how it all goes down. https://youtu.be/m3vozVLCYwo Music executive Art Rupe, whose Specialty Records was a premier label during the formative years of rock ’n roll and helped launch the careers of Little Richard, Sam Cooke and many others, has died. He was 104. Rupe, who was inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame in 2011, died Friday at his home in Santa Barbara, California, according to the Arthur N. Rupe Foundation. The foundation did not release his cause of death. The Greensburg, Pennsylvania, native was a contemporary of Jerry Wexler, Leonard Chess and other white businessmen-producers who helped bring Black music to a general audience. He founded Specialty in Los Angeles in 1946 and gave early breaks to such artists as Cooke and his gospel group the Soul Stirrers, Little Richard, Lloyd Price, John Lee Hooker and Clifton Chenier. “Specialty Records’ growth paralleled, and perhaps defined, the evolution of Black popular music, from the ‘race’ music of the 1940s to the rock n’ roll of the 1950s,” music historian Billy Vera wrote in the liner notes to The Specialty Story, a five-CD set that came out in 1994. Errol Spence declared “I’m the best fighter at 147 pounds and arguably the best fighter in the world” before Saturday’s 10th-round technical knockout over Yordenis Ugas in front of nearly 40,000 spectators at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Remaining undefeated at 28-0 with an equally impressive 22 KOs, Spence made his case once again in the ring. The Desoto, Texas, resident nicknamed “The Truth” added the Cuban’s WBA crown to his IBF/WBC versions by out-landing Ugas (27-5, 12 KOs) by more than 2 to 1 in both power shots (192 to 77) and overall punches (216 to 96) with a 24-19 advantage in jabs. Viola Davis, may have a lot of similarities to her former character on ABC’s ‘How to Get Away with Murder,’ Annalise Keating. In her memoir ‘Finding Me’ the 56-year-old actress details her life in poverty as a child living in Central Falls, Rhode Island: Davis endured trauma and heartbreak: being so hungry she and her five siblings had to dumpster-dive for food; incessant bullying from boys who threw rocks at her for being Black. In her interview with People, she reflects on her tactics to survive, “How you react is based on survival.” “The key is to survive. I did what was at my hand to do at eight years old. I fought. And that fighting served me because I’m still on my feet.” On the Tuesday, April 19 edition of “Daily Blast Live,” NBA legend Magic Johnson joins “DBL” co-hosts to talk about why now is the right time to share his story in the new Apple TV+ documentary, “They Call Me Magic,” and opens up about how his son’s coming out changed his life. Johnson shares a hilarious story about his unlikely friendship with Larry Bird and his thoughts on HBO’s “Winning Time” which was made without his input. https://youtu.be/2z1iyRCKAxE The winners of the recent Baltimore “Uplifting Minds II” Entertainment Conference’s National Talent Competition via Zoom included Illinois’ rapper King Moosa for “ULMII Best Songwriter” (29 years-old), Florida’s Adiah Ford for “ULMII Best Vocalist” (11 years-old) and New Jersey’s Kah’Ni Myers-Rich for “ULMII Best Actor” (5 years-old). Celebrating 23 years the “ULMII” Entertainment Conference was presented by The Baltimore Times and Security Square Mall. TNT has announced it will be airing a special presentation for the basketball series “The Pathway” TONIGHT at 10:30pm PT / 1:30 a.m. EST. The special is set to air during TNT’s first round coverage of the 2022 NBA Playoffs. Directed by James D Stern, The Pathway is produced by Endgame Entertainment (Last Chance U and Last Chance U: Basketball), Film 45 (Being Serena), and executive produced by two-time NBA Champion and Inside the NBA’s Kenny “The Jet” Smith; and prolific producer/director Deon Taylor (The Intruder). In its entirety, The Pathway, is a seven part series. https://youtu.be/3BTEZE7lHvY Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story” is a film recalling the events that took place in Mahalia Jackson’s life and career. The movie has a stellar cast including Janet Hubert, Ledisi, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Keith David, Corbin Bleu, and Columbus Short. https://youtu.be/VXyLBHcJ1MY Looks like Benzino is ready to hit 50 Cent where it hurts… hits pockets! The former reality star recently appeared on @rocktopics’ podcast “It’s Tricky” where he talked about his feud with the rapper. As many know, 50 has been trolling Benzino after he made headlines over claims that he had been with transgender actress Shauna Brooks. While speaking with Harper, Benzino said 50’s latest comments are disrespectful, especially after he claims he helped the Power executive producer and star early in his career in connection with a stabbing incident at the Hit Factory in 2000. Although Benzino said he didn’t want to talk about 50 Cent that much during the interview, he suggested that he has lawyered up, and “it’s about to go down.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CciHZi3PWoc/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Master P is ready to lead the Los Angels Lakers after team owner Jeannie Buss fired head coach Frank Vogel on April 11. During a chat with TMZ on Sunday (April 17), the hip-hop icon, entrepreneur and the No Limit Records founder said he would tap former Lakers star Shaquille O’Neil to coach the team with him. https://youtu.be/dLaJ7GUSHGI CLEO TV's new lifestyle series, Decor Remixed, continues tonight, April 20 at 9 p.m./8C. Hosted by interior designer Dominique Calhoun, the hot new show shines a spotlight on the art of decorating and transforming dull spaces into new, fresh and innovative environments. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNLVVkAdKks CLEO TV's new lifestyle series, Global Gourmet, is back on April 20 at 9:30 p.m./8:30C. Hosted by the renowned Chef Essie Bartels, the show highlights the joys of delicious food and stories of wanderlust travel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdT8ebGOKt4 The boyhood home of late Black Panther Party chairman Fred Hampton is officially a historical landmark after the Maywood Village Board voted unanimously to approve the designation Tuesday night. Hampton’s son, Fred Hampton Jr., and his mother, Akua Njeri, led an effort to preserve the two-story building at 804 S. 17th Ave. in Maywood with the hopes of turning it into a museum where the works of the Black Panther Party can be displayed for visitors. “The fight to save and maintain the Hampton House is bigger than a building and more significant than a structure,” Hampton Jr. said in a statement. “Amongst other purposes, it serves as a major aspect of preserving the extraordinary legacy of Chairman Fred Hampton, the Black Panther Party, and that of service to the people in general.” Columbia University will add historical markers to four residence halls to acknowledge legacies of slavery and racism and to commemorate African American students, a university professor said on Tuesday. The markers, part of a university-wide project initiated by President Lee Bollinger after the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, include signs at residence halls John Jay Hall and 50 Haven Avenue, formerly Bard Hall, noting that slave owners John Jay and Samuel Bard had close ties to the university. A marker at Furnald Hall will tell the story of a morning in 1924 when men in Ku Klux Klan robes and hoods burned a seven-foot-tall wooden cross near the dormitory. Furnald was home at the time to law student Frederick W. Wells, the first Black student to live on-campus at Columbia during the academic year. While the cross burned, students ran outside his door shouting racist insults. The high percentage of students of color, among them poet Langston Hughes, who lived at Hartley Hall in the early 20th century will be commemorated with a plaque there, according to Columbia Professor Thai Jones, who taught a “Columbia & Slavery” course and has led the effort to erect the markers. Columbia will join Harvard Law School, Rutgers University, the University of Mississippi and the University of South Carolina in erecting plaques in recent years acknowledging the institutions’ relationship to slavery. Three years after an arsonist torched three small Black Baptist churches in rural Louisiana, rebuilding is well under way. Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Opelousas is months from reopening, with visible progress at St. Mary Baptist Church in Port Barre and Greater Union Baptist Church in Opelousas, The Daily World reported. “We began in a dark moment, but it’s getting brighter and brighter every day,” said the Rev. Gerald Toussaint of Mount Pleasant. “Now it’s a bright day as we’re looking forward to being back together in the church.” A would-be “black metal” musician pleaded guilty in 2020, saying he set fire to the churches in late March and early April 2019 to promote himself in the heavy metal subgenre. Holden Matthews is serving simultaneous 25-year federal and state sentences in federal prison. The first fire occurred March 26, 2019, at St. Mary. Greater Union burned down four days later, with Mount Pleasant set ablaze two days after that. Toussaint holds fellowship, prayer and Bible study via conference call and preaches live on Facebook, as he has since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Before that, the congregation gathered in the Equine Center in Opelousas. A judge has ruled Amazon must reinstate a former warehouse employee who was fired in the early days of the pandemic, saying the company “unlawfully” terminated the worker who led a protest calling for Amazon to do more to protect employees against COVID-19. The dispute involving Gerald Bryson, who worked at an Amazon warehouse in the New York City borough of Staten Island, has stretched on since June 2020, when Bryson filed an unfair labor practice complaint with The National Labor Relations Board, claiming Amazon retaliated against him. Later that year, the NLRB said it found merit in Bryson’s complaint that Amazon illegally fired him for workplace organizing. Amazon didn’t accept the findings, and the federal board filed a formal complaint against the company, triggering a lengthy administrative court process. On Monday, administrative law judge Benjamin Green said Amazon must offer Bryson his job back, as well as lost wages and benefits resulting from his “discriminatory discharge.” Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said in a statement that the company will appeal the ruling. Syracuse police are under fire over a viral video that captured three white cops taking an 8-year-old black boy to a patrol car after he allegedly stole a bag of Doritos from a convenience store. The footage shot by Kenneth Jackson and widely shared on social media shows the crying boy being detained by the officers on Sunday, the Post-Standard reported. “What is y’all doing?” the bystander asks an officer holding the little boy by the arms. “Guess. Take a guess what I’m doing,” the cop replies, but Jackson continues to question them. “He looks like a baby to me. I don’t know what you’re doing. So what’s going on, then?” Jackson says. Another officer tells him the boy “was stealing stuff.” “Nah, man, so he’s stealing a bag of chips, you’re treating him like an old cold—– killer?” Jackson says, swearing at the officers as they put the child in the car. Lil Kim teamed up with streetwear brand Supreme for a capsule collection that sold out in minutes. The collaborative line pays tribute to the rapper’s debut album “Hard Core,” and features the iconic image from the promotional poster for the project. The full poster shows Kim squatting in a leopard print bikini and high heels. As reported by Revolt TV, the image has been emblazoned on a T-shirt, a short-sleeve button-down, and a skateboard. “Wowwww! Everything sold out in 2 and a half minutes! God is Good! Thank U so much for your support,” Kim shared via Instagram. In a recent interview with Essence, the Queen Bee said she started working with Supreme on her capsule collection during the COVID quarantine. Tiffany Haddish appeared on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” this week and poked fun at her own DUI arrest. Back in January, Haddish was arrested by Peachtree City PD officers in Georgia after cops responded to a call about a driver who’d fallen asleep at the wheel. Officers had a description of the vehicle and were on the lookout for it when they spotted Haddish pulling into a neighborhood, reports TMZ. They stopped her and arrested her for DUI and improper stopping on a roadway. Cops believe she was also buzzed on that chronic. Haddish was in police custody for a few hours. According to records, obtained by TMZ, she posted $1,666 to bond out of jail. While guest-hosting Ellen’s show on April 15, Haddish, 42, cracked a few jokes about her arrest. She told the audience that since her break up with Common in November, she had been praying to God to send her a good man. https://youtu.be/agJgArpS0lc Blac Chyna has reportedly landed a new reality show that will give viewers a glimpse of her busy day-to-day as a single mother. Chyna (born Angela White) is currently in production for a new reality series that will show viewers how she earns her own money. Per theJasmineBRAND, the series will focus on “different aspects of the media personality’s life, from working on her album to her attempt at finding true love.” https://www.instagram.com/blacchyna/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=f90e6def-02e4-4069-9f62-7d905fe4fdd4 Jaden Smith revealed during a 2018 interview with Big Boy that late rapper Tupac Shakur proposed to his mother, Jada Pinkett Smith, but she turned him down. The old interview was uploaded to YouTube recently and shows Jaden speaking about his musical journey and living up to the success that his famous parents. “Once I went out into the world and I saw how people feel about my parents [I felt pressure],” Jaden said. “I didn’t understand, and I’m still understanding more and more every day that they’re just a staple in the world and they made people feel a type of way that nobody has ever made anyone feel.” “So I just didn’t understand just how deep-rooted they are in hip-hop as well,” he added. https://youtu.be/9R67QOOH_6w It was the wedding that went viral and cost less than a used car. Joel and Kiara Brokenbrough did not want to go into debt by tying the knot, so they got creative planning their February wedding on a scenic turnoff on Angeles Crest Highway. The Brokenbroughs spent about $500 on their wedding, including $42 for Kiara’s dress and $100 for Joel’s suit. The wedding party at the ceremony was less than 30 people, so they did not require a permit to congregate on the side of the road. The couple did not break the bank with their reception either, because guests paid for their own food and drinks. Family and friends helped pay for some costs, but overall, Kiara said, it was her plan to have not a dream wedding, but one done with the available resources. “We knew that it would not be wise for us to go into debt over a wedding or to spend a lot of money just to have a wedding,” Kiara said. Even the dress will live to see another day. Kiara, 28, plans to cut a slit into the gown and use it again. “I’ve just seen how, culturally, how we’ve gotten so far away from how weddings were something so simple as bride and groom coming together, vowing to God to stay together and vowing to each other to stay together and in front of witnesses,” Kiara told The Times. “I’m not going to go into debt over this. I’m not going to spend a whole bunch of money, or stress and get in people’s pockets over such an event that’s going to last one day.” Oreology: The study of the creme-filled cookie sandwich. Haven’t heard of it? Well, you’ve probably studied it — experimenting with dunking, twisting and separating to find the best Oreo eating experience. Whether you prefer the filling intact on one half of the cookie or spread evenly when you open it up, researchers have asked the long-plaguing question: How do you make sure you get the Oreo just the way you want it every time? “When I was little, I tried twisting wafers to split the cream evenly between wafers so there’s some on both halves — which in my opinion tastes much better than having one wafer with a lot of creme and one with almost none. This was hard to do when I was trying it by hand,” said Crystal Owens, lead author of a study published Tuesday in the journal American Institute of Physics and a researcher in mechanical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. https://youtu.be/XskGHoqYBtE Black women love cycling too, and one national organization is striving to reinforce the sentiment. Founded by diehard cyclist Monica Garrison in 2013, the Black Girls Do Bike organization is a bustling community dedicated to uniting women of color who love cycling from all walks of life. The group, which initially started in Pittsburgh, has since expanded to include more than 100 chapters across the U.S. and has connected over 180 women with its thriving network of passionate cyclists. Garrison and other BGDB group leaders organize a number of activities for members including group rides, skill-sharing, and bike advocacy programs. For Chyri McLain-Jackson, the founder of BGDB’s Indianapolis chapter, it was a chance to promote a space for Black women in her community to participate in “fitness, freedom, and fun.” Her passion for the sport sparked after training for her first triathlon with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. “As I was biking, I realized that no one really looked like me in those groups I was going out biking with; there were not very many women, there were not many women of color,” McLain-Jackson, who launched the Indianapolis chapter in 2014, told the IndyStar. omen of all ages come out to ride amongst their BGDB counterparts and while the group is inclusive of all races and genders, Garrison hopes to shine a special light on Black women and women of color. Highly-regarded music executive Phil Thornton has been appointed Senior Vice President of Capitol Christian Music Group (Capitol CMG), it was announced today by the company’s co-presidents, Brad O’Donnell and Hudson Plachy, to whom Thornton reports. In his newly created position, Thornton will focus on New Business development, signing talent and the development of label, media and touring partnerships on behalf of Capitol CMG artists. Thornton assumes his new position on May 3, and will be based at Capitol CMG’s headquarters in Nashville. “Dancing with the Stars” is headed to streaming. Disney announced Friday that the series, in which celebrities compete to be named the best ballroom dancer, will exclusively air on Disney+ in the US and Canada starting in the fall. It’s the first live series to debut on the streaming service, and it will no longer appear on ABC. Kareem Daniel, chairman of Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution, cited “the show’s broad appeal, as well as the overwhelming popularity of its Disney-themed competition nights,” saying the move will help Disney+ “expand our demographic reach.” “Dancing with the Stars” premiered in 2005 on Disney-owned network ABC, and since then it’s garnered a loyal following and solid viewership for 30 seasons. In its announcement, Disney noted the show’s most recent fall season’s viewership put it in the top five most-watched unscripted series for adults age 18 to 49. Famed television producer Carlos King has been tapped to host a new late-night show on OWN. The Oprah Winfrey Network announced Wednesday that King will lead a new series titled “The Nightcap with Carlos King,” per Urban Hollywood 411. Here’s the official description of OWN’s new show: “In each episode of The Nightcap with Carlos King, Carlos will welcome guests from OWN’s most popular shows to let their hair down and break down their juiciest storylines. The half-hour series will also feature surprise guests from Carlos’s ‘little black book’ of celebrity friends who will dish on pop culture headlines and participate in fun games and revealing challenges.” “The Nightcap with Carlos King” will premiere on OWN Saturday, May 14 at 10 p.m. ET/PT immediately following the series debut of “Love & Marriage: D.C.” (9:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET/PT). ”Star Wars” conductor Anthony Parnther — whose credits include “The Mandalorian,” “The Book of Boba Fett” and ‘”bi-Wan Kenobi’— will make his Carnegie Hall debut with an all-Black orchestra. Per THR, on April 24, Panther will serve as guest conductor and lead the Gateways Music Festival Orchestra in performances of works by composers George Walker, Florence Price and Jon Batiste. According to the report, Batiste will join the orchestra on piano for the premiere of his new work “I Can.” https://youtu.be/OhwSFtTPWHA Lisa Collins, publisher of L.A. Focus and founder of the First Ladies High Tea announces the 24th L.A. Focus 24th Annual First Ladies High Tea on Saturday, May 7, 2022, @ 11 AM, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, 9876 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210. Emmy Award-Winning Actress Loretta Devine will receive the Legacy Award; Cookie Johnson, NY Times bestselling author, founder of CJ, a premium denim line, and wife to Earvin “Magic” Johnson will receive the Spirit Award; renowned Dr. Jerry Abraham, a visionary leader in increasing vaccination rates for the most vulnerable will receive the CDPH Community Award; and LADWP Board President Cynthia McClain-Hill will receive the Corporate Award. Amber Rose has reached out to her fans with a plea for help raising money so she can continue her annual Slut Walk in Los Angeles. On April 18, Rose, 38, revealed via her Instagram account that she needs sponsors to assist with her efforts, as reported by thejasminebrand.com. “To be clear this is not about money for me. Never was. I personally have never made one dime off of The Amber Rose Slut Walk we’ve donated so much. I love helping women in anyway I can, I love protesting against injustice,” wrote Rose on IG. She continued, “But, to be honest with you guys… I personally can not do slut walk by myself anymore. I just can’t. Like, I need a lot of sponsors, I need a lot of money to put it on.” https://www.instagram.com/p/Ccf_GrbJY_R/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again The police department in Stockton, California is under fire after an officer fired more than 30 bullets into the car of an unarmed Black woman on Feb. 22. As reported by NBC News, body cam footage released April 7 shows Tracy Gaeta, 54, is fatally shot after officer Kyle Ribera emptied multiple clips at the grandmother’s vehicle. The fatal shooting occurred after the victim backed her car into a police patrol car. “No matter what was going on with her — even if she had committed a heinous crime — he didn’t have the right to shoot her. She never threatened him,’ said Gary Gwilliam, a lawyer for the family, as reported by Black Enterprise. “The excessive force is shocking,” Gwilliam added. https://youtu.be/ArUpkxUb3hY After a federal judge in Florida struck down the Biden administration’s mask mandate for airplanes and other public transport methods, airlines are starting to act. Several US airlines announced Monday that masks are now optional on their aircraft — Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines and JetBlue. Delta Air Lines says it is making masks optional, and warned travelers they “may experience inconsistent enforcement during the next 24 hours as this news is more broadly communicated.” “Given the unexpected nature of this announcement, please be aware that customers, airline employees and federal agency employees — such as TSA — may be receiving this information at different times,” the airline said. The Department of Education is making more changes to the federal student loan system that will help bring millions of borrowers — some of whom may have previously been in forbearance — closer to receiving debt forgiveness. The Department of Education is making more changes to the federal student loan system that will help bring millions of borrowers — some of whom may have previously been in forbearance — closer to receiving debt forgiveness. https://youtu.be/tIabHobRXII Veteran actress Sheryl Lee Ralph is speaking out about the massive success of ABC’s mockumentary-style comedy series “Abbott Elementary”. Created by Quinta Brunson, per Deadline, “Abbott Elementary” follows “a group of dedicated, passionate teachers — and a slightly tone-deaf principal —as they navigate the Philadelphia public school system. Despite the odds stacked against them, they are determined to help their students succeed in life, and though these incredible public servants may be outnumbered and underfunded, they love what they do — even if they don’t love the school district’s less-than-stellar attitude toward educating children.” In the series, Ralph plays Barbara Howard, a God-fearing kindergarten teacher. The Tony-nominated actor dished with HuffPost about this role and the importance of valuing real-life educators. https://youtu.be/_RObnudYWk8 While many assumed that Will Smith’s career was over after his infamous Oscars outburst last month, it appears as if Hollywood studios are keeping the door open to continue their working relationship with the actor. After reports claimed that Netflix had halted Will’s forthcoming projects on its platform following the controversy stemming from the incident involving Chris Rock, it’s now being reported that despite his 10-year Oscars ban, the 53-year-old will continue to remain booked and busy. According to the Daily Star, Will is being “flooded with offers” from studios and streaming giants eager to work with the Hancock star, with one source insisting that the altercation at the Oscars ultimately wasn’t going to leave the Philadelphia struggling for his next acting gig because Hollywood “loves nothing more than a redemption story.” Joseline Hernandez allegedly shouted “Gucci Gang” during the physical assault on four contestants on her reality show “Joseline’s Cabret: Las Vegas.” per @tmz_tv and Hollywood Unlocked, that Hernandez is being sued for $25M after several dancers from her show claimed Joseline and her boyfriend Ballistic Beatz attacked them on set. A total of four women have filed a $25 million dollar lawsuit against Joseline, Ballistic and the Zeus Network. In docs obtained by the news outlet, one woman claims Joseline violently kicked her in the ribs, while another claims Joseline dragged her during the reunion show taping. https://www.instagram.com/p/CcdRK9EPrmG/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=b21b3ae9-b7bf-460a-8596-f6311e3792a7 Keith Grayson, better known in the entertainment industry and culture, as #DJKaySlay has passed away (from COVID) at age 55. Harlem-raised, DJ Kay Slay relied on his grind and talent to create his own lane! ?? He made records, spun them, sourced new artists, gave popular hits their stamp, built a decades-long home at Hot 97 and ran the hip-hop magazine Straight Stuntin’. The Drama King had a lot to give and definitely gave it. DJ Kay Slay reportedly succumbed to complications of COVID-19 after being hospitalized with the disease in December and put on a ventilator, the Sun reported. The NY Post reports that the week prior to his death, Wack 100 had revealed on Instagram that the musician was “still fighting” and needed all the prayers he could get. Recently it was announced that longtime Bloodstone lead singer Charles McCormick has died. He was 75 years old. Initially formed as a high school act called the Sinceres, Bloodstone would grow to world acclaim over the course of 50 years with such hits as “Natural High,” and “We Go A Long Way Back.” McCormack initially played bass while Charles Love played guitar, Melvin Webb was on drums, Harry Williams on percussion and Willis Draffen on guitar. https://youtu.be/f8KSxB4oiq8 Roderick “Pooh” Clark, an original member of Hi-Five, has passed away. The news was confirmed by Marcus Sanders, a fellow Hi-Five member, who spoke with @tmz_tv. Sanders told the news site that Clark died on Sunday from complications from an infection and pneumonia at a hospital in Waco, TX. Clark was involved in a car crash 30 years ago in Florida that left him paralyzed from the neck down. The news site notes that he was unable to walk and later developed an infection that spread through his body; one that persisted for some time. Sadly, he also developed pneumonia over the last 2 weeks and had been in and out of the hospital up until his death. https://youtu.be/vF3MB0U6DO8 Gayle King is catching heat for not asking author Alice Walker about her past remarks about Jewish people. King and Walker sat down for a candid conversation on CBS Mornings to discuss the release of Walker’s new book, “Gathering Blossoms Under Fire,” but some viewers were left disappointed that King didn’t grill the author about her views on the Jewish community. https://www.instagram.com/gayleking/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=d1f855fe-d058-4c64-b623-e6a1b27fdb13 Robin Roberts has officially been at “Good Morning America” for 20 years! Access Hollywood’s Scott Evans visited her on set for her anniversary celebration, and they chatted about her career, her friendships with Gayle King and Hoda Kotb, and the advice she’d give her younger self. Plus, Robin revealed her thoughts on Chris Rock after the Oscars slap. “I respect the fact that he [Chris Rock] has not spoken to this point. I respect the dickens out of that.” https://youtu.be/WQdBFMURYDk Eight-time NBA All-Star Stephen Curry is about to experience a taste of the most terrifying movie of the summer … exclusively on ESPN and ABC. Today Universal Pictures, Monkeypaw Productions and Disney CreativeWorks announced an exclusive new spot for Oscar® winner Jordan Peele’s new horror epic, Nope (in theaters July 22), featuring Curry in an homage to the film’s trailer. https://youtu.be/-8YfMhCJcAE Dwayne Wade’s transgender child Zaya Wade (who was born male but identifies as female) is allegedly dating a white girl who identifies as a boy. D. Wade and his wife Gabrielle Union celebrated Easter with Zaya’s significant other, Hudson. Unison shared several pictures of the family on social media. The images also include the couple’s 3-year-old daughter Kaavia, and Wade’s other son Zaire Wade along with his girlfriend, Lola Ann Clark. https://www.instagram.com/p/Ccdva-VP7w0/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=721c65b0-19df-484d-ad09-f35fb62891ea Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms took to Twitter last week to call out the Capital Grille after turning her away for wearing leggings. “I was just turned away at @CapitalGrille at Perimeter Mall because I have on leggings,” she tweeted Friday. Several of her followers noted that the restaurant has a dress code, but Bottoms said it was “odd” that the eatery would not allow mall attire since it’s located inside a mall. Many Twitter users were also quick to agree with comedian and Washington Times columnist Tim Young who tweeted, “The irony of someone who wanted to force people to show vaccine status to enter a restaurant being upset at a restaurant for setting a standard with a dress code.” Cities and towns in eastern Ukraine have been rocked by fresh explosions as Russia stepped up its all-out assault on the Donbas region last night. After weeks of having their assaults on Kyiv thwarted at every turn, Putin’s commanders are now refocusing their efforts on the territories of Donetsk and Luhansk, along with other regions of Ukraine’s eastern flank, in what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky yesterday dubbed ‘The Battle of the Donbas.’ Ukrainian media outlets and Telegram channels reported a series of explosions along the front line in the Donetsk region, with shelling taking place in Marinka, Slavyansk and Kramatorsk throughout the evening. Local officials and media also said explosions were heard in Kharkiv in the northeast of Ukraine, Mykolaiv in the south and Zaporizhzhia in the southeast. ‘We can now confirm that Russian troops have begun the battle for the Donbas, which they have been preparing for a long time. A large part of the Russian army is now dedicated to this offensive,’ Zelensky said in his daily presidential address last night. An ex-Ukrainian MP has urged Vladimir Putin to use weapons of mass destruction against his own country amid growing fears that Russia could resort to using nukes. Ilya Kiva, an opposition politician banned from parliament for supporting Russia’s invasion, posted the appeal to his Telegram channel on Sunday – just a day after Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Putin could go nuclear. Underneath the image of a nuclear explosion, Kiva wrote: ‘REMEMBER!!! – THEY ARE AFRAID AND RESPECT ONLY POWER!!! ‘Zelensky, his entourage and Western curators, are most afraid of a [Russian] pre-emptive strike [with] weapons of mass destruction. ‘This is what can put an end to today’s confrontation, not only with the Ukrainian authorities, but with the entire West which actively and already openly takes part today in the military conflict in Ukraine… ‘If anyone thinks that this is not according to the rules, remember: the West wrote these rules in its own interests and only in order to more effectively destroy you.’ He spoke out after President Zelensky sat down for an interview with CNN in which he warned that the West needs to prepare for the possibility that Putin will resort to using nuclear or chemical weapons against his country. The leader of an alleged polygamist cult has been arrested on rape, and false imprisonment, police said. The man identified as Eligio Bishop, 40, who often refers to himself as ‘3God’ and ‘Nature Boy’ of the cult ‘Carbon Nation,’ was arrested on April 14, officials said. The arrest follows a Wednesday night raid at Bishop’s Georgia home in Decatur, Georgia. Officers from the Dekalb County Police Department and detectives executed search and arrest warrants, a spokesperson the Dekalb County Police told DailyMail.com. An investigation was launched by the ‘special victims unit’ after they received a complaint concerning Bishop on March 30, according to a police spokesperson. He has been arrested for numerous charges including rape, false imprisonment, and prohibition on nude or sexually explicit electronic transmissions. Josh and Leona Kimes, the co-pastors of Hillsong Boston, announced on Monday (April 18) that the two have “made the difficult decision to resign.” The announcement of their departure comes a week after the results of an investigation into Hillsong New York City, where the couple worked previously, were leaked to a Christian online news outlet. The Kimes’ departure is the most recent in a slew of upheavals at the global megachurch and multimedia empire, including the resignation two weeks ago of its global senior pastor Brian Houston after allegations of sexual misconduct. Co-founded by Houston in Australia nearly 40 years ago, the church had grown to some 30 locations before scandals closed three of its U.S. churches. The couple, who helped launch Hillsong NYC under now-disgraced former pastor Carl Lentz before planting the Boston campus, were “ready for a fresh start,” Kimes said in an Instagram post featuring photos of the two with their young children. “It was never our plan to ever leave Hillsong Church. It’s been home for 22yrs of my life. It’s where I’ve pastored for the last 16yrs,” Kimes wrote, noting that many of his life’s milestones had occurred while he worked for the church, including meeting and marrying his wife, having kids and moving to the U.S. Kimes did not give a reason for their resignation but apologized for any part he played in “perpetuating a culture that at times valued the building of the church at the expense of those building it.” Civil rights leader the Rev. Al Sharpton is scheduled to deliver the eulogy on Friday for Patrick Lyoya, the motorist killed by a Grand Rapids police officer following an April 4 traffic stop, Lyoya family attorney Benjamin Crump said Monday. The funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday at Renaissance Church of God in Christ in Grand Rapids. Sharpton heads the National Action Network and has “vowed” that he and the network will pay for the funeral costs of Lyoya, 26. Crump said he will “make a call to action” during the services. The announcement came on the same day that Crump and Metro Detroit attorney Ven Johnson said they planned to hold a Tuesday press conference in Detroit to detail the independent results of an autopsy by forensic pathologist Dr. Werner Spitz. The medical examiner has not released the results of his autopsy of Lyoya. Originally from South Carolina, the Rev. Marvin Youmans is not about to call himself an expert on the city of Detroit. However, there is one section of the city that Youmans is proud to claim. “You can say the North End is my area,” said Youmans, who for the past 25 years has been the pastor of Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church located on Oakland Avenue in the North End. “What I know about Detroit is the North End, and the North End is where I got my grounding in this city.” On Sunday, Youmans, 77, and his congregation will come together — to celebrate their faith and spiritual sense of place — for the first in-person Easter services in the Mt. Carmel sanctuary since 2019, before the pandemic took hold. It is a scene that is likely to be echoed across churches in Detroit, but few will have the distinct North End flavor that will be felt at Mt. Carmel. Youmans’ strong ties to the North End can be traced back to 1977 when the former Northern High School principal came North to pursue a career in education. Taco Bell has announced the return of its Mexican Pizza, thanks to rapper Doja Cat. The Mexican Pizza was discounted in 2020 and prompted pleas for the menu item’s return via a Change.Org petition that received 200K+ signers. “Like many Indian-Americans who grew up vegetarian, we had limited access to the ‘fun’ fast food, so Taco Bell became a bridge to belonging in American culture for many kids like me who grew up in immigrant households,” said the organizer of the Change.org petition, superfan Krish Jagirdar. “That’s what made it especially devastating when the Mexican Pizza was pulled from menus in 2020, but fast forward two years later and I found myself on a conference call with the Taco Bell team as they shared news of the return of the Mexican Pizza, showing that listening to their fans is clearly embedded in their DNA. It’s one of the many reasons Taco Bell is more than just another fast-food restaurant.” 50 Cent has compared Jay-Z to late-great artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. In 2019, Jigga signed a deal with the NFL to head the league’s musical entertainment, which includes the Super Bowl Halftime show. 50’s remarks about the hip-hop star are in response to claims made by N.O.R.E., who said on the Drink Champs episode with Snoop Dogg that Jay-Z told him Eminem only agreed to perform at the halftime show if Fiddy also agreed to hit the stage, Complex reports. “[Jay] said to me—and I’m sorry for everybody who don’t understand—and he said, ‘the white guy called for 50 Cent.’ I said, ‘Who is the white guy? Jimmy Iovine?’” N.O.R.E. recalled, per HipHopDX. “And he said, ‘No, Eminem called directly for 50 and he said I can’t do it if I can’t bring 50 with me.’” 50 claims it didn’t quite go down that way. He took to Instagram over the weekend to refute N.O.R.E.’s claims and compared Jay-Z’s hairstyle to that of Basquiat’s. https://www.instagram.com/50cent/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=5ce9abd8-f82a-4147-b3f6-2040259ac14e Meet Jessica Toni. She loves God with all of her heart and sings his praises daily for all the world to hear. For a couple of months now you've seen her and heard her on social media as she covered a wide spectrum of music This young lady is a North Carolina native who bears the reside of inspiration from Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Daryl Coley, Twinkie Clark and Rev. John P Kee has also crafted a very special gift and the world is taking a listen. Rhyme & Reason Production in conjunction with Enon Music Group is proud to present Jessica Toni as she celebrates her Identity in Jesus Christ. The Gospel Spotlight is on Jessica Toni, "Shinning Bright." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACF3Kph6Xt8 An all-new episode of TV One’s True Crime Mondays is back tonight. This week's episode of FATAL ATTRACTION unpacks the mysterious disappearance of a young college woman. Watch the story unfold at 9 p.m. ET/8C. When a young college student vanishes near campus, police move quickly to locate her. As the mystery unfolds, reinforcements are called in. While they went through a myriad of suspects, investigators finally uncover the truth – but will a jury agree? Find out tonight! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33vNO2Lh73A Monday marks two weeks since a still-unidentified police officer shot an unarmed Black man in the back of his head following a pretextual traffic stop over a nonviolent moving violation in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Monday will also be the fifth day since graphic video footage from the police shooting showed the Grand Rapids officer never tried to de-escalate the encounter and instead was the aggressor up until he shot Patrick Lyoya in the back of his head at point-blank range. Lyoya was driving with a passenger on the morning of April 4 when the officer initiated a traffic stop because the car had license plates registered to a different vehicle. Lyoya did not comply with the officers’ commands, but it was unclear whether there was a language barrier that prevented the driver from fully understanding what was happening. That may have prompted the officer’s apparent frustration and subsequent physical contact with Lyoya, who ran away slowly before the two struggled outside a home on the residential street as rain fell from the sky. The officer pulled out his Taser and tried to deploy it as Lyoya pushed it aside, scrambling to get away. But the officer managed to wrestle Lyoya to the ground, place him face-down and shoot him in the back of his head. The killing was recorded by Lyoya’s passenger as well as a doorbell camera across the street. The officer’s bodycam was deactivated seconds before the single shot was fired. It was in that context that Kent County Prosecuting Attorney Christopher R. Becker was expected to make a decision in the case, although it was not clear when that would happen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xwv4vPin5WY Black women are dying at an alarming rate during childbirth. Along with disparities in reproductive health and post-care, Black maternal health requires direct intervention beyond a week of action. Last week, Tufts launched the Center for Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice, spearheaded by professor Ndidiamaka Amutah-Onukagha. Amutah Onukagha is the Julia A. Okoro Professor of Black Maternal Health at Tufts University School of Medicine. “The country is in a crisis around maternal health. The majority of Black maternal deaths are completely preventable,” Amutah-Onukagha, dean of the university’s Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, said in a statement. “The vision of the center is to protect the Black birthing experience by advocating for quality, equitable, and respectful care in childbirth.” https://www.instagram.com/blackmamasmatter/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=9a880511-697c-4128-9f1b-eeed523052ac Black women are changing the narrative surrounding diversity in higher education and making history in the process. Amongst those breaking barriers in academia is Dr. Valerie Sheares Ashby. She has been selected by the University System of Maryland Board of Regents to serve as the next president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. The appointment is historic as it marks the first time in the institution’s history that a woman will be at its helm. Ashby—who currently serves as the dean of Duke University’s Trinity College of Arts & Sciences—has been a fierce advocate for diversity and inclusion. The North Carolina native—who earned her B.A. and Ph.D. degrees in chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and led her postdoctoral research in Germany—has dedicated her work to increasing underrepresented groups within the STEM space. Before her tenure at Duke, she was the chair of the University of North Carolina’s chemistry department. Ashby was also part of the institution’s Research Advisory Council and Arts & Sciences Foundation Board of Directors. She also served as the chair of the university’s College of Arts & Sciences Faculty Diversity Task Force and led the UNC National Science Foundation Alliance for Graduate Education. Twenty-five years ago, Howard University alumna Denique Graves made history by becoming the first player from an HBCU to be selected in the WNBA draft. Over two decades after that monumental moment, Jackson State University grad Ameshya Williams-Holliday is now carrying the torch. According to CBS Sports, she became the first HBCU scholar to be drafted by a WNBA team in 20 years. The Gulfport native, and the Southwestern Athletic Conference Player of the Year, was the No. 25 overall pick and is taking her talents to the Indiana Fever. The prevalence of food insecurity is one of the nation’s most pressing issues. The creators behind the hit ABC sitcom Abbott Elementary are using the show’s platform to spread awareness about the disparities surrounding food injustice. According to Variety, the show’s team joined forces with Disney-ABC TV and Warner Bros. Television to donate thousands of meals to the nonprofit Feeding America. Child hunger is a critical matter that the pandemic has exacerbated. Feeding America—an organization dedicated to eradicating food insecurity—reported that 12 million children live in food-insecure households throughout the country. Due to systemic racial inequities, Black, Native American and Latinx communities faced higher hunger rates. Staying true to using Abbott Elementary to underscore the lived experiences of students and educators at underfunded public schools, the show’s team partnered with the production companies to contribute 150,000 meals to Feeding America. The show also created the ‘Think Outside the (Lunch) Box’ campaign in which it dedicated its social media platforms to amplify the transformative work being led by the nonprofit. Dr. Thomas W. Cole, Jr., who oversaw the consolidation of the two higher learning institutions in the late 1980s that would become Clark Atlanta University died Thursday. He was 81. Cole was born on January 11, 1941, in Vernon, Texas, the second of four children to Eva and Thomas W. Cole Sr. While attending public school during his childhood, he watched and was mentored by his father who was President of Wiley College from 1958 to 1971. Cole would become an Eagle Scout and graduated from high school in 1958, He then attended Wiley College where was active in the Kappa Chi and Alpha Kappa Mu Honor societies. Cole would graduate summa cum laude in 1961, receiving a Bachelor’s of Science and the Southern Regional Fellowship. He then attended the University of Chicago where earned his Ph.D. in organic chemistry in 1966. Dr. Cole would then head to Atlanta in 1966 after accepting an assistant professor position at Atlanta University Center. He would rise the rinks during his tenure there. From 1970 through 1979, Cole served as the chemistry department chair. From 1969 through 1979, he served as the Fuller E. Callaway Professor of Chemistry, and in 1979 he was named Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs until 1982. The City of Philadelphia was sued Saturday by a group of business owners and residents alleging its upcoming mask mandate is illegal, court documents show. Philadelphia is the first major US city to reinstate its indoor mask mandate, which went into effect last week, with enforcement beginning today. The new mandate comes as the city announced Level 2 Covid-19 response levels, which were triggered when the city saw an increase in confirmed Covid-19 cases more than 50% than the previous 10 days. Level 2 precautions mean masks are required in all public indoor spaces in Philadelphia, including schools, businesses and restaurants. Businesses can stay mask-free if they require everyone to provide proof of vaccination. A pair of Arizona diversity, equity and inclusion ‘experts’ have been blasted for falsely accusing an African-American DJ of wearing blackface at an event. Jill Lassen and Stuart Rhoden, who advocate for diversity at the Scottsdale Unified School District in various capacities, wrote scathing letters of complaint after DJ Kim Koko Hunter appeared at a PTA event, and they mistook him for a white man. Stuart and Rhoden have since apologized, with some noting the irony of ‘diversity and inclusion’ activists rushing to such false conclusions. But Rhoden also sought to double down on his initial allegation, and speculated as to whether Hunter may have used cosmetic products to make his skin appear darker. ‘When you are so hell bent on pointing out everyone as a racist, only to uncover yourself as the racist,’ one person tweeted. Hunter, the Scottsdale school district and the Hopi PTA did not immediately respond to requests for comment from DailyMail.com. The PTA at Hopi Elementary in Phoenix hired Hunter to entertain the crowd at its largest fundraiser of the year on April 9. THIS is the chilling moment one of Vladimir Putin’s nuclear bombers was caught flying close to the Ukrainian border in a major military escalation. The TU-160 strategic bomber was seen in the skies over Western Russia amid huge pressure on the Kremlin over the sinking of the Moskva flagship in the Black Sea. Videos today caught four aircraft – one used to carry nuclear bombs – over Kaluga region, between Moscow and the Ukrainian border. The Defence Ministry in Moscow had not immediately announced the purpose of the mission. Larger Tu-95s have been used a number of times to strike targets in Ukraine with non-nuclear weapons, notably Kh-55 and Kh-101 air-launched cruise missiles. Latest attacks by Russia have concentrated on major cities including Kyiv and Lviv. Russian President Vladimir Putin demanded that Israel grant his country control of the Alexander Courtyard in Jerusalem as the previous Israeli government had promised, in a letter delivered to Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Sunday. Putin’s letter came barely a day after the Foreign Ministry in Moscow slammed Foreign Minister Yair Lapid for accusing Russia of war crimes in Ukraine, saying that Israel is using Ukraine to cover up for its own conflict with the Palestinians. The Russian Foreign Ministry also summoned Israeli Ambassador Alexander Ben Zvi for a reprimand on Sunday. Transferring the ownership of the church land could cause diplomatic trouble for Israel at a time when its Western allies have been sanctioning Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. The Alexander Courtyard, also known as the Alexander Nevsky Church and the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, is in the Christian Quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City. Former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised Putin that Russia could take over the landmark in 2020, as one of a series of gestures meant to help free Naama Issachar, an Israeli woman held in a Russian jail on drug charges. Soon after, Israel’s Land Registry commissioner listed the Russian government as the owner of the church. According to a report from Bloomberg.com, the Food Bank for the Heartland in Ohama, Nebraska had to cut its food-spending budget. That, of course, resulted in about 2 million fewer pounds of food for the people in the 93 counties it serves. In another situation, the Open Door pantry in Eagan, Minnesota, is handing out 4 pounds less per person, on average. The news outlet also reports that for the first time in its 35-year history, the West Alabama Food Bank is having to cap the amount of food it gives out. Fresh off his five Grammy wins including Album of the Year, Jon Batiste has joined the cast of “The Color Purple” musical movie. the project’s executive producers include Steven Spielberg, Oprah Winfrey, and Quincy Jones. Per Deadline, “Batiste will make his big-screen acting debut as Grady, a debonair, sweet-talking piano man who is the epitome of charm and eloquence and husband of Shug Avery (Taraji P. Henson). Bennet Guillory played the role in the 1985 feature,” the outlet writes. Oscar winner Batiste has served as band leader and musical director on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” since 2015. Serena Williams says she is open to several “King Richard” sequels that focus on her and her sister’s journey to global tennis champions. “King Richard had a perfect ending with Venus on the tennis court. Venus goes in her direction, and I go in my direction,” Williams explained in an interview with Insider. “It’s two completely different stories,” she said. Williams views “King Richard” as an origin story. “I had a rough journey,” she said. “I didn’t do well and then I did. It’s a lot of drama. It’s a telenovela.” Based on the true story and starring Will Smith, “King Richard” follows the journey of Richard Williams, an undeterred father instrumental in raising two of the most extraordinarily gifted athletes of all time, who will end up changing the sport of tennis forever. On Monday (04/18/22), “The Talk” the hosts were surprised live on air with news that the Daytime Emmy-winning show is renewed for Season 13! Natalie Morales announces, “The producers are just telling me there is some breaking news. This is just coming in right now, ‘The Talk’ has been renewed for Season 13.” After the cheers and confetti, Akbar Gbajabiamila reacts, “That was crazy, this feels so good.” Jerry O’Connell jokes, “Now I know why all our bosses showed up today.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1516118031323303942 Tattoo Artist, Television Personality and Entrepreneur, Katrina “Kat Tat” Jackson has signed a First-Look, Development and Executive Producer deal with Paramount, it was announced today. Included with the agreement, Jackson will develop and Executive Produce original content for Paramount in collaboration with her production company, Enigma Entertainment Group. “I couldn’t feel more blessed and I’m excited to partner with Paramount as they continue to bolster a new generation of BIPOC and women creators,” said Jackson. “I’m thrilled to not only return to TV, but to also create and produce new, fun, fresh, compelling and impactful content across all platforms.” https://www.instagram.com/kattatgirl/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=8d4c9f4b-004f-4b0e-b0ea-6a5baf358ec5 A white nationalist reporter had a meltdown during a recent broadcast over all the Black people who attended this year’s Country Music Awards. “I don’t know who this Black guy is who’s hosting it. It’s supposed to be country music,” Patrick Howley whined about CMT host Anthony Mackie. “No offense. I mean, y’all have Hip Hop and basketball. You know what I mean,” Howley continued. As reported by NewsOne, he then mocked Black people by using a racist blaccent while touching on the historic influence that Blacks have had on all aspects of popular music. https://twitter.com/i/status/1514245363309457414 An upcoming episode of Donald Glover’s hit drama series “Atlanta,” hilariously depicts an office scene of two white people discussing reparations for slavery. “It’s cleared the way for personal litigation. Now they can look you up and force you to pay the price,” one of the white males says, as reported by TheWrap. The two continue, “Yeah, it’s scary. I’m looking at my family tree right now to make sure I’m in the clear. Everybody else is, too.” Per the outlet, the men then glance over at their Black coworkers who are laughing. “Lucky them. Not a care in the world.” https://youtu.be/pSc_xuRHju8 Viola Davis is being mocked on social media over her portrayal as Michelle Obama in the Showtime series “The First Lady,” which debuted Sunday. Some folks on Twitter are questioning why the actress seems to constantly purse her lips on camera. One scene in particular has drawn a lot of eyeballs, and people are having a field day with memes and jokes over Viola appearing to constantly put on an exaggerated duck face while she talks to TV Barack Obama. Per TMZ, another scene in the series that seemed to annoy viewers shows Viola-as-Michelle posing for a photoshoot, and she’s making the duck-face. https://twitter.com/i/status/1515754557728567297 A federal judge has slashed the $137 million dollars in damages awarded to a former Tesla employee who successfully sued the company last year for racial discrimination. A San Francisco federal court awarded former Tesla worker, Owen Diaz, 53, about $137 million after he sued the auto-maker, claiming he endured racist abuse working as an elevator operator at the production facility in Fremont, California. He came forward with the allegations in 2018, two years after he reportedly quit his job. https://youtu.be/lJyUF5ZoOdk The man who fatally shot Angela Simmons‘ ex-fiancé in 2018 has been sentenced to life. Michael Williams fatally shot Sutton Tennyson, 37, outside of Sutton’s garage in southwest Atlanta. Tennyson, who has a child with Simmons, was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds inside the garage in an upscale southwest Atlanta community, police said. As most of you know, Simmons, 34, is the daughter of Joseph “Rev. Run” Simmons, one of the founding members of the rap group Run–DMC. Days after the killing, Williams surrendered to police and was charged with murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm during a felony. Lizzo served as host and the musical guest on “Saturday Night Live” over the weekend and performed two songs from her forthcoming album “Special.” During her opening monologue, the singer joked about online rumors, her crush on actor Chris Evans, and her obsession with posing semi-nude on Instagram for her fans. “While I’m here, I do want to address some rumors,” she said. “I’ve heard a lot of gossip online that I’m dating every little white boy in Hollywood? They think I’m collecting members of One Direction like Infinity Stones.” She continued, “I even heard a rumor that I’m pregnant with Chris Evans’ baby?? I have no idea where that one started. It could be the TikTok I did where I said, ‘I’m pregnant with Chris Evans’ baby.'” “It’s called manifesting,” Lizzo concluded. https://youtu.be/9B75B-kkYGI Joe Budden’s former podcast co-host Rory has compared singer Trey Songz to disgraced artist R.Kelly. Songz, like Kellz, has been accused of a slew of sexual assaults on women, and he’s facing a $20 million dollar lawsuit. “In 15 years however f**k long it’s gonna be, that Trey Songz doc is gonna be crazier than the R.Kelly one,” said Rory during an Instagram Live session, cassiuslife.com reports. “Trey Songz is the most nasty, abusive, rapey, beats the sh*t out of women. Like he’s the scum of the f***ing Earth. Trey Songz is fucking disgusting. Like, his doc is going to surpass, if you ever thought you could surpass an R.Kelly doc, I promise you in 15 years Trey Songz will. He’s an awful human being, like a terrible, terrible f***ing human being. Somebody is going to knock him the f*** out.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7prl2KdgF1k For the 47th year, Long Beach CA was the place to be for what is now the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. The week was filled with thrills, spills and excitement! After the last few years of dealing with the Covid pandemic, the racing world is again drawing crowds who are eager to hear and feel the roaring engines of Indy Cars racing through the famous streets of Long Beach. Colton Herta #26, the pole sitter for the race, took the lead from the start. However, after the first pit stop, Herta found himself in second place behind 2021 Indy Champion Alex Palou #10 who was in the lead. Two young people were fatally shot and at least nine others were injured by gunfire overnight in Pittsburgh’s East Allegheny neighborhood, officials said early Sunday morning. The shootings stemmed from a large party at a short-term rental property where as many as 200 people had gathered, the city of Pittsburgh said in a news release. Many of those at the party were underage, the release said. As officers responded to the scene, they saw several young people running from the area, officials said. “As many as 50 rounds were fired inside, prompting some party-goers to jump out the windows, sustaining injuries such as broken bones and lacerations. Several more shots were fired outside the home,” the news release said. The two victims who died were male juveniles, city officials said. On Saturday at a crowded South Carolina mall, a gunman opened fire near the food court, shooting 10 and leaving two others injured when they were trampled in the chaos. Fortunately, there have no fatalities reported. Three “persons of interest” were detained by police after they were seen with firearms in the mall, said Columbia Police Chief W. H. “Skip” Holbrook at a press conference. At least one of the three fired a weapon, but he said police were still sorting out exactly how the gunplay unfolded. None had yet been arrested and it was not yet clear how many shots had been fired. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=529318535394290 50 Cent has never hidden his recently acquired distaste for the STARZ network, which, interestingly, is home to his successful TV shows “Power Book II: Ghost,” “Power Book IV: Force,” and “Black Mafia Family.” 50 is frustrated by the current state of things at Starz, where he is still producing the Power universe of TV shows. Only recently, he vented his feelings on social media about the treatment he was getting from STARZ. He even went as far as to threaten to move his shows from the network because of its refusal to announce any renewal for the next few seasons of the “Power” spinoffs currently showing. https://youtu.be/GK-FsdSMeno Today is April 17, Easter Sunday. April is also National Brunch Month and Easter is one of the best days to have brunch! With that in mind, we’d like to ask, if you’re down for cream cheese stuffed French toast with caramel, pecans and blueberries? If your mouth is watering just thinking about it, then the “Culinary Cutie” has just the recipe for you. The Culinary Cutie, by the way, is Tracy Williamson, a Chicago native and a self-taught chef with a passion for food, cooking and sharing real food with real people in real life. Tracy is the owner of Peppers Cuisine & Flavo and has been featured on the syndicated national radio show, “Get Up Mornings with Erica Campbell.” She has also been the featured chef for the ABC7 Chicago staff’s Thanksgiving and Christmas meals and was the featured chef for the Nordstrom-Oakbrook Black History Month Celebration. https://abc7chicago.com/11759635/ Vernon Jones, a Republican congressional candidate, has said that being gay is a choice and that LGBT rights should not be compared with civil rights for Black people. Former President Donald Trump endorsed Jones in February for Georgia’s 10th congressional district race. This was only ten days after Jones bowed out of the Peach State gubernatorial race. Jones spoke on Friday in an interview with Steve Bannon, a former aide to Donald Trump. He stated that “civil rights for Blacks, and gay rights for gays, are two different things.” When Bannon pointed out that “they say it’s the same thing,” Jones shot back that “but it’s not the same thing,” https://youtu.be/bS6vRuzTvhc A man who witnessed the struggle between Patrick Lyoya and the Grand Rapids police officer who fatally shot him told CNN on Friday he knew the incident wouldn’t end well. “I knew when the tussle began,” Wayne Butler said. “If you tussle with a White man with a gun, and you’re Black in America, you end up dead.” Lyoya was fatally shot April 4 in the Michigan city after he and the officer — who has not been identified — had a physical encounter. Lyoya’s family has called for the officer to be prosecuted; the officer is on paid leave while Michigan State Police conduct an investigation. Butler, was outside his home watching the scene unfold and can be seen with his identity blurred on some of the videos released by police. “It’s just a regular, regular neighborhood. I mean it’s not super fancy, we’re just regular folk,” said Butler, who has lived there a few years. Unfortunately, most folks have to drive to get from one place to another. As a result, burning gas is inevitable, but the speed at which you burn it can be decreased. Obviously, you can buy a more fuel-efficient car or drive less to save money. For folks in California, the state has incentive programs for drivers looking to switch to electric vehicles. Unfortunately, that’s not an option for everyone. The reality for most is that you’ve got to do the best you can with what you already have. CNN spoke with David Bennett, Repair Systems Manager at AAA, about ways all of us can try to be a little more fuel-efficient while gas prices are at record highs. https://youtu.be/84pViT82A08 DJ Khaled was honored with the 2,7119th star on the Hollywood Hall of Fame this past Monday at a ceremony attended by Jaz-Z, Fat Joe and Sean “Diddy” Combs, among others. https://youtu.be/DvA9uAqFz3E A devastating NBA playoff debut from Anthony Edwards powered the Minnesota Timberwolves to a shock 130-117 Game 1 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday. The 20-year-old scored a game-high 36 points to stun the Western Conference’s number two seed in their own backyard at the FedExForum, dazzling in a statement win for a T-Wolves team that only reached the playoffs via the play-ins. Adding two rebounds and six assists, Edwards became the third-youngest player in NBA history — and only one of four under the age of 21 — to score 35 points in a playoff game, according to ESPN Stats and Info. https://youtu.be/zJaeiDk8osY It looks like Thandie Newton may be heading to rehab following her dramatic departure from the film “Magic Mike’s Last Dance.” The “Mission: Impossible 2” actress had been in London filming the third installment of the ‘Magic Mike’ series with Channing Tatum when staffers on set became worried about her health and behavior. Reportedly, her behavior caused such a concern that her agent flew in from Los Angeles in hopes of rectifying the issue. However, on Tuesday ( Apr.12), Thandie Newton was flown back to the States to hopefully check into a facility. According to sources, the 49-year-old “Westworld” actress has been battling both emotional and family problems after separating from her husband Ol Parker. They have been married for 24 years and have three children. A source on set said: “Thandie had been acting strange on set, she has been very highly strung. Her apparent breakdown caused so much disruption, it became clear she couldn’t play the role…There is a lot going on in her personal life, she and her husband have separated. She seemed so stressed, she even brought her two pet rabbits to her hotel for emotional support.” The source went on to confirm that Newton’s team wants the actress to go to rehab. Prime Video released the official trailer for the second season of the highly anticipated hit YA series “The Wilds.” All eight episodes of the Amazon Original series will premiere on Friday, May 6 exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. The trailer gives a sneak peek at the even higher stakes the girls face as they remain trapped on a mysterious island, and a look into what has been part of the experiment all along: the boys. https://youtu.be/k76fRx1iW5w Power couple Teyana Taylor and Iman Shumpert are on the cover of Ebony’s April issue. The couple got open and honest about their life and love and how fame intersects with these. The cover photo also features their two daughters, June 6, and Rose, 1. The couple has extensively talked about their family and legacy. You may recall that in February, there were widespread rumors triggered by TikTok about the couple’s marriage. There were claims the marriage was going south, with Teyana abusing drugs after learning that her husband was allegedly cheating on her around the time he was starring in the Season 30 of Dancing with the Stars. According to these rumors, her drug use got her hospitalized, forcing her to cancel one of her tour dates in November 2021. “These types of rumors and lies hurt the most because I take pride in being a mother and would never be that irresponsible. I’ve never used drugs a day in my life, nor do I smoke, and only drink occasionally. My health issues were never a secret. We actually outwardly shared them with the world on our reality tv show, We Got Love,” Teyana explains to Ebony, pointing to the cancer scare and surgery she underwent to remove small lumps discovered in her breast. https://www.instagram.com/teyanataylor/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=bde11d8a-0284-4cb4-96d6-3c074aeb1ff7 Pope Francis implicitly criticized Russia for dragging Ukraine into a “cruel and senseless” conflict and urged leaders to strive for peace as he marked what he called an “Easter of war” on Sunday. The 85-year-old pope made the comments in his “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and the world) address – traditionally an overview of world conflicts – to about 100,000 people in St. Peter’s Square. It was the first Easter since 2019 that the public was allowed into the square to hear the twice-yearly address following two years of COVID-19 restrictions. Francis dedicated much of the message to Ukraine, comparing the shock of another war in Europe to the shock of the apostles when the gospel says they saw the risen Jesus. The hilltop compound housing the mosque is the third-holiest site in Islam, while it is the holiest place for Jews, who refer to it as the Temple Mount. The competing claims to the site have sparked numerous rounds of violence. This year the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, Christian holy week culminating in Easter Sunday and the week-long Jewish Passover are all occurring at the same time, with tens of thousands of visitors flocking to the city after coronavirus restrictions have been mostly lifted. Israeli police accused Palestinians of “defiling and desecrating” a holy site, while Palestinian officials accused Israel of trying to divide the sensitive holy site. “What happened in Al-Aqsa Mosque is a dangerous escalation, the repercussions of which are to be borne by the Israeli government alone,” said Nabil Abu Rdeneh, spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Police said they entered the compound to facilitate the routine visit of Jews to the holy site. They said Palestinians had stockpiled stones and set up barriers in anticipation of violence. Omer Barlev, the Israeli minister in charge of the police, said it was important to ensure freedom of worship “but we will not compromise when violence and terror take place.” The police cleared Palestinians out of the sprawling esplanade outside the mosque itself early Sunday, while dozens of Palestinians remained inside the building chanting “God is Greatest.” Video released by police showed small groups of youths throwing stones, as well as fireworks being fired from inside the mosque. It’s quite an academic accomplishment to be accepted to all eight Ivy League schools. It’s another to be enrolled in medical school and law school at the same time. That’s the case for Victor Agbafe, a 2015 graduate of Cape Fear Academy. The Wilmington native completed his undergraduate studies at Harvard University. Now, two years into medical school at the University of Michigan, he’s also enrolled in law school at Yale University. “What happens is it’s like a staggered structure for me,” Agbafe said. “Last year during my M1 year in med school, I applied to law school. I was lucky to have some options and chose Yale and I decided to defer the beginning of it for two years. So, after my third year of med school, I’ll head over to New Haven — do those three years — and then I’ll come back for my last year of med school.” Agbafe found himself thrust into the media spotlight his senior year at Cape Fear Academy in Wilmington. The straight A student who also played on the basketball team was newsworthy after receiving acceptance letters from all eight Ivy League schools. Agbafe quickly found his passion early on in medical school — surgery. He says he’s drawn to the exceptionally challenging ones. As the largest bank home mortgage originator, and largest bank originator of home loans to minorities over the last decade, Wells Fargo believes it has a responsibility to develop solutions that help close the gap. As a next step in meeting that responsibility, Wells Fargo announced a new initiative to help advance racial equity in homeownership across the country. The company will develop a Special Purpose Credit Program (SPCP) to help minority homeowners, whose mortgages are currently serviced by Wells Fargo, refinance those mortgages. Initially, through the program, Wells Fargo will identify eligible Black homeowners who could benefit from a refinance product, according to a press release. Wells Fargo will commit $150 million to lower mortgage rates and reduce the refinancing costs to help these homeowners further benefit from refinancing. This program goes beyond the usual lending programs and puts the company’s own money to work refinancing minority families’ homes. The company will assess its progress and will publicly disclose it annually. On the 75th anniversary of Major League Baseball’s Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in the sport, however America’s favorite pastime has been failing to gain traction amongst Black youth players. An Atlanta-based mentoring program however, has been working to change that narrative. Headed by Atlanta native and former Chicago Cubs outfielder CJ Stewart, L.E.A.D., which stands for launch, expose, advise, direct, aims to assist low-income Black youth by igniting the spark of playing hardball. Stewart, equipped with a history of coaching major league players like Jason Heyward and Dexter Fowler, is doing all he can to keep the spirit alive despite rising inflation costs. The Cleveland Avenue Foundation for Education (CAFE Group)—will award five $1 million grants to Black leaders in education during the 1954 Project Luminary Awards on Apr. 28. Actor and comedian Cedric the Entertainer, whose mother was an educator, kicks off the 2nd annual event. Musician and education advocate Pharrell Williams and actress Vanessa Bell Calloway are featured presenters in the virtual awards show. The 1954 Project has raised nearly one-third of its $100 million goal through contributions from its founders, Don and Liz Thompson; the Walton Family Foundation; the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, and many other donors. A beloved Texas television news anchor has died after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. Shatanya Clarke, 27, was “bigger than life” and optimistic despite being diagnosed with the tumor in 2020, her television station family at KFDX said. Her spirit will live on in Wichita Falls along with fundraisers she helped spearhead. She died at her home on Thursday, April 14. Through a series on Clarke’s YouTube channel, she revealed her battle with the Myxoid Mesenchymal tumor she was diagnosed with at 25. The Jamaica native underwent major brain surgery, chemotherapy and treatments for the tumor that was initially thought to be a severe headache. According to KFDZ, Clarke remained optimistic about treatments prior to her death. BL Grocery, founded by couple Ursula Martin, 44, and Jerrell Spencer, 45, is located at 1464 Valse Road in the Hamilton neighborhood. They aim to bring fresh produce and hot meals to the neighborhood. “We wanted to provide access to food in a food desert,” Martin said. “We’re not at all saying that we won’t provide traditionally what you will see in a corner store. We will, but you will also be able to come in and buy an apple, buy a bell pepper, an onion, one pound of ground beef. That kind of old-school grocery store feel is what our vision is.” In February 2018, Kroger closed two of its locations in South Memphis. Martin noted the impact the grocer’s absence has had on the community and hopes BL Grocery can help mend that gap. “South Memphis lost their Kroger right before COVID, and it was a big blow,” Martin said. It was a big blow because now you have people having to travel. If you live in South Memphis and you want to go to Kroger, you can either go to Whitehaven or Midtown.” The Timberwolves aren’t done with protesters delaying their games. An animal rights activist chained herself to the basket stanchion Saturday during Game 1 of the Timberwolves-Grizzlies playoff series in Memphis, Tenn. The woman, wearing a T-shirt that read: “Glen Taylor Roasts Animals Alive” — appeared during a stoppage of play in the second quarter with yellow chains and attempted to secure herself to the stanchion after throwing flyers on the floor. https://twitter.com/i/status/1515431857717858304 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is warning that Russia could use tactical nuclear weapons during its invasion of Ukraine – and cautioned that it was a matter grave concern for the entire world. ‘Not only me – I think all of the world, all of the countries have to be worried because it can be not real information, but it can be truth,’ Zelensky said, speaking in English. ‘We should think not be afraid, not be afraid but be ready. But that is not a question for Ukraine, not only for Ukraine but for all the world, I think,’ he said. Zelensky was responding to a question by CNN’s Jake Tapper about CIA Director William Burns warning that Russian President Vladimir Putin might use a tactical nuclear tactical weapon as a desperate act amid military setbacks in its invasion, which has continued for 50 days. He mentioned nuclear weapons as well as chemical weapons as a potential threat. ‘Chemical weapons, they should do it, they could do it, for them the life of the people [means] nothing. That’s why,’ Zelensky said, speaking in sometimes imprecise English. His dire comments in the interview come as it was reported Zelensky personally asked President Joe Biden to designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism – a move with substantial implications for trade and sanctions. A top trans psychologist who has helped hundreds of teens transition has warned it has ‘gone too far’ amid fears many youngsters are making life-changing decisions because it is ‘trendy’. Dr Erica Anderson, who has worked as a clinical psychologist in the US for 30 years, has raised concerns that the rise in trans or non-binary children is the result of peer pressure. The 71-year-old, who is transgender, said clinicians are failing to carry out thorough mental health evaluations before recommending hormones or surgeries to teenagers. She is a former clinical psychologist at the University of California San Francisco Child and Adolescent Gender Center, where she provided support for hundreds of young people transitioning. ‘For a while, we were all happy that society was becoming more accepting and more families than ever were embracing children that were gender variant,’ she told the Los Angeles Times. In 1950s Air Force parlance, a pilot who crashed and died was said to have ‘bought the farm.’ The euphemistic saying could also be applied to boxing sensation Errol Spence Jr. were it not for two things: He miraculously survived his horrifying single-car crash in 2019, and instead of a farm, he technically bought a ranch. ‘A ranch has livestock and [you’re] raising animals – a farm is more like you have a green house or crops, and things like that,’ Spence told DailyMail.com, clarifying the distinction between the two. The novice rancher and undefeated welterweight champion will face WBA title-holder Yordenis Ugas in a unification bout on Showtime pay-per-view this Saturday from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas – just his second fight in the 30 months since he nearly killed himself by rolling his $300,000 Ferrari over a median. Much of that time has been spent on his 60-acre Texas ranch with his new Ferrari, a horse ironically named for the Italian sports car he totaled. The property has served as unexpected therapy for a city guy who was born on Long Island and raised in the Dallas suburbs without any notion of country life. Now the 32-year-old is raising horses, cattle, and chickens along with his 17-month-old son, Errol III, and six-year-old twin daughters, Ivy and Violet. ‘It didn’t start out with me wanting a ranch,’ he said. ‘It was more about trying to find some peace of mind, away from the city life, away from people. I just wanted a big property so I can go outside with my kids and play and not be bothered. It just so happened that I found this ranch on Zillow.’ And it’s not just therapy for Spence, who admitted to having some post-traumatic stress since his wreck. The rigors of ranching have also helped him mature, albeit incrementally, ‘I still have some ways to go,’ he laughed. ‘It’s still tug of war a little bit.’ May Edward Chinn made history as the first black woman to graduate from Bellevue Hospital Medical College in 1926. She also was the first black woman to intern at Harlem Hospital, but because of her race could not go on to a hospital residency. Now an activist is pushing to honor Chinn, who went on to do pioneering work despite the racial discrimination she faced, by naming a street for her near her alma mater, which is now the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Michelle Deal Winfield, a retired educator, is gathering support to name the corner of East 29th Street and First Avenue for Chinn. Chinn eventually opened her own practice in Harlem and was the first woman to join New York City ambulance crews on emergency calls. Hampton University made several announcements regarding student tuition and fees on Thursday. “In keeping with the University’s efforts to help our students, there will be no increase in tuition, fees, room and board for the 2022-2023 academic year,” said Dr. William R. Harvey, Hampton University President. “In addition, on behalf of the University, I am pleased to announce that all outstanding balances for the Spring 2022 semester will be erased. We hope that this action will continue to assist our students and their families at our Home by the Sea.” University officials say the decision was made in light of ongoing financial hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A Florida teen says he is celebrating after being accepted to 27 colleges and universities, including Harvard, Stanford and MIT, and receiving over $4 million in scholarship money. “It was just a surprise just to see that they were interested in me and they wanted me to attend their institution, that they were offering me admission… it was just a ton of excitement,” Jonathan Walker said during an interview with ABC News’ Linsey Davis. Walker, a high school senior from Panama City, Florida, said he found something he liked at every school and only applied to schools where he could be “happy.” https://youtu.be/afWXsyz0nLM The NAACP called on Attorney General Merrick Garland to investigate years of allegations of widespread welfare fraud and misspending in Mississippi totaling over $94 million, according to a letter obtained exclusively by ABC News. NAACP President Derrick Johnson called on the Department of Justice “to aggressively investigate and prosecute those responsible for the massive theft of federal funds that apparently took place in Mississippi in fiscal years 2017 through 2019.” He noted that “funds from these programs are to be used for the neediest and most vulnerable in our society.” Mississippi State Auditor Shad White alleged that money set aside from the federal government for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) programs were misappropriated under the leadership of John Davis, then-head of the Mississippi Department of Human Services, according to the letter. The fraud allegations were first revealed in 2020 by state prosecutors in one of the largest cases involving embezzlement claims in state history. Six people have been indicted on state charges, including Davis. Davis has pleaded not guilty, court records show. His trial, which was supposed to start last year, has been delayed several times. An attorney for Davis did not respond to ABC News’ request for comment. Though medical research, knowledge, and technology continue to advance year after year, there is still little known about the root cause of uterine fibroids—a.k.a. noncancerous growths that present themselves inside or outside of the uterus. What is clear, however, is the fact that those benign tumors disproportionately affect Black women. According to the Black Women’s Health Imperative, Black women are 2-3 times more likely to have fibroids, to develop them at younger ages, to have bigger fibroids, to have more fibroids, and to have more symptoms. By age 35, nearly half of Black women will have experienced them. That number jumps up to 80 percent by age 50. Black women are also hospitalized three times more than white women are when it comes to dealing with fibroids. (I would know, I was one of them.) And on top of all of that, fibroids can also negatively impact a woman’s fertility, potentially cause pregnancy complications, and project a negative outlook when it comes to Black women’s prospects for bearing children. And it’s for those exact reasons that, in honor of Black Maternal Healthcare Week, The Root talked with a handful of women to discuss their journeys with fibroids and fertility and how they came to be at peace with their bodies, their wombs, and ultimately themselves. When Oprah talks, people listen. So hopefully, her latest partnership with the Smithsonian Channel will get people to listen to the cries for better access to quality healthcare for people of color. On April 14, the network announced its Color of Care campaign, which is focused on equity in health care across racial lines. The highlight of the year-long multi-platform campaign is “The Color of Care,” a documentary produced by Winfrey’s Harpo Productions that will premiere on May 1 on the Smithsonian Channel. The film, directed by OSCAR®-nominated and Emmy® award-winning director Yance Ford, explores the ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic shed light on the fact that people of color often receive second-rate health care. There will be a national screening of the film at various nursing schools, medical schools, nonprofit organizations and Historically Black Colleges and Universities around the country. The celebration of Jackie Robinson continues! Yesterday marked the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson becoming the first African American baseball player to play in Major League Baseball. The man is not only an example and legend in the sports world, but he was also an icon and leader in the world of social justice and activism as Robinson faced a lot of racism and scrutiny during his 10-year career with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Although he was the first African American to play for The Show, he for sure was not the last. He opened the door for a wave of talented young Black players to showcase their skills on baseball’s biggest stage and many of them became some of the greatest baseball players of all time. Per a press release sent to The Root, on Saturday, June 18, The HISTORY Channel is set to premiere the two-hour documentary, “After Jackie,” in association with MLB. It will tell the untold story of the second wave of Black players who took the majors by storm and continued the fight for racial equality. Five young women at North Carolina’s Saint Augustine’s University are making history. They will compete as the first historically Black university women’s crew team, ever. “We are trailblazers. We are literally Black history,” sophomore Breanna Dorway said. “I’m just really excited for what’s in store for us.” Saint Augustine’s is a small liberal arts university established in 1867 by the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina. Rowing first came to Saint Augustine’s as a virtual sports program in the School of Business, Management & Technology. There, Professor Mark Janas has introduced students to golf, motorsports and cycling that may have otherwise been unavailable at the school with an enrollment of nearly 1,000 students. Rowing is not a cheap sport to participate in, which is why it’s more common at Ivy League institutions like Harvard and Yale. That is until the Howard University men’s crew team made history as the first HBCU crew team in the mid-1960s. Saint Augustine’s women do not pay to participate in the sport and will rely on fundraising to obtain the money they need to compete. On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson played his first game with the Brooklyn Dodgers, forever changing baseball and society. Robinson was Black, and the integration of all-white major league baseball was perhaps the most important story about civil rights in the years immediately following World War II. The integration, Jules Tygiel wrote in his groundbreaking book “Baseball’s Great Experiment,” “captured the imagination of millions of Americans who had previously ignored the nation’s racial dilemma.” As Martin Luther King Jr. famously put it, Robinson “was a sit-inner before sit-ins, a freedom rider before freedom rides.” Major League Baseball celebrates the 75th anniversary of Robinson’s historic career on April 15, 2022, in stadiums and ballparks across the nation. But in my view, those celebrations will fall short if they don’t address how Robinson confronted white supremacy with class and dignity during a time before he joined the Dodgers, when his own minor league manager once asked, “Do you really think a nigra is a human being?” I’ve written or edited four books about Jackie Robinson. When I give a lecture or a talk about him, I often mention that he was a Republican. Given the modern-day opposition that the Republican Party has toward civil and voting rights protections – and the teaching of racism in American history – this invariably provokes an audible gasp from the audience. Lawyers for the family of a California grandmother fatally shot by authorities accused police of excessive force Wednesday, saying that even though she backed her car into a law enforcement vehicle, she was unarmed and never threatened officers. Tracy Gaeta, 54, died after a K-9 officer in Stockton fired more than 30 shots into her car Feb. 22, according to body camera video released April 7. A lawyer for the family, Gary Gwilliam, said that the officer acted against policies adopted by many departments that bar or discourage police from firing at moving vehicles. “No matter what was going on with her — even if she had committed a heinous crime — he didn’t have the right to shoot her,” he said in an interview. “She never threatened him.” “The excessive force is shocking,” he added. In a statement, Angelina Austin, a lawyer with Gwilliam’s firm, added: “Like too many Black women across this country, Tracy Gaeta is yet another victim of preventable police violence.” In a video statement released last week, the police department said the incident began after Gaeta — who was initially identified as a Black male — was captured in surveillance video striking a police SUV that was stopped at a red light. Nearly nine months after authorities found an 18-year-old dead at a metro Atlanta park, police have secured warrants for felony murder and aggravated assault in the case. Gwinnett County Police said 20-year-old Austin Ford was already in jail in another jurisdiction for an unrelated matter. Now, he is facing charges in Tori Lang’s death. “I believe that he was actually a friend of Tori’s at one point and that is how they knew each other,” said Gwinnett Police Sgt. Jennifer Richter. On July 28, 2021, authorities were called to Yellow River Park around 6:30 a.m. and found the teen dead from a gunshot wound. Her car was found a week later burned and hidden in a wooded area of Hidden Acres Nature Preserve in DeKalb County, about five miles from the park. Last year, her friends told 11Alive they didn’t now why Lang would be in the Gwinnett County park; they sent their condolences to the family. https://youtu.be/xmm0Icf_9sI The Prairie County sheriff claims he is not racist and said nothing wrong after a recorded phone line captured him responding to news of a shooting with a comment about black people living in the area. The call was made by the county’s communication center to Sheriff Rick Hickman after a triple shooting left three people dead. The call, first shared on social media and requested under the state’s public-record law, lasted about 90 seconds. The dispatcher can be heard describing where the shooting happened. “The house next to the apartments,” the dispatcher told Hickman. The sheriff replied, “Oh, really. Black people then.” Jimel Brown has lived in Des Arc all his life and said the sheriff’s comments are concerning. “It doesn’t sit right with me,” Brown said. “That’s not somebody you would want representing your town, protecting the people, serving the people.” https://www.kark.com/news/working4you/prairie-co-sheriff-says-he-said-nothing-wrong-about-black-people/ Luke Dixon, a long-time Los Angeles resident, respected community leader, and successful businessman passed away peacefully at the age of 109 years old on March 14, 2022. Life Celebration services for Mr. Dixon will be held Friday, April 15, 2022, 11am, at Crenshaw Christian Center, 7901 South Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA. Born in Mound, Louisiana, November 29, 1912, Mr. Dixon was a World War II veteran. He was a student at Arkansas Baptist College before being drafted into the U. S. Army in 1941 and was celebrated by his Alma Mater in 2018 in a special ceremony honoring him as their oldest living student. Following his discharge from the U. S. Army to Los Angeles, California, Mr. Dixon and his wife, Mary, began achieving notable milestones that changed the course of their lives and endeared them to their community. Always eager to learn and improve his life, Mr. Dixon began a career at the Los Angeles Post Office (Terminal Annex) in 1947 where he remained for over a decade. Actress Liz Sheridan, famed for playing Jerry Seinfeld’s sitcom mom and telling all about being James Dean’s 1950s lover, has died at the age of 93. The star passed away from natural causes around 2:30 a.m. on Friday, TMZ reports. Sheridan starred as overprotective mom Helen Seinfeld in 21 episodes of “Seinfeld” from 1990 to 1998. She is the only “Seinfeld” star — apart from the four main leads — to be featured in all nine seasons of the hit sitcom. Seinfeld paid tribute to his “TV mom” on Twitter Friday afternoon. “Liz was always the sweetest, nicest TV mom a son could wish for,” he wrote. “Every time she came on our show it was the coziest feeling for me. So lucky to have known her.” Her death comes less than two weeks after the passing of Estelle Harris — another famous “Seinfeld” star, who played George Costanza’s mom. Like Sheridan, Harris was also 93. The actress also had a recurring role as Raquel Ochmonek in the NBC smash sitcom “ALF,” which ran from 1986 – 1990. Sheridan, who was born in New York, first began her career working as a dancer in Big Apple nightclubs, where she met Dean in her early twenties — shortly before his massive “Rebel Without a Cause” and “Giant” film fame. The 30th Anniversary Bounce Trumpet Awards has been rescheduled for April 23, 2022, at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood and will air on Juneteenth, Sunday, June 19, at 7 p.m. ET. Produced by Magic Lemonade Production Company, the gala event will be televised on Bounce, the nation’s popular entertainment television network serving African Americans. The event was rescheduled from January because of COVID-19 concerns. “It’s fitting that we will honor Black excellence and achievement on a day that is a commemoration of such a significant moment in our history as African Americans,” said Cheryle Harrison, head of Bounce. “We appreciate everyone’s patience in our having to adjust this year’s schedule. Health and safety are a priority for our guests, honorees, and staff.” Broadway is awash with Tony award-winning musicals where protagonists stop at nothing to achieve their dreams. But there has never been a dream-fulfilling musical like “A Strange Loop,” a Pulitzer Prize-winning story by Michael R. Jackson. “‘A Strange Loop’ is a musical about a young Black gay man (Usher) who is working as an usher at a Broadway show and writing a musical about a young Black gay man who is working as an usher at a Broadway show,” Jackson, a Detroit native, said. The production didn’t begin as an ensemble musical about his self-perception. Instead, he looked through a first-person singular lens for the show. “It started off as a monologue, a thinly veiled monologue that I wrote right after I graduated from undergrad in 2002 or 2003. That was at that time something for me because I was 22 or 23 years old and not sure of my place in the world. I just wanted to sort of try to give myself a little bit of a life raft to sort of understand what was going on with me,” Jackson recalled. “I never expected to go to Broadway. In the earlier stages of working on ‘A Strange Loop,’ I was ushering at Broadway theatres. So, I saw what was onstage. I couldn’t imagine that my sort of punk rock kind of musical could ever be on the stage.” In 2021, Bishop T.D. Jakes and Lifetime joined forces to bring audiences “A Seven Deadly Sins Story.” The series began with “Lust” starring Keri Hilson and “Envy” starring Serayah and Kandi Burruss. Due to the success of both films, the network green lit Jakes’ next two films. “Wrath” follows Chasity Jeffries (Michelle Williams), a lawyer who falls head over heels for a guy she meets, who soon becomes obsessed with her. https://youtu.be/RriZzZZqhac STARZ releases the new teaser trailer for season two of its critically acclaimed series “P-Valley,” a kaleidoscopic story of a little strip club that could located down deep in the Mississippi Delta, and the big characters who enter its doors. The hit drama from creator and executive producer Katori Hall, premieres Friday, June 3 at midnight on the STARZ app, STARZ streaming and on-demand platforms and internationally on the STARZPLAY premium streaming platform across the UK and Latin America. On linear, it debuts on STARZ at 9pm ET/PT in the U.S. and Canada. The upcoming sophomore season reveals a whole new Pynk as it struggles to remain open during a pandemic, a battle for the throne and the possibility of some new blood shaking up the locker room. https://youtu.be/RhOKJM_pDBM Atlanta’s own Ludacris is about to “Roll Out” of the spring season with a new degree. Georgia State University announced Monday they are granting Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges with an honorary degree during their commencement ceremony on May 4 after the University System of Georgia Board of Regents made an approval. The actor, entrepreneur, and Grammy award-winning rapper once took classes at GSU in the early 1990s before he signed a record deal with Def Jam. “We are proud that Chris Bridges got his start at Georgia State,” Georgia State President M. Brian Blake, who nominated the multi-platinum artist, wrote in a statement. According to a statement from the university, Ludacris is receiving the honor for his “support of Georgia State’s creative media arts and law programs, his substantial commitment to the metro Atlanta community and his nationwide philanthropic endeavors.” Jackson’s production will be on the stage of the Lyceum Theatre on the Great White Way beginning Tuesday, April 26, 2022. As the playwright, lyricist, and composer of “A Strange Loop,” he promises music that’s spicy and ear warming. In addition to being the best in the series of “Fantastic Beasts” magical adventures, “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” is a feast for our taxing times. When the cast returned to its old New York stomping grounds prior to a screening of “The Secrets of Dumbledore,” it was like a breath of fresh air. They came the same day a mad man smoke bombed a train and shot numerous riders. That, coupled with a non-stoppable maniac allowed to perpetuate unimaginable atrocities on the people of Ukraine, and the never-ending assault and murder of people of color, who wouldn’t want to escape into the magical world of “Fantastic Beasts?” https://youtu.be/Y9dr2zw-TXQ “Stranger Things” 4 Vol. 1 premieres May 27th, only on Netflix. It’s been six months since the Battle of Starcourt, which brought terror and destruction to Hawkins. Struggling with the aftermath, our group of friends are separated for the first time – and navigating the complexities of high school hasn’t made things any easier. In this most vulnerable time, a new and horrifying supernatural threat surfaces, presenting a gruesome mystery that, if solved, might finally put an end to the horrors of the Upside Down. https://youtu.be/4DUZAtoTO4c Tope Awotona, the forty-year-old Nigerian who founded the Calendly app, has joined the club of the richest immigrants in the US. The Calendly, scheduling software for streamlining work-life, meetings, and appointments, is now worth $3 billion after it took Silicon Valley by storm. This windfall has made Awotona one of the richest immigrants. Forbes has estimated his personal net worth at $1.4 billion. He is also the CEO of Calendly. https://youtu.be/Hit7SXi1Ccs We have heard of all sorts of “bad” relationships, but Patti LaBelle’s was what many considered the “perfect” relationship, so its ending took many by surprise. For starters, LaBelle used to be a wife to a man called Armstead Edwards. They married way back in 1969. It was a perfect marriage because they never argued. They had been good friends before they married, and perhaps they were meant for each other. However, one day Patti decided they might as well go their separate ways, according to ILoveOldSchoolMusic. What is gradually coming out is that long-lasting marriages are a thing of the past. These days it is hard to come by marriages that last over 10 years, especially in the entertainment industry. Yet Patti remained married to Armstead for over 30 years. Armstead was actually her manager before they even fell in love. He asked her to marry him three times, and she turned him down three times. But one day, she caved in. It was her turn to ask him. https://youtu.be/fU-faNkf_qU Naturi Naughton wedded in Atlanta and she took to social media to share her joy with her fans and followers. She was joined at the huge wedding party by some of her former co-stars from the Power show. They stood alongside her and Two Lewis, the groom. There were 11 groomsmen and 8 bridesmaids. The best man happened to be Omari Hardwick, her onscreen husband. La La Anthony and Angela Yee were among the bridesmaids. https://youtu.be/0PQAzew9XlY Rihanna became a trending topic yesterday, not for her fashionable maternity wear, or any new music tease, but because a wild rumor began circulating about her and A$AP Rocky. The story that went viral claimed Rihanna called it quits with the New York rapper after she caught him cheating with Amina Muaddi — the shoe designer for Rihanna’s Fenty brand. A Thursday tweet from fashion blogger Louis Pisano read: “Rihanna & ASAP Rocky have split. Rihanna broke up with him after she caught him cheating with shoe designer Amina Muaddi.” He continued: “Amina was responsible for designing Fenty’s footwear offering and Rihanna is often seen in custom shoes from her own label. ASAP & Amina is not new though as she was seeing him years ago and also collaborated with him on a collection of shoes. Things apparently hit the fan at Craigs in LA.” While those claims weren’t confirmed as the stars did not comment on the matter, it didn’t stop Twitter from going into a meltdown. Joseline Hernandez was recently accused of beating down some girls on her show and now it looks like she will have to beat her way through court! According to @tmz_tv, the reality star is being sued for $25M after a bunch of dancers from “Joseline’s Cabaret” claimed she put the paws on them on set! A total of four women are accusing her of ambushing them while trying to film. In docs obtained by the news outlet, the dancers claim they showed up in high heels for the reunion show taping, but Joseline had other plans for them. One woman claims Joseline violently kicked her in the ribs, while another claims Joseline dragged her by her hair and kicked her in the back. A third dancer alleges Joseline grabbed her by the neck and shoved her to the ground, TMZ reports. The fourth woman said Joseline pushed her and only threatened to beat her up. As his death date draws near, a South Carolina death row inmate has chosen to be executed by firing squad. Richard Bernard Moore became the first prisoner in the state forced to choose how he wanted to die. The electric chair is South Carolina’s default, but inmates may also choose to be shot to death. Moore has spent over two decades on death row for the murder of James Mahoney, a Spartanburg store clerk, in 1999. Moore’s attorney’s argued that he entered the store unarmed with only the intent to rob it. However, during a scuffle with Mahoney, he took hold of the clerk’s gun and shot him with it. Moore was convicted in 2001 and sentenced to die for the slaying. https://www.instagram.com/p/CcbHiEvDRxN/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Walden University, a for-profit school, deliberately put up a scheme to lure and trap students in a cycle of debt and despair, according to a class-action lawsuit filed in federal court in Maryland against the institution. The scheme targeted mainly Black and female students. The class-action suit was filed by the National Student Legal Defense Network in January on behalf of several ex-students who allege that the school went against consumer protection laws and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act by targeting minorities and women when it misrepresented the costs and credits required to acquire an advanced degree. Aljanal Carroll joined Walden University in 2017 for a doctorate in business administration. At that time, she was told she could complete her course in 18 months. She easily made it through the coursework hoping for timely graduation. But she ran into many issues when she got to her “capstone project.” That is her dissertation. https://youtu.be/Ss_5fucqlIs Officials in Sacramento and Washington frequently point to the low unemployment rate in the state and around the country as proof that the U.S. economy has recovered from the downturn experienced during the global COVID-19 crisis. But the total unemployment rate for Black Californians seems stuck at almost three times higher than the national rate – despite steady increases in overall hiring of African Americans in the state. A sharp drop in the national unemployment rate for all Americans – down to 3.6 % in February — brings the number of people without jobs across the United States to just one tenth of a point above the pre [1] pandemic level of 3.5% (February 2020), according to data compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics at the U.S. Department of Labor. https://youtu.be/f7oqefnQJCQ Low-income Americans who missed signing up for 2022 Affordable Care Act coverage can now enroll in plans with $0 premiums through the federal exchange’s website. Those with incomes less than 150% of the federal poverty level — $19,320 for an individual and $39,750 for a family of four — can select policies on healthcare.gov through a special enrollment period, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services told CNN exclusively on Monday. Most people will be able to select plans with no premiums, while others may have to pay a few dollars. The agency is launching advertising and outreach campaigns to spread the word about the new special enrollment period, which lasts for the rest of the year. The effort will also target those experiencing certain life changes, such as losing job-based coverage, getting divorced or aging out of a parent’s policy, which have always allowed them to sign up for Obamacare policies during the year. https://youtu.be/YEGpriv2TAc Rapper Bankroll Freddie was in an Arkansas jail Friday after being arrested on federal drug and weapons charges, officials said. The 27-year-old performer, known off stage as Freddie Demarus Gladney of Conway, Arkansas, was arrested about 6:30 p.m. Thursday during a traffic stop for speeding on Interstate 55 in Marion, Arkansas, almost 20 miles from Memphis, Tennessee, according to the Arkansas State Police. A search of Freddie’s pickup truck yielded a gun, 21 pounds of marijuana and 171 grams of the prescription sedative promethazine, said Arkansas State Police spokesman Bill Sadler. Freddie was booked into the Crittenden County Detention Center on state drug and weapons charges and held for the FBI on equivalent federal charges. Jail and court records list no attorney for him. Emma Raducanu won on her Billie Jean King Cup debut to give Britain a crucial point in their qualifier against the Czech Republic with a hard-fought 7-5 7-5 win over Tereza Martincova in windy conditions in Prague on Friday. U.S. Open champion Raducanu, 19, was playing her first professional match on clay and gradually adjusted to the surface as she battled back in both sets to level the best-of-five tie after Harriet Dart lost 6-1 6-0 to Marketa Vondrousova. Raducanu was trailing 4-5 and saved a set point before winning three games on the bounce to take the opening set. She then found herself 1-4 down but rallied to win six of the last seven games to close out the win. “This one means so much to me because it is my first match in the Billie Jean King Cup and representing the team in my first match on clay,” said Raducanu, whose last match on clay was at the 2019 junior French Open. “Playing on clay took some adjusting even now. With the wind and some tricky bounces, to adjust and adapt in the situation was very challenging but I’m proud of how I dug in.” Tiger Woods has added another start to his itinerary. The 15-time major champion, who tied for 47th in last week’s Masters in his first official start in more than 500 days, will play in the JP McManus Pro-Am, a two-day event in Ireland beginning 10 days before The Open Championship. Following the final round at Augusta National Golf Club, Woods told Sky Sports he would play in the 150th Open Championship at St. Andrews, the Home of Golf. However, Woods did not commit to playing the PGA Championship in May at Southern Hills Country Club in Oklahoma; Woods won the 2007 PGA there. Woods said he’d try to play. A Brazilian man is celebrating the end of his country’s mask mandate by having both of his ears removed as his latest body modification. Michel Faro do Prado (a/k/a Human Satan) added the newest modification to a long list of tattoos and piercings to fit his “devil” image. According to The Sun, his teeth were even customized to appear satanic-like. Prado aka “Diabão” posted images of his new modification on social media where commentators on Reddit were shocked by the ears removal. One user mentioned how ears are not only used for masks but serve other purposes. https://youtu.be/ylvhg9ATW64 A New Jersey man was sentenced to 375 years in prison for the 2016 murders of two children and a college student and the stabbings of three others — crimes so heinous the judge called the bloody scene a “house of horrors.” On Friday, Judge Ronald Wigler sentenced Jeremy Arrington, 32, to three consecutive life sentences for fatally stabbing Ariel Little Whitehurst, 7, and her brother, Al-Jahon Whitehurst, 11, and fatally shooting college student Syasia McBurroughs, 23, a friend of the family who happened to be visiting their home on November 5, 2016, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office said in a release. Arrington, who had known the victims for years, attacked the family after he became enraged about a Facebook comment, prosecutors said. One of the stabbing victims had reposted an alert on Facebook about Arrington being wanted in connection with a previous shooting and sexual assault, NJ.com reported. Furious, Arrington broke into the Whitehurst’s apartment in Newark with a loaded firearm. A troubling video has struck a nerve amongst African Americans in the Plymouth Canton community. The recording appears to show a white high school student threatening to shoot and lynch African-Americans—while calling them a number of racial slurs. Plymouth Canton Community Schools Superintendent Monica Merritt addressed the video during a board meeting and in a letter to parents and students Monday night, saying, “We do not condone or tolerate reprehensible acts of this nature.” “I am not able to give details, there is not an active threat I will say, at our school at this moment,” Merritt said Tuesday night. https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/students-racist-video-threatening-to-kill-black-classmates-leaves-plymouth-canton-community-shaken When Peter and Dorcas Lyoya moved their family to the United States eight years ago to escape violence in their home country of the Democratic Republic of Congo, they believed they had found “a safe land,” Dorcas Lyoya said. That notion was shattered earlier this month, when their eldest child, Patrick Lyoya, was fatally shot by a Grand Rapids, Michigan, police officer during a traffic stop. “I’m surprised and astonished that it is here that my son was killed with a bullet,” Dorcas Lyoya said Thursday through a language interpreter. The family’s native language is Swahili. In their first comments since videos of the deadly encounter were released to the public, the Lyoyas called for “justice for Patrick” and demanded that the officer who shot him be held accountable. They also said they were shocked that their son had died in their adopted home country. “I didn’t believe in this country that there is genocide,” Peter Lyoya said. “I didn’t know that in America there can be an execution style to kill someone with a gun and be a police officer.” Lyoya, 26, was killed on the morning of April 4 after he was pulled over by an officer, who told him his license plate didn’t match the car he was driving. Four videos of the encounter, released Wednesday, showed Lyoya and the officer struggling before Lyoya was shot. Lyoya, a Black man, was facedown on the ground when he was fatally shot in the back of the head, one of the videos showed. Russia accused the Biden administration of ‘adding fuel’ to the conflict in Ukraine and warned there could be ‘unpredictable consequences’ if it continued to supply the most sensitive weapons to the war-torn nation, according to details of a diplomatic message published on Friday. It came after Washington stepped up its support to Ukrainian armed forces with an $800 million package that for the first time included 155 mm howitzer long-range artillery, as well as armored vehicles, and coastal defense drones. The supply of weapons – particularly anti-tank and anti-aircraft systems – has been credited with thwarting Russian efforts to seize the Ukrainian capital Kyiv. A two-page diplomatic note or démarche, dated Tuesday, was sent to the State Department by the Russian Embassy in Washington. It accused the U.S. and N.A.T.O. allies of trying to force Ukraine to ‘abandon’ negotiations with Russia ‘in order to continue the bloodshed,’ while pressuring other countries to end military and technical cooperation with Moscow. ‘We call on the United States and its allies to stop the irresponsible militarization of Ukraine, which implies unpredictable consequences for regional and international security,’ the note said. Shanghai’s residents are rebelling against draconian curbs brought in as part of the Communist regime’s failing zero-Covid policy. Chilling videos show outraged citizens in China’s biggest city scuffling with hazmat-suited police who have ordered them to surrender their homes to Covid patients. Dozens of buildings in the city have been converted to make-shift isolation hubs as local officials struggle to contain record daily infection rates, which have breached 25,000 in recent days. Separate clips posted online seems to show police pinning angry protestors to the ground and forcibly restraining them in both Shanghai and Haining, located 125km southwest. Residents stuck in Shanghai, which has been locked down since April, have flooded social media with complaints of food shortages and over-zealous officialdom which has forced them into an ineffective state quarantine. Footage has even shown desperate citizens bursting through barricades demanding food. Israeli security forces entered the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem before dawn on Friday as thousands of Palestinians were gathered for prayers during the holy month of Ramadan, setting off clashes that medics said wounded at least 67 Palestinians. Israel said its forces entered to remove rocks and stones that had been gathered in anticipation of violence. The holy site, which is sacred to Jews and Muslims, has often been the epicenter of Israeli-Palestinian unrest, and tensions were already heightened amid a recent wave of violence. Clashes at the site last year helped spark an 11-day war with Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. In a gray sharkskin suit and aviator sunglasses, Pastor Christopher Benek stands on a patch of astroturf at the edge of the First Miami Presbyterian church parking lot. “Here’s the thing,” he says. “Right now this is a parking lot.” A developer has a plan to make it much more than that, and Benek is buying in. Benek was hired in 2018 as a “crisis-management specialist” to lead First Miami Presbyterian, the oldest congregation in the city, away from what seemed like impending ruin. The church has been a fixture in the community since 1896, peaking in membership at about 1,400 in the late 1980s before dwindling to 140 in the early aughts and continuing to decline. “They’ve been a financial wreck for years,” Benek says. “Those problems don’t get solved overnight.” With the church facing over $7m in back taxes, Benek has negotiated a potential deal to sell 2.2 acres of its 3.4 acre lot to a local developer for $240m. (Just four years ago, it was valued at $66m – a symptom of the rental market’s blistering recent inflation.) This last slice of undeveloped waterfront property in downtown Miami’s financial district has been coveted by developers for years. Most Black Americans consider race to be central to their identity, according to a new survey from the Pew Research Center. Over three-fourths, 76 percent, of Black Americans said that being Black is either extremely important or very important to their identity, the survey found. Thursday’s report comes roughly six months after the Pew Research began its online survey in which 3,912 Black Americans responded. The survey is also the latest installment in a series of studies from the center on the diversity of Black Americans. Out of the survey respondents, 54 percent said that being Black was extremely important to their identity while 22 percent said it was very important. That sentiment was even stronger among non-Hispanic Black Americans, the survey found, with 78 percent of those respondents reported that being Black is very or extremely important “to how they think about themselves.” Anthony Parnther was on a mission. When chatting via Zoom in late March, the conductor and bassoonist was calling in from a hotel room in Kansas City. “I actually came up here to buy a very specific contrabassoon, which is sitting right over there,” he said, pointing to the cumbersome woodwind behind him. “I grabbed it this morning and I’ll be heading back to L.A. with it now.” As soon as he returned, Parnther would play the instrument on the score for the highly anticipated Disney+ series Obi-Wan Kenobi (premiering May 27). The contrabassoon seems especially fitting: It looks like a Star Wars weapon, and its tone is as deep and otherworldly as Jabba the Hutt’s voice. “I think it was played in the cantina band [from 1977’S Star Wars],” Parnther said, without missing a beat. “That’s a rather bassoon-y looking instrument.” Allyson Felix, who finished last year’s Tokyo Games with more Olympic medals than any US track and field athlete in history, has announced her intention to retire after the 2022 season concludes. ‘This season isn’t about the time on the clock, it’s simply about joy,’ Felix said in an Instagram post Wednesday. ‘If you see me on the track this year I hope to share a moment, a memory and my appreciation with you.’ At age 35, Felix won a bronze medal in the 400 meters last summer in Tokyo, then followed it up with a gold medal in the 4×400 relay. Those were her 10th and 11th Olympic medals, which helped her pass Carl Lewis in the US record book and left her behind only one runner in history, Finland’s Paavo Nurmi, who won 12 medals between 1920 and 1928. ‘As a little girl they called chicken legs, never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined I’d have a career like this,’ read Felix’s post. ‘I have so much gratitude for this sport that has changed my life. I have given everything I have to running and for the first time I’m not sure if I have anything left to give. I want to say goodbye and thank you to the sport and people who have helped shape me the only way I know how—with one last run.’ In an interview with Insider, actor and entrepreneur Mark Wahlberg expressed that it has been difficult to find a church he can attend without being subject to movie pitches from other parishioners. “I mean, I would literally move around from church to church because I would get pitched a lot,” Wahlberg, who is Catholic, said. “Yeah. I’m not at church looking to find material. I’m trying to find some peace and quiet to be able to worship.” Ironically, it was a priest who pitched Wahlberg the idea for his latest film, “Father Stu,” a biopic about a boxer turned priest named Stuart Long. Wahlberg compared the circumstances of the pitch to a “bad joke,” according to RNS, as he was out to dinner with “two priests and a bottle of wine.” Chart-topper William Murphy releases a brand-new single “Just Us,” which is available now at digital music providers, and marks his lead single going out to Gospel radio. A powerful new anthem from his upcoming new album Worship & Justice, the three-time GRAMMY® nominated, Stellar Award-winning artist, songwriter and pastor also releases the music video for “Just Us.” Creating an uplifting atmosphere of communal purpose on “Just Us,” William Murphy delivers a potent live performance with a message of unifying to seek change, justice, and hope on the music video. The music video had its broadcast debut on the BET Gospel network, and showcases Murphy’s performance from his live album recording for Worship & Justice, which was filmed in December 2021 at his church, The dReam Center Church of Atlanta. Encouraging listeners in their faith, Murphy calls forth on the power of our voices and being able to make a change when standing together as a community, finding strength together with the choral refrain “Even if it’s just us, there’s still enough of us. We gon’ change the world.” Written by William Murphy, Dontavious Ladson, and Wendell Donald, “Just Us” is produced by Kenneth Leonard. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blFREvx0Szc Lifetime's Seven Deadly Sins Anthology movie installment, Wrath, from executive producers T.D. Jakes, Derrick Williams and Shaun Robinson continues this Saturday, April 16 at 8/7c. Based on the series of books by Victoria Christopher Murray, Wrath: A Seven Deadly Sins Story stars Michelle Williams (Destiny’s Child), Tina Knowles-Lawson (Profiled: The Black Man), Romeo Miller (Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Witness Protection) and Antonio Cupo (Blood & Treasure). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qg-X-nJAWWU&feature=youtu.be Stellar, GRAMMY, Dove, and American Music Award winner, PDA delivers a hot new up-tempo single titled "We Go Hard" featuring J Moss. Teaming up with long time collaborator J Moss, on this new offering will proven to be just what your Spring/Summer playlist needs. "We Go Hard" is sure to inspire, invigorate, and spark excitement in Gospel music listeners. https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/i7wfepzy9k39w60ansbp9/h?dl=0&preview=We+Go+Hard+PDA+ft.+J+Moss.mp3&rlkey=y08d5l8d66k193ijhtkbl06oc BET Sunday Best Season 9 Winner, Melvin Crispell, III took to social media to announce the launch of his new YouTube Series, Mel's Music Hall! https://www.instagram.com/p/CcTJTUrLqhC/ Too many people have had to endure the incredibly faith-shaking emotions from a life-threatening diagnosis or injury. For songwriter and singer Ken Gober, music powered by the word of God is a weapon to fight with and bring peace to emotionally charged situations. His new single, "Either Way" is a wonderfully written and emphatic glimpse into the very heart of these emotions. "Either Way" is written by Ken, Samuel Hart, and Jackson Michelson. Ken delivers this inspiring message over a soothing and impelling rhythm. The single is impacting radio now and will be available on all digital music platforms on April 22. https://www.dropbox.com/s/mpwwvr7j4tw8re0/Either%20Way%20-%20Ken%20Gober.mp3?dl=0 To recap, an apparently deranged gunman who detonated smoke bombs before indiscriminately opening fire on a subway train at the height of rush hour at a busy station was able to escape while wearing bright orange clothing and eluded capture for more than a day until a tipster alerted the cops. Yet the NYPD was readily taking credit for capturing Frank James, the alleged Brooklyn subway shooter who injured nearly two dozen people when he pulled out a gun on the N train on Tuesday morning and shot 10 people before fleeing and remaining at large until Wednesday afternoon. That’s why a growing number of memes mocking and ridiculing the NYPD in subways have been hitting social media in the day since James launched his attack at a train station in Brooklyn that was seemingly absent of any police presence during the attack. Nor was there any police officer reported to be on the train in question despite new Mayor Eric Adams assigning a “record” number of transit cops to patrol trains and stations as citywide crime surged. One single sentence written by the New York Times about police responding to Tuesday’s shooting sums up the NYPD’s role in apprehending James: “A uniformed officer approached, said his radio was not working and asked passengers to call 911.” That further explains why it shouldn’t really be a surprise that it wasn’t actually the NYPD that caught James, for all intents and purposes; it was Zack Tahhan, a man who works in a bodega — a convenience store of sorts, for the uninitiated — and recognized the 62-year-old prime suspect before taking the initiative to contact law enforcement, which had been scrambling ever since it became clear they were absolutely clueless where James was. https://twitter.com/i/status/1514302417399128064 New York City Mayor Eric Adams is once again reminding us that he used to be a cop. He’s doing that thing only cops and white people do when a Black person is killed by anyone other than a cop or a white person—he’s calling out the Black Lives Matter movement out of nowhere. “Where are all those who stated ‘Black lives matter?’” Adams said Wednesday on NY1 after multiple shootings were reported out of Brooklyn and the Bronx, according to the New York Post. “Do an analysis of who was killed or shot last night. I was up all night speaking to my commanders in the Bronx, in Brooklyn. The victims were black.” Three people were killed and at least 13 others were wounded in a series of shootings that rocked parts of the Bronx and Brooklyn late Tuesday and early Wednesday, police and sources said. The fatalities included a 23-year-old woman and two men, 22 and 21, all killed in separate Bronx shootings. At least five other shootings were reported in New York City during a roughly six-hour span, authorities said. “The lives of these black children that are dying every night matter,” Adams said. “We can’t be hypocrites.” President Joe Biden‘s Thursday address to the nation from one of the most prominent HBCUs in the country was expected to detail his plan to fight the current inflation issues the country is facing. The scene at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro will paint an interesting picture since Black students in higher education are some of the most heavily impacted individuals by the inflation crisis. A huge reason for that is because of the higher likelihood for Black students to be saddled with student loan debt. According to the Education Data initiative, Black and African American college graduates owe an average of $25,000 more in student loan debt than white college graduates. Hulu has ordered an eight-episode limited series exploring the life of #SammyDavisJr. The series, set to star Elijah Kelley, is told through the lens of Sammy’s racial identity and relationship with the Black community. #LeeDaniels will serve as co-writer and executive producer on the series and will even direct the first two episodes. Lee has worked to develop this project for years, with reports going back to 2013 that he was developing it as a movie for HBO. In addition to starring in the series, Elijah will produce and collaborate on some of the show’s original music. This will be the third time Lee and Elijah have worked together. The pair previously teamed on Lee Daniel’s “The Butler” and Fox’s “Star.” Cardi B and Offset have finally shared with fans the name of their 7-month-old son whom they welcomed on Sept. 4. Meet Wave Set Cephus, and he is the spitting image of his older sister, 3-year-old daughter Kulture. Offset is also dad to daughter Kalea, 7, and sons Kody, 7, and Jordan, 12, from previous relationships. On Thursday, Cardi B, 29, and Offset, 30, also announced the name of their son and shared photos of their adorable baby boy in the latest issue of Essence. https://www.instagram.com/iamcardib/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=94530635-2cbf-484a-9fcc-dec7ddf178ae Wendy Williams is reportedly planning a big return to television after her talk show was canceled and replaced by a new talker hosted by Sherri Shepherd — which will air this fall. While out in NYC on Wednesday night, Williams was overheard telling friends she’s ready to make a “big comeback on TV,” per Page Six. According to the outlet, Williams, 57, was spotted having dinner with financial expert and TV personality Baruch Shemtov at Fresco by Scotto. “Wendy was talking to Baruch about her situation with Wells Fargo and she confidently said ‘I’m getting my money back very soon,’” the unnamed source reported. Another witness claims Wendy looked “vibrant” and “No one was helping her.” “It was very different from the person who we’ve seen in the wheelchair,” the source said. “She was walking by herself. No one helped her get in her car. She climbed right in and it was a Suburban.” The president of the WNBA Players Association believes Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner is imprisoned in Russia “because of a gender issue.” The seven-time WNBA All-Star has been detained in Russian since February. She was arrested in the country after arriving at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International Airport on a flight from New York. Officials found multiple vape cartridges containing “significant amounts” of cannabis oil in her luggage. Griner, 31, is reportedly charged with smuggling “narcotic drugs” into Russia. She faces five to 10 years in prison if convicted, according to CNN. Griner has played in Russia during the offseason since 2015. She is “a member of the UMMC Ekaterinburg, a Russian basketball team that competes in the Russian Premier League and FIBA Europe’s EuroLeague Women,” per PEOPLE. Her arrest came several weeks before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Nneka Ogwumike, president of the WNBA Players Association, appeared on “Good Morning America” Tuesday to discuss Griner’s situation. https://youtu.be/15AaEFucyUk Atlanta rapper #ArchieEversole, best known for his ‘We Ready’ song, has died at age 37. #DeKalbCounty police said Thursday Eversole was shot on March 25, and his brother is being charged with his murder, WSB-TV Atlanta reports. Officers responded to a shooting at a Chevron gas station, where they found Eversole suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to a hospital and succumbed to his injuries on April 3. Police say Eversole’s brother, Alexander Kraus, shot him. At just 17, Eversole recorded his first album, “Ride Wit Me Dirty South Style,” which features the song ‘We Ready.’ The 2002 hit is a game-day anthem at football games and other major sporting events to this day. https://www.instagram.com/p/CcVlbUSrmAs/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Comedian and former SNL star Molly Shannon is speaking out about how she was sexually harassed by Gary Coleman early in her career. Shannon previously mentioned her encounter with the late actor but her tale largely went ignored by the media. In a new interview on the Howard Stern Show to promote her memoir, Shannon recalled what went down when the “Diff’rent Strokes” actor invited her to his hotel room via his agent, who was also her agent at the time. As reported by Complex, Shannon said when this agent led her up to Coleman’s room, the agent suddenly “disappeared.” “I think he was like, ‘Sit down [on the bed].’ It was very sweet,” she said of Coleman. “And then he’s, like, tickling me a little. This and that.” https://youtu.be/uLOu0u3_jAo Alfonso Ribeiro and Will Smith remain lifelong friends since starring together on the hit 90’s sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” just don’t expect the actor to read Smith’s memoir anytime soon. “For many, many, many years, people speculated about them as a family. They are laying it out there in a way that is their truth. I don’t know if I’ll read the book because I know the people,” Ribeiro explained to People. Smith’s memoir, published by Penguin Press in November, is an “inspirational tale of how [Will Smith’s] true self-knowledge helped to propel him to extraordinary success, and then evolve further to a place of deeper peace – with himself, his loved ones, and the world,” according to the press release, as reported by PEOPLE. There’s currently a bidding war underway to turn the memoir into a biopic. Kerrion Franklin, the estranged son of Kirk Franklin and reality star on Bad Boys: Los Angeles, has reportedly been arrested and is being held without bond. According to court documents from Beverly Hills Police, Kerrion was arrested around 7:30 a.m. PT on Sunday, April 10. He was allegedly driving a car belonging to a woman who was reported missing and is presumed to be dead. A gun was also discovered in the automobile, but the 33-year-old insists the firearm isn’t his and that he has no connection to the woman in question. Larry Reid of Larry Reid Live—an Atlanta-based entertainment news talk show—reported that Kerrion was “wrongfully detained” and was initially stopped by local authorities because of his taillight. However, it appeared the arrest stemmed from charges filed in Texas, but Kerrion feels the charges were piled on after officers claimed he resisted arrest. Kerrion spoke to Reid from jail. “I’m just keeping my mind positive. I really do aim to live a righteous lifestyle, all of this is unnecessary. I just want you guys to keep me in your prayers,” said Kerrion according to Reid. Johnny Depp and Amber Heard’s marriage counselor said Thursday that the actress initiated physical fights more than once, but that the couple engaged in ‘mutual abuse.’ Dr. Laurel Anderson, a marriage counselor who worked with the former spouses for a total of 21 sessions beginning in October 2015, gave revealing video testimony during Depp’s $100million defamation trial in Virginia. ‘I know she led (the fights) on more than one occasion and started it to keep him with her because abandonment and having him leave was her worst nightmare,’ Dr. Anderson said. ‘Miss Heard reported that it was a point of pride to her, if she felt disrespected to initiate a fight. Her father had beaten her, she was not going to end. ‘If he was going to leave she would strike him to keep him there. She would rather be in a fight than have him leave.’ Asked if it was her assessment that while Depp said he wasn’t violent with any of his other partners, there was violence from him towards Heard, she said yes. She said: ‘He had been well controlled for almost 20, 30 years and both (Depp and Heard) were victims of abuse in their homes. I thought he’d been well controlled for decades and with Miss Heard he was triggered and they engaged in what I saw as mutual abuse.’ The Grand Rapid Police Department has released footage showing the officer-involved fatal shooting of Patrick Lyoya. Lyoya, a 26-year-old Black man, was fatally shot during an April 4 traffic stop in Grand Rapids, Michigan, after an officer pulled him over for an issue with his license plate registration. Police Chief Eric Winstrom explained during a press conference that Lyoya attempted to flee during the encounter but there was a brief struggle before the victim was shot in the back of the head by the cop. https://youtu.be/oCp_MNW3qBM The head of the World Health Organization has blasted the world’s focus on the horrific invasion of Ukraine, saying it shows the lack of ‘equal attention to black and white lives’. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus claimed other crises such as in his home country of Ethiopia do not receive the same concern as Putin’s war which has had major geopolitical consequences. The health boss said current emergencies in Yemen, Afghanistan and Syria have only received a ‘fraction’ of the attention of Ukraine. Tedros said: ‘I need to be blunt and honest that the world is not treating the human race the same way. ‘Some are more equal than others. And when I say this, it pains me. Because I see it. Very difficult to accept but it’s happening.’ He acknowledged that the situation in Ukraine was globally significant, but questioned if other crises were being accorded enough attention. Tedros, who is from Tigray, said the siege of the region by Eritrean and Ethiopian forces was one of the longest in modern history and noted that a recent truce had still not allowed in significant amounts of humanitarian aid. He said an estimated 100 trucks per day of life-saving aid are needed in the region after the war broke out in November 2020. Vice President Kamala Harris, a long-time champion of tackling the Black maternal health crisis in the United States, brought that focus to the White House on Wednesday to convene the first-ever Cabinet meeting to specifically address maternal health. The meeting comes during the fifth annual Black Maternal Health Week; which was created to bring national attention to the alarming maternal mortality rate among Black women and birthing persons. Harris described the meeting as a follow-up to a number of initiatives from the administration, including expanding postpartum coverage and creating a “birthing friendly” designation for hospitals. https://youtu.be/sJuCQ9Mt12k In February, Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed Adetokunbo “Toks” Omishakin Secretary of the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA). Omishakin, 44, makes history as the first African American to serve in that cabinet-level position responsible for overseeing all state agencies that regulate and support transportation and administer services related to the sector. “@CAgovernor want to express gratitude for new appt to Cabinet Secretary @CA_Trans_Agency,” Omishaken thanked the Governor in a Twitter post after his nomination was announced in February. https://youtu.be/gyan5INi-H0 The Republican-controlled legislature in Kentucky voted Wednesday to override Democrat Gov. Andy Beshear’s veto of legislation that would prohibit transgender athletes from competing in sex-segregated sporting events from sixth grade through college. The expected move came after Beshear refused to sign Senate Bill 83 last week and claimed it was most likely unconstitutional. He said the legislation “discriminates against transgender people” and therefore would not hold up in court. The measure is now law in the state after the Republicans overrode the veto of the legislation, which originally passed through the state House with a 70 to 23 vote and the state Senate with a 26 to 9 vote. Under the new law, a student’s gender will be determined by the “biological sex” indicated on the student’s certified birth certificate “as originally issued at the time of birth or adoption.” This means individuals who transitioned to female later in life could not participate on sports teams designated female in the state. Republican Sen. Robby Mills, the bill’s lead sponsor, has said the measure would ensure girls and women compete against other “biological females.” Immigrants arriving in Britain in search of a better life will be packed off to Rwanda without the right to return under plans unveiled by Boris Johnson today. Under a £120million agreement with Kigali, economic migrants arriving in the UK illegally will be refused asylum and detained in a former military base before being flown directly to the African nation. In a speech this morning – as more migrants arrived on the south coast – the Prime Minister invoked the spirit of Brexit in support of the scheme, saying: ‘The British people voted several times to control our borders.’ He said that while the UK’s compassion may be ‘endless’, its capacity to host people was not, adding: ‘We cannot expect the UK taxpayer to write a black cheque.’ But he immediately faces criticism over the cost of the scheme – which critics said could reach £1.4billion – and Rwanda’s dubious human rights record, after he said the nation was ‘dynamic’. Rwanda is best known in the West for a 1994 ethnic genocide that left up to 800,000 Tutsi people dead and it still has a mixed human rights records. Amnesty International says there are still concerns over ‘enforced disappearances, allegations of torture and excessive use of force’. Earlier this month the Refugee Minister Lord Harrington said there was ‘no possibility’ of migrants being sent there. A youth pastor has been arrested on several charges of sexual assault against a child, according to the Mesquite Police Department. Conner “Jesse” Penny, 32, was arrested on April 5 and booked into the Dallas County Jail for charges that include aggravated sexual assault of a child, indecency with a child with sexual contact and continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, court records show. According to a press release from MPD, an investigation revealed that Penny had sexual contact with a female victim under the age of 17 on multiple occasions between 2015 and 2018. “Since his arrest, additional victims have made outcries of abuse by Penny occurring between 2013 and 2021 with arrest warrants also obtained,” police said in the release. Penny worked as a youth pastor at Inspiration Church, formerly known as Mimosa Lane Baptist Church, in Mesquite, at the time of his arrest. He has previously worked at the City of Mesquite and as a teacher’s aide at the Mesquite Independent School District, where he was also a counselor through the Recreational After School Program. Yaya Mayweather has pleaded guilty to stabbing one of NBA YoungBoy’s baby mamas. Mayweather stabbed Lapattra Lashai Jacobs at the rapper’s Houston home in 2020. As reported by Complex, she appeared in court in Houston on Wednesday and pleaded guilty to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The stabbing occurred when Jacobs made the mistake of showing up at Youngboy’s home while Mayweather was there and things allegedly went south. The two women reportedly had an argument. Jacobs told Mayweather to leave and Mayweather allegedly responded by saying she was Youngboy’s fiancee and that Jacobs should leave. Mayweather and Jacobs ended up coming to blows in the kitchen, with Mayweather allegedly charging at Jacobs with two knives and stabbing her. A Houston woman days away from giving birth was found shot to death in her car Friday morning, authorities said. According to a Houston Police Department news release, 27-year-old Amber Butler was discovered in the driver’s seat of her white Chevrolet Malibu “parked in the main lane of traffic and the engine still running.” She suffered from a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead on the scene. Shortly after her death, loved ones paid tribute to the young mom on social media. “We love you! Watch over us,” one post read. “Rest In Peace, beautiful,” said another. Police in Miami have arrested a 41-year-old woman in the deaths of her two young children after officers responded to repeated hang-up 911 calls from her apartment where they found their tied-up bodies. “Come get them, I don’t want them anymore,” Odette Lysse Joassaint told officers who responded to the scene on Tuesday night, according to the arrest report. Police said she appeared to be irrational. The officers entered the apartment and found a 3-year-old boy and a 5-year-old girl. The children were lying in a prone position on the bed with their arms, legs and neck tied, a police report said. They tried to resuscitate the children until a Miami Fire Rescue crew arrived and pronounced them dead. Authorities have not released information on how they were killed, but the woman has been charged with two counts of murder. It is not yet clear how many calls were made to 911 or whether she spoke to a dispatcher. Miami police spokesperson Michael Vega said the father was not living there at the time but said there had been at least four calls made to the address in the past year over domestic violence, trespassing and disturbance. None of the incidents involved the children and no arrests were made, Vega said. Vincent Jean, a New Jersey man who repeatedly ran over a woman in a bizarre and horrifying road-rage attack. And it was all caught on video. Witnesses captured the harrowing scene on Tuesday in Elizabeth (NJ) and it shows Jean, 56, driving his silver Mitsubishi SUV over the 23-year-old victim after they had a minor traffic accident nearby, Union County authorities said Wednesday. https://youtu.be/tHtTl9mstrE Following the arrest of the Brooklyn Subway shooting suspect, his YouTube rants began to surface on the internet. Frank James — who made a video last month warning viewers that he was “entering the danger zone” — rented a U-Haul van fastened to the N train attack in Sunset Park and is being sought for questioning, police said at an evening conference. “Mr. Mayor, I’m a victim of your mental health program,” James said in one prolonged video. “I’m 63 now full of hate, full of anger, and full of bitterness.” He also chastised the mayor for not doing more to withstand homelessness. https://www.instagram.com/p/CcUX_hSg-e4/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Summer Of Soul, the Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson-directed film that won the Oscar and the Grammy for documenting 1969’s now-famed Harlem Cultural Festival, has inspired a reboot of the landmark music event. Ambassador Digital Magazine editor-in-chief Musa Jackson, who attended the 1969 event and appeared in Summer of Soul, said Tuesday that he, BNP Advisory Group strategist Nikoa Evans and event producer and Captivate Marketing Group president Yvonne McNair are teaming to launch the Harlem Festival of Culture in the summer of 2023. The multi-day outdoor concert event will be a reimagining of the 1969 fest and take place in Harlem’s Marcus Garvey Park, where the original took place when it was known as Mount Morris Park. Official dates have not yet been announced. Organizers told Billboard that a series of events leading up to the HFC kicks off Friday with an open-mic night at the Museum of the City of New York to pay tribute to the 25th anniversary of the film Love Jones. Other musical events are being planned throughout the year featuring contemporary R&B, soul, hip-hop, gospel, jazz, reggae and Latin artists, along with community events and panel discussions. Game of Thrones actor Joseph Gatt has been arrested for allegedly having sexually explicit chats online with a minor across state lines. The 50-year-old British actor was arrested and served with a search warrant at his Los Angeles, California home on April 6, TMZ reports. LAPD sources have said Gatt was taken into custody and arrested on an outstanding felony warrant for ‘contact with a minor for a sexual offense.’ The LAPD’s Juvenile Division, Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, are now seeking to identify any additional victims after the arrest. On Thursday (04/14/22), Elon Musk offered to buy Twitter and take the social media company private. According to an SEC filing, Musk has made a “best and final offer” to buy up all existing shares at a valuation of $43.4 billion, representing a 38-percent premium over the company’s closing price on April 1. Musk, who calls himself a “free-speech absolutist,” has tweeted about plans to “transform” Twitter and make “significant improvements.” He’s been a vocal critic of efforts by companies like Twitter and Meta to moderate platform content and restrict the spread of hateful and threatening speech and disinformation. Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks has reportedly spread his vast fortune across multiple bank accounts. Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks has reportedly spread his vast fortune across multiple bank accounts. Antetokounmpo has reportedly earned a total of $146,344,870 from playing basketball since 2013. Born and raised in Greece, Antetokounmpo previously dished with The Undefeated about his Greek heritage and Nigerian parents. The history-making athlete says his upbringing was more rooted in the Nigerian culture and heritage because of his strict parents. The popular Tyler Perry’s “Ruthless” on BET Plus is being renewed for another season. It tells a riveting story of Ruth, who becomes entangled in a scandalous cult of powerful sex-crazed fanatics led by a handsome but violent madman. She finds herself having to play along with the “Highest” who leads the cult until she can find a way to free herself and her young daughter. https://youtu.be/chYVtf87ofM Meet Paulo Goude, the 42-year-old son of Grace Jones who is also a model and a music artist like his famous mother. Goude’s father is Jones’ ex-husband, celebrity photographer Jean Paul Goude. Goude famously shot Kim Kardashian’s naked photo spread in Paper Magazine. Grace Jones touched on this in her book, “I’ll Never Write My Memoirs,” writing: “I asked him [Jean Paul Goude] why he was giving her [Kim Kardashian]– a basic commercial product – his ideas? This seemed to contradict his spirit of integrity, which he has protected for so long. Why was he repeating himself, just to give her a little flare of publicity, quickly absorbed by the next puff of self-promotion?” Grace said Goude’s responded: “Well, he replied, ‘I got the feeling that if I didn’t do that photograph, she would have simply copied the idea anyway. I might as well copy myself.’ His ideas are are so powerful that repeating them decades later still causes a hell of a fuss, however temporary…He might have done it to wind me up a little as well. Which he did.” https://www.instagram.com/nappymogul/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=02e582a8-8a85-4dc5-b340-4f3b3db29630 Garcelle Beauvais recently reflected on her brief romance with Will Smith back in the 90s and why they ultimately called it quits. “I was an ingenue [and] he was single and a TV star so we went out a couple of times — it wasn’t a long-lasting relationship,” Beauvais said on the Las Culturistas podcast about her history with Smith. Smith and “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star met on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” set after his divorce from Sheree Zampino, with whom Will shares a son, Trey Smith. “I remember one day calling him and he was in the car. And his son, with Sheree, [they] were in the back,” Beauvais said. “So you know, he picked up on the car or Bluetooth or whatever it was back in the day, or speakerphone — whatever it was — and he said, ‘Hey how are you doing?’ And I said, ‘I’m great.’” “And I heard this little voice in the background go, ‘Is that Miss Jada?’ And that’s when I was like okay — I’m not the only one. Exit stage left,” Beauvais shared with a laugh, adding, “If a kid knows somebody then that person’s a little bit more important, right?!” And the rest is history… as Will would go on to marry Jada and together they have two adult children, Willow and Jaden. A billboard in San Antonio, Texas promoting the critically acclaimed multi-season series about the life of Jesus Christ titled “The Chosen” appeared to have been defaced with a message of hate towards the show. However, it is a marketing scheme by its distributor, Angel Studios. The billboard in San Antonio shows an image of the actor Jonathan Roumie, who portrays Jesus in the series, next to the words “ChosenSux.com. Binge Salad (eww).” The URL directs users to a website called “The Chosen Is Not Good.” The website features a satirical video titled “Stop watching the Chosen…It’s not good.” The video depicts an actor playing Satan teaching a classroom of demons and saying, “Hello class. Wellcome to hell,” in front of the words “Intro to Damnation” written on the chalk board. Julia Roberts, 54, has three children with her husband of 20 years, cinematographer Danny Moder, 53. And now the two eldest ones – 17-year-old twins Hazel and Phinnaeus (who goes by Finn) – are heading to college in the fall, she shared with Extra as she plugged her new series Gaslit. The Hollywood power couple, who are now based in San Francisco, also have 14-year-old son Henry Daniel. ‘I mean, it makes me a little lightheaded. You say that, I mean, I’m completely excited for them. It’s really thrilling and I wasn’t lucky enough to have a college experience,’ said the Pretty Woman actress. At age 18, Julia was already landing small parts as an actress; she got her break in 1988’s movie Satisfaction with Justine Bateman, Scott Coffey and Liam Neeson. ‘And so to see how it’s happening for them is really fascinating. And yeah, I’m just, I’m excited for them.’ Roberts also said she loves living in San Francisco after moving there two years ago. Thandie Newton denies she was booted from “Magic Mike 3" after sparring with Channing Tatum over the Will Smith Oscar slap. Newton reportedly exited the film after 11 days of filming. Per Daily Mail, a Warner Bros. Pictures spokesperson said: “Thandie Newton has made the difficult decision to step away from the production of Warner Bros. Pictures’ Magic Mike’s Last Dance to deal with family matters.” The Sun reports that the alleged argument between the actors took place on location in Paddington, London, and was described as “unimaginably vicious.” A source said: “Channing Tatum is the producer and number one on set. Thandie Newton is the number two star. But 11 days into shooting and it’s all over. They fell out over the debacle at The Oscars. I was on set. I watched her and watched him. They were in and out of the house where we were filming having this confrontation.” Music legend Mary J. Blige will be honored with the Icon Award at this year’s Billboard Music Awards! It was announced earlier this morning. The ICON Award recognizes entertainers who have achieved excellence on the Billboard Charts and have made a lasting mark on the music industry. Blige who has 10 BBMA wins in total, will join the class of honorees including Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, Pink, Jennifer Lopez, Garth Brooks, Cher, Neil Diamond, Celine Dion, Prince, and Stevie Wonder. https://www.instagram.com/p/CcVWKXYAmCn/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again An exclusive clip for the new episode of “Marriage Boot Camp: Hip Hop Edition,” airing TONIGHT, April 14 at 9pm on WE tv. Per press release, this season stars Hip Hop superstar K. Michelle (K. Michelle: My Life) and Kastan, Rich Dollaz and Mariahlynn, (Love & Hip Hop: New York) Lyrica and A1, (Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood) and Gangsta Boo (First Female Member of Three 6 Mafia) and Emmet as they head to Marriage Boot Camp to face the music. Dr. Ish & Judge Toler help them confront lies, betrayal, and bitter rivalries, but when secrets are exposed, will their relationships survive? https://youtu.be/4uC9UduMSoE Music legend Patti LaBelle rocked a stylish red suit for her recent performance in St. Louis. Apparently, the outfit has sent fans into a frenzy. According to BET, LaBelle was styled by Angela Dean in the custom dress suit designed by Deanzign. https://www.instagram.com/crazy_handz/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=a4e28255-8e7a-41eb-8b5b-682c57bf22fa Brooklyn rapper Maino wants y’all to know that he was only joking about enjoying slave-sex role-playing with white women. But we don’t believe it was a joke. During an interview on Angela Yee’s Lip Service, Maino revealed that he likes to role play as a disobedient runaway slave while having sex with white women. “I’ve never talked about this before,” he explained. “I play like they whooping me, but most of them don’t even wanna play like that.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CcS3Kbwu3OB/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Actor Cuba Gooding Jr. entered a plea of guilty on Wednesday to a misdemeanor charge of forcibly touching a woman at a New York City nightclub in 2018. Gooding admitted to kissing the woman, a waitress at the club, on her lips without consent. He also admitted to two other incidents of non-consensual contact in October 2018 and June 2019. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Gooding is to continue alcohol and behavior modification treatment for six months and have no new arrests. After that time, he can re-plead to harassment and potentially have his case sealed. If he successfully follows the terms and re-pleads to the lesser charge, Gooding can face a sentence to time served. If he does not comply with the terms, he could face up to one year in jail. “Cuba Gooding Jr. entered into a re-pleader today whereby in six months his case will be disposed of with a violation, which is not a crime, resulting in no criminal record,” Gooding’s attorney, Peter Toumbekis, said in a statement to CNN. https://youtu.be/TpRE-neDNeg The Pan African Film and Arts Festival will kick off its 30th year with a world premiere opening night showing of “Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story.” The Pan African Film and Arts Festival will kick off its 30th year with a world premiere opening night showing of “Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story.” https://youtu.be/VXyLBHcJ1MY New York Democratic Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin resigned Tuesday, the state’s governor said, after being arrested and indicted on charges in connection with his alleged participation in a scheme to obtain campaign contributions in exchange for securing a state grant. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said she had “accepted Brian Benjamin’s resignation effective immediately.” “While the legal process plays out, it is clear to both of us that he cannot continue to serve as Lieutenant Governor. New Yorkers deserve absolute confidence in their government, and I will continue working every day to deliver for them,” the Democratic governor said in a statement. https://youtu.be/sgFU475deS8 The 62-year-old man suspected of shooting 10 people on a subway train in Brooklyn on Tuesday was arrested by patrol officers in New York’s East Village neighborhood on Wednesday afternoon, three law enforcement officials told CNN. Frank James, who police initially described as a “person of interest,” was taken into custody hours after officials declared him a suspect in the shooting. His status was elevated after investigators determined he purchased the gun recovered at the scene, law enforcement officials said. He was the target of a manhunt for less than a day and was captured in Manhattan about five miles from the shooting location. James was arrested after police got a tip on its Crime Stoppers hotline. “My fellow New Yorkers, we got him. We got him,” Mayor Eric Adams said. https://youtu.be/YuAXzUhpN4k It’s been nearly two years since George Floyd was murdered by a Minneapolis police officer and while the most concerning aspects of his case have been resolved—because Derek Chauvin has been thoroughly brought to justice—the story isn’t concluded because the fates of three more officers are still up in the air. On Monday, prosecutors revealed that they offered plea deals to former officers Tou Thao, Thomas Lane and J. Alexander Kueng, according to NBC News. The specifics of the deals were not revealed by lead prosecutor Matthew Frank outside of the fact that all three defendants received the same deal, that the deals were offered on March 22—after the trio was convicted of violating Floyd’s civil rights in a federal trial— and that they all ultimately rejected the deals. This was all revealed during a hearing that was mostly about Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill deciding if whether he has the authority to allow live video coverage of the upcoming state trial in which the three officers are charged with aiding and abetting manslaughter and murder in Floyd’s case. That trial is set to begin in June. Miya Ponsetto was famously dubbed “SoHo Karen” in 2020 after she physically assaulted a Black teenager she wrongly accused of stealing her cell phone at a hotel in New York City. On Monday, Ponsetto, 23, pleaded guilty to a felony — unlawful imprisonment in the second degree as a hate crime — for accusing 14-year-old Keyon Harrold Jr. of stealing her phone and then attacking him. Per The Washington Post, via MSN, under New York state law, second-degree unlawful imprisonment is to “interfere substantially with [a victim’s] liberty by moving him or her from one place to another, or by confining him or her.” Several other charges were reportedly dropped in Ponsetto’s plea agreement, but if she gets into legal trouble within the next two years, she faces up to four years in a state prison in New York. https://youtu.be/b5N8THIOwyc It’s a tale of two GoFundMes. Two Black men who were each killed in recent brutal slayings for which there has been no accountability are receiving different monetary responses to their deaths as both of their families grieve, demand justice and seek financial assistance for mounting posthumous costs. Online donations via GoFundMe to the family of Christian Toby Obumseli have soared since his girlfriend — a white woman named Courtney Clenney who models on Instagram under the moniker Courtney Tailor — stabbed him to death on April 3 in Florida, where she remains a free woman and has not been arrested for the grisly act that her lawyer claims was committed in self-defense. That was a far cry from the GoFundMe that was set up following the police shooting of Patrick Lyoya in Grand Rapids, Michigan, which happened one day after Obuseli was killed. A family spokesperson who claims to have seen the dashcam footage from the April 4 shooting said an officer shot Lyoya in the head following a “lengthy struggle” stemming from a traffic stop over an unregistered license plate. The National Urban League released its annual report on the State of Black America on Tuesday, and its findings are grim. This year’s Equality Index shows Black people still get only 73.9 percent of the American pie white people enjoy. While Black people have made economic and health gains, they’ve slipped farther behind whites in education, social justice and civic engagement since this index was launched in 2005. A compendium of average outcomes by race in many aspects of life, it shows just how hard it is for people of color to overcome systemic racism, the civil rights organization says. “These numbers change so little and so slowly. What it tells me is that this institutional disparity based on race seems to be built into American society,” National Urban League President Marc Morial said in an interview. The index shows not only that median household income for Black people, at $43,862, is 37 percent less than that of white people, at $69,823. Black people also are less likely to benefit from home ownership, the engine of generational wealth in America. Census data shows Black couples are more than twice as likely as whites to be denied a mortgage or a home improvement loan, which leads to just 59 percent of the median home equity white households have, and just 13 percent of their wealth. A Fort Worth toddler who has been on a respirator for most of her life has been sent home following a legal battle to keep her alive. Tinslee Lewis has been at Cook Children’s Medical Center since 2019 after she was born with a rare heart condition. Her mother, Trinity Lewis, announced that the child had returned home on social media on Tuesday. The post did not go into detail about whether Tinslee was still on a respirator, but her mother said she was doing well. “I am truly blessed I was able to do everything I can to bring her home,” Lewis said in the Facebook post. “She’s doing so good.” Viola Davis says that it was stressful playing former first lady Michelle Obama, 58, in Showtime’s new series The First Lady — because high expectations come with portraying a person that is beloved by so many. Davis, 56, took on the role in the ten-part series, which she also produced, but she admits now that she is relieved the production is finished. I’m glad it’s over!’ she said on Monday night’s Jimmy Kimmel Live. ‘I mean, the stress. Because everybody likes — loves — Michelle Obama. They know what she sounds like, they know what she looks like. ‘And I’m like, “I don’t want Michelle Obama calling me, cussing me out.” ‘The First Lady premieres Sunday, but Kimmel and his wife already got a sneak peak — and he sang Davis’ praises on his show. ‘That’s crazy how good you are at this,’ he told her. ‘It’s not just the voice you have down, it’s [also] the walking? It’s crazy how much you became Michelle Obama,’ Jimmy Kimmel said. https://videos.dailymail.co.uk/video/mol/2022/02/17/387205901312936375/1024x576_MP4_387205901312936375.mp4?_=1 Viola Davis has released a new memoir titled Finding Me. In the book she shared that she grew up so poor in Rhode Island that she had to dive into dumpsters to find food with her five siblings. The actress also shared that she had rocks thrown at her by racists. And worst of all, she saw her father Dan physically and emotionally abused her mother Mae Alice. In an interview with People magazine, the 56-year-old actress explained why she was able to eventually forgive her father, who passed away due to pancreatic cancer in 2006. ‘I wanted to love my dad,’ The First Lady star told the magazine. She continued, ‘And here’s the thing: My dad loved me. I saw it. I felt it. I received it, and I took it. ‘For me, that’s a much better gift and less of a burden than going through my entire life carrying that big, heavy weight of who he used to be and what he used to do,’ the Hollywood veteran added. ‘That’s my choice. That’s my legacy: forgiving my dad.’ Trail-blazing San Francisco Giants assistant Alyssa Nakken made major league history on Tuesday night by becoming the first woman to serve as an on-field coach during a regular-season game. The 31-year-old Nakken took over at first base in the third inning of San Francisco’s 13-2 win over visiting San Diego after Giants assistant Antoan Richardson was mysteriously ejected. Later, Richardson said he was tossed over an altercation with Padres third base coach Mike Shildt, whom he accused of using racially charged language. Cedric McMillan, a champion American bodybuilder, has died at the age of 44, sponsors confirmed. McMillan reportedly suffered a heart attack while on a treadmill, according to fitness network Generation Iron. The champion strongman had been open about suffering from long-term Covid-19, which had caused him heart issues, as well as pneumonia, the network has also reported. It was unclear exactly what heart issues the athlete suffered from. Black Skull USA, a supplement company that sponsored McMillan, confirmed his passing Wednesday on Instagram. https://videos.dailymail.co.uk/video/mol/2022/04/13/8399072054118823741/1024x576_MP4_8399072054118823741.mp4?_=1 Whoopi Goldberg is taking a long break from “The View” while she is off in Scotland filming a new project. “If you’re wondering where Whoopi is, the girl’s got a movie she’s making and she will be back when she finishes whatever she’s doing,” Joy Behar announced during Monday’s episode of The View. “So she’s gone for a while.” Goldberg is reportedly starring in Amazon’s adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s “Anansi Boys,” which is currently filming in Scotland. According to Variety, Goldberg is playing the “menacing” Bird Woman from the novel, and she is described as: Bird Woman is the God of Birds and a key antagonist in the series. She’s the embodiment of birds. Not just beautiful stately birds in flight. Anyone who’s had a close encounter with a seagull knows that some birds are more dangerous than others, and Bird Woman is the most dangerous of them all. Long ago Anansi did her wrong. Now may be her chance to turn the tables. Gilbert Gottfried’s last Instagram post invited people to weigh in on “the slap.” The comic, whose family announced Tuesday that he died at the age of 67 after a long illness, shared a photo of him and fellow comedian Chris Rock. Rock was slapped by Will Smith while presenting at the Academy Awards after Rock made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. “Which is the worst crime?,” the caption on the photo of Gottfried and Rock read. “Chris Rock being physically assaulted or Chris Rock telling a joke?” Black content creators continue to speak out about racial inequity on social media. Last summer, Black TikTokers began exploring what the app would be like without their contributions. Many are major influencers on the app but white users tend to go viral and reap all the rewards for ripping off trends set by Black TikTokers. Per Yahoo Lifestyle, “a Forbes list of TikTok’s highest paid creators, released in January 2022, confirmed that the issue persists. Among the top five biggest earners were both Charli and Dixie D’Amelio, Addison Rae and Josh Richards, with the only person of color being Bella Poarch — despite the platform being chock full of trends originated by Black creators,” the outlet writes. “The issue is how we are indoctrinated to value Black labor,” Conscious Lee, a Black content creator/educator, tells Yahoo Life. “There’s an issue with fungibility of Black people’s labor throughout the Western world and social media created a new realm within our reality to make it worse.” According to Zillow’s latest Consumer Housing Trends Report, Black and Latino renters typically pay more in security deposits and application fees than white applicants. The typical white renter pays $35 in application fees, while Black, Latinx, and Asian renters all reported paying a minimum of $50 on application fees. Chance the Rapper appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert last night to perform his new song “Child of God.” Chance showcased the evocative track seated in front of the companion painting by global artist and collaborator Naila Opiangah. The new project explores the relationship between music, cinema, and contemporary art redefining the concept of ‘album art.’ Prior to the performance, Chance sat down with host Stephen Colbert to discuss his collaboration with Opiangah, who he met while visiting Ghana. Click HERE for the interview and HERE to watch the performance. Chance the Rapper appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert last night to perform his new song “Child of God.” Chance showcased the evocative track seated in front of the companion painting by global artist and collaborator Naila Opiangah. The new project explores the relationship between music, cinema, and contemporary art redefining the concept of ‘album art.’ Prior to the performance, Chance sat down with host Stephen Colbert to discuss his collaboration with Opiangah, who he met while visiting Ghana. Click HERE for the interview and HERE to watch the performance. https://youtu.be/13qwuPdE6DA All-new episodes of TV One’s original docu-series, UNSUNG Presents: The Decades and UNCENSORED, are back this Sunday, April 17. UNSUNG: The Decades leads with the influential music from the 90s at 9 p.m. ET/8C, followed by UNCENSORED, which features gospel music pioneer, Erica Campbell, at 10 p.m. ET/9C. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnFUqf4X1Cs After a twenty year break from CCM radio airplay…to have an artist hit Top 5 at radio, accumulate close to 50 million audio streams, win 5 Dove Awards, and receive 3 GRAMMY nominations is nothing short of extraordinary. The biggest question we’ve been getting asked lately is, “what’s next for CeCe Winans?” Well we’re glad you asked…“‘I’ve Got Joy’ is a powerful song written by Phil Wickham and Kyle Lee with a message everyone needs to hear – that we’ve got joy! As believers, we have that joy that surpasses all understanding – that unspeakable joy – the joy of the Lord as our strength. The only reason we can have that joy in the midst of sorrow is because we have Jesus. It’s the joy of Jesus that shines bright within us. In our darkest hour, we can rejoice because of Jesus. Because of what He accomplished on the cross, I’ve got joy now and I’ll have joy forever.” -CeCe Winans. Fair Trade and CeCe Winans are excited to present “I’ve Got Joy” – impacting May 13! ”The cross , you did not have to do it…but I’m grateful that you did.” These words express the theme of "Grateful," new music from Gospels leading gentleman Earnest Pugh as he offers praise to God for Calvary, “Grateful” is the 3rd Single from the “The Outpour Experience” project released in 2000. Recorded LIVE in Richmond, VA and Produced by two award winning producers: Michael Bereal and Keith Williams. A noteworthy accomplishment: The first two singles: “God Wants To Heal You" (2021) and “Thank You So Much” (2022) reached #1 on Billboard Gospel Airplay and Mediabase charts. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u21qBkJf-YY Actress/singer Amber Riley has called off her engagement to Desean Black. During an appearance on the Nice & Neat podcast, Amber dropped a bombshell about her relationship status. “I am a single Black female. I am, but I’m not a crazy one like in the movie,” she responded when asked about her love life, The YBF reports. In December 2020, the “Glee” alum revealed her engagement to Black, but things have since cooled off. Riley said their breakup was “amicable”. “I’m recently single,” she said, adding “I wish him the best. I don’t have anything horrible or bad to say.” Riley went on to note that she has “learned lessons from every relationship I was in and I thank them and leave them with love and light.” https://youtu.be/05yDdVtGOIw Vice President Kamala Harris has often spoken in personal terms about the impact of medical debt; having witnessed firsthand the burden it imposes during her mother’s battle with cancer. In keeping with her advocacy around medical debt, Vice President Kamala Harris convened several senior officials at the White House on Monday to announce steps the Biden-Harris administration is taking to alleviate the burden of medical debt on American families. The steps range from reducing the impact of medical debt in the calculation of creditworthiness, to helping veterans get access to medical debt forgiveness, and more. https://youtu.be/t7H-37NVtSM The California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparations Proposals for African Americans will hold its ninth meeting this week on April 13 and April 14 at Third Baptist Church in San Francisco. On both days, sessions begin at 9 a.m. During the meeting, the task force plans to discuss the challenges some members say the committee has been having with communications organizations it has hired to develop public information campaigns and handle public relations. The firms — the Ralph J. Bunche Center for African American Studies at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA); Young Communications Group, a Los Angeles-based PR firm; and A/B Partners, a national social impact firm — are contracted to work with the task force through the California Department of Justice. https://youtu.be/cKNPYrngKX4 Rihanna opens up about her pregnancy in Vogue‘s May cover story. The singer and beauty mogul is expecting her first child with boyfriend A$AP Rocky, and she previously shared that she intends to be an overprotective mom to her child. Now RiRi is sharing her pregnancy cravings, which include tangerines sprinkled with salt, something commonly eaten in her home country of Barbados. “It has to be with salt and only with salt, because in Barbados we take our fruits to the ocean and soak them,” she told Vogue. “Trust me, it really is a thing.” https://www.instagram.com/badgalriri/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=90628ccf-4b46-4802-95cf-a83ce8a12cae Will Smith’s longtime pal and music collaborator DJ Jazzy Jeff speaks out about the controversial Oscars slap on March 27. As you know, Smith slapped Chris Rock at the Academy Awards last month over a joke the comedian made about Jada Pinkett’s Smith’s bald head. “Don’t get it twisted that it was something he was proud of. It was a lapse in judgment, you know?” said Jazzy Jeff, 57, during a Closed Sessions Legend Conversation at Dorian’s Through the Record Shop in Chicago last week, New York Post reports. “I think the thing that I’ve realized is I don’t know too many people that has had the least amount of lapse of judgment than him,” he continued. “I can name 50 times that [Smith] should’ve smacked the s – – t out of somebody and he didn’t,” Jeff continued. “So for him to have a lapse in judgment, he’s human. And I think a lot of the criticism comes from the people who don’t think people like that are human.”https://www.instagram.com/p/CcFtuympfq8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Today, TV One Networks announced its comprehensive slate of programming across linear and digital networks at the 2022 virtual Upfront presentation. The presentation was led by Michelle Rice, President, TV One and CLEO TV, Susan Henry, Executive Producer in Charge of Production and Senior Director, Original Programming and Production, and Walter Evans, Vice President, Advertising Sales and Marketing. Executives were joined by network talent including Grammy-winning artist Ne-Yo (URBAN ONE HONORS), Jake and Jazz Smollett (LIVING BY DESIGN WITH JAKE AND JAZZ), Taste Award winner Chef Jernard Wells (NEW SOUL KITCHEN) and Taste Award winner Chef Bren Herrera (CULTURE KITCHEN). Cam Newton is probably not in the best position to be telling anyone they need to know when to be quiet. And yet, here he is showing the world that he has learned nothing from the time he got dragged and lost endorsements over sexist remarks he made to a female reporter in 2017. Now, in 2022, Newton is out here denigrating women—who he essentially says are not women, but “bad b*****”—who “can’t cook,” and “don’t know when to be quiet.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1513556750657589254 A male train passenger put on a gas mask, deployed a gas canister and then opened fire, shooting 10 commuters as a Manhattan-bound subway train headed into a station in Brooklyn, New York, on Tuesday morning, authorities said. Five of the 10 people shot are in critical but stable condition and six others were injured in the attack during the morning rush, FDNY First Deputy Commissioner Laura Kavanaugh said. None of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening, NYPD commissioner Keechant Sewell said. https://youtu.be/BL4G82gm0Bw A Kentucky police officer is being sued for running over a Black man accused of trespassing at a hotel. The suit says Officer Justin Skaggs used excessive force and violated the civil rights of Anthony Gray, Black Enterprise reports. Last September, Radcliff, Kentucky police were called on Gray, 32, after he was accused of trespassing on the property of the Gold Vault Inn and refused to leave. When the police arrived, Gray reportedly tried to flee and Skaggs used “his vehicle to run over Anthony Gray, an unarmed Black man, who was suspected only of a violation punishable by a simple fine,” read the federal lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court, WDRB reports. Gray‘s attorney, Aaron Bentley, said his client suffered a shattered left tibia and other injuries, according to the Courier-Journal. The suit says Officer Justin Skaggs used excessive force and violated the civil rights of Anthony Gray, Black Enterprise reports. Last September, Radcliff, Kentucky police were called on Gray, 32, after he was accused of trespassing on the property of the Gold Vault Inn and refused to leave. When the police arrived, Gray reportedly tried to flee and Skaggs used “his vehicle to run over Anthony Gray, an unarmed Black man, who was suspected only of a violation punishable by a simple fine,” read the federal lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court, WDRB reports. Gray‘s attorney, Aaron Bentley, said his client suffered a shattered left tibia and other injuries, according to the Courier-Journal. The family of Christian Tobechukwu “Toby” Obumseli speaks about the hateful and vile tweets he wrote about Black American women which surfaced following his death. Nigerian-born Obumseli was fatally stabbed by his white girlfriend inside their luxury high-rise apartment in Miami in what authorities described as a domestic dispute.? Obumseli was pronounced dead after being rushed to a local hospital.? His girlfriend, OnlyFans model and Instagram influencer Courtney Clenney, 25, was detained after the fatal stabbing, and while at the police station, threatened to kill herself.? She was briefly hospitalized before being released on bail less than a week after her arrest in connection to the killing. As reported by MadameNoire, Clenney was spotted at the Grand Beach Hotel in Miami on April 8, having a drink, just days after she was released from suicide watch. Now the victim’s family speaking out about her white privilege while condemning Obumseli’s hatred for Black American women. https://youtu.be/oi606IgaDnE A pregnant woman who was found shot to death inside her car last week in southwest Houston has been identified, according to police. 27-year-old Amber Butler was found unresponsive in her Chevrolet Malibu on Friday morning. What makes the story even more heartbreaking is that Butler was just days from giving birth to her second son, according to her aunt, Phyllis Brown. Brown says the family has never experienced anything like this and is too upset to talk on camera right now, reports ABC13. Brown also said Butler was a college student and a mother of a 5-year-old boy who was anxiously awaiting the birth of another boy. Vladimir Putin today warned his enemies in the West they will face ‘consequences’ if they ‘worsen the situation’ in Ukraine, as the Russian strongman threatened to create ‘waves of migrants’ in Europe. Putin, speaking in front of dozens of rockets at the Vostochny space launch facility in Russia’s Far East, insisted that his faltering invasion of Ukraine would prevail as he warned of world starvation as a result of Western sanctions against Moscow. The Russian President claimed Russia’s economy and financial system withstood the blow from what he called the Western sanctions ‘blitz’ and insisted the move would backfire by driving up prices for essentials such as fertilizer, leading to food shortages and increased migration to the West. Despite Putin’s faltering invasion, which saw Russian troops retreat from Ukrainian cities and instead focus on the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine, the leader said his war effort is going to plan as he vowed Russia would triumph in all of its ‘noble’ war aims. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey Friday signed two bills targeting transgender youth, setting up the state for at least one round of lawsuits. Ivey signed SB 184, sponsored by Sen. Shay Shelnutt, R-Trussville, which would subject doctors to 10 years in prison for providing puberty blockers and hormones to transgender youth. Ivey also signed HB 322, sponsored by Rep. Scott Stadthagen, R-Hartselle, which forces transgender children to use bathrooms of their birth sex and bans discussions of “sexual orientation or gender identity” in kindergarten through fifth grade that is “not age appropriate or developmentally appropriate.” “There are very real challenges facing our young people, especially with today’s societal pressures and modern culture,” Ivey said in a statement. “I believe very strongly that if the Good Lord made you a boy, you are a boy, and if he made you a girl, you are a girl.” The Walt Disney Company will soon be airing an ad on all of its channels featuring the mother of a trans-identified child lambasting supporters of bills banning genital mutilation surgeries for children and the teaching of LGBT ideology in schools. The mother accuses these Americans of trying to “tear our families apart.” The LGBT advocacy organization GLAAD released the public service announcement called “Protect Our Families” last week. The 60-second ad profiles the Briggle family, which includes Amber Briggle along with her husband and her two children. The ad focuses on her trans-identified daughter, who now identifies as a boy and goes by the name Max. https://youtu.be/xbad3efCic8 Beloved comedian Gilbert Godfried has passed away. He was 67. Gottfried’s family confirmed his death in a statement on Twitter. “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved Gilbert Gottfried after a long illness. In addition to being the most iconic voice in comedy, Gilbert was a wonderful husband, brother, friend and father to his two young children. Although today is a sad day for all of us, please keep laughing as loud as possible in Gilbert’s honor.” Although Gottfried’s family said the comedian died of a “long illness,” the exact cause of death has not been made immediately clear. It was reported in 2020 that Gottfried had heart issues, according to TMZ.Gottfried kicked off his comedy career in the 1970s as a cast member on “Saturday Night Live.” He also became a standout character on “The Cosby Show” and “Beverly Hills Cop II.” Gottfried is also the voice of the Aflac duck and Iago in Aladdin. Lizzo is back at it — showing her bare essentials and this time she’s doing it to promote her new shapewear line called Yitty. The singer shared a clip on social media in which she is seen wearing a revealing two-piece in black from her garments collection. Per PEOPLE, the barely-there outfit features “a classic bra top and high-waisted leggings with both hip and derrière cut-outs.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CcL0O6shkfU/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again In the wake of this recent divorce from actress Meagan Good, Hollywood producer and bestselling author DeVon Franklin is offering a personal twist on the African proverb that says “It takes a village to raise a child” — It Takes a Woman. In this riveting and soul-stirring Audible Original, Franklin’s first audio-only memoir, he introduces us to the women who raised him: a “village of love” that selflessly came together to shape DeVon into the man he is today. It Takes A Woman is available on Thursday, April 21 at Audible.com. For the first time publicly, Franklin and his family discuss the aftermath of his father’s untimely death and the despair that could have destroyed their future. It Takes a Woman offers listeners an emotional journey of tragedy, triumph, and healing as Franklin, his mother, and his five living great-aunts recall how the women heeded the call to help raise him and his two brothers. The candid conversation—covering everything from marriage, death, divorce, and regret to colorfully frank advice about dating, sex, and money—uncovers old wounds that are still fresh and pain that is still piercing, as well as a family bond that is unbreakable. Veteran actress Nia Long is speaking out about being “ageless” in youth-obsessed Hollywood. “…there’s so much pressure in this industry to stay beautiful and to stay young. And I’m really not interested in leaning into this idea of perfection,” Long, 51, says in an interview with PEOPLE. “I am a proud 51, and eventually I’m going to age in a way where it’s obvious and I want it to happen beautifully and gracefully. I don’t really want the pressure of feeling like I have to be beautiful and perfect because I think beauty comes at any age,” she said. https://www.instagram.com/iamnialong/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c334e85c-cc9d-4f72-b747-03c354c0dde9 After two years of virtual worship services due to the Covid-19 pandemic, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church is reopening its doors on Good Friday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m. with internationally renowned faith leader and best-selling author Bishop T.D. Jakes and award-winning gospel artist John P. Kee. New Birth's reopening activities, called 'The Return', will culminate on Resurrection Sunday, April 17, with Senior Pastor Dr. Jamal Bryant and celebrated gospel artist VaShawn Mitchell beginning at 9:30 a.m. All planned events will take place at New Birth, located at 6400 Woodrow Rd in Stonecrest. "We are beyond thrilled to return to in-person worship services, to re-engage with our congregation and to welcome visitors who are thirsty for an extraordinary encounter with the Lord," said Dr. Bryant. "Bishop T.D. Jakes is a global force and one of the most prolific voices in ministry. We are truly blessed to have him join us for our Good Friday service with the legendary John P. Kee. We are equally excited that gospel sensation VaShawn Mitchell will join us as our guest psalmist on Resurrection Sunday." Gospel’s “Prince of Praise”, Byron Cage scores his second #1 single with the smash hit, “You Are” on Gospel Airplay Billboard and Mediabase! This is the second single from his most recent album, Isolation, to reach #1 status and fourth for his career overall (preceded by “The Presence of the Lord is Here”, “I Will Bless the Lord” and “I Can’t Give Up”). Cage has been in the gospel music industry for over thirty years, and we can see there’s no slowing him down! When asked of this amazing accomplishment, Cage says, “I am so grateful that God still allows me to put life changing music into the earth. ‘You Are’ is a passionate song reminding us that everything we stand in need of, ‘You Are’.” He continues, “I would also like to thank the entire team that has worked this project. Thank you Eboni Funderburk for all of your hard work on this along with Tommy Couch, the entire Malaco team, and my manager, David Robinson, for your unwavering support. None of this would be possible without you. I'm also so grateful to the song's producer Dontaniel Jamel Kimbrough for Keyemup Music and the writers Clarence Singleton, Eric Davis, and Damon Whitehurst for creating such an anointed song that is ministering to the hearts of people around the world. You all are the best!” CLEO TV's new lifestyle series, Decor Remixed, continues tomorrow night, April 13 at 9 p.m./8C. Hosted by interior designer Dominique Calhoun, the hot new show shines a spotlight on the art of decorating and transforming dull spaces into new, fresh and innovative environments. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16xPOSsfsn8&feature=youtu.be CLEO TV's new lifestyle series, Global Gourmet, is back on April 13 at 9:30 p.m./8:30C. Hosted by the renowned Chef Essie Bartels, the show highlights the joys of delicious food and stories of wanderlust travel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msokYJ8duto The 2022 Proud Family revival is louder & prouder thanks to an all-star cast and numerous celebrity guest appearances. This Wednesday (April 13) Tina Knowles will make her debut as a no-nonsense beautician named “Ms. Gina,” who will style Penny Proud’s frenemy, LaCienega’s for her quinceañera. https://youtu.be/VbUD08lzLHY Michael Jackson’s estate has revealed that the outfit the late singer wore in the “Bad” music video is worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. In a recent accounting document, the estate noted that Jackson continues to bring in “in excess” of two billion, money that provides for his three children, and his mother. “Michael Jackson provided the sole financial support for his children and was Mrs. Jackson’s primary source of support. The Executors have endeavored to continue to meet the financial needs of Mrs. Jackson and the children. The Executors have done so through a family allowance for Mrs. Jackson and the children as well as various other means,” the document states, according to the report. It continues, “Mrs. Jackson resided in the Estate’s real property on Hayvenhurst Avenue in Encino, California (“Hayvenhurst”) for more than thirty years. At the time of Michael Jackson’s death, the mortgage on Hayvenhurst was in default. The Executors paid the mortgage in full. The Executors made and continue to make from time to time necessary repairs and improvements to Hayvenhurst to address maintenance and other issues. The Executors have continued to provide for the maintenance of Hayvenhurst, including estate management, security, and staff.” https://youtu.be/Sd4SJVsTulc Walmart tycoon Rob Walton is expected to outbid billionaire Robert F. Smith to buy the Denver Broncos. According to Forbes, Walton, 77, is worth more than $70 billion. He is expected to submit a bid worth more than $4 billion on Friday. Per the New York Post, the bid is “the highest price ever paid for a professional sports team, according to sources close to the situation.” Meanwhile, private-equity tycoon Robert F. Smith — the nation’s richest African American — could potentially become the NFL’s first Black team owner as he has reportedly expressed interest in acquiring the team. It’s unclear, however, if he will submit an offer to buy to Broncos. Former Source owner Benzino was arrested for punching the truck of the man who went on a date with his ex/baby mama. Bodycam footage has surfaced showing the “Love And Hip Hop” star being arrested this weekend for taking his frustration out on the truck of Althea Hart’s new man. https://youtu.be/Mzs7N9i0Ans Reality star Amara La Negra gave birth to premature twin girls in March, and she reportedly left the hospital over the weekend without her babies. As reported by SandaRose, the “Love & Hip-Hop: Miami” star, born Diana Danelys De Los Santos, explained in a now-deleted Instagram livestream why her newborns have to stay in the neonatal intensive care unit for a few more days. The singer reportedly named her babies YourMajesty in Spanish (SuMajestad) and YourHighness (SuAlteza). La Negra previously suffered a miscarriage. She announced in November that she was expecting again with her Dominican business partner Allan Mueses. The pair are reportedly no longer a couple but plan to co-parent their twins. https://www.instagram.com/lasroyaltwins/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=bd763e2d-f1c0-4581-88d1-56dca1dfff6a This episode of Underground Magnolia Podcast features Lorraine Lionheart, a singer and songwriter heating up the global music scene. Hailing from Botswana in Southern Africa and based in the UK, she boasts a sound that fuses traditional African music with contemporary Afropop. The sexy singer already has four independent albums and several singles under her belt that explore a new-ish African beat called amapiano. https://youtu.be/ZGYbCuJRugs The Biden Administration has quietly tapped a ‘racial equity czar’ to work in the Department of Housing and Urban Development, charged with carrying out the agenda laid out in one of President Joe Biden’s first executive orders. Adjoa B. Asamoah is HUD’s first ever senior adviser for racial equity and currently the only Black woman in federal government whose role is advising a Cabinet secretary, in this case HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge, on how public policy contributes to structural inequity and how to mitigate those impacts. News of her appointment comes on the 54th anniversary of President Lyndon B. Johnson signing the Fair Housing Act into law. The appointment comes at a crucial political moment for the Biden Administration, which needs Democrats to maintain control of Congress in this year’s midterm elections in order to continue pursuing its agenda. New York City Mayor Eric Adams tested positive for Covid-19 on Sunday, according to a statement from a spokesperson. “This morning, Mayor Adams woke up with a raspy voice and, out of an abundance of caution, took a PCR test that has now come back positive,” press secretary Fabien Levy said in the statement Sunday. “At this time, the mayor has no other symptoms, but he is already isolating and will be canceling all public events for the remainder of the week,” the statement said. “He is also going to immediately begin taking the anti-viral medications offered for free to New York City residents and encourages all New Yorkers eligible for these medications to take them as well.” https://youtu.be/SaN5i0Ie5FM A Republican official in Virginia refuses to resign after his racist social media posts surfaced. The Republican Party of Hampton, Virginia is calling on Hampton Electoral Board Chair David Dietrich to resign after his Facebook post surfaced in which he used the N-word and suggested “lynching” several “vile and racist” Democratic leaders in Washington, D.C., including secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, MSN reports. Dietrich condemned Austin for wanting to weed out white nationalists in the military, calling his efforts a ploy “to remove conservative, freedom-loving Americans from the roles.” He described Austin and other Democratic leaders as “stinking” N-words. The death of Patrick Lyoya, a Black man killed by a white police officer during a traffic stop in Grand Rapids, has drawn national civil rights attorney Ben Crump’s attention. “Justice for Patrick!” shouted Crump, holding a clinched fist high in the air, inside the Renaissance Church of God in Christ in the Family Life Center in Grand Rapids. “Justice for Patrick!” the packed crowd responded. Crump — who has represented the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Trayvon Martin — was one of half a dozen speakers to take part in a community conversation forum Sunday, April 10, at the Grand Rapids church. The forum, organized by Kent County Commission Robert Womack, featured Black clergyman from all over Grand Rapids and other Black community leaders. Womack reached out to Crump the days following Lyoya’s death and shared the news. “This is about a broken-hearted family,” Crump said, standing side-by-side with members of Lyoya’s family. “A broken-hearted Black family, who yet again has lost a loved one unjustly at the hands of the individual who was supposed to protect her son.” https://media-exp1.licdn.com/dms/image/sync/C4D27AQG6__eN6b43GQ/articleshare-shrink_800/0/1649720941855?e=1649811600&v=beta&t=dIFSNXt10wa0Cpnpj7xlSuA-wZuWAKM-pTEPB1fZ7ro April 11 – 17 is Black Maternal Health Week, a campaign founded by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance to create awareness and inspire activism around issues related to maternal health and reproductive justice for Black mothers. These issues are more important than ever as Black women continue to die at disproportionate rates during childbirth. Now Tufts University in Boston, MA, has launched a pioneering new initiative dedicated to helping find solutions that lead to positive outcomes for Black mothers. “The country is in a crisis around maternal health,” says Ndidiamaka Amutah-Onukagha, the Julia A. Okoro Professor of Black Maternal Health at Tufts University School of Medicine. “The majority of Black maternal deaths are completely preventable.” Amutah-Onukagha, an associate professor and assistant dean of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, will lead the new Center for Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice (CBMHRJ) at Tufts University. “The opportunity to create and launch a national Center for Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice at this critical time will not only honor the work around maternal health equity but also position Tufts as a leader in this field,” she says. “The vision of the center is to protect the Black birthing experience by advocating for quality, equitable, and respectful care in childbirth.” The 30th Anniversary Bounce Trumpet Awards will feature a tribute to The Warriors of Justice honoring those institutions and their leaders who have been on the front lines fighting for social, political, legal, educational, and economic equality for people of color. The group includes: Rev. Jesse Jackson, Founder/President - Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Derrick Johnson, President/CEO – NAACP, Marc Morial, President/CEO, National Urban League and Dr. Charles Steele, Jr. President/CEO - Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) The event will also feature appearances from Honorees, including Courtney B. Vance, Senator Raphael Warnock, Stan Lathan, Princess Sarah Culberson, Senator Jon Ossoff, and Zaila Avant-Garde. Presenters and special tributes will includes Tamron Hall, Xerona Clayton, Caroline Wanga, Wendell Pierce, Sanaa Lathan, and more. Special musical performances by Dru Hill, Mary Mary, Tank, PJ Morton, Avery Wilson, and more. The 30th Anniversary Bounce Trumpet Awards will take place on April 23, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood and will air on Juneteenth, Sunday, June 19, at 7 p.m. ET. Produced by Magic Lemonade Production Company, the gala event will be televised on Bounce, the nation’s popular entertainment television network serving African Americans. TV One announced today that filming for its Marvin Sapp biopic is underway. Chaz Lamar Shepherd (“Marvel’s Luke Cage” “The Game”) will take on the lead role as Marvin Sapp. Joining Shepherd is Ambre Anderson (“Power Book II” “Manifest Evil”) who is cast as Sapp’s wife, MaLinda Prince Sapp. The film is scheduled for an August 21 release on TV One. “It is an honor to tell Marvin Sapp’s life story,” said TV One’s Executive Producer Jason Ryan. “His vast contributions to gospel and American music are undeniable. We know this film will resonate with our viewers.” An all-new episode of TV One’s True Crime Mondays is back tonight! This week's episode of FATAL ATTRACTION unpacks a young woman's unfortunate demise when she is found dead in a car. Watch the story unfold at 9 p.m. ET/8C. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WADxK2_2JBI David E. Johnson, Jr. is a singer, songwriter, and actor born and raised in Memphis, TN. David entered Gospel music as a new artist last year with the release of his Go-go Gospel single, "Shake Em Off" and official music video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xW4buW93YNc Jesse Williams has had his monthly child support payments drastically reduced. A court ruled that the former “Grey’s Anatomy” star would no longer have to pay his ex-wife, Aryn Drake-Lee, $6,413 a month instead of the $40,000 he was paying monthly in child support payments, Entertainment Tonight reports. The new payment arrangement is due to changes in his finances. Williams can pay half on the first of the month, and the other half on the 15th, and will continue until further court order. Last month, Williams explained in court documents obtained by Radar Online that his income from January 2021 to November 2021 was reduced to $660k. He is currently starring in a Broadway play Take Me Out and claims he makes only $1,668 from the show. He asked the courts in Los Angeles to reduce his child support payments, which his ex is fighting against. The actor is no longer pulling in a six-to-seven figure income following his exit from “Greys Anatomy,” and Aryan allegedly has no interest in getting a job. Chris Rock served up a stand-up show at the Fantasy Springs Resort-Casino in California on Friday, where he briefly touched on getting slapped by Will Smith at the 2022 Oscars. “I’m OK, I have a whole show and I’m not talking about that until I get paid. Life is good. I got my hearing back,” Rock joked, per Deadline. Rock also discussed the incident days prior during a comedy club performance in Boston. “How was your weekend?” he started his set. “I don’t have a bunch of shit about what happened, so if you came to hear that, I have a whole show I wrote before this weekend. I’m still kind of processing what happened. So, at some point I’ll talk about that shit. And it will be serious and funny.” Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are engaged — again, and the singer/actress shared a video on social media of her engagement ring. Lopez shared a video of her green engagement ring in her newsletter “On the JLo.” “So this happened. Love you @jlo @ben affleck,” her sister Lynda Lopez captioned photos from the video on her Instagram Stories. Ben and Jen met in 2001 on the set of the romantic comedy “Gigli”. The film flopped, and Affleck told Entertainment Weekly in January that he didn’t regret working on the project because he “did get to meet Jennifer, the relationship with whom has been really meaningful to me in my life.” Jen’s engagement ring, a green stone set on a silver band, has a special meaning to her. “I always say the color green is my lucky color,” Lopez, 52, previously wrote about the iconic Versace gown she wore to the 2000 Grammys. “Maybe you can remember a certain green dress.” “I’ve realized there are many moments in my life where amazing things happened when I was wearing green,” she continued. A white Stanford educator has been nicknamed “Professor Karen” after threatening to call the police on a Black UC Berkeley teacher who shared her home address online. The man also shared her $5,000 hourly consultation rate in a Twitter post, and now claims her reaction to his antics was racially motivated. The Stanford professor, Jo Boaler, has been sparring with Jelani Nelson — a computer science professor at UC Berkeley — over how to teach math to California’s K-12 students. According to numerous reports, Boaler, 58, is catching heat from Nelson over her support of a potential new math program in California’s schools. The “Fantastic Beasts” franchise is back, with its latest addition, “The Secrets of Dumbledore,” and fans can expect a lot more adventure, fun, and magic! In the new film, Jessica Williams reprises her role as Eulalie Hicks/Professor Lally Hicks who she said has an even bigger role this time around. “In “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald,” the second film, Lally is in it for one second,” said Williams. “That took me like an hour to film. That was a few years ago and in this movie, I’m in it for the entirety of the film, so that took like seven months. You really learn a lot about Professor Hicks. She’s really brilliant, she’s really formidable, she’s really confident and you get to see that in this film. https://youtu.be/Y9dr2zw-TXQ Cynthia Erivo stars in episode four of “Roar.” She portrays a wife, mother, and career woman. Her episode tells the story of a woman who has it all and does it all with a suspenseful twist. Erivo taks about her reaction to her character and the way this story was told. “What drew me to the series is it allows people to see the differences and complexities of the lives different women live,” said Erivo. “In this particular episode, I thought it was really well done. And that it physicalized something many women feel and experience.” Erivo’s character begins to feel the pressure of trying to be a successful career woman and a good mom to her daughter. Trying to be everything to everyone. That pressure can make anyone feel as if they’re being swallowed whole. Her character randomly begins to experience mysterious bites on her body. As if she doesn’t have enough to worry about now she has to focus on what’s going on with her body and why. Many times women often neglect themselves in the process of taking care of their loved ones. The cause of the bites will shock you! Tune into “Roar” on April 15th on Apple TV. When Isabella “Izzy” Tichenor died by suicide in November, her mother alleged that the 10-year-old Black and autistic student at Foxboro Elementary in Farmington, Utah, had been bullied because of her race and disability. When Isabella “Izzy” Tichenor died by suicide in November, her mother alleged that the 10-year-old Black and autistic student at Foxboro Elementary in Farmington, Utah, had been bullied because of her race and disability. https://youtu.be/bZJIUUBfa2U Legendary “Ad Man” Jo Muse of Muse Communications will be inducted into the 71st American Advertising Hall of Fame. The live annual gala and award ceremony is Tuesday, April 26, 2022, in New York City. Because of Covid, the ceremony for the Class of 2020 was delayed. This story has a lot of local flavor. Jo Muse has been creating ad literary magic in the LA area for decades. His learning disability also didn’t stop him from pursuing his dream. Jo crafted a company that has worked with some of the biggest fortune 500 companies in the country. This is an inspirational feel-good story. The award is just a small part of the story. “New Hollywood is a place where you don’t have to have to act, you can just be yourself,” shares Reach Records artist, WHATUPRG, about his forthcoming album of the same name! His trademark combination of Latin rhythms, trap music, flawless lyricism, and captivating storytelling has enshrined him as an artistic elite amongst his peers. With his second album, New Hollywood, releasing shortly, WHATUPRG is emerging from the Christian music scene and onto the world stage. Through his new song and video, “KIDS,” he sends a message on the behalf of the unaccompanied migrant children being kept in cramped government detention facilities on the US southern border with Mexico at the time of the song's recording. "I want them to be released from physical captivity and I want all kids freed from the expectations that they be anything other than themselves." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4bjW2t3enw Hip-hop veteran Master P has called out the fake love showered on the late Nipsey Hussle, as the rapper was under-appreciated while alive. Speaking to HipHopDX, Master P said many rap fans don’t appreciate an artist until it’s too late. “I just think in our culture, it just natural that people just self-hate,” he told the outlet via Zoom. “They don’t want to see somebody else make it until they gone. You don’t want to tell somebody they great while they alive. That’s the thing that I just couldn’t understand about Nipsey is that he was talented.” Nipsey was murdered by a known gang member in Los Angeles in 2019 outside his Marathon Clothing store in South LA. Master P had a close friendship with the LA artist. He recalled how Nipsey worked hard on his 2018 debut album, Victory Lap, only to have it seemingly ignored by the rap community. “He put the same record that sold millions of copies only sold 50,000 when he was alive and he couldn’t get it,” Master P said. “He was like, ‘Man, I put my all into this project.’ He was like, ‘Boss, I did it. This is it.’ And then when it didn’t happen, and just watching the people, this guy don’t know that his funeral was at the Staples Center. He didn’t know that he had that type of love. Let’s be honest, he was still in Inglewood and Crenshaw trying to figure it out […] People would tell him, ‘Well, I don’t think that you got it.’ What happened? I mean, it’s the same album. The same album that people love now. That’s the part that I don’t understand. That’s why we got to celebrate us while we here. Stop it with the fake love.” ESPN’s Malika Andrews and WNBA player turned analyst Chiney Ogwumike are speaking out about representation in professional basketball news. “We know that every time we step in front of a camera, we’re not just doing it for ourselves,” explains Ogwumike, 30, who co-hosts the daily ESPN show NBA Today with Andrews, in the March/April 2022 issue of Essence. “We’re doing it for the next generation that looks like us, who grew up not seeing those faces, and now they know they can do this, too.” As two fearless Black women, Andrews and Ogwumike bring a unique and rarely seen voice to major sports. “Representation matters,” Andrews, 27, says. “Diversity of roles for women is just as important as diversity as a whole.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1512166835038392334 Comedian Lauren Knight says there’s no bad blood between herself and rapper T.I. after he was recorded going off on her during a comedy show in Atlanta last week. Knight brought up the sexual assault allegations made against the rapper and his wife Tiny during her routine at a comedy club. “As many times as you joke on that shit n*gga, I’m gon check yo mother f*ckin ass as long as it takes,” T.I. (a would-be-comedian himself) told the on-stage comedian. “When you stop playing with me and mine, Ima stop saying something,” he continued speaking on the mic. “There ain’t no mother f*cking case. Ain’t never been no mother f*cking case. I ain’t did nothing wrong and my wife ain’t did nothing wrong. And if you keep on playing wit me n*gga, I’m going to continue to confront (you) publicly– verbally,” he said. “First of all, I think he overreacted,” Knight told TMZ, noting that “the beef is squashed” between them. “This is just about good comedy etiquette—if you’re a comedian you already know what we do is difficult,” she added. “So coming to a show as a comic, which he is, he’s already famous as a rapper. But you’re here as a comedian and heckling me, it’s just bad comedy etiquette… I mean look, everybody laughs at every Bill Cosby joke, every R. Kelly joke, all those jokes as long as they’re being told by men.” https://youtu.be/nKaphKwHo5o Before launching his infamous Death Row Records, Suge Knight worked as Bobby Brown’s bodyguard during the late 1980’s. According to I Love Old School Music, Bobby once had a hit placed on him and Suge stepped up to save the day. In an interview with Vlad TV, ex-LAPD officer Reggie White Jr. explained how Bobby’s non-payment of hefty cocaine purchase prompted a drug dealer to turn to some local gangster's to deal with the artist. https://youtu.be/1gDmB6foM2I The personal care and beauty industry is a trillion-dollar business, one that has many of us hooked on products that keep our hair, nails and skin on point. But while we’re spending a lot of money to look and feel our best, some of our favorite products may be doing much more harm than good. A new documentary is coming to HBO MAX, which explores some of the hidden dangers found in some of the everyday personal care products many of us use. Not So Pretty is a four-part series directed by Academy-award nominated filmmakers, Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering. Actress Keke Palmer narrates each 30-minute episode that puts the $140 billion-dollar global skincare market on blast. https://youtu.be/cDcs6N44Aok Grammy Award-winning artist Chris Tomlin announced that the “Good Friday Nashville” concert will return to Bridgestone Arena on April 15. The event, which began in 2017, had to be postponed for the last two years due to the global pandemic. “After two years of having to worship together virtually due to COVID, I am so excited to be coming back to Bridgestone Arena, live and in person, for Good Friday Nashville,” Tomlin shared in a press release. “What an incredible opportunity to gather again as a church and as a local community to remember the hope we have in Jesus because of His sacrifice on the cross.” Good Friday Nashville benefits the non-profit foundation For Others which was established by Tomlin and his wife Lauren. The organization aims to raise awareness about the thousands of American children and youth involved in the foster care system. It’s over for Billy Ray Cyrus and wife Tish — again. The country singer, 60, and Tish, 54, are divorcing after more than 28 years of marriage, marking the third time they have gone their separate ways. Tish filed for divorce in Williamson County, Tennessee on Wednesday, citing “irreconcilable differences,” according to documents obtained by PEOPLE. She also said that the couple have not lived together in more than two years. Reps for the pair did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment. TMZ was first to report the news. The “Achy Breaky Heart” singer and Tish married in 1993, and share five children: daughters Miley, 29, Noah, 22, and Brandi, 34, and sons Trace, 33, and Braison, 27. Dolly Parton has revealed one of the secrets to her longtime success, confirming that she starts her day at 3 AM. The 76-year-old musician and businesswoman was promoting her new line of Southern deserts with Duncan Hines in a new interview with Insider. She not only revealed that her work day starts at 3 AM, but she also insists that’s when she does some of her best work. ‘I don’t need a whole lot of sleep. I go to bed pretty early, but even if I’ve been up late — it’s just kind of like a little clock inside of me that says “It’s 3 o’clock!”‘ she said. ‘I do some of my best work there, but I get enough sleep. I don’t require as much sleep as a lot of other people do, that’s kind of a Parton family trait,’ she added. The country music legend added that her early rising traits were passed down from her father, Robert Lee Parton. Scottie Scheffler looked like a Masters champion even before he slipped into his green jacket, the model of calm as he methodically worked his way around the most stressful course in major championship golf. Sunday morning was different. That turned out to be the toughest test he had all day. “I cried like a baby this morning. I was so stressed out. I didn’t know what to do,” Scheffler said after winning his first major. “I was sitting there telling [wife] Meredith, ‘I don’t think I’m ready for this’ … and I just felt overwhelmed.” And then he capped off his torrid two-month stretch with his grandest feat of all, leading the entire weekend and strolling to a 1-under 71 — with one lapse in concentration at the end when it didn’t matter — for a 3-shot victory over Rory McIlroy. Tiger Woods said Sunday he will go to St. Andrews in mid-July and play the British Open. It’s unclear if he’ll play anything before then — including the PGA Championship at Southern Hills in May and the US Open at Brookline in June. “I am looking forward to St. Andrews,” Woods said in his post-Masters interview with Sky Sports. “That is something that is near and dear to my heart. I’ve won two Opens there. It’s the home of golf. It’s my favorite golf course in the world. So, I will be there for that one. But anything in between that, I don’t know. I will try. There’s no doubt.” Woods won British Opens at St. Andrews in 2000 and 2005. He played when the Open was last there in 2015 but missed the cut by eight strokes. Gary Brown, who spent seven seasons as the Dallas Cowboys‘ running backs coach, died Sunday after being treated for cancer. He was 52. “Gary Brown had a big heart partnered with a big smile and a big personality. His energy and spirit were infectious,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said in a statement. “He lit up every room he walked into and touched the lives of those who knew him in such a positive way. Everyone who knew him, loved him. He meant so much to the players he coached and the coaches he coached with. “His love for his family, football and life was evident each day. He continued to fight, and he never gave up.” Brown was with the Cowboys from 2013 to 2019 and had three different running backs reach 1,000 yards, including DeMarco Murray, Darren McFadden and Ezekiel Elliott. Murray (2014) and Elliott (2016, 2018) won NFL rushing titles under Brown’s tutelage. “Great Father, Husband, Coach, and Mentor. Appreciate you and your family more than anything GB,” Murray tweeted. “Thank you for teaching me the way on the field and in life. Appreciate you Gary Brown.” After Seeing the Beautiful Picture of this Young Lady, Natalia Bryant, It Would Be Nice if Kobe Bryant Was Here to See his Beautiful Daughters Grow Up. Pray for his Wife and All of his Daughters: Kobe Bryant’s daughter Natalia stuns in a blue gown at Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz’s star-studded wedding in Palm Beach. Not only did it not go well when he recently went at female comic Lauren Knight, but rapper and fledgling comedian T.I. ran into his first tough crowd during a performance at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn over the weekend at a comedy show featuring actual comedians who are really funny such as Eddie Griffin, Tony Roberts, Bruce Bruce, Michael Blackson, and Joe Torry. https://twitter.com/i/status/1512982344264826880 According to Tyre Sampson’s mother and brother, YK Osiris “didn’t pay a dime” for his funeral after telling the world he would, and allegedly blocked them! Nearly two weeks ago, the Jacksonville, Florida rapper/singer took to his Instagram and said, “If anybody knows his family, tell them to dm me because I want to pay for his funeral cost.” While it appeared that Osiris got in touch with the family, apparently that wasn’t the case as Tyre’s brother, known on social media as JRocc Jr., claimed they’ve yet to hear from him. A few hours after sharing photos from his brother’s burial, JRocc shared, “YkOsiri or whatever dude name is canceled. Used lil bro for pure clout. Didn’t pay a dime but told the world otherwise. Even posted a fake screenshot of a GoFundMe donation. Stop pretending you about giving back to the community just to get your sales up. Lame as hell.” Reposting his message, Tyre’s mother, Nekia Dodd, added, “And he blocked me on IG too??” On Saturday in St. Louis Family, friends and former teammates said goodbye to the teenager who was killed in March after falling to his death from a tower ride in Orlando, Florida. The homegoing service for 14-year-old Tyre Sampson was attended by hundreds and was held at Saint Louis University. “There’s a lot of love here,” Kelly Southhall, a family friend said. “There’s a lot of support. No mother should have to go through this.” Sampson stood 6’4, 325 pounds. He was on the path to greatness on the gridiron before this tragic accident cut his life short. His older cousin, Reggie Rice, said he will always carry Tyre in his heart. “He was always asking me: What I wanted to do when I got older; who did I want to be like,” Rice said. “I said, ‘I don’t know. Who do you want to be like? He said nobody. I just want to be myself.’” The only thing bigger than his stature was his larger-than-life personality A man allegedly carjacked a woman’s car in Atlanta with her 9-year-old son still inside on Monday morning, the Atlanta Police Department said in a statement. Officers spoke with Jerrica Moore, who said she’d parked near Ralph David Abernathy Blvd and got out of her car, leaving her keys and son inside. After leaving her car, a man “jumped into her vehicle and sped away from the location with her child still in the car,” the department said in a statement. Police were able to locate the vehicle with the 9-year-old boy inside using iPhone’s tracking abilities in real-time, police said. Once officers caught up to the stolen vehicle, they were able to arrest the suspect “without incident.” “Not all heroes wear capes. We thank all the officers and agencies involved in apprehending this suspect and getting this child to safety. We are happy to report the child and his mother have been reunited,” the APD said in a statement. https://youtu.be/5jzHi6Xs0Qc Body cam video of a police encounter in Illinois that left a man with severe facial injuries was recently released. Police say the video shows the officers were justified when they tased the man, but his mother believes there’s more to the story than they are letting on. Officers stopped Tahir Kelly while searching, they say, for armed offenders in a vehicle. Police say Kelly initially gave them a false name. The exchange that followed can be heard in the video. Officer: “Son, what’s your real name? Because now you’re working your way into something else.” Kelly: “My last name’s Kelly, but that is my date of birth…” Officer: “So you still lied. Your name is Benson or Kelly?” https://youtu.be/bUsQvYHTegY A Louisiana woman who thought she was experiencing stomach pains actually gave birth in her hotel room during a business trip. Victoya Venise started experiencing stomach pains during a business trip in Atlanta, Georgia. Initially, she assumed she caught a stomach bug from her four-year-old daughter and went to use the bathroom. Moments later, Venise realized she was in labor after seeing her son, Rocky, on the toilet and quickly called 911: ‘I found a towel and I wrapped him up. I was sitting on the toilet and I called my mom. I was like, “Mom, I just had the baby.” I was like “he fell in the toilet,”’ ‘She was like, “Call 911, call 911.”’ According to the news outlet, Venise gave birth on April Fool’s Day and considered putting him up for adoption but changed her mind. ‘I feel like the experience made me connected to him and made me want to keep him. So I’m going to keep him,’ she added. https://www.instagram.com/p/CcKG70LP43i/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Police are investigating after a man was fatally stabbed at a Miami high-rise over the weekend in what officials are calling a domestic dispute. The incident happened Sunday night at the One Paraiso luxury building at 3131 Northeast 7th Avenue in Edgewater. Miami Police officials said officers responded to a report of a man stabbed at the building and found the 27-year-old victim, who was rushed to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Officials said a woman was detained at the scene and later taken for a mental health evaluation. Her identity wasn’t released. Police haven’t released the victim’s name, but friends identified him as Christian Toby Obumseli. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oi606IgaDnE Americans are not reading the Bible as regularly as they used to do. The American Bible Society has released a report indicating there has been an “unprecedented drop” in the number of Bible users in the United States. The report dubbed “The 2022 State of the Bible” was released earlier this week. It is the 12th annual report by the society. The survey that was conducted in January is based on responses from 2,598 U.S. adults. In its preface, the report has also highlighted gradual changes in the percentage of Bible users across the United States. According to the American Bible Society, Bible users are “those who use the Bible at least 3-4 times each year on their own, outside of a church setting.” The status of Bobbie Houston, the long-time co-pastor and co-founder of Hillsong, the troubled global megachurch based in Australia, is uncertain after the church’s board and her husband, the church’s former head pastor Brian Houston, traded feuding online messages this week. Brian Houston, who co-founded Hillsong with his wife in Australia in 1983, resigned from his position as global senior pastor on March 21, less than a week after the board released a statement revealing he had sent inappropriate text messages to a staff member and spent time in a woman’s hotel room. No formal announcement has been made regarding Bobbie Houston’s role with the church. In addition to her role as co-global senior pastor, Houston is also the founder and leader of Hillsong’s annual women’s gathering, Color Conference and the Color Sisterhood, a “global movement of women united around a mandate to make the world a better place,” according to the church’s website. On Friday (April 8), her husband posted a message on Instagram claiming his wife was being “made redundant” by Hillsong. The Instagram post included a screenshot of a text message exchange that appeared to be between Bobbie Houston and a church leader, discussing her employment. Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) highly drive box office revenue, according to a study of the top 252 English-language movies released last year. The UCLA Hollywood Diversity Report chronicles the significant rise in on-camera representation in highly-rated movies in the past ten years. The finding is in the ninth installment of the respected group. The same report also documents a slow growth in behind-the-scenes participation by people of color, especially Latino women. “Last year, every time a big movie exceeded expectations or broke a box office record, the majority of opening weekend audiences were people of color,” said Ana-Christina Ramón, co-author of the report and the director of research and civic engagement for UCLA’s social sciences division. “For people of color, and especially Latino families, theaters provided an excursion when almost everything else was shut down. In a sense, people of color kept studios afloat the past couple of years. Studios should consider them to be investors, and as investors, they should get a return in the form of representation.” https://youtu.be/EEgEGJYL13I African American developers Victor MacFarlane and R. Donahue Peebles said Monday that city planning officials in Los Angeles have approved their Angels Landing project, a $1.6-billion hotel-housing-retail complex that will be among L.A.’s tallest buildings. The project will be located in downtown’s Bunker Hill area and have two towers and a plaza next to the historic Angels Flight funicular railway.The project will encompass 1.2 million square feet (111,484 square meters) and include two hotels, condominiums, apartments, restaurants and retail. Angels Landing project will bring thousands of new jobs to the city. Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry and his wife Ayesha announced Wednesday plans to create 150 “Little Town Libraries” around Oakland to encourage neighborhood book sharing and childhood literacy. The initiative is a partnership between Eat. Learn. Play., a nonprofit founded by Stephen and Ayesha Curry, and Little Free Library, a network of nearly 150,000 tiny libraries in front yards of homes and businesses around the globe for people to share books, according to organizers. The mini libraries will be constructed and maintained in under-resourced parts of Oakland, such as East and West Oakland, Fruitvale and Chinatown, with more than 50,000 free books also being distributed as part of the program. She’s a little girl with a big voice! Meet Victory Brinker, the world’s youngest opera singer. According to Guinness World Records, Victory is well on her way to become the next star. Adopted as a baby, the Latrobe, Pennsylvania opera singer is one of 11 children. From the age of a toddler, it was very clear Victory was special. Two days before her sixth birthday, she asked her mom to help her discover who could sing the highest notes, sparking a passion for opera singing. “I love the challenge of the difficult arrangements, the technique required to sing, all the runs, and the different languages all the arias are written in,” said Victory. In 2019, at the age of seven years and 314 days, Victory made history as the world’s youngest female opera singer, participating in eight professional performances at the Pittsburgh Public Theatre’s Lights and Legends show. Now 10 years old, the elementary student is just getting started, working overtime to maintain her voice and technique. https://youtu.be/vrRfBmMWpLY 10-year-old Marley Dias was sitting in a diner with her mom when they shared a conversation that would change the course of her life—and countless others. “My mom asked me what I thought I could do to improve or fix the issues that I was observing in school,” Dias, now 17, says. She told her mom, that day in the diner, that most, if not all, of the required reading in her school’s fifth- and sixth-grade curriculum centered around white male protagonists. She thought that students should be exposed to books that featured diverse voices and unique experiences. Her solution was a grassroots campaign called #1000BlackGirlBooks. The initial goal of the campaign was to collect 1,000 physical books that centered around the stories of Black girls. It eventually expanded to include the creation of a searchable database that would make it easier for teachers, parents, and students to find those stories. “We review all of the books to make sure they have Black girls as protagonists, characters of African descent, or the stories of Black women and girls,” Dias says. “I thought that this lack of literary diversity just existed in my town. But my mom challenged my thinking and encouraged me to research more,” Dias says. That’s when she learned that less than 10 percent of the books published in 2015 had Black main characters. The statistic would drive her as she expanded her vision not just to change her own school district, but “districts across America and across the world.” A statue of Earl Lloyd, the first-ever African American basketball player in the NBA, was unveiled in Alexandria this past weekend. The City of Alexandria honored Lloyd, a longtime Alexandria resident, on the anniversary of his birthday on April 3. The statue is located in the Charles Houston Recreation Center, the former location of Parker-Gray High School, where Lloyd attended. Lloyd made history when he became the first African American to play in the NBA in 1950. https://www.localdvm.com/news/virginia/alexandria-unveils-statue-of-first-african-american-nba-player-earl-lloyd/ A Democrat-turned Republican politician and staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump has come under fire for saying that civil rights protections shouldn’t extend to the LGBTQ+ community. Vernon Jones, 61, served in the Georgia State House of Representatives as a Democrat from 1993 to 2001 and 2017 to 2021, said that gay people ‘can actually change’ in a podcast interview with ex-Trump advisor Steve Bannon. ‘Let me tell you, civil rights for blacks and gay rights for gays are two different things,’ Jones, who once called himself the ‘black Donald Trump,’ said on an episode of Bannon’s ‘War Room’ podcast. ‘I don’t know what you are unless you tell me what you are if you’re gay, but when I walk into that room, you can tell that I’m Black,’ he added. ‘I’m Black from cradle to grave. Let’s not get that confused, but they can actually change.’ https://twitter.com/i/status/1512544594512302093 A legislative panel voted Friday to confirm a Maine judge who could become the first African American to serve on Maine’s highest court. Maine Gov. Janet Mills nominated Rick Lawrence to serve on the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. He is a two-decade veteran district judge. Lawrence, 66, faced a confirmation hearing before the Maine Legislature’s Committee on Judiciary before the vote. Representatives from Mills’ office said during the hearing that Lawrence’s ascendance to the high court would be a milestone for the state, and that his long background in law makes him qualified for the job. The panel agreed, confirming him unanimously. Lawrence, a Portland resident, said during the hearing that his broad range of experience in law and business make him a strong candidate. He currently serves as deputy chief judge of the District Court. Before becoming a judge, he worked as an attorney at Pierce Atwood and as an in-house counsel for disability insurer Unum. The Los Angeles County district attorney’s office will not file charges in the controversial shooting deaths of an Inglewood couple who were gunned down by police inside their car in 2016, according to a report made public Wednesday. Prosecutors said they had insufficient evidence to charge the five Inglewood police officers who opened fire on Kisha Michael and Marquintan Sandlin in February 2016. The office’s legal conclusion laid out in the 36-page document is largely centered on the determination that prosecutors could not disprove that the officers had a reasonable fear that either Michael or Sandlin would reach for the loaded gun that officers saw inside the car. In a separate report also made public late Wednesday, prosecutors said they would not charge the Pasadena police officer who shot and killed Anthony McClain as he fled from a traffic stop two years ago. The Aug. 15, 2020, shooting spurred protests by Black Lives Matter in the streets of Old Pasadena and gained the attention of nationally renowned civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump. The decisions could engender political backlash against George Gascón, the embattled Los Angeles County district attorney, who is facing the threat of a recall and who was elected on a promise of holding police accountable in cases where they used deadly force in unnecessary situations. Will Smith is facing a 10-year ban from events held by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for slapping Oscars presenter Chris Rock during the 94th Academy Awards in March. But the reaction to the film academy’s decision Friday was met with mixed results, ranging from disbelief to accusations of racism. While the “King Richard” star has repeatedly apologized and accepted the academy’s decision, the organization contended that its ban was “a step toward a larger goal of protecting the safety of our performers and guests, and restoring trust in the academy.” But many people on social media didn’t see it that way (and celebrities were mostly silent). Some critics characterized the academy’s ruling against the “Fresh Prince” veteran as racially motivated, while others saw it as the group making up for lax repercussions for past transgressors. They cited inappropriate behavior by the likes of Oscar winner Adrien Brody, who planted a kiss on presenter Halle Berry in 2003, or that of comedian Jim Carrey, a critic of Smith who made live-show advances on an unwilling Alicia Silverstone at the 1997 MTV Movie Awards. “The ten year ban they gave Will Smith feels very ‘make a lesson of this Black person,'” tweeted author Frederick Joseph. “This is 100% racially motivated,” wrote Twitter user Somari, replying to a news story about Smith’s punishment. “Jim Carrey sexually assaulted a woman live on stage and she was visually distressed. Will Smith slaps a dude for mocking an illness and gets banned for a decade.” Jada Pinkett Smith looked glittering in gold on Saturday evening as she made her first public outing since her husband Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars. The Emmy-Award winner, 50, was attending the grand opening of The Rhimes Performing Arts Centre in Los Angeles and used the star-studded event to show off her style. Jada wore a strapless gown that spotlighted her toned arms and she accented the elegant ensemble with a subtle red lip and gold earrings. The actress boosted her sophisticated frame with a pair of killer gold heels which were the perfect complementation to her look. Jada was later seen concealing her striking gown with a thick white dressing gown as she watched the night unfold from the crowd. Saturday night’s event celebrated the opening of Bridgerton producer Shonda Rhimes ‘ latest project, at The Rhimes Performing Arts Centre. Viola Davis, who is one award away from becoming an EGOT recipient, is also weeks away from the release of her in-depth memoir, Finding Me. Though the pioneering, history-making actress will first appear in an intimate Super Soul Sunday-esque special on Netflix with Oprah. As described in a press release, “for the first time Viola shares memories of her childhood marked with unimaginable poverty, disturbing abuse and ‘all the things that cause you pain.’” Additionally, in the nearly two-hour special, “Viola reveals how ‘giving up hope that the past could be different’ has brought her peace, forgiveness and a sense of self. Viola also explains how she manifested the loves in her life and what it took to become one of the most celebrated and talented actresses of our time.” Both the book and onscreen sit-down will shed light on the Fences star’s upbringing and journey toward discovering her purpose. Davis considers the book to be a “deep reflection, a promise, and a love letter of sorts to self.” A veteran actor and member of the Motion Picture Academy blasted Will Smith’s 10-year Oscar ban, calling it a ‘toothless penalty’ and says the star should voluntarily return his best actor award. In a scathing Variety op-ed, Harry Lennix, 57, compared Smith’s punishment for slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars on March 27 to ‘an extended time out for a playground bully’ that ‘lays bare the shallowness of Hollywood morals.’ Lennix wrote that Smith needs to ‘come to grips with the gravity of the offense he committed’ and express-mail his golden trophy back to the Academy. The most ‘galling’ part of the ordeal, Lennix wrote, was Smith being allowed to accept his best actor trophy for his role in ‘King Richard,’ less than an hour after the violent onstage incident, and his reference to the ‘will of God’ in his speech. Less than an hour earlier, Smith slapped Rock on-stage after the comedian made a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett-Smith’s shaved head. Pinkett-Smith has been open in the past about her struggles with alopecia. After the slap, Smith returned to his seat and screamed ‘keep my wife’s name out of your f*****g mouth.’ He the then won the Oscar for Best Actor in his role as Serena and Venus Williams’ father Richard Williams, in the film King Richard. He used his speech to apologize to the Academy and to Rock, and he later posted an apology on Instagram. Rock has not yet addressed the incident and declined to press charges against Smith. ‘Smith’s brutality stripped the entire evening of its prestige,’ Lennix wrote in the op-ed piece. ‘That was proven when stunned Oscar attendees gave a standing ovation to someone who’d just committed an assault in front of their eyes.’ A woman who recently accused Snoop Dogg of sexual assault is dropping her lawsuit for now, federal court documents show. In a motion filed Wednesday in Los Angeles federal court, attorneys for the unnamed Jane Doe accuser asked a judge to dismiss the case “in its entirety.” But the request was “without prejudice,” meaning she could refile the case later. The filing did not explain why she was dropping the case. It came two weeks after Snoop moved to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that it was full of “innuendo and irrelevant statements” but devoid of valid legal accusations. The accuser’s attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A spokesperson for Snoop for told Billboard: “It is not surprising that the plaintiff dismissed her complaint against the defendants. Her complaint was full of false allegations and deficiencies.” In her lawsuit filed on Feb. 9, the Jane Doe accuser alleged that both Snoop Dogg and Bishop Don “Magic” Juan separately assaulted her over a 24-hour span in May 2013. She also says she was not hired again because she rebuffed their advances. After T.I. insulted a comedian who made jokes about the sexual allegations against him and his wife during a comedy show on Monday (4th April), his wife Tiny Harris came out to defend him and set the record straight. The hip-hop star reacted when an Instagram user suggested her husband had been “speaking figuratively.” “He really was,” the 41-year-old Xscape singer replied to the post by The Neighbourhood Talk. She clarified that T.I. didn’t actually refer to the comedian as a b**h because he didn’t directly call her a b**h, reports AceShowbiz. “If u notice when he was speaking directly to her he was calling her ‘n***a.’ Consciously restraining himself from calling her a b***h. Not worth a million,” Tiny further explained. However, that didn’t mark the end of her reactions because one Sabrina Peterson chimed in, accusing the couple of sexual assault and saying she was “triggered” by T.I.’s video with the comedian. “Lmao she should be a comedian too!” Tiny shot back on reading that. https://www.instagram.com/p/CcB5SqNJrHJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Gladys Knight was threatened at gunpoint by a racist. The 77-year-old singer refused to sit back when a petrol attendant refused to fill up her car because of the color of her skin, but when she spoke up against him, he pulled out a weapon. She told Britain’s OK! Magazine: “The bravest thing I’ve ever done [was] early in my career, when I was travelling on the road with the Pips, we stopped at a gas station and the man behind the counter refused to fill our car, even though we’d paid upfront, because I was black. “I was very outspoken in those days and started to argue with him, and he pulled a gun on me. “I hate to think what might have happened if my friends hadn’t pulled me away.” Former Dallas Cowboys executive Gil Brandt is under fire for ‘disgraceful’ comments about the death of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback and former Ohio State standout Dwayne Haskins. The 24-year-old football star was killed on Saturday morning after he was hit by a dump truck on Interstate 595 near Fort Lauderdale. Later on NFL Radio, Brandt went viral after he was asked about Haskins death. The 90-year-old Hall-of-Famer made several ‘disgraceful’ and ‘completely inappropriate’ remarks on the subject. ‘I hate anytime anybody is killed or anybody dies. But he was a guy that was living to be dead,’ Brandt told Vic Carucci and Dan Leberfeld of Sirius XM NFL Radio. ‘They told him don’t, under any circumstances, leave school early. You just don’t have the work habits. You don’t have this, you don’t have that. What did he do? Left school early,’ he said. https://youtu.be/_mlUGQ0a4f0 Gil Brandt, a longtime former executive for the Dallas Cowboys, has apologized for his immediate reaction to the death of NFL quarterback Dwayne Haskins. “This morning while learning of Dwayne Haskins’ passing, I reacted carelessly and insensitively on a radio interview,” Brandt tweeted on Saturday. “I want to apologize to Mr. Haskins’ family and anyone who heard my poor choice of words. I truly apologize. My heart goes out to his family at this difficult time.” Haskins, the former quarterback of the Steelers and Washington Commanders in the NFL and the Ohio State Buckeyes, died on Saturday morning after being struck by a dump truck while walking on a highway in South Florida. Washington went 3-10 in games started by Haskins in 2019 and 2020. He was signed by the Steelers in 2021 as the third-string quarterback behind Ben Roethlisberger and Mason Rudolph, but was only active for one game this past season and did not appear on the field. Brandt, who is 90 years old, spoke on SiriusXM on Saturday morning in the immediate wake of the news. He said that Haskins was someone who “was living to be dead, so to speak.” Brandt said that Haskins ignored the advice of NFL draft evaluators who told him to remain an extra year at Ohio State, allegedly telling him that he did not have the work ethic. For over a decade, there has been a debate that Idris Elba should become the next lead actor in the James Bond movie series. The discussion heated up after Daniel Craig left the franchise. Craig played James Bond in the last movie. The search for his replacement is ongoing, and that’s where Elba comes in. Many say he could easily step into the role, thus becoming the first Black man to play the legendary special agent. However, Elba now says he is too old to play James Bond. He has not entirely given up hope on securing the role, but he thinks playing Bond for an extended period of time may not favor his old age. “I am 50 this year. Let’s say you sign up for three films – nobody wants to see Bond giving chase or beating up guys when he is 60,” Elba explained. “I am probably too old to take on the role now.” You may not hear country music booming out of the speakers of many cars in the inner cities of New York, Chicago or Detroit. But a new generation of country artists like Kane Brown, Mickey Guyton and Jimmie Allen are here to show the world that the genre isn’t just music by and for white people who wear cowboy hats. And an Amazon Music Original documentary wants viewers to know that country music has been Black music all along. On April 7, Amazon Music announced the release of For Love & Country, a documentary that shines a light on the complicated relationship Black musicians and artists have had with the country music industry throughout history. For Love & Country is directed by acclaimed director and photographer Joshua Kissi. “My hope is for people to watch this beautiful piece of film while having a different appreciation for the genre of country music and the artists who so boldly choose to stand in the light,” Kissi said. Washington got a crash course in risk-reward ratios after several big names tested positive for the coronavirus this week. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. got it. D.C. Democratic Mayor Muriel Bowser got it. Attorney General Merrick Garland, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine all announced they got it after attending the exclusive Gridiron Club dinner on April 2. Some 450 people packed into the National Gallery of Art for Thursday’s opening of “Afro-Atlantic Histories,” a groundbreaking exhibition of Black art and artists at the city’s most prestigious art museum. Vice President Kamala Harris celebrated during the day after presiding over the landmark confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court, and then at night by touring the show and addressing the crowd. “A lot of history is being made today,” said Harris with a broad smile. “Tonight is exceptional because it is unlike any other in the National Gallery’s history.” The exhibit, she added, is “so extraordinarily significant and important. It tells the story of our shared past but also our shared future.” Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson marked her historic confirmation to the Supreme Court with a moving speech from the White House on Friday, in which she celebrated the “hope and promise” of a nation where it was possible for her family to go from living under segregation to a Supreme Court appointment in one generation. https://youtu.be/5x9oIvt_Gx8 China has accelerated an expansion of its nuclear arsenal because of a change in its assessment of the threat posed by the U.S., people with knowledge of the Chinese leadership’s thinking say, shedding new light on a buildup that is raising tension between the two countries. The Chinese nuclear effort long predates Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but the U.S.’s wariness about getting directly involved in the war there has likely reinforced Beijing’s decision to put greater emphasis on developing nuclear weapons as a deterrent, some of these people say. Chinese leaders see a stronger nuclear arsenal as a way to deter the U.S. from getting directly involved in a potential conflict over Taiwan. It was a veneer of acceptance embraced by every GOP president from Reagan to Trump, and even the strongest abortion foes, that a woman should not be required to carry a rapist’s child. Just as states may be on the verge of regaining expansive authority to outlaw abortion, eliminating rape and incest exceptions has moved from the fringe to the center of the antiabortion movement. In 2019, Alabama gained national attention by passing a state law banning all abortions with exceptions only for lethal abnormalities and serious health risks to the patient. There was a brief backlash to Alabama’s law, but over the last four years, 10 states have enacted abortion bans in early pregnancy without rape or incest exceptions: Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Ohio, Tennessee and Texas. All were blocked by the court, except Texas’ law, which is in effect. A large worm-like cloud materialized this week over Alaska’s Lazy Mountain, igniting conspiracy theories and prompting an investigation — and explanation — from Alaska State Troopers. It happened around 7 a.m. Thursday, April 7, and photos show the streak of smoke resembled everything from a falling meteor to a burning aircraft. Social media explanations included talk of an eruption, a crashing UFO and a Russian weapon linked to the ongoing conflict over Ukraine. “We saw this on the way to school this morning as well. Very eerie!” Christy Hronkin Swift wrote on the Palmer Alaska Buzz Facebook page. “Looks like a meteor. I wonder where it landed,” Cassi Joi posted. “Could it be a satellite? It’s so strange,” Shannon Del Vecchio Watson said. “No wings,” Susie Kuke Martin noted. Rayfield Wright, the longtime Dallas Cowboys right tackle and two-time Super Bowl champion, died Thursday, his wife Di told the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was 76 years old. Wright had reportedly been hospitalized for several days after a severe seizure. The Griffin, Georgia native was a major player in the Cowboys’ rise to America’s team, joining them as a seventh-round pick in the 1967 NFL draft. Before that, Wright had been more interested in a basketball career as a three-sport athlete at Fort Valley State, but a call from Cowboys executive Gil Brandt changed the course of his life. Wright began his Cowboys career inauspiciously. He recalled in his Hall of Fame enshrinement speech fighting for a roster spot in training camp as one of 137 rookies invited, with only five making the team. An injury to starting right tackle Ralph Neely opened up a starting spot for Wright in 1969, the third season of his career. A Canton-worthy career would follow, blocking for Roger Staubach on the way to two Super Bowl rings. A Hampton, Va. man was arrested Thursday in Orlando in connection with the death of Joshua Owusu-Koramoah, 23, the older brother of Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Hampton police announced Thursday night. Ronald Ivan Scott, 33, was charged with one count of murder and one count of arson, and remains in custody at the Orange Country jail. Joshua, a former linebacker at William & Mary, was found dead inside his burned residence in Hampton on Tuesday. He earned his degree in chemistry in 2020, and was a science teacher at Hampton Christian Academy. Jeremiah was in Ghana conducting youth football camps at the time of his brother’s death, and flew home. Drew Barker, a former high school teammate of Joshua’s, described how close Joshua and Jeremiah, 22, were. They also have an older brother, Jerry Brooks, and were raised by their single mother, Beverly Mabson. “I don’t know of anyone who would be closer than those two,” Barker told the Associated Press. “And if Josh wasn’t at (a Browns game), he was watching it on TV or sending in prayers before the game and talking to him after the game.’’ The Real is coming to an end. After eight seasons on the air, Warner Bros. and Telepictures — who produce and distribute the daytime talk show — have canceled The Real, a rep for the series confirmed to PEOPLE on Friday. Co-hosts Loni Love and Garcelle Beauvais also confirmed the news, sharing messages about the cancelation on their respective social media pages. “In the end The Real cast & crew did everything we could to scale the show down,” Love, 50, explained in her post. “We shot 7-8 shows in 3 days, no audience, made a conference room into a studio, but in my opinion Covid costs killed this show.” “It’s been a great ride and thanks to the viewers for 8 great seasons!” she added. In a tweet of her own, Beauvais, 55, wrote of the series’ cancelation: “It as a fun ride!! Got to work with an [sic] group of amazing women and crew.” She also added three praying hand emojis. Fellow co-hosts Adrienne Bailon Houghton and Jeannie Mai Jenkins have not yet publicly commented on the news. Actress Vanessa Hudgens believes she has a “gift” and can see and hear spiritual things. “The Princess Switch 3” star made the revelation this week on “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” explaining that she has “accepted” this supposed talent and has visited at least one graveyard in an attempt to connect with spirits. The conversation turned to the spirit realm when host Kelly Clarkson asked Hudgens if she’s newly “obsessed with ghosts,” to which the actress said her interest isn’t all that new. “It’s not really a new passion. You’re just kind of, like, finding out,” she said. “Yeah, I feel like I’ve accepted the fact that, like, I see things, and I hear things.” The actress, whose career exploded in 2006 with Disney’s “High School Musical,” shared a spiritual experience she claims to have had while growing up. “I remember getting ready for school when I was 8 years old, and there was, like — you know those ducks that, like, is like the duck thing that you pull?” she said. “It’s a toy. There was one of those on the dining room table, and I started walking, and it just started, like, going alongside me.” https://youtu.be/Sg-evdJ15ag Carrie Underwood became a household name after winning the fourth season of American Idol back in 2005. She won over the hearts of America with covers of songs such as Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me” and “Bless The Broken Road” from Rascal Flatts. https://youtu.be/2BuDJVEHyG4 Tennis great Boris Becker could face a prison sentence after being found guilty Friday of illicitly moving thousands of dollars from a bank account after he was declared bankrupt. A jury at London’s Southwark Crown Court convicted Becker on four charges under the Insolvency Act, including removal of property, concealing debt and two counts of failing to disclose estate assets. The German star was found to have transferred hundreds of thousands of pounds after his June 2017 bankruptcy from his business account to other accounts, including those of his ex-wife Barbara and estranged wife Sharlely “Lilly” Becker. He was also convicted of failing to declare a property in Germany and hiding an 825,000 euro ($895,000) bank loan and shares in a tech firm. Amid the Oscars slap drama involving Will Smith, 53, Jada Pinkett Smith, 50, and Chris Rock, 57, a 2018 clip of Jada on her ‘Red Table Talk’ show has resurfaced and includes her admitting she “never” wanted to marry the ‘Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ star. In the exhumed snippet from her Facebook series show, Jada said, “I was under so much pressure, you know, being a young actress, being young, and I was just, like, pregnant and I just didn’t know what to do.” Jada says her mother, Adrienne Banfield-Norris, 68 and also known as “Gammy,” forced her and Will to tie the knot after becoming pregnant with their first son together, Jaden Smith, 23. With her husband, mom and daughter Willow Smith, 21, at her side, Jada added, “I really didn’t wanna get married. We only got married because Gammy was crying. It was almost as if Gammy was like, ‘You have to get married, so let’s talk about the wedding.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CcHd297vdXm/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Kandi Burruss is clapping back at comments her ex made about their daughter. In a recent interview, Russell “Block” Spencer suggested that Riley Burruss, 22, — he and Kandi’s adult daughter — is “jealous” of his other children. He also expressed frustration over having to pay child support because Kandi makes more money than him. “Every last one of my kids lives with me from when they’re born until they graduate except Kandi’s [daughter],” Block said, as reported by The YBF. “I’ve got an accomplished name, [and I gave my kids who lived with me] a lot of stuff. And I think it’s a lot of jealousy because Riley wasn’t in that situation because her mom put me on child support.” https://youtu.be/KpYOBTf0x30 In March, Cardi B and her lawyers asked that a permanent injunction be placed on Tasha K to force her to take down all the defamatory posts on the rapper. Cardi B also wanted YouTube to be ordered not to repost them. Cardi B emotionally explained that Tasha’s lies almost drove her into suicide. The “Bodak Yellow” rapper’s litigation has now borne fruit after the presiding judge over the case on April 4 ordered Tasha K to remove the over 20 defamatory videos. Tasha K, a YouTube vlogger and social media personality, has also been banned “from ever posting again about the rapper on a range of specific subjects” relating to the inaccurate information she broadcast about Cardi. Tasha K had already admitted that she deliberately posted lies about Cardi B, such as claims that the rapper has STIs, is a prostitute, cheated on her husband, and used cocaine, among other unproven lies or half-truths. A jury declared that Tash K is guilty of defamation of character, an invasion of privacy through portrayal in a false light and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Cardi was awarded $4 million in damages and attorney fees by the courts to be paid by the vlogger, after winning her federal defamation case in January. But the saga continues, for she has not called off the legal battle against the vlogger. Talking to Nija Okoro, it’s clear that she loves what she’s doing. You can hear the joy emanating from her voice when she talks about the theater, her acting career, and her latest show. Up next for the talented actress is the lead role of Angel, in the Pearl Cleage drama, Blues For An Alabama Sky, now playing at the Mark Taper Forum through May 8, 2022. Opening night is April 13, 2022. The character, said Okoro, has a lot of issues and has even more layers that she’s able to peel back and explore. She enjoys that process. “That’s the good stuff,” she said. Since taking on the role, Okoro has enjoyed the process of developing a rich, complex character, and is excited about sharing her with the audience. One look at the photo Tahir Kelly and it’s hard for some to believe that his injuries were caused by a fall on concrete and not at the hands of police officers who arrested him. In the wake of the incident, police in Michigan City released bodycam video of the officer-involved incident that left Kelly seriously injured. Police said the incident began Tuesday because Kelly matched the description of someone involved in a report of a suspicious vehicle. “It’s about who is worth it,” said singer/songwriter Terrill Paul about the meaning of the title to his new single “Worth It” (OLHO Entertainment. “I’m a married man. My first marriage, I picked. This one, I let God be in on it. It takes work and compromise. A lot of people don’t want to talk about it.” https://youtu.be/Lhcuz6CS36s Snoop Dogg acquired the Death Row Records brands plus many of its iconic albums. Over the past weeks, he has been busy trying to complete the collection as some vital releases such as his own “Doggystyle” and Dr. Dre’s “The Chronic” were missing. As he negotiated the terms of the acquisition, these albums were unavailable for streaming. Initially, there was also confusion over the ownership of “The Chronic” but it seems the sticking issues have been ironed out, and Dr. Dre’s debut album is now back under the Death Row banner. So far, no word on “Doggystyle,” but Snoop Dogg shared a photo on Instagram captioned “The Chronic Is Bac Home.” This revelation fired up Snoop’s fans and fellow rappers, who expressed their excitement. “Something good coming from this,” predicted 50 Cent. Snoop had previously shown he planned to make Death Row the first “major in the metaverse.” He was to re-release the studio’s collection of seminal hip-hop hits as NFTs. Meanwhile, Snoop is still busy negotiating publishing profit shares for Tupac albums under Death Row. https://www.instagram.com/snoopdogg/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=18b79dba-dd91-43fa-bf05-d23558378654 TMZ recently chopped it up with rapper Fat Joe to get his thoughts on the wild Oscars slap. While speaking with reporter @seleahsimone Thursday in NYC, the rap star said he believes the crazy moment between Will Smith and Chris Rock makes minorities look bad. However, unlike other entertainers, Fat Joe did not slam Will Smith for defending his wife Jada Pinkett Smith by smacking Rock. In fact, he praised him for being a great person but says this situation is very unfortunate, especially for the former “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” star who recently had to resign from the academy. https://www.instagram.com/p/CcGG6Bwrq4V/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Kit Kat has announced its new flavor inspired by yummy blueberry muffins. The new Kit Kat blueberry muffin candy bar rolled out at retailers nationwide Wednesday. Per PEOPLE, “The bar promises blueberries and cake batter-like muffin flavors with graham cookie pieces folded into the bar. And it lives up to expectations.” https://youtu.be/MUF9cjHwIew Season three of the Emmy-winning sketch comedy series “A BLACK LADY SKETCH SHOW” is headed back to HBO. The show stars Robin Thede, Gabrielle Dennis, Ashley Nicole Black, and Skye Townsend. Thede also serves as creator, executive producer, writer, and showrunner. She said season three is the biggest yet and contains epic moments. One look at the all-star guest list featured over six episodes says that’s an easy bet. https://youtu.be/RNSpoKoW078 Alice (Keke Palmer) yearns for freedom as an enslaved person on a rural Georgia plantation under its brutal and disturbed owner Paul (Jonny Lee Miller). After a violent clash with Paul, she flees through the neighboring woods and stumbles onto the unfamiliar sight of a highway, soon discovering the year is actually 1973. Rescued on the roadside by a disillusioned political activist named Frank (Common), Alice quickly comprehends the lies that have kept her in bondage and the promise of Black liberation. Inspired by true events, Alice is a modern empowerment story tracing Alice’s journey through the post-Civil Rights Era American South. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5CHq89MPnE&feature=youtu.be On Wednesday, Greene got her Klan-taloons all in a bunch over possibly one of the most basic and relatively harmless jokes ever told by late show host Jimmy Kimmel. “Marjorie Taylor Greene—this woman, ‘Klan mom,’ is especially upset with the three Republicans who said they’ll vote ‘yes’ on Ketanji Brown Jackson who’s nominated for the Supreme Court,” Kimmel said. “She tweeted, ‘Murkowski, Collins and Romney are pro-pedophile. They just voted for KBJ.'” “Wow, where is Will Smith when you really need him, huh?” Kimmel continued. Now, come on, y’all—if Chris Rock’s joke directed at Jada Pinkett-Smith that prompted Will Smith to smack him was harmless, then so was Kimmel’s. And yet, MTG got so sensitive about it that she’s calling Kimmell out for “threats of violence” against her and, in turn, threatening legal action against the comedian for, well, being a comedian. https://twitter.com/i/status/1511816972610244615 It’s 2022 and there are still cops out there who don’t realize that their online activities can lose them their jobs. And that’s a wonderful thing because honestly, we need them to reveal themselves. Now, I know too many of us, calling a cop a white supremacist is like calling Bambi’s mother a deer (RIP *sobs*), but one now-former Illinois police officer has been outed as a Klan-ish cop in the most explicit sense. He told us who he is, and now he’s done patrolling Springfield, Illinois, streets because of it. Meet now-former Springfield Police Department Officer Aaron Paul Nichols. According to HuffPost, Nichols, 46, joined the police department in 2004, which means for the better part of two decades, a man who proudly hates Jewish people, Black people and, well, basically anyone who isn’t an Anglo-Saxon with cross burning, seasonless food and minimal showers in their blood, was tasked with enforcing the law without prejudice. Fortunately, Anonymous Comrades Collective (ACC), an organization HuffPost described as “a group of anti-fascist researchers,” exposed the cop—who would likely trade handcuffs for nooses and make the first day of the Holocaust an international holiday if he had his way—by unearthing social media posts Nichols made while having a job that allowed him to carry a deadly weapon. It its peak, the Confederate-era proved to be one of the most racially-segregated periods in American history. It’s for that very reason and countless others that many Confederate statues have either already been or are in the process of being removed across the nation. Unfortunately, we can’t erase all traces of the Confederacy, including the annual Confederate Memorial Day primarily celebrated by The Sons of Confederate Veterans. Even with current efforts from various activists to right the wrongs of America’s past, this organization still managed to get approval for a CMD event at Stone Mountain Park in Georgia by the park officials themselves. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Stone Mountain Memorial Association granted permission for the Confederate Memorial Day event to go down based on the reasoning that it’s a yearly tradition for the gathering to occur in front of a Mount Rushmore-style rock carving of Confederate Civil War leaders Jefferson Davis, Stonewall Jackson, and Robert E. Lee. The association’s CEO Bill Stephens refers to the yearly gathering as “small and respectful,” but it’s hard to ignore what each of those men represent when it comes to slavery, segregation, and racist ideologies in general. All-new episodes of TV One’s original docu-series, UNSUNG and UNCENSORED, are back this Sunday, April 10. UNSUNG leads with hip-hop pioneers, Das EFX, at 9 p.m. ET/8C followed by UNCENSORED, which features singer, actor and record producer, CeeLo Green, at 10 p.m. ET/9C. Each episode will also be published on TVOne.tv and TV One’s social media platforms. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ry70KR59b8w Head coach Eddie George and his Tennessee State University Tigers will be making history next year when they become the first football team from a historically Black college or university (HBCU) to play against Notre Dame’s storied program. The game will be nationally televised on NBC and provide great exposure for Tennessee State when the team travels to take on the Fighting Irish in South Bend, Indiana, on Sept. 2, 2023. With football, in particular, all HBCUs play in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), which is considered a lower tier of competition, often resulting in lopsided losses from the “payout games.” The announcement of the game earlier this week has drawn attention to the ongoing conversation about HBCU sports teams playing against typically mightier Power Five level competition in so-called “payout games” that offer generous financial compensation in return. The game will also be the first time Notre Dame plays a team from the FCS. Next time a white person tries to absolve themselves of any and all accusations of racism by declaring that they have a Black friend, remind them about Morgan Daniel Barnhill. Barnhill, 27, is currently a resident of Mobile County Jail in Mobile, Alabama. According to WTVY News 4, late last month, Barnhill killed a Black man by beating him over the head with a shovel and a large pipe. He told the police he did it because he believed his victim to be a burglar breaking into his shed. First, let’s acknowledge that catching a man breaking into a shed shouldn’t justify beating him to death if the owner of the shed isn’t in any immediate danger. Burglary, in and of itself, shouldn’t come with a death sentence. (Of course, this happened in Alabama, so this might not be a very popular opinion in that particular state.) CNN+ host Chris Wallace has interviewed/debated “1619 Project” author Nikole Hannah-Jones, challenging her claim that the generation of Americans that fought in World War II were guilty of ‘brutally suppressing democracy’ for black Americans. Wallace interviewed Hannah-Jones for his new series on CNN’s new streaming service and while the discussion was civil he admitted that it got a ‘little heated’ at times. During the interview, Wallace read Hannah-Jones a passage from her Pulitzer-winning New York Times series, which aimed to ‘reframe the country’s history to focus on the consequences of slavery, the DailyMail reports. They’re not taking his recently won Oscar away, However, Will Smith will not be allowed to attend the Academy Awards for the next 10 years, as a result of his slapping comedian Chris Rock on stage during this year’s Oscar ceremony, The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences announced in a statement obtained by CNN. “The Board has decided, for a period of 10 years from April 8, 2022, Mr. Smith shall not be permitted to attend any Academy events or programs, in person or virtually, including but not limited to the Academy Awards,” Academy President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson said in a statement on Friday. The decision was made during a Board of Governors meeting held earlier in the day in Los Angeles. The meeting, initially scheduled for April 18, was expedited after Smith announced his resignation from the Academy last week. The decision came following “tons of debate” on what the consequences of his on-stage slap should be, a board member tells CNN. The Academy’s letter added: “The 94th Oscars were meant to be a celebration of the many individuals in our community who did incredible work this past year; however, those moments were overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior we saw Mr. Smith exhibit on stage.” The Black male accused of killing a white female Uber driver appeared in a Pennsylvania courtroom for the first time Wednesday. Calvin Crew, 22, is accused of using his girlfriend’s Uber account to order a ride in February. When driver Christi Spicuzza, 38, picked him up, he held a gun to the back of her head. The startled Uber driver said, “Come on, man. I’ve got a family. What are you doing?” Crew answered, “I got a family too. Now drive.” https://youtu.be/cbdpI28XH30 21 Savage‘s immigration status has been delayed due to the rapper’s ongoing criminal case in Georgia. in 2019, Savage –real name She’yaa Bin Abraham Joseph — was detained by ICE officials for living in the US illegally for years on an expired visa. According to the report, there are currently no pending court dates for the criminal case, and the artist is allowed to travel domestically, but he can’t leave the U.S. Recalling the moment of the arrest, the Atlanta-based artist said in 2019: “I was just driving. And I just seen guns and blue lights. And, then, I was in the back of a car. And I was gone. “They didn’t — they didn’t say nothing. They just said, ‘We got Savage’. It was definitely targeted,” the hip-hop star added. 21’s legal team said he “won his freedom” after he was released from detainment. Magic Johnson and his gay son Earvin “EJ” Johnson are speaking out about their bond and how EJ coming out changed the NBA icon. “It wasn’t new for me, but they had to really take that in and digest it,” EJ, 29, told Variety about his parents’ initial reaction to his sexuality. “Especially my dad, because he was really the last person to talk to. I think it was just a lot for him to swallow in that conversation. A lot of just going back and forth. And he just was rattling off about things that weren’t particularly nice. But he’s not somebody who works great being cornered or surprised,” he continued. https://youtu.be/jfKkvnbvZ-E Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins has died at the age of 24 following an automobile accident. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin shared news of the tragedy in a statement Saturday. "I am devastated and at a loss for words with the unfortunate passing of Dwayne Haskins," Tomlin said. "He quickly became part of our Steelers family upon his arrival in Pittsburgh and was one of our hardest workers, both on the field and in our community." Haskins was involved in a "fatal vehicle vs pedestrian crash" early Saturday morning at around 6:30 a.m., according to the Florida Highway Patrol in West Palm Beach. The football player was walking on "a limited access facility for unknown reasons" as he tried to cross the westbound lanes of Interstate 595 when there was oncoming traffic, Lt. Indiana Miranda told NBC News in an email. That's when he collided with an oncoming dump truck. Haskins was pronounced dead on scene, Miranda said, adding that the incident remains an open traffic homicide investigation. The U.S. Senate has voted to confirm the nomination of Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court! She becomes the first Black woman and only the third Black person to ever sit on the highest court in America. Jackson is also the first former public defender to joint the Court. Her confirmation fills a gap left after Justice Thurgood Marshall retired in 1991, bringing the perspective of someone who has done indigent defense back to the bench. Jackson will join Justice Sonia Sotomayor and Justice Elena Kagan on the liberal side, replacing Justice Stephen Breyer, who will be retiring from the Court this summer. The 51-year-old also becomes the second-youngest member of the Court, behind Justice Amy Coney Barrett who is 50. Sens. Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski and Mitt Romney were the only three Senate Republicans who voted to confirm Judge Jackson. All three senators made it clear that they don’t always agree with Jackson’s ideas but said she was extremely qualified, which outweighed the differences in beliefs. Prosecutors declined to file charges against the Minneapolis police officer who fatally shot Amir Locke or any other officers involved in the no-knock warrant service that led to the 22-year-old Black man’s death in early February. An officer shot Locke within a few seconds of entering the apartment after prosecutors said Locke emerged from a couch with a handgun and raised it toward an officer. The officer, and others on the Minneapolis SWAT team, were there serving a warrant in a homicide investigation. “After a thorough review of all available evidence … there is insufficient admissible evidence to file criminal charges in this case,” according to a statement from the county attorney and state attorney general released Wednesday. At the time Locke was shot, he was in legal possession of the firearm, inside the apartment, according to prosecutors, but they said that wasn’t relevant to the investigation. According to the statement from prosecutors, Locke’s actions after officers entered the apartment “on a judicially authorized search warrant” constituted a “specifically articulable threat.” Security industry pioneer Mary Parker, CEO of ALL N ONE Security Services is breaking new grounds and rebuilding communities in the process. In fact, she recently purchased Junction 2800, formerly called Campbellton Road Community Center. This investment will help revitalize southwest Atlanta communities. “I believe revitalization without gentrification is possible,” Parker states. The newly named development, Junction 2800, is a multi-purpose use property equipped with co-working space and will include a technology hub with construction and entrepreneurialism programs. The 30,000 square foot property is also a verified vaccination site and voting poll. Parker is passionate about these issues as well. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens recently announced that Junction 2800 in conjunction with the Mary Parker Foundation will serve as one of the five newly resourced small business incubators as the city’s economic arm satellite office through Invest Atlanta as part of its ATLinBusiness program. For weeks, we’ve been watching Republican legislators line up to tell demonstrable lies about Jackson’s judicial record and bend themselves into white nationalist pretzels to link her to whatever they think critical race theory is. But it’s the arguments themselves that would be embarrassing to Republicans if conservatives knew shame. This brings us to Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton (R). As HuffPost reported, on Tuesday, Cotton during a Senate hearing use Jackson’s common AF surname to draw the stupidest parallel imaginable in insinuating that she’s a Nazi sympathizer based on her record as a public defender. “You know, the last Judge Jackson left the Supreme Court to go to Nuremberg and prosecute the Nazis,” Cotton said, referring to Robert Jackson, who was appointed by President Harry Truman to lead cases against German war criminals. “This Judge Jackson may have gone there to defend them.” Cotton’s absurd leap echoes a GOP theme dwelling on Jackson’s stint as a public defender representing Guantanamo Bay detainees accused of terrorism. As a public defender, Jackson did not pick her clients. https://twitter.com/i/status/1511442180497416197 Thankfully for Stacey Abrams, Democratic hopeful in the upcoming 2022 Georgia governor election, her riches have come the honest way by abiding by the law while also putting herself in a position of power to make positive changes within it as well. The recent headlines surrounding Abrams’ millionaire status aren’t to solely gloat on her behalf. The matter of her current financial standing actually shows great potential for a win in the 2022 Georgia gubernatorial election being that her lack of funds was negatively thrown against her during the 2018 run. As AP News reports, Abrams faced criticism from then-opponent and current Georgia Governor Brian Kemp for owing $54,000 to the IRS in self-employment taxes she didn’t pay on time — the money was used instead to help her parents raise a granddaughter and medical bills relating to cancer treatments. There also was $96,000 in student loan debt and $83,000 in accumulated credit card debt. Thankfully she was able to pay it all off in 2019. “Seth Bringman, an Abrams campaign spokesperson, said she gave 37 paid speeches in 2021, including a 12-stop fall tour of stand-alone appearances. She’s written, co-written, or reissued six books since 2019, with another reissue on the way later this year. Abrams was also paid more than $700,000 over three years as executive director of the Southern Economic Advancement Project, an affiliate of the Roosevelt Institute that seeks to improve economic equity in the South. Abrams has reported no income from Fair Fight Action, the voting rights group she founded and formerly chaired. https://www.instagram.com/p/CbiXH4IldGz/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Veteran rapper The Kidd Creole of Grandmaster Flash fame has been convicted for the fatal stabbing of a homeless NYC man. On Wednesday, a New York Supreme Court jury found Creole, born Nathaniel Glover, guilty of first-degree manslaughter, ABC 7 reports. The 62-year-old Bronx native was arrested in 2017 for allegedly stabbing 55-year-old John Jolly, a homeless man he thought was hitting on him, the New York Daily News reported. Glover allegedly stabbed the man on the streets in Midtown, Manhattan. Police described Jolly as a level 2 sex offender. The incident occurred before midnight as Creole was walking to his maintenance job. “They had no prior relationship,” a source told the Daily News at the time of Glover’s arrest. “They had words. Things got out of hand. It was some sort of diss.” https://youtu.be/PI6Hy7ISAjE Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors is clapping back at a report by New York Magazine that claims the organization purchased a $5.8 million Southern California home with BLM’s donation funds. Cullors calls the story is a “racist and sexist” attack on the movement. The article accused BLM figureheads– Patrisse Cullors, Alicia Garza, and Melina Abdullah of buying the 6,500 square foot home that reportedly consists of “more than half a dozen bedrooms and bathrooms, several fireplaces, a soundstage, a pool and bungalow” in addition to “parking for more than 20 cars.” The activist explained that the property was purchased in 2020 to house the organization’s Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, where Black creatives, dancers, filmmakers, and musicians could come together and “work, create content, host meetings, and foster creativity.” https://www.instagram.com/p/Cb-DRkXA18h/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Lawyers for former Miami Dolphins‘ head coach Brian Flores, who is suing the NFL for racial discrimination in its hiring practices, added two more longtime NFL coaches to an amended complaint Thursday. Steve Wilks, who was the Arizona Cardinals‘ head coach for one season in 2018, and Ray Horton, an NFL assistant since 1994 who interviewed for the Tennessee Titans‘ head-coaching job in 2016, are now part of the lawsuit filed against the league, the Dolphins, the Denver Broncos, the New York Giants, the Houston Texans, the Titans and the Cardinals, plus 26 other “John Doe” NFL teams. The Titans, Cardinals and Texans were added to the suit as part of the amendment as well. Flores’ attorneys allege in the amended complaint that the Texans “retaliated” against Flores by removing him from consideration for their head-coaching vacancy “due to his decision to file this action and speak publicly about systemic discrimination in the NFL.” The amended lawsuit was filed in the Southern District of New York. It asks for, among other things, increased transparency in NFL hiring, incentives for hiring lack coaches and increased visibility for Black assistant coaches. Lawyers say that Wilks was discriminated against as a “bridge coach” who was “not given any meaningful chance to succeed.” Wilks was 3-13 in one season with Arizona before being fired and replaced by Kliff Kingsbury. Lawyers wrote that while Kingsbury has been successful, “Mr. Wilks, given the same opportunity afforded to Mr. Kingsbury, surely would have succeeded as well.” Easter weekend 2022, AURN Inspirational Network and some of the top Gospel and Urban stations in the country will broadcast an Easter Special hosted by recent Grammy Award-winning Gospel Artist CeCe Winans. “The CeCe Winans and Friends Easter Special” will feature inspirational music and messages of hope and faith from some of the most celebrated stars in the Gospel community. Along with words of praise from AURN Inspiration’s syndicated radio hosts Bishop Hezekiah Walker, Dr. Bobby Jones and Tye Tribbett, other celebrated contributors will include Anthony Brown, Bishop Leonard Scott, Byron Cage, Earnest Pugh, Fred Hammond, Isabel Davis, J.J. Hairston, Jabari Johnson, James Fortune, Jekalyn Carr, Kirk Franklin, Martha Manuzzi, Pastor Mike Jr., Renee Spearman, Rudy Currence, Tamela Mann, The Walls Group, Travis Greene and Vashawn Mitchell. Winans is fresh off of her multiple Grammy wins taking home three including Best Gospel Album for “Believe For It” as well as Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song “Believe For It” as well as “Best Gospel Performance/Song” for “Never Lost.” Chris Rock told the crowd during his surprise set at Comedy Cellar in New York Tuesday night that he would not talk about the Will Smith slap. “He literally only addressed it as the crowd was going wild for his surprise appearance, and he got on stage and said, ‘Lower your expectations. I’m not going to address that s–t,’” an audience spy tells Page Six. Meanwhile, Rock’s brother Kenny has been speaking out about the Oscar slap. “It eats at me watching it over and over again because you’ve seen a loved one being attacked and there’s nothing you can do about it,” Kenny, 42, told the Los Angeles Times. https://youtu.be/hd6WS-1p4j4 After a long wait, Tiger Woods is back in his natural habit — the professional golf arena at the Masters at Augusta National. For one of golf’s greats, it’s been an uphill struggle for Woods following a car accident in February 2021 when he suffered serious leg injuries requiring surgery. His only prior appearance on the golf course had come with his son Charlie at the PNC Championship in late 2021, but a rare sighting of Woods’ private jet landing at an airport near Augusta last week caused speculation to circulate that the 15-time major winner could be in line for a stunning return to action. After some practice rounds, Woods is indeed making his return to competitive golf. http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=33692169 Russell Wilson the #DenverBroncos quarterback sat down with the crew of “Kevin Hart’s Laugh Out Loud Radio” show in February and revealed how he got with the “Body Party” singer. During his interview on the SiriusXM show, one of Hart’s co-hosts asked Wilson what the one line “that made him bag Ciara was.” Wilson confessed that he used his old tattered wallet to attract Ciara, but it’s not what you think. “First of all, I had this wallet, and it was broke down; it was kinda tore up. I had it for a while, you know?” he told the panel. Wilson continued, “First day we met— and we had been talking for two-and-a-half hours, hanging out — she saw the wallet sitting on the table. She said, ‘What the hell is that? You’re losing with that.’” The NFL star said he made it clear to Ciara that he never lost and proceeded to school her on the value of his torn-up wallet. https://www.instagram.com/p/CcBiWKpDHXL/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has apologized for his criticism of LeBron James for acts he considers “embarrassing.” Per The Spun, the acts he takes issue with are the “celebratory dance LeBron displayed during a game earlier this season in addition to the superstar’s Instagram post in which he questioned the difference between COVID-19 and the common flu or cold,” the outlet writes. Abdul-Jabbar apologized for his recent comments about the LA Lakers star during an interview on SiriusXM NBA Radio on Monday night. “All I have to say is this: I was there to give Carmelo Anthony the NBA Social Justice Champion Award. I’ve been talking to the press since high school, that’s 60 years of making statements. And I haven’t always gotten it right. And Sunday was one of those nights,” Abdul-Jabbar said, via ESPN.com. “It wasn’t my intention to criticize LeBron in any way. He has done so much for the Black community as well as for the game of basketball. We may not always agree, but I want to wholeheartedly apologize to LeBron and make it clear to him that I have tremendous respect for him. And if he can accept that, I’ll be very happy,” he continued. Kenan Thompson and his wife Christina Evangeline are reportedly calling it quits after 10 years of marriage. The Saturday Night Live star and interior designer are getting a divorce, a source close to the couple told TMZ. The pair — who were together for 15 years — have reportedly been separated for more than a year but no official documents for divorce have been filed. Representatives for Thompson did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment. Thompson, 43, and Evangeline, 33, dated for four years before tying the knot in November 2011 in a private ceremony at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. The comedian and actress are parents to daughters Georgia Marie, 7, and Gianna Michelle, 3. Though their marriage has been fairly private, Thompson opened up last year about his wife’s initial reaction to the plot of his sitcom, Kenan, during an appearance on The Tonight Show. After a two-year hiatus, “Late Late Show” host James Corden has returned with his Carpool Karaoke segment and Nicki Minaj joined him in the passenger seat. Corden and the “Queen” rapper sang her 2014 hit “Anaconda,” and Minaj also served up an impression of British songstress Adele. “It’s felt over the past year — very, very slowly, in one sense or another — like we started to get our show back,” Corden said recently, as reported by the New York Post. “But this was, this is obviously a big part of our show — this segment. The entire pandemic … there [were] so many things that we couldn’t do, and I think that’s true of every show. But for us, our show is very much about getting out there, whether that’s running out into the street and doing musicals in a crosswalk or big taped bits or having all the guests together on a couch at the same time.” https://youtu.be/HD4kk7tA6D8 Here is an exclusive clip for the new episode of “Marriage Boot Camp: Hip Hop Edition,” premiering Thursday, April 7 at 9pm on WE tv. Per press release, this season stars Hip Hop superstar K. Michelle (K. Michelle: My Life) and Kastan, Rich Dollaz and Mariahlynn, (Love & Hip Hop: New York) Lyrica and A1, (Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood) and Gangsta Boo (First Female Member of Three 6 Mafia) and Emmet as they head to Marriage Boot Camp to face the music. Dr. Ish & Judge Toler help them confront lies, betrayal, and bitter rivalries, but when secrets are exposed, will their relationships survive? https://youtu.be/CKLwhSWgVA0 A&E has green-lit an Ol’ Dirty Bastard documentary that chronicles the late rapper’s life and career. The project is being made with the approval of ODB’s estate, and “will include interviews with the artist’s family and closest friends, as well as never-before-seen personal archival footage from his wife, Icelene Jones,” per Complex. https://youtu.be/XXTzm5GtqVo The end of an era is slowly upon us, as it has been officially confirmed that popular crime-drama #Snowfall is coming to an end. FX network made the announcement that ‘Snowfall’ has been renewed for a sixth season, which will also be the series’ last. Starring #DamsonIdris and created by the late John Singleton, the finish line for critically-acclaimed 1980s drug drama series ‘Snowfall’ is officially in sight. @Deadline reports, FX just renewed the series for season six, but unfortunately for the show’s legion of devoted fans, season six will be the very last one. The return of One Chicago has arrived with the return of “Chicago Med,” “Chicago Fire” and “Chicago P.D.” Fans can tune in games, special interviews and so much more throughout the day as they get ready for a blockbuster Wednesday to remember. The yearly tradition continues in 2022, as this year’s. Today, One Chicago Day will be presented as a one-hour virtual event for fans across the world. After the event, viewers will be greeted with brand new episodes of all three “Chicago” series on NBC, ending the franchise’s mid season hiatus. https://youtu.be/NcPvLCe5iJo Angel Studios describes itself as a “community-driven movie studio” with a mission to amplify stories of light. One of its first projects, The Chosen, is one of the most successful crowdfunding campaigns in Hollywood history, earning hundreds of millions of views around the world. Dry Bar Comedy was another successful project launched by brothers Neal and Jeffrey Harmon. And there are even bigger projects in the works. But it hasn’t always been easy. The brothers sat down with CBN’s Studio 5 to discuss a former lawsuit with Disney that nearly took the family business down. CBS had a conference, I was at the same table as the V.P. of BSO…found out we want to entertain in each others’ arenas,” said Wordsmith about his partnership with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra that lasts until 2024. Baltimorean Wordsmith, born Anthony Parker, rewrites classical pieces bringing that urban flavor or as he said bringing the pieces, “to current times.” “I wrote tons of music for television and games…now I’m a part of the classical realm…rewriting older pieces,” he humbly stated. Aside from his partnership with the BSO Wordsmith is an entrepreneur via Wordsmith Music and NU Revolution Entertainment and a philanthropist through his non-profit Rise with a Purpose. Currently, Wordsmith’s non-profit is raising funds for the people of Ukraine. It so happens that his label has a Ukrainian Punk-Rock band on its roster. Over the last two months, Gov. Gavin Newsom has met with some of the state’s counties to promote CARE Court. CARE Court – the acronym stands for Community, Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment – is a mental health framework the state created to help people who are suffering from mental illness and Substance Use Disorder by providing alternatives to arrests and jail if they have run-ins with the law. Newsom announced the initiative at a press conference in San Jose last month. At the event, the governor said the new statewide initiative will receive funding from his administration’s multi-year mental health budget proposal totaling nearly $10 billion per year in behavioral health programs and services. https://youtu.be/eUcvYHvTvPY Ed Sheeran is keen to keep the chapel being built on his £3.7million Suffolk estate under cover as construction continues. New photographs taken this week of the build, which started in January, show the church, which includes a burial crypt, being constructed under a giant white tarpaulin. Ed is continuing work on his huge estate after winning his high profile copyright court case this week, which saw a judge rule his hit track Shape Of You was not a copy of Grime artist Sami Switch’s song. Photos of Ed’s estate taken on April 5 show the huge white scaffolding structure which is covering the chapel and tower, now dominating the local landscape. It was revealed in February that Ed had been granted permission to build a burial chamber as part of the church. Traditional broadcast television will die with its audience, experts have warned, saying young people prefer interactive forms of entertainment like the metaverse. This is a loose collection of virtual worlds, gaming platforms and other forms of interactive media, including Minecraft, Roblox and Meta Platforms. Frederic Cavazza, co-founder of Sysk, a French firm specializing in digital transformation, said young people have evolved from passive spectators of television, to active players in interactive mediums. ‘They’ve turned away from screens to smartphones,’ Cavazza explained, adding ‘TV channels are going to die with their audiences,’ unless networks adapt. Older people tend to be more wedded to broadcast television, with middle aged people leaving for streaming services like Netflix and Disney+. But viewership of network television among the under 35s has halved in the past decade, and is expected to drop further as the metaverse continues to develop. If they want to compete with the metaverse, and gaming platforms like Roblox, Fornite and Minecraft, broadcasters will need to adapt. The Groove with Carl Brister and special guest Bri Blvck https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybWfh0tzKRM When former President Barack Obama walked into the White House on Tuesday, it was his first time in the building since he welcomed then-President-elect Donald Trump for coffee on the morning of Trump’s inauguration. That friendly greeting at the North Portico — including the awkward handoff of a blue Tiffany’s box the Trumps had brought as a gift — couldn’t foretell the acrimony that would lie ahead, as Trump shattered the relative amity that had once existed between former and current presidents. Obama’s return to the White House didn’t include any of that ugliness. Instead, he was celebrating one of his signature achievements, the Affordable Care Act, alongside the man who served with him in the building for eight years. “It feels like the good old days,” President Joe Biden said alongside his onetime boss, whose return to the East Room resembled a reunion of his top allies, many of whom are now serving in Biden’s Cabinet or in Congress. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/connectedworld/obama-returns-to-the-white-house-for-aca-expansion/vi-AAVTDIq Police have arrested a third suspect in connection to a mass shooting in downtown Sacramento, California, this weekend that left six people dead and a chaotic crime scene littered with more than 100 shell casings. The suspect was taken into custody for “being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm,” police said. The 31-year-old was seen carrying a gun in the immediate aftermath of the shooting, police said, but they believe that gun was not fired in the melee. Earlier Tuesday, Smiley Martin, 27, was taken into custody. He was found at the scene of the shooting early Sunday with “serious injuries from gunfire” and taken to a local hospital, the Sacramento Police Department said in a news release. Police “quickly identified” him as a “person of interest” and kept him under police supervision at the hospital, the release said. https://youtu.be/f46gOOQGc_I A former Yale University administrator pleaded guilty Monday in federal court in Hartford, Conn., for stealing the school’s electronics and reselling the items. Jamie Petrone, 42, has been charged with two counts of wire fraud and a tax offense for her role in the nearly decade-long scheme to steal millions of dollars of computers and iPads from Yale University’s School of Medicine, as reported by NPR. Starting in 2013, Petrone would order, or have a member of her staff order, computers and other electronics, which totaled to thousands of items over the years, from Yale vendors using the Yale School of Medicine’s money. She would then arrange to ship the stolen hardware, whose costs amounted to millions of dollars, to a business in New York, in exchange for money once the electronics were resold. Investigators said Petrone would falsify documents about the fraudulent purchases and used the money she received from resells to buy real estate and travel. She was busted in August 2021 when Yale officials received an anonymous tip that Petrone was ordering “suspiciously high volumes of computer equipment,” court records state. That’s when Yale auditors began to investigate her purchases and scour her emails and ultimately turned over their shocking findings to law enforcement. As part of her guilty plea, Petrone agreed to forfeit her luxury vehicles, several homes in Connecticut and Georgia, and more than $560,000 that was seized from her bank account, according to the report. Federal prosecutors say her scheme resulted in a loss to Yale totaling $40,504,200. Joe Biden has canceled more student loan debt than any other President — a notable fact that’s flown under the radar. Taking a piecemeal approach, the Biden administration has expanded existing loan forgiveness programs for borrowers who work in the public sector, those who were defrauded by for-profit colleges and borrowers who are now permanently disabled. Those moves have delivered significant relief to more than 700,000 borrowers, totaling more than $17 billion. Yet some voters feel misled by the President, who had supported canceling $10,000 for each of the 43 million federal student loan borrowers while on the campaign trail. “He’s not delivering on his promise,” said Jennifer Lewis, a 57-year-old nurse practitioner in Washington state who has about $80,000 in student loan debt. https://youtu.be/bsVrUpkgKGs The top US military officer told lawmakers Tuesday that the world is becoming more unstable and the “potential for significant international conflict is increasing, not decreasing.” Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Mark Milley and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin appeared before the House Armed Services Committee in their first testimony before Congress since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The two Pentagon leaders said the threats from both Russia and China remain significant, while they defended the US approach to the war and the flow of arms the US is sending to Ukraine. Milley said that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is “the greatest threat to peace and security of Europe and perhaps the world” in his 42 years serving in the US military, but added it was “heartening” to see the world rally around Ukraine. “The Russian invasion of Ukraine is threatening to undermine not only European peace and stability but global peace and stability that my parents and a generation of Americans fought so hard to defend,” Milley said. “We are now facing two global powers: China and Russia, each with significant military capabilities both who intend to fundamentally change the rules based current global order,” Milley added. “We are entering a world that is becoming more unstable and the potential for significant international conflict is increasing, not decreasing.” Hundreds of workers at Howard University Hospital in Washington, D.C., say they are planning a one-day strike next week over complaints of low wages. The District of Columbia Nurses Association (DCNA), the labor union representing over 300 nurses, pharmacists and social workers, said the workers are understaffed and underpaid — and as such, they are demanding a fair contract and safe staffing in order to protect patients. The union argued that nurses and other licensed healthcare professionals working at the hospital have also been understaffed throughout the pandemic. The strike is scheduled for April 11 at 7:30 a.m., according to DCNA. “It really comes down to treating us with dignity and respect. They are understaffing in the hospital, and they are taking from us as costs continue to rise,” nurse Jeanette Ethridge said in a release regarding the upcoming strike. “Allowing us to maintain our financial dignity reflects respect. Providing enough staff so we can care for our patients the way they deserve to be cared for reflects respect.” Chris Rock‘s brother would like to see Will Smith stripped of his new best actor Oscar. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Kenny Rock discussed his feelings about his brother being slapped by Will Smith at the Oscars. “It eats at me watching it over and over again because you’ve seen a loved one being attacked and there’s nothing you can do about it,” Kenny Rock told the Times. “Every time I’m watching the videos, it’s like a rendition that just keeps going over and over in my head.” “My brother was no threat to him and you just had no respect for him at that moment,” he added. “You just belittled him in front of millions of people that watch the show.” Smith hit Chris Rock after Rock joked about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s close-cut hairstyle. Kenny Rock said his brother didn’t know about her medical condition and told the Times he would like to see the the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences take back the best actor Oscar Smith won that night for his performance in “King Richard.” Days after the Oscars, the Academy announced that it had “initiated disciplinary proceedings” against Smith. https://youtu.be/UE-ySzM5jhQ Chris Rock ‘doesn’t want the Will Smith slap to define him’ and ‘the rest of his career’ so it doesn’t seem like he will be accepting Will’s apology anytime soon. Just like the rest of us, Chris Rock is still reeling from when Will Smith slapped him at the Oscars. In fact, the 57-year-old comedian doesn’t think he’ll ever be able to accept the Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air star’s apology. “He can’t imagine forgiving Will, being friends with him. It is just a very weird thing to fully envelope,” a source close to Chris EXCLUSIVELY told HollywoodLife. Chris also knows that it’s not something people are going to forget about anytime soon. “Chris Rock doesn’t want the Will Smith slap to define him and the rest of his career. It sucks that it is now part of his life forever,” our insider divulged. Magic Johnson admits he wanted to physically assault shock jock Howard Stern during their disastrous 1998 interview. “So many times, I wanted to say something and hit [Stern] at the same time — on air,” Johnson recalled in a Variety cover story. He added, “I was mad when they booked him. But there’s nothing you can do. When people look for ratings, this is what happens.” The interview went down on Johnson’s former talk show “The Magic Hour,” during which Stern made several racist comments and sexist remarks to bandleader Sheila E., and told Johnson, “At least you had fun getting AIDS.” As reported by Entertainment Weekly, Stern pressed Johnson for details about his sex life, and when the ex-NBA star clarified that he had HIV, not AIDS — and that “nobody has fun” contracting the potentially deadly disease, Stern replied, “Believe me, brother, you did. It sounds like fun to me.” Stern went on to offer Johnson some unsolicited advice. https://twitter.com/i/status/1511448538118512643 Singer August Alsina, the ex-lover of Jada Pinkett Smith, released a new song called “Shake the World” on Tuesday that appears to address his “entanglement” with the actress. “Well, of course some s— is bound to go down when you tangled up with the world’s favorite,” Alsina sing in a video shared on Instagram. At the beginning of the song, he alludes to being canceled, singing: “I heard I was canceled. Well, let’s not speak on that. Red dot on my back, I became a target. And I’m flawed but flawless. That’s what makes me August.” Fans were quick to assume that the phrase “tangled up” referred to how Jada described her affair with Alsina as an “entanglement.” https://www.instagram.com/p/Cb9OGIWjoK0/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=b856fed4-ab13-40f4-a697-e7b6c09fd18b A UK man has been indefinitely detained at a hospital after strangling his grandmother to death before having sex with her corpse. Donovan Miller, 31, choked his grandmother, Phyllis Grant, 76, and beat her over the head with a vase at their shared home in East London’s Plaistow area. He then had sex with her body multiple times. Ms Grant, who had recently been released from hospital after recovering from COVID-19, has been described as a “matriarch of the community” and regular churchgoer by her neighbors. Miller reportedly called police and confessed to the crime on March 25, 2021. He told the paramedic on the night of his arrest: “I raped her as well for what it’s worth, yesterday and today.” A Georgia State University professor has sparked outrage after allegedly calling the police on two black students who were late for class by only two minutes. Student and TikToker Bria Blake, 20, shared a video about the incident last week that has since been viewed over 400,000 times.In the footage, Bria explains that her black classmates Taylor and Kamryn were two minutes late for an English class and that the police were called as a result. Bria said the students had “paid to be here” and refused to leave. The professor then left the class and came back with two armed cops. She says: “Stuff like this cannot keep happening to black youth in America. Stop weaponizing the police against black people.” Bria, who has 137,000 followers on TikTok, named the professor as Carissa Gray, and Georgia State University (GSU) said it is investigating the incident. Boris Johnson jumped two-footed into the row over trans rights today as he said biological males should not be allowed to compete in female-only sports events. The Prime Minister also said that parents should have ‘involvement at the very least’ in decisions made by children to alter their gender. He made his weightiest comments so far on the issue as he faced a Tory split over a ban on conversion therapy. The PM backs making the ‘abhorrent’ practice of trying to force gay people to become heterosexual illegal. But he has refused to extend the proposed ban on the practice to trans people – despite opposition from backbench MPs and the Scottish Tories. https://video.dailymail.co.uk/preview/mol/2022/04/06/7596938370540878770/636x382_MP4_7596938370540878770.mp4 A Chicago church has announced it will be ‘fasting from whiteness’ for Lent by abstaining from performing any hymns composed or written by Caucasian musicians. The First United Church of Oak Park announced that for 2022 the church would do a mix of ‘giving something up’ and ‘taking something on’ for Lent by not using music written or composed by white people but instead focus on music from other cultures. ‘In our worship services throughout Lent, we will not be using any music or liturgy written or composed by white people. Our music will be drawn from the African American spirituals tradition, from South African freedom songs, from Native American traditions, and many, many more,’ the church’s website said. ‘For Lent, it is our prayer that in our spiritual disciplines we may grow as Christians, united in the body of Christ with people of all ages, nations, races, and origins.’ First United has even erected an outdoor sign to promote their choice for the 40-day religious observance despite the fact that the church’s lead pastor, Rev. John Edgerton himself white. E-40 has announced he’s expanding his Good With the Spoon brand by launching a line of ice cream products. The rollout includes six flavors: Cookie Dough, Bourbon Vanilla, Vanilla Bean, Strawberry, Mint Chocolate, and Salted Caramel, Complex reports. “Ice cream has been 4 years in the making but the vision is now a reality!” the rapper captioned an Instagram post. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cb29yuCpKDP/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again There’s a city buried under Lake Lanier (Georgia’s biggest lake), and submerged with it is a secret: An American horror story filled with terror, death, genocide, and ghosts. If you spend any time in or around Atlanta, you’ve heard tales of Lake Lanier. There are the eerie accounts of fishermen seeing ghostly kayaks floating on the water, or women with no hands roaming the Jerry D. Jackson bridge. Every so often, someone loses their life at the lake and leaves behind stories of good swimmers being snatched under the water, unexplainable boating accidents, or vehicles crashing into the lake without cause. Many folks who live close by will tell you straight up, “Don’t go to Lake Lanier.” And its death toll certainly validates their point. There have been well over 500 deaths since the lake’s inception and more than 200 since 1994. Whether the lake is cursed or not is entirely up to you. But, one thing’s for certain, its horrifying past adds a much-needed perspective to understanding its haunting present. It’s been a rough week for right-wing propaganda ministries. On Monday Donald Trump‘s Truth Social app had put nearly 1.5 million users on an access waiting list because the platform for MAGA minions who think Google is a government conspiracy has been experiencing technical difficulties since its launch in February and no one seems to be able to figure out why. Now, DirecTV is set to drop One America News Network, which is basically the Walmart brand version of Fox News. According to Bloomberg, DirecTV said it’s ditching OAN starting on Tuesday despite pressure from the “news” outlet and its supporters. Of course, conservative outlets and talking heads have been trying to bully DirectTV into changing its mind. In March, Herring Networks—which owns OAN and A Wealth of Entertainment (AWE), which the satellite TV giant is also dropping—sued AT&T and DirecTV alleging there was a breach of contract and that “the economic consequences of losing carriage with DirecTV could be devastating to OAN.” The same month, Republican attorneys general in six states sent a letter to DirecTV whining that it was “highly troubling and disappointing” that the platform was bowing down to “powerful left-wing voices.” We want to thank Jeff Bezos for going to space because while he was up there, we were signing people up.” – Christian Smalls. Chris Smalls, the fired Amazon worker who is quickly becoming the corporation’s worst nightmare, is currently on the winning side of a union battle most thought couldn’t be won, but he and his group of former and current Staten Island, New York, warehouse workers still have a road ahead of them before they can claim success. As the Associated Press reported, Smalls helped lead a victory for the Amazon Labor Union Friday, when Amazon workers voted 2,654 – 2,131 in favor of the union despite Amazon executives spending millions on a campaign to quash the whole thing. Amazon pr-union employees in other states weren’t so fortunate. A super-pissed-off TI was recorded going off on a comedian who (brought up) the sexual assault allegations made against the rapper and his wife Tiny at an Atlanta comedy show Monday night. “As many times as you joke on that shit n*gga, I’m gon check yo mother f*ckin ass as long as it takes,” T.I. (a would-be-comedian himself) told the on-stage comedian Lauren Knight. “When you stop playing with me and mine, Ima stop saying something,” he continued speaking on the mic. “There ain’t no mother f*cking case. Ain’t never been no mother f*cking case. I ain’t did nothing wrong and my wife ain’t did nothing wrong. And if you keep on playing wit me n*gga, I’m going to continue to confront (you) publicly– verbally,” he said. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cb-5LusjRQi/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Paula Patton has responded to the outrage over her strange fried chicken recipe. The actress shared the clip on Instagram last month, where she shows fans how she cooks her mother’s famous fried chicken recipe. The clip is only now going viral thanks to a TikToker who called out Patton for not washing the meat long enough and for adding the seasonings to her grease and not the chicken. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cb-4H9LD2sM/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again LisaRaye McCoy is currently promoting her new Lifetime movie “Greed: A Seven Deadly Sins Story”— and she’s speaking out about the challenges of navigating Hollywood. “Not to be confused with your ego, being too big — you’re in a business where you hear more no than yes, and you still got to feel like you want to go back to another audition,” she tells Page Six. “You will be told that you were not right, that you are too short, or you weren’t strong enough for this character or your look wasn’t right. So you got to find a way to be able to move on and go on confidently,” the veteran actress explained. “Hollywood will tear you down. It is not for everybody that’s for sure,” McCoy continued. https://youtu.be/7gMmtByDffA A 101-year-old Black man has finally received his high school diploma. Merrill Pittman Cooper attended Storer (then a Normal School) as a high school student from 1934 to 1938. His schooling took a detour however when he moved with his mother to Philadelphia for financial reasons during his high school senior year. He lived in Philadelphia for the next fifty years, pursuing a career in transportation and rising to the position of union vice president, per press release. In 2018, Cooper visited the former Storer College campus and expressed regret over never earning his high school diploma. “As time went on, I thought it was probably too late, so I put it behind me and made the best of the situation,” said Cooper, who grew up in Shepherdstown, W.Va., near Harpers Ferry, and now lives in Union City, N.J., per The Washington Post. https://www.instagram.com/p/CbqIEL2OA2x/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=ca7ad672-1400-4f43-b171-7f0a59e582e2 Several tattoo artists are speaking out about customers wanting permanent ink of the Will Smith /Chris Rock Oscars slap. “I thought, let’s do it. It’s hilarious,” Tattoo artist Jon Arton of Birmingham told SWNS about one request he received, New York Post reports. “It’s quite small and discreet – if it wasn’t I probably wouldn’t have done it.” Meanwhile, New Jersey tattoo artist Oscar Aguilar Jr. also received a request for the Will Smith slap tattoo. He shared a video on his Instagram of the finished product, which commenters called “unnecessary,” “childish” and “so dumb,” per the Post. Italian tattoo artist Giovanni Bracciodieta also posted a picture on Instagram of an Oscar slap tattoo, along with the caption, “Violence is never justified. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cbp-OaOh904/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again For the first time in her long career, Rihanna has made Forbes’ annual billionaires’ list. The singer and beauty and fashion mogul reached billionaire status in 2021 with an estimated net worth of $1.7 billion, thanks to her stake in her Fenty Beauty cosmetics line—which makes up the majority of her wealth. “It’s tricky because it’s hard to even accept that’s where you’re at because I know where I’ve come from,” she said to the New York Times in September 2021 about reaching the milestone. “At the same time, it feels good to be able to inspire young women and boys, who like me, come from humble beginnings, who come from parents who are immigrants or who are immigrants themselves, to be able to do this.” According to Forbes, Rihanna is ranked No. 1,729 out of the 2,668 billionaires in the world who have a collective net worth of $12.7 trillion. Tech mogul Elon Musk topped this year’s list with $219 billion. Jeff Bezos takes the No. 2 spot with $171 billion; followed by LVMH owner Bernard Arnault with $158 billion. Bill Gates and Warren Buffet take the 4th and 5th spots $129 billion and $118 billion, respectively. Tennis superstar Serena Williams has opened up about her harrowing childbirth experience — and how “being heard and appropriately treated was the difference between life or death for me” — in a new essay for Elle. According to Williams, who shares 4-year-old daughter Olympia with husband Alexis Ohanian, her pregnancy was largely uneventful. Though she won the Australian Open early on in her pregnancy, she otherwise enjoyed being able to take some time off from her rigorous schedule, and basked in the positive media attention her pregnancy brought about. “I guess I’m one of those women who likes being pregnant; I enjoyed the positive attention. I’m used to getting negative attention from the press and critics, but this was different. I settled into a whole new way of being. I was relaxed not playing: My life was just sitting at home, and it was wonderful,” she wrote. She even enjoyed the labor cramps, something many moms describe as being one of the hardest parts of delivery. “It was great! I know that’s not what people are supposed to say, but I was enjoying it, the work of labor. I was completely in the moment. I loved the cramps. I loved feeling my body trying to push the baby out,” Williams, 40, shared. Bobby Rydell, the popular teen heartthrob singer who rose to fame in the 1950s and ’60s, has died at 79. The singer died Tuesday of pneumonia, Variety reports. Rydell’s biggest musical success came in 1960 with the release of his singles Volare and Wild One, though he would also branch out into acting as his career progressed. The singer, who was born Robert Louis Ridarelli in Philadelphia in 1942, got his big break when he was still a child in 1950 after he won a contest put on by jazz bandleader Paul Whiteman. He appeared on Whiteman’s TV Teen Club talent show for multiple years and eventually changed his name to Bobby Rydell. Sunday Best alum and Uncle G Records recording artist Keyla Richardson is set to make her acting debut in the upcoming BET+ film ‘Due Season,’ which will premiere on April 14th. Written and directed by Cecil Chambers, the film also stars Vivica A. Fox, Barry Shabaka Henley, Dorien Wilson, Rolonda Watts, BeBe Winans and Justiin A. Davis. The film follows Keyla’s character Vicky Waters, who’s been accepted into the conservatory of her dreams but now must win a competition to stay. To do so, she'll need a secret weapon that she finds through an unexpected source: gospel music. Fox plays “Vicky Waters’” mom “Gwen Waters.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSOsr51hPzE Juan Winans reaches the top of the Billboard Gospel Airplay chart, with “Never On My Own,” entering this week at Number 1. This is Winans' second consecutive Number 1 song, previously hitting Number 1 with his first single, "It Belongs To Me," last year. "Never On My Own" hits the peak slot this week after spending a few weeks in the Top 5. This week, the groovy R&B-tinged duet with sister actress Deborah Joy Winans is Number 2 on the Mediabase Gospel Airplay Chart. The Warryn Campbell produced tune has connected with audiences thanks to the pair's soulful vocals and the old-school R&B feel. Winans, who was thrilled when heard the news, said, "For the first two songs off my debut solo album to go number #1 feels incredible!" "Ultimately it's a testament to my incredible team at Dare Records! They have tremendous belief in the work I'm doing and, as an artist there's no better feeling. I'm sharing this with my sister Deborah Joy Winans which is amazing. I specifically wanted to do "Never On My Own" with her because we've always had each other's backs. We are keeping it in the family! Thank you to all the radio stations and program directors across the country for this support. I'm deeply grateful.” CLEO TV's new lifestyle series, Decor Remixed, premieres tomorrow night, April 6 at 9 p.m./8C. Hosted by interior designer Dominique Calhoun, the hot new show shines a spotlight on the art of decorating and transforming dull spaces into new, fresh and innovative environments. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71BfeamDpnI CLEO TV's new lifestyle series, Global Gourmet, premieres tomorrow night, April 6 at 9:30 p.m./8:30C. Hosted by the renowned Chef Essie Bartels, the show highlights the joys of delicious food and stories of wanderlust travel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzg_Rtu_KsU Fashion always plays a leading role during “Music’s Biggest Night,” as the creative expressions of artists from every genre are front and center on the red carpet. This year, Jekalyn Carr was a standout head turner, and she is making the rounds in the press for the show-stopping red carpet look that she chose, in collaboration with stylist J Bolin. Jekalyn Carr was nominated in the Best Gospel Album category; it was her fifth nomination. Additionally, the singer recently launched Jekalyn Beauty Skincare and Jekalyn Beauty Haircare, offering a suite of products to simplify the needs of women of all ages. Products can be purchased at www.JEKALYNBEAUTY.com. Jekalyn Carr is a featured performer on the third annual Stellar Music of Hope Easter Special airing in syndication later this month. A nearly unified wall of G.O.P. opposition to Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson cracked slightly on Monday as two more Senate Republicans said they would side with Democrats in supporting her, paving the way for her confirmation as the first Black woman on the Supreme Court. Senators Mitt Romney of Utah and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska joined a third Republican, Susan Collins of Maine, in lending their support to Judge Jackson, defying deep resistance in their party to the nominee. The G.O.P. opposition was underscored anew on Monday when all 11 Republicans on the Judiciary Committee voted against the nomination. That prompted Democrats to use an unusual procedure to force the nomination out of the deadlocked panel with a vote of the full Senate, which agreed to the move by a vote of 53 to 47. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Rep. Matt Gaetz got into a heated argument during Tuesday’s House Armed Services hearing after the Florida Republican accused the Pentagon of being too focused on “wokeism” and not defense. Austin charged that Gaetz appeared to be “embarrassed for his country” by questioning the US military’s capability, and the two men shouted over one another at several points. “This is the most capable, most combat critical force in the world, it has been and it will be so going forward, and this budget helps us to do that,” Austin said. “Not if we continue down this path. Not if we continue to embrace socialism,” Gaetz charged. https://youtu.be/zwUkLLN84v8 Ukraine’s president said that over 300 people had been killed and tortured in a Kyiv suburb. As he prepared to speak to the Security Council, U.S. and European allies vowed to hold Russia accountable for the killings. President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine was preparing to address a meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday as the United States and European allies demanded accountability for alleged atrocities by Russian forces, amid signs that Moscow was shifting the focus of its seven-week war to Ukraine’s east and south. Britain, France and the United States were expected to use the Security Council meeting to present evidence of atrocities that some officials, including President Biden, have described as “war crimes” in northern areas that Russian troops abandoned amid fierce resistance. In one of those places, Bucha, a suburb of the capital, Mr. Zelensky said that more than 300 bodies have been found since Russian forces pulled back last week, some with their hands bound or shot in the back of the head. The leaders of the Black Lives Matters organization allegedly laid out a whopping $6 million that was donated to the activist group to buy a 6,500-square foot Southern California mansion, according to published reports. News of the 2020 purchase was first reported by New York Magazine on Monday, as the organization allegedly hoped to keep the house’s existence a secret – despite three of its former leaders reportedly filming a series of videos dining and drinking Champagne outside the estate last spring. It’s unclear exactly where the opulent property is located because it is hidden hidden behind an LLC purchase. But according to New York Magazine, it boasts more than half-dozen bedrooms and bathrooms, multiple fireplaces, a soundstage, a pool and bungalow and parking for more than 20 cars. The news comes as the foundation continues to face federal scrutiny for the alleged misuse of donated funds – and comes on the heels of widespread criticism for BLM’s co-founder Patrisse Cullors, who resigned last May in the wake of revelations she had spent millions on a slew of lavish homes. Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed an $11 billion relief package to assist Californians struggling with the skyrocketing costs of gas, food and other commodities. …Direct payments to individuals; suspension of public transportation fares tax rebates; and support for state, county and municipal programs that align with the governor’s goal to make California a zero-emissions state by 2035. The state will provide about $9 billion in funding to cover $400 direct payments to car owners whose vehicles are registered in the state — with a limit of two rebates per person. The payments will be sent to car owners on debit cards. “We’re taking immediate action to get money directly into the pockets of Californians who are facing higher gas prices as a direct result of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine,” said Newsom. https://youtu.be/RWOvhNm8nw4 Kansas beat North Carolina 72-69 in the NCAA men’s basketball title game in New Orleans on Monday, the program’s 4th national championship and the second for longtime coach Bill Self. But this was far from a surefire win for the No. 1 seed against the No. 8 seed. Kansas jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead to start the game, but North Carolina soon settled in, going on a 16-0 run late in the half. Kansas trailed UNC by as many as 16 points in the first half and was down 15 at halftime. According to the NCAA, the 16-point comeback is the largest in title game history. Additionally, per the NCAA, the previous record for largest halftime deficit overcome in a men’s title game was 10, by Kentucky against Utah in 1998. https://youtu.be/yXGw0bfKDNM Dawn Staley is known for her no-nonsense coaching style. But she’s also sentimental. After the Elite Eight, she scooped confetti into a cup to cherish later. After the 2017 national championship, she delivered a piece of the net she cut down to Carolyn Peck, the first Black woman to win a championship. Peck had given Staley a piece of the white nylon she had saved from when Peck won the title with Purdue in 1999. Four years after Staley won her first championship, she mailed another snippet of the 2017 net to every Black woman coach in the nation. Sunday night in Minneapolis, she stuffed a slice of that first net into her pocket as she coached top-seeded South Carolina against No. 2 seed UConn. A few hours later, she was adding to her collection. South Carolina beat UConn 64-49 for Staley’s second national title. She ascended a ladder under the Target Center nets, cut the last dangling parts of rope her players and assistants had not yet chopped off, then put the whole thing around her neck, savoring the moment as she danced on one of the top rungs to Mary J. Blige’s “Just Fine.” NBA Hall of Famer Chris Webber is turning his memoir “By God’s Grace” into a TV series by Picturestart. The book is being considered for the small screen ahead of its official release on November 15. Per Deadline, the project is currently being shopped to networks and streamers. “I’ve been waiting over 25 years to tell my story and I’m honored to partner with Erik Feig and Picturestart,” Webber said in a statement to Deadline. “This series offers a unique opportunity to provide perspective on my upbringing, to explore the nuances of high school sports, and share details from my career and personal events that shaped my life. I’m so grateful for all of the thrilling peaks and challenges throughout my journey and for the platform to convey my narrative to both new and established audiences and viewers.” https://www.instagram.com/realchriswebber/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=3a853677-0c8e-46b9-875e-3c20460a1a5c Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is once again criticizing Los Angeles star LeBron James and the way he uses his platform. “Some of the things he’s done and said are really beneath him, as far as I can see,” Abdul-Jabbar said Sunday before the Lakers’ 129-118 loss to the Denver Nuggets, TMZ reports. “Some of the great things that he’s done, he’s standing on both sides of the fence almost, you know? It makes it hard for me to accept that when he’s committed himself to a different take on everything. It’s hard to figure out where he’s standing. You’ve got to check him out every time.” Abdul-Jabbar went on to say he has high expectations for James “because he understands the issues and [has] spoken to them quite forcefully and eloquently. I think he has so much going for him in terms of respect and accomplishment and he shouldn’t stoop to those moments,” Abdul-Jabbar said. Kanye West has backed out of headlining Coachella, a source close to the artist confirmed to CNN Monday. West, who now goes by Ye, had been set to be one of the headliners of The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival along with Billie Eilish and Harry Styles. The source said that West did not want to take the stage in the midst of his divorce battle with Kim Kardashian and in the wake of his one-sided feud with “Daily Show” host Trevor Noah. https://youtu.be/83ci7enAGG4 LL Cool J has announced his hip-hop festival Rock the Bells will go down this summer in his native Queens, New York. The hip-hop icon is set to perform along with a stellar line-up that includes Rick Ross, Ice Cube and Lil’ Kim, with Roxanne Shanté hosting the event, Complex reports. https://youtu.be/9PdBKSm9cOw Tosin Cole and Courtney B. Vance star alongside each other in the upcoming AMC series “61st Street.” The series follows Moses Johnson (Cole), who is a high school athlete destined for greatness, however, things take a turn for the worst when he gets caught up in Chicago’s corrupt criminal justice system when they accuse him of being a gang member following a drug bust gone wrong. Franklin Roberts (Vance) steps in to defend Johnson as his lawyer and to seek out justice. https://youtu.be/QQpfF9trmi4 En Vogue singer Cindy Herron and her MLB star husband, Glenn Braggs, are calling it quits after being married for almost three decades. According to new legal documents, obtained by The Blast, Cindy Herron-Braggs filed for dissolution of marriage in Los Angeles County Courts citing “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the split. The former couple shares four children together Donovan, Jordan, Natalia, and Solomon. It should be noted, that three of the kids are now adults, so it won’t factor in the divorce. The couple has been married for so long, that it is unclear if they signed anything like a prenuptial agreement going into the relationship. But, since they were together for so long, most likely they will split everything financially down the middle. Betty Maxwell shows her sash that she humorously got dirty from spray tans. Betty says that she sang opera as her talent and she has been singing since the age of three. Her biggest dream is to be the voice of a Disney princess. She shares her voice impersonations of Belle from Beauty and the Beast, Roz from Monster’s Inc, and Ariel from the Little Mermaid. https://youtu.be/Ss9dJEVeRtk A DJ Khaled look-alike was spotted at a Waffle House and the footage has gone viral on social media. On Sunday (April 3), Instagram user @st.mark85 shared a video of himself with the DJ Khaled doppelgänger who appears to be ordering food at a Waffle House. The man looks amazingly similar to the Miami-based super producer.” St. Mark, who is filming the look-alike with his cell phone, tells the faux DJ Khaled to drop one of the artist’s signature ad-libs. “Hey bro, hit ’em with that shit,” St. Mark tells the doppelgänger, who then looks into the camera and says “Another one.” https://www.instagram.com/p/Cb545OhATd3/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Bosses at Will Smith’s talent agency, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), are divided over what to do with the Oscar-winner following his shocking on-stage slap of presenter Chris Rock at this year’s Academy Awards. Smith smacked the comedian in the face after he made a joke about his wife’s hair loss. Jada Pinkett Smith has been open about her struggle with alopecia, a disease which often causes bald spots. The incident immediately thrust CAA chiefs Bryan Lourd, Richard Lovett and Kevin Huvane, who represent countless A-list stars throughout media and sports, into a quandary: their bankable star was a pariah, despite picking up the industry’s biggest award. According to an account of the incident’s aftermath in The Daily Beast, a furious debate took place within the agency over whether Smith should be dropped. A Black male Law professor and author penned an editorial for the NY Post titled “Why more black women should consider marrying white men.” The writer of the piece, Ralph Richard Banks, believes “Black women should not be held hostage to the struggles of black men.” “Rather than partner with men of other races, many heterosexual black women either don’t marry or marry black men with whom they are not especially well matched,” Banks writes. According to Banks, Black women should “marry out” not “marry down.” In the article, Banks, co-founder & faculty director of the Stanford Center for Racial Justice, cites his book “Is Marriage for White People?” and writes: “I explained in the book why black women should not be pressured to sacrifice their own chances for happiness out of some misplaced loyalty to black men. Nor should black women feel beholden to black men under the guise of advancing the race. If the price of racial solidarity is a bad intimate relationship, then the cost is too high. Black women should not be held hostage to the struggles of black men.” Albert Pujols announced Monday that he and wife Deidre are splitting up, days after she underwent successful surgery to remove a brain tumor. “I’ve been asked a lot of questions over the past few days regarding what’s been going on at home and sadly, after 22 years of marriage, I have made the decision to file for divorce from my wife, Deidre,” Pujols said in a statement released by his agent, Dan Lozano. “I realize this is not the most opportune time with Opening Day approaching and other family events that have recently taken place. These situations are never easy and isn’t something that just happened overnight.” This offseason, Pujols signed a one-year deal to return to the Cardinals, where he previously played from 2001 to 2011. He and Deidre had been married since 2000. “As a devout Christian, this is an outcome that I never wanted to see happen,” Pujols continued in his statement. “For many long days and nights, I prayed, asking the Lord for His guidance.” The metro Atlanta housing market has officially been classified as unaffordable. According to the Federal Reserve Bank’s 2022 index, “the average metro Atlanta resident can no longer afford to buy a house inside the perimeter,” per WSBTV. “You’ve got to be willing to pay more than you think you should… probably more than what the house is worth right now,” said realtor Eric Decker. https://youtu.be/TrRwu6fXF60 ”iCarly” the original influencer is back for season two! The 10-episode season picks up right where the first season ended, with Carly refocusing her attention on her friends and family after her romantic complications, all while working to boost her revived web channel. Laci Mosley says she’s “excited for people to see Harper achieve a lot more in her fashion design career as she works with some amazing drag queens from “Rupal’s Drag Race” and is designing for bigger artists.” Miranda Cosgrove said “it feels great” to find out iCarly is considered the template on how to reboot a show. “It was really exciting for all of us when it came out and it had mostly positive reactions. It was just really an amazing feeling,” said Cosgrove. https://youtu.be/37psnSqExY8 Pioneering Black American pilot Bessie Coleman will appear on quarters in 2023 as part of the U.S. Mint’s four year series celebrating the contributions of women in the United States. Along with Coleman, next year’s diverse honorees include Jovita Idar, Edith Kanaka’ole, Eleanor Roosevelt and Maria Tallchief, according to a press release. “The range of accomplishments and experiences of these extraordinary women speak to the contributions women have always made in the history of our country,” said Mint Deputy Director Ventris Gibson of the latest round of honorees. https://youtu.be/4fSwHryVWZE A Minnesota TV station has unearthed archival footage of the late, great music icon Prince at 11 years old. Staffers at WCCO, a CNN affiliate station in Minneapolis, discovered the footage of young Prince being interviewed about local public school teachers on strike in 1970. The footage was found while reporters were pulling old footage to include in a piece about a recent strike. In the video, the interviewer asks young Prince if most of the kids gathered at the strike scene were in support of their teachers’ picketing. The future hitmaker replied, “Yup.” “I think they should get some more money because they work extra hours for us, and all that stuff,” little Prince said in the clip before walking away. https://cbsloc.al/36LHSGJ On Monday, members of the Senate Judiciary Committee met to discuss Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson's nomination to the US Supreme Court and were deadlocked 11-11 along party lines on whether to send her nomination to the full Senate floor for consideration, per Reuters. According to The Associated Press, Democrats have planned a vote to "discharge" Jackson’s nomination from the committee on Monday evening and then will launch "a series of procedural steps in the coming days to wind it through the 50-50 Senate. https://twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1vAGRkNLbaNJl CECE WINANS' three (3) Grammy wins last night was nothing short of AMAZING!! Last night's wins marked the 15th GRAMMY AWARDED to Cece, sliding her closer to the TOP FIVE MOST GRAMMY AWARDED FEMALE ARTIST OF ALL TIME (All Genres)!!! This is Absolutely Remarkable!! JEKALYN CARR, who was also nominated for BEST GOSPEL ALBUM (!!) last Night, Looked absolutely STUNNING on the Grammy Red Carpet, showing the world that GOSPEL has CLASS & BEAUTY!! She is featured on several major outlets this morning like E! News, VARIETY, ESSENCE, PEOPLE, Deadline and many more!!! Multi-platinum super group Maverick City Music today have become GRAMMY Award winners after taking home the award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album for Old Church Basement with Elevation Worship. The moment was punctuated with a very special performance of their No. 1 smash hit “Jireh” from the top of the MGM Grand. Of the win, co-founder of Maverick City Music Tony Brown says, “Maverick City Music started with a dream to make the most segregated hour in America, Sunday mornings, an ancient past time. Breaking barriers by being nominated in every inspirational GRAMMY category is only the beginning. The empowerment of every unlikely voice is what’s next for Maverick City.” Maverick City Music recently announced their largest co-headline arena tour to date with Kirk Franklin. The tour, dubbed Kingdom, begins on June 1st and will make stops in 37 cities in North America including Atlanta, Toronto, Nashville, Los Angeles and more before wrapping up in Denver, CO at Ball Arena on July 31st. They will be joined by Jonathan McReynolds and Housefires on all dates. https://youtu.be/byDt2bsFFOA Today, CLEO TV announced the premieres of two, new lifestyle series that shine a spotlight on the joys of delicious food, the art of decorating and stories of wanderlust travel, with “Decor Remixed'' and “Global Gourmet”. “Decor Remixed”, hosted by interior designer Dominique Calhoun, and “Global Gourmet”, hosted by the renowned Chef Essie Bartels, debut with back-to-back episodes beginning Wednesday, April 6 at 9 p.m./8C on CLEO TV. Grammy Nominated songwriter, Grammy and Dove Award-winning producer, and chart-topping recording artist Rudy Currence and Grammy-winning songstress Chrisette Michele have released the official music video for “No Greater Love” on Friday (March 25). Written by Rudy, “No Greater Love” is the #1 song in the country on the Mediabase Gospel radio chart. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3vjDj5mMBg The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) has joined forces with actor Harry Lennix and prominent national community organizations to increase awareness about prostate cancer among Black men during National Minority Health Month (NMHM) in April. Through social media outreach, the National Black Church Initiative and the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., will encourage men to understand their personal risks and to take proactive measures to protect their health. Lennix will be a guest speaker for a special webinar about prostate cancer disparities. Lennix is one of PCF's celebrity ambassadors who lends his voice to encourage men to know their numbers and their risks. "Men, especially Black men must be on high alert for prostate cancer. It disproportionately affects Black men who are about 75 percent more likely to develop the disease than white men and are more than twice as likely to die from it," said Lennix. "That is why it is important for Black men to be informed and proactive about their health, such as taking proper preventative lifestyle measures and receiving regular screenings. Taking those small, impactful steps can help save lives." Ricky Dillard Drop a song shinning bright in the Gospel Spotlight!!! Keep Going (Live At Family Christian Center, Munster, IN / July 9, 2021) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07ORYeVvBgk Being the only Black person in a predominately white space can put one in the spotlight and with a target on their back if anything goes wrong. In the case of Emanuel Fair, it was that reality that cost a Black man more than eight years of his life—which he spent in lockup without a single conviction. Fair is now suing everyone involved with his imprisonment. According to Rolling Stone, Fair attended a Halloween party at the Valley View Apartments in Redmond, Washington, in 2008. It was essentially a small block party where numerous residents had their apartment doors open to party-goers. But Fair was not a resident. Fair had been staying with a friend, Leslie Potts. Fair didn’t know anyone else at the party, which he had no idea was taking place as he had just begun his stay in Potts’ apartment. So a few of Potts’ neighbors helped him pull together a “construction worker” costume to celebrate the festivities. Rolling Stone’s report noted that others who attended the party said he was relatively quiet—which makes sense if he knew next to no one—but mostly, he was referred to as “the Black guy,” as he was apparently the only Black man there. And that’s exactly what made him the one and only suspect arrested when 24-year-old software engineer Arpana Jinaga, one of the party’s hosts, was found beaten, sexually assaulted, and strangled to death in her apartment on November 1 of that year. While Fair, who had been charged with first-degree murder, was being held in King County Jail on a seven-figure bail his family couldn’t afford, he had his first trial in 2017. The jury deadlocked and he was tried again in 2019 when a jury found him not guilty. It was a crime in which there were no witnesses, no confessions, and, ultimately, no justice for Jinga. And now Fair wants everyone involved in his imprisonment to say “I’m sorry” with their wallets. Tucker Carlson, a host at Fox News is for whatever reason, randomly circling back to an old gripe he has with rapper Cardi B. Yes, Carlson is just being weird at this point. No, Cardi did not send for Carlson before he decided to come for her. Yes, it is as clear as day that Carlson’s love life is a case study for the ultimate definition of “vanilla sex.” (Actually, Ben Shapiro has been holding that spot down longer than he’s ever held down any of his wife’s spots, but for the purposes of this article, it’s Tucker.) Anyway, apparently, Carlson is big-fake mad that Cardi will be making an appearance on an episode of Baby Shark’s Big Show! on Nickelodeon. “So you’re a fuddy-duddy if you note that American culture is becoming, like, not really culture anymore,” Carlson said on his show, the Daily Beast reported. “It’s like a lot of growling and sexless talking about sex. And if you think it’s an overstatement, check out this song from someone calling herself Cardi B.” On March 19, Jada Davis made history after she was crowned “Miss Milwaukee.” The bustling law student and business owner became the first Black woman in the state to be honored with the prestigious title. “It was an incredible moment,” Davis shared of the big accolade to Wisconsin’s Afternoon News. “To have a piece of history be a part of my life, during Women’s History Month, is one of the most special things about this experience,” she added. Due to the pandemic, the state held its first virtual Miss Milwaukee Competition. Davis competed against eight other beautiful contenders for the title. According to Fox 6, the 23-year-old was awarded a $700 scholarship and earned an additional $100 upon winning “the top talent award.” Davis performed a contemporary dance piece to a spoken word poem called “Dear Black Girl” by Candice Nicholas. Now, Davis is preparing to advance to the Miss Wisconsin Competition in Oshkosh in June, which is a state preliminary to the Miss America Competition. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8FbpWijb-E Police on Monday said they have arrested one man who is a suspect in Sunday’s mass shooting in Sacramento that killed six people and wounded 12 others. Dandre Martin, 26, was identified as a “related suspect” and was booked on assault and illegal firearm possession charges, according to a release from Sacramento police. CNN is seeking comment from legal representation for Martin. During the initial investigation, detectives found more than 100 shell casings and discovered at least three buildings and three cars that had been hit by bullets. Police served search warrants at three homes and at least one handgun was recovered. Authorities said they have received more than 100 video or photo files in a tip portal. An alleged hitman was captured on video counting stacks of cash he received for the killing of a Transportation Security Administration agent, “Another day in the office,” Javon Carter says in the brief video footage as he flips through the $100 and $20 bills, per NBC Miami. Assembly Constitutional Amendment (ACA) 3, the California Abolition Act, has one more hurdle to clear before voters can approve or reject it in the General Election in November. The state Assembly voted 59-0 to approve the legislation on March 21, which would amend the Constitution of California to end involuntary servitude in the state. Should the Senate vote in favor of ACA 3 before the end of June of this year, it will go to the voters for a final decision. Article 1, Section 6 of the California Constitution currently allows the practice of involuntary servitude as a means of punishing crime. Sen. Sydney Kamlager (D-Los Angeles), who authored ACA 3 in 2020 while serving in the Assembly, says involuntary servitude is a euphemism for forced labor, a practice she says is much more nefarious and is comparable to slavery. Tommy Davis, a two-time National League batting champion who won three World Series titles with the Los Angeles Dodgers, has died. He was 83. He died Sunday night in Phoenix, the Dodgers announced Monday. They did not provide a cause of death. They were informed of Davis’ death by his daughter, Morgana. Davis was an athletic standout at Boys High School in Brooklyn, where he was a basketball teammate of future Hall of Famer Lenny Wilkens. Davis also played baseball and was a long jumper on the school’s track and field team. Davis was set to sign with the Yankees in 1956 when a phone call from Jackie Robinson changed his mind. Robinson was playing what would be his final season with the Dodgers that year when he called Davis’ house and encouraged him to sign with the Brooklyn organization. Scouting director Al Campanis knew Davis’ mother was a Dodgers fan. “My mother wondered who was calling,” Davis said in 2019. “I pointed to the receiver and mouthed the words, ‘It’s Jackie Robinson!’ I couldn’t believe I was speaking to one of my heroes, although I don’t remember doing much talking.” Colin Kaepernick was invited to Michigan’s spring game on Saturday where he threw to undrafted receivers at halftime for NFL scouts. Kaepernick was invited to Michigan by coach Jim Harbaugh, who mentored the athlete during his time with the San Francisco 49ers. Kap served as honorary captain for the spring game, where he also delivered a message to prospective NFL teams, ESPN reports. “I can help make you a better team, I can help you win games,” Kaepernick said during an interview with told WXYZ. “I know right now the situation likely won’t allow me to come in, step into a starting role. I know I’ll be able to work my way to that though and show that very quickly. “So to the teams that have questions, more than anything I would say I’d love to come in for a workout. I’d love to sit down with you and have that conversation about how I could help you be a better team.” https://youtu.be/iQ8PE3P7iSc Tiger Woods will make a “game-time decision” on competing at next week’s Masters, the five-times champion said on Sunday as he continues his recovery from the serious leg injuries he suffered in a car crash in February 2021. Woods said six weeks ago that he had a “long way to go” in his recovery but speculation mounted with each passing day that his return could come at the April 7-10 Masters as he refrained from removing his name from the field of competitors. “I will be heading up to Augusta today to continue my preparation and practice. It will be a game-time decision on whether I compete,” Woods said on Twitter. Chris Rock is reportedly being showered with lucrative offers following the Oscars slapping incident with Will Smith. “Chris has handled the situation with Will with such grace and poise – and it is paying dividends. Hollywood just can’t get enough of him and while people are turning away from Will in droves, they’re queuing up to see Chris,” a source said, as reported by Bang Showbiz. Tickets for Rock’s new comedy tour have surged since he was slapped by Smith at the Oscars. The insider told The Sun newspaper: “His comedy tour is now sold out for months in advance and he has added more dates on thanks to the increase in demand.” https://youtu.be/GHB7IlUeZ3w Grammy Awards host Trevor Noah set up expectations moments into Sunday night’s show: Music’s biggest night is essentially one big concert where awards happen to be given out. It was that, but because of a mid-show appearance from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who spoke of Ukrainian musicians in body armor and appealed for support, everything landed in a context that seemed to escape last week’s Oscars. For a moment, the night of music and celebration stopped and the focus turned to the ongoing invasion and the plight of the Ukrainian people.“ It was a big night for three artists in particular, who walked away with the night’s four biggest honors. Jon Batiste won album of the year for “We Are,” Silk Sonic won record and song of the year for “Leave the Door Open” and Olivia Rodrigo walked away with best new artist. Doja Cat and SZA also scored a memorable win — both for Doja Cat’s emotional response and her ill-timed bathroom break that almost robbed her of her moment. It all worked out, though, for the new winners of the best pop duo/group performance award. https://eurweb.com/2022/04/03/grammy-awards-2022-all-the-highlights-including-silk-sonics-wins-performance-videos/ During an interview with Fox News on Friday, actor-director Mel Gibson spoke about faith, ego, and redemption, while promoting his latest film Father Stu. As CBN News has reported, Mark Wahlberg and Mel Gibson teamed up for the new biographical movie that’s filled with grit, faith, and redemption. It’s scheduled to hit theaters nationwide on Wednesday, April 13. Father Stu has been a project of Wahlberg’s for the past six years, according to The Hollywood Reporter‘s exclusive story. The actor wanted to make a movie about the boxer-turned-priest’s life after he died almost seven years ago. Both Wahlberg and Gibson are professed Catholics. The pair formed a friendship when Gibson was hired to play Wahlberg’s father in the 2017 comedy Daddy’s Home 2, according to MovieGuide. Wahlberg will portray Long in the new movie and reportedly gained 30 pounds for the role. Gibson will play Long’s father. https://youtu.be/DHREzAdyCPs Sources say that days after the Oscar slap flap, Will was flown by his BFF, the Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aka “Fazza,” to the middle Eastern kingdom so he could cool out while his bad press burns like a California wildfire. The 39 year old Fazza, as he is known, is a good looking 39 year old entrepreneur, sports man, and businessman. He was married off to a cousin in 2019 and now has a set of twins. When the babies were born, Smith sent custom made gifts to them. Fazza posted a picture of Will with the gifts to his Instagram account. The children call Smith Uncle Will, according to reports. Zaila Avant-garde, is only the first Black American to win the Scripps National Spelling Bee which happened last summer, she’s also a serious basketball prodigy. Not too long ago, the 14-year-old rising star met her basketball idol, Dallas Wings guard and former UConn star Moriah Jefferson. Avant-garde, who hopes to one day play in the WNBA, and Jefferson got together and even though the pro was able to show the youngster a lot of stuff, it was Jefferson who also got schooled by Avant-garde. https://youtu.be/nSDYIjer6X0 There is much controversy surrounding the book titled “The 1619 Project” – a book created by author and Pulitzer Prize winner Nikole Hannah-Jones and The New York Times Magazine. The origins of the book began when the Times ran two publications of Hannah-Jones’ story and concept in 2019. Ultimately, the Times staff embraced the concept and “ran with it” to help create the book which was released in 2021. Today’s narrative of White Americans, that Black Americans vote democratic because they want a “free lunch” does not hold up when you read how enslavement provided free labor enforced by the whip and other cruelties. The profit from the production of cotton in the 1800’s is comparative to the value of oil in today’s market. Historian Joshua Rothman wrote in his book Flush Times and Fever Dreams, “Americans built a culture of speculation unique in its abandon” [That culture would drive cotton production up to the Civil War, and it has been a defining characteristic of American capitalism ever since. It is the culture of acquiring wealth without work, growing at all costs, and abusing the powerless. It is the culture that brought us catastrophic downturns, like the Panic of 1837, the stock market crash of 1929, and the recession of 2008. It is the culture that has produced staggering inequality and undignified working conditions. https://youtu.be/Q14BTdS6BRc Former NFL player Channing Crowder went viral over the weekend after saying Ciara is only with her NFL star husband Russell Wilson because he’s a “square.” Crowder made the shocking statement during his recent podcast “The Pivot,” and claimed Ciara, who used to date rapper Future and shares a young son with him, would not be married to a “square” like Wilson if he was not wealthy. “If Russell didn’t have that bread Ciara wouldn’t be with him…Russel is square…Ciara has a good situation, but you don’t leave Future and get with Russell Wilson,” said Crowder. “You’re going to leave Future for Russell Wilson? He’s so goddamn square, I love him on the field…he’s a square. He’s a f*cking square,” he added. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2022-04-03-040322-channing-crowder-1387938/ The Montero artist showed up at the 2022 Grammys in a look from Balmain, telling Live From E!‘s Laverne Cox that the ensemble was chosen because he wanted “eat the whole night up.” As he put it, “We gonna knock it out tonight.” Lil Nas X had good reason to go all out: He’s nominated for Best Music Video, Record of the Year, Album of the Year and Song of the Year, a truly impressive feat considering Montero is his debut studio album. And though he previously won a Grammy alongside Billy Ray Cyrus for “Old Town Road,” the star noted that people a/k/a haters didn’t think he’d attend another Grammy ceremony: “A lot of people did not expect me to be back here,” he said. “But I’m here, baby. Five nominations—let’s take some home!” https://youtu.be/jRP7cq6vfhM BIZARRE footage circulating online appears to show mourners raving alongside the rapper Goonew at his funeral. An event titled The Final Show Goonew was held at Bliss nightclub in Washington DC on Sunday – weeks after the star, 24, was shot dead. Pictures circulating online shows what appears to be the rapper standing up at the event. Speculation online suggests his embalmed body was erected inside the club but The Sun has been unable to verify the claims. It’s not known if it is his embalmed body or a mannequin. https://youtu.be/4HvRVim2xAc Diana Ross celebrated her 78th birthday on March 26 and her daughters partied in style by rocking custom-made t-shirts to honor the music icon. Tracee Ellis Ross shared a post to Instagram on Thursday that featured photographs of herself and sisters Rhonda Ross Kendrick and Chudney Ross wearing “Straight Outta Diana Ross” to-shirts, a play on N.W.A’s 1988 album “Straight Outta Compton.” https://www.instagram.com/traceeellisross/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=03824dda-8e68-48af-8e2a-eb222371f6e7 Saweetie is going with the flow! On the red carpet at the 2022 Grammys, the rapper chatted with Access Hollywood’s guest correspondent Emily Orozco about her glamorous look and confessed that she actually got dressed in the parking lot of the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. https://youtu.be/AOr3vIE1O_E Blac Chyna is moving forward with her lawsuit against the Kardashian family, claming they got her reality show with Rob Kardashian canceled after one season. Chyna shared an update Saturday regarding her upcoming trial against the Kardashian/Jenner klan, which is set for later this month. “I plan to re-focus my attention on my trial against Kris Jenner and her daughters Kim, Khloé, and Kylie which starts in 13 days,” she wrote in the statement on Twitter. “When they got my No. 1 hit show killed back in January 2017, that not only hurt me financially and emotionally, that hurt my beautiful KIDS.” When Will and Jada’s daughter Willow Smith was a young girl she wrote a letter to deceased rapper Tupac Shakur begging him to come back so her “mommy can be happy.” MTO News unearthed the letter Willow wrote when she was just 11 years old, which has gone viral following Will’s Oscar slap. Social media influencer Kevin Samuels has questions for the Smith family after he read the letter on his podcast. “You could become one of the biggest stars in Hollywood, squeaky clean image, women love you around the world — and this is what’s going on in your house? Your wife is in love with a dead man,” Samuels said in a video posted on his YouTube channel. Samuels then read Willow’s letter: “I know you are alive someplace. I think that my mommy really misses you. Can you please come back? Can you come back so me and my mommy can be happy? I wish you were here. I really do.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CbysHnYgXAJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Sacramento police are asking the public’s help in finding whoever opened fire downtown Sunday morning, killing six people. Another 10 people were injured in the melee near 10th and K streets, Sacramento Police Chief Katherine Lester said. “9th St to 13th St is closed between L St & J St as officers investigate a shooting with multiple victims,” Sacramento police tweeted. “Conditions unknown at this time. Please avoid the area as a large police presence will remain and the scene remains active.” A large crowd was gathered in the area when gunfire erupted around 2 a.m., Lester told reporters Sunday morning. https://youtu.be/nbgGmQKNxFE Recently, hundreds of protesters demanding justice in the death of Donnell Rochester marched through Baltimore. Rochester was shot dead by a police officer on 9th Feb. The march started in the Coldstream Homestead Montebello neighborhood, East Baltimore, right where Rochester, 18, was shot. According to WBFF FOX45, the protesters made attempts to enter Baltimore City Hall to have a conversation with Mayor Brandon Scott and Police Commissioner Michael Harrison. The hall has been out of reach to the public because of the COVID-19 regulations. https://youtu.be/n_-qBcuqcg8 Gloria Williams requested the court to have her 18-year prison sentence reduced for kidnapping Kamiyah Mobley in 1998, however, a Duval County Circuit Court judge didn’t rule in her favor. Williams made a plea in hopes of reassuring the judge that she is working hard to improve while (serving her) prison sentence–which has already been four years after she was convicted of stealing an hours-old infant from a Jacksonville maternity ward. The motion to cut her time in half was not filed on time, Judge Jeb Branham stated and his one-page response issued on Tuesday also said he declined to address the motion’s merits. “The court commends the defendant for her efforts to rehabilitate herself and sympathizes with Ms. Mobley’s perspective,” Branham wrote. “However, even if the motion was filed on time, the court would not find a basis to undo the original sentencing judge’s decision.” https://www.instagram.com/p/Cb28auMjZgB/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again A man accused of killing a Queens nurse he met on a dating app was extradited to New York City from California Thursday to face a murder charge in the nearly 4-year-old case, police said. Danueal Drayton, 31, was hauled to a Queens Village police station and charged in the strangulation death of Samantha Stewart, 29, who was found dead at her Jamaica home on July 17, 2018, police said. Drayton also faces charges including grand larceny, identity theft and sexual misconduct, according to the NYPD. Drayton had an alleged history of violence against women that he met online, in both the tristate area and in Los Angeles, authorities said. Five young people were jailed on murder charges Friday in the March 25 fatal drive-by shooting that claimed the life of an 8-year-old boy on the east side of Warner Robins. In a statement posted on Facebook late Friday, Houston County sheriff’s officials announced four arrests in the death of Jermarrion Pachino Cherry. On Saturday, officials announced a fifth arrest. At least three of the suspects, who range in age from 17 to 21, have criminal records. Cherry was shot in the head while he was in a parked car with some other children at a home in a neighborhood near Robins Air Force Base. He died Monday at an Atlanta children’s hospital. Sheriff’s investigators have said a car rode past the automobile that Cherry was in and that “multiple shots were fired” from the passing car. An adult with the children had “just stepped away” from their car and “was several feet away” when the barrage began. A 17-year-old business owner was shot and killed outside of the barber shop he ran with his mother in Clayton County Saturday night. Police said Anthony ‘China’ McClain was just an innocent bystander who got caught in the crossfire when gunshots broke out at a shopping center off River Station Boulevard. A witness told Channel 2's Justin Carter that he was doing maintenance in the area when he saw a man start shooting at a white car, and someone started shooting back. Employees at the Wayfield Food grocery store next door said a bullet pierced a window. Family members gathered outside the store Saturday afternoon as Clayton County police blocked off the area to investigate. McClain’s cousin, LaShawn Hood, said she believes it all started because of a fight inside the shop that spilled into the parking lot. “He was just standing outside the barber shop, and there was some commotion and something happened and a stray bullet is what,” Hood said. A five-year-old Florida girl died after her mother kidnapped her and led police on a high-speed chase that ended with her vehicle crashing into a retention pond. Pamela Tereza Cabrera, 32, led police on a 30-mile pursuit through North Jacksonville on Thursday night, reaching speeds of 90 mph, before she crashed her vehicle into the pond as she tried to exit the interstate. Officers pulled Cabrera out of the water, but were unable locate her daughter, Vanity, WJAX reported. A dive team eventually found the five-year-old dead at the bottom of the pond. Throughout five explosive seasons and one film, Bounce TV’s “Saints and Sinners” has been a fan favorite. On Sunday, April 3rd, the final season kicks off. The series stars Vanessa Bell Calloway and Clifton Powell. Michael Anthony joins the cast this season as the infamous Uncle Ray Ray, alongside Tray Chaney, Jasmine Burke, Keith Robinson, Donna Biscoe, J.D. Williams, Christian Keyes, Karlie Redd, David Banner, Dawn Halfkenny, Lisa Wu, Ashani Roberts, and Kaye Singleton. https://youtu.be/dZw_D1k-qBw If this were a presidential contest, Chris Rock would be winning in most states, according to an article published on The Hill. As of now, he has 41 states under his belt against Will Smith’s 9 states. This is about the Oscar ceremony incident where Will Smith ended up slapping the comedian. The sports gambling company BetOnline.ag on Tuesday released a map based on geotagged Twitter data that shows most Americans support Rock over the “Men in Black” star. Most Twitter users in the 41 states think Will Smith was wrong to slap Rock, while only 9 states have many siding with Will Smith on the public drama that took many by surprise, including Rock himself. Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina and New Hampshire sided with Smith. Now you already knew the moment the “The Slap” happened, “Saturday Night Live” was gonna go in on it and that’s exactly what happened last night. The skit my have been kind of uncomfortable to watch and hilarious at the same time. https://youtu.be/nTRng89HjJw After Will Smith slapped Chris Rock and Sunday night’s Oscars, Denzel Washington was seen comforting Smith. Now, 6 days later, he’s speaking his mind about the mind-blowing situation. “Well, there’s a saying, ‘When the devil ignores you, then you know you’re doing something wrong,’” was what Washington said Saturday (04-02-22) morning during a discussion about his career and faith with author and bishop, T.D. Jakes during his (Jakes) leadership summit, according to Variety. “The devil goes, ‘Oh no, leave him alone, he’s my favorite,’” he continued. “Conversely, when the devil comes at you, maybe it’s because he’s trying to do something, right? And for whatever reason, the devil got ahold of that circumstance that night.” https://youtu.be/2mTKPoQAoNs Today BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) celebrated the best and brightest in gospel music at the 2022 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards held at the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville. BMI’s Gospel Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Publisher of the Year and the top 20 songs of the previous year were all honored at the private event hosted by BMI’s President & CEO, Mike O’Neill and BMI’s Vice President, Creative-Atlanta Catherine Brewton. BMI’s Gospel Songwriter of the Year was a four-way tie between Aaron Lindsey, J Drew Sheard II, Kierra Sheard and Jeshua “TedyP” Williams. GRAMMY, Dove and Stellar Award-winning songwriter, Aaron Lindsey was honored for two chart-topping songs, “It Belongs to Me,” co-written and performed by Juan and Lisa Winans (feat. Marvin Winans) and “Thank You for It All,” co-written by Jarmone E. Davis and Marvin Sapp. J Drew and Kierra Sheard were honored for co-writing “His Love” and “It Keeps Happening.” GRAMMY Award-winning songwriter/producer Jeshua “TedyP” Williams was honored for his work on “Hold Me Close” and for co-writing “Trouble Won’t Last” with Keyondra Lockett, who won her first BMI award for the hit single. Throughout the ceremony, the music continued with featured performances by gospel greats and BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Icons Marvin Sapp and Kirk Franklin, as well as rising gospel star DOE. After being honored with his sixth BMI Gospel Award for “Thank You for It All,” Sapp gave a moving performance of the chart-topping single. Sisters Alexis Jones and Arin Jackson‘s desire for more diverse children’s music has led to a Grammy nomination. The duo, known as “The Magic Jones,” contributed to the 1 Tribe Collective, whose “All One Tribe” is up for best children’s album. Neither Jackson nor Jones are new to the music industry. Jackson is a member of the previously Grammy-nominated R&B group Brownstone, and Jones has performed as a member of Kanye West’s Sunday Service Choir. She also acts, with credits that include Tyler Perry’s “A Madea Christmas.” They told CNN they began thinking about representation in children’s music during the pandemic and their desire for children of color to “be able to see themselves.” https://youtu.be/z1_RDbhslWo Estelle Harris, who played George Costanza’s (Jason Alexander) mother Estelle on the iconic NBC sitcom Seinfeld, died Saturday evening of natural causes in Palm Desert, California, just weeks before her 94th birthday. “It is with the greatest remorse and sadness to announce that Estelle Harris has passed on this evening at 6:25pm,” her son Glen Harris, who held her as she drew her final breath, told Deadline. “Her kindness, passion, sensitivity, humor, empathy and love were practically unrivaled, and she will be terribly missed by all those who knew her.” Born Estelle Nussbaum in New York City on April 22, 1928, Harris appeared on 27 episodes of Seinfeld between 1992 and 1998. (The character had been named Estelle before she landed the part.) She began pursuing acting at assorted amateur community theaters while raising her children, and went on to find incredible success both on stage and on screen, also featuring in such series as Futurama, The Looney Tunes Show, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, iCarly, ER, Mind of Mencia, Phil of the Future, Dave the Barbarian, Kim Possible, The Proud Family, House of Mouse, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Godzilla: The Series, The Wild Thornberrys, Hercules, Cybill, Living Single, Moesha, The Mask, Night Stand, Star Trek: Voyager, The Tick, Aladdin, Good Advice, Mad About You, Married… with Children and Night Court. A man nearly lost his penis after injecting it with #cocaine, which left it black and rotted.? While not much is known about the male’s identity, The Sun reported that doctors at the #BronxCareHospitalCenter were stunned when the 35-year-old turned up in the emergency room in complete agony. He told staff that he spent three days in excruciating pain after he injected cocaine directly into the dorsal vein of his penis, which runs the full length of the shaft. ?The patient admitted to injecting at the sight multiple times. However, this was the first time the penis injection was nearly fatal. The man had a longstanding drug problem and resorted to injecting cocaine into his penis once all other injection sites were damaged.?? https://www.instagram.com/p/CbxhXktDbBH/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Raven-Symoné has lost whopping 40 pounds and she has her wife to thank for it, plus sticking to a sugarless diet. She says she decided to take her health issues seriously after it became a concern to her wife, Miranda Pearman-Maday. https://youtu.be/pv_lGzRcWE4 It looks like we won’t be seeing Kanye wilding out on Instagram any time soon. According to @pagesix, Kanye told Kim he was “going away to get help” after all the online drama. Kanye has been open about his mental health issues before, but his recent behavior on Instagram towards Kim and her new boo Pete, had fans wondering if he was okay mentally. Now, according to a source close to the family, he has agreed to stop harassing the couple and stop making public appearances so he can fully heal and move on. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cb3WHJOJjcf/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=3dbd3056-f428-478a-a68c-41f1064e656a Todrick Hall, choreographer and former “Celebrity Big Brother” contestant, once announced he bought a home, meaning he would not be paying rent to anyone anymore. But this might have been, well, just for the cameras. It turns out he rented a Sherman Oaks (CA) home. The truth wouldn’t have come out if not for the fact that he can’t pay the rent on time, for he has been sued by Avi Lavian for $60k after falling 60 days behind schedule. The lawsuit details indicate that the accused should be paying a rent of $30k each month for the Sherman Oaks home but is now 60 days behind, reports TMZ. https://youtu.be/--oMuijqP1M Denzel Washington broke his silence Saturday on Will Smith’s Oscars slap, addressing his conversation with Smith immediately following the actor’s assault of Chris Rock onstage at the ceremony. Smith shocked everyone when he walked onto the stage and slapped presenter Chris Rock after the comedian made a joke at the expense of Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. During the commercial break after the slap, Washington and Tyler Perry were seen talking with Smith and seemingly encouraging the actor ahead of his first Oscar win for Best Actor. Washington appeared with producer and author T.D. Jakes at the mega pastor’s Leadership Summit on Saturday (the livestream of which TheWrap hosted exclusively) for a conversation about his career and faith, and he addressed what happened at the Oscars. “You stepped in the middle of World War III,” Jakes said, asking Smith about what occurred. “There’s a saying when the devil ignores you, then you know you’re doing something wrong,” Washington began. “The devil goes, ‘Oh no leave him alone, he’s my favorite’ (laughs). Conversely, when the devil comes at you, maybe it’s because he’s trying to do something right. And for whatever reason the devil got a hold of him that night.” Washington declined to say what he specifically discussed with Smith and Perry, but revealed that they prayed. https://twitter.com/i/status/1508273120473325573 The Delaware Department of Justice is searching for additional victims of a former Ellendale pastor who has been accused of attempting to use scripture to coerce female parishioners into sexual relationships. According to the DOJ, Major Foster, of Lincoln, was employed as a pastor at Ellendale’s Philadelphia Pentecostal Holiness Church between 2013 and 2020. While there, the Attorney General’s Office said it received multiple reports he was inappropriately touching female parishioners. “I am grateful to the women who have come forward to the Delaware State Police and our prosecutors,” said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. “We have reason to believe that Foster’s alleged years long pattern of abuse includes as yet unreported, additional instances. We ask that any additional victims or witnesses with information come forward. We will be there to support you.” In November, a Sussex County Grand Jury indicted Foster on three counts third-degree unlawful sexual contact and offensive touching. In addition to using scripture to corrupt women in his congregation, the DOJ also alleged Foster made inappropriate comments, and “instigated prolonged hugs” during which he would make inappropriate sexual contact with the victims. The offensive touching charge comes from an alleged incident where Foster is said to have pushed a victim’s husband when he was confronted. The state is asking any additional victims to call the Delaware State Police at 302.752.3813. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is looking into the internationally known televangelist Perry Stone nearly two years after allegations of sexual harassment and assault surfaced against the Cleveland, Tennessee-based faith leader. The TBI has interviewed at least five people who claim to be victims or who are connected to Stone’s ministry, according to three people who were present for the conversations. The state’s investigative agency is in possession of a list of at least nine alleged victims as well, according to a recording of a phone conversation obtained by the Chattanooga Times Free Press. A TBI spokesperson confirmed by email the agency is investigating Stone at the request of Steve Crump, district attorney general for Bradley, McMinn, Monroe and Polk counties, and that as of this week, the investigation is active. No further details about the nature of the investigation were provided. Crump confirmed by phone he requested the investigation but said he would not provide further comment as the investigation is ongoing. The results of the investigation, if approved by the TBI, would be given to Crump to decide whether to press charges. Mel Gibson’s handler abruptly shut down an interview with Jesse Watters on Friday after the Fox News host asked the veteran actor, who is no stranger to onstage conflict, about the confrontation between Will Smith and Chris Rock at the Oscars. ‘You understand it probably better than a lot of people, with your career,’ Watters told Gibson, referring to Smith slapping the comedian after he made a joke about his wife last Sunday. ‘And I was wondering if, you know, you had been the one that jumped up out of his seat and slapped Chris Rock, if you would have been treated the same way. Mel?’ Gibson points his finger into the camera, grimaces and shakes his head, then waves his other hand. ‘Hello, Jesse? Um, thank you, that’s our time,’ cuts in a female voice from off-camera. Gibson continues to smile awkwardly, looking sideways off-camera and then into his lap. But Watters pressed further. ‘Have you ever thought about that?’ Russian prosecutors warned Western companies that criticism of Moscow’s war on Ukraine could lead to arrests of corporate leaders or seizure of assets in the country. Companies that received the warning included Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Procter & Gamble, IBM and Yum Brands, people familiar with the matter told The Wall Street Journal. The threats came in the form of calls, letters and visits threatening to take legal action against the companies and seize assets including their trademarks, the newspaper reported. Sources told the Journal that the threats prompted at least one of the companies to limit communications between its Russian business and the rest of the organization. Since Moscow attacked Ukraine, many private companies – ranging from oil companies and retailers to sports organizations and media – have cut ties with Russia as the country becomes ever more isolated from the global economy. “Russia’s attack on Ukraine is an act of aggression which is having tragic consequences across the region,” Helge Lund, chairman of BP, said in a statement at the time of his company’s withdrawal last month, noting it worked with “brilliant” Russian colleagues over 30 years in the country. A former high school football champion whose lawyer said he disarmed a gunman during a fight at a California restaurant and was shot by police remained hospitalized Thursday. Attorney Adante Pointer called K’aun Green, 20, a “hero” who prevented a shooting inside the La Victoria restaurant early Sunday before a San Jose police officer opened fire, striking Green. “The police yelled ‘drop the gun,’ and without giving my client a second to understand it was the police, or turn around and see what was going on, or even to drop the gun, he was shot multiple times,” Pointer told NBC Bay Area. Green was shot in the abdomen and leg and twice in the arm, Pointer said. San Jose Police Chief Anthony Mata on Tuesday said that Green did not respond to repeated orders to drop the weapon, which he described as a “ghost gun,” as he backed out of the restaurant’s front door. Mata said the shooting occurred roughly one block from a homicide scene that involved a gun. Fleeing customers told officers that a fight with a firearm was happening inside the restaurant, and police believed an “active shooter scenario [was] unfolding or about to unfold,” Mata said. The 12-year-old boy who was shot to death in Brooklyn on Thursday night was remembered by friends in East Flatbush on Friday as a polite and quiet youngster – as police probed the possibility he and his family were targeted in a case of mistaken identity, law enforcement sources said. The boy’s barber and a co-worker of his mom at the Faith Beauty Salon in the neighborhood told The Post they were heartbroken by the news of his killing. The slain 12-year-old was identified by sources and a family member as Kade Lewin, who lived in Flatlands with his mother. “I’ve been cutting his hair for the last three years. He was here three weeks ago,” said the barber, a 52-year-old man who did not give his name. “He is a nice little boy — intelligent, always well-groomed,” the hairdresser said, adding that the boy used to wear his hair in a mohawk. Kade was shot in the head while he was sitting in a car. The House has voted with a slim bipartisan majority to federally decriminalize marijuana. The vote was 220 to 204. Republicans Tom McClintock of California, Brian Mast and Matt Gaetz, both of Florida, joined the majority of Democrats in supporting the bill, while Democrats Henry Cuellar of Texas and Chris Pappas of New Hampshire voted against. The bill, sponsored by Democratic Rep. Jerry Nadler of New York, will prevent federal agencies from denying federal workers security clearances for cannabis use, and will allow the Veterans’ Administration to recommend medical marijuana to veterans living with posttraumatic stress disorder, plus gains revenue by authorizing a sales tax on marijuana sales. President Joe Biden is naming actor Taraji P. Henson and the NBA’s Chris Paul to a presidential advisory board on historically Black colleges and universities. They are among nine men and nine women Biden is appointing to the President’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the White House announced Thursday. Several HBCU presidents, the president of United Airlines and the first Black woman to become administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency are among Biden’s selections. They will join Tony Allen, the president of Delaware State University, and Glenda Glover, the president of Tennessee State University, who are serving, respectively, as chairperson and vice chairperson of the board, which was established during the Carter administration. Henson is a Washington, D.C., native who studied acting at Howard University, a historically Black school and the alma mater of Vice President Kamala Harris. Paul is a 12-time NBA All-Star with the Phoenix Suns and two-time Olympic gold medalist. Besides Allen and Glover, the presidents of five other HBCUs will also join the board. They are Virginia State University, Norfolk State University in Virginia, Alabama State University, Prairie View A&M University in Texas and Dillard University in New Orleans. Lisa Jackson, who became the EPA’s first Black administrator in the Obama administration, and United Airlines President Brett Hart will also join the board. A Winston-Salem State University student will represent the entire HBCU community in the world of NASCAR this Saturday. 19-year-old Rajah Caruth will compete in his first NASCAR race in the Xfinity Series at Richmond Raceway this weekend. Caruth will become only the third Black driver currently racing in a major NASCAR series. The HBCU student will be driving a Virginia State University-themed car with the number 44 on it. The car will be decked out in Virginia State’s orange and blue color scheme and represent all the proud Trojans out there. Virginia State University is sponsoring the car managed by Alpha Prime Racing in the ToyotaCare 250 at Richmond Raceway on Saturday. The race is the first of several that Caruth has signed with Alpha Prime Racing for this upcoming season. The sponsorship is a huge step for HBCUs and minorities in the racing community. A Houston area student who was allegedly harassed and bullied by her teachers for refusing to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance has won a $90,000 settlement, according to the civil rights organization American Atheists. The Texas Association of School Boards paid to resolve the case after the Klein Oak High School student’s 12th-grade sociology teacher agreed to settle before things went to trial, the organization announced in a Tuesday news release, which was first reported by the Houston Chronicle’s Rebecca Hennes. In the 2017 suit, the nonreligious student says she was discriminated against and harassed by several teachers after choosing to abstain from saying the pledge out of objection to the words “Under God” and her belief that “liberty and justice for all” is not guaranteed for people of color in the U.S. New Orleans Public Schools now has a new superintendent and the choice is a historic one. Dr. Avis Williams will be the first black woman to serve as superintendent and the first woman to permanently serve the position in the city. She was unanimously voted by the school board to lead the district. Williams was one of 50 candidates overall and one of 15 interviewed by the board. She will now enter into contract negotiations with the board. Williams was previously the superintendent of Selma City Schools in Alabama. In Selma, schools during her tenure increased their State Report Card score by 8 points, from 68 to 76, and one letter grade. Graduation rates also increased by 6 percent, reading scores by 6 percent, and math by 8 percent. Dr. Williams started her professional career serving as a sergeant in the United States Army before becoming a teacher and physical education coach in Huntsville, Ala.; an English teacher and assistant principal in Salisbury, N.C.; a principal in Huntsville, an adjunct education college professor in Murfreesboro, Tenn., and the Executive Director of Secondary Curriculum and Instruction in Greensboro, N.C. These roles have afforded Dr. Williams the unique privilege of serving as an elementary, middle, and high school principal, as well as a college professor – giving her a full perspective of what it takes to lead at all levels. They say no pain, no gain – and is seems Chris Rock stands to earn a veritable fortune after being slapped in the face by Will Smith at the 2022 Oscars. The 57-year-old comedian was given a sharp smack to the face by 53-year-old actor Will while presenting the Best Documentary award at last weekend’s event after he made an ill-judged joke about 50-year-old alopecia sufferer Jada Pinkett-Smith’s bald head. And while Hollywood has been divided over whether Will – who received a Best Actor gong and a rapturous standing ovation just minutes after his violent outburst – did the right thing, it could be Chris who ultimately gets the last laugh. Reports have suggested talk show queen Oprah Winfrey and rival talk show host and Hollywood villain Ellen DeGeneres are battling to secure a chat with Chris following the global headline grabbing incident. And Chris could even bag himself as much as £2 million as ticket sales to his current tour have skyrocketed and interview offers are being lined up. A source told The Sun: “Chris has handled the situation with Will with such grace and poise – and it is paying dividends. “Hollywood just can’t get enough of him and while people are turning away from Will in droves, they’re queuing up to see Chris. ESPN is going all out to honor the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the MLB color barrier. Per a press release provided to The Root, the sports network will launch Jackie 75, a season-long project that will “honor Robinson’s lasting legacy, as well as showcase the continued work of Robinson’s wife Rachel as she approaches her 100th birthday on July 19.” The programming starts April 4 with the 10 episode video series Jackie to Me, featuring interviews with civil rights leaders, entertainers and athletes like Ruby Bridges, Public Enemy frontman Chuck D, Rev. Jesse Jackson, tennis great Billie Jean King and hockey pioneer Willie O’Ree “speaking about Robinson’s many legacies and lasting impact across generations.” Every day a video premieres on SportsCenter, Get Up and First Take, with the last video debuting on the April 15 anniversary as part of the network’s all day celebration. Robinson’s impact on professional sports is well-known and immeasurable. However, hearing how he influenced other athletes and artists could lead to fascinating new discussions. It’s more important than it’s ever been that everyone really understands the full scope of how Black people have shaped the history of America. Five-time Masters champion Tiger Woods, who is trying to come back from serious leg and foot injuries he suffered in a car wreck about 14 months ago, played 18 holes at Augusta National Golf Club on Tuesday, sources told ESPN. Woods, 46, played all 18 holes with his son, Charlie, and PGA Tour pro Justin Thomas, his close friend, sources said. “He played every one of them,” a source told ESPN. “He looked good to me.” Woods and his team arrived Tuesday morning at Augusta Regional Airport on his Gulfstream private jet, stirring anticipation on social media that he was preparing to play in the Masters. Augusta National, because of its many hills and length, is considered one of the most difficult walks in competitive golf. This past weekend, a since-deleted video emerged of Woods playing at Medalist Golf Club in Hobe Sound, Florida. Woods is listed among the expected 91 participants for next week’s Masters, the first major championship of the season. But he’s yet to officially say whether he’s playing. There’s no better way to learn history than from the people who lived it. And for years, Betty Reid Soskin — a.k.a. Ranger Betty — brought her invaluable perspective to work at the National Park Service, sharing experiences that otherwise would have been gone unacknowledged. “What gets remembered is a function of who’s in the room doing the remembering,” Soskin, who turned 100 last fall, has said. For years, Soskin was the oldest active ranger in the park service, leading public programs at the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond, Calif. That chapter of her rich life has finally come to a close: She retired on Thursday, capping a career that saw her enrich histories of the World War II home front with her own experience as a woman of color facing segregation and hours of toil. While Rosie the Riveter was the famous public face of women’s industrial work during the war, Soskin literally had to create the space to tell stories like her own. “That really is a white woman’s story,” Soskin said of the iconic bandanna-wearing worker, in a 2014 interview with NPR. Jessica Chastain won the best actress Oscar on Sunday night for her portrayal of Tammy Faye Bakker in “The Eyes of Tammy Faye.” In her acceptance speech, she said she was inspired by the televangelist’s radical love towards all people, including members of the LGBT community. Chastain was honored at the 2022 Oscars ceremony for her performance in the film that follows the rise and fall of Jim and Tammy Bakker and their “Praise the Lord” empire. In her speech, the actress thanked everyone that helped her accomplish the task, including director Michael Showalter and co-star Andrew Garfield. She also thanked the film’s hair and makeup team, which also scored an Oscar for transforming Chastain into the colorful televangelist. https://youtu.be/4Rso0yrwO2s Bill Maher dived into the Oscars controversy in his show on Friday, saying that Jada Pinkett Smith should ‘thank God’ that alopecia is her biggest medical concern. ‘If you are so lucky in life as to have that be your medical problem, just say ‘thank God,” the HBO Real Time host joked to his panelists, attorney Laura Coates and former presidential and New York City mayoral candidate Andrew Yang. ‘I mean, alopecia, it’s not leukemia, OK?’ Maher said at the start of the show. ‘Alopecia is when your hair falls out, there are worst things.’ https://youtu.be/W34ueQvL938 Kentucky’s Oscar Tshiebwe spent an entire season relentlessly chasing and pulling down seemingly every rebound that came his way — and plenty that didn’t, too. “I want to be the greatest rebounder I can be,” Tshiebwe said. The 6-foot-9, 255-pound junior put up better rebounding numbers than anybody in Division I in decades. And it’s a big reason why he is The Associated Press men’s college basketball national player of the year. Tshiebwe was the clear choice for the award announced Friday, receiving 46 of 60 votes from AP Top 25 voters. Johnny Davis, a 6-5 sophomore who averaged 19.7 points and led Wisconsin to a share of the Big Ten regular-season title, was second with 10 votes. Iowa sophomore Keegan Murray (three) and Illinois big man Kofi Cockburn (one) also earned votes. Tshiebwe, a West Virginia transfer and native of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is only the second player in the history of the storied history of the Wildcats program to win the AP’s top honor. The other was one-and-done star Anthony Davis, who led Kentucky to its eighth NCAA title a decade ago before becoming the No. 1 NBA draft pick. Terrell Owens, one of the greatest receivers in NFL history, has agreed to come out of retirement and will return to professional football with startup league Fan Controlled Football, a source told Reuters on Thursday. The 48-year-old Owens, whose NFL career ended in 2010, is in great shape and wants to show he can still play at a high level, according to the source who said an official announcement is expected next week. Owens, whose talent and athleticism on the gridiron were undeniable, became famous for his entertaining touchdown celebrations during a 15-year NFL career that earned him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The charismatic Owens is by far the most high-profile player to join Fan Controlled Football, a league that includes former college standout Johnny Manziel, whose much-hyped NFL career fizzled after two seasons. According to the source, Owens will likely join the Zappers team alongside Manziel, who recently announced his return to Fan Controlled Football for the second season. The source said Owens will be mic’d up and wearing a helmet camera for games. He will also provide content for streaming provider fuboTV by interviewing team owners and players during games when he is not playing. Hope Solo, the former goalie for the US Women’s National Team, was arrested for alleged DWI in North Carolina on Thursday. Police told TMZ that Solo, 40, was taken into custody in the parking lot of a Walmart in Winston-Salem, and processed in the Forsyth County jail. Solo allegedly had two young kids in the car at the time. She is married to former NFL tight end Jerramy Stevens and they have 2-year-old twins. It was not immediately clear if it was the twins who were in the car with her at the time, but TMZ says it was “likely” the case. “On the advice of counsel, Hope can’t speak about this situation, but she wants everyone to know that her kids are her life, that she was released immediately and is now at home with her family, that the story is more sympathetic than the initial charges suggest, and that she looks forward to her opportunity to defend these chargers,” her lawyer, Rich Nichols, said in a statement that Solo tweeted out. In addition to DWI, Solo is charged with resisting arrest and misdemeanor child abuse. In 2014, Solo was arrested for alleged domestic violence against her sister and nephew while intoxicated. Those charges were dropped in 2018 after the city of Kirkland, Wash., ruled that the incident was “unlikely to recur.” Jerry Jones has paid nearly $3 million to the woman who says she is his biological daughter, including her full tuition at SMU and a $70,000 Range Rover on her 16th birthday, and to her mother, according to the Little Rock, Arkansas, lawyer who delivered the payments on behalf of the Dallas Cowboys owner. Lawyer Don Jack told ESPN on Thursday that he made regular payments on Jones’ behalf to Alexandra Davis, the 25-year-old congressional aide who filed a paternity lawsuit against Jones on March 3, and her mother, Cynthia Spencer Davis, whom Jones met in 1995 when she was a ticket-counter agent for American Airlines in Arkansas. “On numerous occasions I have made payments on behalf of Mr. Jones to Cindy and Alex Davis,” Jack said in a statement. A longtime friend of Jones, Jack said he struck an agreement on Jones’ behalf with Spencer Davis in 1995, paying her $375,000 and providing “for monthly payments for child support which ultimately totaled over $2 million.” Jones has not acknowledged that Davis is his biological daughter. Asked why he used the term “child support” in his statement, Jack said, “I used the term child support because that’s what the agreement calls it.” Asked if the “child support” payments indicate that Jones is Davis’ father, Jack paused for five seconds before saying, “I am not going to answer that one. My statement speaks for itself.” Asked why Jones paid millions to Davis and her mother if Davis was not his daughter, Jones spokesman Jim Wilkinson declined to comment. Venus and Serena Williams’ stepmom has filed for bankruptcy in a last-ditch bid to keep the now crumbling home where estranged husband ‘King’ Richard turned his daughters into tennis legends, DailyMail.com can reveal. The move by Lakeisha Williams, 43, is another twist in the often bitter saga of her marriage to the 80-year-old former coach – including new divorce court papers revealed by DailyMail.com in which she claims they have reunited and enjoy regular steamy sex. It’s also one more bizarre turn in events surrounding ailing dad-of-nine Richard Williams, the focus of hit movie King Richard whose star Will Smith sensationally slapped Chris Rock before picking up a now controversial Oscar for best actor. Bruce Arians is stepping down after three seasons as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers‘ head coach and moving into a front-office role with the organization, the team announced Wednesday night. Tampa Bay defensive coordinator Todd Bowles will replace Arians as head coach. A league source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that the Bucs finalized a new, five-year head-coaching contract with Bowles earlier Wednesday. Arians told ESPN he doesn’t see the change as a retirement. “No, moving to the front office,” he said in a text message. “I’m still working.” Arians played a key role in evaluating draft prospects, and a move to the front office ensures that will continue. His new job title will be senior football consultant. Despite multiple health scares throughout his career, Arians, 69, said this move was in no way motivated by his health. Arians and the Buccaneers had been working on a succession plan over the past several weeks, and Arians informed players and members of his coaching staff of the news before the team’s announcement. Arians went 31-18 (.633) in three campaigns with Tampa Bay, the highest win percentage of any coach in Buccaneers history, and led the team to victory in Super Bowl LV following the 2020 season. He won five playoff games with the Bucs; the previous Tampa Bay coaches won six combined. I knew that this was the way to get me to the next stage of my career,” said Grammy-winning Jackie’s Boy, who just released a new single titled “Recipe” (Houla Entertainment), about his songwriting success as Carlos Battey that garnered him 12 #1 Billboard songs for such artists as Justin Bieber (“Down to Earth”), Charlie Wilson (“I’m blessed”) and Madonna (“Revolver”). “They’re songs not fit for me.” Jackie’s Boy was part of a duo writing team called The Jackie’s Boyz (Universal Music Publishing) with Steven Battey (his brother) which ended in 2017. He has so much talent that I had to ask which skill is closest to his heart and he said, “It’s singing, though it’s hard to choose because I love songwriting too, but I love to perform and connect to the audience.” As a performer his last single “No Lifeguard” peaked at #2 on the Indie R&B Streaming Chart. Jackie’s Boy’s last three EPs were titled “The Show,” “The After Party,” and “The Hotel.” https://youtu.be/7tsL_09IjBw Tyre attended middle school in the St. Louis area but was practicing at his future high school across the river with Gregory and his players at East Saint Louis High School in East St. Louis, Illinois. Smith’s mother, Victoria, also took notice of Tyre, who she said was always respectful and well-mannered and that, despite his tall stature, “you had to lean in to hear him cause he talked so softly.” “As a mother, it hurts. As a football family, it hurts,” she said. “It’s a loss for all of us.” “He had a great future ahead of him, he was so amazing, so respectful,” she added. “He was the first one to support my son when he’d get done with a practice or a drill or something like that, so I was thankful.” Jerrod Carmichael’s latest stand-up special might be his most revelatory yet. The acclaimed comedian comes out as gay in his new HBO special, “Rothaniel,” a few years after he first referenced relationships with men in a previous film for HBO. In the intimate special, filmed by fellow comic Bo Burnham at a New York jazz club, Carmichael said he’d been “feeling like a liar” after his father’s infidelity came to light within his family. He called his identity a “secret” that he kept from his immediate family, friends, colleagues and fans because he didn’t want it to change others’ perception of him. “I thought I’d never, ever come out,” he said in the special, which debuted Friday night (04-01-22). “At many points in my life I thought I’d rather die than confront the truth of that, like, to actually say it to people.” https://youtu.be/N7nmHDJN_8k Erica Mena is finally officially single, and she is celebrating it. She let the news out during a club appearance in Tampa, Florida. “I said I’m officially divorced,” she screamed on the mic. “We celebrating life, we celebrating freedom and we celebrating that we bad b******.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CTdzTrOHmdY/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again All-new episodes of TV One’s original docu-series, UNSUNG and UNCENSORED, are back this Sunday, April 3. UNSUNG leads with one of the greatest hip-hop duos of all time, P.M. Dawn, at 9 p.m. ET/8C followed by UNCENSORED, which features actor turned director, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, at 10 p.m. ET/9C. Each episode will also be published on TVOne.tv and TV One’s social media platforms. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mn3cL4a38Zo President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 stimulus package, the American Rescue Plan, has allocated $2.7 billion in funding to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The White House released a detailed breakdown of the funding,“showing the funds that were provided by the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) over the past year, according to a press release. As reported by per moguldom.com, the White House touted the “infusion of federal funding” as “among the largest ever in the country’s HBCUs.” However, not everyone is pleased with the amount Black educational institutions received compared to other groups. The Kardashians sat down with “Good Morning America” anchor Robin Roberts to dish about their romances and new Hulu series. Roberts grills Kim Kardashian, Khloé Kardashian and Kourtney Kardashian about their relationships in an ABC primetime interview set to air this month. Roberts, 61, probes Kim, 41, about her whirlwind romance with Pete Davidson and ongoing divorce from Kanye West, Khloé 37, about her current status with adulterous on-off beau Tristan Thompson and Kourtney, 42, about her PDA-packed engagement to Travis Barker. “I’m excited for you. A new love in your life. So, will we see Pete a lot in the show?” Roberts asks Kim in a trailer published by People Thursday. https://twitter.com/i/status/1509504766686154755 Eddie Murphy is reportedly in talks to play George Clinton in an upcoming biopic. The project will chronicle Clinton’s early life in North Carolina up until the formation of his famed funk group Parliament and Funkadelic, Variety reports. Murphy will star and serve as a producer on the biopic which is said to be a passion project for the actor/comedian. In related news, Murphy will reprise his role as Alex Foley in the fourth installment of “Beverly Hills Cop.” Netflix picked up the rights to expand the franchise with Jerry Bruckheimer reportedly set to produce. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the project comes after a one-time licensing deal between Netflix and Paramount to produce another installment of the hit cop franchise. Viacom CEO Bob Bakish said the licensing deal “will produce a new film based on an iconic IP and further expands our relationship with this important original production client.” Like many people who watched the encounter that ended with Will Smith slapping Chris Rock on stage Sunday at the Academy Awards ceremony, Oscars lead producer Will Packer thought it was a planned bit. But as Smith — angered by a joke Rock told about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith — yelled obscenities from the audience before he walked on stage to confront Rock, Packer realized it was real. “Once I saw Will yelling at the stage with such vitriol, my heart dropped,” Packer told ABC’s “Good Morning America’s” TJ Holmes in an exclusive interview that aired Friday. “And I just remember thinking, ‘Oh no. Oh, no. Not like this.'” “And Chris was keeping his head when everybody else was losing theirs.” Packer gave insight into what swiftly has become one of the most famous and controversial moments in Academy Awards history. https://youtu.be/PPNOv8j5Zps According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, synthetic opioids are now the drugs most commonly involved in the United States. As of 2017, nearly 60 percent of opioid overdoes were caused by fentanyl-compared to only 14,3 percent in 2003. Oftentimes, certain social ills are purposefully overstated in order to scare folks into compliance, but fentanyl is exactly what they said it was, death incarnate. Peter Piraino, CEO of Burning Tree Programs treatment facilities says As far back as 2009 we saw fentanyl being abused. It was a prescribed medication and just like Percocet and Vicodin, people started using it on the street because it was much stronger. At least in Texas, we noticed that it became a drug of choice, where people were solely using and abusing fentanyl, around 2017. Waka Flocka Flame has confirmed he and wife Tammy Rivera have called it quits. “That’s my best friend, that’s my dawg,” Waka said of the “Love and Hip Hop star” on TMZ’s podcast, “It’s Tricky With Raquel Harper,” on Thursday. “People evolve for the better,” he added, telling Harper, “We ain’t nasty. It’s love, though.” Waka and Rivera were married for nearly eight years before they separated. While he has no kids of his own, the hip-hop star helped raise Rivera’s daughter Charlie from a previous relationship. https://www.instagram.com/wakaflocka/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=89c96aef-9ee0-49f3-8638-3baba4232500 Disney has responded to Florida’s controversial “Don’t Groom Kids” bill (aka Don’t Say Gay/Parental Rights in Education bill) by announcing that half of all its characters going forward will represent LGBTQIA or racial minorities. In other words, parents of young children can expect to see queer characters (mostly likely of color) in more Disney titles — from live-action to animation. The Walt Disney Company, a powerful player in Florida politics, halted political donations in the state as the Don’t Say Gay bill moved through the legislature. After Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the bill into law on Monday, Disney released a statement saying, “Our goal as a company is for this law to be repealed by the legislature or struck down in the courts, and we remain committed to supporting the national and state organizations working to achieve that.” https://youtu.be/sw3_LZDTi78 A Florida high school student who was sucker-punched during a track race is not pressing charges over the incident. The assault occurred during a 1,600-meter race at the Tohopekaliga Tiger Invitational in Kissimmee on Saturday, as reported by Canadian Running Magazine. https://twitter.com/i/status/1508925010483814400 Jada Pinkett Smith has been publicly sharing her hair loss battle due to alopecia for years now. Per the Mayo Clinic, “Hair loss (alopecia) can affect just your scalp or your entire body, and it can be temporary or permanent. It can be the result of heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions or a normal part of aging. Anyone can lose hair on their head, but it’s more common in men.” The disease causes the immune system to attack hair follicles, causing hair loss. Prior to the Oscars debacle that saw Jada’s husband Will Smith smacking presenter Chris Rock over a joke the comedian shared about Jada’s bald head, the actress shared a video update about her hair battle with alopecia. https://www.instagram.com/p/CYB7dMppvjk/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again In celebration of Women’s History Month, Live Nation Urban has partnered with Polly Irungu’s Black Women Photographers Organization. Together, they’ve launched a first-of-its-kind contest to spotlight the work of up-and-coming black female and non-binary photographers. Irungu and the Live Nation Urban team will select a handful of photographers to be paid to officially shoot one of Live Nation Urban’s 2022 music festivals. Their photos will be amplified on various social media channels, yielding to an unprecedented amount of visibility that could land the photographer even more work. Going live today, established, and emerging photographers may apply to shoot at LiveNationUrban.com, BlackWomenPhotographers.com, or submit their work via Instagram by posting their photography with the hashtag #BWPLIVE22 and reposting the competition flier. The deadline for submissions is April 15th, 2022. Creatives can apply at https://blackwomenphotographers.com/live-nation-urban The House returns with its much anticipated second season, exploring topics relevant to the Black LGBTQIA+ experience. Episode 1 features Funky Dineva, the vlogger turned host, exploring his journey from corporate America to living authentically by using his gifts to create his own success. Friday, April 1st at 6:00 PM PT / 9:00 PM ET https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=707675150273138 Jim Carrey is planning to take a step away from Hollywood. While discussing his new film with Access Hollywood’s Kit Hoover, the funnyman revealed that he’s “probably” retiring from his career and is “fairly serious” about it. “I am retiring. I am being fairly serious. It depends – if the angels bring some sort of script that’s written in gold ink, that says to me that it’s going to be really important for people to see, I might. I might continue down the road, but I’m taking a break. I really like my quiet life, and I really love putting paint on canvas, and I really love my spiritual life, and I feel like – and this is something you might never hear another celebrity say as long as time exists – I have enough. I’ve done enough. I am enough.” https://youtu.be/6-uk66ko1Nw Jon Batiste goes into THE 64TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS® on Sunday with 11 nominations, more than any artist this year. But for Batiste, who is also the bandleader and a producer on CBS’ THE LATE SHOW with STEPHEN COLBERT, success is not without challenges. Batiste and Suleika Jaouad, whom he calls the love of his life, talk about his music, her battle with leukemia and more, in an emotional and revealing interview with Jim Axelrod for CBS SUNDAY MORNING, to be broadcast Sunday, April 3 (9:00 AM, ET) on the CBS Television Network and streaming on Paramount+. https://twitter.com/i/status/1509513419149516801 Veteran actor Omar Epps dish about his latest film “The Devil You Know.” The gritty crime-thriller drama about family, morality, and redemption centers on once-incarcerated Marcus Cowans (Epps) who trying to turn over a new leaf with the support of his loving family. Upon discovering that one of his brothers (Will Catlett) may have been involved in a horrific crime, Marcus grapples with the limits of brotherhood and loyalty. He and his family, increasingly weary of the justice system’s failings, end up in the crosshairs of a seasoned but jaded detective (Michael Ealy). https://youtu.be/eb_ZpN98pg8 HBO has announced the “Game of Thrones” prequel series, “House of the Dragon,” will premiere on August 21. The series is set 200 years before “Game of Thrones” “and will recount the height of the Targaryen empire in Westeros—specifically, chronicling what happened before and during the Dance of the Dragons, a destructive civil war between the Targaryens as they vied for the Iron Throne,” per Complex. George R. R. Martin’s book “Fire & Blood” serves as the basis for the new series. He wrote in a March blog post that he watched snippets of the 10-episode season and “loved” it. https://twitter.com/i/status/1445373212079140864 Thursday (03-31-22), marks the three-year anniversary of the shooting death of Grammy-award-winning rapper and Los Angeles native Nipsey Hussle, who was killed outside The Marathon, his clothing store in South L.A. Yesterday, fans on social media have already started paying tribute to the late star by looking back on some of his greatest hits and most memorable quotes and moments. Fans are also sending extra love and prayers to his family online. One fan said, “Long live Nipsey Hussle the great. Three years ago, we lost a man who stood on principle and embodied his community. His message stands the test of time and his impact sparked so many brains and inspires us still. ????” Another added, “thinking of Lauren London and the rest of Nipsey’s family today??????” A third fan said, “Nipsey, That’s all we listenin’ to today. Celebrating the life of the GREAT.” FOX SOUL, the Black community’s premiere free streaming platform serving unapologetically Black, consumable by all content 365 days a year, announced today that they will bring on platinum-selling recording artist, Maino’s Kitchen Talk series on their streaming platform. Co-hosted by Platinum-selling recording artist, Maino along with Georgie and Hala, Kitchen Talk is not a cooking show or a love show; it’s a show that provides a vibe with in-depth conversations about life. Sometimes the stories are funny, sometimes the stories are motivational, but at the end of the day, it’s stories for the culture. https://youtu.be/SEwC2jgzoZ0 Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Friday that Disney’s woke ideology is a significant threat to the state and he threatened to strip the company’s privileges, including its right to build anything it wants in its theme park. The governor’s comments on Fox & Friends Friday come after some Republican legislators in Florida are considering punishing Walt Disney World for taking a public stand against the so-called ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill by repealing a 55-year law that allows the company to govern itself. ‘They have gotten incredible treatment from the Florida legislature and are treated on a pedestal, this one corporation is treated differently than anybody else,’ DeSantis said. ‘That is not something I’ve ever supported. In the legislature you see a move to reevaluate the special privileges.’ Florida House Rep. Spencer Roach tweeted on Wednesday that lawmakers held two meetings this week to discuss revoking the 1967 Reedy Creek Improvement Act, which he said ‘allows Disney to act as its own government.’ Spencer, a Republican, added: ‘If Disney wants to embrace woke ideology, it seems fitting that they should be regulated by Orange County.’ Fox News announced it has hired Olympic champion and reality TV star Caitlyn Jenner as a paid contributor, with her first appearance set for Thursday on Sean Hannity’s program. Jenner, 72, the former Olympic decathlete, ran an unsuccessful campaign for California governor last year as a Republican. She was defeated by incumbent Gov Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, finishing 13th in the recall election. The network said Jenner, who is a transgender woman, will offer commentary and analysis across various Fox News Media platforms. ‘Caitlyn’s story is an inspiration to us all,’ said Suzanne Scott, Fox News Media CEO. ‘She is a trailblazer in the LGBTQ+ community and her illustrious career spans a variety of fields that will be a tremendous asset for our audience.’ Jenner wrote on her Instagram page, which is followed by 12.7million users: ‘I am humbled by this unique opportunity to speak directly to @foxnews millions of viewers about a range of issues that are important to the American people.’ Last month, when Mayor Eric Adams’s decision to hire three people with histories of homophobic views and statements was met with outrage from members of the L.G.B.T.Q. community, he agreed to meet to hear their grievances. Some attendees described the meeting as productive, but Mr. Adams dug in on his appointments and refused to fire the three appointees, political allies whom he said deserved a second chance. On Tuesday, the mayor found himself under renewed scrutiny, after it was disclosed that the Rev. Kathlyn Barrett-Layne, one of Mr. Adams’s appointees to the Panel for Educational Policy, a board that advises the chancellor, had written a book that called homosexuality a sin. In the book, Ms. Barrett-Layne, a pastor from Staten Island, equated homosexuality to pedophilia, stealing and lying. Hours after The Daily News reported on the book, City Hall officials forced Ms. Barrett-Layne to resign. Amaris Cockfield, a spokeswoman for Mr. Adams, said that the administration was unaware of Ms. Barrett-Layne’s remarks before she was appointed to the board. A ‘genius’ black Harvard professor was forced out of his $600,000-a-year job after colleagues angered by his anti-woke views trumped up sexual harassment claims against him, a new documentary claims. Roland Fryer, 44, came under fire after it emerged in 2018 that he’d made inappropriate comments to two former assistants, with six of their complaints against him upheld, Rob Montz’s documentary claims. And his refusal to kowtow to common woke doctrines put him in the sights of Harvard’s social studies dean Larry Bobo and African-American studies scholar Claudine Gay. They ignored recommendations that Fryer be given workplace sensitivity training following a 2019 investigation into his behavior, and effectively ended his career. Fryer’s career was trashed after he escaped an impoverished and abusive childhood to become Harvard’s youngest tenured professor ever in 2007, aged just 30. https://youtu.be/m8xWOlk3WIw A TikTokker who used to work at a Cracker Barrel in Arizona has revealed a “code word” that some of her fellow employees allegedly used to refer to Black customers. In a video viewed over 237,000 times, @cinnamnhoney shared her experience working as a hostess at the popular restaurant chain. “a waitress used to complain SO MUCH if i sat ‘canadians’ in her section & i was so confused bc i thought canadians were stereotyped as nice,” she wrote in her caption. In the video itself, she looks pensive, as the on-screen caption reads, “me, a hostess at cracker barrel, wondering how every employee knew a table was full of canadians even though they didn’t have a telling accent.” After a few seconds, the video cuts to a new caption: “‘canadian was a code word for black people”. Cracker Barrel told Newsweek that while it was initially unaware of the video, it “will be looking into the matter further.” UNT received a federal grant to digitally preserve audio and video recordings from the archive of The Black Academy of Arts and Letters, representing more than 40 years of Black cultural expression. The grant, totaling $126,989 from the National Historic Publications and Records Commission, will fund the library’s efforts to digitize over 1,800 pieces of archival media from the TBAAL archive. The recordings will be publicly available to stream through the Portal to Texas History. Works by artists Erykah Badu, Kirk Franklin, Dee Dee Warwick, Jennifer Holliday, and Margaret Walker are among those proposed for digitization. The two-year project is already underway and projected to be completed by summer 2023. “These are unique recordings,” Head of Special Collections Morgan Gieringer said. “They don’t exist anywhere else. They only exist in this collection.” Gieringer highlighted the importance of archiving the works of marginalized artists. A Louisiana police officer injured when violence broke out over the police killing of a Black man in Baton Rouge in 2016 has grounds to pursue a lawsuit against a protest organizer, Louisiana’s Supreme Court said Friday. The 6-1 opinion was not a ruling in a case, but an answer to questions posed by a federal appeals court considering whether an officer identified as John Doe, can continue his federal lawsuit against Black Lives Matter activist DeRay Mckesson. The case has freedom-of-speech implications, involving questions of who is liable for damages that occur during activities protected by the First Amendment. But the questions before Louisiana’s highest court involved whether state law could be read to place a duty on a protest organizer “not to negligently precipitate” a crime. The majority said it can. And it also said state law does not bar police officers from collecting damages under such circumstances. The officer suffered serious head and facial injuries when someone threw a hard object at him as protesters blocked a highway in 2016. The protest arose from the police shooting death of a Black man, Alton Sterling. A Georgia high school senior has received acceptance letters from 49 colleges and over $1 million in scholarship offers. Makenzie Thompson, 18, didn’t originally plan to apply to over 50 universities. But after attending college fairs and receiving fee waivers, she ended up applying to 51 schools. So far, she has been accepted to 49 — and is still waiting to hear back from one more. “It was a very, very good experience, just to see your hard work paying off and getting to see them just pile up in a folder,” she told CNN. “My family is ecstatic,” she said. “Getting 49 acceptances and over 1.3 million, they’re like ‘wow, you’re going places.'” Thompson has been a star student throughout high school, which she credited to strict time management. “Without time management, or knowing how to multitask, I wouldn’t have been able to do anything,” she said. Thompson serves as her senior class president at Westlake High School in Atlanta, the co-captain of the Blue Reign dance team, the vice president of Beta Club (a community service organization) and a varsity baseball manager. She’s also a member of the national honor society and the honor society of dance and arts. The Central Library in Downtown Indianapolis is home to the Center for Black Literature & Culture (CBLC), but you don’t have to even be in the State of Indiana to access one of its newest community resources. On Tuesday, the CBLC debuted interactive kiosks that allow uses to see videos, 3-D images and more relating to Black history, Black literature, Black culture, the Black diaspora and Black librarianship. The CBLC also has a new website, bringing users artifacts, videos, photo galleries and more. Users can learn about local Black leaders such as Amos Brown and Tamika Catchings, literary figures like Mari Evans and Etheridge Knight and more. “One thing I’m particularly excited about is the aspects that we’ve been able to 3-D scan … those are able to be turned around in 3-D space,” Amira Malcom, project manager, said. A white teacher has been pulled from Whitney Young Magnet High School after he hung a Black doll by its neck from a cord at the front of his classroom then argued with a Black colleague who was offended. Principal Joyce Kenner said Chicago Public Schools officials have taken over the investigation of the incident and removed the history teacher from the school as the latest scandal to roil one of the district’s selective enrollment high schools plays out. Kenner declined further comment Wednesday. In an email to the school community earlier in the afternoon, the principal said administrators and CPS’ Title IX office are working together “to not only investigate and respond, but to elevate student voice in the process.” Students later packed the school theater for a listening session in which students could ask questions of district officials and express concerns. “This session represents just the first step in our ongoing partnership,” Kenner wrote.“ They will be back in our building in the coming days to ensure due process and resolution.” A petition calling for the teacher’s removal said he had long been a problematic presence at the school. It had over 400 signatures by Wednesday evening. He could not be reached for comment. Jeff Avelar-Yanes, a Salvadoran American costume designer, has lived with his parents and his sister in Amityville, Long Island, since he graduated from college in 2017. Avelar-Yanes, who attended college in California, says the struggle of finding a steady job and student loans forced him to move back home. “I didn’t have a choice to stay where I was,” Avelar-Yanes said. “I put it all together and I was like, how am I going to pay off the student loans … and still be able to work and pay for an apartment? Like even having roommates, it’s still stressing me out. I don’t even think I’d be able to split and still have enough.” Now, Avelar-Yanes, founder of Vibe Costumes, who is just a few months away from his 25th birthday, hopes he can make enough money for his own apartment. “I’m pretty sick of being at home,” he said. New York’s high rents, however, keep him at home. “I want to get out so badly. I’ve been trying to for a while.” Like Avelar-Yanes, a report published Thursday by Pew Research Center found nearly 4 out of 10 men between the ages of 25 and 29 live with older relatives, including 26 percent of Hispanic, as well as Black Americans and 24 percent of Asian Americans, compared to 13 percent of whites. Researchers say people of color are more likely to live in multigenerational households due to financial reasons or caregiving for a relative. If you really concentrate, you can imagine the town that this community’s elders describe. There was the grocery store on the highway, and the gas station. There were the shops where children walked to buy lunch for 50 cents on school days. There was Ms. Sadie’s chicken shack and Dr. Minn’s office. All of that’s gone now. In their place, either vacant lots or dilapidated buildings. Today, you’re more likely to see loose dogs than people on Lincoln Street, the town’s main drag. There are a couple of horses in a yard just across from the town hall, which used to be the center of a bustling commercial district. Now, Lincoln Street has a handful of homes, the low-slung cinder-block town hall, two churches and just one storefront, Bates Barbecue. The once-thriving all-Black town of Tallahassee was ravaged by government policies that divested it and other Black communities, said Mayor Keisha Currin. And she says the city is owed reparations to get back on its feet. Last year, Currin joined Mayors Organized for Reparations and Equity (MORE), a group founded by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and Denver Mayor Michael Hancock. It counts more than a dozen mayors across the country as members, and its goal is to become a laboratory for new reparations programs that address slavery and the decades of explicitly anti-Black government policies that followed. The Recording Academy has announced that 12-time Grammy-winner John Legend will be honored during its Black Music Collective event taking place during Grammy Week. Legend will be receiving the first-ever Recording Academy Global Impact Award for his personal and professional achievements in the music industry. Fast-rising R&B singer Summer Walker will perform and D-Nice will be spinning music throughout the night, with MC Lyte as the voice of the evening, Adam Blackstone as the musical director and legendary producer Jimmy Jam making remarks. Additional special guests to be announced at a later date. The inaugural Black Music Collective event, which has been on the Grammy Week calendar for several months, is taking place at Resorts World Las Vegas on Sat, April 2, 2022, the evening before the 64th Annual Grammy Awards. “It is our distinct honor to celebrate John Legend as the inaugural recipient of the Recording Academy Honors’ Global Impact Award,” said Valeisha Butterfield Jones, Co-President of the Recording Academy. “John is one of the most important artists of our time, someone who leads by example and pushes important boundaries consistently across music, philanthropy and activism. His contributions and impact to music and our culture are unparalleled.” Will Smith was not formally asked to leave the Oscars ceremony Sunday after slapping Chris Rock onstage, contrary to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences saying he was, sources close to the situation told The Hollywood Reporter. Instead, the sources said Academy leadership spoke with Smith’s reps backstage following the incident about potentially asking Smith to leave the Dolby Theatre. A rep then went out to speak with Smith about the matter, but didn’t relay any kind of official edict, according to the two sources who spoke Thursday to THR on condition of anonymity. However, Oscars producer Will Packer came out around the same time and said Smith should stay. There was never a chance for Smith to “refuse” to leave, the insiders said, nor did anyone in the Academy directly speak to the actor about such a request. Reps for Smith couldn’t immediately be reached for comment. Reps for Packer and reps for the Academy declined to comment Thursday. A day earlier, the Academy issued a statement saying Smith was asked to leave the show following the slap, but that he refused. The statement didn’t provide details, but did say they also “recognize we could have handled the situation differently.” In Florida, a cop’s zeal in poking his chest out and unleashing his rage on a Black man who was already in handcuffs got so bad that he ended up choking out another cop who tried to intervene. This was an ugly scene and the cop who tried to stop it, a woman, was a victim of police violence who attempted to deescalate things before a Black man became the same. According to HuffPost, police officers in Sunrise, Florida, responded to a call about a man accused of attacking people outside a convenience store last November. The suspect, a Black man identified as 25-year-old Jean Similien, according to the Miami Herald, was already cuffed by the time Sgt. Christopher Pullease arrived at the scene, but since officers had apparently struggled to get him in the back of the patrol car, Pullease decided he needed to lose his absolute sh** on the Black man who appeared to already be under control. https://twitter.com/i/status/1506800253504266243 As reported by CNN, an interview was published Tuesday in which Trump called on his Russian BFF to spill the tea on Hunter citing unproven claims (the only types of claims Trump ever cites on literally anything) about his business dealings in Russia. “I would think Putin would know the answer to that,” Trump said, referring to questions about Hunter, Russia, and corruption there’s zero evidence of. “I think he should release it. I think we should know that answer.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1508955848298704901 Will Smith’s assault of comedian Chris Rock at the Oscars over a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, continued to be felt around the world Wednesday as the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences told members its leaders are “upset and outraged.” In a letter cited by CNN ahead of a meeting to decide what “appropriate action” will be taken against the star for slapping Rock, which has led to intense and diverse reactions, Academy President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson said that decision could take “take a few weeks.” While the world waits to see what happens, however, some Christian leaders have weighed in on the behavior of the actor, who just a few months ago firmly acknowledged he was a man of faith who loves the Lord. “You can’t get how I get if you don’t love the Lord,” Smith said in an interview with producer, author and motivational speaker Devon Franklin last November. “You don’t get to sit how I sit and move how I move if you don’t love the Lord. You’d be seeing a whole lot of other repercussions.” While Smith’s affirmations may be true, his reaction to Rock’s joke about his wife on Sunday was seen as a “letdown” by some Christian leaders, like civil rights activist Rev. Jeff Moore. “It was such a letdown and such a letdown for us as black men,” Moore told KPIX 5, a San Francisco-based news outlet. “I would have hoped that if anything he would have walked up and maybe said, ‘Hey man, just apologize to my wife.’ But to go to violence was not the answer.” Will Smith was asked to leave the Oscars after hitting Chris Rock but refused, the Academy said on Wednesday – also declaring that he had violated their code of conduct. The 53-year-old actor marched onto the stage on Sunday and hit Rock, after Rock told a joke about Smith’s wife. Shortly after, Smith was announced as the winner of the best actor award and went up to collect his statuette to a standing ovation from many of his peers. On Wednesday the Academy said it had launched ‘disciplinary procedures’ against Smith, and confirmed he ignored their request for him to leave his seat. They also apologized to Rock. Smith was asked to leave by David Rubin, the president of the Academy, and CEO Dawn Hudson, TMZ reported. Two sources told the site Rubin and Hudson were ‘furious’ at Smith, and there was plenty of ‘yelling’ and ‘heated conversations’ backstage with his reps after the incident. Verzuz is gearing up for more battles between artists—and, for the very first time, a label matchup. The music series took to Instagram this week to share some details about its forthcoming competitions, with Mary Mary versus BeBe & CeCe Winans slated for Easter on April 17. The next bout will take place on May 8, celebrating Mother’s Day, though Verzuz blurred out the names, making it anyone’s guess as to who’s performing. Verzuz did the same for its May 14 “Fight Night Music” boxing special, later announcing that Cypress Hill and Onyx would be sharing the stage. At this point, the Memorial Day Weekend special, the series premiere of its V-Series Live Show, its Juneteenth special, and its July and August battles are unknown, with the label matchup set to take place in July. Tammy Williams is majority owner of a new television studio in Atlanta. Up until now, Tyler Perry was the only Black person to own studio space in the state, but this deal makes her the first Black woman to own a $135 million studio and post-production facility. According to Black Enterprise, has worked on making this happen for over ten years. She says, “We’ve been patient,” she said. “This has not been an overnight thing, this vision for us.” Williams has over two decades of experience in the entertainment industry producing and directing mostly Christian based content. She has collaborated on this deal with business partner Gary Guidry who is CEO of G-Square Events founded Cinema South Studios. Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington and Danielle Brooks are set to star in the Broadway revival of August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson. Tony Award nominee LaTanya Richardson Jackson is attached to direct the staging, making her Broadway directorial debut. She will also become the first woman to direct a Wilson play on Broadway. Arriving more than 30 years after its Broadway debut at the Walter Kerr Theatre in 1990, The Piano Lesson will begin performances at the St. James Theater this fall on Sept. 19. The show will run for 16 weeks. The production marks Washington’s Broadway debut in the same role Samuel L. Jackson originated at Yale Repertory Theatre in 1987, later serving as understudy in the role during The Piano Lesson’s Broadway run. Jackson last appeared on Broadway in the 2011 production of The Mountaintop, starring opposite Angela Bassett. Brooks co-starred with Cynthia Erivo and Jennifer Hudson in 2015’s Tony-winning revival of The Color Purple. “August Wilson dedicated his life and devoted his talent to dramatizing our stories and our experience,” Richardson said in a statement. “In doing so, he forever changed what it means to be Black in America. His plays built empathy, created community and showed us the power of representation. The Piano Lesson is one of his most enduring, profound and consequential masterpieces, and I am reveling in this opportunity to present it to Broadway audiences for the first time since its premiere.” For her championing of so many authors over the past quarter century, Oprah Winfrey is herself receiving a literary honor. The PEN/Faulkner Foundation is giving Winfrey its inaugural Literary Champion award, a lifetime achievement prize for contributions to literacy and for inspiring younger readers and writers. PEN/Faulkner is otherwise known for the annual fiction prize it has presented since 1981. “Oprah Winfrey is a literary force field,” PEN/Faulkner Board Vice President Mary Haft said in a statement Tuesday. “She has been like a lighthouse, standing sentry and shining a beacon of light onto literature and into the lives of writers and readers.” Winfrey, who has boosted the sales for dozens of authors through the book club she founded in 1996, received an honorary National Book Award in 1999. She will accept her PEN/Faulkner award during a virtual ceremony to be held May 2. By day, Rada Griffin works long hours as a software engineer for NASA, toiling away at the agency’s top-secret project that will send the first woman to the moon in 2024. By night, the Huntsville, Alabama-based space worker uses her spare time to expand her bustling wine business, Anissa Wakefield Wines. “It’s a big responsibility for us to ensure that everything goes perfectly,” Griffin told The Cornell Chronicle. “Whenever I can find the time, I do my thing with wine.” Griffin, who also works as a personal chef, explained that she’s been obsessed with wine ever since she could remember. “Wine to me is food. The same way you view food when a chef puts a plate in front of you and it’s beautiful and you can’t wait to taste it, that’s the same way I think about wine. So I just wanted to do more,” Griffin added. “It’s a big responsibility for us to ensure that everything goes perfectly,” Griffin told The Cornell Chronicle. “Whenever I can find the time, I do my thing with wine.” The nation’s justice system is flawed, between the United States having one of the highest recidivism rates globally and the school-to-prison pipeline continuing to have a destructive and disproportionate impact on youth of color. But what happens when we build physical spaces centered on peace rather than punitive measures? How can we envision justice beyond confinement? Architect and activist Deanna Van Buren—co-founder of the Oakland-based nonprofit Designing Justice + Designing Spaces—is using her passion for design to promote social change. According to the Prison Policy Initiative, the incarcerated population in the U.S. has increased by 500 percent within the past four decades, with 2 million people behind bars throughout the country. The criminalization of Black and Brown youth often starts within the classroom as suspensions and expulsions funnel the school-to-prison pipeline, pushing students out of the education system and into the throes of an inequitable criminal justice system. Cognizant of the disparities, Van Buren has dedicated her career to developing architectural projects that counteract mass incarceration and centers healing, reconciliation and peacemaking. Conservative America has treated Kenosha killer Kyle Rittenhouse like he’s a celebrity, and now this fool, who is famous only for killing two people, injuring a third, and getting away with it all, thinks he is the one. Mans thinks that because he’s toured all the white nationalist platforms while swearing up and down he’s not a white nationalist, and because he was able to sit down with Donald Trump—a man who would sit down with James Earl Ray’s corpse if it made for a good photo-op—he thinks he can just dial up the sitting president of the United States for a chat. And now the teen killer with the cop haircut is big mad President Joe Biden ain’t even hitting him back. ccording to Newsweek, Rittenhouse made an appearance on The Jenna Ellis Show podcast in an episode published Tuesday to complain that he’s been reaching out to Biden, but Biden has not been picking up his phone. https://twitter.com/i/status/1508923482087821319 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has condemned Will Smith for slapping Chris Rock during the Oscars telecast on Sunday. According to TMZ, Rock allegedly had no idea Jada’s hair loss is due to alopecia — even though she’s been speaking publicly about it for years. In a blog post titled “Will Smith Did a Bad, Bad Thing,” Abdul-Jabbar wrote that “with a single petulant blow, (Smith) advocated violence, diminished women, insulted the entertainment industry, and perpetuated stereotypes about the Black community.” The NBA legend went on to say that Smith’s act of violence perpetuates negative racial stereotypes. “One of the main talking points from those supporting the systemic racism in America is characterizing Blacks as more prone to violence and less able to control their emotions,” Abdul-Jabbar, 74, wrote. “Smith just gave comfort to the enemy by providing them with the perfect optics they were dreaming of. Many will be reinvigorated to continue their campaign to marginalize African Americans and others through voter suppression campaign.” Abdul-Jabbar said “Smith’s tearful, self-serving acceptance speech” was “about justifying his violence… Those who protect don’t brag about it in front of 15 million people. They just do it and shut up. You don’t do it as a movie promotion claiming how you’re like the character you just won an award portraying.” Abdul-Jabbar said “Young boys — especially Black boys — watching their movie idol not just hit another man over a joke, but then justify it as him being a superhero-like protector, are now much more prone to follow in his childish footsteps,” Jabbar wrote. Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” season 14 premieres Sunday, May 1st at 8pm ET/PT on Bravo. Catch all prior seasons on Peacock. Kandi Burruss, Kenya Moore, Shereé Whitfield and Drew Sidora return. Former friend Marlo Hampton is back, and this time, holding her very own peach. Newest Housewife Sanya Richards-Ross joins as a four-time Gold Medal Olympian, mother, wife, and businesswoman. One of Kandi’s longtime pals, Monyetta Shaw appears this season as a friend. Monyetta is a mother to two children and a recent newlywed to her husband, Heath. https://youtu.be/MZ8eL3enorg Jimmy Kimmel is calling for Jada Pinkett Smith to host a Red Table Talk with hubby Will Smith and Chris Rock to allow both men to settle their differences. The late-night host discussed the Oscar slap during Monday’s episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” and noted that Rock didn’t deserve to be assaulted. “The weirdest part was that Will Smith initially laughed at that joke. But then he must have looked over and noticed that Jada was not amused and he was like, ‘uh oh, I better do something,’ and boy did he do something,” Kimmel said. By now you know that during the show, Chris made a joke about Jada’s bald head. The actress suffers from alopecia, so Will was not amused that Rock mocked her. The veteran actor walked on stage and slapped the comedian before returning to his seat in the audience and yelling “Keep my wife’s name out your f—ing mouth!” https://youtu.be/g2Al27LJ5-0 Chris Rock briefly addressed being slapped by Will Smith at the Oscars Sunday during his show Wednesday at The Wilbur Theatre in Boston. After a standing ovation that lasted minutes, Rock asked the roaring crowd, “how was your weekend?” and said he was still “processing what happened” at the Academy Awards. For those that thought he was gonna go all out as far as the Oscars incident, well, that wasn’t the case. Variety reported that Rock explained he was going to do the act he’d planned before the Oscars. “I don’t have a bunch of s*** about what happened, so if you came to hear that, I have a whole show I wrote before this weekend,” he said. But what about the performance overall? Well, since NO cameras (phones) were allowed (by the public) in the theater. President Joe Biden is announcing an unprecedented release of oil from US reserves and taking steps to punish oil companies for not increasing production from unused leases on federal land, the White House says. The steps are an attempt to reduce gas prices while also putting an onus on oil companies to increase supply. The dramatic step, which Biden was set to announce from the White House later Thursday, confronts what has become a looming political problem months ahead of the midterm elections. “After consultation with allies and partners, the President will announce the largest release of oil reserves in history, putting one million additional barrels on the market per day on average — every day — for the next six months,” the White House said. “The scale of this release is unprecedented: The world has never had a release of oil reserves at this 1 million per day rate for this length of time. This record release will provide a historic amount of supply to serve as a bridge until the end of the year when domestic production ramps up.” https://youtu.be/DNF43_FKEdg There’s a new drug on the street that is said to be 20 to 100 times stronger than Fentanyl. The new drug is called Isotonitazene, or “Iso,” and, as reported by Vlad TV, the narcotic is spreading like wildfire in Florida, where several overdose deaths have been linked to it. Per the report, “ISO is 20 to 100 times stronger than Fentanyl, which is already dangerously strong. The opioid is reportedly being mixed with other drugs and popping up in the drug market, allegedly showing up in pill or powder form,” the outlet writes. https://youtu.be/t5d3dBbHP40 Toni Braxton is still trying to come to grips with the loss of her sister — but she’s grateful for the time she got to spend by her side. During an appearance on Tamron Hall on Tuesday, Toni spoke publicly for the first time since her sister, Traci, died this month, opening up about how she’s been coping since. “I wake up every morning and I go, ‘Did I dream it? Did I dream it?’ and I have to remind myself ‘No, she’s gone but she’s been here with us for 50 years,’ ” Toni, 54, said. “So I try to relish in that moment and try to smile about it and just be grateful for the time you have and you have to always remember to be kind to one another.” https://youtu.be/jQRMu-GCYak Chris Rock issued an apology to Oscars 2022 host Wanda Sykes after he was slapped by Will Smith during Sunday’s ceremony. “I hope he doesn’t mind me saying this, but I saw Chris at Guy [Oseary’s] party,” Sykes said in a sneak peek of Wednesday’s “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” “And as soon as I walked up to him, the first thing he said was, ‘I am so sorry,’ and I’m like, ‘Why are you apologizing?’” Rock, 57, told Sykes, 58, that “it was supposed to be” her night, along with fellow hosts Amy Schumer, 40, and Regina Hall, 51. “Y’all were doing such a great job,” Rock continued. “I’m so sorry this is now gonna be about this.” Bruce Willis’ family has announced the actor is retiring from the profession after being diagnosed with aphasia, a language disorder caused by brain damage that affects a person’s ability to communicate. Willis’ family members posted a joint statement to social media announcing the actor’s retirement. “To Bruce’s amazing supporters, as a family we wanted to share that our beloved Bruce has been experiencing some health issues and has recently been diagnosed with aphasia, which is impacting his cognitive abilities,” the statement reads. “As a result of this and with much consideration Bruce is stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him.” “This is a really challenging time for our family and we are so appreciative of your continued love, compassion and support,” the statement continues. “We are moving through this as a strong family unit, and wanted to bring his fans in because we know how much he means to you, as you do to him. As Bruce always says, ‘Live it up’ and together we plan to do just that.” Data from the Florida Department of Education shows that Black students in Florida are reading at much lower levels than white students. The data from the 2020-21 school year shows a gap of 29 percentage points between the reading levels of white and Black students across the state. And in Duval, St. Johns and Alachua county school districts, the gap is even wider. The Florida Department of Education tracks English Language Arts achievement and other subjects for all students and breaks it down by race each year on its website. It shows that in Duval and St. Johns county schools, the gap is even wider than the state average with a 32-point gap. Alachua County Public Schools has the largest disparity of reading levels between Black and white students in the state, with white students reporting 72 percent achievement and Black students reporting just 25 percent. In all other area school districts, the gap is below the state average. A black man who said he was stopped and searched by police officers in London for wearing a coat in hot weather has again been stopped and searched by officers only days later. Eric Boateng-Taylor, who also goes by Carter Jr, was stopped by police in Croydon on Wednesday and was accused of not dressing appropriately for the climate. Less than a week later, Mr Boateng-Taylor was stopped again by Metropolitan Police officers in South London around 9.45pm on Monday as he and a friend drove home through Thornton Heath after going to Nandos for dinner. “I’m very scared right now, I don’t feel like anywhere, I’m scared to go out, I don’t know how to explain my feelings but I’m scared right now,” he told The Independent. Mr Boateng-Taylor said he was stopped by three police cars who told him there was a section 60 in the area for drug misuse. He was then handcuffed while he and his friend were searched as well as the car they were in. “I was thinking what is going on, the way they came it was like they’re coming for some big guy. If it was a section 60 why is it me being stopped,” Mr Boateng-Taylor said. Two news stories dominated the headlines this week. The ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine reached its one month mark. And the Senate hosted confirmation hearings for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to join the Supreme Court. It’s with the Jackson confirmation hearings that we begin our statistical journey into the news of the week. Jackson in the court of popular opinion Five recent surveys have indicated strong support for President Joe Biden’s decision to nominate Jackson for the Supreme Court seat retiring Justice Stephen Breyer is vacating. According to an average of polls by Gallup, Fox, Monmouth University, Quinnipiac University and the Pew Research Center, about 53% of Americans supported her confirmation, with about 26% of Americans opposed. This is good for a +27-point net popularity rating. If Jackson’s ratings hold up through her likely confirmation, she would be the most popular nominee to be confirmed since John Roberts in 2005. Jackson’s popularity should only help her in the confirmation process. https://youtu.be/1Fwl3tKaGjw New evidence has emerged suggesting that Vladimir Putin and his high command are based some or all the time in top-secret nuclear bunkers as the bloody war unfolds in Ukraine. Since Putin launched his ruthless invasion of Ukraine last month (February 24), his whereabouts have been unknown. But movements of planes used by top Kremlin officials show Putin may be in a hideaway near Surgut in western Siberia, it is claimed. His defense minister Sergei Shoigu – who has been mysteriously absent for several weeks sparking rumor's about his health – is believed to be in a bunker near Ufa in the Urals, 725 miles east of Moscow, said investigative journalist Christo Grozev. This theory is backed by his daughter Ksenia Shoigu, 31, visiting Ufa – where she was pictured – for up to three days from March 22 as speculation was rife that the defense minister had suffered heart problems. She also abruptly barred public access to her Instagram where she had posed with her baby in the blue and yellow colors of Ukraine. President Joe Biden on Tuesday will sign into law the first federal legislation that would make lynching a federal hate crime after the U.S. Senate passed the bill by unanimous consent this month. The legislation is named for 14-year-old Emmett Till, who was brutally murdered in a racist attack in Mississippi in 1955 – an event that drew national attention to the atrocities and violence that African Americans faced in the United States and became a civil rights rallying cry. The bill would make it possible to prosecute a crime as a lynching when a conspiracy to commit a hate crime results in death or serious bodily injury. “After more than 200 failed attempts to outlaw lynching, Congress is finally succeeding in taking a long overdue action by passing the Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said when the chamber passed the bill. The bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 422-3. The 94th Academy Awards featured one of the most shocking moments in the show’s long history. It also included a significant ratings bump for ABC. The show drew an average of 15.3 million viewers for ABC on Sunday, according to early Nielsen numbers. That’s a 56% increase from last year’s show, the lowest-rated Oscars ever, which brought in just under 10 million viewers. That’s welcome news for the Academy and ABC, but Sunday’s ratings was still the second-smallest audience for the show in history. Just eight years ago, the Oscars brought in more than 40 million viewers. After years of slumping ratings the Oscars were desperate to craft viral moments that would get people to tune in this year, like anniversaries of classic films and lots of musical acts. But no one could have predicted the Oscars moment everyone would be talking about on Monday: Will Smith striking Chris Rock on stage after the comedian made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Will Smith is now “going to have to work hard to kind of redeem himself,” says one Academy member following Sunday’s slap incident at the Oscars. As reported earlier, during the show, Chris Rock made a joke about Will’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s hair loss. The actress suffers from alopecia, so Will was not amused that Rock mocked her for this. The veteran actor walked on stage and slapped the comedian before returning to his seat in the audience and yelling “Keep my wife’s name out your f—ing mouth!” “Wow, dude, it was a G.I. Jane joke,” said Rock — to which Will replied once again, “Keep my wife’s name out your f—ing mouth!” “I’m going to, okay?” Rock replied, before adding, “That was the … greatest night in the history of television.” According to TMZ, Rock had no idea Jada suffers from alopecia. Roots drummer and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon bandleader Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson can tick off another box on his achievement list after Sunday’s Academy Awards ceremony: Oscar-winning director. Questlove took home the award for best documentary feature for Summer of Soul (… Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised), beating out fellow nominees including Attica and Writing with Fire. Available for streaming via Hulu, the film details the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, which lasted for six weeks and saw performances from the likes of Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight & the Pips, and Sly and Family Stone, among others. Questlove gave an emotional speech in which he thanked his parents, getting choked up as he referenced his father, musician Lee Andrews who died in 2016. “This is about marginalized people in Harlem that needed to heal from pain,” Thompson said in his acceptance speech. https://youtu.be/IPbOF4wpEVw Anthony Anderson’s wife of 22 years has decided to pull the plug on their marriage, and the move comes after the couple previously separated but reconciled. In documents filed last Friday, Anderson’s wife Alvina Anderson cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for their split, PEOPLE reports. She is seeking spousal support and wants Anderson to pay for her attorney fees. “All gifts and inheritance, all assets, earnings, accumulations, and debts acquired by Petitioner prior to the date of marriage and after the date of separation, the exact nature and extent of which are unknown,” the documents reportedly state. Alvina initially filed for divorce in 2015 but dismissed the petition and they appeared to be reconciled, E! News reported. However, the marriage remained rocky. Anthony and Alvina were high school sweethearts and got married in September 1999. They share two adult children: Nathan, 22, and Kyra, 26. When Stewart first filed for divorce, she listed April 1, 2014, as the separation date. In the latest filing, she claims the date of separation is “TBD.” For Will Smith’s mother, Sunday night was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for several reasons. Amid her joy over her son’s win for best actor, Caroline Smith admitted she was taken aback when her second-oldest child slapped presenter Chris Rock over a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s bald hairstyle. “He is a very even people person,” she said of her son in an exclusive interview with Philadelphia’s 6abc news station. “That’s the first time I’ve ever seen him go off. First time in his lifetime… I’ve never seen him do that.” Not long after the smack, Will Smith acknowledged his mother as he tearfully accepted an Oscar for his work in “King Richard,” explaining she didn’t want to come to L.A. for his big night. “To my mother, a lot of this moment is really complicated for me, but I — she didn’t want to come out,” he said. “She’s had her knitting friends. She has a knitting crew that she’s [with] in Philly watching with.” The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences ‘strongly considered’ kicking Will Smith out of the Oscars ceremony after he slapped Chris Rock onstage, and revealed on Monday that it has launched a formal review into the incident. The film academy released the statement Monday afternoon, condemning the actor’s violent actions. ‘The Academy condemns the actions of Mr. Smith at last night’s show,’ a spokesperson for the organization said. ‘We have officially started a formal review around the incident and will explore further action and consequences in accordance with our Bylaws, Standards of Conduct and California law.’ Academy leadership strongly considered removing Smith from last night’s broadcast following the incident, a source told CNN. ‘There were immediate discussions but the Academy decision makers were seated in various spots in the Dolby Theater and couldn’t mobilize to make a decision before he won best actor,’ the source said. Smith, 53, could face some type of disciplinary action or sanction, but it’s unlikely he would be made to hand over his Best Actor award for King Richard, Variety reported. The Academy states in its standards of conduct, it is ‘categorically opposed to any form of abuse.’ The fallout from Smith’s onstage assault continued Monday, as Hollywood and the public continued to wrestle with a moment that stunned the Dolby Theatre crowd and viewers at home, and may have passed all others in Academy Awards infamy. Tomorrow on CLEO TV, Chef JJ welcomes wine connoisseur Camillya Masunda to the season finale of JUST EATS WITH CHEF JJ. Tune in to the flavor-filled episode on March 30 at 9:00 P.M. ET/8C. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjXVwfE_EDw CLEO TV's NEW SOUL KITCHEN REMIX will conclude tomorrow, March 30 at 9:30 P.M. ET/8:30C. Chef Jernard wraps the season with a tasty meal tip for parents! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdVezoMAdWI Colton Pete Norsworthy from Okeechobee, Glades, FL was captured on camera going on a racist tirade in Popeyes. In the clip, Norsworth, a white man is seen hurling the N-word at several Black employees at a Popeyes location in Okeechobee, FL., as reported by told TMZ. In the video, Norsworth enters a Popeyes and demand a refund at the register before threatening to beat and lynch a Black woman. “I’m white. That means I’m automatically better than you, b****,” he says. The woman tells Norsworthy to “suck a d*ck” and called him a “fat-ass cracker” before he exits the restaurant. Popeyes officials said the company has zero tolerance for “hateful aggression” at its restaurants. The famed fast-food fried chicken chain is also working with the franchise owner to provide support for employees. No police report was filed over the incident. https://twitter.com/i/status/1506298703472054273 The parents of Tyre Sampson, the 14-year-old who died on an Orlando amusement park ride, have hired famed civil rights attorney attorneys Ben Crump and Bob Hilliard to take legal action against ICON Park. Sampson fell to his death on the Orlando Free Fall ride on Thursday night, and the tragic incident was filmed and shared on social media. Sampson’s father said he learned of his son’s death online. “I wish I was there to tell him I love him. That I’m sorry. For him to lose his life. So young, and I wish it was me,” Yarnell Sampson said in an interview with WESH 2. “I want to know what happened to my son. I want to know why my son is in a white bag, having to get shipped back home. He walked there. Why he can’t walk back? I want answers from everybody. Who all was involved in that?” https://youtu.be/fxSIouRAOUQ International singer/songwriter Maurice Griffin wowed the crowd with his rendition of the National Anthem on Saturday, March 12, 2022. Griffin sang his rendition of the National Anthem a-cappella ahead of Saturday night’s (March 12) matchup between South Bay Lakers and the Stockton Kings. He received a resounding standing ovation along with an invitation to return April 2, 2022, for their Family & Friends Day. Griffin is considered one of the most successful independent singers in the United States. His latest singles, including “Prove Me I’m Yours” and “Love Peace Happiness,” hit over 5 million streams collectively. “Love Peace Happiness” was incredibly well-received by the international community, further proving the universal appeal of its message. His latest release, “God of Miracles” currently has over 200 thousand streams across all digital platforms since its release last week. Maurice is currently on tour promoting his single “God of Miracles” and is accepting bookings for the remainder of 2022. Today, GRAMMY-nominated, Billboard Music Award-winning, platinum-selling, multi-racial, multi-cultural, and genre-bending collective Maverick City Music and 16-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist, songwriter, producer, and cultural icon Kirk Franklin have announced the Kingdom Tour featuring special guests Jonathan McReynolds and Housefires. Produced by Live Nation and Undivided, the 37-city tour kicks off on June 1st at FTX Arena in Miami, FL making stops across North America in Atlanta, Toronto, Nashville, Los Angeles, and more before wrapping up in Denver, CO at Ball Arena on July 31st. At the conclusion of the Kingdom Tour, a collaboration album, Kingdom, will follow featuring Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin. Today, MNRK Music Group announced the Risk Takers Tour featuring special guests Randy Weston, Crystal Atkin and Jabari Johnson. Tickets are on sale now RiskTakersTour.com. Produced by MNRK Music Group, the 8-city tour kicks off on April 19 at All Nations in Baton Rouge, LA making stops across the south in Durham, Memphis, Columbia, and more before wrapping up in Atlanta at Relentless on April 29. The tour is designed to encourage people of faith to trust God's promise, defy the odds and take risks in order to make their dreams happen. The father of Venus and Serena Williams is speaking out to condemn violence after Will Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock at the Oscars ceremony on Sunday. Richard Williams, via his son Chavoita LeSane, told NBC News, “We don’t know all the details of what happened. But we don’t condone anyone hitting anyone else unless it’s in self-defense.” LeSane, who has been serving as Richard William’s spokesman since his 80-year-old father had a stroke, declined to go beyond his statement when asked for comment on Smith’s Oscar acceptance speech, the news outlet notes. During the 94th Academy Awards on Sunday, Chris Rock made a “G.I. Jane 2” joke directed at Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s bald head, which she shaved because she’s battling alopecia. The joke caused Will to sock Chris Rock in the face out of anger, something he has since apologized for twice. Jada Pinkett Smith posted a message on her verified Instagram account Tuesday, her first since her husband Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars for joking about her. The post was only words with no accompanying caption. “This is a season for healing and I’m here for it,” it read.https://www.instagram.com/jadapinkettsmith/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=d59b1879-ba68-4e3f-89d3-a5a57bc2edf1 Jim Carreyy held absolutely nothing back when asked to share his thoughts on Will Smith’s viral moment with Chris Rock. While speaking with CBS’s Gayle King, Carrey criticized Hollywood stars for giving Will Smith a standing ovation when it was announced at the Oscars that he won the best actor for “King Richard” following his shocking moment with Chris Rock. https://www.instagram.com/p/CbsmvkTJv6T/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Tickets for Chris Rock’s upcoming comedy tour have reportedly surged since he was slapped by Will Smith at the Oscars on Sunday night. The comedian will kick off his Ego Death World Tour on April 2. Rock has teased that he will perform “all new material” at his Ego Death World Tour that starts this month in Boston, and will conclude in Los Angeles in November. This is his first major comedy tour in at least five years. “Lauded by peers and critics alike, Chris Rock is one of our generation’s strongest comedic voices,” reads the announcement of the tour from Live Nation, via Ticket News. “With a career spanning more than three decades, Rock has enjoyed ongoing success in both film and television as a comedian, actor, writer, producer and director.” As reported by New York Post, tickets prices for the tour rose from $46 per ticket on March 18 to $341 on secondary market platform TickPick since the Academy Awards slap incident. TickPick posted on Twitter, “We sold more tickets to see Chris Rock overnight than we did in the past month combined.” Rock will be joined on his Ego Death World Tour by Kevin Hart as a co-headliner in July. The joint effort is titled Only Headliners Allowed, and Complex reports that the five-date tour will see the two comedians perform consecutive nights at venues across New York and New Jersey. The performances will start at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh on July 21, and conclude at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on July 25. Live Nation presales kick off the day before tickets go on sale on Friday, March 11 at 10 a.m. ET. The seat of a teen who fell to his death from an amusement park ride in Florida last week was still locked, according to an accident report from the state. Tyre Sampson, 14, fell Thursday from the FreeFall drop tower that takes riders up 430 feet and then drops at speeds of up to 75 mph, according to ICON Park in Orlando, where the incident happened. Sampson came out of the seat when the magnets engaged to slow the ride during the descent, according to the report, which was based on ride employee witnesses and was obtained by CNN. “Harness was still in a down and locked position when the ride stopped,” said the report filed by the operator with the Fair Rides division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The report named three witnesses, all listed as employees. https://eurweb.com/2022/03/29/seat-was-locked-says-accident-report-in-florida-teens-tower-ride-death-video/ Dr. Carolyn Roberts, a professor at Yale University, agreed with the California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans. The study will have detailed descriptions, both verbal and visual, of the horrific experiences Africans endured during the transatlantic slave trade. A historian of medicine and science, Roberts said the trauma descendants of enslaved Africans suffered during transportation to the United States was only the beginning of a “broken relationship” between African Americans and the United States’ healthcare system. “It is important for us to recognize that many critical issues that we are wrestling with today have long, old, and deep historical roots,” Roberts said. “These include racial bias and disparate medical treatment, race-based medicine, and medical exploitation. In our historical analysis, we must consider not only American slavery and its afterlife, but also the transatlantic slave trade.” https://youtu.be/X-bJrCAB_Y4 Jesse Williams and his ex-wife Aryn Drake-Lee are sparring once again over monthly child support payments. Williams has reportedly requested the courts decrease his $40,000 monthly child support payments, which his ex is fighting against. It seems Williams is no longer pulling in a six-to-seven figure income following his exit from “Greys Anatomy,” and Aryan allegedly has no interest in getting a job. Williams explains in documents obtained by Radar Online that his income from January 2021 to November 2021 was reduced to $660k. He is currently starring in a Broadway play Take Me Out and claims he makes only $1,668 from the show. “My current income is far from sufficient to maintain a $40,000 per month child support number, especially since I still pay one-half of the children’s private school tuition, the children’s extracurricular activities, medical care, and all of their expenses when they are with me including child-care and my own expenses,” the actor writes. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the controversial ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill into law which prohibits classroom instruction around sexual orientation and gender identity. Opponents say the vague law is intended to intimidate teachers, suppress gender topics, and target LGBTQ students. “The bill’s intentionally vague language leaves teachers afraid to talk to their students and opens up school districts to costly and frivolous litigation from those seeking to exclude LGBTQ people from any grade level,” said state Rep. Carlos G. Smith, a gay Democrat, as reported by The Associated Press. “Even worse, #DontSayGay sends a hateful message to our most vulnerable youth who simply need our support.” Andrew Spar, president of the Florida Education Association, said the Don’t Say Gay bill (aka “Parental Rights in Education” bill) “is based on a falsehood, and that falsehood is that somehow we’re teaching kids inappropriate topics at an early age, and clearly we’re not,” Spar said. https://youtu.be/sw3_LZDTi78 Los Angeles County officials have announced a 6-month investigation into “deputy gangs” in the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The move comes following “numerous reports” about rogue cops who operate like street gangs, CNN reports. “Numerous reports” show deputy gangs exist, but “their scope and impact is unknown,” said the county Civilian Oversight Commission, in a statement. The COC says the gangs have existed for 50 years, and that they “create a shadow-system of supervision and leadership” and create an “us-against-them culture.” “Deputy gangs have fostered and promoted excessive force against citizens, discriminated against other deputies based on race and gender, and undermined the chain of command and discipline,” said Loyola Law School’s Center for Juvenile Law and Policy commission chair and executive director Sean Kennedy. “Despite years of documented history of this issue, the Department has failed to eliminate the gangs.” https://youtu.be/p1zHwAy60KI Joe Rogan’s adopted daughter Kayja Rose has reportedly reemerged on social media after she allegedly went MIA weeks before his N-word scandal. Kayja Rose, 23, is the daughter of Joe’s wife Jessica and late H-town singer, Keven A. “Dino” Conner. After Joe and Jessica tied the knot, he adopted Rose. Over the weekend, Rose posted a series of photos on her Instagram, and it seemingly marked her return to the platform since December 12. As reported by RADAR, she captioned one self-photo: “Everything beautiful in the world is within you. No one really feels self-confident deep down because it’s an artificial idea,” she wrote. Kayja continued, “Really, people aren’t that worried about what you’re doing or what you’re saying, so you can drift around the world relatively anonymously: you must not feel persecuted and examined. Liberate yourself from that idea that people are watching you.” https://www.instagram.com/ggoldencurlss/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=6f3ce580-859d-4f86-8ee6-46a724f68ed0 Earlier today (Mar. 28), rapper Jim Jones brought his Instagram-famous character “Weavahman Jim” to live TV and gave his iconic “Drip Report.” In 2019, Jim first started reporting the weather on his IG and it became recurring by 2020, during the pandemic. While appearing on FOX 5 New York to promote his ‘Drip Report’ series on REVOLT (which returned earlier this month), Jim gave his iconic report to FOX’s audience at home. Decked out in some fresh Air Forces, a white long sleeve thermal shirt (aka Long Johns), a green beanie hat, and black stunna shades with an iced out neck, wrists and fingers, Jim “did the weavah.” In the clip that’s gone viral, Jim scans the country, and calls out NYC for still being in the 20s while Miami remains in the 60s, despite it supposed to be having “beach weather.” To the girls in NYC tryna rock their hair out, he tells them, “Babygirl cover that lace front up, might get a lil’ chilly.” #Socialites, are you here for Weavahman Jim on live TV? https://www.instagram.com/p/CbqcuawMhWj/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again NFL owners voted Tuesday to amend the playoff overtime rule in order to allow both teams to possess the ball regardless of whether a touchdown is scored on the first possession of the extra period. The change came over two months after the 2021 NFL playoffs, which saw six of the final seven games decided by three points or less. The previous rule came under renewed scrutiny after the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Buffalo Bills by scoring a touchdown on the first possession in overtime of their classic playoff game this past winter. Under the previous playoff overtime rule, each team was allowed to possess the ball in extra play unless the club that received the opening kickoff scores a touchdown. If the opening drive resulted in a field goal, the opposing team would get an opportunity to match the score or win with a touchdown. If there was a turnover, the first team to score would win. This rule is still in effect for the regular season. The NFL last modified the regulation, called Rule 16, in March 2012, when the league expanded the format from the playoffs to the regular season. Since 2010, Atlanta Falcons CEO Rich McKay – chairman of the NFL’s Competition Committee – noted there have been 12 postseason overtimes and the team winning coin toss has won 10 times. Seven of those victories came on the first drive, including the Kansas City Chiefs’ win over the Bills in January. Former motor racing boss and privacy campaigner Max Mosley died of a gunshot wound in the bedroom of his London home last May after being told his cancer was terminal, an inquest heard on Tuesday. His family had said at the time that the 81-year-old, youngest son of prominent 1930s British fascist Oswald Mosley, died after a long battle with cancer. British media said the remote inquest at Westminster Coroner’s Court revealed Mosley had been informed he had only weeks to live. A neighbor and his housekeeper summoned the emergency services after finding a note on his bedroom door saying ‘do not enter, call the police’. The inquest heard Mosley told his long-time personal assistant Henry Alexander a day earlier that he intended to take his own life. The BBC quoted coroner Fiona Wilcox saying she was ‘satisfied’ Mosley had intended to kill himself. A woman who was reported missing to the Fairburn Police Department is dead after an incident late Saturday night. According to the South Fulton Police Department, they responded to a home on Sable Chase Lane near Buffington Road in southwest Atlanta around 11 p.m. regarding a person deceased. Upon arrival, they discovered 30-year-old Teante Jones had been shot and killed. The suspected shooter, identified as 43-year-old Kenneth Southern, was barricaded in the attic of the home. South Metro Regional SWAT responded and crisis negotiators contacted Southern. However, he refused to surrender and shot and killed himself. https://www.fox5atlanta.com/video/1050719 Virginia Thomas, a conservative activist married to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, repeatedly pressed White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows to pursue unrelenting efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election in a series of urgent text exchanges in the critical weeks after the vote, according to copies of the messages obtained by The Washington Post and CBS News. The messages – 29 in all – reveal an extraordinary pipeline between Virginia Thomas, who goes by Ginni, and President Donald Trump’s top aide during a period when Trump and his allies were vowing to go to the Supreme Court in an effort to negate the election results. On Nov. 10, after news organizations had projected Joe Biden the winner based on state vote totals, Thomas wrote to Meadows: “Help This Great President stand firm, Mark!!!…You are the leader, with him, who is standing for America’s constitutional governance at the precipice. The majority knows Biden and the Left is attempting the greatest Heist of our History.” Co-hosts of The View slammed actor Will Smith for slapping Chris Rock onstage at the Oscars Sunday night, calling his shocking outburst ‘immature and childish,’ but Whoopi Goldberg broke ranks to defend the actor, saying ‘sometimes you behave badly. The 53-year-old actor who won an Oscar later that evening marched onto the stage and hit Rock in the face, then returned to his seat and yelled, ‘Keep my wife’s name out your f—ing mouth!’ after the comedian made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s hair. The bizarre outburst led to swift backlash from millions of viewers, including The View co-hosts Sunny Hostin and Ana Navarro who discussed the ordeal on Monday, calling it ‘toxic masculinity’ and a ‘crime of assault.’ But co-host Whoopi stepped in with a different take. ‘I think he overreacted…I think he had one of those moments where it was like G.D. it, just stop,’ Whoopi said. ‘I get it, not everybody acts the way we would like them to act under pressure. And he snapped.’ Meanwhile, on the Today show, host Craig Melvin slammed Smith for aiding ‘this long-held perception that men of color can’t control their rage and anger.’ ‘It was really disappointing,’ Melvin said. ‘If you’re rearing a boy, especially in this country, you spend so much time talking to our kids about keeping your hands to yourself and this long health perception that man of color can’t control their rage and their anger and to see someone who’s been that beloved for decades – it was troubling on so many levels.’ Ever wish life granted second chances? What would you do with them? The Mulligan movie uses the game of golf to get you to ponder possibilities. The Mulligan cast features Pat Boone (Journey to the Center of the Earth, State Fair); Eric Close (Nashville, American Sniper, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit); Tanya Christiansen (I Still Believe, The Hate U Give), and Charmin Lee (Just Mercy, The 5th Wave). The film is based on the novel, The Mulligan: A Parable of Second Chances, by former PGA touring pro Wally Armstrong and author/business executive Ken Blanchard. Candace Cameron Bure is celebrating the baptism of her oldest child, Natasha, on Instagram. The “Aurora Teagarden Mysteries” star, 45, shared a video of Natasha, 23, being baptized in a pool by Dudley Rutherford, senior pastor at the California Shepherd of the Hills Church in Los Angeles. “My heart is overwhelmed by God’s goodness and grace ??????. Congratulations @natashabure !!!!” the proud mom wrote in the caption. “Thank you @dudleyrutherford and @shepherdchurch. As a mama, there’s nothing that tops this day. Nothing!! My three adult children have now all professed their faith, love, service and devotion to Jesus Christ; Lord of Lords, King of Kings, Savior of the world.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CbVi9K0FWe9/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, who died Friday in Colombia, had a heart that weighed double the average for men his age, according to a new report. Forensic experts during an examination found Hawkins heart weighed “at least 600 grams,” double the average of 300 to 350 grams, the Daily Mail reported Sunday. Hawkins, 50, was found dead Friday in a hotel room at the Four Seasons Casa Medina in Bogota. In his room, there were multiple drugs found, according to a report that cited Colombia authorities. “Colombian authorities found: marijuana, antidepressants, opioids, heroine [sic]. At least 10 different substances found,” journalist Luis Carlos Velez tweeted Saturday afternoon, citing Fiscalia Colombia, the national attorney general’s office. Velez initially reported that Hawkins, a California native, had overdosed, but later backtracked in a follow up tweet. Phil Collins bade an emotional farewell to Genesis fans alongside bandmates Mike Rutherford and Tony Banks in London on Saturday – as the iconic band played their final ever concert. London’s 02 provided the backdrop for the band’s last show on their The Last Domino? Tour – with frail frontman Phil, 71, telling the crowd he will now have to get a real job. Phil, who performed the show sitting down due to suffering from a number of different health conditions in recent years, later joined Mike, 71, and Tony, 72 for a standing ovation. The band first found fame in the 1970s and have sold more than 100million records. Phil told the crowd ‘It’s the last stop of our tour, and it’s the last show for Genesis. After tonight we all have to get real jobs.’ Lin-Manuel Miranda, one of this year’s most prominent Oscar nominees, will sit out the ceremony after his wife tested positive for COVID-19. Miranda shared the unfortunate news on Twitter Saturday afternoon. He said that even though he has tested negative himself, he will stay away from Sunday’s ceremony out of caution. “Made it to Hollywood,” Miranda wrote. “This weekend, my wife tested + (positive) for COVID. She’s doing fine. Kids & I have tested – (negative) but out of caution, I won’t be going to the Oscars tomorrow night.” The Oscar-nominated composer added he was “cheering for my TickTickBoom & Encanto families w my own family, alongside all of you, ALL of you.” Miranda is up for an Oscar for best original song for “Dos Oruguitas” from the animated film “Encanto.” Should he win, he would attain rare EGOT status, meaning he’d be an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winner. The “Hamilton” creator also will be missing the first live performance of his hugely popular song “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” also from “Encanto,” a film about a Colombian clan with magical powers. The addictive tune became the highest-charting song from a Disney animated film in more than 26 years. Hollywood actors Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher reached their goal of raising $30 million to help send relief supplies to the Ukrainian people. The couple shared the message on Instagram last week saying that they were “overwhelmed with gratitude” for the show of support. In total, $35,275,700 was donated toward the cause. “With your help, we have reached our $30 million goal,” the couple wrote. “While this is far from a solution for the problem, our collective effort will provide a softer landing for so many people as they forge ahead into their future of uncertainty.” CBN News previously reported that Kutcher and Munis launched the GoFundMe campaign as a way to assist refugees and humanitarian aid efforts. The campaign aims to benefit Flexport.org and Airbnb. Flexport is an organization that sends relief supplies to refugee sites in Poland, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia and Moldova; Airbnb.org is providing free, short-term housing to refugees fleeing Ukraine. Will Smith issued a formal apology to Chris Rock after slapping the comedian on the Oscars stage Sunday night in front of the whole world. “Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes at my expense are part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally,” Smith wrote. “I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.” The post continued: “I would also like to apologize to the Academy, the producers of the show, all the attendees and everyone watching around the world. I would like to apologize to the Williams Family and my King Richard Family. I deeply regret that my behavior has stained what has been an otherwise gorgeous journey for all of us. I am a work in progress.” https://www.instagram.com/willsmith/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=471148eb-9e1c-4c97-9b1b-162e6c5c0445 Call it the slap heard ’round the world. At least, that’s what it appeared to be after Will Smith confronted comedian Chris Rock after the 2022 Oscars host made a joke about the Academy Award-winning actor’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. The version that American viewers saw Sunday night was censored, though not enough to keep people from seeing Smith march from the front row up on the stage to deliver five fingers of fury to Rock’s face after the comedian mocked Pinkett Smith’s acting career.https://twitter.com/i/status/1508270345819672582 Viewers in Japan, in particular, and likely elsewhere outside of the continental United States, heard the raw, uncut version of the exchange following Smith’s confrontation of Rock. “Will Smith just smacked the shit outta be,” Rock remarked in the unedited version that played live on Japanese TV. It was also revealed that among the things Smith said to Rock was, “Keep my wife’s name out of your f*cking mouth!” https://twitter.com/i/status/1508270345819672582 Will Smith ended up winning the best actor Oscar for “King Richard” and delivered an emotional acceptance speech without a single mention of Rock. “Richard Williams was a fierce defender of his family, Smith said through tears about his role playing tennis icons Venus and Serena Williams’ father in the film. “Art imitates life. I look like the crazy father, just like they said about Richard Williams. But love will make you do crazy things.” Describing Rock’s treatment as “abuse” celebrities must endure when “people talk crazy about you,” Smith said, “I’m being called on in my life to love people and to protect people, and to be a river to my people.” Smith added: “You gotta smile, you gotta pretend like that’s OK.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1508283023099248646 Will Smith and Chris Rock reportedly agreed to make amends after Smith slapped the comedian on stage during the Academy Awards ceremony Sunday night. As reported exclusively by Page Six, both were expected to attend the annual Vanity Fair Oscars bash, “but it’s unclear if they’ll make amends before or during that soirée,” the outlet writes, adding “We’re also told Diddy talked to both Smith and Rock who agreed to make amends later in the evening.” Will eventually apologized for his actions and a rep said Chris Rock has decided not to file charges. So, where do the comedians stand with each other now? Well, Diddy aka Brother Love exclusively spoke with @pagesix and said they settled their beef after the wild moment: “That’s not a problem. That’s over. I can confirm that” Diddy, 52, told the outlet without elaborating on further details of how Smith, 53, and Rock, 57, had reconciled. “It’s all love,” he added. “They’re brothers.” Following the wild awards show, Smith attended the Vanity Fair bash with his family and was clearly unfazed by the drama that ensued hours earlier. The former “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” actor was seen dancing and rapping along to his song “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CbpiQyJjXbd/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Despite the histrionics, Rock and Smith were expected to try to resolve their differences following the eventful Oscars ceremony Sunday night. New York Post’s Page Six gossip page reported that Sean “Diddy” Combs played the peacemaker by speaking with both Rock and Smith, “who agreed to make amends.” Tyler Perry and Denzel Washington also reportedly spoke to Smith, according to a tweet from entertainment journalist Scott Feinberg. https://twitter.com/i/status/1508273120473325573 A video of a Rihanna look-alike went viral over the weekend and the seemingly pregnant woman was spotted in Brazil taking pictures with fans of the singer. n the video, Rihanna fans surround the mystery woman, with one fan hugging the doppelganger’s fake baby bump. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cbk9XkLpwZH/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Galveston County, Texas, challenging its redistricting plan for the Commissioners Court. The move comes following the county’s decision to adopt a new map after data was published about population growth in the 2020 Census. As previously reported, the agency found that between 2010 and 2020, communities of color had grown by 95 percent. On March 24, representatives from the DOJ filed a lawsuit alleging the county’s plan violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, noting how the new map did not give Black and Hispanic voters “the opportunity to elect a candidate of choice to the county’s governing body.” The DOJ also argued that the new provision intentionally excluded Black and Brown community members from the political process. The suit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas on Thursday. Black women are charting historic paths in spaces where they are significantly underrepresented. Amongst this generation of trailblazers is Aliyah Griffith, who recently became the first Black student to earn a graduate degree in marine sciences from the University of North Carolina, the Daily Tar Heel reported. Although diversity is a crucial component of innovation and progress within STEM, the industry is plagued by racial and gender disparities. Studies show 2.5 percent of marine biologists are Black. Griffith is using her journey to show people of color that there’s room for them in the space. The scholar developed an interest in aquatics as a youngster following a trip to Sea World at the age of five. Throughout her childhood, she visited marine parks and aquariums. After connecting with a dolphin trainer at the Baltimore Aquarium, she decided she wanted to pursue a career in marine biology. Staying true to her passion, Griffith went on to study marine sciences at Hampton University. After earning her undergraduate degree, she advanced her education at UNC, becoming the first Black student to be accepted into the school’s marine sciences program, which has been in existence for 50 years. MOBE, the Marketing Opportunities in Business and Entertainment Symposium, the leading advanced marketing conference and one of the longest-running marketing and business accelerating platforms, is proud to announce its first annual summit for K-12 educators, institution builders, and educational influencers. The “Independent Educational Narrative: HBCUs & Beyond” will be held virtually via the HOPIN platform on Thursday, April 21st. The inaugural education day event will be introduced by Sheryl Lee Ralph (ABC’s Abbott Elementary). https://youtu.be/IN4pv8qbqVU Rooted in historic systemic inequities, the ever-widening racial wealth gap has been a longstanding issue within the United States. Florida Memorial University and the Institute of Black Wealth have joined forces to move the needle forward in eradicating the economic disparities that disproportionately impact disenfranchised communities. Research conducted by the Federal Reserve System shows Black families hold a mere 2.9 percent of wealth. The median white household has a net worth ten times higher than African American households. To address the inequalities surrounding wealth creation, music mogul and philanthropist Ted Lucas teamed up with real estate developer Fabiola Fleuranvil to create the Institute of Black Wealth. The initiative strives to use education, technology, cooperative economics, financial literacy and civic engagement to empower the Black community. Michael Che has reportedly revealed that this is his last year serving up the “Weekend Update” segment on NBC’s long-running sketch comedy series “Saturday Night Live.” “This is my last year,” Che, 38, said during a set at a Minnesota salon, according to the Star Tribune. “You know my tie is a clip-on, right? What man wears a clip-on tie to work for eight years — that’s embarrassing.” Che became the first Black co-head writer in “SNL” in 2017. It’s not clear if he will remain a writer on the show or exit the series entirely. https://youtu.be/9X_HgJ3KMvY R&B superstar K. Michelle is excited to release the video to her new single “Scooch,” which premiered today on BETHer and BET Soul. Produced by Lil Ronnie, the video is directed by Derek Blanks and gives fans a feel-good visual that brings this new love anthem to life. K. Michelle treated fans to a YouTube Livestream last night in anticipation of today’s release. https://youtu.be/YL0ZWPJJhPY Anthony Anderson recently shared a hilarious video showing him hitching a ride with a couple of strangers he met at Best Buy in Manhattan. In the video, Anderson explains that he walked to the electronics store to buy some TVs for his new NYC apartment but after the purchase, he realized he had no way of transporting them back to his pad. That’s when a man named Alex who was ahead of him in the checkout line offered to give the actor a ride home. Watch Anderson explain what happened next. https://www.instagram.com/p/CbYUkVNB-bQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again The young daughter of late rapper Nipsey Hussle is at the center of a custody war involving family members and the child’s mother. According to legal documents, obtained by The Blast, the teenager’s mother, Tanisha Foster is objecting to the guardianship currently in place for 13-year-old Emani Asghedom. The guardianship consists of Nipsey’s family including his brother, Sam, according to the report. Nipsey was reportedly in a longtime relationship with actress Lauren London at the time of his death. However, in her filing, Tanisha claims she and the west coast artist had been in a “loving relationship” since the birth of their daughter in 2008. After Nipsey was murdered by a known gang member in Los Angeles in 2019, Tanisha “allowed a guardianship to take hold giving several of Nipsey’s family members custody of the child,” the outlet writes. https://youtu.be/NGjXSBjLSo0 Tiffany Haddish has responded to the slap heard around the world on Sunday night. We’re talking about Will Smith smacking Chris Rock at the 94th Academy Awards, which Haddish has called a “beautiful” moment. “When I saw a Black man stand up for his wife. That meant so much to me,” Haddish, 42, told PEOPLE at the Governors Ball following the Oscars ceremony. Haddish and Pinkett Smith starred together in 2017’s “Girls Trip.” In case you missed it, during the show, Rock made a joke about Will’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s hair loss. The actress suffers from alopecia, so Will was not amused that Rock mocked her. The veteran actor walked on stage and slapped the taste of Rock’s mouth before returning to his seat in the audience, and yelling back at the comedian, “Keep my wife’s name out your f—ing mouth!” “Wow, dude, it was a G.I. Jane joke,” said Rock — to which Will replied once again, “Keep my wife’s name out your f—ing mouth!” Songstress Ciara is expanding her imprint in the acting industry. According to People, the Texas native will join the cast of The Color Purple musical film. The movie is inspired by the Broadway adaptation of novelist Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning project. The book, which was released in 1982, delves into the story of Celie Harris as she traverses through life in the South during the early twentieth century. Trae Young is in the midst of a historic season. Trae Young is in the midst of a historic season. It’s flown under the radar due to the other powerhouses (and storylines) in the conference, as well as the underwhelming nature of the Atlanta Hawks’ season. And to be fair, Young’s less frequent but still-problematic apathy on defense has contributed to the Hawks’ issues this year. But as of this writing, Young leads the NBA in total points (1915) and assists (649). If it holds, he’ll become the first player since Nate “Tiny” Archibald in 1972-73 to lead the league in both categories. https://streamable.com/kzarxv President Joe Biden went directly after Vladimir Putin in an emotional speech on Saturday, where he said the Russian president ‘cannot remain in power’ and and warned if Putin’s ambitions went unchecked it could lead to decades of war in Europe. ‘For god’s sake this man cannot remain in power,’ he said of Putin, describing the Russian president as having a ‘craving for absolute power and control.’ The Kremlin reacted furiously at the quote and the White House moved quickly to clear it up, saying Biden was not calling for a regime change in Moscow. ‘The President’s point was that Putin cannot be allowed to exercise power over his neighbors or the region. He was not discussing Putin’s power in Russia, or regime change,’ a White House official said. The Biden administration has taken care to not call for a regime change in Russia, knowing Putin would see it as an escalation. ‘This is not to be decided by Mr. Biden,’ Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in response. ‘It should only be a choice of the people of the Russian Federation.’ https://youtu.be/gV3pkCXpA54 Virginia Thomas, a conservative activist married to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, repeatedly pressed White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows to pursue unrelenting efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election in a series of urgent text exchanges in the critical weeks after the vote, according to copies of the messages obtained by The Washington Post and CBS News. The messages – 29 in all – reveal an extraordinary pipeline between Virginia Thomas, who goes by Ginni, and President Donald Trump’s top aide during a period when Trump and his allies were vowing to go to the Supreme Court in an effort to negate the election results. On Nov. 10, after news organizations had projected Joe Biden the winner based on state vote totals, Thomas wrote to Meadows: “Help This Great President stand firm, Mark!!!…You are the leader, with him, who is standing for America’s constitutional governance at the precipice. The majority knows Biden and the Left is attempting the greatest Heist of our History.” Like any awards show, the Oscars are built on the inherently self-absorbed notion that what happens in the room and who takes home the trophies matters, in what should be a welcome distraction from the outside world. During the televised era three events particularly stand out: The assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968, the assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan in 1981, and the onset of the Iraq war in 2003. In the first two instances, the awards were postponed briefly, and there was discussion of doing so in 2003. (The Oscars were delayed one other time because of flooding in 1938.) https://youtu.be/_thW3N98cFQ In 2014, Tracy Morgan was involved in a car accident that killed his best friend. A Walmart truck driver crashed into the Limousine vehicle that Morgan and his entourage were traveling in. The “30 Rock Star” immediately went into a coma. The comedian later settled with Walmart. He didn’t disclose the amount. “I didn’t think I was going to walk again, and I did. I just fought,” Morgan says. “I fought to come out of the coma. I’d seen my daughter in the coma saying ‘daddy come back’ and she was only ten months and I fought and came out of the coma. Then I just wanted to be better. I wanted to be better at my life. I wanted to be a better person, a better human being to others, and that’s all I wanted to be. I know he spared my life for a reason.” https://youtu.be/BPfJatrGAJk The Foo Fighters longtime, charismatic drummer, Taylor Hawkins, has died at the age of 50. Hawkins was found dead in a hotel room in the north of Bogota, Colombia where the band were due to play at a festival on Friday night. No cause of death was immediately announced. Shortly after Hawkins’ death was announced, dozens of fans together with journalists and videographers began to gather outside the hotel where the band had been staying. Many appeared to be in complete shock at the news with some lighting candles. Ambulances and police cars could be seen stationed outside of the property. Later on Friday night, Hawkins’ body was finally brought out of the hotel, placed into a coroner’s van and driven away. The group had been scheduled to play at the Festival Estéreo Picnic in the Colombian capital where an announcement told concert-goers that the band would not be playing due to a ‘serious medical condition.’ The father of the teenage boy who fell to his death from a theme park ride is speaking out and demanding answers. In an exclusive interview with @fox35orlando, Yarnell Samson said his son knew he was in danger — and he wants to make sure no other child feels like that again. His son Tyre Sampson, 14, was visiting ICON Park in Orlando, Florida, as part of an American football program and joined his friends on the “Orlando Free-Fall” ride. The father explained to the outlet that “when the ride took off, that’s when [his son] was feeling uncomfortable. He was like, ‘this thing is moving,’ you know what I’m saying. And he was like, ‘what’s going on?’” Samson told Fox 35. “And that’s when he started freaking out,” the dad continued. The teen then told the friends beside him: “If I don’t make it down, tell … Please tell my mama and daddy I love them.” The father said, “for him to say something like that, he must have felt something,” Samson told the outlet. Sadly, his son tragically plummeted from the ride when it was about halfway down its 430-foot descent on Thursday. He was rushed to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries. The heartbroken father is now demanding to know why his 6-foot-5, 340-pound son was allowed on the ride after he was stopped from getting on other rides due to his size. https://www.instagram.com/p/CbkqrEmrkWN/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again GOP lawmakers in Utah pushed through a ban on transgender youth athletes playing on girls teams Friday, overriding a veto and joining 11 other states with similar laws amid a nationwide culture war. The ban previously received support from a majority of Utah lawmakers, but fell short of the two-thirds needed to override it. Its sponsors on Friday flipped 10 Republicans in the House and five in the Senate who had previously voted against the proposal. A dozen states now have some sort of ban on transgender kids in school sports. Utah’s law takes effect July 1. Republican sponsor Rep. Kera Birkeland, who is also a basketball coach, welcomed the decision and said conversations with female student athletes compelled her to act. ‘When we say, `This isn´t a problem in our state,´ what we say to those girls is, `Sit down, be quiet and make nice,” she said. A Black pedestrian fatally shot by an off-duty sheriff’s deputy earlier this year was hit four times during the altercation in a busy North Carolina street, according to an autopsy released Thursday. The autopsy released by North Carolina’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner said that 37-year-old Jason Walker had wounds to his head, chest, back and thigh in the Jan. 8 shooting in Fayetteville. “The cause of death is listed as multiple gunshot wounds,” the report said. The report noted that no alcohol or illegal drugs were found in his system. Melina Abdullah, co-founder of Black Lives Matter Los Angeles, was arrested with probable cause at a Los Angeles Police Commission meeting in 2018, a federal jury found Thursday after a two-day trial, siding with the city in her lawsuit alleging wrongful arrest. Abdullah, a Cal State L.A. professor and fixture at Police Commission meetings, was arrested on suspicion of battery against a police officer after an officer said she grabbed his arm, but the charges were dropped by the Los Angeles city attorney’s office. She sued the city and former LAPD Chief Charlie Beck in 2020, about six months after the charges were dropped. The jury deliberated for less than two hours before returning its verdict that Abdullah was not wrongfully arrested by then-LAPD Det. Jason Curtis. “I’m in shock,” Abdullah said outside the courtroom Thursday. “Just like the shock I felt when I was arrested.” In her lawsuit, Abdullah alleged she was singled out because she is a prominent Black activist. Her attorney, Carl Douglas, told the jury Abdullah attended hundreds of Police Commission meetings to criticize Los Angeles Police Department policies and the killing of unarmed civilians. As detailed in The Washington Post, Kamala Harris‘ team has been making a significant effort to change her political path in recent months. The US Vice President hired Jamal Simmons as her communications director. Simmons is a long-time democratic analyst. This incident happened when many people talked about her office inconsistency. People wanted to know her political wins and her daily duties. On several occasions, Kamala’s office was accused of dysfunctional communication. Political analysts have characterized this as unfair media coverage of the first female VP of Black and Indian roots. According to Politico, the vice president felt slighted by the white house staff, who didn’t stand when she entered a room. These kinds of perceived snubs are part of a book by Alexander Burns and Jonathan Martin, the New York Times correspondents. The book, “This Will Not Pass: Trump, Biden, and the Battle for America’s Future,” states that an uneasy relationship exists between president Biden’s West Wing and Kamala Harris’ staffers. A woman filed suit Wednesday alleging that her Black son has undergone repeated racial harassment at his junior high school since the U.S. Justice Department last fall punished the district for a pattern of discrimination and harassment. The civil rights complaint, filed in U.S. District Court in Salt Lake City, alleged, for instance, that Nicole Sieger’s son, a ninth grader, was called a “cotton picker” and was asked to give out an “N-word pass” so students could freely aim racially derogatory comments at him. The suit did not identify which school was involved, but the three staff members named in the suit are listed on the North Layton Junior High School employee roster. The district has been battered since September, when a two-year Justice Department investigation found “serious and widespread racial harassment” of Black and Asian-American students in district schools. In a settlement agreement with the district, the federal agency ordered a sweeping program to correct the problems. The department’s Civil Rights Division cited persistent failures to respond to reports of race-based harassment by district staff and other students. The investigation began in 2019 and covered the period of 2015-2020. The coronavirus pandemic ruined everyone’s future plans, especially prospective college students who might have been the most severely affected. But more than anyone, Black and Latino college students disproportionately canceled their plans to pursue a degree at a college or university, all because of COVID-19, according to a study. In a report by the Latino Policy & Politics Initiative at UCLA, almost a third of Black and Latino students had their plans ruined to pursue post-secondary education at a rate a lot higher than white students. The report used data from the Census Bureau to analyze and try to understand how the coronavirus pandemic affected (and still is) households across the country. During the peak of the pandemic in 2020, before vaccines were readily available, 11% of Latino students planned to cancel their plans for college in the Fall of 2021. Black students were 10% more to cancel their college plans. Only 6.4 percent of the total population canceled their postsecondary education plans, according to the study. But if you’re thinking, “things got better when the vaccine came along right?” you would be mistaken. Donald Trump is taking legal action against Hillary Clinton, the Democratic National Committee, and 26 other people and entities for falsely accusing him of Russian collusion. The federal lawsuit was filed this week and accuses a wide cast of characters of conspiring to undermine his 2016 presidential campaign. Named in the lawsuit are FBI Director James Comey, retired British spy Christopher Steele and several of Clinton’s campaign advisers, CNN reports. https://youtu.be/x0ZBWUqlWvo West Virginia Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin announced on Friday that he plans to vote for President Joe Biden’s Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson, a move that all but guarantees she will be confirmed. In a statement outlining his decision, Manchin said, “I met with Judge Jackson and evaluated her qualifications to be a Supreme Court Justice. After meeting with her, considering her record, and closely monitoring her testimony and questioning before the Senate Judiciary Committee this week, I have determined I intend to vote for her nomination to serve on the Supreme Court.” Manchin’s announcement is notable since he is a closely-watched moderate Democrat and key swing vote in the Senate. His decision to vote “yes” helps solidify the vote math for Senate Democrats to confirm the nominee. Some serious craziness went down at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta on Tuesday after a man was arrested punched a Southwest Airlines employee. As you can see from the social media video of the incident (below), a shouting Courtney Drummond approaches the Southwest Airlines ticket counter and immediately punches an employee. What led to that incident was that Drummond refused to comply with flight attendants as his Southwest flight was being taxied from the gate to the tarmac. Police say the plane returned to the gate/terminal and Drummond was asked to leave the plane due to his “aggressive behavior.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1506704624090329093 It’s likely that before this month, many sports fans had not heard of Saint Peter’s, a university in Jersey City, New Jersey, with an enrollment of 2,637. That’s all changed now if you’ve been following the men’s NCAA tournament. The Saint Peter’s men’s basketball team has made history by becoming the first No. 15 seed to reach the Elite Eight, upsetting the No. 3 seed Purdue Boilermakers 67-64 in Philadelphia on Friday night. That’s all changed now if you’ve been following the men’s NCAA tournament. The Saint Peter’s men’s basketball team has made history by becoming the first No. 15 seed to reach the Elite Eight, upsetting the No. 3 seed Purdue Boilermakers 67-64 in Philadelphia on Friday night. The Peacocks, the third No. 15 seed to advance to the Sweet 16 in history, will face North Carolina in the Elite Eight on Sunday. This is the program’s fourth NCAA tournament appearance overall. https://youtu.be/oCpMehfhJs0 On the Friday, March 25 edition of “Tamron Hall,” Rachael Ray, Kandi Burruss and James Beard award-winning chef Aaro´n Sa´nchez join Tamron in the kitchen with delicious recipes for the most important meal of the day during a special show entitled, “Breakfast at Tamron’s!” Following her house fire in late 2020, celebrity chef and TV host, Rachael Ray, discusses how much more her kitchen means to her now following the incident. Reality TV star, Kandi Burruss details the meaning of family for her Atlanta restaurant, “Old Lady Gang” and Aaro´n Sa´nchez tells Tamron about working on the new season of “MasterChef Junior.” https://youtu.be/GBsvyUPUujE Hollywood has people of color to thank for keeping the movie businesses afloat during the pandemic because of their presence on screen and in the theater, According to a study from UCLA. It was found that most of the domestic tickets sales on opening weekends for six of the top 10 films in 2021 were bought by people of color. But also, households with people of color were overrepresented for streaming audiences for the top 10 films last year. The study, which is taken yearly, took the top 252 performing films that had theatrical and streaming releases in 2021 and looked for representation of women and people of color. It was found that both groups made significant gains when it came to directors and film writers while staying the same with actors in leading roles. Howard University will invest $785 million to build three new academic buildings and renovate other campus buildings in what it calls its largest construction real estate initiative in the school’s history. Howard, which has received record-breaking philanthropic giving and Wall Street’s blessing for a strong financial position, calls this expansion a watershed moment. “Because of the tremendously enhanced financial posture we have worked so hard to achieve, the state of the University has never been stronger,” said president Wayne A. I. Frederick. Howard University had record-breaking fundraising totals last year, with $170 million in philanthropic contributions in fiscal 2021. The university has also raised $120 million in gift commitments so far this fiscal year. In February, Fitch and Standard & Poor’s raised their ratings on $300 million in Howard-issued bonds from stable to positive. It will be the first time Howard has constructed new buildings on its D.C. campus since 1984. New construction will account for $670 million of the new investment. Howard University administrators and the union that represents faculty members have reached a tentative three-year agreement to negotiate fairer working conditions, averting a strike. After the early Wednesday deal, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 500, agreed to call off the planned three-day walkout, the university said. The tentative pact still needs a vote of ratification by union membership, which is set to take place in the coming weeks. Faculty members in the union had been fighting for an agreement for about three years. Adjunct professors and full-time non-tenured professors were seeking better pay, the ability to teach enough courses to access Howard’s health insurance and ending a rule under which non-tenure track faculty are let go after seven years. The union had originally planned to strike from Wednesday to Friday if an agreement had not been reached. Faculty in the union would have not held their classes or taken part in other academic responsibilities. History was made in Birmingham on Tuesday after city leaders approved a massive project headed by an all-African American development team, which includes the general contractor. Mayor Randall Woodfin and the city council approved an ordinance Tuesday authorizing the $1.5 million sale and development of a 222-acre property with Green Meadow Apartments, LLC. In a press release, the city said “with over $2 billion, to date, this is the largest transaction led by African Americans in the city’s history.” “This is a great day for the city of Birmingham,” Woodfin said. “Not only because of the jobs, the homes, and the economic impact, but because of the history that is being made.” The land is located near Lakeshore Parkway at 1911 Tiger Walk to Green Meadow Apartments. CEO Michael German, former Alabama representative for HUD, is leading the multi-phased project with plans to develop the area into single-family, multi-family and senior housing, with an estimated 900 residents residing in the area. There are also plans for a commercial town center, a grocery store and commercial and retail office spaces. ”Black Panther,” a Marvel Studio production, is set to make a big comeback. On “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” celebrated actress Angela Bassett has given hints of the “Black Panther” sequel. The Hollywood veteran speaks passionately about the film and the cast. Although Basset didn’t want to reveal the nitty-gritty of the film, she confirmed the film date. “November. Look for it in November. It will be amazing,” Bassett said. “It is going to be amazing. It is going to top one.” She said that “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” would exceed the original “Black Panther” hype. She said, “It’s going to be amazing. It’s going to top the first one. Can I say that?” https://youtu.be/l32yiyGW0NI Donald Glover is singing Malia Obama’s praises after giving the former First Daughter her first post-college job as a writer on his new Amazon series, gushing that the 23-year-old is ‘amazingly talented’ and ‘really focused.’ The multihyphenate, who is also known by his stage name Childish Gambino, was at the season three premiere of his FX series ‘Atlanta’ on Thursday when he confirmed reports that he had recruited the Harvard University graduate to work in the writers’ room on his latest project. ‘She’s just like, an amazingly talented person,’ Glover, 38, told Vanity Fair of Obama. ‘She’s really focused, and she’s working really hard.’ The actor is writing and executive producing the upcoming Amazon series — potentially titled ‘Hive’ — that is reportedly about ‘a Beyoncé-type character.’ Glover did not reveal how Obama — who interned on Lena Dunham’s HBO series ‘Girls’ in 2015 and at The Weinstein Company in 2017 — landed the job after she graduated from college last year. Halle Berry had all but counted herself out. It was a cool March night in Hollywood in 2002, and she was just excited to have been nominated for her first Academy Award, in the best actress category, for her role as a waitress who has an affair with her convicted husband’s executioner in Marc Forster’s dark drama “Monster’s Ball.” Up against Nicole Kidman (“Moulin Rouge”), Judi Dench (“Iris”), Sissy Spacek (“In the Bedroom”) and Renée Zellweger (“Bridget Jones’s Diary”), Berry was only the seventh African American actress ever nominated. A win would vault her into the annals of history as the first Black winner. But Berry never thought it would happen. “Back in those days, if you didn’t win the Globe, you really didn’t get the Academy Award,” Berry, 55, said in a recent phone conversation, referring to the Golden Globe that she had lost to Spacek. “So I’d pretty much resigned myself to believing, ‘It’s great to be here, but I’m not going to win.’” But then the previous year’s best actor winner, Russell Crowe, opened the envelope and read her name, the camera zooming in on her teary, shocked face. She took a moment to collect herself, then walked to the stage in her now-iconic Elie Saab gown, the voluminous burgundy train trailing behind her, as the applause went on, and on, and on. “Oh my God,” were her first words when she finally had breath enough to speak, tears still rolling down her cheeks, hands trembling as she clutched the statuette. She hadn’t prepared a speech. She had no list of people to thank either. Music duo Kenny and Claire has spent the last several years modernizing and rewriting classic hymns as a way to reintroduce them to the Church. Yet for the married couple, their own musical journey is deeply connected to how these hymns helped them through times of deep suffering. Kenny and Claire Hilliard met in college at North Greenville University, where they quickly bonded over their love of music. Soon, they were writing music and traveling to various events to play together. Following the shocking documentation of his toe amputation earlier this month, NFL/MLB legend Deion Sanders is still going hard in the sports world as head football coach at Jackson State. One of his current priorities is the 2022 NFL Draft in April, especially after no HBCU players were selected in the 2021 NFL Draft. He’s hopeful that will change after hosting a HBCU Pro Day this past Monday (March 21), although the two-time Super Bowl champ took some time to call out 10 teams in specific that didn’t feel it was necessary to send out a representative. The event consisted of players not only from Jackson State but also Mississippi Valley State and Alcorn State. Out of the 32 teams in the NFL, a total of two dozen showed up for the presentation. Jumping on Instagram (seen above), Sanders called the day “phenomenal” while tipping his hat to the students that participated and 24 teams that came out to witness their greatness. However, that’s where his feelings shifted to those that were no-shows, adding, “The Dolphins, the Broncos, the Texans, the Bills, the Buccaneers, the Ravens, the Panthers, the Browns, the Vikings, and the Eagles — where art thou? You could have sent somebody man. You could have shown up just a little bit.” While some Oscar-nominated movies are still playing in theaters, odds are if you want to catch up on the nominees, you’ll be going to Streaming Land. Streaming services backed a number of movies that secured key nominations on Feb. 8, in advance of the 94th annual Oscars, which will be televised March 27 on ABC. This means many of them are available to watch now, including “The Power of the Dog,” which led among nominated films with 12 nods, and “Coda.” Netflix-Best picture: “Don’t Look Up,” “The Power of the Dog.” https://youtu.be/LRDPo0CHrko Streaming services backed a number of movies that secured key nominations on Feb. 8, in advance of the 94th annual Oscars, which will be televised March 27 on ABC. This means many of them are available to watch now. Apple TV+ Best picture: “Coda.” Best actor: Denzel Washington (“The Tragedy of Macbeth”). https://youtu.be/0pmfrE1YL4I Scientists have reportedly developed a new male birth control pill that is said to be 99 percent effective… in mice. According to research presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) on Wednesday, human testing of the nonhormonal male contraceptive could begin this year, per The Hill. Per the research, the pill “plummeted” the sperm count of mice for up to six weeks, without side effects, as reported by New Scientist. https://youtu.be/r_ZVuyfHW1w For the second time this month, a grand jury in Texas has declined to indict Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson over allegations of sexual assault. A grand jury in Brazoria County, south of Houston, announced Thursday that it would not be filing charges against Watson, who previously avoided prosecution over accusations from nine other women in Harris County on March 11. In Brazoria County, Watson was accused of touching an unidentified female masseuse with his penis and ejaculating on her arm and hand, according to a heavily redacted police report. His accuser in Brazoria County was one of 10 women who filed complaints against Watson in neighboring Harris County last year, but her case was relocated when it was determined that it fell out of Houston’s jurisdiction, according to a source familiar with the case. The Black News Channel will shut down today at 5 p.m. The Los Angeles Times broke the news the day after an email was sent to employees that they would not be getting their payroll checks on Friday. Majority stakeholder and Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan had invested about $50 million into BNC, but audience and revenues failed to meet the company’s hefty cost structure. He decided he couldn’t keep throwing more money at the operation, which has 230 employees, mostly people of color, the Times story said. Biggest names on the channel included Mike Hill and former CBS46 anchor Sharon Reed during the morning, and an evening lineup that featured academic Marc Lamont Hill, New York Times columnist Charles Blow and former Fox News anchor Kelly Wright. Reed was based in Atlanta. The network has been based in Tallahassee, Florida, but hired dozens of employees in Atlanta, where CEO and former CNN executive Princell Hair had ambitious plans to eventually move its headquarters. Earlier this week, The Christian Post contributor Mark Creech wrote an op-ed, “Andy Stanley’s tweet about the Bible is seductive and harmful,” referring to a now-deleted tweet by Rev. Andy Stanley, pastor of North Point Community Church, which said: “The Christian faith doesn’t rise and fall on the accuracy of 66 ancient documents. It rises and falls on the identity of a single individual: Jesus of Nazareth.” Like Creech, I was involved in the “Conservative Resurgence” in Southern Baptist life in the 1970s, ‘80s, and ‘90s. While it was true that moderates and liberals were badly overrepresented in the denomination’s organizational and educational apparatus, the vast majority of rank-and-file Southern Baptists believed that the Bible was inerrant and had “truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter.” Russian leader Vladimir Putin made an unlikely reference to J.K. Rowling in his latest speech. During a televised address Friday on state TV, Putin cited the Harry Potter creator, who has come under fire for statements she has made relating to transgender issues, as proof the West likes to “cancel” people, adding that this was something Russia was now facing. Putin said that Rowling was canceled because she “didn’t satisfy the demands of gender rights.” He added: “They are now trying to cancel our country. I’m talking about the progressive discrimination of everything to do with Russia,” and likened “cancel culture” to Nazis trying to burn books in the 1930s. A Florida couple was arrested after their toddler died, but numerous reports of abuse and neglect are raising questions. Rashid Bryant, 22 months old, was pronounced dead at Miami Jackson North Medical Center in 2020. Police say that Rashid stopped breathing, but his mother allegedly didn’t call 911 until 83 minutes later. Police say that Bryant had foam coming out of his mouth and the coroner listed the toddler’s death as “homicide caused by complications of acute and chronic blunt force injuries associated with parental neglect.” Bryant’s parents, Christopher Bryant and Jabora Deris, were charged with manslaughter and aggravated child abuse. However, reports say that the parents were the subject of at least 24 investigations of abuse or neglect reports, 16 times by the Department of Children and Families concerning the couple’s eight children. Reports say Rashid suffered a fractured femur, a broken rib, and multiple cracks on his skull over the course of his life. Killeen Police are investigating a shooting at a cemetery that left a 52-year-old woman dead and a second victim suffering from minor injuries. The shooting occurred Tuesday, March 22 at the Calvary Baptist Church Garden of Memories Cemetery. KWTX spoke with the victim’s ex-husband, Kineh N’Gaojia, who identified the slain woman as Yolanda N’Gaojia. The couple, now divorced, had three children together. The husband said his ex-wife was visiting their son Amir’s gravesite on what would have been Amir’s 22nd birthday when she was struck by gunfire. Amir died on New Year’s Day 2022. Images captured at the scene by KWTX show a bullet-riddled, late-model Chevrolet Camaro taped off with yellow police tape. Cooler heads have prevailed. After a contentious split last year, Vanessa Bryant, the widow of Kobe Bryant, and Nike have renewed the partnership for Kobe’s shoes. “We’re excited to announce our partnership with Nike is going to continue!” she wrote on Instagram Thursday. “I am so proud that my husband’s shoes are still the most worn by players on NBA courts and that the demand for his shoes remain so desired by his fans around the world.” Bryant said that Nike will donate 100 percent of the proceeds from her late daughter Gianna’s shoes to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation. “I am also grateful that Nike and I will work together to establish a youth basketball center in Southern California that will share the Mamba Mentality with youth athletes for generations to come,” her Instagram post continued. “I know this is an inspiring moment for my husband and daughter’s global fans, and I am very appreciative of each and every one of you!” Group Black Inc., a next-gen collective aimed at deepening the pipeline of Black-owned media companies, has attained a nine-figure media investment from consumer goods corporation Procter & Gamble. The new business accelerator launched last June with an initial ad-spending target of $75 million from the media investment company GroupM. While its debut racked in a hefty advertising spend, co-founder and CEO Travis Montaque confirmed that the P&G commitment is the largest single investment the company has secured. This latest pledge will drive the 30-person team to advance its mission of building Black-owned media businesses that embrace diversity in their organizations and audiences. According to Adweek, Group Black is striving to redistribute $500 million in Black-owned media. Kayla Michele, a Disney Dreamer of the 2013 class, is the Co-Founder and COO of PeduL, a diversity recruiting marketplace that enables employers to source and attract a curated pipeline of competitive, diverse candidates whose skills match job requisitions. The meaning behind the business name admirably incorporates the organization’s mission; at the center of their work is education, which Michele and her team believe is the bridge between ‘P’ – purpose and ‘L’ – life. PeduL wants to close the gap to access to education and create the link to career opportunities for all job seekers. The idea for PeduL developed from a conversation that Michele had with a college friend Chisa Egbelu while they were students at Rutgers University. They witnessed their friends struggle to land gainful employment at notable organizations like Google and NBC Universal. At the same time, those companies found it challenging to recruit diverse talent. Driven to spotlight the ingenuity and continued resistance of Black entrepreneurs, Citi has launched a new large-scale ad campaign to do just that. Known as “New Black Wall Streets,” the ad by one of the nation’s largest banks features Brian Tyree Henry, star of the FX series Atlanta. Produced by a mostly Black creative team, the ad shows how Citi is committed to doing its part to support and help build Black businesses. Tina Davis, Citi’s interim chief marketing officer, shared these insights about the ad with BLACK ENTERPRISE. Davis said the campaign highlights Citi’s Action for Racial Equity initiative. Exerting over $1 billion, Citi and the Citi Foundation announced the pledge to help close the racial wealth gap and boost economic mobility in the U.S. JPMorgan Chase commits $5 million to a fresh effort to help underrepresented businesses gain potentially new lucrative deals. The Diverse Supplier Grant Initiative launched by the nation’s largest bank aims to provide businesses owned by Blacks, Hispanics, and Latinos access to needed capital to obtain corporate contracts. The New York-based bank reported small and diverse businesses “often find it cost-prohibitive to meet industry requirements like cyber security, insurance, and bonding when bidding for new corporate business.” Fulfilling those conditions can cost a typical small business between $100,000 and $500,000. The bank added it can create a “very real barrier to entry to doing business with the financial services industry.” Hampton University is offering free tuition, room and board to Ukrainian and international students displaced by the ongoing Russian invasion of the Eastern European nation. University President William Harvey announced last week that up to 100 students displaced from Ukraine can continue their education free of charge at Hampton this summer. Additionally, they will have the option to stay at Hampton after the summer and pay regular rates for tuition and fees. “The collective Hampton University faculty, staff and students are heartbroken because the war-torn country of Ukraine must deal with atrocities like the bombing of maternity wards, hospitals and other civilian areas,” Dr. Harvey stated. “I think this partnership is something that can be beneficial to a great number of students and families,” he stated. “My entire career has been focused on helping people to achieve and meet their goals.” Angela Blocker-Loyd began figure skating at 9 years old. She was one of the youngest skaters at the Berkley Ice Arena and Recreation Center at the time, so another young skater decided to take her under their wing. “Angie was the little skater and I was the big skater,” said Candice Tamakloe, who was 14 at the time. “We were also only two of a few African American skaters at Berkley, and I had been skating there for a few years, so I took her on as a little sister.” Now, Blocker-Loyd and Tamakloe have decided to take on all the young, aspiring figure skaters as their little brothers or sisters. On Saturday, Dream Detroit Skating Academy (DDSA) launches the city’s first female-owned figure skating academy. Currently, DDSA is the only Black-owned figure skating club in the state of Michigan, Blocker-Loyd said. The academy will be run by Blocker-Loyd, Tamakloe and Crystal Stewart. It will provide classes for skaters with no experience all the way up to advanced skaters. Things will kick off from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Adams Butzel Recreation Center-Jack Adams Memorial Ice Arena, 10500 Lyndon St., on the city’s west side near the Littlefield neighborhood. A beach that was once a haven for Black music and celebrations will now be a place for anyone to come and learn about Black history along the Chesapeake Bay. That five-acre piece of waterfront land on the Bay, Elktonia Beach, will turn into a park with access to the water. “It’s a dream come true,” said Vince Leggett, the founder and president of Blacks of the Chesapeake. The land, he said, was purchased for around $7 million. The City of Annapolis, Blacks of the Chesapeake, Chesapeake Conservancy and the state of Maryland entered into an agreement with the Conservation Fund to acquire the property through a patchwork of funding, including federal, state and city Program Open Space funds. On Thursday, with the support of U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin, the fiscal year 2022 spending bill also included $2 million in congressionally directed spending to the City of Annapolis, to support a state and local partnership effort to establish and develop a city park. The “Godfather of Funk” George Clinton is being honored in his native New Jersey this week as he celebrates his 80th birthday. The town of Plainfield, where Clinton worked for many years, was renaming Passaic Street after the music legend. A bronze plaque was being erected where the Silk Palace barber shop once stood and Clinton formed the Parliaments. The group started as doo-wop and evolved into Parliaments Funkadelic, incorporating funk, R&B, Gospel, rock, and more, with outlandish fashion and fantastic stage props like the Mothership. Love & Hip Hop star Apple Watts is fighting for her life after a serious car accident that left her vehicle in flames. Watt’s Mercedes flipped several times and burst into flames near Interstate 15 in Baker, California, after colliding with a Ford pickup truck, TMZ reported. She was ejected from the window of her burning car and airlifted to a hospital in Nevada with ‘life threatening injuries.’ The 36-year-old model and rapper is reportedly unresponsive and suffered a broken spine and fractured skull. Watts was on a road trip, driving from LA to Las Vegas when the horrific crash took place, her sister confirmed to The Shade Room. It is unclear if any of the passengers involved in the crash were under the influence of drugs or alcohol. A source told TSR that it could be difficult for Watts to do daily functions such as walking and eating by herself because of the degree of her injuries. While many people are still rebounding from forces like the dire job-loss impact of COVID-19 and inflation at a 40-year high, there is some uplifting news for Black professionals. More than 1,000 jobs will be available from 16 different companies for qualified Black professionals in various fields at the Black Virtual Career Fair. The event today is hosted by the African American Employee Network (AAEN) and Onyx Community Connection (Onyx). Homeownership is not only a source of wealth for Black families, it is a source of pride. It goes without saying how hurtful it is for Black families to be forced to “whitewash” their homes in order to obtain the most accurate and highest appraisal value. At a Tuesday event convened by Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House, several Black families recounted their horrific but all too common experiences with appraisal bias. Their stories underscored the urgency of the newly announced Biden-Harris administration’s action plan. The plan ranged from higher accountability in the appraisal industry to cultivating a diverse and better training appraiser profession. Homeownership is not only a source of wealth for Black families, it is a source of pride. It goes without saying how hurtful it is for Black families to be forced to “whitewash” their homes in order to obtain the most accurate and highest appraisal value. At a Tuesday event convened by Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House, several Black families recounted their horrific but all too common experiences with appraisal bias. Their stories underscored the urgency of the newly announced Biden-Harris administration’s action plan. The plan ranged from higher accountability in the appraisal industry to cultivating a diverse and better training appraiser profession. The vibe was much more positive on the court and off following Naomi Osaka’s latest tennis match. After defeating Australian Astra Sharma 6-3, 6-4 in her first-round match at the Miami Open, the four-time grand slam champion told reporters she was feeling better. “I don’t know if I’m allowed to say this, but I finally started talking to a therapist after Indian Wells. It only took like a year after French Open,” Osaka said, referencing when she was heckled by a fan at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, on March 12, and when she withdrew from Roland Garros in Paris last year after opting not to speak to the media at the grand slam event, citing her mental health. “I realize how helpful it is,” Osaka said of talking to a therapist. “I’m glad that I have people around me that told me to go in that direction.” https://youtu.be/dlzoPQsU7-M Veteran comic/actor Scoey Mitchell, best known for the TV version of “Barefoot in the Park” died on March 19. He was 92. Mitchell died from kidney failure at a long-term care facility in the Los Angeles suburb of Torrance, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Mitchell – who also was credited as Scoey Mitchlll – got his biggest break on the ABC sitcom version of “Barefoot in the Park,” which at the time was the first network sitcom in almost two decades to have a predominantly Black cast. The problem was the show’s writers were all white, which upset, understandably, upset Mitchell. He was so committed to getting more Black people behind the scenes that ABC fired him and canceled the show after a single 12-episode season. https://youtu.be/1o4pJ8LMVqo When Jerome Featherstone Jr. made his professional mixed martial arts debut against Matt Semelsberger in October 2018, he entered the ring feeling as if he had the strength of two men. The Frederick, Maryland-based Semelsberger felt the full force of that power as Featherstone scored a third-round knockout in his inaugural berth in Shogun Fights XX at Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore. Featherstone’s 170-pound triumph over a fighter whose 3–1 record included three appearances at Shogun and two stoppage victories came 14 years after the death of Jerome Featherstone Sr. in January 2004 at the age of 43. “I’m still hurting over my father’s death. It was during such an important and pivotal time in my life,” said Featherstone Jr., 37, twice an All-Metro First-Team selection by The Baltimore Sun before graduating from Boys Latin High in 2003. https://www.instagram.com/_handsofstone/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=1110a76c-1d7e-4f3d-bf9f-150b20a06ea2 No one is born a racist. People must learn to hate. But if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” – Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom. Systematic racism is engrained in world societal culture. The debilitating effects of racism against people of color, specifically against Black people continue to the present day, with startling frequency and fervor. The pain of racism has always been expressed through music, poetry and art to make a poignant statement against systemic racism. Artists such as Marvin Gaye, Nina Simone and Curtis Mayfield have always expressed protest against racism in their sensibilities and compositions. The historic project “Black Lives – from Generation to Generation,” a conglomerate of 25 musicians from the United States, Caribbean and Africa seeks to pick up in 2022 where their predecessors left off. https://youtu.be/vEH_gmM2x3c “Forget New York, I’m just trying to survive 7th Grade!” Sometimes following your dreams can feel hopeless and tiring but we’ll see just how far dreams can take you when “Better Nate than Ever” premiers on Disney Plus April 1st. Damon Dash disagrees with the #Grammys removing #KanyeWest from their lineup, claiming they have no right to judge him or any other hip-hop artist. According to TMZ, Dash told the outlet that artists should cancel the whole awards show and “We make our own Grammys.” Even though Kanye is still allowed to be in attendance at the show, he can no longer perform. Dash suggested that Ye not even attend the show and skip it altogether. Despite being previously nominated for a Grammy, Damon admits he did not attend because he believes the Grammys are outdated and out of touch with hip hop. According to Dash, he is tired of Academy execs deciding who’s hot and who’s not in the hip hop industry. “They gotta respect our culture,” he said. Many people have come to Ye’s defense, including Grammys host Trevor Noah, who Kanye chastised online and said he wanted the rapper to be “counseled rather than canceled.” In addition to Dash’s support, J. Prince called on hip-hop artists, including Ye, Drake, and Nicki Minaj, to protest against the Grammys and host an anti-Grammys concert on Tuesday. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cbffoobugsp/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Lizzo, Jerrod Carmichael and Jake Gyllenhaal have been tapped as hosts of Saturday Night Live in April. Carmichael and musical guest Gunna will kick things off on April 2. Gyllenhaal will host the long-running sketch comedy show for the second time on April 9, with Camila Cabello as the musical guest. Lizzo will serve as both host and performer on April 16. Meanwhile, her new reality series “Watch Out for the Big Grrrls” premieres on Amazon on March 25. https://youtu.be/tgNq_0bsTPU Basketball Hall of Famer Ray Allen was blasted by a Miami judge this week after he failed to show up to jury duty. Allen, 46, was ordered to pay a fine for his no-show, New York Post reports. He was selected as one of 14 permanent and alternate jurors in a deadly carjacking case. The trial was scheduled to begin on March 14 but was postponed by a day per Allen’s request as he had to attend Kevin Garnett’s jersey retirement ceremony in Boston, according to the Miami Herald. U.S. District Judge Marcia Cooke issued a show-cause order after Allen failed to show up. https://youtu.be/y93e5cAR_jc Jennifer Hudson‘s ex-fiancee, former WWE wrestler David Otunga, has auctioned off her engagement ring for $45,000, according to reports. Per TMZ, “David had Neil Lane design the 5-carat cushion cut diamond ring for Jennifer back in 2008, which has an estimated retail value of $45K.” After they called it quits in 2017, JHud returned the ring to David. David auctioned off the ring through IDoNowIDont.com and plans to give a portion of the proceeds to a fathers’ rights org, according to TMZ. In 2017 that after ending their engagement, Hudson filed a protective order against the former pro wrestler, alleging he was abusive with her and their son. Jennifer and David share a 12-year-old David Daniel Otunga Jr. “Today, Jennifer requested and received a protective order against her ex-fiancé. Jennifer’s actions are solely taken in the best interest of their son,” Hudson’s rep told PEOPLE in a statement at the time. Raven-Symoné and the cast and crew of her show “Raven’s Home” walked off the set in protest of Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill. As reported by Aljazeera.com, the “Parental Rights in Education” bill limits “classroom instruction” on “sexual orientation or gender identity”. Classroom instruction regarding adults’ views on sex and gender “may not occur in kindergarten through grade 3 or in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards,” per the bill. The bill reportedly does not specify what age is considered appropriate for children to be groomed by their teachers, some of whom are sexual predators. According to the report, it prohibits “classroom discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity in certain grade levels or in a specified manner.” “The bill allows parents to sue a school district, at the school district’s expense, if they believe the measure is not being enforced,” per Aljazeera.com. https://www.instagram.com/p/CbalBdRpf8e/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again In case you’ve been wondering what Tawatha Agee of the ’80s R&B group Mtume is up to these days, the “Juicy” singer has been earning her coins by lending her voice to TV and radio commercial jingles. As reported by I Love Old School Music, Mtume is best known for their hits, “Juicy Fruit” and “You, Me and He,” while Tawatha has worked with everyone from Michael Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Al Green, Aretha Franklin, Sting and R. Kelly. While in elementary school at Bragaw Avenue School in Newark, Agee, 67, received voice lessons from Whitney Houston’s mom, Cissy Houston. https://www.instagram.com/p/BwlHwjbDfyy/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Rapper Ice-T shared a post on Twitter describing his experience with the high gas prices at the pump. “I was robbed at a gas station in NJ last night,” Ice-T tweeted. “After my hands stopped trembling.. I managed to call the cops and they were quick to respond and calmed me down….. My money is gone.. the police asked me if I knew who did it.. I said yes.. it was pump number 9…” As reported by Uproxx, within hours, Ice-T’s tweet went viral and prompted hundreds of responses from people who can relate to the pain at the cost of gas. The White House has quietly assembled a team of national security officials to sketch out scenarios of how the United States and its allies should respond if Russian President Vladimir Putin — frustrated by his lack of progress in Ukraine or determined to warn Western nations against intervening in the war — unleashes his stockpiles of chemical, biological or nuclear weapons. The Tiger Team, as the group is known, is also examining responses if Putin reaches into NATO territory to attack convoys bringing weapons and aid to Ukraine, according to several officials involved in the process. Meeting three times a week, in classified sessions, the team is also looking at responses if Russia seeks to extend the war to neighboring nations, including Moldova and Georgia, and how to prepare European countries for the refugees flowing in on a scale not seen in decades. Those contingencies are expected to be central to an extraordinary session here in Brussels on Thursday, when President Joe Biden meets leaders of the 29 other NATO nations, who will be meeting for the first time — behind closed doors, their cellphones and aides banished — since Putin invaded Ukraine. Russian propaganda claims Vladimir Putin will unleash his nuclear weapons early if NATO peacekeepers are put on the ground in Ukraine – which would spark World War 3. The Russian president’s tightly-controlled state TV went into overdrive to warn alliance leaders against deploying any troops even acting to maintain peace. The latest threats from the Kremlin came as footage showed the funeral with full military honors of deputy commander of the Black Sea fleet, Andrei Paliy, 51, killed during fighting in Mariupol on March 20. The broadcast saw blunt and concerted warnings from Putin’s propaganda mouthpieces on state television worrying that if NATO sends peacekeepers to Ukraine they will initiate World War 3. Olga Skabeyeva, host of state-owned Rossiya 1’s show 60 Minutes, said: “If NATO members send peacekeepers to Ukraine… “They should understand that this will represent a direct clash between the armed forces of Russia and NATO. The senior pastor of Celebration Church, one of the largest churches in Jacksonville, took a moment during Sunday morning service to address a legal dispute between the church and its founding pastors. Tim Timberlake, who was installed as Celebration Church’s senior pastor in September 2021 to succeed Stovall Weems, acknowledged the civil court case that involves allegations of financial misconduct and fraud. https://youtu.be/j0gpPELTmuU Ohio University is investigating an incident in which a racist note attached to a large garbage bag was left outside a dorm room. The note, handwritten in black ink on lined notebook paper, includes the words trash, two racial slurs directed at Black people and a vulgarity directed at women. The stuffed black trash bag was left outside a room in Sargent Hall, two doors down from the dorm room of Naomi Hamner, a 19-year-old freshman who is Black. “It was kind of a scary moment, I can’t lie, because I have never dealt with anything like this before, and quite honestly I never thought I would have to deal with something like this,” Hamner said. A Tuskegee University football player was shot to death Friday night, and a suspect is now charged in his slaying. Authorities identified the victim as Reginald Tyrone Summage Jr., 20. He was a graduate of Jeff Davis High School in Montgomery and was a sophomore wide receiver at Tuskegee University. Tuskegee Police Chief Jennifer Jordan said officers responded at 11:50 p.m. to a report of a person shot at Washington Plaza in the 700 block of West Martin Luther King Highway. When they arrived, they found Summage wounded in the parking lot. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Jordan said the incident began as a fist fight and ended in gunfire. Summage is believed to have been trying to break up the fight at an off-campus party when he was shot, but Jordan could not yet confirm the circumstances surrounding the deadly shooting. The Rev. David Kennedy remembers well what it was like growing up in Laurens, South Carolina, during the Jim Crow era. He lived in an apartment with his grandparents marked “C” for “colored” and was forced off sidewalks when white people would pass. He recalls going into a shop one day as a kid to buy a collar for his dog, only to have an employee ask him, “Do you need one to fit your neck, too?” He tells the stories of Black people killed after being falsely accused of wrongdoing — including his great-great uncle Richard Puckett. “August the 11th of 1913 is when they killed him,” Kennedy said, detailing what unfolded that day: Puckett, who could not read or write, was delivering a letter from his roommate to a young woman who turned out to be married. The woman’s husband saw the note and turned his wrath on Puckett. Puckett was taken to jail. In the decades that followed, white residents would sell photos of Puckett’s lynching at the shop and give them to Black Laurens residents, telling them, “Stay in line if you don’t want this to happen to you,” Kennedy recalled. Five Pittsburgh police officers will be fired after an internal investigation of the death of a man following police use of a stun gun on him in connection with an alleged bicycle theft last fall, officials said. Director Lee Schmidt of the city’s public safety department said Wednesday afternoon that three other officers will retain their jobs. He declined to release names of officers or details of the investigation per the collective bargaining agreement that affords each officer the opportunity to use arbitration to challenge the discipline imposed. All eight officers were suspended with pay and faced disciplinary hearings after the death of 54-year-old Jim Rogers the day after police used a stun gun on him multiple times in October in the Bloomfield neighborhood. The medical examiner in January ruled the death accidental and resulting from a lack of oxygen to the brain. Mayor Ed Gainey said, “First and foremost, my heart and my prayers go out to the Rogers family, their friends and the entire city. My hope is that today is a day when we can move one step closer to healing his family and for our city.” The Black Future Co-op Fund, Washington state’s first Black-women-led philanthropy, recently announced $1.05 million in grants to 21 Black-woman-led organizations in their second round of statewide funding. These “We See You” grants represent the commitment the Black Future Co-op Fund has to investing in Black women who have invested in the wealth, health, and well-being of Black communities for generations. “Black women have long been at the forefront of our collective liberation — strategizing, organizing, leading, and caring for our communities,” says Fund architect and State Senator T’wina Nobles. “With these grants, the Black Future Co-op Fund recognizes Black women who are champions and vital shapers of Black self-determination.” The Black Future Co-op Fund was founded on the premise that Black communities know best what they need. Each grantee will receive $50,000 in unrestricted funds as an acknowledgment of and support for their work. Grants were made barrier free, intentionally breaking down obstacles to accessing needed resources. Black people and women were more likely to be dismissed from the Maryland Army National Guard Officer Candidate School than their white and male counterparts over the last five years, according to data provided to Congress and obtained by Military.com. The data has prompted seven Democratic members of Maryland’s congressional delegation to ask the National Guard‘s inspector general to investigate bias within the Maryland National Guard. “We are concerned that there may be a systemic issue within the MDNG OCS [Maryland National Guard Officer Candidate School] and that a thorough, independent examination is necessary to identify any root causes of inconsistencies in their implementation of United States Army and National Guard policies and regulations,” Reps. Anthony Brown, Steny Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin and David Trone wrote Friday to National Guard Bureau Inspector General retired Maj. Gen. Laurie Hummel. From 2017 to 2021, 34 out of 85 Black candidates, or about 40%, were dismissed from the Maryland Army National Guard’s Officer Candidate School, which provides training to become a commissioned officer, according to a letter the Maryland National Guard sent to lawmakers in December. By comparison, 32 of 153 white candidates, or about 21%, were dismissed during that time, according to the letter. Oscar-nominated filmmaker Stanley Nelson (Showtime’s Attica) is teaming up with Jacqueline Olive (Lincoln’s Dilemma) to direct the feature documentary, The Color of Cola. The film now in production is based on Stephanie Capparell’s 2008 book, The Real Pepsi Challenge: How One Pioneering Company Broke Color Barriers in 1940s American Business. It sheds light on the experience of the all-Black sales team at Pepsi, which was the first of its kind for any major corporation—following their journey through the Jim Crow South after being tasked with tapping its African American market. The Color of Cola is being co-produced by the Los Angeles Media Fund under the leadership of co-founders Jeffrey Soros and Simon Horsman, in association with Pepsi’s in-house content studio. Viola Davis and Julius Tennon are exec producing under their JuVee Productions banner, alongside Michael Karbelnikoff and Peter Kline for Alldayeveryday, and Mark Landsman. CAA Media Finance arranged financing and will handle sales. Bob Saget allegedly said he didn’t feel well and that his hearing was “off” before performing a comedy set on the night of his death. “I did hear him say, ‘I don’t feel good but I’m ready to do the show. This is what I do this for.’ He seemed to be talking himself up,” showrunner Rosalie Cocci told Orange County police in an interview conducted after the actor’s death, according to audio obtained by Page Six. Cocci, who runs errands for talent and staff at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall in Florida, added, “He said that his hearing had been off and that was the case that night. He was asking the sound guys to turn everything up.” The showrunner further alleged that Saget said he hadn’t been feeling well the night before, and that in addition to his hearing being “off,” he had “a sore throat” and was “happy he had lozenges for the stage.” A grand jury in Brazoria County in Texas is considering evidence related to a 10th accusation of sexual misconduct against Deshaun Watson, the former Houston Texans quarterback who was traded to the Cleveland Browns just days ago, according to a lawyer for the complainant. A grand jury in Harris County, Texas, where Houston is, rejected nine criminal cases against Watson earlier this month. But a 10th criminal complaint filed with the Houston Police Department described an alleged incident outside the jurisdiction of the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. The case, in Brazoria County, south of Houston, is the last known criminal case pending against Watson. The complainant told police that Watson ejaculated on her in a November 2020 massage appointment. Her lawyer, Tony Buzbee, said he expects the grand jury to deliberate and issue a decision on Thursday or Friday. Neither the Browns nor Rusty Hardin, Watson’s lawyer, were immediately available for comment. Shahem Mclaurin knows that it is difficult for people of color to find mental health professionals who look like them. And the licensed social worker is well aware that it is one of the main reasons many people of color don’t get the care they need. So, Mclaurin is one of a growing number of Black mental health professionals who are championing the cause of representation in the field of mental health and trying to reach people who need help where they are, on TikTok. “I am a Black, queer therapist, and I want to showcase myself being fully that,” Mclaurin said. “I always say, ‘My durag is part of my uniform.’” In that durag, Mclaurin keeps it real, answering tough questions and sharing raw personal stories. According to the Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, Black Americans are more likely to report lasting feelings of emotional distress, including sadness, hopelessness and worthlessness, than white Americans. However, only one in three African Americans who need mental health care are actually getting it, which is likely due to the lack of diversity in mental health. According to the American Psychological Association, only 4 percent of psychologists in this country are Black. Five-time GRAMMY® nominated and Stellar Award-winning collective, Maverick City Music, celebrate earning their first #1 Billboard Gospel National Airplay single, “Jireh,” (Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music). “Jireh” is lifted from the 2021 album Old Church Basement, in collaboration with Elevation Worship and was written by Steven Furtick, Chandler Moore, Naomi Raine and Chris Brown. This Summer, Maverick City Music, with 16-time GRAMMY Award winning icon Kirk Franklin, have announced the largest tour of their career in support of their forthcoming collaboration album, Kingdom. Produced by Live Nation and Undivided, the 37-city tour, KINGDOM, kicks off on June 1st at FTX Arena in Miami, FL making stops across North America in Atlanta, Toronto, Nashville, Los Angeles and more before wrapping up in Denver, CO at Ball Arena on July 31st. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mC-zw0zCCtg KT Ellis makes his Blacksmoke Music Worldwide debut with Proof. This Rhythm of Gospel Award nominee has made a name for himself in quartet circles around the southern part of the United States and brings together the elements of Soul music, rich Quartet and Contemporary Gospel for a song you will love to hear again and again. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kx-8R8RidEA Groove with Carl Brister tonite. Special Guest Nestor Martinez. https://live.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=fb029947e67a57efb42b1ca96&id=fc26f4a217&e=e0b38f4f81 Over the weekend, xoNecole teamed up with Toyota USA for our Made For Me: ATL event. The two-day event took place on March 19th and 20th in honor of Women’s History Month. Attendees participated in workshops and wellness experiences that focused on the mind, body, and spirit. Special guests included astrologist Dani Simone, Christian psychologist Dr. Alduan Tartt, financial consultant, and yoga teacher Dr. Nicole Garner Scott, entertainment host Gia Peppers, and Meagan Good, who was the keynote speaker. Meagan is a veteran actress who is often admired for her beauty, style, and down-to-earth personality. But what stands out about the Harlem star is her spirituality and her connection with God. The 40-year-old actress took to the stage alongside Gia and opened up to the xoNecole audience exclusively about her faith, how she deals with rejection and how she really feels about the recent social media attention she’s been receiving since announcing her divorce from DeVon Franklin. Republicans Senators seem to be following a party strategy that is less about fitness and facts and more about grandstanding for the base. It’s one thing to disagree with and clarify points of contention with a given nominee. It Is entirely different to inject debunked claims and distortions into the confirmation process. At several points during Tuesday’s more than 12-hour confirmation hearing, Republican senators pushed an agenda clearly outside the scope of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson‘s professional background and judicial experience. People seeking to reach the highest Court in the country should be able to handle tough questions about their record, character, and other reasonable and relevant concerns. Continuing to distort the nominee’s record and experience, Republican senators echoed GOP talking points riddled with disinformation undermining the integrity of the confirmation process. As Politico reported, Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) said during a Tuesday press conference that the U.S. Supreme Court had legalized federal policies that should be left to states to decide. They’ve also spent generations being loud and demonstrably wrong in whitesplaining that the issue of state’s rights, not slavery, was the cause of the Civil War. Now, right-wingers are going to argue that Braun was hit with a “gotcha question,” but the fact is, it isn’t a “gotcha question” just because the question “gotcha.” Maybe Braun doesn’t know every piece of case law ever established off the top of his head. Maybe he wasn’t immediately familiar with Loving v. Virginia. But, in the end, he was asked a simple and direct question: “You would be okay with the Supreme Court leaving the issue of interracial marriage to the states?” And he said “yes.” Then later he essentially said, “Nah that’s not what I meant. I was just confused.” Pfizer has issued a recall for a high blood pressure medication distributed under three names, according to the company. Pfizer has issued a recall for a high blood pressure medication distributed under three names, according to the company. The recall is voluntary, and stems from the tablets containing higher levels of nitrosamines, which pose a cancer risk, although Pfizer said in a news release “there is no immediate risk to patients taking this medication.” https://youtu.be/FaY79MAzEaM In Kenosha, Wisconsin, the place where police brutality against a Black man led to protests which led to riots which led to a white killer getting away with slaughtering people with an assault rifle—the father of a 12-year-old Black girl wants prosecutors to charge an off-duty police officer who was seen on video pressing his knee into his daughter’s neck while handcuffing her after a school fight. On his Facebook page, he likened the encounter to that of George Floyd writing, “TELL ME WHATS THE DIFFERENCE LUCKILY HE AINT KILL MY BABIE.” Jerrel Perez told the Associated Press that Officer Shawn Guetschow “needs to be charged” over the March 4 incident at Lincoln Middle School. “This is a grown man we are talking about,” he said. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8ObTqyXMKM Here is an exclusive clip of this week’s episode of “Growing Up Hip Hop,” which finds Tanice receiving a message from Sakoya asking if they can sit down and talk about what previously happened (Sakoya was going to throw a drink at her). But does Tanice want to make peace with Sakoya? Hear what she has to say. https://youtu.be/dhgHEHJjZ7A Amy Schumer, Wanda Sykes and Regina Hall have been tapped to host this year’s Academy Awards, and Sykes has already warned that she may not be sober throughout the entire event. Sykes was a guest on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on Tuesday and the two discussed the pay that Oscar hosts receive. “Out of all the jobs that I have, this one is actually going to cost me money,” Sykes told Kimmel, admitting she didn’t know how much she’s earning for the hosting gig. Kimmel hosted the Oscars in 2017 and 2018 and revealed that he was paid $15,000 to host. https://youtu.be/4V2HtyWZTQM Regina King has been tapped to serve as a co-chair at this year’s Met Gala. The Academy Award-winning actress will host alongside actors Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively and Lin-Manuel Miranda. The Met Gala will take place in NYC on the first Monday in May. The event is expected to be King’s first public appearance since the death of her son in January. As reported by MadameNoire, Vogue’s Anna Wintour, fashion designer Tom Ford and Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, will continue as honorary co-chairs. Vogue announced Thursday that theme of this year’s exhibit, “In America: An Anthology of Fashion,” is the second part of “the Met’s thoughtful homage to our country’s history.” Morris Chestnut has received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The ceremony took place Wednesday morning and was streamed on the Walk of Fame’s website. Chestnut is best known for his roles in films such as “Boyz n the Hood,” “The Brothers,” “The Perfect Holiday,” “Think Like a Man,” “The Best Man” and its sequel, “The Best Man Holiday.” Most recently it was confirmed that he will reprise his “The Best Man” role in “The Best Man Wedding: The Final Chapters,” a 10-episode limited series set to stream on Peacock. Chestnut’s star is the 2,716th on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. On Wednesday, Governor Gavin Newsom unveiled his gas rebate plan, which would send California car owners up to $800 from the state to help offset record high gas prices. Registered owners would get $400 per vehicle, capped at two vehicles. Even people who own electric vehicles or others that don’t use gasoline would also qualify. On the other hand, most businesses with fleets of vehicles would not be eligible. A TikTok user has revealed that R. Kelly and her father are incarcerated together, which led to the disgraced singer reportedly serenading her over the phone. “R. Kelly did me the favor and [sang] for me because he and my dad are serving time together,” TikTok user @Jizzlezoldykk, from New York City, told The New York Post. “[It wasn’t] for any other weird reason,” she said of the moment, video of which she shared online. “And it wasn’t for money,” she added. “I got him on the phone, and I just asked him if he could sing for me,” the woman said. “He did sing for me. It wasn’t for commissary, it wasn’t for money. He’s just a really nice dude [and a] genuine guy.” Patrisse Cullors, co-founder of Black Lives Matter, released her second book earlier this year titled “Abolitionist’s Handbook: 12 Steps to Change Yourself and the World,” and she recently spoke to MADAMENOIRE on a segment of I GOT QUESTIONS about why and how we all should be abolitionists. “I’m interested in readers really being able to show up for the conversation and their lives around abolition. How do you practice it every day?” she tells the outlet. “… this word abolition or abolitionist or abolitionism or the concept of the abolitionist movement will probably make people think about the abolition of chattel slavery, the abolition of human beings being property. And that’s true. This movement, this modern-day abolitionist movement is actually a part of the legacy of the abolitionist movement to stop chattel slavery. But the problem is that we didn’t actually fully stop chattel slavery,” Cullors continued. Stacey Dash is set to make her TV return with a new reality series. Dash is to star in “A New Thing – with Stacey Dash,” which will show the actress leaving her Los Angeles home for New Hampshire to start her new life as an interior designer at Debbe Daley Designs, Deadline reports. The series from Michael Holstein and The Content Farm is currently in pre-production and is reportedly being shopped to broadcasters and streamers. “This has been a work in progress since I became clean and sober five and a half years ago,” Dash said. “Interior design has always been a personal passion and a dream of mine. This may not be easy, but it’s ‘a new thing,’ and I am excited to embark on this journey, work with top designers and inspire others to learn from their own mistakes and pursue their dreams, too.” “The first one we recorded is my favorite,” said vocalist Marsha Bartenetti about the upcoming release of the “Marsha Bartenetti Sings McNealy & Kuhns” album on Lo-Flo Records. “‘Why Does the Sky Keep Changing’ was the first song we recorded…then bam the covet pandemic. We were so happy (about recording the album) then everything shut down.” Marsha is the voice on songs written by veteran Jazz/Soul songwriters Jane McNealy and Alice Kuhns that will be released on McNealy’s record label Lo-Flo Records. The label was established in 2015 to release archive songs of the dual songwriters. McNealy and Kuhns met after Jane moved to Los Angeles, where she met then veteran Jazz musician and composer six-time Grammy Award-winning Harold Battiste, Jr. (Sonny & Cher musical director, Sam Cooke) who signed her to his publishing company At Last Publishing. Battiste, Jr. also launched AFO (All for One) Records. https://youtu.be/GLrzlK7hb3g The storm system that spawned deadly tornadoes across Texas and Louisiana this week will continue to push east Wednesday, leaving a large swath of the country under the threat of more severe weather. About 50 million people from Florida to Michigan and east to the Virginia coast are at risk of severe weather Wednesday, including the possibility of large hail, gusty winds and tornadoes. Cities in the threat area include Columbus, Ohio; Fort Wayne, Indiana; Savannah, Georgia; and Charlotte, Raleigh and Greensboro in North Carolina. The system already cut a path of destruction in Texas, where 31 tornadoes were reported Monday, including two that damaged about 1,000 homes in Williamson County, near Austin, officials said. A 73-year-old woman was killed in Grayson County, north of Dallas, when her home was destroyed in the storm, local officials said. https://youtu.be/lEXZxy1ugvY During Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson‘s Supreme Court confirmation hearing on Tuesday, Republican Sen. Ted Cruz pressed Jackson about critical race theory, an academic theory of racism’s systemic impact that has been assailed by conservatives. Not too much later in the exchange, Cruz held up books that he said were used at Georgetown Day School in Washington, D.C., where Jackson is a board member. An aide displayed posters showing enlarged pages from one of them — “Antiracist Baby” by Ibram X. Kendi — behind him. https://eurweb.com/2022/03/22/her-pause-said-it-all-breaking-down-the-jackson-cruz-exchange-watch/ The Chicago Police Department is lowering hiring standards for new recruits by dropping the college credit requirement for some candidates, as the agency like others in the country continues to face Covid-related staffing shortages and national and local reckoning that’s driven potential new police officers away from the profession. Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown announced last week that the department would waive a college-credit requirement for recruits who have two years of military or peace officer experience, or three years in corrections, social services, health care, trades, or education. Under the old policy, those candidates were required to have 60 hours of college credits. About 3,800 people took the Chicago police department’s entrance exam over the four months it was offered last year, compared to as many as 22,000 in recent years. At least two other big-city police departments have made similar moves in recent years. https://youtu.be/sJM_6ss15No The owner of an Alabama liquor store is suing the city of Decatur after he was physically assaulted by law enforcement responding to his robbery call. Kevin Penn, who is Black, called police after tapping a shoplifter inside his liquor store. He held the suspect at gunpoint while waiting for officers to arrive. According to ABC 7, surveillance video shows Penn unloading his gun and setting the gun magazine down as cops approach. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=725642861521085 Three former athletes and a former employee of U.S. Ski and Snowboard have accused former longtime head coach Peter Foley of sexual misconduct including sexual assault, unwanted kissing and touching, and coercing them into taking nude photos, according to interviews and documents obtained by ESPN. The women lodged their complaints last week with the U.S. Center for SafeSport, a watchdog organization authorized by Congress to police issues related to sexual abuse in U.S. amateur sports. SafeSport then temporarily suspended Foley on Friday, pending its investigation. On Sunday, U.S. Ski and Snowboard announced that Foley was no longer employed by the organization. “Any allegations of sexual misconduct being made against him are false,” Foley’s attorney, Howard Jacobs, told ESPN on Sunday. “Mr. Foley has not engaged in any conduct that violates the SafeSport Code, and he will cooperate with the U.S. Center for SafeSport when and if they contact him.” Foley, the head coach of the U.S. snowboard team since its inception in 1994, led the national squad to seven Olympics, including the most recent Beijing Games. His athletes, male and female, won a combined 35 Olympic medals. Pierce County, Washington, has reached a settlement agreement of more than $4 million with the family of Manuel Ellis, a Black man who was heard crying out “I can’t breathe” before he died in police custody in March 2020. The Pierce County Council formally approved the $4,010,000 settlement agreement Tuesday afternoon, the council said in a statement. “As always, litigation settlements are made with risk management principles in mind. We recognize that the family and friends of Manuel Ellis are grieving, and we hope this settlement will give them some measure of closure,” said Adam Faber, a spokesperson for the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court for the Western District of Washington, named as defendants the City of Tacoma, Pierce County, six Tacoma officers — three of whom face criminal charges — and two Pierce County sheriff’s deputies. In a blistering social media post, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, now a top Kremlin security adviser, lashed out at Poland for its support of Ukraine, reviving and escalating decades-long tensions between Moscow and Warsaw. Poland’s surprisingly spirited defense of Ukraine would prove “expensive and pointless,” Medvedev predicted, ominously adding that he was confident that Warsaw would “make the right choice” and embrace Russia again. Medvedev is a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and served a four-year placeholder presidency when Putin was facing term limits. Medvedev went on to serve as Putin’s prime minister and is now deputy chairman of the Kremlin’s security council. Putin is the chairman. Hillsong megachurch founder Brian Houston has resigned amid allegations of inappropriate behavior. Houston was the subject of two complaints, including a 2013 incident involving inappropriate texts sent to a staffer. The second incident involved a 2019 complaint regarding a hotel room encounter with an unnamed woman. Brian Houston, the founder of the Australia-based Hillsong megachurch and also one of its pastors, has resigned following the church’s revelations that he behaved inappropriately with two women. “We would like to advise you that Pastor Brian Houston has resigned as Global Senior Pastor of Hillsong Church and the board has accepted his resignation,” said the church’s board in a statement on Tuesday. In New Orleans, police have arrested Black four minors in connection with a deadly carjacking where an elderly White woman was dragged to death Monday afternoon. Superintendent Shaun Ferguson says that a 17-year-old boy, a 16-year-old girl, and two 15-year-old girls were arrested. He further added that they will be facing charges of second-degree murder in what Ferguson called a “senseless and violent incident.” The broad-daylight incident took the life of Linda Frickey, 73. The four suspects carjacked her vehicle and sped off while she was still attached to it by her seatbelt, say witnesses. https://youtu.be/gwW-DpIhi4k TikTok has become a megaphone for a lot of people all over the world. One of those people who needed that microphone to get her story out is Stephanie under the account name @inverted_yogi. Stephanie put out a series of TikTok’s blasting her husband, who is an associate pastor, for abandoning their family after the death of their daughter. Stephanie explained the situation in a TikTok that was apparently flagged for harassment and bullying but appears to be back up on her TikTok. In the original TikTok, Stephanie explains that the nurse that her husband was now in a relationship with had changed her profile picture to be one of her and Christian Gray, Stephanie’s husband. https://youtu.be/WWnNNhCQ5RM Actress Kerry Washington, who starred in Disney-owned ABC’s hit drama Scandal, is the latest celebrity to slam the company for not publicly opposing Florida‘s so-called ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill. Washington posted a statement to her social media Tuesday that she ‘does not condone the actions or inactions of Disney in this moment’ – adding that she supports Disney employees who chose to walk out this week to protest the company’s slow response to the controversy and its political donations to the legislation’s architects. ‘I wholeheartedly support the LGBTQIA+ employees, and stand with them in this walk out today. Please know that you matter. Your rights matter. Your voices matter. I encourage you all to help their voices ring louder today.’ Last week, actress Gabrielle Union also criticized Disney for its response to the bill while she was attending the ‘Cheaper by the Dozen’ premiere. Bravo has announced that “Real Housewives of Potomac” star Karen Huger is getting her own spinoff that will offer viewers a glimpse into her family’s history. The spinoff titled “The Real Housewives of Potomac: Karen’s Grande Dame Reunion” is a two-part special that centers on Huger, who is an ambassador of Surry County, her husband Ray, and daughter Rayvin at the first Wooden family reunion, per Urban Hollywood 411. In the teaser trailer, Huger reveals her ancestors were slaves and listed as “property” on official documentation. https://www.instagram.com/p/CbNh5c6ltY6/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Cinema is unique in its ability to bring together groups of people who may otherwise not commune naturally. When The Passion of The Christ hit theaters in 2004, it was a monumental success, raking in more than six-hundred-and-twenty-three million dollars worldwide. The film was the most well-made and brutal depiction of the crucifixion ever committed to film. It is regarded as the most successful faith-based film of all time for many. It does what any great piece of cinema should do; it moves and makes us think. It challenges audiences to reconcile one of the most iconic images of our culture, a bleeding, tortured man nailed to a cross with a crown of thorns atop his head. The film also inspires the imagination in the realm of miracles, celestial beings, good and evil, and the meaning of loyalty, betrayal, and forgiveness. For all these reasons and more, regardless of world view, we anticipate Mel Gibson’s next installment with curiosity, fear, love, excitement, pity, and shame; choose your emotion. According to actor Jim Caviezel who read a recent draft of the script, we’re in store for Mel Gibson’s magnum opus. The Empire Strikes Back of Christianity is apparently a masterpiece and must be seen to be believed. During a company-wide staff meeting on Monday, Walt Disney Company executives reportedly announced the company is planning to fight the state of Texas over its order to investigate transgender medical procedures on children as child abuse. In an exclusive story, The Daily Wire reported Disney’s Chief Human Resources Officer, Paul Richardson, announced the company is planning to “take action” against Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott’s order to the state’s Department of Family and Protective Services to investigate those performing some sex-change surgeries or puberty-blocking efforts on children. “Because of our presence in Texas,” Richardson reportedly said, “we want you to know that we’ve signed on to the Human Rights Campaign’s letter opposing the Texas bill that criminalizes parents who provide for their transgender children gender-affirming care.” Ben Shapiro, the editor emeritus of The Daily Wire tweeted a warning to parents on Tuesday. Ciara has joined the cast of the upcoming “The Color Purple” movie musical starring Fantasia Barrino, Danielle Brooks and Taraji P. Henson. The Grammy winner, 36, will play Nettie, the younger sister of Celie (played by Barrino), Entertainment Weekly reports. “Honored to be a part of this beautiful ensemble and historic film, The Color Purple,” Ciara tweeted following the announcement. “Truly grateful.” As reported by Variety, the forthcoming Warner Bros. movie musical is an adaptation of the Tony-winning Broadway musical from Marsha Norman, Brenda Lee, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, which was based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning epistolary novel by Alice Walker. Beyoncé is set to perform at the 2022 Academy Awards on Sunday, alongside Billie Eilish, Finneas, and the other artists nominated for Best Original Song. The music icon is nominated for “Be Alive,” which she recorded for the “King Richard” soundtrack. The project stars Will Smith as Richard Williams, the father of tennis stars Venis and Serena Williams. It’s unclear if Bey will be performing the song live from Dolby Theatre at Ovation in Hollywood, or if it will be pre-taped performance from the tennis courts where the Williams sisters used to train in Compton, Variety reports. The other Original Song nominees will also perform their nominated singles during the awards show, including Sebastián Yatra delivering “Dos Oruguitas,” Billie Eilish and Finneas performing “No Time to Die,” and Reba McEntire singing “Somehow You Do.” Van Morrison is also nominated for his song “Down To Joy” but is unable to attend the show due to his touring schedule. The new entrepreneur-focused podcast Mining Diamonds created by Steve Stoute’s UnitedMasters, has released their latest informative episode featuring A Donahue Baker & Vin Rock titled “Real Estate & Financial Development.” The podcast’s theme derives from 235 plus years of Black innovators and entrepreneurs being unrepresented and discredited in America, despite many of their contributions continuing to shape modern society. https://youtu.be/6a3W_YkLsjM Never one to hold back an opinion, Stephen A. Smith shared his thoughts on numerous topics, from James Harden partying to taking over “First Take” from Skip Bayless, during a stirring conversation on the latest episode of “The Pivot Podcast” with the show’s co-hosts and former NFL stars Ryan Clark, Channing Crowder and Fred Taylor. In a new episode debuting today at 12 p.m. ET on “The Pivot Podcast” YouTube Channel, Smith is joined by his ESPN colleague Clark, along with Crowder and Taylor, inside Smith’s home as he explained his feelings on his astronomical level of fame in the sports world. https://youtu.be/tBzQyiTPZ28 It’s no secret that Trey Songz is one of the latest male entertainers to be accused of sexual assault and according to Radar Online, his accuser is comparing him to one of his favorite artists…but it has nothing to do with singing! The alleged victim, Jauhara Jeffries, says Trey Songz “victimizes women of color, just like R. Kelly, because he knows no one will care or protect them.” If you can recall, she says Songz assaulted her after she met him at Diddy’s New Year’s Eve party. When they left to continue partying at a club, Jeffries says Songz inserted his fingers under her dress and into her vagina while she was standing on a couch. She also claims that his team has offered her $200K to change her story. However, his legal team denies her claims and says she’s upset because she was caught secretly filming Songz and was instructed to delete the video. https://www.instagram.com/theneighborhoodtalk/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=dbc319bf-ab70-4731-a0ec-21c0a1e6150d A video obtained by @tmz_tv shows the moment a guy pulls a gun out in front of Mike Tyson and while most people would be terrified at that moment, the boxing legend didn’t seem startled at all! In fact, the chaotic moment ended with a hug…It all happened at a small comedy show Tuesday night on a rooftop bar in Hollywood, and Mike was in attendance with a few friends, a source shared with TMZ. The show was reportedly interrupted by a random guy who approached Mike and attempted to chat him up, completely disrupting a comedian’s set. https://www.instagram.com/p/CbdCoyDtICR/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Tonight on CLEO TV, Chef JJ is making spicy gumbo that is full of flavor! JUST EATS WITH CHEF JJ has returned for season 4. The popular cooking show airs March 23 at 9 P.M. ET/8C. In this episode, Chef JJ cooks up some of his favorite, flavorful dishes. On the menu this week is JJ’s version of delicious gumbo and he brings it home with a miso mushroom ramen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFCcxn3mNeg LEO TV's NEW SOUL KITCHEN REMIX continues tonight, Wednesday, March 23 at 9:30 P.M. EST/8:30C on CLEO TV. Chef Jernard Wells is back with the remix, as he serves up international cuisine in the series' condensed, 30-minute format. This week, viewers will get Chef Jernard's quick BBQ snapper sandwich! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wngLVYAUy5w Jamaicans appear to be over the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, as the government is reportedly in the process of removing her as head of state. The move comes amid Prince William and Duchess Kate’s royal tour, “which palace sources have described as a “charm offensive” to win over people of the Caribbean, where the queen remains the reigning monarch of eight countries,” per Harpers Bazaar. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived in Jamaica on March 22, as part of an eight-day Caribbean tour. They were greeted by protesters who are calling for reparations for the slave trade. “Good Morning Britain” reporter Noel Phillips, who is in Jamaica covering the visit, said: “I’ve been speaking to a source within the Prime Minister’s Government who has told me that as soon as they leave, Jamaica will begin the process of removing the Queen as head of state. Erica Campbell has shared her take on Kanye West’s latest online antics that have seen him calling out everyone from his ex-wife Kim Kardashian to comedian D.L. Hughley and “Daily Show” host Trevor Noah. When a TMZ reporter asked the gospel singer her opinion on Ye’s “erratic,” social media posts, Campbell replied, “I just think if you’re trying to be like God on Sunday, then you should be like him on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday [and Saturday] as well.“ “Does that mean perfection? Not at all,” she noted. “It means your choices should be governed by what you believe. If you believe in faith and being kind and being gracious and understanding and being patient, then you have to be that way all week long.” “But you know, we all go through things. We don’t always get it right so prayers up for Kanye,” she added. https://youtu.be/sN6Eq6PcnUs Season 2 of the hilarious comedy “Millennials” is back and we caught up with some of the cast members to dish about what fans can expect. The ALLBLK series centers around the lives of four 20-something roommates and their neighbor across the hall as they navigate the chaos of being young, finding success, and finding themselves in the city of angels. In the new season, the crew is back with a new roommate, new love connections, and a fresh set of challenges as they strive to go from no money to mo’ money, per press release. https://twitter.com/i/status/1505934557274640389 Kanye West recently tapped popular Instagram blogger Jason Lee, founder of Hollywood Unlocked, to serve as his social media manager and rumor has it that Lee is to blame for the rapper getting temporarily banned on Instagram. Lee spoke about joining forces with Ye in an interview with Variety prior to the official announcement. “I think after the interview on Hollywood Unlocked, it was clear that we had an aligned vision for leveling the playing field in media,” Lee says. “Ye voiced a vision for a company he was building, and that media was an arm of that, and he felt I could be an asset.” Lee made headlines recently when he falsely reported Britain’s Queen Elizabeth was dead. West’s online antics have seen him call out everyone from his ex-wife Kim Kardashian to blogger Perez Hilton and comedian D.L. Hughley.” Producers of this year’s Grammy Awards dropped him from the lineup of performers after he referred to “Daily Show” host Trevor Noah as a “Koon-Baya” on Instagram. That post prompted IG to ban him from the platform for 24 hours for violating its policy against bullying and harassment. Megan Thee Stallion and the boss of her record label Carl Crawford continue to trade jabs amid their ongoing legal battle over her contract. As reported by Vlad TV, Crawford took to social media to clap back at the rapper’s accusation that he is addicted to prescription pills. Crawford called Megan a “bonafide alcoholic,” and warned that she should expect a new defamation complaint very soon. The 1501 Certified Entertainment CEO recently told Megan to “Stop playing the victim” amid their strained professional relationship. A countersuit has been filed in Megan’s legal battle with Crawford. In the new complaint, the label refuses to acknowledge her 2021 effort “Something for Thee Hotties” as an album and therefore wants a judge to agree that it should not be counted toward their contractual agreement, Complex reports. In a bizarre FOX Business phone interview, former US President Donald Trump says Russian President Vladimir Putin loves the “n-word.” But, not that one — nuclear weapons. While phoning into ‘Varney & Co,’ No. 45 not only alleged that current US President Joe Biden has done very little to halt fast-rising gas prices and save lives in the Russian-Ukrainian war, but also spoke on his relationship with Putin. In the conversation, Trump also advised Biden on how to stop Putin from gaining additional momentum and prevent him from accessing his nuclear weaponry. On his call, Trump said, “I listen to him constantly using the N-Word. That’s the N-Word and he’s constantly using it, the nuclear word…We say, ‘Oh, he’s a nuclear power,’ but we’re a greater nuclear power. We have the greatest submarines in the world, the most powerful machines ever built and they got built under me. The most powerful machines ever built and nobody knows where they are. [Biden] should say, ‘If you mention that word [nuclear] one more time, we’re gonna send over and we’ll be coasting back and forth, up and down your coast. You can’t let this tragedy continue. You can’t let these, these thousands of people die.” #Socialites, thoughts? https://www.instagram.com/p/CbYl9ppPJhg/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Master P is speaking out about why so many rappers die young. In a conversation with HipHopDX, P said “it’s because of the drugs and people not being held accountable.” “As a young person, we always say, ‘Oh, he’s young, but she’s young. Let them go, do. They going to figure it out.’ Everybody don’t figure it out,” Master P explained. “You either going to be a tragedy or testimony. A lot of people don’t get to be a testimony. It normally don’t work like your situation, my situation, it don’t happen that often.” The hip-hop veteran said many young rappers lack “the right leadership or the right older people around us to tell us that we wrong.” “Even the parents end up being friends. One thing I love about my parents and my grandparents, they never was my friends. When I went to them, I know that I got the real. I think that people as parents, if you got a young person that’s in Hip Hop, or just in general, in life, stop trying to cheat the game… Stop trying to just have fun with your kids,” he said. https://www.instagram.com/p/CbVUhDuls45/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Sasha and Malia Obama were spotted hiking in the Hollywood Hills on Mar. 16. In pictures obtained by the Daily Mail, the siblings are seen dressed in black fitness attire while walking along a scenic trail in Los Angeles. As reported by MadameNoire, the images damn near broke the internet, with one Twitter user commenting, “I love how Malia look like Obama if he was a babe and Sasha look like 87% Michelle, 13% Obama. Gorgeous girls them East African genes strong asf.” Another wrote, “Will always love Michelle Malia & Sasha for being black women in the public eye who took all that shit in stride, minded their business and never let the haters see them sweat. And also serving looks. Dr. Bill Winston presents The 2022 Business & Leadership Conference (BLC), a multi-day hybrid experience that will equip entrepreneurs and leaders with strategies and tools to create their own economies and dominate their industries. From March 24 - 26, 2022, attendees from all over the world will enjoy this hybrid experience of in-person and virtual networking opportunities. With many of the COVID-19 restrictions recently lifted in Chicago, more than 2,000 people have already registered to attend in person, while thousands more are expected to attend online. Byron Allen, history maker, media mogul, and founder of Allen Media Broadcasting and Entertainment Studios – the first African American owned multi-platform media studio – has been added as a featured speaker on Saturday, March 26. Mr. Allen will share how he launched his career in media, how he amassed his more than $450 million fortune, and why now is the right time to become a business owner. Fresh from his 4th Number One Radio single to hit the BDS charts comes Earnest Pugh placing a new twist on an old favorite. The award winning singer, psalmist, author, teacher and worship leader has joy in his heart and praise on his lips as he wants the world to know that God Did It. Earnest revels in the release of the song, "I can't find anyone on this planet who doesn't love the inimitable Momma Evelyn Turrentine Agee's powerful declaration. The song became extraordinarily meaningful to me as I experienced a bout with Covid-19 last year. My body was attacked with a vengeance, but God gave me victory and I felt compelled to give sound as my response to God's faithfulness, that sound was simply God Did It! I want this song to be a blessing to the body of believers everywhere that a Sovereign God will take care of you and even sustain within the midst of something that other people die from. I am ever grateful." Rapper Pusha T penned the“I’m Lovin’ It” marketing campaign for McDonald’s back in 2003 and now he’s speaking out about not getting paid for the iconic jingle. Pusha T recently shared with Rolling Stone that he and his brother Malice, Justin Timberlake and Pharrell Williams worked on the campaign together but claims he and Malice were only paid a one-time fee, and no royalties.“I am solely responsible for the ’I’m Lovin‘ It’ swag and the jingle of that company,” he shared with Rolling Stone. “That’s just real. I am the reason.” He added, “I did it at a very young age at a very young time in my career where I wasn’t asking for as much money and ownership,” Pusha told the publication. https://youtu.be/GApPXZAvkRI The Kansas City Chiefs traded six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins for five draft picks: a 2022 first-round pick (No. 29), second-round pick (No. 50) and fourth-round pick, plus fourth- and sixth-round picks in the 2023 draft on Wednesday. The Dolphins also are giving Hill a four-year, $120 million extension, including $72.2 million guaranteed and also including $52.535 million at signing, agent Drew Rosenhaus told ESPN. The deal, which is pending a physical, makes Hill the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history. The $72.2 million total becomes fully guaranteed at the start of the 2023 league year. The three-year total of the deal is $72.5 million. Malik Willis brought electric energy and a cannon of an arm to his Liberty pro day Tuesday, where all 32 NFL teams were in attendance. The Flames quarterback, who turns 23 next month, showed off deep throwing ability and quick footwork to go with precise field vision, as he appeared to impress Steelers brass. Willis, a red-shirt senior at Liberty University and a top quarterback prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft, was all smiles after hitting a 65-yard target while on the move. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Kevin Colbert, in particular, appeared to enjoy the show in viral videos. Willis opted out of running the 40-yard dash and any other testing Tuesday. After his stellar workout, Willis said he had dinner with Tomlin on Monday night. “He was eating chicken wings,” Willis said. “He’s like a normal dude.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3vpcx3Sv20 At least six people reportedly died and many more were injured after a small ferry collided with a cargo ship and sank on Sunday on the Shitalakshya River in central Bangladesh. According to reports, dozens of passengers on the packed ferry remain missing in the horrific accident that was captured on camera. As reported by TooFab, the small ferry was carrying around 50 people to Munshiganj, when it crossed the path of the gargantuan Rupshi-9. Several passengers are seen in the footage jumping from the ferry as the cargo ship forced them underwater. https://youtu.be/p2PHjj7JLoM Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson‘s writings, remarks and decisions as she wrestled with the highly sensitive issue of child pornography crimes are the focus of a new GOP line of attack on President Joe Biden’s pick for the Supreme Court. Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley zeroed in on that area of Jackson’s record, with a Wednesday night Twitter thread highlighting examples that he sensationally described as “a pattern of letting child porn offenders off the hook for their appalling crimes” — including a law review note she published as a law student, her work on the US Sentencing Commission and her approach to cases as a judge. “Every parent in America cares about child porn offenders. I do,” Hawley told CNN on Thursday. “I think everybody watching these hearings is gonna want to hear these questions asked.” https://youtu.be/mzahfYNuV60 Billy Turner was indicted in 2017 on a charge of first-degree murder related to the 2010 slaying of former NBA player Lorenzen Wright. On Monday, the Tennessee man was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. Wright, who was 34-years-old when he died, played for the Memphis Grizzlies and four other NBA teams as a forward and center over 13 seasons before retiring in 2009. His badly decomposed body was found in Memphis on July 28, 2010, 10 days after his family reported him missing. He was visiting Memphis from his home in the Atlanta area in the summer of 2010 when he disappeared. Fox News reported that the father of six was last seen on July 18, 2010, as he left the home of his ex-wife, Sherra Wright. According to an affidavit, Sherra told police she saw him leave her home carrying money and a box of drugs. She also claims to have overheard her ex-husband on the phone telling someone that he was going to “flip something for $110,000.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1506040547823259650 Mayor Eric Adams has tapped former Brooklyn Councilwoman Laurie Cumbo as his cultural affairs commissioner. Cumbo confirmed to THE CITY on Wednesday that at the time she was unclear about what her role would be. “All I have done is filled out paperwork to be onboarded in a position in the Adams administration. It has not been confirmed to me which position at this time,” she said in a phone interview last week, Patch reports. Cumbo told the outlet that she is ready to “assist in achieving the goals and positions for Mayor Eric Adams,” she said. Cumbo previously came under fire for comments made about a bill to allow non-citizens to vote in city elections. “Where do African American voters fit in?” she asked at the time, as reported by New York Daily News. “This particular legislation is going to shift the power dynamics in New York City in a major way.” In 2015, Laurie Cumbo expressed concern over what she called “blocs” of Asian residents moving into public housing in her district, as reported by Documented NY. Baby Cino, whose real name is Timothy Starks, was fatally shot multiple times after being let out on bond from the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center Wednesday. According to WSVN, “Starks was picked up in a red Nissan — still wearing an inmate wristband — that was gunned down just minutes later, the news outlet adds. The shooter reportedly began firing at least 40 shots from another vehicle as Starks’ car entered Palmetto Expressway during rush hour. The Nissan hit a wall on the ramp, and Starks suffered several gunshot wounds, including one to his head, according to the Herald. He was 20.” Stark’s friend, Dante Collins Banks was also shot and taken to a local hospital after receiving injuries to his abdomen. https://www.instagram.com/p/CbZA23grpas/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again It wouldn’t be a Senate hearing without some self-righteous histrionics and political theater from Lindsey Graham. And that is exactly what happened on the second day of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson‘s confirmation hearing Tuesday after the South Carolina Senator argued with Judiciary Chairman Dick Durbin over the release of Guantanamo Bay detainees following his line of questioning of the Supreme Court nominee. https://youtu.be/Rqd-3llo63o Horrifying footage shows the Boeing 737 jet’s final seconds after it plunged 29,100ft in around a minute and a half. The passenger jet flown by China Eastern Airlines came down in Guangxi, China, on Monday, state media said. https://youtu.be/U6pA53Vk1Fw An Alabama liquor store owner has sued after a police officer responding to a robbery call at his store punched him in the face and broke his jaw in March 2020. The Decatur Daily reports that Kevin Penn sued the city of Decatur and police officer Justin Rippen on March 11 in federal court. Penn is Black and Rippen is white. The suit alleges the incident is an example of systematic use of “excessive force” by the Decatur Police Department that the city often ignores. The lawsuit alleges Penn’s constitutional rights were violated by illegal seizure, false arrest and excessive force, seeking money damages. City Attorney Herman Marks said Thursday his department hasn’t yet received the lawsuit and declined comment. Decatur Mayor Tab Bowling said he regrets a lawsuit has been filed but referred questions to Marks. Prosecutors in California say a man and a woman accused of shooting and stabbing to death a Black Navy veteran at a gas station on March 15 committed a hate crime. Police say Justin Peoples, 30, was shot once and stabbed multiple times at a Chevron gas station in Tracy, California, shortly after 9 p.m. Christine Garner, 42, and Jeremy Jones, 49, were arrested and charged with murder the next morning. Images released by the San Joaquin County prosecutor’s office show what appear to be white supremacist tattoos on Jones’ body. Garner’s Facebook page indicates she and Jones are “in a relationship.” A third person, Christopher Dimenco, 58, was charged with accessory to murder for allegedly helping Garner and Jones “avoid or escape” arrest. Delane Gordon, a DoorDash driver, was a few hundred yards from his delivery destination when a police officer passed him, hooked a U-turn and pulled him over for speeding. On the side of the road in Collegedale, Tenn., Gordon “politely and repeatedly” asked to speak to the police officer’s supervisor, Gordon’s attorney says. But the situation escalated as the police officer demanded that Gordon get out of the car while Gordon refused, video of the March 10 incident shows. https://wapo.st/3NaF5a6 When Daye Covington visited her doctor for a routine physical last year, she expressed concern about weight gain in her belly that she said made her look seven months pregnant. But she knew she wasn’t pregnant, and she had a healthy lifestyle. An MRI revealed that she had multiple uterine fibroids — non cancerous growths in the uterus — the size of cantaloupes. “First, I was relieved to know that I was not pregnant because I was not trying to be pregnant,” she told NBC News, “and then I was scared, because I didn’t know much about fibroids.” Uterine fibroids are rarely discussed, despite being a common condition, particularly for Black women. Experts say that by age 35, about half of Black women have had them, and by age 50, 80 percent of Black women have them, compared to 70 percent of white women. Black women are also more likely to have higher fibroid growth than other racial groups. While most cases require no treatment, in some instances, they can cause weight gain, heavy periods, frequent urination or pelvic pain, and they may require surgery. When Mauise Ricard III paid a $560.43 application fee to Wells Fargo & Co. on Valentine’s Day in 2020 to refinance his mortgage on a four-bedroom brick colonial in a leafy suburb of Atlanta, he had every reason to expect an easy ride. The Microsoft Corp. engineer is married to a doctor and has a credit score north of 800, putting him in America’s credit elite. The loan officer at the bank even told him he was probably eligible for a fast-track appraisal. It didn’t take long for problems to appear. Ricard’s house—an investment property that was his home before he moved to another Atlanta suburb in 2017—is in a predominantly Black neighborhood, and in April, the loan officer emailed to say that “perhaps the area is not eligible” for a rapid valuation. By May, she was writing to say the underwriter had more questions. Soon after, Ricard was told he would have to pay a higher 4.5% rate, even though the Federal Reserve had slashed rates to historic lows. Within weeks, Wells Fargo had denied his application. “They kept moving the needle,” Ricard says. “They didn’t want to move forward for whatever reason.” Ricard wasn’t alone. Nationwide, only 47% of Black homeowners who completed a refinance application with Wells Fargo in 2020 were approved, compared with 72% of White homeowners, according to a Bloomberg News analysis of federal mortgage data. Brandon Manning and his wife were both born in the U.S. South and had been itching to return, but Manning didn’t want to go back to his native Atlanta because of the traffic, housing costs and sprawl. So, when he was offered a job teaching at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas, the couple decided to give the smaller city a chance. They weren’t alone. The largest African American population growth in pure numbers over the past decade didn’t take place in Atlanta or Houston, long identified as hubs of Black life, but rather in less congested cities with lower profiles: Fort Worth; Columbus, Ohio; Jacksonville, Florida; and Charlotte, North Carolina. Each gained between 32,000 and 40,000 new Black residents from 2010 to 2020, according to 2020 census figures. Meanwhile, Black residents left the nation’s largest cities, New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, by the tens of thousands. William Byron should not have felt comfortable as the leader with 10 laps remaining Sunday at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The leader typically has trouble controlling the race when the drivers behind him have the ability to use the aerodynamic draft to get a run from behind and a push to challenge for the lead. Bubba Wallace knew that and pretty much relinquished the lead to Byron. But the Hendrick Motorsports driver had a fast car, the drivers behind him failed to execute the move many expected, and Byron earned his third career Cup victory and first of 2022. Byron became the first winner at the newly configured Atlanta, a 1.54-mile track now designed to race like Daytona and Talladega, as the increased banking requires NASCAR to reduce horsepower to keep speeds manageable. “Captain America” star Anthony Mackie has reportedly purchased 20 acres of land in New Orleans East which he intends to use to build a new film studio. As reported by nola.com, the land is right off of the I-10 Service Road and Read Boulevard. The location will be the base for Mackie’s new production company, East Studios LLC, and he intends to buy more space nearby. The New Orleans native is a graduate of the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA), and is best known as Marvel’s The Falcon. Mackie has been tapped to star in the fourth installment of the Captain America film franchise for the studio. Mackie fans can currently catch him in the “Falcon and the Winter Soldier” series on Disney+. “Storage Wars” stars Rene and Casey Nezhoda uncovered some legendary memorabilia from an Olympic star during a Season 14 episode. According to TMZ, Rene dropped several thousand dollars on the memorabilia that he acquired eight years ago in the San Diego area. He initially planned to sell the items on eBay or to an auction house but once he made contact with the late athlete’s family, he decided to return the items to Flo Jo’s husband, Olympic gold medalist, Al Joyner. Al Joyner let two of his lockers go for auction upon Flo-Jo’s sudden 1988 death, due to suffocation in her sleep in an epileptic fit. He didn’t realize the amount of gems that were still left inside. He knew he had to reach out to Nezhoda and buy them off of him. https://youtu.be/-yp_icNCumg Rapper Theophilus London revealed over the weekend that he confronted D.L. Hughley about his recent comments regarding his friend Ye. In a recent interview with VladTV, Hughley clapped back at the artist formerly known as Kanye West (now known simply as Ye) after the rapper threatened to “hurt” the comedian for accusing the artist of stalking his ex-wife Kim Kardashian. London, who appears on Ye’s 2015 track “All Day,” hopped on his Instagram Story and posted a series of photos and clips in which he claimed he approached the comedian to directly demand that he apologize to West. https://www.instagram.com/p/CbYh8DdlpQW/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again The Rainbow PUSH Coalition and Citizenship Education Fund hosted day one of its 25th Annual Wall Street Project Economic Summit, on Monday, March 21 at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel. The Summit kicked off with the Labor & Ministers Breakfast, hosted by legendary Radio and TV Personality G. Keith Alexander, followed by the session Wall Street Project’s Impact Then and Now: Expansion and Utilization of Diversity Broker-Dealers and Asset Managers. The Wall Street Project Business Luncheon honored John W. Rogers, Jr., Chairman, Co-CEO & Chief Investment Officer, Ariel Investments, Dr. Alan Greenspan, Former Chairman, Federal Reserve System, and BNY Mellon’s Pershing who received the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion award in recognition of its Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Council. Representing the voices of diverse clients, members who bring real-time experience and collaborate with Pershing on ways to engage MBE Broker-Dealers and Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) to support their success in the marketplace. https://youtu.be/9cSC8-x3hAo Last week, Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa) announced the introduction of Assembly Bill (AB) 1655, legislation that would make Juneteenth a paid holiday in California. AB 1655 is co-authored by Assemblymember Reginald Jones-Sawyer (D-South Los Angeles) and Mia Bonta (D-Oakland). Weber, Bonta and Jones-Sawyer are all members of the California Legislative Black Caucus. “It is time that June 19th has the status it deserves in California to honor the significant contributions of Black Americans to our nation and reflect on the long struggle for freedom,” Weber said, speaking during an Assembly session Jan. 15. “By making Juneteenth an official state holiday, California would demonstrate its commitment to celebrating the emancipation of all slaves.” If the Legislature approves AB 1655 and Gov. Newsom signs it into law, it would amend current statutes to include June 19th as an official state holiday for public schools, community colleges, and California State University systems. It would also grant paid time-off to all state employees. The cause of death for Walking Dead actor Moses J Moseley could not be determined. According to documents obtained by TMZ, the investigation was unable to resolve whether the shooting was intentional or accidental. In January, Moseley’s body was found in his car. Family and friends believed something was going on. They thought he was kidnapped or murdered; however, Georgia police were investigating the incident as a possible suicide. TMZ reports, “The death certificate states Moses shot himself, but the doc also says the intent behind the fatal gunshot is unknown.” President Biden offered his condolences to the family in a letter. https://www.instagram.com/p/CbYGHYrBCGw/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again After releasing an electrifying music video supporting the new red-hot single “Bakin,” hip hop artists Desiigner, DJ Whoo Kid, and Slushii are still on a roll – and they took the late actor-comedian Bob Saget along for the musical ride a few weeks before his death. The video, shot in Los Angeles this past December, stars Saget as a master chef. He hilariously switches the word “Bakin” – the song’s title – with the word “bacon,” the food. With Desiigner squarely upfront with his smooth rap style, DJ Whoo Kid and Slushii add to the hot video with timely antics and visual energy. Scantily-clad women – one of whom is porn star Kendra Sunderland, are in the video, with co-star Sunderland standing next to Saget while his bacon sizzles. https://youtu.be/xtgt2PI7roA Last night, on his 42nd birthday, Jamal Crawford announced his retirement from the NBA. Crawford is one of eight players in NBA history to play for 20 seasons; only Vince Carter (22), Robert Parish (21) and Kevin Willis (21) had a longer career. Crawford will go down as arguably the greatest sixth man of all-time, and he’s one of just two players to win the Sixth Man of the Year award three times. He was known for creating instant offense off of the bench, and he was one of the league’s best ball-handlers — consistently coming up with new moves and wowing fans with his handles. He scored the second-most points off the bench in NBA history (trailing only Lou Williams), per StatMuse. https://youtu.be/rG_DUD-cKFE After seven years—Multi-Stellar Award Nominated Gospel Recording Artist Alexis Spight is being released from her recording contract assumed by Uncle G Promotions and Entertainment in 2015. Following Ms. Spight’s successful run on season five of BET’s Gospel Music competition “Sunday Best” in 2011, Alexis was signed to Music World Gospel in 2012 and further released to Uncle G Promotions and Entertainment in 2015. Miss Spight’s sophomore album—, executively produced by Greg “Uncle G” Lyons—“Dear Diary” debuted at the top of the Gospel Album Chart. After record breaking success with Hit singles “All The Glory” which was No. 1 on the Gospel Indicator charts for three consecutive weeks, No. 5 on Mediabase and No. 7 on the Gospel National Airplay charts and “It Will Be Alright” was a success, Alexis recognizes the hard work and dedication Uncle G Promotions put in to working her first and second albums and how that collaboration was an essential part of Alexis’ personal and professional growth after her time on Sunday Best. “I am thankful to God for the opportunity and am looking forward to all that God has in store for the future of my career. Thank you Mr. Lyons for all that you taught me. I’m so grateful for you. I wouldn’t be who I am today had it not been for all of your significant contributions. May God continue to bless you.” After a seven year anticipation, Spight is finally gearing up to get back in the studio, soon to record her comeback single. Just shy of her thirtieth birthday July of next year, Alexis is excited to catch listeners up on her growth as well as illuminate God’s faithfulness by way of expression through her highly anticipated new music. Jason Crabb, 2-time GRAMMY winner, 2018 inductee in the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and an internationally renowned male vocalist, author, actor, TV host, and musician visited Western Kentucky last week to announce his partnership with Relevant Church of Paducah and the Kentucky Dream Center. Crabb along with Pastor and NY Times best-selling author, Jentezen Franklin of Gainesville, GA, and the disaster relief group, God’s Pit Crew, made a significant donation of toys, bicycles, and household items to aid in a Christmas in July event planned for Western Kentucky families in tornado affected counties. Joel Cauley, lead pastor at Relevant Church, is planning a “Christmas in July” event this July to distribute toys to children and families affected by the tornadoes. He said there would be multiple days planned in different communities so that families did not have to travel far to get donations. “This was just an incredible response to the need,” Cauley said of the toy donations that arrived Monday. “And so now, hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of kids [are] gonna get an amazing second Christmas here in just a couple of months.” The specialty footwear and lifestyle chain, The Athlete’s Foot, (TAF) announced GRAMMY-winning gospel artist turned entrepreneur, Tasha Cobbs Leonard as the first female recipient of TAF USA’s new signature program, StAART which stands for Strategic African American Retail Track. The program was founded by TAF, in the summer of 2020 at the height of the Black Lives Matter Movement to generate awareness and promote change for one of the great disparities in the footwear industry. "Grateful is the word that comes to mind when I explore my feelings about my new venture with The Athlete's Foot. I'm grateful that I have an opportunity to be a leader and an example that black and brown girls need in order to believe they can be whatever they want to be," shares Tasha Cobbs Leonard about her next chapter as a franchise owner. The multi-award-winning singer currently owns several successful lifestyle brands and with a passion for the fashion and clothing industry, the self-professed "sneakerhead" is now taking on the footwear world. As a new franchise owner of The Athlete's Foot, Cobbs-Leonard is currently scouting locations for her store which will be located in her hometown of Greenville, S.C. and giving the city its first TAF. The family says the trailblazer of The Anointed Pace Sisters, Lashun Pace has died. The gospel singer-songwriter was 60 years old. Pace was on dialysis for five years waiting for a kidney and died of organ failure Monday morning, her sister, Lydia Pace told 11Alive’s Shiba Russell. The Atlanta native was part of the renowned sibling gospel group The Anointed Pace Sisters. Born in Atlanta’s Poole Creek community, the Grammy-nominated group made up of nine sisters first shared their family melody in church and local talent shows before rising to gospel stardom. Known for her hit songs “I Know I’ve Been Changed” and “Act Like You Know,” Pace also carved out her own career and released solo albums. A snippet of LaShun’s 1996 hit ‘Act Like You Know’ recently became a TikTok trend, which Lydia said LaShun was so excited about, encouraging her to start working on another album. The Gospel Spotlight's LaShun Pace.... http://www.gospel-spotlight.com/lashun_pace.htm Bringing something new and diverse to music is Reach Records artist WHATUPRG, whose name is synonymous with innovation and authenticity. His trademark combination of Latin rhythms, trap hip-hop, flawless lyricism, and captivating storytelling has enshrined him as an elite amongst his peers. When hip-hop artists express their faith, they're often confined to the CHH genre. RG's art is prolific, progressive, and challenges the culture in a way too eclectic way for any subgenre's limitations. His new single, "KIDZ," the first from his forthcoming album, New Hollywood, is about setting new standards. He punches over 808 drums and haunting synths while chanting the album's theme, "We don't pretend more" and "kids don't die we go up high." In this case, high means higher to God, an exalted level. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQ03T_bo3xI Will Smith continues to pick up awards for his performance in the biopic “King Richard,” in which he stars as Richard Williams, the father of tennis champs Venus and Serena Williams. During his acceptance speech for the Best Actor win at the National Board of Review gala in New York City, Smith showed some love to fellow actor Bradley Cooper. “We all have that thing in us. We have a dream, and it seems crazy, the thing that you want to do,” Smith told the attendees, according to People. “I look at Bradley Cooper. I’ve seen pictures of him when he was young — he didn’t look like this! He grew into that,” he added. “He let the dream blossom inside of him. I can’t even concentrate; he’s so beautiful.” Some might say Smith fueled gay rumors about himself by gushing over Cooper’s beauty. Later in the event, Cooper, who is said to be openly gay in Hollywood, was presenting awards to “Licorice Pizza” film’s stars and replied to Smith’s comment about his looks, saying, “I’m not gonna forget that, Will.” Kanye West has been pulled from performing at this year’s Grammys due to “concerning online behavior,” three sources close to the artist confirmed to CNN. The decision, which was first reported by The Blast, comes days after West, who now goes by Ye, was temporarily banned from Instagram after using a racial slur directed at “Daily Show” host Trevor Noah. Noah is also the host of next month’s Grammy Awards. West’s derogatory social media post was in response to Noah expressing concern over the artist’s recent treatment of his former wife Kim Kardashian and her boyfriend, “SNL” star Pete Davidson during an episode of his show last week. A source close to Noah told CNN that he had nothing to do with West’s performance being canceled and that he has not had any conversations with producers or the Recording Academy, who produces the show, about West. “Trevor never asked the Grammys to ban Kanye from performing. He was not offended by Kanye’s Instagram post and Trevor responded on Instagram. The notion that Trevor or his team asked the Grammys to ban Kanye is ridiculous,” the source said. CNN has not yet received comment from the Recording Academy and West has not commented publicly. https://youtu.be/KWvr0biy0Kw Lisa Bonet’s ex Lenny Kravitz shared a photo on Saturday of him and her current husband Jason Momoa enjoying a motorcycle ride. Ride or die. Brothers for life,” the “Fly Away” Kravitz captioned the photo. Lenny’s daughter with Bonet, actress Zoë Kravitz, commented under the photo: “Well isn’t this just adorable. love you both so much.” Bonet and Momoa are said to be working on their marriage after the “Aqua Man” star announced in a since-deleted Instagram post in January that they were separating after 17 years together. https://www.instagram.com/lennykravitz/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=cfe5c929-27f3-4119-8628-b62c89f31b79 Former rapper turned-preacher Ma$e called out Diddy in a recent Instagram post in which he shed more light about artists being mistreated under Bad Boy Records. Diddy signed Ma$e more than two decades ago and after they parted way, Ma$e claims Diddy refused to accept his $2 million dollar offer to buy back his music publishing. Diddy allegedly purchased the publishing rights for $20,000 in 1996, per Complex. Ma$e said he’s speaking out on behalf of all the Bad Boy alum who were mistreated by Diddy. “When I see the hurt and the pains of other people on Bad Boy, that motivates me to say something, so I don’t be deemed as a person who just made a bunch of money and turned a blind eye,” he said via Instagram Live. “I’m not going to be like the rest of the people around Puff that don’t tell him he’s wrong. I’m not gonna be like the ‘yes’ men around him that see him ruining people lives and never tell him he’s wrong. More people on here will tell me I’m wrong, but won’t say anything to him. They’ll judge my beliefs, they’ll judge my Christianity, and they’ll say nothing to Puff. They’ll say nothing about it’s a concert for Biggie, and Biggie own daughter couldn’t get in. They don’t say nothing about that. But all of his friends got 50 and 60 tickets. We’re done with your games.” Tammy Williams is set to become the first Black woman to own a multi-million dollar film studio in Georgia. Tammy is an entertainment industry veteran with more than 25 years of experience. She has written, developed, or produced several documentaries, network news biographies, and other film varieties. “We’ve been patient. This has not been an overnight thing, this vision for us,” Tammy said to AJC earlier this month. She added that she has wanted to build her own studio space for the past 12 years. The facility, named Cinema South Studios, will be located in Fayetteville, just a few miles from Tyler Perry Studios, which is in Atlanta. She has partnered with investor Gary Guidry to build the facility. It will cost $135 million. Guidry, who is also her business partner, said that the demand for soundstages is, “happening globally and the ownership rarely looks like us, let alone an African American woman.” “When I choose to invest, I evaluate the need of the business and the ownership,” Guidry added. “Investing in Tammy Williams and her team of professionals convinced me that buying the land in Fayetteville, GA was a sound decision with the talents of her at the helm.” https://youtu.be/LuDfLbEN4Us Will Smith recently made clear that he and wife Jada Pinkett Smith do not have an open marriage. Industry insiders and folks who claim to know the couple personally are speaking out about their Hollywood marriage. One industry source told The Post: “Look at all the A-list couples on the red carpet — who knows what goes on with them. At least with Jada and Will, there is no pretending.” “Their love is deeply rooted and it goes to the core and neither one is going anywhere,” said a Smith family source. “But just because that love is present does not mean that every need is necessarily met within the marriage. An outside experience is occasionally desired or, one would say, needed.” One insider who knows the couple told The Post: “It’s not true to say they were never monogamous to begin with — this is the evolution of a marriage.” In 2020, the couple admitted to being on a break when Jada began an “entanglement” with R&B singer August Alsina. The following year, Will told GQ that he and Jada had “given each other trust and freedom” because marriage “can’t be a prison.” He added: “Jada never believed in conventional marriage.” Will told GQ last September that he and Jada’s relationship had evolved beyond monogamy. Will Ketanji Onyika Brown Jackson Make History as the First Black Woman on the Supreme Court? The Senate confirmation hearing for Harvard law grad and DC native Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, 51 gets underway today. She is the first Black woman under consideration and has gone through the Senate confirmation process three times previously. She has served less than a year in her current role on the DC US Circuit Court of Appeals. Before that, she was a judge on DC’s federal trial court for eight years. Raised in Miami, she was also vice-chair of the US Sentencing Commission between 2010 and 2014. All three roles required Senate confirmation testimony, yet those were not as high profile as the SCOTUS position, a lifelong job. https://youtu.be/k7aupVWHM7c The “People’s Convoy” in DC was disrupted on Saturday by a lone cyclist who brought the truckers’ protest to a standstill, as seen in viral videos shared on social media. The convoy was inspired by Canada’s “Freedom Convoy” of truckers. Per Newsweek, “Hundreds of truckers and other motorists made their way to Washington D.C. earlier this month after traveling across the country to voice their frustration at COVID-19 vaccine mandates and other grievances.” The truckers are against Biden’s vaccine mandates. The D.C. protest has disrupted traffic and angered residents, including one man who responded by hopping on his bike and moving at a snail’s pace in a lane of traffic in front of the truckers. https://twitter.com/i/status/1505312396839206912 A new lawsuit filed against Google accuses the company of systemic bias against Black employees. In a lawsuit filed on Friday, April Curley, the plaintiff, alleges that the tech giant puts Black staffers in low-paying, low-level positions. According to Reuters, the lawsuit claims Google maintains a “racially biased corporate culture” that favors white men. The complaint is seeking class action-status and notes that Black employees “make up only 4.4 percent of employees and only 3 percent of leadership,” per the report. Additionally, Curley said “Google subjected Black people to a hostile work environment, often requiring them to show identification or be questioned by security at its Mountain View, California campus,” the outlet writes. https://youtu.be/ugxqbE832Jw Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas was admitted to Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, DC, on Friday evening “after experiencing flu-like symptoms,” the court’s public information office said Sunday evening. “He underwent tests, was diagnosed with an infection, and is being treated with intravenous antibiotics,” the court’s press release said. “His symptoms are abating, he is resting comfortably, and he expects to be released from the hospital in a day or two. Justice Thomas will participate in the consideration and discussion of any cases for which he is not present on the basis of the briefs, transcripts, and audio of the oral arguments,” it added. https://youtu.be/9z_KMC_X8T8 Virginian-Pilot newspaper reporter and former CNN news assistant Sierra Jenkins was among the individuals shot and killed in an early Saturday morning shooting that left one more person dead and three others injured, Norfolk, Virginia, police said. She was 25. Jenkins was leaving a downtown Norfolk restaurant, Chicho’s Pizza Backstage, when an argument started outside the establishment, followed by gunfire. Officers responded to the scene around 2 a.m. and found Jenkins and two men with life-threatening gunshot wounds. One of the men, 25-year-old Devon M. Harris, was pronounced dead on scene, and the second was transported to the hospital, police said in a news release. Jenkins was also transported to the hospital, where she later died, police said. https://eurweb.com/2022/03/20/news-reporter-sierra-jenkins-killed-in-norfolk-va-shooting-video/ This is the shocking moment a passenger plane with 132 on board nosedives vertically into a mountain at 350mph. Horrifying footage shows the Boeing 737 jet’s final seconds after it plunged 29,100ft in around minute and a half. The passenger jet flown by China Eastern Airlines came down in Guangxi, China, on Monday, state media said. https://youtu.be/U6pA53Vk1Fw Ukraine’s president on Sunday called on Israel to take a stronger stand against Russia, delivering an emotional appeal that compared Russia’s invasion of his country to the actions of Nazi Germany. In a speech to Israeli lawmakers over Zoom, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said it was time for Israel, which has emerged as a key mediator between Ukraine and Russia, to finally take sides. He said Israel should follow its Western allies by imposing sanctions and providing arms to Ukraine. “One can ask for a long time why we can’t accept weapons from you or why Israel didn’t impose sanctions against Russia, why you are not putting pressure on Russian business,” he said. “It is your choice, dear brothers and sisters.” As Coloradans celebrate Black History Month, a trailblazer among Black aviators is working to make sure more young Black Coloradans have opportunities to take to the skies. United Airlines Captain M’lis Ward, a Denver resident, said she is working with her employer to make sure those in marginalized communities can access a future in the airline industry. “In 1998 I became the first Black woman to become captain at United Airlines,” Ward said. Ward was not only the first Black woman to become a captain for United, but she was also the first Black woman captain for any commercial passenger airline in the United States. However, even nearly 25 years after she made the historic move to being a captain, there are few Black women working as pilots in the profession. Black women entrepreneurs are using their businesses as vessels to drive change within their local communities. Amongst those impactful founders is Forty Acres Fresh Market creator and CEO Elizabeth Abunaw who recently received a multi-million dollar grant from the city of Chicago to advance her business. Although Black women are the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs, when it comes to securing capital for their ventures they’re faced with barriers that stem from an unleveled playing field. Research shows they receive a mere 0.27 percent of all U.S. VC funding. Despite the odds, women like Abunaw are rising above the inequities and charting transformative paths in the realm of entrepreneurship. A Bronx mother of two who days ago told relatives she was scared of her boyfriend was found dead in her apartment, police and family members said. Bjana James, 37, was found dead in her apartment in the Bronx’s Betances Houses on Friday, with her throat slashed, according to police sources, who said James’ death will likely be investigated as a homicide. There were no signs of forced entry or robbery, an NYPD spokesman said. Family members who gathered to light candles outside James’ apartment on Saturday said she had expressed concern to a family member earlier in the week that her boyfriend was acting unusual, and possibly going to hurt her. James stopped replying to texts on Wednesday night, the relatives said. The family of James Williams, a Black man who was fatally shot without warning by a white Ohio police officer minutes into the New Year, has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the officer and the city of Canton in federal court. Williams, 46, had been firing celebratory gunfire skyward from behind a 6-foot-tall (1.8-meter-tall) privacy at his home when officer Robert Huber fired multiple rounds through the fence as smoke rose into the air. Footage from Huber’s body camera showed him shouting “Get down!” after he had shot Williams, who died at a hospital. Canton Police Chief Jack Angelo on the day of the shooting said the officer was outside his vehicle and confronted someone who began shooting a firearm. Angelo said the officer feared for his safety and fired his duty weapon at the person, striking him. Jajuan Henderson is seeking a jury trial and damages after he was allegedly ambushed, shot and ultimately paralyzed from the chest down by plainclothes police officers last month after he went to his car to get an iced tea from his car. Henderson, 29, was visiting the mother of his daughter on Centre Street in South Trenton on February 12 when a dark vehicle pulled up alongside him as he fetched the drink from his car, according to a civil suit filed by attorney Derek Demeri of Zeff Law Firm. According to the lawsuit, a group of masked men wearing dark clothes ‘jumped out of this mysterious vehicle and started yelling at [him]’ and began banging on his driver’s side window. Henderson allegedly picked up his cellphone and called the mother of his child for help – then, ‘appearing as any other group of dangerous criminals from a horror movie,’ the masked men broke his car window and shot him four times, at least once in the spinal cord. https://youtu.be/T42KfVz1Fvg R&B singer Keke Wyatt is a perfect example of a woman who has successfully pursued motherhood and a career. Her journey in parenthood, though, hasn’t always been easy. The mother of 10 is expecting her 11th child, whom she recently announced during a concert has been prenatally diagnosed with Trisomy 13, a genetic disorder that can cause severe intellectual disabilities and physical abnormalities. Wyatt, 40, tearfully sang about her unborn baby’s diagnosis during a March 13 concert.While the rhythm-and-blues singer was met with an outpouring of love from many fans, she also faced cruel comments from some Instagram users who saw the clip of her riffing as she shared the heartbreaking news, according to Us Weekly. After 14 seasons and becoming the best quarterback in franchise history, Matt Ryan is moving on from the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta traded Ryan on Monday to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for a 2022 third-round draft pick, the team announced. The Falcons moved quickly to add Ryan’s possible successor, agreeing to a two-year contract with quarterback Marcus Mariota, who is familiar with coach Arthur Smith’s offensive scheme from their time together with the Tennessee Titans. Smith and Mariota worked together in multiple capacities in the five years they were together with the Titans, including Mariota’s six games as a starter during the 2019 season. That was Smith’s first year as the Titans’ offensive coordinator. The Colts were desperate for a quarterback after they traded Carson Wentz to the Washington Commanders for third-round picks in 2022 and 2023. Ryan will be the Colts’ seventh different Week 1 starter in as many years and the fifth different starting quarterback in coach Frank Reich’s tenure. An all-new episode of TV One’s True Crime Mondays is back this Monday, March 21. FATAL ATTRACTION documents a thrilling love story gone bad at 9 p.m. ET / 8C. When a woman goes missing, police are reluctant to jump on the case because of her past. When they begin investigating the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, detectives find alarming evidence, leading to an even more disturbing crime. Find out how this story ends this Monday, March 21 at 9 p.m. ET / 8C. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6CZx85pS3A All-new episodes of TV One’s original, docu-series, UNSUNG and UNCENSORED are back this Sunday, March 20. UNSUNG leads with Grammy-award-winning singer, Thelma Houston at 9 p.m. ET/8C followed by UNCENSORED, which features hit-making producer and entrepreneur, Master P, at 10 p.m. ET/9C. Each episode will also be published on TVOne.tv and TV One’s social media platforms. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwMvE9jqpsQ With the launch of Skims swim, Kim Kardashian is officially here to revamp your vacation mood. The cult-favorite shapewear brand has expanded its empire into swim with a highly anticipated drop of bikinis, one-pieces, and sarongs. The new collection includes 19 pieces in seven colors, including the brand's signature skin and earth tones, plus seasonal hues like periwinkle and cobalt. As much as Republicans love pointing out the Democrats started the Ku Klux Klan, it is an undeniable fact that here in the 21st century (and at least half the 20th for that matter) KKK members identify strongly with today’s Republican party. KKK members are showing up at GOP campaign rallies forcing the Republican candidates they’ve taken selfies with to work themselves up into a “wait, I don’t even know buddy” frenzy. Republican lawmakers are out here defending the Klan as protectors of law and order, and former grand wizard David Duke, who has run for office multiple times as a Republican, wanted credit for basically being a white supremacist template for Donald Trump’s presidency. According to an investigation launched by CBS46, Chester Doles, 61, is a former Klan leader-turned self-described “white civil rights activist.” On March 8, Doles filed an affidavit to qualify to run for Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners District 3. CBS46 said it “received the signed document from the county when they confirmed that he qualified,” but after reporters from the network started poking around and asking local and state elections officials questions about Doles and his felony record, the Georgia Republican Party “confirmed they started looking into it after we brought it to their attention.” According to Georgia code, for a convicted felon to run for office they need two things—their civil rights restored and 10 years since their last prison stint. Doles had the latter locked down, but according to the Georgia Republican Party, his rights “were not restored in time for the qualifying deadline,” which was March 8. Members of Howard University‘s faculty have threatened to go on strike over complaints of their working conditions. During a demonstration Wednesday that saw multiple Howard professors in attendance along with students, some university faculty threatened to execute a strike starting next week if they could not reach an agreement with the university by this Friday. https://twitter.com/i/status/1504120837921820673 In Dumas, Arkansas, a heartbroken and apologetic Wallace McGhee spoke about the Saturday (03/19/22) shooting that left one person dead and 24 others – including several children, injured – said that the event was being held to promote nonviolence. He added that Delta Neighborhood Empowerment Youth Organization had been holding the “Hood-Nic” event for 16 years without any previous incident. McGhee said that the group was standing behind the community and sharing their condolences with those injured. “We the hood, the committee, and we very send our deepest, our deepest condolences to the family or the tragedy that took care of today. It was some, some shooting that happened in the day, man. And we don’t really know what happened, you know what I’m saying? But we just wanna send our prayers, all our condolences to our friends and community. We here with y’all man, the ‘Hood Nic’ is here and we apologize for all this to happen. This had never happened with us in our event ever.” Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, a groundbreaking nominee, appears before senators Monday for a seat on a Supreme Court that itself has been moving in reverse. The court has allowed Texas to ban abortions since September and appears on the cusp of obliterating a half-century of reproductive rights nationwide. It has retrenched on voting rights protection and racial remedies. And it has increasingly sided with conservative believers in disputes over the separation of church and state. Jackson’s hearings will showcase her status as the first Black woman nominated to the high court. Yet the televised sessions will also bring into national focus the trajectory of America’s highest court, now controlled by a conservative supermajority. Solidified by the 2020 succession of Amy Coney Barrett to the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s seat, the majority is likely to produce an even greater sea change in American law by the summer when its current session ends. https://youtu.be/m4vn5tGW4qE A man died after he was shot and then struck by a car and two others were wounded in an unrelated shooting at an East Oakland sideshow early Saturday morning (3-19-22). The initial call to police said that a person had been injured after being hit by a vehicle at 2:45 a.m. Saturday near 42nd Avenue and I-880, officials said. With the sideshow attracting an estimated 500-600 vehicles, delayed police from reaching the victim, they said. They found an Oakland resident with “massive trauma” to his body, police said. After taking him to a hospital, it was discovered that the man had also been shot. The AME Church has halted making payments to retired ministers on its pension plan after it unearthed possible payment irregularities. The denomination is one of the largest Black Protestant churches, having as many as 2.5 million members, according to a Wall Street Journal report. According to the same report, the church had approximately $120 million in retirement assets in 2017. The church has released a press release stating that an independent investigation agency is handling the case. It’s also working with law enforcement to investigate a possible crime. “The AME Church takes this crime severely,” read the release. “We’re additionally dedicated to creating each fund participant complete by restoring their full funding plus curiosity.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday that he is ready to sit down with Russian leader Vladimir Putin to try and end Moscow’s brutal invasion — adding that a failure to negotiate peace could result in World War III. ‘I’m ready for negotiations with him. I was ready for the last two years. And I think that without negotiations we cannot end this war,’ Zelensky told CNN’s Fareed Zakaria. Kyiv’s wartime leader said he is prepared to meet Putin in whatever format it takes to get the autocrat face-to-face on the same day the United Nations announced more than 900 civilians have been killed since the attack began. Months before Disney CEO Bob Chapek tiptoed into a roiling debate in Florida and before the legislation that opponents would call the “Don’t Say Gay” bill was even filed, Gov. Ron DeSantis delivered a threat to business leaders who got in his way. “If you are in one of these corporations, if you’re a woke CEO, you want to get involved in our legislative business, look, it’s a free country,” the Florida Republican said last June. “But understand, if you do that, I’m fighting back against you. And I’m going to make sure that people understand your business practices, and anything I don’t like about what you’re doing.” DeSantis this month made clear he wasn’t bluffing. A day after Chapek publicly condemned a controversial Florida bill that would ban classroom instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity before fourth grade, DeSantis ripped Disney in a room of supporters. He called Disney a “woke corporation” and criticized its business interests in China. Fox obtained and posted a video from the private event, and DeSantis and his staff helped spread it on social media. https://youtu.be/IunmML9Ghr4 This is the shocking moment a personal trainer flew into a fit of rage after finding his wife cheating on him with a homeless man. CCTV shows Eduardo Alves walk up to a parked car and peek through the windscreen, only to see his partner inside with another man. Enraged, he slams his fists on the glass before opening the car door and climbing inside to give the man a beating. The wife, a churchgoer, later told a friend she had received a ‘message from God’ to ‘help’ the rough sleeper. The incident took place in the neighborhood of Jardim Roriz in Brazil’s Federal District, in the early hours of March 10. https://video.dailymail.co.uk/preview/mol/2022/03/19/7671041948977286634/636x382_MP4_7671041948977286634.mp4 Fans of the 57-year-old media maven have been eagerly awaiting her return to her Fox TV hit daytime talk series The Wendy Williams Show, but the former Hot 97 personality’s health has struggled to recover since contracting a breakthrough case of COVID-19 in early September, now it appears as though Wendy’s health is on the mend. Back in February, the star became embroiled in a tough legal battle against Wells Fargo after her former financial advisor Lori Schiller told the institution that she wasn’t of “sound mind” to handle her own finances. Schiller feared the TV pioneer would become a victim of “exploitation, dementia or undue influence,” Page Six noted. The bank swiftly froze Williams assets, citing her as an “incapacitated person.” https://youtu.be/qrluEgiy45s On February 12, 2020, Jacque Hollander sat in a conference room on the third floor of an Atlanta courthouse and told prosecutors she thought James Brown had been murdered. District Attorney Paul Howard listened, took notes, and accepted a green plastic bin full of items that Hollander said were corroborating evidence. The DA said his investigators would look into her claims about Brown’s death. But it seems not much was done, according to a CNN review of internal documents released in recent weeks. Potential evidence went untested. A key witness died without being interviewed. There is no indication that anyone tried to obtain Brown’s medical records. And when the DA’s office returned Hollander’s property in a cardboard box in March 2022, she said all the most important items she’d handed over were missing, without explanation. https://youtu.be/ETNWrulIDic A Nevada father was arrested on an open murder charge after allegedly beating his 5-year-old son who later died, according to police. Gerald Oglesby, 33, was arrested Wednesday after he whipped his son (General Sema’j Oglesby) with an electrical cord and punched him in the stomach after he became frustrated with the child for “not listening to him and talking back to him,” according to an arrest report obtained by CNN affiliate KTNV. In the report, Oglesby said he knew “something was wrong” after the incident because his son “was not acting normal.” The boy began to vomit, was unable to walk properly and had trouble breathing, the report states. Oglesby attempted compressions and rescue breaths on the child but couldn’t get him to start breathing on his own, according to the report. The father said he didn’t want to call the police for help because he was worried about losing custody of his child, adding that officers “would not understand his method of discipline,” the report says. After Oglesby realized his son was dead, he texted his sister and told her that his son “had died because he had whipped him too hard,” the report noted. https://youtu.be/wQS4sSSbNpg On the First Monday in May, the Met Gala will return to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The annual event will celebrate the Costume Institute’s exhibition on American fashion, titled In America: An Anthology of Fashion. Every year, the glitzy affair—which provides the Costume Institute with its primary source of annual funding—welcomes a red carpet full of A-list actors, singers, designers, and models. At this year’s event, Regina King, Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and Lin-Manuel Miranda will host as the evening’s official co-chairs. Designer Tom Ford, head of Instagram Adam Mosseri, and Vogue’s Anna Wintour will continue their roles as the event’s honorary co-chairs. The 2022 theme and exhibition, In America: An Anthology of Fashion, is part two of the Met’s thoughtful homage to our country’s history. Part one, titled In America: A Lexicon of Fashion, opened in September last year due to the pandemic. Still on view at the Anna Wintour Costume Center, the exhibition includes pieces from American standard-bearers such as Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, and Calvin Klein. (The 2021 Met Gala was also held in September, but this year, both the exhibition and gala mark a return to their usual May calendar spots.) Later this month, more than half of the pieces in the Lexicon exhibition will be rotated out in order to include garments by designers not yet featured, as well as designers whose work appeared in the first rotation. These additions will reflect the vitality and diversity of contemporary American fashion. Seven people have been charged after an armed robbery was staged last month on the French film set of hit Netflix series ‘Lupin’. Around twenty hooded thieves attacked the film crew by launching fireworks at them, a Netflix spokesperson said. They stole more than €300,000 (£250,000; $330,000) worth of equipment during the heist, in broad daylight. None of the cast or crew who were on set – reported to include the show’s star Omar Sy – were injured. The crew were attacked while they were filming in the Nanterre district, west of central Paris, forcing production to briefly pause. Marvel’s newest ‘Captain America’ and New Orleans native Anthony Mackie has reportedly purchased 20 acres of land in New Orleans East with the intention of building a new film studio, sources tell The Times-Picayune | New Orleans Advocate. Sources close to the situation say the purchase of the land was finalized last Friday, according to land records. The land is right off of the I-10 Service Road and Read Boulevard. The negotiation has reportedly gone on for months. Mackie plans to base his new production company, East Studios LLC, at the new facility and is looking to buy more space nearby. Mackie is a graduate of the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA), and has maintained a close relationship to the city, even into his ascent into becoming a Hollywood mainstay. Perhaps best known for his role as The Falcon in the Marvel anthology films, Mackie has also had major roles in films like “The Manchurian Candidate,” “Notorious,” “Eagle Eye,” and “The Hurt Locker,” among countless other credits. Another syndicated daytime talk show is coming to an end: NBCUniversal’s veteran tabloid talker Maury, hosted and executive produced by Maury Povich. The show will end original productions at the end of this season, when Povich plans to retire. Original episodes will air through September, after which repeats of Maury will continue to air in syndication. This is the second show canceled by NBCUniversal this spring, joining Judge Jerry. Other syndicated daytime talk shows that recently got the ax include Sony TV’s The Good Dish as well as Debmar-Mercury’s Nick Cannon and The Wendy Williams Show, the latter to be replaced by a new talker, Sherri. The Maury Povich Show was launched in 1991 by Paramount Domestic Television. It shortened its name to Maury in the mid-1990s. In 1998, Studio USA took over the program. The company was subsequently acquired by NBCUniversal. The National Women’s Law Center has been blasted for dismissing critics of controversial transgender swimmer Lia Thomas as ‘misogynists.’ In a tweet published Friday, the non-profit wrote: ‘Lia Thomas deserves all the celebration for her success this season, but instead is being met with nationwide misogyny and transphobia. Lia, we need people like you. Not only as a swimmer, but to inspire women athletes—cis and trans—everywhere.’ The message also contained a link to a supportive Newsweek op-ed written by swimmer Erica Sullivan, who won silver in the 1,500 meter freestyle at Toyko 2020. Many users took issue with tweet, as Nigel Betteridge suggested that the organization ‘need to change their name…’ A parody account of twentieth century American composer Sam Barber pointed out that ‘allowing Thomas to compete against women IS misogyny. Allowing Thomas to colonize women IS misogyny.’ Another user, going by ‘Dame Squiggs’, suggested in her tweet that The National Women’s Law Center should ‘cis off.’ Warriors star Stephen Curry has been diagnosed with a sprained ligament in left foot that will sideline him indefinitely, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. X-rays on the foot returned negative Wednesday night – meaning no fracture or major damage. Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry underwent an MRI on his injured left foot following the team’s 110-88 loss to the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night. https://youtu.be/eDo0Npsz67U March Madness indicates many things. Upsets, the overuse of the term bracketology, the start of spring. But for NBA fans, it’s also a friendly reminder that the playoffs are only a stone’s throw away. At BasketballNews.com, they figured it was time to start preparing you for the game’s second season. Almost three years ago, the Toronto Raptors infamously built a wall in front of Antetokounmpo’s path to the rim. The following season, the Miami Heat reinforced this structure on their way to a 4-1 gentleman’s sweep. Last season, however, Antetokounmpo was able to overcome his postseason demons on route to an NBA championship and Finals MVP award, prompting some to wonder whether past defensive tactics were growing outdated. https://streamable.com/zh7pqo A few days ago, Mary J. Blige made a virtual appearance on E! News’ Daily Pop to share details about her latest album and the Super Bowl performance. That’s something a lot of folks and Mary’s fans are still excited about. Justin Sylvester, the show’s host, and self-proclaimed MJB fan, had something else on his mind that he wanted Miss Mary to respond to: motherhood. Here’s how he set things up. In his mind, He saw Mary as a mom with who he described as, “the cool aunty … that comes with the bags for Christmas,” the Mary he aspires to be in the future because he “ain’t havin’ no kids.” “Do you ever think you’re gonna get to the day where you’re like, ‘Damn, I maybe shoulda done it?’” Sylvester asked to open the chat. https://youtu.be/ke1DlUkrEvk Bounce TV presents a new crime thriller titled “Don’t Hang Up,” which stars Wendell Pierce (“The Wire,” “Suits”), Lauren Holly (NCIS), and Eden Cupid. Inspired by a true story, Chris Daniels (Pierce) is a college professor, husband, and father whose world is turned upside down when he receives a phone call claiming that his daughter has been kidnapped and demanding a ransom. The series of events takes him into a twisted 24-hour odyssey where he must complete several missions to save his daughter’s life while staying on the phone with the menacing kidnappers. Meanwhile, as the hours race by, the growing number of unanswered texts and calls from his wife Tracy (Holly) leads to escalating fear and even police interference – which unwittingly puts the safe return of their daughter in even greater jeopardy. https://youtu.be/ascmA20xPxU Yea, I’m an alumnus,” said Country music’ rising star Ian Flanigan about being on Team Blake Shelton on NBC’s “The Voice,” making it to third place in the 19th season. “It does feel good, it’s a great group.” Still riding high on his hit single “Grow Up” featuring Blake Shelton, Ian is currently promoting his new single “Under a Southern Sky.” Flanigan is opening act for Blake Shelton’s Ole’ Red concert series, taking place during the month of March. https://youtu.be/wHCVDAw96pM While Quinta Brunson is enjoying the success of her hit sitcom, “Abbott Elementary,” it looks like there is a previous job that she isn’t too fond of. According to Brunson, the job description was looking for someone to “Play a character for someone to call you up and have a good time” — which sounded “fun” to her. She was given the name Crystal for her persona, and was sent a picture of video vixen “Buffie the Body.” https://youtu.be/by5wL2TbNzs The Rams and Matthew Stafford have reached agreement on a four-year, $160 million extension that includes $135 million guaranteed and should allow the veteran quarterback to finish his career in Los Angeles, sources tell ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Stafford is cashing in on his spectacular debut season with the Rams after 12 seasons with the Detroit Lions, who traded the 2009 No. 1 overall pick to Los Angeles a year ago. Stafford would be 38 years old in the final season of the extension. Stafford is headed into the final year of his previous five-year, $135 million deal signed in Detroit, but he repeatedly said he had no interest in going anywhere. His new deal also is clearly calculated to allow the Rams to retain more of their championship core while adding new pieces, since Stafford almost certainly could have received more money at the top of the quarterback market. Aaron Rodgers‘ new deal with the Packers is essentially a three-year, $150 million contract. Lakers forward LeBron James climbed to second all-time on the NBA’s points list with a drive to the basket and a lay-up that earned him a standing ovation from the crowd at Capital One Arena. James, with his lay-up, had put up 21 points against the Wizards in a brilliant second quarter. At the time of his historic basket, he’s totaled 36,930 career points. It was good enough to pass Hall of Famer Karl Malone for sole possession of second place. Earlier in the quarter, he moved into a tie for second place with a 3-pointer and a hand in his face in part of a ridiculous stretch where he scored 15-straight Los Angeles points to open the frame. The last points of that stretch were the points that moved him into second place. A Dominican drug trafficker who was jealous of David Ortiz and felt disrespected by him had him shot at a Dominican nightclub in 2019, according to private investigators the Red Sox slugger hired to look into the attack that nearly killed him. The findings by former Boston police commissioner Edward Davis reported by the Boston Globe on Saturday contradict the theory of the crime developed by Dominican prosecutors. Davis told the newspaper that he identified the drug-trafficker César Peralta as having orchestrated the shooting by placing a bounty on Ortiz and sanctioning the hit squad that tried to kill him. Dominican authorities did not cooperate with the private investigation. Peralta is being held in held without bail in Puerto Rico on unrelated charges of conspiracy to import cocaine and heroin. The U.S. Treasury designated Peralta a drug kingpin in 2019 and he was extradited to the U.S. territory in December. Ortiz’s spokesperson, Joe Baerlein, told the Globe that Davis’ findings were withheld for Ortiz’s safety until Peralta was in U.S. custody. There’s another must-see Juwan Howard video from a handshake line. Howard, Michigan’s basketball coach, wrapped his arms around sobbing Tennessee star Kennedy Chandler after the No. 11 seed Wolverines upset the No. 3 Volunteers in the second round of the NCAA Tournament Saturday to advance to the Sweet 16. https://twitter.com/i/status/1505333962130227202 A 13-year-old boy drove the pickup truck involved in a fiery head-on collision in Texas that killed nine people, including six University of the Southwest golfers and their coach, a National Transportation Safety Board official said Thursday. The 13-year-old died in the wreck, along with an adult who was riding with him in the pickup. Investigators were able to identify the remains of the driver by his size, NTSB Vice Chairman Bruce Landsberg said. Preliminary information indicates the left front tire of the pickup was a spare that failed, causing the vehicle to pull hard to the left into oncoming traffic of a two-lane roadway, Landsberg said. Both vehicles were probably moving close to the posted speed limit of 75 mph, he said. In Texas, a minor can begin the classroom part of a driver education course at 14 but must be at least 15 to apply for a learner license, according to the public safety department website. A ‘depressed’ Vladimir Putin is ‘set to hold a nuclear evacuation drill’ having ‘moved his family to a ‘secret underground city’ with the Kremlin’s doomsday plan, insider sources have claimed. One source that previously said Putin is suffering from multiple and serious medical problems, and also claimed that Russian death toll in the Ukraine war was higher than even Kyiv’s estimates with over 17,000 casualties in 23 days of fighting. Putin ‘often pours his anger out on those close to him,’ the latest account said from the source – a Telegram channel supposedly linked to an ex-Kremlin intelligence insider who claims to retain close links to those in Putin’s circle. ‘He has no deep conversations with almost anyone, and limited contact even with his children – not only his [adult] daughters but also his [undisclosed] children with [Olympic gold medal winning gymnast, 38] Alina Kabaeva’. The source said that Putin shocked his top generals recently by demanding nuclear drill be undertaken, increasing fears he is preparing for a nuclear conflict. Vladimir Putin has deployed the use of deadly hypersonic missiles in Ukraine for the first time ever, as the conflict in Ukraine takes a dark turn. The Russian military says it used the Kinzhal hypersonic missile to destroy an underground ammunition depot in Delyatyn, Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast, according to local news outlet Zvezda. Details about the operation remain scarce, but Russia has previously bragged about its hypersonic weapons arsenal. Missiles such as the 3M22 Zircon are said to be so fast and able to fly so low that they evade traditional anti-missile defense systems. Such weapons are believed to have a range of around 1,000 kilometers, military.com reports. House of Representatives on Friday passed a bill banning race-based discrimination on hair, specifically textures or styles associated with a particular race or national origin such as dreadlocks, Afros and braids. The bill, known as the CROWN Act, was co-sponsored by Democratic Representatives Ilhan Omar and Ayanna Pressley, among others, who cited research showing that Black students were significantly more likely to face school detention, often for dress code violations based on their hair. “I want my two girls to grow up in a world where they know they will not be discriminated against because of their hair or the way they look,” Omar said in a press release on Friday after the vote. “Natural Black hair is often deemed ‘unprofessional’ simply because it does not conform to white beauty standards,” Representative Watson Coleman, a co-sponsor, said. “Discrimination against Black hair is discrimination against Black people.” The legislation attracted derision from some Republicans, including Representative Lauren Boebert, who referred to it as “the bad hair bill.” The CROWN Act passed with some bipartisan support in the House and will now move to the Senate, where it is sponsored by Democratic Senator Cory Booker. It will need to secure 60 votes in the evenly divided chamber to pass. A Florida high school came under fire last week for prohibiting a Black honors student from walking across the stage at his high school graduation without cutting his dreadlocks. Abeka Academy in Pensacola issued an apology on Tuesday after the student’s mother launched a Change.org petition in protest, gaining over 53,000 signatures. “Abeka Academy apologizes for the insensitive rule of ‘no dreadlocks’ in the dress and hair guidelines for our optional homeschool graduation,” the school said in a statement posted to Instagram and Facebook. “This does not reflect our desire to respect and serve the broad diversity among ABA students. Therefore, we have removed this reference from our requirements.” In screenshots shared with Black With No Chaser, Latrenda Rush revealed how the school had denied her straight-A son Jacob Rush the opportunity to participate in his graduation ceremony without removing his dreadlocks. “I noticed that Jacob’s hair does not meet the requirements for marching at graduation,” said an email from administrator Karen Northrop last week, according to a screenshot. “As a reminder, for the graduates participating in the ceremony, we ask the gentlemen to have hair tapered and may not come over the ears, eyebrows, or collar [no braids, dreadlocks, buns, or ponytails].” The “King of Staten Island” will no longer be making his first out-of-this-world appearance. “Saturday Night Live” star Pete Davidson was scheduled to fly to the edge of space next week on a rocket and capsule by Blue Origin, the private spaceflight company created by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. However, the company announced Thursday night that the flight, originally slated for Wednesday, was being rescheduled to March 29. “Pete Davidson is no longer able to join the NS-20 crew on this mission,” a company spokesperson said in a written statement. “We will announce the sixth crew member in the coming days.” Davidson, 28, had been slated to travel to space with Party America CEO Marty Allen; philanthropist and real estate mogul Marc Hagle and his wife, Sharon Hagle, the founder of the nonprofit SpaceKids Global; explorer and University of North Carolina professor Jim Kitchen; and Dr. George Nield, the president of Commercial Space Technologies and former manager of the Flight Integration Office for NASA’s space shuttle program. An aspiring Miami rapper was shot and killed just moments after he was released from jail. Baby Cino, whose real name is Timothy Starks, was released from the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center Wednesday after being arrested on a gun charge, the Miami Herald reports. Starks was picked up in a red Nissan — still wearing an inmate wristband — that was gunned down just minutes later, the news outlet adds. The shooter reportedly began firing at least 40 shots from another vehicle as Starks’ car entered Palmetto Expressway during rush hour. The Nissan hit a wall on the ramp, and Starks suffered several gunshot wounds, including one to his head, according to the Herald. He was 20. Dante Collins Banks, Starks’ friend who picked him up from jail, was also shot in the abdomen and treated at a local hospital. The identity of the shooter is not known; however, Miami-Dade Police Department detectives said, per the publication, that “a dark-colored vehicle was seen fleeing the area at a high rate of speed.” Police sources added that they are investigating to determine if the shooting is connected to previous incidents with a possible link to street gangs. Merri Dee was described by the late performer Nancy Wilson, in her 2013 memoir. with the words “trailblazing TV and radio icon,” and “girl-next-door” in Dee’s “Merri Dee: Life Lessons on Faith, Forgiveness & Grace.” Having spent 43 years in Chicago broadcasting, primarily at WGN-Ch. 9, Dee was an on-air reporter and anchor for WGN from 1972-1983 and was director of community relations until 2008, when she retired. But these are just a few of the titles for Dee, born Mary Frances. Also from her memoir: “I’ve been a bag girl in a grocery store, computer demonstrator, runway model, auto show commentator, disc jockey, newscaster, radio and TV talk show host, editorial spokesperson, mistress/master of ceremonies, broadcast administrator, AARP Illinois state president, commissioner on the Illinois Human Rights Commission, U.S. Army ambassador, successful fundraiser, adoption advocate, children’s champion and one of Chicago’s first African American females in the broadcast business.” Dee died this week at the age of 85. Her death was reported Wednesday by WGN and family members, who said she died overnight in her sleep at her home. A judge in Chicago has ruled that an attorney for Jussie Smollett might have defamed two Black brothers who testified that they participated in a fake racist and homophobic attack on the actor when she suggested they had been wearing “whiteface.” The Chicago Tribune reported that U.S. District Judge Mary Rowland’s ruling centers on comments Tina Glandian made on NBC’s “Today” show in March 2019, shortly after the Cook County State’s Attorney announced it was dropping charges accusing Smollett of lying to police about the incident two months earlier. Discussing how Smollett had told police that one of his attackers was white, Glandian said the very dark-skinned brothers might have “put makeup on” to disguise their color. Further, she criticized Chicago police for their alleged failure to investigate an online video showing one of the brothers “in whiteface doing a joke monologue with white makeup on.” Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo filed a defamation lawsuit, alleging that the comments were part of a effort to portray them as racist, homophobic and violent men who truly attacked Smollett. Kanye West will not be performing at the Grammys this year. The move by the folks who run the show was because of what insiders are calling YE’s “concerning online behavior.” Sources close to West and his team and his team say he received a phone call Friday evening, informing him he has been pulled from the line-up of performers for the show, reports The Blast. The Grammy situation spread to other artists, including rapper The Game, who defended Kanye West on his social media. “Time & time again they show us that they only want to STEAL the culture, not allow you to ever be their equals. In a more than obvious move for reasons of minuscule actions…. The Grammys have at the last minute decided to pull (Kanye West) from performing on the show as if we didn’t know it was coming,” Game wrote. He continued, “Could be because (Trevor Noah) is hosting and there was a conversation held amongst his team & the academy that led to the decision or because Ye’s account was suspended just days ago for reasons unknown, especially in a world where all the negativities of the world can be found on the same app with no repercussions or suspensions…. We’ll just say it’s all of the above & a continuous disrespect for us & all that we have brought to the table in entertainment, media & sports over the last 100 years especially.” Former President Donald Trump, RayJ, and Kodak Black were under one roof as they attended dinner Thursday evening at Donald’s Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida. The dinner was a fundraiser for Vernon Jones. According to @PageSix, Ray brought Kodak as his plus one and introduced the two after Trump issued him a commutation in the final hours of his presidency in 2020! Ray spoke to Page Six, stating, “It was the right thing to do. Trump pardoned him.” Other attendees included #RudyGiuliani, Pastor #DarrellScott, and former NYPD Commissioner #BernardKerik. Ray's take on politics, ” I support many of the policies and positions of Vernon Jones, President Trump, and others who are committed and fighting for the soul of America. Every child should have a right to attend a performing school and receive a quality education.” He continued stating, “The middle class want and need good jobs with fair wages. Starting a small business is part of the American dream. Education and economics are non-partisan and go hand in hand. I support individuals who fight for these causes.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CbQ534EJPaZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again It is been a decade since the tragic death of Whitney Houston, and CBS is out to put in an hour-long special in commemoration. Houston accidentally drowned in the bathtub of her Beverly Hills hotel room. The toxicology reports pointed to her multiple drug use. The special titled “Whitney, A Look Back” will air on CBS on Saturday, April 2 at 8 p.m. ET/PT to mark the 10th anniversary. It is produced by Entertainment Tonight and contains footage from ET’s own vault. It will also livestream on Paramount+ but via an on-demand basis. Erin Johnson is the Executive Producer, while Leslie Kawaguchi and Whitney Wallace serve as Co-Executive Producers. https://youtu.be/6J538b-OLRU The legendary Denzel Washington joins us for the Season 4 premiere to talk about his latest project “The Tragedy of Macbeth,” growing up in Mount Vernon, controversial pizza toppings, his late mother (and her appreciation for Billy Dee Williams), coming up in the theater, and always keeping “an attitude of gratitude.” https://youtu.be/eCt8dF2temY The Cleveland Browns have agreed to trade for Houston Texans‘ quarterback Deshaun Watson, according to ESPN and NFL.com. Watson posted an edited picture of himself in a Browns uniform on Instagram Friday with a caption saying, “Cleveland, LETSSSS GOOOO!! #DawgPound Ready To Work!” Last week, a Harris County grand jury declined to charge Watson over allegations of harassment and sexual misconduct. Watson still faces 22 civil lawsuits, many of them alleging sexual assault and misconduct. The NFL is also investigating the accusations and if Watson is found to have violated league rules, he likely would be suspended. https://youtu.be/p46vDvSgmoQ New York Times best-selling author Carl Weber is taking “The Black Hamptons” to BET. Based on Weber’s novel of the same name, the new four-part original limited series takes place in the town of Sag Harbor, Long Island, NY, also known as “The Black Hamptons.” As reported by BET, the star-studded cast includes Lamman Rucker, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Elise Neal, Brian White, Karon Riley, Mike Merrill, Blac Chyna, Aaron Spears, Daya Vaidya, Cameo Sherrell, Franklin Ojeda Smith, Jordan Smith, Jennifer Freeman, David Andrews, and more. The story follows the brewing feud between old money families the ‘Brittons’ and the ‘Johnsons,’ per the report. Rapper/actress Eve took to social media on Friday to share a rare video of her newborn son Wilde Wolf, with husband Maximillion Cooper. The couple welcomed their first child together last month, and the new footage shows her craddlign her sleeping newborn on her chest. “Wilde, my precious baby,” she says in the clip. “This is heaven. This is heaven right here.” Eve and Cooper welcomed their son Feb. 1. https://twitter.com/i/status/1504843794163843078 Pixar’s forthcoming Toy Story prequel Lightyear has decided to put a same-sex kiss back in following an internal backlash to Disney’s handling of Florida’s controversial “Don’t Say Gay” bill. The movie, which is out June 17, features Chris Evans as the voice of the character Buzz Lightyear. One of Buzz’s colleagues on his mission is a character named Hawthorne, voiced by Uzo Aduba. It was stated that Hawthorne is in “a meaningful relationship with another woman.” While that was always a part of the story, a kiss shared by the couple had been cut from the film. Now that came to a head in recent weeks as the company was revealed to be funding government officials who supported Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill which is soon expected to be signed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. The legislation would limit what teachers can say about gender and sexuality in the classroom. It was said that the company ignored those allegations until its own Pixar employees called them out! They claimed that Disney execs cut “nearly every moment of overtly gay affection… regardless of when there is a protest from both the creative teams and executive leadership at Pixar.” The bold move forced CEO Bob Chapek to acknowledge the controversy and, finally, put an end to the political funding. The letter clearly worked as the kiss to Disney’s upcoming summer blockbuster was also restored, Variety reports. The Queen of Basketball, a best documentary short Oscar nominee, received some good news on Wednesday, a week ahead of the start of final voting for the Oscars, The Hollywood Reporter has learned: Stephen Curry, the NBA star, has joined Shaquille O’Neal, the retired NBA legend, as an executive producer of Ben Proudfoot’s New York Times Op-Docs film about Lusia ‘Lucy’ Harris, a trailblazing women’s basketball player who died in January. “We’re honored to join the talented team behind The Queen of Basketball and play a role in uplifting the story of the trailblazing Lucy Harris,” Curry and Erick Peyton, co-founders of Unanimous Media, said in a statement. “Lucy, a true pioneer in the game of basketball and an inspiration for many, deserves to be recognized for her achievements. Through this compelling short subject documentary, her legacy will continue to live on and impact audiences all over the world.” Added O’Neal: “Stephen Curry is one of the NBA’s most iconic players whose voice speaks volumes on and off the court. I’m thrilled to have him join the team to help immortalize Lusia Harris, aka ‘The Queen of Basketball.’” https://youtu.be/vPFkcoTfr7g SNL's Chris Redd may be treading lightly around the volatile situation involving cast member Pete Davidson and Kanye West, but Davidson’s “SNL” castmate Chris Redd has some jokes ready when the time is right. “I think Pete’s handling it well and you know, he’s starting to talk again, and he is handling that well,” Redd, who has impersonated West on the sketch comedy show, told Sirius XM’s The Jess Cagle Show this week. “So, I think these jokes gonna start flying soon.” Davidson is currently dating West’s ex-wife, Kiim Kardashian. In recent alleged text exchanges between West and Davidson, posted to Instagram by Davidson’s longtime friend and comedian Dave Sirus, Davidson stated that he was the driving force behind “SNL’s” decision to avoid jokes aimed at West. “You have no idea how nice I’ve been to you despite your actions towards me,” Davidson’s text read. “I’ve stopped ‘SNL’ from talking about or making fun of you which they’ve wanted to do for months. I’ve stopped stand up comedians from doing bits about you cause I don’t want the father of my girls kids to look bad out there.” Redd added that some angles of the conflict are, however, off-limits. Steve Harvey has issued a warning to Kanye West after the rapper said he “can afford to hurt” D.L. Hughley. Kanye’s threats came after Hughley called him a stalker in a recent interview with VladTV. “He’s stalking her,” Hughley said of West’s antics amid his divorce from Kim Kardashian. “You can think it’s cute. If it was my daughter, I’d do something about it. I don’t think it’s funny… If you want your family back, stop doing the shit you did that made her leave.” Ye responded in a post on social media, saying “…DL Hughley is a pawn Yeah I know a king not supposed to address a pawn but I address everything and find addresses DL So don’t speak on me or my children I can afford to hurt u.” He also uploaded a video of Hughley passing out onstage in 2020 amid his battle with COVID-19. “We gone stop letting practicing drug addicts be used by leftist to Willie Lynch our Future Black people with our own opinion are not allowed to speak in public,” the hip-hip star captioned the clip. “I am the glitch DL God does not like you You have no favor Your family hates you I would hate to be related to somebody who used to be famous Now you just known as a broke pawn at least Oprah got billions ‘allegedly’ Come on leftist Y’all gotta do better than DL This Ye Bring the real smoke baby.” During a new episode of the “Steve Harvey Morning Show,” the host defended his fellow comedian by issuing his own threat to Kanye. “Pull up, it ain’t what you want. If y’all do get to scrapping, all my cash on D.L., cause you have no idea. You been a lil politically, socially conscious rapper—we from a ass-whoopin’ era. … We from a whole ’nother era,” Harvey, 65, said. https://www.instagram.com/p/CbNNGSgg5_k/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again A woman who was shot and killed after a dispute at an #Atlanta bowling alley was the mother of one of Young Thug’s children. The Atlanta Police Department responded to #MetroFunCenter last night after receiving a report that a 31-year-old woman had been shot. When authorities arrived, they found #LaKeviaJackson dead from multiple gunshot wounds. Cops said Jackson was involved in a dispute inside the venue over a bowling ball which eventually escalated to gunfire in the parking lot. Jackson’s mother confirmed her death to a local reporter, saying LaKevia was at the bowling alley to celebrate a friend’s birthday when the dispute started. She also said the alleged shooter waited in the parking lot for at least 20 minutes to confront the woman again as she left the celebration. https://www.instagram.com/p/CbQaR2RNGbs/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Some people with pain, anxiety or depression who obtain medical marijuana cards may overuse marijuana within a short time frame, leading to cannabis use disorder while failing to improve their symptoms, a new study found. Cannabis use disorder, also known as marijuana use disorder, is associated with dependence on the use of weed. People are considered dependent on weed when they feel food cravings or have a lack of appetite, irritability, restlessness, and mood and sleep difficulties after quitting, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Heavy use of marijuana by teens and young adults with mood disorders — such as depression and bipolar disorder — was linked to an increased risk of self-harm, suicide attempts and death, according to an earlier study published in 2021. A collection of letters from Black Americans to their former enslavers provide a rare firsthand glimpse into the lives of enslaved men and women and the people who controlled their lives. The letters were published by The Washington Post, with the spelling standardized and paragraph breaks added for readability, the outlet noted. Per the publication, “Three of these five letters were written by formerly enslaved people directly to their onetime enslavers.” One was written by famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass, and another was written by an enslaved woman searching for her daughter. Lincoln was never a slaveholder, but as president during the Civil War, he held the fate and freedom of millions of Black Americans in his hands. As such, he received hundreds of letters from Black Americans, both free and enslaved, many of which are collected in a new book. When Lincoln issued his Emancipation Proclamation, he did not free enslaved people in slave states that remained in the Union, like Maryland, where Annie Davis was held. Belair, Aug. 25th, 1864 Mr. President, It is my Desire to be free. To go to see my people on the Eastern Shore. My mistress won’t let me. You will please let me know if we are free and what I can do. I write to you for advice. Please send me word this week, or as soon as possible, and obliged. Annie Davis Belair, Harford County, MD. There is no evidence Lincoln responded. However, the state of Maryland ended slavery months later, a move the president had urged. The board of directors of Hillsong, the global megachurch and music empire co-founded by Australian pastor Brian Houston, released a statement Friday (March 18) addressing two complaints about Houston, including an accusation that the married pastor had spent time alone in a hotel room with a woman in 2019. In the statement, which came as the story was breaking in the Australian press, said the Hillsong board has been “dealing with two complaints made against Pastor Brian over the last 10 years,” and said each was investigated by a board member, or “a body appointed by the global board,” and dealt with confidentiality. The other complaint related to an accusation that Houston had flirted with a staff member over text message a decade ago. Prior to the statement being released, Hillsong reportedly held a video meeting with 800 Hillsong staffers around the world in which interim senior pastor Phil Dooley, who is leading the church while Houston is on leave due to ongoing legal troubles, discussed the complaints for the first time with the church at large. Dooley explained the texts, according to Australia’s ABC News, as being to the effect of, “‘If I was with you, I’d like to kiss and cuddle you,’ words of that nature.” A Chinese aircraft carrier sailed through the sensitive Taiwan Strait on Friday, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said, just hours before the Chinese and U.S. presidents were due to talk. China claims democratically ruled Taiwan as its own territory, and has over the past two years stepped up its military activity near the island to assert its sovereignty claims, alarming Taipei and Washington. A source with direct knowledge of the matter, who was not authorized to speak to the media and spoke on condition of anonymity, told Reuters the carrier Shandong sailed close to the Taiwan-controlled island of Kinmen, which sits directly opposite the Chinese city of Xiamen. “Around 10:30 a.m. the CV-17 appeared around 30 nautical miles to the southwest of Kinmen, and was photographed by a passenger on a civilian flight,” the source said, referring to the Shandong’s official service number. The USS Ralph Johnson, an Arleigh Burke guided missile destroyer, shadowed the carrier at least partly on its route. The Shandong did not have aircraft on its deck and sailed north through the strait, the source added. Taiwan also sent warships to keep an eye on the situation, the source said. Jussie Smollett’s release from jail on Wednesday night has spawned a wave of disbelief, outrage and mockery of the entire case against Empire actor, with many considering it the latest episode in a long-running farce that began when he falsely claimed he’d been beaten up. Smollett was convicted of five counts of felony disorderly conduct in December after a jury found he did lie to police in January 2019 and repeatedly since then by claiming he was attacked up by two white, homophobic Trump supporters in January 2019. In reality, the men were two black brothers who say Smollett paid them to carry it out in an attempt to raise his celebrity profile. Justin Bieber shared with fans during his latest “Justice” tour stop how his wife, Hailey Baldwin, is doing after her recent health scare. “Most of you probably know or have seen the news about my wife … but she’s OK, she’s good, she’s strong,” the “Peaches” singer, 28, said during a vulnerable moment at his concert in Denver Wednesday night, which he later posted on Instagram. “But it’s been scary, you know, it’s been really scary,” he added. “But I know for a fact that God has her in the palms of His hands, and that’s a good thing.” Baldwin, 25, revealed on her Instagram Story last Saturday that she had been hospitalized after suffering a medical emergency that included “stroke like symptoms.” “They found I had suffered a very small blood clot to my brain, which caused a small lack of oxygen, but my body had passed it on its own and I recovered completely within a few hours,” she wrote. A black child was subjected by police to a strip search at her London school that involved exposure of intimate body parts, according to an official investigation which found racism was likely to have been an “influencing factor” in the officers’ actions. No appropriate adult was present during the 15-year-old girl’s ordeal, described by a senior local authority figure as “humiliating, traumatizing and utterly shocking” and which took place without parental consent and in the knowledge that she was menstruating. Details of her treatment in her secondary school’s medical room have emerged in a child safeguarding review initiated by Hackney council after the incident in December 2020. The child was made to bend over, spread her legs and use her hands to spread her buttocks while coughing, and she is now in therapy and self-harming, according to family members’ statements to the inquiry. The damning report said: “Having considered the context of the incident, the views of those engaged in the review and the impact felt by Child Q and her family, racism (whether deliberate or not) was likely to have been an influencing factor in the decision to undertake a strip search.” Parenting is hard for everyone, and for people of color, the challenge of raising children can also stir up racial trauma that goes back generations. When Yolanda Williams got pregnant at 36, she was confronted with a host of emotions. She never really wanted children — partly because of how she felt when she was a child. “I didn’t like children and I didn’t want to be around them, and I realized, it wasn’t until after I had my daughter Gia, I realized that was because of how I was raised,” she says. “I felt like I was a burden. And so I saw children as burdens. I didn’t see them as the wonderful teachers that they are, that now I can see them as.” While pregnant, Williams went through all sorts of emotions and began a journey of studying up on childhood development and getting to the bottom of her own childhood trauma. https://youtu.be/BDWocIBc26s A white high-schooler has been charged with a hate crime after being caught on video throwing cotton balls at a Black student and whipping him with his belt, authorities said Wednesday. The 15-year-old freshman at Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma was arrested Tuesday on battery and hate crime charges after authorities reviewed a recording showing what happened inside the cafeteria on March 9. The video shows the white student walking up behind a Black student sitting in the crowded lunchroom. He throws a handful of cotton balls at him, and then whips him repeatedly with his belt until the Black student stands and pushes him, news outlets reported. “I’m very pleased that the school took a front stand on this,” Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Tim Soignet said in a news release. “When we received the complaint, we immediately put our detectives on it. They worked through the weekend so we could get to this point,” Soignet said. “My officers did a good job handling it and working with the school to get this case to where it is now.” News outlets reported that the victim is one of only a few Black students at the school. Authorities didn’t identify the students, and it wasn’t clear if the arrested teen has a lawyer who could speak for him. The FBI once again called attention to the case of Jelani Day, reminding the public on Thursday of a $10,000 reward for information related to the Illinois State University graduate student’s death. Day, 25, was reported missing on Aug. 25 after he failed to return messages from his professor and family. His car was located a day later, and his body was found Sept. 4 floating in the Illinois River in Peru. The LaSalle County coroner identified the body as Day’s weeks later. His case went national following media coverage of Gabby Petito, 22, the subject of global attention after she was reported missing Sept. 11 and found dead eight days later. Critics noted that missing people of color often don’t get the same kind of media attention. Authorities said Day was last seen the morning of Aug. 24 at Beyond/Hello, a cannabis dispensary in Bloomington. Surveillance video showed Day wearing a Jimi Hendrix T-shirt, a Detroit Lions baseball hat, light-colored shorts, and black shoes at the dispensary. His clothing was found in his car, police said. The FBI initially announced the $10,000 reward in December. It was a part of a nationwide, multiplatform social media campaign through the Jelani Day Joint Task Force to seek new leads “regarding Day’s final hours leading to the identification of new witnesses or evidence in this case.” Tennessee Comptroller Jason Mumpower said Tuesday that he will be taking control of the finances of Mason, Tenn. a majority Black town of about 1,500 people located within five miles of the future site Blue Oval City, the Ford electric truck and battery plant that represents one of the largest manufacturing investments in the state’s history. “I’m sad for the taxpayers of Mason,” he said. “We will be working hard to step in and get their finances in shape.” The Comptroller’s move comes over the objections of Mason’s elected officials, who have been fighting to maintain control over their town since Mumpower issued an ultimatum last month: either cede control of Mason’s 153-year-old charter or face a financial takeover by the state. Relinquishing its charter would have placed the majority Black, majority Democrat town under control of largely White and Republican-led Tipton County. On Monday night, the town’s Board of Aldermen, in an emergency meeting, passed a resolution to keep their charter, Vice Mayor Virginia Rivers said Tuesday. It was that decision that the Comptroller said led him to act. Mumpower’s staff will likely finalize their takeover plans by the end of the week. She's back! Erica Campbell drops "Positive." This song is in The Gospel Spotlight!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XBGhhdEuzA The stage is being set for the biggest night in Gospel Quartet music. The inaugural Quartet Music Awards (The QMAs) will take place on Saturday, June 18 at Center Stage Theater, 1374 West Peachtree Street in Atlanta, GA. The ceremony will be a history-making night of electrifying performances and memorable moments. The QMAs will showcase the rich legacy the genre of Quartet has contributed to the landscape of Gospel, Soul, Blues, Rock, and R&B music. The award show will be hosted by 'the hottest host on the east coast' Justin Rufus and The Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones. The Quartet Music Awards is the vision of D. Chubbs Morton. Morton is a songwriter, musician, and front-man for the popular group D. Morton and Gifted. The QMAs will not only recognize today's most talented Quartet artists, groups, and rising stars but will honor the icons and legends who have helped lay the footprint and have kept the genre thriving. The first class of QMA Honors (living and posthumous) will be presented to the late Lee Williams (Lee Williams and The Spiritual QC's), Tiffanie Tutu Agee (The Truthetts), George Dean (The Gospel 4), Evelyn Turrentine-Agee, Harvey Watkins, Jr. (The Canton Spirituals), the late Cleve Graham (The Pilgrim Jubilees), Spencer Taylor (The Highway QC's) and the late Percy Griffin (The Swannie Quintet). Your Girls, Adriann, Ashley, Aundrea, and Kanika are back with a BANG! The 2x Stellar Award winners have managed life, marriage, school, and children to reunite to share with you their new music ?“He’ll Be There!” Here is another song in The Gospel Spotlight!!! https://gospelairplaynow.disco.ac/playlist-new/6963671?date=20210324&user_id=668306&signature=0gOlHR-Zbw8CtpInlsXQq6Omk-4%3Ae9gjy6Yg US basketball star Brittney Griner‘s legal team has seen her several times a week throughout her detention in Russia and they reported that she is well, a source close to the situation told CNN Thursday. News of Griner’s condition comes after a Moscow court announced it extended the arrest of Griner until May 19, according to Russian state news agency TASS. “The court granted the request of the investigation and extended the period of detention of the US citizen Griner until May 19,” the court said, per TASS. The source added that the Russian investigation is ongoing, and a trial date has not been set. According to Russian authorities, the two-time Olympic gold medalist was arrested on allegations of drug smuggling significant amounts of narcotic substance at a Moscow airport. US Rep. Colin Allred of Texas said she was arrested on February 17. https://youtu.be/FD6uXV8V6rM Moderna announced Thursday that it’s asked the US Food and Drug Administration for authorization for a second Covid-19 booster shot for everyone 18 and older. Moderna is seeking an amendment of the FDA’s emergency use authorization for its Covid-19 vaccine to allow a fourth vaccine dose for any adults who’ve gotten an initial booster of any of the authorized or approved vaccines. “The request to include adults over 18 years of age was made to provide flexibility for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and healthcare providers to determine the appropriate use of an additional booster dose of mRNA-1273, including for those at higher risk of COVID-19 due to age or comorbidities,” the company said in a news release. “This submission is based in part on recently published data generated in the United States and Israel following the emergence of Omicron.” https://youtu.be/hhJx2oymsZ8 An employee with the Walt Disney Company has filed a $20 million dollar lawsuit against the Los Angeles Police Department for racial profiling. According to legal documents obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, Ernest Simon Jr., who is Black, was working on a location shoot for “Grey’s Anatomy” in Tarzana, California as a driver for the series’ production crew. Simon claims he was stopped by police on suspicion of stealing the Ford van he was driving. The involved officers reportedly mistakenly matched the plates of the van with a BMW sedan that was reported missing. Kanye West is set to headline the 2022 Coachella music festival but a petition has been launched calling for organizers to drop him from the lineup. The new Change.org petition says organizers “should be ashamed of themselves” for giving West “a platform” amid his latest rants toward his ex-wife, Kim Kardashian, and her alleged new boyfriend, Pete Davidson. “We have watched Kanye harass, manipulate, and hurt Kim, Pete, and others for over a year now,” reads the petition, which has amassed more than 5000 signatures by Friday morning. “No one seems to want to stand up to him, and the ones that do, he puts under fire as well. This is ridiculous that he is allowed to freely do this." Former US Attorney General Loretta Lynch has been hired by the NFL to help defend it against a major class-action lawsuit. We reported earlier that the case, brought by ex-Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores, has him suing the league for racial discrimination after being overlooked for job openings. There are only 2 Black head coaches in the NFL which is made up of 32 teams and 70 percent of the players are Black. When news broke that the NFL had hired Lynch, HBCU Pride Nation posted on Instagram Feb. 17: “This feels like betrayal and we don’t understand why she would take on this case.” Lynch, 62, is a Harvard grad and the first Black Female Attorney General in US history. She was appointed by former President Barack Obama. https://youtu.be/PluS6codECM Boosie Badazz posted a video on Instagram Thursday in which he defends using a magnifying glass to examine women’s genitalia with his 18-year-old son. This incident reportedly occurred during a pay-per-view event hosted by Boosie. In select footage shared online, the rapper can be heard the video, saying, “Look at the p*ssy, son. Look at that pearl. Her f*cking turtlehead is sticking out.” Boosie moves on to another woman: “Let me see your p*ssy. Let me see this muthaf*cka.” The clip has infuriated many who have shared their criticism of his parenting style on social media. Boosie hopped on social media and responded to the outrage by asking online users, “if it’s wrong for his son to look at a woman’s private part, what is the right thing for him to look at.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CbN4a65JX4R/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Rihanna is opening up about impending motherhood as she enters her third trimester. The singer is expecting her first child with rapper A$AP Rocky, and in a new interview with ELLE, RiRi noted that she is a fan of “The Real Housewives franchise,” so her parenting style will be similar to that of series star Teresa Giudice. “Teresa from Jersey does not play about her kids. She will flatten you about those kids. And that resonates with me a lot because I feel like that’s the type of mom I’m going to be,” Rihanna told the outlet. “Psycho about it.” Meanwhile, a source told PEOPLE that Rihanna is “excited to be a mom” and “couldn’t be happier.” Everybody’s favorite funkateer, George Clinton, is being honored in his native New Jersey this week as he celebrates his 80th birthday. As an example, the town of Plainfield, where Clinton worked for many years, is renaming Passaic Street after the music legend. A bronze plaque was being erected where the Silk Palace barbershop once stood and Clinton formed the Parliaments. For those not up on their music history, George and the crew started as doo-wop and evolved into Parliaments Funkadelic, incorporating funk, R&B, Gospel, rock, and more, with outlandish fashion and fantastic stage props like the Mothership. https://eurweb.com/2022/03/17/new-jersey-honors-george-clinton-80th-bday/ Tamron opened up today’s show with a message of encouragement and healing for Wendy Williams in the wake of her ongoing health issues on the heels of T.J. Holmes’ interview with Williams on this morning’s “Good Morning America.” Later in the Thursday, March 17 edition of “Tamron Hall,” Oscar nominee Aunjanue Ellis sat down with Tamron to discuss her critically acclaimed role in “King Richard.” Set to star in AMC’s upcoming drama “61st Street” opposite Courtney B. Vance, Ellis opened up about her journey to becoming an actress after growing up in a small town in Mississippi, and why she made it her mission to bring Oracene Williams’ story to life. Also on today’s show, Hall took a dance break with renowned dancers and siblings Julianne and Derek Hough, who taught Tamron how to salsa. https://youtu.be/fGTWEEph9yM An exclusive clip of this week’s all new episode of WE tv’s “Love After Lockup,” which finds Tiffany calling Kevin to tell him her getting out has been postponed due to hooking up with another inmate. https://youtu.be/SJSN6F6sYFw Following months of reports and rumors about her mental and physical well-being, Wendy Williams is speaking out to set the record straight and to share when she will be returning to her show. Wendy began her exclusive phone interview with @goodmorningamerica letting her fans know that she is doing very well after her health struggles kept her from returning to her show for a 13th season. “Health is very well. And I’ve actually had a few appointments. You know, I’m 57 now. And I have the mind and body of a 25-year-old.” Wendy, who has been battling Graves’ disease went on to talk about her big problem with Wells Fargo bank and how they allegedly stopped her from accessing her account: “They say that I need somebody to handle my account and I don’t want that. I want all my money. I want to see all my money that I’ve worked hard for my entire life. My entire life. I don’t lie, I don’t cheat and I don’t steal. I am an honest, hard-working person.” Further, into the conversation, Wendy discussed if she was well enough to return to her show. She said, “Well, give me give me about three months. There are private things that I have to deal with and then I’ll be ready to come back and be free and ready to do my thing.” She then shared a message to her fans: “This is what I would love to say to my Wendy watchers. Keep watching because I’m going to be back on the Wendy show. Bigger and brighter than ever.” Kandi Burruss says she and her former “Real Housewives of Atlanta” co-star NeNe Leakes no longer keep in contact because Leakes allegedly called her a ‘coon.’ “I don’t know what her problem is with me. I’ve seen her say all kinds of stuff,” Burruss said on TMZ’s “It’s Tricky with Raquel Harper” podcast Thursday. “This right here pissed me the f–k off … when she said somewhere calling me a ‘c–n’ or something,” she claimed. “That right there, that’s when I was like, ‘OK, you know what …’” Burruss said Leakes likely has issues with her because she’s jealous of her ongoing relationship with Bravo. Leakes and the network parted ways when she exited RHOA ahead of Season 13 in 2020. In growing anticipation of high school basketball’s most iconic annual showcase this year, McDonald’s has announced that hip-hop star Lil Baby will perform live during halftime of the 2022 McDonald’s All American Games on March 29 at Chicago’s Wintrust Arena. This year marks the 45th anniversary of the Games, which brings together 48 of the most elite boys and girls high school seniors in the country. The Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum artist with chart-topping hits like “Drip too Hard” and “Yes Indeed” will grace the court with a high-energy performance for fans and players to enjoy. Tickets for the POWERADE® Jam Fest on March 28 and McDonald’s All American Games on March 29 are on sale now at mcdaag.com and through Ticketmaster. When asked about this year’s performance, Lil Baby shared the following quote: “I’m excited to perform the Halftime Show, especially because I’m a big basketball fan and have respect for these players, knowing what it’s like to go hard in the paint on your craft and chase your dreams to be the best. The McDonald’s All American Games are legit and I’m proud to be a part of it.” https://www.instagram.com/lilbaby/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=d1776e43-67d9-41e4-b183-b7bd3289b825 Last summer, the NCAA introduced Name Image and Likeness deals that allow college athletes to accept payment from sponsors and brands — including anything from endorsement deals to TikTok sponsorships. In this episode, WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu sits down with Roy Wood Jr. to discuss what this means for college athletes, the future of compensating players, and how she is involved with navigating deals for students at her alma mater, University of Oregon. #DailyShow #BeyondTheScenes https://youtu.be/6SKskqttDPQ The BA.2 variant is spreading fast in the United States, with infections nearly doubling every week, according to CDC data. — BA.2’s prevalence is the highest in the Northeast of the country. In the region spanning New York and New Jersey, the CDC estimated 39 percent of circulating viruses were BA.2. Early studies showed that BA.2 may be up to 30 percent more transmissible than the original Omicron. But so far it does not appear to cause more severe diseases. The BA.2 sub-lineage of the Omicron variant now makes up nearly a quarter of new COVID-19 infections in the United States, according to the latest data of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This data is up from around 1 in 10 new cases just a week prior. The BA.2 variant is spreading fast in the country, with infections nearly doubling every week, according to CDC data. BA.2 accounted for only 1 percent of new cases in the week ending Feb. 5, rising to 2.2 percent in the week ending Feb. 12, and 4.1 percent in the week ending Feb. 19, and 7.1 percent in the week ending Feb. 26, CDC data showed. The variant was responsible for 23.1 percent of coronavirus infections in the country in the week ending March 12, up from 13.7 percent in the previous week ending March 5, according to the CDC estimates. Russia warned the United States on Thursday that Moscow had the might to put the world’s pre-eminent superpower in its place and accused the West of stoking a wild Russophobic plot to tear Russia apart. Dmitry Medvedev, who served as president from 2008 to 2012 and is now deputy secretary of Russia’s Security Council, said the United States had stoked “disgusting” Russophobia in an attempt to force Russia to its knees. “It will not work – Russia has the might to put all of our brash enemies in their place,” Medvedev said. Since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, the United States and its European and Asian allies have slapped sanctions on Russian leaders, companies and businessmen, cutting off Russia from much of the world economy. President Vladimir Putin says that what he calls the special military operation in Ukraine was necessary because the United States was using Ukraine to threaten Russia and Russia had to defend against the “genocide” of Russian-speaking people by Ukraine. When money takes precedent over morals, bad things tend to happen. Monica Cannon-Grant, CEO and founder of the nonprofit Violence in Boston, found that out the hard way after she and her husband were indicted then charged with federal fraud crimes. The couple allegedly used money from their nonprofit organization for lavish spending and personal expenses. According to officials, the husband-and-wife tandem used public and private funding for hotels, groceries, gas, car rentals, food deliveries, Uber rides, and vacations instead of supporting their organization. The two also kept employees in the dark, hiding their fraudulent crimes from bookkeepers and financial auditors. Monica Cannon-Grant and her husband’s elaborate scheme to use their social justice organization to enrich themselves took advantage of people on so many levels. Court records show the couple had been stealing money through their nonprofit for years. Officials say the couple collected $100,000 in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. Vice President Kamala Harris and the U.S. Department of Education are setting aside resources to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) that have been impacted by the recent slew of bomb threats. The Department of Education announced Wednesday that HBCUs that experienced bomb threats could apply for grant funds and other resources as a part of the Project School Emergency Response to Violence (Project SERV) program. This program will provide $50,000 to $150,000 per school along with access to a plethora of resources across the federal government. The goal of the program is to try to restore a safe environment and could be used to help increase mental health resources and enhance security on campus. The announcement of the program comes after dozens of threats were made to some of the most prominent HBCUs in the nation during the first few months of the year. As the Washington Post reported, the front runner in the Republican Senate race to represent Georgia made an appearance at an event at Sugar Hill Church in Sugar Hill, Ga. (No, this is not the same Sugar Hill where Wesley Snipes and Eddie Kane were high-profile drug dealers, and I really wish y’all would stop asking me that.) During the event, Walker appeared to think he was really on to something when he asked Chuck Allen, the lead pastor at the church a common question asked by creationists who think faith should supersede peer-reviewed science. “At one time, science said man came from apes. Did it not?” Walker asked. “Every time I read or hear that, I think to myself, ‘You just didn’t read the same Bible I did,’ ” Allen responded. “Well, this is what’s interesting, though,” Walker said. “If that is true, why are there still apes? Think about it.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1503831932693528585 Nine people have died in a fiery, head-on collision in West Texas, including six students and a coach from a New Mexico university who were returning home from a golf tournament, authorities said. Those killed in the Tuesday evening crash included University of the Southwest students from Portugal and Mexico. Two Canadian students were hospitalized in critical condition. A pickup truck crossed the center line of a two-lane road in Andrews County, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) east of the New Mexico state line and crashed into a van carrying members of the university’s men’s and women’s golf teams, said Sgt. Steven Blanco of the Texas Department of Public Safety. The agency later identified the deceased as: Golf coach Tyler James, 26, of Hobbs, New Mexico; and players Mauricio Sanchez, 19, of Mexico; Travis Garcia, 19, of Pleasanton, Texas; Jackson Zinn, 22, of Westminster, Colorado; Karisa Raines, 21, of Fort Stockton, Texas; Laci Stone, 18, of Nocona, Texas; and Tiago Sousa, 18, of Portugal. Also killed were Henrich Siemans, 38, of Seminole County, Texas, and an unidentified 13-year-old boy who had been traveling with him in the 2007 Dodge 2500 pickup. Kanye West has been suspended from Instagram after he posted a racial slur directed at “Daily Show” host Trevor Noah, a spokesperson for Meta confirmed to CNN. West violated the platform’s policies on hate speech, bullying and harassment, according to Meta. He is restricted from posting, commenting and other actions for 24 hours and the company will take further action if necessary, the spokesperson said. West posted a slur directed at Noah on Wednesday after the talk show host had addressed the rapper’s treatment of his former wife Kim Kardashian and her boyfriend comedian Pete Davidson in a “Daily Show” segment Tuesday. “You may not feel sorry for Kim because she’s rich and famous,” Noah said in the segment. “But what she’s going through is terrifying to watch and shines a spotlight on what so many women go through when they choose to leave.” https://youtu.be/DEZdsisM8ZI On Wednesday, Kanye West hopped on Instagram and posted a screenshot of Trevor Noah’s Google panel with the caption “All in together now… *oon baya my lord *oon baya *oon baya my lord *oon baya Oooo’ lord *oon baya.” IG later suspended his account for 24 hours claiming the rapper violated its policies. Comedian Trevor Noah has responded to Kanye West in a lengthy post admiring him while also expressing concern. He said: “There are few artists who have had more of an impact on me than you Ye. You took samples and turned them into symphonies,” Noah began. “You took your pain and through the wire turned it into performance perfection. I thought differently about how I spend my money because of you, I learned to protect my child-like creativity from grown thoughts because of you, sh*t I still smile every time I put on my seatbelt because of you.” He added, “You’re an indelible part of my life Ye. Which is why it breaks my heart to see you like this,” Noah continued. “I don’t care if you support Trump and I don’t care if you roast Pete. I do however care when I see you on a path that’s dangerously close to peril and pain.” Noah continued, “Oh, and as for Koon…clearly some people graduate but we still stupid,” Noah added. “Don’t ever forget, the biggest trick racists ever played on black people was teaching us to strip each other of our blackness whenever we disagree. Tricking us into dividing ourselves up into splinters so that we would never unite into a powerful rod,” Yahoo quotes. Jussie Smollett was ordered released from jail Wednesday by an appeals court that agreed with his lawyers that he should be released pending the appeal of his conviction for lying to police about a racist and homophobic attack. The ruling came after a Cook County judge sentenced Smollett last week to immediately begin serving 150 days in jail for his conviction on five felony counts of disorderly conduct for lying to police. In an outburst immediately after the sentence was handed down, the former star of the TV show Empire proclaimed his innocence and said “I am not suicidal. And if anything happens to me when I go in there, I did not do it to myself. And you must all know that.” The appeals court, in a 2-1 decision, said Smollett could be released after posting a personal recognizance bond of $150,000, meaning he doesn’t have to put down money but agrees to come to court as required. It was unclear late Wednesday how soon he may be released. Instagram is rapidly becoming the go-to source of Jussie Smollett defenders. Today, Smollett’s fellow Empire castmate Taraji P. Henson took to the service to plead for home confinement rather than jail for Smollett, who was sentenced Thursday to 150 days incarceration for his role in creating a hate hoax. She posted a stark black and white message with the hashtag #FreeJussie and a full-throated call for his release. Smollett is reportedly in Cook County Jail’s psych ward where high-profile prisoners are kept. “I am not here to debate you on his innocence,” Henson wrote. “But we can agree that the punishment does not fit the crime. Emmett Till was brutally beat and ultimately murdered because of a lie, and none of the people involved with his demise spent one day in jail, even after Carolyn Bryant admitted that her claims were false. Henson added, “No one was hurt or killed during Jussie’s ordeal. He has already lost everything, EVERYTHING! To me as an artist not able to create that in itself is punishment enough. He can’t get a job. No one in Hollywood will hire him and again as an artist who loves to create, that is prison. Former NBA star Michael Beasley broke down in tears during an emotional interview with former NFL players Ryan Clark, Channing Crowder, and Fred Taylor on “The Pivot Podcast,” where he got candid about his trust issues. Beasley revealed that his mother, his financial advisor and several others have stolen money from him. “I don’t know no one that ain’t stole from me,” Beasley said. “Everybody except for my kids stole from me.” “Every step of the way, I asked for help.” The distrust he has for those around him has forced him to isolate himself from the world. https://youtu.be/v_YLK2VcNGc Kelly Rowland is speaking out about reuniting with her estranged father after 30 years, and she did so on the advice of rapper JAY-Z. Rowland opened up about her journey in a recent episode of “Today” with Hota Kotb. She was joined by her father, Christopher Lovett who spoke about his attempts to have a relationship with his famous daughter during a period when she wasn’t ready to meet him. The singer was raised by her mother and had “feelings of abandonment” due to her father’s absence. When Destiny’s Child took off, Rowland instructed security to ban her father from certain events. https://youtu.be/jN1xdkL-EoQ It’s been 20 years since Al Roker had gastric bypass surgery and the longtime TODAY weatherman is marking the occasion by looking back on his former self. “Hard to believe it was 20 years ago today, I wore these size 54 Levi jeans to my #gastricbypass at 340 lbs and here I am today,” he captioned pictures him holding the oversized pants. “It’s still a struggle but I’m never going back. I have setbacks and struggle every day, but I never forget how far I’ve come.” https://www.instagram.com/alroker/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=847d9bb8-931e-4ebe-8b5f-1ad6fad72326 Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex will launch her first Spotify podcast series this summer. Meghan and her husband Prince Harry inked a multi-year partnership with the platform and their production company Archewell Audio in 2020 with the goal to “build community through shared experience, narratives and values.” The couple debuted their first podcast in December 2020, and welcomed a slew of celebrity guests including Elton John, Tyler Perry, Stacey Abrams and James Corden. Adele, the British singer who now calls LA/Beverly Hills home, stopped by The Graham Norton show, where Norton pointed out the large diamond on Adele’s finger and probed for a relationship update. https://eurweb.com/2022/03/17/adeles-big-ol-diamond-ring-brings-her-a-lot-of-questions/ This year’s nominees for the only entirely fan-voted award show in country music are in! The 2022 CMT Music Awards announced the artists that’ll go head-to-head on April 11, and country’s best and brightest are all represented, including Kane Brown, Mickey Guyton, Carrie Underwood and Jason Aldean. “Lose It” singer Brown leads the pack this year with four nominations, including video of the year, male video of the year and CMT performance of the year. Trailing him with three nominations each are co-host Kelsea Ballerini, Mickey Guyton, BRELAND and Cody Johnson, with the latter two artists each notching their very first CMT nominations. Elsewhere, a whopping 12 acts are up for the coveted video of the year award, including Carrie Underwood and Jason Aldean, Brandi Carlile, Cody Johnson, Cole Swindell and Lainey Wilson, Kacey Musgraves, Brown, Ballerini feat. Kenny Chesney, Luke Combs, Maren Morris, Miranda Lambert and Taylor Swift feat. Chris Stapleton. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown scored 26 points apiece and the Boston Celtics’ defense suffocated the Warriors well before Golden State lost Stephen Curry to a foot injury in the second quarter of a 110-88 nationally televised blowout Wednesday in San Francisco. Marcus Smart chipped in with 20 points for the Celtics, who held Golden State to a season-low 32 points in the first half. Boston earned its sixth win in seven games. Curry got hurt in the second quarter when Smart landed on the back of his left leg while diving for possession. He exited with what the Warriors labeled as left foot soreness. The two-time league MVP was due to undergo an MRI exam, Warriors coach Steve Kerr said postgame. Jordan Poole led all scorers with 29 points for the Warriors, who saw their four-game winning streak end. Joe Buck and Troy Aikman, who have teamed together for 20 NFL seasons in the broadcast booth, have signed multiyear agreements to join ESPN as the new voices for Monday Night Football, it was announced Wednesday.The duo, who both have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, will also contribute content to ESPN+. “When you have the opportunity to bring in the iconic, longest-running NFL broadcasting duo, you take it, especially at a time when we are on the cusp of a new era in our expanding relationship with the NFL,” said Jimmy Pitaro, Disney’s chairman of ESPN and sports content. “The NFL continues to ascend, and we now have more games than ever before, providing additional opportunities for Joe, Troy and our deep roster of commentators.” In 2022, Buck and Aikman will match the legendary broadcasting duo of Pat Summerall and John Madden with their 21st season together in the booth. Buck and Aikman have called six Super Bowls, surpassing all other pairings/booths except for Summerall and Madden. https://twitter.com/i/status/1504127666630275073 Warrior Women With Lupita Nyong’o, a documentary about a forgotten female army, is heading to Smithsonian Channel. The Paramount Global-owned cable network will launch the doc, which was originally commissioned by Channel 4 in the UK, in the U.S. on Monday March 28. It will also air on its network in Latin America later this year. It forms part of its Women’s History Month programming. In the one-off film, the Black Panther star journeys across Benin, West Africa to uncover the ‘Agoji’ – or as Europeans labelled them, the ‘Amazons’ – who helped inspire the Dora Milaje of Marvel’s film. Actor Stephen Baldwin says he has “been on his knees before my God” after his daughter, Hailey Bieber suffered a frightening health scare last week. The model and wife of pop star Justin Bieber was admitted to the hospital on March 10 after experiencing stroke-like symptoms. Doctors determined she had suffered a blood clot in her brain. Baldwin asked his followers to continue to pray for Justin who is on tour while Hailey is now home recovering. “Thank you so much for all the prayers for the wonderful … Hailey. Lets keep praying for … JB on tour so love, peace, & joy may touch this world. God Bless to You All,” the actor wrote. He concluded the post glorifying God, saying, “He is my father … love Him so much as always, He’s a good father.” Keke Wyatt is expecting her 11th child and the singer revealed this week that her unborn baby has been diagnosed with the genetic disorder Trisomy 13. The announcement came during an emotional performance at the City Winery on March 13, 2022. She sang, “When the doctors told me that my son Rajjah had Leukemia cancer …I said Hallelujah. And recently I found out the doctor say my baby has Trisomy 13… Hallelujah.” Sadly, several social media users reacted to the news with rude comments, prompting Wyatt to fire off a lengthy response on Instagram. “I’d like to send a special prayer out for the rude, cruel people that took time out of their day to get on social media and make disparaging and morbid comments concerning my pregnancy,” Wyatt, 40, captioned a Wednesday, March 16, Instagram video of herself singing. “This past weekend at my show I was very transparent with my amazing fans (who I see as family) about the status of my pregnancy. I explained to them, the day after my maternity photo shoot my husband, [Zackariah Darring], and I received the news that our baby tested positive for Trisomy 13 per the doctor.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CbMCIK6jUff/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Rapper Tory Lanez was previously called out by Madonna for sampling her music on his new album. Now the estate of late-great George Michael is speaking out against Lanez for the same reason. As reported by Uproxx, Lanez uses part of Michael’s “Careless Whisper” on his ’80s-themed album “Alone At Prom.” The sample appears on the song “Enchanted Waterfall” and the estate wants it removed, noting that it previously rejected Tory’s request to use the song. “It was brought to our attention that the song ‘Enchanted Waterfall’ by the artist Tory Lanez incorporated an unauthorized sample of ‘Careless Whisper’ written by George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley,” reads a statement given to Variety. “Requested permission for this use had been declined in June 2021 so we took immediate action on behalf of the writers, in collaboration with our publishers Warner Chappell Music, to prevent further exploitation as we will not tolerate any unauthorized use of any songs within the catalogs of George Michael and/or Andrew Ridgeley.” https://youtu.be/izGwDsrQ1eQ In Chicago, a good-hearted businessman and former mayoral candidate, Dr. Willie Wison, made a lot of folks very, very happy on Thursday because he donated $200,000 in gas at select locations. Dr. Wilson’s much-appreciated generosity comes as prices spiked to as much as $4.55 for regular and $5.32 for premium in Illinois, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA). Starting at 7 a.m., each customer at 10 different locations received $50 in gas until the $200,000 was exhausted. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/hundreds-of-cars-line-up-for-chicago-businessman-willie-wilsons-dollar200k-free-gas-giveaway-thursday/vi-AAVbTLT LaKeith Stanfield is speaking out for the first time about his battle with alcoholism. In a new interview with GQ Hype, admits that he realized he had a problem while shooting the Netflix western “The Harder They Fall,” in 2020. “This is something I never really had talked about before, but I think it’s something that I need to talk about, because I want people to understand that it’s something that you can get through, that it’s something that you can get past,” Stanfield told GQ. “And I want people to feel empowered by the fact that the person they’re looking at on that screen has gone through addiction and survived it.” “I just got up, canceled the massage, and told [the masseuse] to leave,” he recalled. “And she was probably like, What the hell is going on? And I didn’t really know what was happening either. I just thought, I’m anxious, let me just drink some wine. As soon as I drink the wine, the anxiety goes away.” Stanfield added, “I had become completely dependent upon it. To the point where I wasn’t able to move or function a whole day without having it.” Amazon.com Inc on Thursday said it had closed its $8.5 billion deal to buy MGM, combining the fabled moviemaker behind “Rocky” and James Bond with the online retailing giant as it looks to draw consumers through more streaming video. In a statement, Amazon said it would welcome all MGM employees to the company and work with the studio’s leadership, indicating there would not be layoffs. Its decision to close comes after a deadline passed for the U.S. Federal Trade Commission to challenge the deal. The Seattle-based retailer announced the transaction in May 2021, saying MGM offered a trove of content to draw consumers to its fast-shipping and streaming club Prime, which costs $14.99 per month in the United States. On Saturday, March 26, 2022, iconic singer-songwriter-businesswoman Jody Watley is set to receive her first “Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy” from T.I.U.A School of Business. The honorary degree recognizes successful leaders in entrepreneurship. Ms. Watley will accept the honorary doctorate on March 26th at 2 pm EST, virtually. TIUA School of Business offers the Entrepreneur Honor’s Program for entrepreneurs who have shown leadership and integrity in the world of business. TIUA School of Business is a member of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. “I am extremely honored to receive this recognition from the TIUA School of Business,” says the iconic singer. “I feel privileged to be considered in the same company as the incredibly talented individuals who have also received this distinction over the years.” Mikaela Shiffrin claimed the overall World Cup title with two races to spare when she took second place in the final super-G of the season in Courchevel, France, on Thursday. The American opened an unassailable 236-point lead at the top of the standings over second-place Petra Vlhova of Slovakia, who finished in 17th place outside the points. Shiffrin, who now has four overall World Cup titles to her name and three Olympic medals, recovered from a disappointing outing in the Beijing Winter Games to finish the season in style. The 27-year-old unexpectedly won Wednesday’s downhill to take a major step towards winning the overall title, which she secured with a precise performance on Thursday. She finished just 0.05 seconds behind race winner Ragnhild Mowinckel of Norway, who clocked one minute 13.68 seconds. Swiss Michelle Gisin was third, 0.13 seconds off the pace. Shiffrin, who won three consecutive overall World Cup titles from 2017-19, is now level with fellow American Lindsey Vonn on four, two shy of the women’s record of Austrian Annemarie Moser-Proell, winner from 1971-75 and in 1979. Voiceover actor Eric Hollaway is said to have the lowest voice of any human on earth. Hollaway is an oktavist, and as reported by Voice Shop Coaching, he is often booked as “The Voice of God.” Per Oktavism.com, “the term oktavist is most precisely used to refer to basses that sing down to contra B flat and lower in a choral setting.” https://youtu.be/PkryVvAf3Sk A tsunami advisory was issued by Japanese officials Wednesday following a 7.3-magnitude earthquake that hit off the coast of Fukushima prefecture, where a 2011 quake caused a disaster at a nuclear power plant. The tsunami advisory was made for Fukushima and Miyagi prefectures in eastern Japan following the quake that had a preliminary epicenter depth of 60 kilometers (37 miles), according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. The advisory warns of tsunami heights reaching up to 1 meter above normal tidal levels, with the initial waves reaching shore around midnight local time (11 a.m. ET). According to the US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, a Pacific-basin-wide tsunami is not expected at this time. Vladimir Putin said today that the West’s ‘attempt to have global dominance’ is coming to an end and its ‘economic blitzkrieg’ of sanctions will only ‘strengthen Moscow’ in a bombastic televised Kremlin address. The Russian President, speaking in a televised government meeting in Moscow, insisted the ‘military operation’ in Ukraine is going to plan despite his troops’ advance remaining largely stalled on the outskirts of Kyiv. Putin claimed that the conflict was merely a pretext for the West to impose sanctions because ‘they just don’t want a strong and sovereign Russia’ and said that its economic measures were short-sighted as ‘most countries do not support sanctions.’ https://video.dailymail.co.uk/preview/mol/2022/03/16/5115875380954481087/636x382_MP4_5115875380954481087.mp4 Russia may have already started World War III, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an interview with NBC News on Wednesday. The outcome of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has yet to be decided, but it’s possible the decision has already begun a path to a full-scale global war, Zelenskyy told “NBC Nightly News” anchor Lester Holt when asked whether he understood concerns from President Joe Biden about escalating provocations. “Nobody knows whether it may have already started. And what is the possibility of this war if Ukraine will fall, in case Ukraine will? It’s very hard to say,” Zelenskyy said. “And we’ve seen this 80 years ago, when the second world war had started … nobody would be able to predict when the full scale war would start.” He further emphasized that the outcome of this war has the “whole civilization at stake.” Zelenskyy gave a virtual address to both chambers of Congress on Wednesday morning, reiterating his push for NATO to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine. He appealed for more aggressive support from lawmakers and Biden in his speech, saying this is a “terror that Europe has not seen for 80 years.” “I have a dream. … I can say, I have a need, a need to protect our sky,” he told Congress, invoking Martin Luther King, Jr.’s famous speech. “I need your decision, your help, which means exactly the same, the same you feel when you hear the words ‘I have a dream.'” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country is going through its own version of September 11th and Pearl Harbor every day since Russia invaded and he urged the US to protect his skies while invoking Martin Luther King and the Founding Fathers in a heart-wrenching speech to Congress on Wednesday morning. He also confronted President Joe Biden and told him to become the ‘leader of the free world’, demanded more sanctions for Russia to stop the ‘war machine’, asked for fighter jets and shared devastating footage of civilians being maimed in Kyiv as he called on lawmakers to ‘do more’ to protect his country. https://video.dailymail.co.uk/preview/mol/2022/03/16/9183742502490817309/636x382_MP4_9183742502490817309.mp4 Antony Blinken claims U.S. sanctions on Russia will only be reversed when Vladimir Putin totally withdraws from Ukraine and warned China to avoid getting involved in the conflict as the U.S. sent thousands of troops to Australia because of the threat posed from Beijing. 'China’s already on the wrong side of history when it comes to the Ukraine,’ the State Department secretary told NPR in an interview published Wednesday. He added: ‘If China actually provides material support in one way or another to Russia in this effort, that would be even worse, and that’s something we’re looking very carefully at.’ The warning comes after President Joe Biden’s National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with his Chinese counterpart in Rome on Monday – and as the U.S. reveals Russia requested equipment and economic assistance from China after the invasion. “Women at Christianity Today were touched at work in ways that made them uncomfortable,” according to the CT news story. “They heard men with authority over their careers make comments about the sexual desirability of their bodies. And in at least two cases, they heard department heads hint at openness to an affair.” Eight women alleged that Mark Galli touched them inappropriately, including one former employee who said Galli caressed her bare shoulder during an event in the early 2000s, while another said Galli’s hand got “stuck under her bra” when he rubbed her back. According to the report, Galli was reprimanded in 2019 after three women in three days reported to human resources that he’d inappropriately touched them — allegedly hugging a woman from behind, grabbing another woman by the shoulders and shaking her and putting a hand on another woman’s butt. According to the report, more than half a dozen employees reported harassment from Galli or Olawoye between the mid-2000s and 2019. But none of those reports resulted in a formal write-up, warning or reprimand. In a phone interview with Religion News Service, Galli said he was deeply troubled by the allegations in the story, which he denied. Several of the incidents in the story were taken out of context, he said, or were simply false. After all the attention the Black Lives Matter-led racial justice movement generated after George Floyd’s death in 2020, new data show that the number of Black people killed by police has actually increased over the last two years. According to data collected by The Washington Post, police shot and killed at least 1,055 people nationwide last year, the most since the newspaper began tracking fatal shootings by officers in 2015. That is more than the 1,021 shootings in 2020 and the 999 in 2019. Black people, who account for 13 percent of the U.S. population, accounted for 27 percent of those fatally shot and killed by police in 2021, according to Mapping Police Violence, a nonprofit group that tracks police shootings. That means Black people are twice as likely as white people to be shot and killed by police officers. “It’s bad and it’s sad, but it’s not shocking that we’re still being killed at a higher rate,” said Karundi Williams, the CEO of re:power, a national organization that trains Black people to become political leaders. “When we have moments of racial injustice that is thrust in the national spotlight, there is an uptick of outrage, and people take to the streets. But then the media tends to move on to other things, and that consciousness decreases. But we never really got underneath the problem.” Almond Brewer attempted to deposit a $3,200 check at the Pinal County Federal Credit Union in Apache Junction in October. While he was waiting, the bank manager called the police. The check, the manager told the police, was fake. In fact, the bank would later admit that the authenticity of the check was “inconclusive.” But the manager didn’t tell police that when he called 911. Brewer had just sold a boat to a woman on Facebook Marketplace. She paid with a check. His own bank suggested he take the check to the woman’s bank to get faster access to the funds. He said when he gave that information to the credit union teller, she “kind of looked surprised.” The Pinal County Federal Credit Union told 12 News the bank manager called 911 after running Brewer’s check through a 3rd party verification system. The results came out inconclusive. The credit union also stated that the manager was able to get ahold of the customer who wrote and verified the check while officers were on their way. The death of a young Black man who was found hanging from a tree in Indiana nearly 100 years ago has finally been ruled a lynching, officials said. Even though 19-year-old George Tompkins’ hands had been bound behind his back, the Indianapolis slaying was ruled a suicide in 1922 and no one was ever arrested. The record was corrected Saturday as Marion County Deputy Chief Coroner Alfie McGinty displayed a new death certificate that listed Tompkins’ passing as the result of homicide. “We will bring justice to something that was unconscionable to me,” McGinty said. “We are proud to be a part of this history some 100 years later, and we will remember George Tompkins.” Activists with the Indiana Remembrance Coalition had been pushing for Tompkins’ death certificate to be changed. Phil Bremen, a volunteer administrator with the group, said Tompkins’ case stood out because it was so casually brushed aside with no follow-up by local authorities. “It got written off in two days as a suicide. His lynching was buried before his body was, if you can fathom that,” Bremen, a retired Ball State University communications professor, said Monday. Two former HBCU football coaches are joining NFL coaching staff, hires that observers say are a small but significant step toward filling the NFL’s coaching pipelines and bolstering Black colleges’ reputations for preparing pro-level coaching talent. The Pittsburgh Steelers announced on Tuesday that they hired Isaac Williams as assistant offensive line coach. Williams coached North Carolina Central University’s offensive line in the 2021 season, when the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference school went 6-5. From 2018 through 2020, he coached tight ends, offensive linemen and was the run game coordinator for Morgan State University, another MEAC program. Williams played college football at Alcorn State, another HBCU which if famous for producing the late Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair. In the United States, the average amount of student loan debt is $39,591, a price tag that has many students asking if higher education is really worth it. This number is even higher for Black students, with the average African American bachelor’s degree holder having $52,000 in student debt. Though Black students are increasingly questioning the value of college, there are several Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) where alumni see higher median salaries than other Black graduates in the same state, according to recent data from OnlineU, a higher education resource for aspiring students. Famous for their rich culture, historic significance and family-like campus community, some HBCUs have significantly lower tuition rates than other four-year institutions. Through grants, scholarships, and other financial aid resources, HBCUs are often able to better help their students with college costs. OnlineU identified that Xavier University, in New Orleans, Louisiana, offers the highest financial payoff for Black graduates. The median salary for XULA graduates is $52,582 compared to the $36,962 median salary for other Black graduates with the same level of education in Louisiana, a $15,619 difference. The untold story of Reverend Jesse Jackson is to be made into a theatrical documentary feature and limited TV series, with Jackson’s son Yusef D Jackson set to co-exec and Peabody Award-winning Chisholm ’72: Unbought & Unbossed director Shola Lynch attached. Expanded Media and Lawrence Elman/Nick Fraser’s Docsville Studios are behind the as-yet-untitled big-budget project, which will include exclusive access to the influential U.S. heavyweight figure and his family, along with unseen archive footage over a period of 60 years. The producers described the film and series as “Reverend Jackson’s personal story, in his own words, for the first time.” The civil rights leader and two-time Democratic presidential candidate was born in 1941 in the segregated south and the film will explain and explore what drove him and continues to drive him, detailing his omnipresence wherever civil rights, human rights and injustice are present. Tennis star Novak Djokovic won’t be able to compete at this week’s BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, CA after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that the existing COVID-19 regulations would remain in place. Djokovic, who was the number 1 men’s tennis player in the world, has been banned by other countries and events because he’s unvaccinated. The 34-year-old got bumped down to the number 2 spot as other tennis players won championships he wasn’t allowed to compete in. He is a vocal skeptic of COVID vaccines and has refused to say if he got the shot, according to Sporting News. Scott Hall, legendary WWE wrestler, has died. He was 63. The World Wrestling Entertainment website shared the news in a statement on Monday, writing, “WWE is saddened to learn that two-time WWE Hall of Famer Scott Hall has passed away.” Earlier on Monday, pro wrestling newsletter PW Torch reported that Hall was on life support in a Georgia hospital following complications from hip replacement surgery earlier this month. He reportedly suffered three heart attacks over the weekend, according to the outlet. Hall’s friend and former pro-wrestling colleague Kevin Nash wrote on Instagram Sunday night that Hall would be taken off of life support once “his family is in place.” Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant can’t seem to make sense of New York City’s vaccination rules, which allow his teammate Kyrie Irving to attend but not play in games. Durant’s frustration came after Irving was granted near total freedom inside Barclays Center, except the ability to play on his team. Durant then called out just how illogical the rules are. Irving earned media attention Sunday for sitting court-side in the Barclays Center when the Nets competed against the New York Knicks. Irving was able to attend the game because New York lifted its vaccination mandate but was not allowed to participate in the game because New York City has not removed its vaccine mandate on the private sector. “It’s ridiculous; I don’t understand it at all,” Durant said, visibly frustrated. “They lifted all of that in the arena, right? I don’t get it. It just feels like, at this point now, somebody’s trying to make a statement or point to flex their authority.” Polo Ralph Lauren has created some conversation amongst the HBCU Community in their latest release involving Spelman College and Morehouse College. The well-known HBCUs and famous fashion company announced their partnership to create a limited-edition collection that is inspired by these institutions’ history, culture, and traditions. The partnership is the first-ever creative collaboration that the brand has established with collegiate institutions. Spelman and Morehouse’s students were photographed with the clothes that were a part of the licensing agreement. The students had their photographs taken at some historic places on campus to try to recreate some of the iconic shots of students from as far back as the 1920s. James Jeter is the man who is largely responsible for the new collection. As one of the company’s design directors in New York who also graduated from Morehouse in 2013 has spent his full professional career at the brand. He is the one who educated Ralph Lauren on the significance of Morehouse. https://youtu.be/pghBWnm5NeA Working mothers in today’s world have a tremendous amount of challenges on their plate, from the global COVID-19 pandemic to the soaring costs of child care and education. It’s a lot to juggle and some moms don’t have extra support from family or a partner to help balance all of the ups and downs of raising children. However, this week, Ursula Burns, the first Black CEO of XEROX, argued a different stance. The 63-year-old businesswoman said during an interview with CNBC Make It, that moms shouldn’t be expected to do it all in today’s society. “I would not be able to be CEO of the company unless I outsourced the caring for my kids,” Burns, who became the first Black CEO of the Fortune 500 company back in 2009, explained. “I was not a believer that you had to go to all your kids’ games. I just don’t understand what that’s all about.” Even when she did make time to attend her children’s games, the busy CEO admitted that she didn’t watch “every second” of it. Burns said she would use some of the free time to do a crossword puzzle instead, according to CNBC. This year’s installment of Equal Pay Day comes as the nation tries to dig itself out from a recession that is giving way to a full-fledged inflation crisis in a collision of unfortunate economic circumstances that is making the racial wealth gap is even more pronounced than it was when the pandemic first hit. The recovery has been especially elusive across certain demographics, including Black women, who have historically borne the brunt of the earning disparities across the U.S. Nowhere is this more clear than in a couple of damning charts that underscore where Black women rank on the wage gap totem pole. The NCAA tournament is arguably the biggest event in all of college athletics. The craziness of this tournament on both the men’s and women’s sides has led to heartbreak, joy and unforgettable moments for everyone involved. It also brings a sizable payday for many conferences. Some more than others. HBCU conferences like the SWAC and the MEAC find themselves on the lower end of the spectrum. According to USA Today, from 1997 through 2018, the Big Ten Conference has been paid the most at $340.4 million, while the SWAC got only $25 million which is nearly the minimum amount that a conference can receive during that time. Where are all of the anti-critical race theory warriors when school lessons make Black students uncomfortable? Because that’s what all of this anti-CRT hoopla is supposed to be about, right? Legislators are falsely claiming that CRT teaches that certain races are inferior to others or that white people, at the individual level, are inherently racist. So, Republicans trot out these anecdotal instances where educators separate their classrooms by race and/or single out white students to tell them they experience white privilege (which is true, but whatever) and they cite these instances as reasons to ban what they think CRT is from the classroom. One can only wonder why they never have the same energy when time and time again, teachers trivialize the institution of slavery through class activities where students are instructed to reenact Black oppression. Where are all these concerned legislators when mock slavery auctions are happening in the classroom? According to The News & Observer, a mock slave auction recently took place at J.S. Waters School in Goldston, North Carolina. During the “lesson,” Black students were reportedly “sold” by white students presumably to demonstrate what went on during the trans-Atlantic slave trade. But why though? While Black history in America is often whitewashed and satirized for Caucasian consumption, one fact is so universally recognized as indisputable: Black people were slaves and white people owned them. No one needs a slavery show and tell to be educated on that much. Keturah Herron, a former lobbyist with the ACLU of Kentucky, is one of USA TODAY’s Women of the Year, for her significant impact in the community. Herron, the first openly LGBTQ state representative, fought for justice for Breonna Taylor and was integral to getting no-knock warrants banned in Louisville, Kentucky, following the killing of Taylor, 26, in March 2020. The emergency medical technician was fatally shot in a botched raid when three officers with the Louisville Metropolitan Police Department entered her home with an illegal no-knock warrant. Per The Louisville Courier-Journal, Herron hopes her story resonates with people “who don’t know what to do or are looking for somebody to look up to.” Jocqui Smollett shared the news Monday night with TMZ while thanking people on social media for their support in the “Free Jussie” movement. He told the outlet that Jussie’s removal from the psych ward is a big step forward and gets him out of a restrained bed and into a normal one. “Cook County doesn’t really move until they get bad publicity … keep continuing to call Cook County Jail checking in on him and keep saying that you believe he should be free,” he added. https://www.instagram.com/p/CbIi2GCpk7f/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Cardi B is being sued by a female security guard who claims the rapper spit on her, called her racial slurs and physically attacked her back in 2018 in Los Angeles. Cardi responded to the allegation in new legal documents in which she argued that her actions were “reasonably necessary” to protect herself from the “assault.” According to the report, Cardi B commented on the case in a now-deleted tweet, saying, “Why don’t you guys post the part where the doctor’s office said that that’s not what happen? and if I assaulted why she didn’t press charges? Why would I put my hands on some1 twice my size by myself while I’m experiencing sharp pain 4 months pregnant?” However, Cardi admits in the new filing that it “was reasonably necessary for her self-defense and safety and was justified by (the security guards) assault. A federal judge has ruled against former Trump administration official Omarosa Manigault Newman and ordered her to pay more than $60,000, in a lawsuit the Justice Department brought against her after then-President Donald Trump fired his former apprentice. The case found that Manigault Newman hadn’t complied with federal ethics requirements that public officials file financial disclosures when they leave a government job. Though it revolved around a compliance matter, over the last few years, Manigault Newman’s departure and litigation spun into a juicy drama between the powers of the Trump White House and a combatant, well-known personality once in its fold. https://youtu.be/mwKqm0euSBA A new teaser has dropped for “The Kardashians” on Hulu, which is set to premiere on April 14th. In the clip, Kris Jenner is chatting with daughter Khloe and Scott Disick, Kourtney’s baby daddy, when she tells them, “Never go against the family.” While the show was filmed months ago, fans are convinced Kris was issuing the warning to Kanye West amid his post-marital drama with his ex-wife Kim Kardashian. https://www.instagram.com/p/CbFeAozsL-g/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again BET HER, in partnership with producer Tressa Azarel Smallwood of MegaMind Media who is serving as Executive Producer for the series, announces four original 20-minute dramas which will premiere during Minority Mental Health Month (July 2022) and during Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October 2022). Dedicated to telling stories that support and celebrate Black women in front of and behind the camera as well as bringing awareness to important issues directly affecting the Black community, producer Smallwood spearheads the Health Initiatives under the “Her Stories” banner, which spotlights women-centered short films and highlights the next generation of Black women filmmakers. Special invited directors include a who’s who list of TV and film icons including Meagan Good (Harlem), Naturi Naughton (Power), Tichina Arnold (Martin), and LisaRaye Mccoy (The Family Business). Dolly Parton, one of popular music’s most beloved stars, is taking herself out of the running for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s 2022 class of inductees. In a statement shared to her social media accounts, the country chanteuse said that while she was “extremely flattered and grateful” for the nomination, she didn’t feel she’d “earned that right.” “I really do not want votes to be split because of me, so I must respectfully bow out,” she said. Parton was the sole country star on this year’s ballot, which also included Eminem, A Tribe Called Quest and Dionne Warwick. She said she hoped the hall of fame would consider her again one day if she’s “ever worthy.” https://youtu.be/3na9XpddoPs Mike Tyson took a memorable bite off Evander Holyfield’s ear during a 1997 heavyweight match, and now the boxing legend has announced ear-shaped cannabis gummies called “Mike Bites.” The marijuana edibles are the latest product from Tyson’s cannabis company, and the gummies will be sold at dispensaries in Massachusetts, California, and Nevada, Complex reports. In a 2019 episode of his Hotboxin’ With Mike Tyson podcast, Tyson and Holyfield discussed the idea of ear bite cannabis gummies while recounting their infamous moment in the ring. https://youtu.be/zKPMVex-UKk Deion Sanders, head football coach at Jackson State University, is being sued by the organizers of the Southern Heritage Classic for calling the game “a hustle.” Sanders and the university are named in the lawsuit filed by Summitt Management Corporation, which runs the event, after the ex-NFLer ripped the game and pulled his team from participation in the annual event. “It’s a hustle,” Sanders said recently on the “Pardon My Take” podcast, via Football Scoop. “We’re losing money, tremendously. This particular classic that you’re talking about, first of all, why would two colleges need a promoter? You’re two colleges and you have A.D.s, why would you need a promoter, that’s No. 1. “Secondly, I think the fee was like over 30 years, $6 million. That’s peanuts. So by the time you take seven buses for the band, four buses for the players, couple (buses) for people, assistants, hotel accommodations, food, you’re out of that. That $180-200 grand, you’re out of that. So you didn’t make nothing. You really came up there on a blank trip. We gotta stop that foolishness. The first thing we need to take care of as HBCUs is the business aspect of everything, and that’s something we’re changing right now. We’re taking care of business,” he added. The gas thieves are “drilling holes into the tanks … catching the fuel before it hits the ground,” per TMZ. As reported by Complex, there have been reports of gas theft all over the country. “There have been reports of people siphoning gas directly out of the tanks putting a hose down into the gas tank, sucking out,” said gas station technician Emery Shen. “We are also hearing reports of people drilling right in the gas tanks, taking gas out of cars directly.” Per WSILTV, Washington state police have urged drivers to purchase lockable gas caps. “We often discover these thefts later when the owner goes to the gas station to fill up and finds all the fuel dumping out under the vehicle from the cut filler line,” said Hoquiam Chief of Police Jeff Meyers. https://youtu.be/xgP6SsU2dH8 Neyo White, the man who went viral after a trip to a chemical peel from Georgia spa, turned into a nightmare, said he’s ready to take legal action. According to TMZ, White claims this ordeal that began when he went into a spa in Buckhead for a chemical peel on February 17th was not a stunt for clout. White said he had gone to the Spa before to get other procedures to help with discoloration and evenness in his skin, but he wanted to try something a little more substantial, so he went in for a chemical peel. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2022-03-04-030422-neyo-white-burns-1373458/ President Joe Biden will travel to Europe next week to meet with world leaders and discuss Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Tuesday. The President will travel to Brussels, Belgium, to participate in a NATO summit on March 24 and will also join a European Council meeting, Psaki told reporters at a White House briefing. The trip, which will be one of the most closely watched visits to Europe by an American president in decades, comes weeks after Russia launched an unprovoked attack on Ukraine. Biden will “discuss ongoing deterrence and defense efforts,” during the NATO summit and reaffirm the US’ commitment to its NATO allies, Psaki said. Young Dolph was shot 22 times in the hail of gunfire that ended the famed rapper’s life at a Memphis bakery last November, new autopsy results reported by WHBQ-TV reveal. The findings from the West Tennessee Regional Forensic Center say that the musician, born Adolph Thorton Jr., was shot in his left chest, left abdomen, right chin, right neck, right shoulder, both arms and multiple times in his back, the station reported. The Senate on Tuesday passed a measure that would make Daylight Saving Time permanent across the United States. The Sunshine Protection Act passed the chamber by unanimous consent. The bill would still need to pass the House and be signed by President Joe Biden to become law. Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, a sponsor of the legislation, said he doesn’t have any assurance the House will take it up, but “it’s an idea whose time has come.” https://youtu.be/QqXedKcZhDg Thirty million people in 13 cities across China have been put back into a Covid-19 lockdown with hazmat-wearing officials back on the streets on a scale not seen since the pandemic began. China reported 5,280 new Covid-19 cases on Tuesday, more than double the previous day’s tally, as the highly transmissible Omicron variant spread across a country that has stuck tightly to a zero-Covid strategy. That approach, which pivots on hard localized lockdowns and has left China virtually cut off from the outside world for two years, appears stretched to the limit as Omicron finds its way into communities. At least 13 cities nationwide were fully locked down as of Tuesday, and several others had partial lockdowns, with some 15,000 infections reported nationwide in March. Scenes of closed neighborhoods, panic buying and police cordons cast back to the early phase of the pandemic, which first emerged in China in late 2019. A Fox News cameraman was killed in Ukraine on Monday, when the vehicle he was traveling in alongside correspondent Benjamin Hall was struck by incoming fire, the network confirmed Tuesday. Pierre Zakrzewski, 55, had been covering Russian’s invasion of Ukraine with Hall when their vehicle was hit in Horenka, outside of Kyiv, Ukraine, Fox News Media CEO Suzanne Scott said in an email to staff. ‘It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we share the news this morning regarding our beloved cameraman Pierre Zakrzewski,’ Scott wrote. ‘Pierre was killed in Horenka, outside of Kyiv, Ukraine. Pierre was with Benjamin Hall yesterday newsgathering when their vehicle was struck by incoming fire.’ The network announced on Monday that Hall, the reporter with Zakrzewski, had been injured in the attack, and remained hospitalized, but added they have a ‘minimal level of details.’ News of the attack comes after American reporter Brent Renaud was killed on Sunday after Russian forces opened fire on his vehicle. A Wells Fargo Economic Group report shows Black Americans have made significant economic progress in recent years, taking control of their financial futures. According to Wells Fargo, 35% of Black women in the U.S. owned a business in 2019, 15% higher than the share of female-owned businesses in the overall U.S. economy. Additionally, Black women have made gains in corporate board seats and even though just 4% of Black women are on corporate seats today, that is an increase of 25% from 2019, double the rate of women overall. Black women have taken advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic, using their skills to start businesses in numerous disciplines including lingerie, beauty, and even feminine products. Additionally, a number of brands have made pledges to help Black women-owned businesses including Sephora, Target, Walmart, and other retail brands. Rodney Priestley, a well-celebrated engineer, professor, and mentor, has been named dean of Princeton University’s Graduate School. He is expected to assume his new role on June 1st. According to a press release, the Pomeroy and Betty Perry Smith Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering has been promoted from his 2020 appointed role as vice dean for innovation. He has now been entrusted to lead the university’s Graduate School of nearly 3,000 enrolled students. “My interest in becoming dean of Princeton’s Graduate School originates with my own personal experience of graduate school,” said Priestley, as per the press release. “The mentorship, encouragement, and support I received has enabled every goal I have reached throughout my career. My advisers’ belief in me has always inspired me to give back to others to whatever extent possible.” Cynthia Bailey can still remember the physical and mental drain from having fibroids — even though it’s been a decade since they were treated. The former Real Housewives of Atlanta star says that having the benign tumors growing in her womb left her in a “dark place” mentally and impacted so many aspects of her life that she felt like a “disaster.” “It’s very hard to be in a good space mentally when you’re bleeding all the time and when you don’t have any energy, and you’re anemic and you don’t have the sex drive you used to have,” Bailey, 55, tells PEOPLE. “Mentally, I found that I was just in a dark place without really knowing I was in a dark place. When I look at photos of myself during that time, it was like the light was gone because I was bleeding to death in a lot of ways.” The former model is reflecting on that time of her life during Women’s History Month for a special reason. She has teamed up with USA Fibroids Centers to educate women about a non-invasive, non-surgical way to treat the condition that plagued her for 14 years. In a video that has swept the internet, sparking outrage at how a substitute teacher in Dallas, Texas, was treated, a student is seen throwing a heavy classroom metal chair and striking him on the head. A letter from Dr. Larry Lewis, interim superintendent of schools at the DeSoto Independent School District of Texas, confirmed the DeSoto West Middle School altercation that occurred on Wednesday between several students and the substitute teacher. Video and pictures are making their rounds on social media of the incident, where after the chair is thrown at the teacher’s head, he retaliates by throwing two chairs of his own, both missing the student, MEAAWW reports. The teacher then goes to sit down while the students attacking him leave, to wipe the blood streaming down his face. Amidst the chaos, the rest of the kids in the classroom are heard screaming and laughing. https://twitter.com/i/status/1502099362993696771 Cora Faith Walker, the former Missouri representative from Ferguson who then served as St. Louis County Executive Sam Page’s policy chief, has died at 37. The cause of death has not been announced. The Missouri Democratic Party said Thursday that “we are devastated to learn of Cora Faith Walker’s passing.” “She was a perfect example of a dedicated public servant who deeply cared for the St. Louis community,” it said. “We’ve lost someone very special and too soon.” First elected in 2016 to represent the House’s 74th District, the Democrat in 2019 resigned to take the job with Page’s administration. Her county biography says she had overseen government relations, regulatory affairs and public policy operations. Among other things, Walker served on a task force studying women’s participation and advancement in the workforce. On behalf of Page, she had also commented on efforts to bring Afghan refugees to St. Louis. She also had worked on Medicaid expansion and health reform, the county biography said. Last spring, a math teacher at a middle school in Fort Riley, Kan., called a student “miss” to get the student’s attention at the end of class, court records state. After class, another classmate emailed the teacher, Pamela Ricard, to let her know that the student now used he/him pronouns and a different first name. But the next day, when Ricard used the student’s last name — avoiding the new name or any pronouns at all — the classmate grew frustrated, leaving a note on Ricard’s desk accusing the teacher of being “transphobic.” The note ended with a remark on the classmate’s own gender identity: “my pronouns are he/they btw.” In a lawsuit, Ricard — who is Christian — says she was uncomfortable with referring to the students by names and pronouns that were different from what was listed in the district’s enrollment system. After some disagreement with school officials on how to handle the situation, Ricard was suspended and later issued a written reprimand for her refusal to comply with the district’s policies on diversity and inclusion. Now, Ricard is suing Geary County Schools Unified School District board members, the superintendent and Fort Riley Middle School’s principal, alleging that they violated her First Amendment rights by forcing her to use language and implementing policies that breached her personal and religious beliefs. A member of Russia’s parliament called for reparations from the United States on Sunday — including the return of historic settlements in Alaska and California — over the west’s vast economic sanctions. The Kremlin has been flooding the airwaves of its state-run channels with pro-war propaganda that paints a vastly different portrait to reality and shields the Russian people from the horrors of Vladimir Putin’s bloody invasion of Ukraine, the Daily Beast first reported. Moscow’s TV pundits and show hosts have also begun endorsing the idea of publicly hanging Ukrainians who are standing against Russia — something the Kremlin has reportedly already mulled, according to Bloomberg. Putin’s ‘spin doctor,’ Duma member Oleg Matveychev, appeared on Russian state news on Sunday, outlining a series of demands for both Washington and Kyiv ‘after Ukraine’s demilitarization is completed.’ It comes as Russian and Ukrainian officials meet for another round of peace talks Tuesday. Jane Campion is apologizing for a controversial comment she made about Serena and Venus Williams while accepting the best director prize at the 2022 Critics Choice Awards. The filmmaker said in a statement, “I made a thoughtless comment equating what I do in the film world with all that Serena Williams and Venus Williams have achieved. I did not intend to devalue these two legendary Black women and world-class athletes.” Campion continued, “The fact is the Williams sisters have, actually, squared off against men on the court (and off), and they have both raised the bar and opened doors for what is possible for women in this world. The last thing I would ever want to do is minimize remarkable women. I love Serena and Venus. Their accomplishments are titanic and inspiring. Serena and Venus, I apologize and completely celebrate you.” Record-breaking Olympian Allyson Felix, who famously walked away from a contract with a major sponsor while standing up for maternity and post-partum rights, is now teaming up with Pure Leaf Iced Tea to support women saying “no” in the workplace. The partnership was announced in honor of Women’s History Month, along with the launch of the premium ice tea brand’s Say “No” grants. In addition to Felix, the SeekHer Foundation, a women’s empowerment and mental health nonprofit, has also joined in on the initiative, according to a press release. In addition, Pure Leaf is committing $1 million over the next three years to fund opportunities that will “support women who want to say “no” at work so that they can say “yes” to other personal, social, familial, and cultural things in their lives.” “Since its launch in 2020, Pure Leaf’s ‘No is Beautiful’ campaign has encouraged people everywhere to say ‘no’ to the things that don’t matter, so they can say ‘yes’ to things that do,” Julie Raheja-Perera, general manager, North America, Pepsi Lipton Partnership, shared in a press statement. The LADWP Board of Water and Power Commissioners has approved an agreement with Advancing Minorities’ Interest in Engineering (AMIE) to help achieve diversity in the engineering workforce. AMIE, a nonprofit organization that develops industry, government and university partnerships, will coordinate technical and scientific research on behalf of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) with the 15 Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredited Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Schools of Engineering. The universities are: Alabama A&M University, Florida A&M University, Hampton University, Howard University, Jackson State University, Morgan State University, Norfolk State University, North Carolina A&T State University, Prairie View A&M University, Southern University, Tennessee State University, Tuskegee University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, University of the District of Columbia and Virginia State University. The Otis Redding Foundation is excited to announce the planned 9,000 square foot Otis Redding Center for the Arts and Amphitheater located in a place that is famous for its musical talent and heritage. It is envisioned as a central destination for youth educational programs in music and the arts. “There is no better place to be located, where musicians like a young Otis Redding, Little Richard, and Lena Horne started right here,” said Macon-Bibb Mayor Lester Miller at the Mar. 1 announcement, according to a press release. The Center will feature two stories of art lab spaces, practice rooms and studio space for students to explore songwriting, production, performance and more. An outside amphitheater will open onto downtown Macon’s main thoroughfare and serve as a venue for student performances, a music-filled community gathering space, and a public face on the Otis Redding Foundation’s commitment to preserving Macon’s musical legacy and investing in the city’s next generation of artists. Four honorees for the 2022 Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards were announced Wednesday ahead of the event being held March 24 at the Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills. Nia Long (You People), 2022 Oscar nominee for best supporting actress Aunjanue Ellis (King Richard), Quinta Brunson (Abbott Elementary) and Chanté Adams (A Journal For Jordan) will be celebrated at the ceremony that marks the 15th anniversary of the affair. This year, the Black Women in Hollywood Awards will be themed to “The Black Cinematic Universe” and hosted by Snowfall‘s Damson Idris. The gala will be featured in Essence‘s March/April print issue and a special digital issue. Additional talent is set to be announced soon for the event taking place in the lead-up to the 2022 Academy Awards ceremony on March 27. ABC on Monday announced that it has renewed freshman comedy Abbott Elementary for a second season after the series starring, created and written by Quinta Brunson has become a breakout for the Disney-owned network. The series, a co-production between Warner Bros. Television and Disney’s 20th TV, is tied with CBS’ already-renewed Ghosts as broadcast’s No. 1 comedy among the advertiser-coveted adults 18-49 demographic. The cast and creatives announced the pickup with a cheeky “memo” from Abbott Elementary principal Ava Coleman (co-star Janelle James) encouraging fans to support schools via DonorsChoose.org as the show continues to support education. (Read it, below.) The series, it’s worth noting, is inspired by Brunson’s mother, a retired teacher. The workplace comedy has also drawn comparisons to NBC favorite The Office for its documentary-style format. New episodes return March 22 at 9 p.m. In honor of Black History Month, the authors of the book “The Little Black Book Of Success: Laws of Leadership for Black Women” have launched a social media campaign where they share career advice to help inspire, motivate, and propel women of color. As co-authors Marsha Haygood, Elaine Meryl Brown and Rhonda Joy McLean wanted to celebrate in an innovative way where they can reach their audience. They wanted to provide practical advice that can serve as support and mentorship to the next generation of Black women at every level of work and life. The social media graphics the authors push and promote on their social media platforms serve as sparknotes for the advice provided in their book, which offers invaluable insight for Black women who seek guidance on how to get to the next level. In 2019, Sonia Robinson opened SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service in Fort Mill, S.C., after more than six years working as a regional service manager for Mobility Works, a leading dealer of wheelchair-accessible vans. Robinson wanted to apply her industry experience to business ownership with an established brand. After researching different opportunities and meeting with some of the other franchisees, she knew SpeeDee was the right choice for her because it allows her to offer a full range of oil change and mechanical services that she wouldn’t be able to elsewhere. With Robinson’s background in customer service, owning her own shop lets her focus on building relationships and working with people, which she loves most about the business.She has seen excellent growth in her SpeeDee store since opening, reporting 17% growth year over year. But women have not always been so successful in business. In 1972, approximately 4.6% of businesses in the United States were owned by women. As of 2019, women own 42% of companies and that number continues. A MOM-of-two has revealed how she earned $100,000 in FIVE months with a simple side hustle. Tech-savvy Jasmine McCall decided to take a bad experience and use it as inspiration to keep on top of her financial affairs, while helping others along the way. The 30-year-old explained how she had a rude awakening after realizing how a poor credit history can hold you back. Forgetting to repay her first credit bill left her unable to open a bank account just as she headed to college at age 18 and with a bad credit score on her record. Raised by a single mother alongside five of her siblings, Jasmine was no stranger to financial hardship. She said: “At this point in my life, I’ve done really well for myself, but I will never forget the feeling of constantly being rejected because my mom had bad credit.” Her money mismanagement encouraged her to delve behind the digits – which would later form the basis for her spectacular side hustle. Not many 16-year-olds can say that they have a successful business under their belts, let alone two. Yet, that’s exactly what Paris Mckenzie is doing. This young lady is currently juggling a beauty supply store and a salon while tackling her education. What’s even better is that this is far from the end of her journey. It might not seem strange for Paris to open a beauty supply store when you know her history. According to her interviews, her mother opened a salon a few months after giving birth to her. As a result, Paris grew up helping around the store. From as early as the age of 10, she’d mastered cleaning the barber tools, wiping down the salon chairs, and shampooing the clients’ hair. Within a couple of years, her mother was asking her to color and install wigs, according to a press release. This start at the salon led to her working with clients when she wasn’t in school. Paris notes that she saved all the money she earned because she had no responsibilities to take care of. Since this money would be integral to the next step in her life, it’s a good thing that she did. When the Build Back Better Act passed the House of Representatives last year, there was some excitement about a provision in it authorizing a payroll tax credit for local news organizations. If the bill had not died in the U.S Senate last month, it would have provided tax savings for local media outlets amounting to nearly $1.7 billion over 10 years. Supporters of the bill in the U.S Congress have vowed to bring it up again this year with the hope of funding a range of social, economic, education health and national security priorities. Researchers at the University of North Carolina Hussman School of Media and Journalism found that there are at least 200 counties in the U.S. lacking a local newspaper and the Pew Research Center reported a decline from 71,000 journalism positions in 2008 to 31,000 in 2020, a 57 % drop. The dismantling of local news reporting has diminished its role in providing important public oversight that holds our government accountable; promotes fairness, honesty, equity and justice; and preserves the integrity of our democracy. https://youtu.be/JHjwwRmag5o Last week President Joe Biden signed an executive order on digital assets that “helped lift the price of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies,” Forbes writes. “The executive order is really a call for coordination—playing quarterback to ensure that regulators are working together to feed into a clear and consistent framework for crypto regulation rather than engage in disparate work streams,” said Ari Redford, Head of Legal and Government Affairs at TRM Labs. https://youtu.be/_suSLXMifzA A KTLA reporter was doing a live report about one of LA’s most dangerous streets about car crashes when the segment was interrupted by car a crash. KTLA reporter Gene Kang was reporting on a deadly hit-and-run in South Los Angels, in the area of Hoover and 84th streets, when he was interrupted by a car wreck Thursday afternoon. According to KTLA, the site is known for it’s has many traffic incidents, “with double the number of traffic collisions occurring in the area since the onset of the pandemic,” the outlet writes. Kang was in the middle of his report when two sedans slammed into each other behind him and one appeared to speed away. https://youtu.be/2W-Rx2NLTO8 You are invited to attend the inaugural MILLIONS. BILLIONS. TRILLIONS. SUMMIT on March 31, 2022, in metro Atlanta, GA. Organizers promise a power-packed day of inspiration, information, and networking. The Summit, themed "The Courage It Takes To Be Great", aims to empower budding entrepreneurs and leaders and those who want to elevate their mindset. The MILLIONS. BILLIONS. TRILLIONS SUMMIT is the brainchild of Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and fashion entrepreneur Travis Malloy. The day will feature exclusive performances and appearances from today's leading culture influencers, thought leaders, executives, and entertainers. Presenters include Malloy, award-winning actor Malik Yoba, pastor and recording artist Bishop William Murphy III, motivational speaker Ivy McGregor, celebrity photographer Derek Blanks, Grammy Award-winning singer Q. Parker, and more. Instagram is now blocked in Russia amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. The move came after the platform reportedly changed its hate-speech policy to allow Ukrainians to share messages such as “Death to the Russian invaders,” as reported by New York Daily News. Prior to the shutdown, a Russian communications regulator suggested users remove all their photos and videos from the platform before they are no longer accessible, per the report. “We need to ensure the psychological health of citizens, especially children and adolescents, to protect them from harassment and insults online,” regulator Roskomnadzor said. The Instagram block affects 80 million users on the platform. Loni Love has shut down reports saying “The Real” is getting canceled. Rumor has it that the syndicated daytime talk show will end after its current 8th season. Love has revealed that “No official decision has been made.” “It’s been a busy few days but I got a call from the studio,” she wrote on Twitter Sunday. “No official decision has been made about #TheReal …I will be OK but please give grace to the 150 crew members this may affect… we will finish Season 8 and wait for official word.” Love co-hosts “The Real” with Adrienne Houghton, Jeannie Mai Jenkins, and Garcelle Beauvais. The show, which launched in 2013, has recently been struggling in the ratings, according to Urban Hollywood 411. Reports about potential cancellation following news of Nick Cannon’s showing getting the ax. Tyrell Zimmerman is a man on a mission to address the wave of mental health challenges impacting urban youth, many of whom are struggling with trauma, childhood PTSD, and depression due to the harshness of their environments. With the COVID-19 pandemic still lingering, the mental health battle has only gotten worse as schools seek solutions. One of the ways Zimmerman is making a difference is through his children’s book, “Carter: My Dream, My Reality,” which promotes literacy and serves as a powerful guiding tool, assisting children with positive coping mechanisms, healing and recovery. https://youtu.be/8I_ARVr4Ycg 50 Cent says he’s ready to give Mo’Nique a second chance in Hollywood and he has called on Oprah and Tyler Perry to apologize for allegedly “blackballing” her in the industry. “I’m sure Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry would not want to continue to allow there influence to damage @therealmoworldwide career and this has went on for way to long,” 50 wrote on Instagram, Complex reports. “So now would be a great time to apologize because i’m gonna put her back on. ??GLG??GreenLighGang ??I don’t miss! #bransoncognac” https://www.instagram.com/p/CbGY1L_jg0U/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Will Smith is being open about his relationship with his wife Jada Pinkett Smith, saying the two have never cheated on one another during their marriage.? The couple’s relationship has been a hot topic ever since Pinkett told viewers during a 2020’Red Table Talk interview that she had an “entanglement” with singer August Alsina.? But the “Bad Boys” actor isn’t concerned with people talking about his marriage.? “I have decided that chatter about my life can be of a benefit to people,” the Oscar-nominated actor told Gayle King during an episode of CBS Sunday Morning. “Chatter is the first stage to having a real conversation and to be able to truly explore if some of the things in your heart are loving or poisonous.” ? Timmy Thomas passed on March 12. He was 77. Thomas was best known for creating one of the most enduring songs of the 1970s – a song whose meaning still resonates in 2022. Thomas topped the charts in 1972 with the mesmerizing plea for peace, “Why Can’t We Live Together.”No cause of death has been given. His family wrote on his Facebook page: “With appreciation and gratitude, the family extends a thank you for the prayers, support, precious words and other expressions of love and kindness during this time.” https://youtu.be/zJ38KmkQPik Longtime Chicago-based radio man Pervis Spann is now broadcasting from the great beyond. Spann, a legendary broadcaster, died Monday at age 89. A one-time disc jockey for WVON-AM – who ended up buying the station – was a voice for Black Chicago during a time when many were fighting to be heard. “Pervis Spann was very much involved in the community and he had a lot of love for his people,” said Dorothy Tillman, WVON talk show host and former Chicago alderman. Mike Mora who married singer/chef Kelis 8 years ago, after a battle with stomach cancer, has passed away. He was 37. A rep for Mora, who was a professional photographer, confirmed the death on Monday, March 14, which comes 6 months after he learned of his cancer diagnosis. “Sadly, it’s true that Mike Mora has passed away,” Steve Satterthwaite of Red Light Management said. “We would ask all to respect Kelis and her family’s privacy as of right now. Thank you.” Mora made the public aware of his cancer diagnosis in October last year. https://youtu.be/MQIL8YHjtB0 Casting Director Dr. Veryl Howard makes her Hollywood ALLBLK acting debut in ‘Double Cross!‘ Now adding acting to her long list of credits, Howard stars in the third season of the hit series finale, alongside Samira Baraki, Ashley A. Williams, Jeff Logan and Darrin D. Henson, Judi Johnson, Faith Malonte, Tremayne Norris, Candice Van Beauty, Lisa Renee Marshall and Gabriela Smith. Howard’s standout EPIC performance in episode 6 as a “Madam” is one of the most talked-about episodes in the series. North Point Community Church Pastor Andy Stanley tweeted a message to his 40,000-member church that has since been deleted:There is one glaring flaw that must be pointed out upfront: everything we know about Jesus is from the Bible. Everything we know about the identity of Jesus is relayed to us in the scriptures. If they are not infallible and inerrant, giving us the absolute truth about Christ and what he did and who he is, including his resurrection, we would have nothing. Stanley explains, however: “The truth is, Christians are not expected to believe what we believe based on a collection of ancient manuscripts written by men who never met each other over the course of hundreds of years in a time when everybody was superstitious, and everybody believed in the gods and there was no modern science…The foundation of our faith is far more substantial than that. It’s far more sustainable than that. https://youtu.be/F125Ccfu13U Family members of Emmett Till gathered at the Mississippi State Capitol Friday to call for justice for his murder 66 years later. “We will bear witness to the hatred that has been embedded in our DNA since the slave ships arrived,” said Deborah Watts, a cousin of Till and co-founder of the Emmett Till Legacy Foundation. “We made a promise to Mamie (Till) that we would persist and that’s why we’re here today.” They are asking for murder charges against Carolyn Bryant Donham, whose false accusations led to the 14-year-old’s kidnapping and lynching in the Delta region. She is the only living accomplice in the crime, they said. Bryant, then 21 in 1955, was working at the grocery store Till went to with family. On their way out, he whistled at her. She told her husband Roy Bryant that Till grabbed her and made advances against her. After being beaten, shot and dumped into the Tallahatchie River, Till’s face was unrecognizable. His mother Mamie’s decision to have an open casket funeral helped launch the civil rights movement. On Friday, Watts said Donham has not reached out to the Till family to apologize. Watts said she doesn’t have hatred for the woman and said charges will help hold her accountable for Till’s death. Five Florida middle school students were charged with hate crimes after allegedly attacking a group of children while exclaiming “brown power!” — an incident police are calling a racially motivated crime. The five juveniles, who were in sixth to eighth grade at Lyons Creek Middle School, were arrested on charges of battery and evidence of prejudice while committing a battery, a third-degree felony. In Florida, evidencing prejudice while committing an offense is considered a hate crime. The arrest reports list four victims. According to the arrest reports, the students approached the victims, yelled “It’s Opposite Day!” and “brown power!” and beat them. The arrest reports noted that the comments were made before and during the alleged attack. For a long time, Dawn Ison was hesitant to talk about the deep personal loss that shadowed her early life in Detroit. Her first-grade teacher relayed the tragic news that her 5-year-old cousin had been run down by a drunk driver. The skid marks left in the street are seared into her memory still. At 9, her father was murdered, a devastating consequence she attributes to an “unhealthy” lifestyle. Ison is recalling those painful moments more frequently now because as the newly-confirmed U.S. attorney and chief federal prosecutor for her beloved hometown – the first Black woman to hold the office – her life experience resonates in a community long-scarred by similar losses. “I’ve been both a defense attorney and a prosecutor, but it’s this lived experience that brings value to this job,” Ison said. While the historic nomination of the first Black woman to the Supreme Court has drawn much of the national spotlight, the Biden administration has been quietly moving to install one of the most diverse classes of U.S. attorneys in recent history. Of the 43 chief federal prosecutors nominated so far to lead the 93 federal districts, 48% are Black, including 16 people of color who represent firsts for their districts, according to the Justice Department. The numbers represent a dramatic pivot from the Trump administration. A 2020 analysis by the Associated Press found that 85% of Trump’s Senate-confirmed U.S. attorneys were white men. Denver police announced on Friday that they found a large supply of various illegal drugs at two homes in the Denver metro area and arrested a 59-year-old man who was allegedly planning to deal them. Arthur Mills was arrested on Thursday. The homes where the drugs were found were in Denver and Aurora. https://youtu.be/QGVuUGwdFrA Several celebrities and organizations tried their best to keep Jussie out of jail by writing letters to the judge pleading with him to take it easy. Samuel L. Jackson and Alfre Woodard were among the few who went to bat for Jussie, according to Daily Mail. Samuel and his wife LaTanya Richardson begged the judge not to throw Jussie in the slammer, and said they were ‘incredulous’ about the entire case against him. “My husband, actor Samuel L. Jackson, and I have known Jussie since he was a baby living down the street from us in New York City. We have often broken bread with this young man as we discussed the right and wrong ways to live,” she reportedly wrote. “It is incredulous to Sam and to me that this entire criminal situation even exists. Jussie has already suffered a great deal of punishment, as this situation has destroyed his career and impugned his reputation.” Actress Alfre spoke about meeting Jussie in South Africa years ago in her letter to the judge. There’s a bidding war currently underway to turn Will Smith’s memoir into a biopic. A source told The Sun newspaper’s Bizarre column: “Some feared that Will’s brutal honesty in his book could harm his reputation. But it’s done the opposite and helped him connect with his audience like never before. When he signed his book deal he did so with an accompanying biopic in mind. Now all the streaming services are clamoring to pick up the rights.” Smith’s memoir, published by Penguin Press in November, is an “inspirational tale of how [Will Smith’s] true self-knowledge helped to propel him to extraordinary success, and then evolve further to a place of deeper peace – with himself, his loved ones, and the world,” according to the press release, as reported by PEOPLE. “The idea is to communicate visually the evolution of a person, from childhood through adulthood, and at major stages of their life in between.” Film director Jane Campion is receiving a lot of backlash after (weirdly) mentioning Venus and Serena Williams in her acceptance speech for best director, in which she beat out a category full of men. “I’d also just like to give my love out to my fellow — the guys, the nominees,” she said during her speech. “And Serena and Venus, you are such marvels. However, you do not play against the guys like I have to.” The camera then cut to Venus, who looked very uncomfortable by the statement, and Serena, who was visibly less bothered by the remark. Multiple Twitter users quickly condemned her comments calling her a white feminist, and lowkey racist. https://www.instagram.com/p/CbF5aBsA759/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Country music pioneer Bobbie Lee Nelson — the sister of Willie Nelson, and a vaunted pianist in her own right — died Thursday at age 91. Her death was announced by her family via social media. They did not reveal the cause of her death, but said that she had died “peacefully and surrounded by family.” Nelson was the first member of her younger brother’s band, performing as a pianist and singer. Like her brother, she grew up in Abbott, Texas, where they were raised by their gospel music-loving grandparents. Their parents, Myrle and Ira, divorced early; Myrle left when Willie was six months old, and Ira departed soon after, handing the children to the care of their paternal grandparents. Born Jan. 1, 1931, Bobbie Nelson learned to play the piano by reading four-part shape-note harmonies in hymn books. And she fell in love with boogie-woogie, which she played for her school classmates. In his 2015 autobiography, It’s a Long Story: My Life, Willie Nelson wrote: “Bobbie became accomplished at an early age. I lagged behind — and remain so to this day. Bobbie is a musician in the true sense of being able to play with great facility in any style. She learned to read beautifully and was known far and around Hill County as a genuine piano prodigy.” Kassidy Parnell a high school student from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has been accepted to 106 colleges and awarded a total of $4.5 million in scholarships! With a 4.1 GPA, Kassidy is graduating at the top of her class at Tara High School, and while in high school. Miss Parnell is not just a high school student. She’s also enrolled at Baton Rouge Community College where she’s taking computer science classes. Kassidy received acceptance letters from several colleges including Southern University, Saint Louis University, Butler University, Oklahoma State University, Marquette University, Seton Hall University, Loyola University Chicago, University of Kansas, and Kent State University. https://www.instagram.com/p/CaTMAJAolPv/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again All-new episodes of TV One’s True Crime Mondays are back tonight, Monday, March 14th. "Fatal Attraction" leads the night with a thrilling love story gone bad at 9 p.m. ET / 8C. "Sins of the City" follows with the season finale, telling the story of the late Breonna Taylor at 10 p.m. ET / 9C. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWDYJBvBAHg Rihanna continues to flaunt her growing baby bump and sexy maternity style. The Bajan beauty, 34, had her belly on full display on Saturday for the launch of Fenty Beauty at Ulta Beauty in Los Angeles. Per Page Six, “Rihanna wore a cropped, criss-cross silver top that accentuated her bust for the outing. She paired it with a sparkly silver skirt and a bedazzled chain that draped around her burgeoning belly,” the outlet writes. “Right now I’m really into pushing the idea of sexy. When women get pregnant, society tends to make it feel like you hide, hide your sexy, and that you’re not sexy right now [but] you’ll get back there and I don’t believe in that s—t,” Rihanna told Refinery29 about her maternity style in February. “So I’m trying stuff that I might not have even had the confidence to try before I was pregnant. The strappiest, the thinnest, and the more cut-outs the better for me.” An Instagram influencer is suing the New York Police Department for mistakenly using her photo on a ‘wanted’ poster for a hooker who was robbing clients. Eva Lopez, 31, filed a $30 million lawsuit against the NYPD “for defamation, libel, slander, intentional infliction of emotional distress.” The New York Post reports. The Queens native found out she was a wanted woman last August when a friend texted her about the poster. “I thought it was something fake. I really couldn’t believe the police would put me on a wanted poster,” she told the New York Post. D.L. Hughley has clapped back at Kanye West (now known simply as Ye) after the rapper threatened to “hurt” the comedian for accusing Ye of stalking his ex-wife Kim Kardashian. In several posts shared online, Ye also called out Charlamagne Tha God and Perez Hilton. West took to Instagram on Sunday morning (March 13) and shared a screenshot from a TikTik video of Kim in Goth face paint along with daughter North West, the eldest child they share together. In the video, Kim and North sing Machine Gun Kelly’s “Emo Girl.” “I told y’all before about this tik tok stuff Now my 8 year old on here singing she fell in love with an emo girl,” West wrote. “Leftist don’t want fathers to have no say in our childrens lives I don’t want my kids at godless Sierra Canyon school I got a voice and I’m not having this And Perez Hilton you still ain’t answer my question And never put my name next to the word abuse Don’t play with my name like that I’m a real person who wants the best for my children.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CbDKDADlPau/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again The Dallas Cowboys agreed to trade wide receiver Amari Cooper and a sixth-round pick to the Cleveland Browns for a 2022 fifth-round pick and a sixth-round pick, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Saturday. The deal is pending a physical and should be finalized by the middle of next week. The Browns entered this offseason on the hunt to rebuild Baker Mayfield‘s wide receiving corps, which was a massive disappointment last year. The Browns had high hopes that Odell Beckham Jr. could return to being a No. 1 wide receiver after suffering a season-ending injury in 2020. Instead, he was released by the team in early November. OBJ went on to win a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams, while Cleveland’s passing game cratered on the way to a disappointing 8-9 finish. The Browns, in fact, didn’t have a single wideout top 600 receiving yards, and only Jarvis Landry had more than 35 receptions. The Dallas Cowboys have finalized a five-year deal, $62.5 million deal with wide receiver Michael Gallup, according to sources. The deal includes a $10 million signing bonus. Gallup’s return comes a day after the Cowboys agreed to trade wide receiver Amari Cooper to the Cleveland Browns, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. That deal is pending a physical and can’t be announced until the start of the new league year on Wednesday. Cooper’s $20 million base salary would have been fully guaranteed by March 20, but the deal has instead opened up $16 million in salary-cap room. Gallup was set to hit the free-agent market next week, but he opted to remain with the team that drafted him in 2018 and rehab with the athletic training staff he trusts after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in January. Gallup, who turned 26 on March 4, had surgery in February to repair his ACL, but the expectation is he would be ready for game action in September. Damien Sneed, the multi-talented bandleader, composer, musician, and vocalist, finishes the final week of his 25-city sold-out North American tour, A Tribute to Aretha Franklin: The Queen of Soul. Presented by IMG Artists, this dynamic presentation celebrates the amazing musical legacy of the late Ms. Franklin, arranged and musically directed by Sneed, and features an accomplished cast of jazz, gospel, and soul musicians and vocalists. The tour kicked off Thursday, February 3, 2022, at the Parker Playhouse in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and concludes on Sunday, March 20, 2022, at the Kupferberg Center for the Arts at Queens College in Flushing, NY, where both Karen Clark Sheard and Valerie Simpson will be featured as special guests. After announcing the March 11th premiere of his forthcoming music video on social media earlier this week — along with dropping the trailer, chart-topping recording artist Bryan Popin takes time to appreciate his blessings like only he can with the release of his official music video for “So Good 2 Me,” featuring Steven J Collins (H.E.R./Rodney Jerkins/Snoop Dogg/DaniLeigh). This song is in the Gospel Spotlight!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsqB4pvtKlk Psalmist Kim Washington is elegantly poised with a powerful presence and God-inspired confidence. Her gifting as a singer, songwriter, and composing musician has blessed and enriched the lives of people who experience her in worship. God's word inspires her music, and an endearing passion fuels her delivery to promote healing and hope. Over the past few years, Kim's spirit-filled anointing through worship has been experienced throughout the Dallas/Ft. Worth Texas region. She was also a part of the Emmy Award-winning production Live In Front Of A Studio Audience: Norman Lear's "All In The Family" and "The Jeffersons" presented by Jimmy Kimmel. She released her high-octane single "I Will" featuring James Fortune in 2020 and has now returned with an all-new single of inspiration, "I See It". This is another song that shines bright in the Gospel Spotlight!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETSY0fLskrs Fred Jerkins drops I believe featuring Bishop Paul S. Morton. This is another song that shines bright in the Gospel Spotlight!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxslkwKkvyI Breonna Taylor is more than a hashtag. Two years after Louisville Metro Police killed Breonna, it’s still tough to process. Breonna deserved better from authorities in Louisville and the state of Kentucky as a whole. Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron made a mockery of accountability. As writer Hannah Drake explains, “there is no glass half full” when thinking about Breonna Taylor’s life and legacy. The Louisville-based truth-teller sums up the feeling of memorializing Breonna. “Louisville has reminded me that it is yet another city in the long line of cities where the lives of Black women are expendable,” wrote Drake. “This city has reminded me that Black women will be asked to labor to transform this city with little to no reward. Daily I am reminded that leaders will ask for our labor, disregarding the laborious undertaking that Black women shoulder trying to right a city that still refuses to face the historical and current ramifications of racism.” No one has been held accountable for Breonna’s killing. And it’s possible none of the officers ever will be held responsible given the lack of moral willpower on behalf of people in positions of decision-making power. https://twitter.com/BerniceKing?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1502990320191090695%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewsone.com%2F4303690%2Fbreonna-taylor-life-mattered-because-she-deserved%2F According to new data, the number of Black people killed by police has increased over the last two years, following the death of George Floyd. According to data collected by The Washington Post, at least 1,055 people were killed by police nationwide last year. Black people accounted for 27 percent of those fatally shot in 2021 by law enforcement, according to the nonprofit group Mapping Police Violence. In other words, Black people are twice as likely as white people to be killed by police officers. Rashawn Ray, a senior fellow at the think tank Brookings Institution, said bringing attention to police brutality will not result in less police brutality. This month, McDonald’s launched “Future 22,” a new creative campaign that celebrates the work of 22 young, gifted, and Black leaders whose passion and talent are creating meaningful change in communities across the country. The integrated campaign launched for Black History Month and will run through summer, featuring TV and radio spots voiced over by award-winning actress, singer and entertainer, Keke Palmer. McDonald’s Future 22 campaign elevates the unique stories of 22 Black heroes and the impact they are having on their communities. Marveon Mabon of Watts, CA has been selected as a Future 22 honoree, highlighted for his teaching kids about health food options by building community gardens, which also serve as safe spaces for neighborhood kids and a home base for his anti-bullying program. Mabon joins the likes of other young Black leaders focused on creating a better future for the next generation. https://youtu.be/DmjgBMxHqSA Bismack Biyombo is expanding his efforts to advance healthcare in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Phoenix Suns center—who hails from the country—has pledged to donate his entire 2022 NBA salary to build a hospital there, CBS Sports reported. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has endured a multitude of setbacks that impact access to healthcare treatment. According to The Borgen Project, there are only 0.28 physicians and 1.19 nurses and midwives for every 10,000 people. The remote locations of villages in the country’s rural regions have also contributed to limited access. Aware of the state of healthcare in his home country, Biyombo—who inked a $1.3 million deal with the Suns and returned to the court in January after taking time off—was determined to cultivate a solution. In honor of his late father Francis—who passed away last year—he wanted to develop a medical facility that would significantly impact people’s lives. Biyombo is building the hospital through his philanthropic imprint, the Bismack Biyombo Foundation. https://pbs.twimg.com/card_img/1502685737782702080/lxybLfjh?format=jpg&name=small As New Edition makes tour stops throughout the country, members of the collective are giving back to communities in need. According to WLWT, singer Ronnie DeVoe recently visited a Salvation Army in Cincinnati to donate gifts to local residents. The Boston native provided children with school supplies, bikes and helmets. He also donated laundry carts and other essential items to senior citizens. DeVoe says the impact and influence that the Salvation Army had in his life while growing up inspired him to pay it forward. “Any time that I am able to provide somebody some type of that feeling I got as a child and keep them away from negativity, that’s what this is all about,” he said in a statement, according to the news outlet. “To be blessed, to be a blessing to others.” Social good efforts like DeVoe’s are needed in Cincinnati as the city’s poverty rate is one of the worst in the country. Research shows one out of every 3.5 residents lives below the poverty line. https://t.co/tc0rLFL0DA Whitney Houston poured her heart out when she re-created Dolly Parton’s timeless classic “I Will Always Love You” in 1997. Last year, rapper Lil Nas X attempted to land the high pitch cadences of the country singer’s hit “Jolene.” Now, Parton says she would love to hear a rendition of her 1974 classic sung by none other than Queen B herself, Beyoncé. This week, the 76-year-old revealed the particular tidbit during an interview on “The Daily Show.” “I think she’s fantastic and beautiful, and I love her music,” Parton told the show’s host Trevor Noah. “I would just love to hear ‘Jolene’ done in just a big way, kind of like how Whitney [Houston] did my ‘I Will Always Love You,’ just someone that can take my little songs and make them like powerhouses,” she continued. “That would be a marvelous day in my life if she ever does do ‘Jolene.'” Noah asked the country music icon if Beyoncé was aware of her request, to which she replied: “I don’t know if she’s even got the message, but wouldn’t that be killer?” https://youtu.be/KRdJaoM5KvI Yesterday, Lady Gaga attended two major awards shows in one night! First at the BAFTAs in London, where she was nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her portrayal of Patrizia Reggiani in “House of Gucci.” Then at the 27th annual Critics Choice Awards in Los Angeles, where the 35-year-old was also nominated for Best Actress for her role in “House of Gucci.” Gaga lost both noms – Joanna Scanlan won the BAFTA for “After Love” and Jessica Chastain won the Critics Choice Award for “The Eyes of Tammy Faye.” https://youtu.be/9ZWqa9kPSi4 Apple TV+ has released the trailer for its four-part documentary series chronicling basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson. Per the network’s press release, “They Call Me Magic” offers a rare glimpse into the incredible real-life story of Johnson, who left his mark on history through his work—both on and off the court—and continues to impact our culture today. The series features intimate, never-before-seen interviews with Magic, his family, and an all-star lineup including Cookie Johnson, EJ Johnson, Larry Bird, LL Cool J, Snoop Dogg, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neil, President Obama, Fred Stabley Jr., Dwayne Wade, Jerry West, Michael Wilbon and more. https://youtu.be/7sgS3SssDX4 In Regina Hall’s upcoming film “Master” she’s tapping into the horror space. Hall stars as Gail Bishop the master of dorms at a fictitious prestigious PWI (predominantly white institution). Gail is the first Black woman to hold the position at the school. She will soon learn why there hasn’t been a Black person in that role before. The school is located in a town with a history of witches who died during a witch hunt and the community still has people practicing the traditions. The atmosphere around the school is very weary and Gail begins to experience strange events happening around the campus. She also slowly begins to realize the sinister energy isn’t just from the city being on old witch town. The three main characters are dealing with their own issues but are all connected by the one thing they have in common…Discover what that is when ”Master” starts streaming on Prime Video and in select theaters on March 18th. Showtime has released the first five minutes from its upcoming sci-fi series “The Man Who Fell to Earth” starring Chiwetel Ejiofor as an alien on Earth who works as a tech titan. The series is based on the 1963 novel by author Walter Tevis. The book spawned the 1976 film starring David Bowie and directed by Nicolas Roeg. In the film, the late singer played an alien stranded on Earth who turns to alcoholism. “Chiwetel Ejiofor’s stage and film career are staggering in their bravery, commitment and quality,” co-showrunners Alex Kurtzman and Jenny Lumet said in a statement. “He’s everything we could imagine and a million things we can’t. We couldn’t be more thrilled.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_M-Dh_jl-w Bill Murray and Eddie Murphy almost co-starred together as Batman and Robin for a feature film. In an interview with Yahoo Entertainment, Murray discussed the Batman film that would have been helmed by director Ivan Reitman, CBR reports. “I talked to Eddie Murphy about it, and Eddie wanted to play Batman… That’s as far as that conversation went,” he explained. When asked if he would have taken on the role of Robin, Murray stated, “I don’t wanna be the Boy Wonder to anybody… Maybe much earlier when I was a boy. But it was too late for that by the ’80s. Also, I couldn’t do the outfit. Eddie looks good in purple, and I look good in purple. In red and green, I look like one of Santa’s elves. There was just a lot of vanity involved in the production. It wasn’t gonna happen.” https://youtu.be/mqqft2x_Aa4 An exhibition at the New York Historical Society showcases hundreds of Black dolls made from the 1850s to today. Specifically, the exhibition explores handmade cloth dolls made primarily by African American women between 1850 and 1940 through the lens of race, gender, and history. The exhibition immerses visitors in the world of dolls, doll play, and doll making while examining the formation of racial stereotypes and confronting the persistence of racism in American history. It features more than 100 cloth dolls, alongside dozens of historical photographs of white and Black children posed with their playthings and caregivers. https://cbsnews2.cbsistatic.com/hub/i/r/2022/02/25/fa034ddc-b0bf-4385-993f-846e2579b2bf/thumbnail/1280x720/32433e521c66aa011fd9e4cf0379cfe9/4c49b0457c6bb7a83476d25a5ea53b50.jpg Tyrese Gibson announced on Instagram last month that his mother, Priscilla Murray, died after a battle with pneumonia and COVID-19. On Friday, the actor/singer shared a condolence message he received from R. Kelly, who is currently incarcerated following his conviction for sexual sex crimes against women and young girls. The “Fast & Furious” star took to Instagram to share the comforting words from Kelly in response to the death of Tyrese’s mother. […] Hey Lil Bro,” the message began. “My Condolences To You About Mom… She Is In A Better Place With My Mom & They Both Smiling Down On Us.. I Pray For You & Keep It Going On Love. I know it a lot having to deal with this in the limelight but keep ya head up ~Rob~.” Tyrese said he “broke down” after receiving the message. In the caption of the post he wrote, “Yup….. just broke down in my trailer took me 45 mins to recover love you Kellz damn he is on the inside and still took time to get Condolences out to me and my family…” He added, “Love you Kellz……. No comments needed…” “Selfishly I wish they could sneak a protools rig and a mic in your jail cell so that you can unload all of those ideas cause I know you don’t write all of your hits have been freestyled off the top,” he continued. “But that’s just me…. R&B King!” Tyrese caught some heat from fans over this. Per Love B. Scott, “Some things are meant to be kept private,” one user noted, while another said, “Weird flex.” A third fumed, “We excuse pedophiles because they send condolences? Gtfoh.” ERNIE HAASE & SIGNATURE SOUND joined MICHAEL W. SMITH for an epic version of his iconic hit, “Friends.” The group released the video collaboration on Friday, March 11, 2022 via their Facebook and YouTube channels. Haase says: "We've crossed paths with Michael W. Smith many times during the years and I’ve always wanted to connect and collaborate but with all of our schedules, it just never worked out. During the pandemic, when no one was really traveling, we were able to make this a reality. This really was a dream come true.” EHSS & MWS will reunite once again for an Alaskan cruise this July 2022. A Franklin County, Ohio, jury declined to indict the police officer who fatally shot Ma’Khia Bryant, a Black teenager, last April, state Attorney General Dave Yost said in a news release Friday. Yost also released investigative materials in the case, including more than a dozen interviews, crime scene and evidence photos and other records. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which was called in to investigate the officer-involved shooting, completed its probe and referred the case to the prosecuting attorney in July, the attorney general’s office said. Bryant, 16, was fatally shot by police officer Nicholas Reardon on April 20, 2021, outside her foster home, after an argument with two other young women over housekeeping escalated, Ma’Khia’s foster mother previously said. https://youtu.be/eh-IxPNI2Pw Former President Barack Obama tested positive for COVID-19, the former president announced on Sunday. “I just tested positive for COVID. I’ve had a scratchy throat for a couple days, but am feeling fine otherwise. Michelle and I are grateful to be vaccinated and boosted, and she has tested negative,” Obama wrote on Twitter. “It’s a reminder to get vaccinated if you haven’t already, even as cases go down,” the former president urged. Obama has been a strong proponent of vaccines since they’ve become available. He has also been a strong proponent of public health measures like masking and social distancing meant to slow the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. Obama is among a number of high-profile politicians who have contracted the virus at some point throughout the pandemic. Nearly 200 members of Congress have caught the disease, according to GovTrack, a public accountability project. William Hurt, the Oscar-winning actor of Broadcast News, Body Heat and The Big Chill, has died. He was 71. Hurt’s son, Will, said in a statement that Hurt died Sunday of natural causes. He said Hurt died peacefully, among family. Deadline first reported Hurt’s death. In a long-running career, Hurt was three times nominated for an Academy Award, winning for 1985’s Kiss of the Spider Woman. After his screen debut in 1980’s Paddy Chayefsky-scripted Altered States as a psychopathologist studying schizophrenia and experimenting with sensory deprivation, Hurt quickly emerged as one of the 1980s’ foremost leading men. In Lawrence Kasdan’s 1981 steamy neo noir Body Heat, Hurt starred alongside Kathleen Turner. In 1983’s The Big Chill, again with Kasdan, Hurt played the Vietnam War veteran Nick Carlton, one of a group of college pals who gather for their friend’s funeral. Having started in New York theater, Hurt then returned to the stage to star on Broadway in David Rabe’s Hurlyburly, for which he was nominated for a Tony. Shortly after came Kiss of the Spider Woman, which won Hurt the best actor Oscar for his performance as a gay prisoner in a repressive South American dictatorship. Vladimir Putin will ‘destroy the world’ if he is left unchecked and is ‘crazy enough’ to use nukes, a Russian opposition politician has warned. Leonid Volkov, the former chief of staff for Alexei Navalny’s 2018 presidential bid, said ‘We can expect unfortunately everything’ from the Russian President. And his fears have been echoed by Poland’s premier, Andrzej Duda, who believes Putin could use ‘anything’ right now. Mr Volkov told Sky News’ Sophy Ridge on the Sunday program an ‘enormous cost’ must be paid to stop the war. ‘There are all the sanctions, of course, they also create a burden on the European economy that is quite clear. ‘But this cost has to be paid because otherwise Putin will just destroy the world. ‘He is clearly not winning the war against Ukraine and he might think about other solutions, more powerful weapons, more powerful solutions to change the course of this war which is now not so successful for him.’ And he described the war as ‘enormously painful’, adding: ‘This is Putin’s war, not my war. This is not our war, not in our name. He is doing it. Not in our name.’ Explosions have been heard on the outskirts of the western Ukrainian city of Lviv after Russian forces launched an attack on a military base just 12 miles from the Polish border, killing at least nine people and injuring dozens more. According to Ukrainian sources, Vladimir Putin’s forces had launched a missile strike on the International Center for Peacekeeping and Security, also known as Yavoriv military complex, just before 6am this morning. Initial reports suggested the base had been targeted by eight missiles, but Maksym Kozytskyi, Governor of the region later confirmed 30 cruise missiles had been fired, killing 35 people and injuring 134. The base has previously been used to host Nato drills and housed foreign military instructors, but Nato has said none of its personnel were on the base at the time. Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov renewed calls for a ‘no-fly zone’ over the country following the attack.’ Russia has attacked the International Center for Peacekeeping and Security near Lviv,’ he wrote on Twitter. Roughly two months after announcing his retirement, quarterback ?Tom Brady? announced Sunday he will return to play for his 23rd season and do so "in Tampa." https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FNxAUm7WQAANYOO?format=jpg&name=small According to a reliable United Nations climate report, tens of millions of people across the African continent are at risk of a looming drought, famine, displacement, and diseases in the coming decades. The report released on Monday forecasts immense effects of global warming across the continent in the future. The findings are a section of the far-reaching reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The latter is a team of hundreds of scientists and thousands of contributors from 195 territories and countries. The team is split into three working groups and the second one recently studied the dangers of climatic change and how societies should adapt to them. The findings from the second group show that rising temperatures will affect the whole world. Still, Africa will be immensely hit compared to other continents considering that most African countries are already approaching the limits of coping with climate-related issues. Saturday night, the City of Atlanta highlighted the life and achievements of civil rights leader Andrew Young, who is celebrating his 90th birthday. A gala was held in his honor to raise money for the Andrew Young Foundation, which supports and promotes education, leadership and human rights. The gala was held at the Georgia World Congress Center. Young has been a civil rights leader, Georgia congressman, U.N. ambassador, mayor of Atlanta and businessman. From barrier-breaking pioneers like Alice Ball, who was one of the first Black women to earn a master’s degree in chemistry, to modern-day trailblazer Dr. Kizzmekia S. Corbett, who played an instrumental role in the development of the COVID-19 vaccine, African American women have historically shaped the world of STEM. Spelman College is on a mission to contribute to the legacy of excellence by educating and empowering the next generation of innovators in the space through a new partnership. The Atlanta-based HBCU is joining forces with the nonprofit SMASH—an organization centered on eradicating socioeconomic barriers around access to education—to increase racial and gender representation within the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. Through the multi-year initiative—dubbed SMASH x Spelman—25 high school students will have the opportunity to participate in an immersive STEM-focused program. Mary McLeod Bethune walked into the White House, carrying an urgent message about the plight of Black Americans. The year was 1943, and the country was roiling with racism, segregation, Jim Crow laws and terror lynchings. Bethune, the only woman in Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “Black Cabinet,” a council of African American presidential advisers, had demanded a meeting with the president. Bethune was widely considered a shrewd political organizer and an architect of the early civil rights movement. She was a Black woman with power, with access to the White House, when few Black people were allowed in. She was often greeted on her White House visits by her friend, first lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who would embrace Bethune warmly at the White House gate. The two women would walk arm in arm down the circular drive, into the White House, past the hostile stares of White Southerners, many of whom made up the White House staff. Inside, Bethune would talk privately with the president about “the problems of my people.” “I discussed with him the problems of my people in many an off-the-record private talk held in the President’s study in the White House,” Bethune wrote in an article titled “My Secret Talks With FDR,” which was published in 1949 in Ebony magazine. “I often expressed to him my impatience with the slowness of the democratic process.” Naomi Osaka was brought to tears by a heckler during her defeat at Indian Wells on Saturday, sparking an extraordinary and at times unprecedented series of incidents in which the four-time Grand Slam champion was left in clear distress. Osaka, who is ranked 78th in the world after her third-round exit at the Australian Open, was taunted in the first set by someone in the crowd yelling ‘Naomi, you suck.’ The 24-year-old, who took a break from tennis last year to focus on her mental health, went on to lose the match against Veronika Kudermetova 6-0, 6-4 and addressed the crowd afterwards to explain exactly why the incident had upset her so much. The loser of a match addressing the crowd after a match is almost unheard of in tennis outside of major finals. Osaka was trailing just 0-1 to Kudermetova when the heckle came from the stands. The Japanese star, 24, was visibly upset by the incident and instantly began to cry. She immediately approached the chair umpire to ask for something be done. But, the umpire explained that she didn’t know who it was and could not take any action. As a result, Osaka asked if she could use the umpire’s microphone during the match to address the crowd herself as it was ‘weighing’ on her heart. However, the chair umpire, who sought the advice of the court supervisor, denied Osaka’s request – despite the fact the 24-year-old, who had tears streaming down her face, promised not to ‘curse.’ Jussie Smollett has been placed in the psych ward at the Cook County Jail. His brother Jocqui Smollett says it’s because the official paperwork says Jussie is at risk of self-harm. “So Jussie is currently in a psych ward at the Cook County Jail. What’s very concerning is that there was a note attached to his paperwork today saying that he’s at risk of self-harm,” Jocqui said via Instagram on Saturday. However, Jussie’s brother is calling it BS: “I want to make it clear that he is in no way, shape, or form at risk of self-harm. He wants to let folks know that he is very stable, he is very strong, he is very healthy and ready to take on the challenge that… has been put up against him.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CbB3TgJl2_M/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Jussie Smollett believes he was sent to jail because … he’s black?! According to TMZ, sources connected, and in constant communication, with the star said Jussie knew going into his sentencing that the judge wasn’t going to be on (his) side based on the energy he was giving him in the courtroom. Jussie apparently told his defense team that he felt his sentencing was going to be more severe than other defendants convicted of a non-violent crime … because he’s black. Jussie told his defense team after the sentencing that he was right, and has called the situation “sad.” https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca9rYbxDOKh/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Kanye YE West is not happy with Kim Kardashian again. Now he’s pleading with his ex to stop “antagonizing” because she’s allowing their 8-year-old daughter, North, to post videos on TikTok. YE is again taking issue with North’s presence on the video-sharing app. He has a problem with the “Emo Girl” TikTok Kim K and North filmed with Kourtney Kardashian’s daughter, Penelope Disick. “I told y’all before about this tik tok stuff,” West captioned an Instagram post on Sunday, referencing the video of the trio lip-syncing to the Machine Gun Kelly song. “Now my 8 year old on here singing she fell in love with an emo girl Leftist don’t want fathers to have no say in our childrens [sic] lives,” he continued. West, 44, also shared a video telling fans he raised the issue with Kim as well. https://www.instagram.com/p/CbDPwEkLfdW/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Mary J. Blige recently released a studio album dubbed “Good Morning Gorgeous.” Besides the launch, the singer was also part of the performing team at Super Bowl LVI — the audience enjoyed an exciting and dramatic performance from the singer. The two events brought Mary J. Blige a significant wave of attention that she has been riding on for the past few weeks, creating an ideal opportunity to Executive Produce an upcoming Lifetime Movie inspired by “Real Love” – one of her iconic songs. Tanya Lopez, EVP Scripted Content, Lifetime, describes Mary as one of the most phenomenal and all-around talents that can do it all. Lopez added that they were thrilled to partner and work with the singer once again on the upcoming project bringing Mary’s music to life through a movie – a unique idea that the audience will love. Featured on Blige’s 1992 debut album, What’s the 411?, “Real Love” was certified gold just two months after its release. https://youtu.be/90c9pEtZquw For years, people have debated whether Tevin Campbell is gay or not. The debate may have come to rest, thanks to his own recent tweet. The 45-year-old singer, actor and songwriter revealed something about his sexuality when he responded to a tweet by a fan. His response even trended on Twitter. A fan tweeted: “My mom continues telling me Luther Vandross, Teddy Pendergrass, and Tevin Campbell were gay.” Tevin, in responses, clarified that “Tevin is” and then added a rainbow flag, which is an LGBTQ community used to demonstrate Pride. He also used a chill emoji. He has since deleted the tweet, but not before many fans screenshotted it. Throughout his entire career, the RnB singer had never addressed his sexuality until now. https://youtu.be/aL4Ah6qbdj8 In the month leading up to the Fall-Winter shows in Paris, it was widely believed that the event would mark a significant return to business as usual — a celebration for the fashion world after two years of pandemic-related disruptions. Coronavirus cases were relatively low, international travel to and from France had opened up and more brands were scheduled to stage physical instead of virtual shows. But days before Paris Fashion Week was due to begin, the optimistic mood shifted. On February 24, the world watched in disbelief, then in horror, as Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his brutal attack on Ukraine. In Kyiv, a three-hour flight from Paris, pictures of families camped out in subway stations were akin to historical images of people in London seeking shelter below ground during bombing raids in World War II. https://youtu.be/_M3TGGGBJS4 Most young teens are nagging their parents to teach them how to drive or searching for the perfect homecoming dress. But 15-year-old Tamia Hawkins-Coleman has accomplished most of her entrepreneurial goals already — and she plans to keep her foot on the industry’s neck. Standing alongside your grandmother or parents while they cook seems like a stepping stone for all talented culinary connoisseurs and Tamia’s journey starts out the same. She reminisces on helping her grandmother make lasagna. Although she was constantly in the kitchen, her journey began a few years later. https://youtu.be/XNFYNFjXx6o Short films made by kids and for kids from around the world are being submitted for the 6th annual “Imagination Lunchbox International Children’s Film Fest” (ILICFF), to be held via Zoom Saturday, August 6, 2022 from 1 – 3pmEST. Shorts from India, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom, and the United States – to name a few – have been submitted in hopes of being selected to be screened at ILICFF 2022. The deadline for short film submissions is May 31, 2022, with a late submission deadline of June 30. Notification of selected shorts will be July 31. https://youtu.be/7MLDvQnnyFo The poet, activist and educator Sonia Sanchez is this year’s winner of the Edward MacDowell Medal, a lifetime achievement honor started in 1960 and previously given to Robert Frost, Toni Morrison and Stephen Sondheim among others. “I had tears in my eyes as I learned about this award,” Sanchez, 87, said in a statement released Sunday by MacDowell. “When I consider my dear friend, Sister Toni (Morrison), and so many others who have been given this award, I feel so welcomed to be part of that group. It is a great honor to be this year’s awardee. MacDowell has such a great herstory and history of caring and concern for artists; it is a joy this place exists to keep the world on a path toward re-civilization, peace, and humanity.” MacDowell is an artist residency founded in 1907, with fellows over the past century including James Baldwin, Leonard Bernstein, Louise Erdrich and Ta-Nehisi Coates. Sanchez was a prominent figure in the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s and 1970s, and is known for such poetry collections as “Homegirls and Handgrenades” and “Shake Loose My Skin.” Novelist Walter Mosley will present Sanchez her medal on July 10 on the MacDowell grounds in Peterborough, New Hampshire, the first in-person ceremony since 2019, the year before the pandemic. After being incarcerated himself, a local man is on a mission to keep prisoners connected to loved ones and educate former convicts, so they can make a possible difference in the community. Marcus Bullock was raised in both Northeast D.C. and Prince George’s County. At 15-years-old, he was arrested for carjacking. That really changed my life.” He said he didn’t truly understand the ramifications of his actions at the time. “It wasn’t until two years into me not only getting arrested, and then getting sentenced to eight years in adult maximum-security prisons as a 15-year-old kid when things started to shift for me,” Bullock said. Stevie J agreed to do an interview with Leah A. Henry for Leah’s Lemonade and he decided to go raw so to speak and do the interview while in bed at Diddy’s Star Island crib. Anyway, all the while he’s shirtless speaking to Henry from his phone. As Henry was about to start the interview, Stevie J requested oral sex from a mystery woman who was in his room while on camera. In the video, he looked away from the camera and said “Yo, come suck me off” to whoever was in his room. That didn’t stop Miss Henry, she went on with the interview and questioned him about being so authentic during his early days on Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta. https://youtu.be/H_zLwdiSuFM Once more, the Sacramento Kings are toiling in the NBA’s version of no man’s land. On the verge of missing the playoffs for the 15th straight season, when will a light finally shine at the end of this franchise’s depressing tunnel? After the Kings traded away very promising second-year guard Tyrese Haliburton to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for All-Star center Domantas Sabonis at last month’s trade deadline — a blockbuster deal for both sides — they decided the time was now to push some chips into the middle of the table. With the long-standing postseason drought still in full effect, the Kings are trying to capitalize on the new Play-In era of the Association. Although Sacramento is 20 games below .500 at 24-44, the team is within shouting distance of the final Play-In slot at No. 10 in the Western Conference. https://twitter.com/i/status/1500255932294434817 A powerful winter storm is bringing heavy and blustery snow to the Northeast and hammering the nation’s eastern third with strong winds — and it’s about to usher freezing temperatures that could trouble crops in the South. About 4 to 8 inches of snow are forecast from the southern Appalachians to New England Saturday into early Sunday. However, areas of high elevation in the interior Northeast could see up to a foot of snow. Eight inches or more already had fallen by late Saturday morning in parts of eastern Kentucky, southeastern Ohio, West Virginia, western Pennsylvania and upstate New York. Russia has made dire threats to the West that any military shipments to Ukraine will be seen as ‘legitimate targets’, prompting fears there could be an escalation of conflict that could suck in other countries. Deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov warned the US ‘that pumping weapons from a number of countries it orchestrates isn’t just a dangerous move, it’s an action that makes those convoys legitimate targets’. The warnings came after Joe Biden personally intervened to stop a shipment of Polish MiG fighter jets to Kyiv, fearing the move could lead to ‘World War Three’. But Volodymyr Zelensky has slammed the West for its inaction, saying today he ‘doesn’t see any bravery from NATO’ as he pleaded for more involvement from allies in peace negotiations and offered to pay for more anti-missile systems. In response, the US made lukewarm promises of taking ‘diplomatic steps’ to help the Ukrainian government. Zelensky, who claimed 1,300 Ukrainian troops have been killed so far and 500 Russians surrendered yesterday, also said Putin’s forces can only take Kyiv if they ‘raze the city to the ground’, with Kremlin troops inching closer to the capital and conflict raging nearby today, endangering attempted evacuations. A top Ukrainian adviser and an Israeli official on Saturday pushed back against a media report suggesting Israel tried to nudge Ukraine into caving to Russian demands during talks. Israel has been engaged in diplomatic efforts to try to end the war in Ukraine. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and spoke by phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. A report carried by Israel’s Walla news, the Jerusalem Post and U.S. news site Axios had suggested, citing an unidentified Ukrainian official, that Bennett had urged Ukraine to give in to Russia. Israel, “just as other conditional intermediary countries, does NOT offer Ukraine to agree to any demands of the Russian Federation,” Ukrainian adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said on Twitter. “This is impossible for military & political reasons. On the contrary, Israel urges Russia to assess the events more adequately.” A senior Israeli official, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, called the report “patently false.” The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are condemning vaccine inequity and are urging “world leaders to do what is necessary to end this crisis and unite behind a People’s Vaccine.” Meghan Markle and Prince Harry joined “more than 130 world leaders, scientists, faith leaders, humanitarians” who signed an open letter titled The People’s Vaccine in which they call for an end to “vaccine monopolies,” PEOPLE reports. “Two years since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a global pandemic – and faced with disturbingly unequal access to COVID-19 vaccines – we urge world leaders to do what is necessary to end this crisis and unite behind a People’s Vaccine,” the letter begins. Yara Shahidi is one step closer to her college degree. The Grown-ish actress revealed in a sweet Instagram video Wednesday that she finished her very lengthy thesis at Harvard University. In the clip, the 22-year-old is standing outside in the snow, announcing the accomplishment in a format similar to a boxing match introduction. “Weighing in at 32,508 words and 136 pages, is this thesis writer, Yara Sayeh Shahidi! Let’s go,” she celebrated with a laugh, flexing her muscles while decked out in her Harvard gear. “YOUR FAVORITE THESIS WRITER IS OFFICIALLY DONE WRITING ????? TRY NOT TO BE INTIMIDATED BY MY STATS #ThesisComplete #Harvard #classof2022#LESSSGOOO” she captioned the post. Followers of Shahidi raved about the jaw-dropping length of her thesis in the comments. She also received a number of congratulatory messages from fellow celebrities like Lena Waithe, Jennifer Garner, Teyana Taylor, Tika Sumpter, and more. Alec Baldwin filed legal papers Friday denying any responsibility for shooting dead Halyna Hutchins — even blaming the late cinematographer for giving him the directions that led to the deadly accident. The 63-year-old actor insisted that every single mistake leading to the Oct. 21 shooting on the New Mexico set of “Rust” was “performed by someone else.” His filing Friday also revealed that Baldwin made an “exhaustive effort” to get the crew back together to finish the doomed movie even after a flurry of lawsuits blamed him for Hutchins’ death. “This is a rare instance when the system broke down, and someone should be held legally culpable for the tragic consequences,” the star’s lawyer, Luke Nikas, wrote in an arbitration filing Friday shared by Deadline. Jussie Smollett, the actor sentenced to five months in prison for faking a hate crime in Chicago, will serve his time in protective custody, officials said. Smollett, who ranted that he was not “suicidal” as he was hauled away after sentencing, will be housed in his own cell, and will be under video monitoring at all times, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office told The Post. Smollett also shouted his innocence on Thursday during his sentencing. “I did not do this and I am not suicidal and if anything happens to me when I go there, I did not do it to myself and you must all know that,” he yelled. The protective custody arrangement was requested by Smollett and his legal team, TMZ reported. Hailey Bieber has been released from the hospital after being admitted for a brain condition. The model, 25, was hospitalized in Palm Springs for a medical emergency earlier this week, PEOPLE can confirm. Bieber was admitted to the hospital with stroke-like symptoms caused by a blood clot in her brain, she shared in a statement on Saturday. “On Thursday morning, I was sitting at breakfast with my husband when I started having stroke like symptoms and was taken to the hospital,” Bieber posted in a statement on her Instagram Story. “They found I had suffered a very small blood clot to my brain, which caused a small lack of oxygen, but my body had passed it on its own and I recovered completely within a few hours,” she continued. “Although this was definitely one of the scariest moments I’ve ever been through, I’m home now and doing well, and I’m so grateful and thankful to all the amazing doctors and nurses who took care of me!” Bieber added, “Thank you to everyone who has reached out with well wishes and concern, and for all the support and love.” Keshia Knight Pulliam and Patti LaBelle are the latest screen team for an upcoming Lifetime Holiday film, “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime.” The duo has signed up for their 2022 roles in the film “A New Orleans Noel,” Whoopi Goldberg is the executive producer. Besides the two stars, the film will also feature Brad James, Pulliam’s husband, and veteran actor Tim Reid. The film is Goldberg’s second project to EP for the cable over the past few years after “Caught in His Web,” which will be released by the end of the year. ”It is with the utmost regret that we inform you of the passing of our sister, Traci. Needless to say, she was a bright light, a wonderful daughter, an amazing sister, a loving mother, wife, grandmother and a respected performer. We will miss her dearly. Traci passed this morning as the snow was falling, our angel is now a snowflake. We ask that you respect our privacy as we plan to send her home with love, celebrating her life. We are family forever. Love, The Braxton Family.” “We have come to a time where we must inform the public that after a year of privately undergoing a series of treatments for Esophageal cancer our beloved Traci Braxton has gone on to glory,” Traci’s Husband Kevin Surratt told TMZ. Traci has been battling cancer for a year, doing so very quietly. She lost her battle Friday. Traci’s sisters and mom Evelyn were by her side when she passed, the site also reported. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2022-03-12-031222-traci-braxton-last-time-1377367/ On “Tamron Hall,” NBA veteran and radio/TV personality Jalen Rose joined the Tam Fam to discuss his widespread career and how his late mother Jeanne continues to inspire him to help others. Rose also gets a surprise video from one of his students at his public charter school, the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy. https://youtu.be/K-SQme6rP0c HBO is debuting their new late-night sports talk show that aims to inform you while also making you laugh. “Game Theory with Bomani Jones” features the Emmy award-winning journalist discussing timely issues in the world of sports. ESPN fans first became familiar with Jones through his appearances on “Around The Horn” and later as the co-host of “Highly Questionable” and “High Noon.” Jones is also currently a contributor on HBO’s “Back on The Record with Bob Costas.” https://youtu.be/tVmXz1RCDHo Bill Maher has fascinating and hilarious takes on America’s view of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The way he sees it knuckle-headed Americans are making the war about them. As the “Real Time” host said on Friday night: “Everything proves what we already believed and everything goes back to the thing we already hate.” As he puts it … Biden supporters blame Trump’s policies for the war, and vice versa. He hilariously references a comment Trump made about the war, saying it wouldn’t have erupted but for a rigged American presidential election. Maher’s reaction … “Kanye thinks less about Pete Davidson than Trump thinks about the rigged election.” BTW … it wasn’t rigged. https://youtu.be/mXdzAZvid0E “This is a new role,” said actress Marita de Lara about her current role on ABC’s “General Hospital” where she previously had a role. “This is a different role from the one I had in 2017 (which ran until 2021); she was the head of Pediatrics.” The Baltimore native plays Dr. Maria Fleming, a neonatologist, in the soap-opera “General Hospital” which is about life in upstate New York in a town called Port Charles. De Lara said growing up with a mother who was an OB/GYN doctor helped her prepare for her medical roles. “It was 5 or 6 episodes. It was fun to do. I love it, a great group of people,” she said about her experience on the “General Hospital” set. Currently residing in Los Angeles Marita is an in-demand actress whose credits are long and include “Hawaii Five-O,” “The Shield,” “This is Us,” NBC’s “Days of Our Lives,” CBS’ “Bold and the Beautiful,” and ABC’s “Port Charles.” “I have a role on ‘Now and Then’ on Apple TV+. I shot it in Miami. It was a bi-lingual set, the director is Spanish, so I had to listen really hard,” she said lovingly. “It was nice.” https://youtu.be/mMExR0_6S8U WWE star Big E said Saturday he was recovering from what he called a broken neck, suffered during the live WWE Smackdown show in Alabama the previous night. Wearing a neck brace on a hospital bed in Birmingham, the wrestler whose real name is Ettore Ewen tweeted in a video his C1 and C6 vertebrae were both fractured, but he had “some really good news … all things considered.” He said he suffered no displacement of the spine nor spinal cord or ligament damage and did not need surgery. “And a pro tip: if you’re going to break your neck, do it in Birmingham,” he said in a video posted on Twitter. “They’ve been great, everyone here at UAB (Hospital) has been great. But for real, it’s meant a ton to me that so many of you have been so kind and reached out, stopped in to see me, texted me. I know I sound like a broken record but I feel very grateful and I’m going to be alright.” https://youtu.be/aCeVrmrYBKA Academy Award winner H.E.R. will co-host this year’s Women in Film (WIF) pre-Oscars party with producer and the organization’s board president emerita Cathy Schulman. The 15th annual event will take place on March 25 at Bar Lis at the Thompson Hollywood hotel. The party honors all 60 women who have been nominated for an Academy Award this year. H.E.R. earned her first Oscar last year for original song for “Fight for You” from “Judas and the Black Messiah.” She is set to make her acting debut as Squeak in the feature adaptation of “The Color Purple” movie musical. Directed by Blitz Bazawule, the movie is currently shooting in Atlanta. Founded in 1973 as Women in Film, Los Angeles, WIF advocates for and advances the careers of women working in the screen industries, to achieve parity and transform culture. Membership is open to all screen industry professionals. A Las Vegas judge agreed Thursday to postpone hearing evidence in the criminal case accusing ex-Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs of driving drunk and causing a high-speed crash that killed a woman last November. Ruggs’ defense attorney, David Chesnoff, asked for more time to examine evidence that police say shows Ruggs was driving 156 mph (251 kph) with a blood-alcohol level twice the Nevada legal limit before the fiery rear-end crash early Nov. 2 that killed 23-year-old Tina Tintor in her vehicle. Prosecutors did not oppose the delay. Justice of the Peace Ann Zimmerman set a new date, May 19, for the hearing at which she’ll determine whether Ruggs will stand trial in state court on felony driving under the influence and reckless driving charges. Ruggs faces a mandatory two years in prison and maybe more than 50 years if he’s convicted. He also is charged with misdemeanor gun possession after police reported finding a loaded handgun on the floor of his demolished Chevrolet Corvette. The 23-year-old former first-round NFL draft pick didn’t have to appear with Chesnoff in court. He remains on house arrest with electronic GPS and alcohol monitors. Ruggs and his girlfriend, Kiara Je’nai Kilgo-Washington, were hospitalized after the crash. The extent of their injuries has not been made public, although Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson has said prosecutors were told Ruggs suffered a leg injury and Kilgo-Washington underwent arm surgery. Kilgo-Washington’s attorney is fighting in court to prevent prosecutors from obtaining her medical records, which prosecutors need to prove the crash caused substantial bodily injury. Ruggs wore a neck brace and remained seated in a wheelchair during his initial court appearance the day after the crash. By then, the Raiders had released him from the team. YE, formerly known as Kanye West, appointed Jason Lee, founder and CEO of Hollywood Unlocked to its executive team as the Head of Media and Partnerships. As YE builds out various entities committed to amplifying narratives and humanizing black voices in media and storytelling, Jason in this new role, will work to bring in like-minded institutions and content that will further expand YE’s media empire. As head of media and partnerships, Lee will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of all media content, providing insight for the operation and management of the media department and streamlining partnerships and networking efforts to increase the visibility and credibility of YE’s new brand. Most recently, Lee helped launch YE’s Stem Player and Donda 2 album release which has grossed more than $3 Million since its release on February 22, 2022. Christopher Coleman appeared on a recent episode of “Wheel of Fortune” alongside other contestants Laura Machado and Thomas Lipscomb. However, things took a different turn after none guessed the correct and obvious answer to the puzzle: “Another feather in Your Cap.” Coleman and his team were immensely trolled on social media for their ignorance, and eventually, the contestant has had enough of the trolls. Coleman opened up about the ridicule, telling TMZ about the widespread hate that followed the episode’s airing. He said he learned the idiom (“Another feather in Your Cap”) at around 6 or 7 years of age but hasn’t heard it in over 30 years, which explains he wouldn’t get it right. Combined with the pressure and scrutiny that accompanies production on the show’s set, it is reasonable to forget even the simplest things. It is easier for viewers comfortably seated on couches in their homes, relaxed, to scream and yell at the contestants on TV, forgetting that the latter are in real-time and moment struggling to find answers to the puzzle. Coleman adds that it is sad how everyone is treading on (him and his team’s) intelligence and belittling their college degrees without thinking of the surrounding circumstances at the time. https://youtu.be/-tjYgh8TFVw #CardiB has pulled out of her first lead acting role, putting the highly anticipated film on the shelf, at least temporarily. Last January, it was announced that the “Be Careful” star had landed the starring role as Amber in the Thembi Banks directed comedy, “Assisted Living.” The film would follow Amber as she goes on the run inside a retirement home, disguising herself as her grandmother. However, just a week before filming began, the 29-year-old backed away from the flick due to an “overextended” work schedule. The #Grammy-award-winning rapper is hard at work on her highly anticipated sophomore album, slated to be released this year. In addition to music, she also stars in her Facebook Watch docu-series titled “Cardi B Tries,” which follows her as she tries different occupations and hobbies. She is also the visionary behind her popular Reebok collaboration and the first-ever creative director at Playboy. Her schedule is jam-packed, so an abrupt pause on her acting endeavor is understandable. https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca-CF32sMOH/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again This is what Virgil Grant, owner of California Cannabis, has to say about Cat Packer resigning as Director of the Department of Cannabis Regulation. “Cat Packer should have stepped down as the Director of the Department of Cannabis Regulation a long time ago. Cat stepping down is not going to fix all of the problems. Everybody else in that department needs to go as well. They should revamp the whole department because everybody participated in the destruction and the demise of LA’s cannabis market. LA should have been the number one cannabis market in the world. LA looks like the biggest joke in the world because of everyone in that department — Michelle, Rocky, and Jason Killeen. https://youtu.be/PFhYbTJoI4w Kyle Thomas, a pop culture astrologer, has penned a lengthy article for the New York Post about Oprah Winfrey’s birth chart. Thomas writes, “One of the strongest features of her astrological aspects is that her sun is in the exact same place as her Venus. This brings her a charming and cheerful persona, but also makes her beautiful inside and out. She’s deeply invested in the arts and her relationships and can connect with people in a soft, yet empowering, way.” Thomas adds, “Her sun links gorgeously with her moon, representing that she’s innately very balanced and confident, while her moon smiles upon Venus, making her especially popular. “With her sun under siege from Saturn, she was blocked by a significant lack of love and support in her life, but this caused her to find her perseverance,” Thomas writes. A father of seven is finally back home in New Mexico after spending 549 days in the hospital battling COVID-19. Donnell Hunter, 43, was treated at nine different hospitals after he contracted COVID-19 in Sept. 2020, PEOPLE reports. Hunter, 43, was “heavily sedated and on a ventilator for most of that first year,” the outlet writes. https://www.kob.com/albuquerque-news/roswell-man-who-spent-more-than-500-in-hospital-for-covid-returns-home/6410837/ Vladimir Putin has ordered his troops to create a ‘man-made catastrophe’ at Chernobyl which he plans to blame on Ukrainian ‘saboteurs’ in order to justify further escalating his war against the ex-Soviet country, Kyiv’s intelligence service has claimed today. Ukrainian spies say the ‘terrorist attack’ will be carried out by Russian operatives who moved in yesterday amongst a group of ‘specialists’ sent by Belarus to take over safety operations at the partially-destroyed nuclear power plant, which was seized by Russian forces in the opening days of the invasion. Belarus sent the team in after Putin’s men disconnected Chernobyl from monitoring systems which report the status of its nuclear safety systems to UN watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, and cut power to the plant – meaning water used to keep its fuel rods cooled will no longer automatically top itself up. The Ukrainian warning comes against the backdrop of western governments saying Russia appears to be laying the groundwork to use chemical or biological weapons in Ukraine – an attack that would also be blamed on Kyiv with the aim of justifying a further increase in violence. The 2020 census undercounted Black people, Latinos and Native Americans, and overcounted people who identified as white, according to estimates from a report the U.S. Census Bureau released Thursday. Latinos — with a net undercount rate of 4.99% — were left out of the 2020 census at more than three times the rate of a decade earlier. Among Native Americans living on reservations (5.64%) and Black people (3.30%), the net undercount rates were numerically higher but not statistically different from the 2010 rates. People who identified as white and not Latino were overcounted at a net rate of 1.64%, almost double the rate in 2010. Asian Americans were also overcounted (2.62%). The bureau said based on its estimates, it’s unclear how well the 2020 tally counted Pacific Islanders. The report notes that the census has long undercounted Black people, Latinos, and Native Americans. https://youtu.be/Eq-FMB4epyw Major League Soccer has joined forces with several Black-owned banks in an effort to help economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. MLB has reportedly taken out a $25 million loan “facilitated by the National Black Bank Foundation (NBBF), a network of Black-owned retail financial institutions that seeks to close the racial wealth gap by helping underserved communities gain access to capital,” per Boardroom TV. “Major League Soccer’s partnership with the National Black Bank Foundation (NBBF) is a tangible step in the efforts to close the racial economic gap in the United States, and it’s the right business decision for us,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber in a release. “In order to make a genuine impact, economic justice must be part of the equation. It is our hope this will raise awareness of the importance of Black-owned banks and their impact on the economy.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1502079357380018178 On Tuesday, Travis Scott announced the launch of Project HEAL, an initiative that aims to make events safer and protect youth. He wrote on Instagram: “Over the past few months I’ve been taking the time and space to grieve, reflect and do my part to heal my community. Most importantly, I want to use my resources and platform moving forward towards actionable change.” He added, “This will be a lifelong journey for me and my family.” The philanthropic effort will also provide $5 million for community-based initiatives in Scott’s home state of Texas. The big move comes months after the tragic Astroworld Festival festival where 10 fans were crushed to death and hundreds were injured. Travis faced major backlash following the horrific event. However, he says “I feel as a leader in my community, I need to step up in times of need,” he wrote. “I will always honor the victims of the Astroworld tragedy who remain in my heart forever,” he added. It’s not every day that a defending NBA champion loses its starting center and doesn’t miss a beat, but like its superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks have long proven to be successfully unorthodox. From the drama surrounding Ben Simmons and James Harden, to the struggles of the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks, there have been a number of interesting storylines to focus on this NBA season. The defending champs not skipping a beat, though? It’s not a headline that would necessarily sell newspapers, so the Bucks have managed to somehow fly under the radar. https://youtu.be/NcpNAnzjL08 Starz has renewed ”Power Book IV: Force” for a second season. “Fans have been eagerly awaiting Joseph’s return as the iconic ‘Tommy Egan’ and from the show’s record-setting debut, it was clear right away that they want to see another season of him taking on this new city,” Jeffrey Hirsch, president and CEO at STARZ, said in a statement, as reported by Urban Hollywood 411. “We are thrilled to have Joseph back in the ‘Power’ Universe and to be expanding the world with a new tapestry of power players brought to life by our fantastic cast.” https://youtu.be/Ivdy4VzQY_U Kim Kardashian is catching heat over comments made in a new interview with Variety. The publication’s latest cover story on the Kardashians unpacks their new TV series at Hulu titled, “The Kardashians,” and how it will differ from their former E! Series “Keeping Up with the Kardashians”. Kim said the new series will showcase different sides of the Kardashian clan, such as highlighting their business ventures. “I have the best advice for women in business. Get your f***ing a** up and work. It seems like nobody wants to work these days,” Kim said (peep the YouTube clip below). “You have to surround yourself with people that want to work. Have a good work environment where everyone loves what they do, because you have one life. No toxic work environments and show up and do the work.” https://youtu.be/XX2izzshRmI Mikaila Murphy doesn’t care if you don’t like her “twerk” videos. She also gives zero f*cks about that guy she used to date – ol what’s his name. The douchebag. It’s a familiar story – relatable to most girls in her age group (she’s 22). “He cheated, I caught him in a lie,” Murphy recalls, sounding as if there might still be some leftover agitation at the thought of what happened. “I even spoke to the girl he cheated with. We’re friends now.” https://youtu.be/jnJHOzPLymc During Thursday’s episode of his eponymous daytime talk show, Nick Cannon reacted to the talker being canceled after one season. “This is show business, right? And we know the biggest word in that is ‘business’, and this is a business,” he explained. “As a businessman, I know that as much fun as we have on the show, business is the thing that makes this whole thing tick and operate.” Honestly, I show up each and every day bright and early to give you a show, but I’m also a businessman, and you understand when there’s certain forms and certain platforms,” he said. “This has been a dream come true for me to be able to do this for you each and every day, but my business mind, I want to expand and elevate in a way.” https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca7eW0uo7i7/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Texas Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) and Rep. Colin Allred (D-Texas) are working with the State Department to get WNBA star Brittney Griner released from Russia. The Phoenix Mercury basketball player was arrested in the country on February 17 when she arrived at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International Airport on a flight from New York. Per SandraRose, “A drug sniffing dog alerted customs officials to Griner’s carry-on bag. Officials found multiple vape cartridges containing “significant amounts” of cannabis (weed) oil in her luggage.” https://youtu.be/AXo_fvpG3vA One of the biggest, long-standing historical debates in American history has been that of education, especially as it pertains to underserved, minority communities. However, educator, entrepreneur and consultant Tiffany Ford, known as “The Childcare Guru,” believes she has the answers to giving urban youth the academic spark they need to flourish. With COVID-19 impacting the mental health of children and young adults, she says curriculums that embrace the arts are crucial. A native of Philadelphia, Ford has worked passionately in the fields of childcare and education for the last 15 years. She is the owner of Little Leaders Learning Academy, co-owner of Stages Community School, and the founder of Leaders and Legends Performing Arts Academy, which teaches Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Modern Dance, Drama, Karate and vocal classes in southwest Philadelphia. Ford’s curriculums have thrived since 2009, offering both students and parents exposure to various resources and setting them up for success. A grand jury on Friday declined to indict Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson following a police investigation sparked by lawsuits filed by 22 women who have accused him of sexual assault and harassment. The grand jury’s decision came about a year after the women first filed their suits, accusing Watson of exposing himself, touching them with his penis or kissing them against their will during massage appointments. One woman alleged Watson forced her to perform oral sex. Houston police began investigating Watson in April 2021 after a criminal complaint was filed. The FBI also was reviewing the allegations. A federal appeals court on Thursday said the pop superstar Katy Perry and her team were not liable to a hip-hop artist who claimed they copied her No. 1 hit Dark Horse from his Christian rap song. In a 3-0 decision, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said Flame, whose given name is Marcus Gray, did not deserve damages for copyright infringement over a musical pattern he said Perry, 37, borrowed from his song Joyful Noise. The Pasadena, California-based court said the eight-note pattern, known as an ostinato, consisted ‘entirely of commonplace musical elements’ that lacked the ‘quantum of originality’ needed for copyright protection. A Los Angeles jury had in July 2019 awarded Flame and two other plaintiffs $2.79 million, including $550,000 from Perry and $1.29 million from her label Capitol Records, part of Universal Music Group. The CMT Music Awards will have country star Kelsea Ballerini returning as co-host, joined this year by actor Anthony Mackie, CBS announced Thursday. Ballerini is taking on hosting duties for a second straight year. In 2021, she co-hosted with fellow country star Kane Brown, who was then in his second year in the role. Mackie, best known for his roles in Marvel’s “Avengers” franchise, most recently as the co-lead in the Disney Plus limited series “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” is a surprise choice to host a country awards show, although he did present an award on last year’s telecast. The CMT Awards have primarily been hosted by country music figures in recent years, but the show does have a long history of bringing in actors to share the duties. Sarah Hyland co-hosted with Brown and Ashley McBryde in 2020; prior to that, Brittany Snow, Kristen Bell, Pamela Anderson and Kathy Najimy had been drafted at various points. On the ACM Awards stage Monday night in Las Vegas, Dolly Parton said she would rather pass a kidney stone than get political at an award show. But that didn’t stop the Country Music Hall of Famer and show host from dedicating this year’s Academy of Country of Music Awards to “our brothers and sisters in Ukraine.” In her opening monologue, Parton said: “I do want us before we start all our fun to take a serious moment. … I want us to send our love and hope to our brothers and sisters in Ukraine.” She continued, earning applause from onlookers: “Why don’t we just dedicate this entire show to them? And pray for peace around this crazy ‘ole world.” Matthew Carnahan (House of Lies), Emmy nominee Nadia Hallgren (Becoming), and Ben Crump are developing the legal series Stokes, based on Crump’s life and work as a civil rights attorney. The series will also follow Crump and his team as they travel the country fighting to change the problems within the justice system. Carnahan, creator and showrunner of Stokes, developed the script with Hallgren. Crump and Carnahan’s producing partner, Joel Ehninger, will executive produce. “Working with Ben Crump is a stark rebuttal of the old saying about never meeting your heroes. Three years in, through a documentary and this wonderful scripted series, Stokes, Ben is more my hero than ever, and his work has undoubtedly changed the culture,” said Carnahan in a statement to Deadline. Added Hallgren, “Ben Crump is one of the most nuanced, complex, and interesting characters I’ve ever met. The last two years I’ve spent documenting Ben during this historical time, gave me a front row seat to his singular perspective. Ben brings together the history of America with the present moment in unimaginable ways and I’m thrilled to be working with Matthew Carnahan to share this story through a scripted narrative format.” Today, GRAMMY-nominated, Billboard Music Award-winning, platinum-selling, multi-racial, multi-cultural, and genre-bending collective Maverick City Music and 16-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist, songwriter, producer, and cultural icon Kirk Franklin have announced the Kingdom Tour featuring special guests Jonathan McReynolds and Housefires. Produced by Live Nation and Undivided, the 37-city tour kicks off on June 1st at FTX Arena in Miami, FL making stops across North America in Atlanta, Toronto, Nashville, Los Angeles, and more before wrapping up in Denver, CO at Ball Arena on July 31st. At the conclusion of the Kingdom Tour, a collaboration album, Kingdom, will follow featuring Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mR-D3bvi-4E&feature=youtu.be The single, "Who Hurt Who?" written and produced by Kameron Corvet is the first song he has released since his Kathy's Basement EP (2020). Written, arranged, and produced by Corvet, "Who Hurt Who is an ode to the classic post break-up songs of the 60s and 70s. Rooted in guitars and Corvet's signature vocal blend of falsetto and natural melodies, he uses his Grammy Award-winning songwriting to address failed relationships from the man's perspective. " https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cv4hk-q-OLM Semaje drops new single "Lovely Day." This song is in the Gospel Spotlght!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xb88KfQk5k Accomplished, TigerBeat-featured new artist and 20-year-old singer, songwriter and guitarist Coby James releases “Shackles (Praise You)” to radio and digital / streaming outlets everywhere today from Centricity Music. The song features Motown Gospel / Capitol CMG’s Evvie McKinney and pays tribute to Mary Mary as a new version of their career-launching debut single released at the turn of the century. With John Mayer, Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendes and other influences apparent in his music, James infuses his popular music stylings with soul, urban gospel vibes on “Shackles (Praise You).” This song showcases his rare talent alongside McKinney, winner of the inaugural season of the TV singing competition The Four: Battle for Stardom on FOX. This song is in the Gospel Spotlight!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pd35RuRdAE Gold-selling, Dove Award-winning pop recording artist and songwriter Jordan Feliz releases Say It (Deluxe) worldwide today (March 11) via Centricity Music. The 18-track deluxe version of Feliz’s acclaimed, third full-length album Say It features the celebratory radio hit “Jesus Is Coming Back” and its remix version featuring both GRAMMY Award-winning Mandisa and Motown Gospel/Capitol CMG artist Jonathan Traylor. Hitting No. 7 and No. 4 on the Billboard NCA Monitored and AC Indicator charts respectively this week and continuing to climb, the multi-format radio single “Jesus Is Coming Back” points to the hope of Christians around the world, giving voice to those longing for a home other than ones built on earth. Here is another song in The Gospel Spotlight!!! https://www.youtube.com/user/jordanfelizmusic Actor and rapper Kaalan “KR” Walker is accused of raping over 30 teens and women that he allegedly met via social media while posing as a photographer. per MadameNoire, that the rape and sexual abuse allegations date back as far as 2013. Walker pleaded not guilty to 6 counts of rape and 2 counts of unlawful intercourse with a minor, in addition to multiple felonies, AceSHowBiz reported. Walker’s attorney argued that all the encounters with the alleged victims “was in consensual and voluntary contact.” “There’s no abduction rape. There’s no forced rape. Purportedly, he is giving them information like, ‘Hey, I could put you in a movie. I could put you in a rap video. I could create a star.’ And that’s what gets them to do things they might not normally want to do,” the attorney continued. During a hearing on Tuesday (March 8), prosecutors described Walker as a “digital age” serial rapist who used the “little blue checkmark” on his social media accounts to “hunt” for his victims, according to Rolling Stone. A former business partner of Akon has described the artist’s Senegal city plans to a Ponzi scheme. As reported that Akon is not only building a futuristic city in Senegal, the former singer is also developing a similar cryptocurrency-based system of living in Uganda. Per Complex, the Ugandan government has allotted Akon one square mile of land to build Akon City. Akon has reportedly bagged a $6 billion contract to build a cryptocurrency-themed city in Senegal. He shared the exciting news in a post on Instagram, writing, “KE International awarded US $6 Billion construction contract for Akon City.” Former First Lady #MichelleObama and #NBA superstar #ChrisPaul kicked off the VOTE LOUD HBCU Squad Challenge — When We All Vote’s first-ever #HBCU campaign. The Squad Challenge’s goal is to empower HBCU students to take a leading role in voter registration, education and mobilization efforts on their campuses and their surrounding communities ahead of the 2022 midterm elections. Baller Alert, along with other partners such as BET, Watch The Yard, HBCU Buzz and Xceleader’s Vote HBCU program are among the founding partners of the Squad Challenge. https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca5MvaqjCBC/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Smokey Robinson has made clear that he does not prefer to be called an “African American.” The Motown legend explained during a recent appearance on “The View,” that he prefers to call himself “Black” and “Black American.” “I resent being called African American … I think that when you do that, you’re disclaiming all the things, all the contributions that Black people have made to America. I consider myself to be a Black American and I enjoy being called Black,” Robinson, 82, told the hosts. https://youtu.be/MsAYHxjjLzg Another day, another senseless killing. In Chicago, a 17-year-old boy and his 22-year-old brother have been charged with first-degree murder after a security guard (Salena Claybourne, 35) was shot and killed Monday afternoon. She had just left work and stopped for gas in the South Shore neighborhood before the shooting. Dameonte Watson, 17, and his 22-year-old brother Gregory Watson are both charged with first-degree murder. Dameonte Watson is charged as an adult. Claybourne’s mother organized a GoFundMe to pay for funeral costs, and to support Claybourne’s 15- and 14-year-old daughters. Donors gave more than $12,500 toward the fundraiser’s goal of $30,000 as of Wednesday afternoon. Details surrounding the arrest of former “Basketball Wives” star Royce Reed’s arrest are a bit shocking! Royce was arrested for child neglect and it appears it’s because her son sexually molested her boyfriend’s child. According to police records, “The incident occurred at Braylon’s (Royce’s son) home. It’s unknown if Braylon, who is around 13-years-old and the other child resided in the same home at the time of the incident. Braylon has a history of sexual behaviors. He is currently in treatment at TrueCore Behavioral Solutions. He has been in treatment for 8 months. Officer Chamberlin responded to Braylon’s residence where he met with Braylon’s mother, Royce Reed. She explained Braylon recently revealed new information about a sexual incident between the two boys that occurred approximately one year ago. Royce notified her son’s sexual treatment counselor, who in turn contacted CF. For years, the girls have held down the title of “bad”, while the fellas have stood on the sideline -- but now, it’s the guys turn to lay claim to the crown. Reality star Milan Christopher, celebrity hairstylist Jonathan Wright, notorious offspring Kerrion Franklin, and Insta-famous stars Relly B and Andrew Caldwell, join a cast of some of today’s biggest personalities to establish a “brand”, start some mess, and take over LA! While the girls may be baddies, the boys are setting out to prove that they are the baddest. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3Au9dDNSEQ The Biden administration’s swift declaration of temporary protected status (TPS) for Ukrainian refugees spotlight the anti-Blackness within the American immigration system. Before his election, President Biden promised to undo harms caused by his predecessor, yet immigration groups point to his continuation of the same policies he said he would undo. Speaking with NewsOne, UndocuBlack’s National Director of Policy and Advocacy Haddy Gassama says that comparatively, Black people have a higher threshold to prove their worth when seeking asylum or refuge. In the past year, the Biden administration deported or expelled at least 20,000 Haitian migrants. UndocuBlack and other Black-led immigration organizations also point to the dire condition for Cameroonian nationals as needing protection afforded under TPS. She cited a Human Rights Watch report documenting abuses of Cameroonians after they are deported back to their home country. Words are not always harmless. Sometimes they can be the catalyst to violence, especially if those words are derogatory and demeaning. Two Florida men had to learn this the hard way after an altercation left one dead and the other charged in his death. Corey Pujols pleaded guilty to felony battery this week for throwing the punch that killed Vonelle Cook in a Tampa Dunkin’. According to authorities, Cook, who was a regular at the Dunkin’, became upset at the service while trying to order coffee from the drive-thru. Dunkin’ workers claimed they had problems hearing the 77-year-old man which made him even more upset. Employees then asked Cook to leave, but instead, he parked his car and headed into the Dunkin’ to continue to harass the staff.Corey Pujols, who was an employee of Dunkin’, urged his co-workers to call the police, but the altercation continued to escalate. Cook continued his verbal tirade towards Pujols and his co-workers eventually calling Pujols the n-word. Pujols immediately took offense and warned Cook not to use the disgusting word again. When angry white men are asked not to say the n-word, we all know what happens next. Cook defiantly called Pujols the n-word a second time, completely set him off. Pujols reached over and punched Cook square in the jaw knocking him off his feet. The punch resulted in Cook hitting his head on the floor with nothing to support his fall. Three days later he was pronounced dead. Pujols was originally charged with manslaughter, but charges were reduced to felony battery after prosecutors took into account Cook’s behavior and actions during the incident that resulted in his death. Vice President Kamala Harris sought to reinforce cooperative ties between the United States and Poland as she met with the country’s President in the wake of an apparent disconnect between the two NATO members over providing Ukraine with fighter jets. “I want to be very clear. The United States and Poland are united in what we have done and are prepared to help Ukraine and the people of Ukraine, full stop,” Harris said alongside Polish President Andrzej Duda during a joint news conference. The Biden administration is set to cancel over $6 billion in federal student loan debt. On Wednesday, the U.S. Education Department announced that 100,000 borrowers are eligible for $6.2 billion in student debt forgiveness. The move expands upon the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program — which “forgives student debt for various public servants who make 10 years of monthly payments,” per Complex. PSLF was created about 15 years ago with the intention of helping borrowers who worked in education, health care, emergency services, and more. However, the Biden administration expanded the program back in October, after it was criticized over its strict and confusing requirements that resulted in a 98 percent denial rate for applicants. https://youtu.be/_ujHke2gF5k A spokesperson for Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black said in a statement, according to 11 Alive, that “Herschel Walker isn’t smart enough to debate anybody,” and that “He and his team know he’d be humiliated.” Black is one of Walker’s opponents in the Republican primary race to represent Georgia in the U.S. Senate. But Walker doesn’t seem to understand that he has to campaign against his primary opponents before he can go up against Raphael Warnock, the Democrat who currently occupies the Senate seat he’s aiming for. “It’s time for Herschel Walker to get out and discuss these issues and we’re going to help him with that in the coming weeks,” Black said. Black was asked by reporters if Walker had accepted any debate challenges and he answered, “No. And if I was his consultant, I’d keep him hidden as well.” Walker was asked if he was willing to debate any of his opponents in the GOP primary and he answered, “I’m thinking about debating with Raphael Warnock. That’s who I need to be debating right now.” “Black Panther” director Ryan Coogler was detained by police in Atlanta after being falsely accused of robbing a bank. Police are now calling the incident a “mistaken arrest.” https://youtu.be/s8wOnkEbWyI The woman who accused Chris Brown of drugging and raping her on a yacht docked outside of Diddy’s home in Miami in December 2020 has withdrawn a lawsuit she filed against him after several of her explicit text messages to the singer were leaked. According to TMZ, Ariel Mitchell, an attorney representing the woman (only identified as Jane Doe) wasn’t aware of the messages she sent to Brown in the wake of the assault allegations. Brown put the woman on blast on Instagram where he shared an old voicemail from her in which she said, “I just want to see you again … just let me know. If you want me to leave you alone, I will. But I really just wanna f*ck the shit again.” https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca3DIyCpsWf/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Jussie Smollett after being sentenced to 150 days in jail and 30 months of probation for making false reports to police of a hate crime, actor Jussie Smollett said to the courtroom: 'I am innocent, and I am not suicidal' https://youtu.be/81cLAL6plUo https://youtu.be/81cLAL6plUo Some Black students reportedly were “sold” by classmates at a recent “slave auction” at a Chatham County school, prompting the superintendent to send a letter to families condemning “recent unacceptable incidents.” In a letter sent Tuesday night, Chatham County Superintendent Anthony Jackson told families that the district had “become aware of recent incidents involving students using racially insensitive language and offensive imagery.” Jackson’s letter doesn’t specifically describe the incidents. But a Chatham County parent who has been in contact with district officials detailed in Facebook posts about the “slave auction” and a video that used the N-word. “Our son experienced a slave auction by his classmates and when he opened up we were made aware that this type of stuff seems to be the norm so much that he didn’t think it was worth sharing,” Ashley Palmer wrote in a Facebook post Friday. “His friend ‘went for $350’ and another student was the Slavemaster because he ‘knew how to handle them.’ “We even have a video of students harmonizing the N word. Since when were children so blatantly racist?” When Tamika Huston went missing in 2004, Rebkah Howard went into overdrive trying to get media attention for her niece. Nearly 20 years later, the world can finally hear Tamika’s story in the new Audible Original series “Finding Tamika.” Released Thursday, “Finding Tamika” is a neo-noir true-crime drama that tells Tamika’s story through the voices of friends, family and Tamika herself. Narrated, co-written and co-produced by actress and writer Erika Alexander, “Finding Tamika” provides an intimate insight into Tamika’s life. In an interview with NewsOne, Howard shared her disappointment in the lack of media interest in Tamika’s disappearance. After high-profile cases of missing white women like Laci Peterson and Chandra Levi, she assumed outlets would pick up Tamika’s story. As a lawyer and PR maven, Howard knew how to craft the right pitch for her niece’s case. But she had difficulty getting outlets to pick up Tamika’s story. It was Black media and Black journalists that kept Tamika’s story alive. Paybill announced that “Emmett Till, A New American Opera” will be premiering at New York City’s John Jay College on March 23. The show was written by a white woman and has a white woman as its main character. Many people expressed that the show’s framing is inappropriate and disrespectful on Twitter. “Emmett Till, A New American Opera” was written by Claire Coss and follows Roanne Taylor, a white woman who “is against Jim Crow laws, segregation and the racial inequality that she sees around her but remains silent,” according to Playbill. Taylor is also the show’s only fictional character; the opera mainly features Coss’ adaptations of real people involved in Till’s story, including his mother Mamie Till and Carolyn Bryant, the white woman who said Till whistled at her, which led to the teenager being lynched. The show is also presented in conjunction with John Jay College, Opera Noire International, the Harlem Chamber Players, and Harlem Arts Alliance, as reported by Playbill. Coss has also written other works about Till’s story. While Playbill’s tweet announcing the premiere of the show has less than 200 likes at the time of publication, it had more than 2,000 retweets and quote tweets, the latter of which shed light on how many people of color feel about Coss’ take on Till’s tragic story. A Santa Clara County judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought against Palo Alto by six police officers who claimed harassment and discrimination for being “forced” to walk past a street mural in 2020 depicting 1970s Black Liberation Army member and fugitive Assata Shakur. The civil complaint against the city — filed last year in Santa Clara County Superior Court by Palo Alto police officers Eric Figueroa, Michael Foley, Christopher Moore, Robert Parham, Julie Tannock and David Ferreira — claimed in the lawsuit that they were “forced to physically pass and confront the mural every time they entered the Palo Alto Police department.” The officers described it as “offensive, discriminatory and harassing iconography” that fostered a “hostile” and “retaliatory” work environment. The work — which was painted on Hamilton Street across from city hall — was commissioned by the city in June 2020 to commemorate protests against the police killing of George Floyd. The mural featured several images inside each letter of the phrase “Black Lives Matter” and included a quote from Shakur within the letter “E” of the word “Matter” — “We must love each to support each other” — and a re-creation of the cover of her autobiography. The five officers suing the city were seeking physical, mental and emotional damages, including health care services, economic damages, attorney fees and court costs yet to be determined but “in excess of $25,000.” The discovery of human remains that could possibly be victims of the 1921 Tulsa race massacre in Oklahoma shows that the search for mass graves should continue, researchers said. A report submitted to Tulsa’s committee overseeing the search said one body, believed to be a Black male in his mid-to-late 20s, is a possible massacre victim and had three gunshot wounds with two bullets recovered from the remains, including one from the head. Forensic anthropologist Phoebe Stubblefield said Wednesday that DNA could provide circumstantial evidence linking the remains to the massacre. But she said that it likely can never be confirmed with certainty that any remains were massacre victims. The man was shot, Stubblefield said, but when and the circumstances of the shooting will never be known. “The person had a death that involved another human, so that part is clear, but when that death occurred, there are no definitive indicators and the exact context of … how did the bullets get introduced, there’s no indications under the earth for that,” Stubblefield said. A Florida father was crushed to death in a porta-potty when a coworker accidentally ran it over in a bulldozer. The incident occurred Friday evening at the North Central Landfill, according to authorities. TooFab reports that Aaron Henderson was employed as a spotter, who provided “traffic control for the incoming and outgoing dump trucks,” the outlet writes. https://youtu.be/uMg4jVPdJL0 Tiger Woods cried. Woods’ 14-year-old daughter, Sam, as she presented him as a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame on Wednesday night at the PGA Tour’s sparkling new headquarters, said, “Dad, I inducted you into the Dad Hall of Fame long time ago.” The 46-year-old Woods, joining his daughter on stage, melted into her arms and lost it. The same Woods who used to sear burn marks into his competitors. https://youtu.be/eZQie5HFeUg A 25-year-old congressional aide who grew up in North Texas has sued Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, alleging he is her biological father. Attorneys for Alexandra Davis filed the lawsuit Thursday in Dallas County, saying that Jones and her mother had a relationship in the mid-1990s from which she was conceived. According to court documents, Jones and Davis’ mother, Cynthia Davis, reached a settlement to financially support the mother and child as long as they didn’t publicly identify Jones as her father. Alexandra Davis is asking a court to find that she isn’t legally bound by the agreement between Jones and her mother if she were to attempt to legally establish that he is her father. She doesn’t want to be sued or lose her financial trusts. She is also seeking declaration from the court that such settlement agreements should be “unenforceable” in Texas. The lawsuit was temporarily sealed Wednesday ahead of a hearing scheduled for March 31, court records show. The Dallas Morning News obtained the lawsuit through the county’s online court records system before the file was sealed. Apple TV+ has landed the rights to a new feature documentary about the groundbreaking life and career of seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, Sir Lewis Hamilton, who has broken both records and barriers to become one of the greatest Formula One drivers in history. The documentary will feature full access to Hamilton and his team, on and off the track, and an all-star cast of guest interviews. Hamilton has blazed an uncharted trail professionally, socially, and culturally, and transformed the sport on a global scale. Coming from a working-class family, Lewis succeeded in a sport where the odds were stacked against him but where his talent shone through, allowing him to dominate the sport for over a decade. Hamilton is currently the only Black driver to race in the Formula One series. He embraced what made him different and his rise to the top of his career has made him fiercely committed to using his platform to influence positive change for future generations. Russian Daniil Medvedev and Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka called for peace amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine that caused tennis officials to strip any mention of their home countries from the Indian Wells tennis tournament. Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24 in the biggest assault on a European state since 1945. Russia calls the action a “special military operation”.“ My message is always the same – I want peace in all of the world,” world number one Medvedev told reporters on the eve of the first round of ATP action in the Southern California desert “I think every tennis player is going to say the same.” Indeed, support for the Ukrainian people has been pouring out from the tennis community. Former world number ones Maria Sharapova and Andy Murray have pledged to support relief funds for children affected by the invasion. Two million people – mostly women and children – have now fled Ukraine. Zoë Kravitz is calling out clickbait journalism after she was quoted saying she wanted to audition for a role in “The Dark Knight Rises,” but was rejected because she was too “urban.” Kravitz has previously spoken out about not being able to audition for the film because of her race. “I don’t know if it came directly from (director) Chris Nolan,” she said in a recent interview with The Observer. “I think it was probably a casting director of some kind, or a casting director’s assistant,” Kravitz explained. “Being a woman of color and being an actor and being told at that time that I wasn’t able to read because of the color of my skin, and the word ‘urban’ being thrown around like that, that was what was really hard about that moment,” she added. Nicki Minaj chopped it up with Joe Budden for an in-depth discussion on Wednesday, during which she dished about her legacy and influence on women rappers and having plastic surgery. ”I was one of the first people to be shitted on on social media,” she explained to Budden. “It wasn’t acceptable to have surgery at all or anything. At that time, I didn’t have surgery. I had a** shots, which till this day I realized…even what I did and even with me not consulting with anyone to do something like that…how insane that was. It’s not like you’re going to a doctor, a professional person. No. It’s some random person, comes in. I was in Atlanta at the time.” At that time, Nicki hung around Lil Wayne who surrounded himself with a bevy of big-bootied beauties that Nicki described as his muses. She said Wayne and the Young Money crew always talked about big booties, which made her insecure about her own body. https://youtu.be/LSmMQEsBzmE From the streets of New York City to the Coachella stage alongside songstress Beyonce´, violinist Ezinma has used her artistry to change the narrative around representation within classical music. The Nebraska native is introducing youth from underrepresented groups to the art form through the creation of her foundation Strings by Heart, ABC7 reported. She recently launched Strings by Heart; an organization designed to make music education accessible to youth in underserved communities. Through the nonprofit, youngsters will have the opportunity to participate in music lessons led by accomplished educators, attend cultural events that will broaden their perspectives and have access to quality instruments and supplies. The program was created to use music as a vessel to teach youth lessons they can apply in other areas of their lives. After only six months on air, Nick Cannon’s eponymous daytime talk show has been canceled due to low ratings. Enough episodes have been pre-tapped so the show will run through May, according to Variety. “It’s never easy to cancel a production with clear potential, but after a great deal of deliberation and examining various options, we have made the difficult business decision to end production on Nick Cannon,” Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein, co-presidents of the chat show’s producer/distributor Debmar-Mercury, said in a statement. “We plan to offer viewers original episodes of the daytime talk show through the remainder of this season. Our thanks go to the very talented Nick Cannon and our wonderful production team, and we wish Nick continued success with his many hit ventures.” https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca2wgD5lgz8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again There’s talk on the street that daytime talk show “The Real” is getting its cancellation orders. If true, the news comes on the heels of Nick Cannon’s show getting the axe. News of the cancellation of “The Real” was first reported by theJasmineBrand. However, the site is not specifying why the show is allegedly ending after 8 seasons in production. The show has seen a few different hosts over the years but currently, Adrienne Bailon, comedian and actress Loni Love, television host and fashion stylist Jeannie Mai, and actress and model Garcelle Beauvais do the hosting honors. https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca4_-24Aijm/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again March 9 marked the 25th anniversary of the murder of rapper Notorious B.I.G. To memorialize the celebrated hip-hip icon, his estate has announced the first-ever official The Notorious B.I.G. NFT (non-fungible token) collection. The collection is an exclusive partnership with the Quincy Jones-backed NFT platform OneOf, Stereogum reports. “We are excited about our partnership with OneOf and their expertise to memorialize my son Christopher with this first official NFT drop to give his fans an opportunity to participate in and honor their love of him and his music,” says Biggie’s mother Voletta Wallace. Today, BET+ announced the return of “Tyler Perry’s Ruthless,” available now exclusively on BET+. Season 3 picks up with even more drama, jealousy, and deception as The Highest plans to grow the Rakudushis cult. While a growing number of his flock are trying to escape paradise, the FBI infiltrates the cult. Bodies begin to pile up in the pursuit of all of the deserters and agents are jeopardized. All the while, Ruth tries to gain power in the compound, with her number one mission being to get Marva out of power. “Tyler Perry’s Ruthless” stars returning cast Melissa Williams, Matt Cedeño, Lenny D. Thomas, Baadja Lyne, Blue Kimble, Colin McCalla, Stevie Baggs, Jr., Alise Willis, Michelle Nuñez, and Samantha Thomas. This season, new cast members joining the series, include Josh Adeyeye and Nadège Augu. The one-hour drama will drop three episodes on its premiere date, with new episodes launching every Thursday exclusively on BET+. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoOPUbB47vo After a two-year hiatus, the incomparable, soul-stirring Festival of Praise is set to kick off its fifth nationwide tour in March 2022. The 30-city tour will be headlined by Gospel music icon Fred Hammond, along with Gospel superstars Marvin Sapp and Hezekiah Walker. Produced by Face to Face, Inc. and booked exclusively by Jeff Epstein and Adam Zagor of Universal Attractions Agency (UAA), the renowned Festival of Praise Tour follows in the footsteps of 1997's The Tour of Life, which saw Hammond sharing the stage with Kirk Franklin and Yolanda Adams in front of crowds of more than half a million people. Festival of Praise Tour once again promises to be an unforgettable "Hand clapping and foot stomping, get up out your seat" worship explosion with production and stage sets unmatched in any gospel tour. For the first time in Gospel music history, 2022's Festival Of Praise will offer a talented local choir in each city of the tour the opportunity to perform on the show. All-new episodes of TV One’s original, docu-series, UNSUNG and UNCENSORED are back this Sunday, March 13th. UNSUNG leads with the trailblazing British rapper, Monie Love at 9 p.m. ET / 8C followed by UNCENSORED, which features hit-making producer, Stevie J, at 10 p.m. ET / 9C. Each episode will also be published on TVOne.TV and TV One’s social media platforms. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrJQtWKYytY An exclusive clip of this week’s episode of “Growing Up Hip Hop,” which finds Jojo Simmons surprising his wife with a romantic dinner in order to address why they’ve “been off.” https://youtu.be/pllPDV0QoVQ Tonight at CLEO TV, Chef JJ is taking our taste buds on a trip to Italy! JUST EATS WITH CHEF JJ has returned for season 4 on CLEO TV. The popular cooking show welcomes serial entrepreneur Tyra Myricks tonight, Wednesday, March 9th at 9 P.M. ET/8C. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmcmiZ4VQ2c CLEO TV's NEW SOUL KITCHEN REMIX continues tonight, Wednesday, March 9th at 9:30 P.M. EST/8:30C on CLEO TV. Chef Jernard Wells is back with the remix, as he serves up international cuisine in the series' condensed, 30-minute format. This week, we're getting a spicy taste of Jamaica! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpX3X7QxCs0 Dolly Parton has dropped a few names of artists that she’d like to collaborate and among them are Cher and Cardi B. “She’s a character,” Parton told E! News’ Daily Pop of Cardi. “I know she’s an original.” And when it comes to music icon Cher, Parton said: “I would love to do something with [Cher] sometime, a TV show, or a movie. We’ll have Cardi B on that same show, let Cher host it, and me and Cardi B will be the entertainment.” https://youtu.be/_IBDHa0yrY8 Kanye West’s new album “Donda 2” is only available via his $200 Stem Player, so Billboard has decided that the release is not eligible for inclusion on its official charts. “That’s because the album is being sold with a device that can be used for other means besides the playing of the album,” according to Billboard. “As such, the Stem/Donda package would fall within Billboard’s latest merch bundle policy, where albums sold with merchandise are not chart eligible.” Meanwhile, controversial NFL star Antonio Brown, who was recently named head of Kanye’s Donda Sports, said he and Ye are “extremely serious” about buying the Denver Broncos. https://youtu.be/p-CGBj8OXiY Jada Pinkett Smith took to Instagram this week to praise Rihanna for wearing sheer Black lingerie to the Dior Autumn-Winter 2022 fashion show. “She’s a queen that loves helping other women find and hold their own crowns. As women, it’s important that we seeeee one another, help heal one another, love one another and support one another. Here’s to one more of my favorites for International Women’s Month.” https://www.instagram.com/p/Caz6mPaBCNt/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=d879cc9a-a124-436c-9335-1a1e35004092 Sean Combs appears to have responded to a viral video by former Da Band member Freddy P who blames the hip-hop mogul for making him suicidal. In the video, Freddy P trashes Diddy for allegedly “sending him back to the hood” and not paying the group members after featuring on MTV’s “Making the Band” reality show back in the day. During an interview with The Neighborhood Talk, Freddy, 41, said he despises Diddy for making “me hate life so much.” He added, “I don’t care about death.” “Puffy you ain’t never had a talent in your life, man. Somebody gave you opportunity to open the door and find talent,” Freddy said in reference to Diddy’s Making the Band program. https://www.instagram.com/p/Camy3dvK1Hh/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again This week on episode #4 of The Big Hit Show’s second chapter — the series unpacks the mastermind of Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly and how the song viral ALRIGHT was used to galvanize protesters. The song ALRIGHT quickly became a defining protest song amidst the Black Lives Matter movement, but the backstory of the song’s creation was wrapped in Kendrick’s self-criticism following the Ferguson protests. The episode goes on to detail the initial studio sessions with Pharrell, and how the hit song almost didn’t make the album. https://eurweb.com/2022/03/09/kendrick-lamars-alright-blm-movement/ GSN-As Russian troops tear through Ukraine, swathes of Africa are gearing up to bear the brunt of a potentially drawn-out conflict between the ex-Soviet republics — two of some of the continent’s most cherished trading partners. African economists sound the alarm over a looming and likely catastrophic lowering of trade volumes between the continent and its warring partners if Russia’s widely condemned incursion into Ukraine isn’t short-lived. Russia and Ukraine are key players in the global agricultural trade, with both nations accounting for a quarter of the world’s wheat exports, including at least 14 percent of corn exports in 2020, and a joint 58 percent of global sunflower oil exports in the same year, analysis show. https://eurweb.com/2022/03/08/the-russia-ukrain-war-could-plunge-africa-into-hunger-higher-food-prices-predicted-v McDonald‘s and Starbucks are shutting their restaurants and cafes in Russia, and Coca-Cola is suspending its operations there in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. PepsiCo is also pulling some products from the country. “McDonald’s has decided to temporarily close all our restaurants in Russia and pause all operations in the market,” CEO Chris Kempczinski said in a statement Tuesday. There were 847 locations of McDonald’s in Russia at the close of last year, according to an investor document. A Wisconsin woman reportedly told police that they “were going to have fun trying to find all of the organs” of the dismembered 25-year-old man she killed during sex while high on meth. Taylor Schabusiness, 24, has been charged with first-degree intentional homicide, mutilating a corpse, and third-degree sexual assault after admitting to severing the head of Shad Thyrion while high during sex. The New York Post reports that the victim’s mother discovered her son’s severed head in a bucket in the basement of her home. Police also recovered a “male organ” in the bucket and an upper torso inside a storage tote. “The investigation very early on led us to another location … where officers took a person of interest into custody,” said the police chief. https://youtu.be/ntW27oZgsLs Richard Sherman will avoid jail time after pleading guilty Monday to two misdemeanor charges and a traffic violation related to a July domestic incident in a Seattle suburb. As part of a plea arrangement, Sherman pleaded guilty to negligent driving in the first degree, criminal trespass in the second degree, and the infraction of speeding in a roadway construction zone, according to King County Court documents. Sherman was arrested on July 14 after attempting to break into his in-laws’ home in Redmond, Washington. https://youtu.be/Eyap2FkSJco The Chernobyl plant in Ukraine is disconnected from the grid due to damage inflicted by Russian occupying forces, sparking concerns of radioactive contamination if the cooling of spent nuclear fuel stops. The 750 kV Chernobyl-Kyiv high-voltage line is currently disconnected “due to damage by the occupiers,” Energoatom, or the state-run National Nuclear Energy Generating Company of Ukraine, said Wednesday. The Chernobyl station and all nuclear facilities of the Exclusion Zone are without electricity. The regulator explained that there are about 20,000 spent fuel assemblies stored at the facility that require constant cooling. Without electricity to cool the pumps, the temperature in the holding pools will increase, prompting the release of radioactive substances into the environment. The Kremlin on Wednesday said that the U.S.has declared an “economic war” on Moscow with its actions in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The comments by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov came after President Biden announced on Tuesday that the U.S. would no longer import Russian oil, Reuters reported. “The situation demands a rather deep analysis — those decisions announced by President Biden,” Peskov said. “If you are asking me what Russia is going to do — Russia is going to do what is necessary to defend its interests.” “The United States definitely has declared economic war against Russia and is waging this war,” he added. Along with the recently announced ban on Russian oil, the U.S. has imposed harsh economic sanctions on many aspects of Russia’s economy and sanctioned at least 26 high-profile politicians and oligarchs. And the ACM for album of the year goes to… Morgan Wallen. Wallen, 28, took home the award for album of the year for Dangerous: The Double Album at the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards on Monday. “When I started this album, I was a kid. By the time I put it out, I was a father,” Wallen — who is dad to 20-month-old son Indigo Wilder with ex-girlfriend KT Smith — began in his acceptance speech. “That’s become more important to me than anything else,” he continued. “To my son, this album and this award will signify that his daddy was a fighter, and he chased his dreams and worked hard to make them a reality.” Wallen added, “I want to say a special thank you to all of the songwriters, producers and musicians that played on this album. I wish you were standing here next to me now. This project would not be complete without each of them.” “I’d also like to thank my good lord and savior Jesus Christ, my family, my friends, my team in Nashville, country radio and everyone who has shown me grace along the way,” he said. “Most importantly, I have to address my fans personally and directly: thank you, thank you, thank you!” Kanye West has posted another bizarre poem in which he wrote that he was murdered and even references Kim Kardashian owning the family home amid their divorce. The 44-year-old rapper took to Instagram on Tuesday morning to share his latest piece of writing which was titled DEAD. In it he references many of his recent struggles which left him deceased but did not realize it until now. At one point he appears to reference his 41-year-old estranged wife keeping the $60million Hidden Hills estate they once shared as he wrote: ‘My kids would dance for me in a home I once led.’ It was reported that the two had negotiated a buyout price over the mansion back in October as their divorce process has rolled on. Paramount Pictures actress Laurel Goodwin has passed away at the age of 79, her family revealed in an obituary. Goodwin, who has worked with the likes of Elvis Presley and Jackie Gleason, died on February 25 in Cathedral City, California. ‘If she knew you, you quickly became family,’ read a line from her obit. Laurel was born in 1942 in Wichita, Kansas and signed a contract with Paramount when she was just 19 years old. She would go on to co-star with Elvis Presley in the 1962 musical comedy Girls! Girls! Girls! as Laurel Dodge. Pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson helped fund a 1960s prison experiment when a group of majority-black Pennsylvania prisoners were injected with asbestos to determine whether the substance was safe to use in talcum powder. Documents confirming the company’s involvement were obtained by Bloomberg, tying the New Jersey-based company to controversial experiments led by Dr Albert Kligman, a University of Pennsylvania dermatologist whose human experiments have widely condemned as brutal and unethical. He died in 2010 aged 93. Inmates at Holmesburg Prison in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, were offered $10 to $300 – equivalent to between $100 to $2,500 in today’s money when adjusted for inflation – to take part in the study – though they were likely unaware of the significant risk they were undertaking. A mother of a Chicago Public School student who CTU said died from COVID-19 after her daughter was quarantined due to an outbreak at her school actually died from chronic ethanolism, the Cook County Medical Examiner confirmed Monday. Denisha Henry, 32, was the mother of a student at Jensen Elementary — located in the East Garfield Park neighborhood. In a press release from last September, the Chicago Teachers Union said, “We are in mourning with the Jensen school community, with COVID claiming the life of one 47-year-old school mother last Thursday, and a second 32-year-old mother on Friday. Both mothers had children sent home from quarantined classrooms. One mother complained bitterly on social media that she was never contacted by a contact tracer. Within a week she was dead.” Henry died on Sept. 24. Deion Sanders had two toes on his left foot amputated because of blood clots stemming from a previous surgery. The Jackson State coach and NFL Hall of Famer revealed the severity of his foot injury in an episode of his “Coach Prime” documentary series that will air Tuesday night on Barstool Sports. Sanders was hospitalized for around a month in the middle of last season. The Tigers finished 11-2. He had a dislocated toe along with an inflamed nerve. His initial procedure was in September and he later returned to the field for practice using a golf cart and crutches. He roamed the sideline for a game with the help of a push scooter. As he healed, his toes began to darken under the bandages. “They were talking about the amputation of toes,” Sanders said. “Then they were talking about the amputation of my leg from the knee down. Then, they were trying to ensure I had life.” Sanders, 54, underwent several surgeries. He developed a femoral arterial blood clot. He also had compartment syndrome, which meant his leg swelled, and doctors had to flay open his leg to drain fluid. Sanders later had his left foot’s big toe and second toe amputated. At the 142-year-old Shiloh Baptist Church in Trenton, New Jersey, the 1,500-member congregation has learned that tending only to spiritual needs is not enough. So, the predominantly Black church works together through its nonprofit Shiloh Community Development Corporation to address spiritual, physical and mental health, said the Rev. Darrell Armstrong, who leads the church and is executive director of the corporation. “You don’t find in most schools of religion an intense focus on bridging religion and mental health,” said Armstrong, who arrived at Shiloh in 2000 and has a particular interest in strengthening family health. His mother was addicted to cocaine, and he spent most of his childhood in foster care or living with relatives in Los Angeles. Armstrong, mindful of the effects of family disruption and dysfunction, is pursuing a doctorate in social work with a focus on developing trauma-informed, resilient houses of worship. A series of historic NFTs (Non-fungible token) created by Wendell Scott Ventures will be introduced and sold to commemorate the iconic and groundbreaking life and legacy of Wendell Scott. On December 1, 1963, Scott broke NASCAR’s color barrier by becoming the first African American NASCAR driver to win a Grand National race, NASCAR’s highest level. Until Bubba Wallace’s win on October 4, 2021 there had never been another Black driver to win a NASCAR race. To this day, Scott is the only Black NASCAR team owner. Despite his triumphant victory, he was never awarded a trophy for this win. It wasn’t until August 28, 2021, nearly 60 years after his Jacksonville win that his trophy was posthumously awarded to his family. Black and Latino soccer players were heckled with monkey noises and barking during a championship game in California — behavior condemned by the state’s high school sports governing body as “unacceptable” and the players’ coach as “blatant racism.” The jeers took place Saturday during the Northern California championship between Buchanan High School in Clovis and Oak Ridge High School in El Dorado Hills. The “high-pressure game” resulted in a penalty shootout, Buchanan girls soccer head coach Jasara Gillette said in a statement, and that’s when the heckling was heard coming from the stands. “Our third kicker, who is of African American descent, was subjected to monkey noises and gestures that came from the Oak Ridge stand as she took her PK (penalty kick). The player before her who is Hispanic was also barked at,” Gillette said. The harassing noises came from “one individual in the Oak Ridge side of the stands,” the El Dorado Union High School District, which oversees Oak Ridge High School, told NBC News in a statement. Gillette called out the Oak Ridge High School administration, saying they “stood by and did nothing to address the problem. No fan was removed, and the stands were not cleared.” The coming of age story can lead to a beautiful destination. Datreese Thomas dived into a journey of self-discovery after experiencing growing pains during her freshman year at the University of Houston. Datreese Thomas’ season of becoming led to her first business venture, The Melanie Dolls. The student turned entrepreneur wanted to empower Black girls in their journey of becoming. “I wanted to help Black girls feel beautiful, gain courage, and just develop self-love. I do that by providing a product that helps young Black girls individually see themselves better. I truly believe the company I created is a clear reflection of the journey that I had to go through with myself,” Datreese Thomas told AfroTech. The Seattle Seahawks have agreed to trade Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, “Denver is trading its 2022 first-round pick (No. 9 overall), its 2023 first-round pick, its 2022 second-rounder (No. 40 overall), another second-round pick in 2023 and a 2022 fifth to acquire Wilson,” per CBS Sports. Wilson agreed to waive his no-trade provision and passed his Broncos’ physical on Tuesday night, sources told ESPN. These moves clear the way for the Seahawks to send him to Denver, ending his historic 10-season run in Seattle that included nine Pro Bowl selections, one Super Bowl title and more wins than any quarterback ever has posted during his first 10 seasons in the league. The Broncos were Wilson’s preference, if he was traded, sources told ESPN’s Brady Henderson. On March 2, 1962, Wilt Chamberlain put together arguably the greatest performance in NBA history, scoring 100 points in the Philadelphia Warriors’ 169–147 win over the New York Knicks. The game wasn’t televised, and only 4,124 people were in attendance. Sixty years later, no player has seriously challenged Wilt’s 100 points. Kobe Bryant came the closest, dropping 81 points against the Toronto Raptors in 2006. https://youtu.be/-GnTgEHjFpQ Wilt Chamberlain has a number of NBA records that are seemingly unbreakable; in addition to the single-game scoring record, he once averaged a ridiculous 27.2 rebounds per game in the 1960-61 season and played 48.5 minutes per game during the 1961-62 campaign. To celebrate Wilt’s historic 100-point outing, Sarah Kustok hosted a special episode of “NBA Flashback” — a podcast produced by the NBA in partnership with iHeart that revisits some of the best moments in league history. https://youtu.be/og9s2PhTcYs?t=5 Rosario Dawson goes to battle in a fictional American civil war in a trailer for “DMZ.” The HBO Max four-part limited series is based on a DC Comic and is produced and directed by Ava DuVernay. In the show, the United States enters a second civil war when a group called Free States of America battles the remainder of the country. New York City has no government and is overrun with criminal gangs. https://youtu.be/aDsrZk9yxwk “The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey” starring Samuel L. Jackson on Apple TV+, is based on the acclaimed novel by best-selling author Walter Mosley, and follows an ailing man (Grey) forgotten by his family, friends, and even by himself. https://youtu.be/5UBs9K9CmJk Russell Westbrook and his wife Nina are speaking out about the death threats they are receiving from Lakers fans. On Monday, Nina unleashed a series of tweets about the harassment and death threats directed at her family. The hate seems to stem from Lakers fans being disgruntled over Westbrook’s issues on the team. Nina revealed in a series of tweets Monday that she’s been “harassed on a daily basis.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1501062643880136705 Nicki Minaj‘s “Queen Radio” will return to the airwaves thanks to a new partnership with Amazon. On Apple’s App Store today, Amazon’s new live audio app will stream the radio show, according to Rap-Up. In addition to DJing, the app lets users access “tens of millions” of songs from Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group, and independent labels. Initially, Amp will be invite-only and require an access code, which Amazon will distribute via a waitlist, social media, and email. Pusha T, Tinashe, Lil Yachty, Big Boi, Travis Barker, and Lindsey Stirling are among the creators of the Amp show. Nicki is reportedly expected to make the official announcement on Instagram Live later today. https://www.instagram.com/theneighborhoodtalk/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=f5bbf2c8-c17a-44dd-8bf5-922ab0186868 Season three of “Good Trouble” left us with so many unanswered questions! Finally season four is premiering Wednesday, March 9 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Freeform. Season three of “Good Trouble” left us with so many unanswered questions! Finally season four is premiering Wednesday, March 9 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Freeform. https://youtu.be/IXA7x5iWWes Black Panther director Ryan Coogler was mistaken for a robber while trying to withdraw money from his bank. According to @tmz_tv, the incident happened back in January at a local Bank of America in Atlanta. The news site reports that Coogler walked into the bank wearing sunglasses, a hat, and a mask and asked the cashier to “discreetly” withdraw $12,000 from his account. He reportedly passed the cashier a note which read: “I would like to withdraw $12,000 CASH from my checking account. Please do the money count somewhere else. I’d like to be discreet.” That spooked the teller and cops were called for an attempted robbery. When officers arrived, they detained 2 people waiting outside for Ryan in an SUV and then went in and brought him out in handcuffs. Following an investigation, cops eventually realized it was a big mistake and everyone was released, with Ryan reportedly asking for the badge numbers of all involved. Addressing the situation to @metro.co.uk, he said: “This situation should never have happened. However, Bank of America worked with me and addressed it to my satisfaction and we have moved on.” Dr. Mehmet Oz’s family feud with his sister is making headlines amid his battle over their late father’s estate. Dr. Oz claims that his sister, Nazlim Oz — who lives in Turkey– has stolen thousands of dollars from their dying father and took over his estate without permission, according to Page Six. She is also accused of forging their father’s will to make her the beneficiary of a majority of the money. “Dr. Oz ceased the distributions because he, Seval, and their mother (Suna Oz) uncovered evidence that Nazlim had been stealing her father’s money,” Dr. Oz’s lawyer, Michael J. Cohen, wrote in court papers. Starting a foundation is no easy feat for anyone, especially for a teenager, but the injection of a little youthful exuberance is exactly what is needed in the nonprofit section. Starting a foundation is no easy feat for anyone, especially for a teenager, but the injection of a little youthful exuberance is exactly what is needed in the nonprofit section. The Destiny Education Project is a BIPOC-led 501(c)3 founded in the fall of 2021 by 16-year old Burbank-CA based Destiny Helligar as a solution after being attacked with racist slurs in her middle school in 2018. Thanks to her bravery and compassion, several school districts are taking a closer look at their curriculums, their policies, and themselves. Facebook user Kimberly Manning had a skydiving excursion that left her questioning her own sanity. “I was boosting myself to be hype until we jumped. Then I lost MY MF MIND YALL. I cried, snot flew everywhere and then I died and woke up and started crying again. Save ya money y’all DONT DO IT!!! Im gone stick to jumping for a leap of faith before I EVER jump out am other [sic] plane,” Manning captioned the collage of photos showing her skydiving. https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/274290224_10101452862419041_4016926128498585565_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s370x247&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=110474&_nc_ohc=Hqjq7Wc76ioAX_eHnkU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&edm=AN6CN6oEAAAA&oh=00_AT9PFlGeiNNWpb520slqP4meLZ10jhpGIAPNq9iL7OHbdA&oe=622D763C The Senate passed the Emmett Till Anti-lynching Act of 2022 on Monday night by unanimous consent. The bill, which would make lynching a federal hate crime, now heads to President Joe Biden’s desk for his signature. The legislation was approved by the House of Representatives last week by a vote of 422-3. Passage of the bill is a long-sought goal of advocates, who have been working for years to secure its approval in Congress. “After more than 200 failed attempts to outlaw lynching, Congress is finally succeeding in taking the long-overdue action by passing the Emmett Till Antilynching Act. Hallelujah. It’s long overdue,” said Majority Leader Chuck Schumer in remarks on the Senate floor after the bill’s passage. https://youtu.be/GU_9x3upz90 President Joe Biden on Tuesday announced his administration is banning Russian oil, natural gas and coal imports to the US in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. “Today I am announcing the United States is targeting the main artery of Russia’s economy. We’re banning all imports of Russian oil and gas and energy,” Biden said in remarks from the White House. “That means Russian oil will no longer be acceptable at US ports and the American people will deal another powerful blow to Putin’s war machine.” The US expected to make the move unilaterally, without its European allies, due to disagreement among European nations about whether to ban Russian energy imports. EU countries have significantly more exposure to Russian energy than the US. Not long before Biden’s announcement, the United Kingdom announced that it planned to phase out Russian oil imports by the end of the year. https://youtu.be/kZ1xazDfcws President Joe Biden on Tuesday announced that the U.S. will ban imports of Russian oil, a major escalation in the international response to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. The move came as Western-allied nations work to sever Moscow from the global economy to punish Russian President Vladimir Putin for his unprovoked aggression. “Today I am announcing the United States is targeting the main artery of Russia’s economy. We’re banning all imports of Russian oil and gas and energy,” Biden said at the White House. “That means Russian oil will no longer be acceptable at U.S. ports and the American people will deal another powerful blow to Putin’s war machine.” “This is a step we’re taking to inflict further pain on Putin,” Biden said. Maria Baronova resigned as editor-in-chief of Russia Today, a state-run media operation also known as RT, last week after condemning Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. She’s well aware that anyone who speaks out against the Kremlin could be in danger – but personal safety is the least of Baronova’s concerns. “The problem is, I know these people very well. They never send threats, they just kill, so there is kind of [a] weird silence around me, but I really think we’re on the brink of a nuclear war right now. I’m not exaggerating,” Baronova told Fox News Digital from Moscow, via a WhatsApp call. “I have a son, I can’t leave because his father won’t allow me to leave with him, and so I just prefer to stay in Moscow … It seems like we’re either in North Korea or we are going to be killed by a thermonuclear mushroom,” she said. “I wouldn’t quit, and I wouldn’t lose my salary and job if I was sure that we are going to be alive for many years, but I really don’t know what is going to happen to all of us next.” While many around the globe are gravely concerned Putin would resort to nuclear weapons, Baronova is worried his behavior will make Russia the target of a catastrophic attack. “I suspect the Western world will use it,” Baronova said. “This is a very dangerous situation.” President Joe Biden on Tuesday announced that the U.S. will ban imports of Russian oil, a major escalation in the international response to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. The move came as Western-allied nations work to sever Moscow from the global economy to punish Russian President Vladimir Putin for his unprovoked aggression. “Today I am announcing the United States is targeting the main artery of Russia’s economy. We’re banning all imports of Russian oil and gas and energy,” Biden said at the White House. “That means Russian oil will no longer be acceptable at U.S. ports and the American people will deal another powerful blow to Putin’s war machine.” “This is a step we’re taking to inflict further pain on Putin,” Biden said. A conservative Christian beauty queen plunged to her death from an upscale Miami condo building after taking a mystery cannabis substance and suffering a ‘breakdown,’ DailyMail.com can exclusively reveal. Zoe Sozo Bethel, the 2021 winner of Miss Alabama for America Strong, began ‘acting strange’ before she ran at ‘full speed’ towards a third-floor balcony railing, according to police. Zoe, who has a five-year-old daughter, was overheard praying in the seconds before her February 10 fall and an eyewitness told officers she saw the 27-year-old jump. However Zoe’s brother contradicted that account of her final moments, insisting in a police interview that his sister did not see the railing and simply slammed into it and toppled over accidentally. Tragic Zoe, an aspiring media personality from Loxley, Alabama, was in a coma for more than a week before her family announced she had succumbed to devastating brain injuries. Cops ruled out foul play and investigated her death as a suicide attempt before later determining it was a ‘tragic accident’. Zoe’s family also pushed back against suggestions she would have meant to kill herself, insisting in a statement that the ‘devout believer in Jesus’ would still be alive ‘if she had a choice.’ A police report obtained by DailyMail.com reveals that Zoe took an ‘unknown amount of unknown suspected narcotics’ while she was at a restaurant with her brother, Santiago Roman. ‘The victim ingested a small amount of the substance. Mr Roman asked what’s that substance and she replied that it was a form of cannabis that helps her relax given to her by a friend,’ the report states. The pair headed back to Roman’s apartment at the seven-story La Piazza Navona condo building in Miami’s waterfront Edgewater neighborhood where Zoe complained she was feeling hot. Florida Atlantic University has made an effort to decrease the number of students dropping out due to financial issues, found the Hechinger Report. The students who have dropped out from the school between freshman and sophomore year has decreased from 25 percent to 18 percent, the report found. The administration has implemented resources to intervene in situations when a student is at risk of discontinuing their education. According to the Hechinger Report, half of the FAU Black and Hispanic student population comes from low income families. The administration had taken a look into how to resolve this issue by realizing the faults of the institution. Instagram announced Monday that it will introduce a special tag for professional accounts and influencers that ensures they receive credit for their content, an attempt to address complaints that Black users are not credited for starting trends or are shut out from profiting from them. The tag is available to business and creator accounts, and comes on the heels of nationwide discussions and content strikes by Black content creators who pushed out viral posts saying they do not receive credit for their work. Alexis Michelle Adjei, a data analyst, and Cameryn Boyd, an engineer, envisioned and created the label with these disparities and Black creators in mind, particularly that creators make a living off producing social media content and that Black creators should share equally in that, too, they said. Adjei said, “Black creators and addressing that inequity in the creator ecosystem” was top-of-mind when developing the new feature. A former Kansas City, Mo., police detective who fatally shot a man who was in a truck at his own home in 2019 was sentenced Friday to six years in state prison. Eric DeValkenaere received a three-year sentence for involuntary second-degree manslaughter in the death of Cameron Lamb, 26, and a six-year sentence for armed criminal action. The sentences will run concurrently. Prosecutors said Lamb was chasing his girlfriend’s convertible in an allegedly stolen pickup on Dec. 3, 2019. Police initially said they tracked the truck to a home, and two officers confronted Lamb who was in the pickup in the driveway. DeValkenaere, who opened fire, said in court that he feared for the life of his fellow detective because Lamb pointed a gun at him. Prosecutors said DeValkenaere shouldn’t have confronted the suspect on the property of his own residence without a warrant. They also questioned police evidence by asserting that Lamb had his left hand on the truck’s steering wheel and his cellphone in his right hand before the shooting. An officer who was at the scene after the shooting said in court he didn’t see a gun near Lamb’s body, even though it was later seen in police photographs. The victim’s left hand was hanging out the pickup’s driver’s side window, the officer testified. Historian Dr. Kerri Moseley-Hobbs, founder of the More Than a Fraction Foundation (MTAFF), announced recently that The Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation has awarded MTAFF with a $10,000 grant for its heritage program, the Merry Tree Memorial – renamed “1872 Forward.” The More Than a Fraction Foundation is presenting the “1872 Forward: Celebrating Virginia Tech” series of events in partnership with the Council for Virginia Tech History. The three-day event, happening on March 24-26, 2022 at Virginia Tech (VT), is celebrating 150 years of Virginia Tech history, which includes recognition of the Merry Tree’s importance to the enslaved African community, and it’s continued importance to the local community today. The Merry Tree fell from a storm in 2020. The event will also recognize the culture and history of the communities that make the history of the site that is today Virginia Tech University (Indigenous, European, and African). #Nas is in hot water after posting a picture of him and #2pac to social media. Photographer #AlPereira is suing the rapper for sharing an infamous photo of himself and 2pac on Instagram. In 1993, Pereira took a photo of the two rappers hanging out in New York. However, in 2017, Pereira republished and had the picture copy written. According to the lawsuit, in 2020, Pereira noticed the image on Nas’s Instagram account. He claims the rapper posted the picture without permission or licensing the work. The photo hitting social media didn’t sit well with Pereira since he says he makes a living off of selling licenses to his images. He also adds that the photo’s value has decreased since it’s on the internet now. On top of that, Pereira is accusing Nas of posting the picture to heighten his social media stats and gain profit from his work. Pereira is suing for unspecified damages plus an injunction against the rapper for using his work. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cazhbc5DCk1/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again On the Monday, March 7 edition of “Tamron Hall,” R&B star K. Michelle, reflected on the plastic surgery that almost took her life and how the experience led to her new show, “Killer Body.” K. Michelle on her decision to get the injections: “Before I even got into the business, I had this perception of how I should look, what it was supposed to be. So before my first record deal, I was determined – ‘Oh I need to get my teeth done and I needed a bigger butt and all of this.’ I was already super curvy and had a butt. I just looked at certain people and felt like I needed more. So I was able to find a person – a known person within the music industry that a lot of my favorites had used — For the silicone injections. So for me, it was just part of the package of getting into the industry, so I never thought about any consequences. You know, I never heard of any consequences. So I did it. And years and years pass. Like I didn’t have any health issues that I knew of, until probably about seven or eight years later.” https://youtu.be/SsE1cN-rSio Dr. Dre’s lawyer has issued a statement regarding ownership of the rapper’s “The Chronic” album amid reports that Snoop Dogg had acquired Death Row Records. Snoop Dogg suggested in a recent interview with Tidal that the iconic west coast label had secured ownership of Dr. Dre’s debut album. However, Dre’s lawyer is setting the record straight. “There are false reports out regarding ownership by Death Row of Dr. Dre’s The Chronic,” attorney Howard King said in a statement to Complex. “Dr. Dre owns 100 percent of The Chronic.” Snoop Dogg rose to fame during the ’90s on Death Row Records, now he has acquired the label from MNRK Music Group, which is controlled by a private equity fund managed by Blackstone, per Variety. Richard Saghian, owner of the online fashion outlet Fashion Nova, has reportedly copped a mega-mansion in Los Angeles worth $141 million. The 105,000-square-foot house on a Bel-Air hilltop – also known as “The One,” is the largest home in LA, the Los Angeles Times reports. “The One Bel-Air is a once-in-a-lifetime property that can never be duplicated. There is nothing else like it. As a lifelong Angeleno and avid collector of real estate, I recognized this as a rare opportunity that also lets me own a unique property that is destined to be a part of Los Angeles history,” Saghian said Sunday in an emailed statement. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FNN4zi8XwAE5t-N?format=jpg&name=small "To Thee I Pray" new from Howard Hewitt. This song is in The Gospel Spotlight!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mHSitOERRE To say Jekalyn Carr has been busy is an understatement. Between ministry appearances, hosting her radio show and launching the skin care line for her Jekalyn Beauty brand, the young music and business mogul is making the most of every minute. This week, the fruits of Jekalyn Carr’s labor take her to new platforms, as she makes her daytime television debut on THE REAL and ends the week at the State Farm Arena where she will sing during halftime and postgame of the Atlanta Hawks v. LA Clippers. Carr talked to the ladies of The Real about her beauty line, her fourth Grammy nomination and more. She also gave a spine-tingling performance of her latest single “My Portion” The segment airs Tuesday, March 8. Entrepreneur and Hip-Hop legend JaRule has been busy at staying ahead of the curve. JaRule took to a SOLD-OUT crowd at NYC’s Sony Hall for a once in a lifetime fan experience where he unveiled his VIBES Concert Series. The crowd was able to hear JA perform tracks off of his # 1 Billboard Hot 200 chart-topping PAIN IS LOVE album. This was also in celebration to the 20th Anniversary of this album. “This was not only the first time for fans but a first time for me as an artist. There were tracks that I hadn’t ever performed live before, so it was certainly a treat for both me and my audience!” the legacy artist explained. Future plans to release the album PAIN IS LOVE LIVE FROM SONY HALL will be on Ja’s new ICONNicSound label as an NFT. Seven time Stellar Award-winner and gospel legend, Byron Cage, is releasing the newest talk show everyone will be talking about on Thursday, March 3 at 9pm. This show will inspire lots of thought-provoking topics that leave viewers empowered, inspired, and entertained by Byron Cage and his incredible guests. Special guests include Mumen Ngenge (OWN's Ready to Love), Palmer Williams Jr. (Tyler Perry's House of Payne), TC Carson(Living Single), Bebe Winans (Multi Grammy-winning recording artist), Trina Braxton (Braxton Family Values) and more! "The Byron Cage Show" will air weekly on Cage's Instagram Live (74K Followers), Facebook Live (140K Followers), and Malaco's YouTube channel (600K Followers) at 6pm PST/ 9pm EST. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFOasU98gek Bestselling author and “wellness queen” Queen Afua Helen Robinson claims a landlord tricked her elderly mother into signing over the deeds to her Brooklyn home, now the family with the support of the community is fighting to prevent the landlord from taking over the property. The Robinson family claim their landlord, Menachem Gurevitch, took over the home in 2015 after telling 98-year-old Ida Robinson he would help refinance the property and then forging the deed. The Robinson family was the first Black family on the block when they moved in in 1951, they said. Gurevitch’s latest attempt to evict the Robinson family has been in the works since at least January 2020, based on a claim at the time that the tenants owed him $279,000, records show. The Robinson family say he has been trying to evict them since 2016. https://youtu.be/kGVtye47wq0 The arrest of WNBA superstar and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner over alleged drug charges in Russia has left family members, friends and supporters with little information about her well-being and anxious for her safe return. And the heightened tension between the US and Russia over the latter’s invasion of Ukraine means that a resolution may prove difficult to reach. Griner’s wife, Cherelle, wrote on Instagram on Monday, “People say ‘stay busy.’ Yet, there’s not a task in this world that could keep any of us from wondering if you are safe. Kandi Burruss has revealed that she and Marlo Hampton had an explosive fight while filming “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” Season 14. “Marlo, first of all, me and her bumped heads,” Burruss tells Page Six. “Child, she was throwing peaches at people!” Burruss was left quite stunned by the on-set tension because the singer pushed for Hampton to join the latest installment of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” as a full-time “Housewife.” “I was like, ‘Of all people, why is she coming for me?’” Burruss tells Page Six while promoting her new reality show “Kandi and the Gang.” “Like, we’re supposed to be on the same page! I don’t even know what happened,” she added. Hampton has appeared on RHOA for the past ten seasons as a “friend of” and she joins the show following the departures of veteran cast members Cynthia Bailey and Porsha Williams. Chris Rock will be joined on his Ego Death World Tour this year by Kevin Hart as a co-headliner this July. The joint effort is titled Only Headliners Allowed, and Complex reports that the five-date tour will see the two comedians perform consecutive nights at venues across New York and New Jersey. The performances will start at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh on July 21, and conclude at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on July 25. Live Nation presales kick off the day before tickets go on sale on Friday, March 11 at 10 a.m. ET. “Chris has forever been a mentor of mine and more importantly a brother and a friend to me in this comedy game,” wrote Hart on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/Caz0yCKB-Kf/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=5f85ddee-d16b-470a-80fd-ba1d2008daaf Rapper Jack Harlow has been cast as the lead in the remake of the 1992 sports comedy “White Men Can’t Jump.” The film will making the acting debut of the Grammy-nominated artist. The remake was first announced in 2017 with NBA athletes Blake Griffin and Ryan Kalil attached as producers along with “Black-ish creator Kenya Harris as co-writer and producer, Screen Rant reported. Doug Hall, story editor on “Black-ish,” has joined Barris in writing the script for the remake. he original “White Men Can’t Jump” starred Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson as basketball players who hustle money from other players in street games. The film also starred Rosie Perez, Tyra Ferrell and Kadeem Hardison. https://youtu.be/NHRvNAENaxk DaBaby is speaking out about the bowling alley fight involving him and DaniLeigh’s brother, and the reported lawsuit stemming from the incident. During a “Breakfast Club” interview on Monday, the rapper jokingly said the’s “still scared of that situation.” “Yeah man, I don’t know how the world works today,” DaBaby said. “I’m still scared of that situation now,” he added. “I heard it was gonna be rough for me so I don’t really speak on that. N***a might pop up downstairs.” https://www.instagram.com/p/Cazl8LzjYDY/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Snoop Dogg has revealed that JAY-Z threatened to end his partnership with the NFL unless they allowed Dr. Dre to perform at the Super Bowl Halftime Show. This year’s Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show was headlined by Dre, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige, Eminem and 50 Cent. NBC’s broadcast of Super Bowl LVI averaged 99.2 million viewers, while 1.9 million tuned in on Telemundo. As reported by Urban Hollywood 411, the total number of viewers who watched the game across the small screen as well as streaming and digital platforms climbed to 112.3 million, according to Nielsen. The highly-anticipated halftime show averaged 103.4 million viewers, per the report. Snoop Dogg said JAY-Z, whose company Roc Nation co-produced the show, faced many challenges in getting Dre, Snoop, Eminem, Blige, and Lamar to perform at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. GRAMMY® winner Toni Braxton returns to Lifetime this April to executive produce and star in the Fallen Angels Murder Club anthology movie series as Hollis Morgan, an ex-con turned amateur sleuth set out to investigate a series of murders at her book club. The first movie, Fallen Angels Murder Club: Friends to Die For premieres on Saturday, April 2 and will be followed by the second installment, Fallen Angels Murder Club: Heroes and Felons on Saturday, April 9. The movies are based on the books Fallen Angels Book Club by R. Franklin James. Marvin Sapp is an artist of vast repertoire and style, and he is a singer with an undeniable musical signature. There is a certain way that Sapp punctuates songs with unbridled, deeply felt emotion that beckons from a place of someone who knows what they are singing about. It is the place where tested faith resides - a place where most people have been, are or will be going. Demonstrating through song that there is victory in that faith-tested place is Marvin Sapp’s signature, and it shows up in stunning fashion on his new single “All In Your Hands,” which is available today everywhere digital music is sold. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-lUJWwjAO4 Vincent Bohanan & SOV had the honor of not only being the headlining choir, but teaching a new generation of singers some of the ensemble’s most enduring songs during Ohio State University’s Gospelfest. The event was held recently in Columbus, Ohio as part of the city’s African American Heritage Festival, now in its 44th year. Bohanan and two of SOV’s lead singers – Bre Holly and Carlton Ellen – taught “Oh Give Thanks,” “Any Day Now,” “Jesus Saved the Day,” and “I Believe God” to enthusiastic university choir members, who delivered outstanding performances of the songs. https://vincentbohanansov.lnk.to/LiveInChicagoWE!VB. ; Grammy® Award Nominated, Billboard chart-topper and Stellar award-winning producer, songwriter, and musician Bart Orr celebrates his first win at the 53rd NAACP Image® Awards. As a co-songwriter (Justin Pearson, LaTia Mann, Phillip Bryant, Tamela Mann, Tiffany Mann) he was awarded for Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song for Tamela Mann’s Billboard #1 hit song “Help Me,” featuring The Fellas. The song hit the #1 spot on the Gospel Airplay Chart in September 2021, spent 4 weeks in that position and to date has generated over 5.4 million audio streams. The Memphis, Tennessee native who’s insanely famous on his Instagram and YouTube social media platforms kicked off 2022 on a high note with his contemporary jazz instrumental album NO FEAR. Released on January 31 via Anderson Music Group, the 10-track project is produced by Bart Orr and Jonathan Anderson. Marketing efforts powered by BMo Designs and publicity by HARDY PR. For Bart, music represents an all-encompassing surrender, a pledge to self-honesty or what he calls Barthology, the truth that’s too good to be true. http://www.gospel-spotlight.com 17-year-old New York based R&B/Pop Singer-Songwriter Asha Maclean released the acoustic video for her debut single “Serial F Boy” following an exclusive premiere with Atwood Magazine. This acoustic music video is the next taste of what’s to come from this talented young R&B/Pop singer-songwriter and highlights Asha’s sultry voice stripping back the song to just her and a guitar. The Fall 2021 release of “Serial F Boy” was a slow burn that has carried into 2022. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE93TYiW5rAIisISrubmLUA Vice President Kamala Harris walks across the famous Edmund Pettus Bridge to mark the 57th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday. Bloody Sunday commemorates when, in 1965, 600 people began a march from Selma, Alabama, to Montgomery, Alabama, demanding an end to discrimination in voter registration. At the Edmund Pettus Bridge, state and local lawmen attacked the marchers with billy clubs and tear gas, driving them back to Selma. Seventeen people were hospitalized and dozens were more injured by police. https://eurweb.com/2022/03/06/kamala-harris-walks-across-edmund-pettus-bridge-on-bloody-sunday-anniversary-watch/ Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley has been suspended indefinitely for gambling on NFL games during the 2021 season, the league announced Monday. The suspension will last at least through the conclusion of the 2022 season, the NFL said. Ridley, 27, may petition for reinstatement on or after February 15, 2023. In a letter to Ridley notifying him of his suspension, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell wrote, “Your actions put the integrity of the game at risk, threatened to damage public confidence in professional football, and potentially undermined the reputations of your fellow players throughout the NFL. “For decades, gambling on NFL games has been considered among the most significant violations of league policy warranting the most substantial sanction. In your case, I acknowledge and commend you for your promptly reporting for an interview, and for admitting your actions.” https://youtu.be/Sa8m7uaU-Mw A team of artists and writers from “diverse racial backgrounds” have been tapped to edit a series of unseen sketches drawn by Dr. Seuss that are set to be published for the first time. The group of rising authors and illustrators will create “inclusive” storylines inspired by the drawings that will “represent a diverse cross-section of racial backgrounds to represent as many families as possible,” according to reps for Dr. Seuss Enterprises, a company founded by the family of the children’s book author. “We look forward to putting the spotlight on a new generation of talent who we know will bring their unique voices and style to the page, while also drawing inspiration from the creativity and imagination of Dr. Seuss,” Susan Brandt, the president and CEO of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, said in a statement. Russian forces are firing rockets at a physics institute in the city of Kharkiv that contains nuclear material and a reactor which could lead to a ‘large-scale ecological disaster’ if hit, according to Ukraine’s national security service. The service said on Facebook on Sunday that the Russians were firing at the Kharkiv Institute of Physics and Technology from Grad launchers. Missiles fired from Grad launchers do not have precise targeting, raising concern that one could damage the reactor and release deadly radiation across Europe. The science institute houses the Neutron Source nuclear research facility and contains 37 nuclear fuel cells in its core, according Ukrainian foreign minister Emine Dzheppar. The Supreme Court said Monday it will not take up the sexual assault case against comedian Bill Cosby, leaving in place a decision by Pennsylvania’s highest court to throw out his conviction and set him free from prison. The high court declined prosecutors’ request to hear the case and reinstate Cosby’s conviction. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court last year threw out Cosby’s conviction, saying the prosecutor who brought the case was bound by his predecessor´s agreement not to charge Cosby. As is typical, the Supreme Court did not say anything in rejecting the case. The case was included in a long list of cases the court said Monday it would not hear. Cosby’s spokesperson Andrew Wyatt released a statement on Monday saying he was grateful for the decision. ‘On behalf of Mr. & Mrs. Cosby and the Cosby family, we would like to offer our sincere gratitude to the justices of the United States Supreme Court for following the rules of law and protecting the Constitutional Rights of ALL American Citizens of these United States. ‘Mr. Cosby’s Constitutional Rights were a “reprehensible bait and switch” by Kevin Steele, Judge Steve T. O’Neill and their cohorts. British rapper Dizzee Rascal was convicted Monday of assaulting his former girlfriend, then smashed a press photographer’s camera outside the courthouse minutes after a jury found him guilty. The 37-year-old musician, whose full name is Dylan Kwabena Mills, had denied headbutting Cassandra Jones at a home in south London in June. Prosecutors said he pressed his forehead against hers and pushing her to the ground during a “chaotic” argument that began over custody arrangements for their two children. When police, called by neighbors, arrived, Mills said “I’m the aggressor,” but later gave a prepared statement in a police interview, denying the allegations and claiming Jones had assaulted him. After the guilty verdict, Mills left Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court, grabbed a camera from Press Association photographer James Manning and threw it across the street, before walking away. Cincinnati Bengals tight end Drew Sample and his wife, Angelina, are trying to extract family members from Ukraine, as Russia’s invasion into the country extends into its second week. Angelina, who goes by Ang, was born in Ukraine. In an appearance on “Fox & Friends,” she revealed that she still has her maternal grandparents, an aunt and their families, as well as her paternal grandmother and uncles and their families, stranded in the city of Chernivtsi, which is in the southwestern part of the country. Before Zoë Kravitz sunk her claws into Catwoman for Matt Reeves’ “The Batman,” the actress said she was told she didn’t have the right look for a role in Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight Rises” due to her skin color. After attempting to audition for the film back in 2012, she was told she was too “urban” to star in the movie. “I don’t know if it came directly from Chris Nolan,” Kravitz recently told The Guardian. “I think it was probably a casting director of some kind, or a casting director’s assistant.” Kravitz, who is of Black and Jewish descent, added, “Being a woman of color and being an actor and being told at that time that I wasn’t able to read because of the color of my skin, and the word ‘urban’ being thrown around like that, that was what was really hard about that moment.” An “American Idol” contestant’s heartwarming relationship with his sister has touched fans and the show’s judges. Cole Hallman, 22, showed up recently to try out for the show and was accompanied by his mom and his sister Katie, who has a chromosomal deletion that has impacted her developmental and behavioral skills. “She has a chromosomal deletion. It’s just like a small part of her chromosome is not there,” Hallman said during his “American Idol” interview. “I’m grateful to have her here. She keeps me calm.” https://youtu.be/MNOjRsagUSk Whether it’s as a bat cave scavenger — the task chronicled in the first episode of his hit television series “Dirty Jobs” — or revealing what it’s like to be a journalist in flyover country — the subject of a recent episode of his viral podcast “The Way I Heard It” — Mike Rowe has a knack for telling stories. Over the years, Rowe has worn many hats. He’s been an author and an actor, a show host and a commentator. The nucleus of all these roles, though, is the same: Mike Rowe is a storyteller. When asked how best to teach Americans the value of hard work and integrity — particularly in a smartphone era when everyone is accustomed, and even conditioned, to expect instant gratification — Rowe said storytelling is at least part of the answer. https://youtu.be/rqnPHeWD9F8 There’s a good chance that you’ve never heard the music of singer, songwriter, guitarist, and recording artist Khari Rhynes. He is not an R&B, soul, or hip-hop artist but has creative flavors that touch and totally recreate music from those genres. So who is Khari Rhynes, and what kind of music does the artist play? would call my music alternative rock,” Rhynes told Lee Bailey in a recent interview. “There is a certain element of that, but I understand when someone hears my music, and my voice is a little bit different. People hear me, and it’s something different from what they’ve heard before.” Alternative rock is a category of rock music that emanated from independent underground music that began in the 1970s and morphed over the decades. https://youtu.be/bNwI8k7oHm8 Peacock’s critically-acclaimed drama series ”Bel-Air” has reunited with original “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” stars Daphne Maxwell Reid (Frank’s Place, Snoops) and Vernee Watson-Johnson (General Hospital, Bob Hearts Abishola). Both will guest star in the new hit series. Daphne Maxwell Reid will play “Helen” and Vernee Watson-Johnson will play “Janice,” members of the Art Council Board of Trustee. The two will guest star in episode 109 of BEL-AIR, streaming March 24 on Peacock. Maxwell Reid played Aunt Viv and Watson-Johnson played Viola “Vy” Smith in the original The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air series. Bel-Air is currently streaming on Peacock. New episodes are released every Thursday. The season one finale will stream on Thursday, March 31 on Peacock. https://youtu.be/_-_P9DPMuy8 Insider has learned that police knew a 3-month-old baby was in the front seat of a car when they opened fire on the vehicle during a confrontation with the boy’s father last May. Last month, Insider reported on the May 2021 death of La’Mello Parker, which at the time was under investigation by Biloxi Police. Just a day after Insider published our story on La’Mello’s death, Biloxi Police announced that they had completed the investigation and turned the case over to the Harrison County District Attorney’s Office, which will take the case to a grand jury. The DA’s office did not return Insider’s request for comment on whether the case had been presented to a grand jury yet on Tuesday. La’Mello’s cousin, Lashunda Parker, told Insider that the family has been given little to no information about the shootout — including whether it was an officer’s bullet that fired the fatal shot. As Insider previously reported, Eric Derrell Smith kidnapped his son after murdering La’Mello’s mother and her nephew at a home in Louisiana on May 3, 2021. Drake has reportedly purchased a mansion in Beverly Hills that was previously owned by British singer Robbie Williams. The artist dropped around $70 million for the Tuscany-style Beverly Crest mansion, according to Hip Hop DX. Originally listed for $85 million, the massive 20,000 square foot estate is one of the most exclusive luxury pads in the city of L.A., sprawling out over more than 20 acres — which is the most land of any property in the Beverly Hills area code of 90210. Other amenities include 10 bedrooms, 22 bathrooms, an 11-car garage, an elevator, wine cellar and a private orchard. Meanwhile, according to a recent report, Drake was one of the top earners in Hip Hop in 2021. The actor-turned rapper bagged $50 million last year, Forbes reports. https://www.instagram.com/housesofcelebs/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c410ad87-9a4b-47c6-a18b-916d189e21c1 Desiree Lindstrom, the fiancée of the late hip-hop icon DMX, is speaking out about how she is managing her grief following the rapper’s death last April. “I haven’t moved on. It’s hard, you know? It’s really hard. I just take it to minute by minute,” said Lindstrom during an interview on the It’s Tricky with Raquel Harper podcast. DMX died on April 9 following complications stemming from a drug-induced heart attack. “Some people say you could take it day by day, but it’s second by second. My life changed so fast [in] the blink of an eye,” added Lindstrom, who shared 5-year-old son Exodus with the hip-hop icon. https://www.instagram.com/p/CQV0CWJlIST/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Brittney Griner‘s wife is speaking out about the WNBA star being detained in Russia on drug charges. Griner, who plays for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, was arrested after vape cartridges containing hashish oil were found in her luggage at the Sheremetyevo airport near Moscow. Her wife, Cherelle Griner, hopped on IG Sunday to post a photo of the pair together along with a caption that read … “Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me regarding my wife’s safe return from Russia. Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated. I love my wife wholeheartedly, so this message comes during one of the weakest moments of my life.” She adds, “I understand that many of you have grown to love BG over the years and have concerns and want details. Please honor our privacy as we continue to work on getting my wife home safely.” Texas Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, 72, who represents Griner’s hometown of Houston, is “demanding” that Russia release the two-time Olympic basketball champion from custody. “Let me be very clear, Brittney Griner is a United States citizen. She was a guest in Russia … I will be demanding her release,” she told the crowd at Saturday’s press conference aired by FOX 26 Houston. “Please, allow Miss Griner to leave. Allow her legal representation to handle her matters,” Lee said before calling on Russia to release all prisoners. https://youtu.be/AXo_fvpG3vA Several conservative critics have taken to social media to express their annoyance that “The Batman” starring Robert Pattinson is too “woke.” One problematic scene is “when Batman and Catwoman (Zoe Kravitz) are chatting about who the Riddler is targeting … rich, corrupt politician types … all in the name of social inequality and justice,” per TMZ, and Catwoman calls them “white privileged a*****es”. Another criticism is the number of Black actors cast for significant roles, including James Gordon and the Mayor-elect. As reported by TMZ, a handful of critics are calling it “woke casting.” There’s also LGBT representation, as Kravitz revealed that she played her version of Catwoman as bisexual. https://youtu.be/mqqft2x_Aa4 British actor Daniel Kaluuya has reportedly fired his agents and publicists and is said to be taking personal and professional advice from a “life strategist,” and the move has those closest to him concerned. The woman calls herself Heir Holiness and describes herself on social media as “Head Mistress” for “The International Alma Mater, Blessed University,” as reported by Page Six. “To be honest, we can’t quite figure out who she is…we really have no clue as his team has shifted camps,” said a well-placed source, per the outlet. According to The Post, Heir was by Kaluuya’s side as he filmed “Nope” with director Jordan Peele and her behavior on set allegedly had many on the production scared of her. “People on the ‘Nope’ set were very concerned that Heir had ‘taken over’ DK’s life and all decisions had to go through her,” said an industry insider. “I’ve heard there were multiple blow-ups and the production people were afraid of her.” Mary J. Blige and Pepsi proudly announce the inaugural “Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit” in partnership with Live Nation Urban. The festival will take place in the vibrant city of Atlanta, GA with three days devoted to music, comedy, and community building between May 6-8th, 2022. Presale tickets go live Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at 10am ET, while general on-sale begins on Thursday, March 10th at 10AM ET. https://youtu.be/wIYdAstSG_g WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner is currently detained in Russia after being arrested last month at a Moscow airport for having vape cartridges in her luggage. “The Olympic gold medalist spends her WNBA offseasons competing for Russian club UMMC Ekaterinburg,” per Business Insider. WNBA players earn higher salaries overseas than in the US, according to the report. For the last seven years, Griner has played in Russia in the winter, earning over $1 million per season. “This year, Griner is set to take home a league-maximum $227,900 annual salary from the Mercury, but only in recent years has her payday climbed into the six-figure range,” per Business Insider. According to The New York Times, Griner’s arrest is possibly linked to Russia’s effort “to create leverage for a potential prisoner exchange with the American government or a reduction in sanctions related to the [Ukraine] invasion.” https://youtu.be/2_Jfx9rOfic Jason Momoa is speaking out about “separating in the public eye” following his brief split from wife Lisa Bonet. The pair are said to be working out their marital problems after announcing their separation last month. The “Aquaman” actor took to Instagram on Thursday to share photos of himself with the two kids the shares with Bonet, Nakoa-Wolf and Lola at the premiere of “The Batman.” The film stars Momoa’s stepdaughter Zoë Kravitz as Catwoman. As you know, Kravitz is Bonet’s daughter whom she shares with rocker Lenny Kravitz. “Mahalo to the fans and press for being generous and giving us space for the children,” he captioned the post. “It’s hard enough separating in the public eye. We appreciate the continued privacy through these times.” https://www.instagram.com/prideofgypsies/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=17220703-6493-447b-974e-c4db1127e090 Sherri Shepherd is “so thankful” for Wendy Williams after announcing her new talk show will takeover Williams’ timeslot as “The Wendy Williams Show” has been given the ax. “I’m so thankful to Wendy for letting me fill in for her and letting me fill the gap to support her as all the other co-hosts have also done,” Shepherd told Deadline. She added: “I’m thankful because if it wasn’t for Wendy the eyes wouldn’t have been on me. I’m so thankful to her. We’re all praying for her.” Williams has not hosted her eponymous talk show since last summer when she went on a health-related hiatus. The show has since used a lew of celebrity guest hosts, including Sherri. https://www.instagram.com/p/CaS8Y-rJ1LQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again D.L. Hughley is not impressed with Ye stalking his ex-wife on social media. The comedian chopped it up with DJ Vlad recently and shared his thoughts on the rapper’s Instagram posts in which he takes aim at Kim Kardashian and her alleged new boyfriend Pete Davidson. Most recently, Ye dropped a disturbing video showing a claymation version of Davidson being buried alive. The rapper has also shared private messages between him and Kardashian online. https://youtu.be/CI3qoLDcMBc Gas prices continued to climb Monday, rising to just short of a record high. At their skyrocketing pace, the price per gallon record of $4.11 will probably be broken in just a day or two. The average price of a gallon of regular gas hit $4.07, according to AAA’s survey taken Sunday at 140,000 stations nationwide. That’s up 6 cents from the previous day’s average. The average price hit $4 a gallon over the weekend for the first time in 14 years. The record high was set in July 2008. “It is conceivable that we’ll see price moves of 15 cents to 35 cents a gallon this week, and it’s difficult to predict even one day where prices might dip,” said Tom Kloza, global head of energy analysis for the Oil Price Information Service, the firm that tracks gas data for AAA. “Most stations are on auto-pilot, they are buying as much product as they can as soon as they can and this can inspire another round of crazy increases.” If you are a part of the 2nd Amendment community in your local area, you probably have been searching for a way to connect with 2A advocates in the Black community nationwide! Calibr Magazine could be that missing link in the 2A community chain. The premiere hard copy issue was distributed nationwide a few weeks ago. But it’s also available in digital format. Gwen Witherspoon is Executive Editor. She appeared on 2nd Amendment Sis podcast with Eurweb correspondent Steffanie Rivers to discuss the premier issue and why this magazine was overdue. https://youtu.be/WBlgQO1hiDI Connie Boatman-Tate grew up in Cabrini-Green and had an unconventional path, but ended up as an inventor. “When I was growing up, I couldn’t really afford to get my hair done,” said Boatman-Tate. “I spent many years being a DIY stylist.” Her experience struggling with one style led her to create Kwik Fingers. It is a dual-sided comb with a retractable parting tail. “I had this prototype, and it worked,” said Boatman-Tate. The comb is supposed to serve as a detangler, while also protecting fingers. https://eurweb.com/2022/03/07/eurvideonews-chicago-woman-creates-kwik-fingers-for-hairstyling-watch/ Nearly 70 years ago, John S. Chase became the first Black person in Texas to become a licensed architect. Inspired by his late father’s legacy, his son—entrepreneur and educator Tony Chase—has set out to empower the next generation of innovators in the architecture space. According to the Houston Chronicle, Chase, and his wife, Dr. Dina Alsowayel, have gifted the University of Texas at Austin’s School of Architecture with a $1 million endowment. The donation will go towards creating the John S. Chase Family Endowed Graduate Fellowship, a program designed to recruit HBCU graduates in an effort to diversify the architecture industry. A portion of the endowment will be allocated for the John S. Chase Family Endowed Professorship in Architecture, which aims to cultivate a community of educators that can contribute to the evolution of the school’s program. https://pbs.twimg.com/card_img/1499518895077703681/uI1llrMj?format=jpg&name=small "This is a compelling musical pictorial of The Resurrection Story by saxophonist Mel Holder and vocalist Michelle Brooks-Thompson. It’s the first single from the Mel Holder album, Phenomenal - Music Book Volume IV." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ni6CHwcHf1A Hip Hop music has been a male-dominated genre. However, there are incredibly talented and elite female rappers and Emcees who have broken barriers to become some of the most respected and successful artists in music. Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, Missy Elliot, Lizzo, Wande, HeeSun Lee, Jacki Hill Perry, and A.I. The Anomaly are of the giant and iconic women who flow on the mic and create rhyme and beats topping the charts. Add another name to the list of women rappers making an impact in Hip Hop music - Brea Miles. Brea delivers commanding lyrics on top of banging tracks with a fearless stage presence. She is transparent, inspiring, and rooted in the Word of God. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_kEAUNfLDA Shelia D drops "He Will Make A Way." Check out this song in The Gospel Spotlight!!! https://www.dropbox.com/s/lixmnovf2qaxqeb/He%20Will%20Find%20A%20Way%20Video_with_lyrics.mp4?dl=0 Alexia Curry delivers on her debut single entitled "Hear His Voice," a message that is undoubtedly straight from God. When asked what the song reminds her of when singing it, Alexia said, “It reminds me of the old gospel hymn Yes, Jesus Loves Me.” Check out this song in The Gospel Spotlight!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7rW82Ks_p0 Russian forces are firing rockets at a physics institute in the city of Kharkiv that contains nuclear material and a reactor which could lead to a ‘large-scale ecological disaster’ if hit, according to Ukraine’s national security service. The service said on Facebook on Sunday that the Russians were firing at the Kharkiv Institute of Physics and Technology from Grad launchers. Missiles fired from Grad launchers do not have precise targeting, raising concern that one could damage the reactor and release deadly radiation across Europe. The science institute houses the Neutron Source nuclear research facility and contains 37 nuclear fuel cells in its core, according Ukrainian foreign minister Emine Dzheppar. The attack comes two days after Russian forces shelled Europe’s largest nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia, sparking fears of a nuclear disaster similar to the Chernobyl disaster in 1986. Americans around the country, including legal scholars and Black women, are praising President Joe Biden’s announcement last week nominating Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to replace Associate Justice Stephen Breyer on the U.S. Supreme Court. If confirmed, Jackson would make history as the first Black woman and the first former federal public defender to serve as a Supreme Court justice. https://youtu.be/JoFQEMc99uc According to reports, Meghan Markle is being sued by her half-sister, Samantha Markle for defamation after the duchess and Prince Harry’s, 37, explosive tell all interview with Oprah Winfrey last March. Samantha, 57, claimed in court documents Meghan, 40, lied about her and their family during the sit-down. She also accused her sister of making up stories about growing up in “virtual poverty” and claims Meghan publicly bashed their father, Thomas Markle, 76, in an attempt to sell a false “rags-to-royalty” narrative of her life and gain sympathy. The complaint reads, “Meghan falsely claimed that: (a) she essentially raised herself from virtual poverty; (b) she was forced from the age of 13 to work in a series of low-paying jobs to ‘make ends meet.’” The lawsuit goes on to accuse Meghan Markle of misleading the public regarding her father’s absence from her 2018 royal wedding. Tristan “Mack” Wilds strives to bring to light all misconceptions associated with the Black man through “Profiled: The Black Man,” his new Discovery + show. The star was featured in “The Wire” and he recently appeared on “TMZ Live” where he addressed the false beliefs – misconceptions and stereotypes – attached to Black males from leaving their families to devaluing the Black women, among others. https://www.tmz.com/videos/2022-02-23-022322-tristan-wilds-1369046/ Actor Tim Reid was born in Norfolk, Virginia, and attended Norfolk State University. He was the writer of “WKRP Cincinnati,” among other great shows. Together with his wife Daphne Maxwell- Reid, they opened New Millennium Studios in 1997, where they have been doing film production since. He is now launching a streaming service dubbed “The Legacy of A People.” The platform is exclusively designed for sharing the Black experience among Africans in the diaspora. Reid, who has more than 40 years of experience in acting, production, and comedy, with more than 100 credits to his name, told NBC 12 that “Legacy of A People” would cover all aspects of Black entertainment from music to science, culture, and history. https://youtu.be/3u20po-_GFc Donald Glover and his colleagues – writers for the FX series “Atlanta” recently opened up about being racially harassed in London during the show’s final season shoot. During a TCA press conference, Stephen Glover, the show’s executive producer and Donald’s younger brother recounted how they were approached by a group of blokes while filming and engaged them in what initially seemed like an innocent conversation. According to Stephen, 31, a group of white people walked up to them and seemed to notice or recognize Donald. She had to stop what she was doing, and the group – a girl and about two or three guys — started asking for a good place they could get a drink. During the short conversation, one of the guys said that the crew could probably break into a bar since they (crew) all carry hammers around– slang for guns. Sadly, since all the ‘Atlanta’ writers are Black, that meant that – in the stereotyped reasoning of the white people – every crew member owns a gun and can easily break into the place for a drink. Despite being insulting, they ignored the ugly remarks. However, when the team didn’t take the remarks too severe or personally, the bully in the white group became more specific and told that team that they had probably gone to jail for unlicensed weapon ownership, theft among other crimes. The bully kept doubling down on his totally unfounded accusations, and another guy (from the bullies) even told their female counterpart to run away because she could probably be raped. The girl was dragged away amidst her “I am sorry” remarks, and Stephen described the situation as pretty bad. A Black Lives Matter activist serving more than six years in prison for voter fraud has been released after new evidence in the case shows state officials admittedly made an error. The Tennessee judge who sentenced Pamela Moses said the activist knew she was not qualified to vote but “tricked” officials into giving her clearance. New evidence unveiled by reporters shows state officials did not check their own files and were responsible for the error. It is one of several errors the state made in the handling of Moses’ quest to restore her rights. Moses registered to vote in 2019 but had permanently lost her right to vote because of a 2015 conviction. Tennessee officials corresponded with Moses throughout her restoration process, but Moses said she was never told that she could never vote again, according to reports. The state never removed her name from the voter rolls. “The Batman,” the most anticipated film of the year, lives up to the hype. The compelling Caped Crusader had some big shoes to fill and he filled them superbly. Matt Reeves’ Batman iteration strikes all the right chords cinematically and emotionally. Batman and Catwoman’s (Zoe Kravitz) charged relationship is a conduit for some of the movie’s most magnetic scenes. https://youtu.be/u34gHaRiBIU Better Brothers Los Angeles (BBLA), the most prominent Black LGBTQ+ organization, in association with award-winning actress/activist Sheryl Lee Ralph (Abbott Elementary) and her non-profit organization, The DIVA Foundation, announces that the 8th Annual Truth Awards will be co-hosted by Emmy-Award-winning host Loni Love and Scott Evans along with a live musical performance by R&B sensation, Kelly Price in Hollywood at the Taglyan Complex on Saturday, March 12, 2022, at 6:00 pm. This year’s award honorees includes Colman Domingo (Candyman), who is the recipient of the History Maker Award, AMAAD Institute (LGBTQ+ Community Based Organization), who will receive the Advocate Award, and TEA-G-I-F (Claudia Jordan, Al Reynolds, Funky Dineva) with the Media & Arts Award. Additional honorees, presenters will be announced next week. https://youtu.be/C5k2sS3h5Q0 Jeannie Mai is back to reality, this time about breastfeeding, saying it’s harder than childbirth. The talk show host opened up about the challenges she’s having trying to produce enough milk to feed her young daughter, Monaco. “Been tackling this breastfeeding thing for two months,” she wrote alongside photos of herself using a breast pump. “Listening to a lactation nurse, reading advice online, and getting so much help from other moms. Hands down, it’s been the most difficult part of this entire mom journey. I already HEARD it was gonna be, but I never imagined this. For me, it’s was even more difficult than giving birth.” “It’s groundbreaking…like Porky & Bess was,” said Soprano opera singer Cheryl Warfield about her role in the Terence Blanchard opera based on the life of New York journalist Charles M. Blow titled “Fire Shut Up in My Bones,” to premiere at the Lyric Opera House of Chicago March 25 – April 8, 2022. “Being specifically about Black people like ‘Porky & Bess’ which was by a New York Jewish composer.” Five-time Grammy-winning and two-time Academy Award nominee Terence Blanchard, a Jazz trumpeter, pianist/keyboardist and composer, stars in the opera along with Kasi Lemmons (Director of Harriet and Eve’s Bayou). The musical takes the audience on a journey through the life of Charles Blow, his life as a youth in Louisiana dealing with a traumatic experience. Daniela Candillari is the conductor. https://youtu.be/IIDG4GkqrhE If you are between the ages of 13 to 19 or know someone within this age group, the Disney Dreamer’s Academy educational mentorship program is worth learning more about. Each year Walt Disney World selects 100 students and teens throughout the country to participate in a coveted opportunity. The annual program is four days long but packs decades of career training, networking, and career education within that timeframe. Applying to the Disney Dreamers program is worth the effort. https://youtu.be/OCp821hYDWw Tom Fleischman, an Oscar-winning rerecording mixer best known for his decades-long collaboration with Martin Scorsese, has resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences over its controversial plan not to present eight categories live during the broadcast of the 94th Academy Awards, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. A move that has been met with a storm of criticism, the Academy plans to present Oscars in documentary short, film editing, makeup/hairstyling, original score, production design, animated short, live-action short, and Fleischman’s own discipline, sound, inside the Dolby Theatre in the hour before the March 27 broadcast commences, recording and editing these into the subsequent live telecast. Lamar Odom, 42, is a former professional basketball player. Most people were used to seeing him on the court, but he intends to break the norm after retirement. During an interview with his “Entertainment Tonight” this week, the former NBA- player disclosed his intentions to take over the Rhodes Island head coach ship. https://twitter.com/i/status/1496483215346962440 As more clips from his ‘Drink Champs’ interview surface, The Game continues to cause more controversy! In a new clip, the LA rapper changes his stance on a rap battle with Eminem, the Detroit legend. Game says, “Eminem is Eminem. I like Eminem, he’s one of the good emcees–great emcees. I used to think Eminem was better than me. He not. He not. He’s not. Challenge it.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CavhLCmtqh8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again As “Gangsta Grandma,” Evelyn Wilson nurtures troubled men and women in a way that not many are capable of doing. A Harlem, New York, native, Wilson says she became addicted to alcohol and cocaine following the deaths of both her parents before her 13th birthday. Now 80, Wilson is an ordained minister in the Unity movement and will mark 50 years of continuous sobriety in May. Wilson is a former prison counselor who was known by the inmates as “Gangsta Grandma.” She now lives in Savannah, Georgia, and operates two sober-living homes — one each for men and women. A Chicago Public school mom wants to know why her daughter came home from school with a broken collarbone and she was never called! CBS 2’s Marissa Perlman reports from Parkside Elementary School. https://cbsloc.al/3ICPoRM Cindy Parlow Cone won re-election as U.S. Soccer Federation president on Saturday in a narrow vote over her predecessor and said she has plenty of work left to do after “righting the ship” during her first two years in the position. Parlow Cone secured 52.9% of the weighted vote taken by the federation’s membership during their annual general meeting, earning 785.12 of the votes compared to the 698.26 that went to Carlos Cordeiro. “I am really proud of what I’ve done in my first two years as president, I think we’ve accomplished a lot, but there is a lot more left to do,” Parlow Cone told reporters after being elected to a four-year term as president. Former national team player Parlow Cone had served as vice president of the national governing body until taking over the top job in 2020 when Cordeiro resigned under pressure after a legal filing that was widely condemned as misogynistic. Guillermo Rigondeaux lost roughly 80% of his vision following an accident involving a pressure cooker late Thursday afternoon at his Miami home, the former champion’s manager, Alex Boronte, told ESPN. The 41-year-old was cooking Cuban black beans when something went awry, causing the pressure cooker to explode. The boiling water splashed into his eyes, his manager said, leaving him with two severely burned corneas. His chest was burned as well. The two-time Olympic gold medalist from Cuba was transported to Kendall Regional Medical Center, Boronte said. Rigondeaux’s eyes were injected with anesthesia and bandaged before he was released Friday. “He’s only done it a million times,” Boronte said of one of Rigondeaux’s favorite meals to cook. “They make bombs out of [pressure cookers]. If one of those beans clogs up where the steam is going to go out, it’s like a bomb. It could have killed him.” Black retired football players who were denied payments for dementia in the NFL’s $1 billion concussion settlement can seek to be retested or have their claims rescored to eliminate racial bias in the testing and payout formula, under a revised plan finalized Friday. Outrage over the use of “race-norming” in the dementia testing — which assumed that Black people have a lower cognitive baseline score, making it harder for them to show mental declines linked to football — forced the NFL and players’ lawyers back to the negotiating table last year. The revisions could allow many retired players to resubmit their claims and add $100 million or more to the NFL’s legal tab. The NFL, through the fund, has paid out more than $800 million to date, nearly half for dementia claims. The dementia awards average about $600,000. “Thousands of Black players stand to benefit from these changes to the settlement,” said lawyer Cyril V. Smith, who represents former players Najeh Davenport and Kevin Henry, whose 2020 race discrimination lawsuit brought the issue to light. President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday that Western sanctions on Russia were akin to a declaration of war and warned that any attempt to impose a no-fly zone in Ukraine would lead to catastrophic consequences for the world. Putin reiterated that his aims were to defend Russian- speaking communities through the “demilitarization and de-Nazification” of the country so that Russia’s former Soviet neighbour became neutral and no longer threatened Russia. Ukraine and Western countries have dismissed this as a baseless pretext for the invasion he launched on Feb. 24 and have imposed a sweeping range of sanctions aimed at isolating Moscow. “These sanctions that are being imposed are akin to a declaration of war but thank God it has not come to that,” Putin said, speaking to a group of flight attendants at an Aeroflot training center near Moscow. He said any attempt by another power to impose a no-fly zone in Ukraine would be considered by Russia to be a step into the military conflict. Such a step he said would have catastrophic consequences for Europe and the world. The NATO military alliance has rejected Kyiv’s request for a no-fly zone, on the grounds it would escalate the war beyond Ukraine into a far wider conflict, potentially pitting the United States against Russia. WNBA star Brittney Griner is in some serious trouble in Russia. She was reportedly detained after vape cartridges containing hashish oil were found in her luggage at the Sheremetyevo airport near Moscow. The detainment comes amid the escalating conflict created by Russia attacking Ukraine. USA Basketball said it is monitoring the situation. “Brittney has always handled herself with the utmost professionalism during her long tenure with USA Basketball and her safety and wellbeing are our primary concerns,” the tweet read. The man arrested for the #LA home invasion and shooting death of #JacquelineAvant, wife of famed music executive #ClarenceAvant, has pleaded guilty.? #AarielMaynor, 30, pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of murder, one count of attempted murder, one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and two counts of robbing a home with a person present, according to CBS Los Angeles. He also admitted to shooting at the Avant’s security guard, who was unharmed during the home invasion.? Maynor faces up to 170 years to life in prison.? “This crime continues to shock the conscience. Mrs. Avant’s death was a tragic loss felt by our entire community,” Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said in a statement. “In this case, the defendant is facing 170 years to life in prison and is ineligible for elderly parole. Our Bureau of Victim Services will continue to be in contact with the family and their representatives to offer trauma-informed services.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CaqacbtMphS/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Human remains discovered in the area where white residents slaughtered Black Oklahomans in the 1921 Tulsa race massacre may be the bodies of more victims.? #CBS News reports that one of the bodies found is believed to be a Black male in his mid-to-late 20s, according to a report submitted to a committee overseeing the search. The news outlet reports the male may be a Tulsa, Oklahoma race massacre victim; three gunshot wounds along with two bullets were recovered from the remains.? The bullets were from a .38 caliber and are believed to have come from a Colt revolver.? On Wednesday, Phoebe Stubblefield, a forensic anthropologist, said there is no way to confirm if the remains can be confirmed as a Tulsa race victim. However, DNA could provide some evidence connecting the remains to the massacre.? “The person had a death that involved another human, so that part is clear, but when that death occurred, there are no definitive indicators and the exact context of … how did the bullets get introduced, there’s no in dications under the earth for that,” Stubblefield said, CBS News reports. https://www.instagram.com/p/CaqLes2PvIM/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again While the pandemic is not over, experts say the US may be in for, at the very least, a “near normal” spring and summer, based on new US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. “I think the move from pandemic to endemic appears to be accelerating,” said Dr. William Schaffner, a professor in the division of infectious disease at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. According to the CDC’s updated data on Covid-19 community levels, the number of counties with “high” Covid-19 levels dropped from about 1,200 on February 24 to 472 on March 3. The CDC recently switched how it measures community levels. Actor Johnny Brown, who played building superintendent Nathan Bookman on the 1970s sitcom “Good Times,” has died, according to an Instagram post from his daughter, Sharon Brown. He was 84 and died on March 2, his daughter said. “It’s too terrible. It will never not be. It’s a shock. He was literally snatched out of our lives. It’s not real for us yet,” Sharon Brown, an actor and composer, wrote Friday. “So, there will be more to say but not now. Dad was the absolute best. We love him so very much.” https://youtu.be/lXUmjMo-N6k Australian cricketer Shane Warne, one of the finest leg-spin bowlers of all time whose talent and personality transcended the sport, died aged 52 on Friday. Warne, who ended his spell-binding international career in 2007 with a remarkable 708 test wickets, died from a suspected heart attack in Koh Samui, Thailand, his family confirmed in a statement. “Shane was found unresponsive in his Villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived,” the statement read. “The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course.” Thai Police said they were not treating the death as suspicious. Warne’s associates staying in the same villa tried unsuccessfully to revive him, police added. His death comes hours after another former Australian cricket great, wicket-keeper Rod Marsh died on Friday at the age of 74. Warne’s last post on Twitter, 12 hours before his death was reported, was a tribute to Marsh. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s creeping authoritarianism got a lot more overt on Friday when he signed a censorship bill into law making it impossible for news organizations to accurately report the news in or from Russia. The law, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, makes it a crime to disseminate “fake” information about the invasion of Ukraine, with a penalty of up to 15 years in prison for anyone convicted. The definition of “fake” is, of course, left up to the Russian government. The New York Times reported that the law, which could take effect as soon as Saturday, could make it illegal to merely refer to the Ukraine war as a war. The law prompted urgent meetings inside news outlets on Friday and pushed them to make difficult decisions. The BBC, bluntly saying that the law “appears to criminalize the process of independent journalism,” said that it had no choice but to “temporarily suspend the work” of its journalists and staff in Russia as it assesses the “full implications of this unwelcome development.” CNN said the network “will stop broadcasting in Russia while we continue to evaluate the situation and our next steps moving forward.” The three men who cornered and killed Ahmaud Arbery will spend most of the rest of their lives behind prison bars, but what about the officials accused of misconduct? In May 2020, the Georgia Attorney General’s office requested the state’s Bureau of Investigation (GBI) determine whether Waycross Judicial Circuit District Attorney George Barnhill and former Brunswick Judicial Circuit District Attorney Jackie Johnson’s actions in the case amounted to prosecutorial misconduct. Johnson was initially appointed to investigate Arbery’s murder. However, four days later, she wrote the District Attorney of the Brunswick Judicial Circuit and asked for the appointment of another prosecutor because Greg McMichael, one of the men convicted of Arbery’s death, was a former investigator in her office. With the surprise announcement by Southern Baptist Convention President Ed Litton that he will not seek a traditional second term, speculation has quickly turned to who will run for the leadership post within a deeply fractured denomination. Less than 24 hours after Litton’s announcement, a pastor quite similar to Litton in many ways announced his candidacy. Willy Rice, pastor of Calvary Church in Clearwater, Fla., said he will run for the post. Rice currently serves as a trustee of the North American Mission Board, is a past president of the Florida Baptist Convention, served as president of the SBC Pastors’ Conference in 2015, chaired the 2010 SBC Committee on Committees and chaired the 2016 SBC Committee on Nominations. He delivered the convention sermon at last summer’s SBC Annual Meeting where Litton was elected. In that sermon Rice said Southern Baptists can sometimes be “jerks” by opposing the right things in the wrong way. A seriously pissed-off New Jersey man is behind bars after police say he poured gasoline in a barbershop filled with people while in a fit of rage. It happened at The Zone barbershop on 61st Street in North Bergen. Police say 30-year-old Humberto Vanegas walked into the shop with a 5-gallon gasoline can and started yelling as he poured the fuel in the entryway. HBO recently has an upcoming show based on the Showtime Lakers. Unexpectedly, however, the Lakers organization and the players from the era have become the biggest loathers of the show, and you are probably wondering why. A report released earlier discloses why they feel the way they do. According to Lacey Rose of The Hollywood Reporter, the HBO series dubbed “Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty,” is set to premiere on Sunday, March 6. The series retells the Los Angeles Lakers 1980s era experience. https://youtu.be/7DdH2Z5WyGU Davontae Stewart, a man with 75% body scarring keloids, recently opened a GoFundMe account asking for financial support to help him get the necessary medication. Despite having health insurance, Stewart can’t get the surgery he needs because his insurance coverage doesn’t include Keloid surgery – it is considered a cosmetic procedure by the insurer. Sadly for Stewart, he says that people don’t even understand what he is dealing with. Fox 2 Detroit reports that the condition began when Stewart was a kid, similar to chickenpox, which he scratched off, but woke up to tiny bubbles on his whole body the following morning. A Detroit-based doctor at the time suggested to Stewart’s mother to have all the keloids removed at once – a step that worsened the situation. The keloids came back in stitch form, on his whole back, and keep growing every day. https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/mans-keloid-scarring-growing-over-75-percent-of-body-but-insurance-wont-cover-surgery CNN announced today that CNN+ will debut this spring with an exclusive content offering that will be available for purchase at $5.99 per month or $59.99 per year. Early subscribers that sign up within the first four weeks directly will have access to the “Deal of a Lifetime,” or 50% off the monthly plan – for life – as long as they remain subscribers. “We’re thrilled to offer CNN+’s world-class journalism, premium storytelling and Interview Club platform at this attractive price,” said Andrew Morse, CNN EVP, Chief Digital Officer and Head of CNN+. “Nothing like CNN+ exists. There is no news and non-fiction streaming subscription offering available today, and only CNN can create and deliver a global news product with this kind of value to consumers.” https://youtu.be/93cqvt-gOW4 Wearing single-use masks was extremely critical in curbing the spread of coronavirus. Sadly, these masks have become a significant pollution threat as the world dumps 129 billion facemasks every month – about 3 million masks per minute. These masks are discarded everywhere, from city sidewalks to significant niches of the internet. The shores of Hong Kong deserted Soko Islands, and coasts of France are filled with this filth, depriving them of their beauty. The growing waste mountain explains why environmental advocates and scientists expressed alarm about the potential effects from the jump … dire ecological ramifications. The filth has made its way into the world’s waterways affecting aquatic life besides other animals. Will Smith is set to star in a sequel to “I Am Legend,” nearly 15 years after the release of the original post-apocalyptic thriller. Warner Bros. is developing a follow-up with Smith starring opposite Michael B. Jordan, who will co-produce the movie alongside his co-star, Complex reports. Akiva Goldsman adapted the 2007 film from Richard Matheson’s 1954 novel and is returning to pen the sequel script. “I Am Legend” was released theatrically on Dec. 14, 2007, and reportedly earned $585 worldwide. https://youtu.be/dtKMEAXyPkg ? Ciara guest-hosted “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” on Thursday and was joined by her husband Russell Wilson who surprised his wife with an unexpected proposal. As reported by PEOPLE, the Seahawks quarterback, 33, asked Ciara, 36, if she wanted to have another baby. The couple is already parents to 19-month-old son Win Harrison, daughter Sienna Princess, 4, and Ciara shares son Future Zahir, 7, with her ex, rapper Future. During the segment, Wilson asked Ciara: “I have a question for you. Serious question. Can we have more babies?” https://youtu.be/vfKSXqsEi00 Grammy-award-winning artist, Kelly Rowland was on hand yesterday (03/03/22)for the kickoff of the 15th annual Disney Dreamers Academy program. The Disney Dreamers Academy is a mentorship program for students in underrepresented communities. 100 Black and underrepresented high school students and teens throughout the United States are selected each year to participate. The goal of the program is to expose those students to opportunities and access to mentors that would likely not be available to them. The program aims to broaden career awareness and create exclusive enrichment opportunities for those selected. Rowland is this year’s program ambassador, one of its mentors, and an advocate for the 2022 Dreamers: “Mentorship is an experience I treasure, and the opportunity to invest my time into these students is incredible,” Rowland said. “I’m excited to work with them and watch how they grow throughout the program.” When it’s all said and done, ironically, the biggest winner of the James Harden-Ben Simmons trade might be neither James Harden nor Ben Simmons. The Beard will make his home debut for the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night, while Kevin Durant prepares to return from a six-week absence on Thursday. And it stands to reason that Durant and Simmons will eventually find themselves flanking Kyrie Irving — the biggest beneficiary of them all. Kyrie has long been the most interesting man in the NBA, and that was true even before we’d ever even heard of a thing called “COVID.” https://youtu.be/yZtzqA62TBw “I was about 5, and my father bought me a wonder horse,” said Emeline King. That horse was a mustang – and who would have thought that years later, another Mustang would be Emeline King’s claim to fame. It was King who designed the 1994 Ford Mustang interior. “It also won car of the year,” she said. Emeline King was Ford’s first Black woman designer – hired in 1983. She also worked on the 1989 Thunderbird – the wheel program, the 2000 Thunderbird, and designed cars in Europe. https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/fords-first-black-woman-car-designer-writes-book-about-blazing-a-trail-in-auto-industry On a recent segment of The View, The Nation’s Justice Correspondent Elie Mystal shared a feeling many Black people share about the constitution. ‘The Constitution is kind of trash,” Mystal said. Six simple words carry the weight and fire of those who spent generations trying to push through the limitations built into a system that never considered their humanity in the first place. Speaking about his new book, “Allow Me to Retort: A Black Guy’s Guide to the Constitution,” Mystal told the ladies of The View that his book offered a commonsense approach to the constitution and understanding democracy. “This document was written without the consent of Black and Brown people in this country and without the consent of women in this country,” he explained. “If that is the starting point, the very least we can do is ignore what those slavers and colonists and misogynists thought and interpret the constitution in a way that makes sense for our modern world.” Isn’t it curious how before white conservatives discovered critical race theory in 2020, legislators were not commonly proposing and signing bills into law that limited discussions on race in the classroom? It’s almost as if this relatively obscure academic study that has existed in academia since 1989 suddenly became a mainstream conversation once Republicans figured out it was a galvanizing tool for white grievance propaganda and we’re all supposed to believe that, by some huge coincidence, there’s suddenly a massive influx of educators teaching white students that they’re inherently racist and directly responsible for America’s racist past. Well, one day after the West Virginia Senate voted 21-12 to pass the bill and send it to the House, Mississippi’s Republican-controlled House voted 75-43 to pass Senate Bill 2113, another anti-CRT bill that includes nearly the same language as that of West Virginia. The Bluest Eye is one of the late Toni Morrison’s most iconic bodies of work and surprisingly has become one of her most controversial as well. Following a longstanding lawsuit that saw the book taken off shelves at libraries throughout the Missouri School District, a lawsuit from the American Civil Liberties Union has now resulted in the book being returned to its rightful place. https://www.instagram.com/p/CPleJP_B-8b/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c2a36f4a-bafd-4e1d-9812-c928dd178ffc With the raging debates surrounding critical race theory and efforts to remove noteworthy pieces of literature penned by Black authors from school bookshelves, the absence of truthful and authentic African American narratives from curriculums across the country have prompted many parents to step up and fill in the gap when it comes to educating children about the fullness of Black history. Amongst those is author and educator Andrea Stephenson who is using literature as an avenue to show youngsters of color that they come from a lineage of excellence. A study conducted by the National Museum of African American History and Culture and Oberg Research revealed merely 9 percent of time in history classes throughout the U.S. is allocated to highlighting Black history. Further research illustrated some schools omit covering the topic at all. For Stephenson, teaching her children about Black innovators who have contributed to shaping the landscape of American history was an intentional decision early on. Now, she’s set out on a mission to empower others to do the same through her latest book Our-Story Black History for Kids: Scientists. Celebrating Black History Month, TV One will air The Soul of the Nation Gospel Concert, featuring remarks by First Lady Jill Biden and performances by top Gospel artists such as JJ Hairston and Tamela Mann. The prerecorded event will re-air on Sunday, March 6 at 5 pm EST/4C on TV One. The celebration will be hosted by Grammy-nominated Juan Winans and will feature musical performances by Madeline Howze, Tamela Mann, JJ Hairston and The Morehouse College Glee Club. Closing the event is Bishop William Murphy, III, the founder and lead pastor of The Dream Center Church of Atlanta, one of the nation’s most influential ministries leading the way in worship and community outreach. The program celebrates the history and impact of Gospel music and is sure to bring warmth and solace to both American and global viewers alike. On the heels of last year’s popular Lust and Envy movies seen by over 9.4 million viewers in their airings, Lifetime announces the next two Seven Deadly Sins Anthology movie installments, Wrath and Greed, from executive producers T.D. Jakes, Derrick Williams and Shaun Robinson. Based on the series of books by Victoria Christopher Murray, Wrath: A Seven Deadly Sins Story stars Michelle Williams (Destiny’s Child), Tina Knowles-Lawson (Profiled: The Black Man), Romeo Miller (Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Witness Protection) and Antonio Cupo (Blood & Treasure) while Greed: A Seven Deadly Sins Story is headlined by Monique Coleman (A Christmas Dance Reunion), LisaRaye McCoy (A House Divided), Eric Benét (Real Husbands of Hollywood) and Nathan Witte (Merry Liddle Christmas Baby). Below are the movie descriptions and premiere dates. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWysL_YYvvw The legendary R&B group, The Whispers, are back with a new Steppers Remix of their 2009 gospel gem, "Praise His Holy Name." The breezy, feel-good track is perfect for springtime worship as the foursome praises the Lord atop an infectious new rhythm by the GRAMMY Award winning Chicago-based DJ Maurice Joshua. https://capitalentertainment.disco.ac/track-new/75643224?user_id=187292&signature=9x72Z6tluH8u-oydQKtjBxs3zvg%3AMoX6PDGr Zeke Locke & Nu Experience drops I'm Walking...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDtc-UcwZxQ Danielle Sunny Bryant is that powerhouse singer who kicks off her shoes and belts out a dynamic performance that turns the room into a sanctuary of unrestricted praise. Danielle's "churchy" and effortless voice ushers you into a one-on-one spiritual session with God. "Don't Give Up is our anthem of motivation and encouragement during these difficult times," Danielle says. "It's a song that everyone can listen to and enjoy. Whether you are at the gym, studying and doing schoolwork, or hanging out with the family, this is that song to get you through!" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8E7Ruy5hzE&feature=youtu.be AT&T continues to recognize Black culture shapers and futuremakers who empower our global community, including Kirk! To celebrate, they had an epic IG Live with Kirk Franklin, Tobe Nwigwe, Devale Ellis, and Terrence J. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cai3-nCFPUe/ Catch DOE’s docuseries. There was a powerful moment when DOE spoke on your value not being connected to your gift in the third episode. This is sure to be a blessing to you and anyone you feel led to share it with. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjWminq6stM Melvin Crispell, III partnered with MultiTracks Gospel and spoke on the future of Gospel music. Enjoy this snippet from him and drop a comment on the post sharing how we can stay focused on spreading The Good News. https://www.instagram.com/p/CailKIRFOB9/ “Cry Out” by Refresh Worship is a simple song of prophetic-spontaneous worship by ReFresh Worship led by Naomi Raine of the Fresh Start Christian Center (Mt. Vernon, NY). Pastor G. Morris Coleman serves as the Senior Pastor of Fresh Start Christian Center. “Cry Out” is a song of celebration and triumph that encourages believers to remember the goodness of God despite the challenges in the world. Refresh Worship consists of six to sixteen diverse millennials who call Fresh Start Christian Center their home church. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZsgdEHSQs4 Samuel L. Jackson is one of Hollywood’s most in-demand stars, appearing in the “Star Wars” and Marvel franchises, commercials and more. Yet, his latest project, the limited series “The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey,” took 12 years to get made. Jackson talks about the new series, his career and more in an interview with Kelefa Sanneh for CBS SUNDAY MORNING, to be broadcast Sunday, March 6 (9:00 AM, ET) on the CBS Television Network and streaming on Paramount+. https://youtu.be/C_T1IqlQba4 Bozoma Saint John joined Netflix in 2020 as the streaming giant’s Chief Marketing Officer. Less than two years later she and the company are parting ways and Marian Lee has been tapped to take over the position. “Marian is a strategic marketer with deep experience not just in entertainment but also more broadly having worked at fashion and media brands,” Ted Sarandos, co-CEO and chief content officer, said in a statement. “When she joined Netflix last year, she had an immediate impact on the marketing team and has demonstrated that she’s an exceptional leader, who understands how to drive conversations around brands and popular culture.” https://youtu.be/t7NZ3-HORpo President Vladimir Putin was denounced for his “recklessness” after Ukraine said that Russian forces attacked a nuclear power plant, raising the stakes in the nine-day-old war and prompting calls for an even more robust response to the Kremlin’s aggression. NATO foreign ministers meeting in Brussels on Friday condemned what Kyiv described as an assault on the Zaporizhzhia facility in southeast Ukraine, Europe’s largest atomic generator. If confirmed, it would be the first time an operating nuclear plant has been deliberately targeted by military forces. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said that “all channels” had been used to communicate to Russia that it shouldn’t commit such an act. “There are rules in this world, even for the Russian president,” she told reporters. Russia’s Defense Ministry said that its forces have held the nuclear plant since Feb. 28 and accused Ukraine of a “provocation.” While Ukraine’s nuclear agency said that radiation levels at the site were normal, stocks dropped and commodities pushed higher as investors digested the implications of such an attack for the course of the war. The United Nations Security Council is due to hold an emergency session later on Friday. A big party for Spice went down in Atlanta last night and some of the cast from “Love & Hip-Hop” were in attendance and possibly filming. Videos posted online showed Karlie Redd, Lil Mama, and Safaree performing as they celebrated the Jamaican artist and the success of her music. Sources told say that Mena abruptly interrupted the event, “yelling at Safaree” while attempting to serve him: “In the middle of the event, she could be heard yelling at him: ‘You’re being a f*cking coward!’“ Sources also told The Jasmine Brand that LHH cameras were there and captured the whole moment. (So far, neither party has publicly spoken out to deny or clarify these claims.) Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is being sued by a former attorney for the city after she allegedly berated him during a meeting over the removal of the Christopher Columbus Statue. George Smyrniotis, 65, who served as First Deputy General Counsel for the district, is suing Lightfoot for defamation and claims she used obscene language ver a Zoom call. Under Lightfoot’s orders, the Columbus statue was removed in July 2020 amid unrest over the murder of George Floyd, during which protesters attempted to topple the monument. https://youtu.be/GpIQ2E4gXj0 Hundreds of international students trapped in the Ukrainian city of Sumy by Russia’s invasion have appealed to the world: “Help us, we are stranded.” Vivian Udenze, 21, a Nigerian medical student at Sumy State University told CNN: “This is the 8th day since the crisis began. A lot of places have been evacuated. There are more than 600 of us who are foreigners and students.” She said most of the group are medical students, and they are from Nigeria, Morocco, Tanzania, Congo and India, among other countries. Sumy lies in the northeast of Ukraine, only around 30 miles from the border with Russia. https://youtu.be/q7yBa2MlXu8 Three-month-old La’Mello Parker was killed by police during a shootout involving his father in May. Police call log related to the car chase show officers knew the baby was in the front seat when they opened fire on the vehicle. Biloxi Police launched an investigation into the shooting and turned the case over to the Harrison County District Attorney’s Office. It’s unclear whether the case had been presented to a grand jury yet. A bystander video was shared online showing the moment the car came to a stop, and officers circled the vehicle before opening fire. Smith was pronounced dead at the scene, while La’Mello died at a hospital the following day, per the report. https://youtu.be/TRVCAP7KJeU Over a year ago news broke about two California brothers who went missing while under their adoptive parent’s supervision. At the time, the adoptive parents denied having anything to do with their disappearance. However, they were arrested TUESDAY on suspicion of killing the toddlers. Trezell West, 35, and his wife Jacqueline West, 32, are currently locked up at the Kern County Jail. They both have been hit with several charges from two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of willful cruelty to a child and making a false report of an emergency. “This morning I’m saddened to announce that the investigation has revealed that Orrin and Orson West are deceased,” Kern County District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer said at a press conference. “The investigation has also revealed that they died three months before their adoptive parents reported them missing.” The bodies of Orrin and Orson West have not been found. (DA Zimmer) declined to provide further details, due to the criminal trial. https://www.instagram.com/p/Can-mn7AKy0/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again A Florida woman was left outraged after Gov. Ron DeSantis told students during a press conference to remove their facial masks. Gov. DeSantis met with students at the University of South Florida recently and before giving his speech he told a group of boys standing on stage to remove their face masks. “You do not have to wear those masks,” DeSantis said, as reported by WFLA-TV. “I mean, please take them off. Honestly, it’s not doing anything and we’ve gotta stop with this COVID theater. So if you want to wear it, fine, but this is ridiculous.” One mom put DeSantis on blast in an interview with WFLA-TV, as her son is one of the high schoolers who immediately removed his mask at the suggestion of DeSantis. https://twitter.com/i/status/1499188095736025091 Weeks after Miss Alabama Zoe Sozo Bethel died from injuries sustained after a mysterious “fell” off a third-story balcony on Feb. 10 in Miami, those closest to her are speaking out about the dark past she so desperately tried to keep secret. Bethel, 27, was the daughter of two radical preachers, Orlando and Glynis Bethal, who called themselves “The Apostle” and “The Prophetess,” as reported by the New York Post. “They took their kids all over the South, having them participate in inflammatory homophobic rhetoric and wear T-shirts reading “God Hates Gays” or “God Hates Whores,” sources said,” per the report. “Zoe tried to remake herself so no one would know she was the kid from Baldwin County (Alabama) who yelled ‘God hates you’ to people,” her sister Kezia Bethel, 26, told The Post. “She was able to keep it a secret on a national level. No one knew who she really was unless she came back to Baldwin County.” Her parents’ views were so extreme that Westboro Church threw them out. “My parents were too extreme even for them,” Kezia said. Incarcerated rapper YFN Lucci claims his life is in danger in jail as he awaits trial in his murder case. According to new legal docs, a fellow inmate at the Fulton County Jail stabbed YFN Lucci last month while on a video call with someone on the outside, TMZ reports. Lucci also says “he’s been told there’s a bounty on his head among inmates,” per the report. In the docs, obtained by TMZ, YFN Lucci claims an inmate used a homemade shank to stab him from behind on Feb. 9. He now reportedly fears his life is in jeopardy if he remains in custody. Per TMZ, the hip-hop star is “asking the judge to grant him bond so he can get the hell outta jail … and he says he would be down with 24-hour home confinement and wear a monitoring device.” Philadelphia police provided more details Wednesday on a deadly incident, in which officers chased and shot a boy after a shot was fired into the officers’ car. Police identified the boy as 12-year-old Thomas Siderio Jr., and said in a statement he was shot in the back by an officer during a foot chase and he had a gun. Immediately following the shooting in South Philadelphia on Tuesday night, police said they believed the boy who was shot was a teenager. The shooting happened around 7:24 p.m. as four officers dressed in plain clothes were inside an unmarked car on a surveillance assignment related to a gun investigation, Philadelphia Police Deputy Commissioner Benjamin Naish said Wednesday during a virtual news briefing. Music legend Morris Day claims the Prince estate is prohibiting him from using “Morris Day & the Time” as a band name. Day has been the group’s frontman for four decades. “Now that Prince is no longer is with us, suddenly the people who control his multi-million-dollar estate want to rewrite history by taking my name away from me,” Day wrote on Facebook, accusing the estate of “impacting how I feed my family.” As reported by Star Tribune, representatives of Prince’s estate say Day’s claims in posts Thursday on social media, including Instagram, are “not entirely accurate.” “Given Prince’s longstanding history with Morris Day and what the Estate thought were amicable discussions, the Prince Estate was surprised and disappointed to see his recent post,” the estate said in a statement Thursday afternoon. “The Estate is open to working proactively with Morris to resolve this matter.” SiriusXM radio host Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo joined Stephen A. Smith Wednesday on ESPN’s “First Take” and the two got into a screaming match over NBA star Steph Curry. Russo went ballistic when Smith said Curry is among the top 10 NBA players of all time. “No he’s not! Are you kidding me?!?” Russo yelled before rattling off names of legendary players who deserve more credit than Curry. https://twitter.com/i/status/1499107077381402625 Louisiana’s Supreme Court will decide whether the man who killed former NFL running back Joe McKnight in 2016 can be tried again for murder after his conviction on a lesser charge was overturned, the Associated Press reports. Ronald Gasser shot McKnight in a road rage killing. Prosecutors argued Gasser was the aggressor, while his attorneys argued he shot McKnight in self-defense. Authorities in the New Orleans suburb of Jefferson Parish originally charged Gasser with second-degree murder. The jury instead convicted Gasser of manslaughter. That verdict was overturned by a United States Supreme Court ruling in 2020 that outlawed split-jury verdicts. The jury in Gasser’s trial convicted him in a 10-2 vote. Quinta Brunson was able to make a difference in the lives of real teachers with her elementary school comedy, Abbott Elementary. Brunson, 32, who is creator and showrunner of the hit ABC sitcom, revealed during a recent interview with NPR’s Fresh Air that she shifted some of her show’s marketing money to donate supplies to teachers. “We chose to put the marketing money toward supplies for teachers,” Brunson said, explaining that the production team and network agreed to reallocate some of the money. “It’s about being able to make those kinds of decisions that really excite me, things that can really materially help people.” Brunson also opened up about the inspiration behind her series, in which she stars as a second grade teacher at an under-resourced, predominantly Black school in Philadelphia. She explained to Fresh Air that she has strong ties to the education system as the daughter of a teacher; the school in Abbott Elementary is not unlike the school where her own mother taught years ago, she said. “Despite it getting harder, despite teachers not having all the support they need, despite kids growing even more unruly than they’ve been in recent time … she still loved the job,” Brunson said of her mom.” The beauty is someone being so resilient for a job that is so underpaid and so underappreciated because it makes them feel fulfilled.” Yasmine S. Murray has been named chief operating officer at H.J. Russell & Co., making her the first Black woman to fill the role in the company’s 70-year history. Based in Atlanta, Russell told BLACK ENTERPRISE the company projects 2022 revenues of $274 million, up from over $170 million in 2021. The company attributes the expected growth to expansion this year into new markets like Boston and New York and boosting its number of standalone projects in the Southeast and other growth markets it is pursuing, stretching from Texas to Massachusetts. Russell is one of America’s largest Black-owned construction companies. It last ranked No. 25 on the BLACK ENTERPRISE BE 100s list, an annual ranking of the nation’s top Black-owned businesses. In honor of Women’s History Month, the National Youth Foundation (NYF) presents the almost uncaptured history of Hettie Simmons Love — the first African American to graduate from the preeminent University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. Students from the Philadelphia, Pa. area interviewed Mrs. Love, who is 98-years old, and wrote and illustrated an original picture book entitled “Hettie Simmons Love: Penn Pioneer” that chronicles her life. The story begins in Jacksonville, Fla. in the 1920s, where a young girl, less than 60 years after the Emancipation Proclamation, attended the prestigious Boylan-Haven Boarding School. After graduating from Boylan-Haven, Hettie Simmons enrolled at a top HBCU, Fisk University, where she excelled in mathematics and joined the renowned Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. The year former NFL player Jason Brown stepped away from the game, he took a leap of faith to start a farm. Just over a decade ago, Brown made a name for himself as the highest-paid center in the NFL. He began his football career as the fourth draft pick for the Baltimore Ravens and later signed a five-year deal with the St. Louis Rams franchise in 2009 worth $37.5 million. Inspired by the life and service of his late brother Lunsford B. Brown II, the ex-St. Louis Rams player believed that there was something greater in store for him, TODAY reports. His brother passed away in 2003 while serving in Iraq, so he was determined to discover his calling in a new light. Visa announced Frank Cooper III will join the multinational financial services company as its chief marketing officer in May. According to a BusinessWire release, Cooper will also serve on the company’s Executive Committee and report to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Al Kelly. Cooper will lead Visa’s global marketing organization to help drive demand for its products, services, and solutions. The Harvard Law School alumnus will also guide all facets of the brand from ad campaigns to global sponsorships. New Profit, national venture philanthropy organization has announced Shawn Dove has joined the non-profit as a managing partner. In his role Dove, the former CEO of the Campaign For Black Male Achievement (CFBMA), will be part of a leadership team member and advisor to social entrepreneurs across New Profit’s network. He will also use his experience in community organizing to co-curate New Profit’s efforts to create a new era of justice, opportunity, trust, and collaboration among minority entrepreneurs. Dove is part of New Profit’s accelerating its effort internally and across its partner network, which focuses on addressing systemic injustices exposed by the pandemic and the 2020 deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others. Dove said in a statement he’s excited to join New Profit and support the role it plays in helping social entrepreneurs. The NFL and NFL Players Association have suspended all leaguewide COVID-19 protocols effective immediately, pausing two years of largely successful efforts to play through the pandemic. Teams received a memo Thursday morning detailing the decision, which was “based on current encouraging trends regarding the prevalence and severity” of the coronavirus. Many of the league’s most severe protocols had been dropped by the end of the 2021 season, including mandatory testing for asymptomatic players and staff, requirements to wear contact tracing devices and distancing limitations in weight rooms and cafeterias. There is no football activity underway at club facilities at this point in the offseason, and the earliest it can begin is April 4 for teams that have hired new coaches. But Thursday’s change will still affect coaches and other staff members who are attending this week’s scouting combine in Indianapolis or who work year-round in local markets. Those employees will no longer face surveillance testing, regardless of vaccination status, or mask requirements. Teams can choose to impose their own mask policies if desired, and the memo does leave open the possibility of reverting to a level of protocols if circumstances warrant. “NHL Bound,” a four-part series about two Black coaches interning with the Arizona Coyotes, premiered at the 2022 Truly Hard Seltzer NHL Fan Fair Friday. The first episode of the weekly series, which followed Duante Abercrombie and Nathaniel Brooks when they participated in the Coyotes’ inaugural coaching internship program at the team’s development camp in September, aired at the Ticketmaster at the Fan Fair, according to a press release. Abercrombie, Brooks and Arizona president and CEO Xavier A. Gutierrez said they hope the series not only serves as a launching pad for the two coaches involved, but for other Black coaches who dream of being behind an NHL bench. Everybody has a go-to sneaker that they can’t live without. Maybe it’s the adidas Stan Smith’s or perhaps it’s a pair of PUMA Suede Classics – no matter what, everyone has a certain sneaker that encapsulates their personality and personal style. For Jasmine Jordan, it’s the Jordan Ones. “You can’t not have AJ 1’s. I feel like I could sleep in my Ones,” she laughed. “They could be house shoes, out shoes, whatever I want to be and I love them for that.” Between her Air Jordan Ones and a pair of Jordan x Billie Eilish Air Jordan 15s from the brand’s collaboration with the “Bad Guy” singer, Jordan always keeps a fresh pair handy when she’s on the move. As the daughter of legend Michael Jordan, Jasmine isn’t new to the sneaker game but that doesn’t mean that she’s taken the power of her platform lightly. While serving as a field rep in the Jordan Brand’s sports marketing division, Jasmine makes it a point to unapologetically shine a well-deserved light on Black female athletes in the WNBA. Jasmine’s primary goal for the Jordan Brand is to not only promote inclusion, diversity, and equity but to practice it and show Generation Z why the Jordan Brand’s legacy has skin in the game far beyond sneakers. NBA Hall-of-Famer Shaquille O’Neal made waves recently when he suggested that the Cowboys should hire former star player and current Jackson State coach Deion Sanders. Sanders responded to that notion in a recent interview with The Spun: “First of all, it shows he’s watching and is well-aware of what we’re accomplishing at Jackson State. That’s a tremendous blessing not just for me, but for us. He’s a friend, and I’m thankful for him. We didn’t even discuss it. I’m thankful he mentioned me, but I have no desire to coach in the NFL.” The UN human rights chief slammed Russia’s attack on Ukraine on Thursday and cautioned that heightened nuclear threat levels showed all of humanity was at risk from Putin’s invasion. Speaking before the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Michelle Bachelet warned that Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, launched a week ago, ‘is generating massive impact on the human rights of millions of people across Ukraine.’ ‘Elevated threat levels for nuclear weapons underline the gravity of the risks to all of humanity,’ she added. Her comments, during an urgent council debate on the Ukraine conflict, came after Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday ordered Russia’s nuclear forces be put on high alert. Earlier on Thursday, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Western politicians of fixating on nuclear war. China is using survey ‘scanning ships’ to stake disputed claims in the South China Sea, a US think tank has claimed. Fears are rising that China may be plotting an invasion of Taiwan, which China has long claimed sovereignty over. Data analyzed by the think tank shows an increase in Chinese vessel activity, which are being used to detect deposits of oil and gas and identify potential hiding places for enemy submarines. The increase in activity shows China is more active in conducting maritime surveys than previously thought, with some concerned the survey operations could be linked to a possible invasion of Taiwan. The think tank analysis showed the increase in Chinese vessel activity, which is said to be a tool used by China to assert control over the strategic sea lanes of the South China Sea. Katie Meyer, the goalkeeper and captain of the Stanford women’s soccer team, has died, the university announced. Meyer was 22 years old. Her death occurred in an on-campus residence, according to the university, but a cause of death was not provided. A senior studying international relations and history, Meyer made two key saves in a penalty shootout to help Stanford win the national championship in 2019. “Her friends describe her as a larger-than-life team player in all her pursuits, from choosing an academic discipline she said ‘changed my perspective on the world and the very important challenges that we need to work together to overcome’ to the passion she brought to the Cardinal women’s soccer program and to women’s sports in general,” Stanford said in a statement. The family of the 22-year-old star soccer player who was found dead in her dorm room at Stanford University on Tuesday said they are ‘brokenhearted’ by her loss. Katie Meyer’s sister Sam Perez posted on her Instagram Stories honoring her sister, a goalkeeper for the women’s soccer team who majored in international relations and minored in history who was found dead in a residential building the day before. "There are no words,’ Perez wrote on Instagram. ‘Thank you for all the kindness extended to my family. I’m not ready to post anything big yet. We are broken-hearted and love Kat so much.’ Perez also shared a link to a GoFundMe page to help pay for Meyer’s memorial costs. It has raised almost $41,000 of it’s $60,000 goal in just two hours. A jury in Louisville, Kentucky, has found Brett Hankison, the former police officer charged with recklessly shooting into a neighboring apartment during the course of the raid that ended with the death of Breonna Taylor, not guilty on all three counts. Hankison was charged with three counts of wanton endangerment for firing multiple shots into a neighboring apartment that endangered the lives of three people on March 13, 2020. The jury deliberated for just three hours before returning its verdict. Hankison fired 10 shots into the neighboring apartment, where a man, child and pregnant woman were living, according to prosecutors. The prosecution delivered its closing arguments Thursday. “This is not a case to decide who is at fault for the tragic death of Breonna Taylor,” prosecutor Barbara Whaley told the court. “This is not a case about civil rights violations under federal law or the United States Constitution. And this is not a case about Kenneth Walker. Whether what he did that night was right or wrong, this is not your decision.” Married Republican Rep. Van Taylor dropped his bid for reelection Wednesday after apologizing for having a nine-month affair with the so-called ‘ISIS bride.’ ‘Today I am announcing I will not continue my campaign to seek reelection to Congress,’ Taylor emailed supporters, according to The Dallas Morning News. ‘About a year ago, I made a horrible mistake that has caused deep hurt and pain among those I love most in this world. I had an affair, it was wrong, and it was the greatest failure of my life.’ Taylor had been headed to a runoff against former Collin County judge Keith Self, when he didn’t hit the plus-50 percent threshold in Tuesday’s Texas GOP primary, after his nine-month affair with Tania Joya was exposed by conservative news outlets. Joya, born in London to a Muslim Bangladeshi family, became radicalized at age 17 after the September 11 terror attacks. In 2004, she married an American Muslim convert named John Georgelas, who went by Yahya al-Bahrumi. Georgelas took her and their three children to Syria against her will in 2013. She says he was the ‘highest-ranking American’ in the Islamic State. After three weeks, she reported him to U.S. authorities and fled Syria to the United States. She’s since lived in Plano, Texas – her now ex-husband’s home state – and works to reprogram those who’ve been radicalized. This work, according to the Morning News, is how she was introduced to Taylor. Jinger Duggar has revealed that she came down with COVID-19 in December of 2020, just weeks after giving birth to her second child — and over a year later, the former reality TV star still doesn’t have her sense of smell back. Jinger, 28, made the shocking health confession on Instagram on Tuesday, telling followers that she had COVID 14 months ago but still has not regained her ability to smell almost anything. The mother-of-two called her ability to just slightly smell coffee ‘a gift from God,’ but admitted that the few other things that her nose can detect ‘stink.’ ‘So last December, I lost my smell after having COVID,’ she began, later clarifying that she meant December 2020. https://video.dailymail.co.uk/preview/mol/2022/03/02/7038308908444594579/636x382_MP4_7038308908444594579.mp4 Prominent Republicans are starting to come to glory on the fact that they have a serious issue when it comes to Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and her white nationalist ways. Of course, they didn’t come to their revelation after the congresswoman filmed herself ranting about an “Islamic invasion” of the U.S. government because Muslims were being elected to office; or when she referred to Muslim members of Congress as the “Jihad Squad” and claimed Congress members weren’t official unless they were sworn in on the Bible, or when she referred to Black people as “slaves” to the Democratic party and compared Black Lives matter to the KKK; or when she claimed white Jan. 6 Capitol riot suspects were being discriminated in jail “because of the color of their skin;” or when she denounced the celebration of Kwanza. http://www.gospel-spotlight.com It turns out the law is designed in a way that as long as you have the complexion for the protection, a hate crime doesn’t have to be a hate crime—it can also just be a placeholder while a racist is granted time to do better. Miya “Soho Karen” Ponsetto, the woman who left her phone in an Uber, accused Keyon Harrold Jr., the first Black teen she spotted, of stealing it then tackled him to the ground after he and his father refused to bend to her will and prove to her he wasn’t a thief? The woman who has shown no real remorse for traumatizing the minor she assaulted and has been so rude and entitled that she once interrupted the judge presiding over her case to demand that she doesn’t get any jail time? According to the New York Post, it was revealed Monday that Ponsetto has struck a plea deal that will allow her to avoid jail time as long as she can “live a law-abiding life” for the next two years. “Under the agreement, the 23-year-old would cop to the top count against her, unlawful imprisonment as a hate crime,” the Post reported. “She’d then be required to ‘live a law-abiding life’ for the next two years, continue with her therapy and abide by the terms of her probation in California, where she lives, Assistant District Attorney Sarah Marquez said.” The GOP has shown us once again that they only care about racial “discomfort” or “divisiveness” when it comes to white people and their fragile feelings. All this time, Republicans have been performing all manner of mental gymnastics to frame their war against critical race theory as a fight for unity in post-racial America, but on the last day of Black History Month, they had a chance to vote in favor of a simple thing to end what Black people consider “divisive” because it causes us racial “discomfort”—hair discrimination. According to HuffPost, On Monday, “the Crown Act failed to pass the House with a needed two-thirds majority as part of an expedited voting process, with 235 votes for and 188 votes against the bill, the latter all by Republicans.” This was actually the second time Republicans blocked the bill prompting a pledge from Democratic members of Congress to bring the legislation back up for another vote. President Joe Biden delivered a strong, middle-of-the-road State of the Union address on Tuesday night seemingly aimed at galvanizing moderate, bipartisan support that still managed to be glaringly devoid of any real mention of issues specifically facing Black America. It was tantamount to making a U-turn from the pro-Black lane Biden has been cruising in since the 2020 campaign trail after he made repeated appeals for support from the Black voters who ultimately secured his election. The speech even included language espoused by the same Republicans who have tirelessly and repeatedly blocked legislation that would address the very issues polling shows are of the utmost importance to Black America. https://youtu.be/wxBHHGgO494 Autherine Lucy Foster, the first Black student to enroll at the University of Alabama, has died at age 92. Foster’s daughter, Angela Foster Dickerson, confirmed her mother died Wednesday morning, The Associated Press reports. University officials also announced her death in a statement. “Dr. Foster will always be remembered as one who broke barriers, reminded us of the respect due to every individual and lived a life of strength in steadfast service to her students and community,” University President Stuart R. Bell said in a statement. Former President Donald Trump and a right-wing lawyer were part of a “criminal conspiracy” to overturn the 2020 presidential election, the House select committee investigating the January 6 Capitol riot alleges in a court filing Wednesday. The filing is part of an attempt to convince a judge to allow the panel access to emails from lawyer John Eastman, who is claiming attorney-client privilege. The committee said he helped to orchestrate the plot. The filing is the most extensive release to date from the House’s January 6 investigators as they try to obtain Eastman’s emails — and comes well before the House select committee releases its final report on its findings on Trump. House members have also signaled they may make a criminal referral to the Justice Department about Trump, depending on their findings, and the House’s arguments Wednesday could be seen as a preview of a case that could be made by federal prosecutors. A white woman appeared to be very angry during a dispute at a #Georgia gas station. The woman seen sitting behind the wheel of her car was caught on video telling a black man, “this is why we want to take back Buckhead.” In the viral clip circulating on #Twitter, a black man records the woman in the middle of her meltdown. “You just mad I’ve got more money than you,” the man responds. No word on what sparked the argument, but at one point in the 90-second video, the white woman accuses the black man of “attacking white women.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CZ0VMH8jzq7/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Tucker Carlson‘s racism is once again on display for the world to see in the wake of President Joe Biden’s nomination Ketanji Brown Jackson, a Black woman to the Supreme Court to replace retiring justice Stephen Breyer. And with that in mind, Carlson wants the White House to release Brown Jackson’s Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score. And the bottom line question is for WHAT?! After Biden described Jackson as “one of our nation’s top legal minds” during his State of the Union address, Carlson questioned her credentials. After all, last month, after Biden announced he was nominating her, Carlson commented that Jackson was chosen “on the basis of appearance.” Carlson’s request/comment got the attention of a lot of people including Democratic National Committee chair Jaime Harrison wrote on Twitter: “Judge Brown Jackson graduated Magna Cum Laude from Harvard, Cum Laude from Harvard Law, & was the editor of the Harvard Law review. She is the real deal. I’ve never heard ‘Tie Too Tight’ ask about lsat scores for other nominees, but typical of those who feel a bit ‘inadequate.'” https://twitter.com/i/status/1499191856948662272 #KimKardashian‘s request to be declared legally single amid her divorce proceedings with #Kanye “Ye” West was granted by a judge in a Wednesday morning hearing. The ruling also concluded that the reality tv star will be dropping her “West” last name. While Ye did not appear at the virtual hearing, his lawyers were present and did not object to restoring Kim’s single status, but did list out his requests before she was declared single. He asked that any right to get reimbursement of money that’s supposed to be divided up will be preserved in case either of them dies, which the judge granted. However, the judge rejected two other requests which included Kim would not transfer any assets she had in trust and that if Kim remarries she would waive the “marital privilege,” TMZ reports. https://www.instagram.com/p/CanMpsWrp3u/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again As a NASCAR co-owner, Michael Jordan reportedly has a new financial model he wants the sport to explore. Jordan’s financial advisor, Curtis Polk, claims the former NBA star wants “NASCAR teams become less reliant on sponsors and find revenue through additional avenues, such as media,” per The Spun. Polk says he, along with Jordan and his 23XI Racing co-owner Denny Hamlin, have discussed how to shake things up for the future of NASCAR. https://youtu.be/Pvdc2bNQSzU Target announced Monday that the starting wage for some workers at stores and distributions centers will increase from $15 to $24 an hour. The increase will apply to hourly workers at its discount stores, supply chain facilities, and headquarters in the most competitive markets, such as New York. The Minneapolis-based retailer said currently pays a universal starting wage of $15 an hour. “The market has changed,” said Target CEO Brian Cornell in an interview. ”We want to continue to have an industry-leading position.” On March 11, Robert Pattinson and Zoë Kravitz lead Warner Bros. Pictures’ “The Batman.” Pattinson stars as Batman – in the dual role of Gotham City’s vigilante detective and his alter ego, reclusive billionaire. Kravitz stars as the enigmatic, fan-favorite – Catwoman. Evenly matched with Batman, she is initially at odds with him, presenting another puzzle for the superhero to solve. https://youtu.be/1knRCqhG4f4 The inaugural “Black Movie Hall of Fame” is launching this March in the historic Vine District of Kansas City. The event is part of the Critics’ Choice Association’s Celebration of Black Cinema, which has partnered with the Kansas City Film Fest International to elevate Black cinema icons who have roots in the area and show the deep and unexpected connections to Hollywood. https://youtu.be/ohIKVtq4qrw The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) held the 13th Annual AAFCA Awards tonight in Los Angeles at the SLS Hotel. As previously announced “King Richard” and “The Harder They Fall” each won four AAFCA Awards with “King Richard” taking top honors for Best Actor (Will Smith, whose award was accepted by presenter Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Mr. Smith was unable to attend in person), Best Supporting Actress (Aunjanue Ellis), Breakout Actor (Saniyya Sidney) and Emerging Director (Reinaldo Marcus Green) and “The Harder They Fall” winning Best Picture, Best Ensemble, Best Music (Jeymes Samuel, Kid Cudi, Jay-Z) and Best Director (Jeymes Samuel) honors. Other winners included Best Actress Jennifer Hudson (“Respect”) who was unable to attend and accepted via video, Best Supporting Actor Corey Hawkins (“The Tragedy of Macbeth”), Best Screenplay (“Don’t Look Up” written by Adam McKay), “Who We Are” for Best Independent Feature and “Summer of Soul” for Best Documentary. The ceremony was presided over by AAFCA president Gil Robertson, and co-hosted by Charlamagne Tha God and Alesha Reneé. The Mocha Podcasts Network (MPN) is proud to announce and celebrate the groundbreaking win of the “Two Funny Mamas” podcast hosted by veteran comedienne and actress Kym Whitley and actress, comedian, author, and television personality Sherri Shepherd NAACP Image Award. During the 53rd NAACP Image Awards’ Virtual Experience presented by Wells Fargo and hosted by actor and comedian Affion Crockett, the show won Outstanding Podcast in the Lifestyle and Self-Help category. “What a magical moment to win my very first NAACP Image Award on the most unique day (2/22/22) of the century. Sherri and I are truly honored that people enjoy our chaotic journey through motherhood,” exclaims Whitley. Tyler Perry released his latest film “A Madea Homecoming” on Netflix last week, and the end of the movie includes a Beyoncé skit that even the singer found amusing. “A Madea Homecoming” follows the last installment in the hit franchise, “A Madea Family Funeral,” which debuted in 2019. At the time, Perry said that he was retiring the character after nearly 20 years. Perry uploaded a video on Instagram last June announcing Madea would be coming out of retirement. “Madea’s coming to Netflix. We need to laugh, man. Too much is going on in the country,” Perry said in a video he posted on Instagram at the time. https://www.instagram.com/p/CafJKCgp3GI/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Here is an exclusive sneak peek clip from the all-new season premiere episode of WE tv’s “Love After Lockup,” premiering March 4. https://youtu.be/qJrzvDyx6Dw The GRAMMY Museum is thrilled to host a special evening celebrating the life of legendary Motown superstar, Mary Wilson. The program will consist of a panel discussion featuring Mary Wilson’s daughter Turkessa Babich, Claudette Robinson, and other family, friends, and celebrities. The event will be held on March 4, in celebration of Mary’s birthday on March 6 and the release date of Mary Wilson’s The Motown Anthology, a deluxe 2-CD set that marks the first-ever comprehensive overview of Wilson’s Motown discography. Attendees will have a chance to purchase a copy of The Motown Anthology as well as Mary’s book, Supreme Glamour, in the GRAMMY Museum’s Retail Store during the program. https://youtu.be/_UFH__W9uhU Nia Long, Quinta Brunson, Aunjanue Ellis and Chanté Adams are among the honorees at the 2022 Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards. The 15th annual event is honoring the four “phenomenal ladies who are making and have made their marks on screen in unforgettable ways,” per Essence. This year’s theme is The Black Cinematic Universe. Actor Damson Idris will host the 15th Annual ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards, set to take place on Thursday, March 24, in Beverly Hills, CA. The virtual awards show will stream Monday, March 28th, from 7-10 P.M. (ET) via ESSENCEStudios.com and ESSENCE.com. Viewers can access the exclusive Black Women In Hollywood red carpet & pre-show livestream, beginning at 11:30 a.m. PST/2:30 p.m. EST. Wendy Williams‘ ex-husband, Kevin Hunter, is suing the production company of her eponymous daytime talk show for wrongful termination. In 2019, Hunter was terminated as executive producer on “The Wendy Williams Show” amid reports that he fathered a child with his mistress (Sabrina Hudson). Williams filed for divorce and Hunter says his employment status changed days later, PEOPLE reports. Hunter’s new complaint claims he was fired “on the basis of his marital status, which is barred by the New York City Human Rights Law.” In court documents obtained by PEOPLE, Hunter is suing Debmar-Mercury, claiming he received a notice from the company’s founder Ira Bernstein informing him that his firing was “effective immediately,” after Williams filed for divorce in April 2019. “Grey’s Anatomy” star, Jesse Williams and his ex-wife Aryn Drake-Lee have reached a child custody agreement — after Aryn sought to strip her ex of joint custody. Their new amended agreement will allow Williams’ children to visit him while in New York to do a Broadway play. He will also have the power to veto COVID-19-related issues with their two kids, TMZ reports. Per Radar Online, that the actor’s ex wanted primary custody of their children and accused Jesse of failing to follow a custody schedule they originally agreed on. As a result, she wanted a court order to strip Williams of joint custody and award her the primary caregiver of the children. She also accused Williams of threatening to call the police on her over their custody disputes. As part of the DISH promise to “tune in to you,” USDISH went and found out. They asked one thousand American adults what they think of movie reviews, nominations, and awards. Here’s what they said.A sizable majority (69%) of our filmgoers said they care about tuning in to movie awards shows each year, with nearly half that group saying that their interest depends on a specific actor or movie nomination. Of the remainder, about half still care enough to get the scoop after the show. Over 80% of our survey takers find movie awards shows offensive or at least distasteful—64% cited concerns about politics and diversity, and 21% want classier jokes. Most viewers aren’t as bothered by the running time, with only 15% citing length as the main issue. Movie nominations influence the movie choices of a good 70% of our survey takers—the same percent that cares about watching the awards ceremonies. Only 30% said an award nomination doesn’t affect what they watch on movie night. Most of our moviegoers (59%) consider the timing of the awards show when watching nominated movies, with preferences for before and after split right down the middle. The remaining 41% may not care to watch at all, or they just don’t care about watching at the same time as everyone else. Nearly half of our survey takers (48%) value movie scores and ratings most, because they believe reviews better reflect the average viewer’s taste. Only 15% put more stock in movie nominations, while a sizable remainder of survey takers (37%) trust both sources equally or not at all. “Access Hollywood” is teaming up with the Black and Missing Foundation to call attention to missing persons of color, with monthly on-air segments. These true crime segments, led by correspondent Zuri Hall, will also be promoted on Access’ social/digital platforms. This continues “Access Hollywood’s” work with the Black and Missing Foundation from January when “Access” highlighted the case of 39-year-old missing mom, Cynthia Bah-Traore. Now, with the committed goal to highlight one on-air story a month, “Access” is reporting on Tiffany Foster. Tiffany is a mother of three who went missing in Georgia last year. “It is my honor and privilege to play even a small role in highlighting the cases of missing Black men, women, and children in America. The fact that Black cases remain unresolved four times longer than those of our white counterparts is heartbreaking proof that there is so much more to be done in this fight for equity, parity and justice. Our lives matter. The work that the Black and Missing Foundation does is so vital to protecting, fighting for, and honoring these lives. I’m grateful to be a part of a show that is dedicated to amplifying our stories — including the painfully important ones — in such a meaningful way,” said “Access Hollywood” correspondent Zuri Hall. Usher has revealed that he regrets not dating late singer Aaliyah back in the day. While speaking with Daily Pop, the singer spoke about his friendship with fellow music legend Aaliyah, and how he should have taken their relationship more serious. “Somebody that I was really good friends with that I wish I would have taken more serious, ’cause she was a really, really close friend of mine for a small amount of time, and then we just kind of disconnected—it was Aaliyah,” Usher explained. “And we just didn’t get around to it, we just kinda talked but didn’t do it,” he added. https://youtu.be/YyvdWVyw7J8 Kanye West (AKA Ye) has taken his vitriol for SNL star Pete Davidson to the next level by releasing a disturbing video showing a claymation version of the actor being buried alive. West 44, took to his Instagram account on Wednesday to drop the visuals for his song “Eazy”, featuring rapper The Game and the footage finds him taking aim at Davidson, 28, who is allegedly dating the rapper’s ex-wife, Kim Kardashian. In the video, a claymation Davidson is kidnapped, tied up, and buried alive. A garden of roses then grows around the grave that West is then seen standing on top of as the lyrics, “God saved me from that crash, just so I could beat Pete Davidson’s ass” are heard. https://www.instagram.com/kanyewest/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=38a5fcf9-a45e-4fc7-954b-03f5d362012e Indiana was lauded for a deadline deal that swapped Domantas Sabonis for Tyrese Haliburton. But lost in the shuffle of this major deadline deal is Malcolm Brogdon. It’s understandable that Haliburton, a 21-year-old averaging 20.7 points and 10.0 assists per game in only his sophomore season, attracts serious attention. But as recently as last season, it was Brogdon who was seen as the team’s future point guard. The former Rookie of the Year is quietly averaging 18.5 points, 5.9 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game this season. Granted, he’s shooting poorly (31% on three-pointers), but he leads the Pacers in assists, and he’s their third-leading scorer (prior to the trade) – not too shabby. https://youtu.be/NcatlluCcwU President Joe Biden sounded an optimistic note in wrapping his first State of the Union address, citing the response of the American people and lawmakers in the House chamber to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a reason to be confident in the face of a critical moment. In a speech that focused on the war in Ukraine before pivoting to domestic challenges, Biden said the American people are ready for the task ahead of them in keeping the world united in the face of autocracy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVIXLQrC9rE Russia faces the specter of a full-blown financial meltdown. Punishing sanctions leveled by the West have sent the ruble crashing to record lows, shuttered Moscow’s stock market and made Russian assets toxic on the world stage. The White House has even taken aim at Vladimir Putin’s financial fortress, removing access to at least a chunk of Russia’s $630 billion rainy-day fund that was designed to cushion the economic blow of this very crisis. Now comes the big question: How will Putin — who is also facing sanctions on his personal wealth from the West — fire back in what is rapidly morphing into economic warfare? There is growing concern that Putin could retaliate by using not just natural gas but also crude oil as a weapon against the West. https://eurweb.com/2022/03/02/if-putin-slashes-the-wests-oil-supplies-all-bets-are-off-videos/#:~:text=00%3A13,01%3A35 Bodies of the five victims of a rocket strike on Kyiv’s television tower were on Wednesday morning piled into a van and removed from the site by police – as the capital’s mayor Vitali Klitschko warned that Russian forces were ‘getting closer’. Klitschko also today defiantly vowed ‘we will fight’ to defend the city, amid fears it could soon be battered by artillery fire from a 40-mile long death convoy parked nearby. An opening salvo on Tuesday night struck the Ukrainian capital’s largest TV tower and damaged a nearby Holocaust memorial, killing five bystanders in the process. Hours later, US intelligence said the huge Russian convoy appears to have stalled near Kyiv though it could just be regrouping for a more-determined attack. Klitschko said that fighting is still ongoing in the cities of Bucha and Hostomel, on the outskirts of Kyiv, where a large number of destroyed Russian vehicles were pictured on Wednesday. He implored people in the city ‘not to lose endurance’, saying all critical infrastructure is still running and humanitarian supplies are being handed out. ‘I ask everyone, for security reasons, not to go outside unnecessarily. At the alarm – go to the shelters,’ he said. ‘The enemy is gathering forces closer to the capital… We are preparing and will defend Kyiv!’ Watch the sickening moment a man with possible links to the Proud Boys calls a young black woman the n-word before punching her straight in the face. Andrew Walls, 26, handed himself in after a video emerged of the thug calling the 23-year-old Cameron Morgan racial slurs before hitting her in Akron on Sunday night. Morgan’s father, a high-school English teacher and author, said on social media that his daughter was walking in Highland Square with friends before she was attacked. The assailant turns around to attack another bystander before two men jump in to stop him. The video shows Morgan with a split lip after the attack, which the father said was unprovoked. After the video ended, the attacker dragged Carmen into the street by her hair, her father told Huff Post. https://videos.dailymail.co.uk/video/mol/2022/03/02/8730142099075974199/640x360_MP4_8730142099075974199.mp4 An Estée Lauder executive who was earning $10 million a year was swiftly fired after he posted a racist meme that included rapper Chingy’s name. “It doesn’t mean much to me because I think it was just an honest mistake the guy made,” Chingy reportedly said after John Demsey was dismissed for posting a since-deleted meme on Instagram that showed Sesame Street characters Big Bird and Mr. Snuffleupagus along with a racial slur and a joke about COVID-19. Demsey served as executive group president of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. and claimed he did not read the meme prior to sharing it on his account. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FMtO3xlX0AER0Yz?format=png&name=small The vice president of student life at the University of Alabama has resigned from his position after he was arrested Thursday on a charge of soliciting prostitution. Very few details were released Friday afternoon, but Tuscaloosa Police Spokeswoman Stephanie Taylor confirmed 50-year-old Myron Pope was arrested by members of the multi-agency West Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force. Pope was released from jail after posting his $1000 bond. UA President Stuart Bell said the university would only be releasing the following statement on the situation: “I have difficult news to share today. Vice President of Student Life Myron Pope has resigned from the University following his recent arrest. We understand this news will be difficult for our community. I will appoint an interim Vice President of Student Life and that person, along with the many professionals in the division, will remain available to all of us. Please continue to take care of yourselves and one another.” Tuscaloosa police said no officers employed by the university were involved in the arrest. Broadway’s Cort Theatre is getting a famous new name. The venue on W. 48th Street, which has been called the Cort since the day it opened in 1912, will soon be renamed for the venerable actor James Earl Jones, the Shubert Organization announced Wednesday. Beyond appearing in more than 100 films such as “Star Wars” and “Coming to America” during his storied career, Jones, 91, has been on Broadway in 21 shows. The man with one of stage and screen’s “most memorable voices” made his main-role debut in 1958’s “Sunrise at the Campobello” — in the very theater that will soon bear his name. “For me, standing in this very building 64 years ago at the start of my Broadway career, it would have been inconceivable that my name would be on the building today,” Jones said in a statement. “Let my journey from then to now be an inspiration for all aspiring actors.” The gentleman burglar of Paris just got a taste of his own medicine. Netflix’s hit international heist-thriller “Lupin” had $330,000 of equipment robbed from its set in France while filming for a third installment Feb 25, Variety reported Wednesday. The news comes on the heels of another Netflix production, the royal drama “The Crown,” falling victim to a similar, $200,000 jewel, silverware and antique theft Feb. 24. Those pricey props in England were stolen while the show was producing its 10-episode fifth season, which will cover the life of the British monarchy in the 1990s. About 20 masked robbers reportedly busted onto the “Lupin” set, throwing mortar fireworks while the show was filming with lead actor Omar Sy — who plays Assane Diop, a goodhearted thief inspired by Maurice Leblanc’s character Arsène Lupin — in the Parisian outskirt of Nanterre, according to news outlet AFP. They also noted that local police have launched an investigation into the coordinated robbery. Netflix — which confirmed the “incident” in a statement to Variety — also noted that “cast and crew are safe and there were no injuries” as a result of the violent theft. Tougaloo College announced a $10 million donation to fund scholarships for low-income students from Netflix CEO Reed Hastings and his wife Patty Quillin as part of the pair’s efforts to financially support historically Black colleges. The donation will be shared equally with Brown University, Carmen Walters, Tougaloo’s president, said at a press conference on Monday. Tougaloo will use its portion to bolster its $22 million endowment and set up a need-based scholarship for low-income students. The remaining $5 million will create a scholarship fund at Brown University in Rhode Island to support students who participate in the long-running academic partnership between the two colleges. Hastings’ donation is the largest that Brown-Tougaloo Partnership has received in its 58-year history. The partnership began in 1964 after state lawmakers attempted to revoke Tougaloo’s charter during the civil rights movement. The $5 million scholarship fund will support at least 10 undergraduate students and four graduate students will benefit from the scholarship fund each year, Walters said. Roman Abramovich is selling Chelsea Football Club after almost two decades of ownership amid unrelenting scrutiny over his ties to Russia. The billionaire, who transformed the team’s fortunes since his 2003 purchase, said he’s instructed the board to set up a charitable foundation that will receive all net proceeds from the sale. “The foundation will be for the benefit of all victims of the war in Ukraine,” Abramovich said in a statement on the Chelsea website. “Please know that this has been an incredibly difficult decision to make, and it pains me to part with the club in this manner.” The extraordinary disclosure came hours after U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson fielded questions over why Abramovich hasn’t yet been sanctioned. While the U.K. has sanctioned more than 100 Russian individuals and entities in response to the invasion of Ukraine, Abramovich, 55, has so far remained off the list. The five major Hollywood studios are taking a stance against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Universal, Paramount, and Sony have joined Disney and Warner Bros. in halting the releases of their upcoming films in the territory. Most of them had tentpole debuts on the docket. Disney was the first to make moves on Monday, as Pixar’s Turning Red, which is going straight to Disney+ in the U.S., was once scheduled for distribution in Russia on March 10. “Given the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and the tragic humanitarian crisis, we are pausing the release of theatrical films in Russia, including the upcoming Turning Red from Pixar,” a Disney spokesperson said in a statement to EW. “We will make future business decisions based on the evolving situation. In the meantime, given the scale of the emerging refugee crisis, we are working with our NGO partners to provide urgent aid and other humanitarian assistance to refugees.” Warner Bros. followed suit shortly after. Days before the release of Robert Pattinson-led The Batman, which was scheduled to open in Russian theaters this Friday, the premiere plan has been pause. Hearing LeBron James’ famous call for “Taco Tuesday” is like clockwork on his social channels. It’s a time that brings the taco lover and his family and friends together. For the next venture of the NBA star and his LeBron James Family Foundation (LJFF), the same feel of communing over meals is set to be taken to families across his hometown of Akron, OH. The Foundation and Old El Paso will be opening their first-ever restaurant, The Taco Shop by Old El Paso, according to a press release. The new dining venture is an extension of LJFF and Old El Paso’s ongoing partnership, where they’ve held taco Tuesday nights and donated meals for James’ I PROMISE School. The Taco Shop — located in LJFF’s House Three Thirty — will have a menu that features meals from Old El Paso and selections “inspired by taco dishes created in the James household.” “We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with LJFF and the House Three Thirty community, because we know that meaningful connections are created while enjoying good food together,” said Maria Jaramillo, General Mills Business Unit Director for Old El Paso in a statement. “Our hope is that the opening of the first-ever Taco Shop by Old El Paso restaurant will foster a new Taco Tuesday tradition among I PROMISE families and become something that they can look forward to with family and friends.” On THE REAL airing Wednesday, March 2nd, award-winning recording artist H.E.R. talks about being cast in the musical film adaption of “The Color Purple,” her first acting role. https://youtu.be/tbaf1gJ1HE8 50 Cent has taken to his Instagram account to once again to slam Starz as his contract with the network comes to an end. The hip-hop star help build up the network with his “Power” franchise, so he is understandably frustrated that the cabler renewed the drama “High Town” for a third season while overlooking Power Book IV: Force, the highest-rated show on Starz. Fif shared several images of suitcases in separate posts, and in each one the expressed his eagerness to part ways with Starz. In one post of a gif, a man is seen stuffing a bag with clothes — symbolizing 50 Cent’s exit from Starz. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cakl_CODBvh/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again A popular TikTok user has been linked to a string of robberies across Detroit after Federal agents connected the shoes he wore in his viral videos to each crime. As reported by the Detroit News, Chozen Terrell-Hannah, 22, confessed to crimes after he was arrested by FBI agents on Wednesday. Terrell-Hannah is accused of robbing four convenience stores over a three-month period. https://youtu.be/FzR7KMDwzR4 Kanye West appears to have gone Instagram official with his new bae who happens to be a Kim Kardashian clone. The Shade Room shared a recent paparazzi photo of Ye with IG model Chaney Jones and a caption that reads, “It appears #Ye and his new boo #ChaneyJones are going strong.” The rapper shared the same screenshot to his Instagram on Tuesday and in his own caption, West included a black heart emoji. He also added a black heart emoji in the comments section of The Shade Room‘s post. Jones also wrote, “My love,” alongside a black heart emoji and a fingers crossed emoji. Fans of the artist lit up the comments section of his post with praise that he’s dating a clone of his ex. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cak_jZ4uroY/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=d2f7e1ff-3f7f-43e4-82f8-5fefb49ed7c0 This Friday, fans and stans will have a chance to geek out over the Warner Bros. Pictures Matt Reeves’ written “The Batman.” Set in Bruce Wayne’s (Robert Pattinson) second year of fighting crime. Batman uncovers corruption in Gotham City that connects to his own family, while facing a serial killer. A trail of cryptic clues sends the World’s Greatest Detective on an investigation into the underworld, where he encounters Oswald “Oz” Cobblepot aka Penguin (Colin Farrell) and Carmine Falcone crime lord (John Turturro). https://youtu.be/9xzpkpBIRuo Skip Bayless, host of FOX Sports’ Undisputed, and hip-hop star Lil Wayne have an unlikely friendship that fans of the rapper seem to be quite intrigued with. Bayless and his wife made time on their vacation to hang out with Weezy for a night at his Los Angeles mansion, Hip Hop DX reports. “Ernestine and I drove out to visit our friend Lil Wayne,” Bayless wrote on Instagram on Sunday (February 27). “Great time, lotta laughs, talking sports, music and life. Ernestine took this and didn’t quite get the LeBrons I was wearing just for Laker fanatic Wayne. (OK, I was being a little sarcastic since his squad is five under .500.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CagQ-xLLMpm/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c5300de3-5b21-4805-a116-fc9a685dd8c3 Reggae hitmaker Skip Marley, born to the late Bob Marley’s daughter, Cedella Marley and David Minto, was thrown into the deep end of the Marley music legacy when, at thirteen, his Uncle Stephen Marley brought him up on stage to sing his grandfather’s iconic hit, One Love in front of tens of thousands of fans. From that moment on, music wasn’t an option, but a family imperative for the now twenty-five-year-old singer-songwriter. The Marley family dynasty crowned its new prince in Skip Marley. https://youtu.be/JjVym7YatCQ Nspyre Music Group International Recording Artist Lisa Bellamy is known in Gospel circles as a consummate vocalist, a gifted interpreter of song and a psalmist who creates an atmosphere of worship. The BET Gospel Diva Search Competition Finalist, who has toured with greats such as the late Edwin Hawkins and Liz McComb, is not only known for her stirring sacred vocals but for her jazz stylings and her classical training. isa, a Duke Ellington School of the Arts graduate, captured the hearts of music fans and radio programmers alike with her track, “Nothin’ But The Spirit,” from the EP, What Will It Take, which featured R&B vocalist Tony Terry and legendary guitarist Jonathan Dubose. More recently, Lisa hit the airwaves – and the charts – again with a new song, “In This House.” https://youtu.be/8xYo_oSydqo After the Philadelphia 76ers crushed the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Joel Embiid said he felt his partnership with the newly acquired James Harden was “unstoppable.” It’s hard to blame the big man for feeling confident. Philly is 2-0 with Harden in the lineup, having blown out both opponents by a combined 45 points. https://twitter.com/i/status/1489287381031297027 In the future, everyone will likely be able to obtain a digital identity card for their smartphone alongside their traditional identity card. So, what does the term “digital identity” actually mean? Digital identity, which has the potential to change these processes, is both the ability to authenticate who we are online safely and seamlessly – and the tools and services that make it happen. This can make it easier to navigate the digital world, reduce the costs to buy and sell online, and help people who lack formal proof of their identity access essential services, powering economic gains across the globe. Some countries, companies and organizations have already adopted digital identity services to make this happen. https://youtu.be/dZ813bu0Q-E Following the week-long virtual experience, tonight the NAACP celebrated the stellar achievements of the “53rd NAACP Image Awards” winners during a special LIVE broadcast on BET hosted by seven-time NAACP Image Awards winner Anthony Anderson and presented by Wells Fargo. Watch an encore presentation of the “53rd NAACP Image Awards” on BET. Internationally, the show will air on BET France on March 2 at 8:45 pm CEST, and MTV Brazil on Thursday, March 3. #NAACPImageAwards. Winners of the night included Jennifer Hudson (Entertainer of the Year and Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture – “Respect”), Angela Bassett (Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series - “9-1-1”), Will Smith (Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture - “King Richard”), Sterling K. Brown (Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series – “This is Us”), Issa Rae (Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series – “Insecure”), Anthony Anderson (Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series – “black-ish”), Nikole Hannah-Jones (Social Justice Impact) and “The Harder They Fall” (Outstanding Motion Picture). During the ceremony, NAACP President and CEO, Derrick Johnson, presented the President’s Award to Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex who together have heeded the call to social justice and have joined the struggle for equity both in the U.S. and around the world. http://www.gospel-spotlight.com Two-time Academy Award winner and 2022 nominee Denzel Washington will be speaking at the 2022 International Leadership Summit, which is taking place March 31 through April 2 in Charlotte. The annual conference was founded by T.D. Jakes and brings together aspiring and tenured entrepreneurs, leaders and influential change agents to revolutionize the future of leadership. At this year's event, Washington will join Jakes for a master class discussing Hollywood, faith and life in the spotlight. Washington, who is also a producer and director, is considered one of the greatest actors of his generation and holds the title as the most Oscar-nominated Black man of all time. Washington has 10 Academy Award nominations under his belt, including one this year for his work in The Tragedy of Macbeth. In 2019, Washington was honored with the AFI Life Achievement Award, one of the highest honors for a career in film. At the 2016 Golden Globe Awards, he received the Cecil B. deMille Award for lifetime achievement, which is bestowed by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment. In addition to the Academy Award nomination for The Tragedy of Macbeth, Washington expanded his directorial portfolio in 2021 with A Journal for Jordan, starring Michael B. Jordan. Washington has previously directed the films Antwone Fisher (2002), The Great Debaters (2007) and Fences (2016). All-new episodes of TV One’s original, docu-series, UNSUNG and UNCENSORED debut this Sunday, March 6. UNSUNG leads with Soul For Real at 9 p.m. ET / 8C followed by the season debut of UNCENSORED, which features the platinum-selling R&B singer, Keyshia Cole, at 10 p.m. ET / 9C. Each episode will be published on TVOne.TV and TV One’s social media platforms. We're doubling up the flavor tonight at CLEO TV, thanks to Chef JJ! JUST EATS WITH CHEF JJ has returned for season 4 on CLEO TV. The popular cooking show is airing an all-new episode tonight, Wednesday, March 2nd at 9 P.M. ET/8C. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCcfumlxdWo CLEO TV's NEW SOUL KITCHEN REMIX continues tonight, Wednesday, March 2nd at 9:30 P.M. EST/8:30C on CLEO TV. Chef Jernard Wells is back with the remix, as he serves up international cuisine in the series' condensed, 30-minute format. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dau_TB-_3Rc The Atlanta Hawks today announced that they will host its Faith & Family Night during the team’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday, March 11. As part of the entertainment, the dynamic and multiple award-winning Gospel artist Jekalyn Carr will perform at both halftime and postgame. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpQqFD008HE Tyler Perry’s “A Madea Homecoming” is one of the most popular movies on Netflix right now. The film premiered on the platform on Feb. 25 and is already the #1 movie on Netflix’s ‘Top 10’ list in the U.S. Per Urban Hollywood 411, the comedy is the #2 program overall in the U.S. after the drama series “Vikings Valhalla.” Perry posted Saturday on his Twitter account: “Well!! Y’all still got this old broad’s back!! What a blessing after all these years. Still number one! #AMadeaHomecoming” Perry stars in, directed, and wrote the film that centers on Madea’s great grandson’s college graduation, “but family drama and surprise guests cause some funny revelations,” per the outlet. “Atlanta” star LaKeith Stanfield has raised eyebrows with his latest photo spread for Replica Man Magazine. One photo in particular has fans giving Stanfield, 30, the side-eye, as the actor is seen in an all-black ensemble, sporting a durag and high heel platforms with lacey high knee socks. His chest is exposed in a plunging V-line tank top and he is sitting with his legs crossed — which many social media users claim is a no-no when it comes to seemingly heterosexual males. Stanfield stares off into the distance, appearing to bask in his feminine energy as he blurs gender lines. Many of his fans call the image “artistic.” The photo will appear in Replica Man’s Spring 2022 issue. https://www.instagram.com/p/CahyedytbUv/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=fd784d20-7534-410f-879f-bab14ef28b3e Kimora Lee Simmons‘ estranged husband Tim Leissner, a former Goldman Sachs banker, admitted in court Friday that he faked two divorces – one in the U.S. and the other in China. Leissner said he submitted fake documents to marry Judy Chan, a former analyst at Goldman, in 2000 while married to another unidentified woman, the Daily Mail reports. Leissner also photoshopped divorce documents to marry Simmons in 2014. He and Kimora share one son, Wolfe Lee Leissner. The former model also shares two daughters with disgraced music mogul Russell Simmons and a son with actor Djimon Hounsou. Leissner’s admission comes as he testified in the trial against former colleague Roger Ng, who is accused of helping defraud billions of dollars from a Malaysian sovereign wealth fund. Leissner is charged for helping Ng and Malaysian financier Jho Low steal hundreds of millions of dollars in the Malaysia 1MDB corruption scandal. “I photoshopped the divorce document,” Leissner told the jury, according to Bloomberg. He admitted that Chan was aware of the forgery but Simmons did not know he faked a divorce to marry her. “We’ve all been locked down for quite some time and I thought it would be wonderful to remind us of the silver linings of life’s obstacles…it will get better,” said Jazz guitarist Norman Brown about the meaning of the title to his newest solo album “Let’s Get Away,” on Shanachie Entertainment. “‘We’ will get better.” https://youtu.be/o3ZxhT5P09I Art Briles informed Grambling State University on Monday that he’ll no longer be the school’s offensive coordinator, saying in a statement obtained by ESPN that he did not want to be a “distraction” to the football team. Briles’ decision comes after the hire by first-year coach Hue Jackson was met with a wave of backlash. Briles was fired by Baylor in 2016 after a campuswide sexual assault investigation led to an independent investigation and his subsequent dismissal. Briles thanked Grambling State for the opportunity to be part of the staff in his statement and added: “Unfortunately, I feel that my continued presence will be a distraction to you and your team, which is the last thing that I want. I have the utmost respect [for] the university, and your players.” Briles’ hiring on Thursday was met with sharp criticism, including from former Grambling State star and coach Doug Williams, who told ESPN’s John Keim that he “can’t support it” and that late Grambling State coach “[Eddie] Robinson is turning over right now.” The father of New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson III has been found safely. Robinson III took to his Instagram story last week to express concern regarding his father, Mitchell Robinson Jr., who had gone missing on Feb. 11. He had been urging anyone with information to reach out and word quickly spread nationwide. Escambia County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office chief public information officer Amber Southard reported that Robinson Jr. has been located safely. He was found by the Clayton Police Department in Clayton, Missouri. The Clayton Police Department says Robinson Jr. was found during a routine traffic stop. When they ran his name through the system, he was shown to be a missing person in Escambia County. Investigators with the Clifton Heights Police Department (near Philadelphia) are searching for an Amazon delivery driver who they say shot a man Sunday afternoon. Witnesses say they saw the two men arguing before the altercation got physical. If you’re wondering about the driver having a gun in his truck, in a statement, Amazon said its drivers are not allowed to carry a firearm even if they are legally licensed. The victim, 58, was transported to the University of Penn Hospital, where he is in critical condition. Police have identified Anthony Jones of Philadelphia as the Amazon delivery driver and shooter. A warrant is out for his arrest. https://eurweb.com/2022/03/01/warrant-issued-for-amazon-driver-in-road-rage-shooting/ In the speech given on behalf of the CBC/Congressional Black Caucus, Rep. Colin Allred (D-Texas.) will discuss the implications of the President’s agenda and the way forward on behalf of Black America. https://youtu.be/3_kLOD92HKU Since President Biden and Vice President Harris were inaugurated, their administration has taken historic action to create jobs, provide immediate pandemic relief for Black Americans, invest in Black communities and businesses, and create a government that looks like America. https://youtu.be/uRTMfBu6zLg While taking to her Instagram, Amanda Seales calls out and condemns global racism amid the current war between Russia and Ukraine. In addition to a series of videos showing global racism, she also reposts a statement that says, “Racism. Always. Has. Time.” Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, reports surfaced of Africans being stopped from leaving the country. Among many celebrities speaking out, Amanda took to her Instagram to share tweets and videos showing the harsh reality of global racism. In several reposts, Amanda called it out and later shared an original video of herself, condemning the situation. https://www.instagram.com/p/CaiofLqloWt/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Donald Trump appeared at Saturday’s Conservative Political Action Conference in Orlando, Florida where the weighed in on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. During his speech, Trump claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin is “playing Biden like a drum,” The Guardian reports. “We are praying for the proud people of Ukraine,” Trump said in his speech. “God bless them all. As everyone understands, this horrific disaster would never have happened if our election was not rigged and if I was the president.” https://youtu.be/RnEaa6a8qXg RUSSIA today issued a chilling warning for Ukrainians to flee parts of Kyiv NOW ahead of another massive bombardment. At least five people were killed after Russian missiles rained down on the city, hitting a Holocaust memorial and the biggest TV mast in the Ukrainian capital. The attack on the Babyn Yar memorial, the site of one of the Nazis’ deadliest individual war crimes, sparked outrage across Ukraine. Between September 29 and 30, 1941, the Nazis and their collaborators murdered more than 33,000 Jews, dumping their bodies in a ravine. It was the largest single massacre in the history of the Holocaust up to that point. Decrying Russia’s apparent indiscriminate targeting of a non-military site in Kyiv, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky tweeted: “To the world: what is the point of saying ‘never again’ for 80 years, if the world stays silent when a bomb drops on the same site of Babyn Yar? “At least 5 killed. History repeating…” http://www.gospel-spotlight.com Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko appears to have indicated Vladimir Putin’s forces have plans to invade Moldova. Putin’s war-mongering sidekick addressed security officials today while standing in front of a battle map that seems to show a planned operation from southern Ukraine into its tiny neighbor. The map also showed proposed battle plans for Russian troops across the country. It detailed Russian lines of attack heading into Ukraine, some of which have materialized in the first few days of the invasion – such as forces storming towards Kyiv from the north, and towards Kherson from Crimea. But they also showed off several attacks that have yet to come to pass – with one even appearing to point from the port city of Odessa into Moldova, suggesting Russia plans to march troops into Ukraine’s neighbor. Benton County sheriff’s deputies have completed an initial search of the Hanford site building where shots were reported fired Tuesday morning. They have found no evidence of shots fired and no one injured. Law enforcement will continue to do additional searching in the building. The Department of Energy contracts with Benton County for law enforcement services at the nuclear reservation. Hanford officials say they still have no reports of anyone injured. Teams of law enforcement officers continue to methodically search the two-story office building where shots were reported at 10:40 a.m. Ukraine’s president has given Boris Johnson a ‘shopping list’ of weapons that are needed in the fight against Vladimir Putin’s forces, it was claimed last night. A source told The Sun that Volodymyr Zelensky ‘made specific requests for military hardware during near daily phone calls, and we are working round the clock to get them into Ukraine.’ Boris Johnson responded by saying that the latest batch of weapons would be flown to Poland within ‘hours and days’ before being driven to Ukraine. The PM will today fly to Poland to visit British troops manning Nato’s eastern border with Russia. The UK has already shipped 2,000 Next Generation Light Anti-tank Weapons (NLAW) to Ukraine, whilst the U.S., Germany, and Belgium are among other countries that have sent or are set to send weapons. It comes after Russia promised that it would hit back against the EU following its support of Ukraine and warned the West against supplying weapons. A spokesman for the country’s foreign ministry said the steps the bloc has taken against it following its invasion of Ukraine, which include sanctions, will ‘not go unanswered’. The Castroville city council placed their police chief on administrative leave Tuesday night, days after he was accused of repeatedly using the N-word at a murder scene earlier this month. Jackson, who is accused of saying the racial slur at least three times, was recorded on a body camera worn by a Medina County Sheriff’s Office deputy, a source familiar with the incident confirmed Monday. Medina County Sheriff Randy Brown told the KSAT 12 Defenders late Monday that he contacted several Castroville city officials after hearing inappropriate language in the footage. Brown declined to discuss the exact nature of Jackson’s comments and referred additional inquiries to Medina County District Attorney Mark Haby. Haby was in court Tuesday morning and unavailable for comment. Morgan Freeman and his producing partner Lori McCreary have been brought on as executive producers of the new documentary: 2 Richards! The African Company. The film tells the story of America’s first black theater company, established by William Alexander Brown in Greenwich Village in 1821, 44 years before the passage of the 13th Amendment. 2 Richards! The African Company will be produced under Freeman and McCreary’s production company, Revelations Entertainment. It will be directed by Kamilla Blanche. “Just a Kid from Akron” is about to get his own museum in his hometown. The LeBron James museum will be part of the transformation of the former Tangier entertainment complex in Akron, which is being completely reshaped and rebranded into the House Three Thirty. The museum will occupy much of the basement of House Three Thirty, which also will be home to restaurants, bars and retail space when it opens next year. No exact date is set for the opening of the museum, which will charge an admission. Details about the various exhibits are being worked out with Upper Deck Sports, the trading card and collectables company that is the title sponsor for the museum. Maurice “Mo” Creek, a former college basketball player at Indiana University Bloomington and George Washington University, is making his way out of Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion into the country. On Monday, the American athlete, 31, shared an update on social media that he was traveling out of the war-torn region after getting stranded in Mykolaiv, Ukraine, while playing for Ukrainian Basketball SuperLeague. Creek retweeted Chris Kubecka’s post which stated, “@Mo_Creek just called, sounded like he was in a car because he’s in a car on the way to the border leaving #Ukraine! Mikhail arranged a driver by some miracle. If I had anymore tears left, I’d be crying with joy right now. A rare glimmer of hope during a war” and added his own message, writing, “GLORY TO GOD.” The athlete posted about his situation on Twitter on Sunday, writing “NEVER FELT SO HOPELESS IN MY LIFE” before attempting to exit the country. The basketball player had initially planned to leave Ukraine on Saturday but was delayed due to air raid sirens sounding in the area, according to a tweet. Texas has adopted new certification standards for teachers that some education advocates fear will make it more difficult to staff classrooms and find diverse candidates. Before its vote Feb. 11 to move forward with the new requirement, the Board for Educator Certification heard from both sides of the issue with speakers and board members agreeing the current certification test, the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities, needs improvement. Unlike the PPR, the replacement certification, edTPA, is not a one-time test. Developed by Stanford University faculty and staff at the Stanford Center for Assessment, Learning, and Equity, edTPA involves student teachers preparing a portfolio of materials during their clinical experience. The portfolio involves a written reflective measure from the candidates in which they analyze whether their students are learning and how they adjusted their instruction to be more effective. Candidates are also required to submit unedited videos of themselves at work in a classroom. The price of edTPA is $311 for the initial submission, $195 higher than the PPR. If students fail certain elements of the edTPA assessment, they can resubmit that portion with fees varying from $100 to $300, depending on how many tasks they are resubmitting. Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick is launching a program called the Autopsy Initiative, a service designed to give families of those who die in police-related deaths a second, free autopsy with full access to the findings of the report. The program will work with “board-certified pathologists” to perform the autopsies, according to Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Camp website, which states, “The Initiative seeks to be a resource to victims’ family members by providing confidence in the forensic procedures and comfort in knowing the pathologists will conduct the autopsy with neutrality.” Several cases in recent years have been substantially impacted by the conducting of multiple autopsies, including the cases of Ronald Greene in 2019 and Cedric Lofton late last year. Greene’s second autopsy contradicted the police report that claimed Greene died on impact in a car accident, when in reality he was wounded and later died because of injuries suffered when officers removed him from his car and had a physical altercation with him. Lofton, who died in September following an altercation in a juvenile intake facility, sustained life-threatening injuries that staff in the facility did not initially report and were revealed during a second autopsy in December. Kaepernick’s initiative defines police-related deaths as those that occur “when an individual is harmed by police officers while using deadly force which results in the individual’s death. A police-related death includes in-custody deaths. In-custody deaths include deaths that arise during contact with law enforcement officers during arrest, pursuit, booking, transport, or incarceration.” On the second anniversary of her son’s death, Wanda Cooper-Jones wants the world to think of one thing: Change. “Laws changing is just the beginning,” she said. “Next we must change the minds and the perception of Black men in this country.” Cooper-Jones established The Ahmaud Arbery Foundation in hopes no other family will endure the pain hers has since Ahmaud, then 25, was shot and killed on Feb. 23, 2020. Three white men were convicted of state murder charges last year and this week were also convicted of federal hate crimes charges. Speaking at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in downtown Atlanta on Wednesday, Cooper-Jones said that the nonprofit foundation will award six $3,000 scholarships to students at Brunswick High School, where Arbery graduated in 2012. The recipients will be announced on May 8, which would have been Arbery’s 28th birthday. “We believe in helping to create opportunities for young Black men to further their education, to start a business, to simply build a life. Something Ahmaud did not have the chance to do,” Cooper-Jones said. “Justice goes beyond judgment made in the courtroom. Justice ensures every child, no matter what their skin color, his socioeconomic situation, is safe and has equal opportunities to realize their dreams.” The Black men who drove horse-drawn carriages through the streets of Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia were both everywhere and invisible during the Jim Crow era. Their wooden coaches helped conjure up the late 18th Century for visitors including Queen Elizabeth, Sir Winston Churchill and then-Gen. Dwight Eisenhower. And yet the men were forced to use separate bathrooms and water fountains, among the many other sanctioned indignities of segregation. “These guys were resilient,” said Paul Undra Jeter, the living history museum’s director of coach and livestock. “I tell my young (Black) drivers that they face nothing compared to what they faced back in the day because (racism) was okay.” Colonial Williamsburg has begun to honor the coachmen by naming a new carriage after one of them, with hopes that more will follow. The first is for Benjamin Spraggins, who was sometimes said to be the most-photographed man in Williamsburg — although few captions bore his name. A carriage processional and ceremony will also celebrate Spraggins on Saturday. The tribute is part of the museum’s ongoing reckoning over race and its past storytelling about the country’s origins and the role of Black Americans. Colonial Williamsburg tells the story of Virginia’s late 1700s capital and includes more than 400 restored or reconstructed buildings. Black hair care and beauty products just became more accessible for students of color on the University of Michigan’s campus. Youniversity, a new vending machine at the Michigan Union, sells black hair care and beauty products, making them more accessible to students on campus. It sells beauty products like hair oil, durags, and bonnets. Founders Mia Wilson and Rico Ozuna-Harrison have been friends since middle school, but they came up with the idea more recently; in 2020. “I feel like the idea stemmed from social unrest that the country was kind of in,” Ozuna-Harrison said. “I remember the beauty supplies were closed,” said Wilson. “The only things that were open were like essential stores. Even during that time, it was really hard to get certain products for my hair type.” https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/two-students-open-a-vending-machine-that-sells-black-beauty-products-on-u-of-ms-campus Rumor has it that Jeannie Mai could be replacing Kandi Burruss on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.” Mai, co-host of “The Real,” is said to be joining the RHOA cast next season, as Burruss may not return. Filming for Season 14 has reportedly wrapped and will air later this year. Per Black America web, Sources say that the cast will be shaken up with Cynthia Bailey and Porsha Williams leaving, Shereé Whitfield returning, and Marlo Hampton promoted finally getting her peach. The returning housewives Kandi, Kenya Moore, and Drew Sidora will be joined with newcomer track and field athlete Sanya Richards-Ross. Mai is rumored to be taking Kandi’s spot due to Kandi being “boring” in this season’s filming. Teyana Taylor is deadening all speculations about infidelity in her marriage and says she doesn’t do drugs. After fans assumed that a viral TikTok video – allegedly detailing the infidelities of a reality tv family with two daughters and a husband (Iman Shumpert) featured on Dancing With The Stars – was based on Teyana Taylor and Iman Shumpert, Teyana responded denying anything from the story was related to her. Earlier this week, a Tik Tok account that reenacts “unconfirmed stories and parodies”, posted a story allegedly submitted by an anonymous celebrity assistant – that extremely resembles recent life situations of R&B singer Teyana Taylor. After social media users quickly put two and two together and put Teyana’s comments in “shambles”, the 31-year-old singer/actress addressed the story denying all allegations and offering sensible rebuttals as to why the alleged story is fabricated. Aretha Franklin’s granddaughter served up her musical talents when she auditioned for “American Idol” during Sunday’s episode. Grace Franklin, 15, also paid tribute to her late grandmother by performing Aretha’s classic “Ain’t No Way” and the Lauryn Hill version of “Killing Me Softly,” to judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan. “Stop right there. That is your grandma?” said Richie before revealing that he has kept voicemails from the Queen of Soul, who was his longtime friend. After Grace performed, Richie and Bryan voted “no” while Perry gave her a “yes,” and urged her fellow judges to change their vote. https://youtu.be/_-w15cQwIgI Laverne Cox had an awkward moment with Jada Pinkett Smith when she mentioned Jada’s extramarital “entanglement” in front of Will Smith on the SAG Awards red carpet. Cox was referring to Pinkett Smith’s intimate relationship with singer August Alsina, which allegedly occurred when she and Will briefly split. The actress made the bombshell confession on a July 2020 episode of her show “Red Table Talk,” calling it an “entanglement.” Cox brought up Jada’s “entanglement” on the Screen Actors Guild Awards red carpet on Sunday. “Thank you for all the years of joy you’ve brought us, thank you, we can’t wait for more ‘Red Table Talk’ and more entanglements,” Cox said to the couple. “No more of those,” Pinkett Smith replied as both she and Smith laughed. Jada Pinkett Smith was overcome with emotion while filming her hair cutting scene in the 1996 movie “Set It Off.” The drama centers on four close friends in Los Angeles who plan to rob a bank. Directed by F. Gary Gray, the film stars Smith, Queen Latifah, Vivica A. Fox, and Kimberly Elise. Smith’s character cuts her hair after the robbery when she escapes to Mexico, and the actress recalled the emotional moment in a new interview. “That particular scene, I had already had so much loss and I had already, like, lost so many friends, and so I really reflected on those that I loved that I had lost, you know, and how everybody doesn’t make it and how you can be sitting with great fortune and have so much loss, have so much pain,” Pinkett Smith said. She described the film as “a real easy movie to make as far as being able to dredge up all that emotion.” Grammy® Award-Winning Recording Artist Tamela Mann is celebrating wins at the 53rd NAACP Image® Awards for Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album for Overcomer and Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song for “Help Me,” featuring The Fellas. The award-winning, Billboard Gospel music charting album, Overcomer, features the single, “Help Me,” which added to Tamela’s bank of personal bests; the track was her eighth No. 1 on Billboard's Gospel Airplay chart. The public and NAACP members cast this year's award votes, and industry and fans showed their support of Tamela by honoring her with these prestigious awards. “I am so thankful to God, the NAACP, and the fans for recognizing my album and song. This is the most important musical body of work I’ve ever done. To be recognized for the project is a big blessing,” said Tamela. Compton rapper The Game paid a visit to N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN’s “Drink Champs” podcast and he stirred up some controversy by taking shots at Dr. Dre. Wearing a black ski mask and sunglasses, Game implied Dre has barely had an impact on his hip-hip career after he signed to the famed producer’s Aftermath Records. “It’s crazy that Ye did more for me in the last two weeks than Dre did for me my whole career,” said Game, who recently collaborated with Ye on “Eazy” and performed with him at his DONDA Experience in Miami last week. The Game also addressed being kicked out of G-Unit, saying: “I’m kicked out the group… Well, guess what, you don’t fu**ing kick me out the group. I’m the G in G-Unit. F**k you mean?” The full “Drink Champs” interview drops later this week. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cahl4voswuq/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Ten brothers and sisters have followed in their mother and father’s footsteps, and now they’re making history in the state of Texas. Specifically, that North Texas family believes they have made history as the first Black family in the state to race Quarter Horses. The bottom line is that the Hatley family has been getting a lot of attention thanks to their horse named “Black Lives Matter.” That name certainly got our attention. ?? According to CBSDFW.COM, they won their first race at Louisiana Downs in Bossier City, but they say the best part is hearing the name called over the loudspeakers. That moment soon went viral on TikTok. Russia appears to have used banned cluster munitions to indiscriminately shell civilian areas in Ukraine’s east that had stood up to Vladimir Putin’s invasion in what would constitute a war crime. Kharkiv, which has witnessed some of the heaviest fighting of the war so far, was hit by rockets fired from Russian positions on Monday – with video showing a shopping centre in the Serpnia area blanketed by explosions. A military source told MailOnline that the videos showed ‘cluster’ munitions had been used. ‘The BM-21 Grad is a multiple launch rocket system used for ‘area denial’, dropping cluster bombs on a concentrated area,’ the expert said. ‘It’s mainly used on enemy troops before an offensive. Used against civilians, it’s not only a war crime, but has only one purpose – to spread terror and alarm among the civilian population.’ https://video.dailymail.co.uk/preview/mol/2022/02/28/2655489926843315752/636x382_MP4_2655489926843315752.mp4 The Biden administration on Monday dispatched former senior defense officials to Taiwan in a show of support as the world wonders whether Russia’s invasion of Ukraine could trigger a Chinese invasion of the self-governing island. The visit will be led by Mike Mullen, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, according to a senior administration official. It comes after months of Chinese aggression directed at Taiwan, including nine Chinese aircraft entering its air defence zone on the day Russian troops invaded Ukraine. At the same time President Tsai Ing-wen ordered Taiwan’s military and intelligence security apparatus on to high alert, amid warnings that China could sense Western weakness after failing to prevent Russia’ attack. Kurt Campbell, Biden’s Asia czar, described the delegation as ‘unofficial’ during an online discussion with the German Marshall Fund on Monday. Cops on Saturday arrested a male cousin of the 35-year-old Manhattan mother found dead inside of a storage container in The Bronx, police and sources said. Khalid Barrow, 21, of The Bronx, was slapped with a murder charge in the death of Nisaa Walcott, of East Harlem, after her body was found Friday afternoon in a plastic container that was left across the street from a storage unit at 950 University Ave. in the Highbridge section, sources said. The woman was reported missing earlier this week, the sources said. Barrow is additionally charged with concealing a human corpse, cops said. Barrow was grilled by NYPD detectives at the 23rd precinct in Harlem on Saturday after police obtained video of Walcott going into her East Harlem apartment building with Barrow on Friday — but only Barrow was seen leaving, sources said. Sources said the video also showed the cousin at Walcott’s building, removing a plastic container early Friday. The record for most expensive collectible sports ticket was set twice with Heritage Auctions early Sunday. Concurrently, a ticket stub from Jackie Robinson’s 1947 debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers and a full ticket from Michael Jordan’s 1984 debut with the Chicago Bulls, both graded by PSA (Professional Sports Authenticators), sold for $480,000 and $468,000, respectively. The previous record for the most expensive collectable sports ticket was $264,000, a ticket stub from Jordan’s NBA debut — the same game, albeit a checked ticket — is now the third-most-expensive collectible sports ticket ever. Mike Cole, the director of admissions for operations at Quinnipiac University, was a freshman at Northwestern University in 1984. A lifelong Bullets fan, his father surprised him with two tickets to an October Bulls-Bullets matchup. “I was only a month or two into school,” said Cole, who asked multiple classmates to attend. “I wasn’t that surprised or disappointed no one could go with me.” Cops are searching for a man behind the nauseating and sickening crime that recently happened at a New York subway station. A video obtained by The New York Post shows a 43-year-old woman sitting on a bench on the southbound platform of the Wakefield–241st Street station Feb. 21 when a man walks up to her holding a black plastic bag filled with human feces. He then smashes the bag and smears the poop on the back of the woman’s head. The assailant took off after the attack and as of Monday morning, cops are still looking for him. Police are now asking anyone with information to contact NYPD’s Crime Stoppers. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cahw6E4ssPO/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again T.I was a guest on Godfrey’s Youtube series/Podcast, ‘In Godfrey We Trust, so two could clear the air over the rapper’s newfound career in stand-up comedy. T.I. has seemingly embarked on a new career journey as a stand-up comedian and comic veteran Godfrey is not impressed. In a recent interview, Godfrey spoke about being the headliner at a recent stand-up show and after his set, T.I. went on after him “and that’s a no-no, according to Godfrey,” per HotNewHipHop, so Godfrey opted not to watch the rapper’s set. https://youtu.be/LLTld0HXviM Samuel L. Jackson has weighed in on Joe Rogan’s past use of the N-word, which the podcaster claims have been taken out of context. In a statement posted on Feb. 5, Rogan admitted, “most regretful and shameful thing I’ve ever had to talk about publicly.” Meanwhile, Jackson, 73, claims “there is no context where a white person is ever allowed to say that word, never mind publicly on a podcast.” In a new interview with the Sunday Times, Jackson gave the side-eye to Rogan’s claim that his words were taken out of context. “He is saying nobody understood the context when he said it,” Jackson told the Times, which describes him as rolling his eyes over Rogan. “But he shouldn’t have said it. It’s not the context, dude — it’s that he was comfortable doing it. Say that you’re sorry because you want to keep your money, but you were having fun and you say you did it because it was entertaining.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CZlnH8MAb8L/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again A&E has announced a docuseries about the life and legacy of James Brown that will premiere next year. Directed by Deborah Riley Draper, the four-part documentary event titled “James Brown: Say it Loud” is timed to coincide with what would have been Brown’s 90th birthday, Urban Hollywood reports. Executive producers include Mick Jagger, Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson, Peter Afterman, David Blackman, Victoria Pearman, Tariq ‘Black Thought’ Trotter, Shawn Gee, Zarah Zohlman and Charlie Cohen. https://youtu.be/7PtI_xVfuUM Nicole Scherzinger sent the Internet on fire when she showed off her fit body in a blue bikini in a video shared with fans on social media. The clip shows her “rolling her hips to the classic Pussycat Dolls song “Buttons” with a slight twist. This is the Showmusik TikTok Remix of the song,” per The Blast. https://www.instagram.com/p/CaaTKjWuT9f/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Will Smith took home the award for outstanding performance by a male actor in a leading role for his part in “King Richard” at the 28th Annual Screen Actor Guild Awards on Sunday. After his win, the actor made time to appreciate his close relationship with “mentor” Denzel Washington. “We’ve spent a lot of time together. So we’ve been talking, he’s always been a mentor for me and he grabbed me and he said, ‘This is your year,’ ” Smith told PEOPLE (the TV Show!) host Kay Adams after he won his award. “He just hugged me and he said, ‘I’m so happy for you. Just love who you’re becoming,’ ” he said. Continued Smith: “He knew me years ago, I would go to Denzel for advice so he’s seen me through the years and he was just telling me how proud he is of who I’ve become and what I’ve become. He was saying that he felt like a weight was lifted off of his shoulders somehow.” https://youtu.be/8yESxnS34b8 Atlanta, aka ‘ The Hollywood of the South’ just welcomed its newest addition to the entertainment industry. Wendy Schofield made history as the first Black woman to become director of Operations at West End Production Park Film and TV Studios. Schofield, who owned her marketing and production company, had WEPP studios as one of her clients for a year before being hired. It’s something that she never expected to happen. “We were just talking and they just said, ‘Hey, you know what? We need somebody to be over the WEPP. You’ve got a great history, a background in broadcasting and in production. We’d love for you to take this position,’ and so that’s how it happened,” she said. Schofield joins the small percentage of women in the entertainment space in the U.S. According to the Center for the Study of Women in Television & Film, women account for 25% of those working in key behind-the-scenes roles on the top 250 grossing films in 2021. This includes directors, writers, executive producers, producers, editors and cinematographers. https://blackchristiannews.com/2022/02/wendy-schofield-makes-history-as-first-black-woman-to-become-director-at-atlantas-west-end-production-park-film-and-tv-studios/ Frasier star Kelsey Grammer has just landed his next main role. Per Deadline, the actor has boarded the cast of the upcoming movie Jesus Revolution, a collaboration between the Kingdom Story Company and Lionsgate that’s “inspired by the true story of a national spiritual awakening in the early 1970s and its origins within a community of teenage hippies in Southern California.” Grammer joins the cast with Anna Grace Barlow, Jonathan Roumie, and Nicholas Cirillo, with the film also starring Joel Courtney, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Ally Ioannides, Julia Campbell, Nic Bishop, and Jolie Jenkins. The synopsis reads: “In the 1970s, young Greg Laurie (Courtney) sets out to redefine truth through all means of liberation, and instead, meets Lonnie Frisbee (Roumie), a charismatic hippie street preacher. Laurie and Frisbee, along with Pastor Chuck Smith (Grammer), open the doors of Smith’s languishing church to an unexpected revival by way of rock and roll, newfound love, and a twist of faith leading to a Jesus Revolution that changed the world. Laurie went on to start Harvest Christian Fellowship, one of the largest churches in America, and the Harvest Crusade events, which have been attended by over six million people.” “The movie is set in a very specific time and place, but the theme of finding a deeper meaning to life, in the midst of a fractured and broken world, is timeless,” said Erwin. “In his iconic performances, Kelsey has a proven ability to connect with audiences in a real, vulnerable way, which will make him a tremendous presence in this film.” A month after announcing their shocking split, Jason Momoa and Lisa Bonet have reunited. Momoa, 42, has reportedly moved back into the family home with Bonet, 54, as they’ve decided to pump the brakes on ending their marriage. “Jason moved back in with Lisa about two weeks ago and they are very much back together,” an insider tells HollywoodLife. “They decided to work on things rather than throw in the towel because they have so much invested in each other.” Momoa announced his separation from Bonet on January 12. The couple shares two children, 14-year-old daughter Lola and 13-year-old son Nakoa-Wolf. http://www.gospel-spotlight.com Megan Thee Stallion claims she’s receiving death threats after DJ Akademiks tweeted there was “NO DNA” from Tory Lanez found on the weapon used in the 2020 shooting incident involving the former lovers. Megan alleged she was shot by Tory in July 2020 during an argument following a party with “Keeping Up With The Kardashians” star Kylie Jenner. Lanez was arrested and ultimately charged with felony assault, and nearly two years later, the case is still ongoing. On Wednesday (Feb. 23), Ademiks tweeted there was “NO DNA” from Lanez found on the weapon and Megan was quick to clap back. She accused Akademiks of spreading fake news. “Y’all got breaking news 15 minutes before court started, and nobody has even been called in yet??” Megan said on Instagram. She even tagged Ademiks directly and asked, “Why are you lying?” “What did you gain?” Tory Lanez reportedly interjected to note in a now-deleted post that he is only guilty of “f*cking 2 best friends” — not shooting Megan Thee Stallion. The largest dating app for Black singles called BLK recently conducted an in-app survey on whether or not Gen Z/Young Millennial Black women feel safe dating online, and some readers may find the results surprising. Here’s a breakdown of the results via MSN citing BLK Survey: Dating as a Black Woman: 78% of respondents ages of 18-34 don’t feel safe as a Black woman in America, 34% of respondents ages 18-34 don’t feel safe on mainstream dating apps, 67% of respondents feel safer dating on BLK, 64% of respondents don’t feel safe as a Black woman in America, and 29% of respondents don’t feel safe dating on mainstream dating apps. Per the survey, “64% Of Respondents Don’t Feel Safe As A Black Woman In America.” 25 musicians from the United States, Caribbean and Africa each compose a song to fight against systemic racism in the world. Global musicians, singers, poets, spoken word, rap, hip hop, funk, world music, classical and jazz composers on this special music project: Cheick Tidiane Seck – Immanuel Wilkins – David Gilmore – Marque Gilmore – Sharrif Simmons – Stephanie McKay – Andy Milne – Kokayi – Sonny Troupé – Reggie Washington – Alicia Hall Moran – DJ Grazzhoppa – Adam Falcon – Jeremy Pelt – Grégory Privat – Marcus Strickland – E.J. Strickland – Oliver Lake – Jacques Schwarz-Bart – Gene Lake – Tutu Puoane – Yul – Marvin Sewell – Jean-Paul Bourelly – Terence “Sub Z“ Nicholson. https://youtu.be/vEH_gmM2x3c David Frazier is the musical genius behind iconic Gospel hit songs "I Need You To Survive", "Power Belongs To God", "Release", and many more. The Grammy®, Stellar and Dove Award-winning songwriter and producer has now teamed up with BET's Sunday Best season 2 winner and powerhouse vocalist Y’Anna Crawley to recreate one of his classic Gospel hit songs “2nd Chance.” "2nd Chance" was initially recorded by Bishop Hezekiah Walker & The Love Fellowship Choir in 1997 released on the LIVE IN NEW YORK: BY ANY MEANS... album. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdTS90BKhCo Rick Ross previously made clear that he cuts his own grass in an effort to save money – which is exactly why he took on a massive landscaping project at his Atlanta estate over the weekend. The hip-hop star took to his Instagram Stories to explain to fans that he needed to chop down 10 oak trees on his property to make room for his farm animals. But when an outside contractor gave him a quote of $10,000—$1,000 for each tree, Ross decided to take on the task himself. “Instead of me paying $10,000 to an outsider, went to Home Depot and bought two new saws for $2,000,” Ross said. “Was really only $5,000 worth of work. You take the $5,000, give that to your homies… You still got $3,000 for ya pockets. Come on, man, you could go get Wing Stop, man.” https://youtu.be/ee8D5lLQPr8 The Lakers have enough going on with their performance on the court. But all of the negative media surrounding the team has just made things more complicated, and things have reached uncomfortable levels. LeBron James fueled a lot of that fire with comments he made during the All-Star break. James openly said that he wouldn’t close the door on a potential return to Cleveland at the end of his career. That led many to believe he was taking a subtle jab at the Lakers. But this latest report could really change up the dynamic. Ric Bucher of Fox Sports reported that GM’s he spoke to suggested that Bron wanted Rob Pelinka out of the front office role. That would be huge, if accurate. Time truly slowed down during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Entertainers and musicians alike were hit hard by the deadly spreading virus, which halted performances, canceled tours and changed the creative process for better and worse. Technology took center stage, while release dates were forced to be pushed back. Grammy-nominated R&B star J. Holiday worked diligently to compose a masterpiece. His album “Time,” released on Feb. 7, focuses on the nuances that come along with time. A calculated play on words, this album highlights the one word that we were all forced to pay closer attention to at COVID’s peak: time. https://youtu.be/2-FcTsHYYKg Chicago’s West Garfield Park neighborhood has a serious food insecurity problem – and it is only getting worse. As CBS 2’s Steven Graves reports, free food is going in minutes at giveaways. https://eurweb.com/2022/02/28/grocery-giveaways-begin-amid-food-insecurity-in-chicago/ As Covid-19 deaths and George Floyd protests swept the country and world in the summer of 2020, journalists Lauren Williams and Akoto Ofori-Atta discussed the urgency of the times. The women saw an opportunity to expand the media landscape and become catalysts for meaningful change. “The moment felt apocalyptic,” Williams told NBC News. “Raw and filled with unknowns. It seemed like a time to make a difference. We both thought, why not?” Leaving behind their respective jobs, the two friends began laying the groundwork for what became Capital B, a nonprofit local and national news organization centered on Black voices. The name is a nod to the B in Black, the team says, and “the argument that capitalizing it indicates the importance and singularity of Black people in America.” The newsroom launched in late January with a national website, and a virtual newsroom in Atlanta, the first of other planned bureaus across the country. And Capital B Live, its events program, will allow audiences to experience journalism through yet another medium. The overarching goal is to reach a multi-generational demographic of Black audiences nationwide. Scores of African migrants (and students) in Ukraine are being blocked from fleeing to safety as Russian attacks continue to devastate the country, those trying to make border crossings have told The Independent. Black people living in the region say they have been left to languish with some taking to Twitter in recent days to share accounts of abandonment. Speaking to The Independent, Osarumen, a father-of-three, said he and his family members were waved away from the border on Saturday and told “No blacks.” https://youtu.be/rHtZ1Ch8bNE Cities across the United States have seen rallies in support of Ukraine this weekend as the invasion by Russian forces continues. Crowds gathered on Saturday in cities including Atlanta, Washington, DC, and New York — where Olga Ladygina told CNN at a rally in Times Square that she hasn’t slept for the last three nights. Her friends in Ukraine have stayed up, too, Ladygina, who is from Kyiv, told CNN. But they’re making homemade bombs to try to stop Russian tanks. Ladygina has been up crying, watching the news and trying to call her loved ones who remain in Ukraine. It’s a stark contrast to what she sees in New York, she said. On Saturday, she saw people sitting and eating in restaurants who “don’t think that the war can come to their houses,” she told CNN. http://www.gospel-spotlight.com Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko tonight issued a chilling threat that the West’s sanctions on Russia are pushing the Kremlin into a Third World War, after Vladimir Putin put his nuclear deterrent forces on ‘alert’. Lukashenko’s comments came as Kyiv and Moscow agreed to hold peace talks at the border with Belarus – though Volodymyr Zelensky admitted he wasn’t confident of a positive resolution, adding that he owed it to his people to at least try and engage. This evening also saw the EU unveil a fresh package of sanctions against Putin’s regime, closing off its airspace to all Russian planes and banning Kremlin propaganda outlets Russia Today and Sputnik. ‘Now there is a lot of talk against the banking sector, gas, oil, SWIFT,’ Lukashenko said. ‘It’s worse than war. This is pushing Russia into a Third World War. We need to be restrained here so as not to get into trouble. Because nuclear war is the end of everything.’ Ukraine’s health ministry said on Sunday that 352 civilians, including 14 children, had been killed since the beginning of Russia’s invasion. It also said that 1,684 people, including 116 children, had been wounded. Ukrainian President Zelensky’s office had earlier said the two delegations will meet ‘without preconditions’ near the Pripyat River, to the north of Chernobyl, in a deal brokered in a phone call with Lukashenko himself. A spokesperson added that Lukashenko has taken responsibility for ensuring that all planes, helicopters and missiles stationed on Belarusian territory remain on the ground during the Ukrainian delegation’s travel, talks and return. Zelensky described his discussion with Lukashenko as ‘very substantive’, adding that he had made it clear he did not want troops to move from Belarus to Ukraine and Lukashenko ‘assured him of this’. After reports of him being in critical condition after being shot in the neck in Houston, it’s being confirmed by family and friends that Memphis rapper Snootie Wild has sadly passed. Yesterday, ABC13 reported that the rapper was left in critical condition after authorities found him in a ditch, next to an SUV, with a gunshot wound to his neck. After receiving CPR at the scene, Snootie was rushed to the hospital with a 50/50 chance of surviving. Taking to social media to update on his critical condition, family shared that the rapper was fighting for his life on a breathing machine. Several hours later into Saturday (Feb. 26), family and close friends began updating that the rapper had sadly passed from his injuries. https://www.instagram.com/hollywoodunlocked/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=e198b7e1-134a-4f62-b2ea-182e61fb3282 Police found the bodies of two girls and their parents during a welfare check at a North Texas home Thursday afternoon in what authorities suspect to be a murder-suicide. Marcus Buchanan, 36 and his wife, Rita Buchanan, 34, were discovered next to two girls – aged 13 and 3 – fatally shot in their home, police said. A neighbor who lives directly across the street says the adults worked from home, and that all four had moved to Granbury from Las Vegas about six months ago. ‘None of us heard anything. Nobody in the neighborhood heard any gunfire whatsoever, especially four rounds,’ Crystal Blanchard told KDFW. ‘Marcus was the happiest guy. He always talked. He always hung out with us.’ Police have not made a final determination, but investigators at the scene found evidence pointing to a murder-suicide. ‘Who does that to a child? Those children were innocent. They didn’t deserve that,’ Crystal said. Marcus didn’t have a criminal background, but Rita was charged with disorderly conduct in Henderson, Nevada in 2014, KDFW reports. Child Protective Services did not clarify if the family had a history with them. The Granbury Police Department told DailyMail.com there are no updates on the investigation as of Sunday morning. The 2022 NAACP Image Awards, which honor achievement by people of color in culture and entertainment, were presented on Saturday. Jennifer Hudson and Will Smith were among the night’s big winners. Hudson earned the event’s awards for Entertainer of the Year and outstanding actress in a motion picture for her performance as Aretha Franklin in the film “Respect.” https://youtu.be/bvFjz5tVhxA Will Smith was named Outstanding Actor for his portrayal of Richard Williams, the father of tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams in “King Richard” at The 2022 NAACP Image Awards https://youtu.be/3VfzKnIWrKI Winners from some of the more than 80 categories were also announced in virtual ceremonies throughout the week, with Regina King, Kevin Hart and Taraji P. Henson among the artists recognized pre-telecast. Check out Mary J. Blige from The 2022 NAACP Image Awards https://youtu.be/p7l2WuCxvZ4 Winners from The 2022 NAACP Image Awards include Prince Harry and Meghan Markle https://youtu.be/HTODFDEBQpw DEN-ZEL Washington, the Academy Award-winning powerhouse actor recently took the internet by shock through a re-surfaced video interview in which he was correcting his name’s pronunciation. The video originates from the actor’s appearance on the Graham Norton show in 2013. Interestingly, it only went viral recently, causing an uproar on the internet and trending on multiple high-profile social media pages. Expectedly, most internet users were shocked and amazed by the Training Day actor’s explanation. As reported by Black Enterprise, the video clarifies that his name is actually Denzil and not DenZEL, as everyone calls him. https://youtu.be/ZwULdrDijbI On Wednesday, #ColumbiaUniversity’s top psychiatrist was suspended after suggesting that a black model’s dark skin made her a “freak of nature.” “Whether a work of art or freak of nature, she’s a beautiful sight to behold,” tweeted Dr. Jeffrey Lieberman, chairman of the school’s psychiatry department, in response to a photo of South Sudanese-American model #NyakimGatwech. So far, Columbia has not issued a statement in response to Lieberman’s remarks. However, the Manhattan school said he was removed as the psychiatrist-in-chief at Columbia University Irving Medical Center/New York-Presbyterian Hospital and was suspended from his department chair role. https://www.instagram.com/p/CacupqRjvvo/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Throughout history, trailblazers in Black media have used the power of storytelling to reclaim their narratives as mainstream publications gave a narrow lens into the American experience. Howard University received an endowment to preserve and honor the voices of these Black writers, editors and publishers who instrumentally shaped the landscape of journalism. The $2 million grant—provided by the Jonathan Logan Family Foundation—will be donated to the Howard University Moorland-Spingarn Research Center. The gift will support the digitization of the HBCU’s Black Press Archive; a vast collection that features over 2,000 newspaper titles from the United States and Africa, 2,847 microfilm reels of newspapers and over 100,000 newspaper issues. The digital conversion of these pieces of journalism will make them accessible to the masses and ensure they are etched in history for generations to come. The endowment will also be used to fund scholarships for students, hire staff and purchase supplies and equipment for the digitization process. Camille Henderson said she was asked to move to the back of the plane mid-flight to make room for two passengers who claimed to have first-class tickets, but couldn’t produce them to flight attendants. Henderson traveled to Atlanta with her boyfriend to visit her family in late January. Her mother had only met her boyfriend in passing, so this was the big meet and greet. Atlanta is a major Delta hub. Henderson said she flew exclusively with the airline, but that all changed with this most recent trip. “I just want them to acknowledge that they made me feel powerless and they can’t do that to customers moving forward,” she said in an interview with ABC7 News. On Henderson’s return flight on February 3, she said she experienced what amounted to a game of mid-flight musical chairs. She was ticketed a window seat in row 15, but by the end of the flight, she would be sitting in row 34. Henderson said the two women seated in the row next to her in the aisle and middle seats, who appeared to be flying together, complained to flight attendants about their seat assignment. “They felt like they were ticketed first-class seats, but they couldn’t provide the tickets,” said Henderson. CBS 2’s Marissa Perlman reports the Parker family Ring video showed the terrifying moments as Taneisha Parker and her two daughters pull up to park outside their South Calumet Avenue home in Chicago. They were soon to be victims of carjackers. “As soon as he walked up, he had his hand in his pants, and he was like ‘I don’t want to kill you’… He immediately started grabbing for my purse, so we started tussling,” Parker said. The mother says she’s lucky the suspected carjackers didn’t have a weapon. Within minutes, the two ran off without anything but Parker’s house keys. She credits her daughters for stepping in and scaring off the attackers. NFLer Travis Kelce has recently been drooling over girlfriend Kayla Nicole through her latest social media posts. Recently, the Strong is Sexy creator posted a new collection of photos on her Twitter and Instagram accounts. From the photos, she rocks a pair of black tights and black halter top with a keyhole in the middle, accessorized with black heels and a football-shaped Judith Leiber clutch – an admirable sexy look captioned “A lot to handle.” The awesome post didn’t go unnoticed by Kelce, 32, on both platforms –Twitter and Instagram, reports Page Six. Kayla is the girlfriend to Travis Kelce, Chiefs tight end, and the two have been linked together since 2017. Besides Travis, who commented with heart-eyed and drool face emojis on Twitter and “I’m tryin to handle ALLLLLL THAT!!!” on Instagram, Patrick Mahomes – Chiefs’ quarterback fiancée, Brittany Mathews responded with “AHHH HELL ????????.” Black women and beer may not be top of mind when thinking of likely pairings, but Celeste Beatty and other Black women brewers like herself are working hard to change that. Enter Harlem Brewing Company founded in 2000, the brewery that made Beatty one of the first, if not the first Black woman to launch one. The North Carolina native moved to New York in 1993, and began a home brewing business in Harlem shortly after. And while she has yet to open a taproom in the Black mecca, she is soon to launch Harlem Brew South, that is, if she manages to get enough financial backing. Beatty and her team are currently crowdsourcing funds to open a space that will serve not just as a taproom, but as an educational center as well. “The project we’re working on in Rocky Mount is really a digging-in kind of project where we want to create the Brewers Village to try to create a space where people in the community — many of whom I meet day to day — have never imagined they’d be brewing beer. So we’re about to start our first class for people who want to just learn some basics about brewing and give them an opportunity to do that intergenerationally.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told President Joe Biden ‘I need ammunition, not a ride,’ when offered the chance of a US-backed evacuation. Zelensky said in response to the offer of refuge: ‘The fight is here; I need ammunition, not a ride,’ according to a senior American intelligence official with direct knowledge of the conversation, who described Zelensky as upbeat. He spoke as Biden authorized the release of $350million of military assistance to Ukraine after taking his latest weekend break to Delaware as Russian troops began to invade Kyiv. https://twitter.com/i/status/1497462778013102081 Ukraine’s armed forces were engaged in a fierce battle for Kyiv on Friday night, with footage on social media showing explosions close to a metro station in the western center of the capital by the zoo; a battle ongoing for control of a thermal power plant to the north; and multiple reports suggesting fierce fighting 20 miles south, near a vital airbase. In Kyiv, footage shared on social media showed a bombardment close to Beresteiska metro station, in the west of the city, which is near the zoo. More than 50 explosions and heavy machine gun fire were reported in the district of Shulyavka, near Beresteiska metro and the zoo, according to The Kyiv Independent. A bridge near the metro was blown up, according to reports. It was unclear whether the explosion was caused by artillery or by Ukrainian forces intent on stopping the Russian advance. The district is under the control of the 101st Independent Security Brigade of the General Staff. The Russian Grand Prix has become the latest big ticket sporting event to be canceled in Russia, after the UEFA Champion’s League Final, in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. On Friday, Formula One, the sport’s governing body, revealed that the Russian Grand Prix, due to be held in Sochi on Sept. 25, has been cancelled following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, after a meeting on Thursday. “The FIA Formula 1 World Championship visits countries all over the world with a positive vision to unite people, bringing nations together,” Formula One tweeted on Friday. “We are watching the developments in Ukraine with sadness and shock and hope for a swift and peaceful resolution to the present situation. On Thursday evening Formula 1, the FIA, and the teams discussed the position of our sport, and the conclusion is, including the view of all relevant stakeholders, that it is impossible to hold the Russian Grand Prix in the current circumstances.” The three men convicted of murder and hate crimes in the killing of Ahmaud Arbery will spend the rest of their lives in prison. But Arbery’s mother says this isn’t the end of the battle and the family will continue to fight for justice in the name of their son. Former Glynn County DA Jackie Johnson was indicted by a grand jury in September on a felony a charge of violation of oath of a public officer and a misdemeanor for obstruction of a police officer. According to the indictment, Johnson tried to use her prominent position of power to protect the men who killed Arbery. Greg McMichael, one of the men convicted in Arbery’s death previously worked for Johnson as an investigator for the district attorney’s office. Evidence presented in the state trial for the death of Arbery introduced phone records that show McMichael called Johnson shortly after his son shot and killed Arbery. Arbery family attorney Ben Crump believes Johnson is just as responsible for Ahmaud’s death as anyone. A GOP congressional candidate forgot about the whole “back the blue” thing when he got pulled over by a Sarasota, Florida, police officer who stopped him for speeding. Actually, a better lede would be: A white man in Florida got pulled over and tried to give a cop his white privilege card instead of his license and registration and he got all pissy when that didn’t work so he threatened to call her boss and get her fired. Then when that also didn’t work, he chided her for being an immigrant. https://twitter.com/i/status/1496486028936364036 An East Boston Municipal Court judge has reminded us how racism-friendly America often is. On February 15, 2020, a 46-year-old Latino woman and her 15-year-old daughter were walking home from the mother’s birthday dinner when rabid white women caught them speaking Spanish to each other,” according to 10 Boston. Now, we all know white women tend to suffer from severe allergic reactions after being exposed to the mere concept of minding their own business, but in this case, things went well beyond garden-variety Karen nonsense. Prosecutors said the two women shouted, “This is America,” and told the victims to “speak English” and “go back to your f****** country” as they punched, kicked, and bit them. One of the women admitted to the attack, which, again, involved a 15-year-old child, but she won’t be doing any jail time because of the way whiteness is set up in America, even racists who attack children don’t deserve to have their freedom taken away. “Jenny Leigh Ennamorati admitted to sufficient facts to five charges last week in connection with the February 2020 incident, and a judge in East Boston Municipal Court continued the case without a finding for a 15-month probationary period,” 10 Boston reported. “That means the charges could be dismissed if Ennamorati complies with the conditions of probation, the Suffolk district attorney’s office said in a statement Thursday.” The mother of Trayvon Martin used the 10th anniversary of the teen’s death Saturday to say she’s “standing strong,” while urging others to continue fighting with her for social justice. “We have to continue to hold people accountable for killing our loved ones,” Sybrina Fulton, while speaking at a meeting of the Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network in Harlem. “We have to continue to support our children, our families … We can’t give up. We’ve come too far.” “If you don’t do anything else, don’t give up – that’s my message,” Fulton added. “Don’t ever give up. Ten years later, I’m still standing strong.” The unarmed black teen was shot dead by George Zimmerman while walking in a Florida neighborhood in 2012. Zimmerman was acquitted of second-degree murder and manslaughter in the 17-year-old’s death in July 2013, on grounds of self-defense. The acquittal led to widespread protests, national debates on the use of force and helped spur the Black Lives Matter movement. Jenice Hodge, a Black woman, was delivering food in 2019 when Calvin Pham, a Minneapolis Parks (Minnesota) traffic cop, pulled her over for what she thought was a routine stop. The body camera footage from the incident shows the cop telling the woman that he had pulled her over for not wearing her seatbelt and being on her phone. Hodge, however, clarified to Pham that she had never been pulled over for not wearing a seatbelt, and she was also using her phone’s GPS to make a food delivery. The officer then asked the woman for her license. Talking to KSTP, Hodge says that she hadn’t even retrieved the license from her purse, and a gun was pointed at her head. In less than a minute after pulling her over, the cop commanded Hodge to step outside her car – which left her confused, scared, and unaware of what to do. Eventually, she chose to raise her arms through the car’s sunroof, but she didn’t leave her car amidst the cop’s threats of ripping her out. https://youtu.be/DPvEspNifIY WARNING! This story contains GRAPHIC Photo/Video … Talmika Bates, a Black woman, was severely bitten by a Brentwood (CA) Police K-9 in 2020, gruesome photos and video shows. Bates, who was 24 at the time, (now 26), was suspected of shoplifting Ulta Cosmetic products worth $10000, an incident that led to the vicious attack that left her scalp and braids ripped off. https://youtu.be/8nUNEKp6ygw Jussie Smollett wants to have a do-over in court and is asking for a new trial in Chicago. Smollett’s defense team filed new documentation requesting the judge to reverse his verdict and change his guilty verdict of disorderly conduct for falsifying a police report. If not, his legal team is also asking for a new trial. As previously reported, Smollett was found guilty of five out of six felony counts. According to TMZ, the new legal documents claim the court violated Smollett’s constitutional rights by preventing his defense team from actively participating in the jury selection process. Additionally, Smollett states his lawyers were not allowed to ask potential jurors questions and believe the jury pool for his case was corrupted. He also accused prosecutors of being racist based on the selection of jurors. The judge was also blamed for barring the media and public from the courtroom. Denzel Washington is one of the biggest names in Hollywood. He is also a fantastic human professionally, and his Thursday radio interview on Nova FM’s breakfast show with Fitz and Wippa proved why. “The Equalizer” actor revealed that it is habitual for him to go out with his leading actresses, grab some coffee together and get to know each other ahead of the exotic and sex scenes. He reveals that when he did the first scene of Flight with actress Nadine Velazquez, the latter was supposed to be naked. So, he felt that it would have been appropriate to go out, have a little chat while eating something, probably a turkey sandwich and familiarize with each other before walking around naked all day with each other. Nestled in communities across the country are storied landmarks that provide a lens into Black history. Amongst these pillars is the Bray School—the nation’s oldest standing schoolhouse for African American children—which recently received a $5 million preservation grant. Founded in 1760, the school—which is located in Williamsburg—served as a learning institution for free and enslaved Black youth. Under the tutelage of educator Ann Wager, over 400 children learned the fundamentals of reading, writing and religion. Although the students were equipped with literacy skills, the school’s curriculum incorporated problematic doctrines by “directing the enslaved to accept their circumstances as divinely ordained,” the College of William & Mary shared. The Bray School shuttered following the death of Wager in 1774. It was acquired by William & Mary in 1930 and utilized by the college as a hub for its military science department. As decades passed, the structure’s history faded into obscurity. In 2003, retired English professor Terry Meyers unearthed the structure’s forgotten legacy and brought attention to its existence. It took 20 years for researchers to confirm the 260-year-old building on William & Mary’s campus was indeed the Bray School. Last year the college sold the structure to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation; the country’s largest outdoor living museum. On THE REAL airing Friday, February 25, actor Anthony Anderson reveals that he’s only 15 credits away from getting his degree from Howard University and will graduate this spring. https://youtu.be/qTdorg-ZXkk Mick Jagger and Questlove are exec producing a four-part docuseries about “I Got You (I Feel Good)” star James Brown for A&E. The cable network has ordered James Brown: Say It Loud (w/t), directed by The Legacy of Black Wall Street helmer Deborah Riley Draper. It is the latest doc on the Godfather of Soul after Alex Gibney directed Mr. Dynamite: The Rise of James Brown for HBO in 2014. Jagger was a producer on that project. James Brown: Say It Loud is set for a 2023 release, marking what would have been Brown’s 90th birthday. It will explore Brown’s legacy with interviews with friends, family, collaborators and proteges as well as his beloved music catalog and includes never-been-seen-before archival footage. It will trace his life from a seventh-grade dropout arrested for armed robbery in the Jim Crow-era South to an entertainment legend. The happiest place on earth becomes one of the most soulful ones during February in celebration of Black History Month as Disneyland Resort kicked off its “Celebrate Soulfully” showcase. For two weekends in February, new interactive experiences highlighting Black heritage and culture will be available throughout the resort through music, food, and art programming. 2022 marks the first time the event has taken place at Mickey’s west coast headquarters – the event has taken place at the Walt Disney World resort in previous years. There are concerts and installations in Downtown Disney and the park. Stroll through and see artwork from Black artists inspired by the Disney and Pixar Academy Award-winning film “Soul,” which stars Jamie Foxx. Emerging Black artists featured included Bee Harris, Bianca Pastel, Arrington Porter, and Cory Van Lew. It might be tough finding a nice place to settle down in the U.S. as a family, especially when there are so many factors impacting the world, from high rent prices and inflation to safety and job security. Luckily there are a few sweet nooks around the good ole U.S. of A that are still affordable and might be great for first-time parents or married couples looking to expand their family trees. These states offer great rent prices and a few of these locations are emerging into booming hubs that will provide a wealth of thriving entrepreneurial and economic opportunities for families and couples. If you fancy warm weather or prefer the changes of the season, these four states are perfect for Black families or couples who are on a mission to find a new safe place to call home. San Antonio, TX, Orlando, Florida, Atlanta, Georgia and Raleigh, North Carolina are the hot spots. The California Task Force to Study and Development Reparations Proposal for African Americans is holding its seventh meeting this week. During the two-day virtual conference, the task force will pay homage to Black History Month as well as African American heroes who initiated the fight for reparations – and kept it alive over the years — in the United States. “Happy Black History Month! The first-in-the-nation California Reparations Task Force met again on Wed-Thurs Feb 23-24,” tweeted Kamilah Moore, chair of the task force. The tweet added: “Join us as we celebrate past and current reparations efforts!” Moore, a Los Angeles native, is an attorney and activist whose scholarship and work has focused on the study of reparations. https://youtu.be/lc_3Pir6Bjo On February 16, 2022, Dream Corps JUSTICE recognized that it received a $500,000 donation from the Sony Music Group Global Social Justice Fund. As a recipient, Dream Corps developed an advocacy training cohort program, spanning 17 states, and was based on teaching organizing tools that Dream Corps JUSTICE used to lead passage of the First Step Act in 2018 and pass bipartisan criminal justice legislation in states across the country. Within the program, twenty formerly incarcerated and justice-impacted individuals were given a six-month training program to develop organizing, legislative, campaign, and media literacy skills. As a result of the advocacy cohort, participants have already become nonprofit leaders, media spokespersons, and leaders of grassroots advocacy campaigns that reimagine justice, create alternatives to mass incarceration and make communities safer. https://youtu.be/TI2IXNiiyU4 Former Auburn and San Diego Chargers running back Lionel James, who made a name for himself for being unstoppable despite his small stature, died Friday after a lengthy illness, the university said. He was 59. Auburn announced the death of James, a 5-foot-6 player nicknamed “Little Train,” but provided no additional details. James played five seasons with the NFL’s Chargers, who have since moved to Los Angeles, after being drafted in the fifth round in 1984. He set an NFL record with 2,535 all-purpose yards in 1985 after leading the Chargers in rushing, receiving and kickoff and punt return yardage. He led the AFC in receptions that season with 86 while setting the NFL record for receiving yards by a running back with 1,027. One of the rarest Kobe Bryant cards in existence recently sold for $2 million, setting an all-time record for a Kobe card and placing it among the most expensive basketball cards of all time. The card was a 1997-98 Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems Emerald Kobe Bryant, and the deal was brokered by PWCC Marketplace. Why did this rare card command a record price? The Emerald variations of the Precious Metal Gems issue are highly coveted, as there are only 10 of each issue in existence. While the Kobe card is numbered 004-of-100, there are only nine other Emerald versions (as the remaining 90 cards are the Red version and they aren’t worth as much). In its February 18 issue, The Baltimore Sun’s editorial board finally apologized for 185 years of racist coverage. The authors wrote that the newspaper had “sharpened, preserved and furthered the structural racism that still subjugates Black Marylanders in our communities today.” For its culpability, “We are deeply and profoundly sorry.” The Sun’s half-performative apology contributes to the normalization of whiteness in U.S. culture, even while the magazine profits from the cultural capital it gains for (partially) apologizing for racism. Full disclosure: I got my start as a journalist for The Sun in 1997 when I was 19 years old writing for the Metro Section. I enjoyed working in that newsroom and had a great rapport with reporters and editors. The editors even allowed me to step beyond my reporter role to write pieces for the Op-Ed section said Stacey Patton. In fact, my first opinion piece carried the following headline: “Apologize for slavery? Yes – with deeds.” Over the years as a journalism professor, I’ve proudly watched a few of my HBCU students work on collaborative projects and as interns for the paper. Actor Quinton Aaron, star of “The Blind Side,” has shed almost 100 pounds. Quinton, 37, tells TMZ that he gained weight during the COVID-19 pandemic by pigging out on sugary snacks and junk food. “I used the new year as a way to get a new me,” he told the outlet, revealing that he dropped from 559 pounds to 462 pounds. Aaron is now all about walking and stretching, eating Cobb salads for lunch and following a keto diet. His goal is to drop another 64 pounds by May 10 to honor his late mom on her birthday, per the report. The Queen Bee has paid adequate attention to maintaining her sexiness for the longest time, which explains the stylish ensembles she rocks all the time. She is famous for rocking the biggest brands in the market, from Versace to Marc Jacobs and the Notorious K.I.M., known for her exquisite taste. So, it would be natural for Lil’ Kim to serve her ample assets in the sexy Savage X Fenty lingerie. https://www.instagram.com/lilkimthequeenbee/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=26af2158-8cfb-4d50-b414-e48db940b090 Remember last month when Snoop Dogg exposed his UberEats driver for not delivering his food? Well now, that driver says he plans on suing Snoop Dogg because he fears for his safety after Snoop shared his information to his millions of followers! The driver, Said, spoke with KCAL LA to share how much Snoop Dogg’s post has affected his life. Said claims because Snoop shared his picture and his license plate numbers, he has extreme anxiety whenever he goes out. “There’s my picture there and also there is my first name,” said the driver. “After I see the video, I’m kind of like…I have anxiety and I fear for my family’s safety.” Sayd says he didn’t even know he was delivery to a celebrity and followed the right protocols before eventually driving away. He says since the video has been posted he hasn’t returned to work and feels like he’s been thrown into a spotlight that he didn’t ask for. https://www.instagram.com/p/Caadnetgq8P/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Planet YAHWEH, formerly known as YMMG, just signed the latest hot Latina music sensation, Wilkenia C. Pujols, also known as “Ecstrah” to the label. Ecstrah is the first cousin to Albert Pujols, a Major League Baseball player. Ecstrah previously released “Aim to Please” in 2021 and is scheduled to release an EP in Fall 2022. https://youtu.be/dWq9Y-6BZW8 The Texas governor has called on citizens to report parents for abuse if they have a child(ren) undergoing Gender-Affirming Care. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott is calling on “licensed professionals” and “members of the general public” to report the parents who approve of their minor children to receive gender-affirming medical care, NBC News reports. Abbott laid out the directive in a letter sent Tuesday to the Department of Family and Protective Services, urging it to “conduct a prompt and thorough investigation” of reported cases of minors undergoing “elective procedures for gender transitioning.” Abbott has warned teachers, nurses, and doctors that they could face criminal penalties for failing to report “such abuse.” A woman in Mexico who was crushed to death while trying to lift a 400-pound barbell. On top of that, it happened right in front of her daughter. Viral video of the incident, which happened last Monday ()02-21-22), shows the mother attempting to raise the massive weight in front of her daughter at the Club Fitness Sport gym in Mexico City. Unfortunately, it didn’t go well because she simply was not strong enough to keep the barbells from falling on her. The 400 pounds of weight slammed her neck into the bench and the woman died on the spot. https://youtu.be/R8ONYQYJ6cE President Joe Biden will reportedly announce Friday his pick for the forthcoming supreme court vacancy will be Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Jackson is expected to succeed Justice Stephen Breyer, who is set to retire. If confirmed, Jackson, 51, will be the first Black woman to serve on the court. https://youtu.be/2FLz6BfNeDw Quintez Brown, a prominent BLM activist, was charged last week with firing a gun at a mayoral candidate in Louisville. Brown, 21, is charged with attempted murder and four counts of wanton endangerment after allegedly firing shots inside the campaign office of Craig Greenberg. “It’s all been since he started college,” his mother Cecilia Brown told The Post about her son, “who was once honored by President Obama and appeared on MSNBC to push gun control,” per the publication. “I haven’t really heard from him. He’s always busy. He’s been living with his dad. I don’t know what was on his mind. Only God can judge that.” Louisville Metro Police do not yet have a motive to explain the shooting, but Chief Erika Shields told reporters that Craig Greenberg, the victim, “is Jewish, so there’s that. We don’t know if it’s tied to the candidates or is political or if we are dealing with someone with mental issues or is venomous,” Shields said. “We are looking at this from all angles.” The United States ambassador to the United Nations (UN) urged the intergovernmental organization to take immediate action as Russia invaded Ukraine in what the president called an “unprovoked” attack. U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield warned that the UN’s peace-keeping arm needed to draft an emergency resolution amid dwindling diplomatic options in what appeared to be a last-ditch effort to convince Russia to stop its attack that had already begun Wednesday night. The UN Security Council was expected to hold an emergency meeting Thursday after Thomas-Greenfield referred to the military conflict as a “message of war” sent by Russia to the entire world. Plummeting Covid-19 case counts across the United States are leading to lifted mask mandates and more conversations about steps toward normalcy — but more people are dying of the coronavirus now than during most points of the pandemic. Before Omicron became the dominant coronavirus strain in the US, there were only about 100 other days when there were more than 2,000 Covid-19 deaths, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. The only other time that deaths have been this high for this long was during the first winter surge, before vaccines were available. The Omicron wave has also been deadlier for longer than the Delta surge: In September, when Delta was dominant, average daily deaths topped 2,000 for half as long. More than 120,000 people in the US have died of Covid-19 since Omicron became the dominant variant in December, and Covid-19 has accounted for more than 1 in 5 deaths reported in 2022. Nations that build walls to keep their people separated usually end up on the wrong side of history. But that hasn’t stopped the Dominican Republic from beginning construction on a border wall with the neighboring country of Haiti. The 13-foot tall structure will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology including more than 70 watchtowers, drones, movement sensors, cameras, and much more. It will also stretch over 120 miles of the Dominican-Haitian border. Ex-NFL player Zackary “Zac” Stacy has been hit with five more criminal charges stemming from a domestic attack on his ex back in August. According to court records, Stacy was hit with three misdemeanor domestic violence battery charges last week, as well as two misdemeanor criminal mischief charges. In court documents, officials say the charges stem from an Aug. 16, 2021 incident with his ex-girlfriend, Kristin Evans — the same woman Stacy was seen on video brutalizing in November 2021. The beating was captured on hidden cameras in Evans’ studio apartment in Oakland, Florida. https://youtu.be/lZM-Nsvxhnc Katrina Cooke Brownlee retired last year as one of the New York City Police Department’s top-ranked detectives. That she is alive is a miracle. In her first primetime television interview, Brownlee shares her emotional story of being shot by an abusive ex-fiancé, then pleading for help from the police, who she says ignored her, and how she used that experience to become a top police officer, in 48 HOURS: “Katrina Brownlee: The Good Cop” to be broadcast Saturday, Feb. 26 (10:00 PM, ET/PT) and streaming on Paramount+. Anchored by Michelle Miller, co-host of CBS SATURDAY MORNING, “Katrina Brownlee: The Good Cop” takes viewers inside Brownlee’s inspirational journey from survivor of a horrific attack to top-ranked detective in the NYPD. Brownlee opens up about the abuse she says she suffered, how she met the so-called blue wall of silence, how she fought to live, and how she vowed to be a good cop. https://youtu.be/v0CSof8rASs Wendy Williams is said to be considering taking legal action against Debmar-Mercury Co-Presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein over being replaced by Sherri Shepherd. A Williams insider tells RADAR, “Wendy has been reading the news where Chris Cuomo is suing CNN for $60 million and Megyn Kelly get $60 million when she was kicked out of NBC. Knowing Wendy, she will think she can get the same amount too. This is going to get ugly. She was hired because of her big mouth, well now that big mouth is going to bite the hand that fed her.” Earlier we reported that “The Wendy Williams Show” is set to end in June and the timeslot will be filled by the new talk show “Sherri” with Sherri Shepherd as host. In the wake of that announcement, Williams responded earlier this week via her rep, Howard Bragman. Sherri’s takeover of Wendy’s timeslot has reportedly left the former radio shock jock angry. “Wendy is on sick leave and has basically been fired. This isn’t right and Wendy isn’t going to take this,” sources tell RADAR. “She is considering legal action again her producers and is also deciding on what to do about Sherri Shepherd. Sherri was supposed to be a friend filling in for Wendy while she was sick, but instead, Sherri stabbed Wendy in the back. If anyone thinks Wendy is going to disappear without a fight they are a fool.” Mary J. Blige recently chopped it up with the hosts of The Breakfast Club and revealed she has a memoir releasing soon and she’s working on a new album with hip-hop icon Dr. Dre. https://youtu.be/6BW-xNymEZc Former “Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood” star Apryl Jones and actor Taye Diggs are apparently the Internet’s favorite new couple. Rumors of the two being an item were initially sparked when the pair was spotted attending a holiday party together in Hollywood late 2021,” per MadameNoire. The pair haven’t publicly confirmed their relationship but both Apryl, 35, and Taye, 51, have posted several photos and videos of each other on their respective social media accounts. https://www.instagram.com/p/CZcGAphFRp5/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Actor Olly Sholotan, who plays Carlton Banks on the new “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” reboot, is clapping back at trolls who are mocking his appearance on social media. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FMEtBFbVQAAGATS?format=jpg&name=small An exclusive clip from the new episode of “Power Book IV: Force” airing Sunday, February 27th on Starz. In “Storm Clouds,” when Tommy’s (played by Joe Sikora) former foe turned friend is at the mercy of a notorious criminal organization, who resurface to reclaim what’s theirs, loyalties are tested. https://preview-g.starz.com/p/promos/new/vers0236431_pbf1_104_press_clips_approved_pbr_36792_22_169_get_mines___tune_in___no__2000k.mp4 An African American woman (Victoria Coleman) has become a wine industry trailblazer in the famed Napa Valley. As John Ramos reports, she is not only making great wine, she’s making history. https://cbsloc.al/3scjoyg On the final “Future Made” on Facebook and Instagram will be an intimate conversation between WNBA basketball star Candace Parker and her daughter Lailaa. Featuring six multi-generational family groups, “Future Made” is a new interview series and Reels challenge on Instagram and Facebook capturing intimate conversations between public figures and their children. Recent “Future Made” public figure interviews include YouTuber and actress AmbersCloset with her father, former NFL football star Arthur Whittington; WNBA basketball player Lexie Brown with her father Dee Brown. Billboard chart-topping singer, rapper and actress Monica Arnold with her son Rodneyy. https://www.instagram.com/candaceparker/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c07d6b76-960e-483f-8ac3-5fdd56abccdf Christine Taylor ‘never even dated other people after they separated’ before becoming a couple again, it has been claimed. The pair announced their split in 2017 but remained friendly through the years, then resumed their romance after self-isolating together in the COVID-19 pandemic. Now a People insider shared that Ben, 56, and Christine, 50, are ‘the kind of couple that friends hoped would get back together. They were never estranged.’ The source divulged: ‘Ben just had such a busy career for years. It drove them apart a bit. They didn’t spend much time together. But when they did, it was always obvious that they loved each other.’ Harry Styles’ stalker has been charged by police for allegedly forcing her way into the singer’s home three years after being hit with a restraining order. Diana Tarazaga-Orero, 28, previously known as Pablo, is said to have assaulted a woman who was working at the star’s home in north London during the incident last Wednesday. The transgender woman shouted ‘I’m not going to hurt him, I love him’ before she was remanded in custody on Friday. Tarazaga-Orero, originally from Spain was wearing a dirtied cream sweater and made continuous outbursts in the dock at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday.’ Sally Kellerman, who was Oscar nominated for her supporting role as Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan in Robert Altman’s “M*A*S*H” feature film, died Thursday in Woodland Hills, Calif. She was 84. Her publicist Alan Eichler confirmed her death. Among her other roles were a cameo in Altman’s “The Player,” a professor in Rodney Dangerfield’s “Back to School” and a Starfleet officer in the “Star Trek” episode, “Where No Man Has Gone Before.” The willowy blonde actress with the characteristically throaty voice appeared in two Altman films in 1970; the other was the more experimental “Brewster McCloud,” in which she starred with Bud Cort and Michael Murphy. In this film, which did not have a conventional narrative, Kellerman played Louise, the mother of the bewinged Cort character, Brewster. DeVon Franklin is staying put at CBS Studios. The producer, motivational speaker and bestselling author, who is executive producing CBS’ Early Edition drama pilot, has re-upped with the studio with a multi-year overall deal. Franklin has multiple projects in development in addition to executive producing the recently ordered CBS drama pilot Early Edition, a reboot of the Kyle Chandler-starring late-‘90s fantasy newspaper drama co-produced by CBS Studios and Sony Pictures Television. Franklin, who has been under a deal with CBS Studios since 2020, serves as President and CEO of Franklin Entertainment production company, which is under a first-look film deal at Paramount Pictures and a first-look television deal at CBS Studios. Jenna Nicholson runs Franklin Entertainment’s TV division as Vice President of Television and Alexander Mosby was recently promoted to Manager of Television. Franklin most recently produced the inspirational films Breakthrough starring Chrissy Metz for Disney/Fox, and Sony’s The Star and Miracles From Heaven. A college student from Euless, Texas has landed a national award for her activism while away at school. Channing Hill is the 2021 NAACP Youth Activist of the Year. She’s in California to be part of the nationally broadcast award show celebrations. “It makes me feel incredible,” Hill said. “I am just so proud of myself and my friends, and the conviction we displayed in the last semester.” Hill is currently the president of the NAACP Howard University Unit. She’s pursuing a bachelor’s degree before heading to law school. Hill led a 34-day peaceful sit-in protest at Howard last semester about housing conditions. Hill said it’s just the start of being a voice for others. Art Briles, who was fired as Baylor‘s head football coach in 2016 following the university’s investigation into campuswide allegations of sexual assault, has been hired as Grambling State‘s offensive coordinator, athletic director Trayvean Scott confirmed to ESPN on Thursday. Former Cleveland Browns coach Hue Jackson was hired as Grambling State’s head coach in December. Briles, 66, has been out of college coaching since May 2016, when Baylor officials suspended him with intent to terminate for his role after sexual assault allegations were made against students, including football players. He later reached an undisclosed financial settlement with Baylor, where he coached from 2008 to 2015, posting a 65-37 record and winning a share of back-to-back Big 12 titles in 2013 and 2014. Former Baylor coach Art Briles has been the subject of controversy for years since his departure from the program. Now, according to an ESPN report, Briles is on his way back to the college ranks and has been hired as the offensive coordinator at Grambling State. And it didn’t take long for the backlash to begin, with former Grambling quarterback and NFL Super Bowl winner Doug Williams firmly speaking out against the hire. “I’m not a fan at all,” Williams told the Washington Post. “I’m very, very disappointed in Grambling, I really am.…I talked to the A.D. a couple times. They knew where I stood, but they did it and if that’s what they want to do, that’s fine. I’m out.” Odell Beckham Jr. just added another title to his resume — father! The L.A. Rams star and his girlfriend — model and fitness instructor Lauren Wood — welcomed their first child together, baby Zydn, just four days after the Rams won Super Bowl LVI. OBJ announced the news Wednesday on Instagram with an adorable photo of the lovely couple bundled up in bed while the footballer, now recovering from knee surgery, cradles the newborn. The Super Bowl champ also posted a lengthy caption on his post that read in part, “2-17-22, 0605. THE biggest blessing I’ve ever had in my life arrived here on earth! The words, I can’t even put together for the overwhelming emotions that ran thru me … a moment I will never forget and cherish forever. Zydn was born n at that moment I knew my life changed for the better.” https://www.instagram.com/obj/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=4939cb08-eaaa-41e1-bec6-5674fdd1feaf Deion Sanders’ daughter, Shelomi Sanders, is headed to college, but she won’t be going far. Shelomi, a 5-foot-7 shooting guard at Rockwall-Heath High School in Heath, Texas, has committed to Jackson State. She joins her father and siblings Shedeur and Shilo at JSU. “Shelomi Sanders, guard for Rockwall-Heath in Texas and daughter of JSU football head coach Deion Sanders, announces her commitment to the Jackson State women’s basketball team,” one fan tweeted. Today, platinum-selling Tauren Wells released his new single, “Fake It” Feat. Aaron Cole, via Capitol Records/CCMG, marking the 10-time GRAMMY® nominee’s first release on the label. On this upbeat, infectious track Wells celebrates the joy that comes from being loved as you are, freed from any need to “fake it”. Listen to “Fake It” HERE. Wells and Cole wrote “Fake It” with Chris Stevens – who produced the track with Tedd T. – and Emily Weisband. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRYoOB1cQh8&feature=youtu.be CHART-TOPPING CHRISTIAN HIP-HOP ARTIST KB has a new track “King Jesus,” a co-artist release recorded with hit Christian rapper nobigdyl. The new track is available now on digital music platforms, and the official music video for “King Jesus” was also released. The music video also made its broadcast premiere on the BET Gospel network. ON THE FIERY TRACK, WHICH IS ALSO INSPIRED BY A SAMPLE OF VICKIE WINANS’ HIT “LONG AS I GOT KING JESUS,” KB AND NOBIGDYL. TRADE VERSES WITH THEIR DISTINCTIVE LYRICAL PROWESS. THE TWO Billboard-charting hitmakers deliver energetic performances hyping Jesus and celebrating the freedom and blessings to be found in serving Him. The music video stars KB, nobigdyl. and actor/comedian Kel Mitchell. HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=4-F9I5UNXHO Last year, Chloe picked the song "Miracle" on Elle Magazine's Song Association, and this year she performed it with Mali Music at the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration. Look what the Lord has done! https://www.instagram.com/p/CaP3GhUJz9P/ The All-Star Gospel Celebration (ASGC) kicked off NBA All-Star Weekend in Cleveland, Ohio with an unforgettable celebration in its 15th year during the NBA All-Star Weekend! The celebration hosted by 3x NBA All-Star host Jacinda Jacobs and NBA Veteran & former National Basketball Players Association Vice-President Maurice “Mo” Evans was the most anticipated event during the weekend. NBA Chaplains rocked the stage after an electrifying opening by Kierra Sherard-Kelly. Special appearances by Maverick City Music and DOE wowed the crowd, and the new artist showcase was one to remember with Anthony Hall & Keyla Richardson both giving a championship performance. Saxophonist Angella Christie, took the entire audience to church, while the Red Hand Band had the crowd on their feet. Mali Music delivered the SLAM DUNK performance to end the show. Following the show, guests enjoyed a post-reception catered by Pearl's Kitchen. Catch the 15th All-Star Gospel Celebration Encore Presentation Sunday, February 27, 2002 4pm EST/1pm PT. A winter storm bringing heavy snow and ice to parts of the Northeast on Friday is causing rough road conditions after prompting school closures and hundreds of flight cancellations. Some 40 million people remain under weather alerts. In areas north of Interstate 90, up to 8 inches of snow could fall, with extra ice expected in some places, creating hazardous travel. The storm will begin moving out of the northeast late Friday afternoon into the early evening. Earlier Friday, with heavy snow falling in the Boston area, a commuter train hit an unoccupied snow plow, affiliate WFXT reported. No one was injured. State police said two lanes are closed on the Mass Pike east in Auburn after a tractor-trailer rolled over, the station said. And affiliate WFXT reporter Vicki Graf tweeted video of a minor crash, also without injuries. Officials have urged people to avoid driving if possible. https://eurweb.com/2022/02/25/northeast-struggling-with-rough-driving-conditions-in-winter-storm-video/ WE tv’s “Love During Lockup, finds Emily telling Haley she has feelings for her but doesn’t want to cross a boundary. “Love During Lockup” is the latest installment of the “Love After Lockup/Life After Lockup” franchise. This season follows even more riveting firsts through the early stages of love, with plenty of romance, suspicion, and investigation, all long before a scheduled prison release. https://youtu.be/U2CyS5fFJWs Homelessness is a longstanding national issue that has been exacerbated by the pandemic, and an 8-year-old from South Carolina has set out on a mission to support individuals facing housing insecurity. Taji Johnson is paying it forward by providing tents for those who have been displaced, WJBF reported. In January, the youngster launched Taji’s Tents; a fundraiser created to purchase tents for people facing homelessness in his local community. Within 10 days, Taji garnered $2,700 in donations and was able to buy 34 tents. He and his family traveled to Columbia, South Carolina to distribute the tents to people in need. For the first time ever, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a condom specifically for anal sex. “The risk of STI transmission during anal intercourse is significantly higher than during vaginal intercourse. The FDA’s authorization of a condom that is specifically indicated, evaluated and labeled for anal intercourse may improve the likelihood of condom use during anal intercourse,” said Courtney Lias, Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Office of GastroRenal, ObGyn, General Hospital, and Urology Devices in the Center for Devices and Radiological Health. “The risk of STI transmission during anal intercourse is significantly higher than during vaginal intercourse. The FDA’s authorization of a condom that is specifically indicated, evaluated and labeled for anal intercourse may improve the likelihood of condom use during anal intercourse,” said Courtney Lias, Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Office of GastroRenal, ObGyn, General Hospital, and Urology Devices in the Center for Devices and Radiological Health. Shaquille O’Neal’s generosity knows no bounds. Shaq is one of the wealthiest players in the NBA, having amassed a small fortune during his career in the NBA as a superstar. On top of that, he made a lot of smart business decisions and investments and is reaping the reward for that these days. Shaquille O’Neal is clearly a very wealthy man. But unlike a lot of wealthy people, Shaq uses his money to give back to the community. O’Neal has been very generous on numerous occasions. When he once bought a bike for a young kid, he explained that every time he leaves the house, he wants to bless someone and help the needy. https://www.instagram.com/thecollinskids/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=d7e66b7a-fd9c-4450-9d28-5079f897eb41 Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine could drive prices even higher at a moment when inflation is already rising at the fastest clip in decades. Economists are racing to assess the impact of the attack, which could spark the biggest war in Europe since 1945. The conflict is unlikely to tip the global economy back into recession, they say, but market tumult, the threat of punishing sanctions and potential supply disruptions are already pushing up the wholesale price of energy and some agricultural products. Consumers will pay more for gasoline and food as a result. “Inflation is likely to peak at higher levels that we were envisaging just a few days ago,” said Ben May, director of global macro research at Oxford Economics. https://eurweb.com/2022/02/24/russias-attack-on-ukraine-means-even-higher-prices-for-us/ Russian President Vladimir Putin declared war on Ukraine and gave a chilling warning to its allies in the West in an early Thursday morning address in Moscow. Explosions were heard in Kiev, the Ukrainian capital, as Putin announced that Russia was launching a military attack on Ukraine. ‘To anyone who would consider interfering from the outside – if you do, you will face consequences greater than any you have faced in history,’ he said on a television broadcast around 6am Moscow time. The United Nations Security Council had just convened an emergency meeting Wednesday night when Putin took to Russian airwaves to announce the invasion at 5:50am Moscow time.Antonio Guterres, the Secretary General of the United Nations, had urged Putin to stop his tanks. ‘If indeed an operation is being prepared, I have only one thing to say from the bottom of my heart,’ said Guterres. ‘President Putin, stop your troops from attacking Ukraine. Give peace a chance. Too many people have already died.’ Putin ignored the plea, going on TV to describe the invasion as a ‘special military occupation’ and said he wants to ‘demilitarize’ and ‘de-Nazify’, not occupy, the country. Ukraine was under siege on Thursday after Vladimir Putin announced he was invading in what he termed a ‘special military operation’ – sending in tanks from the northern border with Belarus in a combined Russian-Belorussian offensive, and launching attacks from the east and south, including on the capital Kiev. Hundreds of Ukrainians were killed in the onslaught, the interior ministry said, and videos on social media showed the scale of the invasion. Five Russian jets and one helicopter were shot down over the east of the country, near Kharkiv, Ukraine’s military said. Percy L. Julian, an African American inventor, once said, “I have had one goal in my life, that of playing some role in making life a little easier for the persons who come after me.” As the holder of 130 patents – including industrial chemicals used in firefighting – Julian, who died in 1975, certainly has made a difference in society. He is just one of a wealth of Black inventors – some of them former slaves or the sons or daughters of slaves – whose devices, inventions, processes, and innovations have made our lives better. To compile a list of some of them, 24/7 Tempo consulted numerous sources including History, Biography, Parents, and Invent (the website for the National Inventors Hall of Fame). Many of the creations of these inventors were new devices or improvements on existing ones found in the home. These include the portable ironing board, the dustpan and the eggbeater. To maximize space in small apartments, one woman created a bed that could fold into a cabinet. For greater convenience, a man reduced treks to the post office by inventing the street letter box. A Black inventor developed a refrigeration system in long-haul trucks that revolutionized the grocery industry. Others invented ways to improve safety outside the home, such as the three-way traffic light and automatic doors on elevators. An African-American’s development of a process for separating plasma from blood, allowing it to be stored for up to a week, has helped save countless lives. Social media is celebrating iconic singer Jody Watley with #JodyWatleyAppreciationDay on February 28, 2022! For fans in the States and across the globe, Watley set the standard as a trendsetting pioneer in music, video, fashion and style. She is one of the architects of 21st-century pop, and one of music’s most versatile song stylists. Telling her story in her own words whether in interviews, social media or in her sold-out concerts, the iconic singer always remains true to herself. https://youtu.be/Xy493_HBqAk The wait has ended. Yeezy Gap revealed the first look at its highly anticipated collaboration with fashion powerhouse brand Balenciaga. The 25-piece collection includes a denim jacket paired with jeans, logo tees and hoodies, with some of the items featuring a dove motif representing “hope.” Eight of the items went on sale Wednesday at 9 am ET, but five of the limited-edition unisex styles sold out within minutes after they were posted online. Prices range from $120 to $440 for the eight pieces, which are available for purchase on YeezyGap.com and Farfetch.com. Gap said the collection reflects “timeless silhouettes translated through the lens of Kanye West and Balenciaga’s creative director, Demna’s, shared vision of utilitarian design.” Detroit Police have arrested two teenagers for the “execution-style” killings of a 5-year-old boy, his mother, and his stepfather in a home invasion on Sunday evening. Caleb Harris was shot multiple times in the face. His mother Lashon Marshall, 28, and her boyfriend Aaron Benson, 32, the boy’s stepfather, were also shot dead, TooFab reports. https://youtu.be/ReFJle5ePCQ Alexia Curry delivers on her debut single entitled "Hear His Voice," a message that is undoubtedly straight from God. When asked what the song reminds her of when singing it, Alexia said, “It reminds me of the old gospel hymn Yes, Jesus Loves Me.” Alexia is a devoted Christian with a genuine love for God, a woman of prayer, an entrepreneur, wife, mother, and now a new gospel artist. She believes that throughout her life God was preparing her for such a time as this, and now He has manifested her dreams into reality. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7rW82Ks_p0&feature=youtu.be Multi-genre recording artist Damien Sneed returns to his Gospel roots with the release of his brand-new project, Damien Sneed UNPLUGGED on Friday, February 25, 2022, on his boutique label, LeChateau Earl Records. UNPLUGGED is a collection of soulful and inspirational songs, recorded in a free-form, spare studio setting with Sneed on piano and vocals alongside several noted vocalists, including Chenee Campbell, Linny Smith, Tiffany Stevenson, and Matia Washington. The album’s first single, “Jehovah God, You Are My All” has recently been serviced to Gospel radio. UNPLUGGED is available on all digital retail and streaming platforms. The physical release of UNPLUGGED also coincides with Sneed’s special guest appearance at the Hammond Organ Summit at Berklee College of Music’s Piano and Voice departments today, February 24. He will lead two sessions titled Gospel Keyboard Techniques and Band Rehearsal Techniques, which are open to the Berklee community. While in Boston, Sneed will continue to headline his 25-city North American tour, A Tribute to Aretha Franklin, The Queen of Soul featuring special guest singer-songwriter Valerie Simpson at Berklee Performance Center tomorrow, Friday, February 25. The tour also features Gospel legend Karen Clark Sheard, who is not featured on this Berklee date. TV One announced the premiere date of its four-part documentary special UNSUNG PRESENTS: THE DECADES, an examination of the music and social consciousness of the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. Following on the success of TV One’s groundbreaking ‘Music and the Movement’ special, these four ‘Decades’ episodes put a spotlight on songs that were chart hits, while also showing how they became signifiers for what was going on in the wider culture of Black America, from politics to fashion to business. UNSUNG PRESENTS: THE DECADES kicks off a night of back-to-back episodes on Sunday, February 27 starting at 9 p.m. ET/8C, beginning with the 1970s, immediately followed by the 1980s episode at 10 p.m. ET/9C. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHl4hjMjtf8 For those wondering, yes, even one of America’s most decorated modern actresses still gets butterflies when stepping into a new role, especially when she’s playing one of the most iconic women in American history. In a conversation with media on Wednesday, Academy Award-winning actress Viola Davis said playing former first lady Michelle Obama in Showtime’s upcoming limited series “The First Lady” involved “a huge amount of fear.” “You don’t want to insult them by your portrayal,” she said during a panel for the show at the Television Critics Association press tour. https://youtu.be/j36nGWGC5FI Veteran actress Victoria Rowell is set to recur on the CBS medical drama “Good Sam.” The actress and creator/star of the “Rich & The Ruthless” took to Twitter to share the details along with a photo of herself with the show’s director, Oz Scott, and series actor Evan Parke. She captioned the image, “To my loyal ??@CBS @YandR_CBS @diagnosismurder medical drama fans pls join me on NEW Series @GoodSamCBS Wednesdays! It was a joy reuniting w/consummate Director @OzScott @ArimatheaMedia? #TinaKingsley #drama starts March 2nd!” Growing Up Hip Hop,” finds Tee Tee having a meltdown over having to get married under an ugly red tent on a rainy day. Meanwhile, her fiancée Shawn is not being as helpful as he can be. https://youtu.be/_DfIlZjmZ5U Hip-Hop icon Da Brat and her lady-love Jesseca “Judy” Dupart tied the knot at the Horse Mansion in Fairburn, Georgia on Feb. 22. https://www.instagram.com/reel/CaXbjuaDRUN/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c791e0c8-b5a6-4e04-b636-5d245607ca4b Wendy Williams has informed her spokesman, Howard Bragman, that he is not authorized to make any statements on her behalf. Following news that her beloved talk show is being canceled and her time slot will be filled by Sherri Shepherd‘s new show simply titled “Sherri,” Bragman released a statement Tuesday saying Wendy “understands” the business decision and expressed her “gratitude” to Shepherd, SandraRose reports. Wendy clapped back in a statement shared on her new Instagram page, informing Bragman that he is not “authorized” to speak for her. “Mr. Bragman although I appreciate your concerns and respect you immensely I have not authorized you to make any statements on my behalf regarding my current status with Debmar Mercury. Again thanks for your continuing concern and support.” In his written response to PEOPLE, Bragman suggested someone other than Wendy may have posted the statement. He wrote: “I’m not honestly convinced of the source of that social media post, so when my old friend Wendy FaceTimes me personally and we alone have a chance to discuss recent events, together we can figure out the best path forward.” Hip-hop icon MC Lyte admits she was “very distraught” after her marriage to John Wyche ended with a divorce in 2020. The rapper’s ongoing separation from her ex was initially hard to navigate emotionally, MC Lyte said while as a co-hosting on “The Real” on Feb. 21, MadameNoire reports. “I’m actually still going through it,” Lyte told the ladies of “The Real.” “When the press got a hold of it, I think people thought we were [divorced]. I had just filed and so we’re still going through it right now.” https://www.instagram.com/mclyte/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c4cf78c1-952a-4398-baf8-ae3d1df5c968 Over the recent All-Star weekend, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James hinted at the possibility of returning to Cleveland, something many sports fans think is a mistake. Apparently, LeBron is unhappy with his current team and “said he would play his final season alongside his son, Bronny — all of which reportedly came as a surprise to the Lakers,” per New York Post. James played his 18th consecutive All-Star Game on Sunday night in Cleveland and stated that he plans to sign with whichever NBA team drafts his son Bronny James when he becomes eligible to play in 2024. The teenager is currently a junior in high school. The vibe between James and the Lakers is comparable to “the early days of war,” one source told The Athletic. James and Rich Paul are reportedly putting pressure on the organization, with Lakers GM Rob Pelinka wanting to avoid engaging. Clearly, James wanted Pelinka to make a trade at the deadline, which he did not do. The report goes on to note that the Lakers “want to do everything possible to keep James, but if that means pushing Pelinka — Kobe Bryant’s former agent — out of his job, then it’s not clear whether that would be a step too far.” The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) has announced that media king Charlamagne Tha God (The Breakfast Club) and actress Alesha Reneé (The Rich & the Ruthless) will host the 13th AAFCA Awards on March 2 in its first live gathering since 2020. Winners of this year’s AAFCA Awards include “King Richard” stars Will Smith and Aunjanue Ellis for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress, as well as “Respect” star Jennifer Hudson for Best Actress and “The Harder They Fall” for Best Film. Kyle Rittenhouse, the Illinois teenager who was acquitted of all charges in the shooting deaths of two protesters in Kenosha, Wis., was seen on Tucker Carlson on Monday where he disclosed plans to sue individuals who publicly called him a murderer. Rittenhouse revealed he and his team have initiated the Media Accountability Project to fundraise and plans to take media corporations and individuals to court. In his interview, he named one of the people that he’s coming for and name-dropped The View co-host Whoopi Goldberg. “Right now we’re looking at quite a few,” Rittenhouse said. “Politicians, celebrities, athletes. Whoopi Goldberg’s on the list. She called me a murderer after I was acquitted by a jury of my peers. She went on to still say that. And there are others. Don’t forget about Cenk Uygur from The Young Turks. He called me a murderer before the verdict and continues to call me a murderer.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CaTwwkuNAe3/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again The family of Zoe Sozo Bethel previously said she died of serious head injuries sustained from an unspecified accident on Feb. 10. The Miami Police Department initially investigated her death as an attempted suicide but clarified Tuesday that it was a “tragic accident,” and ruled out foul play, The Daily Mail reports. Bethel, 27, Miss Alabama who represented the Cotton State in the 2021 pageant, reportedly fell from a third-floor window of a residential building and was transported by Miami Fire Rescue to Jackson Memorial Hospital in critical condition, police say. She died on Friday (Feb. 18). https://www.instagram.com/p/CaOUZjADXxB/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again In Houston, Henry David Cossette was given a $1,200,000 bond for his alleged part in the murder of Sara Goodwin, who was reported missing in early February. Cossette, 27, is accused of strangling Goodwin, 18, before dismembering her body and hiding the remains. Police say Cossette then set fire to his apartment in a suicide attempt. https://eurweb.com/2022/02/23/houston-man-accused-of-dismembering-18-year-old/ Black trans woman in Atlanta was just awarded $1.5 million after she spent six months in jail on trumped-up cocaine charges, and her story reminds us of two things: The Black Lives Matter movement isn’t complete unless it involves all Black lives, and cops lie just like anyone else, only their lies tend to have bigger consequences. According to WSB-TV 2, in October 2015, Ju’Zema Goldring was walking with a group of friends when two Atlanta police officers stopped the group and arrested Goldring for jaywalking, which she said she didn’t do. Now, already, this is a story about racist cops profiling Black people and then fishing for reasons to put them in handcuffs. Besides the fact that Goldring said she wasn’t guilty of it, who sees jaywalking as an immediately arrest able offense? Can it be dangerous? Sure. But, at best, it’s worth a citation, not putting someone behind bars. “During the arrest, an officer searched Goldring’s purse and found a stress ball. He cut it open and tested it for cocaine,” WSB-TV reported. “Defense attorneys said that despite the fact that the test was negative, the officer charged Goldring with trafficking cocaine.” Recently, Kenosha killer Kyle Rittenhouse sat down with Tucker Carlson to talk about his list of politicians, celebs, and media organizations he plans to sue for what he describes as “lies” told about him after his acquittal. “We’re looking at quite a few politicians, celebrities, athletes,” Rittenhouse said before specifically calling out Whoopi Goldberg and Cenk Uygur from the Young Turks. “Whoopi Goldberg is on the list, she called me a murderer after I was acquitted by a jury of my peers. She went on to still say that,” he said. “And there’s others, don’t forget about Cenk from the Young Turks. He called me a murderer before the verdict and continues to call me a murderer.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1495938071396855816 Russia’s audacious military mobilization in and around Ukraine is the first major skirmish of a new order in international politics, with three major powers jostling for position in ways that threaten America’s primacy. The challenges are different than those the U.S. and its network of alliances faced in the Cold War. Russia and China have built a thriving partnership based in part on a shared interest in diminishing U.S. power. Unlike the Sino-Soviet bloc of the 1950s, Russia is a critical gas supplier to Europe, while China isn’t an impoverished, war-ravaged partner but the world’s manufacturing powerhouse with an expanding military. In deploying a huge force against Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin is demanding that the West rewrite the post-Cold War security arrangements for Europe and demonstrated that Russia has the military capability to impose its will despite Western objections and economic sanctions. Ukraine’s security council has declared a nationwide state of emergency, a top security official has said, as Vladimir Putin boasted of the battle-readiness of Russia’s armed forces and Joe Biden warned of an impending full-scale invasion of the country. Council secretary Oleksiy Danilov said that Ukraine would introduce a 30-day period of emergency in a ramping up of precautions as Russian troops and blood supplies headed to frontlines in what US officials said were ‘plans for war’. It came as Russia began evacuating diplomatic staff from Ukraine after President Putin boasted of Russia’s preparedness and ‘advanced weapons’ including hypersonic missiles in a saber-rattling speech. As President Biden is due to deliver his first State of the Union address, new polling data suggests that many Black Americans aren’t happy with the direction of the U.S. economy. The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies published results of a poll which found 65 percent of Black Americans rated the economy as just fair or poor, while 61 percent said their personal economic situations were also just fair or poor. The center polled 600 Black Americans between Feb. 12 and 15, ranging in age from 18 to 64. About 50 percent of Black Americans surveyed said they think things in the U.S. have gone seriously off track, while 45 percent indicated they think things are going in the right direction. A majority of Black Americans surveyed, 73 percent, agreed that up to $50,000 of student loan debt should be forgiven, while 76 percent agree with forgiving all student loan debt. When it came to racism and discrimination, 81 percent of Black Americans surveyed said they believe it’s the federal government’s responsibility to reduce the impact on Black Americans, while 51 percent currently disapprove of the job the federal government is doing on this matter. A new short documentary and exposé published by Vanity Fair accuses Jerry Lewis of sexual harassment and assault. The interviews with actresses such as Karen Sharpe and Hope Holiday were conducted by Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering, the duo who tackled Mia Farrow’s allegations against Woody Allen in the HBO documentary series “Allen v Farrow” and the directors of the Oscar-nominated “The Hunting Ground.” Lewis was one of the most popular performers in the world in the 1950s and ’60s, first as part of a comic team with Dean Martin and later as the star of hits such as “The Nutty Professor” and “Cinderfella.” He died in 2017 at the age of 91. Sharpe met the actor during his commercial zenith. She was cast as Lewis’ love interest in the 1964 comedy “The Disorderly Orderly.” The actress said she was being fitted for costumes in Lewis’ office when he ordered everyone but her out of the room. Lewis allegedly “started moving in on me,” Sharpe said. “He grabbed me. He began to fondle me. He unzipped his pants. Quite frankly, I was dumbstruck.” “I put my hand up and said, ‘Wait a minute. I don’t know if this is a requirement for your leading ladies, but this is something I don’t do,’” Sharpe added. “I could see that he was furious. I got the feeling that that never really happened to him.” Sharpe could not quit the film because she had already signed a contract. When she returned to set days later, the entire crew was asked not to speak to her except the director and assistant director. The actress said Lewis also mandated he not rehearse with her. The comedian did not interact with her or acknowledge her unless they were on camera together for a scene. My Unorthodox Life star Julia Haart has been accused by her estranged husband, Silvio Scaglia, of having ‘a boob job’ and charging it to their company, Elite World Group. In new court documents, Scaglia, 63, and Haart, 50, are battling it out over whether or not she misused company resources prior to getting fired, Page Six reported on Tuesday. Earlier this month, Silvio sued Julia for ‘illegally’ withdrawing $850,000 from a company account and she fired back by accusing him of ‘bullying’ and seeking a restraining order. These latest accusations are part of the couple’s acrimonious divorce following just a few years of marriage. Haart allegedly had her breasts enhanced in December 2021 and the company she co-owned with husband Silvio is said to have footed the bill, according to Page Six. Scaglia previously fired Haart as CEO of Elite World Group, a talent agency founded by Silvio in 2011, and in court documents claims she ‘abused her role of CEO and overspent on the company’s dime.’‘Julia had a boob job in Westchester over Christmas,’ a source revealed to the outlet. ‘Her assistant Robert Brotherton also had a big makeover, all followed by the cameras for Netflix [and paid for by Elite].’ Several of the 23 categories which were presented live on the air during last year’s 93rd Oscars telecast will not be presented live on the air during the 94th Oscars telecast on March 27, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. In a move that is already causing tension within the leadership of the Academy, but is likely to be well received by the general public, the presentations and acceptance of eight awards — documentary short, film editing, makeup/hairstyling, original score, production design, animated short, live action short and sound — will take place inside the Dolby Theatre an hour before the live telecast commences, will be recorded and will then be edited into the subsequent live broadcast, a variation of a controversial approach that the Academy first adopted and then abandoned in 2018. (The Tony Awards employ a similar model.) The Academy declined comment. The move comes less than a year after the lowest-rated Oscars telecast ever provoked considerable consternation within the ranks of the Academy’s longtime broadcasting partner ABC, which owns the exclusive rights to air the ceremony through 2028, and the fees from which largely finance the operations of the Academy. The family of former America’s Got Talent star Jane ‘Nightbirde’ Marczewski has shared their ‘devastation’ over her death, after the talented singer passed away at age 31 following a four-year-long battle with cancer. The singer, from Ohio, died on Saturday, six months after she revealed that the disease had spread to her lungs, spine, and liver – forcing her to leave the singing competition show mid-way last August. Her family has now spoken out about their ‘unimaginable loss,’ while paying tribute to Marczewski’s ‘larger-than-life personality.’ ‘It is with the deepest heartache that we confirm that after a four-year battle with cancer, Jane Marczewski, known to many of you as Nightbirde, passed away on February 19, 2022. We, her family, are devastated by her passing and unimaginable loss,’ they said in a statement to DailyMail.com ‘Many remember her from America’s Got Talent, where she performed her song It’s OK and inspired millions of people around the globe with her messages of faith and never giving up. "Those who knew her, enjoyed her larger-than-life personality and sense of humor. She had a witty joke for every occasion – even if the joke was on her. A former Tesla construction manager has filed a lawsuit against the electric car company, alleging he was fired in retaliation for reporting a multitude of safety violations, shoddy oversight, and racial discrimination at Tesla’s factories. The lawsuit, filed by former employee Marc Cage in Alameda County court on Friday, marks the latest in a string of lawsuits filed by individual employees or government regulators against Tesla, revolving around allegations of racial or sexual harassment and discrimination. In his lawsuit, Cage, who is African American, alleges that he “witnessed and reported countless violations to dozens of Tesla personnel in various departments, including to the highest levels of the company” during his roughly two years working for Tesla, according to a statement from his attorneys issued Tuesday. Rather than address the issues he brought to the fore, the company fired him, the lawsuit alleges. Cage reported violations to several superiors, including a welding violation that could have led to “catastrophic, fatal explosions” at the company’s battery factory in Nevada, according to the lawsuit. Labeled as a would-be murderer, 15-year-old Martell Williams said he spent two nights last week in lockup at Waukegan’s police department. He was wrongly accused of shooting a local Dollar Store employee in the face on Feb. 4. Surveillance photos of the suspect were released by the police department in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. “The officers said that multiple people came to him and said it was me,” said Martell Williams, the teen wrongly accused of shooting the employee. The high school freshman, who is also on the basketball team, was confirmed to be at a game in Lincolnshire at the time of the shooting. A time-stamped photograph provided by the family helped to clear him. Jackson Mahomes appears to be at the center of yet another internet controversy. Rare Munchiez, a retailer that specializes in exotic food and drinks, recently called out the younger brother of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, alleging he “scammed” the company. In a video recently posted to Rare Munchiez’s TikTok page, the business claimed Jackson had reached out to them, with the company agreeing to send him a care package. The clip also features what appears to be direct messages between Jackson and Rare Munchiez, who asked the TikToker to tag them on social media upon receiving the treats. Rare Munchiez said in the alleged exchange with Jackson that the package was sent on Feb. 1, with the parcel apparently being delivered days later. In follow-up messages, Rare Munchiez asks, “did you receive it,” “when will you be posting us on your story,” and “so are you ignoring us or just haven’t received the box. A simple answer would be nice.” Jackson, who has been at the center of a few controversies this past NFL season, replied to Rare Munchiez’s post in the comments section, stating: “Never received anything from these guys…” Bodycam video of Jon Jones’ arrest in September shows the UFC star headbutt a police car during a verbal tirade with officers. Jones, the former light heavyweight champion, was arrested in Las Vegas on charges of misdemeanor battery domestic violence and injuring or tampering with a vehicle just hours after he was honored by the UFC Hall of Fame. https://youtu.be/7ejDXG4OcjY A Florida gymnast earned a perfect 10 with a sky-high floor routine set to the Squid Games theme song – after overcoming two ankle injuries that forced her to stop training for the 2020 Olympics. https://youtu.be/hhBhinIFQaU Michigan men’s basketball coach Juwan Howard has been suspended for the remaining five games of the regular season and fined $40,000 by the Big Ten Conference for slapping a Wisconsin assistant coach and igniting a brawl following Sunday’s loss in Madison. The Big Ten Conference also on Monday suspended three players one game for the altercation following the Badgers’ 77-63 win on Sunday: Michigan’s Moussa Diabate and Terrance Williams II, and Jahcobi Neath of Wisconsin. Wisconsin coach Greg Gard was fined $10,000 for violating the conference’s sportsmanship policy, but was not suspended. Howard is expected be back for the Big Ten tournament, which begins March 9 in Indianapolis. ‘After taking time to reflect on all that happened, I realize how unacceptable both my actions and words were, and how they affected so many,’ Howard said Monday in a statement released by the university. ‘I am truly sorry.’ Phil Martelli will serve as Michigan’s interim coach in Howard’s absence. Michigan’s final five regular-season games are home contests with Rutgers on Wednesday, No. 15 Illinois on Sunday, Michigan State on March 1 and No. 25 Iowa on March 3 plus a visit to No. 22 Ohio State on March 6. ‘Big Ten Conference coaches and student-athletes are expected to display the highest level of sportsmanship conduct,’ Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren said in a statement. ‘I am grateful for the partnership with Michigan Athletics Director, Warde Manuel and Wisconsin Athletics Director, Chris McIntosh,’ Warren continued. ‘Our expectation is that the incident yesterday will provide our coaches and student-athletes with the opportunity to reflect, learn and move forward in a manner that demonstrates decorum and leadership on and off of the court.’ Maurice Griffin announces, “Life After Sunday”. Life After Sunday is a reality-based television show about arts and culture of the black community. Filmed on location in Los Angeles, CA, Houston, TX, and Atlanta, GA, Maurice has laid the groundwork for what will be a long running hit show. After being a finalist in the second season of BET’s Sunday Best, Maurice realized that there was much more to life than just being a contestant. After gaining new friends and comrades, Maurice assessed the different areas of growth in those that came before and after him in the series. Maurice said, “I’ve seen so many accomplishments of my fellow Sunday Best alumnus, they should be celebrated and have a spotlight to show their amazing careers to date.” Maurice has tapped into Kefia Rollerson, Shontelle Norman-Beatty and Alexis Spight, along with other extras for the first few tapings. The episodes are strategically crafted around each artist, where they are in life as well as their current projects. No reality show goes without its cliff hangers, and this one doesn’t disappoint. This reality show is one to look out for. Atlanta-based record label, Pebble Street Records proudly signs a new artist to their roster, Pastor Michael Lampkin. Lampkin, both a talented pianist and vocalist is known for finishing as a Top 3 Finalist on Season 5 of BET’s Sunday Best. In 2020 he released his First Ep “The Right Time” featuring notable songs, “Better” and “The Fight is Over.” Pebble Street Records was founded and launched by E. Dewey Smith at the end of 2021 and already experiencing expansion! When asked about signing his new artist, E. Dewey had this to say, “I became familiar with Michael Lampkin as a contestant on 'Sunday Best'. When I heard his voice I knew immediately that he was special! We developed a brotherhood almost four years ago and I’ve been working on signing him to the label for quite some time! He will be a mainstay in the Gospel Music industry for years to come! I’m absolutely overwhelmed with excitement about the music that we will produce together.” Followers of four-time best-selling author, financial expert, and money motivation coach, Ash Cash, will not be surprised to discover that he has released a new single, "Living In Abundance" featuring Fedarro. Ash Cash who recently released his memoir, From The Block To The Bank, is taking a few pages out of his own book, "Do Whatever You Feel (As Long As It Feels Good)" available on all music streaming outlets on February 22nd. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeWFBu-fxP0 Tonight, the NAACP celebrated the second night of the 53rd NAACP Image Awards announcing the next round of winners in the non-televised award categories, which featured categories short form series, directing and writing across film and television, as well as the esteemed Activist of the Year Award, which was presented to Scot X. Esdaile. The winners were revealed tonight during the NAACP Image Awards’ Virtual Experience presented by Wells Fargo and hosted by Affion Crockett at naacpimageawards.net and YouTube. Tonight’s winners included Issa Rae for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series, “When The Sun Sets (Lakutshon' Ilanga)” for Outstanding Short-Form (Live Action), Shaka King, Will Berson, Kenny Lucas & Keith Lucas- (Judas and the Black Messiah) for Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture, Bashir Salahuddin & Diallo Riddle - “South Side” – “Tornado” (208) for Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series, Shaka King- “Judas and the Black Messiah” for Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture, Samantha Knowles, Yoruba Richen, Geeta Gandbhir, Nadia Hallgren- “Black and Missing”- Ep 103 for Outstanding Directing in a Documentary, Us Again for Outstanding Short-Form (Animated). Kerry Washington is honoring Rosa Parks by recreating the civil rights activist’s famous 1955 mugshot. “A lot of people think that Rosa’s activism started with her refusing to give up her seat on the bus,” Washington wrote Monday in an Instagram post of the side-by-side photo. “But she lived a life of activism long before that. Fighting, boycotting, marching, and even working as an investigator for the NAACP, advocating against sexual assaults on Black women.” “It was Rosa Park’s act of civil disobedience on that bus that sparked a revolution,” she continued. “She took that seat in order to take a stand. That seat on the bus was her fighting stance – and so we continue the fight today, in whatever way we can!” Washington’s post continued. “Lets ask ourselves, what can we do! Sit. Stand. March. Make calls. Volunteer. Talk to your family and friends. Do whatever you can and however you can. Rosa taught us that. And we are forever grateful. It was an honor to honor her. ????????????????????????????,” she added. Former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores said team owner Stephen Ross offered him millions of dollars to keep quiet after he was fired in January. In his first interview since joining the Pittsburgh Steelers coaching staff, Flores, who is suing the Dolphins, the NFL and other teams alleging racial discrimination, told HBO Real Sports’ Bryant Gumbel he refused to sign a nondisparagement agreement (NDA) so he could speak out about his experience. Flores’ attorneys, Doug Wigdor and John Elefterakis, joined him on the show. https://youtu.be/zB4iYQAIKSs Antiracist libraries are surfacing throughout the Bay Area to in an effort to push back against the current banning of Black-themed books by conservative school boards across the country. The Walnut Creek-based nonprofit, Rise Up Against Racism, builds “Little Free Antiracist Libraries” from the ground up, filling each structure with books for children and adults that center on historically marginalized perspectives, reports the Bay Area’s ABC7. https://eurweb.com/2022/02/23/antiracist-libraries-popping-up-throughout-bay-area-amid-nationwide-school-board-whitewashing-video/ Idris Elba is ready to put his acting career on hold and focus solely on his music career. Speaking to Vanity Fair for the magazine’s 2022 Hollywood Issue, the Hollywood hunk said he hopes to “lean away from the acting work” and dedicate more time to music-making. “Some may think, ‘Well, it will be the death of your acting if your music’s s—.’ I’ve dealt with the internal struggle of that over the years. So now I’m at peace and I’ve chosen: This is what I’m doing, and I’m going to do it. Some will love it and some will hate it,” Elba said of pursuing music. He added, “The thing about making music is it’s a very consuming process. It’s very difficult to shoot a movie and then go off into the studio or make a song. It’s like trying to build a soufflé while making a brick wall.” https://youtu.be/lBA9ckGyKcw Chad Ochocinco has reacted to the news that singer KeKe Wyatt is expecting her 11th child by admitting he is ready to compete with her. On Sunday (Feb. 20), Wyatt announced on social media she’s adding another addition to her family. Keke shared the exciting news on her Instagram with a series of pictures of her baby bump and her family. In the caption, the 39-year-old wrote, “My husband, Zackariah David Darring and I are proud to announce that our family will be adding a ‘plus 1’ to the Wyatt Bunch!” She also mentioned her fourth child who was a stillbirth, adding, “Our other daughter @0fficial.kaylaaaa wasn’t available for the picture but you’re with us in spirit Shuga! #Baby11.” Upon seeing Keke’s announcement, Chad tweeted has made clear that Wyatt will not outdo him in having babies. “KeKe Wyatt really think she finna outdo me….,” the former NFL star wrote. Per Ace Showbiz, “Chad has at least eight children with seven different women. His youngest child and his first with fiancee Sharelle Rosado was born in January this year.” https://www.instagram.com/keke_wyatt/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=4611d30f-ae55-4064-bc61-b4eb1c41d4c1 Missy 'Misdemeanor' Elliot took to Instagram with a video showing off the bling, made by B&B Jewelry and featuring white and yellow diamonds on the chain. The pendant that represents one of her looks from the song’s video, itself an iconic visual kaleidoscope from director Hype Williams and visual designer Ron Norsworthy. The most iconic part of the video is that patent leather blow up suit, aka the “trash bag” outfit she wears during a fisheye lens shot. https://www.instagram.com/missymisdemeanorelliott/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=ee00ed4e-ab31-4109-a2e8-796b2a3311d0 Megan Thee Stallion is “still in court” battling with 1501 Certified Entertainment CEO Carl Crawford over her music and contractual obligations. The rapper’s legal team “filed a petition last week asking for her 2021 project “Something for Thee Hotties” to be considered an album under her recording agreement,” per Complex. In court documents obtained by Complex and filed on Friday, Megan’s legal team at Holland & Knight claimed 1501 didn’t classify the 21-track Something for Thee Hotties as an “album,” and that the label said it didn’t satisfy her “minimum recording commitment.” Meg’s lawyers now say that, given the label’s argument, “1501 wants to tie [Megan Thee Stallion] down to release more albums under the Contract to the financial benefit of 1501.” Per Complex, “Megan owes one more album on her contract if Something for Thee Hotties gets counted as an album.” Cardi B has responded to Tasha K admitting that she does not have the $4 million dollars a judge ordered her to pay after losing a defamation case against the rapper. In a recent interview (see clip below), the blogger was asked about the case and if she had millions to pay Cardi B. “I ain’t got it,” said Tasha K in an interview with @kendallkyndall and @kendragmedia. “Listen, I ain’t got it. Don’t ask me for no money. I ain’t got it. But listen, we have business things in place that takes care of things like this.” Tasha added that she doesn’t intend on paying Cardi as the suit is headed to an appellate court. https://www.instagram.com/p/CaQhIGQgB1j/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Snoop Dogg’s Death Row Records acquisition won’t include 2Pac and Dr. Dre albums, according to reports. he new owner of Death Row Records, the rapper has revealed plans for it to be the first NFT record label. “Death Row will be an NFT label,” Snoop said in a Clubhouse room on Feb. 15. “We will be putting out artists through the metaverse. Just like we broke the industry when we was the first independent [label] to be major, I want to be the first major [label] in the metaverse.” Snoop Dogg rose to fame during the ’90s on Death Row Records, now he has acquired the label from MNRK Music Group, which is controlled by a private equity fund managed by Blackstone, per Variety. The terms of the deal have not been disclosed. An unnamed young man in New England is making headlines after suffering organ failure and undergoing multiple amputations from eating a leftover lo mein noodle meal. The curious case of the 19-year-old (identified only as JC) was documented in the New England Journal of Medicine in March 2021 and went viral recently on the YouTube channel Chubbyemu, which created a fictional portrayal of the incident, narrated by a licensed medical provider called Dr. Bernard. https://youtu.be/EqHpnoV00j4 White “beauty influencers” on TikTok have taken tanning to a dangerous new level, and it appears to be gaining in popularity. Forget tanning lotion, beds and the ol’ fashioned UV rays from the sun. Melanin-deficient girls are now into “tanning nasal sprays,” which claim to increase production of melanin in the skin upon inhalation. Dermatologists are appalled. The sprays reportedly contain dihydroxy methylchromonyl palmitate, “a self-tanning ingredient which helps increase melanin production when used topically.” However, the ingredient has not been approved for inhalation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Also, “There’s no proven safety of ingesting dihydroxy methylchromonyl palmitate at all,” dermatologist Dr. Nancy Samolitis told Allure magazine. “Whether or not it works, we don’t know.” Dr. R. Peter Manes, a rhinologist with Yale Medicine, told Everyday Health that inhaling unapproved substances can result in a number of serious side effects that could last indefinitely. “Nasal use of medications can affect things like one’s sense of smell. They can also potentially be toxic to the cilia of the nose, which allow the nose to move mucus through it normally,” he stated. “They reached out to our manager two years ago, with the pandemic things have been postponed and push back. We’re glad to return,” said trumpeter Rodney Marsalis about his upcoming concert in Fort Myers at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on March 3, 2022. https://youtu.be/VfCVKBw6UhU T.I. has embarked on a new career journey as a stand-up comedian and comic veteran Godfrey is not impressed. In a recent interview, Godfrey spoke about being the headliner at a recent stand-up show and after his set, T.I. went on after him “and that’s a no-no, according to Godfrey,” per HotNewHipHop, so Godfrey opted not to watch the rapper’s set. “As a headliner, no one is supposed to go up after you,” he said on an episode of his In Godfrey We Trust podcast. https://youtu.be/0LuAFHz5KY0 An elite group of entertainment industry professionals to speak on the panel of the 23rd annual Baltimore “Uplifting Minds II” (ULMII) Entertainment Conference via Zoom Saturday, April 16, 2022 between 1-3pmET/10-12noonPT. The free event offers a Q&A Session with the panelists, a Professional Talent Showcase and a National Talent Competition where 10 acts – singers, songwriters, dancers or actors – compete for the Los Angeles ULMII Best Artist Award and over $17,000 valued in products ad services. The panelists consist of legendary Jazz saxophonist Dr. Marion Meadows (Shanachie Entertainment); Houston Judge Dedra Davis, a veteran entertainment attorney and current circuit court judge for the state of Houston (www.MusicLW.com); artist manager Dr. Kerri Moseley-Hobbs, whose client is a multi-award winning SAG/AFTRA actor and filmmaker (www.Anthony-Michael.com); Consul Paul Gardner, II, Founder and General Manager of The Gardner Law Group and Entertainment Contract Specialist (www.TheGardnerLawGroup.com); Soprano Opera Singer Cheryl Warfield, who has performed on Broadway and at the Metropolitan Opera House (www.MoreOpera.com); Digital Magazine Publisher Dr. Lee Bailey (www.EURweb.com), who began in entertainment as a pioneering syndicated radio show jockey; Performing Arts Specialist Nadiyah Kareem (Super Star Entertainment), who managed Talib Kareem to include co-writing/producing Solange Knowles first album/single “Solo Star” and joining the Jive Records Pop group Imajin, and Multi-Award winning Anthony Michael Hobbs (www.ImaginationLunchbox.com), whose credits as an actor include Emmy nominated PBS series The Abolitionist and a project for DreamWorks and as a filmmaker he has garnered over 20 awards for his short films. Atlanta’s 11Alive is streaming live from Brunswick, Georgia where a federal court announced at 10:30 a.m. ET on Tuesday, Feb. 22 guilty verdicts for all three hate crime defendants in the trial of the murder of Ahmaud Arbery. Watch above, courtesy of 11Alive. The trial sought to determine if father and son, Gregory and Travis McMichael, and their neighbor, William “Roddie” Bryan, violated Arbery’s civil rights, which is a hate crime. The three men also faced an attempted kidnapping charge. The McMichaels faced additional charges for using and carrying a firearm during a violent crime, with Travis specifically being charged with discharging his weapon. According to 11Alive, the lone Black man on the jury shed tears during the verdict. https://youtu.be/EvOQScTjTgU Miss Alabama 2021 Zoe Sozo Bethel died Friday, eight days after she sustained serious head injuries in an undisclosed accident. “On Friday, February 18, 2022, at approximately 5:30AM Eastern time in Miami, Florida, our beloved Zoe Sozo Bethel passed from this life into the next as a result of succumbing to her injuries,” her parents wrote in a Sunday post to her Instagram page. As reported by the New York Post, Bethel’s family previously disclosed that she’d been in an accident, writing: “Zoe had an accident Thursday night, February 10th, & sustained severe damage to her brain/brainstem & is in a coma.” “Unfortunately the doctors are saying the damage cannot be repaired & that she may not have much time left,” they added. https://www.instagram.com/p/CaOUZjADXxB/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again President Joe Biden speaks on the Russia and Ukraine situation, a day after the White House said the United States, in coordination with allies and partners, will announce severe new sanctions and export controls against Russia in response to Moscow’s decision to recognize two breakaway regions of Ukraine as independent and send troops there. President Biden spoke from the East Room at the White House on Feb. 22, making remarks about sanctions in response to Russia’s deployment of troops into two pro-Russian separatist regions of Ukraine. https://youtu.be/9yGINzJHKao As tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to boil to a potential tipping point, evangelist Franklin Graham is encouraging his followers to pray for Russian President Vladimir Putin — and he’s facing rebuke as a result. “Pray for President Putin,” Graham wrote on Twitter and Facebook, noting his request could spark frustration. “This may sound like a strange request, and I might get some angry comments, but we need to pray that God would work in his heart so that war — and the loss of thousands of lives — could be avoided at all cost.” The evangelist went on to ask for wisdom for the world leaders involved in the dispute, noting prayer could have a life-saving impact. “Our prayers might make the difference between life and death,” Graham said. But some took immediate issue with Graham’s call. As The Christian Post noted, Democratic congressional candidate Scott Huffman lambasted the evangelist’s prayer call. “Franklin Graham asks his followers to pray for Putin. Guess he forgot about the Ukrainians and our NATO allies,” he wrote. “It’s almost like he supports the enemy who is about to declare war and kill people.” Democratic operative Jon Cooper added his dismay into the mix. “Trump-loving evangelist Franklin Graham just told his followers: ‘Pray for President Putin today,’” he tweeted. “Unreal. The shooting death of Walking Dead actor Moses J. Moseley – initially believed to be a suicide – is now being investigated as possible foul play due to new evidence, as family members suspect he was kidnapped and murdered with his death made to look like suicide. The 31-year-old Moseley, who who appeared on the Walking Dead from 2012 to 2015 playing the armless and jawless Mike, a pet zombie, was found dead in his car late last month in Stockbridge, Georgia, a city on the outskirts of Atlanta, with a bullet to the head and a gun on his lap. Relatives said they hadn’t heard from the actor since January 23. They filed a missing person’s report on on January 26, TMZ reports. They then contacted car security company OnStar, which tracked his vehicle to where his body was found that day. Cops originally suspected that Moseley took his own life. On Sunday, @bscott broke the news that “The Wendy Williams Show” will be coming to an end. Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury, the producer-distributor of The Wendy Williams Show, is now confirming the report. A daytime syndicated talk show hosted by Sherri Shepherd (The View, Dish Nation) will succeed The Wendy Williams Show, according to Deadline citing a statement. “Sherri” will make its syndication debut on the Fox Television Stations and broadcasters nationwide in fall 2022 and will inherit the Fox O&O time slots of Wendy. “Sherri is a natural who proved her hosting skills for many years as a panelist on The View, on Fox’s Dish Nation and again this season as a popular guest host of Wendy,” Debmar-Mercury Co-Presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein said. “Like our viewers, we have been impressed by the unique comedic twist Sherri puts on our daily live ‘Hot Topics’ segment, her creativity, and interactions with our guests. Her love for the content and daytime fans is obvious, and we are excited to partner with her to create another long-term talk franchise.” Shepherd said, “OMG! I am so excited to have my dream come true and debut my very own talk show SHERRI in the fall. I can’t wait until I return to NY to host the show and merge everything I love…pop culture, talk, entertainment and comedy. I am thankful to Debmar-Mercury and FOX for partnering with me on this show and look forward to this new journey.” “The Wendy Williams Show” had been canceled and will be replaced by “Sherri” with Sherri Shepherd as host. In the wake of that announcement, Wendy Williams released a statement through her rep, Howard Bragman. “It’s been a challenging time for Wendy as she deals with her health issues. She is incredibly grateful to Debmar-Mercury, to Sherri and everybody else who has supported the show through this time,” Bragman said in his statement to Deadline. “She, more than anyone, understands the reality of syndicated television — you can’t go to the marketplace and sell a show that’s The Maybe Wendy Show,” Bragman added. “She understands why this decision was made from a business point of view, and she has been assured by Debmar-Mercury that should her health get to a point where she can host again and should her desire be that she hosts again that she would be back on TV at that time.” https://youtu.be/k8Uz6fOv1g8 Boosie Badazz sat down for a lengthy interview with VladTV about the backlash to his controversial remarks about the LGBT community. The Louisiana rapper has released his latest album “Heartfelt,” and revealed that the project lacks features from fellow artists because many have stopped associating with him “after all the gay sh*t.” Boosie tells the outlet that his past comments about the LGBT community and openly gay rapper Lil Nas X and Dwyane Wade’s transgender daughter, Zaya, have rappers in the industry giving him the side-eye. https://youtu.be/OIdHSOHzSrY Gabrielle Union opens up in the latest issue of PEOPLE about her haircare journey and the relaunch of her product line, Flawless by Gabrielle Union. Speaking to the publication ahead of her participation in Sally Beauty’s first-ever roundtable discussion, with host Taraji P. Henson, Union said she began using chemical treatments on her hair, such as relaxer, in order to “fit in” with societal standards when it comes to beauty. Per People, “Union began using the treatment, starting at age eight and not stopping until 15 years later.” vhttps://www.instagram.com/p/CZze1EojIME/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Halle Berry’s daughter was shocked to see her mother kiss a woman in her film Bruised. The actress, 55, plays mixed martial arts fighter Jackie Justice who is making a comeback to the sport after falling from grace while battling some personal issues. And Jackie enjoys a short romance with trainer Bobbi Buddhakan, played by Sheila Atim, 31, prompting Halle’s 13-year-old daughter Nahla to demand a conversation with her mother about love on screen and sexuality. Halle said, according to The Sun: ‘So Nahla watches the love scene (with a man). She’s looking at me and she’s like, “Oh, whoa, mum. Really? Wow!” So then, my editor, who’s sitting next to me not really realising my daughter is there, says, “Go to the second love scene, I want to see what that looks like.” Well, that’s a love scene with a woman. ‘My daughter’s like, “Whoa, Mum, we need to have some conversations. You didn’t tell me.” The sister of actress Lindsey Pearlman, who was discovered dead in Los Angeles last week days after being reported missing, is now advocating for suicide prevention by sharing the link of a hotline that helps those struggling with thoughts of self-harm. Pearlman, 43, was known for her work on television series such as Chicago Justice, General Hospital and Empire. She was the subject of a desperate five-day search after abruptly disappearing February 13. Her cousin, Savannah Pearlman, posted a tweet Saturday on behalf of the actress’s sister, Marni Pearlman ‘Please know that you are never truly alone,’ she tweeted. ‘Lindsey’s sister has asked that we share the National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255.’ Her older sister Marni, 46, posted a brief statement Saturday on Facebook, saying: ‘Thank you to everyone who helped spread the news to search for my sister. She’s been found. She is gone. We are broken. Please respect our privacy at this time.’ Justin Bieber has tested positive for COVID-19. The 27-year-old learned about the diagnosis on Saturday and is feeling OK, a representative for the Baby singer told TMZ. Justin’s concert at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, set to take place today, has now been postponed to the summer. It is unknown when exactly Justin contracted the virus, and it remains to be seen whether or not his shows in Arizona and Los Angeles – both scheduled for this week – will also be rescheduled. It was revealed the Las Vegas show had been postponed to June 28 in a statement posted to Twitter on Saturday. Phat Tuesdays: The Era of Hip Hop Comedy is an Amazon Original three-part docuseries now premiering exclusively on Prime Video. Stand-up comics remember the urban comedy explosion of Phat Tuesdays. In the words of Anthony Anderson, Tiffany Haddish, Steve Harvey, Regina King and more, Phat Tuesdays tells the unbelievable story of how one man, Guy Torry, moved mountains to launch an all-Black comedy night at The Comedy Store. What started as an experiment in 90’s Los Angeles, turned into a breeding ground for today’s greatest comedians, elevating Black voices to have their turn on the stage which helped changed the trajectory of their careers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnoyUIwJb68 If “walk it like I talk it” was a person, it would be Robin Rue Simmons. The former alderman in Evanston, Illinois, made history in 2019 when she successfully instituted a reparations program specifically geared toward her city’s Black constituents who are linked to earlier generations of racist discrimination. Simmons’ efforts have unequivocally helped bolster interest in pending legislation for a national reparations program. But even with the pomp and circumstance of cultural observances like Black History Month, the Martin Luther King federal holiday and things like honorary street naming's helping to raise awareness of the movement for reparations, Simmons cautioned that any rejoicing from her program was premature. “We have still not done the work to repair past harm that was intentionally anti-Black,” Simmons said. Being a respected news outlet comes with much responsibility, especially one that heavily covers race relations — take it from us! One of the longest-running publications that also happens to serve a predominately Black audience is the Baltimore Sun, and it recently drew public attention to a past history of racism that’s gone ignored for the newspaper’s entire 185 years in print. That is, until now. Lifting the paywall that usually requires readers to subscribe to read online articles, the Baltimore Sun editorial board released a lengthy apology in article form last week to call out its own legacy rooted in its founder, Arunah S. Abell. https://www.instagram.com/baltimoresun/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=1686fa2d-be1c-48e9-ad83-82735930362d According to #KTLA, #SugeKnight‘s former lawyer has been permanently disbarred from practicing law after pleading guilty on Wednesday to conspiracy and perjury charges.? #MatthewFletcher, 57, who represented Knight when he faced murder charges in 2016, pleaded no contest to conspiracy and perjury charges.? During Knight’s murder trial, Fletcher was accused of bribing potential witnesses.? Prosecutors charged Fletcher with one count of conspiracy to commit bribery, conspiracy to commit subornation of perjury, conspiracy to commit obstruction of justice, and accessory after the fact after obtaining a warrant to listen in on Fletcher and Knight’s jailhouse phone calls.? It is alleged that Fletcher attempted to pay witnesses to testify that there were guns near the scene of the 2016 incident when Knight struck two men with his truck, which would corroborate his claim that he acted in self-defense.? Fletcher also allegedly told Knight it would cost him “$20,000 to $25,000” to obtain his freedom. https://www.instagram.com/p/CaIuZaLr97b/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again The CIAA basketball tournament is one of the biggest events in all of HBCU sports every year. The historic all-HBCU athletic conference crowns a champion in front of some of the most unique fans in the country. Yet, the play on the court is far from the only thing that sets this nearly week-long spectacle apart. The CIAA tournament holds a significant place in HBCU culture and there are usually a plethora of events and activities that span every age demographic. That includes famous musicians showcasing their talents at some of the marquee events. This year will be no different when artists like The Magnificent DJ Jazzy Jeff, The Legendary DJ Kool, DJ Kid Capri, Chubb Rock, Slick Rick, Big Daddy Kane, YoYo, Monie Luv Rakim, and Michel’le pull up and show out in Baltimore from Tuesday through Saturday. While the lineups rock year, the true essence of the CIAA tournament isn’t in the music or basketball — it’s in the camaraderie, tradition and legacy passed down from generation to generation in the HBCU community. https://twitter.com/i/status/1495443354837991424 The legendary Mo’Nique recently joined TS Madison and did she bring the heat! She opened an interview about the falling through of her past shows, her Netflix lawsuit, and drama with Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey. The Queen of Comedy said that Tyler Perry agreed to meet with her on two conditions: she would have to come without Sidney Hicks – her husband and manager – and publicly apologize for accusing them (Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey) of being responsible for the demise of her thriving career. https://youtu.be/AOiXBlG7gsA Kim Kardashian’s sisters Kourtney Kardashian, Khloé Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, and Kylie Jenner have unfollowed Kanye West on social media after Kim deleted him from her follow list. Their mother, Kris Jenner, still follows the rapper, as insiders claim she allegedly owns a great percentage of his royalties and brand. Kanye (aka Ye) has spent several weeks harassing his estranged wife and her new boytoy Pete Davidson online. He took to Instagram recently to ask fans for divorce advice amid his co-parenting drama with Kim and has expressed his concerns over their eldest daughter North West having a TikTok account. “SINCE THIS IS MY FIRST DIVORCE I NEED TO KNOW WHAT I SHOULD DO ABOUT MY DAUGHTER BEING PUT ON TIK TOK AGAINST MY WILL ?” Ye captioned a screenshot of one of North’s TikTok videos. Actor and director Kadeem Hardison is known for his iconic TV role as Dwayne Wayne on the groundbreaking NBC sitcom A Different World, which aired for seven seasons, from 1987 through 1993, and highlighted the lives and relationships of Black college students attending the fictional HBCU, Hillman College. The show also starred Lisa Bonet, Marisa Tomei, Jasmine Guy, Sinbad, Jada Pinkett Smith, Cree Summer and Darryl M. Bell among others. Actor and director Kadeem Hardison is known for his iconic TV role as Dwayne Wayne on the groundbreaking NBC sitcom A Different World, which aired for seven seasons, from 1987 through 1993, and highlighted the lives and relationships of Black college students attending the fictional HBCU, Hillman College. The show also starred Lisa Bonet, Marisa Tomei, Jasmine Guy, Sinbad, Jada Pinkett Smith, Cree Summer and Darryl M. Bell among others. https://youtu.be/EtvG9mBJJO4 Dr. Dre‘s “Still D.R.E.” music video featuring Snoop Dogg has hit one billion views on YouTube. The two hip-hop icons performed the track as part of a melody of Dre’s hits during Sunday’s Super Bowl halftime show at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, alongside Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige, and special guest 50 Cent. https://youtu.be/_CL6n0FJZpk Pepsi has decided to no longer sponsor the Super Bowl Halftime Show but will remain a sponsor of the National Football League. “The rights to the halftime show are being pitched with an annual price tag of $40-50 million, with one of the factors being whether the brand already serves as a league sponsor. Contenders mentioned by SBJ include Verizon and Amazon. Yes, that’s a lot of money for fewer than 15 minutes. But it’s a massive audience,” per Pro Football Talk. Meanwhile, The Hollywood Reporter previously explained that the league is looking for ways to make the halftime show bigger by “taking different aspects of it making it stand way outside of the 12 minutes.” The extra content could include, “documentary footage around the preparations for the show or behind-the-scenes access, or footage from dress rehearsals or bonus performances.” The bonus content would result in more value for the sponsor. Meanwhile, we reported earlier that NBC’s broadcast of Super Bowl LVI averaged 99.2 million viewers, while 1.9 million tuned in on Telemundo. As reported by Urban Hollywood 411, the total number of viewers who watched the game on TV as well as streaming and digital platforms climbed to 112.3 million, according to Nielsen. Ricky Dillard has released a new collection of songs following the release of his recent album Breakthrough: The Exodus! Listen to the Begins With Me https://rickydillard.lnk.to/BeginsWithMeEM?utm_campaign=177782_MOTG%202.21_231797_US&utm_source=dotmailer&utm_medium=email&dm_i=4YUT,3T6E,4SQSQ,I39Z Tye Tribbett drops We Overcome which including songs like “If He Did It Before… Same God,” “You Are Everything” and more, this collection of songs from Tye Tribbet are certain to get you in the worship mood. Listen to We Overcome now! https://tyetribbett.lnk.to/WeOvercomeEM?utm_campaign=177782_MOTG%202.21_231797_US&utm_source=dotmailer&utm_medium=email&dm_i=4YUT,3T6E,4SQSQ,I3AJ,1 Inspirational, Christian, and Gospel recording artist Greg Monk has released another warm, full-hearted, relatable song. We all have dreams and plans, but somehow they don't always work out the way we think they would, and we eventually come to realize God has a "Better Plan." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8mykhV7EJ8 Vladimir Putin ordered a ‘peacekeeping mission’ in Ukraine’s eastern breakaways of Donetsk and Luhansk after Joe Biden hit the two regions with sanctions following Russia declaring them ‘independent republics’. Putin’s decrees declaring DPR and LPR as sovereign states also included so-called ‘peacekeeping’ missions – the first real step toward a full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia. Biden immediately issued on Monday economic sanctions on the two regions, which was met with criticism that the punishment did not extend directly to Russia or Putin. Jim Scuitto, a CNN national security who served as chief of staff to the U.S. Ambassador to China under Obama, said of the sanctions: ‘Is this really it?’ White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki assured in her Monday statement that there will be further measures taken in coordination with U.S. allies and partners if Russia further invades Ukraine. ‘We are continuing to closely consult with Allies and partners, including Ukraine, on next steps and on Russia’s ongoing escalation along the border with Ukraine,’ she wrote. Racism within fire departments is not new. But firefighters at a Pennsylvania fire department sunk to a new level after getting caught making racist statements about an eight-year-old Black child killed last summer. Caught on tape, a member of the Briarcliffe Fire Company mocked Fanta Bility, who three police officers killed in Sharon Hill, a town near Darby Township. This isn’t the first time firefighters at Briarcliffe have been accused of racist misconduct. Tim Eichelman, president and deputy chief of the township’s Goodwill Fire Company, told WHYY News that the company has received complaints of racism for years. The two-hour-long call, which Eichelman recorded, only shined a small light on a long history of racial injustice embedded within the squad. “Letters have been written to the township before about their behavior, and their racist remarks, but there was no action taken because nobody ever heard it,” Eichelman told the outlet, noting how some firemen would refuse to service Black areas of Darby Township. Former NFL player and coach Charley Taylor passed away Saturday at the age of 80. Taylor first joined the NFL in 1964, playing for the Washington team. According to ESPN, Taylor played in eight Pro Bowls and still has the most receptions in league history. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984, Taylor spent 14 years with the Washington team first as a halfback and then wide-receiver. He later transitioned from player to scout to member of the coaching staff. While his cause of death was not released, news reports indicate he had been in an assisted living facility in Virginia at the time of his death. Born in Grand Prairie, Texas in 1941, Taylor is best known for football but was an all-around athlete also playing baseball in high school and college. He went on to attend Arizona State University and was the number three pick in the first round of the 1964 NFL draft. His hall of fame profile highlights, he was the first rookie player in 20 years to finish in the NFL’s top 10 in rushing and receiving. “He had those great, smooth, classical moves that you just don’t teach,” Arizona State head coach Frank Kush said in a prior interview with NFL Films. “I still feel very strongly that he would have to be one of the all-time greats. He had it all. He was poetry on a football field.” A member of the Arizona State inaugural Sports Hall of Fame, Taylor still holds the Washington franchise record for total touchdowns. https://twitter.com/i/status/1495214370800177152 A Mississippi-based dentist is on a mission to eradicate socioeconomic barriers that impact access to quality dental care. Dr. LaMonica Davis Taylor has launched a mobile dentist facility to serve underprivileged youth in her community. Dr. Taylor—who founded Smiles on Broadway Dental Care in Jackson—has taken her practice on the road to bring dental services to schools in neighborhoods where health care shortages exist. She and her team provide emergency and preventative dental care for nearly 100 students at each school. The Spelman alumna—who holds a degree from the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s School of Dentistry—says her awareness of the inequities prompted her to use her practice as an avenue to develop a solution. An East Cleveland police officer was caught on camera kicking a black man in the back while he was complying with the officer’s demands. According to Police Chief Scott Gardner, the officer has been placed on administrative leave but will stay on police payroll through a collective bargaining agreement. The incident began when officer Ian McInnes approached the black man outside of Best Steak N Gyros House in East Cleveland. He ordered the man to get on the ground or he would get tased. But the viral video, as well as the police bodycam show the man complying with the officer’s demands. Once the man was knelled to the ground, Officer McInnes kicked him in the small of his back, jolting him forward until his face smacked against the concrete. https://www.instagram.com/p/CZ-jOmHDufg/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again A white teacher in Queens, NY was arrested Thursday after he was accused of brutally throwing a Black student into a wall, then slamming him to the ground. Colin McNally, the PE teacher and Varsity Boys tennis coach at Benjamin N. Cardozo High School, was caught on video during a physical altercation he had with a 14-year-old student. According to reports, McNally approached the student after he was playing basketball in the gym. Officials say McNally took the ball from the student, when the young boy tried to take the ball back from McNally, he grabbed the boy by the shirt, tossed him against the wall with one hand, then flipped him on the ground. McNally continues his assault on the student, holding the boy’s head between his legs until another student comes to break it up. https://twitter.com/i/status/1494429639971856399 Now-former NBC Sports reporter Michele Tafoya has recently left the world of Sunday Night Football with big plans to enter the political arena. According to the New York Post, she’s “co-chairing the Minnesota gubernatorial campaign of Republican candidate Kendall Qualls.” In an interview with Fox News hostTucker Carlson, she described herself as someone with a “middle-ground moderate viewpoint,” but that’s not who she is. Tafoya is a white woman with a white viewpoint who is joining an infinite chorus line of white conservatives who are denouncing critical race theory without having a clue what CRT is. Juan Williams of FOX News recently published an opinion piece in which he slams drill music and blames it for America’s racial problem. In the article titled “Rap and drill music is part of America’s racial problem,” Williams writes, “Gangsta rap,” said the senior political analyst, “has grown even more deadly, evolving into drill music.” “And make no mistake, the person doing the ‘drilling,’ is a young Black man firing at another young Black man,” Williams wrote. “There are real world consequences coming from these celebrations of Black-on-Black violence.” The 67-year-old journalist noted that “most of the bloodshed is among young Black men and in Black communities.” The handshake line after Sunday’s Michigan-Wisconsin game erupted into chaos and culminated in a Michigan coach Juwan Howard hitting a member of Wisconsin’s coaching staff. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHb7vjieEis One of the suspects in the murder of rapper Young Dolph is missing after he was released from an Indiana jail in January. U.S. Marshals arrested Shundale Barnett along with accused killer Justin Johnson on Jan. 11 in Indiana. Barnett was a passenger in the vehicle driven with Johnson when he was captured. Officials in Indiana say Shelby County told them to release Barnett. Barnett was charged with being an accessory to a role in helping Johnson flee from Memphis, officials said. According to the U.S. Marshals Service, Barnett also faced charges of criminal attempt to commit first-degree murder and theft of property. He was held in Indiana and was supposed to be extradited to Memphis with Johnson but officials say that did not happen. He is now wanted by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. Clay County Sheriff Paul Harden said they have “no idea” where Barnett is. Music pioneer Jamal Edwards has died at age 31. As reported by PEOPLE, Edwards helped launched the careers of various British artists including Ed Sheeran, Jessie J and Rita Ora. Jamal’s mother, Brenda Edwards confirmed his death in a statement shared on social media Monday. “It is with the deepest heartache that I confirm that my beautiful son Jamal Edwards passed away yesterday morning after a sudden illness,” she wrote on Twitter. “Myself, his sister Tanisha and the rest of his family and friends are completely devastated. He was the center of our world.” “As we come to terms with his passing we ask for privacy to grieve this unimaginable loss,” Brenda — a host on the UK daytime show “Loose Women” —continued. “I would like to thank everyone for their messages of love and support.” Jane “Nightbirde” Marczewski, the singer whose breakout performance as a contestant on the latest season of “America’s Got Talent” made her a fan favorite, has died at 31 after battling cancer. Show host Terry Crews shared the news on social media Monday. Crews shared a photo of Nightbirde to Instagram, writing, “We are saddened to learn about @_nightbirde’s Passing. Our Condolences goes to her Closest Family & Friends in such of This difficult time. We Love you, Nightbirde.” USA TODAY has reached out to representatives for Marczewski and “AGT” for comment. TMZ first reported the news of the singer’s death. Ohio singer Marczewski had to withdraw from the NBC competition show midway through the 16th season in August, revealing at the time her health had “taken a turn for the worse” since her audition. The singer-songwriter’s exit came just after she captured America’s heart during her emotional performance of her original song about being more than her cancer, titled “I’m OK,” which earned her a Golden Buzzer from Simon Cowell. “I am so sad to announce that I won’t be able to continue forward on this season of AGT,” she wrote on Instagram at the time. “Life doesn’t always give breaks to those that deserve it — but we knew that already.” Kanye West (aka Ye) could face criminal charges for allegedly punching a fan seeking an autograph. Per TMZ, “… cops have nearly completed their investigation into the case, and will soon ship their findings off to the L.A. City Attorney’s Office, who will decide on whether to file any criminal charges against Kanye.” According to the report, paparazzi video of the January incident and witness statements is enough evidence for a criminal charge. The rapper’s busy schedule is the reason why he has not been interviewed by the police, according to the report. https://youtu.be/W3IvQ68Fk2s Ne-Yo recently appeared on “The Cruz Show” on Real 92.3 in Los Angeles and called out “super misogynistic” music that he is urging women to stop embracing and dancing to. “It’s gotten super misogynistic, which I don’t understand,” the singer said of R&B music, as reported by Black Enterprise. “And, mind you, I can only blame us men halfway for that. Because as a woman, if a man sings the word ‘bitch’ to you and you smile at him, then he’s probably going to do it again.” “The more misogynistic the lyrics get, the more y’all accept it, the more it’s gonna happen,” Ne-Yo added. “That’s just kinda what that is. So, ladies, I love y’all to death but if y’all want men to stop calling you ‘bitches,’ stop dancing to them records.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CaD-MT8Fk0_/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again A rodent infestation at a Family Dollar warehouse in Arkansas has prompted the discount chain to recall a wide range of products and temporarily close more than 400 stores in six states. The states include Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee. Per the report, “more than 2,300 rodents were collected between March 29 and Sept. 17, 2021, according to the FDA.” The contaminated products include “human foods (including dietary supplements (vitamin, herbal and mineral supplements), cosmetics (skin care products, baby oils, lipsticks, shampoos, baby wipes), animal foods (kibble, pet treats, wild bird seed), medical devices (feminine hygiene products, surgical masks, contact lens cleaning solutions, bandages, nasal care products) and over-the-counter (OTC) medications (pain medications, eye drops, dental products, antacids, other medications for both adults and children).” Per the report, “rodent contamination may cause salmonella and infectious diseases,” the FDA said. https://youtu.be/PHsJaY3rWxc Millions of people around the world rely on GPS technology every day to navigate roadways, the sky and the oceans. What was once relegated to large paper maps, or sometimes multiple small maps, now works seamlessly on tiny smartphones or navigation devices at the touch of a finger. And the development of that technology is thanks in large part to the intellect of one trailblazing Black woman. Global Positioning System (GPS) was developed and originally used for military purposes, but these days the technology is used in ways that few could have predicted decades ago, including one of the developers herself, innovator and pioneer, Dr. Gladys Mae West. West programed large-scale computers in the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division and worked as a project manager for data-processing systems used for information gathered by satellites. The results of the work she did eventually led to the creation of GPS. https://youtu.be/McIemoQWv64 With AT&T’s 3G network shutting down next week, and other carriers following suit later this year, a range of products are about to stop working, including some home alarm systems, medical devices such as fall detectors, and in-car crash notification and roadside assistance systems such as General Motors’ OnStar. Just as many mobile carriers have urged customers to swap their older 3G iPhones, Android phones, e-readers and other handheld devices for newer models ahead of the shutdown, other businesses are urging customers to upgrade or replace some of the everyday products and services in their homes and cars before they drop connectivity. Award-winning actress Viola Davis plays Michelle Obama in Showtime’s new drama series “The First Lady.” The cast also features Michelle Pfeiffer as Betty Ford and Gillian Anderson as Eleanor Roosevelt. https://www.instagram.com/p/CaFmxhdgelF/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Beyoncé and Zendaya are in talks to join forces to remake Douglas Sirk’s classic 1959 drama “Imitation of Life.” The original film starred Lana Turner, Juanita Moore and Sandra Dee. The film “is based on the best-selling novel by Fannie Hurst, revolves around a white woman who takes in an African-American widow and her daughter, Sarah Jane, whose fair skin allows her to pass as white,” per New York Post. The film deals with issues of race, class and gender, and was nominated for two Academy Awards. If the project moves forward with the two stars, Beyoncé is reportedly interested in producing while Zendaya will star. https://youtu.be/HaanE7v6uJI Two generations of GOAT's shared an embrace at the NBA All-Star Game Sunday evening and instantly went viral, before one of them went on to go viral again for his last second shot to win the game … on his hometown court. After the presentation of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Michael Jordan and LeBron James had a moment. Jordan was the last player introduced, surprising many by flying up from Florida following his appearance at the Daytona 500. The former Chicago Bulls star and the current Lakers star shared a hug on the floor, as cameras soaked it in. https://youtu.be/mt3FT14IOTM Taraji P. Henson, Gabrielle Union, Tabitha Brown and many more Black actresses have had to deal with the horrors of the beauty trailer on set because stylists were not trained on how to do Black hair or makeup. Luckily, Black Beauty Roster, a platform for diverse hair and makeup education, has partnered with WarnerMedia to train professional stylists how to treat Black hair and skin. This partnership aims to increase the diversity of beauty professionals in the media industry as well as improve the ways in which Black characters are styled and costumed for the screen. BBR Co-founder Simone Tetteh said BBR was inspired by the racial reckoning of summer 2020. While reflecting on the value of Black life and Black talent, she realized one group that needed advocacy were Black beauty professionals. “I think we’ve all seen the stories and the tweets and heard about these horror stories that happened when there is just a lack of diversity behind the camera. We’re in a really interesting place where for the first time, I think in my lifetime, I’m able to turn on any channel or any streaming service and see someone who looks like me. And as great as that diversity is, we recognize that at same diversity is not in the hair and makeup chair,” said Tetteh. The partnership with WarnerMedia was a result of their summit held last year. The WarnerMedia team reached out to BBR and they joined them in a panel, learning more how they can be a better ally and advocate. Tamar Braxton has responded to artist and influencer Todrick Hall calling her a drag queen on a recent “Celebrity Big Brother” episode. “It’s so funny because I think her personality sometimes supersedes her talent and sometimes people focus on that,” he told fellow housemates on the show, as reported by Shine My Crown. “She is deemed ‘extra’ and stuff. She’s basically, like to me, a gay man or drag queen trapped in a woman’s body. She’s hilarious. She’s so funny to me.” Hall continued, “She can cook. Her voice is out of control. Her range … she can sing so high. She can belt so high. There’s not a note I know of that she can’t sing.” Following his comments, Braxton made clear that there is no love lost between the two. A Chicago elementary school has unveiled a new sign letting people know it is leaving behind the name of a racist and will instead honor a woman known for helping Black people escape slavery, Harriet Tubman. The sign comes about a year after a group of parents successfully pushed for the school — long named after Swiss American biologist Louis Agassiz — to change its name to the Harriet Tubman Elementary School. Officials at Chicago Public Schools are letting other schools in the city change their names after the Chicago Sun-Times reported in late 2020 that 30 of its schools were named after slaveholders and others were named after racists such as Agassiz. The Board of Education could vote on an updated policy for school name changes next week, the Sun-Times reported. CPS said in a statement that the new name is “more inclusive and representative” of the district’s values. Delta Air Lines is bringing Hampton University as its first HBCU to be a part of their Propel Collegiate Pilot Career Path Program in an effort to “broaden diversity and build upon the significant legacy people of color have contributed to aviation.” The program launched in 2018 to groom the next generation of pilots. According to the press release, The Hamptonites are now eligible to join the program and will have the opportunity to receive a job offer after the program once passing the airline’s rigorous standards. “Adding Hampton University as a Delta Air Lines Propel partner evokes a myriad of thoughts and emotions,” said First Officer Monique Grayson, an interviewer for the Propel program. “Delta says connecting the world requires that we first respect the world through seeking diversity, promoting inclusion, creating equity, and driving accountability towards these goals. Considering the history of HBCU’s and that of Delta, I am proud to see the company doing just that. I am grateful to the individuals who have worked behind the scenes to provide opportunities to a group that has been underrepresented in this field for far too long.” Actress and entrepreneur Issa Rae is furthering her efforts to empower her hometown. The California native recently teamed up with Airbnb and Nasdaq to gift the Los Angeles-based nonprofit LeadersUp with a donation. Since its inception in 2014, LeadersUp has been dedicated to advancing economic equity. With a focus on addressing youth unemployment, the organization leads initiatives to eradicate socio-economic barriers standing in the way of educational and career opportunities. The nonprofit aims to bridge the gap between untapped talent and corporate America. Over the past eight years, LeadersUp has served 60,000 young adults and supported 200 companies in diversifying their talent pools. The $100,000 donation will create more impactful and effective career development programs and job creation in South L.A. According to a study conducted by USC, there are nearly 73,000 opportunity youth living in the city of Los Angeles. The endowment will also support the creation of a community impact fund that will help provide those from marginalized communities with access to mental health services, enrichment opportunities and tech tools. LeadersUp will join forces with organizations that include the Brotherhood Crusade and Central Neighborhood Health Foundation for these efforts. Stephen Curry got another 3-point record. LeBron James got another All-Star win. Not a bad night in Ohio for the two All-Stars from Akron. ‘It’s right on the nose of how it should go,’ Curry said. Curry turned boos to oohs and aahs with the greatest long-distance shooting performance in All-Star Game history, then James made a turnaround jumper that gave Team LeBron a 163-160 victory over Team Durant on Sunday night. Curry made 16 three-pointers and scored 50 points, two off Anthony Davis’ record. He was clearly hunting it, asking on the sideline during a sizzling third quarter how many points it would take. On a night both players were among the greats of the game who were honored during a half-time ceremony celebrating the NBA’s 75th anniversary team, Curry and James showed why they continue to stand out among today’s best. A Virginia high school senior who was born with no right leg and a left leg that ends at the middle of his thigh took home a state wrestling championship, surprising everyone but himself. “Really if you work hard, you can do anything — even win a state championship without legs,” Adonis Lattimore said Saturday, after winning first place in the Virginia High School League Class 6, 106-pound weight class at the Virginia Beach Sports Center. The Virginian-Pilot reports that the Landstown High School senior, who also has just one finger on his right hand, had Eagles coach James Sanderlin cheering wildly while the crowd roared its approval during the final seconds as he defeated his opponent. “Amazing,” Sanderlin said. “He did all the work. I just get to be a part of the journey. It’s an amazing feeling to watch him do it and have the support of the crowd. It was awesome. He’s a hard-working young man. I’m just speechless.” Vladimir Putin has ordered Russian troops to invade Ukraine, intelligence sources in the US claimed on Sunday afternoon. Sources alleged Russian commanders on the ground have received orders to proceed with an invasion of Kiev and they are now making specific battle plans on how they will attack. No less than 75 per cent of Putin’s conventional forces are now poised at the Ukrainian border, it emerged tonight, as US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken warned that ‘we are on the brink of an invasion’. It is thought Moscow will start the invasion with a cyber-assault before unleashing a campaign of missile and airstrikes before ground troops attempt to take Ukrainian cities and towns, reports CBS News. The invading Russian force reportedly has the ability to invade and take much of the country. The dire warnings come as Putin and his ally Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko extended military drills in Belarus that were due to end on Sunday, meaning an estimated 30,000 Russian troops will remain there. The Queen has tested positive for Covid, Buckingham Palace has said. The monarch is experiencing “mild cold-like symptoms” but expects to continue “light duties” at Windsor over the coming week, the palace said. “She will continue to receive medical attention and will follow all the appropriate guidelines,” it added in a statement. The Queen, 95, had been in contact with her eldest son and heir, the Prince of Wales, who tested positive last week. It is understood a number of people have tested positive at Windsor Castle, where the Queen resides. Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted: “I’m sure I speak for everyone in wishing Her Majesty The Queen a swift recovery from Covid and a rapid return to vibrant good health.” Ukraine’s president has called on the West to stop their ‘appeasement’ of Russia and warned sanctions will not work on Moscow once the bombing starts, to a standing ovation from world leaders. Volodymyr Zelensky told a security forum in Munich that his country deserves stronger international support after acting as a buffer against Russian expansion. The conference had echoes of the 1938 summit in Munich in which leaders agreed a policy of appeasement against Adolf Hitler’s Germany in an effort to prevent an imminent war. Zelensky said today: ‘Ukraine has received security guarantees for abandoning the world’s third-largest nuclear arsenal. We have no weapons. And no security … ‘But we have a right – a right to demand a shift from a policy of appeasement to one ensuring security and peace.’ He added: ‘For eight years, Ukraine has been a shield. For eight years, Ukraine has been holding back one of the greatest armies in the world.’ Boris Johnson has warned an invasion of Ukraine appear to be ‘in motion’ and could cause ‘the destruction of a democratic state’ and ‘the shock will echo around the world’. The Prime Minister said that aggression in separatist-held areas in the east of Ukraine had the potential be a ‘prelude to bigger action’, with the West fearing a so-called ‘false flag’ operation that could give Moscow cover to wage war on Kyiv. Mr Johnson made the comments to broadcasters following his speech to the Munich Security Conference, where he is meeting world leaders to discuss the tension in eastern Europe. Speaking at the summit today, Mr Johnson said the ‘omens are grim’ from Russia on the possibility of an invasion in the coming days, and that the world could not ‘underestimate the gravity of this moment’. While in Munich, Mr Johnson has held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy – to whom he offered the UK’s ‘unequivocal support’ – and has met German chancellor Olaf Scholz and the leaders of Latvia and Estonia. A helicopter crashed into the ocean just off Miami Beach on Saturday afternoon, law enforcement said. The crash happened around 1:10 p.m. near 10th St. The video footage was shared by the police department showing the helicopter falling out of the sky rapidly as beachgoers were having a regular day in the sun. According to authorities, no casualties were reported, but two people who are in stable condition were transported to the hospital. https://www.instagram.com/p/CaLoWDNlV9n/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again According to scholar Dr. Gerald Horne, former President Barack Obama‘s father was Africa’s Central Intelligence Agency asset. The scholar who holds the Moores Professorship of History and African Studies at the University of Houston believes that the Kenyan- born U.S. – educated Barack Husein Obama Sr. worked for the CIA. Dr. Horner is an author of 17 books, including “Black & Brown: Africans and the Mexican Revolution, 1910 – 1920.” The publication ConvertAction by Horne explains that Barack Obama Sr. was recruited by the CIA and served as a protégé of Tom Mboya. The latter was a Luo- Kenyan anti-communist and pro-capitalist who served as a representative of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions – ICTFU. The union received convert CIA funding via the AFL- CIO – the leading American federation of unions. The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations comprises national and international unions. According to the scholar, the U.S. was grooming Mboya to replace Jomo Kenyatta, who was more radical, according to Moguldum. From legendary draft picks to a Grammy Award-winning music lineup, the buildup to the 71st NBA All-Star game has reached a fever pitch. The game, which will air live Sunday on TNT at 8 p.m. ET, will see LeBron James and Kevin Durant face off at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. This is the second consecutive season in which team Lebron and Team Durant will go head-to-head. Skills Challenge. https://youtu.be/UeMz945EdpU From legendary draft picks to a Grammy Award-winning music lineup, the buildup to the 71st NBA All-Star game has reached a fever pitch. The game, which will air live Sunday on TNT at 8 p.m. ET, will see LeBron James and Kevin Durant face off at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. This is the second consecutive season in which team Lebron and Team Durant will go head-to-head. 3- Point Contest. https://youtu.be/ueC9Tem-Qag From legendary draft picks to a Grammy Award-winning music lineup, the buildup to the 71st NBA All-Star game has reached a fever pitch. The game, which will air live Sunday on TNT at 8 p.m. ET, will see LeBron James and Kevin Durant face off at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. This is the second consecutive season in which team Lebron and Team Durant will go head-to-head. Slam Dunk https://youtu.be/0JQja8EHblg Actress Joey King, who played a little girl afflicted by the supernatural in the demonic-themed horror film, “The Conjuring,” recently shared strange details from her time making the movie that still make her “shudder.” King, 22, said earlier this month in an appearance on “The Drew Barrymore Show” that she developed a strange blood disorder while playing Christine, one of the Perron children in “The Conjuring.” The condition was so severe that she had to go to the hospital for treatment before and after filming each day. “It was pretty intense. Some weird stuff happened on the set, along with the movie being scary,” she told fellow actress Drew Barrymore. “It’s true, I developed this bizarre, rare, out-of-nowhere blood disorder, and basically, my body, like all the red platelets from my body were like drained. They were just gone.” https://youtu.be/cqjhqa3kFRs The Coachella and Stagecoach music festivals will not require proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 tests for attendees. Neither of the California festivals will require masks for their April events either, though face coverings are recommended for the dust. Stagecoach, which will be held after Coachella’s two-weekend run at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, posted on social media Tuesday that the country festival had updated its attendance policies to reflect local guidelines. The health and safety page of the festival’s website further explains that there is an inherent risk of exposure to the contagious disease in any public place and that the event does not guarantee that those in attendance will not catch COVID-19. “By entering the festival, attendees voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19,” the site reads, noting that those exposed are expected to self-quarantine based on local and CDC guidelines. When Brittney Johnson floated on stage in a magic bubble Monday night, she got a standing ovation. Johnson also got a two-minute ovation at the close of the show. As the full-time Glinda in the Broadway musical “Wicked,” Johnson made history on Monday as the first Black woman to play the lead role in the Broadway production. (She previously performed as Glinda in the understudy position in 2019.) “Wicked” opened in 2003 at the Gershwin Theatre in New York. The show focuses on the unlikely friendship between the witches of Oz Elphaba and Glinda. The show has earned several Tony awards and a Grammy. Atlanta‘s fourth season will be its last, FX chairman John Landgraf revealed during an executive session on Thursday. News of the comedy’s fourth and final season comes a little more than a month before season three is set to drop on FX on March 24. “After a four year absence, we’re graced with the return of Atlanta. Donald Glover and his team have shot the final two seasons of the series,” Landgraf said. The 10-episode third season marks the first time Atlanta will be available for in-season streaming on Hulu. He continued, “The fourth and final season is slated to debut in the same manner in the fall. The new season is everything you’d expect from Atlanta – which is to say expect the unexpected. Sit back and enjoy the trip.” Lauren London recently became a trending topic on Twitter after some gross men tried to body shame her after pics/clips from an upcoming Netflix film were released. Most people indeed have an audacity today, but men who body shame women are more annoying. Netflix recently revealed a huge trailer of 28 films set to premiere on the platform (streaming) in 2022. One of these films is a comedy film that will be starring Lauren London, Nia Long, Eddie Murphy, Jonah Hill, Deon Cole and Mike Epps, among others. The film features an interracial couple visiting each other’s families and is directed by Kenya Barris (Black-ish). After the death of Nipsey Hussle, and the birth of her second-born Kross, Lauren has been trying to find her way into the acting world. Sadly, the internet hasn’t been friendly to her, especially her current looks. Despite being gorgeous in her current body, some men took to the internet to body shame her after releasing the 2022 comedy trailer by Netflix. The internet soon gathered the body-shaming culprits. The disgusting behavior – publicly disrespecting a woman’s body – shows more about the kind of men, which applies to Lizzo and the rest. Erykah Badu recently dropped a limited-edition version of her Badu Premium Incense dubbed “Underwater P*ssy.” The release comes ahead and in honor of her debut album “Badsuizm.” The latest drop was released on Feb 11, 2.22 p.m. CST and comprises handmade and sundried incense made from herbs and essential oils as described on Badu World Market – the mystical artist’s website. The incense packaging also features art by Jackie Musial, a reputable multidisciplinary illustrator. Each incense pack costs $60 and comes with 20 sticks for every box. In a video posted last Friday, Badu showed her fans the incense’s packaging ahead of the big launch. The front of the box shows the songstress in a beautiful camo-print headwrap, while the back has an inscription ‘Baduizm 25” – highlighting the artist’s award-winning album at the 1997 Grammy. The album remains a cultural reset to date due to its iconic songs popular among the young and old fans, such as Next Lifetime, On & On and Otherside of the Game. https://www.instagram.com/erykahbadu/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=f1e983c5-8681-41bf-aead-ef24b790dff6 According to reports obtained by @NBC6, the Miami Beach Police are investigating assault allegations made by a second woman who claims she was involved in a 2020 Incident with #ChrisBrown. If you recall, we reported recently that the first initial woman filed a lawsuit last month after she claimed she was drugged and raped by the singer while at a party on a yacht that was docked near #Diddy‘s home on Dec. 30, 2020. Police reports obtained Wednesday show the second victim was at the same party but decided to leave because she was not comfortable. The report continued stating two days later, the same woman, along with a friend, was invited to meet at Chris’ Miami Beach hotel suite when he approached her and allegedly shoved one of his fingers in her mouth, which had a white powdery substance on it. The woman said after that, she blacked out for several hours and woke up in the suite without her friends or cellphone. Following the incident, the woman filed a report with Miami Beach Police after learning about a lawsuit filed in January by the initial woman who was at the same party she left. Attorney #ArielMitchell is representing both women in a lawsuit. https://www.instagram.com/p/CaIq7jWFihl/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has vowed to end tenure for new hires at public universities and colleges in an attempt to stop the teaching of critical race theory. Patrick spoke at a press conference Friday where he responded to a resolution by the Faculty Council at the University of Texas this week that affirmed the “fundamental rights of faculty to academic freedom,” including the teaching of race and gender theory. “Hiding behind this academic freedom argument just doesn’t work,” Patrick said. “We believe in academic freedom, but everyone has guidelines in mind. Everyone has barriers, everyone has boundaries, everyone’s held accountable to someone.” https://youtu.be/svj_6w0EUz4 As reported by Page Six, the former “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” star Rob Kardashian filed to dismiss his assault lawsuit against Blac Chyna without prejudice for the sake of their daughter, and a judge has approved the motion. “My love for Dream far outweighs my desire to proceed with my claims against her mother in a public trial,” Kardashian told the gossip site on Friday. “Now that the court has ruled that there is sufficient evidence to warrant a jury trial on my claim for assault, for our daughter’s sake, I am dismissing the action and focusing on my co-parenting relationship with Chyna.” Well, that’s all and well for Mr. Kardashian, but apparently, Blac Chyna isn’t ready to let him off that easy according to her attorney, Lynne M. Ciani. In an email sent to EURweb, the lawyer outlined what Rob and the Kardashian clan can look forward to from her client – Angela White a/k/a Blac Chyna – on the legal front. https://youtu.be/eaUELxqVndg “Uncharted” is the new Sony Entertainment film starring Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg. Based on the popular video game series of the same name. The movie takes viewers on a quest for five billion in gold treasure that includes lots of high-powered action along with a global backdrop. We meet Nathan Drake (Holland), a streetwise pickpocketing bartender, and a mysterious stranger, Victor “Sully” Sullivan (Wahlberg). The duo battles a vicious treasure hunter, Mocanda (Antonio Banderas) with vast resources. https://youtu.be/4wCH1K-ckZw A hairstylist by the name of “Millie” is calling out singer K. Michelle for not paying her and being unprofessional during their session. She asks, “Why would you get your hair done naked?” Taking to her IG Story, the stylist shared a DM with the singer, where she asked “Do you travel.” The stylist responded, “No I don’t travel. I’ve done your hair before through my other hair business (Closure Perfection) and I wasn’t happy with the experience. Sorry for the inconvenience ??. ” K says, “You’re the girl that burnt me up huh? Good rebranding! These pictures are beautiful. Good day beauty ??.” The stylist fires back, “Yeah that’s me. You was naked. That made me nervous. And since you want to take it there. You still owe me $1,000 ?? rather you was burn or bleeding. But thank you for still admiring everything I do. You will hear about me some more. Good day to you also Beauty ??. China’s Sui Wenjing and Han Cong made sure the Beijing Games’ controversial figure skating competition ended in celebration on Saturday by winning the pairs title for the sport’s final gold medal to the rapture of local fans. Xi Jinping watched the Winter Olympics closing ceremony on a velvet cushion from inside Birds’ Next stadium as the curtain comes down on a games that has been tarnished by a doping scandal, grim looking food, barren venues and human rights concerns. Much fanfare was given to the common man as two weeks of acrimony, secrecy and bitterness, which were sugar-coated with moments of breath-taking athletic prowess, ended. China‘s President XI Jinping and his reverential followers banded together inside the iconic Birds Nest Stadium to parade 365 ‘ordinary people’ to mark the closing of the games. This, they said, was not about ‘stars, professional singers, dancers or actors;’ but about your average Joe getting his moment. They were a small number from China’s 1.4 billion population who were ferried into the ground, showcased to the watching world as prime examples of the ‘harmony’ among the Chinese people. But as he sat back on his velvet cushion and watched the fireworks spectacle, Xi and China believed they had got away with it. Sunday (02-20-22), Juwan Howard got physical with another coach after his team’s bitter loss in a basketball game and ended up in a nasty fight. Not a good look. https://youtu.be/aHb7vjieEis Juwan Howard, the University of Michigan’s men’s basketball head coach got into it Sunday while shaking hands with Wisconsin Badgers‘ head coach, Greg Gard. The Badgers beat the Wolverines 77-63 in a hard-fought game.During a post-game press conference, Howard said he was expressing his frustration to Gard about a late-game timeout he’d taken — at which point, Gard started to touch him in a way that Howard felt was totally unnecessary. It certainly sounds like Howard’s claiming self-defense, but the reality is he’s the one who took the swipe well after Gard was removed from the situation. Don’t be surprised if a suspension against Howard is announced shortly. https://youtu.be/yUrfIIJoULo Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James on Saturday reaffirmed his plan to play his final season in the NBA with his oldest son, Bronny, on a team he ultimately lands with. LeBron has said numerous times that a long-term goal of his is to play with Bronny in the NBA. He is in his 19th season in the NBA and signed with the Lakers through the 2022-23 season when Bronny is scheduled to graduate high school. Based on the current rules by the NBA, Bronny wouldn’t be eligible for the draft until 2024. However, the league could eventually allow players to declare for the draft straight out of high school, which would be next year when LeBron can be a free agent. Whenever Bronny can enter the NBA, LeBron plans to play with him. “My last year will be played with my son,” James said in an interview with Jason Lloyd of The Athletic. “Wherever Bronny is at, that’s where I’ll be. I would do whatever it takes to play with my son for one year. It’s not about the money at that point.” #KekeWyatt just announced she’s adding another addition to her family! Keke shared the exciting news on her Instagram with a series of pictures of her baby bump and her family. “My husband, Zackariah David Darring and I are proud to announce that our family will be adding a “plus 1" to the Wyatt Bunch!” Together, the little one will be KeKe and her husband Zackariah’s second child. The couple welcomed their first child, Ke’Riah Darring, in January 2020. However, this baby will be making Keke a mom for the eleventh time. Nevertheless, congratulations to Keke and Zackariah on their newest bundle of joy! https://www.instagram.com/p/CaNmVtMJ17C/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Vladimir Putin is putting on a show of military strength today with new nuclear drills as he sends a MIG armed with a hypersonic missile over the Mediterranean amid increasing fears of an imminent invasion of Ukraine. The Russian leader is personally overseeing the nuclear exercises involving ‘strategic forces’ which will include practice launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles and cruise missiles. Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko is joining Putin in the situation room in the Kremlin to watch over the strategic drills. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said today’s drills ‘should not cause anyone concern’ and said Russia had informed the proper channels. Russia holds huge strategic drills every year but today’s manoeuvres include the Black Sea Fleet, based on the Crimean Peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014. Meanwhile, top Ukrainian military officials came under a shelling attack during a tour of the front of the separatist conflict in eastern Ukraine and were forced to flee to a bomb shelter before leaving the area. President Joe Biden for the first time on Friday said he believed President Vladimir Putin had made up his mind to invade Ukraine. He delivered his verdict at the end of an intense week of diplomacy and amid reports of explosions in territory held by pro-Russian separatists which officials believe could be false-flag attacks and a precursor to an invasion. After delivering an update on the crisis, Biden was asked if Putin had made up his mind. After delivering an update on the crisis, Biden was asked if Putin had made up his mind. https://video.dailymail.co.uk/preview/mol/2022/02/19/368820733250485373/636x382_MP4_368820733250485373.mp4 Another black woman has fallen victim to the injustices and cruelty of the United States Corrections system. #TaNeashaChappell’s family is asking for justice after she was killed while in the custody of an #Indiana jail. Chappell- who was being held on charges stemming from an alleged theft and high-speed chase—died July 16, less than two hours after being taken from the county jail to the Schneck Medical Center. For hours, The 23-year-old pleaded with the staff of an Indiana jail for medical care. She repeatedly vomited blood, became dehydrated, and asked to be taken to the hospital several times. On Thursday’s episode of #RolandMartinUnfiltered, the family of Ta’Neasha Chappell shared the disturbing last words of their loved one while she was in custody. Martin also shared the heartbreaking audio recording of Chappell crying out for help while guards disregard her. https://www.instagram.com/p/CZ9vghKDnKm/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Amazon reportedly suspended Black Lives Matter from their charity platform claiming that it failed to disclose what the millions of dollars in donations were used for. AmazonSmile said in a statement that they had to temporarily suspend the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation after it failed to comply with their policies. “States have rules for nonprofits, and organizations participating in AmazonSmile need to meet those rules. Unfortunately, this organization fell out of compliance with the rules in several states, so we’ve had to temporarily suspend them from the program until they come into compliance,” a spokesperson said. According to the New York Post, the company also plans to hold additional funds that were donated to Black Lives Matter until they are “back in compliance.” #RockmondDunbar sues Disney and 20th Television over vaccine mandate. The ‘9-1-1’ actor is accusing the studios of discrimination based on race and religion. You may remember back in November reports surfaced that the star was leaving the popular series indefinitely over COVID vaccine regulations. Dunbar later explained that “[He] applied for religious and medical accommodations pursuant to the law and unfortunately was denied by [his] employer.” According to the suit, Rockmond claims he submitted paperwork seeking both a religious and medical exemption for the COVID-19 vaccine. He says producers assured him they wanted him to remain on the show, and that his schedule would be adjusted to accommodate him being unvaccinated. But according to the suit that never happened. Rockmond claims that the studios not only refused to accommodate his vaccine exemption requests, but they went on to deliberately make it sound like he was an anti-vaxxer. http://www.gospel-spotlight.com Ava DuVernay’s Array has parted ways with Spotify and will no longer be making podcasts for the audio giant, a spokesperson for Array confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter on Thursday. Last year, Array and Spotify had announced a multiyear first-look deal for Array to produce scripted and unscripted podcasts with Gimlet, the studio owned by Spotify. Though no podcasts or shows had yet been released under the pact, multiple projects were in development, according to the Array spokesperson. A Spotify representative declined to comment. Array’s exit from Spotify comes as the streaming company has faced continued scrutiny over its marquee podcaster, Joe Rogan, who hosts the Spotify-exclusive The Joe Rogan Experience show. Prominent musicians like Neil Young and Joni Mitchell have pulled their music from the service in protest of COVID misinformation that has spread on Rogan’s show, while other artists like India.Arie have condemned the host for repeatedly using a racial slur about Black people in past clips that circulated on social media. (Rogan has apologized for using the N-word, calling his actions “regretful and shameful.”) Cary Grant. Frank Sinatra. Tracy Morgan. Three very different men, each among the very few recipients of the Friars Club’s top honor. On May 26, Morgan is set to become only the ninth winner of the Entertainment Icon Award by the private New York roast-house. Other past recipients are Douglas Fairbanks, Tony Bennett, Martin Scorsese, Tom Cruise, Robert De Niro and, most recently, Billy Crystal. “The Friars is a legendary part of New York City and Comedy, two of my favorite things,” said Morgan. “Some of my biggest influences were in and out of there…I’m following in the footsteps of greatness…I’m humbled and looking forward to a crazy night.” The event is set for an in-person gala at Manhattan’s Ziegfeld Ballroom, with Al Roker and George Lopez among early attendees announced to honor the comic. Little Richard, the late Rock N’ Roll icon, led one of the most interesting lives. He publicly confessed to struggling with a range of challenges from church sermons to angel dust, alcoholism, orgies, Bible sessions, cocaine and same-sex attractions. However, his love for the stage didn’t change regardless of the life circumstances. In an interview with GQ Magazine in 2010, the artist revealed numerous details about his life: entertaining, straight up and others tragic. His Good Friend Killed His Father for Kicking Him (Richard – 19 Years) Out of The House. Born Richard Wayne Penniman on 5 Dec 1932 in Macon, he was the third born among the 12 children. His father, Bud, sold moonshine and put him out of the house at 19 years for being gay. He said he wanted seven boys, and he (Richard) had spoiled it. His best friend Frank shot Bud outside a local bar and went to jail for the incident. However, he was released in a week, and they never knew what happened. https://youtu.be/Q0cBzyYlJuo The iconic ‘90s sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” has made its return to TV. The reboot “Bel-Air” will look a lot different from the original. “Bel-Air” has the same characters and storyline but this time the show will be an hour drama versus a 30-minute sitcom. The new show allows for the story to be told with a more serious and dramatic tone. The show also has more focus on real-life drama young urban adults face today. https://youtu.be/rQ1uG91Bbls Dave Chappelle is still very much on Netflix’s home team. The streamer announced Friday the release of four upcoming comedy specials executive produced and hosted by the controversial comic. The series of specials is dubbed Chappelle’s Home Team, and each will feature a different comic introduced by Chappelle. The first to be featured is Earthquake (real name Nathaniel Martin Stroman), and his special, called Earthquake: Legendary, premieres on Feb. 28. Another special will spotlight Donnell Rawlings. One similarity shared by all the featured comics is they’ve been in the stand-up game for at least 30 years. “I’ve been doing this a long time and comedians like Quake and Donnell are not only friends but have inspired my own career,” Chappelle said. “Anyone in the comedy community knows these names and knows their time to shine is long overdue. I am proud to be a part of this moment.” Martin Lawrence and the surviving cast of his hit comedy series Martin are set to reunite 30 years later as part of a BET+ reunion special, hosted by Affion Crockett. Taping will take place February 20 and the special will air later this year. Announced participants also include Tisha Campbell, Tichina Arnold and Carl Anthony Payne II. Thomas Mikal Ford, who played Martin’s best friend Tommy in the series, died in 2016 at the age of 52. “To be able to sit here 30 years later with this amazing cast that has had such an impact on pop culture is truly a blessing,” Lawrence said. “I am always humbled that the fans still want more of the show and its characters. I am looking forward to the reunion special.” BET+ also teases the participation of “surprise guests,” and the streamer surely has a wide array of big-name series guest stars to choose from. Throughout the Fox series’ five-season run from 1992-1997, the show featured appearances by Tracy Morgan, Kim Coles, Tommy Davidson, Jackie Chan, Chris Rock, Snoop Dogg, Billy Dee Williams and Mr. T among others. Actor Mark Wahlberg is opening up more about his turn toward faith in Christ and its impact on his work. In recent years, he’s acknowledged that movies he made earlier in his career did not honor God, but now he’s working to change that. Wahlberg says his faith played an integral role in his latest project, a new film called Father Stu. While reading the movie script, Wahlberg, who is a devout Catholic, said he reflected on his own past, the present, and his life’s purpose. “God has continued to bless me and put me in this situation,” he told Fox News‘ Raymond Arroyo. “Not to continue to grow and work on Mark Wahlberg the person, but to do His work and finally giving me the skills and tools to go out there and articulate the message that He wants me to articulate.” The biographical movie is based on the life story of boxer-turned-priest Father Stuart Long. A biopic of Afeni Shakur — the late mother of rapper Tupac and a prominent member of the Black Panther party — is in the works from Amaru Entertainment and the Shakur Estate. Titled “Peace, Love & Respect; the Afeni Shakur/Panther 21 story,” actor/writer/director Jasmine Guy and writer/director Jamal Joseph — who was arrested as one of the “Panther 21” with Afeni — are on board as executive producers, while Dina LaPolt, who worked with the estate for many years, is a producer. The film, titled “Peace, Love & Respect, the Afeni Shakur/Panther 21 story,” is the first to have the full backing and approval of the Shakur estate. The film will span a pivotal two-year period — from April 2, 1969, when she and 20 other Black Panthers were arrested and charged with conspiracy to bomb police stations in New York, through June 16, 1971, the day Tupac was born — along with flashbacks to childhood and teenage years. LaPolt — who worked for many years with Afeni to settle Tupac’s estate, ultimately releasing nine posthumous albums as well as books and a documentary — says the story is close to her heart, as Afeni was a hero to LaPolt’s activist mother. “My mother was very much a part of the civil rights movement — she taught me about Afeni and how she was arrested as a member of the ‘Panther 21.’” Born in North Carolina as Alice Faye Williams in 1947, Afeni Shakur moved to the Bronx with her mother as an 11-year-old. She joined the Panthers after hearing Bobby Seale speak in 1968, and married fellow Black Panther member Lumumba Shakur soon after. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is perhaps best known for his accomplishments on the basketball court. But when he was a middle school student, Abdul-Jabbar thought the contributions of Black Americans went underrepresented in the classroom — and now, he’s hoping to rectify that with a new documentary. “We aren’t taught in schools about Black soldiers who fought in the Revolutionary and Civil wars in defense of their country, a country who continued to mistreat them when the wars were over,” the NBA Hall of Famer and bestselling author told HuffPost. “Yet, even that did not dim the intensity of their patriotism. Now we have a chance to set the record straight and Black children can take pride in their heritage.” “Black Patriots: Heroes of the Civil War,” a one-hour documentary set to premiere Feb. 21 on the History Channel, drops viewers into the heart of the Civil War and takes a comprehensive look at the lives of relatively unknown heroes. Abdul-Jabbar narrated the film and executive produced it alongside Deborah Morales of Iconomy Multi-Media & Entertainment. https://youtu.be/RmN7o6eqISY The family of the black New Jersey teen who was handcuffed and pinned to the floor by cops who let the white boy he was brawling with sit on a couch has retained civil rights lawyer Benjamin Crump. The famed attorney — who has repped the families of George Floyd, Michael Brown, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery — confirmed Thursday that he has been retained to help 14-year-old Z’Kye Husain. Crump insisted that the now-viral video of the seventh-grader’s arrest Saturday at Bridgewater Commons mall showed the aftermath of him trying to protect a pal from “being bullied by a much older 11th-grader.” “It is evident that officers immediately assumed that because of the color of Z’Kye’s skin, him acting nobly was not even in the realm of possibility,” Crump said. “That video says it all,” he said of the incident being investigated by the police department with the help of the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office’s Internal Affairs Unit. The video caught two Bridgewater cops breaking up the fight — then allowing the older, lighter-skinned boy to sit alone on a couch while they pinned Z’Kye to the floor. One of the officers placed a knee near the back of the black teen’s neck as the two handcuffed him. Last weekend was a blast for many fans who supported Los Angeles Rams in the Super Bowl LVI, played at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. A lot of fans, celebrities, and other athletes were in attendance for the big game. Besides the Los Angeles favorites LeBron James, Paul George, and Kawhi Leonard, another star with California links made it to the game. Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors also watched the Rams beating the Cincinnati Bengals live, but while he was having a great time at the stadium, some criminals broke into his house. TMZ reports that the 3x NBA champion’s house was burglarized while he watched the big game. They stole jewelry, watches, and more stuff worth over $1 million. The Faculty Council at the University of Texas approved a nonbinding resolution Monday defending the academic freedom of faculty members to teach about race, gender justice and critical race theory. The resolution, approved 41-5 with three members abstaining, states that educators, not politicians, should make decisions about what to teach, and it supports the right of faculty members to design courses and curriculum and to conduct scholarly research in their fields. The UT Faculty Council is an organization that represents the faculty members at the university. Faculty members approved the resolution partly in response to legislation around the country seeking to limit discussions involving race in schools, colleges and universities. The resolution expresses solidarity with K-12 teachers in Texas who are seeking to “teach the truth in U.S. history and civics education.” State lawmakers approved GOP bills last year limiting classroom discussions of race and gender amid a conservative backlash against critical race theory, a framework of scholarship to examine racism. The Legislature has not, however, targeted the teaching of critical race theory and related topics in Texas universities. “State legislative proposals seeking to limit teaching and discussions of racism and related issues have been proposed and enacted in several states, including Texas,” the resolution says. “This resolution affirms the fundamental rights of faculty to academic freedom in its broadest sense, inclusive of research and teaching of race and gender theory.” The DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic pairing have been cooking lately. Since Jan. 1, DeRozan and Vucevic have been the NBA’s most frequent ball-screen partnership, per Second Spectrum. The Chicago Bulls have scored 1.11 points per possession on trips featuring a DeRozan-Vucevic ball screen — the second-best mark among high-volume pairings. It makes sense that the duo works. DeRozan is a downhill savant with mid-range guile that reminds you of a former Los Angeles Laker. Vucevic can get busy as a roller, a short-roller and a pick-and-pop threat. That type of versatility makes life difficult for a defense, as we saw during the Bulls’ 120-109 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night. https://streamable.com/9mlu17 If you ever wondered what happened between NFL star Cam Newton and Kia Proctor, the mother of four of his children, he decided to open up about it during a recent interview between himself and fitness model/Instagram influencer Brittany Renner. Both parties came together for his ‘Funky Friday‘ YouTube series to set the record straight about themselves. During their chat, when Renner posed the question to him about why he didn’t marry Proctor, he didn’t shy away from answering. “That’s a great question…The thing is that person that I was while we were having children together, I couldn’t be the best husband,” he said. “I wasn’t prepared to be a husband then.” The couple started dating in 2013 before reportedly breaking up in early 2020, and Newton says she did make it clear that she wanted to be married. As he put it, “the hourglass was shrinking” for Proctor. But he’d seen successful marriages and wasn’t ready to commit in that way. #KanyeWest has had a lot to say about his pending divorce on social media as of late, but it looks like he might be warming up to the idea of Kim K being declared single amidst their proceedings–so long as things are done on his terms. According to @TMZ_tv, Kanye is worried about the fate of him and Kim’s assets if she’s considered legally single, and has reportedly filed legal documents outlining his conditions for her to be back on the market. TMZ reports Ye’s lawyer fears Kim might remarry and move some of their assets to different accounts once she is declared single, and is asking the following: if either Kim or Kanye pass away, According to Kanye’s legal team, his requests have already been rejected by Kim’s attorneys, which wouldn’t be odd given that the two have a prenup in place that keeps all of their property separate, reports Radar Online. Several states are dealing with severe autopsy backlogs due to staffing issues, and the situation has reached a critical level in Maryland. As reported by Black Enterprise, the Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has turned a parking garage into a makeshift morgue where hundreds of bodies are being stored and awaiting autopsy. “The backlog is holding up funeral services, criminal investigations, and prosecutions,” per the outlet. The state’s backlog is expected to hit 300 by the end of the month, Washington Post reports. Per the report, New Hampshire, Georgia, New Mexico, and New York City are also dealing with autopsy backlogs. https://youtu.be/3lpsQToGdUQ This vacation went from fun to tragedy! A woman on a Carnival cruise ship jumped to her death after being detained by the cruise ship security guards for allegedly getting into a fight with a man in the hot tub. According to a video of the accident, the cruise security guards had the as yet unidentified passenger detained with her arms behind her back following a fight. She was not handcuffed, despite some reports from other passengers. While detained she started screaming the name ‘Alicia’, before getting escorted off the dock of the ship. https://www.instagram.com/p/CaIOPKPp2Ob/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again A Louisiana school teacher who admitted to lacing cupcakes with her ex-husband’s sperm and feeding them to school children now faces nearly 40 years in prison, according to a report. n 2019, Louisiana sheriff’s lieutenant Dennis Perkins and his wife Cynthia Perkins were arrested and charged with creating child pornography, video voyeurism, and first-degree rape. A report from The Advocate said Cynthia Perkins had worked as a school teacher at the time for Westside Junior High School in Walker, Louisiana. Per the agreement, Cynthia admitted to helping her ex-husband sexually assault a juvenile, film a juvenile bathing, and lace cupcakes with sperm from her ex-husband, which were fed to school children, the report added. Cynthia allegedly filed for divorce after the couple was arrested and charged. Cynthia’s attorneys said she was manipulated by her ex-husband into committing child sex crimes. Her attorneys called Dennis the “mastermind” behind the couple’s criminal activity. Magistrate James Lammey, on Feb 8, handed down a 51-year prison sentence to Shanynthia Gardner. In her mid-30s, the Tennessee woman was sentenced to prison five years later after she stabbed and killed her four small children. Fortunately for her eldest son, who was seven years old at the time, he escaped and survived. Despite pleading for insanity, Lammey dismissed the claim leaving her to serve her sentence before eligibility for parole. During the bench trial of Dec 21, the magistrate found Gardner guilty of four counts of first-degree murder, child endangerment, and child abuse. https://youtu.be/D7QfbnyGCLM NBC has dropped the trailer for the much-anticipated return of “Law & Order” — which sees former cast members Anthony Anderson (Kevin Bernard), Sam Waterston (Jack McCoy) and Camryn Manheim (Kate Dixon) reprising their roles. Per PEOPLE, franchise newcomers include Hugh Dancy (Nolan Price), Jeffrey Donovan (Frank Cosgrove) and Odelya Halevi (Samantha Maroun). According to a statement from series creator Dick Wolf and his Wolf Entertainment, the series will return to NBC for Season 21, and “will continue where the show left off in 2010, with the classic format that explores two separate, yet equally important groups: ‘the police who investigate crimes and the district attorneys who prosecute the offenders.’ “There are very few things in life that are literally dreams come true,” Dick Wolf said in the statement. “This is mine.” https://youtu.be/fLAoM6Oaaqs The Emmy-winning comedy “Atlanta” will come to an end after its fourth season, FX confirmed Thursday at the Television Critics Association’s winter press tour. “Death is natural,” said series star Donald Glover at TCA, per Variety. “I feel like when the conditions are right for something, they happen, and when the conditions aren’t right, they don’t happen. I don’t feel any longevity. Because then things start to get weird.” The award-winning comedy-drama will return March 24, 2022, kicking off with a two-episode premiere on FX, and streaming on Hulu the following day. The second season finale aired on May 10, 2018. Production on season 3 was shut down amid the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Both seasons 3 and 4 resumed filming in Paris and Amsterdam in January 2021. https://youtu.be/nynDxkGWnh4 Patrick Mahomes has blasted a report that he banned fiancee Brittany Matthews and his controversial TikTok influencer brother Jackson from attending his Kansas City Chiefs games. The 26-year-old superstar quarterback took to Twitter on Friday to write ‘Y’all just be making stuff up these days [three laughing while crying emojis]’ in response to a series of tweets from former NFL lineman and current radio host Rich Ohrnberger. The 36-year-old former professional athlete had eyebrows raised as earlier that day he posted: ‘Another interesting note… I’ve been told, Patrick Mahomes had a sit down following the season with his brother and fiancé. Former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores has a new home. The Pittsburgh Steelers announced the hire of Flores, who is suing the NFL and three teams, as a defensive assistant and linebackers coach Saturday. “I am excited about Brian Flores joining our coaching staff given his history of developing and teaching defensive players during his time in the NFL,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said in a news release. “Brian’s resume speaks for itself, and I look forward to him adding his expertise to help our team.” Flores’ hire significantly boosts a defensive unit that recently saw the promotion of Teryl Austin to defensive coordinator following the retirement of Keith Butler, who also coached the team’s outside linebackers. Flores spent the past three seasons as Miami’s head coach, compiling a 24-25 record before he was fired last month. And prior to that, he was the defensive playcaller for the New England Patriots, including in Super Bowl LIII. In the UK, A West Midlands zoo hired a Marvin Gaye impersonator to do his thing in hopes that his crooning of “Let’s Get it On” and “Sexual Healing” will inspire its endangered monkeys to ‘get busy’ for mating season. The soul singer, Dave Largie, was enlisted by the staff at Trentham Monkey Forest in Stoke-on-Trent to sing some of the late soul legend’s greatest hits to the Barbary macaques. And would you believe that keepers reported seeing some classic Barbary macaque ‘lovey dovey’ action as a result of the impromptu concert? ?? https://youtu.be/jXGkMd676jU The GOAT debate is something that has not yet been settled to this day. While Michael Jordan is viewed as the GOAT by a lot of people, a lot of younger fans believe that LeBron James is the GOAT, as basketball continuously evolves, and LeBron James is clearly the best player of this generation. Charles Oakley has recently stated that Michael Jordan is the GOAT, and stated that he “put the bar so high” when it comes to that debate. There is definitely some truth to that, as it’s hard to beat an undefeated Finals record and two separate three-peats. Oakley added that LeBron James “passed” Kobe Bryant, but hasn’t “passed” Michael Jordan. Jon Greenberg of The Athletic relayed the news. Ex-police officer Kim Potter, who was convicted of manslaughter in December for shooting and killing Daunte Wright in the Minneapolis area, has been sentenced to two years, 16 months of which will be served in prison. The remaining eight months will be on supervised release. Judge Regina Chu said that this was the case of a “cop who made a tragic mistake. She drew her firearm thinking it was a Taser and ended up killing a young man.” The court approved a downward departure from the typical sentence, as Chu said Potter never intended to use her firearm and the scene was chaotic. https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2022/02/18/kim-potter-sentenced-daunte-wright/ A superintendent, school principal, assistant principal and two coaches at a $13,000-per-year Texas Christian school were arrested for failing to report an attack that saw a ninth-grade boy raped with a baseball bat by an older student on ‘freshman initiation day’ as other students looked on and cheered. Midland Christian School Superintendent Jared Owen Lee, 41, secondary school Principal Dana Elizabeth Ellis, 42, assistant secondary school principal Matthew David Counts, 27, athletic director Gregory Neal McClendon, 55, and baseball coach Barry Lee Russell, 62, were all charged on Wednesday with failure to report with intent to conceal neglect or abuse, a felony in the state of Texas. All five employees were released on $5,000 bonds on Wednesday. The tenth-grade student who carried out the attack, who was not named due to his status as a minor, was arrested on Thursday, police said. The beloved comedian was speaking with his wife during an October episode of his podcast “Bob Saget’s Here for You.” Months before he was found dead, comedian Bob Saget made a haunting comment during an episode of his podcast. “I don’t have long to live. I’m going to be found dead in bed,” he told his wife, Kelly Rizzo, during an October broadcast of “Bob Saget’s Here for You.” Three months later, he was found dead in a Florida hotel room. https://youtu.be/bXDSejxQzzo Earlier this month, actor Columbus Short was arrested for domestic violence. Short, 39, has now been charged with one charge of domestic violence and one charge of child endangerment, both misdemeanors. Per People, “The child endangerment charge was filed because the incident allegedly took place in front of a child, per the outlet. The charges were issued by L.A. City Attorney Michael N. Feuer this week.” New York City Mayor Eric Adams has blamed the “drill” rap genre for contributing to the city’s sharp uptick in violence this year – and late Tuesday night, he met with some of those rappers to talk about solutions to the problem. Adams previously said he wanted to meet with prominent drill rappers to talk about the gun violence on the city’s streets. Through last Sunday, shootings year to date are up 37% versus the same period in 2021 – an average of nearly 4 people shot every day. A video posted to Instagram by the Brooklyn rapper Maino shows the mayor in a City Hall office, gathered with more than a dozen other men. Maino indicated it was being recorded at 11:30 p.m. Tuesday. “There’s been a lot of talk about drill rap, drill music in New York City, connecting violence with the culture, and I just wanted to create a conversation with the mayor,” Maino says. Artists including Fivio Foreign, B-Lovee, CEO Slow, Bucksy Luciano and Bleezy joined the meeting as well. Brad Pitt is suing his ex-wife Angelina Jolie for selling her share of a jointly owned estate and winery to a Russian businessman. The actor, 58 filed a lawsuit against the actress, 46, after she offloaded her share of the French estate Château Miraval the Correns, France winery to Russian oligarch Yuri Shefler. Shefler is the owner of S.P.I. Group which produces and sells more than 300 brands of alcohol including Stolichnaya vodka and he has a net worth of around $2.5 billion, according to Forbes. Brad said in court documents he and Jolie initially purchased the winery in 2008 for $28.4 million, at which time she put down about 40 percent of the funding (about $11.36 million). Joseph H. Rainey, who was born into slavery in 1832 and went on to become the nation’s first Black congressman, was honored at the U.S. Capitol last week. “Study the history. Know their history,” said Representative Jim Clyburn in an interview with CBS News. Clyburn noted that when he was elected in 1992, he was only the ninth Black American from South Carolina elected to Congress. “The problem is there are 95 years between No. 8 and No. 9,” said Clyburn, who is now the Majority Whip and third-most powerful member of Congress. “Anything that’s happened before can happen again. Jim Crow happened once and it can happen again. Study the history.” Rainey’s great-granddaughter Lorna Rainey said in an interview that her great-aunt, Rainey’s daughter, used to tell her about him since he was in very few history books. Lorna Rainey said her great-aunt would say “Lorna, you’re going to be the one to tell everyone about the Congressman.” She said that Rainey’s father, Edward, worked as a barber, one of the few other professions that slaves were allowed to take on, even though law required them to give the master part of their earnings. Over the years, he saved enough money to buy the family’s freedom. Soft-drink giant PepsiCo has announced it will create a new North American organization dedicated to accelerating efforts to help address inequalities for historically underserved businesses and communities. It is part of PepsiCo’s racial equity initiative announced in 2020 that will invest $570 million over five years to increase Black and Hispanic representation and create more financial opportunities for both. The new Multicultural Business and Equity Development Organization will be led by Derek Lewis, the first president of PepsiCo’s Multicultural Business and Equity Development. Lewis has been with the soft-drink company for more than three decades, and in his new role, he will address end-to-end business inequalities. There are 2,755 billionaires in the world, but only 15 are Black and of that 15, only two are women and nine are American. Forbes tallies a list of the world’s billionaires annually using a snapshot of financial information including stock prices, exchange rates and more. Aliko Dangote is currently the richest Black man on Earth. Dangote, who was born in Kano, Nigeria, is worth more than $10 billion according to Forbes and is overseeing the construction of what will be one of the world’s largest oil refineries, which is expected to end the country’s dependence on foreign refined oil. Once completed, the refinery is expected to produce 650,000 barrels of refined oil per day. Sports apparel giant Nike has pledged $140 million to its Black Community Commitment, which invests in organizations focused on increasing economic and social justice opportunities. Nike’s Black Community Commitment will invest the money over the next 10 years to national and local organizations, including the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Black Girls Code, Black Girl Ventures, and Black Voters Matter. Nike will also invest an additional $2.75 million to support 44 local organizations in seven U.S. cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Portland, and Memphis as part of its commitment. “NIKE, Inc.’s purpose is to move the world forward, breaking barriers and building community to change the game for all,” Karol Collymore, senior director of Inclusive Community for Social & Community Impact, said in a statement. “Our Black Community Commitment embodies this belief and drives how we are showing up to advance racial equality for Black people.” Kanye West infuriated fans as he revealed his new Donda 2 album will only be available on his own device Stem Player. Instead of being able to listen to the album on Apple Music, Spotify or other streaming services, fans will be required to shell out $200 to listen to the album on the music gadget. Fans took to Twitter in their droves expressing their disappointment the rapper, 44, who boasts an estimated £1.8billion net worth, is charging an extortionate amount which many won’t be able to afford. One wrote: ‘I love Kanye West, but I’m sorry capitalism that I can’t afford to make rich people richer. I ain’t gonna buy the new Stem player just for DONDA 2, even if he emailed it to me personally. If he wants to put it out on, perfect, if not, then hope his album makes numbers.’ (sic). Another fan added: ‘very, very, very sad that Donda 2 has to be purchased with that speaker, $200’. Byron Allen, head of a major media company that includes the Weather Channel, TV stations, cable networks and more, says he sees his company as leverage to affect real change in the way corporate America does business, in an interview with Lee Cowan for CBS SUNDAY MORNING to be broadcast Sunday, Feb. 20 (9:00 AM, ET) on the CBS Television Network and streaming on Paramount+. Allen is planning to bid for the Denver Broncos, which, if successful, would make him the first Black majority owner of an NFL franchise. He tells Cowan his media company is worth billions, but he won’t sell it. He sees it as a powerful tool to help not only increase Black issue-oriented programming – but also to demand more widespread inclusion in all areas of the business world. https://twitter.com/i/status/1494415305564733448 In 2019, Robyn Crawford dropped a memoir about her friendship with late singer Whitney Houston. Crawford, rumored to be Whitney’s longtime lover, describes Houston’s wedding to Bobby Brown in the book as well as the chaotic and abusive years that followed. Her book reportedly fails to mention the extortion plot against Whitney over her secret same-sex relationship with Crawford. As reported by I Love Old School Music, highly-redacted FBI files were released a few years ago about an investigation into an extortion plot against Whitney. The docs include claims made by the singer’s former bodyguard, Kevin Ammons, and author Ian Helperin, about Whitney’s alleged romance with Crawford. Quinta Brunson, writer of “Abbott Elementary,” is speaking out about the massive success of her hit ABC mockumentary series that is based on her high school years. Speaking to PopSugar about her new show, the actress said: “I would love to be able to make this show for a very long time because I enjoy making it and I enjoy being with these people,” Brunson explained. “I enjoy our crew, our writers room, [and] honestly, the partnership we have with WB and ABC. It’s really respectful and strong. And for all those reasons, I would like to continue to make this show and tell these stories with these teachers, for sure. So hopefully it can just keep going.” https://youtu.be/cO-_7oi-61Y In 2018, he came in second place at his first Daytona 500 and this Sunday he’s back on the track for the NASCAR Cup Series motor race in Florida – Bubba Wallace. The only full-time Black driver in NASCAR’s three national series also has a Netflix docuseries dropping two days after his 500-mile long race. “Race: Bubba Wallace” chronicles the personal and professional life of the stock car racing driver. With exclusive access to Wallace during the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season, his first with Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin’s 23XI Racing, the six-episode series also traces the turbulent aftermath that followed his decision to speak out about racial injustice. https://youtu.be/smOImnuSnEE After the Lakers were embarrassed by the Bucks at home recently (before LA lost to a bad Blazers team missing half their roster), a reporter asked LeBron James how his squad stacks up against Milwaukee and the league’s other elite teams. When asked if he believed the Lakers could eventually reach the Bucks’ level this season, James replied, “Where they are right now? I don’t know. Do I think we can reach the level where Milwaukee is right now? No. Is that what you want to hear from me? No.” James continued, “We can’t get to where they are right now. They’re the defending champions for a reason and I guarantee you if you would’ve asked teams coming out of the bubble if they could get to the level that we were playing at when we won a championship, they would’ve said the same thing.” Let’s flashback to the championship group for a second, shall we? It may seem like it’s been 16 years or so since LeBron led LA to a title in the bubble, but, incredibly, it’s been less than 16 months. The Lakers beat the Heat in Game 6 of the Finals on 11 Oct., 2020. The team’s two cornerstones, Anthony Davis and LeBron James, remain, but the rest of the rotation has been turned over completely. So, how did this team go from raising the Larry O’Brien trophy, to being four games under .500 and fighting for a spot in the play-in tournament just a year-and-a-half later? https://youtu.be/K7qakbUAR9w The national anthem has never sounded better – thanks to Grammy Award-winning iconic singer Jody Watley. She delivered a rousing rendition of the National Anthem to a packed crowd where the Los Angeles Lakers played the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, February 16 at Cypto.com Arena. The celebrated trendsetting pioneer in music, video, fashion and style is one of the architects of 21st-century pop, and one of music’s most versatile song stylists. https://youtu.be/_BJjLUHq04o 50 Cent has clapped back at haters and trolls who fat-shamed him following his performance at the Pepsi Super Bowl LVI halftime show on Sunday. As reported by AceShowbiz, 50 Cent wore a white tank top and black pants while rapping his hit “In Da Club.” Many social media users were quick to call out the rapper for packing on the pounds. “Dr. Dre looks old as s**t, and 50 Cent is fat as f**k,” one person tweeted, while another said, “50 cent is too fat to hang upside down pls.” In the meantime, someone else wrote, “Yo 50 cent got fat AS F**K.” Per the report, one Twitter user defended the rapper, writing, “Am I the only one who doesn’t think the 50 Cent fat jokes/memes are funny? Like, we fat shaming folx for gaining weight during the panny? Not cool.” In the meantime, another fan said, “People calling 50 cent fat and can’t even do a pull up.” On Thursday, 50 Cent took to Instagram to respond to the critics by promoting a line of G-Unit tank tops and headbands. “Get your G-Unit Tank tops & Headbands Now,” he tweeted. https://www.instagram.com/p/CZ8fwznjC14/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again During an appearance on The Language of Love podcast with Dr. Laura Berman on Wednesday, Nick Cannon shared his views on monogamy and was asked if he planned to have eight children. *During an appearance on The Language of Love podcast with Dr. Laura Berman on Wednesday, Nick Cannon shared his views on monogamy and was asked if he planned to have eight children. https://www.instagram.com/drlauraberman/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=76f59473-f390-4817-8cd7-5cf02d421183 Amazon Prime Video has dropped the trailer for Lizzo’s new dance competition series, “Watch Out For the Big Grrrls” “It’s hard to love yourself in a world that doesn’t love you back,” Lizzo tearfully tells the cast in the preview. “You were created specially in your image for you to enjoy.” As the camera cuts to a contestant, they add, “You don’t have to be light-skinned. You don’t have to be skinny. You’re just beautiful the way you are.” https://youtu.be/tgNq_0bsTPU Russian figure skating sensation Kamila Valieva appeared devastated to have missed out on first place at the Beijing Games yesterday after the 15-year-old found herself at the centre of a doping scandal that shocked the world. And now the Olympic chief Thomas Bach has blasted Russia‘s figure skating coaches for the ‘chilling’ treatment of the Moscow school girl after her error-strewn long program and failed quest for gold at the Beijing Games. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Bach hit back at the coach, saying: ‘I was very disturbed yesterday when I watched the competition on television. I saw how high the pressure must have been on her. ‘This pressure is beyond my imagination. In particular for a girl of 15-years-old. To see her struggling on the ice, seeing how she tries to compose herself again and finish her program.’ His remarks came hours after the 15-year-old’s controversial coach was heard on microphones at the skating rink berating the Moscow schoolgirl who failed a doping test and found herself the main story of the Winter Olympics. LeBron James told U.S. Olympic basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski to “fix that motherf–ker” Kobe Bryant during a particular game in the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing, according to an SI.com excerpt from the new book on Krzyzewski’s career by New York Post sports columnist Ian O’Connor. In an exhibition victory over Australia in Shanghai — O’Connor reports in his new book “Coach K: The Rise and Reign of Mike Krzyzewski” — Bryant took some low-percentage shots that didn’t fit the team-first culture Krzyzewski was trying to install. The Duke coach was trying to ensure the Americans didn’t relive their disastrous Olympic experience in Athens four years earlier under then-Detroit Pistons coach Larry Brown. layers noticed, including James. “Everyone knew it,” one Team USA staffer says in the book. “They know when another player is being selfish. Players can police themselves, but in this instance, as LeBron was coming out of the game, he said to Mike, ‘Yo, Coach, you’d better fix that motherf–ker,’ as he walked by. He was talking about Kobe.” The following morning, Krzyzewski asked Bryant for a meeting. “Coach was nervous,” says one of his staffers. “He knew he had to do it.” During the meeting, Krzyzewski pulled out a laptop, and showed Bryant video examples of his “bulls–t shots,” before telling him, “There has to be more movement.” “Bryant just looked right at him and said, ‘I got it, Coach. I got it. Don’t worry about it. Sorry about that,’” a team source told O’Connor. The US would go on to win its first of three Olympic gold medals under Krzyzewski. Ciara took to Instagram Wednesday to share images and clips of her family’s time Saturday at the Super Bowl Breakfast in Los Angeles, where her husband Russell Wilson was presented with the 2022 Bart Starr Award. The Texas-born singer, 36, captioned a series of shots, ‘That Proud Feeling,’ with an emoji of a trophy as she tagged Wilson, 33, into the post with the hashtags, #BartStarrAward and #Family. The Grammy-winning songstress shared a clip on the site of the Seattle Seahawks quarterback as he was joined by his family as he received the trophy at the event. https://videos.dailymail.co.uk/video/mol/2022/02/17/4902731935257836788/1024x576_MP4_4902731935257836788.mp4?_=1 Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Van Jefferson and his wife, Samaria, introduced their newborn son on the Today show on Wednesday after welcoming him the night of the Super Bowl. Samaria, 24, went into labor in the middle of the game and gave birth later that evening. Van, 25, didn’t learn she had gone into labor until after his team beat the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20. The high school sweethearts, who are also parents to a five-year-old daughter, Bella, revealed they are stuck between two names for their son after Van suggested a moniker inspired by his Super Bowl win. ‘When he was born, Van walked into the room and he said, “I have a great idea for a name…Wynn Jefferson,”‘ Samaria shared, explaining they would spell the name W-Y-N-N. ‘So, we’re torn between Wynn and Miles Jefferson.’ https://youtu.be/W17h0VF80tc A postgame handshake line erupted into a two-team fracas in Fargo when Oral Roberts University men’s basketball coach Paul Mills confronted North Dakota State over some perceived showboating. The incident took place after Mills’s Golden Eagles fell, 77-59, to an NDSU team that punctuated its victory with an emphatic, celebratory dunk as time expired: Guard Maleeck Harden-Hayes stole the ball from Oral Roberts’ Max Abmas with the game in hand and only a few seconds on the clock before cruising in for an uncontested dunk just after the buzzer. Although the basket didn’t count, some NDSU players celebrated as if it had, while others lined up to shake hands with the defeated Golden Eagles. Michael Masi has been removed from his position as F1 race director after the investigation into his handling of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December. Masi botched the finish of the title decider between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton last year. The race was settled by a one-lap sprint, which saw Verstappen pass Hamilton to win the title after the safety car restart rules were incorrectly applied by Masi. Masi created that last-lap showdown when he only let a certain amount of lapped cars overtake Hamilton, moving Verstappen right up behind him on brand new tyres, before restarting the race one lap before the regulations said he was supposed to in that situation. On Thursday, new FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem confirmed that Masi had been removed from the position and replaced by an overhauled system of controlling and officiating F1 races. The decision is effectively an admission by the FIA that the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix should not have been restarted in the way it was. Jekalyn Carr believes in well-rounded self-care, which includes caring for and enhancing our God-given beauty. With that belief in mind, the inspirational powerhouse will release JEKALYN BEAUTY SKINCARE this Friday, February 18, followed by the release of JEKALYN BEAUTY HAIRCARE by the end of the month. Products can be purchased at www.JEKALYNBEAUTY.com Featuring natural ingredients that Carr uses herself, JEKALYN BEAUTY’s haircare and skincare lines are for women who want a streamlined system of effective products to meet their beauty needs. http://www.gospel-spotlight.com MAVERICK CITY MUSIC SET TO CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH A SPECIAL PERFORMANCE ON THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mR-D3bvi-4E&feature=youtu.be Motown Gospel, a division of Capitol CMG/Capitol/Universal Music Group, announces the signing of South African singer, songwriter, and television personality HLE to an exclusive recording agreement. The partnership is the first of its kind, representing the only direct signing of a global artist in the famed label’s 23-year history. Today’s announcement comes after a whirlwind season of success for HLE, spurred on by her acclaimed Your Kingdom on Earth. The project peaked at the #1 position on Apple Music’s Gospel Albums chart in 7 countries and landed key positioning in the U.S. & Canada across various streaming platforms. Among the many accolades that followed were 3 South African Music Award (SAMA) nominations, including Female Artist of the Year and Best Live Audio Visual Recording, ultimately winning the honor for Best Contemporary Faith Album. In addition to her thriving solo career, HLE recently began hosting VIP Invite, an uplifting television series that offers viewers a front-row seat to entertaining and uplifting musical experiences each week. Season 2 of the popular program will premiere this Sunday, February 20th at 17:00 CAT on Mzansi Magic Music DSTV channel 321. Today, the I Stand With Immigrants initiative celebrates To Immigrants With Love (TIWL), an annual effort around Valentine’s Day to share messages of love and support for immigrants from people across the country - including artists, activists, and public figures. The #ToImmigrantsWithLove campaign honors each of our families’ sacrifices, struggles, and successes because America’s strength is reflected in our diversity built over generations. The campaign includes both online and in-person art and letter-writing components to show positivity and support for all immigrants across the United States. A number of artists, activists, and public figures are all lending their voices to the campaign, including Aimee Carrero, Alyssa Milano, Bambadjan Bamba, Cara Santana, Carolina Sandoval, Debra Messing, Emily Tosta, Estelle, Hailey Sani, Hari Kondabolu, J.R Martinez, Jenna Ushkowitz, Julissa Calderon, Karan Brar, Marlene Favela, Paola Mendoza, Phillipa Soo, Piper Perabo, Reshma Saujani, and Tatyana Ali. Apparently, the education system in Indiana is struggling with its honoring of Black History Month. Just Tuesday, we reported about a teacher in Indianapolis who thought it was a good idea to create a BHM assignment that involved having students draw pictures of Black people picking cotton. Now, it appears that another educator is giving parents the option of exempting their children from participating in BHM-related lessons altogether. Obviously, this is an excuse for white parents who think BHM is critical race theory to shelter their children in white purity and keep them away from learning evil in school. And by “evil,” I mean “all things Black history and white fragility-inducing.” According to a screenshot of the form shared on social media, a Sprunica Elementary School councilor aptly named Benjamin White authored the letter to parents essentially saying that while “February is a time for caring and growing for our students,” it doesn’t necessarily need to be a time for white parents to care about their kids growing to know anything about Black achievement in America. Almost no one outside of academia knew of CRT before Republicans discovered it was a good and scary base-galvanizing issue they could bring up to keep red states red and possibly swing the racism in swing states all the way to the ballot box. But now that it’s out there and when we’re debating around it, we’re talking very publicly about systemic racism and white privilege as we’re seeing those concepts unfold in real-time. We’re seeing white legislators—who have not even remotely demonstrated knowledge of what CRT is and are instead using it as an umbrella term for all things that make the whites uncomfortable (*gestures widely towards everything Black*)—proposing and passing laws specifically designed for white people’s comfort that everyone of every other race will be affected by. White people aren’t ending the fight against white supremacy by banning CRT, they’re fueling it. Anyway, in Texas—where banning Blackness from education is as American as apple pie, baseball, and hanging negroes from trees then pretending it didn’t happen—the “Faculty Council at the University of Texas approved a nonbinding resolution Monday defending the academic freedom of faculty members to teach about race, gender justice, and critical race theory,” according to the Austin American-Statesman. Rev. Al Sharpton on Thursday spoke to thousands at the funeral of 22-year-old Amir Locke, who was fatally shot by Minneapolis police during a no-knock warrant search. “Amir was not guilty of anything but being young and Black in America,” Sharpton said, according to The Associated Press. Locke was shot by a member of the SWAT team that carried out a no-knock search warrant at the beginning of this month. Sharpton on Thursday spoke out against the no-knock searches in Minneapolis, arguing that had they been banned “we wouldn’t be at a funeral this morning,” the news outlet noted. In his remarks, Sharpton also spoke on Black History Month and connected the history of slaves being forced to take on names their masters gave them to Black people today being seen as “nameless suspects,” according to AP. Milwaukee has moved closer to electing its first Black mayor in city history following a special election on Tuesday. Cavalier “Chevy” Johnson, who is currently the acting mayor of Milwaukee, advanced to April’s general election following Tuesday’s primary that whittled down the field of candidates to two. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that Johnson won 42% of the vote, the highest share of any of the seven candidates, four of whom are Black. He will face off against former city Alderman Bob Donovan, who is white and nabbed 22% of the vote in a city where nearly 39% of the population is Black. In the interim, Johnson will continue to run Milwaukee with one caveat: He was appointed and not duly elected. Milwaukee will have a chance to change that in less than two months. Ironically, Johnson is not the first Black acting mayor in Milwaukee. It appears as though officers with the Rialto Police Department in California have nothing better to do than to harass and physically abuse teenage girls. The department has issued an apology after a video went viral showing two officers kneeling on a Black teen girl and gripping her neck for the crime of riding a bike. After viewing body-camera footage, Police Chief Mark Kling claimed that the girl appeared to have resisted arrest but also said that the department was looking into the “officer’s decision to trip the juvenile to the ground” and put his hand on her throat during the arrest. The teen was later released to her family at a detention center. https://twitter.com/i/status/1493780849669591040 Singer-turned-actress LeToya Luckett’s latest starring role is in Lifetime’s “Line Sisters” — and it’s a project she hopes will change the perception about her journey since leaving Destiny’s Child. “I’m never annoyed when somebody brings up Destiny’s Child. I’m so blessed and grateful for the experience of everything,” she tells Page Six. “I was a little girl, I was 11 years old when I became a part of that group. But when they overdo it and make me feel like that’s my only accomplishment, then it’s like, ‘Now wait a minute.’” She adds: “I feel like I’m in a place in my life, in my career, where people [aren’t saying], ‘The former member of Destiny’s Child’ … and that’s because of my present work.” Luckett, 40, was with Destiny’s Child for 3 years and sold millions of records with the hit R&B group. She and LaTavia Roberson departed the DC in 2000. https://www.instagram.com/letoyaluckett/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=eb30a10b-b393-475b-9439-20baf33302cd Wendy Williams has shared a 5-minute video in which she gives an update on her health, but fans are convinced the clip is old. The video was uploaded to Wendy’s new Instagram page Wednesday. In the clip, Wendy is walking along the beach in Miami. Her son, Kevin Hunter Jr., appears to be the one recording the video, as the two are reportedly living together in Miami. In the video, Wendy makes clear that she intends to return to her show. “I want to be all I can be and then get back to New York and get on down with ‘The Wendy Williams Show,'” she says. “I’m doing okay, ya know?” she adds. https://www.instagram.com/p/CaC_bE5pPVG/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=invalid&ig_rid=b53b1d36-aea0-4cf5-89e7-462510f30979 OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network announced season three of courtroom drama “All Rise” returns in June with Roger Guenveur Smith and Christian Keyes joining the cast led by Simone Missick, who serves as an executive producer this season alongside showrunner and executive producer Dee Harris-Lawrence. As reported by Urban Hollywood 411, Smith (Do the Right Thing and Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker) will portray Judge Marshall Thomas, OWN announced in a recent press release. Keyes (All the Queen’s Men and The Boys) will play Robin (previously played by Todd Wiliams), Lola Carmichael’s husband who has stepped away from the FBI to become a full-time dad. MTV Entertainment Group today announced that Comedy Central’s Tha God’s Honest Truth with Charlamagne Tha God, created and hosted by multimedia mogul Lenard “Charlamagne” McKelvey and executive produced by Stephen Colbert and Aaron McGruder, has been renewed for a second season and slated to premiere this summer. Leading up to the series return, Charlamagne will host a special series of exclusive, intimate one-on-one interviews as an extension of Tha God’s Honest Truth, which will feature notable names in entertainment, politics, comedy, publishing, and more. Married professional wrestling stars Cody and Brandi Rhodes are leaving All Elite Wrestling, with Cody said to be eyeing a move back to WWE. As reported by TMZ, AEW CEO Tony Khan said “Cody and Brandi Rhodes were integral to the launch of All Elite Wrestling.” “Sources tell us there was a fallout between Cody and Tony recently … as Khan’s visibility within the company grew. Of course, Cody — who served as Executive VP of the company — was pretty much the OG face of AEW when it debuted in 2019.” “Cody’s ability combined with his boldness and his passion for our industry and his love for community outreach helped AEW deliver on our mission to give fans what they needed for far too long — something new, innovative and lasting,” Khan added. “I have immense respect and appreciation for Cody and Brandi, and I wish them both the best as they move on from AEW.” David Lee Smith, A.K.A. Bigg Feva, was born with a musical spirit. At the young age of five, Bigg Feva began singing, for friends and family with an enormous amount of passion. At the beginning stages of his musical career school talent shows were an outlet for his high-energy performances. Bigg Feva captivated the audience. As he won first place in every talent show his confidence grew and he became determined to attend every musical opportunity that life had to offer. As a Hip Hop Artist producers are constantly amazed by his ability to arrange vocals as well as his vocal range. Bigg Fev is also a talented writer who writes R&B and Gospel zealously for himself and other artists. The mixture of formal musical training, passion for writing, and a love for quality music transfers to a live performance that is forever remembered by audiences that Bigg Feva captivates while performing across the United States. Most recently Bigg Feva won The Las Vegas Black Music Awards Best Hip Hop category. https://youtu.be/YxoI-TLx1a0 W. Kamau Bell seems concerned that defenders of Bill Cosby think more about protecting one man’s legacy than supporting the Black women he allegedly victimized. “I know some black people say, ‘Don’t tear down this black man,’” Bell tells Page Six. “But a third of the survivors are black women. Why are we prioritizing one man over all these black women?” Cosby was convicted of sexual assault in 2018 and sentenced to three-10 years in prison. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court vacated his conviction last June and Cosby was released. https://youtu.be/qVr0xrvGK1Q Mary J. Blige stopped by the Hot 97 studio this week to dish about her Super Bowl LVI Halftime performance alongside Dr. Dre, Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, and Eminem. “I was nervous until I got on the stage,” she told Ebro Darden. “I was nervous in all the rehearsals—everybody was nervous. Everyone. But that was a huge moment.” Blige then reacted to conservative viewers who expressed outrage over the all-Black halftime show. https://youtu.be/xGaZqLw6yNI Showing no sign he will allow tensions to subside, Vladimir Putin demanded on Thursday that the U.S. remove all of its forces from Eastern and Central Europe and expelled U.S. Deputy Ambassador Bartle Gorman from Russia. Soon after President Biden told reporters he believes Putin will invade Ukraine ‘in a matter of days,’ while British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the shelling of a kindergarten in Eastern Ukraine was a ‘false flag’ operation designed to give Russia a pretext for an attack. Taken together the diplomatic and military moves represent a new, dangerous phase in the crisis. A day earlier the U.S. accused Russia of lying about its intentions. A senior administration official said it was talking deescalation but ‘privately mobilizing for war.’ Thursday began with shelling in Eastern Ukraine, with Russian-backed rebels and Ukrainian forces accusing the other of being responsible. Pictures soon emerged of a rubble-strewn kindergarten just behind the Ukrainian side of the frontline. Kanye West took to social media Wednesday to ask for God’s help after admitting to harassing estranged wife Kim Kardashian. ‘God…please watch over me and keep mind sane,’ West, 44, said in an Instagram post. ‘I could use it right now. To anyone who feels alone, im with u and I love you.’ West, who shares children North, eight, Saint, six, Chicago, three, and Psalm, two, with the reality star, captioned the post, ‘Love you family.’ West on Tuesday took to the social media site and erased past posts he had made on the topic, with a contrite message after sharing screengrabs of discussions he’d had with Kardashian and Davidson. Tom Hanks – who is widely considered ‘America’s Dad’ and a beloved ‘normal guy’ in Hollywood – has been criticized by his own son. Chet, 31, claimed he did not have a ‘strong male role model’ during his teens while he was struggling with the pressures of having celebrity parents. Hanks and Rita Wilson – who have been married 33 years – have two sons together – Chet and Truman, 25. The Forrest Gump star also has a son Colin, 43, and daughter Elizabeth Ann, 38, from a previous relationship. Although Chet assured the public that ‘I love my parents’ and ‘wouldn’t want any different parents,’ he confessed having a famous family is ‘a double-edged sword.’ He said many people had ‘contempt’ for him as a movie star’s child, and while trying to navigate the ‘s***-talking’ and the ‘d***-riders,’ he lacked ‘a strong male role model’ who could have told him: ”Hey, bro, f*** these people. They are just jealous of you.” He shared that ‘my experience was even more complicated because on top of fame already being toxic, I wasn’t even famous. You know, I was just the son of somebody famous so I hadn’t even done anything to deserve any sort of recognition and that created a lot of contempt, a lot of contempt for me.’ Chet shared that while his father was ‘on this pedestal,’ he himself was ‘assumed’ to be ‘a really arrogant, entitled spoiled brat even though I really wasn’t.’ Discovery Plus has unveiled the trailer for its three-part docuseries “Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed,” an investigation into the church made famous by its celebrity congregation, such as Justin Bieber, various Kardashians and other stars. All three episodes will drop on the streamer on March 24. The series explores the rise of Hillsong, which was founded in Australia by Brian Houston as an offshoot of his father Frank’s Sydney-based Pentecostal church. Hillsong stood out by putting an emphasis on music as a part of worship. Later, Houston decided to export Hillsong internationally, and recruited pastor Carl Lentz to lead its New York City chapter. Lentz became famous in his own right — and was often photographed alongside Bieber and other celebrity congregants — until Houston fired him in November 2020 for “moral failures,” among other issues. https://youtu.be/5iU5OVH33as Today, the NAACP and BET revealed the performers and presenters for the “53rd NAACP Image Awards.” Nine-time Grammy Award-winning singer and two-time Academy Award-nominated actress and producer Mary J. Blige will take the stage to perform at this year’s show. The “53rd NAACP Image Awards,” hosted by seven-time NAACP Image Awards winner Anthony Anderson, airs Saturday, February 26 at 8:00 PM ET/PT on BET. Presenters for the LIVE show include Issa Rae, Kerry Washington, LL Cool J, Michael Strahan, Morgan Freeman, Paula Patton, Questlove, Simu Liu, Tiffany Haddish, Zendaya, NAACP President Derrick Johnson, and NAACP Board Chairman Leon W. Russell. As previously announced, actor Samuel L. Jackson will be presented with the NAACP Chairman’s Award and Nikole Hannah-Jones, the Pulitzer Prize-winning creator of the 1619 Project, will be presented with the Social Justice Impact Award. Last night, BMI hosted a listening party for three-time GRAMMY® nominated Gospel singer/songwriter DOE in support of her full-length debut album Clarity. Gathered at Black Coffee Atlanta, BMI’s Catherine Brewton, and Life Room Label’s Jonathan McReynolds co-hosted the intimate event where fans and industry executives were treated to an early listen of the 11-track album featuring singles “When I Pray” and “So Good.” Clarity will be available February 18th on Life Room Label/RCA Inspiration. Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios and David Oyelowo’s Yoruba Saxon have partnered with Netflix to produce the film adaptation of “Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun.” Based on the upcoming book by British-Nigerian author, journalist and hair care educator T?lá Okogwu, “Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun” tells the tale of a teenager who learns she has powers and travels to Nigeria to learn more about her origins, where she discovers a threat to her newfound magical community. Described as “Black Panther” meets “X-Men” or “Percy Jackson,” the book is the first in an action-packed series for middle-grade children and will be published by Simon & Schuster in the U.S. and U.K. this June. Okogwu is represented by CAA and Claire Wilson at RCW Literary Agency. Popular voiceover artist Cayman Kelly opened up to candidly discuss a catastrophic health event he recently suffered. This past Martin Luther King Jr. Day, on January 17, Kelly began experiencing a rapid loss of feeling and sensation in his right hand. Throughout the day, as symptoms progressed to include a slowing down of motor-response time and cognitive impairment, Kelly tried to ignore what was going on because he had a busy work schedule. It was not until Kelly’s wife first noticed his symptoms that he was rushed to a hospital. The ER doctors confirmed what she suspected: the popular voice of Monday Night Football was suffering from an ischemic stroke due to a blood clot in the brain. It was absolutely unreal, that whole day,” said Kelly. “Early on, I had stretched out on the floor for a few minutes, so when my hand started going numb, I just figured I had laid on it too long. The symptoms got much more intense – I was trying to type an email on my phone and noticed how difficult it was to try to complete the message. Then, I started dropping my phone on the floor repeatedly. When I went to wash my hands, I started to notice how I was cognitively slowing down because I wasn’t actually washing my hands, although I was standing there with the water running. But even though the feeling in my fingers never returned, I ignored it and went about my day.” https://youtu.be/I93pLBqUgqw Nick Cannon says it was Kevin Hart who gifted him a condom machine as an early Valentine’s Day following reports that the “Masked Singer” host is expecting his 8th child with a new baby mama. “Looks like somebody just sent me an early Valentine’s Day gift!! Vending Machine full of Magnums,” Cannon wrote Feb. 7 in the caption of an Instagram photo of the machine packed full of Magnum condoms. In a new interview with Entertainment Tonight, Cannon said Hart’s prank did not go over well with the mothers of his children, who pressed him with “Who sent you that?” questions, he said. But once Hart admitted that he was behind the condom vending machine, “everybody relaxed,” Cannon added. Hart confessed to the prank in an Instagram post of the photo Cannon shared after receiving the condom vending machine. https://www.instagram.com/nickcannon/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=56b252b9-1902-453a-aecd-5f2bbb427820 Are you ready to go on a globe-trotting adventure to recover a billion-dollar fortune lost 500 years ago?! That’s the premise of the new Sony Pictures Entertainment film “Uncharted” starring Tom Holland (“Spider-Man: No Way Home”) and Mark Wahlberg (“TED”). The flick is based on the 2007 PlayStation video game of the same name. Holland plays street-smart bartender Nathan Drake, who is recruited by a mysterious treasure hunter Victor “Sully” Sullivan (Wahlberg). He makes an offer for the two to team up and recover a fortune in gold, with the bonus of potentially discovering what happened to his older brother Sam who disappeared years earlier. https://youtu.be/4wCH1K-ckZw Romeo Miller has welcomed his first child, a baby girl, with girlfriend Drew Sangster. The actor/singer and son of Master announced the exciting news on Instagram Monday. “It’s been hard to hold this in, but it was important for us to make sure our baby girl got here safe and healthy before making any announcements to the world during this sacred journey,” Miller wrote alongside a 39-second video of him and Sangster. “Psalms 127:3 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.” “My great granny always said if you live long enough, you’ll realize that everything (and the best things) are on God’s time, never yours,” he added. “The best Valentines ever. Been waiting for this moment my entire life. Thank you @drewsangster. ?? I’m a #GirlDad babbbbbyyy.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CZ-BL0aAJXh/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=091ebb53-57b0-4a32-a6ea-9c307dc8add1 Video has surfaced of blatant racial bias happening right before your very eyes at a New Jersey mall. Police are shown breaking up a fight between two teen boys – one Black and one white – at the Bridgewater Commons mall in Bridgewater Township, New Jersey. Police pinned one teen to the ground and put a knee on his back while handcuffing him. Cops sat the other teen on a nearby sofa, left him uncuffed and did nothing as he stood over the arrested teen and talked smack as he was face down on the ground in cuffs. Needless to say, the Bridgewater Police Department is now under investigation over the blatant racial disparity of the arrest. Also, the town’s mayor and state governor have denounced the behavior of the two cops. https://www.facebook.com/609613641/videos/1104369650347055/ Retired New York Giants star Tiki Barber is catching heat for declaring that the NFL is “not racist” after former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores filed a racial discrimination lawsuit against the league and several teams. Earlier this month, Flores sued the NFL, the Dolphins, the Broncos, and the Giants, alleging racist practices during the hiring process for coaches and executives. “This is about changing the hiring practices in the National Football League, and that’s what this lawsuit is about,” Brian said on CNN. “I want to coach football that’s what I’m called to do.” In the lawsuit, he alleges that the NFL “is racially segregated and is managed much like a plantation.” Daily Show” host Trevor Noah will headline this year’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner on April 30. It will be the first time the event will take place since being put on hold in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. “Trevor is an incredible talent who keeps us laughing — and thinking — four nights a week,” said a statement from Steven Portnoy, the association president and a reporter for CBS News Radio. “We can’t wait for him to help bring our 100-year Washington tradition ‘Back to Abnormal.’” The annual correspondent’s dinner raises money for scholarships and is normally attended by celebrities and prominent influencers such as journalists and politicians. The event traces back to 1921. https://youtu.be/HHckZCxdRkA Perhaps you’ve heard vinyl albums are making a big comeback, even as we stream music on our phones. A couple of African American entrepreneurs are riding vinyl’s renewed popularity to worldwide sales from their small store on Chicago’s Southside. CBS 2’s Jim Williams reports. https://cbsloc.al/3Jq7q9U The All-Star Gospel Celebration (ASGC) will kick off NBA All-Star Weekend in Cleveland, Ohio with an unforgettable commemoration celebrating its 15th year during the 75th NBA All-Star Weekend! The celebration is slated to take place on Thursday, February 17th at Mt. Zion in Oakwood Village at 8 P.M. EST. ASGC will be hosted by 3x NBA All-Star host Jacinda Jacobs and NBA Veteran & former National Basketball Players Association Vice-President Maurice “Mo” Evans. There will also be special appearances and performances by Kierra Sheard-Kelly, Mali Music, Maverick City Music, DOE, saxophonist Angella Christie, Keyla Richardson, and Anthony Hall. The commemoration will honor doers and game-changers in the sports industry. Honorees include co-owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, Valerie Daniels Carter, with the Slam Dunk "Game Changer" award, former Executive Director of the National Basketball Players Association, Billy Hunter, with the "Faith & Endurance" award, as well as father and son duo Pastor Larry Macon Jr. and Pastor Larry Macon Sr. with the "Living Legend" award. On the Tuesday, February 15 edition of “Tamron Hall,” iconic R&B group New Edition sat down with Tamron for a special hour-long daytime exclusive interview with all six members, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Bobby Brown, Ronnie DeVoe, Johnny Gill and Ralph Tresvant the day before their new U.S tour kicks off in Columbus, Georgia. https://youtu.be/4LC-wLK_ttc A woman has hit Trey Songz with a $20 million sexual assault case, claiming he raped her at his home on March 24, 2016. The unidentified woman said she initially had a consensual relationship with the singer but Songz allegedly became a “savage rapist,” she said in the lawsuit, as reported by Complex. “Earlier today, the attorney who drafted this suit was credibly accused of trying to pay a woman to falsely accuse Trey,” the rep said in a statement. “Hours later, that same attorney has filed this suit on behalf of an anonymous client. It isn’t hard to see what’s happening here, and it is a shame for genuine victims of sexual assault.” Songz is also dealing with two additional sexual assault cases. We reported earlier that former UNLV basketball player Dylan Gonzalez has also accused Trey of raping her. Pray.com, the world’s No. 1 app for Christians, today introduced GRAMMY® Award-winning global entertainer and entrepreneur Lecrae as its latest brand ambassador. The collaboration with Lecrae will see the release of several new content series led by the artist on the Pray.com website and mobile app. “Transform Yourself,” a seven-part meditative prayer series, will guide listeners through messages of mindfulness in faith to reduce everyday stress and improve their relationship with God, while an additional seven-part motivational prayer series will aim to inspire listeners in the morning to lead a productive day. In addition, Lecrae has narrated “Hope in a Dark World,” a Pray.com Bedtime Bible Story centered around Noah’s Ark that helps parents and families share lessons with children about having faith in tough times. Award-winning gospel and worship singer-songwriter Maranda Curtis lends her voice to promote prevention of liver cancer in the African American community. The acclaimed music artist has partnered with Blue Faery: The Adrienne Wilson Liver Cancer Association to create a new public service announcement (PSA) campaign and live cast with medical doctors and experts on Saturday, February 19 at 1:00 pm ET in partnership with the National Black Church Initiative (NBCI) for faith-based communities titled "Love Your Liver." The campaign and live cast aims to educate about the importance of liver cancer screenings, which can help at-risk populations catch and treat cancer in its early stages. Within the African American community, liver cancer is far more lethal than it is for the U.S. population. In fact, in 2019, chronic liver disease was the eighth leading cause of death for non-Hispanic black people ages 45-64. Often, liver cancer develops due to Hepatitis C, which is twice as prevalent in the Black community compared to the general population. Hepatitis C is the leading risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer in U.S. adults. However, in recent years, researchers have discovered that earlier interventions can make all the difference in saving lives. This week at CLEO TV, we're taking a trip to Puerto Rico with Chef JJ! JUST EATS WITH CHEF JJ has returned for season 4. The popular cooking show highlights Chef JJ's roots, childhood memories and of course, his delicious cuisine on tonight's all-new episode, February 16th at 9 P.M. ET/8C. In tonight's episode, Chef JJ takes our taste buds on a beautiful tropical journey to the Island of Puerto Rico with his fun and tasty Pastelón recipe. He also shares some of his special memories of cooking, eating, and celebrating his Puerto Rican roots. Chef JJ starts by cooking up a layered Plantain Lasagna called Pastelón. He then serves a fresh bowl of soupy rice known as Asopao to compliment. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvucIAEo5cQ Hot on the heels of the season three finale of CLEO TV's NEW SOUL KITCHEN, Chef Jernard's condensed version of the show, NEW SOUL KITCHEN REMIX, airs tonight, February 16th at 9:30 P.M. EST/8:30C on CLEO TV. Chef Jernard Wells may be short on time in the kitchen, but he is not short on taste! One of CLEO's favorite chefs is back to cook up delicious homemade meals in 30 minutes or less! The best way to a person's heart is through their stomach and no one knows that better than Chef Jernard. In this episode, he puts his twist on Honey Crispy Shrimp and Tasty Rice Noodles! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A21O4gSYUYA&feature=youtu.be "Different Morning” is the first single taken from “Papillon de Nuit: The Night Butterfly”, the upcoming third studio album from two-time JUNO Nominated and two-time Polaris Prize listed, Toronto’s Soul/R&B powerhouse Tanika Charles. The single will be available on all digital platforms on February 18th. “Papillon de Nuit: The Night Butterfly” will be released worldwide on April 8th on Milan-based Record Kicks label on CD, LP and “Different Morning” sees the collaboration between Tanika and rising Toronto MC DijahSB, whose album “Head Above the Waters” was featured in Exclaim Magazine top 50 albums of the year and granted them a nomination and a performance at the Junos. According to Tanika: “So much of our days are spent dwelling on the same mistakes, the same misfortunes. That thing we wish didn’t happen, or what we wish we hadn’t done. “Different Morning” is about starting a new day without that baggage, about finding a way to correct course and move past it. What starts as a pitiful interior monologue evolves into a celebration of getting over that hump by being your biggest cheerleader. DijahSB is someone who was able to carry that triumphant spirit that the second half of the song needed. “I’m alive today” is enough of a blessing, enough of an accomplishment, and enough to be thankful for.” Naturi Naughton is set to tie the knot with her boo-thang Two Lewis, a man she has kept on the low until now. In a new interview with ESSENCE magazine, the “Power Book II: Ghost” star explained why she decided to keep mum about their relationship. She also shared details about her upcoming nuptials and her fiancee’s relationship with her daughter Zuri. “For me it was important to be cautious about sharing it, especially at the beginning of our engagement, so we could focus on that bonding time,” she told ESSENCE about her relationship with Lewis. “Sometimes in the industry people put their opinions on things and make you feel like you need their opinion, and I don’t.” Naturi and her fiancé met through her “Power” co-star Omari Hardwick. https://www.instagram.com/naturi4real/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=8428b760-b92f-4be5-a817-1035998863ca The Valentine’s Day Special Verzuz was held at a sold-out Avalon in Hollywood, California, one day after Valentine’s Day. The crooner from North Carolina (Anthony), and the neo-soul specialist from Philly (Musiq) went back and forth, showcasing song after song, including Anthony Hamilton’s hits “Can’t Let Go,” “You Made a Fool of Me” and “Charlene” and Musiq Soulchild’s hits “Love,” “Teach Me” and “BUDDY.” The evening had a litany of guests. Anthony brought out Raheen Devaughn, Kevin Ross, Donnell Jones and Leela James. Not to be undone, Musiq brought out Meelah (from the group 702) and Lucky Daye, who sampled Musiq’s “Half Crazy.” At the end of the evening, all of the guests joined Anthony and Musiq onstage, and a crowded stage it was. Anthony Hamilton... https://twitter.com/i/status/1493803720085282816 ; The Valentine’s Day Special Verzuz was held at a sold-out Avalon in Hollywood, California, one day after Valentine’s Day. The crooner from North Carolina (Anthony), and the neo-soul specialist from Philly (Musiq) went back and forth, showcasing song after song, including Anthony Hamilton’s hits “Can’t Let Go,” “You Made a Fool of Me” and “Charlene” and Musiq Soulchild’s hits “Love,” “Teach Me” and “BUDDY.” The evening had a litany of guests. Anthony brought out Raheen Devaughn, Kevin Ross, Donnell Jones and Leela James. Not to be undone, Musiq brought out Meelah (from the group 702) and Lucky Daye, who sampled Musiq’s “Half Crazy.” At the end of the evening, all of the guests joined Anthony and Musiq onstage, and a crowded stage it was. Musiq Soulchild... https://twitter.com/i/status/1493782795843375107 NBC’s broadcast of Super Bowl LVI averaged 99.2 million viewers, while 1.9 million tuned in on Telemundo. As reported by Urban Hollywood 411, the total number of viewers who watched the game across the small screen as well as streaming and digital platforms climbed to 112.3 million, according to Nielsen. “The Super Bowl once again delivered a massive audience, which included NBC and the unmatched power of broadcast television as well as first-ever presentations on Peacock and Telemundo, and led into our most-watched Olympics coverage in four years,” said Mark Lazarus, Chairman, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, in a press release. Per Nielsen data, via Variety, “this year’s Super Bowl telecast was up 8% from 2021’s showdown between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs, which drew about 91.6 million,” the outlet writes. The Los Angeles Rams are the new Super Bowl champions after defeating the Cincinnati Bengals on their home field at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on Sunday. The highly-anticipated halftime show featuring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar averaged 103.4 million viewers, per the report. https://twitter.com/i/status/1493077429249847300 Longtime Cleveland radio personality Lynn Tolliver passed away Sunday after battling an undisclosed illness. As reported by Cleveland 19, Tolliver was credited with putting the rhythm-and-blues station WZAK on the map in the 1980s, and worked at the station until the early 2000s. While at WZAK, he hosted the shows “Three’s Company” and “Just the Two of Us.” After leaving the station, Tolliver started his own online radio station, Radio 9311, where he continued to host and promote R&B music. He was also a songwriter of tunes like “I Need a Freak,” in 1983. In 2011, Tolliver won a $1.2 million lawsuit against the Black Eyed Peas for copyright infringement, when the band sampled “I Need a Freak” in their hit song, “My Humps.” More recently, Kanye West had sampled another song that Lynn Tolliver wrote, “Extacy,” for one of his tracks. https://youtu.be/hK04Mo4EPdc The Roots Picnic will return to the Mann Center in Fairmount Park this June, with the multistage music and culture festival curated by the Philadelphia hip-hop band expanding to two days and featuring headliners Mary J. Blige, Summer Walker, Wizkid, Kamasi Washington, and Jazmine Sullivan. This year’s Picnic will take place on the Mann campus on June 4 and 5. It will be the first to be staged as an in-person event since 2019, when the festival drew a crowd of 25,000 as it made the move to the Mann after over a decade on the Delaware River at the Festival Pier, which no longer exists. The Picnic will feature two performers from Sunday’s Super Bowl telecast in Blige, who was part of the Dr. Dre-led hip-hop halftime show, and country singer Mickey Guyton, who sang the national anthem. At the Picnic, Blige will perform with The Roots as her backing band. The lineup is deep. The J. Period Live Mixtape, a showcase for MCs that is always a highlight, will feature Roots rapper Black Thought, plus Rick Ross and Benny the Butcher. A Soulquarians Jam Session will find Roots drummer Questlove and other neo-soul musicians backing Keyshia Cole, SWV, and Philly R&B singer Musiq Soulchild. Cops say that Bob Saget died after hitting the back of his head on his bed’s headboard – despite doctors saying that his injuries were so severe they looked like he had been hit with a baseball bat. Saget was found dead aged 65 of a brain bleed on January 9 in his hotel room at the Orlando Ritz-Carlton. His death was ruled an accident with no signs of foul play. Sources told TMZ that the electronic front door lock to his hotel room shows no one else entered the room after him. It was only opened again the next afternoon, when hotel staff found him dead. Police believe he most likely slammed his head on a wooden portion of his hotel headboard and was knocked unconscious, sources close to the investigation told TMZ on Wednesday. But his autopsy revealed that his injuries were severe and suggest a much more serious accident. One analyst even compared them to injuries consistent with being hit with a baseball bat or falling 30 feet. Saget’s family have since filed an injunction to prevent the release of further records about the tragedy. A Black Lives Matter activist and candidate for Louisville’s metro council has been charged with attempted murder, accused of opening fire on Monday on a mayoral candidate whose shirt was grazed by a bullet in his campaign headquarters. Quintez Brown, 21, also faces four counts of wanton endangerment, Louisville police spokesperson Aaron Ellis said. Brown, who is a student at the University of Louisville, pleaded not guilty at an arraignment Tuesday and his bond was set at $100,000. A judge ordered him not to have contact with the alleged victim, 46-year-old Craig Greenberg, a Jewish Democrat running for Louisville mayor, or Greenberg’s campaign staff. Police said Brown appears to have acted alone and the motive remains under investigation. Brown remained in the Louisville Metro jail late Tuesday afternoon. After Brown briefly disappeared last year, family members said they were concerned about his mental health. His lawyer, Rob Eggert said Tuesday in court that ‘there are serious mental issues at play here’ and he will have Brown undergo a psychiatric evaluation. ViacomCBS Inc missed Wall Street profit forecasts on Tuesday as the company announced it will change its name to Paramount and unveiled a broad range of new programming in the battle for viewers in the crowded streaming market. Shares of the media conglomerate that owns CBS, Showtime, Comedy Central, MTV and other networks, which initially fell 3%, slipped to a 6% loss as the company’s two-hour presentation of its streaming strategy continued after the markets closed. ViacomCBS reported adjusted earnings per share of 26 cents for October through December, below analyst projections of 43 cents. Simone Biles, the most accomplished American gymnast in history, revealed she has a new piece of hardware for her large collection: an engagement ring. Biles, 24, announced her engagement to Houston Texans defensive back Jonathan Owens on social media Tuesday. “THE EASIEST YES,” Biles wrote in the caption on Instagram, adding, “I can’t wait to spend forever & ever with you, you’re everything I dreamed of and more! let’s get married FIANCÉ” “Woke up this morning with a fiancé,” Owens said of the Valentine’s Day engagement. Both Biles’ and Owens’ posts show off the moment he got down on one knee, as well as a picture of him lifting her up. https://www.instagram.com/simonebiles/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=57c14984-3188-44ae-bfad-f5a6d5548402 National College Resources Foundation producers of the 23rd Annual Black College Expo™ is proud to present the expo IN PERSON this year Saturday, February 19, 2022, at the Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, California 90015 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Attendees can meet with colleges and participate in workshops from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with an After Show from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Students can get accepted on the spot, get their college application fees waived, and receive millions in scholarships. This event helps high school seniors and college transfer students looking to transfer to a four-year college. In addition to getting connected to college recruiters, students will have access to motivating and informative seminars and workshops which includes Boomin’ Careers, How to Find Money for College, Internships and Careers, Why Attend an HBCU, a special seminar on Crypto Currency for Kids and Young adults, and new this year a President’s Forum featuring HBCU Presidents. The Black College Expo™ is open to students, educators, parents, and caregivers of all backgrounds. Black College Expo will have (48) scholarship recipients. This is the largest number of scholarship winners in the 23-year history. A Texas A&M women’s basketball assistant coach hit back after facing backlash for wearing pink leather pants and stilettos to a game. ‘I’m unapologetically myself every day, I could care less if anybody thinks that I’m being extra,’ Sydney Carter said in response to her critics. ‘I’m not gonna turn up turn my light off because somebody else is offended or intimidated by the fact that I embrace myself.’ The 31-year-old Aggies assistant coach believes race plays a major factor in the criticism. ‘I just think that people are uncomfortable with a black woman being in a power position,’ she told Yahoo. ‘When you see a black woman who is actually confident and embracing herself, I think that that’s very intimidating.’ The furor began when Carter shared photos of herself at the February 6 game against the Kentucky Wildcats. She was wearing the tight pink leather pants paired with a white turtleneck, clear heels and a pink breast cancer awareness pin at her chest. The Dallas Cowboys paid a confidential settlement of $2.4 million to members of their cheerleading squad after an alleged 2015 incident involving a team executive in their locker room, ESPN reported Wednesday. The suit followed allegations against longtime senior vice president for public relations and communications Rich Dalrymple, whom cheerleaders alleged stood behind a partial wall in their locker room with his iPhone extended toward them while they changed clothes. Dalrymple was also accused of taking “upskirt” photos of Cowboys executive vice president/chief brand officer Charlotte Jones, the daughter of team owner Jerry Jones, during the 2015 NFL draft. A fan signed an affidavit that he saw the alleged incident while watching a livestream of the team’s war room, ESPN reported. Dalrymple retired this month after 32 years with the organization. He told ESPN that allegations “had nothing to do with my retirement from a long and fulfilling career, and I was only contacted about this story after I was retired.” Dalrymple denied accusations that he took photos or video in either incident, saying his presence in the cheerleaders’ locker room was “accidental.” Serena and Venus Williams stunned in black swimsuits on the cover of the March issue of Harper’s Bazaar. The tennis superstars donned sexy one-shoulder one-pieces for the fashion magazine’s Legacy Issue and talked about life after future retirement in the accompanying interview. ‘From such a young age, all we’ve done is work,’ Venus, 41, told Harper’s. She continued, ‘So I think for Serena and I to explore that freedom is surreal. We’ve never been free.’ On the cover image, Serena rested her cheek on her sister’s toned bicep as they gazed down at the camera. Serena showcased her incredible figure in a Norma Kamali one-piece and accessorized with dazzling Cartier High Jewelry including diamond necklaces and large round earrings. Venus’s svelte physique was on full display in her Sara Christina swimsuit which she paired with diamond drop Panthère De Cartier earrings. The siblings sported similar hairstyles with their long locks braided back from their foreheads and down in voluminous waves. The four-time Olympic champions modeled the swimsuits as they struck identical poses with their hands on their hips for a photo inside the magazine. Following a racist bomb threat Jan. 11 that disrupted operations and terrified students, faculty and staff at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) in Los Angeles, Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson (D-Carson) is calling on state and federal authorities to investigate. CDU is the only historically Black college in California. It is also designated a “Minority-Serving Institution” by the U.S. Office for Civil Rights. “As I heard about the violent threat leveled against California’s current and future doctors, nurses, and first responders, I was utterly enraged and pissed off! How can anyone threaten to take the lives of those who have committed themselves to providing life-saving services? This makes me sick to my stomach,” said Gipson in a statement. The National Football League has hired former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch to defend it in a high-profile race discrimination case filed earlier this month by former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores. Lynch, a partner at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, is working with the law firm’s chairman Brad Karp on the litigation, according to four sources familiar with the situation. The Dolphins, also named as a defendant in the Flores case, and their real estate billionaire owner Stephen Ross have turned to Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan litigator William Burck, the sources said. Bruce Beal Jr., president of the Ross-controlled Related Cos., has right of first refusal to take control of the Dolphins. Beal is being represented by Boies Schiller Flexner partner Joshua Schiller—who returned to the firm last year after a three-month leave of absence stemming from domestic abuse charges that were later dropped—said three sources knowledgeable of the matter. The NFL, Dolphins, Beal, and the three firms declined to comment.The National Football League has hired former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch to defend it in a high-profile race discrimination case filed earlier this month by former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores. Lynch, a partner at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, is working with the law firm’s chairman Brad Karp on the litigation, according to four sources familiar with the situation. The Dolphins, also named as a defendant in the Flores case, and their real estate billionaire owner Stephen Ross have turned to Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan litigator William Burck, the sources said. Bruce Beal Jr., president of the Ross-controlled Related Cos., has right of first refusal to take control of the Dolphins. Beal is being represented by Boies Schiller Flexner partner Joshua Schiller—who returned to the firm last year after a three-month leave of absence stemming from domestic abuse charges that were later dropped—said three sources knowledgeable of the matter. Tens of thousands of Rams fans celebrated Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp, Aaron Donald and the rest of the Super Bowl LVI champions for a curiously short victory parade in Los Angeles on Wednesday. Spectators lined up for the parade route that started at 11am local time and ran only a mile through the city, culminating in a noon rally just outside LA Memorial Coliseum, the club’s former home. Stafford, seated atop a double-decker bus with wife Kelly, was seen enjoying a cigar and a beer during the parade. At one point, retiree Tom Brady shared a word of advice for the Rams quarterback on Twitter. ”Mix in a water Matt…trust me,’ tweeted Brady, who was famously inebriated during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ victory parade a year ago. Also appearing with Stafford were his favorite target, Kupp, the Super Bowl MVP who was wearing a Kobe Bryant Lakers jersey, and left tackle Andrew Whitworth, who appeared with his children atop the double-decker bus. https://videos.dailymail.co.uk/video/mol/2022/02/16/5571394052117907289/1024x576_MP4_5571394052117907289.mp4?_=2 On Friday’s edition of The Young Turks, co-host Jayar Jackson condemned the racist firefighters of the Briarcliffe Fire Company Station 75 who were caught on tape mocking Fanta Bility, an 8-year-old girl who was killed by police. Volunteer firefighters from a Philadelphia-area station thought their Zoom call was disconnected and proceeded to use the N-word and other racist language to disparage an all-black fire company, and mock the name of Fanta Bility who was fatally shot by police last year. Three police officers are facing charges in connection with Fanta’s death. “A bunch of f*cking n*ggers down there,” one Briarcliffe firefighter can be heard saying in reference to the all-Black Darby Township Fire Company. The Briarcliffe firefighters also discussed there being too many African-Americans living in the area. “That’s the f*cking problem,” one Briarcliffe firefighter said. “Blacks are taking over sh*t.” They also mocked Fanta Bility, saying “Fanta soda, yeah, orange or Fanta grape,” one Briarcliffe firefighter reportedly said on the call while laughing. https://youtu.be/pYjwKckG5Pc A week after Tyrese Gibson asked fans to pray for his mother Priscilla Murray, who had been being hospitalized with COVID-19 and pneumonia, the actor announced Monday that she has passed away. “On behalf of my family and everyone who ever spent anytime praying for my mother This is the saddest moment of my life………. My sweet Valentine just passed away…..” Gibson, 43, captioned a video of himself holding his mom’s hand in her hospital bed while crying. “May the lord Jesus Christ and his angels open the doors of heavens and embrace her………. We as a family are broken and just can’t believe this……. May the lord Jesus Christ honor your walk with him and embrace you into the heavens…….” he continued. “From here on I ask that you HOLD MY HAND MOTHER and never let my hand go………. Like you held my hand as a child and a teen never let my hand go mother…..” concluded Gibson, who is the youngest of four siblings in his family. https://www.instagram.com/p/CZ-rfSYpIVc/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again In this first episode of “History Refocused,” we learn how a former slave’s story shows both the immense power of the vote and the community-shattering effects when it’s taken away by violence. Abby Phillip talks with CNN’s Brandon Tensley to discuss why federal intervention was key both in the Reconstruction years and still today. https://eurweb.com/2022/02/15/black-power-was-at-its-height-during-reconstruction/ After a week of backlash, the University of Alabama System’s Board of Trustees voted Friday to name a building after the school’s first Black student instead of having her share the name with a Ku Klux Klan leader. The trustees reversed a February 3 decision to name the building Lucy-Graves Hall after its first Black student and civil rights activist Autherine Lucy Foster and Bibb Graves, a former Alabama governor and a Ku Klux Klan leader. Students, faculty and community members cried out, saying it was wrong to recognize the legacy of these two people in one building. “This has been a challenging time. The work group in making its recommendations certainly intended for that paired name to generate educational moments that can help us learn from our complex and rich history,” trustee emeritus Judge John England Jr. said at the special called Friday meeting. “Somehow, the honoring of Autherine Lucy Foster sort of took the background and that’s not what we wanted,” England said. “We’ve heard enough from people whose opinion matter to us — students, faculty, staff — that we can do that in a better way than what we’ve done.” An all-clear was issued at Howard University on Monday afternoon following another bomb threat — the fourth since early January. Students and employees had been instructed to stay indoors until officials determined the campus was safe. The university tweeted around 1:15 p.m. that D.C. and campus police had issued an all-clear. It comes amid several other bomb threats targeting historically Black colleges and universities since Jan. 4. At least two dozen campuses said they have been threatened. Bombs have not found at any of the locations, officials said. Vincent Simmons, a Louisiana man who fought for 44 years to overturn his conviction on attempted aggravated rape charges, has had the judgment vacated and the charges have been dismissed, according to his attorneys Justin Bonus and Malcolm Larvadain. “He’s a free man. He was released a couple of hours ago from Angola State Penitentiary,” Larvadain said Monday. A judge had ordered a new trial because exculpatory evidence had not been turned over to the original defense team, Larvadain said. In 1977, it took just minutes for a jury of 11 White men and one Black woman to convict Simmons, who is Black, for the attempted sexual assault of 14-year-old twin sisters. “God. God kept hope alive in me,” Simmons said as he walked Monday through the courthouse in Marksville, Louisiana, according to CNN affiliate KALB. “God did this for me today.” Avoyelles Parish District Attorney Charles Riddle III said he dismissed any further charges against Simmons. The Orange County District Attorney’s Office has determined that an Orange County sheriff’s deputy was justified in shooting and killing a homeless Black man who deputies stopped on suspicion of jaywalking in San Clemente. DA officials cleared Deputy Eduardo Duran of criminal wrongdoing in the Sept. 23, 2020, killing of 42-year-old Kurt Andreas Reinhold, according to a letter to Sheriff Don Barnes publicly released Friday outlining the results of an investigation into the fatal shooting that led to community protests in San Clemente. DA’s Office officials, as well as Sheriff’s Department leaders, say Reinhold was reaching for a deputy’s gun while struggling with Duran and his partner. “Based on the totality of all the available evidence, it is clear that Deputy Duran was justified in believing Reinhold posed a significant threat of death or serious injury to his partner, himself and the surrounding civilians,” wrote Steve McGreevy, an assistant district attorney and head of the office’s homicide unit. Neil Gehlawat, one of the attorneys representing Reinhold’s family, said the DA’s Office report is “disappointing but not surprising.” He described the police stop as “racially motivated,” saying the deputies had no reason to detain Reinhold in the first place. A Massachusetts Montessori school apologized and fired a teacher for instructing young children to make and wear Blackface masks as a Black History Month project. The incident, which happened in a classroom with toddlers, took place last Tuesday at IC Kids in Newton. When one mother, Nadirah Pierce, picked up her children and learned what had happened, she complained and pulled them out of the school. “This is unacceptable and don’t really understand the concept of this project,” Pierce told NBC10 Boston. IC Kids apologized about the incident in a Facebook post, which drew criticism, then posted a statement on a window at the facility. The statement said the school’s day care had closed over “safety concerns,” explaining that “hearing of protests happening at the center will put the children and staff at risk.” “To celebrate ‘black history month’, a teacher in toddler classroom [sic] at ICKids planned and carried out an activity that involved black masks ‘blackface.’ [sic] One of the parents brought it to our attention and was offended; The teacher apologized to the parent,” the statement read. https://www.nbcboston.com/on-air/as-seen-on/newton-school-apologizes-fires-teacher-over-blackface-masks-in-black-history-month-lesson/2645449/ The three white men convicted of killing Ahmaud Arbery had histories of making racist comments or using slurs in text messages that stunned their friends and colleagues, a federal prosecutor told jurors Monday as the trio stood trial on hate crime charges in the 25-year-old Black man’s death. During opening statements in the case, defense attorneys admitted their clients had each expressed offensive and indefensible opinions about Black people. But they insisted the trio’s pursuit of Arbery as he ran in their neighborhood was prompted by honest, though erroneous, suspicion that he had committed crimes — not by his race. “I’m not going to ask you to like Travis McMichael,” Amy Lee Copeland, the defense attorney for the man who fatally shot Arbery, told the jury. “I’m not going to ask you to decide that he had done nothing wrong. But I’m going to ask you to return a verdict of not guilty to this indictment.” McMichael and his father, Greg McMichael, armed themselves and chased Arbery in a pickup truck after he ran past their coastal Georgia home on Feb. 23, 2020. A neighbor, William “Roddie” Bryan, joined the pursuit in his own truck and recorded cellphone video of Travis McMichael blasting Arbery with a shotgun. Arrests came only after the video leaked online two months later. All three were convicted of murder and a judge sentenced them to life in prison last month. Rosario Dawson and Sen. Cory Booker have called it quits after more than two years together. A source close to the New Jersey lawmaker confirmed to PEOPLE that the two remain good friends. Dawson and Booker first met at a political fundraiser in 2018 and went public with their relationship a year later. “I am just grateful to be with someone that I respect and love and admire so much,” said Dawson in an interview with TMZ at the time. “I mean, gosh, that night we talked for hours and hours,” Booker told The Washington Post in 2019 about the moment the and Dawson first met. “I had trouble asking for her phone number … I think I said something really stupid like, ‘Uh, how would I get in touch with you?’ And she mercifully said something like, ‘Oh, you want my phone number?’ And my insides were like, ‘Hell, yeah!’ ” LeBron James has never had a shortage of critics throughout his career. Right now, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar is facing the wrath of a high-profile Republican author, commentator, and activist in Candace Owens. In a recent interview on the Full Send podcast, Owens, who is also known to be a devoted Donald Trump supporter, went on an all-out attack on LeBron. The 32-year-old talk show host decided to take aim at James’ intellect level, which according to her, isn’t at all impressive: Owens went on to belabor her point against the Lakers star. Shed heaped praise on LeBron as a basketball player, but when it comes to matters outside the hardwood floor, Owens clearly believes that James should just keep his mouth shut. Brian Flores has another claim to add to his lawsuit against the NFL. The former Dolphins coach, suing the league for discrimination against black coaches and executives in its hiring process, is amending the lawsuit to add a retaliation claim against the Texans, Pro Football Talk reported Sunday. Flores was one of the reported finalists for the Texans’ head coaching job, but filed his lawsuit against the league while the interview process was ongoing. The team ultimately hired Lovie Smith, the veteran black head coach who had served as Houston’s defensive coordinator last season. During Smith’s introductory press conference, Texans GM Nick Caserio insisted that Flores’ pending lawsuit did not affect his chances of getting the job. “Speaking specific to Brian, I’ve known Brian a long time personally and professionally. I have a lot of respect for Brian as a coach and a person. He was a part of this process,” Caserio told media. “He’s been a good coach in this league for a number of years. Part of my responsibility was to spend time with as many quality candidates as possible and Brian was one of those.” People are trying to figure out why hundreds of birds in a particular species literally fell from the sky all at once in perhaps the creepiest thing you’ll see in all of 2022. Security footage in the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua showed a flock of yellow-headed blackbirds suddenly falling to earth, the majority of them dead on arrival. According to the New York Post, the birds flew in from northern Canada and had been wintering in Mexico. Some speculate the birds may have been suffering from the effects of high pollution, which has plagued the region lately. https://youtu.be/sz9T0nQZXKc JT Brown and Everett Fitzhugh are about to make history. The duo is set to host the NHL’s first-ever all-Black television broadcast, taking place when the Seattle Kraken face the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday. Fitzhugh is usually the Kraken’s radio play-by-play announcer, and will be joining Brown, a regular Kraken analyst, on the TV side. Seattle’s incumbent television play-by-play voice, John Forslund, will be working on a different network Thursday night. That created an opportunity for Fitzhugh and Brown to collaborate in a truly meaningful way. “It all goes back to representation matters, that’s the overarching theme here,” Fitzhugh told NHL.com. “I didn’t have Black broadcasters [and] play-by-play people to look up to when I was growing up. I didn’t know play-by-play was an option until I got to college, as far as a career goes. So to have that stage, to have that platform with [Brown] and to show people that, ‘Hey, there are two Black men calling hockey games,’ is something that I think will hopefully inspire other people.” TMZ caught up with Dr. Dre Monday following his Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show performance at SoFi Stadium, where he was joined by fellow artists Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, and special guest 50 Cent. Dr. Dre chopped it up with TMZ Live and admitted he was still “buzzing” about the show. He also revealed that Kendrick had to omit the “and we hate po-po” line from his song “Alright.” Dre said discussions were had about the opening line from the song, “m.A.A.d city,” where Lamar says, “If Pirus and Crips all got along. Dr. Dre chopped it up with TMZ Live and admitted he was still “buzzing” about the show. He also revealed that Kendrick had to omit the “and we hate po-po” line from his song “Alright.” Dre said discussions were had about the opening line from the song, “m.A.A.d city,” where Lamar says, “If Pirus and Crips all got along. https://youtu.be/BBovUo_OEHg Amy Schumer, Wanda Sykes and Regina Hall have been tapped to host this year’s Academy Awards. “Imagine having one of the funniest women in comedy today hosting the Oscars… Now, multiply that by three,” says Craig Erwich, president, Hulu Originals and ABC Entertainment in a statement. “I know the fun Regina, Amy and Wanda will be having will translate to our audience as well,” says Oscars’ show producer Will Packer. “Many surprises in store! Expect the unexpected!” https://eurweb.com/2022/02/15/regina-hall-wanda-sykes-and-amy-schumer-oscars-hostsreport/ Tubi is the Fox’s ad-supported streaming service (like NBC’s Peacock), and it’s celebrating Black History Month with a free offering of “Howard High,” a musical from former Immature singer Marques Houston and the group’s former manager-turned-filmmaker Chris Stokes. Houston executive produces and stars in the film about a high school musical group that must compete against a rival school in order to save their arts program, while also battling issues from the inside. Much like ABC’s brilliant “Abbot Elementary,” “Howard High” sheds light on the challenges schools face in underfunded neighborhoods. Houston, father of 2-month old daughter Zara with wife Miya, plays Howard High teacher Michael Kirsh, who spearheads his students’ effort to battle their rival school led by teacher Emit Turner, played by Keith Sweat. The Associated Press caught up with Sweat to talk about the film. https://youtu.be/HhpFyDzZDQ4 Tubi is the Fox’s ad-supported streaming service (like NBC’s Peacock), and it’s celebrating Black History Month with a free offering of “Howard High,” a musical from former Immature singer Marques Houston and the group’s former manager-turned-filmmaker Chris Stokes. Houston executive produces and stars in the film about a high school musical group that must compete against a rival school in order to save their arts program, while also battling issues from the inside. Much like ABC’s brilliant “Abbot Elementary,” “Howard High” sheds light on the challenges schools face in underfunded neighborhoods. Houston, father of 2-month old daughter Zara with wife Miya, plays Howard High teacher Michael Kirsh, who spearheads his students’ effort to battle their rival school led by teacher Emit Turner, played by Keith Sweat. The Associated Press caught up with Houston. https://youtu.be/Xf56pEUO4jM Photographer Jaimie Milner has released her must-have coffee table book “Gifted” on February 1. Through unseen images, raw unfiltered full-length interviews, and thought-provoking perspectives, “Gifted” showcases the voice of black men today.Photographer Jaimie Milner has released her must-have coffee table book “Gifted” on February 1. Through unseen images, raw unfiltered full-length interviews, and thought-provoking perspectives, “Gifted” showcases the voice of black men today. Featured in the book are remarkable men in the Arts, Business, Politics, and Finance including Kris Bowers (“Bridgerton”), David Oyelowo (“Selma”), Michael Strautmanis (Obama Foundation), Hisham Tawfiq (“The Blacklist”), Chris Lyons (Andreessen Horowitz), Nate Parker (“American Skin”), Dean Garfield (Netflix), and Steven Caple Jr. (“Creed II”) and more. JUDITH CHRISTIE MCALLISTER returns with new music, GOD IS ON MY SIDE. As we kick off a new year, this upbeat, familiar mastery of PRAISE & WORSHIP is exactly what audiences need. Written by Dr. McAllister's daughter, Destiny, Judy delivers a splendid track that will definitely have praise teams singing and everyone on their feet while being reminded that God is for and with us. https://www.dropbox.com/s/vqf4c94o3vqcyw4/God%20Is%20On%20My%20Side.mp3?dl=0 During critical times in human history, great art and artists emerge! Rapper, pastor, and founding member of the 116 Movement, TRIP LEE, is back and this time it’s for good! In 2021, he surprised 116 fans with a new song, “You Got It,” a single released on Reach Records' Summer ’21 Playlist. He followed quickly behind with “Supernatural,” a warm-up song for a forthcoming album. He officially announces his return with a creative video which also reveals the album title, The End." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TgI1WADob8 “Silly Love Songs,” the Paul & Linda McCartney classic, has been released by 7-time Grammy Award Winners, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. in a new music video tribute from the couple’s bestselling EE1 BMG album, blackbird: Lennon-McCartney Icons, a “Civil Rights are Human Rights” recording project, honoring Black History Month. “We lift our voices in honor of those whose voices have been silenced. When people become iconic in death, we fail to appreciate the great loss of happy, loving moments. Their joy and laughter is forgotten,” said Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr., who are named by Clive Davis as the ‘First Couple of Pop & Soul,’ in a joint statement. https://youtu.be/LCsDk6ptGNk Channing Tatum’s latest film, “Dog,” was inspired by his relationship with a four-legged friend. “Dog” is the story of two former Army Rangers who are linked up against their wishes for a life-changing road trip. Tatum stars as Briggs, a man recovering from a brain injury who receives an assignment to escort an unruly and anxious Belgian Malinois named Lulu to her former handler’s funeral. Along the way, things go awry in the craziest ways possible. https://youtu.be/V4tAtp-TyzQ #JuliaFox‘s rep confirmed the “Uncut Gems” star and #KanyeWest have officially called it quits.“Julia and Kanye remain good friends and collaborators,” her rep said in a statement to E!, “but they are no longer together.” Before the breakup was confirmed Monday, Fox clapped back after Daily Mail reported she was seen tearfully leaving #LAX alone without #Ye. https://youtu.be/QSsGo9j61zs The family of Halyna Hutchins, the cinematographer fatally shot by Alec Baldwin on the set of the movie “Rust” last year, filed a wrongful-death lawsuit on Tuesday in New Mexico against crew members and producers, including Mr. Baldwin. The suit, filed by Ms. Hutchins’s widower, Matthew Hutchins; her 9-year-old son; and the personal representative of Ms. Hutchins’s estate, accused Mr. Baldwin and the other defendants of reckless conduct and cost-cutting measures that endangered the crew, including failing to follow basic industry standard safety checks and gun safety rules. “Halyna Hutchins deserved to live, and the Defendants had the power to prevent her death if they had only held sacrosanct their duty to protect the safety of every individual on a set where firearms were present,” the lawsuit said, “instead of cutting corners on safety procedures where human lives were at stake, rushing to stay on schedule and ignoring numerous complaints of safety violations.” Ms. Hutchins, 42, was shot on Oct. 21 while the production was lining up camera angles for a scene in which Mr. Baldwin draws an old-fashioned revolver from a shoulder holster. Shortly before the gun went off, discharging a bullet that killed Ms. Hutchins and injured Joel Souza, the film’s director, the crew had been told that the revolver did not contain live ammunition and was safe to handle. Naomi Campbell is giving fans a glimpse of her 9-month-old daughter as the two grace the cover of British Vogue‘s March issue. Campbell, 51, gushes about motherhood in the issue, and her baby reveal comes after she announced back in May that she welcomed her first child via a surrogate. “She wasn’t adopted – she’s my child,” the model tells British Vogue, adding that not many people knew she was going to become a mom at the time. “I can count on one hand the number of people who knew that I was having her,” she shares. “But she is the biggest blessing I could ever imagine. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done.” To mark Megan Thee Stallion‘s 27th birthday on Tuesday, the rapper is announcing the launch of the Pete and Thomas Foundation — and she’s giving back in a special way. The foundation is a non-profit organization which generates awareness around campaigns and programmatic activities — while focusing primarily on education, housing and health and wellness, according to a press release. Meanwhile, she is also surprising a senior citizen, a student and a cancer survivor with financial assistance on her birthday. The foundation is named after her parents, Holly Thomas and Joseph Pete Jr., to honor the values they instilled in her. Under the education sector, the foundation will provide scholarships, school supplies, and resources to support students in high-need communities. Meanwhile, for housing, the foundation will aim to address housing issues for senior citizens, single mothers and families impacted by financial emergencies and natural disasters. Method Man is not impressed that Twitter users are using Photoshop to remove his facial hair. The rapper famously known for being a member of the Wu-Tang Clan took to Twitter on Friday to condemn the user who altered his image by digitally shaving off Method’s beard. This person then asked his followers if “y’all ladies still choosing.” Method Man caught wind of the post and called it “suckash*t,” he wrote. “u still hv time to delete it… Love and light my brother,” the hip-hop icon added. https://www.instagram.com/theshaderoom/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=3c062a58-4f73-4468-a4f7-7e4a4e0d6af5 This past weekend, QC Sports, a full-service sports representation agency, held “The Pregame” event at the Highlight Room in Los Angeles in celebration of the Super Bowl LVI. QC Sports curated a one-of-a-kind experience for their clients and guests by merging the world of sports and entertainment to celebrate one of the biggest moments in football taking place in So Cal. The monumental afternoon featured an elevated experience including sponsored activations – on-site gaming with XSET, audio station by VIWONE, a cigar lounge curated by Escobar, crafted cocktails by Dano’s Tequila – and libations with some of the industry’s favorite celebrities and influencers including music trailblazers Quavo, Jamie Foxx, London On Da Track, Lecrae and more. Also spotted at the event was BMF actress Seraya, Love and Hip Hop star Princess Love, Wild “N Out comedian Dan Rue, Selling Tampa star Sherelle Rosado, and NBA All-Star Charles Oakley plus many more. The president of one of Africa’s wealthiest and most stable countries is bringing his international leadership and expertise to the International Leadership Summit. The annual conference, founded by T.D. Jakes, brings together aspiring and tenured entrepreneurs, leaders and influential change agents to revolutionize the future of leadership. At this year’s event, set to take place in Charlotte from March 31 to April 2, Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo will participate in a “master class” conversation with Jakes, during which the two will discuss creating economic opportunities, technology and the future of both nations. Widely regarded as a model of democracy, Ghana is one of the wealthiest and most progressive of Africa’s 54 countries. The West African nation is the continent’s largest producer of gold and the world’s second largest producer of cocoa. Akufo-Addo was first elected in January 2017, and reelected in 2020 for a second and final term. Since becoming president, Akufo-Addo has worked to build strong economic and cultural ties between his country and Africans in the diaspora, particularly African Americans. Last year, Twitter announced it would be moving its African corporate headquarters to Ghana. Akufo-Addo is a lawyer and a champion of human rights, justice and democracy. He has worked on constitutional cases to help protect the independence of the judiciary, the rights of citizens to demonstrate without police permits, and for equal access to state-owned media for all political parties. Vladimir Putin played magnanimous peacemaker today insisting that he ‘of course’ doesn’t want war in Ukraine hours after announcing a theatrical ‘withdrawal’ of some of his forces while massing tens of thousands of troops along the border. The strongman, speaking at the Kremlin alongside German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, said he is ‘ready to go down the negotiations track’ and engage over issues such as arms control, transparency around military drills, and other measures aimed at reducing sky-high tensions between East and West. Russia’s apparent withdrawal is being treated with extreme scepticism in the West, where intelligence agencies suspect is could be part of a ruse to launch a smaller military operation in the regions of Eastern Ukraine where Russian separatists are fighting. Putin also insisted that the fate of two breakaway Ukrainian regions – where Moscow-backed rebels are fighting the government – should form part of talks because ‘genocide’ is underway there. And he again accused the West of ignoring his demand that Ukraine is banned from NATO, underlining how far apart the two sides still are. Is Nick Cannon pining for lost love this Valentine’s Day? The talk show host dropped a new song on Monday that serves as a love letter of sorts to his ex-wife, Mariah Carey. In Cannon’s new song “Alone” — which tellingly sample’s Carey’s 1990 single “Love Take Time” — the 41-year-old artist and TV personality belts out some particularly poignant lyrics that allude to him still having feelings for the famed diva. “I say I’m cool when I know I miss it/ I’d trade it all for the case/ If I could have you back/ If I could go back to where we started at,” an apparently emotional Cannon croons on the track. This is for anybody else who is #ALONE on Valentines Day… I had to come Raw from the heart on this one. #Broken #Shattered #Toxic #RAW&B #Alone https://t.co/nGrqLoZIem pic.twitter.com/TeRJCOa9jt— Nick Cannon (@NickCannon) February 14, 2022. Cannon shared the song to Twitter and wrote in the post, “This is for anybody else who is #ALONE on Valentines Day… I had to come Raw from the heart on this one. #Broken #Shattered #Toxic #RAW&B #Alone.” While the song is described specifically as “an ode to Mariah Carey” in a press release for the single, some of Cannon’s lyrics are particularly specific, and autobiographical. For example, at one point Cannon sings, “As much as I want you back/ It’s probably better where you at/ ‘Cause I’m still running the streets/ I’m still all in the sheets/ Having babies, models and singers and actresses saying they pregnant by me.” Kyler Murray is well aware of what people have been saying about him and the ongoing drama with the Arizona Cardinals. The 24-year-old NFL star finally broke his silence on Monday evening with a newly-released statement. “I play this game for the love of it, my teammates, everyone who has helped me get to this position that believed in me & to win championships,” Murray wrote. “All of this nonsense is not what I’m about, never has been, never will be. Anyone who has ever stepped between those lines with me knows how hard I go. “Love me or hate me but I’m going to continue to grow and get better.” The original movie premiere of Single Black Female did “crazy good” for Lifetime, luring in 1.8 million total viewers for Live +3. The movie ranked as TV’s top entertainment telecast across all key demos on premiere night and marks Lifetime’s best movie premiere since last year’s Wendy Williams: The Movie debut, garnering 730K A25-54, 551K W25-54, 598K A18-49, and 447K W18-49 in Live +3. The movie also accrued 116k video starts across Lifetime’s Everywhere On-Domain platforms. With all the telecasts on linear and video starting on digital, the movie was seen by over 5.1 million total viewers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wauBCtrcBeM&feature=youtu.be Alice” (Keke Palmer) yearns for freedom as an enslaved person on a rural Georgia plantation. After a violent clash with its brutal and disturbed owner, Paul (Jonny Lee Miller), she flees through the neighboring woods and stumbles onto the unfamiliar sight of a highway, soon discovering the year is actually 1973. Rescued on the roadside by a disillusioned political activist named Frank (Common), Alice quickly comprehends the lies that have kept her in bondage and the promise of Black liberation. Inspired by true events, Alice is a modern empowerment story tracing Alice’s journey through the post-Civil Rights Era American South. Multiple Award nominee and popular Gospel singer-songwriter KARIMA expands her growing business operations with the launch of the second label, "K A R I M A B R A N D." Giving a gift of hope and smiles to everyone, this Valentine's Day, KARIMA’s inaugural collection will feature a variety of activewear for every style from hoodies and tees to yoga pants and joggers, as well as windbreakers, biker shorts, and headbands. The comfortable and affordable line is versatile and stylish. She will also introduce options for men and a limited line of Mommy & Me items. Each piece is crafted with the person's inner beauty in mind. Made for an active lifestyle this first launch will present two collections in a range of sizes "Make It Rain Sunshine (M.I.R.S.)” and “Redeemed” which are available now on shopkarimabrand.com. JoJo Martin drops Never Left Alone. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RXz1iJBBv8&feature=youtu.be KT Ellis is a newcomer to the Blacksmoke family, but he is not short stopping on raising the sounds of praise. He is living proof of God's grace and favor and wants the world to bear witness to the truth. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kx-8R8RidEA&feature=youtu.be Gospel superstar Zacardi Cortez is coming out strong with You've Been Good To Me and the reviews have been overwhelming. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dEWFGEHiY0 Archie “Pastor Tré” McInnis III, is “Gen Z” worshipper for Christ. The Brooklyn, NY native grew up as preacher’s kid but is not confined to the “PK” stigma. Fresh Fire...https://gospelairplaynow.disco.ac/playlist-new/10121228?date=20220214&user_id=668306&signature=juvhIJeYWL0RxtMo6L0dCey3Kg0%3ApoOLUQKE Following his new album Breakthrough: The Exodus, Ricky Dillard releases a collection of songs from the album that have meant a lot to him this year. These songs will prepare you for an exodus this year! Checkout Get Ready! https://rickydillard.lnk.to/GetReadyEM?utm_campaign=175667_MOTG%202.14_231797_US&utm_source=dotmailer&utm_medium=email&dm_i=4YUT,3RJN,4SQSQ,HUWW,1 Black women are shattering glass ceilings in industries where they are often underrepresented. Susan M. Collins, Ph.D was recently appointed to serve as the president and CEO of The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, making her the first Black woman to sit at the helm of a Fed bank. Collins—a Harvard University alumna who holds a doctorate degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology—has led work that sits at the intersection of global economics and policy. The macroeconomist, who grew up in New York City, has held several roles in the realm of academia including working as an associate professor of economics at Harvard and teaching at Georgetown University. She also served as a senior staff economist at the President’s Council of Economic Advisers. Collins is currently the University of Michigan’s provost and executive vice president for academic affairs and the Edward M. Gramlich Collegiate Professor of Public Policy and Economics. https://twitter.com/i/status/1491488584590925831 Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) led a bipartisan letter to Congressional leadership calling for the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act to be expeditiously considered by Congress. The MORE Act ends the federal prohibition on marijuana and seeks justice for those who have been convicted on marijuana-related charges. Ten of Strickland’s colleagues joined her in signing this letter. “To create a society that is just and secure, we must restore the lives of those convicted on marijuana-related charges,” Strickland said. “Cannabis being listed under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act has impacted our local and Tribal businesses, families, communities of color, and countless residents across the South Sound. It is time for Congress to decriminalize marijuana by passing the bipartisan MORE Act to promote racial justice, spur economic growth, and protect retailers and their employees.” Boris Johnson will lead a last-ditch diplomatic blitz this week to avert war in Ukraine. With the next 48 hours said to be crucial, the Prime Minister will make a whistle-stop tour of Europe as the world braces for an imminent Russian invasion. Intelligence suggests Vladimir Putin’s troops are planning to cross the border ‘at any moment’, possibly as soon as Wednesday. Mr Johnson warned last night that the crisis in Eastern Europe was at ‘a critical juncture’ and he and other allies will spend the coming hours and days attempting to pull Russia ‘back from the brink.’ Britain yesterday pledged ‘further economic support to Ukraine’ as more than 130,000 Russian troops stood massed at its borders. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace will attend a meeting with his Nato counterparts in Brussels this week to prepare the security alliance’s response to any attack on Ukrainian sovereignty. US intelligence briefed by the Pentagon reportedly points to a detailed plan in which Moscow will launch a barrage of missile and bomb attacks this Wednesday followed by a full-blown ground invasion. Black Republicans in California are applauding the Feb. 8 election of Assemblymember James Gallagher (R-Yuba City) as the new Minority Leader of the 19-member Assembly Republican Caucus. Gallagher,40, succeeds Marie Waldron (R-Valley Center), who led the caucus from 2018 until last week. “James has always been a measured leader. He’s a good man. I know him and his family. He’s the right man for the position,” said Tamika Hamilton, a Black Republican, U.S. Air Force veteran and candidate to represent California’s sixth Congressional District (in the San Diego area) in the U.S. House of Representatives. Hamilton praised Gallagher for his “common sense” approach to politics, adding that the lawmaker believes in building consensus around important issues. Shocking video footage captured the live-or-die moment of two cars wrestling to keep the lead on the NJ highway before one of them lost control, veered off the road, and flipped over. The driver of a Honda Accord can be seen determined to have his way by aggression. The car tries to overtake a Ford F-150 Raptor, but it will not give way. The incident happened on the Palisades Parkway in New Jersey last month. Seeing that there was no way, the Honda driver now attempted to undertake and force the car between two vehicles that were driving at the same speed. This was the most reckless mistake the Honda driver made, for the car lost control and veered off the two-way highway. It crashed on the guardrail and flipped over on the roadside. https://youtu.be/idIBlnPB4tc Adrian Peterson was arrested during #SuperBowl weekend at LAX on his way out of Los Angeles. According to TMZ, the airport police received a call around 8:30 AM about a disturbance on an aircraft leaving LAX and en route to Houston, Texas. The publication reports that the aircraft had to turn around and link up with the gate again after a verbal and physical altercation between a man and woman. Peterson was arrested and booked for felony domestic violence. Sources say that the alleged victim sustained a small mark from the incident. The alleged victim has been said to be his wife, Ashley Peterson. After Adrian was arrested, the flight departed as planned with his wife on board with the other passengers. Peterson and his wife were in town during Super Bowl weekend for an event hosted by DIRECTV. https://www.instagram.com/p/CZ71mgRjCux/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again About 130 children a year are arrested in schools, found an analysis by USA TODAY. Out of the three children they profiled, one of them was Kaia Rolle who was arrested at six years old. Though USA TODAY reported Black boys were more likely to be arrested than Black girls, there is a discussion to be had about the intersectional conflicts Black girls are exposed to before they finish elementary school. A survey by Education Week showed more teachers were in favor of police officers in schools, yet this aids the statistic that Black children are arrested at higher rates than their counterparts, according to USA TODAY. It was also reported that data from the National Center for Education Statistics found about 50,000 officers are employed at schools around the country. Additionally, USA TODAY shared a report from the American Civil Liberties Union that arrests at schools with police occurred at 3.5 times higher rate than schools without officers. The fence that once stood between protesters and the White House at Lafayette Park during the summer of 2020 (also known as the Black Lives Matter memorial), displayed hundreds of signs, posters and artwork left by protesters following the murder of George Floyd. While authorities took down the fence in early 2021, activists made it their mission to preserve every artifact — knowing that each sign represents a part of the nation’s history. Now, thanks to the help of activists and archivists, the pieces of artwork that once served as a memorial of the movement are being displayed in a new online exhibit on the Library of Congress’ website. According to the Library, more than 30 pieces of artwork are now available online. “[The Library] wants people to see those signs, the messages and contextualize them with other parts of our collection that talk about similar issues,” said Aliza Leventhal, head of technical services for the prints and photography division of the Library of Congress. At first glance, the construction along the Brooklyn streets appeared routine. “You wouldn’t think anything of it,” said Fabian Rogers, a community organizer in Brownsville, a majority Black neighborhood where construction began in 2017. It wasn’t until years later, in 2020, that he learned that the overturned streets were making way for a fracked gas pipeline. “It just felt like a big slap in the face – to have [a pipeline] in my backyard that I didn’t know about,” he said. Rogers and other residents have spent the last two years protesting National Grid’s 7-mile pipeline, which zigzags through predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods, bypassing whiter, wealthier parts of Brooklyn. Formally known as the Metropolitan Reliability Project, the pipeline is often referred to as the north Brooklyn pipeline. They have blocked the pipeline’s construction at demonstrations and some have stopped paying part of their utility bills, in an effort to divert funding from the project. Last summer, they went a step further, filing a complaint against the utility and state that argues the pipeline has resulted in racial discrimination, violating Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. (Title VI prohibits federally-funded entities from discriminating on the basis of race, gender, and other protected identities Sotheby’s has sold 200 pairs of sneakers designed by the late Virgil Abloh for a “record breaking” collective $25.3 million, the auction house said Wednesday — more than eight times the initial $3 million estimate. The special edition Louis Vuitton and Nike “Air Force 1” sneakers were designed for the Louis Vuitton Spring-Summer 2022, Sotheby’s said in a press release. The auction marked the first time the sneakers were released for sale, Sotheby’s said. A spokesperson told CNN Thursday that, as a collection, the sneakers had secured “a record auction total” for fashion. Individual pairs of sneakers have, however, commanded a higher price. This includes a pair of Nike Air Ships worn by basketball star Michael Jordan, which sold for $1.47 million in October. Abloh, who was the artistic director for Louis Vuitton menswear — and the fashion house’s first Black artistic director — died in November at the age of 41 after privately battling a rare form of cancer for two years. Hours after trending on social media for his rant against Saturday Night Live star Pete Davidson, 22-time Grammy winner Kanye ‘Ye’ West made it to his Sunday Service on time at noon in Los Angeles. The 44-year-old rapper-designer filmed his eight-year-old daughter North and six-year-old son Saint on Instagram Live despite blasting his estranged wife Kim Kardashian for creating a TikTok account for North. At one point, Kanye’s eldest child could be overheard telling him she had to step out of the performance because her ‘braces were hurting.’ While the kids ran around the weekly gospel gathering, West sang along with his choir as they chanted: ‘If not for your grace we would all be lost.’The separated father-of-four previously announced he was taking North and Saint to a Super Bowl party as their 41-year-old mother was last seen in New York Saturday with the 28-year-old comedian. As a black female country artist, Mickey Guyton has spent the past year breaking color — and gender — barriers in the predominantly white male genre. She gave a powerful performance of her song “Black Like Me” at the Grammys, was the first African-American woman to co-host the ACM Awards and rocked a supersize Afro when she did “Love My Hair” at the CMAs. Now, the 38-year-old singer — whose debut album, “Remember Her Name,” is up for three Grammys in April — will have another memorable moment when she performs the national anthem at the Super Bowl on Sunday. “It’s Black History Month, and a black country singer gets to sing the national anthem at the Super Bowl. Wow,” Guyton told The Post. “This is a huge moment for me. It’s a huge moment for black people. And I want to represent that in the best possible way that I can.” Cielito Vivas is a Philadelphia-born-and-raised photographer with, as she puts it, a name most people can’t pronounce (it’s /sh’lee·tow/). This past Christmas season, she photographed the Chocolate Ballerina Company (CBC), which put on an all-Black performance of The Nutcracker, a historic first in Philadelphia. The company’s founder and artistic director, Chanel Holland, was a dancer herself, and her experience in the dance world led her to strike out on her own. “I walked into an institution where I had been accepted as a member of the corps de ballet,” Holland said in a 2019 interview with Philadelphia Dance. “I guess because of the way I was dressed — my ‘swag’ personality — they thought I was lost and looked at me like I was in the wrong place. I showed them my acceptance letter, took off my Adidas pants, and put on my pointe shoes. I was the only Black girl. And it didn’t matter to them, but it mattered to me. I walked out of that rehearsal and cried.” Holland founded her company in 2017 to offer free lessons, leotards, and rehearsals to empower and support young ballet dancers in Philadelphia. Destinee Lashaee, the first transgender cast member of the TLC reality hit “My 600-lb Life,” has died at 30. “No no no I’m sorry bro,” Destinee’s brother Wayne Compton wrote in a Facebook post on Tuesday. “I accept you for who you are, I accept every flaw that come with you, I’m sorry you felt alone, I’m sorry you felt you had nobody else to turn too, I’m sorry you felt you had no other option Destiny wouldn’t of wanted this, lord why keep taking my siblings away, how much can I take????.” Destinee was born Matthew Ventress and raised in foster care. Her cause of death has not been revealed but according to reports, she had another sibling who died recently. https://youtu.be/-1s0TphTDk4 Black culture in Inglewood, Compton and South Los Angeles took the spotlight on the world stage Sunday, February 13, 2022, in a Los Angeles Rams Super Bowl LVI win, 23-20 over the Cincinnati Bengals in SoFi Stadium, located in the heart of the African American community. Many would say that Los Angeles is the womb that birthed West Coast Hip Hop and Super Bowl 56 did nothing to dispel that notion. The sporting extravaganza, NFL Football’s culmination of the season, the Super Bowl, which took place in Black History month, put a bright light on the achievements of African Americans and people of color in business, sports and entertainment. From the beginning of the game, the production was an easel that painted the many unheralded achievements of Black football players that shaped the game. As the players were taking the field for the game, Cameron Jordan, a defensive end for the New Orleans Saints, spoke of the contributions of some of the pioneers of football players of color, “The Forgotten First,” which included Kenny Washington, Woody Strode, Marion Motely and Bill Willis. Prior to the game, Rams defensive end Aaron Donald, in an interview with former football star Rodney Harrison. https://youtu.be/Duf61SeoGd0 Issa Rae has made monumental strides throughout her career as a producer, actress, and businesswoman. Still, she’s always stayed true to her West Coast roots, often crediting the city of Inglewood for shaping her into the creative she is today. People reported that the “Insecure” star recently received a major honor from her hometown when she was bestowed with a key to the city. The honor is historic as Rae is the first person to be awarded a key to the city of Inglewood. She received the accolade at the Taste of Inglewood festival on Saturday. During the event, Rae reflected on her family’s history within the community and the influence it has had on her journey. School officials from Nyack High School are speaking out after a racist incident occurred during a varsity game. On Feb. 9, the Nyack RedHawks faced off against Peal River High School on their home court. Members from the Nyack team were outraged when they witnessed crowd-goers in the Peal River gym making monkey and ape noises as some of Nyack’s Black players prepared to make shots from the foul line. “It happened three different times,” Harrison Jordan, Nyack’s varsity basketball team captain, told Lohud. “You hear it, but you don’t believe it.” Another player named Kameron Kukielczak said he was “surprised” when he heard the racist chants from the crowd. “I wouldn’t think anyone would want to do that during the game, especially to young kids,” he said. The incident was shared on the RedHawks’ official Twitter account and has amassed over 138 thousand views and 200 retweets. “Allowing monkey noises to echo through a gymnasium while an African American player shoots free throws sanctions racism and hatred,” the post read. “Pearl River missed the mark to correct abhorrent behavior. Stop the Game. Remove the Offenders. Do Better!” The COVID-19 winter surge has impacted different age groups in different ways, as caretakers struggle to take care of the elderly during this pandemic and parents remain wary of their children returning to in-person classes. “It’s been here but it’s been everywhere for like the last 14 days,” said Los Angeles County resident Clarence Johnson whose wife, Tanesha Johnson, decided to shut down their daycare last year. Across the United States, 1,099 children under 18 have died from COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In California, the state Department of Public Health reports that 47 children have died of the disease. This past December saw a four-fold increase of children admitted to hospital over the past year, according to the African American Wellness Project. https://youtu.be/gHJ1oY7BgUA RuPaul has been tapped to host the CBS reboot of the word-based game show “Lingo.” As reported by TV Line, there have been many international forms of “Lingo,” since the late 1980s, including the U.S. version that aired on Game Show Network in the early 2000s.“We give you a letter, and you guess the rest! The word game craze is sweeping the nation, and ‘Lingo’ will deliver a fast-paced, fun and addictive show for the whole family,” said Graham. “We’re all ready to have fun again, and Lingo is the answer,” adds host and executive producer RuPaul says in a statement. And Layla Smith, CEO of Objective Media, says, “We are O-V-E-R the M-O-O-N to be making Lingo for America with CBS and the amazing RuPaul.” Eminem took a knee (apparently to show support for Colin Kaepernick) during the star-studded Super Bowl halftime show on Sunday night. https://youtu.be/eQFBQjaYdlA Marvel has shared the official trailer for “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” starring Benedict Cumberbatch reprising his role as the titular character. The trailer aired on Super Bowl Sunday and features Stephen Strange (Cumberbatch) joined by Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) and America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez) as the three ponder on the mystery of an evil version of Dr. Strange. https://youtu.be/aWzlQ2N6qqg The Emmy-winning series “Killing Eve” is set to return for its 4th and final season in April. Per the network’s press release, after the emotional climax of Season 3, Eve (Golden Globe® winner Sandra Oh), Villanelle (Emmy® Award winner Jodie Comer) and Carolyn (BAFTA winner Fiona Shaw) are in very different places. Following Eve and Villanelle’s exchange on the bridge, Eve is on a revenge mission, while Villanelle has found a brand-new community in an attempt to prove she’s not a “monster.” Having killed Paul, Carolyn goes to extraordinary lengths to continue to chase down The Twelve and the person that ordered Kenny’s hit. This season follows extraordinary women, each driven by passion, revenge and obsession, building towards a messy, nuanced and totally glorious series finale. Jordan Peele tapped KeKe Palmer and Daniel Kaluuya for his upcoming horror movie “Nope” — and the first trailer dropped on Sunday. As reported by People, the teaser doesn’t reveal too much of the plot but introduces Palmer and Kaluuya’s characters as a pair who work on Hollywood’s only Black-owned horse training ranch. https://youtu.be/In8fuzj3gck Model icons Beverly Johnson, Veronica Webb and Gisele Zelauy were featured on the runway of Sergio Hudson during New York Fashion Week on Sunday, showing off vibrant, safari-inspired pieces with a cheeky twist and a nod to the hues favored by the Ndebeles of southern Africa, according to The Associated Press. “If Whitley Gilbert from ‘Different World’ or Cher Horowitz and Dionne from ‘Clueless’ were to go on safari, what would they wear? It’s just really fun, really cheeky, and clothes that girls can really, really wear and women can really, really wear,” Hudson told The AP. https://youtu.be/pVUkMeKeMVE Lately Mary J. Blige has been back in the spotlight because of her starring role on “Power Book ll: Ghost” and of course, her rousing appearance in Sunday’s Super Bowl hip-hop/R&B Halftime show. And lest we forget she just released her latest album, Good Morning Gorgeous. Blige recently performed “Rent Money” from the album with rapper Dave East, on an iHeart Radio special. https://youtu.be/-mKntauDD_c In a candid new interview with People, music icon Lionel Richie admits that his kids “turned me into my parents.” Richie is dad to reality TV star Nicole Richie, 40, his musician son Miles, 27, and model daughter Sofia, 23. “I don’t know why I’m so shocked with what my kids are doing. I scared my folks to death!” Richie told the publication. “Nicole was actually a godsend. She was a little girl who needed a shot,” he says of his daughter, whom he adopted at age 9 with his first wife Brenda Harvey prior to their divorce in 1993. “She was used to people coming and going. She looked at me and I’d say, ‘I’m not going anywhere.'” https://www.instagram.com/p/CZ2DkdysJ9x/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Last week, Ye demanded that singer Billie Eilish apologize to him after he accused her of dissing Travis Scott — she didn’t, so therefore Billie did not oblige. Now Kanye has cut rapper Kid Cudi from the upcoming album “DONDA 2,” due to Cudi’s friendship with Pete Davidson, Page Six reports. Davidson and Ye’s ex-wife Kim Kardashian wants us to believe that they are in a committed relationship. Meanwhile, many folks are convinced it’s all a PR stunt. Some folks across social media have noted that they believe the Kanye and Jeffree Star romance rumors before accepting that Kim and Pete are boo’d up. Super Bowl Sunday wasn’t the only big event yesterday! The highly-anticipated reboot of the “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” titled “Bel-Air” premiered on NBC’s Peacock. “Bel Air” tells the story we all know – a kid from Philly moves to one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Los Angeles. But do we really know the story? “Bel Air” takes a different approach than its predecessor which was a 30-minute sitcom. This newly reimagined version is an hour-long drama that digs deeper into the backstory of the main character. Both new and old fans will experience this story in a fresh way. For fans of the original, you’ll get to see the experiences the character Will (Banks) went through living in west Philadelphia instead of just going off of your own imagination. This reboot has a bit more grit so get ready for this show to be your new favorite TV drama. In 2002, Michael Jackson famously and inexplicably dangled his son Blanket over a fourth floor hotel balcony in Berlin, needlessly and selfishly endangering the child’s life for the thrill of screaming fans below. Twenty years later, a woman in India has taken dangling a child over a high rise balcony to a whole new level of selfishness. But she did have a reason. In 2002, Michael Jackson famously and inexplicably dangled his son Blanket over a fourth floor hotel balcony in Berlin, needlessly and selfishly endangering the child’s life for the thrill of screaming fans below. Twenty years later, a woman in India has taken dangling a child over a high rise balcony to a whole new level of selfishness. But she did have a reason. https://twitter.com/i/status/1492113075256041472 Interwoven within the tapestry of history are stories about Black women that illustrate resilience in the face of systemic oppression. Many Black women have dedicated their life’s work to reclaiming their narratives and opening doors for generations behind them. Pioneers like journalist Ida B. Wells tapped into the power of storytelling to magnify ugly truths about racism in America. Trailblazers Carole Simpson made history as the first Black woman to anchor a major network newscast in the United States. Standing on the shoulders of these phenomenal women is entrepreneur Judith Jacques-Laguerre is using her platform Black Women in Media as a vessel to amplify the accomplishments and celebrate the brilliance of Black women. For Jacques-Laguerre—a first-generation Haitian American who hails from Long Island, New York—the importance of representation was made evident to her at a young age. Growing up in a predominantly white neighborhood, she rarely saw herself represented in her surroundings. Jacques-Laguerre’s venture into the media industry was one of luck. Within her community, the perceived viable options for career paths included becoming a doctor, lawyer or engineer. As she navigated motherhood as a teenager, her loved ones wanted to ensure she pursued a career that provided financial stability. Vladimir Putin ‘doesn’t give a s**t’ about the risk of Western sanctions if his country were to invade Ukraine, Russia’s ambassador to Sweden said as US staff began withdrawing from eastern Ukraine amid warnings of an ‘imminent’ invasion. In an outspoken interview yesterday, Viktor Tatarintsev told the country’s Aftonbladet newspaper that ‘the more the West pushes Russia, the stronger the Russian response will be’. He claimed Russia had become more ‘self-sufficient’ amid the threat of sanctions and accused the West of not understanding his country. ‘We are more self-sufficient and have been able to increase our exports. We have no Italian or Swiss cheeses, but we’ve learned to make just as good Russian cheeses using Italian and Swiss recipes’, he said. His comments came as dramatic photos today showed U.S. staff members of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), which has monitored the eight-year conflict in Ukraine’s separatist east, packing up and leaving the rebel-held city of Donetsk. They were fleeing as Britain’s Northern Ireland secretary Brandon Lewis said a Russian invasion could be ‘imminent’ and Germany warned that tensions between Russia and Ukraine have reached a ‘critical’ point. There are an estimated 130,000 Russian troops and heavy firepower amassed along Ukraine’s border. A future variant of Covid-19 could be much more dangerous and cause far higher numbers of deaths and cases of serious illness than Omicron, leading UK scientists have warned. As a result, many of them say that caution needs to be taken in lifting the last Covid restrictions in England, as Boris Johnson plans to do next week. At the same time, demands are growing for Chris Whitty and Patrick Vallance, the government’s most senior advisers on Covid, to hold a press conference to reveal what evidence there was to back the decision to end all pandemic restrictions. The dangers posed by accepting the widespread assumption that Covid-19 variants would continue to get milder in their impact was highlighted by epidemiologist Prof Mark Woolhouse, of Edinburgh University. “The Omicron variant did not come from the Delta variant. It came from a completely different part of the virus’s family tree. And since we don’t know where in the virus’s family tree a new variant is going to come from, we cannot know how pathogenic it might be. It could be less pathogenic but it could, just as easily, be more pathogenic,” he said. This point was backed by virologist Prof Lawrence Young of Warwick University. “People seem to think there has been a linear evolution of the virus from Alpha to Beta to Delta to Omicron,” he told the Observer. “But that is simply not the case. The idea that virus variants will continue to get milder is wrong. A new one could turn out to be even more pathogenic than the Delta variant, for example.” US speed skater Erin Jackson won the women’s 500m gold medal at the Winter Olympics in a time of 37.04 on Sunday. Jackson almost missed competing in the 500m at the Olympics after she had slipped during qualifying trials, but her teammate and friend Brittany Bowe gave up her own spot to ensure the world No. 1 was able to go to Beijing — and it paid off. The 29-year-old Jackson is the first US woman to win a speed skating gold at the Olympics since Bonnie Blair did so in 1994, as well as the first Black woman to win an individual medal in speed skating at the Olympics, according to Team USA. https://youtu.be/wSTMSOJPPy4 It’s another Power Universe hit! The premiere of “Power Book IV: Force” on Starz last Sunday was a monster smash as far as ratings. Specifically, it was the most-watched premiere in Starz’s history. We’re talking 3.3 million cross-platform viewers in the U.S., according to Nielsen. That’s a record number for the premium network. The crime drama also set a record on-air and delivered the highest-rated premiere ever on the channel. The third Power spinoff also set records in linear viewing alone, delivering the highest-rated premiere in Starz history. https://youtu.be/Ivdy4VzQY_U ”Space Jam: A New Legacy” is one of the films that got nomination into the controversial Golden Raspberry ‘Razzie’ awards. The goal of these awards is to honor the worst films and performances. Razzie recently announced its 42nd nomination, with some categories being the worst actor, worst actress, worst director, and worst remake. “Space Jam: A New Legacy” got nominations in all four categories. The Warner Animation Group production starring LeBron James will compete against Infinite, Diana the Musical, and The Woman in the Window, among other Razzie favorites. Besides James, other actors nominated for the worst actor- category include Scott Eastwood of “Dangerous,” Ben Platt of “Dear Evan Hansen,” Mark Wahlberg of “Infinite,” and Roe Hartrampf. https://youtu.be/olXYZOsXw_o Get ready for some California love. Five of hip hop’s biggest names are hitting the stage Sunday for the Super Bowl halftime show. Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar will headline what is sure to be a rousing rendition of their greatest hits. Ahead of their performance, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre and Mary J. Blige spoke at a press conference and said the time has come for hip hop to take center stage. “This is what it’s about. This is what hip hop and the NFL is supposed to be about: representing about a change, about moving forward, so we appreciate the NFL for even entertaining hop hop because we know there are a lot of people who won’t [have] hip hop on stage,” Snoop Dogg said in part. The ‘Friday’ Star, Anthony ‘AJ’ Johnson, passed away in September 2021 at age 55. The cause of his death was previously unknown as the actor’s nephew told TMZ that the latter was found unconscious in a Los Angeles store in early September. His rep, LyNea Bell, confirmed the comedian’s death. The toxicology report done at the time did not identify any traces of drugs or alcohol in his system. However, the latest autopsy report obtained by TMZ shows that the actor passed away from chronic ethanol as he had been drinking heavily over the years. His widow, Lexis Jones Mason, recently launched a foundation to teach the youth about the dangers of alcoholism. Talking to TMZ, Mason said that she wants to use her late husband’s legacy to ‘inspire others to quit drinking.’ She further added that she has some close friends who have lost their children due to alcoholism, which is another thing that inspired her to begin the foundation. Since then, she has also constantly and vocally been talking to youths, especially at church, about this deadly reality (voluntarily). https://youtu.be/K-8Uowbadl0 New York City Mayor #EricAdams is working on tackling the violence in the city, and while doing so one of the methods he is working towards, is having drill music pulled from social media. According to @billboard, on Friday, during a press conference, Mayor Adams spoke about the music and the connections it has to violence, as he urged social media platforms to pull the music. He said, “I had no idea what drill rapping was, but I called my son and he sent me some videos, and it is alarming. We are going to pull together the social media companies and sit down with them and tell them that you have a civic and corporate responsibility.” He also spoke about Trump being banned from social media last year after the Capitol riots and continued, “We pulled Trump off Twitter because of what he was spewing. Yet we are allowing music, displaying of guns, violence, we’re allowing it to stay on these sites.” Billboard reports that Mayor Adams also mentioned a conversation with “very top known” rappers is in the works, though he did not provide information on the participating artists or when the meeting would take place. https://www.instagram.com/p/CZ3Pw8SlPqf/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again RNC National Spokesperson Paris Dennard was featured in an exclusive Newsweek cover story on the GOP’s growth amongst Black conservatives. The article mentions the numerous Black Republican candidates running for office like Virginia Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears and others that won elections in 2021. The article also highlights the Indiana GOP’s, Diversity Leadership Series Class, a training program for young diverse leaders within the party, and the RNC’s multi-million dollar Black engagement efforts at the ground level with the RNC Black American Community Centers. “2022 is shaping up as a breakthrough year for the GOP on at least one diversity front: Black candidates… a lineup of well-funded House and Senate candidates poised to break the record for the number of Black Republicans elected to Congress, a decade-long effort to broaden the appeal of the GOP is finally bearing fruit—and could play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of the upcoming midterm elections.” “The GOP is an inclusive party making significant inroads and, with recent wins already, we are optimistic about our chances in having even more Black conservatives elected to serve in 2022.” https://youtu.be/IVIoC5ROaHk The first Black federal judge in Alabama spoke out against one of President Biden‘s potential Supreme Court picks in a letter addressed to the commander in chief that was obtained by NBC News. U.W. Clemon, a former chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, urged the president not to consider Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson for the vacancy. The retired judge said that there are “several exceptionally well-qualified black female aspirants for the Supreme Court” but that he “strongly” believes Jackson should not be considered. Clemon referenced the case Ross v. Lockhead as reasoning for his opposition to Jackson, a class-action suit she presided over on behalf of 5,500 Black Lockheed Martin employees. Clemon wrote that Jackson refused to approve the settlement that was reached, which would have provided $22 million to the workers. “She refused to approve the settlement because in her view there were no common factual questions,” Clemon wrote. In protest of the streaming service Spotify for airing a podcast that featured a figure spreading misinformation about the coronavirus, Joni Mitchell is joining Neil Young and is pulling all her music from Spotify. “Irresponsible people are spreading lies that are costing people their lives,” Mitchell said Friday in a message posted on her website. “I stand in solidarity with Neil Young and the global scientific and medical communities on this issue.” Spotify, according to its policies, has removed more than 20,000 podcasts related to the COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic. Is it all about money? However, the main person in the controversy, Joe Rogan, whose podcast “The Joe Rogan Experience,” has not been removed. Rogan is one of the streaming service’s biggest stars, with a contract that could earn him more than $100 million. Rogan interviewed on one of his most recent podcasts Dr. Robert Malone, an infectious disease specialist who has been banned from Twitter for spreading COVID misinformation. Pop singer-songwriter Adele proclaimed, “We love being ****ing females” after coming under attack and being accused of transphobia for saying that she loves “being a woman” at the sex-neutral Brit Awards. “We love being females, we love being a ****ing female,” Adele proclaimed at G-A-Y’s Porn Idol event at Heaven in London, appearing to double down on her proclamation that she loves being “being a woman” after facing criticism over her Brit Awards acceptance speech on Tuesday. https://twitter.com/i/status/1491988913937948676 GAWVI, a Christian hip-hop rapper, has been booted from his record label following allegations from several different women that he sent a number of unwanted photos of his genitals to them. Reach Records announced it would no longer work with the rapper after the women came forward to complain he was filling their images gallery with photos of his penis. https://youtu.be/P0p9uDh17I4 Dementia is NOT what Wendy Williams is dealing with, so says her attorney, LaShawn Thomas. Attorney Thomas has notified various media outlets with statements saying that Wendy is only being treated for Graves’ disease and thyroid concerns — and she’s “fine,” according to LoveBScott. Here’s what Attorney Thomas wrote in response to Wells Faro Banks assertions that the ailing TV host needs someone to handle her financial affairs: “It saddens Wendy that Wells Fargo has chosen to believe the allegations of a former employee who is upset because she no longer has direct and unfettered access to Wendy’s financial affairs. Wendy had to, unfortunately, bring this action because Wells Fargo has refused to honor her Power of Attorney, granting her son authority to make inquiries to the bank on Wendy’s behalf.” “Wendy further believes that all of the false narratives currently making the rounds derive from this source and she is saddened that she once considered this person a friend. Wendy can’t believe that Wells Fargo has wrongly denied her access to her funds without justification. https://youtu.be/JMpsd9VVAZ4 Three people were shot at a Justin Bieber Super Bowl party last night. It’s now confirmed that rapper Kodak Black (pictured above) was one of that was hit, with him being shot in the leg. We shared that as Kodak, Lil Baby and Gunna were talking with fans near the street, a fight broke out and at least 10 shots were fired. We initially reported that three people were shot, and another was injured. It’s now being reported that the fight began with someone in Kodak’s crew being jumped by an unknown assailant. Kodak tried to intervene, allegedly swung on the person and that’s when a gunman opened fire — it’s unclear if it was the same assailant attacking his friend. Upon shots ringing out, Kodak was hit in the leg and rushed to a hospital, where he’s been treated and in stable condition. The identities of the other two people shot and the third injured from the incident have yet to be released. #Socialites, let’s pray for those injured. https://www.instagram.com/p/CZ5FQMHgZO9/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Former NFLer Antonio Gates and his wife Sasha are calling it quits after 11 years of marriage. As reported by The Blast, Sasha, who starred in the E! reality show ‘WAGS.’ filed for dissolution of marriage in Los Angeles County Courts. The couple tied the knot in June of 2011, and have two children together. Antonio reportedly has two other children from a previous relationship. Per the report, Antonio has opened up at the struggles of marriage and raising children while playing in the NFL. “It’s very difficult because of the demands of this profession,” Gates said. It was the trade that shook up the NBA world before Thursday’s deadline. The Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers completed a blockbuster trade centered around former MVP James Harden and former No. 1 pick and NBA All-Star Ben Simmons, who had been disgruntled and holding out for the season. Brooklyn received: Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, 2022 first-round pick (unprotected) and 2027 first-round pick (protected) Philadelphia received: James Harden and Paul Millsap. https://youtu.be/SSa5RfJXeaY Singer, producer, songwriter and virtuoso guitarist Andre Cymone gives huge props to iconic singer Jody Watley. Cymone talked about Watley’s impact and influence on female artists such as Rihanna, Beyoncé, Selena, and future generations during a sit-down interview backstage at her recent sold-out 35th-anniversary blockbuster self-titled album and birthday celebration at Sycuan Casino and Resort in San Diego. Cymone says, “Her music and incomparable style is pure and stands the test of time still today, 35 years later.” When asked if he knew her debut album would reach its platinum status and beyond, Cymone responded, “Yes, I did. I knew we had something really special.” https://youtu.be/Fu7_9jdWElE Titus Showers reaches Billboard Gospel Most Added Chart with his latest chart-topping release, Name On It! He first made his mark in Gospel as the lead singer for the two-time Stellar Award-nominated family band, The Showers. He stepped out with his debut solo EP WHO in 2019 that debuted at #1 on Billboard Top Gospel Albums Chart. https://youtu.be/qDEve4ncrB4 The highly-anticipated 23rd Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration returns to television with faith, family and football during the biggest weekend in sports! Premiering with a brand new trio of distribution partners, Super Bowl Gospel Celebration will be simulcast today, Saturday, February 12 at 8pm ET/7pm CT on Bounce TV and for the very first time will stream on Prime Video and on IMDb TV, both without need of a Prime membership. The debut telecast will be followed by an encore on ION Sunday, February 13 at 12am ET/11pm CT, and will continue to be available to stream in front of the paywall on Prime Video and on IMDb TV throughout February in celebration of Black History Month. https://youtu.be/gH_20rFobGA In honor of Black History month in February, the Memphis-based studio, Stax Museum of American Soul Music and its music academy in Tennessee, are offering an online concert and a virtual tour. In its first online concert and virtual tours in 2021, more than 130,000 students and adults viewed the programs. This year’s online concert will have Stax Music Academy students performing videos featuring songs from B.B. King, the Pointer Sisters, Ike & Tina Turner, Rufus Thomas, Duke Ellington and Beyonce, Stax said. Study guides and other activities will accompany the productions. Registration is available at the Stax Museum website. The U.S. ordered most embassy staff to depart Ukraine after warning that a Russian military invasion could happen at any moment, while Moscow also began withdrawing its diplomatic presence. While Russia, which has massed some 130,000 troops along Ukraine’s borders, denies that it intends to invade its neighbor, Moscow Saturday said that it, too, had begun withdrawing diplomatic personnel. The developments further ratcheted tensions after Washington warned on Friday that Russia could launch a massive military operation against Ukraine, with tens of thousands of casualties, in the coming days. On Saturday, President Biden and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin spoke on the phone for just over an hour in a last-ditch diplomatic effort to ward off military conflict. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Russia had decided on a “certain optimization” of staffing at the Russian Embassy in Kyiv and its consulates in Kharkiv, Odessa and Lviv because it feared “certain provocations by the Kyiv regime or third nations.” She said consular services will continue. In an earlier phone call Saturday, Mr. Putin told French President Emmanuel Macron that Russia had no intentions of attacking Ukraine and remained open to dialogue, according to a close aide to the French president. Mr. Macron, who recently traveled to Moscow for talks, told Mr. Putin that sincere dialogue was incompatible with an escalation, according to Mr. Macron’s office. The United States is set to evacuate its embassy in Kiev as Western intelligence officials warn that a Russian invasion of Ukraine is increasingly imminent. U.S. officials told AP the State Department plans to announce early Saturday that all American staff at the Kiev embassy will be required to leave the country ahead of a feared Russian invasion. The State Department would not comment. The department had earlier ordered families of U.S. embassy staffers in Kiev to leave. But it had left it to the discretion of nonessential personnel if they wanted to depart. The new move comes as Washington has ratcheted up its warnings about a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine. The officials said a limited number of U.S. diplomats may be relocated to Ukraine’s far west, near the border with Poland, a NATO ally, so the U.S. could retain a diplomatic presence in the country. Russia could launch an attack on Ukraine as early as next Wednesday, February 16 according to respected German publication, Der Spiegel. American intelligence services briefed NATO allies of a possible impending Russian invasion against its western neighbor in a series of secret briefings. The Secret Service, CIA and the Pentagon are said to have received credible information that was passed along to the federal government, reports the German newspaper. A fun night turned into chaos on Friday after a shooting went down outside of Justin Bieber’s big Super Bowl party in Los Angeles. According to @tmz_tv Bieber had performed in WeHo at the Pacific Design Center and had an afterparty nearby at The Nice Guy. A bunch of celebs showed up including Drake, Leo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Kendall Jenner, and Khloe Kardashian. However, at around 2:45 AM, as Kodak Black, Gunna, and Lil Baby were standing on the street and talking with fans, a fight broke out. In the clip obtained by the news site, Kodak can be seen taking a swing at someone, and then you hear gunshots. While it’s still unclear what exactly led to the fight and gunshots, law enforcement told TMZ that there were a total of 10 shots fired. Four people were hit and taken to the hospital. They are said to be in stable condition. https://www.instagram.com/p/CZ4Z7BHMkiR/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Three people were shot at a Justin Bieber Super Bowl party last night. It’s now confirmed that rapper Kodak Black (pictured above) was one of that was hit, with him being shot in the leg. We shared that as Kodak, Lil Baby and Gunna were talking with fans near the street, a fight broke out and at least 10 shots were fired. We initially reported that three people were shot, and another was injured. It’s now being reported that the fight began with someone in Kodak’s crew being jumped by an unknown assailant. Kodak tried to intervene, allegedly swung on the person and that’s when a gunman opened fire — it’s unclear if it was the same assailant attacking his friend. Upon shots ringing out, Kodak was hit in the leg and rushed to a hospital, where he’s been treated and in stable condition. The identities of the other two people shot and the third injured from the incident have yet to be released. #Socialites, let’s pray for those injured. https://www.instagram.com/p/CZ5FQMHgZO9/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Capital One continues its efforts in ensuring a more equitable society that celebrates the achievements of the Black community. As part of an initial $200 million multi-year pledge, Capital One announced that they will commit a next wave of its Impact Initiative grants to support underserved and underrepresented communities, according to a press release. An additional $10 million will be invested in existing and new partnerships to “address structural barriers to racial equity” and “promote socioeconomic mobility.” The organizations that will receive grants are: African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs, National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders (NALCAB), Prosperity Now, Vera Institute of Justice, Braven, Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), United Negro College Fund (UNCF), finEQUITY, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF), Black Girl Ventures; Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO), and Jobs for the Future (JFF). Among the world’s largest restaurant companies, YUM! Brands is kicking off a franchise accelerator fellowship that could help more women and minorities become their own bosses. Counting KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell among the brands it owns, YUM! Brands is uniting with the University of Louisville and Howard University to support underrepresented people of color and women interested in the franchise restaurant industry. YUM! Brands is introducing the Franchise Accelerator, a “one-of-a-kind MBA elective opportunity,” according to a news release. Ten second-year MBA students from the two universities were chosen to partake in a five-month fellowship where two of them will gain a chance to become future franchisees of Yum! Brands. The Louisville-based company reports it operates 52,000 restaurants in over 150 countries and territories. The company indicated the debut of the Yum! Franchise Accelerator follows last year’s rollout of the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence at the University of Louisville College of Business. The Omaha-based construction software company Buildertrend fired an employee on Wednesday following the delay of a Delta Air Lines flight on Monday due to unruly and allegedly racist behavior by a passenger. A Buildertrend review found that an employee called a flight attendant the N-word when being asked to put on a face mask in preparation for takeoff. The flight was delayed more than two hours. Buildertrend CEO Dan Houghton apologized for the disturbance and said an investigation “with internal and external parties to learn as much as possible so that we can take appropriate action” led to the termination of one employee. The 3rd Annual Sports Power Brunch, presented by Champion, kicked off Super Bowl Week in Los Angeles. It was an epic, star-studded celebration of the most powerful women in sports held at the Beverly Wilshire. Created by LaTonya Story, the event honors leading women in sports who have made an indelible mark in the sports industry. This event is held every year at each Super Bowl host city. This year, the Los Angeles Rams are not only in the Super Bowl, but also making Los Angeles proud as people from all over the world descend on the city to celebrate sporting. This year, the 2022 Sports Power Brunch honored Vanessa Bryant, President of Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation with the ‘Be Your Own Champion Award’, Terri Hines, Executive Vice President, Communications at FOX Sports with the ‘Power of Spirit Award’, Denise White, CEO & Founder of EAG Sports Management with the ‘She-Mogul Award’ and Natalie White, Senior Vice President of the Los Angeles Sparks with the ‘Trailblazer Award.’ On Wednesday, Google Doodle continued its series of highlights for Black History Month by honoring the late baseball pioneer Toni Stone. Stone passed away in 1996 at the age of 75 after making history as a female professional baseball player. During her career, Stone was the first of three women to play professional baseball for the franchise and the first woman to play as a regular on an American big-league professional baseball team. The animated image, created by San Francisco-based artist Monique Wray, showed Stone playing for the Indianapolis Clowns as a male athlete runs past her on the field. Stone was recruited to the team back in 1953 as the second baseman and filler for future Hall-of-Famer Hank Aaron. “The moving image not only draws inspiration from baseball action photography while incorporating Stone’s sense of humor and iconic curly hair, it also brings Stone’s legacy to life for new generations,” a Google spokesperson told People. For Gayle Jessup White, landing the job of Public Relations and Community Engagement Officer at Thomas Jefferson’s historic home, Monticello, was more than a chance to share her passion for American history. It was the result of a lifelong search for the truth about who she was, and America’s third president. It started when she was a young girl growing up in 1970s Washington D.C. “At the time Jefferson was my favorite president because he’d written the Declaration, and I believed and still believe in the principles put forth in that document,” says Gayle. She was thirteen when her sister shared a bit of family lore regarding the main author of the Declaration of Independence…they were related. Gayle recounts, “Well I was shocked. And I went to my dad first, ‘Daddy, how could we be descended from Thomas Jefferson? This doesn’t make sense to me.’ All Daddy said to me was, ‘That’s what they say.’” For years, Gayle would dream of one day finding out if what “they said” was true. She says, “I always felt that if I could determine my ties to Jefferson, I could find out more about my family. We are the sum total of our backgrounds of our ancestors, and I didn’t know who mine were. I needed to know that to feel whole.” Black creators say they were excluded from a TikTok event for Black History Month, which featured rapper Nicki Minaj and was dominated by non-Black voices. While some creators took direct issue with the non-Black TikTokers who were present at the event held on Zoom on Feb. 8 and accused them of monopolizing the space, others saved their criticisms for the platform itself. “I don’t see how inviting a celebrity or creating an event last minute and sending the invite to people who aren’t Black makes sense for a Black History Month event,” said creator Erick Louis, who has just under 1 million followers on TikTok. He told BuzzFeed News that he was not invited to the meetup. “I feel like there’s no due diligence and really catering to the Black creators on their app even when it comes to something as simple as setting up an event, paying respect to the culture, the architects, and the people who run the trends,” he said. TikTok had billed the event as “Black History Month Creator Meet Up x Nicki Minaj,” according to emails shown in a TikTok by creator Dessy Joseph. “We are kicking off Black History Month with an exclusive virtual TikTok Creator Meet Up with a very special musical guest,” the calendar invite read. Those in attendance said it missed the mark. Joseph recounted her experience to her 636,000 followers on TikTok, where she alleged that the capacity for the meetup was approximately 300 participants and that some Black creators were not given a link to join for up to 10 minutes after the event started at 6 p.m. “When we finally did get in, it was giving very 2% Black, honestly,” she said in a TikTok. “You also had non-Black people asking Nicki to say their name and shoutout.” “Knowledge of Self,” created by Indianapolis native Jamaal Nelson, is a trivia board game about black culture and history for all generations. “You might pick up a card about Beyonce, Megan Thee Stallion, Lil Baby,” laughed Nelson. Up to five people can play the game, guessing questions and the goal is not to get eliminated. https://twitter.com/i/status/1378453351730450436 Two public officials from DeKalb County are accused of using COVID-19 relief funds to line their own pockets. According to the Department of Justice, Jason Lary, the former mayor of Stonecrest (Georgia), and Lania Boone, a bookkeeper for the entity that administered COVID-19 relief funds awarded to Stonecrest, have pleaded guilty to charges related to the theft of pandemic relief funds. U.S. Attorney Kurt Erskine says under the CARES Act, the federal government distributed $125 million in COVID-19 relief funds to DeKalb County. In July 2020, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners voted to disburse some of the relief funds to its municipalities, including a $6.2 million grant to Stonecrest. According to the Department of Justice, Lary, as Mayor, signed a resolution in September 2020 acknowledging the CARES Act requirements and adopting a funding plan for Stonecrest’s relief funds. The plan provided $1 million to the Stonecrest Cares Program for mask distribution, COVID-19 education and testing, and other purposes for churches and non-profit organizations in and around Stonecrest. The plan also provided $5 million to the Small Business Program. According to the #EssexCounty Prosecutor’s Office, a 75-year-old gospel singer from #Newark has been charged Thursday with criminal sexual contact, unlicensed practice of medicine, and luring of an adult.? A 41-year-old Congolese national claims Albert J. Lewis promised him a job with New Jersey Transit, then directed him to a specific address, which later was Lewis’s home.? Afterward, prosecutors claim the defendant told the victim he would have to undergo a physical to ensure his fitness for the job.? During the purported physical examination, the defendant allegedly instructed the victim to undress, after which he reportedly committed criminal sexual contact with the victim.? Ultimately, the victim alerted authorities to the incident, and Lewis was arrested without incident on Tuesday.? In Essex County, he was charged with third- and fourth-degree offenses and is expected to be released from custody pending trial. https://www.instagram.com/p/CZ3PGRYMOf_/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Kenneth Branagh always has a way of bringing new meaning to the projects he takes on. Agatha Christie’s “Death on the Nile,” directed by Branagh is no exception. It’s infused with lush, opulent images of Egypt. Viewers will be swept away by the epic landscape of sweeping desert vistas and the majestic Giza pyramids. However, what is most notable about Branagh’s iteration, as with all his undertakings, is its diversity. Even in “Belfast,” written and directed by Branagh, there is a Black soldier. Some MCU fans lost their minds when Branagh cast Idris Elba as Heimdall, the Norse deity in “Thor.” https://youtu.be/dZRqB0JLizw As part of NBA All-Star 2022, the NBA and National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) will work alongside local community organizations to provide programming and support that focus on youth, education, health equity, food insecurity and economic inclusion. Additionally, building off the success of NBA All-Star 2021, the league will again uplift the HBCU community as part of the weekend and empower the next generation of leaders. More than $3 million will be contributed to the Greater Cleveland and HBCU communities through these combined efforts. NBA All-Star Game Greater Cleveland-Based Beneficiaries – As part of the NBA All-Star Game format, every quarter will count to support two Northeast Ohio organizations, with Team Durant playing for the Greater Cleveland Food Bank and Team LeBron playing for Kent State University I Promise Scholars Program. Additionally, throughout the past six seasons, the NBA and State Farm have helped turn on-court assists into off-court assists in communities around the country through the State Farm Assist Tracker. For NBA All-Star 2022, the NBA and State Farm will donate $1,900 for every assist made during the game, with the total amount split between the two-Cleveland based beneficiaries. Bengals defensive back Michael Thomas has perhaps the most incredible overcomer story of all the players planning to hit the field on Super Bowl Sunday. Just consider that Thomas didn’t have a team when the season started — and now, just months later, he’s playing with Cincinnati in the NFL’s most important game of the year. Jason Romano, director of media at Sports Spectrum, an outlet covering the intersection of faith and sports, recounted Thomas’ remarkable faith and football journey. “Michael is an amazing individual,” Romano recently told Faithwire. “He’s a strong follower of Jesus.” Thomas’ journey to the Bengals was certainly unconventional. He came into the league undrafted back in 2012 and journeyed throughout the NFL as a special teams player. As of last summer, Thomas was without a team. Many players would be worried and panicked about the future, but Romano said Thomas patiently waited and relied on God. Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott just revealed the name of their newborn son. Welcome to the world, Wolf Webster! On Friday (Feb. 11), the billionaire beauty mogul announced her baby boy’s name via Instagram Story. The post simply read, “Wolf Webster” followed by a white heart emoji. Last week, Kylie announced she gave birth to her second child with the rapper on Feb. 2. “?? 2/2/22,” the proud mom captioned a black-and-white photo of her newborn’s hand on Instagram. TMZ reports that Kylie and Baby Wolf are doing great. The media outlet also revealed that 4-year-old Stormi Webster is excited to be a big sister. At this time, it is unclear what inspired the little one’s name. However, we are sure Kylie will give fans the deets in the future. The “Taken” star fell in love with a “taken” woman. Liam Neeson revealed during a press tour for his new film, “Blacklight,” that he fell for an Australian woman while filming on location. “I loved Melbourne, I loved our Australian crew,” the action star, 69, said on the Australian morning talk show “Sunrise” on Sunday. “Every department was superb but they were their own people, do you know what I mean?” “They had a great sense of humor,” he added. “I made a couple of pals and fell in love once while I was there, but she was taken.” Neeson did not disclose whether the unnamed woman was a co-star or someone else on set. However, “Sunrise” noted in their package that “Blacklight” was a $43 million production that created more than 500 local jobs for cast and crew, and 550 roles for extras. Run-DMC’s Jam Master Jay Murder Trial Gets Starting Date. Karl Jordan and Ronald Washington are accused of conspiring to kill the turntablist at his recording studio over an alleged drug deal gone bad. https://www.bet.com/naacp-image-awards/video-clips/w5i0h9/jam-master-jay-murder-trial-gets-starting-date. Dave Chappelle has been trending these past few days after a video of him at a recent town meeting went viral. From the quick clip, his comments seem as though he’s “killing an affordable housing” proposal by local politicians in Yellow Springs, Ohio — but he says that’s not the case. FYI, the proposal includes over 100 single-family homes valued at $250,000-$600,000 — or a second option of building 64 single-family homes, 52 duplexes and 24 townhomes with 1.75 acres of affordable housing. at a later date. https://www.instagram.com/p/CZ0LPFhLXXq/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again All-time big names in the rap industry are teaming up with SAG-AFTRA to form a hip-hop union to help members receive benefits. Chuck D and Kurtis Blow, two of the rap pioneers, collaborated their new organization the Hip Hop Alliance with the SAG-AFTRA executives to make this dream come true. Kurtis Blow is the vice president of Hip Hop Alliance, while Chuck D is the president. It has taken Hip-Hop 50 years to have the union. Hip Hop Alliance is an affiliate of the United Coalition for Humanity. The union aims to “build a better future for hip hop artists, and the entire music industry. “Well, we are actually proud to announce the partnership with SAG-AFTRA and the Hip-Hop Alliance.” Said Kurtis Blow in an interview with Chuck Creekmur of AllHipHop. “The Breaks” rapper added that what they would like to do is join forces to promote fair wages and fair royalties, together with benefits such as mental health, physical health, and retirement benefits. ‘About Last Night:’ Stephen and Ayesha Curry Spice Things Up On New Relationship Game Show. Hosted by the Currys, the hilarious HBO Max show peels back the many layers of some of our favorite Hollywood couples. https://www.bet.com/naacp-image-awards/video-clips/a26i8g/about-last-night-stephen-and-ayesha-curry-spice-things-up-on-new-relationship-game-show Before her own Olympic career began, Canadian figure skater Vanessa James had seen Black Girl Magic on the ice. It was on display at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, when French skater Surya Bonaly leapt into the air, kicked into a backflip and landed on one leg. The thrilling move has neither been widely attempted since nor accepted by judges for international competitions, such as the Olympic Games, and thus “the Bonaly flip” has never become a big thing. Yet despite the move being controversial at the time, Bonaly’s tenacity in attempting it has inspired many who have followed her. “I wanted to do a backflip, but I was always really too scared to try it,” says James, who is skating in Beijing in her fourth Winter Games after representing France in Vancouver and Pyeongchang. The Salchow, the Biellmann, the Charlotte spiral — these figure skating standards are named after white people from the 20th century. And in a century-old sport that was largely European until just a few decades ago, some wonder: How can more Black athletes make the same lasting imprint on it? “If you don’t see yourself in the sport, how can you believe that you belong, how can you believe that you can be the best, how do you know that you can be creative or that you’ll be accepted for your uniqueness?” says James, who in 2010 was one half of the first Black French pairs skating duo with Yannick Bonheur. Former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores said on Wednesday his refusal to throw games as a way to improve the football club’s chances of landing a top draft pick ultimately cost him his job. Flores, who was fired last month by Miami, alleged in a proposed class action complaint on Tuesday that Dolphins owner Stephen Ross offered him $100,000 for every loss in 2019 as incentive to help the team land a higher draft pick in 2020. Asked to comment on Flores’ accusations, the Dolphins referred Reuters to a statement the team issued on Tuesday that said “the implication that we acted in a manner inconsistent with the integrity of the game is incorrect.” The order for drafting players is mostly determined by each team’s finish in the previous season, with the teams ranked lowest in the standings getting the first picks. This could be the hottest Super Bowl kickoff ever. An unseasonable wintertime California heatwave — with temperatures in the 80s, maybe even as high as 90 — is forecast to continue this weekend. The out-of-season heat prompted the National Weather Service to issue a rare heat advisory through Sunday evening. The current record for the highest temperature during a Super Bowl is 84 degrees set in 1973, a game that was also played in Los Angeles. However, it looks like this year’s game might pull off a quarterback sneak past that mark. The forecast high temperature for Los Angeles on Sunday is 84 degrees. In Inglewood, the site of the Super Bowl, the forecast high temperature is 82 degrees. This means cracking the top 3 hottest Super Bowls on record is almost a certainty. This year’s Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show will be one of its kind. A deaf Detroit rapper, Sean Forbes, 40, is designated to perform alongside several big names from the hip hop industry. The Detroit Free Press reports indicate that the rapper will have his life experience this weekend, where he is set to share the stage with Eminem, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, and Mary J. Blige at the SoFi Stadium. The historic event will mark the first time the Super Bowl halftime show will feature Forbes, A.S.L. interpreters, and Warren (WaWa) Snipe, 50, another deaf rapper who will be performing sign-language interpretations of Sean Forbes’ music. https://youtu.be/HRtDjTQHG-g Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray made headlines this past Sunday when he removed several pictures from his Instagram account. On the latest edition of The Pat McAfee Show, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport was asked about Murray’s situation in Arizona. His response was quite interesting. “He is definitely not happy about something,” Rapoport said. “I just don’t know what that is.” Rapoport reached out to Murray’s camp about his recent social media activity. It doesn’t sound like his camp saw this coming. “They’re asking questions too. I reached out to people close to Kyler Murray, and it didn’t seem like it was a planned strategy. It seemed more reactionary to me.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1492210985276301315 Nearly 45 years since he played his last game — and despite the sustained, almost two-decade run of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo — Brazilian luminary Pele is still considered by many to be the greatest to ever play the world’s beautiful game. That sentiment was reiterated this week with his rookie card becoming soccer’s first to sell for $1 million. As early as Monday, fractional ownership company Rally Rd. will finalize the sale of a 1958 Alifabologet #635 Pele rookie card for $1.33 million. According to population reports, there are only six Pele cards of this kind that have received at least a nine grade (out of 10) by card grader PSA, and none higher. Last November, collectables marketplace Goldin brokered a $900,000 sale of a different PSA 9 Pele card, a then-record. This Pele card (matched by PSA serial number) was sold at a Goldin auction in November 2020 for $288,000. Now, it’s the most expensive soccer card of all time and soccer’s first million dollar card. Health chiefs are now officially keeping tabs on a Covid variant that is a hybrid of the Omicron and Delta strains and has been spotted in the UK. The super-mutant Deltacron is thought to have evolved in a patient who caught both variants at the same time but it is not clear if it was imported or originated in Britain. UK Health Security Agency officials also don’t know how infectious or severe the newly evolved virus is or whether it will impact vaccine performance. A source at the UKHSA insisted officials were ‘not concerned’ by the variant because case numbers are ‘low’. The agency has not revealed how many times it has been spotted. Professor Paul Hunter, an infectious disease expert at the University of East Anglia, told MailOnline that it ‘shouldn’t pose too much of a threat’ because the UK has huge levels of immunity against the original Delta and Omicron strains. Bobby Brown is hiding nothing from the cameras, including a rare visit to the gravesite of Whitney Houston and their daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown. During the Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour, the R&B singer and his wife, Alicia Etheredge-Brown, opened up about filming that “emotional” experience for the upcoming A&E series Bobby Brown: Every Little Step. “When the cameras were following me, I didn’t want to let anything get in between my life and what I was doing,” Brown shared. “So, I just wanted the cameras to follow me wherever I was going. That day I happened to be going to the gravesite.” “We also did our best to make that moment his moment,” said Etheredge-Brown, who accompanied him during the visit. “It was very emotional for both of us.” https://youtu.be/jmTPN1sjKOY Rihanna is paying her respects to veterans in a special way. The pregnant singer, 33 — who is expecting her first baby with boyfriend A$AP Rocky — visited the West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs campus in California on Sunday and surprised veterans who have been battling homelessness. Activist and Mr. Checkpoint app founder Sennett Devermont shared several photos from Rihanna’s appearance, thanking her for her “amazing heart, time and energy.” “Thank you @badgalriri for pulling up with all the love and support and most importantly your ears to listen to Veterans,” he wrote alongside Instagram photos of the two. One veteran later discussed the singer’s visit, noting that she brought supplies and listened to the stories of several vets. https://www.instagram.com/p/CZxpVTCrsdO/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=9d72dc10-2328-49ab-881b-4c139f81a83e A memorial service will be held in North Carolina for former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst, relatives announced Thursday. The “public celebration of life” for Kryst — who jumped to her death from a Manhattan high-rise on Jan. 30 — will be held on Feb. 18 at Elevation Blakeney church in Charlotte. “The celebration will also be livestreamed,” a family spokesperson said in a statement to the Charlotte Observer. “The family will observe a private, invitation-only celebration prior to the public celebration, as they continue to ask the public to respect their privacy during this time.” In lieu of flowers, relatives encouraged mourners to make donations in the name of the 2019 Miss USA winner to Dress for Success, a global nonprofit that provides professional attire to low-income women. Kryst, 30, was a Michigan native who grew up in Rock Hill, South Carolina. She was found dead in a Midtown street after jumping from a 29th-floor terrace at the luxe Orion building, where the North Carolina attorney lived on the ninth floor, law enforcement sources previously told The Post. Line Sisters follows four sorority sisters- Valerie (LeToya Luckett), Cassandra (Kierra Sheard-Kelly), Simona (Ta’Rhonda Jones;) and Dominique (Drew Sidora) – as they reunite at a Black Greek Weekend celebration held on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Having pledged the Alpha Beta Omega Sorority, Inc., they share more than the bonds of sisterhood, after the mysterious death of the dean of pledges 15 years prior. But the past comes knocking on their door as they arrive to the island and strange and inexplicable things begin to happen to each one of them, threatening to unearth the deadly secret that may tear them apart. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2db5kvVD-E&feature=youtu.be Chart-topper William Murphy unveils a new live performance, with “Just Us,” giving a preview of his new music in the video. In this new release during Black History Month, the video delivers uplifting encouragement and a reminder of a greater purpose in the poignant musical number. Captured in Atlanta, three-time GRAMMY® nominee Murphy - who’s also the founder/lead pastor at The dReam Center Church of Atlanta - led this halftime live performance backed by his church’s worship ministry, at the Atlanta Hawks MLK Day game vs. the Milwaukee Bucks, honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on January 17th at State Farm Arena. Murphy’s live performance marked the first new song by the Stellar Award-winning recording artist/songwriter from his Worship & Justice album coming soon, his first new album following the 2019 release of his #1, GRAMMY®-nominated Gospel album Settle Here. William Murphy performs "Just Us" live at State Farm Arena on MLK Day (January 17, 2022) during halftime at the Atlanta Hawks vs. Milwaukee Bucks game. https://WilliamMurphy.lnk.to/HawksvBucksHalftimePerformance Maverick City Music celebrates Black History Month 2022 with the release of the Breathe EP. The celebratory EP features the signature vocals of beloved Maverick City Music artist Joe L Barnes, Maryanne J. George, Naomi Raine, Chandler Moore and Dante Bowe backed by the Mav City Gospel Choir. The Breathe EP features live and studio versions of standout songs lifted from 2021’s Jubilee: Juneteenth album, including “Breathe,” “Joy of the Lord,” and “Make it Right,” plus three all-new original recordings. Israel Houghton, Jonathan McReynolds, Ahjah Walls, DOE and Todd Dulaney. The Breathe EP serves as a reminder to all who listen to take a moment to breathe and celebrate life and the legacy of black gospel music. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mR-D3bvi-4E Toronto based singer-songwriter Haley Smalls released the music video for her latest single “Do Better” today following an exclusive premiere with Amplify Music Magazine. This release follows a string of consistent singles over the last year from Haley, including Run-DMC influence track “Bass” that premiered with Hip-HopVibe & Rolling Out, as well as Summer 2021 buzz track “I Do.” “Do Better” is being released in the buildup to Haley’s 5th project set for release later this year. https://youtu.be/lB90Ll9PeF8 Gospel recording artist Yael Hilton has just released her brand new single, "Jesus" under Light Records/MNRK Music Group. Hilton has "no doubt in her mind" that Jesus will make a way. She proudly sings these lyrics on the new soulful track. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwKvrOcOmU4 4x GRAMMY®-nominated duo The Baylor Project is thrilled to announce that their debut album The Journey, originally released in 2017, will be available on all streaming platforms February 11, 2022. The re-releasing of the 5-year old album comes amid Black History Month and days before Valentine’s Day as a nod to the couple’s celebration of love, community, family and faith throughout their musical and romantic journeys. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eEB5_uY1ok Watch Mali Music, Chloe Bailey, CeeLo Green and more perform during the 2022 Gospel Super Bowl Celebration! Since 1999, this event is the ONLY Gospel concert sanctioned by the NFL. This year's event will be hosted by Sarah Jakes Roberts and DC Young Fly. Tune in on Saturday, February 12th at 8pm Eastern. The Gospel Spotlight's Tasha Cobbs Leonard https://youtu.be/sJHfHkDh5rE The 2022 Gospel Super Bowl Celebration! Tune in on Saturday, February 12th at 8pm Eastern. The Gospel Spotlight's Koryn Hawthorne and Lecrae. https://youtu.be/sRLtq06XrBI The 2022 Gospel Super Bowl Celebration! Tune in on Saturday, February 12th at 8pm Eastern. The Gospel Spotlight's Hezekiah Walker. https://youtu.be/1_8SCnfGN3A The 2022 Gospel Super Bowl Celebration! Tune in on Saturday, February 12th at 8pm Eastern. The Gospel Spotlight's Kirk Franklin. https://youtu.be/3OIH3NzXLnU Kierra Sheard Kelly on the Nick Cannon Show! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ht0LEeq60ks DOE’s transparency fills her music and overflows to all her platforms. Her new album Clarity, releasing on February 18th. With her new docuseries, music videos, and travel tips, be sure to keep up with everything DOE. https://youtu.be/kQAu6WB-INc Just in time for Valentine’s Day, R&B superstar K. Michelle is sending lots of love to her fans with the release of her new single “Scooch,” out today via MNRK Music Group. Produced by Lil Ronnie, this mid-tempo feel good song and new love anthem will have you creating new connections in no time. K. Michelle will be premiering the new single with a performance on the Emmy-Award winning show The Real. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBB250nC1ak Sounds of Blackness released a song in 2021 about reparations that has been nominated in the Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song category for the 53rd NAACP Image Awards. As reported by Moguldom, the track, “Time For Reparations” was released during Black History Month and “includes lyrics that depict the systematic racism, oppression and brutality Black Americans have been subject to in the U.S.,” the outlet writes. “Pay up, time to pay up. Right now reparations. Time for reparations. Right now time for reparations,” the vocalists sing. “300 years of free labor, we ain’t asking for no favors. … Reparations are overdue, 40 acres and a mule.” https://youtu.be/KBG3Uc_D5ac A&E’s new definitive documentary “Biography: Bobby Brown” and the new series “Bobby Brown: Every Little Step” provide an intimate look at the Grammy Award Winner’s past, present and future. Per press release, the two new upcoming projects feature exclusive interviews and fans get an up-close and personal look at Brown’s journey to superstardom, the fallout from his personal struggles with sobriety, the tragic deaths of his two children and first wife, Whitney Houston as well as his life as a devoted father and husband to Alicia Etheredge-Brown in present day. https://youtu.be/pSHaSeYCAgQ Volunteer firefighters from a Philadelphia-area station thought their Zoom call was disconnected and proceeded to use the N-word and other racist language to disparage an all-black fire company, and mock the name of an 8-year-old Black girl who was fatally shot by police last year. ABC Channel 6 reported that firefighters from Delaware County’s Briarcliffe Fire Company Station 75 thought their conversation following a virtual meeting in late January was private. But their colleagues from the Goodwill station were still in the call. And hit record. “A bunch of f*cking n*ggers down there,” one Briarcliffe firefighter can be heard saying in reference to the all-Black Darby Township Fire Company. The Briarcliffe firefighters also called Darby’s chief a racial slur and a “piece of sh*t,” complained about Black firefighters being lazy, and discussed there being too many African-Americans living in the area. “That’s the f*cking problem,” one Briarcliffe firefighter said. “Blacks are taking over sh*t.” They also mocked Fanta Bility, the 8-year-old Black girl killed by police in Delaware County in August 2021. Three police officers are facing charges in connection with Fanta’s death. https://youtu.be/tRBnfan0Bj0 On Thursday, February 10, “CBS Mornings” co-host Gayle King sits down with the parents of Bakari Henderson – Phil and Jill Henderson, for their first interview before they return to Greece for a retrial in their son’s murder case. Bakari Henderson was 22-years old and on a business trip in Zakynthos, Greece in 2017 when he was chased down by an angry mob and beaten to death following an altercation in a bar. None of the men were found guilty of murder in the first trial. The retrial is scheduled to begin February 21. https://youtu.be/rWx60fQBU4w We reported earlier that Wells Fargo has frozen accounts belonging to Wendy Williams because the bank suspects she is being financially exploited amid reports about her ailing health. Williams is an “incapacitated person” who needs guardianship, her bank claimed Thursday, Page Six reports. The outlet writes, “Wells Fargo sent a letter to New York Supreme Court Judge Arlene Bluth requesting a hearing to determine whether Williams needs a professional to intervene in her affairs.” “We are concerned about [Williams’] situation,” attorney David H. Pikus wrote on behalf of the bank in the letter, which Page Six obtained. “It is our hope that the Guardianship Part [of the court] will imminently appoint a temporary guardian or evaluator to review the situation and ensure that [Williams’] affairs are being properly handled.” Williams has not hosted her daytime talk show since July 2021 due to ongoing health issues. Video of a Purdue University police officer being extra violent while arresting a Black student has gone viral. The Feb. 4 incident took place after a woman called campus police to say she was being held against her will near Horticulture Drive. A witness video obtained by FOX59, apparently filmed by the student’s girlfriend, shows a Purdue police officer on top of a Black male student, pinning him into a mound of snow on the ground as the student yells repeatedly, “You’re choking me! You’re hurting me!” https://www.wrbl.com/video/youre-choking-me-purdue-police-conduct-review-after-viral-arrest-video/ NAACP California-Hawaii Conference President Rick Callender says he supports the decision of the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) to slap automaker Tesla Motors with a discrimination lawsuit. The complaint accuses the company of “systemic racial discrimination and harassment.” Callender says “racism is rampant” at the electric vehicle manufacturer’s plant in Fremont, an East Bay city located about 44 miles east of San Francisco. “We demand a racist-free workplace. Business & Gov. orgs should know racist behavior is not tolerated in CA. Who thinks they should own a @Tesla now?” tweeted Callender after DFEH filed the lawsuit Feb. 9. “Segregation at the Fremont factory, along with the absence of Black and/or African Americans in leadership roles, has left many complaints of rampant racism unchecked for years,” says the lawsuit filed with the Superior Court of California in Alameda County. An exclusive clip of TONIGHT’s all-new episode of WE tv’s “Love During Lockup,” which finds Indie and her mother driving all the way from Maryland to Harry’s halfway house, but she finds out that they don’t allow visitations. https://youtu.be/9Fn855obgrs #DaBaby and #DaniLeigh’s brother, #BrandonBills, finally crossed paths, and the interaction ended with a few punches being thrown. Early Thursday morning, a viral video of DaBaby having a violent brawl with his ex-girlfriend’s brother hit the internet. The two men reportedly got into a physical altercation at a bowling alley in #LosAngeles. The clip begins with DaBaby swinging a punch towards Bills’ face. The rapper and his crew then start taking turns hitting Bills while standing in the middle of a slippery bowling lane. https://youtu.be/Bt6-x3G8rnQ Dolly Parton, Eminem and Lionel Richie are among the 2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees. The nominations for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Class of 2022 also features Dolly Parton, Duran Duran, Beck, Pat Benatar, Carly Simon, A Tribe Called Quest, Kate Bush, Devo, Judas Priest, Eurythmics, Fela Kuti, MC5, New York Dolls, Rage Against the Machine, and Dionne Warwick. The nominees who receive the top votes will be announced in May and the induction ceremony is scheduled for later this year. Quarterback Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks is said to be open to joining the Washington Commanders. On a recent episode of “The Kevin Sheehan Show,” Sheehan revealed Wilson “is not against being traded.” “I did talk to a few people in Vegas,” Sheehan said, via Audacy. “And the only thing that I will tell you is something that I feel confident in, based on the sources, and that is that Russell Wilson is not against being traded to Washington.” Meanwhile, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport said a trade shouldn’t be ruled as it relates to Wilson’s future with the Seahawks. Globally-acclaimed label Motown Gospel is honored to announce the signing of legendary 4-time GRAMMY-winning singer, musician, songwriter, entrepreneur, and First Lady of COGIC (Church of God in Christ) Karen Clark Sheard, in partnership with Karew Records, with plans to release her first new album in over half a decade later this year. It will follow Clark Sheard’s 2015 live album Destined To Win, her highest-charting album in her solo career and her 2010 studio album All In One, which earned GRAMMY, Stellar, Dove and BET Award nominations and remains the largest selling release of her solo career to date. “No other female vocalist in gospel music has had as broad an influence as the legendary Karen Clark Sheard,” say Monica Coates and EJ Gaines, Co-Executive Directors of Motown Gospel. “She uniquely brings generations of gospel and R&B music-lovers together with the power of her voice and the purity of her spirit. We are so honored to work with her and the Karew team.” Carl Brister interviews Dionne Warwick on The Groove Tonight...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CvljCc3M08&feature=youtu.be Join Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter-producer, PJ Morton, and Morton Records recording artist, Jojo Martin, for a special Facebook Live on The Set A Part and Chosen Facebook page. They are getting together to swap stories about life, Jojo’s near-death experience, and Jojo’s new “Never Left Me Alone” music video and forthcoming debut album. It all goes down on Thursday, February 10 @ 7 PM EST on https://www.facebook.com/setapartandchosen1 On February 11th and just in time for Valentine’s Day, internationally acclaimed Grammy-nominated vocalist SOMI will release her new single, “Love Tastes Like Strawberries,” featuring two-time Grammy Award-winning songwriter and vocalist Gregory Porter. The song is the third to be released from Somi’s fifth studio album, Zenzile: The Reimagination of Miriam Makeba, a deeply personal tribute to the legendary Miriam Makeba, and will be to be released on March 4th, which would have been Makeba’s 90th birthday. SOMI’s latest single, “Love Tastes Like Strawberries,” puts the jazz/soul singer in a shared spotlight with Gregory Porter. https://orcd.co/lovetasteslikestrawberries Watch KIERRA SHEARD-KELLY on THE REAL Thursday, February 10, 2022 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPahXjGGEbc&feature=youtu.be Rapper/actress Eve has welcomed her first child, a son, with husband Maximillion Cooper, she announced Thursday on Instagram. Our Beautiful boy was born Feb 1st 2022 ??,” Eve captioned a photo of her newborn, named Wilde Wolf Fife Alexander Somers Cooper. She added, “Words can’t describe this feeling ???.” Cooper shared the same photo and captioned it, “Let the wild rumpus begin!” https://www.instagram.com/p/CZy7NR0MBrU/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=a740bb4e-fe58-47f2-9433-abc4a64b1c9e Candace Owens announced Tuesday that she and her husband George Farmer are expecting their second child. Owens shared the news on social media with photos of her and Farmer and their son. “Family of 4. #July2022,” wrote Owens on Twitter. A separate post of the family on Instagram was captioned with the lyrics to “Buy Dirt” by Jordan Davis. “Do what you love and call it work, Throw a little money in the plate at church, Send your prayers up and your roots down deep, And add a few limbs to your family tree… #FamilyofFour #July2022” https://www.instagram.com/realcandaceowens/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=02c60463-2ec5-4f4c-a2c1-b2ef3b56a667 Billionaire Bob Johnson is said to be frustrated with President Joe Biden’s lack of support of reparations for Foundational Black Americans (FBA).Johnson unpacked the Biden administration’s troubled Build Back Better plan during a Feb. 1 appearance on CNBC. Critics of the plan claim it fails to include initiatives and programs that aim to close the wealth gap between Black and white Americans. “Closing the Black wealth gap is not a job. It’s not giving us more consumption money to spend. It’s giving us more access to wealth sustainability,” Johnson, 75, said in an interview on “Squawk Box.” https://youtu.be/HpyVo5o2u-Y A key measure of inflation climbed to a near-40-year high last month. The consumer price index rose 7.5% in the 12 months ending January, not adjusted for seasonal swings, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said Thursday. It was the steepest annual price increase since February 1982. Stripping out food and energy prices, which tend to be more volatile, prices increased by 6% between January 2021 and January 2022, marking the largest increase since August 1982. In January alone, prices rose 0.6%, including seasonal adjustments, the same rate as in December. That served up some bad news for people who hoped the monthly data would indicate a slowdown of the price hikes. Prices increased across the board, including for housing, furniture, used cars and medical costs. Food prices climbed 0.9% in January, compared to just 0.5% in December. The father of beauty queen Cheslie Kryst claims family dysfunction most likely led to her suicide last month. Cheslie’s father, Rodney Kryst, 62, tells the New York Post that his daughter suffered from depression. “She was pure as can be, she didn’t take any kind of drugs or prescription medication,” Rodney Kryst told The Post. “She never had any kind of substance abuse problem.” He added, “I think it had a lot to do with family dysfunction, but it will be awhile before we can talk more. She was sad.” https://youtu.be/O3FfeWgYIh8 New Edition sits down (remotely) with Tamron Hall for the full hour of her daytime talk show “Tamron Hall” on Tuesday, Feb. 15. Yes, all six members – Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Bobby Brown, Ronnie DeVoe, Johnny Gill and Ralph Tresvant – will, according to the show, talk about “their incredible careers spanning decades, from the inception of the original New Edition group back in Boston to their solo careers to their comeback as New Edition once again.” “Tamron digs deep with the group as they get candid, discussing their personal and professional trials and tribulations throughout their careers, including stories they’ve never shared. They also give fans a special performance and sneak peek behind the scenes as they get ready to launch their 30-city “The Culture Tour.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1491437947198996483 Ask any Black person who sings the best version of the national anthem and you’ll get one of two answers: Depending upon their age, it’s either Marvin Gaye at the 1983 NBA All-Star Game or Whitney Houston at Super Bowl XXV. And while we at The Root will gracefully bow out of this debate, as part of its Super Bowl LVI coverage, ESPN’s E:60 will explore the impact of Houston’s unforgettable performance in Whitney’s Anthem. Premiering Friday, Feb. 11, the 10 year anniversary of Houston’s death, the half-hour documentary features interviews with musical director Rickey Minor, commentators and players from the game, as they discuss “the story of the anthem,” per a press release provided to The Root. Hands down, the most revealing insights will come from the NFL exec who almost rejected Whitney’s version of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Seriously!? I need to know how you heard that voice sing that song, and didn’t want it to open your game. What logical reason could you possibly have? https://youtu.be/jatxPuM-v_4 Donny Gerrard, who scored a hit with “Wildflower” as the lead vocalist for the group Skylark, has died. He was 75. Gerrard died Thursday and had been under hospice care amid a battle with cancer, publicist Bill Carpenter told The Hollywood Reporter. “Our dear brother Donny passed away early this morning at home, peacefully, surrounded by family,” said Adam Ayers from Red Light Management in a statement released Thursday. Born in Vancouver, Canada, on March 19, 1946, Gerrard was the singer for the early 1970s band Skylark, which counted producer David Foster as a keyboardist. Their 1972 breakout ballad “Wildflower” peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was later sampled on Jamie Foxx’s 2005 platinum-certified hit “Unpredictable.” By 1975, Skylark had split up, and Gerrard focused on a solo career. He signed with Elton John’s Rocket Record Company and dropped the single “(Baby) Don’t Let It Mess Your Mind,” in addition to providing background vocals on John’s 1975 album Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy. The family of Bob Saget says that the comedian died of “head trauma” a month ago in his Florida hotel room. A statement from Saget’s family released Wednesday shared the conclusion from the medical examiner’s office investigating the Jan. 9 death of the “America’s Funniest Home Video” host and “Full House” star. “Now that we have the final conclusions from the authorities’ investigation, we felt it only proper that the fans hear those conclusions directly from us,” the statement sent by Saget’s longtime publicist Michael O’Brien said. “The authorities have determined that Bob passed from head trauma. They have concluded that he accidentally hit the back of his head on something, thought nothing of it and went to sleep.” “No drugs or alcohol were involved,” the statement added. Trauma surgeon Kari Jerge tells USA TODAY that a blow to the head can push the brain “up against the skull,” resulting in a concussion, a type of brain injury. Jerge says concussion can lead to two possibly fatal scenarios: “bleeding and bruising” of the brain or asphyxiation during unconsciousness. Tyrese Gibson is praying for a miracle as his mother continues to battle both COVID-19 and pneumonia. The “Fast & Furious” star, 43, asked fans to pray for his family when he revealed that his mom, Priscilla Murray, was in a coma in the ICU.“ The Doctor sat in this chair and just broke my heart by telling me there’s pretty much nothing else that can be done to turn things around,” he captioned a photo of a hospital hallway on Wednesday. Gibson said he asked the doctor, “You ever heard of a man name Jesus Christ?” adding, “Nothing is impossible for him…… Ha [sic] paused and couldn’t respond…!!” In a separate post, the singer pleaded with his mother to “keep fighting.” ”Love & Hip Hop‘s” Rich Dollaz, Yandy, Karlie Redd and Paris Phillips kick it with Radio & TV personality Jazmyn ‘Jaz’ Summers, host of EURweb.com Spotlight on a new TV project tracing their African roots. https://youtu.be/P75jlJ022JU Hip-hop icon Snoop Dogg rose to fame during the ’90s on Death Row Records, now he has acquired the label from MNRK Music Group. According to multiple reports, the rapper/mogul acquired Death Row Records’ brand from MNRK Music Group, which is controlled by a private equity fund managed by Blackstone, per Variety. The terms of the deal have not been disclosed. In a statement, Snoop Dogg said: “I am thrilled and appreciative of the opportunity to acquire the iconic and culturally significant Death Row Records brand, which has immense untapped future value. It feels good to have ownership of the label I was part of at the beginning of my career and as one of the founding members. This is an extremely meaningful moment for me. I would like to personally thank the teams at Blackstone, MNRK and especially David Kestnbaum, who worked collaboratively with me over several months to make this exciting homecoming a reality. I’m looking forward to building the next chapter of Death Row Records.” Here is an exclusive clip of this week’s episode of “Growing Up Hip Hop,” which finds Tee Tee and Shawn sparring over their wedding venue. Elsewhere in this week’s episode, JoJo and Tanice find themselves in a marriage crisis when JoJo’s stood up on a group date. Tee Tee and Shawn’s wedding plans spiral out of control. Sam seeks guidance from Layzie. Danger strikes for Briana when police come knocking at her door. https://youtu.be/W_SXAsX4Ze8 “Scream” kicks “Spider-Man” from first place within a month debuting with $30.6 million in ticket sales. Paramount Pictures predicts it will total $35 million including Monday’s grosses. “Scream,” which cost about $24 million to make, added another $18 million in 50 international markets. Most notably, “Scream” is the first box-office success in a year that Hollywood hopes will see a return to weekly stability at movie theaters. January is typically a quiet period at the box office, but the surge of the omicron variant in COVID-19 has further upended release plans of some winter movies. Even though “Spider-Man: No Way Home” slipped to second place, it continues to rise in the record books. “No Way Home” grossed $20.8 million in its fifth weekend of release. Sony Pictures predicts that with another $5.2 million on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, “No Way Home” will reach a domestic cumulative total of $703.9 million Monday, edging “Black Panther” and moving into fourth place all-time. Is Dave Chappelle against affordable housing which would obviously help people who need it during what’s becoming a housing crisis all across the country? Based on what happened after the comedian called the Yellow Springs, Ohio Village Council “clowns” and threatened that his business ventures would be “off the table,” it certainly looks that way. Obviously, Chappelle has some serious leverage in the community where he lives because the Ohio village on Monday failed to approve a zoning ordinance that would have included dozens of affordable housing units after his threat. https://youtu.be/c8FfabxrYRY Netflix’s workforce grew to more than half women and half people of color in 2021 according to Netflix’s latest internal diversity report, which represents a small uptick in representation for both groups compared to 2020’s report. Women now make up 51.7% of Netflix’s global workforce, up from 48.7% in 2020, and women who are in leadership roles of director level and above now totals 51.1% women, a growth of 6.9%. Netflix also says that half of the U.S. workforce, which is the only location where Netflix collects and reports race and ethnicity data, is now 50.5% people from historically excluded ethnic and/or racial backgrounds, up from 46.8% in 2020. This includes growth for Black employees specifically, from 10.9% to 13.3% – and Black leaders at the director and above level, from 11.2% to 13.5%. This also comes as a result of Netflix growing its employee base globally overall, from about 8,000 to 10,000 employees globally in 2021, and adding about a thousand employees – from 6,300 to 7,300, in the U.S. Last year, Netflix admitted a need for more Latinx recruitment, and in 2021 there was some minimal growth in that area in the U.S., moving up slightly from 7.9% to 8.6%, but the percentage of Latinx employees at the leadership level barely budged. Denzel Washington’s nomination for best actor in the Joel Coen film The Tragedy of Macbeth marks him as the most nominated Black actor in Oscar history, with ten nominations and two wins. Throughout his career, he’s been nominated for various roles, starting with his first nomination in a supporting role for the 1988 film Crying Freedom for his role as Steve Biko. Washington was nominated in the same category two years later for his role in the Edward Zwick civil war film Glory–and came away as that year’s winner for best-supporting actor. In between his next win, he received nominations for best actor in the Spike Lee-directed biopic Malcolm X and the Norman Jewison film Hurricane. It would be ten years from his first win to his second for best actor in Antoine Fuqua’s Training Day. He is one of four Black actors to win the award along with Sidney Poitier, Jamie Fox, Forest Whitaker. If you’re fans of Cari Champion and Jemele Hill, we’ve got some good news for ya. The award-winning broadcast journalists are joining CNN+ as hosts of a weekly show for the much-anticipated streaming subscription service debuting this spring. On Cari & Jemele: Speak.Easy., the co-hosts toast and roast the stories that have everyone talking. From the biggest stories in sports, entertainment, politics, and culture, they’ll tell you how they see it. The show will contribute to CNN+’s slate of original, live programming and be available at launch. “I’m so thrilled to join CNN+. The beauty and authenticity of my friendship with Jemele has always been at the heart of our creative partnership,” said Champion. “I couldn’t be more excited to be part of the CNN family and share our brand of ‘speakeasy’ with the world.” Kanye West had made a plea for his family to come back together just days after a war of words with estranged wife Kim Kardashian on social media. The 44-year-old rapper took to Instagram to share a gallery of snaps from Vogue magazine of his 41-year-old estranged wife with their children and the caption: ‘GOD PLEASE BRING OUR FAMILY BACK TOGETHER.’ This comes just days after the former power couple squabbled on Instagram over their daughter North’s TikTok and after the reason for the standstill in their divorce was revealed. As the reality star has been trying to get her married status dissolved to single for months, the artist’s refusal to sign off on it is the reason the process has hit a snag according to a source for E! News on Monday. The insider told the publication: ‘Kim is still trying to get the “married” status dissolved to “single” before they finalize the divorce, but Ye has yet to sign. ‘Moving this divorce along isn’t something he’s acting quickly on, despite Kim’s efforts.’ A Carrollton church teacher and a church office assistant were arrested Tuesday and accused in the sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl in 2018. The men worked at Ministerios Bethania USA in Carrollton and they met the girl at the church, but the alleged assault did not happen on church property, police said. Carrollton police identified the suspects as church teacher Luis Escobar, 59, and office assistant Alvaro Jimenez, 71. who were living at the church, 2405 E. Belt Line Road in Carrollton. Jimenez handled various church office duties, while Escobar taught virtual church classes for adults, Carrollton police said. Officials at Ministerios Bethania USA did not return telephone calls Wednesday requesting comment. An investigation began in September 2021 when an 18-year-old girl reported the assault to a school counselor. The teen reported to Carrollton police that she was 14 when the sexual assault occurred. As we enter the third year of the coronavirus pandemic, it is the religious objections to routine vaccination that persist and perplex. In some religious circles, the rapid spread of the omicron variant is being taken as an antidote to medical arrogance. “These variants aren’t just variants,” the popular television preacher Tony Evans explains. “This is God showing medical science, politicians, people: ‘I don’t care what you come up with. I’m talking now.’” Opinions to start the day, in your inbox. Sign up. While conceding that “vaccines help,” Evans goes on to argue that “you should have a choice, whether it’s natural immunity or whether it’s therapeutics. You shouldn’t be mandated to put chemicals in your body. But you should be free to if you choose to. So our issue is against mandates, not against vaccinations if you choose to. … People don’t know what to do, so stuff keeps changing because God keeps messing stuff up. … So whatever decision you make, be able to trust God with it.” This position — which assumes that God introduces an element of uncertainty into the conclusions of science to expose human arrogance — is intended to justify a reasonable middle ground of personal choice on vaccination. The problem? It is a theological absurdity based on a bald-faced deception in service to a dangerous ideology. Ben Simmons got his wish, a trade out of Philadelphia. The 76ers got their second superstar, with James Harden coming over in a blockbuster multiplayer trade with the Brooklyn Nets. The Sixers sent Simmons, their disgruntled star, guard Seth Curry and center Andre Drummond to the Nets in a deal for Harden. The Sixers also will get Paul Millsap and the Nets get draft picks, according to people with direct knowledge of the decision. The move was confirmed Thursday by the people who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the trade had not been announced. The move came just five days after coach Steve Nash said the Nets wouldn’t trade Harden and only 13 months after they acquired the 2018 NBA MVP to play with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. But Harden could have left this summer as a free agent and the Nets decided it wasn’t worth the risk to wait, ending their Big Three experiment after the trio played only 16 games together. Media tycoon Byron Allen is preparing a bid for the Denver Broncos, a move that if successful would make him the first Black majority owner of a National Football League team. “NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft came to me in November of 2019 and asked me to take a good look at buying an NFL team,” Allen, chairman and chief executive officer at Allen Media Group, said in a statement in response to inquiries about his interest in the Broncos. “And after serious consideration, I strongly believe I can effectuate positive changes throughout the league,” Allen said in a statement. “And for that reason, I will be making a bid for the Denver Broncos.” A representative for the NFL didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. Allen, 60, is a Detroit native who came to prominence as a comedian appearing on NBC’s Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. He went on to become a television producer and later founded Allen Media, which consists of the Weather Channel and more than 15 local network stations. Allen had recently bid for the regional television operator Tegna Inc., however acquisition talks are still ongoing. In a press conference earlier today (02/10/22), hip-hop legends Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and Mary J. Blige previewed the Super Bowl LVI halftime show, saying, “we’re going to do it so big.” CNN’s Chloe Melas reports in the video above. In other news from the presser, “This should’ve happened a long time ago,” offered Dre, who spent the most time on the mic at the packed event hosting well more than 100 reporters. “Hip-hop is the biggest genre of music on the planet right now, so it’s crazy that it took all of this time for us to be recognized. I think we’re going to go on and do a fantastic show and we’re going to do it so big that they can’t deny us anymore in the future.” Last offseason, the NFL saw unprecedented movement at the quarterback position. Between the Los Angeles Rams trading for Matthew Stafford, and sending Jared Goff back to Detroit as part of the blockbuster, and the Indianapolis Colts poaching Carson Wentz from Philadelphia, it was a groundbreaking offseason. To a lesser extent, the likes of Ryan Fitzpatrick, Mitchell Trubisky, Sam Darnold, Teddy Bridgewater, Tyrod Taylor and Andy Dalton all changed teams. By signing Ryan Fitzpatrick, formerly of the Miami Dolphins, the Washington Commanders played a role in the sweepstakes. If you haven’t heard, they’re back in the market for a QB after Fitzpatrick suffered a dislocated hip in Week 1 and Taylor Heinicke underwhelmed as a backup. While Aaron Rodgers and Derek Carr feel like pipe dreams at this point, Seahawks superstar Russell Wilson actually feels attainable. Cardiac lesions were found on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mario Lemina in medical checks by Confederation of African Football medical officials checking on their condition after contracting the coronavirus. Aubameyang is a striker for Arsenal in the Premier League, and Lemina is a midfielder with French club Nice. Both were released to return to their clubs where they will undergo more testing. They needed a John Deere Gator to reach the perimeter. Then, in the forested area behind a power plant in Williamsburg, Virginia, Colette Roots and her small expedition had to jump over ditches full of rainwater, where they could see tadpoles and mosquito eggs. They went in. The plot of land belonged to a Black congregation in the 1940s. The historic church, Oak Grove Baptist, is still active. Roots grew up in the congregation, and as a child, she helped her mother maintain the graves at the church’s main cemetery—a much larger plot roughly a mile from this one, with about 150 graves. The church lost access to this smaller graveyard decades ago, thanks in part to a massive land seizure by the federal government. By the summer of 2021, most everyone who knew the exact whereabouts of the Christians buried back here had died themselves. Hidden away like this, in the trees and brush, the graves remind Roots of the Sunday school song about hiding your light under a bushel. When she saw them that day, she had the same reaction: No. There were a dozen markers, some lying flat and others standing upright. The inscriptions showed that most of the deceased were children, and at least three were related to Roots by marriage. For a moment she was overcome with grief. The dead needed to be taken care of. They belonged with the other deceased saints at the main burial grounds. The World Health Organization (WHO) lamented Tuesday that half a million COVID-19 deaths had been recorded since the Omicron variant was discovered, calling the toll “beyond tragic”. The WHO’s incident manager Abdi Mahamud said that 130 million cases and 500,000 deaths had been recorded globally since Omicron was declared a variant of concern in late November. It has since rapidly overtaken Delta as the world’s dominant COVID-19 variant because it is more transmissible, though it appears to cause less severe illness. “In the age of effective vaccines, half a million people dying, it’s really something,” Mahamud told a live interaction on the WHO’s social media channels. “While everyone was saying Omicron is milder, (they) missed the point that half a million people have died since this was detected. “It’s beyond tragic.” Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO’s technical lead on COVID-19, said the sheer number of Omicron cases was “astounding”, while the true number of cases and deaths could be much higher than just those known about. “It makes the previous peaks look almost flat,” she said. Though considered milder than other coronavirus variants, omicron has infected so many people that it has driven the number of daily deaths beyond where it was last spring, before vaccines were widely available, according to Washington Post data. Omicron has been particularly lethal to people over 75, the unvaccinated and the medically vulnerable, according to doctors and public health officials. The soaring death toll also illustrates why experts pleaded with the public to beware of the highly contagious variant even though it is less virulent than others. “That feels quite jarring to people who may have assumed omicron is generally on a per-case level less severe and given the fact we have vaccinated at least some portion of the country,” said Jennifer Nuzzo, an epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. “Even if on a per-case basis fewer people develop severe illness and die, when you apply a small percentage to a very large number, you get a substantial number.” What to know about the omicron variant of the coronavirus Yet the seven-day average of deaths during the omicron surge has reached 2,600 in recent days, climbing past the late September peak of about 2,000 average daily fatalities during the surge of the more dangerous delta variant, according to Post tracking. The ranks of hospitalized patients with covid-19 reached record highs in January. Coronavirus deaths lag hospitalizations. Betty Davis, the ex-wife of jazz trumpeter Miles Davis, died Wednesday. She was 77. Davis’ longtime friend Connie Portis confirmed the news in a Facebook post “It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of Betty Davis, a multi-talented music influencer, pioneer rock star, singer, songwriter, arranger, model, and fashion icon,” Portis wrote. “Most of all Betty was a friend, Aunt, niece, and beloved member of her community of Homestead, Pennsylvania, and of the worldwide community of friends and fans.” Davis was known for singing hits such as “Get Ready for Betty,” “It’s My Life,” “If I’m in Luck I Might Get Picked Up” and many more. Davis also wrote the Chambers Brothers song “Uptown (to Harlem).” Davis dropped her self-titled debut album in 1973 for Woodstock promoter Michael Lang’s Just Sunshine Records and two more records followed. She released “They Say I’m Different” in 1974 and a year later recorded the album “Nasty Gal.” https://youtu.be/b2B0FBdzGis Laugh Out Loud, the multi-platform comedy brand founded by Kevin Hart announced the addition of rapper-trying-to-turn comedian TIP “T.I” HARRIS along with Tony Roberts and special guest DJ Spinderella to the long-anticipated return of “All-Star Comedy Jam.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CZuOTOUgo5i/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Adele is being accused of transphobia for declaring at a woke gender-neutral awards show that she loves “being a woman.” The “Rolling in the Deep” singer made the remark at Tuesday’s Brit Awards as she collected the prize for Artist of the Year, a newly created category merging the old Best Male and Best Female Artist awards. “I understand why the name of this award has changed but I really love being a woman and being a female artist. I do!” she said to huge cheers. “I’m really proud of us, I really, really am,” she said. Despite support from the audience in London’s huge O2 Arena, her comments quickly sparked outrage online — making her the latest high-profile figure accused of being a TERF, or trans-exclusionary radical feminist. “Please, no, ADELE can’t be a TERF,” a “staunch feminist” performer named Jacob told his thousands of Twitter followers. “Who’d have thought Adele was a transphobe and would use her platform to call for the destruction of the trans community. Especially the confused teenagers,” another long-time Twitter user posted. We Are Messengers lead singer Darren Mulligan says he is “OK” and grateful to the Lord after his truck hit ice, lost traction, and flipped over, calling his survival “a miracle.” “It’s a miracle that I’m alive,” Mulligan wrote on the Christian band’s Instagram page. The singer shared photos of the accident and an account of the terrifying ordeal. He said he was in his truck driving when he hit ice last week and suddenly slid across lanes. Not wanting to hit another vehicle, he took swift action. “I couldn’t [bear] the thought of someone being hurt, so I did everything I could to flip my vehicle off the road, and that’s what I did,” he said. Mulligan said he is sore but that he walked away “without a scratch.” Perhaps most interesting is that he was praying just 10 seconds before the accident — and his invocation was about how his life is in God’s hands. “I guess God put that to the test, and He has once again proved Himself unbelievably kind,” he wrote. Mulligan also shared how a good Samaritan man named Efrain stopped on his way to work after seeing the accident to make sure the singer was OK. The man even drove Mulligan to the airport afterward to ensure he would make the band’s show in Greeley, Colorado. Three friends who have attended every Super Bowl are hoping for a memorable contest this year because it will probably be their final trip to the big game as a group. The three men are all in their 80s and have attended every game since the first AFL-NFL World Championship Game was held 55 years ago about 7 miles (11 kilometers) from this year’s venue, SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. They are meeting at the game once again this year, but future meetings are in question. Don Crisman, a Maine resident and the eldest of the group at 85, said this is his last game. Gregory Eaton, 82, of Michigan, wants to keep attending but said his health concerns could get in the way. Even Tom Henschel, a football fanatic who spends the cold months in Florida, said Super Bowl LX in 2026 figures to be his last. The far-flung friends use the Super Bowl to meet up, spend time together and reminisce. But in recent years they’ve come to grips with the fact it must come to an end one day, said Henschel, 80. “I still think I have a few years left. I’m going to try to make it to 60. But old man age is catching up to all of us,” he said. The annual Super Bowl Breakfast is where faith and football meet. Sponsored by Athletes in Action, the event has taken place each year since 1988, drawing sellout crowds to hear from some of the biggest names in football. That includes Demario Davis, a lineman with the New Orleans Saints who is known for his faith as well as big plays on the field. “Ever since we came in the league, we learned about the Superbowl Breakfast, saw that it wasn’t just about the game, but it reflected a life of faith, a life of family and of football,” Davis told CBN News. Highlights of the outreach include messages of hope complete with a presentation of the gospel. The one-hour faith-filled event will be televised this weekend on the CBN News Channel. Donald Trump is urging Joe Rogan to stop apologizing for using the N-word. The ex-president issued a statement on Monday, saying, “Joe Rogan is an interesting and popular guy, but he’s got to stop apologizing to the Fake News and Radical Left maniacs and lunatics.” Trump continued, per the Hill, “How many ways can you say you’re sorry? Joe, just go about what you do so well and don’t let them make you look weak and frightened. That’s not you and it never will be!” Trump’s support comes after Rogan apologized over the weekend for repeatedly using the N-word. He also once described a movie theater packed with Black people as “planet of the apes.” Two teen boys were shot and killed within an hour of each other Tuesday in Chicago. A 15-year-old boy was killed in a shooting in Bronzeville Tuesday afternoon, Chicago police said. Chicago police said the teen was in the 3300-block of South Prairie Avenue around 3:15 p.m. when he was approached by someone who then pulled out a gun and opened fire. The teen was struck in the head and taken to Comer Children’s Hospital in critical condition, where he was later pronounced dead, police said. A Black FedEx driver says two white males fired multiple bullets into his delivery vehicle in Brookhaven, Miss., late last month. Luckily the 24-year-old was not injured. D’Monterrio Gibson of Utica, Miss., told the Mississippi Free Press that the incident occurred on the night of Jan. 24, when he saw a white pickup truck driving toward him while on his delivery route. “In my mind I’m thinking (the driver) is leaving to go to the store or something like that, but then they get extremely close to me and start blowing their horn,” Gibson said. “I proceed to leave the driveway. As I’m leaving the driveway, he starts driving in the grass trying to cut me off. My instincts kick in, I swerve around him, and I start hitting the gas trying to get out of the neighborhood because I don’t know what his intentions are. Gibson said the police chief, Kenny Collins (who is Black) “tried to emphasize how unracist the town was, which seemed odd to me.” Per the report, Brookhaven has a history of lynching Black folks. Gibson learned from police that the driver of the white pickup truck was Gregory Case and the man in the road was his son, Brandon Case. Both turned themselves in at the police station on Feb. 1, per the report. Gregory was charged with conspiracy and Brandon with aggravated assault. They posted bail, $75,000 and $150,000 bonds, respectively, the next day, the Mississippi Free Press reports. Moore wants the U.S. Department of Justice “to prosecute this as a hate crime,” he said. Bounce has announced that the sixth and final season of “Saints & Sinners” will premiere in April, and a new trailer has been released to tease what fans can expect. Per Bounce, the saints and the sinners will have a winner-take-all clash this spring. Bounce, the popular broadcast and multi-platform entertainment network serving African Americans, will air the sixth and final season of its hit original drama series “Saints & Sinners” Sunday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT, starting April 3. https://youtu.be/88590VgtTRU Wendy Williams is officially out for the rest of season 13 of her eponymous talk show, as producers prepare for a Sherri Shepherd takeover. “Wendy won’t be returning to the show for the rest of this season. Her healing is going slower than everyone had hoped. She continues to deal with a number of medical issues, including Graves’ disease, and she and her team are taking it one day at a time,” a source tells People. As reported by PEOPLE, “The Wendy Williams Show” announced a lineup of celebrity guest hosts for the entire month of February: Michael Rapaport, Sherri Shepherd, Fat Joe, Remy Ma, Bevy Smith, and Terrence J. “But reports of a stroke, drugs or addiction issues or a dementia diagnosis are all false. Whether Wendy can return in the fall will depend on how her healing goes over the summer. Her health is the most important thing,” the source adds. This month, Apple TV+ announced “They Call Me Magic,” the highly anticipated four-part documentary event that takes an illuminating, holistic look into the life and career of Earvin “Magic” Johnson, one of the world’s most iconic figures, premiering April 22. “They Call Me Magic” offers a rare glimpse into the incredible real life story of Johnson, who left his mark on history through his work – both on and off the court – and continues to impact our culture today. https://www.instagram.com/appletvplus/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=94c523a7-9656-4519-9679-a4b5eaa413b7 Artist, musician and Compton, California native Gemaine is turning up R&B music to a new volume. His new single, “No Questions,” is a throwback to a previous age of romance and love songs. The 25-year-old singer/songwriter, who had viral success at 18 on TikTok predecessor Vine with his song “Freaky,” will be releasing his full-length debut album New Jack City sometime this spring- a collaborative project with super-producer DJ Charlie Heat, who has worked with Kanye West, Lil Uzi Vert, Kehlani and Madonna. https://youtu.be/JScj4JgcTsI Angela Bassett is reflecting on her friendship with the late-great Whitney Houston as the tenth anniversary of the singer’s death approaches. Houston and Bassett co-starred in the 1995 film “Waiting to Exhale” and they formed a close friendship outside of filming. “You know, working with Whitney…we were all such a fan,” Bassett told Entertainment Tonight’s Kevin Frazier in 2020. “So to come to know each other, to play cards, to go bowling, to that regular simple joys of life stuff? It was great. It was an awesome opportunity.” Bassett is remembering the music icon’s legacy in an interview with InStyle, in which the actress also spoke about how she has dealt with Houston’s death. “The loss can be overwhelming, but I try to remain grateful for the moments I’ve had with them and for the contribution that they’ve made to my life and to culture. Instead of leaning into the loss, I lean into the blessing that their life was and will appear to be in spirit,” said Bassett. Jim Jones was not happy with the lack of customer service he received at a Gucci store, and took to social media to let everybody know. The Harlem rapper went off while walking around the luxury store. With COVID mask pulled down around his chin, Jones said that he and his crew were in “VIP” for an hour, and had yet to be greeted by an employee. “Haven’t nobody came and showed us no courtesy, no amenities, no nothing. Period. Not even a drink of water,” he said in the video. Jones, who said he asked to speak to a manager, appeared offended that the store sent out a Black employee to deal with him. “They got the Black guy racial profiling on Black people,” he fumed, not realizing that assuming the Black man was not a manager is also a form of racial profiling. https://twitter.com/i/status/1491212798860603394 During an appearance Tuesday on “CNN Tonight,” India.Arie told host Don Lemon that she has accepted Joe Rogan’s apology for his repeated use of the N-word on his podcast, which prompted her to request that her music be removed from the streaming platform. “I don’t think Joe Rogan is racist for using [the N-word],” she told Lemon. “I think he’s insensitive for using it.” “So just don’t,” she continued. https://youtu.be/lFPZ3V_hD8E Trevor Noah swung at the Joe Rogan controversy during “The Daily Show” Tuesday night, zeroing in on the podcaster’s N-word montage video that went viral last week. “He’s dropping the N-word like he bought it in bulk at Costco,” Noah said at one point. Rogan’s racist reel came on the heels of pushback against his allowance of coronavirus vaccine misinformation to be spewed on his show. Musicians such as Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and India.Arie requested that their music be removed from the streaming service – Young and Mitchell because of Rogan sharing COVID misinformation, Arie because of the racism. https://youtu.be/D5SYrX41BtA Nelly’s team claims his Instagram account was hacked and an NSFW video was posted of him receiving oral servicing from an unidentified woman. The rapper issued a statement to TMZ in which he apologizes to the woman involved in the video and her family for the “unwanted publicity.” “I sincerely apologize to the young lady and her family, this is unwanted publicity for her/them,” the statement reads. “This was an old video that was private and never meant to go public.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1491183496416481283 As part of Biden’s plan to “advance racial equity,” Blacks on crack and white methheads will have access to “safe smoking kits/supplies”. The program’s funds will be distributed to nonprofits and local governments that will provide crack kits to drug addicts in “underserved communities.” According to the Daily Mail, a spokesperson for HHS said these kits will include pipes for users to smoke crack cocaine and crystal methamphetamine. The crack pipe kits will also “limit the risk of infection – typically users smoke out of glass pipes which can lead to cuts and sores that become infected,” the outlet writes. https://youtu.be/L6LXx_UoFk8 Cardi B has put the Instagram page of her 3-year-old daughter Kulture on lockdown after the account was flooded with hateful comments. Kulture has more than 2.3 million Instagram followers. After learning that trolls were calling her child cruel names in the comments, Cardi B set Kulture’s account to private on Monday. “Haven’t been checking my daughter account but now I’m going to lock her page,’ the mom-of-two fired on Twitter. “I don’t know wtf is going on but I hope y’all moms die for giving birth to you hoe a** weirdos.” https://www.instagram.com/iamcardib/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=72351682-f03a-4257-9b41-3c185a2c7e64 Musical artist, Tanya Nolan, known for her songs ‘Smile On My Face’ and ‘No Pressure,’ has recently released her latest R&B single, ‘Good Woman,’ to national radio and all satellite platforms. The emotional song debuted as the second most added song to R&B radio stations across the country, behind The Weeknd, who debuted at number one. In addition to National and local radio, ‘Good Woman’ was quickly picked up by Sirius XM’s Heart & Soul and the popular television network, Music Choice. https://soundcloud.com/user-88465534/good-woman-radio-edit-master A large crowd descended on downtown Los Angeles for the opening day of Super Bowl Experience presented by Lowe’s, at the Los Angeles Convention Center, Saturday, February 5, 2022. Super Bowl Experience presented by Lowe’s is the NFL’s interactive football theme park, leading up to Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium, Sunday, February 13, 2022 between the Los Angeles Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals. Capitol Christian Music Group (CCMG) has promoted EJ Gaines to SVP Marketing/Co-Executive Director of Motown Gospel. Gaines has served as Co-Executive Director of Motown Gospel and Vice President of Marketing at CCMG since 2018, prior to his position as Motown Gospel’s Vice President of Marketing. Gaines reports to Capitol Christian Music Group Co-President Hudson Plachy. Here at CLEO TV, we're kicking off the love season in the kitchen with Chef JJ. JUST EATS WITH CHEF JJ has returned for season 4 on CLEO TV. The popular cooking show welcomes Lifestyle influencer and Content Creator Tiffany Battle tonight, February 9th at 9 P.M. ET/8C. Eating well and feeling good is the winning combo for Chef JJ’s guest Tiffany Battle. Tonight, he's making Grilled Ahi Tuna with Soba Noodle Salad. He's also making Mushroom Kale Fonio Bowls with a Ginger Citrus Spritzer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xqFB14CTT8 The season three finale of the popular cooking show, NEW SOUL KITCHEN airs tonight, February 9th at 9:30 P.M. EST/8:30C on CLEO TV. Chef Jernard Wells is going out with a bang, as he serves up international cuisine in the series' extended, 30-minute format. The best way to a person's heart is through their stomach and no one knows that better than Chef Jernard. In this episode, he puts his twist on Asian Cuisine. He makes a delicious Korean BBQ complemented by his version of General Tso’s Chicken. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rip9cq_YC5I Today, actor-comedian Leslie Jordan and actor, CEO and producer Tracee Ellis Ross announced the 94th Oscars® nominations, via a global live stream on Oscar.com. The 94th Oscars will be held on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland in Hollywood and will be televised live on ABC at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. https://youtu.be/avbXw0kOlQc Bounce will premiere the highly-anticipated 23rd Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration on Saturday, February 12 at 8 pm ET. The debut telecast will be followed by an encore on Bounce’s sister network ION Sunday, February 13 at 12 am ET, and will continue to be available to stream in front of the paywall on Prime Video and on IMDb TV throughout February in celebration of Black History Month. Themed “Catch the Light,” the groundbreaking praise and worship extravaganza is an annual highlight of Super Bowl weekend, hosted this season by inspirational figure Sarah Jakes Roberts and funnyman DC Young Fly. This unique annual praise fest highlights NFL players and their faith, with uplifting songs of joy and shout-worthy, never-before-seen performances and mashups. Viewers are offered a rare glimpse into the spiritual lives of their favorite NFL players, as well as what inspires them to greatness each day. The hour-long show was taped in Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Dallas as a concession to the still ongoing COVID pandemic. Super Bowl Gospel Celebration is making a special presentation to the 2022 Lifetime of Inspiration Award recipient Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, sponsored by the Amazon Black Business Accelerator Program. The current head coach for Jackson State University’s football team, two-time SuperBowl champion, Pro Football Hall of Famer, and Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year is being honored for his commitment to bringing more visibility to HBCU sports franchises and reinvigorating HBCU sports into high-profile must-watch events. Coach Prime is one of only four NFL Players to ever receive this prestigious award. Country music legend and trailblazer Charley Pride's 'The Best of Charley Pride Volume II' is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Debuted in 1972 on Billboard magazine's country albums chart, it spent 16 weeks at the No. 1 spot and was Pride’s best-selling album during his career. Included on the album are hits like "Kiss An Angel Good Mornin'", "Is Anybody Goin' to San Antone," "I'd Rather Love You," "I'm Just Me" and more fan favorites. In line with Black History Month, the celebration of this anniversary reminds us how Pride transcended racial barriers within the country music community and beyond. American Masters Charley Pride: I'm Just Me, a documentary about the life and career of the country music superstar was aired on PBS, BBC & CBC's documentary Channel and is available at PBS.com and Amazon.com. The documentary walks through Pride’s life journey, from his humble beginnings as a sharecropper’s son on a cotton farm in segregated Sledge, Mississippi to his career as a Negro League baseball player and his meteoric rise as a trailblazing country music icon. Narrated by Tanya Tucker and featuring country music royalty, including Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, and Marty Stuart, I'm Just Me traces Pride's love for music and perseverance in the industry. The film also features many songs from his repertoire of classic country hits, along with more modern cuts like "Standing In My Way," from his latest album Music In My Heart, released in 2017. Since retiring from the NFL, Marshawn Lynch has stayed busy with his charitable endeavors, business ventures, and acting projects. Lynch’s post-retirement life has seen him appear in commercials for Subway, Frito-Lay and Uber Eats, and TV shows including season three of HBO’s “Westworld.” Lynch is back at showing off his acting (and improv) skills in Netflix’s new murder mystery comedy “Murderville,” which is now streaming on the platform. Per The Hollywood Reporter, here’s the conceit: Will Arnett plays homicide detective Terry Seattle. Arnett — along with the cast of other regulars including Haneefah Wood as Seattle’s boss slash ex-wife, Chief Rhonda Jenkins-Seattle, and Lilan Bowden as coroner Amber Kang — gets a script. Each episode, a guest star “trainee” is paired with Seattle and tasked with helping him solve a grisly murder. They do not get a script, and must react to Seattle’s prompts as they interrogate three suspects and examine the crime scene for clues, culminating in a lineup where they guess whodunit. It’s like one of those murder mystery dinner party games where the host is Lego Batman. https://youtu.be/4IBi7gN2THE Prior to this Sunday’s iconic Super Bowl half-time show, Mary J. Blige will be hosting her iHeart Radio Album Release Party for Good Morning Gorgeous exclusively on iHeart and FOX SOUL this Friday, February 11 at 10pm ET/ 7pm PT. Good Morning Gorgeous is Mary J. Blige‘s 15th full-length studio album following 2017’s Strength of a Woman. She also teamed up with H.E.R. on the album’s title track “Good Morning Gorgeous.” Good Morning Gorgeous showcases 13 new songs, including guest appearances from artists like DJ Khaled, Dave East, Usher, Anderson .Paak and Fivio Foreign. https://youtu.be/jr1CRMkBVs8 GSN-Fantasia Barrino and Danielle Brooks have been tapped to star in the upcoming Warner Bros. movie musical “The Color Purple.” As reported by Variety, the forthcoming Warner Bros. movie musical is an adaptation of the Tony-winning Broadway musical from Marsha Norman, Brenda Lee, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, which was based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning epistolary novel by Alice Walker. The upcoming film follows the classic 1985 film adaptation from director Steven Spielberg and centers on Celie, a Black Southern woman who struggles to find her identity amid decades of abuse. Whoopi Goldberg played Celie in Spielberg’s film. Spielberg’s film was a box office success, grossing $142 million against a budget of $15 million. Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, has started assembling vehicles in Nigeria beginning with the Land Trek, 3008, 5008, and the new 508. Business Insider reports that Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Limited (DPAN) has started assembling vehicles at the new Greenfield Ultima Assembly Plant, located in the northwestern region of Nigeria. The plant will reportedly assemble 120 vehicles per day. “With the New Green Field Ultima Assembly Plant, a lot is being done by DPAN to ensure visibility of the Peugeot brand and availability of spare parts to the network and the generality of Nigerians,” management of DPAN said. “DPAN will be encouraged by our technical partner to reposition the brand in the short, medium, and long term as we ensure customer satisfaction and sustainability. https://youtu.be/XRBGX59O-gg Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson initially supported Joe Rogan, but has “become educated” since learning of Rogan’s use of a racial slur. Rogan has been the center of controversy over his podcast “The Joe Rogan Experience” where he has made inaccurate claims about vaccinations and Covid-19. Spotify has come under fire for the podcast and several artists including Neil Young and Joni Mitchell have removed their music from the streaming service in protest. Last week Rogan posted a video on his verified Instagram account sharing his thoughts about the controversy and Johnson offered his support in the comments. “Great stuff here brother,” Johnson wrote in response to Rogan’s post. “Perfectly articulated. Look forward to coming on one day and breaking out the tequila with you.” https://eurweb.com/2022/02/08/dwayne-johnson-takes-back-support-of-joe-rogan/ Did you know that an enslaved chef named James Hemings created Mac and cheese but Thomas Jefferson, third president of the U.S., often gets credit for it? The story, passed down through the generations, goes that while traveling in Europe in the late 1700s prior to becoming president, Jefferson first tried a European version of macaroni pasta and cheese. He brought the recipe back when he returned to Virginia. But what is left out of that lore is that Jefferson was traveling with a slave who was his chef, and it was Hemings who came up with a version of mac and cheese for Americans’ taste. But Jefferson and his wife, Martha, took the credit. Hemings became the property of Jefferson at age 8, serving as the “valet, chauffeur, and chef,” according to the James Hemings Society. Jefferson allowed Hemings to hone his culinary skills under a French chef in Annapolis, and with chefs at the Chateau Chantilly, the “five-star kitchen of 18th century France.“ After completing his training, Hemings was made the head chef at Jefferson’s private residence in Paris, known as the Hôtel de Langeac. Retired Pope Benedict XVI asked forgiveness Tuesday for any “grievous faults” in his handling of clergy sex abuse cases, but denied any personal or specific wrongdoing after an independent report criticized his actions in four cases while he was archbishop of Munich, Germany. “I have had great responsibilities in the Catholic Church. All the greater is my pain for the abuses and the errors that occurred in those different places during the time of my mandate,” the retired pope said. But Benedict’s lack of a personal apology or any admission of guilt was likely to rile survivors and further complicate efforts by German bishops re-establish credibility with the faithful. Demands for accountability have only increased as the church has come to terms with decades of sexual abuse by priests and cover-up by their bishops. Benedict, 94, was responding to a Jan. 20 report from a German law firm that had been commissioned by the German Catholic Church to look into how cases of sexual abuse were handled in the Munich archdiocese between 1945 and 2019. Benedict, the former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, headed the archdiocese from 1977 to 1982. A PhD student is today suing ‘Britain’s wokest university’ over claims they failed to protect her from trans activists who harassed her after she said only biological women can give birth. Raquel Rosario-Sanchez said she made the comment in response to a row over the word ‘maternity’ which diversity chiefs had branded ‘problematic’. Ms Rosario-Sanchez says bosses at Bristol University, called the country’s ‘wokest’ by a women’s rights group, didn’t tackle the transgender activists who subjected her to a two-year ‘hate campaign’. She said she was targeted for attending feminist meetings that opposed allowing men who identify as women into female-only spaces such as toilets and domestic violence refuges. Rosario-Sanchez says she was also harassed over her involvement with the campaigning group Woman’s Place UK. As part of her civil action, Ms Rosario-Sanchez claims she was told by diversity chiefs that the term ‘maternity’ was now ‘problematic’ and ‘exclusionary’. She said when she pointed out that only a biological woman can give birth, she was reported to human resources bosses for being ‘transphobic’, investigated by the university and ordered to apologize. Chicago soul treasure Syl Johnson, known as one of the most sampled artists ever thanks to his track “Different Strokes,” which has been used by a slew of notable hip-hop artists, has died at the age 85. His family announced the news in a statement Sunday, though they didn’t reveal his cause of death. “It is with extreme sadness that our family announces the passing of Soul & Blues Hall of Fame Legend, Syl Johnson,” his family said. “Dad, Brother, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Uncle, Friend & Artist, he lived his life as a singer, musician, and entrepreneur who loved Black music.” Mr. Johnson’s death is the third big loss for the blues community in the last eight days. His older brother, Blues Hall of Fame inductee Jimmy Johnson, died Monday at his home in Harvey at age 93; and drummer and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Sam Lay died Jan. 29 at 86. A Black FedEx driver in Mississippi said he was shot at while making deliveries by two white men who deemed him “suspicious.” D’Monterrio Gibson, 24, told the Mississippi Free Press on Friday that he was delivering a package on the evening of January 24 when he noticed a white pickup truck blocking a driveway. He presumed the truck’s driver was leaving the driveway, so he tried to move. “They get extremely close to me and start blowing their horn,” Gibson told the outlet. “As I’m leaving the driveway, he starts driving in the grass trying to cut me off. My instincts kick in, I swerve around him, and I start hitting the gas trying to get out of the neighborhood because I don’t know what his intentions are.” Gibson said as he drove down the street, he saw a man in the road. “There’s another guy standing in the middle of the street pointing a gun at my windows and signaling to me to stop with his hands, as well as mouthing the word, ‘Stop.’ I shake my head no, I hide behind the steering wheel, and I swerve around him as well. As I swerve around him, he starts firing shots into my vehicle,” Gibson told the outlet. As he fled, one of his FedEx managers called him, and when Gibson told her what had happened, she ordered him to return to the station. As he drove, Gibson noticed the pickup truck was following him. “I just went as fast as I could,” Gibson told the outlet. “He chased me all the way to the interstate.” Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced his plans to invest $318 million into the long underfunded Nashville-based HBCU, Tennessee State University (TSU). On Monday, Lee unveiled the proposal during his State of the State speech, WTVF reports. If passed, it would become TSU’s largest investment in its history. “Back in November 2020, the Speakers appointed a Joint Land Grant Committee, chaired by Rep. Harold Love, to explore how the state can better understand the new needs of Tennessee State University,” Lee said. Some $250 million of the massive $318 million investment would be allocated to improve the school’s infrastructure through repairs and renovations for multiple buildings, a new library, and a new food science building. Another $60 million from the budget proposal would go toward a new state-of-the-art engineering building, and the remaining $8 million would be used for maintenance. TSU President Dr. Glenda Glover is working with government officials to get the proposal passed and says the school administration is pleased by the gesture. Whether forming business partnerships or serving on nonprofit boards, Victor Branch is known for stepping up to help make a difference for Black Americans in Richmond, Virginia. He is the first African American president of the Bank of America Richmond region. As such, Branch oversees nearly 2,000 employees at 25 branches in Richmond and several surrounding counties and cities along with a technology and operations center in Henrico County. He is a banker with a passion to help others. He has worked for Bank of America for 38 years, having evolved from its entry-level management training program to serving in multiple executive roles. His duties now include managing over $4 million in marketing sponsorships and grants statewide. Amid February being celebrated as Black History Month, Branch is all about helping Black Americans. For instance, he played an influential role in Bank of America’s decision in March 2021 to expand its five-year commitment to $1.25 billion to advance racial equality and economic opportunity in communities across the country where the nation’s second-largest bank operates. Dr. Mautra Jones makes history as the first Black woman to become president of Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC). She is also the first woman ever to lead the institution. Her appointment as the President of OCCC makes her the first Black woman to lead any higher education institution in Oklahoma that is not an HBCU. With a BA in journalism from the University of Oklahoma, an MBA from the University of Phoenix, and a doctorate of education from Vanderbilt University, Jones has years of experience under her belt. Jones currently serves as vice president of Institutional Advancement and External Affairs at Langston University, which is the only HBCU in Oklahoma. She is the site administrator for the University’s Oklahoma City campus and a member of the Board of Directors for BancFirst. Dr. Charles Steele, Jr., president and CEO of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), the organization co-founded and first led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., issued the following statement today calling for Americans to support NFL Coach Brian Flores and other victims of racism and discrimination in all arenas. “The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), the legendary civil rights organization co-founded and first led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., stands with Miami Dolphins’ Coach Brian Flores who has exposed racism and discrimination in the National Football League. We are calling for our leaders in all industries and the American people to stand with Coach Flores and other former coaches and leaders in the NFL, who have not only called for an end to racism and discrimination in the NFL but in America, because as Coach Flores has clearly stated, this is bigger than football. And the SCLC agrees. Since the SCLC was established in 1957, the organization remains on the frontlines fighting to end racism, discrimination and other injustices every day in all arenas. Children who live in the Mississippi Delta can now experience state-of-the-art mobile dentistry provided by Dr. LaMonica Davis Taylor, a pediatric dentist with a private practice called Smiles on Broadway Dental Care located in the city of Jackson. She has been providing dental services to children in the Delta since 2015 and currently has students in Boyle, Shelby, Mound Bayou, Cleveland and Shaw. Dr. Taylor and her team at Smiles on Broadway Dental Care travel to schools where they provide preventive and emergency dental care to children. All of the schools are in a health care shortage area. Prior to purchasing the mobile clinic, she and her team would carry portable equipment to each school. The mobile clinic will allow them to treat more students in a safe environment. The students have enjoyed having Dr. Taylor and her team visit their school. Many of the parents have followed through with the recommendations and have taken their children to local dentist where more comprehensive treatment can be performed. The goal of the clinic is to serve the most vulnerable children in that area. There is a great need. Many of the students have either never been to a dentist or have been for emergency treatment only, causing heightened anxiety and long-term fear of the dentist. At the age of just 15, Kamila Valieva has emerged as the breakout star of the Winter Olympics. The Russian sensation, nicknamed ‘Miss Perfect’ and already anointed by many judges as the greatest female figure skater in history despite having scarcely started her senior career, has delighted viewers across the world with her dazzling skills. She made history yesterday as the first female figure skater in Winter Olympic history to land a quadruple jump – and has been setting records since making her figure skating debut just six months ago. But if that wasn’t already enough, the superstar, who started skating lessons before the age of five and dreamt about being an Olympic champion since she was three years old, also boasts a Vogue Russia photoshoot and a dog gifted to her by her fans. Meanwhile, Hollywood A-lister Alec Baldwin took to Instagram yesterday to congratulate Valieva on her achievements, saying: ‘Thank you, Kamila Valieva, for your gift of heart-stopping beauty to the world.’ Valieva, who has 320,000 followers on Instagram, where she shares glimpses of her training and lifestyle, has admitted, however, that she already feels a ‘burden of pressure’. ‘I do feel this burden a bit, this pressure, because this is my first season among adult skaters,’ Valieva said. ‘I believe that I’m coping with this pressure, and sometimes it even pushes me forward. It helps me.’ ‘I was little nervous going into the competition,’ said Valieva, one of three Russian skaters hailing from the famous Sambo-70 club in Moscow, before adding: ‘I am thrilled to be at the Olympic Games.’ ‘When I was three years old, I made a wish to become an Olympic champion,’ Valieva said after her free skate at Beijing’s Capital Indoor Stadium. ‘My childhood dream has come true.’ Fans were impressed by her skating at the Olympics – even one celebrity, with Alec Baldwin sharing a clip of one of Valieva’s performances to her Instagram account. Like many of Jordan Brand’s most loyal consumers, Craig Williams, who assumed the president role in January 2019, vividly remembers lacing up his first pair of NBA icon Michael Jordan’s signature shoes at the age of 17: a white Air Jordan 1, which he beat up on a basketball court not long after opening the box. And like his customers, he’s equally passionate about sports, community and culture, as Footwear News reports in an exclusive interview. On the photo shoot with FN last month, he was quick to debate the best NBA players and greatest rappers of all time. When the opportunity came about to lead the iconic label, he didn’t hesitate. And more than three years later, he has the same level of passion. “I don’t feel pressure. It’s excitement. I feel a great sense of responsibility. When I eventually pass the company off, I want it to be healthy and vibrant and have so much runway in the future,” said Williams, who previously spent nearly 14 years as a top exec at The Coca-Cola Company. That commitment is driving results. Jordan Brand reported sales for fiscal 2021 hit a new record of $4.7 billion, up from $3.6 billion in the previous fiscal year. For those who know Williams best, the president role is a natural fit. Jillian Tirath, the VP of consumer science and insights at Jordan Brand, worked closely with him at Coca-Cola and has seen Williams blossom as a person. “He has a huge amount of empathy,” Tirath said. “He is focused on the business, but there is a human element to him that during the course of my career, I have found to be super helpful. Craig first sees the person and then he sees the employee.” She continued, “At Jordan Brand, he’s in his element. It’s just great energy to be around. I can’t speak for him, but as an observation, he’s working on a brand that aligns with his interests, and he’s making a real difference.” The legendary duo of Ted & Sheri – Ted Winn and Sheri Jones-Moffet, are back together again after a sixteen-year recording hiatus! The Stellar Gospel Music Award winning pair have teamed up with the GRAMMY® Award nominated siblings, The Walls Group, to drop “Now I Know” (Ted & Sheri, LLC / Black Smoke). The soulful, feel-good groove releases to all digital music platforms on Friday, February 4th. https://fanlink.to/TedSheriNowIKnow AT&T announces an Instagram Live Dream Talk, “Representation Matters: I want to Feel Seen,” with newly revealed Black Future Maker and Gospel superstar Kierra Sheard-Kelly. She will join YouTuber and fellow 2022 Black Future Maker Terrell Grice as part of the campaign geared toward economic empowerment and access. The company is also revealing the second group of 2022 Black Future Makers including Kierra Sheard-Kelly; actress Erika Alexander; actor and content creator Devale Ellis; artist and photographer Kennedi Carter; musician VINCINT, and entertainer Peppermint. AT&T will also debut vibrant, stylized portraits of this week’s announced Black Future Makers including a living portrait of VINCINT inspired by the afro-futuristic artwork of Black Future Maker Georgie Nakima along with an exclusive interview with VINCINT revealing what it means to be a Black Future Maker. A caravan of about 50 vehicles drove through Minneapolis on Sunday to demand justice for the death of Amir Locke, the 22-year old Black man who was fatally shot by Minneapolis police while they served a no-knock search warrant. The caravan was organized by the Racial Justice Network and other police accountability groups, according to the Associated Press. Some in the caravan then gathered outside the home of interim Police Chief Amelia Huffman. They chanted the names of Locke as well as Breonna Taylor, a Black woman who was killed by Kentucky police during a no-knock raid in 2020. https://youtu.be/H7yrVx3MzHY Travis Reinking, the man who fatally shot four people at a Nashville Waffle House in 2018, was sentenced on Saturday to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Reinking was arrested after a manhunt on April 23 and later found guilty in the fatal shootings of Taurean Sanderlin, Joe Perez, Akilah DaSilva and DeEbony Groves. Police said he also injured Shanita Waggoner and Sharita Henderson. As reported by Associated Press, Reinking, 33, was found guilty on 16 charges, including eight counts of murder, four counts of attempted first-degree murder and four counts of unlawful employment of a firearm during the commission of or attempt to commit a dangerous felony. He was sentenced to 4 life sentences with no possibility of parole. https://youtu.be/Tcujc0_gkJ4 Tyrese Gibson is asking fans for prayer as his mom, Priscilla Murray Gibson, is in ICU with Pneumonia and COVID-19. Tyrese asked fans to “pray and even write out the prayers in the comments so that me and my family can read and be encouraged.” Gibson shared the news on Instagram on Saturday, writing: “In the middle of filming and just got the worst phone call I’ve ever gotten… I just had to ask the director let me pause for a second close my eyes and pray,” he began his message. “My mother is in a coma, in ICU, with Pneumonia and she caught Covid they got her so sedated she can’t breathe or even eat on her own,” he added. “This has been going on all week I haven’t posted [ I’m doing it this time cause I feel helpless this is my cry for help.” “I need prayers the most sincere prayers from you prayer warriors…. Hold on mother I’m there by your side in a few days….. God is able to do things, he’s pulled you OUT of a coma before,” the 43-year-old singer went on noting. “Oh God I seen the light things have been going so well…. Now this….” Whoopi Goldberg is catching heat from white-identifying Jewish people in America for calling them white. She has been suspended from co-hosting “The View” for two weeks for commenting on the Holocaust. Amid the backlash, Goldberg’s (born Caryn Johnson) recipe “Jewish-American Princess Fried Chicken,” has resurfaced, further pissing off the Jewish community, according to the Daily Mail. Goldberg wrote the recipe in 1993 for the charity cookbook “Cooking in the Litchfield Hills.” The New York Post obtained a copy of the book that contains recipes for Diane Sawyer’s “roasted potato skins with scallion dip” and Eartha Kitt’s “summer zucchini soup with nasturtium blossoms.” https://youtu.be/QF4xotY3BZ8 Wells Fargo bank has reportedly put an account belonging to Wendy Williams on lockdown as the bank suspects “financial exploitation, dementia or undue influence.” As reported by The Sun, Wendy, 57, is asking the court for an emergency order requiring Wells Fargo to unfreeze her accounts. In the filing, Williams claims the bank is in “possession of several million dollars’ worth of funds” that she has not been able to access for more than two weeks. Wendy’s former financial advisor has reportedly advised the bank that Wendy “was of unsound mind”, but Wells Fargo has denied her access to her accounts and statements, according to Wendy’s attorney. The move comes amid reports that Williams is battling dementia. Wells Fargo has reportedly cited its client agreement to justify freezing Wendy’s accounts. The bank has the authority to “pause or reject instructions for a proposed transaction,’ pending judicial or administrative remedies, should they suspect financial exploitation, dementia, or undue influence,” per the petition. https://youtu.be/JlJ5wOcSQqE Anderson .Paak and Bruno Mars — better known together as Silk Sonic — have teamed up with Epic Games to bring their image and likeness to Fortnite. As reported by All Hip Hop, “the popular video game is adding Anderson .Paak and Bruno Mars outfits as well as a Silk Sonic radio station to its digital world,” the outlet writes. The Silk Sonic Cup tournament launches February 7. “When Fortnite asked me if I wanted to create an outfit for the game, I asked, ‘Are CGI muscles off the table?’” Bruno Mars said in a press statement. “They said, ‘No.’ I said, ‘Deal.’ I’ll see you on the Island.” Anderson .Paak added, “When Fortnite agreed to give Bruno CGI muscles, I said, ‘I’m in.’ He could use the help, so I support it. And it makes me cool. Win, win.” https://youtu.be/sELli-PsYYU In 1963, Duke University admitted its first five Black undergraduates. When I walked onto campus as a freshman 29 years later, most of my Black classmates and I were still the first in our families to attend the prestigious university. We—like many lower-income students across racial and ethnic backgrounds and first-generation college students—could not benefit from the legacy preference that was extended to our white, wealthier peers—a privilege bestowed upon applicants whose parents or grandparents are alum of the school. While the United States Supreme Court prepares to decide whether race-based affirmative action should persist, legacy admissions—essentially “affirmative action” for wealthy and white students—remain untouched. It’s time to demand colleges and universities end the unfair, unjust, and unearned privilege of legacy admissions that has excluded students of color and low-income students for decades. Among the top 30 universities, legacy students have a 45% greater chance of being admitted than non-legacy students and fill between 10% and 25% of all available slots in an incoming class. By definition, zero first-generation college students are admitted under a legacy preference, and virtually no legacy student attending an elite institution is low-income. At the top 10 universities, there have been more white students admitted who have benefited from an “alumni preference” than there have been Black or Latinx students admitted through affirmative action policies. The threat to voting rights may be different than what it was 40 or 50 years ago, but struggles remain. This came fully into focus with the failure of the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and the Freedom to Vote Act. The vulnerability of our democracy was on full display with the Jan. 6 attempted coup at the U.S. Capitol last year. But we’ve long noticed assaults on democracy given the 19 states that have introduced 34 laws to restrict voting in 2021 alone. The need to protect the franchise has also been crystallized with the redistricting process, which has at turns seen lawsuits on gerrymandered and racially discriminatory maps and state proceedings devoid of public involvement. In Florida, a sitting governor – one who is both up for reelection and rumored to be a 2024 presidential contender – submitted his own congressional map. Gov. Ron DeSantis tendered his plan on the eve of the federal Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Even for someone who has governed with a strong arm, threatening school districts and employers that instituted mask and vaccine mandates, the move was unusual. There are now maps drawn by the Senate, the House and a sitting governor. This questionable power play should be challenged and reigned in. Governors typically do not insert themselves into redistricting. In addition to being bad form, DeSantis’ plan would enshrine Republicans’ stronghold on the state and adversely limit the number of congressional seats traditionally held by African Americans. A since-deleted tweet featuring photos of a mask-less Stacey Abrams posing among masked schoolchildren has prompted swift backlash from political opponents who chastised the Georgia Democrat for what they describe as hypocritical behavior after she championed more stringent masking policies in schools. The photos were originally tweeted Friday by the school’s principal, Holly Brookins, who wrote, “Extraordinary way to kick off the 3rd Annual African-American Read-In at Glennwood and Black History Month. Thrilled to host @staceyabrams author of Stacey’s Extraordinary Words!” Abrams, a prominent Democratic organizer running for governor in Georgia, quote-tweeted the photos and thanked the principal for hosting her. Both tweets have since been deleted, and it appears as though Brookins’ account has also been deactivated. The photos of the event at Glennwood Elementary School in Decatur, Georgia, prompted intense backlash from many who voiced frustration at masking policies — at a time when Covid-19 policies in schools have emerged as an intensely fraught issue in today’s politics. The city extended its indoor masking requirement on January 18 through February 22, and the City Schools of Decatur enforce similar masking rules. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbYc4BV9w4w The lead pastors of Hillsong’s London campus have announced their resignation. Robby Lewis and his wife Jenny are moving on after 12 years. Making the announcement, Robby said, “We’re standing here because of you, because of the encouragement, because who you are has rubbed off on us. We couldn’t be more grateful.” Hillsong UK youth and young adult pastors Daniel and Jo Watson have been confirmed as their successors. Commenting on his new role, Daniel said, “I’m expectant for what God is going to do in and through every single one of us. “There are more people who need to hear the Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ.” The Lewises did not say why they were leaving or what their future plans are, but their resignation came on the same day as Hillsong senior pastor Brian Houston stepped down. Houston resigned as global senior pastor as he faces trial for allegedly concealing sex abuse committed by his father decades earlier. He denies the charges. A former pastor from Georgia who was conducting missionary work in Uganda when he sexually assaulted a girl under the care of his church has pleaded guilty to his crime in federal court. Eric Tuininga, 44, of Milledgeville, pleaded guilty to engaging in illicit sexual conduct in foreign places before Chief U.S. District Judge Marc T. Treadwell. Upon entry of his guilty plea, Tuininga was taken into custody pending his sentencing. Tuininga faces a maximum 30 years in prison, to be followed by a term of supervised release up to life and a maximum $250,000 fine. In addition, Tuininga will have to register as a sex offender upon his release from federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system. Sentencing has been scheduled for May 3, 2022. “Eric Tuininga used his trusted position as a pastor to sexually assault a young Ugandan girl in his care,” U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary said. “This was a challenging case, but law enforcement worked diligently to ensure that Tuininga did not escape justice for his crime overseas. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with our national and international law enforcement partners, will do everything in our power to catch child predators and hold them accountable for their crimes.” A gunman in Texas killed four people – including the four-year-old son of his ex-girlfriend – before turning the gun on himself as police approached Saturday. His ex-girlfriend was also injured in the mass shooting that began in Corsicana, 50 miles south of Dallas. Cops became aware of the massacre when gunman Kevin Milazzo, 41, called shortly after midnight to report that he’d ‘killed his family members.’ Police arrived to find his stepfather William Mimms, 68, and mother Connie Mimms, 61, dead. Two others suffered gunshot injuries, investigators said in a release. Meantime, the Navarro County Sheriff’s Department responded to another home in Frost – about 20 miles west of Corsicana – to find Milazzo’s son Joshua, 21, fatally shot. The body of Hunter Freeman, four, was also discovered. A woman with multiple gunshot wounds was rushed to a Dallas-area trauma center; a family friend identified the survivor as the boy’s mom Pattie Freeman and said she was in ‘stable’ condition. The founder of Black Lives Matter Memphis has been sentenced to six years in prison for illegally registering to vote after pleading guilty to felonies in 2015. Pamela Moses, 44, voted illegally six times since she pleaded guilty to evidence tampering, forgery, perjury, stalking and theft under $500, seven years ago. The activist is now claiming she was unaware she was still on probation, which lasted seven years, and believed her voting rights were reinstated in 2019. ‘I did not falsify anything. All I did was try to get my rights to vote back the way the people at the election commission told me and the way the clerk did,’ she said at her sentencing hearing on January 26. Judge Mark Ward accused Moses of ‘tricking the probation department’ to illegally obtain the right to vote. He said: ‘You tricked the probation department into giving you documents saying you were off probation. After you were convicted of a felony in 2015, you voted six times as a convicted felon.’ However, Moses argued that when she pleaded guilty in 2015, no one told her she didn’t have the right to vote. Yet another controversial clip from Joe Rogan’s podcast has surfaced, as the media personality faces backlash over past racist comments on his show, and sharing misinformation about coronavirus vaccines. The latest video to pop up, from a 2011 episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, shows the host cracking up at a guest who boasts of forcing female comics to give him oral sex if they wanted a performance slot at Los Angeles’ famed Comedy Store. Rogan, who recently apologized for repeatedly using the n-word on his podcast, is shown laughing uncontrollably as comedian Joey Diaz tells the story. “You think I’m f****** kidding? Yeah, you’ve got to suck my d*** to get up in the [Comedy Store’s] Belly Room. I’ll make a call for you. That’s the f****** gateway into coming to Hollywood, everybody knows that,” said Diaz. “How many girls did you have do that?”Rogan asked, prompting Diaz to respond: “Oh, 20 of them.” Rogan reared back and hollered. Diaz continued on, referring to a “little blonde open mic chick…that used to come up to the Comedy Store…and just take me up to the Belly Room and suck my d***, then go do her set. She was tremendous. https://youtu.be/LooqBE2tnRE As food insecurity remains one of the country’s most pressing issues, several grassroots efforts have been launched to provide relief for vulnerable communities. According to 11 Alive, Goodr recently opened a free grocery store for senior citizens in Atlanta. The Atlanta Community Food Bank reported 1 in 8 people in Georgia are facing hunger. Individuals who are over the age of 60 account for 8 percent of those who are food insecure. Aware of the alarming statistics Goodr—a company that uses technology to address hunger and food waste—opened a store within Midtown’s Lutheran Towers to provide the elderly with free healthy food options. The shop, which will serve over 300 seniors, is stocked with produce, canned goods, meat, beverages and other items. Many of the products included in the store are low-sodium and sugar-free. Shoppers can also find an array of medical necessities on the shelves. Jasmine Crowe, who serves as CEO of Goodr, says her own experiences working with senior citizens prompted her to cultivate the initiative. Yesterday, self-made billionaire, YE, invited 50 Black journalists to discuss the disparities in Black media, the importance of reclaiming the narrative and taking ownership in one’s brand at “The Future Brunch” in Los Angeles.Moderated by Hollywood Unlocked’s Jason Lee, “The Future Brunch” was opened with a few words from YE and his mission on creating a movement rather than a moment during Black Future Month (a redefinition of Black History Month). “This is the future,” declared Ye. “There is no looking backward – only forwards.” Then a heartfelt video explaining how the visionary wants to start taking control of his narrative played. “Me and Virgil (Abloh) believed in Black design. Now we need to invest in Black media. God uses me as a vessel – we declare Black Future Month. The future – not the past,” proclaimed Ye. After the clip a town hall discussion lead by Meta’s Strategic Communities Program Manager, Media Partnerships, Michelle Mitchell, touched on elevating the culture, the importance of equity and having a seat at the table, redefining Black stories and humanizing how we’re portrayed in media, as well as the metaverse. Black journalists from Essence, Ebony, Vibe and EURweb connected with Black executives from Amazon Studios, FOX SOUL, BET and Spotify to see how Black media can build a brighter future for the next generation and unionize together to help amplify more Black voices. Awkwafina returned to Twitter over the weekend after a 2-year hiatus to address the controversy surrounding her Black accent in films. the Asian American actress is catching heat for using a “blaccent,” after making clear that she refuses to use Asian accents. “I refuse to do accents,” Awkwafina said in an interview with Vice. “I’m not OK with someone writing the Asian experience for an Asian character. I make it very clear, I don’t ever go out for auditions where I feel like I’m making a minstrel out of our people.” Chicago Black Restaurant Week has returned this year, featuring restaurants, bakeries and more during Black History Month 2022. Chicago Black Restaurant Week is set to return this year from Feb. 6 to Feb. 20. It’s the seventh year of Black Restaurant Week, founded by Lauran Smith, who decided that it was simply time for African American-owned food and beverage businesses to have increased visibility after realizing that there were so many in Chicago that were not heard of. “This idea actually blossomed out of learning that a very popular restaurant in Chicago was black-owned. It sparked my interest to not only patronize this particular establishment, but to also give other Black-owned restaurants, bakeries, mobile eateries, beverage companies the opportunity to have their businesses recognized on a larger scale,” Smith said. https://www.instagram.com/theblackveganchi/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=9375d2d4-e0e6-4f85-bd6f-1a5872f411eb Stormi Webster is a big sister! Kylie Jenner, 24, welcomed her second baby with Travis Scott on Feb. 2, she announced on Instagram Sunday. The Keeping Up with the Kardashians alum shared the news with a black-and-white photo of the infant's hand. She also revealed the newborn arrived one day after Stormi's birthday with the caption, "?? 2/2/22." President Joe Biden on Wednesday nominated U.S. District Court Judge Stephanie Dawkins Davis to serve on the the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The White House said that, if confirmed, she would be first Black woman from Michigan to serve on the 6th Circuit and only the second Black woman ever to serve on the Sixth Circuit, which handles appeals from Michigan, Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee. Davis, a former federal prosecutor from Farmington Hills, was appointed by former President Donald Trump nearly three years ago to sit on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. She was confirmed by the Senate by voice vote in December 2019 and is based at the U.S. courthouse in Flint. “Judge Dawkins is a talented lawyer, an outstanding judge and a person of great integrity,” said former U.S. Attorney Barb McQuade, who has known Davis for 25 years and now teaches at the University of Michigan law school. “We could not find a better candidate to serve on the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals. In fact, she would make an excellent Supreme Court justice.” Former University of California at Berkley basketball legend Gene Ransom was killed as he was driving on a freeway during an apparent road-rage incident in the crime-ravaged Bay Area and the suspected gunman has been arrested. Ransom, 65, was found dead in his car after being shot, crashing into the median and coming to stop in the middle of Interstate 880 in Oakland around 5:15pm on Friday, the city’s Fire Department said. California Highway Patrol (CHP) arrested 25-year-old Juan Angel Garcia of San Francisco on Saturday and charged him with murder. A friend said Ransom was driving to pick up his girlfriend at the West Oakland train when the shooting occurred. Ransom’s girlfriend ‘was waiting for him to pick her up and not knowing that he had been murdered,’ said Doug Harris, former teammate and long-time friend of Ransom. CHP investigators said the motive appeared to be road rage and the shooting was targeted. They said Ransom was in a black Honda Civic and Garcia was traveling north on I-880 in a black Lexus. Garcia allegedly pulled up on his Ransom’s left side and opened fire at least once. Columbus Short was arrested for domestic violence. It went down this past Wednesday night when police were called to a home in the San Fernando Valley. Apparently, Short and his wife were arguing about something and the situation got so heated it became physical, reports TMZ. The actor claimed his wife punched him in the face … but he had no marks. On the other hand, cops say when they then spoke to his wife and noticed a minor injury. Even though the injury did not require medical attention, cops still busted Short for felony domestic violence … felony because of the injury. This isn’t the first time short and his wife got into it and cops had to be called. Back in 2018, he was arrested for domestic violence and ended up pleading no contest and serving 34 days behind bars. At the time of that arrest, he was already on probation for a bar fight in 2014. Regarding his latest arrest, Short spent about 12 hours locked up before posting a $50K bond. So far he hasn’t been charged. https://youtu.be/kIRgFgFn4jg The Bronzeville community in Chicago is mourning this week after police identified a woman tragically killed after getting caught in the middle of gunfire. Bobbye Johnson, 55, was leaving Chase Bank on Tuesday afternoon at 3500 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr when Victor Brown, a security guard at a nearby liquor store, allegedly grabbed another guard’s gun and wantonly fired 20 shots down the street, intending to hit a man who had just shot him in the leg during an argument. Instead, police said Brown’s bullets fatally struck Johnson in the chest. The 34-year-old is facing one felony count of first-degree murder and one felony count of unlawful use of a weapon in Johnson’s death, Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown said in media conference Friday following Brown’s arrest. Victor Brown was hospitalized before being taken to Cook County Jail for the injury to his thigh. “Chicago Police Department sincerely hopes the arrest and charging of the offender responsible, Victor Brown, who is charged with first-degree murder, brings some small measure of closure to her family during this unimaginable time,” Supt. Brown told reporters. Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of downtown Minneapolis on Saturday demanding justice in the fatal police shooting of a young Black man, Amir Locke, during a “no-knock” raid on his apartment earlier this week. The boisterous but peaceful crowd, chanting Locke’s name and the slogan “no justice, no peace,” rallied at Government Plaza in Minnesota’s largest city three days after Locke, 22, was shot on his couch by police. The day after the killing, police released video footage from the raid, which showed Locke was holding a gun as he twisted beneath a blanket on his sofa after being roused by officers moments before he was slain. Police have said the officers were exercising a “no-knock” search warrant, which authorizes police to enter private property without first alerting occupants or announcing their presence. The warrant was issued in relation to a homicide probe led by detectives from the neighboring Saint Paul Police Department. Locke was not named in the warrant, and Minneapolis police have acknowledged it was unclear how or whether he was connected to that investigation. You’ve seen the logo everywhere by now. You see it emblazoned on t-shirts and team shirts, billboards and surfboards, buses and bus stops. It’s everywhere. Black Lives Matter. The Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation (BLMGNF), which is widely considered to be the umbrella for most BLM grassroots organizations, raised $90 million dollars in 2020. Now it may stand as one of the biggest charity scandals in recent memory. Founding BLMGNF member Patrisse Cullors didn’t waste any time in finding herself in a financial scandal and has since stepped down. Cullors, a committed socialist and a woman who once bragged she was a trained Marxist, suddenly found herself the proud owner of over $3 million in personal real estate holdings. Two of those purchases, making up the bulk of her real estate assets, came after the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis in 2020 — the same year her nonprofit exploded with donations. Cullors denies that any ‘organizational resources’ went toward the purchase of her properties. But regardless, it looks like social justice can be a very lucrative business. The father of a missing pregnant mother’s unborn child has been arrested and charged with killing them both — nearly five years after the Maryland woman disappeared. Investigators allege that Akia Eggleston — who was featured in a September 2021 PEOPLE cover feature on missing moms — was misled by her boyfriend, Michael Robertson, into believing they were on the verge of moving in together. She withdrew money for a down payment from a Baltimore Inner Harbor bank on May 3, 2017. Her social media activity abruptly stopped that day, according to a probable cause statement. Eggleston, then 22 and eight months pregnant, subsequently missed a May 7 baby shower she’d organized for herself, causing panicked friends and family to search and then report her missing. Neither she nor the child have turned up since then. Robertson, 41, was arrested Tuesday in Michigan, where he moved in late 2017 accompanied by another woman with whom he already had two children, authorities said. Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has been branded a hypocrite after old video resurfaced of the former wrester giving a racist impression mocking the Chinese language. Twitter users posted clips of the video after Johnson pulled his support for controversial podcaster Joe Rogan – just three days after he had back the host – when the Spotify star was called out for his repeated use of the N-word. ‘I was not aware of his N word use prior to my comments, but now I’ve become educated to his complete narrative. Learning moment for me,’ Johnson, 49, tweeted Friday after author and political activist Don Winslow called out the action movie star for his support of Rogan. https://twitter.com/i/status/1487805512561266688 Halle Berry has finally come out to clear the air about her prank that not only broke the internet but also backfired after it was taken for fact. Speaking on The Tonight Show on January 26, the ‘Catwoman’ star put all the blame on the people who do not flip images to see what’s next. https://youtu.be/pePMLmErvHE Halle Berry hopes her history-making Oscar win inspired other artists. The Moonfall actress, 55, became the first Black woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress on March 24, 2002, for her performance in Monster’s Ball. Since then, no other Black woman has won in that category, which is disappointing to Berry. “You know, I’ve been asked this question so many times as if I should have the answer. But I don’t,” she said in ABC’s Soul of a Nation Presents: Screen Queens Rising special when asked her thoughts on whether doors were opened after the landmark win. “But I will say this: I do feel completely heartbroken that there’s no other woman standing next to me in 20 years.” “True, I thought, like everybody else, that night meant a lot of things would change, that there would be other women. I thought that I would have the script truck back up to my front door and I’d have an opportunity to play any role I wanted. That didn’t happen,” the Bruised actress/director added. “But what I do know happened that night is that so many people of color got inspired.” She continued, “When I look around and I see my brothers and sisters working and thriving and telling their own stories from their point of view. I’m proud of that, and I see the movement Queen Latifah has finally spoken out about the dismissal of Chris Noth from The Equalizer after a couple of sexual assault allegations came into the limelight last month. Days after these allegations came to the surface, CBS released a public statement to confirm that North, 67, will no longer be cast in the series. He had starred alongside Queen Latifah. Some of the allegations date as far back as the 1990s. “Chris Noth will no longer film additional episodes of The Equalizer, effective immediately,” the statement released on Dec. 20 announced. A month or so after the statement, Latifah, 51, has figured out it is now safe to say something. She talked on the People (the TV Show!) about her ex-co-star. https://youtu.be/CHAhRMTaZOs CBS has announced the new reality series BEYOND THE EDGE, which features nine celebrities trading their worlds of luxury to live in the dangerous jungles of Panama, where they face off in epic adventures and endure the most brutal conditions, as they push themselves to go far beyond their comfort zone. From the producers of “Naked and Afraid” comes the most intense celebrity adventure ever attempted, where only teamwork, perseverance and finding the inner strength they never knew they possessed can get them through another day and raise money for their chosen charities. BEYOND THE EDGE will premiere Wednesday, March 16 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and will be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+*. SHOWTIME Sports announcer Mauro Ranallo hosts. https://twitter.com/i/status/1489047922943561729 Former Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores is a disruptor. He is a man who understands his power and feels a responsibility to lift up his community. No doubt, many think Flores should be grateful just to be counted among the few Black coaches in the league. He entered the coaching ranks in 2008 and spent 11 seasons with the New England Patriots under coach Bill Bellichick before he was hired in Miami in 2019. He’s got Super Bowl rings to show for his work. No one expected Flores, who seemed to have a long career in front of him at the age of 40, to disrupt the NFL. But disrupt he did. Flo Anthony could not fall asleep and had to weep over and over. Reason? She had not seen her name in the list of the invitees to the opening night of the Michael Jackson musical on Broadway dubbed “MJ: The Musical.” The show started on Tuesday and tickets sold like hot cake. Anyone who ought to be there was there, except Flo Anthony, who believed she had the right to be there because Michael Jackson and many other members of the Jackson clan used to be her pals. She was close to them because she covered their careers as a reporter. She covered Jackson’s trials and tribulations for many outlets throughout the Eighties and Nineties. The gossip maven wept bitterly, soaking her bed with tears. According to her, she had been shunned from attending the first night of the show because she was just a press, not an influencer. Tired and sick of weeping, she took to Facebook early Thursday morning. “I normally don’t complain about anything, but it is almost 2 a.m., and I can’t go to sleep over the fact that I wasn’t invited to the opening night of ‘MJ: The Musical,'” she wrote. “I have been crying all day that I was not invited and was told, I was not an influencer or a community advocate and only press. I am so hurt.” https://youtu.be/M-WkcvyqDnA Commissioner Roger Goodell said the NFL will re-examine policies regarding head-coach diversity in the league, saying its efforts have yielded “unacceptable” results. In a memo sent to all 32 teams Saturday morning, he also said matters involving “the integrity of the game” must be addressed. Goodell’s memo comes days after former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores sued the NFL, charging an interview he had with the New York Giants was a “sham” intended to meet diversity hiring rules. Flores also alleged he had been offered money by Dolphins owner Stephen Ross to intentionally lose games to secure a better draft position. Both teams have denied the allegations. Flores’ lawsuit got the attention of Goodell, however, even though a league statement said Tuesday that the NFL said the suit was “without merit.” “Racism and any form of discrimination is contrary to the NFL’s values,” Goodell wrote. “We have made significant efforts to promote diversity and adopted numerous policies and programs which have produced positive change in many areas, however we must acknowledge that particularly with respect to head coaches the results have been unacceptable.” After the January firings of Flores and David Culley with the Houston Texans, the NFL has one Black head coach – Mike Tomin of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Of the nine head-coaching vacancies, five have been filled so far, all by white men. Kanye West claims Kim Kardashian accused him of ‘putting a hit out on her’ in a scathing new post as the divorced couple feud over their oldest daughter’s TikTok use and the rapper having once been barred from his younger child’s birthday party. West, 44, has been lashing out at Kardashian’s parenting tactics for weeks, most recently criticizing her for allowing daughter North, eight, to use TikTok without his permission. The Grammy-winning musician – who has an estimated net worth of $1.8 billion by Forbes estimates – rehashed old family drama on Instagram in an all-caps rant. He reiterated claims he was barred from attending his younger daughter Chicago’s fourth birthday party. accused of stealing, and forced to take a drug test. In his latest Instagram tirade, he claimed Kardashian – worth $1.4 billion – accused him of planning a ‘hit’ on her. ‘These ideas can actually get someone locked up,’ West said. ‘They play like that with black mens’ lives weather [sic] it’s getting them free or getting them locked up. I’m not playing about my black children anymore.’ The couple called it quits last February although West refused to let go of the relationship, claiming God would bring them back together after his curvaceous reality star ex moved on last November with comedian Pete Davidson. Lata Mangeshkar, one of India’s best known cultural icons and a singer who defined music for generations of her countrymen, died on Sunday and was given a state funeral as politicians and personalities united in mourning. Mangeshkar, 92, made her name in the world of Bollywood and her voice has rung out on television sets, on crackly airwaves and from movie theatres for most of independent India’s three quarters of a century, earning her the name “the Nightingale”. “I am anguished beyond words,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on Twitter. “She leaves a void in our nation that cannot be filled.” Modi joined mourners at a packed open air state funeral late on Sunday after her body, wrapped in the Indian flag, had been paraded through the streets of her home city Mumbai on a truck decorated with flowers. Thousands of people gathered round Shivaji Park, where she was cremated, climbing walls and trees to get a glimpse of the proceedings and pay their own respects however they could, despite police erecting barricades and restricting public entry. When Jamhal Johnson started Moor’s Brewing last year, he joined a very small club — less than 1% of breweries are Black-owned, according to a 2020 study by the Brewers Association. “It’s very hard, right? When you don’t see anyone that looks like you … I think you kind of get discouraged,” said Johnson, co-owner of Moor’s Brewing. “We’re looking to be more diverse and bring more people into the space and grow the space, not just here in Chicago, but nationwide.” Johnson launched his brewery on June 19, 2021 — Juneteenth, the holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. The brand has already seen a good amount of success: It is available in 130 retail locations, including Jewel Osco, and is sold in Wintrust Arena. Upon entering her final semester of high school, 17-year-old Imunique Triplett decided that would take her another step closer into the professional world—she earned a nursing degree before graduating high school! The Milwaukee teen is one of the first to complete the M-Cubed College Connections program, where she earned her nursing degree in December. The program is an innovative dual-enrollment initiative of Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC), and the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (UWM) that “allows eligible students to complete their high school graduation requirements while earning college credits from both MATC and UWM at no expense to the student.” The nursing track Triplett completed only reserved 36 spots out of generally 150 applicants. Students receive MCAT training and can earn their state certification as a nursing assistant (CNA) and possibly their license as a practical nurse (LPN). Recent reports show that 82% of Milwaukee’s public school system students are considered economically disadvantaged. Out of a 77,700 student population, 54% are Black, 27% are Hispanic, 11% are white, and 7% are Asian. Former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal is joining the chorus of voices opposing vaccine mandates. Speaking on his show, “The Big Podcast with Shaq,” O’Neal urged people to “be safe” and make wise decisions for themselves and their families, but argued no one should be “forced” to take the therapeutic shots. “There’s some people that don’t wanna take it,” the famous athlete said. “And you shouldn’t have to be forced to take something you don’t want.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1489421001918083073 Ulta Beauty CEO Dave Kimbell said it is not enough for stores to put Black-owned brands on shelves. Instead, he said, the retailer wants to make sure those brands gain a fan following and ultimately, have staying power. “It’s one thing to arrive on our shelves, but it’s another thing to thrive,” he said. “And that’s what we want, every brand that we carry — and certainly BIPOC [Black, Indigenous and people of color] founded brands.” On Thursday, Ulta said it plans to spend $50 million on diversity and inclusion initiatives this year, including investments to ratchet up support for emerging brands. The company plans to start an accelerator program to mentor entrepreneurs of color, invest $5 million in a venture capital fund for their early stage companies and lean into marketing efforts to get their products in front of more consumers. That includes putting $3.5 million toward in-store merchandising, such as displays that grab shoppers’ attention. About $25 million of the annual spending will go toward company ads, social media campaigns and similar investments to reach beauty consumers of diverse backgrounds. Ulta plans to spend an additional $8.5 million on ads and marketing for Black-owned, led or founded brands. A daredevil driver took a significant risk to perform a 26-point turn on a narrow, cliff-edge road, and the clip has gone viral. The driver boldly performs a 26-point turn, painstakingly maneuvering on just inches of space. The beauty of the video is how he utilizes every tiny piece of road available. https://youtu.be/lsFZwxW6_JQ Freestyle Skiing – Women’s Moguls – Final 3 – Genting Snow Park, Zhangjiakou, China – February 6, 2022. Jakara Anthony of Australia celebrates after winning gold. REUTERS/Dylan Martinez Jakara Anthony of Australia won gold in the women’s freestyle skiing moguls event on Sunday, barreling down a steep course and landing backflips to earn her country its first gold medal at the Winter Games in over a decade. Host nation China nabbed its first gold medal on Saturday as dazzling performances on snow and ice nudged the political drama that has dominated the Beijing Olympics toward the sidelines. “You can always trust China” began trending in posts on social media platform Weibo after its short track skaters won the mixed team relay, an event making its debut at the Olympics and that the country has dominated in international competition. The golden dream was almost cut short in the semi-final when the United States crossed the finish line ahead of the hosts, only to be disqualified along with the Russian Olympic Committee, after a lengthy video review. “My heart was almost jumping out of my throat!” wrote “egg’s heartbeating diary” on Weibo. Six gold medals were up for grabs on Saturday as athletes overcame pandemic obstacles to shine on the world’s stage, even as political storylines continued to swirl around the Games. The City of Minneapolis has released body camera footage showing Wednesday’s deadly encounter between a police officer and a 22-year-old man inside a downtown apartment. Public information documents released Thursday evening confirm that Officer Mark Hanneman fatally shot Amir Rahkare Locke Wednesday morning at the Balero Flats apartment building. A handgun was recovered at the scene of the shooting, police say. The weapon was loaded with with 5.7mm rounds. Locke’s relatives say he was licensed to carry a weapon. He has no criminal history in Minnesota. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEjaULV59yk Interim Police Chief Amelia Huffman and Mayor Jacob Frey held a press conference Thursday night after the footage was released, which quickly turned contentious. Huffman said police went to the building just before 7 a.m. as part of a St. Paul Police Department homicide investigation, in which several suspects were identified, as well as three locations in Minneapolis. Huffman said her department’s SWAT team was asked to execute warrants on three apartments within “the building on Marquette.” Huffman said both a knock and no-knock warrant were obtained so that the SWAT team could make its best assessment. She said when Officer Hanneman saw Locke holding a gun, he had to make a “split-second decision” on if there was a threat of great bodily harm or death, and to protect himself and his partners. She said his decision would ultimately be examined by the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office when it gets the case. https://youtu.be/Hqo6BRy-Qtg William Marcus “Marc” Wilson finally caught a break in his case. For months Wilson’s attorneys have been trying to get a new judge assigned to the case, alleging issues with bias and prejudice. A decision early Friday afternoon requires the judge overseeing the case to recuse himself. Senior Judge Michael L. Karpf issued a seven-page order for Wilson’s case to be rescheduled according to the usual procedures of the local court. While Karpf’s ruling did not make a finding of bias or inappropriate conduct on behalf of Judge Michael T. Muldrew, he found that there could be an appearance of bias against Wilson or his attorneys. “While the court does not ascribe actual bias or prejudice by the trial judge against defendant or his counsel, the series of events outlined above do create such an appearance,” wrote Karpf. The senior judge recounted the incident that gave rise to the request for recusal. He noted the prosecutor handed a notebook with evidence to Muldrew that had never been given to the defense team during the discovery process. The notebook was handed back to the defense by mistake prompting attorney Francys Johnson to request the clerk take possession of the notebook to “preserve a chain of custody.” Johnson was found in contempt and detained. During a conversation with Johnson’s co-counsel, both Black attorneys, Muldrew claimed that he had several lawyers express “concern about the quality of representation afforded to defendant.” Solano County (CA) District Attorney Krishna Abrams explains why she refused to investigate the fatal Vallejo (CA) police shootings of Sean Monterrosa, Willie McCoy. A local District Attorney who refused to investigate two fatal shootings by police is running for another term. Solano County District Attorney Krishna Abrams answered all of I-Team reporter Melanie Woodrow’s questions in a one-on-one interview. “It was clearly an execution,” said Kori McCoy referring to the body-worn camera video of the Vallejo police shooting that killed his brother, Willie McCoy. It’s some of the last images Kori has of his brother Willie. On February 9, 2019, six Vallejo police officers shot Willie McCoy more than 50 times at a Taco Bell drive-thru. “I am so hurt by the fact that he will not ever have that chance to complete his life and see what he could have become,” said McCoy. https://youtu.be/eZiu50AtuQE Comedian and Spotify’s premier podcaster Joe Rogan responded to an old clip that resurfaced from his podcast in which he used the N-word over 20 times, apologizing and calling it ‘the most regretful and shameful thing I’ve ever had to talk about publicly.’ Rogan, 54, has been under fire in recent weeks from progressives and others in favor of canceling the Joe Rogan Experience host’s $100million deal with the world’s most popular streaming service for what’s been called misinformation regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. Singer/musician India Arie has also pulled her music from Spotify and Joe Rogan is partly to blame, again. Other music artists who have removed their music from the streaming service include Graham Nash, Joni Mitchell and Neil Young. Joe Rogan has made “Covid misinformation” statements, but that is not the main reason India is backing out. It has to do with Rogan’s “language around race.” Comedian Stewart Lee has said he also asked Spotify to remove his material. Spotify had hosted recordings of some of his stand-up routines. Neil was the first to pull out after Spotify paid Rogan $100 million in 2020 to his popular podcast laced with misinformation. “Neil Young opened a door that I MUST walkthrough,” wrote India. “I believe in freedom of speech. However, I find Joe Rogan problematic for reasons OTHER than his Covid interviews. For me, it’s also his language around race.” The temperature was turned up further when Grammy-winning R&B singer India Arie posted the problematic clips Friday afternoon, while explaining why she decided to part ways with the world’s most popular streaming service and calling for her followers to ‘delete Spotify,’ using the hashtag. ‘Hey ya’ll,’ the 46-year-old singer says in the first of a series of stories posted to her Instagram account. ‘I’m going to leave a short message here about why I decided to ask my music be pulled off of Spotify. ‘Check this out,’ Arie adds, before relaying a barrage of more than 20 clips of the longtime UFC commentator using the slur on his podcast – which then were posted to YouTube before Rogan signed with Spotify in 2020 – over the years, on several separate occasions, to her nearly 1 million followers. Rogan, in an Instagram video posted early Saturday, responded to the resurfaced clip by admitting ‘it looks f***ing horrible. Even to me.’ https://youtu.be/H9tRqUWssCg Venue Church Lead Pastor Tavner Smith denied having an affair or being “sexually involved” with a married church employee but acknowledged the two had kissed and planned to pursue a relationship after both finished divorce proceedings. The statements from the Chattanooga megachurch pastor came during a Dec. 17 meeting with more than 100 church volunteers just hours after nearly all staff quit citing a years-long alleged affair. Audio of the meeting, obtained by the Times Free Press, provides the first opportunity to hear Smith’s perspective as the church has declined interview requests and the pastor has been on sabbatical since Jan. 5. Smith says on the audio that the church’s board of directors quit over the alleged affair, and he acknowledged he paid for counseling, vehicles and vacations for people connected to the church without notifying church staff. The megachurch on Lee Highway, which was once among the fastest-growing churches in the nation, has been in crisis since mid-December. In the weeks since, the ministry has struggled to attract worshippers. Former members described to the Times Free Press an organizational culture focused on growth and money with little patience for dissenting views. During the Dec. 17 meeting, multiple volunteers said they were misled by the church or lied to as rumors of the alleged affair circulated for years. Smith apologized for not having been fully transparent with people in the past two years. https://soundcloud.com/user-883485745/question-to-tavner-smith-about Not enough food. Inedible meals. No training equipment. Some Olympic athletes unlucky enough to test positive for the coronavirus at the Beijing Olympics feel their quarantine conditions are making a bad situation much worse. “My stomach hurts, I’m very pale and I have huge black circles around my eyes. I want all this to end. I cry every day. I’m very tired,” Russian biathlon competitor Valeria Vasnetsova posted on Instagram from one of Beijing’s so-called quarantine hotels. Her problem wasn’t with any symptoms of the virus. It was the food. Vasnetsova posted a picture Thursday of what she said was “breakfast, lunch and dinner for five days already” — a tray with food including plain pasta, an orange sauce, charred meat on a bone, a few potatoes and no greens. She said she mostly survived on a few pieces of pasta because it was “impossible” to eat the rest, “but today I ate all the fat they serve instead of meat because I was very hungry.” She added she lost a lot of weight and “my bones are already sticking out.” The quarantine hotels are increasingly the target of criticism from athletes and their teams, who are lobbying organizers for improvements. There’s a lack of transparency, too, with only some virus-positive athletes forced into quarantine hotels where their teams don’t have access, while teammates in similar situations are allowed to isolate within the Olympic village. The rules for athletes who test positive say those without symptoms go to a dedicated hotel for isolation. Anyone who has COVID-19 with symptoms will go to a hospital. In both cases, they’ll be unable to compete until cleared for discharge. A trend which involves people mourning the loss of a loved one by rapping, dancing and even pulling pranks at funerals and then uploading the videos to TikTok has sparked debate. While TikTok’s about grief are nothing new, with the #grief page filled with videos of people sharing stories of loved ones or reading poetry, things took an odd turn in 2020 when people began sharing clips from funerals. The trend erupted in popularity last September when Trinity Wright, 21, filmed herself and her 12-year-old sister rapping Soulja Boy’s ‘Rick & Morty’ meme song in front of their mother, Michelle Wright’s open casket after she died of COVID-19. ‘Day one of singing ‘Rick & Morty’ to our mom until she comes back from the d3@d,’ the onscreen caption on the viral video read. While Wright and others have said the moment served as a therapeutic way to laugh while coping with grief, others said it was crossing the line at what is appropriate. ‘If this is real, it’s really inappropriate. I hope this whole thing is a joke,’ one TikTok user wrote. Another one added: ‘This is wrong – really wrong.’ And another said: ‘ I don’t get what people find funny with this its just too far.’ Rescue teams have today confirmed they finally reached a five-year-old Moroccan boy who has been trapped more than 100ft underground for four days. Rayan Awram fell into a 32-metre (105ft) shaft outside his home in Ighran village, in the northern province of Chefchaouen, on Tuesday evening – sparking a rescue mission which has captivated the North African nation. The world watched on with bated breath as fears persisted that the cave could collapse at any moment. Medical teams were on standby after rescue crews finally reached the ‘motionless’ boy 96 hours after he became trapped on Tuesday. Moroccan media have reported that resuscitation specialists have entered the tunnel alongside rescue crews, fueling fears that the five-year-old requires potentially life-saving medical care. Experts have warned that it is ‘impossible’ to confirm if the youngster was still alive, having fallen into the well five days ago, as the rescue team finally reached the stranded boy on Saturday afternoon. Rayan’s condition remains unknown at present, but it is understood he will be rushed to hospital for urgent checks. Oxygen and water had been given to the child, but it is not known if he was able to use them. Onlookers applauded, sang religious songs and prayed. At one stage, they chanted in unison ‘Allahu akbar’ or ‘God is greatest’ as rescuers prepared to finally enter the cave. Spider-Man: No Way Home passed the $1 billion mark at the international box office over the weekend, as the Sony/Marvel film has made more than $1.74 billion at the global box office. The blockbuster is the 10th film in history to achieve the milestone, Deadline reported, after taking in $21.1 million over the weekend in global markets. The superhero movie is the sixth-highest grossing film all-time on a global level, and has not yet received a release date in China, making its international totals more impressive. The film, which stars Tom Holland and is directed by Jon Watts, took in $11 million in domestic totals in its seventh week of release, bringing its total domestic intake up to $735.9 million, according to the outlet. Spider-Man: No Way Home, which has been the top-earning movie for six of its past seven weekends, is moving toward Avatar’s mark of $760 million at the domestic box office, which is the third-highest domestic grossing film of all-time. The film prevailed in a sluggish weekend at the domestic box office due to a blizzard in the Northeast and surging numbers of the coronavirus omicron variant. Scream came in second with $7.4 million, while Sing 2 finished in third with $4.8 million. Redeeming Love made $1.9 million for fourth place, and The King’s Man took in $1.8 million for fifth place. Rounding out the top 10 included The 355 ($1.4 million), American Underdog ($1.2 million), Ghostbusters: Afterlife ($770,000), Licorice Pizza ($691,000) and West Side Story ($614,000). Movies slated to hit theaters next week include comedy Jackass Forever and the Halle Berry action film Moonfall. Other tentpole films slated for release later in the year include Jurassic World: Dominion, The Batman and Top Gun: Maverick. Issa Rae is giving fans a chance for a romantic stay at her South Los Angeles home over Valentine’s Day weekend. Teaming up with Airbnb, the “Insecure” and “Awkward Black Girl” star and creator even curated an itinerary for the lucky guests. Booking will open on Feb. 8 at 1 p.m. EST for one stay at $56 a night from Saturday, Feb. 12, to Valentine’s Day on Monday, Feb. 14. The actor, writer, and producer, 37, revealed that the idea was to spotlight LA’s black culture, referring to herself as a “proud South LA native.” “I’m inviting guests to spend a weekend in my hometown to experience the culture, businesses and communities that influence my storytelling on screen,” Rae said in the Airbnb listing. “I can’t wait to show guests all the things that make black LA so special firsthand.” “The streets, sights and sounds of my hometown have long been a main character in my creative work. You may have heard that I’m rooting for everybody black — and this mission is inspired by my LA community. During this epic weekend, I hope you come to appreciate my community’s rich history and its many contributions to LA,” Rae continued. Candace Cameron Bure admitted she and her former “Full House” co-star Bob Saget had a trivial argument in their last text messages just two weeks before his sudden death. “We were going to have dinner. And we got into a little tiff. And his flight was delayed. We ended up not having dinner,” Cameron Bure, 45, emotionally said on the “Today” show Thursday. “But in Bob fashion, the next day he wrote me, like, what would be pages long of a text. And he was apologizing, saying he was cranky and he was just so sorry.” Saget then compared himself to his beloved mother, Dolly, who died in 2014. “He said, ‘Oh, now I feel even worse. I was so wrong. You’re, like, my favorite person on the Earth and I acted like Dolly. I was getting ready to take a late flight, and I was annoyed,’” Cameron Bure said of the actor. “Bob went on and on and on in the text. And he said at the end, ‘I love you more for the trouble you’re giving me, if that’s even possible.’” The actress began to choke up as she recalled texting Saget that she loved him. “I wrote back … ‘I could never be mad at you. Roll my eyes at you? Yes. But never mad,’” she shared, adding that she then told the actor, “‘And I love that [you’re being like] Dolly. That made me laugh out loud. I loved your mom.’” Saget replied, “I love you. My mom loved you too.” Dr. Malika Mitchell-Stewart, who began working at the Valley Oaks Medical Group in Houston, said she tried depositing her first paycheck of $16,000 at the bank, only to be met with skepticism as employees questioned the validity of her check and her job. According to the lawsuit filed against the bank and two employees, Mitchell-Stewart was ‘immediately treated like a criminal’ when she walked into the First Colony Branch in Sugar Land, Texas. ‘It was an unfortunate situation. They took my special moment away,’ Mitchell-Stewart told ABC 13. ‘I felt like a criminal. I’ve never done anything wrong.’ JPMorgan Chase has apologized for the incident and said they will be conducting an investigation on the incident. Eric Adams issued an apology Friday for a boast he made years ago about his time as a New York City cop. A video shows Adams speaking to a 2019 Harlem Business Association meeting, saying, “Every day in the police department, I kicked those crackers’ ass.” Adams said in a press conference Friday that the question he was answering had used the word and he echoed it in response. “But clearly, it’s a comment that should not be used and I apologize not only to those who heard it but to New Yorkers because they should expect more from me and that was inappropriate,” he said. The head of the Police Benevolent Association, the NYPD’s union, said, “Whenever a controversial video of a police officer surfaces online, we ask for fairness instead of a rush to outrage.” https://youtu.be/VKVKrMJBryU It’s been nearly three years since Ronald Greene died in Louisiana State Police custody, and the agency has not fired anyone for his death or the subsequent cover-up. But the organization did fire the trooper who blew the whistle on it. Trooper Carl Cavalier formally appealed his termination Tuesday, 24 hours after State Police fired him. Last June, Cavalier sat down with the WBRZ Investigative Unit to talk about what was going on at his place of employment. During the interview, Cavalier brought a portion of Trooper Albert Paxton’s notes which detailed a cover-up tied to the death of Ronald Greene. Greene led troopers on a high-speed chase through the Monroe area before he was stopped. When he exited his vehicle, he was alive and apologizing. That’s when body camera videos, which leaked two years after his death, show he was brutally beaten. Cavalier was fired Monday. State Police cited the WBRZ interview, his lack of “loyalty” to the department, making public statements and dissemination of information. “The message it sends is you can kill somebody, right, commit horrific acts—what the governor calls criminal acts—nothing will happen to you,” Attorney Jill Craft said. “But, the guy who says the emperor has no clothes… you’re fired.” Tuesday, Governor John Bel Edwards held a news conference distancing himself from the Greene case. During that news conference he said he had nothing to do with the cover-up. As a teenager growing up in Little Rock, Ark., Laquanda “Faye” Jacobs worked at Burger King, sang in the church choir and looked forward to college and a career beyond. But as the youngest in a blended family with 12 kids, one dream ranked above all others — to have a baby of her own one day. It’s a dream she birthed as a girl combing her Barbie doll’s hair. “It’s something I’ve always wanted,” she says. “I couldn’t wait to get older to have someone to love me, someone I can love and call my own. That’s what motherhood is for me.” That dream was suddenly shattered when Jacobs, at 16, was arrested and later convicted for a crime that she and others insist she did not commit: the 1992 shooting murder of a former elementary school classmate, 17-year-old Kevin Gaddy. Her nightmare began on Feb. 9, 1992, when Jacobs was driving with her mother near 29th and Jefferson streets in Little Rock and they stopped to check out a commotion. On the spot an officer asked Jacobs her name, then handcuffed her and took her to the police station. A test for gun residue on her hands was negative. But nine days later she was charged with killing Gaddy, allegedly because she wanted his Chicago Bulls jacket. “I couldn’t believe it,” Jacobs tells PEOPLE in this week’s issue. Timberland is launching a new “From the Root” campaign for Black History Month to celebrate Black creatives. The campaign is focused on cultural unity and connections with nature as they bring together a collection of designers, craftsmen and storytellers to celebrate the month and amplify Black voices, per Timberland’s press release. To continue Timberland’s initiative for strong community building, this campaign will create an inclusive environment for Black creatives and entrepreneurs. Timberland says he aims to show the ways Black culture and style have influenced the brand and honor our contributions. “Timberland has an evergreen connection with Hip Hop and Black culture. From the craftsmanship, the design and the rugged individualism and spirit of adventure; the streets adopted this brand early and never looked back. Timberland understands the invaluable nature of this organic relationship,” said Chief Creative and Executive Director Dabo Che. Innovation has always been a natural gift for young Black minds. Opportunity on the other hand has always been more of a struggle to obtain. This is where the Propel Center, a new learning center created for HBCU students, will help fill the gap. The 50,000 square foot center based in the Atlanta University Center Consortium will assist Black students attending HBCUs by allowing them to gain key skills through innovation and professional teaching both virtually and in person. The Center was funded largely by $25 million investments from Apple and Southern Company and will look to expand its reach to other HBCUs in the future. The organization focuses on programs that give HBCU students the resources and inspiration to accomplish major feats in their respective industries. NewsOne spoke exclusively with new Propel Center CEO, Gene Wade, who has been a leader in education and social entrepreneurship for 25 years. He believes the Propel Center can play a significant role in providing students at HBCUs a chance to bridge the opportunity gap. A University of Alabama building named for a former governor who led the Ku Klux Klan a century ago will also bear the name of the first Black person to attend the school, trustees decided. Graves Hall, an academic building named for two-term Gov. Bibb Graves, a progressive who also was Grand Cyclops of the KKK before leaving the group in the late 1920s, will become Lucy-Graves Hall to recognize Autherine Lucy Foster, who in 1956 became the first Black person to enroll at Alabama. She briefly attended classes in Graves Hall but was expelled three days later after her presence brought protests and threats against her life. In 2019, she was awarded an honorary doctorate by the university, where she had returned and earned a masters degree in education in 1992. Trustees voted to approve the change during a meeting Thursday, news outlets reported. Now 92, Foster expressed thanks for the honor. “I am so grateful to all who think that this naming opportunity has the potential to motivate and encourage others to embrace the importance of education, and to have the courage to commit to things that seek to make a difference in the lives of others,” her statement said. The student newspaper, The Crimson White, published an editorial saying Graves’ name doesn’t belong on the building beside Lucy’s, given his association with the violent, racist organization. A’Ziah King, the inspiration behind the successful 2020 film “Zola,” is not taking it lying down after A24 failed to invite her to this year’s Independent Spirit Awards for the film. A24 is the production company behind the film based on King’s series of viral tweets she posted on Twitter in 2015. The film has scored several nominations in this year’s awards show. The awards show is put together by an organization called Film Independent. King is disappointed and furious, judging by her latest Twitter thread. On Sunday, Jan. 30, she retweeted a Twitter post by Film Independent with a stern comment: “I think it’s hilarious ‘Zola’ is up for 7 awards and no one thought to invite me nor include me IN the writers award category. As if there would’ve been a film or a script to write if I didn’t um… write it?” https://youtu.be/wogwo8aqTfU While promoting her new film “God’s Country,” actress Thandie Newton apologized to dark-skin Black women for not representing them. As reported by Sky News, Newton said her role in the film allowed her to heal as a black woman. “God’s Country” was adapted from a short story by James Lee Burke – but the lead character has been switched from an older white man into a Black woman. Per the report, Newton plays a grieving professor who confronts two white hunters on her property. She was hesitant to take on the role because of colorism issues — believing she wasn’t “dark-skinned” enough for the role. “My internalized prejudice was stopping me from feeling like I could play this role when it’s precisely that prejudice that I’ve received,” she said. https://youtu.be/ZOt9NZITdLs Comedian, radio and TV personality Rickey Smiley has inked a new deal with Reach Media and Urban One to extend his highly-popular, award-winning and long-running morning show for another five years. The Rickey Smiley Morning Show has become the most compelling, engaging and inspiring radio show, thanks to Rickey’s genuine southern appeal, playful style of comedy and commitment as a community activist. The radio show, based in downtown Atlanta, is syndicated to more than 60 cities across the country. In November 2021, he won his second National Association of Broadcasters’ Marconi Award for Network/Syndicated Person of the Year. Part of the new deal includes crating The Rickey Smiley Podcast Network meant to amplify voices in the black community. It will feature storytellers, from comedians to dramatists. https://youtu.be/TYcQ1GUnrkg A 21-year-old pregnant woman died after her hair became tangled in a machine during a job interview at a #Belarus plant, causing a portion of her scalp to be pulled off.? Despite being seven weeks pregnant, #UmidaNazarova applied for a job at the #Svarmet factory in #Borisov that makes welding wire and electrodes, according to East2West News.? As she was touring the facility, her hair got caught in one of the industrial machines.? “Her hair got wrapped around her neck, and she was pulled into the mechanism,” her mother, Olga, told the news outlet. “If her scalp had not been torn off, she would have been strangled there and then by her own hair.”? Nazarova never regained consciousness after being freed from the contraption and died from her injuries.? “They took two lives; she was seven weeks pregnant. They saw she had long hair, so why didn’t they give her something to cover it?” said her father, Dmitry.? According to the Belarus Investigative Committee, a factory employee who was showing Nazarova how the equipment worked paused while making a note in a register. https://youtu.be/AiO8nvxA_18 Claressa Shields has spent years turning calamity into relative serenity. Raised in an impoverished section of Flint, Michigan, where there has been a years-long water crisis, Shields witness her mother struggle with alcohol abuse. Her father was imprisoned until she was nine, two years later introducing her to pugilism. Today, Shields, 26, is arguably the most accomplished boxer in history, male or female, as well as the Greatest Woman Of All Time (GWOAT). “T-Rex” Shields is the only American amateur boxer to earn back-to-back gold medals at the Olympic Games, doing so in 2012 in London and 2016 in Rio de Janeiro. https://youtu.be/MANd3ZLsggE VH1 today announced Love & Hip Hop: Lineage to Legacy, a special two-part event celebrating Black history and African ancestry, will premiere Monday, February 7, 2022 at 9PM ET/PT. For the first time ever, cast members from powerhouse franchises Love & Hip Hop and Black Ink Crew will come together with host Dometi Pongo (MTV News) in this thought-provoking special that will examine the harsh effects of slavery and challenging stereotypes about Black culture, while also celebrating Africa’s rich history, music, craftsmanship, style, dance and food. https://youtu.be/bjhgIAUutrQ Kanye West took to Instagram this Friday morning to ask fans for divorce advice. He shared a screenshot of his daughter North West’s TikTok video and asked: “SINCE THIS IS MY FIRST DIVORCE I NEED TO KNOW WHAT I SHOULD DO ABOUT MY DAUGHTER BEING PUT ON TIK TOK AGAINST MY WILL ?” the 44-year-old captioned the image.” Kanye previously expressed his concerns with North West using the platform in an interview with Jason Lee. He said at the time, “Don’t have my daughter wearing lipstick on TikTok or don’t have her on TikTok at all, if I’m not there to approve that,” Kanye told Jason. “It was done without me knowing,” West said in reference to his oldest daughter having an account. “I feel like it’s poking the bear, trying to antagonize me or create this ‘crazy’ narrative,” Kanye said of what he believed his estranged wife was doing by allowing their daughter to have a TikTok against his wishes. “To say someone is crazy, they’re trying to take the power away and do anything to get people to not pay attention to me,” Ye said. Kim (Kardashian-West) is now responding to all of this in a statement posted to her Instagram Story. She said this Friday: “Kanye’s constant attacks on me in interviews and on social media is actually more hurtful than any TikTok North might create,” she wrote. “As the parent who is the main provider and caregiver for our children, I am doing my best to protect our daughter while also allowing her to express her creativity in the medium that she wishes with adult supervision – because it brings her happiness.” Actress #AJJohnson detailed how she celebrated her 50th birthday with a “beautiful” #threesome. The ‘House Party’ actress revealed some risqué information about her sex life during her visit to Angela Yee’s #LipService podcast. The ladies were discussing the normalization of threesomes with one woman and two men. While on the topic, Johnson shared her experience. “Honestly, I’ve only done that, two men. They traded off. They were friends, and they traded off. It was the best 50th birthday ever. It was never like them together. They were flip-flopping me, and it was like, oh my goodness. It was like doing the salsa with two guys at the same time. Just romantic and sexy and never intertwined, but at the same time, it was two.” A.J. goes on to add more details about her birthday fling. She mentions that the two guys were black men from France and spoke French during their encounter. But Johnson wasn’t out of the loop because she speaks French fluently. https://www.instagram.com/p/CZkXwTgjS2C/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again AT&T Dream in Black’s signature program, Black Future Makers, returned with the unveiling of its 2022 inductees and a month-long program highlighting their continued commitment to economic empowerment in the Black community. Now in its fourth year, this celebration recognizes future-forward Black luminaries, including powerhouse musicians John Legend and Kirk Franklin, who are shaping culture, advocating for equity and creating pathways for the next generation of Black achievers. Throughout the month, AT&T is also shining a national spotlight on emerging artists and others to help them attain their wildest dreams. Featured in video portraits inspired by Nakima’s art are 2022 honorees such as award-winning actress and author Meagan Good, musicians Tobe Nwigwe and VINCINT along with Youtuber Terrell Grice. AT&T has and will continue to reveal inspiring static and video portraits of several Black Future Makers every week in February on AT&T’s IG and att.com/dreaminblack. https://vimeo.com/671834428/f940d0184e Gospel artist Jabari Johnson is in what many would call his "winning season" after winning a Stellar Award, performing "Try Jesus" with Tobe Nwigwe at the BET Awards, and earning his first #1 record on the Billboard Gospel National Airplay Chart for "Fixed Fight." Johnson's new album ONE TOUCH will be available this Friday, February 4th. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwfQy1GeL1E&feature=youtu.be Today, the NAACP and BET announced that Academy Award-nominated actor and producer Samuel L. Jackson will receive the prestigious Chairman’s Award during the “53rd NAACP Image Awards.” The Chairman's Award is bestowed in recognition of individuals who demonstrate exemplary public service and use their distinct platforms to create agents of change. Past honorees of the Chairman's Award include the late U.S. Congressman John Lewis and Ruby Dee, Danny Glover, Rev. James Lawson, Tyler Perry, then-Senator Barack Obama, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, and former Surgeon General Regina Benjamin. It was also announced that Scot X. Esdaile will receive the Activist of the Year award and Channing Hill will receive the Youth Activist of the Year award. The “53rd NAACP Image Awards,” hosted by seven-time NAACP Image Awards Winner Anthony Anderson, airs Saturday, February 26 at 8:00 PM ET/PT on BET. "Samuel L. Jackson is an incredibly talented actor with a remarkable career in film and theater spanning over four decades," said Leon W. Russell, chairman of the NAACP National Board of Directors. "Many might not know that prior to his acting career, Jackson was a staunch activist during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, even serving as an usher at Martin Luther King Jr.’s funeral. His continued public service and advocacy for social change make him an excellent recipient for the Chairman’s Award.” The “53rd NAACP Image Awards,” hosted by seven-time NAACP Image Awards Winner Anthony Anderson, airs Saturday, February 26 at 8:00 PM ET/PT on BET. UNPLUGGED reunites Sneed with singers whose careers he has seen grow over the years and with whom he has strong relationships. "This album contains songs that were previously recorded on my earlier albums, but they were not rehearsed by this new ensemble for this UNPLUGGED project. We wanted people to just hear the raw execution of what transpired in the studio. The lyrics of this song featuring Matia Celeste Washington, speak directly to what so many people have found to be true over the past 2 years." https://www.dropbox.com/s/yvahjh4b08cwn37/Jehovah%20God%2C%20You%20Are%20My%20All%20%28Radio%20Edit%29.mp3?dl=0 James Johnson is an award winning singer and songwriter and AGREE is the song that makes a statement on believing in the power of God in spite of the odds. James delivers a powerful Gospel message based on his own life experiences to encourage and uplift the hearts and minds of people everywhere to trust God and AGREE with what the Word of God has already said. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYQXJvjp7e4 Reeling from the death of her beloved father and a difficult breakup, Monica (Raven Goodwin), is ready to move forward with her life as she tries to land the new hosting job for an afternoon talk show. When she hires a new assistant, Simone (Amber Riley), the two quickly become close friends as Simone moves in next door and completely immerses herself in Monica’s life. But underneath her sweet exterior, Simone harbors a dark secret and as time goes on cracks in her façade begin to appear. Monica decides to sever ties once and for all with Simone, but Simone has other plans and is determined to take over Monica’s life for good. K. Michelle also stars. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvmb4bf2M9c Recording Artist Andrea Rene Williams To Perform Black National Anthem! 17-year-old New York based R&B Singer-Songwriter and Street Dancer, Asha Maclean, recently released her debut single “Serial F Boy” at the end of 2021. This debut single/music video is getting a taste of success as it has been added in rotation at MTV’s Spankin’ New Channels, MTVu, and is spiking up the BET SOUL Chart. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE93TYiW5rAIisISrubmLUA Fox News host Harris Faulkner clashed with political commentator/former reality star Wendy Osefo over President Joe Biden’s pick to fill the forthcoming Supreme Court vacancy, and whether his choice could make or break his political future. Osefo joined Faulkner on Wednesday for a conversation about Biden’s first-year performance in office. At one point, the conversation turned to the president’s pledge to nominate an African American woman as Justice Stephen Breyer’s successor. “Let me be clear on this because people have stated a black woman ‘Well we need someone that’s qualified,’” Osefo said. “Being a black and a woman and being qualified, those [three] things are not mutually exclusive.” Faulkner interjected to challenge her stance. https://youtu.be/i6qri9bDXJE Spike Lee will direct a documentary about Colin Kaepernick that will air across multiple nights on EPSN. The multi-part documentary features extensive interviews with the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback and never-before-seen footage from Kaepernick’s archive to provide “a full, first-person account of his journey.” No title or release date for the docuseries has been announced, ESPN reports. Meanwhile, Kaepernick was heckled by a hater while on his way out of Madison Square Garden on Wednesday. As reported by TMZ, the ex-QB was called “bum,” with the troll adding “You could never throw a football.” “Get in that car,” the heckler added. Kaepernick never acknowledges the man as he walks to a waiting car. https://youtu.be/kJEnOXz5V7Y A man has been arrested after his two-day-old daughter went missing and her mother was shot to death in Memphis.? Wednesday Memphis police said Brandon Isabelle admitted to taking two-day-old Kennedy Hoyle out of her mother Danielle Holye’s car, driving to a Tennessee boat ramp, and tossing the baby into the water. He then threw the gun he used to shoot Danielle into the #MississippiRiver and Wolf River Delta.? According to police, Isabelle is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, murder in the perpetration of aggravated kidnapping and tampering/fabricating evidence.? https://youtu.be/fsQ5wW-pezM Two former pastors at the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in California are facing up to 20 years in prison for allegedly defrauding churches across the state out of $14 million. Sheila Quintana, 67, and Staccato Powell, 62, who were leaders of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (AME Zion), were arrested and indicted on wire fraud and conspiracy charges, the Los Angeles Times reports. The duo is accused of securing the loans under false pretenses, and using the funds for personal expenses, authorities said Tuesday. Powell and Quintana each face two counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, according to the U.S. attorney’s office for the Northern District of California. Powell also faces one count of mail fraud. Authorities claim Quintana and Powell allegedly falsified bank statements to scam the federal government out of $14 million. The scheme reportedly unraveled in 2019 when the loans on the churches began to default, per the report. The More Than a Fraction Foundation (MTAFF) announces an $8,000 grant from Virginia Humanities for its Merry Tree Memorial heritage program, currently titled “1872 Forward: Celebrating Virginia Tech” by Virginia Tech. The three-day event happening on March 24-26, 2022 at Virginia Tech (VT) celebrates 150 years of Virginia Tech history. Program activities include the “1872 Forward: A Cultural Arts Celebration” on Friday, March 25th at 8pmEST (Moss Arts Center) and on Saturday, March 26th tours of Historic Smithfield and the Solitude house as well presentations on “Contested Spaces: A Tri-Racial Conversation.” These programs are funded in part by this grant from Virginia Humanities. Located in Charlottesville, Virginia on the campus of the University of Virginia, Virginia Humanities is a state humanities council that aims to share the stories of Virginians and find ways for people to share their own stories. This focus is to connect Virginians with their history and culture. Virginia Humanities seek to help Virginians to know each other a little better. Virginia Humanities funding partners are the University of Virginia and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Last week, Actor Anthony Mackie and Kainon Jasper Co-Founders of Brew Brothers, LLC announced their commitment to investing in Crowns & Hops Brewing Co. – 1st Black-Owned craft beer brand in Inglewood, CA. The announcement came during the Crowns & Hops Investor Event held at The Miracle Theatre in Inglewood, CA. In August, Crowns & Hops Brewing Co. invited the community to own equity in the brand, and to date, they have over 980+ investors and raised over $700k towards their $1M goal. During the event, they were able to raise over $15k within only a few hours. On Jan 17th their equity raise will be closing, so time is running out to own equity in this historic brand. Crowns & Hops is on track to becoming one of the 1st Black-Owned, Female-Owned, and Veteran-Owned breweries to raise $1M dollars via equity crowdfunding. Twenty years ago on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, there was one black head coach in the National Football League, Pittsburgh’s Mike Tomlin. Tony Dungy in Tampa and Dennis Green in Minnesota had been fired earlier that January. This year on MLK Day, the NFL had just one black head coach, Tomlin. Former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores, who had been fired in January, filed a class-action lawsuit in federal court in Manhattan Feb. 1, charging the Dolphins, Giants, Broncos and the NFL with discrimination against black head coaches and executives. This comes despite the league’s Rooney Rule, which was implemented in 2003. Crafted by civil rights attorney Cyrus Mehri along with the late Johnny Cochran, the Rooney Rule requires NFL organizations to interview at least one minority candidate for head coaching vacancies. The rule is named after Dan Rooney, the former owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers who pushed the adoption of the initiative in 2002. In honor of Black History Month, Madame Tussauds is spotlighting incredible icons and their contributions across entertainment, social justice and culture. The star-studded ensemble includes Angela Bassett, Beyonce, Billie Holiday, Jennifer Hudson, Maya Angelou and Serena Williams, among others. These figures will be on display at multiple Madame Tussauds locations across the country for consumers to enjoy and appreciate throughout the month. Madame Tussauds wax figures represent some of the most beloved and respected personalities within the Black community, ranging from actors and musicians to athletes and activists. Madame Tussauds strives to acknowledge those who have impacted society by celebrating their talents, efforts and achievements. Gospel singer Kierra Sheard-Kelly doesn’t allow her female friends to spend the night at her home so that her husband isn’t tempted to have sex with them. “My momma has already told me don’t have too many people around your house … I don’t care how good you trust them or whatever it is, I’m very mindful and careful. I would buy a friend a hotel room before I let them stay at my house,” she tells Page Six. Per the report, Sheard married landscaper Jordan Kelly in 2020, and she wants all her female pals to know that she’s not “sharing” him. “Am I supposed to let them into my home? Because we as believers, we believe that what we have we are supposed to share with others, but I’m not sharing my man,” she told Page Six. “Since I’m not sharing my man, I have to be cautious with everything else that I share as far as with him being there too.” “I think it’s such a thing as boundaries. Some friends don’t know that balance and can’t understand the balance,” she added. https://www.instagram.com/reel/CZN8kmcpWRI/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=a899cff8-76b1-40e7-9ca7-24e621c53d00 The newest and third installment of WE tv’s “Love After Lockup/Life After Lockup” franchise, “Love During Lockup,” returns with another new episode TONIGHT (2/4), and we have an exclusive clip of what fans can expect! The news season has kicked off and follows even more riveting firsts through the early stages of love, with plenty of romance, suspicion, and investigation, all long before a scheduled prison release. https://youtu.be/POQgeSy0lFE A #UK woman is speaking out after a horrific encounter she said she experienced after joining the metaverse. The #metaverse refers to 3D virtual worlds which simulate real life.? #NinaJanePatel, who serves as vice president of Metaverse Research at an immersive technology firm said she was sexually harassed and “virtually gang-raped” by other users in the virtual game Horizon Worlds developed by Meta, formerly known as Facebook.? “Within 60 seconds of joining,” she wrote in a Medium blog post, “I was verbally and sexually harassed by 3-4 male avatars, with male voices, essentially, but virtually gang-raped my avatar and took photos.”? The woman then described how she witnessed her avatar being assaulted by a group of male avatars who then sent her messages like “don’t pretend you didn’t love it.”? “A horrible experience that happened so fast and before I could even think about putting the safety barrier in place. I froze, ” she added. “It was surreal. It was a nightmare,” she said.? https://www.instagram.com/p/CZhFJttsVHi/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Sean Penn appears to not be too fond of men wearing dresses. “There has been an absence of male behavior,” Penn, 61, said in an interview with British outlet iNews. “I don’t think that being a brute or having insensitivity or disrespect for women [has] anything to do with masculinity, or ever did. But I don’t think that [in order] to be fair to women, we should become them.” Speaking to the Independent about the same topic, Penn blamed “feminization” for men with “cowardly genes.” “I think that men have, in my view, become quite feminized,” he explained. “I have these very strong women in my life who do not take masculinity as a sign of oppression toward them. There are a lot of, I think, cowardly genes that lead to people surrendering their jeans and putting on a skirt.” https://youtu.be/zvkQ8xGDLqc ”Friday” star Anthony Johnson is getting a new tombstone on his grave … and it comes four months after his death in September. The guy who honored Eazy-E and Nate Dogg with grave markers designed Johnson’s new tombstone in honor of what would have been the actor’s 56th birthday on Feb. 1. In a statement, Johnson’s rep said, “Our BH Talent family is saddened about the loss of an amazing iconic legend in comedy, our client and friend Anthony “AJ” Johnson.” The rep added … “We are praying for all those that were touched by his comedy, acting, but most of all his life. We are especially praying for his beloved Wife, Children, Siblings and Manager.” https://youtu.be/gt6rQAzkEto A Wichita Falls woman arrested by Burkburnett police Tuesday was wanted for a death last November police say was caused by her sitting on another woman until she suffocated. According to an obituary from November 2021, the deceased woman, Gloria Farmer, was the mother of the suspect, Gloria Jordan. Gloria Jordan is jailed on a $150,000 bond on a manslaughter charge. The arrest affidavit states that on Nov. 21, 2021, police went to 1811 Las Cruces to investigate a death. It was initially handled as an apparent medical death. However, a few days later a family friend of the victim, Gloria Farmer, raised concerns, and a follow-up investigation was initiated. Police contacted the justice of the peace and an autopsy was ordered. Police interviewed the only other person who was in the home at the time of Farmer’s death other than Jordan. They say she told them she did not tell officers she suspected Jordan caused Farmer’s death that day because she was afraid of Jordan. She told officers that Jordan had been praying, and put her hand on Farmer’s forehead and pushed her back into a chair until the chair and Farmer fell over. She said Jordan then straddled Farmer’s body and sat on her chest while Farmer was yelling for her to get off because she couldn’t breathe. https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/local-news/police-wichita-falls-woman-dies-after-roommate-sits-on-her-to-pray-over-her/ The leaders of Russia and China pushed back against U.S. pressure on Friday, declaring their opposition to any expansion of NATO and affirming that the island of Taiwan is a part of China, as they met hours before the Winter Olympics kicked off in Beijing. Russia’s Vladimir Putin and China’s Xi Jinping issued a joint statement highlighting what they called “interference in the internal affairs” of other states, as both leaders face criticism from Washington over their foreign and domestic policies. “Some forces representing a minority on the world stage continue to advocate unilateral approaches to resolving international problems and resort to military policy,” it read, in a thinly veiled reference to the U.S. and its allies. The two leaders are looking to project themselves as a counterweight to the U.S.-led bloc, as China shows growing support for Moscow in its dispute with Ukraine that threatens to break out into armed conflict. China and Russia are committed to “deepening back-to-back strategic cooperation,” Xi was quoted as telling Putin. “This is a strategic decision that has far-reaching influence on China, Russia and the world,” Xi said, according to the official Xinhua News Agency. A prominent German archbishop advocated loosening celibacy rules for Catholic priests in comments published Thursday before a meeting of a German reform assembly. Cardinal Reinhard Marx, the archbishop of Munich, told the daily Sueddeutsche Zeitung that “it would be better for everyone to create the possibility of celibate and married priests.” His comments come as his diocese has been shaken by an independent report on the church’s handling of sexual abuse cases over decades, which faulted Marx and predecessors including retired Pope Benedict XVI. Marx, a prominent reformist ally of Pope Francis, said last week that the church needs deep reform to overcome the “disaster” of sexual abuse. “For some priests, it would be better if they were married — not just for sexual reasons, but because it would be better for their life and they wouldn’t be lonely,” he said in the newspaper interview. “We must hold this discussion.” He insisted that celibacy won’t be scrapped altogether, but said he sees a “question mark” over “whether it should be taken as a basic precondition for every priest.” A 22-year-old man who was shot and killed in Brooklyn, New York, on Tuesday afternoon has been identified by police as Tahjay Dobson, a rising star in the Brooklyn hip-hop scene who goes by the stage name TDott Woo. Dobson was shot in the head outside his home on Avenue L in Canarsie, a residential area in Brooklyn, police told ABC News. EMS was rushed to the scene and he was transported to Brookdale Hospital Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. The NYPD is investigating and no arrests have been made as of Thursday afternoon, police said. The up-and-coming rapper was friends with Pop Smoke, the late Brooklyn hip-hop star who was shot and killed on Feb. 19, 2020. Dobson was killed hours after signing a record deal with Million Dollar Records, which was announced on the record label’s Instagram stories earlier this week, according to a Complex report. The label confirmed Dobson’s death and shared a tribute to him on its official Instagram page, along with photos of the rapper. “It’s an honor to remain your friend until your last moments. Your memories will always stay with us no matter where we go & what we do Sleep in peace. #LongLiveTdott,” the message said. “Just know his legacy will always live, from his laugh to the dance everyone across the world does, some of us know him a friend, brother, cousin or just a fan but we all come together to tell you FLY HIGH.” The Library of Congress announced that pop singer Lionel Richie will receive the national library’s Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. He will be bestowed the prize at an all-star tribute in Washington, D.C., on March 9. PBS stations will broadcast the concert on May 17. “This is truly an honor of a lifetime, and I am so grateful to be receiving the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song,” Richie said in a statement. “I am proud to be joining all the other previous artists, who I also admire and am a fan of their music.” Lionel’s other achievements include four Grammys, an Oscar and the distinction of MusicCares Person of the Year in 2016. He was a Kennedy Center honoree in 2017. New allegations of sexual harassment emerged Thursday about Washington Commanders team owner Daniel Snyder during a congressional roundtable investigating the team’s “toxic workplace” and what some members of Congress are calling the NFL’s “cover-up.” Tiffani Johnston, a former marketing and events coordinator for the team, told a congressional committee that she was “strategically” placed next to Snyder at a work dinner “not to discuss business, but to allow him, Dan Snyder, to place his hand on my thigh under the table.” “I learned that job survival meant I should continue my conversation with another co-worker rather than call out Dan Snyder right then in the moment,” Johnston continued. “I also learned later that evening how to awkwardly laugh when Dan Snyder aggressively pushed me toward his limo with his hand on my lower back, encouraging me to ride with him to my car. I learned how to continue to say no even though a situation was getting more awkward, uncomfortable and physical. I learned that the only reason Dan Snyder removed his hand from my back and stopped pushing me toward his limo was because his attorney intervened and said ‘Dan, Dan, this is a bad idea. A very bad idea, Dan.’ I learned that I should remove myself from Dan’s grip while his attorney was distracting him.” In an emailed statement from the team, Snyder apologized again for past misconduct that took place in his organization but denied the new allegations. As one of the very first celebrities to come forward with her personal health struggles after silicone injections nearly took her life, R&B chart-topper K. Michelle will help men and women desperate to correct plastic surgery procedures and get their lives back in "My Killer Body with K. Michelle." With the number of cosmetic surgeries on the rise and an alarming number of these procedures resulting in post-surgery suffering and trauma, each episode will follow two patients who desperately need help as well as K. Michelle’s ongoing personal story. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-wsCJOHIjo&feature=youtu.be Singer and Musician Robert Jones Releases Lyric Video "I Still Believe" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNz2WYJML6c Six “tech savvy” juveniles have been identified as persons of interest by the FBI in threats to historically Black colleges and universities that appear to be racially motivated. More than a dozen historically Black colleges and universities received bomb threats on Tuesday, the first day of Black History Month. A law enforcement official says the FBI has identified six persons of interest around the country, all juveniles, who are suspected of making the threats. The official says they appear to be “tech savvy,” using sophisticated methods to try to disguise the source of the threats, which appear to have a racist motivation. Howard University was among the first to issue a shelter-in-place order early Tuesday — just a day after the school and several other historically Black colleges and universities received similar threats. A bomb threat against the university is being investigated,” an alert from Howard University said, according to NBC Washington. “All persons on campus are advised to shelter in place until more information is available.” The emergency alert was timestamped at 3:29 a.m. Tuesday, the first day of Black History Month. An all-clear was later issued for Howard following a probe. Several “drug crew” members have been arrested for allegedly being responsible for the deadly batch of fentanyl-laced heroin that killed actor Michael K. Williams. The United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York and the NYPD announced that they arrested four men, including one who they allege sold the drugs to Williams, who was found dead in September after overdosing on the drugs. The criminal complaint claims to have video proof of a hand-to-hand drug transaction that allegedly included the fatal batch of heroin. “Today, along with our law enforcement partners at the NYPD, we announce the arrests of members of a drug crew, including Irvin Cartagena, the man who we allege sold the deadly dose of drugs to Michael K. Williams,” U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said in a statement that was accompanied by still shots from video footage allegedly showing Williams buying the drugs. The Valdosta County Sheriff is offering half a million dollars of his own money as a reward for information leading to the arrest in the curious death case of 17-year-old Kendrick Johnson. The Valdosta County Sheriff is offering half a million dollars of his own money as a reward for information leading to the arrest in the curious death case of 17-year-old Kendrick Johnson. https://youtu.be/TlbzVazQ0ls The body of a 25-year-old Houston man, who had been missing since December, was found in the trunk of his vehicle in a different Texas city, police announced. The body of Taylour Young was discovered in the trunk of his car at an impound lot in Dallas, Texas, on Jan. 19, the Houston Police Department said Monday. His corpse was found in “an advanced state of decomposition,” according to the Dallas Police Department. Young was last seen Dec. 9 driving a 2019 Silver Honda Civic, according to police. It’s not clear how his vehicle got to Dallas. The Dallas County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the cause of his death. Investigations with Dallas Police Department and Houston Police Department’s homicide division are ongoing. https://youtu.be/B3fwwjft70I Fans of Motown icons Gladys Knight and Diana Ross may not know that they had a nearly 40-year feud that didn’t end until 2005. Knight spilled the tea in a prior interview with The Insider, claiming the feud stemmed from when Gladys Knight & The Pips were signed to Motown Records. As reported by I Love Old School Music, Gladys touched on their beef in her memoir. “Knight pretty much revealed that Diana was apparently hatin’ on her voice when they went on tour together during their Motown Days,” the outlet writes. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=10153630077005480 A bombshell lawsuit accuses the NFL of racism in hiring coaches — and now former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores who filed it is speaking out for the first time on CBS MORNINGS. Flores was joined by his attorneys Doug Wigdor and John Elefterakis to talk about his race discrimination lawsuit against the NFL. The NFL says the claims are “without merit” and that it is “deeply committed to ensuring equitable employment practices.” https://www.cbsnews.com/video/former-dolphins-head-coach-brian-flores-on-his-lawsuit-alleging-race-discrimination-at-nfl/ ”black-ish” celebrates Black History Month as seen through the lens of a Black American family. The show has presented cultural topics in a comedic way, opening up dialogue for further discussions in families and communities. Some of the casts’ favorite episodes deal with dropping ‘Black Facts’, including the episode honoring Juneteenth Here is a video recap of the cast sharing their favorite Black History moments in black-ish fashion. https://youtu.be/o4jjO4tMZ1M In an exclusive clip of this week’s episode of “Growing Up Hip Hop,” we finds Tee Tee and Shawn discussing the logistics and cost of their wedding. https://youtu.be/xUUzw096kXE Diamond ‘Baby Blue’ Smith announced on Tuesday that he plans to begin his prison sentence next week for his role in a massive COVID-19 loan scheme. “Turning myself in to the Feds on Monday, February 7th. If you wanna write me or send me anything, see info below,” Smith wrote in an Instagram post. Smith, 37, was arrested in 2020 for using coronavirus relief money to fund a luxury lifestyle, such as splurging on a $96,000 Ferrari. Smith and his co-conspirator Tonye C. Johnson were charged in a $24 million dollar COVID-19 relief fraud scam. The duo is accused of wire fraud, bank fraud, and conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud, per Complex. https://www.instagram.com/babybluewhoaaaa/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=34d3d0a0-5b92-4d53-bf28-8001ecbabceb Rihanna has officially confirmed she is expecting her first child following reports about the singer expecting her first child. On Wednesday, Rihanna took to Instagram to share her first post about her pregnancy, writing, “how the gang pulled up to black history month,” alongside a selfie of her baby bump. https://www.instagram.com/badgalriri/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=b12228d0-9942-49d0-8e1c-f60e7ddaddd8 It should surprise absolutely no one that Virginia’s first Black woman lieutenant governor and resident Republican Winsome Sears appears to be out here trying to “all lives matter” Black History Month. On the first day of BHM, Sears tweeted a video message that seemed to be very careful about making sure “all people of all colors” were comfortable instead of just recognizing the month as a celebration by, for and about Black people and our historical achievements. https://twitter.com/i/status/1488571939773943813 Former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst was suffering from depression before she committed suicide on Sunday — and her mother is speaking out about her daughter’s private battle. Kryst’s mother April Simpkins says … “I have never known a pain as deep as this. I am forever changed.” https://youtu.be/BzGligbbUNs It looks like Whoopi Goldberg is not sticking around to see how the aftermath of her recent suspension plays out. According to a source, Whoopi tells her co-host that she plans to quit the show. Whoopi Goldberg is apparently “livid” after she recently was suspended from “The View” over her claim that the Holocaust was “not about race.” Whoopi feels “humiliated” at being disciplined by ABC executives after she followed their advice to apologize for the ill-conceived comments. Whoopi thinks the ABC executives played her, ”She feels ABC executives mishandled this. She followed their playbook. She went on ‘The Late Show With Steven Colbert’ and then apologized again on ‘The View’ the next day. Following Whoopi’s apology tour, ABC News president, Kim Godwin, announced her decision to suspend Goldberg for two weeks late Tuesday,she expressed to the staffers that such decisions “are never easy, but necessary.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CZfFguOJDNZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=560c17a5-712c-40b0-b8f9-d6ce9767741e In recognition of Black History Month, ABC News will air two primetime specials featuring exclusive interviews, in-depth profiles, and a celebration of Black culture. “While we remain dedicated to telling the impactful and important stories around the Black community all year long, ABC News will provide special coverage throughout February to salute Black excellence,” said Kim Godwin, president of ABC News. “We will celebrate and honor Black culture across all programs and platforms, taking an in-depth look at issues past and present while spotlighting those who have overcome significant obstacles and paved the way for a better future.” ABC News’ groundbreaking “Soul of a Nation” kicked off on Tuesday, Feb. 1 with the special “Screen Queens Rising,” exploring how Black actresses, a historically overlooked and under-valued group in Hollywood, have in recent years begun to ascend to the top echelons of entertainment and American culture. Following the airing of “Screen Queens Rising,” the special X / o n e r a t e d – The Murder of Malcolm X and 55 Years to Justice will discuss the men who were wrongfully accused of killing the civil rights leader. “Soul of a Nation: Screen Queens Rising” airs Feb. 3 at 8 p.m. EST on ABC followed by “Soul of a Nation: X / o n e r a t e d – The Murder of Malcolm X and 55 Years to Justice” at 9 p.m. EST. https://youtu.be/8rMK-hLm7DU Power Book II: Ghost star Method Man is featured on ESSENCE.com’s February digital cover issue! In the cover story, The Man Means Business, the iconic rapper turned actor talks about his legendary thirty years in the industry, being taken seriously, his successful transition to acting and more. Check it out. http://www.gospel-spotlight.com Actor Michael Ealy was a guest on SiriusXM Urban View’s “The Clay Cane Show” to promote his new Netflix series ‘The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window,’ and opened up about his thoughts on critical race theory and Black history. https://youtu.be/ufNyT_RDr6o Since breaking the NBA’s all-time three-point record on Dec. 14, Stephen Curry had been averaging a modest 24.1 points while converting a paltry 33.6% of his threes. He kept flinging ’em (11.4 attempts) and kept missing ’em. It didn’t matter if they were contested or open. Curry blew the roof off the building on Monday night. 40 points while converting 6 of his 9 two-pointers, and 7 of his 14 (!) three-pointers. But it wasn’t just the 40, it was also the 9 assists (with a single turnover). The Warriors had a 128.2 Offensive Rating in his 38 minutes, and scored just 104.8 points per 100 possessions in the 10 minutes he sat. He was simply unguardable. And because he was unguardable, so were the Golden State Warriors. https://streamable.com/58fixe Beyoncé’s father, Mathew Knowles, is catching heat for praising how Janet Jackson’s late father, Joe Jackson, is portrayed in the singer’s new A&E documentary. Despite family reports of Janet and her famous siblings being abused by Joe during their childhood, Knowles took to social media to applaud Jackson for choosing to speak highly of her father. “The first half was dedicated to her childhood which unveiled the curtain on how much, although a strict disciplinarian, Joe Jackson loved his kids, wanted the best for them, and was an extremely smart, strategic, and effective manager, unlike the villain that mainstream media have painted,” Knowles shared in his lengthy caption. “Janet, Randy, and Tito repeatedly said “if not for Joe, we would have not had the success,” Knowles added. https://www.instagram.com/p/CZXOhOEuX2h/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=89724c49-cd42-48e5-bead-584d3c318813 Brandy admits she was quick to point fingers after her friend Whitney Houston’s untimely death. “It’s natural for people to want to place blame. I placed a lot of blame on a lot of people too, when it came to Whitney,” the “Boy Is Mine” singer, 42, writes in the foreword of journalist Gerrick Kennedy’s new book, “Didn’t We Almost Have It All: In Defense of Whitney Houston,” out Tuesday. “We loved her so much and needed something or someone to attach blame to because it was so hard to accept that she was gone.” Brandy notes she ultimately realized that only Houston herself knew what it was like to walk in her shoes. “We don’t really have the right to speak on anything that she had to go through in her life,” she writes. “No one knows what she was running from. No one knows what she was trying to overcome. No one knows the costs that came with being Whitney Houston. That level of fame, that level of expectation, that level of pressure.” The “I Will Always Love You” singer died at age 48 on Feb. 11, 2012, which was Brandy’s 33rd birthday. Hailey Bieber (née Baldwin) recalled feeling unwelcome by many people in her church community in the aftermath of her 2016 breakup with Justin Bieber, who is now her husband. Before the model married the “Justice” singer in 2018 (and then again in a larger 2019 wedding), they briefly dated two years prior. Both practicing Christians, the couple regularly attended religious services at the same churches. When they broke up months into their relationship in 2016, Hailey, 25, said some of the church-goers’ behavior toward her shifted. “There were a lot of people in the church world that made me feel very outcast,” she told The Wall Street Journal in an interview published on Tuesday. “When did church become a social club? That was such a bad feeling.” In the years before Justin, 27, and Hailey reconnected at a 2018 church conference in Miami, some of the model’s longtime friends, such as Churchome pastors Judah Smith and Chelsea Smith, stood by her side throughout the fall-out, she explained. HBO Documentary will release the documentary Frederick Douglass: In Five Speeches on February 23 at 9 p.m. ET/PT via HBO and HBO Max, from executive producers Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Dyllan McGee. The project is inspired by David Blight’s Pulitzer Prize-winning biography, Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom. Actors Nicole Beharie, Colman Domingo, Jonathan Majors, Denzel Whitaker, and Jeffrey Wright will draw from 5 of Douglass’ speeches representing different moments from the tumultuous 19th century America and the anti-slavery activist’s long and celebrated life. Contextualizing Douglass’ writings are scholars David Blight, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Sarah Lewis and Keidrick Roy, artist Bisa Butler, poet Nzadi Keita, and Douglass descendant Ken Morris who offer perspective on Douglass’ modern relevance and the unprecedented level of fame and influence to which he rose. The speeches featured in the documentary are as follows: “I Have Come To Tell You Something About Slavery” (1841) performed by Denzel Whitaker. At an anti-slavery convention, Douglass recounts his story of being raised as a slave publicly for the first time. Hulu’s Black History Month series Your Attention Please is returning for Season 3, and The Root has an exclusive look at the premiere. Beginning Feb. 1, the four episodes debut every day, with all of them available on Feb. 4. Hosted by Craig Robinson from “the secret mountain lair known as the Fortress of Blackness,” Your Attention Please “takes us on a visual journey into the lives, ideas, and purpose of a diverse group of Black innovators and creators who are leaving their mark on the world.” This clip from Episode 1 features a look at the journey of NASCAR pit crew member Brehanna Daniels. https://youtu.be/lstuEKfNAb0 Country artist Mickey Guyton will sing the National Anthem, R&B singer Jhene Aiko will perform “America the Beautiful,” and gospel act Mary Mary will perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” accompanied by the Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, as part of the pre-game ceremonies for the Super Bowl on Feb. 13, the NFL announced on Tuesday. Also, actress Sandra Mae Frank will perform the National Anthem and “America the Beautiful in American sign language on behalf of the National Association of the Deaf, and veteran DJ-producer Zedd will act as the official pregame DJ during player warmups. The choices speak to the NFL’s recent moves toward greater diversity, announced when it first teamed up with Roc Nation as an entertainment consultant in 2019. Guyton is the first Black artist to receive a Grammy nomination for Best Country Album and has been outspoken about the racism she has encountered from some fans while working in the genre. Six-time Grammy nominee Aiko, has a diverse background that includes grandparents who are Japanese and Creole/Dominican. Mary Mary is a long-running gospel duo from Los Angeles comprised of sisters Erica Atkins-Campbell and Trecina Atkins-Campbell. Frank plays a deaf character in the show “New Amsterdam” and is also deaf in real life. Former “Real Housewives of Orange County” cast member Meghan King revealed she is dating again after splitting from her husband, Joe Biden’s nephew, Cuffe Owens, a little over a month ago. The mom of three, 37, joined the “Two T’s In A Pod” podcast with former “Real Housewives” co-star Tamra Judge on Tuesday to discuss life after reality television and her split from Owens. “I’m going on dates and stuff,” King told Judge. “I was married, but it was such a whirlwind, and from start to finish with him was only three months, which was just stupid of me to marry him, but I did.” King said the partnership with Owens did not feel like a marriage. “It feels like a three-month dating relationship that was an abrupt start and an abrupt end,” she shared. King said her therapist has helped her along the way. “I’m talking to my therapist about it, and she’s like, ‘Meg, you’re fine. It seems like it should be serious because you put the title ‘marriage’ on it, but it wasn’t,’” King said. Former Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis says the kinds of sham interviews that Brian Flores details in his lawsuit against the NFL have been going on for decades. Lewis said on ESPN today that in 2002 he saw media reports that the Panthers were going to hire John Fox as their next head coach, but the Panthers convinced Lewis to come in for an interview anyway. Lewis said he firmly believes then-Panthers owner Jerry Richardson just wanted to be able to say he interviewed a Black candidate, even though Richardson told him at the time it was a real interview and he hadn’t yet made up his mind to hire Fox. “I did interview with the Carolina Panthers before John Fox got the job,” Lewis said. “I ended up going down to Charlotte to meet with the Richardson family and they said that wasn’t true and so forth, and then they named John the head coach.” The National Football League will investigate an allegation by former Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores that team owner Stephen Ross offered to pay him $100,000 per loss in order for the team to tank and obtain a high draft pick, a person familiar with the matter said. The explosive allegation from Flores was made in a lawsuit he filed against the NFL and three teams that alleged Black coaches, such as himself, are discriminated against in the coaching market. The league plans to review various allegations Flores made in the lawsuit, the person said. But the allegation that an NFL owner attempted to financially incentivize his coach to lose may prove to be the most problematic for the league to grapple with. If true, it would undermine the competitive integrity of a billion-dollar industry and raise legal questions involving anti-bribery laws and sports. “His allegations are false, malicious and defamatory. We understand there are media reports stating that the NFL intends to investigate his claims, and we will cooperate fully,” Ross said in a statement through a spokesman. “I welcome that investigation and I am eager to defend my personal integrity, and the integrity and values of the entire Miami Dolphins organization, from these baseless, unfair and disparaging claims.” Former Cleveland Browns coach Hue Jackson and the head of his foundation accused the Browns of paying Jackson to lose games during the 2016 and 2017 seasons. The allegation came on the heels of Brian Flores suing the NFL and three teams — the Dolphins, Broncos and Giants — alleging discrimination regarding his interview processes with Denver and New York and his firing last month by Miami. In the lawsuit, Flores also alleged that Dolphins owner Stephen Ross attempted to incentivize him to tank, aka purposely lose games, shortly after he was hired in 2019, with Ross allegedly offering Flores $100,000 for every loss that season. Kimberly Diemert, who is the executive director of the Hue Jackson Foundation, which works to prevent human trafficking, claimed the Browns made a similar offer to Jackson when he was the head coach in Cleveland, tweeting that “we have records that will help” Flores’ case. Diemert said in a phone interview with ESPN that their proof is “well documented” and previously had been “presented to the league.” Diemert declined to say how much money was discussed. A spokesperson for the Browns called the charge “completely fabricated” and said that “any accusation that any member of our organization was incentivized to deliberately lose games is categorically false.” In the category of “You Knew This Was Coming,” two more Dallas Cowboys standouts are joining Dak Prescott in saying “no thanks” to this weekend’s Pro Bowl. Quarterback Prescott backed out of being an alternate on the NFC roster to instead take some time off after a year and a half of surgery, rehab and games. This decision was made right about the time Dallas receiver CeeDee Lamb was named an alternate and apparently does plan to play in Sunday’s game in Las Vegas. And now comes the predictable part: The NFC Pro Bowl roster will have an alternate replacement for Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith, and for Cowboys right guard Zack Martin. Floyd Mayweather Jr. is ready to put The Money into NASCAR. The long-delayed debut of The Money Team Racing team is set for the Daytona 500 later this month, with Kaz Grala as the driver. The team secured sponsorship from sunglass company Pit Viper and Grala will drive the No. 50 Chevrolet for the retired boxing great. Mayweather is the latest A-lister on the grid and joins Michael Jordan and Pitbull as celebrities over the last two years who have become NASCAR team owners. UFC President Dana White struck a marketing partnership deal this week with Pitbull’s Trackhouse Racing starting with the exhibition Clash in Los Angeles. Mayweather’s team, though, does not have a charter that would guarantee it a spot in the field and will run Daytona as an open car. That means with some 42 teams hoping to qualify for a spot in the 40-car field, Grala will have to race his way into the field. “I love fast cars and I love to compete. I know NASCAR will not be easy, but anything easy isn’t worth doing to me,” Mayweather said. “With that being said, this move into auto racing seems to be a perfect fit for the Mayweather brand.” Team general manager William Auchmoody told The Associated Press on Tuesday the plan is for TMTR to run four races beyond Daytona with an emphasis on road courses. Auchmoody said the team would like to run up to 15 races. Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn pulled his name out of consideration for head coaching jobs to return to Big D in 2022. In his first comments since the decision last week, Quinn told CowboysSI.com that he wants to finish the deal in Dallas before potentially moving on. “I have unfinished business here,” Quinn said this week. “We have the right people in place to accomplish the things everyone in this building is working to accomplish. We’re doing that right now. We’re doing it today — grinding toward a goal.” The Cowboys finished 12-5, winning the NFC East, but were ushered out of the postseason in the Wild Card Round by the San Francisco 49ers. DOE has released a brand new single and official music video for “So Good,” available now. Announcing her upcoming new album CLARITY and unveiling the album cover, the three-time GRAMMY® nominee will release her album on Friday, February 18th, 2022. Released by Jonathan McReynolds’ Life Room Label in partnership with RCA Inspiration, the chart-topping artist/songwriter/producer’s new songs “So Good” and “When I Pray” are the first featured singles from her upcoming full-length album. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQAu6WB-INc Luther Wardlaw has a captivatingly dynamic voice on stage, fluidly flows in worship, and pierces any atmosphere to make room for the presence of the Lord. He is one-fifth of the Dove and Stellar Award-nominated group The Wardlaw Brothers (TWB5). Today, Luther is premiering the official music video for his reassuring song on his YouTube channel. "On The Way" official music video is directed by Young Nina Films. The video captures Luther flowing in his genius at the piano. Through this visual experience, Luther personally shares his compassionate and uplifting song to remind us that God hears and sees all things. Whatever the need, desire or situation, it's on the way. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReNQJWqAyDI Here at CLEO TV, we can't think of a better place to kick off Black History Month than in the kitchen. JUST EATS WITH CHEF JJ has returned for season 4 on CLEO TV. The popular cooking show welcomes beauty & makeup guru Schenika Quattlebaum tonight, February 2 at 9 P.M. ET/8C. Rice is culture and rice is love for Chef JJ! If you didn't know, Chef JJ has built the foundation of his career off of his passion for rice. Tonight, he shares his true love with beauty and makeup mogul Schenika Quattlebaum. JJ makes his Cast Iron Pantry Paella and then tops things off with his Three Cheese Chicken Risotto Balls with Basil Mayo. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sFZU1G72As Season three of the popular cooking show, NEW SOUL KITCHEN continues with an all-new episode tonight, February 2nd at 9:30 P.M. EST/8:30C on CLEO TV. Chef Jernard Wells is doing what he does best by preparing even more robust recipes in the series' extended, 30-minute format. The heart and soul of many families can be found in the kitchen and no one knows that better than Chef Jernard. Chef Jernard shows us how he wows dinner guests in tonight's episode. He's pulling out all the tricks as he serves Creamy Collard Green Dip with Crostini, complimented by a Shrimp Cocktail, that’s out of this world! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doI25whb8pE Roland S. Martin, award-winning journalist, host of the daily digital program #RolandMartinUnfiltered, and CEO of the newly-launched Black Star Network, is premiering four new shows on his OTT channel this week with two launching this week just in time for Black History Month. Black Star Network is one of the only 100% Black-owned OTT networks targeting African American consumers with politics, news and culture content. Building upon the breakout success of his leading Black news and information-focused series #RolandMartinUnfiltered, Roland is curating and debuting streaming programs on Black Star Network representing a range of topics and interests: business series “Get Wealthy!” with America’s wealth coach Deborah Owens; health and wellness show “A Balanced Life” with Dr. Jacquie Hood Martin; an examination of Black issues with “The Black Table with Dr. Greg Carr;" and a daily news talk show, “The Culture with Farajii Muhammad.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9jpJd2z9Ck&feature=youtu.be AT&T Dream in Black’s signature program, Black Future Makers, returns with the unveiling of its 2022 inductees and a month-long program highlighting their continued commitment to economic empowerment in the Black community. Now in its fourth year, this celebration recognizes future-forward Black luminaries, including powerhouse musicians John Legend and Kirk Franklin, who are shaping culture, advocating for equity and creating pathways for the next generation of Black achievers. Throughout the month, AT&T is also shining a national spotlight on emerging artists and others to help them attain their wildest dreams. “At AT&T, we believe that access opens the door to opportunities that help create equality for all,” says Corey Anthony, SVP, Chief Diversity and Development Officer, AT&T. “That is why we will continue to invest in programs like Black Future Makers, that honor and elevate this community to support them in reaching their full potential.” Consumers can also visit AT&T retail stores to discover video portraits inspired by Nakima’s art of 2022 Black Future Maker honorees such as award-winning actress and author Meagan Good, musicians Tobe Nwigwe and VINCINT as well as YouTuber Terrell Grice. AT&T will reveal inspiring static and video portraits of several Black Future Makers every week in February on AT&T’s IG. Don't miss the Season 2 premiere of The Groove with special guest Kenny Bobien https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlTH47RLpQ4 President Joe Biden has offered Russian President Vladimir Putin access to NATO bases so that Moscow can verify the US does not have Tomahawk cruise missiles in Romania or Poland in a bid to avoid war in Ukraine. Sources close to Biden told Bloomberg on Tuesday the proposal would only come to fruition upon agreement with American allies, especially Poland and Romania. Russia would also need to share similar information about a number of bases housing ground-launched weapons. Biden’s proposal reportedly aims to diminish the Kremlin’s fears that the US could use the missiles to target Russia. News of the proposal comes as US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is set to travel to Europe to attend a NATO defense meeting on February 16 and 17. The devastated father of former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst who jumped to her death from a Manhattan high-rise Sunday revealed that he believed she may have been depressed due to ‘family dysfunction.’ Rodney Kryst, 62, broke his silence Tuesday from his Charlotte, NC, home Tuesday and said his daughter was ‘pure’ and that she didn’t have any sort of substance abuse problem. ‘She was pure, she didn’t take any kind of drugs or prescription medication,’ he told New York Post. ‘She never had any kind of substance abuse problem.’ Kryst, 30, was found on the sidewalk next to her luxury apartment building The Orion in Hell’s Kitchen at 7:15am on Sunday. She was last seen on a 29th-floor terrace of the building, where she lived alone in a ninth-floor apartment. Robert Kryst and Cheslie’s mother, April Simpkins, who have four children together, split up when Cheslie was young, he said. Gawvi, an artist and producer in the Christian hip-hop community, has been dropped by his label, Reach, and from an upcoming tour in light of a developing scandal involving his allegedly sending unsolicited sexually explicit photos to women. Gawvi had announced he was getting divorced on his Instagram account Saturday, saying he and his wife had separated back in 2020. His divorce announcement was shortly followed by a tweet from a visual artist who identifies herself as Cataphant. “Years ago I made album artwork for Gawvi,” tweeted the San Diego-based designer, also known as Catalina Bellizzi-Itiola. “For my next project I’m going to make a collage of all the unasked-for dick pics he sent to women while he was still married.” When another user admonished the designer that “dragging people in public is not scriptural,” and that any admonishment of Gawvi should have been kept to church circles, Cataphant responded, “Do u think I’d be doing this if he actually listened to his circle? They did address it, he cut them all off. He’s got like 3 friends left.” Cataphant also had exchanges on Twitter with other users who claimed to have had or know of similar incidents involving the rapper. The website Rapzilla posted a detailed story that originally included a series of TikTok videos from Gawvi’s estranged wife, Brianna Azucena, that the article said “seem to allude to infidelity, trauma, and healing,” but the TikTok account was made private after the story was posted. Jada Pinkett Smith and Queen Latifah are getting ready to work together once again. The Matrix Reloaded actress, 50, and the Last Holiday star, 51, will co-star in an upcoming episode of The Equalizer, Latifah’s hit television show. Smith is set to star as a character named Jessie Cook, a genius thief with a photographic memory. Her character will also have a history with Queen Latifah’s Robin McCall. The two worked together on a mission for the CIA. The CBS show is a reboot of the classic 1980s series, the 2014 film and its 2018 sequel. It is centered around a former CIA agent who helps out people in need who have no one else to turn to. It is currently in its second season which premiered on October 10 of last year. While the pair worked together on the 2017 movie Girls Trip, their work on The Equalizer will be their first opportunity to work on an intense action project since acting in the heist film Set It Off more than 25 years ago. An Alabama woman was charged with reckless murder in the death of another woman’s unborn child during an altercation, news outlets reported. Iveonna Samone Turner, 20, was arrested by Dothan police on Friday night. Evidence indicated Turner kicked and punched a 37-year-old victim in the stomach, causing her to lose the early-term fetus, police said. Turner was jailed with bail set at $500,000. Turner had filed a request in Houston County on Thursday seeking court protection from the woman, WTVY-TV reported. She alleged that the woman and her son, with whom Turner has an 8-week-old child, “jumped” her during a dispute while she was picking up the child. A hearing on the motion is set for Feb. 10. Roland S. Martin is teaming up with McDonald’s USA to help out Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). According to an official press release, the partnership will distribute over $100,000 in scholarships to shining juniors and seniors attending HBCUs. The contribution will celebrate Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and their 115 years of scholarship and Black excellence. The aim is to ensure the financial challenges impacting many HBCU students will be addressed by providing financial relief. “HBCUs and their students are vital to the fabric of our nation and I will always champion for their success,” said the media mogul and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Roland S. Martin, in a statement. “I’ve witnessed first-hand the financial struggle that impacts Black college students, especially those in their final semesters. So, I’m pleased to partner with McDonald’s and TMCF to celebrate my beloved fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, and provide a resource that will help Black students graduate.” To create a more hopeful future for HBCU students, seven juniors and seniors will receive $15,000 scholarships for the 2022-2023 academic year through a joint effort from the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. The financial backing will support the fraternity and McDonald’s shared belief that students should receive relief to spearhead educational pursuits and find community. After an enrichment program at Sally Ride Elementary School, a young Jessica Watkins realized what she wanted to do when she grew up: study the geology of other planets. Today, at 33 years old, Watkins is training for a mission to do just that. This April, Watkins is set to become the first Black woman to live and work on the International Space Station for an extended mission. She will arrive there onboard a SpaceX capsule and then spend six months on the ISS as part of NASA’s Artemis program, a multi-billion dollar effort designed to return humans to the surface of the moon in 2025. “We are building on the foundation that was laid by the Black women astronauts who have come before me,” Watkins told NPR’s Morning Edition. “I’m definitely honored to be a small part of that legacy, but ultimately be an equal member of the crew.” Of the roughly 250 people who have boarded the ISS, fewer than 10 have been Black. Prior to the inception of the space station, Mae Jemison, an engineer and physician, became the first Black woman to travel to space in 1992. Other Black women have followed, including NASA astronauts Stephanie Wilson and Joan Higginbotham. The Justice Department has said it will not reopen the federal investigation into the 2014 death of 12-year-old Tamir Rice, who was shot to death by Cleveland police, notifying Tamir’s mother after she had participated in a federal training event for state prosecutors on investigating police misconduct cases. Attorneys for Tamir’s mother Samaria sent four letters to top officials in the Justice Department and met with them last October in the hope of renewing federal interest in her son’s death, and again in December. One of the letters was signed by 50 scholars on constitutional, criminal and civil rights law who wrote that they believed the case must be scrutinized. The decision comes as the Justice Department is being criticized by civil rights groups over a proposed plea deal on federal hate crimes charges in Georgia with the white men convicted of murdering Ahmaud Arbery, who was Black, that burst into the spotlight after a judge rejected the agreement for one of the men. Attorney General Merrick Garland has promised to refocus the department’s priorities around civil rights and police reform. Kristin Clarke, the head of the department’s Civil Rights Division, wrote that the 2020 decision not to charge the officers stood. She said in her letter to Tamir’s family that “by no means should you view the department’s 2020 decision as an exoneration” of the police officer’s actions. Lisa Cook, a Michigan State University economics professor, is one of President Joe Biden’s recent nominees to the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors. As expected, Cook is facing a racist smear campaign amid reports that she has called for Black Americans to receive reparations for years of economic discrimination and slavery, The Huffington Post reports. If confirmed, Cook would be the first Black woman to be part of the seven-person board. “Everybody benefited from slavery. Everybody,”? ?Cook? ?said in a September 2020 “EconTalk” podcast?, Fox Business reported?. “So, I think that we absolutely need some sort of reckoning with that. There are many proposals on the table to study the possibility of reparations, many economic proposals being put forward, and I think they should all be taken seriously?,” she said. https://youtu.be/TCigAU0fVyw Jarrion Walker a 4-year-old was fatally shot inside a parked car while two adults smoked marijuana in the front seats, according to Jefferson Parish, Louisiana deputies. The shooting happened Saturday (01-29-22). The youngster was in the back seat with his younger siblings, according to sheriff’s office spokesman Jason Rivarde. “Our initial investigation has led our investigators to believe that the child was injured not by a hostile act, but by a negligent one,” Rivarde said in a statement. Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto believes the 4-year-old accidentally shot himself. He died at a local hospital. Initially, Lopinto said he thought Walker may have been shot by one of his siblings, but investigators learned the only other children in the car were a 1-year-old and 22-month-old. The mother and her friend sitting in the front seat told police they did not see the kids playing with the weapon in the backseat. Lopinto said, “The bullet did enter from the front into the back of the car, so it is more probable than not that it was a self-inflicted gunshot wound at this time.” Meanwhile, authorities say the mother and her friend are cooperating, but have not yet been charged with a crime. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=310721654417060 In the wake of Cheslie Kryst’s tragic death by suicide, Tamron Hall opened today’s show with a touching and emotional tribute to the former Miss USA. Tamron shares a clip of her interview with Kryst from December 2019 and encourages others who are struggling with mental health to reach out and receive support and help from others. https://youtu.be/MwR71l-RCow #RKelly and his legal team have been granted a two-week extension on his deadline to appeal his federal racketeering case after he tested positive for COVID on Tuesday. Kelly’s team has fought for his release on various occasions, and have even pulled the COVID card a few times before. According to. report by @RollingStone, U.S. District Judge Ann M. Donnelly ruled that R. Kelly now has until Feb. 17th to formally appeal his September conviction of at least 10 years in prison. When Covid-19 began to sweep the country in February 2020, closures were a gut punch to the entire live performance industry. Opera companies looked for ways to keep afloat, engaged, and relevant until it was safe to stage live events once more. The waiting game frayed nerves and played havoc with schedules and incomes. How did the industry cope? “We were in the same sort of bizarre kind of mourning that all of our colleagues were all over the world, because we’re a live performing art company. And to lose that connection to our audience was devastating,” says Patrick Summers, Artistic and Music Director of Houston Grand Opera. “And all of us not knowing what the long-term effects on the art would be. We still don’t know that.” Taraji P. Henson has been tapped to star as Shug Avery in Blitz Bazawule’s “The Color Purple.” As reported by Variety, the forthcoming Warner Bros. movie musical is an adaptation of the Tony-winning Broadway musical from Marsha Norman, Brenda Lee, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, which was based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning epistolary novel by Alice Walker. The upcoming film follows the classic 1985 film adaptation from director Steven Spielberg and centers on Celie, a Black Southern woman who struggles to find her identity amid decades of abuse. Whoopi Goldberg played Celie in Spielberg’s film. Spielberg’s film was a box office success, grossing $142 million against a budget of $15 million. https://youtu.be/KJKt0JEtq9w Whoopi Goldberg’s comments about Hitler and the Holocaust have gotten her suspended from “The View” for two weeks. As reported by Variety, the co-host of the long-running daytime talk show has been catching some major heat lately for stating on the show that the Holocaust was “not about race.” “Let’s be truthful about it because [the] Holocaust isn’t about race,” Goldberg said on Monday’s episode. “It’s not about race. It’s about man’s inhumanity to man.” She noted that the Holocaust was between two groups of “white people,” and that triggered many folks across social media who are calling for Whoopi’s ouster from “The View” altogether. The remarks drew immediate criticism from Jewish organizations. Jonathan Jackson, the middle son of the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Jacqueline Jackson, has announced his intention to run for the U.S. House of Representatives from the 1st congressional district. His formal announcement will follow shortly. “I have been fighting for working people my entire life and am dedicated to social and economic change,” Jackson said. “As a businessman, college professor and activist, I have been on the forefront of the struggle for civil and human rights.” If elected, Jackson, 56, said he would focus on creating jobs and increasing workforce skills, family economic security, improving public transportation, increasing access and affordability of health care and expanding daycare so parents can work without having to worry about their children. Nick Cannon announced he was sticking to celibacy in October, but following news that he is expecting his 8th child with a new baby mama, he is clarifying his celibacy journey. The actor and comedian, 41, shared on his eponymous talk show Tuesday that he started decided to be celibate after learning he and model Bre Tiesi are expecting a baby. https://youtu.be/vsq7t0VdxfQ Reality TV star Saaphyri Windsor, who appeared on Flava Flav’s dating show “Flava of Love”, allegedly dated the legendary Ron Isley for two years. As reported by I Love Old School Music, Windsor revealed in a past interview with Sister2Sister Magazine that she dated the music icon while he was dating his then-girlfriend (now his wife), Kandy Isley. The singer reportedly dumped Saaphyri right before his wedding. I was involved with a guy who was a celebrity, who was older than me – very wealthy. And he came to me in 2005 and told me that he was getting married to somebody else. … After we had been together for two years.” Saaphyri continued: …He got married in 2006. That really broke my heart. …Even though I was still like, ‘There is maybe somebody out there for me,’ it broke my heart to the point I didn’t know exactly how I was going to react in another relationship, or if I was even ready for another relationship. And this person. That’s the way love goes…the love for Miss Janet herself overflowed as Janet Jackson’s self-titled documentary event averaged 3.1 million total viewers across its premiere airings on Lifetime and A&E. Janet Jackson. is cable’s best non-fiction debut since ESPN/ESPN2’s The Last Dance (4/19/20 – 5/17/20) with total viewers, A25-54, A18-49, W25-54 and W18-49. The delivery on Lifetime marked the net’s best non-fiction performance since Surviving R. Kelly (1/3/19 -1/5/19) with total viewers, A25-54, A18-49, W25-54 and W18-49. On A&E, part 4 was the network’s most-watched telecast since Biography: WWE Legends with A25-54 (4/18/21). The doc also accrued 3.7 million video views across Lifetime and A&E TV Everywhere On-Domain platforms. With all the airings on linear and video views on digital, the documentary event reached over 15.7 million total viewers. https://youtu.be/nJ4OD76xUpA Jody Watley celebrated the 35th anniversary of her massive blockbuster self-titled album in true festive style coupled with a birthday balloon drop into the audience on Friday, January 28th at Sycuan Casino and Resort in San Diego. The sold-out concert began with a standing ovation from her fans when the Grammy award-winning iconic singer appeared on stage. Watley’s 90-minute set did not disappoint! She delivered a high-energy performance from beginning to end. https://youtu.be/QQ4NBnYpYJk “I wrote a song, a centerpiece for ‘A Man Born Black.’ Now it has become the main focus…writing something you’re passionate about,” said Mykal Kilgore about the new single “The Man in the Barbershop” from his “A Man Born Black” album. Mykal is on tour to promote that album in February and it arrives in my home state of Maryland at Rams Head on Stage in Annapolis Friday, February 18, 2022. https://youtu.be/wK0uEzKK4OI President Biden was aware of the threats, Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, said at a news conference on Monday. “I will say that these are certainly disturbing,” Ms. Psaki said. “And the White House is in touch with the interagency partners, including federal law enforcement leadership, on this.” The F.B.I. said in a statement that it was “working with our law enforcement partners to address any potential threats.” The authorities have so far not described any of the threats as credible. But school officials at many of the universities took precautions, such as sweeping campus buildings and moving to remote instruction. Some of the H.B.C.U.s have received multiple threats this year. Representative Val B. Demings, Democrat of Florida and a former police chief, said on Twitter on Monday that the threats against historically Black colleges “demand a response.” “As a former law enforcement officer I’ll keep working to make sure our institutions and law enforcement have the resources they need to keep all of our students and communities safe,” Ms. Demings said. On Monday, at least seven H.B.C.U.s, including Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, La., and Delaware State University in Dover, Del., received bomb threats. Jury selection has been rescheduled to Thursday in the trial of a former Kentucky police officer who was involved in the botched raid that killed Breonna Taylor. Brett Hankison’s trial was initially scheduled to begin Aug. 31, 2021, but was delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Now Hankison’s trial is being delayed due to an unscheduled recent surgery. Hankison is charged with three counts of wanton endangerment for firing into a neighboring apartment while serving a “no-knock” warrant on Taylor’s apartment on March 13, 2020. He and Louisville Metro Police Department officers Myles Cosgrove and Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly fired 32 shots into Taylor’s apartment. Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron has called Taylor’s death a “tragedy” but defended the officers’ decision to shoot. None have been charged with Taylor’s death. The NAACP, the nation’s oldest civil rights organization, on Tuesday urged Attorney General Merrick Garland to bring federal civil rights charges against the white Chicago police officer who fatally shot Black teenager Laquan McDonald. A letter to Garland, sent by NAACP President Derrick Johnson, comes days before former officer Jason Van Dyke is scheduled to be released from prison after serving less than half of his state prison term of six years and nine months. Van Dyke was convicted of murder in October 2018 in the killing of McDonald and is scheduled to be released from prison on Thursday. The 2014 shooting prompted massive protests in Chicago after a judge forced the city to release video that showed Van Dyke shooting McDonald 16 times. Many of the shots were fired when the 17-year-old was already on the ground. The police superintendent was subsequently fired, the county’s top prosecutor was voted out of office and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who was widely criticized for his handling of the case, decided not to run for reelection. Brian Flores filed a class-action lawsuit Tuesday against the NFL and all 32 teams alleging discrimination against black head coaches and executives. The suit, filed in the Southern District of New York, claims the Giants interviewed Flores for their head coaching position, despite having already chosen Brian Daboll for the job. Flores maintains his interview was a “sham” in order to comply with the NFL’s “Rooney Rule,” which compels teams to interview minority candidates for head coaching and general manager jobs. “Mr. Flores was forced to sit through a dinner with Joe Schoen, the Giant’s new General Manager, knowing that the Giants had already selected Mr. Daboll,” the suit reads. “Much worse, on Thursday, January 27, 2022, Mr. Flores had to give an extensive interview for a job that he already knew he would not get — an interview that was held for no reason other than for the Giants to demonstrate falsely to the League Commissioner Roger Goodell and the public at large that it was in compliance with the Rooney Rule.” “Sorry — I f–ked this up,” the alleged text from Belichick reads. “I double checked & I misread the text. I think they are naming Daboll. I’m sorry about that.” The Giants denied Flores’ allegations. Two years into the Covid-19 pandemic, America’s death toll is closing in on one million. Federal authorities estimate that 987,456 more people have died since early 2020 than would have otherwise been expected, based on long-term trends. People killed by coronavirus infections account for the overwhelming majority of cases. Thousands more died from derivative causes, like disruptions in their healthcare and a spike in overdoses. Covid-19 has left the same proportion of the population dead—about 0.3%—as did World War II, and in less time. Unlike the 1918 flu pandemic or major wars, which hit younger people, Covid-19 has been particularly hard on vulnerable seniors. It has also killed thousands of front-line workers and disproportionately affected minority populations. It robbed society of grandparents, parents, spouses, sons and daughters, best friends, mentors, loyal employees and bosses. Those lost include a 55-year-old Rhode Island correctional officer; a 46-year-old Texas dental-office receptionist who helped care for her granddaughter; a 30-year-old Iowan who fatally overdosed; and an active 72-year-old and grandmother of 15 who was Nashville’s first female city bus driver. “It’s catastrophic,” said Steven Woolf, director emeritus at the Center on Society and Health at Virginia Commonwealth University. “This is an enormous loss of life.” Many Americans don’t support President Joe Biden’s commitment to replacing Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer with a Black woman. According to a new ABC News poll conducted with Ipsos over the last two days with 510 adults, “76 percent of respondents said Biden should consider all possible nominees, while only 23 percent believe he should consider exclusively Black women for the nomination,” Biden pledged during his 2020 campaign trail to nominate the first Black woman to the Supreme Court, if elected. He recently reaffirmed that he will keep the promise. New York Mayor Eric Adams wants you to believe that the NYPD officers on his new anti-gun task force have been trained not to engage in misconduct and target Black people. “If you don’t follow the law, you’re not going to serve in my police department,” Adams said of his cops in an interview with WBLS 107.5FM. Police reform advocates have expressed concern that Adams’ anti-gun team will repeat the same mistakes as the controversial anti-crime unit of the past, New York Post reports. “We know what was wrong with the unit. It was an abusive unit. It targeted and profiled,” Adams said. https://youtu.be/1w1x6tJTQJs NFL Green kicked off Super Bowl LVI community greening projects last fall in Inglewood (CA), by planting 56 trees at Edward Vincent Jr. Park and concluded Green Week events in the City of Champions, Super Bowl Host City. On Saturday, January 29th, 9am-12pm, The City of Inglewood partnered with NFL Green, The Super Bowl Host Committee and Verizon for the Queen Park Improvement Project. A group of energetic, enthusiastic volunteers replaced soil and planted twenty raised gardens beds, planted camphor trees, painted picnic tables, benches, planter boxes, cleaned and beautified the quaint Queen Park Community Garden, on a nice, cool overcast day. Queen Park Community Garden is located 652 E. Queen Street, a half-block west of Prairie Avenue. Hillsong Church will be led by husband and wife pastors Phil and Lucinda Dooley, while its founder steps aside to focus on fighting a charge of illegally concealing child sexual abuse by his late father. Brian Houston, the church’s leader, said he had asked the Dooleys to take on the role of interim global senior pastors until the end of the year while he prepares to “vigorously defend” himself against the charge. The couple “are well-loved by many in our church, having successfully served as our youth pastors in Australia for many years,” Houston said in a statement posted on Hillsong’s website on Sunday. A mother-daughter duo behind the first Black-owned business at Downtown Disney started their symbolism-rich shop specializing in craftspeople of color as a tribute to the historic struggles and perseverance of Black businesses in America. Mother Juana Williams and daughter Blair Paysinger created Post 21 as a place where they would want to shop. The Post 21 premise: A comprehensive marketplace focused on design-forward apparel, decor, art, jewelry and beauty products made by Black creatives and businesses. The goal of Williams and Paysinger: Turn their favorite products made by Black craftspeople from exciting discoveries into household names — all while filling an untapped consumer gap and backing the next generation of Black entrepreneurs. “Our whole purpose is to advance Black businesses,” said Williams, 59, who handles the business side of the shop. “We’re bringing all the Black businesses that we work with along with us so they have the Disney opportunity as well.” Downtown Disney sought out Post 21 as the massive entertainment giant strives to introduce more diversity and inclusivity into its theme parks, workforce and company culture. Whoopi Goldberg stoked more controversy on Monday evening when she tried to apologize for saying the ‘Holocaust isn’t about race’ by asserting race is only about skin color and the Nazis ‘had to do the work’ to find out who was Jewish. During an interview on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert after her comments on The View about the Holocaust caused international outcry, Goldberg, 66, said she understood why she had angered people. But she didn’t stop there, and instead tried to explain why she thought the killing of six million Jews by the Nazis was not about race because Jews are white. ‘When you talk about being a racist, you can’t call this racism,’ she said. ‘This was evil. This wasn’t based on skin. You couldn’t tell who was Jewish. You had to delve deeply and figure it out. My point is: they had to do the work. Actor Moses J. Moseley, who played a zombie on the hit show The Walking Dead, was found dead from a gunshot wound on Wednesday in what authorities are investigating as a possible suicide. Moseley, 31, was found in the Hudson Bridge area of Stockbridge, a city on the outskirts of Atlanta, his family told TMZ, adding that he died of a gunshot wound. Law enforcement sources told TMZ they’re investigating his death as a possible suicide. The Henry County Police Department did not immediately respond to questions from DailyMail.com. Relatives said they hadn’t heard from the actor since January 23. They filed a missing person’s report on Wednesday, TMZ reports. They then contacted car security company OnStar, which tracked his vehicle to where his body was found that day. His representative, Tabatha Minchew, told The Wrap: ‘He wasn’t just a client for me. We have been best friends for 10 years. He was at my wedding. Historically, access to financial literacy education has not been equal to everyone. To address this inequity, Brandon Parkes, CEO and Founder of social impact consulting firm, Parkes Philanthropy and Hill Harper, Award-Winning Actor, Philanthropist and CEO and Founder of The Black Wall Street App are teaming up for a social media campaign that honors Black history by investing in Black futures. During Black History Month, this campaign will donate free premium subscriptions from the investment research platform Moby to youth of color through a partnership with a national financial literacy organization, which empowers youth across the United States to learn about, and become comfortable with, saving, investing, entrepreneurship and philanthropy. “These platforms can help solve the racial wealth gap and create cooperative economic solutions,” said Harper. “I helped create Moby in order to empower everyday investors with technology, data and content that will help them on their road to financial freedom. It is my privilege to be able to donate subscriptions to further complete our mission and educate America’s youth”, said Justin Kramer, CEO and Co-Founder of Moby. Today, labor economist Valerie Wilson took the helm of the National Economic Association (NEA), which was founded in 1969 to increase the representation of Black economists and other people of color within the profession. She takes on a one-year term as president of the NEA, which also produces and distributes knowledge of economic issues to promote economic growth among native and immigrant African Americans, Latinos, and other people of color. Wilson will remain as director of the Economic Policy Institute’s Program on Race, Ethnicity, and the Economy (PREE), a nationally recognized source for expert reports and policy analyses on the economic condition of America’s people of color. Prior to joining EPI in 2014, Wilson was vice president of research at the National Urban League Washington Bureau, according to a press release. She has written extensively on various issues impacting economic inequality in the United States — including employment and training, income, wage and wealth disparities, access to higher education, and social insurance — and has appeared regularly in print, television, and radio media. Legendary NFL quarterback Tom Brady announced his retirement Tuesday after 22 record-breaking seasons. The 44-year-old posted a photo and statement to his social media accounts explaining his decision to stop playing football. Brady wrote he felt he could no longer make the commitment required to succeed in the NFL. “This is difficult for me to write, but here it goes: I am not going to make that competitive commitment anymore,” he said. “I have loved my NFL career, and now it is time to focus my time and energy on other things that require my attention.” Brady steps away from the sport after winning seven Super Bowls and setting a bevy of league passing records. The quarterback’s unmatched success came with a dose of venom from opposing fans, who may have watched him too often dispatch their favorite team or associated him with allegations of cheating that dogged the New England Patriots during his long tenure with the team. In announcing his retirement, Brady posted a photo of himself playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with whom he spent the last two seasons of his career after 20 seasons with the Patriots. He thanked the Buccaneers organization, the team’s head coach, Bruce Arians, and its fans, but not the Patriots or the team’s head coach, Bill Belichick. Brady and his Patriots coach won six Super Bowls together. Tom Brady announced his retirement from professional football after 22 seasons on Tuesday which ended his two year run with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Soon after his ex partner Bridget Moynahan supported the 44-year-old athlete with whom she shares 14-year-old son John Edward Thomas Moynahan. The 50-year-old And Just Like That… actress shared her thoughtful note on Twitter. Bridget tweeted, ‘So proud of @TomBrady. Yesterday and today and I know you will do great things tomorrow. Looking forward to the next steps.’ https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/02/01/19/53649831-10465167-image-a-10_1643743109131.jpg Bishop Noel Jones, the senior pastor of the City of Refuge Church in Gardena, California and formerly one of the cast members of Preachers of L.A., has decided he is finally ready to marry his longtime lady love, Loretta. His decision comes after being in a relationship with his longtime partner for twenty-eight years and was made public during a recent church event. Standing center stage, Bishop Jones started to talk to the congregation about what it might look like when he gets older before surprising his congregation when he said, “I decided that I’m gonna get married.” After hearing cheers from the congregation, the 72-year-old then said “Loretta come up here please.” Once she arrived he then looked at the congregation and said, “I thought about should I give up my freedom coat for a straightjacket. She I get married to someone younger than me. I thought about should I give up not having to answer to anybody,” and he continued to question several other things he might have to give up if he gets married. But he later changed his tone when he said, But then when I look at her, and said, should you have to push a wheelchair when I can’t walk? Should you have to deal with an old man when you have had many suitors who were young? Should you have to listen to a man who was intoxicated with the exuberance of his own verbosity or who is set in his ways? He then said, if I keep on thinking about these shoulds, I won’t get this thing done. Bishop Jones then reached for a cracker jack box and pulled out a ring. While now holding the ring, he said, “I got away from all of the shoulds. “Should I? Should you? And I’ve decided simply to say”, as he folds to one knee, and puts the ring on her finger, “Will you marry me?” as he quickly stands back up. He then said, “I’m getting married.” After she excepted the ring and started to receive hugs from friends and loved ones, Bishop Jones said, “What did you say,” and she said “yes!” Singer-Songwriter, Bryan Andrew Wilson, best-known for songs such as “Overflow” and “Turning Away,” has dropped a music video for his current Top 30 single, “The Ride.” The city groove is a joint production by Awaz Beatz, and The Exclusives who are best known for their collaborations with DJ Khaled, Chris Brown, and August Alsina. The video recently premiered on BET’s Soul Channel and has also been featured on TIDAL’s New R&B Videos playlist and Vevo’s Incoming R&B playlist. “The song is about learning to let God lead us through this ride called life,” says Wilson. “The video itself is pretty simple. I’m just riding through the city in the backseat of a car and letting God lead the way.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5qUiaE5I6g Returning from the success of "It's Gonna Be Alright," from A&P Music's Billboard award-winning gospel artist, Titus Showers releases his new single, "Name On It," now available across all digital outlets. The song was produced by Lucius Hoskins and written by Titus Showers and Lucius Hoskins. The powerful lyrics of "Name On It" celebrate God’s blessings for his people: “He’s holding it for me. He tailored it for me, I got my name on it.” The Sports Power Brunch: Celebrating the Most Powerful Women in Sports today announced Champion, an innovator at the intersection of lifestyle and athletic apparel, as the Presenting Sponsor at the third annual event and unveiled the complete list of distinguished honorees. The 2022 Sports Power Brunch presented by Champion will be held during the most exciting week in sports on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, at the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, in Beverly Hills, CA. Hosted by Eboni K. Williams, Executive Producer and Host of 'REVOLT Black News,' the event recognizes leading women who have made an indelible mark in the sports industry. This year, four groundbreaking women will be celebrated for their contributions to the field: Vanessa Bryant, President of the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation; Natalie White, Senior Vice President, Los Angeles Sparks; Denise White, CEO & Founder, EAG Sports Management; and Terri Hines, Executive Vice President, Communications, FOX Sports. Unfortunately it’s all over for Hoda Kotb and Joel Schiffman. After 8 years they’re going their separate ways. Kotb, a “Today” show co-host made the announcement at the top of the 10am hour of Monday’s show. “I wanted to address something that, I think a few of you maybe noticed. People have written in and asked why I wasn’t wearing my engagement ring,” Kotb, 57, began. “Joel and I have had a lot of prayerful and meaningful conversations over the holiday and we decided that we’re better as friends and parents than we are as an engaged couple.” She continued, “So we decided that we are going to start this new year and begin it kind of on a new path as loving parents to our adorable, delightful children and friends.” https://youtu.be/_uMYhdbGdzs Singer/songwriter Tamar Braxton is speaking out about mental health and sharing encouraging words with people who have “gone through a mental illness situation.” In an Instagram video captioned: “Ima take this down later. Cause some of y’all man….smh,” Braxton addresses some of the challenges she’s facing amid her own mental health struggles. In the 7-minute clip, she encourages others with similar experiences to “stay in a good safe place” to keep going, as reported by thejasminebrand. https://www.instagram.com/p/CZPud_5vPuK/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again “Secrets of Playboy” is a new 10-part docuseries on A&E that unpacks the “real truth” behind Hugh Hefner’s empire. In Monday’s episode, former Playboy “bunny mother” P.J. Masten alleges that “Soul Train” creator, the late Don Cornelius, sexually assaulted two Playboy bunnies decades ago. “It was probably the most horrific story I’ve ever heard at Playboy,” Masten said of Cornelius’ alleged actions, PEOPLE reports. “This story is the story of a massive cleanup that never hit the press.” According to Masten, Cornelius was a Playboy VIP, and one night he invited two new recruits (sisters) to go back to his house where he was throwing a party. “These two young girls got in his Rolls-Royce, went up to his house and we didn’t hear from them for three days,” Masten alleged in the episode. “We couldn’t figure out where they were.” That three-day silence was broken when one of the girls called a bunny mother at the Playboy Mansion, allegedly saying that she and her sister had been held at Cornelius’ house and she was finally able to get out. Joe Piastro, Playboy’s head of security, went to pick them up and found them “bloodied, battered [and] drugged,” Masten said. https://youtu.be/RY8z4BK61bQ Tisha Campbell recently took to Instagram to share a story about being nearly kidnapped by sex traffickers in Brownsville, Texas, while working on an independent film. When the Brownsville Police Department heard about her tale, they responded in a message shared on Facebook. “The Brownsville Police Department is committed to providing proactive, professional, and effective public safety. Regrettably, our department became aware of Ms. Campbell’s ordeal via social media and not through traditional reporting means as would be expected from a victim of an attempted heinous crime.” The police are giving the side-eye to Campbell’s claims by addressing the validity of the incident. “Upon reviewing facts presented by Ms. Campbell in her video, BPD Investigators quickly launched an investigation as such cases are not the norm in our city. Through numerous interviews and reviews of security camera footage, we could not validate Ms. Campbell’s stay in Brownsville hotels nor any other claims made in the video,” the department’s post states. https://www.instagram.com/p/CZRzsOvIhTv/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Da Brat and her fiancé Jesseca Dupart are expecting their first child together. In a joint Instagram statement shared on Monday, the couple posted a photo of them cozied up along with the caption that they “are EXTENDING the family”. As reported by Complex, Brat previously opened up about parenting and what she’d name her child if she were to have a daughter. “My child will have all of my names, honey,” Da Brat said on Dish Nation. “Her name would be Legacy Shawntae Dupart. Shawntae is my first name and Dupart is my baby’s last name. Yes honey, carry on the legacy of your parents darling.” https://www.instagram.com/darealbbjudy/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=5468817f-8b5f-4242-a32f-dd46e957f05a This is what went down Monday (01-31-22) on the “Drew Barrymore Show” when Sheila E was a guest. She spilled the beans on how she pranked the crap out of Prince one time. https://youtu.be/MQOeDaDhygs This evening, lawyer, minister, and peace advocate, Dr. Bernice King, sat down with FOX SOUL’s Cocktails with Queens to explore her most recent achievements. The youngest child of civil rights leaders, Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, discussed her new children’s book, It Starts with Me. She also provided insight on how she continues to honor the legacy of both her parents and what she has learned from both of them while sharing childhood stories and experiences. https://youtu.be/m1s8QYTGBHg #AliciaKeys feels “some kind of way” after showing a screenshot from an article back in 2008 where #JanetJackson admits that if she were into women, then Keys would be the one.? In an Instagram post, the “Billions” singer screenshotted the article and captioned, “I always knew I was BAE but when @janetjackson says it ????????.”? Some fellow celebrities and artists responded. Gunna says, “For P she turn ???esbian !” Some fans admitted to also having a crush on the 15-grammy winning singer. ? https://www.instagram.com/p/CZaRO2KMKHt/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again La La Anthony is a beauty entrepreneur! Today, Anthony, 39, introduces Inala, a leave-in hair-strengthening treatment, Inala ($55). Speaking exclusively to People, Anthony opens up about how the opportunity to practice self-care during the pandemic led her to create a “power potion” even her 14-year-old son Kiyan approves of. Prior to the pandemic, Anthony, like most, was always on the go. But when it forced her to slow down, she realized her self-care routine needed a reboot. “A lot of my hairstyles had been clip-ins or wigs or braids or weaves,” she tells PEOPLE. “And I realized how damaged my natural hair was because I wasn’t taking care of or paying attention to it.” When Anthony looked in the mirror, she saw damage all over, from thinning along her edges to breakage on her ends. “And I was like, ‘It’s not okay to just be happy when your hair looks good when you have all this other stuff in it,” she admits. That moment inspired Anthony to seek a solution. “I started researching and experimenting with rice water. I was even tweeting about it. I found a village in China where women have hair down to the floor.” Guy Torry came up with Phat Tuesday’s back in 1992. “Everything happened, and all the stars aligned at the right time, and at the right moment. [And the stories about it are] coming out at the right time now on Prime Video,” said Torry. He’s referring to Amazon Studios latest project “Phat Tuesdays: The Era of Hip Hop Comedy.” The new docuseries is all about the comedy explosion and is bringing together all the big names in comedy, who we’ve laughed with over the years. Telling the story of when Black comedians were being shut out of many places in Hollywood and how Phat Tuesdays at The Comedy Store, gave them a voice to speak their truth and provide levity to the community in a very dark time. “I tell young comedians [now], tell your story. No one can tell your story, better than you can tell your story, and make it, but be honest, tell the story and make it funny,” said Torry. Torry, the executive producer of the series and Reginald Hudlin, the director, say now is a great time for comedians to rise again and utilize all the platforms and tools to be seen and heard. https://youtu.be/EnoyUIwJb68 Gangster rapper/actor Ice-T is now the face of Honey Nut Cheerios. The hip-hip icon has teamed with the cereal giant, which is owned by General Mills, on a new initiative called “Pour Your Heart Into It,” where Ice-T and the brand’s mascot Buzz Bee encourage people to improve their health. “This stuff doesn’t have to be hard. It can be as simple as a bowl of Cheerios and a walk around the block,” Ice-T explained. “That’s why I wanted to join Buzz to share some different ways to start to get your heart pumping regularly, and help make diet and exercise a happy part of your day.” To promote the message, limited-edition boxes of Honey Nut Cheerios’ happy heart shapes will hit shelves and in yellow-box original Cheerios, as well as its Apple Cinnamon, Chocolate and new Strawberry Banana flavors. https://www.instagram.com/cheerios/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=50d9af4f-9884-4e2b-8dea-731f353587a4 Cheslie Kryst, a former Miss USA winner, ended her life on Sunday by allegedly jumping from a Manhattan high-rise. “Cheslie wasn’t just my daughter; she was my best friend,” Kryst’s mom, April Simpkins, told Gayle King on Monday. “Months earlier, Cheslie had told me the exact same thing: Her mother was her best friend,” King wrote in an essay published Tuesday. Kryst opened up in an essay last year in which she discussed her struggle with turning 30, her pageant journey, and dealing with trolls on the internet. In the essay, which was published just weeks before her 30th birthday on April 28, Kryst reflected on aging. “After a year like 2020, you would think we’d learned that growing old is a treasure and maturity is a gift not everyone gets to enjoy.” Kryst wrote. Speaking about her Miss USA win in 2019, Kryst said “my reign ignited a heightened desire to commit myself to passion, intent, and authenticity.” She said noted that “pageant girls” are “supposed to be model-tall and slender, don bouffant hair, and have a killer walk.” “But my five-foot-six frame won with six-pack abs, earned after years of competing in Division I Track and Field, and a head of natural curls in a time when generations of Black women have been taught that being ‘too Black’ would cost them wins in the boardroom and on pageant stages,” she said. A federal judge on Monday rejected a proposed plea agreement for one of the Georgia men convicted of murdering Ahmaud Arbery, paving the way for a federal hate crimes trial. Under the proposed agreement, Travis McMichael — one of three white men convicted in the 2020 killing of Arbery, a 25-year-old Black man who was out jogging — would have avoided a trial on charges that he violated federal civil rights laws. The deal also would have allowed him to serve the first 30 years of his life sentence in federal prison, as opposed to a state facility in Georgia. Prosecutors had submitted court filings on Sunday formalizing the deal with McMichael and his father, Greg. Arbery’s family had denounced the agreement. https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ayPBxudWbiw/hqdefault.jpg GSN-Federal prosecutors have reportedly reached plea agreements in the federal hate crimes case against two of the three men convicted of killing Ahmaud Arbery. Shooter Travis McMichael, 35, and his ex-cop dad, Gregory McMichael, 66, were both handed life sentences without the possibility of parole in a state court earlier this month in the death of the unarmed Georgia jogger. Their neighbor William “Roddie” Bryan, 52, also got a life sentence, but with the possibility of parole after serving 30 years. But the three men face another trial on federal hate crime charges, accused in an indictment of violating Arbery’s civil rights by attacking him because of his “race and color.” GSN-The mayor of a Connecticut city has ordered two police officers be placed on administrative leave amid criticism over their handling of the deaths of two Black women. On Sunday, Bridgeport Mayor Joseph Ganim said he is “extremely disappointed with the leadership of the Bridgeport Police Department,” specifically with their handling of the mysterious deaths of Lauren Smith-Fields and Brenda Lee Rawls. “I want you to know that I am extremely disappointed with the leadership of the Bridgeport Police Department and find actions taken up to this point unacceptable,” Ganim said in a statement, CBS News reports. “After reviewing the matters even more closely and in the absence of the Police Chief, I have directed Deputy Chief Baraja to immediately put on administrative leave the two officers who are the subject of a Bridgeport Police Office of Internal Affairs (OIA) Investigation and disciplinary action for lack of sensitivity to the public and failure to follow police policy in the handling of these two matters.” https://i.ytimg.com/vi/XjItK9Roz58/hqdefault.jpg A documentary on civil rights champion and politician Tyrone Brooks is set for release in the fall of 2022, detailing the life and career of the lifelong activist who worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and is responsible for banishing the racist Georgia Confederate flag. Scheduled for October, “Tyrone: The Story of An American Statesman,” will cover Brooks’ journey from the age of 15, when he entered a life of activism as a member of Dr. King’s SCLC organization, to becoming a social justice icon and respected Georgia State Representative. https://i.ytimg.com/vi/huIKbWxKHww/hqdefault.jpg Former President Donald Trump has teased plans to enter the presidential race in 2024 and if successful, he will pardon the white folks charged in the deadly Jan. 6 Capitol riot. “If I run, and if I win, we will treat those people from Jan. 6 fairly,” Trump said at a rally Saturday in Conroe, Texas, New York Post reports. “And if it requires pardons, we will give them pardons,” he added. “Because they are being treated so unfairly.” The House Select Committee is examining the events that prompted a Pro-Trump mob to storm the Capitol during the certification of the 2020 presidential election. The Department of Justice has charged more than 700 people in the riot. https://i.ytimg.com/vi/uU5l5ZUegas/hqdefault.jpg A 61-year-old Brooklyn pastor was stabbed to death by her adult son in their shared Brooklyn home over the weekend, cops said. Tracey Sydnor, the executive pastor of Upper Room Baptist Church in Bedford-Stuyvesant, was stabbed multiple times in a domestic dispute with her 40-year-old son Kenji Francis inside their home on Wyona Street near Livonia Avenue in New Lots just after 2 p.m. Saturday, authorities said. Sydnor was rushed to Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead. Francis was taken into custody on scene and charged with murder, as well as an unlawful activity-dangerous weapon rap, authorities said early Monday. He does not have a previous criminal or psychiatric history, according to police. No further information was known Monday about the dispute. Sydnor was appointed to the pastor role just two months ago, according to a post on the church’s Facebook page. GSN-Howard University and other historically black colleges and universities received bomb threats Monday morning, disrupting campus operations and launching police investigations. The schools, Southern University and A&M, Howard University, Bethune-Cookman University, Albany State University, Bowie State University and Delaware State University all received bomb threats Monday morning, according to campus spokespeople or social media posts. Five schools continue to investigate the threat and remain either on lockdown or have issued shelter in place orders. https://i.ytimg.com/vi/nzsExhV3Fog/hqdefault.jpg Gas stoves and ovens emit more planet-warming gases than previously thought. According to new research from scientists at Stanford University, “the emissions from gas stoves in US homes have the same climate-warming impact as that of half a million gasoline-powered cars — far more than scientists have previously estimated,” CNN writes. “This new study confirms what environmental advocates have been saying for over a decade now, that there is no [such thing as] clean gas — not for our homes, not for our communities and not for the climate,” Lee Ziesche, community engagement coordinator for Sane Energy, a non-profit climate justice group that was not involved in the research, told CNN. “From the drilling well to the stoves in our kitchens, fracked gas is harming our health and warming the planet.” https://i.ytimg.com/vi/q_I8xc9hLoU/hqdefault.jpg Angola President João Lourenco has made good on his promise to the family believed to be the descendants of two of the first enslaved Africans in America. Vincent Tucker and his sister Wanda Tucker are the co-founders of The William Tucker 1624 Society. Born to Antoney and Isabella, William is known as the first child of African ancestry born in Virginia. Many of his descendants continue to live in the Hampton Roads area today. Antoney and Isabella are Angolan and believed to have been captured by the British off the Portuguese slave ship known as the San Juan Bautista, and eventually became servants on the plantation of Captain William Tucker and his wife. The siblings previously met President Lourenco at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Lourenco learned more about the Tuckers, their family, and promised to host them in Angola. Growing up in the South Central neighborhood of Los Angeles in the 1970s, Ghuan Featherstone only remembers riding a horse once as a child. His parents took him riding at nearby Griffith Park when he was eight years old. But ever since, he’s been chasing that sense of freedom and power he felt on the horse that day. “I felt like the Lone Ranger,” he said “I felt like I could conquer anything,” Featherstone, now 51, said in a StoryCorps interview last month with Jordan Humphreys, a 13-year-old horseback rider. After serving in the Army for eight years, Featherstone remained determined to realize his childhood dream of becoming a cowboy. When he returned to Los Angeles, he learned to ride at stables known as “The Hill” in Compton. Riders there would hop on their saddles and take their horses into the city streets. In 2012, a fire burned down The Hill. What had become a refuge for youth was suddenly gone. Sensing a void after the fire, Featherstone opened his own stables in the nearby city of South Gate. He founded Urban Saddles in 2019 to create a space where he could teach kids like Humphreys to care for and ride horses. Rihanna has confirmed that she is pregnant with her first child with rapper A$AP Rocky. As reported by PEOPLE, the couple was photographed out in New York City over the weekend, where Rihanna, 33, debuted her baby bump. Back in May, A$AP Rock, 33, told GQ about his romance with the Bajan beauty, calling her the “love of my life.” At the time, Rocky was asked by reporters how it felt to be in a committed relationship. “So much better. So much better when you got ‘the One.’ She amounts to probably, like, a million of the other ones. I think when you know, you know. She’s the One,” he said. Speaking about fatherhood, A$AP Rocky said starting a family is “in my destiny, absolutely.” “I think I’d be an incredible, remarkably overall amazing dad. I would have a very fly child. Very,” he said. Gayle King has no plans to part ways with CBS anytime soon amid reports that networks are expected to explode in a bidding war for the veteran journalist when her contract with CBS News expires in May. King, 67, reportedly earns around $9 million a year as an anchor on “CBS Mornings,” and Page Six reports that CBS sources said they “will do everything we can to keep King.” According to Urban Hollywood 411, King signed a new contract with the network on Friday, Jan. 28, and shared the news with listeners on her SiriusXM radio show. “I called my favorite daughter Kirby, favorite son Will, and called Oprah of course… and said I just signed with CBS today,” King shared. “I officially signed on the dotted line.” Amidst widespread reports that Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer will retire when the current term ends this summer, names for his replacement have already begun circulating. Biden vowed to put a Black woman on the Supreme Court on the campaign trail, which would be a historic first. In conjunction with Change Research, Higher Heights for America, the only national organization exclusively dedicated to harnessing Black women’s political power from the voting booth to elected office, conducted a poll this month of 500 Black women voters, according to a release. When asked about the future of the Supreme Court, 86% of Black women voters say they support prioritizing nominating the first Black woman to the Supreme Court when the next seat becomes available. There is a great deal at stake for this next Supreme Court nomination, and Higher Heights wants to ensure that the voices of Black women are at the forefront of these decisions. The suspects in the killing of rapper Young Dolph were arrested earlier this month and charged with first-degree murder. During their first two appearances before a judge, the two declined a court-appointed attorney. Judge Lee Coffee has now given them a week to find representation, Uproxx reports. “If you have a lawyer hired, that’s fine, but as I told you 10 days ago, I cannot allow you to sit in jail week after week, month after month, without a lawyer,” Judge Coffee told Smith and Johnson during the hearing. “If you don’t have a lawyer hired on Feb. 4, I’m going to hire a private attorney to represent both of you all.” We’re kicking off Black History Month in celebration of #BlackTikTok — an industry-defining community that is continuously originating, innovating, and trendsetting. Creators who have inspired the mainstream and continue to drive culture right now. We’re celebrating and honoring #BlackTikTok all month and beyond, with a billboard takeover of the Pendry West Hollywood, new in-app stickers, Black music playlists and TikTok LIVE programming that spotlights Black creators making waves on and off the platform. For the month of February, TikTok will host LIVES that will highlight Black creators, musicians, businesses and organizations. Kicking off on February 4th and every week this month, we will launch a variety of themed programming celebrating those who are making an impact in the entertainment industry and in their community. On February 23rd, TikTok will partner with iHeartRadio for iHeart Living Black!, a LIVE event celebrating Black Music on TikTok and beyond. Hosted by DJ Envy, the LIVE show boasts an all-star lineup of performances from A-List talent, including Lizzo, Big Sean, H.E.R., Lil Durk, Moneybagg Yo, and Ari Lennox, and will feature special appearances from Saweetie, radio personalities like Charlamagne and Angela Yee, actress Niecy Nash, and many more. Tune in on 2/23 @ 5pm PT/8pm ET on @iheartradio to view iHeartLivingBlack and help celebrate the culture. Gearing up for love day, VERZUZ—the streaming series launched by Swizz Beatz and Timbaland—reveals the details for its first-ever Valentine’s Day Special. Two of R&B’s most notorious crooners GRAMMY® Award winner Anthony Hamilton and GRAMMY® Award nominee Musiq Soulchild square off live from Avalon Hollywood in Los Angeles, CA on Tuesday, February 15, 2022. This marks the first appearance by both Hamilton and Music Soulchild, and it also stands out as new territory for the series. On THE REAL airing Monday, January 31, co-hosts Garcelle Beauvais, Adrienne Houghton and Loni Love discuss Garcelle’s fellow “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’” castmate Erika Jayne having to potentially surrender $750,000 worth of diamonds after a bankruptcy trustee alleged they were bought with stolen money. https://i.ytimg.com/vi/c5JqYti-1vg/hqdefault.jpg Jay-Z’s former mentor, rapper Jaz-O, recalled in a recent interview the time Jigga borrowed his gun and used it to shoot his own brother. As reported by Vibe, Jay was 12-years-old when the incident occurred. Speaking to Vlad TV, Jaz-O, explained: “Yeah, I can’t remember, but it was a shot to not fatally wound but just, you know… to be honest, I don’t think he was aiming to really hit him, in his defense.” The incident is documented on the song “You Must Love Me” from Hov’s 1997 album, In My Lifetime, Vol. 1. Jaz-O noted, “And it was my gun.” https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Pzls5R8lu8A/hqdefault.jpg The effort to support young athletes is crucial to their developmental journey, especially during their college career. Under Armour agrees. The Baltimore-based sportswear giant has announced new initiatives to “improve training and access to sports for teenagers, pledging to help millions of youths by 2030,” according to AD AGE. “Under Armour is committed to sports at all levels and will continue providing our innovative products to all athletes, while also continuing to offer events and experiences that recognize and elevate athletes as they work towards their daily goals,” a company spokeswoman said. “We understand that to get to the collegiate level, you need to have access to sport at a young age, which is why we are making this commitment to support more youth athletes on their journey to compete.” The world’s youngest billionaire is reportedly a 9-year-old Black boy from Lagos, Nigeria. As reported by the UK Mirror, Mompha Junior, whose real name is Muhammed Awal Mustapha, is a social media influencer with nearly 27,000 followers on Instagram. The kid owned his first mansion at the age of six and has a fleet of supercars. In one post of a photo captured from his private jet, Mompha Junior wrote, “Never look down on any broke nigga, Real Hustlers go broke but never stay broke ….. Hustlers are different from Ritualists!!! God Bless all Hustlers (Amin).” The kid’s father is Ismailia Mustapha, a multimillionaire who goes by the name Mompha Snr. He often shares photos of his family’s extravagant lifestyle with his 1.1 million followers on Instagram. KnowledgeWorks, a Cincinnati- based national education nonprofit, has named School District of Philadelphia Superintendent William Hite its new CEO and president, effective July 1, The Philadelphia Tribune reports. The leader in education transformation teams up with school districts, state education departments, and education agencies to “imagine, build and sustain vibrant learning ecosystems that allow each student to thrive,” as per its website. Last September, Hite announced that he would not renew his current contract at the end of the 2021-22 school year, according to the outlet. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the school district has long been peppered with financial troubles and may default on a massive $600 million in debt. While it is uncertain why Hite is leaving his post after serving for a decade, the Philadelphia Board of Education said in a statement on Friday that he will remain in his current role with the school district through the end of the school year. “We are grateful for his continued leadership and service to the school district, and we support his ongoing efforts to ensure a safe and consistent school year for the children and families of Philadelphia,” Board President Joyce Wilkerson wrote. “Dr. Hite will be instrumental in the plan to onboard his successor, and we look forward to collaborating with him to support a smooth transition to a new superintendent.” Due to behavior that is inconsistent with our core values, we have ended our professional relationship with GAWVI. This was a tough decision for us because of the level of complexity and because we invest in our artists not just for their talent, but also as brothers and sisters in Christ. This is something we have been processing for over a year and have wrestled with what would be the right way forward. New details that were provided made us realize today’s decision was necessary. We also want our actions to be a reflection of love, care, and concern for those who fail and those who are affected by our failures. Each of us needs God’s grace and we invite you to pray for the families and individuals whose lives are being impacted. This is not a chance to throw anybody away. We continue to hope for restoration to be the outcome. - Reach Records Phoenix Suns’ point guard Chris Paul is putting up points for a Black-owned wine company he has joined as an equity partner. Donae Burston, the founder & CEO of La Fête Wine Co., announced that the 11-Time NBA All-Star has joined as an equity partner. “I’m thrilled to partner with La Fête Wine Company and work with them to continue to grow the business and fulfill their brand vision,” said Paul in a written statement. “I fully support their efforts in creating a better and more equitable society by helping underserved youth, advancing racial justice, and making wine more inclusive.” According to a release, La Fête Wine released its flagship wine, La Fête du Rosé, in May 2019. Nick Cannon revealed that he suffers from insecurity and body image issues that have impacted his sex life during during Wednesday’s episode of his eponymous talk show. The 41-year-old host asked his panel guests including Jersey Shore’s Mike ‘The Situation’ Sorrentino, Marriage Boot Camp star Dr. Ish Major, comedians Chris DeStefano and Rip Micheals, if they have any insecurities in the bedroom. ‘I will tell you off top — I definitely have an insecurity when it comes to being intimate,’ Nick admitted. He continued, ‘I’ve been skinny all my life, therefore I never liked to be completely naked,’ said the ex-husband of Mariah Carey. ‘It’s usually like, I hide under the covers. As much as I boast about being in shape.’ When Micheals explained that he also experiences insecurity during intimate moments, Nick said, ‘Women don’t think about that. That’s when we are at our most vulnerable, when we are making love. Nick Cannon is reportedly expecting his EIGHTH child with the ex-wife of football star Johnny Manziel. As reported by The Blast, Cannon celebrated a gender reveal party with his newest baby mama, Bre Tiesi, and photos from the event in Malibu, California were shared online over the weekend. Cannon and Tiesi are expecting a boy, and the announcement comes a month after he lost his 5-month old son Zen – whom he shared with Alyssa Scott — to brain cancer. This will be Tiesi’s first child and Cannon’s eighth. https://www.instagram.com/jalanda39/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=2922cb19-d61d-4613-8d8a-e7344272982d Jason Lloyd of The Athletic takes a ruthless shot at former Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. after his Los Angeles Rams punched their ticket to the Super Bowl. Odell Beckham Jr. gets to do something the Cleveland Browns never have before in franchise history: Play in a Super Bowl. Beckham left the Browns midway through the season in dramatic fashion. He ended up with the NFC-contending Los Angeles Rams, helping offset their season-ending loss of Robert Woods in the receiving corps. While most people are happy about Beckham finally getting to play in a Super Bowl, Jason Lloyd of The Athletic is not. While Beckham may have left Cleveland on bad terms, now is not the time to dunk on him publicly. Los Angeles will be the second team in a row to host the Super Bowl in its own stadium. The Rams will take on the AFC champion Cincinnati Bengals. Should the Rams protect their home turf, it will be the second Super Bowl championship in franchise history, but only their first since they called Los Angeles home. The Bengals are in the Super Bowl for the third time overall and first since 1988. They are seeking the franchise’s first win. https://omny.fm/shows/stacking-the-box-an-nfl-podcast/chiefs-bills-classic-aaron-rodgers-debate-title-ga Dallas Cowboys fans are highly aware of the “cap hell” accusations hurled annually in the direction of team owner Jerry Jones’ club. Here we go again with the panicky accusations … And here we go again with the already-built-in solution. Quarterback Dak Prescott’s new $160 million deal, signed last spring, is part of the “problem” as presently constructed. But team sources tell CowboysSI.com that part of the construction of the deal, when executed, will give Dallas about $16 million in 2022 cap relief. This is a common bit of craftsmanship as performed by COO Stephen Jones’ “big calculator” people here inside The Star. It is a pre-designed “switch” that can (will) be “flipped.” It requires no renegotiation with Prescott. It requires no sacrifice from Prescott. It requires no approval from Prescott. Broadway’s longest running show, “The Phantom of the Opera,” now has a historic cast member. Emilie Kouatchou is taking over as the show’s first Black leading actress. At just 25 years old, Kouatchou is a part of Broadway history. “You are a first on Broadway. How do you feel?” CBS’ Danya Bacchus asked. https://cbsloc.al/3o1zXdQ The death of a Black teenager whose body was found upside-down in a rolled-up gym mat at his Georgia high school in 2013 was an accident, the local sheriff announced this week, affirming a previous investigation’s finding that there was no evidence of foul play. The teenager, Kendrick Johnson, 17, most likely crawled headfirst into the mat to retrieve a pair of sneakers that he had thrown inside earlier and became trapped, Sheriff Ashley Paulk of Lowndes County said. “It’s a weird accident,” he said on Thursday, one day after he had released a 16-page report that detailed his findings and echoed the ruling made by a previous sheriff in 2013. For years, the case has confounded residents in Valdosta, Ga., a city of about 56,000 in southern Georgia. It inspired a 2021 documentary questioning the findings of law enforcement officials and prompted calls for murder charges by Kendrick’s relatives, who believe he was killed by two white students at Lowndes High School. Federal prosecutors began reviewing the case in 2013 after the family requested a separate investigation. The National Portrait Gallery, public home to the presidential portraits, has named Clive Davis, Ava DuVernay, Venus Williams and Serena Williams among its 2022 honorees for its annual Portrait of a Nation Award. The legendary record producer and music executive, the Oscar-nominated director and recording-breaking athletes-turned-producers will be awarded during the biennial Portrait of a Nation Gala, held on Saturday, Nov. 12. As part of the private event, which will feature a special performance, each honoree will be presented with their award by a person of their choice at the Smithsonian museum in Washington, D.C. The 2022 recipients’ portraits — commissions by notable contemporary artists — will also be on public display from Nov. 10 through Oct. 22, 2023, as part of the institution’s “Recent Acquisitions” exhibition. “These honorees are innovators in their respective disciplines and advocates for social causes who use their voices to care for and lift up others,” Kim Sajet, director of the National Portrait Gallery, said in a statement. “The Portrait of a Nation Award reminds us that history is living and the choices people make have an impact on the nation’s legacy.” #PowerBookII: Ghost star #MichaelRaineyJr. wants to make it clear that Ghost won’t be rising up from the grave: “The n***a died.”? Power fans just can’t get over the legend that was James “Ghost” St. Patrick, who actor #OmariHardwick brilliantly played. The next chapter, Power Book II: Ghost, follows the life and happenings of Ghost’s son Tariq. And while this series is just as compelling and action-packed as its predecessor, watchers just won’t let go of their fan favorite. ?Whether we like it or not, Ghost ain’t coming back, and Rainey Jr. wants fans to understand that. ?“They asking me if Ghost will come back,” said Rainey Jr. during an Instagram Live. “The n***a died. Like, I don’t understand, y’all n****s think this is some fake show where n****s comin’ back from the dead. This is Power. It’s not that s**t. It’s not like when Kanan got set on fire and came back. He ain’t get set on fire, he caught a Figi [gunshot to the face].” https://www.instagram.com/p/CZTIfZ6NABQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=em bed_video_watch_again Rapper Lil Nas X has found himself in hot soup after another rapper alleged that he stole her promotion idea for his album “Montero.” Dana Dentata, a Canadian-born metal rap artist who once modeled for Kim Kardashian, says the “Industry Baby” rapper stole every part of the promotional campaign from her copyrighted video “Pantychrist.” As the release of the controversial album neared, Lil Nas X revealed he was pregnant and would give birth to the album. He created a promotional teaser that showcased a prosthetic pregnant belly. One of the videos was titled “Lil Nas X Gives Birth,” and it went viral, garnering 15 million views on YouTube. According to Dana Dentata, the pregnant prosthetic, format, style, and anything about the promotional video were her ideas. So she shot a cease-and-desist letter to Lil Nas X, demanding he takes down his pregnancy promotional material from social media. In the letter, she stated ‘Lil’ Nas X Gives Birth’ video is “essentially identical to the “Pantychrist“ music video and clearly used the work as its basis.” https://i.ytimg.com/vi/_SAGCe5oWTQ/hqdefault.jpg Last night in the Janet Jackson documentary on Lifetime, she spill the tea on why she and Jermaine Dupri split. In fact, both Janet and Jermaine spoke on their long-ago failed relationship. They were an item from 2000 to 2008. At one point in their relationship, Dupri, who was blazing hot as a record producer, proposed to Janet. Unfortunately, it seems distance played a part in their relationship ending in infidelity. When asked why they split, Janet’s response was: “I had heard he was cheating.” JD admitted that he had been reckless and that being with Janet had attracted even more women. Jackson also said that JD was “constantly working” and that she wasn’t “getting enough from him emotionally.” Naturally, social media had a lot to say about the news Miss Jackson delivered and it was mostly bad for JD. The other thing that Jackson revealed that was much more shocking than the details of her breakup with Dupri was her revelation that she’d spoken to Justin Timberlake just once after their infamous “wardrobe malfunction” incident at the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show and advised him to remain silent. “I don’t want any drama for you,” she recalls advising him. “They’re aiming this at me. If I was you I wouldn’t say anything.” Black-owned boutique hotel is opening in the Haughville neighborhood of Indianapolis this summer to cater to the needs of guests looking for unusual accommodation experiences in the heart of the city. The hotel, Tiny Urban Escapes, is to be built using repurposed shipping containers. According to the hotel’s owner, travelers have grown tired of cookie-cutter hotels and are now seeking trendy and more intimate places to stay. A one-night stay in the suites will cost $179. Each suite will have access to wellness and culinary experiences and on-demand concierge service. The suites will be made using 20-foot high-cube containers. There will be a fifth building named The Scene for dining and events, and it will be made using a 40-foot high-cube container. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Mayor Joe Hogsett on Friday at the Haughville Indianapolis Public Library. https://cbs4indy.com/video/tiny-urban-escapes-breaks-ground-as-citys-first-container-boutique-hotel/7337461/ Who, or what killed Kendrick Johnson? After a second investigation, the question still hangs in the air because no answer has come forth. The Lowndes County, Georgia Sheriff’s Office reopened the case in March. However, the case is now closed. The 17-year-old boy’s body was discovered inside a wrestling mat at Lowndes County High School on Jan. 11, 2013. The federal investigation that started in 2016 has concluded there is ‘insufficient evidence to support federal criminal charges’ according to a CNN report. It has now been ruled an accident by the office of Lowndes County Sherriff. The sheriff, Ashley Paulk, has said in a report there was nothing relating the found body to criminal activity. “Evidence and other information do not produce anything to prove any criminal act by anyone that would have resulted in the death of Kendrick Johnson,” he stated. https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9x40iETsQ2s/hqdefault.jpg The founder of the Evangelical Hillsong Church in Australia, Brian Houston, dropped a bombshell on his worshippers today, announcing he was stepping aside from all church activities while he defends allegations he concealed his father’s child sexual abuse. The pastor for the powerful evangelical church was charged in October last year with one count of concealing the serious indictable offence of another person. Police allege Houston knew from September 1999 that his father Frank Houston had indecently assaulted a male in 1970. Frank Houston was a Pentecostal Christian pastor in the Assemblies of God in New Zealand and Australia. On Sunday, Brian Houston told the church’s congregation that the criminal charge came as a “complete shock” and he intends to “vigorously defend” it but this meant some changes. The woman who leaped to her death from a Midtown high-rise Sunday was former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst, law-enforcement sources told The Post. The 2019 pageant winner and 30-year-old lawyer jumped from the 60-story Orion building at 350 W. 42nd St. around 7:15 a.m. and was found dead in the street below, sources said. “In devastation and great sorrow, we share the passing of our beloved Cheslie,” the former beauty queen’s family said in a statement Sunday. “Her great light was one that inspired others around the world with her beauty and strength. She cared, she loved, she laughed and she shined. “Cheslie embodied love and served others, whether through her work as an attorney fighting for social justice, as Miss USA and as a host on EXTRA,” her family said. “But most importantly as a daughter, sister, friend, mentor and colleague — we know her impact will live on.” Kryst, who lived on the ninth floor of the building, was alone when she jumped and was last seen on a 29th-floor terrace, sources said. A former Miss North Carolina, she won top honors at the 2019 Miss USA pageant, wearing a sparkly winged outfit for the National Costume competition, a nod to Maya Angelou’s “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.” A conservative commentator on Fox News once dismissed Robert Shine Sr. and the impact of the group of Black Christian clergy he led in Philadelphia with a wave of his hand. “They’re not kingmakers,” he said. “They probably lose more than they win.” But that wasn’t how Shine measured the ministers’ witness. That wasn’t how he understood the job. “We represent the kingdom of God,” he told a Philadelphia newspaper in 2002. “We are the voice calling for conscience, appealing to do the right thing.” Shine, who spoke out for “the least and the last and the lost” for more than 40 years, pastored a Black Baptist church in the East Germantown neighborhood for more than 30, and taught pastors and deacons at a Bible institute for more than 20, died at home on January 4. He was 82. Throughout the bitter winter, during rain and snow, Jon Vaughn has alternated between sleeping in a tent or a campervan outside former University of Michigan President Mark Schlissel’s house. A former University of Michigan and NFL football player, Vaughn is one of more than 1,000 people — mostly men — who says they were abused by athletics doctor Robert Anderson, who worked for the university from 1966 to 2003 treating students across sports including football, track, and wrestling. Anderson, who died in 2008, subjected students, 90% of whom were men, to “sexually abusive conduct” and invasive exams, including unnecessary genital and rectal examinations, according to a 2021 independent report commissioned by the university. Many of Anderson’s victims were Black — and survivors say this has played a part in why the abuse was allowed to continue for decades. In his roles at the university, including director of its health service, team physician for the athletic department and a clinical instructor at the university’s medical school, Anderson abused men and women from different racial backgrounds, undergraduate and graduate students, student athletes — including a two-time Super Bowl champion and former world-class wrestler — and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community, the report found. This month the university announced a $490 million settlement with over a thousand victims of Anderson’s alleged sexual abuse, pending approval by the Michigan Board of Regents and the claimants. Michael Phelps’ intersex ex-girlfriend has hit back against the decorated Olympian after he compared transgender women competing against people who are born female to those who use steroids. Speaking to CNN earlier this month, Phelps, 36, was adamant that something needed to be done about current NCAA guidelines that allow transgender swimmer Lia Thomas to compete against swimmers born female. ‘I think this leads back to the organizing committees again because it has to be a level playing field. That’s something that we all need. Because that’s what sports are. For me, I don’t know where this is going to go. I don’t know what’s going to happen.’ Phelps, the most successful and most decorated Olympian of all time with a total of 28 medals, said he simply wants to see fairness across the sport. ‘I believe that we all should feel comfortable with who we are in our own skin, but I think sports should all be played on an even playing field,’ he said. ‘I don’t know what it looks like in the future. It’s hard. It’s very complicated and this is my sport, this has been my sport my whole entire career, and honestly the one thing I would love is everybody being able to compete on an even playing field.’ But now his intersex ex-girlfriend Taylor Lianne Chandler, who was born with male genitalia with no testicles and a uterus but no ovaries, is calling those remarks ‘hypocritical’ and ‘hurtful,’ claiming the decorated athlete has his own inherit advantages due to his size and lung capacity. Manchester United footballer Mason Greenwood has been arrested on suspicion of rape and assault following allegations on social media. Greater Manchester Police said it was made aware of “social media images and videos posted by a woman reporting incidents of physical violence”. It added “we can confirm a man in his 20s has since been arrested on suspicion of rape and assault.” He remains in custody for questioning and inquiries are ongoing. Manchester United earlier said the player would not return to training or matches until further notice. Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to hold talks with Germany, France and Ukraine as NATO fails to take action on the rising conflict in Eastern Europe and President Joe Biden’s announcement on Friday that he would deploy troops ‘in the near term’ without backing from NATO. The blow to NATO and exclusion of America in negotiation talks on the Russian-Ukraine crisis came after Putin accused the U.S. and NATO of ignoring the Kremlin’s ‘fundamental concerns’ over NATO’s growth during a call with French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday. During the call, Putin argued that the West had refused Russians demands of ‘preventing NATO expansion, refusing to deploy strike weapons systems near Russian borders’ and withdrawing allied forces to positions they held in 1997, prior to NATO’s expansion into Eastern Europe, Politico reported. Rather than meet with NATO, Putin has agreed to discuss the issue with the European-led Normandy Format, a grouping that includes France, Germany, Ukraine and Russia. Their meetings center on the cease-fire agreement that the countries brokered in eastern Ukraine in 2015, and it also offers a path to a broader settlement. Afghanistan in 2021 and Ukraine in 2022 stand out for their profound shock and the strategic importance of President Biden’s failure in those two settings. Both are flashpoints in understanding what is fast coming together to be President Biden’s ‘America Last’ foreign policy. In national security, perhaps more than any other area, the impact of a single decision by an American president can be immediately felt and alter the very nature of a policy challenge, if not the broader geopolitical dynamics, as the aftermath of the Afghanistan and Ukraine crises might bring.In such settings, a president’s own judgment and instinct are brought to bear, and the quality of his advisors matters most. Biden and his advisors failed us in Afghanistan and appear to be heading in the same direction in Ukraine, as Putin’s Russia continues to mass military forces for a possible invasion. Unfortunately, the current administration’s view could not be more different from the one we had when President Trump was in the White House. Our America First plan did not mean ‘America Alone,’ but it did mean we would embrace a world view of what was good for America, first, and then how our actions affected the rest of the world. President Trump had the perfect background to marshal our actions, having had none of the baggage of a Washington politico and the needed experience of dealing with risk, profit and loss that his business background offers. Text messages obtained by The Associated Press show Louisiana’s governor was informed within hours of the deadly 2019 arrest of Ronald Greene that troopers engaged in “a violent, lengthy struggle” that ended with the Black motorist’s death. Yet Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards remained publicly quiet as police clung to a much different story: that Greene died from a crash following a high-speed chase. What the governor knew and when have become questions in the federal investigation of Greene’s death. The governor’s spokesperson says he’s not under investigation and that he’s been tight-lipped to avoid impeding the probe. Two south Texas teen brothers are in police custody following the death of their stepfather whom they are alleged to have beaten to death for sexually abusing their half-sister. 18-year olds Christian and Alejandro Trevino, together with their friend Juan Eduardo Melendez, beat the 42-year-old Gabriel Quintanilla and left him in a field in McAllen, where a farmer later discovered his body. Many media reports indicate that the body had what appeared to be severe blunt force trauma to the head when it was found. The investigation was handed over to the Pharr Police Department by McAllen Police Department. Meanwhile, Andy Harvey Jr., the Pharr Police Chief, told Fox News they are working on a press release, which is expected any time. Harvey, in an email, explained that there seems to be some misinformation surrounding this case. Hopefully, the press release will clarify everything. https://i.ytimg.com/vi/lPkw2etHgws/hqdefault.jpg Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady will announce his retirement after 22 seasons, a person with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports’ Mike Jones. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about announcement. The decision comes less than a week after the Buccaneers were eliminated in the divisional playoff round by the Los Angeles Rams. Brady, 44, said after the game that he hadn’t made a decision on retiring and would talk to his family concerning any decision. “I haven’t put a lot of thought into it,” Brady said. “So, you know, we will just take it day by day and kind of see where we are at.” This season, Brady, a three-time NFL MVP, set a career high with 5,316 passing yards and led the league with 43 touchdown passes. Brady hangs up his cleats as the NFL’s greatest champion; winning six Super Bowl titles in 20 years with the New England Patriots and another last season with the Buccaneers. He left New England after the 2019 season in one of the most stunning free agency moves in NFL history, splitting with longtime coach Bill Belichick. Brady ends his career holding NFL records for the most career touchdown passes, passing yards (84,520) and completions (7,263) of any player in history, and his 15 career Pro Bowl nods and five Super Bowl MVP awards stand as all-time bests. His ultimate legacy, however, is likely his winning record, with his seven Super Bowl titles, 243 regular-season wins, 35 postseason wins all unparalleled. After dumping a half-foot of snow on areas from New York City to Maine — creating blizzard conditions in some regions — a powerful winter storm (Kenan) is bringing a mix of more heavy snow and strong winds to the East Coast Saturday. Winter weather will spread from the mid-Atlantic coast to the Northeast coast throughout Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. The conditions are expected to taper off by Sunday as the storm moves into Canada, the NWS said. https://i.ytimg.com/vi/LKUvmLWm3-M/hqdefault.jpg The only criminal trial to arise from the botched police raid that left Breonna Taylor dead began on Friday, as hundreds of potential jurors gathered at a Kentucky courthouse in what activists see as a chance for some measure of justice. Individual questioning of jurors is scheduled to start next week. The former Louisville officer facing trial, Brett Hankison, was not charged in Taylor’s shooting death but is standing trial on three lower-level felony charges for allegedly firing his service weapon wildly into Taylor’s neighbors’ apartments during the March 13, 2020, raid. Whatever the verdict, the trial could leave a bad taste in the mouth of protesters who took to the streets of Louisville for months chanting, “Arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor” as part of racial injustice demonstrations that exploded across the country that year. Officials in #LosAngeles are looking for answers after a Black teen girl’s lifeless body was dumped on the freeway.? In the early morning of Jan. 8, the body of 16-year-old #Tioni Theus was found dumped on a busy off-ramp in L.A. The teen was last seen on Jan. 7 when she was leaving her father’s Compton home on her way to a party. #CNN U.S. reports that the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner determined Tioni died from a gunshot wound to the neck. According to the news outlet, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is leading the investigation.? During a news conference on Wednesday, CHP Assistant Chief Jesus Holguin said someone out there knows something. “There has to be an individual out there that witnessed at least a portion, if not the entirety, of this case. We know that people out there witnessed something that we can follow up on and hopefully get to the bottom of this crime as soon as possible,” said Holguin.? Local leaders in the community are asking the public help. A $110,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Tioni’s killers has been offered; the reward was gathered together by state, county and city officials. https://www.instagram.com/p/CZQijPLL0NA/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Billionaire Robert F. Smith, a native of Denver, might just become the first Black owner of an NFL franchise in the 101 years history of the NFL. He is currently one of the leading bidders for the Denver Broncos, according to a report by Front Office Sports. The sale of the Broncos could net in a whopping $4 billion or even more. That alone would break the record as the wealthiest team sale in the history of U.S. sports. Smith founded Vista Equity Partners in 2000. He still serves as its chairman and CEO. The company had assets worth $86 billion as of last September. According to Forbes, the 59-year-old philanthropist and entrepreneur is worth around $6.7Billion, making him the richest Black American. Other bidders Smith is competing with include Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, John Elway, Peyton Manning, and Brittany Bowlen, who is one of the daughters of the late Pat Bowlen, who was the owner of the Broncos. During a recent episode of the “Daily Show” Noah, who was born in South Africa, reacted to Rogan’s take on the term “Black.” In case you missed it… during a recent podcast interview with conservative YouTuber Jordan Peterson, Rogan made remarks about racial identity and skin tone. At one point during the conversation, the two recalled the time author and academic Michael Eric Dyson described Peterson as a “mean, mad white man” back in 2018. “Depending on who you ask, either you’re a voice of reason and rationality and personal responsibility, or a voice of intolerance and bigotry and anger and hateful. … What did Michael Eric Dyson call you? A mean angry white man?” Rogan said. “Hilarious. You’re not mean at all. That’s what’s dumb about that statement.” https://i.ytimg.com/vi/bJ6SgJNE0sQ/hqdefault.jpg Suspense thriller “Dear Best Friend” is now available on BET and is streaming on BET+. The highly anticipated movie premiere of “Dear Best Friend” boasts an All-Star cast of familiar and new faces, including Asi’ah Epperson, Angel Love, Trina, Andra Fuller, Jeremy Meeks, Vernon Davis, Dennis “LA “White, Ashley Rios, and Genise Shelton. “Dear Best Friend” was written by former football player Deshon Hardy and produced by super film producer Tressa Smallwood’s MegaMind Media. https://i.ytimg.com/vi/1qlJqkV6oCM/hqdefault.jpg Hip-hop artist Kanye West will have to be fully vaccinated if he wants to play concerts in Australia, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Saturday, after media said the performer planned an Australian tour in March. The warning comes just two weeks after tennis superstar Novak Djokovic’s hopes for a Grand Slam title were dashed when a court upheld the government’s decision to cancel his visa over COVID-19 rules and his unvaccinated status. “The rules are you have to be fully vaccinated,” Morrison told a news conference. “They apply to everybody, as people have seen most recently. It doesn’t matter who you are, they are the rules. Follow the rules – you can come. You don’t follow the rules, you can’t.” Morrison’s remarks followed a report on Friday in the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper, citing industry sources, that said West planned to play stadium concerts in Australia in March. Representatives of West, who released his latest album, “Donda”, in July, were not immediately available for comment. read more. The vaccination status of West, a 2020 U.S. presidential candidate, is unknown. In a 2021 interview on social media he said he had received one vaccine dose, but in a 2020 interview with business magazine Forbes, he had called getting vaccinated “the mark of the beast.” Australia, one of the nations most heavily vaccinated against COVID-19, has been battling an explosive wave of infections in the past month driven by the fast-spreading Omicron variant, with about 2 million cases recorded. Until then, it had just 400,000 cases since the pandemic first hit nearly two years ago. Famed crypto investor and rap star Nasir Nas Jones has joined hands with the tech giant Google, Riot Games, Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) and others to raise $20 million for Carry1st, a South African mobile gaming startup company. The company now employs at least 35 people across 18 countries. Some of the games released by Carry1st are Mine Rescue, Football Clash, SpongeBob: Krusty Cook-Off, Match League, among others. Other investors who participated are Konvoy Ventures, TTV Capital, and Avenir. Based in Cape Town, Carry1st serves the gaming needs of the first generation of African smartphone users. Already, it has millions of users across the continent. We’re pleased to join with this world-class group of investors who provide expertise across gaming, fintech, and web3 in addition to capital,” said Cordel Robbin-Coker, co-founder and CEO of Carry1st, a company founded in 2018. Actress/singer Tisha Campbell recently found herself in a very strange situation right of some dark and dangerous looking, Hollywood production. The incident was so harrowing and over the top, Campbell took to social media to tell her story of being on the verge of being scooped up by what she thinks are human traffickers. The hyped-up and emotional actress says she was leaving a building when she asked them for a number to call a taxi. As she explains in very colorful detail, she called the number and a really sketchy vehicle with two equally sketchy-looking men pulled up and the driver told her to get in. She noticed the vehicle was dirty and busted so she told the driver she wouldn’t get in. That’s when he told her to get in the front seat. At this time, the second person in the backseat started motioning his body towards her. Campbell went back inside to the front desk but the man who gave her the number was gone. She spoke to a woman, who informed her that the number he gave her was NOT the usual number they use for taxis. Andrew Jones, a basketball standout at Texas who underwent treatment for leukemia earlier in his college career, will donate a portion of his NIL money to cancer research. Jones announced Friday that he will partner with The V Foundation, created by ESPN in former NC State coach Jim Valvano’s honor, and donate 10% of his name, image and likeness proceeds to the foundation. Jones was diagnosed with leukemia in January 2018. At the time, he was the Longhorns’ leading scorer. While undergoing chemotherapy, Jones missed a significant portion of two seasons. This season, Jones is averaging 10.1 points per game for the Longhorns. “The money donated to the V Foundation played a major part not only in my ability to receive proper treatment but maintain confidence in both my recovery and eventual return to basketball,” Jones said in a statement. “To be able to share my story on how this foundation has impacted my life while paying that forward to future families impacted by cancer is an honor.” Members of the U.S. Olympic Bobsled team pose for a photo before departing on Delta Airlines for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games. Getty Images for USOPCCOVID-19 is already throwing a wrench into plans for Team USA, a week before the 2022 Winter Olympics begin. Multiple members of the United States bobsled and skeleton team have tested positive for the virus, Yahoo Sports reported on Friday night. Bobsledder Josh Williamson announced Wednesday in an Instagram post that he had tested positive for COVID-19 last Sunday, but he is reportedly not the only one. There is at least one other athlete, in addition to multiple coaches and support staff, who tested positive, according to Yahoo. A team official confirmed to the website that there were multiple positive tests but did not specify details. A 35-year-old man has been found guilty of stalking U.S. Open tennis champion Emma Raducanu, British media reported on Saturday. Bromley Magistrates' Court convicted Amrit Magar on Friday after he was captured several times on door camera footage at the 19-year-old player's house in south London, where she lives with her parents. Magar, a former delivery driver, left Raducanu flowers, a love note and a hand-drawn map, picturing his 23-mile (37-km) walk from his house in northwest London to reach her, the court heard, according to the Daily Mail. He will be sentenced by the court next month. Deion Sanders has called attention to NCAA rules around social media activity in recruiting by tweeting at top recruit Shemar Stewart. The Jackson State coach responded to Stewart’s announcement of his top 3 schools being Georgia, Miami and Texas A&M, and his announcement set for Feb. 2, with a statement that Coach Prime’s Tigers should be in the mix as well. Sanders later deleted the tweet, but it was saved by a screenshot. Stewart is 6-foot-6 and 272 pounds from Opa Locka, Florida, and the 5-star is the No. 10 overall prospect and No. 3 defensive lineman in the Class of 2022, according to the 247Sports Composite. The issue for Sanders is it’s against NCAA rules to directly and publicly tweet at recruits. In a first for a high-profile ex-professional athlete, North Carolina A&T freshman golfer J.R. Smith — a retired 16-year NBA guard — has signed with Excel Sports for NIL representation, agent Lance Young told ESPN. Smith, 36, is beginning his second semester for the Aggies, and his emergence as perhaps the most well-known Division I golfer has inspired significant endorsement possibilities that could earn him well into the six figures under the NCAA’s new name, image and likeness legislation. There’s significant NIL interest among golfing equipment and clothing manufacturers and video game companies, Young told ESPN. Smith has expressed a desire to become a bridge to the sport of golf for underrepresented minority groups, and his matriculation as a full-time undergraduate at N.C. A&T — an HBCU in Greensboro, North Carolina — has captured significant attention. Smith has a considerable social media following, too, including 6 million followers on Instagram. Few players have accomplished as much as Patrick Mahomes, so early in his career, and he’s one win away from another unprecedented accomplishment. If the Chiefs beat the Bengals in the AFC Championship Game to advance to Super Bowl LVI, Mahomes will start in his third Super Bowl, and he will be the youngest quarterback in NFL history to start three Super Bowls. There’s no question that Jordan Myers is a hard worker. As a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service, the 29-year-old typically works 12 to 13 hours a day, six days per week. During the business week, Myers works about five hours of overtime each day, and takes on even more on the weekends. Living in Memphis, Tennessee, Myers earns a base salary of around $41,000 per year. But with overtime, he’s able to bring in far more: In 2021, Myers earned over $90,000. Myers’ work ethic is especially impressive to Kevin O’Leary, O’Shares ETFs chairman and judge on CNBC’s “Money Court." “He’s delivering mail for over 12 hours a day. This guy knows how to work hard,” O’Leary says as he watches Myers’ episode of Millennial Money, which was published in November 2021. Most days, Myers walks around 14 miles. He delivers mail to up to 500 houses each day, and because he has a walking route, he’s outside all day, regardless of the weather. “Jordan [Myers] has a strong work ethic, and it’s important to have a work ethic, because it’s a discipline and you work for a reason,” O’Leary says. “You need money to live. No one’s going to take care of you if you don’t take care of yourself.” https://i.ytimg.com/vi/g43DRw1twwQ/hqdefault.jpg “I want to bring hope to the hopeless,” said rapper/singer/songwriter Deshawn White about his “Based on a True Story” Christian/Gospel project that consist of an EP titled “The Trailer: Based on a True Story” and the album “Deshawn White: Based on a True Story.” “Shout-out to Devine Jamz, they help me tell my story to a wider platform.” “I always felt my life was a movie. I’ve stepped over dead bodies – all that,” White pointed out. “The album is like my life, it’s like a movie and like a movie first is the trailer before the movie is released.” https://youtu.be/_y3L1aI4Tlk Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center say there are at least three cases of a new form of omicron, “stealth omicron,” in North Texas. Texas is one of a few states where stealth omicron has been detected. Along with the cases in North Texas, three cases have been identified in Houston. Stealth omicron cases have been found in 40 countries. In the U.S., there are about 100 cases. Stealth omicron is a subvariant of omicron. Why is it called stealth omicron? You cannot identify the type of variant through a PCR test like you can with omicron. Genomic sequencing has to be conducted in a specialized lab to identify the variant, which takes longer. In Denmark, where stealth omicron cases are rapidly increasing, it went from 20% of cases in December, to 45% of cases two weeks ago, and now it’s about 65% of cases. “It’s moving fast, it’s taking over the landscape,” said Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, infectious disease specialist at University of California San Francisco. China’s ambassador to the United States issued a warning Thursday: The U.S. could face “military conflict” with China over the future status of Taiwan. In his first one-on-one interview since assuming his post in Washington, D.C., last July, Qin Gang accused Taiwan of “walking down the road toward independence,” and added, “If the Taiwanese authorities, emboldened by the United States, keep going down the road for independence, it most likely will involve China and the United States, the two big countries, in a military conflict.” It was an unusually direct statement about the U.S. and Taiwan. Observers say China more commonly speaks in more general terms, such as saying that the U.S. is “playing with fire.” Though American eyes may be focused thousands of miles away toward a threatened war in Ukraine, U.S. officials and analysts have voiced increasing concern about Taiwan’s ability to defend itself. This week, 39 Chinese military aircraft flew near Taiwan, the latest of several such demonstrations. It’s widely believed that the U.S. would defend Taiwan in the event of war, though no formal treaty requires it to do so. Ambassador Qin spoke of Taiwan at his official residence Thursday, where he welcomed NPR’s team to discuss U.S. relations with China and the upcoming Winter Olympics in Beijing. He is a veteran diplomat who previously served as the chief of foreign affairs protocol for China’s President Xi Jinping. The Biden administration has allegedly canceled $15 billion in student loan debt, according to a press release from the Department of Education. According to the report, more than 675,000 borrowers have benefited from Biden’s loan forgiveness. Per the Education Data Initiative, over 43 million Americans still owe $1.75 trillion, or roughly $40,000 per student loan recipient. Late last year, Biden extended the pause on student loan debt payments until at least May 2022. “Given these considerations, today my Administration is extending the pause on federal student loan repayments for an additional 90 days—through May 1, 2022—as we manage the ongoing pandemic and further strengthen our economic recovery,” he wrote, as reported by Complex. “Meanwhile, the Department of Education will continue working with borrowers to ensure they have the support they need to transition smoothly back into repayment and advance economic stability for their own households and for our nation.” A bridge has collapsed this Friday morning in Pittsburgh just hours before President Biden was scheduled to visit the city to talk about infrastructure. Around 6:50 a.m. Eastern, the city of Pittsburgh’s Public Safety Department tweeted there had been a confirmed bridge collapse in the area of Forbes and Braddock and that authorities were on scene: “There’s a bridge collapse in Pittsburgh. There is a strong smell of natural gas in the area. Please avoid if at all possible.” In a second update, the department tweeted, “Gas line has been cut. Updates on injuries will be provided once PIO is on the scene. Red Cross has been contacted for victim assistance.” A local area news station, “@KDKA, tweeted photos from the incident. Videos posted by local outlets also show the major damage. https://www.instagram.com/p/CZRrjWxqoEI/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Three Houston police officers were shot Thursday afternoon by a suspect who fled, carjacked a white Mercedes and barricaded himself in a home for several hours before being taken into custody, authorities said. Houston police said that the officers are all in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries. They are being treated at Memorial Hermann Hospital. One officer was hit in the arm, another was hit in the leg and the third officer was shot in the foot, the police said. The woman who was driving the Mercedes was unharmed. The family of Ahmaud Arbery, a Black jogger who was chased by three white men in pickup trucks and gunned down in south Georgia in 2020, says that the men's federal hate crimes trial will do what the state court did not - reckon with race. The three men - a father and son and their neighbor - were convicted last November in a Brunswick, Georgia state court of murdering Arbery, 25, and sentenced to life in prison. "That's not enough," said Arbery's father, Marcus Arbery, who believes issues of race raised in the new trial may have an impact beyond the courtroom. "My son isn't coming back," but "maybe it'll save another Black son," he said. Civil rights activists say the new trial, which begins on Feb. 7, is a key moment in the country's reckoning with racial injustice. Arbery's murder was another example of deadly violence being used against a Black man, they say. Gregory McMichael, 66, a former police officer, his son Travis McMichael, 36, and William "Roddie" Bryan, 52, are each charged with interference with rights, a hate crime which carries a maximum of life in prison. All are also charged with attempted kidnapping, and the McMichaels face gun violations. All three have pleaded not guilty to all charges. Their attorneys have declined to comment to Reuters. Charity auditors have expressed alarm at the management of Black Lives Matter’s $60 million in donations, after it emerged that people announced as leading the organization never took up the role, and no one seemed able to say who was handling the finances. The most recent tax filing for the charity, from 2019, gives an address in Los Angeles that does not exist, and the two remaining BLM directors identified by The Washington Examiner were not able to assist – with one even scrubbing BLM associations from his social media after he was contacted by the paper. They are yet to file a 2020 return, a Form 990, as required – which could see BLM fined by the IRS. Laurie Styron, executive director of CharityWatch, said the findings were deeply troubling, and said they should have filed their 2020 form by now. Camrin Williams, aka C Blu, was locked up in Brooklyn on gun and assault charges for shooting Officer Kaseem Pennant (right), 27, just a week earlier in the Bronx. Williams was arrested after officers responded to reports of unrest on January 18. He refused when officers asked him to take his hands out of his pockets and got into a scrap with the cops. During the battle, a gun Williams – identified as a member of a subset of the Crips – was holding fired and a single bullet struck and wounded Pennant and hit Williams in the groin. Williams, who is already on probation for a 2020 gun possession arrest, posted $250,000 bond to get out of the juvenile facility on Thursday, reportedly with an advance on his contract with Interscope Records. A man who spent nearly 20 years in prison for murder has been released after his identical twin brother confessed to the crime. Kevin Dugar was freed from the Cook County Jail in Chicago on Tuesday night after a motion for bond was granted, his lawyer, Ronald Safer, told The Post. “He is overjoyed to be free but is also adjusting to a world that is quite different from the world he left 20 years ago when he was arrested for this crime he did not commit,” the attorney said Thursday. Dugar had spent the last two decades in prison after being convicted in the 2003 fatal shooting of a rival gang member. But the case was called into question when his twin brother, Karl Smith, came forward in 2016 to issue the stunning confession that he was responsible for the deadly shooting. Four teenagers have been shot in less than 48 hours in Buffalo, and the community is reeling. Tuesday afternoon, a 17-year-old girl was shot and killed in a house on Koons Avenue, reports WKBW. A 19-year-old man was also shot. Then, at about 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, a 15-year-old boy was shot on Grider Street. Police said the shooting occurred inside a home. 22 hours later, a 17-year-old girl was shot inside her home on Jefferson Avenue. Police said shots were fired outside the girl’s home, hitting her when she was inside. Police don’t believe the shootings were connected. “It’s very concerning when we have juveniles being shot. The unfortunate thing is there are a great number of those cases where they are targeted due to some activities they are involved with. We certainly have some cases of crossfire where they’re too close to other events going on,” Buffalo Police Deputy Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia said. https://i.ytimg.com/vi/st-HGVMahGc/hqdefault.jpg Two 76ers fans were tossed out of their court side adjacent seats at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center Thursday after hurling a racially offensive term at Los Angeles Lakers star Carmelo Anthony. During a stoppage in play in the fourth quarter, Anthony had heard enough and stepped to the two fans to address their chirping. A ref quickly intervened, and the officials and security eventually escorted the men out. https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ciWr6VAkEr0/hqdefault.jpg ABC’s new primetime comedy, “Abbott Elementary” has made history as the network’s first comedy “quadruple its ratings” since its premiere. The Quinta Brunson created series debuted in December, and per ABC’s metrics, the show received a 0.6 rating in their target demographic, with only 2.71 million viewers watching, per Deadline. https://twitter.com/i/status/1487093186250088450 Hollywood actor Mel Gibson has stated that the Catholic Church needs to undergo “housecleaning,” after being mired in scandal over the years. The Catholic Church has faced a number of unflattering headlines recently, most prominently for its record of handling sexual abuse cases. And The Passion of the Christ director Gibson, who was raised a Sedevacantist traditionalist Catholic, believes a clean-up behind the scenes would greatly help the image of the church. Sedevacantists believe that since the death of Pope Pius XII in 1958 (or, in some cases, the death of Pope John XXIII in 1963) subsequent popes have been neither true Catholics nor true popes, but rather heretics because they espoused Modernism. In an interview with Extra host Billy Bush, Gibson was asked if his decision to team up with fellow Catholic Mark Wahlberg for the upcoming faith-themed biopic Father Stu was part of an effort to “get back to the good” of the church. “Back to basics,” Gibson, 66, responded. “Of course, it’s lamentable all the stuff that’s gone on. Like any institution, it’s capable of being corrupt. And, you know, it is sad to see, but as always, I don’t think it’s the institution that’s at fault. In an interview with The Associated Press, Susanna Mälkki, after conducting the New York Philharmonic in a challenging program the day before the January 6 performance, said the following: “Of course, it’s always an honor to be mentioned in this kind of context. It’s really, really fun to be with the orchestra. But the `l’actualité,' as they say in French: This something that the orchestra will take their time. They will try out a lot of people.” Mälkki brought a “focused energy” to the podium, said Leelanee Sterrett, the acting associate principal horn. Sterrett called it “one of those performances where in the concert everything was kind of taken up a notch, dialed up a notch.” Mälkki is among five woman conductors at the Met this season. She is one of 21 to lead the Philharmonic, including four so far this season. TOUCHBBCA and Breastcancer.org announced the upcoming launch of When We Tri(al), a movement dedicated to empowering and educating Black women on the importance of clinical trial participation. The movement aims to change the devastating breast cancer mortality rates for Black women, who are 41% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women. Black women are drastically underrepresented in clinical trials; only 3% of clinical trial participants leading to FDA approval of cancer drugs between 2008 and 2018 were Black. The consequences are dire: too many Black women are missing out on access to newly emerging and often life-extending treatments. Until more Black women are included in the research, they will continue to face worse breast cancer outcomes. When We Tri(al) is focused on the urgent need to end these disparities. Wendy Williams is not returning to host her namesake talk show, as her health-related hiatus has been extended. As reported by PEOPLE, “The Wendy Williams Show” announced a lineup of celebrity guest hosts for the entire month of February: Michael Rapaport, Sherri Shepherd, Fat Joe, Remy Ma, Bevy Smith and Terrence J. Rapper Fat Joe and Remy Ma will co-host through Feb. 7 – 11, Smith and Terrence J will team up between Feb. 14 – 18 and Shepherd will return as co-host between Feb. 21 – 25, per the report. A source close to “The Wendy Williams Show” revealed to The Sun that Williams has also stopped talking to production staffers. The insider said: “She hasn’t been talking to anybody, not producers, not senior producers- no one. She has disappeared and the only line of contact production has is through her manager.” https://www.instagram.com/wendyshow/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=df5d5122-8f73-4f13-8998-8dbfad9c24b2 Singer Chris Brown is back in the headlines for his alleged violence towards women. Brown has been hit with another sexual assault allegation and the accuser has hit him with a $20 million dollar lawsuit. According to the suit, the woman claims she also felt “disoriented, physically unstable, and started to fall in and out of sleep” … and that’s when she says Chris led her into a bedroom while she was “drugged” and “half-asleep.” In the docs, the woman claims Chris closed the bedroom door, barring her attempt to leave, removed her bikini bottoms and started kissing her. She says she mumbled for Chris to stop, but he persisted and raped her. After Brown ejaculated inside her, he announced he was “done,” and the next day he texted her and “demanded she take Plan B,” the outlet writes and she complied. The woman is suing the artist for $20 million claiming she is suffering from severe emotional distress. Nicki Minaj and her husband Kenneth Petty are reportedly facing yet another lawsuit for allegedly physically assaulting one of their security personnel. The incident stems from a March 2019 show in Germany where Nicki allegedly became irate with a female security staffer over a male concertgoer getting onstage during her performance. Thomas Weidenmuller, head of security, decided to step in when the guard started crying after the rapper was yelling and calling her a “f**king bitch.” Per the report, Nicki turned her anger towards Weidenmuller and he claims she threw a shoe at him but missed. According to his lawsuit, Petty punched him in the face and broke his jaw. Weidenmuller allegedly recorded the interaction. According to the report, Weidenmuller is seeking an unspecified amount in damages, as well as coverage of his medical bills. In the Arizona desert, a new school model has Black parents driving across city lines to drop their children off each morning. Frustrated with what they say is their public schools’ failure to provide quality education and nurturing environments for Black children and fearing the persistent school to prison pipeline, a group of mothers, many public school teachers, have created a network of their own schools. Launched mid-pandemic just one year ago, the mothers’ goal is to grow the seven microschools into 50. “We could be advocating 24/7, and still not make the impact that we wanted to see. So, what do you do, do you go charter? Do you try to keep working in the public school system? Nope, nope, not us. We said, well, we can do it ourselves,” said Debora Colbert, executive director of the Black Mothers Forum, a Phoenix-based parent advocacy group. In mixed-grade classes, students learn at their own pace and are guided by two teachers. Restorative discipline techniques, not punitive strategies, are the norm. The Weeknd has reportedly dethroned Justin Bieber on Spotify — becoming the #1 artist with the most monthly listeners on the music app. As reported by TMZ, The Weeknd has about 85.6 million streams on the platform. Biebs had been holding the top spot since last year, when he claimed the top spot at 83.3 mil. Dr. Robin Holmes-Sullivan’s professional journey has been marked down in history as she now steps into a role she never expected. According to the college, after a six-month national search, Holmes-Sullivan will be the first woman and the first person of color to serve as Lewis & Clark’s 26th president in the college’s 155-year history. Holmes-Sullivan was a top choice of all three deans and President Wim Wiewel, out of more than 100 applicants. According to the college, her accomplishment is a product of the continuous support she receives from the faculties of all three schools. “I am humbled and thrilled at the opportunity to serve as Lewis & Clark’s next leader,” Holmes-Sullivan said in a press release statement. “I have the utmost respect and admiration for our students, staff, and faculty.” Last year, recording artist and philanthropist Ciara connected with Meta to support small Black-owned businesses. Due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic and the impact on small businesses, Ciara committed to assisting Black entrepreneurs by nominating 10 enterprises to receive one-on-one mentorship from Meta. Now the singer has announced those 10 businesses. “The 10 businesses I’ve nominated are dear to me because they embody determination, community, empathy, and empowerment,” said Ciara in a written statement. “The success of Black-owned small businesses is key to wealth building in our community, which is why connecting Black owners to these opportunities is so important to me.” The small businesses taking part in the program to receive one-on-one marketing mentorship from Meta Elevate include: Round House Paper, Nicole Grace Collection, The Coil Brush, Boss Branding on a Budget, Aliyah Kamala Enterprises, The Self Care Suite, Manifest It, Sis, For Our Daughters Beauty, Kyra’s Shea Medleys, and Zion’s Greek Boutique. Not even a full day into his tenure as the general manager of the Minnesota Vikings, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is already “deeply involved” in the team’s search for its next head coach, according to co-owner Mark Wilf. Speaking at his introductory news conference Thursday, Adofo-Mensah reiterated that the conversations he has had regarding candidates are only in the beginning stages but that the direction the franchise wants to go in is clear. “We know what we want to find,” Adofo-Mensah said. “We want leadership, we want somebody who is going to value the collective over the individual, we want somebody who has a vision, who can communicate, who has a solid football foundation, who understands how football is interconnected and what that means. That’s been our focus in these last few days honing in on what we want. In terms of specific names, we’re going to meet after this and talk about that further.” The Vikings’ search has been narrowed down to six candidates after sources confirmed to ESPN that the Denver Broncos had hired Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett as head coach and Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn withdrew his name from head-coaching searches, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Dianna Russini. When Gatorade told Shedeur Sanders he would be the first college football athlete to sign a name, image and likeness (NIL) deal with the national brand, he was at a loss for words.Sanders has been a part of other NIL deals with big brands, including Beats by Dre and famed quarterback Tom Brady’s new apparel line, but being the first to represent an iconic athletic sports drink, and to do it at a historically Black college and university (HBCU), meant Sanders’ plan was working.He’s proud to represent these companies, but he considers his path — playing quarterback for his father, head coach Deion Sanders at Jackson State – a movement to help others around him and to continue making noise on a nontraditional route. “This whole HBCU thing that’s going on right now is bringing national attention,” Sanders said. “We got players from Power 5 actually coming to HBCU schools now, it wasn’t like that a couple years ago, so it’s just really exciting to see that competition will go up. Everything’s going to go up, and honestly, other players in HBCUs should get deals also.” A Minnesota gymnast earned herself a perfect 10 and viral fame after nailing her incredible floor routine set to an instrumental medley of songs from Beyoncé’s Homecoming. Mya Hooten, 19, wowed the judges with her flawless performance on Monday night when the University of Minnesota Gophers faced off against the University of Michigan Wolverines. Mya Hooten, 19, wowed the judges with her flawless performance on Monday night when the University of Minnesota Gophers faced off against the University of Michigan Wolverines. https://youtu.be/x6aH8rujEJA American skiing prodigy Kai Owens has made the U.S. Olympic team, giving the 17-year-old athlete the opportunity to return to her birth country of China and compete for America in the Beijing 2022 Winter Games. Owens was abandoned as an infant at a town square in China before she was adopted when she just 16 months old by a Colorado couple, Amy and John Owens. Now, the blossoming moguls standout said she’s excited to return to China as she hopes to win a gold medal for Team USA in the freestyle competition that features lots of bumps and requires sharp turns and skills. She’s currently sponsored by Toyota, Oakley and Rocky Mountain Vision Group in Colorado. Now, the blossoming moguls standout said she’s excited to return to China as she hopes to win a gold medal for Team USA in the freestyle competition that features lots of bumps and requires sharp turns and skills. She’s currently sponsored by Toyota, Oakley and Rocky Mountain Vision Group in Colorado. ‘It becomes full circle when I step off that plane in China,’ Owens told The Associated Press on Friday after it was announced that she made the Olympic team. ‘When my skis touch the snow in China, it’s going to be a really special moment for me because I get to ski in the Olympic Games in my birth country. It’s crazy how life works.’ ‘It becomes full circle when I step off that plane in China,’ Owens told The Associated Press on Friday after it was announced that she made the Olympic team. ‘When my skis touch the snow in China, it’s going to be a really special moment for me because I get to ski in the Olympic Games in my birth country. It’s crazy how life works.’ Owens’ celebration draws parallels to Californian skier Eileen Gu, 18, a fellow Chinese-born athlete, who turned her back on Team USA to compete for China, who is hosting the Winter Olympics in Beijing next month. The New York Giants fired Coach Joe Judge a day after general manager Dave Gettleman retired. There was speculation that Gettleman and others would hire a new general manager who would decide Judge’s fate. Co-owners John Mara and Steve Tisch said they felt it was best for the Giants to move in another direction after five straight seasons of double-digit losses. There was no doubt the Giants played hard under Judge. They never gave up. They just didn’t win enough, especially this season which was marked by at least a dozen season-ending injuries. The Giants did not seem to be one under Judge’s leadership. Judge demanded his players comply with the rules. Everything had to go his way. The Giants have already put together a list of nine GM candidates they plan to interview. President Joe Biden reportedly told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday to brace his country for a certain Russian invasion. Biden told Zelensky that an invasion is virtually certain and to ‘prepare for impact,’ CNN reported. He said Kiev could be ‘sacked’ by Russian forces. He reportedly said Ukraine would not be getting significantly more military help, including reiterating that no U.S. troops would be deployed there, nor would there be preemptive sanctions on Russia or any progress with NATO. The warning was not part of a White House readout provided after the call. Rihanna is giving the people what they want: five Savage X Fenty brick-and-mortar stores across the U.S. Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Houston, Philadelphia, and Washington DC residents, you’re the lucky ones to get to experience this first in 2022. The singer-turned-mogul announced the news on her Instagram. “2022, we coming in HOT!” she wrote. “We bout to bring you a whole new #SavageXFenty experience with the launch of our brick-and-mortar retail stores! can’t believe it’s actually that time, and I can’t wait for you to have this experience irl….” http://www.gospel-spotlight.com Rumors that The Weeknd and Angelina Jolie are dating have been circulating for months now. Both have remained mum on the subject, but did The Weeknd just confirm their relationship in his new song? Some fans are convinced. The new track, titled “Here We Go... Again”—off his new album, Dawn FM—contains lyrics talking about a “movie star.” And some think the “movie star” in question is Jolie. “And my new girl, she a movie star/My new girl, she a movie star,” The Weeknd sings on the track. “I loved her right, make her scream like Neve Campbell/But when I make her laugh, swear it cures my depressin' thoughts/'Cause baby girl, she a movie star/Baby girl, she a movie star/I told myself that I'd never fall/But here we go again.” “my new girl, she a movie star” me: ang—angelina jolie?" one fan tweeted. https://open.spotify.com/track/1NhjYYcYTRywc0di98xHxf?si=6e69ecc10b2045d5 Sinead O’Connor’s 17-year-old son, Shane O’Connor, died after he went missing earlier in the week, the Irish singer announced on Twitter Friday. “My beautiful son, Nevi’im Nesta Ali Shane O’Connor, the very light of my life, decided to end his earthly struggle today and is now with God,” she tweeted. “May he rest in peace and may no one follow his example. My baby. I love you so much. Please be at peace.” The death was confirmed by O’Connor’s management company. “Regrettably, we can confirm that Sinead’s son Shane has indeed passed. We would politely ask that the utmost respect and compassion be observed at this most difficult time for Sinead and family,” 67 Management said in a statement on Saturday. Shane had apparently been on suicide watch at a hospital in Dublin, according to tweets posted on Sinead O’Connor’s personal Twitter account. The singer blamed the hospital for letting the teen “out of their grasp.” “This is a message for my son, Shane. Shane, it’s not funny any more all this going missing. You are scaring the crap out of me. Could you please do the right thing and present yourself at a Gardai station,” she wrote. “If you are with Shane please call the Gardai for his safety.” In another message, Sinead O’Connor pleaded with her son not to harm himself. “Shane, your life is precious. God didn’t chisel that beautiful smile on your beautiful face for nothing,” she tweeted. “My world would collapse without you. You are my heart. Please don’t stop it from beating. Please don’t harm yourself. Go to the Gardai and let’s get you to hospital.” Ralph Neely, dubbed “one of the first great offensive linemen in team history,” died Jan. 5, according to the Dallas Cowboys. He was 78 years old. The team did not say what caused his death. Neely, who was born Sept. 12, 1943 in Little Rock, Arkansas and raised in Farmington, New Mexico, played his entire career with the Cowboys. Before Neely came to Dallas, he played college football for the Oklahoma Sooners from 1962-64 under head coaches Bud Wilkinson and Gomer Jones. He joined the Cowboys as a starter in 1965 and played for 13 years, wearing the No. 73 jersey. After spending the first five years of his career at right tackle, Neely moved to the left side, where he played for the rest of his career. Ross Browner, former Cincinnati Bengals defensive end, has died. He was 67. Browner’s death was confirmed by his son, former NFL offensive lineman Max Starks, who shared the news of his father’s death on Twitter Wednesday. “It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my Father, Ross Browner,” Starks wrote. “The world has lost a Titan, @CFBHOF [College Football Hall of Fame] member, @Bengals Legend, but he was most proud of being an @NDFootball [Notre Dame Football] alumnus. Our hearts are heavy but he is at peace now.” As one of the highest-earning actresses in television, Angela Bassett is speaking out about being paid fairly in the industry. “Now, it’s good to be paid. That is one thing that I’ve said to myself since early on in my career. I mean, I literally would say, ‘I want to work in roles that can change me and change the conversation. I want to work consistently. And I want to be paid fairly,’” the actress explained in an interview with InStyle magazine published Wednesday. https://i.ytimg.com/vi/JYh5Ft3a_yc/hqdefault.jpg Antonio Brown has revealed that he was asked to play hurt against the Jets, and a big spat with Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians led to him leaving MetLife Stadium the way he did. After that revelation, Brown found a new supporter in former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III. Taking to Twitter, Griffin said that he’s seen a lot of differing opinions on what led to Brown’s actions on Sunday. But he believes that the message of being forced to play hurt is being lost because of who Brown is. “A lot of people have opinions on Antonio Brown. His Mental State. His infamous exit from the field. His complaints about good customer service. But his message of being forced to play hurt or else is being lost because of who the messenger is,” Griffin wrote. Brown asserted in a statement that he was dealing with an injured ankle but was ordered to keep playing by Arians. When he refused, Arians effectively told him he was done, at which point Brown ripped off his pads and undershirt and dramatically left the stadium. According to DailyMail, Antonio Brown snuck an Only fans model into his hotel room the night before he stormed off the field in the middle of the Buccaneers game. The model that claims Brown snuck her in his room went viral on TikTok previously for licking a toilet seat. Reports say, Brown, 33, snuck the lingerie model Ava Louise into his hotel room despite the NFL’s covid precautions. Blonde Louise, who first was known in 2020 after she recorded herself licking a toilet seat in a skit to catch Covid, shared with the Daily Mail.com that she spent an hour with the Bucs wide receiver and got past security to join Brown and filmed pornographic sex videos. https://www.instagram.com/p/CYaJDjTqJba/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Baker Mayfield calls report that he and head coach Kevin Stefanski aren’t seeing eye to eye, and that he may request a trade “clickbait”. Chris Broussard explains why he doesn’t mind Baker pushing back at the media, but advises him to do it with ‘more class’. Plus, if there’s any truth to Baker looking for a trade, Broussard lays out why Baker may get his feelings hurt by what’s waiting for him on the market. https://youtu.be/jMCc-DGNKzA Ambulances in Kansas speed toward hospitals then suddenly change direction because hospitals are full. Employee shortages in New York City cause delays in trash and subway services and diminish the ranks of firefighters and emergency workers. Airport officials shut down security checkpoints at the biggest terminal in Phoenix and schools across the nation struggle to find teachers for their classrooms. The current explosion of omicron-fueled coronavirus infections in the U.S. is causing a breakdown in basic functions and services — the latest illustration of how COVID-19 keeps upending life more than two years into the pandemic. U.S. labor board prosecutors are trying to violate Whole Foods Market’s copyright and constitutional rights by forcing it to let employees wear “Black Lives Matter” masks at work, the Amazon.com Inc. subsidiary claims. In a Dec. 17 filing with the National Labor Relations Board, Whole Foods denied the agency general counsel’s allegations that the company violated federal labor law by banning employees from wearing “Black Lives Matter” insignia and punishing staff around the country who did. The filing is a response to the labor board’s accusation that by prohibiting Black Lives Matter messages at work, the company interfered with employees’ rights under the National Labor Relations Act to engage “in concerted activities for their mutual aid and protection.” Whole Foods counters that it’s the one whose rights are being violated. The company’s filing, obtained via a Freedom of Information Act request, accuses the labor board’s general counsel, Jennifer Abruzzo, of trying to unconstitutionally “compel” speech by Whole Foods in violation of its First Amendment rights. The upscale grocer also accuses her of “unlawfully infringing upon and/or diluting WFM’s protected trademarks” by trying to mandate that it allow the display of a “political message in conjunction with” its trademarked uniforms and logos. The New York Police Department’s first black female commissioner has slammed newly elected Manhattan district attorney’s policy ordering prosecutors to downgrade serious crimes because it endangers the lives of New Yorkers – and puts police officer’s lives at risk. Newly appointed commissioner Keechant Sewell sent an email to NYPD officers on Friday saying she’s concerned about the effects of DA Alvin Bragg’s sweeping changes, which include ditching felony armed robbery charges and instead charging suspects with petty larceny – even when a weapon is involved if the firearm did not ‘create a genuine risk of physical harm.’ In a memo sent to his staff, Bragg announced that he will ‘not seek carceral’ sentences for criminals, unless they were guilty of murder or a handful of other crimes he deemed serious enough to warrant prison. ‘I have studied these policies and I am very concerned about the implications to your safety as police officers, the safety of the public and justice for the victims,’ Sewell wrote in the email obtained by the New York Post. Sewell wrote that among her biggest concerns included Bragg’s refusal to prosecute resisting arrest charges unless they part of a larger felony case. A 32-year-old Black veteran and father of three was shot and killed in Fayetteville, North Carolina, this week after a road rage confrontation with a white father and son riding in a pickup truck ended with the motorcyclist being shot in his chest. Stephen Addison was shot by 51-year-old Roger Dale Nobles Sr. as the biker argued with Roger Dale Nobles Jr. on Monday, Jan. 3. Police state Nobles Sr. fired at Addison from the driver’s seat on the inside of his 1992 Chevrolet pickup after his son got out of the vehicle at a stoplight to confront Addison. A bystander shot a video of the confrontation and sent it to local station WRAL. Shot from a distance, the footage only shows Noble Jr. standing outside of the passenger side of the truck and then walking toward Addison. The two appear to be arguing when the shotgun blast comes from the pickup. The video does not record the argument. After Addison falls to the ground from the blast, Nobles Jr. walks away without assisting him. Police and Cumberland County sheriff’s deputies later located Nobles Sr. at his home. After presenting him with a warrant, he and his son were apprehended. Nobles Sr. admitted to shooting Addison, authorities say. One neighbor said, “They put them in handcuffs, and then it went from there. They started searching the truck.” https://i.ytimg.com/vi/tviTN-oCVO8/hqdefault.jpg A lawsuit seeking to hold a former Collier County sheriff’s deputy accountable for the 2004 disappearance of a Naples man was denied on appeal Wednesday. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, whose firm is representing Terrance Williams’ family, said his team is pursuing other avenues for justice, including sharing information with the U.S. Department of Justice in hopes the agency will open a federal investigation. Terrance Williams was 27 when he disappeared on Jan. 12, 2004, after witnesses saw him get into Steven Calkins’ patrol car in North Naples. Marcia Williams, the mother of Terrance Williams, sued Calkins in a 2018 wrongful death action on behalf of her son’s estate and four children. But the Collier County suit came to an abrupt close in 2021 after Crump’s team missed a deadline to file for trial. Marcia Williams appealed to a Florida appellate court. https://www.naplesnews.com/videos/news/local/2018/09/04/video-tyler-perry-gives-update-case-missing-men/1195855002/ An eighth-grade Livonia Public Schools student who allegedly posted a video that is circulating on social media threatening to kill Black people while he held a gun is no longer in school and was visited by police at home, school officials said on Friday. The nine-second video shows the Emerson Middle School student holding a handgun and saying: “I am ready for the n——. Gonna kill them now because I want a lawsuit right now mother——.” As he speaks, the student adds a magazine to the weapon and racks the slide as if to load the weapon. A Confederate flag hangs on a wall behind him. Livonia police Lt. Charles Lister said his department was notified of the Snapchat video on Dec. 23 and made a visit to the child’s home that day. The gun shown in the video, which is a BB gun or airsoft gun, was confiscated, Lester said. Lester said the video, which was first posted in May, is “reprehensible” but it is not clear it violates any laws. “We currently have an open investigation. We are working with Livonia Public Schools,” Lester said. “At this point, we don’t believe we have anything that rises to the level of criminal activity to submit a warrant request to the prosecutor’s office.” A dozen Black lawmakers and leaders from metro Detroit sued Michigan’s redistricting commission Wednesday, arguing that recently approved state legislative and congressional maps are racially discriminatory and violate the Voting Rights Act. The group is asking the Michigan Supreme Court to order the commission to draw new boundaries that keep “minority-majority” districts intact. The new maps eradicate 17 of the 19 predominantly Black districts in Congress, the state Senate and the state House. “The new voting district maps drawn by the Commission will thwart the Black Civil Rights Movement that this nation is famous for; that this nation is proud of,” attorney Nabih H. Ayad wrote in the suit. “Should this Court not stop the Defendant from implementing their Plans, the Black voters of Michigan will be cast backwards in time to the days before Civil Rights heroes like Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks led the fight for the representation that Detroiter’s currently have. The community of interest that is the Detroit Black community, will go from one that can unite to become powerful enough to win the United States presidency for their chosen candidate to one that cannot even elect state congresspersons and senators; no matter what their voter turnout.” Without predominantly Black districts, the lawsuit argues, African Americans will lose representation in Congress and the state Legislature. An N.C. State University professor, inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, says museums and researchers should change how they treat Black people and their remains. Ann Ross, a forensic anthropologist who has worked on many cold cases in North Carolina, teaches biological sciences at N.C. State. She and lead author Shanna Williams at the USC School of Medicine Greenville wrote “Ethical dilemmas in skeletal collection utilization: Implications of the Black Lives Matter movement on the anatomical and anthropological sciences.” The article was published in The Anatomical Record last month. “It’s a call to have that conversation,” Ross said in an interview. “These collections — that [forensic researchers] use a lot and have been using, you know, for training and everything — most of them were acquired by dubious means.” In anatomical and anthropological research, skeletal remains are key in and out of the classroom. They are used for training and to study how human societies and their bodies have changed. But Ross and Williams say many of these remains have been collected without consent, in ethically dubious ways, or to advance explicitly racist anthropological theories. “We’re at this tipping point where this discussion of race, and ancestry, and identity really has come to the forefront,” Williams said. “There’s always been those kind of rumblings, but now there’s more of a willingness to face or, perhaps more appropriately, a demand to face these types of issues.” Sabrina Lima said her mom, a nurse, inspired her to pursue a career as a doctor. “I’ve been on medical missionary trips with her, so seeing her in medicine — she’s this amazing woman,” she said. “I just love how she serves others, and I want to serve people in a similar way.” Lima, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, began classes at the Tufts Medical School in the fall. She is part of a small group of Black students pursuing careers as physicians, though that number is increasing as schools adopt new procedures to attract and reduce barriers for students of color. Among Tufts’ 195-member class of 2025, Lima is one of 26 students who identify as Black or African American — a major jump from nine the year before. And across the country, the number of first-year Black students is up 21%, an unprecedented spike since 2020. “We have never seen such an increase within a short amount of time,” said Norma Poll-Hunter, who leads workforce diversity efforts at the Association of Medical Colleges. She points to research that shows, across all races, patients are more likely to report satisfaction with their care when their doctors look like them. But only 5% of the country’s doctors are Black, according to the association’s latest data, released in 2019. “When Black physicians, male physicians are working with Black male patients, we see better outcomes in preventative care or on cardiac care,” Poll-Hunter said. “We’ve also seen that in terms of infant mortality, as well.” Black News Channel, the cable and streaming service aimed at Black audiences, has been hit with a gender discrimination lawsuit by 13 current and former women employees who claim they were paid substantially less than male counterparts and disciplined for being too aggressive in the workplace. The Tallahassee, Fla.-based outfit, which has about 300 employees, is also accused of terminating several of the women last month in retaliation for their complaining to the company’s human resources department. The amended lawsuit, filed Tuesday in Cook County, Ill., is an expansion of a suit filed on behalf of two former employees — Ashley Flete and Claudia Jean — last summer. It seeks class-action status and punitive damages of at least $1 million plus attorneys fees. Several plaintiffs in the suit state they were paid less than their male counterparts. In one case, a female supervisor was allegedly paid less than the men who reported to her. BNC, a privately held company with the majority stake held by Shad Khan, owner of the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars, denied the allegations raised in the suit. On CBS’s “The Talk,” Ava DuVernay and Kaci Walfall dish on The CW’s new superhero drama “Naomi.” On her character, ‘Naomi’, Walfall says, “She’s just cool, she’s confident, she’s loved because she isn’t afraid to be herself.” Seeing giant billboards of “Naomi” in Times Square, she admits, “It was really surreal and a dream to be there and to see myself. That was definitely like top five biggest pinch-me moments.” https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/story/the-talk-ava-duvernay-talks-naomi-normalizing-different-kinds-of-heroes/vi-AASxUIJ Kid Capri is among those dealing with COVID-19 these days. In fact, the legendary DJ Kid took to Instagram on Thursday (01-06-21) to let folks know that he is having a rough time battling the virus. He also urged people to avoid crowds and prioritize staying at home amid the ongoing spread of the virus. Kid Capri told viewers, “I’m sick as sh*t, man. Y’all gotta be careful out there, man. Y’all be careful ’cause it’s bad out there. I’ve been sick for the last three days. F**king head is pounding. Back hurt. I’m pretty far from good. I just wanted to pop on here and tell y’all take care of yourselves, man. F**k them parties. F**k hanging out. If you ain’t gotta be somewhere then don’t go. Just relax, ’cause this sh*t is no joke.” He added: “Force MDs, Jessie D died today,” referring to Force MDs lead vocalist Jessie Lee Daniels. https://www.instagram.com/kidcapri101/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=ebede7ed-7e1a-4f82-8986-faefe1442727 #GreysAnatomy star #EllenPompeo accused #DenzelWashington of going “ham” while he directed an episode of the show. It took a while, but now the actor has responded to her comments.? Pompeo appeared on her “Tell Me with Ellen Pompeo” podcast last year, saying it was difficult for her to work with Washington when he helmed “The Sound of Silence,” which was the ninth episode of the 12th season of Grey’s Anatomy.? She also told Patrick Dempsey, who happened to be a guest on the podcast, that she and Washington “went at it” after she improvised a line of dialogue.? During Washington’s recent interview with Variety, he said that he doesn’t recall the incident and insists things are all good.? When asked about Pompeo’s comments, he replied, “No, no,” and then added that he cannot recall having a spat with Pompeo while on set. With a “slight grin,” as interviewer Clayton Davis noted, he then said, “But it’s all good.”? https://www.instagram.com/p/CYdAZDsNK7F/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Blue Ivy Carter the daughter of Beyonce and Jay Z turned 10 on Friday. Among the b-day salutes she received was this one from her grandmother, Tina Knowles-Lawson. “My beautiful Talented and super smart Grandaughter Blue Ivy turned 10 today,” the “Talks With Mama Tina” podcast host wrote on Instagram. “God it seemed like yesterday you came into the world running things. Blue is my little Capricorn Twin.” Lawson had even more to say about her beloved granddaughter. “I prayed for her to be born on my birthday, but she did what she always does, she came when she got good and ready ??three days later, but we still share the bond,” she shared. “She reminds me that ‘Grandma you are acting just like a Capricorn.’ Blue gives the best advice like a grown person I sometimes forget that she is so young!!!??!??. https://i.ytimg.com/vi/mJLckxuk-f4/hqdefault.jpg ? Sally Moore’s belief in her power to “make magic” is unshakable. As Moore has faced challenges dished out by law school, high-stakes litigation cases and competitive entrepreneurial competitions, along with the destructive impact of breast cancer on her support circle, the magic has still been with her. Even during this present time of uncertainty for many, due to a global pandemic that does not seem to be lessening, Moore’s response is guided by her own magic, which in this instance involves opening a new business in the city she loves. “Energy is going to flood the space and we’ll watch what grows from having a collective group of individuals that are going in the same direction,” said Moore, four days before the grand opening of Parker Avenue in Rivertown, the only Black woman-owned yarn shop in the city of Detroit. A practicing attorney for 25 years and a self-described student of people for even longer, Moore has added “business owner” to her resume to “positively impact socioeconomic and racial disparity” in Detroit. More Black Americans are choosing plants. According to a Pew Research Center survey, 8% of African Americans identify as vegan or vegetarian compared to just 3% of the general population. Many people of color say they switched to a plant-based diet for the environment, animal rights and their health. Levi Tafari is the owner of The Good Life Food Truck in St. Petersburg. The business opened a little more than a year ago with a goal to veganize familiar foods. Tafari said he thinks more people of color are switching over to a plant-based diet because of the increase of information about nutrition currently available. “In this era, the age of information, I think people realize that it’s in the food we eat. It plays a role in our health.” Meanwhile, across the Bay in Tampa, Nick Alami is the owner of The Vegan Halal Cart with an all-vegan menu of gyros, wraps and shawarmas. He said about 40% to 60% of his clients are people of color. “It’s definitely growing in terms of people of color who want to participate more in a plant-based diet,” said Alami. Jean Oriol says he switched over to a plant-based diet four years ago to improve his health. “I could never forget my doctor, he was like, ‘you look like a Lamborghini with bad parts in it.’ And that changed my life,” said Oriol. According to Express, (via MSN) efforts have been made to eliminate private car ownership. A new measure in Southern California, the 2021 Regional Transportation Plan, was recently passed by the San Diego Association of Government’s board of directors. The Plan is a $160 billion initiative is an effort to boost public transportation for the metropolitan area. With such a price attached to the Plan, the question is how do officials fund it. Express notes of the options on the table, which is to levy a per-mile driving tax against citizens. Critics of the Plan and other fines and fees associated with it say that these options are designed to eliminate personal vehicle ownership for everyone but the wealthy. https://i.ytimg.com/vi/eEDoITcc46Q/hqdefault.jpg On Friday, sentences for the three men who were found guilty of murdering Ahmaud Arbery have been handed down. The judge in the case, Timothy Walmsley, sentenced the three killers to life in prison, two of them without the possibility of parole. https://youtu.be/IQVA4uTBahk An NFL spokesperson recently said that the Super Bowl will take place in L.A. as originally planned, despite reports that replacement venues are being considered. The NFL is said to be eyeing a move to Dallas’ AT&T Stadium because of California’s strict mask mandate. But an NFL official said that Super Bowl LVI is still on for the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Feb. 13, per NBC Los Angeles. https://youtu.be/VdzUyYPN2S8 Screen legend and civil rights activist Sidney Poitier has passed away at age 94. His death was announced by the Bahamian Minister of Foreign Affairs, The Independent reported. The actor was a dual citizen of the U.S. and the Bahamas, and served from 1997-2007 as Bahamian Ambassador to Japan, per TMZ. Poitier’s cause of death has yet to be confirmed. Tributes are pouring in on social media amid news of his passing. In a tweet, Emmy-winning actor Jeffrey Wright called Poitier “one of a kind” and noted his classic film “To Sir With Love.” Sidney’s legendary screen roles also include 1967’s “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” and Detective Virgil Tibbs in “In the Heat of the Night” in 1967. “What a landmark actor. One of a kind. What a beautiful, gracious, warm, genuinely regal man,” Wright wrote. “RIP, Sir. With love.” Poitier was the first Black man to win an Oscar for Best Actor for his starring role in “Lilies of the Field” in 1963. In 2009, President Barack Obama presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Poitier for his tireless civil rights activism. Poitier is survived by his 6 daughters and wife of 45 years, Joanna. A savage attack captured on surveillance video shows a man suddenly and inexplicably strangling a woman with his shoelace, then pummeling her until a stranger comes to her rescue. The incident took place at a bus stop near Miami International Airport where riders pick up their rental cars. A woman was seated on the bench when a man who was tying his shoes, 27-year-old Aaron Quiñones, walked behind her with the shoelace and began strangling her. They struggled and fell to the ground. Quinones then began punching the woman repeatedly before a bystander carefully intervened, eventually grabbing him from behind before the video stops. https://www.instagram.com/p/CYXO1VXh08Y/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Peter Bogdanovich, the legendary director of “The Last Picture Show,” died shortly after midnight Thursday at his home. He was 82.The Oscar-nominated writer-director died of natural causes in his sleep at his home in Los Angeles, his daughter, Antonia Bogdanovich, shared Thursday with The Hollywood Reporter (THR). https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FIb9OCCVgAANhHj?format=jpg&name=small Jessie Lee Daniels, founding member of the R&B group Force MDs, has died, the group announced via Facebook on Tuesday (Jan. 4). He was 58. No cause of death has been revealed at this time. “To one hell of a entertainer ‘Jessie D’ of legendary Force MDs. He ate, sleep and breathe music everyday,” read Force MDs’ message. “Please put a heart up for him. He was loved!!!!!!!!!! To the family, friends and fans today we lost a real talent. Our condolences goes out to his siblings, kids and the Force MDs….” Daniels was born July 4, 1963, in Staten Island, New York, where he and his nephews Stevie D. Lundy, Antoine “T.C.D.” Lundy and Rodney “Khalil” Lundy formed Force MDs — which stands for “Musical Diversity” — in 1981. Their friends “Trisco” Pearson and Charles “Mercury” Nelson later joined. Lawrence N. Brooks, the oldest World War II veteran in the U.S. — and believed to be the oldest man in the country, period — died Wednesday at the age of 112, reports the Associated Press. Born on Sept. 12, 1909, Brooks was known for his good-natured sense of humor, positivity and kindness. When asked for his secret to a long life, he often said, “serving God and being nice to people.” “I don’t have no hard feelings toward nobody,” he said during a 2014 oral history interview with the National WWII Museum (watch above). “I just want everything to be lovely, to come out right. I want people to have fun and enjoy themselves — be happy and not sad.” https://youtu.be/xbmAGqDA3ew On Thursday, former #NFL running back #ClintonPortis was sentenced to six months in prison and six months of home confinement after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud.? Portis pled guilty in September to defrauding the program of nearly $100,000 by filing bogus medical equipment claims.? According to court documents, Portis permitted former NFL linebacker Robert McCune to make reimbursement claims for an oxygen chamber and a cryosauna on his behalf.? https://www.instagram.com/p/CYcBbi0lhOH/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Gymnast Sunisa Lee recently revealed her new relationship to the world via an Instagram post. The Olympic gold medalist is now dating USC football player Jaylin Smith. The couple seemed very happy and comfortable with one another as they snuggled up from the gram. Smith, who plays defensive back for the Trojans was a standout Freshman who played in 9 games, had 11 tackles, a forced fumble, a sack, and inception. The former Bishop Alemany High star also appeared on Snoop Dogg’s Netflix show, “Coach Snoop.” After Suni Lee announced their relationship, she revealed that she’s been facing serious backlash from some of her fellow Hmong Americans because her boyfriend Jaylin Smith is black. https://www.instagram.com/sunisalee/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=01e35051-89e7-4d74-8ad4-b0f766c8bbd4 Last weekend, former Ohio State defensive back Marcus Williamson, who apparently retired from football before the Buckeyes’ Rose Bowl game on Saturday, posted a lengthy Twitter thread recalling his experiences as a “young Black college athlete at the highest level.” Much of what Williamson had to say about the team was unflattering and had to do specifically with the exploitation of young Black athletes, an issue that has plagued college sports for some time now. And mentioned in the tweet-storm was former OSU football coach Urban Meyer, who left the team after the 2018 Rose Bowl and was fired as Jacksonville Jaguars coach last month. But there was one tweet from Williamson that stood out and sent Black Twitter into an easily understandable frenzy. Williamson revealed that in 2017, a team staffer used a photo of Trayvon Martin to illustrate a rule barring players from wearing hoodies in the football building. According to TMZ, On Sunday, Meyer denied the photo was used to enforce the rule and said Williamson’s tweets were way out of line. https://twitter.com/WW_Marcus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1477450297018654720%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es2_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewsone.com%2F4271922%2Fohio-state-football-team-staffer-used-a-photo-of-trayvon-martin-to-enforce-teams-no-hoodie-rule%2F The Karen videos keep getting wilder and wilder while offering more proof that Black people can’t mind their own business in peace without the entitled and privileged whites trying to assert their perceived authority over us. In the latest episode of The Wild And Washclothless, a white couple got all in their feelings when a Black man was served before them at a Hilton hotel in Rio de Janeiro on New Year’s Day, according to the Daily Dot. The Black man reportedly had priority as a Diamond member, but that fact didn’t stop an unhinged and violent white woman from attacking the Black man and getting her partner knocked out in the process. https://twitter.com/i/status/1477181245750755331 Dr. Dre could lose millions if his star-studded Super Bowl LVI halftime show is canceled due to COVID. As reported by TMZ, Dre is fronting the majority of the money for the show, which is scheduled to go down on Feb. 13, 2022, at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The event is expected to feature Eminem, Snoop, Kendrick Lamar, and Mary J. Blige. Since its creation, Amazon’s gender recognition software (“Rekognition“) has been on the wrong side of the radar for people of color. Former First Lady Michelle Obama and Serena Williams are experiencing first-hand how off the mark the company’s controversial system is, as it identified the women as men. Although the error is very hard to swallow, Sandra Rose cited MIT researcher Joy Buolamwini in revealing Amazon’s reaction, noting how the tech giant was dismissive in reiterating that its software is not “facial recognition, it’s gender recognition.” Still, Amazon’s gender and facial recognition software has more than enough critics who have put the system on blast for displaying gender and racial bias. A look at recent studies led by Buolamwini adds weight to the complaints as they found Amazon facial recognition software flawed with huge racial and gender bias on its part. https://youtu.be/NlJSDa_zLiQ Meagan Good says she is focusing on her continued therapy sessions following her divorce from pastor DeVon Franklin. Good and Franklin announced last month that they are calling it quits after nine years of marriage. The actress appeared on “The Real” on Wednesday where she opened up about her personal growth over the past year. “It’s been amazing, like so many transitions,” she said, as reported by People.”Projects that I prayed for, just health transitions, just taking a moment to really take everything in and get myself, my spirit, my soul ready for 40.” Good added, “It’s been a whirlwind with the show and the movies. It’s crazy. It’s a blessing.” https://youtu.be/XLEYKUlvQf0 The newest and third installment of WE tv’s ‘Love After Lockup/Life After Lockup’ franchise, “Love During Lockup,” premieres TONIGHT (Jan. 7), and follows even more riveting firsts through the early stages of love, with plenty of romance, suspicion, and investigation, all long before a scheduled prison release. https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9hb5_ZA0jc0/hqdefault.jpg Larsa Pippen has finalized her divorce from NBA icon Scottie Pippen after more than 20 years together. “I can confirm that Scottie and Larsa Pippen are now divorced and that the divorce was finalized on December 15, 2021,” said Larsa’s attorney David Glass in a statement, EW reports. “All issues were resolved amicably. The parties are now focusing successfully co-parenting their remaining minor children.” Scottie initially filed for divorce in October 2016 and he and Larsa would go on to attempt a reconciliation. The divorce was called off until Larsa refiled two years later, citing “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the split. We reported at the time that the former couple had multiple issues over the years — including reports of infidelity and spousal abuse. Prior to Larsa’s filing, cops came to their former family home for domestic disturbance calls, but no one was arrested. During one call, Larsa told cops Scottie scared her, TMZ reported. Rapper Jim Jones is trying to clean up a mess he created by running his mouth and saying crazy things that’s now come back to bite him. What he said about his mama Nancy showing him how to tongue kiss. Yep, he’s tryin’ to clarify his remarks once he became a trending topic on Twitter. “For the record, I love my momma more than anything in the world,” he said in an Instagram video. “And for the record, it was a joke. People take things way too far. It don’t bother us anyway, but let’s get it clear. That’s weak what y’all trying to project.” Jim Jones also tried to downplay the controversy in the post’s caption. “Knock it off enjoy the laugh stop takin life so serious,” he wrote. “Th media loves to take something so simple and tune into a head line smh lol. Stop it 5. My child hood was better than urs and I was raised to b a respectful young man by nothin but queens. But carry on don’t forget to stream. We set th trends Thnku for all th support.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CYaFGVuqOtk/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Singer-songwriter DOE, aka Dominique Jones, banks her second straight career-opening leader as a soloist on the Gospel Airplay chart, as “Brighter” hops from No. 5 to No. 1 on the list dated Jan. 8. In the tracking week ending Jan. 2, the single increased by 24% in plays, according to MRC Data. “Brighter” is DOE’s second solo Gospel Airplay entry and her first in a lead role. As featured on Travis Greene’s “Good & Loved,” she led for a week last May. (The song became Greene’s fifth No. 1.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykEUTNoFhaA One of the Dove Awards' highlights was an electric performance by Jonny x Mali. The seamless mash-up of "Best Thing" and "Jump Ship" was the experience we didn't even know we needed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vK4rdlskLPM ONE MORE TIME: KORYN HAWTHORNE AT THE DOVE AWARDShttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6RR00sorE4 How can we best describe the meteoric rise of Blacksmoke recording artist Pastor Mike, Jr. other than AMAZING. In just a short time, this media influencer and celebrated life catalyst has admonished people from all walks of life to follow their passions and dream BIG, that was followed with the 'nu school" hymn of affirmation and actualization I Got It, today the 2021 Stellar Awards Artist of the Year echoes his awe inspiring Stellar Awards performance with the release of AMAZING. https://gospelairplaynow.disco.ac/playlist-new/8096502?date=20210730&user_id=668306&signature=aiYgZH8kf2zYq-8gYYCH7HhWavI%3AYE1IYNeq Today, Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) and the Congressional Black Caucus released the reflections on the anniversary of the January 6th Insurrection: “We watched in horror as armed insurrectionists laid siege to the seat of our democracy. We feared for our lives and the lives of our staff. We bunkered down and sent prayers up — despite this, former President Trump refused to call off his sea of sycophantic supporters hoping to dismantle democracy as we know it. That infamous day is a painful stain that will resonate for years to come,” said Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Joyce Beatty. “January 6, 2021, is just one of the reasons why it is paramount we remain committed to ensuring voting rights are a priority. Passing the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act will fortify our democratic process, combat barriers to the ballot box, and targeted gerrymandering of our districts. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there is such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action so that we never see a day like January 6th, 2021 again.” Former President Jimmy Carter has warned democracy is in danger, that there is a risk of ‘civil conflict’ and urged Americans to ‘set aside their differences’. Writing in an op-ed in the New York Times as part of a series to mark the anniversary of the January 6 insurrection, Mr Carter said that ‘our great nation now teeters on the brink of a widening abyss.’ He said he had hoped the breach of the Capitol would have ‘shocked the nation into addressing the toxic polarization that threatens our democracy’ but lamented that it had not. ‘Our great nation now teeters on the brink of a widening abyss. Without immediate action, we are at genuine risk of civil conflict and losing our precious democracy. Americans must set aside differences and work together before it is too late,’ he wrote. Last year, the 97-year-old joined fellow former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton in denouncing the Capitol insurrection as Congress was certifying Joe Biden’s win in the 2020 election. And on Wednesday, Mr Carter set out five steps ‘for American democracy to endure’ including that people ‘of all political stripes’ must agree on fundamental constitutional principles and the rule of law. He also called for the US to pass electoral reforms; resist the polarization of politics; recognize that violence has no place in politics; and stop the spread of disinformation. It comes as President Joe Biden prepares to mark the anniversary of the insurrection today with a speech blaming then-President Trump for the ‘chaos and carnage.’ The social media accounts Rosalind Page created are not easy to scroll through. On them, the names and photos of Black women and girls lost to violence appear one after another. There you will find the smiling face of Hope Cutts, a 43-year-old woman who was killed on Christmas Eve. There you will find the barrette-framed face of Aziya Matthews, a 3-year-old who was murdered on Dec. 20. There you will find the faces of 26-year-old Tabitha Collard, 54-year-old Jeazell Woodruff and 16-year-old Azariah Miller, all taken too soon from their communities. Page is a 52-year-old nurse who has been working in the health-care industry since she was 20 years old. She is also a Black mother of four daughters and someone who noticed about seven years ago that Black women and girls seemed to be dying at the hands of others at an “unacceptable rate.” “Not that any rate is acceptable,” she tells me on a recent evening. “But it was such a high rate I couldn’t understand why nothing was being said or done about it.” She also couldn’t understand why it wasn’t easier to find clear, accessible information about the victims. The numbers collected by federal agencies seemed an undercount to her, based on what she was seeing in the medical field and in the news. She also noticed the names and stories of the women and girls were scattered across news sites and often squeezed into briefs that said little about them. Several Midstate mayors were sworn in on Monday, but one is making history and that’s Gettysburg’s Rita Frealing. She’s the first African American and the first woman in the job. Frealing says there were many emotions in reaching this historic moment but also says it’s time to get to work. In position and set to be an ambassador for her community, Mayor of Gettysburg Rita Frealing says the community of Gettysburg molded her to who she is currently. https://www.abc27.com/news/local/breaking-barriers-first-african-american-and-woman-swore-in-as-mayor-of-gettysburg/ Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards on Wednesday formally pardoned Homer Plessy, the long-dead civil rights pioneer whose stand against racial segregation led to an infamous U.S. Supreme Court case. Edwards issued the pardon on the grounds of what is now the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, where Plessy bought a ticket for a train to Covington as part of an 1892 challenge to Louisiana’s racist Jim Crow laws. Plessy, a Creole man of African descent, was ultimately convicted of sitting in a Whites-only section of the train. Keith Plessy, his first cousin thrice removed, hailed the pardon as he stood near Edwards on Wednesday. “I feel like my feet are not touching the ground today, because the ancestors are carrying me,” Plessy said. After he was kicked off the train, Homer Plessy was charged in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court. His case wound up in the U.S. Supreme Court, where justices said in the notorious 1896 decision Plessy v. Ferguson that Louisiana’s “separate but equal” laws were constitutional. Plessy pleaded guilty 125 years ago this month. He died in 1925, the conviction still on his record. The ruling in Plessy v. Ferguson stood until the Supreme Court reversed segregation laws, starting with Brown v. Board of Education in 1954. Airbnb hosts in Oregon will soon be blocked from initially seeing the full names of guests, in an experiment aimed at curbing discrimination against Black travelers, the booking service announced. For two years, starting on Jan. 31, vacation landlords in Oregon offering houses and apartments for rent via the popular travel website will be able to see only the first initials of prospective guests. The guests’ full names will appear only after the booking is confirmed, Airbnb said. An Airbnb representative couched the policy change as an experiment in one state. “Given that the impact of this change is unknown, the implementation will be limited” to Oregon, Airbnb spokeswoman Liz DeBold Fusco said in a statement to NBC News on Tuesday. The COVID-19 Omicron variant is punishing small businesses across America, including those run by Black entrepreneurs. A fresh Alignable’s Omicron Pulse Poll shows that 69% of minority business owners are worried that the latest variant will affect their recovery and could hurt their business. That was the highest rate out of four different business segments surveyed. Minority businesses are not the only ones expressing concerns; 52% of women small business owners—or most of those firms—have similar sentiments. An online referral network for small businesses, Alignable’s poll last month of 5,632 small business owners reveals overall that 44% of small businesses are concerned about Omicron hurting their economic recovery, which was already challenging before the most recent poll. The latest figures show that minority businesses fear being hit harder by Omicron than some of their small business peers. Kanye West will headline the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April, a source close to the artist said Wednesday. The news was first reported by Billboard. West (who now goes by Ye) is in the final stages of confirming festival-closing sets on consecutive Sundays, April 17 and 24. The April 17 set, which falls on Easter Sunday, would reportedly be a version of his Sunday Service gospel-themed show, which West brought to Coachella in 2019. An official announcement from Coachella promoter Goldenvoice is expected in the next few days. Other rumored headliners and top acts include Billie Eilish and the reunited EDM trio Swedish House Mafia. West recently performed at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum on Dec. 9 with Drake, in a benefit show for the imprisoned former Chicago gang leader Larry Hoover. He released his latest album, “Donda,” on Aug. 29, after a string of high-profile listening sessions. Global superstar, actress and activist Becky G released the latest episode of her Facebook Watch show, “Face to Face with Becky G.” She is joined by country singer and multi-Grammy nominee Mickey Guyton who shares her personal experiences confronting racism and sexism in the world of country music as a Black female artist. Guyton talks to host Becky G about how her destiny in music ultimately found her when meeting Nick Cannon’s DJ, DJ D-Wrek. “So, really, truly, your destiny finds you. And so of all the places, of all the people, I met this DJ,” Guyton shares on the show. “Like, Nick Cannon’s DJ, DJ D-Wrek. I ran into him and he said, ‘Hey, like, don’t you sing?’ And I was like, ‘Yeah, I do.’ He goes, ‘Well, what kind of music do you sing?’ This was a hip-hop DJ, okay? So I’m thinking, like, he has no connection to help me. And I was like, ‘Well, I sing country music.’ And he goes, ‘My boy, Julian, has been looking for a Black female country singer.’” https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=601474704299405 Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o is the latest celebrity to test positive for COVID-19, a diagnosis which forced the star to cancel virtual interviews for her new movie “The 355.” Nyong’o shared news of her test results on social media, tweeting, “I too have tested positive for COVID-19. I’m fully vaccinated and taking care in isolation, so I trust I will be well. Please do all you can to keep yourself and others protected from serious illness.” The actor added the hashtag “#StayMaskedAndVaxxed” at the end of her message. Prior to testing positive, Nyong’o intended to join her co-stars Jessica Chastain, Penelope Cruz, Diane Kruger, Fan Bingbing, Sebastian Stan and director Simon Kinberg for a round of virtual interviews promoting the espionage thriller, which lands in theaters on Friday. Nyong’o plays Khadijah, a former MI6 ally and cutting-edge computer specialist, in the fast-paced, globe-trotting movie which brings together a formidable foursome of top agents (Chastain, Kruger, Nyong’o and Cruz) as they try to retrieve a top-secret weapon that’s fallen into mercenary hands, all while staying one step ahead of the mysterious Lin Mi Sheng (Fan), who is tracking their every move. Things aren’t looking great for one of hip-hop artist 2Chainz‘s businesses. Workers at one of his restaurants in Atlanta have accused the rapper of hiring a manager who is a known sex offender and maintaining an environment that is harmful to the employees who work there. Also, the business is also accused of issuing bounced checks. An employee at Escobar Restaurant & Tapas posted the accusations and misdeeds to her Instagram account last week. Shalyse (playgirllysiee) posted on December 20 that the general manager, Lawrence Robertson, shot at her as she was leaving the restaurant. Shalyse didn’t know why he would attempt to shoot her but that he “fled the scene” before facing any repercussions. After stating that no one from management checked in on her, 2Chainz’s co-owner, Snoop (Mychel Dillard), actually rehired Robertson to work at the other restaurant the two co-own, Esco Seafood despite knowing what he had done that night. The Manhattan Theatre Club’s Broadway production of Dominique Morisseau’s Skeleton Crew starring Phylicia Rashad has canceled performances through Sunday, Jan. 9, due to breakthrough Covid cases within the company. The play’s opening night, originally scheduled for Jan. 19, will be moved to a later date. Previews are expected to resume the week of Jan. 10. Directed by Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Skeleton Crew began performances Dec. 27 at MTC’s Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. The production marks the play’s Broadway debut. In addition to Rashad, the cast includes Chanté Adams, Joshua Boone, Brandon J. Dirden and Adesola Osakalumi. There are white teachers who have no business teaching Black students and then there are teachers who don’t belong anywhere near a classroom at all. One “educator” who was recently fired from a Louisville, Kentucky, high school appears to fit both descriptions. Meet William Bennett. According to Louisville Courier-Journal, Bennett was a teacher at Marion C. Moore High School up until December when he was finally terminated more than three months after being caught on video fighting a Black student back in August. Bennett can be seen in footage recorded by a bystander pinning the Black teen to the ground while other students attempted to pull him off. The video also shows Bennett forcefully grabbing the student’s hair and bending him over while the student swung blindly. https://twitter.com/i/status/1431243510695464968 The HBCU community received some disturbing news to start the New Year. Multiple institutions were on alert after receiving threats of potential violence on Tuesday. Howard University, Norfolk State University, North Carolina Central University, Prairie View A&M University, Texas Southern University, Xavier University of Louisiana and other historically Black colleges and universities each received bomb threats on Tuesday. http://www.gospel-spotlight.com During a Tuesday press conference in which the mayor urged businesses to return to the office instead of working remotely so employees can better protect themselves from Omicron and the pandemic, Adams made a mistake one would usually expect from conservative Republicans—he referred to undervalued laborers as “low skilled.” Adams went on to say that businesses need to remind workers that they are part of the “ecosystem of this city” and that means contributing to its economy. “My low-skilled workers, my cooks, my dishwashers, my messengers, my shoe-shine people, those who work at Dunkin’ Donuts—they don’t have the academic skills to sit in the corner office,” he continued. https://twitter.com/i/status/1478455659054223366 Considering the mounting opposition to critical race theory, it’s important to put the January 6th insurrection at the U.S. Capitol in its proper historical perspective and document the decidedly racist elements that helped fuel the riots and define that moment’s legacy. One year after the violent uprising that left five people dead, a glaring double standard along racial lines remains impossible to ignore for anyone paying attention. The purpose of the so-called “Stop the Steal” rally was to prevent Congress from certifying Joe Biden‘s presidential election based on “the big lie” that nonexistent voter fraud played a role in his victory over Donald Trump, a racist whose rhetoric is being blamed for helping to incite the rioters. But if you peel back a few layers of that racist onion, you might recall how Trump falsely blamed states with significant Black voting populations that provided the deciding electoral college votes to secure Biden’s win. https://twitter.com/i/status/1346920198461419520 Last Jan. 6, photographer Mel D. Cole had only recently turned his lens from musical events to political ones. That day, he simply planned to capture President Donald Trump’s rally near the White House. He had no idea how the day would unfold. His compelling images show rioters struggling with police, tending to their pepper-sprayed eyes, forcing their way into the Capitol and dragging an officer down the building’s steps. “In no way, shape or fashion did I expect people to do what they did that day,” he said. “Some people got in [to the Capitol], there were fights, there was craziness. It was the craziest day of my entire life. Cole remembers feeling panic set in as the rioters made their way to the Capitol after Trump’s speech at the rally. “Walking down to the Capitol building,” he said, “that’s when I started to fear for my life.” Before he began shooting protests and riots, Cole spent decades as a music photographer, capturing images of hip-hop and R&B stars, including Kid Cudi, Snoop Dogg, SZA and Kanye West. A suspect wanted in connection to the murder of rapper Young Dolph has been identified by U.S. Marshals. A warrant has been issued by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for 23-year-old Justin Johnson, Complex reports. Authorities and Crime Stoppers are offering a $15,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. Johnson is facing a first-degree murder charge. “Johnson has ties to organized criminal gangs and should be considered armed and dangerous,” according to a statement posted Wednesday on the Twitter account of the Memphis Police Department in conjunction with the U.S. Marshals Service and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. https://youtu.be/6GswayYSx-k Looking radiant, well-rested and sporting a sweatshirt with the words “Over It,” Whoopi Goldberg dropped into “The View” Wednesday to update viewers on her health after testing positive for COVID-19. https://youtu.be/VzlHCMu7_Io Jill Scott sparked pandemonium on Twitter Tuesday night when she became a trending topic on the platform over an explicit sex tape that doesn’t exist. “Jill Scott sex tape? Somebody link me please,” read one tweet, as reported by Rap-Up. Another Twitter user asked, “What’s this bout Jill Scott? And most importantly where.” A third joked: “If Jill Scott got a sextape ….. I’m calling out of work tomorrow.” That fact that there is no evidence that such a tape exists, Scott’s fans seem to be relentless in their pursuit of the clip, with one tweet reading: “The way we’re all searching for this link among these tweets and finding a whole lotta nothing…” “I sing/act out all kinds of stories. You should cum to my shows,” she joked at the time. “After a Jill Scott show, most people get splendidly laid by whoever they came with…They also usually go on 2happier, more productive, focused, wealthy lives.” https://youtu.be/dDCQbYplqRA Tampa Bay wide receiver Antonio Brown released a statement via his lawyer explaining why he removed his jersey during Sunday night’s game against the Jets and walked off the field. The move reportedly prompted Bucs head coach Bruce Arians to boot Brown from the team after he said he was too hurt to continue playing. Brown had missed several games due to an injured ankle and apparently, the athlete had not fully recovered ahead of Sunday’s match-up against the Jets. “Coach was telling me that if I didn’t play hurt, I was done with the Bucs,” Brown claimed. After his refusal to play because of his ankle injury, he claims Arians “threw me out like an animal,” Brown added. “I said, ‘Coach, I can’t.’ He didn’t call for medical attention. Instead, he shouted at me, ‘YOU’RE DONE!’ while he ran his finger across his throat. Coach was telling me that if I didn’t play hurt, then I was done with the Bucs.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1477736729331343362 The team announced Thursday that Brown’s contract has been terminated effective immediately. In a statement, the Bucs claimed the wide receiver never indicated he was too hurt to play in last Sunday’s game against the New York Jets. Brown, on the other hand, claimed in a lengthy statement released yesterday that he did inform the club that he could not play, however, Coach Bruce Arians still wanted him in the game. “While Antonio did receive treatment on his ankle and was listed on the injury report the week leading up to last Sunday’s game, he was cleared to play by our medical team prior to the start of the game and at no point during the game did he indicate to our medical personnel that he could not play.” “We have attempted, multiple times throughout this week, to schedule an evaluation by an outside orthopedic specialist, yet Antonio has not complied. Maintaining the health and wellness of our players is of the utmost importance to our organization,” the Bucs said Thursday. https://www.instagram.com/p/CYZfOCjJAvX/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Model Chanel Iman and New York Giants player Sterling Shepard are divorcing after 4 years of marriage. As reported by Page Six, Shepard reportedly filed for divorce from Iman on June 7, 2021, citing irreconcilable differences that “existed for at least six months” prior to Shepard’s filing. The documents note there is “no reasonable prospect of reconciliation.” Shepard is requesting joint legal custody of their two children. https://youtu.be/dPm5bnz0GNo Don Lemon clapped back at his haters during a drunken rant while hosting CNN’s live New Year’s Eve celebration stream along with fellow anchor Alisyn Camerota and comedian Dulce Sloan on December 31. Lemon’s antics became meme material on social media. During the broadcast, he ranted about his “haters” and why they target him. “I don’t give a — what you think about me, what do you think about that. I am who I am,” Lemon said. “I’m a grown, successful black man who a lot of people hate because they’re not used to people seeing me – and people like me – in the position that I am. To be able to share what I…my point of view on television, it freaks people out. And you know what? You can kiss my behind. I do not care.” Lemon continued, “I don’t care. I really don’t care. I have one life and this is who I am and I feel very, um…” before Sloan completed his sentence by saying: “blessed”. “To be able to do this. So all the hate I get? It’s motivation to me. Bring it, I don’t care.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1477160183742840836 Urban One announced the superstar group of honorees for the upcoming URBAN ONE HONORS including Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Lifetime Achievement; Timbaland, Music Innovation; Gamble and Huff, Living Legends; Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Inspirational Impact; and Oscar, Grammy and Emmy Award-winning Jennifer Hudson, Entertainment Icon. Hosted by Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and producer Ne-Yo, the two-hour telecast premieres Monday, January 17, 2022, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, at 8/7c, on TV One and Cleo TV, a division of Urban One. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHkNV8xJuhE Line Sisters follows four sorority sisters- Valerie (LeToya Luckett), Cassandra (Kierra Sheard-Kelly), Simona (Ta’Rhonda Jones) and Dominique (Drew Sidora) – as they reunite at a Black Greek Weekend celebration held on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Having pledged the Alpha Beta Omega Sorority, Inc., they share more than the bonds of sisterhood, after the mysterious death of the dean of pledges 15 years prior. But the past comes knocking on their door as they arrive to the island and strange and inexplicable things begin to happen to each one of them, threatening to unearth the deadly secret that may tear them apart. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2db5kvVD-E CLEO TV will air a the season finale of CULTURE KITCHEN, a fun, upbeat lifestyle show hosted by popular Chef Bren Herrera on Wednesday, January 5th at 9 P.M. ET/8C. With an infectious personality and Afro-Latina flair, D.C.-native Bren Herrera delights with her bright, flavorful recipes, and stories from her travels abroad. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPzuwyXj8C4 Powerhouse real estate broker and designer Egypt Sherrod and her husband, builder Mike Jackson, know plenty about juggling booming property businesses, pleasing clients, managing a home and raising three daughters—and they make it look effortless and fun in their new HGTV series Married to Real Estate. In the eight-episode season, which premieres on Thursday, Jan. 13, at 9 p.m. ET/PT and is available to stream on discovery+, Egypt and Mike will marry their considerable complementary talents to help families land a perfect home in their ideal neighborhood. Egypt will leverage her knowledge of the housing market, financial prowess, and design sensibilities—skills she honed in her business life and as the star of her HGTV hit series Property Virgins and Flipping Virgins—to find affordable houses in desirable Metro Atlanta locations for her clients. And, with smart expenditures that yield breathtaking results, Mike and his team will renovate the properties to help increase their value and return on investment. Collide Distribution and Iconic Events announce the release of inspirational film TYSON'S RUN. Featuring Major Dodson ("The Walking Dead," "American Horror Story," LEFT BEHIND), Rory Cochrane (ARGO, "CSI: Miami"), Amy Smart (THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT, JUST FRIENDS), Oscar nominee Barkhad Abdi (CAPTAIN PHILLIPS, BLADE RUNNER 2049) and Reno Wilson ("Mike and Molly," "The Cosby Show"), TYSON'S RUN will release in select movie theaters nationwide on March 4, 2022. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEqSj5esw7k The Gospel Spotlight's "Firm Foundation (He Won't)" written by Chandler Moore, Cody Carnes & Austin Davis. This video was captured in Chicago, IL during Maverick City’s national tour, Welcome to Maverick City, October 1st, 2021. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOP4s8fOEm0 A conservative journalist for the Christian Broadcasting Network David Brody, didn’t even bother waiting for the subject of BLM to come up before he lashed out at the movement because *checks notes* he made the decision to drive in the snow Monday. “Today in DC. They knew a snowstorm was coming for days,” Brody tweeted accompanied by a photo he presumably took of the icy D.C. road he was driving on (which is a weird thing to do if one is concerned for their safety). “Apparently, ‘black lives matter’ but the lives of people driving in a snowstorm don’t.” Brody eventually tried to clear things up by pretending those responding to him were the ones who were lacking in logic. “Congratulations to those who have misunderstood my words,” he wrote. “Not surprising on Twitter. I’m not talking about black people. I’m talking about the BLM movement and the support they get from the DC Government. Settle down trolls.” Lafayette City Court Judge Michelle Odinet is now former Lafayette City Court Judge Michelle Odinet now that she has finally resigned following the fallout from an N-word-laced rant being caught on camera and going viral. First, let’s just acknowledge a tiny bit of sweet irony. A Black man allegedly tried to burglarize Odinet’s home setting off a series of events that led to a racist judge removing herself from the bench and away from a position to hold the lives or livelihoods of Black defendants in her hands. I’m not saying the Black man should have tried to rob her, I’m just saying the universe works in mysterious ways. https://twitter.com/i/status/1470957535675006979 Kamala Harris aide has said adios and joined the exodus of staffers leaving the vice president’s office amid claims of turmoil and dysfunction. On Wednesday, CNBC reported that Vincent Evans, Harris’ deputy director of public engagement and intergovernmental affairs, has quit to take on a role on Capitol Hill. The now another ex-Harris staffer is departing the VP’s office to join the Congressional Black Caucus, which is chaired by Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) and advocates for minorities. https://i.ytimg.com/vi/yxDLKgO9jvw/hqdefault.jpg Manhattan’s new district attorney Alvin Bragg has ordered his staff to stop seeking prison sentences for a slew of low-level offenses, and to only seek bail in certain cases. Bragg’s prosecutors are to never seek life sentences for any crime, according to a memo sent to employees on Monday, the New York Post reports. https://i.ytimg.com/vi/8Q9Nfhp4eeg/hqdefault.jpg Teachers in the nation’s third-largest school district voted Tuesday for a temporary return to remote learning amid the omicron surge, and city leaders reacted by canceling classes for most of the district’s 330,000 students. The Chicago Teachers Union voted late Tuesday to pause in-person learning in the nation’s third-largest school district and work remotely until Jan. 18, or until the current surge in COVID-19 cases dips below a particular threshold. The move has angered Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who accuses the teachers of hindering the district’s 330,000 students unnecessarily. https://cbsloc.al/3HG4xRB George Floyd’s 4-year-old great niece Arianna Delane was hit by a stray bullet while asleep in her Houston bedroom, in what her father claimed was a targeted attack of their home. Arianna survived the shooting and is recovering following emergency surgery for a punctured lung and liver. She also suffered three broken ribs. https://i.ytimg.com/vi/-sIWnZSRoSk/hqdefault.jpg A mother and Mississippi police officer was in for a terrible surprise after she was dispatched to respond to a shooting that had taken place Sunday night. Upon arriving to the scene, Officer Laquandia Cooley found her son dead. “We initially responded to the call, not knowing when I made it over there, the person was going to be my son that was laying there,” Officer Cooley told WLBT-TV. “As we get out, I look and I was like, ‘This is my son, this is my son.’ So, I literally just go into a break down you know? Like, why? Who would do this to my son?” “I couldn’t even believe what I was seeing,” she said. “I was seeing my own son laying there on the ground dead. It was pretty much a panic. It was just, it was too much.” Cooley’s 20-year-old son, Charles Stewart Jr., died from a gunshot wound to the head. The family says his death is traumatizing. https://www.instagram.com/p/CYWaX-sKYUS/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Nicki Minaj has denied bribing the woman who was allegedly raped by the rapper’s husband in 1994. The woman, Jennifer Hough, is locked in a legal battle with the couple after accusing them of trying to intimidate, threaten, bribe, and harass her. She accused Kenneth Petty of rape when they were both 16. He was initially charged with first-degree rape but pleaded guilty to attempted rape, and he served more than four years in a New York state prison. Minaj addressed the accusations in a filing last month. “During the call, I never asked her to change her story; I never offered her any money in return for a statement, and I did not threaten her with any type of harm if she chose not to provide a statement,” Minaj reportedly claimed in legal documents, as reported by Complex. “In fact, I emphatically told her that I did not want her to lie about anything and to tell the truth about what she had just revealed to me only if she was comfortable with doing so.” Lil Wayne’s security guard is said to be considering taking legal action against the rapper for allegedly pulling an assault rifle on him during an argument. As reported by TMZ, the incident occurred at Weezy’s Hidden Hills, CA home in early December, and the altercation escalated to physical violence. The outlet writes, “We’re told the guard claims Wayne told him to get outta the house after the initial dispute, but the guard went to the bathroom first and he claims that’s when Wayne dramatically escalated things.” The hip-hop star allegedly brandished a firearm during the argument about accusations that the guard had leaked pictures online. The security guard reportedly called police and by the time authorities arrived, Wayne had fled, according to the report. https://i.ytimg.com/vi/2IH8tNQAzSs/hqdefault.jpg A completely unsubstantiated rumor about an alleged sex tape of the celebrated soul singer, songwriter and actress Jill Scott went viral on Tuesday night and seemed to break the entire internet — or, at least, the portion where Black users log online. That was evidenced by Black Twitter, in particular, which, um, reacted, er, strongly, shall we say, with a wide range of virtual emotions expressed with the wittiest, timeliest — and most hilarious — memes and gifs. https://twitter.com/i/status/1478515920763039750 Maralee Nichols via her spokesman has released a statement reacting to confirmation that Tristan Thompson is the father of her child. ristan confirmed that he did father his third baby with Maralee while publicly apologizing to his ex-girlfriend Khloe Kardashian for his actions. He said, “Today, paternity test results reveal that I fathered a child with Maralee Nichols,” Thompson, 30, wrote on Monday. “I take full responsibility for my actions. Now that paternity has been established I look forward to amicably raising our son.” He continued, “I sincerely apologize to everyone I’ve hurt or disappointed throughout this ordeal both privately and publicly.” In a statement sent to @Pagesix, Maralee Nichols’ publicist said: “There was never any doubt that Tristan Thompson was the father of Maralee Nichols’ baby. Kanye West is the subject of a captivating new biography by author, professor and Hip-Hop culture analyst Dr. Joshua Wright. Scheduled for release on February 1st, it is entitled, “Wake Up Mr. West: Kanye West and the Double Consciousness of the Black Celebrity.” Wright, a professor at Trinity Washington University in Washington, D.C., and host of the NPR One podcast Woke History, may have figured it out. “Kanye is the ultimate contrarian,” Dr. Wright said. “Whatever people say he should do, he will do the exact opposite. For example, when the norm was for rappers to wear baggy clothes and talk about drugs, hustling, and gangsta stuff, he came out with the pink Polo, backpack, and loafers saying, “I’m so self-conscious.” Then, when you fast-forward to the 2018 TMZ interview, and he’s wearing the MAGA hat and saying slavery is a choice, here is the contrarian again.” Dr. Wright indicates that his theories are solely to open the doors for more dialogue around one of the music industry’s first billionaires. He expects a broader discussion regarding black celebrities and the tightrope they must inevitably walk between two worlds – one black, one white. This dilemma is the double consciousness that the noted scholar W.E.B. DuBois spoke of in the late 19th century. Jamie Foxx is back as Electro/Maxwell Dillon in “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” after last playing the role in 2014’s “The Amazing Spider-Man 2.” “Spider-Man: No Way Home” is the first $1 billion grossing global title of the pandemic, and now there’s talk of an Electro solo project starring Foxx, Hip Hollywood reports. While we wait for confirmation on that, check out excerpts below from Foxx’s conversation with Marvel.com about reprising the role opposite Tom Holland’s Peter Parker. https://i.ytimg.com/vi/6KLanif-F9k/hqdefault.jpg A slew of iconic Black music artists will be honored at the 2022 Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame awards ceremony on Feb. 17 in Atlanta. The event is timed with Black History Month, with Smokey Robinson, Berry Gordy, Jr., Cicely Tyson and Ray Charles named 2022 foundational inductees. Per Billboard, “For the first time, the organization is unveiling its international fan favorite category, in which Bob Marley and Fela Kuti are in the running. The category enables fans to participate by casting votes for their favorite artist,” the outlet writes. https://www.instagram.com/p/CXuHvOlvASy/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=2aa17a31-a494-4526-85c2-20921eca9d13 Dallas resident Thalía LeBlanc (@thalialeblanc on TikTok) has been making TikToks documenting her symptoms after getting infected with the Omicron variant of COVID-19. Leblanc has talked at length about the disease after it killed her father, a north Texas pediatrician, in December 2020. Tulane University’s Dr. Susan Hassig also weighs in on the symptoms and how long LeBlanc should wait before getting her vaccine booster. The omicron variant of Covid-19 now makes up nearly all sequenced cases in the U.S., driving a massive increase of infections across the nation that threatens to strain hospitals and disrupt daily life. Omicron represented 95% of sequenced Covid cases in the U.S. during the week ending New Year’s Day, while the once-dominant delta variant is now only 4.6% of sequenced cases, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC regularly collects specimens of the virus that causes Covid and analyzes their genetic sequences to identify new variants and determine which strains of the virus are circulating in the U.S Soulja Boy claims he is done with rapping and is now focused on becoming a serious actor. “I’m an actor now,” he said while promoting a new TV show on Instagram Live. “2022, my new TV show coming out January 21 [with] Revolt TV, shout-out to P. Diddy.” The hip-hop star continued, “Being Draco, new TV show January 21, 2022, we going into the year with all positive energy, you know what I’m saying?” Soulja Boy also noted that he is no longer beefing with some of his rap rivals. “I ain’t got no smoke, no problems, no nothin,’” the Chicago native said. “All I’m doing is TV show and movies.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CYPAD2tAyjV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Snoop Dogg was tapped to help announce the nominees for the 2022 Golden Globe Awards in December and he hilariously mispronounced some of the names. He botched Ben Affleck’s name, director Denis Villeneuve’s name and Ciarán Hinds’ first name. Affleck laughed it off during his appearance on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” on Monday. https://youtu.be/pBZuJ5zjtO8 Cher and Saweetie have joined forces for MAC cosmetic’s newest campaign, Challenge Accepted. Per Variety, the campaign dropped on Jan. 4 alongside an inspirational promo video. In it, Cher is seen wearing her iconic outfit from the 1975 cover of “Time.” https://i.ytimg.com/vi/bvhkrUkAu98/hqdefault.jpg The sixth season of “Growing Up Hip Hop” kicked off earlier this year with deep-seeded family heartbreak and broken relationships…ending mid-season with an explosive talent showcase where everyone was butting heads, per WE tv press release. Season 6 returns this week with 12 brand new episodes and its biggest cast to date! https://youtu.be/ogUQGPQWYXg A photo showing a 2-year-old Black boy mesmerized by his resemblance to a character in Disney’s “Encanto” has gone viral, with viewers pointing to the power of representation on screen. ABC News’ Will Ganss interviewed the family behind the image of 2-year-old Kenzo gazing at the character of Antonio, a young boy in the film who is gifted with the ability to speak to animals, and has an uncanny resemblance to Kenzo. “I truly believe that he thought it was him,” said the toddler’s mom Kaheisha Brooks. “He kept staring at the screen and looking back at us and smiling.” His father, Keith Brooks, added: “It did make me feel a little bit emotional, just to think that my son was able to see this and have this experience. And just for so many other Black and brown boys and girls to be able to have that same experience now, I think that is amazing.” https://youtu.be/YM7t6Pa5KOc Andrea Rene Williams Sings National Anthem For Georgetown Hoyas This Friday! TV ONE announced today that JUST EATS WITH CHEF JJ returns for season 4 on CLEO TV. The popular cooking show will kick off its premiere episode featuring popular television personality and Harlem native, Bevy Smith on Wednesday, January 12th at 9 P.M. ET/8C. Chef JJ, one of the culinary world’s most sought after stars, invites you into his kitchen to experience his delicious delights with celebrity friends and influencers. In this season of the hot cooking show, Chef JJ will introduce exciting global cuisine to celebrity friends while turning up the heat with friendly cook-offs. This season welcomes guests Bevy Smith, LeA Robinson, Camillya Masunda, DJ Cool V and many more. January gives us time to refllect upon the life of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who believed that collective efforts would help us to make the world a better place. Even through Black Lives Matter and Covid, we believe in the power of these words"Peace on that bright shore, where we'll study war no more" Someway, somehow, someday. Ryan Vincent Ford & Ministry drops Someday (Tribute to Edwin Hawkins) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWC0vcfC5DE&feature=youtu.be James Johnson is an award winning singer and songwriter and AGREE is the song that makes a statement on believing in the power of God in spite of the odds. James delivers a powerful Gospel message based on his own life experiences to encourage and uplift the hearts and minds of people everywhere to trust God and AGREE with what the Word of God has already said. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYQXJvjp7e4&feature=youtu.be Famed film and television producer Tracey Edmonds is speaking about her latest work as EP on BET’s hit drama series “Games People Play.” Based on Angela Burt-Murray’s critically acclaimed book, “Games Divas Play,” the series, per press release, is a sexy, stylized one-hour drama about the L.A. high life, featuring a cast of characters where everyone plays to win, including a basketball player navigating both his equally rocky personal life and NBA career, a newly appointed team marketing executive who’s got a lot to prove, a tenacious journalist desperately seeking the truth and a struggling actress with a scandalous past. https://i.ytimg.com/vi/YerJNi4hEbQ/hqdefault.jpg The Recording Academy is seeking a new venue to host the 64th annual Grammy Awards amid the rise in the COVID-19 Omicron variant. “They’re having trouble finding a venue and they’re looking at the Hollywood Bowl because it’s outside,” one source said, Page Six reports. The telecast was originally set to go down live at the Los Angeles Crypto.com Arena, formerly the Staples Center, on Jan. 31, 2022. But on Monday Billboard magazine reported that the show will likely be postponed due to the pandemic. “They have to block off a venue for a week or like ten days to provide rehearsal time. That’s at least the requirement for the Crypto.com Arena, so that complicates things. They’re having a hard time getting it for that block,” one insider said. The top nominees for the 64th annual Grammy Awards are Jon Batiste (11), Justin Bieber (8), Doja Cat (8), H.E.R. (8), Billie Eilish (7) and Olivia Rodrigo (7). https://youtu.be/UrW352Kc1mQ Songstress and radio personality Alyson Williams, the first lady of Def Jam, has been hospitalized with an undisclosed illness but is said to be doing better, according to insiders with knowledge about her ailing health. Williams, host of Love Notes w/ Alyson Williams In The Chill Zone on WHCR 90.3 FM, reportedly has a long road to recovery, sources state. As reported by SoulTracks, her reps have indicated that “she is moving in the right direction but it will take some time” https://youtu.be/Tk32jv1mCrk La La Anthony says she wants to find love like married couple Ciara and Russell Wilson‘s. The actress and divorced mother of one son hit up her Instagram on Saturday to share a photo of her rocking brown lingerie. She captioned the image: “I brought in the New Year a little different this year. Kept things calm which is not my usual AT ALL lol but instead of being down about it I had to remind myself maybe that’s exactly what I needed.” “Time to myself & time with me & Kiyan just to reflect & be grateful for all the blessings in our lives,” La La added. “We wrote down some goals & manifestations for 2022 so cheers to that. Wishing everyone an amazing New Year with more LOVE more BLESSINGS, GOOD HEALTH and most of all HAPPINESS.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CYNWB_Stjae/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=2f262547-6c1d-4d2d-8b57-1380aab0cec6 Rapper Eve kicked off the New Year by sharing photos on Instagram of her pregnancy journey. “Can’t believe how soon I’m gonna be meeting this little person ???????” she captioned a post of her herself showing off her baby bump. Eve and her husband Maximillion Cooper are expecting their first child together in February. The Grammy Award winner initially announced the big news in October. https://www.instagram.com/p/CYQ4EfxMXAP/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=ffb13de7-54e2-4d89-ab24-abc231fbf887 During Lamar Odom’s 2019 interview with TV One’s “Uncensored,” the former pro basketball player revealed that he dated actress Taraji P. Henson back in the day, but dumped her for his now ex-wife Khloe Kardashian. “I met Taraji at [an] HBO party. I met her and we hit it off right away,” the retired NBA player explained, as reported by AceShowbiz. Odom said he “really, really started liking her,” and noted that he should have “done things [differently] with her.” “She was a little older than me but I learned a lot from her because that was the most significant relationship as a grown-up that I had with a black woman,” Lamar said. “I used to carry her picture on the road with me,” he added. “She gave me inspiration… A black woman working like that, that’s just as good at her craft as I am in my craft,” he continued. Lamar said he ended things with Taraji as he fell in love with Khloe. https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Cq07Gztz4A0/hqdefault.jpg Singer Omarion has been at the center of online jokes and memes amid the rise of the latest variant of COVID-19, Omicron. The R&B artist has heard all the jokes about his name compared to this latest variant, and he too seems to be having a bit of fun with it. “Hi, this is Omarion. I am an artist, not a variant,” he said in a TikTok video posted Saturday. “So please be aware, if you just so happen to run into me on the street, you don’t have to isolate for five days, nor do you have to have a negative test result to dance to my music.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1477339953961082880 It looks like #AndyCohen isn’t losing his holiday gig with #CNN, despite bubbling rumors! The television host went viral just a few days ago for his rant against former New York City Mayor #BilldeBlasio, along with additional unprofessional comments. His opinions of the mayor being “horrible” influenced calls for CNN to cut him loose from the holiday special. But, according to a statement provided to @people, we’ll be seeing Andy host ‘New Year’s Eve Live’ again. “Andy said something he shouldn’t have on live tv,” a CNN spokeswoman told People. “We’ve addressed it with him and look forward to having him back again next year.” The morning after saying “sayonara sucka” to Bill on live television, Andy admitted he might’ve had a touch too much drank. He wrote on Twitter saying, “um, I was a bit overserved last night.” Andy’s commentary about the former mayor centered on how folks, including himself, Democrats and Republicans, felt about Bill’s time in office. https://www.instagram.com/p/CYSu0fzB-OP/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again The lieutenant governor of Texas, a Republican who has attempted to politicize the pandemic along racial, age and party lines, tested positive for COVID-19 last week, according to reports. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has been isolating himself and has since tested negative after experiencing mild symptoms, his senior adviser Allen Blakemore said in a statement on Monday. He was being treated with Regeneron’s monoclonal antibodies, which the FDA granted emergency authorization because of the pandemic. It was unclear when exactly Patrick tested positive for COVID-19. However, critics are likely to wonder not only why Patrick wasn’t more forthcoming immediately following finding out his diagnosis, but also whether he knew how he was infected by the virus. A Little Rock police chief is on administrative leave after accidentally shooting a woman while aiming at a suspect. According to the Daily Mail, Chief Keith Humphrey was involved in the New Year’s Eve shooting after he encountered a disturbance in front of a Superstop in the 5100 block of Asher Avenue. Humphrey was arriving at the scene when he saw an altercation involving a man and a woman, identified as 22-year-old Kelecia Mayo. In a video shared on social media, a second woman identified as 29-year-old Taz Hayes is seen shooting into a crowd of bystanders in an attempt to defend the man, Black Enterprise reports. That’s when Humphrey pulled out his service weapon and aimed at Hayes – but he missed and injured Mayo. She was hospitalized in critical condition. https://youtu.be/S80rYTywZ5E Herschel Walker the ex-football player who is looking to represent Georgia in the U.S. Senate brought in 2022 with a message for the American people—which is to say he mumble rapped through a bunch of generic right-wing talking points and called it “a few things to think about as we start the New Year.” Now, it’s not exactly easy to make out what all Walker was saying in the video because he was either drunk or there’s a noxious gas leak in the sunken place that whoever does maintenance down there needs to see about, but, according to The Guardian, he was attacking Democratic policies like that of his opponent Sen. Raphael Warnock and President Joe Biden. https://twitter.com/i/status/1477430332827869188 It’s always been clear that Republican Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has made it her political goal to become the Donald Trump sequel. Well, Greene should be happy now that she’s followed in the ex-president’s footprints and gotten herself permanently suspended from Twitter for spreading dangerous misinformation—and yet she appears to be really salty about it. Greene said in a statement through her office on Sunday that she got her Twitter fingers chopped off for tweeting statistics from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). According to NBC News, “anyone can report an adverse event to the system, which operates under the Department of Health and Human Services.” In other words, any QMoron with a medical degree from the prestigious University of If It’s On YouTube It Must be True can post nonsense on the site, which is why the department has warned that VAERS is “not designed to determine if a vaccine caused a health problem.” But Greene’s suspension didn’t happen over one incident, according to Twitter, which said in a statement that “repeated violations” landed her on the permanently unfollowed list. “We permanently suspended the account you referenced (@mtgreenee) for repeated violations of our COVID-19 misinformation policy,” the statement read. “We’ve been clear that, per our strike system for this policy, we will permanently suspend accounts for repeated violations of the policy.” Dr. Ben Carson appeared on Hannity on Fox News last week where he touted the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin as treatments against COVID-19. “The Biden White House – they downplay anything that is not ‘Get the shot. Boost, boost, boost,’” said Hannity guest host Pete Hegseth. “That’s pretty much all we hear time and time again. Why can’t they make a shift to the things that have actually worked or there’s evidence they are effective as well?” “It’s very sad because the rest of the world looks to the United States for leadership,” said Carson. “And we’re not providing it.” Carson continued, “Look around the world. “Nigeria, for instance. The mortality rate in Nigeria from Covid 14 per million. In this country, it’s 2,200 per million.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1476866423011962883 Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs was arrested on Monday for misdemeanor DUI following his team’s win against the Indianapolis Colts. As reported by TMZ, police found Hobbs, 22, asleep inside his car, which was parked on the exit ramp of a parking garage near The Cromwell Hotel in Las Vegas. He was arrested after failing field sobriety tests. Hobbs was booked into the Clark County Detention Center on January 3 on one count of misdemeanor DUI. A court date is set for May. A spokesperson for the Raiders told NFL.com: “The organization has been in communication with local law enforcement and is in the process of gathering more information,” the statement read, per NFL.com. “We will have no further comment at this time.” The Duggar family invited dozens of guests to their Arkansas home on New Year’s Eve. Jim Bob and Michelle were seen speaking to friends and praying together. Other family members in attendance included Justin and his wife Claire, Jason, Johanna, Jennifer, Jordyn, and Jana, who recorded the scene for Instagram. The festivities included a musical performance, drone play outside, and over a dozen boxes of Domino’s pizza. The Duggars’ oldest son Josh, 33, was found guilty on December 9 of receiving and possessing child pornography. He is in solitary confinement and is currently awaiting sentencing, which could land him up to 20 years behind bars. Jay Weaver, a musician with the contemporary Christian band Big Daddy Weave, has died following a battle with COVID-19, his brother announced. The bassist, who also performed vocals for the group, was 42. His brother, Mike Weaver, said in an Instagram video late Sunday that “Jay went to be with Jesus just a couple hours ago.” Jay and Mike Weaver helped launch Big Daddy Weave in 1998 in Mobile, Ala. Known for songs such as “Redeemed” and “Jesus I Believe,” the band has released eight studio albums that landed within the top 20 on the U.S. Christian music charts, including three that cracked the top 10. Mike Weaver, who is the band’s lead singer, praised fans for supporting his brother during an “uphill battle.” Jay, whose given name was Jason Weaver, was diagnosed with diabetes years earlier, and had both feet amputated in 2016 after he contracted an infection, according to the website Christian Post. “The Lord used him in such a mighty way out on the road for so many years,” Mike Weaver said Sunday. “Anybody who’s in contact with him knows just how real his faith in Jesus was. I believe that even though COVID may have taken his last breath, Jesus was right there to catch him.” Rapper J $tash, 28, allegedly shot his girlfriend of one year Jeannette Gallegos, 28, in the master bedroom of their LA home on New Year’s Day while Gallegos’ children were in front of the room’s door. The three boys, aged seven, nine and eleven fled the home after calling 911. They are unharmed and are now staying with other family members. Police said that the pair were having an argument before the rapper from Florida took his girlfriend into the master bedroom of their California home, before locking the door behind them. He allegedly killed himself after fatally shooting his girlfriend. Rapper Lecrae sparked a mixture of frustration, furor, and support with a simple tweet he sent Sunday about partaking in communion. “Just did communion at home with wheat bread and apple juice,” he wrote. “I hope this still counts.” Lecrae placed a shrugging man emoji at the end of his message. But what he possibly assumed was just a basic and light-hearted tweet about the eucharist turned into a heavy handed back-and-forth among his followers. Some supported Lecrae and said his at-home communion act passed muster. Others, though, had a starkly different take, pondering whether Lecrae was showing a “disregard” for God’s holiness. Lecrae tweeted: For clarity about my communion post. I learned a lot. Didn’t realize it was such a touchy subject. Thanks for grace. This link specifically resonated with me. Thanks for the dialogue. https://t.co/jATfKXbiI9 It was a loss for the Dallas Cowboys in their crucial Week 17 game against the Arizona Cardinals, but not only with the final score. Michael Gallup, one of the team’s game-breaking wide receivers, went down with a knee injury toward the end of the first half after reeling in a touchdown throw from Dak Prescott and was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the game. This was ominous, yes, as was how he was quickly ushered to the locker room and later seen on crutches. Following the game, owner Jerry Jones dropped an unfortunate bombshell regarding one of his best receivers, in that Gallup is believed to have suffered a torn ACL that will end his 2021 season. The injury caps a brutal year for the 25-year-old, who suffered a calf strain following the regular-season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — an injury that cost him half the season and one he did not return from until Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons — and sidelines him just ahead of the postseason. Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed that Lionel Messi has tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss Monday’s Coupe de France round of 32 clash with Vannes OC with the Ligue 1 trip to Olympique Lyonnais also now in major doubt. The French giants updated their medical bulletin on Sunday ahead of head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s pre-match press conference and the Argentina international is one of four players to have returned a positive test along with Juan Bernat, Sergio Rico, and Nathan Bitumazala. “The four players that tested positive for Covid-19 are Leo Messi, Juan Bernat, Sergio Rico and Nathan Bitumazala,” read the bulletin. “They are currently in isolation and are subject to the appropriate health protocol.” Bernat was with the squad on Saturday for the resumption of training so the possibility that this is not the final positive case is strong as Pochettino hinted during his press conference while also confirming that Messi will remain in the pair’s homeland until he tests negative. Kyler Murray can’t lose at AT&T Stadium. He grew up 44 miles from Arlington and won five high school games at Jerry World, one game during his freshman year at Texas A&M, one game at Oklahoma and the Cardinals beat the Cowboys 38-10 in Week 6 of the 2020 season before holding on for a 25-22 win Sunday. “Coming home, I feel like me personally, I can’t lose coming home,” Murray said. “That’s the mentality. That’s just how I feel. Again, though, it’s not just about the mentality. It’s about coming out and executing. I think the guys feel great, too, when they come back here. I don’t know what it is. A great stadium, the fans, I don’t know what it is. You know when you come back to Cowboys Stadium, it’s a big-time game, because that’s the feeling around here. I’m glad the guys had my back today.” Sometimes you are destined for greatness, then life brings you adversity. But the lesson isn’t in the adversity, it’s in how you respond to said adversity; that is what defines you as a person. On Oct 23, 2021, LiAngelo was drafted 14th overall in the Greensboro Swarm in the NBA G League draft and when getting chances he’s shinning. In his G-League debut, he scored 22 points. He’s also had a game when we scored 14 points in 15 minutes, going 6 for 8 from the field. Although he’s averaging 9.6 points per game, some insiders even believe he is ready for the league right now. It hasn’t been easy for LiAngelo Ball. One mistake almost ended everything, but he made it a journey, and with his father’s help he created a path that has been unique to his story. Adversity could have easily pushed him away from his dreams to be in the NBA, but he hasn’t stopped balling. https://twitter.com/i/status/1469682028425756676 Urban One announced the superstar group of honorees for the upcoming URBAN ONE HONORS including Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Lifetime Achievement; Timbaland, Music Innovation; Gamble and Huff, Living Legends; Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Inspirational Impact; and Oscar, Grammy and Emmy Award-winning Jennifer Hudson, Entertainment Icon. Hosted by Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and producer Ne-Yo, the two-hour telecast premieres Monday, January 17, 2022, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, on TV One and Cleo TV, a division of Urban One. Wireless provider T-Mobile, America’s 5G leader with the largest, fastest and most reliable 5G network, serves as Presenting Sponsor of the celebration. Previously announced presenters included Jermaine Dupri, Marlon Wayans and Vashawn Mitchell, alongside performances by Inspirational Impact honoree Tasha Cobbs-Leonard, Kelly Price and Tank. Additionally, TV & Radio Personality Eva Marcille will host a special backstage pass segment, featuring exclusive interviews with the show's honorees, performers and presenters. Tony McCuin serves as Director with Kim Burse on board as Musical Director. http://www.gospel-spotlight.com After a two-year hiatus, the incomparable, soul-stirring Festival of Praise is set to kick off its fifth nationwide tour in March 2022. The 30-city tour will be headlined by Gospel music icon Fred Hammond, along with Gospel superstars Marvin Sapp and Hezekiah Walker. For the first time in Gospel music history, 2022's Festival Of Praise will offer a talented local choir in each city of the tour the opportunity to perform on the show. http://www.gospel-spotlight.com RadarOnline is reporting that court documents have shown that Stevie J’s now-former attorney Kimia Klein of Fox Rothschild LLP filed a motion to no longer represent him. Attorney Klein wrote in the motion that there was a breakdown in the relationship between the two parties and they couldn’t reach a resolution. “There has been an irremediable breakdown in the attorney-client relationship such that a genuine conflict has arisen between Fox and Steven,” said Klein. “Despite several attempts by my office to informally resolve the issues with Steven, we have been unsuccessful in resolving the issues.” https://www.instagram.com/hitmansteviej_1/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=fe246c4d-e6f6-4f33-8ef6-0c4282b6ca92 Jim Jones saved his photographer’s life when he suddenly collapsed while they were in Florida at a crypto event for his capo coin. The two sat down for an exclusive interview with Inside Edition to speak about the frightening incident. “We was just literally just hanging out on a break from work. Just hanging out,” photographer Jerry Flete said. “It just happened so fast. Basically, I woke up, Jim giving me chest compression and telling me, ‘Wake up. Wake up.’ He basically saved my life. I’m here today because of Jim.” Jim said he was on a phone call when his partner, Doug, screamed his name frantically, which prompted him to turn around and see what was going on. https://www.instagram.com/p/CYP6yCmK6jT/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again The actor, Raven-Symoné Christina Pearman, appeared on the game show’s celebrity version to raise money for Goodwill Southern California. Her competitors were Tori Spelling and figure skater Tara Lipinski. The category was “‘70’s Song Lyrics.” After Lipinski suggested an incorrect letter, Raven-Symoné was next. “I kind of want to solve it,” she said with a grin. Host Pat Sajak warned: “I’m just going to alert you to be real careful as you solve it. Go slow. Go ahead if that’s what you want to do.” Raven-Symone listened and spun the wheel several more times to bank more money. Finally, ready to complete the puzzle, she answered: “‘Ah ah ah ah stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive,'” from the Bee Gees classic “Stayin’ Alive.” That glaring wrong answer buzz sounded. Spelling, who was next, said, “Oh, I feel bad” and hesitated before giving the correct answer. “‘Ah ha ha ha stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive,.'” The “Beverly Hills 90210” star was correct. https://youtu.be/at1Aq26srZ4 A newly released study reveals that there is a 30% drop in aspiring teachers in Louisiana. Further alarming is the lack of diversity in the K-12 classroom —23.5% of teachers in Louisiana are Black and of that number only 5% are Black men. Research shows that just 1 Black male teacher in 3rd, 4th or 5th grade for young Black men substantially decreases his chances of dropping out of high school by 40%. This is the message of BE2T Co-founder and CEO, Larry Irvin Jr.’s TED Talk: A program to empower Black teachers in the US. Released last month, Irvin’s talk is at nearly 800,000 views. https://youtu.be/rX7XECKz9iY This episode of Underground Magnolia Podcast features a wide-ranging conversation with Dr. LaReesa Ferdinand, a board-certified OB/GYN for 20 years and the Founder and CEO of The Estrogen Doctor Company, LLC. After being in private practice for several years in the greater Orlando, Florida area, Dr. LaReesa, as she’s affectionately known as, wanted to focus more on than routine gynecological exams and obstetrician duties. https://open.spotify.com/episode/2Wxv1G0Qrx2y1n0aJtq6wM Several Los Angeles-area groups are calling for the arrest and prosecution of the police officer who inadvertently shot 14-year-old Valentina Orellana Peralta to death while confronting a suspect inside a North Hollywood Burlington store. Demonstrators rallied outside of the Los Angeles Police Department headquarters downtown on Sunday, calling for the arrest of Officer William Jones – who was identified by police last week as the officer involved in the shooting. Najee Ali of Operation Hope told City News Service on Sunday that at a minimum, he would like to see Officer Jones charged with involuntary manslaughter, similar to the charge against former Minnesota police officer Kim Potter, who was convicted in the fatal shooting of Daunte Wright. Potter said she mistook her gun for a Taser. A former Georgia school administrator was indicted on murder charges in early December for the 2019 death of his wife. As reported by Law and Crime, Edward Judie, 67, was indicted by Macon-Bibb County grand jurors on charges of felony murder after allegedly killing his wife with a lethal amount of cocaine. Judie served as Bibb County’s deputy superintendent of student affairs from 2011 to 2015. He and another woman, Aliyah Danielle Walker, were indicted for murdering his wife in November of 2019, local NBC affiliate WMGT reported. They also face charges of possession and distribution of cocaine. https://i.ytimg.com/vi/rm2ErhbjNIY/hqdefault.jpg The late Desmond Tutu will undergo aquamation instead of cremation following his death late last month. As reported by The Blast, his body will undergo aquamation, an environmentally friendly method of cremation that uses water instead of fire. Aquamation is also known under its official name, “alkaline hydrolisis.” During this process, a deceased body is submerged in a mixture of water and a strong alkali in a pressurized cylinder for about three to four hours. During this process, the cylinder is heated to about 300 degrees Fahrenheit. The process causes skins, organs, and hair to liquefy until only the bones are left. These bones are then dried and crushed into a white powder. The remains are then placed in an urn, which can be given to relatives. https://i.ytimg.com/vi/_L23UifKc9c/hqdefault.jpg The University of the District of Columbia is one of the latest institutions to receive a historic donation amongst the wave of support for HBCUs throughout the country. The institution closed out 2021 with a multi-million endowment from an anonymous donor. The $2.3 million donation—which marks the largest private gift the school has received in its 171-year history—will go towards the university’s Developing America’s Workforce Nucleus (DAWN) initiative; fostering the creation of scholarships for Black and brown students who are in need of financial support. UDC has used its DAWN program to build a pipeline of talent in the STEM industry. The DAWN Deans’ Scholarships by Degree and Programs initiative will provide aid for undergraduate students and workforce development programs under the school’s College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, School of Business and Public Administration and College of Arts and Sciences. The Community College and Workforce Development and Lifelong Learning will also receive funding through the donation. Under the umbrella of DAWN is the Deans’ Community Leaders Scholarship initiative which was cultivated to support students who have displayed their dedication to civic engagement. It will be funded under the endowment as well. https://t.co/q9ZCj96EB7?amp=1 NBA Star Lonzo Ball partnered with one of the nation’s leading fatherhood initiatives based in Chicago, The Dovetail Project, and surprised two young hard-working fathers with $2,000 shopping sprees for the holidays. Rewriting the narrative of fatherhood for young Black and Brown communities, The Dovetail Project gives young fathers within marginalized communities a better understanding of the responsibilities of fatherhood and their importance in the lives of their children. The two young fathers are Kevin McNair (23), who is a father of 3, and Kawan Nicholson (21), who is a father of 2. Both are Chicago Bull fans and are recent graduates of The Dovetail Project’s 22nd graduating class where they experienced a transformative 12-week curriculum that emphasized the roles, rights and responsibilities of fatherhood, felony street law and how to maintain an active, engaged presence in their children’s lives. During the graduation ceremony and completion of the program, the fathers receive a stipend, are coached and are prepared for job opportunities, GED registration and completion, or enrollment in a trade training program. Kevin and Kawan were able to use the money to buy gifts for their children this holiday season. Historically Black colleges and universities throughout the country serve as pillars that sit at the intersection of education and culture, and this year a new institution will open in the city of Detroit. According to WXYZ Detroit, a former business school will be transformed into Michigan’s only HBCU. The school—dubbed the Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design—was cultivated for emerging Black designers, engineers, business leaders and creatives. It was previously the Lewis College of Business; a historically Black institution founded nearly 94 years ago. It initially served as a secretarial school for Black women and emerged into a business school; producing Black leaders that would go on to work at companies that included Ford and Michigan Bell. The HBCU functioned in Detroit between 1939 through 2013; shuttering 26 years after receiving its historically Black college accreditation. https://pbs.twimg.com/card_img/1477339676583337990/XmFW7HUo?format=png&name=small Rep. Val Demings is primed and ready to snatch Sen. Marco Rubio’s seat after the Florida senator tweeted a reckless comment about the latest pandemic surge. As COVID-19 cases surge in his home state of Florida, Rubio tweeted that widespread concern over the Omicron variant was “irrational hysteria.” Rubio downplayed the seriousness of the Omicron variant, as news reports warn of the speed at which the virus is spreading. But Rubio’s refusal to take the surge of the Omicron variant seriously could be an opening for Demings, his likely general election opponent. Demings used the opportunity to point out the simple facts of the current state of things. She tweeted about the number of people who have died since the start of the pandemic and encouraged voters to choose leaders who take their health and well-being seriously. Throughout the country there are physical structures embedded in the fabric of African American history; the walls of these spaces harbor stories that illustrate Black resilience and Black joy. The National Park Service is making a concerted effort to ensure these historic sites are around for generations to come. According to the Michigan Advance, the site of Vaughn’s Bookstore in Detroit has received a preservation grant from the NPS. The bookshop—which was operated by Michigan politician Ed Vaughn—was the city’s first Black-owned bookstore. Vaughn—who served in the state’s House of Representatives during the 70s and 90s—opened the store in the early 60s. In the midst of the civil rights movement, Vaughn’s Bookstore quickly emerged into a pillar within the community; serving as a space for Black authors and poets to share their work and also becoming the backdrop for meetings hosted by leaders within the local neighborhood. Over the course of its nearly 40-year existence, the store had many lives. It shuttered in 1967 following the civil unrest in Detroit, but Vaughn eventually reopened. No matter how many times he reinvented the bookshop, he stayed true to his initial mission of celebrating Black literature and making it accessible. Vaughn’s Bookstore shuttered during the late 90s. Representation matters and a Cincinnati social entrepreneur has set out on a mission to ensure that Black children see themselves reflected within the books they read. Arin Gentry, founder of the As Told By Foundation, is using her nonprofit as an avenue to empower youth through literature, WCPO reported. Although racial diversity within the pages of children’s books has increased, there remains significant room for growth. According to a study conducted by the Cooperative Children’s Book Center, a mere 11.9 percent of books for youth featured a main character who was Black. Gentry realized the lack of representation was a generational issue. As a child, she noticed there weren’t many books that illustrated positive stories about Black characters. There were also limited books penned by Black authors. https://pbs.twimg.com/card_img/1477959668299296769/FDXkXch4?format=jpg&name=small Rapper Kodak Black was arrested on New Year’s Day in Broward County, Florida, and charged with trespassing, according to local reports. Black, who was born Octave Dieuson and then legally known as Bill Kapri after he changed his name, was taken into custody in the early hours of New Year’s Day, his representatives confirmed. Broward County sheriff’s deputies said they “made contact with Bill Kapri” around 1:30 a.m. ET in the Pompano Beach area. Black is originally from Broward County. Black bonded out at about 4 a.m. The sheriff’s department did not immediately respond to a request for information about the circumstances of Black’s arrest and the trespassing accusations, which were not immediately clear. In a time where segregation was at the forefront of American issues, Betty White rejected attempts to keep a Black dancer off her show. The dancer, Arthur Duncan, was featured on “The Betty White Show” that aired in the 1950s. When she was encouraged to take him off because of the color of his skin, she politely declined. “I’m sorry, but, you know, he stays,” White said, according to a PBS biography. White died on Friday, just a few weeks shy of her 100th birthday, news that prompted a look back on a career that included advocacy on many fronts. Duncan told Steve Harvey in 2017 that White gave him his first job on TV during the premiere of Harvey’s “Little Big Shots: Forever Young.” Actor and comedian Kenan Thompson is putting the focus on empowering creatives in the entertainment space to have ownership of their artistry through the launch of a new production company, Variety reported. The company—dubbed Artists for Artists—was cultivated to support creators in the content development process. AFA, which he co-founded with John Ryan Jr., will align artists and brands with global distribution platforms and ensure the creatives maintain the rights to the projects they develop. Thompson and Ryan’s company will also serve as an incubator for creators to produce an array of projects across different mediums. TS Madison is bringing entertainment to Fox Soul TV, as you have never seen before! The Social Media and LGBTQ icon will ‘turn-up’ her personality ‘loud, live and in color,’ in Turnt Out with TS Madison, a new variety talk show hosted by the darling media maven set to debut on Fox Soul TV’s programming, Tuesday, January 4th at 8 pm EST/ 5 pm PST. The much-anticipated variety show includes pop culture talk, comedic sketches, celebrity interviews and live performances. Turnt Out with TS Madison will not only have viewers laughing but also expose them to discussions on culturally and socially relevant topics. https://www.instagram.com/p/CYMaZXdBvBA/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again The company that produced the “Ace Ventura” films has sued Netflix over the use of footage from “Ace Ventura 2” in its hit documentary series “Tiger King”. Morgan Creek Entertainment said in the Monday complaint, filed in Los Angeles federal court, that the first episode of “Tiger King” infringes its copyrights by using two clips of Jim Carrey’s title character with exotic animals without its permission. “Tiger King,” a true crime series set in the world of private zoos and their eccentric owners, became one of Netflix’s most successful releases when it first aired in March last year. The show’s second season premiered in November. The complaint says Morgan Creek contacted attorneys for Netflix and “Tiger King” production company Goode Films last June to negotiate an “after-the-fact license,” but the companies weren’t able to resolve the dispute. “Ace Ventura 2: When Nature Calls” grossed over $100 million worldwide after it was released in 1995, according to the complaint. Morgan Creek has also produced films including “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves,” “Last of the Mohicans,” and “Major League.” Morgan Creek asked the court to block Netflix from using the “Ace Ventura” clips and to award it damages, including $300,000 in statutory damages. Netflix didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment, nor did Morgan Creek or its attorney David Berke of Berkes Law. Goode Films couldn’t be reached for comment. Berry shared a photo of her and Hunt kissing at an altar during their tropical vacation on New Year’s Day. She captioned the images, “well…IT’S OFFICIAL!” And with that, many fans assumed the couple tied the knot. However, Berry quickly set the record straight on Sunday. Halle Berry sparked a frenzy among her fans on social media on Saturday when she intentionally led many to believe she wed her boyfriend, singer Van Hunt. https://www.instagram.com/halleberry/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=ba210f5b-bbfd-433a-a432-998ee63bd535 The Weeknd hit Twitter Monday (Jan. 3) with an announcement. A teaser trailer revealed that the crooner’s new album, “Dawn FM,” will be released on Friday featuring assists from Jim Carrey, Tyler, the Creator, Lil Wayne, Quincy Jones and Oneohtrix Point Never. “Dawn FM,” his fifth studio album, will follow the March 2020 release After Hours, and will come with the “After Hours til Dawn Stadium Tour,” traveling this summer to North America, Europe, South America, Asia, Australia, Africa and the Middle East. https://youtu.be/u5IrGXTpSkc On the first 2022 broadcast of “The View,” it was announced that co-host Whoopi Goldberg has tested positive for COVID-19. Co-host Joy Behar broke the news at the top of Monday’s episode, sharing that Goldberg, 66, has mild symptoms after being vaccinated and receiving the booster shot. Behar and the rest of the panel, including Sunny Hostin, Sara Haines and guest host Ana Navarro, were back in filming the talk show from their various homes, but Behar said she hoped it would be only temporary. “They say there’s no place like home for the holidays and that’s exactly where we are this year,” she said. “Happy New Year from all of our living rooms. As you can see we’re back in boxes and doing the show remotely — hopefully for just a week, I’m praying that it’s just a week but you never know because this omicron thing is all over the place.” https://twitter.com/i/status/1478041128071016450 DeVon Franklin says he is experiencing both “pain and peace” following his split from actress Meagan Good. Good and Franklin reportedly split months before they announced last month that they’re calling it quits. We reported earlier, Franklin filed legal documents in December in an L.A. courthouse. The date of separation is listed as Aug. 21, 2021, and the reason he cited for the divorce is “irreconcilable differences.” Good and Franklin tied the knot on June 16, 2012, and have no children together. They initially met on the set of the 2011 film “Jumping the Broom,” and got engaged in May 2012. Franklin rang in the New Year with a throwback selfie that he captioned: “I took this picture a few months ago, I’m not much of a crier so in a moment of deep pain and peace, I took this picture. It captures best how I feel,” the preacher wrote on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/CYNWulWpxZ_/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=6dcaf033-8e9d-494c-8ace-cd891a772012 Oprah Winfrey celebrated the holiday season from the comforts of her own home, where a chef whipped up savory dishes that are popular in various cultures around the world. “Every night during holiday season we eat delicious foods from different countries,” Oprah captioned her Instagram video of chef Gregory Gourdet talking about the foods he’s cooking. “Tonight we had Haitian cuisine with Chef @gg30000,” she wrote. “To my Haitians friends everywhere, enjoy your soup joumou on January 1st!” As reported by The Blast, Oprahdaily, Oprah’s lifestyle account, commented, “We need to make a trip over to @kannrestaurant to try all this deliciousness!” https://www.instagram.com/p/CX2SuWwjGgk/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic and declining donations, the Potter’s House of Denver has decided to sell its $12.2 million, 137,000-square-foot megachurch in Arapahoe County, Colorado and go completely virtual, Pastor Touré Roberts has revealed. Roberts, who leads the multicultural church along with his wife, Sarah Jakes-Roberts, made the announcement in an interview with The Denver Post published on Monday. “COVID-19 forced every church in America to rethink how to best serve their parishioners and the broader community,” Roberts told the publication. “Due to the inability to gather and the economic instability of the pandemic, our church, like many other churches in the nation, experienced declining donations.” Instead of trying to do upkeep on an “old building that needed significant repairs,” which they have occupied for more than a decade, Pastor Roberts explained that selling the property and going fully virtual with their services made the most sense. “We decided that the best way forward would be to sell the property, continue our online offering that had proven a successful alternative and maintain our hands-on community outreach operations, which includes our food bank that feeds thousands of families per year,” he said. The shuttering of The Potter’s House of Denver comes as many churches nationwide are being forced to make the difficult choice of abandoning their buildings due to dwindling attendance — sometimes without the prospect of a virtual alternative. Janet Jackson hit up her Instagram account to share the extended trailer for her forthcoming documentary, “Janet Jackson Doc.” A+E Networks ordered a two-night, four-hour documentary event about the life and legacy of the music icon. The project coincides with the 40th anniversary of her debut album, which came out in 1982. Jackson also serves as an executive produce the doc with brother Randy Jackson, and it promises to offer unprecedented access to her life. The doc features cameos from Samuel L. Jackson, Teyana Taylor, Whoopi Goldberg, Q-Tip, Mariah Carey, Missy Elliott, Ciara, Paula Abdul, and more. https://www.instagram.com/p/CYMqSMhq542/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Katt Williams recently said that comic legend Eddie Murphy should NOT top your list of favorite comedians. As reported by The Blast, via Atlanta Black Star, Williams said, “Don’t tell me Eddie Murphy is your favorite comedian because Eddie Murphy hasn’t done comedy since the 80s. It just doesn’t make sense.” He added, “It’s about how much [of] the body of work you can put out. So, nobody knows was beefing with Mozart, because the guy beefing with Mozart didn’t put up any material. You know what I mean? That’s why history takes care of all of that.” “I’m only the greatest comedian living because I have more female fans than any comes on the globe,” said Williams. https://youtu.be/s8qwrdpd6rA Meet British Ghanaian graphic artist Peniel Enchill, the woman behind the icon “Black Woman Stepping Into The New Year” artwork. As reported by Buzzfeed, the image first appeared on the internet in 2014 and has since gone viral each year around New Year’s Eve. The artwork has “become synonymous on Black Twitter with the saying “New year, new me,” ” the outlet writes. “I did that artwork in hours. It usually takes me a while to finish up an illustration. But I had what I like to call these days a ‘download,’ where you literally see the picture in your mind and it’s just a matter of transferring that image from your mind to the paper. I rarely get that, but that was one of them,” Enchill, 29, told BuzzFeed News. https://www.instagram.com/p/xFOdc9oJEx/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=dcc33c27-287f-4b8f-a829-cbcb26582255 Antonio Brown’s latest messy departure from an NFL team, the Buccaneers, was not about an injury, coach Bruce Arians said Monday. Yes, the Buccaneers are moving on from Brown, whose NFL career is on hold yet again after another in a series of incidents, including two women accusing him of sexual assault in 2019. But Arians dispelled the notion that Brown stormed off the field Sunday — tossing some of his gear into the stands and waving to fans at the Jets’ MetLife Stadium — after refusing to go back in because of an ankle injury that had sidelined him for several weeks. https://twitter.com/i/status/1477733392611524616 2021 was the most violent year Chicago has experienced since the birth of the 21st century, according to recently released data from the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office. The office reported 820 homicides in the Windy City in 2021, the highest since 1995, when 828 murders were reported, according to the Sun-Times Media Wire. "We all know this has been a challenging year here in the city of Chicago," said Police Superintendent David Brown on Thursday. "Too many families are reeling from the loss of loved ones due to senseless gun violence ... Too many residents are dealing with the ripple effects of this trauma due to crime in our community." In late November, the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office issued a report confirming that the number of homicides in the county had passed 1,000 by the end of Thanksgiving. Of the 1,009 confirmed homicides, 777 of them occurred in Chicago. It was the largest number of murders in the county since 1994, when the office reported 1,141 homicides. Prichard Police have arrested the woman accused of firing the shot that killed Grace Carter Tuesday night. On Thursday, police arrested Kaillyn Christine Howard Harris. Carter was hit by a stray bullet and died while attending bible study this week. Now, her husband Cecil Carter Sr. is speaking out after this tragic death. He feels it was a place where his wife should’ve been safe. “I just don’t think that people should be shooting in places where you don’t know where a stray bullet could do,” Carter said. Cecil Carter is pastor-elect at Sunlight Missionary Baptist Church, something he now won’t get to share with his wife of 35 years. “She was really looking forward to it. She was very proud, and very happy, and very proud of me,” Carter said. “But right now the emptiness of her not being here for the installation is going to be hard for me.” Carter says the thought of having to go on without her is something he never imagined, but he’s trying to find the strength. “Sweetheart I love you as always…right now my heart is empty because she’s not by my side but I know that she’s there spiritually,” Carter said. “Right now I’m getting strength from knowing that God is able and knowing that my wife is in a better place with the lord, and no doubt about it that she loved the lord. So I have to be strong for her, and myself, and for my family, my children and all.” Carter says the family plans on holding funeral services for Grace next Saturday. A man and his children grieving the loss of their wife and mother were blessed Christmas Eve by a Cincinnati church congregation who gave them presents, toys, and a $6,700 check to help pay utilities for the next year. Travis Feltner, a father of eight kids ranging in ages from three to 20, stood before the Compass Community Church congregation Friday to accept these surprise gifts. Joined by some of his young children, he visibly became emotional as he thanked congregants for coming alongside his family after his wife, Amber, died in September of COVID-19. “I just can’t believe all the things that this church has done … it’s amazing what you guys have done for us,” he said, as he began to tear up. “I had no idea what I was going to do. Thank you so much for reaching out and being there for us.” It has been a difficult time for the Feltners. Before Amber’s death, Travis was in a serious car accident after his vehicle was struck by a man fleeing police, WLWT-TV reported. Violence against women is insulting to God, Pope Francis said in his New Year’s message yesterday. Francis, 85, called for ‘greater efforts to promote mothers and to protect women’ as he celebrated a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on the day the Roman Catholic Church marks both the solemnity of Holy Mary Mother of God as well as its annual World Day of Peace. The pope has ardently spoken out against domestic violence since the pandemic began, last month telling a woman who had been beaten by her ex-husband that men who commit such acts engage in something that is ‘almost satanic’ during an Italian television program. He said in his homily: ‘And since mothers bestow life, and women keep the world (together), let us all make greater efforts to promote mothers and to protect women. ‘How much violence is directed against women! Enough! ‘To hurt a woman is to insult God, who from a woman took on our humanity.’ Europe has seen a deadly resurgence of violence against women since the pandemic began. Royal courtiers are discussing plans to strip Prince Andrew of his Duke of York title if he loses the lawsuit brought by sex abuse accuser Virginia Giuffre, according to the Sunday Times. Other ideas allegedly being considered by the Royal household include sending the Duke into some form of ‘internal exile’ and asking him to relinquish any links he still has to charities. Ms Giuffre alleges that Prince Andrew sexually assaulted her three times when she was 17, which he denies, and is suing for unspecified damages. The Duke stepped down from public duties in November 2019 ‘for the foreseeable future’ over his friendship with pedophile Jeffrey Epstein in the wake of the disastrous News Night interview he had hoped would clear his name. A source said: ‘If [Prince Andrew] loses the case, the question is what do you do with him? You can’t make him resign like you would a normal person but he would be asked to put his dukedom into abeyance.’ Royal insiders said it would be difficult to persuade the Queen to remove the title of Duke of York as ‘it was held by her father, George VI, before he became king and she bestowed it on her favorite son. But he has disgraced that title’, the Sunday Times reported. A young pregnant woman has become the first person in the world to be infected with both Covid and the flu. The woman tested positive for both viruses in Beilinson Hospital in Petach Tikva city, Israel, on Thursday. She is suffering mild symptoms and Israeli health officials are studying her case to determine whether the combination causes any greater severity of illness. Her case is first documented in the world but doctors believe there could be more ‘flurona’ infections in the country. A recent article via Health Canal says that night sweats, one of the symptoms our friend is having, has been identified as one of the symptoms of the Omicron variant. It’s a key signal that our friend needs to get tested. Omicron is the latest Covid 19 variant that’s sent the world into a panic. Some of the highlights of the new strain are the new symptoms. According to Dr. Amir Khan, a UK doctor, night sweats are at the top of this list. This revelation by the doctor alerts people to watch out for bad night sweats. Dr. Khan, a physician with the UK NHS[1] (United Kingdom National Health Service), detailed that “those kinds of drenching night sweats where you might have to get up and change your clothes.” are part of the symptoms. Understanding the symptom is crucial, and health workers need to explain this to people. That way, if a patient experienced the drenching night sweats, they can get tested for the Omicron variant. Dr. Khan emphasized that “This is important, and it’s important that we keep on top of these symptoms. If we’re going to track Omicron and track it worldwide, we need to be able to test people with these symptoms.” Dr. Khan[2] was speaking with The Sun, a UK newspaper. Up to 1,000 homes have been destroyed and thousands of residents have left their homes as massive wildfires sweep through #Colorado. ? At least 580 homes and have been burned down and 30,000 people have been forced to evacuate their homes as wildfires damaged neighborhoods Friday morning, Fox News reports. Six people were sent to hospitals as a result of the fires. Winds were reportedly blowing at 105 miles per hour. ?“The end won’t come until the wind subsides,” Joe Pelle, the Boulder County sheriff, said, per Fox News. “This is the kind of fire you can’t fight head-on. We actually had deputy sheriffs and firefighters in areas that had to pull out because they just got overrun.”? The fires hit residents in Colorado’s front range between Denver and Boulder. Officials say the fires as “twice as destructive as the Black Forest Fire” that struck the state 10 years ago. https://www.instagram.com/p/CYLH86NFclu/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again U.S Senate candidate Dr. Mehmet Oz made some interesting claims on Thursday that children are struggling to learn to speak because they can’t see their teachers’ mouths, as he criticized COVID restrictions for “hurting” children. “Issues like closing schools, which was not following the science, in my opinion, and I always said that on this program two years ago, is because causing other [indecipherable] published today an article from Brown showing that kids born during the pandemic are developmentally delayed.” He continued, “Think about that. We’re hurting our children with some of these policies. Kids who can’t see the mouths of their teachers move don’t learn to speak. Five percent of kids wear glasses. They fog up. They can’t read. These are the penalties we pay and we weren’t any safer because of these destructive, authoritarian restrictions. I believe we should empower the people of Pennsylvania. That’s what I [indecipherable] my whole career. I know what works. People are smart. They know what to do. What they want medicine is transparency and they want to make sure they know who their doctor is. We’re not doing either for them.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CYMYzOOqCtp/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again It looks like the former POTUS and FLOTUS were feeling festive and spunky on the first day of 2022. On Saturday, former First Lady Michelle Obama, 57, rang in the new year with a pic of herself all up close and personal with hubby and former president Barack Obama, 60, during a New Year’s Eve celebration. In the snap shared to Michelle’s 48 million Instagram followers, the two wore 2022 novelty glasses as they literally got close for the camera. As you can see, Barack opted for dark pants, a short-sleeve black shirt with a gray print and black leather sneakers. Meanwhile, Michelle dazzled in an embroidered black blazer paired with a black top and shorts that showed off her sexy bare legs. Oh yeah, if you look closely you’ll see bright blue toenails peeking out from her strappy heeled sandals. “Happy New Year from me and my boo!” the Becoming author wrote. “Wishing you all a year filled with happiness, love and good health.” https://i.ytimg.com/vi/6qu4whgUVFs/hqdefault.jpg Actor Max Julien, who came to fame for his leading role as “Goldie” in the 1973 blaxploitation film “The Mack” has died in Los Angeles. He was 88. Julien died on New Year’s Day at Sherman Oaks Hospital, his wife of 30 years, Arabella, told The Hollywood Reporter. The cause of death had not been determined, she said. In a statement to TMZ, Julien’s PR team paid tribute to the actor: “During Julien’s decades-long career, he was known for being bold, honest and straightforward. He would live and speak his own truth both professionally and privately. He was thought of as a rare ‘man among men.’” Comic book writer and film producer David F. Walker broke the news about Julien’s death in a social media post, honoring his friend. “I met Max back in 1996. He was a great human being, and we had so many amazing conversations. He was brilliant and hilarious and charismatic… R.I.P” https://www.instagram.com/p/CYNP8boPXHp/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=d50be455-8087-4fbe-8bd1-5f244e2a139a Recently, rapper Fat Joe took to Instagram to give a beautiful happy birthday shoutout to his first born son Joey, who is on the autistic spectrum. For parents raising autistic children, the fight to ensure the safety and happiness of one’s child is paramount. “Life is full of surprises. I was just a kid at 19 years old when i had Joey. It was one of the scariest days of my life. Doctors said he wouldn’t be normal and kids like this are hard to deal with,” the 51-year-old rapper began his Instagram post. “He’s my jr.,” he wrote, adding that “it’s a lot of work and it’s constant sacrifice that parents make to keep their children happy and most of all safe.” Fat Joe, real name Joey Cartegena. https://www.instagram.com/p/CXgvdxqLQtw/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=154a8060-9255-481b-bb3f-cc7a62b9fd10 It has oftentimes been said that if you want something done, ask a black woman to do it; well, maybe it hasn’t been said often but it is the truth. Many times the thing that drives black women and serves as a call to action is trauma or hardship. This is exactly what drove entrepreneur Arion Long to create a brand that would support women during their most trying times, their period, and postpartum. Although we are living in a time in which white men in tacky blue suits have the power to police and make life-altering decisions about women’s bodies, no man could never know the pain of losing a child or being diagnosed with a reproductive disorder caused by feminine care products that are supposed to offer support. This is Arion Long’s short story, her why and the birth of Femly a menstrual care brand that offers natural period care. https://www.instagram.com/p/CYFi-AGFZK7/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Journalist Paula Faris has had a fascinating career at ABC News, anchoring and hosting shows like “Good Morning America Weekend” and “The View.” But after leaving her broadcasting success behind, she’s now focused on more fully living out her mission to “love God” and “love people.” If this seems like a familiar clarion call, it should. These are the two central commandments Jesus gave to all believers, as evidenced in Matthew 22:36-40. “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment,” Christ proclaims in these scriptures. “And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Faris, who openly speaks about her Christian faith, has been on an exciting mission to live out these values in new and unique ways. https://youtu.be/p4QYRMOv_O0 The house that Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones built continues to be the house that Alabama coach Nick Saban owns. In No. 1 Alabama’s seventh appearance in the College Football Playoff, the sport’s dominant power over the last decade defeated No. 4 Cincinnati, the playoff’s first non-Power 5 team, 27-6 in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. The win puts Alabama (13-1) in the title game for the fifth time in six years and one step closer to winning their fourth title since the introduction of the playoff system. The school will try for a seventh title since Saban became the program’s head coach against either No. 2 Michigan or No. 3 Georgia on Jan. 10. Behind Bryce Young‘s three touchdowns, as well as Brian Robinson Jr.’s 204 rushing yards (an Alabama bowl record), and a defense that held the ninth-best scoring offense in the nation to single digits, Alabama outgained the Bearcats 483-218 and controlled the pace of the game from start to finish. “We knew the battle in the trenches would be a big deal,” Cincinnati coach Luke Fickell said. “That’s where the game was won.” Said Robinson Jr.: “We just proved we were the more physical team.” The Crimson Tide are now 6-0 at AT&T Stadium under Saban. We’ve got a rematch for the national championship. No. 3 Georgia put No. 2 Michigan away in the first half of the Orange Bowl on the way to a 34-11 win Friday night. Georgia’s win sets up a game with No. 1 Alabama for the national title on Jan. 10. Alabama beat Georgia, 41-24, to win the SEC title on Dec. 4 and take the top seed in the College Football Playoff. The rematch between the two teams is the first in the playoff era and just the second national title rematch since the BCS was put in place in 1998. The only other title game rematch in the BCS and playoff era came in January of 2012 when Alabama beat LSU for the national title after LSU beat the Crimson Tide in the regular season. Basketball Hall of Famer Sam Jones, the Boston Celtics’ “Mr. Clutch” whose sharp shooting fueled the league’s longest dynasty and earned him 10 NBA titles — second only to teammate Bill Russell — has died, the team said. He was 88. “Sam Jones was one of the most talented, versatile, and clutch shooters for the most successful and dominant teams in NBA history. His scoring ability was so prolific, and his form so pure, that he earned the simple nickname, “The Shooter.” He was also known as “Mr. Clutch,” the Celtics said in a statement Friday. “Only Bill Russell won more championships in his NBA career. The Jones family is in our thoughts as we mourn his loss and fondly remember the life and career of one of the greatest champions in American sports.” Dan Reeves, who won a Super Bowl title with the Dallas Cowboys and made four Super Bowl appearances as a head coach, died at age 77 on Saturday. Per the Associated Press, Reeves died of complications from dementia but passed away "peacefully and surrounded by his loving family at his home in Atlanta." winning team in 1971, as Dallas defeated the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl VI. After his playing career, Reeves moved up the coaching ranks in the Cowboys' organization. A protégé of Tom Landry, Reeves was the offensive coordinator for the Cowboys when they defeated the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XII in the 1977 season, spending four years in that role before earning his first head coaching job with the Broncos in 1981. Reeves spent eight years as a player in the NFL, all for the Cowboys, rushing for 1,990 yards and 25 touchdowns while also catching 129 passes for 1,693 yards and 17 touchdowns. He was part of the Cowboys' first Super Bowl. Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins is out for Sunday’s game against the Packers, after the team placed him on the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday. Cousins, who is unvaccinated, tested positive for COVID-19, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero — who said the quarterback self-reported experiencing COVID symptoms to the team, and then tested positive. “I’m going to be vigilant about avoiding a close contact,” Cousins said during training camp. “I’ve even thought about should I just set up literally plexiglass around where I sit, so that this can never happen again. I’ve thought about it, because I’m gonna do whatever it takes.” The Vikings’ backup quarterback Sean Mannion is also out on the COVID-19 reserve list, but could return before Sunday’s NFC North matchup. He was placed on the list last Sunday. Rookie quarterback Kellen Mond is next up on Minnesota’s depth chart. Kyle Sloter is also available. Race alone cannot explain why pregnant black women born in the United States show higher rates of dangerous preeclampsia than black women who have immigrated to the country. Preeclampsia is a form of high blood pressure that during pregnancy can endanger both mother and baby. Preeclampsia is the leading cause of maternal deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. It affects 1 in 25 pregnancies in the United States, increasing the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease later in life. A new analysis of medical records shows that a combination of cultural, social and biological factors rather than race alone is responsible for high rates of preeclampsia among black women born in the United States. Published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Network Open, the research used 28 years of data from the Boston Birth Cohort study, which examined environmental and genetic characteristics linked to premature birth. Alphonso Ribeiro is a Broadway vet for his performance in “The Tap Dance Kid.” Actor for his stint as Carlton Banks on “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.” TV host for “America’s Funniest Home Videos,” the GSN game show “Catch 21,” ABC Family’s “Spell-Mageddon,” and the TV show “Dance 360.” Dancer for winning Season 19 of “Dancing with the Stars “with professional partner Witney Carson. Yet for all of his achievements and work, the entertainer cannot escape the occasional jab. That was the case when Ribeiro posted a Holidays/Christmas picture of his family on Twitter. According to MTO News, the photo did not escape the sight of Black Twitter, who caught sight of the pic, which featured Ribiero’s wife, who is white, and their four fair-skinned kids. Needless to say, folks on Black Twitter had a field day roasting the former “In the House” star and calling his family the “whitest” Black family in history. https://www.instagram.com/p/CX6qxfwPLlZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=151fab0b-ef76-4bf2-bbc4-5ff7ed1280f8 Comedian Dulcé Sloan became a highlight of CNN’s live broadcast after she shared her personal New Year’s resolution. Comedian Dulcé Sloan became a highlight of CNN’s live broadcast after she shared her personal New Year’s resolution. While speaking with hosts Don Lemon and Alisyn Camerota from their celebration in New Orleans, Sloan shared that her resolution for 2022 was “no more broke dick.” Lemon and Camerota looked confused as they tried to figure out if she really said that. Sloan then hilariously clarified, “No more broke dick.” “Did you say broke dick?” “Yes!” Sloan confirmed again, before adding, “No more penis from a man who has no money.” ?? Sloan confirmed, adding in case of confusion, “To anyone who is acquiring male genitalia, it needs to be attached to someone who can also fly you to the Caribbean.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CYMXOCCKIzV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again Singer Jack Harlow is calling for a Georgia police officer to be fired after footage showed him putting his hand around the neck of a Black female fan. As reported by TMZ, video shows the unnamed woman exchanging words with two cops who refused to let her inside the Coca-Cola Roxy in Atlanta on Tuesday night, where Harlow was performing. Harlow caught wind of the video showing one of the officers putting his hands on the woman’s neck and issued a response on Instagram calling for the cop’s firing. Speaking of the video, Jack said, “… I was disgusted by that cop and all I wanted to do was make something good happen for this girl immediately…I told the world to help me identify her so I could find a way to give her a hug and give her as many tickets to as many shows as she wants.” https://www.instagram.com/jackharlow/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=4b5fc448-8782-4a57-845c-1dd0ea68efa1 For two young girls, Christmas turned real, with an ugly experience in racism and discrimination. The experience, highlighted in a 2015 YouTube video titled “Parents Give White girls black baby dolls,” shows the girls, who are white, being given gifts from their aunt and uncle. As the 43-second clip plays, the girls open the gifts. Their reaction is less than positive. https://i.ytimg.com/vi/hM5HtS_mMcc/hqdefault.jpg The veteran Los Angeles police officer who fatally shot a 14-year-old girl as she was shopping at a mall with her mother has been identified as 42-year-old William Dorsey Jones Jr. According to The Daily Beast, Jones is said to be known as a “community advocate and reformer,” the outlet writes. The Kentucky native launched an apparel line called “Use of Force Fitness” but dissolved it in December 2020, amid protests against police violence. Valentina Orellana-Peralta, 14, was killed in a Burlington Coat Factory dress